JAMES
A young man with an unplanned future Vol.1
Kindle edition |
By: Eleanor Liggens
James is an intriguing story about a young man living in the South in the 1950s. He is loved by his mother, hated by his father, and despised by his sister. He ignored the relationship of his family and retreated into his own, existing without a care in the world. James decides to leave the torment and persecution by his father and sister. On his own, will he find the love he seeks in an unfamiliar world outside his home?
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JAMES
A young man with an unplanned future Vol.2
Kindle edition |
By: Eleanor Liggens
James is an intriguing story about a young man living in the South in the 1950s. He is loved by his mother, hated by his father, and despised by his sister. He ignored the relationship of his family and retreated into his own, existing without a care in the world. James decides to leave the torment and persecution by his father and sister. On his own, will he find the love he seeks in an unfamiliar world outside his home?
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Firestorm
Kindle edition |
By: Eleanor Liggens
Lies, conspiracy, love, hatred, and fraud take Kenny Newman by surprise when he tries to assist a beautiful middle-aged white woman in saving her resort from bankruptcy. When the staff discovered the new assistant manager had black skin, anger exploded among the white personnel. Now Kenny was faced with the dilemma of whether to retreat from the challenge of managing the resort or face the reality of aggressive racism head-on.
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Esther
The peasant girl who saved a nation
Kindle edition |
By: Eleanor Liggens
In this fictional story, Esther is a young Jewish girl raised by her Uncle Mordecai, who teaches her strong values and morals that help develop her character into a beautiful human being. Her character proves vital as the plot to annihilate an entire race of people is imminent.
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Deception
Kindle edition |
By: Eleanor Liggens
DECEPTION is an act or statement that misleads, hides the truth, or promotes a belief, concept, or idea that is not true. Johnathon Fitzpatrick is CEO of the fastest growing tech company in the country. However, mistresses interfere with his mental state of mind while he tries to manipulate some dubious business clients that want to exploit his corporation. Will his scandalous marital affairs lead him down a path of self-destruction?
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Customer Reviews
Quiet Courage
“James: A Young Man with an Unplanned Future” by Eleanor Liggens is a literary journey that leaves an indelible mark on the heart. Through the vivid prose and emotionally charged storytelling, Liggens transports us to a bygone era, the 1950s South, where the lives of the characters are painted against a backdrop of prejudice, love, and profound transformation.
Theola, a character we can’t help but root for, is introduced to us as a young woman with dreams as vast as the Mississippi River. Her determination to break free from the constraints of her small town and the shackles of racism is palpable. As we follow her clandestine escapades under the kerosene lamplight, we’re reminded that sometimes, bravery is found in the quietest corners of our hearts.
Liggens masterfully weaves a narrative that explores the complexities of family, love, and societal injustice. In James, we witness a young man whose journey takes him from the depths of uncertainty to the heights of self-discovery. His inner conflict is beautifully mirrored in his poignant words, “I hope my sisters were kind? They were as gentle as bobcats that hadn’t eaten in two days and just had a fresh kill before them.”
This novel doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of racism, but it also shines a light on the enduring power of love and resilience. As we turn the pages, we’re reminded that even in the face of adversity, hope can blossom like a rose in a concrete garden.
Eleanor Liggens has crafted a tale that resonates deeply, and her storytelling prowess is nothing short of exceptional. This is not just a book; it’s a testament to the human spirit’s capacity to overcome, to love, and to triumph against all odds.
MMH
- An engaging story - and only the first volume!
“James: A Young Man with an Unplanned Future” is the first of two novels that follow the life of James Paul Taylor, a young black man in a small southern town. The story opens with James and his pregnant girlfriend, Theola, running away from their small town to seek opportunities in Chicago. As the narrative unfolds, we struggle with James to find his place in the world – as a husband, a father, and a black man in a land of inequality and racism.
From the very beginning of the story, I was engaged by the characters, their development, their struggles, and their fears. Their encounters with both overt and implicit racism are disheartening and deplorable. But through it all, James and Theola’s love carries them.
The novel closes with the greatest struggle James has ever faced. I won’t give it away, but I am already starting the second novel. I couldn’t wait.
Justin Harris
- A beautiful story of a man figuring out his place
This book is a captivating novel that explores themes of racism, family, identity, and the power of love. Liggens does a fantastic job of creating complex and believable characters, and her writing is both beautiful and powerful. The novel follows James Paul Taylor, a young man whose life is changed when his girlfriend Theola informs him that she’s pregnant. Being young, black, and without a job, he must do what he can in order to do right by himself and his future child. This story does an excellent job of depicting the racism difficulties people have in such a scenario. But throughout it all, James works to overcome because of the power of hope, God, and the love of his family. The book ends setting up a follow-up of things to come, as the final pages will make you wonder what’s going to happen. I quite enjoyed this and am reading the follow-up to see how the story will conclude. Overall, this is a well-written and thought-provoking novel. It is a must-read for anyone interested in coming-of-age stories, novels that explore social issues, or simply well-written literature.
Shawnae
- Rise above it all
James II: A Young Man with an Unplanned Future by Eleanor Liggens is about a poor black man and how he sees life. He is raised in the South and is truly loved by his mother. His mother teaches him that money doesn’t give you love it is what is in your heart and how you express yourself and spend time with those you love. He ends up going through some ups and downs in life and forgets the lessons that his moms taught him.
Eventually, he remembers them but can he turn things around? Does he make things right for his family? This is a heart-pulling story that touches your soul and pulls at your heartstrings. It really makes you think and brings up racism and how it changes people’s lives. It is a good book for teens to learn about how life choices change you and how you treat others truly affect them.
L.E.A.
- A perfect continuation!!!
I was so enraptured by the first volume of James’s story that I needed to buy this book ASAP. And, it’s a perfect continuation. I sound like a broken record when I talk about Liggens’s work, but I finished this read in one sitting.
Set in the 1950s, the trials and tribulations of this young black man serve as a beautifully heartbreaking story of what resilience means to those who are suppressed culturally and societally. There are plenty of moments of heaviness and moments of levity, too.
Moreover, Liggens is at the top of her game in storytelling, weaving character development and plot seamlessly. I’ve fangirled over her work since I stumbled upon it recently, and I haven’t looked back. She’s an absolute wordsmith, who brings her characters to life with the same love as if they are her children.
I always feel like it’s going to be worth my time when I pick up one of her stories, and in a busy life, this is a huge selling point for me. She’s reliable. You know you’re going to get drama, great characters, authentic and genuine conflict, and a ride you’re not quite sure the ending to. I highly recommend JAMES II and all of Eleanor’s other work.
MMHayes
- Tragic and Heartwarming
In this second volume of the life of James Paul Taylor, James faces an uncertain future. His beloved wife has passed away, leaving him with five young children (including a newborn) to care for and no idea how to do it. He moves home to Louisiana to beg for his parents’ help and forgiveness. The choices James makes throughout his life in Louisiana are not good, but he still manages to find love and hope.
This volume of James’ life is filled with tragedy and a search for escape from a life he doesn’t know how to live. The people in James’ life – his father, his best friend, and his second wife – are terrible people. But their influence and effect on his life are profound. It is ultimately the love of his family and his decision to turn to God that brings joy back into his life.
Eleanor Liggens has written the second volume of this young man with great love and kindness for her title character. It seems clear that this is more than just a fictional tale, but perhaps the story of a loved one. She handles his poor choices and his ill-treatment of his family with kindness and understanding. I can only hope there is a third volume where we will learn of his later life and the reparations he has made.
C. Madison
- A touching story full of ups and downs
“James: A Young Man with an Unplanned Future – Volume II,” as the title implies, is the second installment in a two-part book. I recently finished the first book, which ended with a cliffhanger, so I went ahead and read this one because I wanted to know what happened to James, the lead character. The first chapter of volume II immediately picks up from where volume I left off. James is in the midst of the toughest challenge yet that he had to face in life and must make an important decision for their growing family. What then follows is a series of events that led to James moving back to his hometown, with five children in tow. There is drama, success, and failures. There are also some nuggets of wisdom and lessons that could be learned throughout the story. As you go through each chapter, you will find a roller coaster of emotions as James and his family search for new beginnings and deal with loss and grief.
This book is another wonderfully written story by Eleanor Liggens. Liggens penned a touching story of a family who find themselves down in their luck but eventually manage to get back on their feet and overcome the difficulties they faced in life. She crafted a story with relatable characters and events. Some of the struggles that James and the other characters go through, readers may have experienced parts of it themselves in their own lives. The story explores the themes of family, faith, hope, forgiveness, acceptance, and love. If you have read the first book of this two-part story, it’s totally worth it to pick this one up to finish what you started.
Justin Harris
- A lovely follow-up that ties the whole story together
I finished the first story last week and was enamored by the real nature of these characters in a simple but very real story of a black man going day-by-day, without a full direction to his life. In the first, he starts with a pregnant girlfriend, whom he grows to have a large family with. Their life is quaint and plain, but we’re left on a cliffhanger where James’s wife falls ill. In the second part of the story, she sadly passes away, leaving James once again to wonder where his life will go. He has his children and is a father raising his five kids on his own. He goes back to his hometown to work and through his mourning, anger, and bitterness does his best to take it all in stride but he’s just a man. His life is quite stagnant but through the love and support of his family, and eventually another woman named Pearlie Ann, he spends his time working on himself and his shortcomings. Although James is very stubborn and can be onery, he means very well and wants to only do right by his family. The story has a lovely message about the importance of family, community, connectedness, and the grace and beauty of God. The book doesn’t have some larger than life, grandiose ending but rather something grounded in reality that is just as satisfying. Life is what you make of it, and the story wraps up very well for James and his family in a what that I believe people will very much enjoy reading about.
L.E.A.
- Can't wait for more!- A lovely follow-up that ties the whole story together
I was so riveted by this book, which follows a young black man named James who faces racial and social scrutiny, especially after his girlfriend becomes pregnant. I thought the rawness and the authenticity of these characters’ plights were well-developed and just so honest. This book is a great testimony to the strength of the human spirit, no matter the odds. And the odds were certainly stacked against James and Theola.
Furthermore, there is a delicacy to this story–a vulnerability in what it’s like to be in the middle of such social and racial struggle while just trying to make a better life for your family. There’s an education within these pages for those of us who haven’t navigated waters like this…and it’s an important education that we would all be smarter for paying attention to. The fact that this story is also interesting is almost just icing on the cake.
Sharing in their fears, their struggles, and the knowledge that life is more complicated than it should be, I am really eager to read the next book. This author is a master at her craft. I always have all the feels when I reach “the end” of her awesome stories.
L.E.A
- Enjoyed this book thoroughly!11
FIRESTORM is one of the best character-driven works I’ve had the pleasure of reading in a long time. Ken is a black man in the 1980s, just trying to make ends meet after he’s lost his job as a PR executive. Enter Vicki, the owner of a resort, who offers him a job alongside a problem of her own. As the plot unfolds, there’s romance and intrigue; there’s troubles and twists. I loved how every primary and secondary character had real-life complexities and backstories. The author did their homework in making sure everyone’s lives were authentically explored, which is a feat with tropes at the helm of so many books these days. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy genre expectations. I just also really like when a book feels fresh and unpredictable, too. And this one did.
Simply put, I liked what this story was about…Ken’s resilience despite his struggles and the determination he exudes despite the odds kept me reading. Should he stay once he finds himself in the middle of lies, deceit, and betrayal? Or, does he follow through with trying for the life he wants? And what of this romance? So many questions needing answers! And readers can delight in the fact that they all will be.
I can’t recommend this book enough and hope you pick it up and enjoy it, too!!!!!
MMH
- A testament to hope and resilience
“Firestorm” by T. Teleferio Hall and Eleanor Liggens is an engaging story about a man named Ken Newman, who is determined to rebuild his life against all odds. Set in the backdrop of the 1980s, this novel skillfully explores themes of racial prejudice, personal redemption, and the allure of unexpected love.
Ken’s character is a testament to the strength of the human spirit. His journey from a once-thriving PR executive to a man struggling to find his footing is both relatable and inspiring. As a reader, I couldn’t help but root for him as he faced the uphill battle of managing a luxury resort in an environment colored by animosity and bias.
The authors masterfully depict the challenges Ken encounters as a black man in 1980s America, adding depth and authenticity to the narrative. Ken’s determination to rise above these obstacles serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human soul.
Amidst the turmoil, the budding romance between Ken and Leanna adds a layer of warmth and tenderness to the story. Their relationship is a captivating subplot that beautifully complements the overarching themes of the novel.
“Firestorm” is a testament to the enduring power of hope, the strength of character, and the unpredictable nature of love. The authors’ evocative storytelling, coupled with well-crafted characters, make this a must-read.
Jodi
- Well-written and wonderful story!
This beautifully written novel centers around Ken Newman, a man whose world crumbled when he lost his high-paying corporate management job. Adrift and uncertain about his next steps, he embarks on a journey from the Pacific Northwest to Washington D.C. to seek solace with relatives. Along the way, he seeks refuge at a remote resort for a night’s respite, where he crosses paths with Vicki, the owner.
Upon sharing his story with Vicki, she extends an impromptu job offer. The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of 1980, a time when racial prejudice was even more pronounced and unabashed than it is today. Ken grapples with the dilemma of accepting a job in an all-white region of the country. Reluctant to relocate to a bustling city, and bolstered by Vicki’s unwavering support, Ken decides to give it a chance. However, what awaits him is deafening silence, anger, and palpable hostility from those who are meant to be his colleagues. The story that unfolds is full of deception, hidden agendas, romance, and deceit, and Kenny grapples with a profound dilemma: should he confront the hurdles that stand before him or make the choice to walk away from it all? This book is well-written, heartfelt, and easy to read. Highly recommend!
Abhinav
- Burning Desires: Firestorm Review
“Firestorm” by B. Teleferio Hall is a blazing masterpiece that ignites the reader’s imagination from the very first page. This gripping tale unravels a thrilling web of lies, love, and loyalty against the backdrop of a resort on the brink of bankruptcy and a raging wildfire threatening to consume it all.
Hall’s vivid descriptions paint a cinematic picture of the Montana resort, making it come alive with every word. Lines like “The bright morning sun was just beginning to peek over the majestic pines” transport you straight to the picturesque setting, allowing you to feel the warmth of the sun and the crisp mountain air.
The characters in “Firestorm” are as complex as the flames they battle. Kenny Newman’s journey from a stranger in a foreign land to a reluctant hero is beautifully portrayed. The dialogues crackle with tension, and the book is punctuated with gems like, “True love is too precious to be apart for too long.”
But what sets “Firestorm” apart is its ability to tackle challenging themes, such as racism and societal expectations, with sensitivity and grace. Lines like “He smiled a forced, tight-lipped smile as he saw their faces slowly evolve from shock to anger” showcase Hall’s talent for capturing the nuances of human emotions.
In the end, “Firestorm” is a fiery triumph of storytelling. It’s a mesmerizing journey through the flames of adversity, and it leaves you with a burning appreciation for Hall’s narrative prowess. This book is a testament to the enduring power of love and the strength of the human spirit. In the words of Kenny Newman, “Let’s say, I turn my ticket back in, we go to your place so I can unpack, call my relatives, and tell them I’ve been sidetracked again.” And what a thrilling sidetrack it is!
Laura A.
- Stirring, emotional, and eloquently written!
Oh, do I love this book. I read it in one sitting, which hasn’t happened with many books as of late. BUT, this one has it all–great characters, plot, and stakes. The heroine is a strong young girl who is up against the odds when she’s chosen to be a queen and then, upon finding out about a horrific plot, must figure out how to save her people while staying alive herself. I just love a strong female protagonist and the author does such an amazing job bringing Esther to life. I have three young nieces who are getting gifted this book when they are old enough to appreciate it.
Moreover, there just such strong story-telling here. The mix of exposition and dialogue is on point, and the worldbuilding is amazing. I was never lost; I was only ever terribly concerned that Esther won’t succeed…because the drama is high throughout Acts 1 and 2, leading right into the climax. And obviously, I won’t give away the ending, but I was very satisfied all the way around. I actually experienced a lot of emotions when reading this book.
If you like a strong character-driven story with equally awesome plot-driven points,
then look no further than ESTHER. You will be quite the opposite of disappointed. Dare I say I would use the word EPIC when discussing this read. Because I would. It’s epic.
And timeless.
Justin Harris
- An incredibly well-told version of the original tale!
I had a very good time reading this book. It’s a fictional account of the Book of Esther, a story I’m very familiar with from the Hebrew Bible. This version takes a lot of the information gathered from the text and presents it as an epic tale of political intrigue, betrayal, love, and heroism. The focal point of Esther’s story of saving the Jewish people from slaughter is maintained but gives the characters a lot of personality and weight. Although some liberties are taken, it’s only done so in a way to expand upon the original story to give it a well-rounded and complete narrative. The mannerisms of Mordecai, Haman, and King Ahasuerus work together to give them personalities beyond what we previously know about what has been told. I would say this book is an excellent companion to the Book of Esther but honestly could be preferred reading over it because of the accuracy of the story and how it’s much easier to ingest based on the style of which it was written. This was very good.
Abhinav
- Savior's Rise
“Eleanor Liggens’ ‘Esther: The Peasant Girl Who Saved a Nation’ is a literary gem that takes us on a mesmerising journey through time and history. Within its pages, we encounter the remarkable tale of Esther, a young girl whose unwavering courage and faith changed the destiny of a nation.
From the very first chapter, where the teachings of Esther come to life in vivid prose, we are transported to the majestic land of Persia. Esther, raised by her Uncle Mordecai, emerges as a character of profound depth and strength. Her character development is beautifully depicted through moments like, ‘I was just doing my job,’ revealing the humble spirit that makes her a true heroine.
The narrative is skillfully woven with intrigue, betrayal, and political maneuvering. It’s a testament to Liggens’ storytelling prowess that the reader is left hanging on to every word, just as Esther hung in the balance between bravery and uncertainty. As the story unfolds, we witness a web of deception and treachery, embodied in the chilling words of Zeresh, ‘You may have brought the gallows down on yourself.
But it’s not just the riveting plot that captivates; it’s the underlying themes of courage, faith, and resilience that resonate deeply. As we read, we encounter profound moments of wisdom, such as Mordecai’s prayer, ‘My faith will always be in You,’ a reminder of the enduring power of belief.
It’s a timeless tale that transcends its historical setting. It celebrates the human spirit’s capacity to rise above adversity and make a difference. Eleanor Liggens has crafted a narrative that will leave you spellbound, and the story of Esther will remain etched in your heart long after you’ve turned the final page. This book is a triumph of storytelling and a testament to the enduring power of hope and courage.”
MMHayes
- Biblical Fiction at it's finest
“Esther: The Peasant Girl Who Saved a Nation” tells the story of a young peasant girl named Esther who becomes queen. Her uncle, Mordecai, offends the palace’s Chief of Security, Hamman, which sets off the actions of the novel. Mordecai’s unwillingness to bow to a man of his equal angers Hamman, who seeks revenge. But Hamman’s desire for revenge is altered by his own greed, and he takes his plan too far. He betrays the king and queen and plots to kill all the Jews in the kingdom.
Eleanor Liggens has an excellent hand for fast-paced, engaging tales. This is the third of her books that I have read, and I have been pinned to the pages throughout each. This is definitely my favorite. She draws. her characters with such care that we can not only visualize them but cheer for them and mourn them.
The action of the final third of the book was so enthralling that I raced through it, desperate for the next page. I love books that can pull me in like that. I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking biblical fiction. Did we just create a new genre?
C. Madison
- Engaging and easy read
“Esther: The Peasant Girl Who Saved a Nation” is an intriguing take on the biblical story of a Jewish woman named Esther who became a queen in the Persian empire. Esther is known for being instrumental in saving her people from the attempted genocide of an ambitious man with malicious and cruel intentions against the Jews, plotting their annihilation.
The book is broken down into thirteen chapters, each focusing on a certain person or event and elaborating on how this unfolds. Author Eleanor Liggens recounts Esther’s incredible story in this historical novel, writing it in words that are easy for readers to understand. Liggens skillfully depicts the story with descriptive narrative, painting a vivid picture of the characters and their surroundings. The author also writes with modernized dialogue, which could appeal to a wider range of readers who might be curious about Esther and her story.
I am vaguely familiar with the biblical story and the book of Esther. Readers, in my humble opinion, should have an open mind should they decide to pick up this book and temper their expectations because it’s a historical novel, so there may be deviations compared with the biblical text. That said, I did find this historical novel to be an engaging read. There is romance, suspense, manipulation, conspiracy, drama, and suspense, which could appeal to various types of readers. This novel also prompted me to further look into Esther and the story itself and to read more about it in different contexts, out of sheer curiosity. It’s an interesting and easy read!
Laura A.
- Stirring, emotional, and eloquently written!
Oh, do I love this book. I read it in one sitting, which hasn’t happened with many books as of late. BUT, this one has it all–great characters, plot, and stakes. The heroine is a strong young girl who is up against the odds when she’s chosen to be a queen and then, upon finding out about a horrific plot, must figure out how to save her people while staying alive herself. I just love a strong female protagonist and the author does such an amazing job bringing Esther to life. I have three young nieces who are getting gifted this book when they are old enough to appreciate it.
Moreover, there just such strong story-telling here. The mix of exposition and dialogue is on point, and the worldbuilding is amazing. I was never lost; I was only ever terribly concerned that Esther won’t succeed…because the drama is high throughout Acts 1 and 2, leading right into the climax. And obviously, I won’t give away the ending, but I was very satisfied all the way around. I actually experienced a lot of emotions when reading this book.
If you like a strong character-driven story with equally awesome plot-driven points,
then look no further than ESTHER. You will be quite the opposite of disappointed. Dare I say I would use the word EPIC when discussing this read. Because I would. It’s epic.
And timeless.
