Review: Writing a Wilder Sage (Timeline Retreats #5) by Daisy Landish @daisy_landish

Writing a Wilder Sage

Timeline Retreats #5

by Daisy Landish

Published: August 20, 2025

Publisher: Beaches and Trails Publishing

Genre: Sweet Romantic Comedy, Short Stories, Time Travel Romance, Romance, Romantic Comedy

Blurb:

She planned everything—until the version of her who writes romance took over.

Sage has always followed the rules. Steady job. Smart goals. Color-coded life. But when she wakes up in a timeline where she walked away from it all to become a full-time romance author? She’s suddenly broke, behind on a deadline, and living with a poetry-reciting barista named Theo who calls her “babe” and ruins everything with a smile.

Apparently, this version of Sage is bold. Wild. Unfiltered. She makes art. She takes naps. She kisses Theo in public. And for a while, it almost feels like her own kind of magic.

But with doubts creeping in and the pages piling up, Sage starts to wonder: Did she really choose a better life? Or just a messier one?

A funny, cozy romantic comedy about finding your voice, breaking your own rules, and falling for a man who speaks in metaphors and means every word.
Visit Daisy's website to find out about upcoming releases or to join her newsletter at daisylandishromance dot com.

Goodreads ~ Amazon ~ BookBub

My Review:

Sage gets a chance to see what her life could have been like if she had made different choices. She lives a life where she tends to make safe decisions. So, when given the opportunity to change everything, she decides to take it and wakes up in a different time of her life—one where she has left safety behind and taken a leap of faith to pursue her dreams.

In this new life, Sage is a romance writer, broke, and living with the very handsome Theo. Theo is a very romantic man who makes Sage feel like she is the most important person in the world and incredibly special.

I have thoroughly enjoyed reading every book in the Timeline Retreats series. I was captivated by the stories of Mara, Lana, Jules, Nora, and Sage as they all traveled back in time to see what their lives might have been like if they had made different choices.

Each story is unique in its own way. The world-building in each tale is so special and beautifully crafted. I could keep reading story after story in the Timeline Retreats universe. Each story left me with many unanswered questions that made me race to the end to find the answers I sought.

I highly recommend Writing a Wilder Sage to all romance fans! Grab your copy of Writing a Wilder Sage today! I encourage you to also purchase the stories of Mara, Lana, Jules, and Nora during your visit.

Check out all the books in the Timeline Retreats Series I’ve read

Borrowing a Better Mara #1

Goodreads

Amazon

BookBub

Becoming a Bolder Lana #2

Goodreads

Amazon

BookBub

Claiming a Braver Jules #3

Goodreads

Amazon

BookBub

Sketching a Softer Nora #4

Goodreads

Amazon

BookBub

Writing a Wilder Sage #5

Goodreads

Amazon

BookBub

Connect with Daisy Landish

Goodreads ~ Amazon ~ BookBub

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter/X ~ Instagram

 

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Book Tour: Lost Before I Could See by Victoria Molta @RABTBookTours

Navigating My Way Through Mental Illness

Self-Help

Date Published: March 28, 2025

Publisher: MindStir Media

Victoria Molta is a person who has lived with a diagnosed serious mental illness for over forty years. But more than that, she is a writer who has chronicled her life journey in her book, "Lost Before I Could See: Navigating My Way Through Mental Illness." In her book, she has chosen to write about her adventures and challenges, and though there have been setbacks, losses, and failures along the way, she never gives up. She continues to grow and learn, no matter how terrifying it can be to start new episodes of life with very little knowledge or experience, as well as a disability. She never ceases to go forward, with strength and courage, and wants the reader to know that whether living with a disability or not, life is hard. But the main point she wants to make clear is that she never gives up and never loses hope.

Victoria takes the reader on a kaleidoscopic tour beginning with her childhood in southern California, living in the San Gabriel Valley with her family. She describes her father's mental illness and alcoholism, and how, eventually, she succumbs to mental illness as well, as a young adult. She describes her family as one born of privilege and wealth, though definitely not exempt from tragedy and dysfunction. Through all her breakdowns and setbacks, she continues to rise and find meaning from chaos. From that, she develops empathy for people who have been marginalized by society and finds deep connections. In her 30s, she marries Bill, a man she had met in a halfway house where they both were living during the 1980s. It turns out to be a wonderful life partnership where they support each other in their work experiences as well as find joy in adventurous travel experiences.

Later in life, they buy a house and settle down near the shore of Long Island Sound with their rescue dog, Mandy. They appreciate the simple things in life. Peace that once seemed boring is now so appreciated because drama, which had dominated her life for so many years, no longer matters to her.

About the Author

Victoria Molta is an author, mental health advocate, and television producer at East Haven Connecticut Public Television. With over four decades of lived experience with serious mental illness, Victoria brings a deeply personal and empowering perspective to her work. Her memoir, Lost Before I Could See: Navigating My Way Through Mental Illness, chronicles a lifetime of challenges, recovery, and hope.

Victoria holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Vermont and has written extensively about mental health recovery, housing advocacy, and social inclusion. Her essays have appeared in mental health journals, anthologies, and newspaper editorials across the country.

She was the first person in recovery to be openly hired by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) in Connecticut, where she coordinated over 130 public presentations in a single year. She later worked as a peer mentor at the Yale Program for Recovery and Community Health and held support roles at mental health clubhouses, warmlines, and public housing sites.

Victoria also created and hosted the award-winning cable show You and Your Mental Wellness, highlighting the voices of Connecticut’s mental health leaders and community members. The show became a valuable resource and was featured on the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services website.

She lives with her husband of over 30 years and their rescue dog, Mandy, near the tranquil shores of Long Island Sound. Today, she continues to advocate for awareness, dignity, and healing for all those impacted by mental illness.

Purchase Links

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Book Tour: The Ultimate Author Checklist by Talk+Tell @RABTBookTours

Nonfiction

Date Published: 08-12-2024

Publisher: Talk+Tell

Set up your book for success and start selling more copies with our free Complete Book Publishing Checklist. You'll learn everything you need to publish and market your book.

 

This Checklist includes:

+How to turn your manuscript into a published book

+Unlock the secrets to publishing a book that sells

+How to get your book into libraries and bookstores

 

 

About the Author

Meet Lyda McLallen, the dynamic owner of Talk+Tell, a book publishing company and renowned hub for authors looking to bring their stories to life. Lyda and her team are on a mission to empower individuals to craft books that readers fall in love with.

With over 7 years of ownership, Talk+Tell has guided more than 200 authors through publishing and promoting their books. What sets Talk+Tell apart is its unique approach: it champions self-publishing, allowing authors to retain full ownership of their creations without taking royalties.

Lyda's passion lies in turning writers into authors, tailoring her support to meet individual needs. She's committed to seeing authors succeed beyond publishing, helping them get their books into indie shops in vibrant cities like NYC, LA, Portland, Vancouver, and Toronto, as well as major chains like Indigo and Barnes & Noble. Her authors have also gained viral attention across social media and PR platforms, appearing in notable publications such as HuffPost, Vogue, Forbes, CBC, and more.

But it's not just about business for Lyda and her team—they become friends with their authors, offering support and guidance through every stage of the publishing journey. With Talk+Tell, authors find not just a service provider, but a trusted partner dedicated to their success.

 

Contact Links

Website

Instagram

Get Your Copy

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Book Blitz + #Giveaway: Offside and Off-Limits by Kate O'Keeffe @kateokeeffe4 @XpressoTours

Offside and Off-Limits
Kate O’Keeffe
(Love in Maple Falls)
Publication date: August 20th 2025
Genres: Adult, Comedy, Contemporary, Romance, Sports

I survived chronic illness and a cheating ex. Surely I can resist one charming hockey player…right?

Clara
Working as the social media manager for a pro hockey team is all fun and games—until you trip into the arms of their biggest flirt during a livestream. Now the fans are shipping us, my boss is thrilled with the engagement, and I’m stuck dodging feelings for Cade Lennox, aka the certified charmer. The problem? My contract says he’s off-limits. My heart, unfortunately, didn’t get the memo.

Cade
I came to this small town to turn over a new leaf. But you know what they say about the best laid plans. All bets are off the second Clara Johnson literally stumbles into my arms and straight into my heart. She’s focused, loyal, and the most beautiful challenge I’ve ever met. All I have to do is prove I’m worth the risk.

Offside and Off-Limits is part of the Love in Maple Falls sweet hockey romcom multi-author series. It’s a forbidden love story between one flirty hockey player and the team’s social media manager in this small town romance with all the sizzle and chemistry, but none of the spice.

Welcome back to Maple Falls—the small town where hockey players fall in love! This is a multi-author series of seven full-length books that could be read as standalones, but we think you’ll enjoy them best in order.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble

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EXCERPT:

Clara falls into Cade’s arms on the ice

“Oh, man, this is awesome!” Joel declares, holding my phone in his hands. “You guys look sick! Even you, Clara.”

I let out a surprised laugh at Joel’s comment when Asher calls, “And now turn!” and as I do my legs fly from underneath me, and my breath wooshes out as I scrunch my eyes shut, bracing for the impact of cold, hard ice against my poor, under-protected butt.

But the ice-cold contact fails to happen, and when my eyes spring open I see Cade, his eyes wide with alarm as large, strong arms pull me against his firm body.

He grins down at me as my heart beats out of my chest.

I tell myself it’s because I almost fell, but being in Cade’s arms feels…well, it feels pretty dang amazing.

Not that I’m going to tell him that.

“Thanks,” I mumble, the heat rising in my cheeks as I gaze up at him, at total odds with the cold of the arena.

“My pleasure,” he replies, and the way he says those two words sends a flash of something hot through me that I’ve got to work hard at resisting.

But resist it I must, no matter how good this feels.

I haven’t been held by a man since Dwayne left me for my friend. And that was years ago.

I heave out a breath as I drag my gaze from his. I need to remember that this guy is a total player, and I don’t mean just on the ice. He probably catches falling women in his big, strong arms every day of the week—and I bet most of them don’t even bother to resist the heat this feeling elicits.

But I’m not one of those women, and I refuse to act on my physical attraction for this man. There are so many reasons, the non-fraternization clause in my employment contract being right at the top of that list.

Throwing away my new job because I’m attracted to one of the players? Not going to happen.

“You guys, I’m getting so many likes on this!” Joel calls out.

Wait. Likes?

I snap my attention to Joel, who’s still holding up my phone, pointing it straight at Cade and me. “Cade, would you mind putting me down? Like now.”

“I’ll do you one better,” he replies as he glides me smoothly back toward the bench, still holding me close in his arms. Holding me in one arm, he pulls open the door, and returns me to my feet—which I note are now trembling.

Author Bio:

Kate O’Keeffe is a USA Today bestselling author known for her fun, feel-good romantic comedies brimming with humor, heart, and happily ever afters. A native of New Zealand, Kate has crafted numerous popular series, garnering a devoted international readership.

With a flair for witty banter and irresistible heroines navigating the ups and downs of modern dating, Kate’s novels showcase strong friendships, comedic entanglements, and the of course sometimes bumpy but always hopeful road to love.

When she’s not writing, Kate can often be found reading romcoms, binging her favourite shows, or spending time with her friends and family in the beautiful Hawke’s Bay region of New Zealand.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / X / Instagram / Bookbub

GIVEAWAY!

Offside and Off-Limits Blitz

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Blurb Blitz + #Giveaway: Who Are We Now? by Beth Anderson @GoddessFish

 

WHO ARE WE NOW?

Beth Anderson

GENRE: Romantic Suspense

BLURB:

As dark secrets unravel around her, Skylar must follow her heart—and maybe find her once-in-a-lifetime love.

Skylar spent years trapped—in a dead-end relationship, in her mother’s cold shadow. But when her mother vanishes without a trace, Skylar is thrust into a mystery that upends everything she thought she knew. With her two best friends, Barrett and Levi, by her side, Skylar hunts for answers—and along the way, finds herself drawn to both men in ways she never expected. As secrets unravel and danger draws near, Skylar must find the courage to reclaim her future... and her heart.

Excerpt:

Mr. Whittington nodded. “I understand, but I want to warn you: I’ve seen a lot of complex family situations over the years, and sometimes it’s better to leave well enough alone. I understand your mother is currently—absent, let’s say—and you have questions. As often as people have been relieved to find answers, I find they more often wish they hadn’t poked the bear, if you understand what I’m saying.”

“I do,” Skylar said slowly. “But I think it’s time I stop avoiding the truth.” She looked at Barrett, her pulse beginning to pound. “Whatever that is.”

Barrett reached under the table and gave her hand a squeeze. “You’re sure?” he asked softly.

Skylar nodded. “I’m sure.”

“Alright,” Whittington, said, signaling for a passing waiter with his menu. “I’ll let Barrett run with this—with my guidance, of course, and as long as his regular workload isn’t affected.”

Barrett looked relieved. He squeezed Skylar’s hand again. “Thanks, Mr. Whittington.”

Whittington looked at the younger man. “Keep track of the hours you spend, too. I have a certain number of pro bono hours put aside every year for tax purposes.” His gaze shifted to Skylar. “I hope you won’t be offended in being my annual charity case.” He showed that tight little smile again. “And I hope you won’t regret this.”

Skylar swallowed. “No, of course not,” she said, but she wasn’t sure which of Mr. Whittington’s points she was answering.

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

“Beth Anderson” is the joint penname of a veteran author of numerous novels of several different genres and a new author who loves romance novels. Who Are We Now? Is the 2nd romance novel from this team the first being a lower spice Hockey Romance “Pucked Over”

Connect with Beth Anderson

Bluesky ~ Goodreads ~ Book Blog

Tiktok ~ Fable: @elby ~ Brandon Barrows

Giveaway:

$25 Amazon/BN GC

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning.

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Book Blitz: The Smallest of Miracles by Douglas Carpenter @miracles65720 @RABTBookTours

Literary Fiction

Date Published: March 6, 2025

Publisher: Seacoast Press

One choice. One moment. A ripple that changes everything.

In The Smallest of Miracles, Douglas Carpenter crafts a masterful literary debut that merges gripping storytelling with profound life lessons. The novel follows Ted Carrington, a wealthy, brilliant, and emotionally distant man on the autism spectrum, who returns to the private elementary school that shaped him—for better and worse. He intends to make a large donation, but what begins as a business transaction slowly becomes a reckoning with his past.

As the story transitions between Ted’s present and his childhood, readers meet the deeply flawed, often cruel boy he once was—especially to a vulnerable new classmate named Anna. But life, in its quiet way, begins to turn his world upside down.

What emerges is not only Ted’s transformation, but an invitation to the reader: to reflect, to slow down, and to reconsider how the smallest decisions—the ones we barely notice—can lead to the greatest changes.

This is not just a novel. It’s a call to awareness. A self-improvement guide disguised as a coming-of-age story.

📘 "Just like everything in life, meaning is found in the small details."

📘 "A golfer knows a 2-inch putt counts the same as a 200-yard drive. Life is very similar..."

📘 "Change is the fertilizer of life. It often stinks, but it is necessary for growth."

🔹 Perfect for fans of literary fiction with depth

🔹 A powerful read for young adults and up

🔹 Ideal for classrooms and book clubs seeking discussion-worthy themes

Read it once for the story. Read it again for the insight.

 

About the Author

Douglas Carpenter is not your typical author. A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Douglas became the youngest stockbroker in the U.S. at just 17 and currently owns two accounting firms and an asset management company in New York. Despite a thriving career in finance, his true passion lies in storytelling.

His debut novel, The Smallest of Miracles, took ten years to write—a deeply personal and intricately crafted journey of self-discovery and transformation. Drawing on his keen eye for detail and analysis, Douglas poured over every word, shaping a literary fiction novel that functions as both an engaging story and a guide to personal growth.

The book explores how tiny, seemingly insignificant choices shape our lives far more than major events. Readers are invited to slow down, reflect, and discover truths hidden in the smallest details—just as Douglas has done through his writing.

Douglas hopes his novel will find a place in high school curricula and on the bookshelves of thoughtful readers young and old. His message is clear: "The truth is always hidden behind things that are out of place."

Connect with Douglas Carpenter to discover a new perspective on life, character, and the miraculous power of small decisions.

Contact Links

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