Upcoming release from Golden Foothills Press: 'Reading Tea Leaves after Trump,' by Thelma Reyna - now for pre-order!

Coming Soon

An eye-opening book by national award-winning author and Poet Laureate Emerita.

Poetry and reflective nonfiction.

Our nation is rattled by daily controversies in the White House, the dismantling of traditions,

deepening divisions among Americans, and the prospect of nuclear war.

And we never know what to expect next.

ADVANCE PRAISE…

“Placing her poems like bandages over bleeding lies and broken promises, Reyna soothes the pain of a nation in crisis as only a gifted poet can: with clear truth, righteous anger, and deep empathy.”

--Cassie Premo Steele, Ph.D.

National Award-Winning Poet

“Stunning, heartfelt and deeply honest. Reyna presents to us the forecast of an unfolding aftermath and beyond. The full impact of today’s political landscape in a powerful poetic voice.”

--Beverly M. Collins

Poet, Pushcart Prize Nominee

“Writing in envisioned voices, Reyna reflects personas from both sides of the political divide as she sketches out the nation’s quandaries. No voice is too small. Empathy is engendered for immigrants, victims, even the First Lady.”

--Carolyn Clark, Ph.D.

Poet, Lecturer, Scholar 

PRE-ORDER NOW AT SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY PRICE:

$10  [tax & shipping included]

Special offer good through November 30.

Ø  Pay Golden Foothills Press online with credit card or Paypal at https://www.paypal.com/us/home

Ø  Mail check to Golden Foothills Press, 1443 E. Washington Blvd., #232; Pasadena, CA 91104.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORTIVENESS!

Paperback, 165 pages

Cover Price: $14 + tax & shipping

Golden Foothills Press

About the Author

THELMA T. REYNA, Ph.D.

Thelma’s books have won 8 national literary awards. She has written 4 books and, as Poet Laureate in Altadena, CA, has edited 2 anthologies showcasing the poems of about 100 local and regional poets. Her fiction, poetry, and nonfiction have appeared in literary journals, anthologies, textbooks, blogs, and regional media for over 25 years. She is an editor with her writing consultancy, The Writing Pros; and Chief Editor at her indie publishing venture in Pasadena, CA. She has a Ph.D. from UCLA. Visit her website at www.GoldenFoothillsPress.com

Book Review: ‘Luck Is Just the Beginning’ by Celeste Leon

Based on a true story, Celeste Leon’s beautifully written debut novel is the story of a young man in 1940s Puerto Rico who wins the lottery, only to realize that, as the title states, luck is just the beginning.

Young Ramon is able to see visions, a gift he inherited from his mother. When he sees a number flash across the sky, he decides to buy a complete lottery ticket. At first, he’s thrilled to have won a fortune, for his plan is to go to college, become a dentist, and make the world a better place by helping the people of his village. But, as it turns out, money changes a lot of things—people’s intentions, expectations, desires—even one self’s, and not always for the better. Now, people approach Ramon because they want something from him, and he starts to doubt everyone, even the girl who claims to love him. Likewise, he starts doing things he later regrets.

This is the era of WWII, and in the midst of it all Ramon tries to face the challenges that threaten to destroy his life, especially a man whose envy has made Ramon his target for revenge. Overnight, all facets of Ramon’s life turn upside down—his dwindling family business, his relationship with Elsie, his dream to go to college in the States. At some point, even the police are after him.

The novel is rich with Puerto Rican flavor and historical details, and Leon writes with simplicity yet profound perception about human nature. Ramon is an endearing, utterly likable character—an honest, good-hearted man who makes mistakes yet rises above them.

Luck is Just the Beginning was honored with a Mariposa award for Best First Book in the 2016 International Latino Book Awards, and was also a finalist in the “Fiction: Multicultural” category of the 2016 International Book Awards.

Read my Blogcritics interview with the author.

Find out more about the book on Amazon or from the author’s website.

This review was originally published in Blogcritics Magazine.