Found in Understanding By: Debbie Zello

Found in Understanding

Book three of Refuge Series

By: Debbie Zello

     When I started reading this book, I think I must’ve just fell into the pages. I was right there, inside the book, and I couldn’t put it down. There was no stopping me. My husband tried to get me to do a few things, including have a conversation, and it just wasn’t happening. And it wasn’t on purpose.

     You see Firelight is a character that wants to make something of herself. And she was raised in this community that is tight knit, and lights to keep to themselves. Not many people strive to do something, or be something, or even do something different with themselves. They just want to stay within their community, where they feel safest. But Firelight had plans, and dreams. And it wasn’t that she wanted to get away from the people whom she loved dearly, it was that her dreams needed out. Her dreams required to help her make a difference. And she wasn’t going to let anyone, or anything stand in the way of her dreams. 

      She received a full Scholarship to Yale University. She ends up being a little shy at first when she ends up on the outside, in the new World so to speak. The World is a much bigger place when you can’t just jump into your bed and under covers and delve into a good book and hide. Now she must act like an adult and face her fears head on. And low and behold, there is so much to learn and do, aside from becoming educated in a School.

     Firelight ends up falling in love, and then seeing that very romance snatched right from her, in front of her very own eyes. The heart break itself will make you cry. He is a masculine man who rides motorcycles and makes her feel like she is the best thing that every happened to him. She feels safe and loved in his arms. Until finally, it is too late. This is when you want to scream at the writer and ask, ‘What were you thinking?’ and then you see, there are still a lot of pages here following this. 

     Firelight ends up walking down the street and hears a motorcycle. For some reason she decides to look up at the rider. Her eyes must be playing tricks on her. This is where she ‘Found Understanding’ and the book recovers and saves our hearts after all. 

     This book played with my feelings in oh so many ways. I yelled at the Author so many times. And I laughed, and I cried. And I my favorite book of Mrs. Zellos was: ‘Shadows of Him’ until she wrote this one. Now this one is my favorite. And not just because I edited it either. Because I could literally feel the emotions of this book as it was meant to be felt. When the writer does that, you know you have met the perfect writer. And that is why Debbie Zello is perfection in so many ways. 

     This is a five-star read, if I have ever read one. And if you have ever wanted to read something that will pull you in, and play with your emotions, this book will do just that. And by the way, you will yell at the writer. Now go on, get a copy, and tell me what you thought after you’ve read it!

Here are my questions for Debbie Zello:

1. What made you write this book and how long did it take you?

This book went very fast. I finished it in a few weeks. The story came in my usual format, in my dreams.

2. Where and how did you come me up with the name “Understanding”?

Firelight needed a man that would get not having an ordinary name. I just thought of his name one day. I think it fits him perfectly.

3. Do you have photos or descriptions of the characters in this book?

Kennedy Gilbertson, the cover model,  was my vision of Understanding. Firelight is timid and small. She’s attractive but not stunning.

4. As you write, does your imagination “see” your storyline and characters?

Very much so. I live with the characters as I write. They speak to me. I feel involved in their lives.

5. Do you ever have to stop what you’re doing to write?

Not very often but I do get up very early to write before I go to work.


6. What are you working on now?

I have several books partially done. Two completed but not yet edited. One book that will be released in July. That is an Historical Romance set in the 1830s just prior to the American Civil War. Behind the Manor Door Lies the Reckoning, is the title. It takes place in England, Boston, and Richmond Virginia.


7. What kind of books do you personally like to read?

I’m a big romance reader. I love happy endings.

8. A personal question you can chose to ignore:
Are you cancer free now? 

Yes, I am. I still go every year to see my oncologist. He released me last year but for my peace of mind, I want to continue. Thank you for asking.


9. When did you first realize you were destined to be a writer?

I’ve written several books. I’m waiting to be recognized as a writer. So far I’m just indulging a hobby.


10. What is your favorite thing about writing?

I love the words. I love researching. Looking for restaurants or local sites the characters can visit. They give me the basic story but I have to fill things in.


11. Out of all your own books, which one is your favorite?

I was fully immersed in Why We Don’t Die in Dreams. It’s my most unusual book. I guarantee it’s like nothing anyone has ever read. 

12. Please share with us your book and social media links:

Author Bio – Debbie Zello

Debbie has always been an avid reader, but writing never occurred to her. That was until an illness gave her the time and inspiration needed to begin her journey in words. After writing down a few chapters of a story that had whispered into her head, she gave it to a few friends to read. The rest became her first book, The Kiss Me Chronicles.
Debbie freely credits her stories to her muses, the characters themselves. They occupy her thoughts and dreams, presenting her with their narratives on their lives and loves. On occasion, she has tried to put her own take on their story, only to be quickly corrected by the true authors.
Debbie has traveled extensively and has a deep love of American history. Her novels are often based on historical events as well as places she has visited. She is also an amateur genealogist, having traced her own family roots.
Debbie currently has ten published books with many more in various stages of production, including a tetralogy of 'what or where is your safe place.' She is also branching out of the romance/historical romance genre to include a teenage appropriate story based on Dorothy's(The Wizard of Oz) great-granddaughter, Dee, and her shoes. Hopefully, Dee won't leave Debbie in some far off time or place.

Elizabet, Under the Back Staircase - Release Date – 1 February 2015 

Amazon - http://getbook.at/Elizabet

Universal - https://www.books2read.com/Elizabet

Elizabet learned early on in her life, to know her place in her world. As an illegitimate child of the wealthy owner of the house and his cook, she had to learn how to have one foot on the front stairs and one on the back.
Elizabet experiences love, hate, acceptance and longing as she navigates her way through the turbulence of her life with the backdrop of the Civil War.
If you enjoy determined women in historical settings, then Elizabet...Under the Back Stairs is the read for you.

Shadows of Him - Release Date – 22 March 2015 

Amazon - http://getbook.at/ShadowsofHim

Universal - https://www.books2read.com/ShadowsofHim

Shadows of Him takes the love story of Alexzander Blackburn and Aisling Coutier from the present into the past. Zan, as he calls himself, is bewitched by a Salem sorcerer, and forced to travel through time. Unable to form lasting relationships, due to his constant disappearances and inability to age. Zan comes into contact with the one woman he wants to spend his life with. But finds that undoing spells isn't as easy as it sounds.

The Middle of My Bridge - Release Date -  6 July 2015 

Amazon -  http://getbook.at/MiddleofMyBridge

Universal - https://www.books2read.com/MiddleofMyBridge

Bestselling romance author, Grace Lilith Watts, is caught in the middle, between her past and future. Unable to move forward and powerless to change what was, she goes from lover to lover.
Grace fully immerses herself in her stories. When she decides her topic, she leaves her tiny New York City apartment to live and write amongst the people in the story. She gains an insight into the lives and loves of the inhabitants. This makes her stories even more believable.
Grace leaves for Connecticut, and a sleepy small town, that housed a Revolutionary spirit so strong, that General Rochambeau lodged there on his march to meet General Washington in New York. There she meets the general’s great grandson, Etienne Rochambeau, and begins her journey to cross that bridge.
The Middle of My Bridge is a Contemporary Romance with a historical background. If you enjoy traveling and love stories, then this book was written for you.

Romancing Broadway - Release Date -  5^th September 2015 

Amazon - http://getbook.at/RomancingBroadway

Universal - https://www.books2read.com/RomancingBroadway

Samantha West is a small town girl with big city lights in her eyes. She and her BFF Gabby, live in a tiny NYC apartment, where Sam waits for her big break on Broadway. A part in an off-Broadway production brings the charismatic Cesere Bottari to her attention.

Cesere dominates her life from the beginning, keeping Sam clueless of his interference. Until a disaster befalls her friend Gabby, and a false accusation ruins things.

Romancing Broadway has a duel ending. You will have the opportunity to pick for yourself as both are in the book.

Romancing Broadway is filled with strong women, romantic men, travel and humor. If you enjoy reading those things, you will find them in this book.

Why We Don’t Die In Dreams - Release Date – 9^th May 2016 

Universal Link -  https://www.books2read.com/Dreams-1

Amazon - http://getbook.at/Dreams1

SOMETIMES NOTHING IS AS IT SEEMS. 

Gavin McLean is an astute, accomplished and dedicated homicide detective. His days are filled with solving brutal murder cases, delving into the psyches of the worst humanity has to offer. His work comes first, to the detriment of his personal life. 

His sleeping hours are plagued by a reoccurring dream of a beautiful naked woman with long brown hair. He's mesmerized by her shapely backside, which is all he can see in the vision. The dream is erratic, with no patterns to help discern frequency or cause ... with one complicated exception. She is always suspended by her hands, from a meat hook, on the ceiling, and pleads for her life. 

With his personal life in turmoil and dreams shortening his sleep, he struggles to keep his world in operating order. He distracts himself by having an encounter with a frequent lover. Then fate steps in when a woman is found naked and dead, in a dumpster.

Is Gavin's dream becoming his reality. Sometimes nothing is as it seems.

See You In September – The Refugee Series Book One - Release Date – 7^th July 2017 

Amazon - http://getbook.at/SYIS

Universal - https://www.books2read.com/Refugee1

If Cheri Winslow Gates had been able to see into the future, she would have never married David. Unfortunately, she didn't have that gift.

Divorced and navigating life solo, had just begun to feel normal, when an extremely fascinating man, rented the cottage next door. Gareth Marshall certainly wasn't looking for any entanglements three thousand miles from home, but then he didn't know about the enchanting lawyer a few feet away.

They fit perfectly together in every way. They spend the fading summer wrapped in each other and happily agree to meet back there next September. Unfortunately, Cheri's ex-husband has different plans for her.

A Snow Covered Nightmare – The Refugee Series Book Two -Release Date – 20^thSeptember 2017

Amazon - http://getbook.at/SCN

Universal - https://www.books2read.com/Refugee2

As the sole witness to her bosses murder, Briah Spencer's life would never be the same again. Once she had identified the killer as none other than Denver's biggest crime boss, David Slater, her head had a price on it.

Aiden Baldwin was one of Denver's finest homicide detectives. His job was to keep Briah safe long enough to testify. His heart had plans of its own. Soon her life and his found that rock and hard place where decisions were impossible and devastating. Briah is sent into witness protection and Aiden to the bottom of a whisky bottle.

Briah felt safe in the mountains. They were her refuge from life's realities. She could lose her cares on the slopes with the wind blowing them past her. Will the mountains hide her from the two men that want her? Can the snow help her to forget Aiden? Is there a future in her new life?

Mercy: the deadliest Sin (Why we don’t Die in Dreams 2) - Release Date – 24 November 2017 

Amazon - http://getbook.at/Dreams2

Universal - https://www.books2read.com/Dreams-2

Don’t worry, nightmares won’t kill you.
Mercy, the deadliest sin is the exciting conclusion to Why we don't die in Dreams. Take the journey, and thank you.

Found In Understanding – The Refugee Series Book Three - Release Date – 2^ndMarch 2018 

Amazon - http://getbook.at/Refugee3

Universal - https://www.books2read.com/Refugee3

Firelight was raised with love and kindness, on a small farming commune, in Southern California. Her first dip into the outside world was rough, but the lessons learned from it, propelled her into Yale University, on a full scholarship.
College brought so many firsts. She blossomed under her friends, professors and her first job experiences. Her first real love fit her romance novels idea of perfection.
When a heart-wrenching turn spins her world apart, she finds herself in Understanding.

Follow Debbie on

Amazon - http://viewauthor.at/DebbieZello

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/debbiezelloauthor/

Bookbub - https://www.bookbub.com/authors/debbie-zello

Twitter: @ZelloDzello1

13. Anything to add:

Once again I want to thank you for your support of all authors. Without people like you, we’d struggle to be seen. Thank you so much. 

Found in Understanding: Refuge Series Book Three by Debbie Zello
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When I started reading this book, I think I must’ve just fell into the pages. I was right there, inside the book, and I couldn’t put it down. There was no stopping me. My husband tried to get me to do a few things, including have a conversation, and it just wasn’t happening. And it wasn’t on purpose.

You see Firelight is a character that wants to make something of herself. And she was raised in this community that is tight knit, and lights to keep to themselves. Not many people strive to do something, or be something, or even do something different with themselves. They just want to stay within their community, where they feel safest. But Firelight had plans, and dreams. And it wasn’t that she wanted to get away from the people whom she loved dearly, it was that her dreams needed out. Her dreams required to help her make a difference. And she wasn’t going to let anyone, or anything stand in the way of her dreams.

She received a full Scholarship to Yale University. She ends up being a little shy at first when she ends up on the outside, in the new World so to speak. The World is a much bigger place when you can’t just jump into your bed and under covers and delve into a good book and hide. Now she must act like an adult and face her fears head on. And low and behold, there is so much to learn and do, aside from becoming educated in a School.

Firelight ends up falling in love, and then seeing that very romance snatched right from her, in front of her very own eyes. The heart break itself will make you cry. He is a masculine man who rides motorcycles and makes her feel like she is the best thing that every happened to him. She feels safe and loved in his arms. Until finally, it is too late. This is when you want to scream at the writer and ask, ‘What were you thinking?’ and then you see, there are still a lot of pages here following this.

Firelight ends up walking down the street and hears a motorcycle. For some reason she decides to look up at the rider. Her eyes must be playing tricks on her. This is where she ‘Found Understanding’ and the book recovers and saves our hearts after all.

This book played with my feelings in oh so many ways. I yelled at the Author so many times. And I laughed, and I cried. And I my favorite book of Mrs. Zellos was: ‘Shadows of Him’ until she wrote this one. Now this one is my favorite. And not just because I edited it either. Because I could literally feel the emotions of this book as it was meant to be felt. When the writer does that, you know you have met the perfect writer. And that is why Debbie Zello is perfection in so many ways.

This is a five-star read, if I have ever read one. And if you have ever wanted to read something that will pull you in, and play with your emotions, this book will do just that. And by the way, you will yell at the writer. Now go on, get a copy, and tell me what you thought after you’ve read it!

View all my reviews

 

Split Decision By: Andrew Harding

Split Decision

 By: Andrew Harding
(Book 1 of the Hybrid Series) 

As you may, or may not already know, I ready the book “Wet Daddy" first, which is book one to this series titled: “The Hybrid Series.” That book was book 4 of the series, and now here I am reading book one, obviously out of order. Therefore, if that gives you a heads up about these books, and if they are capable of being read as a stand-alone, I think it can be done. However, if you do that, as I have done, maybe an after thought might be to re-read them afterwards in order, if you feel you need to.

I want to start off as I always do, by stating that I truly find the cover of ‘Split Decision’ appealing to the eye. It makes a call to you to open it, and claim it as your own, and desire to read it, one of those eerie kinds of books that give you the concern to want to know what’s in store for you.

Then I want to tell you, as always, Mr. Harding did not fail my desires with this book. As usual, I had to keep turning the pages, and keep reading until the book was done. This man truly knows how to keep you drawn in, and not wanting to put a book down. And the way I picture his books, as I think anyone would agree with me, his writings would make the most thrilling movies of all time! I can honestly see this as an excellent, on the edge of your seat kind of movie, that I think people would enjoy. That is why, once again, I give another one of Mr. Harding’s books five stars. The writing, the story lines, the characters are just truly irresistible!

The character of Alli, (Alison Grey) is helping Harvey Burgess hunt down a deranged killer. Although, their meeting was by accident, the two are now working together to find and rid the world of this insanity before it is too late. While in the process of doing so, Alli’s own psychic abilities start to awaken. Alli hadn’t planned for this, nor had she even wanted it. But the thing is, what she see’s and feels, are all too shocking, and even revealing.

This man is murdering while at large, trying to erase his own memories of his childhood, by actually thinking that killing others will resolve his own issues.

This book is written for adults, purely not intended for children. There is adult content throughout this book. So, read with caution. If you yourself do not like this kind of read, then this book is not for you. Please be advised.

Again, as I stated, this book is a definite five star read. I found it to be very realistic. I am a Criminal Justice Major, and I love horror and gore, and this book truly was my cup of tea. I loved every page and will proudly go onto my next book written by Mr. Harding! I hope you will check out his work too!

My questions for Mr. Harding:

1. What made you write this book and how long did it take you?

Just before I finished Parity, Bk3 in The Spirit Trilogy, my sister said I should write a book with more grit to it. She was surprised when she read Split Decision, Bk1 in The Hybrid Series, saying she didn’t think I’d go that far and well done for crossing a hurdle of boundaries. It took three weeks to lay down the first draft.


2. Do you have any photos or descriptions of the characters?

No, I don’t really describe my characters, letting the reader picture them in their own mind.

As they’re fictional characters I don’t have photos, although I do see them in my head like a film as I write.


3. What motivates you to write?

It has to be the joy of being pain free for a few hours at a stretch. When my mind is focused on something beyond my first round of meds, they work faster, transporting me to the world I’m writing in, and not locked into the extra little treat MS has thrown at me. For the last two months I haven’t been able to take a step, or lift either hand above my shoulders, without severe pain down my left side and that’s after two rounds of steroids. I probably caused it, doing something in the garden 6 months ago, which of course I’ve forgotten about, so it’s pointless trying to work out what the hell it was. It’ll slowly settle down and move onto something else, as that’s the nature of the beast I’ve dealt with for the past twenty years. So, writing is my drug of preference that takes the edge off for me – works better than weed any day of my week!

4. Did you ever plan on becoming a writer when you were younger?

I had little chance when I was younger. I was just ten when I sat the 11+ exam (my August birthday, sitting in the middle of the school summer break denoted as much), a stipulation then in the UK for every pupil in the land, to see who could gain entrance to higher education.

I was made aware much later, the man who’d sat with us as our invigilator for that exam, read my finished English paper, while we started on the Maths.  He’d told my Head Master, if I didn’t get in, it wouldn’t be because of my English, it was brilliant. I’m going back to 1960 here, and if I planned on anything it was to get out alive from very dysfunctional parents. Writing a book’s crossed my mind throughout my life, but earning a crust always took preference as my order book was always full, months in advance.  

5. What are your hobbies?

Painting, drawing, craftwork and making things with my hands. Gardening and growing most of what I eat gives me a good diet with as little added chemicals as possible, essential for anyone living with MS. I’m just fortunate to have a large garden, but after doing something that started all this pain, I’ll get someone in to help with any heavy work in the summer. I’m not chancing this route again...


6. What all education have you had?

Nothing special like a university education; offered to our older sibling, and because they declined it like the plague, the rest of us were written off.

Stored in my bedroom, when I was growing up, was an old Singer treadle sewing machine. Any time I couldn’t go out, I played with it and got it working again. When I finished school, and knowing I could work a sewing machine, I bought a large bag of scrap leather and suede. I hired an industrial sewing machine, on a similar treadle base, cutting down on noise in my attic flat, and over next few days I turned that bag of scrap into a wearable garment that sold the next day.

From that first small scale venture, and after a few years of hard work, I was the proprietor of 5 leather shops, in and around Bournemouth, manufacturing and making to measure anything customers wanted to wear as well as supplying a few department stores. That’s how I knew the lay of the land, writing The Spirit Trilogy, although the council that run things down there now have really trashed the centre of the town. My sister and I returned a few years back and I truly wish I hadn’t.
When the bottom dropped out of the leather market, in the mid 70’s, I turned my hand to upholstery overnight, using the same methods they’ve used for centuries, not staples and foam, like today.

7. What are you working on now?

I’ve copied this from my last interview, Deneale, as I’m no further along with any of it. Hopefully, over the next couple of weeks, this pain will dwindle and I can concentrate properly again.

I’m nearing the end of ‘Oedema’, the sequel to the Spirit Trilogy. I always felt the story was unfinished and the characters have been screaming to be heard since it was published. I’m writing it to shut them up, once and for all – I hope!

The Dint Finder, Bk1 Vault, is my first dystopian thriller and will be published very soon. I’ve also written the first chapter of a new detective book ‘Cain’. Is he insane? Who the hell knows? Not me, yet.

8. What is your favorite thing about being a writer?

Apart from everything I mention in question 3, there is so much more. Not only the fact I can spin a yarn with conviction that people enjoy reading, but I’ve learned a great deal about the writing craft itself. The most important thing for me is bringing characters to life on the page with words that show every flaw, passion, sadness and most of all what makes them tick. No, they’re not all human but that makes no difference to me – they all have their odd little quirks. Their differing skilled assets blend perfectly in each team, foreseeing pitfalls on their mission to catching the worst criminals imaginable. That tonnage of research I apply to every book, I find fascinating – never begrudged.


9. Have you yourself met any other authors?

No, only on social media and have had more help than I thought possible from other authors.

10. Have you ever met any of your fans?

Yes, the ones who live locally.

11. Who is your favorite writer of all time?

Steven King, although I have a very strange choice in reading matter. The weirder the better, for me.

12. Please share with us your social media and book links:

I have 2 accounts on Twitter: @AndrewHarding4 and @HybridSeries

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andrew.harding.5059

My UK author page on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Andrew-Harding/e/B0097OEGD2/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0

My USA author page on Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/Andrew-Harding/e/B0097OEGD2/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0

Smashwords : https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/474231

My Website: http://www.ahardingbooks.co.uk/

13. Anything you’d like to add: Thank you so much for reading Split Decision and giving me this opportunity of a review and interview, Deneale. It’s much appreciated.

Split Decision by Andrew Harding
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

As you may, or may not already know, I ready the book “Wet Daddy’ first, which is book one to this series titled: “The Hybrid Series.” That book was book 4 of the series, and now here I am reading book one, obviously out of order. Therefore, if that gives you a heads up about these books, and if they are capable of being read as a stand-alone, I think it can be done. However, if you do that, as I have done, maybe an after thought might be to re-read them afterwards in order, if you feel you need to.

I want to start off as I always do, by stating that I truly find the cover of ‘Split Decision’ appealing to the eye. It makes a call to you to open it, and claim it as your own, and desire to read it, one of those eerie kinds of books that give you the concern to want to know what’s in store for you.

Then I want to tell you, as always, Mr. Harding did not fail my desires with this book. As usual, I had to keep turning the pages, and keep reading until the book was done. This man truly knows how to keep you drawn in, and not wanting to put a book down. And the way I picture his books, as I think anyone would agree with me, his writings would make the most thrilling movies of all time! I can honestly see this as an excellent, on the edge of your seat kind of movie, that I think people would enjoy. That is why, once again, I give another one of Mr. Harding’s books five stars. The writing, the story lines, the characters are just truly irresistible!

The character of Alli, (Alison Grey) is helping Harvey Burgess hunt down a deranged killer. Although, their meeting was by accident, the two are now working together to find and rid the world of this insanity before it is too late. While in the process of doing so, Alli’s own psychic abilities start to awaken. Alli hadn’t planned for this, nor had she even wanted it. But the thing is, what she see’s and feels, are all too shocking, and even revealing.

This man is murdering while at large, trying to erase his own memories of his childhood, by actually thinking that killing others will resolve his own issues.

This book is written for adults, purely not intended for children. There is adult content throughout this book. So, read with caution. If you yourself do not like this kind of read, then this book is not for you. Please be advised.

Again, as I stated, this book is a definite five star read. I found it to be very realistic. I am a Criminal Justice Major, and I love horror and gore, and this book truly was my cup of tea. I loved every page and will proudly go onto my next book written by Mr. Harding! I hope you will check out his work too!

View all my reviews