HomeAdrift by Soheil Mirchi Excerpt, Giveaway & Review

 

HomeAdrift

by Soheil Mirchi

 

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GENRE: Science Fiction

 

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BLURB:

 

How far can you go before the silence breaks you?

 

Commander Solene Ellis has left Earth behind forever. Now she drifts through the void aboard the colony ship Nia Kvara, watching over 100,000 colonists in hibernation. Only Ava, the ship’s AI, keeps her company.

 

The voyage spans 3,000 years, but for Solene, time comes in fragments—fleeting moments of wakefulness between long, frozen sleeps. Hours blur into decades. Memories unravel. In the stillness, she begins to lose track not only of time, but of herself.

 

And solitude in deep space doesn’t stay quiet for long. Whispers echo where no one should be. Shadows shift just beyond her vision. A mysterious vessel appears in the void. Even Ava starts to act… strangely.

 

As reality fractures, Solene must face a terrifying question: is something out there hunting them—or has her own mind become the true threat?

 

For readers of literary science fiction, space horror, and character-driven psychological drama, HomeAdrift is a story of isolation, survival, and what it means to find home when there's nowhere left to go.

 

 

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Excerpt:

 

Flames twist and twirl, their malevolent glow casting eerie shadows. And there she is, on the opposite edge of the blaze⁠—⁠a figure both distant and obscured by the fire’s erratic dance. Her form is shadowed, the details elusive, yet there’s an intimacy in her stance that draws me in. “I’m so sorry,” I choke out, tears streaming down my face. “Please, forgive me. I should’ve . . . I should’ve been there.” Without a word, she begins to turn away, the distance between us growing with each second. The desperation in my voice peaks. “Stay with me! Please! Don’t leave!” But she continues, her form becoming smaller and smaller, her steps never faltering. No glances back, no words. Just the haunting emptiness of departure. “Please!” I cry out, my pleas swallowed by the crackling fire that now encircles me.

 

 

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

 

The world is overwhelming. The lives we chase, the norms we follow, the time we waste, and the dreams we forget. I write to process. To understand. To make sense of it all.

 

I write because I run into walls—again and again. Walls that stop me from speaking, from connecting.

 

So I write. It's how I find my way through.

 

My debut novel, HomeAdrift, is a story of isolation, identity, and survival—told through the lens of space, but rooted deeply in the human need for home.

 

 

https://www.soheilmirchi.com

https://www.amazon.com/author/soheilmirchi

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/57662208.Soheil_Mirchi

https://www.instagram.com/soheil.mirchi/

https://mybook.to/HomeAdrift

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My Review:

This is definitely a science fiction story. I absolutely love that the main character was reading a book by the author. It was a fun way to get the backstory about what happened to Earth in a fast fun way. It made the story easier to read. I am still confused about the ending though. What happened and who is who. Did someone have a mental breakdown? I was intrigued about the "jumping" from place to place in space. The time difference was definitely something to think about, There is so much to this story that made me think. The hibernation pods, AVA, other planets, and so much more, I am giving this book a 5/5. I was given a copy to review, and as always, all opinions are my own.

GIVEAWAY 

 

Soheil Mirchi will be awarding a $25 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner.

 

 

 

 

Have You Seen Him by Kimberly Lee INTERVIEW & Giveaway

 

Have You Seen Him by Kimberly Lee

About Have You Seen Him

Have You Seen Him 

Suspense Thriller 

Setting - California

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Butterfly Effect Press 

Publication date ‏ : ‎ July 1, 2025 

Print length ‏ : ‎ 268 pages

Paperback ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8991867214

Digital ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8991867207 

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0F9TJYN8V

What if everything you believed about yourself was totally wrong? For David Byrdsong, life is a series of daily obligations. An attorney, he lacks both ambition and the ability to commit to a long-term relationship with his girlfriend, Gayle. Abandoned by his family at an airport when he was eleven, he learned to blunt his feelings, despite his subsequent adoption by a loving couple. Until one day, when David discovers his own face in a missing child ad. Suddenly driven to uncover the truth about his past, he is forced to tap into his inner strength as he encounters corporate conspiracies, murdered bystanders, and distressing suspicions about the only family he’s ever really trusted. David enlists Gayle's help—and the help of an unlikely stranger with secrets of his own—as he attempts to find his true family, whoever they are. Thrilling, exploratory, and propulsive, Have You Seen Him is a story of lost identity, dangerous secrets, and a deeply personal pursuit of the truth.

About Kimberly Lee

Kimberly Lee, JD, is the author of the riveting thriller Have You Seen Him. A versatile writer, editor, and creativity coach, she has a passion for nurturing the imaginative spirit and helping others reveal their own inner wisdom. Kimberly holds degrees from Stanford University and UC Davis School of Law, along with certifications from the Center for Journal Therapy, Amherst Writers & Artists, SoulCollage®, Guided Autobiography, the Center for Intentional Creativity, and The Path Meditation. Recent collaborations include Esalen Institute, Hollyhock Retreat Center, Omega Institute, The Huntington, the Expressive Therapies Summit, Arts and Healing Initiative, and West LA Veterans Administration. Kimberly’s stories and essays have appeared in numerous publications and anthologies, and she has served on the staffs of Literary Mama, F(r)iction, and Carve magazines. She lives in Southern California with her husband and three children.

INTERVIEW

1.  When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

Probably when I first learned to read, or maybe when my parents would read books to me. It seemed magical, that words on paper could whisk me to another world, another time. I wanted to be able to do that.

2.  How long does it take you to write a book?

Have You Seen Him took roughly 10 years! I worked on it off and on, sometimes giving up on it, but always returning to it. The story wouldn’t let me go and it kept pulling me back in, despite self-doubt and uncertainty. I’m glad I saw it through. I’m currently working on the next one and don’t plan to take nearly that long!

3.  What is your work schedule like when you're writing?

I tend to write best in the company of others. Since the pandemic, I’ve found co-working zooms where everyone is on camera yet working individually on their own projects. Or I’ll go to a café, where others are also writing.It feels like a community and offers a level of accountability if I make an appointment with myself to show up.

4.  What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

Even though the topics my book deals with can be serious, I try to add some levity and humor to it as a balance. I often add in little interesting obsessions and pet peeves that I feel give the characters additional flavor.

5.  How do books get published?

I chose to self-publish Have You Seen Him, and worked with a wonderful company, AuthorImprints, to produce a professional level book. Before it was published, my manuscript was a semi-finalist in two first novel contests, one given by a traditional publisher and one given by a hybrid publisher, and that gave me the validation to go forward with it. I’m thrilled with the choice to self-publish—it gave me complete creative control and I love how my book looks and feels.

6.  Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?

A huge part of my creative process involves writing with images. I’ll see a work of art, a photograph, something striking, and imagine a backstory or future for the subjects in the piece. I’m also constantly listening for interesting conversations and tidbits when I’m in public places.

7.  What do you like to do when you're not writing?

Reading, exercising, traveling. Spending time with my family. Watching a good, layered film. I love going to cultural events and new venues, and meeting interesting people. Julia Cameron suggests “artist dates,” and I agree that it’s important for writers to fill the well and find new avenues for creative input.

8.  What does your family think of your writing?

They are extremely supportive. I have three children and this book was raised, so to speak, along with them. I worked on it off and on while sitting behind the wheel waiting for them at extracurricular activities. My husband never let me give up on finishing it and working to get it into the hands of readers. I’m eternally grateful for their encouragement.

9.  What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

I started with an idea and an inspiration, but as I wrote, the story took on a life of its own. As I got into the flow, the characters would almost tell me what they wanted to do! When I took breaks from working on it, they’d stand around in my imagination, swaying back and forth, waiting for their next move. Sometimes we feel we have to know the entire story, and not knowing it paralyzes us. Just start! Have fun with it, release your expectations, and let the story that wants to be told come through.

10.             How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?

This is my only book so far! It’s the first installment in a trilogy, so I’m heading back to the page to flesh out the next story with these characters.

11.             Do you have any suggestions to help me become a better writer? If so, what are they?

I have exactly 100 words of advice:Try to recapture that childlike state, when you wrote just for the sake of it, without concern for whether anyone outside of yourself will like it, publish it, or favorably review it. Write down every little idea that comes to you, no matter how silly it may seem, even if you don’t know what you will do with it. Release the sense that an essay or story must hit the page in a fully-formed, ready-to-go condition. Focus on the simple joy of creating. Remember writer and educator Pat Schneider’s simple words: “A writer is someone who writes.

 

12.             Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?

Readers love how fast-paced this book is, calling it a page-turner. The suspense keeps them engaged. They also love Gayle, the main character’s girlfriend.

13.             Do you like to create books for adults?

Have You Seen Him is geared more towards adults, but I have a few ideas for children’s books as well!

14.             What do you think makes a good story?

An opening line that catches the attention and draws us in; relatability and universal themes we can identify with or learn from; some humor or levity; a satisfying ending, even if it doesn’t completely resolve everything; and if possible, something surprising or unexpected! And I believe the most integral element is a journey of growth or self-discovery undertaken by the main character.

 

15.             As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

A writer and a teacher. Although my first career was as an attorney, I can thankfully say that I’m working in both of the fields that I dreamed about as a child. In addition to writing, I lead workshops and retreats for others who wish to feed their creative spirit and explore that side of themselves.

16.             What Would you like my readers to know?

The first draft of Have You Seen Himwas twice as long, and it was edited and revised quite a bit to present the best version of itself. I hope they enjoy it and find the meaning and message!

 

Author Links

Website:https://www.kimberlylee.me/ 

Instagram:@klcreatrix

GoodReads:https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/56965935.Kimberly_Lee

Purchase Links Amazon, B&N, Bookshop 

TOUR PARTICIPANTS

February 18 – Elizabeth McKenna - Author – SPOTLIGHT

February 19 – Guatemala Paula Loves to Read – SPOTLIGHT

February 20 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT

February 20 – Christy's Cozy Corners – REVIEW*

February 21 – Sarandipity's – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

February 21 – Sapphyria's Book Reviews - SPOTLIGHT

February 22 – Books1987 – SPOTLIGHT

February 23 – Carla Loves To Read – REVIEW

February 24 – Ascroft, eh? – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

February 25 – Sarah Can't Stop Reading Books – SPOTLIGHT

February 26 – Escape With Dollycas IntoA Good Book – REVIEW

February 27 – StoreyBook Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

February 28 – MJB Reviewers – SPOTLIGHT

March 1 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

March 2 – Maureen's Musings – SPOTLIGHT

March 3 – Deal Sharing Aunt – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

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Fried Chicken Castañeda by Suzanne Stauffer Interview & Giveaway

 

Fried Chicken Castañeda by Suzanne Stauffer

Fried Chicken Castañeda
by Suzanne Stauffer

About Fried Chicken Castañeda

Fried Chicken Castañeda
Historical Culinary Cozy Mystery
1st in Series
Setting – Las Vegas, New Mexico, in June 1929
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Artemesia Publishing, LLC
Publication date ‏ : ‎ May 6, 2025
Print length ‏ : ‎ 228 pages
Paperback
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1963832051
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1963832051
Digital
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1963832242
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0DZC47WJQ

At the Castañeda Hotel you’ll find romance, gourmet dining, bootleggers, and murder!

Bored with her conventional middle-class life, Prudence Bates escapes Cleveland by heading west to qualify as a Courier for the Southwestern Indian Detours. On the California Limited she meets Jerry Begay, a charming Navajo school teacher. They feel an instant rapport, but he’s headed for Gallup, so it’s but a brief encounter.

In Las Vegas, New Mexico Prudence is befriended by Castañeda Hotel Harvey Girls Martha and Anne and desk clerk Clara. They take Prudence under their wing and invite her along to dances and the local hot springs.

Four days later, Martha’s brother, Tom, is found murdered. Was it because of his bootlegging activities? Or his amorous relationship with Liz Kearney, daughter of the richest man in the area and rumored mob boss? And was that really Jerry Begay whom Prudence saw meeting with Tom in secret the day before he was killed?

Following in the footsteps of her favorite fictional detectives, Tommy and Tuppence, Prudence is determined to solve the murder. But one wrong step and she may end up in the sights of the bootleggers.

About Suzanne Stauffer 

After 20 years as a librarian and 20 as a professor of library science and library historian, Suzanne Stauffer has moved on to a third career as a mystery novelist. She currently lives in Albuquerque with her Australian husband and brown and white spotted rat terrier dogter, Treme. Her debut novel,  Fried Chicken Castañeda (Artemesia Publishing, May 2025), won the CIPA EVVY Bronze Medal in Mystery/Crime/Detection and the New Mexico Book Award for Cozy Mystery.

INTERVIEW

1.  When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

I don’t remember not wanting to be a writer and not writing. I remember writing (bad) poetry as a child. I took creative writing in high school and was on the school’s literary magazine. I also took creative writing in college, but the need to make a living intervened. I was in a writer’s group as an adult and also wrote fanfiction for several years.

2.  How long does it take you to write a book?

I’m sure you’ve heard this before, but it depends on the book. Somewhere around six months, now that I’m retired, if life doesn’t interfere. That’s once I actually start writing, after I’ve done the historical research.

3.  What is your work schedule like when you're writing?

Schedule? What schedule? LOL! My goal is to write 550 words a day, five days a week. That’s about two hours of writing. Exactly what time depends on the day and what other commitments I have. Early mornings are probably best.

4.  What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I like to talk things out with my characters. I’ll have conversations with them throughout the day about scenes that aren’t working, dialogue that feels artificial, that sort of thing. My husband just shakes his head.

5.  How do books get published?

My books are published by Artemesia Publishing in Albuquerque, NM. They are available in print and as ebooks through the usual channels.

6.  Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?

The idea for the Couriers Series came from an exhibit on the Couriers at the Bright Angel Lodge at the Grand Canyon. I had been toying with the idea of writing a cozy mystery series once I retired, and I realized the Couriers (tour guides) and the Detours (guided tours around the Four Corners region) would make an excellent setting. It turns the typical cozy around – my amateur sleuth goes out to meet the characters rather than the characters coming to her.

I gather information from history books, reference materials, and, yes, Wikipedia and other internet sources.

7.  When did you write your first book and how old were you?

I started on Fried Chicken Castaneda during COVID, while working from home, then put it aside when we went back to work at the office. I finished it in 2023, so I was 66.

8.  What do you like to do when you're not writing?

Read. LOL! I write on my blog (https://couriersseries1926.blogspot.com/) and my Substack (https://smstauffer.substack.com/) newsletter (and spend too much time on Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/couriers1926/), bake, knit, crochet, garden, and visit museums, historic sites and national parks with my husband and dog.

9.  What does your family think of your writing?

I’ve never asked them. They’ve never said.

10.             What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

That police cars didn’t have lights on the top or radios until 1933. LOL! I had to rewrite several sections because of that.

11.             How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?

At this point, I have finished three novels – Fried Chicken Castaneda and two sequels. They are my children! How could I pick a favorite? I do think that each one is better than the last in technical terms, but FCC will always be my first. 

12.             Do you have any suggestions to help me become a better writer? If so, what are they?

READ! Read widely and often. Read like a writer. Evaluate what works for you and what doesn’t and ask yourself why. Examine the various styles. Understand that there is not one single “best” way to write. Find your own voice and your own style. Write for your audience.

13.             Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?

Sadly, I don’t. I have heard from one reader and she was very complementary. I wish that I heard from more. My email is couriersseries1926@gmail.com.

14.             Do you like to create books for adults?

Yes, because I can explore more adult themes and use more adult vocabulary. I haven’t tried to write for young adults or children yet, so I can’t really compare it.

15.             What do you think makes a good story?

Characters whose motives you can understand – even if you don’t like them. A well-developed atmosphere and setting. An interesting plot that is not predictable, but at the same time, is logical. Writing that is technically correct – spelling, grammar, syntax. Nothing ruins a story more than having to stop and re-read the same sentence several times to understand it.

16.             As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

Lots of things. I was raised in a fairly traditional family, so “wife and mother.” The first women I encountered who did anything else were nurses and teachers – so nurse or teacher. As I got older, I wanted to be an Oxford Don, like the uncle in “The Chronicles of Narnia.” LOL. I wanted to learn everything.

17.             What Would you like my readers to know?

I never became an Oxford Don, but I was a librarian and then a professor of library science. I didn’t learn everything, but I did learn how to find everything. I earned my Ph.D. from UCLA at 47 and published my first novel at 66. I also got married for the first (and only) time in 2006, when I was 49. So you are never too old to achieve your dreams, although you might need to modify them a bit.

Oh, and Fried Chicken Castaneda won the 2025 New Mexico Book Award for Cozy Mystery and the 2025 Bronze Medal in Mystery/Crime/Detective of the CIPA EVVY awards.

 

Author Links
Blog https://couriersseries1926.blogspot.com/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/couriers1926/
Substack Newsletter Amuse-Bouche  https://smstauffer.substack.com/

Purchase Links:   Publisher     Amazon     B&N       Bookshop.org

TOUR PARTICIPANTS

March 2 – deal sharing aunt – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

March 2 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT

March 3 – Jody’s Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT

March 4 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

March 4 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

March 5 – Sarandipity’s – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

March 5 – Books1987 – SPOTLIGHT

March 6 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT

March 7 – MJB Reviewers – SPOTLIGHT

March 8 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

March 8 – Guatemala Paula Loves to Read – AUTHOR GUEST POST

March 9 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – CHARACTER GUEST POST

March 10 – Sarah Can’t Stop Reading Books – REVIEW

March 11 – Ascroft, eh? – AUTHOR GUEST POST

March 12 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW, RECIPE  

March 13 – Elizabeth McKenna – Author – SPOTLIGHT

March 13 – StoreyBook Reviews – CHARACTER GUEST POST

March 14 – fundinmental – SPOTLIGHT

March 15 – Boys’ Mom Reads! – REVIEW 

March 15 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW 

 Giveaway

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