Czech & Slavic Epic History is a non-fiction coffee table book about the history of the Slavic people, specifically Czechs. It is also the story of Slavic history told through the paintings of Alphonse Mucha, a Czech artist who painted a series of twenty paintings called The Slav Epic. I am not a historian, so this is a layperson’s research journey. I try to deliver what I learned in simple language and hope to spur interest in Czech and Slavic history.
This book is available as a paperback and hardcover, and also as an eBook. This is meant to be read in print as the pictures are as important as the text, but the eBook is fine if you are mostly interested in the text.
The Man With a Green Scarf is the latest book by G M Barlean. It’s a short story. A love story set in a small village in France. An elderly man takes a chance… what does he have to lose that he already does not own? He knows he was once a handsome man, his late wife told him so. Does he still have an adventure left in his life?
Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars Just stunning, June 11, 2017
By C. Hope Clark, “This story is so beautifully written I almost didn’t care how it ended, but it ended wonderfully. The art in this author’s writing is emotional, nostalgic, and lyrical – so much so that I was disappointed when it ended, because I wanted a longer story…just to continue living in the world painted by these words. So sweet, so stunningly classy. I’m so lucky to have stumbled across this short piece. It remained in my mind long after I finished reading. That’s what you want a story to do. Thanks so much.”
Buy the digital book on Amazon
This is G M Barlean’s Cozy Mystery series set in a fictional midwestern small town called Rosewood.
In all three books, Gloria Larson, the small town of Rosewood’s Newspaper editor, seeks information about her biological family. She learns a lot, not all of it good, and along the way finds plenty of trouble. She’s a magnet for mayhem. But, the best part of her search has been finding the Thorns—four feisty older women who keep Gloria on her toes.
In the three part novel, Casting Stones, James Raven needs saving. Poor choices, guilt and desperation, trap him in a marriage he doesn’t want to survive. Salvation comes in its own good time, and with a heavy price. Bloodstained hands bury secrets deep in the Loess Hills of Missouri. What have we done? Stones now cover their tragic past, yet the question remains? How long can a man hide his sins?
Review5.0 out of 5 stars This Should be a Best Seller, May 10, 2012
By unknown Amazon reviewer, “Wow, Wow, Wow, this is a great book. Very well written fast reading but an absolutely incredible, unbelievable (but yet very believable) story. The reviews and synopsis refer to “one mistake”. However, in actuality, was it a mistake or fate?
At first I thought this was a “Christian” book because of the title and reference to parts of the Bible. But not so. This is a very graphic, in the gut story. Good job to the author and I look forward to her future works. I hope more people read this book.”
Recipes for Revenge: a Four-Course Novel, is Four short stories laid out like a meal: appetizer, salad, entree and dessert. Recipes included…but this is NOT a recipe book. These are humorously dark tales of women pushed too far and men who get their just desserts.
A Definite Indulgence, Review By Kay Bratt on September 6, 2012
“I found this author during a moment of curiosity seeing something she’d posted on a writer’s forum. I’m glad I gave in to my nosy nature because I love the style of writing she uses! With her latest release, you will indulge yourself in just the right combination of sass, suspense and just desserts while immersing yourself in ‘Recipes for Revenge’. The novel is broken into a series of four thrilling short stories, making it the perfect solution for those who want to get to the good stuff without reading 400 pages in one stretch. Would I recommend this book to my friends? Yes–and I have!”
In the book, Dead Blow, a woman’s doorbell rings. She’s alone and frightened. Can she trust the man at the door? She lets him in, but something…a memory…troubles her.
The next morning, a shed is on fire, a man is bludgeoned to death, and a dead blow hammer stained with blood lies at the dead man’s side. The woman is missing. The question is not who done it…it’s what will the killer do next, and can small town sheriff Dewey Truet stop him in time?
Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars, Smashing Hit that will Blow you away
By C. Stastny Books on February 24, 2013
“This is my 3rd Barlean book I’ve read, and I’ve been captivated by each. Dead Blow did not disappoint. This book, like her others, has dark and sinister undertones, with an antagonist that makes your skin crawl. One of the things I like best about her books is that she really delves into the villain’s thoughts and past, making it easy to connect with them and understand what led them to their evil present. With Jackson Samuels, she mastered this technique. I found myself wanting to cry for the man one minute, and then wanting someone to blow his brains out the next. Yes, beware going into this book–it is the Goliath of roller coasters for your emotions. It was a treat to meet and get to know each of the characters in this book, although I’ll give you another warning–hard things happen to them, which is why you’ll experience a lot of highs and lows. There is sweet, petite Elaine, do-gooder Sheriff Duey Truett and his feisty wife, Lisa; there is the talented Dr. Gordon Fletcher, slinky Suzanne, and doughnut-eating Deputy Redley. From Page 1, I was hooked into the mystery of Elaine’s state of mind…and the author kept my heart pounding clear to the end, either cringing for her characters, or wondering what I or others I love would do in the same circumstances. Dead Blow is literally a smashing hit. It will blow you away and hold your mind hostage long after you finish reading it.”
You are a writer who likes to be alone with your thoughts while you create the stories bouncing around in your busy mind. But remember—anyone can write a book, but you must write the best book you can. You’re competing with thousands and thousands of writers trying their hardest to win the race to the reader’s dollars.
What do you need to do to be a real contender? BUILD A WRITING TEAM! Face your inner-entrepreneur and change out of your yoga pants to do some real social-networking. Building a support team is not as complicated as you think. It just takes time and a shift in your mind-set. Stop wondering how everyone else is finding success. You’re the boss of your career, so act like it. Take charge and move your writing life forward!
Friendly, Helpful, and Positive, March 13, 2015 By Jayne P. Bowers
“Anyone who wants to improve her writing will benefit from the advice in this book. Helpful and positive, the author touches on subjects ranging from the importance of finding a critique group and networking to developing a thick skin and rising above mediocrity. She includes several words of wisdom from various writers, all of which are instructive and interesting.
I purchased this book for my Kindle, and the investment has proven to be well worth the money. The author reminds the reader that parents know that part of raising children is raising them in such a way that the rest of the world will love them too, and then she compares that process to writing a book. A book is a creation too, and the writer should make the writing disappear so that all the reader notices is the story.”
Thanks to G.M Barlean, I know know the difference between a generative writing group and a critique one, what ARC readers are, and the importance of having a thick skin.”
Moments of Clarity is a collection of humorous essays originally written as blog posts on her blog of the same name. The stories are about the simple life and memories of a farm wife from middle America. These short stories will make you chuckle and touch your heart. Enjoy these stories about childhood, family and life.
Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic, Heart-warming, and Funny!
By US Golf Girl on October 16, 2014
“Everyone has memories of grand people in their lives. Barlean has taken those memories and made them into something well worth my reading time. Being an avid reader, I always appreciate it when an author cares enough about their craft to hone the work; think about what they’re doing and what they’re wanting to get across. MOMENTS OF CLARITY has some wonderfully funny stories peppered with words of wisdom . . . not every story has a moral, but I appreciated each. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this collection of blogs and can’t wait to get my teeth into other works that she’s written.”
G. M. Barlean 