Detour on the Eternal Road

by – John W. Howell

The plan was to read an advance copy of Detour on the Eternal Road, do some drawings of Sam and do a pre-release promo post. Well, I took a wrong turn in Albuquerque, hit a detour and missed the print release.

So the road trip, of a post lifetime, passes through Albuquerque? Well, no, but it does pass through 1881!

Resa –  John, Detour on the Eternal Road is set in the past, present and possible future of earth’s history and in the possible eternality of existence. You animate eternity’s goings on with non-haloed, wingless angels helping to guide souls to their eternal home. The adventures are  informative, but mostly harrowing. 
Yet, through “it all”*, the message remains uprightly positive. I’m not talking about the ending, per se, but the body of your story. Is this purposeful, or unconscious?

John – I have always carried a positive attitude regarding life. It is no surprise to me that this comes through in my writing even in the most dire of circumstances. You mention the ending which I don’t want to spoil for folks is an example of this positivity. It does rain a question about how much responsibility each of us has to take for the existence of evil on this Earth.

Hello! I’m Sam. When not on the road guiding souls to their eternal home, I’m at home on my cloud.

CLOUD WEAR is a custom wardrobe designed especially for me by Resa, who at this point remains earthbound.


Resa – Do you, or did you ever have a crush on Sam?

John – Sam is an agglomeration of every woman for  whom I have had the honor of having feelings. Of course, I love her.

PRESENTING – CLOUD WEAR

Resa – Without preaching any religion, you metaphorize good and bad/evil with god and the devil. In the story our protagonists, Sam and James angels, are presented moral dilemmas.
What say you to the idea that I think you are speaking to man’s “better angels”?

John – I think you have figured out the fact that I believe there are angels that walk among us. I also believe we all have inside of us the ability to behave as if we have been anointed with title ‘angel.’ On the corresponding side we all can be perfect devils at times. The control of the dominate characteristic is left up to how we were raised and our perception of what constitutes goodness.

ResaSo John, this is the third book in the Eternal Road series. I’ve read the first two and this one seems, in its fictional light, more politically predictive than the other books. It seems a pejorative on the future, on behalf of mankind’s progeny. Can you speak to that?

John – Since my books are written in the present tense it might appear as if there is a perjoritive view as the reader moves through the action. Quite the contrary the story attempts to provide human kind with a tool that can be used to continue the species forever. Yes we have to look at nuclear war as a possibility, but the essence of the story which is repeated is that all mayhem is preventable.

The one pejorative view that I will raise my hand to is the increasing dependence the average person has on Government. I believe in the government being representative of the people and not an entity that exists for itself.

“Lincoln’s Bedroom” in the White House.

What does this have to do with Detour on the Eternal Road? We go to the White House?

Yes, but which wing and what rooms ?

Below – A Made to Scale Replica of the East Wing

The replica is 60 feet long & 20 feet wide. The Artists, Historian John Zweifel and his wife Jan, took 25 years to complete it. It includes all furnishings. The clocks tick, flags wave, phone rings and TV’s work.

Looks fab when you enlarge it!

On Its 200th Birthday in 1992 – This to scale replica of the East Wing of the White House was presented in a special issue of LIFE magazine.

1 - First Lady's Dressing Room
2 - President's Bedroom
3 - Family Sitting Room
4 - Yellow Oval Room
5- Treaty Room
6 - Lincoln Bedroom
7 - Lincoln Sitting Room
8 - State Dining Room
9 - Red Room
10 - Blue Room
11. Green Room
12 - East Room
13- Library
14 - Map Room
15 - Diplomatic Reception Room
16 - China Room
17 - Vermeil Room

On the Left: Legend to all 17 rooms in the East Wing

I think you can enjoy this book without reading its predecessors. However, certain questions will come up, such as this question I asked John after I read the first book.

So, if you are thinking of jumping straight to book 3, you might want to read a few of the Amazon reviews on the first 2: Eternal Road & The Last Drive. OR read my Out-of-the box reviews.

Or read the books.

Click covers of Eternal Road or Last Drive & go to John’s Amazon page, where you will find these, their reviews & many of his other books!

To buy a print copy of Detour on the Eternal Road click on the above cover.

John W. Howell

“it all”*Read the book and find out!

343 thoughts on “Detour on the Eternal Road

  1. What a fabulous interview and review. I thoroughly enjoyed the thoughtful Q&A and Resa’s artwork. Congratulations to John!

    I can’t imagine spending so long recreating the White House. A labor of love. Melania will probably redecorate it all in black.

    1. Thanks Merril!
      I try to ask questions others might not think of.
      Yes, Yay for John!
      That White House blew me away. I’ve hoarded that magazine for years, waiting for a moment to use the article. Yes, all black, or more likely, just ignore it altogether.

      Thanks for reading and your cool comment!

    1. Thanks about my gown drawings, Eunice! I take that as high praise from an artist as wonderful as you.
      Blue eyes and blonde hair, a beautiful combo. 🌟😀

  2. Pingback: Resa McConaghy – Costume Designer – Honors Detour on the Eternal Road | Fiction Favorites

  3. Oh Resa. This is a beautiful post and you have honored Sam so well. Well I should say you have honored me as well. Your questions were so thought provoking and insightful that I had to think a while before giving my answers. I love the White House replica. In fact I wish I had it while writing the book. I thin it might have made my job easier for sure. Thank you so much for not only reading Detour on the Eternal Road but spending your creative time designing so many lovely gowns for Sam. I know she will be pleased to wear them for eternity. 🐂

    1. Dear John,

      Yay! I’m thrilled you like it. Did you get why I named the last gown “Surprise”?

      I loved the book, and making the drawings and post was fun. I’m happy you thought my questions were thought provoking. I try to ask questions that others wont ask during other reviews/interviews.

      Yes, that White House article is very cool. I’ve had that magazine for years, waiting for a reason to use it in a post. I think it’s pretty cool!

      I thank you for writing “Detour on the Eternal Road”,and wish you all the best for many sales!
      ⭕️❌

      1. I may be wrong but I thought the name “Surprise” was reflective of the ending in the book. If I’m wrong, it’s because my view is a little skewed toward the book right now. This post is absolutely stunning and all the elements work to paint a beautiful picture of you as an artist and a friend. I so appreciate you. ⭕️❌

        1. Aww, lovely comment John!
          Of course the ending is a “Surprise” as we have not given it away.

          I suppose on a basic basis, the “Surprise”is that you hadn’t seen it until the post.
          It was half done before the great hand incident. I kept trying to finish it, but the “hand’ kept making mistakes.

          I kept fixing the mistakes, more “hand” mistakes, and ended up with a gown that was a surprise to me as well.

          I was going to call it “John’s Surprise”. lol

          Hey, thank you so much for the FAB repost! My gowns look wonderful, and that you mentioned Helen Mirren is a big treat.

          Yes, we are artists and friends! It’s a wonderful thing.
          👼𝔛 👼𝔛 👼𝔛

          1. Aw. Your “Surprise” name is better than mine for sure. If you woud. have said “John’s Surprise” i would have gotten it. Thanks for all your hard work. I hope your hand is improving. ⭕️❌. It is a wonderful thing.

    1. Thank you Ada!
      I love drawing gowns. John’s character, Sam, was the perfect victim/model for a collection. So much fun! I have enjoyed all 3 books in the series!
      💖🌹

    1. Thank you Jean Marc!
      I really enjoy doing these posts. They are not normal book reviews, but they are a lot of satisfying fun!
      I love drawing gowns! My hand should be healed enough soon to continue drawing my next series of gowns, which are inspired by Tissot’s engravings of the “Women of Paris” xx

    1. Thank you for your lovely comment GP!

      The “Eternal Road” series has been a lot of fun. It’s very cool that I got to decide that Sam has green eyes and honey hair.
      Take care!

    1. Trent, you are a doll for reading the first 2 reviews. 🎵
      I hope the post helps John’s sales a bit.
      Anytime I am inspired to draw is a bonus. 😀

  4. Resa – Cheers to you for taking the time to promo John’s latest book. Your drawings of Sam are wonderful – and she’s quite the babe! 😉

    John – Congrats on the new volume in your series. I applaud your commitment to writing! Loved the interview and learning more about your personal side. Cheers to the many angels among us.

    1. Thank you for the lovely comment, Frank. Resa certainly has a way with her creative talent and insightful questions. I think the combo works very well in giving readers an idea of the story as well as a deeper understanding of the behind the scenes thoughts behind it. Her gowns are lovely and I’m so grateful for her talent. Yes, cheers to the angels all around us.

    2. Thank you dear Frank!
      I adore the entire series, and Sam is inspirational.
      Lol… yes, she’s an angel, a fashion angel. She is one of the many among us!

      Cheers!

    1. Thank you for your support, Tim. I am very thankful for Resa’s talent and that she chose my book to feature today. The gowns are lovely and the questions reflect Resa’s commitment to detail. All in all deserving of a big hug. 😁

    2. I love asking questions that I think others won’t ask. The answers are always insightful.

      Sam’s new collection of gowns was lots of fun to draw!
      Thank you for this lovely comment T.W.!

    1. Thank you, Dave!
      It was a fab read, especially after reading the first 2 books.
      Thanks about my designs!
      I’m hyped about the next collection I’ve started (when my had gets better). I feel I’m once again mini surpassing myself. I have been to see a Tissot exhibition, and have been wildly inspired.

  5. Cool that you designed cloud wear for Sam! The dresses are lovely, and the sundial on her wrist is a brilliant idea. I also enjoyed the interview for a bit of background behind John’s book series.

    1. I agree, Dave. The sundial was a touch of genius. How else would one tell time in paradise. Certainly Earth based clocks would be meaningless in eternity. I thought that touch was exceptional. Thank you for the words of support.

    2. Thanks for dropping by and about Sam’s collection, Dave! I was wondering if anyone would notice the sun dial? Yay, you did!

      I adore doing interviews. A few good questions can yield some insightful answers.
      Be well!

    1. Thank you, Dan for your good wishes. You said it quite well. I too enjoyed seeing Sam in the lovely gowns and enjoyed the questions that Resa raised. Resa is so talented that to be here is an honor for sure. 😊

    2. Thanks Dan!

      Yes, may John sell lots of books.
      Thrilled you like Sam’s new gown collection.
      Guess I’m obsessed with gowns. It’s a kind of a drug for me.

      Take care, and I can hardy wait for the weather to ease up, so I can maybe find another door for the spring write!

  6. Timothy Price's avatar Timothy Price

    Great interview. So many people take a wrong turn in Albuquerque. Others get started in Albuquerque and never leave. I agree completely that the government should represent the people and not be the master of the people. Your drawings are wonderful, as always.

    1. Thanks for the compliment, Tim. The credit goes to Resa, of course. I got lost in Albuquerque once. I was there to accept a job offer and while sitting with the future boss, the offer was rescinded. Was the strangest visit to a place ever. I’m gald Resa got out of there. I am so grateful for this post and visits from folks like you that I can’t thank Resa enough. Thanks to you, again.

    2. Thank you Tim!
      I actually read something the other day about so many taking a wrong turn in Albuquerque. Although Bugs made the saying famous, it is a very specific geographical reference.

      After the 1937 realignment of highway US route-66, Albuquerque’s Central Avenue became the east-west main road through the city.
      Driving west on Central Avenue towards the city’s Old Town district, the road bends slightly right and northwest. The road eventually comes up to a junction, and drivers are faced with choices at the intersection of what are now Central Avenue and Rio Grande Boulevard.
      A right turn takes drivers away from US-66, northbound towards Santa Fe.
      Jig slightly left, and drivers continue westbound on US-66 towards Arizona.

      I find this fascinating! Is it correct?

      Thanks about my drawings, Tim! Hopefully I’ll be back at it in a couple of days! xx

      1. Timothy Price's avatar Timothy Price

        That is pretty accurate. I just sent you a screen shot of that intersection and bend in Old Route 66. Albuquerque now has the Big-I, which is the intersection of I-40 east and west and I-25 north and south. Traffic from all ends of the country pass through Albuquerque.

    1. Ahh, Liz, I like that – a “Performance Book Review”.
      Thank you!
      I should re-categorize!
      I like interviews. The answers are so revealing.
      This is a lovely comment, Liz! Yahoo!

    1. I think Resa outdid herself, Layla. She designed the gowns and the questions. She also had the brilliant idea of bringing in the White House replica. When readers visit the White House in the book they will appreciate Resa’s idea. Thanks so much for your lovely comment.

    1. Thank you so much Esther. Resa is so creative and this post shows that creativity. Her questions cause me to think before answering which is a refreshing way to go. I appreciate your visit here and the nice words.

  7. D.L. Finn, Author's avatar D.L. Finn, Author

    Great interview! I love Sam’s new wardrobe too! She will be the best dressed in eternity. I love this series and not only the hope but how thought provoking it is 🙂

    1. Ahh, the Best Dressed! Yay!

      Yes, the hope. Where would mankind be without hope? There are many in the world right now, and hope is what they have.

      Thank you for your lovely, sincere comment Denise! 🌹

  8. What a wonderful interview. I love the questions and answers as both are thought-provoking. I loved the first two books in this series and looking forward to this one. Resa’s depiction of what Sam might wear is amazing! Congratulations, John! Hope you have a wonderful tour!

    1. Thank you so much, Jan. Resa puts a tremendous amount of work into her projects and this post shows her dedication to detail. I was gobsmacked to learn she sews all her gowns by hand such is her commitment to the environment. I loved seeing you here and thanks again.

      1. Yes, thank you for pointing out the “hand sewn” John!
        I understand many think gowns are frivolous, or for the privileged, but I truly am using them to make a statement.
        They have been worn for a few events and photo sessions. Still, a STAR needs to say I’m going to wear a trash to treasure gown, instead of a Designer Label gown.

    2. Thank you, Jan!
      I did try to ask John some introspective questions. I was thrilled with his answers.

      I love drawing gowns, and Sam makes a great model, and presents a cool theme.

      I hope John has a fab tour, too! 🌹

    1. Thank you, Darlene. I could see Dam wearing these gowns and the rest of the angels asking here where they came from. Could you see Resa being designated as the Couturier to the Angels? I sure can.

    2. Thanks Darlene.
      I mean surely even if you live on a cloud …especially if you live on a cloud, you need cloud gowns.

      I just couldn’t see her in sports wear! 😉

  9. Resa and John – you are a brilliant duo. This collaboration is amazing, creative and demonstrates the power of creators coming together. As always, this is my second time around and I know I will be back again to view the art, and read the ideas and comments.

    Resa – this was a wonderful way to showcase of John’s book, “Detour on the Eternal Road.” Your art entices us open the book to engage more fully with the material. John – you challenge us to think and consider different dimensions of existence!!! Exciting stuff!!!

    A fantastic post!!! Thank you!

    1. You have to know that Resa was the force behind the post. All I did was write the book (which is retrospect seems like the easy part). Resa designed the gowns and formulated the questions. As you know as an interviewer, it is really the questions that inspire the answers. Such is the case here. Thanks you so much for your supportive and lovely words Rebecca. They mean a lot.

      1. Rebecca’s words do mean a lot.
        She is like the curator of an art gallery, or museum, or library or something.

        Her appreciation and sharing of the arts is an art unto itself.
        Ut’s been an honour to have been on TT&T twice!

    2. Aww, Thank you Rebecca!
      I love collaborating, as you know.

      We have something coming in a couple of weeks, and I’m excited about that!

      Thank you so much for being a pillar of support to our blogging community!

      Your podcasts are A+, and have introduced me to many. Your love and dedication to the arts is inspiring.
      HUGS!

  10. Good gravy (dating myself, I know) you two, you pulled out all the stops here and now I’m hoping for it to come to screen! Seriously, it has all of the makings and you crushed it now only with Johns prelude to you but in how you delivered and entice in your interview. Of course Sam has blue eyes, lol!… I always go for blue but married a hazel eyed guy so there’s that and a smart move to let the reader find their way.

    And the characters and gowns and you in yours.. sooo cool. I’m left wanting to read and rent on of your gowns, Resa but wherever would I go!
    Great job and kudos to you both~! 💗💓💃🏻🕺🏻

    1. I love the phrase “good gravy,” Cindy. It was a family favorite while I was growing up. I agree with all you have said about Resa’s ability to create a post that begs the reader to take every bit of it in. She pulls out the stops and the end result is an experience not simply a read. I am grateful to her for this post and as you can imagine Resa put an immense amount of energy and creativity into it. Thanks again, Cindy for your support.

      1. Nothing like a warm meal and post like this one for sure and she sure did and you did a great job highlighting her gifts and talents as well! I’m excited about your book and know it will do great!!! 💓 You’re so very welcome!!! ❤️

    2. U like gravy..veggie gravy. 😊 No dating there!
      YES, Johns’s prelude is spectacular! I’m thrilled to bits.

      My hope, Cindy, is that one day a famous star will wear one of my gowns to a red carpet event. I’ll lend it for free. It’s not about the money. It’s about themessage.

      What a great comment you left! You are the Bees Knees! 🌹🌟💖💙

      1. Hahahaha. It’s so awesome and I can feel it is in your bones.. What a wonderful testament to you work and heart. I’m sure it will happen!!!
        It was well deserved.
        I wonder how gravy and honey would go together… lol ❤️🥰🐝

  11. What a fabulous artistic dialogue between you two and a wonderful introduction to John’s book. Resa, dahling, your drawings amaze me.

    Bravo to both and all the best John on your book!

    xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

    1. Thank you so much for those well wishes. Marina. As you know, Resa is the creative genius behind her wonderful posts. I jumped at the opportunity to be featured here and am so glad I did. Resa went way beyond my expectations and I’m so grateful. All the best to you and thanks again.

    2. I loved doing the drawings. I am wildly excited about the AGMs project I already started drawing, inspired by Tissot’s etchings -“The Women of Paris”
      What a fabulous exhibit that was.

      U too wish John MULTO success with this book!

      xxxxoxoxoxoooooooxooxoxoxoxooxoxoxoxoo

  12. Jeez, Sorceress… you sure you posted today? I got a cramp in my finger trying to scroll down to the comment box!!

    As we have come to expect from you; you have gone a giant step more than the regular interview of this, third and just as fabulous book in the series.

    I love your rendition of Sam and I love that you realised that John does not describe his characters in detail, leaving your imagination to run wild with abandon with you do so well, being a Sorceress of the Cloth, of course.

    You could always get a sideline on interviewing authors and reviewing their books… Just sayin’

    xoxoxo 🧚🏻‍♀️🌟 xoxoxo

    1. Ah Dale. You took the words out of my mouth before I said them. Resa would make a fabulous interviewer. Her questions give pause and suddenly the thought process kicks in and you realize that the question goes a little closer to the bone that first imagined. It is a wonderful experience exposing one’s soul to one so talented. Thank you so much for your support on the Eternal Road series and for your supportive words here.

      1. Absolutely. She is original and if she makes the interviewee think, all the better! I can only imagine being interviewed this way. And you know it. I’m a big fan!

    2. Your finger, my brain!
      It’s quite the deal keeping track of comments. I see apologies for tardy replies in the future.

      Anyway, Thank you dear Thunder! I do try to do something special when I write about a book I like.

      Drawing Sam is lots of fun. Lol…. she is just as I see her! Of course, if I get to draw a gown, all the better.

      A sideline…interesting. Well, right now it’s simply a helluva lot of satisfying good times.

      As soon as my hand heals, I’ve got a new AGM collection started that I want to finish. It’s based on Tissot’s “Women of Paris Etchings”.

      xoxoxo⚡️💥xoxoxo

      1. It can be quite the difficult task and I wouldn’t worry none.

        My pleasure and I love that you do what you do!

        And yes! As John says, she is what you see and of course, drawing her in your gowns was a must.

        A wonderful sideline, I should think 😉

        What did you do to your hand? I am behind… dammit.

        xoxoxo 🧚🏻‍♀️🌟 xoxoxo

        1. Lol….dammit!
          Yes, I got a new 51/2 year old female cat, Misha.
          Poor thing is declawed.
          Her owner had dementia and his adult kids had to take hime to a care home. Over he last year he got worse and worse, slept a lot, didn’t take his meds and neglected Misha and her 2 brothers. The 2 boys bullied her and over time she became indoor feral.

          We didn’t know that at first.
          Anyway, she came here, hid, didn’t eat and more then one day I saw her in a hiding spot, and pet her. That went okay, so I tried to pick her up.

          The poor thing was TERRIFIED and gouged 6 holes into my right hand with her rear claws, a 3 second insanity.

          My hand blew up…like that joke when you blow up a rubber glove like a balloon.
          The hand was red, the fingers were purple.

          I’m on day 10 of really strong antibiotics.

          Misha is now nested in my closet in my den.
          The den is shut off from the rest of the place. She is eating regularly fr the last 4 days. Her litter finally looks like litter should.

          The vet says it will take 3 -6 months for her to love me. (deferalize)

          Haven’t been able to sew or draw. Couldn’t use the keyboard for a few days. I can now, but my hand gets tired after a bit.
          Sigh!
          xoxoxo⚡️💥xoxoxo

          1. Oh my. And of course you didn’t…

            As soon as I read she gouged your hand I hoped it would be followed by a round of antibiotics. My friend’s stepson was bitten by a kitten and caught flesh-eating disease. He didn’t go immediately to the doctor or hospital. After two surgeries in his hand he has been considered saved and will lose nothing. I tell people ALL the time to never take a chance. Jesus.

            Oh good. You just have to be patient with her, poor thing.

            Oh you poor dear. You must take the time and be patient with yourself!

            xoxoxo 🧚🏼‍♀️🌟 xoxoxo

    1. You say the nicest thing, Monika. Thank you so much for the compliment and my red face. I can’t help but blush when I think of the quality of this post and the work Resa put into it. So gal you can see it too. Thank you again, Monika it was a pleasure seeing you here.

    1. Thank you so much for the lovely comment, Miriam. Resa did what could be termed “an extravaganza” with this post. It took my breath away and for it I am so grateful. Also, thank you for the support you have shown on this series. 😊

    1. Thank you, Annette. Yes if you ever are tempted to remarry this would be the place to find a wedding gown. On my post, the photos of Resa are in a reimagined wedding gown. She could certainly make you an original. Thanks again for the support and lovely words.

    2. Thank you Anette!
      LOL! There is not a big need for gowns, but I’m using them to send an environmental message through my art.
      I hope a Star who supports sustainability one day choses one of my gowns over a designer label!

  13. Oh my gosh, this is BRILLIANT! Having read the first two books in the series I can see the characters and see how great the clothing is that Resa is drawing for Sam. And I love her questions and your answers, John. I’m pre-ordering!

    1. Thank you so much, Pamela. I have to agree this post is brilliant and Resa is the genius behind it. Her creativity knows no boundary. I trust you will enjoy the third. Thank you, Again for the support and kind thoughts.

            1. Yeah I don’t know why it came up Canada. The link is supposed to key off the person’s home country. I’m going to be forced to send different ones out to those hosts in the UK if a click from the US goes to the UK site.

              1. I don’t know what to think, because sometimes the computers are thinking for us.
                It’s like text Spell-Check. Often it comes out Spell-Mistake.
                I’ve got to double check the message because it often decides on the strangest corrections!

  14. I heard all kinds of hints about this 3rd book but failed to see something definitive until now! Even John wouldn’t answer my probing question. Lol. Now, I have something to look forward too. This inside peek into John’s view of the book and the nature of good and evil only added to the suspense as did references to the “non-spoiled” ending. Beautiful cloud wear for Sam too, Resa. Between the discussion and your drawings, you hit it out of the park. Congrats, John, on the new release and I’m looking forward to the read.

    1. Thank you so much, Diana. Yes the third book is here. You will be hearing much more as we move through February. I have a tour beginning on the 1st. It is short but will give folks an idea of what to expect. Resa did ht it out of the park and I am so happy with what she created. Thank you for stopping by and leaving us with some good feelings.

    2. Diana,

      Oh yay, so it is a pre-release promo post of sorts!
      I think John will be plugging more when the ebook comes out, which is really soon? Feb. 7.

      I love thinking up not often asked questions for writers. The answers are always insightful.

      Thanks about the post, my drawings and the park I hit it out of. That means a lot to me!

      I look forward to the review on your blog! xx

  15. Detour on Ethernal Road as well as the other books, Eternal road and Last drive sound very interesting and intriguing. This was a very interesting presentation and interview. I just bought Detour on Ethernal Road from Amazon. I realize that it would be better to read the other two first but as I understand it stands well on its own. Thank you to the both of you.

    1. Thank you, Thomas. With the ending in Detour you might get curious as to what went on in the other books . You will, however not be lost and will find the story to be contained enough so there are no hanging questions. Thank you so much for your support.

  16. I loved the conversation with you both Resa and John… And I too believe in Earth Angels…. And I like what John said about leaving the description up to the readers mind…..

    Lovely gown art Resa…. and we certainly need a few Angels on our detours down here on Earth… 🙂 to guide us through the present into the NOW 😉 …

    Much love to you both….. ❤ xx ❤

    1. Thank you, Sue. You never know what form an angel can take here so as we move through life there are many opportunities to interface and render a kindness. I appreciate your good wishes and love message. Thank you again.

      1. Agreed John… I have met a few good earth Angels in my time here on Earth… I had a wonderful neighbour who pasted away in May last year… She was 86, but I had known her for almost 40 years. She raised money to build the local hospice and then she served as a volunteer in that hospice for 30 years, Angels come in all shapes and sizes, and we never know when we may meet one that helps bring a smile .. ❤ Thank You.. x

    2. I’ve been a fan of Sam since book 1. Earth Angels …. yes!

      Ahh Sue, yes, the NOW is definitely on a road of detours.
      I just saw that NOW backwards is WON.

      We will win the now!

      Much love to you!
      💖🌹💙🌺

  17. Yikes, I almost missed this post! Resa, I always love your sketches, but you’ve outdone yourself with this Cloud Wear collection for Sam. Your interview with John is deeply mindful. Kudos.

    John, congratulations on this novel and on this lovely feature post. I like when books in a series can stand alone. Although my main thought is “Why not start at the beginning when they’re all such terrific reads?” Hugs all around.

    1. Thank you, Teagan. Regarding starting at the beginning of a series I agree. Life however gets in the way for some people and time becomes a premium. I would hope everyone starts at the beginning but for those who can’t I give them a story they can enjoy. Who knows? If they read this one and given the ending, there might be some questions on how it all began. I’m so glad you could visit and thanks again for the good wishes.

    2. It sure was fun drawing the Cloud Wear collection. Fortunately the drawings were done before the “incident” with poor Misha.

      Thank you about the interview. I try to ask questions that I think no one else will.

      I hope John sells lots of this book, and that it stimulates more sales for the first 2.
      HUGS!

    1. Yes! Could Wear.
      Well, John stared it with his character “Sam”.
      Thanks for reading, Debby! I know you are busy with your book right now, and I
      appreciate you taking the time to visit!

      HUGS! xo💖🌹

  18. It seems to be an exceptional novel, and you have enhanced it magnificently with your illustrations!

    👏💖🤗
    By the way, it appears that John Zweifel and his wife have undoubtedly done a commendable job (Zweifel is a German term for doubt!). 😉😅🤙

    1. Dear Aladin,
      Thank you about my illustrations!
      I really enjoyed John’s book.
      🌟👍
      Now that is interesting. Zweifel is a term for doubt. So… creatively speaking…doubt built the house.
      Anyway, it really is a masterpiece of the miniature world.
      Thanks for reading, and I hope you are feeling better!
      🌟💖🌹xx

  19. Hi Resa, what a beautiful post. Your depictions of Sam are wonderful and I love her outfits. I also enjoy this series and I have preordered John’s new book. I was painting a trio of girls in evening wear today and I thought of your gowns. They inspired me.i don’t usually paint people, except when I do 😉😁

    1. Thank you, Robbie!
      I saw those 3 gowns. I love the painting…love!
      As you can see I’m back on my Art Gowns blog. I still lumber clumsily between the 2, but…I try!

      I’m tired of working on my new post, so think I will go lie down and read more of your book!
      💙💙xx

      1. I like your art gowns posts very much but I can see they take a lot of time and effort. I’m glad you liked the watercolour painting of the girls. I do see improvement with my watercolours but I’m never sure about the. I hope you are enjoying mom’s memoires.

        1. Thank you, Robbie!
          Your mom…brilliant!
          I will do a post about the book. I have several posts planned for my Glam blog, then your book. I’m still reading it. I am a turtle reader.
          Now that my hand is almost healed, I’m starting to sew and draw again. YIPPEE!!!

          1. Hi Resa, I know not being able to draw and sew much have been really hard for you. It would be hard for me not to be able to cook and paint. I’m glad you are enjoying While the Bombs Fell. It is by far my most popular book.

  20. This is a terrific review/ interview! Congratulations John, you gave a wonderful series of books here. Thank you both for a fantastic look and interpretation of what we can expect to get out of these characters and the plot. Sounds magnificent!

    cheers to you and Resa, this is awesome.
    xoxoxoxoxo

  21. Oh my gosh, what a brilliant and entertaining review, well done, Resa. Thank you, John, and congratulations on another book in your series. It sounds extremely entertaining and informative at the same time. Great question about the eyes, we all love a great set of bewitching eyes, indeed. Presenting Cloud Wear – these are positively stunning sketches and perfect for cloud wear. I love them all.

    1. Thanks Joni!
      My reviews are not normal. I don’t know how to do that. i just talk about the book, chat with the author, and add some art!
      Sending love! xoxo

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