What kind of a book is The Ladies of Karma?
It can be classified as Women’s Humorous Fiction. I was inspired by the Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum novels, but I wanted to add some warmth and depth, which I find lacking in those books. I kept the comedy, so, if you like Stephanie Plum and Co., you will surely enjoy The Ladies of Karma.
What led you to write The Ladies of Karma?
This novel is a response the injustices of poverty and homelessness I see around me. And the disempowerment that brings. I use literature to address the heartache we feel when encountering the horrendous reality of what some people have to live with. I have other books dealing with social issues such environmental destruction, bullying, and age abuse, where I tell stories through characters that readers can relate to. I also add comedy to the story telling. When at all possible, I think we need humor to lighten the load, so to speak.
How did you develop the storyline and characterization for this book?
The story is based on many of my own experiences. Take the opening scene, for instance – that was me! I really did that! OMG! Although I now live in Australia, I grew up in America, and have lived there off and on, so the character types are very familiar to me.
What reader audience are you hoping to reach?
Anyone who’s been bullied or harassed. Ever wanted to get some of your own back?
This book is a fun, entertaining, thoughtful read. It’s pretty light (except for some darker realities) so great to read in one evening. There’s a happy ending, too. You could say it’s somewhat cozy, but definitely intelligent stuff.
Any more take-aways?
I hope the book projects the idea of hope, even when things look hopeless. It’s about thinking for yourself, not being dictated to by the strictures of others, and finding a way forward. Add in compassion, camaraderie and courage to try something new, and there you have it!
Please enjoy The Ladies of Karma!
Title The Ladies of Karma – Book One a Place to Call Home
Author Karina McRoberts
Genre Women’s Fiction, Humor, Satire
Publisher Rocanadon Books
Book Blurb
Look Out Stephanie Plum, Here Come The Ladies of Karma!
Four women seek empowerment as they face homelessness and hardship in a hostile climate.
Living in an abandoned building, their combined ingenuity turns it into something very special indeed. But greedy developers threaten their beloved Tarot Café, and it’s time to get tough.
Kick-ass, feisty, smart, and determined, they try everything from boxing to elaborate spell casting learned from their respective ancestors. The ladies join forces with their knight protector, in the form of a cake-loving homeboy, along with a dog-whispering fire-fighter to thwart their enemy ̶ who turns out to be more vicious than they ever imagined.
Will he destroy their last hope, or will he succumb to their macabre spells and devious machinations?
Strike a chord for social justice and enjoy plenty of laughs along the way as you team up with the relentless Ladies of Karma!
Excerpt
Ah, the bliss of imagination… Stuck in an inner city not-so-wonderful café, a young barista accorded hers full reign.
The scent of roasting newly-crushed coffee ̶ a delight from some Middle Eastern bazaar. Intricately-scrolled brass tables, fresh mint leaves spread out on blankets, if one preferred mint tea on this sun-soaked morning. All manner of spices in glorious colored profusion. Belled donkeys clattering by. A bright blue wall, graced with the intriguing wood and gold of a recessed door, the tinkling of a fountain ̶ promising a cool oasis within…
She'd brought her coffee nearly to the boil, the very fine grounds forming a kind of crunchy froth, then gently lowered the flame. The exquisite blue enamel pot swallowed the crust of grounds back down. Then, she let it rise once more. Slowly this time. Very gently. So as to result in a sweet delicate crunch.
And then…disaster.
Her reverie shattered into oblivion.
Right in the middle of this most imperative step, the fire-maned woman of twenty-four years was compelled to cease operations.
Oh no. Not again.
Yes. Again. And, this time…
It was she who simmered now. Having finally mastered the exact precision required to make the perfect cup of Turkish coffee ̶ he was back.
Now, instead of kasbah dreams and enchanting aromas, Erin McTay gagged on the over-powering scent of ghastly male cologne.
The hairs on her neck recoiled. Even though her back was turned, she knew. It was him. The slime ball grope-ologist from the netherworld.
Erin angrily whispered to herself, "That f’in creep!" but, had the presence of mind to turn off the gas.
Strange that. A moment of mindfulness ̶ because her mind had no relationship whatsoever with what she did next. Erin spun around abruptly and round-housed the invader.
He hit the floor.
And did…not…move.
Buy Links
Author Biography
Multi-award-winning author Karina McRoberts us an avid writer in several genres. Her fiction is character rich and emotionally gorgeous; she aims to provide readers with escape, to the heights of their hearts and the depths of their souls.
Karina is also a musician, visual artist, theatre producer, and conservation biologist, who is working to convert degraded farmland back to native forest. Karina lives with her husband Bill and dog Tahshi near York, Western Australia.
Social Media Links
Author Website https://leela5chelandra.wixsite.com/chelandra