In addition to writing and selling my fiction novels and poetry books, I am now exploring hand lettering, a newfound passion that complements my work in literary fiction and short stories.
In the mood for something new? Looking for a blind book date featuring the latest fiction novels? You’re in the perfect spot to explore not just captivating literary fiction and short stories, but also the art of hand lettering and beautiful poetry books.
My fiction novels, including Turnstiles and Beyond the Summer Grass, as well as my poetry books and short stories, are available for purchase. You can easily buy my works on Amazon at Amazon.com: Andrea McKenzie Raine: Books, Biography, Blog, Audiobooks, Kindle. I also have signed copies of my literary fiction novel A Crowded Heart, along with my poetry books A Mother's String and A Year of Mornings, which you can purchase through the PayPal button in my online shop. Feel free to message me on my Facebook author page if you'd like to discuss purchasing any of my fiction novels or poetry books.
FEBRUARY 24 is set to feature a poetic opener by Andrea McKenzie Raine, whose work has been celebrated not only in poetry books but also in her fiction novels and short stories. For more on her literary contributions, visit http://planetearthpoetry.com/.
San Diego Book Review How many times have you walked down the street and had a serendipitous moment, thinking it lucky to have stumbled upon something, caught a glimpse of a familiar face, or engaged in conversation with a complete stranger only to feel connected to the person they’re discussing? Turnstiles by Andrea McKenzie Raine takes you through the lives of Willis, a self-imposed vagrant, a criminal defense lawyer grappling with personal issues, Martin, and a prostitute named Evelyn; the woman who seemingly ties everyone’s story together. The premise of this literary fiction may seem simple at first glance, yet through her writing, Raine takes on the persona of each individual, feeling their pain and suffering. The seamless transitions between characters and their locations captivate the reader. We often find ourselves in an emotional quandary, quick to judge others without knowing their story, revealing the synchronous nature of our lives. Turnstiles is a masterfully crafted narrative that provides poetic justice to the many facets of society many of us overlook, affirming that Andrea McKenzie Raine is a very gifted and talented writer. 'Raine handles a long list of characters with dexterity, offering credible emotional histories.' -- Kirkus Reviews A Crowded Heart – San Diego Book Review A Crowded Heart | Kirkus Reviews Kirkus Review (May 26, 2016) -- A soldier struggles with the psychological impacts of war in this historical fiction novel. 5 stars -- Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite. Willis Hancocks is not the type of person who can serenely accept a mediocre lifestyle, and his town feels too small for his dreams. With firm determination, he joins the army at the outset of WWII, but the reality of war is fraught with cruelty, compelling the ambitious young man to find ways to hold himself together before he falls apart amidst a tumultuous world. A Crowded Heart serves as a symbolic title for this engaging story of a man filled with pain, love, and dreams, showcasing what it takes to aspire for greatness. The question remains: is Willis Hancock truly sculpted for the kind of success he envisions? Andrea McKenzie Raine possesses a rare gift for prose and plot, opening her story amid action and engaging dialogue between the protagonist and a nurse in a hospital. The characters are well-developed and convincing enough; many readers will find Hancocks to be particularly interesting as he navigates one hardship after another, offering perspective on his life. A Crowded Heart can be interpreted as a well-crafted philosophy of self-actualization, a tale of a man who dreams and dares to follow his aspirations, yet the price he pays may provoke sadness among readers. Streams of consciousness throughout the text allow readers to connect with the protagonist, while a commentary on war captures interest. The action is intense, and it’s fascinating to watch the protagonist build meaningful friendships, fall in love, and reach the brink of losing everything. I thoroughly enjoyed the ride; the philosophy behind the book resonated with me, and the prose is crisp and tight. This story is well-crafted, instructive, entertaining, and a reminder of how far a dream can propel a man. Star Rating: 5 / 5 -- Seattle Book Review A Crowded Heart by Andrea McKenzie Raine provides a dramatic look at a young man's life and the impact of his choices on those around him. Willis Hancocks, a Canadian, believes there is more to experience in the world. Against his parents' wishes, he joins the Canadian Army and heads to Europe, leaving his family behind in prayer for his safe return. Though he escapes injury, he makes a friend named Sam, who becomes a rock for him throughout the war and beyond. During his R&R, he meets the art student Ellie at Cambridge and eventually marries her. However, the Willis who returns from the war is not the same person who left—a common fate for many soldiers. After surviving World War II, the most significant battles he faces may indeed be the ones locked deep within his memories, affecting his marriage and the choices he made along the way. A Crowded Heart, despite its WWII setting, resonates with many soldiers, military families, and friends, as Raine addresses the harsh realities of war, illustrating how boys become men shaped by haunting experiences. She eloquently narrates the journey of one man whose war experience follows him home, ushering in challenges to what should be his normal life. This touching story, filled with well-written characters, is a five-star novel that is moving, thought-provoking, and profoundly impactful. Reviewed by Amy Synoracki Seattle Book Review. Willis, a Canadian soldier during WWII, finds himself smitten with Ellie while on leave. Their marriage occurs too soon after the war, compounded by the survivor's guilt that haunts Willis. Raine's novel is skillfully written, though some subplots meander longer than necessary. The characters are well-crafted, and the most compelling aspect is Willis's transformation—from a sympathetic character to one whose narcissism can dampen readers’ initial empathy.
