Sergei Kourdakov, a former KGB agent and Soviet naval intelligence officer, defected from the USSR at the age of twenty. A year later we met at my Federal Government office in Washington DC. We were watched and followed. “Even you could be spy,” Sergei whispered. My book, A Rose for Sergei, is the true story of our time together.

Wednesday, June 24, 2015

A Captivating Story That Imagination Could Not Invent . . .


I’ll admit to being a diehard fan of romance books.  When it comes to selecting a book to read, “Romance” is always my first choice.  However, there are times I’ll switch over to Mystery/Thriller, Memoir, and Autobiographies.  But Sci Fi?  Never!

It’s true what they say about “never say never.”  Something you never, ever thought you would do...you end up doing.  Following is my accidental journey into Science Fiction.  I joined an Indie Authors Group on GoodReads, a website for authors and people who love to read.  After reading some helpful marketing suggestions from Owen, a successful writer and experienced author, I decided to contact him directly.

Owen R. O’Neill is a Science Fiction writer.  He’s also a physicist and amateur historian who spent most of his career in the intelligence community.  I was looking for some marketing ideas for A Rose for Sergei, and I had a hunch that my true story about a Soviet KGB defector might capture his interest.  As busy as he was, Mr. O’Neill responded to my inquiries with patience and good advice, for which I’m grateful.  He even took the time to read my book.

Thank you, Mr. O’Neill, for the wonderful review for A Rose for Sergei:

“Moving and trenchant, this memoir about a most unexpected encounter that led to an improbable romance at the height of the Cold War is both heartrending and heartwarming.  Told in a straightforward and unflinching style, Ms. Kidd chronicles her relationship with Soviet defector Sergei Kourdakov in prose that is immediate, unaffected, and poignant.  It is a captivating story that imagination could not invent, but two hearts did.”
Highly recommend. – Owen R. O’Neill, Author

I absolutely love his last sentence...a captivating story that imagination could not invent, but two hearts did.  I don’t know about you Mr. O’Neill, but I have a feeling there’s a “Romance Writer” in you yet!

* * *

Unbeknownst to Mr. O’Neill, I took a look at his first book in the Loralynn Kennakris series, The Alecto Initiative, co-authored by Jordan Leah Hunter.  I read the description on Amazon and was intrigued.  I ventured further, baby steps mind you, to read the first chapter on the Amazon site.  From there I was hooked.  And then I bought my first ever Science Fiction book!  To my surprise, I will be finishing the series.  It’s that good!  To find out more about this series and other books, I recommend you check out Pleiades Web Press.  Included in the “recommended” section on this website is another write-up by Mr. O’Neill for A Rose for Sergei.


Monday, June 15, 2015

A Simple Tale of Love and Loss | Sergei Kourdakov


A few weeks ago I received a message on GoodReads from a book blogger in India offering to review my book.  It’s always wonderful to hear from readers . . . surprisingly so when the reader is a recognized blogger.  Book bloggers are inundated with review requests; it’s understandable and typical to never hear back from them.  Needless to say, Jan’s request to review my book definitely made my day!

A voracious reader and talented writer herself, Jan’s review for A Rose for Sergei brought out some very interesting points. As you read part of her review below, please note that “Sam” was the nickname given to me by co-workers.

Review:

“Throughout the book I had to keep reminding myself that this story is not a work of fiction but a real life account, for such was the writing.  The writer, Ms. Kidd, transported me to her world back in the 70s through her compelling writing.  Needless to say, the characterization was perfect.  She never ventured into telling about the person that Sergei was before defecting.  That is the best part of the whole book.  She simply didn’t give room for the readers to judge Sergei for the person that he was before defecting.  Sergei and Sam are poles apart, yet they find love.  The fact that Sergei was a . . .”

“A humorous, profound and simple tale of love and loss.”

Rating:  8/10

To find out Jan’s shocking discovery, skip over to her personal blog A L'OUEST (Post date:  June 8, 2015).  You will not want to miss her interesting and humorous take on A Rose for Sergei.

Thank you Jan (Shree Janani) for your wonderful review!