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Finding Her Voice in Capital City: A Tale of Politics, Love, and Transformation
In January 2010, Calista Caldwell, a recent journalism graduate, arrives in Capital City, stepping into a world far removed from the one she knows. Thrust into the high-stakes political arena as a political assistant to the seasoned councillor Ralph Mastronzo, she faces a daunting challenge: balancing her career ambitions with the pressures of a male-dominated field.
As Cal navigates the treacherous waters of city politics, she finds herself torn between the demands of her career and her personal life. Struggling with the all-consuming nature of her new environment, she forms an unexpected bond with two colleagues who become her temporary found family, providing the support she needs to survive in a political world that feels increasingly foreign as she neglects her other personal relationships.
But as the municipal election year unfolds, the relentless pace and harsh realities of the political world push Cal to her limits. Will she rise to the occasion and transform into the woman she's meant to be, or will the cost be too great?
Join Cal in this coming-of-age story that explores the tension between career and love, the transformative power of friendships, and the resilience needed to thrive when you're a fish out of water.
In the Shadows of Power: One Woman's Fight for Truth and Love
After a transformative experience in Outlandia, Calista Caldwell returns to her high-pressure job as the trusted political assistant to Councillor Ralph Mastronzo. While everyone around her is settling down and starting families, Cal remains single and career-driven, finding solace in the familiar chaos of politics.
But beneath the polished surface of power, darker secrets are lurking. When Cal stumbles upon a trail of suspicious activities linked to her boss, she faces an impossible dilemma. As she digs deeper into the web of deception, she uncovers unsettling truths and finds unexpected allies, including one friend who may mean more to her than she ever realized.
With her life on the line and everything she holds dear at risk, Cal must navigate a treacherous path where the line between right and wrong blurs into a murky gray. As an unlikely hero, will she have the courage to take on this powerful network? And will she live to tell about it?
Join Cal in this gripping coming-of-age tale that explores the power of friendship, the courage to stand up for what's right, and the unexpected paths to love.
Campaign in Capital City: A Fight for Justice
Calista Caldwell is back, and her mission is more urgent than ever. In Campaign in Capital City, the final book of the three-part series, Cal steps into the political arena, determined to dismantle the corrupt powers that prey upon the vulnerable. With the stakes higher than ever, she faces ruthless adversaries and personal sacrifices, but she won’t stop until justice prevails.
Coming mid-2025—pre-order now at the special early-bird price and be among the first to experience Cal's powerful story of resilience, justice, and transformation.
But beneath the polished surface of power, darker secrets are lurking. When Cal stumbles upon a trail of suspicious activities linked to her boss, she faces an impossible dilemma. As she digs deeper into the web of deception, she uncovers unsettling truths and finds unexpected allies, including one friend who may mean more to her than she ever realized.
With her life on the line and everything she holds dear at risk, Cal must navigate a treacherous path where the line between right and wrong blurs into a murky gray. As an unlikely hero, will she have the courage to take on this powerful network? And will she live to tell about it?
Join Cal in this gripping coming-of-age tale that explores the power of friendship, the courage to stand up for what's right, and the unexpected paths to love.
This book is energetic and rapid paced. The characters are believable and the dialogue is on point. Avant has tapped into the zeitgeist of 21st century 20 somethings.
As the book opens, the reader observes a crystal clear, authentic, and highly relatable scene of young working women looking forward to a shared experience of pop culture. B
This book is energetic and rapid paced. The characters are believable and the dialogue is on point. Avant has tapped into the zeitgeist of 21st century 20 somethings.
As the book opens, the reader observes a crystal clear, authentic, and highly relatable scene of young working women looking forward to a shared experience of pop culture. But it is not only the 20 somethings that this author portrays so accurately.
From our first encounter with Ralph, we know exactly who he is, in all his boorish mediocrity: “I like Cali better. I’m going to call you Cali”. As if Councillor Mastronzo isn’t creepy enough, we later encounter Wayne Turner. Every woman in the western world has stories about the Ralphs and Waynes she has encountered, and nearly all of us have had the phone conversation shared by Cal and Brigid.
Avant has a knack for describing places and spaces in perfect clarity. I feel as though I could navigate the inner hallways of City Hall and not get lost; I’d just look for the painting of the cheetah.
Her description of Cedarmere Street leading down to the lake reveals not only a sleepy neighbourhood, but also Cal’s interior landscape. This book is a delight.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I was hooked as soon as I began reading this fast-paced story about a young woman, Calista “Cal” who is short on cash. Cal needs a job and a paycheck ... and she needs them fast!
While “Cal” has a journalism degree, she has no idea what she is in for when she accepts the position of political assistant to the municipal councillor
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I was hooked as soon as I began reading this fast-paced story about a young woman, Calista “Cal” who is short on cash. Cal needs a job and a paycheck ... and she needs them fast!
While “Cal” has a journalism degree, she has no idea what she is in for when she accepts the position of political assistant to the municipal councillor, Ralph Mastronzo. From the first minute of the first day of her new job, Cal finds herself at the beck of call of her new and incredibly demanding boss.
Amazingly Cal, rising to the occasion as she puts all of her energy into keeping up with her new job and with Ralph’s demands and expectations. If you have ever wondered what it is like working on a local political campaign, Consumed in Capital City is a great example. Cal works hard to get her job done regardless of some of the unreasonable demands put upon her. Cal’s social life has suffered in that it has pretty much become non-existent.
Cal is a go-getter and completely dedicated to her job, so it seems more than unfair that she should have to experience some of the seedy side of politics. Unfortunately, Cal has to wrangle her way around rich and powerful men, who might be well deserving of a thrashing for how the political assistant is treated.
I highly recommend Consumed in Capital City. This was a fast-paced, satisfying read and one I won’t forget.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️++
Will Calista learn to wade through the sexism that is pervasive throughout Capital City politics, or will she cave under the pressure? Before the MeToo Movement, Consumed in Capital City is an eye-opening account of one woman’s journey from journalist graduate to political assistant on the staff of a municipal councillor. Yes,
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️++
Will Calista learn to wade through the sexism that is pervasive throughout Capital City politics, or will she cave under the pressure? Before the MeToo Movement, Consumed in Capital City is an eye-opening account of one woman’s journey from journalist graduate to political assistant on the staff of a municipal councillor. Yes, this is a fictional story, but it’s rooted in truth. Ask any woman who enters the political arena, and she will tell you a story like our heroine, Calista. I couldn’t put Consumed in Capital City down and it’s one I recommend every person to read.
The narration is equal parts emotional and descriptive. N.G. Avant hauls the reader into the story through exquisite narration. The emotional tension is taut with just the right amount of drama. The details are lush and tangible. Every thought, taste, touch, and experience are described so the reader becomes a part of the story.
What makes Consumed in Capital City such an incredible piece of fiction is the writing. I’ve read scores of books over the years, and none came close to the instinctual reaction I had to this book. So much emotion poured out of me as I read this book. It’s a worthwhile reading experience. Sure, I had a book hangover, but it’s worth the pain for such a relevant story. Highly recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readers are ushered into an intriguing political world where Calista and her team are forced to maneuver through a web of deceit, political confusion, lies, cover-ups, secrets, and shocking plot twists. The pacing, character development, and dialogue are impeccably done and fit the dramatic sequences perfectly. Each character is
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readers are ushered into an intriguing political world where Calista and her team are forced to maneuver through a web of deceit, political confusion, lies, cover-ups, secrets, and shocking plot twists. The pacing, character development, and dialogue are impeccably done and fit the dramatic sequences perfectly. Each character is believable and draws readers further into this highstake political thriller. This plot keeps you guessing. Just when you think you have figured out who is involved in the corruption that transpires (and their individual motives), there is another twist that will immerse you even deeper into Calista's investigation. I enthusiastically look forward to book three to discover the final outcome. I am certain that fans of political intrigue centered around strong and capable women will also eagerly await the next installment in this thrilling series.
- Readers' Favorite Reviewer
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Raised in a quaint lakeside town in southern Ontario, N.G. Avant moved to Ottawa, Ontario as a young adult to realize her childhood dream of residing in Canada’s capital, which was built on the traditional un-ceded, un-surrendered territory of the Anishinaabe Algonquin People. She has a post-secondary education in journalism and worked in
Raised in a quaint lakeside town in southern Ontario, N.G. Avant moved to Ottawa, Ontario as a young adult to realize her childhood dream of residing in Canada’s capital, which was built on the traditional un-ceded, un-surrendered territory of the Anishinaabe Algonquin People. She has a post-secondary education in journalism and worked in municipal politics for more than five years, an experience that sparked the inspiration for her series.
Avant always felt like a misfit among misfits. Diagnosed with dyslexia at a young age, she didn’t realize she was neuro-divergent until her 30s. Now, she embraces the many gifts it brings, including her quirky personality.
Avant is a proud intersectional feminist with English, Scottish, and Mexican heritage, she understands the importance of embracing diverse identities and experiences. She believes that we are all connected by our humanity and the human experience.
Avant, is a millennial single mother to three wonderful daughters, has a love of animals, a passion for trusting her intuition, and supporting the creation of a more equitable world where everyone has an opportunity to thrive. Avant seeks to highlight the experiences of marginalized communities through her writing. While some progress has been made, there is still more work to be done.
It’s time for change.
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The traditional unceded, unsurrendered territory of the Anishinaabe Algonquin People now known as Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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