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My Own Little Place: Adventures in the Quest to Find One's Place in Life
From the depths of despair, her adventures bring to life curious mysteries, rising the Phoenix in Bronagh’s life. A brainy young woman, she needs her questions answered, like she needs gold dust. Finn’s life is barren. Does he believe romance applies to him? No he does not.Rich Celtic culture in Ireland and beyond has underlying secrets. We are lured in and want to know more.Weaving through the mazes and baffling laid down codes unlocks the doors to secrets that will empower them, hopefully positively- but who knows. There is intrigue and menace out there.But what is the right place without a decent climate and environment?They cannot help but get involved in the fight to fix it, which draws them into adventures from the US Rockies to the East Coast, a car chase, grenades and bullets fly as the Agency-world’s conflicts of interest play out in London.Will the latest tech be enough to fulfil the Quest? The ancient wisdoms, from under our noses, are sorely needed today."You are taken on a journey, you are on a quest, you have adventures……but it could be you… it could be your life…"About the AuthorStephen is, like all of us, a man on a journey in search of himself. For all of us that journey is a quest for love, power and self expression, a journey that we all hope will lead to a kind of ‘coming to oneself’, a supreme home coming in which we each find ‘our own little place’.
Stephen draws from the experience of his life's journey and powerfully expresses that quest in his writing. His first Novel “My Little Place” is like a pane of cool glass upon which the anecdotal essence of his searchings, and his conjecture upon the characters in this novel, condenses in a mysteriously refreshing way. Stephen invites the reader to join with him in a quest and a struggle that is common to us all as we each strive to find our own “little place”.The future can only exist because of the present.The present can only exist because of the past.History is our pedestal.By it – we rise or fall.Stephen Payne – October 2023
Stephen draws from the experience of his life's journey and powerfully expresses that quest in his writing. His first Novel “My Little Place” is like a pane of cool glass upon which the anecdotal essence of his searchings, and his conjecture upon the characters in this novel, condenses in a mysteriously refreshing way. Stephen invites the reader to join with him in a quest and a struggle that is common to us all as we each strive to find our own “little place”.The future can only exist because of the present.The present can only exist because of the past.History is our pedestal.By it – we rise or fall.Stephen Payne – October 2023
374 pages, Paperback
Published February 16, 2024
3 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
July 24, 2025
Stephen Payne’s My Own Little Place: Adventures in the Quest to Find One’s Place in Life is a masterfully woven tale that blends historical drama, personal awakening, and pulse-pounding adventure. Beginning with the haunting transformation of Southwick House from a cherished family home to a strategic command post during D-Day, Payne sets the emotional tone of loss and displacement, an experience echoed through the lives of his modern-day characters.
Bronagh and Finn are compelling, complex characters whose individual quests for meaning, love, and belonging intertwine with a deeper investigation into ancient Celtic wisdom and environmental urgency.
Bronagh’s fierce intellect and emotional resilience shine as she uncovers long-buried truths, while Finn’s quiet strength and self-doubt offer a poignant counterpoint. Their journey takes them from introspective soul-searching to international espionage, as they are swept into a high-stakes adventure that spans continents from the misty beauty of Ireland to the rugged wilds of the Rockies and the political undercurrents of London.
What sets this book apart is Payne’s ability to blend genres seamlessly. History, romance, mystery, and eco-thriller elements combine to create a story that is as enriching as it is entertaining. The underlying question, what does it truly mean to find one’s place? It resonates long after the final page.
Filled with cultural depth, timeless wisdom, and heart-racing suspense, My Own Little Place invites readers not just to follow a story, but to feel part of a greater, universal quest. This is a must-read for seekers and storytellers alike.
Bronagh and Finn are compelling, complex characters whose individual quests for meaning, love, and belonging intertwine with a deeper investigation into ancient Celtic wisdom and environmental urgency.
Bronagh’s fierce intellect and emotional resilience shine as she uncovers long-buried truths, while Finn’s quiet strength and self-doubt offer a poignant counterpoint. Their journey takes them from introspective soul-searching to international espionage, as they are swept into a high-stakes adventure that spans continents from the misty beauty of Ireland to the rugged wilds of the Rockies and the political undercurrents of London.
What sets this book apart is Payne’s ability to blend genres seamlessly. History, romance, mystery, and eco-thriller elements combine to create a story that is as enriching as it is entertaining. The underlying question, what does it truly mean to find one’s place? It resonates long after the final page.
Filled with cultural depth, timeless wisdom, and heart-racing suspense, My Own Little Place invites readers not just to follow a story, but to feel part of a greater, universal quest. This is a must-read for seekers and storytellers alike.
July 23, 2025
Stephen Payne is an author name you should remember if you are a reader who enjoys hearty mystery and intrigue, expansive adventures, and legacy-defining themes. These elements, and so much more, are presented beautifully in his ambitious book, MY OWN LITTLE PLACE. Bronagh as a lead character is a relatable, complex heroine and the perfect foil to Finn's despairing nature. Finding one's place on this great big planet is a feat, especially when you're a person who has big questions about so much more.
I loved the nod to Celtic history as a reader who very much wants to visit Ireland someday but hasn't been able to. That escapism element was much appreciated, and I think a lot of readers will love that, too. There's so much detail, and while the plot has opportunities to meander, I felt like Payne did an excellent job describing every setting and character arc in a way that was purposeful. Love, adventure, surprises, heartbreak, mystery, and exploration all lie within these pages as sought for forces we might all embrace if we are brave enough. I loved trying to unravel the clues alongside the MCs, to figure out how to make the world a better place by looking at the past, while also trying to figure out how they were going to establish their own footings.
Watch out reading world, Stephen Payne delivers in a thought-provoking, epically entertaining novel. A standout in my current library for sure!!!!
I loved the nod to Celtic history as a reader who very much wants to visit Ireland someday but hasn't been able to. That escapism element was much appreciated, and I think a lot of readers will love that, too. There's so much detail, and while the plot has opportunities to meander, I felt like Payne did an excellent job describing every setting and character arc in a way that was purposeful. Love, adventure, surprises, heartbreak, mystery, and exploration all lie within these pages as sought for forces we might all embrace if we are brave enough. I loved trying to unravel the clues alongside the MCs, to figure out how to make the world a better place by looking at the past, while also trying to figure out how they were going to establish their own footings.
Watch out reading world, Stephen Payne delivers in a thought-provoking, epically entertaining novel. A standout in my current library for sure!!!!
July 25, 2025
My Own Little Place is an inventive, genre-blending adventure that pairs heartfelt introspection with fast-paced mystery and global intrigue. At the heart of the novel is Bronagh—a brilliant, searching soul rising from despair—and Finn, a reserved and reluctant figure who’s unsure if life has anything extraordinary left in store for him. Their intertwining paths ignite a compelling quest that’s as emotional as it is action-packed.
Set against the rich backdrop of Celtic culture, the story explores deep questions about belonging, purpose, and truth. Payne brings Ireland vividly to life, grounding the reader in a land steeped in myth and ancient wisdom, while also expanding the journey across continents—from the quiet of the countryside to the chaos of car chases and covert operations in London and the United States.
The narrative is both mystical and modern, weaving codes, ancient secrets, and environmental urgency into a tapestry that feels entirely relevant today. There’s a beautiful balance of romance, suspense, and philosophical reflection. As Bronagh and Finn uncover answers that stretch across time and borders, readers are invited to ask their own questions: Where is my place in this world? What am I called to protect or uncover?
My Own Little Place is more than just an adventure—it’s a deeply thoughtful exploration of what it means to come alive, to fight for meaning, and to embrace the unknown. Stephen Payne has crafted a thrilling, soulful tale that lingers in the mind and stirs the spirit.
Set against the rich backdrop of Celtic culture, the story explores deep questions about belonging, purpose, and truth. Payne brings Ireland vividly to life, grounding the reader in a land steeped in myth and ancient wisdom, while also expanding the journey across continents—from the quiet of the countryside to the chaos of car chases and covert operations in London and the United States.
The narrative is both mystical and modern, weaving codes, ancient secrets, and environmental urgency into a tapestry that feels entirely relevant today. There’s a beautiful balance of romance, suspense, and philosophical reflection. As Bronagh and Finn uncover answers that stretch across time and borders, readers are invited to ask their own questions: Where is my place in this world? What am I called to protect or uncover?
My Own Little Place is more than just an adventure—it’s a deeply thoughtful exploration of what it means to come alive, to fight for meaning, and to embrace the unknown. Stephen Payne has crafted a thrilling, soulful tale that lingers in the mind and stirs the spirit.
July 22, 2025
Stephen Payne’s first novel in his “My Own Little Place” series is an ambitious journey weaving together Celtic mythology, wartime legacy, environmental activism, and a modern-day coming of age romance. Set against the evocative backdrop of D Day–era Southwick House and mystical sites across Ireland and the US Rockies, the story follows Bronagh—a sharp, yearning young woman—and Finn—a man struggling with despair—who are drawn into ancient codes, spiritual awakenings, and high-stakes intrigue.
The novel’s structure is non-linear, immersing the reader in revelations that span eras and continents. Payne has combined themes of finding one’s “place” which resonates strongly—the quest feels universal, yet rooted in richly drawn Celtic lore. I greatly appreciated the backdrop for this book. However, there were times that I felt the pacing and writing were a bit slow, but that is just personal preference! The blend of genres and the emotional undercurrent make this a rewarding read for those seeking adventure with soul.
The novel’s structure is non-linear, immersing the reader in revelations that span eras and continents. Payne has combined themes of finding one’s “place” which resonates strongly—the quest feels universal, yet rooted in richly drawn Celtic lore. I greatly appreciated the backdrop for this book. However, there were times that I felt the pacing and writing were a bit slow, but that is just personal preference! The blend of genres and the emotional undercurrent make this a rewarding read for those seeking adventure with soul.
July 25, 2025
This book swept me into a whirlwind of mystery, history, and modern-day adventure. Starting with the poignant story of Southwick House and its transformation during D-Day, I felt the emotional pull of lost family roots. Then, Bronagh and Finn’s journey took over—rich with Celtic lore, environmental urgency, and a thrilling cross-continental chase. I especially connected with Bronagh’s relentless curiosity and Finn’s quiet struggle with purpose. Their evolving bond felt real and earned. With ancient codes, tech twists, and global stakes, the story never lets up. It made me wonder—what would I do on such a quest? Inspiring and thought-provoking.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews