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October 12, 2025

After Fifty: A Cigar

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: After Fifty: A Cigar 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Edo Cruz ✍️
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After Fifty: A Cigar by Edo Cruz is a captivating read. The story centers on Dantes Cruz, a fifty-four-year-old man who has been smoking since he was twenty. While living in France, he learned to appreciate the finer things in life — the best cigars and the finest rum. Although he left Cuba long ago, Cuba never truly left him.

Even his French wife, Isabelle, cannot fully grasp his deep connection with cigars. Dantes simply wishes to be remembered as a man who knew how to choose a good cigar.

The book brims with raw wisdom and life changing revelations. Its thought-provoking insights make it both meaningful and memorable.

Edo Cruz beautifully draws readers into the rich world of Cuban tobacco, offering glimpses into its culture and craftsmanship. I came away with a deeper appreciation for the cigar stories. Pick up this book without hesitation — it will make you ponder your choices, the life you lead, and how you want to be remembered.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

Book is available on Amazon

October 12, 2025

Montecristo: The Legend

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Montecristo: The Legend 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Edo Cruz ✍️
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Montecristo: The Legend by Edo Cruz is a truly distinctive read. The story opens in Paris, where Dantes Cruz and his friend Sandro share a bond built over fifteen years. Their friendship began in Geneva during the most prestigious Habanos auction of 2010. One day, they receive a mysterious invitation to a secret tasting event in Portland. Along with the invitation comes a small flask bearing the emblem of the Menéndez family—the original founders of Montecristo.

The event coincides with the equinox, marking the anniversary of the Montecristo brand’s founding. Sandro observes that whoever orchestrated this knows not only their shared love for Habanos and rum but also the intimate details of their past adventures. The Legend is more than just a habano—it is a key that unlocks long-forgotten doors. To discover where this mystery leads, you’ll have to read the book yourself.

It’s an engaging and well-paced story, and I particularly enjoyed the author’s world-building. The cover image is appealing, and the title fits perfectly. The book is concise enough to be read in a single sitting. I’m impressed by Edo Cruz’s thoughtful choice of title and theme. Readers who enjoy stories steeped in the world of cigars will find this one especially rewarding.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

Buy Book on Amazon

October 8, 2025

Voices through Time

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Voices through Time 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Kerry Edwards ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
Voices through Time by Kerry Edwards tells the poignant story of a young woman named Anya, who leaves her home in Ukraine and travels to Verona, Italy, seeking a fresh start. She believes she can find healing and transcendence through literature and poetry. Verona, a city rich in history and immortalized by Shakespeare’s tale of the “star-crossed lovers,” becomes the backdrop for her journey of rediscovery.

Upon arrival, Anya finds solace in a cathedral, where she meets Father Gregory, whose warmth and kindness deeply move her. Carrying only a few belongings—clothes, toiletries, and her cherished books—Anya is haunted by the loss of her love, Igor. Her family disapproved of him, fearing his ambitions would take her far from home. To make ends meet, Anya begins helping with cleaning and washing at the cathedral, and Father Gregory, in his generosity, arranges a cleaning position for her there while encouraging her to volunteer at La Casa Giulietta. His compassion becomes a guiding light in her path toward healing.

Will Anya ever find the peace she seeks? Voices Through Time is a heartfelt and hopeful story about letting go of past pain and embracing new beginnings. The book’s cover beautifully complements its tone, and the narrative reminds readers that peace is possible when we choose to heal. A truly engaging and uplifting read.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

October 8, 2025

All Our Yesterdays

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: All Our Yesterdays 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Kerry Edwards ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“All Our Yesterdays” by Kerry Edwards is a captivating and deeply engaging read. Set in 1990s New York, it follows a twenty-three-year-old woman trying to find her footing in a new job, a new city, and a new country.

Living on a modest income in midtown Manhattan without family connections made life financially challenging. Her closest companion, a gay friend named Ali, encouraged her to embrace her true self. She also went on a date with a Frenchman named Giles, though she longed for the familiarity of native English speakers. Her boss, Susan, had a kind and intelligent husband, a beautiful home outside the city, and an art studio in Soho filled with her personal collection—an image of the stability the narrator quietly aspired to.

This beautifully written book reminds us of the importance of letting go of the past at the right time. It encourages readers to free themselves from the weight of hidden memories and unspoken secrets. The narrator’s journey shows how the past can shape—and sometimes haunt—our present. I truly enjoyed this book and found the title “All Our Yesterdays” perfectly fitting for its themes.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

October 5, 2025

At Least I’m Trying

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: At Least I’m Trying 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Tara Hodgson ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“At Least I’m Trying” by Tara Hodgson is a gripping and emotionally charged read. The story centers around Reese, who has been passionate about volleyball since she was ten. Her best friend is Willow, and Gabe has been in love with her. But after a devastating mistake during a game, Reese not only loses her confidence—she also sees her dreams crumble before her eyes.

Among her teammates is Cassie, who, despite being more focused on sexting than sports, manages to stay on the team because of her personal connections. As the story progresses, Reese meets Liam, and from that moment, her life begins to change. I could deeply relate to Reese when she overlooked the warning signs in her relationship with him. The question lingers—what dangers await her next?

This is an engaging and relatable story for teenagers, adults, and parents alike. It highlights how easily someone can be influenced when their bond with their parents is strained. Tara Hodgson’s book serves as an eye-opening reminder for parents to stay connected and aware of what’s happening in their children’s lives.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon for Pre-order

October 5, 2025

The Night Girl

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Night Girl 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: James Bow ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
The Night Girl by James Bow is a captivating read. The story follows Perpetua, who arrives in Toronto with just $500 in her pocket, determined to start a new life. On her first day in the city, she meets Fergus, a kind taxi driver who offers her a discounted (or even free) ride to help her get started.

Perpetua urgently needs to find a job—otherwise, she’ll have to return to her overbearing mother. Luckily, Fergus points her toward a potential opportunity that seems perfectly suited to her skills. But when she goes for the interview, she’s astonished to discover that her interviewer is a goblin and the position is far from ordinary. The agency she’s applying to specializes in job placements for goblins and trolls. What will happen when the veil between worlds begins to lift?

This is a refreshing story that kept me hooked throughout. The title fits perfectly, and the cover design complements the tone of the book beautifully. The pacing is excellent, and Perpetua’s character is thoughtfully developed. I especially enjoyed reading Fergus’s journal entries—they added warmth and depth to the narrative.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend The Night Girl to fellow readers.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

October 4, 2025

Citizen’s Awakening

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Citizen’s Awakening 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Canyon Holgate ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
Citizen’s Awakening, written by Canyon Holgate, is the first installment in the Citizen’s Trilogy. The story centers around Kat Holt, an identical twin who is married to her best friend, Damon Holt. During a gender reveal party, Kat accidentally cuts her hand with a pair of scissors—but moments later, the wound mysteriously disappears, completely healed.

Kat later approaches Senator Rockford, seeking a waiver or some form of exemption from the mandatory genetic marker testing. She is adamant about not participating. However, the Senator insists the test is necessary, as officials are eager to understand how Kat is expecting triplets in a time when many women struggle with infertility.

As Kat hides her extraordinary ability to heal herself, the suspense builds—will anyone uncover her secret?

The storyline kept me on edge throughout, constantly wondering what would happen next. It’s a gripping, fast-paced read that I couldn’t put down once I started. The author’s world-building is vivid, and the pacing adds to the book’s intensity. Overall, Citizen’s Awakening is an engaging and thoroughly enjoyable read.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon for Pre-order

October 4, 2025

Once A King, Now A Prince

𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀, 𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮 𝗱𝗲𝗮𝗹.

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Once A King, Now A Prince 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Ira Blacker ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
Once A King, Now A Prince is a raw and powerful true story about family dysfunction, the mob, sex, drugs, and Rock ‘n’ Roll. It chronicles the life of the author, Ira, who endured and survived a deeply troubled childhood. From a young age, he suffered abuse from his father and emotional neglect, especially after his father brought his daughter from a previous marriage into their home.

Ira’s journey took a darker turn when he was admitted to the Psychiatric Ward at Kings County Hospital — an experience so terrifying that it affected him physically. Yet, it was in that place that Ira began learning hard-earned lessons about survival. Later, on the recommendation of psychiatrists, he was sent to Hawthorne to escape his abusive home environment. After spending more than three years in isolation at Hawthorne Cedar Knolls, returning home felt like stepping back into a war zone.

This memoir is not just about trauma — it’s about resilience, recovery, and growth. Ira’s story spans from his tumultuous youth to his later ventures in business and investment, offering readers insight into his remarkable transformation.

I binge-read this book; it’s an emotional rollercoaster and a testament to human endurance. I deeply admire the author’s courage in sharing his story and his determination to rise above a painful past.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

Book not available yet, but more info on website https://onceakingnowaprince.com along with sample chapters.

October 4, 2025

Welcome Home

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Welcome Home 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Gina Romero ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“Welcome Home: A Guide to Homemaking, From the Heart” by Gina Romero is a truly special read. This heartfelt guide offers practical and inspiring tips for creating a home filled with purpose, peace, and style.

Gina’s insights on landscaping and gardening are particularly impressive, and her advice on home and physical organization is both useful and easy to follow. She beautifully explains the true essence of interior design and how to craft a space that reflects one’s personal style.

I especially enjoyed her recipe for Mediterranean Orzo Pasta—it took me just 20 minutes to prepare, and my family absolutely loved it! The author’s approach to homemaking has genuinely inspired me to keep my home more organized and thoughtfully designed.

I highly recommend this book to Christian women, as it offers valuable, faith-rooted guidance on homemaking. Gina has truly done a wonderful job with this book.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

October 3, 2025

Interview with author Kerry Edwards

Q1. Hello, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.

A1. I am Kerry, I came to my writing as a place of refuge from a career in fashion and a decade spent in New York as a designer. I wanted to be able to speak about all of my observations on the people I have met and the places I have experienced. I am a yoga instructor and these two activities support each other as my writing comes from a place of calm and stillness and this is hard to find without the yoga. I have two wonderful grown up daughters and I live close to the sea in the South of England.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “Voices through Time”?

A2. The key challenges are as with any writing project, how to keep the voice authentic and populate the story with enough detail to hold the readers attention.
kerryedwards.net

Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?

A3. I read as widely as possible but the writing of Elif Shafak is profound.

Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?

A4. I think anywhere in nature is nurturing for me but cities and beautiful libraries inspire me too. The libraries in Oxford are places of magic!

Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘All our yesterdays’?

A5. All our yesterdays is an episodic fictionalised memoir of my life as a single young woman living in NYC in 1990s. It is the memories of the love, laughter, anxiety and personal growth that I experienced in those ten years of my life.

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘Voices through Time’?

A6. Voices through Time took me a year to write.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

A7. I sell my novels on Amazon.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘All our yesterdays’?

A8. The cover for All our Yesterdays was made for me by a friend. I think she found a photograph that does look like the younger me and the mood of the photograph captures the mood of the novel so well.

Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself.

A9. Keeping writing fresh relies on reading all around the subject and widely so that you hear many voices. I also push myself to think about style and structure and this requires writing exercises.

Q10. What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing?

A10. The most important advise is from Stephen King who said it is a myth to imagine that authors know what they will and are writing about, you just need a daily habit of writing and a clear space and dedication.

Kerry Edwards on Amazon