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December 13, 2023

Name’s Keeper

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Name’s Keeper 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Melissa R. Mendelson ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“Name’s Keeper: A Small Collection of Short Stories” written by the author Melissa R. Mendelson is an interesting read.

My favorite story from the collection is “The Body in the Trunk”. The story is set at Red Lit Diner. The main character of the story is a sheriff. On a red stool beside the counter, there was a stranger. The woman was checking the contents of her trunk and people saw her.

When the sheriff did inquire about what was in the trunk and why it was there, the woman warned the sheriff to not touch her. Ignoring the warning, when the sheriff touched the woman, he realized the truth. Read the story to know more about it yourself.

The stories are gripping and spooky. They are short and you could enjoy one story at a time. The plot of these stories is well built by the author. I enjoy reading Melissa’s stories. Her writing style is great and that makes her books unputdownable.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

December 13, 2023December 15, 2023

Interview with author Rosie and Perry Tobin

Q1 Please introduce yourself so that the readers will get to know you better.

A1) We are a couple from the southwest. We have 4 children and 7 pets. We enjoy the countryside with all of the different farm and wild animals. Learning new things and reading all different kinds of books is always fun for us, although I prefer educational literature while Rosie prefers horror mainly, which I tend to stay away from! She loved teaching our children to read with the Biff & Chip collection, we both remember them keenly from school.

Q2 What is your inspiration behind your book “The Magical Adventures of Diesel The Husky”?

A2. One day about a year ago, Diesel had been unwell and not himself at all, and Rosie was beside herself. Luckily, he was fine after a trip to the vets, but it did dawn on me that one day, when we do say goodbye to him, that is it. So we decided to breed him, and now we have his little girl, Deja. So we always have his line with us. But as you can imagine, even though you have his line, it’s still not the same. So I decided to try and immortalise in his own special way, something that shows Rosie he will always be there to comfort her, in his cartoon form having the most incredible adventures.

Q3 When did you realize you want to be an author?

A3. I don’t think we knew until we was! When we was deciding how we was going to lay the story out, we loved the idea that they should be for our children. So that we could share the memories with them and Diesel while they was still young. It was them who told us to try and get them published. We have had so much fun working together, creating the illustrations, new stories and adding our other pets as the books go on, that we couldn’t imagine doing anything else.

Q4 Please tell us something about your book “The Magical Adventures of Diesel The Husky”?

A4. The first book starts with Diesel, a Siberian husky who just loves to run. He comes across a crystal that gives him Magical powers, such as super speed. Throughout the series he discovers more, but for now he is just enjoying being the fastest Husky in the world! He quickly realises that he can help others in need. In reality is the most adoring, gentle little soul, so it was important to us that his character was just as compassionate on the page.

Q5 For which age group is your book “The Magical Adventures of Diesel The Husky” suitable for?

A5. They are perfect for new readers. We couldn’t give a precise age, as you may know I (Perry) have dyslexia so people can learn to read at any age. Reading my daughters bedtime stories was something I wasn’t able to do until Rosie came along, so from my point of view all ages. And honestly we have had so many parents reach out and say how much they have loved story time with their children reading Diesel’s story. Especially when they see his photo on the back.

Q6 What is your favorite Quote?

A6. That would be Steve Irwin, “I believe that education is all about being excited about something. Seeing passion and enthusiasm helps push and educational message.” But then you do have Robin Williams, “No matter what people tell you, words an ideas change the world.”

Q7 What do you like the most about your country?

A7 Everywhere you go has its ups and downs, good and bad. The nature is beautiful, I’m not sure people appreciate the simplicity of the country. We have some stunning areas of natural beauty.

Q8 What suggestion do you want to give to parents of little readers regarding a reading habit?

A8. Kids love to read the same books repeatedly. This is a blessing, as the books become more familiar, have your child read it with you, then to you. Them memorising a short story, will teach them to recognise certain words before they go to school. It’s a beautiful technique. Our son could read fluently by the age of 5, his little face when he recognised words in new books was so adorable, and his younger sister was the same, and would always ask for his help. Short stories they can memorise will do phenomenal things for your child’s reading journey.

Q9 What does literary success look like to you?

A9. Knowing that you have made even just a handful of people happy. We have had some lovely photos sent to us on Diesel’s Instagram, and just seeing that he has made so many people smile is so heart-warming. Its priceless.

Q10 Lastly, who is your inspiration in life and why?

A10 Perry: I have a few, Sylvester Stallone, from Rocky to Rambo. He is still so humble and one of my all time heroes.

Ricky Gervais, not just his comedy, but how he is with animals is exactly what this world needs. Rosie introduced me to his shows and stand up. And as a family animals mean so much to us, and we feel that they aren’t as protected and cared for as they need to be. And being such a huge name, he brings hope that people will start to feel and think more like he does. He’s just incredible.

Rosie: That’s a tough one! I agree with Perry! But I would have to say Rik Mayall. From a child I absolutely loved him, still do. Even if things were really dark, Rik’s films and shows never failed to make me laugh! I’ve always tried to keep that in mind. When people are at what feels like their lowest, I try to make them laugh somehow. Like he did for me, in the most simplified, beautiful ways. We lost a true genius there.

Buy The Magical Adventures of Diesel The Husky on Amazon

December 13, 2023

Violet the Witch saves Halloween

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Violet the Witch saves Halloween 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Courteney Montgomery ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“Violet the Witch saves Halloween” is an interesting Children’s book written by the author Courteney Montgomery and illustrated by Mia Lloyd. The main character of the story is Violet who lives in Hallows Town. In this town, every day was Halloween. One day when Violet got outside her home, she noticed everyone including the pumpkins were sad.

Everyone has lost their Halloween spirit and Violet was determined to spread lots of Halloween cheer. She made the autumn leaves fall from the trees, made spooky costumes, and brewed a batch of pumpkin soup. Still, the Halloween spirit of the people didn’t return. Read this spooky story to know what Violet would do finally to bring the Halloween spirit back.

In this book, Violet the witch takes the readers on a spooky adventure. This book educates little readers about Halloween. The illustrations are mind blowing and make the story lively. I loved the author-illustrator duo work in this book. Parents should definitely add this book to their children’s bookshelf. I enjoyed every bit of this book.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

December 11, 2023

Gauchos, God and Great Expectations

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Gauchos, God and Great Expectations 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Alexys V. Wolf ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“Gauchos, God, and Great Expectations” written by the author Alexys V. Wolf is a book worth reading. This is an autobiography through which the author is giving insights to readers on how they can deal with and heal from their past. Many of us are broken by the hardships and challenges given by life. Through this book, the author wants us to become whole from our broken versions.

The author has shared her own experiences in this book that she faced as a young girl and as a woman. Her parents were crushed individuals and their past had an impact on their marriage too. The author had many crises and a broken arm incident by the age of six. The author has shared the traumas she had while growing up and how desperately she wanted to fit in. Alexys has shared different stories and lessons from her life so we can understand the direction of her life.

I appreciate the strength and the warrior spirit of the author. Her story is inspiring. Those who are interested in reading stories involving marriages, divorces, miscarriages, anger, rejection, renewed joy, etc should get their hands on this book. The author’s story is a testament to the faithful love of God. The author has mentioned how she has great expectations of God’s hand moving swiftly through her life and the life of her family.

This is a must read. It is an engaging and insightful read that I strongly recommend to my fellow readers. I am grateful to the author for sharing her journey with us. Her story has enhanced my faith in God.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

December 11, 2023

Proportional Revenge

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Proportional Revenge 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: David G. Williamsson ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
Proportional Revenge written by the author David G. Williamsson is the first installment in the Chique series. The story features a woman named Chique who was having an affair with her boss. While growing up, Chique was abused by her own father in the absence of her mother and elder sister.

When Chique was with her boss on the top-floor of his office, she was disgusted when her boss touched her. Using a bottle of wine, Chique attacked him and he died. Chique decided to take help from his boss’ wife Mary. Mary has an obsession with high society. She has an addiction to a high standards lifestyle. Chique knows all of it and she decided to use Mary to save herself from being arrested. She knows well that Mary wouldn’t want her family’s name to be dragged through the mud.

Read this story to know what happens next. The cover photo of the book is nice. The title is suitable according to the story. The writing style of the author is amazing. I am interested in reading David’s other books too.

The content of this book is sensitive and it is recommended only for adult readers. Add it to your bookshelf right now.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

Buy Book on author’s website

December 11, 2023December 11, 2023

Megan and the Broken Snowflake Factory

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Megan and the Broken Snowflake Factory 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Karla Ridpath ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“Megan and the Broken Snowflake Factory” written by the author Karla Ridpath and illustrated by Susan Hassman is an interesting read. The story features a young girl named Megan. Once she looked out her bedroom window and noticed that there was no snow.

When she heard some noises coming from outside, she ran out the front door. In the bush, she saw three men who wanted to fix the fan on the Snowflake Factory. The snow from the clouds needs the wind from the fan. Megan told them she can help them in fixing the fan. Read the story to find out if she would be able to help the three men.

The storyline is interesting. The cover photo of the book is nice. The writing style of the author is amazing. I read this book in December winters and hence enjoyed the story even more. I appreciate the story writing skills of the author. The illustrations are pretty. I strongly recommend this interesting story book to kids.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

December 11, 2023

Alexa & Pup Go to the Farm

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Alexa & Pup Go to the Farm 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Lee Matson ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“Alexa & Pup Go to the Farm” written by the author Lee Matson is an interesting read. The story features a young girl Alexa and Pup. One day, they went to explore the farm. They saw a muddy big tractor on the farm. The ROAR of the tractor scared the little Pup.

Then they met noisy cows who were grazing on the grass and making MOO sounds. They also met horses who were hard to chase. Alexa and Pup couldn’t bear the smell of four smelly pigs. The pink pigs were pretty but their smell couldn’t be tolerated.

Read this book to find out what other animals Alexa and Pup would meet on the farm. I appreciate the story writing skills of the author. The illustrations are pretty and would catch kids’ attention on the first look. The cover photo of the book is attractive. Kids would learn different animal names, their sounds and more about them. Parents should definitely add this book to their children’s bookshelf.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

December 11, 2023

Interview with author Brenda Stanley

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

A1. I’ve been an author and journalist for over 40 years. I was an investigative television reporter for the NBC affiliate in Idaho. I covered the crime and court beat, which has been very helpful in writing mystery/thrillers. I have five children, including two sets of twins. I also have eight grandchildren. I live on a ranch by the Snake River in Eastern Idaho with my husband, who is a veterinarian. We have lots of animals, including horses, sheep, and chickens.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “The Still Small Voice”?

A2. I wanted the book to represent and resonate with the people who live in that part of Utah where the novel is set. There is a lot of family drama along with the murder mystery and I wanted to make sure I captured those emotions and struggles accurately.

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

A3. Jodi Picoult, Jeffrey Eugenides, Alex Michaelides, Margaret Mitchell, and many more. I feel every book I’ve read over my life has had an influence. The authors I mentioned are just a few of many.

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

A4. San Diego, California. It’s where I was born, and even though I only lived there for a short time, it’s where my family went each summer. I moved a lot as a child, and it’s the place that makes me feel at home. I love Idaho and have lived here the longest I’ve lived anywhere. It’s very different from San Diego, so it’s nice to have that contrast as well.

Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘The Still Small Voice’?

A5. I grew up in the LDS church (Mormon), and even though my family left the church years ago, I use those experiences in many of my novels. All my books are mysteries with twists, and it was the perfect backdrop for the story I wanted to tell.

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘The Still Small Voice’?

A6. It took just over a year. I took trips back to the area in central Utah where the novel is set to do research. It was a place I had spent quite a bit of time when I was young, and it’s changed so much, but the one thing I noticed was the mountains. They were obviously there when I was young, but they seemed so immense from what I remembered. They play a large part in the book- some readers have even said they are like one of the characters in the story.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

A7. The book is available on Amazon, Kobo, Barnes and Noble, and most other platforms. It’s available in hardback, audiobook, paperback, and ebook formats.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘The Still Small Voice’?

A8. The title is from a passage in the bible that those in the LDS church talk about often. The still, small voice is the holy ghost or your conscience. The story focuses on the power of shame and the use of that emotion to keep people in line with religious beliefs and teachings. I felt it represented the storyline perfectly. The book cover was designed by graphic artists, and I feel they really captured the book’s tone.

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

A9. I write what I’m feeling at the moment. Some of my stories come from things that happen or that I see going on in the world. Even my historical fiction has themes that I feel are relevant today. Being a journalist, my fiction often comes from things I’ve written about or experienced while doing the news. And many of my characters have qualities- both good and bad- from those I’ve interviewed for stories. None of my characters are based specifically on real people, but many of them have traits that are.

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

A10. I was told to keep at it even when it didn’t seem like anything would be published or read. You are sitting by yourself with only your thoughts when you’re writing. Sometimes, your stories are published, and sometimes, you spend months, even years, without anyone reading your stories. It can be lonely, frustrating, and discouraging, but I’ve never quit writing. I’ve been fortunate to have my books published and read, and that can be one of the greatest feelings in the world. It makes it all worth it. I have a screenshot of a book reviewer on Instagram hugging my novel. What could be better than that?

Buy The Still Small Voice on Amazon

December 10, 2023

Diving for El Corazón

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Diving For El Corazón 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Charlie Damitz ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“Diving For El Corazón” is a unique story that readers would enjoy for sure. There was a belief among the villagers that an ancient ring named El Corazón was lying at the bottom of the sea. Some people had the belief that the ring has magical powers but there are many who thought it to be evil.

When Paco was a young kid, he had a dream to become a cliff diver. Paco was a poor kid. By finding the ring, he wanted to rescue his mother from poverty. On his tenth birthday, when he finally found the ring, Paco only thought about himself. Soon, he felt as if he had become a prisoner of the sea. This made him throw the ring away. Read the story to know if Paco will find the ring again.

This is a super interesting story. It made me think about what I would do with such a ring if I found it. The storyline is captivating and you won’t feel like putting down this book without finishing it. Charlie is great at writing unique stories. He should write more often. Loved his work.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

December 10, 2023

The Spellbroken King

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Spellbroken King 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: J.A. Keeton ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“The Spellbroken King” written by the author J.A. Keeton is an intriguing read. The main character of the story is a twenty-seven-years old magicless human named Celeste. She was chased by a demon named Shadow. When he visited her in the dreams, she didn’t feel fear. Instead, she felt lust and desire. Shadow was Governor Markus’ demon.

A powerful witch named Gretta was at Celeste’s side. Gretta told Celeste to escape to Sapphire Falls after leaving the hellhole of a jail. She was caught by a bounty hunter Shadow. Even though he was a demon, she felt different around him. Both of them felt sexually attracted to each other. Shadow realized that she is his fated mate. He isn’t ready for a human mate and he doesn’t want to tie himself to one person for the rest of his life.

Shadow is actually Ominous, the late king’s son. His family and the king were murdered two years ago. Ominous was given the task to catch Celeste and take her to Markus’ estate.

Read this story to find out what will happen next. The storyline is interesting. The cover photo of the book is attractive. The pace of the story is fine and I wasn’t bored anytime while reading it. The characters are written well by the author. This story will stay in my mind for a long time. Go ahead with it without any second thoughts.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon