šš¼š¼šø: I Thought the Shame Would Kill Me: But Grace Set Me Free ššššµš¼šæ: Rev. Dr. Tarasa B. Lovick āļø . .
š šššÆš¢šš°: I Thought the Shame Would Kill Me: But Grace Set Me Free by Rev. Dr. Tarasa B. Lovick is a poetry memoir that traces the authorās powerful journey of transformationāfrom being crushed under the weight of shame to discovering the liberating power of grace. She also reflects on her divine calling to travel to India, a pull from deep within that guided her toward something greater than herself.
Through her poetry, the author beautifully shares the experience of encountering divine love. This collection serves as a map for healing, remembrance, and love.
One standout poem, But Now āI Amā Found, captures the clarity that comes from aligning with Godās will. In it, the author writes of moving beyond doubt and loneliness, finding herself at home in sacred light.
This memoir encourages readers to turn inward, peel back layers of pain, conditioning, and fear, and rediscover the authentic self rooted in love. The photographs of India included in the book add depth and connection to her journey, making the reading experience even more intimate and meaningful. Poetry and memoir lovers would have a great time reading this book.
Q1. Hello, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
A1. I am the author of SAVING PHOEBE MURROW and STRANGE SHAPE OF LOVE; both fall into the category of suspenseful womenās fiction and deal with the dark side of social media. My short stories and memoir have been published in anthologies and literary journals. My short and long fiction has received assorted awards, and Iām also the founder of Chrysalis Editorial, where Iāve worked with hundreds of writers. As a writing coach and editor, I have helped dozens of writers get their books published. I have also ghostwritten three peopleās memoirs.
I was born in Yugoslavia, lived in Germany, then moved to the US at age seven. I was an adventurous child, exploring my world on bike and on foot, and grew up to be an adventurous traveler and have continued on that path to discover the various people and cultures of our planet. I recently went snorkeling in Palau, an island nation in the Pacific north of Australia. What an unbelievable world lives just under the surface of the ocean! I’ve traveled widely in South America and Europe. Iāve been on safari in Africa, an adventure hike in Patagonia, numerous river cruises, and still have a long list of places to visit. India, the Galapagos, and Egypt top my list. Before my writing and editing career, I co-founded Safe Kids Worldwide, an organization dedicated to the prevention of unintentional injuries to children.
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “Strange Shape of Love”?
A2. I struggled for a bit about where to set the story and the age and career of my protagonist, Charlotte Cooper. Initially, I set the story in multiple places — the US, Istanbul, an archaeological site on the border of Turkey and Syria, London, even Nicaragua. Charlotte was in her mid-forties and a human rights activist. Some feedback from one of my publishers prompted me to rethink this. Eventually, after a couple of drafts, I ended up with a younger Charlotte, age 30, and the story mostly takes place in London, and briefly in New York. Now, I feel itās set exactly where it ought to be, and I admire Strange Shape of Love’s protagonist.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
A3. Iām an avid, even voracious, reader. I wouldnāt exactly say that specific authors have influenced my writing, but Iām a careful reader and learn from all of them, even the bad ones. I enjoy everything from literary fiction to thrillers, to memoir and some non-fiction. Ishiguro is one of my favorite authors, also love Emily St. John Mandel. On the non-fiction front, Iām a fan of Ronan Farrow and Michael Finley, and admire Natasha Tretheweyās memoir. In terms of authors who write fiction similar to mine, Iād include Kimberly McCreight, Liane Moriarity, Jodi Picoult, Paula Hawkins, and several others, whose novels I enjoy. In a sense, every author has influenced me. Even the author of the original Nancy Drew series, which I devoured as a child, and Victoria Holt novels, that I loved as a teen.
Q4. Whatās your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
A4. I donāt have a single favorite spot, but I do love nature, and the Naples Botanical Garden is a āhappy place,ā as is Big Sur in California.
Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘Strange Shape of Love’?
A5. I was shocked to learn that some people post or threaten to post nude photos of someone they once loved on social media/the internetā¦this is now referred to as revenge porn. Itās a way of getting revenge, of regaining control of the narrative of your relationship. Itās really another form of cyberbullying and sexual harassment. Two things triggered my desire to write about this. One: an incident I read about in which a couple of guys hacked into female celebrityās phones, stole their nude photos and posted them online. This was such an invasion of privacy that I wanted to write about it. Related to this was a book written by Ronan FarrowāCatch and Kill, which is about sexual harassment in the workplace, especially in the media and Hollywood. I explore these elements and bring them into the story of Strange Shape of Love. I also wanted to incorporate a love story in this novel, and also the various ways people āloveāāhence, strange shapes love takes!
Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘Strange Shape of Love’?
A6. Honestly, too long. I wrote a couple of other versions of this novel before landing on the final story, which took me a couple of years to complete.
Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?
A7. It is available on Kindle and other e-readers. Of course, the print book is also available at Amazon, Bookshop.org, Walmart, and Barnes and Noble.
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Strange Shape of Love’?
A8. The title came to me quite a few years ago. Originally, I titled the book Her Other Life, but then out of thin air, Love Takes Strange Shapes came to me and then over time I preferred Strange Shape of Love and it stuck. Jason Henderson, my publisher at Castle Bridge Media (CBM), liked it too. In Churl Yo, his partner at CBM, designed the cover. They sent it to me, asking what I thought. I loved it right away and gave it a thumbs up. Iām not sure what In Churlās process was, but I think he nailed it!!
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself.
A9. I follow the protagonistās journey without projecting too much of my own ideas onto him or her. In suspense fiction, surprising things happen. Otherwise the story can become boring and predictable. Bad guys/evil characters emerge. I was pretty surprised by how some aspects of the plot twisted and turned. And that a psychopathic character showed up on the page.
Q10. What is the most valuable piece of advice youāve been given about writing?
A10.You really have to make space in your mind and in the course of your day for your writing. It wonāt happen otherwise. Obviously. I do a fair amount of pre-writingā¦some scenes, some dialogue, some character profiles before I begin writing the novel. This was true for both Saving Phoebe Murrow and Strange Shape of Love.
Q1. Hello, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
A1. My name is Gina Romero and I’m an author, podcaster, speaker, and workshop host. I’m also a working professional, wife, mother, along with many other roles. Over the last several years I have found increased joy and peace in homemaking and have precious pearls of wisdom and experiences, tips, and guidance that I’ve now started to share with other hardworking, faith-filled mamas.
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “Welcome Home”?
A2. Timing was not my friend. I would say that timing was against me at just about every turn. Getting everything done on time for a fall launch was a wild ride, I worked day and night to make my deadline, but I also know that God’s timing is not our timing and I’m just trying to be faithful, not famous.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
A3. I’ve always been an avid reader. I’d say I’m more of a fan of books than specific writers, per se. But to answer the question, I love anything that Victoria Magazine does, and Martha Stewart’s books. I also love faith-based books written for Christian women like The Power of a Praying Wife, Risen Motherhood, and Dear Food by my good friend Julia Fikse.
Q4. Whatās your favorite spot to visit in the States? And what makes it so special to you?
A4. Probably Cambria, or Solvang, along the West Coast. Cambria holds special meaning for me because I first went on a road trip there in my early twenties with my mom, and then less than 10 years later I returned and that’s where my husband proposed to me before my 30th birthday. Anything up the California coast is incredibly beautiful, and accessible due to where I live.
Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘Welcome Home- A Guide to Homemaking, From the Heart’?
A5. Believers will know what I mean when I say that God gave me the inspiration to write Welcome Home and as I wrote and created, I realized that this is actually a budding ministry- to help demonstrate to hardworking, busy, and tired mamas that homemaking doesn’t have to be a chore, it can be a beautiful, elevated way to live and serve your family, and practice hospitality which is talked a lot about in the Bible. We’re working on our journey as the Proverbs 31 Women.
Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘Welcome Home’?
A6. Not long at all. It just poured out of me. One Sunday in early May I was leaving church with my family and God just put this on my heart and inspired me in a very palpable way. The writing for the book was actually very easy for me, I just let all my thoughts pour out, and even though I was exhausted, I did find creative energy from the undertaking. It was truly a labor of love.
Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?
A7. Everywhere books are sold! amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, thriftbooks.com, abebooks.com. Just google Welcome Home- A Guide to Homemaking, From the Heart and you’ll see if being sold around the world. We just launched and already my book is being sold in the United Kingdom, Germany, and Japan.
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Welcome Home’?
A8. Again, it was God. I immediately knew what to call it, who to dedicate it to and what to write about, it was just a matter of finding the time to put pen to paper so to speak.
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself.
A9. Social media helps out a lot with this. I am very blessed to have excellent marketing consultants on my team, because what is a great story if no one knows about it? So I’m letting my light shine and sharing encouragement, practical tips, scripture, recipe spotlights, helpful ideas, personal stories, and soon I’ll be featuring a Welcome Home Wonders cadence, where we talk about specific topics moms deal with like establishing traditions for our families, getting it all done, time management, and even crafting! I’m doing this all through Instagram mainly (@welcomehomebygina). Next up to be fully developed is Pinterest and Facebook, as these platforms are where my audience is. I also have an email newsletter that goes out monthly via Substack.
Q10. What is the most valuable piece of advice youāve been given about writing?
A10. It’s counterintuitive, but the best advice I’ve been given about writing is that you could be the best writer and have the best book, but if no one knows you’re out there, your work won’t make a difference. So in short, this means that authors also need to learn to market their work and become skilled at social media and public speaking. I’m a professional public speaker already so that has been easy for me, but my learning curve has come from creating a social media audience and platform. It’s been fun so far though, and definitely a blessing!
šš¼š¼šø: The Search for Melvin š ššššµš¼šæ: Jo-Ann E. Jennings āļø . .
š šššÆš¢šš°: The Search for Melvin by Jo-Ann E. Jennings is an engaging and suspenseful read set in a small town in Missouri. The story follows teenager Joe Baker MacGregor and his friend Melvin, who is close to him in both age and height. When Sheriff Doolin announces the suspected kidnapping of Melvin Beasley, Joe is shakenāhe had just been with Melvin earlier that day at the MacGregor familyās annual Thanksgiving feast and birthday celebration.
Joe grows frustrated that the search party is not searching for Melvin properly, overlooking how easily it could have been him instead. Dr. Knox suggests hiring a private investigator, someone discreet and experienced, to help track Melvin down. Those who know Melvin believe he could manage anywhere as long as heās being fed, and they hold onto hope that heās somewhere safe with decent food.
The novel kept me hooked from start to finish. The mystery surrounding Melvin pushed me to keep turning the pages, eager for answers. Elements of black magic, family conflict, murder, humor, and more add rich layers to the story, while the vivid small-town setting enhances the atmosphere. Jennings crafts a tale that is gripping, entertaining, and thoroughly enjoyableāI loved every bit of it.
šš¼š¼šø: The Heart of Valor š ššššµš¼šæ: Connie Y Harris āļø . .
š šššÆš¢šš°: The Heart of Valor by Connie Y Harris was my weekend binge-read, and it didnāt disappoint. At the heart of the story is Kacie OāShea, a recently retired Marine sergeant who has traded Southern California for Colorado. Her years in the Corps instilled discipline and resilience, qualities that shape her new chapter in life.
Kacie begins working at Boltonās Valor Security and Investigations, where her boss, Vince Samuels, assigns her first caseārecovering Freya, the missing dog of Trevor Marlowe, a former British SAS soldier and single father to young Emma. Kacie proves her skills by successfully reuniting Freya with Trevor.
Though her contract strictly forbids personal relationships with clients, sparks begin to fly between Kacie and Trevor. Wanting to protect his daughter, Trevor hires Kacie as Emmaās bodyguard. While she dedicates herself to keeping Emma safe, the undeniable chemistry between her and Trevor leads Kacie to step away from the job. But soon after, Emma is kidnapped. The question remainsācan Kacie bring her back?
What made the novel stand out for me was the electric chemistry between Kacie and Trevor, paired with the suspenseful twists. Kacie is a strong, compelling protagonist, and readers who enjoy stories with resilient female leads will find much to admire in her character. The writing is clear and accessible, while the author does a wonderful job creating a vivid backdrop for the story.
šš¼š¼šø: My Brother’s Voice š ššššµš¼šæ: Kim Luskleet āļø . .
š šššÆš¢šš°: “My Brotherās Voice,” written by Kim Luskleet, is a touching story about two brothersāSam and his younger brother, Scott. Scott is autistic and non-verbal. Even though he doesnāt use words to communicate, he still has so much to share.
Scott struggles with loud noises, bright lights, and unfamiliar places. Instead of words, he expresses himself through his hands, his facial expressions, and sometimes by using his tablet to communicate with his family.
The love and patience shown by Scottās family remind us of the importance of kindness, empathy, and understanding when caring for a special child. This story encourages readers to listen with their hearts rather than just their ears.
It is a beautifully crafted book that gently teaches children about kindness, inclusion, and compassion for loved ones. The authorās writing style is warm and engaging, while the charming illustrations are sure to capture childrenās attention at first glance. I truly enjoyed every part of this book.
šš¼š¼šø: Eternity’s Well š ššššµš¼šæ: Zachary Hagen āļø . .
š šššÆš¢šš°: Elior and his twin brother, Eliam, work as search and rescue operatives. On their very first day, a major disaster strikes. They must save as many people as possible before the research facility collapses. Together, Elior and Eliam manage to pull several unconscious researchers out until the building is cleared. But when Eliam hears a faint cry for help from inside, he rushes back in despite Eliorās warning to stay out.
Moments later, an explosion reduces the site to an empty plot of land. Detective Jones questions Elior about Eliamās appearance, suggesting that the magitechnology involved may have transported the entire buildingāand everyone inside itāelsewhere. When Elior learns that the official search will be called off, he is devastated. At his lowest point, he encounters Nyx, a cursed merman, who tells him about the mysterious Well of Eternity.
Meanwhile, Princess Opal is forced onto the throne earlier than expected after her fatherās sudden death. When Elior, Nyx, and Opalās paths intertwine, the story gains momentum. The authorās world-building is immersive, and the many subplots are handled skillfully. I look forward to reading more from this writer. Go ahead with this book without any second thoughts.
šš¼š¼šø: The Privacy Act š ššššµš¼šæ: Linda Jayne āļø . .
š šššÆš¢šš°: The Privacy Act by Linda Jayne is the first book in The Freedom Project Series. Jeremy, a skilled hacker, is recruited by the Department of Homeland Security to work as a Surveillance Technician. For the past four years, his assignment has been to monitor three individualsābriefly, each dayāwithout ever knowing the reason behind it. His boss, John Dorgan, never revealed the purpose of this task.
Things take a darker turn when one of the subjects, Michael Ray Michtenbaum, is discovered dead. Jeremy is then reassigned to monitor his own boss, John Dorgan. To aid him, he can request resources through the Secretary of Homeland Security or her assistant, Heather Barnes.
Heather, the Secretaryās Executive Assistant, has her own ties to the intelligence world. Her father, Jacob Barnes, once worked for the CIAās Intelligence Division, and she suspects he is involved in the mysterious experiment. Determined to uncover the truth, Heather is eager to learn what her father has been keeping from her.
This suspense thriller delivers plenty of intrigue, twists, and unexpected turns. The writing is richly descriptive, the plot is fast-paced, and the numerous characters add depth and complexity to the story. Itās a gripping read that kept me hooked from start to finish.
š šššÆš¢šš°: Rune of Revenge by Bjorn Leesson is the fourth installment in the Outside the Thalsparr series. The story opens with Ingrid Stone-Splitter forced to witness the bodies of her dearest friend, Myrgjol the Dokkrsdottir, and Myrgjolās daughter Hildr, tossed carelessly into a pile.
Now in her late fifties, Ingrid longs to continue pursuing the peaceful life envisioned by Myrgjolāboth for herself and in honor of her fallen friend. She is stunned to discover Myrgjolās son, Hralf. Memories surface of her father, Harald, who once ruled Dyrhagi as Jarl alongside his brother Orin. Their lives changed when Halvar, a man from another part of Scandinavia, arrivedābringing with him an unsettling darkness that spread through their village. Harald was slain by unknown assailants, Orin was left blinded and crippled, and Halvar seized the throne.
Determined to find her own path, Ingrid considers traveling north. Her plan is to blend in with the Vikings and secure passage elsewhere. Hralf shares with her a striking revelation: on his deathbed, Brother Bildwyne spoke of Myrgjol living in another place and another time.
Leessonās writing style is clear and engaging, making this book a joy to read. Ingridās character is beautifully developed, and the storyline kept me hooked from beginning to end. I am eager to see where the series goes next.
šš¼š¼šø: The I Lie š ššššµš¼šæ: Corinne Arrowood āļø . .
š šššÆš¢šš°: Babeās life shifted dramaticallyāfrom feeling empty and purposeless to being caught up in one dramatic event after another. Trinity, however, is firm: she doesnāt want Babe bringing home any more children.
Lachlan Taylor had just graduated, and her father gifted her a celebratory week at the Isla Bella Resort in the Florida Keys. She was joined by her friend Chandler, who unfortunately had a knack for causing trouble and attracting danger with her reckless behavior.
When Lachlanās family didnāt hear from her for two days during the trip, her uncle Jarvis grew deeply concerned about his niece. As night fell, Lachlan and Chandler found themselves lost at sea. Thankfully, with Babeās help, Javier was able to bring Lachlan home safely. Still, many wondered how Lachlan could remain friends with someone like Chandler. Her worries only grew when Chandler disappeared with a man from the resortās front desk.
The story truly gained momentum once children began going missing. The authorās descriptive style and smooth narration kept the tension high while introducing us to even more engaging characters. Through it all, Babe stood out as my favorite character in the series. The author has done a remarkable jobāthis series is well worth continuing without hesitation.
Sassy Reviews 