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October 14, 2023October 15, 2023

Music Head: A Memoir of Purpose

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Music Head: A Memoir of Purpose 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Michael A. Cimino ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“Music Head: A Memoir of Purpose” written by the author Michael A. Cimino is a captivating read that hooked my attention from the first page itself. The title of this book is for the author who became a music head at an early age. Michael’s family moved to the suburbs when he was nine years old. Michael wasn’t happy to move and he started spending his time in his room reading books and with a transistor radio.

Once, he saw J. O. Grand 5 & 10 Cent store. He started buying records from there and soon became a Music Head. He was fascinated by The Beatles. “Come and Get It”, the record of BADFINGER, was a jackpot to Michael. BADFINGER was a natural extension to The Beatles. Later, Michael started relating more to the Rock oriented songs written by Joey Molland. The author also published a biography of Joey Molland with the name “Badfinger and Beyond”.

After a honeymoon in London, Michael started interning at WZFM, a mid-sized radio station and he became the ‘producer’ for Music Director Paul Cavalconte’s show. Michael has shared about his family and how his dad worked hard in his career. Read this memoir to know about Michael’s school years, the different jobs he worked, interviewing musical celebrities, etc.

Thanks to the author for the music recommendation at the beginning of the book. I had a great time reading this memoir. The photos included in the book made this memoir more enjoyable. I appreciate Michael’s love for Classic Rock. The narration is smooth and strong. The writing style of the author is amazing. The title of the book is suitable and I strongly recommend this book to my fellow readers.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

October 14, 2023

Why You Feel the Way You Do

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Why You Feel the Way You Do 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Reneau Z. Peurifoy ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“Why You Feel the Way You Do: Understand and Heal the Source of Stressful Emotions” written by the author Reneau Z. Peurifoy is a helpful book. This book helps us to understand the emotion better. In this book, the author has included practical tools that the readers can use to live more successful and happy lives. I loved the “Things To Do” section at the end of each chapter.

Unjust treatment, criticism, helplessness, etc are some of the examples of triggers. The author has mentioned distorted thinking and its additional forms. The author has given examples of various core response patterns concerning ourselves, others and the world. The author has given some guidelines for strong emotions so we can clearly hear the messages given by our emotions to us.

I really needed this book after being triggered emotionally a lot in the corporate world. After gaining insights about emotions and our responses, I can now respond in triggering situations in a better way. The understanding and guidance from this book would help me to live a more cheerful life. This is a well written book. I strongly recommend it to my fellow readers. Reneau has undoubtedly done fantastic work in this book. Go ahead with this book without any second thoughts.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

October 12, 2023October 27, 2023

Interview with author Hailey Kathleen Hall

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

Hello! My name is Hailey Kathleen Hall, I am an author and artist based in St. Louis, Missouri with two published books. The first, which was published by Mater Media last September, is a collection of religious poetry and art entitled “Passion Flowers in Bloom.” I just released the first of my many children’s books: “An Aunt’s Animal Alphabet” on October 4th.

What is your inspiration behind your book “An Aunt’s Animal Alphabet”?

“An Aunt’s Animal Alphabet” was originally created as a Christmas gift for my nieces almost a decade ago! I wanted to give them something special, and this just came to me. It took very little time to come up with the idea and the original artwork, but years in getting it released. So long, in fact, that I had to update my dedication to include seven more nieces and nephews!

When did you realize you want to be an author?

Hmm. Good question! I’m actually not sure. It just sort of happened that way! Though people have told me for years that I should write a book, I never really wanted to be in the public eye. I mean, I originally wanted “Passion Flowers” to be an anonymous work, but when Mater Media picked it up (without my submitting it!) we came to the conclusion that it would be better to have my name on it… That thrust me out into the open pretty quick!

Please tell us something about your book “An Aunt’s Animal Alphabet”?

Sure! I can tell you a few things: First, all of the artwork in “An Aunt’s Animal Alphabet” is hand-drawn by yours truly, save for a couple of backgrounds that were designed using a computer. Second, I want to encourage people to go all the way through the book. It doesn’t end with “Z!” There are a few more pages I added to the end of the book, one is the section on reader engagement, inspired by a little friend of mine who found out that I had made the book as a gift for my nieces, and she in turn made one for her little sister. It was so sweet that I got permission to use it in the book to encourage others to do the same!

For which age group is your book “An Aunt’s Animal Alphabet” suitable for?

The book is fun as a read-aloud for kids 3 and up and can also be great for middle readers.

What is your favorite Quote?

This one pretty much sums up how I feel about everything right now:
“You’re ‘nervous-cited!’ it’s like you want to jump up and down and yell ‘YAY ME!!!!’ but you also want to curl up in a teeny tiny ball and hide at the same time.” – Pinkie Pie

What do you like the most about your country?

I love that Freedom of Religion, the freedom to not only worship but to live my faith publicly in my everyday life, and the Freedom of Speech are enshrined in our constitution as fundamental rights of our citizenship. I know that most of the world does not have those freedoms, and so I cherish mine… who knows? We may lose them some day. I also love and am grateful for all those who fight for our freedoms and protect us: our military, especially our veterans and those we’ve lost on the battlefield; as well as our police, firefighters, nurses, and EMTs who give of themselves every day to keep us safe!

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

Here’s a good one: If you have a little one who is struggling to learn to read, have them read to you! If they start stumbling over words or making mistakes, resist the temptation to do it for them. Instead, gently ask them to slow down and sound the word out and ask them if they know what it means. If they say yes, have them use it to prove it! If not, explain what it means and then have them use it. This helps build vocabulary and reading comprehension and gives the little ones more confidence too!

What does literary success look like to you?

Well, I think seeing the delight in a young child’s eyes and hearing them cry “Again! Again!” when they finish a book would be the very definition of literary success for me. I’m not one who wants fame or fortune. (In fact, I would rather be a fly on the wall than up on a stage!) My greatest desire is just to make kids smile!

Lastly, who is your inspiration in life and why?

Now that is a tough question! I would have to say my husband. Not only has he been my greatest support, he is such a beautiful, prayerful, intelligent man with a heart of gold and humility to spare! I am so grateful to know him!

Buy An Aunt’s Animal Alphabet on Amazon

Author’s Website

October 12, 2023

Monahdah

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Monahdah 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: S.J. Zercher ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
Monahdah is the debut book of the author S.J. Zercher. The main character of the story is seventeen-years-old Anah. She hasn’t seen her father even once. There are no pictures of him in the home. He left when Anah was a baby. Anah cares for her mother. Since, her mother only has her, she gets a bit overprotective for Anah.

One day, when Anah went to the concert with her friends Tim and Sophia, she found a ring in her mother’s jacket. Anah’s mother told her that the ring was a gift from her father for her. Anah hates as well as misses her father. She wants to ask so many things from her mother. Anah met a guy named Victor at the concert. Was this meeting just for one time or is there more to the two of them?

The storyline is interesting. The cover photo of the book is designed well. I loved the concept of the glowing ring. The world building is amazing and I appreciate the author’s vivid imagination for it. The language used in the book is lucid and I was able to follow the story easily. Go ahead with this book without any second thoughts.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

October 11, 2023

Love, Regrets and Redwoods

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Love, Regrets & Redwoods 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Adam Lambert ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“Love, Regrets & Redwoods: A Little Book of Poems” written and illustrated by the author Adam Lambert is an intriguing read. In a few poems, the author has shared his own experiences. The author has included hand drawn illustrations along with each poem.

Some of my favourite poems from the collection are: Humility and Homes, The Lady of the House, The Waiting Room, Me, A Thursday Afternoon, etc.

A quiet 5 minutes
In this bustling metropolis
A fortress of ancient red brick and mortar
With its lavish adornments
And living masterpieces
The soft magenta velvet
The crisp aged oak
The ornate white steelwork
The rugged stone

Above are the lines from ‘The Waiting Room’ poem. In this the author has described how the waiting room looks and the 5 minute quiet time makes it feel so peaceful.

“A Thursday Afternoon” describes how it feels to work when it rains. There is a gentle breeze and a moon in a blue sky. This poem reminded me of a rainy day when I sit in front of my laptop and do my work.

The poems feel relatable. The author has written these poems on random topics and I had a great time reading them. One could enjoy a couple of poems in a single sitting. They are written in a lucid language and are easy to follow. Fans of poetry should get their hands on this book.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 4.5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

October 11, 2023

Interview will author E.C. Maurer

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

Not that extraordinary. A retired US Air Force Master Sergeant, a little left of center politically and just can’t figure out why so many on the right (not all, mind you) can’t just mind their own business and let people be. I’ve been writing for years starting with outdoor and historic magazine work to publishing two online publications – Florida Fly Fishing magazine and Canoe Sailing/Skinny Hull magazines, as well as a number of fiction pieces, Jus Talionis being my novel.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “JUS TALIONIS : For The Girls”?

Research, research, research. When using factual information in a story, in this case weapons, the types of injuries, and time period items, it’s essential to get it right. An example is one very popular British author who writes about an American protagonist didn’t seem to bother researching America-based facts in his first books, and the errors were glaring.

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

The author mentioned above as an example of sloppy writing to be avoided. Le Carre of course for insight into characters’ mindsets and not overwriting them. At the same time, though, I have begun to skip many of his passages that seem to drone on needlessly just to increase word count. I regard it as having “writing diarrhea”; disgusting, I know. James Patterson, The Thomas Berryman Number, for carrying the theme seamlessly between chapters.

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

I live on Florida’s Gulf Coast and look for a complete change of climate and geography when I visit elsewhere, thus, western North Carolina in the Asheville area. I love the mountains and it gives me an opportunity to fish in environments entirely different from my own.

Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘JUS TALIONIS : For The Girls’?

Around 1997 a US cabinet member, who among his political peers was anti-military, used the US Air Force as his personal air taxi service to haul him around Europe on government business. On one trip, the place crashed killing everyone on board. My reaction to that was thinking how I would react to such an abuse of power. It’s a stretch but Jus Talionis is based on that, even though the plot is worlds apart from the original theme.

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘JUS TALIONIS : For The Girls’?

Well as I mentioned, the seed was planted around 1997 but the actual writing started and stopped between then and when I made time to sit and begin seriously applying myself to it. I guess it took me four months to write the draft then several more rewriting.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

Amazon both as paperback and Kindle. More if the opportunity arises of course.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘JUS TALIONIS : For The Girls’?

I used a couple publicly available resources for the basic images and then worked them up in Adobe Photoshop. The idea of the cover is to engage the potential reader in the concept of a horrible tragedy involving two young girls playing.

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

I write for pleasure though I would like to be well read by a readership. So, I aim to employ a simple plot that at the same time has many nuances when it comes to the message. Part of it also illustrates my disgust with a certain type of person (of whom I am descended) without being preachy. A deep reading of this story would discover many sub-themes while a simple reading for pleasure should keep the reader involved with the characters and their motivations and emotions.

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

Jackie Collins: “If you want to be a writer, stop talking about it and sit down and write!” Also, someone else said stop worrying about what others think of you, write what you want to and don’t concern yourself with offending people. (I count my first writing success when I got hate mail from a reader of one of my history articles who was offended by the facts as I wrote them.)

Buy JUS TALIONIS : For The Girls on Amazon

October 11, 2023October 11, 2023

No Turning Back

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: No Turning Back 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Christopher Kelly ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“No Turning Back” is an action adventure/fantasy short story written by the author Christopher Kelly. The story features a young man named Peter James who wants to become a successful writer. Once, he saw a woman named Jenny in a town called Kingfisher Grove. Jenny told Peter that her father was a magician. He was working on a spell and he accidentally brought back to life the dead spirits of the Zanda brotherhood.

Jenny told Peter that three men are chasing her. Two of them are trained hitmen and the third one is Master Ruthless. Peter didn’t believe Jenny’s story. Later, when Peter saw Master Ruthless taking Jenny hostage, he realized she was telling the truth. Jenny gave a piece of paper to Peter which had a part of a spell. To destroy Master Ruthless, they need to complete the spell. Read this story to know if Peter’s friend Nick Turner could help him in completing the spell. Would Jenny be released?

The story is gripping with an amazing backdrop setting. I enjoyed the characters of Peter and Jenny. The pace of the story is fine. Since it’s a short story, one could finish it in a single sitting. Christopher has done great work in this book and I am looking forward to reading more books by him. Those who love reading short stories or fantasy should definitely get their hands on this book.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

October 11, 2023

Interview with author Hilda Torres

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

My name is Hilda Torres. I am a wife, mother and grandmother. I Have lived in sunny South Florida my whole life. My family immigrated here in the late 60s when we fled communist Cuba. I studied English Literature at St. Thomas University and I’ve always had a passion for books and reading. I have a son who is 33 years old and has autism. Because of this my life took a different turn and I started teaching special needs children in elementary level. I was part of the first programs to integrate children with autism into our public schools. As my son got older I decided he needed me full time and dedicated myself to his care. I’ve tried over the years to raise autism awareness and understanding.

I wrote this book in order to give the autism community a different kind of voice. Something that teaches, brings understanding but is also fun and relatable.

What is your inspiration behind your book “Tonio and Bear’s Adventures: Day at the Zoo”?

My inspiration for my Tonio and Bear is my son. This book and the others in the series are all based on true events that have happened with my son. Bear is a true character in my sons life and decided I wanted to bring him to life.

When did you realize you want to be an author?

I have always loved books and loved to read. Things get complicated as our lives change but I use to read several books a week. It was my passion. I always thought, what would it be Iole to actually write one. But I never seriously considered it until the idea for this book came to me some years ago.

Please tell us something about your book “Tonio and Bear’s Adventures: Day at the Zoo”?

Tonio is our little hero. He loves to experience different adventures. But he has some setbacks. Sometimes his autism can make things challenging. He needs help in order to be able to have fun and go on these adventures. Someone who loves him, understands him and also understands and knows about autism. This is where Near comes in. Together they go on these great adventures and Bear is equipped to help Tonio be able to get past some difficult moments in order to have some great fun. The first book in the series is an adventure at the zoo. Let’s see what’s next for our little hero and his trusty companion.

For which age group is your book “Tonio and Bear’s Adventures: Day at the Zoo” suitable for?

I’m general it’s mostly for children between 5-8 years of age. But remember there are many older kids and adults on the spectrum who might really like this book.

What is your favorite Quote?

Trust in the LORD with all your heart
And do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He will make your paths straight.

What do you like the most about your country?

I love my country. I was not born in the United States but I came here very young. My family and I fled communism and oppression. This country opened their doors to us and gave us freedom and opportunities that we could not have had anywhere else.

I became an American citizen as soon as I turned 18. I couldn’t wait to vote and be part of the process of this amazing country.
This country was founded on values and principles by men who knew what it was like to not have freedom of speech or religion. Our U.S. The Constitution is one of the most beautiful and important documents ever written.

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

It is so important to teach our children to read. We can start while they are still in the womb. Then we should continue to read to them as infants and let them grow up knowing that books are part of their lives. They will want you to read to them and eventually want to read for themselves and to acquire knowledge. If you read to your children from a very early age they will develop better language skills and do much better in school.

What does literary success look like to you?

If this series of books can help families who are struggling with the overwhelming challenges of autism then my book is a success. If just a few families can say this book made a difference, not just because my child liked it but also because his/her piers liked it or maybe people they know have a better understanding of autism after reading it, that’s success. If teachers and therapists can use it to help their special needs kids, that’s success.

Lastly, who is your inspiration in life and why?

Well first and always, my inspiration is Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior, he inspires me to be better to stay strong to try and help others. He gives me strength thru the suffering and shows me mercy and light in the daily miracles.

My son inspired me to do this book and his struggles in life have been so difficult. He makes me and all who know him better human beings.

My daughter inspires me. She has dedicated herself to helping children find their voice. She is an amazing Speech and Language pathologist, SLP. The dedication she has to her clients and students is beautiful. She’s making a difference.

Buy Tonio and Bear’s Adventures on Amazon

October 10, 2023

Tonio and Bear’s Adventures: Day at the Zoo

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Tonio and Bear’s Adventures: Day at the Zoo 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Hilda Torres ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“Tonio and Bear’s Adventures: Day at the Zoo” written by the author Hilda Torres is an interesting Children’s book. The story features a little boy named Tonio and his friend Bear. The two of them go on all sorts of adventures together. Tonio is on the autism spectrum but Bear helps him.

In this story, we see Tonio and Bear standing at the entrance of the zoo. Tonio loves animals but he doesn’t feel comfortable in the presence of so many people. He doesn’t like to be touched. Read this story to know how Bear will comfort Tonio. What advice will the Bear give to make Tonio feel easy?

Tonio and Bear take the readers on a rollercoaster ride full of adventures in this book. Through this book, the readers could understand the world better from the viewpoint of an autistic child. I am glad to read this book as it gave me insights about how sound, light, touch can affect an autistic child and therefore we should try to make them comfortable. I loved the companionship of Tonio and Bear. It would be interesting to read more of their adventures.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

October 10, 2023

The Hidden Crown

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Hidden Crown 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: K. E. Blair ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“The Hidden Crown” written by the author K.E. Blair is the first installment in The Return of Magic book series. The main character of the story is a servant named Anslee. She is in a magic-less kingdom where her every move is controlled by the chef Magda. Anslee isn’t happy as Magda gives her the task to cut root vegetables for hours every Sunday.

Anslee is young. She loves buying ribbons and is always on a lookout for a good suitor. She feels lucky when Magda takes her for vegetable shopping. She uses this opportunity to search for a suitor for her. When she was window shopping at the Madam’s Dressing Gown, she met a mage named Lord Avery Varrock. Anslee is afraid of mages as they can be dangerous. Why has Lord Avery sent a purple gown to Anslee?

Read this story to find out what happens next. The story is written well by the author. The characters are well developed. Anslee’s character is my most favorite. The world building is impressive. This book is a perfect escape from the real world for a few hours. Add this to your tbr without any second thoughts.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon