Book: Organized Jewish Life: The Essential Guide for Planning Jewish Holidays, Events and Every Day
Author: Rebekah Chaifetz Saltzman
Available On: Amazon
Language: English
Rating: 5/5
“Organized Jewish Life: The Essential Guide for Planning Jewish Holidays, Events and Every Day” penned by the author Rebekah Saltzman is an intriguing read.
It is very important for us to be organized as that helps in saving time. This book is a practical guidebook that offers solutions on how to prepare for all Jewish lifecycle events, Jewish holidays and setting up your Jewish home. The book is written in three sections: 1 Holidays 2 Jewish Life Cycle Events 3 Adulting
I really appreciate the author’s talent as an organizer. It is an insightful read. I have learnt many things from this book. Go for it. It’s a helpful read and would be worth your time. It’s time for you to optimize your life with the help of tips and checklists provided in this book. I am all set to declutter and automate my life as much as possible so I could save my time and energy going forward.
I am glad to get my hands on this book. The glossary given at the end of the book is helpful. I learnt a bit about hospitality also. This book is a life saver. I am grateful to the author for the knowledge she has shared with the readers in this book.
The Golden Hearts Club penned by the author Cinda K Swalley is a must read. After reading this book, readers will be inspired to have a golden heart and be kind.
The story features two sisters from Ohio: Katie and Megan. They had been planning their trip for over a week. Now, the time has arrived and they are quite excited for a six-week cross-country road trip. Katie has some weird dreams. One of her dreams was about a motel, a blazing fire and two sisters screaming.
They started their adventurous road trip and in The Youth Hostel in New Mexico, they met an American Indian woman named Rose. From Rose, Katie learnt that in her dream, she saw Rose’s daughters. Read this story to know more about Katie’s dream and what will happen when they will be in California.
The storyline is interesting. It kept me on the edge of my seat. The cover photo of the book is nice. The language used in the book is lucid and I was able to follow the story easily. This is an interesting read and I binge read it. Go for it. You would be delighted to read it.
Q1. Hello, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
Thank you to Sassy Reviews and their subscribers for the opportunity to learn more about Better Gnomes & Gardens and the Mysty Haven Series. About Casey Cardel, living in a small town of Wisconsin has its benefits to explore the quiet life and enjoy hobbies like gardening, cooking, lakeview sunsets and the ever-so- hyper squirrel life. As much as hobbies are enjoyed, reading books when time permits are a treasure. I’ve been a fan of mysteries, paranormal romances, science fiction and horror for a long time and found that cozy mysteries are my favorites. My first writing began when I was sixteen after my high school teacher suggested I consider writing as a career. Though many years had passed, I held onto the idea and wrote a few short stories here and there, but never followed through with publishing. I felt the work wasn’t good enough, so I ‘practiced’ and learned more about the art of writing as time passed.
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Better Gnomes & Gardens’ book?
There were only two key challenges that were faced while writing Better Gnomes & Gardens. 1. Timing and placement of clues, and 2. Research. For us, writing this book consisted of many hours of collaboration and research on the characters. We wanted a unique cozy mystery series where the elements of myths and legend lore blend with fiction. The timing and placement of particular clues
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
There have been many books I’ve read over the years, and perhaps only a few authors have influenced my writing. Katherine Smith is one of my favorite authors who has greatly influenced my writing with her style. Each author develops a unique style over time. Smith has a very smooth writing style that I love. She has a way of making you fall in love with her main characters. Morgana Best has the witty sassy style I enjoy reading with her main characters. Stephen King, of course has the suspense and twists that influenced my writing from an early age.
Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
My favorite spot to visit would be Orange Beach, Alabama and Pensacola Beach, Florida. I love the sugar white sandy beaches and the emerald, blue waters. The beach is a soothing getaway, and I do love the water. I’ve even been lucky enough to see a few dolphins at play.
Q5. Is there lots to do before you drive in and start writing a book?
Yes. Researching history, legends and mythology for the characters. Writing the characters out in detail before the book even starts. Next, there is the plot planning and of course the twists.
Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Better Gnomes & Gardens’ book?
Better Gnomes & Gardens took about 2 months to write from start to finish, after all the background work had been completed.
Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘Better Gnomes & Gardens’ book to buy?
Better Gnomes & Gardens is available worldwide at different book retailers, such as Amazon, Barnes & Nobles, Apple iBooks, Books A Million, Target and many international book retailers.
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Better Gnomes & Gardens’?
The book cover went through many changes before reached its resting point. Lol No one could agree on the right cover layout. My editor finally started suggesting a few cover ideas and to ‘keep it simple”.
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
While writing, I keep in mind my personal likes and dislikes. I try to keep each chapter interesting and captivating for the reader by creating something new for the readers and myself to explore. If at any given moment, I find myself ‘skipping’ paragraphs during the re-reading phase, I immediately stop and begin deleting and rewriting.
Q10. Are there any secrets from the book (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?
The inhabitants of Mysty Haven identify as “Mysticals”, rather than paranormal. Hint, the name Mysty Haven. Each of the characters have an interesting background and role to play in the little town that’s hidden from the human view. Readers will find a combination of twists on mythical creatures and legendary lore within this tight net little community.
Q1. Hello, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
I am a part-time author and full-time caregiver at a retirement community. I have two dogs and a rabbit.
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Lethal Woman’ book?
Some challenges that I faced while writing ‘Lethal Woman’ were, I was young. I was in high school when I wrote it, so my experience was limited. But I had an idea and many loved it, so I had to keep faith in myself. But I also lost my need to write the book for a while. Not writer’s block, particularly, but maybe… writer’s confusion. After a year I picked up the book idea again and then finished it.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
Honestly, I just have favorite writers. Some like Jodi Meadows, Cassandra Clare, Veronica Roth, and Nora Roberts have taught me wording skills and the simple act of ‘Don’t overdo it’ when it comes to writing. What I read doesn’t influence what I write. I wish it would. But all the books I’ve read throughout my years, they have all taught me one thing; enjoy the process of your own work and don’t force a story that doesn’t come.
Q4. What’s your favorite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
I live in California but I haven’t traveled much within it. I went to Fort Bragg when I was young, and the crispness of the air and the sound of the water was very relaxing. It wasn’t a mind blowing experience, but it brought me peace for a few hours.
Q5. Is there lots to do before you drive in and start writing a book?
It all depends. With each book I have a different process. Lethal Woman was the first book I wrote that I was proud of, and I didn’t plan or outline until I went back through and did edits. But lately I do draft and format where the story will be going as I write. Many of my ideas come to me while writing, so I will write everything out and then change a chapter or so later. I tend to go with the flow of the words as I write. But before I can even think about writing I have to have the right type of music and I have to be in the right mood. It’s tricky, but I attempt to get inside the head of whatever character the chapter is in the point of view of. I also lack focus at times and writing helps me stay in tune with my own life. Writing gives me control of life when I have no real grasp of what’s in front of me.
Q6. How long did it take you to write a ‘Lethal Woman’ book?
Lethal Woman was a long process, I started it at the end of my freshman year of high school and finished it my Junior year. But edits weren’t done until I had graduated and started submitting it for publishing. So in total… about five years. But I learned a lot and bettered myself for the next books in the series.
Q7. On what platforms readers can find your book to buy?
My book can be found on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and on the Wild Rose Press catalog page.
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title?
The title was probably the easiest part of the book. She was labeled as the Lethal Woman, so I decided to have that be the title of the book. The cover, that was tricky for me. I had preferences and wants, and the cover artist, Kim Mendoza, did what I asked. For the cover I filled out a form about what I want, what elements would be good for a cover, and the main character. Everything was pieced together, and once the cover was done, I saw it and I loved it.
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
To keep things fresh for myself and my readers, I take a break. When I feel like everything is being repeated or dragging more than it needs to be, I seperate myself from my work. I walk my dogs. I read. I go for a run. Anything to make me think but not allow me to write. When I’m separated from the keyboard, my mind is forced to think and remember. But ultimately to keep things fresh I just take a step back. Forcing what’s not right, it just causes more issues down the line.
Q10. Are there any secrets from the book (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?
My publishers would say no… but as a rebel, all I can say is that nothing is as it seems. Trust must be earned and not everyone keeps their word. Do what you will with that information, but above all else, I hope those that read Lethal Woman enjoy it and stick around for the sequel!
Q1. Hello, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
My name is Rachel Porter and I graduated with a degree in Creative Writing and Film Studies. I currently hold a job in finance – boring I know. But love that I can now say I am also an author. I currently live in the South East of England. Its safe to say I’ve had a passion for storytelling for as long as I can remember since my mum loves to tell the story that I sat and watched the whole of The Wizard of Oz when I was two years old. I decided I wanted to be an author ten years ago at fourteen when I wrote ten pages (front and back) for a short story project at school. Even though it was easily ten times longer than everyone else’s, my teacher said it was her favorite. So, I decided to go for it and try to become a novelist – I might as well use my crazy dreams for something.
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Angel In The Mirror The Burning One’ book?
Honestly, it was trying to remember everything. It is such a complex world being created and I would often find myself stuck trying to remember what had happened and what name I had used before. That was when my trustee folder was created – I call it my ‘Angels Folder’ where all my notes are. Not to mention my terrible character drawings – definitely will stick to writing and not try to become an artist.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
I fell in love with Derek Landy’s Skulduggery Pleasant when I was ten. My mum had bought them for my brother, but they slowly made their way onto my book shelf. Then later I fell for Sarah J. Maas and then came along George R. R. Martin. All are so different in style and worlds, but all have created such amazing characters. I am a character driven reader and that’s what I love about these authors. Whilst the storyline is cleverly structured, it’s the characters that have me gripped and I hope I’ve been able to take influence into my own work.
Q4. What’s your favorite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
It’s not really a special spot, but a city. Bath is the home of literacy here in the UK and I feel like I’m walking through history. I know I’ll move there one day. Whenever I’ve visited it’s just felt calming and as if my imagination can run free.
Q5. Is there lots to do before you drive in and start writing a book?
I do what most people probably will think is mad, but the best part about writing is that there are no rules. I will normally only have the main characters planned out and how I want the story to start and end. Then I go ahead and start writing. Even though I have hardly anything planned, I’ve never had writers block with a story. In fact, it often feels like I’m reading and finding out about the story as I write it.
Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Angel In The Mirror The Burning One’ book?
Truthfully, there are two answers to this. I first got the idea when I was fifteen. I created the characters and wrote the first version – which was absolutely awful. Then, I left it and hardly touched it until I was twenty-two and the whole world went into lockdown. There, I started again from complete scratch a part from the characters. And within a month, I had a complete manuscript. But it was no where near done and it took another eight months of editing – getting others to read it and comment on before sending it out. So, if you want the short answer, I would say it took about a year, but the long answer is it took nine years from when I got the first idea at fifteen and it officially being published at age twenty-four.
Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘Angel In The Mirror The Burning One’ book to buy?
Everyone can get it through the publisher’s website – Austin Macauley. Also, in the US it’s available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. And in the UK, it’s available on Amazon and Waterstones.
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Angel In The Mirror The Burning One’?
It was so long ago when I came up with the title I can’t remember the whole process. But I do remember going through a load of ideas as I do for characters until it feels right. But majority of the time it just comes to me and it feels perfect. Same as the front cover. I knew I wanted the mirror because it’s such an integral part of the story. Then I did wonder if to feature the main character. I did a few sketches to see and then sent a plan for the talented artists at the publishers to create the version we see.
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
I think the best thing to do is try to ensure the characters always feel relevant. It doesn’t matter on the setting and if the story isn’t set in this time period. If you feel connected to the character then you will always feel the pull back to the story. Also, I love fast paced storylines and if it feels like it’s constantly moving then you won’t want to put it down.
Q10. Are there any secrets from the book (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?
The blurb mainly focuses on the threat of the story. But something I’m sure readers will be gripped onto is that there is an in-depth magic system that focuses on the four elements. There is a fun dynamic for many of the characters with this new power – especially Annith – so readers can submerge themselves into this new world.
Book: You Don’t Suck: How To Overcome Impostor Syndrome
Q1. Hello, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
I am Max Masure. I use they/them pronouns. I am from France, and I live in Brooklyn, NY, since 2012. I am a proud published author since I released my book ‘You Don’t Suck: How To Overcome Impostor Syndrome’ in March 2022. During my day, I work as a UX strategist for the National Institute of Health and as an inclusion consultant by leading training workshops. I have a fluffy cat named Pinkie and a fantastic 8-year-old, and we laugh a lot.
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘You Don’t Suck: How To Overcome Impostor Syndrome’ book?
My biggest challenge was having imposter syndrome while writing about imposter syndrome! This is my first book, and I never published anything before except a few blog posts. But I kept returning to why I wanted to publish this book: to support people, especially underrepresented folks, getting closer to their inner power so they can find their inner power and overcome imposter syndrome.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
I knew from the beginning that I wanted my book to have a workbook component. On top of sharing my journey on how I overcame imposter syndrome over the years, I wanted to share the exercises I came up with to support myself in living more authentically and with more confidence. I reviewed a few books with prompts and got a lot of inspiration from them.
Creativity Takes Courage, by Irene Smit and Astrid van der Hulst
We Inspire Me, by Andrea Pippins
Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
I love going on silent meditation retreats. My favorite place is Garrison Institute in New York. They have this bamboo forest where I love lying down and breathing, looking up, and listening to the wind going through the bamboo.
Q5. Is there lots to do before you drive in and start writing a book?
I was swimming in the book’s content for a while before really thinking about a book. I benefited from my self-help exercises, and I wanted to offer these powerful activities to more people. For a few months, my living room walls were covered in sticky notes while I was sorting out all the ideas I had in mind. I needed that time to get everything out of my head before writing the first line.
Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘You Don’t Suck: How To Overcome Impostor Syndrome’ book?
I started to imagine the content in the spring-summer of 2020. I tested the prompts and exercises through workshops with a group of folks which allowed me to validate some and improve others. I worked on a manuscript and started to work with my publisher, Publish Your Purpose, who helped me find an editor and a cover designer. I did not need a designer for the inside of the book as I knew I was going it myself, being a designer by trade. I released my book in March 2022. So it took two years.
Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘You Don’t Suck: How To Overcome Impostor Syndrome’ book to buy?
Bookshop.org
Amazon
Amazon Kindle
Barnes and Noble
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘You Don’t Suck: How To Overcome Impostor Syndrome’?
I listened to what my imposter syndrome was telling me when I was not confident, and I kept hearing, “You suck!”. I started thinking the title should be “You suck” so people would relate to the little voice we hear inside of us when we doubt ourselves. And then it clicked: no, we don’t suck! That’s how I turned the title into “You (don’t) Suck.” I wanted the title to be very large and screaming at the reader, and I had this vision of a visual that would make it seems that it said, “You Suck” from afar, and you would see the “don’t” when you looked closer. I worked with Nelly Murariu on the cover, and she quickly understood what I wanted!
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
I used the workshops where I tried out my content and exercises as a way to test out what connects with my readers. I am now offering imposter syndrome workshops where I use the activities from the book, and I moderate raw, honest, and empowering conversations on the topic of imposter syndrome, confidence, and vulnerability.
Q10. Are there any secrets from the book (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?
In the book, I share my story that turns around my coming out as a transgender masculine person five years ago and how my confidence grew as I went closer to my inner self. I found my voice and a sense of purpose by sharing my story: I guide people through the prompts and exercises so they can tap into their inner power. My goal is to wake up more and more folks so we can be our true selves and achieve what we deserve
“Better Gnomes & Gardens” penned by the author Casey Cardel is the first installment in the Mysty Haven Mysteries book series. The main character of the story is Bob McLarney. He has a Master’s degree in journalism. Bob is the best investigative reporter in Mysty Haven.
His first newspaper article, “Bigfoot Sightings Confirmed in Las Vegas” made him lose his job. The story became more interesting when a man named Doug asked Bob to take the case of finding his missing gnome Charlie. Since Doug is paying a good amount of money to Bob, he agreed to take the case. Read this story to find out what all secrets Bob will uncover during his investigation.
The cover photo of the book is nice. The language used in the book is lucid and I was able to follow it easily. The storyline is interesting. I appreciate the vivid imagination of the author in world building. If you enjoy reading stories with mythical creatures then go ahead with this one. You would be delighted to read it.
Recently I read the book “Angel in the Mirror” penned by the author Rachel S Porter. The story features a young girl Annith who was six years old when she lost her father. Annith started having anger issues after her father’s death. Her mum Claire took her to see different therapists but it didn’t work. Recently they went to see Doctor Shore who is the best therapist.
Doctor Shore aka John helped Annith a lot and he even married her mother. Claire and John gave birth to a girl named Leanne. One day when Annith was playing with Leanne in the playroom, she saw a dark angel in the mirror. This dark angel was visible only in the mirror and just to Annith.
Read this story to know who she is. The storyline is intriguing and unique. It kept me on the edge of my seat. I couldn’t put this book down until I finished it. The cover photo of the book is nice and the title is suitable. Go for this book. You would be delighted to read it.
Lethal Woman penned by the debut author Carrie Pierce is an action thriller. The main character of the story is a female bodyguard, Lindsey Vasiliev. She is the Lethal Woman of England’s prized occupants.
Recently she has received the contract from Anthony Pavlov to protect his son Thomas Pavlov, London’s most prized heir. Thomas is majoring in Business and English. He wants to prove himself and is not much interested in the company. He initially didn’t trust his bodyguard Lindsey but later he realised that Lindsey will do everything to protect him. Read this story to know how Lindsey will do in this job.
This is an intriguing story. It kept me on the edge of my seat. I couldn’t put this book down once I started reading it. The cover photo of the book is nice. The title is suitable according to the story. I appreciate the storytelling skills of the author. Carrie has done great work in her debut book. I am looking forward to reading more of her work in the future.
Royal Entanglements penned by the author Sheila Fowler is an intriguing read. Princess Leanna’s mother was asking her to marry Prince Basil. Leanna is expected to do what is best for her country. Even though she doesn’t love Basil, she was asked to marry him. Leanna wants to find love.
She travels to Hawaii to get away from her royal duties of getting married to a prince she doesn’t love. Ledger Hill has started his new job as a protector of princess Leanna. He was recommended by the Prime Minister. Leanna has never surfed, kissed, been to Karaoke, etc. She wants to do these things in Hawaii. Hill told him he can help her with the surfing but not with the kiss. Read this story to know what will happen when they go surfing.
The story is gripping. I binge read it. The writing style of the author is amazing. Sheila has created an interesting world in this book and I enjoyed every bit of it. If you are looking for something for light reading then go ahead with this book. You would be delighted to read it.
Sassy Reviews 