Grace, Grit & Gratitude is the memoir of Tara Coyote. When Tara was 22 years old, she became a single mom. When her son Willow was fourteen years old, she met Tom. Within two years, Tom and Tara got married. Tom was a father of two kids already. Tara wanted to have her own child with Tom. But after being five years into the relationship, when she heard from Tom that he didn’t ever want to have a child of theirs, Tara’s world shattered. It was at that time, she came in touch with the horses. On the trip to Bali, Indonesia, Tara found her answer to be with horses.
Years ago, Tara had a friend Debbie with whom she vibed well. Tara and Debbie grew up together and had many experiences together. When Debbie was forty four years old, she was diagnosed with blood cancer. She could live only for forty six years on this Earth. Debbie’s death taught Tara to let go of the ones who are no more as it is true love. After Deb’s death Tara’s world fell apart.
Read her story to find out what all happens in Tara’s life. How the healing power of horses made a difference in her life. The story is worth reading. It’s an insightful read with many valuable lessons. I am grateful to Tara for sharing her story with us. Cover photo of the book is eye-catching and suitable according to the story. It’s a book worth reading.
Utah is the debut novel of the author Levi Rogers. This book will introduce readers to the most misunderstood state Utah. Lee, Becca and Analise are a small family that lives in Logan, Utah. There’s a level-two evacuation meaning be packed and ready to go at the moment’s notice. There is a danger of wildfire. Becca is too tired from the marriage and especially motherhood responsibilities that she thought a destruction of the planet is better than marriage or motherhood. They moved towards Salt Lake City and on the way they remembered about the past events from their life: the unexpected pregnancy, death of Becca’s father, etc.
This book gave me much information about the state of Utah. It also made me realise that being a parent is not that easy. Pace of the story is slow at times. Writing style of the author is nice. Cover photo could have been more creative. Language used in the book is lucid and I was easily able to follow the story. It’s a book worth reading. Go ahead with it.
“What Lurks in the Shadows” penned by the author S.C. Shannon is the debut novel of the author. Story features a Twenty years old girl named Grace. She lives with her parents and older brother in Los Angeles. Power outages have become common these days. People started looting and rioting in the streets. Grace’s family left Los Angeles so they can be safe. After a few hours drive, they reached a small town just outside of Lake Tahoe.
There was an old family cabin, hidden deep in the woods. Grace and her family learnt some survival techniques. They became new people and had lost many closed ones. Their life was normal for 226 days but on day 227, the monsters came. Grace was left alone to survive. She lost her family and started having nightmares. Her notebook is her companion to share her feelings. Will Grace ever be able to live a normal life again? Will she be able to defeat the monsters?
Cover photo of the book is well designed. The title of the book couldn’t have been better. The story is well paced. It hooked my attention from the first page itself. The author has created an interesting world in the story. It would be amazing to see a movie based on this story. Those who love to read stories involving mystery, horror, suspense, etc should pick this book.
The Morning Star Entanglement is the debut book of the authors Ebonie Wayne. Main character of the story is Feyisayo. Feyisayo and her little sister Tutu didn’t have memories of their father. Whenever they asked their mother about their father, they didn’t receive proper answers. Both Fey and Tutu are home for a summer break. Tutu saw on old luggage in the attic. On opening it, she found letters from her father addressed to Fey and her.
When Tutu told Fey about this, Fey got frustrated thinking why her mom was lying all the time and why she didn’t want them to meet their father. On confronting her mom, Fey discovered more about it. She is now determined to track her father. She moved to Munich for a study-abroad semester at TMU. There she met a guy Iben with whom she fell in love. Read this intriguing story to find out what happens next in the story.
Cover photo of the book looks nice. The plot of the story is interesting. Writing style of the authors is nice. I enjoyed every bit of this story. The authors have done a great job in their debut book and I am highly impressed. One shouldn’t miss to read this story. It’s worth reading one.
Scarab in the Storm penned by the author Lauren Lee Merewether is the third installment in The Lost Pharaoh Chronicles. This book will take readers to ancient Egypt. Tutankhamun is a king of the nation that is being divided and conspiracy runs in it. There is political tension too. Tutankhamun is determined to put his nation back but since people are betraying, he doesn’t know whom he could trust. Meanwhile, his wife Ankhesenamun felt that their lives were in danger. There is a dangerous storm from which the King and the Queen have to come out victorious. But will they be successful?
Glossary at the beginning of the book is helpful for sure. The world building is interesting. Descriptions are written well and that makes the reading pace smooth. I appreciate the author’s vast historical knowledge in writing this book. The story is full of drama, history and action. Historical lovers would enjoy it. Length of the book is more so I took some time to finish it. Writing style of Lauren is unique and impressive.
True Historical fiction fans couldn’t afford to miss reading this novel.
Q1. Hello Ma’am, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
I originally grew up in Southern California not far from the beach, though I now live in the mountains. I am the youngest of three children, though it was almost like I was an only child as my siblings and I are far apart in age. I loved to read as a child and thought I might like to be a writer someday, but my parents felt it wasn’t likely and that I should have a degree. I graduated with a teaching degree and have taught many different ages, including kids who were youth in custody as well as kids in college. I’ve been married nearly 25 years and have two children. My children are 20 and 10 years old. I love being a mom. I also have a dog named Frankie who thinks she is another child.
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Black Sheep Rising’ book?
I think the most difficult thing for me while writing this book was being so honest about my childhood. Because my brother and sister are so much older than I am, they had different childhoods than I did. It was hard to reflect on the differences and wonder why my childhood had to be so challenging.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
The poet ee cummings and beat poets like Lawrence Ferlinghetti and Alan Ginsburg have been an enormous influence.
Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
I would have to say Disneyland. I love Disneyland because I truly feel free to be myself there. Nobody cares if you are screaming on a ride or clapping along to a parade. It is just a really liberating place to me.
Q5. Is there lots to do before you drive in and start writing a book?
Yes and no. When it comes to writing poetry, I keep a notebook by my bedside table and in my purse so I can write down ideas when they first come to me. You always think you’ll remember something but never do, so I have learned to write it down. Then I take those little snippets of lines or phrases and begin fleshing out the whole poem. As far as fiction goes, I plot things out in my head first and then write plot points on individual notecards so I can arrange them.
Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Literally Christmas’ book?
I first wrote Literally Christmas as a short story and then a year later I expanded it into a novella. It took me about three or four months to write and edit.
Q7. On what all platforms readers can find your books to buy?
I am exclusive to Amazon currently.
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the cover and the title of your books ?
As far as titles go, I find a line of poetry that resonates with me especially and turn them into titles. For Literally Christmas, the title came to me when I was thinking about what it would be like if everything a character said came true literally, especially during the holidays. When it comes to my covers, I consult with a terrific graphic designer. We talk about what images I want to evoke and what feelings I want my readers to have. From there, she mocks up a draft and then we discuss placement of the title so that it is pleasing overall.
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
I don’t want readers to feel like they’ve read something of mine before, so I try to approach familiar topics in an original way or in a way that might be more universally felt by the reader.
Q10. Are there any secrets from the book (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?
I have three jellybeans hidden on every cover. They represent my two children and one baby I lost. They’re easy to find on some covers and really difficult to find on others.
Book: The Burning Light Of Two Stars: A Mother-Daughter Story
Author: Laura Davis
Available On: Amazon
Language: English
Rating: 5/5
“The Burning Light of Two Stars: A Mother-Daughter Story” written by Laura Davis is a memoir. Laura Davis’ mother was twenty-eight years old when she gave birth to two daughters. Unfortunately Temme Davis, Laura’s mother lost her one daughter just after twenty-four hours of her birth.
This book addresses so many human issues to which one can relate. Laura was abused by her maternal grandfather when she was a kid. When she told her mother Temme about it, she blamed Laura saying it’s a false accusation. Laura was separated from her mother’s side of the family. She gained the world by her book – The Courage to Heal but she lost the support of her family. Years later, she received a call from her mother saying she is moving to Laura’s city. Temme is eighty years old now and needs care from someone. Grab a copy of this book and read it to know will mother and daughter find their way to each other. Will there be love?
Story is intriguing. I am glad to get my hands on this memoir. I really appreciate the author for sharing about her journey with us. This book gives hope to the readers. This book left me wanting more. Laura’s writing style is nice. I am looking forward to reading more of Laura’s work in the future.
You, I & Humm is an interesting story about Meera and Arjun. Meera is thirty-five years old and Arjun is thirty-seven years old. Both Meera and Arjun are smart and independent. Both of them love to travel. Arjun travels for peace of mind when he is over stressed after successfully completing massive projects. Meera travels to different places to shoot photos.
Arjun is a kind of person who doesn’t have time for drama. Meera on the other hand is a drama queen. When they were going to Gokarna, they both were in the same train, same hotel and same return train. Arjun’s mother talked to Aparna and his profile is there in the matrimonial database. Meera on the other hand isn’t sure if there is a place for a partner in her life.
Read this gripping story. I am sure you would enjoy it. Language used in the book is lucid. Even beginners could give it a try. Narration is smooth and I was easily able to follow the story. The title of the book is sweet. Pace of the story is a bit slow in the beginning. If you are looking for a book for light reading then go ahead with this one.
Q1. Hello Sir, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
Certainly! I grew up in the Chicago suburbs but now live near Denver, Colorado. I’ve been a reader for as long as I can remember, fatefully growing up in a house full of books and both parents avid readers. This lead to writing, naturally, though I guess you could say I didn’t start writing “professionally” until a few years ago.
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Peaceful Meridian’ book?
I thought for a long time about how I wanted to structure the book. I tried a regular chronological narrative, but that felt dry when I read the results. I stumbled on this split narrative by realizing that my own memories were not chronological. Those four years of my life are just a series of impressions, so I wanted the book to be the same. I also had to decide where to circumscribe the narrative. Many biographies, even of a particular period of time like “Peaceful Meridian” include a recap of the subject’s early life. I decided to leave that part of my life out because I didn’t see it being terribly relevant to the political experiences that I wanted to concentrate on.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
“Peaceful Meridian” was heavily influenced by Robert Graves and “Goodbye to All That.” I read it while in the Navy and the droll, dry observations he made of the military were the tone I wanted for my own writing. I also love James Joyce for the quiet inner life of his characters, though that doesn’t come out much in this book. There’ll be more of that in my next book.
Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
I moved to Colorado to live near the mountains. Any place that is natural and wild.
Q5. Is there lots to do before you drive in and start writing a book?
For “Peaceful Meridian,” I had to research my own life. This meant unsealing old journals to get the dates right and see what I was feeling at that time. My parents kept every email I sent them while in the Navy so that was an important resource, again not only for chronology but to see how or if my memory had drifted.
Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Peaceful Meridian’ book?
From start to finish with all my editing done, about a year. It’s not a long book and I had a strong vision of it once I figured out what that vision was.
Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘Peaceful Meridian’ book to buy?
The book is available through Ingram so basically, walk into any bookstore and order it. Online, it is available through every bookselling platform, though I always say it’s best to buy from the independent bookstores. Jeff Bezos has enough rockets. If you’re an eBook reader, it’s available from Apple Books, Nook, and that aforementioned company named after a South American rain forest.
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Peaceful Meridian’ ?
Originally, the title was “War/Anti-War” but an editor at Atmosphere Press suggested another name, and together we came up with “Peaceful Meridian: Sailing Into War, Protesting At Home.” At first I was resistant, but it grew on me. I like the way it reflects the idea of navigation, sailing a course through something difficult to a better place. The cover was done by a close friend of mine, Chenoa Ellinghaus-Blair (Home – Split Mountain Studios). It’s fantastic and I can’t wait to work on the cover for the next book with her. We discussed the book a lot, the mood and tone, and I read her passages until her subconscious latched onto what “Peaceful Meridian” was all about, like a good artist does. The cover is fantastic and gets lots of comments.
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
Unlike the common writer’s advice, I don’t write every day. I wait until I know I have something good to get down on paper. I let it sit in the back of my mind, stewing, until the words that need to be recorded come to me. Then I just write. Unlike some writers I don’t mind editing. It’s better for me to get the words out first, then I actually enjoy the process of going through drafts and watching the work get better. That way, I know what I have written is genuine and not just filler to make a daily word quota.
Q10. Are there any secrets from the book (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?
There were some stories about shipmates I decided not to share. Tales of crime, or disappointment, heartbreak, death. I never would have named names, and really don’t remember most of the names, but still I felt that those stories belong to them, not me, and to the moments we heard them.
“The Bridge of Now” penned by Alvagh Cronin is a beautiful story. The family tree at the beginning helped me in understanding about the characters and their relationship clearly. Story starts with a couple Laura and Peter. Laura managed to buy her own house at 26 years old. She got married to Peter who used to treat her well. But later Peter’s behaviour towards Laura changed. One day, Laura escaped her abusive marriage with her toddler son Daniel. When Daniel was ten years old, Peter came back into their lives. He took half of the house that Laura bought with her money.
When Daniel grew up and became 25 years older, one day on his train journey to work, he met an old woman named Elba who put her wisdom into Daniel’s heart by telling him stories with great lessons. As the story moves forward, Daniel was in head over heels with Anna. They got married and had their first baby Cal. Grab a copy of this book to know what happens next.
This is an insightful read. I loved the storyline. I am glad to get my hands on this book. It’s a perfect escape from reality for a few hours. Go ahead with it without any second thoughts. Elba had explained the meaning of “The Bridge of Now” to Daniel in the story This book has great lessons. Alvagh storytelling skills are amazing. I am looking forward to reading more of her work in the future.
Sassy Reviews 