“Love Pain: Stories of Loss and Survival” written by the author Lynn Jaffee is a worth reading story. Lynn is the mother of two sons: Micheal and Andrew. Her road trip through Southwest became an unimaginable journey for her. This book has stories about a mother (the author) losing her adult son Andrew to a terminal disease.
Andrew had a master degree in child’s development and he was a preschool teacher. He had a woman named Lauren in his life. When Lynn was on a trip, Andrew got sick. What initially seemed to be just a flu turns out to be an incurable lung cancer. Andrew survived for 15 months after being diagnosed with cancer. Due to his illness his writing became more intense. In this book, we could find Andrew’s journal entries also. Lynn returned to Boulder and drove across Boulder to take Andrew to hospital. She promised Andrew to be there for him whenever he needed her.
This is an emotional read. Reading about the most difficult times in Lynn’s journey wasn’t easy but this book would inspire someone to find comfort after the biggest loss in life. Author’s writing style is nice. Cover photo of the book is relevant. Title is suitable. Grab a copy of this book and read yourself about Andrew’s battle and his journey.
Sammi’s Worry is a Children’s Book written by the author Angela Menzies. One night when Sammi went to bed, a scary storm was looming. Her worry was blinking at her from the darkness and Sammi was too terrified. Sammi was even shivering because of her worry. Grab a copy of this book and find out for yourself will she be able to get rid of her worry.
Illustrations are so beautiful. Cover photo is nice. The title of the book is relevant. This book teaches a valuable lesson to kids. Read this book to know what that lesson is. Author’s writing style is nice.
I like to recommend this book to all kids. Great book for bedtime reading.
Nincompoop is the first novel that I have read penned by the author John C. Picardi. Protagonist of the story is a 24 years old gay man Leonardo. Story started in October 1994 when Leonardo landed a job at an East Village bar named Bar Plato. The owner of the bar was actor Jack Fresh. Leonardo has recently moved to New York and his friend Julia helped him to get the job at a bar.
Before landing this job, Leonardo was fired from a cater-waiter job and he couldn’t even go back to substitute teaching because of his bad experience at it. Leonardo was tense about whether Jack’s wife Mara will hire him after the interview. Mara saw that Leonardo is weak and boring. She told him that she will fix him and his job is confirmed. Rico, Leonard’s boss on the other hand warned him that Mara is not as nice as he is thinking. However, his friend Jack is a great person. Leonardo is also an aspiring writer and Jack has shown interest in reading his work. Grab a copy of this book and find out for yourself what happens next.
I liked the way the author introduced the setting, milieu (environment) and the principal characters first. Story is quite interesting. There are many characters in the story. Even though I rarely read novels with so many characters, the way the author has written each character is amazing. I loved the plot. The title of the story is suitable. I like to strongly recommend this novel to other readers.
Q1. Hello Ma’am, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
I am a biracial woman who was adopted as an infant by a a White couple from Northern Minnesota, who decided early in my life to teach overseas. I attended the American School of The Hague in the Netherlands for most of my schooling, where I got to travel a lot as an athlete and meet amazing people. I returned to the US for college, which was a very difficult experience. Although college in the US as a person of color in the late 80s was tough, one good part was meeting my husband, who has been my partner in crime for almost 30 years. We are parents to 2 bio kids, one formally adopted kids and a socially-adopted kid (all adults now). I was a soccer player for 20 years, a basketball player for 40 years and now run and walk long-distance for exercise. I have had lots of good experiences in my life and many tough ones. I made the decision to use every story in my life – good and bad – to help others.
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Bridges To Heal US’ book?
The biggest challenge of writing was setting aside time regularly in the midst of one of the busiest professional seasons of my life. It was also hard figuring out which stories to tell and which to leave out. It really helped to have a writing coach who set goals and gave me assignments each week.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
There’s not a particular author who inspired my writing style. I’ve read more fiction than non-fiction over the years and love the writing styles of Alice Walker, Maya Angelou , James Baldwin and Langston Hughes. However, I really enjoy the writing style of Isabel Wilkerson. I loved the way she used personal story and history in “Caste,” but I don’t claim to be anything like her. She’s a nationally award winning author who was a writer for the New York Times for years. I am NOT her.
Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
There are so many places in the United States that I love to visit! I love walking along Ruston Way in Tacoma, WA. The view of the Puget Sound and the mountains is breathtaking. I love living in Washington state and being an hour from the mountains or the ocean and surrounded by trees. I also love to visit San Diego. The weather is sunny but mild. There is water everywhere. There are so many cultural activities to do in the city. I love to visit both DC and New York for the excitement.
Q5. Is there lots to do before you drive in and start writing a book?
I think that depends on the book you are writing. My book is literally the written version of training I do every week. That being said, before I started writing the actual book, I had several meetings with my writing coach to walk through concepts and organization to identify the key points I hoped to cover. I’m so glad I took so much time to get organized before I started writing.
Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Bridges To Heal US’ book?
I started meeting with my writing coach in late February and finished writing the book during the last week of June.
Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘Bridges To Heal US’ book to buy?
At the moment, the book is available on Amazon or from me at an in-person event.
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Bridges To Heal US’ ?
I have always talked about being a bridge, so I knew I wanted “bridges” in the title. I also like the play on words with “US” (meaning “us” and “United States”). With regard to the cover art, I am known for my “big” hair, red lipstick and earrings. Finally, I didn’t ask for this, but the cover artist came up with the idea for the flag in the background. I love it, because I talk often about challenging current notions of patriotism.
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
As a public speaker, I am often speaking 4-5 times per day. Sometimes I have to share the same stories. I try to tap into as many emotions as possible to keep it fresh and new for me and for the audience. I tried to do the same in the book.
Q10. Are there any secrets from the book (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?
I don’t know that there are “secrets” in the book. I think the most important thing I hope to communicate is that we have made it taboo to talk about politics, race and religion in the United States. Because we are not “allowed” to talk about these subjects, we’ve not developed the skills necessary to talk effectively about them. I guess the “secret” is that ANYONE can learn, if they are willing. If we want to heal, learning new skills is necessary.
“Polish Dragon P. I. (The Lineage Sword)” penned by the author Steve Zimcosky. Story features a private investigator Tom Sipowicz, a.k.a. The Polish Dragon. One day, Tom was sitting in his favorite Chinese restaurant Li Wah when he noticed a woman staring at him. As they started talking, Cindy told Tom that her father passed away recently and after a few days of that her brother Paul had been missing. The sword i.e. a family heirloom that was supposed to be passed to Paul is also missing. Cindy requested Tom to take her case. After giving some thought and having a strange dream about the same sword that Cindy has shown him, Tom feels that the sword is calling him.
As Tom started investigating the case the story became more and more interesting. Language used in the book is lucid and I was easily able to follow the story. This story hooked me from the first page and I couldn’t put it down until I finished it. Cover photo is nice and the way the author has linked Cindy’s dream about dragons with Tom’s nickname is also interesting. Steve’s writing is professional and his story plot is superb. This book just won my heart and I am definitely interested to read more of Steve’s work.
Hearts Amongst Stars written by the author K Soriano is a poetry book. The author has written all the poems in the left alignment. Below lines are my favorite among the collection. The narrator has expressed deep feelings of how someone means so much to us. Even when that special person is not physically around us, we feel so much for him/her.
Of all the people in the world, there’s only one who can give us butterflies. Make our hearts feel full. Feel our souls connect as one. Allow us to feel comfortable with who we are and love us anyway. Once you find that person, consider yourself lucky. Truly special. And never let them go.
A person who has been in love could understand the meaning of these lines very well.
Language used in the book is simple. If you are a beginner in reading poetry, you will be able to understand what the author is trying to convey using these poems. Cover photo is simple yet relevant as it depicts the night sky full of stars. It’s so thoughtful. Poetry lovers should definitely read this book.
Q1. Hello Ma’am, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
Hi, my name is Marta. I was born and raised in Barcelona, Spain. When I was 22 years old, I left my country, with a college degree under my belt and very little money in my pocket, to go live in the USA. The USA adventure turned into an immigration fiasco, a husband, three kids, and lots of pets. I love cats, the ocean, summertime at the pool, the color pink, and reading romance novels.
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘18: An Unschooling Experience’ book?
I didn’t have challenges while writing the book. The challenge came once I was done. The biggest difficulty I faced was finding a literary agent and a publisher that would be interested in my manuscript and give the book a chance.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
Jen hatmaker’s books (my favorite 7: An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess), Rage Against the Minivan by Kristen Howerton, and Untamed by Glennon Doyle. In fact, Untamed is the very last book I read before writing my own. I didn’t know how to write, a lot of times over the years I wanted to write articles about parenting and education but I would block not knowing how to transfer my thoughts into paper. This time, the book in my head was bothering me and I need it to take it out. I asked myself “How do Jen and Glennon write? They don’t! They talk to you”. I decided to do the same. I pretended to talk to a friend using my phone voice text. The very first thing I wrote on my manuscript was through voice text, but that got annoying with my accent and the machine not understanding me. I had to do so much editing that finally I transferred to typing on my computer.
Q4. What’s your favorite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
The Mediterranean sea. It calms me down, takes all my problems away, and it gives me energy and peace. When I submerge my whole body in the sea I feel like I belong.
Q5. Is there lots to do before you drive in and start writing a book?
My book came to my head all of sudden, there was nothing to do before that but to let it out on paper (computer). However, it did take 18 years of life to build up to that moment. To write a book you need to live life and gain experiences.
Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘18: An Unschooling Experience’ book?
It took me 2 months to write 18. I wrote every day, all day long. I did not recognize myself! I was a completely different person.
Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘18: An Unschooling Experience’ book to buy?
Barnes and Noble, Amazon, Kobo, Scribd, Booktopia, Target, Book Depository.
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘18: An Unschooling Experience’ ?
I designed the cover one night laying down in my bed. Tired of writing, I wanted a break but I didn’t want a break from the book. I started playing around with my phone. I knew I wanted a big 18 on the cover with a blue background. I searched on the internet for three pictures that could represent my kids. I found a soccer player, an aerialist, and a writer. I put them around the number 18, wrote the subtitle, and wrote my name in pink. After this first design was made on my cheap phone, I created many more covers using my computer. No one liked any of my covers except the very first one I made one night on my phone. I gave my publisher the design everybody seemed to agree on and he made it better.
The title of the book had three stages. First I named it Unschooling in America. Then, the emotions of my son turning 18 years old, this number is so important and meaningful to me, I wanted to name the book just 18. I like numbers better than letters and words, but I learned that readers need a subtitle to understand what the book is about. I came up with the subtitle Stories of an Unschooling Family. I didn’t like the length of the sentence, I like short and simple, that’s why I finally named it 18 (an unschooling experience).
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
I used dialogue or some kind of action at the beginning of the chapters to engage the reader.
I also gave some information without details, more like a teaser, so the reader would be shocked and interested to keep reading.
Q1: Hello Maám, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
My name is Mary, I am 38 years old and I live in Luxembourg, Europe. I am a clinical researcher, a pharmacist, a single mum of 4, a long term childhood sexual abuse survivor and since a few months also a cancer survivor. I have accidentally written a book within 8 weeks while undergoing heavy cancer treatment.
Q2: What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Cruelly Betrayed’ book?
‘Cruelly betrayed’ has written itself. Being faced with my own mortality after waking up from a long and complicated surgery, only to learn that my cancer had spread, I felt an overwhelming fear of death.
I started compiling a letter for my children on my hospital bed and the pages just kept going. I was recovering from a horrible surgery, going through chemotherapy and attending 30 burning radiation sessions. These were the challenging conditions in which that book was written.
It was as if I still had so much to say still before dying and everything just came out freeing me up from any bottled up negative emotions that I didn’t realize I still had inside of me until triggered by the possibility of my own demise.
Q3: What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
Since I am not your typical writer, I’d say my writing style is very concise and to the point. I don’t use long sentences and that’s why this book is very digestible and easy to read within a short time. The book has been described by many as being captivating and the readers couldn’t put it down.
The reader will always need to remember that the book is a first draft written under horrible circumstances within weeks. That is what makes this book authentic as it’s straight from the heart.
Q4: What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
However strange this sounds, this would have to be the cemetery where my stillborn daughter is buried. Whenever I feel down, that’s where I go to pick up strength and positive energy to get me back on track, my other children feel the same about this particular spot.
Q5: Is there lots to do before you drive in and start writing a book?
Well, since it’s my first book and it’s been written in the middle of a horror situation, I am very curious to see what I can write when life is more calm and I can actually consciously think about content and structure 😉
Q6: How long did it take you to write ‘Cruelly Betrayed’ book?
It took me about 8 weeks to write that book, mostly while I was attached to my 12 hour chemo infusions, on my laptop on the hospital bed.
Q7: On what all platforms readers can find ‘Cruelly Betrayed’ book to buy?
The book can be purchased in the global book trade (physical and online bookshops) including amazon (also available in Kindle format) as well as on my website http://www.maryfaltz.com
Q8: Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Cruelly Betrayed’ ?
The title of the book needed to be eye catching and since the topics in themselves are cruel, I thought why sugar coat the title and make it sound sweeter. I decided to put a smiley strong face on the cover in order to portray that this woman right there is unbreakable.
Despite all the hardships she’s had to endure, she’s still standing and smiling at life because life is beautiful no matter how many times you got hit and hurt, life is magical if you just open your eyes and see.
Q9: When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
This specific book has been unconsciously written in the midst of total chaos, it’s an unedited first draft, as if you were reading an intimate journal of a mother facing her death, very scared of not seeing her babies grow.
I am certain the words would flow out differently today if I decided to write them. The book knows no plan or structure, the feelings were typed as they were felt in real time.
Q10: Are there any secrets from the book (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?
Hmm, secrets? Well, I can only say that despite the heavy thematics, the tone throughout the book is very empowering despite it being written in absolute fear and despair.
This book is merely a sneak peak of my horrid reality. there is humor, suspense, horror, romance, action, love, hope, perseverance, kindness and trust all packed in an accidental book.
Betrayal in Black penned by the author Mark M Bello is really an intriguing story. In fact, I found this book the most interesting out of the 4 books that I have read so far in a series of 6 books.
Cedar Ridge Police Officer Randall Jones asked an African-American family to pull over their car. Randall thought that they were the Burger King robbery suspects. Marcus Hayes was a resident of Detroit. He was shot by officer Randall multiple times and lost his life. His wife Sarah Hayes asked the officer why he had shot her husband but Officer Randall asked her to show her hands. Soon, another officer reached the crime scene. Sarah has already recorded everything on her iPhone. She later reaches Zachary Blake, a high-profile attorney to get justice for her husband.
Will Sarah get justice? What will happen next in the story? Find out yourself by reading this amazing story. The plot of the story is so interesting that I couldn’t take my eyes away from this book. I binged read it. Mark writes his characters very well. Narration is smooth and to the point. This story will stay in one’s head for a long time.
“Betrayal in Blue” penned by the author Mark M Bello is the third installment in A Zachary Blake Legal Thriller series. Captain Jack Dylan and his team are verifying the source of an unspecified threat. At the mosque, they warned people to be vigilant. Arya Khan, whose case was handled well by Jack, asked everyone to take it seriously. Later, Jack received a call and the caller told him that he has some information about the sarin gas heading towards Dearborn. To reveal the full information about the attack, the caller asked for the complete immunity package.
Grab a copy of this novel with courtroom drama and much more. This is the third book in the series and I have become addicted to Mark’s writing. The plots of his stories are unique, intriguing and have amazing content. Pace of the novel is fast, full of action all the time. One won’t stand a chance to be bored. Those who are fans of legal thrillers couldn’t afford to miss reading this amazing novel. All excited to jump on the 4th book in the series.
Sassy Reviews 