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July 15, 2025

Five Men: The Transformative Power of Mentorships

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Five Men: The Transformative Power of Mentorships 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Dave Schmit ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“Five Men: The Transformative Power of Mentorships” by Dave Schmit is a compelling and inspiring read. The book serves as a heartfelt call to recognize, seek out, and cultivate mentorships in our own lives.

The story begins when Charles is invited to give a speech honoring his former professor, Dr. Spencer P. Browning. This moment prompts Charles to reflect deeply on the influence Dr. Browning has had on both his professional and personal growth. As he looks back, Charles realizes that Dr. Browning is one of several key figures who helped shape his journey.

In total, five men profoundly impacted Charles’ life: his father Jerry, who instilled strong values; Dr. Browning, who nurtured his education; Father Pat, who provided spiritual guidance; Coach Mac, who offered lessons on relationships; and Jay Swaboda and Tom Fisherman, who helped him understand his vocation.

The book is not only thought-provoking and beautifully written, but also visually appealing—with a fitting title and a well-designed cover. It encouraged me to reflect on the mentors in my own life and the ways they’ve influenced me. More importantly, it inspired a sense of responsibility to give back by mentoring others.

I highly recommend this book—it’s a powerful, life-changing read that offers lasting lessons and a renewed appreciation for the transformative power of mentorship.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

July 15, 2025

The Ruby Cradle

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Ruby Cradle 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: James L. Hill ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
The Ruby Cradle by James L. Hill is the second installment in The Gemstone Series. After Aberash’s disappearance, no one knew whether she had perished in battle or gone into hiding. In her absence, Zabella had to prepare herself. With the outbreak of the Crimean War, Zabella is sent to her grandmother Rehema to learn the ways of dragons.

Destined to be queen, Zabella finds herself at the center of a growing conflict. The dragons, now powerful and gathering armies across the globe, must be confronted. To stand against them, Zabella must seek help from men—though she belongs to both worlds. Upon arriving on Rehema’s island, she bristles at any criticism of Aberash. But when Rehema attempts to probe her thoughts, she discovers that Zabella possesses an unusually strong mind.

Meanwhile, Shabodun has been transformed into the Ruby Cradle. As Napoleon the Dragon Slayer sets out to build his castle, the Ruby Cradle must be sealed within its walls. Will Apollonia, a mysterious sorceress, play a part in summoning the dragon into the cradle? You’ll have to read the story to find out.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. James L. Hill has crafted a richly layered world with a wide cast of characters, all skillfully handled. The concept of dragons being transformed into a Ruby Cradle is both unique and fascinating. Fans of dragon-centric fantasy will find this an exciting and immersive read.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

July 14, 2025

Interview with author Craig Marchant

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

A1. G’day, I’m Craig Marchant—mental health advocate, public speaker, tech nerd, and dad to five amazing (and occasionally exhausting) kids. I’ve lived with depression, anxiety, and schizoaffective disorder for most of my life, and Conquer Your Inner Demons is my way of turning pain into purpose. I’ve worked in IT, built businesses, trekked the Inca Trail for charity, and survived multiple suicide attempts. Now I spend my time helping others realise they’re not broken—they’re just battling inner demons like the rest of us.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book Conquer Your Inner Demons?

A2. Honestly, reliving some of those dark moments wasn’t easy. Writing about suicide attempts, psychosis, and hospitalisations brought up a lot of raw emotion. But I kept reminding myself that if sharing my story could help even one person feel less alone, it was worth it. Another challenge was figuring out how to balance the serious stuff with some lighter, more relatable moments, because mental illness isn’t just doom and gloom. It’s also about finding joy and meaning in the everyday.

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

A3. David Eddings and Robert Jordan gave me a lifelong love for storytelling. Their fantasy worlds were my escape when real life felt overwhelming. But in terms of raw honesty and voice, I’d say Stephen King showed me the power of vulnerability on the page. I also draw inspiration from memoirs and personal development books—anything that gets real about struggle and growth.

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

A4. The Inca Trail may have changed my life, but here in Australia, I’d say the Southern Highlands in New South Wales holds a special place in my heart. I lived there during some tough years, and it’s where I started my real journey toward healing. There’s something about the fresh air, rolling hills, and slower pace that helped me reconnect with myself. Plus, nothing beats a meat pie from a proper country bakery.

Q5. What inspired you to write the book Conquer Your Inner Demons?

A5. I wanted to write the book I wish I’d had when I was drowning in darkness. After years of battling schizoaffective disorder, depression, and anxiety—and surviving multiple suicide attempts—I knew I had something worth sharing. I wanted people to see that you can hit rock bottom and still come back stronger. The book is part memoir, part guide, and all heart.

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book Conquer Your Inner Demons?

A6. It took me around three to four months to complete the full manuscript. Some parts poured out of me, while others… well, I had to step away and give myself space. Certain memories were just too heavy to face all at once. But once I found my rhythm, the words came with surprising clarity. Interestingly, the second half of the book—the practical, self-help side—ended up being just as therapeutic for me as I’d hoped it would be for my readers. Writing it was healing in more ways than one.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

A7. Conquer Your Inner Demons is available in both paperback and ebook formats. You can grab it on Amazon, Booktopia, or order it through most online retailers. If you’re in Australia, some local bookstores can also order it for you. I’m also working on getting it into more hands through my own website.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title Conquer Your Inner Demons?

A8. The title hit me during a moment of deep reflection. I realised my life had been a constant battle—not just against depression or schizoaffective disorder, but against the inner critic, the self-doubt, the lies my mind had whispered for years. I needed a title that felt strong, empowering, and real. Conquer Your Inner Demons was the perfect fit—both a personal declaration and an invitation for others to do the same.

As for the cover, it was designed by the incredible team at Ultimate World Publishing. But the image? That’s a photo I took myself while trekking the Inca Trail in Peru in 2016—a journey that became a turning point in my life. It felt only fitting to use that moment, captured in nature’s raw beauty, as the backdrop for a book about resilience and personal transformation.

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

A9. I mix it up—stories, humour, the occasional dad joke. Mental health can be a heavy topic, so I try to bring in light where I can. I’m also brutally honest in my writing. I think readers connect with that. If I’m laughing, crying, or questioning everything while writing, chances are the reader will feel something too. That’s the goal.

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

A10. Write like you’re having a conversation with one person—someone who really needs to hear what you have to say. Don’t worry about sounding fancy or perfect. Just be real. That advice freed me to write in my own voice, which is probably why the book resonates with people who have been through the trenches.

July 12, 2025

Detroit White Girl

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Detroit White Girl 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Constance McMurray ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“Detroit White Girl: A Memoir of Growing Up in Detroit” by Constance McMurray is a compelling and heartfelt read. In Constance’s home, books held a special place. Her grandmother, a warm and nurturing figure, often read aloud to Constance and her brothers. She was also a talented cook who lovingly prepared holiday meals for the entire extended family.

In 1948, Detroit’s population was nearing its peak. The city was deeply segregated at the time, with Black residents confined to specific neighborhoods. Constance’s family doctor, Dr. Walter Reed, had his practice just a short walk from her house. On one occasion during her childhood, while she was out grocery shopping, the Reeds spotted her and kindly brought her to the safety of their home.

Constance inherited her love for cinema from her mother. Later in life, she revisited her childhood home with her husband Charles, reliving the memories that shaped her early years.

The photographs included in this memoir made me feel even more connected to the author. Reading this book sparked in me a desire to visit Detroit someday. It also made me reflect fondly on my own childhood home, with all its treasured memories. One of my favorite moments was when the Reeds took young Constance in and ensured she was safe—a reminder of the kind of caring neighborhood we all hope to be part of. This beautifully written memoir was an absolute joy to read.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon and barnesandnoble.com

July 12, 2025

The Adventures of Spunky and Leonard

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Adventures of Spunky and Leonard 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: William Tirre ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“The Adventures of Spunky and Leonard” by William Tirre is an engaging and imaginative story. The protagonist, Leonard, is a curious nine-year-old boy whose life takes an unexpected turn when a small circular aircraft suddenly lands on his desk. Out steps a two-inch-tall humanoid named Spunky, who explains that he’s searching for Leonard’s father, Harold.

Spunky hails from the planet Quelle and once knew Harold when he was Leonard’s age. Upon spotting a blue toy boat on Leonard’s shelf, Spunky is instantly drawn to it and expresses a desire to stand on its deck. This sparks an adventurous journey as the two set off on a playful expedition aboard the toy ship.

Later, Leonard shares his worries about an upcoming baseball game—his thick glasses and asthma make him unsure of himself. But what will Spunky do to help? You’ll have to read the story to find out.

One of my favorite parts was the knowledge transmittal unit—I truly wish such a device existed! This story is packed with creativity and fun, and the author’s writing style is both vivid and captivating. I thoroughly enjoyed being swept into Spunky and Leonard’s world and found their adventures both heartwarming and entertaining.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

July 10, 2025

Miscarriage Heartbreak

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Miscarriage Heartbreak 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Tae Simeon ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“Miscarriage Heartbreak” by Tae Simeon is a compassionate guide offering vital steps toward emotional healing after experiencing a miscarriage. The book begins by defining miscarriage as the loss of a pregnancy before the 20th week of gestation and goes on to address common myths and misconceptions, along with strategies to challenge them.

The author encourages readers to acknowledge their grief and embrace journaling as a therapeutic practice. Her insights on coping with insensitive remarks and fostering emotional resilience are particularly valuable. She also highlights meaningful ways to support others going through miscarriage, emphasizing the importance of a strong support network in restoring one’s emotional well-being.

Simeon urges readers to make informed choices when considering future pregnancies. While choosing to stop trying can be a difficult decision, the author underscores that it is sometimes necessary for the woman’s health and emotional safety.

This book gave me a deeper understanding of the emotional journey faced by those who have endured a miscarriage. Readers will gain powerful tools to navigate their grief and begin to rebuild their sense of normalcy. The author’s writing style is gentle and empathetic, and the content will surely aid many couples in their healing process. I also found the book’s cover photo to be especially touching.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

July 10, 2025

The Sloth & His Friends

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Sloth & His Friends 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Michael Zanetti ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
I enjoy reading stories that stand out, and this time, I picked up The Sloth and His Friends by Michael Zanetti. The story introduces us to Sal, a charming and instantly likable sloth. While sloths are often labeled as slow and lazy, Sal dreams of breaking that stereotype. He wants to prove that sloths can be productive.

When Mr. Jenkins spots two men from the MG company attempting to cut down trees in the Amazon rainforest, he becomes frustrated. Having dedicated his life to protecting this precious ecosystem, he believes there’s more than enough space for logging, farming, and ranching outside the rainforest. Destroying such a delicate environment for short-term gain is simply wrong.

Jenkins offers the two workers, Alberto and Luis, a chance to switch sides—to help protect the rainforest instead of contributing to its destruction. But the question remains: will Sal and his forest friends be forced to leave their home?

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It’s a delightful, engaging story that also carries a powerful environmental message. The characters were memorable, the pacing was just right, and I would gladly recommend it to fellow readers looking for something both fun and meaningful.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

July 10, 2025

The Twin Flame

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Twin Flame 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: K.T. Anglehart ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“The Twin Flame” by K.T. Anglehart is the second installment in The Scottish Scrolls series. It follows Mckenna O’Dwyer, a witch who keeps reincarnating — a mystery only her mother, Abby, can truly help her understand.

A powerful High Priestess is determined to use Mckenna as a means to reach Abby, believing that only by harnessing both their powers can she fulfill her purpose. To protect her daughter, Abby placed an enchantment on Mckenna as a baby — one that ensured only Mckenna could find her when the time was right. Frustrated with Cillian, the Priestess performs a dark ritual to break not only the enchantment on Mckenna but also the protective magic surrounding Ballycastle.

Mckenna embarks on a journey to find her mother and ultimately reunites with her. But will she be able to warn Abby in time about the Priestess’s intentions? You’ll have to read to find out.

Book two was well worth the wait — the storyline is captivating, the pacing well-balanced, and the cover design is beautiful. I especially enjoyed the characters of Mckenna, her dads, and Abby. The world-building is rich and immersive, making for an engaging read.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

July 9, 2025

Interview with author Lainey Miles

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

A1. Hi, my name is Lainey Miles. Welcome to The Lost Forest Trilogy: Legacy of the Golden Bird. This is my first book in the series and this is the first children’s book I have ever written. I grew up in Littleton, Colorado and currently reside in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “Legacy of the Golden Bird”?

A2. The challenge in writing this book is making sure the storyline flows from one chapter to the next with all the different twists and turns and situations I put my characters in.

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

A3. My favorite series was Nancy Drew. I read all of her books. I also loved everything Disney growing up. Walt Disney was a true inspiration with all the wonderful characters and worlds he created so long ago and obviously still beloved today. The Lord of the Rings series is a big favorite of mine as well. I guess all the mystery and fantasy I loved growing up has influenced me in writing this trilogy.

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

A4. My favorite spot is Aspen, Colorado where I was born. I don’t get back there too often, but when I do, just being surrounded by the mountains and the smell of the mountain air, there is nothing like it. Also, in the fall when the leaves of the Aspen trees turn to gold, it is a sight to behold.

Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘Legacy of the Golden Bird’?

A5. What inspired me to write this book was my sister’s hamster, believe it or not. She was always telling me funny stories about the silly things Chuck, her hamster did and I thought it would be fun to write about it, and here we are today, where Chuck is now a fierce warrior. I know it sounds crazy, but that is my imagination gone wild.

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘Legacy of the Golden Bird’?

A6. It has taken me quite a while to write this book as I would write and then not look at it for months and then pick it up again and write. Maybe eight years. The book has evolved over that period of time.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

A7. Readers can find me on my website at http://www.laineymiles.com and order from there or they can go to Amazon or Barnes and Noble. I am currently putting it out on Apple as well.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Legacy of the Golden Bird’?

A8. I wanted the book cover to be dramatic and capture the essence of the forest and waterfalls which is where Berra heralds from. If your book cover isn’t captivating, no one will want to even pick up your book. I have been told this a lot, so it had to be interesting. So I worked with a graphics person and went from there. As I kept writing, I realized I had to have a cut off point, so I decided it needed to be a trilogy. So I decided Berra had to be a legacy and since she was a golden bird, the title seemed appropriate at that point.

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

A9. I like putting my characters in situations that they have to figure out how to get out of so I think that keeps my interest as well as my readers.

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

A10. Don’t try to rush the story, make your characters come to life so your reader feels like they are a part of the adventure.

Buy book on Amazon

July 9, 2025

Germs Are Not Our Enemy

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Germs Are Not Our Enemy 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Marizelle Arce ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“Germs Are Not Our Enemy: Why the New Terrain Medicine Is Best for Optimal Health” by Marizelle Arce is a compelling and enlightening read. In this book, the author explores the contrast between the traditional germ theory and the emerging terrain model of health.

Arce challenges the conventional notion that germs are the primary cause of illness. Instead, the germs are present where illness occurs. The author’s central message is that microbes are not our enemies. Rather than waging war against harmful invaders, terrain medicine emphasizes creating balance within the body and fostering overall well-being. This is achieved through practices such as proper nutrition, hygiene, adequate sleep, regular exercise, and detoxification.

Rooted in traditional naturopathy, the terrain approach focuses on supporting the whole person—physically, mentally, and emotionally—to enhance the body’s natural ability to self-regulate and maintain homeostasis.

Arce’s writing is engaging and accessible, making complex concepts easy to understand. The book is thoughtfully designed, with an eye-catching cover that complements its message. It’s a truly insightful read that offers a fresh and empowering perspective on health. The guidance on maintaining a healthy internal terrain is particularly impactful. I found the knowledge shared in this book to be both valuable and thought-provoking.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon