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April 17, 2025

Interview with author Karah Khalia

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

A1. I am Karah Khalia, a native of Los Angeles, California. Splendidly single!!! As of April 2025, I continue to live in southern California. Before the pandemic, I would get plagued with the thought, ‘my life is boring!!!’ Reading articles and watching documentaries about the sudden onset of poverty since COVID-19 has awakened me to my blessings. I have love, joy, and peace. Billions of people don’t have those assets.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “The Canary Journal: a novel”?

A2. Time management and consistency challenged me daily.

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

A3. I am influenced by women writers who present the truth with verve. Carolina Maria de Jesus (Child of the Dark), Aline Kominsky-Crumb (Need More Love), Isabel Allende (Paula), and Bebe Moore-Campbell (Sweet Summer) have kept me enthralled for several hours.

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

A4. Los Angeles: I am a faithful visitor of public libraries. The Central Library in downtown Los Angeles has exquisite architecture. I encourage any bibliophage to visit the Central Library. Make sure you can distinguish between the Los Angeles Public Library and Los Angeles County Library. Please know the library branches often have ongoing book sales.

The Last Bookstore is east of the Central Library on Spring Street. It’s within walking distance!!! If you abhor downtown, visit the Studio City location.

We have orchards of new and used bookshops. No need for literary deprivation. Book Soup, Hennessey + Ingalls, Vroman’s, Dave’s Olde Book Shop, Sandpiper, Chevalier, Alias….

I refuse not to include food in this answer. Fill me up with a juicy burger and hot, fresh fries—-> happy camper!!! I have a theory that cash-only restaurants serve tastier burgers and fries than those that accept credit cards: A-1 Burgers, Tommy’s, Steven’s Burgers, Y-Not Burger, Wilson Burgers, and Fatburger.

Santa Barbara makes for an incredible getaway. Once the fire debris gets cleared, everyone will be able to revel in driving the Pacific Coast Highway. Wondrous sights and azure skies!!! I encourage people to visit the Andersen Bakery on State Street to pick up a butter roll. Soft sweetness envelops your senses!!! Also, trek over to East Beach Tacos in Milpas. The faithful devour the tacos. They serve a delectable cheeseburger and fries combo. Yep, there’s those burgers!!!

New York, New York: a true alpha city. I would immerse myself with the arts scene. Concerts in the park, arthouse cinema, Off-Broadway plays, long walks, jazz lounges, et cetera. I am not ashamed to admit it: reading qualifies under art and I yearn to visit the public libraries and bookshops.

Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘The Canary Journal: a novel’?

A5. I figured that since I had read hundreds of books equated that I had the skill to write a book. I felt that the meticulousness needed for a book would strengthen my clarity. What if it succeeds? It could provide the financial independence I crave.

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘The Canary Journal: a novel’?

A6. I spent 5 years writing The Canary Journal: a novel.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

A7. Readers can purchase my literary debut, The Canary Journal: a novel, on Amazon in hardcover, softcover, and Kindle formats.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘The Canary Journal: a novel’?

A8. Selecting the cover photo and book title were no trouble!!! I had snapped the photo in our garden long before the pandemic. Therefore, no legal trouble. As for the title, I have heard the phrase “singing like a canary” when people made confessions under duress. The protagonist, Jolie Tanique Cade, needs her journal because she can confess without fear of retribution. Canaries are songbirds who have led people from bondage to a liberated life. I wanted that for Jolie.

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

A9. I feel the inclusion of brilliant musicians keeps this novel fresh. I figured readers would explore the oeuvres of these great artists. It brings me delight to write about these gifted ones. The more delight in a task, the deeper the willingness to execute the task.

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

A10. I haven’t received any writing advice thus far. Yet, I appreciate Mark Twain’s quote: write what you know. Writing about what I don’t know requires guessing and generalized statements. Writing about what I know enables insights to gleam because of my intimacy with the topic.

Buy The Canary Journal on Amazon

April 17, 2025

The Gift of the Angel

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Gift of the Angel 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Helga Zuber ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“The Gift of the Angel” is a heartwarming tale written by Helga Zuber and beautifully illustrated by Kate Kasyanchuk. The story follows a little angel who gracefully descends from the clouds to Earth. Upon arrival, the angel is mesmerized by the beauty of nature — the glistening lakes, towering mountains, and free-flowing rivers.

Dewdrops scattered like tiny pearls, and when a storm rolled in, swans fluttered their wings against the wild winds. The storm wounded its wing so much that the swans couldn’t fly. Curious to know what the little angel does next? Dive into this enchanting story to find out.

Ideal for children aged 2 to 7, this book gently introduces themes of kindness, compassion, and the joy of giving. I thoroughly enjoyed it — the author’s writing is engaging, and the illustrations bring the story vividly to life. Helga’s storytelling is delightful, making this one of the most charming children’s books I’ve come across.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

April 16, 2025

The Tales of The Tails: Every Rescue Dog Has a Story

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Tales of The Tails: Every Rescue Dog Has a Story 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Steve Kravetz ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
The Tales of The Tails: Every Rescue Dog Has a Story by Steve Kravetz is a brief yet touching read. In this book, the author shares heartfelt stories of several dogs that he and his wife, Darlene, encountered during their involvement in non-profit dog rescue.

One story, New Beginning/New Lady and New Dog: Wally, revolves around a Lhasa Apso named Wally. After being returned from two homes, Wally was taken in by Steve and Darlene. Darlene celebrated his birthday with a party, and he ultimately became the inspiration behind their 501 c non-profit rescue, “For the Love of a Lhasa.”

Another story, The $22,000 Dog: Nick, features Nick, a gentle dog rescued during a raid on a puppy mill. Despite suffering from numerous health issues, Nick’s kind nature stood out. The couple spent $22,000 on his medical care.

The inclusion of photographs of the rescued dogs added depth and warmth to the book, helping me connect more deeply with their stories. I also gained new insights into dog care and the world of animal rescue. The author’s clear and simple writing style makes the book an enjoyable and informative read for anyone interested in rescue dogs.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

April 15, 2025

Adventures In The Sky: The Beginning

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Adventures In The Sky: The Beginning 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Trevor Rodgers ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“Adventures in the Sky: The Beginning” by Trevor Rodgers is an exciting and captivating read. The story revolves around a monkey, a gorilla, and the narrator. In a tense moment, the monkey nearly loses its life to the gorilla. Thinking quickly, the narrator advises the monkey to use powdered bananas as a defense. Thanks to the narrator’s clever idea, the monkey overcomes the gorilla and peace is momentarily restored.

But the danger doesn’t end there. The gorilla returns—this time with three more—and the group faces off against them again, successfully defeating the threat. Just when things seem calm, a massive dark warp hole appears in the sky. The narrator, donning his dark helmet gear, enters the ominous realm and battles the devil, ultimately destroying it. Sadly, the monkey doesn’t survive the chaos. The question now lingers—what happens if the monkey is brought back to life?

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Trevor Rodgers’ writing style is engaging and fluid. The cover art is striking and instantly grabs attention. The storytelling is strong and immersive, pulling me so deeply into the world of the book that I lost track of reality for a while. Every page was a delight.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

April 15, 2025

The Scent of Redemption

📚Book: The Scent of Redemption
📚Author: Shreyan Laha

📚Review: The Scent of Redemption by Shreyan Laha is a powerful science fiction story that follows the journey of Dr. Ronit Sarkar, a pediatrician whose life takes a dark turn after he gives a child an untested vaccine that leads to the child’s death. What starts as a tragic medical mistake quickly turns into something much bigger. As punishment, Ronit is sent to a faraway prison planet called Flarelix. But this place is nothing like Earth—it’s lonely, harsh, and home to strange, intelligent beings. This sets the stage for an emotional and exciting story about facing guilt and trying to make things right.

On Flarelix, Ronit meets the Zizanoids, an alien species that are way more advanced than humans in both thinking and technology. Compared to them, humans seem almost primitive. What’s really interesting is how Shreyan Laha brings this alien world to life with so much detail—he’s especially great at coming up with cool names and ideas for different places and beings. As Ronit gets to know the Zizanoids, he’s forced to reflect on his past mistakes and question what it really means to be intelligent, responsible, and worthy of forgiveness.

In simple terms, this book is more than just a sci-fi adventure. It’s a story about learning from your mistakes, dealing with the weight of guilt, and trying to become a better person—even when it seems impossible. With unexpected twists, emotional depth, and a unique alien world, The Scent of Redemption is a great read for anyone who enjoys stories that make you think as much as they entertain.

📚Rating: 5/5

April 15, 2025

Hi God! How Are You?

📚Book: Hi God! How Are You?
📚Author: Manoj Kumar Sharma

📚Review: “Hi God! How Are You?” by Manoj Kumar Sharma is a thoughtful blend of spirituality, technology, and social reflection, told through the eyes of Fairy—a young, specially-abled girl with a deep curiosity about God and the world. Despite her illness, Fairy finds a unique way to express herself through a virtual platform called “∀” (pronounced All), where she posts reels directed at the divine. Her simple, heartfelt messages unexpectedly go viral, drawing public attention and sparking widespread debate.

The story takes a dramatic turn as Fairy’s digital conversations with God lead to a courtroom trial, where her intentions and impact are examined on a societal level. Through this lens, the novel raises questions about ethics, freedom of expression, and the role of technology in spiritual discourse. It challenges readers to think about how society responds to innocence, truth, and unconventional voices.

Sharma’s writing maintains a clear, conversational tone that makes even the most complex themes feel accessible and relatable. The characters—especially Fairy—are written with depth and meaning, each representing different facets of society. The author’s use of symbolism, metaphors, and simple language gives the story a universal appeal, making it both emotionally engaging and intellectually stimulating.

Overall, the novel offers a unique and moving exploration of faith, human connection, and societal norms. By presenting deep philosophical ideas through a child’s honest questions, Sharma encourages readers to reflect on their own beliefs and the changing dynamics of the modern world. It’s a powerful reminder of the wisdom that can emerge from innocence.

📚Rating: 5/5

April 15, 2025

Interview with author Trevor Rodgers

Q1 What is your favorite line from your book ‘Adventures in The Sky’?

I do not have a single favorite line but among my favorites would be the dialog with the Sam character talking about food and dozing off. Chapter three is meant to be a more comedic version of the story to show off my comedy chops mixed in with the action adventure.

Q2 What would you say is your strength as an author?

Setting up the basic premise of the story and then going from there to think of the right characters to draw from. Comedy, action, and pop culture references are something I love to conjure.

Q3 How do you manage your work schedule?

I work part time at a training facility that trains firefighters and policemen I help out the staff there twice a week. I usually do my writing work in the afternoons either on days when I’m in the office or days when I’m not in the office at all. I’ve found a great balance between the two but I do work on my writing more often on non office days.

Q4 How do you handle literary criticism?

I take it as a challenge to keep improving in various areas, while also keeping in mind that everybody’s got an opinion about everyone and everything. It’s impossible to please everybody in the world, but as long as we are giving it our all that’s what counts.

Q5 What do you like about audiobooks?

What I love about audiobooks is that it’s an excellent way to bring the stories to life leaping from the page to a person’s voice. I am new to the field of audiobooks I only have one made so far, but I’m working on putting out more. (FYI it is also a great option for people who prefer to have the story read to them out loud instead of reading the words themselves).

Q6 What inspired you to start writing?

Writing for me is very therapeutic to help me exercise some of my demons and trauma that I’ve experienced through my own life experiences. I enjoy sharing stories with people and finding a way to relate back to those experiences is what helps us feel connected. Art is also in my genes as my mother is an artist herself (painting, sculpting, little bit of writing). My older sister is also a writer for a magazine. It’s in the family so to speak.

Q7 What, in your opinion, are the most important elements of good writing?

Grammar is a big one. Having the ability to structure sentences properly makes a big difference. Having the ability to describe what characters look like, and how they’re feeling in the story. Names are the most challenging aspect for me to come up with good ones, so that’s always a bonus if the author can conjure up memorable names that stick.

Q8 What is your work schedule like when you are writing?

So on a typical week, I normally edit/write Monday through Friday. Every now and then I might write something down on the weekends, but this is a rare occurrence that does not happen often. As I prefer to take the weekend to recharge my creativity. Some weeks are more active than others. When I’m experiencing writers block for instance and the ideas aren’t coming, I’ll take a step back and give myself however much time I need until I get the ball rolling.

Q9 What is the significance of the title ‘The Mysterious House’?

The title sets the tone for the mystery/horror/thriller trilogy I wrote for the story, with the exception of the last chapter which is disconnected from the locked doors concept but ties everything up from the first three chapters using a different setting to keep the story fresh.

Q10 What did you want to be when you grew up?

Ever since my junior high days going back to the seventh grade I knew that I wanted to be a writer for the rest of my life. The want and need for it came out of hardships in my personal life. I took to writing as a coping mechanism to deal with it. (I am a Special Needs young man, and “Adventures in the Sky” is the first book I wrote and self published). I am currently working on the second half which will be ten chapters in total. I have written eight out of the ten thus far.

Author’s profile on Amazon

April 14, 2025

Interview with author Amanda Albery

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

A1. Hello! My name is Amanda Albery, author of “Soulbound: Destiny’s Move,” and my passion is writing. I’ve always had a love and talent for storytelling. I remember writing my first story at seven years old.

I am a mom of two handsome young men, and I have many furbabies, Five dogs, four cats and a bunny. I am also currently a student, pursuing my degree in creative writing.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “Soulbound: Destiny’s Move”?

A2. One of the challenges I faced while writing “Soulbound: Destiny’s Move,” was keeping everything together cohesively. I suffer from ADHD and keeping all my scenes flowing was a challenge. My mom helped me on days I was really struggling. My whole book was basically one large and weird jigsaw puzzle. But thanks to her, I was able to finish it and get it published.

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

A3. Well, first, I’d have to say, my mom. She was a poet. I can thank her for my love and passing the talent on for writing. There were also classic authors like Vern, Dickens, Stevenson, Fitzgerald, and of course, the lady who hooked me with vampires and werewolves and all things gothic and paranormal, Anne Rice.

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

A4. I have many places in my country that are special to me. The Mountains where I live in Northeast Tennessee, where the cool breezes brush away my worries. and I love the beach. The ocean waves are calming to my soul and I feel inspired watching them roll in and take my stresses away with them. I find beauty in all the landscapes in the US, but the mountains where I live and beaches where I love to visit are my favorites.

Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘Soulbound: Destiny’s Move’?

A5. Honestly, I just loved writing, and coming up with stories, I don’t know that I had actual inspiration. I know that I wanted to write a book I wanted to read, so, I did it!

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘Soulbound: Destiny’s Move’?

A6. It took me about ten months to write the book. It wasn’t until after my divorce that I was able to publish it. So all in all, it took a little over a year to write and publish the book.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

A7. My book can be read on Amazon(print on demand and kindle), Barnes and Noble (print on demand and kindle) anywhere e-books are sold, google books, ibooks and can even be ordered from walmart.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Soulbound: Destiny’s Move’?

A8. The cover was actually created for me from a previous publisher. I pulled my book from them and republished myself. I am interested in a different cover, but for now I will keep the one I have.

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

A9. When writing any book, to keep things fresh for my readers, I look back at my previous work, and what I am currently working on. To keep things fresh for me, to “cleanse the creative pallet” so to speak, I write a short story, sometimes it’s inspired by my characters, other times it’s something completely different. I also draw inspiration from music or art to help keep things fresh.

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

A10. Write, for the sake of writing. It doesn’t matter if it’s good, or if you think it’s horrible, just write because you love it. You don’t always have to write for someone else, sometimes, you need to write for you and that’s enough.

Buy Soulbound on Amazon

April 13, 2025

Eternal Hero

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Eternal Hero 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: William Grace ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
Jack Thornton, once a Lieutenant in the military, spent several months serving in the Vietnam War. After his service, he transitions to civilian life and works as an attorney in San Francisco. However, peace eludes him—every night he is tormented by vivid and mysterious dreams. Strangely, these dreams have nothing to do with the battlefield or his experiences in Vietnam. As Jack begins to investigate the meaning behind these recurring visions, he unearths a profound truth about himself: he is no ordinary man, but an immortal Hero, bound to serve a higher cosmic force known as the Absolute.

Jack is trapped in a relentless cycle of death and rebirth. His existence is not his own—he is both a warrior and a servant.

Meanwhile, a man named Lyman Boggs becomes involved in Jack’s story. Obsessed with uncovering the truth, Boggs goes to great lengths to locate Jack’s residence. After managing to enter Jack’s apartment—thanks to the help of Werner Vogel, a skilled locksmith—Boggs carefully sketches the interior, perhaps as part of a larger plan or investigation.

Jack’s journey is anything but conventional. The weight of his past lives and the burden of serving the Absolute shape his every move. The novel unfolds at a compelling pace, with a fluid narrative that keeps readers engaged from beginning to end. The cover art is striking and effectively captures the tone of the story. With a broad and diverse cast of characters, the book offers rich dynamics and interactions that will especially appeal to.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

April 13, 2025April 13, 2025

The Wizard of Starz

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Wizard of Starz 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Peter Pappas ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
The Wizard of Starz by Peter Pappas is an engaging fantasy novel that evokes the charm and magic of the Harry Potter series. The story follows Theo Indigo, a young boy who was told his parents had disappeared and was left to live with his aunt Desi.

Desi and her husband, Jack Scary, are wealthy but unkind. Along with their children, Jackie and Tommi, they treat Theo poorly and deny him the freedom he longs for. Desi resents Theo for his unique gift—the ability to Shine as the Shiners do. As he approaches his 20th birthday, Theo begins counting down the 365 days until he can finally break free from their custody.

Everything changes when Theo is offered a mysterious, otherworldly chance—an escape to the world that isn’t ruled by the Scarys. Will he finally find the freedom he deserves? You’ll have to read the book to find out. Theo’s journey strongly reminded me of Harry Potter’s.

Packed with action, magic, and intrigue, this book kept me captivated from start to finish. Peter Pappas has done a brilliant job—his writing is clear, imaginative, and easy to follow, making this an enjoyable read throughout.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon