blogespresso

September 3, 2024September 3, 2024

Oscar the Ferry Cat

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Oscar the Ferry Cat 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Molly Arbuthnott ✍️
.
.

🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“Oscar the Ferry Cat” is an interesting Children’s book penned by the author Molly Arbuthnott. The main character of the story is a Siamese cat Oscar. He lives the life of an ordinary cat. Oscar hated holidays. When he didn’t want to spend the time in the car to travel, he escaped.

Soon, Oscar realized that he was on a ferry. He was lost and wanted to go home. Then, Oscar met Sammy, a seagull and told him that he doesn’t fit in here and wanted to go home. Seagull invited Oscar to have fun together and be a ferry bird but Oscar wasn’t enjoying it. Read this story to know how Oscar would try to have fun with different creatures. Will he be happy away from home?

It is a story that is beautifully told. I appreciate the author’s storytelling skills. The illustrations are pretty and would catch kids’ attention on the first look. This book takes readers on the rollercoaster adventures of finding someone you can call home at a new place. Kids would learn how important friendship is in life. Parents should definitely add this book to their children’s bookshelf.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 4/5

★ Book Is Available here

September 2, 2024

Ivory Tower

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Ivory Tower 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Colin Heston ✍️
.
.

🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“Ivory Tower: The Curious Cases of Professor Colmes as told by his loyal assistant William Hobson A.B.D.” penned by the author Colin Heston is an interesting read. It is a collection of stories recounting a distinct mystery unraveled by Professor Thomas Colmes and his loyal assistant, William Hobson.

Once Colmes, Rose and Hobson were having a discussion that the student body was up for grabs. Colmes had a client Professor Maxwell Dunstan with a mind body problem but he doesn’t quite know about it. The Professor gave a speech on how the university administration is only concerned about money and doesn’t care about the students and faculties. That the university, the body corporate one might say has a money problem.

‘A Rape Advantage’ is another case story. It was the custom for the faculty of the school to meet and discuss the Dean’s performance and decide whether or not they should be allowed to continue on in their position for the following year. Finneas O’Brien was the Dean of the School of Criminal Justice. He was accused of raping a woman and therefore other faculties don’t require his services anymore.

The writing style of the author is nice. The case stories are easy to follow. Those who are familiar with academic life would enjoy these stories more. Colmes’ character is a well written one. The author’s writing is witty. Sherlock fans should get their hands on this book.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 4/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

August 31, 2024

Running the Marathon with Cancer

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Running the Marathon with Cancer 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Doug Limbrick ✍️
.
.

🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“Running the Marathon with Cancer,” written by Doug Limbrick, tells an incredibly uplifting story. At 63, Doug was preparing to run his 21st marathon when, just ten days before the race, he received a life-changing diagnosis: rectal cancer. For both Doug and his wife, Penny, the news was a devastating surprise. Doug had always been the picture of health—never a smoker and always in great shape—so it was hard for them to come to terms with his condition.

His diagnosis made him wonder if he still would be able to run marathons. Running was a way of life for the author and he couldn’t imagine his life without it. His doctor recommended immediate surgery to remove the cancer, followed by rounds of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The treatment was grueling, and even someone as optimistic as Doug found it challenging. The temporary ileostomy he had to live with added another layer of difficulty to an already tough journey.

In this memoir, Doug shares his experiences and the invaluable lessons he learned throughout his battle with cancer and his recovery.

This book is a must-read for anyone on the path to overcoming cancer. Doug’s writing is straightforward and relatable, filled with a blend of emotions that capture the friendship, resilience, and life after a cancer diagnosis. I’m glad I read this book and can’t wait to explore more of Doug’s work.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

August 26, 2024August 26, 2024

Light of the Mortal God

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Light Of The Mortal God 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Lucas Deandreis ✍️
.
.

🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“Light Of The Mortal God” penned by the author Lucas Deandreis is the first book in the Galaxy Overload book series. The story features a six year old boy Roy. One day, his mom rushed him out of the house in a hurry. Soon, they were standing in front of Cosmo. Cosmo and his people decide who will go to which planet based on the people’s income, education, etc.

Roy’s mom, Emma and him were given the ticket to Mars. One creepy man stole Roy’s ticket and Roy landed up on the worst planet Pluto. Roy was too young to keep himself safe on Pluto. He was found by a man named Sisel and protected by him. What would happen to Roy after Sisel’s death?

The storyline is immersive and I couldn’t put this book down until I finished it. The cover photo of the book is nice. I appreciate the vivid imagination of the author in creating this fantasy world. I haven’t read a story like this. It’s unique and refreshing. Looking forward to reading more books by the author.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

August 26, 2024August 26, 2024

Asher’s Christmas Adventure

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Asher’s Christmas Adventure 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Cindy J. Vanous ✍️
.
.

🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“Asher’s Christmas Adventure” penned by the author Cindy J. Vanous is an amazing story. The story features the McConniel family. It’s Christmas Eve and the family’s dog Asher wishes to be a part of the family’s tradition. McConniel’s spend Christmas evening at Grandma Helen’s house every year.

This year, the entire family was excited to visit Grandma Helen and Asher was excited too. Unfortunately, Asher was left behind alone by his family. So, he decided to go on adventures in his own neighborhood. What will happen when Asher will be lost?

This is a story full of festival vibes and adventures. I loved Asher’s character and his adventurous spirit. The language used in the book is lucid and kids would be able to follow it easily. The story writing skills of the author are amazing. Kids would be delighted to read this book.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

August 25, 2024

Leo: The Lion’s Great Adventure

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Leo: The Lion’s Great Adventure 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Kevin Pierce ✍️
.
.

🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“Leo: The Lion’s Great Adventure” penned by the author Kevin Pierce is an adventurous read. The main character of the story is Leo, a curious and adventurous young lion. Leo’s home is in the jungle but he dreams of exploring the world beyond the jungle.

One day, Leo set off on his journey to explore the world. On the way, he met new and interesting animals. He met Gerry the Giraffe in Savannah. In the city, he met Bella the Cat. However, after exploring the world for some days, Leo started feeling homesick. Read this book to find out what Leo will realize and do after exploring the world for many days.

This is an amazing book that inspires kids to explore yet also tells them about the comfort our home offers. The writing style of the author is smooth and easy to follow. The cover photo is nice and the language used in the book is lucid. The illustrations are pretty and made the book more lively. Kevin’s story writing skills are amazing. I am looking forward to reading more books by him.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

August 23, 2024August 23, 2024

Interview with author Dan Watt

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

A1. I am a self-published author, personal fitness trainer, and English tutor with a BA from WLU double majoring in Anthropology and History.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “BARD: Bearer of the Gemstone”?

A2. BARD, as it was originally called, was written over a number of decades. The pith of the story has always remained the same, however my style and knowledge has changed over the years. Re-working the story so it flows seamlessly has been the biggest challenge.

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

A3. The books and authors that have influenced me the most are J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Hobbit”; Frank Herbert’s “Dune” series; Joe Haldeman’s “Forever War”; Timothy Zahn’s Star Wars “Heir to the Empire” trilogy (Admiral Thrawn); and William Stevenson’s “A Man Called Intrepid” (non-fiction).

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

A4. When I was younger my parents would take us to Mikisew Provincial Park where we could canoe all day and make new friends every summer.

Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘BARD: Bearer of the Gemstone’?

A5. I was writing poetry in high school and decided I wanted to write a book. Dungeon and Dragons was very popular then but when I asked my one brother what I should write about he said nature. So I combined the two. However, like the Inuit carve out the image that already exists in the soapstone, BARD started dictating to me what to write.

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘BARD: Bearer of the Gemstone’?

A6. The original book BARD, started more than thirty years ago. However, when I told a friend I was struggling to write a synopsis for the story she suggested I split the book in two. BARD: Bearer of the Gemstone is the first book.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

A7. The book is published as an e-book and paperback on Amazon.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘BARD: Bearer of the Gemstone’?

A8. For a while now I’ve been following https://fantasy-art-z.com/. She did two covers for me and I chose the one you see as the cover.

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

A9. I like books that teach me something so there’s information on blacksmithing and lute making. However, to keep the story interesting the information is intertwined with the storyline. The river of emotions runs from fear to dark to humour.

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

A10. The reader should feel your fiction is real.

Buy BARD: Bearer of the Gemstone on Amazon

August 23, 2024

Flame Within

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: FLAME WITHIN 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Theresa Gage ✍️
.
.

🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
FLAME WITHIN penned by the author Theresa Gage is the third book in the Flame Series. The story features Olivia’s aka Ollie’s family who serves King Roark. Recently her father was told that the king expects Ollie’s elder sister Juliana to attend the ritual. In the ceremony, Juliana was chosen to be offered to the dragons.

Ollie assumed that Aidan with his magic abilities would save her sister but when Juliana turned into ashes, Ollie was frustrated. As the story progresses, her father was called by the king and he passed away in the battle. The king decided to have a ritual again. Will it be Ollie’s turn this time?

This is a gripping story in which we meet characters from the earlier books of the series. The author has used a lucid language in this book. The title is suitable. I loved the character of Ollie and her love towards her family. I enjoyed the writing style of Theresa and am looking forward to reading more books by her.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 4/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

August 22, 2024

Interview with author Carissa Taylor

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

A1. Hi, my name is Carissa Taylor! I graduated from Huntington University with a double major in Film Production and film Studies, but I refer to it as a professional storytelling degree. When I was in elementary school I wanted to be an author and would constantly be coming up with new story ideas. I even got picked to read one of my stories over the loudspeaker to the entire school when I was in 3rd grade. In 5th grade I was asked to read one of my poems at one of our school-wide performances. I began writing poems more consistently when I was 13 years old.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “Chronic: A Healing Journey through Poetry”?

A2. I have autism and ADHD. I didn’t realize how difficult it was for me to communicate my emotions until I started my healing journey. Most autistic people have something called alexithymia, which basically means you have trouble recognizing, expressing, and describing your emotions. A lot of my poems in the Before section I can tell I was holding back from my feelings. The poems in the Healing and After sections are a lot more vulnerable and I think I did a better job of feeling my emotions while I was writing the poems.

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

A3. My favorite author is John Green. My favorite books by him are Turtles All the Way Down and Looking for Alaska. I admire how he doesn’t shy away from the more uncomfortable and difficult topics of the human experience.

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

A4. I live in the United States of America. I would say that I really enjoy visiting theme parks or places that have roller coasters. I’m not too good at standing in lines anymore because I have chronic illnesses now, but I really do enjoy getting roller coasters when I’m able to. It’s the closest thing to thrill seeking on a safe level without having to do anything crazy. I have been skydiving, and that’s about as crazy as I’ll get with high adrenaline activities. I usually go to theme parks with friends or family, and I enjoy spending time with them.

Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘Chronic: A Healing Journey through Poetry’?

A5. One day, in early 2024, I read my poem “Failure Mode” to my roommate and she encouraged me to publish a book of my poems. I already had a lot of material for it since I had been writing and posting poems since 2017, so I decided to self-publish a book of poetry and organize it into my healing journey. I got some advice about self-publishing, since I had never done it before, and I learned a lot. I’m hoping the process will be a lot easier for my next books.

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘Chronic: A Healing Journey through Poetry’?

A6. I started a trend called “Poetry Wednesday” on my FaceBook page in 2017. In 2019 I started having major health complications and then began my healing journey in 2020 where I went to weekly therapy sessions. My poems range from the year 2017 all the way to July 2024. They’re organized into Before, Healing, and After, with the majority of the Before poems coming from my “Poetry Wednesday” posts. So this book took about eight years before it was finished.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

A7. My book is currently available on Amazon.com in paperback. I’m hoping to come out with an ebook and a hardcover copy eventually.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Chronic: A Healing Journey through Poetry’?

A8. I drew a concept picture for the book cover with stick figures and shared it with one of my artist friends, who then drew the cover illustration. The cover picture is based on Ezekiel 37 “The Valley of Dry Bones” in the Bible. In that story the Lord tells Ezekiel to prophesy to the dry bones and tell them that He will make breath enter them and they will come to life. One of the things I wrote in my concept picture was “skeletal to eternal, dead to alive.” I feel like the cover art captured my journey from feeling dead to then feeling alive during my healing journey. The definition of Chronic means long-lasting and difficult to eradicate, and being chronically ill I definitely feel like the pain is long-lasting and difficult to eradicate. A Healing Journey through Poetry is basically describing how I healed over time throughout my poetry, and you can really tell that there’s a difference in my poems between the Before, Healing, and After sections.

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

A9. That’s a good question. I started keeping journals in 2016 and I have a ton of journals that I keep in a giant storage container. (I still have a ton of empty journals that I need to use and constantly buy more to sit in the pile.) Whenever I get a new idea, or think of a phrase, I always write it down. (Sometimes I wake up in the middle of sleeping and write an idea down in my notes app before I forget. That has been a lifesaver because I usually don’t remember the idea by the time I wake up.) I tend to watch popular shows, movies, and listen to new music and that helps me come up with ideas and get inspired with my writing.

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

A10. While I was taking screenwriting classes in college, I was constantly told to “write what you know.” I think I was afraid of writing about my experiences because I hadn’t processed them. Once I finished going through my healing journey I found it much easier to talk about everything I had gone through in my life, and it was a lot. I’m even working on writing a fantasy trilogy series, and the main plotline has to do with experiences I have personally gone through that weren’t necessarily the best. I think it’s important to write about your experiences, but not necessarily get lost in them. I think processing them through beforehand definitely helps with writing, especially if they were traumatic.

Buy Chronic on Amazon

August 22, 2024

A Bump in the Road

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: A Bump in the Road 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Michael Caprio ✍️
.
.

🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“A Bump in the Road: My Medical Journey over Potholes, Detours and the Bridge to Gratitude” penned by the author Michael Caprio is a gripping read. At the age of eighteen, Michael was diagnosed with Familial Adenomatous Polyposis. So, he underwent an operation to get his entire large intestine removed.

Until the age of eighteen, Michael wasn’t aware that his mother, grandmother and Aunt Maria had FAP. Michael’s world turned upside down when before surgery the doctor told him about the rare possibility of blood clots in his legs that could lead to strokes or death. He was fortunate to be tested at a young age and to find out about polyps that were growing at an alarming rate in his large intestine.

I appreciate the author’s courageous and resilient spirit. Michael’s story is an inspiration to all of us. If you are having a hard time overcoming any adversity then get your hands on this book. This book gives hope. The story is well written and heart touching. I am glad to get my hands on this book.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon