Recently I read the book “The Bad Seed” penned by the author Rita H Rowe. Main character of the story is Jenna, a smart girl who knows how to take care of herself. Her father took his life when Jenna was not yet four. There was a new kid Joey in town. Jenna’s mother Carol referred to him as bad blood. She warned Jenna to stay away from him. When Jenna met Joey, she was attracted to him. She has never felt like that for any other boy.
At school a student Tommy tripped Joey and got him expelled. Jenna was curious to know why Joey hasn’t defended himself in front of the principal.
Apart from Jenna, nobody seems to easily trust Joey. Will they get help from the town’s police officer Tim?
Storyline is interesting. Cover photo of the book is nice. I really liked the choice of the title for this story. Rita’s stories are mostly set in towns of Melbourne. This would inspire the readers to travel to Australia. It is a captivating story and has the power to hook the readers till the last page.
If you love reading contemporary fiction of romance and drama then get your hands on ‘The Impossible Choice’ by Rita H Rowe. Main character of the story is Mary. It has been more than nine years since she has lost her husband. She is tempted by the young man Lawrence who is nine years junior to her. Mary is a mother of two daughters Lucille and Marina.
She runs Jesse Boarding House. Lawrence first arrived at the boarding house for a stopover on the way to Melbourne. He works for a trucking company. Since Lawrence loved the accomodation at the boarding house, he visited again after a week. Mary’s thoughts kept returning to Lawrence. A 29 year old Lawrence and a 39 year old Mary. Read the story to find out if there will be anything between them.
The backdrop setting is lovely. Characters felt real and pulled my attention totally in the book. I loved the title of this book. Rita’s writing style is impressive. Her writing has the power to capture the reader’s attention. Looking forward to reading more of her works in the future.
Moonlight Walkers penned by the author Courtney Moore is the first installment in the Forbidden Lands book series. Main character of the story is a young wolf named Sakura. She wanted to explore beyond the pack boundaries but people around her were protective of her. Sakura was known as the Moonlight Walker because her fur glows in the moonlight.
Her parents kept a tight leash on her and her younger brother Latius because of the presence of dragons outside the boundaries. According to the peace laws, the wolves and dragons tribes agreed to split the kingdom in two, the Dragon City of Oros and the Wolf City of Nathena. Once when Sakura and Latius left home to get food for their mother, they saw Blackhearts or black dragons invading their territory. Blackhearts took Sakura’s parents and the members of the wolf pack. Sakura along with other wolves and a dragon Jewel set out on a journey to save others.
Read this story to find out what will happen next. Storyline is interesting and this book hooked my attention from the first page itself. Cover photo of the book is nice. Characters are written well and will stay in my head for a long time. Go for it.
Q1. Hello Ma’am, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
I’m a coffee-addicted writer with too many cats and too little space for any more books in my house. When I’m not reading and writing, I’m chasing around my two-year-old son.
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Candy Sky Tells A Lie’?
The biggest challenge while writing ‘Candy Sky Tells A Lie’ was my sagging middle. For a while (and a couple of drafts), Act 2 was this boring middle grade drama that didn’t lead anywhere. In fact, it had nothing to do with lying! Even my first developmental editor wondered why the title was “Candy Sky Tells A Lie” if it was mostly about two girls doing horrible things to each other. After serious brainstorming and joining The 60 Day Novel Writing Challenge, I FINALLY realized how to fix my dragging plot. I scrapped 80% of my book and rewrote the middle and ending. Best decision ever!
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
Oh gosh, that’s a long list. I wanted to be an author since preschool, so every book I’ve read stroked that passion. If I had to narrow the scope of authors who influenced me, I would have to say Darren Shan, Christopher Paolini, Lisa Greenwald, and Jessica Brody. I’ve had the pleasure to meet each author, except Greenwald, in person. Jessica Brody even hung out in my high school creative writing class while on a book tour!
Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
I read about the massive sequoia trees of the Redwood State and National Forest in a middle school science textbook. For years, it had been my dream to visit the colossal trees. When I was in college, my husband and I roadtripped to northern California, and we camped for a week among the giants. I felt like I was in a fantasy book! The forest was magical!
Q5. Is there lots to do before you drive in and start writing a book?
I’m a huge planner. I have to outline, research, flesh out characters, and find reading inspirations–all before committing to a story idea.
Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Candy Sky Tells A Lie’ book?
I forget when I started, but I’ve worked on Candy Sky Tells A Lie off and on for a few years now. Only in 2020 did I become serious about finishing and publishing my book.
Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘Candy Sky Tells A Lie’ book to buy?
Candy Sky Tells A Lie is set for release on September 20, 2022. Readers can find my book on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and my website. It can also be found in bookstores local to my area.
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Candy Sky Tells A Lie’?
I actually came up with the title before I fully fleshed out the idea of my book. Candice “Candy” Sky was inspired by someone I knew (as well as the lying phase we all go through in adolescence). I wanted readers to know what Candy’s flaw was right off the bat. The title itself evokes tension!
As for the cover, Angelique of the Tally Ink team brought to life my vision of Candy and her BFF Maggie. The girls are drawn with colored pencils, and the title was done with pen art. Fun fact–on the back cover is a friendship bracelet with charms symbolizing key moments and lies in my book.
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
I try to have some sort of twist or surprise at the end of each chapter. Knowing what I’m building up to definitely keeps writing exciting. I also write each scene using plot beats (setup, catalyst, break into Act 2, and so on). This compartmentalizes each scene into doable tidbits that I can accomplish each day even with my busy schedule.
Q10. Are there any secrets from the book (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?
This is a hard question because the answer would spoil the plot. The only thing I can say is there may or may not be magical creatures other than Mrs. Gulligan. Read and find out!
Q1. Hello Ma’am, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
Hello, I am Michelle & am really happy to meet everyone! I have been writing and reading for as long as I can remember. I adored story time in elementary school, and the library days where we sat choosing and reading books that we thought would be wonderful. I enjoyed Judy Blume back then, as well as the Anastasia Krupnik YA books growing up. When I started to write, I created short stories and passed to my classmates who always asked for more. It was fun, and I loved being creative, and thinking of all the twists and turns that could happen to my characters. I wrote my 1st book in High School and named it Fallen Angel and was so proud. When I am not writing, I am an Operations Director at my job, and lead big teams. I am also a MA licensed optician, and spent a good amount of time in leadership roles within the Optical/Optometry industries. I have a “thing” for fashion eyewear. I am also a fitness lover, and need to move my body. I am currently enjoying Orange Theory classes, as well as hiking, biking, and golfing, although not so good there! I love to cook and have no objection to a good TV binge on rainy, or relaxation days. Love Ted Lasso on Apple TV, as well as The Morning Show, and Terminal List on Amazon was fantastic!
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘A Time Of Reckoning’ book?
My main challenge was the middle. I knew I had the structure, and the story formed in my head, and had a pause moment when I tried to balance character development with the smaller ideas/things in a story that belong, or do not belong. How much is too much? Was a question I asked myself. I, personally, love a big, long book…but after talking with some literary agents, and others in the writing community, there was a shift to maybe shorter, “faster” story telling and I lingered there a bit, too. I also became focused on editing. So many iterations, and drafts, followed where I would tweak and tweak, until it was the finished version.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
I really love Sharon Kay Penman for her historical fiction writing and time periods. I could get lost in her books, and her characters. I also adore Kate Quinn’s writing, and her Mistress of Rome series. I liked how she switched character voices in chapters, and I did adopt that style, too, for the multiple viewpoints.
Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
I live in New England, just outside of Boston, and I love the city. I visit when I am able, to people watch, absorb the vibe, and find the quiets spots in the bustle to simply “be” and enjoy lunch. There is also a place called Thanksgiving Forest, in the suburbs, close to my home, that has miles of trails that open to hidden beaches, and small hills that I used to take my dog, Brady, too, when he was alive. We would walk for hours, enjoying the day, and one another. No matter the season, rain or snow, we were there weekly while I formed new ideas.
Q5. Is there lots to do before you drive in and start writing a book?
Yes. I think it is in the planning the structure process, get the bones of the book in place. I also tend to write my chapters not in a particular order.
Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘A Time Of Reckoning’ book?
From start to finish it took 8 years. And then I let it sit for another year because I was really shy about sharing.
Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘A Time Of Reckoning’ book to buy?
A Time of Reckoning is available on many platforms including; AmazonKindle.com, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble.com, Tolino, Scribd, Baker Taylor, Borrow Box, Bibliotheca, RakutenKobo & Overdrive
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘A Time Of Reckoning’?
I worked with a a great digital marketing group to develop the cover. I knew I wanted it simple, with one symbol that captured a key element of my story. And that became the Rowan Tree or “tree of life” as it is the place my heroine will go for solace and strength. It is also steeped in Celtic mythology and current customs.
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
To keep myself fresh, I just make sure I am writing, and it doesn’t necessarily have to be a book. I write my corporate communications bi-weekly newsletter, which keeps my writing muscles fresh. I also journal, which slows my mind down to focus on random gratitude or book ideas. I will definitely walk more, too, when actively writing to make sure I am taking breaks and getting fresh air. For my readers, I hope I keep upping my game as far as not being predictable with the story, and seeking feedback from a writer’s group for their perspective, as well as a couple friends who will not just “yes” me, but challenge me with their thoughts on snippets of the story, or if something (a character) feels too tired or not “in character.” I want everyone to keep coming back, and to share feedback and what they might want to. I read all messages, and hear all ideas, as communication is key.
Q10. Are there any secrets from the book (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?
Hmmm, no real secrets but Book 2, The Reckoning, is ready to be released in the Fall, probably around Halloween. And I am working on a 3rd book now, to complete the story. Book 3 “spoiler” would be featuring some Scandinavian characters. The time period in my story is just before the Vikings invade and I am so excited to tell this story, and add some more conflict to Devin’s already hectic, and precarious position as a woman ruling in a world of men.
“40 Days and Nights” penned by the author Iren Rinmad is an insightful read. Main character of the story is Valentina. She had an accident with the Vespa in India and she hasn’t healed completely. Valentina embarks on a voyage across the Indian Ocean along with three others: Bo, Nora and the captain Janek.
It was nice to read about Valentine’s fears, anxiety and worries as I was able to relate to that. Author has described the characters perfectly. Writing style of the author is nice. Storyline is interesting and those who love books involving spiritual transformation would enjoy this one for sure.
If you love reading books full of wisdom then go ahead with this one. This book will inspire you to go on an adventure. This book has touched me deeply and it has filled me with positivity. I am looking forward to going on adventures and for my spiritual transformation now.
“The Beautiful Beings in the Dark” penned by the author Taylor S Robinson is a wonderful poetry book. In this book, readers will get to read the concepts of humanity, love, death, etc.
‘Love is Patient, Love is Kind’ is my favorite poem from the collection:
Love is not soft nor kind It is not a gentle caress under sunlight Love is falling on your knees Screaming at god While tears flood down cheeks Leaving you in an ocean of sky……
I could relate to this poem very well. Some other poems that I loved are Bury the Past, Idol Prayers for Idle Love, First Love. In the prose “These Pretty Things”, the narrator has described herself as pretty but lifeless like a paper doll, cherry blossom petal. There are various emotions expressed in this poetry book.
Language used in the book is lucid and I was able to follow it easily. I enjoyed this collection a lot. Even if you aren’t an avid poetry reader, you would be able to understand the meaning behind these poems. Writing style of the author is nice. Go ahead with this book without any second thoughts.
Q1. Hello Ma’am, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
I’m a relentless writer and Canadian bestselling author from Toronto. You can always find me jotting down ideas, reading books, and being creative. I release book and music projects where all my books are accompanied with music. I’m the author of bestselling novel, ‘Hold on please, Emily,’ and my latest release is a quotebook called ‘Wise Up, Stand Up.’
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Wise Up Stand Up’ book?
My book is a collection of 101 life lessons, written as quotes. If you read quotes before, you’ll notice that they are usually witty, short, and memorable. One of the biggest challenges in writing my book was packing everything I needed to say in as little words as possible (and still be witty and eloquent).
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
John Green is a legend in my books. He has a way of writing that transports the reader into the novel immediately. Readers emotionally connect with his characters and in many of his books, his protagonists are very real—people with imperfections and relatable issues. His book, The Fault in Our Stars, inspired me to write my debut novel, Hold on please, Emily.
Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
The Toronto Islands has a special place in my heart. It’s the perfect urban getaway. You hop on a short ferry ride and you’re instantly in a completely different world. Every summer as a child, I used to visit with my family. We would rent bikes, have a BBQ, and enjoy the mini amusement park attractions with my siblings. Plus, what a view of the skyline from the island.
Q5. Is there lots to do before you drive in and start writing a book?
Brainstorming. Lots of it! It can take weeks or maybe months, depending on the book’s complexity. I usually need to mind map everything out before I dive into a book. Although I don’t always follow my notes, it helps me visualize my story better.
Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Wise Up Stand Up’ book?
I had the idea for this project last summer. I grew up reading the “Quotable Quotes” section in Reader’s Digest. I always dreamed of having my own collection of quoteworthy thoughts one day. The whole project took about a year to complete, but it took about half a year to write it all out.
Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘Wise Up Stand Up’ book to buy?
My book is available in e-book, paperback, and hardcover on Amazon and major online retailers, like Barnes & Noble and Walmart. You can also read it for free via Kindle Unlimited. The accompanying music, Sonder, is available on all music streaming platforms, like Spotify, and there’s a QR code you can scan to easily connect to the album.
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Wise Up Stand Up’?
The cover for my book took over 2-months to create and the first design looked very different from what you see today. The tree is a symbol of wisdom and the fall colours represent how our perspectives can change with the right words (just like the colours of leaves). The title was inspired by the song “My Shot” from the Broadway Hamilton.
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
I feel that merging literature and music together in my projects is what keeps things fresh for my readers. It introduces a unique reading experience and helps readers emotionally engage with my content. When I create the accompanying music for my books, I collaborate with other creatives. This experience helps keep things fresh for me too.
Q10. Are there any secrets from the book (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?
Each quote has its own story attached to it that wasn’t written in length in my book. Readers got a preview of these stories from the 12 book trailers I released to promote the different themes in my book. You can find these story videos on Instagram and YouTube. Also, the final quote in my book is my favourite in the collection. It was actually the first quote I wrote down when I started the manuscript.
Dracula X is a short story penned by the author Weston King. The story is set in the year 3000 on a ship that is in space. A coffin was hidden on the ship. When an engineer Regan made his way down to the cargo, he saw and opened the coffin. A shadow that appeared behind Regan sank its teeth into Regan’s throat.
Other characters of importance are Mina and her girlfriend Jessie. Mina woke up with anxiety. She was brought aboard Ship X because she loves everything about space. Read this story to know what will happen further.
Regan has already drained Cooper of blood. He has extended, long and sharp canines. There is so much action on the ship in space. I enjoyed every bit of this story. Cover photo of the book is nice. Storyline is interesting. I appreciate the storytelling skills of the author. Characters will stay in my head for a long time. Go for this book.
If you want to give your children some valuable tips about taking care of a book then “A Book is like a baby” penned by Tiana Addai-Mensah and illustrated by Marco Zerneri is the best pick.
Through this book, children will learn how to handle books with care. Just like babies, books also need special attention. So, we should keep scissors away from books as we keep them away from our baby else it will hurt them. Be gentle with the books as we are with our baby. Give a quick read to this wonderful book to know more about the book handling techniques in an easiest manner.
This book made me realize that our book also needs the same love and care from us as our baby wants. It is a good read and contains excellent examples and suggestions to educate others.
Cover photo of the book is attractive and the language of the book is lucid so kids can understand it easily. I am definitely interested in reading more books by the author.
Sassy Reviews 