Book: Dark Awakening: The Foresight Chronicles: Book One
Author: Scott Bryan
Available On: Amazon
Language: English
Rating: 5/5
“Dark Awakening: The Foresight Chronicles: Book One” written by the author Scott Bryan is an intriguing story. Annabelle has recently moved from London to Jorgantown with her family. In Jorgantown, from her neighboring kids, Annabelle and her brother Roland heard about the witch Eliza Pratchet. One day, Eliza came to Annabelle’s house and she told her father that her husband wants to talk to him about the land.
When Annabelle’s father went to meet Dominic, he took him to the land and then attacked him and his wife. Annabelle and Roland observed life being sucked out from their parents’ body. Later, when they woke up, they saw Eliza around them. Eliza told them that she is a good vampire who only feeds on animals and she is sorry for her husband’s behavior. Annabelle is terrified of Dominic but Roland and she have to save themselves and their friends. Read this story to know what’s gonna happen next.
The plot of the story is interesting. Cover photo is wonderful. The title is suitable. I enjoyed every bit of this story. Writing style of the author is nice. Pace of the story is fast and I didn’t feel bored anytime while reading this book. If you enjoy stories with paranormal creatures then go ahead with this book.
Book: The Benefit of the “Ex”: Making Love Visible When Everything Changes
Author: June Dillinger
Available On: Amazon
Language: English
Rating: 5/5
“The Benefit of the “Ex”: Making Love Visible When Everything Changes” written by June Dillinger is an insightful read. In this book, the author has shared about her own personal experiences as an example to tell readers how they can be benefited from the ex. From our failures and past experiences, we can learn to grow.
June has talked about conscious divorce and how we should divorce ourselves from that which we no longer need. We can be the love in the world to make love visible. Pain is a tool for transformation that can help us to grow. This book is an eye opener. It has made me realize how we should leave the broken relationships behind and focus on our growth.
This book has inspired me to be the best version of myself. It has opened my eyes. If you are ready to accept the responsibility of your life then go ahead with this book. It’s a book worth reading. I appreciate the way June has guided readers in this book. I loved the title of this book and the cover photo is nice. An insightful read.
“Baby’s Nutrition Inquisition” is an interesting children’s book penned by Joshua Chavez.
Story focuses on encouraging kids to have healthy eating habits. The author has included various examples like carrots are good for eyes and honey helps to cure cough. Give a quick read to this book to find out for yourself how fruits and veggies are yummy and healthy too. This book will teach the importance of proper nutrition to little readers.
Cover photo of the book is eye-catching and the language is lucid. Parents can easily develop healthy eating habits in their kids by telling them this story. Pace of the story is fast and I enjoyed reading it. Illustrations are beautiful and will catch kids’ attention in the first go.
Dexter’s Yellow Spots is a Children’s book written by the author Rebecca Watson and illustrated by Innoenhance. This is the story of a little yard ant Dexter who has recently returned from his ant training. Dexter is excited to start his new job as a tunnel digger. One day when Dexter was working at the Anthill, he saw other ants staring at him. They told Dexter that he has yellow spots all over his back.
Read this interesting story book and find out will Dexter be able to get rid of his yellow spots. Plot of the story is interesting and this book teaches the importance of team work to little readers. I enjoyed every bit of this story. Cover photo is eye-catching. The title is suitable. Little readers will be delighted to read this book.
Book: Compartmentalized: My Journey From Camptown To The NSA
Author: Tena Lawyer
Available On: Amazon
Language: English
Rating: 5/5
“CompartMENTALized: My Journey from Camptown to the NSA” is a memoir written by the author Tena Lawyer. Tena lived in Camptown, Virginia (VA) as a child. As a kid, she spent great time with her grandmother Novella Moore Lawyer who passed away at the age of 68 years old. I was glad to read about Tena’s mother Ellouise Lawyer for her toughness, career driven and extrovert nature. Tena went to Camptown Elementary, Carrsville Elementary, Windsor Elementary and Windsor High school as a kid. In 1979, she attended University of Maryland Baltimore County in Catonsville.
Her uncle Teensy pushed her to join the US Army. It was amazing to read about her boot camp experience. In 1983, a tragic event happened in Tena’s life. She lost her grandmother. While reading this book, I could feel how much Tena must be close to her grandmother. Read this memoir to know how Tena advanced in ranks and then worked for the National Security Agency (NSA) as a soldier.
Tena has shared photos of important people and moments in her life. Language used in the book is simple and I was able to follow Tena’s story easily. Cover photo of the book is nice. Pace of the story is fast and I didn’t feel bored anytime while reading it. This memoir gave me an opportunity to read about so many life experiences of the author. Readers will definitely enjoy this book. It’s a must read.
Rock & Roll Murders written by the author Phillip Bruce Chute is based on a true story. Raymond McDade is a radio station owner. One day, he went on a date with Alice, a twenty years old girl. Raymond is sixteen years older than her. But the way Raymond has built his business has impressed Alice. Alice used to work as a nurse at the hospital. When Ray offered her a secretary job, she took it because the money was good. Ray considered Alice as his. Soon, she became his wife and they went for a honeymoon too. Alice was in love but Ray was in business. This broke their relationship. She in fact, felt more attracted to Mitch, her co-worker who is earning good because of Ray.
One day, Alice left a note on a fridge that she is leaving Ray. Ray was frustrated to see that note. He is so boiled up that he swears to kill Alice’s lover. Read the story to unveil the suspense yourself. Story is written well and the plot is interesting. The twists and turns in the story kept me on the edge. Cover photo is designed beautifully and the title is suitable. Pace of the story is fine and I didn’t feel bored anytime while reading it. I enjoyed every bit of this story. I like to strongly recommend it to my fellow readers.
The Travel in Between penned by the author Chloe Stevenson is a romantic comedy. It’s a story that fits perfectly to my reading taste. Main character of the story is a girl in her twenties. Claire Baxter who has travelled to different places after high school. People envied her instagram posts. After years of travel, when she ran out of money and was homesick, she returned to her parents’ home in Canberra.
One day, when her family visited her nan, her nan gifted Claire her grandfather’s Kombi van Frank. Claire is excited for a new adventure in her life. Her dad and she are working to bring Frank back on the road. Read this exciting story to know what’s gonna happen next. I enjoyed every bit of this story.
Language used in the book is lucid. Cover photo looks perfect and the title couldn’t have been more appropriate. Writing style of Chloe is amazing. I am quite impressed by the plot. This story has excited me to go on my next adventure.
Q1. Hello, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
My name is Christian Ballenger. I am a pastor and worship leader currently residing in Chicago, IL but originally from Detroit, Michigan. My upbringing was shaped by the absence of a father as well as a mother who battled mental illness; this all the while navigating the adverse circumstances presented by inner city living. Truly, it was my faith in Jesus Christ which allowed me to persevere. I started a relationship with Jesus at age 10, after attending a youth choir rehearsal in a small church on the west side of Detroit. It was there where I cultivated a love for music ministry. In 2007, I came to Chicago, where I earned a BA in Mass Communication from Saint Xavier University and entered full-time ministry. My heart is for everyone to have their own personal encounter with Jesus, which led me to pen my first book, “All Man All Amazing,” presenting Jesus as our consummate role model. I am happily married to Heidi and together we have a beautiful son, Marshall, and daughter, Courtney.
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘All Man All Amazing’ book?
The key challenge I faced while writing was staying disciplined. Because of my responsibilities as a husband, father and pastor, I took to writing in the very early hours of the morning. In essence, if I did not wake up at 4am, I did not write.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
Andy Stanley’s “Irresistible” was actually very influential, with regards to writing style as well as theological presentation. John Ortberg’s “Who Is This Man?” and N.T. Wright’s “The Challenge of Jesus” were foundational to my understanding and appreciation for Jesus, as well as how to intelligently and accessibly convey his glory and humanity.
Q4. What’s your favorite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
I love visiting Lake Michigan. It is beautiful and I have so many memories there; most of them are from my first two years of marriage with my wife.
Q5. Is there lots to do before you drive in and start writing a book?
There are quite a few things to consider, but not so much that you neglect starting! Having an end goal in mind and a roadmap of how to get there is essential – you will save a lot of time and energy clarifying this at the onset.
Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘All Man All Amazing’ book?
I was writing and editing for close to a year-and-a-half.
Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘All Man All Amazing’ book to buy?
“All Man All Amazing” can be found at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Target, Apple Books and many other digital retailers.
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘All Man All Amazing’ ?
The title was meant to convey how truly special Jesus is while also identifying him with the everyday man. I wanted the cover to reflect this, making it appealing specifically to male readers but inviting enough for women to want to read.
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
If my ideas, impulses and findings are food, and my pen cookware, I try to serve things on the platter of the page while it is hot.
Q10. Are there any secrets from the book (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?
If you do not know much about Jesus, much of what is written will unveil who he is and what is possible when you decide to follow him.
Q1. Please introduce yourself so that the readers will get to know you better.
Hello! I’m a 15 year old girl from Bedfordshire, UK and my aim has always to make my hobby apart of my career and now I’m finally on my way to doing so! At the moment, I’m doing my GCSE’s and have decided to take 4 subjects I’m really interested in; Art, French, Philosophy and History.
Q2. What is your inspiration behind your book “Breakfast at Jupiter”?
Well the reason I started writing the first story of ‘Breakfast at Jupiter’ was because I was planning on entering it in to a competition where the theme was space, which is a topic I’ve always been fascinated by. I then realised the website I submitted my story to had disappeared and I’m still confused to this day about that. However, I continued with this idea of three sisters going on adventures and thats how the other three stories came about.
Q3. What are your hobbies apart from writing?
My main hobbies aside from writing would have to be anything to do with music. Writing it, playing it on my piano, writing about it, or even just listening to the charts on the tv every weekend. Apart from music though, I enjoy playing tennis with my parents – which I did a lot in the summer holidays.
Q4. Are you planning to write your next book soon?
I am already writing my second book, and have been for a long time. It’s just a very slow process at the moment. It’ll definitely be a more middle grade/ teen novella type of book. There also won’t be several stories in one like there is with ‘Breakfast at Jupiter’ but I’m thinking that I may perhaps do a sequel, though it’s still too early to tell.
Q5. For which age group your book “Breakfast at Jupiter” is suitable?
It was extremely hard deciding on an age group for ‘Breakfast at jupiter’ since I had to take in to consideration the language, the themes and what me and my friends read at each age. The terminology I used made me think it would suit older children (9-11), but the ideas and characters made me have 6-8 as the official age, although I honestly believe any child from ages 5-12 could read it (or have it read to them) depending on their reading ability and what their interests are.
Q6. What is your favorite Quote?
“Good taste is the enemy of creativity” – Pablo Picasso
Q7. What makes your city special?
I live in quite a big town in Bedfordshire, England which isn’t a city but it’s quite close to London. While I’m not sure if there is anything special to me about it and I’d liek to move to London when I’m older, there aren’t many towns or small cities near me that I’d like to live in other than where I live. Some of the buildings are lovely and it has a lot of history to it.
Q8. What suggestion you want to give to parents of little readers regarding a reading habit?
I would recommend trying to find books across all children’s book genres for them to read, and then focus on a few that have really seemed to interest them, whether it be adventure and poetry, or fairytales and non-fiction. Find out whether they like to read out loud, be read to or if they just like reading to themselves in their head.
Q9. What does literary success look like to you?
To me, literary success is writing and publishing books that are fascinating to you and your audience, whilst also finding a job in the literary work field that you enjoy. For me personally, I’d love to carry on writing books and also work in an area of journalism maybe, plus I’m glad I’ve still got some time ahead of me to fully decide.
Q10. Lastly, who is your inspiration in life and why?
I never really think about who my inspiration is, but I would have to say my parents. Not only have they inspired me in terms of hard work, resilience and creativity, they have also encouraged me to do something I really enjoy and wanted to do, which is writing.
Asylum of Diction penned by the author Alyssa Milani is a series of short stories and novellas. The first story Cigarette at Dawn is about the narrator who wakes up in a panic state after having the same dream again and again. So, the narrator is having a cigarette hoping that the cigarette will help in forgetting about it.
Another story Paralysis is about a man who saw a black figure approaching him while he was on his bed. Man’s wife was sleeping beside him. As the figure stopped and disappeared suddenly, the man realized that it was just a dream.
Blocked is about the emptiness that we feel sometimes. This emptiness drains us, we no longer feel any willingness to grow. Sometimes we don’t have any planned step and with no clarity, it feels like walking into the emptiness. I could relate to this story well as I had this feeling many times before.
The stories are written well. Plot of the stories are interesting. This collection of gripping stories will keep you on the edge of your seat. You could enjoy a couple of stories in one go. Cover photo of the book is lovely. Alyssa’s writing style is fantastic and her stories always impress me. I am definitely interested in reading more of her short stories collection.
Sassy Reviews 