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.
Him & I written by the author Alyssa Milani is a romance drama written in three parts. Main character of the story is Lyla. Lyla and Kyle Stanford have been friends since their mothers were pregnant with them. Lyla lost both of her parents at the age of eight. Kyle’s parents took care of her for some time until her aunt and uncle came to the city. Lyla and Kyle had experienced many of their first together, either it be kiss, making out, etc. When they turned eighteen, Kyle had a crush on Nancy and Lyla had a crush on Declan O’Connell. But Lyla and Kyle have feelings for each other too.
One day, Kyle asked Lyla for her virginity to which Lyla said yes. For three months, they went on like that, and became friends with benefits. But they are still not a couple. Does Kyle love Lyla? Will Lyla choose Kyle or Declan?
Read this intriguing story. You won’t feel like putting this aside while reading. Story is gripping. High school or college students will enjoy it more as they could relate well to it. I loved reading about Kyle and Lyla’s sleepovers. Writing style of the author is professional. She creates an interesting world in the story which makes the readers forget the real world for some time. Story involves adult content too, so I like to recommend it to adult readers only.
“Chandler The Crocodile” is an interesting children’s book penned by Grace Estle and illustrated by QBN Studios.
Main character of the story is Chandler, the Crocodile, who arrived at his new school. His classmates were fluffy bears with chocolate coats, blueberry eyes but chandler’s skin was leathery and green. He had pointy sharp teeth.
It will be really great to read how Chandler’s mom made him realize how to use his gifts. Give a quick read to the story to find out for yourself will chandler be able to make friends at the new school. Readers will definitely love this story as it gives a strong message to the readers that we all are beautiful in one way or the other and we should not feel upset by comparing ourselves with others.
Cover photo of the book is eye-catching and the language of the book is lucid so kids can understand it easily. Don’t miss to get your hands on this book. Pace of the story is fast and I enjoyed reading it. Illustrations are pretty. This is a great story that I like to recommend not only to little readers but to adults as well.
Recently I read an intriguing story book “Breakfast at Jupiter: And Other Stories” penned by a new young author Françoise Maurer. This book is a collection of four adventurous stories. My favourite is the titular story “Breakfast at Jupiter”. Twelve years old Esther Birch woke up feeling like she was on another planet with her golden Labrador, Cosmo. After walking to the nearby village, Esther noticed people are greenish-blue in colour and have antennas. They look like aliens. Then they met a blue alien Derek who told Esther that they are on planet Jupiter.
Another story “Snack To The Future” is about three sisters: Esther, Cecily and Alice. On waking up, they saw a drone outside their window calling them for the next adventure to the city full of drones and futuristic cars. What will happen when the three sisters will find themselves in the future?
Stories are interesting and I highly appreciate the author’s storytelling skills. I enjoyed every bit of this book. These stories are perfect for bedtime reading. Cover photo of the book is well designed and the title is suitable. The colorful background of book pages and the choice of font made this book more interesting to read. I like to strongly recommend it to little readers who love adventures.
Ciscoe’s Dance penned by the author Marion Hill is the first installment in the Dance & Listen series. Story is set in the fictional world of Kammbia just like the Diondray’s Chronicles written by Marion. Main characters of the story are professional dancers Ciscoe and Latisha Maldonado. They have been married for 16 years.
Mango Nightclub is one of the largest in Roxie and Penelope District. Ciscoe’s father, when alive, felt that the people of the city started losing the connection to the history of Guanamamma music and dancing. So, Ciscoe made a promise to his father in his last days to keep the connection to Guanamamma music alive for everyone. At the club, patrons didn’t seem very cheerful after watching Ciscoe’s and Latisha’s performance. They enjoyed Piccanta dancing more. As a result, Ciscoe and Latisha lost their job at the Mango. Now they are excited to perform at the Festival of Josette. Will they be able to perform? Will Guanamamma music lose its touch among the people?
Read this story yourself to unveil what’s gonna happen next. I enjoyed every bit of this story. Author has written a very intriguing plot. Cover photo of the book fits perfectly to the story. Marion’s writing style is professional. He creates an intense world in his stories. Written in approx 150 pages, this novel is something that I like to recommend strongly to my fellow readers.
Canvas penned by the author Kathy Weyer is the second installment in the Heritage Art Park book series. Main character of the story is Renee Murphy. Her term as Mayor of San Diego ended soon. Her mentor Iris Anderson is now no more. Renee thought that once her term was over, she will run for senate and will open an art store at Heritage Art Park.
As the story progresses, Renee’s term as Mayor is over and Ron is the new Mayor. Renee’s best friend is Jen Conrad. Jen’s niece Tricia got married to Adam Pechek a few months ago. Adam is an artist who presented an offer in front of Renee. Renee hasn’t thought that by opening an art store, she has to bid goodbye to her Retirement fund. Since she couldn’t step back from the commitment she gave, she told Adam to go ahead.
Read this interesting story and find out for yourself what happens next. Cover photo of the book is nice. The title of the story is suitable. You will get to know while reading the story what is the significance of the title in the story. Author’s description is smooth and I enjoyed this story entirely. I like to recommend this to my fellow readers.
Mira Monkey’s Magic Mirror Adventure is a children’s story book illustrated by Olha Tkachenko and it’s a story by Once Upon a Dance.
The story features Mira Monkey who had been looking forward for the carnival day for weeks. But there had been rumors of fairies causing mischief. At the beach, Mira tried her hands at different activities. Kids will be happy to read about the magic mirror in the story. The main thing that I loved the most about the story is the way it encourages the readers to move and dance in a fun way along with Mira. Give a quick read to this wonderful story to know more about Mira’s adventure with the magic mirror.
The illustrations are pretty and will catch kid’s attention right away. This book will be a great addition to the children’s bookshelf. The author has very well written this book. I am definitely interested in reading more books by the author. If your child loves adventures then pick this book for your little one.
Sassy Reviews 