“The Tea House: Love and Ghosts in Riverside” penned by the author Marie Brighton is a sweet love story. After her grandfather’s death, Lily has escaped to a small mountain town. She is living in a rental home on the outskirts of the town of Riverside.
Drew, a guy in mid-thirties runs an antique shop in his hometown. He took over the shop when his old man passed away. He noticed Lily the moment she moved into this town. Drew and Lily met each other at the antique shop and they have a date together finally. Grab a copy of this book and read it yourself to know what’s gonna happen next.
It is a short story written in 37 pages that one could finish in a single sitting. Cover photo of the book looks nice and the title is suitable. Language used in the book is lucid. Plot of the story is quite interesting. Narration is smooth. Pace of the story is fast and I was totally engaged in it. If you love reading short stories, go ahead with it.
“Alice, Shaken and Definitely Stirred” written by the author Paula Smith is a romantic comedy novel. Life had been hard for Alice after losing her dad. As a family, she has her brother Robert, sister-in-law Sue and nephew Ben. Since her ex-boyfriend Mark has walked out, Alice stays a little sad. Ben thinks that his aunt needs a good man in her life.
After the loss of her father, Alice had taken time off from work. She had been a loyal employee for twenty years at Frobersham. She was the top and only Director of Sales that was there for the company through thick and thin. When Alice returned to office after a break, she got to know that she has been replaced by Miss Bond who is their new Director of Sales. Grab a copy of this novel and find out for yourself what all is going to happen with Alice.
The story is intriguing. I couldn’t put this book down until I finished it. Writing style is impressive. Cover photo is beautiful. Story is fast paced and I didn’t feel bored anytime while reading it. This novel is totally according to my reading taste. Author has written characters very well. I enjoyed every bit of the story. I am definitely interested to read more of Paula’s work.
Those who are a fan of romcom shouldn’t miss to read this one.
Q1. Hello Ma’am, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
My name is Christine Meyers, and my life has been an adventure filled with magic, imagination and love. From a young age I have had a backpack full of short stories that I wrote, mostly inspired from my dreams. As I developed more mature writing skills, I continued to utilize writing as a major expressive tool through poetry, short novels and journal entries. I dove more and more into the literature side of creative writing and fell in love with the concept of interpretation of literary works. As one who loves puzzles, I saw this as a mystery to uncover, reading through HP Lovecraft, Margaret Atwood, Plato, Taoism, Buddhism, George RR Martin and many more. I was addicted to uncovering what the author was teaching through the illusion of a story. This curiosity, and passion to uncover, opened something in me that I hadn’t felt in years. A desire to create, to express, to remember my childlike self. I remembered all of my favorite books growing up, and how they left such a major impression in my adult life. I carried those impressions with me for years, looking at the world through lenses I didn’t know I had. The art of storytelling, and the images to paint those words a live, are one of the most precious of gifts through time. Through my children’s books, I strive to create a magical adventure, that dives deep into the human experience in a light-hearted manner. Life is not all serious, and children’s book help to deliver a rich message, in the form of dessert. That dessert is delivered in my children’s philosophical/spiritual book series. These have no order to them, so they can be read in any way. I wanted to create a series that was connected, not by time, but through characters. Characters, and philosophical views, merge between books, creating an interconnected world of imagination, adventure and experiencing the magic in the world around us. I also wanted a way for adults to be introduced to these philosophical views in a new age way, so that as their children grow in discovering, they too can continue to grow and discover more of the world around them.
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Tao’s Way’ book?
I believe that anything that is done from the heart is not only a gift to share but also one that comes with many challenges. That is true for this book. The challenges that I faced with writing Tao’s Way came mostly in the after stages of the writing. Not to say that writing wasn’t challenging, as there was a 5 year gap between writing the story and taking initiative to make it into a book. The challenge there was myself, I wasn’t sure anyone even wanted to read what I had to write or that it was important and the self can be the biggest challenge we face in standing in the way of our passions. The beginning of writing creation is always so exciting, and everything is a spark because it’s bringing this idea that was imagined and birthing it into a real, physical thing to be shared. Once the story is created and out there, then comes the steps to develop it so that end product fits the vision aesthetically. Finding an illustrator to capture the images in my mind was the longest part of this process for me and the most challenging. As someone who didn’t have any background in the process, I assumed this would be easy, that the words I wrote would easily translate into images, ‘but I was wrong. I spent years finding someone who saw what I saw and could tell my story in picture form the way I desired it to be told. Platforms like FIVR were extremely beneficial in assisting in this process as well as the nitty gritty work, such as having the story edited and critiqued. The whole process presented many challenges, but challenges are just opportunities to grow and learn and so I really appreciated having to have gone through them because all of them really did strengthen my belief in the work as well as push me to commit further into making the end something tangible.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
With Tao’s Way, the book that most influenced me to write this story was the Tao Te Ching. After reading it, for the first time, I felt so connected to myself and the world around me in ways I didn’t know I even could be connected. This connection allowed me to see the world differently, more compassionately and peacefully and I thought “Wow, does anyone else know about this book? How can I share it with the world?”
Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
This is a tough one for me because my soul thrives off of adventure and I hold a lot of places near and dear. One of my most favourite spots in our country, I would have to say, is western Colorado (Telluride/Ouray/Durango). The magnificence there is what sticks with me. It feels like I’m in a magical wonderland whenever I visit those mountains and every hike is challenging but so incredibly rewarding with what nature has to teach, and what a gift to be part of something so beautiful. That part of the country reminds me that life and nature are powerful and gentle, and that we are a small piece of the magic all around us.
Q5. Is there lots to do before you drive in and start writing a book?
I’ve always had quite an imagination so when an idea does present itself, I find it rather streamlined to write a story because I can see the scenes in my head as they are happening. Most of my ideas come from play, which for me is a very fertile place for the mind to create and grow. That being said, having that playfulness, the stories kind of write themselves and I feel more of a vessel to share them rather than to creating them.
Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Tao’s Way’ book?
As I said, it was a long process between writing and transitioning the words into a book but the writing portion was quick. I sat down with my idea and wrote it out. I eventually did have to edit and tweak the words because I began learning the protocols for children’s books with page lengths and word counts but the core of the book was solid and there for me to work off of.
Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘Tao’s Way’ book to buy?
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Tao’s Way’ ?
The book cover for Tao’s Way really presented itself when I began working with the marvelous Sarah Leigh-Wills on illustrations. We had talked at length on what my goals were for the book and after chats, Sarah created the first round of images of my vision. We worked together on details such as I wanted the map to say “home” because that is what Tao’s whole journey was about, finding his way home. I also wanted Taoism visually represented which is why I asked that Tao was carrying the ying and yang symbol instead of a traditional sack on the end of a stick. The title of the book comes from a play on words. Tao, means The Way, so I wanted the title to represent the Way of the Tao or the Way’s Way. Essentially meaning that we all have our own way to get through life and this was Tao’s Way.
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
When I’m writing, I’m mostly writing to create a puzzle that is interlinked for the reader. I thoroughly enjoy bringing large, difficult concepts into simple forms and making everything connect back to the original idea. In this case, I wanted everything; the names of the characters, the scenes, the language, the actions, to tie together. The freshness came from me putting together this visual and verbal puzzle so that everything was the related to Taoism in a fun, interactive way that was not hyper obvious unless the reader knew, or dove a bit more into the philosophy itself.
“The Gift of Abirami” penned by the author Claudio Anugra is a kinda book that will inspire the readers to find their purpose in life.
The story is set in India in the 80s. The main character, Leo, finds that because of money, status and career there is no time for self-discovery. He travels to Bombay, but falls in a trap of drug addiction and deceit, while losing most of his savings. He finally escapes to Goa, where after mixing with the wrong crowd he manages to find a place in the hills to clear his addiction. The whole experience leaves him with a dark hole in his heart. Will he go back home, or take a leap of faith and follow a deeper calling.
I felt so much inspired after reading this book, that I will be serious about my purpose now. This book is an awakening contemporary read. The title couldn’t have been better and the cover picture reflects the whole journey. The author isn’t from an English background, but the writing is nice and the narration is smooth. It is a story worth reading and I like to recommend it to every one.
Q1. Hello, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
I am a primary school teacher who lives in Macclesfield, Cheshire. I am the proud mum of 4 sons and my favourite past time hobbies are going on country walks, cream teas and gin tasting (not necessarily in that order).
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Alice Shaken and Definitely Stirred’ book?
I had originally envisaged my book as a rom com movie but not having a clue how to write a film script I set about writing it as a novel. I had the idea of a story in my head but actually getting my ideas down on paper was the most challenging part, particularly the first few chapters. However, the more I wrote and developed the story and characters the easier it became.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
I love Helen Fielding who wrote the Bridget Jones series of books and Catherine Alliott who also writes really charming romantic comedies. I am a huge movie fan and love all the Richard Curtis films, he is such a talented script writer.
Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
The Lake District. One of my sons lives in Broughton-in-Furness which is a charming village. There are so many beautiful places to visit that are within easy reach of Broughton: the alpaca farm at Lingholm Estate in Keswick, the boat tours on Windemere Lake and the steam train rides at The Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway.
Q5. Is there lots to do before you dive in and start writing a book?
Well I had imagined the story in my head for some time before actually getting it down on paper. I had made lots of notes on the characters and thought about the various settings I wanted. I think planning is important but it is also important to be flexible. As I developed the characters I changed my mind as to how I wanted them portrayed or how I though they would react to different situations.
Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Alice Shaken and Definitely Stirred’ book?
I had the idea for many years but it was the very first lock down back in March 2020 that gave me the time to focus on writing the story. I found it very therapeutic. None of my boys lived with me at the time so it was very hard not to actually see and hug them and spend time with them. Writing kept me focused and was a big distraction from COVID and the strange world we all entered into. I wrote it in about four months.
Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘Alice Shaken and Definitely Stirred’ book to buy?
They can order it from all book stores and Amazon. I have a link on my own website: paulatheauthor.net and there is also a link on Goodreads.
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Alice Shaken and Definitely Stirred’ ?
My book is full of dream sequences and in one of them Alice the main lead, dreams about three James Bond actors turning up in her hotel room: the late Sean Connery, Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig. I thought aboutt their iconic drink ‘a martini shaken and not stirred’ and played around with this to end up with the title ‘Alice, Shaken and Definitely Stirred!’. The book cover design was by Charlotte Mouncey who does lots of covers for The Conrad Press and other big publishers. She is a very talented lady who turned my husband’s idea of a front cover into reality.
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
Many reviewers of the novel have commented how much they enjoyed the dream sequences with many of Alice’s screen idols such as Aidan Turner, Colin Firth, Hugh Grant etc so It allowed me to throw in lots of humour and how the dreams helped move the story along and keep an element of surprise in the book.
Q10. Are there any secrets from the book (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?
Well Alice is pursued by three men and she definitely ends up with one of them! As her Aunt Betty says ‘men are like buses, dear, there are none on the horizon and then three turn up all at once’.
I love reading novellas. Recently I got my hands on the book Healed penned by the author Dean Skinner. This is the first book that I have read by Dean.
Story features a man Job who found God three years ago. He thought that after finding God, his pain would go away. He will be healed. But that didn’t happen. In fact, he is suffering from one ailment and another. He wants a week without sickness at least. He is so tired of bearing all this pain.
Job is having a crimson rash that starts in the center of his anus and eventually crawls up to the undercarriage of his testicles. He felt the urge to scratch there every now and then. Health is Wealth. It’s true.
Language used in this novella is easy to read and uses mature words. So, this novella is for adult readers. Cover photo of the book looks nice and the title is suitable. Writing style is amazing and the narration is smooth so I enjoyed reading this book.
Now, I am curious to read more of his work. If you love reading short stories then go ahead with Skinner’s work without any second thoughts.
Q1. Hello Maám, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
My name is Zulaikha Jallow and I’m from London, England and still currently living there. I’m a debut, internationally published author. I’m currently at sixth-form (the 2 years post GCSE academic education where students prepare for their A level examinations heading into university) opting for A level history, Sociology and English Literature. I wrote “It Haunts me” at the age of 15 although the publication process allowed it to coincide with my 17th birthday.
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘It Haunts Me’ book?
Although the publication period was quite a while, it was quite an easy process. I wrote “It Haunts Me” in approximately 3-4 weeks and had discussions with the publishers and my managers. Yet i was very worried so as to not make my poems generic as i wanted them to be unique.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
From a young age I’ve always had an irresistible impulse and endearment towards Arabic poems and love stories. I grew a very intriguing attachment to the 7th century tragic Persian love story of “Layla and Majnun” by Nizami Ganjavi which has an abundance of everyday themes such as separation, sorrow etc. Additionally, the story of prophet Yusuf (Joseph) in Quran contains problems and solutions in every possible aspect of life. Both these heavily influenced my style of writing and my love for old texts, stories and books.
Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
I’m a big reader and I like quiet spaces such as libraries and cafes & any other spaces that I can peacefully read books, articles and research.
Q5. Is there lots to do before you drive in and start writing a book?
I’d say there is a lot to do before writing a book to an extent this is because I personally had no idea where to start there was a lot of research that took place all this is time consuming but fun at the same time. Furthermore, as a writer you need to be aware of ethical issues, what could be offensive to readers and avoid them meaning asides from the publisher’s proof reading you’d also have to read over your work a lot.
Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘It Haunts Me’ book?
Writing the manuscript itself took me approximately 3-4 weeks.
Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘It Haunts Me’ book to buy?
Amazon, WHSmith’s website, hive, Blackwell’s, waterstones, Target. Just type “It Haunts Me” on google and there’ll be a variety of websites and stores to get it from.
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘It Haunts Me’ ?
The book cover was from a picture I had drawn a while back and once I started writing the book, I saw there was great correlation between the poems, title and the drawing.
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
I read other books for inspiration as these triggered new ideas, I also went out to parks and libraries just to change atmosphere.
Q10. Are there any secrets from the book (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?
The book is supposed to offer a solution to everyday problems experienced by the readers, it was written for readers to connect their lives to what is written in this way the collection of poems become moral lessons rather than regular poems.
Q1. Hello, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
Dean Skinner: Artist, author, believer. “Art is a collaboration between God and the artist, and the less the artist does the better.” – Andre Gide
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Healed’ book?
There were some very personal moments in Healed that are still hard to read aloud without getting emotional or choked up. I knew this when writing Healed and I knew it was going to be darker than my other works but as an artist, I feel that makes for a great piece…putting your heart, soul, and sometimes even your pain into your work. It can be very healing.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
Easy…The War of Art by Steven Pressfield is a must for any soul trying to kindle their creative flame. My other “go to” that I try to read every morning and continues to amaze me is of course, The Bible…many authors 😉
Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
Wow, this is a tough one. I’ve been to so many beautiful places on God’s great earth. So, I’ll list my “go to”…my patio, in the morning, with my journal, my Bible, and giant fluffy Sheepadoodle, Toby (yes, just like Toby in Healed).
Q5. Is there lots to do before you drive in and start writing a book?
Not really. I just start writing. In fact, for all three of my books (Broken, Paths, and Healed) I just start writing and don’t even know if I have materials for a book. That’s part of the enjoyment for me with both writing and in art…just start doing the work and see how it all comes together.
Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Healed’ book?
Off and on, about a year, from the first word typed to first draft.
Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘Healed’ book to buy?
Right now, Healed is e-book only but I will likely get an audiobook made (like I did for my first book, Broken) and am considering a print version of all three of my first books into one book since they’re all short stories.
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Healed’?
Well, as a graphic design major and an artist, I sketch out what I’m thinking first and then work with a designer to finalize the finish product. Like my writing, I like leaving an “Easter Egg” or two in my cover design to see if the reader can eventually discover them after reading my books.
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
I really don’t think about it. I just write what’s in my heart.
Q10. Are there any secrets from the book (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?
Oh wow, so many…like all my books, I leave “Easter Eggs” throughout the book that once you finish, I’ve had readers “reread” to see if they can find all the subtle clues and “breadcrumbs” scattered throughout. I really love doing this and love the excitement when a reader shares with me what they’ve discovered.
Q1. Hello, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
Hi everyone! I’m K. Soriano. I live in New Jersey and have my entire life. Writing is a passion of mine, that hopefully, one day, will be turned into a career, instead of only for fun. I dabble in multiple different genres from poetry, to dark fiction, to romance, to heart-warming, and I’m also dipping my toe in the water with a book about my struggles with anxiety and panic disorder from a non-clinical point of view. Currently, I have four different books I am working on because different ideas come to me, and I think “well, that won’t work in this book, so let’s write another.” It keeps me busy and I love it.
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Hearts Amongst Stars’ book?
The organization of the book itself. I actually took it out of publication for a month so I could rework on the layout and rewrite some of the pieces in this book. I published it pretty quick, and even before publishing it, I wasn’t fully content with the flow of the pieces. After I went through it page by page and changed placement of some of the writings, I was happier with the finished product and published it again.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
I’ve always been one of those people who looks up cute quotes. When Atticus first started popping up on my searches, I looked into his writing more, bought his books, and was inspired. I thought “Wow, this is someone who makes magic.” R.H. Sin is another author who has influenced me. I wish one day, I’ll be able to write as well and eloquently as they do. Then, of course, there are the classics such as F. Scott Fitzgerald, who once wrote, “The reason one writes isn’t the fact he wants to say something. He writes because he has something to say.” That resonates with my writing; having something to say, to put out into the world. Also, Hemingway is a big inspiration. He once wrote something similar, “All you have to do is write one true sentence. Write the truest sentence that you know.” I take that advice in all of my writings, along with a few other pieces he’s written. Each one are true artists, and it’s interesting to see the differences of writing styles through generations, as well as how little has actually changed.
Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
Lake George in New York. It’s so beautiful and peaceful there. It is also very inspiring. With the beautiful views and the quaint town, it’s hard not to feel inspired there.
Q5. Is there lots to do before you drive in and start writing a book?
Not really. There are times when I won’t write anything for months, but once I get inspiration, I can’t stop writing. A fun fact though… I hand write all of my writings before typing them up. For me, it’s easier to physically write, cross out, edit, and make notes if I’m not 100% confident with a piece. So there is a notebook and pen in every room of my house, in my car, in my purse, because I just never know when the smallest thing will inspire me. Eventually, each book gets its own notebook.
Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Surviving Love Life & Her’ book?
About 4 ½ months, including edits. That book just poured right out of me!!
Q7. On what all platforms readers can find your books to buy?
Currently, my books are only available on Amazon, no matter what country you live in. Hopefully, that will change one day, and readers can head to bookstores to find my books!
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the cover and the title of your books?
I am a very simple person, so when I was creating the covers for the books, I knew I wanted to keep them simple, but use subtle designs and backgrounds. Surviving Love Life & Her was the hardest cover to make; did I want to include the images from the chapter pages on the cover? Would that be too much? Eventually, I decided against using the images and went with a black, grain background. Choosing the title was easy though. It was what I was living through at the time. I had the complete opposite problem with Hearts Amongst Stars. The title took a little longer to choose, though I knew I wanted to write a book about love and the night sky. There truly is something magical about the night sky, in my opinion. Being in love and spending nights outside, is so intimate. But once settled on the title, I knew what the cover art needed to be. But, again, because there is heartbreak included in this book as well, I wanted to keep the main cover color black. Plus, it’s a continuous of Surviving Love Life & Her. I like to stay on theme.
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
It’s all about what inspires me at the time. With SLL&H, I was inspired by my emotions and didn’t hold anything back. With Hearts Amongst Stars, I was inspired by the stars and the moon, and still had more to say after SLL&H. Midway through writing Hearts Amongst Stars, I decided these books were going to be the process of eventually moving on from a bad relationship and finding yourself again. That will be more apparent in my next book coming out, hopefully, at the end of August.
Q10. Are there any secrets from the book (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?
Great question!! Hm. I’m not sure if this is much of a secret, but every dialogue, or scene portrayed in both books, is real. Both Surviving Love Life & Her and Hearts Amongst Stars were not just inspired by events, but they every page was written off of an actual experience. I just turned them from an experience into art. All the writing I do (which is a lot!!) I like to base off of reality. Reality is what I know, given I’ve lived it, or dreamed it. These poetry collections, however, is the only writing I’ve done that is 100% real.
18 is the personal story of the author as an unschooling mom. The title of the book is 18 as Marta’s oldest kid is eighteen years old and she has a great experience as a successful unschooling mom. Marta lives in Atlanta with her husband Brian and three children. Her oldest kid Jaume didn’t have a very good experience at the beginning of school years as teachers went on long leaves and substitute teachers were there. So, Jaume didn’t get the chance to bond with one particular teacher.
Also, Marta’s second kid Afrika complained about not learning anything at school as many times kids were given a punishment to sit with folded arms and head down at school. School shooting was a wake-up call and Marta went through many articles about homeschooling on the internet. She decided to take her kids out of the public school and registered them for homeschooling.
This book is a collection of various experiences of Marta’s as an unschooling mom. Knowing her story has motivated me to homeschool my kids in the future as I am not a parent yet. I also think that kids can learn much via homeschooling and they can excel more in life. The way this book is written is amazing. It’s insightful and thoughtful and it’s gonna be of great help to parents who are thinking about homeschooling their kids.
Sassy Reviews 