Book: 365 Days of Affirmations for the Mind, Heart, & Spirit
Author: Phoenix Gibbs
Available On: Amazon
Language: English
Rating: 5/5
“365 Days of Affirmations for the Mind, Heart, & Spirit” penned by an Oracle/Healer, Ancestral Advocate, & Spiritual Mentor Phoenix Gibbs is a powerful book. This book reminds the readers that they are valuable and they shouldn’t consider themselves as unworthy or small. It will inspire readers to have a positive mindset so they will be confident, happy, lively, etc.
Below affirmation is one of my favorite from the book: “I honor my weaknesses and strengths. I work on them daily, as I am a perfectly imperfect human being.”
Through this book, author aims to inspire others to live their life fully by stepping out of their comfort zone. This book is full of inspiration. Language of the book is lucid so everyone would be able to understand it easily. One would be able to relate themselves with the affirmations mentioned in the book as we all need such kind of positivity. Cover photo is amazing.
I am glad to get my hands on this brilliant book. I like to recommend it to everyone. Even if you aren’t into reading, pick this book and go through the positive affirmations mentioned in this book, I am sure you will be inspired.
Q1. Can you please introduce yourself to the readers?
I am a former HR professional and Marriage and Family Therapist. I was married in 1980 and inherited three children I had never met six weeks after my wedding; we survived! I am retired, creating and living in Palm Springs. Stitches is my first book, and the first in a series of six based on Historic Park in San Diego, where I grew up.
Q2. From where did you have the idea to write your debut book Stitches?
There is a village of old, important houses that have been put together in Heritage Park in Old Town. The houses have been boarded up for years after being used as historical sites, then Bed and Breakfasts, then just abandoned. There are six houses, beautiful old Victorians, that are just sitting there. I went to see them about six years ago and when I sat under the old coral tree I wondered what I would do if I were in charge – I’d turn the village into an art colony! Each house would be dedicated to one form of art. Stitches is the first house dedicated to needle arts; I’ve identified which house I think would fit on the back cover. Canvas will be the name of the second house, and Pages, the third. I have three more to write to fill out the village of six houses.
Q3. Please tell us something about STITCHES which is not in the blurb/book summary.
Stitches revolves around a young bride; she wants her aunt (Jen Conrad, the owner of the shop Stitches) to make her wedding dress – not sewn, but hand-knitted, to fit a sketch someone made of her in the imagined dress. Jen’s pursuit of perfection is affected in the making of not one but two dresses; perfection turns out to be not quite so important. It also turns out (spoiler) the artist who drew the sketch is the bride’s true love, not the man she’s marrying. He shows up later and in fact is the manager of the art store that is centered in Canvas, the next book (coming July 13).
Q4. What does literary success look like to you?
I know that writers don’t do it to get rich, but it would be nice to have my books known and appreciated for the social issues that are featured in each of them. In Stitches, it’s about grief and self-identity; having to reinvent yourself after living a life “as expected.”
Q5. You currently live in Palm Springs. Please tell us what makes it special?
The desert air, the almost-seasons, the resort atmosphere. Plus, there’s no traffic like in L.A. or San Diego!
Q6. How do you select the names of your characters?
They really just come…they drive the action as well.
Q7. Could you please tell us something about your experience as a Marriage and Family Therapist?
I specialized in grief and bereavement counseling; the stories in Stitches came from my experience in talking to women who really had no idea how to go on after being married for so long. I learned a lot from these women.
Q8. What are your hobbies apart from reading and writing?
Knitting, of course, and recently I’ve gotten into paper crafting, art journaling, and watercolor. It is physically impossible for me to sit in front of the tv without something in my hands to create.
Q9. How long does it took you to write your debut book?
About a year; it was published first by a vanity publisher, but I didn’t like the end product; cheap paper and the cover art wasn’t right. It took six years to get moving on revisions and hiring someone to do the cover and formatting professionally. I am pleased with the revised edition. (The first one only went to friends and family.)
Q10. Lastly, who inspires you the most in life and why?
Women in the past who have blazed the trail for the rest of us like suffragettes and women like Eleanor Roosevelt, Ruth Gruber, RBG, and Heddy Lamarr, who went against all odds and made a real impact on the world. I grew up with the feminists in the 60’s making noise; that had an impact on me as well, and I now understand how much of a risk they took in getting us where we are, which is not quite far enough, but we’re getting there. I’m beginning to talk about them in my YouTube channel.
Kachina is a beautiful story written by the author Alexandra López. Story features a star named Kachina that gazed down in wonder at Earth’s beauty. Kachina was fascinated to see that humans are all different and together they create so many wonderful things. Kachina wanted to experience all these beautiful things that humans do. Will she ever get a chance to experience it?
This is a mind blowing story with rich content. I am highly impressed by the storyline that author has presented in this book. Illustrations are pretty and has the power to attract readers in the first look. This is a great bedtime story that kids will cherish with their parents. I enjoyed every bit of this story. It’s a worth reading book.
“The Reincarnation of Radha” penned by the author Mae Gosaynie and illustrated by Dalia Najjar is an autobiographical account on Radha. Story features a soul Radha who lack self-love. Radha already knew that this was going to be her final lifetime before she was born. She knew that during this lifetime, she would meet her soulmate Krishna.
Radha chose for Lord Krishna to marry Rukmini who would be his physical mate. She chose to unite with Krishna through astral projection.
This story is different from the mythological story of Radha-Krishna. It was a different experience to read about Radha’s lack of self-love and the choices she made for her life.
Since length of the book is just 57 pages, one would be able to finish this in a single sitting. Cover photo of the book is so attractive that it has the power to attract readers in the first look. I am glad to come across this book. I am looking forward to read more work by Mae.
“In Search Of” is the debut novel of the author Aditi Bathia. It is a fast paced romance. There are three important characters in the story: Anya, Yohan and Aarav. Anya and Aarav were deeply in love eight years back. But they have to part their ways. Anya got married to Yohan. They both were compatible for each other but somehow love spark between them wasn’t upto the level that it should be.
Anya’s life suddenly took a new turn when her ex Aarav came back to her life in the form of a client. As we all know, on seeing our ex, feelings come back. Same happened with Anya. Grab a copy of this book and find it yourself will she be able to stay loyal to her marriage or her love for Aarav takes more power over her marriage with Yohan?
This novel is written in a simple language. If you are not into reading and want to try the romance genre then go ahead with this one. Cover photo of the book looks nice and title is suitable. Characters are well written and the story feels realistic as we may find people in similar situation around us. It’s a worth reading story.
Q1. Hello Sir, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
Hello! My name is D.W. Whitlock. I’m a professional animator that writes thriller novels. I love spending time with my family, video games, watching films and riding my Triumph Scrambler motorcycle. And reading, of course. Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Crucible of Fear’ book?
I’ve written many short pieces to practice and learn, but writing full-length novels has always been my goal. The biggest challenge I think was wrangling a tight, compelling story from tons of research material I gathered and the various ideas I had. There is a ton of stuff that didn’t make it in to the book, but what did make it in is that much stronger.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
Books by Michael Crichton, Robert McCammon, Michael Connelly, Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child and so many others from Arthur C. Clarke to Margaret Atwood, but I’d say these writers and their works have influenced me the most.
Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
I grew up in the local mountains of California, so I go back to those types of areas as much as I can. The clean, clear air, the smell of pine and sage and the absolute quiet is like nothing else.
Q5. Is there lots to do before you drive in and start writing a book?
Absolutely. I do a lot research after deciding on what type of story I want to write. Many of the elements that form the basis of the story are revealed through this process. Technology, locations, potential situations, elements of danger, along with character motivation and what types of skills and flaws they have.
Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Crucible of Fear’ book?
Working about 1-3 hours per day, I was able to finish Crucible of Fear in about six or seven months, from outlining to final pass after beta reads. When I’m not writing, a lot of time is spent thinking about the story and characters while I’m on motorcycle rides, in the shower, trying to get to sleep! Some of the best ideas happen when you’re NOT at the keyboard.
Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘Crucible Of Fear’ book to buy?
Amazon.com and all Amazon international markets. It is also available to Kindle Unlimited subscribers for free.
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Crucible of Fear’?
I wanted the cover to be simple yet striking and not too typical of the thriller genre, which usually has the silhouette of character running against the backdrop of a monochromatic city in either punchy red or orange. I hired an artist to create the image and it showed promise, but I wasn’t really happy with the final result so I reworked it into the version you see now.
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
I ask myself, what is the most interesting or exciting thing the characters can do in this scene and still make it believable? I also have a hard and fast rule: No Deus Ex Machina saving the characters. They always figure a way out themselves, but it will most likely cost them.
Q10. Are there any secrets from the book (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?
Book: The Ocean In My Eyes: A Story of Mindfulness
Author: Marcey Heschel
Available On: Amazon
Language: English
Rating: 5/5
“The Ocean In My Eyes: A Story of Mindfulness” is an amazing Children’s Book written by the author Marcey Heschel and illustrated by Pei Jen. Story features a little girl Sophia that live besides the ocean. She struggles with anxiety. One day she found some magic flippers on the beach that took her beneath the sea. Grab a copy of this book and read it yourself to know how some underwater friends can bring a change in Sophia’s life.
This book guides little readers about how to deal with anxiety. Illustrations are mind blowing and storyline is interesting. Cover photo of the book looks eye catchy and the title is suitable. It’s a worth reading story that could be read aloud in class or could be enjoyed alone. Parents could gift this amazing book to their kiddos. This book would be a great addition to your little ones bookshelf.
“The Best Thing About Bennett” penned by the author Irene Wittig is an uplifting story of a middle-aged woman overcoming fear and self-doubts to find adventure, love and family. Bennett Hall was forced into early retirement as her employment with Bancroft, Chandler and Co was terminated. She is happy that she no longer have to care for her Aunt Mary. Aunt Mary’s house was passed to Bennett as part of her will. Bennett sold the house and moved to a smaller and more manageable house.
Earlier in life, once when she saw a handsome man Stephen helping his father at the neighborhood library, she immediately fell in love with him. Later they even had plans to get married, have kids but because of his father’s deteriorating health and wish to be around his sister, Stephen and his father moved to Baltimore
Bennett later met Joe Muir, an attractive widower who along with his wife adopted two Ugandan children. Joe’s wife was killed in Uganda. Grab a copy of this novel and find out yourself how Bennett find a new purpose to fulfill so she could win Joe’s heart.
Language of the book is lucid. Cover photo is eye catchy. Author’s writing style is amazing. The way the story started and is written smoothly, it perfectly fit my reading taste. I loved the way Bennett’s character is written. I am highly impressed with Irene’s writing in this novel and I am curious to read more of her work.
“London Loves His Opposites” is an amazing story penned by the author CC Ward and illustrated by Kaitlyn Finney. Story features a little boy London who was born different. In his world, down is up, in is out, sky is on the ground, etc.
This book introduces little readers to the term neurodivergent – those who communicate differently and experience the world differently.
This is an inspiring story that motivates normal kids to accept those like London. It also inspire kids like London to dream. Cover photo of the book is nice. Story is amazing. It is a short and quick read that kids will enjoy and learn from. Language of the book is simple so kids would be able to understand it easily. It’s a worth reading story.
Q1. Hello Sir, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
Originally, I come from a screenwriter and independent filmmaking background with over twenty years of experience in the arts and entertainment industry. My directorial debut was entitled, 17 & Under, and won my first awards, garnered successful distribution and landed me squarely on the filmmaking map. Since then, I’ve been a part of many successful productions, with my latest film The Boatman. I won Best Director Idyllwild Film Festival among many other wins and a Best Director and Best Film nominee of the prestigious 33rd Annual Imagen Awards. Now I like to turn my storytelling skills into long-form narrative fiction. My first novel is entitled, Weeper. Weeper is the multigenerational story of the relationships between the members of two 19th century Appalachian families; the True’s, a family of “warners” (early funeral directors), and the Fenn’s, a family of “weepers” (paid mourners). My current is Collodion. It is the second in a companion series after Weeper. All three will submerge into the macabre world of the nineteenth century death industry; postmortem photography & embalming.
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Weeper’ book?
My first novel was a huge learning curve. Adept at screenplays, novels posed a challenge. I learned from editors over and over again, with multiple versions. I got a little better with Collodion
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
Charles Frazier (Cold Mountain) Pat Conroy (Prince of Tides) I don’t even come close to the prose these guys produce, but they are an inspiration.
Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
I’m a man of water. I love lakes, beaches, streams, rivers. I like visiting any place that has those.
Q5. Is there lots to do before you drive in and start writing a book?
Yes. I’m a plotter and plot out the entire story first. But I know it will change after many drafts. Something doesn’t work out, so you have to change it over here and so forth. Since I’m a historical fiction writer, research into history helps me bring in interesting facts and many times helps with plot.
Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Collodion’ book?
About six months with many more months of revisions.
Q7. On what all platforms readers can find your books to buy?
Both of my books are on paperback, Kindle and Audible audiobook.
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the cover and the title of your books?
I want something ironic or something that would make a reader say, “What is that?” The title of Collodion comes from the substance that is used both in wet plate photography and in embalming, the two professions of my two main characters. The cover for my second book is an interesting story: The two people on the cover I found in nineteenth century tintype photographs. They are real people that lived long ago. I bought them and used them on my cover of Collodion. I do not know who they are. Just regular people that lived long ago.
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
I need a story I’ve never heard of before. I don’t want to write a story that is a different take on another story. That’s not my style.
Q10. Are there any secrets from the book (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?
Many of the characters, places, ships and things in the story were true historical people, places, battles and things. In the kindle edition you can use their “X-ray” and click on their names and it gives a ton of interesting facts about the place or person or thing.
Sassy Reviews 