Book: The Best Doctor In Town: A Tall Tale From The Hills
Author: Amelia Townsend
Available On: Amazon
Language: English
Rating: 4/5
“The Best Doctor in Town: A Tall Tale from the Hills” written by the author Amelia Townsend is a story that is inspired by actual events. Story is set in Southwest Virginia. Dr. Nicholas “Briggs” Oxenbriggs is the most renowned doctor at the Lone Mountain Medical Center in Big Stone Gap, Virginia. One day when he saw his mother dying, he wished to be a doctor so that he could free patients from their pain and they could be in peace forever.
Recently, Ira, father of Eliot West has been admitted to the hospital. Eliot is a police officer. Dr Briggs is handling his father’s case with his chief resident Dr Ash McKay. After a light stroke, McKay observed the reports of Ira but he just agreed with what Dr Briggs suggested. After few days, Eliot’s father was admitted again to the hospital. Dr Ash and Dr Briggs are suggesting different things to West family. Read this story to dig deeper why the patients are dying?
Cover photo of the book showing police officer’s badge, reporter’s notebook, doctor’s syringe, etc looks amazing. Title of the book is appropriate. Language used in the book is simple to understand. My interest in the story developed after few pages. Some descriptions could have been shorter. Character of Dr Briggs is interesting and unexpected. Storyline is intriguing and I was curious to know what gonna happen next until I reached the last page.
Q1. Hello Ma’am, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
Hi there, my name is Olivia and I live in Yorkshire with my husband Jamie, our dog Ronnie and Pearl, our three-legged cat aka Tripod. I moved back home to Yorkshire about 5 years ago. Prior to that, I lived in New York City for 16 years and Los Angeles for 7 years where I’ve had careers in both the animation and film industry. My time spent in the USA was amazing and I loved every minute in both NYC and LA, even the rough times, and there were definitely a few of those! However, my move home was a long time coming as I missed England and my parents so much. I tried to visit as much as I could but there came a time when I just couldn’t take the goodbyes anymore. I will never forget the customs officer at Manchester airport who stamped my passport when I returned to England. He looked at me and said, “Welcome home.” It brought tears to my eyes. “Tessa Tidies Up!” is a true story. As a little girl I used to collect litter on my walks to and from school. It might sound strange but in my mind If litter was in a bin it was safely home but if it was on the ground it needed help to get home and join all the other pieces at the “party” in the bin. It was a story I’d always hoped to share. I now own a little gift shop in my local Halifax Borough Market. I’ve labelled my shop, “The smallest most beautiful gift shop in England,” and I’m so proud of it. It’s a mixture of Vintage, handmade, and quirky gifts for any occasion.
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Tessa Tidies Up! ’ book?
I think when anyone embarks on a creative project the biggest challenge is discipline and any artist will tell you (if they’re honest) that self doubt is a constant battle. At times, the amount of work and organisation to get a project done can be overwhelming and setting time aside to focus is key. But it’s not just setting the time aside. Belief in your vision, confidence to keep going and the support from friends and family is for me priceless.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
Roger Hargreaves wrote the ”Mr Men,” book series and as a child I loved them. My favourite children’s book author has always been Roald Dahl. I’ve also read all of his adult books. He has a wonderful way of telling a fantastical story yet relating to the human condition.
Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
I was born in London and grew up in Yorkshire. Having lived away for 23 years in two big, crazy cities, I adore being home in Yorkshire and I see and appreciate the beauty in the surroundings everyday both in the architecture and the landscape. I’m so happy surrounded by our Yorkshire Moors and throw in a dry stone wall and some sheep or cows grazing…that’s the cherry on the cake. I also love to visit my parents home, just over the hill, for a lamb supper.
Q5. Is there lots to do before you dive in and start writing a book?
Yes, there is so much to do, but I’m lucky in that I worked in animation for years so I’m familiar with the script/storyboard process which really helped me. It allows you to rough out and plan each illustration in the book whilst telling the story. Using this technique helps to streamline and map out the flow of a story.
Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Tessa Tidies Up!’ book?
I think it was about 9 months to put it on paper but Tessa has been in my head for years.
Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘Tessa Tidies Up!’ book to buy?
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Tessa Tidies Up!’?
I wanted the cover design to be simple, bold and eye catching for children. It definitely has a shout out to Roger Hargreaves’, “Mr Men” series. I had two versions of the cover so I sent both options to some friends to get their children’s opinion. They all voted unanimously for the option that ultimately made the cover. As far as the title, I wanted something catchy and memorable and I’ve always loved the name Tessa. It brings back memories of my father reading to me as a child and one of my favourites he read was titled, “Tilly and Tessa.”
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
I think it’s important that the audience care and relate to both the characters and the story and it’s important to me that the illustrations be visually rich. I mixed old and new techniques when I illustrated my book. I think the different design techniques compliment each other and add a touch of magic.
Tessa’s character design and the village of Patchworth, where she lives, were the first sketches I drew for the project. Tessa’s design was based on my own struggle to dress myself as a little girl. Tessa is a bit messy and she struggles with buttons and keeping her socks up. I think every child can relate to that. She has a humble quality and she’s very caring. She has more important things on her mind than her outward appearance. The village of Patchworth is based on where I walked to and from school as a child picking up litter. The idea of having the surrounding hills made up of various floral quilt patch designs just came to me one day. I happen to love vintage quilts and I have a small collection of them. I hope the village of Patchworth feels like a place the readers would like to visit.
Tessa’s story happens to be very relevant regarding our environment, however that wasn’t the intention when I started the project. It was just a little tale I wanted to tell about myself as a child but on completion it happened to have a relevant message that hopefully all of us, children and adults alike, can care about.
Book: I Am Me: A Journal of Positive Affirmations for Kids
Author: Angelica Clark
Available On: Amazon
Language: English
Rating: 5/5
“I Am Me: A Journal of Positive Affirmations for Kids” is a thought provoking book written by Angelica Clark. It is a book that will help children to search answers from within with the help of some Positive Affirmations and Mindfulness Exercise instead of looking outward. The book emphasis on be who you want to be and never apologize for being your true self.
Grab a copy of this adorable book to know what are the mindfulness exercises and how to apply them to nourish your mind, body and spirit.
The way author has presented these mindfulness exercises are quite impressive. Illustrations are mind blowing and has won my heart. This book will help your kid to become the best version of themselves. A good read and highly recommended. Lovely addition to any children’s bookshelf. It’s an educational read. Parents could gift this book to their little ones.
“The Terrible Duckodile” is a children’s book written by Darren Blunden and illustrated by Adam Brown.
This is a story of Duck who was mocked by some geese. But he feels so small and alone. He made a plan to turn their laughter to fear. Grab a copy of this adorable book to know what Duck has done to overcome his fear?
The lesson that we learn from this story is that self faith is very important. Children will surely have a great learning experience from this story.
The story is fast paced and exciting. A good read and highly recommended. The way author has presented this story is quite impressive. Illustrations are mind blowing and has won my heart. This book could be included in school moral values classes to teach kids about friendship and believing in themselves.
Book: Robinson, IL And Other Flash Fiction Stories
Author: Dennis Milam Bensie
Available On: Amazon
Language: English
Rating: 5/5
“Robinson, IL and Other Flash Fiction Stories” is the first book that I have read penned by the author Dennis Milam Bensie. This book introduced me to the meaning of flash fiction.
I really enjoyed the Kiddie pool story when little Denny pee in the pool wearing a pink swimsuit. The way author has put words in this story made me felt like I am reading it directly from the heart of a kid.
Sunday Drive is another interesting story highlighting father’s realization later to punish the one who molested his son fifteen years ago. Molestation could fill rage in a kid that may stay with him as years passes by.
I enjoyed reading “The Miller Family Reunion” in which the family met Denny’s new wife Julia and one of his cousin Jeremiah travelled on his bike from Chicago to surprise his parents.
All the flash fiction stories that are part of this book are worth reading. There are so many characters in this book. One could enjoy couple of flash fiction stories in one go in their short breaks. Author’s writing style is amazing and I enjoyed reading this book overall. Language used in the book is straightforward and easy to understand. Since length of the book is 130 pages only, one could also read it in a single or two sittings. Go ahead with it without thinking twice. I am sure you will enjoy it.
Treason Flight written by the author T.R. Matson is the debut book of the author who has over two decades of both military and civilian aviation experience. It is the story of a young navy pilot Jack “Rattler” Owen on a combat deployment who struggles with life at sea. Jack grew up in small suburban town in New Jersey. While growing up he wanted to get paid to have fun so football was his focus. After first year of college, Rattler’s focus shifted back to military and soon he arrived at Texas A&M. After finishing flight school, he began training in E-2C Hawkeye in Norfolk, Virginia.
Once when Rattler was flying over the Persian Gulf, he saved the crew by landing the broken E-2C Hawkeye safely. Clipper who is Rattler’s number two guy was happy to see Rattler safe. He helped a lot with the landing. Later, Clipper told Rattler that there is something wrong with the skipper. He didn’t give Rattler a flying cross for his historic act because he didn’t get one himself. As the story progresses, the danger increases. The failure of hydraulic system was just the beginning. Grab a copy of this book to unveil what happens next.
If you love reading military thrillers then don’t miss to grab this amazing book. Initially I had to google meaning of few military terms but once I got the grip, I enjoyed this story. Language of the book is medium. Story is full of action all the time and kept me on the edge while reading. Length of the book is 196 pages that makes it a perfect binge read book for weekend reading.
Q1. Hello Ma’am, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
Hi – So my name is Nadia Bruce-Rawlings. I was born in Canada and lived in Texas, Cairo, Egypt, Norway and Denver before moving to Los Angeles at the age of 21. I also lived in the Bahamas and in London. I worked in the film industry for about 30 years. I am a recovering drug addict and alcoholic with 23 years sober, I was a homeless crack-head and shoplifter before I got sober thanks to a 6-month stay in rehab, a place called Alcoholism Center for Women. Once I got sober, I had my daughter Sophia as a single-mom, and when she was 10 I re-met an old boyfriend, Brian Rawlings. We ended up getting married, and I gained 5 more kids! In 2011, just after we married, we moved to Nashville, where I ended up writing both of my books.
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Driving In The Rain’ book?
It was my second book, and I was having a difficult time writing after finishing Scars. I wasn’t sure what to write about or where to begin again. My publisher, Iris Berry of Punk Hostage Press, worked hard with me into the wee hours of the morning on my stories and poetry and the direction the book should take. I couldn’t have done it without her.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
I love Hemingway and Kerouac, who both influenced my early writing a tremendous amount, as did Sandra Cisneros and her groundbreaking book House on Mango Street. I even have a poem in Driving in the Rain, called Linoleum Roses, which was inspired by her book.
Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
The ocean, whether on the West Coast or the East Coast. The ocean is my “higher power,” it is where I find true spirituality and inspiration. It’s the one thing I miss about living in Los Angeles – well that and my best friend.
Q5. Is there lots to do before you dive in and start writing a book?
For me, not really, because my books have all been short stories and poetry collections. I don’t have to keep track of a plot or various characters. I just write when inspired! Sometimes that is while driving – a sentence will come to me, or a paragraph, and I’ll have to write it down as soon as I can so I don’t forget it. I often use my phone to make voice-notes. Then I find them ages later and don’t recall what they were for!
Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Scars’ book?
It took some time! Some of the stories were written years before others, but they fit in when it came time to publish. What happened was that I had a story I really liked (“Fire”), which I sent to a woman who turned out to be my mentor and idol. I’d heard of Iris Berry as she was famous in Los Angeles for her writing and music and performance art. I’d seen her over the years and knew her well enough to say hello, but that was it. I took a chance and sent a copy of Fire to her to get her feedback, fully not expecting to hear back. About 6 months later, she called me and said they wanted to publish a book of my short stories! I was blown-away! I put together all the stories I had sitting on a back-burner and wrote a few more. It took some time to edit, but we published it in November of that year (2014).
Q7. On what all platforms readers can find your books to buy?
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the cover and the title of your books?
My first book, Scars, I used a photo by my brother, Geoff Cordner. I knew I wanted to use one of his photos on this book, as his images are very haunting. Iris ended up choosing just the right image. On Driving in the Rain, again, Iris chose! I was sending her a couple images by my sister, Denise Cordner, and told her to ignore the one with the rain. She immediately said, No! That’s the one!! And it’s going to be called Driving in the Rain! So…I wrote a poem that day by the same title, and it all worked out great.
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
I’m not sure, to be honest! I was worried my second book would be too similar to Scars, but it turned out ok. I know my third book will have to take a different turn. I don’t even know where to begin – I don’t want to bore my readers!
Q10. Are there any secrets from the book (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?
One of the challenges of Scars was that most of the stories are true, so that when people read Fire they thought it was a true story as well. It is not! It is, however, based on a news article that I read about a woman who burned her father to death in her house one day. After I read the article, I wanted to get inside her head to see why she would do that! I wrote it late one afternoon in our big house in Nashville.
“Fynn and Mr Wallace Meet the Buggingtons” is a Children’s Book written by the author Jenny Dillon. Story features a little boy Fynn. He has a best friend Mr Wallace. Mr Wallace is a blue and red puppy with long, floppy ears and bright green button eyes. One day when Fynn and Mr Wallace were in their backyard, they saw a big hole. Fynn was so curious to find out what’s there in the hole so he pulled the dirt away from the hole. Grab a copy of this book to know what gonna happen next.
This is an interesting story. Kids who love adventures will enjoy reading this book. Cover photo is nice and title of the book is appropriate. I enjoyed reading this story. Language of the book is lucid so kids could understand it easily. Parents hurry up and grab this adventurous story book for your little readers.
“Detroit Madam: My Girls, My Rules, My Night” written by Ayanna Williams-Jones is based on true events. The story is about author’s life in the entertainment industry. In 1994, Ayanna was working at IHOP as a waitress. She received a hefty tip and when she looked up, her eyes fell on Dominic. Dominic was ten years senior than her. They went on a double date but it didn’t went properly. At the age of eighteen, Ayanna had a son and she saw Dominic again. They started dating soon.
Dominic took good care of Ayanna and her son. Soon, he introduced her to the concept of swinging. Reluctant at first, when Ayanna tried it she thought to turn it in a business and she got the name Detroit Madam. Soon, more and more people started getting involved and they even applied for DBA (Doing business as) license. Grab a copy of this book and find out more about the Detroit Madam.
Language of the book is lucid and because of the mature content present in this book, I like to recommend it to adult readers only. Cover photo of the book is nice. Ayanna’s entertainment industry have so many girls to fulfill the wishes of their clients. Her story is unique. Go ahead with this book.
“Rivalry in Riding Boots” written by the author Annie Le Voguer is a contemporary new fiction book set in the world of horses. This is the first installment in the Wingfield Equestrian Book series. Lilly Marshall runs Wingfield Equestrian livery yard for a living. She had thirty horses in her care. She love the horses but she sometimes get fed up with the horse owners who ask for impossible things for their horses.
She was asking to approve the formation of the three-day horse trials on the grounds of Wingfield Estate. Piers Wingfield Brown is the owner of the manor and Mark Larch is the Director of Wingfield Aggregates whom Piers trust but not Lilly. When she was given the go ahead, Lilly got the opportunity to fulfill her dream. Alison her head groom helped her to look after the yard. One of Lilly’s client’s horse has eaten himself into colic and this made Lilly to frustrate because the horse was suffering. As the story moves forward, we get to meet more and more character: Jay – first man that Lilly allowed into her life after her heart was broken. She met Jay because of her best friend Rico at the summer ball for the local pony club.
Those who have knowledge of horses will be able to enjoy this book more. There are so many characters in the story to keep track of. If you like stories with many characters then you definitely gonna adore this one. Plot is interesting and I got to know so much about the horses and the yard. Cover photo is nice and title couldn’t have been more appropriate. Enjoyed reading this novel.
Sassy Reviews 