Book: Waking Isabella: Because Beauty Can’t Sleep Forever
Author: Melissa Muldoon
Available On: Amazon
Language: English
Rating: 5/5
“Waking Isabella: Because beauty can’t sleep forever” penned by the author Melissa Muldoon is an amazing story set in Arezzo, a small Tuscan town. In 1576, a princess Isabella was brutally murdered by her husband Paolo.
Main character of the story is Nora. She lives in California. Nora is an assistant researcher at Stanford. She also has an artistic and critical eye. She is the keeper of the past and could talk a lot about sixteenth century Italian Curule chairs, French commodes, and Delft ceramics.
One day, on seeing her old roommate’s message, she reflected on life and thought may be her life would have been different if she hasn’t travelled to California and had stayed in Italy. Grab a copy of this book and find out what gonna happen when she starts filming documentary about Isabella – a princess who was murdered by her husband.
Story backdrop that is set in Italy really makes me excited to travel to Italy. Melissa’s writing is amazing. She creates a perfect tale that readers won’t feel like keeping the book aside for a moment. The Solid cover has power to catch anyone’s attention in the first look. Characters are interesting and seems real. If you love Italy, romance, mystery, history, stories with female protagonist, etc then this is a must pick.
Q1. Hello Sir, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
I’ve has always been a storyteller, butnever put pen to paper until a few years ago. Suddenly, I had a publishing contract, and in the midst of the vortex of marketing, analytics, refining, and continuing to write, I discovered what I define as my true calling, my passion. I am now fully and happily immersed in the whirlwind that is the publishing industry, even as I diligently continue my work in enterprise software sales. I am a Long Islander with Hispanic roots, now living in Florida, and it is from those memories of summers on Long Island, New York that I crafted my first book, Last Exit to Montauk. The Captain & the Queen soon followed, and I recently released my third novel, Searching for Sarah, the 2021 Book Excellence Awards, Winner, LGBTQ/Fiction. Comfortable in a room full of people or one on one, I welcome opportunities for guest appearances, interviews, and book signings–and even more importantly, engaging with my fans.
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Searching For Sarah’ book?
Time is always my greatest challenge. When writing, the story arc plays in my mind, almost like a YouTube video. Each chapter plays as I put thought to paper. My greatest challenge is finding the time to sit and write.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
There are many books and authors that influenced me over the years, and they range in genre. As I look at the bookcase in my office, I see a lot of Lee Childs, Timothy Zahn, Tom Clancy, Stephen King and J.K. Rowling, to name a few.
Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
I am a beach-lover. I could spend all day lounging at the beach, watching the waves caress the crystal white shore, as people splash about the water, and build castles in the sand. There is a peace to beach, especially at sunset. A quietness that everyone seems to respect.
Q5. Is there lots to do before you drive in and start writing a book?
I’d love to say yes, but for me, since starting this career, the ideas flood my mind. Unlike some of my contemporaries, I do not create an outline for my stories. I get an idea, sit at my keyboard, turn on my music, and start writing.
Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Searching For Sarah’ book?
It took me approximately six weeks to write. That is typically how long it takes me to write a new manuscript. Of course, it takes longer to edit, and re-edit, before releasing it to the marketplace. Fortunately, I work with a great editor, Janet Fix, of thewordverve.
Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘Searching For Sarah’ book to buy?
Currently, all my novels are available in paperback, and digital platforms from all the major retailers.
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Searching For Sarah’?
I do not know which came first, the title for the story, or the story itself. The title for this and my other novels, Last Exit to Montauk, and The Captain & the Queen, all came to me as I sat down and began the writing process. Book covers, on the other hand, takes time. My send my editor ideas, and she, along with her staff, search for the right cover that evokes the overall theme of the novel. She usually sends me a few to choose from, and eventually select the one cover we all love.
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
Keeping things fresh can be challenging, which is why my novels aren’t repeats of one another. Interestingly, they all take place in the same universe, think Marvel Universe, where each character has a standalone story, but fits into an overall universe. And like that universe, all my novels are standalone, which periodically feature…spoiler alert…crossovers or easter eggs from previous, or future novels. I try to keep things fresh by delivering new themes. For example, my award-winning first novel, Last Exit to Montauk, was an interracial coming-of-age tragic love story, set in the mid-80s summer of Long Island. My Second, the award-winning, The Captain & the Queen, while similar, tells the comedic story of a(n) Hispanic teen who falls for his uber-rich Greek classmate. The Book Excellence Awards, Winner, LGBTQ/Fiction, 2021, Searching for Sarah is adult-themed. It is the story of a man who sets out to fulfil his older sister’s dying wish. As he begins to look for clues through his sister’s diary, he is startled by the fact that he never even knew her at all, because she had a life partner named Sarah, that he did not know. One reviewer wrote that finding Sarah becomes an adventure that reveals a lot about family dynamics, prejudices, and a love so pure it is inspiring. Searching for Sarah is a profoundly emotional story that will touch readers at deep and personal levels; it is a story of the triumph of love and its beauty, and fans of LGBTQ will find it irresistible.
Q10. Are there any secrets from the book (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?
Absolutely. This story contains strong Hispanic protagonists, and strong female protagonists, a common theme in all my novels. As one reviewer wrote, Searching for Sarah is not simply a novel about love and not about sex, though both have their place. It’s about an idea. About ingrained prejudices, missed opportunities and events beyond our control. It’s about not letting life slip through our fingers.
If you’re looking for a book that delivers on adult themes, crossing boundaries, and love, then pick up a copy of Searching for Sarah.
“Doom of Stars” written by the author Martyn Rhys Vaughan is a Scifi thriller. It is a riveting story with a power to hook the readers from the first page. Kalli is different from others in Tomlinson’s group. No one shared her complexion and she was used to the comments about her skin tone. She has no idea about her parent’s whereabouts. Her mother has given her few family possession including the gleaming white ball that seems to have some small power source inside it.
Kalli was furious to listen to the family stories as she didn’t want to believe in her grandmother’s role in the destruction of their world. Will Kalli be able to find answers to escape the slowly approaching ultimate catastrophe?
World building is amazing. I appreciate author’s vivid imagination in creating it. Cover photo is quite attractive. Title of the book is suitable according to the contents of the story. There are lots of things that readers could take away from this novel. Pace of the story is fast and you won’t get a chance to feel bored. Overall, it’s a worth reading story. So, go ahead with it without thinking twice.
Bello the Cello is a Children’s Book written by the author Dennis Mathew and illustrated by Samantha Kickingbird & Justin Stier. Bello the Cello is excited for his first day of school. His teacher Ms. Melody asked everyone to go around the room, say their name and sing their song. But Bello wonders what kind of song he would sing. Grab a copy of this book and find out yourself will Bello the Cello be able to find his song?
This is an amazing Children’s Book that gives a beautiful message to kids. We all have special gifts or talents. We just have to find them. Illustrations are beautiful and character names are interesting. This is an amazing book that I enjoyed reading to my little nephew. Parents could gift this amazing book to their little kiddos.
“My Wild First Day of School” penned by the author Dennis Mathew is the second Children’s Book of the author. In this book, all the characters are the animals. On the first day of school, one animal wants to land his parachute in style whereas another one wants to wear his neon glasses. Everyone has different dreams/expectations from their first day of school. Kids should read this wonderful story book and as they read they can figure out what they want on their first day of school.
I enjoyed this story book a lot. Kosta Gregory has made this book more eye catchy with beautiful illustrations. This book inspires kids to try new things in life and make their first day of school memorable. Language of the book is lucid so kids could understand it well. It’s a fantastic story and kids will enjoy every bit of this book. They will be glad to meet different animals in the story.
Book: Drowning In Silence: With The Will To Live I Saw My Way Out
Author: Carmeletta Joseph
Available On: Amazon
Language: English
Rating: 4/5
“Drowning in Silence: With the Will to Live I Saw My Way Out” written by the author Carmeletta Joseph is a story of author herself. In this book, Carmeletta has shared how she was once a victim of domestic violence but ultimately she came out of it. Carmeletta lost her father at a very young age. Her mother’s boyfriend always used to remind her that she is not pretty as compared to her sisters. Her sisters have lighter skin and Carmeletta is a brown skinned girl.
Even at school, teacher made fun of her. She met a guy John at church and immediately fell for him. Soon, they came into relationship. Carmeletta was in high school when she got pregnant with her first baby. She was much excited to be a mother. But as the days passed, she got to see true face of John. She learnt to carry a smile on her face. Grab a copy of this book and find out more about Carmeletta’s journey yourself.
This book is written to give hope to other victims to live a better life by coming out of toxic relationships. I appreciate Carmeletta’s guts to share her story with us. Language of the book is lucid so one could read it easily. Cover photo of the book is nice. I love author’s choice of title. Go ahead with this book. I am sure it won’t disappoint you.
The ‘F Word’ is a Children’s Book written by the author Paris Chanel and illustrated by Taiye Okoh.
Story features a four years old little boy Floyd. His favorite letter is F because his name starts with F. He keeps on learning new words that starts with the letter F.
What gonna happen when one day Floyd will learnt the bad word that starts with F?
This is a beautiful story. Illustrations are so pretty that I want to give +1 for that. I loved the reactions on the character’s face in this story book. Language of the book is simple so kids could understand it easily. This is a great book. Parents and kids could read it together so parents can teach some moral values to their kids.
Q1. Hello Ma’am, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
Hello!! Yes, my name is Bria, often times I will go by Bria Unique, that is actually my middle name- a lot of people think of it as a stage name, but it’s not. I am a book junky! I enjoy books! I always said I want to have a library in my house, so I just go out and buy so many books at a time. It excites me to see a bookshelf full of books. I’m a fake vegan, lol. I can go months without eating meat then boom one day I’m ordering chicken nuggets and cheesesteaks.
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘You’ book?
Key challenges that I faced… I actually didn’t have any. The process was really easy. I wrote the book. I didn’t really care to have it edited. I have my BA in English, so I just felt I didn’t need an editor and plus, it’s a children’s book. It’s very short. As long as my words were spelt correctly, that was all I needed. I actually feel challenges now though- between working with the same illustrator, working with a completely new illustrator where the characters will be completely different, and also my main scare is publishing a poetry book.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
Books and authors that inspired me the most- I love love loveeee Maya Angelou. I can read her poetry or even watch her reciting poetry or just talking about life in general on a weekly basis. I literally would have her playing all the time. I listen to her on a regular. I can’t even lie, I actually was also inspired by Dr. Seuss. That was another reason I didn’t care to have an editor. When I think about children’s books, words are always made up or exaggerated in the stories.
Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
I love nature! Being outside is really my go to. I enjoy being by water the most, preferably surrounded by trees, I’m not much of a beach person.
Q5. Is there lots to do before you drive in and start writing a book?
It’s not. I try not to force myself to write. I rather it just naturally come and I will be like, hmm this is a good time to write. I take a lot of notes though, in my phone. Like if I am not in a writing mood or have something else going on and ideas come to me, I will quickly jot it down and when I am free to work on a project, it all just comes to me. I can go days without writing and I am actually okay with that because when I do write, I end up either writing more than one story in a day or I am writing something every day back to back.
Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘You’ book?
Honestly, it took me a day. What is really crazy though, is how quickly I got to work on having it illustrated and published. There was literally no time of me procrastinating. I wrote the book, found the illustrator, did the research on who to publish with and once the illustrator sent me the final file, I literally uploaded it the same day. I even advertised it, before I had a hardcopy myself. I look back at that now like, wow that was crazy, other people had my book before I even had it!
Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘You’ book to buy?
As of right now, it is only on Amazon. I do have a few copies myself that I can of course sign and mail out. I am working towards setting up a website so I will be mailing them out myself. The website is actually created it is just not live yet, because I am still working on it.
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘You’?
The story behind the title. The book itself, I had someone in mind when writing this book. But I definitely can relate to it. Needing the affirmation and assurance, both as a child and now. I decided the cover with the teacher hugging the little girl, because I just felt that was a great picture to use. Holding her close, giving her warm feels, eye contact, I wanted to show the self-love. Fun fact about the characters- I actually submitted pictures of myself for the illustrator to use as a reference. When I seen the sketches though, I didn’t feel they actually looked like me, so that is why I made the melanin different shades, but overall, I love how they turned out. So honestly, it is like me, at the age of 26, talking to myself, at the age of 5, or whatever age I was in the picture I used.
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
How do I keep things fresh… my goal is to keep the stories in a way where anyone can relate to them at any time. Decades from now, anyone will be able to pick up my book and be like hmmm… I can relate to that. The Leave a Smile poem, is a poem that I will include in all of my children’s book and the goal is to really have that poem be worldwide well known. That is what I see for the poem and the stories as well. A hundred years from now I want all of these stories, well everything that I have written be popular, relevant, and a discussion in classrooms, homes and even theaters! This is me leaving a legacy, this is my purpose.
“Sugar & Spice” written by the author Christine Clinton is such an amazing story. There are two main characters in the story: Ethan Baker, CEO of Baker Gourmet and Skylar O’Neill, a great chef. Skylar used to work at Amelia Wright as a chef but when Amelia decided to relocate to London where her husband lives, Skylar lost her job. Her debts are increasing and bills were just piling up.
Ethan’s sister Cordelia Baker-Smith hired Skylar to prepare variety of dishes for her son’s birthday party. Ethan is also there at the party and he loved the variety of food at different food stations. When Ethan and Skylar meets, what gonna happen? Find out yourself by reading this novel. Ethan is sexy and has a class. Will they fall for each other?
Cover photo of the book is nice. The way story has romance, wealth, restaurant chef, CEO, etc is amazing. Storyline is well written. While reading this I couldn’t put it aside. The title around which the story revolves is interesting and according to my reading taste. Author’s choice of title for this book is suitable. I really loved reading this. Both Ethan and Skylar’s characters are amazing. Go ahead with this novel without having any second thought.
Annabel’s Marshal written by the author Christine Clinton is the second installment in Guthrie Sisters series. It is a romance fiction as well as a story that celebrates sisterhood. Annabel, Rebekah and Lilian are three sisters that are orphans. One day when they were in the orphanage, they took the sisterhood oath to always stay together.
Unfortunately, one day Lilian was sent to an orphanage in New York. She got separated from her sisters. Rebekah and Annabel made a promise that one day all 3 of them will be together. When Annabel heard from Pa Jim and Ma that Lillian isn’t there in New York orphanage, Annabel decided to go to Dodge City in search of her sister Lillian.
Marshal Seth Ralston saw Wild Ann at Long Branch Saloon. Men are crazy for Wild Ann. Grab a copy of this book and read it yourself to find out is there gonna be any chemistry between Annabel and Seth?
This novel is written in a simple language so it’s easy to understand. Even if you are not an avid reader and wanna try this genre, go ahead. You will love the story. Plot is impressive. The way story started is nice. Cover photo is attractive. All the characters have their own important role. It’s a riveting tale that you could finish in a single sitting.
Sassy Reviews 