Month: April 2023

Chantz by Tim Rayborn Blog Tour and Excerpt

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn Blog Tours, Book EventsLeave a comment

Reality wasn’t what it used to be.

One moment, everything was fine. Just a normal, run-of-the-mill indie goth alternative rock show at the Leeds University Union on a Sunday afternoon in late April. Just a young band singing about the most angsty issues of the moment, playing less-than-commercial music that was a cut above the usual pop twaddle. Nothing out of the ordinary, really.  

But then, things got decidedly odd, downright bizarre. Up was down, or maybe it was just an inverted up? The walls were closing in, or were they falling away very close by? It got very dark, almost brightly so. And the intense volume of the music was almost inaudible. If this was a part of the show, it was damned strange, but strangely appealing.

The band in question, the Mystic Wedding Weasels, was making something of a splash recently, and the hall was packed with young fans eager to soak up their particular brand of musical peculiarity, most notably in the figure of their enigmatic singer. And she seemed to be the source of this sudden oddness. At least, twelve-year-old witch Jilly Pleeth thought so.

Jilly couldn’t pass up the opportunity to see her favorite new band live, and she’d invited her friend Lluck along for the experience. He was half-human, half Indian Fae, all teenage attitude, and could affect the laws of probability in his favor. So, not your typical fourteen-year-old. She’d met him last winter during a rather crazy adventure involving an ancient Germanic forest spirit that wanted to eat his heart; as one does. Also, his long-lost mum was now dating Jilly’s best friend, a shadow with glowing red eyes; it’s a rather long and strange story.

In any case, returning to the matter at hand, everything had been as expected for the first few songs, when things shifted into all sorts of odd and back, but what was happening?

“Did you see that?” Jilly asked Lluck over the din of the current song, something about feeling dreadful in the face of ultimate despair.

“See what?” he half-shouted back at her.

“You didn’t notice how everything just went all… funny for a bit?”

“What are you talking about?”

“Everything just changed!”

“Changed how? What are you on about?”

“Something crazy strange is going on. It doesn’t feel normal.”

“All right, Ms. Witchy, I’ll take your word for it. But strange is the new normal these days, anyway, so who cares? Can we just watch the show, please?”

Jilly didn’t answer, but she remained unsettled. She turned her attention back to the singer, Chantz, at least that’s what she called herself. Jilly didn’t know her real name, if she had one. She looked to be in her early twenties, sported long black hair (with a streak of green-dyed tresses cascading down the right side of her head) and the obligatory black vestments: black dress, fishnets, black Doc Marten boots, long and wispy black shirt, open and trailing about her. But her voice was the real draw. It was enchanting, captivating; it drew in Jilly like a… spell. Jilly scrunched up her nose in that way that she always did when alarm bells went off in her head. Well, perhaps they were more like wind chimes.

She grabbed Lluck by the arm and yelled into his ear. “It’s magic!”

“Yeah, it’s all right isn’t it?” He bobbed his head up and down in time with the song.

She rolled her eyes. “No, you nitwit! Not the show, the singer.”

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Chantz - Tim Rayborn

Tim Rayborn has a new queer urban fantasy out (bi, lesbian), Qwyrk Tales book 3: Chantz.

Qwyrk can’t get a break. Spring is springing, but she’s stuck breaking up drunken faery fights as Beltane approaches. She really wants to take things to the next level with her possibly-probably-girlfriend Holly, but she keeps coming down with a chronic case of chickening out.

And now, her best human friend, Jilly Pleeth, has had a rather odd encounter. While attending a concert by her favorite band, the Mystic Wedding Weasels, Jilly was amazed by their enigmatic singer, Chantz. There’s something downright magical about her voice, something so magical that an evil force from outside this world wants her for nefarious reasons. But will Chantz succumb to its lure?

Chantz is the third in a series of four novels about the comic misadventures of a group of misfits at the edge of normal reality in modern northern England, a world of shadows, Nighttime Nasties, eldritch screaming horrors, appalling neo-Shakespearean sonnets, undead corvids, an abundance of verbal sparring, and… Qwyrk is not an elf, all right? They’re just silly!

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Giveaway

Tim is giving away a $20 Amazon gift card with this tour:

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Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b60e8d47279/?

Excerpt

Chantz meme - Tim Rayborn

After a few minutes of meandering on campus, she found a rather expansive and tree-filled enclosure marked by a sign reading “Welcome to St. George’s Field.” Seeing as she could lose herself in its trees, this place would suffice. Wandering in, she found herself strolling through a historic cemetery, which appealed to her gothy aesthetic sensibilities. She sat herself down on a stone bench not far from some centuries-old headstones and tried to focus, to think, to something.

She closed her eyes, trying to recall the feeling of the power flowing through her.

“What are you?” she whispered.

For a time, she felt nothing. Sighing in frustration, she opened her eyes. The field was mercifully unpopulated today, so she decided to risk singing a little tune, an old Irish folk song. She couldn’t remember where she’d learned it. She couldn’t remember much of anything before the last couple of years, to be honest. But there it was, stuck in her head, so she called on it.

It was a simple melody with a short verse and a chorus. She didn’t even know all the words, but that didn’t matter. She just sang the bit she knew over and over. It was soothing, comforting, and connected her to something, as if stirring a memory. She closed her eyes again, allowing it to wash over her. For the first time in a while, she formed a genuine smile. Not a big smile, mind you, she did have her reputation to think of, after all.

As she neared the third repeat, something happened. She heard a voice in her head, one that contrasted with her own. It was more like a momentary flash of sound, in a language she didn’t recognize. It didn’t make her stop singing; in fact, she wanted to continue. After she sang another verse or two, and she heard it again, like a call across some great gap. But was it far away in the distance? Or maybe in time?

How does that even make any sense?

Intrigued, she kept singing, but lowered her voice so as not to attract any onlookers. It would be just like someone to come up in the middle of it and ruin the whole experience, with their chattiness and insipid curiosity.

As it turned out, she was indeed interrupted, but not by any passersby who should have been minding their own business. In her mind’s eye, she saw a face. The face of an old woman. She had long, disheveled grey-streaked hair, and her complexion was wan and weathered, with dark shadows under her eyes. There was almost something cool about her. The face was obscured, as if peering through a fog, and Moirin couldn’t gauge its intent. She wasn’t imagining it; her imagination was good, but not this good. The woman opened her mouth as if to say something, but no words emerged, and if she were the one speaking those foreign words, Moirin wouldn’t have understood her, anyway.

The old woman smiled, but it was an odd smile, and not really a happy one, more like sinister grin. She seemed to want something from Moirin. The smile grew bigger and stretched to unnatural proportions. Her eyes began to lighten, not just the pupils, but the whole of her eyes, greying at first and then fading into a milky white.

Moirin’s heart raced. She stopped singing and gasped. Whatever this thing was, she wanted nothing to do with it. She tried to open her eyes, but they were heavy, almost as if she’d been drugged. Her ears seemed to close up, and the world around her disappeared. She shook her head and tried to stand up, but just like her eyes, her legs no longer worked. She started to panic and opened her mouth again, not to sing but to scream, shout for help, something. But no sound escaped.

The face sneered at her, perhaps enjoying her helplessness. It became ever more twisted and grotesque and opened its mouth again, almost in mockery of Moirin’s inability to do so. A low-pitched wailing sounded from the old woman, a mournful call that seemed to portend something awful. It rose in pitch and volume to a full-on cry, a tuneless and wordless plaint that sounded like something out of an older time. It shook Moirin to the core, but the more she heard it, the more it seemed to invite her, to draw her in, even to tempt her. Whatever the ill intent of this creature invading her mind, and however frightening its call, Moirin felt oddly at home. She began to surrender to its lure, to its awful and seductive pull.

Author Bio

Tim Rayborn

Tim Rayborn has written an astonishing number of books over the past several years. He lived in England for quite some time and has a PhD from the University of Leeds, which he likes to pretend means that he knows what he’s talking about. His generous output of written material covers topics such as music, the arts, history, the strange and bizarre, fantasy and sci-fi, and general knowledge.

He’s also an acclaimed musician. He plays dozens of unusual instruments that quite a few people of have never heard of and often can’t pronounce. He has appeared on over forty recordings, and his musical wanderings and tours have taken him across the US, all over Europe, to Canada and Australia, and to such romantic locations as Marrakech, Istanbul, Renaissance chateaux, medieval churches, and high school gymnasiums.

He currently lives in Washington state (where it rains a lot), surrounded by many books and instruments, as well as with a sometimes-demanding cat. He is rather enthusiastic about good wines, and cooking excellent food.

Author Website: https://timrayborn.com/

Author Facebook (Personal): https://www.facebook.com/timrayborn

Author Facebook (Author Page): https://www.facebook.com/TimRaybornMusicandWriting

Author Mastodon: https://mastodon.social/@timrayborn

Author Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rayborn.esoterica/

Author Liminal Fiction: https://www.limfic.com/?s=tim+rayborn&search_type=book_search

Author Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Tim-Rayborn/author/B00DWY5J8E

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Godthread by Caleb T. Brabham Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

A conspiracy of biblical proportions takes over as a powerful demon on a mission to reunite Eve with her son Cain in heaven must match wits with apocalyptic angels, the antichrist, and God himself in author Caleb T. Brabham’s “Godthread”.

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The Synopsis

A demonic investigator.

A Heavenly conspiracy.

Whatever he finds … he’s damned already.

Azrael Abaddon, better known to his demonic peers as “The Destroyer”, has been summoned to Heaven on a mission of mercy to reunite Eve with her son, the murderous Cain. Motivated by a rare desire to aid the infamous mother, Azrael pits himself into Satanic plots, angelic assassinations and matches wits with apocalyptic angels, an enterprising antichrist and Almighty God, Himself. But when the devil is found dead, Azrael realizes a far more sinister game is being played and the mysterious “Godthread” may be the most important piece of all.

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The Review

This was an engaging and captivating read. The sheer volume of mythos and world-building the author did was great to see come to life, with a vast array of different characters from various religious beliefs and mythologies melding together in a vast series of settings that feel almost as fantastical as the narrative itself. The imagery the author uses in the book really brought the chilling nature of the demonic protagonist and the fierce and terrifying presence of the angelic host to life in a unique way, and the interwoven story of Eve, Cain, and the start of humanity really came to life through these passages.

The heart of the story rested in the blend of world-building with the natural change in perspectives within the narrative. By which I mean the way the author explores both the moments of history within the context of the Bible through the lens of the protagonist as they witness these moments that resound so tightly to the Christian faith and the modern-day storyline within the kingdoms of “heaven and hell” made this a compelling and imaginative story to get lost in.

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The Verdict

Captivating, entertaining, and memorable, author Caleb T. Brabham’s “Godthread” is a must-read fantasy and supernatural noir thriller that will keep you glued to the book’s pages. The unique perspective of a protagonist with such a mischievous and complex history and modern-day perspective and the way morality and politics play into the hierarchy of these two worlds made this a rich world to behold. While only available to preorder on Barnes & Noble, be sure to preorder your copy today and be on the lookout for links to other sites soon, with the book releasing sometime this summer!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Caleb Brabham is an editor, journalist and photographer currently living in New Orleans. His first book, Apocalypse of Bob, was published in 2010 by Charisma Media.

https://calebtbrabham.com/index.php

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/godthread-caleb-brabham/1143277661?ean=2940185577301

Make Money Your Thing: Every Day Advice To Organize Your Money and Your Life by Kalee Boisvert Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews1 Comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

Bookbaby.com helps independent authors bring their creative vision to the marketplace. Sell eBooks online in the biggest retail stores.

Author Kalee Boisvert takes readers on a journey to discover the means for women to take control of their finances in her book “Make Money Your Thing: Every Day Advice To Organize Your Money and Your Life”.

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The Synopsis

Making Money Your Thing Is Easier Than You Think . . .

With inspiration from her own life, Kalee Boisvert has developed an easy-to-use system for women, young and old, to take control of their finances.

Make Money Your Thing is an approachable guide to take women on a journey from avoidance and overwhelm to feeling comfortable and in control of their finances. This book provides simple action steps to learn the basics of money management, understand the importance of balancing the books, and embrace the uniqueness of your own personal situation. The end result is women feeling good about where their finances are right now, and building a solid foundation for where you want to go in the future. When money is your “thing” you can feel completely at ease about making it work for you–and feel confident that your financial goals and dreams are all very possible.

With clear, simple steps, and easy-to-follow instructions, you’ll be making money your thing in no time!

Some of the concepts you’ll explore in the book.

● Transforming money mistakes into money wisdom

● Keep the focus on what you can control

● Step into your power: become a money boss

● Go on a date with your money

● Embrace your money uniqueness

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The Review

One of the first things that stood out to me was how much the book honed in on the ways in which women are impacted by the financial world and how women are treated in the world of finances as a whole. Like so many areas of life, finances have been deemed “male-dominated” by so many people over the years. Far too often women are overlooked or put aside by men when it comes to how households handle their financial situations. The relatability of the author’s writing and the realistic tone the experiences the author deals with take will strike a chord with many readers, especially women.

The other thing that really stood out to me was the author’s approach to finances overall. Rather than writing in a way that sounds like a financial advisor, the author approaches this from an educational point of view, blending personal experiences with the lessons learned from those experiences. The emphasis is put on everything from being open to learning about the way money works and the importance of investments to increase one’s wealth, to focus on what you can control financially and the impact taking control of one’s finances can have on other areas of life made this book stand out in a unique way.

The Verdict

Memorable, educational, and thought-provoking, author Kalee Boisvert’s “Making Money Your Thing” is a must-read nonfiction book on finances and empowerment. The connect ability of the author’s message to readers and the emphasis the author puts on empowerment through financial security and understanding will make readers eager to learn more and go back to the book repeatedly. If you haven’t yet, be sure to preorder your copy of this book today or grab your copy on August 28th, 2023.

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Kalee Boisvert has been in the financial industry for over twelve years, but her love of money began very young. Growing up in a single parent household, she watched her mom struggle with finances and wished there was something she could do to help. She wasn’t going to allow her circumstances to define her, and so, her own journey into financial literacy and wealth management began. She chose to become a financial advisor to empower and support women to put an end to their money-related stress.

Kalee has an MBA in Finance from the Haskayne School of Business, is a certified Financial Advisor whose focus remains on sparking healthy and positive conversations around wealth and investments. Kalee is also the proud Mom to eight year old Ivy and new baby Jax. She lives with her family in Calgary, Alberta. Money Wise Mabel’s Bursting Bank is her first book for children. Her title, Make Money Your Thing, will be released by RE: Books in Spring 2023.

https://kaleeboisvert.com/

Tales of My Baseball Youth: A Child of the 60’s by Bob Brill Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Bookbaby.com helps independent authors bring their creative vision to the marketplace. Sell eBooks online in the biggest retail stores.

Author Bob Brill shares a short yet powerful memoir on the relationships in his life growing up in the socially changing 1960s, with baseball as the backdrop for many of his stories in his book “Tales of My Baseball Youth: A Child of the 60’s”. 

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The Synopsis

“Tales of My Baseball Youth; A child of the 60’s” is a wonderful compilation of stories about growing up in the socially changing 1960’s. While the title suggests a sports book, “Tales” is actually a book about relationships which just happens to have baseball as a common thread. Bob Brill gives credit to his childhood school teachers, coaches, parents, schoolmates and professional players who made great impressions and left everlasting memories as well as helping shape him from a little boy who loved baseball to a successful and award winning journalist.

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The Review

This was a captivating and heartfelt read. The author did an amazing job of capturing a tone that harkened back to the days of childhood memories, fresh-cut grass, and the crack of a bat hitting a baseball out of the park. The imagery the author’s memories conjured up really spoke to both the time and setting of the book, and did a great job of invoking an emotional response within the reader. 

To me, the heart of this book rested in the relationships and connections the author’s memories and experiences brought to life. The relatability and emotional journey the reader goes on and the people that impacted the author’s life made for some thrilling and captivating storytelling. The way each story touched upon both the relatable moments of growing up and both the happy and sad moments of growing up and our bond to one another were so thoughtfully written out, and the thread of baseball that ran through it all kept the reader invested in the author’s story. 

The Verdict

Memorable, engaging, and thoughtful, author Bob Brill’s “Tales of My Baseball Youth: A Child of the 60’s” is a must-read nonfiction and memoir-style book. The fast pace of the narrative and the heartfelt relatability of the author’s stories will instantly draw readers In, as will the rich connection to baseball and the great American Pastime. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

A native of Pittsburgh, PA and a hardcore Pirates and Steelers fan, Bob began in radio career in 1972 and worked all over the western US, several times in the L-A market. He’s currently a news anchor at CBS Radio LA; KNX 1070 News Radio.

Bob has won multiple broadcast awards including an Edward R. Murrow Award (among others) for anchoring KNX’s storm coverage in 2011.

A baseball historian, Bob writes the very popular weekly column found at http://www.baseballinthe1960s.com. He also is a podcaster who has teamed with former NFL Quarterback Erik Kramer for a weekly Fantasy Football Podcast called Kramer and Brill, which can be found where ever you get your podcasts or at their website http://www.kramerandbrill.com. Both are always posted on Facebook as well as Twitter.

Bob made his mark with the UPI Radio Network when a gunman went crazy in a San Diego fast food restaurant and Bob covered the story. It was his first big break. He later became a UPI National Correspondent and Bureau Chief. He has interviewed presidents, covered Super Bowl games and Hollywood as well as major news stories.

He lives in L-A. He has survived earthquakes and a beating during the 1992 L-A riots while covering the story, which was recorded on audio tape.

Bob is considered to have an excellent voice and has not only done many voice overs and radio spots, he’s starred in television commercials. Bob authored “Fan Letters to a Stripper: A Patti Waggin Tale” from Schiffer Publishing and “NO BARRIER: How the Internet Destroyed the World Economy.” His third book “Al Kabul; Home Grown Terrorist” is sure to be a controversial novel as well as a great read. “Lancer; Hero of the West – The Prescott Affair” is the first in a series of western novels set in the 1880’s, centering on the central figure; Lancer. Lancer is a gun for hire, good guy, who works the West out of Tombstone.

http://www.bobbrillbooks.com/index.html

https://twitter.com/BobBrillLA

Interview with Author Thomas More

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn Interviews1 Comment

Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?

I’ve written all my life. Little stories when I was a kid, bigger stories as an adult. It has always been my dream to live the life of a writer and I’ve always imagined my books on shelves and tables in every bookstore I’ve ever entered.

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What inspired you to write your book?

It was literally a moment of inspiration while riding the subway. It came to me in bits and pieces and once I started to write the book, it kept getting bigger and bigger and more detailed. But honestly, it felt as if someone was dictating the story to me. The words just flowed.

What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?

Believe in yourself! No matter what other people say. The only way to live a good life is to pursue your dreams.

What drew you into this particular genre?

I’ve been a science fiction fan from birth, practically. I loved sci-fi television shows, movies, and books. Every sf book I’ve read pulled me in and had me imagine a different world as if it were real. I loved it!

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If you could sit down with any character in your book, what would you ask them and why?

Well, of course it would be the protagonist, Sakima. I’d ask her what she was thinking in her darkest moments, her moments of sadness and defeat. And then I’d ask her how she moved past it to secure her future and live her dream life.

What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?

I’m not that good at social media, but Instagram has been mildly successful. I’ve been told, however, that TikTok #BookTok is the way to go.

What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?

Never give up! Never stop believing in yourself. Just keep writing. And don’t wait for inspiration to hit (although it does sometimes). Just write and the Muses will join you there.

What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?

City At My Feet is the first book in the Manahatta Series. Book 2 comes out this Fall (fingers crossed). And I’ve done initial work on Book 3 in terms of new characters, plot outline, and more. So hopefully Book 3 will be out in a year or so after Book 2!

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About the Author

Thomas More holds an advanced degree in English with an emphasis in Creative Writing. Although college-educated in the art, craft, and labor of writing novels, he is self-taught when it comes to science fiction and its associated tropes, its readers, and the best of its writers. His favorite pastime is going for long motorcycle rides on city streets, country roads, and beaches (where allowed, of course!).

Website:

Home

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/thomasmorewriter/

Pinterest

https://twitter.com/thomasmorebooks

Preview of City At My Feet:

https://cityatmyfeetfreepreview.com/

The Ghosts of Spiritwood by Martine Noël-Maw Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Bookbaby.com helping independents – whether authors, publishers, musicians, filmmakers, or small businesses – bring their creative efforts to the marketplace.

A group of teens caught in a storm after an accident stumble upon something strange and unexplainable in an abandoned school in the woods in author Martine Noël-Maw’s “The Ghosts of Spiritwood”.

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The Synopsis

The first English edition of the popular young adult novel Les fantômes de Spiritwood, originally published in French by Éditions de la nouvelle plume, translated by the author

One summer night, Ethan and four friends are heading north of Spiritwood, Saskatchewan, for a weekend of camping to watch the northern lights, but their car swerves off the road and ends up in the ditch. The teenagers head back to Spiritwood on foot, but a severe thunderstorm strikes before they reach the town, forcing them to break into an abandoned country school to take shelter. After exchanging scary stories for a while, they fall asleep. When they wake a few hours later, the storm is over and the sky is filled with bright-coloured northern lights.

Ethan recounts the legend of the northern lights. “Those lights are produced by the spirits of the departed. It’s a sign that they want to communicate with the living. To establish contact, we just have to whistle at them.” Then, Ethan produces a spirit whistle that he had bought at Wanuskewin, and he starts to whistle at the sky.

Moments later, weird things begin to happen…

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The Review

This was a gripping and fast-paced paranormal YA thriller. The author did an amazing job of balancing the rich story of the novel with captivating character development. The lightheartedness of the character’s interactions with one another blended with the heartfelt and emotional beats of the story and the suspenseful nature of the mystery the teens stumble across at the abandoned school made this a compelling read.

Yet for me, the themes the author explores in this book were quietly profound in their delivery. The way author explored everything from how people process death and our perceptions of what “ghosts” can be, to the way people themselves can become “haunted” in life by their actions or their mistakes, becoming ghosts to the people in their life. The profound depth that these themes struck in the reader elevated the narrative to all new heights.

The Verdict

Entertaining, thrilling, and captivating, author Martine Noël-Maw’s “The Ghosts of Spiritwood” is a must-read YA paranormal thriller. The twists and turns in the narrative and the emotional finale of these teens and their adventure with the dead will not only stay with the reader long after the book is finished but will leave readers eager for more from the author in what could be a series of narratives exploring the paranormal. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Born and raised in Québec, Martine Noël-Maw has called Saskatchewan home since 1993. A French literature graduate from the Université de Montréal, she has authored sixteen books and a number of plays for both adults and youth. Her work has earned her many honours, including two Saskatchewan Book Awards and a SATAward. She was longlisted for the Prix de la nouvelle Radio-Canada (French CBC Short Story Prize) and shortlisted for the Prix du récit Radio-Canada (French CBC Nonfiction Prize). Martine is also an editor, publisher, and translator. Find her online at martinenoelmaw.wordpress.com.

Teddy Gets Adopted (The Adventures of Teddy) by Christine Milkovic Krauss Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews1 Comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A young lonely kitten goes on a journey to find his family in author Christine Milkovic Krauss’s “Teddy Gets Adopted”, the latest entry in the Adventures of Teddy children’s book series.

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The Synopsis

Teddy Gets Adopted is the third book in the series. In this story, Teddy experiences feelings of loss and lonliness but he purr-severes through hard times, never giving up hope. Follow Teddy’s journey across Canada while he meets helpers and heroes along the way.

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The Review

This was a heartwarming and emotional read. The author does an incredible job of creating a story that is lighthearted enough to draw younger readers in and yet insightful enough for the children to gain genuine empathy and emotion from the story of Teddy and his journey. The inspiration for the story is a true draw for readers, as the reality of this protagonist’s being a real-life cat adds an authenticity that children appreciate in the context of this story. 

The balance of warmth in the illustrations and the engaging story the author tells were the biggest draws of the book. The way the author was able to naturally infuse the organizations and work that those organizations do to help pets and animals of all kinds find homes and help was great to see come to life in the context of the story, and the artwork provided both entertainment and an emotional pull that parents and children alike will genuinely appreciate.

The Verdict

Memorable, authentically written, and engaging, author Christine Milkovic Krauss’s “Teddy Gets Adopted” is a masterful children’s book and a great addition to The Adventures of Teddy series! The fast-paced narrative and depth of connection the story and artwork have to the reader as they move through the narrative will create a unique bonding experience between children and their parents, and help educate people on the need for adoption and helping animals when we can. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Everybody has a story. More importantly; every person is deserving of friendship, kindness and acceptance. Teddy Loses His Ears is a non-fiction story about my real life rescue cat who lost his ears to frostbite while being homeless in negative 50 degree temperatures in central Canada.

All of the books in the Teddy series will highlight educational points about pet care, support inclusivity and celebrate being different together. Teddy Loses His Ears is the introduction book to the series and touches on self esteem and disability awareness. Each illustration in the story is hand painted and even has a Teddy’s favourite toy hidden on every page for children to find! This story was created to raise awareness for rescue organizations and promote, adopt vs shop, to find your purr-fect family pet.

In addition to being a pet lover and cat mom, I am also a mom of two primary school aged children.

These books could never have come to life without their inspiration, a tribe of supportive humans and of course, Book Club. 

https://cmkauthor.wixsite.com/christinemilkovic

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About the Illustrator

I am a full time nursing student hoping to one day work in neonatal intensive care. I have a passion for all things art and creativity. I have been drawing and painting for as long as I can remember, but only ever created things for family and friends. At the start of the pandemic, I decided to start selling my paintings and handmade greeting cards. It was through this that I was connected with Christine and fell in love with Teddy’s story. Each of these pages are painted by hand with acrylic paint, something not often done in book illustrations anymore, which echoes the uniqueness of Teddy. I am excited to help share more of his adventures and stories!

https://cierravannesart.wixsite.com/my-site

ADHD ADDults: The Ultimate Success Manual by Jim Livingstone Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

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Author Jim Livingstone works to end the stigma surrounding an ADHD or ADD diagnosis and helps those working through the diagnosis to find ways to remain productive and achieve their goals in the book “ADHD ADDults: The Ultimate Success Manual”.

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The Synopsis

Millions of adults are diagnosed with ADHD—but few find solutions needed to thrive…

An ADD or ADHD diagnosis—simply a label for the underlying cause of behaviours—doesn’t mean surrendering to the challenges. In fact, understanding how the brain works will change your perspective and help you become the best version of yourself.

ADHD ADDults: The Ultimate Success Manual serves as a guide—helping you navigate this daunting, uncharted territory in your life. Author Jim Livingstone—diagnosed with Adult ADHD at age 45—gives a first-hand account of his journey and shares everything he wished someone had explained to him when feeling discouraged and overwhelmed.

Jim hopes to erase the stigma around ADD and ADHD, and help others learn to manage and succeed. In this book, he explains ways to set goals, how to get a support system in place, and the seven key elements for action. He includes all the tips and tools needed to turn distractions into developments.

If you have ADHD or know someone who does, you know that living with it can be challenging. You might feel like you’re not doing as well as others or that you’re “different” from everyone else.

And while that’s true, it doesn’t mean that you have to give up on your dreams or things like being organized or getting things done on time—it just means finding new ways to do those things!

ADHD ADDults: The Ultimate Success Manual is the ultimate ADHD manual. It is an all-inclusive adult ADHD toolkit that will help you understand what ADHD is, how it affects certain areas of your life, and offer a helping hand to get you to a peaceful and rewarding life.

The fact that it was written by someone who was finally diagnosed with Adult ADHD at the age of 45 means you’ll be getting a first-hand account of his journey and everything he wished someone had told him when feeling overwhelmed or demoralized.

Here are some reasons why this book is a must-have:

• An Ultimate Guide and ADHD Planner: This book is a practical guide with plenty of ADHD¬friendly ways to organize your life. It helps you stay relaxed and calm even in the most stressful situations.

• Helps You Feel Understood: Find caring and helpful advice from the journey of Jim Livingstone to help you feel understood when you feel demoralized or disheartened.

• A perfect book to deal with ADHD: In this book, Jim has shared his journey and experience

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The Review

This was a well-written and engaging book. The author does an amazing job of really honing in on the experiences of living with ADHD and the lessons it brought him to find success. The balance the author struck in his tone and writing style between personal experiences and guided lessons to help the reader understand how to combat and live with their own diagnosis was supremely helpful and well-developed, and the way the author writes allows the reader to feel seen and engaged on a personal level. 

What makes this book so unique is unlike other books in this genre, the author comes from a place of personal experience and not a straight-up medical or doctoral approach to the subject matter. It allows the reader to truly connect to the lessons the author is teaching and gives the reader the tools they need to implement these guides into their lives in a sensible way. The author also does great work to de-stigmatize the world of mental health overall but in particular ADD or ADHD. As someone with family members who suffer through their own mental health diagnosis, I understand the importance of shedding society’s labels and ideas about those going through these things and allowing the right course of treatment to be found without the pressures of judgment from others. 

The Verdict

Memorable, enlightening, and thoughtful in its approach, author Jim Livingstone’s “ADHD ADDults: The Ultimate Success Manual” is a must-read nonfiction book on success guides and understanding one’s ADHD or ADD diagnosis. The informative nature of the book and the compassion for which the author writes stand out in the book clearly, and the tips the author gives for setting up routines that work for you and having the support system you need in place to help out made this a truly must-own book for anyone dealing with this. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Jim Livingstone remembers when ADHD wasn’t a recognised or diagnosed health disorder. He was simply described as “overactive, stupid…a pain in the arse.” After spending four decades feeling discouraged by life failures, he was diagnosed with ADHD. He decided not just to survive—but to thrive. For the past 30 years, he has cultivated successful relationships and businesses—and is now on a mission to support others on ADHD journeys. He hopes his story will help others change their narrative—and learn to capitalise on their unique abilities.

Jim lives Down Under on the scenic Sunshine Coast. He loves driving country roads with his beloved wife and taking his dogs to the beach. When he’s not writing or reading about ADHD, you’ll find him working out at the gym…or tinkering with racecars.

https://www.adhdaddults.com/

Selling Creative: Advertising Men & Women in the Hall of Fame by Mary E. Warlick Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

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Author Mary E. Warlick takes readers on a journey through the lives of the men and women who popularized American advertising in the book Selling Creative: Advertising Men & Women in the Hall of Fame”. 

The Synopsis

Americans have long enjoyed a fascination with advertising, a complex love-hate relationship. Ads are often connected with childhood recollections of favorite brands and characters―whether they are annoying, entertaining or persuasive, and the messages often lodge in our memories long after the actual product has disappeared from our consciousness.

“Melts in Your Mouth, Not in Your Hands.” “Does She or Doesn’t She?”

“Just Do It!” “Where’s the Beef?” These taglines are part of American culture, but few of us know the talented individuals who created the business of advertising.

Selling Creative – Advertising Men and Women in the Hall of Fame is about those extraordinary individuals who built brands with their creative ideas and drove the American economy, individuals who were mavericks in their industry. Their original ideas broke through barriers of what was possible in communication.

Bill Bernbach realized the value of smart creative work―if the ad is noticed you don’t have to keep repeating the same message. Bernbach’s agency led what was known as the Creative Revolution. Lee Clow, a native Californian and avid surfer, partnered with Steve Jobs to launch the first personal computer for Apple, “Why 1984 won’t be like 1984.” Cliff Freeman asked, “Where’s the beef?” and questioned overblown promises in America.

Selling Creativeprovides in-depth profiles of the culturally astute men and women who tapped into their generation’s fears and desires. This book tells the story of advertising’s Creative Revolution through the lives of the people who lived and worked in the era.

Selling Creative – Advertising Men and Women in the Hall of Fame tells the stories of the generation that changed advertising; they elected presidents, discovered affluent activists, and found the magic of persuasion in humor, wit and entertainment. These special men and women are part of our common history, and this book presents their stories for the first time in a cohesive, entertaining and accessible format.

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The Review

This was such an insightful and captivating read. The author does an amazing job of really honing in on the inspirations and hurdles that these pioneers went through to capture these momentous bursts of creativity. The detail and the knowledge that readers can from the way the advertising business works was defined greatly in this book, and gave the reader a rare insight into what makes the advertising we consume work to the advantage of both businesses and consumers alike.

To me, the heart of this narrative rested in the inspiring stories of these advertising legends and the history associated with them. The way the book harkens back all the way to the 20s and showcases how the advertising world tried to separate itself from post-Civil War era traveling medicine and elixir salesmen was fascinating, and seeing how the business grew and developed, especially in the “golden age” of the 50s and 60s, made this book really engaging and fascinating to read.

The Verdict

Memorable, informative, and inspiring, author Mary E. Warlick’s “Selling Creative” is a must-read nonfiction book on the world of advertising and the legends that made it so compelling. The creativity and passion not only with which the author wrote the book, but that these legends drew out of themselves and put into some of the most catchy and impactful slogans and campaigns of twentieth-century America and beyond made this a masterful book to behold. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Mary Warlick worked in advertising in New York as Chief Executive Officer of the One Club for Creativity, recognizing creative achievement. She witnessed first-hand major shifts and developments in the advertising industry, from 1990 to 2015. She personally inter- viewed most of the people featured in Selling Creative and had unprecedented access to their archives.

Warlick has produced two Emmy award-winning documentaries on creative leaders in advertising, Art & Copy (2009) and The Real Men and Women of Madison Avenue (2012). Her most recent documentary, The City That Sold America (2018) reveals the rich history of Chicago advertising.

Warlick edited Advertising’s Ten Best of the Decade 1980-1990, a compilation of the seminal print, radio and television campaigns that defined an era. She taught advertising history as an adjunct professor at the School of Visual Arts in New York, and was a guest lecturer at Minneapolis College of Art.

Warlick graduated from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and earned a Masters Degree from University of New York at Binghamton and a Master of Philosophy from Columbia University in New York