Category: reviews

Out of Poland by Charles Breakfield and Rox Burkey Review

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

Three men must work to retrieve a Nazi communication machine during WWII in authors Charles Breakfield and Rox Burkey’s “Out of Poland”.

The Synopsis

Beneath the storm clouds of a deadly war, three men are poised to unlock the secrets to redeem the world.

Poland 1939—Germans are moving their Panzers toward Warsaw, showing the world the devastating effects of Blitzkrieg warfare. Poland’s cavalry is no match against the Nazi military machine overrunning Europe.

Three young men volunteer to hit back by locating and extracting the German military communications device, Baby, kept under heavy guard. Polish patriots die to aid the three to secure the information of the escaping prize. The race is on as German’s match wits with the clever patriots.

Odds are they won’t succeed getting Baby Out of Poland.

The Review

The depth of humanity and emotion blew me away the authors managed to bring out in this historical fiction tale. The fascinating thing about this book was how much of it was rooted in not only WWII history but the origins of the author’s other books, the techno-thriller series The Enigma series. The varying points of view that the authors bring to the story, from the ambassador of Poland to his son and the allies they make in their mission to recover this machine, allow the reader to feel the desperation and fear that this period brought.

The wealth of character development and the emotional impact of these characters’ lives made this a compelling read. The confusion, deception, and tension in this novel reflect the chaos of that era and the impact that so many small clusters of freedom fighters, spies, and soldiers had on the overall global impact of the war effort. 

The Verdict

Thrilling, engaging, and grounded, authors Charles Breakfield and Rox Burkey’s “Out of Poland” is a must-read historical fiction novel and a fabulous prequel to their main series. This novella infuses urgency and heart into a story that will stay with readers, and the twists speak to the emotional impact these characters endure during this tumultuous time. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

About the Authors

BREAKFIELD-Charles works as a data/telecom solution architect and supports digital security, blockchain solutions, and unified communications. He enjoys writing, studying World War II history, travel, and cultural exchanges. Charles’ love of wine tastings, cooking, and Harley riding often provides writing topics.

Much of his personality comes from his father who served in the military for 30 years and three wars. Charles grew up on multiple bases and different countries. The multi-cultural exposure helps him with the various character perspectives they bring to the series. His personal ambition is to continue to teach his co-author Burkey, humor.

BREAKFIELD AND BURKEY together build stories as fictional story writers. Storytelling is the best method to share excitement, thrills, and insights to today’s technology risks.

EnigmaSeries.com has information on their 12 books, 10 short stories, audio books, book trailers, and the upcoming Enigma Heirs. 

Look for our cozy mysteries/murders in the Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles. 

Rox Burkey is a Customer Experience Specialist who works with businesses around the world. As a gifted speaker and accomplished listener, she bridges the chasm between business problems and technical solutions to optimize business productivity. She has written technology papers, white papers, but launches into high gear when plotting our next technothriller or short story. 

As a child, she led the other kids with her highly charged imagination generating new adventures with make believe characters. She is proud of being a Girl Scout until high school, and contributed to the community as a member of a Head Start program. Rox enjoys her family, learning, listening to people, travel, outdoor activities, sewing, cooking, and thinking about how to diversify the series. 

BREAKFIED AND BURKEY

We have traveled to many places around the world. These travels are pulled into stories that requires real knowledge of specific locals. We deliver well-rounded thrillers that include levels of humor, romance, intrigue, suspense, and mystery. 

We love to talk about their stories at private and public book readings or events. Burkey conducts podcast style interviews with a couple of author groups, and enjoys extracting the tidbits from authors, especially new ones. Her first interview was, wait for it, Breakfield. You can learn where they will be from the calendar on their website. 

EnigmaSeries.com has information on the Enigma Series, 12 books, 10 short stories, audio books, book trailers, and the newest series Enigma Heirs releasing in 2023. We have proudly earned multiple awards for our fictional creations. 

We are also part of the Underground Authors group writing cozy mysteries/murders in the Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles. We are committed to providing an installment for Season 2 and Season 3 to accompany The Flower Enigma, released in Season 1.

Please enjoy snippets of our stories, book trailers, audible sections, CONTEST and get FREE stuff at www.EnigmaSeries.com. 

Thoughts of a Warrior By Randi-Lee Bowslaugh 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. 

Author and poet Randi-Lee Bowslaugh’s book Thoughts of a Warrior contains a collection of poetry meant to inspire and help those struggling with depression overcome that feeling.

The Synopsis

This is the follow-up poetry book to Thoughts of a Wanderer. The poems depict climbing out of a deep depression to take back a life that was felt to be meaningless.

Tears, heartache, trauma and depression.

Is life worth it? That is the question.

Making no more concession,

It is time to take possession.

Enjoy the passionate poems that show we should never give up on ourselves and our life. Each poem is accompanied by a nature photo bringing the beauty of world and words to life.

The Review

It is a genuinely emotional and heartfelt read. The reader can instantly feel how personal and brave this work is for the author, and each poem becomes a piece of her heart laid bare. The progression of each poem does a remarkable job of showcasing the authentic struggles with depression and the fight it takes to overcome those struggles daily. It is never a straight line to recovery, but the setbacks and struggles only strengthen a person’s resolve.

The poem that stuck out to me instantly was Dear Future Me, which allowed us to picture our futures while still struggling with the voices of doubt in our minds. The fight to imagine a future is sometimes a struggle for those suffering from depression, and the inner voice that one must work through was perfectly illustrated in that poem. The theme and message behind mental health and the willpower to seek out help and acknowledge it was a great reminder as well, really honing in on the poet’s journey.

The Verdict

Memorable, honest, and engaging author Randi-Lee Bowslaugh’s “Thoughts of a Warrior” is a must-read poetry collection. The power to stand up for mental health and acknowledge the need to care for and grow that circle of protection everyone needs in their lives, and the acknowledgment that while things are different for everyone and mental health can be overwhelming to overcome, finding the strength to overcome it all can be achieved. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy on December 7th, 2024 or preorder your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

About the Author

Randi-Lee was born and raised in Ontario, Canada and from a young age she had a passion for helping others. She attended Niagara College and graduated at the top of her class from Community and Justice Services after completing her placement at a recovery house for alcohol and drug addictions. Post-graduation she worked at a Native Friendship Centre for two and a half years while pursuing a university education in psychology. Randi-Lee continued working in social services for another four years as an employment counselor until she left to pursue her other passions.

In 2017 Randi published her first book about mental health awareness and from there knew that this was her dream. Since then she has continued writing and expanding the genres that she writes.

Another of Randi-Lee’s passions is kickboxing, which she did for over 10 years. She was a Canadian National Champion in 2015, competed at the World’s kickboxing tournament later that year and in 2016 competed at the Pan-Am games where she received silver in her division. In 2020 she was chosen as one of the coaches for the Ontario Winter Games where she inspired and coached young athletes.

While she isn’t working, she is spending time with her two teenage children and a grand-baby. Randi tries to speak honestly and openly about her struggles with her own mental health and as a parent – wanting to ensure that no one feels alone.

Follow Randi’s YouTube Channel: RB Media

Follow Randi on TikTok @randileebowslaugh

The Fractured Veil (Callum Walker Series Book Three) by J.M. Shaw Review

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

Hero and warlock Callum Walker befriends a demigod while working to heal the barrier between humanity and the magical realm, but in the process is taken by the Furies and must come to terms with the events that brought him to them in author J.M. Shaw’s “The Fractured Veil”. 

The Synopsis

Callum Walker triumphed over the darkest of evils but, in doing so, the veil separating humankind from the magical realm was damaged. To protect humanity, Callum patrols the border to prevent malicious vagrants from wreaking havoc. Realizing his self-assigned task is impossible and, after failing to garner support from his elven allies, Callum sets out to repair the fractured veil…alone.

After the veil’s near collapse, Neola, the goddess of the veil, calls upon her demigod son, Jax Foster, to determine if the responsible one poses any further threat to the barrier. Jax finds Callum and accosts him for answers, seriously injuring him in the process. Learning that they are both protecting the veil, Jax atones by forcing Callum to accept help, and their friendship develops.

Meanwhile, the Harpies resent the warlock’s previous escape from their clutches. They manipulate the goddesses of vengeance and retribution, the Furies, into effecting their revenge. As Callum begins to heal, the Furies abduct and pronounce him guilty of the Harpies’ fabricated crimes. While the warlock endures gruesome tortures, Jax seeks to rescue Callum and risks punishment for past misdeeds.

Callum’s deliverance carries a heavy cost, and his experience leaves him broken. Recovery takes time, but the warlock now has a valuable friend in Jax, and the demigod harbors a hopeful secret for their future.

The Review

It’s a genuinely haunting and compelling dark fantasy read. The author found a great way to elevate the dangers and threats the protagonist must face while finding unique ways of making the story feel personal and grounded. The natural ebb and flow of the narrative allow the reader to feel immersed in every aspect of the narrative, from the heavy atmosphere as the protagonist endured more hardship than ever before to the elevated sense of camaraderie that came out of this adventure.

The personal growth of Callum as a hero, the mysteries that the author unveiled within this universe, and the backstory of Callum as a character overall made this feel like such an elevated chapter in the Callum Walker universe. The emotional connection and friendship that form between Callum and Jax add depth to Callum’s overall arc, and the shocking revelations about Callum’s origins will stay with readers and leave them wanting more.

The Verdict

Thought-provoking, entertaining, and thrilling, author J.M. Shaw’s “The Fractured Veil” is a must-read dark fantasy meets horror novel. The personal nature of Callum’s struggles, overall arc, and the unique nature of figures like the Furies or Neola will add a new layer of mystery and intrigue to an already powerful mythos. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today.

Rating: 10/10

About the Author

J. M. Shaw lives in Airdrie, Alberta with her husband and two young children. She has a background in x-ray technology, psychology, and personal training, as well variable personal interests in martial arts, airsoft, and running. A diagnosis of autism for herself and both her sons has begun an incredible journey of understanding, acceptance, and life-long learning. She has immensely enjoyed writing creatively for more than thirty years, and with many novels in various degrees of completion. The Ascension is her debut novel in the Callum Walker series.

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Dash Allman, PI Volume 1 (Dash Allman Mysteries) by Diane Bator Review

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

Private investigator Dash must contend with jewel thieves, murderers, a runaway Llamma, and more in author Diane Bator’s “Dash Allman PI Volume 1”, the first in the Dash Allman Mysteries series!

The Synopsis

Meet Dashiell Allman-Dash for short. She loves long walks on the beach, Jimmy Buffet, and a good mystery, which is why she became a Private Investigator and lives in a cottage on the beach.

Join Dash as she tackles jewel thieves, killers, a runaway llama, a cat lady, boyfriends, and many more!

The Review

This was such a fun, thrilling, and engaging story. The author did a fantastic job crafting a collection of short stories that felt like a vignette of different cases from the case files of the PI. The story follows Dash, a private investigator, from the earliest days of her fascination with criminal investigations at the age of twelve to her storied career and beyond. The variety of the cases that the author brings to each story and the entertaining, fun nature of the setting itself allows the reader to get lost in these cases. 

The relatability of the protagonist and the fast pacing of the stories made for a smooth and memorable read. Dash’s stubbornness as she rushes to find the truth and the interesting dialogue between herself and the people in her sphere (police investigators and criminals alike) made her such a powerful protagonist to root for. 

The Verdict

Fast-paced, entertaining, and memorable, author Diane Bator’s “Dash Allman, PI Volume 1” is a must-read cozy mystery. The quirky and fun vibes that the author layers into each story within this volume will stay with readers and leave them wanting more from this brand-new series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy on November 22nd 2024 or preorder today!

Rating: 10/10

About the Author

An award-winning author, Diane Bator began writing as a kid when she fell in love with storytelling. After ten years with various traditional publishers, she’s created her own company, Escape With a Writer Publishing to relaunch her previous work plus many new titles. She is also a member of Sisters in Crime, Crime Writers of Canada, The Writers Union of Canada, and International Thriller Writers.

Diane is a proud mom of three, a Reiki Master, a blue belt in goju-ryu karate, and an artist who loves stopping at odd places on road trips. She is represented by Creative Edge Publicity.

https://www.dianebator.ca/

A Light of Little Radiance by Keith Anthony Baird and Beverley Lee Review

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

A traveler who succumbs to great darkness must evade the brutal hunt of a witchfinder in authors Beverley Lee and Keith Anthony Baird’s “A Light of Little Radiance.”

The Synopsis

Selina Dragavei wanders the northern wastes in fear of persecution from the Holy Roman Church. In Europe’s Dark Age, witchfinders scour the lands and traveller folk such as she are put to flame and suffering. On the ruthless steppes, she evades them but something far sinister will lay claim to her soul.

Returning to the world of men, a dark, transformed Selina has a thirst for blood and only the drift down through the centuries will quench it. But she won’t make that journey alone, as she determines to bring others to her. As a troupe of entertainers, they attend pageants, festivals, and even royal galas, where a family bound to darkness feed on unsuspecting mortals. Such debauchery, however, does not go unnoticed. Famed witchfinder, Desider von Brandenburg, becomes obsessed with bringing this band of vampire-devils to a righteous cleansing, and so a deadly game of cat and mouse ensues.

Will the holy man bring God’s wrath down upon them, or will Selina and her nightwalkers battle the might of Heaven and emerge unscathed? Only instinct, cunning, and a little luck under the watch of a wolf moon will tell…

The Review

This was a truly unique and compelling read. The bone-chilling imagery the author deploys in this writing is so haunting to visualize as the story progresses. Immediately, readers are given an original and terrifying origin to the vampires of this story, as a Lovecraftian terror emerges from the darkness to turn the protagonist of this tale into a creature of the night. The action and historical setting played well into this story, as the author explored the persecution so many suffered during this time of religious persecution for anyone who walked a path outside the Holy Roman Empire and the church. 

The depth of character development the author can achieve in such a short time is fantastic. The complex nature of Selina before and after her transformation and the evolution of her nature itself was fascinating. Desider’s juxtaposition as the religious witchfinder who takes his horrific actions in the name of his faith was also intriguing. The theme of horror and the depths to which humanity is willing to plunge itself into those dark depths will both shock and engage readers as the story progresses.

The Verdict

Haunting, entertaining, yet thrilling, authors Beverley Lee and Keith Anthony Baird’s “A Light of Little Radiance” is a must-read horror novel. The shocking twists and turns in the story and the unique mythos the author develops in this narrative will stay with readers long after the story ends. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

About the Author

Beverley Lee is the bestselling author of the Gabriel Davenport series (The Making of Gabriel Davenport, A Shining in the Shadows and The Purity of Crimson) The Ruin of Delicate Things, The House of Little Bones and The Sum of Your Flesh.

Her shorter fiction has been included in works from Cemetery Gates Media, Kandisha Press, Brigids Gate Press and Off Limits Press.

In thrall to the written word from an early age, especially the darker side of fiction, she believes that the very best story is the one you have to tell. Supporting fellow authors is also her passion and she is actively involved in social media and writers’ groups.

You can visit her online at beverleylee.com (where you’ll find a free dark and twisted short story download) or on Instagram (@theconstantvoice) and Twitter (@constantvoice).

Keith Anthony Baird is the author of The Jesus Man: A Post-Apocalyptic Tale of Horror (Novel), Nexilexicon (Novel), And a Dark Horse Dreamt of Nightmares (Book of Shorts), This Will Break Every Bone In Your Heart (Novelette) and Snake Charmer Blues (Short). His works can be found on Amazon and Audible. He is currently working on a dystopian novel titled SIN:THETICA, a post-apocalyptic novel titled Wind Rust, and a psychological/horror short titled A Seed in a Soil of Sorrow.

The Diabolica Britannica horror anthology was his brainchild, in which you’ll find his own contribution Walked a Pale Horse on Celtic Frost.

When not at his desk writing, you might find him up a mountain, snorkelling, or simply having adventures. Failing that, it’s a good bet he’ll be on Twitter.

He lives in England’s beautiful Lake District.

Twitter – https://twitter.com/kabauthor

Amazon UK – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Keith-Anthony-Baird/e/B078TQD1J2

Amazon US – https://www.amazon.com/Keith-Anthony-Baird/e/B078TQD1J2

Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16771035.Keith_Anthony_Baird

See you In Eden: The Short Stories of Leonid Pekarovsky by Leonid Pekarovsky Review

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

Author Leonid Pekarovsky’s short stories are brought to the English language and showcases the struggles of life through the lens of Judaism, Israeilism, and European views in the collection “See you In Eden.”

The Synopsis

One of Israel’s most distinctive literary voices is showcased in this collection of short stories that are alternately profound, insightful, entertaining, and surprising. Leonid Pekarovsky’s short stories will make you weep, laugh, and shake your head in amazement.

“See You in Eden” is the first English collection of literary short stories penned by one of Israel’s premier masters of the format. With the unique perspective of an immigrant, Leonid Pekarovsky views the surreal, beautiful, and often touching constant struggle of life in modern Israel. Drawing from his own experiences and struggles, Pekarovsky blends the cultural traditions of Europe, Judaism, and Israelism to create a rich tapestry of illuminating and always surprising short stories.

Leonid Pekarovsky broke into the Israeli literary sphere when his short story “Broom,” which describes his spiritual struggles and ultimate elevation while cleaning the streets of Tel Aviv, was accepted for publication in one of the country’s premier literary supplements. Since then, he has regularly published his tales, released several Hebrew collections, and achieved international success with his short stories appearing in various magazines in Russian and English.

“See You in Eden” makes this important Jewish literary voice available to English-language readers for the first time. Pekarovsky skillfully blends the fantastic and the realistic, the diasporic experience with the Sabra experience, and the constant struggle to find the sublime and the artistic even when faced with life’s most dire circumstances, cynicism, and cold necessities.

The Review

It’s such a moving and profound read. The author has found the perfect voice and captured the culture and heart of life in Israel. The honesty and the balance of surrealism with the truthful reality that many face in modern Israeli culture will resonate with many readers who have experienced this firsthand and give others a unique insight into this world. The Jewish culture and the author’s life as a Ukrainian immigrant were also distinct and engaging aspects of these stories.

One story in particular, The Umbrella, really hit a special note for me as a reader. The story speaks of themes of identity, purpose, and the work that we do to fund our passions. The idea of someone or something losing purpose when not being used or utilized and the idea that something can find purpose once again made this a memorable story.

The Verdict

Thoughtful, memorable, and engaging author Leonid Pekarovsky’s “See You In Eden” is a must-read literary fiction and collection of short stories. The artful, almost poetic way the author examines life through these stories and the diversity that the author exudes through this work will stay with readers long after the book ends. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

About the Author

Born in Kiev, Ukraine, Leonid Pekarovsky is a writer, journalist and art critic.

Pekarovsky served in the Red Army before studying art theory and history at the Fine Arts Institute in Kiev. He worked for the Ukrainian Ministry of Culture for many years, where he organized art exhibitions both in the USSR and worldwide.

His essays on art theory and history have been published in professional journals.

After he immigrated to Israel in 1991, he worked as a gardener and a printer and, in 1995, became a security guard until he recently retired to focus on his writing.

His stories and novellas have been printed in the Russian press as well as in the Haaretz Culture and Literature Supplement. His first book, Broom and Other Stories, was published in 2012. His second book, A Parabola of Success, was published in 2015.

His third short story collection, Ten Agorot, published in 2018, was shortlisted for the prestigious Israeli Sapir Prize.

Early Adopter by Drew Harrison Review

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

In ” Early Adopter, ” author Drew Harrison has gathered a collection of short stories that mix sci-fi and thriller to mirror the human situation.

The Synopsis

The Price of Tomorrow, Paid Today

“Early Adopter” is a collection of short stories from the edge of human progress. Eight stories hold dark mirrors to our own world… experience thought-provoking sci-fi, technologic tragedy, and pulse-pounding thrillers.

To Run Again: Dr. Laura Brandie is ready to change the world.

She’s the lead researcher behind the KSE, a revolutionary cure for paralysis and neurodegenerative conditions. And now, by good fortune, she’s found the perfect candidate for her first human trial: a man who suffers from locked-in syndrome.

Brett Harmon’s paralysis is total: he can’t move his arms, legs, torso, neck, or face. To the outside world, he’s little more than a statue that breathes… but Dr. Brandie’s KSE might be the miracle that allows Brett to run again.

Homonoia: The world faces an unprecedented alignment of catastrophes and failing systems, far too intricate and interconnected for any human to solve. Frank Burman joins with seven other volunteers for Project Homonoia–a radical, last-ditch effort to postpone the apocalypse. Separate minds link to form one multidisciplinary consciousness, the world’s first human superorganism… a hive mind. But with the world’s health rapidly failing, can Project Homonoia work out its kinks in time to make a difference?

Early Adopter: A loner enters into a relationship with a new type of partner: an AI agent, programmed to be the “perfect companion.”

Sure, it’s all self-deception and a game of pretend, as she’s not actually real… but where simulated consciousness is concerned, maybe the lines between real and real enough can get blurry.

And many more!

The Review

The thoughtfulness and heart that the author writes within this narrative were compelling to me as a reader. The imagery and rich descriptive nature of the stories in this collection allowed the reader to picture these scenes playing out across the page. The tension that mounts as the stories progress and the wealth of character development that builds throughout the tales in this collection will keep readers invested in the book.

I got the privilege to review the audiobook version of this book, and the heartfelt delivery of these stories from the narrators was so engaging. The story that I immediately felt drawn to was To Run Again; as someone who personally deals with mobility issues and autoimmune disorders, the idea of technology being possibly an answer to ending those types of problems is an instant draw, and while the stories found within definitely twist and turns the technology as the plot develops, the thoughtful development of the stories made these tales stand out.

The Verdict

Author Drew Harrison’s “Early Adopter” is a must-read tech thriller that is tense, entertaining, and cinematic in delivery. The story’s twists and turns, the powerful message of technology, and how humanity is reflected in the narratives will stay with readers (and listeners) long after the collection. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

About the Author

I’m a 29-year-old teacher living in Florida who graduated with a degree in broadcast and electronic journalism. Storytelling has always been my passion, but years ago I made the decision to pivot from telling stories about the real world—the domain of newspaper reporters—and instead moved into the realm of the imaginative and fantastical through private creative writings. I eventually mustered the courage to post flash-fiction online through my reddit account, and the reaction was far warmer than I’d have ever imagined. In the years since that moment, I’ve managed to rack up literal millions of upvotes, and my short-form dramatic/comedic writings in post comments have launched my profile to the top 100 in comment karma of all 430 million active site users. The mass feedback and constant encouragement cemented my passion for creative writing—one can only read “you should be a professional writer!” so many times before the belief proves contagious. Now, with my first two novel manuscripts completed, I’m eager to share my stories with the wider world that inspired me… publication can’t come soon enough!

https://drewharrisonbooks.wixsite.com/home

https://www.amazon.com/Audible-Early-Adopter/dp/B0DK5VV1HH/ref=tmm_aud_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

Abella and the Haunted House by Zane Carson Carruth Review

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

Two young fairies must work together to save a local haunted house from being torn down in author Zane Carson Carruth’s “Abella and the Haunted House.”

The Synopsis

Abella and Darcie befriend a haunted house and the ghost that lives there. Thanks to Abella’s quick thinking and determined nature, they save the big, haunted house from being torn down. And in the process, make new friends in the weirdest places! Never underestimate the can-do spirit of these two little fairies.

The Review

What a fun and magical read! The author does a wonderful job of capturing the wonder and heart of a magical realm filled with fairy tales while also bringing a unique twist to the haunted house story for children. The warmth of the imagery and the bright splashes of color are a great juxtaposition to the idea of a classic haunted house story, typically underscored by dark undertones.

The idea of a haunted house and its ghosts was uniquely presented here. The house is haunted and alive while also housing its ghosts and creatures, but presented in a non-scary way, allowing the reader to dispel any fear other stories bring to this type of haunting. The narrative of preserving and saving such a house enables young readers to see the importance of maintaining and respecting the past and the memories that bring houses like this to life.

The Verdict

Memorable, fun, and engaging author Zane Carson Carruth’s “Abella and the Haunted House” is a must-read children’s book. The story’s twists and turns and the critical theme of preserving the past and honoring the homes that families built will stay with both parents and children alike. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!


Rating: 10/10

About the Author

Zane Carson Carruth is an award-winning international author for young readers, a certified business etiquette and protocol professional, and sits on numerous non-profit boards in Houston, TX, as well as the Vice President of the Carruth Foundation. Zane serves on the SPCA board of directors, Discovery Green Conservatory, as well as Theatre Under the Stars (TUTS).

She’s one of the many inspirational children’s authors. As an award-winning children’s book author, she has won numerous awards, such as the Story Monsters Seal of Approval, the Purple Dragonfly Book Award, and the 2022 Parent and Teacher Choice Award from HowtoLearn.com. Carruth has written many stories for young readers, and her trademarked book series, The World’s First Tooth Fairy… Ever is available on Amazon, Target online, Barnes and Noble.com, Walmart.com, Target.com, Houston Livestock Show, and Rodeo.com.

Carruth has been honored to be named an ABC13 Woman of Distinction for 2020, Top Inspiring Woman Impact Maker for 2020, an honoree of The Houston Business Journal’s Women Who Mean Business Award, and St Jude’s Woman of Philanthropy for Houston TX 2021. She is also honored to serve as First Lady of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo for the 2021 to 2023 season since her husband, Brady Carruth, is the acting Chairman of the Board of the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo. Carruth’s book series The World’s First Tooth Fairy… Ever, are available on Amazon, Target online, Barnes and Noble, Walmart, and https://www.worldsfirsttoothfairy.com.

She’s one of the best inspirational children’s authors, and to keep up with the updates, you can follow The World’s first Tooth Fairy on Social Media for Updates: Instagram @Worldsfirsttoothfairy Facebook- World’s First Tooth Fairy https://www.worldsfirsttoothfairy.com/

For more information on Zane Carson Carruth, please visit her official website and follow her on her reading series on Facebook and Instagram.

For Abella’s full CV and to book her for TV Gigs, Modeling, and Acting, send inquiries to amazzone@transmediagroup.com President, MaddenTalent.com.

  • The World’s First Tooth Fairy…Ever
  • The Adventures of Abella and Her Magic Wand
  • Abella Starts a Tooth Fairy School
  • Abella Goes to the Rodeo
  • Abella Gets a New Hairdo
  • The World’s First Tooth Fairy…Ever: Coloring & Activity Book

https://zanecarruth.com/

Own the Goddess Within by Glenda Benevides Review

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

In the book Own the Goddess Within, Author Glenda Benevides shares the steps to a great self-care lifestyle and awakening the goddess within us all.

The Synopsis

Having clarity, courage, confidence and commitment is a reflection of your core being. Whether you’re an introvert or an extravert foundations for a Badass Goddess lifestyle begins with you creating a self-care environment that works.

Creating the right conditions supports a thriving uplifted experience in all aspects of your Goddess self. It’s then body, mind, spirit flourishes and anything and everything is possible.

It’s Ritual! The Ritual of building an invigorating self-care Badass Goddess lifestyle is a very direct and potent way of understanding who you truly are. It’s something you can rely on daily, that gives you a strong foundation in this amazing and ever-changing world.

So let’s clear and set a path in a courageous and grounded way, attracting all that you want using powerful tools creating magical outcomes to move forward.

Global Badass Goddess is excited to share with you these tools and more, to help you insightfully care for yourself. So you can enjoy being grounded, creative, confident and joyfully expressed!

The Review

This was a fast-paced yet profound read. Anyone seeking encouragement or change will instantly benefit from this self-help book. The straightforward yet impactful advice and guidance the author provides will tap into that inner goddess that the author talks about and provide insight into a more balanced and meaningful life.

Many of the steps the author talks about are simple tasks that can be delved into in everyday moments, alleviate stress, and care for ourselves both in body and mind. The moments include grounding oneself by using our hands or feet to touch the bare Earth, drinking pure water, or immersing oneself in pure water. Yet other moments take readers on a more cosmic and spiritual movement, connecting to one’s higher self to organize and create healthy boundaries that remove life’s stresses from our daily lives. 

The Verdict

Quick, powerful, and impactful author Glenda Benevides’s “Own the Goddess Within” is a must-read self-help book. The heartfelt delivery of each passage and the theme of connecting our inner power or “goddess” is a sentiment and calling that will reach many readers as the book continues. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10