Category: reviews

Vermillion Harvest – Playtime at the Bagh by Reenita M. Hora 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 young couple from very different communities must find each other and safety before an attack that will be heard around the world in author Reenita m. Hora’s “Vermillion Harvest – Playtime at the Bagh.”

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The Synopsis

In a politically tense Amritsar, India, Aruna, an Anglo-Indian schoolteacher, and Ayaz, a feisty Muslim law student, fall in love only to discover that courting openly is easier said than done. Not only are they from different communities, but his political activism during the tumultuous year of 1919 comes at the cost of their romance.

Against the deadline of a military order, Aruna, who is only nineteen, must find her lover and warn him about Colonel Dyer’s impending attack on Jallianwala Bagh. An attack that is eventually heard around the world.

Playtime at the Bagh during Baishakhi is a metaphor for Colonel Dyer’s rain of bullets released upon thousands on the one fateful day of April 13th, 1919.

Love, hate, denial, and betrayal are wrapped inside a single love story capturing today’s hope with yesterday’s despair.

The Review

This was such a powerful and emotional read. The historical romance of the novel is prevalent from the beginning, allowing the relationship between Aruna and Ayaz to grow and develop naturally, allowing the reader to form an emotional bond with the characters. The author’s intense and heavy atmosphere throughout the narrative brings the reader into the shocking and heartbreaking realities of this historical moment in time.

The large-scale struggles of the conflict to come may be the setting of this novel, but the personal struggles of the two protagonists as they deal with their love for one another, his political protests, and the clash of cultures that make their relationship a struggle overall made this novel so enthralling. The attention to detail that the author puts into the historical side of the story showcases the tragedy and horrific nature of what so many people had to live through and helped put into perspective so much of what the Indian community had to endure during that time.

The Verdict

Heartfelt, engaging, and powerfully written author Reenita M Hora’s “Vermillion Harvest – Playtime at the Bagh” is a must-read historical fiction romance novel. The twists and turns in the story, the heartbreaking realities that the people faced during this event, and the rich and dynamic character arcs made this one book readers woulnd’t be able to put down. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Reenita, the ‘Nora Ephron’ of South Asian storytelling, spinning yarns as eclectic as Mumbai’s iconic ‘Bhel Puri’ – a tantalizing concoction of flavors with an occasional bug for that extra crunch! Her stories star a motley crew of characters caught in the whirlwind of imperfect scenarios, all while stubbornly refusing to sell out. Her writing, unapologetically Indian, pulses with the colors and rhythms of her culture, deftly blending humor and authenticity.  LA Weekly spotlighted my unique approach to weaving Indian humor and culture into the American tapestry, celebrating the innovative narrative of Operation Mom. Read the LA Weekly Article here.

In her previous life, Reenita was a journalist, editor, and writer for platforms like National Geographic Kids, Disney India, Cartoon Network Asia, the New York Times, CNN, Radio Television Hong Kong, and Bloomberg. Her awards and accolades include the Eric Hoffer Book Award, IndieReader Discovery Award, Santa Barbara International Screenplay Award, Script2Comic, Launchpad, and Emerging Screenwriters awards, and second round consideration (OPERATION MOM) for the Sundance Institute Development Slate. No one-trick pony though, she’s the brains behind not one but two rib-tickling podcasts: the ‘True Fiction Project’ (where reality takes a hilarious nosedive into the scripted world) and ‘Shadow Realm’ (a magical portal to riveting narrative fiction).

Reenita has honed her screenwriting skills through topnotch programs like Writers’ Bootcamp and Roadmap Writers, so you know she means business. She has optioned her book, ’Ace Of Blades,’ and her screenplay, SHADOW REALM. Brace yourself for her upcoming books, ‘Festival of Lights’ published by HarperCollins and ‘Vermilion Harvest: Playtime at the Bagh’ published by Indignor Press, coming soon to a bookshelf near you! Dive headfirst into her world fantastical tales, and laugh-out-loud moments at http://www.reenita.com. And, don’t forget your bug spray!

Patience by Jaire Sims 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 young man must navigate his first relationship and a new job in author Jaire Sims LGBTQ adult romance novel, “Patience”.

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The Synopsis

After surviving a harrowing high school attack and making a life for himself, Carver Goodman is ready to move forward and find love. Using his photography skills, he uploads pictures of himself to a dating site and waits patiently for someone worth pursuing to contact him.

Ricardo Ramirez, Ricky to his friends, has a secret he’s kept from everyone, but when he sees a similarity between his past and Carver’s, he feels he must confess. After having dated Carver for months, he admits his transgression.

Will Carver be able to overcome Ricky’s sordid past, or will Carver’s past interfere with his future?

The Review

This was an emotional and compelling read. The exploration of Carver as a young adult and making his mark on the world was so fascinating to get lost in. The relatability of the character, from both a sexuality perspective and a personality perspective, will resonate with so many readers, and the thoughtful use of imagery brought the city of Chicago to life all around the characters in this narrative.

The emotional journey of Carver and Ricardo was truly the heart of the story. The physical and emotional connection they share as their journey evolves, and the shocking revelations of Ricardo’s past challenges Carver in ways he never expected. The romance gets very adult in its delivery, and the personal nature of Carve as a character, from his challenging past and his experiences on the Autism spectrum, to the first romance as a gay man and exploring what that means to him made this story so engaging.

The Verdict

Thoughtful, refreshing, and memorable, author Jaire Sims’s “Patience” is a must-read novel. The rich character dynamics and notes of growth and hope that the author evokes throughout this book will leave readers eager for more from this amazing writer. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Jaire Malik Sims was born and raised on the far southwest side of Chicago. Even at a young age, Jaire was not known for his talkative behavior. He was able to make casual friends in elementary school and high school, but he never succeeded in making those friendships close or intimate.

Sims strived to get good grades and often made the Honor List in elementary school. He was a straight “A” student in high school and became class valedictorian.

Although Sims excelled at grades in high school, his difficulty with socializing began to manifest as a teenager. Due to his quiet nature and frequent experiences with social anxiety, Jaire was an easy target to teasing and bullying during his adolescence. His difficulties with socializing during his college years subsequently led him to see a clinical professional counselor and take a mental health assessment. While twenty-one, and a junior in college, Jaire was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome. A year later, he graduated from Monmouth College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Studies.

Jaire has restricted interests, which makes it difficult for him to have and maintain casual conversations with people. He developed an interest in all things Disney in high school and still enjoys talking about his favorite Disney films and songs.

Educators often told Sims that he had strong writing skills. This encouragement played a part in motivating him to write his first novel, Getting By. His debut novel was named a finalist in the African American (Fiction) category in the Next Generation Indie Book Awards.

Jaire hopes his book will reach certain demographics who share commonalities with him and perhaps inspire them to write their own stories while taking inspirations from their life experiences.

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Cul-De-Sac by Liz Crowe Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

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

A young couple become enamored with their new dream home and the community they find themselves in, only to discover a web of lies and deceit behind the walls of their home in author Liz Crowe’s “Cul-De-Sac”.

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The Synopsis

Welcome to Connelly Court. A secluded, old money neighborhood, harboring a web of desires and deceit behind pristine facades and manicured lawns, where the lives of a group of neighbors, bound by their shared secrets and unconventional lifestyle, are about to unravel.

Michael and Amelia Ross move into their dream home, and get drawn into the seductive allure. But their house once belonged to a family whose lives were seemingly ruined by their participation, which leads Amelia to question everything about her new-found friends. Suspicions run rampant as the close-knit group turns on each other. Lies, betrayals, and hidden agendas are revealed, ripping apart the fabric that once bound the group together.

“Cul-de-Sac” is a dark tale of marriage, friendship, desire, and betrayal, where nothing is as it seems, and the truth may be more shocking than anyone could have imagined. Discover the twisted secrets of Connelly Court in this chilling domestic suspense novel that will leave you questioning just how well you truly know—or should know—your neighbors.

The Review

This was a powerful and mesmerizing suburban thriller. The author’s tension and atmosphere made the reader feel transported, a fly on the wall as the characters drew further into the complex world of seduction and power that this neighborhood had crafted for itself. The mystery behind the former occupants of the protagonists’s home and the use of multiple points of view throughout the book allowed the reader to peel back each layer of intrigue at a good pace.

Character development added to the mystery surrounding this novel and helped elevate the exploration of what happens behind closed doors. The picturesque, quiet suburb that the novel initially portrays, as well as the protagonists who come across as the average American family with a clear picture of their future, all come through early in the novel, and yet the seduction parties and ways in which the characters grow and falter showcase the hidden nature of what is the classic “perfect American dream.”

The Verdict

Thrilling, shocking, and engaging author Liz Crowe’s “Cul-de-Sac” is a must-read thriller. The exploration of the American suburb and how lies and power dynamics can work in any setting, even a quiet American cul-de-sac, allowed the shocking twists and turns to hit the reader with a punch that will stay with them long after the book ends. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Liz Crowe is a Kentucky native and graduate of the University of Louisville living in South Carolina. She’s spent her time as a three-continent expat trailing spouse, mom of three, real estate agent, brewery owner and bar manager, and is currently a digital marketing and fundraising consultant, in addition to being an award-winning author.

The Liz Crowe backlist has something for any reader seeking complex storylines with humor and complete casts of characters that will delight and linger in the imagination long after the book is finished.

Her favorite things to do when she’s not scrolling social media for cute animal videos is walk her dogs, cuddle her cats, and watch her favorite sports teams while scrolling social media for cute animal videos.

Website: https://lizcrowe.com/

Facebook: @lizcroweauthor

Instagram: @lizcroweauthor

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3ORHrxk

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/205844908-cul-de-sac

Hockey Wars 15: Graduation by Sam Lawrence & Ben Jackson 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.

The kids from Dakota must tackle the emotional end of their middle school years and face an uncertain future in authors Sam Lawrence and Ben Jackson’s “Hockey Wars 15: Graduation”.

The Synopsis

It’s the final days of middle school for the Dakota kids from the Hurricanes and the Lightning.

As the end of their middle school years together draws ever closer, there are mixed emotions as the kids face an uncertain future together in high school.

The final weeks of middle school are a whirlwind of emotions, events, and preparing for the big day, but one thing is for sure, these kids are tackling it together as only best friends and teammates could.

Is this the end for the kids from Dakota, or is this just the beginning of an exciting new adventure?

You’ll need to read Hockey Wars 15 to find out!

The Review

This was such a heartfelt and engaging story. For adult readers, the sense of nostalgia and memory that the story brings to life is incredible, and young readers will be able to identify with the fears, anxiety, joy, and hope that these young school years can bring. The authenticity of the emotional journey that these characters go on is an instant draw for readers. 

The themes of friendship, growth, and human connection are firmly woven into this story. The closeness of Millie and Cameron, in particular, will resonate with young readers. Close friends can often turn into confusing yet fearful and thrilling times, and the need to preserve friendships can be a powerful and consuming feeling. 

The Verdict

Memorable, nostalgic, and engaging authors Sam Lawrence and Ben Jackson’s “Hockey Wars 15: Graduation” is a must-read middle-grade book. The creativity and heart that the authors poured into this book and the open-ended bring this series to an emotional close and leave room for the possible return of these beloved characters in the future. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Authors

Sam Lawrence was born in Ontario, Canada, and is a successful indie author that has been writing for almost a decade. Sam is married to Ben Jackson, and together they specialize in self-publishing children’s books. They have been married for several years and have traveled together between Australia and Canada.

Together, Sam and Ben have published a series of children’s books called My Little Fart and Hockey Wars, as well as If I Was A Caterpillar and several other non-fiction books. In addition, they have numerous publications in progress, so stay tuned for information on those by following this page and connecting with them on Facebook, Goodreads, or Instagram.

Sam owns a company called Indie Publishing Group Inc which helps Canadian authors self-publish their books. Ben manages a company called Author Services Australia, which specializes in assisting Australian indie authors. 

Remember, if you enjoyed one of their books, please leave a review! As indie authors, it really helps out, and it’s 100% free and will only take a few minutes of your time. 

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/BenandSamAuthors/

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/authorsbenandsam/

Website – http://www.benandsamauthors.com/

Ben Jackson was born in Tasmania, Australia, and is a successful indie author that has been writing for almost a decade. Ben is married to Sam Lawrence, and together they specialize in self-publishing children’s books. They have been married for several years and have traveled together between Australia and Canada.

Together, Ben and Sam have published a series of children’s books called My Little Fart and Hockey Wars, as well as If I Was A Caterpillar and several other non-fiction books. In addition, they have numerous publications in progress, so stay tuned for information on those by following this page and connecting with them on Facebook, Goodreads, or Instagram.

Ben manages a company called Author Services Australia to help Australian authors self-publish their books. Sam manages a company called Indie Publishing Group, which specializes in assisting Canadian indie authors. 

Remember, if you enjoyed one of their books, please leave a review! As indie authors, it really helps out, and it’s 100% free and will only take a few minutes of your time. 

Never Home: Remembering the Military Heroes Who Never Returned by Richard Sherman 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.

Author and military veteran Richard Sherman shares this powerful collection of images and passages surrounding the cemeteries and monuments depicted to American soldiers who never came home in the book “Never Home: Remembering the Military Heroes Who Never Returned”.

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The Synopsis

Screenshot

“Never Home: Remembering the Military Heroes Who Never Returned” by Navy veteran and professional photographer Richard Sherman takes you on an emotional journey to all 23 of America’s overseas World War I and World War II cemeteries managed by the American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC). The book includes powerful images coupled with more than 50 biographies of individuals who perished during the wars and, even in death, have still not made it home. From Normandy to Manila, from Tunisia to Florence, and from Luxembourg to Provence, this book honors those who sacrificed everything to ensure our freedom.

The Review

This was such a powerful book. While the majority of the book is infused with photographs, the depth of emotion and history that each photograph brings to life on the page not only speaks to the author’s unique vision and eye for detail, but the power and sacrifice so many people fro m the United States military have endured around the world. No matter a person’s party or political affiliations, or their preferences for each war in general, the respect and gratitude that so many feel for those who gave their lives for us all can be felt on every page of this book.

The honesty and conviction that the opening passages from the author gave allowed the reader to feel the personal connection the author had to this subject matter. Of all the images, each with its own title and location, the image of the veterans in Normandy really spoke to the WWII era that a person can only read so much of in school, but cannot experience in life what the soldiers endured in that time. 

The Verdict

Thoughtful, memorable, and engaging, author Richard Sherman’s “Never Home” is a must-read picture meets history book. The exploration of American soldier’s impact on overseas wars and the special exploration of specific graves and the soldiers who inhabit them gave the reader a sense of humble respect and emotion as the author perfectly brought these photographs and the people behind them to life. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

When I was four or five years old, my Dad purchased Time-Life’s books on photography, bought a Minolta SLR camera and built a darkroom in our basement. Since that time, photography has been a part of my life.

I even remember the giant, heavy flash that ran on D-sized batteries and the smell of the leather case for his manual light meter. In my teens, Dad taught me the basics of photography on that Minolta. And today his photographs remain among our family’s most prized possessions. Though my father passed away a few years ago, I feel a special connection with him every time I pick up my camera bag.

I hope you enjoy the images here and that you find peace and tranquility in them. Perhaps your mind will drift to days gone by, or trips you have enjoyed with your family and friends; perhaps it will make you think about your next vacation. Thanks for visiting today, and please come back soon.

https://www.richardshermanphotography.com

https://www.neverhomeheroes.com/p/buy-the-book

The Girl from Jersey City by Zan Austin 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 young man seeking to escape his troubled home falls for a young woman, and in the hopes of protecting his image must pull off a daring theft in author Zan Austin’s “The Girl from Jersey City”.

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The Synopsis

As the summer of his eighteenth birthday begins, Paul Nesbitt finalizes plans to escape his alcoholic, abusive father, enabling mother, and impoverished Jersey Shore town blanketed by the fumes of a chemical processing plant. Although the local police have Paul in their sights for a break-in and theft, he has been able to avoid arrest and has vowed to do his best to stay out of trouble. Unfortunately, his strategies are disrupted when he meets Laura, a vivacious young woman from the city, who takes an unexpected interest in him. To deepen her intrigue, he lies about himself. The biggest one is his acceptance into a very prestigious Ivy League college. But when the facade he’s created threatens to crumble, the only solution appears to be money. And the only way to get that money is for Paul to break his vow and take part in a very ambitious robbery that, if he’s not careful, may not only lead to his arrest but cause him to lose Laura.

The Review

This was a moving and compelling read. The author does a compelling job crafting a series of natural and engaging characters. The exploration of class systems and how they impact relationships was well done here, as was the balance of suspense and romance drama found within the narrative of this novel. The tension is perfectly lined throughout the story, allowing the reader to feel the impact of the protagonist’s journey throughout the book.

The theme of change, how to fight the pull of an old life, and the emotional pull of the character’s plights allowed the reader to get lost in this story. The memorable way the protagonist struggled with his past and the exploration of life’s impact on a person, especially in the protagonist’s case, as he struggled with an abusive father and run-ins with the law, kept the reader invested in this character’s arc. The reality of such a hard life and people’s interactions with one another felt very honest and authentic to the reader.

The Verdict

Thought-provoking, heartfelt, and compelling author Zan Austin’s “The Girl from Jersey City” is a must-read novel. The twists and turns in the story, the engaging cast of characters, and the rich dynamics found within this story will keep readers coming back repeatedly. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Zan A. Austin is a Los Angeles-based writer and teacher. His novel End Man was published in October 2022 by Cursed Dragon Ship. Kirkus Reviews recommended End Man as “an engrossing and well-crafted SF tale with timely themes.” His novel Nakamura Reality was published by The Permanent Press in 2016. Publishers Weekly gave Nakamura Reality a starred review and called the writing, “powerful and moving.”

One in Ten Thousand: A Family’s Journey with Rett Syndrome: Hope, Struggle and Discovery by Eitan Lev 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. 

 One family must band together to take care of a young child suffering from Rett Syndrome in author Eitan Lev’s “One in Ten Thousand”.

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The Synopsis

Embark on a journey of resilience and hope with ‘One in Ten Thousand,’ the inspiring true story of a family’s fight to defy fate and find a cure for their daughter’s and granddaughter’s devastating genetic condition.

When Ori was born, no one could have imagined that among the billions of nucleic acids in her genetic code, a mutation lurked—a mutation so destructive that it would severely hinder every aspect of her daily life and the body that sustains her. It was only six months later that Ori’s parents began to notice that their blue-eyed daughter, with her dark, flowing mane of hair and constant smile, was different from other children. Ori had Rett Syndrome.

Based on a true story, ‘One in Ten Thousand’ recounts the journey of a toddler suffering from a rare genetic condition, and the story of her family members, who decide not to simply accept Ori’s condition as an inevitability, but to tirelessly seek a cure for her in every possible way.

The Review

This was such a powerful and emotional read. The balance the author found between the exploration of Rett Syndrome as a whole and the emotional journey this family goes on was highly engaging for a reader. The way the author drew readers in with this fictitious narrative while reflecting on his own experiences with his granddaughter throughout the novel was a genuinely creative and heartfelt direction to take readers in.

The education and realism of the novel and the inspiration of this family draw the reader in. The heartbreaking reality of drawback after drawback when combatting a rare disease while also finding the strength and courage to keep pushing forward and not giving up despite the odds really will resonate with so many readers, especially those who must live with various illnesses daily. The powerful imagery throughout this novel and the tense atmosphere that these situations often create bring that honesty and reality to the story that readers can readily identify with.

The Verdict

Resilient, memorable, and engaging author Eitan Lev’s “One in Ten Thousand” is a must-read book. The unique subgenera of fiction regarding disabilities and family drama meets family health played well within this narrative, and the awareness that this book drives to this rare ailment will stay with readers long after the book ends. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Eitan Lev, born in 1958, is a high-tech entrepreneur and the author of several thrillers.

In 2021, following the diagnosis of his granddaughter with Rett Syndrome, he founded a company dedicated to developing a gene therapy-based cure for her and others afflicted by this condition.

His book, ‘One in Ten Thousand,’ is a work of fiction written two years after the diagnosis and draws heavily on his personal experiences.

‘One in Ten Thousand’ was written with the hope of raising awareness about this challenging syndrome and other similar conditions, and to instill hope for potential healing in the hearts of those whose loved ones suffer from rare and incurable genetic disorders.

Little Joe and the Big Rain by Mike J. Darcy (Illustrated by Tincho Schmidt) 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 pup named Little Joe goes on an adventure that explores the idea of friendship and the power found in communication in author Mike J. Darcys “Little Joe and the Big rain, illustrated by Tincho Schmidt).

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The Synopsis

Dive into the enchanting world of Little Joe and the Big Rain, where a little puppy named Little Joe embarks on an unexpected adventure that will take him far beyond the familiar fields he calls home. Along the way, he meets Hopper, a frog with a leap as big as his heart, and Roxy, a bear who’s more about warm hugs. This trio of unlikely friends sets off on a journey filled with laughter, challenges, and a few surprises, teaching them—and the reader—about the power of communication, the importance of understanding, and the unbreakable bonds of friendship.

Perfect for young readers, Little Joe and the Big Rain is more than just a story; it’s a journey into understanding differences, embracing diversity, and finding common ground. With its gentle lessons interwoven with delightful adventures, this book promises to be a treasure on any child’s bookshelf, encouraging them to look beyond the surface and find the friend in everyone.

The Review

This was a heartwarming and engaging children’s book. The warmth of the illustrations instantly draws the reader in. The imagery instantly will resonate with young readers who love shows like Bluey, as the fun, cartoonish nature of the illustrations brings both fun and excitement to bring the reader into the narrative.

I greatly appreciated this children’s book’s wealth of character development. The heart of this story, seeing these characters from different walks of life come together in one common goal, was inspiring and will help younger readers value our differences rather than scoff at them. The themes of friendship, communication, and the power of helping others will resonate with parents who want to help instill these lessons into their children’s lives.

The Verdict

Memorable, vividly beautiful, and engaging author Mike J. Darcy and illustrator Tincho Schmidt’s “Little Joe and the Big Rain” is a must-read children’s book. The detail and adventurous atmosphere the author instills in the reader early on, and the sense of awe and wonder that readers take away from the journey will allow parents to read through this book over and over again with their child, becoming a hit classic that will stay with them for years to come. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Mike Darcy is a devoted husband, doting father, and animal lover who has nurtured a lifelong passion for wildlife. His deep connection with nature inspired him to pen his debut children’s book, which promotes adventure, curiosity, creativity, and forging unexpected friendships through small acts of compassion.

When away from the writing desk and his day job as a business manager, he can often be found experimenting with new recipes, wandering the wilderness on a long hike, and even mountain climbing. Mike currently resides in New Hampshire with his wife, child, and their dog and cat.

He hopes you enjoy his story as much as he enjoyed crafting it, and that you join Little Joe on his next adventures in Little Joe and the Big City and Little Joe and the Big Snow!

Knowing: Poems by Mark Cox Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews2 Comments

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

Author and poet Mark Cox shares the best and worst of the human condition through the poetry collection, “Knowing”.

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The Synopsis

Mark Cox pulls no punches in these candid poems about family, relationships, loss, regret, growing older and our human condition, generally. “Looking back for a low point marking the worst of my insobriety, it might be that signal moment I put out my cigarette in the holy water font of St. Paul’s Catholic church, right in front of the priest, I might add. . . ” Sometimes wry, sometimes tender, always honest and thought provoking, this is the seventh volume of poetry from a lauded veteran poet who has been publishing prominently for almost forty years.

The Review

What immediately stands out from the author’s work is the honesty and depth with which they delve into the themes of this collection. The self-reflection and almost story-like writing style allow the reader to be drawn into each poem, and the author holds no punches as they bring the truth behind each theme that so many readers can identify with.

The themes that the author explores are truly remarkable. The poem True North, for instance, delves into the struggles and downfalls of insobriety, hitting when a person hits rock bottom or comes to see in themselves the narrow path they had put themselves on. Themes of family, divorce, grief, and loss all roll together, connecting the reader with the author profoundly. 

The Verdict

Memorable, heartfelt, and honest author Mark Cox’s “Knowing” is a must-read poetry collection. The diverse nature of the themes and the compelling sense of empathy that the poems instill in the reader will stay with them long after the book’s final page. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

MARK COX has authored six other volumes of poetry, the most recent being Readiness (2018) and Sorrow Bread: Poems 1984-2015 (2017). He has a forty-year history of publication in prominent magazines and his honors include a Whiting Writers’ Award, a Pushcart Prize, the Oklahoma Book Award, and The Society of Midland Authors Poetry Prize. He chairs the Department of Creative Writing at UNC Wilmington and teaches in the Vermont College of Fine Arts MFA Program.