I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A conspiracy on Wall Street emerges as blackmail, lies, and even murder erupt and an investigation is launched in author Carey Keith Green’s “The Art of Privilege”.
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The Synopsis
When Detective Charles Sleetch investigates the murder of a wealthy Wall Street banker and his stripper girlfriend, it doesn´t look like routine robbery homicide. The life and death of Katiana Angelska move him in a way that he has not felt in years.
Dylan Cash invested in his ex’s art gallery when he was flush as a trader on Wall Street. Off the street and out of luck, Dylan and his best friend, Charles “Binky” Bannister, have been day-trading out of the back-office of the gallery. One day, a stranger named Jonathan Shelby shows up with an intriguing offer. Thatcher Reed, a down on its heel boutique firm, needs to track down an insider trader, before it derails the IPO of Paradyne, a Blackwater-type defense firm.
What Dylan thought was a simple case of insider trading becomes a stunning tale of blackmail, deceit and murder that threatens to rock both Wall Street and the entire military industrial complex. Dylan and Sleetch eventually team up against powerful, evil men who will stop at nothing to achieve their goals.
The Review
This was a high-octane financial thriller. The way the author was able to bring the knowledge and inside information on our nation’s financial institutions, as well as how integrated they are into our other sectors of life, made this a thrilling and captivating story.
It was the tense mystery blended with the captivating character development that made this story shine. I’ve always been a fan of detective novels, and the build-up of suspense and tension really allowed the mystery element of the narrative to grow and blossom in the book, and the dynamics between the characters really made the reader feel connected to the character arcs in this novel.
The Verdict
Memorable, honest, and suspenseful, author Carey Keith Green’s “The Art of Privilege” is a must-read financial thriller. The twists and turns in the narrative, and the compelling investigation will keep readers coming back for more from this skilled author. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Carey Green is an American writer and banker based in Brooklyn. He is a is a graduate of Columbia College and the Fordham Graduate School of Business. The Art of Privilege” is his third novel.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author Terry A. Repak shares the highs and lows of raising children as global citizens, staying in different countries around the world in the book “Circling Home: What I Learned by Living Elsewhere”.
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The Synopsis
When Terry Repak and her husband moved to West Africa with two small children at the height of the AIDS epidemic in the 1990s, she seized the opportunity to connect with people of other cultures and bear witness to the ravages of the disease. Circling Home chronicles the adventures and challenges of raising children to be global citizens and trying to find home in countries as diverse as Ivory Coast, Tanzania, and Switzerland. Her memoir spotlights the complexity, struggles, and profound lessons at the heart of the expat journey.
The Review
This was an incredibly moving and insightful read. The author does an incredible job of balancing the book with both memoir style writing and travel exploration. The imagery and detailed look into these experiences harkens to the author’s work as an investigative reporter, and the honesty for which the author speaks brings the emotional depth of her experiences to life perfectly.
Both the information and heart that went into showcasing the life of an expat and American living abroad and the honest approach to the author’s relationships with her family and their friends that made this story shine. The isolation and loneliness that can come with living abroad in a country not their own, as well as the shocking revelations of witnessing Africa in the height of the AIDS pandemic was quite engaging to me as a reader.
The Verdict
Thoughtful, heartfelt, and engaging, author Terry Repak’s “Circling Home” is a must-read nonfiction book for anyone who enjoys memoirs and travel books. The depth of information, personal writing mixed with great journalistic style, and an emotional connection that readers will resonate with as a family member will make readers eager to dive into this very personal story. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Terry Repak has worked as an investigative reporter, an editor, a television producer, a research fellow and a free-lance writer. She has a BS from Ohio Wesleyan University, a Masters degree from the London School of Economics and Political Science, and a PhD in Liberal Arts from Emory University. Her travel articles and research have appeared in newspapers and other publications, including the Seattle Times, Christian Science Monitor, Dar Guide, Geneva Talks, Offshoots, Hello Switzerland, The Harvard Journal of Hispanic Policy, Gender and Society, and Social Problems. Her most recent book is a memoir, “Circling Home: What I Learned By Living Elsewhere.” Her earlier books are “Waiting on Washington: Central American Workers in the Nation’s Capital” and “Edward Kennedy” (with Murray B. Levin).
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A young mother struggles as her son, diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome, disappears, and the community she fought so hard to accept them must rally around her to find the missing boy in author and Dr. Michelle Naguib’s “31 Hours: A Mother’s Story of Hope, Heroes, and Autism”.
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The Synopsis
When her fourteen-year-old son Jimmy goes missing, Michelle is frantic and distraught. As the hours tick by, Michelle’s desperation escalates, her self-doubt intensifies, and the community’s collective efforts to locate Jimmy become increasingly urgent.
In this memoir, Michelle takes us through the emotional journey of losing her son, who was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome as a young child, and reflects on the circumstances that led to his disappearance, her struggles to find him a place of belonging in the community, and the heroism of this same community in rallying to find Jimmy.
An honest account of a mother’s struggles, a keen insight into living with neurodiversity, and an invocation for understanding, acceptance and change, 31 Hours is as heartwarming as it is heartbreaking. It is a true story of resilience that is both relatable and riveting.
The Review
This was an emotional, heartfelt, and insightful read. The tension and heartbreak as the author recounts the hours leading up to and following the disappearance of her son was impactful, to say the least, the reader was given insight into the complex web of emotions that can overwhelm any parent, let alone the parent of a child who is neurodivergent. The emotional wellspring that the author taps into to recount her experiences and the thoughtful attention to detail really painted an image in the author’s mind about this experience.
In addition to these tense moments throughout the memoir, the author does an incredible job of not only delving into the details surrounding the work and love that goes into caring for and loving a child who is neurodivergent but also of the efforts that are made to bring your child into a community that supports and cares for them just as much as you do. The impact that faith and community had on any given situation made this a compelling memoir.
The Verdict
Heartfelt, emotional, and authentically written, author and Dr. Michelle Naguib’s “31 Hours” is a must-read memoir for anyone who has experienced the fear of a missing child, the struggles and triumphs of raising a neurodivergent child, or the love of motherhood in general. The engaging way the author addressed the reader while also writing in a way that allowed her to pour her heart into the experiences she was sharing made this a memorable memoir. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Michelle Naguib is a mom, pediatric dentist and author who started writing as a cathartic outlet after her son, who was diagnosed with autism, went missing. She lives in South Florida with her husband and two sons, as well as her beautiful Labrador Retriever, Amber.
Queer Sci Fi has a new flash fiction anthology out: Rise. And there’s a giveaway.
RISE (Noun, Verb)
Eight definitions to inspire writers around the world, and an unlimited number of possible stories to tell:
An upward slope or movement
A beginning or origin
An increase in amount or number
An angry reaction
To take up arms
To return from death
To become heartened or elated
To exert oneself to meet a challenge
Rise features 300-word speculative flash fiction stories from across the rainbow spectrum, from the minds of the writers of Queer Sci Fi.
About the Series
Every year, Queer Sci Fi runs a one-word theme contest for 300 word flash fiction stories, and then we choose 120 of the best for our annual anthology.
Passed down in whispers and hands tracing hands through flour and faith. Never written down, paper being too precious for such a small spell, some might say. Like something must be loud to have worth.
A common myth, one that serves her quiet magic well.
She sits pretty in commonhalls and houses, empty eye-sockets and a cloak of harmless charm enough for most to dismiss her. Certainly, her weaving or kneading is all her pretty head can handle.
She listens, and her hands move. Each stitch another secret, gossip kneaded into every loaf.
—From Simple Recipes for Small Magics – Ziggy Schutz
It wasn’t the principles that Matt Harden objected to. The principles were fine: Limited planetary resources. Circle of life. The wrongness of playing God.
But, he thought as he spread the herbs on the basement floor in the prescribed way, the principles were bullshit when you were faced with reality. When the only man who’d ever held your heart was stolen from you by a moment’s distraction behind the wheel. When you never had the chance to even say goodbye. When your body in bed was as cold and alone as a corpse in a coffin.
When the night mist was clammy on your neck and the grave-dirt heavy on your shovel.
—From Principle and Reality – Kim Fielding
“He’s here,” Matt said, slamming the door behind him. “You ready?”
“Think so,” Rory said. He’d finished the salt circle, and quickly moved on to placing the candle in the center.
“Will this work?”
“It’s this or nothing.” Once Tiff told them she’d survived a run in with the killer known as The Hook, Rory knew they were as good as dead. Supposedly this bastard had been killed before, but he never seemed to stop. Much about The Hook seemed unreal, but Rory thought it was the only weapon they had – the unbelievable. Besides, they were gay; those characters always died first.
From Best Served Cold – Andrea Speed
“You do realize,” the nurse said gravely, “that without your parent permission form, this procedure can only be temporary.”
“I do,” Sharon said nervously. Sharon. That was a good name, right? Sounded like Shawn, but wasn’t. Was a girl’s name. A woman’s name. She liked Sharon.
“And that given your parent’s lack of support for this, there will be a counselor assigned to your home to ensure your safety?” The nurse continued, checking the talking points on her tablet with precision.
“I won’t need it,” Sharon said nervously. “They think it’s a phase, but they’re not, you know, hostile.”
From A New Day – Amy Lane
Author Bio
This year, 554 authors entered the Rise contest. 120 of them were chosen, and their stories are included in this anthology:
It’s hard to tell a story in just 300 words, so it’s only fair that I limit this foreword to exactly 300 words, too. This year, 454 writers took the challenge, with stories across the queer spectrum. The contest rules are simple. Submit a complete, well-written themed 300 word sci-fi, fantasy, paranormal or horror story with LGBTQ+ characters.
For our tenth year and ninth anthology, we chose the theme “Rise.” The interpretations run from rising bread to zombies rising from the grave, from sunrise to rising on feathered wings. There are little jokes, big surprises, and future prognostications that will make your head spin.
I’m proud that this collection includes many colors of the LGBTQ+ (or QUILTBAG, if you prefer) universe—lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer, and asexual characters populate these pages—our most diverse contest yet. There’s a bit of romance, too—and a number of stories solidly on the “mainstream” side. Flash fiction is short, fun, and easy to read. You may not fall in love with every story—in fact, you probably won’t. But if you don’t like one, just move on to the next, and you’re sure to find some bite-sized morsels of flash fiction goodness. There are so many good stories in here—choose your own favorites.
We chose three winning stories, five judges’ choice picks, and two director’s picks, all marked in the text. Thanks to our judges—Angel Martinez, Ben Lilley, Sacchi Green, Lloyd Meeker, and Diane Allen—for selflessly giving their time, love, and energy to this project. And to Ryane Candyce too, for editing.
At Queer Sci Fi, we’re building a community of writers and readers who want a little rainbow in their speculative fiction. Join us and submit a story of your own next time!
Moonlight Dunk Contest (A Barnyard Basketball Adventure) by Michael Hamburg Review
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A group of barnyard animals show off their love of basketball in the children’s story “Moonlight Dunk Contest”, the first book in the “A Barnyard Basketball Adventure” series!
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The Synopsis
Moonlight Dunk Contest is a delightful bedtime story that captivates basketball fans of all ages. With a unique blend of court-savvy swagger and nursery rhyme imagery, this book takes the classic concept of sheep jumping over a fence and transforms it into an extraordinary dunk contest featuring the entire barnyard! Join the moon and stars as they become part of the enthusiastic audience, witnessing the awe-inspiring skills of these unassuming yet incredible animal players, all while, local network announcers provide the exciting play-by-play commentary.
Basketball enthusiasts will delight in discovering subtle references to legendary NBA and WNBA icons such as Allen Iverson, Michael Jordan, Brittney Griner, and Kobe Bryant, as well as familiar figures like ESPN’s Sports Center anchors. Keep an eye out, because you might even spot Mars Blackmon and Jack Nicholson sitting courtside!
Beyond the game, Moonlight Dunk Contest celebrates the values of friendship, inclusion, and self-expression, just like the sport it promotes. It aims to inspire and encourage young fans who may not have their own equivalent of “Casey at the Bat,” or a song like “Take Me out to the Ballgame” to sing as they drift off to sleep.
Even if you’ve never attempted a jump shot in your life, this book will still enchant you with its infectious rhythm, engaging illustrations, and uplifting message. It invites readers to embrace the exhilaration of reaching for the rim with boundless enthusiasm. Moonlight Dunk Contest is a must-read for basketball enthusiasts, bedtime story lovers, and anyone who appreciates the power of positivity.
The Review
This was a thoughtful and heartfelt children’s read. The emphasis on the sport of basketball to bring these barnyard animals together was well-meshed with the overall story, and the warmth of the illustrations really allowed young readers to connect to both the story and the characters themselves.
To me, the heart of this story rested in the themes the author was able to bring out in this book. The reader represents young kids who are constantly battling self-acceptance and self-expression. Finding that kind of openness and acceptance in this story through these animals’ shared passion for basketball helped to bridge the divides that so many young people have amongst themselves these days, making this a valuable lesson as well.
The Verdict
Heartfelt, captivating, and thoughtful, author Michael Hamburg’s “Moonlight Dunk Contest” is a must-read children’s book that is not to be missed. The twists and turns in the narrative, and the openness and acceptance that the book promotes, allow younger readers to engage in this story wholeheartedly and completely, making this one book that parents and children alike will bond over. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
About the Author
Michael P. Hamburg has always loved the game of basketball. A Chicago native, he grew up during the Bulls golden era, and was more than happy to share a first name with the legendary Michael Jordan—if sadly—none of his skills on the court.
After receiving a B.A. cum laude in English from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, he later earned a Masters in Architecture at the Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago.
An aspiring writer, designer, and artist across many media, he and his young family are all voracious readers of children’s books.
Cow Dunked over the Moon (A Barnyard Basketball Adventure) by Michael Hamburg Review
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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A daring cow takes to the stars to defy gravity and achieve the ultimate dunk in author Michael Hamburg’s “Cow Dunked over the Moon”, the latest entry in the “A Barnyard Basketball Adventure” series!
The Synopsis
Our friends from Moonlight Dunk Contest! return with another thrilling basketball-themed tale in Cow Dunked Over The Moon! This captivating story blends whimsy with impressive court savvy skills, offering readers a delightful journey into the world of extraordinary barnyard legends.
Remixing the beloved nursery rhyme, “Hey Diddle Diddle,” Cow Dunked Over The Moon! takes the familiar concept of jumping over the moon to astonishing new heights! Prepare for an exciting adventure as the determined cow defies gravity and embarks on a jaw-dropping dunk that will leave you in awe. Are you ready for some fun? Secure your quart-side seats and immerse yourself in this remarkable story as yet another barnyard legend takes flight!
Cow Dunked Over The Moon! is more than just an entertaining read. It is an inspiring tale that celebrates the values of perseverance, dedication, and the power of friendship. Follow along as the cow faces challenges, overcomes obstacles, and discovers the support of loyal friends who uplift and motivate. This heartwarming narrative reminds us all that with determination and the right companions by our side, anything is possible.
Join us on this thrilling basketball adventure that will capture the imagination of readers young and old. With vibrant illustrations and a story brimming with excitement, Cow Dunked Over The Moon! is a must-read for those seeking inspiration, laughter, and a touch of magic. Get ready to cheer for the unforgettable dunks and witness the birth of another barnyard legend!
The Review
The author did an incredible job of inspiring and delighting the reader with this fantastic children’s story. The balance between the basketball references and the impactful themes made this a thoughtful story. The friendship and mentorship that develops between the Cow and the Moon is a great source of entertainment and joy and will have younger readers clamoring for more from these two characters.
The heart of the story was in the strong themes the author brought to the story. The author not only honed in on the need for perseverance in the face of adversity and the importance of practice but also the strength that can come from leaning on others and being willing to learn to grow as a person, whether that be in sports or in life in general, making this story strand out amongst other children’s book stories.
The Verdict
Caring, engaging, and hopeful, author Michael Hamburg’s “Cow Dunked Over the Moon” is a must-read children’s book and a great entry into this children’s series. The delightful cartoon-style imagery the depth of heart that went into this story and the themes that kept it going made this one book that will bond readers with their parents time and time again. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Michael P. Hamburg has always loved the game of basketball. A Chicago native, he grew up during the Bulls golden era, and
was more than happy to share a first name with the legendary Michael Jordan—if sadly—none of his skills on the court.
After receiving a B.A. cum laude in English from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, he later earned a Masters in
Architecture at the Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago.
An aspiring writer, designer, and artist across many media, he and his young family are all voracious readers of children’s books.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
The strength of family and the bonds we share together in the face of horror and adversity come to a dramatic conclusion in author Cathy Burnham Martin’s “Destiny of Daring: Never Forget”, the third book in the Destiny trilogy.
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The Synopsis
The highly anticipated conclusion in the Destiny historical fiction trilogy delivers unexpected twists linking the World War I era Armenian saga with a present-day search for ancestors and cultural harmony. In the waning years of the Ottoman Empire, true Armenian family stories deliver a slice of life reflection on the violent and volatile times that required sincere bonds of family and friendship, risk taking, and unfathomable courage to live.
This fast-read historical novel weaves human strength and mercy into the fabric of unspeakable horrors and political terror. “Destiny of Daring… Never Forget” completes the Gulumian story of extraordinary human compassion and the will to survive. As the Armenian saying reveals, “You cannot escape from destiny.”
While helpful for background, having read Books 1 and 2 is not essential to read Book 3.
The Review
This was a compelling and thought-provoking read. The author did such an inspiring and heartfelt job of bringing the story of this family to life, and the way the author was able to mesh the stories of previous entries in the series to a brand new narrative that hones in on the heart of the story, which is all about family, connection, and culture all blended into one.
The heart of this narrative proves to be the story’s relatability overall. The backdrop of the tragedy and cruelty of the Armenian Genocide during WWI by the Ottoman Empire is a shocking connection to the modern-day horrors of the Middle East for the innocent lives being lost daily. Yet the author’s heart and compassion in the narrative here give this reader hope for a brighter future tomorrow.
The Verdict
Thought-provoking, engaging, and memorable, author Cathy Burnham Martin’s “Destiny of Daring: Never Forget” is a must-read historical fiction read. The balance of modern-day and historical context this narrative holds, the rich character dynamics at play in this story, and the thoughtful approach to the core themes of this story made this a compelling read. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating:10/10
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About the Author
Coming November 1, 2023, is the finale in The Destiny Trilogy. “Destiny of Daring: Never Forget,” which brings more unexpected twists in telling the story of the author’s Armenian family roots from the days of the waning Ottoman Empire during World War I. While reading Books 1 & 2 provides a hauntingly powerful and family-focused foundation, it is not essential. The historical fiction will be released in paperback and eBook formats, with the audiobook to follow. For more information, check her website at GoodLiving123 (dot) com or the publisher’s website at QTPublishing (dot) com.
Cathy Burnham Martin’s first published attempt at writing happened in Grade 5, when her poem was featured in the local newspaper. That was back when her parents refused to let her have the then-popular Chatty Cathy doll, stating that one chatty Cathy in the house was more than enough. Though poetry took a back seat, she has since driven her writing and blabbing proficiencies along a highly eclectic career path through recruiting, acting, marketing, broadcasting, and even bank organizing.
This professional voiceover artist, journalist, corporate communications geek, and dedicated foodie earned numerous awards as a television news anchor. She acknowledges that her broadcasting skills enjoyed extremely humble beginnings, as she often appeared in the rows of children watching cartoons and playing games like “Name the States” and “Simon Says” on WMUR-TV’s “Uncle Gus Show.” As an adult, she has written, produced, and hosted dozens of groundbreaking documentaries, TV specials, and news reports, ranging from the Moscow Super Power Summit and the opening of the Berlin Wall to extensive coverage of New Hampshire’s First-in-the-Nation Presidential Primaries.
A born storyteller of Eurasian descent, Cathy showed questionable promise as she made up ghost and crime stories for weekly elementary school Show & Tell sessions, including one that sounded so real that local police were summoned to interview the imaginative first grader. Such antics led to her first acting role, when she proudly played Peter Rabbit in a neighborhood production. It turns out she got the role because the older children wanted to avoid being the kid who’d get spanked for tearing their shorts while escaping under the farmer’s wire fence in every performance. She landed future roles more admirably, and remains a member of the Actors Equity Association, media coach, and business speaker, including status as a Professional Member of the National Speakers Association since 1995. Cathy Burnham Martin has been dubbed the “The Morale Booster.”
In her early educational path, she frequently arose as a class clown and a challenge for her teachers. At their retirement celebration, her team of kindergarten teachers announced that Cathy had been both the most creative and the most challenging student in their 30-year-career. A perfect twist of fate has found Cathy enjoying adjunct college faculty work, teaching persuasive public speaking and communications. She proved to be a much better-behaved student when she earned a Master of Science in Corporate and Organizational Communications at Northeastern University in 2009, where she also received the highest academic honors.
Her parents’ insistence in extensive involvement in the community invited the volunteerism bug to bite her, and Cathy continues to actively serve on boards for corporations and non-profits, including the Manchester Community Music School. Cathy Burnham Martin was also the 2009 recipient of Easter Seals’ David P. Goodwin Lifetime Commitment Award.
Though her father once trained under the executive chef at Boston’s famed Copley Plaza Hotel, and her mother quickly gained Best-Cook-In-Town status, Cathy admits that her own earliest recipe creations evolved out of laziness and a desire to use fewer ingredients and take less time. Her passion for great tasting, simple cooking led to the celebrated KISS™ Keep It Super Simple original recipe cookbook series.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A newly minted paranormal investigation group must work through their small town life and a local mystery to get their newly formed group out into the world in author Catherine C. Hall’s “Secrets Laid to Rest”, the first book in the A Ladies of SPI Mystery series!.
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The Synopsis
But not just any business. It’s the Golden Girls meet the Ghostbusters when four women find themselves in an unlikely career: Southeastern Paranormal Investigations. Ree Lane, a stylish widow, is more cynic than true believer, while her childhood chum Elle Harper has a knack for getting sensitive info with the help of her homemade pies. The preacher’s wife, Betsy Jones, can’t be seen with SPI unless she’s in her disguise as Nora, a psychic-in-training with a gift for Tarot. And the recently-returned-home Gillian Buchanan is a whiz at technology, especially of the supernatural sort.
Their first case lands on the doorstep when neighbor Doris Tucker is sure her prized vintage dolls are haunted. But there’s hardly time for ghost-hunting when the bank director’s wife mistakes SPI for a private eye venture. Now they’re also hot on the trail of a misbehaving husband. It’s a wild ride as the sixty-something sleuths start digging into the past. But have the Ladies of SPI gone too far? And how far will Sutter go to keep its secrets dead and buried?
The Review
This was an absolutely compelling read. As a paranormal investigator myself, it was a compelling look into the world of paranormal investigations. The detail the author provided for the techniques, the tools, and the thought process behind hauntings, ghosts, and the paranormal field as a whole was so engaging and mesmerizing that you felt transported into the high-stakes world of paranormal television we all know and love.
Yet it was the small-town life aspect of the narrative, as well as the thoughtful character development, that really made this story shine. The chemistry between the women of SPI and the different walks of life they hail from helped elevate the mystery and intrigue of the small town, and the powerful imagery and atmosphere that layered this story made the book feel alive on the page.
The Verdict
Heartfelt, mysterious, and entertaining, author Catherine C. Hall’s “Secrets Laid to Rest” is a fantastic ghost thriller and mystery read. The twists and turns in the narrative and the attention to detail surrounding both small-town life and the paranormal field as a whole made this a compelling read you won’t want to put down. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
About the Author
There’s a great song, “I’ve Been Everywhere,” made popular by Johnny Cash (and a couple commercials). If you put the song in Georgia, it would be about Catherine C. Hall, starting when she moved to the Peach State at eight-years-old.
She grew up in Savannah, Georgia, where you can’t throw a stick without hitting a ghost. Even when she was a little girl, Savannah was known for its haunted history and she was hooked!
Broadcast Journalism hooked her as well, so she studied at Valdosta State University way down in South Georgia where it is the heat and the humidity. She worked in a few radio stations but it was WNEX Radio in Macon that turned out to be life-changing. She met a cute deejay from Sandersville, Georgia, and married him a year later.
They moved above the Gnat Line (Oh, it’s real) to the Atlanta area, where they grew their family to two boys and a girl, and she took a turn in the teaching world. And then whoosh! She met the half-century mark wondering what to do? Maybe it was the merlot talking but after years of reading mysteries, Catherine thought it was high time she write one. And she did; it was awful. (And way too short. Who knew readers expected 70, 000 words?)
So she learned her craft, starting with flash fiction, then moving on to short fiction, where she won a few awards. She wrote essays that ended up in books like Chicken Soup for the Soul. She penned assorted humor columns and continued to freelance. And then one day, she wrote another story that wasn’t exactly novel-length but it wasn’t a short story, either. It was a children’s book.
She joined SCBWI, the Society for Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and had a wonderful career in children’s writing, including publishing six books. But in the midst of her last two book contracts, life changed unexpectedly when Catherine’s favorite deejay up and died.
When at last she wanted to write again, she heard four women of a certain age, each seeking purpose and joy in where they found themselves. Which for them was a small town in Georgia called Sutter. For Catherine, it was at home, still in the Atlanta suburbs, revisiting the ghost stories of her youth, and finally getting that mystery written. All 70,000 words of it!
Website (Psst! Sign up for Cathy’s Spirited Newsletter and get in on secret giveaways!): https://catherine-c-hall.com/
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Blog Tour Calendar
October 13th @ The Muffin
Join us as we celebrate the launch of Secrets Laid to Rest by Catherine C. Hall. Read an interview with the author and win a copy of the book for yourself.
Don’t miss a guest post by Catherine C. Hall about how to develop a cast of characters over at Julie’s blog today. She also reviews Catherine’s book Secrets Laid to Rest.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A man who has shunned his past finds himself returning to the life he thought he left behind in author Freddie Kelvin’s “Urban Nomad: A Memoir”.
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The Synopsis
Freddie Kelvin has had enough of all this hatred. His parents escaped the Nazis, and he decides to abandon his Jewish upbringing in England.
He becomes a doctor, even though he doesn’t understand science.
He marries in a church but is haunted by ghosts of his Jewish past.
As he jumps from job to job and city to city, he is lost, rootless, and disconnected. After a brief stint in Canada, he returns to his homeland.
Once back in England, he’s told unwelcome news: “We can’t hire you; you’re too much of a wanderer.” So, he jumps ship and lands a job in North Carolina.
He survives a major heart attack and two cardiac arrests but remains alive 15 years later. Finding new passions in photography and the performing arts, he takes his camera to many exotic countries including, to his surprise, on several trips to Israel.
Part memoir and part a unique perspective on religion, history, and culture, Freddie traces his experiences in a wide variety of different communities.
After wandering far and wide for so long, he continues to ponder where he belongs and finally comes to terms with his Jewishness.
The Review
This was a compelling and moving memoir. The author does such an incredible job of capturing the mental and emotional journey that the author had when diverting away from his family history and then rediscovering it for himself years later. The passion and heart that went into the author’s story and the imagery that brought the settings to life, from war-torn Austria and the people who had to escape from there during WWII, to life in England and even in the United States made the author’s life truly visceral.
The culture and atmosphere the author establishes become the true heart of the story. The author’s personal experiences and the feeling of listlessness were so palpable on the page, and the connection the author discovered to his disconnect to his family and heritage made this story so emotionally driven and thoughtfully curated. The detail that went into his parent’s life both as individuals and together, as well as their escape rom Austria during WWII, added to the depth of emotion and history that this memoir brought to life.
The Verdict
Gripping, engaging, and memorable, author Freddie Kelvin’s “Urban Nomad: A Memoir” is a must-read nonfiction read. The detailed yet mesmerizing detail that went into this narrative and the history and culture that helped elevate the author’s personal story made this a fantastic book to get lost in. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Freddie Kelvin, the only son of Ernst and Ida Kohut, was born in England after they had narrowly escaped from Nazi-held Austria. He grew up in a strictly protective Jewish community. He rebelled against this by changing his last name to Kelvin and dismissing any connection to Jewish society. Moving to London to study medicine, he found himself tossed around in new communities with a precarious loss of identity. Training in so many unfamiliar surroundings, he felt lost, rootless and disconnected. Almost no one knew that he was Jewish. He married the first of his two Christian wives in a church, leading to feelings of guilt about betraying his heritage. Reluctant to drag his tail back to the industrialized north of England, he emigrated to the United States. Later on, he took courses in creative writing and became a passionate photographer. This led to a life-changing epiphany, for he realized that his heart truly lay in the arts. Better late than never! He traveled abroad widely, experiencing many different cultures. These nomadic experiences, while always tinged with excitement, were confusing. Identity change is a complicated business, and always poses the questions: “Who are we and where do we belong?” Ultimately, try as you may, you cannot entirely escape your roots. Freddie’s story is part memoir and part a unique perspective on religion, culture and history. After many visits to Israel, he slowly developed a sense of pride in his Jewish background. Inspired by the wanderings of both his parents and himself, he developed an urge to write his memoir, and so Urban Nomad was born and became his baby.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A woman forced to start over after a shocking divorce finds herself caught in a battle between love and the essence of evil itself in her brand new Italian home in the novel “Strange and Twisted Things” by Holly Payne-Strange.
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The Synopsis
In a quiet village nestled deep within the heart of Italy, an elderly woman finds herself abandoned by her family, the depth of her loneliness almost overwhelming. Seeking solace in a decaying house, Greta clings onto the memories of her estranged husband, whose absence haunts her every waking moment.
As she steps over the threshold of her new home, the house awakens with an ominous energy, enveloping her in its unsettling embrace. Strange occurrences plague Greta’s days, while chilling whispers echo through its dilapidated hallways. Only one fact cheers her- she is clearly not alone.
Caught between the longing for companionship and the terrifying consequences of embracing darkness, Greta must make a harrowing choice. Will she succumb to the allure of the house’s sinister inhabitants, finally gaining the company she so desperately craves, or will she break free from their clutches and confront the horrors that lurk within?
“Strange and Twisted Things” is a chilling tale set against the scenic backdrop of Italy, where Greta’s unwavering love battles against the very essence of evil itself.
The Review
This was a compelling and haunting gothic ghost story. The first thing that stood out to me was the exceptional detail and passion for the Italian culture and setting in which this narrative occurred. The heart and respect that went into bringing this setting to life and the imagery the authors used in their writing allowed the reader to feel instantly transported into this story.
The setting allows the reader to feel balanced with the dark and gritty nature of the home and the rich character dynamics at play. The idea of starting over and moving on from the life you knew is an important theme in this narrative and the allure of a life that differs significantly from our own plays well into the chilling nature of the home and the energy within it. The haunting atmosphere and horrors that the author brings to life highlight the heartfelt character development of the protagonist.
The Verdict
Harrowing, entertaining, and mysterious, author Holly Payne-Strange’s “Strange and Twisted Things” is a must-read horror and paranormal thriller. The twists and turns in the narrative, the engaging character development, and the heart-pounding thrills made this a compelling and haunting read. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Holly Payne-Strange is the creator of the hit podcast series Echoes, as well as being an accomplished novelist. Her poetry has been published by various publications including Curating Athena and Door Is A Jar magazines, as well as featured in a live installation by Rising Sun Productions. She lives with her wife and three cats. She spends much of her time in England and has a particular passion for the Italian language, which she is fluent in.
