Category: reviews

Knight Kisses by Athina Paris 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 woman who lost too much and closed her heart off to love’s possibility finds herself taking refuge in a relationship of convenience to avoid a troubling situation and to get her little sister the security they need in author Athina Paris’s “Knight Kisses”. 

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The Synopsis

After losing her mother to cancer, Gabrielle swears off love. Because loving hurts too much when things go wrong. Then, she travels to Africa to meet her father – a man whose existence she was oblivious to. Before long, there is also a baby sister to look after, and intuitively she knows that she needs to protect her. Promptly, there is another tragedy, and more than ever, Gabrielle realises how wise she is to lock away her heart. But that was before she met Jonathan Knight, a man who amuses and confuses her, and Paul, his best friend, who is just as smart and funny. Through an unfortunate sequence of events, she finds herself in a troublesome situation, but being who she is, she tries to handle it alone, unwittingly sinking into a morass of danger. A solution comes in the form of Paul, who makes a harebrained suggestion, which Jonathan – for reasons of his own – grabs and presents her with the providential arrangement. Instinctively, she declines the proposal, but Jonathan is persuasive and paints a wonderful picture of security. She accepts out of need, but soon, Jonathan’s ulterior motives unravel, and nothing is as it should be. But she can’t disclose the truth, for her secret could undo the safe future she is trying to create for her little sister.

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The Review

This was an emotional and twisty romance thriller. The author does an incredible job in this book of crafting a narrative that felt cinematic and yet relatable all at once, bringing high-octane action and drama with the inclusion of international intrigue, shady mob deals, and family drama with the more intimate moments of emotion regarding loss and love. The heavy atmosphere the author crafts in this book and the thoughtful approach to the story will keep readers invested as Gabrielle’s story unfolds.

To me, this narrative was all riding on Gabrielle’s evolution as a character. The struggle for her to build any sort of relationship, let alone a romantic one, as she fights to take care of her sister and fend off the shady mobsters whom her father brought into her life was so endearing and heartbreaking to read, and the emotional connection she makes with Jonathan as time goes on and the buildup of both the romance and suspense surrounding her all bring readers into the narrative over and over again.

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The Verdict

Memorable, heartfelt, and entertaining, author Athina Paris’s “Knight Kisses” is a must-read romantic thriller novel that readers won’t want to put down. The twists and turns in the narrative, the imagery that brings the narrative to life on the page, and the emotional connection readers form to Gabrielle’s story, made this a truly compelling novel 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

Athina Paris spent her formative years in Mozambique, where she was born. Years in convents and boarding schools prompted a deep curiosity, which quickly developed into an avid interest in reading and storytelling that led to a lifelong obsession with the written word and books. By fifteen she had discovered ancient civilizations and became fascinated with various mythologies.

She became a spectator of human nature, but quiet and shy, she preferred recording conduct, and so built a treasure-trove of relationship observations from which she eventually drew backgrounds for the characters in her romantic novels.

She studied Interior Design then turned to Creative Writing, and followed that with Script-writing.

Set in faraway and exotic places, Athina’s epic romances take her characters on voyages of self-discovery while dealing with catastrophic love lives in an imperfect world.

A stint as a high school English teacher polished her skills but she now concentrates on her professional goals of writing, editing, and proofreading.

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

https://twitter.com/athina_paris

Hex and the City (Canadian Werewolf Book 6) by Mark Leslie and Julie Strauss Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews1 Comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. 

As true love blossoms, an ancient evil is unleashed that is tied to their love and threatens to destroy humanity in authors Mark Leslie and Julie Strauss’s “Hex and the City”, the sixth book in the Canadian Werewolf series. 

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The Synopsis

HER LOVE WILL BRING ABOUT HIS DEMISE.

Michael Andrews and Gail Sommers have finally found the love that had eluded them for so long.

But their romance has uncovered an ancient evil curse neither of them could have anticipated. It does more than bring down a plague on their houses – it unleashes something far more sinister that can destroy humanity.

Now they must choose: battle the evil forces out to destroy them, or continue to meet in secret while the rest of the world burns.

If you like thrilling action, paranormal adventure, and quirky humor, you’ll love Hex and the City. Read it today!

Though this is book six in a series, it can be enjoyed as a stand alone novel. A “the story so far” summary is available for readers.

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The Review

This was a captivating and emotional read. The authors did an incredible job of creating a novel that stands on its own two feet while also paying homage to the wild entries in the series that came before. The action and magical suspense that the narrative delves into with the curse and the impact it begins having on the world around them brought the reader into the fantasy and paranormal thriller elements that this series has become known for.

For me, the heart of this narrative rested in the balance of mythos, romance, and world-building. The shock and awe that comes with this prophecy revelation hit the main characters immediately, and the shocking way it connects the events of the rest of the series made this story really flow. The heartbreaking reality of their circumstances made both Michael and Gail’s journey so emotional and kept the reader invested as the stakes got higher and higher. Getting to learn more about Gail’s family and connection to the paranormal world was fantastic to watch come to fruition.

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The Verdict

Memorable, engaging, and thrilling, authors Mark Leslie and Julie Strauss’s “Hex and the City” is a must-read paranormal romance thriller and a great addition to the Canadian Werewolf Series. The twists and turns in the narrative and the heartfelt finale will have fans tearing up and hanging off of the author’s every word, as the future of the series takes an all-new direction. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Mark is a writer, editor and bookseller who was born and grew up in Sudbury, spent many years in Ottawa and Hamilton and currently lives in Waterloo, Ontario.

When he is not writing, he tacks “Lefebvre” back onto his name and works as a book industry consultant, having been a bookseller since the 1992, the same year his first short story was published.

Apart from publishing novels and non-fiction paranormal explorations under the name Mark Leslie, having works occasionally appearing on his mother’s refrigerator door under the name Mark Lefebvre, and podcasting and consulting about the book industry under the name Mark Leslie Lefebvre for his Stark Publishing/Stark Reflections brand, Mark is a lover of craft beer.

When he’s not enjoying craft beer or playing around with his three given names, he can usually be found wandering, awestruck through bookstores or libraries.

MARK LESLIE
https://twitter.com/MarkLeslie

Julie lives in Southern California with her husband and four kids. She homeschools them. “The kids, I mean,” Julie says. “Not the husband.”

She likes to eat dark chocolate and drink good wine and read lots of books and doesn’t usually bother with housework.

Julie warns anyone who might read her blog or her books: “You should know that I have a foul mouth and complain about the heat all the time. I speak in movie quotes, but they tend to be the obscure, random quotes that no one understands except me. I crack myself up. You’ll get used to it.”

Julie used to publish romance novels under the pen name Emma Foster. “But it turned out,” she admits, “I’m way too lazy to keep up two online profiles in addition to all the other personalities inside my head. So I dumped the pen name, and now you can find me at social media places as Julie Wrote A Book. I’d make a terrible spy. (Or maybe the Best Spy Ever. You’ll never know for sure.)”

https://juliewroteabook.com/

Death’s Pale Flag by Gary Simonds 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 renowned brain surgeon begins struggling as he sees evidence of ghosts and spirits in author Gary Simonds’s “Death’s Pale Flag”. 

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The Synopsis

Brain surgeon and unlikely war hero, Ryan Brenan, has it all. A booming practice, a beautiful home in an idyllic setting, and a happy loving family. Then, the apparitions begin.

Subtle at first, but soon there’s no doubt about it, he’s seeing ghosts, spirits, the undead. Of course, he could just be going nuts, cracking under the pressure of his constant exposure to death, mayhem, and tragedy. But, he believes he has proof that the ghosts are very real, and that they are specifically haunting him.

We join Ryan as he tends to the sick and injured in his hospitals’ trauma bays, intensive care units, and operating rooms, all the while seeking to understand why he has become a target of the dead. Will he break down? Will he lose all that is precious to him? Will he be drawn to the other side of the great divide?

The unique storyline, similar to the works of Blake Crouch and Jeff VanderMeer is a chilling thrill ride, straddling the real world and that of the paranormal.

This riveting psychological thriller uniquely blends a detailed peek behind the curtains of modern day neurosurgery with a fantastical journey into the paranormal. Written by a highly experienced neurosurgeon who takes the reader on an immersive journey into the behind the scenes world of the operating room where few people have ever been.

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The Review

This was a compelling and captivating medical thriller meets paranormal fantasy read. The author does an amazing job of grounding this story in as much reality as possible, tying the paranormal aspects of the narrative into the protagonist’s work in the medical field. As someone interested in the paranormal and who has become fascinated with doctor’s studies and theories regarding life after death, the setting and atmosphere the author created in his work really struck home in terms of the tone they were trying to achieve.

To me, the heart of this narrative rested in the character growth and the emotional core related to the protagonist’s personal life and work-life imbalances. The way the author was able to bring realism and expertise to the protagonist’s story and work in the field of brain surgery made this a compelling read, and the way work and the experiences as a surgeon would impact his home life set the stage perfectly for the paranormal aspect of the narrative to come into play, making for an exciting story.

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The Verdict

Memorable, thrilling, and entertaining, author Gary Simonds’s “Death’s Pale Flag” is a must-read medical thriller meets paranormal novel of 2023! The grounded realism of the characters and backstory with the engaging paranormal twists and fascinating connection between the mind and the paranormal the author touches upon made this a truly amazing novel 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

Gary Simonds practiced the full breadth of neurosurgery for decades in the US Army, Geisinger Clinic, and as the Chief of Neurosurgery at the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine. He has performed thousands of highly complex procedures on adults and children and cared for tens of thousands of patients. In addition to his expertise in neurosurgery and the neurosciences, he is interest in an array of related subjects including: medical ethics, medical socioeconomics, humanism, doctor patient interactions, patient advocacy, and burnout and psychological distress in healthcare workers. He has co-authored with Clinical Psychologist Wayne Sotile three non-fiction books on burnout and resilience in healthcare workers and has recently written a related award-winning novel, Death’s Pale Flag. Gary stepped away from clinical neurosurgery in 2020 but still teaches undergraduates and medical students at Virginia Tech. He lives in Black Mountain NC in a log cabin with wife, Cindy, and border collie, Hamish, and is excited to connect with his readers and interested parties over a range of subjects.

https://twitter.com/garyrsimonds

Boys in the Valley by Philip Fracassi 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. 

An ancient evil is unleashed in rural Pennsylvania during the late 19th century/early 20th century in author Philip Fracassi’s “Boys in the Valley”.

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The Synopsis

The Exorcist meets Lord of the Flies, by way of Midnight Mass, in Boys in the Valley, a brilliant coming-of-age tale from award-winning author Philip Fracassi.

St. Vincent’s Orphanage for Boys.

Turn of the century, in a remote valley in Pennsylvania.

Here, under the watchful eyes of several priests, thirty boys work, learn, and worship. Peter Barlow, orphaned as a child by a gruesome murder, has made a new life here. As he approaches adulthood, he has friends, a future…a family.

Then, late one stormy night, a group of men arrive at their door, one of whom is badly wounded, occult symbols carved into his flesh. His death releases an ancient evil that spreads like sickness, infecting St. Vincent’s and the children within. Soon, boys begin acting differently, forming groups. Taking sides.

Others turn up dead.

Now Peter and those dear to him must choose sides of their own, each of them knowing their lives — and perhaps their eternal souls — are at risk.

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The Review

This was a truly compelling read. The author does an incredible job of immediately setting up a haunting atmosphere. The balance of a historical setting meeting an almost gothic horror atmosphere really set the tone early on and allowed for the blend of religious undertones and rich mythos to take hold in the reader’s minds. The action and world-building were top-tier, giving a very cinematic approach to the narrative as the story progressed.

To me, the heart of the story rested in the rich character development and the unique blend of genres. Seeing the balance between historical fiction, coming-of-age storytelling, and chilling horror vibes helped sell this story as the haunting gothic read it proved to be. Yet it was the development of this cast of characters, much like an iconic Stephen King novel like It or Salem’s Lot, where each character had a unique perspective on the developing story and added an emotional depth as the story began to intersect and merge together in the climactic final moments, that the narrative really began to shine through.

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The Verdict

Memorable, thoughtful, and engaging, author Philip Fracassi’s “Boys in the Valley” is a must-read horror novel of 2023. The unique contrast between faith and identity, and the gripping theme of sacrifice, made this story come to life on the page, and the haunting final moments of this beautifully written novel will both captivate and bring readers to tears as the story plays out its bloody hand. If you haven’t yet, be sure to preorder your copy today or grab a copy on July 11th, 2023!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Philip Fracassi is the author of the story collections Beneath a Pale Sky (named “Best Collection of the Year” by Rue Morgue Magazine and a finalist for the Bram Stoker award) and Behold the Void (named “Best Collection of the Year” by This Is Horror). He is also the author of several novellas, including Sacculina, Shiloh, and Commodore.

His novels include Don’t Let Them Get You Down, A Child Alone with Strangers, Gothic, and Boys in the Valley.

Philip’s books have been translated into multiple languages and his stories have been published in numerous magazines and anthologies, including Best Horror of the Year, Nightmare Magazine, Black Static, Southwest Review, and Interzone.

The New York Times calls his work “terrifically scary.”

You can follow Philip on Facebook, Instagram (pfracassi), and Twitter (@philipfracassi), or at his official website at www.pfracassi.com.

https://twitter.com/PhilipFracassi

Pirates of Marauda: Circles in Time by Forest Fox 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 father and his children find themselves on an adventure through time and space when they are shipwrecked on an island filled with pirates who never age, Jurassic-age creatures, and a group of people known as the Children of Eden in author Forest Fox’s “Pirates of Marauda: Circles in Time”, the first book in the Pirates of Marauda series. 

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The Synopsis

Technology from the age of Eden… Out on one of their treasure-hunting diving adventures, brothers Eli and Zoe and their Dad come upon an earthshaking discovery when a powerful tropical storm leaves them shipwrecked on an unknown tropical island. In the jungle, they encounter nineteenth-century buccaneers who never age but can barely fend off the Jurassic creatures who rule this place. As they all try to escape the island, they come upon Shakti, a captivatingly beautiful princess, who leads them to her people, the Children of Eden. They soon learn that these people from another world have been conducting a desperate experiment with their crystal technology, in which the trio themselves have become the unintended victims. Pirates of Marauda: Circles in Time is Book 1 of the Pirates of Marauda trilogy, an adventure through space and time.

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The Review

This was a fast-paced and captivating YA read. The author does a wonderful job of capturing the adrenaline and wonders that the characters experience as they come into contact with this shocking new world. The world-building and mythos the author delves into were richly developed, and harken back to some of the myths, legends, and conspiracy theories that have found a resurgence in our modern world today, including the ancient land of Mu and Lemur, among other things. 

The character growth and rich imagery really helped bring readers into this narrative naturally. The chemistry between the father and his sons was jumping right off the page, and the way the author was able to incorporate elements of their own lives and bring them into the background of these characters added a depth of naturalness and relatability that the narrative needed. The setting of this narrative was so expertly brought to life, and the descriptive way the world was brought to life elevated the action and adventure elements of the narrative completely.

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The Verdict

Memorable, action-packed, and entertaining, author Forest Fox’s “Pirates of Marauda: Circles in Time” is a brilliant YA Sci-Fi and Fantasy novel and a great first entry into the Pirates of Marauda series. The twists and turns in the narrative and the rich mythology the author develops bring such a depth of world-building for the reader to get absolutely lost in, making this a stellar read. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Author FOREST FOX brings his love of adventure to the page in this whirlwind fantasy saga, The Pirates of Marauda trilogy, about what happens when he and his two sons, while on a treasure hunting, diving expedition in the Bermuda Triangle, find a sunken flying saucer that turns out to be the craft that brought Adam and Eve to this planet.

The germinating idea for the story was inspired by a drawing by his son, award-winning artist Eli D’Elia. The author delights in weaving fact with fiction and folklore in this highly original tale, which also serves as a whimsical medium to depict his unconventional philosophy of life.

The author is also a SF Bay Area singer/songwriter and recording and performing artist.

Known in the world of paintball as Magic Carpet Bob, he was 1991 World Paintball Champion with his Team Ironmen, and is resident pro at Paintball Jungle in the Napa Valley.

https://www.forestfoxpress.com/

The Improv Mindset: How to Make Improvisation Your Superpower for Success by Keith Saltojanes 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 Keith Saltojanes takes readers on a journey to discover how improvisation can help with matters of business in the book “The Improv Mindset: How to Make Improvisation Your Superpower for Success”.

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The Synopsis

We improvise every day, but how many times do we get stuck in our heads overthinking?

Now you can learn how to leverage the skills of improv for your life.

Improv isn’t just for actors, comedians, and writers, but is one of today’s most powerful tools for success in business, social situations, public speaking, communication, becoming a more fearless person, and just plain having more fun in life. Being able to think quickly on your feet, be in the moment, and to roll with any sudden changes makes any person more confident.

This book will break down these techniques with exercises you can practice both at home and put to use in real-life settings. You’ll learn:

  • Thinking (and responding) quicker
  • How to sharpen your sense of humor & creativity
  • Letting go of mental blocks to become more outgoing
  • Ways to initiate conversations when you don’t know what to say
  • Making the most out of every moment (even when you’re nervous)
  • Owning your own personality and using it to accomplish your goals

You don’t have to be born witty to apply these methods, you just have to be taught them and that’s what this book will do.

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The Review

This was a well-written and captivating book. The author does an incredible job of showcasing the art of improvisation to its fullest. It was great to see the author not just lay out the work that goes into improv in an almost monotone style of education but rather blended a small amount of storytelling and experience into the book before highlighting each exercise and technique that went into the study of improv.

Yet despite all of the techniques showcased, it was the impact improv has on the reader that really made this a standout book. Rather than hone in on the performative aspect of the art of improv for comedians or performers in general, the book does a remarkable job of showcasing how this art form can help improve the lives of those who struggle with communication and expression overall. Whether you have always had a lifelong case of shyness or suffer from extreme social anxiety, these exercises can help expand the mind and find new ways of expression that can help improve your life in social, business, or professional circumstances. 

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The Verdict

Memorable, interactive, and educational, author Keith Saltojanes’s “The Improv Mindset” is a must-read nonfiction book on self-improvement, improv, and business. The insights and knowledge the reader will gain from the author’s lessons and the approachable writing style and willingness to allow readers to tackle each chapter one at a time and come back to the book later to make this a truly one-of-a-kind story to behold. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today through preorder or grab your copy on June 6th, 2023!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Keith Saltojanes is the Founder of Improv-LA, the internationally known creative training center based in Los Angeles. He has taught improv techniques to everyday people in over 10 countries and for executives at some of the biggest companies around (including Disney, Netflix, Amazon, IBM). He also has a Guinness World Record for the Longest Improv Show and has written for National Lampoon and for comedians from SNL, MADtv, In Living Color, and Mr. Show.

http://keithsaltojanes.com/

https://twitter.com/keithsaltojanes

Godthread by Caleb T. Brabham Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

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

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

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The Synopsis

A demonic investigator.

A Heavenly conspiracy.

Whatever he finds … he’s damned already.

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

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The Review

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

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

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The Verdict

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

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

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

https://calebtbrabham.com/index.php

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

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

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews1 Comment

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

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

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

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The Synopsis

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

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

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

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

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

● Transforming money mistakes into money wisdom

● Keep the focus on what you can control

● Step into your power: become a money boss

● Go on a date with your money

● Embrace your money uniqueness

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The Review

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

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

The Verdict

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

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

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

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

https://kaleeboisvert.com/

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

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

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

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

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

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The Synopsis

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

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The Review

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

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

The Verdict

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

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

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

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

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

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

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

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

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