Tag: author anthony avina

Your Identity in Christ: Who You Are and Whose You Are by Robin Revis Pyke, Ph.D. 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 Christian Life Coach Robin Revis Pyke, Ph.D., shares with readers the guidance and devotional they need to find the path of self-discovery through the Biblical teachings of Christianity to be their best selves in the book “Your Identity in Christ: Who You Are and Whose You Are”.

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The Synopsis

At some point in their lives, many women may question who they are meant to be or their purpose in life. While struggling with identity, women are often surrounded by messages telling them who they should be or what they should believe in based on the thoughts and opinions of others. But this is not who God says we are, and the world’s values are not up to God’s standards or what He expects of us.

In a thirty-one day devotional, Christian life coach and mentor, Dr. Robin Revis Pyke, leads women down an introspective path of self-discovery inspired by lasting biblical truths. While encouraging women to embrace God’s Word and promises, she offers daily inspiration that guides overwhelmed female souls to understand their true identity in Christ through a powerful message of hope that we are all loved, accepted, and chosen. Included are reflection and study questions that can also be utilized as journal prompts.

Your Identity in Christ is a thirty-one day devotional that takes women on a spiritual journey to understand and embrace their identities as beautiful, valuable daughters of God.

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The Review

This was an engaging and thoughtful read for Christian and faith-based readers. The author does an incredible job of crafting a guide that is straightforward yet deep-thinking, giving readers time to contemplate and reflect on their lives and how it relates to their faith at the same time. The empathy and kindness that the author’s voice comes through in the writing are truly wonderful to see and provide a great environment for self-reflection.

To me, the heart of this book rested in the strong themes that this book put together in the guide, especially that of being true to yourself and not to the ideals society expects of you. While the author’s message rings true for those who are religious and is definitely geared towards women of that faith, the message overall can apply to everyone, giving women a chance to ignore the trends and expectations that are placed on them by an oftentimes unforgiving society and instead be the person they feel they truly are, which is a message everyone should hear. 

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The Verdict

Memorable, thoughtful, and engaging, author Robin Revis Pyke, Ph.D.’s “Your Identity in Christ” is a must-read nonfiction self-help and Christian women’s book that faith-readers will not want to put down. The depth of information and guidance will be a welcome delight for readers as they seek to balance their life with the expectations of their faith and God. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Robin is a Certified Christian Life Coach and Mentor focusing on spiritual formation. She has fervently served as a mentor for more than 20 years. Robin is passionate about her mission: Biblical mentorship, Biblical leadership, and Biblical fellowship. She is the founder of the Reflecting Life Community, an online community for faith-filled women. A platform for sharing stories and experiences, and learning from one another through inspired connection and conversation.

Upon her enrollment at Trinity International University, Robin fell in love with the study of God’s Word. She continued her graduate education at Barry University with her research focus on the benefits of mentoring, where she received her Doctor of Philosophy in Leadership and Education. Robin is a certified Christian Life Coach and received certification in Women’s Christian Leadership. She is currently pursuing a certification in Bible Studies and Theology at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.

In addition to her published research, The Benefits of Mentoring, her publications also include Leadership Lessons from Women of the Bible: 5-day devotional and The Beatitudes: A 5-day journaling reflection. She is preparing to launch her newest publication, Your Identity in Christ: Who You Are and Whose You Are 31-day devotional in early 2023.

A Florida native, Robin lives in Central Florida with her husband, Scott, and her small Yorkie aRLo. When she is not spending time with her family, Robin spends her time writing, speaking, teaching, and mentoring both contemporaries and students worldwide.

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The Confessions of Gabriel Ash by Lee Polevoi 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.

An ambassador imprisoned in a castle prison somewhere in the Eastern Bloc tells his life story and keeps readers constantly changing whether his story can be trusted in author Lee Polevoi’s international political mystery, “The Confessions of Gabriel Ash”.

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The Synopsis

The Confessions of Gabriel Ash, a literary Cold War thriller with echoes of John Le Carre and A Gentleman in Moscow, alternates between the glittery backdrop of 1980s New York and the sinister grottoes of Eastern Europe. The story UN Ambassador Gabriel Ash has to tell—in a voice that’s sardonic, self-delusional, and uniquely his own—will result either in his release from captivity or the loss of his life.

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The Review

This was a captivating and gripping thriller. The harsh Eastern European settings and the vibrant yet misleading glamor of New York not only elevated the narrative but showcased the fact that so much of our understanding of the world is based so much on perspective. The conflict between protagonist Gabriel Ash and his ties to his homeland with the life he’s built in America and the consequences that follow are rife with intrigue and tension that plays well into the Cold War Era setting. 

For me, the heart of this narrative came with the fusion of genres with the powerful themes the author explores. The almost comic approach to the protagonist’s mindset and interactions with characters blended well with the dark and haunting realities of spy work and corruption within world governments, and the atmosphere of the novel provided enough room for romance, action, and suspense to reign supreme in a natural way. The themes of Communism versus Capitalism, perspective, and individuality all played major roles in the story and allowed the setting and tension to play out greatly as the story progressed.

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The Verdict

Powerful, heart-pounding, and engaging, author Lee Polevoi’s “The Confessions of Gabriel Ash” is a must-read Cold War spy and political thriller you won’t be able to put down. The unique method of storytelling as a narrative device told from the character’s point of view worked so well in several of the scenes in this book and allowed the reader to analyze and work out the mystery behind the protagonist’s life and his struggles for themselves. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Lee Polevoi is the author of a new novel, The Confessions of Gabriel Ash, and The Moon in Deep Winter. He has received a Bread Loaf Writers Conference scholarship and a Chesterfield Film Project screenwriting fellowship, sponsored by Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment. A short film based on The Moon in Deep Winter screened at Cannes and New York’s Chelsea Film Festival. Lee is a graduate of Amherst College and the Warren Wilson College MFA Program for Writers.

Lee reviews fiction and nonfiction as Chief Book Critic for the online publication Highbrow Magazine (http://highbrowmagazine.com/books-fiction).

https://www.facebook.com/lee.polevoi?ref=bookmarks

Converted: Uncover the Hidden Strategies You Need to Easily Achieve Massive Credit Score Success by Nathalie Noisette 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 Nathalie Noisette shares the guided steps new entrepreneurs can take to improve their credit scores and access the finances to become successful in the book “Converted: Uncover the Hidden Strategies You Need to Easily Achieve Massive Credit Score Success”.

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The Synopsis

Introducing: “Converted” – Access The Power of Personal Credit to Skyrocket Your Business Growth!

Are you a new entrepreneur looking to build a thriving business but held back by a less-than-perfect credit score? Do you dream of accessing the financial resources you need to make your entrepreneurial visions a reality? Look no further! We’ve got the ultimate guide to help you improve your personal credit and leverage it to propel your business to new heights: “Converted”!

This comprehensive, step-by-step book is expertly designed to help aspiring business owners like you repair, strengthen, and maintain exceptional personal credit scores, which can open the doors to a world of opportunities for your business ventures.

🌟 Features and Benefits 🌟

  1. Easy-to-Understand with Actionable Steps: “Converted” breaks down complex credit concepts into simple, practical steps that you can easily implement and start seeing results in as little as 30 days.
  2. Insider Secrets from an Industry Expert: Learn proven strategies and tactics from one of the top financial strategist and successful entrepreneurs who have mastered the art of credit restoration and management.
  3. Comprehensive Credit Knowledge: Discover everything you need to know about credit scores, credit reports, and credit bureaus, ensuring you have a solid foundation of knowledge to build upon.
  4. Credit Restoration and Rebuilding: Find out how to identify and dispute errors on your credit report, negotiate with creditors, and establish positive credit habits that will help you restore and rebuild your credit quickly.
  5. Personal Credit Optimization: Uncover advanced techniques for optimizing your personal credit profile, making it more attractive to lenders and improving your chances of securing business loans and lines of credit.
  6. Business Credit Building: Learn how to effectively leverage your personal credit to establish and grow your business credit, ultimately providing your enterprise with the funding it needs to flourish and remain capitalized.
  7. Bonus Resources: Receive access to exclusive online resources, including financial management tools, templates, and calculators that will support your credit improvement journey.

Don’t let a low credit score hold you back from achieving your entrepreneurial dreams! Invest in your future success with “Converted” today and unlock the power of personal credit to catapult your business growth.

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

The Review

This was a thought-provoking and memorable read. The book and guide read as both resourceful and innovative, finding a means of connecting immediately to entrepreneurs and new business owners while also giving a broad look at the credit of every individual as a whole. The honesty and depth of knowledge the author speaks to the reader gives both hope and insight into the world of credit reports and finances as a whole.

The voice and information the author writes in allow readers to readily absorb the information being presented. Not only does the author give basic and enlightening looks into the credit history industry, but goes to great lengths to show the impact that credit history has on starting businesses and the steps to help improve that score, including a breakdown of how the score is tallied up. 

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The Verdict

A memorable, helpful, and engaging financial nonfiction read, author Nathalie Noisette’s “Converted: Uncover the Hidden Strategies You Need to Easily Achieve Massive Credit Score Success” is a must-read book for entrepreneurs and anyone hoping to understand or get a handle on their credit score and finances as a whole. The thoughtful guide and fast pace of the book will allow readers to not only get a firm understanding of their financial situations but perhaps find the best means of building their business in the process. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Nathalie Noisette is a Credit Expert and Financial Strategist on a mission to help shift our approach to money. Nathalie has leveraged her years of experience by founding Credit Conversion, hosting the Mental Money podcast, and writing “Converted: Uncover The Hidden Strategies You Need To Easily Achieve Massive Credit Score Success. “ Nathalie has also created several children’s financial literacy books that help kids as old as three years old gain access to financial literacy concepts.

Interview with Author Giancarlo Roversi

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn Interviews3 Comments

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

I’m a musician and a computer engineer. Since I was a child, I loved art. I dreamed of being a singer and an actor. Maybe it’s a coincidence, but when I was ten years old, I suffered an accident on a small train—I was unable to walk for a year and almost lost a foot. During those months when I couldn’t even get up, I wolfed down dozens of books by Agatha Christie and other authors. I also wrote my first short story. It was in the horror genre, and I always pictured the main character running away from a horde of zombie with the first part of the song “Magnetic Fields I” by Jean Michel Jarré playing as a background music.

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What inspired you to write your book?

During my teenage years, at my sister’s birthdays, a party guest talked about an intrinsic and mysterious subject. That’s where the idea for Pulstar came from. I felt I had to write about it somehow, heavily influenced by Blade Runner and my favorite books. I published the novels Astralvia I and II in Spanish in early 2000. Then I stopped writing and focused fully on my band Fractaler until 2012.

The social, economic, and political disaster in my country, Venezuela, influenced Pulstar and one of its prequels heavily.

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

Thank you for this question. For me, the greatest achievement of an author is when they connect with their readers. The primary message of Pulstar I is that we know so little about anything, also that humans are so insignificant on a universal scale, and how lethal a species can be when it’s slightly more intelligent than the rest, and when it can do whatever it wants because it owns the laws.

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What drew you into this particular genre?

The Pulstar trilogy is science fiction, alternate reality, and dystopia with a touch of romance. Nerve is science fiction with thriller, mystery, and a tinge of horror, perhaps.

Science fiction gives you thousands of possibilities. It’s thought-provoking and presents a range of philosophical issues I love. But what I like most about science fiction—hard-but-not-that-hard—is that it allows me to talk about one of my favorite subjects: the cosmos.

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

Well, this one is quite easy, as I don’t have social media. 😊 I manage everything through my mailing list, and now I’m entering the world of Goodreads.

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

Wow, this is a tough one.

They have to love writing, otherwise, there’s no point. It’s hours of solitude and requires an extreme sacrifice on a social, economic, and emotional level that perhaps only other writers or people connected to the literary scene would be able to fully understand. However, if the uneasiness and the inner burning are there and never go away, we have no choice but toss it out, hoping our message connects with other people.

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

Thank you, future, for holding something in store for me. I hope you rock!

At the moment, I need to finish editing Pulstar II and III. Also, the prequel Marlenh is also in the editing process. Another project I have to complete is the music for all these books; although it’s quite advanced. I have other ideas floating around in my head, of course; only one is science fiction, and all of them would take place in Astralvia. One of these stories is about a young girl drummer who wants to make it; I’m a wanna-be drummer. What can I say?

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About the Author

Venezuela-born Giancarlo Roversi isn’t only a writer. He’s also a computer engineer and a musician who shared stages with artists such as REM, Oasis, Travis, Duran Duran, and Maroon Five.

When his band Fractaler broke up in 2011, he devoted the next ten years to cue the Pulstar Trilogy and three prequels in that universe.

He surrendered his personal life and wrote these manuscripts in his native language, Spanish, and then he translated them into English. He also composed a soundtrack for each book; they’re currently in production.

When he’s not living and breathing in his Pulstarverse, he loves family time, cooking, astronomy, animals, and having philosophical discussions—especially about the meaning of life—with anyone who cares to join him.

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Eamon: Queen of the Flightless Dragons by Martha Carr Kickstarter is Live!

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn Author Spotlight, Book PromotionLeave a comment

Hi everyone! I’m so excited to be resharing my review for author Martha Carr’s “Eamon: Queen of the Flightless Dragons”. To refresh your memory, here is a snippet of the review:

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If Guardians of the Galaxy or Star Wars were to mesh with The Magicians and The Witcher, you would be left with “Eamon: Book 1 of the Flightless Dragons” by Martha Carr. The twists and turns in the narrative and open-ended ending will have readers eager for more from the author and this new fantasy series, and the blend of humor and dark gritty magical storytelling made this a compelling read, so be sure to sign up for the upcoming Kickstarter for this amazing book and help support a brand new fantasy series you won’t be able to put down.”

If you want to read the rest, be sure to click the link here! It’s also featured on the official Kickstarter page for the project, which is not only live but has hit its goal and then some. Be sure to check it out now!

portraits of red and gray: memoir poems by James Morehead Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews1 Comment

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

Author and poet James Morehead take readers on a journey from childhood to adulthood, from Soviet Union era-Russia to the Canadian wilderness, Wyoming, and beyond in his book “portraits of red and gray: memoir poems”.

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The Synopsis

Take an unforgettable journey from the Cold War USSR to Savery, Wyoming, from the mountains of Tuscany to the peak of Yosemite’s Half Dome, from the Canadian wilderness to the beaches of Normandy. James Morehead’s (Poet Laureate – Dublin, California) acclaimed collection is built around a series of memoir poems that takes readers into pre-perestroika Soviet Union through the eyes of a teenager, from Moscow to Tbilisi to Leningrad (and many stops in-between). The striking cover, designed by Zoe Norvell, is based on a 1982 lithograph by Igor Prilutsky.

BookBaby's Complete Self-Publishing Package includes eBooks, Printed Books and more - everything you need for your book launch!

The Review

This was such a moving and beautiful collection of poetry. The author does a remarkable job of using profound imagery that feels both relatable and memorable at the same time, and the varied pacing of each poem speaks to the uniqueness of the memories that make up the subject of each poem, speaking to a specific moment in the author’s life that added to their growth as a person.

To me, the author’s work really worked for the balance in the surface-level themes of life experiences in specific places with the deeper meaning of love itself. Each poem spoke not only to the location of the author’s experience, but the person that they spent that memory with, whether it was the boating trip with his father, watching his Italian grandmother-in-law bake, and so on and so forth. The details that went into each poem spoke to the experience and things around the author that resonated with the person he was with, speaking to the insightful nature of his experiences, even when the person he resonated with was his younger self.

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The Verdict

Memorable, thoughtful, and engaging, author James Morehead’s “portraits of red and gray: memoir poems” is a must-read collection of poetry. The emotional and moving connection the reader makes to the author’s experiences blends well with the imagery and vividness of each poem, making this a wonderful read. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

James Morehead is Poet Laureate of Dublin, CA. portraits of red and gray is his second collection, and he hosts the Viewless Wings Poetry Podcast. James’ poem “tethered” was transformed into an award-winning animated short film, “gallery” was set to music for baritone and piano, and his poems have appeared in numerous publications. He is currently based in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Blog Tour Schedule:

April 18: the bookworm (review)

April 27: A Bookish Way of Life (review)

May 6: Anthony Avina’s blog (review)

May 9: The Book Lover’s Boudoir (review)

May 11: Impressions in Ink (review)

May 15: Review Tales by Jeyran Main (interview)

May 23: CelticLady’s Reviews (guest post)

May 25: Books Parlour (review)

May 29: True Book Addict (review)

https://jamesmorehead.com/

Hawthorne Manor by Bryan T. Clark: Interview and Blog Tour

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn Blog Tours, Book Events, InterviewsLeave a comment

Hawthorne Manor by Bryan T. Clark

  1. How long did it take you to write Hawthorne Manor?

I started writing Hawthorne Manor in 2020. During the pandemic I’d lost all of my creativity and all but stopped writing. I hadn’t finished the first draft at that point, and the characters completely shut down on me. I would go into my office and just sit there, waiting for one of them to speak to me. It was horrible. As we moved through the pandemic, my creativity slowly began to return. I think I’m back to pre-pandemic creativity now.

  1. Is it true that you’re a plotter?

In the beginning of a story, yes. I start with an idea, then I plot out the beginning, the middle, and the end. Everything in between these three points is created as the character’s relay it to me. They speak, and I type. It all has to come organically at this point. It’s the only way I’ll ever tell a story.

  1. What advice would you give a new unpublished author?

Writing a book is hard work and requires a commitment to the task. You will have many roadblocks, and you may think that it’s an impossible task . . . but it’s not. For many people they say that they just don’t know where to start. I say just write your idea even if you don’t have the entire story plotted. Every one of my books go through at least two major rewrites. With each draft more of the story is flushed out. In the end, you will have that story you set out to write.

  1. In your previous life, before you were an author, you were in law enforcement. Do the two careers share anything in common?

Not at all. For twenty-eight years, I was a private person, personally closed off to all who I was in contact with during the course of a day. Then, my life was about facts and conclusions. Now, as a writer, I am infusing bits and pieces of myself in my writing and sharing personal things that have influenced who I am today. I’ve mellowed. Life isn’t so serious anymore.

  1. What are you working on now?

Only what so many of you have been asking for over the past five years: a sequel to Come to the Oaks. The first book saw the characters come alive, and the sequel is just as exciting. The sequel is not simply a continuation of the first book but a new journey for Ben and Tobias, with all the sass, suspense, and satisfaction of Come to the Oaks.

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Hawthorne Manor - Bryan T. Clark

Bryan T. Clark has a new MM contemporary romance out: Hawthorne Manor.

Mikael Ferreira seems to have it all—a great career, looks, intelligence, and charm to boot. But his work as a full-time caregiver at Hawthorne Manor barely leaves him time to breathe, let alone date. Then a new employee arrives at the manor and makes Mikael question whether he’s been living at all or merely existing…

Elliot Olsson is Mikael’s polar opposite. Elliot’s autism has always made him feel isolated. Until now. Mikael truly sees him in a way no one ever has. Elliot wants to open his heart to Mikael and connect with him on a deeper level. But wanting won’t make it any easier to overcome the obstacles Elliot knows they’ll face as a couple…

As Mikael and Elliot’s story is beginning, eighty-eight-year-old Walter Hawthorne’s is coming to an end. But while his health is fading, his mind is sharp as ever—and he has a thing or two to share about life, intimacy, and love with the two young men who seem to know nothing about any of it…

Hawthorne Manor, a contemporary LGBTQ+ romantic novel, is an exploration of the foibles of aging, friendship, love, and the beauty that can exist in a found family. It features a house full of eccentric characters, witty banter, and a deeply emotional M/M romance. HEA guaranteed. Download today, and welcome to Hawthorne Manor.

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Excerpt

Hawthorne Manor meme - Bryan T. Clark

“Are you okay?” Mikael felt bad that he was the cause of Elliot’s stress. The two stood in silence for what seemed like minutes—very long minutes.

“Yeah… Just never been kissed before.” Elliot’s gaze dropped to the floor for a second.

Never been kissed? Mikael was at a loss on how to respond to such a profound statement.

“I liked it.” Elliot’s cheeks turned pink.

“You did?” A sea of blue in Elliot’s eyes, his rose lips, the pink in his pale cheeks… Mikael wanted to kiss all of him. He wanted to lift the sorrow from Elliot’s eyes, remove it from his lips, and wash it from his cheeks. He fought the urge to kiss him again. His heart pinged harder. He wanted to kiss him a million times to make up for all the kisses he’d missed. He touched Elliot’s cheek with the back of his hand, envisioning that he was wiping the sadness from it. Elliot trembled at his touch.

Elliot’s stare was piercing. His brows danced as a tiny smile slowly emerged, softening his expression.

“Do you know that you do this darling little thing with your brows? It’s barely noticeable how one goes up and the left one dips. It’s adorable.”

“I do?”

“When did you become so freakin’ hot?” Mikael’s voice dropped to a whisper.

Elliot wrinkled his nose. “I don’t think I’m hot.”

Mikael took Elliot’s denial as modesty. It was hard to believe he could be so attractive and not be aware of his good looks. “Yeah, and you know what? That makes you even hotter.” Mikael lifted Elliot’s chin. “I can’t believe you don’t know how nice-looking you are?”

Elliot shook his head, pulling loose from Mikael’s grasp. “No—”

“Yes.” Mikael raised Elliot’s chin. “You are.”

“I always thought you had a nice smile….” Elliot’s voice quaked. “Especially when you’re looking at me.”

You’re sooo freakin’ adorable. Mikael couldn’t avoid the big smile that accompanied his laugh.

“And you have pretty teeth,” Elliot mumbled.

“I think that’s a first. Someone complimenting me on my teeth. Usually, it’s my fat ass. But I’ll take teeth, too.”

“Your butt is nice too, but your teeth….” Elliot’s gaze drifted up to meet Mikael’s stare. “They’re really white.”

“Are you flirting with me, Mr. Olsson?” Mikael grinned as if he was in a toothpaste commercial, ensuring his white teeth were front and center. “I certainly hope so because I like you… I like you a lot.”

“I don’t know how to flirt. But your teeth are really white.” Elliot raked his fingers through his hair, then tucked it behind his ear. The protruding vein on his forehead subsided a little.

So, he does like me! Mikael’s heart thumped as he took a step closer to Elliot… and kissed him. Again.

It was only a soft kiss, but it was on lips he’d been dreaming of… and it was glorious!

He pulled back, assessing the situation. Seeing Elliot moisten his lips with his tongue, he did the same, wanting to savor every bit of the kiss. The dude that had never been kissed had the ability to set off fireworks within him.

Author Bio

Author Bryan T. Clark

Bryan T. Clark is a multi-published award-winning author of gay romance, and contemporary books. In his early in life, Bryan learned that he was different from everyone else in his world. As a young African American boy, he was the second to the youngest of seven children. Long before hormones kicked in and the realization of same sex attraction, it was his light skin and blond hair that made him different from those around him. Teased within his own race for being lighter than everyone else, the kids on the playground called him “Cornbread”.

As a writer, Bryan has taken back the power once given up to those schoolyard bullies. He is committed to bringing his readers stories of real life, with multicultural characters, riveting plots, and where the underdog always wins. He is the founder of Cornbread Publishing: the name empowers him and is a constant reminder that life can have a Happily-Ever-After.

Born in Boston, Massachusetts, Bryan and his husband of thirty-six years has made their home and life in the Central Valley of California.

Author Website: https://www.btclark.com/

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

Author Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/romanceauthor/Author Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Bryan-T-Clark/author/B0BQ5JQ24P

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The Dyatlov Pass Mystery: Not A Cold Case by Henning Kuersten Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews1 Comment

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

Author Henning Kuersten uses new professional image analysis, video footage, and so much more to discuss and even debunk some of the theories surrounding one of mountaineering’s most haunting cases and works to discover the truth in the book “The Dyatlov Pass: Not a Cold Case”.

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The Synopsis

Amazon Bestseller in History, Mountaineering and Expeditions

John Hay, Warner Brothers director and two-time EMMY award winner:

A definitive work on the case; convincing, well researched and played out with such conviction, that by the time I got to the end of the book I couldn’t think of any other solution to the mystery that remained plausible.

On 1. February 1959, a group of nine experienced hikers perished in -30° under mysterious, gruesome circumstances in the Ural mountain range, on the slope of Mount Kholat Syakhl, also referred to as “Dead Mountain” or “1079”. Three weeks after the incident, their abandoned but strangely intact tent was found, slashed open from the inside. The student hikers fled without proper clothing and boots to a ravine at the base of the mountain, where it seems they didn’t die from hypothermia alone, but from traumatic violent injuries and burns. Strange last photographs taken by the hikers and high levels of radiation found on some of their clothes have led to decades of speculation over what really happened.

The Dyatlov Pass mystery is one of the most perplexing mysteries in the international history of mountaineering, and probably the most controversial forensic crime case in Russia. But was it murder, KGB conspiracy, a rocket accident coverup or some unknown natural or supernatural force, like the “Gods in Shining Garments” which the local Mansi hunters mention, or the “fireballs” chief inspector Ivanov believed in up to his death? Are there undervalued or misunderstood eye witnesses of the tragedy, or has anyone even had a similar close encounter since, on that mysterious mountain of fire & ice, where compasses deviate more than 30°?

This gripping nonfiction documentary discusses and debunks multiple existing theories with the help of professional image analysis, rare video footage, eyewitness reports, previously misinterpreted evidence and Occam-style common sense. Through the help of science, the author unravels the secrets behind the fateful journey to that deadly mountain in the freezing Russian winter, and for the first time ties together all seemingly contradicting puzzle pieces into a big picture. Extensively illustrated with visual material, ranging from recovered film frames to newest amateur footage, the book leads the reader to the spectacular solution of the mystery. Which turns out to be surprisingly close to the initial official conclusion of “unknown compelling force”, but far from the better-than-nothing avalanche theory, which has seen a prominent renaissance after the 2020 Russian reopening of the case.

The author Henning Kuersten studied Computer & Information science at the Technical University of Munich, Germany, and Psychology at Queen’s University in Kingston, Canada. He is owner of a company specialized in software for image analysis. He is also a dedicated mountaineer who has survived a horrific incident on the 4049 meter high Piz Bernina, which, together with his professional experience in Photography and Psychology, has helped him to understand the fate of the Dyatlov group.

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The Review

This was a truly memorable and thought-provoking read. The blend of history and mystery that this case presents to the reader was well represented in this book. The author does a great job of presenting the facts of this case with precision and expertise, while also allowing room for profound thoughts and engaging theory work that the author gives to readers to touch upon the stranger aspects of this case.

The amount of research and discovery the author allows for in this book was remarkable to watch unfold. The images and pieces of evidence the author provides within this book help elevate the wild and chilling theories that are explored and debunked. The way the author brings to life science and history, along with the passion for mountaineering as a whole, made this a compelling read.

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The Verdict

Thrilling, mindful, and engaging, author Henning Kuersten’s “The Dyatlov Pass Mystery: Not a Cold Case” is a must-read nonfiction book on mountaineering and world history. The way the culture of the time and setting was implemented into the facts of the case and the presentation of the people who became the victims of this infamous study was greatly represented in this book, making this infamous case feel alive on the page. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Henning Kuersten studied Computer & Information science at the Technical University of Munich, Germany, and Psychology at Queen’s University in Kingston, Canada. He is owner of a company specialized in software for image analysis. He is also a dedicated mountaineer who has survived a horrific incident on the 4049 meter high Piz Bernina, which, together with his professional experience in Photography and Psychology, has helped him to understand the mystery of the Dyatlov Pass Incident.

The Flaws in Our Prayers: A Novel by Magdalena Stanhoff 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.

Four people defined by their past and reluctant to accept love find themselves drawn together and must discover if they can truly have a happily ever after in author Magdalena Stanhoff’s “The Flaws in Our Prayers: A Novel”. 

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The Synopsis

Someone needs to save the savior. And someone has to protect the protector.

Years ago, Hana left her homeland with her little daughter, and she has steered clear of romance ever since. Sebastian graduated from a hard school of life, and he firmly believes love is a weakness. Neither plans to change their single status—but fate has a different idea.

One winter morning Hana saves a stranger’s life, setting off a chain of events that will thoroughly entangle their families. Sebastian won’t stop until he finds his elusive rescuer, and in his search, he unknowingly sends a young relative on a collision course with Hana’s darling girl…

Sori comes off as the epitome of composure and grace, but her childhood memories left her with zero tolerance for unkindness or cruelty. And Filip is like a shard of glass: beautiful, hard, jagged, and brittle. But oddly enough, the sun’s always shining when they get together, and every trouble can be reduced to a joke.

And thus, two parallel love stories unfold. But new feelings quickly awaken old demons, and soon it turns out conventions are against them as well. Neither Sebastian nor Filip will accept defeat, but can they both find—or fight—their way to a happily ever after?

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The Review

This was a captivating and thrilling read. The balance of romance and character development the author found was greatly appreciated, as it felt like the world the author built in this story was realistic and heartfelt in its delivery. The setting taking place at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic was unique as well, as it didn’t really focus on this aspect of the narrative too much like many books in recent years have, but instead used it as a springboard for the situations that arise to bring these four people together in their own unique way.

The individuality and creative development of these characters made the story for me. Without it, the romance and relationships they built together would have felt forced, but instead, they appear to readers as a natural and relatable story. Each character feels unique to themselves and is very multi-dimensional. Rather than being stuck in a one-dimensional story where two people fall head over heels for one another instantly with little to no stakes, the author gives us flawed, emotional, and self-assured characters who own their pasts and strive to rise above them, even when it becomes too difficult to handle at times. The way these unique backstories bring these very different characters together made this a compelling romance and contemporary women’s fiction novel.

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The Verdict

Memorable, heartfelt, and engaging, author Magdalena Stanhoff’s “The Flaws in Our Prayers: A Novel” is a must-read women’s fiction and romance novel. The heart and passion that the author touches upon while still remaining realistic and attainable in the world-building made this an enthralling read, and one that readers won’t want to put down until they turn that last page. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Magdalena Stanhoff writes contemporary novels about third-culture people. She loves traveling and is vividly interested in how diverse cultures coexist, clash, and mix, and how it influences people’s life. Her novels explore romantic love, family bonds, and friendship in their various forms and shades, and since the author is an incurable dreamer, they always end with the HEA.

Visit www.magdalenastanhoff.com