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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Author and poet G.W. Wietgrefe share a collection of witty and relaxing poetry to help ease the stress of everyday life in the book “Dakota Country Problems”.
The Synopsis
Rhyming light-hearted poems are rare today. There is no better stress reliever than a smile after reading Half-Assed Ranch, Duck Lesson, Innuendo, Rock in the Road, Need Credit, Can, Time’s Right, Anticipate Fishing, Dad’s Desk, or a book full of relaxing poetry. Keep Dakota Country Poems on your desk, end table, or nightstand and smile.
The Review
This was a heartfelt and captivating read. The author does a remarkable job of creating a calming and easy-going vibe throughout many of his poems, touching upon the memories and experiences of his life and allowing the sometimes fun, sometimes sad, but always memorable moments to shine brightly on the page.
The use of rhyme in these poems utilized the simplicity of the art form to bring to life some heartfelt lessons on life and those who live within it. One poem that spoke to me personally was Badger, which utilized the life and experiences of the animal to help illustrate the need to reach out to those who isolate themselves from society and ask themselves if it is isolation through choice or a form of self-sabotage through loneliness.
The Verdict
Heartfelt, gripping, and thoughtfully written, author G.W. Wietgrefe’s “Dakota Country Poems” is a must-read poetry collection. The heart and passion for which the author writes these poems and the balance of lighthearted fun with care and essential themes make this a compelling collection not to be missed. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Gary Wietgrefe (pronounced wit’ grif) is an inventor, researcher, military intelligence veteran, agriculturalist, economist, systems developer, societal explorer, cyclist, hiker, outdoorsman, and author. See www.RelatingtoAncients.com.
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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Author Barbara Moreau takes readers on a journey to discover the best methods and techniques for learning how to become an interior decorator in the book “Interior Design 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Transforming Your Home”.
The Synopsis
Interior Design 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Transforming Your Home” is the ultimate companion for anyone venturing into the world of interior design. This comprehensive book takes you on a journey, starting from the fundamentals and leading you to create stunning spaces that reflect your personal style. From understanding color schemes, furniture arrangement, and lighting techniques to exploring different design styles and budget-friendly tips, this book covers it all. Packed with practical advice, inspiring examples, and step-by-step instructions, “Interior Design 101” empowers you to transform your home into a harmonious and inviting sanctuary, no matter your skill level or budget. Unlock your creativity and unleash the designer within with this essential guide.
The Review
This was a well-written and detailed guide for anyone looking to get into the world of interior decorating. The author’s writing style was a healthy mix of personable and educational, and the fast pace of the narrative allowed the reader to get a clear sense of what they were learning, and to come back to this guidebook time and time again.
To me, what really set this guide and book apart was the fact that the author wrote this for a multitude of different readers. The book will appeal to anyone looking to become an interior designer, but even those who may not see a career for themselves in this field will be drawn to this, getting the knowledge and skill to make these changes for themselves in their own homes. Learning everything from assessing one’s space to plan the layout of the design, to choosing the right lighting and furniture for the interior was great to see come to life on the page.
The Verdict
Insightful, captivating, and engaging, author Barbara Moreau’s “Interior Design 101” is a must-read nonfiction book and guide to anyone interested in learning about interior design. The depth of detail and the impactful work the author put into this guide will have readers referencing and learning from it for years to come. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
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 man must work with his law school friends to help defend him and his younger siblings as Child Welfare threatens to remove the children from his care in author James Rosenberg’s “Guarding Innocence”, the fourth book in the Verdicts & Vindication series.
The Synopsis
Passionate Family Drama. Intense Courtroom Dynamics
Cam Crewell can barely keep his head above water in his first year of law school. His struggles intensify when his younger brother and sister are suddenly left with no place to live. Without other options, they move in with Cam and his five eclectic roommates into their overcrowded and barely code-compliant house.
Although the new home offers a sense of belonging and support, their world is thrown into turmoil when Child Welfare discovers the kids are living without a true legal guardian. Cam must figure out how to defend their lifestyle and protect his family against an overzealous attempt to relocate his brother and sister.
Cam’s law school friends represent and defend him in an intense courtroom battle that will determine the fate of his family. In this heart pounding legal battle, Cam must convince the court that he can provide the most stable living environment for his siblings.
Combining an exploration of family dynamics like found in Defending Jacob, with a breakdown of legal and ethical dilemmas faced by individuals responsible for protecting children similar to The Children Act, Guarding Innocence is a captivating and fast-paced thriller.
Justifying how to raise your kids is almost impossible when you’re on the witness stand.
The Review
This was a gripping and tense legal thriller. The author did a remarkable job of diving head first into a detailed, law-driven narrative, allowing the reader to find themselves lost in the family dynamics of this brother and his younger siblings, with the camaraderie of the law school friends coming together to fight for their friend and his family, and the harsh realities of the law and family dynamics. The expertise and knowledge the author pours into the narrative make the story feel alive and vibrant on the page.
To me, the heart of the narrative was in the character growth and emotional impact of the narrative overall. Not all aspects of the law come with such an emotionally invested story, and the fight to keep a family together despite unusual living situations is something many families have had to fight and live through. The dynamics between Cam and his siblings and the closer they got in the face of these tragic circumstances made this story feel so important and heartfelt in the overall development of this narrative.
The Verdict
Thoughtful, passionate, and engaging, author James Rosenberg’s “Guarding Innocence” is a must-read legal thriller meets family and sibling fiction narrative. The twists and turns in the case along the way, and the attention to detail regarding the law in this book made the emotional moments between the siblings feel all that much more heartfelt. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
James Rosenberg is a 3rd generation trial attorney with plenty of stories to tell. Inspired not only by the courtroom stories his father and grandfather used to tell him when he was a child, but also by the wild adventures he’s encountered through his own experience as a lawyer. James is fascinated by the intricate, interpersonal dynamics of every trial he’s endured. Whether it’s the raw emotion on display in court, the tension in the air that builds until someone wins, or the impact that a case’s decision has on the parties involved, James is always paying attention and keeping tabs on what’s happening.
In his debut novel, Legal Reserves, James flexes his creative muscle outside of the courtroom to share his stories, with a fictional twist, through the eyes of archetypes he knows well. He continues weaving stories of the tribulations of litigation with larger issues of friendship and ambition in his latest novels, The Jersey and Unclean Hands.
A native of Pittsburgh and a graduate of Taylor Allderdice High School and the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, James has been a trial attorney in Pittsburgh for almost 30 years. He started writing legal thrillers as a stress reducer and finds this creative outlet to be a fun and meaningful diversion from his day job.
When he’s not trying cases, he’s either dreaming up his next book idea, spending time with his wife and three kids, or both.
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 young man struggling with his life must find a path forward in author Anne Leigh Parrish’s “A Summer Morning”.
The Synopsis
As Timothy Dugan makes his way through life, he is beset by a growing list of problems.
His girlfriend, a full-time college student, wants to have a baby, he hates his job, and his mother announces that she and his father, long divorced, plan to remarry. He copes by drinking too much. When his mother suggests it’s time for another round of therapy, Timothy loudly resists. He knows his outlook is sour and vows to do better. Then Harcourt, a former fraternity brother, presents him with an attractive business opportunity to get in on a home-building business, and things start to look up. Timothy happily resigns his position as manager of the local GAP store. Harcourt, however, has a bad habit of cutting corners to save money and things fall apart. Timothy feels the best way to get his feet back under him is to nail things down with Sam, so he buys her an insanely expensive engagement ring she says is all wrong. She comes around to the idea of marriage after meeting Melissa, Timothy’s former girlfriend, who has a son Timothy didn’t know about. Timothy’s feelings are stirred up by Melissa’s presence, and he goes into a slow-motion train wreck. Promise after promise is broken until Sam reaches a breaking point. She’s committed to Timothy, but their future is dark. Will her love light the way again? Or has she finally had enough?
The Review
This was a complex yet engaging narrative that didn’t let go. The author did a remarkable job of crafting a story that felt organic and locked into the realities of what goes into a modern relationship. The engaging atmosphere and the rich tension that builds within these character dynamics will instantly hook readers into the narrative.
To me, it was the blend of deep-seated emotional storytelling with captivating character development that made this story shine so brightly. Rather than shy away from the truths that so many people live through in relationships, the author perfectly highlights the struggles and hardships that can occur in a relationship, and how the outside forces in our lives, from work to past relationships and more, can have an impact on the relationship that matters most to us.
The Verdict
Memorable, heartfelt, and engaging, author Anne Leigh Parrish’s “A Summer Morning” is a must-read genre fiction, romance, and drama novel that is not to be missed. The upcoming book will delve into the detailed struggles of modern relationships, bring about realistic characters readers can latch onto, and bring an emotional end that will stay with readers long after the book ends. If you haven’t yet, be sure to preorder your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Anne Leigh Parrish lives in a forest in the South Sound Region of Washington State. She is the author of twelve previously books which include short stories, novels, and poems. She has recently ventured into the art of photography. Find her online at anneleighparrish.com.
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 simple traffic accident begins a rage-filled confrontation between two families set against the backdrop of toxic culture in American society in the book “Take the Lively Air” by Mick Bennett.
The Synopsis
In Take the Lively Air, a minor traffic collision escalates into a confrontation between two families haunted by their pasts and apprehensive of their futures. Rage and regret butt heads against the background of America’s toxic cultural climate. But saner voices discover that human frailties are best viewed through the microscope of compassion, and our common humanity must be acknowledged to make way for our futures.
The Review
This was a thoughtful and beautifully crafted novel. The way the past and present clash with one another and come to a chaotic halt in the course of this one accident really allows the tension and atmosphere to climb and settle over the reader. The wonderful use of imagery in the author’s narrative allowed the vibrant settings along the New Jersey beach to come to life on the page, and bring that relatability that the narrative has.
The heart of this story has to be in the character growth this story holds. The story perfectly examines the complex family dynamics that can be found in a modern home, while also showcasing how the past and the ghosts of that past can impact our present and how we treat one another as well. The steps the protagonist takes to make amends and see life not through the rage and anger that society is holding onto, but the compassion and understanding that we all crave made this a memorable read.
The Verdict
Thoughtful, enlightening, and heartfelt, author Mick Bennett’s “Take the Lively Air” is a must-read literary fiction read. The twists and turns in the narrative and the emotional connection that readers will make with these characters make this quite a compelling narrative. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Mick Bennett is from Belmar, New Jersey. Bennett attended Gettysburg College, and after graduation in 1975, found a job at a high school 15 miles from Gettysburg where he taught for 33 years. Bennett is the author of four books: Missing You in Belmar, Summer Mirrors, Boardwalk Man, and Beat the Blues.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author Sajdah R. Nubee gives readers a beautiful and heartfelt journal to reflect on life’s journey and uses inspirational quotes and scripture from the Islamic Faith to help journal writers everywhere in the book “Today, I Choose Gratitude: Spiritual Gratitude Journal With Verses from The Holy Qur’an”.
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The Synopsis
Created especially for Muslim brothers and sisters, Today, I Choose Gratitude gives Muslims of all ages a beautiful space to reflect on Allah’s words and develop deep gratefulness.
Given the fast pace of day-to-day life, it’s often difficult to take a moment to reflect and find the beauty in everyday moments. Author Sajdah R. Nubee’s striking journal poses gratefulness-inspired quotes from the Qur’an and other Islamic scripture as prompts for readers to reflect with. Included in the journal, you’ll find prompts about:
● Success.
● Faith and Mercy.
● Trusting Allah.
● Safety and security.
● …and more!
Today, I Choose Gratitude is lined and undated with 100 prompts, allowing for reflective writing that fits into your routine seamlessly. Readers can build a daily habit with the book, or take advantage of it when they recognize they need a moment to relax, reflect, and recenter. Each prompt differs slightly to help you focus on shifting pieces of life and the world-and how to be grateful for each.
Readers of this book will notice a difference in their heart after several days of journaling, and may even start daily gratefulness reflections once they start a routine.
While the journal is perfect for Muslims of all ages and genders, Today, I Choose Gratitude makes a wonderful gift for anyone interested in religious or spiritual motivation.
The Review
This was a simple yet powerful journal. The author was able to find the right balance of giving journal writers enough space to take account of their own lives and daily experiences while also infusing the author’s spirituality and faith into the prompts and inspirational quotes found within the book. The insight that readers gain from those quotes will stay with them as time goes on.
This was a fast-paced yet interactive and heartfelt journal to take hold of. The lovely artwork and design that the book utilizes and the emphasis the journal puts on guiding writers to find the gratitude for everyday life that we sometimes lack due to forces both within and outside of our control made this a truly memorable journaling experience.
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The Verdict
Memorable, heartfelt, and engaging, author Sajdah R. Nubee’s “Today, I Choose Gratitude: Spiritual Gratitude Journal With Verses from The Holy Qur’an” is a must-read and must-write-in journal for both Islamic faith writers and those seeking to find the gratitude in life. The passion and insight the author provides in the pages of this journal will become both memorable and heartening to the readers as they push further and further into their journaling. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author Greg Vrecenak shares with readers the lessons he learned from his own father as he passes them down to his own child in the book “The First Punch: Scrufty’s Guide to Life”.
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The Synopsis
In “The First Punch,” delve deep into the essence of fatherhood, legacy, and the invaluable teachings life offers. Drawing inspiration from the timeless principles of Stoicism and personal anecdotes from childhood, the narrative transcends generations. It reflects on the lessons passed down from a father and how they have shaped a life, laying the groundwork for the wisdom to be passed on to the next generation.
Journey through the complexities of parenthood, identity, and the pursuit of Stoic ideals in the contemporary world. Each chapter unveils a lesson, a memory, and a stepping stone towards understanding life’s true essence. As a new generation beckons and lessons crystallize, this narrative provides readers a profound insight into life’s continual ebb and flow of teaching and learning.
Whether you’re a parent seeking to impart wisdom to your children, an individual on a journey of self-discovery, or someone keen to understand the Stoic way of life, “The First Punch” serves as a beacon, illuminating the path of purposeful living.
The Review
This was a moving and insightful read. The author found the right balance between personal stories from the author’s life learning from his own father and the engaging lessons themselves, touching upon deep philosophical ideas about life and how to live it. The compassion and understanding that the author’s writing style evokes made this book feel compelling to get lost in.
The thing that really stood out to me was the way the author wrote this equally as an ode to their father and a guide for their own child, as well as the amazing sports themes and references to help illustrate these lessons. One chapter that really helped marry these two ideas together was the story of getting out in front of the ball, showcasing the idea of a sport like baseball illustrating something as complex as facing life’s challenges head-on, and the honest and fast-paced of the author’s personal story blends well into this book.
The Verdict
Gripping, thoughtful, and insightful, author Greg Vrecenak’s “The First Punch” is a must-read nonfiction book of advice, parenting, and ethics that will speak to the reader deeply. Whether it is the sports references that help illustrate the author’s lessons or the thought-provoking lessons themselves that bring some incredible and heartfelt life lessons to the reader’s attention, this is one book that readers will fall in love with and come back to 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
Greg Vrecenak is an English teacher who began his educational career in 2003. His journey commenced at Sheepshead Bay High School in Brooklyn before leading him overseas to the culturally vibrant city of Abu Dhabi. With a passion for pedagogy and a profound love for language, Greg has dedicated himself to enlightening young minds with the beauty of English literature.
Away from the classroom, Greg finds joy and fulfillment in his personal life. He resides in Abu Dhabi with his loving wife, Zeina, and their playful cats, Marcella and Moon. Greg’s family recently welcomed a new addition, their son William, who has added a new chapter to their exciting journey abroad.
As a teacher, a father, and an author, Greg is constantly learning and seeking out the narratives that shape our world, carrying the invaluable lessons from his past into his present life and sharing them with future generations.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A young boy must grapple with the tragedy surrounding his hero in author Sierra West’s “Raffi”.
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The Synopsis
Raffi depicts a story of a boy and his hero. A real-life example of processing one of life’s most impactful events. And the lessons, hardships, and, ultimately, triumphs that are experienced through that journey. 50% of the proceeds for this story go to the Mamba Mambacita Sports Foundation and the Boys & Girls Club of America to promote youth sports and education in underserved communities.
The Review
This was a heartfelt and compelling children’s book. The author was able to distinctly tell a remarkable story that children and parents alike will fall in love with, all while catapulting the reader into an emotional read that deals with some powerful moments in life that will stay with readers.
To me, the heart of this story rests in the powerful themes the author explores and the relatability of the narrative overall. Having grown up in Southern California, the Lakers were our favorite team, and having spent many years watching Kobe, Shaq, and so many other incredible players take the team to championship after championship, the connection to those players was strong. The emotional depth of dealing with loss, and finding the inspiration within ourselves made this a memorable book.
The Verdict
Thoughtful, heartfelt, and engaging, author Sierra West’s “Raffi” is a must-read children’s book. The heartening look at how we recover from tragedy and loss and the lessons that those who inspire us can not only teach us but impact us on a grander level made this book a truly delightful read. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Sierra West is a first time author inspired by events that grounded the world. Writing and telling stories is a deep passion of hers, especially pertaining to societal topics and events. She hopes this story will be appreciated by kids, parents, and anyone in between, and is looking forward to continuing with her passion.
The Unshakeable Road to Love (Value Centered Relationships) is based upon Eternal Principles from all world scriptures, including Zen. These tried and true Eternal Principles, the Pillars of Love, show how to build foundations for relationships where happiness and well-being are inevitable. And where pain and conflict can dissolve on the spot.
A radically different approach to love and psychology, the book offers a completely new perspective on fulfillment and what is truly needed to thrive. For example, one of the Pillars of Love upon which the book is based is:
To Be Happy, You Do Not Have To Be Loved, You Have to Learn What It Means to Be Loving.
The book explores the difference between Real and Counterfeit Love. We discover how all suffering in relationships is due to being caught in the trap of Counterfeit Love. And how easy it is to break free from bondage and leave that trap behind.
This is a book of practice, filled with Turning Points, Pillars of Love, Interventions, and many enjoyable exercises so the reader can practice these principles in all their relationships and in their everyday lives.
Written by a psychologist, Interfaith Counselor, and long-term Zen practitioner, the book combines the practices and principles of both East and West, helping us to discover and celebrate the best in ourselves and others.
Brenda Shoshanna is an award-winning author, psychologist, Interfaith counselor, and long-term Zen practitioner and speaker. Her work is dedicated to integrating the teachings of East and West and making them real in our everyday lives. Brenda has offered over five hundred talks and workshops on all aspects of personal and spiritual development, relationships, and living an authentic, meaningful life.
Join us as we celebrate the launch of The Unshakeable Road to Love by Dr. Brenda Shoshanna. We interview the author and give you a chance to win a copy of the book for yourself.
We are all treasure hunters, looking for the secret to fulfilling relationships. Usually, we believe the secret lies in finding the right person, acquiring the best relationship skills and learning to communicate our needs more clearly. Our relationships are usually dedicated to finding happiness, getting our needs met, being powerful or in charge. Basically, we are using our relationships to feel good about ourselves.
However, despite all our efforts, relationships often become a source of pain and suffering. And when a partner stops meeting our needs, love often turns into rejection. Conflict, anger and loneliness arise endlessly.
When our thoughts are primarily absorbed with what we are needing and receiving, or how to build up our self esteem, we live in a prison without bars. It becomes impossible to truly see the person we are with, or what is really happening. The harder we try to make things right, the more complicated they can become. How can we ever find fulfillment in this manner?
A Completely New Perspective
It is time to offer a completely new perspective on psychological and spiritual suffering and the road to unfailing happiness. As we turn to the world’s Eternal Scriptures we see that suffering has been dealt with throughout the centuries. Profound relationship insights along with powerful forms of healing have been offered again and again. However, this fundamental, eternal wisdom has not been recognized or invited into our relationships. That is why we suffer so.
A Radical Alternative
These eternal truths present a radical alternative to the ways we function in relationships and what we expect of them. They also present a radical view into what it means to truly love. Like the laws of gravity, these principles are infallible, cannot fail.
An Unshakable Road To Love (Value-Centered Relationships) is based upon these eternal truths found in all world scriptures. They are the perfect medicine for what is truly ailing us. Not only are these principles fundamental to our happiness, they are also simple, easy to understand and enjoyable to perform. And when we apply these principles to our relationships, pain and conflict often disappear on the spot.
This book and program are dedicated to sharing a new form of psychology based upon these Eternal Principles. This is a Book of Practice, simple, direct and filled with specific insights, exercises and interventions, which carefully guide us in ways of applying these truths with whomever we meet, including ourselves.
EXCERPT TWO
Relationship Koans
All relationships can be thought of as koans, teachings coming to us from the world of Zen. A koan is a question given to a student by a teacher that has no logical or rational answer. And yet an answer must be made. The same is true of relationships.
In the beginning we try to figure our koans out, strategize, demand certain outcomes. That never works. Before long, we find new ways of handling koans, or so called problems. We learn to enjoy them and let the answer reveal itself. When we approach our relationships the same way as we do our koans, it is easy to see many of the illusions we have been living with, and how they have destroyed our joy.
Relationship Myths and Mirages
These illusions, or relationship myths and mirages steal our trust, hope and love. Once they are dissolved, and the truth bubbles up, our entire perspective changes and new horizons open.
Ultimately, we do not work on our koans, they work on us. Koans wake us up, alter what our view and present possibilities we never imagined were there. This is true in our relationships as well. Relationships, truly understood and practiced, are an incredible gateway into the heart of our lives.
Here is a wonderful instruction given to students working with a koan. It is wonderful
instruction for being in a relationship as well.
Be With Your Koan as if You Were a Mother Hen Sitting On Her Nest, Keeping Her Eggs Warm. (Do the Same with Your Relationship.)
Don’t leave the nest or desert the chicks. And don’t interfere with their growth, or constantly peek in to see how they’re doing. When the perfect moment comes the chicks will peck out of their shells and be born. Do the same with your relationship! Then the relationship will naturally become fully alive.
