Tag: author blog

What Comes Next by Caitlin Forbes Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn Blog Tours, Book Events, 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 woman pushes herself to experience more of life after the sudden loss of her mother in author Caitlin Forbes’s “What Comes Next.”

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The Synopsis

An empowering and heartfelt novel about the complexities of family, the power of sisterhood, and the bravery it takes to choose happiness when all seems lost.

“My life is perfectly fine.”

Alex has pretended this for years―despite an emotionally absent father, a best friend drifting away, and a floundering dog-training business. At least Alex has her sister, Meredith, a driven polar opposite. But both their lives are upended when their estranged mother dies of a genetic condition that the sisters have a fifty-fifty chance of inheriting. For Alex, a world without her mother is uncomfortable. But a world without Meredith is unthinkable.

Alex suggests a pact to which Meredith tentatively agrees: In three months they’ll get tested. Until then they go after everything they’ve ever wanted. Alex is finally stepping out of her comfort zone and opening herself up to new relationships. Or maybe reconnecting with an old one. Nathan, a boy who once broke her heart, needs a trainer for his mixed-breed rescue. Alex can’t resist.

As sparks rekindle, and time passes much too quickly, Alex discovers more about herself, her sister, and her mother than she ever imagined. And that everything in life―especially happiness―comes with a risk worth taking.

The Review

What a heartfelt and emotional read. The author finds such a delicate yet perfect balance between exploring the grieving process, the intricacies of relationships, and the power of self-discovery. The juxtaposition of animal care with the protagonist’s life, especially with Remy and the frequency of animal abandonment due to past trauma, making it difficult to train or home them, mirrors the protagonist’s own abandonment issues and really speaks volumes throughout this story.

Yet it was the relationship between Alex and Meredith that really stood out to the reader. The way they learned to lean on one another in the absence of their parents, the loss they share, and the shock of a shared illness lingering as a possibility is something that felt so relatable as someone who inherited several ailments and the dangers that come with genetic diseases. The author artfully navigates these troubled waters by exploring the path to finding hope again in a person’s life amidst the trauma.

The Verdict

Memorable, heartfelt, and engaging, author Caitlin Forbes’s “What Comes Next” is a must-read women’s fiction-meets-family-drama novel. The imagery and atmosphere the author brought to life on the page, along with the compelling blend of emotional storytelling and hopeful tones, will keep readers engaged until the book’s final chapters. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Photography by Molly Haley, mollyhaley.com

Caitlin Forbes is a Maine-based author who writes stories that explore the messiness of relationships—from sisterhood to romance to the tricky relationship we have with ourselves. When not writing, you can find her chasing after her toddler (or her dog) and exploring small-town New England life. 

You can follow the author at: 

https://www.caitlinforbesauthor.com/

https://www.instagram.com/caitlin_forbes_author/

Blog Tour Calendar

December 8 @ The Muffin

Join us at the Muffin as we celebrate the launch of What Comes Next by Caitlin Forbes. We interview the author and give you a chance to win a copy of the book.

https://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com

December 9 @ Kaecey McCormick’s blog

Join Kaecey’s blog for a guest post from Caitlin Forbes about why she writes and what inspires her.

https://www.kaeceymccormick.com/blog

December 11 @ Knotty Needle

Judy shares her thoughts about What Comes Next by Caitlin Forbes. 

https://knottyneedle.blogspot.com/

December 12 @ CC King’s blog

Stop by Caitrin’s blog for a guest post by Caitlin Forbes on the struggle and process of publishing a debut novel.

https://www.caitrincking.com/blog

December 15 @ Sarandipity’s

Visit Sara’s blog for an excerpt from What Comes Next by Caitlin Forbes. 

https://sarandipitys.com/blog/

December 18 @ Knotty Needle

Stop by Judy’s blog again for her response to our tour-themed prompt about her own dog rescue story.

https://knottyneedle.blogspot.com/

December 19 @ Nicole Writes About Stuff

Stop by Nicole’s Substack for a contribution from Caitlin Forbes.

https://nicolepyles.substack.com

December 20 @ A Wonderful World of Books

Visit Joy’s blog for an excerpt from What Comes Next by Caitlin Forbes.

https://awonderfulworldofwordsa.blogspot.com/

December 20 @ Author Anthony Avina’s blog

Visit Anthony’s blog for an excerpt from What Comes Next by Caitlin Forbes.

https://authoranthonyavina.com/category/blog-tours/

December 21 @ Chapter Break

Visit Julie’s blog for a guest post by Caitlin Forbes about the importance of fiction, particularly book club fiction, in this crazy time.

https://chapterbreak.net/

December 23 @ What Is That Book About?

Visit Michelle’s blog for an excerpt from What Comes Next by Caitlin Forbes.

https://www.whatisthatbookabout.com/

December 26 @ Words by Webb

Visit Jodi’s blog for her review of What Comes Next by Caitlin Forbes.

https://www.jodiwebbwriter.com/blog

December 28 @ StoreyBook Reviews

Stop by Leslie’s blog for a guest post by Caitlin Forbes on why she included dogs in her book What Comes Next.

https://storeybookreviews.com/

January 2 @ Nicole Writes About Stuff

Stop by Nicole’s Substack for a feature of What Comes Next in her weekly newsletter.

https://nicolepyles.substack.com

January 3 @ Seaside Book Nook

Visit Jilleen’s blog for her review of What Comes Next by Caitlin Forbes.

http://www.seasidebooknook.com/

January 4 @ Author Anthony Avina’s blog

Stop by Anthony’s blog for his review of What Comes Next by Caitlin Forbes.

https://authoranthonyavina.com/category/blog-tours/

January 8 @ Writer Advice

Visit B. Lynn Goodwin’s blog for her review of What Comes Next by Caitlin Forbes.

https://writeradvice.com/

January 9 @ Writer Advice

Stop by B. Lynn Goodwin’s blog for a guest post by author Caitlin Forbes about the question of inheritance – of what we inherit versus what we get to choose.

https://writeradvice.com/

January 10 @ Just Katherine

Stop by Katherine’s blog for her review of What Comes Next by Caitlin Forbes. You’ll also have a chance to read her response to our tour-themed prompt about whether if she had an incurable condition and if she would want to find out.

https://justkatherineblog.wordpress.com/

The Kansal Clunker: The Car That Rebuilt Us by Neil and Ruchin Kansal 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. 

Authors Neil and Ruchin Kansal share the journey that began as a car driving lesson and became a bonding experience on a road trip across America in the book “The Kansal Clunker.”

The Synopsis

At sixteen, Neil dreamed of learning to drive a manual car. His father, Ruchin, was at a crossroads, questioning his next steps in life. Neither could have imagined that a rusted, beat-up Acura Integra would become their greatest teacher. With just $5,000, no mechanical experience, and a wild idea, father and son embarked on a yearlong transformation-of the car, themselves, and their bond.

What began as a simple driving lesson turned into an epic 5,000-mile road trip to the highest paved road in the United States. Along the way, they faced unexpected challenges, breathtaking landscapes, and moments of raw connection. Through laughter, frustration, and detours, they discovered resilience, strength, and the unshakable power of family.

With every twist of the wrench and turn of the road, Neil and Ruchin learned what it truly means to rebuild-not just a car, but themselves. Buckle up-this unforgettable ride will stay with you long after the last page.

In India, the book will appear as: “Where the Highway Ends: A Father, a Son, and a Car that Rebuilt Them.

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The Review

This was such a heartwarming and compelling read. The authors do an excellent job of writing in a relatable, connective way, alternating chapters and perspectives on the same situation, allowing readers to gain insight into their relationship as a whole. The authors touched on many things readers could relate to, from the troubles the COVID pandemic brought to life and how scary that time was, to the bond that forms between a parent and child when a shared passion emerges, and much more. 

The book’s descriptive nature made the imagery of the writing style feel vibrant and alive on the page, bringing Teggy and the road itself to life as the authors went on their journey. Yet the heart of this nonfiction book’s narrative was the emotional, heartfelt connection between father and son, which the story explored. The experiences the authors had spoke to the meaningful way that shared connections and experiences can shape relationships and bonds between people overall. The authors wrote with honesty, passion, and an introspective lens that allowed readers not only to glean meaning for their own lives but also to learn from the lessons the authors learned along the way.

The Verdict

Memorable, heartfelt, and engaging, authors Ruchin and Neil Kansal’s “The Kansal Clunker” is a must-read nonfiction book, memoir, and travel book. The inspiring and emotional bond readers form with the authors, the way they touch on everything from cars and family to relationships and the heart of America as a whole, and what success truly means to a person, made this book so compelling to delve into. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10 

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About the Authors

Ruchin Kansal is a leadership educator, advisor, and author dedicated to helping people and organizations embrace transformation. A professor at Seton Hall and Brown, he wrote Redefining Innovation and has held senior executive roles in strategy and innovation at EY, Deloitte, BoehringerIngelheim, and Siemens Healthineers. Beyond the boardroomand classroom, he shares a lifelong passion for building,cars, and travel, and inspires others to reimagine the future with vision,creativity, and courage.

Neil Kansal is a dreamer who turns bold ideas into action. A graduate of Washington & Lee, he studied biology and data science while co-founding W&L Remote Area Medical, an award-winning program delivering free clinical services. He also led as principal cellist and mentor. A certified EMT and lifelong car enthusiast, he rebuilt his first clunker at sixteen and drove it to the highest motorable road in America. He now brings that same grit and curiosity to Deloitte.

https://www.thekansalclunker.com/

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-kansal-clunker-neil-kansal/1148120497?ean=9798888249260

https://amzn.to/4pi3exk

I Think It’s a Sign That The Pun Also Rises: Dad Jokes, Puns, Quips, Laughs, Groaners, and Playful Pensive Ponderings by Mark Leslie 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 Mark Leslie shares a collection of dad jokes and humor to inspire and brighten anyone’s day in the book “I Think It’s a Sign That The Pun Also Rises.”

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The Synopsis

Ready to groan, grin, and giggle?

Rediscover the joy of wordplay with this collection of puns, dad jokes, and clever one-liners that promises to lift spirits and inspire smiles—one groan-worthy punchline at a time.

Born from a simple mission of collecting and sharing dad jokes to brighten his neighborhood during tough times, this book gathers well over 1000 of his beloved daily chalkboard jokes into a single, joy-packed volume. It’s a treasure trove for anyone who loves language, humor, or just a good laugh. Inside, readers will find everything from meta-jokes that play with the very idea of humor, to rapid-fire dad jokes, music-themed zingers, and even a cheeky adults-only section. Each chapter is crafted to appeal to pun enthusiasts, casual joke collectors, and anyone in need of a smile.

This book makes the perfect gift for that incorrigible mirth-spreader in your life, and includes hilarious funnies perfect for sharing with friends, family, or even strangers who could use a laugh. I Think It’s A Sign That The Pun Also Rises is more than just a joke book—it’s a celebration of connection, resilience, and the simple magic of a well-timed pun. Open to any page, share a joke, and make your world a little lighter—one groan at a time.

The Review

This was a heartfelt, light book filled with laughter and joy. The author does a great job of filling this book with a wonderful collection of jokes and quips that will elicit classic and beloved eye rolls and groans that are the staple of any good dad joke. The range of jokes the author covers, from meta and personal jokes to holiday-themed and cultural jokes about music and even shower thoughts, allows readers to have a joke for any occasion and to reference the book time and time again.

What stood out to the reader was the author’s voice and tone. The humor that comes through in the jokes is grounded in the relatability of the author’s life experiences and in where these jokes arose, bringing light to tense situations and to the darkness that emerged following the COVID-19 Pandemic, and to the need for laughter and joy again in those times. This gave readers a foundation that allowed these jokes to really hit home.

AudiobooksNow

The Verdict

Memorable, humorous, and entertaining, author Mark Leslie’s “I Think It’s a Sign That The Pun Also Rises” is a must-read nonfiction book of humor and dad jokes. The collection is vast and serves as a great reference book to return to whenever the reader needs a refresher, and the lightness the book promises makes it well worth the effort to pick it up and laugh out loud. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Mark Leslie would be the first person to admit he’s still afraid of the monster under his bed. That might be why most of his books explore the darker side. In addition to penning a series of true ghostly tales he also writes horror and the humorous urban fantasy action/adventure ‘Canadian Werewolf” series.

His other passions include fan appreciation/trivia books about the modern classic 1980s films and sharing stupid dad jokes.

Proudly adopting the term “Book Nerd,” Mark is most comfortable with a pen in hand, fingers on keyboard or with his nose stuck in a book. He can often be seen traveling to book events with a life-sized skeleton named Barnaby Bones.

Born in Sudbury Ontario, Mark has courted with a serious addiction to reading and writing his entire life. He has called both Ottawa, ON and Hamilton, ON home for about a decade each and currently lives in Waterloo, Ontario.

MARK LESLIE

https://www.instagram.com/markleslielefebvre/

https://amzn.to/4qvTosK

Beginning (The Dying of the Light Book 3) by Jason Kristopher 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. 

Humanity’s survivors attempt to reclaim the surface world but find new threats emerging in author Jason Kristopher’s “Beginning”, the third novel in the Dying of the Light series. 

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The Synopsis

The triumphant finale of the series called “the best since World War Z!”

He awoke and, for the first time in almost twenty-five years, remembered who he was.

Twenty years after Z-Day, humanity’s remnants prepare to reclaim the surface from underground bunkers. But as survivors venture upward, they discover a chilling truth: the world above has changed in ways no one anticipated.

When a new threat emerges that could trigger a second Z-Day, Eden Blake and the remaining heroes of AEGIS must make their final stand. In this race against extinction, the greatest enemy comes from within.

Heart-pounding action meets moral complexity in this explosive conclusion that fans of The Walking Dead and World War Z won’t be able to put down.

The Review

This was a compelling and gripping novel. The author did a fabulous job of creating a narrative that both allowed new readers into a harrowing world and paid off major storylines and character developments begun throughout the first two books of the series. The wealth of world-building and multiple POVs from various characters showcasing how humanity has divided and evolved in the years since Z-Day was both entertaining and thrilling, allowing readers to visualize the world the author created. 

The heart of this narrative was the characters and their growth. From the first chapter, readers are on the edge of their seats as blasts from the past are revealed before the curtain is pulled back, taking them to a new time period to explore. The powerful imagery in the author’s writing style makes both the zombie and human threats the book reveals feel visceral, and the action more tense. The reader will instantly connect emotionally with the characters as they grow throughout the narrative.

The Verdict

Harrowing, enthralling, and compelling, author Jason Kristophers’ “Beginning” is a must-read zombie action and adventure thriller and a grand entry in the Dying of the Light series. The twists and turns in the narrative, the shocking revelations, and the emotional endings to many character arcs will stay with readers and leave them wanting more ways to dive into the vast world the author has developed. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Jason Kristopher is the award-winning author terrifying readers with zombies in THE DYING OF THE LIGHT, thrilling them with 1940s noir in LOCO MOCO, and harrowing them with boy-meets-gryphon-meets-robot adventure in WHEN IRON WAKES. With the love of his life and the dog that rescued him by his side, he plots his next traumatizing stories from Florida beaches.

The Fire in our Heads

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/beginning-jason-kristopher/1145581359?ean=9781938821493

https://amzn.to/3MUDAS4

Interview with Author Cory V. McCray 

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn InterviewsLeave a comment

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


I’m a proud son of Baltimore, an electrician by trade, and now serve in the Maryland State Senate representing the 45th District. My journey started with an apprenticeship — it gave me not just a career, but a path to stability, leadership, and service. Writing wasn’t my first language; I was used to working with my hands. But over time, through op-eds, speeches, and listening to the stories in my community, I realized writing was another way to build — not with wire or tools, but with words that could help shape futures.

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2) What inspired you to write your book?


The book grew out of a simple truth: apprenticeships saved my life. I wanted to create a guidebook that would demystify the process for parents, students, and mentors — to show them that the trades aren’t a fallback, they’re a way forward. I’ve seen too many young people miss opportunities because they didn’t have access or exposure. This book is my way of pulling back the curtain and saying, “Here’s how you can get there.”

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


That second chances are real, and pathways to the middle class come in many forms. Apprenticeships are the other four-year degree. I want readers — whether they’re young people figuring out their path, parents trying to guide their kids, or counselors advising students — to walk away knowing that opportunity is closer than they think, and that hard work plus access can change everything.

4) What drew you into this particular genre?


Memoir with a “how-to” spine felt like the right fit. I wanted to tell my story honestly — the good and the challenges — but also leave readers with practical steps they can act on. It’s not just about my journey, it’s about creating a blueprint others can use.

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


Instagram has been powerful — it allows me to share visual moments, connect with young people, and engage directly with readers who may not follow traditional political spaces. But I also lean on LinkedIn, because so much of this conversation is about workforce development, policy, and leadership, and that’s where those communities live.

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


Stay true to your voice. Writing can feel intimidating, especially if it’s not your first craft, but authenticity is what resonates. Be disciplined about putting words down — even if it’s just a page at a time — and surround yourself with people who will push you to finish. Most importantly, write the book you wish you had in your hands years ago.

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


Right now, I’m focused on bringing The Apprenticeship That Saved My Life into as many classrooms, libraries, and communities as possible. But I also see this book as just the beginning of a larger conversation.

On a personal level, I’ve got a 10- and 11-year-old in the house — both boys — and time is flying. Writing this book gave me space to reflect on the disciplines and lessons I’ve learned through life, and I want to make sure I pass them on early so they don’t fall into the same traps I did. With my wife, our focus is on raising our four children to be good human beings — the kind who contribute to making this world a better place.

So while I’m already thinking about ways to expand on this project — companion guides, lifting up more apprenticeship stories, and maybe another book down the road — my deepest priority is what’s happening inside my own home, and making sure my kids grow up with the tools, values, and exposure they need to thrive.

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About the Author

Cory V. McCray is a husband and father of four from Baltimore who believes deeply in second chances and creating pathways to opportunity. An electrician by trade, he now serves as a Maryland State Senator, representing Baltimore’s 45th Legislative District. Cory is the author of The Apprenticeship That Saved My Life, a guidebook and memoir that shows how apprenticeships are “the other four-year degree.”

Links:

Interview with Author Roshana Ariel

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn InterviewsLeave a comment

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

I always enjoyed creative writing throughout school. I took a class in high school that helped nurture that little spark. My mother was an unofficial editor—as a medical librarian, she would edit doctors’ papers for medical journals. She would sometimes edit my school papers too, and they were always so much better when she touched them. That’s how I learned how powerful editing can be.

Later in life, I became an editor at daily newspapers in the Midwest, and in that role, I started writing a weekly column. That continued for many years.

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2)     What inspired you to write your book?

I wrote a Christmas column one year, in 2012, which became this book, “Merry Christmas, Cosmos.” I remember waking up over and over one night as another line of text came to me. It sort of wrote itself that night. I was inspired by the idea of evolution and some of the books that were coming out around that time—“Evolutionaries” by Carter Phipps was one.

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

I would love for people to recognize that we’re all one big family on this planet, evolved from tiny creatures swimming about in primordial pools. And that Earth is our common home. I would love for the divisiveness in the world to decrease and the understanding of our shared heritage to grow.

4)     What drew you into this particular genre?

It grew out of the inspiration from the Christmas column I wrote. From that place, I just wanted to illustrate it. One of my favorite books is “Your Illustrated Guide to Becoming One With the Universe,” by Yumi Sakugawa. It came out a year after my book. I love short books with a powerful message.

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

Social media? I haven’t even posted my book yet on Facebook. But I will. I don’t do much social media-ing.

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

Read your writing out loud; that helps a lot with hearing the rhythm in your writing. And go with your heart, and edit, edit, edit until it feels just right.

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

Since I published this book, I wrote a song to go with it: “Merry Christmas, Cosmos (the song).” I’ve gone into the studio and recorded my parts and have spent many hours tweaking it for release. It should be uploaded to streaming services any day now.

And I do have a book on the horizon, tentatively named “Your Big Self.” I hope to bring clarity to what people mean when they talk about a true self, higher self, unique self, local self, etc. It will probably be in the same kind of picture-book style.

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About the Author

Roshana Ariel is a writer, editor, and musician who weaves wonder into everyday life. She’s the author of “Merry Christmas, Cosmos,” a holiday book for families that blends science, sacred storytelling, and a sense of belonging in the cosmos.

Her life’s path has taken her from playing in bands and as a solo performer across the United States, to working as a radio announcer, and eventually to journalism, where she worked her way up to managing editor at a daily newspaper.

Now living in North Carolina, she performs regularly at her local Unity fellowship and creates memes, meditations, and music that celebrate conscious living and our shared origins in a vast, unfolding universe—all in service to Goodness, Truth, and Beauty.

https://roshanawrites.medium.com/

https://amzn.to/4r88pSR

Savvy Sam’s Search for Self by Jamie Barrett 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 Jamie Barrett shares a relatable story of identity in the children’s book “Savvy Sam’s Search for Self.” 

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The Synopsis

Savvy Sam’s Search for Self is an educational story written in poetry form that provides information on how the mind works and who you are, your identity. Sam is the character in this saga and Sam was chosen so Sam could be identified as a boy or girl. This helps boys and girls alike to be able to relate to Sam and the dilemma of who you are. Concepts are espoused that thoughts are not real and can be changed. Negative thoughts and negative emotions are not who you are and can be worked through and released. More empowering thoughts can be substituted for thoughts that are not serving you.

The Review

This was an incredibly insightful and heartfelt children’s book, guiding readers through an emotional process of how children process information and how that information informs their identities. The bright, colorful illustrations are a great way to capture the young reader’s attention and to slowly introduce these concepts as the story progresses, which is highly innovative when paired with a relatable protagonist like Sam and guiding characters like the Sassafrass Tree. 

The driving force of the story, of course, is the educational value of the story’s themes, as well as the author’s unique writing style. The poetry that was infused into the writing style made the journey feel very lyrical and emotive. At the same time, the themes of identity were explored extensively at both the emotional and psychological levels, helping young readers distinguish between negative and positive thoughts and feelings and understand that these don’t define their identity.

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The Verdict

Memorable, heartfelt, and engaging, author Jamie Barrett’s “Savvy Sam’s Search for Self” is a must-read children’s book. The relatable, emotional story and journey Sam goes on, and the words of affirmation and encouragement that accompany it, will empower young readers and entertain them at the same time, making this a wonderful children’s story to get into. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

https://amzn.to/4paMWGs