Tag: book review

Savior of Lost Souls (Retribution Series Book One) by James R. Bateman Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

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

A powerful being must traverse time to block a great tragedy and save an innocent family in author James R. Bateman’s “Savior of Lost Souls”, the first book in the Retribution series. 

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The Synopsis

In a world where the threads of fate are woven with the hands of ancient gods, one divine being must step into the lives of a seemingly perfect family to prevent a tragedy that could shatter their world forever.

Since the dawn of humanity, the ancient god Lavek has been around, listening to the anguished cries of souls taken before their time. In the purgatory existence of Ul’Den, these restless spirits yearn for a second chance.

Every so often, a spirit’s plea is so loud it stands out above all else. Lavek is drawn to the time and place leading up to their death. His mission is to save them before that fateful moment and deliver retribution to those responsible. He is merciless to the guilty and a savior to the innocent.

In 1986, the Williams family seems to have it all – a good house, stable jobs, and a perfect daughter. They are the epitome of happiness. But their world is about to be shattered.

Lavek must piece together the clues, as he races against time to prevent a tragic loss. His journey tests his resolve and wisdom at every turn. Can he alter fate and save them from their darkest hour?

Experience a tale where the stakes are high, and the outcome hinges on the choices of one powerful being striving to bring justice to the world. Get your copy today and dare to unravel the mystery and see if fate can truly be rewritten in Savior of Lost Souls.

Savior of Lost Souls is the first installment of the dark fantasy thriller Retribution series.

The Review

This was one of the more compelling and gripping dark fantasy reads I’ve come across in a while. The story balances dark fantasy with a crime thriller reminiscent of stories like the film Prisoners and The Lovely Bones, as readers are plunged into a tale of a family torn apart by tragedy and the lone figure who sees the wrongs that need to be righted again. The detail and the imagery of the author’s writing style felt transportive as readers were plunged into the 80s and a story that felt almost cinematic on the page. 

The dynamic character development and essential themes the author delved into were equally matched with the world-building that brought the whole story together. The cosmic realms and ideas around destiny and fate were so creative in this story, and just as much as Lavek was a powerful and gripping hero to get behind, the family this story focuses on is relatable and heartbreaking in their delivery of the story. The two villains of this tale are haunting and instantly draw the reader’s ire when their story unravels. 

The Verdict

A suspenseful and entertaining dark fantasy and thriller, author James R. Bateman’s “Savior of Lost Souls” is a must-read book and a grand first entry into the Retribution series. The twists and turns the narrative takes, the metaphysical and philosophical themes and concepts the author plays with, and the balance of action with world-building and mythos make this a compelling novel that readers won’t be able to put down. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Born and raised in Staffordshire, England, James has spent over thirty years working in the IT and software industry. Along the way, his fascination with storytelling and narrative development led him to dive into fiction writing.

James is currently working on a series of novels, blending fantasy, urban fiction, and crime, with his debut book Savior of Lost. His stories explore life, death, and morality, as well as how the human spirit endures through complex and challenging times.

When he’s not writing, James enjoys spending time with his family, going to the gym, and indulging in his love for reading and video games. He lives with his wife, two grown-up kids, a dog, and three cats.

https://jamesrbateman.com/

Lemons and More Lemons by A.D. Williams and Kendal Fordham Review

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

A young boy learns the highs and lows of owning his own business and how hard work can make dreams become a reality in authors A.D. Williams and Kendal Fordham’s “Lemons and More Lemons.”

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The Synopsis

Mark has big dreams and even bigger plans.

Since opening his lemonade stand, Mark has learned that running a business is more than just making money—it’s about working hard, learning from others, and believing in yourself. With the help of his family, a special notebook, and even a wise squirrel, Mansa… Mark is ready to grow his lemonade stand to new heights.

But along the way, he faces challenges that test his smarts and creativity. From adding new flavors to his stand, dealing with friends, and deciding if he’s ready to bring on a partner, Mark learns valuable lessons about family, business, and never giving up.

Lemons and… More Lemons by A.D. Williams and Kendal Fordham is an inspiring, fun-filled story that shows young readers—and adults—how big dreams can turn into reality with a little grit, a lot of heart, and of course, a splash of lemonade.

The Review

What a genuinely thoughtful and engaging read. The author does an incredible job of presenting a children’s story that both entertains and informs young readers. While infusing the narrative with humor and heart through Mark’s friendships and adventures in building up his lemon stand business, the author also takes the step to begin educating young readers on the world of business and finances.

Using Mark’s story, the author can introduce concepts about business and entrepreneurship, such as expenses and profits, investing in your business, going into debt, and so much more. The author did a great job of balancing this educational narrative with rich character dialogue and interactions that made the book feel relatable and entertaining.

The Verdict

Heartfelt, engaging, and memorable, authors A.D. Williams and Kendal Fordham’s “Lemons and More Lemons” is a must-read children’s book. The book is the perfect transition book for children going into their preteen years, as they engage in longer form content in their books and begin to educate themselves on real-world topics through the lens of entertaining interactions, making this one book parents won’t want to miss out on getting for their children. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Authors

Award-winning author A.D. Williams learned early on how powerful representation is in books. Ensuring that kids can see and feel success through the lens of characters that look and face many of the same challenges they do. When I was growing up no one talked about investing, wealth, business plans or how to acquire real wealth,” said A.D. His underlying motivation is that this book will ignite discussions around finances in households across the world and be a seed that blossoms until wealth equity for our children. In addition to his writing, A.D. is a children hospital administrator, private investor, and entrepreneur.

Kendal Fordham grew up in a home brimming with financial literacy. Her father tried eagerly to engage all his children in economics, financial planning, and investing as children. Out of the three children, Kendal found it fascinating. Straight out of college, Kendal studied hard and became a fully licensed Financial Professional. A year later as a Dave Ramsey endorsed financial professional, she started her own business as a financial and investment advisor. It didn’t take long for her to realize the value in her skillset, but after becoming a mother, Kendal saw how crucial it was to plant the seed of this knowledge into our youth. Kendal is the mother to 2 young children, a landlord, a multi business owner, a mentor, and now, an author.

Code Name Seven (The Starstruck Hunters Trilogy Book 1) By Suinne Clara Lee Review

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

A young woman finds herself on a path to destiny she could never have seen coming as she investigates the death of a queen in author Suinne Clara Lee’s “Code Name Seven”, the first book in the Starstruck Hunters Trilogy.

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The Synopsis 

A spellbinding tale of the Enrici, the starstruck shapeshifters

In a world where the breath of a star transforms humans in ways we thought impossible, Sarah, a nerdy, rather cocky sixteen-year-old girl, investigates the mysterious death of the last queen. It is not much later, however, that she is visited by a dream… a dream that calls to her like a siren in the sea; a dream that foreshadows a great predestined bond and a perilous journey.

This debut novel by the musician Suinne Clara Lee invites readers on a journey unlike any other—through intricately woven plots, ingenious devices, starstruck love and enthralling insights into the laws of nature that only she, as an adorer of physics and mathematics, can offer. Though crafted for young readers, the story’s rich layers promise an equally captivating experience for adults.

The Review

This was such a breathtaking and rich narrative. The author did an incredible job of world-building in this novel, giving readers a sense of the unknown right out of the gate and allowing readers to feel the chaos and curiosity, as well as the fear, that comes when the protagonist’s entire sense of reality is upended in a moment. The mythos surrounding the Enrici and the physics behind transformation as a whole was so unique and original, and something that I had not yet come across in any supernatural or fantasy-driven narrative before, making this so creative in its delivery. 

The theme of transformation was so powerful in this novel, in more ways than one. How the physical transformation Sarah was undergoing as she embraced her new life, mirrored her transformation from young adult to adulthood, was eloquently brought together. The lyrical, almost magical quality of the author’s writing style was beautiful. It transported the reader into every moment. At the same time, the heartfelt connections between the characters, especially Sarah and Carlos, kept the reader invested in the story long enough to become engrossed in the world building.

The Verdict

Remarkable, entertaining, and thrilling, author Suinne Clara Lee’s “Code Name Seven” is the perfect coming-of-age fantasy narrative and a great start to the Starstruck Hunters trilogy. The twists and turns in the narrative, the outstanding balance between mythology and physics the author brought from their own life, and the harrowing adventure readers are brought along on made this an exciting new series to get invested in. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Suinne Clara Lee is a student in composition who writes stories as a hobby. With music being her lover and literature her lifelong twin, she aims to illustrate her love for the world, bringing to attention of listeners and readers the beauty, the sparks and hopes, the strife and greatness hidden beneath the scales of nature and humanity.

Lee has, in her past, journeyed through the natural sciences and storytelling. Although it may seem unrelated in the eyes of many, it all comes together in her pursuit for music. Music is one of the most fundamental things that touches the soul, speaks directly to it; and everything she has explored is something that could be molten and woven into that message. Strengthened through her studies, her music will integrate ideas of natural philosophy and stories told with or without words. This is Lee’s idea of contemporary music.

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Oh, Tal! Not Today. By Tal Anderson (Illustrated by Michael Richey White) 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 Tal Anderson shares the joys of celebrating our differences in the children’s book “Oh, Tal! Not Today.”

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The Synopsis

Oh, Tal! Not Today is the delightful first book in the “OH, TAL!” series, created by autistic actor Tal Anderson and Hollywood artist Michael Richey White. In this beautifully illustrated picture book, we meet Tal and her loyal cat, Winnie. Though Tal doesn’t speak much and has a unique way of doing things, vibrant imagination, creativity, and independence shine through.

As Tal’s parents learn that things aren’t always what they seem, true intentions come to light. Perfect for young readers, parents, and educators, this heartwarming story celebrates being different and doing things your own way!

The Review

What a thoughtful and kind read. The author did an excellent job of creating a story that felt both relatable and engaging for both children and parents alike, especially for the community the book represents so eloquently. The beautiful artwork also speaks to both the whimsy of the narrative and the childlike wonder with which Tal approaches life in every scene of the book. 

The theme of communication and understanding for parents and visibility for children, such as Tal, is extensively showcased in this fast-paced children’s book. How the autistic community is showcased in a heartfelt, understanding way while also delving into how parents can learn to understand how their child’s way of thinking may differ from others, and in doing so, give their child the free space to be themselves, makes this such a special and even emotional book for readers to hold onto.

The Verdict

Memorable, engaging, and thoughtful in its delivery, author Tal Anderson and artist Michael Richey White’s “Oh, Tal! Not Today” is a must-read children’s book. The ease with which readers will be able to connect with Tal the writer and Tal as a character, and the heartfelt message that underscores the importance of understanding and communication with children from all walks of life, made this one book parents won’t want to put down for their children. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

TAL ANDERSON is a professional actor, filmmaker, and writer. She is an advocate for change, using her voice and unique platform as an autistic actor to support inclusion and authentic representation in front of and behind the camera in Hollywood. She is best known for her work in the Netflix series “Atypical” as Sid, but can also be seen and heard in many other productions including, guest-starring in Season 5 of “Magnum P.I.” on NBC, and as the English voice of Tina in the Disney Plus series, “Team Chocolate.” Tal has always been a storyteller, and as a child could be seen constantly using her FLIP video camera, or one of several hand-held voice-recorders to record every day life, or her daily performances of stories/scripts she had made up or written. It is this love of imagination that led her to acting and filmmaking as an adult. “Oh, Tal! – Not Today,” is Tal’s first book. She lives in Los Angeles with her cat Winifred, where they can both live their best lives and be their true selves.

https://www.thetalanderson.com/

MICHAEL RICHEY WHITE is an illustrator and graphic artist working in television and film. He has created artwork for many different shows including the art for the character, Sam, on the Netflix series, “Atypical,” and has been self-taught, drawing and painting most of his life. He wrote and illustrated the book “Little Hipsters” and continues to illustrate all of the guests for the podcast, “And the Writer Is.” He tries to make the time to draw something daily, even if it’s just a little doodle on scrap paper. He is autistic and uses his powers mostly for good. A quote by Walt Stanchfield has stuck with him over the years: “We all have 10,000 bad drawings in us. The sooner we get them out the better,” but from Michael’s own experience, he’s rephrased it to, “It takes 100,000 drawings before you make your first good one.” Michael lives in Los Angeles with his wife and youngest daughter.

https://michaelricheywhite.com/

Pulstar III: The Cracked Mirror of the Cosmos by Giancarlo Roversi 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 faces surprising changes as some push to see beyond the edges of the cosmos in author Giancarlo Roversi’s “Pulstar III: The Cracked Mirror of the Cosmos.”

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The Synopsis

Astralvia will never be the same. The world will never be the same. Humanity will not be the same either. What about yourself?

Still, there are those who have hope and refuse to give up. Others only yearn for the truth, no matter how cruel and unfathomable it may be.

Meanwhile, Telssa, a scientist who has just been awarded a prize, is still obsessed with reaching the borders of the cosmos, even though this might entail losing the only thing he has ever loved in his life.

Pulstar III is the conclusion of the bewildering Pulstar trilogy, the climax of a story packed with suspense, drama, mystery, and compelling philosophical ideas. The mind-blowing denouement of a plot that dared to question everything. If you have been able to digest the ideas of Pulstar II, get ready for your brain to explode into a thousand pieces and merge with the cosmos.

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The Review

This was such a compelling and climactic entry in this stellar sci-fi trilogy. The author’s powerful imagery in their writing style created a genuinely cinematic experience, allowing readers to connect with the evolving narrative. The massive amount of world-building, while most engaging when readers consume the entire series, really makes this vast universe feel alive on the page. The adrenaline of the action and the suspense as this series of events unfolded kept the reader on the edge of their seat.

Yet the true power of this narrative came from the sheer volume of philosophical and emotional conversation that inspired readers throughout the book. The author’s ability to seamlessly integrate the heavy sci-fi elements of the story with more metaphysical and even spiritual concepts was astounding, exploring everything from past lives and alternate realities to life on other worlds and the universe’s interconnectedness. This also allowed readers to connect with the characters on a much deeper level and feel the depth of emotions behind every realization and sacrifice these characters made.

The Verdict

Mind-blowing, heart-pounding, and intellectually stimulating, author Giancarlo Roversi’s “Pulstar III: The Cracked Mirror of the Cosmos” is a must-read sci-fi epic that readers need to read. The twists and turns in the narrative, along with the rich character dynamics the author explores, as well as the thoughtful philosophical questions that delve into deep metaphysical realities, make this a memorable and entertaining novel that stands out as one of the best sci-fi reads of 2025. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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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.

The Planet That Was Mistaken For A Fool by Tamas Szikszai 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. 

In a universe run by corporations, humanity learns firsthand what happens when a planet becomes fed up with their antics in the satirical sci-fi dystopian novel “The Planet That Was Mistaken for a Fool” by author Tamas Szikszai.

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The Synopsis

What if Douglas Adams and Orwell sat down together after a third bottle of wine and wrote a novel? A mind-bending, soul-pricking, laugh-out-loud satirical sci-fi adventure By Tamás Szikszai What happens when a planet gets fed up with humanity’s nonsense? Welcome to a universe where nothing is sacred, everything is absurd and the planet has finally decided it’s had enough. Join Winston, a confused Earthling, as he crash-lands into a reality where megacorporate empires control thought, a philosophical grizzly in a top hat questions everything, and an AI named Amanda has decided that emotions are overrated and expendable. 🚀 Perfect for fans of Douglas Adams, Kurt Vonnegut, and Terry Pratchett, this cosmic odyssey blends razor-sharp satire, sci-fi weirdness, and raw human truth in a world on the edge of meltdown. Dystopia was never this funny. Hope was never this weird. The end of the world? That’s just the beginning.

The Review

This was such a thought-provoking and engaging story. The author was able to craft a world that felt both relevant to the issues facing our lives today and yet absurd and dystopian in the best ways possible. The intricate mythos surrounding the rise of this massive Corporation that takes over the world is both twisted and chilling, all at once. The unique settings, spanning multiple areas of Earth and the solar system itself, were imaginative and thoughtful in a dystopian context. 

The dynamics between the protagonist and the cast of characters he comes across were exceptional. His friendship and alliance with Gaben were a strong motivation for much of the story, as was Winston’s determination to see his family again. The dark world of advanced computer programs and hostile corporations helped elevate the more personal and heartbreaking setbacks the protagonist faced in the story. Yet, the rush of humor and wit in the dialogue helped balance everything out.

The Verdict

Twisted, engaging, and haunting in its delivery, author Tamas Szikszai’s “The Planet That Was Mistaken For A Fool” is the perfect dystopian sci-fi satire that readers need to read. The twists and turns the story takes, the complex themes mixed with humor, and the commentary on humanity itself and the balance we need of the good and the bad in our lives, made this a compelling novel to get lost in. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today.

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

When he’s not raising four kids (one son and three brilliantly adopted daughters), baking doughnuts, building houses, or playing the trumpet just to prove it’s hard, the author writes to keep the voices in his head from staging a rebellion.

He’s welcomed hotel guests, survived home construction, and firmly believes that everyone is human — even those who butter their toast on the wrong side.

This is his first published novel. Several more are currently trapped in his brain, pending parole.

Interview with Author Melanie Lane Durham

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

I have always loved writing since I was a young girl. I would get lost in books, and would spend hours pretending to be the characters in my favorite stories. I was very drawn to writing poetry and short stories as a kid, and knew I wanted to write something some day!

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2) What inspired you to write your book?

My family and I had just moved into a new house, it was a big move for us and I was constantly telling my two small children how magical everything was going to be when we got settled in. Unfortunately, the house ended up making me very ill. I was stuck in bed all the time and wracked with guilt for life not living up to this magical promise I had made. I was looking for a way to communicate this to my older daughter, and in that, the first draft of Every Day Magic was born. I wrote it as a note in my phone and asked if I could read her a “book with no pictures”, and explained to her that it would help her understand how life could still be full of magic even while Mommy was sick. She ended up loving it, and that inspired me to pursue publishing! 

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

I really hope that all readers of my book, young and young at heart, come to realize that the magic in life is what’s happening while we’re out there searching for it. We as a society, as parents, as partners, as friends, tend to put so much pressure on how things look and less on how they feel — and often we miss what’s right in front of us. Those small, quiet moments filled with beauty, that’s where the magic lies!

4) What drew you into this particular genre?

I never planned to write a children’s book, but having kids can definitely give you the courage to do things you never thought you were capable of before!

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5) If you could sit down with any character in your book, what would you ask them and why?

I’d love to ask the main character, Edie, how she plans to include the baby in the book in some of her rituals. The characters are all based on my own family, and with my youngest walking and talking now, I’d love to see how her role in the story may change!

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

Unfortunately, social media hasn’t been a huge help to me. I’m sure it’s just user error! I have loved sharing my book within my community, as a small business owner my current clients and customers have become my biggest fans!

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

Just start. If you wait for it to be perfect, you’ll never be ready. Jump in, learn as you go, and believe in yourself!

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

As for now, I’m still learning how to adjust to selling, marketing, and managing the one book on top of my business and raising two small children. I really hope to write more in the future, and hopefully get some good footing navigating the landscape that is children’s books! It’s been an incredible ride so far.

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About the Author

Hi, I’m Melanie, and I’m so grateful you’re here! As a small business owner, mom of two small children, and lover of magic and mindfulness — the opportunity to share my book with the world is a dream come true. I have loved to write since I was a young girl and I hope getting my words out there shows readers, young and old, that it’s never too late to follow your dreams! When I am not writing or working in my business, you can find me chasing my two littles (and the dog!) around my Northern California backyard or spending time with family friends.

My Story: I believe in the power of life’s little wonders. Born out of a personal journey, Everyday Magic is one of those wonders! In 2023 I was met with the sudden onset of a chronic illness caused by unforeseen circumstances with roots going back to my early childhood. What felt like overnight, I found myself going from an active entrepreneur to a woman often stuck in bed.

I began dreaming up ways to engage with my kids and make meaningful memories, even when my energy was low. These ideas became the heart of this book, a story crafted with love, imagination, and the belief that magic isn’t something we find; it’s something we create! I believe every single one of us has the power within to bring that magic to life.

I hope this story sparks wonder, connection, and a little bit of magic for you and your family- just as it has for mine!

https://a.co/fGhcEpp

Finding Peace: A Refugee’s Story From Peril to Protection by Richmond B. Appleton Review

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

Author Richmond B. Appleton shares his experiences as a refugee and how faith became the foundation of his survival in the book “Finding Peace.”

The Synopsis

Do you know what it feels like to spend a life in a war-torn country and then live in the U.S?


An inspirational journey that examines what it’s like to grow up under surveillance in a war-torn country every one of us has a story to share. Some of these stories can be heartbreaking, some can be uplifting, and some stand out to inspire others. What matters is that we can learn from each journey and use those lessons to make us better people. I have learned valuable lessons from my Refugee journey and Most of them you can apply to your life’s journey at work, your career, and other things that you passionate about. Richmond Appleton is one of the few people who can vouch for an inspirational journey this book will expound on his road to survival and why it motivates everyone to take a giant step to search for a better future.

This book is all about what to do when you want to do something, but you are not able to do it, what can you do? If you want to know the answer then you’re in the right place.

In This Book


• Why I left my home country of Liberia and why fled to a refugee camp in Ghana.
• How Faith has been the foundation of my life’s journey.
• If there is nothing left for us to go back to.
• If there was no hope left for our past.
• What do you do when you see no more hope in life?

After reading this book you will learn to listen to your intuition, separate real danger from an imagined one, and recognize the survival signals that your brain gives you.

The Review

The author’s sense of resilience and strength is evident from the earliest chapters of this memoir. The line, “disappointment is a visitor, not a resident,” showcases this extensively, offering immediate insight into the author’s mindset and life experiences that have shaped so much of his life. The author’s writing is vivid and compelling, using an earnestness and honesty that parallels the imagery in their writing style.

The series of events that defined so much of the author’s life before arriving in America, from surviving polio as a child and learning to live life with the impact it had on his body, to the horrors of war tearing apart his country, life as a refugee, and ultimately his quest for knowledge and finding his place in the world, not only speaks to the lifetime of experiences he had, but the strength he gained emotionally and internally in the face of that adversity. The depth of emotional connection the reader makes with the author’s writing stands out as a major draw for fans of nonfiction, especially those who enjoy memoirs with an inspirational twist.

The Verdict

A fast-paced, short yet compelling read, author Richmond B. Appleton’s “Finding Peace” is a must-read book. The connection he makes with readers through his honest experiences and feelings as he found his faith and adapted to his situations will leave a lasting impact on readers by the book’s end. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/richmond.appleton/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richmond-a-a4596b77/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richapple2g2/

X/Twitter: https://x.com/richmondapplet1/status/1934703708052574278?s=46

Insight by Richmond B. Appleton 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 Richmond B. Appleton shares the experiences and events that shaped his life and showed him how resilience and hardship can become the foundation of human potential in the book “Insight.”

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The Synopsis

From war-torn streets to the heart of hope — a memoir of resilience, faith, and human possibility.

In Insight: Cultivating the Mindset Beyond Survival, Richmond Appleton shares his extraordinary journey from the chaos of the Liberian civil war to five unforgettable years in a Ghanaian refugee camp, and ultimately to a life of purpose, healing, and leadership.

This inspiring memoir is not just a story of survival, but a powerful testament to the unshakable strength of the human spirit. Through deeply personal reflections and hard-earned wisdom, Appleton reveals how unimaginable hardship became the unlikely foundation for resilience, compassion, and a belief in boundless human potential.

More than a memoir — this is a guide for anyone seeking hope in the face of adversity, and a reminder that even our darkest chapters can hold the seeds of transformation.

Inside this book, you’ll discover:

  • Firsthand accounts of surviving civil war and displacement
  • How trauma can be transformed into personal growth and leadership
  • Lessons in resilience, healing, and overcoming adversity
  • A message of hope for refugees, immigrants, and anyone navigating hardship
  • Universal insights on shifting from a mindset of scarcity to one of abundance and possibility

Perfect for readers drawn to powerful survival memoirs, immigrant journeys, and motivational stories of triumph against all odds.

If you’ve been inspired by A Long Way Gone by Ishmael Beah or The Girl Who Smiled Beads by Clemantine Wamariya, Richmond Appleton’s Insight will move you, challenge you, and ultimately leave you with a renewed faith in what’s possible.

This is not only a survival story. It’s a story of becoming — and the wisdom we gain when we dare to live beyond fear.

The Review

What struck me immediately was how personal the book felt, and yet insightful to so many readers at the same time. Most books that use personal events to convey a theme or guiding principle will dedicate separate sections or chapters to explaining how their experiences relate to these lessons. Still, the author seamlessly crafted a heartfelt, gut-wrenching, and emotionally charged memoir that wove these lessons into the fabric of his life, keeping the reader engaged in each chapter while imparting these crucial lessons.

The book also feels incredibly relevant and vital to our current world. While unique to the author’s story and emotionally powerful, the lessons also resonate with the strength of many refugees and displaced people from the numerous war-torn nations around the world, highlighting the struggles they face in what should be a sanctuary from the horrors they fled in their home countries. The other side of the coin was how much the author found moments of light and humanity to hold onto, and through that light, discovered an inner strength and resilience that drove them to rise above the circumstances they found themselves in—a lesson that many people can connect with in their daily lives.

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The Verdict

An honest and engaging memoir with an inspirational theme, author Richmond B. Appleton’s “Insight” is a must-read book. The chilling nature of fleeing their home of Liberia to the relief and acceptance of crossing the Ghanan border and the way they were able to find new purpose and strength despite the hardships they faced will motivate and help challenge readers to see the light in their circumstances, and experience the human spirit in ways they may never have thought of otherwise. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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