Tag: book review

ลูกครึ่ง: Only Half a Person: Essays and Short Stories about Identity by Rowland Grover 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 Rowland Grover shares a collection of essays and short stories that speak to topics of culture, faith, and identity in the book “ลูกครึ่ง: Only Half a Person: Essays and Short Stories about Identity.”

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The Synopsis

When Rowland Grover asked his preschool teacher if he could ฉี่ (chi), she looked at him like he wasn’t speaking English. After holding it for too long, he peed his pants and realized he was different from everyone around him.

As a half-Thai/half-white kid raised Mormon in Idaho, shame, guilt, and confusion were normal for Rowland. He didn’t understand why he took off his shoes at his house, but his friends could keep theirs on and drag dog poop all over the floor. When Rowland lived in Thailand, Thai people said he looked farang, but white people called him Mexican. This made him wonder who he was and where he belonged.

ลูกครึ่ง: Only Half a Person is an captivating and hilarious collection of essays and short stories that explores culture, faith, and identity. The stories range from “stinky lunches” to a talking lizard questioning Rowland’s religion. Others are more serious such as when a stranger called the cops because Rowland looked threatening riding an old beach cruiser bike. Tackled with humor and heart, Rowland dives into the depths to find himself and wonders if he’ll come up for air.

The Review

This was an incredibly insightful and engaging story that is so reflective of the American experience in this day and age. Far too often, people in the United States forget just how much of a cultural melting pot the nation has become, especially when cruel actions and judgments dominate the news cycle most of the time. The honesty and relatability in the author’s writing style allowed the personal experiences and lessons the author learned throughout their life to resonate deeply as the reader delved further into this book.

The rich cultural examination presented in the author’s book was the prominent driving force behind these essays and short stories. The everyday experiences the author brought to life, from a childhood of misidentification, differing customs, and a lingering sense of otherness that children often inadvertently foster, to shared faith and much more, showcased both the differences and shared life that families of differing cultures can form, while also bringing an awareness of what makes us all different at the same time.

The Verdict

Thought-provoking, engaging, and with a sense of heart and humor, author Rowland Grover’s “ลูกครึ่ง: Only Half a Person: Essays and Short Stories about Identity” is a must-read memoir meets nonfiction essay collection. The witty style of writing the author employs and the depth of introspective honesty that the author’s experiences bring to life on the page 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

Since he was young, Rowland has loved to create stories. Whether that was using stuffed animals to portray the horror of war and class division or writing and drawing maps in a notebook for a fantasy story that was not a rip-off of any other popular series. Rowland’s debut book, ลูกครึ่ง: Only Half a Person, utilizes his love of story-telling to reflect on and analyze his life, race and ethnicity, culture, faith, family, and more.

Rowland Grover was born and raised in Idaho, which, believe it or not, is a real place in the United States. Starting in his late teens, he lived on and off in Thailand, China, and Taiwan for several years. Rowland graduated with a B.A. in International Studies because he had no life plan. Then, he enrolled at Chulalongkorn University to study Southeast Asia Area Studies, but he had to drop out because, quote, “no money.”

He currently lives in Taiwan with his wife, two children, and two cats. Besides unromantic walks on the beach, he enjoys playing video games and studying languages.

https://rowlandgroverauthor.weebly.com/

Bernard’s Song by Darius Cache Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

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

A young rapper’s world unravels after the events of a deadly shooting in author Darius Cache’s “Bernard’s Song.”

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The Synopsis

Scorned, revenge is no longer a dish best served cold for Bernard Woods leaving blood on the streets of Northside Atlanta.

Darius Cache is a voice for people of color who are teenagers, people of color who are young adults, and parents of these groups. This novel is a true to life tale centering conversations around mental health and repairing family structure related to conflict resolution, conquering substance abuse, and anger management. Bernard’s Song is an account of his actual life that can be described as biographical urban fiction. Bernard wants to be rich but doesn’t have any real goals. Bernard’s love interest is equally addicted to the fast life and takes a job working as a strip club bottle girl. Bernard and his cousin talk with thick Atlanta accents. The reader might understand what goes through the mind of Bernard—he raps with a crew called DVS. Bernard is a fraudster and thief, a robber and crack dealer who kills Teddie. Doraville becomes the site of a major shootout and Bernard is critically wounded. In his final thoughts, he walks back memories. Parallel themes of love, loyalty, and resilience mimic the life of everyday people.

Nardo is the protagonist in Bernard’s Song. Nardo is a wannabe rapper/trapper who is the main character. Nardo is a 23-year-old, black male with close-cropped black hair, athletic build and medium height. Nardo is shady. Teddie is the antagonist in Bernard’s Song. Teddie is a drug trafficker who supplies the main character. Teddie is a white male, 25 years old with blonde hair. Teddie runs a wholesale marijuana distribution operation. Alicia is the love interest in Bernard’s Song. Alicia is an aspiring chef who smokes weed and likes to drink. Alicia is a 24-year-old black female, long dark hair, athletic build with large breasts and wide hips. Alicia is scandalous. Marco, the main character’s cousin, is the confidant/ally in Bernard’s Song. Marco is the father of one child, a son. Marco is a 23-year-old black male with close-cropped black hair and similar body attributes as the main character although slightly more muscular. Marco is cunning.

The main character faces copious amounts of adversity. He endures all things until the end; most of his problems are his own doing. The main character could be a victim or a hero depending on the reader’s perspective. Inevitably, every person must face their own battles individually. Bernard’s Song does a good job of unmasking the main character and relating similarities between our common existence.

The Review

This was a powerful, honest, and visceral read. The author did a marvelous job of infusing the setting, culture, and tone of life in Atlanta in a refreshingly compelling way. The strong language and relatability many readers will have with this cast of characters help reinforce Atlanta itself as a character of sorts, capturing the gritty heart of what life in the city is like for many people while also utilizing powerful imagery in the author’s writing style to make these iconic landmarks and streets come to life on the page. 

The driving force of this narrative was the complex character development and the strong themes the story featured. The author’s exploration of the protagonist’s struggles and morality in the face of adversity and hardship was insightful, as it highlighted the clash of culture, mental health, and identity all at once. The tension and violence often endured in this Atlanta community were visceral in nature, keeping the reader in suspense as the narrative raced towards its explosive conclusion. 

The Verdict

Memorable, honest, and compelling, author Darius Cache’s “Bernard’s Song” is a must-read urban fiction and genre fiction novel. The twists and turns in the story, along with the realism the author infused into this tense and heartbreaking narrative, tell a compelling and essential tale as one man struggles to make the right choices in his life when the world around him is crumbling, keeping the reader invested in the story until the very end. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Darius Cache (pronounced kash) published his first book, Bernard’s Song, which mirrored his life and tumultuous circumstances. His company, Darius Cache Company LLC and Noah’s Fund for Mental Health Research & Education, Inc., a nonprofit organization, represent his entrepreneur mindset. He has committed 100% of Amazon book sale earnings to Noah’s Fund.

Darius Cache is the father of one son, Nahledge. He often participates in school programs and donated his children’s book, The Adventures of Veggies with Jam. His focus is brand identity and financial literacy encouraging teenagers and young adults who are people of color and their parents to pay close attention to credit scores, saving habits, and wise investments.

https://www.dariuscache.com/

Caged (Divided Series Book Two) by CC Robinson Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

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

A young woman imprisoned and alone must find a means of escaping her confinement and warning her allies before its too late in author CC Robinson’s “Caged,” the second book in the Divided series. 

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The Synopsis

The second book in the gripping, award-winning Divided series is here!

The walls are closing in on Rose.
But when powerful enemies move her from house arrest to a literal prison, Rose finds herself alone. Caged. And without help.

Isolated from her friends and allies, yet stumbling on the truth of her captors’ schemes, Rose must free herself. If she doesn’t make it out in time, evil oppressors will take over her city.

Can Rose escape her cage before her foes win and destroy what took the Underground generations to build?

Find out in the second book in the award-winning YA dystopian Divided series that reviewers say reminds them of such classic YA dystopian as Divergent and The Giver.

This book is best read AFTER reading Divided: Book One in the Divided Series.

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The Review

In a time when most of the world feels like it is teetering on the edge of a dystopian event, this book perfectly captures both the struggles of living under a tyrannical government and the hope that can stem from finding community and solace in the company of friends and allies. The visceral, gritty tone that the author captured in this novel will sit with readers long after the book ends, and yet the glimmers of hope that arise in those small moments between the characters will resonate with readers as a welcome reprieve for characters that feel relatable and earnest in their desire to free their family, friends, and city.

The balance of action-driven narrative and emotional character growth was well-developed in this story. The fear, rage, and mistrust that comes with living in a society where anyone can turn on you in a moment’s notice, while also finding those moments of hope and joy amongst those you love and trust, was a fine line the author perfectly articulated in this story. The protagonist especially brought this to life, showcasing a fierce loyalty and strength of character as she relentlessly pursued her path, as well as the steady growth of her friends and allies like Marcos, Jason, and Harriet, felt well-earned and encouraging in the face of such overwhelming odds. 

The Verdict

Memorable, heartfelt, and entertaining, author CC Robinson’s “Caged” is a must-read addition to the Divided series and a fantastic dystopian YA thriller. The twists and turns in the narrative, the glimmers of hope that resonate with readers, and the emotional undertones will stay with readers and leave them eager for the next chapter in this series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

CC Robinson is the award-winning debut author of the Divided series, a dystopian series set in a racially divided world. CC has more than two decades’ experience working in cross-cultural settings as both a medical doctor bringing healthcare to post-civil war nations around the globe and as an Associate Pastor at a multi-ethnic congregation led by an African-American man in Cincinnati, the setting for Divided. She wrote Divided out of concern for our nation’s divisiveness and racial hatred.

Divided portrays a racially divided world in which four teens meet in an underground rebel organization and must work together despite cultural differences to prevent the dictator’s nation-annihilating territory grab.

CC lives in Cincinnati, OH with her husband, three Gen Z grown and flown kids, one cat named Newt who thinks he’s a dog and a real lap dog named Sadie. When CC’s not writing or working at her church, you can find her in the garden, elbow deep in dirt. Follow her on socials (@ccrobinsonauthor) or sign up for her monthly email newsletter on her website.

https://www.ccrobinsonauthor.com/

Revenge is Not Enough (A David Harris & Emma Jackson Mystery Book Two) by Angela Van Breemen Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews1 Comment

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

A young girl from beyond the grave seeks the help of an investigative team to find the truth behind her disappearance in author Angela Van Breemen’s “Revenge is Not Enough”, the second book in the David Harris & Emma Jackson Mystery series. 

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The Synopsis

Revenge can’t undo what was done.

When young psychic Emma Jackson experiences a terrifying vision of a teenage girl being raped, she is shaken to the core. As her husband, David Harris, tries to comfort her, his worry increases when her shattered voice whispers, “Her name was Maggie.” David questions the wisdom of his team of investigators using the paranormal to solve cold cases.

Emma and David, and Bryan, a retired police office and his wife, Laura, have been working together with New Elgan Police Service to solve cold cases.

They learn that Maggie was a young woman who went missing twenty years ago and has moved on to the afterlife.

During a powerful séance, she takes over Emma’s body and demands the investigative team take on her case to find her children.

Except, at sixteen years of age at the time of her disappearance she had no children.

When the team uncovers a sinister baby ring where young women are kidnapped and forced to breed made-to-order children for the elite, they are shocked to learn their nemesis, the Dark Hands of Anubis is behind the human trafficking.

Emma insists on continuing the case, but isn’t Emma’s sanity and peace of mind worth more than solving a cold case from the beyond?

Revenge may not be enough … when the cost is way too high.

The Review

Right from the start, this novel was incredibly compelling and rich with world-building that readers will instantly become pleasantly lost in. The realism of the investigative aspect of cold cases was perfectly balanced by the paranormal/supernatural elements of Emma’s psychic abilities and the spirits that come forth to seek justice. The visceral nature of the crimes themselves and the haunting coldness of the criminals will chill readers to the bone as they dive deeper and deeper into this novel’s lore. 

The character dynamics and the essential themes were the heart of this novel. The love and care that David and Emma share for one another as they traverse this new business and delve into the dangerous world of cold cases, angered spirits, and shady and warped organizations for the wealthy elite, was heartwarming and inspired, and brought balance to the more mysterious and action-driven parts of the story. The way the book focused on the horrific realities of human trafficking and its connection to so many missing persons’ cases, and how the wealthy often benefit at the expense of those without the same privileges, made this a dark yet important narrative to explore without compromising the overall mythos of this series.

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The Verdict

Memorable, haunting, and engaging, author Angela Van Breemen’s “Revenge is Not Enough” is a must-read mystery thriller this fall. The twists and turns in the narrative, the emotional complexity that cold case investigations often stir, and the heart of the two protagonists and their connection with one another, as well as their dedication to their cases, make this one book to look out for this fall. If you haven’t yet, preorder your copy today or grab a copy on November 4th, 2025!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Angela van Breemen is delighted to have completed her first novel, Past Life’s Revenge, a crime thriller with a twist of spiritualism. She is an avid writer of poetry, belongs to the Wordsmiths Writers’ Groupbased out of New Tecumseth, Ontario and is a member of the Crime Writers of Canada and the South Simcoe Arts Council. Angela is a Soprano Soloist.

A firm believer in giving back to the community, she often sings for different charitable organizations. Music and poetry have been an integral part of her life, and in early 2024 she launched her debut album, In The Breeze. Celtic in nature, it includes three original pieces of music, based on her poetry.

Angela volunteers for Procyon Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Centre, a group dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and safe release of orphaned and injured Ontario wildlife.

About Angela

The Ruby Cradle (Gemstones Book Two) by James L. Hill 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 woman must learn her family’s lineage and history in the fight against ancient dragons as war threatens to bring them back into the world in author Jame L. Hill’s “The Ruby Cradle,” the second book in the Gemstones series. 

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The Synopsis

It is the turn of the nineteenth century. The industrial age has begun. Steam powered ships has taken over the oceans. Factories are going up across Europe and America. There is a resurgence of activity in the castles in the mountains and when the Crimean War breaks out Zabella is sent to her grandmother, Rehema to learn about the dragons.

Rehema mentally transcends the girl to the First Split (1000 A.D.), the wars her mother, Apollonia, fought to destroy the dragons as they had spread across Asia, Africa, and Europe. It began as they built castles and started controlling men with gold. The dragons led the Romans, Egyptians, and Chinese empires over the centuries. The dragons turn Molytans into Ogres as their generals that lead huge armies and protect them when their powers wane at night.

New dragons come to power in Europe and now threaten the balance of power in the world. The world of dragons is one of total destruction. They take over an area and cause wars until the world is in ruins. The dragons can’t be killed but can be drained of power causing them to turn into ruby-like stones. Only a dragon can consume another dragon, increasing its power.

Apollonia becomes a sorceress and can retain her power for years out of water with the help of her sisters. She raises a champion in France to battle the dragons’ growing threat of England’s Vargrerot and Russia’s Deyhezas. After destroying a Castle in the Alps and capturing its dragon in the Ruby Cradle, Napoli, the Dragon Killer, confronts the English at the Battle of Hastings. Apollonia returns to the sea and spawns two more mermaids. Afterwards she returns to the world of men to continue the hundred year war and is burned at the stake as Joan of Arc.

Zabella knows she must prepare men to fight and destroy the dragons before the world is at war once more. She knows dragons can be killed.

The Review

This wildly expansive and compelling world was so perfectly expanded upon from the author’s first book in the series. The author did an incredible job of world-building, crafting a book that felt both fantastical and steeped in history at the same time. The grand mythology of the dragons and their long history of influencing and bringing out the worst in humanity was fascinating to read, and the visceral nature of their bloodlust was haunting to discover.

Yet the true heart of the story was in the character development and world-building, as well as the strong themes that the novel touched upon. The way the story shifted focus between the present-day story of the Crimean War and the growing global conflicts that the now escaped dragons are taking advantage of, to the past where Apollonia must stop the constant dragon conflicts tearing apart everything from the Roman Empire and so much more was powerful to see come to life on teh page. The way the author touched on mankind’s perpetual war with itself and the death it brings was well utilized in this narrative.

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The Verdict

Memorable, entertaining, and thrilling, author James L. Hill’s “The Ruby Cradle” is a must-read historical fiction meets fantasy novel. The twists and turns in the story, the rich history and character developments across the centuries, and the thoughtful and natural incorporation of powerful themes made this story feel elevated and engaging all at once. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

James L Hill, a.k.a. J L Hill, is a multi-genre author, currently working on a three-part historical fantasy Gemstone Series, The Emerald Lady is in publication. The Ruby Cradle and the third book, The Diamond Warrior, are due soon. The four-part adult urban crime series, The Killer Series, is finished. Killer With A Heart, Killer With Three Heads, Killer With Black Blood, and Killer With Ice Eyes have all received great reviews. The last two novels were runners-up in the Killer Nashville’s contests of 2022. Then there’s the psychological dystopian science fiction thriller, Pegasus: A Journey To New Eden for your reading pleasure.

https://jlhill-books.com/index.html

All the Broken Angels by Pat Black-Gould and Steve Hardiman 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. 

Two cousins are torn apart by the Vietnam War and the tragedies that follow in authors Pat Black-Gould and Steve Hardiman’s “All the Broken Angels.”

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The Synopsis

Two cousins. Two paths. One unforgettable era. This award-winning historical fiction novel follows the transformative journey of Cate and Albie. Cousins and best friends, they are raised in 1960s New Jersey under the watchful eyes of their family and strict Catholic school nuns. Their bond seems unbreakable. Then the Vietnam War erupts, tearing them apart.

  • Albie, driven by faith and patriotism, enlists in the military and is stationed at a base along the South China Sea nicknamed Paradise.
  • Cate protests the war, challenges her upbringing, and seeks purpose by immersing herself in the bohemian counterculture of New York’s Greenwich Village while enduring life in a low-rent tenement in the gritty Hell’s Kitchen district.

Tragedy strikes, and her world unravels. With the support of her family and an eclectic group of friends—artists, activists, and veterans—Cate embarks on a journey of resilience and personal transformation. Travel back to a pivotal era when men marched off to war and women burned their bras. This compelling novel explores the:

  • Emotional toll of the Vietnam War
  • Rise of feminism and LGBTQ+ movements
  • Conflict between faith, patriotism, rebellion, and personal freedom
  • Strength in kinship, friends, found family, and community

All the Broken Angels is a profound exploration of love, loss, and the indomitable spirit of a generation that resonates far beyond the final page.

The Review

What a thought-provoking and compelling read. The authors wrote in a way that felt very transportive, allowing the reader to feel transported back in time to an era of war, the fight for peace, and the evolution of a society as a whole. The authors found a perfect balance between character development and historical context, allowing the era to come to life on the page without sacrificing the originality and heart behind each character’s evolution throughout the narrative. 

Balance was the key to this book. The authors were able to present each side of this conflict, from the soldiers and veterans impacted physically and mentally from the war, to the protestors and activists who seek to end the war and fight against injustice, while touching upon some important themes. The culture and family dynamics that were explored through these characters were especially unique, as readers were able to not only get a glimpse into how this conflict impacted a family torn apart by differing values, but also connected by a shared belief and a love for one another. 

The Verdict

Thoughtful, engaging, and heartfelt, authors Pat Black-Gould and Steve Hardiman’s “All the Broken Angels” is a must-read historical fiction meets drama narrative. The complex themes of social justice, equality, gay pride, veteran rights, and so much more were so subtly yet passionately written about, and the relatability of the character and the depth of detail about the era will resonate with so many readers that they will return to this book again and again. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Authors

Pat Black-Gould, PhD, is an award-winning author, speaker, and clinical psychologist whose work bridges storytelling and the human psyche. Previously, Pat worked as a director, producer, and playwright in New York and New England.

https://www.patblackgould.com/

Steve Hardiman has worked as an IT and communications consultant, and talk-radio host and producer. His writing includes ghost-written nonfiction articles selected as cover stories in multiple industrial trade publications and scripts for over seventy instructional videos.

Recently retired, he and his wife Angela are raising their grandson. In his spare time, he writes, travels, and is an avid photographer. All the Broken Angels is his first work of published fiction.

One Plus One Is Not Equal To Two: Finding Meaning When Life Doesn’t Add Up by Nathaniel Malabonga 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 Nathaniel Malabonga shares some insights and fundamental truths about life and the fairness that often eludes us all in the book “One Plus One Is Not Equal To Two.”

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The Synopsis

Life is filled with things that shouldn’t occur but happen anyway, and none of it adds up.

Picture this. A CEO runs a company to the ground yet gets a golden exit package worth millions of dollars. Meanwhile, an ordinary hard-working person struggles to pay the bills and is one illness away from becoming homeless, even if they work 2 or 3 jobs at a time. How does any of that make sense?

It’s one of the most demotivating situations one can go through. It builds up a general resentment towards life that’s hard to shake off because it’s born out of the idea that we deserve better. If this describes your life in broad strokes, then it’s time to return to something more basic.

You are more than just a unit of production. This book is a journey back to yourself, to a fundamental truth that most people have ignored for too long and with tragic results. And unlike the intangible soul or the mind, this is a truth that you can touch and feel but is no less profound. It’s a realization that can lead you to rebuild yourself and give you the one thing you may need the most: hope.

The Review

This was an insightful and engaging read. The author had a way with words that spoke to the heart and felt thought-provoking at the same time. The book itself felt conversational in its delivery, with the author able to relate specific themes and topics to personal experiences, pop culture references, and everyday life in an easy and relatable manner.

The themes the author wrote about were timeless and compelling. Two chapters in particular spoke to me. One chapter spoke of holding onto the little things that give people a sense of respite, allowing them to find some form of escapism and understanding others who experience a loss of that escape from their lives. Then there was another chapter that spoke of family versus friendship, and the reality that proves that people can choose their friends, but they cannot choose their family, for better or for worse. These musings and artful approaches to life’s experiences were compelling to get lost in.

The Verdict

Thoughtful, authentic, and engaging, author Nathaniel Malabonga’s “One Plus One Is Not Equal To Two” is a must-read nonfiction self-help book. The authenticity and heartfelt nature of the book’s message, along with the relatability readers will have with the author and their journey, make this a compelling book to revisit time and time. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Nathaniel Malabonga grew up in Marikina City, Philippines. He is an avid gamer who plays tabletop roleplaying games and computer games. He also enjoys anime and manga. For a time, he was into airsoft and dabbled in various martial arts like arnis and BJJ. Eventually, he developed an interest in esoteric energy and healing systems like pranic healing and acupuncture.

A bookworm at heart, the first full-length book he read was the Bible and then Gone With The Wind before discovering Isaac Asimov’s The Foundation series, which ignited his interest in the sci-fi and fantasy genre.

Elijah Goes to Philadelphia by Mark Darden (Illustrations by Anh Bui) Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

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

A young boy on the eve of a trip to Philadelphia takes a journey into the city’s past in author Mark Darden’s “Elijah Goes to Philadelphia.”

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The Synopsis

While resting in his bed, Elijah is not looking forward to visiting Philadelphia with his father as he has heard bad things about the city. His father reassures him that they will have a great time visiting the city and tells Elijah to get some sleep. When Elijah wakes up, he finds himself somewhere he’d never seen before with his dad. After nervously calculating their surroundings, Elijah and his dad meet Vinnie who tells them that they were just in time to witness an historic event. With the help of Vinnie, Elijah and his dad visit various landmarks in Philadelphia during different time periods, such as Independence Hall in 1776, Reading Terminal Market in 1893, and much more. Elijah’s trip to Philadelphia is an exciting and unforgettable adventure, almost as if it were a dream.

The Review

This was such a fun and engaging children’s book. The author did an excellent job of bringing a sense of magic and wonder to the story, while also highlighting the history and culture behind the foundation and growth of Philadelphia as a city and as a landmark in the foundation of the United States of America. The fast-paced and easy-going nature of the story allowed the reader to feel transported by this dreamy, historical trip down the city’s past.

What stood out for young readers is both the relatability of the main characters and the importance of understanding and connecting with the city as a whole. The dynamic between father and son in this story was great to see come to life, and how Philadelphia, both the good and the bad, were showcased reminded me of my life in Southern California, and the times Los Angeles would be called bad or remarked with a sense of dread. Yes, each city has its bad parts, but every town or city does. There are also things of great beauty, community, and historical significance that deserve to be celebrated, and this story brought that to life for Philadelphia so perfectly.

The Verdict

Heartfelt, fun, and adventurous, author Mark Darden’s “Elijah Goes to Philadelphia” is a must-read children’s book. The nostalgic, almost 90s-esque art style of the illustrations and the magical yet relatable story and character dynamics will keep both children and parents alike invested in this incredible story. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Mark Darden is the founder, author-publisher, and Chief Content Creator for Buckeye Muscle Media, LLC. Since 2019, Buckeye Muscle Media has independently published two books with a third book set to be released in November 2024. Mark is a member of the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) and the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). He when is not writing books, Mark enjoys going to sports events cheering for his favorite teams, traveling across the country and world, and participating in various fitness competitions.

https://buckeyemuscle.com/

PRESS RELEASE: Monday Motivation: 52 Inspirational quotes to start your week right Message from DC Gomez:

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn Creative Edge Publicity Press ReleasesLeave a comment

I’m doing a happy dance! After months of studying, analyzing and planning, I did it. I hit the launch
button and my first Kickstarter campaign was successful. Monday Motivation is going to market on
November 11 th and I cannot wait to embrace this and share this project with the world. I can’t believe it. OMG!

Version 1.0.0

Monday Motivation is a beautiful coffee-table book of 52 motivational quotes and reflections (like our
Monday Motivations) that you can enjoy anytime and I want to thank everyone helped who helped
contribute to my kickstarter and advocate for this project. There were so many individuals who
believed in this project and I thank each and every one of you for the support and contributions from
an emotional, mental, and financial aspect.


Finally, I also want to thank my fans and readers for their support of me because without each of
you, I would not be here as a successful author or a USA Today Bestseller. Monday Motivation was
written and created with all of you in mind and I hope that everyone will not only enjoy it but
advocate for it and truly live for the principles within the pages!

Mondays can be tough!

About D.C.

D. C. Gomez is an award-winning USA Today Bestselling Author, podcaster, motivational speaker,
and coach. Born in the Dominican Republic, she grew up in Salem, Massachusetts. D. C. studied
film and television at New York University. After college she joined the US Army, and proudly served
for four years.


D. C. has a Master’s Degree in Science Administration from the Central Michigan University, as well
as a Master in Adult Education from Texas A&M- Texarkana University. She is a certified John
Maxwell Team speaker and coach, and a certified meditation instructor from the Chopra Center.
One of D. C. passions is helping those around her overcome their self-limiting beliefs. She writes
both non-fiction and fiction books, ranging from Urban Fantasy to Children’s Books. To learn more
about her books and her passion, you can find her at www.dcgomez-author.com.