Tag: book review

Diomedes in Kyprios (Diomedes Series Book II) by Gregory Micheal Nixon 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. 

Traveler and hero Diomedes returns for his lost love, only to find himself dealing with the avatar of Aphrodite and a need for redemption for his past in author Gregory Michael Nixon’s “Diomedes in Kyprios”.

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The Synopsis

This is a historically-based novel with authentic, mythic, & fictional characters interacting across the extraordinary panorama after the Fall of Troy and the Hittite Empire during the Bronze Age Collapse. Diomedes leads his Akhaians (Achaeans) to the Isle of Kyprios (now Cyprus) to meet his lost love, Lieia, the ex-queen of the Hittites. Kyprios is where the Peoples of the Sea have gathered before their final assaults on Canaan and Aigyptos (Egypt). But Diomedes unexpectedly meets the avatar of the Goddess Aphrodite at her Temple in Paphos, the city of her birth. Will she take him from Lieia? Will his wanderings end, or will he head back to sea to seek redemption from the past in the further unknown? Aphrodite must also deal with the beautiful, impetuous youth, Adonis, who swears he would die for her.

The Bronze Age Collapse was a time of such chaos that empires fell, royalty was overthrown, palaces and temples were destroyed, and the hierarchy of the gods was doubted, yet people’s self-reliance emerged like never before, and the ancient Great Goddess of the Cycles of Time, who had been suppressed, began to regain her former dominance.

The Review

This was a powerful and compelling read. The author did an incredible job of infusing great detail into the narrative, exploring the ancient cities and states of the old world before they became what we know today, from Kyprios being Cyprus to Aigyptos becoming Egypt. The imagery in the author’s writing style brought these ancient cities and their peoples to life perfectly, and the evolution of Diomedes and Lieia as characters really took off, giving them each new role and path to explore. Seeing Diomedes adjusting to life after the first book’s events and trying to become a creator more than a destroyer was such a great story, and the compelling journey of Lieia as Aphrodite’s avatar was mesmerizing. 

The balance of genres in this book was really what brought the whole story together. The emotional connection and story between Diomedes and Lieia were great uses of romance. At the same time, the military action and adventure of the narrative added depth to the fantastic historical fiction storytelling of the book, allowing readers to feel embedded into the conflicts that would follow, including an attack on the Sea People from what would be the Ancient Egyptians. 

The Verdict

Thoughtful, engaging, and thrilling author Gregory Michael Nixon’s “Diomedes in Kyprios” is a must-read historical fiction novel. The twists and turns that follow and the rich infusion of mythos capture what makes history and mythology so vibrant and exhilarating to many people worldwide. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

I have been writing all my life, beginning in our small town in Saskatchewan. Most my adult life was spent as university professor, so my publishing to this point had all been academic (but still accomplished). As an avocation, in my off hours I studied the Mycenaean era of Ancient Greece, as well as theories of myth & ritual and the mythic mind. Once I retired, I returned to a novelistic venture I had been dreaming of since reading Homer’s Iliad at 15 years old: bringing to life the further adventures of the hero, Diomedes. When at last I dedicated myself to novel writing two years ago, my dream was reinvigorated. However, my characters insisted on entering the Hittite Empire, probably because its capital, Hattusa, came down in flames only a few years after Troy (Ilios). I followed their wishes and brought Hittite royalty into my tale, including Suppiluliuma II, the last of the Great Kings. I immersed myself in Hittite studies, and finally this unusual book emerged — an historical fiction with a strong portrayal of mythic consciousness at the time of the Bronze Age collapse..

Interview with the Devil by Michael Harbron Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews2 Comments

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

A writer with a lifetime of religious struggle comes face to face with the devil in author Michael Harbron’s “Interview with the Devil”.

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The Synopsis

Joseph Banbury’s life takes an extraordinary turn when he’s drawn into an otherworldly dialogue with the Devil himself. Tasked with documenting this unparalleled interview, Joe dives into a narrative that blurs the lines between myth and reality, good and evil. As he navigates the complexities of the Devil’s tales, Joe uncovers secrets that challenge the foundations of his beliefs and the world’s understanding of the celestial balance. Faced with a prophetic warning about a pivotal choice that could reshape the universe, Joe’s journey becomes a testament to the power of questions and the search for truth. “Interview with the Devil” is a compelling tale that invites readers to explore the depths of their convictions and the possibility of redemption in the darkest of narratives. Through a tapestry of philosophical exploration and cosmic intrigue, this novel questions the essence of humanity and the intricate dance of fate and free will.

The Review

This was such a powerful and captivating read. The author expertly combined a blend of modern-day psychological horror and iconic religious mythology. The memorable and thoughtful approach to the relationship between mankind and religion and how it impacts everything from family relationships to careers made the novel feel engaging from the start.

The character development was memorable and the true heart of this narrative. The evolution of Joe as a protagonist was everything, showing the chilling encounters with the darkness he had as a child and how a religious household and those encounters shaped his cynical viewpoint later on in life. The haunting nature of his conversations with the Devil later in the story and the grey areas of life with which these two opposing forces collided made this a compelling story to get lost in.

The Verdict

This book was for religious horror novels, while Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire was for gothic horror. Michael Harbron’s “Interview with the Devil” has amazing world-building and shocking horror elements that make it a must-read horror novel. The narrative twists and turns and the cliffhanger finale will make this story one that readers turn to time and time again. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Michael Harbron is an American fiction writer who brings a unique, yet traditional approach to the horror and supernatural genres. From a young age, Harbron was captivated by the eerie and unexplained, a fascination that has deeply influenced his writing. His works aim to unsettle readers through suspense and psychological depth, revisiting the shadowy corners of childhood fears. His debut novel, “Interview with the Devil,” exemplifies the blurred lines between reality and the unimaginable. Harbron’s storytelling resurrects dormant fears, proving that true horror lies not in what is seen, but in what is felt.

The Author Page

Universally Adored & Other Dollar Stories by Elizabeth Bruce Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews2 Comments

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

Author Elizabeth Bruce takes readers on a journey to discover the different ways to view a dollar in the collection “Universally Adored & Other Dollar Stories”.

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The Synopsis

In Universally Adored and Other One Dollar Stories, Elizabeth Bruce gives readers 33 ways of looking at a dollar. Her empathetic, humorous, and disarming embrace of plain-spoken people searching for a way out, charms and provokes. These are bittersweet stories of resilience and defiance.

In “Universally Adored,” a color-obsessed artist draws a facsimile of a dollar—a masterpiece universally adored—to win her girlfriend back. While checking for spare change in the laundry, in “Bald Tires” a Tennessee housewife with a malcontent husband finds an unused condom in his Sunday trousers. In “The Forgiveness Man,” a runaway teen with a newborn follows a vagabond healer absolving the bedraggled godless through hugs of forgiveness. And in “Magic Fingers, a ladies’ room attendant tracked down by her abusive ex finds refuge in a cheap motel with a 1970s era bed massager.

Riffing on the intimate object of a dollar, Bruce’s humane short fictions—from a great mashed potato war to the grass Jesus walked on—ring with the exquisite voices of characters in analog worlds.

The Review

This was a memorable and thoughtful collection of short stories. The author artfully captures the complexities of the human condition through the lens of a one-dollar bill, perfectly capturing the monetary journey that most of the working class finds themselves on. The short yet poignant imagery found within each story’s writing style allowed the reader to feel transported and engaged with each story’s protagonist in a visceral way. 

The title story, Universally Adored, sets the tone of the collection, allowing the reader to feel the story’s emotional pull and the stories that would follow. Exploring relationships and the complex nature of individuality versus close relationships in general, the story showcases the dangers of personal goals undermining a relationship and the lengths a person will go to to make things right. Themes of struggle, desire, and beauty found in the least likely of places, the stories found within the collection will draw readers in and speak to them in an honest and hopeful voice.

The Verdict

Heartfelt, composed, and strikingly emotional, author Elizabeth Bruce’s “Universally Adored & Other Dollar Stories is a must-read collection. The profound themes and rich imagery build a crescendo of storytelling that readers can easily get lost in, and the powerful relatability of these stories and the engaging way the author writes will stay with readers long after the book concludes. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Elizabeth Bruce’s debut story collection, Universally Adored & Other One Dollar Stories, is forthcoming in January 2024 from the Athens, Greece-based Vine Leaves Press. Her debut novel, And Silent Left the Place, won Washington Writers’ Publishing House’s Fiction Award, ForeWord Magazine’s Bronze Fiction Prize, and was one of two finalists for the Texas Institute of Letters’ Steven Turner Award for Best Work of First Fiction. Bruce has published prose in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Israel, Sweden, Romania, India, South Korea, Malawi, Yemen, and The Philippines, including in FireWords Quarterly, Pure Slush, takahē magazine, The Ilanot Review, Spadina Literary Review, Inklette, Lines & Stars, and others, as well as in such anthologies from Paycock Press’ Gargoyle series, Weasel Press’ How Well You Walk through Madness: An Anthology of Beat, Vine Leaves Literary Journal: A Collection of Vignettes from Across the Globe; Madville Publishing’s Muddy Backroads, Two Thirds North, multiple Gargoyle anthologies, and Washington Writers’ Publishing House’s This Is What America Looks Like. Follow her on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Righteous Rebellion by James Hooker 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 daring move by a religious movement leads to a southern state seceding from the United States, leading to a domino effect that will change the landscape forever in author James Hooker’s “Righteous Rebellion.”

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The Synopsis

In the waning days of the Great Republic, a small, conservative southern state, having lost faith in the country and being led by an overzealous “servant of the Lord,” decides to secede from the Union.

In the process, we meet characters from both sides of the culture clash, including a mad pastor, a delusional Nazi pervert, religious zealots, a self-interested wanna-be “President,” a scheming real estate developer, a mysterious Middle Eastern monarch, a crazy ayatollah with a dangerous scheme to embarrass America, an oversexed administrative assistant, a territory-grabbing drug kingpin, an unhinged “First Lady,” a befuddled General Staff, and a beleaguered American President who tries to keep the whole wild world in check.

Can the United States keep itself in tact in the midst of a “Righteous Rebellion?”

The Review

This was a gripping read. The author did an amazing job of capturing the heart of the political divide that has become the heart of the American political machine. The imagery and atmosphere of the novel allow the reader to feel the rising tensions across the nation, and the way the author blends in humorous dialogue through these characters helps underscore the stakes at play for the narrative.

The heart of the story rests in the massive character arcs played out throughout the narrative. Early on readers see the influence religion and old school mentality has on modern day politics, and the way each character’s motivations impact the story were greatly felt. The story doesn’t just impact the nation, but the world as a whole, and highlights how much the United States influences how the  rest of the world turns at this point in time.

The Verdict

A brilliant blend of Stephen King’s The Stand meets Civil War, author James Hooker’s Righteous Rebellion is a must-read political and historical fiction. The use of satire and real-world political divides allowed the reader to get fully immersed in the minds of these figures, and see how that divide impacts the world stage as a whole.

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

James Hooker is an American writer who explores various genres, from humor, satire and historical fiction. In the realm of literary achievements James Hooker stands out as a brilliant writer with a boundless imagination. Recent books include “Redneck Riviera” and “Righteous Rebellion”. He entices his readers to believe that true meaning can be found not just in the destination but in the journey itself.

Satirical & Humorous Stories

Vermillion Harvest – Playtime at the Bagh by Reenita M. Hora 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 couple from very different communities must find each other and safety before an attack that will be heard around the world in author Reenita m. Hora’s “Vermillion Harvest – Playtime at the Bagh.”

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The Synopsis

In a politically tense Amritsar, India, Aruna, an Anglo-Indian schoolteacher, and Ayaz, a feisty Muslim law student, fall in love only to discover that courting openly is easier said than done. Not only are they from different communities, but his political activism during the tumultuous year of 1919 comes at the cost of their romance.

Against the deadline of a military order, Aruna, who is only nineteen, must find her lover and warn him about Colonel Dyer’s impending attack on Jallianwala Bagh. An attack that is eventually heard around the world.

Playtime at the Bagh during Baishakhi is a metaphor for Colonel Dyer’s rain of bullets released upon thousands on the one fateful day of April 13th, 1919.

Love, hate, denial, and betrayal are wrapped inside a single love story capturing today’s hope with yesterday’s despair.

The Review

This was such a powerful and emotional read. The historical romance of the novel is prevalent from the beginning, allowing the relationship between Aruna and Ayaz to grow and develop naturally, allowing the reader to form an emotional bond with the characters. The author’s intense and heavy atmosphere throughout the narrative brings the reader into the shocking and heartbreaking realities of this historical moment in time.

The large-scale struggles of the conflict to come may be the setting of this novel, but the personal struggles of the two protagonists as they deal with their love for one another, his political protests, and the clash of cultures that make their relationship a struggle overall made this novel so enthralling. The attention to detail that the author puts into the historical side of the story showcases the tragedy and horrific nature of what so many people had to live through and helped put into perspective so much of what the Indian community had to endure during that time.

The Verdict

Heartfelt, engaging, and powerfully written author Reenita M Hora’s “Vermillion Harvest – Playtime at the Bagh” is a must-read historical fiction romance novel. The twists and turns in the story, the heartbreaking realities that the people faced during this event, and the rich and dynamic character arcs made this one book readers woulnd’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

Reenita, the ‘Nora Ephron’ of South Asian storytelling, spinning yarns as eclectic as Mumbai’s iconic ‘Bhel Puri’ – a tantalizing concoction of flavors with an occasional bug for that extra crunch! Her stories star a motley crew of characters caught in the whirlwind of imperfect scenarios, all while stubbornly refusing to sell out. Her writing, unapologetically Indian, pulses with the colors and rhythms of her culture, deftly blending humor and authenticity.  LA Weekly spotlighted my unique approach to weaving Indian humor and culture into the American tapestry, celebrating the innovative narrative of Operation Mom. Read the LA Weekly Article here.

In her previous life, Reenita was a journalist, editor, and writer for platforms like National Geographic Kids, Disney India, Cartoon Network Asia, the New York Times, CNN, Radio Television Hong Kong, and Bloomberg. Her awards and accolades include the Eric Hoffer Book Award, IndieReader Discovery Award, Santa Barbara International Screenplay Award, Script2Comic, Launchpad, and Emerging Screenwriters awards, and second round consideration (OPERATION MOM) for the Sundance Institute Development Slate. No one-trick pony though, she’s the brains behind not one but two rib-tickling podcasts: the ‘True Fiction Project’ (where reality takes a hilarious nosedive into the scripted world) and ‘Shadow Realm’ (a magical portal to riveting narrative fiction).

Reenita has honed her screenwriting skills through topnotch programs like Writers’ Bootcamp and Roadmap Writers, so you know she means business. She has optioned her book, ’Ace Of Blades,’ and her screenplay, SHADOW REALM. Brace yourself for her upcoming books, ‘Festival of Lights’ published by HarperCollins and ‘Vermilion Harvest: Playtime at the Bagh’ published by Indignor Press, coming soon to a bookshelf near you! Dive headfirst into her world fantastical tales, and laugh-out-loud moments at http://www.reenita.com. And, don’t forget your bug spray!

Patience by Jaire Sims 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 man must navigate his first relationship and a new job in author Jaire Sims LGBTQ adult romance novel, “Patience”.

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The Synopsis

After surviving a harrowing high school attack and making a life for himself, Carver Goodman is ready to move forward and find love. Using his photography skills, he uploads pictures of himself to a dating site and waits patiently for someone worth pursuing to contact him.

Ricardo Ramirez, Ricky to his friends, has a secret he’s kept from everyone, but when he sees a similarity between his past and Carver’s, he feels he must confess. After having dated Carver for months, he admits his transgression.

Will Carver be able to overcome Ricky’s sordid past, or will Carver’s past interfere with his future?

The Review

This was an emotional and compelling read. The exploration of Carver as a young adult and making his mark on the world was so fascinating to get lost in. The relatability of the character, from both a sexuality perspective and a personality perspective, will resonate with so many readers, and the thoughtful use of imagery brought the city of Chicago to life all around the characters in this narrative.

The emotional journey of Carver and Ricardo was truly the heart of the story. The physical and emotional connection they share as their journey evolves, and the shocking revelations of Ricardo’s past challenges Carver in ways he never expected. The romance gets very adult in its delivery, and the personal nature of Carve as a character, from his challenging past and his experiences on the Autism spectrum, to the first romance as a gay man and exploring what that means to him made this story so engaging.

The Verdict

Thoughtful, refreshing, and memorable, author Jaire Sims’s “Patience” is a must-read novel. The rich character dynamics and notes of growth and hope that the author evokes throughout this book will leave readers eager for more from this amazing writer. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Jaire Malik Sims was born and raised on the far southwest side of Chicago. Even at a young age, Jaire was not known for his talkative behavior. He was able to make casual friends in elementary school and high school, but he never succeeded in making those friendships close or intimate.

Sims strived to get good grades and often made the Honor List in elementary school. He was a straight “A” student in high school and became class valedictorian.

Although Sims excelled at grades in high school, his difficulty with socializing began to manifest as a teenager. Due to his quiet nature and frequent experiences with social anxiety, Jaire was an easy target to teasing and bullying during his adolescence. His difficulties with socializing during his college years subsequently led him to see a clinical professional counselor and take a mental health assessment. While twenty-one, and a junior in college, Jaire was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome. A year later, he graduated from Monmouth College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Studies.

Jaire has restricted interests, which makes it difficult for him to have and maintain casual conversations with people. He developed an interest in all things Disney in high school and still enjoys talking about his favorite Disney films and songs.

Educators often told Sims that he had strong writing skills. This encouragement played a part in motivating him to write his first novel, Getting By. His debut novel was named a finalist in the African American (Fiction) category in the Next Generation Indie Book Awards.

Jaire hopes his book will reach certain demographics who share commonalities with him and perhaps inspire them to write their own stories while taking inspirations from their life experiences.

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Cul-De-Sac by Liz Crowe Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

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

A young couple become enamored with their new dream home and the community they find themselves in, only to discover a web of lies and deceit behind the walls of their home in author Liz Crowe’s “Cul-De-Sac”.

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The Synopsis

Welcome to Connelly Court. A secluded, old money neighborhood, harboring a web of desires and deceit behind pristine facades and manicured lawns, where the lives of a group of neighbors, bound by their shared secrets and unconventional lifestyle, are about to unravel.

Michael and Amelia Ross move into their dream home, and get drawn into the seductive allure. But their house once belonged to a family whose lives were seemingly ruined by their participation, which leads Amelia to question everything about her new-found friends. Suspicions run rampant as the close-knit group turns on each other. Lies, betrayals, and hidden agendas are revealed, ripping apart the fabric that once bound the group together.

“Cul-de-Sac” is a dark tale of marriage, friendship, desire, and betrayal, where nothing is as it seems, and the truth may be more shocking than anyone could have imagined. Discover the twisted secrets of Connelly Court in this chilling domestic suspense novel that will leave you questioning just how well you truly know—or should know—your neighbors.

The Review

This was a powerful and mesmerizing suburban thriller. The author’s tension and atmosphere made the reader feel transported, a fly on the wall as the characters drew further into the complex world of seduction and power that this neighborhood had crafted for itself. The mystery behind the former occupants of the protagonists’s home and the use of multiple points of view throughout the book allowed the reader to peel back each layer of intrigue at a good pace.

Character development added to the mystery surrounding this novel and helped elevate the exploration of what happens behind closed doors. The picturesque, quiet suburb that the novel initially portrays, as well as the protagonists who come across as the average American family with a clear picture of their future, all come through early in the novel, and yet the seduction parties and ways in which the characters grow and falter showcase the hidden nature of what is the classic “perfect American dream.”

The Verdict

Thrilling, shocking, and engaging author Liz Crowe’s “Cul-de-Sac” is a must-read thriller. The exploration of the American suburb and how lies and power dynamics can work in any setting, even a quiet American cul-de-sac, allowed the shocking twists and turns to hit the reader with a punch that will stay with them long after the book ends. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Liz Crowe is a Kentucky native and graduate of the University of Louisville living in South Carolina. She’s spent her time as a three-continent expat trailing spouse, mom of three, real estate agent, brewery owner and bar manager, and is currently a digital marketing and fundraising consultant, in addition to being an award-winning author.

The Liz Crowe backlist has something for any reader seeking complex storylines with humor and complete casts of characters that will delight and linger in the imagination long after the book is finished.

Her favorite things to do when she’s not scrolling social media for cute animal videos is walk her dogs, cuddle her cats, and watch her favorite sports teams while scrolling social media for cute animal videos.

Website: https://lizcrowe.com/

Facebook: @lizcroweauthor

Instagram: @lizcroweauthor

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3ORHrxk

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/205844908-cul-de-sac

Hockey Wars 15: Graduation by Sam Lawrence & Ben Jackson 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.

The kids from Dakota must tackle the emotional end of their middle school years and face an uncertain future in authors Sam Lawrence and Ben Jackson’s “Hockey Wars 15: Graduation”.

The Synopsis

It’s the final days of middle school for the Dakota kids from the Hurricanes and the Lightning.

As the end of their middle school years together draws ever closer, there are mixed emotions as the kids face an uncertain future together in high school.

The final weeks of middle school are a whirlwind of emotions, events, and preparing for the big day, but one thing is for sure, these kids are tackling it together as only best friends and teammates could.

Is this the end for the kids from Dakota, or is this just the beginning of an exciting new adventure?

You’ll need to read Hockey Wars 15 to find out!

The Review

This was such a heartfelt and engaging story. For adult readers, the sense of nostalgia and memory that the story brings to life is incredible, and young readers will be able to identify with the fears, anxiety, joy, and hope that these young school years can bring. The authenticity of the emotional journey that these characters go on is an instant draw for readers. 

The themes of friendship, growth, and human connection are firmly woven into this story. The closeness of Millie and Cameron, in particular, will resonate with young readers. Close friends can often turn into confusing yet fearful and thrilling times, and the need to preserve friendships can be a powerful and consuming feeling. 

The Verdict

Memorable, nostalgic, and engaging authors Sam Lawrence and Ben Jackson’s “Hockey Wars 15: Graduation” is a must-read middle-grade book. The creativity and heart that the authors poured into this book and the open-ended bring this series to an emotional close and leave room for the possible return of these beloved characters in the future. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Authors

Sam Lawrence was born in Ontario, Canada, and is a successful indie author that has been writing for almost a decade. Sam is married to Ben Jackson, and together they specialize in self-publishing children’s books. They have been married for several years and have traveled together between Australia and Canada.

Together, Sam and Ben have published a series of children’s books called My Little Fart and Hockey Wars, as well as If I Was A Caterpillar and several other non-fiction books. In addition, they have numerous publications in progress, so stay tuned for information on those by following this page and connecting with them on Facebook, Goodreads, or Instagram.

Sam owns a company called Indie Publishing Group Inc which helps Canadian authors self-publish their books. Ben manages a company called Author Services Australia, which specializes in assisting Australian indie authors. 

Remember, if you enjoyed one of their books, please leave a review! As indie authors, it really helps out, and it’s 100% free and will only take a few minutes of your time. 

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/BenandSamAuthors/

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/authorsbenandsam/

Website – http://www.benandsamauthors.com/

Ben Jackson was born in Tasmania, Australia, and is a successful indie author that has been writing for almost a decade. Ben is married to Sam Lawrence, and together they specialize in self-publishing children’s books. They have been married for several years and have traveled together between Australia and Canada.

Together, Ben and Sam have published a series of children’s books called My Little Fart and Hockey Wars, as well as If I Was A Caterpillar and several other non-fiction books. In addition, they have numerous publications in progress, so stay tuned for information on those by following this page and connecting with them on Facebook, Goodreads, or Instagram.

Ben manages a company called Author Services Australia to help Australian authors self-publish their books. Sam manages a company called Indie Publishing Group, which specializes in assisting Canadian indie authors. 

Remember, if you enjoyed one of their books, please leave a review! As indie authors, it really helps out, and it’s 100% free and will only take a few minutes of your time. 

Never Home: Remembering the Military Heroes Who Never Returned by Richard Sherman Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

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

Author and military veteran Richard Sherman shares this powerful collection of images and passages surrounding the cemeteries and monuments depicted to American soldiers who never came home in the book “Never Home: Remembering the Military Heroes Who Never Returned”.

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The Synopsis

Screenshot

“Never Home: Remembering the Military Heroes Who Never Returned” by Navy veteran and professional photographer Richard Sherman takes you on an emotional journey to all 23 of America’s overseas World War I and World War II cemeteries managed by the American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC). The book includes powerful images coupled with more than 50 biographies of individuals who perished during the wars and, even in death, have still not made it home. From Normandy to Manila, from Tunisia to Florence, and from Luxembourg to Provence, this book honors those who sacrificed everything to ensure our freedom.

The Review

This was such a powerful book. While the majority of the book is infused with photographs, the depth of emotion and history that each photograph brings to life on the page not only speaks to the author’s unique vision and eye for detail, but the power and sacrifice so many people fro m the United States military have endured around the world. No matter a person’s party or political affiliations, or their preferences for each war in general, the respect and gratitude that so many feel for those who gave their lives for us all can be felt on every page of this book.

The honesty and conviction that the opening passages from the author gave allowed the reader to feel the personal connection the author had to this subject matter. Of all the images, each with its own title and location, the image of the veterans in Normandy really spoke to the WWII era that a person can only read so much of in school, but cannot experience in life what the soldiers endured in that time. 

The Verdict

Thoughtful, memorable, and engaging, author Richard Sherman’s “Never Home” is a must-read picture meets history book. The exploration of American soldier’s impact on overseas wars and the special exploration of specific graves and the soldiers who inhabit them gave the reader a sense of humble respect and emotion as the author perfectly brought these photographs and the people behind them to life. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

When I was four or five years old, my Dad purchased Time-Life’s books on photography, bought a Minolta SLR camera and built a darkroom in our basement. Since that time, photography has been a part of my life.

I even remember the giant, heavy flash that ran on D-sized batteries and the smell of the leather case for his manual light meter. In my teens, Dad taught me the basics of photography on that Minolta. And today his photographs remain among our family’s most prized possessions. Though my father passed away a few years ago, I feel a special connection with him every time I pick up my camera bag.

I hope you enjoy the images here and that you find peace and tranquility in them. Perhaps your mind will drift to days gone by, or trips you have enjoyed with your family and friends; perhaps it will make you think about your next vacation. Thanks for visiting today, and please come back soon.

https://www.richardshermanphotography.com

https://www.neverhomeheroes.com/p/buy-the-book