I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Two kids, a helpful Sasquatch and a technological wizrd must track down the creature responsible for the attempt to take a small town’s brain power in author Arthur Slade’s “Invasion of the I.Q. Snatchers”, the third book in the Canadian Chills series.
The Synopsis
Can Gordon Whillickers and his friend Sophia stop a sinister plot to steal the brain power of the people of Nanaimo?
Someone is delivering plates of scrumptious Nanaimo bars to every household in Nanaimo, and the people who eat them are behaving very strangely. Gordon Whillickers doesn’t get to eat his because, at the last minute, a hairy arm reaches through his window and steals them. He and Sophia chase after the thief and meet an amazing Sasquatch named Cheryl, who is also puzzled by the sudden appearance of the mouth-watering delicacies.
With the help of Cheryl and the technological wizardry of a local librarian, the two kids move ever closer to the alien creature at the centre of the plot. They must stop him before the Nanaimoites’ IQs are lost forever!
The Review
Another gripping and fun middle-grade paranormal read, the author continues to strike the right balance between a small-town spooky atmosphere and out-of-this-world adventures. The imagery in the author’s writing style not only does a great job of bringing this small town and its inhabitants to life but also captures the rich development of the paranormal elements found in this story.
The heart of this story resides in the relatable characters and new directions into the paranormal that the author explored. The use of cryptids and aliens in this book, including a Sasquatch named Cheryl, gave much more depth and world-building to the growing narrative of the series. The humor and wit the protagonists and their allies had in their dialogue will enthrall and entertain young readers.
The Verdict
Author Arthur Slade’s “Invasion of the I.Q. Snatchers” is a fast-paced, thrilling, and adventurous middle-grade sci-fi and fantasy book. The story’s vibe reminded me of a season 3 episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer titled “Band Candy.” The twists and turns and the fun nature of the story will keep readers invested in the story’s progress. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Arthur Slade was raised in the Cypress Hills of southwest Saskatchewan (on a ranch). He wasn’t raised by wolves. It was elves. And one grumpy dwarf. He began writing at an early age. It took a few years but he is now the author of more than thirty novels, including Dust (which won the Governor General’s award), Dragon Assassin, and The Hunchback Assignments. He currently lives in the mythical city of Saskatoon and does all of his writing on a treadmill desk while he listens to heavy metal. Really. It’s true.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author Candy Wolff shares with readers the purpose and hope she found in the wake of loss and grief in the book “Lost and Found in Mexico: A Widow’s Road to Recovery”.
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The Synopsis
In Lost and Found in Mexico, A Widow’s Road to Recovery, delve into the heartfelt narrative of Candy, whose story is an intricate tapestry of love, faith, and resilience. Her romance with Ross is not a fairy tale but a reflection of real-life struggles and triumphs, offering solace and wisdom to those navigating their own relationships.
Candy’s unwavering faith in brighter days ahead serves as a beacon of hope amidst the storm, a testament to her profound love for Ross and his unwavering support. Yet, when tragedy strikes and he is taken from her, Candy’s endurance becomes her most potent weapon as she navigates the emotional tempest that follows.
Through the depths of grief and uncertainty, Candy’s story becomes more than just a narrative-it becomes a lifeline for readers grappling with their own losses. From the tender moments of love to the harrowing depths of grief, Lost and Found in Mexico is a poignant reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and a source of invaluable insight for those facing similar trials.
The Review
This was a heartfelt and emotional read. The author powerfully brings readers into the heart of her struggles, honing in on the emotional and mental struggles that she faced in those days after her loss. The depth of the author’s writing style allows the reader to feel immersed in these memories and experiences, and the intricate detail the author puts into her writing brings the visceral and shocking realities of loss to light in a very real way.
The author’s book highlights the honesty that the author writes with and the realities of love and relationships. While many people get lost in the fairytale aspect of love, especially in a relationship’s early days, most people realize that true love comes with its struggles, as no one is perfect. The author expertly shares these realities and hones in on the good and bad moments that made up her relationship. The spiritual nature of the author’s journey through grief will resonate with many who turn to faith in times of struggle.
The Verdict
Heartbreaking, thoughtful, and engaging author Candy Wolff’s “Lost and Found in Mexico: A Widow’s Road to Recovery” is a must-read nonfiction memoir meets inspirational book. The relatability of the author’s journey and struggles, the hopeful overtones as the book progresses, and the guidance that her book brings to readers will stay with the audience long after the book finishes. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
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Candy Wolff is a dynamic professional with a diverse background in marketing, sales, event management, writing, and public speaking.
As the CEO and President of “Irreplaceably You,” Candy is dedicated to empowering individuals and families to have open financial conversations, be prepared for the unexpected, and thrive in the face of adversity.
Candy’s approach is unique and pragmatic. She understands that losing a significant other is a very emotional and stressful time, and she helps people deal with it in a practical and compassionate way. Candy is a great listener and has an incredible ability to connect with people on a personal level. Her talks are inspiring and motivating, and she leaves her audience with a sense of hope and renewed energy.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A woman finds herself trapped in a hellish marriage and must find a way to escape in author Barbara Harrison’s “Get Out Now!”
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The Synopsis
Beautiful, naïve Amber Light, falls in love with a tortured artist named Cade Raine. From the first moment she meets him, she is absolutely smitten. Not only is he incredibly handsome, but also successful and wealthy.
They marry soon after. Without realising it, suddenly, Amber’s entire world revolves around this one man, who isolates her from family and friends then overtly turns against her. He does this subtly at first, allowing Amber to believe that everything which goes wrong in their relationship, is her fault. That is, until she begins to uncover the truth about her husband’s dark side.
Throughout a turbulent marriage of ten years, there are many twist and turns along Amber’s journey with Cade. She eventually understands that she needs to get out of her sham of a marriage. The problem is that she knows Cade won’t allow her to leave, so she must craft a fool-proof plan to escape.
The Review
This was such a heart-wrenching and chilling read. The author does an incredible job of bringing the reader into the brutal reality that so many women find themselves forced to endure, thanks to predatory men. The suspense and horror of the events that led Amber to finally leave her husband, as well as the terror that comes with fighting for survival, were all equally felt thanks to the author’s fantastic use of imagery and atmosphere in her writing, allowing the reader to feel immersed in this story.
The character dynamics and powerful themes are well done in this story. The realistic nature of both Amber and Cade as characters and the cycle of violence and forgiveness shown throughout their marriage hit close to home for far too many readers. Yet, the realistic nature of the characters’ relationship and the beats of hope throughout the story as she fights to escape this relationship will stay with readers long after the book ends.
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The Verdict
Heartbreaking, tragic, yet engaging author Barbara Harrison’s “Get Out Now!” It is a must-read psychological suspense tale, and domestic thriller readers won’t be able to put it down. The reader will instantly connect emotionally to Amber’s plight, and the reality of this story will hopefully shed new light on this horrifying situation so many have to endure. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Barbara Harrison is a woman who loves telling stories. She was an avid reader as a teenager, whose interest in the world of imagination was first stirred by the written word. Barbara started with writing scripts for plays and poetry. This love for words, then extended into a passion for acting and bringing the written word to life. As a hopeless romantic, she mostly enjoyed reading books about true love and finding a soulmate. As she grew into womanhood, the young Barbara began to realise that sadly, the love stories depicted in Mills and Boon novels, were far removed from real life. In 1988 she married her late husband, Russel Harrison, and they raised two children together. After many marital ups and downs and twelve years of marriage, Russel moved to Florida, USA. This was a huge shock to Barbara and their children, who had no desire to relocate overseas. For a period of fourteen years. Barbara lived a life of split family on two continents, travelling between America and South Africa.
Tragically, in August 2012, after a mole biopsy on his arm, Russel received news that it had become a melanoma. He recovered well from the surgery to remove the cancer, however, it had spread, and in April 2014 was considered to be stage four and therefore terminal. Both returned to South Africa in July 2014, where Russ received treatment and they could be with family and friends during that dreadful time. On 1 October 2015, their twenty-seventh wedding anniversary, Russel passed away, leaving Barbara a grieving widow. Barbara began to slowly move forward again, and as she looked back to take stock of her life, she began to realise that she had spent most of her married life, living her husband’s dream. Although she thoroughly enjoyed being a wife and mother, there had been no ambition, other than the love of acting many years ago, to follow a career. At the age of fifty, encouraged by two of her friends, Barbara began to write again. Her first couple of endeavours were in the non-fiction world and she did not attempt to publish. One of her friends suggested that she try her hand at writing novels. Another friend greatly believed in her ability to write and constantly encouraged her to keep going, ultimately birthing the book you now hold in your hands.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A young girl and her siblings trying to escape the horrors of WWII, including their Nazi father, stumble upon a world only glimpsed in the stories of their youth and discover the horrors of war can never be fully escaped in author Steffanie Costigan’s “Land of the Dragon,” the first book in the series of the same name.
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The Synopsis
They had not even started to fight, yet I already could smell blood in the air…
I am a traitor, victim, fighter, survivor, sister, and daughter of a Nazi. I am Eleanor Kuhn. I will not be indoctrinated by Hitler. I fight for the truth my world has forgotten and ignored. Upon escaping the country, I stumbled into a whole new world, and I soon realized that war is everywhere you look.
With nothing but the clothes on my back and five siblings in tow, I wash up on the coast of a world I’d only glimpsed in books and the clouds of dreams: Land of the Dragon. But there’s something about this new world that rings with familiarity. Or perhaps someone . . .
Land of the Dragon is a historic fantasy layered with details and rich symbolism a Eric Hoffer Award nominee and Literary Titan Award winner book. If you like details in stories, magic, adventure, romance, and dragons this book is a read you will enjoy time and time again. With each read, you may uncover more details layered throughout the book that you didn’t originally recognize. This book is brought to you from Reading Dream Press where stories come alive.
The Review
This was a powerful and thoughtful fantasy read. The blend of historical fiction and fantasy was incredible, effortlessly merging the theme of war and its impact on those caught in its gravity into our world and the Land of the Dragon. The world-building, layered mythos surrounding the realm, and the depth of various creatures, from dragons to unicorns and even werewolves, allowed readers to get lost in this world altogether.
The emotional core of this story rests in Eleanor’s story, both her past and the adventure she finds herself on. The heartbreaking reality of the impact of WWII, from her father’s fate after helping Jewish members of his community escape from Nazi control to the never-ending fight to keep her family safe, at least the family she had left when she swore to keep her siblings alive. Her experiences’ impact and heart on the narrative will stay with readers long after the book ends.
The Verdict
Heartfelt, adventurous, and engaging author Steffanie Costigan’s “Land of the Dragon” is a must-read historical fiction and fantasy story and a grand entry into a new series. The twists and turns in the story, the emotional toll the protagonist’s experiences take, and the wealth of mythology poured into this story will keep readers invested in the narrative. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Steffanie Costigan has always held a strong passion for writing despite her severe disability with dyslexia. She is currently living in Canada, Alberta, with her husband and three children.
Steffanie is a journalist and hopes to continue her passion for writing books and her dream of continuing as a journalist.
Steffanie studied creative writing and took her program in digital communications and media at Lethbridge College. She hopes her writing will resonate with people and inspire those that read her writings. This novel is her life’s work as she started writing this book at the young age of 12 years old and didn’t stop until publication.
Her passion for writing started at the young age of three years old; She has also written plays and had the opportunity to direct one of her written plays, “A Stoney Gaze,” in 2021. Steffanie met the love of her life Jarom Costigan in Adelaide, Australia. They soon married in March 2015. The love between the two protagonist characters within this novel was strongly inspired by Steffanie’s own experience meeting her husband. If it is something Steffanie believes in, it’s love at first sight, as that is the experience, she, and her husband both share with one another.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
When the new home Elior and his allies find themselves in is under threat, they must determine who is a friend and who is their enemy in author Zachary Hagen’s “Eternity’s Refuge”, the third book in the Eternal Chronicles series.
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The Synopsis
Blindness isn’t the only thing that keeps you from seeing.
Elior and his friends have been through a lot together. They journeyed through trials with Michael to reach the Well of Eternity and drink from it. They gained new powers and went through the Mirror of Eternity to the other side of the world to rescue Elior’s brother from a dragon and restored light to Nox Terra in the process. Now they’ve returned to Lux Terra, but the adventure is far from over.
When an ominous warning finds them in Gabrielle’s beach house, they have no choice but to join Michael’s followers in the underground, Eternity’s Refuge. They are welcomed with open arms and the promise of a place to belong away from a world gone mad. But when they find out that Taariq’s right hand man, Iblis, has infiltrated Eternity’s Refuge in every major city, they have to find a way to protect their new friends and their new home from the inside.
Now they must determine who their friends are and who their enemies are, and almost nothing is as it seems. Will Taariq and his minions be successful in bringing Eternity’s Refuge down from the inside? Or will Elior, Opal, Nyx, and Nereza be able to stop him and bring even more people to the cause?
Eternity’s Refuge is the thrilling continuation of the Eternal Chronicles series following Eternity’s Mirror. The magic leaping off the page and deepening the mystery will hook you from cover to cover and leave you breathless.
The Review
The world-building continues to amaze in this third entry in the Eternal Chronicles. The author infuses a great deal of intrigue and mystery into the story, as the question of loyalties and who the protagonists can trust is tested. The imagery and use of magical and mythical world-building allow the reader to feel transported into the story.
What made this story shine was the robust character development in this story. The protagonist, Elior, is tested in this book, exploring his call to lead their people and how to rise above the hardships and struggles their journey has thrown in their path. The story of redemption some characters take, especially one who has been on the wrong side of the battle thus far, draws the reader into the story and keeps them emotionally invested as the losses pile on in this story.
The Verdict
Adventurous, thrilling, and entertaining author Zachary Hagen’s “Eternity’s Refuge” is a must-read fantasy-driven narrative. The shocking twists in this story and the emotional ending will keep readers on the edge of their seats and eager to get the next book 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
Zachary Hagen is a fantasy author and editor. He lives his wife, Claudia, and their dog, Flynn. When he isn’t busy writing his next book or teaching, you can often find him walking around his neighbor hood or up hiking in Hanging Rock Park with his wife and their friends.
From a young age he was enthralled with the world of story. From the stories his parents read to him from his blue bedtime story books (if you know, you know) to the first two series that he read, The Chronicles of Narnia and A Series of Unfortunate Events, Zachary’s tastes continued to develop throughout his years of reading.
The influences for his first series, The Eternal Chronicles, include Christopher Paolini, J. R. R. Tolkien, C. S. Lewis, and others.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A day of adventure with Sasquatch helps teach readers the beauty and importance of conservation in author Molly Leach’s “Following Sasquatch”.
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The Synopsis
Following Sasquatch takes readers on an enchanting exploration with an elusive gentle giant. Crafted by Molly Leach, this story delves into a day of discovery in the wilderness, highlighting Sasquatch’s commitment to leaving no trace behind.
With adventures from climbing trees to encountering diverse wildlife, Sasquatch’s journey is one of mindfulness and respect for nature. Emphasizing conservation, kindness, and the beauty of the natural world, the book educates and entertains, fostering a deep appreciation for the outdoors. It encourages readers to explore with care, love the earth, and cherish its wonders.
This book invites readers to a journey of discovery, stewardship, and wonder, proving that sometimes, the simplest of adventures can preserve our planet’s stories for generations to come.
The Review
What a heartwarming and memorable book. The author did a remarkable job of capturing the whimsy and wonder of Sasquatch in our culture while also delivering an educated and experienced book for young readers everywhere. The warmth and natural wonder of the illustrations allowed the spark of nature to take hold of the reader’s mind, keeping readers invested in the overall story being told.
The heart of this story rested in the significant theme of conservatorship that permeated the narrative. The simple story of a Sasquatch and its relationship to nature may be straightforward. Yet, this book provides a depth of attention to detail on the impact we as a civilization make on the environment and natural surroundings.
The Verdict
Memorable, thoughtful, and entertaining author Moly Leach’s “Following Sasquatch” is a must-read children’s book. The almost minimalist approach to the illustrations perfectly blends the themes of nature, environmentalism, and mankind’s relationship to the environment. The whimsy and wonder of Sasquatch as a main character keep the reader invested in the overall narrative. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
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Molly is an artist from somewhere along the road. Whether doing trail work far in the forest or writing songs up in a tree , hopping the train to see an old friend or playing music at a bar in the city, adventure is never far away. Hands rarely clean of dirt, usually barefoot, and often dancing, you will find Molly singing in the wild.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A young woman pursuing her dreams and a young man hiding from his family obligations find themselves forced to live together, and soon a prank war may ignite a passion within them both neither saw coming in author Rachel Holm’s “Capitally Matched”, the first book in the Brandt Brothers Contemporary Romance series.
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The Synopsis
This condo may not be big enough for the both of them…
Charlotte Reid has always put her family first. Their bookstore was her whole life, but it’s never really felt like hers. Now, Charlotte’s left her small town behind for the chance to do something on her own terms. She needs to stay focused and make the best impression she can; this might be her one shot to change her life. That is, until the borrowed Washington D.C. condo she’s living in just added a distracting new amenity that wasn’t on the list: Hayden Brandt.
It’s always been the plan that Hayden would take the CIO job at his brother’s company when offered it. Unfortunately, Hayden feels stifled by the sense of obligation and worse, now needs to rely on him for a place to live, too. Looking forward to some space of his own, Hayden’s surprised to find Charlotte already settled into the guest room of his brother’s condo. He figures his unexpected roommate will be easy to ignore, no matter how much her hair shines and her eyes shimmer. But then, the pranks start.
Hayden’s stuck in the past while Charlotte’s looking towards the future. Are these roommates all wrong for each other or might they be capitally matched?
Capitally Matched is the first book in the Brandt Brothers novels, a series of interconnected standalones about five brothers.
In these pages you’ll find forced proximity, a prank war, DC references, gossipy brothers, fabulous friends, a few open-door steamy scenes, lots of laughs, and even more heart. Happily ever after guaranteed!
The Review
What a compelling and heated romance! The antagonistic start to the main characters and their relationship was the perfect way to highlight their heat. The author put a remarkable amount of detail and heart into each main character and their background, allowing the reader to connect with each of them instantly. The imagery in the author’s writing brought the city to life and elevated the passion of the romance between them both.
The central theme connecting Charlotte and Hayden was family obligations. While both come from very different backgrounds, they feel obligated to their families. Hayden feels less than enthused at his job working for his brother, and Charlotte feels pressure to leave behind her dreams to help run her parents’ bookstore. This allowed the bond that formed between both main characters to feel more alive and engaging on the page.
The Verdict
Steamy, heartfelt, and entertaining author Rachel Holm’s “Capitally Matched” is a must-read contemporary romance and the perfect first entry in the Brandt Brothers series. The book earns its “swoon-worthy” reputation, highlighting the relatable family drama and relationships they have with one another and the passion between the two main characters that will keep readers eager for more from this fantastic author. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Rachel grew up in Western PA and found her love of reading early in life, supported by her parents with frequent trips to the library and local bookstores. She stumbled into the bookish world in late 2020 and has embraced the bookish lifestyle whole-heartedly, diving headfirst into the Romance genre, becoming a book reviewer and Bookstagrammer. In 2021, she changed careers, taking a job at an indie bookstore and starting her first official novel-length writing project.
Now Rachel is getting an MFA in Popular Fiction at Seton Hill University and juggling too many story ideas for one brain to handle. She’s excited to continue to share Happily Ever Afters with you that bring the swoons, the spice, and the humor.
When not immersed in her bookish world, you can find Rachel hanging out with her husband and two cats, spending time with friends in the Washington DC area, and rooting for Pittsburgh sports teams.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author Angela Yarber seeks to redefine what the American Dream means to marginalized people and the LGBTQ+ community as a whole in the book “Queering the American Dream”.
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The Synopsis
Beginning the day the Supreme Court ruled her marriage legal, Angela Yarber’s queer little family traversed the American landscape for two years in a camper named Freya, following in the footsteps of revolutionary women from history and myth. Amid her wanderings, this queer clergywoman grapples with the loss of faith, addiction, death, parenting, and what it means to reimagine the so-called dream promised to so many. With unapologetic grief, humor, and radical imagination, she creates a new dream, not just for herself, but for all marginalized people living in America.
The Review
What a compelling and thoughtful read. The author did a fantastic job of highlighting the personal struggles and obstacles she faced in going on this personal journey to find herself and her family in the process while also acknowledging the privilege she was born into, helping to shine a light on other marginalized groups aside from her own, from people of color to people who identify as different genders and so much more. The author’s balance of personal and professional writing in this book allowed the reader to connect with her experiences much deeper.
The heart of this narrative rested in the author’s path that she found herself on. In our current landscape, the need to “define” things like family, love, and society has become a centralized debate worldwide. The reader can see no clear-cut definition of family through the author’s story. Instead, family and love can look like anyone and anything, with white picket fences being equal to living on the road in an RV or having an apartment overlooking a major metropolitan city, as well as a mother and father being equal to two mothers or two fathers. The personal nature of the author’s other struggles, from loved ones struggling with addiction to feelings of self-doubt and more, really kept the reader engaged.
The Verdict
Memorable, heartfelt, and thoughtful in its delivery, author Angela Yarber’s “Queering the American Dream” is a must-read LGBTQ-driven nonfiction book that readers won’t be able to put down. The book’s relatability for so many LGBTQ readers looking to find their family in this world and the dedication to representing and giving voice to many different cultures and viewpoints allowed for a well-rounded discussion and heartfelt dive into what family truly means. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Rev. Dr. Angela Yarber is an award-winning author of eight books and a highly sought public speaker. She is the Founder of Tehom Center Publishing, an imprint publishing feminist and queer authors, with a commitment to elevate BIPOC writers. With a Ph.D. in Art and Religion and over a decade serving as a Professor of Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, five of her books were listed in QSpirit’s Top LGBTQ Religion Books. Her work has been featured in Forbes, HuffPo, Ms. Magazine, Tiny House Nation, and more at https://angelayarber.org
Join us at WOW’s blog The Muffin as we celebrate the launch of Dr. Angela Yarber’s memoir Queering the American Dream. You can read an interview with the author and enter to win a copy of the book.
You can visit Jan’s blog for her review of Queering the American Dream. Plus read a guest post by Dr. Angela Yarber about disenfranchised grief, particularly as it pertains to losing someone to addiction.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A couple happy and in love find their world torn apart as tense political divides amongst the nation brings out a second side to one of them, spiraling out of control in a tense psychological thriller in author Jackson Liva’s “Rising Up”.
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The Synopsis
Can a toxic relationship change your life for the better?
Serena and Greg are the perfect match: she’s a sexy, fun, charismatic yoga instructor, and he’s a laid-back regular joe with a heart of gold. And their whirlwind romance lifts them to dizzying new heights. But when the presidential election throws the country into a deep political and cultural maelstrom, one of the couple’s personalities suddenly splits in two.
Stuck in the midst of escalating psychological attacks, a steady stream of gaslighting and lies, as well as a mysterious disappearance on a tropical vacation, their tumultuous relationship slowly begins to reveal sinister secrets that bind the two together – secrets that expose lifelong wounds, as well as eerie parallels to America’s relationship with its president.
Only by rising up to their inner demons and following the guidance of their Higher Selves will both they – and their country – stand a chance of finding true peace and happiness.
Step into a deeply authentic and emotional novel that artfully weaves together astute political commentary, insightful reflections on psychological abuse, and a striking yet sympathetic picture of toxic codependent relationships.
The Review
This was a compelling and gripping read. The author does a wonderful job of capturing the thoughts, emotions, and heat of both the romance beforehand and the tension after the political strife enters the lives of these characters. The world-building was really top-notch in this book, as the author brought to life the real-world struggles of the political divide that still holds strong in many parts of the world, most strongly felt in the United States, of course.
The character development and the powerful themes of politics, relationships, and mental health were beautifully brought out throughout this narrative. The buildup of tension and toxicity throughout the main character’s evolution as individuals and as a couple drew the reader in carefully, like a bad car accident one can’t look away from. The venomous nature of politics in this day and age and how it impacts our relationships in families, friendships, and romantic entanglements has never been more pronounced than it is now, and the author weaves through these conflicts with honesty and a profound sense of reflection.
The Verdict
Memorable, honest, and engaging author Jackson Liva’s “Rising Up” is a must-read psychological literary fiction drama that readers won’t want to put down. The twists and turns in the story, as well as the shocking buildup of tension that highlights politics and mental health awareness, all into one package, made this book one people will turn to time and time again in this day and age. If you haven’t yet, preorder your copy or pick it up on July 4th, 2024!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
I’m an established novelist, and Jackson Liva is the pen name I created to protect the privacy of me and my family. If Rising Up helps others heal from a toxic relationship, or navigate through a current situation, I want to make sure it’s out there.
“You own everything that happened to you. Tell your stories. If people wanted you to write warmly about them, they should have behaved better.”
