The Demon Secret by Dan Gindlesperger Review

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

A lone exorcist discovers a shocking truth behind the demons he has been fighting and must discover a way to stop them before mankind is torn asunder in author Dan Gindlesperger’s “The Demon Secret”.

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The Synopsis

Father Luke, a trained exorcist, uncovers sacred knowledge hidden in time while removing demons from the innocent. These truths put his own life and the lives of those he cares about in grave danger from every direction. Based near Washington, DC, where greed and deception are around every corner, lie these dangerous secrets, ones that threaten the very fabric of our human world.

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The Review

This was such a rich and thrilling take on the supernatural horror genre. The author found a way to infuse a great sense of humor and wit into the genre, allowing the reader to feel pops of lightness in an otherwise dark and haunting narrative. The layered atmosphere the author was able to draw upon, and the powerful imagery in the author’s writing (as well as the thematic imagery of the threat of demons amidst the human corruption of organized religion) made this story stand out.

What stood out to me as a reader was the rich character development of this narrative. The mythos, the world-building, and the setting all played up thanks to the characters’ dynamics, as the protagonist had to deal with some heavy and complex situations. He had to face the supernatural threats of demons, the horrors of human corruption, and the lengths people are willing to go to protect their secrets. It also challenged his lifelong commitment to the Church, his thoughts on the organization, and the juxtaposition to his faith, making this a compelling story.

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The Verdict

Memorable, haunting, and entertaining author Dan Gindlesperger’s “The Demon Secret” is a must-read supernatural horror novel. The narrative twists and turns and gripping character development made this story feel alive and thrilling on the page. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

I was raised in a poor household with parents that drank beyond excess, so I found my escape in books from the world that I was brought into. Books were free from the library and I could imagine myself as a hero saving  the world. When I read a book I want to be able to smell the air, feel the warmth and be emersed in the world that is before me. That is how I want my work to feel to the readers, like that are more than readers, that are part of the journey.

Farewell to South Shore by Charlene Wexler Review

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

One woman must come to terms with a changing world in author Charlene Wexler’s “Farewell to South Shore”.

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The Synopsis

Farewell to South Shore taps into and articulates a woman’s emotions related to dealing with a changing society, particularly its expectations of women. Farewell to South Shore creates an instant rapport between the main character and the reader who has experienced change in her own life. It explores the sadness of dealing with divorce, single motherhood, a friend’s abortion, a beloved cousin suffering from AIDS, changing mores, and the joys resulting from a loving family, rewarding career, finding new love in middle age, and making the world a better place. The book inspires perseverance and determination to help take charge of one’s own life in a rapidly changing world—a world vastly different than the idyllic South Shore of the main character’s youth.

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The Review

This was an enlightening and thoughtful novel. A story of perseverance and growth, the author does an incredible job of catapulting the fight for equality for women by showcasing the evolution and development of a woman throughout the last few decades. The relatability of the characters and setting allowed the reader to feel the balance of grim and uplifting atmospheres that the author could infuse into the overall narrative.

The dynamic character development at play here was incredible to behold. The protagonist’s growth as she and her family evolved and took on the changing landscape, not just of the world but also of women’s rights, was very honest and truthful. It showed the painful realities of family members struggling to accept the changes around them and how important it is to stand up for what you believe is right.

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The Verdict

Memorable, heartfelt, and engaging author Charlene Wexler’s “Farewell to South Shore” is a breathtaking women’s fiction novel. The twists and turns the character’s journey takes her on, the honesty and depth for which the themes of this novel were explored, and the inspiring sense of hope that readers are left with will keep readers invested in this incredible author’s work. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Charlene Wexler is a graduate of the University of Illinois. She has worked as a teacher and dental office bookkeeper and as “a wife, mom, and grandmother,” she said. In recent years, Wexler’s lifelong passion for writing has led her to create numerous essays as well as fiction.

She is the author of the books Lori, Murder Across the Ocean, Murder on Skid Row, Milk and Oranges, and Elephants In The Room.

Her work has appeared in several publications, including North Shore Magazine; the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry’s Vision magazine; Alpha Omegan magazine; the book and CD Famous Poets of the Heartland: A Treasury of Beloved Family Poems, Talent, OR: Famous Poets Press, 2014; and the Gazette newspaper of Chicago.

She also has had essays and fiction published on the websites AuthorsDen.com, The Best Short Stories, Cat Stories, Cats and Dogs at Play, End Your Sleep Deprivation.com, Funny Cat Stories, Funny Cats Playing, Funny Passport Stories, How Old is Grandma?, Laughter Is My Medicine, Moral Short Stories-Ethical Tales, One Bright Star.org, Scribd.com, Short Stories for Women, True Cat Stories, and Way Cool Dogs.com.

Wexler’s first novel, Murder on Skid Row, was published in 2010. It is the story of a double-murder on Chicago’s Skid Row in the 1960s. Murder on Skid Row won an international Apex Award of Excellence from Communications Concepts, a writing think tank outside Washington, DC.

Published as an e-book on Smashwords and as a print edition by Central Park Communications in 2012, Milk and Oranges, is a collection of her short fiction and essays examining life, love, and the tragedy and comedy of the human condition. Whether she is tackling fiction or essays, Wexler writes from the heart. With a keen eye for detail and a way of looking at the world a bit sidewasy, wexler’s writings in Milk and Oranges entertain while they make you think.

Milk and Oranges received a Bronze Award in the Women’s Issues category of the eLit Book Awards competition sponsored by the publishing services firm Jenkins Group Inc. of Traverse City, MI, and a rare international Grand Award in the Apex Awards competition by Communications Concepts in 2012.

In 2014, Charlene published two novels as e-books on Smashwords and Amazon Kindle: Lori, a family saga spanning several decades, and Murder Across the Ocean, a murder mystery set in England. Murder Across the Ocean also is available from Amazon as a paperback.

In 2016, Amazon Digital Services published her book Elephants In The Room, Charlene’s latest collection of short fiction and essays examining life, love, and the tragedy and comedy of the human condition.

Her short story Abracadabra Magic received a “Very Highly Commended” rating in the AuthorsDen.com Tom Howard Prose Contest, 2009.

Wexler is active with the Alpha Omega Dental Fraternity, the Authors Marketing Group, the Chicago Writers Association, Children’s Memorial Hospital philanthropy, Lungevity (an organization that fights lung cancer), the McHenry Bicycle Club, the Museum of Science and Industry, the National Council of Jewish Women, the Richmond IL Book Club, the Jewish United Fund, and the University of Illinois Alumni Association.

“I have always used writing as therapy,” Wexler said. “Now I have the time and opportunity to pursue it as a career.”

Her advice for other aspiring writers–even grandmothers like herself–is to “follow your dream. You can do it, and it’s never too late.”

http://www.charlenewexler.com/main/

Guest Review: Shifting Realities: The Hill by M.E. Grantham (Aly Avina Review)

Hello everyone! I am so excited to share today a special review. Recently I had the pleasure of reviewing author M,E, Grantham’s Shifting Realities: The Hill. Today I am happy to share writer and content creator Aly Avina’s review of the book. Some may know her as Aly with the Curves, and today she is sharing her thoughts on this book as well. I hope you all enjoy.


“Shifting Realities: The Hill” by M.E. Grantham is a thought-provoking, suspenseful tale that crosses genres in a beautifully intricate and compelling way. It is no easy feat to blend sci-fi with metaphysical fantasy and political strife reminiscent of our own modern America but that author does so seamingly effortlessly. 

 You will easily lose yourself within the pages of this tale of resilience that will have you feeling as though you are on your own spiritual journey with these incredible and well-developed characters that Grantham has expertly crafted. With the stunning backdrop of Ireland setting the scene for this eerie, powerful read, you will be on the edge of your seat as you find out what is drawing these characters to each other and how this will impact not only their lives but the world as we know it. Will they stand together and create a better world and future or will they fall, leaving us all in perpetual misery and defeat? This is the question that will be on your mind throughout this unbelievable and astonishing read as it builds to its inevitable climax. 

 This fictional tale is intriguing, suspenseful, and is not one I’m soon to forget. I thoroughly enjoyed the character development and the way the author detailed the feeling of there always being meaning or a reason that things happen. That the energy that is put out into the universe by us all is actually connected to a bigger, more important picture. It is not only a beautiful sentiment but a scientific study that will make you reflect on your own life as well as the world we live in. If you haven’t picked up your copy of “Shifting Realities: The Hill” by M.E. Grantham, be sure to do so immediately! You won’t want to miss out on this one.

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M.E. Grantham’s Website

Six Moons, Seven Gods: The Legends of Baelon by Robert A. Walker Review

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

An ambitious thief in the Thieves Guild sparks a chain of events that will reshape everything the people of Baelon once held dear in author Robert A. Walker’s “Six Moons, Seven Gods: The Legend of Baelon”. 

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The Synopsis

“One must be careful practicing deception. The easiest to deceive will always be one’s self.”

The skilled thieves of the Takers Guild plot to overthrow the kingdoms of Baelon, but when their plans are thwarted by a prescient woman and her brooding daughter, they must turn to the League of Assassins for assistance. Meanwhile, retired royal guard Rolft Aerns returns to the palace of King Axil with an old score to settle. When they all cross paths–and swords–in the dark shadows of Fostead’s south end, nothing is as it seems and the murder count rises quickly.

The long fingers of the Guild reach everywhere, and one overly ambitious thief is all it takes to spark a chain of events that will haunt the world of Baelon for many years to come.

Six Moons, Seven Gods is book one in The Legends of Baelon.

To enter the world of Baelon, read the sample below the book’s photo on this page.

AWARDS

Winner, Book Excellence Award for Best Medieval Fantasy, Chick Lit Cafe, November, 2023

Winner, Literary Titan Book Award, December, 2023

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The Review

This was an engaging, powerful tale of fantasy-driven political thriller meets fantasy-driven mythos. The author’s imagery and thick atmosphere throughout this novel were incredible, as they brought the world of Baelon to life on the page and made the lands of this world feel vibrant and alive.

The heart of this story was the incredible story and character development. The intrigue and drama that the author can develop in this novel capture the political intrigue of Game of Thrones but add even more fantasy elements that make the story feel original and unique. The characters were engaging, and each character, whether protagonist or antagonist, had a complex web of morality that kept them emotionally invested. The secrets each character held allowed the more redemptive arcs to feel engaging.

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The Verdict

Remarkable, magical, and entertaining author Robert A. Walker’s “Six Moons, Seven Gods: The Legends of Baelon” is a must-read fantasy novel. The action, suspense, romance, and each twist and turn in the narrative are enough to keep the reader enthralled, and the richly developed world of Baelon will keep readers wanting more of this fantasy world. If you haven’t yet, make sure you pick up your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Award-winning author Robert A. Walker grew up in Northwestern Massachusetts. After graduating college, he packed his scant belongings in a car with rusted-out floorboards and headed west. He’s lived in California ever since, and now resides along the Pacific Ocean with his wife and dogs. When not fabricating stories, he can be found roaming local tennis courts or working on a never-ending list of DIY house projects.

rawalkerwriting.com

Ostraca: East-West by Matt Duggan Review

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

A young man struggling with the loss of his parents travels from New York to Los Angeles in author Matt Duggan’s “Ostraca: East-West”, the first book in The Rosy Dream series. 

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The Synopsis

Set against the backdrop of the 1990s pre-internet era, Ostraca follows the poignant journey of Jack Darmody, a Generation Xer grappling with the tragic loss of his parents. As Jack embarks on a solitary road trip from New York to Los Angeles, he is confronted by his past and the existential questions that haunt him. Through a series of misadventures and heartaches, Jack wrestles with the meaning of existence, ultimately finding solace in the transformative power of love. Ostraca is the first novel in Duggan’s The Rosy Dream series. The second novel in the trilogy, In Extremis, will be published in May 2024.

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The Review

This was such a heartfelt and transformative coming-of-age story. The author does an incredible job of delving into an era of adventure that stood just at the edge of the upcoming wave of technology and the internet. In a time before Google Maps, Waze, Uber, and more, travelers had to rely on maps, directions given by locals, and much more rudimentary means. The author was able to tap into this atmosphere and showcase the rich setting of both the states the protagonist traveled through and the era itself.

The heart of this narrative is the personal journey that the protagonist, Jack, took. The grieving that came with the loss of his parents, the hardships he witnessed his Aunt endure, and the journey that he put himself through to not only discover what he wanted out of life but also reconnect with who he was made this story come to life and brought a sense of adventure and even spirituality to the overall story. 

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The Verdict

Remarkable, thought-provoking, and engaging author Matt Duggan’s Ostraca: East-West is a must-read travel fiction and literary fiction novel. The first in a new series, the author’s harmonious writing style and ability to connect readers with profound and relatable characters will keep readers enthralled until the very last page. If you haven’t yet, make sure you grab yourself a copy of this moving story today.

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Matt Duggan lives in Los Angeles, California and is an award-winning writer and director.

He graduated from Boston College with degrees in English and Communications.

Matt was one of the first members of the legendary Annex Film Group, a film cooperative based in Los Angeles that produced sixteen award-winning short films that have played in theaters around the world and won numerous awards.

Matt’s first feature film, Inverse, which he produced, wrote and directed, won numerous awards during a yearlong film festival tour. Inverse is now available on Amazon Prime.

Matt has had several of his short stories appear in publications including The Menacing Hedge and The Literary Hatchet. Matt plans to release the next novel in his “The Rosy Dream” series in May, 2024. It is titled “In Extremis” and chronicles the continuing misadventures and revelations of Jack Darmody.

L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Volume 40 Anthology Review

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

A brand new collection of short stories, artwork and more await sci-fi readers in L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Volume 41”. 

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The Synopsis

Spine-tingling

Breathtaking

Mind-blowing

Experience these powerful new voices—vivid, visceral, and visionary—as they explore uncharted worlds and reveal unlimited possibilities.

Open the Writers of the Future and be carried away by stories—and illustrations—that will make you think, make you laugh, and make you see the world in ways you never imagined.

Twelve captivating tales from the best new writers of the year as selected by Writers of the Future Contest judges accompanied by three more from L. Ron Hubbard, Nancy Kress, S.M. Stirling. Each is accompanied by a full-color illustration.

Plus Bonus Art and Writing Tips from Gregory Benford, Bob Eggleton, L. Ron Hubbard, Dean Wesley Smith

“When her owner goes missing, a digital housecat must become more than simulation to find her dearest companion through the virtual world.—“The Edge of Where My Light Is Cast” by Sky McKinnon, art by Carina Zhang

No one came to his brother’s funeral. Not even the spirits. Étienne knew it was his fault.—“Son, Spirit, Snake” by Jack Nash, art by Pedro N.

Man overboard is a nightmare scenario for any sailor, but Lieutenant Susan Guidry is also running out of air—and the nearest help is light years away.—“Nonzero” by Tom Vandermolen, art by Jennifer Mellen

Mac wanted to invent a cocktail to burn itself upon the pages of history—but this one had some unexpected side effects.—“The Last Drop” by L. Ron Hubbard and L. Sprague de Camp, art by Chris Arias

Dementia has landed Dan Kennedy in Graydon Manor, and what’s left of his life ahead seems dismal, but a pair of impossible visitors bring unexpected hope.—“The Imagalisk” by Galen Westlake, art by Arthur Haywood

When a teenage swamp witch fears her mama will be killed, she utilizes her wits and the magic of the bayou—no matter the cost to her own soul.—“Life and Death and Love in the Bayou” by Stephannie Tallent, art by Ashley Cassaday

Our exodus family awoke on the new world—a paradise inexplicably teeming with Earth life, the Promise fulfilled. But 154 of us are missing.…—“Five Days Until Sunset” by Lance Robinson, art by Steve Bentley

Spirits were supposed to lurk beneath the Lake of Death, hungry and patient and hostile to all life.—“Shaman Dreams” by S.M. Stirling, art by Dan dos Santos

A new app lets users see through the eyes of any human in history, but it’s not long before the secrets of the past catch up with the present.—“The Wall Isn’t a Circle” by Rosalyn Robilliard, art by Guelly Rivera

In the shadows of Teddy Roosevelt’s wendigo hunt, a Native American boy resolves to turn the tables on his captors, setting his sights on the ultimate prey—America’s Great Chief.—“Da-ko-ta” by Amir Agoora, art by Connor Chamberlain

When squids from outer space take over, a punk-rock P.I. must crawl out of her own miserable existence to find her client’s daughter—and maybe a way out.—“Squiddy” by John Eric Schleicher, art by Tyler Vail

Another outbreak? This time it’s a virus with an eighty percent infection rate that affects personality changes … permanently.—“Halo” by Nancy Kress, art by Lucas Durham

Planet K2-18b is almost dead, humanity is enslaved, and it’s Rickard’s fault. Now in his twilight years, he’d give an arm and a leg for redemption. Literally.—“Ashes to Ashes, Blood to Carbonfiber” by James Davies, art by May Zheng

What if magic could undo the unthinkable, and undo Death itself? Would you use it no matter the cost? What would you sacrifice for love?—“Summer of Thirty Years” by Lisa Silverthorne, art by Gigi Hooper

Joe is a prospector tasked with exploring the cosmos on behalf of an all-powerful government. Breadna is a toaster. There have been weirder love stories, but that’s unlikely.—“Butter Side Down” by Kal M, art by Selena Meraki

24 Award-winning Authors and Illustrators

16-page color gallery of artwork

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The Review

This was yet another fantastic collection of short stories and artwork. The promise these writers showcase and the attention to detail each of their stories possesses are remarkable to see come to life on the page. Each story feels like a fantastic yet contained world that readers can easily pick up, get lost in, and then return as they please. 

There are some fantastic stories in this upcoming anthology. Still, as someone interested in future technology and sci-fi as a whole, as well as the paranormal and spirituality, one story I loved seeing come to life is Shaman Dreams by S.M. Stirling, as the author found a way to bridge the gap between these two schools of thought. And it isn’t mentioned enough, but the artwork in this book is incredible, as seen in this short story, produced by artist Dan dos Santos.

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The Verdict

Breathtaking, imaginative, and Gripping, “L Ron Hubbard Presents: Writers of the Future Volume 40” is a must-read anthology that everyone should preorder today. The fantastic world-building and characters the anthology has become known for, as well as the gripping mythos that each tale encapsulates, make this a must-read book. If you haven’t yet, preorder your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

The Emerald Lady (Gemstone Series Book 1) by J.L. Hill Review

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

A science-driven young man and a young Mermaid defy the order of their worlds when their paths cross, and they must face the consequences as the worlds of men and mermaids split at the seams in author J.L. Hill’s “The Emerald Lady”, the first book in the Gemstone Series.

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The Synopsis

A fantasy Pirate/Mermaid love story set in the golden age of Pirates of the 17th and 18th centuries.

Jeremy Simmons is a midshipman on the commercial vessel, Rummy Gale. An honorable young man, he believes in the science of the day not age-old superstitions of the sea. But a hurricane will do more than sink his ship; it will forever change his world.

Shera, a mermaid, rescues him; they fall in love and in her attempt to return him to his world, she approaches her sisters at Usea Maya for assistance. The Maiden Queen forbids her from giving any further aid, condemning the man to a watery tomb. But Shera, a free spirit, defies the orders, goes it alone and inadvertently causes a tragedy.

Infuriated by Shera’s defiance and Jeremy’s steadfast defense and willingness to take the punishment meted out to her, the Queen curses them both. She locks Shera in human form and binds Jeremy’s life to hers. A fate so cruel it will cause a split in the realm of Mermaids and turn good men into Pirates.

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The Review

I am an absolute fan of the world-building that took shape here in this novel. The author did an incredible job of bringing life at sea to life, utilizing an impressive knowledge of sailing and life on the ocean in his writing style, giving the setting and atmosphere a rich texture on the page. The tension that the author was able to infuse into the character interactions was excellent, both with the romance that develops between the two protagonists, the disdain the evil queen has for them both, and the growing tension between both worlds. 

Yet the mythos and the themes felt iconic and original to the narrative. The wonder yet chilling nature of life for mermaids and mermen and the world they hail from, as well as the historical nature the author paid to the world of man above the ocean surface and the inclusion of pirates and dragons as a whole, made this story feel fantastic and enthralling. Themes of love, power, destiny, and consequences were creatively utilized in this narrative, keeping the reader engaged from the very first page.

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The Verdict

Remarkable, thrilling, and adventurous author J.L. Hill’s “The Emerald Lady” is a must-read historical fantasy narrative. The narrative’s twists and turns, rich world-building and mythos, and an open ending that will undoubtedly lead to a sequel will all keep readers coming back for more of this incredible new series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

A native New Yorker, born and raised in the Bronx, James L Hill spent his adolescence years in Fort Apache, the South Bronx 41st precinct during the 60’s, during a time when you needed to have a gang to go to the store. Raised on blues, soul, and rock and roll gave him the heart of a flower child. Educated by the turmoil of Vietnam, Civil Rights, and the Sexual Revolution produced a gladiator. Realizing the precariousness of life gave him an adventurous outlook and willingness to try anything once, and if it did not kill him, maybe twice. 12 years of Catholic education and a couple of years in college spread between wild drug induce euphoric years, which did not kill him, gave James an unique moral compass that swings in any direction it wants. A scientific mind and a spirit that believes nothing is impossible if you want it bad enough guides his writings. He enjoys traveling to new places and seeing what life has to offer. James began writing short stories and poetry back in his early years. In his twenties moved on to novels. He worked in the financial industry and later got a degree in computer programming, his other love. James has a successful career as a software engineer designing, developing and maintaining systems for the government and the private sector. He has been programming for nearly forty years in various languages. After years in the computer world he returned to his first love, unleashing the characters in his head. Still a hopeless insomniac, he feels free to pound out plots. James L Hill is a prolific storyteller writing crime stories, fantasies, and science fiction, with a slant on the dark side of life. The next step on his journey naturally led to the business of publishing. He started RockHill Publishing LLC not only to produce his own work, but to give others access to the literary world. His computer background and experiences in word processing gives him insight into what it takes to publish good books.

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

Stay Salty: Life in the Garden State (Anthology) Review

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

A group of authors and artists come together to share their unique take on the Garden State in the anthology “Stay Salty: Life in the Garden State”.

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The Synopsis

Dear Reader, the book you hold in your hand is as relaxing as a day at the Shore, as tense as the traffic you hit on the way down to get there, and as expansive as the Pine Barrens you find yourself lost in after that wrong turn off the Parkway.

Stay Salty, the second volume in Read Furiously’s popular New Jersey Anthology series, once again reminds us of everything we love and hate (and love to hate) about the Garden State.

Following the tradition of storytelling of The World Takes, Stay Salty features prose, poetry, comics, and photography that showcase the mysterious and fascinating elements that make up New Jersey and its inhabitants.

Grab some salt water taffy and listen in to voices from Sussex County to Cape May.

Because in New Jersey, there’s always a story to tell.

Watermelon

The Review

If you don’t hail from New Jersey, I feel like the state is one of those places that everyone has a particular view on, thanks to popular media. Whether it’s the complexities of the film Garden State or the reality of The Jersey Shore, there are always preconceived notions about places like this that pale in comparison to the real thing. That is what the authors and artists in this anthology have done so beautifully, capturing the unique, often humorous, but always human charm that the people and its inhabitants usually have.

Several pieces in this collection stand out, but one in particular that was so unique was New Jersey in Photographs (Part 1) by Shannon Linder. The unique chapter was a beautiful collection of photographs the artist took, from self-portraits to long-since bulldozed diners and so much more. It showcased the every day yet culturally heartfelt moments locals could enjoy in the artist’s part of the state. It brought the emotional and compelling narrative these intimate stories and photographs were trying to instill.

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The Verdict

Memorable, iconic, and engaging, “Stay Salty” is a refreshing and must-read anthology you cannot put down. Each chapter’s thoughtful approach to bringing New Jersey as both a state and a destination to life made the reader want to come back repeatedly. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

The Seven Mistakes New Managers Make: How to Avoid Them and Thrive by Janet Polach, PH.D. Review

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

Author Janet Polach, PH.D., shares some insights into the common mistakes new managers make and how they can best prevent these mistakes from occurring in the book “The Seven Mistakes New Managers Make: How to Avoid Them and Thrive”.

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The Synopsis

Whether you are a manager of many, or a team leader of a few, being a leader requires letting go of the day-to-day work tasks you did so well as an individual contributor and, instead, encouraging production and success through others. New managers are usually promoted because they were outstanding individual contributors: they spoke up in staff meetings, shared good ideas, and executed on time and within scope. Yet, these characteristics are not necessarily the same ones that will make you successful as a frontline manager. Often, organizations invest little in new manager development; thus, new managers are left to guess at what effective leaders do. They often find themselves pressing forward through trial and error. If this sounds familiar, then this book, which examines the seven most common mistakes new managers make, is for you. Each chapter highlights a common challenge that new managers will recognize and then describes strategies and behaviors to build the skills needed to avoid mistakes and achieve success. This book is ideal for the new manager who hopes to evolve into a great leader.

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The Review

This was an engaging and fast-paced read. The author does an incredible job of balancing the book’s objectives, allowing readers to get a glimpse of the problems new managers face and the solutions to those problems. The clear and concise nature of the book’s message pairs well with the author’s friendly and personal writing style in each chapter.

The way the author showcased how new managers often come from a place of personal, individual success and need to evolve into team leaders was great to see unfold on the page. From gathering the right tools to effectively lead the team to helping your team develop as individuals and as a group, each chapter effectively walks readers through the steps to become fantastic new managers in their field.

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The Verdict

Concise, effective, and engaging author Janet Polach, Ph.D., “The Seven Mistakes New Managers Make” is a must-read business and nonfiction book. The book’s message’s quick pace and interactive nature will keep readers returning to it repeatedly. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Janet Polach, Ph.D., is a global coach and leadership development professional. She has coached leaders around the world, including China, South Korea, Singapore, Puerto Rico, Switzerland, Ireland, the Netherlands, and the U.S. She believes all leaders can be great if they invest the time and energy into gathering feedback on themselves and focusing on their development. Janet’s foundation for leadership started in the United States Marine Corps, where she achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel before retiring from the Marine Corps Reserves. She possesses deep academic knowledge in adult learning, leadership development, and coaching. Janet holds her Ph.D. in organizational leadership and development from the University of Minnesota.

https://janetpolach.com