Tag: book-reviews

Versions of Nirvana by H.C. Turk 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. 

An 18th century witch reaches out metaphysically to help those in the future struggling in author H.C. Turk’s “Versions of Nirvana.”

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The Synopsis 

In order to save her family, an 18th-century witch entertains suicide, thereby entering a coma-like trance that lasts 300 years. In this magical state, she reaches into the future to guide other people who long for redemption.

England, 1710. Young Alba knows she is a witch, but the term means nothing until her mother is executed for witchcraft. Then Alba enters a trance that causes everyone around her debilitating emotions, just like Alba’s. The trance, which is Alba’s magic, does not appear again until years later when her mentor is arrested and sentenced to death. Panicked, Alba stabs herself in the heart. Instead of dying, she enters a “false sleep” (coma), a state of spiritual consciousness. Hoping to find peace for others, she seeks similar souls in the future:

Germany, 1942: An American soldier is mortally wounded. In his final moment, he experiences the glory of a beautiful life, if only in his dreams. He enters a spiritual realm filled with warm family adventures, metaphysical escapades that are alternately hilarious and horrific, yet always lead away from anguish. Directed by Alba’s unseen influence, Andrew fights for solace, and wins.

Indonesia, 2003: A young American woman on a Western Pacific island must relive an ancient, tortuous journey through a primitive environment in order to redeem the foreigners in the country. Influenced by a power she can only sense in her heart (Alba), Connie seeks a solution of acceptance instead of rejection.

Told with humor and compassion, the heart of the book is the longing to find peace despite haunting failure, and finding joy in helping others achieve the same.

Importantly, Versions Of Nirvana is feel-great magical realism for readers seeking more insight and originality than provided by mainstream fiction.

The Review

This was a compelling and thought-provoking read. The author does a remarkable job of creating a visceral world that feels both magical and realistic all at once. The author’s ability to jump between time periods and make the reader feel immersed in those eras was remarkable, through powerful imagery and detail that made the story come alive on the page. The heart and passion the author wrote these characters with made them feel connective and easy to empathize with through their struggles. 

The heart of this narrative was the shocking story developments and the emotional themes the author explored in this narrative. The book allowed readers to connect to the characters through shared redemption and heartbreak, with the protagonist serving as both a witness and a guide to the other characters these chapters explored. Their struggles, their losses, and their experiences with everyone around them showed them the best and worst of humanity, and the way these characters struggled against oppression and the need to find inner peace became so pivotal to the narrative. 

The Verdict

Memorable, honest, and enthralling, author H.C. Turk’s “Versions of Nirvana” is a powerful metaphysical historical fantasy read. The compelling character dynamics, rich imagery and settings, and the breathtaking themes will have readers hanging onto the author’s every word and eager for the next chapter as one ends and the next begins. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Listen up. Lookie here. Read ’em and weep:

Space pirates steal skinny gals. If you’re depressed by The Depression, should you waterboard a banker? Ideas are greater monsters than the demons they explain. I’d bare my soul, but don’t want to bore.

All of these Mystiphysical treasures can be found in my work: In a verbal world where art is the ultimate animal, fiction evolution never ends, rising from the depths of the psyche to sing across a new sky.

http://hcturk.com

http://hcturk.bandcamp.com

http://vimeo.com/hcturk

http://hcturk.tumblr.com

Dancing Deepa by Suchi Sairam 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 girl yearns to share her passion for dance with her class in the book “Dancing Deepa.”

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The Synopsis

Deepa LOVES to dance. She studies a dance from India called Bharatanatyam that is like moving poetry! But since her dance is different from what her friends at school do, she isn’t sure if she should share it. Is there someone like Deepa in your class at school? What passion might you two share? Read to find out how you two are alike, how you are different, and how you could be friends to one another.

The Review

This was another fantastic entry into this beautifully written children’s book series. The shift in focus to Surya’s older sister Deepa was a welcome change of pace, and gave a fresh perspective on the story. The relatability of Deepa as a protagonist and her experiences in school were well balanced by the fast pacing of the story and the warmth of the illustrations. The exploration of Bharatanatyam as a dance and the importance to Indian culture as well was phenomenal, allowing younger readers to experience a new culture while also giving younger readers of the Indian culture a story they could see themselves in.

At the heart of this book was the power of the story’s themes. The book artfully delves into peer pressure and identity again with this book, while also bringing in the power of confidence and self expression as well. The deflating feeling of feeling like you have to hide a part of yourself is a struggle far too many young people have to go through, and the power positivity and encouragment can have on a young person is greatly felt throughout this story as well.

The Verdict

Engaging, memorable, and thoughtfully written, author Suchi Sairam’s “Dancing Deepa” is a must-read illustrated children’s book. The colorful and moving illustrations when paired with the moving and powerful themes the story brings to life allow readers to greatly engage with Deepa’s character and become entranced in her experiences overall. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

SUCHI SAIRAM is an Indian-Texan-Minnesotan-American with her feet firmly and proudly planted in multiple cultures and identities. She is equally an engineer and artist, leader and entrepreneur, student and teacher.

Her passion is to integrate the arts, leadership, and entrepreneurship to help develop great people and spread good in the world around us.

Suchi’s nearly 40 year journey in the Indian classical arts as a student, teacher, dancer, choreographer and performer alongside her long career in corporate and small businesses gives her a unique worldview. She founded St. Paul, MN based dance studio and company, Kala Vandanam in 2002. Her first book, a multiple award-winning illustrated children’s book “Dancing Deepa” was inspired by her loving students at Kala Vandanam, and is dedicated to them and all of the young, aspiring dancers out there who just want to share what they love with others.

Suchi has devoted her time and talents to organizations supporting science and math education for girls, empowerment for women, the arts, and developing vibrant small businesses in her community.

Find Suchi on social media – instagram.com/suchisairam | linkedin.com/in/suchisairam

For more about Kala Vandanam – kalavandanam.com
facebook.com/kalavandanam | instagram.com/kalavandanam

Trailer – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MG-cKCRdDE8

Singing Surya Dreams to Dance by Suchi Sairam Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

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

A young boy dreams of dancing in author Suchi Sairam’s “Singing Surya Dreams to Dance.”

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The Synopsis

Surya likes to sing. But he LOVES to dance.
There’s only one problem.
Surya is a boy. And boys don’t dance.

Or do they?

The Review

This was an uplifting and moving children’s book read. The author does a remarkable job of conveying a sense of heart and passion into the story, infusing warm imagery and great insight into what life a child is like, both for everyday life and for those from other cultures as well. The characters feel relatable and make the reader feel connected to both the story and the life experiences the story conveys.The depth of culture the author poured into this book was amazing as well.

What really stood out was the powerful themes of this narrative. The exploration of peer pressure, identity, and following one’s dreams is very prevelant throughout the book, giving readers a chance to see how the opinions of our peers and the world around us often hinder a person’s desire to follow their dreams or passions in life. Yet the book celebrates what makes people different, and encourages children to explore those passions with zeal and bravery. The courage and positive message the story drives home and even exploring how often ideas about what certain things are associated with certain genders and how that can impact a person exploring their passions made a strong statement in this book.

The Verdict

Thoughtful, uplifting, and engaging, author Suchi Sairam’s “Singing Surya Dreams to Dance” is a must-read children’s illustrated book. The steady pacing of the narrative, rich imagery, and the memorable themes the story explores will keep young readers entertained and help educate them on how to embrace their identities and celebrate what makes them different. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

SUCHI SAIRAM is an Indian-Texan-Minnesotan-American with her feet firmly and proudly planted in multiple cultures and identities. She is equally an engineer and artist, leader and entrepreneur, student and teacher.

Her passion is to integrate the arts, leadership, and entrepreneurship to help develop great people and spread good in the world around us.

Suchi’s nearly 40 year journey in the Indian classical arts as a student, teacher, dancer, choreographer and performer alongside her long career in corporate and small businesses gives her a unique worldview. She founded St. Paul, MN based dance studio and company, Kala Vandanam in 2002. Her first book, a multiple award-winning illustrated children’s book “Dancing Deepa” was inspired by her loving students at Kala Vandanam, and is dedicated to them and all of the young, aspiring dancers out there who just want to share what they love with others.

Suchi has devoted her time and talents to organizations supporting science and math education for girls, empowerment for women, the arts, and developing vibrant small businesses in her community.

Find Suchi on social media – instagram.com/suchisairam | linkedin.com/in/suchisairam

For more about Kala Vandanam – kalavandanam.com
facebook.com/kalavandanam | instagram.com/kalavandanam

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=guAo2QXImSg 

When the World Hurts by Liz Moyer Benferhat 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 Liz Moyer Benferhat shares the message of finding hope in desolate times and turning our pain into action in the book “When the World Hurts.”

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The Synopsis

Amazon #1 New Release

What if our pain isn’t the end but a beginning?

With breakdown on the rise—climate injustice, war, polarization, inequality—it’s easy to feel helpless. Overwhelmed. Collective pain isn’t just out there; it’s in your body. And if you’re like most people, you don’t know what to do about it.

But what if the pain we’re feeling—individually and collectively—isn’t proof of our demise, but a sign we’re awakening to something deeper as a society? What if your experience has a role to play?

When The World Hurts invites readers into a grounded, soulfully honest way of making sense of the world’s pain. It is a book about emotional healing that offers a simple yet radical idea: our emotions about the world are part of her change. Far from being obstacles, they’re doorways into collective wisdom. We just need the right tools to work with them.

Drawing from years of work at the intersection of sustainable development, systems thinking, and trauma-informed healing, Liz Moyer Benferhat presents a self-help guide to collective healing. She introduces her We Heal For All Circle model, a practice that helps people work with the emotional impact of change by connecting with themselves, each other, and the world through co-created wisdom.

When the World Hurts weaves together healing frameworks, social analysis, and storytelling to explore:

  • Why collective pain is on the rise and what it might point toward.
  • How to unearth wisdom within your grief for the world, and how to use it to play the role the world needs you to.
  • A deep dive into collective wounds to better understand yourself and others in our polarized times.
  • Tools that bridge inner work with outer action.

Whether you’re a burnt out activist seeking political self-help, a parent trying to stay hopeful for your kid, or simply someone who wants to do good in a world that’s upside down, this book is for you. It’s a shared space—a place to breathe, feel, and remember you’re not alone.

These pages won’t tell you how to save the world. But they will help you be in relationship with her, so you can listen more deeply to what’s being asked and be of service to the world’s transformation from the inside out.

The Review

In a world so divided and facing so many challenges, it is easy, when we are feeling stressed or scared about what may happen next, to feel alone and isolated. Yet the author’s book does such a beautiful job of creating a sense of community and love that resonates on an emotional level. The almost conversational tone and atmosphere the author creates with this book’s writing style cut through immediately for readers and allow them to relate to the author and their message very quickly.

The emotional journey readers are taken on is perfectly paired with the strong themes and messages this book offers. Not only are readers able to utilize excercises and moments of self reflection to engage in the author’s book, but the author showcases how the painful moments and experiences they live through both in their personal lives and what we as a society are experiencing right now are not necessarily a reason to despair and turn to hoplessness, but instead to see the winds of change in our world brewing and how that change can be the catalyst to heal these collective wounds and make a brighter future instead.

The Verdict

Hopeful, thoughtful, and engaging, author Liz Moyer Benferhat’s “When the World Hurts” is a must-read nonfiction book of inspiration, guidance, and heart. The author’s positivity and exploration of everything from political activism and parenthood to inner struggles will resonate deeply with readers, creating a book that is both helpful and healing. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Liz has worked in the sustainable development field for almost 20 years, so knows how much heart goes into caring about our world. Which is why she launched We Heal For All in 2018—to support fellow helpers and healers to have a healthier relationship with the world, so they can be conduits for these transformational times.

She does this through collective healing—both as a lens for making sense of the times we live in (“why is the world in so much pain?”) and as an embodied practice for what to do about it. Through writing, teaching, and beautifully co-creative community space, she offers language and tools for the inner dimension of social change, bringing healing-centered approaches into the mix.

Her offerings—Circles, courses, writings, and meditations—support people with the many normal feelings that come with being alive and attuned to our changing world. They’re the very tools she herself has needed as a longtime change maker, now shared to help others usher in the culture and consciousness shifts we’re at the precipice of. 

https://www.wehealforall.com/

https://amzn.to/3Lv0Fug

THINK LEAD REPEAT by London Porter 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 London Porter shares hundreds of lessons to help leaders grow in the book “THINK LEAD REPEAT.”

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The Synopsis

Think – Lead – Repeat offers 369 days of practical wisdom and bold leadership insight—one day at a time. Designed for modern professionals who balance ambition with authenticity, this book delivers bite-sized lessons on influence, emotional intelligence, strategy, and communication. A great conversation starter for team meetings. Each daily read blends inspiration, reflection, and actionable guidance to help leaders at every level think sharper, lead stronger, and make things happen—with purpose, confidence, and a touch of swagger.

The Review

What a compelling and insightful read. The author delivers each chapter with gusto and wit, offering lessons in business and personal growth that will resonate with readers daily. The personal empowerment and business development lessons will reinforce the reader, emphasizing the author’s expertise and knowledge and making the tone feel incredibly real and relatable at the same time.

The thing that stood out to me as a reader was both the unique way the author crafted these lessons and the way readers can interact with the book. The author breaks these micro-lessons into 1-page lessons, divided by month and day, allowing the reader to follow them almost like a daily motivational page to keep the day moving forward. On top of this, readers can pick up this book at any time and often return to it time and again to engage with the lessons they need most in times of crisis or uncertainty.

The Verdict

Authentic, honest, and engaging, author London Porter’s “Think Lead Repeat” is a must-read nonfiction motivational business read. The expertise and heart with which the author writes and the way readers are able to take in these lessons at their own pace and put them into action to see the change in their leadership skills will resonate with readers and keep them returning to this book anytime they need more drive and inspiration to move forward in business. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

London isn’t your average HR executive — he’s a LinkedIn mini-sensation who leverages his charismatic personal brand to redefine leadership conversations in addition to everything HR.

Known for his engaging short videos that develop work competencies under 2 mins, he enthusiastically spotlights his brother and sister public service organizations, nation wide. His savvy yet cheeky style has cultivated an impressive following — enough to earn him 2025 HR Professional of the Year.

With a knack for writing popular books, inspiring thousands, and consistently adding straight whiskey value across the HR and business communities, London has pledged his personal life to helping raise the vibration of the work place and the planet, one conversational competency at a time. And c’mon, when was the last time competency training was binge-worthy?

https://amzn.to/49BwAkJ

What Comes Next by Caitlin Forbes Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn Blog Tours, Book Events, reviewsLeave a comment

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

A woman pushes herself to experience more of life after the sudden loss of her mother in author Caitlin Forbes’s “What Comes Next.”

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The Synopsis

An empowering and heartfelt novel about the complexities of family, the power of sisterhood, and the bravery it takes to choose happiness when all seems lost.

“My life is perfectly fine.”

Alex has pretended this for years―despite an emotionally absent father, a best friend drifting away, and a floundering dog-training business. At least Alex has her sister, Meredith, a driven polar opposite. But both their lives are upended when their estranged mother dies of a genetic condition that the sisters have a fifty-fifty chance of inheriting. For Alex, a world without her mother is uncomfortable. But a world without Meredith is unthinkable.

Alex suggests a pact to which Meredith tentatively agrees: In three months they’ll get tested. Until then they go after everything they’ve ever wanted. Alex is finally stepping out of her comfort zone and opening herself up to new relationships. Or maybe reconnecting with an old one. Nathan, a boy who once broke her heart, needs a trainer for his mixed-breed rescue. Alex can’t resist.

As sparks rekindle, and time passes much too quickly, Alex discovers more about herself, her sister, and her mother than she ever imagined. And that everything in life―especially happiness―comes with a risk worth taking.

The Review

What a heartfelt and emotional read. The author finds such a delicate yet perfect balance between exploring the grieving process, the intricacies of relationships, and the power of self-discovery. The juxtaposition of animal care with the protagonist’s life, especially with Remy and the frequency of animal abandonment due to past trauma, making it difficult to train or home them, mirrors the protagonist’s own abandonment issues and really speaks volumes throughout this story.

Yet it was the relationship between Alex and Meredith that really stood out to the reader. The way they learned to lean on one another in the absence of their parents, the loss they share, and the shock of a shared illness lingering as a possibility is something that felt so relatable as someone who inherited several ailments and the dangers that come with genetic diseases. The author artfully navigates these troubled waters by exploring the path to finding hope again in a person’s life amidst the trauma.

The Verdict

Memorable, heartfelt, and engaging, author Caitlin Forbes’s “What Comes Next” is a must-read women’s fiction-meets-family-drama novel. The imagery and atmosphere the author brought to life on the page, along with the compelling blend of emotional storytelling and hopeful tones, will keep readers engaged until the book’s final chapters. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Photography by Molly Haley, mollyhaley.com

Caitlin Forbes is a Maine-based author who writes stories that explore the messiness of relationships—from sisterhood to romance to the tricky relationship we have with ourselves. When not writing, you can find her chasing after her toddler (or her dog) and exploring small-town New England life. 

You can follow the author at: 

https://www.caitlinforbesauthor.com/

https://www.instagram.com/caitlin_forbes_author/

Blog Tour Calendar

December 8 @ The Muffin

Join us at the Muffin as we celebrate the launch of What Comes Next by Caitlin Forbes. We interview the author and give you a chance to win a copy of the book.

https://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com

December 9 @ Kaecey McCormick’s blog

Join Kaecey’s blog for a guest post from Caitlin Forbes about why she writes and what inspires her.

https://www.kaeceymccormick.com/blog

December 11 @ Knotty Needle

Judy shares her thoughts about What Comes Next by Caitlin Forbes. 

https://knottyneedle.blogspot.com/

December 12 @ CC King’s blog

Stop by Caitrin’s blog for a guest post by Caitlin Forbes on the struggle and process of publishing a debut novel.

https://www.caitrincking.com/blog

December 15 @ Sarandipity’s

Visit Sara’s blog for an excerpt from What Comes Next by Caitlin Forbes. 

https://sarandipitys.com/blog/

December 18 @ Knotty Needle

Stop by Judy’s blog again for her response to our tour-themed prompt about her own dog rescue story.

https://knottyneedle.blogspot.com/

December 19 @ Nicole Writes About Stuff

Stop by Nicole’s Substack for a contribution from Caitlin Forbes.

https://nicolepyles.substack.com

December 20 @ A Wonderful World of Books

Visit Joy’s blog for an excerpt from What Comes Next by Caitlin Forbes.

https://awonderfulworldofwordsa.blogspot.com/

December 20 @ Author Anthony Avina’s blog

Visit Anthony’s blog for an excerpt from What Comes Next by Caitlin Forbes.

https://authoranthonyavina.com/category/blog-tours/

December 21 @ Chapter Break

Visit Julie’s blog for a guest post by Caitlin Forbes about the importance of fiction, particularly book club fiction, in this crazy time.

https://chapterbreak.net/

December 23 @ What Is That Book About?

Visit Michelle’s blog for an excerpt from What Comes Next by Caitlin Forbes.

https://www.whatisthatbookabout.com/

December 26 @ Words by Webb

Visit Jodi’s blog for her review of What Comes Next by Caitlin Forbes.

https://www.jodiwebbwriter.com/blog

December 28 @ StoreyBook Reviews

Stop by Leslie’s blog for a guest post by Caitlin Forbes on why she included dogs in her book What Comes Next.

https://storeybookreviews.com/

January 2 @ Nicole Writes About Stuff

Stop by Nicole’s Substack for a feature of What Comes Next in her weekly newsletter.

https://nicolepyles.substack.com

January 3 @ Seaside Book Nook

Visit Jilleen’s blog for her review of What Comes Next by Caitlin Forbes.

http://www.seasidebooknook.com/

January 4 @ Author Anthony Avina’s blog

Stop by Anthony’s blog for his review of What Comes Next by Caitlin Forbes.

https://authoranthonyavina.com/category/blog-tours/

January 8 @ Writer Advice

Visit B. Lynn Goodwin’s blog for her review of What Comes Next by Caitlin Forbes.

https://writeradvice.com/

January 9 @ Writer Advice

Stop by B. Lynn Goodwin’s blog for a guest post by author Caitlin Forbes about the question of inheritance – of what we inherit versus what we get to choose.

https://writeradvice.com/

January 10 @ Just Katherine

Stop by Katherine’s blog for her review of What Comes Next by Caitlin Forbes. You’ll also have a chance to read her response to our tour-themed prompt about whether if she had an incurable condition and if she would want to find out.

https://justkatherineblog.wordpress.com/

Interview with Author Cory V. McCray 

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn InterviewsLeave a comment

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


I’m a proud son of Baltimore, an electrician by trade, and now serve in the Maryland State Senate representing the 45th District. My journey started with an apprenticeship — it gave me not just a career, but a path to stability, leadership, and service. Writing wasn’t my first language; I was used to working with my hands. But over time, through op-eds, speeches, and listening to the stories in my community, I realized writing was another way to build — not with wire or tools, but with words that could help shape futures.

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2) What inspired you to write your book?


The book grew out of a simple truth: apprenticeships saved my life. I wanted to create a guidebook that would demystify the process for parents, students, and mentors — to show them that the trades aren’t a fallback, they’re a way forward. I’ve seen too many young people miss opportunities because they didn’t have access or exposure. This book is my way of pulling back the curtain and saying, “Here’s how you can get there.”

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


That second chances are real, and pathways to the middle class come in many forms. Apprenticeships are the other four-year degree. I want readers — whether they’re young people figuring out their path, parents trying to guide their kids, or counselors advising students — to walk away knowing that opportunity is closer than they think, and that hard work plus access can change everything.

4) What drew you into this particular genre?


Memoir with a “how-to” spine felt like the right fit. I wanted to tell my story honestly — the good and the challenges — but also leave readers with practical steps they can act on. It’s not just about my journey, it’s about creating a blueprint others can use.

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


Instagram has been powerful — it allows me to share visual moments, connect with young people, and engage directly with readers who may not follow traditional political spaces. But I also lean on LinkedIn, because so much of this conversation is about workforce development, policy, and leadership, and that’s where those communities live.

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


Stay true to your voice. Writing can feel intimidating, especially if it’s not your first craft, but authenticity is what resonates. Be disciplined about putting words down — even if it’s just a page at a time — and surround yourself with people who will push you to finish. Most importantly, write the book you wish you had in your hands years ago.

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


Right now, I’m focused on bringing The Apprenticeship That Saved My Life into as many classrooms, libraries, and communities as possible. But I also see this book as just the beginning of a larger conversation.

On a personal level, I’ve got a 10- and 11-year-old in the house — both boys — and time is flying. Writing this book gave me space to reflect on the disciplines and lessons I’ve learned through life, and I want to make sure I pass them on early so they don’t fall into the same traps I did. With my wife, our focus is on raising our four children to be good human beings — the kind who contribute to making this world a better place.

So while I’m already thinking about ways to expand on this project — companion guides, lifting up more apprenticeship stories, and maybe another book down the road — my deepest priority is what’s happening inside my own home, and making sure my kids grow up with the tools, values, and exposure they need to thrive.

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About the Author

Cory V. McCray is a husband and father of four from Baltimore who believes deeply in second chances and creating pathways to opportunity. An electrician by trade, he now serves as a Maryland State Senator, representing Baltimore’s 45th Legislative District. Cory is the author of The Apprenticeship That Saved My Life, a guidebook and memoir that shows how apprenticeships are “the other four-year degree.”

Links:

Savvy Sam’s Search for Self by Jamie Barrett 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 Jamie Barrett shares a relatable story of identity in the children’s book “Savvy Sam’s Search for Self.” 

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The Synopsis

Savvy Sam’s Search for Self is an educational story written in poetry form that provides information on how the mind works and who you are, your identity. Sam is the character in this saga and Sam was chosen so Sam could be identified as a boy or girl. This helps boys and girls alike to be able to relate to Sam and the dilemma of who you are. Concepts are espoused that thoughts are not real and can be changed. Negative thoughts and negative emotions are not who you are and can be worked through and released. More empowering thoughts can be substituted for thoughts that are not serving you.

The Review

This was an incredibly insightful and heartfelt children’s book, guiding readers through an emotional process of how children process information and how that information informs their identities. The bright, colorful illustrations are a great way to capture the young reader’s attention and to slowly introduce these concepts as the story progresses, which is highly innovative when paired with a relatable protagonist like Sam and guiding characters like the Sassafrass Tree. 

The driving force of the story, of course, is the educational value of the story’s themes, as well as the author’s unique writing style. The poetry that was infused into the writing style made the journey feel very lyrical and emotive. At the same time, the themes of identity were explored extensively at both the emotional and psychological levels, helping young readers distinguish between negative and positive thoughts and feelings and understand that these don’t define their identity.

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The Verdict

Memorable, heartfelt, and engaging, author Jamie Barrett’s “Savvy Sam’s Search for Self” is a must-read children’s book. The relatable, emotional story and journey Sam goes on, and the words of affirmation and encouragement that accompany it, will empower young readers and entertain them at the same time, making this a wonderful children’s story to get into. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

https://amzn.to/4paMWGs

Interview with Author Harper Carr

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn InterviewsLeave a comment

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

Writing feeds my soul. I started putting particular words to paper when I was a young teenager, thirteen or fourteen; in fact, I still have my original notebook. It’s filled with angsty poems describing my torturous world. “It’s a maze, it’s a haze, it’s a crazy place. It’s the world each day I have to face.” My teenage years were challenging. For example, my father, who was a lay minister, set me up to be arrested for hosting a pot party when I was fourteen. He’d heard some kids talking about it at church. I was trying to get to know the boy I liked—who was the reason for the gathering—when police suddenly appeared, blocking my bedroom window and doorway. We were all drive down to the station in separate vehicles. I had to attend court and was sentenced to two years probation. It was a little like Footloose in rural Canada without Kevin Bacon) and it didn’t end well. Parents, do not do this to your children.

Later, I wrote a piece called “Bad Girl: Legacy of the Father-Daughter War.” I was never able to rectify that relationship, which is a shame. I think that’s why I’m drawn to writing Young Adult fiction. I want my characters to overcome their challenges and get their happy ending.

2) What inspired you to write your book?

In 2013-2014, I took a year leave from teaching high school English to work for the Canadian Coast Guard as a relief lighthouse keeper. I learned much about the rigors of lighthouse keeping from the principal keepers at various locations around Vancouver Island. I also heard stories of hauntings and experienced some strange incidents myself. 

At times in my life, I’ve seen and felt the presence of spirits in my bedroom. Often, I’d wake up and feel that someone was staring at me. I’d reach out and flick on the light to find no one there. One Christmas Eve, I awoke to see a shadowy presence standing at the foot of my bed. And at one lighthouse where I worked I felt the spiritual presence of a lightkeeper who’d passed on. He wasn’t happy about me being in his house and wanted me gone as much as I wanted to be gone. 

The Shadow Man combines family trauma with my lighthouse experiences and my interest in psychic phenomena and mediumship. Here’s the back cover blurb:

Seventeen-year-old Gracelyn Lassiter has been hiding in her aunt’s house for four years—since her mother plunged from the cliffs at Feroz Lighthouse, leaving her without her home, her best friend, or answers.

Now her father’s burned to death in his sailboat and left a confession: “Your mother didn’t jump, I pushed her.”

The trauma triggers Gracelyn’s ability to see spirits so real she can’t tell who’s human and who’s a ghost—except for the gray-veiled Shadow Man who begs her to return to Feroz Island and find her mother’s journal.

When her cruel cousin posts the confession on the Internet, Feroz seems like a safe place to escape. And if Gracelyn can see ghosts, she can conjure her mother’s spirit and hear the truth from her own lips.

But her lighthouse haven is crawling withs spirits, secrets, and lies—and the closer Gracelyn gets to the truth, the more she realizes the dead aren’t the only ones who want to keep the past in the past.

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

When Gracelyn returns to Feroz Island, the old lighthouse keeper says, “Home is a place you love, where you know you belong. A place you never want to leave, and if you do, your heart’s not quite right until you return.” This theme resonates with me and many people, I think. We leave home for various reasons but it feels like there’s always something missing. Maybe it’s the place. Maybe it’s the people. Maybe it’s just that feeling of knowing you truly belong.

4) What drew you into this particular genre?

I was an at-risk teen who ended up working with teens. A big part of me is still that rebellious kid searching for truth and belonging. I also love YA because it’s exciting and there’s plenty of freedom to move between genres, settings, and time frames. The Shadow Man is contemporary, but I’ve just completed The Rum Runs Red, which is set in 1920s British Columbia during American Prohibition. I enjoy exploring how teens “lose their innocence” as they encounter people and situations that push them to the edge. YA is messy just like life is messy. It’s a maze of voices and shadows coming from all directions, while there you are trying to listen to your heart and find your truth. 

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

Amos Moses is a secondary character but he plays a huge part because he’s Caleb’s uncle and Caleb is the young man Gracelyn loves. We know some things about Amos—he’s Indigenous, he’s a master carpenter, he’s absolutely caring—but I’d like to know more. I’d ask him about his spirituality and his relationship with … Oops, I can’t give that away. 

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

I have a TikTok presence but I really love Instagram. I seem to be there the most, watching videos and posting photos. It’s my happy place so I hope my readers find me there @harpers_books.

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

Read. Read. Read. Then, unfetter yourself and write. Write about your passions. Write about your fears. Write the book you’d like to read. (That’s how I wrote “The Man in Black” series. Write the best story you can, and then get other eyes on it. Not friends and family. Ask someone who will give you an honest opinion and don’t get defensive. I know it’s hard but when you’re learning it’s important to listen and learn your craft, and we only do that through experience.

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

But of course. The Rum Runs Red will be my next YA release. I also write under another pen name, W. L. Hawkin. Next summer, I’m working with an Indigenous editor on a sequel to my romantic suspense novel, LURE. It’s called The Silent Girl. I’m very excited about that. 

With three books written and awaiting publication, I find myself staring at a blank page. It’s a delicious feeling. Ideas are arising and I’m listening to my muses to see what develops. I love this time.

Thank you Anthony. Blessings. 

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About the Author

Harper Carr finds magic everywhere, so naturally it lands in her books. Her Man in Black series, combines genres—mystery/thriller, urban fantasy, sci-fi (time-travel), and historical fiction. The stories support the LGBTQ community, are edgy, and suit older teens (16+ and adults.)

The Shadow Man, her new YA paranormal mystery was a finalist in the Northwest Pacific Writers unpublished writing contest in fall 2024. Watch for the launch in February 2026. She’s also working on The Rum Runs Red, a YA historical novel set in the 1920’s Prohibition era near Victoria, B.C.

Harper writes reviews for books that affect her profoundly, but focuses on Teen books. You can find her reviews here and on Goodreads.

She loves to read aloud and would be happy to visit your school or local library. She enjoys presenting workshops about writing. Find descriptions here.

Harper finds inspiration in Nature. You’ll often finds her walking in woods or by water with her released therapy dog. 

http://bluehavenpress.com/

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