Miranda Fights (A Miranda Quinn Legal Twist) by Gail Ward Olmsted Review

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

With young women disappearing and a ruthless organization behind it all, the former host turned lawyer Miranda Quinn must work to save these young women before it’s too late in the book Miranda Fights by Gail Ward Olmsted.

The Synopsis

Miranda Quinn is back in the courtroom working as a legal aid attorney when she’s asked to represent Lennon, the daughter of a high school friend currently serving time in prison. Still struggling with guilt from the role she played in her friend’s downfall, Miranda agrees to help.

The former assistant DA has given up a lucrative career as a legal talk radio host to better serve her community. In her spare time, she volunteers as a counselor for at-risk teens. It’s challenging but rewarding, at least until the young women begin to mysteriously disappear. As Miranda struggles to find out who is responsible, it becomes clear that Lennon is in danger as well. As the police piece together Miranda’s clues, they realize they’re dealing with a much larger and farther-reaching organization than they had expected.

Miranda has faced her share of adversaries, both in and out of the courtroom. To expose the sex traffickers preying on the group of girls she has sworn to protect, she’ll need to keep her eyes and ears open. But to save the one young woman who needs her most, she’ll have to open her heart.

She’s in for the fight of her life.

The Review

The balance the author found in persona development for her star protagonist and the chilling realities of the crime she investigates is very on point here, a Gail Ward Olmsted staple that has drawn readers throughout this series. The exploration of Mirandas’ friendship with her high school friend Charlene and the consequences of their friendship’s end on Charlene’s daughter years later make the narrative entirely compelling and easy to get lost in.

While the overarching story of the protagonist and her exploits are part of this growing legal thriller series, what always impresses me is that the author makes each novel stand out on its own, allowing each narrative its opportunity to shine. The horrors of human trafficking and the brutal fight against it are thoroughly explored here, and the descriptive nature of the settings allows the story to pop off the page.

The Verdict

Harrowing, thoughtful, and entertaining, author Gail Ward Olmsted’s “Miranda Fights” is a must-read legal thriller. The twists and turns in the narrative, the exploration of more domestic relationships, and the bonds that Miranda makes with Lennon will stay with readers as the story progresses.  If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

About the Author

Gail Ward Olmsted was a marketing executive and a college professor before she began writing fiction on a full-time basis. A trip to Sedona, AZ inspired her first novel Jeep Tour. Three more novels followed before Landscape of a Marriage, a biographical novel featuring landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, a distant cousin of her husband’s, and his wife Mary. Miranda Fights is the third book in the Miranda Quinn Legal Twist series. Olmsted enjoys writing about quirky, wonderful women in search of a second chance at a happy ever after. When not writing, she loves being on the water, especially in a kayak. She is well known for her blonde brownies, and coffee is her love language. For more, visit her on Facebook at gailolmstedauthor.

Silent Promises by Jessica Leed Review

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

A young woman mourning her husband’s loss and desperate to get help for their daughter turns to a psychologist. She begins to develop a close bond with him in the process as new secrets are uncovered in author Jessica Leed’s “Silent Promises.”

The Synopsis

In a journey of healing and rediscovery, Maddie, Caleb, and Lila navigate the complexities of love, loss, and healing, learning that sometimes, the people who understand our pain best are the ones we least expect.

In the wake of her husband Dylan’s tragic death, Maddie struggles to connect with their daughter Lila, who has fallen silent since losing her father. Desperate for help, Maddie turns to Caleb, a new psychologist at Dylan’s former workplace.

As Caleb works to break through Lila’s emotional barriers, rumors threaten to derail their progress, pushing Lila further into rebellion. Grappling with her grief and uncertainties, Maddie finds herself drawn to Caleb.

But when Lila’s behavior reaches a crisis point, Maddie and Caleb are forced to confront their fears and secrets. As they unravel Dylan’s hidden connections and the truth behind Caleb’s presence in their lives, they discover a shared loss that binds them closer than they ever imagined.

The Review

A truly powerful and moving read, the author did an incredible job of layering the narrative with powerful themes and compelling character arcs. The way the author captured the steady yet sudden journey that a loved one’s decline in health and subsequent loss maintains in life was so heartbreaking yet relatable for anyone who has ever lost someone close to them. The way the story allows both the mother and daughter to look back on their time with the husband and father and intermix it with the grief and journey through grief that they both endure in their terms was heartfelt and compelling to engage with as a reader.

The story’s surprising character developments and emotional pull were at the heart of this novel. In the grand scheme of things, Caleb’s connection to Maddie and Lila is a shock, and the emotional weight of Dylan’s loss impacts that connection significantly. The dips into romance that the story takes in exploring Maddie’s relationship with Dylan and the complex relationship between Lila and Maddie as they navigate post-loss life as mother and daughter will resonate with many readers.

The Verdict

A heartbreaking yet relatable and engaging story of loss, love, and moving forward, author Jessica Leed’s “Silent Promises” is a must-read romance meets genre fiction drama. The author does a marvelous job of tapping into the emotional turmoil that comes with any loss, and the twists and turns in the story and these characters’ arcs will leave a lasting impression the reader will not soon forget. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

About the Author

Jessica Leed hails from Victoria, Australia, and has lived in the United States since 2021. An elementary teacher, former dancer, and fitness professional, she now lives in Nashville, Tennessee, with her husband and two beloved cats. Jessica finds joy in books, coffee, long walks, the beauty of autumn, and cooking hearty breakfasts.

Interview with Author George Veck

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

I got into writing at the same time as acting, mostly so I could write short films to produce. I loved it so much that I moved to Cardiff and studied for a Master’s degree in screenwriting, before adapting my screenplays into books.   

2) What inspired you to write your book?

Belabour is inspired by the atrocities of domestic abuse, how it seems to be everywhere you turn. Until 2015, when new laws were introduced in the UK criminalizing controlling and coercive behaviour, the vast majority of proprietors got away with it, even when reported. This book you could say is anger spilling over having witnessed this repeatedly happen, while the victim’s lives sometimes never recover.

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

Hopefully, current proprietors of domestic abuse take a long hard look in the mirror and see the horror they inflict from a victim’s side. If it helps victims, former or present, process their trauma in any way, then that’d be great too.

4) What drew you into this particular genre?

I’ve always appreciated books and films that take pride in portraying realism. Domestic drama is as relatable as it gets.  

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

X has been helpful, as has Instagram and Reddit at times. Goodreads stands out. 

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

The most obvious tip is to write every day, even if it’s for just half an hour. But mainly try and enjoy every step, celebrate ALL of your wins and landmarks along the way, and don’t let anyone take the joy that made you start away.                                                                                                                                        

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

I have a few books in the planning stage. My next release will likely be a comedy-drama called A Sanction A Day: an anthology charting a desperate British town’s struggles with unemployment and homelessness.

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About the Author

Born in Hastings but raised in North Wales, George mostly writes gritty crime fiction set in Wales.

His inspiration partly derives from political greed, and the plights of those who suffer as a result; whether that’s from mental health issues our criminally underfunded health system won’t treat, housing shortages, domestic abuse, or living in crippling poverty without hope.

As of 2024 George has published six books. Dark domestic thriller Belabour is his latest.

The House Filler (China China Trilogy Book One) by Tong Ge Review

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

A woman who has endured hardship and struggle through poverty, war and more must find a way of saving her son in author Tong Ge’s “The House Filler”, the first book in the China China Trilogy.

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The Synopsis

A family saga set in China during the most tumultuous time of the twentieth century including the Japanese invasion, the civil war, and the Communist takeover.

The House Filler is told through the experiences of Golden Phoenix, a woman who faces war, poverty, and political oppression as she fights for survival, freedom and happiness. After the untimely death of her husband, Golden Phoenix is determined to keep her family together. However, poverty forces her to make the heart-wrenching decision to give her teenage twins to the Red Army. During the upheaval of the Japanese invasion of her hometown, she is separated from her two young girls, and her remaining son leaves to fight with the Nationalist army. Golden Phoenix, along with her adopted son, remains to endure the horror and hardship of war. When the civil war ends with the Communists in power in 1949, one of her twins, who had joined the Communist Party, is wrongly accused of being a traitor and is sentenced to death. Golden Phoenix and her family must find a way to save her son’ s life.

The House Filler is a moving and powerful portrayal of one family’ s struggle to survive in the face of an historical upheaval and political oppression.

The Review

What a dynamic and compelling novel. The author immediately found the perfect balance between historical fiction storytelling and character-driven narrative. The stark cultural contrast will immediately stand out to readers, exploring everything from women’s rights and place in society to family dynamics, beauty standards, and much more. The political drama and upheaval of that era also helped elevate the protagonist’s personal stakes in this novel.

The emotional depth of the protagonist’s journey and the rich themes of the narrative stood out in this novel. The exploration of loyalty, love, and family all played a heavy hand in the book, and the realism and attention to detail made the story feel more engaging and highlighted the human condition in the face of overwhelming tragedy or hardships suffered during these historical times. 

The Verdict

A truly memorable and thoughtful read, author Tong Ge’s “The House Filler” is a must-read historical fiction novel. The twists and turns in the story, the heartbreaking realities of this era, and the sobering yet powerful finale will stay with readers long after the book ends. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Tong Ge was born and raised in China and moved to Canada in 1988. She began writing the China China trilogy in 2004 with the first book: The House Filler. Although she was challenged by learning to write in English and by her long- term disability, she persevered and since 2012 has published poetry and prose in English and Chinese in publications such as Prism, Ricepaper, Flow, Canadian Stories, and The Polyglot. Tong Ge lives in Calgary, Alberta.

Spurious Scrapper by George Veck Review

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

Trigger warnings – Self-harm, drug use, profanity & violence.

A young man living on the fringes of society attempts to steer a straight laced new tenant towards his ways of thinking, with disastrous results in author George Veck’s “Spurious Scrapper”.

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The Synopsis

Chrissy’s parties never stop in the profitable confines of his locally renowned trap house. Fuelled by North Wales’ lack of prosperity, his aimless cretin entourage are dragged along for a parasitic, rampant ride, rinsing the deprived town’s insatiable addicts of their spare change.

When Sam, a naïve, straight-edged student moves in and jeopardizes this anarchic way of life, Chrissy stops at nothing to get him onside. Never did he envisage the tragic consequences…

Such short-term brazen gain has long tarnished Chrissy’s local reputation; tight-knit communities sometimes forgive, but rarely forget. Aching to escape this pit-hole existence is great, but being allowed to execute change is a privilege only some get.

The Review

This is a truly gritty, haunting, and engaging read. The author expertly weaves together a story of chaos and drama, delving into a dark and realistic depiction of what addiction and life in a university can be like. The imagery in the author’s writing style brings this lifestyle to the forefront, delving into the shocking realizations and raw language that readers often find themselves confronting in these characters. 

The author achieved both dark humor and harrowing life experiences within one narrative. The overwhelming feeling of intensity and the raw look into drug culture, not only in general but in particular in a university setting, allowed the reader to see through the eyes of these realistic characters. The added depth of a revenge story and the consequences others must pay for one’s mistakes made the reader feel the shock and awe this particular story brought.

The Verdict

Author George Veck’s “Spurious Scrapper” is a must-read vigilante justice meets crime thriller and drama novel that is shocking, honest, and gripping. The thought-provoking look into the mindset of characters like Chrissy and the evolution, or at times devolution, of these individuals allows the reader to get a firmer idea of what tragedy is waiting for those who are sadly immersed in the underbelly of the drug world. The haunting ending will stay with readers long after it ends. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Born in Hastings but raised in North Wales, George mostly writes gritty crime fiction set in Wales.

His inspiration partly derives from political greed, and the plights of those who suffer as a result; whether that’s from mental health issues our criminally underfunded health system won’t treat, housing shortages, domestic abuse, or living in crippling poverty without hope.

As of 2024 George has published six books. Dark domestic thriller Belabour is his latest.

Until It Was Gone by David B. Seaburn Review/Preview

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

A family must overcome societal challenges and make new changes in their lives in author David B. Seaburn’s “Until It Was Gone”.

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The Synopsis

When, at the end of their fortieth anniversary dinner, Laney announces she’s leaving Franklin, he’s stunned and asks if she ever loved him, to which she answers, “Yes, until it was gone.”

Laney leaves for the Oklahoma panhandle in search of Roz, their estranged daughter, who left home at sixteen, and the nineteen-year-old granddaughter, Maggie, Laney has never met.

Shortly after she leaves, Franklin contracts COVID which morphs into long COVID. His episodes of fogginess and disorientation awaken memories of abuse at the hands of his father. His sister comes to take care of him, but she needs to return home soon for the sentencing of a mass murderer who killed her husband.

If that weren’t enough, Maggie becomes pregnant and, due to medical complications, needs an abortion, but she lives in a state where it’s outlawed. What will she do? Where will she go? Will the family find the resilience to come together for everyone’s sake?

Until It Was Gone tells of a family trying to make life work while being pummeled by the exigencies of contemporary society. It celebrates the thin strands of hope that hold us together and move us forward.

The Review

Immediately the author found that perfect balance of realism and hope within this narrative. The realistic emotions and troubles that this cast of characters faces throughout the story, from the complexities of marriage and relationships to more profound themes surrounding abortion and abuse, allow the author to explore how these topics impact a person and a family in our modern world. The setting of the COVID pandemic and studying the health concerns so many people were affected by during this period brought a relatability to the story many readers could attest to.

The character dynamics and how everyone connects made this story feel so compelling. What stood out was how all these characters felt so relatable and vibrant on the page, and despite their various flaws or struggles, they kept the reader engaged throughout the book. The journey for Laney to find her independence and reunite with her daughter and granddaughter was inspiring. At the same time, the shock of loss Franklin felt, the health struggles, and the recovered memories all brought a closer look at the hardships and benefits of self-reflection and growth, as well as the importance of family and powerful bonds in our lives.

The Verdict

Moving, compelling, and engaging, author David B. Seaburn’s “Until It Was Gone” is a must-read drama meets genre fiction novel. The evenly paced and emotional journey of these characters, the realism of the evolving story, and the equally realistic ending speak to the intricacies of life and the vastly different lives we each live within our own families. If you haven’t yet, preorder your copy today or grab your copy on December 12th, 2024!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

David B. Seaburn’s most recent novel is Give Me Shelter (italics) (2022). His tenth novel, Until It Was Gone (italics), will be released by Black Rose Writing in December 2024. 

Prior to that he was an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Family Medicine at the University of Rochester Medical Center for almost twenty years (1986-2005). During his tenure there, he  taught in a Family Medicine Residency Program, practiced  Medical Family Therapy and was the Director of  a Family Therapy Training Program.

In addition to this, David is an ordained Presbyterian minister, having graduated from seminary (Boston University) in 1975. He served a church full-time from 1975-1981 before entering the mental health field permanently. 

His educational background includes two master’s degrees and a PhD.

From 2013 to 2020, David Seaburn wrote a blog for Psychology Today magazine called, “Going Out Not Knowing.” In this blog he talks about the uncertainty and wonder at the heart of life (and at the heart of writing, as well).

Common to all of David’s work is a commitment to the well-being of others, which often means active involvement in efforts to undestand and change their life stories.  

David is married and has two married daughters, three adorable granddaughters and two wonderful grandsons. 

https://www.davidbseaburn.com

Get Out Now! By Barbara Harrison Review

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.

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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.

Walk the Dark by Paul Cody Review

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

A man serving the final part of a 30-to-life sentence reflects on the life that brought him to this redemptive arc in author Paul Cody’s “Walk the Dark”.

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The Synopsis

Oliver Curtin grows up in a nocturnal world with a mother who is a sex worker and drug addict, and whose love is real yet increasingly unreliable. His narration alternates between that troubled childhood and the present of the novel, where he is serving the last months of a thirty-years-to-life sentence in a maximum-security prison in upstate New York, for a crime he committed at age seventeen. His redemption is closely allied with his memories, seen with growing clarity and courage. If he can remember, then life in the larger world is possible for him.

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The Review

This was such a compelling and rich novel. The author expertly weaves a drama that delves into the prison system and the impact incarceration can have on individuals. The heavy atmosphere and the stellar use of tension and time jumps throughout the narrative elevated the protagonist’s story considerably. 

The psychological impact of both life in prison and his complicated relationship with his mother and the women in his life made Oliver’s story so dynamic. The blurred lines between the past and the present as the author jumped around Oliver’s life allowed the reader to peel back the layers of the character’s experiences perfectly. The examination of what life for prisoners is like once they get out, especially after long sentences, gives readers a haunting image of the anxiety and stress that they face in the “real world.”

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The Verdict

Author Paul Cody’s “Walk the Dark” is a must-read novel. It is memorable, engaging, and artfully written. The personal and character-driven narrative and the heartfelt exploration of this man’s life will keep readers hooked on the author’s every word. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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Parade of Streetlights by Itua Uduebo Review

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

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A young man from Nigeria discovers what it means to be a millennial in America in author Itua Uduebo’s “Parade of Streetlights”.

The Synopsis

Life is lived between the checklists

Parade of Streetlights is a captivating exploration of the millennial experience. Following a significant incident from his youth in Lagos, Kolawole Idowu always had a haunting desire to return to Nigeria and commit his time to making a difference. Within the course of a year, Kola explores his adopted home of New York City and all aspects of his world with candor and humor. Kola is both self-conscious and observant as he encounters people on the streets of NYC and constantly struggles with the idea of what it means to be himself. 

A quarterlife manifesto for the modern malaise

Parade of Streetlights is a deeply personal and introspective debut novel from author Itua Uduebo told in vignettes and featuring characters who are working through many personal absurdities. This is a novel about the choices we make, the ways we restrict ourselves needlessly, and the freedom of embracing the authentic pursuit of happiness. Kola’s voice is a welcome addition to the literary canon and his story will stay with you long after the last page is finished.

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The Review

This was a compelling and engaging read. The balance of creative storytelling and impactful and thematic writing kept the reader invested in the author’s narrative. The rich imagery in the author’s writing allowed the setting to flourish and come to life around the characters. It made NYC feel almost new and inviting as readers gained a new perspective generationally and from a Nigerian immigrant.

The character development was the heart of this story, as the author crafted a protagonist that brought the Nigeria component and the millennial concept to life through Kola. His unique viewpoint of the events of this book, as well as his journey of self-discovery and exploration of what home means to him, made this a memorable read.

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The Verdict

Memorable, heartfelt, and insightful author Itua Uduebo’s “Parade of Streetlights” is a must-read coming-of-age story that not only gives the millennial a voice but captures what it means to be a millennial in America today. The twists and turns in the story of Kola and the remarkable heart that the author poured into this narrative made this a story readers won’t soon forget. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your very own copy of this novel today.

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Itua was born in Lagos, Nigeria, graduated from Georgetown University with a degree in International Politics, and resides in New York, NY. He is currently working in the financial technology industry. His writing journey began in his college years and to date he has several essays, articles, freeform poems, and short stories published online and in print. His focuses are new adult fiction, urban literature, science fiction, thrillers, politics, racial justice, culture, and global affairs. Currently working on his second novel manuscript and always looking to take on new creative challenges.

Find Itua online at:

Website | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok