I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author and poet LindaAnn LoSchiavo share a collection of poems that will explore the reimagining of true crimes and injustices through a Halloween lens in the collection “Always Haunted: Hallowe’en Poems.”
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The Synopsis
Trick or treat twisted with treachery.
Haunting and harrowing visions of All Hallows’ Eve here include horrific crimes committed on October 31st, a honeymoon homicide, mysterious witches, amorous vampires, dead serious poltergeists, along with a pageant of autumnal imagery sure to evoke goosebumps beyond the spooky season. Wearing the cunning costume of a Hallowe’en poetry collection, 24 poems reimagine macabre true crimes and explore injustices brought to life by original artwork.
The Review
What a powerful and remarkable read. The author did a wonderful job of balancing themes of horror and the supernatural with true crime and historical injustice against women. The imagery (both the original illustrations and the imagery in the author’s writing) allowed the reader to be transported instantly into these poetic stories. The infusion of so many styles of poetry, from the almost Shakespearean retelling of the legend of Sleepy Hollow to the modern-day examination of Dracula’s social media presence, allowed the reader to be entertained while tapping into an emotional wellspring that horror and poetry fans can enjoy.
There were many powerful moments found in this book that spoke to the Halloween fan in all of us, as well as the meaningful moments in history when women fell victim to everything from fear to crimes, both social and personal. One great example that was a favorite of mine was Hetty Green, the Witch of Wall Street, showcasing how women are often misrepresented in life whenever they succeed where men have failed. The power of these poems and the way they illustrate how horror often mirrors real life made this a powerful collection.
The Verdict
Heartfelt, highly creative, and entertaining author LindaAnn LoSchiavo’s “Always Haunted: Hallowe’en Poems” is a must-read collection of poetry this fall. The incredible imagery and haunting presence each poem brings will keep readers coming back to this book time and time again. If you haven’t yet, preorder your copy today or get your copy on October 1st, 2024!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Native New Yorker LindaAnn LoSchiavo, a four time nominee for The Pushcart Prize, has also been nominated for Best of the Net, the Rhysling Award, and Dwarf Stars. She is a member of SFPA, The British Fantasy Society, and The Dramatists Guild.
Elgin Award winner “A Route Obscure and Lonely” (US: Wapshott Press, 2019), “Women Who Were Warned” (UK: Cerasus Poetry, 2022), Firecracker Award, Balcones Poetry Prize, Quill and Ink, Paterson Poetry Prize, and IPPY Award nominee “Messengers of the Macabre” [co-written with David Davies] (US: Audience Askew, 2022), “Apprenticed to the Night” (UK: UniVerse Press, 2023), and “Felones de Se: Poems about Suicide” (Canada: Ukiyoto Publishing, 2023) are her latest poetry titles.
In 2023, her poetry placed as a finalist in Thirty West Publishing’s “Fresh Start Contest” and in the 8th annual Stephen DiBiase contest.
LoSchiavo is a Prohibition Era historian and her Texas Guinan film won “Best Feature Documentary” at N.Y. Women’s Film Fest (Dec. 2021).
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author and poet Lynne Thompson shares a tapestry of experiences and emotions from women going through life in the book “Blue on a Blue Palette”.
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The Synopsis
Lynne Thompson’s Blue on a Blue Palette reflects on the condition of women—their joys despite their histories, and their insistence on survival as issues of race, culture, pandemic, and climate threaten their livelihoods.
The documentation of these personal odysseys—which vary stylistically from abecedarians to free verse to centos—replicate the many ways women travel through the stages of their lives, all negotiated on a palette encompassing various shades of blue. These poems demand your attention, your voice: “Say history. Claim. Say wild.”
The Review
My first reaction to this masterful collection of poetry was honest and emotional. The vivid imagery in the author’s writing style elevated the passion and themes of these poems greatly, allowing the reader to immerse themselves in the culture and experiences the author conveyed throughout this collection.
The history and ideas that the author confronted in this book were powerful to read. To begin with, the collection tackled everything from racism and sexism to the culture surrounding womanhood and what it means to be a woman. It infused a mixture of humor, wit, and thought-provoking discussion to help showcase the struggle and experiences so many women, including women of color, have had to endure for centuries.
The Verdict
Memorable, honest, and engaging author Lynne Thompson’s “Blue on a Blue Palette” is a must-read poetry collection. The emotion and heart with which the author spoke and the insight that these poems provide for these particular experiences made this collection readers will return to time and time again. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Lynne Thompson served as the 2021-22 Poet Laureate for the City of Los Angeles and received a Laureate Fellowship from the Academy of American Poets in 2022. She received her BA from Scripps College and a JD from Southwestern School of Law. After practicing law for many years, Thompson served as the Director of Labor and Employee Relations at the University of California, Los Angeles, for twenty years. Her fourth collection of poems, Blue on A Blue Palette, was published by BOA Editions in April 2024. She’s also the author of Beg No Pardon, winner of the Perugia Press Book Prize in 2007 and the Great Lakes Colleges Association’s New Writers Award in 2008, Start With a Small Guitar (What Books Press, 2013) and Fretwork (Marsh Hawk Books, 2019). A recipient of the George Drury Smith Award for Achievement in Poetry in 2023, she has also received fellowships from the Vermont Studio Center, Summer Literary Series (Kenya), and the City of Los Angeles. Thompson sits on the Boards of Cave Canem, The Poetry Foundation, The Los Angeles Review of Books, and Scripps College where she recently completed a four-year term as Chair of the Board of Trustees. Thompson lives in Los Angeles, California.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author Nancy Ejike-Offor shares with readers the process of grief and the healthy ways in which to cope with it in the book “Healing Hearts: Overcoming Grief and Loss”.
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The Synopsis
Are you struggling with the pain of loss?
“Healing Hearts: Overcoming Grief and Loss” is here to guide you through the tough times and help you find peace.
In this book, you’ll learn about the different stages of grief, how to cope in healthy ways, and how to build a support system. Whether you’re dealing with the loss of a loved one, a job, or a dream, this book offers comfort and hope.
Why You Should Read This Book:
Understand Grief: Learn what grief is and the many forms it can take, helping you to better understand your own feelings.
Healthy Coping Strategies: Discover techniques like journaling, exercise, and creative outlets that can help you manage your grief.
Support and Community: Find out how to build a reliable network of support, including friends, family, and professional help.
Inspiration and Hope: Read real-life stories and Bible verses that provide encouragement and show that healing is possible.
Don’t face grief alone. “Healing Hearts: Overcoming Grief and Loss” is your companion on the healing journey. Buy your copy today and start finding the peace and strength you need. If you find this book helpful, please leave a review to help others on their journey too.
The Review
This was an emotional and engaging read. The author does a masterful job of capturing the impact and heartbreak that comes with loss. The way the author tackled this subject and spoke on it from multiple paths, be that the loss of a loved one, loss of a job, or any other sort of loss, made this book feel more accessible and relatable to a broader audience.
The way the author honed in on the healing path that faith can have will resonate with more religious readers. The voice in which the author wrote allowed the reader to connect with the author more, as the author spoke from a personal experience and not just in a clinical manner. The examination of the different types of grief, the various ways in which coping mechanisms can work, and the importance of a support system or therapy made this an informative and helpful guide.
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The Verdict
Helpful, thoughtful, and enlightening, author Nancy Ejike-Offor’s “Healing Hearts: Overcoming Grief and Loss” is a must-read nonfiction and self-help book. The feeling of loss is a universal emotion that so many people can relate to in one way or another, and finding books like this can be a great way to navigate those complex emotions. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A secret military base doing cutting-edge research becomes the center of competition and deception as a new invention could either lead to a brighter future, or be mankind’s downfall in author Dante Terese’s “The Base”.
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The Synopsis
The Base: From the most “Top Secret “military base in the country comes this tale of jealousy, deception, intrigue and triumph. The newest most sought-after military innovation “The Project” is about to be released, after many years of research by the military’s elite scientists. Unfortunately, there are many who seek to steal and intercept the invention for their own agenda.
Written from the inside of a place that few have ever seen with the most forbidding climate to keep outsiders away we follow our developers to the completion of their mission. Their success depends on a sacred trust and ethics while they live in conditions that would try even the strongest most resolute soul.
‘The Project” must succeed or we all will fail – and it will fall into the hands of the enemy.
Will they stay true when their spirits are put to the ultimate test?
Or will we all soon be controlled by the invention that was intended to keep us safe?
A very probable story with many valuable lessons about the competitive nature of cutting-edge research, the courage it takes to succeed both as a scientist while staying one step ahead of the spies and thieves that lurk everywhere.
“The Base” is a suspenseful, gripping story with many unforgettable characters. (It is the first book in a series)
The Review
This was such a compelling and engaging short sci-fi read. The author brilliantly takes readers into this narrative with a fresh perspective, giving a first-person account from the eyes of a young girl living with her family on a military base. The early establishment of her family dynamics, from her mother’s mystery at living in such an isolated space to her father’s understanding of nature and secretive work, helps establish a base to which the reader can easily relate to the characters in this novel.
The heart of this narrative is in the world-building, which allows both the imagery and scientific creations discussed in this book to feel vibrant and alive, thanks in part to the masterful use of imagery in the author’s writing. The Vector-1 experiment early on in the story, and the evolution that work takes on, mixed with the mystery and intrigue that comes with any military thriller as other entities try to gain the technology for themselves, make this a thrilling story to get lost in.
The Verdict
Fast-paced, suspenseful, and entertaining, author Dante Terese’s “The Base” is a wonderful sci-fi novel and a grand first entry into a new series. The twists and turns in the narrative and the honesty for which the protagonist speaks gave the mystery and world-building the solid foundation it needed for readers to get invested in. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Dante Terese is a dynamic new voice in fiction, blending deep themes with compelling narratives in her work. Her debut novel, Sex, Death, & Diane, celebrates the courage of those who dare to think independently and speak their truths, exploring the quiet power within each of us.
Her recent science fiction release, The Base, takes readers into the high-stakes world of military research, where ethical dilemmas and espionage intertwine in a suspenseful tale of innovation and integrity.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author and entrepreneur Julie Cropp Gareleck shares the story of how she became her own boss in the book “Dare to Become: From the Corner Booth to the Corner Office”.
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The Synopsis
For millions, a major component of the American dream is to start one’s own company and, ultimately, to become one’s own boss.
The question is―just how exactly does one do that?
Every successful entrepreneur has their own story to tell. But the story in Dare to Become is especially intriguing and uplifting because Julie Gareleck didn’t have major venture capital dollars to fall back on, nor does she have an MBA from Harvard.
What she did have, however, was a sense of drive―of grit―and of a burning desire to achieve her dream.
Now in her mid-40s, as the founder and CEO of Junction Creative, one of the nation’s leading marketing firms, Julie started in high school working for her mom and dad in their restaurant in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. She did it all there, from waitressing to scrubbing floors. But along the way, she also learned the basics of how to run a company.
As she made her way into the corporate world and was confronted by inscrutable and insensitive bosses, Julie’s dream to start her own company began to form. She finally realized that the time had come to take the leap. Her refreshing, honest, and authentic account details the extraordinary trials and tribulations of Julie’s bold decision to go on her own, starting from the day she quit her job.
Dare to Become provides a unique perspective on how to finance your start-up without going into debt, how much to pay yourself, when to hire an employee, the differences in managing a Gen Z worker as opposed to a baby boomer, and much more. This is the real, everyday gospel of what it’s like to go through the inevitable ups and downs of starting your company. And best of all, Gareleck provides essential advice for the entrepreneur, all learned from her own experiences along the way.
There are many books on entrepreneurs and their start-ups, but this is the rare volume that takes you into the vortex of how to make sure you’re really on the right path to success.
The Review
This was a memorable and thoughtful read. The author’s balance between business-driven engagement and personal memoir-style storytelling made this a well-developed book. The author was able to layer this memoir and business-driven book with emotion and detail, bringing the reader into the author’s life and experiences from a personal perspective.
The honesty and depth that the author poured into this book were refreshing. The humble beginnings of the author and the motivation that began her business highlighted a major turning point in the world of entrepreneurship. Not all successful businesses are begun with major capital and/or business degrees. Instead, it is through experience, hard work, and determination that drives people forward. Finding the balance in work and life, as well as how different generations approach business and work life as a whole, are just a few topics the author masterfully brings to life on the page.
The Verdict
Thoughtful, engaging, and inspiring author Julie Crop Gareleck’s “Dare to Become” is a must-read nonfiction book. The depth and personal investment that the author pours from her own life into the writing and the way readers will be able to relate to the author’s own experiences will help would-be entrepreneurs how to use their own experiences to shape the businesses they want to develop. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Julie is a CEO, Author, and entrepreneur. Julie is a respected and trusted leader in business communities that extend from the Northeast (Philadelphia, New York City, and D.C.) to the Southeast (including the Greater Atlanta region and Charleston, South Carolina.) and that includes CEOs and entrepreneurs of small to midsize businesses as well as the Fortune 1000. In her 25 years career, she has consulted with more than 1000 companies to build sustainable, revenue generating strategies. Her first book Dare to Become, From the Corner Booth to the Corner Office, hit shelves Worldwide on September 1 and details her journey working for her parents’ restaurant to building a successful agency.
Dare to Become stands out among entrepreneurial literature, offering a unique, real-world perspective on navigating the tumultuous path to business success. It speaks to the power of perseverance and offers a guide for those daring to chase their own entrepreneurial dreams. Without question, this new release is this year’s must-read for any aspiring entrepreneur or small business owner looking for a lift of inspiration or those looking to take a leap of faith to invest in themselves.
Excerpt:
Here is a little excerpt from the chapter on managing the Generational Divide:
THE GENERATIONAL DIVIDE While COVID-19 usually gets the blame for the office shakeup and the fight against the return to work, the truth is, the issues with the new adaptive workforce were in play long before COVID-19 began, indicative of an environment now accommodating multiple workforce generations.
We now have baby boomers (born 1946–1964), Generation X (born 1965–1980), millennials (born 1981–1996), and Generation Z (born 1997 and after) all fighting for a seat at the table. It’s dynamic, to say the least, with a lot of noise around adapting to meet the rising demands of the latest generation to enter the workforce. Researchers, polls, and surveys lean toward creating the kind of environment that is expected by the workforce yet offer no solution to bridging this generational divide.
More so in the last five years, it’s become more apparent how far apart we are in so many areas. While I hope that I’ve done a good job navigating the changes, I’ve definitely learned more about how to build a multigenerational team. Unfortunately, as business owners, we find ourselves in unchartered territory with no “one size fits all” approach to accommodating four generations in the office. As we look to narrow the generational divide, while I could write an entire book on the subject, I will share the personal experiences that are helping shape my own perspective. Tales for the ages, pun intended!
YOU SAID, WHAT?
“Oh my gosh, Julie,” one of my younger employees in her early 20s said as she walked into my office. “I am so tired this morning. I met this guy at a bar last night. We ended up back at my place and were up until almost 5am. I hope he calls me today. It’s not like me to have a one-night stand…”
The words continued to roll out of her mouth. I looked up from my computer station and nodded as if I were actively listening.
Rarely, if ever, am I speechless. I muttered something to the effect of “Oh, forgive me, but Susan just Skyped me and she needs to talk to me immediately about a client. Okay?”
“Of course, the last thing you need is to hear about my dating life.”
She smiled as she walked out of my office.
So many emotions and thoughts ran through my mind at one time. Should I know this information? How do I respond? Could I be held liable for not engaging with her? Do I look like her bestie? What kind of person or employee shares this kind of private information with the CEO of the company, as freely as though we are discussing our favorite drink from Starbucks? Is this disrespectful? Does this violate any HR policies? Generation Z or not, this is not an appropriate watercooler conversation.
Generation Z are known as the digital natives, the generation who grew up with access to information at their fingertips and with social platforms like Snapchat and Instagram, among others. No personal conversation is seemingly off-limits and not a detail is spared. Where along the way did we lose the common respect for boundaries in communications, not just with management but also employees?
After I was subjected to her dating story, I overheard her sharing it with other employees, which caused a bit of discomfort among the team. It seemed no one in the office was particularly interested in her sex-capades story, for which I was relieved. As the employer though, I needed to address what was considered acceptable in our workplace and what was not acceptable from a policy perspective.
Looking back, in my early 20s, I was in a long-term relationship with someone who was friendly with my boss and his wife. The four of us were all part of a similar social circle surrounding our work endeavors. My boyfriend and I both made the decision to keep our relationship completely private, ensuring that our personal lives didn’t blend with our professional lives. As a young female in business, I was friendly enough with my co-workers to exchange weekend plans or stories, but under no circumstance would I share information about who I was or was not dating.
I vividly remember when my relationship ended, my boss told me about my former boyfriend’s dating life and travel plans for the following weekend. To avoid blowing my cover, which I had kept intact for nearly two years, I walked to the ladies’ restroom, hid in a stall, and cried. I pulled myself together and walked back to my office, no one the wiser. Outside of a few photos from work events, there wasn’t a digital trace that our relationship even existed. To this day, I wonder if either my boss or his wife ever knew.
We spend more time at work with our co-workers than with our friends and family. Getting to know each other is part of that social experience. While I hope to foster an environment where we can share personal celebrations like the birth of a child or sympathize in the event of a death, I have learned that setting boundaries between our personal and professional lives is just good business.
It’s also important to note that if an employee is willing to not just cross the boundary but to jump clearly over the line, it says a lot about what impact this individual could have on your team, your clients, and the overall perception of your business. When you do find yourself speechless, find your way out of the conversation. No response is often the best response.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A young woman must collect eleven rings holding powerful Jinn kings in order to free her mother’s trapped jinn in author Ahlam Faris’s “Daughter of Light and Dark”, the first book in the Rings and Chains series.
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The Synopsis
She wanted one thing and one thing only, to free her mother’s Jinn from his golden ring, but to free one is to free them all. Accompanied by her Jinny Companion, the Lord of chains, and a dark presence stirring to free from within her, Mina sets on a journey to find all the eleven golden rings of the Kings of Jinn, her main mission overshadowed by scheming royals, a troubled friend, and a crumbling world.
The Review
The world-building and mythos that the author brought to the story were incredibly presented. The Middle-Eastern mythology that became the backbone of this fantasy world brought the story to life thanks to the author’s mastery of imagery in the writing style. The action is immediately felt, taking the reader into the adventure as the protagonist seeks out the rings and cements herself as a hero.
The character development found in this narrative was top-notch. The tension that mounted as the journey got more and more dangerous allowed the relationship between characters like Zyed and Saif with the protagonist, Mina, to grow and prosper naturally. The magic and fantasy elements of the story allowed Mina’s heroic journey to flourish and prosper, giving readers a glimpse into the life that Mina led throughout her journey. The emotional connection to her mother also drove the narrative forward greatly, giving a glimpse into the heart of what makes Mina such a powerful protagonist to follow.
The Verdict
Action-packed, rich in mythos, and thrilling, author Ahlam Faris’s Daughter of Light and Dark is a must-read YA fantasy novel. The narrative’s twists and turns and the shocking final chapter will keep readers eager for more of this brand-new series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
I’m Ahlam Faris, a self-published Indie Author who have a passion for all things fantasy, I’ve been writing for years, but I’ve only recently found the courage to submit my work to the world, I really hope you enjoy reading “Rings and chains: Daughter of Light and dark.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author Karl Dunn shares with readers the ways in which his divorce spurred on a journey of self-discovery in the book “How to Burn a Rainbow”.
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The Synopsis
What readers are calling the gay Eat, Pray, Love…
Sometimes, to find yourself, you must first burn everything down.
Karl had it all; a husband, a home in the Los Angeles Hills, success. When his marriage ended suddenly, his perfect life and sense of self were shattered.
His legal battles threatened everything he had, and he soon found himself working non-stop, leading to a downward spiral filled with anxious days and sleepless nights of rage and fear.
Ironically, Karl’s divorce ignited a journey of self-discovery—a quest for identity, love, and acceptance that took him from LA to a mid-divorce crash-landing in Berlin.
This raw and unflinching memoir welcomes readers into the heart of Karl’s transformative journey—burning the scripts written for him by both the gay and straight worlds, facing down his deepest fears, and forging his own path to self-love.
How To Burn A Rainbow is a gripping narrative of resilience and courage that dares to ask the hard questions about love, equality, and the price of happiness.
In the end, Karl’s marriage didn’t make him whole, his divorce did.
The Review
In a heartfelt and compelling book, the author truly presented a relatable and honest account of the experiences he went through. The nuances of marriage, in any relationship, can be difficult to navigate, and adding the extra pressure of societal expectations for those in the LGBTQ community who finally found their right to get married and yet still experienced those pitfalls of any relationship was emotional to read and see unfold in the pages of this book. The insight into the painful process of divorce and the detail the author gives to readers is remarkable to gain insight on.
The author’s use of humor and wit in his writing style, as well as incredible detail and pop culture references, helps add a well-roundedness and sense of self to the author’s story. The almost cinematic nature of the author’s writing style and the raw moments that the author shares with readers help showcase the growth and self-discovery the author finds within himself as the book grows and evolves over time.
The Verdict
Memorable, heartfelt, and engaging author Karl Dunn’s “How to Burn a Rainbow” is a must-read memoir meets relationship and divorce book. The turmoil and heartbreak that the author expresses and the teachable lessons that can be found in this book lead to a meaningful book that showcases that sometimes pain and heartbreak can lead to pivotal moments of self-discovery and brighter futures. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Sign up for Karl’s weekly newsletter “Friends of Karl” on his website – a pop-culture and current affairs mash-up with an LGBTQ+ lens every Tuesday in your inbox.
Karl Dunn was the Global Creative Director on several world-famous brands like MINI Cooper, Levi’s, and ASICS. He spent over two decades as a multi-award winning advertising creative working in Australia, Asia, Africa, Europe, and America. His career culminated as the Director of Innovation for a powerhouse global advertising network.
Then it all burned to the ground when he told his husband he wanted a divorce. Just a few months later, Karl was sleeping on an air mattress in a former squat in Berlin with no job, visas, or money left. Using his divorce as his crisis of identity, Karl chronicled the whole experience in his book How To Burn A Rainbow, where he gave up chasing everyone else’s dream to find his own.
It’s an Eat Pray Love style, riches-to-rags journey from LA to Berlin; an intimate, honest, and revealing story about divorce and self-love that questions and reframes the entire institution of marriage. As Karl writes in his book, “My marriage didn’t make me whole, my divorce did.”
Karl is a keynote speaker on DEI, self-love, and LGBTQ+ focused Family Law. Living between LA and Berlin, he also works as a freelance advertising consultant to brands.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
An older couple witnesses a horrific incident, and goes down a rabbit hole that will shock everyone in author Jeff Senior’s “The Itch That Couldn’t Be Scratched”.
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The Synopsis
Ed and Jess are happy in retirement – that is, until their lives are forever changed when they witness a woman take her own life. Why did she do it? The police aren’t investigating and no one seems to care. But Ed and Jess do, and they’re determined to uncover the truth behind her tragic act.
Their investigation soon reveals a pandora’s box that includes war crimes, criminal conspiracies, police corruption and a pervasive need for justice left unfulfilled. Can this ordinary elderly couple succeed where officials refuse to tread? The deeper Ed digs, the more strain it puts on his marriage as Jess grows fearful of the dangers involved.
Yet despite tensions at home and sinister forces working against them, Ed persists, compelled by his conscience to see this through to the end. His good intentions pave an unpredictable path filled with chance encounters, family complications, and life-threatening risks.
Will Ed unravel the mystery in time or will his obsession bring disaster upon himself and those close to him? One thing’s for sure: he has no plans to stop until justice is served.
The Review
This was such a gripping and engaging mystery read. The harrowing experiences and heart-pounding thrills that this couple experiences are jaw-dropping, and the relatability of the protagonists instantly draws the reader in. The shocking inciting incident frames the whole tone of the narrative, and the perfect use of imagery in the author’s writing allows the reader to feel entrenched in this story.
The stand-out moments in this story were the rich character arcs and the powerful themes. The bond and love between Ed and Jess instantly draw the reader further into the book, while the antagonist that develops will have readers eager to see justice brought to light. Yet the theme of obsession versus justice plays perfectly in this book. The atmosphere that is developed speaks to the true crime fans and podcasters of the world, all of whom feel a need to see justice done while still getting in over their heads.
The Verdict
Heartbreaking, thrilling, and entertaining, author Jeff Senior’s “The Itch That Couldn’t Be Scratched” is a must-read mystery novel. The shocking twists and turns that the story gets, the unique characters that populate this world, and the haunting ending 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
I was born and still live in West Yorkshire, England, with my wife of over 52 years. We have two children and two grandchildren.
I spent most of my working life as a freelance writer, initially as a Technical Author in the IT industry and later writing magazine articles and website content. I’ve long had an ambition to write a novel but the need to pay off the mortgage and support my family meant I needed a more reliable source of income.
Now I’m past retirement age, I’ve at last been able to achieve my ambition. The result is my first published novel, “The Itch That Couldn’t Be Scratched”.
It’s a tale of obsession, of one man’s quest to seek justice for a woman he never knew and the effect on his relationship with his wife and family. It also explores how decisions we make, usually with the best of intentions, can have unforeseen and unfortunate consequences.
I’m currently working on my next book, a sequel to the first one. Whether this ever gets published may depend on how the first one goes.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A powerful wizard must complete a monumental spell that could cost him his life in author Russell Pike’s “Journey of Seven Circles”.
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The Synopsis
In a world chained by ancient lies, one man holds the key to its salvation — at the cost of his own life.
Kryn Darien, a wizard of unparalleled ability, stands poised to unleash a spell of unimaginable magnitude, a desperate gambit to reshape the very fabric of existence. Centuries of preparation have honed his skills and forged tools of devastating arcane might. Yet, as the moment approaches, doubt gnaws at him.
Will his sacrifices, his relentless pursuit of power, prove futile in the face of such overwhelming odds?
Once a humble priest, Kryn never sought such profound responsibility. His aspirations were simple — to serve and protect those he held dear. But fate thrusts him into a maelstrom of war, treachery, and ancient mysteries that challenge his resolve. Every step forward demands a toll more exorbitant than he ever imagined.
Across treacherous battlefields and against foes wielding deadly magic, Kryn’s journey unveils a conspiracy older than memory itself.
Amidst adversaries wielding godlike powers, he must navigate a labyrinth of impossible choices.
Yet, his unwavering commitment to aid the helpless propels him ever forward, even as the cost escalates to encompass all he holds dear.
The Review
The author did such an incredible job of world-building in this narrative. From the book’s first chapter, readers are already immersed in this story of intrigue and magic, giving readers a glimpse at the road the protagonist will travel. The world itself was very well developed, as readers were treated to a narrative perfectly laced with imagery in the author’s writing to bring these pivotal moments and this fantastic world to life.
The protagonist’s evolution throughout the many centuries of his life and the physical and emotional toll that his experiences take on him is something the reader feels greatly throughout this novel. The scale of the story captures the essence of a great epic fantasy, and the bond and emotional connection with Kryn’s brother Adro or the line of morality and philosophy that separates Kryn from the Seraphs and Andromia all showcase the tension and conflict that drives Kryn towards his ultimate destiny.
The Verdict
Fantastic, heartfelt, and entertaining author Russell Pike’s “Journey of Seven Circles” is a must-read epic fantasy novel. The protagonist’s emotional and grandiose journey leaves the reader enthralled and moved by the scale and world-building the author poured into this narrative. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
A child of the eighties, my mother gave me a copy of Robert Jordan’s Eye of the World when I was twelve, thereby introducing me to the world of epic fantasy and dooming me to countless sublime hours sojourning in worlds other than my own.
Since that first fateful day I’ve also read Anne McCaffrey, Tad Williams, Brandon Sanderson, Jim Butcher, Steven Erikson, Frank Herbert, David Farland, and more. The trouble was, I loved reading so much I decided to try my hand at writing as well.
That in and of itself wasn’t a problem, at least not until I got hooked. I realized just how dire my situation was one fall evening when my family invited me over to watch a movie. Truth be told, I can’t even recall what the movie was, only that I didn’t especially like it. However, I distinctly remember an annoyed feeling as the credits rolled, not because I hadn’t liked the film, but because I could have edited half a chapter in the time I’d wasted.
That was, perhaps, one of the most chilling moments of my life, as I realized just how deep I’d been bitten by the writing bug. But there was nothing for it but to press on. So I set to work.
Over the next ten years, I gave up on TV, movies, and all too often sleep, wringing every hour of writing I could from my schedule. During that time, it was my pleasure to meet a host of fantastic writers, editors, and artists, including David Farland, whom it was my great privilege to work with. Of course, I’d be remiss not to thank my family, who were ever supportive while I climbed this peak.
When I’m not writing, I love a good camping hike (so long as there’s enough trees to hang my hammock). I also volunteer as a sled dog handler, and I have a long standing love affair with fast cars and lonely mountain roads.
