Patrick M. Garry | Spirituality & Inspiration
Patrick M. Garry’s The Power of Gratitude is a profoundly moving memoir that examines the intricacies of gratitude as a life philosophy, shaped profoundly by the lives of the author’s parents, Michael and Elizabeth Garry. Through clever storytelling, Garry enriches the reader's understanding of how gratitude can be more than just a gesture—it can be a transformative way of life that inspires joy, builds resilience, and injects a strong sense of purpose into the everyday. The author’s assertion instantly moves readers: “Gratitude is not just a thank you for a specific benefit; it is a way of life.” This quote summarizes the memoir's recurrent theme, illustrating how the Garry family's gratitu...
Continue ReadingNadine Bjursten | Literary Fiction
Half a Cup of Sand and Sky is a profound exploration of identity, love, and the turbulent social and political changes sweeping Iran in the late 1970s. Through the eyes of Amineh, a young woman stepping into adulthood amidst a backdrop of political upheaval, Nadine Bjursten delivers a profoundly moving tale of family, loss, and the quest for personal agency. The novel begins with Amineh reflecting on her life choices, especially concerning her family’s rose farm and her complex relationship with her best friend, Ava, who is more outspoken and politically active. From the outset, the damask rose metaphor symbolizes beauty, fragility, and resilience. As the narrative unfolds, it becomes e...
Continue ReadingKen Saik | Family Saga Fiction
Marriage Mistake by Ken Saik is another compelling entry in the series. It focuses on the complex nature of Joseph and Jill's marriage and the bond between friends Thomas and Joseph. Each of them is determined to make their relationship work when they decide to get married. But then, while they trust their intentions and the love they share, challenges set in. Can they accept the differences and the challenges creeping in and stay steadfast in their resolve to stay together? The story is set in Camrose, a small city in Alberta, Canada, where the characters face challenges and make decisions that impact their personal lives. The story begins with Thomas visiting Joseph at Bakery Plus, where t...
Continue ReadingZoe Disigny | Fiction - Womens
Zoe Disigny's The Art of Traveling Strangers explores personal transformation against the backdrop of art and travel. Claire Markham embarks on a transformative journey to Europe as an art guide, hoping to escape the emotional toll of her recent divorce and strained relationship with her daughter, Amber. The novel reveals Claire's internal struggles and features vibrant characters, particularly her employer, Viv Chancey, whose exuberance and impulsive nature challenge Claire's sense of control. The novel begins with an evocative scene aboard Claire’s flight to Europe, where she reflects on her life through the lens of art. Disigny skillfully illustrates how art can symbolize personal experie...
Continue ReadingBrett Bockhorst | Fiction - Paranormal
Brett Bockhorst’s The Wiros Chronicles: The Howling 20’s transports readers into a richly crafted world where the supernatural collides with the gritty truths of Prohibition-era America. Set against the backdrop of Boston in the 1920s, Bockhorst weaves together intricate detailing of historical context, social commentary, and supernatural lore, creating a narrative that engages and reflects its time. In the unforgiving underbelly of Prohibition Boston, the rival Wiros Dens clashes in a perpetual struggle for dominance – and survival. Alpha Colin MacReady, the cunning leader of the Laughing Leprechaun den, will stop at nothing to secure his territory despite prevailing treacherous...
Continue ReadingTolu' A. Akinyemi | Poetry
In On the Train to Hell, Tolu A. Akinyemi delivers a collection that is as gorgeous as it is exquisite, expertly exploring grief, loss, and existential despair. The collection features fifty-three poems, most of which treat very dark themes and are infused with pathos and compelling imagery. From the outset, Akinyemi's lyrical utterances and rich imagery draw readers into a visceral exploration of universally resonating issues. The poet castigates beliefs that lead to violence and terrorism, revealing a haunted psyche struggling with the catastrophic loss of a loved one. Lines such as “Your gruesome demise on the burning train was a bitter pill to swallow” illustrate the heartbreak of...
Continue ReadingGail Ward Olmsted | Fiction - Womens
In Guessing at Normal, Gail Ward Olmsted delivers a gripping romance that deftly explores themes of identity, belonging, and the complications of love against the backdrop of the tumultuous music industry. The novel follows the journey of Jill Griffin, a young woman seeking normalcy amid a chaotic life filled with dysfunctional family relationships and a burgeoning romance with James Sheridan, a struggling musician. Readers are introduced to a cast of characters who contribute richly to Jill's journey of self-discovery and the quest for authentic connection. Jill is a relatable heroine whose insecurities stem from her troubled upbringing. Her interactions with James reveal her brok...
Continue ReadingKirsten Pursell | Romance
In The Scarlet D by Kirsten Pursell, Scarlet embarks on a daring journey of self-reinvention after a thirty-year marriage crumbles. Seeking solace on Sullivan's Island, she joins a divorced women's book club, hoping to connect with like-minded souls. Amidst the stunning backdrop of South Carolina, her dormant desires come to life when she encounters the charming Ben, a younger man who challenges her boundaries. However, the confident Beau, a maturer suitor and a man more suited for her age, offers a glimpse of true connection. As past wounds resurface with the arrival of an old flame, Scarlet must navigate love, judgment, and the possibility of a second chance. The novel opens with Scarlet's...
Continue ReadingMIKE J B | Children - Fiction
In The Angry Toolbox Adventures, author Mike J.B. crafts a whimsical and engaging narrative that explores themes of friendship, teamwork, and perseverance through the adventures of a young boy and his animated toolbox. Set within the cozy confines of Leroy's home, the story begins on a frosty winter morning, with Leroy's enthusiasm for his toolbox foreshadowing the adventure ahead. As the festive decorations are taken down, the household dynamics are beautifully illustrated, providing a backdrop for Leroy's close relationship with his family, including his forgetful Grandad. The central conflict soon arises as the angry toolbox, personified with delightful characteristics, awakens to a...
Continue ReadingGreg Donaldson | Business and Investing
In The Hidden Power of Rising Dividends, Greg Donaldson presents a compelling journey through the volatile investing world, ultimately shifting his focus to a dividend-centric approach. Through engaging anecdotes and insightful commentary, he details his transformation from a conventional growth investor to an advocate for high-dividend-yield stocks, emphasizing their stability and reliability in uncertain markets. One of the book's central messages is the inherent value of dividends to cultivate security and growth in investments. Donaldson illustrates this through his personal experiences, particularly during the stock market crash of 1987, when his conviction in the stability provided by...
Continue ReadingColin Dodds | Fiction - Literary
The Reign of the Anti-Santas by Colin Dodds is a unique and audacious Christmas tale that takes readers on a rollercoaster ride through a world where the holiday spirit collides head-on with corporate greed, scandal, and societal change. The story is narrated by Elvin, an elf with a front-row seat to the evolution and devolution of Christmas. Elvin's journey begins when he unwittingly accompanies Santa Claus on a Christmas Eve trip, setting the stage for a decades-long adventure filled with intrigue and danger. Dodds creates a narrative that includes Santa's secret affairs, the PR scandal that catapults Rudolph to fame, and the encroachment of humanity on the North Pole. What makes this book...
Continue ReadingLaurel Colless | Children - Adventure
Knights Unite is the fourth book in the Peter Blue Series by Laurel Colless, and it follows Riva du Lac, who is determined to uphold her promise to avoid detentions at Spiral Hall. But a sea cleanup reveals Shem, a mythical fish boy, and a surprise honor from the Spiral Knights forces her to choose between rules and friendship. Meanwhile, Peter Blue has a vision of a water-dwelling monster. Can their unlikely alliance save the knights—and the world? Laurel Colless captures the delicate balance of environmental activism and adolescent adventure through the eyes of Riva, the determined twelve-year-old protagonist. The character development is both nuanced and engaging, particularly in Riva’s j...
Continue ReadingMartin Bird | Science Fiction & Fantasy
In Destroyer of Worlds, Martin Bird pens an engrossing fantasy filled with existential inquiry, vivid landscapes, and richly drawn characters. Set against a backdrop of a planet that is reminiscent of classic speculative fiction, the narrative follows Rintoul, a Truth-seeker from the Order of the Black Robe, whose powers of foresight evolve in a chaotic world that constantly tests his perceptions of reality. From the outset, the reader is immersed in a richly constructed world—one not entirely dissimilar to our own but suffused with intrigue and unexpected twists. The lore surrounding the Order of the Black Robe, the remnants of the Old Ones, and the mysterious stone spheres particular...
Continue ReadingBill Harvey (The Human Effectiveness Institute)
Bill Harvey's ambitious narrative, The Great Being, delivers a tale of cosmic exploration, identity, and the eternal struggle for understanding and connection. Drawing inspiration from spiritual and philosophical paradigms, Harvey constructs an intricate universe where the notions of self and other dissolve into a grand tapestry of existence and consciousness. In a cosmic showdown, a Great Rebellion ignites in Heaven, reverberating throughout the Universe—a singular Consciousness, often called ''Cosmic Intelligence'' or ''God,'' manifests in co...
Ken Saik (Glorybound Publishing)
Marriage Mistake by Ken Saik is another compelling entry in the series. It focuses on the complex nature of Joseph and Jill's marriage and the bond between friends Thomas and Joseph. Each of them is determined to make their relationship work when they decide to get married. But then, while they trust their intentions and the love they share, challenges set in. Can they accept the differences and the challenges creeping in and stay steadfast in their resolve to stay together? The story is set in Camrose, a small city in Alberta, Canada, where th...
Ken Saik (Glorybound Publishing)
In I Don’t Trust You, Ken Saik offers a powerful narrative rich with themes of trauma, grit, and the complex emotional landscape surrounding abuse. As a companion piece to the interconnected tales of Marriage Mistake and Helping Hands, this first installment invites readers into the chaotic life of Jill, a young woman struggling with her former life and the painful memories of a toxic family dynamic. From the outset, the story harnesses the impact of Jill's past, reflecting her traumatic experiences through vivid flashbacks. These memories prov...
Brett Bockhorst (Independently published (November 17, 2020))
Brett Bockhorst’s The Wiros Chronicles: The Howling 20’s transports readers into a richly crafted world where the supernatural collides with the gritty truths of Prohibition-era America. Set against the backdrop of Boston in the 1920s, Bockhorst weaves together intricate detailing of historical context, social commentary, and supernatural lore, creating a narrative that engages and reflects its time. In the unforgiving underbelly of Prohibition Boston, the rival Wiros Dens clashes in a perpetual struggle for dominance – and survival...