Blog Tour: Only My Dog Knows I Pick My Nose by Lauren Tarshis, Illustrated by Lisa Bronson Mezoff

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the ONLY MY DOG KNOWS I PICK MY NOSE by Lauren Tarshis Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

About The Book:

Title: ONLY MY DOG KNOWS I PICK MY NOSE

Author: Lauren Tarshis & Lisa Bronson Mezoff (Illustrations)

Pub. Date:  October 19, 2021

Publisher: Orchard Books

Formats: Hardcover, eBook

Pages: 48

Find it:  Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B&N, iBooks, Kobo, TBD, Bookshop.org

A hilarious and tender picture book perfect for fans of No, David that insightfully explores the inner world of a child. The picture book debut from the New York Times bestselling author of I Survived, Lauren Tarshis!

To the outside world, it might look like you do everything right: eat your broccoli, share your toys, and behave in the bath. But what about the moments when no one is looking, and your messier, mushier, scared-ier self is revealed? The only one who knows is… the loyal dog friend who sees it all and still loves you just the way you are.

This celebration of friendship, loyalty, and unconditional love with man’s — and child’s — best friend is sure to delight and entertain readers of all ages. Laugh along with recognition and delight in this ode to being true to yourself. With tender, humorous text from New York Times bestselling author Lauren Tarshis, and joyful, expressive watercolors from artist Lisa Mezoff, this sweet book presents a validating message of confidence, empowerment, and unconditional love.

Only My Dog Knows I Pick My Nose is a quick read.  While marketed as being for ages 3 to 5 our infant loved following along with the story alongside her own doggy.

The main character of this short picture book is a young boy that always does the right thing.  He eats his broccoli, gets along with his sister, shares his toys and even goes right to bed.  Or does he…?  His dog is always nearby and sees the truth when no one is watching. 

Illustrated with beautiful paint strokes and detailed coloring, our young child was able to clearly follow the mischievous acts on the page through the unique artistry while I read along. 

Despite wishing the title activity of picking one’s nose was more frequently used, parents would be hard pressed to find a 3 to 5-year-old that didn’t immediately grab for the book about nose picking for story time, so it is sure to be a hit in any household.   

About Lauren Tarshis: 

Lauren Tarshis’s New York Times bestselling I Survived series tells stories of young people and their resilience and strength in the midst of unimaginable disasters and times of turmoil. Lauren has brought her signature warmth and exhaustive research to topics such as the battle of D-Day, the American Revolution, Hurricane Katrina, the bombing of Pearl Harbor, and other world events. She lives in Connecticut with her family, and can be found online at laurentarshis.com.

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Goodreads | BookBub | Amazon

Giveaway Details:

3 winners will win a finished copy of ONLY MY DOG KNOWS I PICK MY NOSE, US Only.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/e2389ba21351/

Blog Tour: LALA’S WORDS: A Story of Planting Kindness by Gracey Zhang

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the LALA’S WORDS by Gracey Zhang Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

About the Book:

Title: LALA’S WORDS: A Story of Planting Kindness

Author: Gracey Zhang

Pub. Date: July 6, 2021

Publisher: Scholastic Inc.

Pages: 48

Formats: Hardcover, eBook

Find it: Goodreads,Amazon, Kindle, B&N, iBooks, Kobo, TBD, Bookshop.org

From debut author-illustrator Gracey Zhang comes a timeless and timely picture book that celebrates the unassuming power of kind words.

Oh, there goes Lala! She carries a pot of water around the corner, down the block, and over the fence, to a patch of dirt and concrete where tiny weeds sprout. “Hello, hello, friends!” she whispers. Lala waters the plants every day, but it is her kind words that make them sway and nod.

Lala’s wild nature and quiet compassion enchant in this evergreen story about the power of kind words and the magic of being loved for who you are.

A Junior Library Guild selection

Praise for Lala’s Words:

★ “Zhang’s powerful debut lifts up the power words have to heal and feed.” ― Publishers Weekly, starred review

“Zhang’s style, blending warmhearted mltiethnic urban caricature with a bold-lined rough-and-tumble zeal, is wholly original. And like the compliment Lala pays her soon science-fiction-size plants, this debut picture book (which also depcits a burgeoning mother-daughter relationship) is ‘magnificient.'” ― New York TimesBook Review

“This is the enchanting story about the power of words.” ― Booklist

“Lala’s enthusiasm blossoms on the page.” ―Kirkus Reviews

“A verdant tale of leaves, language, and most importantly, love.” ― Molly Idle (author-illustrator of Pearl; Flora and the Flamingo)

“Much like an encouraging word, Gracey’s vibrant pictures will lift you up.” ― Christian Robinson (author of Another; illustrator of Last Stop on Market Street)

“A touching fantasy rooted in reality. Gracey’s art recalls children’s books masters . . . Ludwig Bemelmans, Roger Duvoisin, David Small. Yet it is fresh and lovely and hasn’t been seen before.” ― LeUyen Pham (illustrator of Bear Came Along; Grace for President)

“Lala’s Words is really about magic; a special kind of magic called kindness. Like the sunlight and falling rain, kindness nourishes the world around us. This book, with its lovely art and whimsical story, will also nourish the reader.” ― The Fan Brothers (author-illustrators of Ocean Meets Sky; The Night Gardener)

About Gracey Zhang:

Gracey Zhang is an illustrator and animator with a love of storytelling and verse. She was born and raised in Vancouver, Canada, and received her degree in Illustration from RISD. She is now based in Brooklyn, New York, where she can be found window watching from the train when she’s not scribbling away at her desk. Lala’s Words is her first picture book. You can visit her at graceyzhang.com.

Website | Instagram | Goodreads

Giveaway Details:

3 winners will receive a finished copy of LALA’S WORDS, US Only.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/e2389ba21346/

First Love, Take Two (The Trouble with Hating You) by Sajni Patel

Publication Date: September 21^st, 2021

Rating: 4 Stars

Preeti’s dreams are all coming true, she is finishing up residency and has had several interviews for a full-time position, she even has all the cases necessary to finish her research.  But, when her roommate returns home from her honeymoon, she realizes she needs to find a new place like yesterday.  While trying to avoid moving back in with her parents, she takes her friend up on her offer to share an apartment with another mystery roommate until she decides where her full-time job will take her.  However, it turns out the mystery roommate is none other than her ex, Daniel Thompson, the one she suddenly left and never really got over. 

There is no better rom com than the throwing together of two former lovers, with unfinished business and unresolved feelings, into a small space.  Of course, sparks will fly, the feelings will get resolved (usually in the bedroom), and it will all play out in swoon worthy fashion.  But where First Love, Take Two differs from your stereotypical rom com is that it dives right into all the hard things.  From differing cultures, Indian and Black, to wealth struggles, to racism, familial drama and more, it all plays out across the pages of this far from average romance read.

This is the second book in The Trouble with Hating You series, and while I have not read the first book I followed and enjoyed this book entirely as a standalone.  Although after all the issues and themes encountered in this read it is not a stretch to say book one, The Trouble with Hating You, has certainly moved up the to-be-read list!

*Disclaimer: A review copy was provided by the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Constance (Constance #1) by Matthew FitzSimmons

Publication Date: September 1^st, 2021

Rating: 5 Stars

The year is 2040 and Constance is uploading her consciousness to her clone, as she does every month, when something goes terribly wrong. 

As a huge fan of author Blake Crouch (think Recursion and Dark Matter), I was immediately drawn to this book.  It’s elements of realistic science fiction taking place in the not too near future quickly draws readers into its embrace. Scary real and yet unconscionably unrealistic this tops one of my 2020 favorites as author Matthew FitzSimmons stuns with a plot too good to put down for unnecessary activities like sleep!

However, Constance also happens to be the kickoff of a new series by the same name and I am intrigued to see where FitzSimmons will take this story to next.  Constance wrapped up in what I anticipated to be a neat bow I am sure to swept away with some twisted turn for book two.

*Disclaimer: A review copy was provided; all opinions are my own.

Moe Fields: The Special Bond Between Fathers and Sons by Stuart Z. Goldstein

Publication Date: April 21^st, 2021

Rating: 4 Stars

“If this sounds like a simple rags to riches story, it is not. His path was never easy.” – p. 328.

Moe Fields is the story of Murray “Moe Fields” Goldman, a man who didn’t live a long time by today’s standards but survived a well lived life.  From running away to join the circus, becoming a boxer under the alias of Moe Fields to marrying the girl of his dreams and fighting in WWII.  Murray’s life was inspirational, not just to his three sons, but to those reading this story. In fact, driven by a son’s love, it inspired him to put his story to the page. 

Moe Fields captures three generations, successfully making an unknown man known to many through this lovely penning of resilience, love, family, and hard work.  Detailed and yet enchanting enough to encourage readers to lead a life Murray would be proud of.

*Disclaimer: A review copy was provided; all opinions are my own.

The Three Princes of Serendip: New Tellings of Old Tales for Everyone by Rodaan Al Galidi, Geertje Aalders (Illustrations), Laura Watkinson (Translator)

Publication Date: November 9^th, 2021

Rating: 4 Stars

Having grown up, and lived, in North America my whole life it has been important for me to expose my child to cultures and stories outside of our own.  So, when I saw this book of children’s tales from the Middle East and around the world it was the perfect catalyst to begin planting the seeds of diversity, breadth of culture, and other views of life outside of our own. 

The lessons, like those we read about in North American children’s tales, are important and just as easy to understand, but the context and scenery in which they occur open our minds to beyond one’s own everyday environment. For instance, we have no oceans or deserts nearby, we don’t know any sheiks, and we certainly don’t have scorpions or donkeys lingering around. Experiencing these elements and phenomena within our bedtime stories exposes us to a world outside our four walls.  The vivid illustrations and colorful explanations combine for a beautiful foray into old tales with new twists, characters, and settings.

*Disclaimer: A review copy was provided; all opinions are my own.

Picturing a Nation: The Great Depression’s Finest Photographers Introduce America to Itself by Martin W. Sandler

Publication Date: October 12^th, 2021

Rating: 5 Stars

Picturing a Nation is an outstanding pictorial history of the great depression.  Sandler does a great job of setting up the background on the accumulation of this book.  For instance, he informs readers about the Resettlement Administration, created in 1935, which made the monumental decision to create a historical section, staffed with photographers, to capture ways in which the administration was directly helping the farmers and citizens in an effort to provide the government evidence of its use of funds.  However, what they didn’t anticipate was the fame, accolades, and emotions these pictures would encapsulate all these years later. 

Traversing the country, this book is split into regions such as South, Midwest and East with pictures and brief text setting the scene for the visual art on the page.  Ultimately, profiling eleven key figures involved in this project, this book documents the nation at a crucial time in history. 

Nothing like this had ever been done before, nor has anything like it been done since, as a mirror on the nation is held up for all to see.  This is a powerful and insightful reminder to where we’ve been and the history of our nation.

*Disclaimer: A review copy was provided; all opinions are my own.

Sex/Life: 44 Chapters About 4 Men by B.B. Easton

Publication Date: May 21^st, 2020

Rating: 5 Stars

I am still laughing about the absolute absurdity that is B.B. Easton’s sex life.   Not afraid to make fun of herself, and never one to shy away from, well anything, Sex/Life: 44 Chapters About 4 Men is an absolutely hilarious read.  Peppered with text conversations, real relationships and very, very steamy, open-door romance.

Easton’s Sex/Life memoir is the catalyst behind Netflix’s new series, aptly titled Sex/Life, and while there are some similarities and snippets of word-for-word phrasing from Easton’s book, the outright tears in the eye humor is missing from Netflix’s serious take on this read.  And that’s okay, because the book is ALWAYS better anyway! But seriously, I haven’t read something this funny, yet steamy, in well…forever. 

Just in case this read isn’t enough, Easton has written each of her four men a book of their own with her 44 Chapters series.

*Disclaimer: A review copy was provided; all opinions are my own.

Chasing The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo “High”

Since reading The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid I find myself perpetually chasing after that “high” from this read.  It embodied everything I love in a book, from the powerful themes, to the tabloid-esque writing, this book was instantly one of my top five favorite reads.  So, as I forever chase after another read like this, I drifted towards The View Was Exhausting and The Siren.  Both reads have strong Hollywood female protagonists, both have tabloid-esque writing peppered throughout and both house the pitfalls of fame that was so prevalent in The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. 

And, while each was certainly a fantastic read, perhaps my comparison of them to The Seven Husbands was unfair, as I suspect nothing will ever topple its firm grasp within my favorite reads. 

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The View Was Exhausting by Mikaella Clements & Onjuli Datta

Publication Date: July 6^th, 2021

Rating: 4 ½ Stars

Each of these two reads takes snips, themes and intrigue found in The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo and adds them to their own story.  Where The Siren lacked that fully engrossing, true romance story Evelyn Hugo had for me, The View Was Exhausting wholly captured and ran with it.

Whitman “Win” Tagore and Leo Milanowski are Hollywood’s favorite on-again, off-again couple.  But behind the tabloid perfect pictures, and persona, is the truth, that Leo is her hired arm candy when she finds herself in “trouble” with her image.  How long can their relationship, and the secrets they keep, hold up?  Can Win’s career survive if this “relationship” truly crumbles?  More importantly, can Win’s heart?

The View Was Exhausting is a curated, behind-the-scenes look at Hollywood and the lengths stars will go to please the press, the public and those that hire them.  Clements and Datta bring a magnifying glass to the differences between males and females in relationships and professional spheres, both within the public’s eye and within their own heads.  Readers will ignite as the sparks fly and the publicists supervise.

*Disclaimer: A review copy was provided; all opinions are my own.

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The Siren by Katherine St. John

Publication Date: May 4^th, 2021

Rating: 4 Stars

This book will sit well with lovers of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo.  It brings it’s own triggering storyline events though, so readers beware.   Author Katherine St. John commands her history in acting, screenwriting, directing and producing to the pages of her newest, The Siren. 

The Siren follows three distinct women, Taylor a flailing producer fresh off a scandal on her last film, Stella a failing actress quickly running out of money, and Felicity, Stella’s mysterious assistant.  These three women find themselves thrown together as they jet off to a Caribbean island to film a new movie with Stella’s ex-husband.  But, as a hurricane comes barreling toward them, these women are forced to come together in ways unimaginable. 

St. John truly brings depth and detail into this read that few other authors would be able to achieve.  With her experience and behind the scenes knowledge of filmmaking, The Siren is perfectly detailed so you feel like one of the set members as you read along, but with the benefit of the internal dialog of each of our three leading ladies.  Taylor, Stella and Felicity combine to make great characters, each giving us a unique view on the underlying story housed within, one that will rip you apart in this slow burning thriller.

*Disclaimer: A review copy was provided; all opinions are my own.

The Apology Project by Jeanette Escudero

Publication Date: August 1^st, 2021

Rating: 4 ½ Stars

The Apology Project is a lightening quick read.  Amelia Montgomery is a nearly 40-year-old partner at a prestigious Chicago law firm when her life suddenly comes tumbling down.  After giving decades of her life to her career at JJF she is unwilling to compromise her values in a high-profile sexual assault case.  In standing up for herself she loses her job and throws some elbows (literally) in the process.  With nothing to fill her days anymore she lets her sister talk her into a 40^th birthday party, inviting old friends and colleagues, but when no one shows up she begins reflecting on her decisions, starting with a drunken endeavor to apologize to the people she has wronged. 

I know what you are thinking “OMG a book where a female stands up for herself and now feels the need to apologize, a man would NEVER do that,” and yes I agree with you, but Amelia’s character was created to also be aware of this and addresses these feelings as she works through her list of apologies, crossing off a few she deems unworthy of a sorry in the process.

After recently reading another romance similarly including a strong female lawyer, I was hesitant going into this one.  Missing from my last read, I wanted a romance that had more “meat” to the story.  I wanted brains and brawn to be featured throughout rather than hidden behind steamy sex scenes, and I wanted the lead to have a life outside of the next “when will I see my man.” And, OMG did Escudero ever deliver!  The Apology Project had it all, from learning to not be defined by your career to never being too old to start over, the message throughout this book was empowering.  Escudero was not afraid to use a common female stereotype and address it head on while wrapping her lessons into a romance featuring middle-aged leads. 

*Disclaimer: A review copy was provided; all opinions are my own.

Satisfaction Guaranteed by Karelia Stetz-Waters

Publication Date: June 1^st, 2021

Rating: 3 Stars

Pride doesn’t end in June, celebrate all year long by picking up this read!  Satisfaction Guaranteed is about two VERY different women.  Cade is an accountant for her very eccentric parents’ art gallery.  Selena is a Portland nomad working to get her life together.  So, when these strangers each inherit 50% of an imploding sex toy shop, their differences are forced to come together to revive their dead aunt/friend’s legacy.  What could go wrong?  Or more importantly, what could go right?

Author Karelia Stetz-Waters has crafted a vivid portrait of Portland, from the vibrant art scene to the Midwestern raised transplants, and the fun culture.  No detail is left untouched in this not at all shy look at running a sex toy shop. This hilariously, out in the open read will have you laughing, blushing and rooting for opposites to attract.   

*Disclaimer: A review copy was provided by the publisher. All opinions are my own.

The Next Wife by Kaira Rouda

Publication Date: May 1^st 2021

Rating: 3 ½ Stars

The Next Wife is a twisted tale of lust gone wrong.  A story of consequences for trading up for a newer model wife and the costs that can accompany it. 

Kate, Ashlyn and Tish are characters every reader can hate, each with their own unique blend of anger and greed.  Perfectly crafted by author Kaira Rouda, readers are given a firsthand look at the inner dialog of these three women as we become immersed in each of their heads.  Flipping between women, chapter by chapter, The Next Wife wraps up all too smoothly with twists you’ll never see coming, hidden behind some large and expensive sunglass shades 😉

*Disclaimer: A review copy was provided by the publisher.  All opinions are my own.

Blackout by Marco Carocari

Publication Date: March 30^th, 2021

Rating: 3 Stars

Franco has a rag tag band of loyal friends and thank goodness for it as he stumbles onto a murder, minus the body and the crime scene.  As a high, and therefore unreliable witness, the police quickly write him off, but Franco refuses to let it go and as he continues to push and push, his familial past begins to catch up with him.  After witnessing the murder of his police officer father at a young age, and the secrets uncovered during the investigation of his death, Franco is determined to remember the killer this time and bring justice to the victim. 

Author Marco Carocari twists an intriguing murder mystery.  The “investigation” and unraveling that ensues after Franco’s fateful 911 call will keep readers at the edge of their seats as they tour NY through the lens of Franco and his many jobs to make ends meet, as well as the explosive cops that work to undermine his “eyewitness” account.

*Disclaimer: A review copy was provided by the publisher; all opinions are my own.

Evade and Capture: A Callahan Security Novel (Callahan Security Series Book 4) by Lori Matthews

Publication Date: April 20^th, 2021

Rating: 5 Stars

After every book, I fall more and more in love with the Callahan Security Series.  While I am admittedly biased as this most recent addition to the series takes place in my favorite destination, the characters, scenery and suspense continue to sweep me off my feet. 

In books one through three, author Lori Matthews deliberately kept Jameson Drake in the shadows as we were first introduced to the team protecting Drake, each of the first three books highlighted one of the Callahan brothers.  However, in this newest penning, Drake is propelled to the forefront.  His facial recognition software is now up and running, readers dive into Evade and Capture just as the software has pinged a match for his long-lost sister off one of his hotel’s cameras.  Readers are quickly immersed in the brain of Jameson Drake, providing us a glance at what makes him tick and how he has come to create his global empire, including a brief look at his upbringing and family dynamics. 

Despite easily being read as a standalone, this fourth novel ties the pieces together as the software becomes functional, finally providing us a look at Drake’s motivations and raison d’etre.  Matthews continues to remain a powerhouse writer, and one of my favorite suspenseful romance authors, as she constructs hot, badass men and allows the incredible, independent women to take center stage.

*Disclaimer: A review copy was provided by the author.  All opinions are my own.

The Box in the Woods (Truly Devious #4) by Maureen Johnson

Publication Date: June 15^th, 2021

Rating: 5 Stars

A YA murder mystery, set in the woods, with a strong female protagonist and her band of high school friends, The Box in the Woods reminded me of one of my favorite YA series, Charlotte Holmes.  Thus, it was unsurprising how much I enjoyed this book!  I was left with some serious FOMO (fear of missing out), for not having read books 1-3 of the Truly Devious series, but this read exceptionally well as a standalone, and provided enough history to feel like I wasn’t missing too much of Stevie’s back story. 

The Box in the Woods is set in a small town on the east coast, recognizable only for its unsolved murder of four teenagers, found dead at a sleepaway camp after being stabbed and shoved into a box in the woods (hints the name).  After her previous success in solving decades old murders, Stevie is propositioned to join the new owner of the summer camp in working to solve the infamous murders that still surround the town.  With a less than inviting welcome by the townspeople, Stevie sets off to do what so many others before her were unsuccessful at, finding a murderer. 

Author, Maureen Johnson, crafts a haunting tale, brilliantly woven and expertly laid out as Stevie delivers a mesmerizing finale.  With loveably unique characters, you can consider me the newest member of the Truly Devious fan club! 

*Disclaimer: A review copy was provided by the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Blink of an Eye (Kendra Michaels #8) by Iris Johansen & Roy Johansen

Publication Date: February 2^nd, 2021

Rating: 3 Stars

Kendra Michaels is a legend.  Her skills at deduction are unrivaled and uniquely honed from her miraculously regained sight, after a childhood in darkness.  Michaels, known for her teamwork with local authorities to solve high-profile cases, joins forces once again upon the disappearance of friend, and superstar, Delilah Winters.

Written by mother and son duo, Iris & Roy Johansen, Blink of an Eye delivers non-stop action.  Transporting readers to famous spots around L.A., those that glimpse its pages will immediately feel immersed in the action.  Despite being the eighth book in the series, Blink of an Eye successfully reads as a standalone and while there was certainly some background and character history that was unfamiliar, it wasn’t enough to detract from the conflict or storyline within this read.   

The Johansen pair do not shy away from highlighting the extraordinary talents of handicapped individuals as they weave a thrilling story full of badass females, dirty villains and the law enforcement that team up to foil them. 

*Disclaimer: a review copy was provided by the publisher; all opinions are my own.

Too Small Tola by Atinuke, Onyinye Iwu (Illustrator)

Publication Date: March 2^nd, 2021

Rating: 4 Stars

“Tola lives in a run-down block of apartments in the megacity of Lagos, in the country of Nigeria.  She lives with her sister, Moji, who is very clever; her brother, Dapo, who is very fast; and Grandmommy, who is very-very bossy.  Tola is the youngest in her family.  And the smallest.  And everyone calls her Too Small Tola, which makes her feel too-too small.”

Too Small Tola consists of three wholly separate stories about Tola’s life, all of which begin similar to the opening statement above.  Tola’s stories range from her trip with Grandmommy to the market, collecting fresh water for her apartment and finally concluding with Easter and Eid celebrations.  A vibrant look into Tola’s culture, this heartwarming, exciting and informative book is perfect for little ones to learn about cultures that may differ from their own and take place in countries far, far away. Kids will enjoy the illustrations that accompany the pages of Tola’s story, giving them an animated look at Tola, her style and her city.

*Disclaimer: a review copy was provided by the publisher; all opinions are my own.

The Paris Betrayal by James R. Hannibal

Publication Date: May 4^th, 2021

Rating: 3 ½ Stars

Author James R. Hannibal is no stranger to the fiction novels surrounding spies and espionage. After reading his Talia Inger series I was quickly drawn into this, his latest. The Paris Betrayal releases into the world on the heels of an actual pandemic making it easier to feel the urgency as Ben Calix works to stop a bioweapon from starting a global pandemic of its own. On the outs from “the company” Ben is on his own to stop the looming attack as readers following him through Europe in his quest to save the world.

Hannibal successfully uses his own history as an Air Force pilot and contacts with real-world spies to craft another thrilling and realistically terrifying read.  This Jason Bourne-esque read treads just a little to close to the actual Jason Bourne stories to feel wholly original, but nonetheless offers the action readers have come to love from Hannibal’s writing.

*Disclaimer: A review copy was provided by the publisher.  All opinions are my own.

“Èkleipsis: The Abyss” by Tamel Wino

Reader Views Book Reviews

Èkleipsis: The Abyss

Tamel Wino
Independently Published (2021)
ISBN 978-1777408855
Reviewed by Jill Rey for Reader Views (10/2021)

“Èkleipsis: The Abyss” is a book of short stories, each tale beginning with just one mysterious picture, anchoring the reader to the page as they seemingly piece together the odd photo, watching for it within the read, and waiting for the shoe to drop, in this book of horrors.

A book of short stories is in some ways more challenging than a full novel. Authors have only a handful of pages to develop their characters, relationships, and the plot that ultimately brings the story to a head. But, in every single one of the stories within “Èkleipsis: The Abyss,” author Tamel Wino achieves these milestones in impressive fashion, with a horrific twist to boot, which is sure to keep readers up at night writhing in the acts playing out amongst the pages.

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“Bella’s Dash: How Our Pup Rescued Us” by Jo Dibblee

Reader Views Book Reviews

Bella’s Dash: How Our Pup Rescued Us

Jo Dibblee
TellWell Talent (2021)
ISBN 9780228862161
Reviewed by Jill Rey for Reader Views (9/2021)

“Bella’s Dash” is more than just a book, it saves dogs’ lives as proceeds from each sale are donated to shelters and spay services to protect our furry companions. Such an impactful read for dog lovers and dog rescuers, celebrating a beautiful life well lived.

Although I could have finished this in one sitting, I forced myself to take breaks to give my own dog snuggles and extra love. “Bella’s Dash” is so raw and emotional and yet such an inspiring tribute, it was so easy to escape into and remember all the wonderful memories of my own furry companions over their lifetimes. Author Jo Dibblee walks her readers through her life, as measured by the dogs she’s loved and the grief she’s faced. Eventually, we are introduced…

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“Rebel Leadership: How to Thrive in Uncertain Times” by Larry Robertson

Reader Views Book Reviews

Rebel Leadership: How to Thrive in Uncertain Times

Larry Robertson
Post Hill Press (2021)
ISBN 9781642936896
Reviewed by Jill Rey for Reader Views (9/2021)

A leader in my own organization once pointed out that the rate of change has never moved this quickly in all of history, and yet it will never move this slowly again. “Rebel Leadership” not only supports this statement, as we currently find ourselves in a rapidly evolving world but addresses the ever-increasing complexities leaders are facing as the world and business environment brings more and more uncertainty with each passing day.

If 2020 taught us anything, it is that uncertainty is all around us. It is not a stretch to say with certainty that no single organization had “global pandemic” as the answer to the question regarding what would bring them the most challenge prior to 2020, or the stereotypical question about what they saw…

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“LIVE.LOVE.ENGAGE.” by Gloria Grace Rand

Reader Views Book Reviews

LIVE. LOVE. ENGAGE.how to stop doubting yourself and start being yourself

Gloria Grace Rand
BeyondPublishing.net (2021)
ISBN 978-1637920176
Reviewed by Jill Rey for Reader Views (9/2021)

Born to an alcoholic father and abusive mother, with more than a decade separating her from her next sibling, author Gloria Grace Rand could have led a life of bitterness, but instead, after losing her last remaining family member, her sister, to cancer she got serious about putting her L.O.V.E. method down on paper. “Live. Love. Engage.” is the cumulation of her experiences and lessons learned as she works through her own spiritual journey after the loss of her loved ones.

It is clear, Rand has spent countless hours and personal dollars on trainings, sessions, seminars, and coaches to better herself and the business she founded. Using these experiences, she instills the lessons she’s learned to her readers through advice, practice, and guidance…

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“Civil” by Julianna Lyn Oakes

Reader Views Book Reviews

Civil

Julianna Lyn Oakes
BookBaby (2021)
ISBN 9781098380090
Reviewed by Jill Rey for Reader Views (9/2021)

After author Julianna Lyn Oakes personally spent a weekend in Glen Eyrie castle in Colorado Springs in 2018, she became inspired to write a novel with this castle at its heart. Thus “Civil” came to be, loosely based on the story of the real Glen Eyrie castle.

Lena is a high-end realtor with celebrity clients across the Colorado footprint. While visiting the property of one such client, she meets a staff member looking to sell a castle that was deeded to her after the death of her husband. Despite not believing in ghosts and haunted houses, Lena is warned it may have spirits lurking about the castle. As she prepares to understand more about the piece of real estate she is being commissioned to sell, Lena plans a girl’s trip with her sister, best…

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“This Too Shall Pass…A mother will do anything to save her son…” by Marisa Billions

Reader Views Book Reviews

This Too Shall Pass…A mother will do anything to save her son…

Marisa Billions
Mirador Publishing (2021)
ISBN 9781914965029
Reviewed by Jill Rey for Reader Views (9/2021)

Not very often does a book take readers on such an emotional rollercoaster than that within “This Too Shall Pass” by Marisa Billions. A little bit coming of age and finding one’s self, and a little bit familial drama, the life of Eva is packed into this fast-paced read.

Kicking off with an immature Eva, aged twenty-six, self-defined as bi-sexual and too wild to settle down, I immediately took a disliking to the laziness, depressiveness, and uncaring attitude of our female lead. However, as the years of her life progressed, chapter by chapter, and she settled into a life of checking all the boxes, including marriage and a child, it became ever easier to sympathize with Eva and the internal struggles she feels…

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