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The Hope of Heaven
Singing Through Fire shares with readers how your life took an unexpected turn when you developed a chronic illness, leading you to cross paths with a youth pastor facing terminal cancer, and falling in love even though you knew your time together was limited. Why was this an important book for you to write?
Singing Through Fire was important for me to write because I knew God was calling me to share my story to encourage other sufferers. Walking through illness and loss was never the path I would have chosen, but it became a place where God’s presence and grace shone most clearly. Writing the book was an act of obedience, a way to testify to His goodness even in seasons of deep suffering. My hope was simply to be faithful with the story He entrusted me with.
What is one piece of advice someone gave you that changed your perspective on God and faith?
One of the most life-changing truths someone shared with me was that our present suffering, as heavy as it feels, is not the end of the story. Scripture reminds us that the eternal glory awaiting us far outweighs the pain we endure now. That perspective shifted my focus from asking “why me?” to lifting my eyes toward the hope of Heaven. It doesn’t erase the grief, but it gives it meaning and frames it in light of eternity.
What was the most challenging part of writing your memoir, and what was the most rewarding?
The hardest part was returning to memories that were still raw with grief and pain. Writing about them meant reliving them, and at times I wondered if my heart could handle it. But the most rewarding part was seeing how God had been present through it all, and how He wove beauty and love even into suffering. Putting it on paper gave me perspective, gratitude, and a way to honor the people and moments that shaped my story.
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your story?
I hope readers come away with the assurance that even in the darkest seasons, God has not abandoned them. Life may not unfold as we expect, and suffering may come in ways that feel unbearable, but God is still faithful. If my story encourages someone to hold on to hope and to trust His heart, even when His plan feels hidden, then the book will have done its work.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | YouTube | Instagram | Amazon
Enter Matthew Silverman: a witty, wise, and impossibly joyful youth pastor and professor facing terminal cancer. What begins with a few random encounters soon ignites an extraordinary, God-written love story that neither of them saw coming.
As their unlikely romance unfolds between medical crises, late-night laughter, and unexpected musical performances, Matthew’s unshakable faith challenges everything Lara thinks she knows about God’s goodness—and what it means to walk with Christlike faith, resilience, and joy in the face of overwhelming grief and suffering.
But with time against them, one question looms louder than the rest: What if this gift is only for a moment?
Surprisingly funny and spiritually rich, Singing Through Fire is a modern-day “Job meets Lucille Ball.” It explores what it means to suffer, love, and even laugh and make music while your life is burning down around you. It eloquently gives voice to the aching questions many sufferers quietly carry—then takes readers inside the breathtaking story of two people who found miraculous love and defiant joy amid heartbreaking loss.
It reveals how God can use even our deepest pain to write the most beautiful love stories—even on the cusp of eternity.
Vulnerability and Questions
On the Edge takes the reader through your past lives, telepathic experiences, encounters with entities, and moments of stark human vulnerability. Why was this an important book for you to write?
On the Edge serves as a complement to my two previously published books: On the Other Side. Memories of a Past Life and Conversation with Xenex.
In the first book, I detail how I accessed the memories of a past life and explore the historical context surrounding them. In Conversation with Xenex, I take a more technical approach, speaking about contact with non-terrestrial entities, the role of guides, and the mission I received—sharing as much information as I could from those communications.
However, neither of these books truly captured what the spiritual awakening journey feels like.
With On the Edge, I wanted to explore the human side of this path, including how challenging it is to maintain balance between everyday life, with all its trials, and contact with other realms. I aimed to show the moments of fear, the ecstasy these experiences can bring, and the vulnerability they expose us to.
The path hasn’t been easy. I still experience moments of doubt and distress. But my life has been deeply enriched, and each step forward brings more clarity and motivation to keep going.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
Since childhood, I’ve had various experiences that I ignored at first. But as the intensity of these visions grew, I could no longer dismiss them. I chose instead to accept that I had the ability to connect with other realms and non-terrestrial entities.
The parallel between my daily business life and these otherworldly experiences—along with the constant questioning of whether they were real and how I should face them—transformed me both inside and out. I watched myself grow and evolve into a completely different person.
I stepped onto this path with both fear and hope, and in the end, I found myself—at once, the same and entirely changed.
I believe everyone experiences moments of vulnerability and questions their life and purpose. This book aims to be a companion during those times—like a friend who speaks to you when you feel lost, and who shares in the extraordinary moments.
The memoir offers a unique perspective on out-of-body experiences, astral travel, telepathy, and parallel universes. It makes no claim to expertise; instead, it conveys how these phenomena are felt when experienced firsthand.
What was the most challenging part of writing your memoir, and what was the most rewarding?
The most challenging part was speaking about myself. In this memoir, I share stories from my country under Communism, along with some deeply personal and dramatic events. It wasn’t easy to open up completely to readers and bring to the surface moments that were painful for my family and me.
However, I discovered that the process of sharing parts of my life had a therapeutic impact, allowing me to close old wounds and find healing.
I hope readers will feel inspired to look within themselves, revisit their own past, and begin to heal the difficult moments that may have shaped their lives.
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your story?
Nothing is final. We are so much more than just a body and the roles we play in this lifetime. We are as complex as the level of our soul’s consciousness—which has experienced far more than a single lifetime, a single planet, or even a single universe.
Even if we only catch glimpses of our soul’s evolution while remaining grounded in our 3D realities, there is so much more beyond what we can perceive.
With On the Edge, I want to offer a new perspective on the mysteries of the universe. My hope is to open both the minds and hearts of readers to a whole new world of possibilities.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
On the Edge is Adria Sanders’ most profound and transformative work—a spiritual memoir chronicling her lifelong journey between the seen and unseen worlds. From childhood visions to encounters with non-terrestrial beings, Adria’s story is one of deep inner conflict and awakening. Initially overwhelmed by her metaphysical experiences, she struggled to reconcile them with everyday life, often questioning her sanity and purpose.
Through out-of-body travels where she perceived herself as a ball of energy, telepathic connections with non-terrestrial entities, and glimpses into parallel universes marked by objects mysteriously disappearing and reappearing within minutes, Adria gradually embraced her spiritual gifts. Her path was not easy, it was marked by fear, isolation, and the challenge of accepting truths that defied conventional reality. Yet, in choosing to walk the edge between worlds, she found clarity, courage, and connection.
This memoir is more than a recounting of extraordinary events; it is a guide for those navigating their own awakening and the vulnerability that often accompanies it. With vivid storytelling and heartfelt insight, Adria invites readers to explore the mysteries of existence and discover the power within themselves to transform confusion into wisdom.
Literary Titan Book Award: Nonfiction
The Literary Titan Book Award recognizes outstanding nonfiction books that demonstrate exceptional quality in writing, research, and presentation. This award is dedicated to authors who excel in creating informative, enlightening, and engaging works that offer valuable insights. Recipients of this award are commended for their ability to transform complex topics into accessible and compelling narratives that captivate readers and enhance our understanding.
Award Recipients
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
Literary Titan Silver Book Award
Celebrating the brilliance of outstanding authors who have captivated us with their skillful prose, engaging narratives, and compelling real and imagined characters. We recognize books that stand out for their innovative storytelling and insightful exploration of truth and fiction. Join us in honoring the dedication and skill of these remarkable authors as we celebrate the diverse and rich worlds they’ve brought to life, whether through the realm of imagination or the lens of reality.
Award Recipients
Just Play Like You Do in the Basement: Coming of Age as The Drummer for The Greatest Entertainer in the World by Rick Porrello
An Inconvenient Witness: The Weight of Ordinary Things by Kevin Casebier
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
One Door at a Time: How Putting Students at the Center of Education Works
One Door at a Time is a powerful memoir-manifesto hybrid, co-written by Michael Gary Jr., David L. Heiber Sr., and Ivory A. Toldson, that tells the story of Concentric Educational Solutions, a student-first initiative grounded in Afrocentric values and real-world experience. Through a mix of lived narratives, reflective critique, and practical frameworks, the book charts the failures of the traditional education system, especially in underserved Black communities, and the grassroots, door-knocking, relationship-centered model that Concentric has pioneered. With stories from Baltimore to D.C. to Detroit, the authors show how putting students and their families at the core of the education process can transform not just academic performance, but lives.
The writing is earnest and clear, but it never hides from the hard stuff. I appreciated how the authors peeled back layers of bureaucracy and systemic dysfunction without sugarcoating anything. They didn’t shy away from naming how some systems are built not to serve but to survive themselves. What hit hardest were the sections about chronic absenteeism and the real lives behind those data points. They didn’t just throw around big ideas, they brought in stories of missed kids, misunderstood families, and teachers caught in the crossfire of outdated models. It felt deeply personal. You can tell these folks have walked the walk.
What stood out most to me was their relentless commitment to human connection. It sounds simple, just go to a student’s house and ask why they’re not in school, but the bravery and humility in that act is huge. This isn’t some theoretical overhaul. It’s a day-to-day grind rooted in trust and compassion. The Afrocentric lens added a depth I didn’t realize was missing in a lot of education reform writing. They’re not just advocating for more “diverse” classrooms. They’re rethinking what school means altogether, from the ground up, through culture, family, and identity. At times, it read like a love letter to forgotten students and a challenge to every adult who ever said, “We did our best.”
I would recommend One Door at a Time to anyone who works in education, or who has ever wondered why school isn’t working for so many kids. It’s especially important for policymakers, school leaders, and those in teacher prep programs. But I think it would move anyone who believes education should be about more than test scores. This book isn’t a silver bullet, but it’s a flashlight and a set of tools, and a reminder that sometimes, real change starts with just knocking on one door.
Pages: 260 | ISBN : 978-9004735989
Divorced at 50 F**K, Now What?
Lara Portelli’s Divorced at 50 is a raw and heartfelt memoir that begins with a stolen childhood, winds through a troubled marriage, and lands in the fragile yet powerful territory of self-discovery after divorce. She writes with candor about cultural expectations, coercive control, and the painful silence of a life lived for others. Yet, woven through the heartbreak is a strong thread of resilience. The book is both a personal story and a guide, filled with reflections, small lessons, and hard-won hope. At its heart, it is about reclaiming one’s voice after decades of suppression.
I found myself pulled into Lara’s honesty. She does not sugarcoat her experiences, and that makes her words feel alive. At times, I felt angry for her younger self, trapped in a world where duty outweighed love. Other times, I found myself smiling when she described small moments of joy, like driving with the window down or noticing a flower left on her desk. The writing is simple and unpretentious, but it carries a deep emotional weight. It often feels like sitting across from a friend who has decided to tell you the truth, even the parts that hurt. That vulnerability is what makes the book so powerful.
I also admired how she framed her journey not just as an escape, but as a rebuilding. She writes about health, self-worth, and the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people. Her focus on words and mindset gave the book an unexpected layer. Some sections lingered on personal analysis, but in a way, that rhythm mirrored her process of working through years of pain. It felt real, not polished for effect.
By the time I finished, I was left with both sadness for what she endured and hope for what she found. Divorced at 50 F**K, Now What? will resonate most with women who feel stuck, whether in a marriage, a job, or even a set of old beliefs. It’s also for anyone standing on the edge of change, afraid of what comes next. Lara shows that the unknown can be terrifying, yes, but it can also be the beginning of everything you’ve been waiting for.
Pages: 76 | ASIN : B0FLPL17MT
Seven Blank Pages
Seven Blank Pages is a memoir that moves like a journey across continents, emotions, and inner landscapes. Whitney Joy begins with moments of adventure, like skydiving, climbing mountains, traveling across oceans, and layers them with the heartbreak of divorce, the weight of grief, and the stubborn hope of starting over. It is not just a travel story. It’s a meditation on risk, resilience, and the search for meaning. Alongside stories of luxury events in glittering cities and treks up rocky summits, there’s a raw exploration of loss, intuition, and self-discovery. Each chapter feels like both a leap into the unknown and a homecoming to the self.
Reading this book felt like sitting across from a friend who isn’t afraid to tell you the truth, even when it stings. The writing is vivid and alive, with scenes that pull you into the cold air of the mountains, the glitter of jewels, or the ache of an unraveling marriage. I admired how Joy didn’t polish her story into a neat, triumphant arc. Instead, she showed the messy middle. The contradictions. The laughter that comes right after tears. That made it feel honest, even when her choices or perspectives made me pause. At times, the spiritual themes like manifestation, energy work, and intuition felt a little far out for me, but they were written with such sincerity that I couldn’t dismiss them.
I also found myself swept up by the sheer energy of her life. The speed of her career, the intensity of her relationships, the extremes of both risk and beauty. It made me reflect on how often I play it safe. Her story cracked open that little voice in me that asks, “What would happen if I leapt?”
I closed the book feeling both stirred and unsettled, in the best way. Seven Blank Pages is for people standing at the edge of something new, whether that’s an ending, a beginning, or the wild in-between. It’s for readers who crave adventure and honesty more than tidy answers. And it’s for anyone willing to believe, even just a little, that magic might still be possible.
Pages: 297
The Courage to Begin Again: Resilience, Courage, and Reinvention
The Courage to Begin Again: Stories of Resilience, Courage, and Reinvention is an anthology of deeply personal stories from women who moved to Mexico and rebuilt their lives in unexpected ways. Each chapter explores a different perspective on starting over: the shock of cultural change, the struggle of loneliness, the bittersweet weight of leaving old lives behind, and the surprising joy of discovering new strengths. The voices range from lighthearted accounts of food and music to raw admissions of fear, loss, and self-doubt. What holds it all together is a theme of reinvention and resilience, showing that change, while often painful, can also be liberating.
Reading it, I found myself caught between admiration and empathy. The writing isn’t flowery or overly polished, which actually works in its favor. It feels honest. The women share their failures and embarrassments with as much detail as their triumphs, and that kind of vulnerability is hard to look away from. At times, I felt like I was eavesdropping on a conversation, with all the warmth and awkward pauses included. Some stories hit me hard, especially the parts about loneliness and feeling invisible in a crowd. I could almost feel the ache in my own chest. Other sections lifted me, like the small wins like finding a supportive friend, learning enough Spanish to laugh at a joke, or sitting at a long lunch surrounded by a new community.
What surprised me most was how much energy these women poured into reshaping themselves. Some leaned into self-care and spirituality, while others threw themselves into work, art, or friendship. At times, I thought the pacing of certain stories slowed as it circled the same lessons. But then again, maybe that’s the point. Starting over is messy. It’s not a neat arc, and this book doesn’t try to make it one. I respected that choice. By the time I reached the final pages, I felt a mix of exhaustion and inspiration, like I had traveled alongside them through the highs and lows.
I’d recommend The Courage to Begin Again: Stories of Resilience, Courage, and Reinvention to anyone standing at a crossroads, whether they’re moving countries or just moving into a new stage of life. It’s especially powerful for women who’ve had to leave something behind, be it a career, a home, or even a version of themselves.
Pages: 144 | ASIN : B0F7YM8QPL
LITERARY TITAN 