Blog Archives
The Retirement Quilt
![The Retirement Quilt by [Dr Ronald Lee Gaudreau]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51QQhlpfYuL.jpg)
The Retirement Quilt by Dr Ronald Lee Gaudreau takes us to a small town in Australia called Morton, centering around a small group of people hailing from decades of farmers, entrepreneurs, and teachers. This diverse array of people came together with one unifying task: the creation of a quilt.
The Retirement Quilt begins by following the life of Geoffrey Hamilton as he goes through the motions of his last day as a CEO. We dive into the unspoken aspects of his life, like his bittersweet interactions with his driver and secretary. He’s mourning all the time that has passed while trying to feel excited about his coming future in retirement. He reconnects with a woman named Robyn, a dear friend of his deceased wife Margaret. Together they become intertwined in the creation of a memorial quilt, as it brings grieving and loving people together along the way.
I loved the way this inspiring book approached grief and healing. It was a touching look into the aftermath of a loved one’s passing, and how their lingering influence can continue to make the world a better place even after they’re gone. This book emphasizes community and the lengths we go to as people to make lasting connections, and how powerful these connections can truly be. The story has a lasting message—that no matter where you go or who you meet along the way, love is always possible.
While I enjoyed having varied dialogue from different sorts of people throughout the story, I felt that the structure could have been improved. I found that it read like an interview at times because of the dialogue, and I would have rather seen everyone’s conversations blended into the story itself to give it a more narrative driven story feel.
The Retirement Quilt by Dr Ronald Lee Gaudreau is a wistful and impassioned story with an inspirational message. It’s an important reminder that I think everyone can benefit from; even if you feel alone, change is a positive thing.
Pages: 257 | ASIN: B07VLKPQ3G
Life After Losses
![Life After Losses: A Memoir of Love, Loss and Life by [James LaVeck]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51AwDoyfpkL.jpg)
James LeVeck takes the reader on a personal journey of loss, healing, moving on, facing loss again, mourning, and learning how to handle bereavement. Life After Losses: A Memoir of Love, Loss and Life is not an emotionally easy book to read; I had to put the book down several times to compose myself. The traumas, emotional turmoil, and agony shared by the author make the reader appreciate life and everything that we go through. James LaVeck is candid about his life, something not many people are able to do. I applaud him for being bold and sharing the most intimate details about himself. Reading this book will help you connect with your inner self and help you go through the grieving process.
There are many lessons shared by the author. My biggest takeaway from this book is that it is okay to be vulnerable no matter your age. Life After Losses is the book you need by your side whenever you are mourning or going through a difficult time in life. James LaVeck’s words are inspiring and give one a sense of belonging. The author will encourage you and motivate you to be yourself. Cry your tears; make the world know that you are grieving. Along with his emotional support the author also provides readers with the lessons he has learned about trying to move on. This book is filled with practical and comforting advice that will help anyone overcome the seemingly insurmountable grief they face when losing a loved one.
James LaVeck’s book is emotional but ultimately uplifting and empowering. I enjoyed his stories about his first and second husband. Though the content is potent, this memoir is short and easy to read. Life After Losses is a sentimental memoir with a powerful message that will stay with you long after you put the book down.
Pages: 170 | ASIN: B08NRMZQM1
Riding the Light Beam
Riding the Light beam by Catherine Silver is a soul-stirring biography of Catherine Silver. It is a unique blend of her wisdom that she has gained through her hardships in life. She has transformed those experiences and lessons into a tale worth reading.
It is apt that a hero lives inside the soul of every woman. But many times, we forget that. We forget our inner strengths. This impassioned biography not only reminds you of the potential you possess, but also makes one question why have they limited themselves. Catherine does this by raising and discussing a variety of topics and issues, all colored perfectly with her experiences.
Catherine talks a lot about the grief and suffering and what it has taught her. It combines well with the professional experiences in helping others and grief counselling. Her story motivates readers, knowing her hardships intricately empowers the reader as well, and makes them face their own problems and reflect on that. The first step in healing, in my opinion, is facing the truth and Catherine’s captivating prose helps you to do that.
“There have been other times when I wanted to believe in magic. From time to time, on my walk in the morning, I would find a feather on the ground, the stairs or stoop. Just when I needed reassurance most over some matter weighing on my mind, there it would be. Of course, I pick it up and usually stick it in my hair’s tight pony tail and continue on my way, all the while thinking that the angels had just left it for me; that’s magic too.”
The paragraph is long, yet it stuck with me because it is simple but potent. I too remember the times when I looked for magic and I found it in odd places. The world is sometimes wonderful and everyone needs a reminder and I am glad I found that in Catherine’s words. The reader will definitely resonate with Catherine’s wisdom in this stirring memoir.
Pages: 226 | ISBN: 1535582529
Wild Happy: Dreams, Crises, and Acceptance in the Jungles of Papua New Guinea
![Wild Happy: Dreams, Crises, and Acceptance in the Jungles of Papua New Guinea by [Ryan Casseau]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41OMnwIt5aL.jpg)
Wild Happy, by Ryan Casseau, is the riveting true story of his experiences in Papua New Guinea (PNG). Casseau went to PNG to collect plants that were special to that region, and instead came back with a newfound outlook on life.
The story begins with Casseau explaining how he came to be in PNG. PNG isn’t known to most, and those who have heard of it, have only heard of the violence and atrocities there. Casseau went to PNG for a funded research project that entailed collecting species of plants that he would later study intensively. The beginning of the story also describes a time when Casseau is in a dark and wet atmosphere unable to recall what he is going through, he then pieces together that he is suffering from malaria. The entire journey, even the trials he faced, made him understand and appreciate his life and purpose. Throughout his experience Casseau gained a new language, experienced a new culture, suffered from Malaria, and found purpose outside of science. All of these events are shared in vivid and emotional detail that conveys that provides reader with a fish-out-of-water story in an exotic land.
This is a personal book and it has that authentic feel throughout the story. It’s very well written, ensuring readers are able to easily focus on the story. Casseau writes about his own experiences and then reflects on his time in PNG, providing readers with the same insights he gained. The friendships he formed, and the sense of family created there was interesting to read. The language was also a large part of the book, and I believe that helped to immerse the reader in his story.
Wild Happy by Ryan Casseau is a compelling travel story, conveying the authors profound experiences in the jungle of Papua New Guinea. I would recommend this engrossing memoir to anyone who enjoys hidden truths, culture, language, and exploring new places.
Pages: 260 | ASIN: B099J5RMSV
What Was Her Story?
Landscape of a Marriage follows a strong woman who sets out to win her new husband’s heart as he tries to create beautiful parks throughout the U.S. What was the inspiration for the setup to your story?
The real life story of Frederick Law Olmsted (FLO) inspired me. FLO is an ancestor of my husband’s- they’re actually distant cousins- and we’ve always enjoyed visiting his parks in Boston and New York as well as the grounds of the private estates he designed, including the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC. I read a few of the well-written biographies about FLO and discovered that, acting on a deathbed wish from his brother, Fred married his widow Mary, adopted her three children and together, they had four more. It got me thinking about Mary- what was her story? How did she feel about all of this? Was theirs a marriage in name only or something more? I couldn’t find a story to read, so I wrote it!
Mary is an intriguing and well developed character. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
Although much has been written about Mary’s husband, renowned park builder Frederick Law Olmsted, there is relatively little known about Mary herself. I hoped to present her as much more than the little woman tending the home fires while her husband is out there transforming the American landscape, one park at a time. I wanted to portray an intelligent and passionate woman impacted by society and its’ social restrictions, but curious and loving and deeply committed to her husband, their children and her best friend Anne. I saw Mary as a practical person determined to make the best of her situation as a frequently single parent who was inspired to join her husband on his quest.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Although Landscape of a Marriage is my first historical novel, the theme is consistent with my first four contemporary works. I continue to be inspired by the idea of starting over and second chances. All of my main characters share that fervent desire for a happy ever after despite their current circumstances.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I am working on two projects- the first is contemporary fiction- Miranda is a disgraced former Assistant State’s Attorney seeking a career comeback when a missing witness from the case that derailed her career resurfaces with a story of bribery and coverups involving Miranda’s ex. I am hoping to see it published within the year. The second is at the very early stages. It is biographical fiction set in the early 20th century, featuring the South’s original power couple. More to follow.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
New York, 1858: Mary, a young widow with three children, agrees to marry her brother-in-law Frederick Law Olmsted, who is acting on his late brother’s deathbed plea to “not let Mary suffer.” But she craves more than a marriage of convenience and sets out to win her husband’s love. Beginning with Central Park in New York City, Mary joins Fred on his quest to create a ‘beating green heart’ in the center of every urban space.
Over the next 40 years, Fred is inspired to create dozens of city parks, private estates and public spaces with Mary at his side. Based upon real people and true events, this is the story of Mary’s journey and personal growth and the challenges inherent in loving a brilliant and ambitious man.
Overcome and Prosper
From Rubble To Champagne shares your personal story as a child in post WWII Berlin to young adulthood as a struggling German immigrants, to marriage, family and fulfillment in the U.S. Why was this an important book for you to write?
There are many heart-wrenching German Holocaust stories. A story that hasn’t been told though is, with post-WWII Germany in ruins, the horrific challenges that everyday citizens and families faced, and how I was a young girl dealt with them.
I wanted to write about all the challenges I faced and conquered and show people that with positivity, perseverance, and determination we can overcome and prosper.
I appreciated the candid nature with which you told your story. What was the hardest thing for you to write about?
I think the hardest thing to write about was when I reflected on the lowest point of my life when I attempted to end it.
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your story?
I hope my story will serve as an inspiration for anyone who feels defeated and suppressed. My hope is that the reader will draw life lessons from the past. The horrible human aggression of war.
What is one piece of advice you wish someone had given you when you were younger?
I wish someone would have told me that life is the most precious gift. That life is not static, it will change and things get better.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
Falling in love with a fellow German immigrant, Wiland, proved a pivotal turning point for Vivianne. He saw a wellspring of potential in her and believed that she could become more than she had ever imagined. They married and moved to the United States. In the land where so many immigrant dreams are built, Wiland encouraged Vivianne to pursue endeavors that would test her mettle, including piloting a plane, running a marathon, and taking on a key role in supporting his business enterprise. Vivianne’s journey of personal growth later gave her the courage to battle cancer and embrace a spiritual life.
Through hardship, demoralization, yearning, searching, loving, inspiration, and growth, Vivianne has discovered the ultimate secret to a life well lived: a grateful heart.
Cleon’s
Cleon’s by author’s April Pulliam and Amy Grantham is a feel-good read that will give you a nostalgic feeling. The book follows a little girl and her story of growing up in her historic house. The images that accompany the descriptions are captivating and bring the short story to life. As I read this heartfelt book I began to think about the house I grew up in as a child, although not nearly as historic or important, it reminded me of all the small things that you recall about your house, not the grand things everyone hears about, the minor things that effect you personally. I appreciated that the pictures were in black and white and had a rustic touch to it as it shows the age of the house and how time has passed as the little girl grew up. There’s little details to the pictures that tell a story all on their own. I felt as though I was looking through the family’s scrapbook. The descriptions, as brief as they are, are so powerful that you are taken back in time and you can imagine the smells and sounds in Cleon’s house. You can feel the love, happiness, and safety that the little girl felt growing up in her home and how she hoped those same feelings would be passed on to the next generation.
In just thirty six pages the reader is taken on an emotional and reminiscent journey to Cleon’s house. Cleon’s is a short and sweet mini-family-saga, mini-memoir, mini-tribute to something that has affected an entire family, and generations past, and Amy shares her personal story in an evocative and charming way.
Pages: 36 | ASIN: B099BYLKWQ
Greta Gar Bitch
Greta Gar Bitch is the true story of actress Kimber Leigh, who grew up in a highly dysfunctional family. This memoir shows how she turned her life around, from growing up in an environment filled with drugs, alcohol and abuse, to a life lived with love, peace and forgiveness.
Greta Gar Bitch is structured loosely along the events of Leigh’s life story thus far. She describes many events that occurred early on in her life. Some of the events are traumatic and heart-breaking – including the alcoholic rages she endured at her mother’s hand and the suicide of her two brothers. She describes these events with deep sadness, but also cautions us, as readers, not to allow tragedy to define our lives and future. She describes many joys she experienced later in life, by working hard, having confidence in herself and maintaining her spirituality.
The main character in this book is of course Kimber Leigh. She does describe other people who are significant in her life in this book. One person described in detail is Leigh’s mother. Although she caused her family a lot of pain and grief, the author has learned to accept that her mother suffered an illness, and was not always in control of her decisions and actions. Her father is described as a kind and loving man, who was devastated by his wife leaving the family. Her grandfather also features in the book, as he was the one that told Leigh about the actress Greta Garbo. Kimber Leigh also pays tribute to people in her life whose kind actions both small and large had an everlasting impact and helped her to become the successful woman she is today. All of these people were intriguing in different ways, I’m not sure if it was because who they were or because of the fantastic storytelling ability of Kimber Leigh, but in either case these characters feel authentic and because of that the emotions embedded in the story are felt more strongly.
Greta Gar Bitch’s chapters are prefaced by an endorsement and forward. The chapters are headed by inspirational and fitting quotes, which is a nice addition to the book. Most of the chapters are easy to follow. I did find a couple of chapters disjointed, and it was difficult to discern whether Leigh was writing in the present time or the past.
Overall Greta Gar Bitch was an interesting, emotional, but ultimately uplifting read. Although there was pain and loss throughout the journey, there was also plenty to leave the reader feeling hopeful and motivated.
Pages: 169 | ASIN: B07W6XPV65
LITERARY TITAN 