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Calliope Wakes
Calliope Wakes by Constance Kersaint introduces us to Callie Redmond, who at first glance seems like any ordinary eighteen-year-old. However, beneath the surface, something is distinctly amiss. Callie is plagued by relentless nightmares with no apparent cause, and her confusion only deepens when Erik, her former best friend from elementary school, suddenly reappears in her life. Erik, who had inexplicably distanced himself from her throughout high school, now wants to rekindle their friendship—and possibly even more. This sudden shift leaves Callie bewildered and questioning his motives. How could someone who once ignored her for years now desire to be close again? And more importantly, why now? As strange and uncontrollable events begin to unfold around Callie, she finds herself questioning everyone and everything in her life. Unexplained fears and an increasing sense of distrust gnaw at her, further complicating her situation. As these disturbing occurrences intensify and Erik’s presence in her life grows stronger, Callie realizes she must uncover the truth behind these events. What secrets about her past will she unearth? Why are these nightmares haunting her? And most crucially, are Callie and her family truly safe?
What captivated me most about this story was its ability to grip me from the very first page and hold my attention until the very end. The characters are so vividly drawn that they feel like real people—friends I wanted to root for and see succeed. I found myself particularly drawn to Callie and Erik’s relationship. Despite Erik’s mysterious behavior, it was clear that his intentions toward Callie were protective rather than harmful. I yearned for Callie to give him a chance, to let go of the past, and see where their relationship could go now that they were adults. Their shared history and deep connection made me hope they would find a way to move forward together. Ms. Kersaint has masterfully crafted a storyline that not only pulls readers in but also keeps them on the edge of their seats with each new twist. The suspense and action are so intense that I often felt my own heart racing, fully immersed in the danger and drama alongside Callie. This novel is so vividly written that I could easily envision it as an action-packed movie, full of tension and excitement. One of the standout aspects of Calliope Wakes is the brilliant fusion of Celtic and Viking cultures. The seamless blending of these two distinct and complex traditions is something I have rarely encountered in literature or film. The author’s creativity shines through in this unique and fascinating combination, adding an extra layer of depth to the story.
Calliope Wakes is a young adult novel that will appeal not only to its target audience but to adult readers as well. If you enjoy stories that combine action, suspense, and paranormal romance, this book is a must-read. Constance Kersaint has delivered a compelling tale that will leave readers eagerly anticipating her next work.
Pages: 258 | ASIN : B0CS5PKNKT
Holistic Retirement Planning: Being Intentional with Heart, Mind, and Money at Any Age
Planning for the future has become significantly more challenging than it was for previous generations. What once seemed like a straightforward path now requires thorough research, strategic planning, and a bit of luck. Holistic Retirement Planning by Ron Missun emerges as a crucial guide, offering insights to help you approach retirement planning with intention and balance. It advocates for a comprehensive strategy that integrates emotional, intellectual, and financial preparedness.
The author begins by emphasizing the importance of being both intentional and proactive about retirement planning. He then delves into setting and approaching financial goals based on personal values and aspirations. The book transitions smoothly into technical aspects, covering budgets, net worth tracking, and developing a risk profile. Missun’s guide is thorough, addressing every facet of the topic, including life-stage planning and the role of professional advisors. The depth of discussion is enriching, encouraging a slow and thoughtful read with ample time for reflection and absorption. Its accessibility and practicality are remarkable, reinforcing the idea that money is merely a tool, even in retirement. This book challenges conventional thinking about money and life. It encourages readers to plan their finances not merely to maximize their bank balance but to fulfill their deepest desires. It prompts introspection about personal biases and life goals. As you read, you might often question whether you know enough about life and money, ultimately fostering a desire for balance and knowledge—a beneficial mindset. Missun’s fondness for personal anecdotes enhances the book’s appeal. These stories help build rapport with the reader and illustrate the practicality of his ideas. Given that this isn’t a book to be skimmed in one sitting, its companionable tone is particularly helpful. Missun’s approach to planning is both inspired and inspiring, making this book an excellent gift for anyone starting their career. Early planning will undoubtedly pay dividends in the future.
Holistic Retirement Planning lives up to its name. If utilized effectively, it can significantly alter the course of your life. Ron Missun’s exhaustive exploration of the subject leaves readers well-informed and eager to learn more. His reassuring message is clear: no matter your current life stage, it’s never too late to start planning for retirement.
Pages: 212
Mental Health is Complicated
Nurse Dorothea Presents A Comprehensive Discussion on Mental Well-Being explores the intricacies of mental health and offers practical advice for improving mental well-being through a blend of storytelling and practical advice. Why was this an important guide for you to write?
I’m a Registered Nurse at a psychiatric hospital. Upon learning my background, many people have been asking me when I would tackle this tough subject of mental health. The timing was right this year, and we launched book #1 (this book) on May 29th. It is truly taking a whole time to produce this series. These are much harder books for me to write than the Nurse Florence® series. I wish I could just have my company’s name on the book cover but have been told by my distributor that the author’s name must also be on the front cover for global distribution approval. Mental health is complicated, and I think I have let people know from the page count of book #1 (596 pages). I think we may have done the impossible to present this topic in a way that teenagers can grasp. Adolescence is challenging and becoming a young adult has many obstacles so we hope this series will help make the transition more smoothly.
Can you share with us a little about the research required to put this book together?
I started with a brainstorming session that lasted days to come up with all the main points to be discussed. Then, I scoured the internet for reliable, trustworthy sources of information about the topics. Many of the articles and publications overlapped so I had to synthesize the info. I maintained hope in my mind that I would be able to sift through all of the info and find the pieces of information necessary to pass on.
What is it about Dorothea Dix’s contributions to healthcare that made her the perfect model for your book’s main character?
Dorothea Dix lived in the early 1800s, and she lobbied legislatures to stop chaining people with schizophrenia because they were terrifying. I consider her one of the first to help remove the stigma of mental illness. I like to tell my patients that we humans are just one life event away from a mental health crisis. Let’s be kind to one another since we don’t know each other’s struggles.
Do you have more Nurse Dorothea books planned? If so, what topic will the next installment cover?
Dow Creative Enterprises® will be publishing a new book every 5 weeks for the next 10 years. Book 2 published weeks ago, Nurse Dorothea presents Managing Impulsivity. Book 3 should publish in the next couple of weeks: Nurse Dorothea presents Why Coping Skills Work and What are Some That Can Be Done Anytime and Anywhere.
Author Links: Facebook | Website
Old-Fashioned Country-House Murder Mystery
The Chesterfield Clue follows a former school teacher and his wife who come into a large inheritance and purchase a vineyard in the Finger Lakes. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I had introduced Chesterfield, Carrie, their very vivid parents, and even the baroque French barrister Alaistre (“Swifty”) Treves-Alsace in THE CHESTERFIELD HOURS, a pure romantic comedy that earned a starred review from Kirkus and was ultimately named to their Best of 2012 and LOL lists. With the supernatural provenance of the Ffoulkes Fortune, I saw a chance to move them up in the world, to a beautiful Finger Lakes wine estate, where I could essay a good old-fashioned country-house murder mystery.
Your characters are richly developed and complex, really allowing readers to get to know them. Do you incorporate any emotions or memories from your own life into your characters’ lives?
Well, I had a Shakespeare-loving mother of Welsh parentage, for a start. The dad was a veteran, though not of the ferocious exploits of Captain Jack Chesterfield. Beyond that, I fell in love with the idea of making Carrie a girl next door type, and her 50 yr. old mother Barbara a seductress of almost terrifying erotic power. I also love writing master scenes for Swifty, and hope readers indulge me to their profitable enjoyment. Finally, it was only with two Chesterfield novels completed that I realized something mysterious and unconscious about character creation. Two “minor” characters — Jeanine the Gym Chick in THE CHESTERFIELD HOURS, and Deputy Dibberly in THE CHESTERFIELD CLUE — each became in the end sort of working-class, underdog heroes: conceived to fill a function, they took on such life that they were fully in the arena at the climax. Somehow I found justice in that, and wonderment.
When will book two be available? Can you give us an idea of where that book will take readers?
A good question, as slow cooking works for me. I do have a title, and a bit of scribbling. It’s THE CHESTERFIELD NIECES, and those nieces will be quite a contrast and quite a handful together. One will be rich and spoiled (Barbara’s), the other a daughter of Juanita’s brother Johnny, a border sheriff in Texas. And she’s also, sharp readers of The Clue will surmise, cousin to the late Miguel. At least one character from The Clue is going to get killed, and though it won’t be at the hands of either niece, their misadventures won’t be a bit of help in solving anything!
How do you balance story development with shocking plot twists? Or can they be the same thing?
It is always an organism with me, not schematic. Characters come first, like Adam and Eve. I have to clearly see and hear them or they are not there. They have not only their own voices but their own drives, upon which they act for good or evil. OK then. For a shocking plot twist I will cite the decision, quite late in the game, to write a second murder. The primary murder follows country-house tradition: a wealthy, rather disagreeable older family member has cruelly treated many, and created motive all around. A second murder, I felt, would really turn the screw and open up new dimensions, yet be almost traumatically painful. I went on and wrote it, and feel right about it. So that was a battlefield decision, more than halfway through, and so were some character creations made spontaneously: Fauncebroke (“Fancy Boy”) Mountjoy IV, Hannes the winemaker, Mrs. DeChambeau. They made their impact, and I like to think the two judges, one male one female, registered as distinct personalities with distinct bench styles.
Author Links: GoodReads | LinkedIn | Website
Mother knows best, eh what? At least while mainly sober. Thus when the “mythical” Ffoulkes Fortune actually comes through – and to the only pair who didn’t scheme for it – the ghost of Daphne Ffoulkes Chesterfield instructs her son to “put a bit of it back into the land.” This advice he dutifully follows by purchasing the Finger Lakes wine estate of Carrie’s father, a “reformed” Brooklyn gangster. Ensuing are roomsful of lust, triumph and scandal in the vineyards, humour bone-dry as a fine Cab Sauv, classic country-house murder, and masterly courtroom chessplay from the anciently wise French avocat Alaistre (“Swifty”) Treves-Alsace.
Climate Dragon: Treachery, Pestilence & Weirding Weather
Climate Dragon is a thrilling and intellectually stimulating novel that delves into the multifaceted challenges of our rapidly changing world. Through a mix of speculative fiction, scientific discourse, and suspenseful narrative, author S W Lawrence presents a tale where the existential threats of climate change, cyber warfare, and pandemics collide in a world that feels unnervingly close to our own. The novel’s protagonist embarks on a journey that not only confronts these global crises but also offers a glimpse into the ethical and personal struggles that come with facing such overwhelming challenges.
From the outset, I found Lawrence’s writing to be both engaging and deeply informative. On one hand, the in-depth exploration of nuclear energy, climate science, and cyber threats adds a layer of authenticity and urgency to the story. For instance, the chapter “Quantum Weirdness” meticulously breaks down the intricacies of nuclear physics in a way that is both accessible and relevant to the plot. However, there were moments when I felt the technical exposition might feel overwhelming to those not already familiar with these subjects. Lawrence strikes a delicate balance.
Lawrence crafts characters that are both relatable and complex, each embodying different facets of the larger themes at play. The protagonist’s internal conflict, caught between personal desires and a sense of global responsibility, is particularly compelling. I found the dynamic between the protagonist and secondary characters, such as Emmanuelle and Ben, to be a highlight, adding depth and emotional resonance to the narrative. The portrayal of the protagonist’s evolving perspective on the ethical implications of their actions was thought-provoking, especially in the context of the novel’s broader commentary on climate change and human impact on the planet.
Despite the novel’s many strengths, there are sections where the pacing slows, particularly when the story delves into more technical discussions or philosophical musings. While these segments are integral to the book’s thematic depth, they may not appeal to readers looking for a more fast-paced, action-driven narrative. However, for those willing to engage with these slower moments, they offer valuable insights and add layers of meaning to the overall story.
Climate Dragon is a novel that will resonate with readers who enjoy speculative fiction grounded in real-world science and contemporary issues. Lawrence’s ability to weave complex themes into an engaging narrative makes this book a standout in the genre.
Pages: 298 | ASIN : B0CWPRTVD9
Higher Love: A Psychedelic Travel Memoir of Heartbreak and Healing
Anne Kiehl Friedman’s memoir, Higher Love, offers a candid and powerful recount of her journey with drugs, psychedelics, and medicinal products. Within its pages, Friedman delves into the societal pressures placed on women in North American culture—pressures to be thin, beautiful, marry young, and have a large family—expectations ingrained from a young age that followed her into adulthood. Friedman’s life took a significant turn when she was diagnosed with Lyme disease, which led her to grapple with her mental health, self-medication, and self-worth, often defined through her relationships. After ending her engagement with a man also struggling with self-worth, she decided to leave everything behind and travel.
One of the strengths of Higher Love is Friedman’s upfront message at the beginning of the book, cautioning readers against seeking quick fixes for mental and physical health issues. This “Don’t Do What I Did” message is crucial in memoirs addressing drug addiction and substance abuse, as it emphasizes the importance of avoiding actions that can cause irreparable harm. The memoir tackles profound and meaningful subjects such as mental health, body dysmorphia, and relationships, areas increasingly highlighted by social media. Friedman’s narrative sheds light on the damaging impact of societal beauty standards on youth. Her honest recount of feeling pressured to be thinner, happier, and in a loving, long-term relationship is both dark and heart-wrenching. Particularly poignant is her reliance on cannabis to manage her emotional state rather than its intended use for alleviating Lyme disease symptoms, which adds a layer of emotional depth to the memoir. Friedman could enhance her memoir by delving deeper into how the thoughts and actions of those around her affected her mental state. The initial chapters quickly outline her relationship with David, focusing more on her feelings about the relationship rather than how David’s actions influenced her. Expanding on how David shaped her thoughts, actions, and weight could provide greater insight into how these relationships contributed to her mental state and personal growth.
Higher Love raises important and controversial topics surrounding drugs and mental health. It is exceptionally well-written and profoundly engaging. Psychedelics are potentially dangerous due to the unpredictable nature of their effects but under professional guidance, they may benefit some individuals.
Pages: 259 | ASIN : B0CZ4SH4FL
Catalina Plays the What?
Catalina Plays the What? is an utterly charming children’s book that takes us on a delightful journey into the world of music, specifically focusing on the often overlooked yet magnificent double bass. Catalina, a young girl with a passion for this enormous string instrument, shares her love and knowledge with her classmates during a show-and-tell presentation. With the help of her supportive grandpa, she teaches the other children and the readers about the double bass, its different names, and the unique sounds it produces. The book is educational and heartwarming, as it beautifully captures Catalina’s growing confidence and pride in her musical abilities.
Now, let me just say I absolutely adored Catalina’s character. Her nervousness at the beginning of the presentation was so relatable, and watching her grow more confident as she talked about something she loves was just so uplifting. The way the author, Antonia Aviles, builds this progression feels real, and I found myself rooting for Catalina from the moment she sneaked a peek through the classroom door. The interactions with her grandpa were a highlight for me. His gentle encouragement and fun, supportive nature really brought a smile to my face. Their bond adds such a sweet layer to the story, making it more than just a tale about an instrument but also one about family, tradition, and passing on knowledge.
Aviles has a knack for making the technical aspects of music accessible to children without dumbing it down or making it feel like a lesson. For example, when Catalina explains the different names for the double bass depending on the genre of music, it’s done so naturally that you’re learning without even realizing it. And that moment when Catalina’s grandpa mimics the sounds of a double bass and a violin had me chuckling. It’s these little touches of humor that make the book so enjoyable for both kids and adults alike.
It’s clear that Aviles has a deep appreciation for music, and that passion shines through on every page. This picture book makes you feel the music. It’s a celebration of an instrument that might not be in the spotlight but is nonetheless vital to the world of music.
Catalina Plays the What? is a wonderful picture book for any young reader who has an interest in music or for those who might need a bit of encouragement to find their own passions. It’s perfect for parents, teachers, and music lovers who want to introduce children to the beauty of musical instruments in a fun and engaging way.
Pages: 43 | ASIN : B0D9ZDZYJ2
LITERARY TITAN 