Blog Archives
With Love, From Mom: The Journey of Dreams
With Love from Mom: The Journey of Dreams by Gel See is a heartwarming tale that beautifully captures the bond between a mother and her daughter. The narrative centers on the mother reassuring her daughter that she will always be there for her, both in life and perhaps even in dreams. Together, they embark on various adventures, whether in the real world or the realm of dreams, exploring and sticking together no matter what.
The illustrations perfectly complement the story, showcasing the joyful moments they share, which adds a beautiful visual dimension to their journey. Mother and daughter are vividly depicted, highlighting the mother’s profound love and the daughter’s happiness. The tone of the story is gentle and loving, creating a soothing reading experience. The beautifully illustrated settings enhance the narrative, adding depth and warmth. The pacing is perfect, ensuring that there are no dull moments throughout the story. The story is wholesome and sweet, making it an excellent read for mothers and daughters to enjoy together. The rhyming adds a delightful dynamic, which children will love, reinforcing the story’s clear message: a daughter should always know her mother will be there for her. The illustrations are simply gorgeous—otherworldly and vividly colored, they suit the story perfectly and deserve special credit to the illustrator. The visual appeal adds an extra layer of charm to the already captivating tale.
With Love from Mom: The Journey of Dreams by Gel See is a beautifully crafted story that encapsulates the unconditional love and bond between a mother and her daughter. Its gentle tone, engaging rhymes, and stunning illustrations make it a delightful read for both children and parents. This heartwarming tale not only entertains but also reassures young readers of their parents’ unwavering support and love. Perfect for bedtime reading or any bonding moment, this book is a must-have for families who cherish heartfelt stories.
Pages: 24 | ASIN : B0D79KFSMJ
Spirit Light: Volume 1
Spirit Light: Volume 1 from The Spirit Song Trilogy by Ross Hightower is an enthralling journey through a world on the brink of war, where the oppressive Empire casts a dark shadow. At the heart of this epic tale are two young, unexpectedly powerful sisters, Minna and Alyn Hunter, who might just be the key to overcoming this looming evil.
Hightower masterfully weaves a complex plot filled with conflict, excitement, and intrigue. Each scene and character is meticulously crafted, allowing the reader to fully immerse themselves in this richly detailed world. The narrative thread is consistent and engaging, with new developments continually enriching the overarching story. Minna and Alyn are on a path of self-discovery, grappling with their burgeoning powers and the many challenges that lie ahead. As they begin to harness their unique magic, the Empire is simultaneously plotting their downfall, determined to crush any sign of rebellion. The story is rife with alliances, betrayals, and battles, creating a tapestry of suspense and action. The sisters’ journey is fraught with peril, as they strive to avoid the tragic fate of their mother while fulfilling her mission to defeat the Empire. The novel boasts a diverse cast of characters, each given ample space to grow and evolve. Hightower ensures that their motivations are clear and their roles integral to the main plot, enriching the story with their distinct personalities and strengths. This depth of character development, combined with a captivating writing style, draws readers into the world from the very first page. The storyline is imbued with creativity, suspense, and mystery. Visions and dark, unknown entities add layers of complexity and tension. The unfolding war brings unexpected confrontations, from powerful witches to trained armies, ensuring that the action and intrigue never wane. The persistent tension keeps readers on edge, eagerly anticipating the sisters’ next move in their quest to liberate their friends from the Empire’s grasp.
Spirit Light: Volume 1 is well-paced, with fantastical elements that add both intrigue and depth. The characters come to life through Hightower’s vivid writing, growing and evolving with each chapter. By the book’s end, readers will have forged a connection with the story, eagerly awaiting the next installment in this compelling trilogy.
Pages: 533 | ASIN : B0D438DL4Y
Do You See Me Playing Sports?
Ever wondered how a young kid perceives their first sports experience? Do You See Me Playing Sports? is a delightful children’s book that takes you right into the heart of that journey. It’s a charming tale of a young child, affectionately part of the Chipmunks sports group, navigating the big, noisy, and often intimidating world of sports.
Author Tuula Pere’s use of simple language and relatable situations makes it easy for young readers to connect with the protagonist’s feelings of excitement, fear, and eventual joy. The narrative flows smoothly, capturing the child’s emotions brilliantly as they face various challenges. One moment that stood out was when the child felt overwhelmed by the huge stadium and the idea of competing on such a large field. It’s so relatable for anyone who’s ever felt out of their depth in a new environment.
The illustrations by Majigsuren Enkhbat are vibrant and playful, perfectly complementing the story. Each page is a visual treat that keeps things fun and light. I particularly loved the sequence where the Chipmunks are encouraged to jump over a stretchy band instead of a high bar. It’s a great example of how the book encourages adapting sports to fit the needs of younger kids, making the experience less daunting and more enjoyable.
What I appreciate most about this picture book is its gentle approach to introducing sports. It acknowledges that sports can be scary and overwhelming for young children but also offers solutions to make them more accessible and fun. The idea of starting races with a clap instead of a pistol or playing barefoot soccer are fantastic ways to ease children into sports without the pressure of competition and noise. This book has the ability to make children feel less intimidated by sports, instilling a sense of reassurance and comfort in parents.
Do You See Me Playing Sports? is a heartwarming read that would be a fantastic addition to any child’s library. I think it’s perfect for parents who want to introduce their kids to sports in a gentle, fun, and supportive way. Highly recommended for ages 3 to 7, and a must-read for any parent looking to make their child’s first sports experience a positive one.
Pages: 32 | ISBN : 9528200370
Love at Hailey’s Comet
Love at Hailey’s Comet (An Alex Yates Story), by Kimberly A. Biggerstaff, is a romantic suspense novella that weaves together elements of romance, mystery, and military intrigue. The story centers on Alexandra Yates, an agent for the Air Force Office of Special Investigations stationed at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida. The narrative kicks off with a film crew producing a movie based on one of her past cases, with Alex unexpectedly cast in the lead role. Jack Hailey, the head of the production company, shares a brief yet tumultuous relationship with Alex, which resurfaces when an airman dies on set, prompting Alex to investigate. Was it merely an accident, or is there a darker truth lurking?
The suspenseful aspect of the novella is gripping. From the moment Alex begins her investigation, the plot pulls you in, offering a blend of twists and turns that keep you engaged. The initial twist introduces an intriguing complexity, intertwining Alex’s unresolved issues with Jack with the unfolding mystery. The clues scattered throughout allow for some speculation, but the unexpected developments maintain the story’s momentum, keeping the reader invested until the final reveal. Even though the novella connects to a larger series, it stands on its own, making it accessible to new readers.
The initial pacing feels somewhat uneven in places. I believe the provision of the characters’ backstory, though informative, took away from the anticipated main action in the story. I would love to have seen the story begin with Alex diving into the investigation with her history with Jack gradually woven throughout the plot.
Love at Hailey’s Comet remains an enjoyable read, particularly for fans of romantic suspense and military romance genres. Its blend of romance, mystery, and military life offers a unique take on the genre, making it a worthwhile addition to your reading list.
Pages: 121 | ASIN : B0CW1HY2GN
Black Girls Count
Black Girls Count takes readers on an inspiring journey through the eyes of Janet, a 9-year-old Black girl who learns to embrace her unique hair and create art with it. When Janet’s guitar string breaks, she discovers that the cost of a new guitar is $500. Disheartened, she soon learns about a local hair show for girls aged 9-13, offering a $500 grand prize. The competition challenges participants to showcase hairstyles that reflect their unique personalities.
At the heart of the story is Janet’s journey of self-discovery, guided by her parents, who introduce her to the rich diversity of her natural hair texture. This newfound knowledge allows Janet to embrace her natural hair, fostering a deeper sense of self-happiness and satisfaction. Shertena Caicedo Hardman’s writing is engaging and educational, deftly weaving themes of cultural identity, self-acceptance, and the beauty of natural hair. Janet’s character is wonderfully relatable, and her determination to win the hair show and buy the guitar serves as a powerful metaphor for the broader journey of self-acceptance and empowerment. The depiction of Janet’s parents is particularly heartwarming. Their support and teachings about natural hair provide Janet—and readers—with a valuable lesson in appreciating and embracing one’s heritage. The story’s focus on the diversity and beauty of natural hair is a refreshing and necessary perspective that will resonate with many readers.
Black Girls Count is a delightful and meaningful read that I highly recommend for young readers and their parents. It’s an excellent book for those who enjoy stories about personal growth, cultural pride, and the journey to self-acceptance. Janet’s story is a powerful reminder that true happiness comes from embracing who we are, inside and out.
Pages: 27 | ASIN : B0D4YKWCDS
A Conflict Between Love and Tradition
Beyond the Bukubuk Tree follows a young Jewish doctor and a Catholic WWI veteran who are assigned to the same battalion and form an unlikely bond. What inspired the setup of your story?
I wanted to convey two emotional truths in the novel: the beauty of Rabaul, which has a quality of enchantment as it nestles between active volcanoes and lush green flora; and the conflict between love and tradition during wartime. An uncle I never met served in that battalion, Lark Force, and his service inspired me to write Beyond. Family anecdotes suggest that he was conflicted about his sexuality although we don’t actually know. I felt a deep connection to an unspoken pain I saw in photographs of hm. Sharing this truth in a fictionalized character allows readers to connect with characters on a deeper level. I knew that in mainland New Guinea at this time, many incidents of male-male intimacy between soldiers were investigated by the Army. Like Alan Turing, gay soldiers gave their all to their country. It’s time to honor them.
Jake and Alex both have secrets they keep hidden and struggle with their emotions while remaining strong as the battles continue. There was a lot of time spent crafting the character traits in this novel. What was the most important factor for you to get right in your characters?
That they started from one way of functioning in society that repressed vital parts of themselves. With Jake, the orthodox Jewish doctor, it was his desires. With Whipple, his childhood and war traumas gave him a nihilistic view of humanity, stifling his capacity for hope and generosity. Their deepening bond in the crucible of war transformed them.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
First, Lark Force, the lone battalion of volunteers defending Rabaul, was under-resourced and abandoned by the Australian Government. Documents revealing that the government never had a plan to reinforce or extract them were concealed for 50 years. But the soldiers gradually realized their plight as peril approached. I wanted to bring to life those moments of revelation. Fiction seemed like a better genre for me than non-fiction.
Second, to convey the diverse population of Rabaul in 1941-2: Australian administrators and soldiers; a solid community of Chinese merchants; and the majority indigenous Tolai inhabitants. These communities’ cultures were opaque to each other but they were interdependent. I wanted characters from the different communities to have a voice in this war between white and Japanese colonists that upended all their lives. It was a risk to do this, but I felt compelled. I love Rabaul!
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I have a sequel to The Reversible Mask: An Elizabethan Spy Novel in rough shape but no scheduled release. Believe me, Literary Titan will be the first to know. My shorter articles on a variety of topics are likely to come out first. But thank you and readers can stay in touch with me via my website.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
New Guinea, 1941. Heroism, sacrifice and ultimately, hope, transcend the terrifying war.
Two men preparing for war, both with secrets they are determined to keep. Jake Friedman, an idealistic young Jewish doctor from Melbourne, is haunted by the death of a colleague he thinks he caused. Alex Whipple, a Catholic known as Wip, is a soul-scarred veteran of the First World War. Wip is an enigma who fights bullies on behalf of their victims yet has a chequered past in the wild side of post-war Paris that he is determined to forget.
Both are posted to Lark Force, a lone and under-resourced battalion defending the port town of Rabaul. It’s not long before Jake and Wip feel a deep pull of attraction. When the Japanese invade Rabaul, their battalion is abandoned by its government. Improvising a desperate jungle retreat, fighting rain, insects, disease, and vengeful Japanese pursuers, Jake will face the ultimate trials of his courage as Wip struggles to find the will to live.
***
This meticulously researched and richly textured novel is set in a lesser-known battle of the Pacific War. The strength of the human spirit, the bonds of love, and the resilience of diverse communities are tested against the backdrop of these battles. “Beyond the Bukubuk Tree” is a gripping saga of courage, love, and survival in the face of overwhelming adversity.
PRAISE FOR BEYOND THE BUKUBUK TREE
This is a war novel like no other, an aching love-story of two people trying to do right when everything around them has gone wrong. With incredibly rich detail in her characters and their struggles, treating childhood polio, indigenous Tolai beliefs, the Aussie army during World War II and much more. Central to the story is a Jewish physician fighting his affection for a fellow officer, and a captivating, widely diverse supporting cast. With lyrical descriptions, the reader is absorbed into a time and place that history has forgotten, the tropical paradise of Rabaul on the deadly Pacific front line.
Nev March, author of award-winning Murder in Old Bombay
“Exquisite battle sequences of utter chaos. Readers can taste the feel of being outnumbered with antique WWI ordnance, all communications cut off, and no place to go. Homage to James Michener, Herman Wouk, and James Jones.”
Roger Crossland, retired U.S. Navy SEAL officer and author of The Abalone Ukulele
“You convey so well in your writing that Tolia people while very respectful are also a very proud lot.”
Tolai researcher Angelique Giranah, Director, Niugini Singaut Ltd.
“Gripping and sensual love story between two Australian officers during World War Two New Guinea, one a doctor driven to heal, the other an officer with a past he is determined to forget. Amid the worlds of army camp and hospital, the native Tolai, and the fight against fungus sores, malaria, and polio, Jake falls in love with the enigmatic Wip, love which was then against the law. The two men’s spiritual and physical bond will face even dire challenges as the first enemy bombs fall. BEYOND is an utterly fascinating nove. lMagically done. Very hard to put down, impossible to forget.”
Stephanie Cowell, author of Claude & Camille and The Boy in the Rain, American Book Award
Control is an Illusion
In Rootbound: A Mother’s Journey, A Daughter’s Pain., you share some of the most challenging aspects of your mother-daughter relationship and the fears and traumas that preceded your amazing healing journey. What inspired you to share your story with readers?
Melanie- I wanted to help other moms avoid the mistakes I made because of fear. I also wanted to help the moms who already made those mistakes make efforts toward repairing the damage. I knew that if I shared my experience, it would only be half of the story. That’s when I asked Amanda to write the book with me. She of course said yes.
Amanda- My mom approached me with the idea and felt like the work we had done to heal ourselves and our relationship could be beneficial for others to find freedom in their own stories. We had multiple people make comments on our relationship and how they wished they had the type of connection with their mom or daughter as we did. I have always wanted to write a book and loved the idea and said yes without hesitation.
I appreciated the candid nature with which you both told your story. What was the hardest thing for you to write about?
Melanie- Chapter 6 titled Rootbound was the hardest for me. I share some heart-wrenching awakenings and losses in that chapter.
Amanda- I think the depth of vulnerability we get into throughout the book felt very scary to share with the world. You can’t take those things back once it’s out there. I was very aware of the potential backlash that may come with sharing various traumatic life experiences in such a candid way.
What is one piece of advice you wish someone had given you when you were younger?
Melanie- I wish someone would have told me about control being an illusion and taught me how to have boundaries instead.
Amanda- I wish someone had told me to take the pressure off myself and helped me understand how to do that.
What is one thing you hope readers are able to take away from your experience?
Melanie- I want the reader to know they are not alone. I hope they can take away a little bit of bravery to face the unaddressed parts of their story.
Amanda- I hope they can connect to it and find themselves in our story. And for those that do connect to it, I hope that it brings a sense of feeling seen and that they are not alone in this journey, and that restoration in parent/child relationships is possible.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
Synopsis:
In “Rootbound: A Mother’s Journey. A Daughter’s Pain,” we share the poignant story of a mother and daughter who courageously embarked on a path to healing. This book is not a how-to guide for achieving a perfect relationship; it’s a testament to the power of love and healing, offering hope to those seeking reconciliation and true connection within their own families.
What to Expect:
A Sense of Wholeness: Find solace in knowing you are not alone in facing the myriad of challenges that can arise within family life. Our experiences may mirror your own, and our shared journey will make you feel seen and understood.
An Inside Peek into Our Healing Journey: We offer you an intimate look at our healing process, both together and separately. Filled with photos, tips, and resources, our story will inspire and guide you on your own path to understanding and growth.
A New Perspective: Discover not only new insights into your family’s history but also the potential for transformation in your future. Witness the power of love, healing, and reconciliation that brought us together and see how it can happen for you too, with dedication and effort.
Beliefs and Topics Covered:
Breaking the Chains of Control: Our family was shaped by a parenting style rooted in fear and control, and we explore how it affected us and our relationships.
Navigating Faith and Family: Our beliefs influenced our family dynamics and life views. We share how faith played a role in our healing process and how the systems of religion gave fear a highway.
Conquering Shame and Pain: Delve into the emotional challenges we confronted, how we worked through them, and how healing is an ongoing journey.
Our journey was never easy, but we believe that healing and reconciliation are within reach for everyone. “Rootbound” is an invitation to join us and find inspiration and encouragement, wherever you may be in your life. Pick up your copy today and let our story inspire you to embrace growth, love, and connection. Click the buy now button and start your healing journey!
The Ballad of Levi Locust
Levi Locust, a musical bug with a passion for playing his banjo and singing country songs, embarks on a heartfelt journey in Janice Hostetter’s The Ballad of Levi Locust. Despite his enthusiasm, Levi struggles to find an audience that appreciates his music, leaving him feeling dejected and alone. Determined to find a place where he and his music belong, Levi continues his arduous quest for acceptance and peace.
Hostetter’s story is a beautifully written, rhyming narrative that captures the essence of perseverance and hope. The text flows effortlessly, making it an enjoyable read-aloud experience. As Levi encounters numerous challenges on his journey, readers are drawn into his world, rooting for him at every step.
Akjima Monnaf’s vibrant and full-of-life illustrations perfectly complement the charm and warmth of the story. Each page is a visual delight, adding depth and fun to Levi’s adventure. At its core, Levi’s story is a powerful testament to determination and friendship. The narrative’s compact size belies its profound message, which resonates deeply as Levi’s journey concludes with a brilliant and heartwarming resolution. This tale of a lone bug’s quest for belonging is both personal and universal, celebrating the indomitable spirit of pursuing one’s passion against all odds.
The Ballad of Levi Locust, by Janice Hostetter, has a genuine, heartfelt message. It’s a story that touches the heart and reminds us all of the importance of perseverance. This delightful children’s book is suitable for readers of all ages. Whether read aloud at home or shared in a group setting, Levi’s incredible journey offers fun and inspiration for everyone.
Pages: 30 | ASIN : B0D38FFC4Y
LITERARY TITAN 