Blog Archives
Nurse Florence®, Tell Me About the Bladder.
Nurse Florence®, Tell Me About the Bladder is a warm, easygoing children’s book that explains how the bladder works through a simple lunchtime conversation between three girls and Nurse Florence. The story mixes everyday school life with clear medical teaching, so kids learn about urine, bladder signals, and healthy bathroom habits without feeling overwhelmed. It’s straightforward, friendly, and built to make anatomy feel normal rather than awkward.
I liked how smoothly the author blends casual dialogue with real science. Sonia mentioning she “really had to go to the bathroom” sets up the whole discussion, and Nurse Florence jumps right in with a clear explanation of how the bladder stretches and signals the brain when it’s about half full. It feels like the kind of natural conversation curious kids might actually have, and the mix of school-day chatter with anatomy lessons works surprisingly well.
I was also impressed by how direct the book is. When Nurse Florence talks about strong-smelling urine being a sign of infection, the information is simple and non-scary. The same goes for advice not to urinate constantly without urges because it can make the bladder more sensitive. I appreciated how open and practical the writing is; it doesn’t tiptoe around bodily functions, and it doesn’t make them awkward. Kids get clear facts they can use.
Some of the boldest parts ended up being my favorites. The book openly mentions topics adults usually avoid with kids, like why you shouldn’t hold urine too long or how older adults often wake at night to urinate. It even explains that women may leak urine for a while after giving birth. I honestly didn’t expect that level of honesty in a kids’ book, but I admire it. It normalizes real experiences and gives kids vocabulary they’ll eventually need.
By the time the girls head back to class talking about what they learned, the book leaves you with a sense of calm, curiosity, and confidence. It’s educational without being heavy and caring without being sugary.
I’d recommend Nurse Florence®, Tell Me About the Bladder to elementary-age kids, teachers, parents, and even pediatric healthcare workers who want a friendly, no-nonsense way to teach anatomy. It’s perfect for curious young readers and for adults who appreciate clear, warm explanations of how the body works.
Pages: 51 | ISBN: 1300907142
The Friend from the Future: The Spark of Friendship
Luna is a curious girl stuck on a rainy day with homework and no help from her sick friend. Out of nowhere, a glowing robot named Nova lands in her backyard-from the future! Using his futuristic technology, he helps Luna with her tasks, while she teaches him about friendship, kindness, and feelings. Together, they help Luna’s friend Mia, discover the meaning of joy and gratitude, and share a sweet bond that crosses time. The story ends with Nova returning to his own time, leaving Luna hopeful for their next adventure.
I loved how simple yet meaningful the story felt. The rhyme flows smoothly, like a lullaby, and the rhythm keeps you turning pages without realizing it. It’s got that cozy mix of sci-fi and warmth that feels rare in children’s books. I liked Luna’s kindness most of all, she never hesitates to help. And Nova’s curiosity about emotions hit me in a soft spot. It’s sweet watching a robot learn that friendship can’t be programmed. The message about kindness and helping others felt real, not forced. It reminded me of how kids can be both logical and tender at the same time.
The writing is gentle and clear, perfect for young readers or parents reading aloud. It made me smile and feel that small spark of wonder that good children’s stories always give. The illustrations are beautifully rendered digital illustrations. The character designs are polished and appealing. The use of light and color is particularly masterful, with the warm, dreamlike palette working together to create magical and atmospheric scenes. It feels like a Disney or Pixar cartoon, which I’m sure children will love.
I’d recommend The Friend from the Future to kids around five to ten years old, or to anyone who loves stories about friendship and a touch of magic. It’s great for bedtime, classrooms, or quiet afternoons. It’s a story about kindness, learning feelings, and how even a robot can understand the power of love and helping others.
Pages: 38 | ASIN : B0F76TW1DC
Every Mile Matters: Turning Triathlon Training Into Cancer Triumph
Every Mile Matters is the story of Dr. Jeffrey L. Reynolds. He’s an Ironman, a real endurance nut. Then, life throws him a massive curveball. He gets cancer. He beats it. Then, amazingly, he gets cancer again. This second one is a real monster, Stage 3B colorectal cancer. The book is his first-person account of this journey. He uses his entire mindset from triathlon training, all that grit and discipline, to fight his way through the diagnosis, the chemo, and the radiation. It’s a story about turning an athlete’s focus inward to battle a disease.
I found the writing incredibly raw. Reynolds doesn’t shy away from the ugly parts. We’re talking about the parts that make most guys squirm. Biopsies. Scared thoughts about his penis not working. A deep, real fear of needing a colostomy bag. He just puts it all on the table. This honesty is the book’s biggest strength. It feels real. You are not reading a medical textbook. You are in the room with a guy who is scared but is digging deep to find his strength. The core idea, linking triathlon to cancer survival, could have been corny, but he makes it work. It’s not just a metaphor; it’s the actual toolkit he used.
What I really liked, though, was the emotional side. The book is about more than just “embracing the suck” of chemo. It’s about his relationships. His partner, Jillian, is a rock. His talks with his kids are heartbreaking and real. He even explores the bigger picture, like the chapter on health disparities. He knows he’s lucky. He has good insurance, a great job, and a support system. He’s smart enough to know that many people fighting the same battle don’t have those things. This self-awareness makes his story so much more powerful. It’s not just a “me” story. It’s a “we” story. He’s vulnerable, and that vulnerability is his superpower.
I was genuinely moved by this book. It’s a story of incredible resilience, but it’s told in a way that feels relatable and grounded. It’s not a preachy self-help book. It’s a story of survival, one mile at a time. I would absolutely recommend this, and not just for athletes. If you or someone you love is facing a tough diagnosis, this book is a must-read. It’s a roadmap for finding strength you didn’t know you had. Honestly, even if you’re just looking for a story about the human spirit’s ability to endure, this one is a winner.
Pages: 264 | ASIN : B0FJPGGWWD
His Amazing Stories About Rural Life
Tales of the Beechy Hollow Great Outdoors Club follows a weary journalist who returns home and stumbles into his late father’s wild band of outdoorsmen, discovering that friendship, foolishness, and the forest are entwined. Are any of the Beechy Hollow Club members based on real people from your own life or hometown?
All the main characters in the book are a composite, a blend of real people I’ve known across my life. Rufus Sneed, for example, was inspired by my great-grandfather, who was born in the 1800s and lived to be 99. He lived with my grandparents on a small farm until his death in the ’70s. I grew up listening to his amazing stories about rural life. Similarly, Rob and Rusty are fictionalized versions of my brother and me.
The foundation for the character Scoutster was a nerdy but well-intentioned Scoutmaster I once knew; I layered in traits of a bourbon-loving outdoorsman and a magistrate from other personalities. Same with Smitty, a good-natured farmer and mechanic who loves to hunt and fish. I’ve known lots of good people in Appalachia who fit that mold.
My personal favorite, Holly, is a combination of college friends and people I’ve met over the years. She will play a more significant role in the next book.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I set out to write a series of humorous outdoor stories. But over time, as I kept reworking and revising the stories and characters, I think a few underlying themes emerged. One is the innate human desire to return to our roots. All the stories spring from the main character, Rob, returning to his hometown. Other themes would be the redemptive power of wild spaces, and the Appalachian love of storytelling.
In my book, I primarily use these ideas to mine for humor. While some of the comedy definitely borders on the absurdist, I believe a heartfelt strain runs beneath the surface that speaks to a genuine love of home and the importance of found family. I’m always eager to hear what other themes readers detect in the stories. Of course, I also hope they get a chuckle or two along the way.
The setting feels so alive. What kind of research or personal experience shaped your portrayal of Appalachian life?
The stories are deeply rooted in my years of hiking, camping, and fishing across West Virginia, Kentucky, and southeastern Ohio. I’ve also spent time living in Tennessee and exploring the Great Smoky Mountains.
As for research, I began studying Appalachian dialects several years ago, starting as a newspaper project that quickly grew. This involved poring over books in the library and studying some of the linguistic research being done at West Virginia University. You can see this in the story, “The Evil Psychic Mule of Devil Ridge,” through the old-time mountaineer character, Shiloh Young.
While this type of speech was once dismissively called “hillbilly,” it’s now one of the most-studied dialects in the field. Sadly, authentic Appalachian speech is rapidly dying off. The good news is there’s less stigma affecting young people from our region. Appalachians are increasingly taking pride in their heritage. I hope some of that comes through in the book.
Author Links: GoodReads | X | Bluesky | Facebook | Medium | Website
In these humorous stories set in West Virginia, small-town reporter Rob Greenwood and a cast of offbeat characters prove that the best outdoor adventures are the ones that go completely off the rails. From camping and fishing trips gone sideways to half-baked schemes that never quite pan out, these stories celebrate friendship, folly, and the untamed spirit of Appalachia.
After being fired from his big-city job, Rob returns to his hometown of Looneyton—only to be swept up in the antics of a free-spirited outdoors club. Each hilarious misadventure blends humor, heart, and a deep love for the wild. In the end, Rob discovers that what makes the journey worthwhile is the family you find along the way.
This book includes the novella, The Evil Psychic Mule of Devil Ridge, because no backwoods saga is complete without a demon mule on a rampage—but the mayhem doesn’t stop there.
Tales of the Beechy Hollow Great Outdoors Club is perfect for fans of Patrick F. McManus and for readers who loved Bill Bryson’s A Walk in the Woods. The club’s escapades are guaranteed tokeep you laughing and leave you yearning for a seat around the campfire.
The Hidden, Untold Story
Mask of Romulus follows an oracle whose visions lead her into the midst of the politics of two powerful civilizations. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The impetus to bring India and Rome together started with news of an archeological find in Pompeii. The report chronicled how a statue of Lakshmi was found in the ashes. I was not aware of the cross-pollination between these societies. I started to do some research, which led to Suetonius documenting how an embassy from India reached Augustus vacationing on the island of Samos in 21 B.C. I could not resist asking myself, who were these travelers from India, what was their mission or what did they hope to achieve? What were their lives before and after? How was Augustus impacted? Who was he before and after? The creative license to answer these questions inspired me to weave a narrative between the known facts and create the hidden, untold story of this pivotal woman, Kamala.
What intrigues you about this time period enough to write such a epic period piece?
I have ancestral ties to the Italian, Dalmatia and Balkan regions. I suppose that explains part of the passion. The discovery of that statue certainly sparked my interest and intrigue. The mysteries and missing bits in the chronicles of time that experts have spent their entire careers attempting to discover or explain only added to my creative fervor. There was something there to be told, my heart said. However, while it is fascinating to consider the absolute vastness of all things Roman Empire, that fascination is shared by so many authors that in my mind I was also intimidated to even try.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
As I was doing my research, it occurred to me I could potentially differentiate my telling of the age of Augustus from other works covering this period by not creating a biography of Augustus, following his many feats and political maneuvers, but rather highlight specific ones as landmarks on his journey as a man. How worried was he about his legacy, what insecurities, what frustrations did he feel? The same holds for Kamala, the oracle from India. What a terrifying journey! Would her Buddhist faith be a calming influence? How would her religious and spiritual practices be challenged or accepted by Roman society? Someone owned a statue of the Goddess Lakshmi in Pompeii, so part of her faith most also be accepted in Roman culture of that time. Exploring these questions was more interesting to me as a writer than having an emphasis on one specific event or specific people, whether exploring the dire love of Marc Antony, Cleopatra, or the acts of bravery and stoicism during a specific battle or revolt. I wanted to delve into the psyche and emotions of the characters, to unpack their fears and ambitions, their strengths and weaknesses. In the end, the main themes of destiny, fate, personal philosophies and the role of spirituality are intended to fill each page with meaning, insight, and perhaps wisdom we can use for ourselves in our lives now.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
My next book is centered on the 1921 assassination of the first elected president of the post-WW I newly formed Poland, the man who did it, and the Polish diplomat working as a double agent for the Russians that groomed the assassin into carrying it out. The book will be telling the story of the double agent, exploring his life and motivations through the lenses of societal shifts, family drama, political ambitions, conspiracy theories, and a missing Fabergé egg. It will be another sweeping saga, spanning the century 1850 – 1950. I am targeting late 2027 for that release.
I am also working on a graphic novel adaptation of my first book, The Road to Moresco. I hope to have that available in 2026.
Author Links: GoodReads | X | Website
Nothing and Blank Save the World and Other Tiny Works
Ada Chukwuocha’s Nothing and Blank Save the World and Other Tiny Works is a sprawling, emotional mosaic of poetry and short stories that blend cosmic wonder with the intimate rhythms of everyday life. Across its pages, the collection swings from metaphysical creation myths to the quiet heartbreak of letters left unanswered. The title story, an allegory about two beings who create the world out of light and darkness, sits at the book’s heart, surrounded by verses that explore loneliness, creativity, faith, and the fragile beauty of human experience. Every piece feels like a window into a vivid mind that refuses to separate science from spirit or imagination from truth.
I found myself smiling at the whimsy of “Begin with a Stack of Pancakes,” then sitting in silence after the ache of “I’m Trying to be Happy.” Chukwuocha’s writing has a rhythm that feels both spontaneous and deliberate, like a conversation you never want to end. She writes about the universe the way some people talk about family, familiar, loving, and tinged with awe. Her command of imagery is stunning. Stars, ink, oceans, and hearts all share the same stage, and somehow it works. There’s a purity in her storytelling that caught me off guard. I could feel her honesty. I could tell these weren’t just poems; they were parts of someone’s journey, stitched together with care.
What struck me most was her bravery. The short stories, especially “That Time I Went to Summer Camp” and “Letters to Veronica,” hit deeper than I expected. They touch the parts of life we’d rather avoid, loneliness, loss, regret, but never in a way that feels heavy-handed. She doesn’t write to impress; she writes to connect. I liked that. Her prose doesn’t hide behind fancy language or flowery metaphors. It’s raw, sincere, and often tender. Sometimes I found myself rereading lines just to feel their pulse again. The ideas she plays with, the limits of knowledge, and the beauty of the unknown were thought-provoking.
If you love writing that feels relatable, curious, and full of heart, this book is for you. It’s perfect for readers who like to think and feel at the same time. For dreamers who love both science and poetry. For anyone who’s ever looked at the night sky and wondered if someone, somewhere, is doing the same.
Pages: 236 | ASIN: B0FTF8HFWY
The Cursed Prince
The Cursed Prince is a steamy fantasy romance that follows Natalia Baptisia, a humble handmaiden who finds herself tangled in elven politics, dangerous magic, and forbidden love. What begins as a simple servant’s journey alongside a vain princess turns into a dark, passionate tale of curses, temptation, and destiny. The book blends sensuality, mystery, and fantasy into a story that feels alive and raw. It’s a world filled with beauty and danger, where every spell, kiss, and betrayal carries a heavy price.
From the first chapter, I was drawn to Natalia’s voice. She’s quick-witted, stubborn, and delightfully human. I liked how she wasn’t some perfect heroine chosen by fate, but instead a regular woman tossed into an extraordinary situation. Veronica Rose writes with a kind of reckless honesty. The dialogue feels natural, the emotions sharp, and the tension between Natalia and Prince Ryker hums with energy. The writing moves fast, and even when it slows for a moment of quiet or reflection, the air still feels thick with danger and longing. The way Rose describes Elwood and its haunting beauty is seductive. The book pulls you in, and you don’t really come up for air.
Some scenes are wildly intense, both emotionally and physically, and sometimes the romance teeters on chaos. I caught myself wanting Natalia to stop running toward danger for once. But maybe that’s what makes her feel so real. She makes mistakes. She feels deeply. She loves in a way that’s messy and reckless and painfully sincere. The prose itself has a rhythm to it, almost like music, one moment gentle, then suddenly wild and burning. It’s not a book that holds your hand. It drags you through its emotions and leaves you a little breathless at the end.
When I closed the book, I sat for a long time thinking about it. The Cursed Prince isn’t just about love or lust or curses. It’s about choice, and how love can break you even as it saves you. I’d recommend this to readers who love romantic fantasy that doesn’t play it safe. If you liked A Court of Thorns and Roses or From Blood and Ash, you’ll probably fall hard for this one. It’s dark, it’s passionate, and it’s not afraid to make you emotional.
Pages: 239 | ASIN: B0FTQZS2CW
Bonds of Love and Magic
Bonds of Love and Magic is a spellbinding blend of contemporary fantasy and slow-burn romance that drops an unsuspecting young woman into a world of hidden magic and dangerous power. When Mariah Dawson accidentally shatters her apartment, and half a city block, after a nightmare, she discovers that she’s a witch and is whisked away to the prestigious Blackwood University for Arcane Arts. There, she faces both the allure and peril of newfound power, mysterious professors, and magnetic classmates who blur the line between ally and threat. What begins as a story of survival becomes an exploration of self-discovery, trust, and love in a world ruled by secrets and magic.
Reading this book felt like stepping into a storm of emotion and wonder. The writing has a cinematic quality, fast-paced, visual, and loaded with vivid sensory detail. Author Veronica Rose captures that wide-eyed awe of entering a world that shouldn’t exist but somehow feels real. I loved how she didn’t rush the magic system. It unfolded naturally through Mariah’s confusion and awe, making me feel like I was discovering it too. The dialogue, snappy and often funny, keeps the tone grounded amid all the grandeur. Still, there were moments where the intensity tipped into melodrama. But somehow, that worked. It made the characters feel more relatable.
What stuck with me most was the emotional core. Mariah’s journey is messy, painful, and empowering all at once. Her relationships, with the guarded Dean Blackwood, the charming empath Elias, and the enigmatic Dante, are charged with tension and longing. Sometimes the romance scenes were full of heat and danger. Beneath the fantasy and flirtation is a story about control, learning when to hold power close and when to let others in. I found myself caring more about Mariah’s growth than the magical battles, which says a lot about Rose’s ability to build empathy through chaos.
Bonds of Love and Magic left me feeling both enchanted and wrung out. It’s for readers who crave emotion as much as adventure, who like their fantasy laced with passion and heartache. If you loved the fierce energy of A Discovery of Witches or the tangled relationships of The Atlas Six, this book will hit that sweet spot. It’s alive, vibrant, and full of heart. I’d recommend it to anyone who wants a story that makes magic feel dangerous and love feel real.
Pages: 275 | ASIN: B0FTQZR2F7
LITERARY TITAN 