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Hidden Emotions
Oceans of Thoughts: An Inspirational Walk through the Inner Self, Life and History is a soul-stirring collection of poems and reflections that journey through loss, memory, identity, and spiritual awakening. What inspired you to write this particular collection of poems?
My work in poetry is written to resonate with those who read and those who hear about Oceans of Thoughts. My writing style in poetry is thought-provoking and is focused on my life experiences, to influence you to look within your inner self and experience some self-healing and inner peace.
In Oceans of Thoughts Book One, I wrote a beautiful poetry series about my experiences with the loss of my sister Yvonne and the emotions that loss had on my life. I dedicated Book One to Yvonne.
I also wrote in another section, about the dysfunctional effects of other family relationships and family discord. There are many differences and prejudices hanging over families. Oceans of Thoughts is written to touch lives, speak about social issues and current affairs, and to draw you to the effects those psychological trends have on mankind. Also, I expressed the grace of the selfless service in everyone to be able to give in unexpected circumstances. The desirable respect for seniors in ‘I AM SENIOR’ is another very impactful piece in Book One. There are also the lighthearted joys in poetry and Caribbean History that I share and are certain to enlighten the experience with Oceans of Thoughts.
I am inspired and guided by the limitless inspiration that directs my work in poetry. Oceans of Thoughts is inspired wholesomely by my life experiences and is directed to change lives and to touch the hidden emotions of its readers.
How did you decide on the themes that run throughout your poetry book?
Oceans of Thoughts is an inspirational poetry book series. I believe that the effects and emotions of the passing of my sister Yvonne propelled the direction and selection of the poems for Book One.
Did you write these poems with a specific audience in mind, or was it a more personal endeavor?
Oceans of Thoughts is written to influence a target audience in the age range of teens, young adults, adults, and seniors. The targeted audience can most certainly benefit from my work in this book series.
How has this poetry book changed you as a writer, or what did you learn about yourself through writing it?
Oceans of Thoughts Book One is the beginning of my published inspirational poetry book series and my life as a published author. Book One embarked on a journey of self-healing and motivation that influences people to look within the self. It is the beginning of many accomplishments achieved as an author globally.
One of the most important things that I learned about myself as the author of Oceans of Thoughts is that I must stay focused on the limitless inspirational gifts and talents to direct my path in poetry.
Author Links: GoodReads | Barnes & Noble | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | LinkedIn | YouTube | Spotify | Amazon
Anger Management Solutions for Parents
Agnes Blake’s Anger Management Solutions for Parents is a hands-on, compassionate guide aimed at helping parents understand and manage their emotional responses—especially anger—in the context of parenting. The book is structured around clear, practical strategies like mindfulness, emotional reflection, communication techniques, and stress-reducing exercises. It’s broken into chapters that walk the reader through identifying emotional triggers, setting up routines, and using real-life tools like the S.T.O.P. method or calm-down corners to de-escalate conflict and foster deeper family connection. Each section is packed with actionable tips, relatable examples, and interactive exercises that make it feel more like a parenting workshop than a textbook.
What stood out to me most was Blake’s tone. It’s gentle, relatable, and refreshingly nonjudgmental. She doesn’t talk down to the reader, and she doesn’t pretend to have all the answers. Instead, she writes as someone who’s been there, someone who has snapped at her kids and felt that crushing wave of guilt after. That honesty gave the book a level of emotional authenticity I wasn’t expecting. The writing itself is clean and straightforward, which makes even the more science-based parts (like the brain’s role in anger) feel digestible. Blake skillfully balances empathy with practicality, and the book never strays too far into theory or becomes too clinical.
I found that while many of the strategies were helpful, they were mostly designed for younger children and traditional family structures. That said, the core ideas—slowing down, naming your feelings, being kind to yourself—are universally valuable. I found myself using the breathing techniques in my own life, not just with kids, but in work stress, too.
I’d wholeheartedly recommend Anger Management Solutions for Parents to anyone feeling overwhelmed by the emotional rollercoaster of raising kids. New parents, especially those with toddlers or school-aged children, would get the most out of it. It’s also a solid read for co-parents looking to align their communication styles or build emotional awareness as a team. The tone is warm, the tools are realistic, and the overall message is reassuring.
Pages: 84 | ASIN : B0DMGQGS8K
Kundu: Prince of Riverton City
Kundu: The Prince of Riverton City is a powerful coming-of-age story set against the brutal, lively backdrop of Riverton City, Jamaica. Courtney Ffrench paints a vivid world where survival is a daily fight and childhood innocence is a fragile, flickering thing. We follow young Kundu, a pale-skinned, purple-eyed boy navigating a garbage-laden, violence-soaked community, all while trying to find his place, his people, and maybe a little hope. From the first scene at Shotta’s Ball, where gunshots and ghost stories blur together to desperate kite-flying sessions by the dump, the story pulls you into the grime, the beauty, and the heartache of a forgotten place.
Ffrench doesn’t sugarcoat a single thing. The author’s writing style is raw, sentences clipped, observations sharp. When Kundu, Lorraine, and Leon sneak past men firing AK-47s into the air, I could feel the gravel digging into my knees. It wasn’t just described; it grabbed me by the collar and shoved me down in the mud with them. That rough, close-to-the-ground style made the world feel dangerous, loud, and alive. The scene where they run from the ghost-like woman in white gave me goosebumps, not because it was supernatural, but because it was too real.
Then there’s Kundu himself. I loved him, and my heart broke for him. His albinism isolates him in a brutal society where being different is dangerous. The way kids casually call him “Ghost” and how even grown-ups view him with suspicion is gutting. There’s a scene later, when Lorraine sings “Hill and Gully Rider” while they search the Sandy Gully for their missing friend, and Kundu just trails behind, silent, it crushed me. Ffrench nails the quiet loneliness of being an outsider without ever turning Kundu into a sob story. He’s stubborn, he’s brave, he’s a kid trying to build a kite out of trash in a world falling apart.
Ffrench weaves in these small, bright stitches of humanity: the fierce loyalty between Kundu, Lorraine, and Leon; Madda Tee’s patient, practical love (especially when she stirs that cornmeal porridge while talking about missing kids like it’s just another part of the day); the slapstick panic of dodging Jomo the mad dog. There’s something magical in how people in Riverton City find ways to laugh, to dance, to live, even with death sitting next door. When Kundu and Lorraine find a dead baby hidden in a freezer, it’s brutal, but the fact that they care says so much about the scraps of decency they’re fighting to keep.
I loved this book. It’s rough and sometimes painful, but it’s also full of fight and beauty. Courtney Ffrench doesn’t waste words or pretend things are prettier than they are. Kundu: Prince of Riverton City would be a great read for anyone who loves coming-of-age stories that don’t flinch, or readers who want to see life through a lens they might never have dared to look through before. It’s perfect for people who aren’t afraid to get a little mud on their shoes and maybe a little blood on their hearts.
Pages: 243 | ASIN : B0DJHGWM6H
Life is Fragile
The Blank Journal is a heartfelt travel memoir that follows your journey together riding a tandem bike in all 50 states, and sharing your experiences of healing from deep grief, rediscovering joy, and making the most of the time you have left in life. Why was this an important book for you to write?
Because we understand life’s fragility, our goal in writing this book is to inspire and encourage others, especially those starting over after having experienced setbacks or loss.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
By being vulnerable, we shared emotions, hope, and the importance of resilience. We also shared the raw ups and downs of our lives while achieving this goal.
What was the most challenging part of writing your memoir and what was the most rewarding?
It was challenging to decide which stories to include in various chapters in an effort to keep the book inspirational and motivational, as opposed to being a purely historical record. The most rewarding aspect was being authentic while reminiscing and focusing on lessons learned about life, ourselves, and each other.
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your story?
Life is fragile and unpredictable. For readers who have gone through difficult circumstances, we hope the book will encourage them to stay engaged in life. For readers longing to pursue dreams and goals, we hope the book will ignite passion and persistence.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website
The Blank Journal: Biking in All 50 States and So Much More
The Blank Journal is a heartfelt travel memoir that follows Bob and Tammy Cranston, a remarried couple in their fifties, as they bike together through all 50 U.S. states—on a tandem bike, no less. But this book isn’t just about biking. It’s about healing from deep grief, rediscovering joy, and making the most of the time we have left. With each chapter, they unfold stories of adventure, misadventure, love, laughter, and the unexpected moments that stitched their lives back together after both lost their first spouses to cancer.
I really connected with the raw honesty in the opening chapter, “CHANGE,” where they describe their grief journey and how dance lessons became a surprising first step toward healing. I didn’t expect a memoir that starts with ballroom dancing to make me tear up, but there I was, feeling it all. There’s something deeply human about their story—two people learning to laugh again, stumbling through box steps, dealing with doubt and guilt, and ultimately choosing joy. It’s not written like a polished memoir with literary pretensions. It’s more like sitting across from two kind, chatty friends over coffee while they tell you their life story—complete with a few photos and some goofy mishaps.
That down-to-earth vibe continues throughout. I laughed out loud at their “Murphy’s Law” chapter, especially the part where they get locked out of their RV with their dog Zoey while being swarmed by mosquitoes in Arkansas. And don’t even get me started on the moose encounter in Alaska or the unexpected act of kindness from a stranger who helped guide them down a dangerous trail in Hawaii with just a flashlight and a whole lot of grace. The writing is simple but warm. Even their faith—woven throughout—is shared in a gentle, conversational way. No preaching, just quiet reflections on how their belief in God carried them through the valleys.
This isn’t just a book for cycling lovers, though fellow bikers will definitely enjoy the tales of scenic trails and the occasional tire mishap. This is for anyone who’s ever had to start over. Anyone navigating grief, or retirement, or just itching to pursue a dream later in life. It’s for the hopeful, the sentimental, and the road trip romantics. If you like stories that make you laugh, tear up a little, and want to hug your person tighter—or maybe get back on a bike again—this book’s for you.
Pages: 97 | ASIN : B0DC4PF97R
A Feeling of Community
Notes From Motherland: The Wild Adventures of Raising Humans is a heartfelt collection of essays capturing the rollercoaster that is motherhood. Why was this an important book for you to write?
It is easy to feel isolated and alone on the motherhood journey. This book is important because it gives voice to the wide variety of experiences people have as they approach motherhood and while on the path itself. I wanted a resource for people that spoke not only to the joy but to the myriad other feelings people have. Sadly, people often find it difficult to find places to express their more vulnerable feelings about such a common thing as being a mother. My hope is that this collection provides a place for people to get a look into the breadth of feeling and experience that accompanies motherhood, that they find a sisterhood, and they the feel less alone.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
That there is not just one “valid” experience of or approach to motherhood, that we are all different and bring different things to the journey and experience of motherhood. Again, my hope is that people find this to be a supportive, informative resource. It’s not a “how to” resource but one that hopefully engenders a feeling of community.
How did you decide what to include and leave out in your collection of essays?
We invited a variety of authors to share their experiences and reflections and it was their choice what to share. So we did not hand-pick the topics or experiences that were offered.
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your anthology?
I hope readers take away a sense of inclusion, support, and hope that they are not strange or bad or alone in their mothering or in their perhaps ambivalent feelings about the experience. Motherhood is SO complex. I think it is unreasonable to expect people to only feel joy and yet the cultural message that is often delivered is that there is something wrong with us if we have less than happy feelings about it.
Chris Chandler Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Sierra Melcher Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Through laughter and tears, these women reflect on the lessons learned, the bonds formed, and the growth experienced through motherhood. Each story is a testament to the strength, resilience, and love that defines the mother-child relationship.
Notes from Motherland is a celebration of the universal joys and challenges of motherhood, offering insight, support, and inspiration to mothers everywhere. Whether you’re a new mom, a seasoned parent, or simply curious about the complexities of motherhood, this anthology is sure to resonate with you. Join these women as they share their stories, reminding us all of the beauty and chaos that comes with raising humans.
Coauthors:
- Chris Chandler
- Jennifer Rhode
- Sandi Phinney
- Audra Romeo
- Sierra Lynn Riddle
- JoEllen Leigh Irizarry
- Jessica Stokes
- Erika Hull
- Brandee Melcher
- Ashley Wize
- Reah Hagues
- Rena McDonald
- Frances Trejo-lay
- Sierra Melcher
Divorce Is Not A Destination: A.A.C.T. In Joy!
In Divorce Is Not a Destination, Dr. Lisa Summerour presents a heartfelt exploration of divorce, drawing from her experiences and extensive work as a breakup and divorce coach. The book aims to transform the perception of divorce from a tragic end to a pivotal point of growth and self-discovery. Through personal anecdotes, practical exercises, and insightful reflections, Summerour encourages readers to embrace accountability, align their values, communicate effectively, and trust themselves as they navigate post-divorce life.
Dr. Summerour’s writing is both engaging and deeply personal. Her ability to share her vulnerabilities and triumphs makes the book relatable and inspiring. For example, her story of moving at the age of four due to her parents’ separation sets a poignant tone that many readers can empathize with. She doesn’t shy away from discussing the complexities of her multiple marriages and divorces, which adds a layer of authenticity to her guidance. The way she reframes these experiences, particularly through the concept of accountability, is empowering and refreshing.
One fantastic aspect of the book is the practical advice interwoven with personal stories. The chapters on creating alignment and clear communication were particularly impactful for me. Summerour’s emphasis on aligning one’s actions with personal values and her candid discussion on the importance of self-trust provide concrete steps for readers to follow.
The inclusion of cultural perspectives on marriage and divorce, such as the Mosuo’s walking marriage and Mauritanian divorce celebrations, offers a broader context that challenges traditional Western views. This enriches the reader’s understanding and fosters a more inclusive dialogue on what it means to be in a relationship and what it means to end one.
Divorce Is Not a Destination is a compelling read for anyone navigating the aftermath of a breakup or divorce. Dr. Summerour’s blend of personal narrative, cultural insights, and practical advice makes it a valuable resource. This book is particularly beneficial for those who feel stigmatized by their divorce or are struggling to rebuild their self-confidence.
Pages: 193 | ASIN : B0D226H11P
Little Ships: A Novel
Little Ships, by Sandra J. Scofield, offers a poignant exploration of grief, loss, and the delicate process of rediscovering joy in life. This novel is artfully composed, treating its characters with a tender yet determined touch that echoes Lynne Bryant’s The Mother Gene. Set in Oregon, the narrative centers on the Beckers and the Sunderssons, two families linked by the marriage of Nick Becker and Karin Sundersson. Nick, Karin, and their daughters, Juni and Tilde, form a close-knit unit. However, Karin’s sudden death uproots them to the Becker household—home to Nick’s parents, Eleanor and Walter, his sister Alison, and her daughter Fiona.
The story unfolds through their adjustments and accommodations, from reallocating space in the house to managing personal keepsakes like Karin’s jewelry and planning the girls’ weekends with their grandmother Helve. Eleanor, at 59, anticipates retirement but instead finds herself at the center of her family’s needs, embodying a quiet determination to nurture her granddaughters and support her son. Her efforts to reconcile with past resentments and cope with emerging family secrets add depth to her character and the family dynamics. Scofield’s narrative style combines clarity with evocative brevity, effectively painting vivid scenes and emotions without overwrought descriptions. The early chapters, laden with pathos, gradually transition to reveal the complex relationships within the family, offering insights into how everyday life can both challenge and heal those in mourning.
Little Ships stands out for its balanced portrayal of tragedy and the essential role of a supportive family network in fostering hope and resilience. This novel skillfully captures the myriad ways life’s everyday flow can both erode and soothe the sharp edges of grief.
Pages: 339 | ASIN : B0CT47B3K1
LITERARY TITAN 