Category: weekly self published book review

Book Reviews, Self-Publishing Book Review of the Week, Uncategorized, weekly self published book review

Saturday Book Review: “Beauty Makes a Stand”

Book reviews are a great way for self-publishing authors to gain exposure. After all, how can someone buy your book if he or she doesn’t know it exists? Paired with other elements of your book promotion strategy, requesting reviews is a great way to get people talking about what you’ve written.

When we read good reviews, we definitely like to share them. It gives the author a few (permanent) moments of fame and allows us to let the community know about a great book. Here’s this week’s book review, courtesy of Outskirts Press:

Beauty Makes a Stand

Beauty Makes a Stand

by Trinette Nash Thompson

Publisher: Outskirts Press

ISBN: 9781478747260

Synopsis:

The author Trinette Nash Thompson was inspired to write about Beauty because she is a young woman who faces struggles, and obstacles, and challenging situations on every turn because of the color of her skin. And it’s sad to say that in 2015, many people today are going through what Beauty has gone through. By writing about Beauty the author knows that the message of strong faith, in God, strength, perseverance, can bring about change just like it did in Beauty’s life. So as you read about Beauty understand her story and if you can bring about change in someone’s life by standing for what is right then make that stand. This author understands and can relate to the struggles of racism, because of the authors own struggles with being judge because of the color of her skin. This author knows firsthand the problems that it causes in families, on jobs, in school, in the world. So as you read Beauty’s story open up your heart and understand her life. The author feels that this book will be a help to many and give strength, and encouragement.

Critique:

Beauty is about a young woman in her twenties who is a very smart, educated college graduate with a master’s degree in engineering, who has to negotiate to find her place in the working world because of the color of her skin. Beauty not only stands up for her place in the working world, she stands her ground in relationships, and her family life. She knows that because of the color of her skin things will not always be easy, but she is willing to fight for what is hers. As you read about Beauty and the struggles she faced, be encouraged because she teaches that trials don’t last always. Sometimes in situations you have to make a stand no matter what, just like Beauty did. The world is full of people with different races, skin tones, different religions and backgrounds. This world is not built on any one color. That is the beauty of it. We are people from all kinds of backgrounds, nationalities, and skin colors, and we have to live together in society. So, Beauty makes her stand against racism and the unfairness of the world. Maybe you are encountering some type of injustice. Through prayer you can overcome.

[ reviewed on the Outskirts Press bookstore ]

beauty

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Book Reviews, Self-Publishing Book Review of the Week, Uncategorized, weekly self published book review

Saturday Book Review: “It’s Me, Achilles B: It’s Time to Say Hello”

Book reviews are a great way for self-publishing authors to gain exposure. After all, how can someone buy your book if he or she doesn’t know it exists? Paired with other elements of your book promotion strategy, requesting reviews is a great way to get people talking about what you’ve written.

When we read good reviews, we definitely like to share them. It gives the author a few (permanent) moments of fame and allows us to let the community know about a great book. Here’s this week’s book review, courtesy of the YAH GOTTA READ THIS:

It's Me, Achilles B: It's Time to Say Hello michelle a bravo

It’s Me, Achilles B: It’s Time to Say Hello

by Michelle A. Bravo

Publisher: Outskirts Press

ISBN: 9781478755258

Synopsis:

Achilles B Is New in Town, and Ready to Meet You! Achilles B is friendly, sweet, and up for just about any adventure. He’s here to delight and inspire kids as he navigates challenges such as making new friends and starting school. He also gives fun, positive examples of how to make healthy decisions and keep an upbeat, kind outlook on life. Achilles’ intelligence and charm endear him to everyone he meets in this charming story for readers of all ages.

Critique:

Follow Achilles B, the adorable puppy in It’s Me, Achilles B: It’s Time To Say Hello, the new children’s book by Michelle Bravo as he encourages positive behavior in a cute and loving manner.
Achilles B is friendly, sweet, and up for just about any adventure. This puppy will delight and inspire kids as he navigates challenges such as making new friends and starting school. In this first book, Achilles has moved to a new town and is nervous—yet in a short time he learns that people are similar and experience the same things, despite outward appearances. He discusses personal space and siblings and doing chores, as well as the little things that make a respectful and kind person.
He also gives fun, positive examples of how to make healthy decisions and keep an upbeat outlook on life. Achilles’ intelligence and charm endear him to everyone he meets in this charming story for readers of all ages.

[ reviewed on YAH GOTTA READ THIS ]

Here’s what some other reviewers are saying:

Many of us have dogs that are part of the family. We call them our “fur-babies” or the “grand-dogs.” And we’ve all seen (or heard stories about) dogs that are jealous when a human baby arrives on the scene and the dog is no longer the only little person in the house. But there are also those dogs who are incredibly close to their human siblings and treat the whole family as their pack.

Achilles B. definitely thinks of himself as an equal member of the family. He talks about his parents, and his friends (the kids), and the family pet (a cat named Coco). With the direct address style that young readers enjoy in books like Junie B. Jones, Achilles tells about his family’s move from Texas to Connecticut. He shares what his favorite activities are and how he helps with the family cat by chasing her around the house to make sure she gets enough exercise. He even enjoys having pancakes on snow days. (Who doesn’t love snow days?)

The friendly and positive tone of his explanation makes a move to a new home seem like an adventure rather than something scary. Achilles explains that his father got a new job, so he gets to meet new kids. He also finds out that kids are alike no matter where you live; they all enjoy having fun. His discussion of how the family chose their new cat and shared out the responsibilities for her care is a good introduction to talking about being good pet owners. Young readers will probably laugh when Achilles says that he volunteered to play with her, and they may even point out that he can’t feed her because he can’t open the cans of cat food.

Readers may want to write out stories from the viewpoint of their own pets. How do pets see their human family? What do they think of all the things that humans do, but pets don’t? With the popularity of the recent movie, “The Secret Lives of Pets,” there is plenty of inspiration. Others may want to write a story about a time they moved to a new home with their family.

Whether it leads to new stories and artwork being created, or simply creates an enjoyable reading experience, the book and Achilles will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy.

– Amazon Reviewer Suzanne R. Costner

Finally……yes, this wonderful book will help take each of us whether kids, parents, grandparents or simply friends through the adventures of life with the charming and insightful “Achilles” along to make comments and guide us.
You will find yourself asking: Is he a dog? Is he my child speaking? Is he an internal reflection of my own higher thoughts? And the answer to all of these questions is a resounding “Yes”!

Appreciating our own experiences and especially the most challenging ones through Achilles’ eyes will make you smile and nod in visceral agreement and perhaps occasionally bring a tear to your eye as well. With his gentle insights about growing up and relationships, you will be inspired to share his understandings with the children (and adults too) of your own personal world.

– Amazon Reviewer Amazon Customer

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Thanks for reading!  Keep up with the latest in the world of indie and self-published books by watching this space every Saturday!

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Book Reviews, Self-Publishing Book Review of the Week, Uncategorized, weekly self published book review

“The Anointed Prophetess” : A Saturday Self-Published Book Review

Book reviews are a great way for self-publishing authors to gain exposure. After all, how can someone buy your book if he or she doesn’t know it exists? Paired with other elements of your book promotion strategy, requesting reviews is a great way to get people talking about what you’ve written.

When we read good reviews, we definitely like to share them. It gives the author a few (permanent) moments of fame and allows us to let the community know about a great book. Here’s this week’s book review, courtesy of EverydayLifes.com:

the anointed prophetess by jorge carreras jr

The Anointed Prophetess

by Jorge Carreras, Jr.

Publisher: Outskirts Press

ISBN: 978-1478741183

Synopsis*:

Fans of The Harem Games, the long awaited sequel has arrived. The Anointed Prophetess begins where The Harem Games ended. The action, in all senses of the word, is far more intense. Not only does Alex have to deal with the affections of more brides, but the threat against his family is far greater. Now instead of amateurs with delusions of grandeur, he must face soldiers armed with high grade military gear and tactics, high level propaganda with the media in collusion, and a reluctant army of convicted criminals on his side. Unfortunately for his enemies, threatening his family is the quickest way to earn his wrath, and as we saw in the Games, his wrath can shake the heavens, literally. This is no game, this is war! Complicated plots, shadowy conspiracies, and brutal combat all precede the truth about the outbreak that nearly brought mankind to extinction, and the response of the survivors, and their descendants.

Critique:

I must admit I have been waiting for the sequel to The Harem Games. I really like the character of Alex and even though this book series has an eerie feel of another such popular book with a similar title I couldn’t help but get sucked in again. This second installment of the series did not disappoint. Filled with even more action and adventure with twists and turns.

I was really taken in by how each character had their own strength and weakness. But as a team they were a power not to be messed with. The characters are all very unique and individual. This book is a real page turner and it keeps a great flow of writing. though as I said it eerily resemble another book series it is an enjoyable read.

[ reviewed by Rebecca Bryant at EverydayLifes.com ]

Here’s what other reviewers are saying:

first of all l would like to say a big thank you to Jorge carreras Jr for sending me this book and giving me a chance to read it. l was sent this book in exchange for a honest review. l got sent this book by bostick communications who l want to say thank you to them as well. l am glad this book is on my book shelf. l would tell people that you should step outside your comfort zone with books because it is good to add more authors and genres to your reading portfolio even if you do not read books like this l normally do not read like this but l stepped outside my comfort zone with genres and authors l am so glad l did because l have read so many great books. l found this book real easy to get in to and l really enjoyed reading this book. l loved this nook and when l finished reading the story and l found out the author had kindly signed my book and l highly recommend this book to anybody and it was a really enjoyable read and book. l would to read more of this storyline and read more from this author.

– Amazon Reviewer donnabookreviews

I was a little confused at first when I started reading( as this is the sequel to The Harem Games) but I quickly caught on as the story continued foreword. I love how the Matriarchy broke their own rules, which lead to the winner fighting back. This would also be a good book to read allowed in classes to teach about the difference between script writing and paragraph writing.

– Goodreads Reviewer Ariel

* = courtesy of the book’s Amazon book page.

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Self-Publishing Book Review of the Week, Uncategorized, weekly self published book review

“The Journey Begins” : A Saturday Self-Published Book Review

Book reviews are a great way for self-publishing authors to gain exposure. After all, how can someone buy your book if he or she doesn’t know it exists? Paired with other elements of your book promotion strategy, requesting reviews is a great way to get people talking about what you’ve written.

When we read good reviews, we definitely like to share them. It gives the author a few (permanent) moments of fame and allows us to let the community know about a great book. Here’s this week’s book review, courtesy of Edge Induced Cohesion:

the journey begins: a walk of faith by lynn strong

The Journey Begins : A Walk of Faith

by Lynn M. Strong

Publisher: Outskirts Press

ISBN: 978-1478776932

Synopsis*:

Spiritually fed, spiritually led and poetically said. When Lynn Strong found himself forced into early retirement at age 58, he felt utterly lost. In desperation, he turned to God and prayed for answers-for guidance on this unplanned detour. That day, he surrendered his all and vowed to serve the Lord as never before. The Journey Begins: A Walk of Faith is a collection of poetry that reflects Lynn’s personal and spiritual journey. Inspired by the Spirit as God led him each day, the poems are simple and accessible, yet filled with raw emotion and a joyful celebration of faith.

Critique:

There are times where knowing something about the context of a book makes it more enjoyable to read.  This short book, about 90 pages in length, was written by the author when he was put on early retirement at the age of 58, and struggled with feeling old and unappreciated, and having a hard time finding good work again.  What he did was something remarkable, and wonderful, and that is writing this particular short book and sharing with the appreciative readers of this book his own reflects and thoughts and poetry.  As someone who has read many books from this publisher [1], this book definitely gets self-publishing right, and that is by providing something other people are going to want to read.  There are a lot of people who struggle with growing older and being forced into early retirement, and this book is short enough and well-written enough that it would be a comfort to many people and an encouragement for them to write about their own thoughts and feelings and to share their own struggles with the negativity involved in feeling like the purposes of life have been reduced by a lack of work.

After an introduction, that explains the genesis of the author’s writings, this book consists of more than 40 reflections with a particular format, given a title and with three verses or short passages from the Bible, a commentary of one to three paragraphs, and a short poem made up of quatrains with an ABCB rhyme scheme that sound like the metrical psalms popular in many English-speaking Protestant churches.  The titles generally give a fair picture of the contents:  Help Us Lord, Old Age, Power Monday, Our Walk / Your Way, Keep The Faith, In The Press, and Thoughts In Mind are some examples of the contents provided in these pages.  The contents are all very straightforward–this is not deeply symbolic and mysterious poetry but rather direct and often didactic poetry written in the first and second person.  As someone who has read more than my fair share of really bad poetry, it is nice from time to time to read poetry that has no pretensions and that manages to convey its point straightforwardly.  Those who read this book will not be in any mystery about what the author is talking about, and are likely to find some encouragement in the author’s words as well as the choice citations from scripture.

The title of this book gives the indication that there is likely to be more material from the author yet to come.  If, for example, this is the beginning of a journey, there may yet be more volumes of writing from the author, and that is likely to be enjoyable.  The author has been married to his high school sweetheart for 40 years and has also been involved in prison ministry, both of which are spoken of here in the book, and both of which likely can provide the author with insight for further books.  Perhaps having begun his writing with this particular volume, the success of these efforts will encourage the author to future books, which, if they are as good as this volume, will likely also be encouraging and pleasant to read.  The author strikes the reader as someone who was likely not encouraged to be a writer during his youth, and as a result the author appears not to have spent years practicing work.  It is noteworthy that it was a crisis of retirement that prompted the author to begin to write, and one can only hope that he found as much peace and enjoyment writing this book as others are likely to find reading it.  The world can always use more people who write honestly and well.

[ reviewed by Nathan Albright at Edge Induced Cohesion ]

Here’s what another reviewer is saying:

Yes it met all my expectation on a spiritual level, to be able to walk with Lynn through his spiritual journey. Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

– Amazon Reviewer Amazon Customer

* = courtesy of the book’s Amazon book page.

saturday self-published book review

Thanks for reading!  Keep up with the latest in the world of indie and self-published books by watching this space every Saturday!

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Self-Publishing Book Review of the Week, Uncategorized, weekly self published book review

“Discovering the It Factor within You: Developing Your Charismatic Personality” : A Saturday Self-Published Book Review

Book reviews are a great way for self-publishing authors to gain exposure. After all, how can someone buy your book if he or she doesn’t know it exists? Paired with other elements of your book promotion strategy, requesting reviews is a great way to get people talking about what you’ve written.

When we read good reviews, we definitely like to share them. It gives the author a few (permanent) moments of fame and allows us to let the community know about a great book. Here’s this week’s book review, courtesy of OnStage:

discovering the it factor leesa rowland

Discovering the It Factor Within You: Developing Your Charismatic Personality

by Leesa Rowland

Publisher: Outskirts Press

ISBN: 978-0578156293

Synopsis*:

Discovering the It Factor Within You : Why do some people light up a room instantly, while others shrink into the shadows? The answer is the “It factor.” The “It factor” is that inner, positive light that illuminates the darkness and dispels the negative. That vibrant sunshine of charisma resides within every individual soul – and it only waits to be revealed within you! Author Leesa Rowland shares her own compelling journey and helps readers reveal their own inner light to the world in Discovering the It Factor within You: Developing Your Charismatic Personality. The inspirational memoir should serve as a go-to guidebook for anyone starting a personal journey or striving to be the best they can possibly be. The book incorporates Rowland’s secret methods – from spirituality and religious views to auras and chakras to mantras and more – to help each reader build their charismatic personality, discover their own bright light and excel in life.

Critique:

Have you ever seen a Broadway performance, or seen an actor who just filled the stage with their presence? They light up the room with their inner glow and light within them.  They have something inside them that sets them apart and makes you pay attention. That is called charisma.

When I saw the title of this book; Discovering the It Factor within You: Developing Your Charismatic Personality, I knew it would be a great book for performers, designers, and other theatre hobbyists and professionals.  I was delighted when author and actress Leesa Rowland graciously provided a sample copy for review.

Rowland has a wonderful voice that shines through her writing. Her tips are gentle but firm, soft but straightforward. I found myself highlighting a great deal of the text, as I found much of the book to be very moving and a joy to read.

When I was in my first year of undergraduate school, a friend of mine and I were in both a world religions class along with our basic acting class. One day during a lecture, my classmate and I just couldn’t believe how much the religion class lined up with our acting class.  Our professors were saying almost the exact same things, just using slightly different vocabulary.  I was remembered of this serendipitous union while reading this book. Rowland writes lovingly of deeply spiritual feelings and a strong belief in God. It also includes wisdom from Eastern philosophy that adds to the development of charisma.

An artist sometimes needs a mentor, someone with experience, wisdom, and knowledge to help guide us along the way. Discovering the It Factor is a mentor in book form.  While this book could help people in many professions, I feel that it could be a very helpful tool in aiding performers to give a more authentic performance and avoid burnout.

I am hopeful that it can help other stage performers find their inner glow, and light up the room from within.

[ reviewed by Brittany Strelluf at On Stage ]

Here’s what other reviewers are saying:

While it’s probably true that some people are simply born with the “It Factor” right on the surface and have no pains in finding their charisma, I believe wholeheartedly that we all have it within us. We each have the God-given ability to be great and to influence others with our words and actions. This is an idea that is expressed so well in author Leesa Rowland’s new book “Discovering the It Factor within You”.

An incredibly insightful look at just what charisma is by taking a look at some of those people who we are pretty clear about having “it”, such as Oprah, Andy Warhol, and even Abraham Lincoln. Rowland spends time dissecting charisma, giving us a list of the qualities that constitute charisma and how they are tied to our personalities. Some of the key areas in her book deal with developing and enhancing charisma for those of us who are not those natural born charismatic giants. There are some solid ideas and action steps given for anyone interested in developing and nurturing charisma in their lives. Equally as important, I found the discussion on spirituality and knowing oneself to be indispensable. In truth, aren’t we more confident and “alive” when we are comfortable with our surroundings and who we are? I know I am.

I found this to be the most thorough, well-researched and well written book on the subject of charisma and the “it factor” that I have seen to date. It covers all of the bases and does so with ease. Rowland is an excellent writer and brings a personal touch to her work. I think it’s safe to say that she is a credible source as someone who has “It”.

– Amazon Reviewer TFLReader

One of my favourite things that I like to read is the occasional self-help book, not the type that try to get you looking from negative to positives but the type that help you discover an even more amazing side of you that you had hidden away, or that you didn’t even know had existed. Books like Leesa Rowland’s Discovering the IT Factor helps readers like yourself take one step closer and examine yourself carefully and with that positive energy and enthusiasm that you already have for life with your addictive and bubbly personality and turn it into something more fantastic – a ‘Charismatic” personality where others around you will find you their beacon point and they wont be able to help it but be happy and bask in your presence when they are near you. Each and everyone has a talent, whether you believe it to be a talent is up to you, but we all have one thing that we are amazing at and if you are lucky – you may have more than one. For me , my talents are Reading and Writing – they are my passions. One of my hobbies is self-discovery and reading about how we can better ourselves which is why Leesa Rowland’s book “Discovering the IT Factor” appealed to me. Leesa Rowland’s book, Discovering the IT Factor brings to light all the intricate details of how to access our personal uniqueness – the stuff that makes us who we are and the individual we all strive to be as no-one wants to be called a lemming , charisma, and ultimately own it! Every reader here will learn how to harness their authentic power and with that, become fearless and excel in life. This book can make all the difference-it’s not to be missed. Like most self-discovery books , Leesa’s book is not only inspirational but also motivational and scattered throughout the pages are anecdotes and stories from her experiences.

So readers, what are you waiting for – today is the day where you can Discover the IT factor within you and unlock that charismatic personality that you have been hiding away or didn’t know existed until now.

– Amazon Reviewer Paula L. Phillips

Book Tour Interview:

* = courtesy of the book’s Amazon book page.

saturday self-published book review

Thanks for reading!  Keep up with the latest in the world of indie and self-published books by watching this space every Saturday!

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