Tag: book review

Book Reviews, Self-Publishing Book Review of the Week, Uncategorized

“How the Grandmas and Grandpas Saved Christmas” : 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 Sincerely Stacie:

How the grandmas and grandpas saved christmas gausselin

How the Grandmas and Grandpas Saved Christmas

by Richard J. Gausselin

Publisher: Outskirts Press

ISBN: 978-1477247716

Synopsis*:

What happens when the Elves come down with colds am week before Christmas? Santa Claus call on special helpers to work his magic! Can the grandpas and grandmas from around the world save Christmas? Join Santa and his friends on this incredible journey to find out.

Critique:

Santa runs a pretty tight ship in his toy factory. Every elf has a job to do and needs to work hard to get every single toy made by Christmas Eve. Santa believes that the toys are to be made with hands and hearts and not computers. Each toy is made with love for that special boy or girl.

On an unexpectedly sunny day, the elves take a break to play snowball which leads to disastrous repercussions for Santa’s toy factory. When Santa and his lead elf try to finish the toys, Santa realizes it just isn’t going to be possible. Then a bright idea leads him to call in the grandparents all over the world. Maybe they can all work together to save Christmas.

This is a really great story for Christmas and has a wonderful message about the importance of helping others as well as one about following the rules! Mrs. Claus and an elf warn the others about slacking off on the job. When the elves end up in a difficult situation, they realize that their choices can have consequences.

Even though this story has a younger message, it isn’t one your younger child will be able to read to themselves.  One page is full of text while the next page has the illustration. It would make for a great bedtime story that is read by a parent. The illustrations are bright and show the range of emotions in the characters. There are numerous details in each illustration that the child will enjoy pointing out.

This book would make a great addition to your Christmas library. It’s lesson is a good reminder for all of us.

Richard J. Gausselin’s books are inspired by his childhood Christmases of the 1940s and ’50s, when toys were “made with hands and hearts.” As a father of six and grandfather to thirteen, he has enjoyed reading ’TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS on Christmas Eve for over fifty years. He hopes adults and children will enjoy HOW THE GRANDMAS AND GRANDPAS SAVED CHRISTMAS (Books I, II, and III) and make them part of their holiday tradition. For more on his books, visit his website, HERE.

[ reviewed by Stacie at Sincerely Stacie ]

Here’s what other reviewers are saying:

Santa’s elves catch a cold a week before Christmas and can’t work on the toys! Joe, an elder elf, was listening to Santa talk about his grandfather when he came up with the perfect solution – Grandparents.

How the Grandmas and Grandpas Saved Christmas is an absolutely delightful Christmas tale. The story is beautifully written and illustrated. The story emphasizes love, friendship, family and does it brilliantly. It is a perfect book to read on Christmas Eve, or to break up into sections to read each day leading up to Christmas.

It also has very nice full-page illustrations. Some of them are very detailed, and younger children would have fun picking out toys and tools in the pictures. I highly recommend this thoughtfully written book. Reading this book with your children or grandchildren could be a fun yearly tradition.

– Amazon Reviewer tmtrvlr

The elves were making the toys and following Santa’s rule, which was “toys are always made with hands and heart.” When they suddenly became distracted they heard icicles melting which was usually something that occurred in the spring, but today they saw the sun shinning.

Ric looked outside and grabbed his glove and said lets play snowball.
It was easy for the other elves to stop making toys and go out and play snowball.
When Mrs. Claus heard the commotion she reminded them they had a job to finish and time was running out. She gave in and said if they went inside and put on the warm clothes they could play for one hour.

Ric told the other elves if we go inside now to get our warm clothes we won’t have time for us to play two innings, lets just play. So going against Mrs. Claus’s wishes that are what they did.

Suddenly the sun was gone and it was cold and windy and they tried to run back but were cold and wet. When inside they started making the toys when Mimi started to sneeze and then each of the other elves were also sneezing. When Santa came back with Mrs. Claus he was upset to see the elves behind and Mts. Claus said the elves cannot work as they are sick, they must go right to bed.

Santa thought he could handle the remaining list of toys but realized he would never complete the task alone so called Joe the eldest elf to help. They soon realized it was too much for them to do and they needed help and fast. Joe suggested “grandparents” and suddenly the word went out to all the different states that help was needed.

As if magically grandparents arrived from far and near and helped Santa complete the list just in time for Christmas Eve. Santa was going to make all the young children’s dreams come true thanks to the grandparents.

What a delightful and enjoyable read your children will love. Make sure to get one and include it in your child’s gifts this year.

– Amazon Reviewer Shelly Itkin

 

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

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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.

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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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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.

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

“Little Bits of Karma” : 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 Romance Writer and Lover of Books…Vikki Vaught:

little bits of karma by laura simmons

Little Bits of Karma

by Laura Simmons

Publisher: Outskirts Press

ISBN: 978-1478757160

Synopsis*:

Even though Holly O’Rourke is having problems with her longtime significant other, James, she has never considered cheating…that is, until the day she has a very interesting encounter with Charlie, a handsome coworker. Desperate to understand her increasingly conflicting emotions, Holly schedules an appointment for a reading with a psychic medium.

She learns a surprising deeper meaning to her present-day troubles: Her past lives are full of adultery and tragic consequences―and not just with James and Charlie. The threads of her soul have been interwoven for centuries with those of several people in her present life. And the cost of karmic justice has finally come due. Little Bits of Karma follows Holly across time and space, weaving little stories of romance into one sweeping soulful tale of two souls who’ve chased each other through the centuries, but always been torn apart. Until now.

Critique:

I was gifted an e-copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. When I read the book description I was intrigued and decided to accept this book for review. I have never read a book by Laure Simmons, and I didn’t know what to expect. The story if fascinating, and did enjoy Little Bits of Karma.

The immediate difference in this book is the age of characters. Most of them are middle-aged, but that did not detract from my reading pleasure. In fact, it made the book unique. I can honestly say it is the most unusual book I have ever read.

Holly O’Rourke is forty-five years old and has been through two bad marriages, and her current relationship is stagnant. James Macklin and Holly have been together for eleven years. The first nine were mutually fulfilling, but during the last two, they have grown apart. James is keeping secrets, and Holly can’t put her finger on what is wrong.

After running into Charlie Thomas, a co-worker, she starts to question her relationship with James even more that she had been. When she seeks out a psychic who may be able to give her some insight into her past lives and information regarding her future relationships. This starts Holly on a path of discovery. Through her dreams, she learns about her relationships with the men in her life, men who have followed from one life to the next.

Will her past give her the answers she is seeking, or only leave her with more questions. Is she supposed to be with James, or does her karma lead her to Charlie?

While I did find Little Bits of Karma intriguing, I did have a difficult time with some aspects of the story. First and foremost is the constant head hopping. While interest to have so many introspections from the main character, it kept me from truly becoming invested if Holly and James. That may have been a good thing because Holly’s relationship with James is very convoluted.

Another problem I had was when Holly regressed back to other lives as far back as Atlantis. I felt as if I was still reading a contemporary story because the language and attitudes were way too modern for the historical times of her regressions.

Nonetheless, I am glad I read Little Bits of Karma, and if you are looking for a story that will titillate your imagination and get you wondering whether reincarnation exists, then you will be fascinated by this unique book. Happy reading!

[ reviewed by Vicki Coker at Romance Writer and Lover of Books…Vikki Vaught ]

Here’s what other reviewers are saying:

If you are looking for a sweet-cute-cheesy read than this one can do. Little Bits of Karma started out really good, I like the whole thought about incarnation and our past lives. I’m not going to lie, I sometimes wonder if my past life transgressions are being paid in this life.

As I said this is a cute read about love, reincarnation, and bits of karma catching up with the characters from their previous lives. There are paranormal aspects in this story but don’t let that deter you if you are not into paranormal… it’s mostly regarding heroine Holly’s past lives, and how she does regression and explores all (or most) of her past lives.

The things that happens to the characters is in consequence to their behavior in their previous lives. They are all intertwined from a life time ago. Some of the regression were (in my opinion) more entertaining than the current events. There is romance and it was easy to follow, at times it was too much to soon but it makes sense when visiting past lives.

I found the whole scenario of what is happening and how the characters come together, a bit forced and just too coincidental to take it serious. There were plenty of instances that I just couldn’t hold in the eye-roll and chuckle at the cheesiness. Also, I had a hard time picturing the characters as mature 40+ 50-year-old adults with how they acted and thought. It was more like reading the thoughts of teens. Lol.

With all that said it was an ok read. Nothing dramatic. It was a so so in my opinion.

– Amazon Reviewer Love Words And Books/ Kathy

This book was really great. Once I picked it up I could not put it down.

It follows Holly a woman who believes in reincarnation. Her fascination and interest leads her to a psychic which leads her into looking into her past lives. It really is an interesting read.

I love books like this. I love learning about history and all of Holly’s lives were really cool to look back on. I have to say at first I thought I wouldn’t really like the book because Ive never thought much about Psychics and reincarnation. I am so glad I read this book though. It was deeply intriguing from page one. It was written very well. Based on the Prologue I thought it would be confusing, but it was a very smooth read. It was full of good, bad, and lots of romance.

Overall this was a great, hard to put down, read!…Stormi

.

– Amazon Reviewer Boundless Book Reviews

Book Trailer:

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

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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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