“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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“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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“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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“Wind Kissed” : 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 bookishjessp:

wind kissed by lynn ann migdal

Wind Kissed

by Dr. Lynn Ann Migdal

Publisher: Outskirts Press

ISBN: 978-1478753773

Synopsis*:

The Silver family is wealthy, but their money can’t fix the dysfunction that tears at eleven-year-old Rebecca, who endures her parents’ emotional battles and the physical and verbal abuse of her older sister. In response, Rebecca hunches over, tightening and over-contracting the muscles on the right side of her body. Over time, this has caused her spine to curve in unhealthy directions, creating pressure on her nervous system and wreaking havoc on her immune system. She also turns to the comfort of food. Rebecca’s life changes dramatically when she encounters the nature spirits of the sky, who help humans find peace and health. With their help, Rebecca learns how to heal herself from verbal, food, and techno abuse. She empowers her mind, body, spirit, and nervous system with healthy foods, thoughts, breaths, and postures, and she becomes healthier and happier-allowing her to take on her mission: saving the children and the planet. Wind Kissed is an entertaining and educational fantasy novel that will empower young readers to look up at life, look up from technology, and make healthy, peaceful choices.

Critique:

Wind Kissed by Dr. Lynn Ann Migdal, isn’t the kind of book that I would pick up, but since I had the opportunity to receive a free copy of it and review it, I decided to give it a shot. I was actually quite surprised by how much I liked it. Wind Kissed is juvenile fiction, that is trying to spread the message of a healthier and happier life. Now, I do personally believe that Migdal tried to push some of her messages a little bit too much onto the children who read Wind Kissed. I personally feel that she shouldn’t be pushing the ideas of children changing their diets, and if she wanted to get that message across, she should be writing for the parents. Honestly, I think that was my biggest issue with the book.

Overall, Migdal did a great job with spreading the message of a healthier and happier life. I feel that children who read Wind Kissed will definitely take something from the story, whether it is to remember to stay positive, improve their posture, or trying their best to make other people feel better about themselves. I could see Elementary School teachers having a copy of this book in their classrooms and reading it to their classes, and the students enjoying it.

Migdal did a great job with taking the realistic aspects of everyday life, and mixing it with this magical world up in the sky that she had created. By using both of these aspects in Wind Kissed she is able to grab the attention of the readers, and keep it for the whole story. Kids, will love it, but as someone who is 23 years old I at times did find it a bit silly as it seemed a bit over the top.

I am giving Wind Kissed by Dr. Lynn Migdal 3/5 stars.

reviewed by Houston-based blogger Jesse at bookishjessp ]

Here’s what other reviewers are saying:

This is a very different book in a way, but yet quite amazing. We meet the Silver family who are very well off as far as money goes, but broken as far as relationships go. Our main character is eleven year old Rebecca who has lived in abuse both physical and verbal from her older sister. She does not fight back but cowers in the corner both in mind and body. Because of this she has serious physical issues. Who will help her.
This is where the story goes into the supernatural as you travel with Rebecca as she meets the nature spirits of the sky. Ones that help humans to find health and peace. Rebecca learns how to change her mind, body, spirit and even her nervous system and literally change her life and change her family.

To me this was a amazing book because our author used the supernatural, something that brings interest, to show how even a child can change her life and the life of her family. Children will learn and I feel listen to what Rebecca went though and her journey to victory. I believe they will realize they too can come out from under the bad circumstances they are in. Adults can also learn a lot from this read I know I did. Very well done. I think this is a great book for parents to share with their children.

– Amazon Reviewer Shirley Priscilla Johnson

Wind Kissed is about a girl named Rebecca who is rich but poor in the sense that her family doesn’t care for her. As her family takes everything out on Rebecca, it causes her to be hunch over and not worthy of anyone until one day when the nature spirits of the sky start speaking with her. With their help, Rebecca learns to stand up taller and speak out and discover herself and with a little help, her family and friends start being there for her. It ends on a high note that I wish would truly happen in real life!

I found this book to be great in the sense that it teaches kids to love themselves and stand up to all that abuses them. With a strong message of saving the planet before it’s too late, if we just love each other rather than hate, great things will happen!

Thank You to Dr. Lynn Ann Migdal for writing a good story that teaches kids to love themselves before anything else!

– Amazon Reviewer Country Girl Bookaholic

Book Trailer:

* = courtesy of Goodreads reviewer Sally Kruger.


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“Skinny Little Tree” : 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 Between the Pages:

skinny little tree by jayme martin

Skinny Little Tree

by Jayme Martin

Publisher: Outskirts Press

ISBN: 978-1478708131

Synopsis*:

Author Jayme Martin has created a pretty picture book describing the seasons through the eyes of a skinny little tree. Through questions asked by a curious little boy, skinny little tree shares answers that highlight the passing of the seasons. There is the happiness of summer, the fading of fall, the loss during winter, and finally renewal as spring returns.

Colorful drawings correspond with the text to illustrate the tree’s answers. Martin adds a unique touch by including occasional blank pages offering the reader a chance to try his/her own hand drawing things referenced in the story such as a blue bird, little leaves, and the moon.

The simple story and friendly image of the skinny little tree make reading and sharing Martin’s book a pleasure. Young children can look back at their own additions created in response to the drawing prompts and perhaps imagine further images as the seasons change.

Critique:

I really enjoyed this interactive children’s book. First I want to comment on how special it is that this book allows children to draw on some of the pages, this helps to keep them intrigued. The story was short and simple which is perfect when reading it with young children. I enjoy sharing this book with my daughters because the author takes something familiar to children and creates a simple story which is essential in keeping their interest. My favorite part was the illustrations. I felt as though the artist did a great job conveying the emotions the tree was feeling in the story. This is a great addition to any young child’s library.

reviewed by Lynda Coker at Between the Pages ]

Here’s what other reviewers are saying:

At twenty-eight unnumbered pages, this letter-sized paperback is targeted toward preschool aged children and beginner readers, especially those who enjoy interacting with books by drawing as they follow along with the story line. With no profanity or scary scenes except perhaps a few dark-looking trees at night, it is an ideal book to read and use right before nap time or bed time. Artist Clark Andrews Jr. uses full page, colorful illustrations with enough engaging details to keep readers interested.

After fill-the-blank ownership and acknowledgement pages, this imaginative tome is about a little boy who speaks to a tall, green tree that looks happy and contented on the front cover. The boy asks the tree lots of questions such as why it is smiling at him, why is it weeping or worried, why does it dance with glee at night, and why is it smiling again. Promoted as a book discussing all the seasons of life, it is more about emotions like being happy, sad, worried, or cheerful.

With each question the boy asks, the tree responds with reasons such as being tickled by wiggly worms, having a friendly blue bird fly away, shedding little leaves who would rather play with the ground, listening to the moon sing, or having all its friends back, surrounding it.

Also with each answer there is a blank page to have the reader create and draw his or her own wiggle worm, blue bird, leaves, moon, smile, and even a skinny little tree. By engaging readers through artistic interaction, they learn not only how to imagine and draw their own designs, they are educated about a few emotions, what insects and animals are near trees, and that trees shed their leaves.

Although the book is very short in length and there are only six drawing applications for readers, the concept of interacting with the story is helpful and fun. Due to the word repetition, beginner readers can focus on specific word groups and learn new, more complicated words and their meanings.

– Amazon Reviewer Conny

Learning that all seasons of life are worth living is the focus of author Jayme Martin’s delightful tale, SKINNY LITTLE TREE.

A youngster finds a skinny little tree smiling and ask why. It says Wiggly Worms are tickling its toes. Then the tree cries because its friend the Blue Bird leaves.

Next the tree becomes worried when its leaves begin to fall. But then the tree dances with glee under the moon. Finally the tree is happy again when all things return.

With each new find, Martin has left a page for readers to draw what the tree is discussing. This enables the reader to participate in the story in their own way. This enchanting story follows the seasons of the tree with great detail and insight. Martin has a delightful way of showing how life changes giving parents and children a fun way to talk about it.

The beautiful illustrations by Clark Andrews Jr. enhance the fun story. The vivid drawings will capture readers attention as they follow the tree’s story.

Youngsters will learn as they enjoy this entertaining story. It’s a fun read for all ages.

– Amazon Reviewer Mason Canyon

Book Trailer:

* = courtesy of Goodreads reviewer Sally Kruger.


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