Welcome to my Book Review Blog. My goal is to connect readers with the wonderful and amazing books I am blessed to reveiw. And to introduce you to the talented and wonderful authors responsible for writing these books. May my love for books show through my reviews on this site.
Balloons for Tiger is a book I wish I’d had when my son was younger. This is a beautiful book inside and out to help children cope with losing a beloved pet. Lori Orlinsky does a fabulous job of writing this book in a way children will understand and she also helps each child to understand what happens to their pets. I love the way she uses the balloons to flow to the other side of the rainbow bridge as they met many on the way. I like that this helps with grief, not only with children but adults as well.
And I have to mention illustrator Vanessa Alexandre and the amazing illustrations she has created for this precious book. The bright vibrant colors and adorable characters inside the pages of this book as well as on the cover are just what every child needs to pick this book every time. I love how the beautiful creations fit perfectly with the story on each page, bringing it to life. Excellent writing as well as Excellent illustrations make this book fabulous!
Balloons for Tiger is a Five Star for me and I highly recommend this book to every household with children that have pets. Keep this sweet book on hand because sooner or later you will need it. This is an incredibly lovely book inside and out.
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Interview with Author Lori Orlinsky
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Where do you get your inspiration for stories?
The inspiration for my stories comes from real-life experiences with my family. I’ve always dreamed of writing a children’s book, but until I had a family, I never had something inspire me enough to use it as a topic. When my daughter Hayley was 3 years old, her preschool class hung up a growth chart and she realized she was the shortest kid in class. She was teased about her height, and I was unable to find any books about the topic to make her feel better. That’s when I wrote my first book, “Being Small (Isn’t So Bad After All).” That book gave me the confidence to write more and more books. My second book “The Tooth Fairy’s Tummy Ache” is a lesson-based book about telling the truth — something I wanted to showcase the importance of to my kids. And finally, the inspiration for “Balloons for Tiger” came after we lost our 18-year-old cat, Tiger. We did a balloon release for her, and I found my kids asking me where the balloons went before they reached Tiger. I thought it was an imaginative and positive way to talk about the loss of a pet.
How did you do research for your book?
Crowdsourcing! I am a member of many author networking groups. After making a list of all the things that fly, I asked others for their suggestions. I ended up with so many ideas that they did not all fit into this book!
Do you have another profession besides writing? I co-own a publicity firm, Foreword Publicity, which does book marketing and publicity for authors. My partner and fellow-author Alysson Bourque and I work with authors of just about every genre. I absolutely love this side hustle-turned full-time gig because it allows me to combine my passions for marketing (I was previously a Marketing Director), storytelling and books.
In today’s tech savvy world, most writers use a computer or laptop. Have you ever written parts of your book on paper? I am famous for writing on Post-it notes. I always have a roll of them in my purse, and when the mood strikes, I jot down ideas or stanzas to a book.
Name a quirky thing you like to do. I am a HUGE fan of the show “Friends.” I’ve seen every episode at least 20 times. My favorite character is Ross. Fun fact: I met him in Chicago and made sure to tell him that we are related, since my maiden name is Geller. My top Ross moment is when he sat naked with Ugly Naked Guy so he could get his apartment.
Meet the Author:
Lori Orlinsky is a multi-award-winning children’s book
author who lives in Chicago. She was inspired to tell this story after
her family experienced the loss of their beloved eighteen-year-old cat,
Tiger. Unable to find books about pet loss to help her young kids cope
with their grief, Lori wrote Balloons for Tiger. She hopes this book will help others, too.
This gripping new thriller from New York Times bestselling author Terri Blackstock will leave you on the edge of your seat.
A devastating explosion.
Three best friends are at the venue just to hear their favorite band . . . but only one of them makes it out alive.
A trunk full of planted evidence.
When police stop Dustin with a warrant to search his trunk, he knows it’s just a mistake. He’s former military and owns a security firm. But he’s horrified when they find explosives, and he can’t fathom how they got there.
An attorney who will risk it all for a friend.
Criminal attorney Jamie Powell was Dustin’s best friend growing up. They haven’t spoken since he left for basic training, but she’s the first one he thinks of when he’s arrested. Jamie knows she’s putting her career on the line by defending an accused terrorist, but she’d neverA special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. abandon him. Someone is framing Dustin to take the fall for shocking acts of violence . . . but why?
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
When Dustin was pulled over and explosives were found in his car, he knew he was in trouble. Time to call his old friend he hadn’t talked to in years. Jamie was surprised to hear from Dustin but she was determined to get him put of trouble and see him through this ordeal that was caused by someone else and Dustin was getting the blame.
Wow! This is one book I plan to read again and very soon. I have loved Terri Blackstock for many years and have read most of her books. And I think Aftermath is the best of hers so far. With characters that feel they are popping right off the pages as they develop to their max as the story unfolds. Jamie and Dustin work endlessly to try and find the real killers from the explosion but it is a very intense job. Will they ever really find the answers? Blackstock writes an exceptionally awesome story for her readers, that kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time I was reading this one. Join Ms. Blackstock in the heart wrenching adventure that will stay with you for a long time.
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
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Praise for Aftermath:
“In Aftermath, Terri Blackstock plumbs the depth of human emotion in the face of devastating tragedy, grief, and loss. Yet, she still manages to give readers her trademark suspenseful story, sweet romance, and hope for the future. From gut wrenching scenes in a cancer patient’s hospital room to seeing the world through the eyes of a young woman with a debilitating mental health disorder, Blackstock pulls no punches about human frailties. Does the end justify the means? Romantic suspense lovers won’t want to miss Aftermath.” —Kelly Irvin, bestselling author
“Justice may be blind but that doesn’t keep it from facing mortal danger. In Aftermath, expert storyteller Terri Blackstock ratchets up the suspense in a novel that delivers on every level. Conflicts rage and loyalties are tested to the ultimate limit. Set aside plenty of time when you pick up this book—you’ll not to want to take a break.” —Robert Whitlow, bestselling author
Taylor Reid’s phone flashed as she snapped the selfie with her two friends, their heads touching and their backs to the stage. The shot from the third row, with the lead singer in the background and the three of them in the foreground, was perfect. No one would believe their seats were so close.
They turned around to face the band, dancing to the beat of the song they’d been listening to in the car on the way to Trudeau Hall.
Taylor quickly posted the pic, typing, “Ed Loran targets nonpoliticals for his rally with band Blue Fire. Worked on us!”
She put her phone on videotape and zoomed onto the stage.
“I don’t want it to end!” Desiree said in her ear.
“Me either!” Taylor yelled over the music.
“Maybe they’ll play again after his speech,” Mara shouted.
The song came to an end, and the crowd went crazy, begging for one more song before the band left the stage.
But an amplified voice filled the auditorium, cutting off the adulation. “Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the next president of the United States, Ed Loran!”
The crowd sounded less enthusiastic as the band left the stage and Ed Loran, the Libertarian celebrity magnet, made his entrance. Taylor kept cheering and clapping, letting her enthusiasm for the band segue to him.
It happened just as the candidate took the stage. The deafening sound, like some confusing combination of gunshot and lightning bolt, a blast that blacked out the lights and knocked her to the ground. Smoke mushroomed. Screams crescendoed—shrieks of terror, wailing pain, shocking anguish . . . then sudden, gentle silence, as if she were underwater. A loud ringing in her ears filled the void.
She peered under the seats, choking for breath as dimmer lights flickered through the smoke. Even from here, she could see the fallout of whatever had happened. Blood pooling on the ground, people hunkering down as she was, feet running . . . What was happening? An explosion? A crash? She looked around and couldn’t see her friends.
She clawed her way up and looked over the seat. Smoke and fire billowed from the stage into the crowd, and heat wafted over her like some living force invading the room. Muffled, muted sounds competed with the ringing.
Get out! Now! She dropped back down and crawled under two rows of seats until she came to someone limp on the floor. She felt herself scream but couldn’t hear her own voice. Scrambling to her feet, she went to her left to get to the aisle, but her foot slipped on something wet. She grabbed the seat next to her to steady herself, then launched into the frantic crowd in the aisle. The room seemed to spin, people whizzing by, people under her, people above her, people broken and ripped and still . . . She stepped and fell, crawled and ran, tripped and kicked her way to the bottlenecked doorway, then fought her way through it.
The ringing in her ears faded as she tumbled downstairs, almost falling into the lobby below. The sound of crying, coughing, wretching, and the roaring sound of pounding feet turned up as if some divine finger had fiddled with the volume.
She set her sights on the glass doors to the outside and pushed forward, moving through people and past the security stations they’d stopped at on the way in. She made it to the door and burst out into the sunlight.
Fresh, cool air hit her like freedom, but at first her lungs rejected it like some poison meant to stop her. At the bottom of the steps, on the sidewalk, she bent over and coughed until she could breathe.
After a moment, the crowd pushed her along toward the parking garage until she remembered that her car wasn’t there. She had parked on the street, blocks away. She forced her way out of the flow of people and ran a block south. Where was it?
She turned the corner. Her car was here, on this block. Near the Atlanta Trust Bank. Wasn’t it? Or was it the next block?
Sweat slicked her skin until she found her silver Accord. There!
She ran to it and pulled her keys out of her pocket, wishing she hadn’t lost the key fob. Her hands trembled as she stuck the key into the passenger side lock and got the door open. She slipped inside on the driver’s side, locked it behind her. Instinctively, she slid down, her head hidden as if someone were coming after her.
What just happened?
One minute they’d been taking selfies and videotaping the band, and the next they were on the floor . . .
Where were Mara and Desiree? She hadn’t even looked for them! Should she go back for them?
No, that would be insane. She could smell the smoke and fire from here. They would know to come to the car when they got out.
Call the police!
She tried to steady her hands as she swiped her phone on.
“911, what is your—”
“An explosion!” she cut in, her voice hoarse. “At the Ed Loran rally at Trudeau Hall!”
“Where are you now?” the woman asked in a voice that was robotically calm.
“I got out. There’s fire . . . People are still in there. Please send ambulances!”
“Ma’am, did you see what exploded?”
“No . . . the stage area, I think. I don’t know where my friends are. Please . . . hurry!”
“We’ve already dispatched the fire department and police, ma’am.”
She heard sirens from a few blocks away and cut off the call. She raised up, looking over the dashboard for the flashing lights. She couldn’t see any, but the sirens grew louder.
She knelt on the floorboard, her knees on her floormat and her elbows on her seat, and texted Desiree.
I’m at the car. Where are you?
No answer. She switched to a recent thread with Mara and texted again.
Got out. At car waiting. Where are you?
Nothing.
She dictated a group text to both of them.
Are you all right?
They were probably running or deaf, fighting their way out like she had. She tried calling them, but Mara’s phone rang to voicemail. When Desiree’s phone did the same, she yelled, “Call me! I’m waiting at the car and I’m scared. Where are you?” She was sobbing when she ended the call.
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Excerpt from Aftermath by Terri Blackstock. Copyright 2021 by Terri Blackstock. Reproduced with permission from Thomas Nelson. All rights reserved.
Author Bio:
Terri Blackstock has sold over seven million books worldwide and is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. She has had over twenty-five years of success as a novelist. She’s the author of If I Run, If I’m Found, and If I Live, as well as such series as Cape Refuge, Newpointe 911, Moonlighters, and the Restoration series.
This is a rafflecopter giveaway hosted by Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours for Terri Blackstock & Thomas Nelson. There will be ONE (1) winner of one (1) physical copy of Aftermath (US Addresses only). The giveaway begins on May 10, 2021 and ends on June 5, 2021. Void where prohibited.
This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Steven M. Cross will be awarding a $25 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.
Drifting brings light into the dark corners of mental health, bullying, and sexual assault.
Dean Knight has struggled against his personal demons for as long as he can remember. He thought he lost that struggle when he felt their knowing grip pull him deeper in the river, but he was saved. Saved for what? His memories are trapped within his mental illness. He hears his sister and father’s voices. The problem is, they’re dead, both killed in the same river that tried to claim Dean. As he struggles to remember, he discovers their voices aren’t pushing him to harm himself, but to discover the truth surrounding both their deaths. One person, Ella, has all the answers, but Dean can’t remember if she loved him or tried to kill him.
Roxanne “Rocky” Rivers struggles against her own demons, not voices, but a past trauma she can’t fully remember. She only knows everyone at school thinks she’s a slut and a head-case. A razor her only release for the pain. Rocky knows no one will believe a crazy girl who tries to kill herself.
Dean and Rocky find a connection. Can they find the strength and trust to help each other when neither can survive alone?
Read an Excerpt
The police won’t get here before he kills me. My mom stirs, reaches into her pocket, gets some keys. She reaches for the table she just tripped over.
So this is the way it’s going to end? My mom gets away while her insane boyfriend murders her insane son. Instead of fleeing though, she slips the key into one of the small drawers on the coffee table.
A crazy thought enters my head. She’s getting one of her bottles, and this has been an elaborate ruse so they can kill me and then celebrate. They’ll say I attacked him, and the police will believe it.
Danger to self and others.
She’ll get my money. He steps in front of me with his fists balled. This guy’s going to beat me to death while my mom drinks.
In the distance, sirens shriek. They won’t make it in time. I can imagine the red lights reflecting in pools of—
Blood spatters my face and foams from his mouth opened in a big O of surprise. He drops to his knees. Through the broken glass, I see cop cars flying up our road.
A gun drops from my mother’s hand.
I wonder if the bullet has gone through Paul into me, but I don’t feel any pain. He coughs again, blood gurgles from his mouth. He crumples to the floor.
The police burst through the door with guns raised just like on a cop show, only it couldn’t be any more real.
About the Author:
Steve Cross is an educator/freelance writer who lives in Poplar Bluff, MO. His credits include four young adult novels, two fantasy novels, and seven plays. He has optioned one script and sold another one. Plus, he’s finished as a quarterfinalist in Bluecat and in Fresh Voices screenwriting competition. He and his wife have one daughter and two grandchildren with whom they spend a lot of time. Cross loves Cardinals baseball, classic rock music, and character-driven movies. His favorite films are Dead Poets Society and Field of Dreams. Cross also likes to read, everything from Young Adult contemporary novels to screenplays, to horror and fantasy. At 62 and a cancer survivor, he believes his writing career is just now getting into full swing. His favorite type of screenplay to write is a psychological drama.
A few years ago, I knelt on my closet floor asking God what in the world I was supposed to do with my life. I have a history of saying yes to things that aren’t really mine to do and I was ready to just be fully me. As I was praying, I heard these three simple words in my spirit: be an artist.
What does it mean to be an artist? Here’s what I’ve landed on:
Being an artist is about making art, yes, but also more.
It is about seeing.
It’s slowing down, paying attention, taking a breath, and noticing.
It’s using our gifts and talents and passions to love and serve, each of us in our own creative way.
For me, it’s delighting in the little things, then capturing them through scratchy pencil sketches and pretty watercolor puddles or stringing together thoughtful words as an encouragement to others.
I love being an artist.
Beauty matters. It brings peace and joy to our souls and reminds us that we are loved and God is good.
May you find delight and encouragement here.
You can learn all about Emily and her products here. Be sure to read about her and her lovely story in the about section. Please write about the classes and products you received in your review. www.EmilyLex.com
MY THOUGHTS ON THESE WATERCOLOR PRODUCTS
I love these water color note books. It is truly a most beautiful package from Emily. The prints to paint are so beautiful yet simple. The way the pages and prints are set up, it is easily for a person that’s never painted before. Yet it can be for the person who is a professional artist. This is the main thing I love about this set. And the cards are beautiful as well. They can be easily painted as well after some practice. The cards can be used with the card holder to sit on your desk each day or you can give them out one by one to those you love. There are many ways to enjoy them. My set is going to my niece who is just into watercoloring so I will post later some of the pictures she has painted.
This box of products would be an amazing gift to those who are difficult to buy for. This is what I have in mind for later and for the holidays. I’d you enjoy the beauty of watercolors, I strongly encourage you to check out this product.
Megan McCormick doesn’t leave Atlanta looking for love. Far from it. She runs to the mountain town of Laurel Crest to flee from her past and a broken heart. When she’s knocked over by Lee Grainger, handsome veterinarian and lover of small-town living, Megan’s life takes an unexpected turn.
Tired of fast-paced city life, Lee is considering a permanent move to the mountains. His run-in with Megan has him believing he’s in Laurel Crest for more than a partnership in an animal hospital.
After a case of mistaken identity is cleared up, Megan and Lee strike up a friendship. Lee is everything Megan ever wanted—smart, loyal and dedicated to his faith. But Megan has experienced deep betrayal twice, and she’s reluctant to give romance another try.
Can Megan come to terms with the secret that haunts her, get past her distrust of men, and accept the love Lee offers or will her heart be broken again?
Lesa Henderson has been an avid reader since she first learned how to read and loves getting lost in the world the author creates. She’s been writing since the age of 10 and has since been published in many national magazines and is also a screenwriter. She lives in Florida with her husband Ken, their three children and a Schnauzer named Jackson.
More from Lesa
In Someone To Trust Megan McCormick (the heroine of the story) though very disciplined, loves icing-filled, chocolate chip cookies. I love the combination myself. Especially butter-cream icing. I’ll do an extra mile of running to have one.
She’s also a bit of a klutz and I drew some of her mishaps from my own unfortunate past episodes. I’m a bit more graceful now but definitely share some embarrassing incidents with Megan. I’m also a screenwriter, so I did my best to relay Megan’s clumsiness, in a way hopefully that reader could easily see in their mind.
I wanted to tell a story of someone who was very broken by her father’s betrayal of her mother when she was a little girl. Many of us have suffered father wounds that greatly impact us, even down the road in our lives.
As the story began forming in my mind, I wondered what would happen if Megan became the very thing she despised her father for? How would that impact her life? Naturally, it would compound her distrust of men, as well as bring on self-loathing.
Of course this brought up the issue of forgiveness. Not only the ability to forgive those who have hurt us but also the grace to forgive ourselves.
This is something Megan needs to learn. Although, she is beautiful and caring, her heart is cloaked in bitterness and she’s running from her past. And we all know, sometimes our past comes back to haunt us when we least expect it.
To celebrate her tour, Lesa is giving away the grand prize package of a digital copy of the book Someone To Trust, as well as a DVD of the Film Hope Has A Name!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
by Susan Polites and Gabrielle Scully Illustrated by Rex Patrick
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GENRE: Children’s
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BLURB:
Zebra is excited when he hears that he will be going out to the cafe with Gabrielle and Gran. But there is a lot that Zebra still has to learn about days out. Is a cafe anything like the circus in the picture book? Will he like the food there? Will there be playing?
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MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
Zebra was excited that gran was coming over to keep Gabrielle and Zebra. The restaurant she took them to didn’t work out, so they went to the park and had a picnic on the grass at the park. Then they played and played until time to go home.
This is a cute story and Zebra was the life of the party at times. If was fun having gran watch them for the day. I enjoyed these characters and following their fun day with gran. Rex Patrick does a very nice job creating the unique pictures to go along with the story, bringing the story to life. This is a great book for any child’s library and it would be fun to read to any elementary school class or daycare. I encourage you to check this book out.
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Excerpt One:
One day, Zebra heard Gabrielle’s Mama say, “Gran is coming to look after you today.” Zebra was excited; he liked it when Gran came over.
After breakfast the doorbell rang. Gabrielle opened the door and there was Gran, with a big smile on her face. Zebra thought she looked like the smiling circus clown in Gabrielle’s storybook – except without a tomato for a nose.
“Now, what shall we do today?” Gran said.
“Play!” said Gabrielle.
So they played with all of Gabrielle’s toys.
Even Zebra.
After a while Gran said, “I’m thirsty!”
“Me too!” said Gabrielle.
“Let’s go to the café.”
“Can Lucy and Rainbow and Zebra come too?” asked Gabrielle.
Gran wasn’t sure. Zebra did cause quite a lot of trouble sometimes.
“Oh please!” Gabrielle said.
“Zebra will promise to be good. Won’t you, Zebra?”
But Zebra was not listening.
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AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Susan Polites is a freelance story-writer, and her ten-year-old granddaughter Gabrielle Scully likes writing stories too. When they spend days together they often share in the adventures of Gabrielle’s toy-friends. During the pandemic lockdown in Melbourne they were unable to meet in person, so they decided to work together remotely and write down some of the toy-friends’ adventures. Gabrielle’s great-grandfather Rex Patrick, an architect and artist, had done a series of illustrations when he first heard about the adventures, and Gabrielle added some of her own drawings to make the story into an early-childhood picture book, and a family project.
Is that island speak for “pompous, arrogant jerk?”
When Carly Mulligan volunteered to make house calls on Elnora, she never imagined treating the richest cat on the islands. What other feline has his own wing in a mansion like the Belshaw Estate?
After a wrong turn in the mansion, Carly stumbles across a secret room—one filled with incredible paintings. Perhaps there’s something more to the man than she first thought.
Most people envy Jean-Luc Belshaw’s position. The heir to a lucrative business and family fortune, he should have everything he could dream of.
But Luc dreams of days past. Days when he traveled the world with his wife and painted the breathings of his soul disappeared with Angeline’s passing. Faith and inspiration gone, he wonders if returning to France to take his place in his father’s business is the right thing to do.
Carly has a few relational demons of her own, and she’s reluctant to trust him, but Luc’s paintings draw her in even as his story touches a long-empty place in her heart.
Only God can transform two broken pasts into a work of art.
The Elnora Monet continues the Elnora Island romances of the Independence Islands Series featuring five islands, six authors, and a boatload of happily-ever-afters. The Independence Islands Series: beach reads aren’t just for summer anymore
Rachel Skatvold is a Christian author and stay-at-home mom from the Midwest. She enjoys writing inspirational romance and encouraging blogs. Rachel completed her first series, the Riley Family Legacy Novellas in 2014 and is now working on the Hart Ranch Series, set in the Montana wilderness and the Ladies of Ardena Series, set in medieval times. She is also a contributing author in the Whispers in Wyoming and Brides of Pelican Rapids Series. Other than writing, some of her hobbies include singing, reading and camping in the great outdoors with her husband and two young sons. You can find more information about Rachel and her books on her website: http://www.rachelskatvold.com.
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I so much enjoyed another trip back to Elnora Island and this one is Elnora Monet, and I thoroughly enjoyed this one. When Carly’s sister ask her to make a house call, she never imagined who owned the cat that needed attention. Luc stayed to himself as much as possible so when he found the new vet snooping around in his house he wasn’t too happy about it. And this started a whole new journey for them both.
I loved Luc and Carly’s story, though they had a lot of flaws, a lot of their past that they needed to deal with. I think Rachel Skatvold does a great job of writing this story, it sure kept my attention and I loved the cats. They reminded me of my own cat with some of the weird things and yet sweet things they did. The characters developed well in the story. I really liked Luc’s personality about his wealth. And again Skatvold does an amazing job with the way she writes Luc’s wealth into the story. This was such a fun and light story to read, with the feel of the Island and the beach and all of the surroundings. I can’t wait for the next book in this series. If you are in the mood for a good clean and fun read, this is one you will enjoy. This one is Five Stars for me!
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
More from Rachel
Thank you for helping celebrate the release of The Elnora Monet by following this Celebration Tour hosted by Celebrate Lit. I hope you enjoy learning a little more about the characters and what inspired the story. Please follow the other stops on this tour and don’t forget to enter in the giveaway. Thank you!
It has been a wonderful experience working with the talented authors and editors in the Independence Islands Series. Each of these stories has a heartwarming message of faith and the characters always teach me something new. Ever since writing Kendall Mulligan’s story in Her Merriweather Hero, I’ve been excited to share her free-spirited younger sister’s story.
Carly had many struggles in the first book, questioning what purpose God had for her life. This time around, her feet are more grounded, but she still has some growing to do when it comes to faith. Carly has been a fun character to write about because of her witty extroverted personality and some of the humorous predicaments she ends up in…one of them including getting caught snooping around a billionaire’s mansion.
While not outspoken as Carly, I can relate to the character’s search for direction. Sometimes it is difficult learning to trust, especially during troubling times, but we can rely on God’s promises. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; don’t rely on your own intelligence. Know him in all your paths, and he will keep your ways straight.” This verse means so much to me because I know even when I can’t understand something, He is behind the scenes guiding me in the right direction. For Carly, it leads in a direction she never expects, but it is worth it in the end.
Certain parts of the story were inspired by my mom. If you have read Her Merriweather Hero, you know the Mulligan sisters are originally from New England, close to where my mom grew up. I love hearing about her memories of spending time at Nantasket Beach, drinking orange pop, and putting chips in her sandwich so they wouldn’t blow away. Even though I grew up in the Midwest, I still put chips in my own sandwich because of watching her do the same thing and her fridge is always stocked with orange pop to this day. Little bits of my mom’s childhood are weaved into this story, making it close to my heart.
I hope you have enjoyed learning a little more about characters and story behind The Elnora Monet. Now continue reading for a summary of the book and giveaway. Blessings!
Blaine Grayson returns to Three Sisters Island with a grand plan–to take Camp Kicking Moose to the next level. Her dream starts to unravel when she discovers Moose Manor’s kitchen has been badly remodeled by her sister, Cam, who doesn’t know how to cook. Added to that blow is the cold shoulder given by her best friend, Artie Lotosky, now a doctor to the unbridged Maine islands.
As old wounds are opened, Blaine starts to wonder if she made a mistake by coming home. Little by little, she must let go of one dream to discover a new one, opening her heart to a purpose and a future she had never imagined.
Award winning author Suzanne Woods Fisher writes for readers who have learned to expect the unexpected. With more than one million copies of her books sold worldwide, she is the bestselling author of more than 30 works, ranging from novels to non-fiction books to children’s books. Currently, she lives with her very big family in the East Bay.
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Blaine couldn’t wait to get back home to Three Sisters Island and start her career as chef and have a fine dining place for others to come eat. But when she returned she was shocked at what she found. The new kitchen was a chef’s horror because it was designed by Cam, who knows nothing about cooking. But a trip to the Lighthouse sparked an interest that took root.
I love this third book to this series. And I would give anything to live near the beach. Fisher create wonderful characters, though some of them got on my nerves. Especially Cam. She’s determined to have her way despite the fact that she has no real facts about the matter. I enjoyed getting to know all of the Grayson family more and it was a pleasant surprise to see grandpa Grayson appear. I like that old man. I’m not sure if there are more.books to this series but I would love to know more of what happens to Camp Kicking Moose and especially Blaine’s dreams. This is a great read and would make and even greater summer or beach read. This one gets 5 stars from me.
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
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More from Suzanne
10 Curious Facts about Lighthouses
People love lighthouses. There’s just something special about those sturdy sentinels with their beacons of light, patiently sweeping the water, their mournful and haunting wail of a foghorn. Longfollow’s poem, The Lighthouse, written in 1850, captured the allure so well:
And as the evening darkens, lo! how bright, Through the deep purple of the twilight air, Beams forth the sudden radiance of its light, With strange, unearthly splendor in the glare!
“Unearthly splendor.” Wow, doesn’t that hit the nail on the head? A lighthouse, to me, represents a spiritual truth: Someone’s watching out for us, looking out for the dangers ahead, and always glad to welcome us home.
Here are 10 facts about lighthouses that you might not know:
THE FIRST KNOWN LIGHTHOUSE was Egypt’s Pharos of Alexandria, Egypt, built in the third century B.C. The lighthouse was made from a fire on a platform to warn sailors of the port’s entrance. This lighthouse was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
THE OLDEST EXISTING LIGHTHOUSE IN THE WORLD is considered to be La Coruna in Spain that dates from ca. 20 B.C. A Roman lighthouse is located on the Cliffs of Dover in the UK that was constructed in 40 A.D.
THE UNITED STATES IS HOME to more lighthouses than any other country.
THE FIRST LIGHTHOUSE IN AMERICA was at Boston on Little Brewster Island (1716). The first keeper was George Worthylake who, sadly, was drowned, along with his wife and daughter, when returning to the island in 1718.
THE TALLEST LIGHTHOUSE is on Cape Hatteras, NC. Built in 1872, it reached 196 feet tall.
THE FIRST WEST COAST LIGHTHOUSE was built on Alcatraz Island in 1854.
DAYMARKS are the painted colors and patterns (diamonds, spirals and stripes) on lighthouse towers to distinguish them from each other.
LIGHTHOUSE KEEPING was one of the first U.S. government jobs available to women, as far back as the 19th century. Most obtained their position when their husband died or became incapacitated.
THE RANGE OF THE LIGHTHOUSE LIGHT produces a light seen 25 miles at sea.
ABOUT 700 LIGHTHOUSES are still in active use in the United States.
As I wrote the third book in the ‘Three Sisters island’ series, I just had to give that little charred lighthouse its day in the sun. It had patiently played a role in the first two books, waiting for its turn on center stage. Not only did its setting provide a very unexpected “WHAT? How did that happen?” conclusion to the series, it even stole the headline! The undisputed title: At Lighthouse Point.
Do you have a favorite lighthouse? If so, please add your picture in the comments below. Don’t forget to include its location.
Thanks for reading! Stay well, stay home, and read.
Book Title: Cerebral Palsy: ‘A Story’ Finding the Calm After the Storm Author: Ilana Estelle Category: Adult Non-Fiction, 288 pages Genre: memoir Publisher: RedDoor Press Release date: Feb 1, 2020 Content Rating: G.
Book Description:
Born the second of premature twins, Ilana knew she was different from a young age, but for all the wrong reasons. Part memoir, part motivational guide, this is Ilana’s open and honest journey, from an angry confused child, knowing something was wrong, but not knowing what, to the ‘real’ her – a courageous woman using her experiences and lessons to create inspiring messages about mental and physical health, positivity, resilience and change.
🕊AND NOW READ AN INTERESTING INTERVIEW FROMTHE AUTHOR
What makes your book different to other memoir/self-help books?
My book is unique as it is based on my life’s experiences around discovering I had a disability aged 46. It is written in a way so that any reader can relate to their own experiences, while it promotes positive messages without judgment or opinion.
What would you like your readers to take from your book?
I hope my readers will see that even though our life may be difficult, and that just because we start off in one place, we don’t have to stay where we are. Our lives are for us to change, and my experiences prove we can.
My overriding message in my writing is that when we are determined, strong and steadfast and we believe in ourselves, we can change certain elements of our lives. I would like all of my readers to take away this message of positivity.
In your experience would you say there is such a thing as ‘writer’s block’?
I have heard many people talk about writer’s block, but it’s never happened to me. Personally, I think writing is a gift, if you have the ability to write; writing should come easy, but I do think there may be times in our life when we deal with stress and stressful situations, and it is perhaps in those times that we may have writer’s block, which makes it understandably, difficult to get thoughts down ‘on paper’.
How long have you been writing for?
I first starting writing in May 2010 a few months after my cerebral palsy diagnosis so in May this year I will have been writing for 11 years. I initially started with my blog @thecpdiary and have since written this book and a number of articles for journals and magazines. I am also excited to say that my follow-on book is due to be published this summer, 2021.
What advice would you give to a new writer?
It is important for a writer to be open and honest about his or her experiences and to write from the heart with integrity and without compromise. Success in the writing and publishing world is enormously difficult to achieve, made worse by the current Covid-19 pandemic. So, my advice is measure success by personal achievement and above all else, persevere, because it’s easy to become disheartened and give up.
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Meet the Author:
“Living with cerebral palsy is enormously difficult. But what if you never knew you had it? This is the incredible story of Ilana Estelle. Born the second of premature twins, an hour apart, from a young age Ilana knew she was different, but for all the wrong reasons. A child of the 60s,
Ilana experienced first-hand the way that disability was, so often brushed under the carpet, not spoken about. Her constant physical and mental struggles made her feel isolated, alone, frustrated, and misunderstood… and it took 46 years for her to find out why. Part memoir, part motivational guide, Cerebral Palsy: a story ‘Finding the Calm After The Storm’ is Ilana’s open and honest journey from an angry, confused child, knowing something was wrong, not knowing what was wrong, what her disability was, or that there was a diagnosis, to the ‘real’ her – a courageous woman using her experiences and lessons to create inspiring messages about mental and physical health, positivity, resilience and change.”
Welcome to the Blog Tour for Hooked On You by Kathleen Fuller, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
ABOUT THE BOOK
Title: Hooked On You
Series: Maple Falls Romance #1
Author: Kathleen Fuller
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Release Date: May 11, 2021
Genre: Contemporary Romance (clean/sweet)
She never wanted to come back. He never wants to leave. The town of Maple Falls has plans for them both.
Riley McAllister is living the dream in New York City . . . if the dream means being a struggling mixed-media artist, part-time food delivery driver, and having a carefully curated social media to hide all of the above. She refuses to admit defeat and move back to small-town Maple Falls, but when her grandmother breaks her leg sliding into third base during a softball game (she was safe, by the way), Riley reluctantly agrees to go home and help the woman who raised her—while secretly hoping she can convince Mimi to sell her house and yarn shop and move in with a good friend. Then Riley can return to her new life in NYC, on her own and for good.
But Mimi has her own plans, which include setting Riley up with local baseball star Hayden Price, who returned to Maple Falls after an injury ended his major league career. Now he works at his father’s hardware store, coaches the church softball team, and worries about the declining town. It’s not the life he dreamed of having.
With a little meddling and a lot of kindness from the town, Hayden and Riley find themselves unexpectedly falling for each other as they discover the true meaning of home.
Welcome to Maple Falls, where everyone knows your name and your business.
I always enjoy a good hometown story and this is one of the best. And I love Kathleen Fuller books as well so I knew this one was going to be amazing, and it is. I enjoyed getting to know Riley and Hayden, as their lives kept merging together they wanted it to or not. Kathleen Fuller does a great job of creating her characters and making them feel like real people. As I continues reading the story, I kept feeling I was reading about friends and not characters in a book. Riley’s Mimi is probably my favorite character. I love her feisty attitude and the way she encouraged more of Reily and Hayden. And breaking her leg gives her more time and opportunity to get the two together. As the couple spend more time together their attraction for each other grows, but can they really be happy with their different lifestyles? Especially with Riley going back to the big city. I give this one Five Stars. And I forgot to mention the yarn shop. I love to crochet so I would love to go to this quaint little shop for a visit just to see what yarn she has. I strongly encourage you to pick up a copy of this book for yourself. You are sure to enjoy.
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
With over a million copies sold, USA Today Bestselling author Kathleen Fuller is the author of several bestselling novels, including the Hearts of Middlefield novels, the Middlefield Family novels, the Amish of Birch Creek series, and the Amish Letters series as well as a middle-grade Amish series, the Mysteries of Middlefield. Visit her online at KathleenFuller.com
(3) winners will receive a print copy of Hooked On You by Kathleen Fuller!
Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight May 17, 2021 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on May 24, 2021. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
Join us for this tour from May 10 to May 21, 2021!Book Details:
Book Title: The Adventures of Mollie & Ollie: Moving Day by Sally Beale Category: Children’s Fiction (Ages 3-7), 38 pages Genre: Children’s Picture Book Publisher: Mascot Books Release date: March, 2021 Book available in hardback Content Rating: G for everyone.
Book Description:
Every child experiences change in their life. Moving can be difficult, but in
this Mom’s Choice award-winning book, when eight-year-old Molly Day meets a new friend, a magical owl named Oliver Winston Howell III, her move to a new house in a new town becomes easier than she expected. Be on the lookout for Molly and Ollie’s next adventure!
I encourage you to read this interview with Sally Beale
Do you find it more challenging to write the first book in a series or to write the subsequent novels?
I think it is more challenging to write the first book in a series because a lot of time is spent on character development, not just for the first book, but thinking ahead to other books. I really got to know Molly and Ollie myself in the first book, and I was excited to introduce them to my readers. I see inspiration for stories all around me, so writing new books comes fairly easily. I have 4 more in various stages of completion now.
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I first considered myself a writer when Moving Day was released, and I was standing in my dining room holding a copy in my hands. I couldn’t get over the fact that I had created something that now others could enjoy. However, now that I’ve had time to think about it, I realize I became a writer as soon as I first started writing The Adventures of Molly & Ollie.
What does success mean to you?
Success for me was hearing for the first time that a child loved the book. Obviously, I want the book to be successful in the traditional sense of selling well, but my motivation was always to tell my stories and share the things I’ve learned over my long, adventurous life in a way that could encourage children and help them grow. As the first few reviews started coming in, while I was happy to be getting positive reviews, I was most excited by the ones that specifically mentioned the parts the children enjoyed. My absolute favorites are those with pictures of children with their eyes lit up. Seeing those smiles is what makes me feel successful.
What advice would you give to those who are interested in writing but have not yet taken the plunge.
Just start writing your stories! Everyone has something to share, but sometimes we try to wait until we think we’ve got it all figured out before we start. Well, I’m a gray-haired grandma, and I can tell you that we never get it all figured out, so just start anyway. Even when you’ve not sure where it will end, that’s fine, just start with the beginning. And once you start writing, that will fuel your confidence to write more.
Have you ever been on any sports teams? If so, what sport?
I was more of a band kid in high school, but later, as an adult, I was on a church soft ball team. They needed one more person to make up their team, so they talked me into playing. I did not actually play much…I was afraid of the ball! I mostly just stood out in the field and got out of the way when someone came running over. Needless to say, it was a very short-lived career. I did enjoy cheering the team on from the stands!
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
Molly was sad because today was moving day. She didn’t want to leave her home, their backyard, her friends, but she had no choice. She watches as the movers come and take all of their boxes, and soon it was time to leave. Arriving at her house, she meets Ollie the Owl who helps her understand and feel better about her move.
The Adventures of Molly and Ollie: Moving Day is a cute story for children who have to leave their friends and home and move to a different place. Kids will learn to love and get use to their new home and find friends. Cheryl Crouthamel does a fabulous job creating the illustrations for this book. All of the cute little animals and the characters are just adorable. Each page matches what is written there, and the beautiful pictures and colors make the story come to life. This is one you sure want to get for your child. It would be perfect for any school room or library. My rating for The Adventures of Mollie & Ollie: Moving Day by Sally Beale, is Five Stars! Love this sweet book.
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A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
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Photo by Adrienne Reich Photography
Meet the Author:
The Adventures of Molly & Ollie: Moving Day was inspired by Beale’s own experiences as a young child. Her father’s occupation required that her family move across the country every two years. Beale’s childhood was filled with adventures that captured her imagination in each new home. She continued her passion for adventure while raising her two daughters and working as a costume designer for local theaters. Now she is channeling her sense of fun and her youthful spirit into her children’s stories. Beale is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). The Adventures of Molly & Ollie: Moving Day, a Mom’s Choice Award winner, is the first book in the Molly & Ollie
All Patti Murray asked the Lord for was help in finding a God-fearing husband who would be a good provider for her and the family she hoped to raise. Oh, and if he were tall, dark, and handsome, that wouldnt be so bad either. Aside from this goal, she wanted to continue to grow her cake decorating business. This would give her the opportunity to exercise her unique creative talent and earn a little money on the side while being a full-time mommy. However, when one of her exquisite wedding cakes comes to the attention of a national celebrity, Patti is suddenly thrust into the exotic world of the rich and famous and a whole new chance for romance. Was this Gods plan all along?
Author Donielle Ingersolls Patti Cake: An Inspirational Romance, ventures into the world of this witty cake decorator as she has humorous encounters with a tall dark stranger. Enter her kitchen and watch as she creates her magical cake creations. Join her as she tries to fit into the dazzling world of the elite. Youll empathize with her as she struggles with intense, conflicting emotions as secrets from her deep, dark past come bubbling to the surface. And be with Patti as she makes the decision to marry for love or love and money.
Youll be able to create your own versions of Pattis delectable desserts because Patti Cake: An Inspirational Romance includes recipes. Enjoy them as you follow Patti on her journey to find love.
Donielle Ingersoll was gifted with a double portion of creativity and an active imagination. Located in the western portion of the United States, this author brings a unique view of God’s guidance in our lives to readers who love spiritual romance and adventure. Sometimes it is good to see life through the eyes of others.
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Giveaway
Donielle is giving away a $25 Gift Card!
Terms & Conditions:
By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
One winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive one $25 Gift Certificate to the e-retailer of your choice
First-grade teacher Joy Kelliher has two new students—twin boys who belong to her high school sweetheart. If teaching Nick Capello’s sons wasn’t difficult enough, the widower’s also her neighbor…and competing for the principal job she wants. Now with little matchmakers drawing Joy and Nick together, can they overcome a painful past to build the family Joy’s always wanted?
She holds a degree in Psychology from George Mason University and Paralegal Studies Certification from Duke University.
She shares her life with her real-life hero and number one supporter. Their relationship grew on the golf course, and now they have one in their backyard.
Jill believes in enjoying every moment of this journey because God has everything under control.
In A Mother for His Twins by Jill Weatherholt, Joy Kelliher was content at living in her community and working as a teacher at the school. She now has her application in for the Principal of the school, following her dad’s footsteps. But everything is up in the air now that her old boyfriend is back in town widowed with twin boys that she is teaching. To make it worse, Nick lives across the street from her, and he has an application in for the same principal job.
I enjoyed this mixed up story. Both Joy and Nick has secrets from their past and they are hurting, and both afraid to tell the other. I love these two characters. As well as the other characters that make up this story. They play their parts well and develop well as the story unfolds. The twins were adorable and so was Joy’s niece. The three little ones added a lot to the story. Parts of the story were more difficult to read because of the past, but the story ends up being a sweet loving romance. So, if this is your cup of tea when reading, you will love this one, which I give Five Stars.
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
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More from Jill
Back in 2019, when my editor sent me a cover mock-up for my third Love Inspired book A Mother for His Twins, I was thrilled to see the art department had used a picture of my hero’s twin boys, Jordan and Tyler Capello.
I had so much fun developing the characters of these two little rascals. Although they were twins, I wanted to make sure they each had their own unique personality.
Once I had Tyler’s character sketch completed, I went to work developing Jordan. Unlike his brother who is the outgoing one of the two, I wanted Jordan to be more quiet and shy than his twin. That’s when I decided to draw on my own experience as a child.
Like Jordan, I had a speech impediment when I was a child. I was unable to pronounce the letter R. Because of this, I was teased by my classmates. To make matters worse, once a week, my speech teacher would come and pull me from my classroom for my private session. I can still hear the giggles and murmuring that filled the room. Thankfully, with a lot of instruction and practice, I was able to overcome the impediment.
Life is full of obstacles. Looking back at what we’ve overcome gives us the confidence to keep pressing forward when we know God will never leave us.
Book Title: Gus’ Fortunate Misfortune by Susan Pepka
Category: Children’s Fiction (Ages 3-7), 62 pages
Genre: Children’s Book
Publisher: Full Cycle Publications
Release date: December 2018
Content Rating: G.
Book Description:
How do you turn a Very Bad Day into a Hopeful New Beginning? Gus, an ordinary mouse, must find a way to do just that. Following a series of unfortunate events, Gus finds himself trapped, separated from his family, and transported far from home. Alone and frightened, the young mouse must confront his deepest fears. Using his wits Gus solves problems and makes discoveries. Adapting to his new surroundings, Gus receives help from an unexpected friend. Each trial brings a new
lesson… but will Gus ultimately succeed? Will Gus find what he’s truly looking for? – Ages 3-7
The Top 10 ways to Help Develop Empathy for Others in Your Child
In my book, Gus’s Fortunate Misfortune, one of the main characters has empathy for another. Along with learning to tie shoes, eat with utensils, and not steal your sister’s teddy bear, is the development of interpersonal skills, such as empathy. Not sure if these are the top 10 ways to help children develop empathy, but this is what came to mind while out shoveling compost into our community garden beds this afternoon.
Children learn by example when very young and they don’t miss much. Your acts of kindness and compassion will go a long way in forming your child’s character.
If you have a family pet, show your child how to lovingly care for it. If no pet at home, then expose your child to animals and insects when you walk, visit friends, go to the zoo, at the park, etc. Let your child know that they feel fear and pain, do not often have protection or enough good food.
When insects get inside your home practice “catch and release” in order to spare a life! This can be done simply with a cup and post card (like junk mail). You will be teaching that all life has value, and this will help develop a mind of compassion.
When your child sees another child hurt (a skinned knee, bump or bruise, a broken bone) engage them in a conversation about how they think their friend feels. Encourage kind words and actions.
When your child is enjoying a snack or meal have a conversation about how many people it took so that they could have that juice box, apple, sandwich, etc. Help them to understand that all of those people made it possible to have that snack and express gratitude for their kindness and effort.
When your own child is experiencing pain or sickness, express to them that you feel their pain and wish you could make it all go away. All your loving words and cherishing touch will help them have a model for how to behave with others.
Keep open communication with your child. Try not to shy away from difficult situations or avoid answering questions, especially as your child gets older and is aware of bullying, homelessness, hunger, etc. Acknowledge that these conditions exist and have open conversations and really listen to what your child thinks.
Volunteer with charitable organizations and take your child with you if they are old enough. Let them help.
Set a good example for your child in everything that you say.
Set a good example for your child in everything that you do. Demonstrate empathy in daily life. Let your child be so familiar with it that it becomes a bedrock for their character.
Meet the Author:
A native of Detroit and currently living in Atlanta, Susan Pepka has enjoyed great diversity throughout her life. Mother of three and grandmother of four, Susan has experienced life as a preschool teacher, technologist in diagnostic imaging, co-owner of a successful wellness center, meditation teacher, and now a published author with the debut of
her first children’s book, Gus’ Fortunate Misfortune.
One of Susan’s greatest pleasures is reading wonderful stories that stir the imagination and nourish the spirit. Her passion is helping others find ways to healthier, happier, and more meaningful lives. Her wish is that all beings live together in harmony.
Book Title: Z is for Zebra: A Mosaic Menagerie by Judith Caseley
Category: Children’s Fiction (Ages 3-7), 53 pages
Genre: ABC Book
Publisher: Full Cycle Publications
Release date: May 2019
Content Rating: G.
Book Description:
NEW from beloved illustrator/author, Judith Caseley, Z is for Zebra is a delightful reading romp for the very young child.
With vibrant art and quirky rhymes, this sure-to-be-a favorite book uses a child’s innate love of animals to move the reader through the letters of the alphabet. Displaying gorgeous mosaics, rich with colors and details, the book presents the alphabet in an easily accessible and entertaining presentation. Perfect for teaching the child in your life about language and the animals we share the planet with. A delight for the mind and a visual feast for young book lovers and their parents, each page features an alphabet letter and a highly colorful animal mosaic along with quirky, funny memorable phrases.
Using glass tile, pebbles, and found materials instead of her usual paints and brushes, Caseley’s words and pictures celebrate the imagination of every child, weaving her magic for the youngest would-be zoologist. It appeals to a young child’s shorter attention span and innate love for animals and color. From jeweled starfish to bright butterflies, comic giraffes to venomous vipers this book is sure to be one your child will cherish.
The pictures in the book are made of mosaics! Did you do those yourself??? If so, how long did each of those take you???
Yes! I saw a restaurant whose walls were covered in mosaics, and said to my husband, I want to do that! He knew how to lay floors, so he cut me a board, gave me nippers, I ordered tile, and started. It took me over three years to do the 26 letters, and I did them from A to Z. The zebra was my last. I can see the improvement.
What was the hardest letter to create and write about and why?
I was very worried about the zebra! When I was in high school, the good artists could draw horses. I could not. And that’s the reason I didn’t do the zebra’s body! I knew it would look stiff and awkward. Not every artist can not do all things well…or at least, I can’t.
There are many books out there about the ABCs…What makes yours different?
So true! I had quite a few turned down….I wanted to do a Christmas ABC’s, and a Halloween one. Both were rejected. I was so happy when FullCycle said yes..as far as I know, it’s the only alphabet book done with mosaics.
Do you ever get writer’s block? What helps you overcome it?
Yes! It’s awful. Sometimes I can jumpstart the imagination by writing about something from my life. If I’m struggling a bit, I never finish a chapter…I finish it the next day, so that I can continue without interruption.
If you could go back in time, where would you go and why?
Every summer when I was little, my family went to Hunter, NY. I loved the creek, behind our house. My sisters and I would climb on the rocks, catch pollywogs and dragonflies, picnic in the sun. It was a blissful spot and time.
Meet the Author:
Judith Caseley has written and illustrated over forty books for children, including “Dear Annie” and “On the Town: A Community Adventure”. She fell in love with the mosaics that decorated a restaurant in Sea Cliff, New York, and in the unique style of her picture books, began making her own.
Book Title: My Pseudo College Experience (A memoir) by Jess Kimball Category: Adult Non-Fiction (18 +), 112 pages Genre: Memoir Publisher: Mascot Release date: May 2021 Content Rating: PG
Book Description:
While most other high schoolers were trying to navigate college applications, Jess Kimball was moving abroad, alone. Her decision to focus on running a business instead of going to college changed her life, especially when she decided to audit classes at Dartmouth College. What resulted was the social experience of college, without the debt and anxiety, or a pseudo-college experience. Is college really a necessity for everyone? Are the financial burdens and anxiety worth it? Are you “missing out” if you choose a trade school or other career path, and can you get the “full college experience” without actually attending? Jess did—and she did it Ivy League style.
Kimball’s work as a doula is a huge part of who she is. She works with families to find what works for them, being respectful of what they wish to do, while providing guidance and resources for each route they may be curious about taking. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, paddle-boarding, gardening, and being outdoors. She loves to travel and incorporates that into her work. She has worked with families in France and Hawaii and spends lots of her free time with her many animals and writing.
Five years in a New York state reformatory have left a blemish on Hazel’s real name. So when she takes a job as Doctor Gilbert Watts’s lady in attendance in 1898, she does so under an alias. In the presence of her quiet and pious employer, Hazel finds more than an income. She finds a friend and a hope that if she can set her tarnished past in order, she might have a future after all.
As Gilbert becomes accustomed to the pleasant chatter of his new dental assistant, he can’t help but sense something secretive about her. Perhaps there is more to this woman than meets the eye. Can the questions that loom between them ever be answered? Or will the deeds of days gone by forever rob the future of its possibilities?
Rachel Fordham pens a tender tale of a soft-spoken man, a hardened woman, and the friends that stand by them as they work toward a common purpose–to expunge the record of someone society deemed beyond saving–and perhaps find love along the way.
BOOK EXCERPT
A Lady in Attendance Excerpt 7
Words that would let her know that he would help her if she were ever in need.
He cleared his throat. “I’ll wrap them for you. But they will take time to heal. Do you have bandages at your home? Or should I send some with you?”
“I can manage.” Hazel reached to help him, and their hands brushed together. He pulled away, startled. She put a hand on his shoulder, and again his throat grew tight. “You were right. You are a man of action and not just words. I had heard that you were just a dentist, but that is not true. You are a good man and a friend.”
Mindful of the closeness they were sharing, his hands shook. The brush of her fingers, the touch of her skin in his hands, and her affirming words had an unfamiliar effect on him. One thing was certain—he was grateful he was not merely a dentist. When the last toe had a bandage securely around it, he took the bowl and rag and left her to put her shoes back on. Safely away from the room, he leaned his back against the wall and took several long breaths in a vain attempt to regain his composure.
A modern-day fairytale of rescue and hope from NYT bestselling author Rachel Hauck
Growing up in small town Hearts Bend, Tennessee, Gemma Stone had big dreams. So she headed to Hollywood to make her mark in the world.
But dreams have a way of becoming nightmares. When she returns home twelve years later, she’s limping through life and harboring a dark secret.
Running a rescue ranch and raising her friends’ orphaned daughter is her sole mission now. All the while she’s well aware these defenseless ones are also rescuing her.
HRH Crown Prince John has learned a royal title cannot shield him from heartbreak. He had the perfect life as heir to the revered House of Blue, the royal dynasty of Lauchtenland, and married the love of his life. Then tragedy changed everything. Is there any way to be saved from a life of grief?
When he finds himself in Hearts Bend on a mission for his mother, Queen Catherine, he catches up with a good friend–country music great Buck Mathews. He has no intention of joining the 4th of July fun until he’s cajoled into a three-legged race with the beautiful Gemma Stone.
The disastrous race leads to a quick friendship. They are easy and comfortable around one another because love is absolutely not an option.
John desperately wants to hold onto the memories of his wife while Gemma refuses to trust her heart to any man. Even a prince.
When trouble in Lauchtenland calls the prince home, he realizes how much Gemma has rescued him. Saved him and restored his hope for his role as future king.
For Gemma, falling in love with the prince must be quenched. If it weren’t for her past, she’d give him her heart in a second. How could she risk bringing her shame to the House of Blue and the world stage?
However, she’s not the only one who can rescue and heal the wound. If she saved Prince John, why can’t he save her? And when he tries, will she have the courage to say yes to the best role of her life?
“Another compelling royal story by the master of princely tales!” Susan May Warren, USA Today bestselling, RITA award-winning novelist
Rachel Hauck is an award winning, New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author.
She is a double RITA finalist, and a Christy and Carol Award Winner. Her book, Once Upon A Prince, first in the Royal Wedding Series, was filmed for an Original Hallmark movie. Three more of her titles are under film contract.
Rachel was awarded the prestigious Career Achievement Award for her body of original work by Romantic Times Book Reviews.
A retired member of the American Christian Fiction Writers Executive Board, she teaches workshops and leads worship at the annual conference. She is a past Mentor of The Year.
In the real world, she’s a wife, writer, worship leader and works out at the gym semi-enthusiastically.
A graduate of Ohio State University (Go Bucks!) with a degree in Journalism, she’s a former sorority girl and a devoted Ohio State football fan. Her bucket list is to stand on the sidelines with Ryan Day.
She lives in sunny central Florida with her husband and ornery cat.
Running a rescue range and raising her friends orphaned daughter, Gemma Stone still needs rescuing. Returning home after 12 years in Hollywood and a deep dark secret isn’t easy. Finding himself in Hearts Bend on a mission for his mother, Prince John also finds himself at the 4th of July fun in a three-legged race with Gemma Stone. Both of these characters are hurting from a very flawed back life. Are to too flawed to find something between them?
A sweet and fun Fairytale is always an interesting and enjoyable book to read and Rachel Hauck always makes it fun to read. I enjoyed getting to know Gemma and Prince John and enjoyed following their journey to finding help for healing. I like Gemma’s rescue horse rescue ranch. I’ve always thought it would be fun working around one of those places, and it’s wonderful the help the accomplish. All of the characters made it fun as they developed as the story unfolds. This is one you don’t want to miss. Rachel Hauck writes the most amazing books. And I give this one a solid Five Stars.
.A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
More from Rachel
One of the biggest challenges in a series is keeping the reader interested. Even more of a challenge is writing in a trope like royals.
I never set out to write a second royal series. With five stories in the Royal Wedding Series, I thought I’d explored the topic to my satisfactions.
Yet when readers asked for more, and when I found myself in a season to produce my own stories, another royal series seemed like the perfect fit.
But can I be honest? Really honest? Come close. I’ll tell you a secret. Closer…
Royals can be a bit boring. At least to write. You laugh but I’m serious.
What do we really know of their day to day lives? They attend national functions, patron charities, represent the nation on walkabouts around the world. They are ambassadors with no real political agenda. They champion causes.
But what exactly do they do with their days? What are the inner workings of palace life? What are the real expectations? Do they call the queen “her majesty” when talking among themselves? When talking to her? Are they as formal as it seems on television?
Yet royals are the most documented people in history. So there is a lot to glean from when I make up my worlds.
But at the end of it all, they key for me in writing royal characters is to make them real, everyday people. The prince is the kind of chap you want to chat with over tea. The heroine is the sort of girl you’d love to see become a princess. Maybe even see a bit of yourself in her.
In To Save A King, Crown Prince John is trying to emerge for a year of grief. Gemma Stone is desperate to escape her past.
Gemma’s story has some what of an edge to it. In her attempt to achieve her goals, she walked a path she never thought she’d walk when she was a girl growing up in Hearts Bend, Tennessee. And it proved her undoing.
While we may have never faced a past like Gemma’s, we can all relate to personal betrayal of our values from gossip to immorality. I hope Gemma’s story reminds us the nearness of love and forgiveness.
On a lighter side, I recently learned British society has moved away from chap and bloke, replacing it with the American term “guy.” Isn’t that funny. Louise Lee, my narrator, said it was funny to read those words in To Love A Prince since there were more her parents’ generation. Ah, the signs of a more global society.
Well, I didn’t care if they have gone out of style for young people. I used them anyway. I like them. Maybe we should adopt “chap” and “bloke” over here. What do you say, guys?
I hope you enjoy To Save A King, book two in the True Blue Royal series and find your heart cheering on broken, wounded characters to a happily ever after worthy of a prince and princess.
A country under attack and the story of one woman’s fight to protect England and her heart.
1941. The German war machine has crushed all of Europe-only England holds fast. To force a surrender, the German Luftwaffe bombs cities and villages the length of the country. As the battle rages, Britain is in desperate need to put more pilots in the air.
To free up more men a new unit is formed: The Ack Ack Girls. These special teams of courageous women will now fight in the anti-aircraft stations. Determined to be part of the effort, Ava Armstrong, volunteers for one of the special teams.
Her unit just happens to be located near an RAF airfield teaming with pilots. Sparks fly, and not just from artillery, When Ava crosses paths with Chris Fairfield, a handsome and cocky pilot stationed there. But nothing is easy in time of war, not even love.
I have read a lot if stories and history about WWII but I had never heard of the Ack Ack Girls, a Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS) group of women created to help in Time that men had more than they could do. I found the book very intriguing and enjoyed following these women on their journey. Chris Karlsen does an amazing job with researching and the awesome writing of this story. The characters were realistic and believable. There are quite a few twists and turns in the story that will keep you on the edge of your seat. If you love WWII or any war story you are sure to enjoy this one. I strongly encourage you to pick up a.copy of The Ack Ack Girl to read for yourself. There is always so much more to find than a review mentions so you need to check before you find more boards
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
About the Author
I was raised in Chicago. My father was a history professor, and my mother, a voracious reader who passed on a love of history and books to me along with a love of travel.
I am a retired police detective. After twenty-five years in law enforcement, I decided to pursue my dream of writing. I write a historical-time travel romance series called Knights in Time and a historical suspense called The Bloodstone Series.
Join us for this tour from April 26 to May 14, 2021!
Book Details:
Book Title: Pennies from Heaven Author: Koedi Nealy Category: Children’s Non-Fiction (Ages 3-7), 27 pages Genre: children’s picture book Publisher: Halo Publishing International Release date: Nov 29, 2020 Content Rating: G.
Book Description:
Based on the true-life events that led Koedi Nealy to start changing lives one penny at a time at the age of seven, “Pennies from Heaven” teaches children that they are never too young to do great things for God. Koedi’s journey culminated in forming a non-profit that currently serves the homeless population in Houston, Texas, helping the most overlooked and undervalued people in the community.
Q: PENNIES FROM HEAVEN is really your personal story. Why did you decide to put it into children’s book form?
A: I decided to write about my story in book format because when I was seven, I felt called to serve others, but no one really got on board to help me. I told my parents about my dream to help the homeless, but my parents just thought I was a cute little girl who wanted to change the world. They didn’t know I was serious about starting a ministry. And why would they? I mean I was seven! And that’s why I decided to put my story into a children’s book. I want to teach other kids that they aren’t too young to make a difference. I also think it’s important for adults to listen and nurture dreams that their kids come to them with. It’s important for our kids to feel like their voice is being heard.
Q: What ages do you believe this book reaches and what do you hope they learn from this book?
A:Pennies from Heaven is written as a children’s book, but I believe all ages can learn from it. I want to remind people that they are valuable to God and you’re never too young or too old to make a difference! I also want to share Jesus with the world and show people that anyone can be His hands and feet. Living in a big city my whole life, I noticed how the homeless were easily seen but not easily understood. I think as Christians we don’t always see how simple it is to be like Jesus. Jesus came to earth to love others and that’s what I was trying to illustrate in the book.
Q: If you could go back in time, where would you go? A:I would go back to when I was a little girl at my Grandma’s house (NiNi). She is in my childrens’ book! My grandma has been in heaven for 4 years and I miss her very much.
Q Favorite travel spot?
A: My favorite travel spot is Medicine Park, OK. I have visited there many times, so it feels comfortable and familiar. I feel close to God when I am there, and I love the mountains and streams and all the nature. I love visiting with the local people there too.
Q: If you were stuck on a deserted island, which 3 books would you want with you? A: The Bible because I can’t imagine my life without God’s Word. It doesn’t matter how many times I read it, I get a new message from the Lord. Pennies from Heaven because I would want this book so that I could be reminded of my purpose. My baby book because this would remind me of how loved I am by my family.
Meet the Author:
A native of Houston, Texas, Koedi Nealy is a senior at Cypress Christian School. She received her local minister’s license at the age of sixteen and is an active member of her school and community, holding leadership roles in various sports, drama, praise and worship groups, Thespian Society, and National Honor Society. She is the founder and president of Graced Ministry. She has not let dyslexia define or deter her as she advocates for others with learning differences through the NILD programing year.
She and her husband, together with their cat, Zulu, have now settled in Biarritz, France. A native of Houston, Texas, Koedi Nealy is a senior at Cypress Christian School. She received her local minister’s license at the age of sixteen and is an active member of her school and community, holding leadership roles in various sports, drama, praise and worship groups, Thespian Society, and National Honor Society. She is the founder and president of Graced Ministry. She has not let dyslexia define or deter her as she advocates for others with learning differences through the NILD program.Connect with the author: Website ~ Facebook ~ Instagram
A native of Houston, Texas, Koedi Nealy is a senior at Cypress Christian School. She received her local minister’s license at the age of sixteen and is an active member of her school and community, holding leadership roles in various sports, drama, praise and worship groups, Thespian Society, and National Honor Society. She is the founder and president of Graced Ministry. She has not let dyslexia define or deter her as she advocates for others with learning differences through the NILD program.
Book Title: Reflections on the Nature of Friendship Author: Daniel Cantor Yalowitz, Ed.D. Category: Adult Non-Fiction (18+), 336 pages Genre: Psychology, Self-Help Publisher: Booksmyth Release date: Feb 2021
Formats Available: print-softback, ebook Content Rating: G. No bad language, sex scenes, or anything objectionable
Book Description:
Reflections on the Nature of Friendship is a rich, nuanced journey that delves deeply into the fascinating and complex world of friendship. Psychologist and world-traveler Dr. Daniel Cantor Yalowitz takes readers on a carefully narrated tour into the heart of what human beings need and bring to their chosen relationships. Reflections examines what makes friendships work, thrive, and connect people with one another. Using quotes across place, time, and culture, this book includes salient and seminal chapters on Identity, Longing and Belonging, Boundaries, and more, including three case studies that explore primary friendships within the author’s life. Using examples from literature, poetry, film, and music,Dr. Yalowitz brings deeper understanding about building stronger, healthier, and sustainable friendships.
Daniel Cantor Yalowitz, Ed.D writes Reflections on the Nature of Friendship because there was so much going on in the world with the political situation and Coronavirus, the world needed a stable tool such as this book on friendship to look at the different types of friendships and really just what we could do to better ourselves and those around us. The questions he encourages readers to reflect on and answer that will help us dig deeper into what friendship is and its meaning. This is a book that would benefit everyone to read. Imagine if everyone read this book and followed just a fraction of what is included here, what would happen in the world? Grab a copy of this book and encourage everyone you know to do that same. And read it. It can change your life.
This book is a Five Stars for me.
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
An Interview with the Author
[1] Why did you write this book on friendship at this time?
AT FIRST, the blocking, researching, and writing of my book, Reflections on the Nature of Friendship began as an exercise to address the increasing political bifurcation and isolation
I observed that coincided so closely with the emergence of the 2020 political and presidential campaigns and elections. As groups and organizations, including the Braver (formerly, “Better”) Angels (which I co-chaired in my town for a full year in 2019-2020) searched for ways to bridge the ever-widening political divide, I felt that a book on the very nature of friendship could be and become a practical tool – and this was just on the cusp of what was then known as the “Novel Coronavirus”. Covid-19 was a dramatic step pushing all of humanity further
and further apart, with new ways of having people under-relate with one another through social and physical distancing, masks, rules and laws now governing all forms of travel, vacation, family time, and virtually all other forms of interpersonal connection. I wrote and
re-wrote, edited, and reframed feverishly and fervently all throughout the year in order to birth this book into the world at a time during which many people across the globe continued to struggle with relational and intrapersonal issues with little opportunity to get the intensive support that was so needed. And so, Reflections was published in early March of 2021 as my personal response to the range of mental health and personal issues and insularity that I saw was putting us over the edge, both individually and collectively.
[2] What guided you most throughout the writing and publication of your book, Reflections on the Nature of Friendship?
AMONG OTHER THINGS, I used my own world of friends and friendships as a barometer
and testing ground for my ideas. The concept of “friendship” is NOT a theoretical construct, I reasoned – although many of my thoughts, opinions, and reflections about it are based on a range of diverse psychological concepts. I interviewed myself, and my friends, at length and at depth, as to why I had and chose the friends I had, why they stayed with me, and I them, and under what circumstances these friendships could and did bloom and why they struggled, and how I could challenge myself to grow by addressing them thoughtfully and respectfully. I posited that I’m a regular person, not known to most of the world, with some but not all of the challenges many people endure, and that I was not unique as far as having and being a friend, or in being able to maintain and sustain friendships. The research I did to unearth quotes from other human beings across time, place, space, and culture only deepened my resolve to follow my thinking and to reflect back toward potential readers what we as a species have learned and taught others in terms of the complex and fascinating world of intra- and interpersonal world of relationships. Throughout, I was guided to write a book that would be easily accessible and yet challenging to anyone interested in and curious about themselves and
other people and what it takes to make friendships grow, work, and thrive.
[3] In your research and writing, how did you find friendships have been
challenged and changed due the pandemic?
THIS BECAME a tipping point during and throughout my writing of Reflections. The myriad challenges humanity has been faced with during the first three decades of the 21st century – including the race with and against time, the increasing reliance on technology, the race to preserve earth and the environment, racism, sexism and all other “—isms”, and, most recently, COVID-19 – have put a premium and a strain on friends remaining friends and the fulfillment of the promise and potential of friendship. As many cultures and human and social systems have become increasingly dependent on technology, COVID-19 pressed us to, literally, “go virtual”. With all that came with this, human contact – “touch” – virtually ceased to exist except between intimates. I believe that having to refrain from touch and contact has served
to increasingly and severely alienate us from our friends and even our loved ones with whom we do not cohabitate. In a very present sense, people had to reconsider and re-learn how to negotiate friendship and sharing and connection without contact, without in-person connection, without the opportunity to engage in the myriad and diverse experiences that friendships have always had and, to a certain extent, relied on. Redefinition and reframing
our friendships – which are, for so many of us, experiences of routine and regularity – is a slow-going and challenging process. My hope, as we individually and collectively heal from
the incredible strains and struggles of COVID-19, is that we can find our way back into the balm that friendships are.
[4] What matters most in friendship, and why?
THIS MAY BE SEEN as a “trap” question: there are no formulas or formulations, or equations and clear and defined answers here. Friends and friendships are a very personal, very extraordinary matter to each individual who decides and chooses to engage. I am extremely hesitant to come up with a focused and “correct” answer here. There is no one-
size-fits all, period. That said, I think that what is important in friendship is that we learn
to trust, to respect, to reach out to, and demonstrate compassion toward anyone whom we might consider to be a friend. Friendship is, at best, a mutually supportive and caring human relationship (whether with others or with ourselves) that can help us to feel safer, more connected, and more at ease in our life and in our world. If we find another person, anywhere in the world, who is capable of doing this day-in and day-out, we might do well to consider that individual as a friend. Friendship, we must remember, is social work: we get out of it
only as much as we put into it.
[5] You wrote in your book that conflict is integral in friendship and
something not to waste. Can you share more about why you believe
these statements?
FRIENDS HAVE an incredibly precious opportunity to draw closer through their ability to both tolerate, resolve, and transform conflict with one another. Conflict between individuals
is inevitable for human beings. Many of us have been reared and raised to believe that conflict is “bad”, it should be avoided, and we should ignore, resist, and/or deny the “temptation” to engage in conflict. In my mind, this is a wrong-minded approach. To me, the measure of any friendship or human relationship lies in the ability to come through the challenges, obstacles, and difficulties that arise between any two people. As we work through our interpersonal issues and differences, we have the potential and the opportunity to recommit to what brings and brought us together in the first place: concern, caring, compassion, and connection. I believe that if we waste the opportunities we have to respond to and hopefully resolve our “friendly” conflicts, we don’t and won’t have that chance to reflect back and know that we’ve been able to work through those tough moments. If we are able to transcend the “Zero Sum” approach to conflict, that being “I win/You lose”, and replace it with “We can both win by working it through” then we have gained greater depth, commitment, and understanding
with our friends and friendships that will stand in good stead through the test of time.
[6] What is most challenging and difficult in maintaining and sustaining
friendship?
THERE IS NO singular response I can offer to this important question. As every human being who has ever lived has had unique circumstancesthat have profoundly and subtly affected their growth and development, so, too, are the situations that may make it challenging for them to maintain and sustain each and every friendship over the course of their lives. There can be tremendous differences between people as to how they experience friendship and the “triggers”
that may offset or upset it at various times throughout their lifespan. Our triggers are those circumstances that affect us in negative ways and cause us to feel negative emotions in response. For example, some may be frustrated by the lack of consistent time shared with friends, while others may feel crowded or invaded by having too much time with them. In other words, one person’s triggers may lie in another individual’s comfort zone. What’s most meaningful is that
we each come to understand what our unique challenge-points are in friendship and work to recognize and cope with and manage them to the best of our ability without placing blame or
fault on anyone else.
[7] How has writing your new book impacted and influenced your own
friendships?
BY PLACING a more conscious and conscientious emphasis on all facets of friendship, I believe
I have further “awakened” and enhanced my friendships and friends. This is likely true whenever someone places additional focus and emphasis on any one thing that they do on a regular basis. With regard to my own friendships, I believe there is now a greater sense of communication, compatibility, compassion, and commitment to working through whatever differences we may
have together. Researching and writing this book has also made me much more aware of the need to offer verbal and other forms of appreciation and gratitude to my friends for both who they are and the things they do, both large and small. One thing I know for sure is true: in the history of humankind, no one and no friendship has ever been damaged by the offering of a sincere and heartfelt appreciation or compliment! Additionally, I have become more highly attuned to the importance – the necessity – of seeing everything from more than my limited perspective: I have
a great deal to learn through the asking of one simple yet profound question: Is there more? By enabling my friends to speak, even dwell, beneath the surface of most superficial exchanges, I
have found that I am encouraging them – and myself – to place greater emphasis and meaning
on what’s really happening and going on and down with them, and between us.
[8] What, if any, advice would you wish to offer your audience and readers about
friendship?
FRIENDSHIP IS a truly remarkable and precious form of “social work”. Putting in ongoing time, energy, thought, and discernment into one’s friends and friendships is likely the biggest difference-maker in developing one’s own social world and network. Daniel Goleman and his colleagues have written much over the past three decades on the impact and influence of social and emotional intelligence. I would suggest that our ability to use and manifest these particular forms of human intelligence is a huge conduit toward establishing deeper and more meaningful friendships over the full course of one’s lifespan. Friendship is many things; among them, it is a social investment that offers and brings huge and ongoing returns of the kinds of care and values that are so vital in maintaining and sustaining a healthy life and right livelihood. When Antoine de Saint-Exupery, the author of my favorite book ever, The Little Prince, wrote that “It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye”, I believe that he was reflecting on the power and potential of deep and abiding friendship.
Meet the Author:
Daniel Cantor Yalowitz, Ed.D., is a developmental and intercultural psychologist and an international consultant/trainer focusing on team-building, human intelligences, conflict transformation, and
intercultural communication and competence. He focuses his work on building greater awareness and deeper awareness of the importance of creating sustainable relationships, especially meaningful friendships. He brings all these emphases into focus in his most recent book, Reflections on the Nature of Friendship.
Title: Hooked On You
splashesofjoy 