A Trove on Book Help for Authors from Midwest Book Review

I couldn’t resist publishing this note from the Editor-in-Chief of MidwestBookReview.com, Jim Cox. With his standing permission to publish his letters (but I still always double check!) It has so many possibilities for the visitors and subscribers to this #TheNewBookReview who probably already know I think books from bona fide experts at the most frugal way to keep up-to-date on everything authors need to know (yes, including mine!) for the success of their books in this fast-moving world of publishing--regardless of the the press they decided to print their books.  No #bookbigotry will you find here! But still plenty of respect for traditional publishers and their authors. 

Dear Carolyn

 

Great to hear from one of my oldest cyber-space pen pals.

 

And of course, I always get a smile on my face when hearing that something I wrote proved of interest and get quoted accordingly! 

 

Jim Cox

Midwest Book Review

 

On Dec 4, 2024, at 12:40 AM, mwbookrevw@aol.com wrote:

Dear Publisher Folk, Friends & Family:

Even though I've been an active observer of the publishing industry for going on five decades now, I am still regularly discovering new resources for authors, publishers, and bibliophiles. That is one the most treasured perks of being a book reviewer, as well as the editor-in-chief of the Midwest Book Review.

In the course of writing a review of author Sarah Fessel's book, "Switchling", I noted that she had registered it on something called Books 2 Read -- a kind of "Universal Link" for the online marketing of books. That was a new one to me and it is a website that apparently allows authors to have their books automatically registered with several different online booksellers (including Amazon & Barnes & Noble) at one go -- for free.

I asked Sarah for further information on this online book selling resource and she helpfully replied:

Dear Jim

The universal link is free to generate. If you register on the site (also for free) you can edit it later on. It was created by Draft2Digital, the self-publishing service. There are some FAQs here:
https://books2read.com/faq/author

I first heard about it through Alli, The Alliance of Independent Authors and also through Sally Jenkins' blog https://sally-jenkins.com/2020/04/21/universal-buy-link-for-all-e-book-retailers

Any author can use this service. I'm hoping there aren't any hidden drawbacks that I have not yet realized! Books2Read's written agreement seemed OK, though I'm not any kind of legal expert.

Thanks again for all your help and support,

Sarah Fessel

If anyone else has had experience with Books2Read I would very much like to hear your opinion about it. Here is the direct link to the Books2Read website:

https://books2read.com/links/ubl/create

Quote of the Month

"Just as books are important to review, so are the people who review them!" -- Steve Schafer

Website of the Month

Young Writers Project

https://youngwritersproject.org

Here are reviews of new books that will be of special interest to authors, publishers and bibliophiles:

The Next Chapter: Writing in Retirement
Julie A. Gorges
I-Form Ink Publishing
https://iforminkpublishing.com
9798990106512, $27.99, HC, 290pp

https://www.amazon.com/Next-Chapter-Writing-Retirement/dp/B0DJD47763

Synopsis: "The Next Chapter: Writing in Retirement" by Julie A. Gorges contains a wealth of 'real world practical' and essential information to help any aspiring writer achieve their literary ambition. But, if you're retired or looking for an encore career, this combination instructional guide and 'how to' manual is written specifically with you in mind.

As an international award-winning author, blogger, and freelance writer for over three decades, Julie A Gorges has drawn upon her years of experience and expertise to write an empowering book to help you write your way to a happy and fulfilling retirement. It is her justifiably contention that you are never too old to pursue your passion to write!

"The Next Chapter: Writing in Retirement" provides just the inspiration and motivation you need while sharing Gorges' extensive knowledge and experience to jump-start your writing during your golden years.

With plenty of encouragement and help, you will explore all the many options available today - whether you want to write for pleasure or profit. Once you decide which direction to take, this DIY manual will guide you down your path with easy-to-understand steps to accomplish your goals.

The comprehensive guide includes vital tips on how to:

Find inspiration for ideas
Create the perfect writing space and develop a writing routine
Write a novel, non-fiction book, or your life story
Find an agent and/or publishing house
Become an indie writer and self-publish at no cost
Promote and market your book
Write articles that sell and find freelance gigs on the Internet
Start, promote, and monetize a blog
Write travel articles and books
Pen poetry or write a play
Start a journal

For further inspiration, "The Next Chapter: Writing in Retirement" includes interviews with retirees who successfully took up writing in their golden years. They share a variety of viewpoints, share a practical and realistic portrayal of what it takes to get started in this industry, and explain how they overcame challenges.

Critique: Exceptionally well written and comprehensive, "The Next Chapter: Writing in Retirement" is thoroughly 'user friendly' in organization and presentation. This hardcover edition of "The Next Chapter: Writing in Retirement" by author Julie Gorges must be considered essential reading for anyone of any age who seeks to write and publish a novel, memoir, non-fiction book, or blog. It will prove invaluable to anyone who aspires to become a freelancer or travel writer, pen poetry, start journaling, and write a play as their encore career in retirement. While also available in a paperback edition (9780976327493, $17.99), "The Next Chapter: Writing in Retirement" is especially and unreservedly recommended for personal, community, Senior Citizen center, college and university library Writing/Publishing collections and Creative Writing Workshop curriculums/studies lists.

Editorial Note: Julie A. Gorges (https://juliegorges.com) is an international award-winning author and a member of the Authors Guild. Hundreds of her articles and short stories have been published in national and regional magazines including "Woman's World," "True Romance," and "Cricket." She received three journalism awards from the Washington Newspaper Association and her blog, "Baby Boomer Bliss," was recognized as one of the top 50 baby boomer blogs on the web.

Seven Secrets to the Perfect Personal Essay
Nancy Slonim Aronie
New World Library
www.newworldlibrary.com
9781608689309, $18.95 PB, $9.99 Kindle, 240pp

https://www.amazon.com/Seven-Secrets-Perfect-Personal-Essay/dp/1608689301

Diane Donovan
Reviewer

Aspiring writers committed to telling their stories via the personal essay form receive important guidelines to making the most of this format in Nancy Slonim Aronie's Seven Secrets to the Perfect Personal Essay.

Her guide uses examples from her own work and those of others to review quality and diverse approaches to creating a personal essay that will easily resonate with writers. Some of these include basic writing guidelines, from how to create a 'can't-put-it-down' hook from the start to employing structure and themes in a manner that elevates the personal essay's production and format.

Readers interested in developing top-notch writing skills in this genre should place Seven Secrets to the Perfect Personal Essay at the top of their reading lists.

"The Midwest Book Review Postage Stamp Hall Of Fame & Appreciation" is a monthly roster of well-wishers and supporters. These are the generous folk who decided to say 'thank you' and 'support the cause' that is the Midwest Book Review by donating to our postage stamp fund.

Laurie Schnider -- "Gittel"
Paulette Mahurin -- "Two Necklaces"
Sarah Mars/SG Fessel -- "Switchling"
Brad M. Meslin -- "The Moldavian Gambit"
Suzanne Rizzolo -- "The Rose in the Wheel"
Charlotte Parker-Caminos -- "New Beginnings"
Steven Byers -- "Son of the Doomsday Prophet"
Momoko Uno -- "Bringing Sunshine back to my Mind"
Alexander Reynolds -- "Manifest Your Immaculate Conception"
Satyam Press
Lost Lakes Press
Book Award Pro
Aaxel Author Services
Girl Friday Productions
Fickle Dragon Publishing
Kama TImbrell Communications
Gary Greenbert -- Pereset Press
Artie Knapp -- Noodle Poodle Books
Elizabeth Frazier -- Waldmania! PR

In lieu of (or in addition to!) postage stamp donations, we also accept PayPal gifts of support to our postage stamp fund for what we try to accomplish in behalf of the small press community.

Simply log onto your PayPal account and direct your kindness (in any amount and at your discretion) to the Midwest Book Review at: SupportMBR [at] aol.com (The @ is replaced by "[at]" in the above email address, in an attempt to avoid email-harvesting spambots.)

If you have postage stamps to donate, or if you have a book you'd like considered for review, then send those postage stamps (always appreciated, never required), or a published copy of that book (no galleys, uncorrected proofs, or Advance Reading Copies), accompanied by a cover letter and some form of publicity release to my attention at the address below.

All of the previous issues of the "Jim Cox Report" are archived on the Midwest Book Review website at www.midwestbookreview.com/bookbiz/jimcox.htm. If you'd like to receive the "Jim Cox Report" directly (and for free), just send me an email asking to be signed up for it.

So until next time -- goodbye, good luck, and good reading!

Jim Cox
Midwest Book Review
278 Orchard Drive, Oregon, WI, 53575

PS. If you aren’t already subscribe to Jim’s newsletter, know that it’s free and there is no one out there more familiar with the exigencies of the last...mmmm...maybe 50 years than he is!

•  Happy holidays--frugally from my co-author Magdalena Ball and me.                     
•  Quick Delivery of the e-books on our Celebration Series of Chapbooks on Amazon’s New Series Page.                                           
• Just use Amazon’s Amazon search engine with those magical keywords to find it.

More About #TheNewBookReview Blog The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. Authors, readers, publishers, and reviewers may republish their favorite reviews of books they want to share with others. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read and love. Please see submission guidelines in a tab at the top of this blog's home page or go directly to the submission guidelines at http://bit.ly/ThePlacetoRecycleBookReviews or to the guideline tab at the top of the home page of this blog. Authors and publishers who do not yet have reviews or want more may use Lois W. Stern's #AuthorsHelpingAuthors service for requesting reviews. Find her guidelines in the right column of this blog home page (a silver and gold badge and threee silver-gray circles beneath it. Carolyn Wilhelm is our IT expert, an award-winning author and veteran educator, she also contributes reviews and posts on other topics related to books. Reviews, interviews, and articles on this blog are indexed by genre, reviewers' names, and review sites so #TheNewBookReview may be used as a resource for most anyone in the publishing industry. As an example, writers will find this blog's search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor. #TheFrugalbookPromoter, #CarolynHowardJohnson, #TheNewBookReview, #TheFrugalEditor, #SharingwithWriters, #reading #BookReviews #GreatBkReviews #BookMarketing HowToDoItFrugally http://bit.ly/ThePlacetoRecycleBookReviews. Pre-format the post editor for each new post. Cancel Save Post published

Book Review: WAITING FOR AEGINA by Effie Kammenou

TITLE OF YOUR BOOK: WAITING FOR AEGINA

AUTHOR OF BOOK's NAME: Effie Kammenou

AUTHOR'S EMAIL ADDRESS effie.k.speyer@gmail.com

AUTHOR'S FAVORITE LINKS: Website http://effiekammenou.com  

Amazon author page

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Effie-Kammenou/author/B013NZRWLI?ref=ap_rdr&store_ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true  

Bookbub https://www.bookbub.com/authors/effie-kammenou

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/effiekammenou_author/

ADD THIS ASSURANCE TO SATISFY COPYRIGHT LAW: 

X Yes, I have received permission from the reviewer to reprint their review in its entirety. I have a written email if needed.

REVIEWER’S BYLINE: Ekaterina Botziou - Author, writer, digital creator

THE REVIEW:

ANOTHER GREAT READ FROM THIS WONDERFULLY TALENTED AUTHOR!

 by Ekaterina Botziou

‘Waiting for Aegina‘ is the second book in Effie’s ‘The Gift Saga‘ following the immensely popular ‘Evanthia’s Gift‘. Influenced by Effie’s heritage, both books are set against a beautiful Greek backdrop and combine love and romance with the poignant emotions of a coming of age drama.
In this second outing, the story continues to follow the life of Sophia as she enters middle age and has to face certain demons from her past. Familiar faces (or imagined faces in a reader’s case!) from the first book return to bring colour and drama to each chapter and the story itself goes even deeper into the lives of its main characters.
‘Waiting for Aegina’ is far grittier than ‘Evanthia’s Gift’ but it is no less beautifully written and once again Effie’s amazing ability to bring the Greek setting to life with just a few carefully chosen words will have you wanting to dive straight into the page.
The inclusion of several secret recipes at the beginning of chapters is just another gem that Effie has thrown in.
Another great read from this wonderfully talented author."

MORE ABOUT THE REVIEWER: 

Ekaterina Botziou is an author, writer and digital content creator. Her six-part Greek mythological children’s series 'The Adventures of Omicron' is available on Amazon worldwide and she also creates children's activity books under her planner brand 'Pandorus Publishing', as well as notebooks, diaries and journals and digital art. Ekaterina has written for British and European lifestyle magazines and is the founder of The Greek Wives Club - a group that promotes Hellenism and Greek brands. 

www.ekaterinabotziou.com 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR WHOSE BOOK IS BEING REVIEWED:  

Effie Kammenou believes it's never too late to chase your dreams, follow your heart, or change your career. She is proof of that. At one time, long ago, she'd hoped that by her age, she would have had an Oscar in her hand after a successful career as an actor. But instead, she worked in the optical field for forty years while raising her two daughters. 

 

In 2015, three years after her mother died from pancreatic cancer, she published her debut novel, Evanthia's Gift, the first book in a women's fiction, multigenerational love story, and family saga, inspired by her mother and her Greek heritage. Kammenou continued to pick her father's brain for stories of his family's life in Lesvos, Greece, and their journey to America until his recent death in November 2022 at 100. Her interview with him was published in the nationally circulated magazine Reminisce. 

 

Evanthia's Gift: Book One in The Gift Saga was a 2016 finalist in the Readers Favorite Book Awards. Book two, Waiting for Aegina, was awarded finalist status in the 2019 International Book Awards. Chasing Petalouthes, the last book in the trilogy, also placed in the Readers Favorite Book Awards for the 2018 contest.

Most recently, Love is Worth Fighting for won silver, second place for contemporary romance, in The Readers Favorite Book Awards.

Kammenou's latest project is The Meraki Series. Love is What You Bake of it, Love by Design, andLove is Worth Fighting for are available. Book four: Love in Plain Sight, will finish the series. Each book focuses on a sibling and their quest for love and professional success despite their sometimes stifling and meddling family. But it would only be a Kammenou novel with delving into the past or references to mouth-watering foods. A mystery shadowed by a historical event in Greek history is slowly uncovered throughout the series.

 

As a bonus, each book contains traditional Greek recipes; many passed down from her Athenian mother.

Effie Kammenou is a first-generation Greek-American who lives on Long Island. When she's not writing or posting recipes on her food blog, aptly named Cheffie's Kitchen, you can find her entertaining family and friends or traveling for 'research.' She recently returned to her roots by occasionally working as a background actor in film and television productions.

 

She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Theater Arts from Hofstra University.

 

For updates on promotions, events, and new releases, follow Effie on Social media. Sign up for her newsletter to receive a free copy of her novella Don’t Want to Leave Her Now.

 

Website - http://effiekammenou.com

Newsletter signup - https://www.subscribepage.com/effiekammenou

https://twitter.com/EffieKammenou

www.facebook.com/EffieKammenou

https://www.instagram.com/effiekammenou_author/

Youtube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjMZUQRPRjX0R6VVPpIKk8A

This Review for Tales2Inspire ~ The Diamond Collection - Series II Says It All!!

Now the recipient of a National Indie Excellence (NIEA) Finalist Award

_________________________________________________________________________

Author’s Name: Lois W. Stern (Creator, editor, contributor)

Author’s email: tales2Inspire2@gmail.com

Title of Book: TALES2INSPIRE ~ THE DIAMOND COLLECTION - SERIES II

The complete editions of the Ruby (Gifts of Compassion) and Sapphire (Timeless Memories)  Collections under one cover 

Number of pages: 268

Age/Interest level: 10 +

• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1507618050
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1507618059

Amazon link: bit.ly/3sQ8AbO

Reviewed by: Foluso Falaye 

Posted on: Readers' Favorite

Review: Tales2Inspire: The Diamond Collection - Series II is created by Lois W. Stern is a riveting collection of nonfiction short stories by award-winning authors. Each story inspires consciousness, empathy, and appreciation for the little things we take for granted. The book is divided into two sections. The first part focuses on stories of compassion while the second one is about timeless memories. In one story, we see how training dogs helps in teaching dropouts to be responsible. Another story reveals the effect of the horrors of the Holocaust on a survivor. An assistant DA shares the values he stands by while relating an encounter with some good-looking burglars. As these stories are told, each author is introduced with an "about the author" page that follows their brilliant contribution. We experience their amazing stories and connect with their important memories, as well as the life-changing messages they hold.

I found several parts of the book quite relatable, especially being judged by a lover's parent for having different hair. Additionally, I loved that each story doesn't have too many characters or themes but maintains a concise structure that allows for quick assimilation and deep intrigue. The collection includes themes of family, loss, health challenges, pets, sports, mental illness, and romance. Apart from the stories, readers are engaged with the book's other fantastic features, including book club discussion questions, pictures of protagonists and authors, and an "about" section. I loved all the tales so much that I am now convinced that everyone should tell their story. Like the authors in Tales2Inspire: The Diamond Collection Series II, everyone has a profound experience of life that sheds light on what truly matters. All nonfiction short story fans will be happy to read this beautiful, heartwarming book by Lois W. Stern.

Elise Cooper Reviews Women’s Fiction

A Wish For Home 

(Secrets of Bliss Valley Book 1)

Jo Ann Brown

March, 2021

Love Inspired Pub

Women’s Fiction

Reviewed by Elise Cooper

 

A Wish For Home by Jo Ann Brown is a wonderful read.  It delves into love, forgiveness, and second chances, something every reader can relate with.  The heroine, Lauren, must reconcile her anger and resentment toward the Amish community for shunning her parents but also must deal with the boy who bullied and tormented her as a young teenager.

 

“Two of my children are adopted.  About two years ago my son’s birth mother reconnected with him through his adoption agency.  She was looking for him for a long time.  It was wonderful to see the connection they made and to see how the family came back together.  I am fascinated with those who are adopted and how their birth family finds them.”  

 

The book opens with Lauren driving her 1966 VW Beetle through her old hometown of Bliss Valley Pennsylvania. Now part of the English world, she no longer goes by the Amish name Laurene, wanting nothing to do with the Amish community she belonged to.  She planned on just driving through it on her way to Lancaster to meet with developers who want to build a casino. Unexpectedly, Lauren gets caught in an ice storm and hits a pothole that damages her car. At the local garage she must deal with the mechanic, Adam Hershberger, the boy who bullied her all those years ago. Life’s circumstances have changed him considerably.  Now a widower and raising a four-year-old daughter, Mary Beth, he regrets how he treated Laurene. But she must also come to grips with her past and is helped by her Great Aunt Sylvia Nolt. To make matters worse, she is also dealing with the fact that she was adopted, a bombshell her parents just laid on her. 

 

“Amish romance is incredibly popular the last five to ten years.  Writers of this genre realize that the simpler and quieter life of the Amish is attractive. Of course, there is the illusion that the life is simpler. I live in a small town and have Amish neighbors, so I understand that feeling.  But when I lived in larger cities, I realized you do not know your neighbors.  Readers of Amish stories also like the sense of community and how the Amish want to keep the family and community together. I live in Lancaster County in Pennsylvania.  There are casinos here.  One is being built in the city of York.  Because they pay taxes the Amish can go to meetings and have a say.”

 

The other piece to the story is a gripping mystery.  Someone is starting fires at Amish homes, a serial arsonist.  Since Adam is a volunteer firefighter, he intends to find the person behind the fires.  Although he and Lauren are reconnecting and having some romantic feelings toward each other they must overcome the past and the present, where he resents her for encouraging a casino in the area.

 

From the very beginning readers will be drawn into Lauren’s story.  The plot, mystery, romance, and characters blend for a great novel.

More About #TheNewBookReview Blog 

 The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. Authors, readers, publishers, and reviewers may republish their favorite reviews of books they want to share with others. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read and love. Please see submission guidelines in a tab at the top of this blog's home page or go directly to the submission guidelines at http://bit.ly/ThePlacetoRecycleBookReviews or to the guideline tab at the top of the home page of this blog. Authors and publishers who do not yet have reviews or want more may use Lois W. Stern's #AuthorsHelpingAuthors service for requesting reviews. Find her guidelines in a tab at the top of the home page, too. Carolyn Wilhelm is our IT expert, an award-winning author, a veteran educator and also contributes reviews and posts on other topics related to books. Reviews, interviews, and articles on this blog are indexed by genre, reviewers' names, and review sites so #TheNewBookReview may be used as a resource for most anyone in the publishing industry. As an example, writers will find this blog's search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor. #TheFrugalbookPromoter, #CarolynHowardJohnson, #TheNewBookReview, #TheFrugalEditor, #SharingwithWriters, #reading #BookReviews #GreatBkReviews #BookMarketing

Karen A. Wyle Releases New Nature Picture Book

Title: Wind, Ocean, Grass

Author: Karen A. Wyle

Illustrator: Tomasz Mikutel

Author's website: http://www.KarenAWyle.com

Genre: Picture Book, Nonfiction: Nature \

Age/Interest Level: ages 2-8

Page #: 50

Publisher: Oblique Angles Press

Purchase the paperback at Amazon,  https://www.amazon.com/dp/1955696004 and other retailers

 Kindle edition coming soon. 

Reviewed by Jill Franclemont originally fort All Things Jill-Elizabeth.

By now, readers of my blog are familiar with the work of the talented Karen Wyle. From adult books to children’s picture stories, Wyle’s work is consistently original, lovely, and magical. (If you need a refresher, check out my posts on a number of her previous adult titles and her writing experiences – Twin-Bred, Wander Home, Division, Leaders, and Water to Water in a two-part series of posts – as well as her first few forays into children’s books – You Can’t Kiss a Bubble and When It’s Winter. This latest book is no exception. The focus is on nature, and the results are as lyrical as the movement of the eponymous wind.

In her own words: This unique picture book has neither human nor animal characters, but instead features the wind speaking to the grass, explaining how long grasses are both like and unlike the waves of the ocean. Through lyrical prose and breathtaking impressionist-style paintings, the reader follows the wind’s journey over sea and land: the many moods of the ocean, the different seasons of the grassy field. We see glimpses of the birds that live off the bounty of the ocean, and the birds and flowers that live among the  grasses.

Through this nature metaphor, the story, without becoming didactic, teaches children about seeing commonality and celebrating differences.

And if that description doesn’t encourage you to take a look, the lush and evocative illustrations certainly should. For each of her children’s books, Wyle has done an absolutely magnificent job finding the perfect illustrator – and illustrative style – to convey the wonder of her story. Mikutel’s art is visually stunning and provides a counterpoint to the language of the tale that makes both more robust an experience.

I really love the message here. The back and forth between the elements reminded me of the way a parent talks to multiple children about how it is possible to love them each differently but equally – and  how the happiness of the parent requires the thriving happiness of each child. I am constantly amazed at Wyle’s knack for taking complex subjects – life, death, love, nature – and putting them into narratives that children can appreciate and that can help parents teach life lessons. It is no easy task, and I applaud her willingness to tackle the large subjects – and her deft hand at managing them.

The book is truly lovely and I encourage you to take a look!

----------

More About the Reviewer

The reviewer is Jill Franclemont, who blogs at All Things Jill-Elizabeth. Here's the link to the review: http://blog.jill-elizabeth.com/2022/05/09/book-review-wind-ocean-grass-by-karen-wyle-author-and-tomasz-mikutel-illustrator/. The general blog URL is http://blog.jill-elizabeth.com/. Jill has given permission for the review to be reprinted. She's on Twitter as @jill_a. Her email address (which she's allowing me to provide) is jillelizabeth@jill-elizabeth.com.

Author bio:

Karen A. Wyle is an appellate attorney, author, and photographer. She graduated from Stanford University with a B.A. in English and American Literature. Also interested in both logic and psychology, she applied to law school in the hope of combining those subjects with her love of writing. She has been writing novels since 2010, and has published eleven of them, their genres including science fiction, afterlife fantasy, and Western historical romance. Wind, Ocean, Grass is Wyle’s third picture book, with more on the way.

Learn more about her at:

http://www.KarenAWyle

https://www.facebook.com/KarenAWyle 

https://www.twitter.com/KarenAWyle

Illustrator bio:

Tomasz Mikutel is an independent artist living and creating art in Northampton, UK. He was born in Lodz, Poland, and began drawing as a child, inspired by his oil painter father. He often paints animals, but his favorite watercolour artists include Alvaro Castagnet and Joseph Zbukvic. He describes his style as classic and traditional. He prefers painting “loose,” as opposed to photorealism: the looser style allows him to express more emotions and to “leave part of himself inside the painting.”

More About #TheNewBookReview Blog 

 The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. Authors, readers, publishers, and reviewers may republish their favorite reviews of books they want to share with others. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read and love. Please see submission guidelines in a tab at the top of this blog's home page or go directly to the submission guidelines at http://bit.ly/ThePlacetoRecycleBookReviews or to the guideline tab at the top of the home page of this blog. Authors and publishers who do not yet have reviews or want more may use Lois W. Stern's "Authors Helping Authors" service for requesting reviews. Find her guidelines in a tab at the top of the home page, too. Carolyn Wilhelm is our IT expert, an award-winning author, a veteran educator and also contributes reviews and posts on other topics related to books. Reviews, interviews, and articles on this blog are indexed by genre, reviewers' names, and review sites so #TheNewBookReview may be used as a resource for most anyone in the publishing industry. As an example, writers will find this blog's search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor. #TheFrugalbookPromoter, #CarolynHowardJohnson, #TheNewBookReview, #TheFrugalEditor, #SharingwithWriters, #reading #BookReviews #GreatBkReviews #BookMarketing

Joy Lynn Goddard ReviewsTales2inspire ~ The Diamond Collection - Series V

REVIEW FOR: Tales2Inspire ~ The Diamond Collection - Series V

SUBTITLE: Stories of Turning the Page

 

SERIES TITLE: Tales2Inspire

AUTHOR: Anthology of contest winning inspiring stories

AUTHOR'S WEBSITE: https://www.tales2inpsire.com 

GENRE: Inspirational, non-fiction personal stories 

AGE / INTEREST LEVEL: 15 +

PAGE COUNT: 236

PUBLISHER: Independently Published

PURCHASE LINK: 

REVIEWED BY: JOY LYNN GODDARD

A True Inspirational Gem

As a voracious reader and a novelist, I look for two elements in a book before investing time in it. It must have emotion—a story that moves me long after I’ve finished the last page—and it must teach me something. In the Moonstone Collection Books 1 & 2, I found both traits in every story. The stories were honest and raw because the authors weren’t afraid to speak the truth, their vulnerabilities on display. Even if I were hard-hearted (which I’m not, honestly), it would be difficult not to stand up and cheer for them. In “Happily Ever After,” I was gobsmacked by the abuse writer Donna Peczak suffered as a child at the hands of her parents and applauded when she pulled herself up.

I don’t know whom I admired more in “Setting my Lifeline Free,” writer Ellen Lenox Smith or the service dog who saved her life. Both taught me about the indomitable spirit.Love and laughter weave throughout the pages of both books. Although there is sadness underpinning “The Last Laugh,” I laughed out loud when author Ronnie Padwa Pelie described her elderly mother driving a motorized shopping cart. I couldn’t help but remember my own elderly mother’s experience with her motorized scooter. In the last stages of her life, she rammed her electric scooter through a plate-glass window (didn’t get a scratch) and then blamed the scooter for the accident!

As a former teacher, I also identified with author Laura Coy’s “A Blessing in Disguise.” She left a teaching career she loved to put her life back on track. Many words wandered through my thoughts when reading these stories—real, poignant, bitter-sweet, happy, inspirational, and . . . But the word that climbed to the top was strength. Each author showed the strength to turn the page in his or her life and make it better! 

Many words wandered through my thoughts when reading these stories—real, poignant, bitter-sweet, happy, inspirational, and . . . But the word that climbed to the top was strength.

Each author showed the strength to turn the page in his or her life and make it better!

And behind each writer was their champion—Lois W. Stern—an accomplished writer who for more than a decade has embodied the spirit of writers helping writers. Kudos to her and all the authors in this collection of stories—a true inspirational gem.

REVIEW LINK HERE

Reviewer Jack Evans Weighs in on Joy Lynn Goddard's Contemporary Women's Fiction

Title: The Keepers

Author: Joy Lynn Goddard 

Website: https://www.joygoddard.com/

Genre: Contemporary Women's Fiction (multi-genre: mystery, romance, suspense)

Age/ Interest Level: 30+ Given the main characters, the book 

       especially appeals to middle-aged and senior readers.

Page #: 388

Awards: Canada Book Award

Publisher: Joy Lynn Goddard

Ebook Purchase link (paperback version available too): 

Reviewed by Jack Evans originally for The Belleville Intelligencer

Review: 

The Quinte area has enjoyed a generous share of talented and successful writers, both fiction and non-fiction.  A name that should be added to that growing list is Joy Lynn Goddard, a Picton-raised girl, who has been making a success with her books in partnership with her husband, Dan Pike. Their latest book, now available, is called “The Keepers,” set in a fictional winery and tourist accommodation operation in Prince Edward County. 

Goddard thoroughly paints a cast of characters involved in a gripping story which includes a brutal murder, marital stress and breakup, a troubled teenage boy as a result, illicit drugs and wild beach parties, troubles with neighbours and budding new romances.

Richard, a successful writer, finds he is drying up and abandons his estranged wife to recover in the quietude of a summer let house at the winery. He soon gets involved with single mom Beth, the do-it-yourself and competent owner and her family and neighbours. 

Alexandre, Beth’s son, is a diamond in the rough teenager seemingly bent on a troubled life, getting involved with irresponsible friends and wild partyers. When a troublesome neighbour is found murdered in a shed at the winery, Beth quickly becomes the prime suspect and Richard pitches in to help clear her.

Lots of tense moments in this gripping story, with a suitably happy ending, and a recognition of the real problems some people have to face, often alone. This is a book for Adult Fiction fans. Exciting, enjoyable and beautifully portrayed.

More About the Reviewer

 Jack Evans is freelance writer and reviewer.

More About the Author

Joy Lynn Goddard teamed up with her husband, Daniel Pike, to write contemporary adult fiction. Both their novels, Moonshadow and The Keepers, have global appeal and won Canada Book Awards. Besides novels, they wrote Buyers, Liars, Sellers and Yellers, a collection of humorous short stories about the real estate industry. Although she is well known for her young adult and junior fiction—starting with the award-winning Daredevils and including Hello, my name is Emily, Charlie's Song, Jazz, When Pigs Fly, and Mrs. Maloney's Garden—her adult novels are attracting wide-ranging attention, each crisscrossing romance, mystery, and suspense genres.

Joy and Dan divide their time between Guelph and Belleville, Ontario, where they spend time with a growing family when not working on their next book.

More About #TheNewBookReview Blog

 The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. Authors, readers, publishers, and reviewers may republish their favorite reviews of books they want to share with others. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read and love. Please see submission guidelines in a tab at the top of this blog's home page or go directly to the submission guidelines at http://bit.ly/ThePlacetoRecycleBookReviews or to the guideline tab at the top of the home page of this blog. Authors and publishers who do not yet have reviews or want more may use Lois W. Stern's "Authors Helping Authors" service for requesting reviews. Find her guidelines in a tab at the top of the home page, too. Carolyn Wilhelm is our IT expert, an award-winning author, a veteran educator and also contributes reviews and posts on other topics related to books. Reviews, interviews, and articles on this blog are indexed by genre, reviewers' names, and review sites so #TheNewBookReview may be used as a resource for most anyone in the publishing industry. As an example, writers will find this blog's search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor. #TheFrugalbookPromoter, #CarolynHowardJohnson, #TheNewBookReview, #TheFrugalEditor, #SharingwithWriters, #reading #BookReviews #GreatBkReviews #BookMarketing