The New Book Review

This blog, #TheNewBookReview, is "new" because it eschews #bookbigotry. It lets readers, reviewers, authors, and publishers expand the exposure of their favorite reviews, FREE. Info for submissions is in the "Send Me Your Fav Book Review" circle icon in the right column below. Find resources to help your career using the mini search engine below. #TheNewBookReview is a multi-award-winning blog including a MastersInEnglish.org recommendation.

Sunday, July 29, 2018

TALES2INSPIRE ~ THE EMERALD COLLECTION - Beyond Coincidence Stories

TALES2INSPIRE ~ THE EMERALD COLLECTION
Beyond Coincidence Stories





Title: Tales2Inspire ~The Emerald Collection

Subtitle: Beyond Coincidence stories

Series: Tales2Inspire®

Authors: Lois W. Stern, Stan Cupery, M.D., Cami Ann Hofstadter, Ph.D, Erica Kosal, Ph.D., Tina Chippas (a.k.a. Matina Nicholas), Anne Knorr, James Osborne, Heidi DuPree, Fran Gustman, T. H. Everingham, Donna Surface, Tom Eliopolus, Cheryl Gerber 

Genre: Inspirational Anthology 

Publisher: Tales2Inspire


ISBN-10: 1492321397
ISBN-13: 978-1492321392
ASIN: B00FW9PFUY

PAGE COUNT: 129

Price: $11.25, PB, $4.99 Kindle

Format: Paperback, Ebook, PDF

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REVIEWS  



Dr. Bernie Siegel, Noted physician, healer, author and humanist, (A Book of Miracles, the Art of Healing, 365 Prescriptions for the Soul)
Read and Learn the Lessons of Life
These are books with a heart - filled with stories which reveal what happens when we choose to live in a way that is life enhancing for all God's creatures. Our potential is miraculous when we choose to inspire the vapor of love. The people in these stories have always been my teachers. Read and learn the lessons of life.”

Grady Harp
 Amazon HALL OF FAME TOP 100 REVIEWER
“Oh, by the way, I don't have any legs.”
Lois W Stern has collected a group of tales written by a fascinating group of authors that convey a sense of purpose, destiny, and reason for being. In the original edition of this book, the author offered the following: ‘Is there really such a thing as coincidence, or could there be an unknown force, a higher power, taking charge? This is a question you are likely to ponder as you read the collection of heartwarming stories contained within the pages of this book. Although all are true, don’t be surprised if you find yourself saying “unbelievable” as you finish reading some, or simply getting a feel-good rush from others. Tales 2 Inspire ~ Beyond Coincidence: A collection of inspiring stories written by talented authors from across the globe. Each motivational, uplifting story is enhanced by the inclusion of original, full color photos and/or drawings, making this a treasured gift book at a most reasonable price.’
That states the joy and satisfaction every reader will feel after spending time with this book. Interestingly enough there is a story by Lois that is one of the highlights - the story of an adoption of a handicapped child and the reflections of that child as a young woman: ‘Luck shone down on this infant from the moment she entered the Bricker household. She felt the unconditional love of her parents and three older brothers, all with solid values that helped her grow into the remarkable person she is today. As a young woman reflecting back on her childhood, Jen says with admiration:“ They are amazing and they don’t even realize it. They are just good people. I don’t know how, but they always managed to handle each situation exactly the right way.” From early on the Brickers told Jen that there was no such word as can't. Instead they taught her how to go after the things she really wanted. With their guidance, Jen’s indomitable spirit and confidence soared. She vigorously dove into sports, meeting each challenge head on with confidence and the expectation of success. More often than not, she realized her dreams. Jen led a happy, rewarding life, playing softball, basketball and volleyball. But her passion was gymnastics. When she was ten, she won fourth place in the Amateur Athletic Union's Junior Olympics in Hampton, Va., and was Illinois state power tumbling champion in her division…etc.’
Just a sample - but an indication of the quality of stories collected here. They restore belief, hops, and admiration for humanity.

Susan Haley
Award winning author, Rainy Day People
I would hazard to guess that everyone has had an inspiring dream, cherishes a heart-felt memory, or perhaps a life changing accomplishment that determined the direction their lives would take from there. Also, I would bet that many wish they could put that experience into words to help or inspire others. As a one-time struggling author myself, I am fully aware of the power of words and the joy of knowing they touched someone. The missing elements here are the vision and energy of another inspired person to put it all together and offer up the stage from which to share these hopes, dreams and successes. This is what Lois W. Stern has accomplished with her "Tales2Inspire" Collections; she's offered up the stage.
I met Lois, a new author in her own right then, several years ago when we both became involved with an "Authors Helping Authors" group at a Publisher's Conference. Even then with her own new book recently published, Lois was looking for ways to help all authors. And, help authors she has done. The energy she has put into these series is a "Tale2Inspire" in itself. The heart-warming stories in the Collections showcase that spark of human spirit present in all of us. I strongly recommend them to anyone who has those days when they simply need a lift.
Susan Haley, Author

The amazing coincidences of life, chance meetings of family or loved ones, after sometimes decades apart feature strongly, in both chapters four and five. Again (with an underlying message that anything is possible if you have faith and never give up.)
Chapter six outlines courage in the face of your darkest foe and reminds us that character is something that you earn. There is much joy in chapter seven this is more about unconditional love and the joy it will bring. The story in chapter eight is more reflective, dealing with the more complex emotions of love and loss. Chapters nine and ten are animal stories but are both uplifting. The reader will be cheering for both characters and amazed at the dedication and loyalty bonds between animal families. The final chapters are about love and family. Again there are amazing coincidences that return people together. Maybe this is fate, maybe it is faith but the message again is “Never give up on your hopes”
Overall a good impression and I would look forward to others in the series.
Glenn Poveromo
Motivational Speaker, Author of The Power of Visualization, The Spirit's Self-Help Book, 
Change Your Thinking / Change Your Life: Learn to Live Your Best Life Possible

Beautifully crafted gems - yours to read over and over again
Is it true that there are no coincidences in life? If you believe as I do that there exists an energy that is beyond our five senses then Tales2Inspire is a MUST read for you. Each story will lead you to consider that we are a collective part of something much larger than our individual selves and that divine interventions are available to us at any moment in time. Beginning with the internal voice heard by Dr. Dan Lloyd that moved him to perform his "one-of-a-kind" life saving surgery in The Voice and concluding with the amazing story of Pat Surface in The Gift of Family, Lois W. Stern has achieved her objective in bringing to the reader stories that touch the mind, heart, and soul. The Emerald Collections is the perfect subtitle for the beautifully crafted gems that are yours to read over and over again. I highly recommend this book for anyone who might ever ask the question: "Why not?"

Rod DiGruttolo: author 
Group Leader Sarasota Writers Group
The Emerald Collection of inspiring stories brings us remarkable messages of faith, courage and peace. All these tales depict strength we can only hope to possess in a time of crisis or despair. Each story is unique and gives us an insight into the lives of those who experienced these wondrous moments.
Authors share life experiences that carry us beyond the realm of our everyday existence. We are allowed a brief glimpse into lives of strangers filled with love, hope, despair and longing. Each of these stories brings a new promise of peace to the reader.
Unlike many books that you read just once and put aside, if you are like me, you will want to return to these stories again and again. I felt uplifted by their energy, examples of courage, selfless behaviors, devotion and everyday miracles, and the powerful messages that they held. I will forever be thankful to have shared such special moments in their lives. I can identify with those who triumphed over hardship, helped their fellow man and empathized with the helpless.

Michael Monjion, Amazon Vine Voice Reviewer
I was blown away about the Little White Church story that you must read first. I now know what a miracle really is. These stories are very short but to the point, and you will truly enjoy each and every one of them. The stories will bring tears to your eyes.

Dr. Karen Hutchins Pirnot
Clinical psychologist, Author of fourteen published books including: As I Am, Just a Common Lady, Nothing Left to Burn, Making Love on Scrabble
Truly Tales to Inspire the Heart and Soul
                Do you believe there’s a reason for everything? That people come into our lives, and leave, for aa reason? Well, if so, this book is an inspiration for you all with its messages of hope and inspiration.

Steve Brock
Stevo’s Book Reviews on the internet
Stories to Warm Your Heart, Uplift Your Spirits, and Sometimes Leave You Gasping the Single Word, "Unbelievable." 
               Did you ever experience something that you felt couldn't have happened simply by coincidence - that perhaps an unknown force entered your life to take charge? These are the true 'Beyond Coincidence' inspiring stories (you will read in this book), written by everyday people just like you. 

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POPULAR LINKS


Tales2Inspire website

Facebook page

Twitter



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MORE ABOUT TALES2INSPIRE®

Tales2Inspire® was a kernel of an idea that I started in 2012 which has grown to proportions even I didn’t dare to envision. My innate curiosity about potentially fascinating human interest stories was the spark that ignited this idea, but it was the confused state of traditional publishing at that time that propelled me forward. Tales2Inspire® delivers exactly what it promises as both an ‘Authors Helping Authors’ project and a contest. Winners get their stories published in print, as e-books, and some even in video formats, with their names, headshot photos, and mini-autobiographies included. Then I spread the word about the winners and their stories on my blogs, social media and monthly newsletter. FREE to enter, this is a great competition for talented newbies and seasoned authors alike who continue to strive to hone their skills.

Friday, July 20, 2018

Dr. Bob Rich Shares Hard-Hitting Review on Pollution

Title: The Coal Truth
Author: David Ritter
Publisher: University of Western Australia Publishing
2018
ISBN: 9781742589824
$Au23

Reviewed by Dr. Bob Rich

The Coal Truth is the deplorable story of the proposed Adani mine in the Galilee Basin in Queensland, Australia, but is relevant to everyone, everywhere. 

Think of this coal mine idea as a case study about what’s wrong with our world, and what we need to do to fix it.

David Ritter is the ideal person to write this book. His research and journalistic skills are obvious on every page. His background as a lawyer give him the ability to explain complex concepts in a way any person will understand. And his role in leading Greenpeace Australia shows his commitment to creating a survivable future.
This is an important book. Reading it hurts in places -- in our crazy world, the truth is bound to -- but there is a lot of positivity to balance the gloom.

Part I is a powerful, personal but thoroughly documented monograph by David. It should be compulsory reading for everyone, particularly those who wield power. Naturally, they’ll dismiss it, but the rest of us need to rub their noses in it.

The second part details the evidence, by a group of experts with impeccable credentials.
I found Chapter 11 by John Quiggin to be particularly powerful, because it avoids any questions of environmental damage, ethical considerations or humanitarian/health issues, but focuses on matters the dinosaurs understand: MONEY. This chapter alone should convince anyone with half a brain that the Adani project is a no-goer. 

Only an idiot, or a bribed politician, can ignore the message from David and his fellow authors.


MORE ABOUT THE REVIEWER   


Dr. Bob Rich writes fiction and an eclectic newsletter called "Bobbing Around." It includes articles of note about everything from writing to the environment. He has been an environmental campaigner since 1972. Since he had young children, he studied futurology: the science of examining where current trends point. The results were horrifying, because he accurately predicted today’s world. Everything he does is still aimed at working for a future young people can survive in, and one that’s worth the effort. He asks everyone to join his team. To see what that involves, go to his blog, https://bobswich18.wordpress.com and read the essay, “How to change the world." 

Subscribe to "Bobbing Around" at https://bobrich18.wordpress.com
Find Bob's latest book at : http://bobswriting.com/hitandrun.html
Learn more about him at http://bobswriting.com
"Commit random acts of kindness."
"Live simply so you may simply live."


MORE ABOUT THIS BLOG AND GETTING REVIEWS

 The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. Of particular interest to readers of this blog is her most recent How to Get Great Book Reviews Frugally and Ethically (http://bit.ly/GreatBkReviews ) that covers 325 jam-packed pages covering everithing from Amazon vine to writing reviews for profit and promotion. Reviewers will have a special interest in the chapter on how to make reviewing pay, either as way to market their own books or as a career path--ethically!

This blog is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. 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. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the 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.

Saturday, July 14, 2018

Blogger-Podcaster Erik Fogg Reviews Dr. Bob Rich's Hit and Run

Title: Hit and Run
Author: Dr. Bob Rich
Genre: Inspirational/Paranormal
ISBN: 978-1-925191-48-6
Purchase


Reviewed by Erik Fogg originally for the newsletter Bobbing Around








Hit and Run starts with a mad punch right to the gut, reminiscent of A Clockwork Orange in how absurdly surreal — yet strangely compelling — it is. But then it takes a wildly unexpected turn.
Instead, it is a book about questioning the very nature of good and evil. To what extent are we good or evil by nature, by nurture, or by choice? And then one begins to question the nature of evil at all — are the ‘evil’ merely sick (in the truest sense) and in need of help? Can the sickness that lies in each of us — greater or smaller — be ever cured?
It is a book that shows rather than tells: it grips you in the story and explores its themes using the story rather than by taking breaks to preach at you (think War and Peace as the contrast). It is through seeing absolutely radical human kindness and strength — that we know is within our reach if we cultivate the wisdom and compassion inside ourselves — that we are led to question what we know about good and evil, about justice and retribution, and about the capacity to heal.
MORE ABOUT THE REVIEWER
Erik is Editor-in-Chief, blogger, and podcaster at ReConsider, where he helps readers and listeners understand politics beyond the soundbites and hype. He co-authored Wedged: How You Became a Tool of the Partisan Political Establishment and How to Start Thinking for Yourself Again. Erik graduated MIT with a Bachelors and Masters in Political Science and now lives in Boston, MA.
MORE ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Hit and Run is Bob’s 17th book. They are all very different from each other. The commonality is high ratings. Over all his publications, there is one 3-star review. Most of the others are 5 stars, with a few 4s. This is because Bob writes with passion, and takes his readers there. You can find lots of entertainment at his writing website http://bobswriting.com and blog https://bobrich18.wordpress.com. His psychology site http://anxietyanddepression-help.com offers inspiration and information regarding every way people make themselves and each other miserable, and his environmental site http://mudsmith.net is, well, about environmental issues Learn more about him:
Commit random acts of kindness
Live simply so you may simply live


MORE ABOUT THIS BLOG AND GETTING REVIEWS

 The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. Of particular interest to readers of this blog is her most recent How to Get Great Book Reviews Frugally and Ethically (http://bit.ly/GreatBkReviews ) that covers 325 jam-packed pages covering everithing from Amazon vine to writing reviews for profit and promotion. Reviewers will have a special interest in the chapter on how to make reviewing pay, either as way to market their own books or as a career path--ethically!

This blog is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. 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. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the 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.

Sunday, July 8, 2018

Readers' Favorite Reviewer Gives Browder Novel 5 Stars

Dark Knowledge
by Clifford Browder
Author's blog
Genre: historical fiction, action/adventure
ISBN: 978-1-68114-367-5
Available from Amazon and Barnes & Noble.


Reviewed by Gisela Dixon originally for Readers' Favorite
5 Stars


Dark Knowledge by Clifford Browder is a historical fiction novel set in New York around the American Civil War era. Dark Knowledge is the story of Chris Harmony and his search for his family’s roots and secrets. Chris is a young man who has always been proud of and inspired by his family that has been in the shipping industry for the last three generations. After Chris’s father passes away, he comes across a chest with old shipping papers that motivate him to research and write about his family’s history, which he had been told was one of glory on the sea. However, as soon as his uncle hears of the plan, he tries to steal the chest. Chris manages to hold on to the chest and with the help of his sister, Sal, starts uncovering a wealth of lies and the ugly reality that his family, for generations, has in fact been involved in the slave trade and human trafficking of African-Americans. This is the story of Chris and his quest for the truth, with many surprises and twists and turns along the way.

I enjoyed reading Dark Knowledge and Clifford Browder definitely managed to recreate the vibe and feel of that era so that I could almost smell the salty sea air and feel myself transported to that period. The characters are very well drawn, and in addition to Chris and Sal, who are fantastic, all of the other family members, former ship captains, etc. also have their own flavor and personalities. Sal is shown to be a smart and capable woman which I appreciated. But most of all, this is Chris’s story and Clifford Browder succeeds in highlighting the horrors of slavery through this book. This is great read!


MORE ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Clifford Browder is the author of historical novels and nonfiction relating to New York City. His blog is No Place for Normal: New York . He loves this quotation by T. S. Eliot: Humankind cannot bear very much reality.  And he signs his e-mail, "Geezers rock.   C.H. Browder." 



MORE ABOUT THIS BLOG AND GETTING REVIEWS

 The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. Of particular interest to readers of this blog is her most recent How to Get Great Book Reviews Frugally and Ethically (http://bit.ly/GreatBkReviews ) that covers 325 jam-packed pages covering everithing from Amazon vine to writing reviews for profit and promotion. Reviewers will have a special interest in the chapter on how to make reviewing pay, either as way to market their own books or as a career path--ethically!

This blog is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. 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. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the 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.

Wednesday, June 27, 2018

Phyllis Ring Finds Leslie Handler's New Memoir "For the Heart"


Reviewed by  Phyllis Ring originally for Amazon

THE REVIEW



When I begin to think of others with whom I want to share a book, even start ordering copies for them before I’ve finished reading it, I've found a book that serves the heart.

Leslie Handler's warm, transparent -- sometimes fearless -- perspective clears out inner cobwebs like a rush of springtime air. Her writing strikes a welcome balance between humorously forthcoming and gently poignant. I've previously enjoyed essays she publishes as syndicated columns. This collection shines a lovely light on life’s true wealth, the willingness to develop and apply the healing capacities of compassion, fair-mindedness, and kindness, along with fortitude, forbearance, and faith. Faith in grace, in others, and in life itself.

The author has experienced a pretty large serving of difficulties along her path. Her response is, for me, one of the gifts of this book as it reminds of the freedom, and power, of reaching for appreciation, humor, and joy together with honesty that’s not afraid to face life fully. Her willingness, at times, to write from deep vulnerability helps this reader feel a lot better, and hopefully kinder, about being human. There's much sweet wisdom woven in with the observant wit here.
MORE ABOUT THE AUTHOR


photo
Leslie Handler
Writer/Author
 Internationally Syndicated Columnist, Author, and National Society of Newspaper Columnists Award Winner
les.handler@gmail.com  
LeslieGoesBoom.com  
For a free sneak peek at my upcoming book, sign up to follow at LeslieGoesBoom



MORE ABOUT THIS BLOG AND GETTING REVIEWS

 The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. Of particular interest to readers of this blog is her most recent How to Get Great Book Reviews Frugally and Ethically (http://bit.ly/GreatBkReviews ) that covers 325 jam-packed pages covering everithing from Amazon vine to writing reviews for profit and promotion. Reviewers will have a special interest in the chapter on how to make reviewing pay, either as way to market their own books or as a career path--ethically!

This blog is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. 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. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the 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.