Category: Book news

New book release: ‘Roadside: One Man’s Look at the Afterlife’ by Scott Moss

‘Roadside: One Man’s Look at the Afterlife’ is the new book by Scott Moss. Photo: Amazon

When it comes to the afterlife, everyone has their viewpoints. While some believe death is final, others believe in heaven/hell and reincarnation. Regardless of where you fall in this topic, we have all seen those roadside memorials and wonder about the story behind them. Today’s new book, “Roadside: One Man’s Look at the Afterlife” by Scott Moss centers around Scott, a man who possesses spiritual abilities after being in an accident and experiencing a near death experience. This intriguing book will make you look at these roadside memorials differently and hopefully help you understand why they are so important to people grieving a loved one. Read all about Scott’s amazing new purpose in life – “Roadside: One Man’s Look at the Afterlife” is available on Amazon.

Scott Moss has worked in the medical field for over 30 years. He is familiar with life and death and has been in the room many times as people crossed over. This is his take on what might happen when you cross over. The interesting thing about Scott is his sense of humor. That makes the books he writes fun to read. Mr. Moss is not religious by any means. In fact, he does not believe in organized religion. He likes to cover serious topics with a flare for the funny side of all things. (Scott Moss, 2023)

“Roadside: One Man’s Look at the Afterlife”– Scott is a blue-collar worker who is in charge of street illumination. One day while he is up in the cherry picker 30 feet up in the air, a driver in a semi-truck has a fatal heart attack and hits the back of his truck. He is thrown from the basket and is critically injured from the fall. He spends weeks in a coma, then a couple of months in rehab. On the way home from the hospital, he sees a guy looking down at a roadside memorial. The guy has an almost ethereal look to him. Scott asks his wife if she saw the guy. She says she did not. When he passes the same memorial, the guy is still there. Scott stops the car and, when he approaches the guy, realizes that he is confused, wondering why there is a cross here and why he can not get home. Scott realizes he has a new purpose in life – to help these souls who were killed so suddenly cross over to heaven. Each person is different, and Scott needs to approach each one of them with care.

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New book release: ‘The Bucharest Legacy’ by William Maz

‘The Bucharest Legacy: The Rise of the Oligarchs’ is the second novel in the Bill Hefflin Spy Thriller Series by William Maz. Photo: Amazon

William Maz was born in Bucharest, Romania, of Greek parents and emigrated to the U.S. as a child. He is a graduate of Harvard University, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, and Yale residency. During his high school and undergraduate years, he developed a passion for writing fiction. He studied writing at Harvard, the New School, The Writer’s Studio in New York City, and with Gordon Lish, and is now writing full time. He divides his time between homes in Pennsylvania and New York City. In his new novel, “The Bucharest Legacy,” CIA agent Bill Hefflin is back in Bucharest and is immersed in a cauldron of spies and crooked politicians. (Amazon, 2023)

“The Bucharest Legacy” – The CIA is rocked to its core when a KGB defector divulges that there is a KGB mole inside the Agency. They learn that the mole’s handler is a KGB agent known as Boris. CIA analyst Bill Hefflin recognizes that name—Boris is the code name of Hefflin’s longtime KGB asset. If the defector is correct, Hefflin realizes Boris must be a triple agent, and his supposed mole has been passing false intel to Hefflin and the CIA. This makes Hefflin the prime suspect as the KGB mole inside the Agency.

Hefflin is given a chance to prove his innocence by returning to his city of birth, Bucharest, Romania, to find Boris and track down the identity of the mole. It has been three years since the bloody revolution, and what he finds is a cauldron of spies, crooked politicians, and a country controlled by the underground and the new oligarchs, all of whom want to find Boris. But Hefflin has a secret that no one else knows—Boris has been dead for over a year. Perfect for fans of John le Carré and Brad Thor.

Book of the week: ‘Rejection Happens for a Reason’ by S Mukesh Rao

‘Rejection Happens for a Reason’ is the debut novel by S Mukesh Rao. Photo: Amazon

Rejection is a natural part of life, especially when it comes to love and dating. Some of the most relatable characters in novels happen to be those who have been through this painful stage of life. Today’s book of the week is “Rejection Happens for a Reason” by S Mukesh Rao. In this witty, entertaining, and heartbreaking novel for young readers, the author explores the raw emotions one feels after experiencing an unrequited love. Sharad’s life is upended when a gorgeous girl named Tiya Hegde falls in love with him. Little does he know that he is heading for the most devastating rejection of his life. This page-turner will keep you hooked right up until the surprise ending. Find out if Sharad finds his happily ever after and pick up your copy of “Rejection Happens for a Reason” today: it is available on Amazon.

S Mukesh Rao is an author with a deep love for storytelling. Leaving the corporate world behind, Mukesh pursued his true passion for writing and it turned out to be a rewarding leap of faith. When not crafting stories, he enjoys immersing himself in good books and thought-provoking documentaries. If you are seeking an author dedicated to unraveling life’s complexities, Mukesh invites you to dive into his entertaining new debut rom-com novel. In “Rejection Happens for a Reason,” he explores life’s ups and downs. This heartwarming story touches on themes of love, loss, and self-discovery and is connecting with readers around the globe. (S Mukesh Rao, 2023)

“Rejection Happens for a Reason” – Sharad falls in love with girls as if he is born for it, but his fate is that his love is never returned. Follow him on a tough journey from constant heartbreaks to a glimmer of hope, sparked by his attraction to Tiya Hegde. He faces a painful rejection, which makes him question if he can ever find true love. Dive into this engaging rom-com novel by S Mukesh Rao, where he explores, with wit and entertainment, the raw emotions that follow a rejection in love. Experience the ups and downs of Sharad’s quest for love in this heartfelt story of resilience and self-discovery that promises an emotional ride through the twists and turns of romance.

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Book review: ‘Maribelle’s Shadow’ by Susannah Marren

‘Maribelle’s Shadow’ is the latest novel by Susannah Marren. Photo: Amazon

Susannah Marren is the author of “Between the Tides,” “A Palm Beach Wife,” and “A Palm Beach Scandal” and the pseudonym for Susan Shapiro Barash, who has written over a dozen nonfiction books, including “Tripping the Prom Queen,” “Toxic Friends,” and “You’re Grounded Forever,” among others. For her nonfiction, she has been featured in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, The New York Post, The Chicago Tribune, Elle, Marie Claire, and has appeared on national television including the Today Show, Good Morning America, CBS, CNN, and MSNBC. Barash has been a guest on national radio including NPR and Sirius Radio. For over twenty years she has taught gender studies at Marymount Manhattan College and has guest taught creative nonfiction at the Writing Institute at Sarah Lawrence College. Presently she is teaching at the Westport Writers Workshop. Her new novel, “Maribelle’s Shadow,” is a compelling tale of deception and family loyalty.

“Maribelle’s Shadow” – The only thing that spreads faster than gossip in Palm Beach is news of a mysterious death. As the editorial director of Palm Beach Confidential, Maribelle Walker knows what lurks beneath the glittering facade of the rich elite on Florida’s most glamorous coast. Or does she? The story begins when her adoring husband Samuel dies suddenly. She knows he is being unfaithful but she is hesitant about confronting him. With his death, secrets surface, including the secrets and lies between Maribelle and her sisters Caroline and Raleigh. Compounding the anguish, the authenticity of their socially ambitious mother Lucinda and lavish lifestyle of mansions, privilege and couture clothes is thrown into doubt. As their carefully constructed image unravels, each sister realizes she must fend for herself. The pathway out is steep and worth any risk – until the winner takes it all.

Even though it is fun to read about the rich and social elite, sometimes the characters are not very relatable, so it is hard to feel sorry for them when their lives take a downward spiral. Such is the case of the Barrow sisters. Thanks to their momager, they are always in society-lady mode and since they are obsessed with their social status, every decision they make, from how they dress to where they are seen and with who, is based on whether or not it will elevate or improve their status. The story is divided into three parts and the chapters are alternately narrated in the point of view of the sisters, so readers get an insight into their thoughts and characters. Because of this, the plot is character driven and the mystery behind Samuel’s death unravels slowly in the background even though it marks the beginning of the end for Maribelle. With highly descriptive language: “…she was trapped in mounds of seaweed, fighting to reach the shoreline,” the story flows naturally through the pages, making this an easy and fun to read novel. It also highlights the point that every family, regardless of social status, has secrets that will eventually come to light. Overall, “Maribelle’s Shadow” is a story of family and loyalty, and how far some people will go to hang on to what they have. It is recommended for readers who enjoy women’s fiction centered around socialites, power, and money.

“Don’t be so dramatic, Maribelle,” Lucinda said. “Samuel was another husband. They come; they go…..They’re fungible. Sisters, friends who are like sisters, aren’t.”

*The author received a copy of this book for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

New book release: ‘How to Tame a F*ck Boy’ by Emmanuel Simms

‘How to Take a F*ck Boy’ is the new book by Emmanuel Simms. Photo: Amazon

Relationships can be complicated but dating is a whole other level of messy, especially in today’s modern world. Nowadays, there are a myriad of books out there that offer advice on navigating these troublesome waters but at least they bring the topic to the table and get people talking. If you are looking for a unique book on relationship advice, consider Emmanuel Simms’ new book “How to Tame a F*ck Boy.” The title might be off-putting, but the term is just another way of saying ‘bad boy’ or ‘bad girl.’ In reality, it is a real, raw, and relatable guide that “acknowledges the messiness of modern love, yet offers actionable advice (and a few laughs) to navigate it.” It is a short read filled with personal stories, humor, and practical advice. It is available on Amazon.

Emmanuel Simms MFA is an American writer best known for his book “The Rules of a Successful Failure.” In his writing, he explores social issues such as race and discrimination within minority communities. Simms has an urban tone in his writing, which allows him to explore these complex topics in a way that is both informative and relatable for his readers. (Emmanuel Simms, 2023)

Simms grew up in a low-income, inner-city neighborhood. He witnessed firsthand the effects of discrimination and poverty on minority communities. This shaped his view of the world and inspired him to write about these issues in his books. In “The Rules of a Successful Failure,” Simms uses his personal experiences to explore what it takes to overcome adversity. He offers readers a unique perspective on the challenges faced by minorities in society and provides valuable advice on how to overcome them.

Simms’ writing is important because it offers a rare look into the lives of minority communities. His insights can help readers to better understand the difficulties faced by these groups and can provide hope to those who are struggling to overcome them. His new book “How to Tame a F*ck Boy : 12 Steps for Taming Your F*ck Boy,” the first in the #RelationshipGoals Mastery series, is a humorous and insightful look at navigating the complex world of modern dating.

“How to Tame a F*ck Boy : 12 Steps for Taming Your F*ck Boy” (#RelationshipGoals Mastery Book 1) – In the exhilarating dance of modern relationships, Emmanuel Simms offers a bold and candid guide to understanding, navigating, and potentially taming the enigma known colloquially as the ‘F*ck Boy.’ Through “12 Steps for Taming Your F*ck Boy,” Simms delves into the dynamics that make these relationships both enthralling and tumultuous. Drawing from a mix of personal anecdotes, humor, and practical advice, this book doesn’t just shed light on the allure of the F*ck Boy but also offers tangible steps for those hoping to find balance in such partnerships. Whether you’re caught in the throes of a whirlwind romance, seeking clarity, or just in for an entertaining read about modern love’s complexities, this book is your compass. Dive in and discover a blend of humor, wisdom, and raw truths that will resonate, provoke thought, and maybe even guide you to a healthier, happier relationship dynamic.

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New book release: ‘The Invisible Red String’ by Peter Berlin and Ann Zachariah

‘The Invisible Red String’ is a love story by Peter Berlin and Ann Zachariah. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Topics like fate and predestination can be subjective, especially when love is concerned. Some believe that love knows no boundaries because it is written in the threads of destiny. According to an old Chinese proverb: “An invisible red thread connects those who are destined to meet, regardless of time, place, or circumstance. The thread may stretch or tangle, but it will never break,” some people are destined to meet and their destinies have been predetermined by ‘the gods.’ This belief is the subject of a new book by Peter Berlin and Ann Zachariah. “The Invisible Red String” is a spiritual love story that examines the complex concepts of abuse, trauma, and therapy, offering a glimpse into the power of human connection and the unbreakable threads of destiny that bind us all. It is available on Amazon. 

“The Invisible Red String” is a soulful odyssey where an invisible red thread of destiny weaves a tapestry of love, growth, and transformation across continents. Join four extraordinary souls as their lives intertwine in the most unexpected of ways, transcending the barriers of race and culture to create profound and meaningful connections.

John – an advertising executive, carries the scars of a turbulent past, a product of the foster care system, now striving to provide a loving home for his son, who has Down syndrome. When his supermodel wife abandons him, he finds himself at a crossroads, searching for healing and redemption.

Anna – hailing from a conservative background in Kerala, India, knows the pain of forced arranged marriages and the depths of physical abuse. As a divorcee, she is determined to break free from her past and discover her own path to happiness.

Jake – a successful cardiologist, appears superficial on the surface, but beneath his polished exterior lies a longing for something deeper. He embarks on a journey of self-discovery, encountering a love that transcends time and space.

Lilly – a young African woman who once endured the cruelty of corporal punishment, arrives in a foreign land to pursue her education, with no family to guide her. She finds unexpected solace in the warm embrace of a gay couple who become her chosen family.

As these four souls converge at Soul Haven, a place where personal stories are shared, and meaningful bonds are forged, they embark on a remarkable journey of growth and transformation. Through profound experiences, they confront their traumas, explore unconventional therapies like past life regression and shadow work, and break down the barriers of race and culture.

Anna and John’s love story emerges as a beacon of hope, proving that love can heal even the deepest wounds. Jake and Maya’s connection transcends the physical realm, leading Jake on a quest to understand the depths of his own soul.

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Courtesy photo, used with permission.

New book release: ‘The Condor’s Shadow’ by Jim Story

‘The Condor’s Shadow’ is the newest novel by Jim Story. Photo: Amazon

Literary fiction is mostly character driven and provides deep insight into the world around us and the human condition. They tackle complex themes and are often considered excellent works of literature, such examples being “The Grapes of Wrath” and “The Great Gatsby.” This is my go to genre when I am in the mood for a novel that probes into a character’s life and chronicles his/her life experiences. Today’s new book release is “The Condor’s Shadow” by Jim Story and it examines the life of Clayton Poole throughout the years, all his struggles and lessons learned along the way. Ready to go on this journey? This contemporary literary fiction novel is available on Amazon.

Jim Story is a novelist, short-story writer, and poet. Born in Oklahoma and raised on a ranch in the San Joaquin Valley in California, Jim Story holds a PhD from Columbia University, a certificate from the Harriman Institute, and has taught at Whitman College, Long Island University, and Lehman College in New York. He has been nominated for a Pushcart Prize for a series of poems called “Notes of a Forty-Year Old Country Boy,” won a Best New Writers Award from Poets & Writers, and held a residency at the Edward Albee Center in Montauk, Long Island. He is the author of the much-acclaimed novel “Problems of Translation, or Charlie’s Comic, Terrifying, Romantic, Loopy Round-the-World Journey in Search of Linguistic Happiness.” His new novel, also much-acclaimed, is “The Condor’s Shadow.” (Jim Story, 2023)

“The Condor’s Shadow” – Thirty-four year old Clayton Poole has wandered state-to-state, changing identities for nearly two decades. Finally about to start life anew as a small-town Montana journalist, he is suddenly confronted by his darkly checkered past: the love of his life he had felt forced to surrender, and the violent act that first expelled him onto the road and changed his life forever.

Set in California, Montana, and the Pacific Northwest, “The Condor’s Shadow” tells Clayton’s story in a layered fashion, moving fluidly back and forth through time from the early 1950s to the present, as he struggles to escape, rectify, and finally reconcile the forces that have shadowed his life.

Compelling, suspenseful, poignant, and romantic, it is already getting rave reviews:

“a smartly conceived, beguiling tale that few readers will forget” – Kirkus Reviews

“Jim Story again proves to be a master storyteller” – Manuel G. Gonzales, author of Mexicanos: A History of Mexicans in the United States

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New book release: ‘Help! I’m Living With a Narcissist’ by Mel Christ

‘Help! I’m Living With a Narcissist’ is aimed at helping readers go from being with a narcissistic abuser to living a healthier life. Photo: Mel Christ, used with permission.

Narcissists are often described as cocky, manipulative, selfish, patronizing, and demanding. Most importantly, they lack empathy and consideration for other people. This might be your boss, your best friend, or even someone you share your home with. Life with a narcissist can be hell on earth and it is always best to avoid them. But what if they are already rooted in your life? Today’s new book release touches on this subject. “Help! I’m Living With a Narcissist’ by Mel Christ has amazing insights that will walk you through how to spot a narcissist and how to untangle your life from one with the least possible heartache and struggle. It is available on Amazon. (Mel Christ, 2023)

Mel Christ is a warm and optimistic Abuse Recovery Coach and Strategist with a Masters in Coaching & Mentoring Practice with Psycho Dynamics. She is the founder of Freedom to Thrive, a powerful movement empowering women to Heal & Thrive after Narcissistic Abuse. Mel is also an award winning Coach who was awarded the ‘Most Inspirational Coach Award.’

After enduring and overcoming decades of chronic pathological narcissistic abuse, Mel learned how to break free from cycles of pain, drama, and trauma. She also learned how to Heal and Thrive after narcissistic abuse. Now, armed with the wisdom of her own healing journey, Mel has a passion and drive to empower women in similar predicaments to break free, take back their power, and rediscover their identity. As a creative people-centered Coach and Strategist, Mel helps her clients to create powerful, ground breaking strategies to overcome narcissistic abuse, rise to their fullest potential and live their best life. In her new book, “Help! I’m Living with a Narcissist,” she extends a lifeline, a guide to help others navigate their own path to freedom and empowerment.

“Help! I’m Living With a Narcissist” – Are you living with a narcissist? Do you live with someone who is always the center of attention? Someone who has no empathy for others. Someone who constantly needs praise and admiration but has little interest in giving it to others? Someone who expects special treatment and consideration from everyone, yet will lash out when he or she doesn’t get it? If so, there is a good chance that your partner might be narcissistic.

You cannot change a narcissist, but you can avoid them and escape them. You are not powerless. This book offers tips, tools, and powerful information on how to keep yourself safe from and escape a narcissist before they can destroy your life, sap your happiness, and drive away everyone you love or care about.

This book will teach you:

  •  How to spot the narcissist
  • Traits all narcissists share
  • Weapons a narcissist will use against you to break you down and control your life
  • Tools to disarm and disempower the abusive narcissist
  • How to take back your power and reclaim your identity
  • How to heal and thrive after narcissistic abuse
  • And so much more!

There is still hope, no matter how much time you have wasted on a narcissist. You can decide today that enough is enough and put an end to the cycle of pain and drama. You can rise up to a new future and live life powerful and free. This book will empower you with practical steps you can easily take to help you break free from a narcissist and take charge of your life. Take that first step today toward the rest of your life. The life you have always wanted. No matter what has happened before, your new life begins now.

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Photo: Mel Christ, used with permission.

New book release: ‘Things My Husband Said’ by Jennifer Free

‘Things My Husband Said: The painful reality of covert verbal and emotional abuse in a marriage from the perspective of a wife who got out and the plan that empowered her to leave’ by Jennifer Free. Photo: Jennifer Free, used with permission.

The subject of abuse is all too often taboo but needs to be addressed. Aside from physical abuse, there is also emotional and verbal abuse, which consists of actions that are meant to control, isolate, and frighten you. In romantic relationships, this often includes threats, insults, manipulation, humiliation, intimidation, and other such behaviors. Today’s new book release touches on this issue and is written by a woman who experienced abuse. In “Things My Husband Said,” Jennifer Free shares her journey beginning with how she met her husband, how she got out, and what she told her daughter. If you or someone you know is in a similar situation, let her first hand account inspire you and guide you to get help and live a better life. Don’t wait, get your copy today; it is available on Amazon.

Jennifer Free is an author and advocate for awareness, prevention, and support for victims of covert verbal and emotional abuse perpetrated by spouses. She is a survivor of childhood and marital abuse and writes about her experiences to help others. (Jennifer Free, 2023)

In “Things My Husband Said,” author Jennifer Free outlines the painful reality of covert verbal and emotional abuse in a marriage and the detailed plan she developed over several years that ultimately empowered her to safely leave while maintaining primary physical custody of her daughter without a lengthy legal battle.

In this book, she shines a necessary spotlight on the type of marital abuse that does not leave physical bruises but still causes harm by sharing the ugly covert verbal abuse she endured for years, one raw line at a time. She includes the the detailed plan she developed to safely leave with her daughter. Most importantly, she speaks to and validates the pain of those victims who are still in abusive marriages as well as those who have been able to escape. It serves as necessary required reading in continuing education programs for Family Court professionals and victim advocates.

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Book of the week: ‘Toka-Ace: #1 Tabula Rasa’ by Tahir Kashif

‘Toka-Ace: #1 Tabula Rasa’ is the first in the Toka-Ace series by Tahir Kashif. Photo: Amazon

Science fiction novels are some of my favorite books because they stretch the imagination and feature superheroes, warriors, battles, and enough action to keep you hooked until the end. This week’s book of the week is “Toka-Ace: #1 Tabula Rasa” by Tahir Kashif. The story centers around Unit Nine, a deadly living weapon whose new assignment will test him in ways he never expected. It is meant for young readers aged 13-18 but if you enjoy exciting science fiction action thrillers, put this one on your ‘to read’ list. The language is down to earth and descriptive and the action flows easily through the pages. Check it out for yourself, it is available through the author’s website in e-book and paperback edition. Chapter One is narrated in the YouTube video below.

Tahir Kashif was born and raised in Milwaukee Wisconsin. Toka-Ace is his first book series, which includes “Toka-Ace: #1 Tabula Rasa” and “Toka-Ace: #2 Burial.” He has a YouTube channel by the name of The Anti-Pendulum. His videos are sometimes nerdy, and sometimes thought provoking but always interesting. (Tahir Kashif, 2023)

“Toka-Ace: #1 Tabula Rasa” – Assassinations, stealth, and infiltration. Unit Nine is a living weapon and the best at what he does. There is nobody deadlier or more dangerous. When he is assigned to recover a missing bioweapon and hundreds of millions in stolen money, he never expects the mystery to put him face to face with his past mistakes or force him to make a pivotal choice. Even the deadliest of warriors can be caught off guard.

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