‘Loving You Is Destiny’ by Sarah Akkoyun. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
If you love reading romance novels, here is one for you: “Loving You Is Destiny,” the latest novel by Sarah Akkoyun. It is available on Amazon. (Sarah Akkoyun, 2023)
“Loving You Is Destiny”– Vanessa Lawrence had always thought she would end up marrying the love of her life, David Dawson, one day. – Yet here she is one year later, still unable to move on. Her family and best friend try their best to support her, but they just cannot understand what she is going through. Vanessa did not want to move on, at least, not until she met Lucas Graham.
He brought joy and happiness back into her life, but she should not get any closer to him than she already was. She could not forget David, she still wanted him to be a part of her life. It was not fair to Lucas, Vanessa knew that, but they could be friends, right? Nothing more, nothing less. Just good friends. No matter what Taylor, her best friend, said. Even though Taylor just wanted Vanessa to be happy again. Vanessa never expected to discover a secret about what happened a year ago, considering she thought there was nothing left to find out. Now she has to decide if love can truly overcome anything.
‘The Book of African Proverbs and Wisdom’ is a collection of ancient proverbs and wisdom from the continent of Africa. Photo: Amazon
The African Empire Research Project provides books on African history and culture. The first book in the series is African Empires. African Empires presents a comprehensive and in depth analysis of the major empires of the African continent over thousands of years. This book penetrates into the various kingdoms and rich cultures of Africa including East Africa, West Africa, North Africa, South Africa, and Central Africa. African Empires brings to life a colorful cast of historical characters including African kings, queens, scholars, religious leaders, artists, warriors, and merchants who helped to shape the direction of these great African civilizations. It captures the epic landmark events of Africa and explains them in detail to provide a full understanding of this dynamic continent and its contribution to world history. (J.P. Martin, 2023)
“The Book of African Proverbs and Wisdom Volume 1” is a compilation of over 100 ancient proverbs and words of wisdom from the continent of Africa. Africa is the birthplace of human civilization and home to some of the most ancient wisdom on the planet. The continent of Africa is an extremely culturally rich region and home to over 2,000 languages, 3,000 ethnic groups, and numerous belief systems. “The Book of African Proverbs and Wisdom Volume 1” provides a diverse and expansive collection of timeless wise sayings and knowledge which have been collected from every region of Africa including west Africa, central Africa, east Africa, south Africa, and north Africa. This valuable collection of inspirational sayings seeks to share Africa’s wisdom which has been passed down from one generation to the next for thousands of years.
‘The Last Thing He Told Me’ has been adapted into a limited time series available on Apple TV+. Photo: Google
Laura Dave is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of “The Last Thing He Told Me,” “Eight Hundred Grapes,” and other novels. Her work has been published in thirty-eight countries. “The Last Thing He Told Me” has been adapted into a limited series starring Jennifer Garner. It is available for streaming on Apple TV+. “The Last Thing He Told Me” is about a woman who thinks she has found the love of her life—until he disappears. (Amazon, 2023)
“The Last Thing He Told Me”– Before Owen Michaels disappears, he smuggles a note to his beloved wife of one year: Protect her. Despite her confusion and fear, Hannah Hall knows exactly to whom the note refers—Owen’s sixteen-year-old daughter, Bailey. Bailey, who lost her mother tragically as a child. Bailey, who wants absolutely nothing to do with her new stepmother. As Hannah’s increasingly desperate calls to Owen go unanswered, as the FBI arrests Owen’s boss, as a US marshal and federal agents arrive at her Sausalito home unannounced, Hannah quickly realizes her husband is not who he said he was and that Bailey just may hold the key to figuring out Owen’s true identity—and why he really disappeared. Hannah and Bailey set out to discover the truth but as they start putting together the pieces of Owen’s past, they soon realize they are also building a new future—one neither of them could have anticipated.
‘My Samurai: The Way of the Warrior’ is the new YA novel by Masaki. Photo: Masaki, used with permission.
Masaki has worked as a therapist and educator with young adults from many countries around the world. His latest novel and his creative writing are a reflection of that work and a desire to help youth live with purpose and passion, fulfilling their unique potential, and embracing the hero’s journey. If you like fantasy, mythology, quests, and gripping stories, you will love “My Samurai: The Way of the Warrior.” The first in a series of Young Adult novels by author Masaki, this fast-moving tale is full of memorable characters, suspense, humor, twists and turns, tragedy, and triumph. Set in futuristic, dystopian, and mythical worlds, the story serves as a reminder that a hero lives within us all. (Masaki, 2023)
** For a limited time, from Friday April 21 00:00 to Saturday April 22 23:59 PST, you will be able to download it for free as part of a free e-book offer. Click here for your free copy. **
“My Samurai:The Way of the Warrior”– Your life is working out and making sense, until one night you discover an ancient warrior standing on guard outside your family apartment. What is up with that? And what do you do, especially when nobody else can see him? Nineteen-year-old Eddie Sato does not have any answers either. Life is hard in the Freezone; a scorched and broken part of the city, afflicted by The Dry and run by a corrupt organization. Eddie does not need any more problems or anything changing. But far reaching change has just arrived. His life will never be the same again. As the rebellious Freezoner pushes back, unseen forces propel him onto a mystical path, known as the Way of the Warrior. Shuffling forward, Eddie begins his training. At the same time, an extraordinary, mythical realm opens up, where he discovers his ancestors and a menacing shapeshifter who serves a destructive deity from the underworld. When those closest to him are attacked, the reluctant warrior is faced with a terrible decision. Should Eddie try and save the life of someone he loves, or should he let them die to help prevent the destruction of humanity? Nothing can prepare you for this journey.
“As a non-reader, this book took me on a surprise adventure, it was funny, punchy, and relatable.” – @abuvrubys
‘My Samurai: The Way of the Warrior’ by Masaki. Photo: Masaki, used with permission.
The movie adaptation of the classic coming of age novel will be release April 28, 2023. Photo: Amazon
Judy Blume spent her childhood in Elizabeth, NJ, making up stories inside her head. She has spent her adult years in many places, doing the same thing, only now she writes her stories down on paper. Adults as well as children will recognize such Blume titles as: “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret,” “Superfudge,” “Blubber,” “Just As Long As We’re Together,” and “Forever.” Judy received a B.S. in education from New York University in 1961, which named her a Distinguished Alumna in 1996, the same year that American Library Association honored her with the Margaret A. Edwards Award for Lifetime Achievement. Her books have sold more than 75 million copies and her work has been translated into twenty-six languages. The beloved coming of age novel “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” has been adapted into a major movie and will be released in theaters April 28, 2023. (Amazon, 2023)
“Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” – Margaret Simon, almost twelve, has just moved from New York City to the suburbs, and she is anxious to fit in with her new friends. When she is asked to join a secret club she jumps at the chance. But when the girls start talking about boys, bras, and getting their first periods, Margaret starts to wonder if she is normal. There are some things about growing up that are hard for her to talk about, even with her friends. Lucky for Margaret, she has got someone else to confide in, someone who always listens.
‘Identicality’ is the new technothriller by Jay L. Koppelman. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
How do genetic engineering, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies in computer science, medicine and physics engage with ethics and morality? These are themes in “Identicality,” the debut novel from San Francisco Bay Area resident Jay Koppelman. It is a riveting and thought-provoking science fiction novel that will keep you thinking and guessing until the very end – and then beyond. In today’s world, science is quickly catching up to fiction. Will it have gone too far when it comes to replicating human beings? Check out the reviews for this amazing romp of a techno thriller and see what the excitement is all about.
As Adam Braudy, a brilliant inventor-entrepreneur, lies dying following an assassination attempt, he asks Charlie Wood, his lifelong friend, to use Adam’s latest invention—a human replicator to create Adam’s replicant. Despite deep ethical reservations, Charlie sets them aside, and at the risk of spawning a Frankenstein monster, creates Adam’s replicant who then steps into Adam’s role as husband, father, inventor and industrialist, having no reason to doubt that he is the real Adam Braudy. But then the first Adam miraculously survives. How far will Adam go to get his life back?
“Identicality is exhilarating!”
It’s a thriller that takes you to a place where “I is another”, and “identical is actually distinct.” I can’t wait to see the movie. It’ll put The Matrix to shame.
—Patrick Feigelson, author
“Thoroughly human characters grappling wit extraordinary dilemmas”
The technological wonders in Identicality are only just out of our reach, but they have profound implications for our sense of our selves. It’s a sense we feel as we witness thoroughly human characters grappling with the extraordinary dilemmas that animate this thrilling and thoughtful novel.
What a fun combination of page-turning action and real ethical questions about life. Human replication is such a creepy thing to think about. This is a book that will stick in my mind for a long time to come.
In this unique, gripping novel, fleshed out characters live out their lifelong friendships full of mutual dependence, competition, shared ambition, and love. All against a backstory that includes exciting dramatic scenes of chase, explosion, terror, and medical science fiction. This should appeal to readers seeking science fiction that unfolds medical and ethical fictional situations with real human impact. A unique and well written offering. Highly recommended!
‘Leaving: How I Set Myself Free from an Abusive Marriage’ is Kanchan Bhaskar new memoir. Photo: Amazon
Kanchan Bhaskar was born and brought up in New Delhi, India. She holds a master’s degree in social work from Delhi University and a postgraduate certificate in personnel management and industrial relations. She moved to the US in 2000. She works in the corporate world, mentoring, counselling, and coaching employees at all levels in the industry. She is also now a certified advocate for domestic violence victims in the state of Illinois and is a volunteer speaker, mentor, and coach for victims and survivors. Her new book “Leaving: How I Set Myself Free from an Abusive Marriage” is an inspiring memoir of a woman who reclaims her power and finds the strength to leave an abusive relationship. (Kanchan Bhaskar, 2023)
“Leaving: How I Set Myself Free from an Abusive Marriage” – Raised by two loving parents in New Delhi, India, Kanchan Bhaskar has always been taught that marriage means companionship, tenderness, and mutual respect—so when she enters into an arranged marriage, this is the kind of partnership she anticipates with her new, seemingly wonderful, husband. The story is told in chronological order and begins in 1980-1981 when, as a new wife, Kanchan is starting a new life with her new husband and his family, all strangers to her, but is still naively hopeful that it will be full of wonder and romance. She quickly discovers that his warmth is deceptive—that the man beneath the bright, charming façade is actually a narcissistic, alcoholic, and violent man. Kanchan pleads with her husband to seek help for his issues, but he refuses. Trapped in a nightmare, and now with children to protect, she tries numerous times to leave him but Indian law is not on her side. It is not until many years later, when the family of five moves from India to the United States, that Kanchan is presented with a real opportunity to leave him—and she takes it. It is divided into eighteen chapters, including A Love Story, My Safe Haven, and Coming Together.
Kanchan Bhaskar’s memoir is not just about domestic abuse. In the Preface, she writes that “the story does not stop with gaining my freedom but describes my continuing journey on the path of spirituality.” The abuse she endured is just one part of her story; the whole is more about her personal journey to self reliance. She perseveres against all odds and it does not define who she is now. The abuse details, while disturbing, are brief and not too graphic, just enough to shed light on her tragic experiences. It is always interesting to learn about other cultures, in this case, Indian culture, especially the process of selecting a partner in an arranged marriage. This proves the universality of the human condition regardless of race or culture. The language is easy to understand and often poetic “I felt like a free bird, seeing myself as a white swan gliding high in the infinite sky – who had no boundaries, no limits, no shackles, no fear, no apprehensions…” With a story that flows easily through the pages, readers are witness to her journey from abuse to spiritual awakening. “Leaving: How I Set Myself Free from an Abusive Marriage” is an empowering story of a woman who even during her bleakest moments, found the strength to move on. It is recommended for readers who enjoy inspirational memoirs by strong women.
“I wish there was one formula for all of us, but there isn’t. The formula that worked for me and liberated me was essentially powered by my three strong beliefs, my tools, and my mantras. Belief in self. Belief in Universe. Belief in spirituality.”
*The author received a copy of this book for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.
“Accepting Truth isn’t always easy, but it’s always necessary. Without hardship, without going through the Trials and Tribulations, strength cannot be gained. No matter how hard and hopeless you feel at times, endure a little longer and keep fighting on. Nothing great comes from taking the easy way out. Nothing permanent that is.”
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 Seeing the Invisible: 16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, 18 while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.
“God never promised an easy life on earth, but he did promise the temporary battle would be worth it in the end.”
Author Mike Black. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
‘Gray: Assorted Poems’ by Conor Noll. Photo: Amazon
Conor Nollis a poet with a lifetime love of the written word and has spent most of it reading and writing. He has had his share of hardships including serving in the military, being a shut-in, and serving time in prison. “Gray” is his first published book of poems with plans for more to come. He currently lives in his Pennsylvania hometown. (Conor Noll, 2023)
“Gray”– This book is a short collection of original poems; a worthy assortment of thoughts and feelings put into words and onto paper. There are topics of love, loss, fond feelings of comfortable places, and also of sadness. Enjoy the poems within.
Poetry can have different meanings for different people. Some enjoy expressing their thoughts while for others, it can be therapeutic. In “Gray,” Conor Noll expresses all types of emotions, from hopelessness to friendship and love. The topics range from the drudgery of daily life to the majesty of the night sky, including the stars and planets. This may be a small book, but it serves as a reminder of the universality of the human condition; that if you are feeling down, you are not the only one and there is always hope right around the corner. Most, if not all the poems are relatable, like Unease, for those of us who have battled with anxiety and The Magical Brew, a humorous ode to coffee and its many benefits. Running reminds us that though it may be hard, sometimes you have to move on from what is familiar. So if you are looking for honest, heart felt poetry to remind you of your humanity, give this one a try. It is an easy read without complicated language and can be read in one sitting, which makes it the perfect book to take to the beach this summer.
“Yet it’s the bad that make, The good all the better, I will not be fake, I refused to be fettered, And I’ll give as much as I can take.” – To Be Human
‘Airbnb 99 Essential Message Templates’ is a resource guide for readers in the Airbnb business. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Are you an Airbnb host who wants to offer exceptional guest experiences and stand out among millions of listings on the platform? If so, “Airbnb 99+ Essential Message Templates” by Message Magic is the solution. (Message Magic, 2023)
Not only will you receive comprehensive guidance and practical advice for improving your communication skills and enhancing the guest experience, but you will also receive an exclusive offer included in the book. This offer is a $50 coupon to optimize your Airbnb listing with AirbnbSEO.com. This valuable bonus will help you further enhance your Airbnb presence and attract more bookings, making it an even more valuable investment for any serious host.
Our pre-written message templates allow you to save time and effort while ensuring consistency, professionalism, accuracy, and personalization for your guests. You can even use them for direct bookings via personal websites and social networks.
Effective communication is crucial for building trust, clarifying expectations, handling issues, and earning positive reviews. With “Airbnb 99+ Essential Message Templates,” you can provide your guests with a memorable and hassle-free experience while maximizing your profits. Our customizable message templates have been proven to increase bookings, boost guest satisfaction, handle any complaints professionally, and help you stand out from the competition.
Do not let your listing get lost in the sea of Airbnb properties. Take your communication with guests to the next level with our book and reap numerous benefits, including streamlining your messaging process, and ensuring consistency, professionalism, accuracy, and personalization. Increase your bookings, boost guest satisfaction, handle any complaints professionally, and stand out from the competition.
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