The television adaptation of Will Trent will premiere on ABC on Tuesday, January 3, 2023. Photo: Google
Karin Slaughteris a crime writer and author of 21 novels which have sold more than 40 million copies and have been published in 120 countries. Her first novel “Blindsighted” made the Crime Writers’ Association’s Dagger Award shortlist for ‘Best Thriller Debut’ of 2001. She is best known for stand alone novels but also for the Grant County and Will Trent (Atlanta) series of books. The Will Trent series takes place in Atlanta, Georgia and features Georgia Bureau of Investigation special agent Will Trent, his partner Faith Mitchell, and Angie Polaski. The series has been adapted into a television series starring Ramón Rodriguez as Will Trent, Erika Christensen as Angie Polaski, and Iantha Richardson as Faith Mitchell. Will Trent will premiere on ABC on Tuesday, January 3, 2023 at 10/9c. (Google, 2023)
As a child, Trent was abandoned and was forced to endure a harsh coming-of-age in Atlanta’s overwhelmed foster care system. Now that he is in a position to make a difference, Trent is determined to use his unique point of view to make sure no one is abandoned like he was. His personal motivation and background contribute to Will Trent having the highest clearance rate in the GBI.
‘Easy Read Word Search Puzzles and Planner for Seniors’ by Boost Brainz. Photo: Amazon
One of the best ways to improve your memory and keep your brain sharp is to do puzzles. While this is especially true for seniors, anyone can benefit from this. If you are looking for gift ideas for someone, or even for yourself if you love puzzle books, this is an interesting one. (Boost Brainz, 2022)
Do you want to improve your memory? Do you enjoy word search puzzles that take you back to golden memories of the past? If you are looking for a fun puzzle activity that will take your imagination to the nostalgic golden era of the 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s, then this word search puzzle book is for you. The content and structure of this puzzle book has been designed to help improve memory and engage your mind in a fun and relatable activity.
The word search puzzles are based on the themes from the decades 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s. For each decade, the puzzles are divided into Levels 1-3 (easy to difficult levels). For each level, the puzzles are created around five themes for each decade, i.e. 1) Social Events and Movements, 2) Science and Technology, 3) Music and Fashion, 4) Cinema and Television, and 5) Geopolitics.
LARGE PRINT- Large Print Word Search puzzles and solutions
GREAT GIFT- A great gift for adults and seniors
Order your copy now and have fun!
This easy to read puzzle book comes in extra large print and is divided into difficulty level and by decade and each is divided by theme including music and fashion, cinema and television, and more. Each puzzle has a fun fact about the year in question and the solutions to the puzzles are in the back. The activity planners at the end include monthly to do lists, regular to do lists, a page each to record blood pressure records, blood sugar records, and weekly meal lists. Having recently bought a similar activity planner for my mother to help her track her numbers, this one is more useful because it also has fun puzzles for an extra ‘brain boost.’
‘The Paper Tiger Syndrome’ is a guidebook on the journey of healing and self-repair. Photo: Amazon
Rebecca A. Wardis an American therapist, activist, healer, author, speaker, and coach. As a trauma survivor herself, she has triumphed over extraordinary suffering and come out on other side to her joy again. As a licensed therapist in California and ICF-Certified Professional Coach, Rebecca holds a multitude of trauma-informed certifications, including Somatic Experiencing®. She is a member of the International Coaching Federation and CA Marriage and Family Therapists Association. In her new book, “The Paper Tiger Syndrome: How to Liberate Yourself from the Illusion of Fear,” Rebecca shares her personal trauma-to-resilience story and the wisdom from her own clients to help readers transform their own trauma wounds into personal growth, presence, resilience, and joy and reconnect back to the truest version of themselves—what she calls the Original Blueprint®. (Amazon, 2022)
“The Paper Tiger Syndrome” – Paper tigers are thoughts and experiences that conjure up dread but do not present any real danger, they just create the same physiological responses in the human body that our ancestors experienced when they were stalked by predators on the plains. In the modern world, however, those responses are unwarranted. They are neurological “misfires” that harm our mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing, all in an effort to keep us “safe.” In the Preface section of the Introduction, the author explains that the book is “a roadmap to guide you on that journey back home.” This is followed by the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) survey to help readers find out where to begin since ACEs are known to be linked to chronic health problems, mental illness, and substance abuse in adulthood. The book consists of examples from her clients’ lives, and her own, as well as journaling ideas and exercises/rituals to enhance the healing process. All together, she shares ways to overcome fear, stress, and trauma in your life to help regulate your physical body. Based largely on the principles of somatic therapy, it contains specific exercises and tools to help you walk the bridge from fear to safety to unconditional love. It is divided into ten chapters including The Anatomy of Fear, How We Survive Childhood, and It Takes a Village.
Now more than ever, people are struggling with anxiety and depression. Life’s hardships can create a sense of apprehension that is hard to shake but the truth is that most fears and anxieties are really just paper tigers. A paper tiger is defined as ‘something, or someone, that appears to be a threat, but in reality is powerless.’ The difficulties the author experienced and surpassed give this book an aura of authenticity; she knows what she is talking about and her tone is caring without being condescending. She even pauses every now and then to encourage readers to take a break if necessary. The language is easy to understand and the layout of the information includes diagrams, lists, and reflection opportunities. To get the full benefits, the author recommends having a personal journal to complete the written exercise and write down your thoughts or download the Companion Workbook. Highlights include Chapter Four: It Takes a Village where she stresses that a lack of connection ‘heightens fear reactions and diminishes virtually ever aspect of life, including longevity’ and Chapter Seven: Healing Childhood Wounds where she shares guidelines to help overcome harmful childhood conditionings like body shaming. “The Paper Tiger Syndrome” is a highly informative resource guide that is encouraging and therapeutic and includes the necessary tools to guide readers through their healing journey. It is recommended for readers interested in self help, personal transformation, and spirituality books.
“Fear is a cheap marketing tool to keep you in line. Fear is not the way any infinite Source wants us to feel. We’re here to discover love for all that is in us and around us.”
*The author received a copy of this book for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.
‘Impact of New Technologies on Society: A Blueprint for the Future’ by Siddhartha Paul Tiwari. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Siddhartha Paul Tiwari is an award-winning technologist known for his understanding of the ever-evolving world of technology and how it impacts society. Driven by a passion for technology, he strives to provide his readers with the most accurate and up to date information possible. In his new book “Impact of New Technologies on Society: A Blueprint for the Future,” he focuses on technology and the growing influence it has on society, politics, and our economy. He is making his book available for free online. (Siddhartha Paul Tiwari, 2022)
“Impact of New Technologies on Society: A Blueprint for the Future” – We already see the impact of emerging technologies on our lives and the economy in many different ways, particularly when it comes to the way we live our lives and the way we work. Because of this, there is fierce competition among companies across the globe in order to ensure that they are able to benefit from the new technological developments. Globally, the United States and Asia are emerging as the two global leaders in this area.
Over the years, there has been a significant change in the landscape of emerging technologies since Alan Turing first asked in the 1950s if machines could think like humans. Emerging technologies will enhance economic growth and efficiency in the future. It is possible to greatly improve decision-making when large amounts of data are analyzed by improving efficiency. It is likely that new products and services, new markets, and new industries will be created as a result, which will in turn boost consumer demand and generate new revenue streams. On the other hand, emerging technologies may also have a profound effect on society and the economy. The creation of superman-like organizations could negatively affect the economy, according to several researchers. It may even lead to a wider gap between developed and developing countries, as well as a rise in the demand for workers with emerging skills and technologies, thereby creating job losses. The latter trend may have a significant impact on the labor market in the long run.
‘Cast No Shadow’ is the new psychological thriller by ‘Nancy Leonard.’ Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Nancy Leonard is an award-winning novelist who retired from a career as a physical therapist and rehabilitation clinic manager to pursue writing full time. Her focus is on psychological suspense thrillers, her specialty is in-depth character development with extensive research into Blackfeet Native American culture, wildland firefighting, and modern Middle Eastern culture and politics. She is the author of the Relentless River Series that consists of eight interconnected novels. While battling evil influences and life and death situations, characters cope with events in their pasts that have molded them while wrestling with their own morality. The series includes “Headwaters,” “Becomes A Horseman,” and “The Earth’s Backbone.” Her new novel “Cast No Shadow” involves the destructive collision between a psychopathic patriarch, Frederick Weingarten, and the two sons he dominates. (Amazon, 2022)
“Cast No Shadow” – The story begins as Bruce Weingarten and Alec Cummings are called into their father’s office. They are foster brothers who over the years have been manipulated to battle each other, especially for leadership of the family business. A woman, Eleanor, has been disrupting the father’s business interests and he wants her rattled into backing off. Fearing an innocent woman could be killed if he does not comply with Frederick’s instructions, Alec assaults her as instructed and is almost beaten to death in retribution when his identity is discovered. Tormented and in a rage of total despair and failure, his brother Bruce attempts to run two women off the road during a blizzard. They avoid serious harm but the horror of what he has become enables him to begin rebuilding his life. The young men’s attempts to free themselves from their father’s malevolent domination unleashes Frederick’s unrestrained rage at their betrayal. Alice Sanders and Tashi Long, two Blackfeet women who love and support Bruce and Alec, are caught in the crossfire as they become targets of Frederick’s quest for vengeance. They will ultimately battle for their souls and physical survival in the mountainous region and plains of northern Montana.
Psychological manipulation within the family unit has been proven to have lasting harmful effects affecting relationships for years. Such is the case between brothers Bruce and Alec. Although Alec is taken in by the family as a boy due to his abusive father and absent mother, they grow up together. What starts out as friendship develops into a cold and distant relationship brought on by the father’s caustic personality. Told in the first person point of view alternating between Bruce and Alec, readers witness their internal conflicts and their eventual redemption. The excellent character development makes them relatable, especially when Bruce and Alec’s new friends in Montana eventually welcome them as their own. With descriptive language ranging from describing a beating: “Blood is caked on the side of my face and my left eye is almost swollen shut. I have a deep crease of torn tissue under my left ear,” to the beautiful outdoor scenery: “The sapphire sky contrasts with aqua caverns, shimmering up from the glacial ice,” the reader is drawn into the story. The action is fast paced and naturally flows through the pages. Highlights include Chapter 3 which foreshadows Bruce’s change of heart, when he realizes that he is turning into his father, and not in a good way: “Suddenly I stop in horror. This has to stop. I’m becoming my father” and the action on Chapters 34 through 35 when Tashi falls in the ice while trying to rescue a little boy. “Cast No Shadow” is a fascinating story of two brothers who despite their volatile upbringing find ways to liberate themselves. It is a must read psychological thriller recommended for fans of the genre who also appreciate learning about Native American culture.
“I’m as far from all right as it’s possible to be and still be alive. I feel like I’m continually shrinking. Soon I’ll be so small I won’t even cast a shadow.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4 out of 5.
*The author received a copy of this book for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.
Anika Savoy’s ‘The Ghost in Her’ will be released January 3, 2023. Photo: Amazon
Anika Savoy is an award-winning author and attorney who has always felt a supernatural pull. A healthy skeptic, she cannot deny her near-death experience and the shift it made in her life and writing. She attended McGill University and graduated with distinction in 1988 with a B.A. in English Literature. While at McGill, she won several creative writing contests. Thereafter, she wrote three historical romance novels. In 1998, Anika changed course and pursued her lifelong dream of becoming an attorney. She graduated from University of Cincinnati, College of Law with Dean’s Honors in 2001 and practiced law for almost 20 years. Now, Anika returns to her first love: writing historical romances. She strives to add paranormal elements that take readers into a fairy tale universe where ghosts and witches exist, and happy endings abound. In “The Ghost In Her,” the first in Anika Savoy’s Ungilded Series, she delivers a paranormal historical romance book that revolves around themes of class disparity and feminism. “The Ghost in Her, Ungilded: Book One,” will be released January 3, 2023 and is available for pre-order on Amazon and other fine retailers. (Anika Savoy, 2022)
“The Ghost in Her” – introduces readers to Maggie O’Connor, who comes from a long line of Irish female seers. She does not want to see ghosts, but there is nothing she can do to stop them from following her around New York City in the late 1800s. When her sister’s baby is kidnapped, she and her employer’s handsome son race to rescue the child. First, however, Maggie must escape from the madhouse she is sentenced to on Blackwell Island. Will the ghosts help her win in a battle where the obstacles seem insurmountable?
“The first book of Anika Savoy’s Ungilded Series, ‘The Ghost in Her,’ is a dark, immersive fairy tale, dusted with Gothic whimsy. It is a story for the romantic and the history buff, a rich page-turner that forces us to consider the ongoing social ills that, to this day, continue to haunt us.” Mike Robinson, award-winning author of The Enigma of Twilight Falls Trilogy
Savoy is an avid explorer and researcher. She spent time on Blackwell Island, known as Roosevelt Island today, investigating the location of the former asylum, as well as researching the Bowery of New York, and exploring her own family’s history for inspiration. Elements of the supernatural, Gothic horror, and mystery make the book a genre-bender that promises to entice fans of Harper Lin’s Southern Sleuth Series or Christina Skye’s Draycott Abbey Series.
“I’ve always had an interest in the supernatural. While I’m a healthy skeptic, I can’t deny the real otherworldly encounters I’ve had, including a near-death experience. This is what has fueled my writing, and what I hope helps deliver a plausible reading adventure to people in my new Ungilded Series.” – Anika Savoy
‘In Mommy’s Cloud’ is a fun and educational book that teaches the basic concepts of cloud computing. Photo: Amazon
Lilian Shulika Tata was born in the Northwest Region of Cameroon, Nso and is a mother of two very precious girls who inspired her new book. She holds three master’s degrees and is completing her Ph.D. thesis in Information Technology, focusing on Augmented Reality. She has carried out numerous research projects and blogs about technology and careers in tech. Lilian Shulika Tata started her career as a Diplomat but her research led her to the world of technology, where she is now settled on Cloud Technologies and uses her knowledge to volunteer and teach students. She is passionate about family, education, technology, and Artificial Intelligence. An extremely creative and adventurous person, she is always eager to learn and share her knowledge with the world. Her new book “In Mommy’s Cloud: An Introduction To Cloud Computing,” inspired by true life events with her daughters Haneefa and Faizahis, is a fun book for the whole family as everyone gets to learn the basic concepts about cloud computing. (Lilian Shulika Tata, 2022)
“In Mommy’s Cloud” is the first in its series of technology books for kids, with many others to come. It takes you through a playground containing resources used in cloud computing and gives you a basic introduction to those services in a fun and playful manner. Familiarize yourself with these terms as the next parts of this series will dive deep into the main components of the resources in the cloud.
The main objective of this series is to introduce kids to the terminology and resources used in the field of information technology in a playful and fun way. This helps them interact and understand these resources and gives them a foundational basis of what these components represent in the field of technology.
‘Living a Committed Life’ is the new book by Lynne Twist. Photo: Amazon
For more than 40 years, Lynne Twist has been a recognized global visionary committed to alleviating poverty, ending world hunger and supporting social justice and environmental sustainability. From working with Mother Teresa in Calcutta to the refugee camps in Ethiopia and the threatened rainforests of the Amazon, as well as guiding the philanthropy of some of the worlds wealthiest families, Lynne’s on-the-ground work has brought her a deep understanding of people’s relationship with money. Her knowledge and experience has given her profound insights about the social tapestry of the world and the historical landscape of the times we are living in. What would your life be like if you committed to something larger than yourself? Find out in “Living a Committed Life: Finding Freedom and Fulfillment in a Purpose Larger Than Yourself,” the newest book from global transformation thought leader Lynne Twist. (Lynne Twist, 2022)
“Living a Committed Life” –By sharing stories and perspectives from her life, Lynne Twist reveals her unique experience as a thought leader and activist in multiple causes, from ending world hunger and protecting the Amazon rainforest to empowering women’s leadership. In the Introduction, Twist writes that although she hopes her stories inspire you, her goal in writing this book is “to inspire and motivate you to look inside yourself for your own commitments….” She starts off by sharing how, during an event called an Integrity Day, the speaker planted in her the vision that would guide her in her life’s work. She defines commitment as “an act of courage, integrity, and boldness” and that “committing oneself to an inspiring cause is what forges you into a great human being.” The book is divided into four parts: Part I The Power of Commitment, Part II The Soul of Commitment, Part III Challenges, Change, and Completion, and Part IV Creating Your Committed Life with a Discussion and Reflection Guide at the end to encourage deeper insight into the book’s topics. The Resources section lists organizations, like The Hunger Project and The Nobel Women’s Initiative, to consider if you are looking to get involved or make a difference.
Now more than ever, people are looking to make a difference in a world they see in constant conflict. Where do you start? How do you find your calling? Even though the author tries to help others in any and every way she can, she learned a powerful lesson: that somethings are not hers to do. This is a lesson we can all learn. We should know our limits and accept that we cannot do it all. We can only do so much. She has the mentality that every disappointment and every breakdown is an opportunity for growth but she admits that not everyone has the same struggles. She shows you how to make and keep commitments, engage in individual and collective action, and discover ways to connect and collaborate to make a difference. The language is easy and down to earth and her stories are engaging and inspiring. Highlights include Chapter 9 From Scarcity to Sufficiency where she lists the three toxic myths of scarcity: that ‘there is not enough,’ that ‘more is better,’ and that ‘it’s just the way it is’; and Chapter 10Being Tested where she shares how she came to the realization that it takes a village to raise a child because even though her commitments kept her busy to the extent that she was missing out on some of her children’s lives, she was modeling a life of service to them and by her being gone sometimes, they became more independent and relied on each other and their father more, which strengthened their bond. “Living a Committed Life” is an excellent resource that teaches readers how to live a committed life to enrich their authentic self. It is a must read and recommended for fans of motivational self help books who appreciate advice on personal transformation.
“Living a committed life will bring you an experience of great freedom and profound fulfillment, as well as unimaginable joy.”
*The author received a copy of this book for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.
The second edition of Deborah Levine Herman’s ‘Spiritual Writing from Inspiration to Publication’ is out now. Photo: Amazon
Deborah Levine Herman is a bestselling author, publisher, former literary agent, and intuitive writing coach who guides writers on their journeys. As a gifted spiritual teacher, an expert at author branding, and someone skilled in navigating the modern publishing world, Herman helps writers discover their spiritual writing path. She is the author of 13 books and has dedicated her 25-plus year career in publishing to writer education. She is also the CEO of Micro Publishing Media (MPM), a lawyer, journalist, and co-author with Jeff Herman on the industry bible “Write the Perfect Book Proposal: Ten Proposals that worked and Why.” In her latest book, “Spiritual Writing from Inspiration to Publication” she embarks on her own mission as a mystic to combine her spiritual journey with the writer’s path. It was released last week. (Deborah Levine Herman, 2022)
“Spiritual Writing from Inspiration to Publication”– Written by Deborah Levine Herman, a bestselling author, publishing veteran, former literary agent, and an intuitive writing coach, the book features timely information about the digital era and building an author’s platform in an increasingly competitive market. It is based on the premise that there are writers who want to write and those who write because they feel they have a calling. Deborah Levine Herman has dedicated her 25-plus year career in publishing to writer education.
The first edition of the book was published 20 years ago. Today, in a rapidly changing world, spiritual writers often hear a calling stronger than ever before. The publishing and writing world are often misunderstood by new authors. There are obstacles as well as new strategies to learn. The book provides the nuts and bolts and the dos and don’ts of how to get published in this evolving industry.
“I believe we are all here to raise the vibration of others. That’s why I want to guide and encourage spiritual writers to answer their call while teaching them about the craft of writing and how to navigate the path to publishing.” – Deborah Levine Herman
‘Money on the Side: 75 Ways To Earn Extra Money Working Side Jobs’ by MM Barricelli
MM Barricelli is a sales and marketing freelance consultant, writer, and author. With a technology background, she has 25 years’ experience in direct sales and new business development having held positions as a National Sales Manager and Director of Marketing. She also provides research on various topics for other writers, companies, and agencies. Her book “Money on the Side: 75 Ways to Earn Money Working Side Jobs” can help you find ways to earn extra money doing small side jobs using the basic skills you use everyday. (MM Barricelli, 2022)
“Money on the Side: 75 Ways to Earn Extra Money Working Side Jobs” – Are you working a full time job and still not able to make ends meet? Want to start a part time business but having trouble getting started? Are you interested in making extra money using your basic everyday skills? Thought about becoming a real estate agent, insurance broker but not sure how to get started? What about landscaping, personal bookkeeper, party planner, personal driver, personal chef? This book can help you get started with 75 Job ideas for earning extra income doing side jobs, short gigs, freelance and part time work. Taking control of your income gives you the freedom to be your own boss. You get to choose your own hours and the type of work and pay you desire. Outlined in this book are 75 job ideas for earning extra money. If you are working a full time job and need money don’t wait for that raise to come anytime soon in this crazy economy. Take control of your money and create multiple streams of income. The only way to gain financial freedom is to start making money on the side.
SA Examiner 