‘The Duck Who Flew to the Moon’ is the new children’s book by Emma Brax. Photo: YouTube
Children’s books are not only entertaining, but they can also serve as teaching tools. Who can resist books that are colorful and feature adorable characters learning valuable life lessons? Today’s new children’s book is “The Duck Who Flew to the Moon” by Emma Brax. Come along with Dani Ducklee as she learns about inner strength and the magic of friendship. Order now and embark on a journey that will soar straight into your heart. This adorable book makes the perfect holiday gift for children ages 3 -12.
Emma Brax is the acclaimed author of “The Duck Who Flew to the Moon,” a heartwarming tale that follows the adventures of Dani Ducklee, the smallest duck one could ever imagine. Do not miss out on this touching story of a little duck with a big heart. Beyond her writing, Emma is a devoted mother to three wonderful boys and cherishes every moment spent with her family. Her passion for storytelling does not stop with Dani’s adventures; she is currently working on a follow-up book that promises even more thrilling escapades for the beloved duck. (Emma Brax, 2023)
“The Duck Who Flew to the Moon” – Despite her petite size, Dani’s bravery and spirit shine through, taking readers on an unexpected journey to the stars. As she faces the challenges of the storm, she discovers the strength within herself and the magic of friendship in the most unexpected places. Whether you are looking for a bedtime story to inspire the dreams of an adventurer or a tale to share with loved ones, “The Duck Who Flew to the Moon” promises to be a cherished addition to any bookshelf.
‘A Peek into a Rabbit Hole, Part 1’ is an e-book by Natasa Blisk that explores alternative perspectives on everyday topics. Photo: Alt Life World.
There is no doubt that we all want to improve our life and well being, but finding information can be daunting. Natasa Blisk’s e-book “A Peek into a Rabbit Hole, Part 1” explores alternative perspectives on everyday topics. In it, you will find fresh perspectives on topics such as replacing toxic household and hygiene products and exploring new views about food. This e-book will help improve your life in a holistic manner by harmonizing your life in tune with nature so that you will not only improve your health but also improve the planet. Are you ready to make lifestyle adjustments that will change your life for the better? Check out “A Peek into a Rabbit Hole, Part 1,” – it is available through Alt Life World. (Natasa Blisk, 2023)
Natasa Blisk’s life journey has taken her from the charming landscapes of Slovenia to the bustling streets of London, and eventually, to the enchanting depths of the world’s oceans. After completing her studies as a nursery teacher, she embarked on a thrilling adventure that spanned a decade of her life, working aboard majestic cruise ships that traversed the globe. Throughout her travels, she soaked in the diverse cultures and breathtaking beauty that the world has to offer. Afterwards, she found the realms of atlasology and naturopathy and sought to improve the lives of others by sharing her expertise on posture, tension, and headaches, providing valuable guides with simple yet effective tips to help people lead healthier lives. But life is always unpredictable, and she was propelled into uncharted territories. Over the past three years, she has delved deep into the realms of alternative media, unraveling hidden truths, and uncovering fascinating insights that challenge conventional wisdom. She is now driven by a desire to enlighten and empower others and has channeled her newfound knowledge into a two-part series of e-books titled “A Peek into a Rabbit Hole.”
In “A Peek into a Rabbit Hole, Part 1,” she invites readers on an extraordinary journey beyond the confines of mainstream narratives. With meticulous research, she fearlessly explores the depths of hidden knowledge and is presenting it to readers in a captivating, accessible manner. From untold historical events to suppressed scientific discoveries, the book sheds light on the secrets that have long been concealed from the public eye. By sharing these revelations, the book aims to open people’s eyes to the hidden forces that shape our world and offer them an opportunity to transform their lives naturally. Drawing upon her background in atlasology and naturopathy, the book reveals the interconnectedness between our external environments and our inner well-being, inspiring readers to embrace holistic approaches to improve their overall health and vitality. With each turn of the page, you will embark on an adventure that challenges your perceptions and invites you to explore the untrodden paths of truth.
‘Love Is Not A Crime’ is the new novel by Lee Cushing. Photo: Google.
Contemporary romance novels have many sub-genres and those with LGBT characters are more common nowadays. Today’s new release is a combination contemporary romance and political fiction. “Love Is Not A Crime” by Lee Cushing is about a woman who has an affair with the daughter of the Malaysian king who is executed when the affair is discovered so now she requires a bodyguard to protect her. Politics come into play because her parents are major players in the political world. This sounds like an interesting concept considering that in some parts of the world, same sex relationships are still considered a crime. If this sounds like your type of read, check out “Love Is Not A Crime,” it is available on Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Scribd, and Smashwords.
Lee Cushing is a paranormal thriller author and a lifelong fan of the occult. Having become obsessed with supernatural folklore and the world of horror from an early age, Lee has spent years studying tales of the occult and immersing himself in stories of otherworldly phenomenon. He is also the owner of a number of vampire and horror-related groups in Facebook, where fellow fans of the supernatural come together to celebrate and discuss all things paranormal. His debut novel, “Voodoo Mambo,” blends high-stakes action and shadowy agencies with a dark underworld of demonic creatures and their insidious plots to attack humanity. Lee draws his inspiration from classic horror movies – including Hammer and Universal – as well as beloved TV shows including Doctor Who, Supernatural, The Avengers, and Buffy The Vampire Slayer. In his new novel “Love Is Not A Crime,” Bellatrix Hale’s life is in danger after she has a one night stand with the King’s daughter, who was executed for it, and ends up falling for the female bodyguard who was hired to protect her. (Lee Cushing, 2023)
“Love Is Not A Crime” – When Bellatrix Hale watched the video of Latheefa Ayub being executed simply because she slept with her, she felt disgusted that the King had his own daughter executed because she was gay and had a one night stand with Bellatrix, an act which was forbidden in Malaysia and punishable by death. Worried about the King’s reaction to having executed his own child, Bellatrix’s mother hires a security detail to protect her when the King sends a hit team to kill her for sleeping with his daughter. Cara Jordan was a bodyguard, one of the best in the business. Bellatrix hired her to keep her safe from the King’s assassins. The attraction between the two women was immediate. Will Cara keep Bellatrix safe from those who want her dead and will the two women find happiness in each other’s embrace?
The Crown of Tannenley is the new short story by Liza Clarke. Photo: Amazon
Science fiction and fantasy works of literature are fascinating because they transport the reader to make believe worlds, kingdoms, and faraway planets. When I want to escape from the ‘real world,’ I pick up the latest epic novel and get lost in its pages for days. If you like stories similar to The Chronicles of Narnia, A Game of Thrones, and Lord of the Rings, today’s new release, The Crown of Tannenley by Liza Clarke, just might be your next read. It involves kings, queens, invading armies, kingdoms, and all the interesting elements that make fantasy books so exciting.
Liza Clarke lives in the suburbs of Sydney, Australia, loves to travel, and has always enjoyed a good book. She has two cats who like to help her write, though their level of helpfulness is questionable. She has always loved reading fantasy and sci-fi and now she gets to write about it. She has a BA and MA in history and hopes to incorporate them more in her writing. In her new short story The Crown of Tannenley, the future of the kingdom is at stake as a young new king takes over. It is available on Amazon and other book retailers. More on the author here. (Liza Clarke, 2023)
The Crown of Tannenley – The young Queen did her best to defend her people and kingdom – she failed. With her death, the crown fell to her young cousin who she had sent with the refugees. Nickolas was never meant to be King, never wanted the throne, but now he was the only one of the family left. Could he rally not only his people but the Mages’ College to drive the invaders back? Clashing with King Edric was not part of the plan but he had no choice, he had to do what was right for his people, even those from other kingdoms who had been forced to flee. Would the line of Tannenbay end with him or would he win the war?
“Living With Depression: Navigating Mood Disorders as a Family: Mental Health: A Journey of Courage and Resilience” is the new book by Damian D. Lewis. Photo: Amazon
The subject of mental health, especially mood disorders like depression and anxiety, touches almost everyone at one time or another. Either we know someone who needs help, or we ourselves need help. It includes emotional, psychological, and social well-being and can be influenced by genetics, our environment, and the sum of our life experiences. According to Damian D. Lewis, author of the new book “Living With Depression: Navigating Mood Disorders as a Family: Mental Health: A Journey of Courage and Resilience,” “good mental health is not merely the absence of mental illness, but also about developing positive qualities like resilience, self-esteem, and a sense of purpose.” This book is not just for the person struggling with mood disorders, but for anyone who cares enough to seek guidance. It is available on Amazon.
“Living With Depression: Navigating Mood Disorders as a Family: Mental Health: A Journey of Courage and Resilience” – Within this book lies a powerful and heartfelt guide to conquering the challenges of depression and mental health disorders with the unwavering support of loved ones. It explores the often-overlooked impact that mood disorders can have on relationships and family, while providing practical strategies for finding hope and healing even in the toughest of times.
With compassion and insight, this book warmly welcomes you to a community of survivors, where you will find the courage to face your struggles and reclaim the joy that has been waiting for you on the other side of depression and related mental health disorders. Whether it is your mental health disorder or that of a loved one, this book offers the inspiration and support you need to move forward with strength and resilience.
Above all, remember this: you are never alone. Take comfort in knowing that help is always available, and that there is light at the end of the tunnel, no matter how daunting the struggle may seem. Embrace the promise that your story, your strength, and your potential for growth are waiting for you, and let this book be your guide.
Meet Damian Lewis, your friendlyneighborhood storyteller:
“Hey there, I’m Damian, and I’m a firm believer that stories have a magical power. They can whisk you away to fantastical realms, make you ponder life’s big questions, or simply give you a good chuckle—all in the time it takes to finish your morning coffee.
But there’s more to my tales than meets the eye. I’m on a mission to unravel the fascinating tapestry of the human mind, one story at a time. You see, I’ve always been intrigued by the way our emotions dance to the rhythm of our thoughts.
In my writing, I dive deep into the oceans of mental health, exploring the enigmatic currents of anxiety, depression, and resilience. It’s a journey I’m deeply passionate about, and I’ve found that stories are the perfect vessel to explore these uncharted waters.
As I always say, ‘The future is now.’ When you crack open one of my stories, you’re not just reading words on a page; you’re embarking on a voyage through the intricate landscapes of the human psyche. Whether it’s an offbeat comedy, a heartwarming tale of connection, or a spine-tingling thriller, my stories are designed to resonate with the human experience.
And hey, I’m not all about the serious stuff. I love to sprinkle a bit of humor into my narratives because life’s too short not to share a good laugh.
So, come along on this adventure with me. Let’s explore the extraordinary in the ordinary, find joy in the little moments, and dive headfirst into the incredible complexity of our minds—one story at a time. After all, the best tales are the ones we create together.” #DamianLewisStories
‘Pandemia: Wading Through The Pandemic’ is the new book by Serene T. Marshall. Photo: Amazon
Serene T. Marshall was born on the island of Grenada, where she spent her formative years, and now lives on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. She has earned degrees in literature from Colgate University and the University of North Carolina Charlotte. Serene’s articles have appeared in the Boston Globe and the Charlotte Observer. Critical social issues facing the nation sprinkled with thrilling island folklore are craftily interwoven in her debut novel “Pandemia: Wading Through The Pandemic” – an account of one community’s experiences during the pandemic. It is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, and other online retailers.
“Pandemia: Wading Through The Pandemic” – At the beginning of the pandemic, Mel and a group of ladies are determined to tackle the critical social issues of the day. Tania must accept abrupt uncertainty and allow herself to wrestle with the viral infection thrown in her direction. The story begins with Uncle B and others gathering to watch the evening news on television that is updating the public on the number of COVID cases, testing mandates, and flight information. As the ladies gather at the local Caribbean restaurant, they worry about how immigrants will be treated due to all the mandates and lock downs going on, as they share family stories about how life was like for them years ago. All the while, citizens take to the streets in protest of the current social and racial injustices facing the nation. Meanwhile, in a rural hideout, a militia group plots a revolt against state and national leadership, unable to come to terms with a rapidly changing society. As the virus takes its global toll, a retired Mr. B takes the news in stride, while germaphobe Luanne flees the city in an attempt to protect her sanity and young family from the stark realities of the time. The book is divided into 34 Chapters with an Epilogue that updates what everyone has been up to since those times and the addition of programs to help the community, like the ‘Lifelines for Seniors’ project that helps with transportation and errands.
The growing pandemic woes, travel restrictions, mounting death tolls, and overall uncertainty and worry we felt at the beginning of the pandemic may seem distant now, but the author does an excellent job of reminding us of how it affected others and how universal the human condition is as it relates to pandemics. “Pandemia: Wading Through The Pandemic” describes one woman’s family and community experiences during those troubling times. It is narrated in the first person point of view for optimum effect and the story is heavily dialogue driven. In spite of the heaviness of the subject, it also contains humor to lighten the moments: “’Mask, what masks? It’s not carnival time yet,’ Uncle B chuckled, conversing with the screen.” With relatable characters and language that is easy to understand, we get an insight into what was happening in other communities aside from the national headlines. The author mentions the social issues of the time like shootings of black people and healthcare worker burnout, and oxygen shortages and how they affected neighbors and friends. Highlights include Chapter 27 during Christmas time when people were visiting Santa and Christmas shopping, while a few blocks down, there were food lines and people were dealing with food insecurities and Chapter 34 when the community came together and held a memorial service for several people as well as a fundraiser. While we may not want to revisit all this today, future generations might. Overall, “Pandemia: Wading Through The Pandemic” is a reminder that we are all connected as humans and are capable of coming together when times get tough, regardless of our differences. It is a must-read and recommended for fans of novels based on real events as it pertains to pandemics, sociology, and human relations.
“In due time, persons and countries who choose to dictate whose life is dear and who is not, those who demean, discard, and dispose of life at will, shall have a seismic reckoning.”
*The author was contacted for an honest review of this book. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.
‘Lilly The Unicorn: Moves To Town’ is the new children’s book by Michelle Matos that teaches children a valuable life lesson. Photo: Michelle Matos, used with permission.
Aside from being entertaining, children’s books can also teach them life lessons, especially about important subjects such as bullying and accepting yourself. Such is the case in today’s new children’s book release “Lilly The Unicorn: Moves To Town” by Michelle Matos. Being new in town, Lilly can not wait to go to school so she can make new friends, but the experience does not turn out like she imagined. This book teaches children the importance of accepting people just the way the are. Pick up a copy for your little one – it is available on Amazon.
Michelle Matos has always had a passion for art, which led her to earn a Bachelors degree in Fine Arts from Kutztown University. Her love for art started at a young age with reading books. Her mother, who has a love for reading, worked as a librarian. The library was where Michelle would spend much of her time. Remembering how much of an impact books made on her as a child, Michelle was inspired to create heartwarming stories to help children with issues they may face growing up and illustrating them with the beautiful, vibrant colors that captivated her as a child. Her new children’s book is “Lilly The Unicorn: Moves To Town” teaches children that everyone is unique and special in their own way, just like a unicorn. (Amazon, 2023)
“Lilly The Unicorn: Moves To Town”– In this heartwarming story, Lilly, a young unicorn, moves to a new town and can’t wait to start the school year so she can make friends for the first time. But, Lilly quickly discovers that her new classmates would rather make fun of her horn than actually be her friend. It is not until her teacher, Ms. Owl, who sees how cruelly she is being bullied, intervenes by giving the class a unique assignment that Lilly’s classmates suddenly see Lilly in a blinding new light.
“Embodied Imaginations: Fictional Characters Making Experiential Crossings into Real Life: An Unusual Phenomenon” is the new book by Chidambaram Ramesh that looks into the captivating world where characters seem to acquire lives of their own. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Here is an interesting concept: can characters in novels and literature be so well written that they eventually take a life of their own? When writers create a character, they invest so much energy into his/her appearance and personality that sometimes they become the character and attempt to engage with him/her as a real person to the point of describing such interactions as a form of ‘possession.’ This is the subject of the new book by Chidambaram Ramesh titled “Embodied Imaginations: Fictional Characters Making Experiential Crossings into Real Life: An Unusual Phenomenon” in which he attempts to combine modern science with spiritual, mystical, and philosophical theories to create interest in more studies about “how our minds create the world around us.” Curious to find out more about this? Pick up your copy today on Amazon.
Chidambaram Ramesh is a graduate of Madurai Kamaraj University in India with a degree in engineering. He is a freelance researcher and writer striving to rediscover and re-establish several lost, scientifically significant concepts from the past by incorporating these into modern science. He is the author of several works, including “Thought-Forms and Hallucinations: Some Curious Effects of the Holographic Mind Process” and “Lightning as a ‘Photographer’–Revisiting a Forgotten Phenomenon of Nature.” His current interests include studies of consciousness. His new book “Embodied Imaginations: Fictional Characters Making Experiential Crossings into Real Life: An Unusual Phenomenon” introduces readers to the mysterious and profound part of creative writing that they never knew existed before. (Amazon, 2023)
“Embodied Imaginations: Fictional Characters Making Experiential Crossings into Real Life: An Unusual Phenomenon” examines the science behind the writers’ experience of characters developing their own will and taking objective forms. Many writers have the experience that their characters have evolved their own personalities. They start to tell their own stories, and sometimes they could even rebel against the author’s ideas for them and change the course of the whole plot. That is not all, though. Sometimes, literary characters assume objective appearances which are visible not just to the creators, but also to others and manifesting in the real world. These experiences raise several interesting philosophical and scientific questions. Have the writers unwittingly created quasi-conscious entities by the power of their minds? Can thoughts manifest as something tangible that can be seen, heard, or even touched? How genuine are the contents of the mind? “Embodied Imaginations” explores these questions, highlighting the results of an investigation on this fascinating topic, stemming from personal anecdotes of many writers. Providing scientific evidence for the existences of these mental constructs, the goal is to collect robust and reliable building blocks that may help to deconstruct perceptions and provide answers to this phenomenon. The book attempts to give modern science a place where spiritual, philosophical and mystical threads can be interwoven. Efforts have been made to corroborate theoretical claims with experimental evidence, contributing to research in cognitive psychology to determine the role of imagination in creating external reality.
‘Dimensions: First Jump’ is the science fiction adventure novel by Leif J. Erickson. Photo: Amazon
Leif Erickson was born and raised on a grain farm outside Wheaton, MN, not far from White Rock, SD, which served as the inspiration for the Ghost Town series. From a very early age, Leif knew that he was going to be a farmer, just like his father and grandfather. Being an ecologist and former farmer, much of Leif’s writings feature forests, lakes, and nature in general. Leif has always been interested in science and its possibilities for the human race, pushing the envelope of technologies, and finding how far humans can go. Much of Leif’s science fiction writing explores these themes and ideas. His latest book “Dimensions: First Jump” finds Matt Levier crossing dimensions to rescue his sister Libby and ends up in the middle of an interdimensional war for power and control. It is available on Amazon and Book Selfie in audiobook and ebook format.
“Dimensions: First Jump”– The story begins in the middle of a battle, where air sirens are going off and people are running for their lives. We meet the characters that Matt will eventually meet and how they fit into this ongoing battle for control. Chapter 2 introduces readers to Matt Levier, who always took the safe path. After his parents died in a strange accident, he stayed behind to look over his younger sister Libby, putting his college and work plans on hold. Then his sister is murdered under bizarre circumstances and on the night of her funeral, he receives a cryptic phone call at 3a.m. telling him that Libby is alive in another realm and there is a small chance that she can be saved. Matt agrees to meet with the caller, a man named Seth, who is a member of a mysterious group known as the Knights of Shiloh. Seth tells him a story of an interdimensional war that is threatening to rip the very fabric of the universe apart. A group, known as The Syndicate, led by a ruthless dictator has been amassing power and taking over dimensions by brute force, subjugating those they conquer. The only force, other than the Knights, attempting to oppose The Syndicate is the Goths, a shadow group not out for power but to destroy the Syndicate and Earth. Caught between the Syndicate and the Goths, Matt must train in the ancient knowledge of the Knights of Shiloh and help them stop the madness before all dimensions are enslaved by the Syndicate. As Matt uncovers his powers, Syndicate and Goths Forces close in on them. During this battle, Matt discovers secrets and lies and learns that he holds the keys to the salvation of all dimensions.
Time travel and parallel dimensions/universes make exciting storylines for science fiction fans. Having the characters jump from one dimension to another, sometimes at just the right moment, is one of the most thrilling elements of this story. The first time Matt defies gravity: “The pair felt gravity give way beneath them before Matt felt his feet on the ground” hints at similar scenes where they jump dimensions or teleport out. He is reluctant to get involved in this interdimensional struggle, he just wants to find out what happened to Libby. She is captured, but we are never told exactly why she was taken and she does not appear until the end. Her story is not really told, so it is hard to care what happens to her. The story is heavily dialogue driven, fast paced, and the language is easy to understand and poetic at times: “A silver-coin moon illuminated the area as countless stars twinkled like diamonds in the sky.” There are so many characters that sometimes it is hard to keep up with all the names and they tend to be one dimensional. Highlights include the intense battle scenes in Chapter 1 that begins with “The whine of an air-raid siren overpowered the sharp yelling on the ground” and Chapter 17 when Sapphira gets stabbed by Miso but Matt goes back in time to prevent her stabbing and helps her but then passes out from the effort. The title and the cliffhanger of an ending imply that this will be a series so hopefully we will find out why Libby is so important to the story. Overall, “Dimensions: First Jump” is a thrilling science fiction novel that plays with the concept of multiple dimensions where wars are fought for revenge, greed, and power, and includes enough plot twists to keep readers guessing. It is recommended for fans of time travel and science fiction adventures similar to Star Trek, the Matrix universe, and the 2008 movie Jumper.
“Bravery isn’t simply doing the hard thing, bravery is standing up in the face of fear and moving on anyway. It’s telling your fear you are the master of your fate, not your fear. Fear can only hurt you as long as you allow it to.”
*The author was contacted for an honest review of this book. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.
‘Embracing The Unconventional Path’ is the new short story by Ife Akanegbu. Photo: Ife Akanegbu, used with permission.
Although not in the headlines as much as they once were, stories about people with HIV and the stigma it carries still need to be told. It affects people of all types of backgrounds, genders, and races and the strain it causes on their mental health is undeniable. Today’s new book is “Embracing The Unconventional Path: A Short Story About Confronting HIV Stigma and Embracing Mental Health” by Ife Akanegbu. It tells the inspiring journey of Adanma, an HIV positive young girl. It is available on Amazon and from September14-16, it will be free to download.
Storytelling is to Ife Akanegbu, a Nigerian native, what art is to Picasso: an undeniable passion that only grows stronger with each tale told. He began telling stories as a young boy as a means of passing the time and would soon evolve into a creative outlet when, years later, Ife decided to add his voice to the mental health debate. That is when he combined this talent with more than fifteen years of medical expertise to create Motivating Our Champions, a game-changing children’s book series designed to help our precious little ones take good care of their mental health. (Ife Akanegbu, 2023)
By covering various topics from health problems and communicable diseases to writing Christian short stories, he is determined to impact lives by inspiring people to start deep and honest discussions on matters that are often considered too difficult to initiate, even as he promotes preventive medicine. Ife is versatile and as dedicated to addressing children through his captivating stories as he is to addressing adults.
Leading a life full of adventure, compassion, and resilience with life lessons learned along the way, Ife enjoys sharing his thrilling experiences with others. He completed his medical training in Nigeria and obtained his Master’s in Health Management at the University of Leeds. Ife now practices family medicine in British Columbia. With more projects in the works, you can certainly look forward to more beautiful, vivid, and interactive reads. His new short story “Embracing The Unconventional Path: A Short Story About Confronting HIV Stigma and Embracing Mental Health” invites you to challenge your own perceptions and embrace a world free from stigma. (Ife Akanegbu, 2023)
“Embracing The Unconventional Path: A Short Story About Confronting HIV Stigma and Embracing Mental Health”– When Titi and Musa struggle to conceive a child, fate leads them to Adanma, a beautiful 5-year-old in need of a loving home. But something about Adanma makes Titi hesitant to adopt her – she is HIV positive. However, Musa’s deep connection with the young girl compels him to pursue the adoption process, which Titi eventually gets on board.
Determined to protect her against prejudice, Titi does whatever it takes to hide her status from the world. But right from the word go, Adanma bravely and resiliently embraces her status, fearlessly talking about it every chance she gets, regardless of who is listening.
Her brilliant mind and unwavering self-acceptance become her greatest assets, and she excels academically, refusing to be defined by her status. Adanma’s inspiring journey ultimately captures the attention of both young men and influential figures, leading her to the world stage.
The way we see ourselves influences how the world sees us. It becomes our inner thoughts and can help us navigate difficult paths.
SA Examiner 