Category: book releases

Book review: ‘The Ultimate Guide to Power & Influence’ by Robert L. Dilenschneider

‘The Ultimate Guide to Power & Influence’ is the new book by Robert L. Dilenschneider. Photo: Amazon

Robert L. Dilenschneider started in public relations in 1967 in New York, shortly after receiving an MA in journalism from Ohio State University, and a BA from the University of Notre Dame. He formed The Dilenschneider Group in October, 1991. The Firm provides strategic advice and counsel to Fortune 500 companies and leading families and individuals around the world, with experience in fields ranging from mergers and acquisitions and crisis communications to marketing, government affairs and international media. Dilenschneider was with that organization for nearly 25 years. He is the author of “The Public Relations Handbook,” “The Critical First Years of Your Professional Life,” “50 Plus!: Critical Career Decisions for the Rest of Your Life,” and numerous other books on career and professional development. In his new book “The Ultimate Guide to Power & Influence: Everything You Need to Know,” he explains how technology and globalization have revolutionized the ways to both build and keep success—and tells readers that to accomplish your goals, you must not only gain power, but also apply it with proper wisdom. (Amazon, 2023)

“The Ultimate Guide to Power & Influence” arms you with intellectual, technical, and moral weapons—tools needed to get and stay ahead in the increasingly competitive and ever-evolving business world. Acquiring both power and influence is crucial to advancing not only your personal interests, but also a more prosperous society at large. Drawing from current-day lessons and the wisdom of hundreds of drivers of change in all fields of business, this is the author’s latest guide to harnessing the universal principles for success. It provides anecdotes and insights on a wide range of keys to success, including how to seize opportunity amid crisis, manage your network, communicate effectively, and take full advantage of social media to bolster your image. The book is divided into 15 chapters, including Networking: You Have to Do It, Protect Yourself and Your Reputation, and The Inevitable Crisis: Know How To Handle It and Benefit. It begins in the first chapter by asking readers to get to know themselves because to be an effective leader, you have to understand yourself and your needs first because “Self awareness….is one of the pillars of emotional intelligence (along with empathy, self-management, and social skills) and must come first.” The first part centers around building your power and influence while the second part shows you how to keep that hard earned influence during inevitable times of crisis. At the end, there are notes listed by chapter and an index that makes it easy to search by topic.

Change is the overall theme in “The Ultimate Guide to Power & Influence.” The first two sentences in the Introduction immediately draw you in: “You have a choice. Keep doing what you did yesterday or adapt to a world that is changing everyday.” Indeed, the business world is constantly changing and we must adapt to keep up, especially in a post-COVID world. Robert Dilenschneider has the experience, knowledge, and authority to help readers acquire and amplify their power; from graduate students to corporate professionals. Despite the topic of business, the language is easy to understand and follow because it contains practical advice for career and personal life. He shares inspirational stories to highlight the point he is making because stories make more of an impact than facts and figures ever could. His books are helpful and relevant because he adjusts his message to reflect the changing times and everyone can benefit from his advice, and this one is no exception. Highlights include Chapter 2: Networking that stresses the importance of networking not only in your select filed of work, but also reaching out to contacts outside of your circle; and Chapter 7: The Right Way to Make Your Mistakes that teaches the right way to approach making mistakes: “With humility and perseverance, we move forward and improve” – lesson learned: the biggest mistake is failure to LEARN from our mistakes. “The Ultimate Guide to Power & Influence” is an extremely useful guide that helps readers navigate the ever changing landscape of business as well as their professional and private lives. It is a must read for readers interested in business, economic, and ethics for personal and professional development.

“If there are absolutely no mistakes in a company, then no one is taking a risk, and innovation will atrophy.”

*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.

‘Ricky’s Dream Trip to the Ancient Worlds of Egypt, Greece, and Rome’ by William Stevenson

Children’s book author William Stevenson combines three award winning books into one volume. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

William Stevenson is an acclaimed children’s book author and a retired award-winning accountant. His doctorate in education and his grandson Rick inspired him to write the Ricky’s Dream Trip book series. In it, Pop Pop and Ricky discover Ancient China, Ancient Egypt, Ancient Greece, Ancient Rome, Colonial America, dive under the sea, and even blast off into outer space. “Ricky’s Dream Trip to the Ancient Worlds of Egypt, Greece, and Rome” is a combination of three award winning Ricky’s Dream Trip book in one volume. The reader travels through time, diving into the rich histories and enchanting civilizations of three ancient worlds. Each story blends fiction with historical facts and cultural nuances. Through Ricky’s eyes, readers experience the excitement and wonder of these ancient civilizations while gaining a deeper understanding of their historical contributions. It is available on paperback on Amazon and the e-book version was just released this month. (Black Château, 2023)

“Ricky’s Dream Trip to the Ancient Worlds of Egypt, Greece, and Rome” – also has added information for classroom use and at-home activities. Ricky travels to the Ancient world through his dreams with his pop pop by his side. In Egypt, the land of the Pharaohs and pyramids he meets the boy prince, Tutankhamen, in a search for a beloved missing pet. Immerse yourself in the culture of Ancient Egypt with this terrific adventure. Next Ricky and Pop Pop meet Aristotle as they visit the land of the Ancient Olympics, see the temple of Athena, and help Alexander the Great! In the third time-bending dream trip adventure to Ancient Rome the fate of Julius Caesar, one of Rome’s greatest leaders, hangs in the balance. It is up to Ricky to confront his own fears and change the course of history.

“I wrote these stories for my grandson to help him learn and grow. I hope they will do the same for children of all ages.” – William Stevenson

Book of the week: ‘Sufi Stories of Wisdom, Calm and Wondrous Mystique’

‘Sufi Stories of Wisdom, Calm and Wondrous Mystique’ is available on SagaTeller

Today’s book highlight is “Sufi Stories of Wisdom, Calm and Wondrous Mystique.” Sufism is a way of life where one attempts to reach a deeper understanding of life. Rather than a doctrine or a belief system, it is an experience and a way of life as well as “a tradition of enlightenment that carries the essential truth forward through time.” (The Threshold Society). If you are interested in books about Sufism, enlightenment, and developing a deeper life, consider this one. “Sufi Stories of Wisdom, Calm and Wondrous Mystique” is an enjoyable read and is sure to leave a lasting imprint on your heart. You are invited to immerse yourself in each narrative and uncover the hidden gems of Sufi wisdom as these captivating stories guide you on a journey of inner peace. (SagaTeller, 2023)

“Sufi Stories of Wisdom, Calm and Wondrous Mystique” is published by SagaTeller. The author is on a journey to discover the wisdom of the ancient masters that lies hidden in academic libraries. As the author writes “The wisdom of the ancient Sufi masters has humbled me and given me a sense of peace that I had never experienced before. I hope to share what I’ve learned with you.”

This beautiful little anthology masterfully weaves together ancient Sufi stories and historical accounts, introducing you to the revered figures of Sufi tradition and their profound teachings. You will witness the deep love for our Creator that defines the Sufi path. The ancient mystics went beyond mere obligations and fear, and spread the message of positivity and hope through their stories.

The true essence of Sufi stories lies in their ability to transcend ordinary narratives. These stories become gateways to deeper contemplation, inviting profound realizations, and personal growth.

As you traverse the mystical landscapes of these tales, you will discover the virtues of kindness, truthfulness, and honesty. Through the timeless wisdom of the Sufi mystics, you will be presented with teachings that resonate deeply, transcending the boundaries of age and time.

In Sufi stories the heroes are not those with extraordinary feats, but those who embody the best of human values. They are beacons of love and serenity, offering inspiration that extends beyond the realms of superheroes and celebrities. The wonderful stories unveil the mystique as you embrace the calmness and find peace. Let each tale be your guiding light, leading you towards the serenity that awaits in the heart of the Sufi tradition.

More books on Sufi stories.

Please share your personal experiences of Sufi life.

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New book release: ‘The Day I Sold My Corvette’ by Santrell T. Carson

‘The Day I Sold My Corvette’ by Santrell T. Carson. Photo: Amazon

Today’s book highlight is all about business. If you are interesting in books about business, money/motivational management, and biographies about business professionals, this one is for you: “The Day I Sold My Corvette” by Santrell T. Carson. This thought-provoking and enlightening book challenges your perceptions of wealth and money. If you find yourself living paycheck-to-paycheck, struggling financially, or constantly craving material possessions, this is a must read book.

Santrell T. Carson is a creative designer, an artist, an observer, a businessman, a son, a brother, a landlord, an entrepreneur, an author, and after all these years, still an engineer. He has worked most of his life, starting at 12 when he started his first paper route. At 19, he became a conductor for the railroad and eventually became the first African American to go through the ranks to become an engineer in his district. This was when Santrell decided that employment was only the first step to success, and the real goal was to become financially independent. Even though he enjoyed his childhood, it was not as he would have liked to imagine it. While growing up in a poverty-stricken area, he was set on a mission to change the path of those who came after him. Creating generational wealth was not the first goal as he toiled with life’s obstacles. His new book, “The Day I Sold My Corvette,” is about more than just selling a car, it is about selling a lifestyle that keeps you in financial bondage. The author challenges readers to re-evaluate their spending habits and focus on acquiring assets instead of liabilities. (Santrell T. Carson, 2023)

“The Day I Sold my Corvette” is a compelling and insightful read that will inspire you to take control of your finances and make positive changes in your life. Whether you are a young adult just starting your financial journey or someone looking to shift their mindset about wealth, this book offers practical advice and a refreshing perspective on money. Through his personal story, the author shares his financial education journey and how he broke the cycle of poverty by taking risks and building assets. He sheds light on the common misconceptions about wealth and exposes the true meaning of financial freedom.

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New book release: ‘The Vet’s Apprentice’ by David Basinski

‘The Vet’s Apprentice’ is the new science fiction novel by David Basinski. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Here is another new release worth mentioning: “The Vet’s Apprentice” by David Basinski. This debut novel for young readers takes place in the near future where space travel is as common as self driving cars and traffic sensors that issue tickets for speeding. Luna, the young protagonist loves animals and yearns to one day become a vet but when her scholarship falls through for lack of funding, she has to come up with Plan B. After reading a sample, I can attest that the author’s writing style seems graceful and makes the story flow easily through the pages. The highly detailed illustrations are gorgeous and bring the story to life and the concept of caring for animals in outer space is appealing. If you enjoy books with teenage protagonists and outer space adventures with animals, even if you are not a young reader, give this science fiction adventure a try. Let me know what you think.

After graduating from high school with the state’s representative scholarship, David Basinski attended the University of Illinois at Champaign for two and a half years before transferring to the Tuskegee Institute, in Alabama. While there, he represented the school in rodeo and the National Dairy Tasting Competition. During the summers between semesters, he worked for the Federal Animal Disease Testing Laboratory in Salem, Oregon, a ranch in Wyoming, and attended the American Motorcycle Mechanics School. Upon graduation with a bachelor’s degree in animal science, he spent a year learning Polish in Krakow before being admitted to the School of Veterinary Medicine in Wroclaw, Poland. In his debut novel “The Vet’s Apprentice,” the author proposes the questions: what if Princess Leia had decided to become an animal doctor, Darth Vader set out to destroy Alderaan’s livestock, and Obi-Wan Kenobi happened to be a vet? Find out in this intriguing new release. (David Basinski, 2023)

“The Vet’s Apprentice” – Luna Auer thought she had her future planned: graduate and go on to apply to vet school. But when her scholarship is suddenly revoked, her dream and her world are turned upside down. Resorting to a work-study program in a remote corner of the universe, she discovers a plan by the corrupt corporation she works for to eliminate the planet’s hybrid animals. With the help of an eccentric motorcycle-riding vet and his canine sidekick, will Luna be able to save those she has come to love? Fans of Dr. Dolittle will enjoy the wild ride adventure, its illustrated exotic animals, and the characters who treat them.

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Author David Basinski. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

New book release: ‘Fifty Shades of Snow’ by A. Roy Milligan

‘Fifty Shades of Snow’ is the new urban life novel by A. Roy Milligan. Photo: Amazon

In today’s book news, here is a new book from acclaimed African American author A. Roy Milligan. If you like urban life fiction, in particular African American urban life fiction that brings the street life to the mainstream, may I suggest “Fifty Shades of Snow.”

Author A. Roy Milligan was born and raised in Pontiac, Michigan. While in prison for a second time for selling drugs, he started writing urban fiction books when he was 21 years old after being inspired by authors like Terri Woods, Wahida Clark, and Ashley & JaQuavis. He now resides in Las Vegas, Nevada where he runs his own car hauling company. On his free time, he enjoys bowling, shooting pool, reading, and traveling. He wrote “From Prison To the Car Hauling Game” to motivate people that have been in similar situations where they lost hope and do not know what else to do since they have felonies on their record. His new book “Fifty Shades of Snow” is a gritty and realistic urban fiction crime drama. (A. Roy Milligan, 2023)

“Fifty Shades of Snow” – When Steve found the love of his life Angelia in bed with a flashy street thug loaded with cash, he knew his meager factory wages and part-time drug dealing were not going to cut it. Steve was a celebrity football star in high school, but now 10 years later, he is barely making ends meet by slinging a couple of ounces of cocaine here and there on the side. Now, things are getting worse. Angelia’s got a thing for street dudes with bling, and Steve’s got no bling. Despite being enraged by Angelia’s adultery, Steve decides to keep her around and find a quick way to improve their financial situation to keep her faithful. He knows life as a part-time drug dealer is not going to stack cash, but a trip to San Antonio, Texas to meet with the head of a notorious Mexican cartel might just be the ticket into the dangerous and lucrative street life that he has been looking for. Can Steve make the moves that he needs to make to save his relationship and elevate himself from barely paying the bills to straight-up street hustler?

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Book review: ‘Runway Dreams: A Pricey Affair’ by T.K. Ambers

‘Runway Dreams: A Pricey Affair’ is the new mystery thriller by T.K. Ambers. Photo: Amazon

T.K. Ambers is the award-winning author of “Runway Dreams A Pricey Affair.” Her novel has been recognized in four different award competitions and took second place in the Pencraft Awards, Women’s Fiction category. She lives in New Richmond, Wisconsin with her husband and two cats: Bellatrix and Kit. She would spend her perfect day lakeside, where she would swim, play games, and then wind down with a bonfire, s’mores, and stories told by family and friends. “Runway Dreams: A Pricey Affair” is a dark and comedic thriller about family dynamics and what happens when the youngest sibling in a prestigious family of models falls for a con man with a dangerous past. Follow the author: Facebook Instagram (T.K Ambers, 2023)

“Runway Dreams” – As a model born into the modeling industry, Bernadette (Bernie) Price has everything an heiress could desire, except a romantic partner to share her dreams with. Which is why she turns to online dating where she meets Martin Day, a handsome and successful financial advisor who is moving to her town. Her sister Belinda (Bell) has reservations about online dating, but Bernie is determined to meet Martin in person after talking to him online and on the phone for six months. This is where the story begins, as Bernie is getting ready for her date with Martin. With an absent mother, Bell has taken up the role and is voicing her reservations about this date. By the time she meets Martin at her father’s jazz club, Bernie is hooked. The couple clicks, and their relationship is on the fast track to marital bliss and they become engaged after only a few months of meeting in person. Before the wedding, a stranger (Matthew) brings unsettling news of Martin’s past. The Price family finds themselves divided as they sort through who is telling the truth. When Bernie disappears, her siblings must put their frustrations aside and help their sister reclaim her life before Martin claims theirs.

Most often, the modeling world comes across as a luxurious and worry free lifestyle filled with glamour, photo shoots, and money. What many seldom see is the reality that even beautiful, rich, and famous people ignore their instincts and get into toxic relationships, often with tragic results. It is interesting to read what happens behind the scenes at fashion shows and how models deal with publicity and fame. The story is narrated in the third person point of view and the language is easy to understand and descriptive at times, especially when describing the characters: “His bronzed skin was like a light creamy chocolate, and she guessed it might taste just as sweet.” The first half is lighthearted with occasional funny moments but after Chapter 13, it turns dark as reality sinks in and Bernie is faced with an abusive husband and her family is in the crosshairs. It should be noted that there are brief scenes of domestic abuse, but they are not graphic and only serve to highlight the seriousness of the situation and in fact they make the characters more relatable. The pulse pounding action makes the story flow effortlessly until the dramatic climax. With a perfect balance of comedy and thrilling action that highlights the importance of family, “Runway Dreams” is a must read and recommended for fans of mysteries and dramatic domestic thrillers similar to the best of Nora Roberts.

“As they drove back toward town, there was no laughter. The tears fell silently, and the three siblings held hands. Bernie knew that in time, some of the worst days of their lives would be far behind them, but for now, it was okay to let the tears flow.”

*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.

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New book release: ‘Bag Girl’ by Tozanee Smith

‘Bag Girl’ is the upcoming new memoir from Tozanee Smith. Photo: Tozanee Smith, used with permission.

If you like biographies and memoirs of strong women who survived a tough childhood against all odds, this upcoming new release is just for you. “Bag Girl” by Tozanee Smith will be released on Kindle on September 22, but don’t worry, it’s available for pre-order through Amazon. Reserve your copy today! 

Tozanee Smith is a teacher, a mother, a nurse, and a cook (at heart). She loves spending time at home on the couch with a good romance book with the occasional glass of wine. From time to time, she likes to spend quality time with close personal friends. She lives in Martinsburg, WV and enjoys going to the movies and long road trips. Her new book “Bag Girl: Memoir: Home Is Where The Bag Is” is a memoir of strength, courage, survival, and resilience. It will be released on September 22, 2023. (Tozanee Smith, 2023)

“Bag Girl” – Trying to survive the chaotic world of being the eldest of my family comes with its own baggage. On top of being diagnosed with diabetes and PCOS at a young age, dealing with a bipolar sex crazed mother who cared more about men then her own children was a whole different fight. Having being taught to stay in a child’s place and that my feelings did not matter, nor did I have a say in anything, I knew I was brought into this world for one thing and one thing only. To mother, not be mothered. Battling my own personal demons along with my anxiety and depression was enough for my mother to keep me grounded, that alone came with its side of verbal abuse and humiliation.

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Halloween party idea: ‘Sip and Shade Party Art Book’ by Sunny J Shores

This Halloween, let ‘Sip and Shade Art Book: A Gathering of Haunted Creativity and Inebriation’ by Sunny J Shores inspire you. Photo: Sunny J Shores, used with permission.

Halloween is right around the corner and if you are hosting a Halloween party and looking for original ideas besides the tired old costume contest, I have an exciting and creative idea. How about hosting your own Sip and Shade Party with this Halloween-themed edition book?

Adult coloring books have gained popularity in recent years because they can be therapeutic. Some studies have shown that focusing on the complex drawings on these coloring books can actually put your mind into a relaxing and meditative state. So why not get together with friends this Halloween, put on your best costume, and enjoy some adult beverages, all while bonding, expressing yourself, and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

“Sip and Shade Party: A Gathering of Haunted Creativity and Inebriation: Halloween Edition” by Sunny J Shores is more than just a coloring book; it is also a party planner to help you host the best spooky get together this season. It is made from high quality paper perfect for all types of mediums, from colored pencils to markers. The padded pages are sure to handle all types of artists, ensuring a comfortable and relaxing experience. Do you have guests who are left handed? This coloring book is formatted to complement left handed or right handed artists. It even comes with a guest list and memories page perfect for capturing every moment. (Sunny J Shores, 2023)

So this year surprise your friends with a unique Halloween party courtesy of the Halloween edition of “Sip and Shade Party.” Set aside a space for creativity to bloom surrounded by spooky Halloween decorations, drinks, and a variety of art supplies to fit every artist’s needs. Of course, costumes are always encouraged! And remember, if it is not on social media, it did not happen, so share your experiences online by using the hashtag #SipAndShadeParty.

“Sip and Shade Party: A Gathering of Haunted Creativity and Inebriation: Halloween Edition” is available online. For bulk orders of 10 or more, you can order directly from the publisher’s website. Happy Halloween!

Photo: Sunny J Shores, used with permission.

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Suspense book of the week: ‘Let’s Kidnap Me’ by Kyle Guillou

‘Let’s Kidnap Me’ is the debut suspense novel by Kyle Guillou. Photo: Amazon

If you love suspense/thriller novels, this debut novel by Kyle Guillou may be right up your alley.

Kyle Guillou is a debut suspense author based out of New Jersey where he was born and raised– but he asks that you do not hold that against him. His first novel, “Let’s Kidnap Me” was released in print in December 2022 with a second to follow by Fall of 2023. When Kyle is not putting pen to paper he works as a tax accountant by day and by night suits up and hits the gritty Jersey streets to rid them of crime and corruption (or so he says, we have yet to confirm the latter part). In the suspense novel “Let’s Kidnap Me,” Claire and Corey get mixed up in sex, lies, and the perfect get rich scheme. (Amazon/Kyle Guillou, 2023)

“Let’s Kidnap Me” – Meet CLAIRE. Your average broke mid-twenty millennial who is sick of the way her life is going. She is sick of living at home with her insufferable mother and rich, snooty stepfather. Sick of hopping from one waitressing job to the next. Most of all, she is sick of having no future in sight. All she has keeping her afloat is her longtime boyfriend, Corey. She wants nothing more than for the two of them to escape this frustrating New Jersey life together. So Claire comes up with an idea: fake her own kidnapping with Corey. Together, they will extort Claire’s parents out of two million dollars in ransom money, which they will use to run away and start a new life together. Perfect, right?

Now, meet COREY. Your average broke mid-twenty millennial who is sick of the way his life is going and especially sick of his girlfriend, Claire. Just when Corey is finally ready to break up with her, she comes to him with this crazy idea to get rich. An idea just crazy enough to work in his favor…

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