Category: new releases

Upcoming book release: ‘The Ghost in Her’ by Anika Savoy

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

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New book release: ‘In Mommy’s Cloud’ by Lilian Shulika Tata

‘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.

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New horror movie release: Mister Creep

New found footage horror film Mister Creep is available for streaming. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

From writer/director Isaac Rodriguez, and starring Thomas Burke, Ali Alkhafaji, Amber Lee Solis, and Judy McMillan is found footage movie Mister Creep. Come face to face with Mister Creep, available worldwide on digital December 5, 2022. Streaming options include Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. (Mister Creep, 2022)

Mister Creep – Three college students stumble upon a lost television broadcast of a deceased serial killer and search for its location. They discover a nightmarish cover-up of a clown-faced man who killed hundreds and may still be around long after his death.

Rising Appalachia’s new release: Live From New Orleans at Preservation Hall

Rising Appalachia taps into the spirit of their former hometown of New Orleans with new release out now. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

As world travelers for nearly two decades, Rising Appalachia has merged multiple global music influences with their own southern roots to create their inviting latest album, Leylines. Remarkably, the band built its legion of listeners independently—a self-made success story that has led to major festival appearances and sold-out shows at venues across the country. Leah and Chloe Smith are sisters who grew up in urban Atlanta, yet spent most weekends traveling to Appalachian fiddle camps with their parents. Their brand new release, Live From New Orleans at Preservation Hall, is available for download or streaming now. Fans take note: 10% of all streaming profits from this record will be donated to the Preservation Hall Foundation which exists to create greater awareness and appreciation for traditional New Orleans Jazz and the communities that support it. (Rising Appalachia, 2022)

Arriving in the Big Easy in 2007 to a city still reeling from Hurricane Katrina’s devastation, Leah and Chloe were not only struck by the music; the resolve of New Orleanians shone brightly on the pair. “We lived there for seven years, soaking in the jazz and brass, the spirit of its people,” remembers Chloe. “Naturally, those sounds seeped into our music, as well as into our identity as Southerners.”

During the development of Rising Appalachia as we know it today, Leah and Chloe cut their teeth busking in New Orleans’ French Quarter, just a few short blocks from the iconic Preservation Hall, a 19th-century Creole townhouse later transformed into a non-profit performance art space in 1961. Preservation Hall brought musical traditions under the same roof before they were legally allowed to perform together. Hosting intimate acoustic concerts 350 nights per year for over half a century, Preservation Hall is a quintessential pilgrimage in the birthplace of Black American music.

So in January 2021, with the pandemic in full swing and neither Rising Appalachia nor Preservation Hall staging events with live audiences, the band was invited to collaborate with the distinguished institution and produce a live-stream concert to bring Rising Appalachia’s signature sound and the spirit of New Orleans into people’s homes around the globe. The electric performance, brimming with full band dynamics and exploring the deeper annals of Rising Appalachia’s NOLA-centric songbook with the help of Aurora Nealand (clarinet, accordion) and Preservation Hall Jazz Band’s Branden Lewis (trumpet), was captured for all to enjoy in the form of Live From New Orleans at Preservation Hall.

Fans can download or stream Live From New Orleans at Preservation Hall today at this link, and be sure to stay tuned for more exclusive videos from Rising Appalachia’s 2021 performance.

A full list of tour dates can be found online. Throughout the past year, Rising Appalachia has also been dropping standalone singles for their rabid fanbase. Check out “Thank You Very Much” (which PopMatters dubbed “a meditation on the road traveled thus far”) and a haunting cover of James Blake’s “I Need A Forest Fire.”

Live From New Orleans at Preservation Hall track list:
Just a Closer Walk With Thee – Live
Indigo Dance – Live
Stand Like An Oak – Live
Catalyst – Live
Shed Your Grace – Live
Long Haul – Live
Find Your Way -Live
Silver – Live
River Mouth – Live
Downtown – Live
St. James Infirmary – Live
Resilient – Live

Book review: ‘Living a Committed Life’ by Lynne Twist

‘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 10 Being 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.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

New book release: ‘Spiritual Writing from Inspiration to Publication’ by Deborah Levine Herman

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

 

New movie release: The Scottish Play

The Scottish Play is now available on digital. Courtesy photo, used with permission

A successful actress accepts the role of Lady Macbeth at a small New England theater, where she begins a flirtation with her charmingly awkward young director, and finds herself haunted by the ghost of William Shakespeare – who is keen to do some rewrites. The Scottish Play is now available in digital, including Netflix, Hulu, and Prime Video, from Giant Pictures. (Giant Pictures, 2022)

From writer/director Keith Boynton, and starring Tina Benko (‘’Power Book III : Raising Canan’’), The Americans’ Peter Mark Kendall, Reacher’s Willie C. Carpenter, Geraint Wyn Davies (“Forever Knight”), Will Brill (“The Marvelous Mrs Maisell”), and Ali Ahn (“Billions”), comes the story of a young woman chasing love and the ghost of William Shakespeare.

New book release: ‘Vengeful Strike’ by Jah-Femi Telewa

‘Vengeful Strike’ is the new novel by Jah-Femi Telewa. Photo: Amazon

Jah-Femi Telewa or J.F.T., is a multiple award winning author and multiple award winning composer. His first book titled ‘Somewhere Enchanted’ (under his previous pen name or rather initials J.F.T.) earned 2 awards, one from the Next Generation Indie Book Awards (Indie Book Awards), the other from Literary Titan and has been widely well accepted. His new book “Vengeful Strike” is a tale of morality. Given the choice between right and wrong, the promise imbued within the sword will see kingdoms rise and fall. (Jah-Femi Telewa, 2022)

“Vengeful Strike” – Given an unexpected gift, one man has the power to save his kingdom, or damn it. Life is thrown into turmoil when a fleet of ships arrive off the shores of the kingdom of Nottaly with the promise of gold and riches. The king eagerly accepts his new guests, proclaiming them friends. It is a decision that will come to shape generations.

Nottaly is a kingdom constantly at war, so when the king’s champion is blessed with a special sword capable of saving the kingdom, the king turns to Killsmani to lead his armies in one campaign after the next. Armed with a powerful sword and a host of new allies at his side, the champion quickly discovers all is not well in the heart of Nottaly. A coup is underway. The righteous will fall. Champions become disgraced. What was once considered a blessing quickly turns to the very instrument capable of ruining lives. Seduced by the lure of power and riches, all Killsmani has to do is pick up his sword.

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Book review: ‘Dissection’ by Cristina LePort, MD

‘Dissection’ is the debut suspense thriller by Cristina LePort, MD. Photo: Amazon

Dr. Cristina LePort was born in Bologna, Italy, where she attended medical school before emigrating to the USA to complete her Internal Medicine residency at Long Island College Hospital in Brooklyn and her Cardiology fellowship at West Los Angeles VA/UCLA. She has been practicing medicine for more than 30 years as Dr. Cristina Rizza. “Dissection: A Medical and Political Thriller” is her first published novel and a tense thriller with complex characters that combines cutting-edge medical technology with horrific yet still believable terrorist plots.

“Dissection” – DC heart surgeon Dr. Steven Leeds is suddenly overwhelmed by a handful of extremely complicated heart attack and stroke cases, all caused by a rare arterial injury―a dissection. The victims all have one thing in common: they receive harmless-looking cards announcing, “Your heart attack/stroke will arrive within one hour!” It all starts with Dr. Nirula receiving a card warning him of an impending fatal heart attack. At first he dismisses it because he knows his personal odds of such an episode are slim, but then he remembers that 25% of people who have heart attacks have no known risks. His heart starts pounding as his life flashes through his mind, but eventually he moves on. He is the first of many such cases but unfortunately some do not make it. When private detective Kirk Miner and FBI agent Jack Mulville start investigating, they immediately suspect Leeds’ former lover, Dr. Silvana Moretti, a brilliant research scientist who harbors a grudge against all the victims. When important people in the U.S. government begin to receive these same threatening cards and experience similar cardiac emergencies, it falls to the unlikely team of three―the headstrong FBI agent, the gifted private investigator, and the brilliant but conflicted heart surgeon―to find the actual perpetrators and to snuff out a catastrophic plot that only the medically astute can divine.

Dr. Cristina LePort has written an impressive debut novel. Her experience as a medical professional gives it an authentic voice, for example, when she describes a heart attack: “a heavy sickening pressure rose from the center of his chest and spread like an oil spill to reach his jaw.” When doctors themselves get sick, the experience tends to give them a reality check, such as when Dr. Nirula admits that it is not fun being on the other side, being the patient instead of the doctor. The thorough character development makes them relatable, flawed, but overall courageous. With her descriptive language, the author makes the story come alive: “Fear receded like a wave from the shore and crashed into anger.” The political thriller subplot gives it an extra thrill ride during the rush to find the designated survivor to avoid a catastrophe and in case the president does not make it. The chapters are short and the action is mostly dialogue driven. Highlights include Chapter 3: Dissection where Dr. LePort describes Dr. Steven Leeds preparing to perform surgery: he “slid a cap over his thinning black hair, reached for a sponge, and stepped on the pedal to switch on the water” and Chapter 31: Choices when all hell breaks loose and Kirk Miner and Jack Mulville relentlessly pursue the terrorists even though they have both been injured. “Dissection” is a must read suspenseful page turner that combines a fast paced medical thriller with white knuckle political action. It is recommended for readers who appreciate the best of Tom Clancy and Robin Cook.

“She stared at her husband for a long moment as if deciding how to best handle the possible emergency. The man flapped his hand, hurrying her to get ready. A few minutes later, man and wife sat buckled up in their car on their way to Capitol Hospital. The man’s headache and neck pain escalated with the car’s bouncing and swerving. To him, the city street lights appeared blurred. Panic set in.”

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

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

Stella Prince gracefully examines rejection on new single

Closing Doors is the eighteen year old songwriter’s new single. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

This has been a groundbreaking year for Stella Prince. Her first single that went to radio, Crying on a Saturday Night, charted on the Americana Singles Chart, was played on over one hundred radio stations internationally, and was the most added song on folk radio in March of 2022. Her debut music video for the song has received over 70,000 views on YouTube alone, and has received support from legendary outlets such as CMT, DittyTV, Heartland, The Country Network, and Discover Music Videos. She has been featured over fifty times in various articles by outlets such as Americana Highways, Country Music Views, Teen Look, Think Country, NY State Music, Cowgirl Magazine, and Music City Magazine, among others. Her debut EP was released on July 22 and charted on both the Alternative Country Charts, Americana Albums Chart, and the Official FAI Folk Charts. (Stella Prince, 2022)

“Facing rejection can be a constant huge hurdle,” says wise-beyond-her-eighteen-years songwriter Stella Prince. Her newest single, “Closing Doors” examines rejection and challenging times “like a door closing in your face.” Produced by Professor Louie at Woodstock Records in Hurley, New York, Closing Doors follows Prince’s recent output of country-inspired folk-pop music, her comforting voice a reassurance for listeners, no matter what door is closing at any given moment. 

“In these difficult and challenging times, it is hard to maintain a sense of hope and possibility,” says Prince. “I decided to write this song, ‘Closing Doors,’ because so many of us are struggling with loss or hardship. Like the lyrics in the song, ‘hope is the only thing that keeps me going/when all the fear of life’s commotions spins around and brings me down.’” Prince’s airy and enchanting vocal delivery reaffirms a true sense of authenticity and soul ever-present in her releases thus far; a characteristic that will surely have her beyond up-and-coming status in no time.

Girls’ Life Magazine premiered Closing Doors, calling her “the artist you *need* to stream this season.” Fans can listen to “Closing Doors” here.

Touring has been another breakthrough for Stella in 2022. She just finished her first international run in the UK, and will soon be embarking on an 18-city tour of the Southwest. She has already performed at some of the world’s most prestigious venues, such as London’s The Bedford and Spice of Life, New York’s The Bitter End and Arlene’s Grocery, and Nashville’s famed Bluebird Cafe. A full list of tour dates and ticket information is available online.