‘Beyond the Covered Veil’ is the new collection of short stories by Wesley B. Herndon. Photo: Wesley B. Herndon, used with permission.
If you are anything like me, you are not always in the mood to read a big book. Sometimes it is the quick reads that are more meaningful. Today’s new book release might be what you are looking for: “Beyond the Covered Veil” by Wesley B. Herndon – a collection of short stories. The writing style is visionary and poetic: “He knew this way of living would leave him forever lost, smoldering in the cold grip of a cavernous grave” and is sure to appease the artistic side of readers. Sounds interesting? Pick up a copy and see for yourself. It is available on Barnes & Nobleand Amazon.
Wesley B Herndon is a theoretician, an ingenious creator who studies documentary pieces and is a human file cabinet of 80s pop culture. He lives in Raleigh, North Carolina with his iguana Tubbs and a large collection of retro video games. His new book “Beyond the Covered Veil” is a collection of short stories that challenge the mind and soul. (Wesley B. Herndon, 2023)
“Beyond the Covered Veil” – As a child, you have a vast imagination to create anything out of nothing, but most lose that ability when they get older. I have kept the imaginative side of me alive and have honed it down to fine art. This is a collection of short stories that come to life in your mind. Follow a group of bandits who are pushed to their limits in order to overcome a fierce opponent. Descend into an empty desert where one awakens to a world that defies human logic. Then you turn the page and you are hit with words of insightful wisdom that exceed the thoughts of the common mindset. This book is for people who have gone through the darkest moments in life and survived them. Anyone who likes to be told real truths will also be entertained at the same time. You will be able to see it as you read it–“It’s what the world’s been missing.”
‘Paris On My Mind: Thoughts of Paris, James Baldwin, and Harlem’ by Eugene Crowley, Jr.
Eugene Crowley, Jr. was born in St. Joseph, Missouri, has a master’s degree in General Psychology, and spent 32 years teaching the wisdom from mythology to his high school students in Chicago. He has traveled throughout the United States, Europe, and South America. He wrote his book, “Upside Down World: The Loss of the Sacred Cosmos,” to give his readers the meaning of life in discovering their own sacred cosmos. He would like to see a “New Enlightenment” with the use of the wisdom from the past holistic cultures who began civilizations. He encourages our culture to return to its Eastern roots by having its spiritual awakening in opening the mind and heart. After participating in the conference “A Language To Dwell In: James Baldwin, Paris, and International Visions” at the American University in Paris in May 2016, he wrote “Paris On My Mind: Thoughts of Paris, James Baldwin, and Harlem.” It reveals Baldwin’s views on racism, his observations, solutions, and consequences. (Amazon, 2023)
“Paris On My Mind” gives the truths of the past for readers to become victors instead of victims over social conflicts. The author expresses his thoughts on James Baldwin, his life and writings, and explains that his wisdom echoes ancient philosophers and encourages his readers not to fall victim to America’s social problems. He believes that knowing the truth would set one free. Baldwin provided the truths of the past and gives his readers their purpose in life. He depended on religion and the wisdom of the past in confronting social ills. The book is divided into 12 chapters including The First Time I Saw Paris, Examining Our Civilizations, and James Baldwin in a Post-Racial America. The first two chapters give the author’s early connection with Paris since his hometown, St. Joseph, Missouri, had a French founder, Joseph Robidoux. He also explains why he became enamored with Paris, including that since the city was the innovator of urban streetlights, could this mean that it was, metaphorically, “responsible for giving light to the entire world?” The rest of the book explores the American way of thinking in terms of racial and societal issues, highlights of Harlem today and in the 1920s, then circles back to his thoughts on Paris on the last time he visited the city.
Racism on a global stage can be a touchy subject but now more than ever, it needs to be addressed. Aside from taking a closer look at James Baldwin’s life, how he defined racism and his coping strategies, Eugene Crowley, Jr. stresses the importance of awakening the spiritual, not religious, part of our lives, similar to how past civilizations placed greater importance to the soul, which is divine in nature. In doing so, everyone, including blacks, whites, young, and old can use this wisdom to conquer their adversaries because when we re-discover our spiritual identity, we can live “more genuine, authentic, and peaceful lives.” This insightful and eye opening book is full of history, soul searching, and useful advice, written using language that everyone can understand and put into use in their lives. Highlights include Chapter 3: The American Madness where the author writes that racial conflict is not the ‘Negro problem,’ but rather ‘The American Madness’ and Chapter 5: Dwelling in Languages where he writes that due to the harsh language that he used sometimes, James Baldwin had his critics, but mostly because people “find it difficult to hear of their irrational behaviors.” In other words, people, regardless of race, tend to lash out when confronted with their questionable behaviors. One final piece of practical advice he gives, about life in general, is “The best solution for boredom is to become active. Life was not meant to be lived in one space.” Overall, “Paris On My Mind” is a an excellent examination of the life and works of James Baldwin and a gentle reminder that to live a more peaceful life, we should strive for a more spiritual existence. It is recommended for fans of biographies, personal growth, and spirituality who appreciate practical life advice.
“When we remember our spiritual identity, we place racism and bigotry in their proper place as immature behaviors from people who have not awaken their spirit.”
*The author was contacted for an honest review of this book. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.
“Best’s Practices: Encouraging Confidence and Relationship-Building” by Bianca Clark. Photo: Bianca Clark, used with permission.
With the start of a new school year, parents and guardians might be looking for resources to help their teen with self esteem and personal development issues. “Best’s Practices: Encouraging Confidence and Relationship-Building” by Bianca Clark is aimed at teenagers and parents alike and is an excellent tool to help them gain confidence and work on their life skills by using advice and real life scenarios. Read on for more information.
Bianca Clark is a Pennsylvania native and currently resides in Connecticut. She received her Bachelor of Science in Marketing and her Master of Science in Organizational Leadership from Cabrini University in Radnor, Pennsylvania. Bianca is an aerospace professional with a passion for writing and creating fun, diverse methods for skill learning and advancement. Her book “Best’s Practices: Encouraging Confidence and Relationship-Building” is a must read motivational and mentorship book for pre-teens who want to develop their life skills. It is available on Amazon. (Bianca Clark, 2023)
“Best’s Practices: Encouraging Confidence and Relationship-Building” – London, her older sister, Cierra or CeCe, and Malachi or Cai, their teenage brother, listened to their parents’ wise words and realized that the only way to improve, avoid common mistakes, and grow as a person would be to invest in themselves.
This fun and educational personal growth book for teens is here to help teenagers and their parents gain an in-depth understanding of how to encourage confidence and promote personal development through the real-life scenarios and adventures of London and her family.
Written for aspiring teens and parents alike, this book is a conversation starter that provides all the essentials tools and resources you need to learn:
– How to improve your conversation and communication skills – How to think outside the box and build your confidence – How to handle being outside of your comfort zone
Following the different situations that London, CeCe, and Cai find themselves in, you will be able to understand the psyche of a teenager with fears, aspirations, and inexperience and start conversations that will help:
– Understand how to keep yourself motivated – Learn how to build a professional network and practice for a job interview – Discover how to prepare yourself for a difficult situation – Identify your professional strengths and weaknesses – Embrace yourself and learn daily affirmations that will boost your confidence
Instead of a self-development book that lists facts, this easy-to-read and entertaining book will help get the message across without boring your daughter, son, niece, nephew, or grandkids.
‘Shadowland’ will be released September 5, 2023. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
P.L. Hampton, an emerging dark fiction author, draws readers into a world of ancient artifacts, family, and the hidden shadows of the past. Born and raised in Seattle, Washington, Hampton is a college professor and is pursuing his JD. He balances his academic pursuits with his passion for writing. Hampton spent nearly twelve years working in the finance industry, gaining experiences that shaped his rich, layered narratives. He resides in San Diego with his wife, Tonya, where he explores the fascinating intersection of history and horror. Prepare to delve into the realms of terror and intrigue in the genre-blending book “Shadowland,” P.L. Hampton’s upcoming new book. This thought-provoking page turner is set to release on September 5, 2023, from Running Wild’s RIZE press. It is available for pre-order in e-book and paperback formats from RIZE publishing on Amazon. (Black Château, 2023)
“Shadowland” – When Aaron Langford receives a Yoruba Divination Board as a housewarming gift, he does not realize that it will open the door to a supernatural realm, one that takes both his children, sending Aaron on a journey to find them in the Shadowland. Hampton blends historical facts and fiction, inviting readers to ponder the origins of the Yoruba Divination Board, also known as a Talking Board, while immersing them in the Langford family’s journey.
Having himself acquired such an artifact—and raised by a mother who sees spirits—Hampton delivers an authentic experience. “My novel not only incorporates African and Black themes into the story but also brings the dynamics of family and love. In the end, ‘Shadowland’ is about a father’s love for his children and his family,” says Hampton.
In “Shadowland,” Hampton explores the rich past and present tapestry of African American culture, merging it with the macabre and the uncanny, all while paying homage to the resilience and depth of a society steeped in history.
‘Revernota’ is the exciting young adult fantasy novel by J. Mitchel Reed. Photo: Amazon
Fantasy novels are entertaining to read because the stories include portals, shapeshifting, and other creative themes. According to the sample, in J Mitchel Reed’s “Revernota,” three young boys, Sammy, Howie, and Tommy are about to live the adventure of a lifetime. Sammy is naturally curious about his eccentric neighbor and one day decides to investigate his property. As soon as he jumps the fence, it disappears leaving them stranded on the other side. Narrated in the first person, Sammy’s point of view, the writing style is highly descriptive and pulls readers into their world, awaiting the adventure that lies ahead. Sounds interesting? Pick up a copy today, it is available on Amazon.
J Mitchel Reed is a multi-disciplinary artist. He lives in a small town outside Toronto. He enjoys staying fit, healthy eating, and reading as much as possible. Currently he is working on his second novel. His first is the young adult fantasy novel “Revernota,” which explores the concepts of good and evil, the power of friendship, and never giving up. (J Mitchel Reed, 2023)
“Revernota” – Summertime used to be for bike rides, bubble gum, and baseball, but that is about to change. Revernotas have been living discreetly among humans and protecting them for generations. Until one fateful summer, when Sammy and his best friend Howie begin to unravel the mystery around them. When they decide to investigate their strange neighbor’s property, they have no idea what they are getting into. Car chases, shapeshifting, secret rooms, bullies, and bad guys completely transform their summer break. Suddenly the realms of the seemingly impossible collide into the lives of the two boys and a reluctant tag-along named Tommy, taking them on an adventure that will change them forever. But can the three boys navigate portals between worlds in time?
‘The Magical Adventures of Ana and Her Talking Cat’ is one of the new children’s books by Nigel Martin. Photo: Nigel Martin, used with permission.
There is never a shortage of children’s books out there and today I want to focus on two from author Nigel Martin.He is the author of “The Magical Adventures of Ana and Her Talking Cat” and “Snow Days Are the Best: A Story of Joy, Snowy Shenanigans and Friendship.” After reading the samples, I can tell that the stories are magical and entertaining. “Snow Days Are the Best: A Story of Joy, Snowy Shenanigans and Friendship” is told in poetic verse and contains beautiful and captivating illustrations. Both are easy to read and should keep the child in your life entertained. Read on for more information about these children’s books.
“The Magical Adventures of Ana and Her Talking Cat” Do you love stories about magic, adventure, and friendship? If so, you will not want to miss this one. Follow Ana and her talking cat, Mini, as they embark on an exciting journey filled with enchanted forests, mischievous fairies, a land of giants, hidden treasures, and more. Ana and Mini face challenges along the way, but with courage, kindness, and a little bit of magic, they overcome every obstacle.
As you read ” The Magical Adventures of Ana and Her Talking Cat,” you will be transported to a world full of wonder and possibility. You will root for Ana and Mini as they make new friends, solve mysteries, and discover hidden treasures. You will feel their joy, fear, and excitement as they explore magical lands and encounter fantastic creatures. So why not join Ana and Mini on their adventure today? Get your copy of “The Magical Adventures of Ana and Her Talking Cat” and let the magic begin.
‘Snow Days Are the Best: A Story of Joy, Snowy Shenanigans and Friendship. Photo: Nigel Martin, used with permission.
“Snow Days Are the Best: A Story of Joy, Snowy Shenanigans and Friendship” This is a heartwarming children’s rhythm story about the joys of winter and the fun that can be had on snow days. Ava and Luke, love playing in the snow and having fun with their friends. The story follows them as they sled down hills, build igloos, and make snowmen taller than trees.
As readers follow Ava and Luke’s adventures, they too will be filled with a desire to experience the joys of winter and snow days. The story instills a love for the winter season and the activities that come with it. Parents and guardians can read “Snow Days Are the Best: A Story of Joy, Snowy Shenanigans and Friendship” to their children and encourage them to play outside on snowy days, build snowmen, and have fun in the snow. This rhythm story serves as a great inspiration for children to explore the wonders of winter and make the most of snow days.
‘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 HowTo 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.
‘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: FacebookInstagram (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.
‘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.
‘Breathe: Healing Conversations’ is a contemporary poetry book by Karen Achille. Photo: Karen Achille, used with permission.
In today’s book news: if you love poetry as much as I do, Karen Achille’s “Breathe: Healing Conversations”should be on your radar. Take a journey into the full range of emotions that poetry can convey.
Karen Achille is a Georgia-based and Haiti-born poetess, teacher, and relationship coach whose lifelong vision is to help empathic souls heal through the power of poetic storytelling. In addition to the co-authored debut book “Jaded” and her second book “Breathe,” she holds a Bachelor’s degree in English and two graduate degrees in English Education and Leadership. When she is not pouring her heart out on paper, you can find this altruistic soul dancing like nobody is watching, cooking a delicious meal, or simply relaxing in the present moment. She is also a pluviophile and nature lover. Above all else, Karen cherishes quality time spent with her loved ones, especially her love and muse, Gayle. “Breathe” is available on Amazon. More from the author: Writer’s Workshop: The Creative Huddle. (Karen Achille, 2023)
“Breathe” takes the reader on an emotive voyage of upheaval, heartache, healing, and ultimately, personal transformation. Through heartfelt poetic narration and evocative lines, poetess Karen Achille reveals a relatable story that reminds you that you are never truly alone on this journey called life. By the book’s end, each sense will be awakened, and your heart will be empowered. Most importantly, “Breathe” invites the reader to truly reside in the present, darkness and all.
SA Examiner 