Tag: Book news

New book release: ‘My Goodbye Girl’ by Anna Gomez

‘My Goodbye Girl’ is the new contemporary romance novel by Anna Gomez. Photo: Amazon

Anna Gomez was born in the city of Makati, Philippines and educated abroad. She is Global Chief Financial Officer for Mischief and No Fixed Address, a consolidated group of ad agencies. Gomez was recently selected for the 2020 HERoes Women Role Model Executives list, which celebrates 100 women who lead by example and drive change. Gomez has championed various ERGs for Black and API colleagues as well as resources to address challenges of ageism. She serves on several boards, including Breathe for Justice and The Jensen Project. Anna’s inspiration for her writing stems from the people she meets and the places that she has seen. Her stories are realistic and honest, thought-provoking and impactful. Her love for poetry is evident in her writing style. Writing under the pen name Christine Brae, six of her books have won literary awards and ranked as bestsellers upon release. In her new book “My Goodbye Girl,” in order to move forward, Tessa must let go of the past and determine once and for all if love is truly more powerful than the pain of goodbye. (Amazon, 2023)

 “My Goodbye Girl” – When Tessa Talman first meets Simon Fremont, not only is she attracted to him, she is intrigued by how different their lives are. He is a dedicated scientist, practical, pragmatic, and grounded. She is a head-in-the-clouds romance author. As their relationship grows, they meet in places around the world, while continuing to live in different countries. Though their feelings for each other deepen, their priorities remain the same. Simon is in a hurry to be financially sound and settle down, but Tessa is enjoying her freedom and newfound success. Neither is willing to give in, but as each goodbye gets harder, Tessa begins to wonder whether fame is the path to happiness, or if she has everything she needs in Simon. Just as Tessa finds the courage to go after her own happily ever after, the unthinkable happens, separating them in ways she never imagined.

Book review: ‘Retribution’ by Robert McCaw

‘Retribution’ is the new novel by Robert McCaw and the fifth in the Koa Kāne Hawaiian Mystery Series. Photo: Amazon.

Robert McCaw grew up in a military family, traveling the world. He is a graduate of Georgetown University, served as a U.S. Army lieutenant, and earned a law degree from the University of Virginia. Having lived on the Big Island of Hawaii, McCaw’ s writing is imbued by his more than 20-year love affair with this Pacific paradise. In his new novel “Retribution,” the fifth in his Koa Kāne Hawaiian Mystery Series, Chief Detective Koa Kāne wonders if he might be the real target as people around him come under attack. Other books in the series include “Death of a Messenger,” “Off the Grid,” “Fire and Vengeance,” and “Treachery Times Two.” (Amazon, 2023)

“Retribution” – the story begins as an unknown Muslim man climbs off a Philippine freighter unto a speed boat with one goal in mind: to avenge his brother’s killing. Meanwhile, in the back alley of a bar on the Hawaii Island, a young man is found stabbed to death. When Hilo Chief Detective Koa Kāne begins investigating the crime, the murder weapon is conveniently recovered only a few feet away from the body. Crime scene technicians find fingerprints on the knife and they are a perfect match for Kāne’s younger brother, Ikaika. Even though his brother has a history of getting in trouble with the law, he has turned his life around, so Kāne is certain he is being framed for this crime. He is warned to stay out of the investigation, but of course he is determined to clear his brother’s name. During the investigation, another crime sends shockwaves through the Hilo police force. A sniper tries to take out Makanui, Kāne’s closest colleague. As Kāne tries to figure out whether these crimes are connected, the sinister force continues the killing spree, threatening him and his loved ones at every turn. Could Kāne be the real target? If so, who is behind this trail of retribution? With his own secret criminal past, he confronts an all-out offensive against those closest to him and his police force to which he has devoted his life. As the bodies pile up, Kāne finds himself the ultimate target of a ruthless adversary and must risk it all to survive.

Someone out there is determined to get to Detective Koa Kāne and is killing everyone connected to him. Not only is he still haunted by a secret he has kept all these years, he is constantly worrying about the safety of those around him but determined to catch a killer who seems to be one step ahead of him. On top of it all, he also needs to clear his brother’s name, and that further increases the conflict he feels between his police responsibilities and family loyalty. Since there are a couple of storylines, it can become challenging to follow along from time to time. The action is non-stop but perfectly balanced by the beauty of the Hawaiian location, which ironically enough, sometimes makes the investigation harder because some of the locations are remote and hard to access. With deeply developed and relatable characters, the story is mostly dialogue driven and flows from page to page until the suspenseful climatic ending. The highlight is Chapter 59 where the killer’s identity is revealed. As with his previous books, the author uses relevant Hawaiian terms and language, and even though he explains them as he goes along, it occasionally slows down the pacing, but it is worth it and readers are rewarded with a thrilling murder mystery filled with one plot twist after another. “Retribution” is another remarkable murder mystery by Robert McCaw and is recommended for fans of Michael Connelly who enjoy action thrillers revolving around terrorists and terrorist organizations. The good thing about this excellent mystery series is that each novel stands on its own and can be read in any order.

“The cave exploded with the roar of the gunshot, and the sound reverberated off the cave walls. Makanui’s bullet hit its mark and exited through the back of Cruz’s skull, leaving a golf-ball-sized hole and splattering Cruz’s brains into the lava tube behind him. His gun and hard hat went flying, plunging the cave into blackness.”

*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.

Book review: ‘The Alpha Upgrade of HD Heathers: Book of Glads Volume 1′ by Todd S. Glider’

‘The Alpha Upgrade of HD Heathers’ is Book 1 in the Science Fiction saga The Book of Glads. Photo: Amazon.

Todd S. Glider is an author, musician, director, and producer. After 13 years of living in Europe, he, along with his wife Jeremie and their cat, Sophie, returned to the United States. The three of them currently reside in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In his new book, “The Alpha Upgrade of HD Heathers,” follow the #4 Glad in Mega-City Philadelphia, HD Heathers, as she navigates celebrity, loneliness, and the creeping feeling that the world is not as utopian as she would have been led to believe. It is Book 1 in the Science Fiction saga The Book of Glads. It is available on Amazon and Book Selfie. Follow the author: Instagram. More about Book Selfie here. (Amazon, 2023)

“The Alpha Upgrade of HD Heathers” – Experience a world in which nation states have fallen by the wayside, giving way to The Mega-City System and The Alpha Upgrade Program. While The System acknowledges, and even caters to the shortcomings of all citizens, The Program gives everyone the opportunity to have the strength, dexterity or virility of a superhero, and the fame that comes with it. The one catch is that you must agree to participate in the most popular form of entertainment, Gladiatorial Combat—sometimes to the death. HD Heathers opted for a strength upgrade fresh out of high school. Now, 15 years later, she is the hero of millions, having gained wealth, prestige, and stardom. She is a genetically enhanced human with superhuman strength, commonly known as a Brawn. The story opens as she is taken by surprise and attacked by an unknown competitor in a FAB, a Floating Arena Battle. He turns out to be Billy O. Boyd, someone from her past, but the battle has no clear winner and that is not the last she will see of him. As she encounters one obstacle after another, the world she knows will make her question her decisions and the motivation of those who surround her.

Set in a futuristic Mega-City Philadelphia of 2370 where “content was king across the Mega-City System and ScrimCoating was the medium for viewing remote content,” technology has advanced to the point where almost every Citizen wears a ScrimCoated wristband at all times. Drones are a constant source of monitoring and recording, often in pictures, which is why HD Heathers constantly presents a ‘picture perfect’ posture to the world. This is one appeal of “The Alpha Upgrade of HD Heathers” because it makes the future similar to today’s world, with more sophisticated technology and modern day Gladiators, who have opted for upgrades like superhuman strength and agility. The only drawback is that they must constantly battle others like themselves and basically serve as entertainment for the masses. The characters are well developed (HD Heathers is a strong female character) and relatable and the language is descriptive and poetic “HD could not see much more than some ghostly tendrils crossing the brightest star, Sirius, and the anemic blade of a crescent moon.” The pacing of the story is constant and steady, leading up to the climatic final battle. With a futuristic setting and Gladiator style battle scenes, “The Alpha Upgrade of HD Heathers” is a highly entertaining science fiction novel; it serves as a social commentary on capitalism and what passes for entertainment in a world where content and popularity rankings are influential. It is recommended for readers who appreciate futuristic science fiction novels and superhero/fantasy science fiction.

* Disclaimer: contains explicit sex scenes.

“Many in the crowd averted their eyes. Some shook their heads. Others wept. There were blank faces, too. “WAS THAT NOT ENOUGH?” HD shouted. “CITIZENS! ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED?” The silence held. HD shouted, “VERY WELL! I AM HERE TO ENTERTAIN YOU!”

Rating: 4 out of 5.
Group review of ‘The Alpha Upgrade of HD Heathers’

Children’s book: ‘Harrison Waits’ by Missy Hagen

‘Harrison Waits’ is a children’s book written and illustrated by Missy Hagen. Photo: Amazon

In today’s book news, the spotlight shines on a children’s book about a boy who is waiting for something big and how he passes the time. Missy Hagen’s “Harrison Waits” is an illustrated children’s book that is sure to entertain the little ones in your life.

Missy Hagen came to children’s book writing and illustrating after an eclectic career in fields that seemed to predict such destiny. She has a BA in Elementary Education from Cornell College, spent years in corporate technical writing, built a popular aerobic dance program in the eighties, and raised three children, all before returning to college for web and graphic design. She combined her teaching, technical, and design skills as Educational Technology Director for Rochester Community and Technical College for over 10 years. When her grandson Harrison was born, it sparked the idea for “Harrison Waits” based on his FOUR initials. A story focusing on the letters H and W and about how the rewards of being patient and keeping busy yield an outcome worth waiting for. Missy’s watercolor and ink artwork has often been exhibited and featured throughout southeast Minnesota where she resides with her husband.

“Harrison Waits” is a wonderful story about a young boy who is anxiously waiting for … what? See how Harrison patiently passes the time while he anticipates the arrival of something special he has been looking forward to for a long time. Will it be worth the wait? Can Harrison find enough to do to keep himself busy while waiting? The colorful artwork from Missy Hagen will captivate all ages while the clever play on the letters “H” and “W” will entertain readers and listeners alike. For extra fun, search for hidden “H” and “W” words illustrated on each page.

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Book of the week: ‘I Know You By Heart: Navigating the Dementia Journey’ by Angie Swetland

‘I Know You By Heart: Navigating the Dementia Journey’ by Angie Swetland. Photo: Amazon

It is hard enough having to care for a loved one with dementia, but often, the resources and support system are hard to come by. This resource guide aims to answer readers questions about dementia and gives personal experience accounts and coping tips, all in easy to understand language.

Angie Swetland graduated from Luther College with a degree in Sociology and Religion. Her first job was as Activity Director in a small-town nursing home. Forty years later, she retired as Corporate Director of Customer Relations at Presbyterian Homes and Services (PHS), one of the nation’s largest not-for-profit providers of senior housing and services. During her time at PHS, Angie developed curricula for Dementia Care services and worked with care teams to ensure care protocols were in place. Angie also assisted in developing a Dementia Care Specialist certification program offered jointly by the Alzheimer’s Association of Minnesota and North Dakota and served on its faculty. Currently, she serves on the Board of Directors of Our Lady of Peace Hospice and Home. Angie facilitates a Dementia Caregiver Support Group at Easter Lutheran Church and enjoys public speaking to area churches and other organizations about Dementia Care. Her book “I Know You By Heart: Navigating the Dementia Journey” gives answers to some of their commonly asked questions about dementia as well as coping strategies for the future. (Angie Swetland, 2023)

“I Know You By Heart: Navigating the Dementia Journey” – In the U.S. today, over 5.8 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s Disease or related dementia. Each of these individuals has a story and each one has caregivers with stories of their own. You have questions – so many questions about what is happening now, and what is to come. How do I cope with this new manifestation of the disease? How do I prepare for an uncertain future? This is especially true when just navigating your way through each day can be overwhelming. In navigating this journey, it is important to remember two essential truths. The first is that the body may fail, and the mind may wander, but the spirit – the person inside – remains intact. The caregiver’s role is to maximize the remaining strengths of the person they care for. The second is that you are not alone. Caregiving is often an isolating experience. Stories from the lives of others let us know that our experiences are not unique. Be assured that many have gone before, and others are walking the same road today.

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‘The Legend of The Black Shadow’ by Elonzo Phillips

‘The Legend of The Black Shadow’ is a western novel by Elonzo Phillips. Photo: Amazon

Elonzo Phillips is a writer who was born and raised in Wharton, Texas. He started writing when he was 19 years old while in his second semester in college and wrote his first book when he was 21. By the time he graduated college, he had written four books. He wanted to become a writer because he has always excelled at creating stories, both fiction and non-fiction. When he was in school, he was constantly teased for daydreaming and now he has turned it into writing, his favorite hobby, for when he is daydreaming, he is re-writing reality in his head as his own personal multiverse. His favorite author is Stephen King and the movies based on his books, especially Stand By Me, Misery, Pet Sematary, and The Shawshank Redemption partially inspired him to become a writer. His book “The Legend of the Black Shadow” is the story of Bryce Taylor, a young black cowboy out to prove that life can be lived without hate, conflicts, or wars. A reading sample is available on Amazon. (Elonzo Phillips, 2023)

“The Legend of the Black Shadow” – Even as a kid, young Bryce Taylor watched the evil of the West slaughter both his family and his friend. Since then, Bryce has traveled all over the West, feared as the famous mask gunman, known as The Black Shadow, who wanted nothing more than to stand and fight for colored folks and for folks of different ethnicities, proving that all humans are the same and should be treated the same, regardless of color. During his journey around the West, he crosses paths with friends and foes, who hate, fear, and like him.

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New book release: ‘Torn’ by Estralia Russelle

‘Torn’ by Estralia Russelle. Photo: Estralia Russelle, used with permission.

Estralia Russelle is a writer who enjoys independent thinking and creative writing. She writes novels about character development and adventure and spends most of her time in nature, learning about all life and the wonders of creation. The nature of existence captivates her attention. Having traveled to seven continents and many countries, she is intrigued by the different cultures around the world. She studied and practiced the healing arts for several years and is a retired teacher, having taught elementary, middle, and high school. Her new romance novel “Torn” centers around Anora, who after a brokenhearted farewell to her boyfriend Winston decides to move to Australia to get to know her herself and her long-lost biological family. (Estralia Russelle, 2023)

“Torn” is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple Books, and Kobo.

“Torn” – Anora is perplexed when her long-time boyfriend, Winston, announces his abrupt move to India from Germany, where he will be able to fulfill his life’s goal. He insists that coming with him is a mistake but implores her to have faith and wait for him- for two years. She expected to marry Winston. While he has made no such commitment, her heart longs for that future.

Heartbroken and dejected, she searches for a new beginning with her long-lost biological family residing in Australia. Finally, she can get to know her roots. Not only does she become acquainted with the mother she has never known, but siblings, aunts, and the extended family for which she has longed. The shadows of her past haunt her. Deep wounds envelop her heart from years of abuse and neglect. How will she know love when she finds it if she has never been in love?

With this new environment comes new beginnings – including love- that she never expected. Hawthorne is a stunning, tall man with an infectious laugh. He captivates her mind and her heart. However, his culture is foreign to her, leaving her to wonder if she can find unconditional love with someone so different from herself. Nevertheless, Anora finds love, but that is only the beginning. Their families are full of prejudice and threaten to tear them apart. Together, against all odds, they are steadfast in their commitment to one another.

“One of the strengths of ‘Torn’ is Russelle’s beautiful and poignant writing style. The prose is well-crafted, evoking a wide range of emotions in the reader.”  Jennellbrown – Barnes & Noble review

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Book review: ‘Meru’ by S.B. Divya

‘Meru’ is the new science fiction novel by S.B. Divya. Photo: Amazon

S.B. Divya is the Hugo and Nebula nominated author of “Meru,” “Machinehood,” “Runtime,” and “Contingency Plans For the Apocalypse and Other Possible Situations.” Her short stories have appeared in numerous magazines and anthologies, and she was the co-editor of Escape Pod, the weekly science fiction podcast, from 2017-2022. Divya holds degrees in Computational Neuroscience and Signal Processing, and she worked for twenty years as an electrical engineer before becoming an author. In her new book “Meru,” one woman and her pilot are about to change the future of the species in an epic space opera about aspiration, compassion, and redemption. A reading sample is available on Amazon. (Amazon, 2023)

“Meru” – For five centuries, human life has been restricted to Earth, while posthuman descendants called alloys freely explore the galaxy. When the Earthlike planet of Meru is discovered, two unlikely companions venture forth to test the habitability of this unoccupied new world and the future of human-alloy relations. For Jayanthi, the adopted human child of alloy parents, it is an opportunity to rectify the ancient reputation of her species as avaricious and destructive, and to give humanity a new place in the universe. For Vaha, Jayanthi’s alloy pilot, it is a daunting yet irresistible adventure to find success as an individual. As the journey challenges their resolve in unexpected ways, the two form a bond that only deepens with their time alone on Meru. How can Jayanthi succeed at freeing humanity from its past when she and Vaha have been set up to fail? Against all odds, hope is human, too.

The story takes place in the far, far future when humans, whose numbers have dwindled, live in colonies on Earth and their robot/AI descendants called ‘alloys’ are the next form of intelligent life. This concept in itself is what stands out because of the rapid rise in AI in recent years. Combined with science fiction, space exploration, and genetic engineering, it makes for a complex saga filled with technology, friendships, and the ever increasing question of what it means to be human. There are so many types of technologies introduced, like the bodym, the body’s information network, and an incarn, the temporary body that alloys use while on Earth, that at times it is hard to focus on the story itself. While the use of the pronouns zie/zir is commendable, it can be distracting until/unless the reader gets used to them. The language, while occasionally tech-heavy, is relatively easy to understand and the story is mainly dialogue driven and switches narration between Jayanthi and Vaha. ‘Meru’ is an impressive work of science fiction complete with space travel, world building, exploration of the human condition in the face of insurmountable challenges, and even an interspecies romance. Labeled as The Alloy Era Book 1, the story will likely continue, and is recommended for readers who appreciate books on genetic engineering, space exploration, and science fiction. It is certainly an interesting work of science fiction.

“No amount of grief and rage could overcome a lifetime of conditioning. Do the least amount of harm to every form of consciousness, alive or not. A planet might not think and feel, but it had a place in the universe. It deserved respect and kindness, especially from a puny thing like her, whose survival depended upon it.”

*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: ‘Echoes of Tomorrow: A Race Against Time to Save Humanity’s Future’ by Marvin Merritt II

”Echoes of Tomorrow: A Race Against Time to Save Humanity’s Future’ is the new science fiction thriller by Marvin Merritt II. Photo: Marvin Merritt II, used with permission.

One of my favorite book genres is science fiction, especially when computers and aliens are involved in one way or another; that is just the sci-fi geek in me. This new release from Marvin Merritt II caught my attention: “Echoes of Tomorrow: A Race Against Time to Save Humanity’s Future.” The first chapter is titled ‘The Unexplained Sky’ and begins as the night sky in San Diego, California is lighted with “a stunning array of lights, transforming the city into a celestial canvas of vivid colors.” You can read a sample on Amazon. Sounds intriguing? Here is more information about this exciting new science fiction thriller.

Marvin Merritt II is a seasoned Navy veteran and new author from Georgia. With over 20 years of service and multiple deployments, he has received numerous accolades and awards for his dedication and commitment to serving his country. Marvin’s writing often delves into themes of resilience, hope, and the power of human connection. He skillfully blends suspense, mystery, and heartwarming moments to create stories that keep readers on the edge of their seats while touching their hearts. In his latest book, “Echoes of Tomorrow: A Race Against Time to Save Humanity’s Future,” Marvin showcases his talent for weaving thrilling tales that captivate readers. (Marvin Merritt II, 2023)

“Echoes of Tomorrow: A Race Against Time to Save Humanity’s Future” is an enthralling sci-fi novel that transports readers through time and space. As strange objects appear in the sky, a self-loading internet app spreads worldwide, sparking wonder and mystery among the population. Noah, a brilliant scientist specializing in Computational Linguistics, leads a team that discovers the true nature of the network – a connection to humans 1,000 years in the future. Deciphering encrypted messages, the team learns of an impending disaster that threatens the Earth, putting the fate of humanity in their hands. As the countdown to the disaster begins, governments worldwide race to protect their citizens while people come together to show extraordinary displays of compassion and generosity. Meanwhile, Noah, Aria, Dr. Toliver, and their team race against the clock to prevent the catastrophe, navigating through dangerous obstacles and evading powerful organizations seeking to exploit their discoveries for their gain.

“Echoes of Tomorrow: A Race Against Time to Save Humanity’s Future” is a thought-provoking and suspenseful novel that delves into our responsibility for our present and future. The book is filled with unexpected twists, heart-pounding action, and intrigue, keeping readers on edge until the final page.

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New book release: ‘The Transit Chronicles: Uniting Lives in a Connected World’ by Marvin Merritt II

‘The Transit Chronicles: Uniting Lives in a Connected World’ is the new novel by Marvin Merritt II. Photo: Marvin Merritt II, used with permission.

In today’s book news, here is a new release from Marvin Merritt II, “The Transit Chronicles: Uniting Lives in a Connected World.” It is a thriller with a relatively new concept in literature: social media, specifically live streams, and how these forms of connectivity can affect people’s lives.

Marvin Merritt II is a seasoned Navy veteran and new author from Georgia. With over 20 years of service and multiple deployments, he has received numerous accolades and awards for his dedication and commitment to serving his country. Marvin’s writing often delves into themes of resilience, hope, and the power of human connection. He skillfully blends suspense, mystery, and heartwarming moments to create stories that keep readers on the edge of their seats while touching their hearts. In his latest work “Transit Chronicles: Uniting Lives in a Connected World,” Marvin weaves a thrilling tale set against the backdrop of a bustling metropolis. Through Jimmy’s journey, the charismatic bus driver, Marvin explores the power of positivity, the strength of community, and the impact one person can have on the lives of others. (Marvin Merritt II, 2023)

“The Transit Chronicles: Uniting Lives in a Connected World” is a gripping and thrilling novel that delves into the complexities of a society driven by social media and connectivity. In this futuristic world, Jimmy, a bus driver from Chicago, transforms his daily route into a captivating live stream, capturing the hearts and attention of millions of viewers. With his charismatic personality and knack for showcasing the diverse talents of his passengers, Jimmy becomes an unexpected sensation.

However, the excitement takes a dark turn when a series of murders strike the community, leaving Jimmy and his viewers in shock and fear. Determined to uncover the truth, Jimmy embarks on his own investigation, enlisting the help of his loyal viewers, his friend Monica, tech-savvy Derrick, and the relentless Detective Rodriguez. As they navigate the digital landscape and unravel the secrets hidden within the interconnected world, the lines between reality and virtuality blur, posing unforeseen challenges and dangers.

In “The Transit Chronicles,” author Marvin Merritt II seamlessly combines elements of mystery, suspense, and technological innovation, painting a vivid picture of a society shaped by social media and the pursuit of online fame. With each chapter, readers are taken on a thrilling ride, exploring the power of human connection, the impact of digital platforms, and the lengths one man will go to seek justice.

Through its compelling characters, immersive world-building, and thought-provoking themes, “The Transit Chronicles: Uniting Lives in a Connected World” captivates readers with its blend of high-stakes intrigue, unexpected twists, and an exploration of the profound effects of technology on society. It is a riveting tale that will leave readers questioning the boundaries of the virtual world and the lasting impact of human relationships in an increasingly interconnected future.

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