Monday, November 29, 2021

When the children return (Children of the Eye Book 2) by Barry Kirwan

When the children return (Children of the Eye Book 2)When the children return by Barry Kirwan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When the Children Return (Children of the Eye Book 2) by Barry Kirwan is an excellent science fiction book that not only entertains but builds on highly imaginative settings. This ability of the author renders this book eminently readable. You will get to know the well-described characters too. They are richly rendered and relatable. But it is the shocking opening is that pulls you in and compels you to read further. There's a ton of action, with clever and clear writing that makes it even more fascinating. As you read this second book in the series, you revisit familiar characters who face new challenges while they figure out who their enemies are. Great book and highly recommend.

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Wednesday, November 17, 2021

Write a New Song: Discovering the Hidden Songwriting Skills Inside of You by Mateo Blae

Write a New Song: Discovering the Hidden Songwriting Skills Inside of YouWrite a New Song: Discovering the Hidden Songwriting Skills Inside of You by Mateo Blae
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Write a New Song: Discovering the Hidden Songwriting Skills Inside of You by Mateo Blae is a book written from the heart. You can tell that the author loves writing songs and that these songs are an extension of him. Not only does this book explore why you might want to be a songwriter, but it also explains how the songwriting process might affect you emotionally as you lay yourself bare. There are lessons on songwriting structure, along with how to discover your own unique voice. This book focuses on actively getting you to start writing by encouraging creativity while utilizing a fairly structured format. Clear and concise, this is a great book for anyone interesting in songwriting. Highly recommend.

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Take Six: Essential Habits To Own Your Destiny, Overcome Challenges, And Unlock Opportunities by Veta T. Richardson

Take Six: Essential Habits To Own Your Destiny, Overcome Challenges, And Unlock OpportunitiesTake Six: Essential Habits To Own Your Destiny, Overcome Challenges, And Unlock Opportunities by Veta T. Richardson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Take Six: Essential Habits To Own Your Destiny, Overcome Challenges, And Unlock Opportunities by Veta T. Richardson is a richly written and highly personal book. The author details her life experiences from her early days as a young intern at Sunoco to the present. With her wealth of experience, she offers solid advice to those just starting out. With her six essential habits, you can easily make them your own; Veta offers sound encouragement and effective strategies to become the person you want to be. Regardless of your goals in life, whether personal or in business this is the quintessential book for building a solid foundation. Highly recommend it for an impactful read.

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Thursday, November 11, 2021

Forgiven (Forlorn Book 3) by Gina Detwiler

Forgiven (Forlorn Book 3)Forgiven by Gina Detwiler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Forgiven (Forlorn Book 3) by Gina Detwiler is a riveting and well-written science fiction book. That it has a bit of religion mixed with science fiction is a bit of a twist, making this a unique read. With interesting, three-dimensional characters in Jared Lorn and Grace, a variety of settings that range from Switzerland to Norway, the author is obviously highly creative with a vivid imagination. As part three of a series, the author does a great job of expanding on the premise, while creating a wonderful and quite visual world. The cadence of the writing is solid and infused with inventive ideas, making this an immersive read. It all feels very real on some level though, and that is a reflection of the author's wealth of talent. Highly recommended.

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Chase Greatness: Enlightened Leadership for the Next Generation of Disruption by Rajeev Kapur

Chase Greatness: Enlightened Leadership for the Next Generation of DisruptionChase Greatness: Enlightened Leadership for the Next Generation of Disruption by Rajeev Kapur
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Any business leader can benefit from reading Chase Greatness: Enlightened Leadership for the Next Generation of Disruption by Rajeev Kapur. With the rapidly changing world of business today, staying on top of relevant business leadership tools is critically important. This book does that with a cutting edge full of solid advice and actionable steps you can take to be a more impactful leader. While learning leadership skills, you will also learn how to cultivate a work culture that actually improves lives. Empathy and empowerment are important factors to consider in growing a business in today's work climate. A highly relevant and timely book, Chase Greatness is highly recommended.

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The Knackerman Who Salvaged The Stars by Caroline A. Connell

The Knackerman Who Salvaged The StarsThe Knackerman Who Salvaged The Stars by Caroline A. Connell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Knackerman Who Salvaged The Stars by Caroline A. Connell is a wholly unique and interesting book. This book will either scare you to death or open your eyes. The characters and settings are masterfully created. From the opening pages, you will be mesmerized by the description and the way the story weaves itself together. With what appear to be disparate story threads, the author weaves a tale that compels you to read even further. There is an abundance of thrills and mystery contained within. Captivating and intense, this is certainly a book you will remember for a long time. Highly recommend it for an uncommon reading experience.

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One-Way Ticket: A Hamburg Crime Story by Peter Sarda

One-Way Ticket: A Hamburg Crime StoryOne-Way Ticket: A Hamburg Crime Story by Peter Sarda
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

One-Way Ticket: A Hamburg Crime Story by Peter Sarda has a great opening scene in the prologue, setting the tone for this fast-paced police procedural. The action takes place in Hamburg with a gritty detective Thomas Ritter with a complicated past. His partner is also less than stellar on a lot of levels. The author delves into the mystery well, creating tension in the underworld of crime. This book reads like a crime noir of the highest order and pulls you into the action. It is dark and dirty and feels authentic. With plenty of action, a dark side, and a solid mystery, this is the perfect book to read for those who like unforgettable and riveting books. Highly recommend.

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Tuesday, November 9, 2021

America's Daughter: Learning to be Black, Sharing African dance, Discovering origins (Dancing Soul Trilogy Book 2) by Maria Nhambu

America's Daughter (Dancing Soul Trilogy, #2)America's Daughter by Maria Nhambu
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

America's Daughter: Learning to be Black, Sharing African dance, Discovering origins (Dancing Soul Trilogy Book 2) by Maria Nhambu is an exhilarating and enlightening read. This book is the perfect memoir to read if you are looking for an inspirational life. Nhambu shares her life experiences, the coming to America, and getting used to American culture with all of its perceptions and nuances. In spite of her horrible childhood, the author grows to become a formidable and remarkable woman. You will admire her ambition and fortitude as she made her way in a new country, never giving up on her journey. An interesting and emotional read, this book is highly recommended.

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Searching for Ganesha: Collecting Images of the Sweet-Loving, Elephant-Headed Hindu Deity Everybody Admires by Paul Spencer Sochaczewski

Searching for Ganesha: Collecting Images of the Sweet-Loving, Elephant-Headed Hindu Deity Everybody AdmiresSearching for Ganesha: Collecting Images of the Sweet-Loving, Elephant-Headed Hindu Deity Everybody Admires by Paul Spencer Sochaczewski
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Searching for Ganesha: Collecting Images of the Sweet-Loving, Elephant-Headed Hindu Deity Everybody Admires by Paul Spencer Sochaczewski is simply a fascinating book. As the author recounts his experiences in collecting Ganesha images, you get a glimpse not only into the world of Ganeshas but also into the collecting mindset. Searching for Ganesha is a fascinating book with tons of images, from cartoons to photographs, all of which depict various aspects of collecting. People collect for various reasons, all of which are interesting and some amusing. The author writes with a witty take on things and doesn't take himself too seriously. Get a fun education not only on Ganesha but other collectibles as well. Highly recommend.

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The Proxima Plague by Robert Thornton

The Proxima PlagueThe Proxima Plague by Robert Thornton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Proxima Plague by Robert Thornton is a well-written science fiction thriller with a scary premise. Hope Allerd must fight off a new kind of opponent, not just a virus, but supernatural beings that seem to come out of nowhere. Unfortunately, they spread some kind of incurable virus, and from there the story takes off. This book has plenty of action, a well-developed lead character, and enough tension to move the plot along nicely. The Proxima Plague seems to pull from the headlines of today, with a seemingly difficult to contain virus. An interesting read that holds your attention and one that is highly recommended.

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Monday, November 8, 2021

The Bible: Enter Here: Bringing God's Word to Life for Today's Teens by Spencer C Demetros

The Bible: Enter Here: Bringing God's Word to Life for Today's TeensThe Bible: Enter Here: Bringing God's Word to Life for Today's Teens by Spencer C Demetros
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Bible: Enter Here: Bringing God's Word to Life for Today's Teens by Spencer C. Demetros is a highly accessible and readable book tailored for teens but great for adults as well. The book aims to distill and put in a simpler language many of the bible stories people are familiar with. Some of the characters you will meet are Peter, Delilah, and Jacob among others. The bible is inherently difficult to read and this book makes it much easier to digest. If you have ever felt intimidated by the dry language of the bible and found it difficult to follow along, this book is a great option. The author makes the stories relevant to today with simple and clear language. Highly recommend.

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Awful Reckoning: A Cade Chase and Simon Pack Novel by John M. Vermillion

Awful Reckoning: A Cade Chase and Simon Pack NovelAwful Reckoning: A Cade Chase and Simon Pack Novel by John M. Vermillion
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Awful Reckoning: A Cade Chase and Simon Pack Novel by John M. Vermillion showcases the author's extensive talents. Cade Chase is a great character, this book being a continuation of his life while taking on the case of a missing young woman, Julie Chambers. Antifa has apparently kidnapped her, and Cade is on the case. Cade Chase himself is so well characterized, the author offering a well-thought-out overview of Cade and how he has developed over time. You learn about his inner workings and thought processes. He becomes a real person in this book with many challenges and dilemmas. There's also a helpful list of characters at the beginning of the book that proves to be highly useful. The writing itself is fast-paced, with alternating chapters that serve to move the story along well. You start to see both sides, this being an effective mechanism. While the author warns the reader beforehand of vigilantism, there's a finely drawn line in Awful Reckoning, one that poses a powerful question of whether or not it's okay to take the law into your own hands. Highly recommend it for a great read.

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Battered Doctor Syndrome by Eugene Wrayburn MD

Battered Doctor SyndromeBattered Doctor Syndrome by Eugene Wrayburn MD
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Battered Doctor Syndrome by Eugene Wrayburn MD is a well-written and eye-opening book about corruption beneath the bucolic surface of Irish society. The author tells his story in a polished and intense way, drawing back the curtain on when the police gain too much power. It is truly shocking what happened to him and his family. The author writes powerfully and immerses you into the book and the incredible happenings. Much of this is unbelievable to read, yet it happened. Scary stuff indeed. It's sad to think there is so much corruption in a beautiful place like Ireland. The author has done a great job of shining the light on this situation through his personal story. Highly recommend it for a sometimes overwhelming but educational read.

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Origin Journey by Scot Simpson

Origin JourneyOrigin Journey by Scot Simpson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Origin Journey by Scot Simpson reflects well the author's creative mind. There's a lot going on in this story, unique characters, an index to help explain things, and helpful letters to indicate male or female. Males are "R", females are "S". These elements help to guide you on your journey while reading. This is pretty solid science fiction with a romantic slant, with the romance kind of taking over as the dominant theme. However, the author's ability to create new worlds, develop a solid pace and an interesting plot, sets this book apart from your run-of-the-mill science fiction story. A fun read and one that is recommended.

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A Beckoning Hellfire: A Novel of the Civil War by J.D.R. Hawkins

A Beckoning Hellfire: A Novel of the Civil WarA Beckoning Hellfire: A Novel of the Civil War by J.D.R. Hawkins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Beckoning Hellfire: A Novel of the Civil War by J.D.R. Hawkins is an amazingly good story that takes place during the Civil War. David Summers has found out that his father has been killed, and he is seeking revenge against the Union army. He joins the Confederate army to try and exact revenge. War itself is completely surprising to David, and soon his thoughts turn to simply trying to survive. The author has done a great job of creating a nuanced vision of the Civil War. If you are a history buff with a focus on the Civil War, this book is a great read and one that will certainly bring in the emotional turmoil that many must have felt during this historical time in our nation. Escape to the past and learn something at the same time. Highly recommended.

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Heroes and Madmen by KJ Fay

Heroes and MadmenHeroes and Madmen by KJ Fay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Heroes and Madmen by KJ Fay captures your imagination from the beginning pages. This book is a well-written story featuring three interesting yet totally unique characters. An old-fashioned story with a chivalry theme, this one keeps your attention as Declan de March is accused of killing his father. As he escapes into the Welsh highlands, he meets two others who have their own reasons for running. They come together to figure out the mystery. With a wealth of detail, plenty of action, and a fast pace, Heroes and Madmen takes you to another time and place. The author does a great job of building anticipation and excitement while providing a historical backdrop. A fun read and one that is recommended.

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Wednesday, November 3, 2021

The Big Solution: Deactivating The Ticking Time Bomb Of Today’s Economy (The Wolfe Trilogy) by Jarl Jensen (

The Big Solution: Deactivating The Ticking Time Bomb Of Today’s Economy (The Wolfe Trilogy)The Big Solution: Deactivating The Ticking Time Bomb Of Today’s Economy by Jarl Jensen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Big Solution: Deactivating the Ticking Time Bomb o Today's Economy (The Wolfe Trilogy) by Jarl Jensen is an exciting book and one that raises many questions about the state of the world. While not political, the book chimes in on the state of current affairs economically speaking. The stakes are high, and there are no easy solutions. The Big Solution breaks down various concepts in economics, making them easier to understand. There are plenty of analogies and anecdotes that back up Jensen's opinion while making the subject matter more straightforward to grasp. With many people struggling today to fit into the world's economy and thrive, this is the perfect book to open your eyes to a new way of thinking. Highly recommend.

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Chaos by Design by Kader Sakkaria Chaos by Design: Tales of Empowerment on the Path to Digital Transformation by Kader Sakkaria, Imran Karbhari, Trevor Macomber

Chaos by Design: Tales of Empowerment on the Path to Digital TransformationChaos by Design: Tales of Empowerment on the Path to Digital Transformation by Kader Sakkaria
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Chaos by Design: Tales of Empowerment on the Path to Digital Transformation by Kader Sakkaria is a must-read packed full of motivation and inspiration. There are plenty of business books out there, but this one rings true with a powerful message and an acute understanding of what it takes to succeed. Learn how to motivate your team. Read the stories to understand the transformation process of building your business. Chaos by Design is a well-written and engaging book that goes beyond the digital platform. Dive into this exceptional book for motivation, high-value advice, and more. Learn from the authors' examples and personal experiences. Highly recommend.

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Succeed the Right Way: What Every Compassionate Business Person Must Know by Paul L. Gunn Jr.

Succeed the Right Way: What Every Compassionate Business Person Must KnowSucceed the Right Way: What Every Compassionate Business Person Must Know by Paul L. Gunn Jr.
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Paul L. Gunn Jr. capitalizes on the recent pandemic to espouse the need for empathy and compassion in his book Succeed the Right Way: What Every Compassionate Business Person Must Know. In a previously dog-eat-dog world, things are changing to a more compassionate viewpoint in business. Utilizing his background and how he was raised, Gunn speaks to the need for a different approach. Whether in your personal everyday life or business and the corporate world, learning to lead with kindness and compassion can be a new way to achieve success. If you are a corporate leader, this book is essential to read. If you're just looking for inspiration and positivity, this book is a great starting point. Spot on and well-written, Succeed the Right Way is highly recommended.

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Monday, November 1, 2021

1960s purple sex gas (space scrap 17 book 2) by Erick Drake

1960s purple sex gas (space scrap 17 book 2)1960s purple sex gas by Erick Drake
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1960s Purple Sex Gas : A space opera comedy-drama (Space Scrap 17 Book 2) by Erick Drake is a super funny comedy based in space. If you are looking for a rollicking good time while reading, this is the perfect space parody that fits the bill. As the follow-up to The Doomsday Machine: A space opera comedy-drama (Space Scrap 17 Book 1), this book takes the absurdity even further with a great cast of characters and bizarre settings along with plenty of hilarious action. There's a great balance of the serious along with comedy, that skill truly being the mark of an accomplished writer. Loads of fun and a great escape, this one is highly recommended.

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