My Book Reviews

Category: Mental Illness

Mid-Flight by Lisa Wilkes

Mid-Flight by Lisa Wilkes

Release: March 30, 2023

Format: Ebook

Publisher: Extasy Books Inc

Source: Suzyapproved Book Tours

Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle

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She failed to save her brother and her best friend from destructive forces. Could she topple the most sinister villain of all time?

2037 was a really bad year.

Lexi Brennan’s best friend loses her life in a plane crash. Two weeks later, an intergalactic crisis threatened the fate of humanity. Authorities responded by launching a genocide.

Lexi opposed this vicious attack. Then again, what could she do? An eccentric flight attendant drawn to glamorous trysts, she felt powerless to incite change.

Until tragedy struck close to home. Suddenly, Lexi was forced to acknowledge the widespread atrocities. She uncovered a network of lies along with an opportunity to restore basic human rights. To protect others, Lexi would have to launch a movement that could destroy everything important to her, including her promising new romance.

About the Author:

Lisa Wilkes has spent 13 years as a flight attendant, jetting across the globe and collecting inspiration for her writings. Her debut novel, Flight Path, is a fast-paced romance laced with serendipitous encounters. This book follows a daydreaming stewardess as she learns to navigate a new terrain: unconditional love.

In her second novel, Mid-Flight, Lisa transports readers to the year 2038. A flight attendant begins to unravel after her best friend is killed in a plane crash. In the throes of unspeakable grief, she uncovers a political ploy to decimate one-fifth of the population. To combat this sinister plan, she must risk everything. Including her breathtaking new romance.

Lisa’s writing is provocative and timely, with a focus on societal issues and powerful internal conflict. Flight Path’s readers will appreciate Mid-Flight’s emphasis on hope and redemption, while Lisa’s work will draw newcomers to the power of her storytelling.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

Mid-Flight Review:

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I really enjoyed the timeline of the story. It’s set in the near future, and as a reader, you can’t help but wonder if our world will actually become like that. The story starts off with a bang as Lexi and Jason witness a meteor incident that changes everything. I loved the science fiction elements the author added to the tale, like ContaCan, Autoscan, and PersonableSpin. I particularly loved the scene where Lexi reconnects with Jorge and thought it was memorable. These world-building elements left me in awe and made me consider the possibility of our future heading in that direction.

Another aspect I liked was how the author developed Lexi’s character. On the one hand, she reflects on the injustices in society, and on the other hand, she tries to connect with her brother Colin, who faces mental health issues. Then Jason enters her life, and their romantic journey together unfolds. The chemistry between Lexi and Jason was great, and they shared some sweet moments, like playing darts or getting tattoos. Even the bond between Lexi and Colin over their shared concern for justice added depth to the story. The supporting characters, such as Katie, Tamika, and Reggie, added value to the narrative.

If I had one criticism, it would be that I felt the climax, particularly Lexi’s actions in seeking justice, felt rushed. The author dedicated more time to exploring Lexi’s relationships with Colin and Jason (which I enjoyed). Still, it would have been nice to have more details about her challenges during her training and fight for what is right.

Apart from that, I enjoyed reading Mid-Flight and found it refreshing. I hope the author writes a sequel to revisit these characters, as I would love to know more about Colin.

Book Tour Schedule

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Mid-Flight by Lisa Wilkes Blog Tour hosted by Suzyapproved Book Tours.

Books and Biewers-July 3rd
David L Morgan-July 3rd
Miss W Book Reviews-July 11th
Crafty Jenn Reads-July 15th
Rajivs Reviews-July 15th
Subakka Bookstuff-July 16th
Bookish Heidi-July 17th
Novels and Latte Book Club -July 19th
Books and Coffee MX-July 24th
CMT Loves Wine and Books-July 26th
Reading With Mere-July 26th
Christina Luvs 2 Read-July 31st

July 16, 2023
BELIEVED by Michael James Emberger

BELIEVED by Michael James Emberger

Release: October 4, 2021
Format: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
Publisher: Michael James Emberger
Source: Rockstar Book Tours
Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, Audible, B&N, iBooks, Kobo,

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Kelsea Jones is like a lot of girls at the University of Northern Minnesota. She has a boyfriend, she works at a coffee shop, and she’s on the swim team. But she’s not a girl. She’s a mermaid.

Trouble brews when star hockey player Chad Andersen takes an interest in her. She tries to avoid him, but he won’t leave her alone. A son of wealth and privilege, he takes what he wants, and he gets away with it. He wants Kelsea, she says no, and so he rapes her. Kelsea stands on a tail and two fins to fight the most painful trial of her life. Despite her trauma and a crisis of faith, she speaks the truth of what Chad did, but will she be believed?

A note from the author:

1 out of 4 college girls experiences rape or sexual assault. That breaks my heart. It’s a crime that has affected people I love, and it has to stop. This novel is my way of raising awareness and showing survivors that someone hears them.

Believed is a product of my friendship with a survivor who is an author and advocate. She opened my eyes to a world of trauma and PTSD that had been largely invisible to me before I met her, and it was life-changing. I needed to share that with others. The burden on my heart was too great to not say something, and fiction is the method I know best to convey the thoughts, truths, pains, and struggles that I see.

Sexual assault is not my story. I haven’t experienced it, I don’t live with the resulting trauma, and I do not wish to profit from the pain of survivors. This is a book for them. It’s a book for those who love them. It’s a book to encourage readers to think and to empathize and to consider the realities of so many whose lives have been affected by this crime. If you purchase a copy here, know that the prices are the minimum allowed. I make no royalty on print copies. If you would like to read for free, you can download the book at my website: michaeljamesemberger dot com/believed

If you find value in this work, please consider donating to an organization that fights against sexual violence or offers support to survivors. Tell your family and friends about the book. Review it online. Let the survivors in your life know that you care, that you believe them, and that you are there for them

About the Author:

Michael James Emberger is an author of thrillers and suspense residing in Wilton, NH. He enjoys weaving narratives of conspiracy and misguided intentions around divisive topics. Where there is debate, there is always room for a villain with goals far out of alignment from either side. Michael is a graduate of Messiah College, where he studied Engineering and met his wife racing solar cars cross-country. When he’s not working on home renovations or writing, he enjoys visiting the ocean and exploring the majesty of God’s creation on the summits of New Hampshire’s mountains.

Michael wrote Believed, a heartbreaking and inspirational tale of a Mermaid in college in Minnesota. It was the most difficult book he’s ever written, but also the most important. He’s made it available for free in audiobook and e-book formats, and he hopes it will encourage and inform.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

BELIEVED Review:

Wow! This book was riveting from the first page, and I found many elements to appreciate. For starters, I loved how creative the author told the story by incorporating mermaids and building a world where we live with them. How the author describes the characters is natural; you can easily connect with Kelsea and the other merfolk. Moreover, I also loved how the author took Hans Cristian Anderson as an example, built on his life, and incorporated the Anderson family in a negative light, which was so interesting.

Secondly, the experiences that Kelsea goes through are gripping. The author portrays her emotions so well that your heart goes to her. I thought the author highlighted the theme of assault and the survivors powerfully. Moreover, there are also elements of faith and trust in a Higher power, which added beautifully to the plot. One of my favorite moments was when Kelsea wrote the Dark Potato story mirroring her life’s events. I was glued to the pages even in the second half and thought the author wrote the courtroom scenes grippingly.

Thirdly, the cast of characters is also dynamic. I loved Kelsea in the lead and her emotions on dealing with the events and knowing who to trust. The plot will take you on an emotional rollercoaster ride and immerse you as you root for Kelsea, especially when she goes through so much trauma. You see how lost she is and hope the choices she makes are right, even at times when it doesn’t feel worthy. Even the supporting characters, like Erin and Noah, made the story memorable. I particularly loved the moments she shared with her mother.

Overall, “Believed” is a beautiful and powerful young adult novel that I recommend reading.

Book Tour Schedule

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the BELIEVED by Michael James Emberger Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours.

Week One:
Viviana MacKade-Excerpt 2-9-1-2022
BookHounds-Guest Post/IG Post-9-2-2022
A Dream Within A Dream-Guest Post/IG Post-9-3-2022

Week Two:
Jazzy Book Reviews-Excerpt 1/IG Post-9-4-2022
#BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog-Excerpt 2-9-5-2022
Epic Book Society-Guest Post/IG Post-9-6-2022
pick a good book-Excerpt 1/IG Post-9-7-2022
@allyluvsbooksalatte -IG Spotlight-9-8-2022
Rajiv’s Reviews-Review/IG Post-9-9-2022
A Blue Box Full of Books-IG Spotlight-9-10-2022

Week Three:
Two Chicks on Books-Excerpt 1/IG Post-9-11-2022
Nerdophiles-Review/IG Post-9-12-2022
Lady Hawkeye-Excerpt 2/IG Post-9-13-2022
@jaimerockstarbooktours-IG Spotlight-9-14-2022
Beersbooksandboos -Review/IG Post-9-15-2022
Wanderingwitchreads-TikTok Review/IG Post-9-16-2022
GryffindorBookishNerd -Review/IG Post-9-17-2022

Week Four:
OneMoreExclamation-Review/IG Post-9-18-2022
Book Reviews by Taylor -Review/IG Post-9-19-2022
Write. Read. Live-Excerpt 1/IG Post-9-20-2022
Books With A Chance of Traveling-Review/IG Post-9-21-2022
The Momma Spot-Review/IG Post-9-22-2022
I’m Shelf-ish-Review/IG Post-9-23-2022
Brandi Danielle Davis -Review/IG Post-9-24-2022

Week Five:
Sadie’s Spotlight-Excerpt 2-9-25-2022
@jypsylynn -Review/IG Post-9-26-2022
More Books Please blog-Review/IG Post-9-27-2022
@enjoyingbooksagain -Review/IG Post-9-28-2022
RavenzReviewz-Review/IG Post-9-29-2022
hodophile_z-Review/IG Post-9-30-2022

October 2, 2022
Somewhere Beyond the Sea by A.K. James

Somewhere Beyond the Sea by A.K. James

Release: 1st August 2022
Format: Ebook
Publisher: SpellBound Books
Source: ZooloosBook Tours
Find it at Goodreads, Amazon

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If a marriage is based on secrets and lies – can love survive?

Doctor Tristan Ainsworth has returned to his beloved Cornwall with his family. The past has taught him some hard lessons, some of which he’s keeping to himself, but he’s hoping to put it all behind him and make a fresh start with his wife, Karen. He longs to see her happy, as she’s been struggling with her mental health.

However, Karen Ainsworth isn’t telling Tristan the whole story because she has a past that she’d instead leave behind her too. Apart from her family, Karen’s big passion is singing, and a chance to use her extraordinary voice would mean the world to her, so why shouldn’t she take it? Surely her past can’t hurt her now?

As a tide of blackmail and betrayal threatens the foundations of their marriage, Karen and Tristan face a tricky question. Is their love strong enough to face the truth when it might cost them everything?

About the Author:

Amanda James has written since she was a child, and as an eight-year-old, she asked her parents for a typewriter for Christmas. She never imagined her words would ever be published, however. Then in 2010, after many twists and turns, the dream of becoming a writer came true when she had her first short story published for a Born Free anthology. She left teaching in 2013 to pursue her dream full-time.

Originally from Sheffield, Amanda now lives in Cornwall and is inspired daily by the wild and beautiful coastline near her home. Amanda writes more suspenseful novels also set in Cornwall, under the name A.K. James, but her last few books have been uplifting in nature with a twist of magic. She loves writing feel-good reads, as she thinks the world needs more joy in it right now. Amanda can usually be found playing on the beach with her family or walking the cliff paths planning her next book.

Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

Somewhere Beyond the Sea Review:

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Firstly, I enjoyed the way the author wrote the story. Initially, the chapter alternates between a mystery character’s present storyline and journal entries. I liked both the storylines and wondered how they would interconnect. The journal entries were probably the story’s highlight, and some scenes were so intense and eerie that they gave me goosebumps, especially the mother. The author maintains a level of mystery and suspense, and you root for the core characters. Although the story moves to another tangent from what I expected later, I still enjoyed discovering what happened to Karen and the cast.

Also, the author writes the characters convincingly. Right from the beginning, I enjoyed Karen and Tristan as a couple. Karen has some secrets from her past, and it was intriguing to see how the author uncovered them. Similarly, I also liked Tristan, his insecurities, and learning about his childhood. Both of them mesh well with the supporting cast. There are quite a few antagonists, like Linda and a person from Karen’s past, and you wonder how they will torture her. Similarly, I adored Jenny, who became Karen’s close friend. On a side note, I also enjoyed the light comedy the author adds in between, for instance, when Tristan treats one of his patients, Mr. Babcock.

However, the second half turned out to be a tad predictable, where you anticipate what would happen. Moreover, the story wraps around pretty early on, and the author continues the chapters with the post events, which sometimes felt too convenient, particularly surrounding Bob and Maureen.

Overall, “Somewhere Beyond the Sea” is an intriguing story with a likable character in the lead, and I enjoyed reading it.

Book Tour Schedule

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Somewhere Beyond the Sea by A.K. James Blog Tour hosted by ZooloosBook Tours.

August 7, 2022
Bluebird At My Window by H. Noah

Bluebird At My Window by H. Noah

Release: February 15th 2022
Format: Ebook
Publisher: H. Noah
Source: Rockstar Book Tours
Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B&N, TBD, Bookshop.org

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When faced with trauma, how would you react?

Would you survive, succumb, or lose yourself to your own meaning of justice?

Ann was only seventeen when she died. She tried to be a dutiful daughter, to pray, to repent. But it wasn’t enough. Her mother, Diane, didn’t mean to kill her but when she found Ann consorting with devils, she had no choice. She believed the angels-that in the end, the water would save them both.

But every choice holds weight.

One death, and Arthur is thrown back into the work he wanted to leave. Again, One death, and Richard must face the reality of his choices. One death, and Maddie and Marie are confronted with the hardest parts of love.

If only good intentions were enough to keep them from the carnage of their own decisions . . .

A dark contemporary fiction drenched in blood, this debut novel from H. Noah has an intricate true crime feeling with psychological depth.

Content Warning

The following book centers around processing trauma. Please be aware that it will touch upon such topics as violence, sexual assault (not overly descriptive), racism, microaggressions, misogyny, incest, and homophobia. This book also focuses on mental health and will cover depression, anxiety, PTSD, suicidal ideation, hearing voices, religious fixations, delusions, self-harm, and drug abuse.

And this book is dark due to the topics covered.

This is not a horror or thriller meant to scare you. Please be kind to yourself and put the book back if you are not in a good place to read any of the things mentioned above.

Author Bio:

H. Noah,Queer Writer (They/Them)

I’ve been a massage therapist, social worker, poet, teacher, and more. I’ve lived in Alaska, Maine and many places in-between. Still trying to find a forever place but currently traveling the US.
Degrees
B.A. – Criminology
M.S. – I-O Psychology
Extra
Book, Video Game, Horror Movie, and Board Game Fanatic. Who enjoys long walks, my two pets, and an air of mystery.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub | TikTok

Bluebird At My Window Review:

“Bluebird At My Window” surprised me because of its subject matter and how the author tackled the forms of trauma.

The story immediately captured my attention when we learned of Ann’s death right from the beginning. What intrigued me about the story is how the author wrote the characters. You form a connection to each of the characters and feel for them because, in their opinion, they firmly believe that what they are doing is right. I was surprised that even Diane was mesmerizing, as, in any other story, I would have disliked the character. Similarly, Arthur, Marie, Richard, and Maddie also drive the story well. I enjoyed Arthur’s role as he became obsessed over Ann’s case and wondered how he would reflect on the events. Moreover, I loved the bond between Marie and Maddie. Initially, I thought how Maddie’s character would have relevance to the tale, but the author makes her prominent.

Moreover, there are many triggers like assault, trauma, misogyny, and violence, so this book is not for everyone. Yet, I thought the author handled the subject matter well in line with the plot. There are also shocking, suspenseful moments, like the courtroom scenes and Arthur and Marie’s events post that. It was fascinating to see how Ann’s murder caused a ripple effect on all these characters, and some moments will give you goosebumps and chills.

Perhaps the only criticism I have of the tale is that it was bumpy initially—the author shifts between the characters of so many people that I took time to adapt. However, after the first few chapters, I was glued to the tale.

Overall, “Bluebird At My Window” is a raw, gripping, and engaging read that deals with the

Giveaway Details:

1 winner will receive a $10 Amazon Gift Card, International.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on thBluebird At My Window by H. Noah Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

Book Tour Schedule

Week One:
Rockstar Book Tours-Kickoff Post-2-7/-2022
@jaimerockstarbooktours-IG Post-2-7-2022
Mythical Books-Excerpt or Guest Post/IG Post-2-8-2022
Writer of Wrongs-Excerpt or Guest Post-2-8-2022
The Momma Spot-Excerpt or Guest Post-2-9-2022
BookHounds YA-Excerpt or Guest Post-2-9-2022
Daily Waffle-Excerpt or Guest Post/IG Post-2-10-2022
Rajiv’s Reviews-Review-2-10-2022
The Girl Who Reads-Review-2-11-2022
Jazzy Book Reviews-Review-2-11-2022

Week Two:
Take A Look At My Bookshelf-Review-2-14-2022
#BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog-Review-2-14-2022
Adrienne Woods-Excerpt or Guest Post/IG Post-2-15-2022
Karen Dee’s Book Reviews-IG Spotlight-2-15-2022
Sadie’s Spotlight-Excerpt or Guest Post/IG Post-2-16-2022
@coffeesipsandreads-Review-2-16-2022
Two Points of Interest-Review-2-17-2022
Two Chicks on Books-Excerpt or Guest Post-2-17-2022
Momfluenster-Review-2-18-2022
Dr Roha Tahir-Review-2-18-2022

February 19, 2022
A Little Closer to Home by Ginger Zee

A Little Closer to Home by Ginger Zee

Release: January 11, 2022
Format: Hardcover, eBook, audiobook
Publisher: Hyperion Avenue
Source: Rockstar Book Tours
Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, Audible, B&N, iBooks, Kobo, TBD, Bookshop.org

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In Ginger Zee’s follow-up to the bestselling Natural Disaster, the ABC chief meteorologist takes readers on a much deeper journey of self discovery.

When Ginger Zee opened her life to readers in Natural Disaster, the response was enormous. She put a very relatable if surprising face on depression and has helped lessen the stigma surrounding mental health issues. But Ginger tells us, Natural Disaster was “Ginger Lite” and only scratched the surface.

In this moving follow up, Ginger shares her truest self. She spent most of her life shielding her weakness from the world all while being a professional people pleaser. Her stormy childhood, her ongoing struggles with crippling depression, her suicide attempts, and many other life experiences will resonate with readers who are likely to see themselves along the way.

In spite of its serious subject matter, Ginger’s positive, life affirming outlook comes through loud and clear. Written with great heart and quite a bit of humor, Ginger normalizes issues and challenges millions of people face every day. A Little Closer to Home will broaden the conversation around mental health at a time we need it more than ever.

About the Author:

Ginger Zee is the Chief Meteorologist for ABC News, forecasting for and reporting on the nation’s weather from Good Morning America to World News Tonight. Zee has been on the ground before, during and after almost every major weather event and dozens of historic storms including Hurricane Katrina.

She watched as the eye of Superstorm Sandy passed over Atlantic City and then covered the devastated Jersey Shore. She was there for the 2020 California wildfires and for the unprecedented number of hurricanes on the Gulf Coast. Zee’s dedication to science began at an early age, watching powerful thunderstorms rush across Lake Michigan. Her passion for meteorology brought her to storm chase in college at Valparaiso University where she earned her bachelor of science in meteorology.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

A Little Closer to Home Review:

“A Little Closer to Home” is the new memoir by ABC meteorologist Ginger Zee, and I found it entertaining and impressive.

To begin with, I didn’t know much about the author because I had not seen her on television. Yet, I could not put it down as soon as I picked up the memoir. I liked how candid the author is about her life experiences dealing with mental health, anorexia, and rape. From her parents’ divorce to her relationship with Pam, the author writes in a matter-of-fact manner where you feel like you are reading the life of a close member. Each chapter deals with a particular story of how the experiences made the author grow and deal with her inner turmoils, which was interesting.

What’s also sweet about this memoir is how the author makes the book lighthearted in a few chapters. I loved reading about Camp Hug-A-Lot and her friendship with Liz and Alysha. Similarly, some chapters also made me emotional, like how the author talks about abortion or hides her insecurities behind her smile. Some of the memorable chapters for me in the book were “It Really Doesn’t Matter and Nobody Cares” (which is so true), where the author talks about Renee and Ginger and the pageant experience. Moreover, I did not know about the concept of fire chakra until I read this book.

The author touches on subjects that made me connect with the changes I unconsciously made with my life, especially in the chapter about labels and meditation. Similarly, the author also gets personal about her relationship, like Michael and Leo, and her husband, which I thought added a nice touch.

Overall, “A Little Closer to Home” is a beautiful memoir that inspires you to look forward to life no matter how challenging it gets.

Giveaway:

3 winners will receive a finished copy of A LITTLE CLOSER TO HOME, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on A Little Closer to Home by Ginger Zee Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

Book Tour Schedule

Week One:
Two Chicks on Books-Excerpt-1-1-2022

Week Two:
BookHounds YA-Excerpt-1-2-2022
Mythical Books-Excerpt-1-3-2022
Book-Keeping-Excerpt-1-4-2022
Pick a good book-Review-1-5-2022
@coffeesipsandreads-Review-1-6-2022
Drunk On Pop-Excerpt-1-7-2022
Ashleyreads13 -Review-1-8-2022

Week Three:
Two Points of Interest-Review-1-9-2022
The Book Review Crew-Review-1-10-2022
perusewithcoffee-Review-1-11-2022
Rajiv’s Reviews-Review-1-12-2022
One More Exclamation-Review-1-13-2022
The Girl Who Reads-Review-1-14-2022
Lexijava-Review-1-15-2022

Week Four:
Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers -Excerpt-1-16-2022
The Momma Spot-Excerpt-1-17-2022
_BookBound_-Review-1-18-2022
YA Books Central-Excerpt-1-19-2022
mall3tg1rl-Review-1-20-2022
#BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog-Excerpt-1-21-2022
Phannie the ginger bookworm-Review-1-22-2022

Week Five:
Nerdophiles -Review-1-23-2022
More Books Please blog -Review-1-24-2022
GivernyReads-Review-1-25-2022
Coffee and Wander Book Reviews-Review-1-26-2022
@curlygrannylovestoread -Review-1-27-2022
Living For Literature-Review-1-28-2022
Books a Plenty Book Reviews-Review-1-29-2022

Week Six:
Fire and Ice-Review-1-30-2022
@jypsylynn -Review-1-31-2022

January 11, 2022
My Name is Mary Magdalene by J.C. Miller
My Name is Mary Magdalene by J.C. Miller

Release: December 7, 2021
Format: Ebook
Publisher: Jess, Mo’ Books LLC
Source: RABT Book Tours
Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle

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Stepping away from her comfort zone, author JC Miller orchestrates a written tapestry chronicling the fragile state of a woman on the edge of insanity.

Plagued by a lifelong curse of mental illness, Mary Magdalene finds herself spending her golden years in a mental asylum. Her once zealous life becomes minimized to an endless routine of over-stimulating antipsychotic drugs. That is until Salmone Abrams, a hidden jewel from her past, resurfaces and helps her remember who she once was—The Queen of Harlem. Madame Mary Mags.

Inspired by her jazz playlist, JC Miller’s current novella, My Name is Mary Magdalene, shakes the family tree while exploring the often-stigmatized topic of mental health. This fictional spin on the biblical account of Mary Magdalene and her seven demons travels from the late 1940s into the mid-1990s as Mary recalls the battles that tore her life apart. Fear, Lust, Entitlement, Greed, Misery, Dependency, Guilt—emotional baggage that once achingly held her down propels her to victory.

About the Author:

JC Miller lives in the scenic Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania with her husband, children, and floppy-eared Bassador pup.

Raised by a single mother in the Bronx, JC pulls from early experiences to showcase the soul of urban survival through faith-based novels. She also dedicates much of her time uplifting women via her blog and creating content with partner and friend, MR Spain, through their publishing company, Jess, Mo’ Books LLC.

On her days off, you can find JC whipping up her famous Red Velvet cake and listening to songs from her impressive vinyl record collection.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | GoodReads

My Name is Mary Magdalene Review:

“My Name is Mary Magdalene” is a compelling tale about one woman’s turbulent life and how she builds the courage to fight through.

The book is a quick read but so effective. Stories revolving around institutions and asylums intrigue me because I always wonder how the characters wound up there. The author grabbed my attention right from the beginning as we find mary in an institution, possibly suffering from Schizophrenia and manic depression. The scenes where the author describes her life there gave me goosebumps. I was glued to the seat when Sal entered the picture, and Mary recollects the events that led her there.

The author does a beautiful job of toggling between the past and the present. I got engrossed in learning about Mary’s parents and the awful Mr. Lackey. Mary goes on a wild journey from her romance with Richard and fights with Lottie to getting in trouble in New York in a life of drugs and alcohol. The story is dramatic and filled with surprises, and there were never dull moments.

I thought the author portrayed the characters wonderfully. Whether Mary, Sal, Tiny, or Martita, all the characters brought something of value to the tale. Sal was my favorite character because he lifted Mary’s spirits and gave her courage. Moreover, I liked how the author incorporated the classic gospel tale of “Mary Magdalene” and the seven vices in this fictional tale, as Mary faces greed, lust, misery, etc.

Overall, I thought the author did a great job executing “My Name is Mary Magdalene.” It’s an excellent book covering Faith, romance, and mental health issues. I look forward to reading some of her other books as well.

Book Blitz:

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the My Name is Mary Magdalene J.C. Miller Blog Tour hosted by RABT Book Tours.
December 8, 2021
The Angle 0f Flickering Light” by Gina Troisi

The Angle 0f Flickering Light by Gina Troisi

Release: April 6, 2021
Format: Ebook
Publisher: Vine Leaves Press
Source: Suzyapproved Book Tours
Find it at: Amazon, Kindle, B&N, Kobo

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Gina Troisi’s father moved out when she was five years old, but before he left, he insisted on telling her about his various affairs with prostitutes, with her mother’s friends, and finally, with his secretary, Brenda, whom he had decided to marry.

By the time she reached adolescence, on a search for respite from her father’s verbal abuse and Brenda’s psychological torment, Gina spent hours doing Jane Fonda’s workouts, smoked cigarettes instead of eating food, became obsessed with her thinness, and with the notion of fading away. She began to find solace in restlessness drinking hallucinogenic mushroom tea and inhaling crushed pills and powders, perching herself on the periphery of danger again and again.

As an adult, when she finally glimpsed a better life for herself, her grandfather, who had been a surrogate father to her, became terminally ill, and she fell in love with John, a stranger who was utterly familiar, but who was addicted to heroin. She moved from New Hampshire to California, crossing the country in an attempt to alleviate her self-destructive tendencies, but found herself pulled back to New Hampshire, to John, a man with whom, despite his struggle, she could not deny the sense of home she felt. But what would it cost for a girl to run wildly and recklessly into womanhood, making instant, temporary homes? And would she ever find home within herself?

About the Author:

Gina Troisi received an MFA in creative nonfiction from The University of Maine’s Stonecoast MFA Program in 2009. Her work has appeared in numerous literary journals and anthologies, including Fourth Genre, The Gettysburg Review, Fugue, Under the Sun, Flyway: Journal of Writing and Environment, and elsewhere. Her stories and essays have been recognized as finalists in several contests, including the 2020 Iron Horse Literary Review Trifecta Award in Fiction, the 2018 New Letters Publication Award in Fiction, the 2012 Iowa Review Award in Creative Nonfiction, the 2012 Bellevue Literary Review Nonfiction Prize, Bellingham Review’s 2012 Annie Dillard Award for Creative Nonfiction, and the 2009 Eric Hoffer Award for prose. She received an Honorable Mention for American Literary Review’s Creative Nonfiction Contest, 2018, and for Gulf Coast’s 2012 Nonfiction Prize. She served as Writer-in-Residence 2012 at Randolph College in Lynchburg, Virginia.

Gina teaches writing at Southern New Hampshire University. She also offers academic tutoring as well as one-on-one coaching for creative writers. Her debut memoir, The Angle of Flickering Light, which was a semi-finalist for the Robert C. Jones Prize for Short Prose, 2020, a finalist for the 2018 Autumn House Press Full-Length Contest, a semi-finalist for Zone 3 Press Creative Nonfiction Book Award, 2015, a finalist for the 2013 William Faulkner-William Wisdom Narrative Nonfiction Prize and the 2012 Autumn House Press Nonfiction Prize, and was awarded Second Place in Memoir for Southwest Writers Competition in 2012, is forthcoming from Vine Leaves Press in April of 2021. She is currently working on a novel-in-stories.

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The Angle 0f Flickering Light Review:

“The Angle of Flickering Light” is a profound, emotional memoir that talks about how a person’s childhood with toxic parents affects their growing up.

Firstly, I commend the author for getting personal with the story. She doesn’t shy away from the unfortunate details and hostile environment of her upbringing. My heart went out to the author from the beginning since she met Brenda. Brenda got on my nerves, and I despised her with a passion. In some scenes, she is very creepy, like when she abuses the author’s mother or talks about getting rid of the author and her sisters. It was strange yet fascinating to read about the toxic relationship she had with her father and how his actions indirectly affected her in the long run.

Moreover, the book was intense because each part felt like a different moment of the author’s life. My favorite part of the book is when the author bones with Krista over what happened to Nanu and the scenes when she sees her grandparent’s photos. Similarly, the author also realistically portrays how her life changed when she fell in love with a drug addict. I found her scenes with John fascinating, and I also appreciated the author for writing about John’s rehab journey.

Perhaps the only minor critique I have of the book is the author splitting the chapters more evenly. There are only a few chapters in the book, and some seem to be bigger than others. On a side note, I also liked the movie references to “Mommie Dearest” and “The Shining.”

Overall, “The Angle of Flickering Light” is a lovely memoir that gives us a snippet of how the author has struggled to regain her self-esteem and mature from her experiences.

Book Tour Schedule

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on The Angle 0f Flickering Light by Gina Troisi Blog Tour hosted by Suzyapproved Book Tours.

Love My Books 2020-Nov. 1st
Dani Reads-Nov. 2nd
Sho Biz Reads-Nov. 4th
The Caffeinated Reader-Nov. 5th
Subakka Bookstuff-Nov. 6th
The Mom Who Reads-Nov. 9th
Books and Coffee MX-Nov. 11th
Adrianna Reads-Nov. 12th
Bookoholic Cafe-Nov. 16th
Nurse Bookie-Nov. 16th
We Break For Books-Nov. 22nd
The Mary Reader-Nov. 22nd
Plains Reading-Nov. 26th
American Lit Teacher-Nov. 28th
Rajivs Reviews-Nov. 29th

November 30, 2021
Violets Are Blue by Barbara Dee

Violets Are Blue by Barbara Dee

Release: October 12th 2021
Format: Hardcover, eBook
Publisher: Aladdin
Source: Rockstar Book Tours
Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B&N, iBooks, Kobo, TBD, Bookshop.org

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From the author of the acclaimed My Life in the Fish Tank and Maybe He Just Likes You comes a moving and relatable middle grade novel about secrets, family, and the power of forgiveness.

Twelve-year-old Wren loves makeup—special effect makeup, to be exact. When she is experimenting with new looks, Wren can create a different version of herself. A girl who isn’t in a sort-of-best friendship with someone who seems like she hates her. A girl whose parents are together , and doesn’t have to learn to like her new stepmom.

So, when Wren and her mom move to a new town for a fresh start, she is cautiously optimistic. And things seem to fall into place when Wren meets potential friends and gets selected as the makeup artist for her school’s upcoming production of Wicked.

Only, Wren’s mom isn’t doing so well. She’s taking a lot of naps, starts snapping at Wren for no reason, and always seems to be sick. And what’s worse, Wren keeps getting hints that things aren’t going well at her new job at the hospital, where her mom is a nurse. And after an opening night disaster leads to a heartbreaking discovery, Wren realizes that her mother has a serious problem—a problem that can’t be wiped away or covered up.

After all the progress she’s made, can Wren start over again with her devastating new normal? And will she ever be able to heal the broken trust with her mom?

About the Author:

Barbara Dee is the author of twelve middle grade novels published by Simon & Schuster, including Violets Are Blue, My Life in the Fish Tank, Maybe He Just Likes You, Everything I Know About You, Halfway Normal, and Star-Crossed. Her books have earned several starred reviews and in many best-of lists, including the The Washington Post’s Best Children’s Books, the ALA Notable Children’s Books, the ALA Rise: A Feminist Book Project List, the NCSS-CBC Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People, and the ALA Rainbow List Top Ten. Barbara lives with her family, including a naughty cat named Luna and a sweet rescue hound named Ripley, in Westchester County, New York.

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

Violets Are Blue Review:

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Let me start by saying I love how the author wrote this book. The characters in the story are neither good nor bad, and the author portrays them realistically. For instance, Wren does not instantly hate Vanessa or her father when she sees them together. She gets along nicely with Vanessa, which I thought was a fantastic start to the tale.

Speaking of Wren, I thought she was a wonderful character. She goes through many changes and family issues, and I thought she handled them very well. From Annika, Isla, and Raleigh to her friendship with Poppy and Kai, it was nice to see how she juggled school with her family affairs. I adored Poppy and how she was a fun influence on Wren.

The highlight of the story, however, was Wren’s relationship with her mother. The mother is the most flawed character in the tale, and I felt she was so self-centered at times as she doesn’t consider Wren’s feelings. Wren’s mother goes through mood swings and depression because of her divorce from Wren’s father and doesn’t handle it well. I felt the author depicted their relationship perfectly.

Moreover, I enjoyed how the author added the theme of makeup as the backdrop to the story. Wren’s passion for trying on special effects makeup as she sees videos by Cat FX inspired me to see a few such videos myself. It was also fun to see how Wren worked with the tech crew for the production. On a side note, I also enjoyed the references to Wizard of Oz and Wicked.

Overall, “Violets Are Blue” is an emotional contemporary middle-grade novel that highlights how a parent’s emotions affect their child’s mindset, and I found it a profound read.

Giveaway Details:

3 winners will receive a finished copy of VIOLETS ARE BLUE, US Only.

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I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Violets Are Blue by Barbara Dee Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

Book Tour Schedule

YA Books Central-Excerpt-10-11-2021
Rajiv’s Reviews-Review-10-11-2021
Don’t Judge, Read-Review-10-12-2021
BookHounds YA-Review-10-12-2021
booksaremagictoo-Review-10-13-2021
Nerdophiles -Review-10-13-2021
Sometimes Leelynn Reads-Review-10-14-2021
Nay’s Pink Bookshelf-Review-10-14-2021
@fictitious.fox-Review-10-15-2021
PopTheButterfly Reads-Review-10-15-2021

October 22, 2021
The Extraordinary by Brad Schaeffer

The Extraordinary by Brad Schaeffer

Release: August 31st 2021
Format: Ebook
Publisher: Post Hill Press
Source: Suzyapproved Book Tours
Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, Kobo

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Wesley Scott is a teenage boy with autism. He lives within his own intimate realm of sensory overload, dysfunction, sometimes violence, and fear of the outside world.

Wes is unable to connect with anyone other than his father, a captain in the Marine Corps. He in turn adores his extraordinary son, his “Ex-man,” as he fondly calls him. When Captain Scott ships off to fight in the Middle East, Wes is confused and senses foreboding in what it all means, although he cannot express it to his family, friends, or teachers.

With his father overseas, Wes finds himself further isolated in a world of ordinaries, and a stranger in his own family. His mother is distant and cold, his high school brother resents the inordinate attention his autistic brother constantly steals from him, and his twenty-something sister has chosen to move away from it all to Manhattan. The burden on the family gets exponentially worse when Captain Scott returns home wounded. The family tries to cope as best they can, but when his father succumbs to PTSD, Wes must somehow make sense of all that has happened—which is difficult for a teenager under normal conditions, let alone one on the autism spectrum who’s suddenly lost the only family member who ever really bothered to know him.

The Scotts seem on the verge of unraveling and Wes finds himself in a bewildering land of family turmoil. How will Wes come to understand this tragedy? And how will the family ever come to fill the void left by a father who understood what the rest have yet to discover…that Wes is an extraordinary young man indeed.

About the Author:

Brad Schaffer was born in Baltimore, MD but grew up in a suburb of Chicago. After attending the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, he lived in Chicago where he embarked on his dual career as both a commodities trader and author/novelist. He currently resides in New Jersey.

His prolific and eclectic writing can be found in the pages of the Wall Street Journal, New York Daily News, National Review, Daily Wire, and other well-read publications. His interests as reflected in his articles encompass a wide swath from business, to science, education, the arts, history, politics, social issues, and general day-to-day living. He is also an accomplished guitarist and pianist and can be found playing in local New Jersey clubs with one of several rock bands in which he has played over the years.

He is the author of two novels “Of Another Time And Place” (2018) takes place in World War II Europe. It is a study of the conflicts that good men confront when compelled through national loyalty and indoctrination to fight for morally reprehensible causes. “The Extraordinary” (2021), deftly tackles two sensitive subject matters, autism and PTSD, and the impacts they have on not just those who have these conditions but also the families who support those they love while trying to cope with the stresses they induce.

Website | Facebook | Goodreads

The Extraordinary Review:

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“The Extraordinary” is a heart wrenching story of family, loss, and moving on that will get you teary-eyed.

The first thing that grabbed my interest was how the author beautifully depicted the perception of autism. It was charming to view the contrasting perceptions to events that Wesley experiences, being autistic, versus how his family looks at it. Moreover, the author adds layers, such as how the family deals with the father leaving for the Marines.

I honestly loved how the author told the tale. The story is simple to read, and the chapters are small. Yet, there are powerful moments in each chapter where you feel for Wesley and his family. Many moments stood out in the tale, like when they fear for the father’s life being away or how Wesley notices his parents argue. The author portrays the family realistically, where you see how the parent’s arguments harm Wes. Similarly, I also liked Wes’s interactions with Becca. One of the memorable scenes with Wes and Thomas is when they talk with Mister O.

As the story progresses, my heart goes out to Wes for all the grief he endured. There are moments where I got teary-eyed because of what he witnessed of his father. Another aspect that I liked of the tale was Wes’s relationship with Thomas. Thomas also has a violent streak in him, and some of the scenes where he lashes out on Wes were heartbreaking.

However, the only aspect I would have liked to see was events from Thomas and their mother’s perspective. The author primarily tells the story from Wes’s standpoint, and while I enjoyed it, I was curious to know what the other family members were thinking.

Overall, “The Extraordinary” is a moving, emotional story about a family worth reading!

Book Tour Schedule

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on The Extraordinary by Brad Schaeffer Blog Tour hosted by Suzyapproved Book Tours.

Lindas Book Obsession-Oct.1st
Noor The Bookworm-Oct. 2nd
Nurse Bookie-Oct. 4th
Bookoholic Cafe-Oct 6th
She Just Loves Books-Oct. 6th
Coffee Books Dogs-Oct. 13th
Rajivs Reviews-Oct. 22nd
Subakka Bookstuff-Oct. 23rd
Rozier Reads and Wine-Nov. 2nd
Geaux Get Lit-Nov. 2nd
David L Morgan-Nov. 8th
The Mary Reader-Nov. 8th
Danish Mustard Reads-Nov. 10th
Amy Lynn Lifestyle-Nov. 10th
We Break For Books-Nov. 19th
Books Love And Understanding-Nov. 22nd

October 21, 2021
My Cat Is Blue by Sarah Sommer

My Cat Is Blue by Sarah Sommer

Release: October 5th 2021
Format: Hardcover
Publisher: Mascot Books
Source: iread Book Tours
Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B&N, Mascot Books, Indigo, Books-a-Million

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When someone you love is feeling down in the dumps, you try everything to help. But sometimes, you dont have the cure, and those blues can even become contagious. It just might be the unexpected that allows you both to shed your blues and move toward a bright and colorful future.

About the Author:

Sarah Sommer is an award-winning children’s picture book author who blends her love for music, animals, and positivity in her books. Having trained in classical music and performed internationally as a professional clarinetist, rhymes and lyrics are an important part of her writing style.

She is an advocate for animals, as seen in her work fostering German shepherds, and as a result, animals are always a central part of her stories. Sarah aims to include encouraging themes, such as helping others, in all of her narratives because we all need a little help sometimes.

Website | facebook | goodreads | Instagram

My Cat Is Blue Review:

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What an adorable children’s story “My Cat Is Blue” was to read. This book is one that I feel would resonate with a reader of any age.

The author deals with various issues like loss, depression and coping, and moving on. We see how a young girl worries for her cat, who doesn’t feel like doing anything anymore. Many of us also go through a phase where we lose a loved one. W cannot focus on anything at some point and find it difficult to move on. It takes a while for all of us to accept and get back to normal. The author realistically depicts how this would affect any species. I loved how gradual the story felt and thought it was important for children to be aware.

Moreover, I loved the contrasting colors the illustrator used to depict the characters’ moods and the surroundings. Initially, only the cat is blue because of the way it feels. But, you see how the girl also turns a shade of blue because of her worry over the cat. As the story progresses, you realize how the colors become vibrant and shift based on the characters’ moods. Bulankina Ka did a fabulous job selecting lovely tones and striking colors to make the story stand out. Also, the expressions of the girl and the cat are SO adorable that you fall in love with them instantly.

Overall, I loved reading “My Cat Is Blue,” and I hope the team continues to publish many more such stories because they have an impeccable talent for it.

Giveaway:

Enter to win signed MY CAT IS BLUE (hardback) and $50 Amazon Gift Card (one winners/USA only) (ends Oct 25)

MY CAT IS BLUE Book Tour Giveaway

Book Tour Schedule

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the My Cat Is Blue by Sarah Sommer Blog Tour hosted by iread Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

5^th Oct – Cover Lover Book Review – book review / giveaway
5^th Oct – Rockin’ Book Reviews – book review / giveaway
6^th Oct – Bound 4 Escape – book review / giveaway
6^th Oct – Kam’s Place – book review
7^th Oct – Jazzy Book Reviews – book review / giveaway
7^th Oct – Pick a Good Book – book review / giveaway
8^th Oct – Splashes of Joy – book review / giveaway
8^th Oct – Mochas, Mysteries and Meows – book review / giveaway
11^th Oct – The Adventures of a Traveler’s Wife – book review / giveaway
12^th Oct – Lisa’s Reading – book review / giveaway
12^th Oct – icefairy’s Treasure Chest – book review / giveaway
13^th Oct – From the TBR Pile – book review / giveaway
13^th Oct – The Momma Spot – book review / giveaway
14^th Oct – Gina Rae Mitchell – book review / giveaway
14^th Oct – Laura’s Interests – book review / giveaway
15^th Oct – Locks, Hooks And Books – book review / giveaway
15^th Oct – Pause for Tales – book review / giveaway
18^th Oct – I’m Into Books – book review / giveaway
18^th Oct – Rajiv’s Reviews – book review / giveaway

October 21, 2021