Wednesday, November 20, 2024

Book Review: To Do Justice (Chicago Trilogy, #3) by Frank S. Joseph

TO DO JUSTICE (The Chicago Trilogy Book 3)TO DO JUSTICE by Frank S. Joseph
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Chicago, during the summer of 1965, was feeling the heat of change.

To Do Justice is the third volume in author Frank S. Joseph’s mesmerizing Chicago Trilogy and takes readers to the West Side neighborhoods of the Windy City during the sweltering, on-the-edge summer of 1965. All eyes were on Chicago that summer, and in the middle of it all was young Pinkie and AP reporter Mollie Hinton.

In the midst of the turmoil, 12-year-old Pinkie longs to discover the identity of her birth mother and the life she knows is hers. She’s witness to the events that capture the attention of the world. Mollie, a young, white female reporter, relegated to the mundane in the newsroom as she’s a woman in a man’s game, has the right instincts and her fingers of the pulse of the community through contacts she’s made by listening and talking to the people who live there. When these two eventually got together, and Molly decided to tackle the mystery of Pinkie’s origins, I didn’t want to put the book down.

The author brings in historical figures as the events of that summer are recreated, the writing so evocative I almost felt as if I were there. Early on, scenes came to life with the tension (and residual exhilaration) of the rioting, and background characters were on edge and ready to act in unpredictable ways, with realistic dialogue propelling the emotions and action. I quickly became invested in what was going to happen with both Pinkie and Mollie, fearing that any minute, something awful was about to go down with them right smack in the middle of it all.

I recommend TO DO JUSTICE to readers of literary fiction, especially those interested in the tumultuous times of the mid-60s and in Chicago in particular.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from the author through Goddess Fish Promotions Book Tours.




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10-Stop All-Review Blog Tour & Giveaway - Sallowsfield: A Novel by Cliff Hudder

 

Sallowsfield: A Novel
by
Cliff Hudder



Literary Fiction / Humor / Saga / Texas / Yorkshire
Publisher: Texas Review Press
Pages: 390
Publication Date: October 21, 2024

 

SYNOPSIS

Wyatt W. Sallow, MBA—poet, business ethics professor, and coach of the 8th ranked collegiate chess team in East Texas—travels to the heart of northern England to trace his family origins in mundane Sallowsfield, only to find his supposed ancestry a mirage. He does have a real past, however: one that stalks him across the green hillsides in echoes of his catastrophic marriage, the lingering shadow of a lost child, and—there, in person, inexplicably emerging from the town’s faux-Victorian train station—“X,” the enigmatic object of his unrequited passion and a figure as perplexing as an algebraic variable.

On his eight-day tour/pilgrimage/mock epic journey, Wyatt pursues the specter of his lost love and crosses paths with the citizens of this down-at-its-heels market town as they struggle to grasp the all-consuming obsessions, ghosts, and X-factors that confound their days.

Thought-provoking yet dryly humorous, Sallowsfield weaves diverse elements into a story both light-hearted and philosophical, exploring along the way universal human touchstones of obsession, ruined love, and the inexplicable mysteries that shape our lives.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Cliff Hudder received an MFA in fiction writing from the University of Houston in 1995 and a PhD in American Literature from Texas A&M in 2017. He has been an archaeological laborer, a film and video editor, photographer, air compressor mechanic, electrical lineman, and educator. 

His fiction has appeared in Alaska Quarterly Review, The Kenyon Review, The Missouri Review and other journals and his work has received the Barthelme and Michener Awards, the Peden Prize, and the Short Story Award from the Texas Institute of Letters. His novella, Splinterville, won the 2007 Texas Review Fiction Award, and his novel, Pretty Enough for You, was named a Top Ten Texas Favorite by Lone Star Literary Life in 2015. In 2017 Cliff was inducted into the Texas Institute of Letters.


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Tuesday, November 19, 2024

Book Review: A Bad Bout of the Yips (From the Case Files of Steve Rockfish, #3) by Ken Harris

A Bad Bout of the Yips (From the Case Files of Steve Rockfish #3)A Bad Bout of the Yips by Ken Harris
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A riveting crime fiction tale that I was unable to put the book down until I reached the last page.

A Bad Bout of the Yips is the third book in author Ken Harris's crime fiction series featuring PI Steve Rockfish. From the start (of this book or any in the series), readers old enough to know will immediately feel his kinship with the old-school investigators and the nod to and nostalgia of the classic PI television shows from the 1970s, such as The Rockford Files. If you loved those shows, this is the series for you! If you don't know what I'm talking about, this is still a series you'll want to give a look-see.

Steve Rockfish is a cool customer, a tough guy, and he needs to be in his line of work, especially as he's going up against the mob in this real estate development-themed crime fiction tale. His young partner, Jawnie McGee, is still reeling after the previous book's events. This normally steadfast and stand-up gal shows some vulnerability in her fragile state, but although she struggles early on to regain her footing, she comes on strong later in the story.

This third book has multiple storylines, some involving old nemeses that harken back to previous books. However, the third time's the charm as storylines converge and are wrapped up. The Baltimore and other Maryland and New Jersey settings were comfortable yet fresh (I'm just done to death sometimes with Chicago and NYC). I loved the cultural nods and the guessing game to identify the source of the references with Lynn.

The case that lands Rockfish and McGee in dutch involves a lesbian couple who have purchased a rundown miniature golf business out from under the nose of a large real estate development corporation with mob ties. Immediately after taking possession, threatening messages appear, and an escalating series of vandalism plagues the property, including anti-gay slogans spray painted across the buildings and inflammatory fliers pepper the neighborhood to stir up trouble with the locals. What follows on the way to resolution are twists and turns, tense action and danger, told with a riveting vim and vigor that I found myself smiling as I read, completely engaged and unable to put the book down until the last page was turned.

I recommend A BAD BOUT OF THE YIPS to readers who enjoy crime fiction, old-school PI heroes, a Baltimore setting, and fans of the previous novels in the series.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from the author through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours.

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NBTM Virtual Book Tour & Giveaway: The Poseidon Project (The Herb Society Mysteries, #1) by E. William Podojil


THE POSEIDON PROJECT
The Herb Society Mysteries, Book One
by
E. William Podojil


Suspense / Thriller / Mystery
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press, Inc.
Publication Date: August 26, 2024
Page count: 237 pages


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SYNOPSIS:

The Poseidon Project is an international suspense thriller and the first book in The Herb Society Mysteries series 

Molly Halloran and her friends have a secret past.  Their bucolic retirement is suddenly upended when Molly’s husband is abducted and held for a steep ransom.  Now she, her friends, her tech executive son, Lukas and his Air Force pilot boyfriend must race against the clock and travel halfway around the world to meet the kidnappers’ demands.  But when they learn why her husband has been abducted, they realize how high the stakes truly are.  Molly and her friends now must face their past in order to save the future.  But not only their futures; the world’s.

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ENJOY AN EXCERPT:

The explosion was deafening. A huge fireball engulfed the Iveco box truck with a force that knocked Molly, Donna, Linda, and John off their feet. Having been already seated, Lukas instinctively shielded Taylor from the force of the blast that was over one hundred feet away. The explanation of the Hindenburg explosion his mom had referenced two days ago flashed through his mind. The hydrogen collection tank must have had a leak or breached from being overfilled. But unlike the Hindenburg, there was not a zeppelin-sized supply of hydrogen on the Demeter unit, or what was left of it. The explosion was sudden, strong, and brief. The flames quickly burned through the truck’s cargo area, then slowly burned the embers of what little was left. The truck was destroyed, as was Demeter. Zip- Tie’s blackened remains smoldered on the ground, about ten feet from the blast. 

Betty and Patrick stood at the top of the terrace waving their arms and appeared to be yelling something. Lukas could not hear much other than the ringing in his ears, and he assumed the rest of the group was partially deaf as they struggled to get to their feet. Lukas had shielded Taylor’s body, and his hearing appeared to be unaffected. Taylor kissed Lukas on the cheek and mouthed Thank you. Or at least Lukas thought he said it silently.
 
Betty held the fourth Glock in her hand and ran toward the group to help them ascend the terrace. “We’ve gotta get out of here!” she yelled, hoping their damaged ears could hear her. She knew it was only a few minutes before the Dubai police came to investigate the source of the explosion in the city center.
 
“Where is Malik?” Betty asked as John, Donna, and Molly rubbed their ears, hoping to regain their hearing.

“He ran that way.” Taylor pointed in the direction of the Burj Khalifa. “I saw him for an instant right after the blast.”

Patrick raced toward the group. “Police are on their way. I hear the sirens. Let’s go, everybody!” Patrick and Taylor, both injured, were able to shepherd the group up to the Sprinter van, get in, and buckle up for what was going to be a quick getaway.

Betty slammed on the accelerator, and the van lurched forward. She could see the flashing police lights about a quarter of a mile to her right. She turned left, hoping to avoid them. “Patrick, I need you to navigate! I don’t know where I am!” Betty yelled with a tinge of panic in her voice. Patrick stood up and sat in the passenger seat to help navigate.

Taylor quickly dialed his daughter. She answered on the first ring tone. “Dad, where are you?”

“Get the Goose ready. We’ll be there in—” He looked at Patrick, who held up his hands with fingers extended. “—ten to fifteen minutes. Please clear a take- off slot for us in twenty-five minutes from now.”

“Got it, Dad. Drive safely.”

Tory hung up as Betty slalomed quickly through.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

E. William Podojil has worked as a writer, advisor and international business executive while living in the Netherlands and the United States. He studied screenwriting at UCLA. His first novel, The Tenth Man, was published in 2004, by Haworth Press.  His latest novel, The Poseidon Project, will be published by Wild Rose Press in August, 2024 as the first book in The Herb Society Mysteries series.
 
Podojil currently resides in Northeast Ohio with his husband and three sons. He travels extensively and writes about his experiences on his website www.ewpodojil.com.
 


REVIEW:

5 stars!

Fast-paced, with plenty of surprising twists! 

The Poseidon Project is the first book of The Herb Society Mysteries, a new series by author E. William Podojil, and it is going to rank among my favorite books of the year. Well-developed characters, international settings, a shocking disappearance, and a non-stop plot had me riveted to this story from start to finish. 

Good friends and family, all confident and capable men and women, make up the cast of characters, starting with Molly Halloran, whose husband John has gone missing while closing a business deal in Dubai. She’s surrounded by a coterie of long-time friends, the other members of The Herb Society, who support her from the moment she gets the news of John’s disappearance and accompany her to the far side of the globe to his last known location to help find him. Ramrodding the rescue expedition is her and John’s son, Dr. Lukas Halloran, a wealthy and talented tech genius, and his new acquaintance, pilot, and former USAF Special Ops veteran, Taylor Pastore. Making this a double family affair, Taylor is joined by his daughter, Tory, who is also a pilot and part of her father’s private jet company. Each participant brings something special and helpful to the table. 

The story unfolds from multiple points of view, giving different insights into ongoing events. Still, there are plenty of surprises lurking, from the friends’ history to great plot twists that suddenly made reading ‘one more chapter’ a priority. This was a page-turner for me! 

I recommend THE POSEIDON PROJECT for readers of thrillers, suspense, and mystery.


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Book Blast & Giveaway: Katie Walsh by Colleen L. Donnelly


This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

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Synopsis
Katie Walsh expects to write a love story someday. The hero resembles her father, and the heroine the deceased mother she never knew but imagines from the longing on her father’s face.

Katie doesn’t expect her father to be murdered, or his will to leave their farm to Guy Knowles, the man she hoped to marry, and order her to another state. Betrayed by the men she trusted, what should have become a love like no other withers and dies.

Until Ted Howard, who doesn’t fit the hole Guy left in her heart. Instead, he fits himself into what she needs—someone who will stay, protect her, and break his own heart for her if needed.

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Read an Excerpt

“You’re in love, aren’t you?” Her voice softened.

“Was in love. Like I said, it doesn’t matter now.” My voice wavered.

“There is no such thing as ‘was’ when it comes to first loves. They are the pioneers who break our hearts in and carve the place where forever love will eventually reside.”

Tears trickled down my cheeks.

“Who is he?” she coaxed.

“My neighbor in Nebraska. Evidently, I wasn’t the pioneer of his heart. Someone else will have that honor for Guy.” I could barely say his name, but Eliza had no trouble spurting, “Guy Knowles?” right back.

I glanced out the side window. Maybe Papa felt this sort of loss after Mama passed, and that was why he said so little when I plied him for more about her. The loss in his expression said he wanted what I did—more of and for the one we loved. Ultimately, more time.

Eliza leaned from her seat and wrapped me in her arms. “Go ahead. You need to cry. The mold Guy cut into your heart hurts because he didn’t fill it. But someday someone will. And you will be ready.”

I rested my head against hers and imagined a hole in my heart the exact shape as Guy. I didn’t want it filled by someone else someday. If Guy didn’t fill it, I wanted it gone. Forever.

About the Author:

Colleen L Donnelly was born and raised in the US Midwest but ventured to other parts of the country as an adult to experience life from other perspectives. Besides writing, she spends time outdoors, antique hunting, reading, or watching a good movie. Even though she retired from a career in laboratory science, she is never bored and always busy at something.

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Monday, November 18, 2024

Blurb Blitz & Giveaway: Georgia's Folly by Deborah Chase


GEORGIA'S FOLLY
by

Deborah Chase


Split-Time Historical Fiction
Publisher: Historium Press
Publication Date: September 11, 2024
Page count: 319 pages


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SYNOPSIS:

For fans of "Antiques Roadshow" and "American Pickers" - this is the one for you!

Beginning at a cluttered flea market and ending at a glittering art auction, Georgia’s Folly tells the compelling story that blends past and present and the search for a valuable and illusive antique. Chloe Bishop grew up in foster care. She loves shopping at flea markets, picking up family heirlooms like old pottery or vintage furniture to fill in for the family and home she never had. As Chloe walks through the Brooklyn Flea Market, she stumbles upon the diary of Miss Georgia Potter, a young woman who had lived in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania during the Civil War. The yellowed pages reveal the impact of the war on daily life and spotlights the role of women including Harriet Tubman, Clara Barton and Louisa May Alcott. Like Chloe, Georgia Potter was a passionate collector and her diary lists her collection of valuable antiques—including the Holy Grail of 18th century furniture—a Chippendale settee. Well versed in antiques, Chloe is aware that There are only five known examples and a sixth settee would be worth more than $4 million. 

Chloe immediately contacts Ben Thompson, the man who sold her the diary. Ben is a picker who drives his RV across America, searching for collectibles to sell to dealers. He is estranged from his wealthy, prominent family who cringe at his chosen career. Ben agrees to take her along to search for the valuable and iconic settee. As Ben and Chloe head to Gettysburg, they are unaware that Gregor Petrov, a shady antiques dealer and Harrison Kent, a respected but unscrupulous art expert are trailing them. 

The search for the settee takes Chloe and Ben on fast paced journey from the Gettysburg battlefields to the 18th century street of artisans in Philadelphia to a historic mansion on the banks of the Hudson River. Traveling together in the small RV, Ben and Chloe draw closer. In the confines of the RV, embroiled in an unimaginable quest, Chloe confides that she is also in search for the father she never knew while Ben struggles to explain his complicated family to a woman who never had one. 

In a thrilling ending, the rare Chippendale settee is not Chloe’s only valuable discovery.

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ENJOY AN EXCERPT:

Chloe Bishop felt her pulse quicken as she walked to the jumbled tables at the Brooklyn Flea Market. Under the soaring arches of the massive bridge, the piles of pottery, jewelry, and stacks of vintage clothing sparkled with the promise of discovery.  Every time she walked into a thrift shop or flea market, she remembered stories of the discovery of a long-lost Picasso or a rhinestone ring that turned out to be a flawless diamond. But she really wasn’t treasure hunting—she just loved finding what she called “pieces of history.”
 
She never knew what she was going to find, but she knew it when she saw it. And there it was as if it had been patiently waiting for her. Next to a vintage tin sign for motor oil and under a cracked ironstone pitcher, she could see the trim edges of a ladies' lap desk.  Chloe smiled to herself. "I have always wanted one, and here it is under the arches of the Brooklyn Bridge." She walked over to the table, gently removed the pitcher, and placed it on the table. 
 
The lap desk was clearly not a family heirloom. It was a very basic lap desk with a faded, stained finish. She opened the lap desk and smiled to see the well-worn, blue-felt padding.  The top and bottom offlaps were intact - a great sign for a well-used lap desk more than 150 years old. Two small partitions on the bottom were stained from the ink bottles they once held. The bottom section was empty except for two vintage ladies' hairpins, but the top lid was jammed.  A lady often kept personal letters there and Chloe was instantly curious.  What secret romances could the lap desk hold? 


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

I grew up in a family filled with art and antiques.  On the high end, my uncle, William Lincer, lead violist at the New York Philharmonic, was an art lover whose collection was sold at Sotheby’s. On the low end, my father, writer Allen Chase took me to flea markets and estate sales.  He sparked a lifelong fascination with tales of lost treasures that ranged from plundered Egyptian tombs to trainloads of art stolen by the Nazis.  It was this love of history and antiques that inspired my first novel, Georgia’s Folly.
 
I was a founding editor of the Berkeley Wellness Newsletter and the author of 12 books including The Medically Based No-Nonsense Beauty Book (Alfred Knopf), Extend Your Life Diet (Pocket Books), Fruit Acids for Fabulous Skin (St Martin’s Press), Every Bride is Beautiful ( Morrow), and with my husband, Dr Neil Schachter, co-author of Life and Breath  (Doubleday) and  The Good Doctor’s Guide to  Colds and Flu (Harper).  The books have been a selection of the Book of the Month Club and my articles have appeared in Ladies Home Journal, Self, Glamour, Redbook, Family Circle, Parents and Good Housekeeping.
 
I am a graduate of Bronx High School of Science and a winner of the Westinghouse Science Talent Search. A graduate of New York University, I earned a degree with a dual major in journalism and history. 
 
A native New Yorker, I like to spend my weekends at an upstate home where a big kitchen and an endless supply of estate sales indulge my dual passions for cooking and collecting.


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NBTM Virtual Book Tour & Giveaway: Child Protection - Behind Closed Doors by Jo Cooling


CHILD PROTECTION
BEHIND CLOSED DOORS
by

Jo Cooling


Non-Fiction
Publisher: Telwell Talent
Publication Date: July 25, 2024
Page count: 166 pages


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SYNOPSIS:

In the beginning, a tragic event started me on my journey to a destination and my love for helping children of all ages and their families.
 
However, what I was not prepared for was that the people who assisted me and paved the way for my advancement in my chosen career in Child Protection were the same people who tried to bring me down.
 
This book will give you insight into what it is like to work in Child Protection. It will show you the difficulties and sometimes dangers workers face on a daily basis. Furthermore, the novel will also highlight the satisfaction you get when you can assist a child and their family through a traumatic event.
 
My career at Child Protection spanned nearly a decade, and during that time, I was bullied by management. I observed management bully other workers; I was also aware of workers consuming drugs, both outside work hours and during work hours.
 
This novel is a behind-the-scenes look at what really happens at Child Protection when the public is not watching or listening.
 
Child Protection is not an easy career path, but it can be a good job if you like long hours, have a thick skin, keep your head down, keep your mouth shut, and abide by everything that management wants you to do, even when you know it is wrong or unfair.

Content Warning: substance abuse, sexual assault

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

The life of Jo Cooling is like living in a theme park: one minute, it's like riding a roller coaster, baking cupcakes, cookies, and slices. With a kitchen covered with chocolate, flour, and cooking utensils. Also trying to develop new tastes and ideas for her growing baking business.
 
Sometimes, she feels like she travels through life in a Dodge 'em car. All the while, she works to complete two novels while caring for two Cavoodles, who believe their mother was placed on this earth purely to play with them 24 hours a day.
 
But no matter how out of control her life can be at times, eventually, she ends up sailing around on the Walt Disney teacup ride on top of the world. However, when she relaxes, the Cavoodles see this as an opportunity to snuggle on Mum's lap.

Jo's work career has been just as colorful as her current life. She has worked in horse and car racing, sold lingerie, designed websites, been a Personal Assistant, and worked as a Law Clerk.

Jo looks at life like a box of chocolates: each day unwraps a new layer, revealing unexpected flavors and textures.


AUTHOR GUEST POST:

Please welcome Jo Cooling, the author of today's featured book, who brings us the following guest post.

Why My Book is a Must-Read by Jo Cooling

Discover the Untold Realities of Child Protection in "Child Protection Behind Closed Doors"

In "Child Protection Behind Closed Doors," I open the door to a world shrouded in secrecy, where the tireless efforts of Child Protection workers often go unnoticed, and the harrowing truths remain hidden from the public eye. This book is not just another exposĂ©; it is a clarion call for change, a must-read for anyone who cares about the well-being of our society's most vulnerable members—our children.

A Riveting Insider's Perspective

Drawing on my years of experience within the child protection system, I offer readers an unprecedented look at the daily challenges faced by those on the front lines. With an unflinching eye, I delve into the systemic issues that plague the sector, from pervasive bullying and dangerous management decisions to the critical lack of support from leadership. These firsthand accounts shed light on the immense difficulties and sometimes perilous situations encountered by Child Protection workers, providing a raw and authentic narrative that is both enlightening and heart-wrenching.

Unmasking the Hidden Crisis

"Child Protection Behind Closed Doors" is a powerful reminder of the real-world impact of a broken system. It reveals the stark realities of substance abuse, the cycle of neglect, and the dangerous environments that many children find themselves in. By exposing these truths, the book aims to ignite critical conversations about the urgent need for reform and the steps necessary to create a more effective and compassionate Child Protection system.

A Catalyst for Change

This book is not just a documentation of problems; it is a beacon of hope and a roadmap for solutions. It encourages readers to question the status quo and become advocates for meaningful change. By understanding the root causes of the issues within Child Protection, readers can be better equipped to support reform efforts and hold those in power accountable for their actions.

Why This Book Matters Now

In 2024, the challenges within the Child Protection system remain as pressing as ever. Despite numerous reforms and initiatives, the fundamental issues persist. "Child Protection Behind Closed Doors" comes at a crucial time, providing a timely and necessary examination of the current state of affairs. It serves as a reminder that the fight for the safety and well-being of our children is far from over and that we must remain vigilant and proactive in our efforts to protect them.

For Whom This Book Is Written

This book is for everyone who cares about child welfare—parents, educators, social workers, policymakers, and concerned citizens. It is for those who believe in the power of truth to drive change and who are committed to creating a safer and more just world for our children. Whether you are directly involved in the Child Protection sector or simply want to understand more about the challenges faced by those who are, "Child Protection Behind Closed Doors" offers invaluable insights and a call to action that cannot be ignored.

Praise for "Child Protection Behind Closed Doors"

Early readers have described the book as "eye-opening," "heartbreaking," and "a must-read for anyone who cares about child welfare." Critics have praised its candidness, the depth of its analysis, and its unwavering commitment to uncovering the truth. By sharing my story and the stories of those who have lived through these experiences, I hope to honour the resilience and dedication of Child Protection workers and to inspire others to join the fight for a better system.

Join the Conversation

I invite you to join me on this journey, to open your heart and mind to the realities of Child Protection, and to become an advocate for change. "Child Protection Behind Closed Doors" is more than a book; it is a movement towards justice, compassion, and a brighter future for all children. Let us stand together, informed and inspired, ready to make a difference.

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Sunday, November 17, 2024

Book Review: I Know A Guy Named Noah Guy by Jeanne Ward

I Know a Guy Named Noah GuyI Know a Guy Named Noah Guy by Jeanne Ward
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Everything as advertised and more!

I Know A Guy Named Noah Guy is a fun and inspiring new children’s picture book by Jeanne Ward featuring the adventures of an “everyone’s good friend” type of boy named Noah Guy. The simple narrative, which becomes catchy as can be in the musical rendition by Ward’s son, Tyler, emphasizes never giving up, being a good friend, and working together to accomplish whatever is needed. The story is illustrated in bright, vivid colors in heartwarming scenes that will make readers smile and inspire children to imagine the possibilities ahead.

As mentioned above, the entire text of this first book in the series has been set to music and recorded by the author’s son, Tyler Ward, and is available for for listening online through the author’s website or YouTube.


I recommend I KNOW A GUY NAMED NOAH GUY to young readers and reading aloud in the classroom, during afterschool programs, or at home with family.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy through RABT Book Tours and PR.


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Book Review: Richard Coke: Texan by Rosser Coke Newton, Sr.

Richard Coke: TexanRichard Coke: Texan by Rosser Newton Sr.
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Brimming with the passion of the past and the parallels with the present.

Richard Coke: Texan is a new biographical account of the 15th governor of the state, following the tumultuous period of Reconstruction under the radical unionist Governor Edmund Davis and ushering in a 100-year-dynasty of Democratic leadership. Fascinating reading, complemented by snippets from contemporary periodicals, the author’s deep research and engaging writing style make his story compelling and relevant, revealing eerie parallels in our current political landscape.

One of my favorite elements is the breadth of quotations from a variety of original source documents. The language, while formal and reflective of the discourse of the times, is still often bitingly critical of the political figures, decisions, and events. I don’t remember seventh-grade Texas history class ever being this compelling.

I recommend RICHARD COKE: TEXAN to those interested in Texas history, especially during the Civil War and Reconstruction eras.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from the author through Lone Star Book Blog Tours.


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Saturday, November 16, 2024

10-Stop All-Review Blog Tour: The Best General in the Civil War by Conrad Bibens

The Best General in the Civil War
By Conrad Bibens

Historical Fiction
Publisher: Stoney Creek Publishing
Pages: 256
Publication Date: November 6, 2024

SYNOPSIS

The North might have lost the Civil War if not for the heroics of a Southern-born general. The Best General in the Civil War tells the true story of Union General George Thomas, hated throughout the South for siding with the Union and helping end slavery.

In this powerful autobiographical novel, the Southern-born General George Thomas reveals his journey from a Virginia boyhood to becoming a Union hero in the Civil War. Despite his fierce loyalty to the United States and his opposition to slavery, Thomas faced distrust and delayed promotions from Union leaders like Lincoln and Grant. Disowned by his family and resented in the South, Thomas nonetheless achieved pivotal victories, earning the titles "Rock of Chickamauga" and "Sledge of Nashville."

Thomas recounts his friendship with Lee, rivalry with Grant and Sherman, and his deep love for his Northern wife, who may have influenced his resolve to honor his oath to the Constitution. After the war, he fought both the Ku Klux Klan and the lingering hostility of President Grant, whose suspicions blocked Thomas from the presidency many believed he deserved as The Best General in the Civil War.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Conrad Bibens, a newspaper journalist for more than 40 years, grew up in St. Joseph, Mo., and is a graduate of the University of Kansas. He lives in the Houston area with his family.


STONEY CREEK PUBLISHING:

 





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Book Blitz & Giveaway - Operation Nightfall: The Web of Spies by Karl Wegener


OPERATION NIGHTFALL:
The Web of Spies
by
Karl Wegener


Espionage / Thriller
Publisher: FJK-KW Press
Publication Date: September 17, 2024
Page count: 336 pages


SYNOPSIS:


Former SOE operative Luba Haas and MI6 agent Natalie Jenkins secretly enter Poland in 1948 to meet with a sleeper agent and anti-communist insurgents, not realizing their mission has been compromised by a mole deep inside British intelligence. Hunted by both Soviet and Polish security services, they attempt a harrowing escape, not knowing whom they can trust as they try to outrun their pursuers.

Inspired by the true events of Poland's anti-communist insurgency, the Cambridge Five spy scandal, and a covert British operation to roll back communism to the borders of the USSR, Operation Nightfall: The Web of Spies sheds light on a lesser known story of the Cold War and immerses readers into the shadowy world of spy-versus-spy operations.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

 
Karl Wegener is a former Russian linguist, intelligence analyst, and combat interrogator who served in the U.S. Army and within the Intelligence Community during the Cold War.


 



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