An Alaskan Homecoming (Northern Lights #8)
By Beth Carpenter
Contemporary Romance ~ Paperback & ebook, 384 Pages
June 1, 2021 by Harlequin Heartwarming
BOOK DESCRIPTION:
“Ever after” wasn’t the plan… Until now! Rowan O'Shea's intention was just to visit her family in the small Alaskan town she calls home. Now she's not sure she wants to leave, given the romantic mess she's left behind. A temporary fake marriage to gorgeous veterinarian Zack Vogel might be the perfect solution, if she can convince Zack. But Rowan's marriage of convenience has a seriously inconvenient snag—she's falling for her new fake husband! A Northern Lights Novel
(Affiliate links included.)
Goodreads | Amazon | Bookshop | B&N | BAM Book Depository | Target | Walmart | IndieBound Apple Books | Kobo | Google Play | Harlequin

"REVIEW by LAWonder10:
I love Beth Carpenter's writing and her Northern Lights series! 'An Alaskan Homecoming' is the 8th book in the series and it did not disappoint! Each boo in the series center on a different Alaskan Community individual yet they all eventually inter-connect.
This is about a single woman feeling trapped in a loveless engagement, afraid of disappointing her family if she breaks it off. She is unsure if she will ever truly find love. She is a
"people pleaser". Will she put herself first for once or continue to live her life trying to plase others and keeping the peace?
This us also about a veterinarian who dedicates his services to healing wild animals then sending them back to the wild. He is also trying to be a good single dad to his half sister after their father died and her mother abandoned her.
Both individuals need balance in his/her life, but will he/she be able to accomplish it.
This is an inspirational, uplifting story of humanity and  working together to accomplish great things.
The characters are endearing and diverse, yet well-portrayed. The situations and events are depicted in a manner they are easily visualized. The Title and Cover Image are a good "fit".
It is a fast moving, "clean" read.
I offer a Five Stars rating for this book.
*This book was gifted me with no pressure for a positive review. This is my honest review.

A Northern Lights Series: Novel Book: 1: The Alaskan Catch Book 2: A Gift for Santa Book 3: Alaskan Hideaway Book 4: An Alaskan Proposal Book 5: Sweet Home Alaska Book 6: Alaskan Dreams Book 7: An Alaskan Family Christmas Book 8: An Alaskan Homecoming

ABOUT the AUTHOR:

        Beth Carpenter is thankful for good books, a good dog, a good man and a dream job creating happily-ever-afters. She and her husband now split their time between Alaska and Arizona, where she occasionally encounters a moose in the yard or a scorpion in the basement. She prefers the moose.

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Pinterest | Twitter

Giveaway Details:

One winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card and Alaskan Dreams, An Alaskan Proposal and Sweet Home Alaska (paperbacks if winner is in the US, ebooks otherwise)
Ends June 30, 2021

Book Details:
Taking Notes on Murder:  A Fiona Quinn Mystery #9
Author:  C.S. McDonald
​Category:  YA Fiction, 184 pages ~ Run Time: 5 hours
Genre:  Cozy Mystery ~ Tour dates:  Jun 21 to Jul 16, 2021
Publisher:  McWriter Books ~ Release date:  May 19, 2020
Content Rating:  G (The Fiona Quinn Mysteries are for everyone--adults love the books and they are appropriate for teens and tweens too!)
Book Description:
         Mysterious notes are showing up in Fiona’s kindergarten classroom, claiming a suicide from 2005 was actually a homicide. Detective Landry maintains the messages are too vague, possess no integrity, and do not warrant a review of the old case.
         Fiona’s not convinced. She’s determined to find the author of the enigmatic notes and uncover the truth about a man who had many secrets and countless enemies, including Fiona’s mother and former suspect Nancy Quinn!
Can Fiona crack this cold case, and what will it take to get Detective Landry involved? Don’t miss taking notes on this murder! 

BUY THE BOOK:Audible ~ Amazon

REVIEW by LAWonder10:
Newly married to homicide. Detective Landry, Fiona introduces her husband to her unique house guest who does strange things. When Fiona starts the new session of her  kindergarten group, she starts receiving mysterious notes claiming a suicide from 2005 was actually a murder. Can her husband find enough reasons to have the "cold files" reopened? Why is the author of these notes targeting her? Is she safe?

This is a very mysterious story, laced with humor and bizarre events. There are several suspects which will truly keep the reader guessing, "Who did it?". Just about the time the reader is sure he/she know the answer, a new twist occurs which causes more doubt. It ends in an unusual way.

The characters are endearing and defined well. The scenes are visualized easily, and the Title and Cover images are chosen well. The story never dragged. Each chapter ended in a way the "egged" the reader on, excited to discover what happened next.

I listed to the audio book. The narrator, Maren Swenson Waxenberg did a wonderful job in voice fluctuation, emphasis and in maintaining the individual "voices". However the voice she used to portray the lead character, Fiona, was very annoying and I didn't feel it ft her character well. Otherwise, she did a great job.

Overall, i gave this audio book a Five Stars rating.
*This book was gifted me with no pressure for a positive review. This is my honest review.

OTHER BOOKS IN THIS TOUR:  Maxed Out on Murder (The Owl's Nest Mystery) & Bon Voyage to Murder (A Fiona Quinn Mystery #8 )

Meet the Author: 
         For twenty-six years C.S. McDonald’s life whirled around a song and a dance. Classically trained at Pittsburgh Ballet Theater School, The Pittsburgh Dance Alloy, and many others, she became a professional dancer and choreographer. In 2011 she retired from her dance career to write. Under her real name, Cindy McDonald, she writes murder-suspense and romantic suspense novels. In 2014 she added the pen name, C.S. McDonald, to write children’s books for her grandchildren. In 2016 she added the Fiona Quinn Mysteries. Presently, the Fiona Quinn Mysteries has nine books.
        Cindy’s newest venture is The Owl’s Nest Mysteries. Once again, she has set her cozy mystery in Pittsburgh. The Owl’s Next Mysteries has a little grit, a little time travel, a little romance, and a whole lot of cozy!
           Cindy resides on her Thoroughbred farm known as Fly by Night Stables near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with her husband, Bill, and her poorly behaved Cocker Spaniel, Allister.

Connect with the author:  Website  ~  Twitter  ~  Facebook

Here is the tour schedule.

Giveaway Details:​

Autographed copy of MAXED OUT, plus other gifts (USA only) (ends Jul 23)

Book Details:
Finding My Sunshine (A Memoir) by Shannon Leith McGuire.
​Category:  Adult Non-Fiction (18+), 198 pages ~  Genre:  Memoir
Publisher:  Sunshine Street Press ~ Release date:  March 2021
Tour dates:  June 14 to July 2, 2021
Content Rating:  PG+M for bad language, anger, and suicidal thoughts, clinical depression, and assault
Book Description:
        "What if that someone was you?" Shannon had been so quick to blame others for her anger. She knew she was drowning in darkness and pain; being born with a learning disability made her feel defeated by life. She tried drinking heavily in order to quiet the demons.
       After being kicked out of college, Shannon took a leap of faith and started working in a nursing home. That's when her angels appeared and the miracle began. The insight and wisdom she gained from those elderly new friends led her on an inspiring journey of discovery and self-acceptance. Each of us has our own path. Some of us just need angels to help us find it. This is her story.

Buy the Book:Amazon

        The most surprising Thing Discovered While Writing FINDING MY SUNSHINE

         As I was sharing my stories from my residents, I learned I was not truly as alone as I made myself believe. I learned coping skills in counseling, there I learned I did not have to carry the weight on my own, that there were people just like me. (Clinically depressed, learning disability) I wanted to quit counseling more than once, cause the personal work was intense and hard to process sometimes. But I knew I needed help; or I was not going to make it. I kept going, sometimes you surprise yourself and you do not know how strong you really are until you are being pulled down in an strong undertow, about to go under and no one is there to rescue you. You must do the work. Depression is like that feeling, your body wants to kill you off while your spirit whispers keep going. In the end, you only have yourself to save.

Meet the Author:

         Shannon was raised in a small town in Eastern Montana, where you leave your car keys in the ignition and your front door unlocked all the time. The kind of place where sunsets and sunrises can be seen for miles on the horizon. Where the spring crickets and frogs resting in the irrigation ditches helped transition the days into a calm resting night. Where the winters can get so cold, air can freeze.
        It was only after she was academically suspended by the college she was attending, that she became a Certified Nurses Aide (CNA). She did her training in Billings, Montana and it was there she learned how to take care of others and bonded with the geriatric population. For over five years, Shannon worked in the same nursing home where she received her training. The work was hard, but it grounded her and helped her find balance in what had become a deeply unbalanced life. It was not until she was a CNA, at one of the hospitals that she had a dream-three nights in a row-that she was going to become a nurse.
         She currently resides in Tampa, Florida, where you may hear her laughing with her husband of over 10 years,  scuba diving in the ocean, taking walks with their rescued pit-bull dog- Darby, or dancing together to life's music.

connect with the author: website

Here is the tour schedule. 

Giveaway Detais:​

Signed copy of FINDING MY SUNSHINE 
(a memoir) by Shannon Leith McGuire
(one winner) (USA only) (ends Jul 9)

Book Details:
The Kiminee Dream: A Novel by Laura McHale Holland
​Category:  Adult Fiction (18+ and older), 342 pages
Genre:  Literary fiction, magical realism
Publisher:  WORDforest ~  Release date:  April, 2020
Tour dates:  June 7 to June 18, 2021
Content Rating:  PG-13 + M. A few scenes contain violence and sexual assault. These are not major aspects of the book and don't go into great detail, but these experiences have repercussions for some of the characters that they have to resolve.
Book Description:
        A deeply poetic, riveting debut novel, The Kiminee Dream is a tale of Midwest charm and quirky characters, but with twists and turns that reveal a dark side you don't see coming.
         It's true that odd things happen in Kiminee, Illinois. Lilacs bloom in winter. Gravel glows golden on occasion. The river sings as it wends through town. But this is normal for the tight-knit folks who call Kiminee home. So when auburn-tufted Carly Mae Foley learns to read at age two and masters multiplication at age three, the denizens take it in stride and embrace her with pride.
         But all is not well in Carly Mae's family. And when a twister roars though, it decimates their home, along with their emotional bonds, as her mother's affair is exposed and her father goes missing. A determined grandmother, one-eared dog and generous benefactor come to the gifted child's aid, but not everyone is rooting for her, and when an appalling crime occurs, long-held animosities boil over. No one can say whether the good folks of Kiminee will pull closer together—or be torn apart.
        Influenced by folklore and magical realism, The Kiminee Dream is both hypnotic and endearing. If you like depth as well as whimsy, arresting twists, and details that stir your heart, you’ll love what is ultimately an eloquent exploration of acceptance and a tender tribute to the people of Illinois. Don’t delay. Experience this literary gem today.

Buy the Book: Amazon ~ B&N ~ Bookshop ~ Draft2Digital ~ add to Goodreads

REVIEW by LAWonder10:
The Kiminee Dream is a fantastical story of a fictional place in the Mid-West. It is about a small, "close-knit" community where everyone thinks they know everything about one another. A series of events unfold after the severe "twister" hit on the outskirts of the town, which eventually unfolds a shocking, mixed up mess of insecurities and secrets. 

This was one of the most difficult books I have tried to fairly review. For many who remember the "Brer Rabbit" story and "mark Twain's stories, this book brings to mind this type of scenario. However, it does bring about dark secrets much of society tries to avoid acknowledgement of. Thus, is recommended for older teens and adults. There are many points for discussion, which makes this an excellent book for Book Clubs.

It was difficult for me to get into at first. It felt slightly confusing and te writing didn't flow well. However, as the momentum of the tale picked up, it began capturing my interest and started to make more sense.

The diversity of characters was done well and were quite realistic. the background scenes were vividly described. The Title and Cover image were eye-catching and chosen well.

I offer a Three and a Half Stars rating.
*This book was gifted me with no pressure to post a positive review. This is my honest review.

                         Storytelling, a life-changing endeavor by Laura McHale Holland
         When my daughter was growing up, she and I often walked to and from a busy commercial corridor in our neighborhood that had a great mix of retailers: a dimestore, grocery store, cheese shop, hardware store, art store, toy store, pottery workshop, restaurants galore and more. One silver of a storefront housed a newsstand with all manner of newspapers, magazines and a smattering of snack items. There, I happened upon Storytelling magazine, which was devoted entirely to the ancient and enduring art of telling stories live in-person, with no written text at the ready.
        I had some experience with avante garde performance in college but none with storytelling. I had a hunch it would appeal to me, but I was beyond busy with childcare and working to contribute to our family's income. Plus, I have this way of denying myself experiences that are likely to be fun, a holdover from a childhood where to want anything was basically forbidden. So the magazine sat on a shelf at my side of the bed for about three years before I let myself take a storytelling class advertised within its pages.
         One class led to another and another, and ultimately to a certificate in storytelling. More importantly, it led to some of the most rewarding work I've ever done. There's nothing quite like telling stories to a classroom of eager grammar school children or encouraging a group of self-conscious middle schoolers to tell stories to one another. And the people I met through storytelling remain some of my dearest friends.
           In recent years, I've done far more writing than live storytelling, but I've found that the way storytelling requires you to get to know stories in your bones, rather than memorize them or read them from printed text, has enriched my writing immensely. The tales I've told are part of me now, whispering and guiding the rhythms and twists and turns my stories take. I've also seen how different creative experiences build on one another in unexpected ways. So if you have the urge to pursue something new, do it. Your life might never be the same.

Meet the Author:
         As a child, Laura McHale Holland loved the musicality of language and often recalled, verbatim, conversations she heard. A lost soul in her teens and early twenties, she righted herself in her mid-twenties and discovered a deep love of the creative process. In her work, she often finds hope in unlikely places.
         Laura writes stories true and untrue in multiple forms from flash fiction to novels, memoirs to short plays. Her coming of age memoir, Resilient Ruin, won a National Indie Excellence Award for new adult nonfiction. Prior award-winning books include Reversible Skirt, a childhood memoir, and Sisters Born, Sisters Found, an anthology on sisterhood. Her stories have appeared in several anthologies, including The Best of Every Day Fiction Three and Wisdom Has a Voice. Two of her short plays were produced recently in Northern California; two others received staged readings. The Kiminee Dream is Laura's first novel. To connect with her, please visit her website.

connect with author: website ~ twitter ~ facebook ~ instagram ~ goodreads

Giveaway Details:​

Enter to win a signed copy of both 
THE KIMINEE DREAM and AUNT TRULY'S TALES, plus a $25 Amazon Gift Card
(1 winner/USA only)(ends June 25)

Book Details:
Aunt Truly's Tales: Enchantment for Story Lovers
Author:  Laura McHale Holland
​Category:  Adult Fiction (18+ and older), 100 pages
Genre:  Fantasy: short stories/folk and fairy tales
Publisher:  WORDforest ~ Release date:  June 5, 2021
Tour dates:  June 7 to June 18, 2021
Content Rating:  PG. These are all stories that could be shared with a teenager, probably even a 10 year old.
Book Description:
        A dash of whimsy and a dose of wisdom for our times.
        f you like stories that call to mind a simpler era and words strung in lyrical ways, this collection will take you to a wondrous world where ordinary rules do not apply.
        Podcasts, blogs, movies, vlogs—people spin yarns in many ways. But nothing dazzles like a story told in person. In the right teller's hands, a simple narrative has unfathomable power. Such is the case with Aunt Truly, a spellbinding character in Laura McHale Holland's novel The Kiminee Dream. She is old, but no one knows her age; she travels, but where she goes is a mystery. One thing is certain: she collects stories.
        The ten tales in this book present traditional and original stories Aunt Truly might tell you if you happened by her home, Windy Wood, where snow falls from November through April, and reality is open to interpretation. In her tales, you'll meet a determined frog, clever seamstress, wise handyman, stolen wife and more unlikely heroes who face daunting trials. Some succeed; others do not. In the process, they are all transformed.

Buy the Book: Amazon (print) ~ Amazon (ebook) ~ B&N ~ Draft2Digital ~
add to Goodreads

REVIEW by LAWonder10:
This "quick read" book has ten delightful tales. They are fantasy, yet each has a lesson attached to it. These are tales of gratitude, deceit, consequences, perseverance, never being satisfied  and appreciative, being content, wise, trusting, yet cautious, and much more.
The only negative aspect of he book,  I feel some of the stories were cut too short and felt slightly incomplete. I would b good bedtime tales for older elementary aged children. This would also be a great book for Summer Reading Programs and Book Clubs.
I offer a Four stars rating.
*This book was gifted me with no pressure for a positive review. This is my honest review.

OTHER ASSOCIATED BOOKS:

Book Details:
The Kiminee Dream: A Novel by Laura McHale Holland
​Category:  Adult Fiction (18+ and older), 342 pages
Genre:  Literary fiction, magical realism
Publisher:  WORDforest  ~ Release date:  April, 2020
Tour dates:  June 7 to June 18, 2021
Content Rating:  PG-13 + M. A few scenes contain violence and sexual assault. These are not major aspects of the book and don't go into great detail, but these experiences have repercussions for some of the characters that they have to resolve.
Book Description:
       A deeply poetic, riveting debut novel, The Kiminee Dream is a tale of Midwest charm and quirky characters, but with twists and turns that reveal a dark side you don't see coming.
         It's true that odd things happen in Kiminee, Illinois. Lilacs bloom in winter. Gravel glows golden on occasion. The river sings as it wends through town. But this is normal for the tight-knit folks who call Kiminee home. So when auburn-tufted Carly Mae Foley learns to read at age two and masters multiplication at age three, the denizens take it in stride and embrace her with pride.
         But all is not well in Carly Mae's family. And when a twister roars though, it decimates their home, along with their emotional bonds, as her mother's affair is exposed and her father goes missing. A determined grandmother, one-eared dog and generous benefactor come to the gifted child's aid, but not everyone is rooting for her, and when an appalling crime occurs, long-held animosities boil over. No one can say whether the good folks of Kiminee will pull closer together—or be torn apart.
        Influenced by folklore and magical realism, The Kiminee Dream is both hypnotic and endearing. If you like depth as well as whimsy, arresting twists, and details that stir your heart, you’ll love what is ultimately an eloquent exploration of acceptance and a tender tribute to the people of Illinois. Don’t delay. Experience this literary gem today.

Buy the Book: Amazon ~ B&N ~ Bookshop ~ Draft2Digital ~ add to Goodreads

Here is the tour schedule. 

Meet the Author:
         As a child, Laura McHale Holland loved the musicality of language and often recalled, verbatim, conversations she heard. A lost soul in her teens and early twenties, she righted herself in her mid-twenties and discovered a deep love of the creative process. In her work, she often finds hope in unlikely places.
          Laura writes stories true and untrue in multiple forms from flash fiction to novels, memoirs to short plays. Her coming of age memoir, Resilient Ruin, won a National Indie Excellence Award for new adult nonfiction. Prior award-winning books include Reversible Skirt, a childhood memoir, and Sisters Born, Sisters Found, an anthology on sisterhood. Her stories have appeared in several anthologies, including The Best of Every Day Fiction Three and Wisdom Has a Voice. Two of her short plays were produced recently in Northern California; two others received staged readings. The Kiminee Dream is Laura's first novel. To connect with her, please visit her website.

connect with author: website ~ twitter ~ facebook ~ instagram ~ goodreads

Giveaway Details::​

Enter to win a signed copy of both
THE KIMINEE DREAM and AUNT TRULY'S TALES,
plus a $25 Amazon Gift Card
(1 winner/USA only)(ends June 25)

Bound by a Ring and a Secret (Wedding Bells at
Lake Como #1) By Jennifer Faye
Contemporary Romance
Hardcover, Paperback & ebook, 175 Pages
May 25, 2021 by Harlequin Romance
BOOK DESCRIPTION:
        A mistaken identity…
         …a proposal that changes everything!
       Photographer Gianna is done with men. Retreating to her villa on the shore of Lake Como, Gianna is stunned to find gorgeous Dario renting her house! When Dario is mistaken for her long-gone fiancé, they realize a fake engagement could solve problems for them both. Pretending to be in love should be easy, but what happens when very real feelings start to grow?
(Affiliate links included.)
Goodreads | Amazon | Bookshop | B&N | Book Depository | PRINT
Target | Walmart | BAM | IndieBound | Apple Books | Kobo | GooglePlay

REVIEW by LAWonder10:
Jennifer Faye has once gain written a fairly predictable book, yet with enough action, depth and a few twists, that her novel does not lose any momentum. From the first page she connects with the reader, and that connection does not cease until the last page of the book. She is truly a gifted writer.
In this book, a frustrated young photographer returns home with a broken heart and embarrassment with another failed relationship. She avoids he cousin, and her best friend, because she just can't tell her there will be no wedding. As he walks toward her house, a big lovable dog approaches her. Gianna, assumes the dog is lost so takes him into her home and shares with him what little food she can scrounge up. She barely begins to feed him, when a tall, muscular man shouts at her. Startled, she tries to ind a weapon of some sort. After a short explanation, she discovers her agent rented the house to him for a few months. They worked out a temporary compromise. It seemed like a great one until Guiana's cousin mistook Dario for Gianna's supposed fiance and announced it to Dario's eldest brother. From there the situation mushroomed out.
The characters were very endearing and realistic. The scenes were measly visualized. The cover and title were both a great "fit". The story smoothly flowed from chapter to chapter and was easily followed. It was anther of her "just couldn't put it down" book!s
I offer a Five Stars rating.
*This book was gifted me with no pressure to post a positive review. This is my honest review.

Go to Jennifer's Contact Page HERE and order your bookmark(s)!

OTHER BOOKS in the SERIES:

Tour Schedule
June 7th:
Splashes of Joy
Sadie's Spotlight
Fire and Ice
June 8th:
Books and Zebras
Lady Hawkeye
Hallie Reads
June 9th:
Rockin' Book Reviews
Melissa McClone
Christy's Cozy Corners
June 10th:
Wishful Endings
Pause for Tales
#BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog
reviewingbooksplusmore
June 11th:
Reading Excursions
QuirkyBookReads
Books and More Books
Bookish Jottings
Novels Alive/JoAnne Weiss

About the Author
Award-winning author, Jennifer Faye pens fun, heartwarming contemporary romances with rugged cowboys, sexy billionaires and enchanting royalty. Internationally published with books translated into nine languages. She is a two-time winner of the RT Book Reviews Reviewers' Choice Award, the CataRomance Reviewers' Choice Award, named a TOP PICK author, and been nominated for numerous other awards.

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | YouTube | BookBub | Newsletter

Tour Giveaway!


One winner will receive a
$25 Amazon gift card
(open internationally)
Ends June 16, 2021

Book Details:
Your Writing Matters: How to Banish Self-Doubt, Trust Yourself, and Go the Distance by Colleen M. Story
Category:  Adult Non-Fiction (18+),  260 pages
Genre: Non-fiction Writing/Publishing; Content Rating: G
Publisher:  Midchannel Press; Release date:  July 2021
Tour dates: June 7 to June 28, 2021
Book Description:
         Does your future as a writer feel uncertain?
        You write day after day. You dream of bestseller’s lists and royalty checks, but despite your best marketing efforts, those dreams remain out of reach.
      You wonder if you’re wasting your time. Does your writing even matter?
        Author Colleen M. Story, a long-time professional writer and writing coach, helps you decide whether you truly have a writer’s DNA. She examines why you feel pressured to make money with your work, why the search for a readership is both motivating and discouraging, and why it’s so common to doubt yourself along the way.
        Step by step, you’ll gain a clear-eyed view at the challenges a writer faces in the outside world, while taking your own journey inward to discover what writing really means to you.
         Should you continue on this path, or adjust your course now before it’s too late? Don’t waste your precious time in indecision. Let Your Writing Matters guide you to your truth and you’ll never look back again.

Pre-Order the Book: Amazon ~ add to Goodreads ~ add to BookBub

REVIEW by LAWonder10:
According to experts, natural talent isn't the most important attribute of a writer. To become a good writer, one must have the desire, perseverance, and regularly practice. It is important an individual eliminate self-doubt, indecision or the negative feedback from others in order to become successful. However, one must be wiling to accept honest criticism and self-evaluation in order to improve.
On a personal note, I am bewildered to discover the huge amount of reviews which are not given objectively, nor are an honest evaluation of literary content. Most book "Reviewers" rate the works totally on whether he/she liked it or whether or not he/she agreed with the writer.. Thus, most reviews are frequently misleading and unfair.
The author contends that most writers desire success and want to connect with the reader for a purpose. However, for some, writing is a self expression and can be a very internal healing form of therapy.
This book is a must for anyone wanting to write or improve his/her writing ability. Unlike many self-help books, 'Your Writing Matters' is never drawn-out or boring. Ms Story gets right to the main points, backs her stances with brief examples and expert information. In this fast moving literary work, she also includes "checkpoints" and quizzes helping an individual evaluate himself/herself. She gives excellent pointers on how to avoid psychological defeat.
This is also a tremendously helpful book in other aspects of ones life. This book will aid individuals in any field of endeavor, so is valuable to more than just "writers".
I offer a definite Five Stars rating for this book.
*This book was gifted me, with no pressure for a positive review. This is my honest review.

Meet the Author:

        Colleen M. Story inspires writers to overcome modern-day challenges and find creative fulfillment in their work. Her book on author platforms, "Writer Get Noticed!," was a gold-medal winner in the Reader’s Favorite Book Awards and a first-place winner in the Reader Views Literary Awards. "Overwhelmed Writer Rescue" was named Book by Book Publicity’s Best Writing/Publishing Book in 2018 and was an Amazon bestseller. Her novel, "Loreena’s Gift," was a Foreword Reviews' INDIES Book of the Year Awards winner, among others.
          Colleen frequently serves as a workshop leader and motivational speaker, where she helps attendees remove mental and emotional blocks and tap into their unique creative powers. Her first course, “How to Finish the Creative Projects You Start,” is available on Teachable.
         Go to Colleen's website for free chapters of her books.

connect with the author: website ~ twitter ~ goodreads ~ bookbub

Giveaway Details:​

Enter to win a $15 Amazon Gift Card courtesy of Colleen M. Story, author of YOUR WRITING MATTERS! (one winner/USA only) (ends July 5)

Book Details:
Aunt Truly's Tales: Enchantment for Story Lovers
by Laura McHale Holland
​Category:  Adult Fiction (18+ and older), 100 pages
Genre:  Fantasy: short stories/folk and fairy tales
Publisher:  WORDforest; Release date:  June 5, 2021
Tour dates:  June 7 to June 18, 2021
Content Rating:  PG. These are all stories that could be shared with a teenager, probably even a 10 year old.
Book Description:
         A dash of whimsy and a dose of wisdom for our times.
          If you like stories that call to mind a simpler era and words strung in lyrical ways, this collection will take you to a wondrous world where ordinary rules do not apply.
          Podcasts, blogs, movies, vlogs—people spin yarns in many ways. But nothing dazzles like a story told in person. In the right teller's hands, a simple narrative has unfathomable power. Such is the case with Aunt Truly, a spellbinding character in Laura McHale Holland's novel The Kiminee Dream. She is old, but no one knows her age; she travels, but where she goes is a mystery. One thing is certain: she collects stories.
          The ten tales in this book present traditional and original stories Aunt Truly might tell you if you happened by her home, Windy Wood, where snow falls from November through April, and reality is open to interpretation. In her tales, you'll meet a determined frog, clever seamstress, wise handyman, stolen wife and more unlikely heroes who face daunting trials. Some succeed; others do not. In the process, they are all transformed.

Buy the Book: Amazon (print) ~ Amazon (ebook) ~ B&N ~ Draft2Digital ~ 
add to Goodreads

Book Details:
The Kiminee Dream: A Novel by Laura McHale Holland
​Category:  Adult Fiction (18+ and older), 342 pages
Genre:  Literary fiction, magical realism
Publisher:  WORDforest; Release date:  April, 2020
Tour dates:  June 7 to June 18, 2021
Content Rating:  PG-13 + M. A few scenes contain violence and sexual assault. These are not major aspects of the book and don't go into great detail, but these experiences have repercussions for some of the characters that they have to resolve.
Book Description:
          A deeply poetic, riveting debut novel, The Kiminee Dream is a tale of Midwest charm and quirky characters, but with twists and turns that reveal a dark side you don't see coming.
          It's true that odd things happen in Kiminee, Illinois. Lilacs bloom in winter. Gravel glows golden on occasion. The river sings as it wends through town. But this is normal for the tight-knit folks who call Kiminee home. So when auburn-tufted Carly Mae Foley learns to read at age two and masters multiplication at age three, the denizens take it in stride and embrace her with pride.
           But all is not well in Carly Mae's family. And when a twister roars though, it decimates their home, along with their emotional bonds, as her mother's affair is exposed and her father goes missing. A determined grandmother, one-eared dog and generous benefactor come to the gifted child's aid, but not everyone is rooting for her, and when an appalling crime occurs, long-held animosities boil over. No one can say whether the good folks of Kiminee will pull closer together—or be torn apart.
         Influenced by folklore and magical realism, The Kiminee Dream is both hypnotic and endearing. If you like depth as well as whimsy, arresting twists, and details that stir your heart, you’ll love what is ultimately an eloquent exploration of acceptance and a tender tribute to the people of Illinois. Don’t delay. Experience this literary gem today.

Buy the Book: Amazon ~ B&N ~ Bookshop ~ Draft2Digital ~ add to Goodreads

Meet the Author:
           As a child, Laura McHale Holland loved the musicality of language and often recalled, verbatim, conversations she heard. A lost soul in her teens and early twenties, she righted herself in her mid-twenties and discovered a deep love of the creative process. In her work, she often finds hope in unlikely places.
           Laura writes stories true and untrue in multiple forms from flash fiction to novels, memoirs to short plays. Her coming of age memoir, Resilient Ruin, won a National Indie Excellence Award for new adult nonfiction. Prior award-winning books include Reversible Skirt, a childhood memoir, and Sisters Born, Sisters Found, an anthology on sisterhood. Her stories have appeared in several anthologies, including The Best of Every Day Fiction Three and Wisdom Has a Voice. Two of her short plays were produced recently in Northern California; two others received staged readings. The Kiminee Dream is Laura's first novel. To connect with her, please visit her website.

connect with author: website ~ twitter ~ facebook ~ instagram ~ goodreads

Here is the tour schedule. 

GIVEAWAY DETAILS:

Enter to win a signed copy of both THE KIMINEE DREAM and AUNT TRULY'S TALES, plus a $25 Amazon Gift Card (1 winner/USA only)

The Hotel By Pamela Kelley
Women's Fiction, RomancePaperback & ebook, 270 Pages
June 8, 2021 by Piping Plover Press
BOOK DESCRIPTION:
        Secrets and lies...at Nantucket's most exclusive and glamorous, family-owned hotel.
           The Whitley is Nantucket's most exclusive waterfront hotel--a sprawling collection of pristine white cottages and an elegant main building on a long stretch of private, white sandy beach. It's a family owned business--brothers, sisters, cousins, aunts, all work there in various capacities.
           Paula is happy in her back office accounting position. But changes are in store when her grandfather promotes her and fires her cousin--who then blames Paula.
       Meanwhile, a blond romantic comedy superstar is hiding out at The Hotel for a few months. She meets Paula's brother, a chef--who has no idea who she is--and she likes it that way. Paula's grandfather also hires a consultant to help her settle into her new role. But she isn't sure what to think of David, who grew up on Nantucket but now lives in Manhattan. He's a brilliant consultant and will be assessing Paula's suitability for the role. He's also home for another reason, a difficult family issue that makes Manhattan seem very far away. A new family saga from the Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestseller author of The Nantucket Inn and The Restaurant.
(Affiliate links included.)
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

REVIEW by LAWonder10:
The Hotel is a wonderful story with various important precepts to consider. Although somewhat predictable there were many "twists" and fast paced events, it was never boring.

This was an inspirational motivating story of positive self-talk, pushing oneself to do more than one considers possible. It is about loyalty, jealousy, forgiveness, finding ones own purpose, .dysfunctional relationships, being honest with oneself and willing to improve. It's about trust, friendship and love.

The characters are believable and well-defined. It is easy for the reader to feel aart of the story. The title and Cover image are sim[le but a great "fit".

I am looking forward to reading more works by this great writer!
I offer a Five Stars rating.
This book was gifted me with no pressure to post a positive review. This is my honest review.

ABOUT the AUTHOR:
         Pamela M. Kelley is a USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of women's fiction, family sagas, and suspense. Readers often describe her books as feel-good reads with people you'd want as friends.
           She lives in a historic seaside town near Cape Cod and just south of Boston. She has always been an avid reader of women's fiction, romance, mysteries, thrillers and cook books. There's also a good chance you might get hungry when you read her books as she is a foodie, and occasionally shares a recipe or two.

Website | Goodreads | BookBub | Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram | Newsletter

Find the Tour Schedule HERE.

GIVEAWAY DETAILS!

One winner will receive a gorgeous Kate Space totebag with two signed paperbacks, one of
The Hotel and one of The Nantucket Inn (US only)

 To Enter, complete the Rafflecopter below!

City of Deadly Dreams: Mystery by Elyse Douglas
Publisher:  Broadback (May 1, 2021)
Category: Hard-Boiled Mystery, Private Investigator Mystery
Tour dates: May 31-June 30, 2021
Available in ebook,  250 pages; ISBN: B08Y86X4B3
Book Description:
        Dane Cooper, an NYC Hell’s Kitchen private detective, is hired by a Tennessee man to find his handsome, 20-year-old son named Elvis, who has been missing for several months. Though hesitant at first, Dane takes the case because he needs the money.  Dane soon learns that the case centers around a beautiful, mysterious blonde, named Darcy. Against his better judgment, he falls for her, believing she might lead him to Elvis.  Her dangerous secrets trouble him, and he realizes he can’t trust her.
Dane’s investigation turns deadly when he learns that Elvis has left a trail of pregnant young girls, unhappy husbands, and vengeful women.  Dane becomes a target as he struggles to find Elvis and save him from the killers who are closing in. Can Dane save Elvis and himself, or will Darcy’s secrets get them all killed?
Buy Link: Amazon

View Trailer City of Deadly Dreams by Elyse Douglas:

                                      Budget Timeline for Marketing Books by Elyse Douglas

        “Only a fool learns from his/her own mistakes. The wise person learns from the mistakes of others.” – Otto von Bismarck
       What has Elyse Douglas learned from others regarding marketing? Have a good product first before you think of spending money on advertising. Make sure you’ve answered all pertinent questions before you write the book. Below are steps we suggest you take before you write a word.
                1.)  Create a marketing campaign before you write the book. This saves a lot of time and money on advertising down the road. If you can’t figure out how to market the book before you write it, it will be difficult to market it afterwards. Write the title, a brief description and then a longer description. If possible, create the book cover or hire someone. (It doesn’t have to be the final cover, but it will fix the book in your mind and help you market it later.)
              2.)  Answer these questions: Who is your primary audience? What is the genre? Why should anyone want to read your book?
                3.)   Send the book to a good editor.
                4.)   After it is edited, have it proofread by a professional
                5.)   Ensure the book cover is designed professionally, and that it is alluring.

      “The aim of marketing is to know and understand the customer so well the product or service fits him and sells itself.” – Peter Drucker
        Now you’re ready for a marketing strategy.  
       Will you list the book for preorder? That will determine how much you’ll budget for your overall marketing plan. It also depends on if this is your first novel, or if you have a backlist of ten books or more.
        Everyone’s budget is different, but for any book to be successful, one MUST ADVERTISE and market. You MUST spend money.
          If possible, you should plan a budget of not less than one to two thousand dollars.
          As to marketing platforms, we primarily use Facebook, Amazon and Bookbub.
        First Bookbub: We have had seven Bookbub Featured Deals, and the exposure has helped immensely both nationally and internationally. The fees for their services are listed when you apply to be selected.
       Facebook is also a great source for marketing, with 2.80 billion monthly active users. Placing a book ad on Facebook takes practice for success and the budget has to be controlled, but the general rule of thumb is, expect to spend from two-to-three hundred dollars per month per book on Facebook.
        Amazon can be a problem child. They are constantly changing their robots, and their dashboard cannot compare with Facebook’s. However, exposure on Amazon can produce success as long as the marketer understands how Amazon works. That takes time and research. Budgets will vary according to genre, back lists and skill with using keywords.
        “If you want to understand how a lion hunts, don’t go to the zoo. Go to the jungle.” – Jim Stengel
         Your budget timeline will greatly depend on how well your book is selling. It is helpful and necessary to test your marketing strategy before you commit a lot of money. If your book takes off, increase your budget and presence. If the book falters, try new ads on the portals mentioned above. If, after some time, the book struggles for sales and readership, you might want to pull your ads and save your money.
        “Creativity without strategy is called art, creativity with strategy is called advertising.” – Prof. Jef L. Richards
         Spend time exploring why the novel is not selling. Is it clumsy marketing? The cover? The genre? Bad editing?
         All the above are the rules Elyse Douglas follows in writing, marketing and budgeting a new novel. As a suggestion, for commercial fiction writers, the following quote might be helpful, especially at this time.
         “People spend money when and where they feel good.” – Walt Disney

About Elyse Douglas
         Elyse Douglas is the pen name for the married writing team Elyse Parmentier and Douglas Pennington. Elyse grew up near the sea, roaming the beaches, reading and writing stories and poetry, receiving a master’s degree in English Literature.  She has enjoyed careers as an English teacher, an actress and a speech-language pathologist.

Douglas has worked as a graphic designer, a corporate manager and an equities trader.  He attended the Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music and played the piano professionally for many years.
Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~

Giveaway Details:
         This giveaway is for 1 ebook copy to 2 winners. It is open to the U.S. only and ends on July 1, 2021, midnight pacific time. Entries are accepted via Rafflecopter only.

September To Remember by Carole Bumpus
Publisher:  She Writes Press (April 27, 2021)
Category: Culinary/Travel Memoir & Non-Fiction
ISBN: 978-1631527272
Available in Print and ebook, 245 pages
Book Description:
      This culinary travel memoir is an invitation to join in on a month-long trek through Italy, all in the search of the true Italian experience. Sprinkled with unforgettable characters, you will sup on sumptuous traditional foods, sip regional wines, and enjoy vast panoramas of extraordinary beauty. You may find yourself dancing at harvest festivals, climbing through Etruscan tombs, traipsing among Roman ruins, or bathing in ancient Roman termes (hot springs).
      You may also enjoy climbing to the heights of wonder in Capri or to the top of St. Peter’s Basilica. Or delight in soaking up the ancient and cultural history in Milan, Firenze (Florence), Amalfi, Pompeii, Lecce and Rome. You can bask in the sun and rugged beauty of the Tyrrhenian Sea, the Adriatic Sea, or the gorgeous Amalfi Coast. Or you can chat for hours over family meals while collecting a compendium of regional and traditional recipes (cucina povera), while you capture a rare glimpse inside the secrets to the Mediterranean psyche. It is truly a trip of a lifetime.
Buy Links: Amazon ~ Barnes&Noble ~ IndieBound  ~

About Carole Bumpus
        Multi award winning author, Carole Bumpus is a retired family therapist, who lives in the San Francisco Bay Area. She began writing about food and travel when she stumbled upon the amazing stories of women and war in France. Her historical novel, A Cup of Redemption, was published in October 2014, and her unique companion cookbook, Recipes for Redemption: A Companion Cookbook to A Cup of Redemption, was released in August 2015.
        Books One and Two of her Savoring the Olde Ways series, Searching for Family and Traditions at the French Table, were published in August 2019 and 2020; her third book in the series, A September to Remember: Searching for Culinary Pleasures at the Italian Table is due out April 27, 2021. All five books have been published by She Writes Press which is part of SparkPoint Studio, LLC.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Instagram ~

     A riveting tale of a generation torn apart by war.

Lighting the Stars by Gabriele Wills
Publisher:  Mindshadows, November 2020; ISBN: 978-1775035411
Category: Historical Fiction, World War II, Historical Romance
Tour dates: May-June, 2021
Available in Print and ebook, 477 pages
Book Description:
       Tucked into the rugged Canadian wilderness of Muskoka’s majestic lake country, Merilee Sutcliffe’s peaceful town seems worlds away from the escalating conflict in Europe. But life is about to change dramatically in the Summer of 1940. As her patriotic friends and relatives leave for battle, her small town is thrust into the war machine. Merilee’s formerly tranquil skies soon roar with aircraft from the Royal Norwegian Air Force, stationed nearby to train young men determined to liberate their country from Nazi occupation.  When German Prisoners of War march into her shocked community, they become Merilee’s closest neighbours – and biggest threat.
          What unfolds in her remote town and on foreign shores sets Merilee and her growing circle on a collision course with an unimagined destiny. Caught up in the chaos is Luftwaffe pilot Erich Leitner. Shot down during the Battle of Britain and transplanted to a lakeside prison in Muskoka, he discovers he has more to fear from his comrades than his captors.
            While her cousin-in-spirit, Elyse Thornton, navigates the treacherous skies of Britain as a Spitfire Girl, audaciously ferrying warplanes from factories to airfields, Merilee becomes quietly entangled in her own dangerous liaisons on the home front. Caught between worlds, with conflicted loyalties and a sense of duty, she joins the Royal Canadian Air Force, Women’s Division, and soon finds herself in ground-zero London, focussing her photographer’s lens on a city under bombardment.
           Far from carefree summers on the lake, struggling to survive the relentless demands and sacrifices of war, Merilee, Elyse, and their friends wonder if they dare to risk their hearts as well.
As unlikely lives intersect, ideologies and social hierarchies are challenged, loves and friendships are forged or broken, and countless heroes are made and lost.  But even those who return to the serenity of Muskoka are changed forever.
Buy Links: Amazon.com  ~  Amazon.ca  ~ Mindshadows Paperbacks  ~ Barnes&Noble   ~ IndieBound ~  

                                                               Lighting the Stars – Excerpt:
[Erich is a Luftwaffe pilot captured during the Battle of Britain and interred in a lakeside Prisoner of War (POW) camp in Ontario, Canada. Merilee’s father, Colin, is an officer working at the camp.]

        Merilee stopped her bicycle at the edge of the woodland by her favourite blueberry patch. Now that the Germans had taken over Mrs. Jones’s farm, they were uncomfortably close. Dare she go and pick berries?
         It was her father who had suggested to the camp commandant that the POWs could lease and farm the land – using profits from their canteen - giving them not only healthy outdoor exercise, but also providing them with the satisfaction of home-grown food and a whiff of freedom. Colonel Winterbourne had been as enthusiastic about the idea as the new, and more amenable, Lagerführer, Oberstleutnant Benedikt Richter, who had been a commander with Rommel’s Afrika Korps. Colin had earned a promotion to Major for his ceaseless efforts to keep the prisoners happily occupied and out of trouble.
       The Germans had built themselves a house for daytime use, a piggery, and a hen house, while the barn now contained two cows and three horses. They had also constructed a shelter and an observation tower for the guards. The extensive sports field and a fishing hole attracted parolees who weren’t interested in farming, so it wasn’t unusual to see a hundred men, accompanied by a few unarmed guards, marching the two miles to and from the farm singing sentimental songs.
         So the parolees would be busy with their crops or games and surely not wandering about this far away. Merilee ventured into the woods.
        Below a granite ridge and above a meandering stream, the blueberry patch was somewhat sheltered, but also from the wind. It was a sweltering August day, so she opened another button on her blouse, which she pulled outwards so that she could blow a breeze down her damp chest. “Blast!” she swore, when she realized that her berry-stained fingers had left a mark on her lilac shirt.
        Erich Leitner, leaning against an oak, grinned with amusement. He should have warned her of his presence, but he enjoyed watching her as she hummed happily to herself. He could hardly believe that his ravishing dream girl was only a few feet away.
      Merilee grabbed her lustrous, shoulder-length hair and twisted it with annoyance into a ponytail, which she knotted loosely at the back of her neck, but already the silken tresses threatened to escape. But for a few moments, Erich could see the long, dark lashes, and the luscious curve of her lips. Everything about her was sensuous - her bare, unblemished arms and shapely legs, the way she moved and popped the odd berry into her mouth. He found himself immensely aroused by her.
      They both became aware of the rustling of underbrush and snapping of twigs moments before hearing snuffling grunts. Merilee straightened up with a scream as a bear cub came galloping over the ridge towards her. She turned to flee and shrieked as she crashed into Erich. She knew instantly that he was one of the prisoners, but before she could scream again, he covered her mouth with his hand, saying, “You are in no danger, Miss.”
        She struggled in his arms, terrified that even if he wasn’t a threat, there was still the bear.
       “Brunhild also will not hurt you,” Erich reassured her. “Come, I will show you,” he added, loosening his restraining grip.
         The cub had stopped at Merilee’s cries and stood several yards away, seeming perplexed.
        “No!” Merilee protested as Erich tried to draw her towards the animal. “When her mother comes, she’ll tear us to pieces!”
        “There is no mother. That is why she is our… how do you say?… pet. At the farm.” Turning towards the bear, he pointed and said, “Brunhild, setz Dich hin.”
The cub tilted her head back and forth as if she understood, but didn’t want to obey. Erich took a handful of berries from Merilee’s basket, and repeated his order as he held out the offering to the bear. She sat down as directed, gobbled the berries, and licked Erich’s hand.
Merilee watched in astonishment.
         “She loves blueberries, but she also likes to be with me,” Erich explained, scratching the cub’s head. “You can touch her if you please.”
Merilee shook her head.
         “She makes a good guard at the farm. Nothing comes to steal the chickens or the little pigs anymore.”
         “Have you escaped?” Merilee asked in a small voice, almost afraid to know the answer.
He chuckled. “No, we do not escape when we are on parole. We have given our word of honour as officers. It would not be good to break that. And if we did, we could be hanged when we return to Germany.”
         Merilee was shocked.
        “It is… verrückt… crazy, is it not? When we are behind the barbed wire, it is our duty to try to escape… But you wonder why I am away from the farm?”
         She nodded.
         “The guards permit us to wander in the woods a little. They know we need time to be alone. But Brunhild, she did escape, and followed my smell.”
        The bear rubbed her head against Erich’s leg. “Ja, Du kannst jetzt aufstehen. Aber nicht weglaufen.” The cub stood up and sauntered over to Merilee’s basket. “Nein! Nicht stehlen!” he admonished. With a shake of her shaggy head, she went over to the blueberry shrubs and began feasting.
          Merilee couldn’t help giggling at the well-trained animal. “She understands German!”
Erich smiled at her amusement, glad that she hadn’t run away yet. He wanted to keep her here a while longer. “You had a shock. You permit me to offer you a cigarette?”
          Merilee hesitated. She shouldn’t, of course. “Thank you."

 You can find the Tour Schedule HERE.

About Gabriele Wills:
         Gabriele at the location where ‘Lighting the Stars’ begins
            Gabriele Wills is the author of 6 highly acclaimed historical novels, including 4 in The Muskoka Novels saga set in North America, Britain, and Europe through the two cataclysmic World Wars and the seductive Jazz Age.
        Her passion is to weave compelling stories around meticulously researched and often quirky or arcane facts in order to bring the past to life, especially with regard to women’s often forgotten contributions.
        The first novel in her ‘Muskoka Novels’, ‘The Summer Before the Storm’ was the “Muskoka Chautauqua Reading List Winner”
Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~

Giveaway Details:
Lighting the Stars by Gabriele Wills (3 Winners)
Print copies are open to the U.S. and Canada only. Gifted Kindle is open to the U.S only and Kobo is open to anyone who has a usable account on Kobo. It ends on June 30, 2021,midnight pacific time.

Book Details:
FLYING AGAINST THE ODDS: One Man's Journey to New Ways of Healing by Jean-Jacques Trochon with Heather Whitehall-Trochon
Category:  Adult Non-Fiction (18+),  249 pages ~ Genre:  Memoir
Publisher:  Ikhaya Publishing ~ Release date:   November 2020
Tour dates: May 17 to June 4, 2021
Content Rating:  G. Memoir for General Audience.
Book Description:
         “IT TAKES A DIFFERENT KIND OF THINKING TO SOLVE A PROBLEM THAN THE KIND OF THINKING THAT PRODUCED THE PROBLEM.” —Albert Einstein
        JJ had a devastating problem. At age fifty-one, he was diagnosed with stage four cancer and given three years to live. Rather than accept that outcome, JJ did what he always does: he set out to find a solution. Desiring to look beyond traditional treatments and their often harmful side effects, he put his unconventionally wired mind to work. JJ was relentless as he investigated alternative therapies and pursued global trailblazers in cancer research. Moving from the role of patient to patient-researcher, he became a trailblazer in his own right, being sought after for his latest findings. Ultimately, JJ brought together the most innovative international minds at the Rethinking Cancer 2017 conference in Paris. Together, they found common ground, and they continue to create integrative, synergistic approaches to treatment. Today, almost a decade after his diagnosis, JJ has defied the odds and is cancer-free. Recently retired from his career as a commercial airline captain on the Airbus A380, he now devotes himself to sharing his ongoing research with scientists and patients. JJ’s story illustrates how looking at things differently often enables us to see them in a whole new light.

Buy the Book: ~ Amazon ~ Book Depository ~ add to Goodreads

REVIEW By LAWonder10:
This is an amazing story by incredible people who relates a totally true, yet unbelievable story in this man's journey - 'beating the odds" - of repeated occurrences of the devastating disease of cancer. His fortitude and self-motivated research is an inspiration and earns the attention of a vast amount of people throughout the world... Is there anyone who hasn't known a loved one who has received the dreaded diagnosis of cancer - or who has personally received this diagnosis?

I was so impressed with the determination and impetus this amazing man had to overcome  the outcome of situations "fate" presented him with. He successfully discovered several ways to extend and preserve his life with a quality he could still enjoy. It is something we can all learn from. He was able to combine scientific methods, along with natural methods, uniting specialists from varying fields of healing.

This was a very well-written memoir account. I highly recommend this book to all people.

This book was gifted me with no pressure for a positive rview. This is my honest review.
*I offer a Five Stars rating for this book.

        A Deviation on the Flight Path

         ‘Seeing red’ is an expression often used to describe anger. For me it will always have a very different meaning, reminding me of the day my kidney ‘exploded’ back in 2003. Ok, it didn’t literally explode but, as an airline pilot, this was the first image that came to mind upon seeing a terrifying amount of blood in my urine. At that moment, I knew I was heading for a crash landing, unless I acted fast.
         You always imagine it won’t happen to you. Until it does. It’s a sobering fact that one out of every two of us will develop some form of cancer in the next ten years*. I was forty-one years old when I became part of this depressing statistic. At the time, I was a short-haul airline captain. I was living the dream, flying to amazing destinations throughout Europe. I hadn’t anticipated that kidney cancer - and the subsequent diagnosis of just a few years to live - would result in such a deviation on my flight path. But I have never been one to accept defeat. I worked hard at my recovery and was back in the cockpit within just a few months.
        Another sobering fact about cancer is that it rarely strikes just once. In 2012, I was informed that I had advanced to stage four, since my initial cancer had become metastatic. Over the next two years, I underwent a series of surgeries to remove multiple tumors from both lungs. I don’t recommend that anyone Google the life expectancy of stage four kidney cancer patients. I did just that. The prognosis wasn’t good, but I was determined to fly against these dismal odds.
         Flying Against the Odds is a memoir, written in collaboration with my wife, Heather. It describes my personal cancer journey, with its many highs and lows, but it’s ultimately a story of optimism. I am still here to tell the tale! I decided to write the book following the success of a pioneering conference that I initiated in 2017. ‘Rethinking Cancer 2017’ brought together leading doctors and scientists from the world of alternative cancer treatments. I am proud to now consider these brilliant minds among my friends. We are united in empowering the patient and placing them at the center of cancer therapies.
         My journey has been one of determination. I have had to overcome many obstacles en-route, but not once have I considered giving up. I want my story to provide hope to those who find themselves in a similar situation. Over the pages of my memoir, I share how I discovered my four pillars of healing, namely ketogenesis, antiangiogenesis, fasting and the importance of the microbiome, supported by an amazing pigment called phycocyanin. Flying Against the Odds is not a self-help book, since no one cancer is the same. I would therefore consider it irresponsible to provide a ‘to do’ list for all cancer sufferers. Instead, I offer a personal consultation service via my website (https://jeanjacquestrochon.com).
*statistic taken from The British Journal of Cancer

Meet the Authors: 
        Jean-Jacques Trochon (or JJ as he is more commonly known) spent thirty-two years as a commercial airline pilot for Air France. A French national, he enjoyed an early childhood in Tahiti before finishing his schooling in France and the USA. In 2003, JJ was diagnosed with aggressive kidney cancer and subsequently underwent the removal of his left kidney. In 2012 and 2014, he underwent further surgeries following the discovery of multiple metastases in both lungs. Despite being given a slim chance of survival, JJ again returned to work in 2016. He captained the world's largest commercial aircraft, the Airbus A380, until his retirement in spring 2020. Today, Jean-Jacques devotes his spare time to helping other cancer sufferers and spreading the word about his revolutionary approach to the disease. He was the initiator of Rethinking Cancer 2017, a groundbreaking conference held in Paris on September 21, 2017, at Institut Gustave Roussy, the leading cancer center in Europe.

         Heather Whitehall-Trochon is a lover of languages and translator of French and German into English. A British national, she completed studies in fashion journalism at the London College of Fashion before moving to Munich, Germany, where she worked in public relations for fashion and film. After relocating to Vienna, Austria, she had a brief stint as an editor at the Associated Press, prior to becoming a freelance translator and seasoned backpacker. Heather met JJ in Paris in 2007, marrying him the following year. The couple, together with their cat, Zulu, have now settled in Biarritz, France.

Connect with the author:  Website  ~  Twitter  ~  Facebook ~ Instagram ~ Goodread

Giveaway Details:​

Enter to win a copy of FLYING AGAINST THE ODDS: One Man's Journey to New Ways of Healing (3 winners) (USA only) (ends June 11)

Enter by completing the Rafflecopter below.

Book Details:
Cerebral Palsy: 'A Story' Finding the Calm After the Storm
by  Ilana Estelle
​Category:  Adult Non-Fiction, 288 pages ~~ Genre:  memoir
Publisher:  RedDoor Press ~ Release date:  Feb 1, 2020
Content Rating:  G. ~ Tour dates:  May 17 to June 4, 2021
Book Description:
        Born the second of premature twins, Ilana knew she was different from a young age, but for all the wrong reasons. Part memoir, part motivational guide, this is Ilana's open and honest journey, from an angry confused child, knowing something was wrong, but not knowing what, to the 'real' her - a courageous woman using her experiences and lessons to create inspiring messages about mental and physical health, positivity, resilience and change.
Buy the Book: Amazon ~ Amazon.UK  ~B&N ~ BAM ~ IndieBound ~ Waterstones 
~ Add to Goodreads  ~ 

            Can you share an extract from your book and tell us why you have chosen
                                          this particular part of the story?

           I have chosen the particular piece below because it sums up my blog, me and the book in its entirety:
          “Without my experiences to draw upon for inspiration, I couldn’t have done and achieved what I have with my life, or with my blog. Trauma or anything else you want to call it is never OKAY: but I understand. I know that without my experiences, I would never have become an author, writer or blogger and whilst I cannot change my experiences, my blogs act as a reminder that there is always a message, a silver lining and a way through our experiences.”
           Not knowing I had cerebral palsy until I was 46, meant I had a lot of catching up to do, to understand my struggles and my experiences, what I saw as my failings needed to be explored, understood and accepted. I needed to come to terms with my disability, with my life and with my experiences.
          I know that I could never have achieved any level of acceptance or understanding of my experiences, of my disability and of my life, without writing the book and although I cannot change the past, I can at least find understanding on it, in a safe and contained place that allows me to explore my life in detail, so that I can get to know ‘me’.

Meet the Author:

"Living with cerebral palsy is enormously difficult. But what if you never knew you had it? This is the incredible story of Ilana Estelle. Born the second of premature twins, an hour apart, from a young age Ilana knew she was different, but for all the wrong reasons. A child of the 60s, Ilana experienced first-hand the way that disability was, so often brushed under the carpet, not spoken about. Her constant physical and mental struggles made her feel isolated, alone, frustrated, and misunderstood… and it took 46 years for her to find out why. Part memoir, part motivational guide, Cerebral Palsy: a story 'Finding the Calm After The Storm' is Ilana’s open and honest journey from an angry, confused child, knowing something was wrong, not knowing what was wrong, what her disability was, or that there was a diagnosis, to the ‘real’ her – a courageous woman using her experiences and lessons to create inspiring messages about mental and physical health, positivity, resilience and change.”

Connect with the author: website ~ twitter ~ facebook ~ pinterest ~ goodreads

Here is the tour schedule. 

Giveaway Details:​
Enter to win a mobi for Kindle copy of 
Cerebral Palsy: 'A Story' Finding the Calm After the Storm (3 winners)  (ends June 11)