Book Review: IF MUSIC BE The FOOD Of LOVE by Lenny Cavallaro

Immortal Beloved meets Fifty Shades of Grey, Sophie’s Choice, The Godfather, and The Reincarnation of Peter Proud in this spell-binding love story that involves classical music, kinky sex, the Holocaust, the Mafia, the psychic/occult, “soul fractions,” and a 2,000-year-old curse.

For twenty-eight years the Curse has lain dormant, waiting and gathering strength. Soon it will strike one last time, a lethal blow designed to destroy them.

Twenty-eight years earlier, the Curse relied upon a viper to deliver a fatal dosage of poison, but somehow Elena Bianchi survived. Next time the Curse will have far more dangerous weapons at its disposal.

Elena is more astute than the others. The Curse realizes that unlike her predecessors, she can somehow sense its presence and anticipate its movements. Her skills are great, but the Curse now knows where she is most vulnerable.

As the saga begins, Elena and Giovanni move freely between the worlds of classical music and extremely kinky sex. However, only Elena will develop a spiritual awareness of the true history they share.

In this four-part series, the battle lines are drawn. Either Elena will die, or she will put an end to the Curse, once and for all.

Rating: 5 out of 5.

If you are a fan of 50 Shades, you would love reading the work of Cavallaro. A kinky story intertwined with musical saga, and some sci-fi elements, rendering it an unusually great read, leaving the reader feeling refreshed and energized. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for an out-of-the-norm kinky read.

An Interview with Author Robin Brooks

Robin Brooks is a new writer, and author of the gratitude series Attitude of Gratitude: 30 Day Gratitude Journal. An educator at heart, Robin has spent the last several years researching the importance and benefits of gratitude, mindfulness, and happiness. Robin has enjoyed reading self-help books for years and began creating journals and habit trackers three years ago. Robin lives and works in her hometown of Washington, DC, and spends her free time traveling and researching. If you are interested in making gratitude a daily habit, look no further, Robin’s journals are sure to help.

Where are you from?

I am from Washington, DC.

Describe yourself in five words

I am funny, thoughtful, genuine, smart, and kind.

What fact about yourself would really surprise people?

A fact about myself that would surprise people is that I am a homebody. I enjoy relaxing around the house and creating crafts or writing.

What do you write about?

I enjoy writing self-help books. Gratitude and mindfulness are my areas of interest. Both gratitude and mindfulness can have a long-lasting impact on one’s life by improving our emotional health and physical health. 

Why do you write?

I am a new writer. I realized last year after losing my grandmother that I wanted to pursue my passion for writing. I’ve just begun to self-publish books beginning with gratitude journals.

How long does it take to write a book?

It takes me about a week to write a gratitude journal. I like to take time and be thoughtful about the journal content.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

My interesting writing quirk is that I like to appeal to everybody. I have gratitude journals for women, men, and children.

How do you work through self-doubts and fear?

I work through self-doubts and fear by being completely present in the moment.  I do a lot of positive self-talk to combat self-doubts and fear. I’m big on speaking things into existence, so I say a mantra or set an intention for myself.

How do you write – lap top, pen, paper, in bed, at a desk?

I do my best writing on my laptop at a desk.

How much sleep do you need to be your best?

I need about 6 hours to be at my best.

Is your family supportive? Do your friends support you?

I would like to thank my family and friends for their support. No matter what, they are always in my corner and rooting me on. I love them!

Tell us about your new book? Why did you write it?  

My latest book is a gratitude journal for pregnant people. I wrote this journal so pregnant people can take note of the moments that they are most thankful for during their pregnancy. A little something to help them receive a positive mindset for themselves and their baby.

What do you hope people will take away from your writing? How will your words make them feel?

I want people to take away that my journals were designed to be simple and yet thoughtful. They were designed to serve as a self-exploration tool to make you feel more thankful and build a new outlook on life. These journals are perfect for oneself or as gifts.

Book Review by Jas: Brick – by – Brick – Reshape Your Thinking

Be Inspired, Reshape Your Thinking, and See Life From A Different Perspective – Achieve Greater Things and Understand Who You Are as a Person. Rebuild the Foundation of Your Life and Heal From Past Traumas With These 11 Bricks!

Have you always wondered why you are the way you are?

Do you bury past problems in hopes of never seeing them again?

Would you like to heal yourself and rebuild the foundation of your life?

Many people fail to realize that the reason they aren’t able to move forward in life is because they’ve spent so much time ‘digging’ holes to bury away problems and trauma. We believe that by hiding those small problems, we’ll never have to deal with them again.

But, in the end, those minor problems are just amplified and grow larger and larger until they begin to bring you down. 

We must understand that in order to heal, we must face reality.

With Brick-by-Brick, see your life from a different perspective and reshape your thinking. Realize that the more you ‘dig’ and the more you convince yourself you don’t have a problem, you’re going further down.

In this book, you’ll discover:

  • The 11 Bricks to a new life: Learn the 11 essential building blocks for a healthier and happier life.
  • Prepare a new life: Bring more stability to your life and finally live the life you’ve always wanted.
  • A solid foundation: Build a newer and more solid foundation brick-by-brick, one step at a time!
  • Never look back: See your life from a new perspective and never have to dig another hold ever again.
  • Heartfelt guidance: Be guided every step of the way of your journey and know there’s nothing to be afraid of.

Facing your inner demons doesn’t have to be so scary. 

Scroll up, Click on “Buy Now”, and Get Your Copy Now!

Rating: 5 out of 5.

I like how, despite the book being a short one, has delivered quite a lot of important pointers in laying out a solid foundation in reshaping the mindset. The two important ones for me are the facts that we need to set boundaries even with family and friends, and avoid listening to the feedback from people who are not looking at the best interest of our lives, and that can be our family members, which is hard to do at many instances.

Another aspect is the importance of councellor or therapists and how they are not similar with friends. I totally agree with this as friends are definitely not the ones to go to when we have issues as they lack the ability to offer us advices from a neutral point of view.

In a nutshell, the 11 bricks laid out here are definitely essential ones that help to reshape our mind.

Book Review by Jas: Finding Sisters

Where does she come from?

Who are her genetic parents?

Who is she?

Does she even want to know?

With almost no information of her genetic heritage, adoptee Rebecca Daniels follows limited clues and uses DNA testing, genealogical research, thoughtful letter writing, and a willingness to make awkward phone calls with strangers to finally find her birth parents.

But along the way, she finds much more.

Two half-sisters.

A slew of cousins on both sides.

A family waiting to be discovered.

With the assistance of a distant cousin in Sweden and several other DNA angels on the internet, Daniels finally comes face to face with her birth mother just months before her passing. Join in on this author’s discovery of family and self in Finding SistersHow One Adoptee Used DNA Testing and Determination to Uncover Family Secrets and Find her Birth Family.

Rating: 5 out of 5.

I truly enjoyed reading “Finding Sister. It is an eye-opening read on how one can trace their ancestry and heritage through the DNA profiling and testing technology that we now have. For many, these tests may be a way to learn about their heritage but for people who have little knowledge on their family background like Rebecca, it goes a long way in helping them to identify where they came from and their
origins. Especially when people were adopted during the time official records may not be easily accessible. Rebecca loved her adoptive parents she was really just curious about her blood relatives.

It was indeed a rollercoaster ride reading this book, as we embark on the journey of discovery with Rebecca who first got connected to her birth mom and managed to meet her before her death. However, identifying her father was even more of a challenge, as births out of wedlock were regarded as shame, and usually the information regarding the fathers were not as easily traceable. However, with more
emails coming in from the companies that conducted the DNA tests, Rebecca managed to trace someone from her father’s family and the puzzle was solved. Rebecca also discovered half sisters and many close and distant cousins during her search journey.

An Interview with Author Brittany Benko

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Brittany is a special needs mother and a law enforcement wife. She manages a poetry blogging website by writing poems for adults and children for the public at no charge and writes for Hubpages. When Brittany is not writing, she enjoys reading, spending time with her family, and walks on the beach. Brittany is currently working on a picture book about children with autism spectrum disorder.

Poetic Poetry.png

Describe yourself in five words. Introverted, creative, motherly, shy, simple

What fact about yourself would really surprise people? 

I have a gene that can cause autism and other disabilities that I passed onto my son (who is autistic).

How do you work through self-doubts and fear? 

This is a challenging one for me. I’ve always struggled with self-confidence. I tell myself to take everything one step at a time.

What scares you the most? 

Being rejected and alone. As a writer, these are silly fears. Rejection is part of the business world.

What makes you happiest? 

Being in the mountains and near the water.

Why do you write?

I enjoy creating stories, and writing helps me to express myself in a positive way with other people. I’m not a big talker, so writing comes naturally.

Have you always enjoyed writing? 

Yes. However, when I was a child, I wanted to persue a career in music.

What motivates you to write? 

My family, experience, and inner creative juices.

What writing are you most proud of? .

My poetry collection, “Poetic Poetry: A Short Collection of Poems”

What are you most proud of in your personal life? 

My immediate family. They help me through everything.

What books did you love growing up? 

I read a lot of self-help spiritual books. I think personal growth is important no matter what career you choose.

What do you hope your obituary will say about you? 

Brittany was a special needs mother and writer who was loved by her friends and family.

Location and life experiences can really influence writing, tell us where you grew up and where you now live? 

I grew up in the city (Dallas, TX). I now live near a beach town in South Carolina. I think the simple paced life helps me to slow down and think of possible story ideas. The view of the ocean helps, too.

How did you develop your writing?

I started writing on a poetry blog. I eventually decided to self-publish a poetry collection and start submitting work to online magazines. I’ve even written a children’s picture book, which I plan on submitting to literary agents soon.

What is hardest – getting published, writing or marketing? 

Marketing has always been the most time consuming, and having a special needs kid makes it challenging to put effort into that.

What marketing works for you? 

I typically use social media or paid gigs.

Do you find it hard to share your work? 

I used to, but now I find it easy to share my work not that I have somewhat of an audience.

Is your family supportive? Do your friends support you? 

Absolutely! I wouldn’t be where I am today without their support.

What else do you do, other than write? 

I enjoy reading, going to church, and taking walks on the beach.

What other jobs have you had in your life? 

I’ve worked for a day-care center and have been in retail.

If you could study any subject at university what would you pick? 

Creative Writing

If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be? 

The North Carolilna Mountains

Tell us about your family? 

My husband is a patrol officer, my daughter is in middle school who takes honors classes, and my son is three who is on the spectrum.

How do you write – lap top, pen, paper, in bed, at a desk? 

Usually my laptop, but sometimes I use our personal computer.

How much sleep do you need to be your best? 

I do best with at least seven hours of sleep. However, my son does not always sleep well. There are many days where I feel like we’re still in the baby stage because of his needs.

Is there anyone you’d like to acknowledge and thank for their support? 

My friend, Jeff, who has helped me format my poetry collection.

Every writer has their own idea of what a successful career in writing is, what does success in writing look like to you? 

I’m proud of the small accomplishments I’ve made, but I’m looking forward to seeing if I can get traditionally published.

It is vital to get exposure and target the right readers for your writing, tell us about your marketing campaign? 

Again, marketing isn’t my forte. I feel it’s important to have the right niche so people will be naturally drawn to what I write.

Tell us about your new book? Why did you write it?  

I initially wrote it as a hobby, but the more writers I connected with, the more I realized I could self-publish my work. I wanted to become a part of that community.

If you could have a dinner party and invite anyone dead or alive, who would you ask? 

Jesus and my old friend who passed in a car wreck.

When you are not writing, how do you like to relax? 

On the couch with a good book and a cup of coffee.

What do you hope people will take away from your writing? How will your words make them feel?

I’m hoping the reader will feel everything that I write and take that with them. I also love showing imagery so the reader can visualize the scene I am writing. I enjoy presenting realistic situations and giving the reader a positive outlook.

https://brittanybenko.wixsite.com/booksbybrittany (Author Website)

https://brittanybenko.wixsite.com/poeticpoetry (Poetry Blogging Website)

https://hubpages.com/@brittanybenko (Hubpages)

Live Interview with Author Quinton Douglas Crawford

Quinton Douglas Crawford is a freelance writer, author, teacher and organization leader with over fifteen years of professional experience. He takes part in many local cultural, social justice, environmental, and educational programs in and out of the country. He loves to contribute to the positive formation of a better present and future.

Author Live Chat with Fans
Sunday: Real-Life Inspiring Stories
The Global Situation
19th December 2021 8PM CST on Facebook page (International Book Promotion)

  • Where are you from?

I’m in Northern California (45 minutes east of San Francisco)

  • Why do you write? 

I’m addicted to teaching and like the fact of creating a legacy.

  • What do you write about? 

I write about what I care about

  • Do you have a specific writing style?

Not sure, but I prefer facts over fantasy

  • What are obstacles that come in the way of writing? 

Sometimes a health problem

  • What’s the most memorable thing asked/said by a reader about your work?

“I Love what you did”

  • How long have you been writing?

Since 2000

  •  When did you first realize you wanted to become a writer?

On my 40th birthday

  • What is your work schedule like when you are writing?

I may take 1-2 days a week off to finish a chapter.

  • How long does it take to write a book?

Some take a year others take longer.

  • Do you have suggestions on how to become a better writer?

Building from a topic that is most dear to you works best for me.

  • What challenges do you come across when writing/creating your story?

Writers’ block can slow anyone down

  • What do you think makes a good story?

Relevance

  • What does your family think of your writing? 

Many have dimly expressed some excitement, but none seem to understand the financial potentials.

  • Do you see writing as a career?

No, I see it as a stress reliever and a possible financial help on the side.

  • Do you have anything specific you’d like to tell the readers?

Yes, but I add that to my interviews.

  • When did you first consider yourself a writer?

When I was in my Bachelors Degree Program and had a long-standing applause for an essay presentation I did on the dangers of the “Disrespect for Nature”.

Author website

Book Reveal: Seven Doors to Salvation

After a year and a half of working on this personal project, I’m happy to finally reveal it to everyone. My first novel, Seven Doors to Salvation: A Tale of Darkness and Light, will arrive on December 13th, 2021, and it’ll be available to purchase exclusively on Amazon! I’ve worked hard on bringing this novel […]

Book Reveal: Seven Doors to Salvation

Author Interview with Thomas Reilly

Thomas Reilly
Thomas Reilly

Thomas Reilly is a retired biotechnology scientist and executive who holds a doctoral degree in microbiology. He is the author of numerous essays and articles on science and technology. CHASING TIME, his first novel, is a medical suspense story that captures many elements of the drug research and development processes. He lives in Wilmington, Delaware with his wife Linda.

Why did you write the book? What was your motivation behind it?
Two prime motivators drove me to write Chasing Time. First, an idea about using future events to shape present decisions had been circulating in my mind for years. This is the essence of Chasing Time. Second, after receiving so much positive feedback on my writing during my career (manuscripts, essays, reports and the like), I wanted to challenge myself and determine if i could write a full-length novel.

Who do you see as your main audience for this book and what do you hope they will get from reading your book?
I envision this suspenseful novel will broad appeal to a large population segment because of its universal themes of family, persistence, and devotion. In addition, Chasing Time should also appeal to those reader segments interested in magical realism and those who follow bioscience developments. Simply put, my goal as a writer is to enrich the lives of those who will read my work and enrich my own life as well.

How do you see this book being relevant today?
Aside from the universal themes of Chasing Time (family, persistence, devotion) that are particularly relevant in today’s society, the book clearly describes many of the medical breakthroughs of recent years that will shape all of our lives in the future.

Why do you think you the right person to write this book? How do you think your qualifications or experience make this a better book?
First, I had this unique idea of a time capsule from the past revealing events from the future. Exploiting this idea into a book is best done by the idea generator (i.e. me). Secondly, I am uniquely qualified to write about medical breakthroughs based on my education (Ph.D. and MBA degrees), and experience in working as a scientist and executive in pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.

Can you share a little bit about the process of writing the book? Did you keep writing once you sat down?
I challenged myself to write a full-length novel based on one original idea, that is a time capsule from the past revealing events from the future that shape present decisions. Hence the name, Chasing Time. I would sit down for a few hours every day in effort to expand the storyline. Over a period of several months, the story seemed to catch fire as I weaved different ideas and components into a (hopefully) cohesive and entertaining storyline. Of course, there were many days when the writing did not click, and I wondered if I could ever finish. But over time, my writing style evolved to become more expressive and more consistent, and in about a year’s time, I had my completed work.

Does writing energize or exhaust you?
The answer is easy- both.

Have you written any other books or do you have any books planned for the future? Tell us as much as you are willing to share!
Writing Chasing Time has inspired me to continue writing, and I am nearly finished with a second novel that, once again, describes the effects of a magical Janus key on the lives of everyday individuals in present time.

How many hours a day do you write?
Two to three hours per day is what I shoot for.

Does your family support your career as a writer?
Absolutely. My wife is a retired English literature teacher and has spent countless hours reading my work, editing, and making storyline
suggestions. My four children have read my book and offered strong support and encouragement.

What is your favourite childhood book?
In high school, it was the Count of Monte Cristo by Alexander Dumas. In college, it was Tokien’s Lord of the Rings trilogy.

An Interview with Author Arthur Archambeau

Arthur Archambeau lives in Baltimore. He writes primarily in the Military Romance genre. His other books include: Her innocent Marine (2018), Caged Lions Never Roar (2019), Sail Away (2020), Purple Hearts (2021) and Letters From 1969 (2021). Just Grace and Danny, his upcoming book, is scheduled for publication in either late 2021 or early 2022. You can best know him through his writing. His life story is in his stories.

Describe yourself in five words Just one word:

Authentic. I detest phoniness.

What fact about yourself would really surprise people? 

I’ve never been inside a Taco Bell and have never had anything from their menu.
What scares you the most? 

Failure.

What makes you happiest? 

Animals. They live closer to God than most humans.

Why do you write? 

To move, amuse, and entertain myself. If I can make a little money in the process—great.

Have you always enjoyed writing? 

Yes.
What motivates you to write? 

A true writer writes because he or she has a story in them that is trying to almost literally claw its way out. It’s insisting to be told. And it won’t leave you alone until you tell it.

What writing are you most proud of?

I think my best writing is represented in my two most recent books: Purple Hearts and Letters From 1969. I can easily see that I’ve matured as a writer over the last year or two, and that my more recent stuff is clearly superior to what I was writing when I first started back in early 2018.
What are you most proud of in your personal life?
 

That I’m a good Cat Dad. Animals are a very important part of my life.

What books did you love growing up? 

Truman Capote’s short story, “A Christmas Memory” is a favorite. Capote, to me, was perhaps the greatest writer of all-time. A truly brilliant man and quite a character. He was always authentic, which is rare, especially among those who are famous.

Location and life experiences can really influence writing, tell us where you grew up and where you now live? 

I grew up in Baltimore, a little big town. And thoroughly blue-collar. Which might be why I only write about blue-collar folks. No billionaires or princes in my romance novels. I detest those tropes!

How did you develop your writing?

By doing it. I believe all arts (and writing is certainly an art) are God-given Gifts. You can either sing or you can’t. You can either paint or you can’t. You can either write or you can’t. I’m not sure it’s a skill that can really be developed much, except by honing your natural talent by engaging in it.

What is hardest – getting published, writing or marketing? 

Easily, marketing. With the advent of self-publishing and the emergence of small publishers, it’s easier than ever to get a book published. However, it’s literally harder than ever to sell a book. The market is flooded. Everyone thinks they can write. Readers have more choices than ever before, but it makes it very tough for writers to sell.

Do you find it hard to share your work? 

Tough question. On the one hand, I love sharing my work, hoping that it will invoke the same emotions in others that it invoked in me as I wrote it. But I’m also honest enough to admit that I’m sensitive to criticism.

https://www.facebook.com/arthur.archambeau.1/

What else do you do, other than write? 

I watch sports and spend time with my cats.

If you could study any subject at university what would you pick? 

Philosophy because it asks the Big Questions that concern us all, the Questions that really matter.

If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be? 

Where I do live, in the United States of America, the greatest country on the face of the earth.

Tell us about your family? 

I have two cats, Sasha and Nicole.

How do you write – lap top, pen, paper, in bed, at a desk? 

Desktop PC

Every writer has their own idea of what a successful career in writing is, what does success in writing look like to you? 

Selling enough books to make a decent living and moving people with my words.

Tell us about your new book? Why did you write it? 

It’s a time travel romance set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War. Think Somewhere in Time meets Full Metal Jacket. It’s about a young Army officer, Mike Falco, who’s given an antique hope chest which contains love letters written in 1969 by a twenty-two-year-old Army nurse serving in Vietnam. It’s gotten some nice reviews and I think it really captures the spirit of that time well. The music The events. The culture. Everything. And it was inspired by a true story, the story of Sharon Ann Lane, who had the tragic distinction of being the only nurse during the Vietnam War killed as a direct result of enemy fire.

Anyone dead or alive, who would you ask? 

The four original members of KISS. I’m a fan and I think they’d have some great stories to tell.

When you are not writing, how do you like to relax? 

I spend time with my cats and watch sports.

What do you hope people will take away from your writing? How will your words make them feel?

No messages. I hate preachiness in fiction. It’s very pretentious and self-important. My writing is just for entertainment.

Book Review: Jaben’s Rift (Far Land Trilogy Book 1) by G. David Walker

Previously published as “From a Far Land, Jaben’s Rift: Book One” by G. David Walker

Jason Bennett never planned on changing the world, his own or anyone else’s.

But sometimes, plans change.

After being transported to Teleria, an extraordinary world of might and magic, Jason becomes the prize in a dangerous tug of war between the ruling Circle of Nine and one of his own ancestors from three hundred years in his past. Adding to his dilemma, his arrival also intensifies a conflict between two of the godlike Altered, one of whom is secretly aiding Jason’s ancestor, violating a Covenant that has kept Teleria safe from their influence for over a millennia.
Unable to return home, Jason must learn to use power he isn’t convinced he has, keep from triggering a devastating war between the Altered, and most of all…survive.

JABEN’S RIFT takes the reader on a journey of honor and deception, betrayal and self-sacrifice, as Jason tries to figure out who is telling him the truth and who only wants to use him, before Teleria’s fate is sealed forever.

Review:

An excellent story with a great world building plot! As far as a YA novel is concerned, I think it is pretty much like any other stories with swords and sorcery tale, but nevertheless, I find this book to be unique and enjoyable. The book is about an almost-eighteen-year-old who gets thrown into a world full of magic while exploring a family land where he comes across the ruins of an old building. One of the doors inside is actually a portal to Teleria. On his way to the other world of magic, he meets his father who was trapped in the tunnel leading to the other end of the portal. When he arrives, there was a member of the community who began explaining about the world, and how some 1500 years ago, there was a war that changed everything. He meets many characters in his journey, which makes him more resilient throughout the challenges he come across.

A truly enjoyable read. 4 stars for the book