Wednesday, September 25, 2024

Poignant journey from abusive childhood to self-discovery

Lillian Brummet’s Towards Understanding is a powerful collection of free-form confessional poetry poignantly capturing her journey from an abusive childhood to self-discovery. Written with a contemplative tone, the collection weaves personal struggles, emotional depth, and a path toward healing, balancing heavy themes with moments of clarity and hope.

Towards Understanding

BookHookup review: Towards Understanding

Brummet’s willingness to delve into her raw emotions fosters a genuine connection with readers, making her experiences resonate deeply. Her grappling with feelings of guilt and shame adds layers of complexity, prompting important questions about the validity of these emotions.

This is an emotional read. While the imagery is subtle, the weight of her experiences draws you into her world. A palpable sense of vulnerability evokes feelings of isolation and a profound longing for connection and love. Brummet’s word choices reflect growth and transition, illuminating the lingering hope even amid her struggles.

The interplay of personal and universal themes invites readers to empathize with Brummet’s past while reflecting on their own experiences. This poetry will resonate with many, particularly those seeking healing from their own challenges. I highly recommend Towards Understanding to anyone navigating the complexities of their past, as Brummet’s reflections on growing up in a broken home, enduring her mother’s multiple marriages, and surviving sexual abuse create a poignant backdrop that informs her emotional landscape. I give this collection of poetry 5 out of 5 stars.

 

About the author: Lillian Brummet

Lillian Brummet has been professionally involved in the realm of writing since 19999. She began writing poetry as a teenager, which allowed her to express the issues and emotions from broken, abusive homes and being on her own at 13-years old. Through poetry, she learned how to see beyond these hurts and discover a world outside of herself, where she discovered her life had value and a purpose to fulfill.

Lillian’s award-winning poetry has appeared in five hardcover anthology books and continues to appear in magazines and newsletters across the globe. She has had the honor of attaining the Editor’s Choice Award for Outstanding Achievement in Poetry – not once, but twice. Her published books include the two-part series titled: Trash Talk (Books 1 & 2), a guide for authors titled: Purple Snowflake Marketing, and her recently released Poetic Wanderings: A Lifetime Of Memories (Playing With Words). She also hosts the Conscious Discussions Talk Radio show and manages Brummet’s Conscious Blog.

Lillian is passionate about poetry and continues to write in this genre between marketing her books and working on new manuscripts for future books. In those few stolen moments when she is not in the office she spends time with her husband gardening, indulging in nature, camping, and walking the many trails in British Columbia’s (Canada) wilderness.

 

Thursday, September 5, 2024

Uniquely original immersive experience

From the very first page, Earthcore Book 1: Rotovegas by Grace Bridges thrusts readers into the vibrant world of Rotorua, New Zealand, a setting as crucial to the story as the characters themselves. The geothermal springs of Mokoia Island are not merely a backdrop but a character in their own right, brimming with ancient power and mystery. The author’s depiction of the cultural and natural beauty of the region breathes authenticity into the narrative, making Rotorua a living, breathing entity.

Earthcore Book 1: Rotovegas
 

About the book: Earthcore - Rotovegas

Anira, the protagonist, is a marvel of character development. Her transformation from a reluctant teen vacationer with a fear of volcanoes into a formidable hero is both believable and inspiring. The cognitive powers she acquires from the hot springs not only add an intriguing layer to her character but also set the stage for a gripping story filled with energy, suspense, and emotion. Anira’s struggle to control her newfound abilities and understand their origin is portrayed with depth and sensitivity, making her journey relatable and compelling.

The supporting characters also have unique abilities that add a delightful layer of complexity and camaraderie that generates tension and growth, from the heart of the story. This ragtag team’s evolution from distrustful individuals to a united force is a testament to the author’s skill in creating believable teenage characters as they face challenges with bravery and resilience.

Lake Rotorua


As the climax builds to a thrilling crescendo, the stakes are high, and the resolution is both satisfying and hopeful. The book concludes with a sense of accomplishment and unity, leaving readers eager for more.

5 out of 5 stars
5 out of 5 stars


BookHooup Review of Earthcore: Rotovegas

The intricately woven plot is peppered with clever clues and unexpected twists that keep readers on the edge of their seats. The blend of action and adventure, combined with fantastical Maori beings and cultural lore, elevates the story to a truly immersive experience.

Earthcore is a uniquely original and imaginative tale that skillfully combines action, fantasy, and cultural richness. It celebrates diversity, teamwork, and the magic hidden in the natural world. With its rich cultural tapestry and inventive storytelling this book is a must-read for fans of dynamic characters and reluctant heroes.

I'm looking forward to reading the series.

Author Grace Bridges

About the author: Grace Bridges

Grace Bridges has been in love with language and art, and the art of language, for her entire life. She’s a semi-professional cat herder and also translates German and French. Indie publishing and freelance editing have been her focus for the past ten years, including 40+ titles in her Splashdown Books brand. She has written several novels in space opera, Irish cyberpunk, and in 2017 the EARTHCORE science mythology YA series set in New Zealand. Her short stories and non-fiction appear in many anthologies and online magazines. Grace loves to show people that it’s easy to make books—but also insists on top quality writing and design. She has served five years on the committee of New Zealand writers' group SpecFicNZ and is its current president. See www.gracebridges.kiwi for information on her art, fiction and non-fiction, editing work, and more.

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Tuesday, August 20, 2024

Faith driven compelling love story

In Calming the Storm, author Melanie D. Snitker weaves a poignant tale of love, resilience, and faith. The story centers on Rachel Peters, a determined young woman whose difficult start growing up in the foster care system has finally given way to a semblance of stability. Just as she begins to build her life, a devastating accident takes her sister and leaves her with the overwhelming responsibility of caring for her young niece, Kendra.

Calming the Storm

 

Faced with the dual challenges of financial strain and emotional turmoil, Rachel struggles to provide for Kendra while contending with the real threat of losing custody. She trusts no one. Desperate to keep her niece, her only living family, Rachel considers drastic measures until Brandon Barlow, a compassionate former college professor, steps in with an unconventional solution.

Brandon, who has admired Rachel from a distance, is moved by her plight and proposes his proposition to secure her and Kendra’s futures. His offer involves marrying Rachel to ensure Kendra's custody, then annul the marriage once the legal issues are resolved. Yet, as Brandon becomes more involved in their lives, he falls in love with Rachel, complicating their pragmatic arrangement.

The novel’s gentle pace draws readers into a comforting world where personal growth and love take center stage. Characters are vividly portrayed. Their flaws and strengths make them both relatable and endearing. Rachel’s journey, marked by her troubled past and her struggle to create a stable future for Kendra, is depicted with a depth that evokes empathy and admiration. Brandon’s gradual romance with Rachel is portrayed with patience and authenticity, allowing their relationship to develop naturally amid the challenges.

Snitker’s faith-driven narrative is a central theme reflecting the belief that divine guidance and support are ever-present, even during life’s storms. This message of enduring faith offers solace and encouragement that resonates throughout the plot. I recommend this book to readers who appreciate clean faith-based romance.

Calming the Storm is a heartwarming exploration of love’s transformative power and the vital role of faith in challenging times. Its deliberate pacing adds to the story’s charm, providing a soothing and immersive reading experience. I thought the storytelling could use a little more showing and less telling but for those who appreciate a romance with emotional depth and a message of unwavering support, this thoughtful novel is a compelling and moving read. I’m happy to give it 4 out of 5 stars.