We all start somewhere with writing. Maybe we start writing in our favorite genre. Maybe an idea hits us and we start there. Maybe we start with technical writing.
I began writing as a teenager. I probably wrote a hundred short stories during my high school years. They were a mixture of fiction - romance, fantasy, science fiction, horror… In my twenties I completed a novelette involving an alternate world. Even had someone critique it.
Jump ahead ten years and a wisp of a dream that would inspire my YA series. I poured myself into those books and they came so easy. I never envisioned YA though. Sad that New Adult wasn’t around then, because that’s where they should be placed. I’m still proud of that series, especially the final one.
I also wrote a non-fiction self-help book. It tied in with my motivational speaking and only took me three months to write.
Now I am in the middle of edits for my next book, another non-fiction title. I took a little longer to write, but I had so much more going on than during the first one.
As I revise and continue researching to get all the details right, I realize something. This is very comfortable. Although the amount of work and research to put this book together seemed overwhelming, I’m enjoying it. It suits my personality - I’m extremely organized and a detail person. With non-fiction, I think I am finally writing in my proper genre.
Do you ever stop to consider why you write your current genre? If you’ve been frustrated by revisions or rejections, do you stop and wonder if this is really what you were meant to write? Is there a possibility you are good with this genre, but with a different one, you’d be excellent? Are you really writing to your strengths?
While most of the population chooses to have children, you may have a reason for writing about a couple who is childless. There are many reasons couples don’t have children and it helps to be aware of those reasons.
I’ve listed several scenarios and how the couple might feel or respond. This might also help you deal with real life couples without children.
They do have children - but they’ve grown and gone. Perhaps the couple had children young or they just look young. The couple might be enjoying their youthful freedom.
They do have children - but they live with another relative. There could be many reasons for this setup, from school location to inability to cope with children.
They do have children - but they live with an ex-spouse. This could be a part-time arrangement or permanent. Perhaps the ex’s spouse has adopted the children, in which case the couple would little or no contact. This could be a stressful situation.
They do have children - but they were taken away. In this case, social services may have stepped in due to drugs, alcohol, abuse, neglect, or poverty. The parents either want their children back no matter what it takes or they are indifferent, or somewhere in between. (As a former foster parent, I saw a mixed bag.)
They don’t have children - but they are trying. They could be young or old, perhaps even using fertility drugs or implantation. Some serious anxiety could be involved.
They don’t have children - but they plan to adopt. Maybe this is by choice. Maybe this is because they can’t have their own.
They don’t have children - and they can’t. Perhaps they’ve tried everything. Nothing worked. They wanted so bad to be parents, but it didn’t happen. A lot of regret and heartbreak here.
They don’t have children - by choice, but with regrets. Maybe they decided not to have children. Perhaps they are past childbearing years and starting to feel a certain amount of regret. What if? One or both spouses could harbor regret or even resentment.
They don’t have children - by choice, no regrets. It was never in the plan for them and now they are enjoying life to the fullest. The thought might creep in now and then, but they’re happy they never had children.
With several of these scenarios, the question of “Do you have children?” will be awkward. It might hurt, even to the point of tears. For some, the endless questions from family and friends - “When are you going to have children?” - might cause either sorrow or annoyance. They may feel left out. Bottom line - the issue of children will spark some kind of reaction.
For those who are curious, my husband and I fall into the last category. We endured the “When are you going to have kids?” and “Oh, you’ll change your minds.” We ‘fixed’ the option of having our own and were briefly foster parents, which squelched all desire. Yes, I’m sure there are some joys we missed. However, we get to do what we want, when we want, where we want! We can pour our energies into each other and into what we love to do.
So, do you know any real-life couples who are childless for whatever reason? Have you written such a couple into your story?
NOTE: A reminder that you are free to email me about any giveaways that you are having, if you want me to blog them, and I'll be happy to try to post them even if I am not entering them. Just include a link to the giveaway, what you are giving away, how many copies are being given away, and the deadline in order to assure being included. Email me at nfmgirl AT gmail DOT com.
Here is a list of some giveaways going on in Blogworld*. Please note that new giveaways that were added this week are indented in Blockquotes:
Fantastic Book Review is giving away The unbecoming of Mara Dyer. Deadline is September 27. US/Canada only.
Bookish in a Box is giving away your choice of a number of ARCs (plus a few extra!) Deadline is September 28. US only.
The Book Swarm is giving away 2 $15 Amazon gift cards as part of Banned Book Week. Deadline is October 1. International!
Darkangel88 is giving away Bloodlines and Marked as part of Banned Book Week. Deadline is October 1. International!
All I Ever Read is giving away your choice out of eight books as part of Banned Book Week. Deadline is October 1. International!
Book Whore is giving away her 1st edition Nook! Deadline is November 14. I couldn't find a note of whether it was US or International.
*Courtesy Note: Please keep in mind the many, many hours of work that goes into me compiling this list each week. Please be courteous and thoughtful, and do not steal my text. Either recreate your own list, or link to this list and direct your readers here for giveaway information. Thank you so much for your consideration.
An article earlier this week in Publishers Weekly asked the question - “Is the Death of Borders Really Good for Independent Bookstores?”
An independent bookstore owner had this to say:
"Does this herald a renaissance of the independent bookstore?" LaFramboise says of Borders' closing. "Probably not. Put me down in the 'I hope so' category. But stop short of the 'I think so' category."
Most independents have not seen a surge in business since Borders and Waldenbooks started closing all of their stores.
Teicher says that brick-and-mortar stores—whether they are chains or independents—have come to recognize that they have more in common than they did a decade ago, including a shared rival in the form of online bookselling.
Online sales now account for almost half of all book sales, both physical and ebooks. Independents will have to work hard to reap the benefits of Borders closing, and even then, it may be a losing battle.
What do you think? How many bookstores will survive when the sales tip to 80% ebooks in a few years?
Mailbox Monday is now hosted monthly by a different blog. Here is the official blog of Mailbox Monday.Here is what I received over the last number of weeks:
What are you going to build your life on? Dug Down Deep is systematic theology like you’ve never seen it before. Readable. Relevant. Powerful. As best-selling author Joshua Harris shares his own journey from apathetic church-kid to student with a burning passion to truly know God, you’ll be challenged to dig deep into the truths of God’s word. With humor, conviction and compelling insight Dug Down Deep covers the basics of faith—God, scripture, Jesus, the cross, salvation, sanctification, the Holy Spirit and the church. Don’t settle for superficial faith, dig deep.
The Things We Cherished by Pam Jenoff Won from Starting Fresh Pam Jenoff, whose first novel, The Kommandant’s Girl, was a Quill Award finalist, a Book Sense pick, and a finalist for the ALA Sophie Brody Award, joins the Doubleday list with a suspenseful story of love and betrayal set during the Holocaust.
An ambitious novel that spans decades and continents, The Things We Cherishedtells the story of Charlotte Gold and Jack Harrington, two fiercely independent attorneys who find themselves slowly falling for one another while working to defend the brother of a Holocaust hero against allegations of World War II–era war crimes.
The defendant, wealthy financier Roger Dykmans, mysteriously refuses to help in his own defense, revealing only that proof of his innocence lies within an intricate timepiece last seen in Nazi Germany. As the narrative moves from Philadelphia to Germany, Poland, and Italy, we are given glimpses of the lives that the anniversary clock has touched over the past century, and learn about the love affair that turned a brother into a traitor.
Rich in historical detail, Jenoff’s astonishing new work is a testament to true love under the worst of circumstances.
Books Bought:
End of Days by Robert Gleason
Lydia Lozen Magruder—the great-granddaughter of a female Apache war-shaman—has seen visions of the End since childhood. She has constructed a massive ranch-fortress in the American Southwest, stocked with everything necessary to rebuild civilization.
Now her visions are coming true. John Stone, once a baseball star and now a famous gonzo journalist, stumbled across a plan to blast humanity back to the stone age. Then he vanished. Lydia’s only hope of tracking him down lies with her stubborn, globe-trotting daughter, Kate, Stone’s former lover.
Kate is about to step right into the plotters’ crosshairs. Stone has been captured by a pair of twin Middle Eastern princesses, hell-bent on torturing him until he reveals all he knows.
Meanwhile, a Russian general obsessed with nuclear Armageddon has also disappeared...as have eight or more of his Russian subs, armed with nuclear-tipped missiles.
The world is armed for self-destruction.
Who will survive?
Dies the Fire (Emberverse Series #1) by S.M. Stirling
The Change occurred when an electrical storm centered over the island of Nantucket produced a blinding white flash that rendered all electronic devices and fuels inoperable. What follows is the most terrible global catastrophe in the history of the human race-and a Dark Age more universal and complete than could possibly be imagined.
Joy Bauer's Food Cures: Eat Right to Get Healthier, Look Younger, and Add Years to Your Life by Joy Bauer
Comprehensively updated with cutting-edge research and expertise from one of the country’s foremost nutritionists, Joy Bauer’s Food Cures shows you how common health concerns- from beauty issues to life-threatening diseases- can be managed, treated, and sometimes even cured by the foods you eat. Inside you will find easy-to-follow 4-step food prescriptions, customizable and convenient meal plans, and delicious recipes for your favorite meals and snacks. With Joy’s wisdom and practical, medically sound advice, you will learn how to use food as nature’s ultimate medicine.
The blogging ninja, Alex J. Cavanaugh, is hosting a blogfest today, Worst Movies Ever. Visit his SITE for a full list of participants and join in the fun. (And if you're not already one of his vast army of friends, it's only because you haven't found his blog yet. Or there's something wrong with you.)
Some of the worst films I’ve ever seen, in no particular order…
Warriors of the Wasteland
This will always be my worst movie ever. This Italian film came out after The Road Warrior, and since I was working in a video store at the time, I decided to watch it. I made it through the first fifteen minutes and called it quits. Simply awful!
Battlefield Earth
I read the book in high school and knew it would make two good movies. Sadly, we got one really, really bad one. What was John Travolta thinking? At least his and Barry Pepper’s careers survived.
Zardoz
Typical of 60’s films, it’s like a drug-induced trip. And look at that outfit. What was Sean Connery thinking?
Howard the Duck
This movie should’ve been a warning of things to come when Lucas directs.
King Kong Lives
I actually saw this in the theater! I felt so bad for Linda Hamilton
Pearl Harbor
Titanic wannabe. The attack was well done, but the love triangle was annoying. My husband’s parents gave us their copy and it was so bad, as a joke, we sent it back to his mom for her birthday.
Toys
Was there a point to this movie? Weird, unfunny, and bad.
Phase IV
I have a book on science fiction movies that touted this as a classic. Right. BORING!
Sucker Punch
I HATED this movie! The premise is uncomfortable and the story takes place within two levels of fantasy world in the main character’s mind. By the time we got to the second level, I’d lost interest, because none of it was real, it was random, and totally meaningless! I’m still mad I watched this film.
Musicals in general
In real life, people don’t break out into song! For that reason, all musicals annoy me. The only one I liked was Hair, and that probably had more to do with Treat Williams.(And Disney animated films are okay.) My husband likes some of these films and I always tease him that real men don’t like musicals.
This is Talli Roland’s 'If I Could Be Anyone, I'd Be...' party for the launch of her new book, Watching Willow Watts. It’s available now as an ebook and next month as a paperback - go buy it.
If I could be anyone, who would I want to be?
When I was a child, I always wanted to be someone else, because I wasn’t happy being me. But who would I want to be now?
A singer with a voice of glass? I wish I could sing. I’m so awful, I don’t even mouth the words in church.
The person who reviews roller coasters for a living? A whole day with a front row seat, riding as much as I wanted. That sounds like Heaven.
A best-selling author with books read by millions? I could be Anne McCaffrey for a day. And I’d get to live in Dragonhold, Ireland!
Maybe a prize-winning photographer? I’ve been trying for years and doubt it will happen without a little help.
Who would I be for a day?
Talli, I’d have to say I just want to be me. I know what to expect. I know the good and bad points. And most important, I like me now.
However, if someone would like to pay me to do a picture book of roller coasters, I might be persuaded to change my mind.
There’s a list of others posting today at Talli Roland’s site. Stop in and tell her congrats, too!
I received a newsletter today from Reader Views asking for books for military personnel:
CALL FOR BOOKS FOR MILITARY IN AFGHANISTAN
Art Mills, award winner author of The Empty Lot Next Door, is stationed in Kabul, Afghanistan and requesting print books for himself and his fellow troop members. He tells me most of the books are old and worn-out, indicating people read them and hand them to others.
I sent him a box of 12 books and he wrote me:
I placed the books on a book shelf and people rushed right to them. It's nice to know people back home still care after ten years. Thanks!!!!
Yes, we do care! Please donate a copy of your book (or ARC) so Art can put it on their barren shelves. If you send more than one copy it will be donated to another troop through Books for Soldiers.
And, it's okay to enclose a letter of thanks, or if you have a child have her or him draw a picture or write a letter. It is a lonely world in Afghanistan and if we can bring a smile or tear to our soldiers it will be a reminder to them that we do care.
Please send your donation to:
Reader Views Books for Soldiers 3267 Bee Cave Road, Ste 107-380 Austin, TX 78746 We use candy for packing so if you'd like to donate a bag of candy as well, that would be terrific. The candy should be something that is wrapped individually, e.g. tootsie rolls, mints. (Not chocolate - it melts while sitting on the tarmac.) Thanks! I know your book will be well received! Irene PS - if you have any military/war themed books, either your own or those you have read, please send them as well. Surprisingly those themes are well received.
So if you've got any used books to get rid of, maybe you'll consider sharing them with our military personnel in the middle east? It's got me thinking!
I'm happy to welcome author Gabrielle Bernstein, whose new book Spirit Junkie releases today...
BECOME A SPIRIT JUNKIE By Gabrielle Bernstein
For twenty years I kept a journal. I wrote about heartbreak, anxiety, and eating disorders. I wrote about trying to quit drugs while high on drugs. Pages and pages are filled with self-loathing and self-doubt. My journal was my only outlet from the turmoil and deep-rooted pain I felt every day. I’d release my fears onto the page and get honest about my sadness as I scribbled over my tears.
Today my journal entries are much different. They reflect an empowered woman who is happy and bleeds authenticity. The words on the page are tinged with pride and compassion. I’ve overcome my addictions to love, drugs, food, work, and fear. I worked hard, and man, was it worth it. My journal shows a deep desire to continue growing from the inside out.
My primary guide on my journey to self-love has been the metaphysical text A Course in Miracles. The Course is a self-study curriculum emphasizing practical applications for relinquishing fear in all areas of life. The Course’s unique thought system uses forgiveness as the road to inner peace and happiness.
Admittedly, when I first began reading the Course, the language and many of the concepts were extremely foreign to me. But, ultimately, I realized that getting bogged down in semantics was a silly distraction. What really mattered was how relevant the Course’s teachings were to my life, and my absolute willingness to be guided to change.
It was with that burning desire for change that I set out to purchase the Course to begin with. Upon entering the bookstore, I noticed the dark blue hardback with the title A Course in Miracles scrawled in illuminating gold print across the cover. I found the thickness of the volume inviting and reassuring, and as I grabbed the book off the shelf I smiled as if I had received a wink from the Universe. Then the most auspicious thing happened—the book literally dragged me to the counter. It felt strange and yet, oddly comforting. Intuitively, I knew I was in for something good.
Afterward, as I stood on a busy New York City street corner, I flipped the book open to its Introduction and read, “This is a course in miracles. It is a required course. Only the time you take is voluntary. The course does not aim at teaching the meaning of love, for that is beyond what can be taught. It does aim, however, at removing the blocks to the awareness of love’s presence, which is your natural inheritance.” This passage sent chills down my spine. In that moment I made a commitment to myself to become a student and a teacher of the Course—a sacred contract that would change my life.
One year later, I went to a lecture by the renowned spiritual teacher Marianne Williamson, who first introduced me to the Course. Afterward, I asked her advice on how I could spread the Course’s message to my generation. She said, “Read the Text, do the Workbook and study the Manual for Teachers. Then get on your knees and ask God how you should share this work with your generation.” I did just that.
Through reading the Text I was guided to understand the Course’s mission. Simply and succinctly, the Course states that “its goal for you is happiness and peace.” The Text also gave me a deep understanding of the basis for my fear and guilt, and how I could overcome them. Finally, it taught me the meaning of “the miracle,” which is the shift in perception from fear to love.
Then I embarked on the Workbook for Students, which consists of an exercise for each day of the year. The Workbook guided me to know a relationship with what I call my ~ing, an inner guide. This relationship with my ~ing became my primary tool for restoring my mind. When I was ready, I began to practice the Manual for Teachers. This section of the Course prepared me to share its lessons in a way that was authentic to me. My dedication blasted me open to reconnect with my true inner spirit, which is love.
The Course teaches that each time we shift our perception from fear to love we create a miracle. Your internal shifts enhance your external experiences and all your relationships. Serenity kicks in, fear subsides and once and for all you’ll know that all the love you need is inside you.
Sounds like I’ve got the keys to heaven, doesn’t it? That’s right, I do! And I can testify to these tools because I work them like a full-time job. The Course suggests that to teach is to learn, so I’m here to guide and inspire others to turn inward for happiness. If you’re looking for direction and guidance on your own spiritual journey, I’m here to help! I’ve just launched my new book, Spirit Junkie: A Radical Road to Self-Love and Miracles. With this book I can act as a container for you to take right actions to grow a spiritual relationship of your own understanding. Trust, breathe, be willing and show up for the suggestions along the way. Even if fear has you in a headlock, I’m here to remind you that happiness always wins. You too can be a Spirit Junkie!
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Congratulations on your new release, Gabrielle! And you, readers, can get your copy now! Spirit Junkie releases today!
Barnes and Noble has some special deals going on TODAY ONLY! 50% off New & Bestselling Fiction, Kids' & Teens award winners, NookBooks for under $5, 50% off Blu-ray hits, and sales on toys, games, decorative items and electronics! Check it out! Time is limited!
How does a New York City publicist and party girl turn into a guru for the next generation? In her new book, SPIRIT JUNKIE: A Radical Road to Self-Love and Miracles, Gabrielle Bernstein shares the story of how she transformed her life, offering her spiritual journey as a guidebook for overcoming fear, changing perceptions, and creating a life you’re psyched to wake up for. Bernstein has traded self-doubt and addiction for a new kind of high. In 2005 she became a student of A Course in Miracles and since then she has been guided to teach those spiritual principles to the next generation of seekers.
“So long, Carrie Bradshaw—there’s a new role model for go-getting thirty-somethings. Gabrielle Bernstein is doling out inner peace and self-love for the post-modern spiritual set.” —Elle magazine
Featured in the New York Times Sunday Styles section as “a new role model”, motivational speaker, life coach and author Gabrielle Bernstein is making her mark. Expanding the lexicon for the next generation spiritual seekers, Gabrielle is a #1 bestselling author of the book Add More ~ing to Your Life – A hip guide to happiness. September 2011 Gabrielle launches her second book, Spirit Junkie, A Radical Road to Self-Love and Miracles. In 2008 she launched her social networking site HerFuture.com for young women to find mentors. HerFuture’s growing community exceeds 11,000 members. Gabrielle was just one year out of college, when she co-founded the Women’s Entrepreneurial Network, a non-profit professional organization that connects female entrepreneurs. WEN started a local mentor program for young women, WEN Mentors, and is best known for its signature Gift of Service Exchange events. That same year, Gabrielle incorporated her own boutique public relations company, SparkPlug Communications.
In 2003 Gabrielle was the president of the Young Professionals Council for NARAL Pro Choice New York. Her brainchild event Strut Your Choice became a YPCC yearly fundraiser.
Since 2004 Gabrielle, who has a degree in theater from Syracuse University, has been on the speaking circuit. Gabrielle has presented lectures at the Massachusetts, Philadelphia and Houston Conferences for Women, Seattle Center for Women in Democracy, Nobel Women, Integral Yoga, Kripalu, Universities nationwide, The Step Up Women’s Network, The Junior Leauges and many other venues.
Gabrielle has been featured in media outlets such as The New York Times Sunday Styles, Oprah Radio, Marie Claire, Health, SELF, Women’s Health, Forbes List: 20 Best Branded Women, Featured on the Cover Self-Made Magazine (top 50 Women in Business), CNN, NBC, WPIX11, CBS, Fox & Friends, PBS “To The Contrary”, Fox Strategy Room, Wall Street Journal, AdWeek, Sirius Satellite Radio, Am-NY and New York Moves Magazine. Gabrielle is a regular blogger for the Huffington Post, Beliefnet, YoungEntrepreneur.com and Crazysexylife.com. She can also be seen riding around the East Village on a unicycle.
HerFuture.com, the rapidly expanding mentoring network for women founded by Gabrielle, offers a platform for empowerment and guidance for young women. Topics on the site range from reproductive rights, politics, wellness, addiction, self-help, body-image, in addition to the standard topics like career, love and fashion. ‘Power Posses’ (groups) are formed by members who wish to create discussions dedicated to topics of interest. Using the popular social network platform, ning.com, Gabrielle has planted a seed of irresistible positive thinking at a time when it is needed most — and the women on the site have responded by creating a loving community of support, encouragement and opportunity. Join HerFuture.com today.
The Buzz:
“I came to one of Bernstein’s monthly lectures and got my first look at the woman I’d one day unabashedly refer to as “my guru.” —ELLE Magazine
“Gabrielle is one of my most treasured soul sisters and a TRUE ‘Spirit Junkie’ in the MOST fun and exhilarating ways imaginable! I read Gabby’s books for spiritual life lessons on how to love myself and others more deeply and with authentic honesty. Open your hearts to this beautiful-goddess-diva and most importantly discover the one that lives inside you!” —Eliza Dushku
“A decade ago, young women like Ms. Bernstein might have been expected to chase the lifestyle of high heels and pink drinks…But now there is a new role model for New York’s former Carrie Bradshaws…well versed in self-help and New Age spirituality…Ms. Bernstein is one of a circle of such figures, influenced less by the oeuvre of Candace Bushnell than that of Marianne Williamson.” —The New York Times
From surviving the wilds of the Texas Hill Country to a devastating battle with cancer, this is the story of Moses -- a beautiful, big, white dog who, from all indications, began his life as a livestock guard dog on a ranch in Texas (as do many dogs of his breed, the Great Pyrenees). Moses was taken in by a pet rescue group after having wandered onto a ranch in central Texas...homeless. After a few short months in foster care, Moses found his forever family and the road to immortality through their love and devotion.
In an authentic voice, the author tells the story of her beloved dog, Moses. Fate brought them together and something terrible ended their story far too soon. The Story of Moses recounts how Moses gained celebrity with friends, neighbors and strangers and earned the love and trust of both his human and four-legged family. As Moses illness is discovered and advances, life unravels like a loose thread in a well-worn sweater.
But, Moses' story is much, much more. It is the story of joy and hope and sorrow. It is the story of the wonderful dogs that came before, opening the door for Moses to walk through. It is the story of those left to remember and cherish. It is the story of survival in the midst of great loss-- of loving again, sheltering again, and living in the moment. It is knowing that, however painful, love remains and is the ultimate blessing.
The cast is a rich tableau of canine characters. There's Cleopatra, the first matriarch who won the author's heart and whose story is one of intelligence and grace and love. The story continues to unfold with Odin -- a fiercely loyal and protective dog whose will could not be broken and who loved Cleo immeasurably and grieved deeply and hauntingly through her loss. Odin was a mountain of a dog whose passing left a big hole in the lives of his owners and provided the impetus behind the search that led to Moses. Moses and his 'siblings' Bess, Samantha and Pax provide the next generation of antics and challenges in which Moses shines through with strength, willfulness and gentleness unmatched - a true, gentle giant. Though Moses' life ended tragically, his loving spirit lives on.
The book celebrates the individuality, intelligence and unconditional love of man's best friend. The book also dispels the myth of shelter and rescue dogs being undesirables while frankly exploring the pain and sorrow of loss and the soothing balm of trusted companions.
Animal lovers will delight in the stories of the amazing dogs that grace the pages and empathize over the ruthless destruction of canine cancer. Readers looking from the outside in who have not yet experienced the joy of pet ownership may well find themselves moved to do so.
About the Author
Jennifer Ross is a professional in the hospitality technology industry. she has been a dog owner and lover all her life and comes from a family that bread and raised German Shepherd show dogs. This is her first literary work. Currently she lives near Fort Worth, Texas, with her husband and three dogs-- Bess, Samantha and Pax.
10% of the Author's royalties are donated to pet rescue.
My Thoughts
This book is all heart. Author Jennifer Ross introduces us to her canine companions, one by one, sharing all of their little quirks and idiosyncrasies-- the full breadth of their individual personalities. When all is said and done, we are carried on an emotional journey of animal ownership and companionship, and the heartbreak of loss.
Anyone who has had a dog can identify with the laughter, frustration, heartbreak and pure bliss that they bring to your life, and this book is full of it all. Charming!
My Rating: 8 out of 10
I received a copy of this book to review from the author, in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not financially compensated in any way, and the opinions expressed are my own and based on my observations while reading this novel.
