Beyond the Cover: Exploring Passions

Book Review: 664 My Take:  What if Trust were on trial? That question pulled me into this brilliantly original book and I must say, I was not ready for the emotional courtroom it created. Trust on Trial by G. S. Gerry is not just a novel; it’s a smart, engaging, and creatively structured reading experience. This book is an unmissable and thought-provoking read. The highlight I loved about this book is how it challenges the reader to reflect deeply on personal beliefs. The storyline is unique blending courtroom drama with life’s biggest moral questions in a refreshing format. The author has delivered a rare concept with so much clarity, imagination, and heart. The writing is clever and crisp, moving from humor to gravity seamlessly. The courtroom setup makes you feel like a part of the jury it’s fun, bold, and compelling! This book is a powerful read for anyone who enjoys layered fiction with a deeper message. I found this book to be incredibly engaging and different from anything I...

Book Review: 663  My Take:  What if history wasn’t recorded, but engineered? That chilling thought gets deeply explored in The Horsemen’s Shadow (Book 2 of The Septem Cycle), an incredibly immersive and fast-paced thriller written with masterful precision by Joe Nathan Paul. This book is a gripping read that’s packed with mythology, ancient secrets, and nonstop action. The highlight I loved about this book is how effortlessly mystery and history were blended. The storyline was filled with suspense, exotic settings, and mind-bending twists. What truly made it stand out was the way it kept surprising the reader page after page. The author has done a fantastic job in crafting a world that feels dangerously real. His pacing is sharp, his imagination vivid, and his characters unforgettable. The writing is engaging, lucid, and designed to pull readers in from the very first sentence. This book is a must-read for anyone who enjoys high-stakes adventures with a touch of the mysterious...

Book Review: 662 My Take: The Quiet Becoming How often does a book feel like a deep breath for your soul? The Other Side Of Awakening: A Memoir of Madness, Magic, and the Making of Me, is the 1st book in the Sacred Spiral series written by Rilee Astraea, and offers just that, a rare, moving experience that blurs the line between memoir and spiritual meditation. It’s not just a story of pain or healing, it’s a graceful unravelling into truth. This book is a soulful and beautifully reflective read. The highlight I loved about this book is its poetic honesty. The storyline is not bound by a typical structure it flows like thought and feeling, taking you through grief, shadow, and self-discovery. It feels more like being gently held than simply being told a story. The author has poured heart, wisdom, and raw vulnerability into each page. There’s a quiet magic in how she allows her experiences to teach without preaching. The writing is lyrical, introspective, and powerful. It invites you to...

Book Review: 661 My Take:  A Hilarious Peek Inside the Courtroom Do you ever wonder what really goes on in the mind of a criminal defense lawyer? Bad Boys, Bad Boys: What Does A Lawyer Do? Plus Interesting Stories Curious Minds Want To Know by Robert Wegman, this book offers a witty, outrageous, and surprisingly insightful answer. Through short anecdotes and cheeky observations, a delightful world of absurdity is opened one where the truth is often stranger (and funnier) than fiction. This book is an entertaining and smartly written read. The highlight I loved about this book is the way humor is used to shed light on topics that are usually taken too seriously. The storyline isn’t linear but that’s the beauty of it. Each chapter stands alone, yet collectively forms a hilarious picture of a life lived on the legal edge. The author has brilliantly turned real-life legal chaos into laugh-out-loud moments. His ability to blend satire with genuine wisdom is impressive. The writing is ir...

Book Review: 660 My Take: A Spellbinding Fantasy Escape How often does a fantasy book pull you into a world so vividly imagined that it feels real? Nefarious Allure by M.R. Mathias, that’s exactly what this first book in the Devious Arcana series achieves delivering an immersive, adventurous experience that’s packed with magic, mystery, and momentum. This book is an exciting and richly layered read. The highlight I loved about this book is how it effortlessly blends traditional fantasy charm with modern storytelling energy. The storyline is action-packed, unpredictable, and full of surprising turns that keep the pages flying. The author has created a dynamic fantasy world, bringing fresh characters and high-stakes drama into an already beloved universe. Each scene feels cinematic, with a great balance of tension, heart, and world-building. The writing is smooth, engaging, and filled with imaginative detail. It draws you in with charm and then keeps you locked in with danger, emotion, a...

Book Review: 659 My Take:  A Riveting Sci-Fi Ride How does one rediscover themselves when the past is lost but the future depends on them? Transcendence by James Azinheira, is a gripping story from The Alphamind Odyssey series answers that with a thrilling mix of memory, technology, and survival. This book is a tense and thought-provoking read. The highlight I loved about this book is the intense emotional pull paired with high-stakes sci-fi. The storyline is built around a lost identity, unraveling mysteries, and a race against an evolving future a combo that makes it hard to put down. The author has done a fantastic job of weaving action with vulnerability, blending a futuristic setting with very human emotions. Every chapter adds to the suspense and layers of discovery. The writing is sharp, vivid, and packed with momentum, making each twist more thrilling than the last. This book is a great read for anyone who enjoys futuristic stories with emotional depth and fast-paced action...

Before we dive into our exciting conversation with today’s remarkable author, let’s start by getting to know the creative mind behind the diverse and captivating stories. 1. Could you please introduce yourself to us? I am an entrepreneur by profession with a strong passion for writing. I consider myself a lifelong learner, dedicated to acquiring new knowledge and skills. My name is Simin Danishyar, which means "Simin, the one who loves knowledge and continues learning." Originally from Afghanistan, I have lived in India for over twelve years and currently reside in Canada. I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature and Humanities, along with two Master of Business Administration degrees—one with a concentration in Finance and the other in International Business. Currently, I am pursuing a Doctorate in Entrepreneurship.  In addition to my academic pursuits, I manage two companies involved in international export-import business. I am also a proud parent of three ch...

Before we dive into our exciting conversation with today’s remarkable author, let’s start by getting to know the creative mind behind the diverse and captivating stories. 1. Could you please introduce yourself to us? I’m Timothy Ongeche, a Kenyan author based in Porto. I write to explore moments of pause, transition, and quiet transformation—blending story with reflection. My work moves between nonfiction, sci-fi, and memoir.  At the heart of it, I believe words can help us slow down, make sense of the in-between, and begin again 2. Congratulations on your book! What inspired you to write it? Blank Book began as a collection of thoughts pulled from my personal diary — short “what if” reflections I’d write during quiet moments. Over time, I realized these fragments weren’t just mine. They echoed the thoughts, questions, and struggles I’d shared in conversations with other likeminded people. So I decided to blend them into a book — not to give answers, but to create space for reflect...

Before we dive into our exciting conversation with today’s remarkable author, let’s start by getting to know the creative mind behind the diverse and captivating stories. 1. Could you please introduce yourself to us? I am a short story/skit author, novelist, and award winning article writer. Although a management consultant by profession, I have an eternal passion for writing. I have been scribbling since I was thirteen -- when my very first, hand-scrawled, fortnightly magazine(s) found its way into my kid siblings' hands. Followed by scripts/ short stories that were devoured by school mates, skits that made it to school/college stages, and articles/flash fictions that featured on competitions.  Being raised in Mumbai - the city that never sleeps, has had a big impact on my writing...my debut novel Bombay, Decoded, a first of its kind World War II genre fiction for young adults, is a fitting tribute to the city of Bombay, its spirit, its will and its heart. 2. Congratulations on yo...

Before we dive into our exciting conversation with today’s remarkable author, let’s start by getting to know the creative mind behind the diverse and captivating stories. 1. Could you please introduce yourself to us? My name is Trish Hilderley and I am a fictional Romamce writer. 2. Congratulations on your book! What inspired you to write it? Three years ago, my life took a drastic turn when I was diagnosed with Spondylosis and anterolisthesis, conditions that left me with chronic low back pain. As a health care professional, this news was devastating. The job I loved required me to be on my feet for long hours, and now, even the simplest tasks seemed impossible. There were days when I struggled to get out of bed, the pain searing through my body like a relentless storm. I spent countless hours laying in bed, feeling helpless and lost. It was during one of these dark moments that a strange dream visited me, a dream that would change the course of my life forever. In this dream, I found...

Book Review: 658 My Take: A Shadowy World Unfolds How do you survive in a world where shadows scheme and power constantly shifts? A Dance of Shadow: A Reign of Shadow, written by ML Wissing, this thrilling novel from The World of Hinestra series offers an unforgettable dive into a universe teetering on the edge of chaos, where alliances are fragile and destiny waits in the dark. This book is a fantastically immersive and suspenseful read. The highlight I loved about this book is its richly layered world complex politics, mysterious cultures, and characters that feel alive. The storyline is built with great depth and balance, offering surprises and emotional turns that keep the pages turning. The author has created a world that feels vast, real, and full of intrigue. The tension between duty, secrets, and identity is beautifully handled, making every chapter an experience. The writing is lucid, detailed, and cinematic, pulling the reader straight into the world without ever feeling lost...

Book Review: 657 My Take: What if you could end your day by stepping into a magical world every night? It was exactly what happened while reading The Adventures of Periwinkle Fae: 26 Magical Bedtime Stories written by Donald Firesmith, an absolutely enchanting read. This book is a delightful and heartwarming read. The highlight I loved about this book is how beautifully each story celebrates kindness, friendship, and the wonders of nature. The storyline is crafted in such a charming and lively way that every page felt like a new adventure waiting to be discovered. The author has created an incredible magical world that can be loved by both young readers and adults. The writing is simple yet captivating, making it easy to lose track of time while exploring the adventures of Periwinkle. This book is a perfect read for anyone who enjoys light-hearted, magical stories filled with warmth and life lessons. I found this book to be a cozy companion for relaxed evenings and an instant mood-lift...

Book Review: 656 My Take: A Journey of Love and Strength. How far would you go to build a life beyond the boundaries of hardship and uncertainty? Bound by a Promise: The Gift of Love, written by Simin Danishyar is a powerful memoir that beautifully captures one woman’s inspiring journey from Afghanistan, through challenges shaped by political unrest, to a life built with hope, resilience, and love. This memoir is not just a story, it is a heartfelt testament to perseverance and dreams. What touched me the most, and what I loved about this book, is the author's honest and courageous portrayal of her life set against the backdrop of Afghanistan’s complex political struggles.  Each chapter flows with emotional depth, showing how personal aspirations are shaped, tested, and strengthened by circumstances beyond one’s control. Simin Danishyar’s ability to tell her truth with such grace and emotional clarity is truly admirable. Her writing is simple yet profoundly moving, drawing readers ...

Before we dive into our exciting conversation with today’s remarkable author, let’s start by getting to know the creative mind behind the diverse and captivating stories. 1. Can you tell me a little about yourself and your background as an author? I am a complex person, so this, like my books will not be a generic sound alike interview. I graduated H.S. with a scholarship in Creative Writing but wanted to be a rock star. I was not aware you could become a literary rock star at that time, or I might have tried that route. I think I will take this opportunity to explain some things since my mother and father have both passed and won’t be able to read it. I was the bass player in a 80s hair metal band, and on the guitar player’s Birthday, me and the singer and two girls were on the way to his birthday party. I was driving my best female friend’s car because she was in the back seat with the singer. She was not my girlfriend, but my ride or die. Through those awkward years we helped ea...