I always like to promote my fellow indie authors, and one that I find myself promoting more than any other is Joshua T. Crowley. His book, Letters to Putin, was a healing reading experience for me because it features the story of his childhood with a narcissistic parent – a childhood that, at times, mirrored … Continue reading Judging a Book by Its Title, Part 1: Letters to Putin
Category: depression
The Reprieve Reading Provided Me
It’s been a tough two-and-a-half years at the Castetter House. Since my husband lost his job in 2017 right after our son was born (he was six weeks old), it’s been a battle every paycheck to make ends meet. We almost lost our house in the middle of it, but as I type this, my … Continue reading The Reprieve Reading Provided Me
Thank You, Judith Arnopp
There are four books by Judith Arnopp that have completely redefined how I view motherhood. The Kiss of the Concubine, a novel of Anne Boleyn, and The Beaufort Chronicles trilogy, detailing the life of Margaret Beaufort, matriarch of the Tudor dynasty. I read all of these books shortly after my son was born, and am … Continue reading Thank You, Judith Arnopp
Book Review: How Yellow Fades by Lana Lowe
Recently, I have been trying to expand my reading horizons. I tend to find myself immersed in a variety of Tudor historical fiction, often neglecting all other genres. Thanks to the Writing Community on Twitter, I’ve seen many excellent suggestions for self-published authors that I’ve been able to add diversity to my To-Be-Read List. Last … Continue reading Book Review: How Yellow Fades by Lana Lowe
Book Review: Postscript by Barbara Avon
I feel like the first thing I need to admit is that the genres of romance, paranormal, and horror aren’t exactly in my top-five. The second thing I need to admit is that, as the wife of a photographer/graphic designer, I definitely judge books by their cover. Lastly, I need to admit that I’ll throw … Continue reading Book Review: Postscript by Barbara Avon
Book Review: Eight Will Fall by Sarah Harian
Love. Devotion. Revenge. Those are three words I wouldn’t have put together before I read Eight Will Fall by Sarah Harian today. (Yes, today! It was so good I couldn’t put it down. I started it yesterday and then read all day today!) Following the trials of young Larkin, Eight Will Fall is a fantastical … Continue reading Book Review: Eight Will Fall by Sarah Harian
Book Review: Letters to Putin
Since I was a teenager, I’ve enjoyed reading stories written by survivors of child abuse. In such tales, I find equal parts strength and encouragement, as I am a survivor, too. Letters to Putin by Joshua T. Crowley, however, was remarkably different – this book validated my own experience in many indescribable ways. I cannot … Continue reading Book Review: Letters to Putin
Book Review: The Department for Mutated Persons by Robert R. Fike
The Department for Mutated Persons by Robert R. Fike presents a frightening alternative future for the United States, masterfully exploring the ageless conundrum of “Us vs. Them” in a story that reminds me equally of The X-Men and Insurgent (sequel to Divergent). Following Alan through his experiences in a modern-day work camp for individuals who … Continue reading Book Review: The Department for Mutated Persons by Robert R. Fike
Book Review: Dandelion by America DeFleur
Autobiographies and memoirs have always been my favorites genre. I can’t remember the first one I ever read, but I do remember thinking, “Wow, this is what the author wanted to make sure was left behind of their life.” As I’ve grown up, I’ve realized those who write autobiographies and memoirs often have a weighty … Continue reading Book Review: Dandelion by America DeFleur
The Pensive Bookworm 