The Sunday Post is a blog news meme hosted here @ Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly or for a monthly wrap up. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme.

Welcome 2023! Wishing you all a happy, healthy and prosperous new year! Our holidays have been a blur of activity with the grandchildren home for winter recess. I binge watched The Witcher: Blood of Origin. So gory and good. I met my Goodreads goal and came in three books ahead 203/200. For the Audiobook Challenge, I managed 118 audiobooks. Stay Caffeinated.

Last Week on the Blog

• The Unbreakable Bladesong Druid By Annette Marie (audiobook review)
• Blood Is Thicker Than Lots Of Stuff By Chris Tullbane (audio review)
• The Dragon Of Cecil Court By Genevieve Jack (audiobook review)
• 2022 Audiobook Challenge Final Check-In (event)

This Week on the Blog

• Sleep No More By Jayne Ann Krentz (book review)
• Nexus By Ramez Naam (audio review)
• Buried Deep By Melinda Leigh & The Lost Bones By Kendra Elliot (book review)
• Bone Deep By Kendra Elliot & The Wrong Bones By Melinda Leigh (book review)

New Arrivals at the Caffeinated Cafe

Learn more:

• Silence For the Dead by Simone St. James
• Pivot by Kat Martin
• Peril by Kat Martin

A special thank you to Santa & Kensington

Around The Blogosphere

• January Can You Read A Series In A Month? Challenge with a twist- Because Reading
• Romance Reading Challenge 2023 hosted by Carol Rae’s Random Ramblings
• 2023 Upside Down COYER hosted by Because Reading Is More Fun
• Read-along Iron Druid Chronicles by Kevin Hearne for 2023 hosted by Books of My Heart
• The Backlist Reader Challenge hosted by @ Bookwrym’s Hoard

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Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2023/01/sunday-post-556-happy-new-year.html

MacGregor’s Final Battle is a novel following the last journey of the protagonist Mac MacGregor as he undertakes a cross-country trip to visit his cousin in Alaska after his wife Anne of forty years dies, and he learns he has stage four brain cancer. He chooses to forgo cancer treatment and make the most of his last months alive. On his journey, he follows the Lewis and Clark trail National Historical Trail in his RV, which traces the route of the Lewis and Clark expedition of 1803 to 1806, taking him from Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, to the Pacific Ocean.  

The book is based loosely on the author’s own life. Elements of the recorded history of America and the Lewis and Clark trail are peppered throughout the story. I enjoyed the character development throughout the book. Mac starts off as a depressed, lonely man; he is grieving and intends to shut out the world around him and his own family. Through the first half of the novel, his grief is palpable. He is portrayed as a stubborn, straight-talking character who comes to terms with his own mortality and failing health. He meets Kate, a Nursing Assistant, at a dinner in Saint Louis, where she is working part-time, and she persuades him due to his ill health, he should not be undertaking the journey on his own. Instead, she offers to accompany him as his caretaker. With some reluctance, he agrees, and they continue his trip together.  

The novel frequently examines the theme of colonialism in America and the destruction of natural habitats in the name of progress. There is a motif throughout the story of the loss of a simpler life in the face of modernity. Mac is a military veteran of the Vietnam war, and he meets other Veterans on his travels. The ongoing effects of military service are discussed through Kate and Mac’s dialogue throughout the novel. I found the novel to be a slow burner as it takes a little while to get going. Some of the plot is somewhat repetitive as the characters undertake many similar activities as they move along the trail. Hence, the action builds up slowly rather than the tension and interest for the reader increasing as they move along their journey.  

However, as the book progresses, you become more invested in the characters. Finally, in the last half of the novel, the story starts to pick up its pace. The relationship between Kate and Mac develops, and Mac’s tough exterior softens. The story ends as a sweet love story between the two.

Pages: 286 | ASIN: B0BQKNG2YN

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/01/01/macgregors-final-battle/

Born Into Crisis shares your story of childhood trauma and growing up with mental health issues in yourself and your family members. Why was this an essential book for you to write?

It is essential to share stories of our journeys because they can help provide insight and understanding into the experiences of others dealing with similar issues and provide a sense of comfort and solidarity. By normalizing conversations around mental health, we can help create an atmosphere of acceptance and understanding. That is why I wrote this book—to show that it is possible to speak about complex topics and to share your story in a way that can help others. More importantly, those directly impacted have a vested stake in helping to compel change, and this book is just one step in that direction. As a person who has experienced trauma, I feel it is necessary to give voice to these stories. It is also an opportunity to bring awareness that we are all impacted differently by personal and collective crises, regardless of socio-economic status or race.

What were some important ideas for you to share in this book?

One of the main ideas I wanted to share was that trauma, especially early childhood, can have long-term impacts on our physical and mental health. People need to understand that traumatic experiences can manifest in various ways throughout life—from depression and anxiety to addiction to issues with self-esteem and relationships. I also wanted to emphasize the power of resilience and how we can use our pain as a source of growth and strength. I want readers to recognize that there is no shame in seeking help when dealing with mental health issues. The problem is that the current system in the US is not set up uniformly, in a coordinated way, to provide adequate access to care. Too often, the system over-prioritizes a criminal justice response to mental health concerns. I wanted to clarify that we need to actively advocate for change and more humane policies regarding mental health care. Mental health is not a sexy topic but is one of human importance.

I appreciated the candid nature with which you told your story. What was the hardest thing for you to write about?

The policy proposals and recommendations came quickly because I have been working on mental health-related issues for some time. Still, the raw, honest account of my experiences was the hardest to write. I wrote this book to help others understand how trauma and unresolved childhood issues can follow us into adulthood and affect our lives profoundly. I also wanted to maintain relatability in my writing, so I had to make sure that the story was not just about me but that it could be used as a portal for readers to explore their own experiences and see a concrete, actionable path forward. The book is very nuanced and complex, it’s an easy read in some ways too, but there are generational components, which can be challenging to communicate clearly and concisely. I am proud of the work that I have done, but it was a challenge. 

What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your story?

Look, I am a very straightforward, realistic person. Everyone that is a reader of this book will have a takeaway. Some will have a valuable takeaway, others not so much, and there will be those who read this book who will believe they got absolutely nothing out of it. What I want everyone to take away is that this issue is complex and nuanced and needs every story, every voice, and spirit to work together to compel change. We need to listen, learn and be open – even if we don’t agree with each other. If we can push the conversation forward without silencing different people, we can find some resolution and acceptance. Mental health should no longer be taboo in our society, and we must discuss it openly and honestly. This book is my attempt to take a step in that direction, but I hope readers take away the importance of listening to all sides to create meaningful change. We have a mental health crisis in this country, and we all need to be part of the solution.

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/01/01/the-power-of-resilience/

Zoe Evelyn Lionheart – or Eve as she likes to be known – is a skilled roboticist for her age. Living in the capital of the Greater Continent, her whole world is working on robots until rumors of war begin to stir. Little does Eve know that she will be swept up into events that haven’t been seen since the time of myth and legend. Together, with a group of brave and clever friends, Eve must work to end this brutal war and discover the power she has within her. Through these perilous adventures, both robots and humans learn first-hand what it means to have a soul purpose. 

And So Began the War, by Ian Anthony Hollis, is a compelling science fiction novel that creates a fascinating world. The creativity embedded in this story is astonishing. It is highly emotional and the plot is uncovered like an excellent chess game. It also features a young woman in STEM, which is always wonderful to see. However, this epic sci-fi story can be quite dark as it delves into some serious and dangerous situations, but I found them to be absolutely riveting.

Eve goes through so much in this book. I would have loved to have read some of her inner dialog so that I can see the depth of emotion and decision making that she experiences, as well as the rest of the compelling characters. This felt like an epic science fiction adventure, even though this is young adult novel because there is so much going on, the scale is massive and the stakes are high. I enjoyed the characters and would have liked to have understood their motives a bit deeper. The plot has a great pace and is consistently entertaining. I felt that the reader only needs some puzzle pieces more explicitly explored – such as the character Amy and her storyline.

This is a world that readers will love to discover. It is vivid and fascinating and the authors descriptions make it seem like we are only scratching the surface of a much larger backstory. What rung true for me in this thrilling novel were the themes of sacrifice and identity – particularly in the exploration of morality.

Pages: 309 | ASIN: B08FCHJRF9

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/01/01/and-so-began-the-war/

Embolden is a collection of poetry written to help readers understand how the universe communicates with us. Why was this an important collection for you to write?

Embolden is the last book in the Soul-Seeker Collection, which followed my journey of self-discovery. Book 1 was Embody, and it was about connecting within. Book 2 was Embrace, and it was about connecting with the cycles of life. Book 3 is Embolden, and it is about my connection to everything that is and with the universe. It was important for me to write Embolden because I wanted to showcase that we are all connected, that nothing occurs at random, and that we’re all in this game of life together. The more we see that we’re part of something bigger, the less alone we feel. It helps us see that there is a purpose for us.

What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?

I divided the book into five sections. The number five is all about change and transformation, and because this was the culmination of my own personal journey of transformation, it was important for me to use that as a theme. The five sections are 1) objects and places, 2) nature, 3) numbers, 4) practices and beliefs, and 5) symbols. These are all themes that I relate to and where I find signs and significance, feeling as if the universe is communicating with me. I hope that through my poems, others will find the same.

What were some goals you set for yourself as a writer in this book?

When I write poetry I follow my inspiration. I normally write poems only when I feel called to do so, and it was important for me to transmit some of this through my poetry. I didn’t see the themes until I had completed the collection and this is a way to honor that I was in flow when writing this collection. It really came from my soul, and it makes sense since the universe speaks to us in many ways, but the most important is through our soul.

Will there be a fourth book in the Soul Seeker Collection? If so, can you share what ideas it will cover and when it will be available?

There are only three books in the Soul Seeker Collection, and Embolden was the last one. I am working on a new collection of poems that will be called Journeys. It is about my experiences, perspectives, and lessons as I have traveled, healed, searched for a home, gone through change and transformation, endeavored to find self-love, and so much more. The first book in the collection should, hopefully, be released in 2023.

Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/01/01/the-soul-seeker-collection/

Four years after a fatal car crash involving three vehicles and numerous people, a string of disappearances causes investigator William Snow to delve into the complex connections between the events. Snow utilizes his psychic gift to aid a who is mother looking for her missing daughter. He uncovers clues along the way to help reveal the criminal’s true motives. The Death of Harry Crow also intriguingly explores the mental health of those involved in such a crime, including the detective, as well as uncovering how their pasts led them into the situation. The story builds up into a riveting crescendo of action and emotion, which keeps the reader on their toes until the very end.

This is a story that, once your in the middle of it, you are desperate to finish it. It’s a mystery that is absolutely enthralling and I really enjoyed the way that it was methodically unraveled. Author Leith C. MacArthur did a great job of building up the tension, especially in the final chapters. There are some stunning descriptions of the setting, captivating the beauty yet loneliness of the islands.

I enjoyed this crime thriller and, once the clues are uncovered, the criminal was easy to figure out and we follow the investigator as the pieces are brought together. I was hanging on until the last page to see how it all ended. I loved the author’s writing style and I am eager to read more of the series. I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy mystery novels with a touch of the supernatural. Each character in The Death of Harry Crow is unique yet relatable. I enjoyed how the backstories of the characters are told, which brings the reader closer to them and creates a feeling of empathy for each, even the killer. Perhaps the most mysterious character of the book is the investigator himself, which add a really interesting component to the story.

Pages: 237 | ASIN: B08BVV3989

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/01/01/the-death-of-harry-crow/

What to read if you loved ‘Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery’

Original source: https://www.amazon.com/amazonbookreview/editorspicks.html?ref_=abr_widget_nav&theme=light

Our picks for the best sci-fi and fantasy of 2022

Original source: https://www.amazon.com/amazonbookreview/editorspicks.html?ref_=abr_widget_nav&theme=light

2022’s rising stars in young adult fiction

Original source: https://www.amazon.com/amazonbookreview/editorspicks.html?ref_=abr_widget_nav&theme=light

Best-selling author Holly Black’s most anticipated YA of 2023

Original source: https://www.amazon.com/amazonbookreview/celebritypicks.html?ref_=abr_widget_nav&theme=light