I was in the mood for a good thriller and was curious about Catherine and her mother, Ruth Sterling. I needed to know what secrets Ruth was hiding. Gone Tonight by Sarah Pekkanen was a slow-building suspenseful mystery thriller that built until it became unputdownable. Grab an iced coffee and check out my thoughts….

Gone Tonight
by Sarah Pekkanen
Narrator: Kate Mara
Length: 10 hours and 9 minutes
Genres: Thriller
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate

Rating:
Narration: 4 cups Speed: 1.5x

New from the #1 bestselling co-author of The Golden Couple and The Wife Between Us!

“I’m a huge fan of Sarah Pekkanen’s books, and GONE TONIGHT is her best yet.” —Colleen Hoover

Catherine Sterling thinks she knows her mother. Ruth Sterling is quiet, hardworking, and lives for her daughter. All her life, it’s been just the two of them against the world. But now, Catherine is ready to spread her wings, move from home, and begin a new career. And Ruth Sterling will do anything to prevent that from happening.

Ruth Sterling thinks she knows her daughter. Catherine would never rebel, would never question anything about her mother’s past or background. But when Ruth’s desperate quest to keep her daughter by her side begins to reveal cracks in Ruth’s carefully-constructed world, both mother and daughter begin a dance of deception.

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The story that unfolds takes place in both the present and also takes us back to when Ruth was in high school living in a home with an alcoholic mother. Catherine works in the memory ward of a retirement home and lives with her mother, Ruth. Ruth is a single mom and server. She is a dedicated mother and recently has had some struggles with memory loss.

We learn about Ruth’s childhood, the mean girls at school, her abusive mother, loving father and the brother she tries desperately to protect. At the same time, we are in the present experiencing Catherine’s concerns over her mother and her protectiveness. When things don’t add up, she investigates her mother’s past and soon opens the door to danger.

I love the buildup, the unreliable narration of Ruth, that slowly revealed all as we read chapters from the past. The story had a great flow as it built towards a harrowing climax.

The story touches on inherent evil with plenty of twists and advances in technology and social media. Fans of thrillers and mother and daughter relationships will want to add this to their bookshelf.

Narrated by Kate Mara, I quickly devoured this suspenseful tale. Kate did a great job of capturing both Catherine and Ruth’s personalities & emotions. I highly recommend choosing the audio format.

Amazon | Audible

Narrated by Kate Mara Gone Tonight by Sarah Pekkanen delivered a suspenseful thriller. #audiobook #NewRelease #audiobookreview
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Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2023/08/gone-tonight-by-sarah-pekkanen.html

Steven Greenebaum’s enlightening book, An Afternoon’s Dictation: Inclusive Revelation for the 21st Century, invites readers on an insightful expedition into the domains of spirituality, inclusivity, and human comprehension. This thoughtfully constructed work masterfully intertwines the author’s personal encounters, philosophical observations, and historical allusions to offer an innovative approach to spirituality that is exceedingly pertinent to the contemporary global scenario.

Central to the book’s narrative is the notion of inclusivity within the spectrum of spiritual beliefs. Greenebaum persuasively advocates that in our progressively interconnected global community, embracing a diversity of spiritual viewpoints and seeking mutual understanding is a prerequisite to nurturing cooperation among individuals and societies.

Greenebaum’s prose is transparent, riveting, and readily accessible, expertly demystifying intricate philosophical notions for a broad readership. His deft ability to strike a fine equilibrium between intellectual profundity and emotional resonance gently navigates readers through a transformative odyssey of introspection and empathy. Thus, the book graciously caters to both the seasoned reader of spiritual literature and those just embarking on this enlightening journey.

A standout feature of An Afternoon’s Dictation: Inclusive Revelation for the 21st Century lies in Greenebaum’s sincere humility and receptive mindset. Rather than professing to hold all solutions or propagating a monolithic worldview, he stimulates readers to actively contribute to the continually evolving discourse on spirituality and inclusivity.

An Afternoon’s Dictation: Inclusive Revelation for the 21st Century offers a compelling and transformative narrative that propels us to interrogate our preconceptions about spirituality and espouse inclusivity as a route to mutual understanding. Greenebaum’s passion for the subject matter radiates through each chapter, and his appeal for open-mindedness and discourse is both timely and pressing in our interconnected global ecosystem. A must-read, this book will undoubtedly appeal to those yearning to expand their spiritual landscape and nurture a more encompassing perspective on life.

Pages: 151 | ASIN : B0C69WVJKS

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/08/01/an-afternoons-dictation-inclusive-revelation-for-the-21st-century/

Ginger Taylor’s The Woman’s Curse is an intellectually rich amalgamation of bible study, personal accounts, and pragmatic guidance tailored to couples. From the onset, Taylor candidly admits her years-long struggle with being an ideal wife, which sets the tone for this divinely inspired text. Her intent is to aid women in mastering the art of being a “submissive” wife and fulfilling their potential as the jewels in their husbands’ lives.

Taylor’s narrative is a journey of self-realization that carries the reader through a boisterous childhood, the pains of marital dissolution, and the tribulations of rearing seven children. She shares her joy in discovering love again with her second husband, giving us a window into her enduring fortitude and indomitable spirit. Her transparency regarding her struggles with obsessive-compulsive disorder creates a relatable narrative that will strike a chord with many.

Throughout the text, Taylor deftly intertwines biblical teachings with stimulating questions ranging from theological to those echoing a marriage counselor’s office. She draws inspiration from the biblical story of Sarah, encouraging women to follow in Sarah’s footsteps by referring to their husbands as “Lord,” signifying a submissive wife. She ardently advocates for the importance of sexual intimacy within marriage and proposes that child discipline should chiefly be a father’s duty.

Undoubtedly, The Woman’s Curse will provoke intense reactions and potentially attract criticism, particularly given the current societal evolution in gender roles. However, Taylor unequivocally champions the idea that women are not inferior to men; she perceives their unique roles as an integral part of divine design. She holds women in high esteem, underlining their invaluable presence in men’s lives.

Despite Taylor’s self-confessed non-writer status in her introduction, it becomes evident that she is brimming with enthusiasm, which seeps into her words. I have immense respect for her resilience and commend her unswerving commitment to bettering the lives of others. That said, the occasional challenge of following her narrative due to an abundance of ideas or unintentional repetition is a minor shortcoming.

The Woman’s Curse is a bold exploration of marriage, spirituality, and the role of women according to the author’s interpretations of biblical teachings. Taylor’s openness about her personal journey and her commitment to fostering healthier relationships provide ample food for thought, even for those who may not subscribe to every aspect of her worldview. This book provokes contemplation and discussion, making it a valuable read for anyone interested in delving into a unique perspective on traditional roles in marriage.

Pages: 205 | ASIN : B0C383RXJH

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/08/01/the-womans-curse/

In the bustling sphere of children’s literature comes a remarkable tale – Gremlin Night by Mark Dantzler. It unfolds the joyful yet complex lives of a young boy, the second smallest of five siblings, residing in a modest house brimming with love. Their seemingly everyday world takes a magical turn with the arrival of an intriguing new friend, a Gremlin. This leads to a series of fantastical escapades spearheaded by the boy and his father, proving that even in tight confines, the imagination knows no bounds.

In a whimsical fashion, Gremlin Night elegantly melds poignant storytelling with elements of fantasy. Maja Veselinovic’s intricate and heartwarming illustrations serve as a visual compass, guiding readers into this enchanted realm where each page overflows with joyous nostalgia, subtly shadowed by the grim realities of social inequity.

The tale’s climax unravels the truths not just about the Gremlin but also about the family’s situation – a stark representation of tireless parents striving to provide a joyful life for their children in the face of hardships. It is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the will to create beauty even amidst adversities.

Beyond its delightful narrative, Gremlin Night serves as a call to the hero within us. It underscores the societal blight of poverty that often languishes in the shadows, unheeded. As someone who has grappled with poverty, I found the tale to be a sweet yet stinging reminder of the juxtaposition of happiness and harsh realities. It sparks a renewed commitment to community-building and fostering hope for a brighter future. It affirms that even the smallest gestures of kindness can create ripples of change, perhaps even saving a life.

As a commentary on a contemporary issue wrapped in a delightful tale of magic and adventure, I award Gremlin Night a hearty recommendation. It’s an impactful yet gentle message of awareness that dares to pierce the veil of social complacency.

Recommended for ages 8 and up, this book is an ideal choice for group readings or events, fostering a deeper understanding of modern poverty. A stirring narrative that strikes a chord in the reader’s heart, Gremlin Night gracefully intertwines hope and darkness, making it a true tour de force in the realm of children’s literature.

Pages: 38 | ISBN : 1645385515

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/08/01/gremlin-night/

Lunacom follows a group of military and science personnel who are cut off suddenly from Earth by a mysterious attack and now must uncover what is happening before it is too late. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

While in attendance at the Command and General Staff College, I engaged in many conversations with my military colleagues. We often would talk about the world’s future and the advancement of technology. One day while sitting in class,  I decided I would capture our conversations in fiction.  LUNACOM is basically our conversations metamorphized into a book for entertainment. 

What was your favorite character to write for and why? Was there a scene you felt captured the character’s essence?

Roman Whitacker easily serves the role of my favorite character.  Roman represents me during the course. I’m a human resources officer in the Army, and Roman lives the life I believe will represent the future of military human resources.  The scene that most captures Roman’s essence is when he interacts with his team in the ‘TMAD’ section. In this scene, we see the value of teamwork and leadership.

The science inserted in the fiction, I felt, was well-balanced. How did you manage to keep it grounded while still providing the fantastic edge science fiction stories usually provide?

While working for senior leaders within our military, I have routinely been reminded to keep facts backed against sources.  When I wrote LUNACOM, I used science grounded in facts, and then I imagined where that science could grow and tried to write it down in plain terms. Anyone reading LUNACOM can see these technologies being built today. For instance, just look at the rockets SpaceX is building.  

Will there be a follow-up novel to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?

I haven’t fully decided if there will be a follow-up.  I’m waiting to see how people will respond to my ideas first, and then I will commit to my decision. I’ve drafted some ideas, and if I decide to write a sequel to this story, then I will cover life on Earth more, and I will also dive deeper into the RA and explore their characters. I’m leaning toward covering military operations around Mars and the inner asteroid belt.

Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/08/01/fiction-based-in-facts/

The Power of Your Spine: How Back Strength and Posture Pilots the Entire Body explains to readers the vital function of back muscles and the spine and how to care for this important area of the body. Why was this an important book for you to write?

One reason this book was important for me to write, which is the core of all my books, is to help educate people to help them heal, support, maintain, and exercise their bodies safely. I often say, “Knowledge is power.” I wanted to teach the power of this spine.

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

In this book I share illustrations of muscles that we all have. In order for me to teach the “Power” of the spine, readers need the visuals in these illustrations for better learning and understanding.

What is a common misconception you feel people have about back pain?

I find a big misconception about back care and muscles is the “cliche” of what the core muscles are. In social media we often see posts and videos with strong titles like “3 best exercises for your core” or “number one exercise everyone should do for their core” etc. The “core” also includes the many deep muscles in the spine.

These deeper muscles play essential roles in walking, standing, posture, balance, stabilization, and movement. If they are weak and/or ignored the larger muscles try to do the smaller muscles jobs and this causes malfunction, injury, and pain.

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

A gain of knowledge. Once the knowledge shared in this book is known, this can help the reader find a knowledgeable trainer, chiropractor, physical therapist, and more. If professionals helping me heal or in therapy do not know the purpose of all the muscles and how they work together as a team, they cannot help to the extent most people need. For example, if someone is going to a personal trainer, physical therapist, or massage therapist for back care (posture, pain, strengthening, etc.), these professionals should know all the muscles in this book.

Also, many professionals hand a patient/client a piece of paper with exercises to go home and do. Well, the paper is usually the same for every person with back pain. Its usually not based on the individual’s personal situation. This leaves people unable to heal or get more injured.

Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website | Instagram

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/08/01/knowledge-is-power/