The Lady in Glass and Other Stories by Anne Bishop delivered short stories to delight readers. An all new Meg & Simon story and tales from her other series. A wonderful collection that I enjoyed reading over the span of a week.

The Lady in Glass and Other Stories
by Anne Bishop
Genres: Anthologies, Fantasy
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate

Rating:

A magical collection of stories new and old spanning across all of Anne Bishop’s most beloved fantasy worlds.

Here, together for the first time, the shorter works of New York Times bestselling fantasy author Anne Bishop are included in one dazzling volume.

A master of bringing fantasy worlds to life, this collection showcases Bishop’s impressive range, from rarities of her earliest writing to the Realms of the Blood, from darker fairytale retellings to the Landscapes of Ephemera, and from standalone stories of space exploration and fantastical creatures to the contemporary fantasy terrain of the World of the Others.

Includes previously published and unpublished tales, as well as two brand-new stories, written especially for this “Friends and Corpses,” a murder mystery in which the corpse has some decidedly unusual qualities, and “Home for the Howlidays,” a heartwarming return to the Blood Prophet Meg Corbyn and the shapeshifting Simon Wolfgard from The Others.

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A collection of new and old short stories by Anne Bishop spanning across some of her beloved series. I admit I grabbed this for the shorts set in THE OTHERS world. I absolutely love the series and own them all in hardcover & audio format.

• The Lady and the Glass – a twist on Sleeping Beauty where a town of deformed humans, find a perfectly formed girl sleeping in a glass box after a landslide. A curious tale.
• Bear Trap – The story of a young girl who gets herself caught in a bear trap. This was a short story with lessons on kindness and judgement.
• Not A Princess – A Rapunzel tale with a delightful twist. A witch doesn’t want to be witchy. She wants to be Princess and devises a plan to get her into the castle. I had a good chuckle with this tale. Go Rachel!
• The Weapon – This was a tale about battle, economics and magic. A haunting story that held my attention.
• Hotting Fuggam and the Dragon – A man with tales comes to town deflating the spirits of many. A young woman tries to trick him into leaving and gets a surprise. A quirky little tale
• Tunnel – A creepy tale about a young woman driving through a tunnel. Reminded me of the tunnels carved through mountains in Pennsylvania.

The Fairy Tales – short message from the author about the tales with warning. All deal with women being taken advantage of by men.

• Match Girl – This was a dark tale that ends on a cheerful note for Phoenix. Be warned there is violence and rape.
• Rapunzel – A tale about envy and cravings.
• The Wild Heart – another version of Rapunzel with Sleeping Beauty twist.
• The Fairest One of All – A dark look Snow White. Be careful what you ask the mirror.

Black Jewels – Three short stories from this world. Authors note describes where these take place. I skipped these, as I want to read the series first and was fearful of spoilers.

The Landscape of Emphermera – Author explains beginnings of City of Vision. Set in the series world of Ephemera.

• The Voice – I enjoyed this tale about the woman with no voice. This was heavily themed with men taking advantage of women, but also showed us one girl’s strength and determination.

The World of the Others – author explains short stories from THE OTHERS and where they fall in the series.

• Home for the Howlidays – A Christmas story about Simon & Meg. Of course I loved it! Christmas comes to the Courtyard, Meg has a vision and Simon wants to get her the perfect gift. Gads I miss this world.
• The Dark Ship – This story was previously published and I loved reading it again. When a young girl in a seaside village helps a pony, she ends up saving herself and others.

New Places– Cecily Blanque.

• Friends and Corpses – Cecily is a Deceased Reclamation Officer in Neuterville. The water in town has some magical properties. The first, it limits couples from having more than two offspring. The second, the dead sometimes don’t realize they are dead. Cecily and her team need to bring them to the End of Days facility. This story has a murder and hooked me from the start. All I can say is I want more.

Potpourri – A mix of standalone pieces.

• The Day Will Come – September 11, 2011 remembrance.
• Truth and Story – a clever short about a man who speaks truth, and a woman called story.
• Stands A God Within the Shadows– This was a longer tale, and I quite enjoyed it. It’s about a woman held in a tower and a god who stands in the shadows of her prison.
• She Moved Through The Fair – This was a clever ghost story.
• A Strand in the Web– Loved this one. It had a science fiction vibe, off planet, end of days, survivalist.

I loved this collection by Anne Bishop. Whether you are a fan or new to her works, this collection has a little something for everyone.

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Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2024/02/the-lady-in-glass-and-other-stories-by-anne-bishop.html

Silvia Ledon’s The Voice of God gracefully navigates the realm of spiritual awareness for young readers. This narrative centers on a young girl’s journey in sensing the divine in her everyday experiences. Whether it’s in an affectionate embrace or the simple utterance of ‘I love you,’ she perceives God’s omnipresence in her life.

Ledon’s prose is succinct yet rich in its ability to calm and soothe its audience. It’s a testament to her skill in crafting a narrative that’s accessible to children while providing a sense of serenity. The book’s illustrations by Diana Canales Rojas are a notable highlight, boasting vibrant and engaging visuals that enrich the reading experience. A particularly thoughtful addition to this work is the ‘let’s talk about it’ section at the end. This interactive element encourages meaningful dialogue between children and their parents, fostering a deeper understanding and personal connection to the themes presented. Ledon’s book is not just a story but a gentle guide for young minds exploring the concept of a higher presence in their daily lives.

Silvia Ledon’s The Voice of God stands out as a gentle yet impactful exploration of spirituality for children. Its blend of engaging storytelling, vibrant illustrations, and interactive discussion points creates a well-rounded experience. This book serves as a catalyst for deeper conversations between young readers and their caregivers. It’s an enriching addition to any young reader’s collection.

Pages: 28 | ASIN : B0CS9HJ9ZC

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/02/26/the-voice-of-god-2/

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One of the most striking aspects of the book is the portrayal of the mother’s unwavering dedication to nurturing her daughter’s inquisitive mind. Despite the demands of her daily life, she remains committed to answering Ella’s endless stream of questions. This not only showcases a beautiful aspect of their relationship but also highlights the value of encouraging a child’s natural inquisitiveness. Tetiana Matiikiv’s illustrations add a delightful dimension to the story, with their whimsical style perfectly encapsulating Ella’s boundless curiosity. Children are likely to be drawn to the vivid imagery, following Ella and her dog through their adventures on each page. An interesting note is the author’s personal inspiration for the story – her own daughter, Ella Marie. This real-life connection adds a layer of authenticity to the narrative, making Ella’s character even more relatable and endearing.

Why? is a delightful book that takes readers on an immersive journey through the exciting yet challenging world of raising a curious child. The story is heartwarming and insightful, providing a unique perspective on the joys and struggles of parenting. The illustrations are beautifully crafted, adding a new layer of depth and emotion to the narrative. Whether you are a parent or a child, this book is a must-read that will leave you feeling inspired and uplifted.

Pages: 47 | ASIN : B0CK2LK6DL

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/02/26/why/

The Time-Optimized Life, co-authored by David Buck and Rev. Dr. Susan Rose, presents a practical and insightful guide to effective time management. This book distinguishes itself from other titles in the self-help genre by adopting an approachable and relatable tone, making it accessible to a broad audience. The authors combine their professional expertise with spiritual insights and personal experiences, creating a narrative that resonates across various cultural backgrounds.

One of the book’s key features is the Time Management Analysis (TMA) tool, which provides a structured and scientifically grounded framework for understanding and applying time management principles. Buck’s engaging writing style, which includes anecdotes and personal insights, complements the technical aspects of the TMA tool, making the content both informative and enjoyable to read. A significant portion of the book is dedicated to exploring the three pillars of time optimization: Preparation, Execution, and Control (PEC). This thorough and insightful exploration offers readers practical strategies for each component. Additionally, the book acknowledges and addresses common challenges in time management, providing actionable checklists and solutions. Rev. Dr. Susan Rose’s contribution is particularly noteworthy as she delves into the often-overlooked topic of women’s perspectives on time management. Her insights add a valuable dimension to the discussion, broadening the book’s appeal and relevance.

The Time-Optimized Life is characterized by its holistic approach to time management. It goes beyond mere goal-setting and efficiency, emphasizing self-care and personal growth. The book is inclusive and adaptable, encouraging readers from various walks of life, including corporate employees, students, and others, to tailor the principles to their individual needs and circumstances. Buck and Rose’s book is more than just a guide; it’s a journey towards transforming one’s relationship with time, offering readers the tools to turn their finite time into meaningful and productive experiences.

Pages: 230 | ISBN: 163698262X

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/02/26/the-time-optimized-life/

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Marshall’s approach to financial education is comprehensive, covering topics from judicious spending and budgeting to retirement planning and the advantages of investing. She presents these concepts in a manner that is accessible to the average reader, breaking down complex financial terms and emphasizing the significance of setting goals and planning for the future. One of the book’s strengths lies in its use of storytelling to illustrate key points, providing practical methods and strategies that readers can apply in their daily lives. Marshall, with her 15 years of experience in the field, highlights common pitfalls that prevent individuals from achieving financial stability, regardless of their income level. Her expertise is evident throughout the book, making it a valuable resource for those seeking to enhance their financial management skills.

Surviving a Man’s World is not just for women; it’s a resource for anyone looking to be more deliberate about their financial journey. Whether beginning a career or seeking to advance in one, readers will find the lessons in this book beneficial. Marshall’s guide is more than just about managing finances; it’s about ensuring a secure and comfortable future. Her insights offer readers the opportunity to transform their approach to money, making this book a significant addition to the genre of financial self-help.

Pages: 157 | ASIN : B09W51T4RQ

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/02/26/surviving-a-mans-world-a-womans-guide-to-achieving-financial-success/

Danielle Ariano’s memoir, The Requirement of Grief, presents an insightful exploration into the multifaceted experience of loss and healing. Ariano’s journey through the challenging landscape of grief following the impact of suicide is interwoven with the life-affirming journey of motherhood, showcasing her remarkable resilience.

Ariano’s writing is introspective and heartfelt, inviting readers to share in her deeply personal experiences of sorrow and reflection, ultimately leading to a sense of hope. Her approach is marked by an authentic, unguarded honesty, offering a genuine connection for readers who may have faced similar trials. The memoir does not shy away from the complexity of emotions inherent in grieving, including shock, sadness, and despair. Ariano’s detailed account of her mourning process provides comfort and understanding to those who have endured similar losses. The memoir is particularly compelling in its portrayal of the transformative impact of motherhood on Ariano’s life. Amidst the grief, the profound relationship with her child emerges as a source of joy and purpose, offering light in the darker moments. A key strength of The Requirement of Grief lies in Ariano’s commitment to candidly addressing the often uncomfortable and chaotic aspects of grief. This honest exploration contributes to a deeper understanding and healing process.

The Requirement of Grief stands as more than just a memoir. It is a powerful affirmation of the human spirit’s capacity for resilience. Ariano’s narrative is a poignant reminder of the beauty and love that can emerge from our most challenging experiences, resonating with readers who appreciate the nuanced reality of grief and its inevitable presence in our lives.

Pages: 258 | ASIN : B0CVR46Z1X

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/02/26/the-requirement-of-grief/