Scott Preston’s The Borrowed Hills is the strangled, savagely beautiful swan song of the world of the Cumbrian peasant farmer.
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2024/10/03/elegy-for-a-separate-civilization-borrowed-hills-scott-preston/
In his memoir Going Home (2020), the Palestinian human rights lawyer Raja Shehadeh recalls taking a walk around Ramallah and standing outside the house where his father, Aziz Shehadeh, was murdered. “In my sixty-sixth year I’ve come back to visit where you last lived to tell you how much I miss knowing and befriending you,” […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2024/10/03/living-the-nakba-raja-shehadeh-fida-jiryis/
Gigglet the Happy Little Piglet Goes to Summer Camp perfectly captures the joy of outdoor play and the power of friendship. Gigglet is the most cheerful piglet around. She eagerly embarks on her summer camp adventure, where she enjoys a variety of activities with her friends. From the peaceful moments around the campfire, roasting marshmallows and singing songs, to the energetic team-based games and friendly competitions, the book shows how nature offers endless ways to have fun.
Author A.M. Berkowitz combines a heartwarming tale of camaraderie and adventure in this beautiful picture book. The story invites children to imagine themselves in Gigglet’s shoes and even try some of the activities like arts and crafts or creating their own camp-inspired games. The story paints a picture of a day filled with respect, trust, and positive interactions while promoting the simple pleasures of life.
The pacing is unhurried reminding us of the joy found in slowing down and reconnecting with the natural world. The author’s engaging and melodious narration, coupled with simple yet effective language, makes this children’s book accessible and enjoyable for young readers. The illustrations are equally captivating, with each scene bringing to life a different moment of camp fun. The characters are designed with a joyful charm, radiating enthusiasm that leaps off the page. The vibrant artwork and lively text create a picture book that is sure to hold a child’s attention from beginning to end.
Gigglet the Happy Little Piglet Goes to Summer Camp is focused on practical and cooperative activities that encourage children to move, explore, and work together. This delightful tale will inspire young readers to embrace the outdoors, appreciate their surroundings and treat others with kindness.
ASIN: B0DBFQS7NB
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/09/12/gigglet-the-happy-little-piglet-goes-to-summer-camp/
Otilija Štajn’s Colours of the Fraud is an atmospheric novel that weaves together mystery, personal drama, and an unsettling sense of foreboding. For over two decades, Ema has owned a mysterious painting, oblivious to its true significance. When a friend casually suggests that the portrait resembles his sister, Ema’s curiosity deepens. Soon after, an art instructor claims it to be the work of a 16th-century Italian master. As Ema searches for answers, her life starts to unravel in unexpected ways. Her long-term relationship falters just as her career seems to be on the upswing, and more paintings featuring the same enigmatic woman begin to surface. Confusion gives way to a growing certainty that something larger and more mysterious is at play, far beyond her control.
Set against the backdrop of modern life, the novel immerses the reader in Ema’s world, one marked by the crushing pressures of corporate existence and complex personal relationships. Štajn’s writing expertly conveys a mounting sense of dread, making each new discovery feel like a step deeper into an ever-tightening labyrinth.
The story begins with disorienting shifts between timelines, but soon settles into Ema’s present-day struggles. As an economist working in a large firm, she’s consumed by her career, but the painting—lovingly dubbed The Muse—takes hold of her mind. The deeper she delves into the painting’s origins, the more chaotic her life becomes. Štajn’s talent lies in crafting a suffocating atmosphere, where even the most mundane moments carry a sense of unease. The book is not overtly dangerous, yet it pulses with an underlying tension that keeps the reader on edge.
The novel is remarkably tight, with little wasted space. Every character serves a purpose, whether enriching Ema’s personal life or adding complexity to her professional world. Štajn explores her relationships thoroughly, ensuring that each dynamic feels fully realized.
Colours of the Fraud is a captivating blend of mystery, psychological tension, and rich character exploration. Otilija Štajn skillfully crafts a narrative that draws readers into a world where the past and present collide and where personal unraveling mirrors the deeper mystery of a seemingly innocuous painting. The novel’s moody atmosphere, complex relationships, and meticulous attention to detail make for a thoroughly engaging read. It’s a story that keeps you guessing, unraveling its secrets layer by layer, and leaves a lasting impression with its haunting, introspective tone.
Pages: 281 | ASIN: B0D366RQ8K
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/09/12/colours-of-the-fraud/
Dr. Black Widow is an intimate and deeply personal story about Mike Cromwell’s journey through a failed 38-year marriage and a subsequent disastrous relationship with a manipulative woman all leading to a whirlwind of legal battles, emotional torment and eventual self-discovery. Cromwell uses his experiences to spotlight issues within the justice system, particularly in how men can be treated unfairly in domestic disputes. He also reflecting on the lessons learned about family, love, and personal strength.
I found Cromwell’s writing to be raw and unfiltered which made the emotional impact of his story hit hard. His candid reflections on his marriages struck me as profoundly honest. He acknowledges his faults during his first marriage, like neglecting his wife for the pursuit of money. But he also describes the crushing blow of betrayal when he discovers her infidelity. His recounting of this moment, when the house that symbolized their life together becomes just a “house on a hill,” beautifully illustrates the transformation of a dream into disillusionment. It was one of those moments that made me pause and feel the weight of his heartache.
Cromwell’s later relationship, the one he calls his “insane” second marriage, is a wild, almost unbelievable ride of manipulation and control. Chapters like “Living with the Spider” and “Breaking Point” left me flabbergasted at the cruelty and deceit he faced. His second wife, whom he portrays as a gold digger, manipulated not just him but the legal system as well, which only compounded his suffering. There’s a gut-wrenching moment where he is physically assaulted, a vivid account of waking up to punches raining down on him. The way he conveys his shock, confusion, and eventual resolve to fight back is intense and emotionally charged.
What I found particularly gripping were Cromwell’s reflections on the justice system. His experience of being wrongfully detained, facing biased treatment from law enforcement and legal entities, is central to his mission. Chapters like “Legal Entanglements” highlight his frustration with how easily the system can fail to protect the innocent. I could feel his desperation and anger when he describes taking an Alfred Plea, despite his innocence, because the odds were stacked against him as a man in such cases. This part of the book not only serves as a personal lament but also as a call for reform in how domestic cases are handled.
Dr. Black Widow is a candid and sometimes brutal, exploration of love gone wrong, personal failure and societal injustice. It is a deeply personal book, and I would recommend it to anyone interested in true stories of resilience, especially men who may feel overlooked or misunderstood by the justice system. However, it’s also a story that resonates with anyone who has experienced betrayal or fought for justice in the face of overwhelming odds.
Pages: 67 | ASIN: B0D87CTFV1
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/09/12/dr-black-widow/
https://youtu.be/OccLwQ0f2yg
Starting where Finding Magdalena left off, nineteen-year-old Maggie marries her fiancé, Mateo and moves to Milan for his new job and her scholarship at the famous Milan Conservatory. Maggie has barely settled in her new home when she uncovers the Brotherhood, a secret organization, and finds herself unwittingly involved in its sinister plans. Along with Shep and the rest of his team, she leads the covert mission to bring the Brotherhood to its knees. Once again, Maggie embarks on a dangerous journey that tests her mental and physical limits. Can she escape the Brotherhood’s long reach and survive?
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/09/12/the-brotherhood/
RECOMPENSE: Book 1 – A King for Scotland follows a British regiment fighting in Afghanistan in 2010 who are sent back in time to 1746 Schotland right before the Battle of Culloden and have the chance to alter the course of history. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
This is kind of a long story, but I will keep it as short as possible. I love history, so the deep dives necessary to put together the info was an enjoyable experience. But here is how it started:
First of all – it was from the movie Braveheart. I totally enjoyed the movie and Scottish history. Second, I have an ancestry account and found through DNA, Genealogists, and the family trees, that I have a lot of Scottish Ancestry – some of it from the Nobility. I became intrigued with the history of Scotland. I read a book about the history of the Battle of Culloden, and the tragic story of the “Butcher – Duke of Cumberland” and his efforts to eradicate Scottish Culture.
One day, I was thinking about the battle and mused to myself what a difference a 50 cal Machine Gun in the hands of the Scots, would have had on the outcome of the battle. That musing turned into a whole company of Scottish Highlanders. The more that I considered the possibility – the more intriguing the story became.
Did you find anything in your research of this story that surprised you?
The biggest surprise was that there was a real possibility of creating the necessary materials to be able to supply the modern equipment utilizing 18th Century Technology.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I don’t know if this would be considered a theme, but plausibility was always the goal. That is why I spent a lot of time explaining things in detail – maybe more than necessary in some points. Even the battle scenes, I wanted them to be literally felt.
Interpersonal relationships, of course, were an important part as well… and a dose of humor always comes in handy.
Where does the story go in the next book, and where do you see it going in the future?
I have at least four books planned, and they may expand further. Book 2 will be the “Clash of Kings” as the King Charles clashes with King George. There will be more from a Science Fiction standpoint as the true Character of John Stuart and how the Time travel occurs will be revealed. What about James VIII? King Charles’ Father. Will he become engaged? How does it come together where everything culminates in the battle for control of Great Britain? Book 3 will be: “The Age of Empire”. Will Scotland and the Stuart Dynasty be satisfied with Great Britain? Or will more conquest with the other European Dynasties be inevitable? Book 4 will be: “Rebellion”. What will happen to the 13 Colonies? Is a Rebellion a foregone confusion? If so, then how? Who is responsible for stirring up strife? Will the original founders of America rebel under a different King? What will be the outcome?
Author Links: Facebook | Website
In 1746, the Battle of Culloden sealed Scotland’s fate. But what if history could be rewritten?
As Prince Charles Stuart faces certain defeat against King George II’s forces, a mysterious Lord John Stuart whispers of an impossible hope—soldiers from the future.
Suddenly, the 4th Battalion, Delta Company of the Royal Highlanders Regiment is ripped from their 2010 Afghan mission and thrust into 1746 Scotland. Armed with modern weapons and knowledge, Major Derek McAndrew and his men face an impossible choice: preserve history or fight for a free Scotland?
With only a week until Culloden, they must decide whether to alter the course of history. Choosing to stand with Prince Charles, they set out to defeat the British Army and the infamous “Butcher” Cumberland. But their victory is just the beginning.
Now, racing against time, they must build a modern Scottish military using 18th-century resources. A massive invasion looms on the horizon, threatening to erase Scotland from the map forever. Can these time-displaced soldiers secure Scotland’s future, or will their interference doom the nation they sought to save?
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/09/12/the-more-intriguing-the-story-became/
The excitement that radiated through the Democratic National Convention was the other side of what had until recently been a deep despair.
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2024/10/03/dynamism-discipline/
Sophia Rose is here with a review of Primal Mirror by Nalini Singh. This is the eighth book in the Psy-Changeling Trinity. If you are a fan of paranormal romance filled with suspense, you’ll want to grab this one!
Primal Mirror
by Nalini Singh
Series: Psy-Changeling Trinity #8
Genres: Paranormal Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Rating: 
Heat Level: 
New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh takes us into a family dark with shadowy secrets, as the world of the Psy hangs on the edge of a final catastrophic collapse…
Daughter of two ruthless high-gradient telepaths, Auden Scott is not the child her Psy parents wanted or expected, even before her brain injury. Her thoughts are scattered, her memories fuzzy—or just terrifyingly blank. The only thing she knows for certain is that she must protect her unborn baby…a baby she has no recollection of conceiving and who draws an abnormal intensity of notice from her dead mother’s closest associates.
Leopard alpha Remi Denier is a man driven by the primal instinct to protect. Protect his pack, protect his allies… and protect the mysterious woman who has become a most unlikely neighbor. With eerie eyes that see too much and a scent that alters in ways disturbing and impossible, Auden Scott is the enemy…but nothing about this strange Psy is what it seems, Remi’s feline heart as fascinated by her as the human half of his soul.
Then Auden asks Remi to help her shatter the wall of secrets that is the Scott bloodline. What they unearth will reveal a nightmare beyond imagination. This time, the battle is to the death…
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A new pack alpha stumbles on a mysterious Psy woman and further contact leaves him with great interest and few answers even as the woman finds herself trusting this Changeling outsider with everything she holds dear. Nalini Singh’s Psy Changeling Trinity world continues to offer that exciting blend of sexy paranormal romance and tension-wrought, intriguing urban fantasy.
Primal Mirror is the eighth in the Psy-Changeling Trinity series which is a sequel to the original Psy-Changeling series. Definitely read them in order to get the most out of the world of both series.
Though Auden Scott is a new character, her parents were characters I loved to hate and wanted to see them defeated throughout the earlier series. I found it interesting seeing their dark legacy thwarted in Auden. Auden is purposefully nothing like either parent. She has imperfect Silence, for one thing. She always did because her powerful Psy affinity is telemetry. She reads emotions and visions from what she touches and this never allowed her not to feel. There is a mystery surrounding her and the baby she carries. As the story progressed, I had a horrible suspicion about what was going on and I really was hoping to be wrong, but no, I was way too right. Thank goodness, Auden had an inner strength and she had Remy.
Remy is a leopard changeling and the alpha of a newly-formed pack. Up until now, all the Changeling stories have involved established packs and I found it exciting and fascinating that details were given of how Remy and his people are working to establish themselves. Remy is a treasure. He went through hard times himself with a bully alpha, abandoned by his dad, and having to lose his beloved mom to a long-term illness and this honed him to being a protective, loving, and loyal alpha to his own people. He doesn’t see himself as anything special so is always surprised that such good people have come to work alongside him and help build the pack. Auden gains Remy’s interest from the start first because of the oddity and mystery about her, but then he slowly gets to know her and their friendship grows into something more right when she needs him most.
And, as Auden and Remy’s story is going on, there are brief moments with the greater situation of the world as others are working to fix the Psy Net to save the Psy race and the situation with the Scarabs. I was on the edge of my seat when the failing psy net situation came to a head and a surprise twist happens at zero hour.
All in all, this was so good and leaves me craving the next installment. If you haven’t already, do yourself a favor and make a bookdate with the Psy-Changeling and then Psy Changeling Trinity series.
Amazon | Audible
Nalini Singh is the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author of the Psy-Changeling, Guild Hunter, and Rock Kiss series. She lives in New Zealand but travels as much as possible (the travel bug bit hard from when she escaped working as a lawyer to run away and teach English in Japan). Nalini loves to write, loves to read, and thinks chocolate is a food group.
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Sophia is a quiet though curious gal who dabbles in cooking, book reviewing, and gardening. Encouraged and supported by an incredible man and loving family. A Northern Californian transplant to the Great Lakes Region of the US. Lover of Jane Austen, Baseball, Cats, Scooby Doo, and Chocolate.
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Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2024/09/primal-mirror-by-nalini-singh.html
Anthony Scaramucci’s From Wall Street to the White House and Back is a candid and often irreverent exploration of his tumultuous career, weaving together lessons learned from the boardrooms of finance to the chaotic corridors of political power. This book isn’t just a memoir; it’s a guide to resilience, peppered with personal anecdotes, sharp humor, and brutally honest self-reflection. Scaramucci takes readers on a whirlwind tour of his life, from his early days on Wall Street to his infamous eleven days in the Trump White House, offering insights that are as much about survival in high-stakes environments as they are about personal growth.
Scaramucci’s style is punchy and direct as he breaks down big ideas by tying them to what he’s been through. Take his thoughts on ego, for instance. He doesn’t just say it’s dangerous; he shows it by talking about how his craving for status led him to join Trump’s team. This kind of honesty makes his advice hit harder and feel more genuine. Scaramucci doesn’t shy away from admitting his screw-ups. In a world where folks often dodge responsibility, he’s refreshingly upfront. He shares stories of failure—from a bad investment in Centocor to political missteps—with a level of self-awareness that’s both engaging and relatable. The chapter on his White House days is a must-read, not just for the events, but for the reflection that comes with them. Each chapter contains a new lesson and the author mixes stories with solid advice, giving you both entertainment and takeaways you can use. Scaramucci’s tips are clear and powerful, backed by real-life experiences.
From Wall Street to the White House and Back is a solid read for anyone interested in leadership and bouncing back from setbacks. Scaramucci’s no-filter approach is perfect for readers who value straight talk and practical wisdom. It’s a great pick for aspiring leaders, entrepreneurs, or anyone trying to rebound from failure.
Pages: 226 | ASIN : B0CPZ162KK
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/09/11/from-wall-street-to-the-white-house-and-back/