Book Review Post

“Lyon Book Promotions Review Spotlight For “Anything For Amelia,” By: Author Andrew Branham.”

Catherine Lyon Author/Writer Book Review Post, Featured Guest, New Book & Author Press Release , , , , , , , , ,

Hello and Welcome Readers,

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Well, I just finished Author, Andrew C. Branham’s new book, a memoir of his experience of adopting his daughter sweet Amelia. Andrew and partner DJ, explain the “HELL they went through, and what a ride these dads have been on. Reading Andrew’s book really opened my eyes to how our adoption process and system is so broken. Even the legal process a couple has to go through when they decide to start a family through adoption is also very broken.

And even though Andrew and DJ are two gay partners who had the desire to start a family together? By no means is this book just about gay couples wanting to adopt. It is about ALL couples who have to go through the same system they did to adopt. Yes, his book gives you an in-depth look for the LGBT community who are thinking of doing the same? But all couples go through a similar process. And Andrew had many obstacles to get over while this process played for them. I also want readers to know that Andrew and his partner are strong advocates of adoption and continue to help other families in the adoption process. 20% of his profits will be donated to the U.S. foster care system.

Here is a little about the book/memoir titled; Anything For Amelia: A true story of the challenges endured by two gay men who had the desire to adopt a child.

About The Memoir:
A true story of the challenges endured by two gay men who had the desire to adopt a child.

When Andrew and DJ decided to adopt and bring a child into their lives, little did they know what they were about to endure; yet never did the thought cross their minds to give up. The horrific, pitilessly, and beyond comprehensible hoops one woman would make them jump through demonstrates beyond a shadow of a doubt that little Amelia was going to be much better off in the loving home that Drew and DJ could provide her. Just when you think, how can two people survive such a nightmare and the journey is just about over when little Amelia is born and will be safely in the arms of her loving dads, Sandi decides to pull one more shenanigan that could change their lives forever.

More than 10 million adults have been adopted or fostered in their childhood. Along with spiraling increases in adoptions comes a growing need to disclose the significant flaws in adoption laws that open the doors to fraud, manipulation, and abuse of the system. AMELIA is the first book to explore this dark side of the adoption process through the true story of one couple’s journey through hell. Called “the most difficult adoption in U.S history, by adoption experts, the book appeals to nearly all families (traditional and non-traditional) interested in adoption, foster parenting, or surrogacy
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An amazing book filled with tips, advice, and eye-opening first-hand accounts, this is one feel-good story that serves an important purpose and fills a critical gap in adoption literature. – D. J. Herda

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Andrew C. Branham
( DJ holding Amelia, and Andrew Branham, Author)

My Book Review of ‘Anything For Amelia.”
First I want to let readers know this book/memoir hit Amazon’s #1 Best Seller list for LGBT Memoir/Biography reads, and currently has 100% 5 Star Amazon Book Reviews. .. ..

An Amazing True Story Of Adoption and A New Beautiful Family.

ByCatherine Townsend-Lyon, Author on September 28, 2015
Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

What more can I add to many other fantastic reviews of Andrew Branham’s new book titled, ‘Anything for Amelia’ that has not been written already. Very well written account of a truly heartwarming, and at times heartbreaking experience both Andrew and DJ had to face until the sweet victory of having a family they desperately wanted with Amelia as their daughter. I also came away from this book realizing that our adoption system is badly broken in this country. No parents should have to battle like Andrew had to start a family through the adoption system. Way to many open loop holes in our flawed system.

I want to echo what another reader mentioned in their review, that his book is not just about two gay men wanting a child, nor about the LGBT community. This is real lives, going through real pain when they came to many heart breaking road blocks in their process of adopting Amelia.

I feel more legal rights need to lean for the couples adopting than most all for the birth mother. Yes, much is and can be done through the legal process, but not through a broken system. and this book is proof how corrupt our system is, and seems to lean way more toward the birth mother, and not the family adopting. Very unfair balance.

As a book reviewer point of view, Andrew did an exceptional job with writing such an in-depth personal journey that will help many parents adopting now after Andrew and DJ, to use his book as a guide of what to expect when adopting a child. What a legacy to leave behind for his family and for all who read his book. My heart goes out to them of the heartaches they had to go through, but in the end? Just take one look at Sweet Amelia, and I’m sure she makes it all worth IT! . . . .

Excellent & Highly Suggested Read!  ~ ~ Author, Catherine Townsend-Lyon
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A Few more Readers Reviews on Amazon:

Amazing story of Love
This book is a heart wrenching depiction of a difficult adoption story. Although the difficult process was detailed….heartbreaking to say the least. But the beautiful theme that cannot be overshadowed is Love….fight for love no matter how difficult the battle! Amazing story thank you for sharing it with the world. Highly Suggested Read!
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Great read! The emotional roller coaster of the open …

Great read! The emotional roller coaster of the open adoption from hell! Even knowing how the story ended, I couldn’t put the book down as I had to see what Sandi would come up with next. She is a character so evil that she couldn’t be made up; what she put Drew and DJ through for the duration of her pregnancy is truly evil! There is something wrong with the adoption laws if people like this can hold prospective parents hostage. I don’t know the answer but this shows that it is a question worth asking. Amazing that one woman could impact so many in such a negative manner. I only hope that CPS did their job; there are so many sympathetic characters in this story that you’ll find yourself rooting for all of them!
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“Thoughts from an Attorney:”

“The best adoption memoir currently on the market. Why is it the best? Because it is 100% transparent and honest. No other book will give you such a candid look at the darker side of adoption. This is a must read for all adoptive or soon to be adoptive families.”   – Anonymous Adoption Attorney

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So I think you the picture that this is a great book by the reviews its receiving. Andrew’s book is also now available in paperback on Amazon, and now available on Barnes & Noble as well. Please Visit Andrew’s website to learn more and support them: Anything For Amelia ~ Andrew Branham and purchase his book on Amazon today!

Product Details
( click book to purchase on Amazon )


HAPPY READING FRIENDS!
Lyon Book Promotions by Author, Catherine Lyon

Congrats To Author, Jack Barr For Making It Into “The Readers Favorite” Book Award Contest!

Catherine Lyon Author/Writer Book Review Post, Featured Guest , , , , ,

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I so enjoy sharing author news and updates about my author friends. And Jack, Jana and Marley Barr are no exception! I have had the honor of book promoting for Jack and the Barr family for quite some time now, and I’m very happy about this little project of his. He had asked me to research and find out more about a great place for authors and writers to submit their new books and novels for awards to an awesome ‘International Book Awards Website’ called  Readers Favorite’ . . .  So we did.

Well, not only did he get a fabulous 4 star book review, and now he has made it to the next round of their current 2015  book awards contest! Now I knew he would make the entry as I have read his fantastic memoir titled;
Failing at Fatherhood: a book for the imperfect father, which is available now on Amazon right here: Failing at Fatherhood

So I thought I’d share the review that Readers Favorite has done for his book, and I wish him and his family the very best of luck at winning an award.

His book will truly ‘touch your heart’! And a win would be well deserved for his powerful memoir.

A Little About Readers Favorite!

Readers’ Favorite has received the “Honoring Excellence” and “Best Websites for Authors” awards by the Association of Independent Authors, are members of the National Book Critics Circle and National Education Association, and are BBB accredited (A+).
Readers’ Favorite tries to help those in need as well by donating books and income each year to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Authors contribute as well by donating via our order forms and through our Book Donation program.
Awards and Logos
Donation Partners
Readers’ Favorite has been awarded the Association
of Independent Authors Honoring Excellence award, which
recognizes businesses and organizations that offer exceptional
products and services for independent authors.
Association of Independent Authors
On behalf of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital,
and especially on behalf of the children and their
families, we want to thank Readers’ Favorite and its
authors for your kindness and generosity.
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

Readers Favorite Book Review For ~ Failing at Fatherhood ~ Author, Jack Barr

Review Rating:
 4 stars.
Reviewed By Samantha Gregory for Readers’ Favorite

Failing at Fatherhood: A Book for the Imperfect Father by Jack Barr is the story of the birth of Jack’s daughter, Marley, and her diagnosis of Down’s Syndrome. Jack shares his feelings about the diagnosis and how it affected him in the early part of his daughter’s life. He becomes angry at his wife, Marley, and God over the diagnosis, but instead of talking to anyone about it, he bottles it all up. As the book goes on, Jack begins to accept his daughter’s diagnosis.

Jack Barr has written about a difficult event in Failing at Fatherhood, but in the early chapters you don’t really have any sympathy for him. His reaction is completely selfish – he is only worried about himself and how everything is affecting him. He has already written off his daughter before she has a chance to prove him wrong. Children with Down’s Syndrome can live very full lives. Gradually, Jack learns to accept it and comes to terms with it. He tells us about his own childhood and the experiences he had with his own father and how they shaped him.

There is a strong Christian influence in the book and Jack works in Thailand teaching people about God. Many parents of Down’s Syndrome children will tell you that, while it can be difficult at times, they wouldn’t change their child for anything. Having Down’s Syndrome does not define a child, it is just a part of them. I think the book is interesting, and a must read for parents of children born with a disability. . .


About Jack Barr and Family

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Jack, Jana and Marley Barr

Jack and Jana Barr are missionaries in Bangkok, Thailand.  Before their first date, they both knew God was calling them to serve overseas.  After completing their undergraduate degrees at Johnson University, and their graduate degrees (Jack M.Ed. Regent University, M.Sc. Canisius College/ Jana M.A. Lee University) they flew to Bangkok for the first time.  For the past nine years they have served God by teaching at the International Community School in Bangkok, Thailand.

Three years ago, Jack and Jana did not know God would use their daughter Marley, to forever alter their life plan.  Marley was born with Down syndrome and that event sent Jack crashing into a sea of depression. “I could not overcome the question of, Why us God”?  Since that day, Jack and Jana have rerouted their plan to align with God’s plan.  They started, If They Had A Voice, an awareness campaign that focuses on Down syndrome abortions.  Their story has been featured on CNN, CNN Mexico, Life Action News, and The Insight Channel.  Jack also wrote his first book, Failing at Fatherhood, which has been endorsed by Bob Russell, S.A. Bodeen, and Woodroll Kroll.  Jack & Jana had a simple plan for their future, but God has forced them to trust in HIS plan.

For general inquiries and speaking engagements, email Jack at info@iftheyhadavoice.org
Please visit their website If They Had A Voice and follow them on Twitter @jackjanamarley 

Do You Know What Day Today Is In History? Let Me Tell You With A Fantastic Suggested Read By: Author, Carl Baker

Catherine Lyon Author/Writer Book Review Post, Featured Guest , , , , , , , , , , ,

 

14 Days in July ~ by Carl Baker and Marc Heberden

About This Day In Our History . . .  On the 14th day of July in 1789, French revolutionaries storm Bastille.

Parisian revolutionaries and mutinous troops storm and dismantle the Bastille, a royal fortress that had come to symbolize the tyranny of the Bourbon monarchs. This dramatic action signaled the beginning of the French Revolution, a decade of political turmoil and terror in which King Louis XVI was overthrown and tens of thousands of people, including the king and his wife Marie Antoinette, were executed.

The Bastille was originally constructed in 1370 as a bastide, or “fortification,” to protect the walled city of Paris from English attack. It was later made into an independent stronghold, and its name–bastide–was corrupted to Bastille. The Bastille was first used as a state prison in the 17th century, and its cells were reserved for upper-class felons, political troublemakers, and spies. Most prisoners there were imprisoned without a trial under direct orders of the king. Standing 100 feet tall and surrounded by a moat more than 80 feet wide, the Bastille was an imposing structure in the Parisian landscape.

By the summer of 1789, France was moving quickly toward revolution. There were severe food shortages in France that year, and popular resentment against the rule of King Louis XVI was turning to fury. In June, the Third Estate, which represented commoners and the lower clergy, declared itself the National Assembly and called for the drafting of a constitution. Initially seeming to yield, Louis legalized the National Assembly but then surrounded Paris with troops and dismissed Jacques Necker, a popular minister of state who had supported reforms. In response, mobs began rioting in Paris at the instigation of revolutionary leaders.

Bernard-Jordan de Launay, the military governor of the Bastille, feared that his fortress would be a target for the revolutionaries and so requested reinforcements. A company of Swiss mercenary soldiers arrived on July 7 to bolster his garrison of 82 soldiers. The Marquis de Sade, one of the few prisoners in the Bastille at the time, was transferred to an insane asylum after he attempted to incite a crowd outside his window by yelling: “They are massacring the prisoners; you must come and free them.” On July 12, royal authorities transferred 250 barrels of gunpowder to the Bastille from the Paris Arsenal, which was more vulnerable to attack. Launay brought his men into the Bastille and raised its two drawbridges.

On July 13, revolutionaries with muskets began firing at soldiers standing guard on the Bastille’s towers and then took cover in the Bastille’s courtyard when Launay’s men fired back. That evening, mobs stormed the Paris Arsenal and another armory and acquired thousands of muskets. At dawn on July 14, a great crowd armed with muskets, swords, and various makeshift weapons began to gather around the Bastille.

Launay received a delegation of revolutionary leaders but refused to surrender the fortress and its munitions as they requested. He later received a second delegation and promised he would not open fire on the crowd. To convince the revolutionaries, he showed them that his cannons were not loaded. Instead of calming the agitated crowd, news of the unloaded cannons emboldened a group of men to climb over the outer wall of the courtyard and lower a drawbridge. Three hundred revolutionaries rushed in, and Launay’s men took up a defensive position. When the mob outside began trying to lower the second drawbridge, Launay ordered his men to open fire. One hundred rioters were killed or wounded.

Launay’s men were able to hold the mob back, but more and more Parisians were converging on the Bastille. Around 3 p.m., a company of deserters from the French army arrived. The soldiers, hidden by smoke from fires set by the mob, dragged five cannons into the courtyard and aimed them at the Bastille. Launay raised a white flag of surrender over the fortress. Launay and his men were taken into custody, the gunpowder and cannons were seized, and the seven prisoners of the Bastille were freed. Upon arriving at the Hotel de Ville, where Launay was to be arrested by a revolutionary council, the governor was pulled away from his escort by a mob and murdered.

The capture of the Bastille symbolized the end of the ancien regime and provided the French revolutionary cause with an irresistible momentum. Joined by four-fifths of the French army, the revolutionaries seized control of Paris and then the French countryside, forcing King Louis XVI to accept a constitutional government. In 1792, the monarchy was abolished and Louis and his wife Marie-Antoinette were sent to the guillotine for treason in 1793.

By order of the new revolutionary government, the Bastille was torn down. On February 6, 1790, the last stone of the hated prison-fortress was presented to the National Assembly. Today, July 14–Bastille Day–is celebrated as a national holiday in France.
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Product Details
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Now, the rest of the story of  “14 Days In July” written in novel form by Authors Carl Baker and Marc Heberden. It has more twists and turns and inside secrets then you will ever read about in any history book. Here is what readers have said about this well written historical novel in currently 100 % all 5 Star Amazon book reviews:

14 Days in July Book Reviews:

A Best Seller For Sure!
“A page turner from the first to the last page.  An absolutely outstanding read! Carl and Marc have in my opinion, have a #1 Best Seller on their hands!”

 

Truly Amazing!
“This novel was truly amazing! I have never been to Paris, but the author describes it in such a manner, that I could picture it clearly. It was as if I were really there. The fourteen days leading up to the French Revolution are depicted vividly. The characters were all so well described and skillfully developed. The plot thickens and there are so many twists, turns, and chases throughout the streets of Paris, and also beneath the city in the forgotten catacombs. There is also another storyline about what happened 100 years before, involving a family secret that has been passed down through generations. This secret is the very core of the present day story. This novel is full of action and suspense. The reader is surprised by who turns out to be friend or foe. The romance is tender yet sizzling! It is indeed hard to put this book down once you begin to read it. I absolutely can’t wait to read the sequel!”

Riveting!
“This is a superb novel. It weaves together the French Revolution with the excesses of Louis XIV, the mystery of the Man In The Iron Mask, and even the Three Musketeers. I was fortunate enough to be in Paris on vacation while reading this book, and it made several of the places there come alive for me. Like the fiction of Philippa Gregory, the authors take known historical fact and fill in the unknown gaps with a plausible historical narrative. But there is a twist–for within that plausible historical narrative, there is a fascinating palace intrigue that forms a mystery in the genre of the DaVinci Code. I was especially impressed at the great care the authors took to describe the intimate details (including some steamy love scenes) seldom explored about French life before the revolution–the pathos of the proletariat and the peasants, the dissolving middle class, and the widening chasm between these classes and the insatiable appetites of the French aristocracy. I found the book riveting. It would make a great movie. Like other reviewers, I can’t wait for the sequel.!”

 

ABOUT THE NOVEL:

1 July 1789, Paris — Two weeks before the Revolution
France is undergoing a political upheaval unlike anything it has known before. Louis XVI is using savage mercenary forces and food blockages, to bring the people to heel. The country is a powder keg, and Paris is the fuse. In the midst of what could become bloody chaos, shadowy people— including the sinister and brutal chief of the Paris police—discover that a young Parisian laundress, Michèle Duvallier, whose fiancé is imprisoned for his political activities, knows a deadly, ancient secret that could shake France’s monarchy to its core. Michèle finds herself the object of a murderous manhunt. Her imprisoned fiancé’s citizen’s group, now led by his brother, is being chased from one hiding place to another. It is only during the fall of the Bastille that she learns why so many powerful people are hunting for her, but as well the shocking identity of who has been betraying them ….
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September 1654, Burgundy — 135 years before the Revolution
A good-natured young man, an orphan, is mysteriously imprisoned with grotesque instructions to conceal his identity in such as way as to ensure he is to be forgotten for all time ….
The man in the iron mask was not a pure invention of Alexandre Dumas. The rumor of the existence of twin boys being switched, one of whom was to become Louis XIV, had been speculated on for well over a hundred years by many high sources— including Voltaire, who secretly told friends he had seen the man unmasked, and saw he was the king’s twin. But what Dumas, and no one else, wrote about, was the even more dangerous rumor that there was not only a switch, but as well … another lineage …

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Carl Baker  Carl Baker, Author/Writer

Raised in the Midwest, and educated at the University of Oklahoma. Carl Baker has published numerous articles/case studies in Medicine, and lectured world-wide. Now he lives and writes in Monte Carlo, Monaco and Slidell, Louisiana, USA. This man of mystery is currently working on several novel projects.
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So I am suggesting Carl’s novel to all my readers. I have not been a huge fan of historical novels, but after I read this one I enjoy them much more. I can tell you that knowing Carl Baker personally, he is a perfectionist when it comes to research and all the historical facts and locations in his novels. It’s what I feel you’ll enjoy the most about his writing, and other book readers do mention this fact in their book reviews.

One reader mentioned in his book review;  By Michael Gibson  “It weaves together the French Revolution with the excesses of Louis XIV, the mystery of the Man In The Iron Mask, and even the Three Musketeers. I was fortunate enough to be in Paris on vacation while reading this book, and it made several of the places there come alive for me.”

So grab your copy to read today,  this week, or this weekend. It also makes a great summer vacation read as well.
HAPPY READING!
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Lyon Book Promotions By Author, Catherine Lyon

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A Happy 4th of July Guest Reviews & Interviews of Fantastic Authors!

Catherine Lyon Author/Writer Book Review Post, Just A Blog Post, New Book & Author Press Release

Hello Friends and Readers Everywhere!  Happy 4th of July Weekend!


A Special Author Reading Free For All Reviews & Interviews of The Many Fine Authors I Enjoy & Their Books! Enjoy & Happy Reading This 4th of JULY!

Interview ~ Review of Author, Janet DeLee and her new book: Taking Leaps . . .

Interviewer:  “I hardly ever accept review requests. This is partly because I prefer to spend my limited time reading books of my choosing, but mainly because I’m rarely sent a synopsis that piques my interest. And of course there’s always the sad but true point that an unknown book carries a higher risk of increased suck factor.”

However, for once, a review request caught my eye: the story of a group of dreamers in an Ideal Life Club, meeting to encourage each other towards their goals, with a few ghosts thrown in. I liked the cover photo (if not the title font), too. So I decided to take a leap and accept the request. AND just after replying in the affirmative, I looked DeLee up on Amazon and found she lives 3 hours away from me, she loves Italy and gardening, and this book is her second with the same main character. So I quickly emailed again and greedily requested a copy of her first book too. She replied and said she would send both as long as I read the new one first.

As promised, I read Taking Leaps & Finding Ghosts before Creating an Ideal Life. Though the writing style of TL&FG did not jive with my preferences, I still found myself engaged by the experiences of the characters. And I liked the suggested method of working towards making dreams reality:

1. Write a visualization of your goal.  2. Write a statement of affirmation.

3. Write at least one step towards actualization. (And, of course, take the steps you commit to.)

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Interview ~ Review of Author, Rosie Tirant-Longhurst of her Novel, Echoes from the Oasis. . .

Born in 1958 on Mahe island in the Seychelles, as the daughter of a policeman and the eldest in a family of four brothers and four sisters, Rosie Tirant-Longhurst grew up in the tiny Seaside village of Beau-Vallon on the northern coast of the island.

She started her working life in 1975 as a nurse at Victoria Hospital and has been living in UK for the past 20 years.

What theme does your book explore and what do you hope to evoke in the readers?

The theme is historical, romantic and spiritual. The readers would discover the essence of true love. Experience another world of exotic beauty and the journey to the core of their beings. I do hope that the readers would see the connections between mankind, the marvels of nature and God.

What prompted you to be an author and where you influenced by a person, artist or genre?

“I became an author because I wanted to preserve the old way of life. I wanted my children, grandchildren and the world to know the real Seychelles and its people. I was not influenced by anyone in particular, although the central character in the story is a nurse, and I have drawn on some personal experiences from my nursing days.”

If you could compare your book to any other existing works, which ones would it be, and why?

One of my readers has compared my work to Catherine Cookson’s books written in Northumberland in UK, because of the descriptive way I set the scene. Whilst, an Editorial review from TODAY in Seychelles quotes : “Her penmanship is particularly remarkable in the manner in which she paints the historical backdrop to the stage setting as she introduces the principal players whose lives and passions intertwine with the historical events of that period .”

Tell us about your latest work and what inspired you.

“Echoes from the Oasis” is my debut novel. It is the first book in the series, with future titles taking the story of Seychelles and the Seychellois people to the present age. I am inspired by the natural beauty of the Seychelles islands, the unique culture of the Seychellois people, and how our faith has molded us. Book One starts in 1912, and also features the outbreak of the First World War, and the role played by the Seychellois people in this conflict. We were a colony of Great Britain during those times . . . .
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Special Interview of Award Winning Author, Jack Barr on CNN & CNN iReport of his book, Failing
at Fatherhood. . . Featured on CNN.com.

Dad’s Confession: I almost left my disabled daughter.

“The day my daughter Marley was born, I went straight to the nursery and held her for well over two hours. I just held her and cried because I had never experienced such a love for anyone or anything in my life.

I think the nurses thought I was crazy because eventually they told me I needed to go be with my wife. Three days later, before we left the hospital, the pediatric doctor told us she thought Marley might have Down syndrome.”

My reaction?  “Are you freaking kidding me?”

I immediately had a panic attack and was taken to the emergency room. Thoughts were racing through my mind: How could my perfect daughter have Down syndrome? How could they not know for sure? How could the general ultrasound, which said we had a 1-in-18,000 chance of having a child with Down syndrome, be wrong? Why was God punishing me? How could I live with a daughter that was going to be rejected by everyone … including myself?

I entered into a deep depression for the first year of Marley’s life. My wife became concerned about me, so I started taking antidepressants and seeing a counselor. I contemplated leaving my wife, or giving my daughter up for adoption, and suicide. I would lie awake at night thinking about my future, and searching for a reason to live. I believed all the negative things the world told me about Down syndrome, and viewed it as a curse on my family. The entire time, I couldn’t stop thinking about how this would change my life!

But the truth is, I felt badly about myself. At one point, I wrote a letter to myself asking why things had to be this way. I prayed for God to take my worthless life in exchange for removing Marley’s extra chromosome. I would even quietly lie awake at night contemplating how I would feel if she suddenly stopped breathing while she slept. Finally, one Saturday morning, when Marley was about 2 months old, I got up and told my wife I was going for a walk.

I had no intention of coming back. I was going to leave my wife and daughter.

I couldn’t do it anymore. But then, after I left, I started having second thoughts, and that’s when I remembered that my wife had signed up for an online support group. I ended up spending the next two hours talking on the phone about my daughter and family with a man I had never met. He had a 2-year-old with Down syndrome.

I cannot explain it, but after talking to him for two hours I had the strength to go home and face another day. For the next six months, I got up and faced one day at a time.

Years ago, my father said to me, “If you want to fix a problem, then do something about it.”

I followed his advice. First, I tried to gain as much knowledge as I could about raising a child with Down syndrome. Next, I started calling every family I could find that had a child with Down syndrome. I owe a great deal to these families because they were willing to talk to me despite the 12-hour time difference between Bangkok and the States.

I also started forcing myself to interact with my daughter. She was desperate for me to start loving her, and she continued loving me until I broke down and did the same. I was scared to accept my daughter because that would mean accepting her disability. But the reality was the only thing keeping me from loving my daughter was my own ignorance.

Once I overcame my own selfish expectations for my daughter, I slowly began to see the beautiful girl who would change my life forever.

And finally, I talked to God. I talked to Him just like He was sitting in a chair beside me because that was the true barrier in my life. I was honest with God throughout the entire process, and that is when I started finding peace.

Healing is a process and a journey. I would have never experienced this life-changing transformation if Marley had not been born.

It is true, there are difficult times having a daughter with Down syndrome. But it also true that she is very much like any other child. Marley smiles, laughs, plays, is able to meet many developmental milestones (albeit her own pace, with her own style), makes mistakes, and, most importantly, completes our family.

She literally brightens my day every time I see her. She’s now 2 years old, and at this age all children develop at different rates. Marley can walk; swim; sign and speak words; throw and kick a ball; follow simple directions and throw tantrums. She also knows how to manipulate her grandparents. But she has not learned how to run or jump. She is taking thyroid medication and has a small heart defect.

The key is, she is very similar to most toddlers her age and every child with Down syndrome is different just like every child is different.

Before our summer break, she passed an entrance exam to start at a British preschool in September with her peers who are not labeled as “special-needs children.” In my opinion, these limitations we put on children with Down syndrome are outdated and lead to a lack of acceptance in our society.

The medical community focuses on so many of the challenges associated with Down syndrome that we develop an unnecessary fear — but these are only differences. The truth is, I am a better person today because of my daughter, my daughter who has Down syndrome. I am thankful for a wife that was willing to push me to change, and support me when I struggled. . . .

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Tim Jopling

Interview ~ Review of New UK Indie Author, Tim Jopling. His New Book Series Akira-Deane Thrillers. Book 1 UNDERGROUND MURMURS . . . .

How a minor character from 24 launched a writing career for Tim Jopling  – @tim_jopling – Twitter

When 24 started on BBC2 just over ten years ago I was blown away by the attention to detail and how serious it was compared to some of the films I had seen around that time that really could be classed as spoofs. As the series progressed there were many memorable scenes and characters but it was a small character that caught my attention.

Half way through the series the main characters family are based at a safe house with CTU Agent Ted Paulson and his partner Ron Breeher given the task to protect them. Straight away I was really impressed with these two guys who had worked together for years and were trusted by the main character. The Ted Paulson character in particular seemed to embody the look and attitude of a government agent and the scene where the safe house is attacked completely blew me away. Paulson had to stalk through the safe house to find the attackers which had me on the edge of my seat.

From that moment on I was determined to write something that had excitement, darkness, and grit. It’s funny though, I have yet to meet anyone that remembers the character of Ted Paulson let alone agree on just how good those scenes were. To be fair he was only in 2 episodes!

Which actor/actress would you like to see playing the lead character from your book Underground Murmurs?

That’s a tough question! For Akira I always thought Michael Fassbender would be suitable as he could bring that element of darkness to the role. Dominic West would make a good Thomas Deane with maybe Tom Hiddleston as Olsen.

What do you think people will enjoy most about the book?

I’d like to think they will enjoy the relationships that exist between the characters and find that although there is action and lots of cliff-hangers the story (and all those in this series) are ultimately about relationships, broken or otherwise! Akira’s character in particular is one that is proving popular with readers. Akira is a complex character and you never really find out much about his past, and the fact that he hears the voice of his dead wife in his mind and she directs him to follow her wishes does give it a few layers! Other than the characters I’d like think the story is set at a fast pace and the reader will enjoy travelling to London, Oman, Poland and Russia to follow what happens.

Which established writers do you enjoy reading and feel have perhaps contributed to your style?

I’ve always been a big fan of Michael Crichton and Ian Fleming who created James Bond. Lately I’ve been reading some of the Kurt Wallander novels by Henning Mankell which are fantastic and I also enjoy reading Robert Harris’s novels with ‘The Ghost’ being one I really enjoyed. I recently saw an interview with Lee Child on BBC Breakfast about how he got started which was really interesting so I’m currently reading the first Jack Reacher novel ‘Killing Floor’ which I would recommend.

A lot of authors set themselves certain daily or weekly goals in regards to number of pages or words written. Do you take this approach to your writing?

That may well be an effective way of writing but I’ve always found I need to get into the right frame of mind first which often comes through music which in turn starts the thinking process of story lines and in particular scenes from a story. I tend to be quite visual and whilst listening to music or watching a film or some TV I will ‘see’ a scene played out in my mind and will need to write that down or even write that scene as soon as I can. Once I’ve started writing in that way I then tend to carry on from there. I find this gives me more of a quality output rather than setting myself a target which in the past when I’ve done that I’ve found doesn’t produce my best work.

What do you find to be the hardest part about writing and what is the most rewarding aspect?

I’ve found that the research can be quite challenging sometimes and there have been occasions where I’ve tried to be too clever and backed myself into a corner in terms of the stories development so planning it out is important. In terms of what’s rewarding, when I’m in full flow and making progress on a particular storyline I just enjoy every minute of it. I really care about these characters and to try and explain their emotions I do my best to mentally put myself in their shoes as much as I can and feel what they feel. What’s been great is I have received feedback from some of my readers and seeing that they enjoyed it as well.

What are you working on currently?

I’ve started work on the next novel in the series, Rogue Retrieval which starts with a dramatic and emotional scene and then goes back on itself so the reader can follow the events and find out how that first scene came about. I’m also working on three short stories that I plan to publish on Amazon as a short story collection. These stories follow immediately after ‘Underground Murmurs’ and focus on some of the lesser characters but still feature the main ones too. It’s been a lot of fun returning these characters to find out what happens next. . . .

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So there you have it readers! Some interesting reading about some new fine authors and their fantastic books and novels. Please visit my “Month of July Hot Book Picks List” page here on my blog to find where you can purchase these excellent reads. Most are available online now on Amazon Books, and Barnes & Noble as well. I hope you all have a Fun, Safe and Exciting 4th of July!


God Bless you and America,
Author, Catherine Townsend-Lyon
“Lyon Book and Social Media Promotions”

It Is Book Review Extravaganza Day at “Lyon Book Promotions!”

Catherine Lyon Author/Writer Book Review Post, New Book & Author Press Release , , , , , , , ,

Hello Friends, Readers and Welcome All,

 

So I had gotten a wee bit behind in my reading, as I has a few new book promo clients just sign up for my book & social media services.  I just finished reading 3 new fabulous books, and listened to a new fantastic poetry CD by some new writers that I think you as readers will really enjoy.  So I thought I would do something a little different, and share a little review of each book I have just read.  I will still have them up on my Book Reviews page, but they were all so good I thought I’d share them here first.
So here we GO!
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#1 By, Author, D. J. Burr ~ “I Just Wanted Love: Recovery of a Co-dependent, Sex, Love Addict”

Product Details
Dec 31, 2014

by D.J. Burr

Kindle Edition

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Book Blurb:

D.J. Burr is a man on a mission; successful business owner, highly respected psychotherapists and survivor of a dysfunctional life. At a young age, all he wanted was to be loved, but instead found himself targeted by a sexual predator. D.J. slipped into a life of addiction and clawed his way through broken relationships and seedy sex clubs–looking for love in all the wrong places. D.J. will take readers on a roller coaster of emotions as he details his search for grace and love.
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My Book Review: 5 Stars!
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A Hearts Journey of Recovery, .  .  .  What an excellent read. Being brave to share ones story in a way that those in recovery or not can understand, learn, and have compassion is exactly what this Author was able to accomplish with his book. Being in recovery over 8 1/2 years myself, I know the struggles we go through to recover. And also being a recovery writer and author myself, I know how difficult it is to write what many of us go through with any addiction, let alone a sex addiction and more. And a man sharing his story is not your usual find.

Reading D.J.’s story has touched me deeply. I to could relate to family and friends who turn away, and even though our addictions are different, I to spent years just looking to be loved unconditionally, and had many bad relationships, forced ones, ones with men who mistreated me, just because I wanted SOMEONE, ANYONE in my life. But then having that intense need for sex, and thinking it will fill those empty holes in our lives must have been hard to go through. Let alone the health risks as well.

Many 12 Step Recovery Programs tell us we can recover without having to know the WHY’S of us turning to addiction in the first place. Well, this book proves that many of us do find the underlying issues, and past childhood trauma and being raised like I was in a dysfunctional life can effect many of us. Just an exceptional read! I’m patiently waiting for BOOK 2!
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#2 by Author, Rachelle Du Bois ~ “Eve Vermont, Oak Series, Book 1”

Product Details

Eve Vermont: Oak Series Book 1

by Rachelle du Bois

Kindle Edition

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My Review: 5 Stars: A Delightful & Interesting Romance Read!
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If you enjoy a good romance read? Then this book by Author, Rachelle Du Bois ~ Eve Vermont, Oak Series book 1 is a Must Read! The story was beautifully written, characters well performed in prose, and even though this is a work of fiction, I could feel for Eve when overcoming tragedy. Not very many fiction books can do that. Many of us like Eve feel we have no hope or future at times in our own life journey.But when love gets involved, hopeless or not, love will Triumph over Tragedy!
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Just a wonderful romance read. Rachelle brought Eve’s story to light, and the characters in this story line. Love can triumph if you keep your heart open.

#3 By Author, Christine Campbell on Smashwords ~ “With Vigilance A Women in long-term Recovery.”
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http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/442608

Book Blurb:

You are invited to read my memoirs, With Vigilance, a woman of long-term recovery. Someone told me my story is the key that can unlock someone else’s prison. The slow, painful path back to becoming a functioning member of society, seeking employment, unlearning many messages, took much time, and many stumbles. The gifts and promises are shared along the way as well. I take an honest look at the low bottom of using, the many rehabs, the total lack of family support, and the celebrated 22 years of recovery while finishing my Master degree, Previous books on addiction glamorize and dwell mostly on the insanity of addiction and alcoholism. Freedom from the bondage of self takes time, patience and willingness. Long term sobriety takes work, doing what your told, especially when you don’t understand why.                             

My Review ~ 5 Stars!

WOW!
What a story and life of addiction and triumph in recovery! I could so relate to Christine, her raw honest look into ones life after such damage and devastation, her story and inspirational recovery journey is going to ‘touch and save’ many lives.

It can be difficult to write about ones bad life choices we make within our disease, but Christine has proved sharing her own story, that no matter how “Hopeless” we can be within addictions? We can Recover if your willing to do the work, as I call it, . . “The inside Job” within ourselves to fix, change, and make amends to others, but importantly to yourself.

I would highly recommend this book for all to read, not just those in recovery, but for non-recovery people as well. They will get the understanding of how hard it is to recover. Especially when we have no family who don’t support us. I was very inspired by this book. . . .Great Job and well written Christine!

 

#4 By, Author Ellie Pulikonda ~ “Split Second”
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Book Blurb:

When do a family’s secrets become too dangerous to keep? Find out in Ellie Pulikonda’s shocking debut novel, Split Second.Richard Reynolds, a successful attorney and wannabe politician, has spent years cultivating the perfect image—which includes his trophy wife, Deborah, and talented teenage daughter, Liz.But Liz threatens to ruin it all after severe depression forces her out of college and back home. After she attempts suicide, Richard rushes her off to a private hospital in hopes that the drama will soon blow over.
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Run by Nick Jensen, the hospital seems to be exactly what Liz needs. But soon Nick uncovers some disquieting facts, like the fact that Liz’s depression arose at the exact same time that a classmate was presumed murdered. Liz’s uncanny knowledge of the crime’s details only deepens Nick’s unease.As Liz attempts to heal, her parents’ marriage begins to crack in light of mutually held secrets coming to the surface. What is the Reynolds family hiding?

My Book Review ~ 5 Stars!

For a first time Author, Ellie has come out of the literary gates with a fantastic family mystery/psychological thriller! Most times as you follow a storyline closely, your able to figure the “Who Done IT,”  but not this read, which holds your attention from the first page to the last!

The plot and the characters are well written into a family drama that looks at many issues including mental illness. Something I battle myself. So the storyline was relatable and powerful. I found Ellie’s writing style very unique for a mystery writer, an exceptional read for those who enjoy this genre. I highly recommend Split Second to all readers! Another 5 Star Read . . .

So there you have it. My last 4 new books I have read and my fabulous reviews for each. Even though I am a Book & Social Media Promoter? I’m still a lover of good reads too! I hope you grab a copy of each of these fantastic reads by Fabulous Authors!

Until Next Time Readers!

Author, Catherine Townsend-Lyon of “Lyon Book Promotions :-)

 


I Welcome Philanthropist Author, George B Streetor and His Book: The Akan House of Mystery.

Catherine Lyon Author/Writer Book Review Post, Featured Guest , , , , , , , ,

Hello Friends, Readers, and New Visitors,

 

 

The Akan House of Mystery: The History and Accomplishments of the Akan People

I’m happy and so pleased to share my good friend and fellow Author, George B Streetor, and his fantastic book titled;
The Akan House Of Mystery: The History and Accomplishments of the Akan People.
Now available on Barnes and Noble Books, and Amazon Books online.

I call George a Philanthropist because in his own words, “The profits from the sales of the book is to establish centers across Africa to heal children who are infected with the HIV virus and the imbecile through Homatherapy at no cost.
Please buy my book to support us care for the needy African child who are suffering from the above through no fault of theirs.” Now how generous that? I think this is a wonderful way to reach and heal lives of the African children who are suffering from this horrible disease of HIV virus. We can all have a call to action to reach far by just the purchase of a fantastic book.

And to prove that this is a worthwhile read? Here is a special Book Review recently media shared by” New London Writers ~ media/news/publishing.

New London Writers
NEW LONDON WRITERS. . .

The Akan House Of Mystery:

Don’t be fooled by the title. “The Akan House of Mystery” by George B. Streetor is not a mystery novel, but rather a detailed historical account of the Akan people, who are an important ethnic group of West Africa (mostly Ghana and the Ivory Coast) and comprise over twenty million people.

The Akan House of Mystery

The book is divided into three main parts and also has a preface that highlights the author’s dedication to homatherapy (the process of healing the atmosphere through the agency of fire in a copper pyramid tuned to the rhythm of the sunrise/sunset).

The Introduction serves as a primer to acquaint the reader with the Akan people and their language, culture, society, and traditions. Of particular interest is the fact that the Akan people follow matrilineal rules of ancestry and inheritance, and, therefore, women are highly regarded in Akan culture. Throughout history, they served as powerful rulers (queens), orators, and decision-makers. When a new king was to be chosen, it was the queen mother or the elder woman in the family who nominated a male royal for the kingship.

Part I of the book describes the various Akan tribes in Ghana and the Ivory Coast, and the strife and civil wars that ensued among them.

The story of Nana Abena Pokua (the first Asante warrior queen under the Asante confederacy) is also told in great detail and describes her courageous rebellion, tragic act of sacrifice, and emigration to the Ivory Coast, where she founded the Baoule Kingdom in 1720 and reigned for thirty years. To this day, she is revered for her courage, bravery and selflessness, and a statue in her honour stands in the centre of Abidjan, the economic capital of the Ivory Coast.

Other interesting stories told include that of the first president of the Ivory Coast (Houphouet Boigny), who secured independence for the country in 1960, and the history of the state of New Juaben in the eastern region of Ghana.

Part II of the book is an intriguing tale of family, betrayal, destiny, and mysticism. It revolves around the children of Yaa Akyaa (an Akan woman from Koforidua), particularly her daughter Yaa Daben who was conceived under strange circumstances. Yaa Daben’s story unfolds in typical Akan fashion with a traditional marriage, the birth of two children, and life according to Akan custom. The story then takes a spiritual turn when Yaa Daben’s son Marfo dies mysteriously while in the army. His death is considered suspicious and what unfolds is a tale of intrigue, ghosts, and witchcraft. The story leads into present day and describes some of the descendants of Yaa Akyaa (and Yaa Daben) who are still alive today.

“The Akan House of Mystery” is part history, part fable. It is a noble attempt to highlight the accomplishments of the Akan people through loosely interwoven stories of Akan historical events, significant persons, traditions, fables, and modern-day events. Some social commentary is also sprinkled throughout the book to bring awareness to modern-day issues in Africa.

All in all, the book is a fascinating read even though some of the stories and events are not always presented in chronological order or coherently linked together. However, the impeccable storytelling is spellbinding, especially in Part II of the book, which draws you in wanting more and more.

If you want to learn about the history and customs of the Akan people, then you definitely need to enter “The Akan House of Mystery”!

This book is available on Amazon, and Barnes & Noble books.

About The Author:
The prolific Author, George B. Streetor was born in Koforidua, Ghana, where the main story of his book takes place. He now lives in Accra, Ghana, and is a therapist who heals without chemicals by using Homa Therapy. This form of therapy is based on Ancient Science of Healing coming from the Vedas, and is the Science of Bio-energy.

His education & studies: Koforidua Methodist, Asuansi Technical Institute, Accra Polytechnic, Ohawu Agricultural College.

Visit his Author Website: http://sbprabooks.com/georgebstreetor/
And connect and support him on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/GeorgeStreetorAuthor/
And on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/george–streetor/79/b17/aab

Thanks for visiting and come back soon readers!
http://www.amazon.com/The-Akan-House-Mystery-Accomplishments/dp/1625166230