It’s been an exciting couple of weeks for Joe. Last week we revealed the audio version of My Name Is Sam … and Heaven Is Still Shining Through is now available through Audible.
Today I want to introduce you to Wisdom From a Father …one dad’s thoughts on lifeVolume 2…
Wisdom From a Father Volume 2 is available for pre-order in the Kindle Store. It is available for customers to pre-order here. Customers who pre-order the book will receive the content on the release date, Oct. 8.
I am offering the e-book at a pre-release price of just 99 cents. After release the price will go to the suggested price of $3.69. Kindle Unlimited readers can download it for free.
Volume Two contains a continued collection of short stories and reflections on everyday life. As I often say, I’m just that ordinary Joe walking on the path of life … and sharing more of it with you. There are joys. There are tribulations. There are reflections. There is every day life. In each essay I try to convey a recognition of a greater Power who colors my perspective. My comments are always filtered through the lens of my Judeo-Christian values and largely based on 40 years of marriage raising five children.
The format is similar to the first volume … short reflections updated from this blog. It is segmented into 52 chapters, which can be read in one sitting or as a weekly reflection. One reviewer commented, “Wisdom from a Father is a collection of delicious, food for thought, short essays/blogs illustrating Joe Siccardi’s life experiences.
Framed in a religious context and punctuated at the end of each essay by an inspirational quote, Siccardi has a knack for taking the ordinary and elevating it to something we can all relate to and be touched by.” Another contributed, “this ‘not quite devotional’ book is inspiring and helps you to keep in mind what’s most important in life — living one in which God is leading.”
In addition to the e-book, I am in the process of generating a paperback, which also will be released Oct. 8. That’s not quite ready for pre-release yet, but I hope it will be within thee next week or so. I’ll keep you posted.
I’m excited about the release. I am particularly pleased with the design created by Sasidu Chamodya. We can’t wait for your comments!
The audiobook formally dropped last week and just gives you — the audience — another way to enjoy this first person, Christian themed, fictional memoir of “just a free-willed suburban Jersey girl trying to figure out this journey called life.”
My Name Is Sam is narrated by Kirsten Kopp and runs four hours and 31 minutes. The book has a list price of $14.95. Member price is $10.46 or one credit. It is downloadable at Audible.
THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: Face the challenge, no matter how hard it is, because something wonderful can come out of it. — Princess Reema Bint Bandar Al Saud, member of the House of Saud and Saudi Arabian ambassador to the United States.
Many authors know how special Readers Favorite is when receiving a 5-Star awarded book review from them. They are one of leading book influencers who been around for over 10+yrs sharing their favorite reads. And many celebraties also submmit their books as here https://readersfavorite.com/book-reviews.htm as they share them with Top Publishing Houses, Literary Agents, and Movie Producers!
You can even submimit your book for a free book review.
Author, Kevin Coughlin did and grab a 5-star review and press release for his book of poetry titled; “Dark Tides” and we could not be happier. If you enjoy poetry, this one by Kevin is a must read. But I’ll let you read this book review from RF and let you decided!
**~CAT**
“Dark Tides” by Rev. Dr. Kevin T. Coughlin Ph.D.
For immediate release:
Author’s new book receives a warm literary welcome.
Readers’ Favorite announces the review of the Poetry – General book “Dark Tides” by Rev. Dr. Kevin T. Coughlin Ph.D., currently available at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B079D2CCN5.
Readers’ Favorite is one of the largest book review and award contest sites on the Internet. They have earned the respect of renowned publishers like Random House, Simon & Schuster, and Harper Collins, and have received the “Best Websites for Authors” and “Honoring Excellence” awards from the Association of Independent Authors. They are also fully accredited by the BBB (A+ rating), which is a rarity among Book Review and Book Award Contest companies.
“Reviewed By Vincent Dublado for Readers’ Favorite
If poetry benefits our well-being, then we should immerse ourselves in appreciating this age-old art form. Reading Dark Tides: Poetic Reflections of Life by Rev. Dr. Kevin T. Coughlin Ph.D. has a therapeutic feel to it. This fifth collection of poetry delves into human struggles dealing with emotional and mental pain with strong leanings toward the healing power of faith. Reverend Coughlin’s poems have relaxing rhythms that are at times hypnotic.
He writes with emotions that reach out to others who are undergoing similar struggles. The Christian undertones blend well with the imagery as illustrated in one of his poems, “Perched.” Here, the tree is used as the representation of life and death, and that these very same trees are used to make coffins—until a Jewish carpenter has set our souls free.
Our lives are filled with stresses that test our mettle to the limit to see how much we can stand, and sometimes, getting through the day is triumph enough. Art and spirituality are potent forces that can help those with the fewest resources to cope and adjust better to life, and Dark Tides does just that. Rev. Coughlin, however, cautions his readers that his poetry is for educational and informative purposes and not as supplementary material for clinical treatments.
Still, after reading this book, one cannot dispute that the themes of isolation, betrayal, self-revelation, and search for meaning contained herein may help to facilitate the transition into a happier way of life. Whether you are personally spiritual or not, this collection of poetry can give you an idea of perspective and wisdom in dealing with the cross that you bear.”
5-STARS For Dark Tides
You can learn more about Rev. Dr. Kevin T. Coughlin Ph.D. and “Dark Tides” at https://readersfavorite.com/book-review/dark-tides where you can read reviews and the author’s biography, as well as connect with the author directly or through their website and social media pages.
Readers’ Favorite LLC Media Relations Louisville, KY 40202 800-RF-REVIEW support@readersfavorite.com https://readersfavorite.com
Hello and Welcome to Mom’s, Dad’s, and Grandparents too! Cat is hoping you will share this post with your kids. Meet my friend and awesome author, Lance Nevis. But to children, he is known nationally as “Big Red Chicken™” and has many adorable children’s books you can read to the kids in your home this summer into fall. Even the adults get some tickles and giggles.
So here is a little more about Big Red, about how he began writing children’s books way back in 2007. He self-publishes them himself as he founded ‘Animal Rain Productions’ back in 2010. He helps give back to autism research.
Here is a message from Big Red aka,. Lance Nevis as he shares in his own words a wee bit more!
“I have long dreamed of doing something to make a difference. I have always had an artistic side playing music, singing, and writing my whole life. My hopes are that one day these books will help raise money and awareness towards the fight against autism …as all the books are dedicated to my autistic nephew Michael Nevis Jr., and my hopes are that with the help of supporters, readers, and the social media age that I will be able to help raise money and awareness for autism.“
“These are poetic books with fantasy inspired by some of my life events. They promote imagination and artistic stimulation. I have been told that some of the words are difficult yet I believe they encourage the building of vocabulary. Kids are smart and inquisitive as they will ask how to pronounce words and when they learn a word, they will then ask what it means if they do not know them.”
“The story of me writing these books start way back as letters to my daughter. See, there was a time in my life that my struggles with alcohol brought me some trouble which caused my daughter and me to be separated. I could not stand the fact that I was putting her through this and vowed that I would get her out this as fast as I could.”
“Certain officials had told me the rules of letter writing while she was in this situation. I thought about it for a while and my first book Animal Rain was born in 2007. I have since then started my own publishing company which is called Animal Rain Productions and have a total of five books released, two of which are new releases and are color-combo books.”
Now, about my nickname, one-day on a fishing trip three years ago a little boy was running up and down the shore insisting that I was Big Red Chicken™ LOL, his Dad said, “Son, you don’t know him well enough to call him that.” The boy then said, “No Dad, that’s Big Red Chicken!” Since then it has stuck. So I hired an attorney and trademarked the name, “Big Red Chicken. ™”
“My books are made to bring people together and instill imagination in the minds of children. Although it has been a struggle getting noticed, I have endured and continue to believe in my dream that one day these stories will be in the hands of many and bring joy and a smile to them all!”
“Thank you for all the support that has been given to me on this incredible journey.
God Bless, Big Red Chicken …A special “Thanks” to my Mom and Dad who sometimes think I am a little crazy but yet continue to support me.”
#########
About The Author ~ Lance E Nevis
Lance E. Nevis, is a popular best-selling So. Oregon author of delightful children’s storybooks + Colorbook Combos books. He writes under the pen name of “Big Red Chicken™”…His children’s books are unique reads and combo color books. Lance is the Founder/Owner of Animal Rain Productions as he began writing and publishing children’s books as a way to give back and support children “touched” by autism. He has many published colorful fun books with vibrant colors, fun characters, and stories that rhyme, some from his childhood.
Big Red shares, “I was born in Sacramento in 1964, and I had long dreamed about doing something to make a difference. I have always had an artistic side playing music, singing, and writing my whole life. I hope that these books will help raise money and awareness for the fight against autism.
“My first book is titled “Animal Rain,” published in 2007, since then, I founded and started my own publishing company called “Animal Rain Productions.” All my books are available online on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and my new official website. I continue to believe in my dream that one day these stories will be in the hands of many and bring joy and smiles to both young and old!”
Lance writes and publishes all his books to bring people together and instill and open children’s imaginations! A house painter by day, Lance has five kids, and when he’s not working, he enjoys fishing on the ‘Mighty Rogue River’ and spending time with family. He resides in Southern Oregon.
I couldn’t be more excited to share this news for my dear friend and fellow critically acclaimed Author, Max Ivey known as “The Blind Blogger & Poscast Host of “What’s Your Excuse.” He began writing a travel series with the first book titled, “The Blind Blogger’s NYC Adventures” + How you can make your dreams come true.
He has now just released book two of the series titled, “The Blind Blogger’s First Speaking and Signing Adventures + How you can conquer your fears. See, Max never let’s his disability of no sight which happened when he was 12-years-old. Yes, it may take him more planning when he needs to travel, but he has such a inspiring desire to accomplish his life and career goals that he goes full board when he sets his mind to it!
So, I’m excited to share I helped Max with submitting his new book through the literary influencers, Readers Favorite for an editorial book review. And he grab a high solid 4-star awared review! Let me share more about who Maxwell is and all the many hats he wears as he is a pretty multi-faceted guy. Cat is very blessed to have him as a good friend and I enjoy suppoting all that Max does as he supports me!
About The Author:
Born and raised outside Houston, TX, critically acclaimed author Maxwell Ivey, Jr, is a prolific self-help writer who lost his sight at the age of twelve. He’s known around the world as ‘The Blind blogger,’ and the founder and host of his popular podcast called “What’s Your Excuse.” Max enjoys networking and connecting others, is a hilarious motivational and inspiring speaker, a veteran of over 255 podcast interviews, a podcast guest talent agent too! He offers a coarse called “8 Weeks to Podcast Rockstar. Yes, this blind man wears many hats and is multifaceted.
Ivey has several books to his credit, including his newest travel series with the first book titled The Blind Blogger’s NYC Adventures. His newly released second book of the series, The Blind Blogger’s First Speaking and Signing Adventures, and has him sharing his travels in memoir form about overcoming obstacles, not just with having no sight. Still, he helps others conquer their fears in career and life. All of his books are available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and many online book retailers.
Maxwell is a unique Amtrak aficionado who enjoys travel by train and won the 2016 Amtrak Residency Award in place for writers working on their literary projects while traveling with Amtrak crisscrossing the country to many speaking events and book signings. From humble beginnings, Max grew up in a family of carnival owners as he wanted to continue in his father’s and grandfather’s footsteps and be part of the family business.
Max graduated from college and became heavily involved in the Eagle Scouts. At the same time, he worked in the family business alongside his brothers until his father succumbed to lung cancer. Faced with his own mortality, Max made some life-altering changes. He underwent gastric surgery and lost over 250 pounds, which inspired him to write his first two books. He learned how to blog using software for visually-impaired people. Overcoming many obstacles, Max built an online presence and now shares his experiences on “The Blind Blogger (dot) net.”
Today, Max is an inspirational and personal motivational coach who runs a little business by buying and selling carnival equipment and amusement park rides. Still a native Texan, Max loves to sing and spend time with his unique and crazy dog, a “Greymation” named Penny (half Greyhound, half Dalmatian). His hobbies are reading, singing, and blogging are among Max’s favorite things to do. He especially enjoys helping others find their bliss in life. Max and Penny reside in Conroe, TX.
Hire Maxwell as he is available for inspirational speaking events, Keynote for virtual and in-person conferences.
Author Maxwell Ivey Jr. describes his book, The Blind Blogger’s First Speaking and Signing Adventures, as “part memoir/part self-help” and the two genres are inextricably entwined. Max takes us along on his journey from Texas to New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, South Carolina, and Florida, sharing his successes, his troubles, and his life lessons along the way. The book is structured somewhat chronologically, although there are occasional re-routes to examine a back story along the way.
Most of the 32 chapters are a quick read and each includes priceless “key takeaways” at the end. While the storyteller may be unsighted, he has a keen vision for extracting opportunities to learn and grow from his experiences, and we are the beneficiaries. In his last chapter, he gathers all 95 inspirational key takeaways as a handy reminder for readers that they, too, can overcome obstacles and achieve more than they may have thought themselves capable of doing.
Right from the first page of chapter one, it was clear to me that Max Ivey could sense authors’ insecurities and wanted to help us erase them. He’s been there, done that. Through honest and sometimes humorous anecdotes, we learn about how the blind author plans for success, solves problems and gets things done. In The Blind Blogger’s First Speaking and Signing Adventures, Ivey combines family history, new acquaintances, travel adventures, and personal insights to give readers a full picture of this man and his mission.
He teaches and entertains with stories about canned oysters, singing doo-wop, and facing every author’s fear: what if you had a book signing and nobody came? One of his key takeaways after chapter ten is “God will put people in your path that you are destined to meet.” Perhaps this is why you have found Maxwell Ivey’s book. To reference his carnival days, you might be a “lucky duck.” Well worth the read!
Welcome to Cedar Cove Life!
Introducing: “The Cedar Cove Chronicles” by Cynthia Ulmer
….
Have you ever been to Cedar Cove?
Once you visit, life for you will never be the same.
You will never want to read about witches, warlocks, and evil forces again.
The powerful emotions of Love, Unity, Harmony, Dreams, Forgiveness, Reconciliation, and a clear understanding of the Love of Christ will visit you and remain a part of your life. In this 6 book series, these good people will live with you daily. You will not be able to wait until this evening’s quiet reading moments, to get to the next scene.
It is almost like these people are actually real. The author is truly touched by a spirit that will change the way people in America and the World love and care about each other.
It will change the kinds of books you look forward to reading forever…
~Award-Winning Writer, Cynthia Ulmer
,,,,
……
“Born in Virginia and raised in North Carolina, Cynthia Ulmer is a true southern author whose books reflect her southern and Christian heritage. Her writing has a down-home, comfort to it that brings her vast array of characters to life.” (Below are the award-winners from the six book series)
,,,,,,
About Cynthia Ulmer
Award-winning Author, Cynthia Ulmer is a medal-recipient writer of her Southern Family Fictional Series, “The Cedar Cove Chronicles” a Christian themed fiction series about family life, love, faith, and endurance. Her titles are available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Google Play, and many online bookstores and released between mid-2009 through mid-2015. Books one and four are Medal-winners by ‘Wishing Shelf Indie Book Awards.’
“Some people struggle with what they are meant to do in life and others just know it all along. I’ve known since I was a small child that I wanted to write–the stories were always in my head.” The Cedar Cove Chronicles is a series set in the fictional community of Cedar Cove, North Carolina, and follows the lives of ‘The Jansan Family,’ their friends and neighbors during the 40’s and ’50s.
Here is how Cynthia describes her fictional light Christian theme drama …
“Have you ever been to Cedar Cove? Once you visit, life for you will never be the same. You will never want to read about witches, warlocks, and evil forces again. The powerful emotions of Love, Unity, Harmony, Dreams, Forgiveness, Reconciliation, and a clear understanding of the Love of Christ will visit you and remain a part of your life.
In this 6 book series, these good people will live with you daily. You will not be able to wait until this evening’s quiet reading moments, to get to the next scene. It is almost like these people are actually real. The author is truly touched by a spirit that will change the way people in America and the World love and care about each other. It will change the kinds of books you look forward to reading forever”. . . Cynthia enjoys writing, reading, listening to music, being with her family, and working in her church. She resides in the Carolina’s with her family. Visit her Official Author Website
Todd is my first introduction to Ulmer’s work and now understand why it became a fantastic award-winner. I look forward to reading the whole series of ‘The Ceder Cove Chronicles’ after reading Todd as it holds your interest in what is to come next being a family saga and unique enjoyable book!
The story of a fictional family set in the 1940s – 1950s when times were much more straightforward. The Jansan family goes through many trials and storms but holds steadfast to their Christian faith and beliefs as they learn they can endure any storm together as a loving caring family. I am not a big fan of heavy religious reads, but this story has just the right amount as not to be overbearing. Todd is well written, well-developed characters. Watch out for Grandma Cal, a vibrant ole coot!
The story overall pulls you in with family drama, surprises, and a lot of love. Even as you learn about their neighbor, who is a very nasty mean drunk and is a constant that made me feel lucky I don’t live next door to Horace! (I’m not too fond of spoilers) …
I was, however, privy to know that the author had woven in some of her cherished childhood and family memories of family living in the south, which I feel. made this book even more special to read. It has a historical feel to a fictional novel that has you engaged with only an area or two where the flow could have picked up a bit.
While reading Todd, be ready to experience more love, some laughs, a tear or two, and feelings of loss of old fashioned family values and discipline that many of us grew up within like ‘Old Southern Americana.’
Cynthia Ulmer’s novel “Todd, The Cedar Cove Chronicles, Book One,” if it does nothing else, it should make you think. It is a novel about violence: domestic, social, and cultural, against the backdrop of war. I did not see this work so much as a Christian novel as I did a novel about human frailty.
The story is related through the engaging voice of Todd Jansan, a ten-year-old boy living in rural North Carolina with his farming family. Being a “southern” novel it has the ubiquitous southern quirky character, Grandma Cal, who keeps a gun with her at all times in order to shoot whatever she feels to be a threat, i.e., snakes and bears. She’s not a good shot, but that’s part of the quirkiness.
The novel takes place during the early forties, during the time of the Second World War. Todd’s Uncle Clyde returns home from the European Front after having been severely wounded. His return is problematic as is nearly everything for this family, but that is understandable. Times are hard. The family lives next door to a most hateful man whose idea of punishing children is brutal.
As the title of this review suggests, I found the child’s voice narrating this story to be believable, heartfelt, and engaging. Another big plus for this book is the window it provides into family life for a small farming community during World War II. It’s a fresh perspective.So many World War II books and movies I’ve run across go more into the battles and bombs, the politics, the atrocities of the Nazis, the efforts on the home front in support of the war—all of which are important aspects that help us understand life during that time. This book, for me, is a welcome addition, something else to think about.
Another positive is the ongoing and escalating conflict between the narrator’s family, the Jansans, and a neighboring family, the Hammonds. I was very much emotionally invested as the plot unfolded. Very good read and well-written!
In this series, TRUDY has finally escaped her torturous marriage to Mark Gideon, with it she brings her son. However, now a new potential flame has entered her life in the form of Todd, the protagonist from the first book in the series. The book details the struggle Trudy and Todd face to be together, as well as Mark’s slow descent into madness due to his realization of his new situation. The subject matter is raw at times, but it’s thoroughly grounded in a situation that could happen to any of us. Bravo! Great read.
A woman finds herself in an abusive marriage after eloping with her sister’s boyfriend. Six years later, she returns home to face her family and mend fences.
This is not my typical wheelhouse, family dramas aren’t something that I’ll read regularly.Still, I liked the concept of the returning black sheep of the family trying to patch things up. The amount of detail in the opening chapter alone really paints a painful picture of an abusive marriage and it’s genuinely chilling.
Ulmer’s writing style is very easy to read and this book seems to stand well-enough on its own so reading the other books in the series doesn’t seem to be a big issue. This is definitely not going to be for everyone but definitely give it a read if you get the chance because it’s most certainly worth your time.
The story begins well with Trudy escaping from her terrible husband and her journey home to her family. I enjoyed the book, but I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the many errors. In some places, (like chapter 10) there are repeated paragraphs. This was an enjoyable novel
Clyde and Wanda is the 2nd of a 6 book series. I didn’t know that initially but the book stands on its own very well. That said I’m looking forward to going back and reading Todd, book one.
Clyde is a good man. Now.
But he has a past to overcome ad war experiences he must reconcile. He has married Wanda and is striving to live a Christian life. Everything seems to be going well but there is the everpresent fear of his anguish returning. Wanda has her own childhood traumas that keep the reader involved and interested. This is a lovely and hopeful book about family life.
Recommended reading!
…. #######
,,,,,,,,
So Cat suggests you pour yourself a tall cool glass of Sweet Tea, kick your feet up, and dive into this amazing heart-warming and uplifting this summer of this award-winning book series of “The Jansan Family Saga.”
Readers won’t be disappointed!
"CAT'S BOOK LIBRARY 4 READERS" 