Merry Friggin' Christimas By K.R. Hall

 

Merry Friggin’ Christmas

By K.R. Hall

 

I was drawn to this book because it had Christmas in the title, I knew the author and I loved the cover. It was when I opened it and read the dedication and the note to the reader that it started gripping my interests further.

Then as I read, the word cancer came into the story. This is something I have problems dealing with and this sometimes causes me to slam books shut, turn off movies and become agitated. It has nothing to do with what I am reading or watching or even listening to. I have my own personal issues whereas that word point blank ticks me off.

For some reason I didn’t put the book down. I think it was because of the letter to the reader and dreams. Because I too, have seen people who have passed over in my dreams. I also used to enjoy Christmas when there was family to share it with. Once you get older and there isn’t any more family- dealing with that specific holiday brings up its own heart ache.

Christmas is a time for happiness and family. Something many long for, especially if they had it once.

I couldn’t help but chuckle with Nick and Anne. My parents did the exact same thing, promising not to get married right away, and joking about it. Even though it tugged on their own heart strings. This is when this book brought back my own memories of my parents and how they dealt with the word cancer. And the part that truly destroys everything and everyone is timing. And sadly, there is nothing we can do about that.

Reading about Lainey and her family made me smile. I can see her in my head. Reading about her makes you smile. You will enjoy her character. Having children around always makes the world a better place.

At Thanksgiving, I too made my children list what they were thankful for. I enjoyed that in this book, they were made to list five things. I wish I had thought of that. I made my kids list one. I think all families should do that. My husband and I still do it to this day.

Another thing that hits home with me is home repairs. I couldn’t even fathom having to get everything done in time for the holidays. Again, this is a timing thing. And as I read there were a lot of things I could relate to too. Especially contractors who like to railroad women. But the hard part is doing home repairs on your own, with you or your family member as the person repairing the home. Finances can get in the way, as well as timing.

All in all, I enjoyed the book, being that a lot of it hit home with me. Relating to a writer in their work, helps you to visualize what it is you are reading. This is one thing I like when I read.

If you want to read a book that will grip your heart strings and even cause you to relate to events, then this book is for you. I will not reveal much more of this book, as it is not my goal to unearth events and ruin the book for you, the reader. Reading this will also help you realize that although you are going through something, so are a lot more people. And sometimes we don’t even know what someone is going through, because they don’t make it known. That is one reason why we need to think before we speak and stop assuming. (Just a forewarning there that we all need reminded about.)

I give this book five stars because it was truly gripping and enjoyable. Remembering the Holidays is a bonus, and dealing with the family is the icing on the cake. Being a survivor or traumatic events isn’t easy on anyone. This book helps you to see from the outside in. Trust me, you need to read it.

 

Here is the interview with the author Karen Hall:

1. What made you write this book, and how long did it take you?

I saw the photo of Chase posted by Furious Fotog and thought the part of the pants I could see looked Christmassy. I thought he looked like a Christmas Grump, so I had to have it. I hadn’t planned on writing the book then, but I had a little time between books.

This was the fastest book I wrote. It took me just over two months.

Merry Friggin’ Christmas is dedicated to my husband. Our early relationship inspired this story.

My husband lost two wives to cancer around Christmas. He also lost his grandpa at Christmas.

When we had our first Christmas together, he was not happy to decorate. I promised just to put up a tree, nativity, and stockings. Over the years, I added more decorations. When we moved into our new house, he was very excited to decorate. He bought me a village, hung balls from the ceiling, hung up two extra large wreaths, and put up outdoor decorations. I have added at least one new blow mold each year.

As I wrote this story, I asked him about his feelings. I asked him why he had changed his mind about liking Christmas. He said that his love for me grew more than the grief he held onto for years.

 

2. Which of the characters are your favorite?

Lanie is adorable. I wanted to capture her pure joy and belief in the magic of the holiday. Natalie is basically me. I haven’t lost a husband, but I took what I knew about how my husband felt to write how she handled her loss. She is stronger than she thinks and stronger than I am.

 

3. How long have you been an author?

I published my first book, Black Bears of Independence Corbin, in December 2017. I chose my initials, K.R. Hall.

 

4. What made you choose to be an author when you grew up?

I wanted to be a writer in the third grade, but my dad told me I needed a job with a guaranteed income. In 2016, I attended a reader convention in Denver, CO, and met my favorite author, V.A. Dold.

As she signed my paperbacks over lunch, I told her about my idea for a book. She encouraged me to write it myself. She helped me get started and answered all my questions. She even had her editor edit my first few books.

 

5. Who designed that gorgeous cover?

I did. The only change I made to the photo I purchased from Furious Fotog was the windows. He was looking out at a brick building. I removed the images and added the winter scene. I also wrote the title and my pen name on the cover.

 

6. What are your hobbies?

I love to read and bake.

 

7. Who is your favorite author?

Oh my, I have many. V. A. Dold no longer writes. I love Suzanne Wright, C. Rochelle, Lily

Mayne, Jade Marshall, and many more.

 

8. Do you have any pet peeves with reading and writing? (Example spelling errors)

I always breeze over typos, but recently, I have noticed several books have had multiple typos per page. I read one book where the author wrote that the character ‘dropped the floor’ instead of ‘dropped the phone.’ I read another where the other mixed up character names multiple times on a single page. There were only two characters on the page.

Over the years, I have taken photos of the errors and sent messages to the author to inform them.

Some authors thanked me, and others ignored me. Since 2012, I have written two 1-star reviews and one 2-star review.

 

9. Are you working on another book at this moment?

I’m currently writing the final book in the Black Bears of Independence series. Galena has taken a few turns that I hadn’t planned. Sometimes, my characters take me on a wild adventure as I write.

Galena is expected to be published in July.

 

10. Please provide links to your books, websites, and social media:

Website: krhauthor.wixsite.com/krhall

Reader Group: www.facebook.com/groups/261658027665746/

Instagram: www.instagram.com/krhall_author/

Twitter: twitter.com/K_R_Hall_author

Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/author/show/15930105.K_R_Hall

BookBub: www.bookbub.com/authors/k-r-hall

Allauthor: http://krhall.allauthor.com/

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@krhall_author

 

Bent Not Broken By: L.A. Ozz

Bent Not Broken

By: L.A. Ozz

In this story, by a brand-new author, we will be introduced to the two main characters: Peyton Warner and Denton Whitetower. 

Peyton is a twenty-two-year-old woman who has endured a troubling life, more than most women her age should have. She has been victimized and overcame fear, pain and abuse, in hopes of someday, making a new life for herself, and hopefully even successfully trying to forget those terrifying memories that haunt her still. 

Luckily for Peyton, she has found someone that could quite possibly satisfy her life’s needs, and make all her dreams come true. Denton is a remarkably handsome single father, who even owns his own business, and he is even the eldest of his siblings. 

Denton hadn’t been one who had been looking for romance when it came his way, but when it found him, he was happy to comply. And although Denton was in his forties, age made no difference to either of them. Their love felt no bounds right from the start, and together, they knew they wanted to make it work.

Peyton has assumed that her nightmares will no longer be able to find her, but sadly, this is where she is wrong. And one evening, she will once again realize that the nightmares were always ready to return at any given second. However, this time, Peyton doesn’t want to let them in, and risk the nightmare ruining her relationship with Denton. 

Peyton must learn to embrace her fears, and focus on what it is that she truly wants, rather than worry about what is lurking around every corner. The problem is, can she stay strong and successful, and fight for what is right, and become the heroine that she needs to be? 

In order for you to get the answers to this and many more, you will need to read this book for yourself! And trust me, you will be glad that you did, you will see, this book is a very different kind of read. It has love in it, and pain, and at the same time it will make you see that through pain and suffering, there can be a light. You just have to know where to look for it. Or better yet, you have to let it find you. 

This book, is the first book written by L.A. Ozz, and it is intended to be a series, which means great news for us as the readers, there will be more! And this one is a wonderful five-star read! So, please, if you will, put your hands together and welcome into the author family: L.A. Ozz and make her feel at home. Spread your wings Ms. Ozz, we can’t wait to read more from you, and we thank you for writing such an intensely deep book, that opened our hearts up into your soul! 

Here are my questions for Ms. Ozz:

1.What made you decide to write this book and how long did it take you?

That, believe it or not, is a very easy question to answer for me.  Writing Bent Not Broken was a decision that my main characters, Peyton and Denton, made for me, to be honest.  The two of them took up “residency” (full-time) in my thoughts (and heart).  They became an extension, of sorts, of myself.  Both Peyton and Denton became quite “demanding” and “persistent” that I tell their story.  So, with the support of my family (and countless sleepless nights), I decided to take the time to make my dream a reality.  I sat for many hours at my computer putting into words the thoughts, ideas, experiences and inspirations I had running rampant in my mind. Their story consumed me and became a true labor of love, a journey that I am proud and honored to have taken. On a side note, I also believe that it is important to tell the story of survival and the very heroes of those stories, the survivors themselves. 

Bent Not Broken took me approximately a year to finish from the first moment I sat at my computer to finally typing “The End.”

2. Who designed the cover?
Leanne Louise with B2B cover design, was my cover artist.


3. What are you working on now?
 I am currently working on Part two of the Forgiveness Series, Un-Charted Detour. 

This will be Liam’s story and I am so excited to get it ready and into readers hands.

4. What would you say to someone wanting to become a writer?

 I would tell them to NEVER give up.  To NEVER doubt the story, they want or need to tell. If it is in your heart and/or mind…tell it, share it with readers, you never know whose life you may touch.  I would also stress the importance of speaking with and making connections with other authors.  Seek advice from those who have been where you are, it is an amazing learning experience.  Also, please do not ever be afraid to ask questions, it’s the only way to learn.  


5. Was this book hard for you to write?

The answer to that question is yes….and no!

It was hard because a lot of the emotions that went into writing Bent Not Broken came from a personal place, the fear of putting yourself out there can be quite daunting.  Also, the fear of rejection, of not being “good enough” is an extremely worrisome factor that I had to deal with when writing this story.  The fear of where and how to start was a huge anxiety induced period. It was easy because the characters “lived” in my mind.  They, effortlessly, guided me through the entire book never allowing me to falter or quit.  Also, writing about survival and the emotions that entails holds immense value to me so, writing about them was quite natural and easy. 

6. Do you have any photos or descriptions of your characters that you can share with us?

Peyton

Denton

7. What is your favorite place to write?
     To be honest, I love to write anywhere that I can find inspiration.  Can be my front porch swing or my back patio.  Sometimes at the dining room table or alone at my desk.

8. What is your favorite book of all time?
     Desiderata by Max Ehrmann.  It was a graduation gift from a very special person.  The words have deep meaning and resonate with me to this day.  “Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.” Max Ehrmann

9. What are your hobbies?
     Spending time with my family/friends, reading, writing, crafting, party planning and baking/decorating cakes (mostly customized birthday cakes). 

10. Please share with us your book and social media links:

myBook.to/BentNotBroken
facebook.com/LAOzzauthor/

facebook.com/authorlaozz

amazon.com/L.A.-Ozz/e/B073TTQ9LB

goodreads.com/book/show/35566511-bent-not-broken

twitter.com/authorlaozz

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/l-a-ozz

11. Anything to add:

I want to say, “Thank You” Deneale for this wonderful and truly amazing opportunity to read and review my debut book.  I am so looking forward to you doing the same with my next book in the series as well as any others that I publish.  This interview has been fun and thought provoking as well! I encourage others to visit your blog and find a new author or two.  Continued success, Deneale! 

Bent Not Broken by L.A. Ozz
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this story, by a brand-new author, we will be introduced to the two main characters: Peyton Warner and Denton Whitetower.

Peyton is a twenty-two-year-old woman who has endured a troubling life, more than most women her age should have. She has been victimized and overcame fear, pain and abuse, in hopes of someday, making a new life for herself, and hopefully even successfully trying to forget those terrifying memories that haunt her still.

Luckily for Peyton, she has found someone that could quite possibly satisfy her life’s needs, and make all her dreams come true. Denton is a remarkably handsome single father, who even owns his own business, and he is even the eldest of his siblings.

Denton hadn’t been one who had been looking for romance when it came his way, but when it found him, he was happy to comply. And although Denton was in his forties, age made no difference to either of them. Their love felt no bounds right from the start, and together, they knew they wanted to make it work.

Peyton has assumed that her nightmares will no longer be able to find her, but sadly, this is where she is wrong. And one evening, she will once again realize that the nightmares were always ready to return at any given second. However, this time, Peyton doesn’t want to let them in, and risk the nightmare ruining her relationship with Denton.

Peyton must learn to embrace her fears, and focus on what it is that she truly wants, rather than worry about what is lurking around every corner. The problem is, can she stay strong and successful, and fight for what is right, and become the heroine that she needs to be?

In order for you to get the answers to this and many more, you will need to read this book for yourself! And trust me, you will be glad that you did, you will see, this book is a very different kind of read. It has love in it, and pain, and at the same time it will make you see that through pain and suffering, there can be a light. You just have to know where to look for it. Or better yet, you have to let it find you.

This book, is the first book written by L.A. Ozz, and it is intended to be a series, which means great news for us as the readers, there will be more! And this one is a wonderful five-star read! So, please, if you will, put your hands together and welcome into the author family: L.A. Ozz and make her feel at home. Spread your wings Ms. Ozz, we can’t wait to read more from you, and we thank you for writing such an intensely deep book, that opened our hearts up into your soul!



View all my reviews

 

Psychotic Imprisonment By: Maryya Dean Rajkumar

Psychotic Imprisonment

By Maryya Dean Rajkumar

Looking at the title of this book, you know there is something in store for you that is going to let you see into someone else's life. The title alone leaves you to wonder if there will be a way out, after you open the cover, and begin reading. But wait, the cover then gets your attention. Divided in half, darkness and beauty, colors and nightfall. A scared little girl covering her ears in a field of sunflowers, and in the dirt path you see words such as: hurt, demons and angry. Now we know we within this book, we are in store for a story of something that someone went through, that they have decided to open up their heart, their world, and their lives to share with us. 

Within this book, I could feel everything, even as a little girl that Maryya went through. I would cringe, and cry, laugh, and see the things as if I were right there with her, standing by her side. So many things she kept inside, so many things she didn’t understand, even today, there are still some. 

Maryya reminisces through her childhood through poetry, and words both, recollecting pain, and hurt, and even good memories. She has written her words, not only so that she can move forward, but so that others can see, they too, are not alone. 

Many people suffer from invisible diseases such as: depression, PTSD, postpartum depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, menopause, PMS, post and premenopausal, perimenopausal, pregnancy mood swings, grief, and many other ailments that can affect the mind; so many that there are actually too many to list! And sadly, there is not any perfected way to treat any of these symptoms, or signs, and disorders. Not to mention, it usually takes medical insurance and/or money to get the proper attention anyway. 

Many times, by the time a person is or has become fed up with the World or a situation, it is usually too late. Many people resort to suicide, or lose the desire to live. Which when you read Maryya’s book, you will find that even she was led to feel that she wasn’t important enough, or needed, and wanted, or had a purpose, on several occasions. 

Once, when Maryya was quite young, she felt that she alone could raise her own sister better than her Mother could. So, she decided she had had enough, and took her sister and tried to run away. It was then that she ‘kind of’ realized that perhaps she needed help, but stubborn as she is/was, once they were found, she explained to her Mother, being honest, that more-or-less, she felt her Mother was too busy, and that she herself could do a much better job at Mothering her sister, because she was already doing it anyway. 

As you may have noted, Maryya was not an only child, and as I stated, she was a stubborn one. She liked to make a difference, and felt she could if she tried. 

In School, she experienced being bullied, because their Mother insisted that they wear the head gear making them ‘seem’ like ‘terrorists’ to the ‘normal’ people. Maryya put up with for quite some time, and her Father told her, ‘Just remember, you will grow up and become something of yourself, and the bad person will not. You’ll see one day.’ Maryya wrote, remembering in her book, as she seen the bully later in life, and she smiled when she seen her in the grocery store. She didn’t smile at her bully, but at herself, because her Father’s words had rung true in her head, when she had seen exactly what her bully had amounted to, and knowingly what Maryya herself had amounted to. 

Maryya has gone through any things, and I do not wish to expose the entire book here in the review, what I want is for you to read it. I feel you need to. Because once you do, you too will be over whelmed. This book is truly an eye opener, and it will help you see that not everyone is the same, and yet, here we all are, suffering in one way or another. And Maryya tells us, yes, it is okay to talk about it, share, and let others know, that yes, we need help, and that we’re suffering, and need them. It is ok to reach out, and it is ok to speak up, because others need to know, and we need to support one another.

This book is a five-star read, especially for someone who has never published before. The poems are very deep and heart felt, and the words are very intriguing. You will be glad that you read this book, because there will be a part of you that can relate, I’ll bet on it. 

Here are my questions for Maryya: 

1. What made you write your book and how long did it take you?

During the course of my counseling and mental health treatment I was encouraged to express myself through writing and every member of the team responsible for my care who had seen my poetry had felt very strongly that I need to share my talents with the world. It is their belief that this book would help other people, both in their care and working with sufferers of mental illnesses, to understand better and to raise awareness of these conditions and what the people who have them deal with on a day-to-day basis.

I have to admit, it was with a great deal of trepidation that I took on the task of putting my experiences down on paper, being an Asian woman of Pakistani descent, it was difficult to contemplate being different, bringing it out in the open to the attention of others was unfathomable. Since its publication I feel I have taken the boldest of steps to break my silence.

From building the courage to finally writing this book I only spent 3 months.

2. As you were writing this, and recollecting the memories, was it a little hard on you?

Yes it was very hard but It was all there in my mind, I had lived each moment and it was eating at me. I'm glad to have done this and taken the steps I have, in some respect I’ve freed a part of that captured prisoner in me.

On my journey of managing my demons and staying strong in the face of terror and pain I found strength and courage through tiny hands and feet that called me mummy.

3. Do you have any photos to share with us? Yes, this photo is of me, when I was 7 years old, the rest can be found on my social media sights.

4. Do you plan on writing another book?

Yes, I do intend to write a more detailed dissected version of my current book, detailing each and every chapter, answering possible questions that may be running on the readers mind. I also hope to find the strength to write about sexual abuse in children one day.

5. Did writing this book help you move past anything? If so: please elaborate.

We all find different things that give us strength, we all need those things. This book is already touching the lives of many and I have shocked and astounded many around me- some that didn't think I would do it, and others that didn't think I could do it. But I have done it, if your belief is strong enough then your willpower is your weapon. The book is already generating a lot of interest from psychiatrists to those not directly affected. It's been rated 5* since its publication a month ago.

It is also being recommended to patients, to men and women suffering with mental illness. And people around the world are inquiring about the book.

6. What are your hobbies?

My greatest hobby is being a mum, as cliché as this may sound it is actually one million percent true, I love being a mum, I love teaching my children new things together we are a great team, we learn of each other. Academically I wasn’t very good in secondary school and didn’t achieve the desired grades, when you read my book you’ll know why. But being a mother of four, I am learning each and every day, the ways of life the natural skills of being a mum but most importantly how to be a good role model to my children.



7. Did anyone complain when you wrote and released your book?

 No not as yet, but I am very aware that I will be in the firing line and may raise some eye brows, for a few bold statements that I have made on back of my personal opinion and experiences. On a personal note, I wrote this autobiography to express my vision my views my life, I did not feel happy about writing about my life and trying to be diplomatic, I guess with me honesty is far too important, what you see is what you get.



8. What are your future plans?

I plan to one day start up my own business in event planning. I also will continue writing, I have been approached to give talks at the mental health recovery colleges and schools. When I am ready I may in the near future prepare myself to take that huge leap.



9. Are you still suffering through stress and depression? Or even regression?

Yes, my belief is strong enough to say bipolar is not just a depression it’s an illness, and I am fighting that every day of my life and will continue to do so. Unfortunately for me, I have a fluctuating pattern with my breakdowns and the worst points of my suffering are at the beginning and at the end of the year where I am most likely to be sectioned. But on a positive note i am taking my medication every day to help me manage my moods, and writing has clearly been a winner for me to find a therapeutic way to handle my anxiety.


10. Do you have any advice to offer anyone who may have gone through several situations that you may have been through?

You’re not alone, actually you’re far from that, the fact that you have come to a realization that something is not right with you, is actually the bravest thing anyone can do, the strength and willpower in you to fight and cope has already begun and will take shape when you can find that perfect medium or strategy in yourself to cope. Which you will, be strong and be hopeful.

11. Please share with us your social media links and book links

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071RV1YLQ/ref=abs_add_sc_

ehttp://www.maryyadeanrajkumar.com/

https://www.facebook.com/Psychotic-Imprisonment-1968344700052449/

https://mobile.twitter.com/maryyadean?lang=en-gb

https://www.instagram.com/maryyadean/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryya-rajkumar-044903142/?ppe=1

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16825180.Maryya_Dean_Rajkumar

https://cosmofunnel.com/user/68814

12. Anything you’d like to add:

I would like to take this opportunity to say a great big thank you to Deneale for taking the time out to read my book and giving me the opportunity to speak out and express myself.

Psychotic Imprisonment by Maryya Dean Rajkumar
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Looking at the title of this book, you know there is something in store for you that is going to let you see into someone else’s life. The title alone leaves you to wonder if there will be a way out, after you open the cover, and begin reading. But wait, the cover then gets your attention. Divided in half, darkness and beauty, colors and nightfall. A scared little girl covering her ears in a field of sunflowers, and in the dirt path you see words such as: hurt, demons and angry. Now we know we within this book, we are in store for a story of something that someone went through, that they have decided to open up their heart, their world, and their lives to share with us.

Within this book, I could feel everything, even as a little girl that Maryya went through. I would cringe, and cry, laugh, and see the things as if I were right there with her, standing by her side. So many things she kept inside, so many things she didn’t understand, even today, there are still some.

Maryya reminisces through her childhood through poetry, and words both, recollecting pain, and hurt, and even good memories. She has written her words, not only so that she can move forward, but so that others can see, they too, are not alone.

Many people suffer from invisible diseases such as: depression, PTSD, postpartum depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, menopause, PMS, post and premenopausal, perimenopausal, pregnancy mood swings, grief, and many other ailments that can affect the mind; so many that there are actually too many to list! And sadly, there is not any perfected way to treat any of these symptoms, or signs, and disorders. Not to mention, it usually takes medical insurance and/or money to get the proper attention anyway.

Many times, by the time a person is or has become fed up with the World or a situation, it is usually too late. Many people resort to suicide, or lose the desire to live. Which when you read Maryya’s book, you will find that even she was led to feel that she wasn’t important enough, or needed, and wanted, or had a purpose, on several occasions.

Once when Maryya was quite young, she felt that she alone could raise her own sister better than he Mother could. So, she decided she had had enough, and took her sister and tried to run away. It was then that she ‘kind of’ realized that perhaps she needed help, but stubborn as she is/was, once they were found, she explained to her Mother, being honest, that more-or-less, she felt her Mother was too busy, and that she herself could do a much better job at Mothering her sister, because she was already doing it anyway.

As you may have noted, Maryya was not an only child, and as I stated, she was a stubborn one. She liked to make a difference, and felt she could if she tried.

In School, she experienced being bullied, because their Mother insisted that they wear the head gear making them ‘seem’ like ‘terrorists’ to the ‘normal’ people. Maryya put up with for quite some time, and her Father told her, ‘Just remember, you will grow up and become something of yourself, and the bad person will not. You’ll see one day.’ Maryya wrote, remembering in her book, as she seen the bully later in life, and she smiled when she seen her in the grocery store. She didn’t smile at her bully, but at herself, because her Father’s words had rung true in her head, when she had seen exactly what her bully had amounted to, and knowingly what Maryya herself had amounted to.

Maryya has gone through any things, and I do not wish to expose the entire book her in the review, what I want is for you to read it. I feel you need to. Because once you do, you too will be over whelmed. This book is truly an eye opener, and it will help you see that not everyone is the same, and yet, here we all are, suffering in one way or another. And Maryya tells us, yes, it is okay to talk about it, share, and let others know, that yes, we need help, and that we’re suffering, and need them. It is ok to reach out, and it is ok to speak up, because others need to know, and we need to support one another.

This book is a five-star read, especially for someone who has never published before. The poems are very deep and heart felt, and the words are very intriguing. You will be glad that you read this book, because there will be a part of you that can relate, I’ll bet on it.



View all my reviews