Thursday, January 26, 2017

Blog Tour: Boys, Toys - Oh My Vol 2 by A.M. Willard


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Boys, Toys - Oh My Vol 2
By A.M. Willard
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Genre: Romance

Is this what my life has become… Selling novelty items to couples…

I walked away from it all - the job, and the guy because he thought I was a stripper… The problem, I still want the guy, and I still blush at the word penis. Not as much, but the heat still rises when I stop to think about what I’m saying.

Yes, this is my new life and I have to find the confidence to live it like I own it.

I knew allowing her to walk away that night was a mistake… Now I have to find a way to show that I truly care about her, and maybe then she’ll understand that I can’t live my life without her.

The problem is she only wants to be friends, if that’s the only way I get her then it’ll have to be enough.



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****4.6 OUT OF 5 STARS***

“Laugh Out Loud Five Star Read!” ~ Iowa Gal

“Can’t go wrong with this book!” ~ Angi DeMonti

“Awesome funny read :)” ~ Caz

“Sweet, funny Rom-Com” ~ Xkoqueen

“Ohmigod...You need to One-Click now!!” ~ pb loves to read

Grab book one while it’s on sale for .99¢
(limited time)

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About the Author
International Bestselling Author, A.M. Willard resides in Savannah, Georgia. She joined the Peach State many years ago after leaving the crystal blue waters and sugary white sand behind from the Panhandle of Florida. She's also known for being a wife, mother, and caretaker for her farm animals. A.M. loves anything sassy, glittery, and is a sucker for the Hallmark Channel. That last one might be the reason she believes in soulmates or it could be because she married her high school sweetheart almost twenty years ago.

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Connect with A.M. Willard
Facebook Author Page: http://bit.ly/2gHSCep
Facebook Reader Group: http://bit.ly/2cvozRF


Wednesday, January 25, 2017

Book Review: The Curse Of Mohenjodaro by Maha Khan Phillips

Title: The Curse of Mohenjodaro
Author: Maha Khan Phillips
Publisher: Pan Macmillan


Review:

Maha Khan Phillips’ The Curse of Mohenjodaro is an evocative, meandering tale that creates an intriguing milieu. There are familiar elements in this story — an archaeological dig, people dying in a mystery fire, an ancient civilization, a fanatical cult, a super-successful writer of teen horror, a blond assassin, a discovery that hints at an adventure — but they are synthesized in a fresh way in this keenly observed, quietly powerful novel.
It all begins with a university-backed excavation at Mohenjodaro, when the young intern, Layla, apparently blows up the entire team. Later she goes missing and it is up to Nadia to go looking for her missing half-sister. Along the way she picks up Liam, Layla’s teammate from the expedition. Together they set out to look for the missing sister. Then there’s Jaya — a girl who frequents Nadia’s dream. She is undoubtedly connected to the Mohenjodaro mystery.
The narrative of the book is such that it goes back and forth between two time frames. But there is nothing that confuses the reader. The material is enhanced by the author’s well-realized rendition of time and place. Khan Phillips’ detailed world-building provides plenty of insight into the world of 3800 BC Mohenjodaro. The flow of the events makes it a page turner with a decent plot and good characterization. There isn’t really anything I can fault about the book and I’d recommend it as a must read for 2017. 

About the Author:

Maha Khan Phillips is a multiple award-winning financial journalist and the author of Beautiful from This Angle and the Mystery of the Aagnee Ruby. She grew up in Karachi, Pakistan. She has a bachelor’s degree in Politics and International Relations and a master’s degree in International Conflict Analysis from the University of Kent at Canterbury. In 2006, she completed a master’s degree in Creative Writing from City University in London, where she currently lives with her husband and son.

Buy Link:


I'd like to thank the author for letting me review the book. I do hope you end up liking the book when you read it. Thank you so much for stopping by, and happy reading! 



* I received a review copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
** Picture courtesy: Amazon.in



Tuesday, January 24, 2017

Book Review: My Journey With Vadapav by Venkatesh Iyer

Title: My Journey With Vadapav
Author: Venkatesh Iyer
Publisher: TV18 Broadcast Limited (CNBC TV18) 


Review:

Once in a while, you come across a personality who will make you wonder about the life you have lived — about everything you have learnt and done; and this thought process might trigger a self introspection of your being. Venkatesh Iyer is one such personality. ‘My Journey With Vadapav’ is his account of his life that specifically focuses on his rise as the ‘vadapav king’ of India.
To those who know what a vadapav is, your tongue would have a neat number done on it already with the mere mention of the word. To the uninitiated, suffice it to say that it is a slice of heaven served hot on a plate or sometimes just handed over unceremoniously without the associated fanfare. The presentation doesn’t matter because taste takes over all the other senses. It started out as a humble street food in several parts of India but is now regarded as one of the must-haves during the evening cravings. Easily accessible and similarly easy on the pocket, vadapav has carved for itself a niche in the food industry.
Venkatesh holds a similar view. This gets evident right from the onset and continues to do so with every page that you turn. There’s a frank openness in his voice. He confides in the reader all about his private life — every emotion, success, frustration, and humiliation associated with his ventures — very honestly and authentically. His earnestness in sharing what he thinks might be of use to the others comes across in every page. He admits to failures and shortcomings, evincing a passionate, come-what-may attitude toward life that precludes deep introspection and only concentrates on pursuing of one’s dreams.
There’s so much to glean from Venkatesh’s account of his journey. It’s an enjoyable ride through and through — a Tam-Bram boy made good, a regular neighborhood guy who rises to the top through sheer gumption and force of will. His is a success story that warranted a case study being taught all over the globe.

An easy yet exemplary read, I’d recommend it to all those who wish to achieve their dreams. Go grab a bite (pun intended). 

Buy Link:

Amazon I Flipkart I Book Adda I Infibeam I Sapna Online


About the Author:


Venkatesh Iyer is the Founder and CEO of Goli Vadapav, India’s largest national ethnic fast food chain.
From Finance to food, with over 15 years of experience in corporate finance and investment banking, Venkatesh Iyer has been instrumental in helping entrepreneurs translate ideas into story boards using his unique strength of critical thinking, imagination and communication.
One fine day, he decided to change his course and create what was then called a very creative food revolution! His ultimate dream has been of “corporatization” of the humble Vada Pav and to see Vada Pav as a brand amongst the pizzas and burgers of the world. He’s a visionary par excellence who sees things beyond the obvious and it is this attitude that made his dream turn into reality!
He has been invited as an inspirational speaker and delivered more than 250 talks on Goli Vadapav story in India and abroad at various large entrepreneurial summits and business schools like Harvard, IMD Switzerland, ISB Hyderabad, etc.


I'd like to thank the author for letting me review the book. I do hope you end up liking the book when you read it. Thank you so much for stopping by, and happy reading! 


* I received a review copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.




Monday, January 23, 2017

Blog Tour: Rosinanti by Kevin J. Kessler


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Rosinanti (The Rosinanti Series Book 1)
By Kevin J. Kessler

Genre: Fantasy Action Adventure
238 pages

BLURB:
The Rosinanti Dragons are no more. Since their extinction nearly one thousand years ago these primal powerhouses have fallen into the obscurity of history’s forgotten lore. In that time, humans have come to dominate the world of Terra, peacefully ignorant to one horrifying truth: ancient evil stirs around them, waiting to reclaim its lost world. For Valentean Burai, animus warrior of the kingdom of Kackritta, the details surrounding humanity’s victory over the Rosinanti are more than just a history lesson. The long-buried mysteries of this archaic conflict may hold the answers that he has so desperately sought regarding his own past. As the awful truth of the Rosinanti’s supposed demise comes to light, Valentean must stand together with Seraphina, a magically gifted princess, to embark upon a mission to maintain order and light throughout Terra. Only together can these two lifelong friends face down the resurgence of the Rosinanti legacy, and combat the greatest threat their world has ever known.

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Also Available in Kindle Unlimited and Paperback

5 OUT OF 5 STARS!!!

“Brilliant” ~ Tim Hamlin

“MUST READ FANTASY” ~ Peace & Patriots

“What a way to make a debut!!!!!!!” ~ Allie

“An amazing page turner by Kevin Kessler” ~ Amazon Customer



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ALSO AVAILABLE


Rosinanti: The Decimation of Casid (A Rosinanti Novella, Volume 1.5)
By Kevin J. Kessler
Genre: Fantasy Action Adventure


58 pages



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While an entire world away, men turn into dragons and ancient magic ignites the air, Casid lived on in peaceful ignorance. This tiny village and its people existed outside of the conflict which threatened to swallow Terra, until the day chaos itself landed upon its shores.

Now, one lone warrior seeks to protect his family, his friends, and the woman he loves as demons rise from the flames to burn everything he has ever loved to ash. This man is no god, no fundamental force of nature. He is simply a man, alone against the fury of chaos.

Casid will be decimated, consumed by the same blaze which threatens to overtake all of Terra. But what will rise from the ashes of this once perfect haven, forged in the fires of tragedy and loss, might become the most fearsome opponent the darkness has ever known.

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Also Available in Kindle Unlimited and Paperback

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AUTHOR BIO

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Kevin J. Kessler lives in Orlando Florida, where he owns the White Dragon Podcast Network, which puts out weekly podcasts on a variety of topics from Walt Disney World, to movies, television, comic books, video games and more.

A lifelong geek, Kessler can often be found at the many theme parks and local attractions in Orlando.

He developed the story for Rosinanti as a sophomore in high school, sixteen years before the book’s release.

Since an early age, Kessler has been an avid reader, often found lost within the magical worlds found within the pages of fantasy novels.

"It was always my dream to create such a world of my very own," he said. "Even as a kid when my friends would want to play Power Rangers or X-Men, I would always create a new Ranger or Mutant rather than portray an established character. There is power in creativity! Creativity breeds creation!"

CONNECT ONLINE!
OFFICIAL WEB SITE: www.authorkevinjkessler.com
TWITTER: @KevinJKessler
INSTAGRAM: @WhiteDragonPN
OFFICIAL ROSINANTI FAN GROUP: www.facebook.com/groups/rosinanti

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Friday, January 20, 2017

Book Review: Love In Chakiwara And Other Misadventures

Title: Love In Chakiwara And Other Misadventures
Author: Muhammad Khalid Akhtar
Translator: Bilal Tanweer
Publisher: Pan Macmillan


Review:

If we are to believe Eliot Weinberger, “translators are the geeks of literature.” And rightly so. Though a creative enterprise, translators need to face the challenge of rendering a language resonantly in another. Mere translation of the words doesn’t suffice. In translating ‘Love in Chakiwara and Other Misadventures,’ Bilal Tanweer has proved his mettle. He has done an excellent job of translating the author’s genius. He has successfully got Akhtar’s humour over and across the language barrier. The original story, ‘Chakiwara mein Visaal’ was written by Muhammad Khalid Akhtar in 1964 and even fifty years later, his story holds a charm for the readers.  
The book is set around a small Karachi neighbourhood called Chakiwara, and the chronicler of the daily drama is Iqbal Hussain Changezi. He is a bakery owner and the collector of writers and geniuses.
Akhtar’s Chakiwara is an amalgamation of fiction and reality. It is a balanced concoction of the prosaic and the other worldly. A curious world opens up for us as we follow the author’s narrative. The narrow, labyrinthine lanes of the old quarters of Karachi with its ramshackle shops shadowed by faded and worn out signboards stir a longing in the reader for a chance visit to an era long gone. There’s more than meets the eye with regard to the characters and their ordinary lives but with extraordinary proclivities. A satirical work, this book presents to us a world as bright as a summer’s day and as dark as a moonless night.
The cover design is alluring enough to draw one’s attention towards the book, from wherein, the story takes over and does its job wonderfully. The author’s writing style supports his story very well and creates a captivating atmosphere throughout.

Buy Link:

About the Author:

Muhammad Khalid Akhtar was born in 1920 in Bahawalpur, to a family of scholars. An engineer by training, he began writing in his early twenties. Khalid Akhtar produced numerous stories, essays and travelogues, many of which were published in the Urdu magazine Sawera. Love in Chakiwara (Chakiwara Mein Visaal), one of his best-known works, was written in 1964 and won the Adamjee Literary Award. Khalid Akhtar died in Karachi in 2002.

About the Translator:

Bilal Tanweer is the author of the novel the Scatter Here Is Too Great, which won the Shakti Bhatt First Book Prize and was shortlisted for the DSC Prize for South Asian Literature. He has translated works by Sa’adat Hasan Manto and novels by Ibn-e Safi. His writings have appeared in various publications, including the New York Times, the Caravan, Granta and Words Without Borders.


I'd like to thank the author for letting me review the book. I do hope you end up liking the book when you read it. Thank you so much for stopping by, and happy reading! 




* I received a review copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
** Picture courtesy: Amazon.in

Wednesday, January 18, 2017

Book Review: 7 Secrets Of Shiva by Devdutt Pattanaik

Title: 7 Secrets Of Shiva
Author: Devdutt Pattanaik
Publisher: Westland

Review:

As the title suggests, ‘7 Secrets of Shiva’ by Devdutt Pattanaik deals with the myths and legends related to the god of gods, Shiva. The book includes some oft-told tales retold with verve and outfitted with resplendent images plus a healthy dose of some lesser known facts as well. Divided into seven chapters, this book is easy to comprehend minus religious overtures. This book seeks to bridge the gap between the popular believes stemming from the Western understanding of Hinduism and the actual reasons that form the basis of our religion.
The first chapter examines the meaning of ‘linga’ and the real reason why it came to be worshiped in the first place thus setting a conversational and informative tone for the chapters to follow. The succeeding pages focus on the lord’s violent disdain, his compassion, his connection with the world through his sons. The book culminates with the lord taking up the position of the wise teacher. Each chapter has something new to offer with abundant and well researched information. The book goes on to explain the different anomalies and conflicts in beliefs, as well as the symbolism, rituals and reasons behind Hindu worship. Over 100 striking photographs and drawings illustrate the well-organized and comprehensive text.
Beautifully printed and assembled, informative and accurate, but not at all difficult to read, this is an outstanding reference for those interested in mythology.

Buy Link:

About the Author:


Dr Devdutt Pattanaik is an Indian physician turned leadership consultant, mythologist and author whose works focus largely on the areas of myth, mythology and also management. He is former chief belief officer of Future Group, one of India’s largest retailers. He writes a column for the newspaper Mid-Day.

I'd like to thank the author for letting me review the book. I do hope you end up liking the book when you read it. Thank you so much for stopping by, and happy reading!


* I received a review copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
** Picture courtesy: Amazon.in



Saturday, January 14, 2017

Author Interview: Venkatesh Iyer, Author of My Journey With Vada Pav

About the Author:


Venkatesh Iyer is the Founder and CEO of Goli Vadapav, India’s largest national ethnic fast food chain.
From Finance to food, with over 15 years of experience in corporate finance and investment banking, Venkatesh Iyer has been instrumental in helping entrepreneurs translate ideas into story boards using his unique strength of critical thinking, imagination and communication.
One fine day, he decided to change his course and create what was then called a very creative food revolution! His ultimate dream has been of “corporatization” of the humble Vada Pav and to see Vada Pav as a brand amongst the pizzas and burgers of the world. He’s a visionary par excellence who sees things beyond the obvious and it is this attitude that made his dream turn into reality!
He has been invited as an inspirational speaker and delivered more than 250 talks on Goli Vadapav story in India and abroad at various large entrepreneurial summits and business schools like Harvard, IMD Switzerland, ISB Hyderabad, etc.

Contact:



Interview:


When did you first realize that you wanted to be a writer/ a storyteller?
Before I launched GoliVadaPav in 2004, I was a corporate finance professional helping businessmen and entrepreneurs to raise funds from institutions. Whenever, I pitched a company or a business to financers, I always narrated the story behind the brand and what they are trying to accomplish. My friend and also the co-founder of GoliVadaPav, ShivdasMenon, would take care of the hard facts and numbers. My point being that I have always been a storyteller of brands, entrepreneurs and their journeys. The idea behind documenting Goli’s journey is to connect with entrepreneurs out there who have lived through doubtful moments or are going through a difficult phase in their business or even waiting to start their business – That if I can do it, so can you.

What motivates you to write and where does your inspiration come from?
My motivation and inspiration comes from the fact that our business model has managed to create many entrepreneurs in the process. More than 300 franchise partners are Golipreneurs who have made the brand ‘Goli’ stronger with every passing day.

How did you come up with the idea for your current story?
The idea was in the works for quite some time because I always wanted to document my journey for others to know that breaking away from the beaten path never gets easier and that is no reason for anyone to not to do it over and over again.

Why did you choose to write in your particular field or genre? If you write more than one, how do you balance them?
Every author’s work is inspired from the fact as to how best he can communicate his story –fictionally or non-fictionally. This book “My Journey with VadaPav” is basically a documentation of my journey using ‘Vadapav’ as a metaphor to throw light on how our Swadeshi items are no less a product that can be made in to a ‘brand’ in the global market.

What opportunities have being an author presented you with and share those memories? (i.e. travel, friends, events, speaking, etc...)
In addition to being a full time entrepreneur, I have been invited in the past to talk about my journey with budding entrepreneurs and management students by some of elite colleges in India and internationally like Harvard, IMD Switzerland, ISB Hyderabad, SP Jain, Welingkar, and Symbiosis etc. Ever since the book came out, I have been inundated with more such speaking opportunities even in certain Corporates who want me to engage with their employees on many aspects of running a business operation. Mercifully, I have been able to balance my first priority – running GoliVadapav – and speaking opportunities. Interestingly, I believe I have evolved into a motivational speaker post the book launch.

What field or genre would you classify your book(s) and what attracted you to write in that field or genre?
This book is for entrepreneurs who want to start a company; it is a story of my entrepreneurial journey. So as a genre, it is a storytelling of a business book, which can also act as a handbook for launching a business.

What do you do if inspiration strikes in an inconvenient place like (car, restaurant, bathroom/shower, etc..) and how do you capture that moment before it gets away from you?
Thank god for smartphones. I have a habit of keeping notes in my phone and you are right, the best of the idea comes to you in the most inconvenient place or situation.

How do you think you have evolved as a person/author because of your writing and do you believe your writing has helped others, how/why?
I would like to believe that ‘My Journey with Vadapav’ would inspire and give a motivational support to many entrepreneurs who are either running a business or working on a plan to launch one.

Do you believe there is value in a review? Do you believe they are under rated, over rated, or don’t matter at all?
Book reviews are an important part for any author worth his salt. A well-captured book review can help readers decide which book to pick or miss. It will be unfair to label them as under rated or over rated. The fact is that book reviews help rate an author’s work.

What is your biggest fear about having a book published?
That no one may want to read it. But then the readers and the community have been kind and words of appreciation have been flowing ever since the book came out.

What is the intended audience for you book?
Entrepreneurs, consumers, students – who ever loves a good courageous story.

Give us a fun fact about your book(s).
The fun fact is that this book is relatable to each and every budding entrepreneur – be it the cutting chaiwalah or your area’s famous Kachoriwalah – it is tale that will make you question the set norms of Indian food industry, break your myths and inspire you to see your worth and how to take seeminglysmallest of the business nationally and even globally.

If you had the chance to get one message out there to reach readers all over the world, what would that message be?
Doesn’t matter how busy your day is, always find time to read and do pick your copy of ‘My Journey with Vadapav.’

What makes a good story, why?
The story-telling technique and off course a solid plot. Because if a purpose to story-telling is missing then you will lose your reader, who is anyway short on time with so many other things demanding his attention.

Do you read your reviews? Do you respond to them, good or bad? Do you have any advice on how to deal with the bad?
Yes, I have read a few reviews, which have been published or communicated to me. So far they have all been very positive. But one should always be prepared to take a not so pleasant review in their stride.

What are the most important elements of good writing? According to you, what tools are must-haves for writers?
A good editor and a publishing house that can put their trust in you are 2 most important things for an author to have a good quality product. My Journey with Vadapav wouldn’t have been possible without unconditional support of Sheryl Dixit, editor of the book. She dedicated herself to keep the story tight, made herself available full time for helping me do the changes, sometimes all over again and just being there as a patient listener and integrating my ideas and adapting to my narrating style.

Do you view writing as a career, labor of love, hobby, creative outlet, therapy, or something else?
My Journey with Vadapav is without a doubt a labor of love.

What are the advantages/disadvantages of self or traditional publishing?
Being backed by a media conglomerate like Network 18, there can only be advantages to publishing a book. The team at Network 18 extended their entire support in making this book a reality. Their support continues and it has resulted in selling more than expected number of copies.

What makes your book stand out from the crowd?
Apart from a beautiful cover design, the storyline of the making a street food a pan India product, ability to transition an unorganized sector format into an organized set up with investors, board of directors, auditors on board.

What is your favorite scene in the book? Why?
My personal favorite scene is when we had to start from the scratch all over and approach the financial markets but we were surrounded with biggest of financial crisis in the world. However, it was the most difficult phase of my real life, but while writing this book and reminiscing the time of overcoming this obstacle successfully is most certainly closest to my heart. It inspires me over and over again that I’m capable of rebuilding myself.

Do you read? Who are your favourite authors and how have they influenced your writing style?
Two authors have inspired me a great deal. My all time favourite is Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist and Richard Bach’s Jonathan Livingston Seagull. They have inspired my thought process. Their books dare readers to have a dream and go all out to achieve it. Something similar happened in my case.

What is the best piece of advice you have received, as a writer, till date?
It’s more of an inspiration. Whether inside of a corporate boardroom or engaging with an audience as a speaker, I have always spoken from my heart. And that has been appreciated every time.

What is the best piece of advice you would give to someone that wants to get into writing?
Believe in your story. And the words will flow in your thoughts to express it in best possible manner. 

About the Book:

How did a popular street snack from Mumbai become a marketing phenomenon, gaining national popularity and international repute?
What transformed an on-the-run bite from a snack on a handcart into an award-winning brand?
What made Harvard Business School lean forward and acknowledge the marketing success of the humble vadapav?
‘My Journey with Vadapav’ by Venkatesh S, answers all these questions and more. The book tells the story of a daring and unusual entrepreneurial venture. Inspired by his love for vadapav, one man made it his mission to build, promote, transform and establish a humble street snack into a national brand.
The book encapsulates a journey in which you walk with the author through various pathways from the glimmer of a concept to its creation, development and foundation, while sharing his moments of apprehension, enthusiasm, despair, elation, occasional confusion and humour. In due course, admire his determination to succeed, no matter what.This bold and inspiring real-life narration, questions the set norms of the Indian food industry and takes its myriad challenges head-on. It is a tale of teamwork, a whole load of determination and entrepreneurship at its best, with a little bit of luck to complete the mix.
‘My Journey with Vadapav’ is exciting, compelling and a great read for enthusiasts who have an idea, a dream or a vision and aspire to make it not just a reality, but a success. It is an inspiration for others too.

Buy Link:

Amazon I Flipkart I Book Adda I Infibeam I Sapna Online

Thank you, Mr Iyer, for this amazing interview! I wish you success for all your future works. Keep writing!