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Learn more about Susan Agbenoto < Back Susan Agbenoto GAB TALKS interview with Dr. Susan Agbenoto Dr. Susan Agbenoto is a dynamic voice in faith-based leadership, spiritual renewal and personal transformation. She is the author of New Wine: A Journey into Refueling Your Life , (Review: https://www.printedwordreviews.com/bookreviews/9798890430519 ), a 2025 Independent Press Award Distinguished Favorite in the Christian category and just named a NYC Big Book Award Winner in the Christian category with her first title RESTORE ME!: But Privately, Please (The People Cannot Know) (review: https://www.printedwordreviews.com/bookreviews/9798385017621 ). In addition to being an award winning author, Susan is a speaker in both religious and corporate forums, a lay pastor since 2013 and seasoned investment professional with over two decades of experience. She obtained her Doctor of Ministry degree from The United Theological Seminary in Dayton Ohio. Both of Susan’s novels, New Wine and Restore Me But Privately Please, inspire readers to pursue holistic well-being through the integration of faith, purpose, and practical wisdom. When she is not writing or working, Susan is passionate about traveling and experiencing the authenticity of other places. A devoted wife and mother of two, Susan joins us from Central Florida. Gabby: You’ve been a pastor for almost a decade. What led you to writing this book about receiving God’s new wine? Susan: My books are all faith based. When I read the Bible, I do a lot of writing. When I was done with my doctorate program I took all the inspired writings, and was surprised that I had 3 to 4 different books that I really had to bring together. So that’s where New Wine was born. Gabby: What is the significance of New Wine? Susan: Being a pastor for some time, I noticed that sometimes people get stuck. We often have that phase where we’re so excited about doing something new. The newness lasts for a while. Then all of a sudden, it drops off and you feel like you’re stuck, not moving forward, not moving backward. Take the life of a grape and the different phases the grape goes through. With each step of life, there really is new wine that is being produced. My book tells you to hold on, don’t give up. There’s more coming. Gabby: In your own words, you say that receiving new wine is experiencing your own personal revival. Susan: That’s the concept of the book. New wine is that no matter what your age is, no matter what you’ve been through, no matter where you are on a spiritual journey, God is still saving the best for last. There is more that’s going to come out of you. He’s going to use you to affect even more people, and there’s greater transformation coming to your life. So don’t give up. Definitely don’t settle for status quo, whether spiritually or physically in your life, there’s more that’s coming. Gabby: Are there any first steps, habits, spiritual disciplines that we can adapt to prepare to receive this outpouring? Susan: The first step is to assess where you are when it comes to connecting with the Word of God. Even before that assesses where you are, it comes to a personal relationship with God. The next step is to open the Bible. There are so many resources out there: listening to other people who speak about the Bible, other people who preach messages from the Bible. It just sort of stirs you up. Gabby: Susan you have said “the enemy of achieving greater things in our lives is living in our past glory, traditions or past methods that aren’t working”. Please elaborate on this statement. Susan: It’s great to hear people talk about what they’ve done, but what you’ve done is a stepping stone to the greatest things that you can do. Living in the past in that sense, is your enemy because you are not pushed to do better, to go further, to do even more. Gabby: What do you hope that readers take away from New Wine both spiritually and intellectually? Susan: My greatest hope when you read the book, you feel hope and inspiration and then a reconnection with God. Though you can start in a Christian home or in some form of religious home, with time you may put that away spiritually and you find yourself unfulfilled. You realize that you start to get new meaning when you reconnect with God, when you reconnect with His Holy Spirit. New Wine is a book to inspire and impart hope. Listen to the entire interview on https://www.independentpressaward.com/thegabtalks/new-wine%3A-a-journey-into-refueling-your-life Share this article Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Learn more about Michele Kwasniewski < Back Michele Kwasniewski Michele Kwasniewski author signing at ALA, Table 1652, on Friday, June 27th, at 6pm Award-winning author Michele Kwasniewski, author of YA fiction series, “The Rise and Fall of Dani Truehart” After graduating from Loyola Marymount University with a BA in Technical Theater, Michele Kwasniewski spent over fifteen years in film and television production. Starting out as a film set assistant on movies such as INDEPENDENCE DAY, FACE/OFF, PRIMAL FEAR, and EVITA, Michele eventually switched to the small screen and worked her way up the ladder to production manager, gaining experience on television shows such as BIG BROTHER, ADOPTION STORIES, EXTRA YARDAGE and MEET THE PANDAS. She is also a proud member of the Producers Guild of America. Michele’s colorful experiences in the industry inspired her to write THE RISE AND FALL OF DANI TRUEHART series. Michele lives in San Clemente, California with her husband, their son, and their disobedient dachshund. Share this article Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

< Back Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Share this page: PWR eNewsletter Printed Word March 18, 2026 BookCAMP magazine, https://www.printedwordreviews.com/bookcampmagazine March 2026 - Publisher edition - Share URL with a friend ======================================== IN THIS ISSUE BISG Accessibility Readiness and Workflow Pain Points Surveys PWR ChangeMakers Nominations BookCAMP 2026 Indie Author with 30,000 copies sold joins PWR Featured book review by Printed Word Reviews Interviews Coming Soon ========================== BISG is calling publishers, vendors and distributors to complete their surveys on Accessibility Readiness and Workflow Pain Points. TWO days left to join 140 others; Find the surveys here: https://www.bisg.org/news/bisg-launches-book-industry-surveys-on-accessibility-readiness-and-workflow-pain-points ========================== ChangeMakers: Do you know someone or yourself who is making an impact? At Printed Word Reviews, we want to honor the innovators, advocates, and trailblazers who are transforming the publishing landscape for the better. https://www.printedwordreviews.com/changemakers ========================== BookCAMP 2026 happens in five weeks, https://www.ipabookcamp.com/tickets with some tickets still available. Join other publishers, distributors and marketing professionals networking and teaching independent authors and publishers on April 24-25, 2026. A book fair open to the public, benefiting the Newark Public Library is set for April 26th, https://www.ipabookcamp.com/book-fair ========================== With over 30,000 copies sold, Christy Cashman, a 2024 NYC Big Book Award and Independent Press Award winner, signed at the Printed Word Reviews booth during AWP on March 7th. https://www.einpresswire.com/article/896118197/printed-word-reviews-to-host-award-winning-authors-at-awp-baltimore ========================== Featured Printed Word Review FALCON book review: Sleeper Code: A Novel by Kevin McGuire In a high-stakes battle against a rogue AI embedded in critical infrastructure, a seasoned cybersecurity officer and his team race against time to prevent a catastrophic cyber-attack that could plunge the nation into chaos. https://www.printedwordreviews.com/bookreviews/sleeper-code%3A-a-novel ========================== Gab Talks Interviews GAB TALKS with Ivona Olofsson, author of The Soul of War: Ukraine – Where Every Step Tells Their Story. https://www.independentpressaward.com/thegabtalks/ivona-olofsson ========================== Printed Word Reviews Interviews Ted Olczak, Publisher of Printed Word Reviews, at ALA with Kris Bigalk of Trio House Press. https://youtu.be/5rEM7h7N9UE ========================== More seats added to the NYC Big Book and Independent Press Awards ceremony and dinner, get your ticket now: https://www.nycbigbookaward.com/awardsdinner Thank you to BookCAMP SPONSORS: BookBaby; Book Launchers; Gatekeeper Press; Creatorwood; BookMarketing Buzz; Small Business Digest; Moving Forward Small Business (MFSB); Book Industry Study Group (BISG); Book Manufacturing Institute; Atmosphere Press; Shimmer AI; Indie Author Book Services; Pro Audio Voices; and Catalyst Press. ========================== COMING SOON BookCAMP Book Fair April 26th (fundraiser), author tables starting at $150, https://www.ipabookcamp.com/vendorapplication NYC Big Book Award is now accepting book entries: https://www.nycbigbookaward.com/ Are you listed in our Publishing Services Directory? https://www.printedwordreviews.com/publishingservices ========================== (c) 2026 Ted Olczak. Please forward and share this newsletter in its entirety. Connect at https://www.linkedin.com/in/ted-olczak-64a1386/ Previous Next

Book review of Johannes Vermeer Provocateur: Risk and Courage in Dissent by Neil Thomas Proto . ISBN: < Back Johannes Vermeer Provocateur: Risk and Courage in Dissent Neil Thomas Proto History, artist, citizenship, Dutch Golden Age, dissent FriesenPress Share this review: Copy link Facebook LinkedIn X (Twitter) WhatsApp Pinterest In a time of religious and colonial turmoil, renowned painter Johannes Vermeer uses his art to advocate for citizenship, equality, and dissent, challenging the oppressive forces of Calvinism and the brutal realities of Dutch colonialism. Neil Thomas Proto's Johannes Vermeer Provocateur: Risk and Courage in Dissent presents a provocative reinterpretation of the famous Dutch painter. Proto's central argument is that Johannes Vermeer was a civic-minded provocateur and dissenter who used his art to subtly critique the religious and social repression of the "Dutch Golden Age." This view goes against the traditional image of Vermeer as merely a master of light and domestic interior scenes. The book argues that the romanticized period of the Dutch Golden Age was underpinned by dark realities, including terror, slavery, condescension, and religious/social repression enforced by law and powerful institutions like the Dutch East India and West India Companies. Proto posits that Vermeer was civically driven and used the subtle strokes of his paintbrush to defy the forces of law and corporate power that fueled this repression. He suggests that Vermeer's art is a predecessor to modern socially engaged art. As a Catholic convert in the Calvinist-dominated Dutch Republic, Vermeer faced religious bigotry. Paintings like the Allegory of the Catholic Faith are cited as acts of rebellious dissent, as the display of religious iconography was often banned or suppressed by the reigning Calvinist sect. The book encourages looking at Vermeer's paintings not just for their aesthetic qualities, but also as reflections of the dangerous and powerful forces at work in his life and society. Proto, who is a lawyer and writer, brings a unique perspective to the art history, incorporating his own experiences with challenging power and injustice (as noted in the book's "The Author's Bearings" section) to re-examine Vermeer's life and artistic choices. In short, the book aims to show that Vermeer was "so much more than we imagined," transforming him from the "Sphinx of Delft" into a figure of "risk and courage in dissent." Previous Next

Book review of New Wine: A Journey into refueling your life in the spirit by Dr. Susan Agbenoto . ISBN: 979-8890430519 < Back New Wine: A Journey into refueling your life in the spirit Dr. Susan Agbenoto Christian Christian Faith Publishing Share this review: Copy link Facebook LinkedIn X (Twitter) WhatsApp Pinterest In a compelling call for spiritual revival, this transformative narrative invites readers to embrace a deeper relationship with God, shedding past traditions to experience the new wine of the Holy Spirit and ignite a lifelong journey of faith. Readers will learn about the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, the importance of personal and corporate revival, and the steps to achieving a closer walk with God. The book draws on biblical passages, historical revivals, and personal anecdotes to illustrate its points, making it accessible and engaging for a broad audience. The narrative explores spiritual restlessness, using Moses and the burning bush as an example. It encourages readers to move beyond past traditions to new levels of worship. The story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman is used to highlight the importance of worshiping in spirit and truth. The text transitions to making a leap of faith, outlining steps to salvation and the journey of spiritual growth. It stresses the continuous pursuit of God and openness to new revelations, encouraging readers to embrace their spiritual journey fully. The book delves into Jesus' "I Am" statements, each revealing aspects of His divine nature. This section discusses pressing into a deeper relationship with God, using the parable of new wine and old wineskins to illustrate the need for spiritual renewal. This book is ideal for Christians seeking to deepen their faith and experience spiritual renewal as well as Church leaders and members involved in revival movements. Previous Next

Book review of Don't Walk Away, A Care Partner's Journey by Marilyn Raichle . ISBN: < Back Don't Walk Away, A Care Partner's Journey Marilyn Raichle Caregiving, Alzheimer's, Art, Transformation, Hope Independently published Share this review: Copy link Facebook LinkedIn X (Twitter) WhatsApp Pinterest Power of Hope? A Journey of Redefinition: The Power and Hope in “Don’t Walk Away” In "Don't Walk Away, A Care Partner's Journey," Marilyn Raichle offers a deeply personal and transformative account of her experience caring for her mother, Jean, who lived with Alzheimer's. The book is structured as a series of touching vignettes with her mother’s paintings and photos, but it is far more than a simple memoir. It is a testament to the enduring human spirit and a revolutionary guide for redefining the caregiving experience, beautifully illustrated by Jean's own vibrant artwork. The book’s central and most compelling element is the role of art. Raichle shares how her mother's diagnosis initially brought a sense of loss and fear. Yet, when Jean began to paint, her art became a bridge, opening a new window into a mind that was anything but "lost." Jean’s paintings are not just beautiful images; they are a form of communication that expresses wit, imagination, and emotion when words are no longer available. This creative expression allowed Marilyn to move past her preconceived notions and truly see the person her mother was in that moment, a whole and joyful individual. Marilyn's journey is the heart of the narrative. Her candidness about her initial struggles and her ultimate transformation makes the book incredibly relatable for any caregiver. She documents her shift from a sense of duty to a source of joy and personal discovery, learning the invaluable lesson of "letting go of the woman [her mother] used to be, embracing instead the wonderful woman who was with me in the moment." This perspective offers hope, showing that the caregiving path is not solely about loss, but can also be a profound journey of personal growth and connection. Ultimately, "Don't Walk Away" challenges the prevailing stereotypes of Alzheimer's as a life of sorrow and emptiness. By interweaving her mother's colorful paintings with her own candid stories, Raichle provides a much-needed new perspective. It serves as a reminder that people living with dementia are still valuable members of their communities, capable of joy, purpose, and deep connection. For caregivers, family members, or anyone seeking to better understand life with dementia, this book is an uplifting and essential read that proves that even in the face of loss, there is still immense beauty to be found. Previous Next

Book review of The Weeping Degree by Kelly Watt . ISBN: 9781957468327 < Back The Weeping Degree Kelly Watt memoir, poetry, astrology, trauma recovery, childhood abuse, suicide prevention Wild Rising Press Share this review: Copy link Facebook LinkedIn X (Twitter) WhatsApp Pinterest A survivor of brutal childhood abuse and a suicide attempt journeys through astrology, Buddhism, therapy, and activism to reclaim her fractured self and turn her deepest wounds into witness and healing. The Weeping Degree: How Astrology Saved Me From Suicide by Kelly Watt (Wild Rising Press) is a searing, genre-hybrid memoir that maps the grueling terrain between enforced forgetting and vocal survival. Written in a blend of prose and poetry, the work operates simultaneously as a psychological archive, a spiritual itinerary, and a survivor’s manifesto. Framed by the astrological weeping degree, significant placements in the author’s chart, and the Sabian Symbols, Watt delivers an account of ritualized childhood trauma, institutional betrayal, and the decades-long process of reclaiming one’s own narrative. The memoir’s most compelling structural choice is its initial framing. Opening at a threshold of acute suicidal crisis, the speaker visits an astrologer who tells her that she was born with Pluto – the planet of pain and transformation, in the weeping degree, the 28th-30th degree of an astrological house that’s traditionally associated with relationships floundering, plans falling apart, and dreams escaping. The astrologer however reframes that fate as a place of transformation, and that reframing gains weight as the reader continues on. Before the cellar, before the trapdoor, and before the men with beer, there was a mother who gave her away at the age of two. Neither mother nor daughter knew that years later, the girl would hang from the maples in Itchycoo Park at midnight, stoned on LSD. She would hear the earth breathing and the leaves whispering, “you will be whole.” It would seem as if the universe was sending her coded messages. From this high-altitude spiritual vantage point, the text plunges directly into the abyss of early childhood. Watt details her placement at age two in the "Home for Little Girls" following her mother's incapacitation by grief and alcohol. What follows is a devastating account of systemic abuse, institutional deprivation and mistrust, and organized violence. The text meticulously illustrates how a child’s mind survives the unendurable: through dissociation, bedwetting, and ultimately, a dreamlike internal command to erase the trauma entirely: a psychic amnesia that holds for two decades. Where the narrative truly shines is in its nuanced depiction of recovery. Healing is presented as an agonizingly slow, physical process. Through somatic bodywork and rigid Buddhist retreats, the speaker is forced to remain present with somatic agony rather than fleeing it. This book keeps returning to the paradox of survival as both a gift and a burden. As a gift, it makes everything possible. As a burden, the survivor carries the wound. They are inseparable no matter how one chooses to view them. What distinguishes Watt’s approach is her refusal to tip entirely towards either side. She goes further to frame the gift as an obligation rather than a reward, “I’m doing this for the others,” which is a less common concept. She however makes it clear that the gift doesn’t erase the burden. This speaks heavily to the human capacity to live with a wound while simultaneously endeavoring to find meaning and purpose through it. As memory returns—including the haunting recollection of a peer, Sheryl, revealing that both girls were exploited by the same network—the memoir exposes the social cost of survivor testimony. Disclosure brings disbelief, emotional disintegration, and the unraveling of personal relationships, illustrating the profound isolation survivors face when breaking enforced silence. The peak occurs when the author tracks down one of her primary abusers. Armed with old photographs and a concealed tape recorder, Watt seeks empirical confirmation of her recovered memories. The encounters result in the abuser outright denying the past, refusing her a cinematic confession or legal justice, which the memoir renders with brutal clarity. This non-resolution is perhaps the memoir’s most critical thematic insight. Watt underscores a harsh reality of trauma recovery: external justice is frequently unavailable. True liberation must instead be built through internal ritual, psychological integration, and collective witness. The Weeping Degree is a vital addition to the literature of survival and trauma recovery. Kelly Watt has constructed a courageous, structurally daring text that offers neither easy answers nor comfortable tropes. For readers of survivor literature, spiritual memoirs, and feminist advocacy, it stands as a testament to the power of memory over silence, and the profound transformation possible when an individual insists on turning personal darkness into public witness. Previous Next

Learn more about FLAT: An edgy voyage of accidental discovery < Back FLAT: An edgy voyage of accidental discovery Neal Rabin's "FLAT" Wins Independent Press Award for Humor: A Journey of Accidental Discovery Neal Rabin's "FLAT: An edgy voyage of accidental discovery" has been awarded the 2025 Independent Press Award in the Humor category, recognizing a unique and witty voice in contemporary literature. Rabin's journey to authorship is a fascinating blend of television comedy, tech entrepreneurship, and a deep-seated love for storytelling. Rabin's comedic roots trace back to his childhood, immersed in the golden age of classic sitcoms. While his early aspirations centered on television writing, including penning the 1982 Emmy Awards opening, a career pivot led him to the tech world. It was literary agent Loretta Barrett who, after reading his business memoir, "Barefoot in the Boardroom," encouraged him to pursue fiction, reigniting his passion for narrative. "Since I have always written, there was really no deep transition to ‘author’ only a contentment in the validation of the work by readers who enjoy the same journeys and insights as I do walking my way through life," Rabin reflects. He attributes much of his success to his wife, Nancy, whom he calls the "jet fuel of my life," and the late Loretta Barrett. He draws inspiration from a diverse range of writers, from comedy legends like Carl Reiner and Larry Gelbart to literary giants like Herman Hesse and Robert Heinlein. Rabin aspires to combine the fluidity of Anthony Doerr, the depth of Herman Hesse, and the humor of Carl Hiaasen. He expresses profound gratitude to his daughters, Tess and Dia, and friend Saral for their honest feedback and support. "Borrowing from Disney: I'd love to be considered as - An adult dose, spoonful of sugar, helps the medicine go down," Rabin sums up his writing style. He acknowledges the solitary nature of writing and the importance of recognition. "Receiving validation, acknowledgement, and appreciation for the effort is an unexpected gift," he says, expressing his humility and gratitude for the Independent Press Award. "FLAT" stands as a testament to Rabin's unique voice and his ability to find humor in the unexpected. Share this article Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Book review of The Horses of Saddlers Ranch: Cloud by Alison Bellringer . ISBN: < Back Take me back to https://www.childrensbookwormaward.com/ The Horses of Saddlers Ranch: Cloud Alison Bellringer Animals/Pets, Middle-Grade Fiction; Novella Austin Macauley Publishers Share this review: Copy link Facebook LinkedIn X (Twitter) WhatsApp Pinterest When a spirited gelding named Cloud arrives at Saddlers Ranch, impulsive Tilly's reckless decision to ride him leads to an accident that teaches her valuable lessons about responsibility, friendship, and the bonds of family. Finding Trust in a "Beast" "The Horses of Saddlers Ranch: Cloud" by Alison Bellringer is a novella that immediately immerses readers in its central conflict. The story opens with a vivid scene that sets the stage: a man struggling with a horse, met with disdain from a young girl who insists, "That kind of behavior is exactly why we can't keep it! I need a reliable horse who I can depend on at all times." This initial moment of frustration and misunderstanding establishes the central theme of the novella. The book challenges the notion of a "reliable" horse by introducing Cloud, a beautiful gelding whose unruly behavior leads to him being deemed a "beast." This compelling narrative explores the patience and empathy required to form a genuine connection with an animal. It's a tale that delves into the deeper side of horsemanship, moving beyond simple riding to examine the communication and trust that build a true partnership. Readers who have a passion for horses will be drawn into this story, as it promises to show that some of the most rewarding bonds are not always the easiest to form. It’s a heartfelt and memorable story about seeing the potential in a misunderstood animal and the transformative power of a little bit of trust. Previous Next