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Read about traditional, independent and self-published authors and books. Contact the publisher Ted Olczak at Ted@PrintedWordReviews.com for questions, comments or solicitations. Printed Word Reviews CLICK LOWER RIGHT HAND ICON (4 arrows symbol) to see the magazine full screen; click again to return BUY PRINT COPIES of a SINGLE ISSUE: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/UPBAJWGCT6KFU Title: Printed Word Reviews, ISSN: 3067-011X (previously 2836-9157) * Frequency: Monthly in 2026 By the professional, for the professional: Title: Book CAMP by Printed Word Reviews, Library of Congress ISSN: 2994-4406 Frequency: Five times annually, Quarterly plus extra issue Issue Dates: Every February; May; August; November Annual print subscription: $79.99 for 12 print issues Annual subscription: $39.95 12 digital issues BookCAMP by Printed Word Reviews Library of Congress ISSN: 2994-4406 Book CAMP by Printed Word Reviews Past Issues 2026 Editorial Calendars, Publisher Ted Olczak, Ted@PrintedWordReviews.com Printed Word Reviews 2026 Editorial Calendar with space deadlines January: Martin Luther King / Preview of Black History Month: POITIER, space due 12/20 February: PWR's Special Issue: SELIMI, space due 1/20 March: Independent Press Award 2026, space due 2/20 April: Discover Indie Books, space due 3/20 April: Awards Ceremony BookCAMP Program, space due 4/1 May: Summer Reads, space due 5/1 June: ALA Preview: DAHER, space due 6/1 July: ALA Special / Awards Photos: FANFARILLO, space due 6/15 August: Down Under Publishing / ALA Wrap-up: FORD, space due 7/25 October: NYC Big Book Award Announcement 2026, space due 10/1 November: Holiday Gift Guide 2026, space due 10/30 December: Last Minute Gifts / Author Interviews, space due 11/20 BookCAMP magazine 2026 Editorial Calendar with space deadlines February: BookCAMP Feb-April 2026, space due 1/12 April: Awards Ceremony BookCAMP Program, space due 4/1 May: BookCAMP May-July 2026, space due 5/1 August: BookCAMP Wrap-up Book Fairs Aug-Oct 2026, space due 7/25 September: BookCAMP, MFA programs / Fall Book Fairs 2026, space due 9/1 November: BookCAMP Nov 2026-Jan 2027, space due 10/5 Contact us. Find out more about: Book Awards Sales & Marketing

Missed a BookCAMP session? Want to read the transcript or see the video replay? Interested in taking a course? Find past and present educational sessions presented by experts in the publishing industry here. Choose your pricing plan Find one that works for you BookCAMP 2024 $ 399 399$ BookCAMP Presentations from June 23-25, 2024 Valid for 60 days Buy Now 2024 BookCAMP Presentation / Slides BookCAMP Membership $ 50 50$ Every year Annual subscription to BookCAMP magazine; Full Access to database of publishers, agents, etc.; special offers Buy Now Series Bldg, Sales, Mkting/PR, DAY ONE $ 159 159$ Access the presentations and video of Day One, May 2nd, 2025 at BookCAMP 2025 for just $159. See presentation files and videos from all the Friday's sessions. Sales, Marketing, Publicity, Series Bldg Valid for 3 months Buy Now Missed a day? Want to review the day's events? FRIDAY only BookCAMP 2025: All Three Days $ 599 599$ See presentation files and videos from BookCAMP 2025, May 2-4, 2025. Valid for 3 months Buy Now See all three days' sessions presentations. Book 2 Screen; Rights; AI; Audio DAY 2 $ 299 299$ See presentation files and videos from all the day's sessions of BookCAMP 2025, DAY TWO, May 3rd, 2025. Sessions include Book to Screen: Movie deal, Rights, practical uses of Artificial Intelligence. Valid for 3 months Buy Now Missed a day? Review these six sessions. SAT. only Chains; Copyright; Rockstar Mktg DAY 3 $ 299 299$ See presentation files & videos from BookCAMP Day Three's sessions. Selling NON-returnable books to Big Box stores; Business Formation, copyright & trademarks; Sell like a NY Times Bestseller. Valid for 3 months Buy Now Missed a day? Want to review the day's events? SUNDAY only Printed Word Magazine Print Subscription $ 79.99 79.99$ Every year Buy Now Lowest Price-Limited Time Offer Printed Word Magazine Digital Subscript $ 39.95 39.95$ Every year Special ALA offer for Librarians Buy Now

Book review of Blue Skies, Troubled Waters: An American Twin's WWII Odyssey in Minahasa, Indonesia by Martha Walandouw Lohn and Brian Kimmel . ISBN: < Back Blue Skies, Troubled Waters: An American Twin's WWII Odyssey in Minahasa, Indonesia Martha Walandouw Lohn and Brian Kimmel memoir, WWII, resilience, mapalus, faith Together Mapalus Press Share this review: Copy link Facebook LinkedIn X (Twitter) WhatsApp Pinterest The memoir recounts the harrowing journey of Ath, her twin sister Kath, and their family during World War II. The memoir, "Blue Skies, Troubled Waters: An American Twin's WWII Odyssey in Minahasa, Indonesia," recounts a family's fight for survival during the Second World War. Narrated by Ath (Martha’s nickname, one of two American twin sisters), the book begins with their departure from New Jersey in 1940 for their father's homeland in Indonesia. What starts as a journey to a new life in a beautiful, unfamiliar land quickly descends into a harrowing struggle for existence. The narrative beautifully captures the family’s idyllic early days in Minahasa, painting a vivid picture of a tranquil existence filled with simple joys like playing by the river and helping on the family farm. This peaceful setting makes the sudden and brutal Japanese invasion all the more impactful. As the war envelops their community, the memoir documents the family’s constant fear, the emotional toll of their imprisonment, and their struggle with starvation and disease. Beyond the harrowing details of wartime, the book is a testament to the strength of family and community. The traditional Minahasan practice of mapalus—mutual aid—emerges as a beacon of hope and a critical lifeline, illustrating how human connection can endure even in the face of unimaginable suffering. Through Ath’s eyes, we witness the quiet moments of hope and resilience that sustained them, reminding us that the human spirit is not easily broken. In the epilogue, Brian Kimmel, the co-author and Ath's grandson, reflects on the importance of preserving these stories for future generations. He underscores the memoir’s relevance in a world still grappling with conflict and displacement, framing it as a call to action for empathy and understanding. Ultimately, "Blue Skies, Troubled Waters: An American Twin's WWII Odyssey in Minahasa, Indonesia" is a moving read that captures the beauty and brutality of one family’s experience. It stands as a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of hope. Previous Next

Book review of Transitioning Your Federal Resume to Private Industry: Are You at the Fork of the Road? by Kathryn Troutman . ISBN: < Back Transitioning Your Federal Resume to Private Industry: Are You at the Fork of the Road? Kathryn Troutman Reference Resume Place Share this review: Copy link Facebook LinkedIn X (Twitter) WhatsApp Pinterest This book serves as an indispensable resource, expertly bridging the gap between the often-complex federal resume format and the concise, results-driven expectations of private industry hiring managers. Kathryn Troutman's latest guide, "Transitioning Your Federal Resume to Private Industry: Are You at the Fork of the Road?", arrives at a crucial time for many federal employees contemplating a shift to the private sector. This book serves as an indispensable resource, expertly bridging the gap between the often-complex federal resume format and the concise, results-driven expectations of private industry hiring managers. One of the book's most significant strengths is its practical, eight-step methodology. Troutman meticulously breaks down the daunting task of converting a typically lengthy federal resume into a streamlined, impactful two-page private industry document. The process is clear and actionable, covering everything from updating your existing federal resume to identifying target job announcements and strategically highlighting accomplishments that resonate with private sector employers. A standout feature is the forward-thinking integration of artificial intelligence tools, such as ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot. Troutman demonstrates how these technologies can be leveraged to efficiently extract crucial keywords from job descriptions, a vital step in optimizing resumes for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and human reviewers alike. This modern approach ensures that job seekers are equipped with contemporary strategies for today's competitive market. The book truly shines through its seven comprehensive case studies. Each example provides a "before and after" snapshot, showcasing an original federal resume, the target private industry job announcement, an AI keyword analysis, the transformed two-page private industry resume, a tailored one-page cover letter, and an updated LinkedIn profile summary. These real-world illustrations offer invaluable insights and practical templates for readers to adapt to their own situations. Kathryn Troutman's reputation as the "Federal Resume Guru" is well-earned, and her expertise permeates every page. With over 30 years of experience in federal resume writing and career coaching, she possesses a deep understanding of both federal and private sector hiring landscapes. Her ability to demystify the transition process and empower job seekers with actionable advice is evident throughout the book. "Transitioning Your Federal Resume to Private Industry" is an essential read for any federal employee considering or actively pursuing a career in the private sector. It is equally valuable for resume writers and career coaches who assist clients in navigating this specific career transition. In conclusion, this book is a timely, thorough, and highly practical guide. Troutman's methodical approach, combined with her embrace of modern tools and extensive experience, makes "Transitioning Your Federal Resume to Private Industry" a must-have for anyone at the "fork in the road" of their federal career. It provides the clarity and tools needed to confidently step into the private sector. Previous Next

< Back Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Share this page: PWR eNewsletter Printed Word April 16, 2026 Printed Word Reviews, https://www.printedwordreviews.com/magazine April 2026 - (Early due to BookCAMP 2026) edition - Share the URL with a friend ======================================== IN THIS ISSUE BookCAMP’s Book Fair ALA Preview of PWR’s Award-Winning Authors in Chicago Featured FALCON review by Printed Word Reviews GAB TALKS with author and physician Maria Ingström Interview with the publisher Sponsored Coming Soon ========================== Local librarians, come pick up some award-winning books at BookCAMP’s book fair on Sunday April 26th (open to the general public, benefiting the NJ institutions) https://www.ipabookcamp.com/book-fair Past announcement: https://pix11.com/business/press-releases/ein-presswire/871911337/printed-word-reviews-hosts-the-independent-press-nyc-big-book-awards-and-gives-back-to-the-local-newark-community/ ========================== Join us at ALA 2026!, Booth 4722 at the Printed Word Reviews booth during June 26th-29th. Award-winning authors will be signing books. If you are interested in getting a preview, https://www.printedwordreviews.com/offers/ala ========================== BookCAMP's Book Fair, https://www.ipabookcamp.com/book-fair ========================== Featured Printed Word Review FALCON book review: History / Genealogy Buff? Ghosts in my DNA: Past Lives of Boston After building a life in the Caribbean, a retired science teacher turns genealogist to trace her New England lineage back to the Mayflower and beyond, confronting the unsettling possibility that “blood memory” and inherited DNA have been steering her choices all along. https://www.printedwordreviews.com/bookreviews/ghosts-in-my-dna ========================== ALIEN TRUCKER A hybrid Pleiadian truck driver named Trucker embarks on a perilous mission to find a mysterious pink earth compound essential for saving his stranded crew, navigating the complexities of human society while grappling with his identity and the weight of his quest. https://www.printedwordreviews.com/bookreviews/alien-trucker ========================== Independent Press Award: GAB TALKS with Maria Ingstrom What happens when the one wearing the white coat suddenly finds herself lying restrained in a psychiatric ward? In “Restrained,” physician Maria Ingström shares her raw and unforgettable story of falling into psychosis, being subjected to coercive care, and finding her way back to life and medicine. With both the vulnerability of a patient and the authority of a doctor, she opens a window into a world too often silenced by stigma and shame. https://www.independentpressaward.com/thegabtalks/maria-ingstrom Podcasts will be available at https://www.independentpressaward.com/thegabtalks or subscribe to SPOTIFY (or your favorite service) to listen to our author interviews, https://open.spotify.com/show/1Ek1K0qZPqj4XBKbfMlQJW ========================== A Dangerous Man In a race against time, a former Army intelligence analyst turned 9-1-1 dispatcher must navigate the treacherous world of human trafficking to save a terrified child from a violent shootout, while a relentless vigilante seeks to dismantle the very syndicate that threatens them both. https://www.printedwordreviews.com/bookreviews/a-dangerous-man ========================== Rockstar: Echoes As Kline Thomas, the enigmatic new frontman of Aberdeen, grapples with the weight of his predecessor's legacy and his own demons, he must navigate the treacherous waters of fame, friendship, and the music industry, while a determined young woman named Rayne Harlow fights to carve out her own place in a world. https://www.printedwordreviews.com/bookreviews/rockstar%3A-echoes ========================== Printed Word Reviews Interviews Ted Olczak, Publisher of Printed Word Reviews, at ALA with Jason Rossi of Globe Pequot, https://youtu.be/MlJ3lHOZLCI ========================== See our magazine on Overdrive via Libby (any local library), 32 global newsstand apps, or at a special event, or https://www.printedwordreviews.com/magazine ========================== Sponsored by the NYC Big Book Awards, https://nycbigbookaward.com/ ========================== (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

Get a Free 12 Month Digital Subscription & BookCAMP Day Pass No Strings Attached Subscription, Compliments of the Young Publishers Association 1 Get a Free 12 Month Digital Subscription & BookCAMP Day Pass Simply enter your name and email, and we'll add you to our complimentary subscription list for 12 months. 2 Offering a FREE DAY pass to Day One of BookCAMP, https://www.ipabookcamp.com/ or discounted three day pass (passes are nontransferable). FREE BookCAMP All-sessions Day Pass Member Benefit First name* Last name* Email* Yes, add me to your mailing list. Choose ONE benefit PLEASE Free ENewsletter - Latest Book Reviews and Author Interviews $0 Printed Word Reviews - FREE six-month digital subscription $0 BookCAMP by Printed Word Reviews - FREE six-month digital subscription $0 Special Offer: Day Pass to BookCAMP 2027, April 9, 2027, 1pm - 5:30pm $150 Company name Multi-line address Country/Region Address City Zip / Postal code Position Order Now Printed Word Reviews reserves the right to rescind these offers at any time or for any reason.

Book review of The Soap Maker by Terrence Pershall . ISBN: 979-8890251459 < Back The Soap Maker Terrence Pershall Historical Fiction, Period Romance, World War II, resilience Evolved Publishing Share this review: Copy link Facebook LinkedIn X (Twitter) WhatsApp Pinterest After the Nazis shatter his family’s life in occupied France, a young soap maker’s apprentice becomes a Resistance courier and risks everything to rescue the girl he loves and hunt the war criminal who stole her. Terrence Pershall’s “The Soap Maker” is a historical saga that manages to balance between the domestic intimacy of a family craft and the brutal, sprawling chaos of World War II. It is a story that reminds us that even the most mundane objects, in this case a bar of soap, can become a vessel for hope, a tool for defiance, and a legacy for the future. Set against the increasingly shadowed landscape of southern France near Toulouse, the novel begins in the uneasy spring of 1939. We meet young Anton, a boy whose world is defined by the rhythm of the family farm and the aromatic, meticulous craft of his grandfather, Papy Philippe. In the setting descriptions, Pershall contrasts the sensory beauty of soap-making, the oils, the lye, the fragrances, with the sterile, cold terror of the Nazi occupation. As the war encroaches, the “peaceful” south becomes a hotbed of Vichy collaboration and Resistance bravery, forcing a simple family of artisans into the front lines of history. The narrative arc is a classic “coming-of-age” story thrust into the furnace of war. The transition is marked by a sudden, jarring violence: the death of Anton’s mother, Lily. This tragedy strips away the family’s neutrality, propelling Anton’s father, Luc, and Papy Philippe into the heart of the Resistance. At the story’s heart lies a central metaphor: soap as a delivery system for intelligence. Pershall’s portrayal of Anton smuggling secret messages is clever. As the climax unfolds, the setting expands from the rural South to a liberated Paris, following Anton’s frantic search for Marie. The conclusion provides a hopeful bridge to America, yet remains grounded in the reality of wartime trauma, ending with a drive to bring the war’s perpetrators to justice. The strength of “The Soap Maker” lies in its characters. Anton’s evolution is the heartbeat of the book. We watch him harden from a farm boy into a fighter, yet he never loses the core of humanity instilled in him by his grandfather. Papy Philippe serves as the moral anchor. His soap-making is a form of preservation. He represents the “old world” trying to survive the new world’s madness. Marie’s survival in the face of capture and pregnancy symbolizes the sheer biological and spiritual will to endure. The identity of the "soap maker" serves as a shield against the dehumanization of war, illustrating the extraordinary strength ordinary people discover within themselves. The conclusion emphasizes that migrating to America represents a transition rather than an erasure of the past. Ultimately, by pursuing war criminals like Krause, the narrative ensures the story closes on a note of accountability rather than mere survival. “The Soap Maker” is a textured tapestry of a novel. It will resonate deeply with fans of “The Nightingale” or “All the Light We Cannot See.” Pershall’s writing captures the stench of betrayal and the fragrance of lavender with equal skill. It is ultimately an uplifting exploration of how love and tradition can survive even when the world is set on fire. Previous Next

Book review of Enigma Forced by Breakfield and Burkey . ISBN: 978-1946858771 < Back Enigma Forced Breakfield and Burkey Audiobook / Thriller ICABOD Press Share this review: Copy link Facebook LinkedIn X (Twitter) WhatsApp Pinterest In a race against time, a determined team of investigators must unravel a complex human trafficking operation while navigating the treacherous world of cryptocurrency and cartel violence to rescue the victims before it's too late. Enigma Forced In a race against time, a determined team of investigators must unravel a complex human trafficking operation while navigating the treacherous world of cryptocurrency and cartel violence to rescue the victims before it's too late. “Enigma Forced” is a technothriller/crime suspense that delves into the dark world of human trafficking, blending elements of crime, technology, and suspense. Ideal for readers who enjoy fast-paced narratives with intricate plots and a focus on contemporary issues. The story unfolds across various locations, including the U.S.-Mexico border, Puerto Rico, and Greece, set in the present day. The conflict begins with Toby and Miguel transporting human trafficking victims, leading to Toby's murder and the discovery of the victims by police. Gracie enlists her brother JJ and his team to investigate the incident. Rodrigo and Mateo are the antagonists who plan to use cryptocurrency to evade detection. As the story progresses, the investigation intensifies as JJ's team uncovers the financial mechanisms behind the trafficking operation. They track digital transactions and fake identities used to launder money. Julian, part of the trafficking ring, cunningly manipulates victims like Sophia and Elena, weaving a web of lies and deceit while plotting to expand their operations. Brayson's Capture and Rescue highlights the dangerous and complex nature of their mission. The climax is the team successfully rescuing Judith, Xiamara, Sophia, and Elena from Julian's clutches, using a deep fake application to deceive him. However, Julian and his bodyguard escape with significant funds, setting the stage for future confrontations. The book concludes with a sense of accomplishment but also the recognition that their fight against human trafficking is far from over. Previous Next

< Back Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Share this page: PWR eNewsletter Printed Word June 22, 2026 BookCAMP by Printed Word Reviews, https://www.printedwordreviews.com/bookcampmagazine June 2026 - SPECIAL ISSUE - Share URL with a friend ======================================== IN THIS ISSUE ChangeMaker: Meet Ku Worldwide * Join us at ALA 2026 in Chicago Call for BookCAMP presentation proposals * Publishing Houses Sue Book Piracy Site Featured book review by Printed Word Reviews * Coming Soon ========================== ChangeMaker: Meet Ku Worldwide, the Dynamic Dual Dealmaker https://www.printedwordreviews.com/articles/ku-worldwide-the-dynamic-dual-dealmaker ========================== Join us at ALA 2026 in Chicago, Booth 4722 - Printed Word Reviews during June 26th-29th. ========================== Are you a publishing expert? Want to be a speaker?, https://www.ipabookcamp.com/list-of-speakers Send your presentation proposals for BookCAMP 2027 to Ted@PrintedWordReviews.com by July 21, 2026. Join other publishers, distributors and marketing professionals networking and teaching independent authors and publishers on April 8-10, 2027. ========================== Major Publishing Houses Sue Book Piracy Site WeLib https://www.printedwordreviews.com/articles/major-publishing-houses-sue-book-piracy-site-welib ========================== WEBINAR: Turn Your Book Into a Movie or TV Show For a Fraction of The Price This FREE webinar will empower authors, creators, and IP owners to bring their stories to life visually—without giving up creative control. From novels and short stories to scripts and original concepts, Creatorwood turns words into fully realized cinematic experiences that audiences can watch, share, and support. https://www.printedwordreviews.com/courses ========================== Featured Printed Word Review FALCON book review: Your Data, Their Wealth: The Price of Human Input to the AI Economy In an AI-driven economy that profits from the hidden traces of ordinary life, a bold economist argues that everyday human behavior is productive labor—and that the public deserves ownership, bargaining power, and a share of the wealth it creates. https://www.printedwordreviews.com/bookreviews/9798989791453 ========================== Thank you to BookCAMP 2026 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 NYC Big Book Award is now accepting the last round of 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

< Back Simon & Schuster Relaunches 'Pocket Books' Romance Imprint July 6, 2026 at 8:15:24 AM Major U.S. publisher Simon & Schuster is relaunching “Pocket Books,” an old pocket-sized paperback imprint first started in 1939, as a new home for self-publishing and romance writing, the company announced last week. The new imprint is being led by Anh Schluep, who previously spent 15 years at Amazon Publishing developing the company’s Montlake romance imprint and working with fast-growing romance authors like Colleen Hoover. Pocket Books was the United States’ first mass market paperback publishing company, and it dramatically popularized reading by making it more accessible and more commercially available. “The imprint revolutionized the industry by making books available to readers in non-traditional outlets,” Schluep said in a statement about the relaunch. “The first contemporary U.S. publisher to democratize reading, it became the home for legendary romance authors including Jude Deveraux, Julie Garwood, and Judith McNaught.” In its revival, Pocket Books will maintain this approach to become a “leader in commercial fiction publishing, with a key focus on romance, and as the top choice for bestselling entrepreneurial authors,” the statement said. The choice for this focus aligns with current book publishing trends. Romance books and self-publishing and indie authors have grown tremendously in popularity in recent years, even leading to the opening of numerous independent romance-themed bookstores . Pocket will slot right into this growing niche. Jennifer Bergstrom, S&S executive vice president, wrote in the statement that the imprint will “offer a home for forward-thinking writers, including bestselling indie and hybrid authors looking to amplify their reach using our unparalleled strengths in marketing, publicity, and print distribution.” In addition to pure romance, the imprint will publish offshoot genres like romantic thrillers, dark romance, and horror, starting next January with about three books expected per month. “I look forward to publishing the next generation of fan favorites,” Schluep said. “This is how I think about it: Pocket Books was originally created to reach a mass market readership. I want to honor that idea and collaborate with authors to bring their stories to the widest audience.” By Jules Roscoe Share this article Copy link LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Pinterest

< Back Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Share this page: PWR eNewsletter Printed Word October 22, 2025 Printed Word Reviews, https://www.printedwordreviews.com/magazine October 2025 - Publisher edition - Share with a friend ======================================== IN THIS ISSUE Fired librarian awarded large settlement New Issue Baker & Taylor winding down Featured book review by Printed Word Reviews Interviews Book review Sponsored Coming Soon ========================================= Librarian Terri Lesley's First Amendment Battle Ends in Big Settlement Over LGBTQ+ Book Dispute https://www.printedwordreviews.com/articles ========================================= New PWR issue: https://www.printedwordreviews.com/magazine ========================================= Baker & Taylor Two-Century Legacy Comes to an End https://www.printedwordreviews.com/articles/baker-%26-taylor's-two-century-legacy-comes-to-an-end ========================================= Featured Printed Word Review FALCON book review: "Restore Me! But Privately Please" by Dr. Susan Agbenoto A Christian book that addresses the silent struggles and spiritual fatigue of Christian leaders, offering a guide for private, personal restoration and spiritual healing while navigating the burdens of their public roles. Read more at https://www.printedwordreviews.com/bookreviews/9798385017621 ========================================= Gab Talks Interviews President of the Independent Press Award speaks with Anita Selzer, author of The Female Gaze in Art and Photography. https://www.independentpressaward.com/thegabtalks/the-female-gaze-in-art-and-photography ========================================== Printed Word Reviews Interviews Ted Olczak, Publisher of Printed Word Reviews, at ALA with Maria Loftus, Sales Director at Inner Traditions, https://youtu.be/sn9wEzUaoJI . ========================================== Book review: "Song of the Raven: An Inuit Tale of Harmony with Nature" A beautifully illustrated Inuit tale by Amanda Hall that tells the story of how the raven created the world and how a young boy must restore the sun after humanity's disrespect for nature plunges the Earth into darkness. The book is a powerful reminder of the importance of living in harmony with the natural world, featuring a moral message wrapped in a stunning visual experience. https://www.printedwordreviews.com/bookreviews/9781957670041 ========================================== Sponsored by the Independent Press Award Receive recognition! The Independent Press Award is designed to recognize excellent books published by independent authors and publishers, self-published and traditional authors in 15 main categories (100 subcategories). Next rolling deadline is November 30th, https://www.independentpressaward.com/ , all books to be received by December 15, 2025. Winners are announced in late January. VIP tickets for NYC Big Book Award attendees have now sold out this fall, premium and standard tickets still available https://www.nycbigbookaward.com/awardsdinner Be recognized and have your winning title published in Printed Word Reviews magazine. ========================================== COMING SOON Holiday Gift Guide closes out October 30th, https://www.independentpressaward.com/advertise Independent Press Award now accepting book entries: https://independentpressaward.com ========================================== (c) 2025 Ted Olczak. Please forward and share this newsletter in its entirety. Ted@PrintedWordReviews.com or connect at https://www.linkedin.com/in/ted-olczak-64a1386/ Previous Next

Book review of Restore Me! But Privately Please by Dr. Susan Agbenoto . ISBN: < Back Restore Me! But Privately Please Dr. Susan Agbenoto Christian Westbow Press Share this review: Copy link Facebook LinkedIn X (Twitter) WhatsApp Pinterest "Restore Me! But Privately Please" by Dr. Susan Agbenoto is a Christian book that addresses the silent struggles and spiritual fatigue of Christian leaders, offering a guide for private, personal restoration and spiritual healing while navigating the burdens of their public roles. In "Restore Me! But Privately, Please," Dr. Susan Agbenoto offers a compassionate and much-needed guide for Christian leaders and ministers grappling with private struggles while maintaining a public facade. This book is not just an analysis of the problem; it's a lifeline, emphasizing the critical importance of spiritual self-care and personal restoration. Dr. Agbenoto's book dives deep into the often-unspoken loneliness and hidden battles that plague those in ministry. The introduction sets a powerful tone, revealing the masks leaders wear to appear strong, while silently dealing with exhaustion and spiritual fatigue. The author's use of startling statistics and personal anecdotes underscores the urgency of her message: the Body of Christ is in need of healing, and it must begin with its leaders. The foreword by Dr. Reggie Abraham and endorsements from others highlight a core theme: the necessity of returning to the basics of faith—prayer, fasting, and humility—as a foundation for true restoration. This sets the stage for a book that is both deeply spiritual and eminently practical. The book is structured to guide the reader on a journey of healing, starting with an exploration of loneliness and the concept of rest. Dr. Agbenoto encourages readers to find their peace and solace in God's presence, rather than seeking it in their service. She then delves into the nature of the soul, distinguishing it from the spirit and stressing the need for regular cleansing and healing, particularly from trauma. The chapter on the "enemies of the soul" is particularly insightful, using King David's life as a powerful example of a leader's challenges. Throughout these chapters, Dr. Agbenoto masterfully weaves in scriptures, prayers, and meditations, making the book an interactive experience rather than a passive read. The inclusion of these spiritual tools provides the reader with a practical roadmap for self-reflection and connection with God. The core thesis of "Restore Me! But Privately, Please" is that effective service springs from a place of personal wholeness. The book's strength lies in its ability to not only diagnose the problem but also provide a tangible solution. It is a compassionate plea for leaders to prioritize their spiritual and emotional well-being, assuring them that it is not a sign of weakness but a prerequisite for sustained, fruitful ministry. This book is a vital resource for Christian leaders, ministers, and anyone feeling overwhelmed by their responsibilities. It serves as a powerful reminder that true strength is found not in a tireless public image, but in private surrender and restoration at the feet of Jesus. If you are a leader who feels broken or weary, this book offers a gentle invitation to lay down your burdens and find renewed strength and purpose. It is a vital and encouraging read that is long overdue. Previous Next