Book review of Labyrinth of Shadows: The Witch's Rebirth Part I by Michaela Riley . ISBN: < Back Labyrinth of Shadows: The Witch's Rebirth Part I Michaela Riley Fantasy, Paranormal; witchcraft, Merovingians, supernatural powers Harper Book Writers Share this review: Copy link Facebook LinkedIn X (Twitter) WhatsApp Pinterest A young witch named Merona must use her powers to fight a demon, while uncovering her mystical lineage and the legacy of the Merovingians, and alter her people's destiny in a world where ancient magic clashes with Christianity. With historical backdrops and fantasy, “Labyrinth of Shadows: The Witch's Rebirth Part I” is a spellbinding journey into a world where ancient magic collides with the rise of Christianity. Set in the early fifth century, the story brings together the historical events of the Merovingian dynasty's rise with mythology and supernatural powers. The book kicks off with the Hun invasion, forcing the Sicambrian Franks, led by Merovech, to migrate. This turmoil sets the stage for a young witch's arrival, a figure whose ancient powers are said to challenge even the most powerful magical bloodlines. At the heart of the story are several fascinating characters: Merovech, the Frankish leader; the Witch, who holds a destiny-altering secret; and Clovis, a young boy destined for either greatness or destruction. As the story progresses, we are introduced to Merona, a baby whose birth signals an impending change. We follow her journey as she grows, hones her powers, and, with the guidance of Murdach and the Morrigan, prepares to face her greatest challenge. The conflict centers on Merona's struggle against the demon Armaeus, a powerful entity determined to thwart her. Their climactic battle is a true highlight of the book, as Merona draws on the elements, the labyrinth, and her unwavering will to defeat him. The resolution is satisfying, as Merona not only secures the fate of her people but also advocates for tolerance and acceptance among different faiths. With its world-building, complex characters, and blend of historical events with magical elements, this book is for anyone who loves epic fantasy and historical sagas. It's a tale of destiny, power, and the enduring legacy of ancient magic. Previous Next

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Learn more about Danielle Billetz-Reppert < Back Danielle Billetz-Reppert Danielle Billetz-Reppert author signing at ALA "The Start of All Things Good: A Complete Guide to Building Your Business" is an essential guide for anyone looking to navigate the complex world of entrepreneurship and transform their innovative ideas into successful business ventures. Authored by Danielle Billetz-Reppert, this comprehensive manual offers a step-by-step journey through every aspect of starting and growing a business. "The Start of All Things Good: A Complete Guide to Building Your Business" was recognized as the winner in both the Business: Entrepreneurship & Small Business as well as the Reference categories for the 2025 Independent Press Award: https://www.independentpressaward.com/2025winners/9798342640558 Danielle grew up immersed in the dynamic world of entrepreneurship, as part of a family that owned and operated multiple businesses. From a young age, she was involved in various aspects of the family enterprise, gaining hands-on experience in everything from customer service to strategic planning. This unique upbringing not only instilled a deep understanding of business mechanics but also nurtured an innate passion for building and growing ventures. Over the years, Danielle has played a crucial role in starting, growing, and expanding various businesses and has been instrumental in steering them towards new opportunities and successes. Her diverse experiences across different industries have provided her with a rich tapestry of insights, making her a versatile and knowledgeable figure in the business community. 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 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 Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches from Outer Space! by I. S. Noah . ISBN: < Back Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches from Outer Space! I. S. Noah YA, Sci-fi Fulton Books Share this review: Copy link Facebook LinkedIn X (Twitter) WhatsApp Pinterest A fun read for young adult readers who enjoy a blend of science fiction, humor, and bit of social commentary. Set in the summer of 2019, the story follows Violet Wilson, a high school student determined to revive her school's journalism club. Her plans take a bizarre turn when the kids hike leads to a series of strange events, from the discovery of a crashed flying saucer to Willys’ eating what appears to be an alien sandwich. This seemingly simple act unleashes a series of chaotic events involving the FBI, led by the quirky Agents Orange and Goldblatt, and eventually, the President himself. The aliens, giant sandwich-like beings called Goobexes, demand the return of their missing offspring, Goobex 3. The ensuing search for the alien and the mysterious Dr. Harrison culminates in a tense standoff with the military. The book’s quirky characters, including the fact-seeking Violet, her supportive best friend Pamela, and the accidentally-snacking Willys. The Goobexes, as alien beings shaped like sandwiches, add a unique and humorous touch. Beyond the laughs, the story explores important themes of critical thinking, cooperation, and the importance of peace. The temporal anomaly that resolves the central conflict adds a clever twist. While the plot is lighthearted, it doesn't shy away from subtle social commentary, particularly regarding the importance of questioning and understanding the world. The book's plot, combined with its relatable high school setting and engaging characters, makes it a fun and thought-provoking read. "Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches From Outer Space!" is a reminder that even the most ordinary events can lead to extraordinary adventures, and that even a peanut butter and jelly sandwich can play a role in saving the world. Previous Next

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Book review of Reservations: A Samantha Wright Crime Series by Theresa Janson . ISBN: < Back Reservations: A Samantha Wright Crime Series Theresa Janson Crime fiction, Thriller, Contemporary Romance TnT Press Share this review: Copy link Facebook LinkedIn X (Twitter) WhatsApp Pinterest Janson's "Reservations" is an emotionally resonant thriller that follows FBI profiler Samantha Wright's gripping hunt for a serial killer, evolving into a profound story of healing, connection, and unwavering resilience amidst lingering threats. Theresa Janson's "Reservations" is a thriller that seamlessly blends suspense, crime, and romance. This novel follows FBI profiler Samantha Wright as she hunts a serial killer who eluded her late mentor. Set against the stark backdrop of various Indian reservations, primarily Ashland, Montana, during a harsh winter, "Reservations" is ideal for readers who crave complex crime novels with strong female protagonists and intricate plots. The tension of losing her mentor follows Sam into her dreams of a prior case that escalated to a climax when Samantha is attacked and captured by the killer, a surprising reveal since the forensic evidence was being altered, and the killer was driven by a twisted admiration for Samantha. Samantha's resilience shines through as she manages to free herself just as Special Agent Charlie Falken arrives, saving her life. The resolution brings relief yet leaves Samantha grappling with trauma. The dream still haunts her, since this was her first case and she had failed herself. The narrative immediately draws you in with Samantha Wright's unwavering determination to not let her past interfere with the new case. Driven by a deeply personal mission to apprehend a serial killer who targets young boys on reservations, Samantha must navigate the challenging dynamics of working with the FBI, Tribal Police, and local law enforcement, all while battling her own emotional and physical scars. In Ashland, Montana, where the latest victim was found, Samantha takes up residence at The Lodge, owned by Will Little Bear. Will, a Cheyenne guide and tracker, quickly becomes an unexpected ally. Despite the brutal winter, Samantha's resolve is unyielding as she meticulously organizes the case details. It's here, amidst the chilling evidence, that a powerful bond begins to form between Samantha and Will. As Sam and Will delve deeper, they uncover disturbing patterns: the boys were tortured, mutilated, and decapitated, with the killer's DNA consistently found. The profile suggests a white male with intimate knowledge of the reservations. Samantha's theories, including the potential use of peyote, add intrigue to the hunt and shoot out. The aftermath focuses on Samantha's gradual recovery. Will Little Bear proves to be an unwavering source of support, honoring his promise to give her space to heal. Their deepening connection is symbolized by a winter cactus and a heartfelt note from Will, expressing his commitment. When the cactus blooms, it mirrors Samantha's own internal shift, as she resolves to return to him when she feels whole. A poignant moment occurs with Samantha's induction into the Cheyenne Tribe through a sweat ceremony, receiving the name "She who stands with the warriors." Even as they navigate personal challenges, like the tragic loss of Will's horse, their bond strengthens. However, as joy settles in with Samantha's fortieth birthday, a threatening email casts a dark shadow. Fearing it's connected to the RESERVATIONS case, Samantha decides to investigate discreetly. The tension escalates further when she receives a lock of her own hair and a menacing note, forcing her to seek help from the Tribal Police. Despite her efforts to shield Will, the looming threat suggests her battle for justice may not be over. "Reservations" concludes with an affirmation of love, healing, and resilience. Will reassures Samantha of his love and commitment, promising to marry her despite the ongoing threats. Their bond provides the essential foundation for their resilience as they prepare to face whatever challenges lie ahead. The narrative highlights the strength they find in each other and the supportive community that surrounds them. While at times the pacing is complex and the romance tempers the thriller elements, Theresa Janson has created an emotionally resonant narrative. "Reservations" is more than just a crime story; it's an exploration of human endurance, the power of connection, and the enduring quest for justice. Recommended for fans of crime fiction with a heart. Previous Next

Book review of THE TILTED PALACE: Weeds of Misfortune by Paul Kluge . ISBN: < Back THE TILTED PALACE: Weeds of Misfortune Paul Kluge Vietnam War, survival, camaraderie, sacrifice, redemption Independently published Share this review: Copy link Facebook LinkedIn X (Twitter) WhatsApp Pinterest A haunted Vietnam War veteran finds unexpected companionship and a chance for redemption when a stray dog and a determined pastor disrupt his plans for solitude and self-destruction. Paul Kluge's The Tilted Palace: Weeds of Misfortune is an examination of the scars left by history on the individual soul. Set against the backdrop of Groton, Massachusetts, in 1990, the narrative primarily follows Jimmy Ray Crandall, a retired Army veteran. While the calendar marks fifteen years since the official end of the Vietnam War, for Jimmy Ray, the conflict remains a consuming, active presence, a private war fought daily in the hollow confines of his solitude. This book is tailored for readers interested in the psychological struggles of veterans. Kluge employs an introspective style that immerses the reader in Jimmy Ray’s internal landscape, making his lingering bitterness and quiet despair palpable. The Groton setting, a seemingly peaceful refuge, serves as an ironic contrast to the inner turmoil of its inhabitant, amplifying the veteran's sense of being marooned. The novel has a slow introduction of hope into a life characterized by stasis. Jimmy Ray’s isolation, fueled by the burden of war memories and deep-seated regrets, is abruptly interrupted on the war’s anniversary by the almost miraculous arrival of two entities: a stray dog and Trinity Hathaway, an ordained pastor. This unexpected trio forms the core dynamic of the story. The dog offers unconditional, silent companionship, while Trinity provides the necessary foil—a mirror and a challenge to Jimmy Ray’s emotional withdrawal. The core conflict is the veteran’s struggle against the emotional scars of his service. His interactions with Trinity and the stray dog are the first tentative steps away from the abyss. The narrative weaves between 1990s Massachusetts and visceral flashbacks to South Vietnam in the early 1960s. It is in these memories that we encounter Chang, a South Vietnamese villager whose parallel narrative of survival amidst political chaos and armed conflict deepens the theme. Chang's story prevents the narrative from becoming solely focused on the American experience, highlighting the universal toll of the war on all individuals caught in its wake. The slow, rough conversations between Jimmy Ray and Trinity are the heart of the novel. They expose his deep-seated anger and despair, but crucially, they also hint at the possibility of emotional healing. The narrative reaches its major turning points as Jimmy Ray moves toward the difficult decision to seek meaning in his life again, a decision directly fostered by Trinity’s unwavering, yet fragile, support. The true climax is internal, occurring when Jimmy Ray contemplates confronting his past directly. The stakes are raised as he must decide whether to return to Vietnam, a path of action encouraged by Trinity’s work with the NGO Save the Children. This choice serves as the breaking point, a necessary action to shatter the spell of his haunting memories. The ending is not a simple tying of ribbons but a contemplation of the future. Jimmy Ray is left with a sense of hope and the possibility of finding peace, not through forgetting, but through meaningful action. Trinity, equally transformed by their shared experience, embarks on her own journey of helping others. The Tilted Palace concludes by reflecting on the enduring effects of the Vietnam War on its veterans and asserts the importance of finding renewed purpose and connection in the aftermath of conflict. Kluge offers a necessary narrative about the possibility of light after darkness. Previous Next

Book review of Grabtown by Sarah P. Blanchard . ISBN: 979-8999692221 < Back Grabtown Sarah P. Blanchard Thriller, mystery, crime, sisterhood, secrets, protection Eagle Ridge Press Share this review: Copy link Facebook LinkedIn X (Twitter) WhatsApp Pinterest In a small town haunted by buried secrets, two estranged sisters confront their family's dark past and the trauma that binds them, as they unravel a chilling murder mystery that threatens their lives and forces them to redefine their bond. Sarah P. Blanchard’s “Grabtown” is a hauntingly atmospheric psychological thriller that proves the past is never truly buried; it’s just waiting for the right person to dig it up. Weaving together the sweltering tension of a 1985 summer with the stark realities of the present day, Blanchard delivers a narrative that is as much about the resilience of the female spirit as it is about a cold-case murder. The story opens with a visceral, high-stakes introduction: twelve-year-old Elena and her sisters are in a shipping container, a desperate gamble for a new life in America. This thread of survival mirrors the internal struggles of the protagonists we meet later: twins Cassie and Ana. Returning to their childhood home in Connecticut following their mother’s death, the sisters expect to find old furniture. Instead, they find a manuscript. Written by their mother’s best friend, AJ Porter, the pages detail a 1985 murder investigation involving a local farmer, Jimmy Desjardins. As Cassie becomes obsessed with AJ’s words, the idyllic veneer of their small town begins to peel away, revealing a rot that stretches from the 80s directly into Cassie's modern-day marriage. The heart of the novel is the evolving bond between Cassie and Ana. Blanchard captures the complexity of twinhood—the shared history, the unspoken resentments, and the fierce, protective love that surfaces when the world turns dangerous. “Grabtown” doesn't treat trauma as a plot point, but as a living character. Whether it is the harrowing journey of Elena or the emotional fallout of Cassie’s discovery regarding her husband, Marsh, the book explores how we carry our scars. The story acts as a bridge between eras, forcing the characters to decide if the truth is worth the destruction it causes. From AJ's moral dilemma in 1985 to Cassie’s modern-day whistleblowing, the “truth” is portrayed as both a burden and a liberation. “Grabtown” is a slow-burning suspense. It avoids the cheap “jump scares” of the genre, opting instead for a deep, emotional resonance that stays with the reader. The climax, a chilling intersection of a historical mystery and a modern-day digital crime ring, is handled with a deft hand, leading to a resolution that feels earned rather than forced. “Grabtown” is ideal for fans of intricate, character-driven mysteries such Kellye Garrett's “Like a Sister,” Liz Moore's “The God of the Woods,” and “The Moonflowers” by Abigail Rose-Marie. “Grabtown” is a powerful reminder that while we cannot change the horrors of the past, we have the power to choose how we walk out of them. Previous Next

Book review of OutPosition\nAchieving Market Dominance through strategy, differentiation, and positioning by Gerardo Dada . ISBN: 9798995330097 < Back OutPosition\nAchieving Market Dominance through strategy, differentiation, and positioning Gerardo Dada business strategy, long-term success, positioning, differentiation Independently published Share this review: Copy link Facebook LinkedIn X (Twitter) WhatsApp Pinterest An actionable playbook for businesses looking to dominate their market by aligning their overarching strategy with sharp differentiation and powerful positioning to win customers and defeat the competition. Gerardo A. Dada’s OutPosition: Achieving Market Dominance through Strategy, Differentiation, and Positioning arrives as a refreshing, practitioner-led class. Rooted heavily in real-world corporate lessons and the author’s experiences, this guide argues that long-term success comes not from better execution alone, but from the discipline of making clear, defensible choices about where to compete and how to win, then aligning the entire organization to sustain that advantage. Dada’s core argument centers on a fundamental business truth: strategy must always precede execution, culture, talent, and technology. He demystifies strategy, shifting it away from abstract executive rhetoric and grounding it as a practical discipline. True market leadership, Dada explains, does not come from out-running a competitor on the exact same track, but from changing the game entirely to one you are uniquely built to win. By clearly distinguishing strategy from mere goals, missions, or visions, the book teaches a critical, often painful lesson: strategy is an explicit choice about where to play, and every real choice requires trade-offs, opportunity costs, and the courage to say "no" to non-essential avenues. What sets OutPosition apart is its incredible depth of real-world evidence, leaning on both historic turnarounds and cautionary tales. Dada analyzes how context-specific strategic choices rescued titans like Apple, IBM, Ford, T-Mobile, and Intel, while contrasting them with JCPenney’s catastrophic failure to import a strategy that alienated its core customer base. Rather than pretending strategy is simple, Dada embraces its difficulty, explaining that winning choices only look obvious in hindsight. In real time, they are highly uncertain and deeply vulnerable to corporate bias and impatience. To prove that focus and concentration of effort are timeless laws, Dada weaves together the insights of modern thinkers like Michael Porter and Jack Trout with historical military milestones, including the Battle of Chaeronea. The middle of the book functions as an actionable playbook. Dada details a disciplined planning sequence: Research, Analysis, Decision, Implementation, and Results. Then, he details four distinct strategic paths: price leadership, product leadership, customer intimacy, and specialization. He warns that trying to pursue several of these at once traps a company in mediocrity. Instead, he demonstrates how customer perception, buying factors, and segment choices must fuse into a unified positioning system that is meaningful, monetizable, and exceptionally difficult for competitors to copy. Leaders will find immense value in his breakdown of classic frameworks (like SWOT, Five Forces, Crossing the Chasm, and the Strategy Canvas) treated not as rigid formulas, but as creative tools to clarify timing and market fit. Ultimately, OutPosition bridges the gap between high-level planning and boots-on-the-ground reality. Through cases like Adobe, Domino’s, and Best Buy, Dada shows that strategy only succeeds when an organization’s metrics, incentives, structures, and decision rights are aggressively redesigned to reinforce it. Written for founders, CMOs, product marketers, and growth executives, OutPosition is a blueprint for any leader tired of volume-driven marketing, offering a rigorous method to align teams and build a truly durable competitive advantage. Previous Next

Book review of Wisdom of an Elder: Weekly Devotionals to Help You Reach Heaven by Larry Scanlan . ISBN: 9798999407719 < Back Wisdom of an Elder: Weekly Devotionals to Help You Reach Heaven Larry Scanlan Heaven, wisdom, devotionals, bible, God’s word, scriptures, Jesus Independently published Share this review: Copy link Facebook LinkedIn X (Twitter) WhatsApp Pinterest Scanlan’s 52-week devotional, Wisdom of an Elder, combines personal life experience with a disciplined focus on eternity to provide a practical roadmap against modern spiritual complacency. While many modern devotional guides rely on soft, surface-level encouragement, Larry Scanlan’s Wisdom of an Elder: Weekly Devotionals to Help You Reach Heaven takes a noticeably different tack: one rooted in urgency, life experience, and deliberate focus. Written from the perspective of an octogenarian reflecting back, the 52-week devotional balances the comforting warmth of a seasoned mentor with a sharp, uncompromising call to spiritual discipline. Scanlan’s primary thesis is simple yet countercultural: modern culture inundates believers with noise and temporary pursuits, distracting them from their ultimate destination—eternity with God. To counter this, Scanlan structures his book around weekly entries that pull double duty. On one hand, they offer accessible, real-world anecdotes drawn from decades spent navigating business, marriage, and family life. On the other, they push the reader past mere emotional "feel-good" religion toward daily, actionable Scripture study. What makes the collection effective is Scanlan’s voice. He approaches the reader not as an aloof academic or an unattainable theologian, but as a peer who has lived through the grind of balancing work and faith. His unassuming confidence in the Bible as the word of God, combined with his self-awareness, makes potential theological friction points approachable rather than aggressive, particularly when addressing topics such as mortality, personal accountability, and the reality of Heaven. Scanlan deliberately keeps entries concise to keep them manageable for busy schedules, which occasionally leaves deeper biblical passages feeling slightly compressed. Yet, with an adept pen, Scanlan cuts to the core message and brings each chapter to a meaningful end by asking a few key questions under “Making a Difference This Week.” This conciseness, along with full-color illustrations, guarantees that one’s spiritual clarity and real-life practicality can be fueled in a few pages. Wisdom of an Elder succeeds precisely because it knows what it wants to be. It is not an exhaustive theological treatise, but a steady, persistent compass. For readers looking to cut through spiritual complacency and refocus their daily life on long-term faith, Scanlan’s collection offers a grounded, valuable roadmap written by someone who has clearly walked the path himself. Previous Next