Teddy Rose Book Reviews Plus More


Nov 22

17

Between Before and After by Jessica Stilling: Review

Posted by Teddyrose@1 on November 17, 2022
Posted in Book Tours • Guest Reviews  | Tagged With: , , , | 2 Comments

Between Before and After by Jessica StillingBetween Before and After by Jessica Stilling

Publisher:  DX Varos Publishing (November 8, 2022)
Category: General Fiction, Literary Fiction, Family Secrets
Tour Dates November 1-23
ISBN: 978-1955065665
Available in Print and ebook, 479 (or less) pages

Between Before and After

Description Between Before and After by Jessica Stilling


Indie movie director Sebastian Foster has found his niche making movies based on the award-winning novels written by his estranged mother. However, his latest film, based loosely on the tragic death of his sister as a child, opens up old wounds best left under bandages.

Told in two concurrent timelines, now and when Sebastian was a teen, some twenty years ago in the mid-1990s, this story of learning unknown truths unwinds in the streets of Paris, where Sebastian lived as a teen and where he has returned to make his picture.

Review Between Before and After by Jessica Stilling


Guest Review by Mark

A phenomenal piece of writing from Jessica Stilling that asks questions about family history and mental health, ‘Between Before and After,’ is a must read for all lovers of literature. Using dual timelines, one in present day and one in 1994, Stilling tells a tale about a family who experiences a great loss and how they continue to recover even decades later.

As an up-and-coming indie film director, Sebastian Foster has seen his share of difficult directing jobs. But the film that he is putting together now may be the hardest he’s ever done. Sebastian is directing a film about the summer that his five-year-old sister died in a house fire.

The Foster’s had moved to Paris after the death of Sebastian’s step-father, Phillip. Sebastian’s mother, Regina had been considering divorcing Phillip when the man was diagnosed with lung cancer, at which point she decided to stay to take care of him. After Phillip’s death, Regina became more distant in ways that Sebastian didn’t fully understand and this distance only grows over the course of the novel and through the death of Lucy, Sebastian’s sister.

In many ways, this book felt like a treatise on a dysfunctional family and what keeps a son seeking his mother’s approval even when he no longer speaks to her. Sebastian was a very sympathetic character, and I loved the little details, both in present day and the flashbacks to 1994, that fleshed out his character in unexpected ways. His relationship with Maja, the girl that he had met in 1994 and later reconnected with, was very sweet, even in a book that was fraught with a lot of deep emotional turmoil.

I found this book incredibly touching and heartfelt. I can’t wait to see what this author puts out next, and I’m definitely going to be keeping an eye out for any future releases from her! I give ‘Between Before and After 4.5 stars.

About Jessica StillingBetween Before and After by Jessica Stilling


Jessica Stilling has written three works of literary fiction, Betwixt and Between, The Beekeeper’s Daughter, and The Weary God of Ancient Travelers. She also wrote poetry and short fiction for various literary journals.

Her articles have appeared in Ms. Magazine, Bust Magazine and she writes extensively for The Writer Magazine. She has taught Creative Writing in both high school and university. She also publishes young adult fantasy under the pen name JM Stephen.

Jessica loves Virginia Woolf, very long walks, and currently lives in southern Vermont where she writes for the very local newspaper, The Deerfield Valley News.

Website: https://www.jessicastilling.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JessicaStilling
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessica.sticklor

Buy Between Before and After by Jessica Stilling


Amazon
Barnes&Noble
DX Varos Publishing

Giveaway Between Before and After by Jessica Stilling


This giveaway is for 3 print or ebook copies. Print is open to the U.S. only and ebook is open worldwide. This giveaway ends on November 24, 2022 midnight, pacific time. Entries accepted via Rafflecopter only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Follow Between Before and After by Jessica Stilling


Teddy Rose Book Reviews Plus Nov 1 Kickoff & Interview

Bookgirl Amazon & Goodreads Nov 2 Review

Lu Ann Rockin Book Reviews Nov 4 Excerpt

Sal Bound 4 Escape Nov 8 Guest Review

Gracie Goodreads Nov 9 Review

Suzie My Tangled Skeins Book Reviews Nov 10 Review

Nora StoreyBook Reviews Nov 14 Guest Review & Excerpt

Denise Amazon & Goodreads Nov 16 Review

Mark Teddy Rose Book Reviews Plus Nov 17 Guest Review

Lu Ann Rockin Book Reviews Nov 20 Review

Laura Lee Celticlady’s Reviews Nov 21 Guest Review & Excerpt

Mindy Room Without Books is Empty Nov 22 Review

Bee Book Pleasures Nov 23 Review

Between Before and After by Jessica Stilling

Nov 22

15

Soulful Return by Fidelis O. Mkparu

Posted by Teddyrose@1 on November 15, 2022
Posted in Book Tours • Books Read in 2022 • Immigrant Experience • Literary Fiction  | Tagged With: , , , , | 1 Comment

Soulful Return by Fidelis O. MkparuSoulful Return by Fidelis O. Mkparu

Publisher:  DX Varos Publishing (November 22, 2022)
Category: General Fiction, Literary Fiction, African-American Fiction, Immigrant Experience
Tour Dates November 2-23
ISBN: 978-1955065603
Available in Print and ebook, 332 pages

Soulful Return

Description Soulful Return by Fidelis O. Mkparu


“The hounding voice inside me would not let go.”

Thus begins the emotional journey of Afamefuna Onochie Nwaku, a Harvard-trained medical doctor with a career most can only dream of, a loving wife, and supportive family. Then, he receives a telephone call from his sister who lives in Nigeria that her life is being threatened.

Left with no other fair choice, Afam leaves behind his family, throwing his marriage into turmoil and risking the life he has built in Boston. Instead of the Nigeria that he loves, that he needs, he finds a land and people he barely recognizes waiting for him. Afam decides to stay but realizes that his future in Nigeria is as murky as the River-Niger after a torrential tropical rainfall.

As Afam sets out on a journey to reconnect with the family and heritage that he left behind, he must face new enemies in an increasingly corrupt Nigeria where many people see him as an American intruder. And through it all, he must fight to keep his family together—and alive.

My Thoughts Soulful Return by Fidelis O. Mkparu


Afamefuna Onochie Nwaku left his homeland and family in Nigeria to attend Harvard medical school to become a doctor.  It was always expected by his family that he would return to his homeland one day to take over the running of his family lands. In the meantime, he built his career, married, and had children in Boston.

Now he is 60 years-old.  He is offered the CEO position in Boston Medical Center and his wife wants him to accept the position.  It was such an honor to be offered the top position!   However, he is also yearning for Nigeria.

His father passed away 25 years ago and that was the last time he was in Nigeria. Then he receives a call from his sister.  Their cousin is trying to claim his father’s lands.  He goes against his wife’s wishes and takes a sabbatical from work and goes to Nigeria.

He finds it has changed and not for the better.  At every turn he runs into corrupt police, just trying to make his way home to his sister.  Then when he gets there, his cousins are there and demanding “they get what’s there’s”

You will have to read the book to find out what happens as I do not want to give away spoilers.  Fidelis O. Mkparu’s writing is hypnotizing, making it hard to put the book down.  He captures the Nigerian land and people with his poetic prose.  His characters are well fleshed out and grabbed me through the pages and transported me. I will be thinking about this book and its characters for a very long time to come, they will not let go!  I highly recommend you read ‘Soulful Return’!

Awards and Praise for Fidelis O. Mkparu


2018 EVVY winner, Literary & Contemporary Fiction for Tears Before Exaltation.

Silver Medal: Nautilus Book Awards, Fiction 2016 for Love’s Affliction.

Reader Views Literary Award Winner 2015/2016 for Love’s Affliction.

Finalist 2015: INDIEFAB Book of the Year Award, Multicultural Fiction for Love’s Affliction.

“A must-read, Love’s Affliction is an exceptionally gripping and poignant story. While intense throughout, there is resolution – and not quite what one may expect!”—San Francisco Book Review

“An exceptionally well crafted work, “Love’s Affliction” is an engaging and extraordinary multi-cultural novel that documents author Fidelis O. Mkparu as a talented, first class storyteller. “Love’s Affliction” is very highly recommended for personal reading lists and would prove to be a valued addition to community library Contemporary Fiction collections.”—Midwest Book Review

About Fidelis O. Mkparu Soulful Return by Fidelis O. Mkparu


Multi award winning author, Fidelis O. Mkparu is a Nigerian immigrant in the U.S. who wishes to speak to his experiences and those of his fellow immigrants. He is a professor of Medicine at Northeast Ohio Medical University and a senior attending cardiologist at Aultman Hospital and Mercy Medical Center in Canton, Ohio. Previously, he was a Spaulding fellow at Massachusetts General Hospital at Harvard Medical School.

His preceding novels include Love’s Affliction and Tears Before Exaltation.

Website: https://fidelismkparu.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/fidelismkparu
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fidelis.mkparu

Preorder Soulful Return by Fidelis O. Mkparu


Amazon
Barnes&Noble
DX Varos Publishing

Giveaway Soulful Return by Fidelis O. Mkparu


This giveaway is for 3 print or ebook copies. Print is open to the U.S. only and ebook is open worldwide. This giveaway ends on November 24, 2022 midnight, pacific time. Entries accepted via Rafflecopter only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Follow Soulful Return by Fidelis O. Mkparu


Teddy Rose Book Reviews Plus Nov 2 Kickoff & Interview

Sal Bound 4 Escape Nov 3 Review

Denise Amazon & Goodreads Nov 9 Review

Laura Lee Celticlady’s Reviews Nov 10 Review & Excerpt

Bookgirl Amazon Goodreads Nov 11 Review

Suzie My Tangled Skeins Book Reviews Nov 14 Review & Excerpt

Teddy Rose Book Reviews Plus Nov 15 Review

Gracie Goodreads Nov 16 Review

Bee Book Pleasures Nov 17 Review & Interview

Linda Lu Goodreads Nov 18 Review

Nora S. Storeybook Reviews Nov 22 Review & Excerpts

Ellen Goodreads Nov 23 Review

Soulful Return by Fidelis O. Mkparu

Nov 22

2

Soulful Return by Fidelis O. Mkparu: Kickoff, Interview

Posted by Teddyrose@1 on November 2, 2022
Posted in Book Tours • Guest Authors/ Interviews • My Past Giveaways  | Tagged With: , , , , | 6 Comments

Soulful Return by Fidelis O. MkparuSoulful Return by Fidelis O. Mkparu


Publisher:  DX Varos Publishing (November 22, 2022)
Category: General Fiction, Literary Fiction, African-American Fiction, Immigrant Experience
Tour Dates November 2-23
ISBN: 978-1955065603
Available in Print and ebook, 332 pages

Soulful Return

Description Soulful Return by Fidelis O. Mkparu


“The hounding voice inside me would not let go.”

Thus begins the emotional journey of Afamefuna Onochie Nwaku, a Harvard-trained medical doctor with a career most can only dream of, a loving wife, and supportive family. Then, he receives a telephone call from his sister who lives in Nigeria that her life is being threatened.

Left with no other fair choice, Afam leaves behind his family, throwing his marriage into turmoil and risking the life he has built in Boston. Instead of the Nigeria that he loves, that he needs, he finds a land and people he barely recognizes waiting for him. Afam decides to stay but realizes that his future in Nigeria is as murky as the River-Niger after a torrential tropical rainfall.

As Afam sets out on a journey to reconnect with the family and heritage that he left behind, he must face new enemies in an increasingly corrupt Nigeria where many people see him as an American intruder. And through it all, he must fight to keep his family together—and alive.

Advance Praise Soulful Return by Fidelis O. Mkparu


“Mkparu has created a masterpiece of immigrant experience and connection, outlining many of the forces that influence and stress modern Africans and Americans alike.” — D. Donovan, Midwest Book Review

Awards and Praise for Fidelis O. Mkparu


2018 EVVY winner, Literary & Contemporary Fiction for Tears Before Exaltation.

Silver Medal: Nautilus Book Awards, Fiction 2016 for Love’s Affliction.

Reader Views Literary Award Winner 2015/2016 for Love’s Affliction.

Finalist 2015: INDIEFAB Book of the Year Award, Multicultural Fiction for Love’s Affliction.

“A must-read, Love’s Affliction is an exceptionally gripping and poignant story. While intense throughout, there is resolution – and not quite what one may expect!”—San Francisco Book Review

“An exceptionally well crafted work, “Love’s Affliction” is an engaging and extraordinary multi-cultural novel that documents author Fidelis O. Mkparu as a talented, first class storyteller. “Love’s Affliction” is very highly recommended for personal reading lists and would prove to be a valued addition to community library Contemporary Fiction collections.”—Midwest Book Review

Interview With Fidelis O. Mkparu

TR: Please tell us something about Soulful Return that is not in the summary. (About the book, character you particularly enjoyed writing etc.)

FOM: Writing Soulful Return was an emotional journey for me. That journey started when I assumed the persona of Afam while writing, and it took me back to a small town where my ancestors lived. Obodo is not a real town in Eastern Nigeria, but the town has a lot in common with Ojoto in Anambra State, Nigeria where I call my ancestral home. If I have a wayward soul, that part of my being that is untethered, I believe it’s roaming around in my hometown Ojoto drinking palm-wine and telling tales of past valor.

TR: I always enjoy looking at the names that authors choose to give their characters. Where do you derive the names of your characters? Are they based on real people you knew or now know in real life? How do you create names for your characters?

FOM: Most of the names I used in SOULFUL RETURN are from my ancestors. The names chosen and their meaning help to elucidate some of the nuances in Igbo culture as it relates to my story, SOULFUL RETURN.

TR: Where did you get the inspiration for your cover?

FOM: The inspiration came from the last time I walked on the dirt road leading to the ruins of my grandfather’s house built around 1870’s.

TR: What is your favorite scene in the book? Why?

FOM: The scene of palm-wine libation by Afam honoring his father in the presence of his grade school mates. In that scene, Afam states that although he is assuming the role of his family patriarch, he is not usurping his father’s achievements and glory.

TR: Which actor would you like to see play Afam from Soulful Return? Are there any other actors you can think of for some of the other characters?

FOM: Denzel Washington

TR: What kind of messages do you try to instill in your writing?

FOM: The importance of cultural heritage and how it binds us together.

TR: What draws you to this genre?

FOM: The freedom it offers for expressivity.

TR: Will Afam have more to tell readers in the future?

FOM: Definitely. How his life evolves in Obodo and if he would ever go back to Boston to live.

TR: Do you have any writing projects that you are currently working on?

FOM: An anthology of poems dedicated to my wayward soul.


About Fidelis O. Mkparu Soulful Return by Fidelis O. Mkparu


Multi award winning author, Fidelis O. Mkparu is a Nigerian immigrant in the U.S. who wishes to speak to his experiences and those of his fellow immigrants. He is a professor of Medicine at Northeast Ohio Medical University and a senior attending cardiologist at Aultman Hospital and Mercy Medical Center in Canton, Ohio. Previously, he was a Spaulding fellow at Massachusetts General Hospital at Harvard Medical School.

His preceding novels include Love’s Affliction and Tears Before Exaltation.

Website: https://fidelismkparu.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/fidelismkparu
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fidelis.mkparu

Preorder Soulful Return by Fidelis O. Mkparu


Amazon
Barnes&Noble
DX Varos Publishing

Giveaway Soulful Return by Fidelis O. Mkparu


This giveaway is for 3 print or ebook copies. Print is open to the U.S. only and ebook is open worldwide. This giveaway ends on November 24, 2022 midnight, pacific time. Entries accepted via Rafflecopter only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Follow Soulful Return by Fidelis O. Mkparu


Teddy Rose Book Reviews Plus Nov 2 Kickoff & Interview

Sal Bound 4 Escape Nov 3 Review

Denise Amazon & Goodreads Nov 8 Review

Laura Lee Celticlady’s Reviews Nov 10 Review & Excerpt

Bookgirl Amazon Nov 11 Review

Suzie My Tangled Skeins Book Reviews Nov 14 Review & Excerpt

Teddy Rose Book Reviews Plus Nov 15 Review

Gracie Goodreads Nov 16 Review

Bee Book Pleasures Nov 17 Review & Interview

Linda Lu Goodreads Nov 18 Review

Nora S. Storeybook Reviews Nov 22 Review & Guest Post

Ellen Goodreads Nov 23 Review

Soulful Return by Fidelis O. Mkparu

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