Review: America's Most Gothic - Haunted History Stranger Than Fiction - Leanna Renee Hieber and Andrea Janes - September 2025 I'm absolutely delighted to share my thoughts on America's Most Gothic: Haunted History Stranger than Fiction by Leanne Renee Hieber and Andrea Janes. This atmospheric gem arrived as a physical ARC from Kensington Publishing, and honestly, it couldn't have found a better home on my nightstand. One of my reading goals for 2026 is tackling at least twelve non-fiction books ,one per month and I'm thrilled to report I'm right on track. This beauty marks my second non-fiction read of the year, and what a wonderfully eerie way to continue this journey. As a writer for Gothic Bite Magazine US, I've spent countless hours researching historical crimes, peculiar criminals, poison rings, and architecturally strange buildings. The weird, the wacky, the downright spine-tingling , demons, hauntings, unexplained phenomena , all of it fascinates me...

Review: Barbie - Robin Gerber - April 2024 In "Her Inspiration, History, and Legacy," readers embark on an enthralling journey through the captivating story of Barbie™ doll, from her groundbreaking inception to her iconic status as a beacon of female empowerment. Celebrating Barbie's 65th anniversary, this book, created in collaboration with Mattel, is a stunning tribute to the beloved cultural icon, complete with rare archival images that bring her evolution vividly to life. From its inception, Barbie was more than just a doll; she was a revolutionary concept conceived by Ruth Handler, who dared to defy conventions and provide little girls with a toy that allowed them to envision endless possibilities. Despite facing skepticism and challenges, Handler persevered, ultimately proving her critics wrong as Barbie became a global phenomenon. One of the most compelling aspects of Barbie's journey is her ability to transcend boundaries. From her origins as a teenage fashion...

Review: Girl Abroad - Elle Kennedy - February 2024 Something that I started to implement last year to make a dent and clear my ever-growing TBR physical pile was that during the week, I would take print copies with me to work to read on my breaks and then on the weekends, go for ebooks. I had been excited to read Girl Abroad as I do love Elle Kennedy's writing and also the idea of a student exchange in the UK sounded fun. The book starts with Abbey Bly who is 19 and the daughter of a rockstar Gunner Bly heading to the UK for a student exchange- a year programme. Gunner knows what the world can be like as he is a troublemaker and an overprotective parent. Abbey advises him she will be ok and safe and sound. When Abbey first arrives, she realizes her first mistake - the apartment she thought was an all-female is made up of three guys - one gay and the other two are sexy hunks. She then meets their friends and one is a musician Nate whom Abbey also develops a crush on. Another storyli...

Review: Horror Unmasked - History of Film - Brad Weismann - September 2023 "Horror Unmasked: A History of Terror from Nosferatu to Nope" by Brad Weismann is an engaging journey through the captivating evolution of the horror film genre. Weismann's book delves deep into the genre's roots, tracing its development from the eerie silence of silent films to the spine-chilling blockbusters that haunt our screens today. With its vivid illustrations and insightful prose, the book beckons readers into the chilling world of horror, unraveling its past influences and present-day popularity. The book skillfully highlights the undeniable cultural significance of horror films. It unveils how the genre has transcended time, leaving an indelible mark on pop culture. From its early inception to the cutting-edge advancements of today, horror films have continually captivated audiences worldwide. The staggering rise in horror film production since 1990 is a testament to its enduring all...

The Vardo Witch Trials At the end of last year, a new book was published and being advertised on bookstagram and social media that caught my interest as it was loosely based on the true story of the Vardo Witch Trials. The book was called The Mercies by Kiren Millwood Hargrave and takes the readers to the island of Vardo where readers will be able to experience the Vardo storm and the witch trials of 1621. This book is told through the POV’s of Maren, one of Vardo’s women, and Ursa who was the wife of the Commander that sent the police to the village. As someone who loved the Salem Witch Trials and reading about it, I was intrigued as I hadn’t heard about this particular trial and reading more about it – it was one of Norway’s worst-ever trials and one of history’s mass executions of females. The drama started on Christmas Eve in 1617 in a small town called Finnmark. That night there was a fateful storm – one of the worst in history and killed 40 of the townsmen of Vardo within...

A New Queen Amanda Lewis (A History of Vampires, #1) Publication date: October 31st 2021 Genres: Adult, Paranormal, Romance When a mysterious outsider shows her the impossible, can she unveil old secrets… and step into destiny? Angelina Arbonne is obsessed with history. Driven by a passion for travel, the thirty-five-year-old archaeologist has no time for love. But she can’t resist knowing more when she’s stalked by a hopelessly gorgeous stranger who claims he’s a vampire king. With her handsome suitor leading her through the hidden society of the long-lived, Angelina’s heart begins to beat to an intriguing new tune. But with an ancient magical war brewing, dating a two-thousand-year-old is giving her second thoughts about becoming an immortal queen… Can they bridge their improbable age gap and enjoy an eternal happily ever after? A New Queen is the compelling first book in the A History of Vampires paranormal romance series. If you like intelligent characters, origina...

I Am Ayah Donna Hill Published by: Sideways Books Publication date: August 30th 2022 Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance History and the present collide in this fascinating and poignant new novel from Essence bestselling author Donna Hill. Full description TBA Add to Goodreads Author Bio: My official writing career began in 1987 when my first short story was published. My first novel, Rooms of the Heart was published in 1990. Since then there have been a slew of books and short stories that I've had published, from romance to women's fiction, chic-lit, erotica and mysteries. I enjoy them all. Three of my novels were adapted for television so that was exciting. I've had the honor of conceptualizing and editing several collections: After the Vows, Midnight Clear, Where There's a Will, Indecent Exposure, and The Hot Spot. I currently teach at Medgar Evers College and live in Brooklyn, NY with my family. Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter ...

Review: Shelf Awareness - Book#4 Green Valley Library - Katie Ashley - November 2019 Finley knew her relationship with her husband had started to falter so she decided to lose some weight thanks to a personal trainer Xander and then preparing for a sexy night with her husband Grant she arrives home for a surprise of her own. Her husband is in bed with someone else. Hurt and rejected, Finley goes to stay with her grandmother and godmothers Beatrice, Estelle and Dot in Green Valley. Though Green Valley doesn't have a newspaper career as she had hoped, she finds herself a job at the local library where the Bethany Winston collection has been turned into a Green Valley Historical section. Finley accepts the job as their Historical librarian. During this time, she gets to know their local IT guy Zeke who is on a sabbatical from his actual job and helping out at the library. Zeke is on a mission himself as he was adopted and has found out that his birth father lived...

This is my stop during the book blitz for Let It Be Me by Laura Chapman. This book blitz is organized by Lola's Blog Tours. The book blitz runs from 21 till 27 October. See the tour schedule here . Let It Be Me (Amarillo Sour #2) By Laura Chapman Genre: Romantic Comedy Age category: Adult Release Date: September 30, 2019 Blurb: Who says history is boring? Professor James Mitchell has a rock star reputation. With a waitlist for all his classes, a best-selling book, and the requisite leather jacket, the university and publisher are eager to capitalize on this British sensation. But after his girlfriend leaves him for another man, James goes from rising scholar to spiraling bad boy. Forget contracts and tenure, James wants out—of his job, his book deal, and, better still, the country. He’s well on his way when his boss’s daughter walks into his favorite bar . . . Aspiring filmmaker Ali Ferguson-Day doesn’t scare easily. She’s been given the means to make a film of he...

I’m a retired high school English teacher. A devourer of books growing up, my profession introduced me to writings and authors from times long past.  Through my studies and teaching, I fell in love with the Ancient and Medieval Worlds.  Now, I hope to inspire young readers and those Young-at-Heart to read more through my Tales and Legends for Reluctant Readers set in these worlds. ~ Facebook ~ Website ~ ~ Amazon ~ Twitter ~ ~ Pinterest ~   If they fail... She could die over 3300 years from home! Tackle the elements & evil of Ancient Egypt... A history-changing battle & Time Travel Thriller... Fifteen-year-old Rosa doesn't see dead people... She hears them & talks to them. When she agrees to help King Tut's ghost find his lost queen & clear his family's name, she doesn't count on falling for him. She & Tut must also outwit an evil pharaoh determined to stop them... Even if it means one of...