“Follow the Hummingbird” by Elena Carter

If you are looking for a brilliant, heart-squeezing, touching, and cleverly written novel about dreams, don’t hesitate a second to read this one.

The Plot:  Tina is a young woman and an aspiring writer. She is deeply in grief after her husband’s death. Tina has a bright and vivid life in her dreams. But after the tragedy, her dreams become more and more realistic. Sometimes, the woman even loses the sense of reality and track of time. The life in her dreams becomes more and more attractive than reality. Opening one door after another in her dreams, Tina risks having her soul grabbed by the ancient dark force hiding somewhere in the numerous realms of her dreams.

The Writing Style: It is the first book in “The Dream Tamer Chronicles.” I’m delighted I have the second one on my bookshelf. The reason is obvious –book one is so masterfully written that I couldn’t get enough of it. It’s one of the most heartwarming, heart-squeezing, and touching books I’ve recently read. Moreover, it’s also one of the most cleverly written books about dreams I’ve read. It’s apparent that the author carried out massive research giving different perspectives of views concerning dreams. But still, every single page is penetrated with deep feelings, boiling emotions, light humor, tender care, and unconditional love. The writing style is so easy and deep at the same time. The novel is unputdownable, blow minded, and mesmerizing in every line. If you watched the “Ghost Whisperer” series and enjoyed it, then you’ll love reading this book.

The Characters: There are a few characters in this novel. But I can’t stop admiring how brilliantly and thoughtfully all of them are portrayed. Their dialogues seemed so real that I felt involved in their talks. Their emotions and feelings were described so thoroughly that it seemed I was there with them. The characters were so alive on the pages that I felt a solid emotional connection to them. I truly enjoyed how Elena Carter intertwined the main character’s life in two worlds with all the tiny and essential details. I liked how virtuously the author succeeded in describing relations among the characters. As if their relations were thick ropes that could be touched and evaluated for strength.

The fave quote: “Dreams are complicated. They can be a blessing or a curse.”

Would I read other books by this author: Sure!

My humble rating is: 5.5/5

P.S. I’ve been too familiar with the world of dreams since my early childhood. I know perfectly well about the curse and the blessing. Probably, that’s why I felt so emotionally connected with the main character and couldn’t agree more with one of her musings: “It would be cool if I could take pictures of my dreams…Somebody needs to invent a camera like that…”

I hope you’ll enjoy reading this book as much as I did!

“Follow The Hummingbird” is available on Amazon.

Anyway, thank you for dropping by and reading this post!

Stay safe, take care, and happy reading!

#EllenKhodakivska #writerslife #amwriting #amreading #WhatToRead #booklover #WritingCommunity #ReadingCommunity #books #dreams #FollowTheHummingBird #ElenaCarter

“Éteignez tout et la vie s’allume” by Marc Levy

If you are looking for an amazingly touching and philosophical short novel, this book is what you need.

“Le destin n’est rien d’autre queue la some des choix que l’on fait.” Marc Levy, “Éteignez tout et la vie s’allume”

The Plot: Adele Glimpse sets off for a trip by ship. The occasion of her journey is sad – the funeral of her first love. Due to his reasons, Jeremy also decides to travel and embarks on the same ship. The meeting point of two people turns into a fateful journey that destines to change their lives.

The Writing Style: This book is what I definitely needed to read on the eve of magical Christmas time. This glorious book seems to take me to a secluded bubble where two people turn off the bustle and hecticness of daily routine and focus on the magical power of now. They lit a candle of life, flaming gradually to reveal the curious life secrets. I intentionally read this book slowly to savor numerous wise quotes and leisurely-paced style. This short novel is simultaneously full of heart-breaking and heart-warming scenes; it is full of brilliant philosophical musings and awesomely romantic twists. One more glorious page-turner by Marc Levy is written in an incredibly charming, touching, and highly elegant style. In my humble opinion, the book is written with deep love, a pure and sincere heart, with a soul that never stops looking for answers to eternal questions.

“Le coeur ne vieillit pas”, Marc Levy, “Éteignez tout et la vie s’allume”

The Characters: I enjoyed the trip with those few magnificent characters in this novel to the fullest. I felt their pain and inner tortures; I was involved in their fascinating discussion concerning an author’s life and characters; I traveled back in time with them to sneak into the window of their memories. Together with them, I turned off all and everything and lifted my gaze at the stars to see how life started burning purely and thrillingly.

My Fave Quote:

“C’est important de préserver la mémoire, le souvenir des moments calmes qu’on a vécus dans des vies qui ne le sont jamais, parce que là, on arrache un peu de temps à l’éternité”

Would I read other books by this author: Undoubtedly, yes!

My humble rating is: 5/5

“C’est important de préserver la mémoire, le souvenir des moments calmes qu’on a vécus dans des vies qui ne le sont jamais, parce que là, on arrache un peu de temps à l’éternité” Marc Levy

I read this book in French and had a magical time with this glorious novel. Meantime, I wasn’t so courageous to write my review in French. So, if you speak French, don’t hesitate a second to read this short and brilliant novel. I sincerely hope you’ll enjoy reading it as much as I did.

Anyway, thank you for dropping by and reading this review!

Stay safe, take care, and happy reading!

#EllenKhodakivska #writerslife #amwriting #amreading #MarcLevy #ÉteignezToutEtLaVieS’allume #RobertLaffont #Versilio #jelis #lecture #lire #roman #novel #booklovers #books #livres #reading

By The Hand With Your Dream

“Never give up on something that you can’t go a day without thinking about.”

Winston Churchill

If you wake up and finally see your dream sitting next to you – grab its hand gently and set off for an incredible journey together. No matter that the road ahead may be full of obstacles and challenges – keep holding your dream’s hand tightly.

Your dream chose you to become real, and only you can help it come true.

May neither grumpy routine nor snaky talks behind your back will separate you from your fragile dream. Yes, it is tender and fragile; it needs your protection more than you think.

Your dream believed in you; that’s why it chose you because nobody else can make it real as you do.  

If you fall, help each other to stand up and keep on going, no matter how tough it can sometimes be.

Your dream and you are lucky to find each other, as many dreams fade away, having not found their heroes; many people wander in complete darkness, having not met their dream; be lighthouses to support each other.

Don’t let your dream go, even if you think you’re not the right one for it. Letting it go will make your way unbearably tasteless. Somehow or other, all your thoughts will still fly to it.

If you wake up and finally see your dream sitting next to you – don’t waste precious time and set off for an incredible journey together.

Time won’t wait. You are lucky to have a dream; you’re given time to make it real. Go!

“If you respect the time, it respects you back.” Dominic Donelli, the caring watchmaker, knew it for sure.

He wended way through life by the hand with his dream even when his life submerged into total darkness.

Thank you, dear reader, for dropping by and reading this post.

Stay safe, take care, and happy reading/writing!

#EllenKhodakivska #writerslife #amwriting #followyourdream #dreamscometrue #whattoread #book #mystical #WritingCommunity #ReadingCommunity #booklover #reading #indieauthor

“Unfinished business” by Kristina Gallo

If you want to be at the sharp end on the pages of a brilliant suspense thriller, this book is what you need.

The Plot:  When Amir was five years old, he witnessed Serbian soldiers kill his grandfather. Many years later, Amir didn’t hesitate to join the criminal group to get revenge. He didn’t realize that it would be impossible to leave it freely. Almost impossible. Meanwhile, he works in Austria and tries to preserve a long-distance relationship with his wife Jelena – a pretty lady who tries to be the best wife ever. One day she gets the proof that their marriage isn’t cloudless.

Moreover, the woman realizes that the storm is coming. At that moment, she meets Stefan, who has dangerous baggage behind his back. Amir and Jelena happen to be in “a perfect storm” of their marriage and life in general. There is a slight chance they will be able to survive.

The Writing Style: I have read all the books by Kristina Gallo so far. All of them are written with perfect sarcastic humor, perilous twists, and a captivating plot. But this one just blew my mind. The book is cleverly written in “gangsta’s paradise” style. Love, death, tears, passion, money, revenge, betrayal, murders – like black and white movie shots flash before a reader’s eyes, holding in tension from cover to cover. I enjoyed reading the numerous historical facts subtly described in the background of the main plot line. Beautifully seductive, eye-catching, and ‘electrifying’ page-turner that enthralled me from the first pages.   

The Characters: I can’t say this book is full of characters. I would probably say that the thriller has brilliant actors – each has perfect costumes and suitable make-up. They all play their roles adorably, gluing my attention when the events rise to a fever pitch. The bewitchingly thought plot and ideally portrayed characters can turn this suspense thriller into an awesome black-and-white movie one day!

Would I read other books by this author:  Yeap!

My humble rating is: 5/5

I truly believe you’ll enjoy reading this suspense thriller as much as I did!

This book is available on Amazon, and an emotionally charged atmosphere waits for you!

Anyway, thank you for dropping by and reading this review.

Stay safe, take care, and happy reading!

#EllenKhodakivska #writerslife #WritingCommunity #readingcommunity #whattoread #UnfinishedBusiness #KristinaGallo #AmReading #AmWriting #bookreview

“Darke Apocalypse” by Lee Hall

If you want to ‘go beyond true darkness’ and feel goosebumps running back and forth, this book is definitely what you need.

“The Prophecy of Old states that everything in Life and Death must be balanced.” Lee Hall, “Darke Apocalypse”

The Plot:  Blake Malone, Caitlyn Turner, Luke Hartford, and the rest of the crew come back to a ‘ghost town’ Darke Heath to break into a final fight with the true darkness that only pretends to vanish. On the contrary, it becomes more dangerous, darker, and ruthless than ever. The night creatures hide among the shadows, make up their dark-minded plans, and are ready to use the pure souls as bait to entrap those who stay on the bright side into their dark empire. Only time will show the result of the fight between the light and the darkness. Because the creatures living ‘beyond true darkness’ always have a creephole through which they can come back.

The Writing Style: This is the final book in this amazing series. It can be compared with a summit ascent – approaching the summit, the view gets better and better, but the most astonishing one is on the top. Every book in this series has its unique, captivating charm that holds your attention from cover to cover and motivates you to start reading the next one as soon as possible. I won’t be surprised if there are some new books in this series in the future. The final book is mesmerizing, action-packed, and a heart-squeezing page-turner about witches, vampires, demons, and other night creatures. The author succeeded in doing a great job – the summit ascent was penetrated with perilous twists, heartbreaking scenes, sarcastic humor, and adventurous spirit. But the spending view from the top conquered my bookish soul, making me live with the characters even after reading this gorgeous fantasy novel with a well-thought world-building.

The Characters: There was a torrential rain of tears in my bookish soul while reading one of the final scenes. The author showed vividly how the bottom of the young soul writhes in pain, trying to survive and preserve the inner light; this young soul goes through all the stages of maturing in accelerating mode. The characters are incredible and will live in my bookish heart forever; when my son and daughter grow a bit, I’ll definitely recommend them this series.

My Favorite Quote: “The Prophecy of Old states that everything in Life and Death must be balanced.”

Would I read other books by this author: Absolutely!

My humble rating is: A view from the top is always the best – that’s why I’m giving this book my highest humble rating – 5.5/5 stars.

My ‘word’ for 2022 is ‘balance’. This book is one of the most well-balanced books I’ve recently read. Everything in this series is amazingly balanced – love, death, life, humor, actions, mystery, danger, and so on. This is one more reason why I gave this book the highest rating. Lee Hall succeeded in creating a perfectly balanced witch/vampire series with the masterpiece on the top!

This book is available on Amazon, and buckle up in the mysterious yellow taxi and be ready to keep your eyes wide open even if ‘true darkness looks directly at you.

Anyway, thank you for dropping by and reading this review.

Stay safe, take care, and happy reading!

#EllenKhodakivska #writerslife #WritingCommunity #writing #amwriting #bookreview #LeeHall #DarkeApocalypse #WhatToRead #booklover #bookaddict #amreading #indieauthor

“Darke Awakening” by Lee Hall

If you want to ’embrace the true darkness’ and have a ride on a ‘ghost horse’ through crowded night creatures, this book is what you need.

“Most people in this world have some good in them. especially when someone needs a little help”, Lee Hall, “Darke Awakening”

The Plot:  Blake Malone comes back to Darke Heath to confront the evil that starts awakening. ‘The sleepy town, surrounded by pines’ hides more and more dark and dangerous secrets. Those that are supposed to be buried appear to be alive and perilous more than ever. The life paths of Blake Malone and Twister are destined to cross, and together with the rest of the crew, they have to be pretty innovative to gain victory over the night creatures. The demons, shadows, vampires, and many other night creatures can’t wait to break into a fight, the outcome of which is sometimes impossible to predict, even for Foreseer.

The Writing Style: One more brilliant book in the “Open Evening” series that keeps readers in suspense from cover to cover. With every next book, the pace gets faster and faster – it seems you managed to tack up a ‘ghost-horse’ and ride like a bat out of hell. The dialogues still possess a perfect sense of humor in the background of the mortal danger, as if humor is one of the characters’ weapons. The brief wise musings flawlessly envelop readers’ hearts when the characters have a quick break in the dangerous game with the merciless night creatures.

The Characters: Lee Hall keeps balancing excellent world-building, intense plotting, and fantastically well-thought characters! His villains are truly soulless, back-stabbing, and cruel hellspawn; his heroes are genuinely ready-witted and kind-hearted (even though they try to hide it behind the ‘bravery’ armor. I felt so emotionally connected with them that sometimes it seemed to me I was in the “yellow taxi” that arrived at the right moment to save the situation.

My Favorite Quote:

“Sometimes no matter what you do to prevent dark things from happening, they just happen anyway.”

Would I read other books by this author: Sure!

My humble rating is: 5/5

“Everyone reacts differently to death. It’s a somewhat inevitable conclusion to life, but it always comes with a shocking force that we are never ready for” Lee Hall, “Darke Awakening”

I truly believe you’ll enjoy reading this book as much as I did!

This book is available on Amazon, and a perfect ghost horseback ride waits for you!

Anyway, thank you for dropping by and reading this review.

Stay safe, take care, and happy reading!

#EllenKhodakivska #writerslife #AmReading #LeeHall #DarkeAwakening #WritingCommunity #ReadingCommunity #WhatToRead #reading #indieauthor

“Catfulness” by Paolo Valentino

Even if you are not a cat lover but want to change something in your life, this book will be a good advisor in making a new start.

“The real journey, an author once wrote, doesn’t consist in seeking out new places, but in having new eyes” Paolo Valentino, “Catfulness”

The Plot:  We follow a sort of seven weeks of retreat from a cat’s perspective. Observing his owner’s daily routine, the feline dissolves in thousands of musings on how to help humans improve and facilitate their lives. These reflections turn into ‘a cat’s guide to achieving mindfulness.’ The cat wonders if this book could be the start of your new life and help you live here and now, in the moment, to be specific.

The Writing Style: The author created the perfect small book in a cat’s style – active when it is needed and slow-paced when necessary. Seven weeks of short and deep cat’s pearls of wisdom are written easily and cutely relaxingly. Well-paced, curious, cute, and inspiring small book that makes you look at the world via wise cat’s eyes.  

Fave quote: “…Don’t turn off your curiosity, and life will continue to deliver, day by day, big and small surprises.”

Would I read other books by this author: Yeap!

My humble rating is: 5/5

A million “thank you” flies again to beautiful sisters Naaz and Farrah for this amazing B-Day gift! Cat Josef and I had so much fun reading it!

Thank you, dear reader, for dropping by and reading this post!

Stay safe, take care, live in the moment, and happy reading!

#EllenKhodakivska #writerslife #CatJosef #Catfulness #PaoloValentino #WhatToRead #catlover #booklover #WritingCommunity #ReadingCommunity

“Darke Blood” by Lee Hall

If you want to dive into a fantastic vampire/witch action-packed novel, this one is totally what you need.

“Sometimes you don’t need to say anything to say everything.” Lee Hall, “Darke Blood”

The Plot:  Blake Malone arrives in the forest town of Darke Heath. He hopes to make a fresh start and find answers to some riddles. The encounter with a pretty, mysterious woman named Caitlyn reveals more secrets than he could expect. Moreover, his memory starts playing a tricky game with Blake Malone, giving him more and more riddles hidden in the true darkness of the Darke forest. You can find out whether Blake Malone can fight the darkness and discover all the secrets by reading this brilliant, blood-freezing thriller full of vampires, witches, and true darkness.

The Writing Style: This is the next book in the “Open Evening” series, and, truth to be told, the plot thickens and keeps in suspense from cover to cover. The author created a well-thought and fast-paced thriller where two worlds – the real and fantasy – collide perfectly, making a reader follow an intense whirlpool of events. “Darke Blood” is an excellent page-turner, where the history of vampires and witches intertwines with the main character’s story. Another thing that gives this thriller a unique charm is the presence of humor that, like a cherry on the pie, makes this thriller totally adorable in all aspects.

The Characters: As well as in the previous book, an average number of characters are perfectly described and well-developed. The strong female leading character perfectly matches the male one who possesses a perfect sense of humor when the true darkness envelopes the town and his soul.

My Favorite Quote: “Sometimes you don’t need to say anything to say everything.”

Would I read other books by this author: Yeap!

My humble rating is: 5/5

This book is available on Amazon.

I sincerely hope that you’ll enjoy reading this series and “Darke Blood” in particular as much as I did!

Anyway, thank you so much for dropping by and reading this review!

Stay safe, take care, and happy reading!

#EllenKhodakivska #writerslife #LeeHall #DarkeBlood #WhatToRead #indieauthor #WritingCommunity #ReadingCommunity #amwriting #amreading #vampires #witches #thriller #booklover

Happiness in a Bubble (Part 3)

“There is no Frigate like a Book

To take us Lands away

Nor any Coursers like a Page

Of prancing Poetry –

This Traverse may the poorest take

Without oppress of Toll –

How frugal is the Chariot

That bears the Human Soul “

Emily Dickinson, “There is no Frigate like a Book”

When August fog covered the city, I decided it was a sort of a sign to take a break from social media and spend some time in one of my bubbles of happiness. So, I didn’t waste a second. I jumped into my bubble and started a two-months trip out of social media.

I was totally dissolved in the dense vibes of happiness of my bubble. I traveled a bit, sharing priceless moments with my husband, son, and newly born daughter. Indeed, I focused on what makes my soul bloom – I forgot about everything and concentrated on writing about the adventures of my fluffy assistant – cat Josef.

I could never imagine that a skinny book about cat Josef would turn into something bigger. But it happened – Perspective Publishing believed in me and my project. That’s why, having finished writing the final draft, I sent a parcel from my bubble to Perspective Publishing that will reveal all the secrets about the book a bit later.

(Picture by Nemereya)

Meanwhile, I returned from the two-month trip with my soul nourished, inspired, and ready to share positive and bright vibes worldwide.

In October, the visibility is good enough for my bubble to land safely and start traveling on a bookish frigate in the ocean of captivating pages.

Before jumping into the next project, I’m going to put up the sails and travel to the adorable worlds created by amazing fellow writers. And I’m starting with “Darke Blood” by @Lee Hall!

You can find “Darke Blood” and the rest of the books of this series on Amazon.

Thank you for dropping by and reading this post!

Stay safe, take care, and happy reading!

#EllenKhodakivska #writerslife #indieauthor #HappinnessInABubble #WhatToRead #LeeHall #DarkeBlood #booklover #WritingCommunity #ReadingCommunity #AmReading #AmWriting

“The Last Bear” by Hannah Gold /BOOK REVIEW

If you look for touching, heart-warming, and kind stories, this book is what you need.

“And when you live from your heart, it’s impossible to ever tell a lie.” Hannah Gold, “The Last Bear”

Genre: YA Novel/Children’s book

Pages:  316

Language: English

Illustrated by: Levi Pinfold

Release date: 2022

The Plot:  We follow a girl named April Wood. Together with her father, she sets off for a six-month trip to Arctic Circle or Bear Island, where her father is about to carry out numerous researches concerning temperatures. While her father is buried under a ton of papers and temperature records, little April is exploring Bear Island, where there are supposed to be no bears left. But the little girl is lucky to meet one. And here, their friendship begins.

The Writing Style: This is one of the most cleverly and beautifully written books I’ve recently read. Everything is perfect and balanced: appropriate pace, brilliant descriptions, well-thought dialogues, deep and well-portraited characters, presences of proper twists, tense episodes, unforgettable quotes, and informative aspects, and all these points are developing in the background of the gorgeously made-up plot.

The Characters: There are only a few characters in this glorious book. But, oh goodness! How masterfully the author depicted them all, including the bear! The thinnest layer of personality was thoroughly described, and the deepest emotion was pulled out from the bottom of the characters’ souls and revealed to me.

Fave quote: “And when you live from your heart, it’s impossible to ever tell a lie.”

Would I read other books by this author: Absolutely yes!

My humble rating is: 5.5/5

P.S. Probably, you’ve already guessed that I’m obsessed with this book! Moreover, I’ve started reading the second one! They are not connected, and the second one has already grabbed my attention from the first pages!. I sincerely want everyone to read this book; whether you are a bear lover or not, I bet you’ll enjoy reading it!

I hope you’ll give it a chance and have a great time with this book as I did!

Anyway, thank you for dropping by and reading this post!

Stay safe, take care, and happy reading!

#EllenKhodakivska #writerslife #WritingComminity #WhatToReadNext #NannahGold #TheLastBear #gloriusbook #childrensbook #yanovel #booklover #bookaddict #amreading