Dear Reader,

When I first started this blog a few years ago I anticipated becoming a professional blogger. In my mind I would review books for Independent Authors and people would come to my blog to read the reviews. Over the course of two years I have managed to run this blog at a mildly steady pace. To me I failed at executing the goal that I originally set out to make. I have trouble with consistency and focus. It is only now that I am starting to realize that the issue is more of a mental disadvantage. I cannot read many books back to back because my focus gets lost. I have a lot of responsibilities that take place first. Homeschooling is my main priority and in order to do it well I have had to place other things on my ever growing to do list on the side. By the time I am ready to sit down and relax my brain is so tired from the day that I just cannot seem to focus on a story. This comes and goes in waves. Some weeks I can read back to back without a problem at all. I am able to balance it all just fine. And then comes the down week in which I cannot do anything. I am waiting to get insurance so that I can see if I may have some form of ADHD/ADD. I struggle with many issues like anxiety as well and so keeping up with this blog like I originally planned just became too hard. Do I feel like a failure? In some ways yes I do. I wanted to provide people with great books to read and give my opinion on them. I feel like I have a lot to offer readers and can help them decide if a book is good to read or if a book is safe for their child to read. This year has also taken a toll on my emotional well being. I have been going through a ton of deep shadow work. I've explored into my heart and dived into what triggers my emotions. In doing so I have over come so many battles that I have faced over and over again in my mind. I have let go of people who were only hurting me. I have learned all the tools necessary to become a better boundary setter, and I've been set on the path of healing for some time now. This may have played a part in why I have not been able to read as many books as others or why I have not been able to post on my blog regularly. I have just been doing so much more. My healing has been eye opening. I've had to place myself first and place this blog on the back burner. This has been the best decision I have made in a while. I am so glad that 2022, led me to so many authors that have supported me all year long. Not only have I met other writers but I have made life long friends. That knowledge makes creating this blog worth it. 

Now this is not goodbye reader. This is simply a goodbye to 2022. A goodbye to the unrealistic expectations I have set for myself regarding the purpose of tis blog. Goodbye to the consistent nagging in my mind that I need to post. Goodbye to I have not posted enough. Goodbye to I have not read enough or shared enough. Goodbye to not feeling ENOUGH. I am a writer at heart. I cannot help it, when I speak sometimes it takes me a moment to get the proper words. I think before I speak and always have which is why typing this out seemed like the best call to make. I am not giving up this blog. I am simply shifting. I am not the same person that I was when I created this blog. I have changed so much and I want this blog to reflect that change.

What do I want to do in year 2023?

In year 2023, I plan to focus more on inward work. I want to dive into more self meditation, self reflection, and self improvement. I want to be outside in nature and explore places I have not explored. I want to see Mountains and rivers. I want to take my shoes off and feel the cool water of the creek hit my toes. I want to LIVE. I want to experience the joy of teaching my Son not just with his books but out there in the world. In Nature. Surrounded by the beauty this Earth has to bring. I intend on journaling in 2023. I plan to journal my adventures, my thoughts, my travels, and my healing. I want to share my journal entries here with you in hopes that I can help anyone else who may be on the path that I am on in the future. I want to paint more, laugh more, listen to music and dance more. I want to live my life without expectations. I think in doing so I can heal and grow in a free mindset. To share bits and pieces here with you would bring me so much joy.

What are your plans for this blog in 2023?

My plans for this blog is to keep writing here. I plan to read more books about nature, cozy fantasies, self-improvement books, meditation books, and inspirational art work. I will share what I am reading here with you at least once a month. I would say once a week but I just caught my breath hitching which means that makes me nervous. I have an issue with time constraints. ( I am working on that friend.) Not only will I share about the works that I read but I will share journal entries with you. I will share some of my personal space with you and the places that I visit. The things that I do and learn. I will also share any updates on my writing journey as an Author and Self Publisher. I am shifting from reader to a published Author this year. 

How will you work your Social Media in 2023?

Whew. Hard question. Social Media is daunting. Lately it has sucked the fun out of every day tasks. The knowledge that I need to make another video before the algorithm hates me. I just get so tired of the relationship. I find that worrying about social media has delayed my writing and my creativity. So yes there will be a shift there as well. I plan to create two separate accounts on TikTok. One is my normal Amanda_Thebookwitch. That account will stay as it is and I will share all of the books I read on there as well as silly cosplays and chats. The other account that I am setting up which is TheCozyWriterFiles, will strictly be my 2023 Journey into myself. I will share my trips, my journaling at least the artsy side, and any cozy thing that I am interested in at the tine. I will also be sharing more of my art work. I think having two separate accounts will help keep the app more do able. I will also be able to be more creative without all the pressure that I keep placing myself under. Instagram will simply be small snippets of my journey from all of the above. I will share those in a creative way and sometimes yes recycle my TikTok videos. Because let's face it, doing Reels and videos for TikTok separately is stressful. Facebook will remain as it is with small updates as I go. I do not get a lot of traction there so I am not too worried about it!

When will your book be published in 2023?

So far I am hoping by December of 2023. I think I may begin a Kickstarter account for it to cover the costs. I am currently writing that down to research all of the information I need. When the time comes I will be looking for beta readers.

Are there any new things you would like to share?

I am working on a small business on the side. I plan to have journals and other things to help those who are healing as well. I want to help anyone who has been through trauma heal creatively. I feel like art and writing can be a form of therapy. I want to help with this but first I have to live it to help and that is my main goal this year. The rest will flow in time.

I want to thank all of the Authors who have trusted me with your books. Thank you for allowing me to review them for you and share them with the world. I plan to still read indie books and only review for fun at this point. I would let to send each of you cards soon so please look out for a message from me so that I can get it to the right address. I hope that you will stay with me on my journey towards becoming a better person through healing and fun. I really appreciate all of you. 

Keep an eye out for an update regarding a Newsletter. I am still learning how to make those too! I hope you have a wonderful New Year! 

We all hold a special piece of magic within us and I believe in you!

Love,

A. Bookwitch 

I have literally spent the last few days recovering from this last read. I have not finished a book that fast in quite some time. I guess all I needed to get me out of my reading slump was to just read a thriller. That should have been a no brainer. I am on the TikTok app and I found an account that shared vintage Goosebump books. I followed this account long before I realized it was an account of an Author. I saw Author E. Reyes share his books soon after I began to follow his content. The book that struck me instantly was the cover of The House on Moon Creek Avenue. The vintage look of the cover was so appealing to my inner 80s/90s kid heart. I ordered the book right away and as soon as it came in, I ripped it open and began to read. 

This review does not have any spoilers but I totally wish I could share them!

The MC is named Cindy, and she is a single mother of a little girl named Mallory. She had a bad relationship with the child's father, so she left him to venture out on her own. With the help of her father and Uncle she was able to move into her Grandmother's former home. The story is set up much like a scary story used to be set up back when spooky stories were so good! She moves in and everything is fine, que in the 70s rock music. There is smiling and dancing. A feeling of eeriness starts to sink in when you realize that the new home is not all that it seems. The house is full of spirits and many of them are so scary that I had to make sure that I did not read the book before bed after the first day. I had forgotten how some of my books that I read carry on into my dream life. Let's just say I had some un-invited guests in my dreams like the Lady in The gown. This is one of the many spirits that cause Cindy to seek the help of well known paranormal investigators. As you continue to read the story you get to know Cindy and her family. You also get to know her love interest and her daughter Mallory. I love how the author managed to write different POV 's but still managed to hold my attention span. I could not get enough of the jump scares a long the way and the images that Author E. Reyes created. He certainly has a vintage flare about his writing and I very much loved reading his work. The end of the story was just as good as the beginning because I was unable to guess what was going to happen next. I tend to always guess the ending of stories and sometimes that is not always a good thing. I finished this book in a day and a half. This is a fast read for me because of my other duties but I was so thrilled to have a book that I could not wait to escape too. 

If you enjoy thrillers and stories of the paranormal, and a feeling of nostalgia then this book is the book for you. I truly feel this Author is going to be one of the writers I find myself coming back to time and time again. Keep supporting the indie authors in your community and online. They truly hold gifts that the world needs to see! I will be doing grade sheets for all of my reviews for now on. Author E. Reyes does a wonderful job at making his books look like horror books of the 90s. IF you love the Goosebumps and Stephen King, Reyes is a one of a kind too!

Here is the grade sheet for this fantastic read:

To find out more about the Author check out the information below:

                                                     http://www.ereyesauthor.com

              https://www.amazon.com/E-Reyes/e/B01HUDDA5G/ref=aufs_dp_fta_dsk

                          https://horror.org/latinx-horror-interview-with-estaban-reyes/

                                                                            Book Blurb: 

Hello Readers! My son and I had the pleasure of reviewing a fantastic Children's Book written by Kayce Smith called, "What Can Hayes Be?". 

Kayce Smith is a mother like me, who loves her son and wants all of the wonderful things for him in this life. Her heart created a book out of love and the book is so instrumental in teaching children to believe in themselves, it was an honor to read it to my own son. Each page is full of beautiful illustrations displaying Hayes, the main character in different careers of life. He is sporting a prosthetic leg that does not stop him from doing any of the activities he loves. The story explains that the prosthetic leg can come in multiple colors like red and blue. The images on each page kept my six-year-old son engaged and entertained. He loved watching Hayes attempt new adventures without reservation. I especially liked the touch of the Shriner's bear in each photo. Hayes is seen doing karate, surfing, and even floating in outer space. What an amazing thing to have little eyes see! 

We rated this book a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐5/5! 

As a mother it is very important to me what a child reads and watches. I feel like positive messages for children at such a young age can help them develop positive thinking. My son was able to see that a child was able to be anything he wanted to be even with an extra special prosthetic leg. He was happy for Hayes and wanted to know more of what all he could do. Not only was I encouraging my son to aspire to be whatever he wanted to be but I was also educating my son to learn all he could about all kinds of people. This story hit home because my Grandfather was paralyzed in a car accident when he was newly married. He had two choices after his accident and that was to allow the disability of not being able to ever walk again place limits on his life. Or he could take his disability and work hard to make sure that did not define who he was. Over time he became a leader for young men and those who were injured in the military looking for guidance. He went on to compete in wheelchair races and other competitions. He won many medals and inspired so many people due to his strong work and determination. He used his disability to raise awareness and use it as a teaching tool not as a limit to his life. Kayce Smith wrote this book for her love of her son and wanting to teach him that he too could be all that he wanted to be in this life. Not to mention how amazing it is to use this book and their journey to inspire other children with prosthetics that they can overcome anything life throws at them. We will cherish this book in our library. I also would like to donate one of these books to our local Library and Children's Hospital. 

Thank you, Kayce Smith, for such a remarkable read! Thank you for the encouragement and the wisdom. If you would like to know more about Haye's journey please follow her Instagram page @whatcanhayesbe. And if you would like to support the Shriner's Childrens Hospital who helped them during their journey, that would be something that the Author would appreciate. 

Her is her website: What Can Hayes Be?

                                                 https://youtu.be/o2OEbPA9oBA

 Feel free to check out our reading of "What Hayes Can be?"  On YouTube! There will also be a live reading of this story on Friday 4 PM Est. Please follow my Author Page on Facebook @AmandatheBookwitch. 

    There are not many books written these days that take me back to how it feels to be a child again. Some books try to write the words but many fall short of achieving their goal. Recently, I ordered a book simply because the description and cover looked intriguing. I had no idea how much I would love the book or how much the book would inspire me. I finished this book faster than I expected too. I fell in love with the writing of a fellow Author and story. 

                             What is the book about?

The BookWanderers by Anna James is written for ages 8 to 12 years old. The book takes place in London in a special bookshop called Pages & Co. Tilly who is the main character has a special connection to this bookshop as it is owned by her grandparents. Tilly does not have many friends in her life and so she finds a comfort in the books and stories inside the bookshop. But one day while she is reading one of her favorite books, her favorite characters start showing up inside the shop! Yes. You read that correctly. Characters like Alice from Wonderland and Anne of Green Gables came exactly into the bookshop and sat right in Tilly's favorite chair! Tilly then begins to realize reading is becoming more real as the adventures she is embarking on are happening before her in real life. Soon enough she realizes that not only can she meet characters in the bookshop while reading but she can actually wander INSIDE of the stories themselves. Tilly's new friend Oscar comes a long for the journey as Tilly learns how to book wander into stories and exciting adventures. But with every adventure comes a hint of danger as Tilly soon discovers can be found at a turn of the page. Once Tilly begins to learn more about her ability, she realizes that there are more secrets than she expected about the whereabouts of her mother. Soon Tilly is on a mission to solve the mystery of what exactly happened to her mother many years ago. This book specializes in the magic of books and the power of the imagination. 

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5 Stars!

I am giving this book a five stars or more rating simply because it is truly one of a kind. The Author is extremely talented. I would so much to say that she should be at the level of J.K. Rowling herself. I say this because the way the magic is written in this story is very similar. The world building was done so well that it did not take much for me to be hooked. Tilly is such a smart and curious girl who isn't scared to find answers. The ability to travel inside of a story while you are reading it and meet the characters is such an amazing idea! In fact, I am a bit jealous I did not come up with the idea for this story first. The story goes into the rules of BookWandering and how much of a responsibility it is for Book Wanderers to respect the gift. Tilly gets to take her new best friend Oscar a long for the ride and he is such a loveable character. He reminded me of a younger Ron Weasley. In my head, to be honest that is who I pictured for Oscar. I hate to keep comparing this book with Harry Potter but I cannot help it. The same excitment that I got when I first read Harry is the same excitement that I felt when I began this story by Anna James. The story mentions how important reading is and how special it is to hold a book in your hand. As a writer like myself, for children especially it is very important to write books that matter. I feel that Anna James wrote this to remind children that reading is a wonderful superpower. The characters inside her book are relatable and enjoyable. I absolutely had to get the Audible version of this story as well and I do not regret it at all. When I followed the story with Audible there were moments I would get lost inside the story myself. Hearing the narrator, Aysha Kala, bring Anne of Green Gables to life was remarkable. I could literally see her red hair and freckles in my mind! I have not read Anne of Green Gables in many moons but this story brought back that familiar feeling. The feeling of joy and pure love for a story. As a child reading comes naturally and without judgement. You simply embark on a stories adventure and you do it because it is enjoyable. I needed to be reminded of that feeling. I have noticed while on Instagram or Tiktok there are many challenges for reading many books. I think sometimes the fun of reading is zapped out of us because of the pressure the social world places on the act of reading itself. When I met Tilly for the first time inside Pages & Co., it was as if I was coming back home to an old version of myself. I saw myself in Tilly. The book has so many quotes that I had to highlight to remind myself why I write and read in the first place. The way Anna James wrote about reading in this book was truly magical. I felt like I was experiencing the love of reading for the first time as an adult. I know this book was written for children, but I truly think this book should be read by those who love to read no matter the age. Everyone from time to time, needs to remember what it feels like to be inside a good story. To be so involved with the adventure and the characters that you forget where you are and how much time has passed. That is when you know you have read a fantastic book. I ordered the rest of the books in the series because I must know what happens next for Tilly. Also, simply because I don't want the adventure to end. I don't want this feeling to ever end. 

Thank you, Author Anna James, for reminding me why I write for children and why I read at all. You truly gave me the inspiration I so desperately needed. I think I am a bookwanderer too. 

To find out more about the adventures of Book Wandering and the Author Anna James check out this Video Below!

https://youtu.be/q6qQ2WJANCE

        We are worthy. We are worthy. And we are ENOUGH. 

                                                    -A. Bookwitch

Mr. Maloof by Danielle Marietta Pub date is 3/1/22, Pre-orders are up for grabs!

My son and I were gifted this book from the sweet Author, Danielle Marietta. This book is beautiful from the cover until the end. The illustrator Sarah Jane Docker did a fabulous job with the design and the illustrations. This story was an absolute treasure to read with my son Ryder. We enjoyed the moments of genuine laughter as we got to know Mr. Maloof and his tricks. Ryder found it particularly funny as well because he too is a silly kid. He loves to play pranks on his Daddy and sister. I think any child who is playful and full of spunk will enjoy this book too. As a parent, I felt especially touched by this book because of it's message. The simple reminder that no matter how old you become, it is perfectly okay to remain silly. It is more than okay to be yourself, despite the age or the social expectations. I needed this reminder as a Homeschool Teacher and Mom. I needed to be reminded to be goofy with my kids and let loose a little. To enjoy the little moments in life that pass us by. To take wonder in all of the new adventures that my children embark on with me by their side. To laugh from inside of the heart and play often. Life can be so serious at times and children these days tend to grow up a lot faster than most. I feel this book teaches a very valuable lesson for the child and the parent alike. I will keep this one in my Homeschool library for many years to come and pass it down to my grandchildren one day. I will also be ordering two more, one for each of my nieces.

I highly encourage you to go ahead and Pre-order your copy On Amazon or wherever books are sold, so that you can add this gem to your home library. I promise you will not be disappointed. Danielle Marietta does not disappoint. She is in touch with her inner child, and it shows. I absolutely love her writing style and so does my son. 

Thank you, Danielle Marietta, for this AMAZING read! We cannot read to add more of your books to our school.  (I will be adding the book reading of, Mr. Maloof, from our Classroom to yours via our debut Youtube Channel. Stay tuned for more updates!)

Danielle is originally from Seattle but has been living in the DC metro area for the last 15 years. While studying at Howard University she met her husband. And although Danielle has always enjoyed writing, she did not take it seriously until she spent hours on end reading to their three children. She writes for them.

To catch up on any latest news, giveaways, and more subscribe to Danielle Marietta's Newsletter. Below is a link to her website to check out her other publications! 

Author | Danielle Marietta (daniellemariettabooks.com)

                              ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5 Stars!

Jez and Jay have always been fascinated by the African American folk magic that has been the legacy of their family for generations - especially the curious potions and powders Doc and Gran would make for the people on their island. But Jez soon finds out that her family’s true power goes far beyond small charms and elixirs…and not a moment too soon. Because when evil both natural and supernatural comes to show itself in town, it’s going to take every bit of the magic she has inside her to see her through."

Root Magic's main character is named Jezebel. The book is based in the 1960's and in the South Carolina. During that time discrimination and racism was very much alive. Jezebel at the very start of the story loses her grandmother. The story begins during her grandmother's aka "Gran's" funeral. I remember listening to the story on Audible while I was cooking dinner. Before I knew it my eyes were leaking tears for Jezebel. I also remembered how I felt when my grandmother passed, and the story started to reach my heart instantly. The story goes on to introduce other characters like her twin brother, Jay and her Uncle Doc. As well as her loving and protective Mother. I got a sense of a close bond between her family right away. The story gets really scary when the local Sheriff Collins comes by as soon as they get home from the funeral. I could sense a very threatening presence and it shook me to my core. I then cried more tears as this Sheriff intrudes on their time of mourning. You can feel the pain in Jeze's voice as the narrator the voice of, Imani parks, speaks on Audible. I was originally reading to know if this was a book I wanted to share to my children as well but then it became clear that this was a book that I needed to read/hear. 

During the story integration among schools begins and Jezebel has to attend a class differently than her brother. She is then surrounded by children she has never met before. Early on you learn how lonely Jezebel is and how she struggles to make friends in school. I recalled how much I struggled at a young age as well. I kept mostly to myself and books. I remember how timid and shy I used to be. How often I was quiet and often bullied. Jezebel too experiences similar through a bully named Letty. Letty and her family (and many others) looked down on Jezebel for being part of a family who does "root work". They deemed it old fashioned, and taboo. However, many of the people in the community were seen at Jezebel's Uncle's Cabin for help with all kinds of things like health and other healing needs. Letty enjoyed taunting Jezebel and making her feel less than she was even though Jezebel was kind. Soon Jezebel makes friends with a kind girl named Suzie. They begin sitting together for lunch. 

The story goes on to grow with Jezebel and her brother Jay as they being to learn the family's legacy. Root work with their Uncle Doc. You could almost picture his cabin in the mind's eye. The creaking cabin floor, the cobwebs in the corners, the smell of all kinds of potions and herbs. I began to understand some of what root magic was and how much it helped others. There was a time when only white people could go to the hospital or see doctors. Root Workers stepped up and helped when no one else would. I was very sad to hear how many people who practiced this type of magic were looked down on for it. They truly were holding many communities up and helping carry on their traditions. The story goes on to follow Jezebel as she comes into her power. Her twin brother Jay seemed to feel as if he was falling behind her. Jezebel seemed to grow into her power a lot quicker. I also noticed that there is a noticeable difference in what changes girls go through versus what boys do. In school Jezebel is called a "witch" and Jay isn't terrorized as Jezebel is. She begins growing in her abilities and many times she is almost killed or hurt by something who wants the power she maintains. Without giving too many spoiler alerts, the story goes on two have a few exciting moments. Some left me wide awake at 3 a.m. and fighting to keep the night light on. 

You also notice the southern tones in the book. There are things spoken and thoughts that are clearly a southern thought. Being from the south I totally understood the concept and that is why this book felt more real.

This story felt like a special gem to read. I felt like the writer herself was telling me a story from the heart. One of love of family, Gullah-Geechee culture, and African folklore that is often times misinterpreted as evil or taboo. I felt a closeness with Jezebel and my younger self. When she was scared, I too became scared. I cried multiple moments for the pain Jezebel's family had to endure at the hands of a racist Sheriff. It was a very powerful story because of the many levels of subject matter. I was deeply touched at the level of bravery Jezebel had and the love her family shared together. That despite all of the scary things happening at that time they remained together and faced the world hand in hand. All the while trying to preserve the Gullah-Geechee culture and it's practices for their families. I gave this book a five-star rating because I feel I am a better person having read this book. The Author's Note at the end was especially knowledgeable and I felt like I needed the education. I want to learn more about the Gullah-Geechee culture and the folklore as well. I will be following the Author Eden Royce's journey from here on out. What a great book she has written. My heart was touched, and I bought the book for my Homeschool Library. I DID NOT feel like it was too scary to read for middle grade. 

This story has:

• Supernatural Elements

• Monstrous creatures
• Bullying amongst peers
• Growing up during the deep south's racism and the fear that goes with it.
• Loss of loved ones.
• The growth of a young girl and her journey.
• The love and strength of family.

Thank you so much Author Eden Royce for writing such an amazing book. And for sharing the Root Magic culture and knowledge with us readers. I cannot wait to read anything else you write. This book will have a permanent home on our Homeschool Library Shelf. 

-A. BookWitch

Author Eden Royce is a Southern Gothic writer from Charleston, South Carolina. 

Did you know she is a Shirley Jackson Award nominee? WOW! Her middle grade book, Root Magic is a Walter Award Honoree. WELL DESERVED! 

Fun fact: She loves to roller skate! How fun!

Author of Southern Gothic Fiction (edenroyce.com)

You can find a copy of Root Magic on Amazon and wherever books are sold!

Here is an Author Interview as well to hear more from Author Eden Royce:

https://youtu.be/xHiMw_lTgUE