Tag Archives: cancer

Cancer Awareness Book Tour: Titles Written by or Inspired by Cancer Survivors! (Multi-Book Showcase)

cancer awareness spotlight tour

 

Adult Non-Fiction (18+), 256 pages

A breast cancer diagnosis at forty-nine forces Christine Shields Corrigan, a wife, mom, and meticulous list-maker, to confront her deepest fears of illness, death, and loss of control as she struggles to face cancer again. From the discovery of a “junky” cyst, to chemotherapy and surgery, sleepless nights filled with rosaries and “what ifs,” and shifting family dynamics, her adult experience mirrors her teen bout with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, with one exception—she no longer has parents keeping her in the dark.

With the ghosts of cancer past hovering around her, Chris falls into the same overprotective traps her taciturn Irish-Catholic parents created, striving to keep her family’s life “normal,” when it is anything but, and soldiering through on her own, until a neighbor’s unexpected advice and gift move her to accept others’ help. With fierce honesty, poignant reflection, and good humor, Chris shares a journey filled with sorrow, grace, forgiveness, and resilience, as she winds her way through cancer for the second time. Again offers practical guidance and hope to individuals that they have the strength to forge a path beyond a diagnosis.

 
Buy the Book:
Amazon ~ B&N ~ BAM
Book Depository ~ IndieBound
Add to Goodreads
 
 
 

 

Adult Non-Fiction (18+), 249 pages

Jean-Jacques Trochon (or JJ as he is more commonly known) spent thirty-two years as a commercial airline pilot for Air France. A French national, he enjoyed an early childhood in Tahiti before finishing his schooling in France and the USA. In 2003, JJ was diagnosed with aggressive kidney cancer and subsequently underwent the removal of his left kidney. In 2012 and 2014, he underwent further surgeries following the discovery of multiple metastases in both lungs. Despite being given a slim chance of survival, JJ again returned to work in 2016. He captained the world’s largest commercial aircraft, the Airbus A380, until his retirement in spring 2020. Today, Jean-Jacques devotes his spare time to helping other cancer sufferers and spreading the word about his revolutionary approach to the disease. He was the initiator of Rethinking Cancer 2017, a groundbreaking conference held in Paris on September 21, 2017, at Institut Gustave Roussy, the leading cancer center in Europe.

Heather Whitehall-Trochon is a lover of languages and translator of French and German into English. A British national, she completed studies in fashion journalism at the London College of Fashion before moving to Munich, Germany, where she worked in public relations for fashion and film. After relocating to Vienna, Austria, she had a brief stint as an editor at the Associated Press, prior to becoming a freelance translator and seasoned backpacker. Heather met JJ in Paris in 2007, marrying him the following year. The couple, together with their cat, Zulu, have now settled in Biarritz, France.

 
Buy the Book:
Amazon ~ Book Depository
add to Goodreads
 
 
 

 

Middle-Grade Fiction (Ages 8-12), 186 pages

 

This novella was written by USA Today bestselling author Jeff Gunhus after he received a devastating diagnosis of state 3 cancer. The story is a message to his five children on how to deal with grief and a plea for them to grasp onto joy and love even in the darkest of times.

Caroline loses her spark. It takes a great adventure for her to find it again.

Caroline loses her father in a car accident for which she feels responsible. Consumed by grief, she has a difficult time readjusting to a world that has changed so dramatically for her. On the anniversary of her father’s death, a strange window opens in the middle of the small lake behind her house. She climbs up an old oak to peer inside, but falls out of the tree and discovers that the window also serves as a door into a different world.

Enter Mordecai the Gand, a mysterious traveler who befriends Caroline and promises to help her find a way back home since the window she fell through has disappeared. The two set out on a series of adventures that include visiting a tree village populated by a tribe known for eating travelers, running into a witch under a spell of her own making, hiding in a cave with a dragon encased in a wall of ice (prone to melting by campfire), all the while being pursued by a mysterious entity call the Creach which promises to devour Caroline and trap her in an eternity of despair.

As they navigate these adventures and this new world, Caroline slowly discovers that she is meant to help each of the characters she meets. As she battles internally whether to stay or return home to the sadness and grief waiting for her there, she must regain perspective and open her heart to the act of caring and to the joy of love itself. In the end, she must demonstrate great courage, loyalty, and caring as the plot unfolds, becoming the active hero of her own story.

 
Buy the Book:
Amazon ~  Audible
Add the Goodreads
 
 

 

 

Children’s Fiction (Ages 3-8),  40 pages

 
Caitlin Bangsund is the author of Marvellous Macey, The Delightful Days. It is the first in a series based on true life. Caitlin knows the trial and trauma of childhood cancer, childhood disability, and the fear of almost losing her daughter — the star of the series — Macey. She encourages readers to look for the treasures that hide in the rubble and gloom. Life is beautiful chaos and her message is to press on and conquer. Read her stories and help create a world that is full of kindness and acceptance.

BUY THE BOOK:
Author’s Website
Amazon

add to Goodreads
 
 

 

Children’s Fiction (Ages 3-7),  64 pages

 

 
When asked about her motivation for writing her children’s picture book about cancer, author Eva Grayzel explains:

My children were 5 and 7 when I was diagnosed with stage IV oral cancer. It’s a disease that cannot be hidden under clothing. My caregivers were so consumed with me, we didn’t addressthe feelings of our children. I regret not seeking professional attention for them during that time, but we didn’t think of it. If my healthcare providers had recommended it, we would have followed through. 
 
Since my voice was compromised during treatment, finding a book about understanding cancer would have been an easy solution. However, I could not find one to help start the conversation with our children.
 
Months after my recovery, my daughter still wouldn’t kiss me. She was intuitive, afraid of losing me and didn’t want to commit to another day of loving me. My son was shopping  with his grandma for a birthday card and he found a Get Well card. “Let’s buy this for Mom.” Grandma had to tell him that I wasn’t sick anymore.
 
When I reached my 10 year cancer-free anniversary, I had to mark it. There was no better way than filling the void for a children’s book to minimize fear and promote dialogue about cancer. ‘M.C. Plays Hide & Seek’ emphasizes feelings children experience and ways to address their emotions in a healthy, comfortable way. It’s everything I wished I had for my children. And, I hope it will be everything you need for yours.

Buy the Book
Amazon.com
Eva Grayzel ~ B&N

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Dead and Breakfast: Rewind or Die Book 11 by Gary Buller (Book Review)

When Eddie gets a flat in the middle of nowhere, the last thing on his mind is death. Then as darkness falls and the storm worsens, he’s forced to seek shelter alongside his significant other, Banksy. Big mistake.

Bed and Breakfast, the sign said, but there are no eggs and bacon on the menu here. Instead, their host serves up four tales of terror with a little murder on the side. And as the other residents of the mansion gradually reveal themselves, Eddie and Banksy begin to wonder if they’ll ever check out alive. 

Kindle Purchase Link

 


(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique)

 

Dead and Breakfast is a collection of 5 short stories, but they are not disjointed. I won’t say how Gary’s connects them, but I will say it’s twisted…morbid…and creepy AF! 

No matter if you are reading CordsThe Brace, The Weight of Nostalgiaor The Greyfriarsyou’ll discover something in each of these tales that’ll cause you to make the eww, grossed-out face. Case in point, in The Greyfriars, there were BIG, FAT MAGGOTS. I found them equally or more disturbing than the phantoms/ghosts/spirits. Yeah, I hate insects that much. 

Don’t get me started on all the various other haunting creatures… 

Without a doubt, Gary’s mind is as twisted as Stephen King’s. One day, I hope to see Gary’s workings brought to life on the big screen. Of course, I’ll be watching the movie through parted fingers. 


Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: 

Kindle Purchase Link

 

 

Gary Buller is an author from Manchester England where he lives with his long suffering partner Lisa, and his daughter Holly. He is a huge fan of all things macabre having grown up reading King and Koontz and loves a tale with a twist.

Website Link
Twitter Link

 

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Bald is Beautiful: A letter for a fabulous girl by Carola Schmidt (Book Review)

Paperback: 24 pages

 

“Bald is Beautiful: A letter for a fabulous girl” is an inspiring and lovely illustrated letter for girls of any age who will go or already are bald. It’s a perfect gift to send love to a powerful girl who needs to be reminded of how beautiful and loved she is. It’s not a book that explains scientific conditions, disease, and treatment. It’s about love, beauty, happiness, and friendship when going through various changes in our lives.

Amazon Purchase Link

Kindle Purchase Link

 

 


(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique) 

My eleven-year-old daughter and I both took turns reading and writing down our thoughts regarding Bald is Beautiful

We both agreed the illustrations were cute but geared towards younger viewers. My daughter said, “I can’t see an adult or older kid reading this book unless a younger person couldn’t read well yet. The pictures are a bit babyish.”

My daughter wasn’t familiar with a “hat and scarf party” but, after I explained what it was, Bald is Beautiful made more sense and was more enjoyable for her. 

We both agree Bald is Beautiful was a cute book; however, my daughter thought it needed more words. There were a few pages with only illustrations. 

The word cancer is scary, but I believe… we believe… this book will bring a smile to many young children facing cancer. 

(Score issued by my eleven-year-old daughter.)

 

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score:  ❤❤

Amazon Purchase Link

Kindle Purchase Link

 

 

 

Carola Schmidt is a pediatric oncology pharmacist, as well as the author of children’s books about cancer and scientific books for Springer Nature. She is in the BookAuthority list of “81 Best Leukemia Books of All Time” with Chubby’s Tale: The true story of a teddy bear who beat cancer. She is also the author of the Babushka Series, which makes subjects as Holodomor and belonging simple for kids.
 
 
 
About the illustrator:
Dian Ovieta is a children’s book illustrator who is really in love with anything about the children’s world.

 

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Showcasing FOUR Super-Talented Children’s Book Authors!

 Today’s post is dedicated to children’s book authors, children, and their caregivers.

Below, you’ll discover several books on a variety of topics: cancer, cooking, baking, pirates, imagination, etc. I encourage you pick up one or more than one book and get lost in the wonderment of the written word. 

 

Author: Carola Schmidt 

* Writer in the BookAuthority list of “81 Best Leukemia Books of All Time” with “Chubby’s Tale: The true story of a teddy bear who beat cancer”
* Author of several scientific books on pediatric oncology by Springer Nature
* Children’s book author

Twitter Link

 

 

 

“Bald is Beautiful: A letter for a fabulous girl” is an inspiring and lovely illustrated letter for girls of any age who will go or already are bald. It’s a perfect gift to send love to a powerful girl who needs to be reminded of how beautiful and loved she is. It’s not a book that explains scientific conditions, disease, and treatment. It’s about love, beauty, happiness, and friendship when going through various changes in our lives.

Bald is Beautiful comes like a hug, and it’s the perfect gift for girls aged 4-100 years and up.

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

 

‘Oh man! Go find someone to help you get better. Christmas is around the corner. You know… nobody buys toys after Christmas!’ said Superhero when Chubby — a teddy bear with a wool pullover and no pants — felt unwell. Chubby embarks on an adventure through a La La Land toy store, discovering cancer, leukemia, chemotherapy and stem cell transplantation. He surprises us with a fun trip in a yellow toy Beetle, with friends, and his own Happy Ending. Carola Schmidt, the author, is a Pediatric Oncology Pharmacist, and author of pediatric oncology books by Springer Nature. Chubby is proud to be in the BookAuthority list of “81 Best Leukemia Books of All Time.”

Amazon Print Purchase Link

 

 

 

Author: Donna Glass

I’m a wife, mother of two kids, a lover of comic books, and a home cook. I believe in making mealtime an enjoyable experience through joint cooking and kid-friendly meals. I also believe kids that help with the cooking process are more likely to eat their meals, which leads to a happy, peaceful dining experience.

Website Link / Twitter Link

 

 

Age range: 1st grade and up

Be a Superhero in the Kitchen contains a detailed list of Superhero Cooking Tips and twenty, kid-friendly recipes: Super Chicken Tacos, Powerful Potato Cakes, Mega Mac and Cheese Pizza, Crime Fighter’s Cookie Fluff, Legendary Lemon Tarts, and many more!

Let your child try their hand with the recipes in this book. Every kid who becomes the superhero of suppertime is one who eats super well!

 

Amazon Print Purchase Link
Kindle Purchase Link

VOTE for Be a Superhero in the Kitchen in allauthor’s June Cover Contest.

 

 

Author: Hoot N. Holler

Hoot N. Holler is the pen name for author Alex Bailey’s children’s books. Hoot N. Holler writes fantasy, mystery, and adventure stories.

Hoot N. Holler’s Twitter Link

Website Link

 

 

 

 
WILL THEY FIND THE HIDDEN TREASURE OR BE CAPTURED BY PIRATES?

When King Manuel of Oro announces his ten-year-old son’s crowning ceremony, Leo’s world crumbles. He doesn’t want to be a stuffy old prince! He wants to be free to roam the kingdom and spar with the crew of the royal navy.

Dreading his upcoming ceremony, Leo longs to have one final adventure before taking on his royal duties. His gets his wish when his ship is overtaken by pirates! And when he discovers his pesky younger sister, Nina has followed him and is also trapped on board, he is furious. But when a young pirate, Duke, who is just a boy Leo’s age, warns them to abandon ship before they are discovered, Leo persuades Duke to join them.

The kids escape to a nearby island, discover a treasure map, and set out to find their riches. They brave the dangers of the jungle and angry pirates on this wild and risky adventure seeking the island’s hidden treasure.

If you are looking for exciting action and adventure books for children ages 6 to 10, look no further! This action-packed adventure is also an inspiring family book, a treat for parents and little ones alike.

Perfect summer read for kids!

Amazon Print Purchase Link

Kindle Purchase Link

 

 

 
Twelve-year-old friends, Sam and Rex live in a boring town. But then mysterious strangers arrive, and the boys’ humdrum summer vacation turns into the exciting adventure they’ve dreamed about.

When Sam and Rex accuse the strangers of being criminals, no one in the town believes them. The boys draft a plan to prove their suspicions are correct by uncovering the dangerous plot, which involves risking lives.

But will their plan work? Will the boys be able to stop the criminals in time? And whose lives will they be risking to expose the criminals?

For fans of the Hardy Boys, readers will enjoy this modern-day action and adventure, mystery detective book for children ages 9 to 12.

 

Amazon Print Purchase Link

Kindle Purchase Link

Hoot N. Holler’s Twitter Link

 

 

 

Author: S. Jackson

Website Link

 

 

 

In ‘The Big Cheese Festival’, we meet Stubby Mouse and his family and friends. We learn that Stubby Mouse has a secret, that he is being bullied by another mouse, simply because his tail is short.Read how Stubby Mouse stood up for himself, and how he ended the bullying, in this delightful story for children.

Targeted at ages 4-8, the book is easy to read and perfect for home or classroom. Children learn how bad bullying is, and what they can do to help stop bullies! Stubby Stubby Mouse encourages children to take a stand against bullies, and always be kind to each other.

This story illustrates how everyone is different and unique, and it is a delightful read with adorable and eye catching cute illustrations for both children and adults. Take a stand against bullying today! 

Amazon Print Purchase Link

Kindle Purchase Link

 

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The Beast in a Suit by Elena Kincaid (Book Review)

She’s no damsel. He’s no prince. Can their love still be strength enough to save them both?

Twenty years later, and the hole inside Emeline’s soul only got bigger, mourning the loss of her mother and brother and what could have been. A stranger comes along with changes to a career she loves, but will it be for the better and will he end up changing her, too?

Adam has been closed off to the world for nearly two decades, existing but not living. He doesn’t even realize the shell of a man he’s become until a woman he’s slowly falling for makes him examine his own reflection.

A modern twist on a classic tale filled with desire, passion, and one dangerous obsession.

Kindle Purchase Link (US)

Kindle Purchase Link (UK)

Evernight Publishing Site

BookStrand.com

Barnes and Noble Purchase Link

 

“You’re firing me?”

“Of course not,” he replied adamantly, finally turning to face her. “I meant what I said before. You’re very valuable to this company and you’ve more than proven it. I also meant it when I told you that you would do great on your own. I don’t want you to leave.” He took her hand in his. “I want nothing more than for you stay, but I don’t want to hold you hostage. That was unfair of me. Please, forgive me.”

The truth was, she had forgotten about his threat. With the way he turned the company around along with giving her his friendship, not to mention the fact that she was in love with him, she was happy there again. She hadn’t thought about quitting or about going out on her own. The fact that he remembered and was apologizing for it and even willing to let her go without any repercussions stunned her. She had already forgiven him a while ago.

She watched a sly smile form on his lips, a devilish gleam in his eye. “No one should have to work for an asshole.”

“Good thing I no longer think of you as an asshole.” She glanced down at their joined hands. “I would like to stay.”

“You would?” He sounded surprised, hopeful even, and the look on his face confirmed it when she raised her head.

“And what about you, Adam?” she asked. “Do you intend to stay?” She knew it was a premature question, given the fact that it would be some time before he could present a tempting sale, but she felt like she needed to know if he even considered the possibility of actually keeping the company and running it himself.

He reached out and toyed with a strand of her hair. “I’d gotten so used to working with soulless corporations, people who wouldn’t hesitate to stab each other in the back. I guess you can say I’m pleasantly surprised. Publishing Enchanted is more than a company. It’s a family.”

“You’re part of it now.”

“And I don’t think I want to give that up.” He let go of her hair and brushed his knuckles down her cheek. “I have too many reasons to stay.”

They were so close now, their faces mere inches apart. Emeline couldn’t even remember how they had gotten there, but now she only wanted to be closer. “Adam,” she whispered, right before he closed the final distance between them and kissed her.

His kiss was soft, tentative at first, as if gauging her reaction, but when she wrapped her arms around him, he deepened it, moaning into her mouth as their tongues finally met and entwined. Finally, she got her wish and fisted her hand in his thick locks. His hair was soft, just as she’d imagined. Even his beard was soft against her skin. And God, he was such a great kisser, exploring her mouth thoroughly, lips and tongues feverishly connecting.

It was her turn to moan when he pulled her onto his lap and his hands began to roam down her back, her arms, and skimming down the sides of her breasts. He stopped kissing her lips long enough to move down to her jaw, her neck, and then all the way down to that deep V in the center of her cleavage, eliciting another, much louder, moan from her.

She was so lost in him, she hadn’t even realized at first that they were no longer moving, had no idea when they had stopped. Adam took notice of it, too, and paused his attentions to her. They were both panting as they stared at one another, and this time it was Emeline who leaned in and kissed him. She whispered, “Stay,” against his lips, the ache inside her for him too great to be able to part with him.

He practically growled in response and the two of them poured months of longing into their next kiss.

“I’m going to devour every single inch of you,” he said.

Yes, please!

Kindle Purchase Link (US)

Kindle Purchase Link (UK)

Evernight Publishing Site

BookStrand.com

Barnes and Noble Purchase Link

 

(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique) 

 

Emeline and Adam met by chance at a cemetery. He found her asleep, scolded her for her foolishness sleeping out there, and then he offered her money to get cleaned up. Emeline, feeling embarrassed and foolish, declined his offering and left the cemetery. As she drove away, neither had any clue their paths would cross again so soon.

Monday morning, Emeline met the new owner of Publishing Enchanted. He was the man from the cemetery. Their first encounter was a walk in the park compared to today’s events. She was not a fan of the boss or the changes he was going to implement. She even threatened to quit. Of course, her feelings towards him and his direction for the company soon changed. Hate became like and then like morphed into love.

Whether you like or love your boss, Elena (author) pointed out being involved with a boss/co-worker never comes without drama. In Emeline and Adam’s case, drama seemed to follow them wherever they went. A coffee shop, charity ball, parking garage, no place is safe when you have a deranged stalker harassing you.

Emeline and Adam each had their chance to come to each other’s rescue in their own way. However, despite everything, feelings were hurt and blood was shed.

Despite the drama, The Beast in a Suit cut the tension with random spots of humor. The bicycle lessons were actually adorable. It reminded me of Phoebe (from the television show Friends) and the less than graceful way she rode a bike.

 

Before I conclude my review, I would like to discuss a couple more things.  

1.) I’m not sure I could train for a triathlon in 2 weeks. I think it’d pass out long before I ever saw the final line.  😀 

2.) I was moved by Adam’s speech regarding why he was holding a charity ball for Cancer Families. Elena (the author) was absolutely on point when she had Adam says these key lines…. 

“Cancer is like an unwelcomed guest, insinuating itself into countless lives and definitely overstaying its welcome.”

“Cancer ravages the mind and body, it incites, fear, and then it leaves devastation behind.”

“No one should have to worry about not being able to afford their medical care, or of not being able to pay their mortgage, or to put food on the table during that trying time.” 

 

I have a friend who is battling cancer. I know the financial burden her family is facing. Physically, mentally and emotionally, her and her family are weighed down by what cancer has brought upon them. If you have any money to spare, please donate to those in need or to any cancer research organization. Desperate families need your help. We need a cure for cancer before more lives are taken, before someone else loses a friend or family member to this terrible disease. 

 

 

Heart Rating System:

1 (lowest) and 5 (highest)

Score: ❤❤❤❤

 

Kindle Purchase Link (US)

Kindle Purchase Link (UK)

Evernight Publishing Site

BookStrand.com

Barnes and Noble Purchase Link

 

Elena Kincaid is an award-winning and Amazon best-selling author. She writes Paranormal and Contemporary Romances with alpha males who stop at nothing to protect their women, heroines who are anything but damsels in distress, and stories where the only love worth fighting for is the forever kind of love.

She was born in Ukraine and raised in New York, where she currently lives with her daughter. Her desk is constantly cluttered with journals, sticky notes, and torn-out pieces of paper full of ideas. When not working, Elena loves to spend time with her family, travel the globe, curl up with a good book, and catch up on her shows.

 

STALK HER IN ALL THE RIGHT PLACES:

Blog / Website

Twitter / FB Author Page

Amazon / Goodreads

Street Team / Instagram

Newsletter / Youtube

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