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TITLE OF YOUR BOOK: VELVET OF SWORDS
AUTHOR’S NAME: Joy V. Smith
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers’ Favorite
AUTHOR’S NAME: Joy V. SmithVelvet of Swords is a science fiction adventure by Joy V. Smith. Pressured to marry a man she doesn't love, Velvet, a young woman from the House of Swords, leaves her home and sets out into the unknown to embrace her destiny. Her quest leads her to five Firstcomers, whose bodies are no longer intact. Along the way, she also becomes the regent to the young siblings and heirs of the Hill-Hold, Alex and Thea, after rescuing them from the clutches of their previous regent, Hutto. Now, Velvet faces her biggest challenge. She must rescue the descendants of the Firstcomers imprisoned in The Citadel by the Terran colonizers. But the mad scientist, Dr. Michael Rankin, stands in her way. What's next for Velvet?
Velvet of Swords is a captivating story for sci-fi fans. The narrative hooks you in from the very first page and keeps you glued until the last, featuring monstrous creatures, brave heroes, and thrilling action sequences. Author Joy V. Smith has created a believable alien world that feels lived-in and immersive. There are fleshed-out cultures and dynamics between different factions that bring a sense of realism to the world, making the story even more engrossing. Velvet is a fascinating protagonist. She is primarily driven by her desire to help others, which makes her very easy to root for. I enjoyed her scenes with the five Firstcomers, as well as her relationship with Kip. Overall, this is a great science fiction novel. I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend it.
REVIEWERS’ RATING: 5 STARS
Available at https://pagadan.wordpress.com
MORE ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Joy V. Smith has been writing stories since she was a kid and made her own little books. Her stories and articles have been published in print magazines, ezines, and anthologies; and her SF has been published in two audiobooks, including Sugar Time. Her books include Detour Trail; Strike Three; Sugar Time, a collection of her published short stories;and several ebooks. She lives in Florida with Samwise Gamgee, a Chihuahua cross, and Pemberley the tortoiseshell cat in a remodeled house. (She's been practicing building and remodeling.) Learn more about her at https://pagadan.wordpress.com/ and Twitter at https://twitter.com/JoyVSmith
Change the World One Book at a Time: Make a Positive and Meaningful Difference with Your Words
Nina Amir
THE REVIEW:
For writers who wish to make a real difference, this comprehensive guide is a must-read. As author Amir acknowledges in the first chapter of this book, attempting to become an author of change can feel hugely daunting—but 'someone needs your book.' In Change the World One Book at a Time, she leads (and cheerleads) you through every step of the journey—from clarifying your message for yourself to putting it on the page in a way that will most effectively reach an audience—making what might otherwise feel like an overwhelming challenge accessible for all."
~ Brooke Warner, author of Write on, Sisters! and publisher of She Writes Press
ABOUT THE AUTHOR WHOSE BOOK IS BEING REVIEWED:
Nina is also a long time San Francisco Writers Conference volunteer and presenter. She now coordinates the Personal Growth for Writers track and the Writing for Change Summit. Nina’s most recent book, Change the World One Book at a Time: Make a Positive and Meaningful Difference with Your Words, will be published on January 6, 2026 by Books that Save Lives. (It is now available for pre-order, and those who purchase prior to January 6 receive two valuable bonuses—a “Clarify Your Purpose” journal and a course about authoring change. Order here.)
Previously, she wrote three traditionally published books for aspiring authors—How to Blog a Book, The Author Training Manual, and Creative Visualization for Writers. Additionally, she has self-published a host of books and ebooks, including the Write Nonfiction NOW! series of guides. She has had 19 books on the Amazon Top 100 List and as many as six books on the Authorship bestseller list at the same time.
Nina is an award-winning journalist and blogger, as well as a successful nonfiction developmental editor. Some of her editing clients have sold 300,000+ copies of their books, landed deals with major publishing houses and created thriving businesses around their books.
To further support writers, Nina created the Nonfiction Writers’ University, where members access a huge archive of resources, such as courses, ebooks, and interviews with writing and publishing experts, and receive monthly group Author Coaching. Additionally, she created the Write Nonfiction in November Challenge and Author of Change Transformational Programs.
Nina also founded the Inspired Creator Community, which provides group transformational (spiritual and personal growth) coaching around the topic of creating what matters. Many writers join this program to support their efforts to become authors.
AUTHOR'S FAVORITE LINKS:
Visit www.ninaamir.com
And read her blog at ninaamir.com/blog
Read her writing-related blogs at writenonfictionnow.com and howtoblogabook.com as well.
Follow her on social media sites!
Facebook https://www.
X/Twitter https://twitter.com/
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.
Instagram https://www.
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/
Pinterest https://www.
TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/
Bluesky https://bsky.app/
ASSURANCE TO SATISFY COPYRIGHT LAW:
√ Yes, I have received permission from the reviewer to reprint their review in its entirety.
REVIEWER’S BYLINE: Brooke Warner, author of Write on, Sisters! and publisher of She Writes Press
MORE ABOUT THE REVIEWER:
ABOUT THE REVIEWER:
AUTHOR'S EMAIL ADDRESS :
X/Twitter: https://twitter.
Design For Your Mind: ITLE OF YOUR BOOK: Design For Your Mind: How a Family Caregiver and Mental Health Therapist Renovated Her Home to Recharge Her Life – and Didn’t Break the Bank |
TITLE OF YOUR BOOK DESIGN FOR YOUR MIND: HOW A FAMILY CAREGIVER AND MENTAL HEALTH THERAPIST RENOVATED HER HOME TO RECHARGE HER LIFE – AND DIDN’T BREAK THE BANK
AUTHOR OF BOOK's NAME Annie Guest
AUTHOR'S EMAIL ADDRESS annieguestdesign@
AUTHOR'S FAVORITE LINKS: https://www.
ASSURANCE TO SATISFY COPYRIGHT LAW:
X I am the reviewer and give TNBR permission to print this review.
REVIEWER’S BYLINE: Abigail Adams
ITHE REVIEW:
ABOUT THE AUTHOR WHOSE BOOK IS BEING REVIEWED: Annie Guest had a varied career in book publishing, advertising, and law, before she took another jump to work as a mental health therapist and publish her first book. In DESIGN FOR YOUR MIND, Annie combines her passion for people and their potential with her love for interior design and her appreciation for the design choices that support mental health.
AUTHOR IMAGES:
Cover of Design For Your Mind by Annie Guest
Profile Photo of Annie Guest, author of Design For Your Mind
AUTHOR'S EMAIL ADDRESS annieguestdesign@
AUTHOR'S FAVORITE LINKS: https://www.
ADD THIS ASSURANCE TO SATISFY COPYRIGHT LAW:
I am the reviewer and give TNBR permission to print this review.
REVIEWER’S BYLINE: Abigail Adams
INCLUDE THE THE REVIEW ITSELF, of course!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR WHOSE BOOK IS BEING REVIEWED: Annie Guest had a varied career in book publishing, advertising, and law, before she took another jump to work as a mental health therapist and publish her first book. In DESIGN FOR YOUR MIND, Annie combines her passion for people and their potential with her love for interior design and her appreciation for the design choices that support mental health.
AUTHORProfile Photo of Annie Guest, author of Design For Your Mind
