Beautiful Children’s Books To Read During The Winter Chill
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on January 30, 2024
Do you have a young reader in your life? Or maybe you’re looking for a great bedtime story to enjoy with your youngest book lovers. Stuck inside by the winter chill? We have plenty of beautiful children’s books to add to your reading list! Our Hidden Gems ARC readers loved the following titles, and we bet your young bookworm will, as well. Grandma’s House is Haunted by Stephen Bowling With 40+ ratings and a 4.7 average star rating, Grandma’s House is Haunted is recommended for children 5-7 years old, and describes all the spooky sounds that occur at Grandma’s house. “Grandma’s House is Haunted has quickly become a favorite of my 18 month old. He loves to listen to the story and will spend time after I’ve finished reading the text taking in the pictures. He loves to point at different things he sees and learn what they are called…. Read More >
Conquer Self Doubt and Just Hit Publish
By: Ginger | Posted on January 26, 2024
If you’ve been sitting on the fence about publishing because you’ve been battling insecurities about whether or not your voice is important enough to be heard, fear not: You’re not alone. Self doubt can be one of the biggest obstacles to overcome in your self-publishing journey, and some of the greatest and most influential authors that have ever put pen to paper are known to have struggled with that same lack of confidence. Yet they somehow managed to push through and the world is better for it. Today, Ginger shares a personal story that illustrates how this issue hit very close to home with him. This experience impacted him so deeply that he felt compelled to write this article, stressing the importance for authors to push past these fears and just hit publish. Recently, I’ve been spending time with my 86-year old father, talking about his life. I felt it was… Read More >
Sizzling Romance Novels to Read this Winter
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on January 19, 2024
If you’re a regular on the Hidden Gems blog, you’ll know that romance is the most popular genre in our ARC program. Our readers know that no two love stories are the same, so they scoop up sizzling romance novels like the ones on this list every chance they get. So if you’re looking for a new hot read to chase away the winter chill, there’s something for every romance reader on this list! Quiet by Clarissa Bright With over 125 ratings and a 4.3 star average, Quiet is the first in the Mercy Blades series, which plunges readers into the bloody, dangerous, dark side of Orlando. LadyCait raves in her five star Amazon review, “Great murder mystery with plenty of spicy mafia. While this book isn’t loaded down with spice the scenes that do exist are incredibly hot and well written. I also enjoyed trying to figure out the… Read More >
What can writers learn by studying Kathy Reichs?
By: Ginger | Posted on January 19, 2024
When we think of authors whose work is a masterclass in blending riveting storytelling with expert knowledge, Kathy Reichs immediately comes to mind. Known for her best-selling crime novels which inspired the hit TV series “Bones”, Reichs’ journey from a forensic anthropologist to a literary sensation is nothing short of remarkable. In today’s blog, Ginger will delve into the unique elements that make Reichs’ work stand out. From her adept use of forensic science, to her complex plot, relatable characters and diverse settings, Reichs crafts enthralling tales that leave readers wanting more. By drawing on our own life experiences, we can also master these techniques, creating relatable and realistic stories that resonate within our chosen genres. Last month, I wrote a post entitled: “What can writers learn from reading Freida McFadden?” and immediately received a couple of requests to write a similar post about an author whose inspirational fingerprints can definitely… Read More >
Page-Turning Mysteries to Spend the Weekend With
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on January 16, 2024
Are you looking for page-turning mysteries to keep your heart racing in the winter cold? Today we’ve rounded up a collection that includes a variety of mystery novels that have been popular and well-liked by Hidden Gems ARC readers. Spend your cold winter weekends curled up reading these and trying to guess whodunit? Piña Colada Calamity by Tanya Westlake On a luxurious cruise vacation in Owhiro, two seasoned amateur sleuths, Kallie and Tess, are in for more than just sun and relaxation. When a fellow passenger’s death transforms their getaway into a crime scene, the duo jumps into action. Stranded at sea with no professional investigators in sight, they unravel the mysterious homicide, navigating the unique risks of an isolated cruise ship. Little do they know, the lurking killer is not pleased with their interference. In this high-stakes mystery, Kallie and Tess must tread carefully, realizing that on the open… Read More >
Crafting Unforgettable Plot Twists
By: Ginger | Posted on January 12, 2024
There are certain books and movies that have captivated audiences not just because of their intriguing plots, but because of their masterfully executed plot twists – moments so unexpected yet inevitable that they permanently reshape our understanding of the entire narrative. When done right, these moments can shake us to the core, leaving a lasting impression that keeps the story in our heads for years to come. To create these plot twists, it’s vital to understand their essence, which is exactly what Ginger aims to take us through in today’s blog. The art of foreshadowing, subverting genre expectations, and creating emotional impact are just some of the topics that need to be mastered, but the result will be plot twists that don’t just shock your readers, but fit neatly in with your story and characters. Warning: As we’re talking about plot twists and referencing examples from popular literature and film,… Read More >
Great Fantasy Novels to Escape Into
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on January 9, 2024
Is one of your New Year Resolutions to read more? If you’re looking to escape the winter cold, here is a list of some great fantasy novels loved by Hidden Gems ARC readers, sure to keep the pages turning. The Cleaners by L.L. Frost With over 445+ ratings and a 4.5 star average, The Cleaners by L.L. Frost is book one of a six book series which follows a team of paranormal mercenaries. JaToya L. describes in her five star Amazon review why you should add this to your TBR list, “There is nothing like smart, strong characters dealing with understandable conflicts. I love that effort went into giving these characters depth. That you can see how complex they are without being overloaded with all the details from the beginning. Frost is building a cast that readers will actually care about and cheer on. And I’m really looking forward to… Read More >
Crafting Relatability through Imperfect Heroes
By: Ginger | Posted on January 5, 2024
The heart of any memorable story lies not in perfection, but in the imperfect layers of its flawed heroes and heroines. Imperfections and vulnerabilities in our heroes can transform them from mere characters on a page to living, breathing entities that resonate deeply with readers. The flaws of a protagonists help connect us, making their triumphs and struggles our triumphs and struggles. Today, Ginger explores a variety of ways that we can bring complexity and imperfection to our main characters, while still allowing readers to root for them. Whether it’s the moral ambiguity of Hamlet or the enduring resilience of Jane Eyre, Ginger takes us through examples that demonstrate how a flawed character can captivate readers, allowing our imperfect heroes to not only leap off the page, but leave a lasting impression long after the story is done. Superman may be the most powerful member of the Justice League, but… Read More >
Women’s Lit Books To Kick Off 2024
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on January 2, 2024
Explore this selection of women’s literature from the Hidden Gems ARC program—ranging from lighthearted to heart-wrenching. These novels, rich in themes of exploration and redemption, delve into the complexities of family and friendship relationships. Whether you’re seeking a moment of “me time” or your next book club pick, these compelling reads promise an engaging journey through relatable and resonant stories. Bouquets and Breakups by Jules Matthew Poppi Applewhaite’s meticulously crafted to-do list is her roadmap to success, but as life throws unexpected curveballs, she finds herself juggling professional aspirations and personal loyalties. Tasked with orchestrating the grandest wedding in Barbados, Poppi sees it as her golden opportunity to ascend the career ladder and prove herself to her affluent circle. However, her ambitions face sabotage from an unexpected source, threatening not only her professional standing but also unveiling buried personal truths. “I really loved this book,” writes Anonymous in their 5-star… Read More >
