Apr 1, 2024

#BookReview #Pictures #EscapeBreakingFreeFromASelfMadePrison #Memoir #TimKaufman

 

ESCAPE - Breaking Free from a Self-Made Prison" is a stirring and deeply personal memoir that chronicles a remarkable journey of resilience, healing, and self-discovery. Diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome in his twenties, Tim Kaufman's life spiraled into a vortex of painkillers, alcohol, and fast food addiction, leading him to a critical juncture at over 400 pounds, riddled with chronic diseases, and near immobility.

This book is not just a recounting of despair but a testament to the power of making small, consistent changes. Adopting a whole food plant-based diet, embracing gratitude, and finding his purpose, Tim transformed his life, evolving from an addict to an athlete competing in marathons, Ironmans, and ultramarathons.

His journey is a beacon of hope, illustrating that it's never too late to rewrite your life story. Alongside his personal narrative, he offers invaluable advice and a practical roadmap for transformation, making this book a source of inspiration and guidance for anyone seeking to overcome their life challenges. Tim is passionate and confident that change is just a choice away for everyone, and that if he can change you can too! He lays out a simple, concise, and effective roadmap for anyone seeking to change their life regardless of their situation or circimstance.

Join him on this extraordinary journey of redemption and discover the path to a healthier, happier life.

Buy Links: Amazon



Tim Kaufman was diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) in his early twenties. He was in chronic pain most of his life. By the time he had reached the age of 37 he was addicted to Fentynal, alcohol, and fast food. At over 400 pounds he was unable to perform simple daily tasks and almost immobile. He had lost his interest in life and had almost given up. Tim started a journey to regain his health by changing one small thing at a time. He is now an athlete that thrives on a plant-based whole food lifestyle and leads a healthy, happy, productive, and very active life that is free of all medications he was once on. He uses his platform on social media to help others find health and happiness. You can find him on Facebook, Instagram, and his web-page at fatmanrants.com.




Social Media Links
Email: info@fatmanrants.com


Pictures of Tim’s inspirational journey 


Tim and Heather




















Escape 
Breaking Free From A Self-Made Prison
Written By Tim Kaufman
Review By Heidi Lynn’s Book Reviews

First, I want to thank Tim Kaufman and FatManRants, LLC for providing me with this book so I may bring you this review. 


WOW!! Tim Kaufman is incredibly brave to open up, pouring out all of his raw emotions in his new Memoir Escape Breaking Free From A Self-Made Prison. It is a very powerful read with a lot of life very important lessons weaved in. If you read any Memoir this year this is the one you need to read! It is a must read that needs to be put up there on your TBR shelf. 


Erin Devantier, Carl Aery, and Jannine Elder all need to be commended for their incredible job with the cover! Their cover design and photo speaks volumes even before you start reading the book. 


I have read many dedications in my book reviewing career however none of them have been written quite as beautiful as Tim’s was. It was written from his heart directly to his readers.


Tim has some very prominent people (Robert Cheeke, NY Times Best Selling Co-Author of The Plant Based Athlete and Nina Messinger, Vegan Activist and Founder of The H.O.P.E Project) that have shared their reviews of Escape in the book. 


Tim makes it very clear in many of his chapters that he is not a writer. However, I found this book very beautifully written straight from his heart and it showed. One reason for writing this book was to let his readers know that change is possible and to give hope to those who seek it.


As a fellow WNYer I enjoyed reading about Tim and what his childhood was like. 


I had a big Koolaid grin on my face when I read the chapter on how Tim asked Heather out on a date for the first time! It was the sweetest ever! Later only to chuckle at how he proposed to her! 


Heather and I are quite alike in that we both like a good bargain! I too am a coupon clipper and a bargain shopper! 


In Escape Tim educates us about his EDS Ehlers Danalos Syndrome and by this he brings awareness to his Syndrome. He also walks you through how he was diagnosed and how it has affected his life. 


Tim hit the nail on the head when he talked about chronic pain and how it is not just physical but emotional as well. I too suffer from chronic pain from debilitating migraines and scoliosis. For Tim his escape from the pain was food, alcohol and drugs. For me it is escaping reality in a book. 


I loved getting to know Heather’s Mom aka Mom B through Tim. She seemed like a great woman who was a great cook. I loved that she would put everyone’s needs before her own! My heart broke upon learning she had Acute Myeloid Leukemia and Lymphoma. 


Once again my heart broke learning about Tim’s Dad having stage 4 Renal Cancer. I just wanted to hop into the book and give both Tim and Heather a big hug. 

 

Tim discussed going down the route of Bariatric Surgery and I am glad he didn’t go down that route. Where it may help some people like myself (I had the surgery in 2004 and weighed 303lbs and now 140lbs). That surgery is not for everyone and had a chance to do it all over again I would have picked a different route. 


I was blown away by all of all the ups and downs that Tim went through to get to where he is today! Not only his weight but the steps he took to get there! If you know Tim you know all he has achieved in his athletic adventures! It blew my mind reading how it was in the beginning. He definitely has come a long way. 


It made me smile when I read that his son Jesse took a likening to hiking and would join him once in a while. Plus, he would go on small hikes with his daughter. 


Tim shares many inspirational stories in Escape. He also invites his readers to check out his website fatmanrants.com and gives you a QR Code to scan. There is also a link that will take you to see pictures of his journey. 


Reading Escape motivated me to revamp my nutrition, weight loss, and fitness goals. If he can do it, so can I. 








Mar 30, 2024

#BlogTour #BookReview #TheGodMother #JaneEJames #ZoolooBookTours

 

Book Blurb

Me: I’ve just turned forty. My ex dumped me a year ago — and I’m still not over him.

 

Her: My best friend Maddie has everything I’ve ever wanted. A successful, handsome husband. A designer riverside home. A cleaner. A gardener. A luxury kitchen that cost three times my salary. And Joe, their sixteen-year-old son.

 

Him: Joe, my strapping, sweet-natured godson, says I’m like his second mum. Sometimes I think I’m closer to him than his real mum.

 

Then, late one night, there’s a hammering at the door. It’s Joe. Visibly upset and angry. He rushes past me before I even get the chance to invite him inside.

 

What he tells me — and what happens next will destroy EVERYTHING.


Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/209260631-the-godmother


 Jane E. James is a bestselling author who likes to create chilling reads that appeal to fans of psychological suspense thrillers, mysteries, and dark fiction. Her novels are packed with plot twists and turns that keep the reader guessing. All of them are standalone novels.  Jane is an animal lover and lives with her cat, Hero, in a small country village near Stamford, Lincolnshire in the UK, which is known for its quirky tea shops and cobbled streets. Rebecca, Carrie, The Woman in Black and Wuthering Heights are among some of Jane's favourite reads. 




The Godmother
Written By Jane E.James
Review By Heidi Lynn’s Book Reviews

First, I want to thank Jane E. James, Joffe Books and Zooloo Book Tours for providing me with this book so I may bring you this review. 


OMG….OMG….Jane E. James just got a new die hard fan!!! Her creative outside of the box explosive story deserves way more than 5 stars! This by far is the best psychological thriller I have read this year! You must run, not walk to your local bookstore and grab it. 


WOW!! Jane E. James needs to be commended for all of her taboo storylines in The Godmother! I just loved how bold she was to write about jaw dropping subjects! It was totally scandalous! Dang…I just can’t believe she went all the places she went in this book! 


Jane dropped bombshell after bombshell that will have you glued to your Kindle! Infact once I started reading I couldn’t put it down! It was just soo good!! 


The Godmother must be made into a Netflix series!! I need to see this unfold on the small screen!! It is just incredible!! 


Mar 28, 2024

#BookReview #FakeSouthernFiance #MongoliaGrove #BrittanyHolland #EnticingJourney

Stay tuned for a review at a later date. 

Title: Fake Southern Fiancé
Series: Magnolia Grove
Author: Brittany Holland
Genre: Small Town Romance
Tropes: Fake Fiancé, One Night Stand
Release Date: March 28, 2024
Cover Design: Sarah Paige







When you’re a famous wedding planner, planning your own wedding, everyone expects it to be the event of the year.

Just one problem… I don’t actually have a groom.

I did—but then he decided to walk away before I even walked down the aisle.

Now if I want to save my reputation, and my business, I need to find someone willing to play the part of my fake southern fiancé and pull off my small town wedding without a hitch.





In the heart of Alabama, lies a charming little town on the river, where everyone knows your name… and your business.

Follow the intertwined lives of its beloved residents as they navigate first love, second chances, and all the unexpected surprises that their small-town holds.

Welcome to Magnolia Grove, where every neighbor has a story worth unraveling, the roots run deep, and love blossoms around every corner.

Join the Magnolia Grove Reader Group to find out more!



Author Brittany Holland is a southern Illinois girl, born and raised. Her passion for reading and an active imagination inspired her to pursue her dream of writing.

A lover of fairytales and hopeless romantic, Brittany pens steamy happily ever afters with a modern twist.

In her free time, she enjoys traveling with her husband and two children, dabbling in photography, perfecting her latte making skills at home and binge-watching Netflix.






Fake Southern Fiancé
Written By Brittany Holland
Review By Heidi Lynn’s Book Reviews


First, I want to thank Brittany Holland and Enticing Journey Publication for providing me with this book so I can bring you this review.


The Magnolia Grove Series is one that I am very fond of. I have loved every book in this series so far. However, I was not a huge fan of Fake Southern Fiancé written by Brittany Holland. I really wanted to like it. Just because I didn't care for it doesn’t mean others won't. 


Brittany wants to dedicate this book to anyone who has ever played Wedding with her as a child. 


I felt the storyline of a fake fiancé has been done so many times in books and movies. It was pretty predictable how the book would turn out. 


There were some adorable scenes in the beginning with the characters as kids playing at a wedding. That put a smile on my face. 


The sex scenes were well done, I just felt too soon in the book. 


 

HOSTED BY:

#BlogTour #EveryStepYouTake #MAHunter #BoldwoodBooks #RachelsRandomResource #NetGalley.

 


 Every Step You Take

Run for your life...

This year's London Marathon is my last chance to win the final place on the Olympic team. The months of rehabilitation after my injury will feel worth it to cross that line.

But I wasn't expecting the man who's been making my life a living hell to be there. Last I knew, my stalker was behind bars, but he says he's going to be at the race watching.

I have 26 miles to figure out whether it's him, and what he wants, or I could lose more than just the race.

A taut psychological thriller, perfect for fans of Teresa Driscoll, TM Logan and Daniel Hirst.

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/everystepsocia







M.A. Hunter is the bestselling author of psychological and crime thrillers, including Adrift, and The Trail. Born in the north-east of England, he now lives in Southampton where many of his stories are set, allowing him to use his insider knowledge to deliver realistic and unsettling suspense on every page.


Away from writing, M.A. loves to read anything that will keep him awake at night. He’s also a passionate advocate for contemporary cinema and binge-watching the latest offerings from streaming services. He is married with a son and a daughter, and two dogs.


M.A. also writes under the name Stephen Edger.


Social Media Links – 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnAutieAuthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AnAutieAuthor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AnAutieAuthor

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/MAHunterNews





Every Step You Take 
Written By M.A. Hunter
Review By Heidi Lynn’s Book Reviews

First, I want to thank M.A. Hunter, Bookouture and NetGalley for providing me with this book so I may bring you this review. 


WOW!!! My heart was literally beating out of my chest reading M.A. Hunter’s Every Step You Take! Man oh Man was it wickedly intense! M.A. created such a creative and unique storyline that was written outside of the box. 


The cover graphics for this book was spot on to the concept of the book. 


One of the reasons I wanted to read this book was that my Brother In Law Benton (from San Francisco) ran the London Marathon years ago. I thought it would be a fun read. 


M.A. gives an inside look from a runners perspective what it is like to participate in a marathon. He shows us not tells us all the deep emotions that Molly is feeling. 


Every Step You Take had its fair share of creepy vibe due to the stalker.  All throughout the book I had the Police's song Every Step You Take in my head. 



Mar 27, 2024

#BooksonTour #SheHasMyChild #EmmaRobinson #Bookouture #NetGalley

 

The first time I hear the miraculous thud of my baby’s heartbeat, I’m clutching my sister’s hand. I was so happy when she offered to be our surrogate. But then I see the look on her face and I’m flooded with fear. This precious baby girl might be my child, but my sister is carrying her. Will she really be able to give her up?

All I’ve ever wanted is to be a mother. To have a child to take care of, to complete the family 
Mark and I are so desperate for. But after years of trying, my grandmother’s lovingly restored crib still lies empty. My dream is out of reach and Mark is more distant than ever. Until my impulsive sister Sophia suddenly offers me the greatest gift of all…

Her surrogacy will give me the baby I’ve prayed for. And there are so many painful memories from our broken childhood: could it even bring us closer as sisters? But as Sophia blooms with our miracle baby, Mark’s secretive behaviour has me questioning our marriage. And as I watch my sister’s face when the baby kicks, I wonder… 
why did she really offer to carry my child?

As Sophia gets closer to the birth, the hurtful secrets that forced us apart all those years ago come to light. And it’s terrifyingly clear that history is going to repeat itself, my innocent baby stuck in the middle. Because despite everything I thought I knew, 
how far can I really trust my sister with my baby…?

An utterly compelling and totally emotional tale about secrets within families, and how far you can really trust the people closest to you. Perfect for fans of Jodi Picoult, Jojo Moyes and Kate Hewitt.

Emma Robinson is the author of several women’s fiction novels. She also blogs about the funny side of parenting and has contributed to podcasts such as Funny Women. Whilst her early novels are humorous, her recent work focuses on emotional themes and these novels are both heart-breaking and life affirming. Emma enjoys writing stories which explore the power of family and friendship in the most challenging circumstances.

Emma currently lives in Essex with a husband, two children and a small black dog.

Sign up to be the first to hear about new releases from Emma Robinson here: https://www.bookouture.com/emma-robinson

Buy Link:

You can sign up for all the best Bookouture deals you'll love at: http://ow.ly/Fkiz30lnzdo


She Has My Child

Written By Emma Robinson

Review By Heidi Lynn’s Book Reviews

First, I want to thank Emma Robinson, Bookouture and NetGalley for providing me with this book so I may bring you this review. 


Warning: Emma Robinson is going to pull on your heart strings hard with her latest tearjerker She Has My Child! She had me reaching for the tissues within the first few paragraphs. Then again it wouldn’t be an Emma book without the ugly cry! 


Emma and her editor Susannah were both creative geniuses to place this story during Covid. Many other authors have not even touched on this subject. I enjoyed reading how the characters were affected by and how they dealt with the lockdown. 


Emma explored the bond of sisterhood and at what lengths they would go for each other. Having two sisters of my own I appreciated this story. My sisters and I may not see eye to eye all the time but there is nothing I wouldn’t do for them. Just like in She Has My Child. 


I was totally blown away and stunned at the huge twist in the story about Mark. I absolutely loved the revelation of his deep dark secret. 


Emma packed some very sweet heartfelt moments, twists and turns, family drama, and secrets into the mix. 


She Has My Child needs to be put on the top of your TBR list! It is a 5 star must read book that every reader will be talking about. Infact, this book would be great for a book club or discussion group as there is so much to discuss. 



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Heidi Lynn’s Book Reviews (heidilynnsbookreviews@gmail.com) Published @ 2014 by Crossroad Reviews