John Staughton, Senior Reviewer

About John Staughton, Senior Reviewer

Providing exceptional writing, editing and publishing services to hundreds of international clients, ranging from nutritional copywriting and long-form ghostwriting to substantive editing, assessment/analysis of academic texts and structural/content editing for bestselling novels.

Review: Harriet: A Jane Austen Variation by Alice McVeigh

Harriet: A Jane Austen Variation by Alice McVeigh

Harriet Smith boldly catapults herself into the delicate world of high society in Harriet: A Jane Austen Variation, another masterfully penned homage by Alice McVeigh. Youthful passions, fanciful romance, and shifting social dynamics make this an entertaining drama, a peek into the past, and a subtly modern treat.

Casting herself in the role of Emma Woodhouse’s protege, or live-in pet project, in an effort to move herself into a new sphere of society, Harriet cuts a strong, fearless, and authentic figure. Austen fans will be familiar with Emma’s character, from the novel of the same name, but this variation […]

2022-02-03T05:42:59+02:00February 3rd, 2022|Categories: Book Reviews, Lead Story|Tags: |

Review: Amerlee and the Green Void by George Hudoba

Amerlee and the Green Void by George Hudoba

Author George Hudoba holds nothing back in the chaotic cosmic opera, Amerlee and the Green Void, his latest novel from The Monarch in the Milky Way series. Captain Aa, Tata Crubon, Azure, Agent Sasha, Smith the immortal Emperor, the Toxic, and more return for this light-speed sequel to Agent Sasha, the first installation of the alternate reality sci-fi saga.

Picking up where the first book left off, readers are plunged right back into the action, as an elaborate two-pronged bank heist is executed to retrieve precious goods stolen by the Trust from the UNHL (United Nations of Humanlike […]

2022-02-03T05:52:03+02:00February 2nd, 2022|Categories: Book Reviews, Lead Story|Tags: |

Dear Daughter by Dedrick L. Moone

Dear Daughter by Dedrick L. Moone

Author Dedrick Moone explores the hidden superpowers of a father – along with the inevitable fears, victories, and frightening moments – in Dear Daughter: A Love Story, his latest book celebrating unique and resilient families. Vibrantly detailing his journey as a father, and showcasing the endless love and energy he poured out to care for his beloved child, this colorful read is a testimony to growth and emotional strength. That said, the prose could be tightened and edited down in certain places – there are a handful of obvious editing errors, and some passages are overly wordy or informal. […]

2022-02-02T12:17:12+02:00February 2nd, 2022|Categories: Editorial Reviews|

I Move A Lot and That’s Okay by Shermaine Perry-Knights

I Move A Lot and That's Okay by Shermaine Perry-Knights

Author Shermaine Perry-Knights puts her lived experience as a military kid to beautiful use in I Move A Lot and That’s Okay. Utilizing affirming and confident language about the positive elements of a transient lifestyle, the book will help particular young readers adjust to the implicit challenges of relocation. Addressing everything from cultural shifts and unwarranted fears to challenging goodbyes and the potential pleasures of change, this charming story subtly touches on a myriad of psychological and emotional obstacles for military kids. The digital illustrations are colorful and engaging, and the small formatting splashes of color keep the prose […]

2022-02-02T08:40:33+02:00February 2nd, 2022|Categories: Editorial Reviews|

Review: Nelson’s Folly by Oliver Greeves

Nelson's Folly by Oliver Greeves

A character-driven period drama that shines with eloquent prose, historical detail, and gripping suspense, Nelson’s Folly by Oliver Greeves is nothing short of masterful.

Initially, Captain Horatio Nelson is a captain without a ship, disliked by far too many in the British Navy for his career to progress any further. However, as the French Revolutionary Wars rage on, men of Nelson’s undeniable skill and experience are essential, and thus he finds himself freshly helming the Agamemnon, and quickly finding success on the high seas.

Horatio begins the story as a slightly jaded, yet confident husband, a man who commands interest […]

2022-04-11T04:14:20+02:00February 1st, 2022|Categories: Book Reviews|Tags: |

Accountability by Laura Strobel

Accountability by Laura Strobel

Author Laura Strobel peels open her heart and reveals a path to healing in her memoir, Accountability: Facing the truth to discover self-empowerment, a searing look at domestic violence, the deeply flawed justice system in America, and the long-term impacts of trauma in its many forms. Straying from the traditional framework of healing grief in five stages, Strobel addresses the complex issues of incarceration, both during and after, as well as the inalterable changes it can cause in one’s self-identity and relationships. Penned with raw emotional honesty, this is both a memoir and a guide for mindfulness, and would […]

2022-02-02T05:10:13+02:00February 1st, 2022|Categories: Editorial Reviews|

Trusted to Thrive by Marie-Claire Ross

Trusted to Thrive by Marie-Claire Ross

Author Marie-Claire Ross delivers a master class in leadership, trust-building, and communication with her latest book Trusted to Thrive: How leaders create connected and accountable teams. The three overarching steps/sections may seem intuitive, but Ross’ focus on creating a safe environment where experimentation, trust, and connection are encouraged, rather than conformity and competition, stands out as a unique focal point of her approach. Peppered with accessible and creative analogies, as well as practical steps that leaders and team members can employ for greater success, this book is easy to read, but simultaneously dives deep on critical points. Cleanly edited […]

2022-02-01T05:03:45+02:00January 31st, 2022|Categories: Editorial Reviews|

A Slow Trek by George Sanchez

A Slow Trek by George Sanchez Jeff Chaussier faces an unimaginable loss in New York City and a new tangled chapter of grief in A Slow Trek by George Sanchez, a vulnerable adventure of self-discovery and strength.

This installation of the Chaussier adventure series continues to challenge ideas of traditional family structures, and explores bold new forms of love after loss. Returning to New Orleans with his children and Bryna – his almost wife and sometimes lover – Jeff puts his Sherlock instincts to good use, putting together threads of sinister connections to his recent tragedy, while she dives into a bayou mystery of her own. […]

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