❀New Children's Book Alert❀: Evan's Gift by Karen Charles

 

Title: Evan's Gift
Author: Karen Charles
Pages: 48
Genre: Children (ages 5 - 12)

When Evan trades his dream of a new bike for compassion, he discovers the greatest gift of all—helping others. Perfect for classrooms and families, “Evan’s Gift” celebrates empathy, courage, and the beauty of giving in a warm, uplifting story about generosity and the power of choosing kindness.

Here's what readers have to say...

“What a lovely story! This is a life lesson wrapped in an engaging and beautifully illustrated package geared toward readers 5 – 12. Charles opted to provide an abundance of sensory details for her readers, so the younger ages might need assistance from a parent if they are not fluent readers. Middle-grade readers ages 8 – 12 will appreciate the additional details. Knowing this is inspired by a true story makes it extra special. With stunning artwork by Roger Feldman, Evan’s Gift is sure to delight readers with its touching story and expressive illustrations.” – The Children’s and Teens’ Book Connection

“Even’s Gift is a story that your youngster is able to relate to the characters. The message will stick with your youngster for a longtime after they’ve read the story. This story can be used by teachers or parents to help open conversations. The words are perfect for emerging and middle grade readers. Kids and adults will love this book. I love the discussion questions and activity guide at the end of the book.  If you are looking for a book with the following themes then this would be a good book to read” – The Blended Blog

 

About the Author

Karen Charles grew up in West Africa and traveled to countries in Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. Her rich background and lifetime experiences are reflected in the depth of her writing. In her stories, she transforms real-life narratives into gripping fiction thrillers. Her novels intricately weave the threads of truth into a tapestry of suspense, intrigue, and riveting storytelling. She is the author of two children’s books, “Freeman Earns a Bike” and “Evan’s Gifts,” and three thrillers based on true stories. “Fateful Connections” takes place in the aftermath of 9/11, and “Blazing Upheaval” takes place during the Rodney King riots in Los Angeles and the Northridge earthquake. “A Glimpse Too Far” offers all the mystery and heart-pounding suspense of a psychological thriller and is based on a true story. 

Karen Charles has two businesses—a global company that trains international teachers to teach American English and an Airbnb on a beautiful bay in Washington State, where she currently resides with her husband. 

Visit her website at www.weaveofsuspense.com. 

Connect with her on X, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Book Cover Junkie Interviews New Adult Romantic Suspense Author S.D. Lettie

Before she ever had “author” next to her name, S.D. Lettie was—and still is—an avid reader first; the kind who would finish a book in a day and beg her parents to take her back to the bookstore. Reading started as a hobby and, as she got older, became her source of entertainment, escape, and comfort. Over the years, she found herself wanting to write the kind of worlds readers could get excited about—a world that could grow into a fandom of its own. 

Today, Lettie writes slow-burn romances—stories about characters who are imperfectly perfect, the hard moments that shape them, and the plot twists that leave readers reeling. Outside her writing life, she’s a wife and mom of two, roles that influence both her time and perspective. She’s also a dedicated soccer fan, the kind who will plan her day around a match and openly admit she’ll yell at the TV when things get heated.

Through all of it, her goal as an author is simple: she wants her characters to stay with readers long after the book ends. 

Her latest book is the new adult romantic suspense, The Arrangement (Bancroft University Chronicles Book 1).

Visit her website at www.sdlettieauthor.com. Connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, BookBub and Goodreads.

Tell us about your book! What inspired you to write it?

My inspiration came from two things I love: mafia romance and espionage/political thriller movies and TV shows. I wanted to blend those two worlds and add one of my favorite tropes (outside of friends-to-lovers): arranged marriage.

How did you choose the title for your book? Did it come to you right away, before you started writing it, or did it come later?

I knew what the story would be about before I even started writing, so the title came early. I usually know the title before I begin because it helps the book feel more real to me. I brainstormed ideas with my husband and knew I wanted something easy to remember and on theme with the rest of the series.

Tell us about the cover design process. Did you have a basic idea of what your book cover would be like?

Yes, I wanted the cover to be symbolic of the plot. When I first started self-publishing, I knew absolutely nothing - including where to find a cover designer. I joined a few Facebook groups, lurked on the self-publishing subreddit, and eventually found 99designs because it was affordable. The designer was great and really brought my vision to life.

Who is your cover designer and how did you find him/her?

My cover designer is Distinguished on 99designs.

What has been the readers’ response to your cover?

The response has been really positive. Readers seem to love it, especially the colors, which hint at the overall tone and themes of the book.

What tips would you give to authors who are looking for a cover designer?

Do your research. I lucked out with my designer, but I know that isn’t always the case. Be as detailed as possible when explaining your vision, and if you can, work with someone who has experience designing covers in your genre.

Anything else you’d like to say about your book?

If you like this cover, just wait until you see book two.

 

Book Cover Junkie Interviews Paranormal Thriller Author Theresa Cheung

Theresa Cheung is an internationally bestselling author and public speaker. She has been writing about spirituality, dreams and the paranormal for the past 25 years, and was listed by Watkins Mind Body and Spirit magazine as one of the 100 most spiritually influential living people in 2023. She has a degree in Theology and English from Kings College, Cambridge University, frequently collaborating with leading scientists and neuroscientists researching consciousness.

Theresa is regularly featured in national newspapers and magazines, and she is a frequent radio, podcast and television guest and ITV: This Morning’s regular dream decoding expert. She hosts her own popular spiritual podcast called White Shores and weekly live UK Health Radio Show: The Healing Power of Your Dreams.

Her latest book is the paranormal thriller, NightBorn, available at Amazon US and Amazon UK.

You can visit her website at www.theresacheung.com or connect with her on X, Facebook, Instagram or Goodreads.

Tell us about your book! What inspired you to write it? 

Nightborn is my debut novel, but in many ways it’s also the culmination of everything I’ve learned from decades of researching and writing about dreams. I wanted to write a thriller that felt utterly gripping on

the surface but also worked as a kind of covert crash course in dream decoding. I kept hearing from readers of my non-fiction that my books were helping them remember and interpret their dreams so I thought, what if a novel could do that too?

The story came to me almost like a dream itself, dark, vivid, symbolic, and unsettling, and I knew I had to write it. It’s fiction with a purpose: to entertain you, to keep you turning pages, and to quietly kick-start your own dream recall in the process.

How did you choose the title for your book? 

The title Nightborn arrived almost before the plot. It felt like the perfect word to describe someone shaped, guided, and haunted by what happens in the dark. It also echoes the idea that dreams are a kind of second birth: every night we descend into this mysterious realm and emerge changed, whether we realise it or not. Once that word appeared, it never left me. It became the heartbeat of the entire novel.

Tell us about the cover design process. Did you have a basic idea of what your book cover would be like? 

From the very beginning, I knew the cover needed to evoke that eerie threshold between dreaming and waking. When the idea of heterochromia, two different coloured eyes, surfaced, I felt an electric jolt. Eyes are the windows to the soul, yes, but I also think they’re windows to the dreamer within. The dual colours suggest dual identities, dual realities, dual truths and everything the book plays with.

I didn’t want something metaphorical or soft. I wanted visceral. Something that makes you feel watched, or awakened. And that’s exactly what happened.

Who is your cover designer and how did you find him/her? 

My cover designer is my own son-in-law, and that feels wonderfully poetic. Because Nightborn wasn’t supported by my usual non-fiction publishers, I turned indie for the first time in my career. That meant relying on the creative people already in my life and honestly, it was the best decision I could have made. He understood instinctively what the book needed because he’s seen my passion for dreams and symbolism up close for years. He built the image from scratch, and he absolutely nailed it.

What has been the readers’ response to your cover? 

I’ve been blown away. Truly. Readers are telling me the cover gives them an instant, visceral reaction some even say it triggers dream recall the moment they see it, which is astonishing and exactly the secret intention behind the design. Others say it feels haunting, unsettling, hypnotic. I’ve had messages from people who bought the book because the eyes called to them. As someone who writes about dreams, that makes me smile, because dreams often begin with a single image you can’t shake.

What tips would you give to authors who are looking for a cover designer? 

Find someone who understands the emotional mood of your book, not just its genre. A cover isn’t just marketing it’s the first line of communication between your story and your reader’s subconscious. Look for a designer who listens, who isn’t afraid to explore symbolism, and who can translate your themes into an image that stops people in their tracks. And if you’re indie, don’t overlook the talented creatives in your own circle. Sometimes the perfect collaborator is much closer than you think.

Anything else you’d like to say about your book?

Nightborn is a thriller, yes, but it’s also an invitation. If readers walk away feeling thrilled and a little more connected to their dreams, then I’ve achieved exactly what I set out to do. This book was a leap of faith into fiction, into indie publishing, into a new way of sharing my lifelong passion. And I couldn’t be prouder of the result. 

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