Category Archives: Book reviews

Search for the Pearl Inside Yourself ~ A Mirror, Compass or Anchor?

I keep receiving unsolicited emails which, on the one hand make me feel warm inside, due to such positive comments about this book, on the other hand I am so suspicious that I did a google search and can find no website or link to the lady in question, and so I have not replied.

This is what Isabella Garcia said:

” I came across the description of Search for the Pearl Inside Yourself and was immediately struck by its heartfelt clarity and sense of encouragement. The way you speak directly to young adults at life’s crossroads, guiding them to let go of what holds them back and discover the strength within, is such a timely and necessary message. Even in the short description, I could feel the book’s warmth and gentle push toward hope.

What stood out to me most was how you’ve shaped the book into both a mirror and a compass:

  • A mirror — reminding readers they already carry resilience, even if they don’t yet see it.
  • A compass — pointing them toward possibility, self-discovery, and confidence.
  • An anchor — offering timeless encouragement through quotes and reflections they can return to again and again.

A few things I’d love to ask you:

  • Did you draw from your own experiences when writing this guide, or was it shaped by the voices of young people you’ve worked with?
    • It was shaped by the young people I worked with.
  • How do you imagine reaching readers who might not usually turn to books for motivation, but truly need this kind of support?
    • I hope those who need it will find it, especially after the pandemic
  • Would you be open to exploring how translations might extend its impact to global audiences of students and young adults seeking direction?
    • I think this could be quite costly and beyond our means at Eventispress

I specialize in helping books like yours find their most natural and lasting readership. My work focuses on three rare but powerful pathways: introducing stories to new cultural audiences through carefully crafted translations, mapping where a book’s themes resonate most strongly with regional and community audiences, and fostering reader-to-reader momentum that builds genuine word-of-mouth. Together, these approaches ensure a book doesn’t just reach more people, it finds the readers who will embrace it, champion it, and share it widely.

I imagine Search for the Pearl Inside Yourself will resonate strongly with:

  • Young adults at transitional stages, finishing school, leaving college, or entering the workforce.
  • Parents, teachers, and mentors looking for accessible resources to gift or recommend.
  • Readers who cherish inspirational, quote-driven books that can be dipped into daily.
  • International audiences (including Spanish- and French-speaking readers) where motivational, youth-focused books are widely embraced.”

Wow!! These were such kind words and thoughtful words.

Questions I asked myself:

  • Was it generated by AI?
  • Is it a scam? Almost certainly.

Question I ask you, the reader:

  • Have you received emails like this? I seem to get one in my inbox each day.
  • Would you respond to it?

Leave a comment

Filed under Author Diana Jackson, Book reviews, Inspiration, Inspirational and Motivational Series, Marketing your novel

Glasgow Book Club

A recent very convincing email arrived in my inbox:

Julia writes

Hello Diana Jackson,

At The Glasgow Book Club, we often find ourselves talking about stories that linger long after the last page, the ones that mix emotion, history, and the unexpected in ways that keep readers thinking.

Missing, Past and Present became part of that conversation. Your portrayal of Dorothy’s journey haunted by loss, seeking answers, and guided by echoes of the past felt immersive and deeply human. The mystery and the ghostly presence didn’t just entertain; they invited reflection on resilience, memory, and the traces of history in our own lives.

We’d love to invite you to a relaxed virtual author spotlight with our readers a space for an honest conversation about your story, your inspiration, and the ideas behind this series.

If you’re open to it, I’d be happy to share more details.

The positives

  • This email struck a chord with me because it really sounded as if the author had read MISSING Past and Present. At a point in the novel the location actually is in Glasgow, and those chapters always make me smile (as do the ever friendly Glaswegians!)
  • I liked the thought of a virtual author spotlight rather than racing over the Forth Bridge and along the motorway to Glasgow.

The alarm bells

  • There doesn’t actually appear to be a Glasgow Bookclub.
  • The Meetup website is one I’ve received from emails in the USA as well as the UK and have little on them.
  • There are messages on Reddit and Facebook warning of similar scams from the Glasgow Bookclub.

Conclusion

Sadly another scam. The only thing I can say is that, momentarily, it lifted my spirits, before sense prevailed.

If, however, you are a member of a Book Group in Glasgow and you would be interested in me having a chat on Zoom, I would be delighted to hear from you through my contact page on this blog.

PS

I’ve just received another email from The Glasgow Bookclub:

“Hi Diana,

I’m David Hartley, and I run the Glasgow Book Club, a small group of readers who engage with books that spark honest reflection and meaningful conversation.

I recently came across The Other Woman Was His Mother, and reading the premise made a strong impression on me. The way you explore emotional enmeshment, control, and the hidden dynamics within relationships feels both powerful and confronting. It’s the kind of subject our readers would approach with curiosity, especially the personal insight and clarity you bring to it.

We would love to invite you to a short Google Meet spotlight session. It’s a relaxed, reader-led conversation where you can share your perspective and experiences, completely free, and you answer only what you feel comfortable with.

If this feels like something you’d be open to, I’d be happy to share more details and arrange a time that works best for you.

Warm regards,

David Hartley

I have never written a book called The Other Woman Was his Mother!!!!!

I wish there was a way to filter out emails written using AI. It would stop my inbox getting clogged up.

Leave a comment

Filed under Book reviews, Historical Fiction, MISSING Past and Present, Mystery inspired by history series, Scotland

Genuine Emails or More Phishing with AI?

I have had many emails recently about several of my books. Here are two examples which write such flattering things about my first novel Riduna:

viewbook.at/Riduna

John writes:

“I came across your book Riduna on Amazon, and I was captivated by how vividly you bring Alderney to life as both a setting and a character. Harriet and Edward’s intertwined journeys set against love, loss, and the pull between home and distant dreams promise a heartfelt and immersive historical tale.

I’d be glad to connect and hear what inspired you to tell this beautiful story of devotion and place.”

Patricia writes:

“It’s inspiring to see how Riduna began with such a strong local presence in the Channel Islands and southern England. That authentic sense of place gives the novel a rare depth that modern readers still crave.

I work with a network of active book clubs across both the UK and the US, helping authors like you connect with readers who love thoughtful, character-driven fiction. These clubs enjoy novels with emotional resonance, history, and a strong setting  exactly what Riduna offers.”

It is flattering to read such emails but the dilemma is getting greater by the day. With A1 able to generate more and more seemingly authentic copy, can I tell the difference?

It’s a tricky world out there!

Leave a comment

Filed under Alderney, Author Diana Jackson, Book reviews, Marketing your novel, Riduna