Posted in Audio Books, Book recommendation, Book Trailers, Books, New blog post, Purchase Books, Remember Me, Sanela Ramic Jurich
Posted in Audio Books, Book recommendation, Books, Purchase Books, Remember Me, Reviews, Sanela Ramic Jurich
A Christmas Day Review to Remember
This Christmas brought a truly special gift: a heartfelt five-star review for the audiobook version of Remember Me. 🎄
As an author, there’s nothing more rewarding than hearing how my story resonates with readers (or listeners). To receive such kind words on Christmas Day feels like a little miracle—one that fills me with gratitude and joy.
Here’s a snippet of the review that warmed my heart:
“Absolutely Amazing!”
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 25 December 2024
“Listening to Remember Me by Sanela Jurich was an emotional rollercoaster that left me feeling shaken, heartbroken, and deeply moved. From the very start, I was drawn into Selma’s world, a young girl whose first love is abruptly overshadowed by the horrors of the Bosnian War. As her life crumbles, I was overwhelmed by the raw pain and despair she endured. The narrator is absolutely amazing and she made every moment feel personal, amplifying the anguish and helplessness that seemed to seep through the story, and I found myself holding my breath, hoping for a glimmer of relief. At some point I wasn’t even sure whether this was a real story or a novel.
Yet, amid the brutal violence and heartbreak, I also felt moments of hope and strenght that kept me going. Selma’s journey through trauma, loss and unimaginable suffering is gut-wrenching, but her resilience left me with a sense of awe. By the end, I was left emotionally drained but inspired, contemplating the healing power of love and faith. This audiobook was not just a story–it was an experience that stays with me long after the final words, forcing me to reflect on the strnght it takes to survive and rebuild after such devastation.”
To everyone who has taken the time to read, listen to, or review Remember Me, thank you. Your support means the world and keeps me inspired to write stories that matter.
If you haven’t had a chance to explore Remember Me, now’s the perfect time to dive in—or give it a listen!
Thank you for being part of this journey, and I hope the holiday season has brought joy, love, and memorable moments to your life as well. 💖
Warm wishes,
Sanela
Author Sanela Ramic Jurich
Posted in Audio Books, Between the Worlds, Book recommendation, Books, eBooks, Ella Rees, Haunting from the Past, New blog post, Purchase Books, Remember Me, Sanela Ramic Jurich
A: Writing my books allowed me to unpack all the emotions and memories I had buried. It helped me make sense of the chaos I lived through and gave me a way to share my story with others who might feel lost or displaced. In many ways, it was a form of healing, turning pain into something meaningful. ~Sanela
Hello,
Today’s September 11th, a day that holds a lot of weight for so many people. It’s one of those days where we all pause, even if just for a moment, to remember what was lost and reflect on how the world changed. It got me thinking about my own story and the journey that led me to write the books I’ve published so far. So, I thought I’d share a bit of that with you today.
I was born in former Yugoslavia and moved to the USA when I was 16, just a few days before my 17th birthday. The reason? War. That time of my life was chaotic and scary, leaving home and everything I knew behind. I didn’t fully understand it all back then, but looking back now, I realize how much those experiences shaped who I am—and what I write.
I wrote two books about that part of my life. Remember Me and Haunting from the Past are both deeply personal. They touch on themes like displacement, survival, and the struggle to find a sense of belonging in a world that suddenly feels unfamiliar. It was cathartic to write them, to put those memories and feelings into words, and I hope they resonate with people who’ve gone through their own hardships.
Then there’s my fantasy book, Between the Worlds, which I wrote under the pen name Ella Rees. It’s a bit of a departure from my other work, but in a way, it still deals with the same themes—survival, identity, and finding your place in the world, just with a lot more magic and adventure. I’ve always loved fantasy because it lets you escape reality for a while but still sneak in some truth. Even in an imaginary world, we’re still wrestling with who we are and where we belong, right?
So, on a day like today, when we’re all reflecting on survival and loss, I wanted to share a piece of my story and how it’s influenced my writing. If you’re interested, I’d love for you to check out any of my books. Whether it’s the real-world stories or the fantasy ones, I hope they speak to you in some way.
Thanks for letting me share, and take care of yourselves today.
♥ Sanela
Author Sanela Ramic Jurich
PURCHASE MY BOOKS.
Posted in Audio Books, Book recommendation, Books, New blog post, Purchase Books, Remember Me, Reviews, Sanela Ramic Jurich
Love always,
Sanela
Posted in Audio Books, Between the Worlds, Book recommendation, Books, eBooks, Ella Rees, Haunting from the Past, Holidays, New blog post, Purchase Books, Remember Me, Sanela Ramic Jurich
“My heart belongs to summer and my soul to fall… but still come my dear winter. I’ll experience you like I’ve never did before.” ―
Ah, winter – the season of cozy blankets, hot cocoa, and… the winter blues? If the chilly weather has got you feeling a bit down this Valentine’s Day, fear not, fellow bookworms! I’ve curated a list of tips to help you turn those winter blues into a celebration of self-love, complete with the magic of books.
Snuggle up with a Book: What better way to escape the winter chill than by immersing yourself in the pages of a good book? Grab your favorite novel, wrap yourself in a warm blanket, and let the power of storytelling transport you to different worlds.
Create a Literary Feast: Channel your inner chef and cook up a storm inspired by your favorite book. Whether it’s the iconic butterbeer from Harry Potter or a feast fit for hobbits, let literature be your guide to a culinary adventure.
Bookish Decorations: Spruce up your space with literary-themed decorations. Create heart-shaped bookmarks, arrange your bookshelves by color, or set the mood with fairy lights and literary quotes. Your space will feel like a cozy book nook in no time.
Host a Virtual Book Club: Connect with fellow book lovers virtually and host a Valentine’s Day book club. Choose a book that celebrates self-love or features a heartwarming story. Discussing literature with like-minded individuals can be a delightful way to spend the day.
Write Your Own Love Story: If you’re feeling inspired, why not channel your creativity into writing? Pen down your thoughts, start a short story, or even work on that novel you’ve been dreaming of. Your words have the power to create worlds and inspire others.
Bookish Movie Marathon: Sometimes, the best stories come to life on the screen. Curate a list of movie adaptations of your favorite books and indulge in a cozy movie marathon. It’s a perfect blend of literary love and cinematic charm.
Bookstore Adventure: Venture out to your favorite bookstore or library. Treat yourself to a new book or explore a genre you haven’t delved into before. The scent of new books and the promise of undiscovered stories will lift your spirits.
This Valentine’s Day, let the magic of books be your guide to self-love and literary joy. By incorporating these bookish delights into your celebration, you’ll find that escaping the winter blues is as simple as turning the page of a beloved novel. Happy reading, and may your heart be warmed by the love of literature!
Fueled by her passion for writing, Sanela was eager to take on a new writing endeavor. Utilizing a pseudonym presented her with the chance to engage with a fresh and diverse audience. She recently published her first contemporary/fantasy novel titled “Between the Worlds”. This captivating tale explores the themes of soulmates, profound connections, the allure of home, and the strength of emotions.
With every stroke of her pen, Ella Rees, the alias she wears with pride, casts a spell woven from the raw fibers of emotions, entwining readers in a spellbinding dance of heart and mind.
Posted in Audio Books, Between the Worlds, Book recommendation, Books, eBooks, Ella Rees, Haunting from the Past, New blog post, Purchase Books, Remember Me, Sanela Ramic Jurich
Questions by Chapter Break ~book blog
Let's enjoy some books together!
Q: What is your take on book boyfriends? Do they actually exist? Or do they set the bar for “real life men” impossibly high?
A: Hmm, great question. You know, I’ve always found myself creating these idealized versions of people I like. It could be a crush, a friend, or someone whose personality I admire. I tend to daydream about them, putting them on a pedestal until they become this perfect, almost God-like figure.
Take my first book-boyfriend, Johnny. In my mind, he was absolutely perfect—looks, personality, the whole package. I wanted my readers to fall in love with him just as much as I did, to feel the pain of loss when he met his demise in the story. The real Johnny, the inspiration behind the character, didn’t survive the convoy I wrote about in “Remember Me.” So, he remains forever “that” Johnny, the one I idealized and perfected in my mind. He’ll never reveal his true, human self because he never got the chance to live into his true adulthood.
In my latest book, “Between the Worlds,” I found myself idolizing a friend who, in the end, betrayed me. It was a tough reality check, discovering how mundane he truly was. It shattered the perfect image I’d created in my mind. I wished he could have stayed the way he was in my imagination. So, halfway through writing this fantastic book, he showed me his true colors, and it was challenging to finish it the way I initially planned, with him being as amazing as I made him out to be. But, you know, that’s the beauty of fiction—it’s a fantasy. In real life, I don’t think men that perfect exist because, well, they’re only human.
Q: What do you do when a new idea jumps out at you while you’re still working on a book? Do you chase the squirrel (aka “UP syndrome”) or do you finish your current project first?
A: Oh, that’s a scenario I’m quite familiar with. My creative process is a bit unconventional, to be honest. When a new idea hits me, it’s like an image pops into my head, and it nags at me until I acknowledge it. If I start daydreaming about it, the idea tends to evolve into a full-fledged story. If I really like it and believe I can translate it from my mind to paper, I’ll sit down at the computer and start writing, describing that initial image.
Sometimes, though, it doesn’t sound as good on paper as it did in my head. In those cases, I let go of the idea. But if I find myself smiling and naturally expanding on it, if my mind keeps weaving through the narrative, then I know it’s worth pursuing. Most of the time, if a story feels book-worthy, I can seamlessly transition to it after completing my current project.
So, to answer your question, I do prioritize finishing my current project first before diving into the next one. However, I like to sprinkle little teasers throughout the writing process of my first project to keep the new idea fresh in my mind. Does that make sense? It’s a bit of a quirky process, I admit.
Q: What are some books or authors that you would recommend to our readers?
A: Oh, I could talk about books all day! One author I absolutely adore is Anne Rice. Her vampire series, especially with Lestat, is my all-time favorite. Her writing has this magical way of transporting you to different places and times. The vivid pictures she paints in a reader’s mind just make me get completely lost in her stories. I remember Merick was the first book of hers I read, and from then on, I was hooked.
Dean Koontz is another author I’ve enjoyed, especially his book “Odd Thomas”. It’s one of those books I go back to every once in a while.
Now, I have a guilty pleasure for the Twilight Series by Stephanie Meyer. And anything about witches? Count me in! “A Discovery of Witches” by Deborah Harkness is a particular favorite, although the next book in the series didn’t quite meet my expectations. Maybe the anticipation got the best of me.
Oh, and if you’ve got time, I could go on and on with recommendations. Once I start talking about books, it’s hard to stop. I could keep you entertained for hours!
C.B: Well, it sounds like you have a passion for books that’s truly infectious! I appreciate your recommendations and insights. We could chat about literature for hours, but I’ll let you get back to your own writing endeavors. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and recommendations today!
About the author
Posted in Audio Books, Between the Worlds, Book recommendation, Books, Cyber Savings, eBooks, Ella Rees, Haunting from the Past, Holidays, New blog post, Purchase Books, Remember Me, Sanela Ramic Jurich
Posted in Audio Books, Book recommendation, Books, Haunting from the Past, Purchase Books, Reviews, Sanela Ramic Jurich
by Sanela Ramic Jurich
Narrated by: Lindsay Carrillo
Although Selma has faced her demons in the first book, she is forced to deal with those that still haunt her. Although she has become successful, married the love of her life, has a wonderful son, and earned the respect of her colleagues she is still hated by some for revealing the truth of the Bosnian war. She is safe, loved, and enjoying her life until someone reaches out to her asking her to tell his story. Now she must relive it all to confront all her demons finally.
The author, Sanela Ramic Jurich, is a gifted writer. She takes her pain and puts it in words that are eloquent, sensitive, and picturesque so that the listener has no choice but to feel and experience her journey. The dialogue is authentic sounding and moves the story along at a good pace. Jurich tells the story using a first-person point of view which further captivates and draws the listener in. It is more than just the pain that Jurich communicates – it clearly addresses the inequity, evilness, and passion that occurred then and continues today.
The narrator, Lindsay Carrillo has a powerful voice that further enhances the message of Jurich’s story as she clearly communicates the raw emotions experienced by the main character, Selma. Her delivery and pauses are deliberate and effectively used to communicate emotions and feelings accurately. Her intentional pauses and cadence, and her energy and passion further enhance the story and haunt the listener well after the end of this story.
This is a book that will elicit an emotional response from the listener. It is not one that you will likely forget for a very long time. You will continue to think about it as well as the stories being told about this event and others – how much truth is there actually being told by the media and governments in power? Where does one begin to trust? A riveting book!
Read it on Audiobookreviewer.com
Purchase on Audible
