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Category Archives: Reviews

AN INSPIRING TALE OF UNYIELDING STRENGTH AND RESILIENCE

Posted on by Posted in Book recommendation, Books, eBooks, Purchase Books, Reviews

“I have died a thousand times over and over and now stand in my power as Moonstone Phoenix, to burn, then rise from the ashes, again and again, to be reborn as new.” ~Simonne Butler

Double-edged Sword is a survival story like no other. In 2003 Simonne Butler’s violent partner, Antoine Dixon, high on methamphetamine, cut off both her hands with a samurai sword. Her hands were reattached in a groundbreaking marathon surgery and she spent the next decade healing her mind, body and spirit.

Despite five years in an extremely physically and emotionally abusive relationship, Simonne always had an unbreakable spirit. Even when her self-confidence and sense of self-preservation was at rock bottom, she was able to source phenomenal strength that saw her survive horrendous blood loss and being left for dead for hours, holding her severed limbs in such a way that allowed revascularisation to be possible.

 

Double-edged Sword: The Simonne Butler StoryDouble-edged Sword: The Simonne Butler Story by Simonne Butler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

“Double-edged Sword: The Simonne Butler Story” is a poignant and riveting narrative that transcends the boundaries of survival and resilience. Simonne Butler’s journey from unspeakable tragedy to triumphant recovery is nothing short of extraordinary, and this book is a testament to the indomitable spirit of the human soul.

As I delved into the pages of this gripping memoir, I found myself on an emotional rollercoaster, compelled to take breaks to absorb the intensity of Simonne’s harrowing experiences. Her story, marked by unthinkable abuse and the brutal severance of her hands, is a chilling reminder of the darkness that can lurk within relationships.

Simonne’s unbreakable spirit is the heartbeat of this narrative. Her ability to find strength, even in the depths of despair, is truly awe-inspiring. The raw honesty with which she shares her journey resonated with me on a profound level. It was as if I could see a reflection of myself in her—her love for life, her childlike sense of humor, and the unwavering love she bestowed upon those around her.

What sets this book apart is not only the shocking events it recounts but also the author’s remarkable ability to infuse her story with hope and resilience. Despite enduring unimaginable physical and emotional trauma, Simonne’s determination to heal her mind, body, and spirit shines through every page.

Moreover, “Double-edged Sword” sheds light on the broader issue of domestic abuse and the betrayal suffered not only at the hands of a violent partner but also from those entrusted with love and protection during Simonne’s vulnerable years. The author’s courage in sharing these painful truths is commendable, as it adds depth to the narrative and underscores the importance of empathy and understanding.

In the end, Simonne Butler emerges not just as a survivor but as a beacon of strength, resilience, and the transformative power of love. This book is an emotional rollercoaster, a wake-up call, and a celebration of the human spirit. I wholeheartedly give “Double-edged Sword: The Simonne Butler Story” a five-star rating for its profound impact and the courage it took to share such an intimate and empowering story.

 

Double-edged Sword: The Simonne Butler Story is available on Amazon

 

CLICK TO BUY!

 

Haunting, Captivating, Courageous!

Posted on by Posted in Audio Books, Book recommendation, Books, Haunting from the Past, Purchase Books, Reviews, Sanela Ramic Jurich


“It is an emotionally moving book and you tell it in rich, vivid words allowing your listener to not hear of your journey but experience a small piece of it.” –Audio Book Reviewer, email to Sanela

 

in regards to

 

 

HAUNTING FROM THE PAST:

SEQUEL TO

REMEMBER ME

by Sanela Ramic Jurich

Narrated by: Lindsay Carrillo

 

 

Haunting, Captivating, Courageous!

Click here to purchase

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

 

 

Happy International Women’s Day!

Posted on by Posted in Book recommendation, Books, eBooks, Haunting from the Past, Purchase Books, Remember Me, Reviews, Sanela Ramic Jurich, Short stories

 

“She believed she could, so she did.” –Unknown

Happy International Women’s Day to all the wonderful women in my life! 

 

STORY TIME

SARAH AND TOM

 

Once upon a time, there was a couple named Sarah and Tom who had been together for three years. They had met on a blind date that was set up by mutual friends and had hit it off immediately. They were both kind-hearted and adventurous, and loved to explore new places and try new things together.

One year, on March 8th, Sarah and Tom had planned a special day to celebrate International Women’s Day, which was an important holiday for Sarah as she was a strong advocate for women’s rights. They started off the day by attending a march in support of women’s rights and equality.

After the march, they went to their favorite coffee shop and enjoyed a warm cup of coffee while discussing the importance of the holiday and their hopes for the future. Tom surprised Sarah with a bouquet of flowers and a heartfelt letter expressing his love and appreciation for her and all the women in his life.

As the day went on, they decided to take a spontaneous road trip to the countryside. They drove through the rolling hills, stopping at small towns along the way and taking in the beautiful scenery. They found a secluded spot to have a picnic lunch and spent the afternoon laughing and enjoying each other’s company.

As the sun began to set, they found a cozy bed and breakfast to spend the night. They shared a bottle of wine by the fireplace, cuddled up under a blanket, and talked about their dreams and aspirations for the future.

It was a perfect day filled with love, adventure, and meaningful conversations. Sarah and Tom knew that they were meant to be together and that they would always support each other’s passions and goals. From that day on, March 8th became a special day for them, a day to celebrate their love and the power of women.

 

Hope you enjoyed this short love story. Come back often for more.

Sanela

 

 

“When I was fifteen years old, my whole life changed in a blink of an eye…”

   

 

 

AFTER THE HOLIDAYS

Posted on by Posted in Book recommendation, Holidays, Purchase Books, Remember Me, Reviews, Sanela Ramic Jurich

 

NEW YEAR, NEW CAR, TWO AWARDS

 

 

Here’s to getting back into the groove!

🎶 I’m a model, you know what I mean, and I do my little turn on a catwalk, yea, on a catwalk, on a catwalk, and I shake my little tush on a catwalk…🎶  Haha! Try not to sing along!

 

After the holidays, after the decorations came down and were stored away, after the baking and cooking and clearing up after it was all done, my car broke down. 

The dreaded check engine light on my beloved Volkswagen Tiguan came on–ironically–a few months after my warranty expired. It was the worst news; repairing it would have cost more than the car was worth.

I thought all was lost. My bad luck had followed me into the new year. 

But, as soon as that thought entered my mind, amazing things started happening, just to prove me wrong. 

“GOD WORKS IN MYSTERIOUS WAYS,” they say. Continue reading →

“POWERFUL, MOVING, HAUNTING!”

Posted on by Posted in Book recommendation, Books, Remember Me, Reviews, Sanela Ramic Jurich

 

“Powerful, Moving, Haunting!”

 

Today I received the best news! The unexpected best news. My audiobook, Remember Me, received an award! As I was expecting an honest review, I got something even better; a wonderful letter informing me I, not only received a five star review, but was also awarded the audiobookreviewer’s choice award because, they said, “it was deemed to deserve a higher rating than the standard 5-star review allowed.“

I am beyond excited to share this news. 

Here is what Charla, with Audiobookreviewer.com, had to say in her letter to me:

“I am sorry for how long it took me to finish your review but it is such a powerful, moving and devastating book that it took me awhile to do it justice.

“Your imagery and words were rich and vivid. You allowed your listeners to witness your suffering yet without the physical pain for the images haunt for weeks after.

“I awarded your book the Audiobookreviewer’s choice award because it was so well written, vivid imagery, and powerful. 

“Take care and I wish you the best, you are an excellent author. ~Charla”

Audiobookreviewer.com

 

Read Charla’s Five Star review below:

REMEMBER ME

by Sanela Ramic Jurich
Narratad by: Lindsay Carrillo

Production by: Sanela Ramic Jurich

 

Powerful, Moving, Haunting!

 

 

Click here to purchase

At the age of 15 Selma is a young girl entering adulthood with the innocence experienced only by the young. Newly in love, deciding her future of college and her career, Selma is set for life until the war arrives in Bosnia in 1992 unleashing the vile evilness only humankind can create and foster. Trust is not something she can afford to have in her neighbors, friends, or anyone after a trusted family friend brutally violates her repeatedly. She has no one she can trust, all she has loved is gone, and she has no hope of surviving unless God answers her prayers.

The author, Sanela Ramic Jurich paints a devastating picture of what Selma’s life becomes and the effects of war. She does not spare the listener with soft descriptions but rather gives them the bare truth of war and the horrible devastating actions of evil men subjecting women and children to extremes in suffering. Each character is skillfully built and developed into vivid people that are forced to suffer the most painful, devastating emotional and physical pain a human can endure. She eases her listeners into the story by showing us familiar acts and emotions – shopping, falling in love, family and friendships. The suddenness of the war reaching her hometown is unexpected and jarring and where she highlights the despair, pain, raw emotions, fear, and more. The love story between two people is amazing and provides hope and renewal. She brings the story full circle and demonstrates that healing is possible. The story flows steadily. Not only are her words powerful but her imagery is as well.

The narrator, Lindsay Carrillo provides a moving performance projecting the excitement, love, and passion for life that Selma has until the unthinkable happens. She then projects the horror, pain, despair, anger, and more with each passing word. It is as if she has become Selma with each passing word. Carrillo takes the listeners through the renewal of Selma as she confronts her attacker and reclaims some of what she has lost. I have not had the pleasure of hearing Carrillo prior to this book, but her performance is amazing.

Overall, this is a book that must be read or heard in order to appreciate the strength and sufferings of those who endure such atrocities. It is powerful with raw emotions. I am thankful for the opportunity to hear and review this book.

There were no issues with the quality or production of this audiobook.

This book was awarded the AudioBookReviewer’s Choice Award as it was deemed to deserve a higher rating than the standard 5-star review allowed.

 

I am so grateful, humble, and happy. 

Thank you to all who purchase, read / listen and review. 

Love always,

Sanela

 

REMEMBER ME is out in audio! (Plus a Giveaway!)

Posted on by Posted in Book recommendation, Books, Free Books!, Freebies, Remember Me, Reviews, Sanela Ramic Jurich

REMEMBER ME is out in audio! (Plus a Giveaway!) Plus a First Audiobook Review!

 

 

IN CELEBRATION, I’m giving away a FREE audiobook to anyone promising to leave a review after they listen. Simply email sanela@sanelajurich.com and let me know you’ll do it. I will send you a code (US and UK only) to one FREE copy of Remember Me to listen and review.  

“Remember Me: Captivating Engaging So Relevant in Today’s World”

5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed in the United States on November 26, 2022 by Gary Schiappacasse

 

Sanela,

Thank you for sharing your story with me. I left out “gut wrenching”, as Selma went through the horrors of the Bosnian War. That part of the story was very hard for me to listen to.

I also loved the part of the story that took place in the Chicago area. It helped me, the reader, heal from the earlier suffering that Selma went through.

Here is the review posted on Audible.

Sanela Ramic Jurich’s novel, Remember Me, pulls the reader into the world of Selma, a young teenager, who dreams of a future with Johnny and has her world turned upside down by the horrors of the Bosnian War. This is a very personal story of how the “ethnic cleansing” of the Serbian Army tore apart the world of a young teenager. At the same time, Selma’s story leaves the reader at the end with hope for a world of peace and healing. 

Sanela Ramic Jurich has a gift for sharing the very real feelings of her characters with the reader. I felt I really knew what Selma and the other characters created by Sanela were feeling. My emotions rose and fell with the feelings of her characters. Her story helped me to understand what the people of Ukraine are going through now. My hope for the citizens of Ukraine is that their journey will evolve as Selma’s does. 

Sanela Ramic Jurich’s novel, Remember Me, should give the reader a reason for not letting the horrors of the Bosnian War to continue ever again in the world.

The narrator, Lindsay Carrillo, does an excellent job of guiding the listener through Selma’s story. Her calm, yet reflective style leaves room for the listener to travel along with Selma through her very emotional journey. 

 

Sample

To purchase, go to Audible.com or visit Amazon.com

 

Email sanela@sanelajurich.com to receive a code to one FREE copy of Remember Me to listen and review.

“Unforgettable!” –Readers’ Favorite; Reviewed by Alice DiNizo for Readers’ Favorite

 
“Amazing Book – A Must Read” -Vine Voice; Reviewed by Elaine Littau for Vine Voice

 

“Credible, Compassionate, and Courageous” -PDX Author; Reviewed by Gregory S. Lamb for PDX Author

 

“Ms. Jurich is a master story teller with a historically important background that must be read in its entirety to be appreciated – Don’t worry, once she’s introduced, you’ll hang on every word.” – iSTAR

 

Stay Tuned

Posted on by Posted in Books, Remember Me, Reviews, Sanela Ramic Jurich

I am so grateful for all the love and support I’ve had from people around the world.

A Thursday afternoon blog post is rare, but I felt inspired while reading one of the reviews about Remember Me posted on Amazon. It brought tears to my eyes as I read and re-read it and so, I just wanted to take a minute to thank you all, from the bottom of my heart, for taking the time to leave a five-star review or a rating. It’s much appreciated.

Here is one of my favorites:

“For starters, if you have never teared or cried while reading, I suggest you have a tissue box ready. I’m not sure what brought tears to my eyes more: The immaculate beauty of Love demonstrated throughout the novel, or the mortifying truths of the genocide that were presented. Everything about this book is worth reading. Every page, every word, every letter has its own individual story behind it. Safe to say, this book is one of the most emotional I’ve journeyed through. There is a wave of emotions that is presented while reading the book. An overwhelming feeling of happiness and joy is felt while reading the parts of the true and genuine love and affection felt towards one of the characters “Johnny.”

At the beginning, I was interested to see what Sanela had to offer of the hidden aspect of the war in Yugoslavia. I was curious as to see and learn about the war through the aspect of a survivor- someone who had endured all the horrors and by fate would survive only to make sure the story was to be told. By the end, I was heartbroken and all I wanted to do was hug her for having the strength to relive her memories over and over- a memory that has taken the life of many survivors because of it’s undeniably severe impact.”

My book, Remember Me, is going to be available in audio soon and I am thrilled for you all to hear it. It is a completely different experience than reading it. I get so emotional just thinking about it.

When I received an eleven-minute snippet of someone reading from my book, I just sat there. Frozen. Unable to move as all kinds of emotions hit through me one by one. I cried like a child. Needles to say, it is now in production.

Here’s a little audio snipped to hold you over until you can hear the whole story. Enjoy!

Love always,

Sanela

 

     

 

Seven year book-anniversary!

Posted on by Posted in Author Interviews, Autographed Books, Book recommendation, Book Signing, Books, Bosnia, eBooks, Prijedor, Purchase Books, Remember Me, Reviews, Sanela Ramic Jurich

By: Sanela

 

Displayed at Piccolo restaurant in Chicago

Today marks seven years since the release of my first novel, Remember Me (Sjeti me se). It was the proudest day of my life; I wrote a book about the hardest time of my existence; time that I would rather forget, but I dug deep, found the courage, and put it all on paper. Now I know that as long as my books are out there–and books are forever–what happened in Prijedor back in 1992, is not going to be forgotten and to me, that fact, is the biggest accomplishment of my life. I did not forget! 
All the characters in my book are fictional, but every single one of them was inspired by someone I knew and loved who didn’t make it out. I wanted to bring them back to life and so, I wrote a book about them. 
My book, Remeber Me (Sjeti me se) can be purchased in both English and Bosnian anywhere books are sold. 

Continue reading →

To review or Not to review

Posted on by Posted in Books, eBooks, Reviews

reviewOther readers will always be interested in your opinion of the books you’ve read as long as you give us your honest thoughts about them.

If you’re stuck on what to say in a review, it can help to imagine you’re talking to someone who’s asking you whether they should read the book.

You can start with a couple of sentences describing what the book is about: 

Just make sure not to give any spoilers or reveal plot twists. Try to avoid writing in detail about anything that happens from about the middle of the book to the end. If the book is part of a series, it can be useful to mention this. Continue reading →