Caroline Topperman’s own move to Poland is a central part of Your Roots Cast a Shadow as she grapples with her “Polish roots” while being a “Canadian by nature”.
She experiences cultural differences, language barriers, and a growing awareness of the political climate in modern-day Poland, particularly the rise of nationalism and racism.
Her journey to understand her family’s past is intertwined with her present-day observations of Polish society, including its attitudes towards history, religion, and social acceptance.
The book ultimately questions how personal history intersects with global events to shape identity and the challenges of balancing one’s origins with new surroundings.
Listen in for a chance to win a signed copy of Your Roots Cast a Shadow.
Copyright (c) 2025. Emma Palova. All rights reserved.
It is with deep respect and admiration that we congratulate you — you’ve officially been selected as a Finalist for the Author of the Year 2025 at the International Impact Book Awards, in the category of Non-Fiction – Cultural & Historical Memoir.
Your work was reviewed among hundreds of exceptional entries, and your message rose to the top. This recognition is more than a ranking — it’s a reflection of the impact your voice has had on readers, on the judging panel, and on the world of thought leadership.
You’ve done something most people only dream about: you’ve written a powerful book, you’ve put your truth on paper, and you’ve created something that moved others. That is no small thing. This moment is yours.
What Happens Next
The Author of the Year winner in your category will be announced live on stage at our Hollywood Gala on October 4th, 2025 — an unforgettable evening honoring thought leaders and changemakers from around the world.
We would be truly honored to celebrate this milestone with you in person. Finalists in attendance will receive:
A finalist certificate
An achievement medal
Recognition on stage during the ceremony among peers, media, and industry leaders.
More importantly, this is your moment, a chance to stand in a room of excellence and be acknowledged for the work you’ve already done.
We understand not everyone can attend, and we respect that deeply. However, in fairness to all finalists, if the winning author in any category is not present, the award will be presented to the next finalist in attendance.
A Night to Remember — and a Platform to Grow
The International Impact Book Awards Gala isn’t just a celebration — it’s a once-a-year opportunity to grow your brand, elevate your credibility, and be seen by the media, industry leaders, and potential collaborators.
Our team has poured every ounce of heart, labor, and intention into planning this event to honor you and every author selected. We would love for you to be part of it.
Britta, an eleven-year-old girl, has lived in soul-deep sorrow since her mother left their family. When Britta’s father forgets her birthday, he decides to give her a dog as a late birthday gift. (Britta wants a cell phone.) They adopt Crash, an Australian shepherd from the local animal shelter in Sault Ste. Marie, a small city in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, and their adventures begin.
“A powerful tale of finding friendship in the most unexpected places. “
Nikki Mitchell, author of the Magic Shoebox Adventures
Rescuing Crash, the Good Dog is a story about broken hearts–not only Britta’s and her father’s hearts but also a dog’s broken heart–and it is a story about the bonds between daughters and fathers and good dogs and also not-always-so-good cats.
Sponsored by Moravian Sons Distillery and Doc Chavent
Listen in for a chance to win a signed copy of Rescuing Crash, the Good Dog.
Copyright (c) 2025. Emma Blogs, LLC. All rights reserved.
🎙️ LIVE NOW! Episode “AI and Authors in 2025” is out on For the Love of Books Podcast! Join us as we dive into how artificial intelligence is reshaping the world of writing, publishing, and creativity.
Streaming on all major podcast platforms — tune in today! 📚🤖
WATCH THE RIVER. STAY OUT OF THE WOODS. AND WHATEVER YOU DO—DON’T FOLLOW THE LIGHTS.
Listen in for a chance to win a signed book by Ryder Jones.
Sponsored by Moravian Sons Distillery and Doc Chavent.
Westville was never the kind of town where people went missing—
until the night thirteen-year-old Millie Thompson vanished without a trace.
Hometown cop Casey Benson is no stranger to regret. When Millie disappears, his quiet routine shatters. What begins as a missing persons case quickly spirals into something far more disturbing—
corporate cover-ups, shadowy government agents, and a secret buried deep beneath Westville’s streets.
Meanwhile, Millie’s best friend, Olivia Fischer, refuses to stay sidelined. She was the last to see Millie—and she knows something else is out there.
Copyright (c) 2025 Emma Paova. All rights reserved.
Welcome to the special For the Love of Books Podcast episode featuring indie and small press authors with host author Emma Palova.
I would like to thank our sponsors Moravian Sons Distillery and Doc Chavent.
Today, we will be chatting about AI and its impact on authors and vice versa as we navigate this evolving landscape with rising anxiety and opportunity.
Leading our discussion is Dr. C. Daniel Miller, known as The Copyright Detective—a copyright consultant and co-owner of Integrated Writer Services, LLC. He’s also the author of the award-winning Copyright Clearance for Creatives, now being updated to include a vital new section on AI in its second edition.
Dr. Miller speaks and conducts workshops on copyright-related topics. His presentations include “Copyright Basics” and “Copyright in the Age of Artificial Intelligence” for authors, independent publishers, and other creative professionals.
Joining us on the author panel are authors:
🖊️ Jean Davis – speculative fiction author of the Narvan Series.
🖊️ Andrew Allen Smith – action-thriller author and blogger behind 29000sunsets
🖊️ Ingar Rudholm – YA fantasy author of the Traveling Circus series
Copyright (c) 2025. Emma Palova. All rights reserved.
The Czech Republic celebrates Easter Monday with traditions such as “pomlazka” or the whipping of women and girls, mainly in villages.
Men and boys braid whips from willow branches during the Holy Week before Easter Monday. They gather in groups and go from household to household to get ribbons, shots, colored eggs, and desserts in exchange for whipping.
This elaborate holiday starts early in the morning and runs into late afternoon until there are no shots or colored eggs left. The results vary from village to village.
Plum brandy or slivovitz flows freely because many households make their own brandy. Our @Moravian Sons Distillery https://moraviansonsdistillery.com honors this tradition with our own brand made in Michigan from Michigan Castleton and Stanley plums.
This Easter, we combined the old and the new. We served shots of slivovitz and blue jello shots in cups. Mom Ella made a delicious walnut cake, and we had Louisiana-style ribs.
There is a Monday Easter mass in the Czech Republic. And that brings to mind the sad news of the day. The Pope has died today on Easter Monday. I pray for him and our Catholic church to elect a new leader.
Copyright (c) 2025. Emma Palova. All rights reserved.
The Easter Triduum starts this evening on Holy Thursday with the Lord’s Supper, continues with Good Friday into Easter Vigil on Saturday. This week is known as the Holy Week in the catholic religion.
The washing of the feet signifies humbleness and humility.
Washing of the feet at St. Pat’s Catholic Church in Parnell.
Before washing the feet, Fr. Cavera presented the oils.
Featured photo: Czech egg batik art. Watch for a post about Czech Easter starting this Sunday and running through Easter Monday.
Copyright (c) 2025.Emma Palova. All rights reserved.
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