A Teacher’s Gift is a book of inspirational stories and reflections garnered from over three decades of classroom experience.
Sponsored by Modern History Press, Moravian Sons Distillery, and authors Lisa Romence and Brian Talarczyk.
Each page provides insights into the complexities and challenges of a teacher’s typical day. This book is a timeless resource that teachers can reach for whenever they need encouragement and inspiration. The entries will refresh and recharge the reader, and remind them of the
significant role they play in the lives of their students.
Listen in for a chance to win a signed copy of A Teacher’s Gift.
Copyright (c) 2025. Emma Blogs, LLC. All rights reserved.
About the feature photo: Socialist Cooperative Housing
I used the pic of Southern Slopes, a mega housing complex in former Gottwaldow for 30,000 people from the memoir. At the time, it was considered as one of the many successes of socialism. These were sprinkled around the country, mainly in big cities. In many cases, generations had to wait to get into an apartment. True, compared to condos, they were cheap and affordable. Sometimes, I have nightmares from living in these rabbit boxes.
Thank you reviewers and voters
I would like to thank all reviewers who took the time to write a review of my award-winning memoir since its publishing in 2020, and the voters who voted for me in the International Impact Book Awards in May.
I have just recently discovered the newest review by best-selling author Sue Harrison, who was a guest on my For the Love of Books Podcast show on May 8, 2025 with her book Rescuing Crash.
Harrison’s novels have sold more than two million copies and have been published in more than 25 contries and 13 languages. In 2023, she was inducted into the Upper Peninsula Hall of Fame.
The review written on the great Meditteranen Sea warmed my heart since I have visited the Med coast at least three times in my life. Often, I take my inspiration from the places I visit.
The memoir covers three continents and different countries such as formerJugoslavia, Austria and Germany, we used as means of escape. Other countries like Hungary enabled our cladenstine meeting with my father professor Vaclav Konecny before the fall of communism.
We are deeply indebted to all the countries that have welcomed us on our escape journeys, mainly as we awaited visas to Canada and the U.S. Without their help, we would be lost in a sea of ignorance or indifference to our ordeal that cast a shadow on entire generations after the invasion of Soviet tanks of Czechoslovakia in 1968.
I didn’t write the memoir to glorify the communists or socialists, I wrote it to preserve the stories of several generations. I hope anyone who has second thoughts about penning his or her life story, finds the courage to relive it and put the words down on paper.
Let it be it serve as encouragement and inspiration for other authors, writers and readers, current and future.
Definitely a 5-star on this one! Emma Palova gives us unparalleled insight into 3 forms of government: Socialist, Communist, and Capitalism. We view all three through her eyes as a child living in the midst, as a teen, and as an adult. We also see these systems through the eyes of her parents. She presents these points of view unapologetically and without prejudice, which I think is amazing, listing good points and bad of each. The joy of this book is that it is a memoir, not a treatise, and thus is highly readable, actually a page-turner. I’m in awe of this woman who is not only an author, but has her own podcast, within which she gives her listeners introductions to other writers and their work. I wish college students (and high school students) would read this book. It is an eye-opener, and also gives wonderful insight into Eastern European cultures and people, something we Americans often know little about!
I Just finished the book on my balcony overlooking the Med sea from the east shores of Napolean’s birthplace…I was waiting for a perfect opportunity to read this book at a moment when I wouldn’t be bothered by everyday hustles and tasks…as I put the book down I can’t stop admiring the incredible courage and resilience of all of the characters in the story…throughout the book we get drawn into their struggles and dilemmas and feel their sadness, joy and frustration…we feel proud of their perseverance in the quest for their dreams…The book pleased me as well by giving a brief look into the timeline of the political events that took place leading to democracy in former Eastern European countries…This is a very easy read, that will please fans of all kinds of genre of litterature…
Copyright (c) 2025. Emma Blogs, LLC. All rights reserved.
Lauren’s rich and varied roles as actor, director, playwright, newspaper columnist, teacher, poet, wife, mother and grandmother have contributed to her latest role—children’s author of Lost But Found, The Real Story: Chappie’s Tale, What Happened to Chester, The Perfect Gift and Deer Diary.
Listen in for a chance to win signed copies of Deer Diary and What Happened to Chester?
Copyright (c) 2025. Emma Blogs, LLC. All rights reserved.
In a powerful display of camaraderie, Michigan Authors have become a staple of the Lakeshore Art Festival coming to downtown Muskegon this weekend June 28 &29 on Clay Street.
Sponsored by Modern History Press, Moravian Sons Distillery https://moraviansonsdistillery.com and authors Brian Talarczyk and Jennifer Raines.
Stop by this weekend to support more than 20 authors who write in all genres from children’s books to memoirs and mysteries.
Copyright (c) 2025. Emma Blogs, LLC. All rights reserved.
In sixty short prose poems, Jon Stott, celebrates the timeless rhythms and unexpected events that mark the passage of the late spring and summer months beside a woodland lake in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
Sponsored by Modern History Press, Moravian Sons Distilleryhttps://moraviansonsdistillery.com, authors Brian Talarczyk and Jennifer Raines.
Beginning with his anticipation of departing from the “City of the Pavements Grey” (Albuquerque, New Mexico) and the excitement of arriving at “The Little Cabin in the Big Woods” after spending many months so far away, he then chronicles such simple events as the sighting of the tiny flowers of May, the first appearance of a loon chick riding on its parent’s back, the joyful noise of Fourth of July celebrations, the spotting of the first red maple leaves,
and the melancholy hours of packing up and closing the cabin for the season. The theme of wildblueberries runs through the book.
Listen in for a chance to win a signed copy of Wild Blueberry Summer.
Copyright (c) 2025. Emma Blogs, LLC. All rights reserved.
Happy Father’s Day from the For the Love of Books Podcast
In this candid memoir, author Brian Talarczyk delves into his harrowing journey with bipolar disorder—a legacy he unknowingly inherited until his father’s sudden death in 2001.
Sponsored by authors Brian Talarczyk, Jennifer Raines, Caroline Topperman and Lowell-based business Moravian Sons Distillery.
With vulnerability and humor, Talarczyk recounts the soaring highs and crushing lows of his experience, from manic episodes and terrifying psychosis that led to his stay at the Yale New Haven Psychiatric Facility, to the profound depression that nearly claimed his life. I Am Not Bipolar is a raw and compelling account of a man’s battle with mental illness, the lessons learned, and his resolve to break the silence surrounding mental health.
Listen in for a chance to win a signed copy of I Am Not Bipolar: A Memoir
Copyright (c) 2025 Emma Blogs, LLC. All rights reserved.
Kelly needs to enhance her resume. Why else would she accept a placement in Tullamore facing her phobia about country towns? Years ago, a rookie cop humiliated her during an illegal strip search.
Sponsored by authors Jennifer Raines, Caroline Topperman and Moravian Sons Distillery.
Problem is, that former cop is now the deputy principal of her new high school and her boss. Sharing a house, a commute, and now an investigation to unravel a series of disasters that look like sabotage, Kelly takes the previously unthinkable step from enemies to allies to lovers.
Listen in for a chance to win a signed copy of A Just Man Choosing Family Book 4.
Copyright (c) 2025. Emma Blogs, LLC. All rights reserved.
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.
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