Category: New Releases

  • When a Story Finds You: The Quiet Magic of Gilly

    When a Story Finds You: The Quiet Magic of Gilly

    Here’s the thing: Tangerines is a mystery to me. It’s the only significant piece of writing I’ve created where I can’t pinpoint when I started it. Usually, my stories give me hints—details that tie them to a specific time in my life, a certain place or memory. But Tangerines? It’s different. I’m not sure if I wrote it 15 years ago, or 17, or maybe even 22. There’s no clear trail to follow. It feels like this story exists outside of time, and somehow that makes it feel so pure. Of course, I’m woven in there—a lot of me is—but in a way that’s more universal, more spiritual.

    About two years ago, I stumbled upon Tangerines while digging through old files on my computer, hunting for forgotten writing. And there it was. The moment I started reading, I was drawn in by the voice of Gilly. Over the years, I’ve created hundreds of characters—through short stories, novels, everything. But Gilly is different. Right away, I felt a deep sense of pride. Pride in her, and pride in myself as a writer. It was like meeting an old friend and realizing their magic is still there, untouched by time.

    Gilly has a voice is that is raw and authentic, full of curiosity and imagination. She’s introspective and quirky, a little playful, but deeply thoughtful. As I read, it felt as if she were right beside me—alive, waiting all these years to be rediscovered. That sense of creating someone so real and vivid is one of the most rewarding parts of being a writer.

    Yet Tangerines isn’t just Gilly’s story—it’s about navigating life’s mysteries, holding onto wonder, and finding meaning in small, everyday moments. It’s a quiet kind of magic, but a powerful one. At the heart of it all is Gilly, but she’s not alone. There’s Oggy, her loyal best friend, Orti, the tangerine tree covered in tiny carved hearts, and the yanaka—a furry, quirky creature existing only in Gilly’s forest. They’ve all been waiting in these pages, patiently, to be rediscovered. And for that, I’m both grateful and humbled.

    In many ways, these characters also helped me navigate the darkest parts of winter—the short days and cloudy skies. This year, I published two books during the season. The timing wasn’t random; I needed the creative spark to counteract the gloom. (A spontaneous trip to New Orleans didn’t hurt either.) And you know what? It worked.

    Because Gilly’s spirit is so steady and hopeful, I found I didn’t feel much anxiety when launching Tangerines. Despite being only ten years old on the page, she somehow anchored me. Then the first reviews came in, right around the time snow started falling here in Cumming, Georgia. Temperatures dipped into the teens, but there’s nothing quite as warming as a kind review—especially for a story you may have started two decades ago.

    And that leads me to the perfect way to wrap up: I received a new review just today, moments before sitting down to write this post. It reminded me why I do this—why I write, and why I keep rediscovering stories I thought I left behind. Sometimes, we think our creations are lost in time, but the truth is, they’re often just waiting for the right moment to return and light up our lives.

    Tangerines on Amazon

    Tangerines on Goodreads

    More reviews just in

    Review by

    Brynn B. – New Zealand

    Last updated on Jan 27 2025

    Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own

    One of the plagues modern entertainment faces is unoriginality. It’s becoming more and more common for stories to be predictable, generic, and cliche. Tangerines is anything but.

    Tangerines is told through the perspective of a 10-year-old girl Gilly, following the adventures of her and her best friend, Oggy. I expected this book to be a witty, charming read targeted towards kids. After reading it, I am completely blown away by how much this book makes me think. Tangerines is clever and fun, but it’s also much more meaningful of a book than I anticipated.

    The prose is one of the stars of this book. Tsvi Jolles has truly captured the thinking and mannerisms of a 10-year-old. Nearly all of the prose is witty; however, I do think at times it veered into the territory of being different to be different. There were only a few instances of this, though, and overall, it was very well-written.

    This book (…) offers a unique experience to readers. It’s definitely worth the quick read, and I will be checking out Jolles’ other works.

    Review by

    Suki F – Great Britain

    Last updated on Jan 22 2025

    We follow Gilly, a ten year old who lives in the forest with her mother, and has a tangerine tree growing in her back garden. The whole book is told from her point of view, and steeped with the innocence and magic of childhood. Her father has left and she spends a lot of the book planning on going through the forest to find him. I found it very interesting to see what she and her childhood friend think is happening, compared to what is actually going on, and the central mystery kept me reading.

    At times my interest did wane, and it did sometimes feel to me that she was a child much younger than her years, however as a whole this was quite a charming story.

    Review by

    Rhoda S. – United States

    January 26, 2025

    I have a fondness for off-beat, fun, and imaginative children’s literature. I loved this book. It’s a wonderful fantasy as well as a thoughtful look into the mind of a young girl.

  • Listen to an Excerpt from Leo and the Magic Guitar of the Ozarks

    Listen to an Excerpt from Leo and the Magic Guitar of the Ozarks

    I’m thrilled to share an exclusive excerpt from Leo and the Magic Guitar of the Ozarks, beautifully brought to life by the talented Diana Bustelo.

    Synopsis:
    On his 13th birthday, Leo Hernandez receives an unexpected gift—a guitar from his Uncle Javier in the Ozarks. This guitar isn’t ordinary; it holds a special kind of magic that connects Leo to his family’s past and opens doors to self-discovery, love, and the healing power of music. As Leo embarks on a journey of personal growth, he learns that music can unlock emotions and truths that words often can’t express.

    What did you think of the recording? Did Diana’s narration resonate with you the way it did with me? I’d love to hear your thoughts—please share them below!

  • My Kid Wanted to Rock—So I Wrote a Book About It!

    My Kid Wanted to Rock—So I Wrote a Book About It!

    Hey There! Welcome to My New Website!

    First off, I just want to say a big warm welcome to everyone stopping by my brand-new corner of the internet. This is my very first post here, and I’m super excited to kick things off by sharing some big news with you all.

    I Wrote a Book! (Again!)

    So, a bit of a backstory: the last time I published a book was many years ago when I was living in Israel. That book was in Hebrew, and a lot has changed since then. Fast forward to now, and it feels like a new beginning—a kind of rebirth—but also like reuniting with a part of myself that I’ve missed.

    Introducing “Leo and the Magic Guitar of the Ozarks”

    I’m thrilled (and a little nervous) to announce that my first middle-grade novel in English, “Leo and the Magic Guitar of the Ozarks,” is now available on Amazon KDP in both paperback and ebook formats!

    The Inspiration Behind the Story

    Let me tell you how this all came about. One day, my son Tomer waltzes into the room and casually mentions that he wants to perform at his elementary school graduation—with an electric guitar. Now, at that point, he could barely play a simple chord. But he was determined, and who was I to stand in the way of that kind of passion?

    Spoiler alert: A few months later, after lots of practice (and maybe a few noise complaints from the neighbors), he absolutely nailed it on stage. Watching Tomer’s journey from novice to performer was incredibly inspiring, and it sparked something in me.

    What’s the Book About?

    “Thirteen-year-old Leo gets a magical guitar that connects him with legendary musicians who help him navigate bullying, self-discovery, and the transformative power of music.”

    Leo Hernandez is a kid trying to find his place—sound familiar? After his mysterious Uncle Javier sends him a magical Fender Stratocaster, Leo’s world flips upside down in the best way possible. Not only does he start connecting with music legends like B.B. King and John Lennon, but he also begins to find his own voice.

    He deals with bullies, develops a crush, and faces the classic middle-school challenges—but with a magical twist. It’s a story about growth, courage, and the incredible journey that music can take you on.

    Why I Think You’ll Enjoy It

    • Relatable Journey: If you’ve ever chased a dream or cheered someone on as they pursued theirs, I think this story will resonate with you.
    • Musical Magic: Legendary musicians making cameo appearances? Yes, please!
    • Heartfelt Inspiration: Tomer’s real-life adventure was the heartbeat behind this book, and I poured a lot of that emotion into Leo’s story.

    Ready to Dive In?

    I would be absolutely thrilled if you’d check out “Leo and the Magic Guitar of the Ozarks.” Whether you’re young, young at heart, or just love a good story, I hope Leo’s journey brings you as much joy as it brought me writing it.

    Let’s Keep in Touch

    I’d love to hear your thoughts on the book, or even just say hi! Feel free to drop a comment, send me a message, or connect with me on social media.

    Thanks for stopping by my new site and being part of this exciting new chapter (couldn’t resist the pun). Here’s to new beginnings and rediscovering old passions!

    Rock on,

    Tsvi

    “Hope is the last thing you lose, mijo. Even when the world feels heavy, you keep playing your song.”
    – Maria offering wisdom to Leo.