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Wisconsin Bookwatch
Table of Contents
Reviewer's Choice
Great Lakes Shipwrecks & Survivals
William Ratigan, author
Reynold H. Weidenaar, illustrator
Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company
www.eerdmans.com
9780802886088, $27.99, PB, 386pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Great-Shipwrecks-Survivals-William-Ratigan/dp/0802886086
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/great-lakes-shipwrecks-survivals-william-ratigan/1102014132
W. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company
https://www.eerdmans.com/9780802886088/great-lakes-shipwrecks-and-survivals
Synopsis: Originally published in hardcover (2000), and now newly available in paperback (Great Lakes Shipwrecks &
Survivals" is breathtaking chronicle of the most spectacular shipwrecks and survivals on the Great Lakes. In its pages,
author William Ratigan re-creates vivid scenes of high courage and screaming panic from which no reader can turn
away.
Included in this striking catalog of catastrophes and Flying Dutchmen are the magnificent excursion liner Eastland, which
capsized at her pier in the Chicago River, drowning 835 people within clutching distance of busy downtown streets; the
shipwrecked steel freighter Mataafa, which dumped its crew into freezing waters while the snowbound town of Duluth
looked on; the dark Sunday in November 1913 when Lake Huron swallowed eight long ships without a man surviving to
tell the tale; and the bitter November of 1958 when the Bradley went down in Lake Michigan during one of the greatest
killer storms on the freshwater seas.
An entire section is dedicated to the wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald (the most famous maritime loss in modern times) in
Lake Superior in 1975.
Chilling watercolor illustrations, photographs, maps, and news clippings accentuate Ratigan's compelling and dramatic
storytelling. Sailors, historians, and general readers alike will be swept away by these unforgettable tales of tragedy and
heroism.
Critique: A definitive, fascinating, illustrated, and informative history of Great Lakes maritime ship history, "Great Lakes
Shipwrecks & Survivals" is an exceptional and unreservedly recommended addition to personal, professional, community,
and college/university library American Maritime History and Great Lakes Regional History collections and supplemental
curriculum studies lists. It should be noted that this trade paperback(6.5 x 0.8 x 5.6 inches, 1.2 pounds) edition of "Great
Lakes Shipwrecks & Survivals" is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $27.99).
Editorial Note #1: William Ratigan (1910 - 1984) was an American writer, journalist, historian, and novelist who wrote
mainly about Great Lakes history, culture, and folklore (specifically maritime history). Six generations of Ratigan's family
have lived in Michigan, a fact that inspired his novels and biographies of the Great Lakes region. His father went on the
Lakes at age twelve and worked up to steamboat engineer, with fresh- and salt-water licenses. Ratigan himself once acted
as dockmaster for a season at his home port of Charlevoix.
Editorial Note #2: Reynold Henry Weidenaar (1915-1985) was an artist from Grand Rapids, Michigan, recognized
nationally as well as locally for his technical virtuosity as a draftsman and printmaker.
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reynold_Weidenaar)
The Writing/Publishing Shelf
How to Write a Children's Picture Book
Kate Jerome
https://www.katejerome.com
Levenger Circa
889007704421, $59.50, Spiral Bound, 144pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Levenger-Childrens-Picture-Discbound-Notebook/dp/B0FPZR1HHH
Levenger Circa
https://www.levenger.com/products/circa-how-to-write-a-childrens-picture-book-discbound-refill
Synopsis: How to Write a Children's Picture Book is a 144-page interactive workbook printed in full color. Features
include 17 tabbed sections on theme, character, pacing, dialogue, illustration & more; foldout storyboard for side-by-side
book planning; translucent circa covers with 1" discs; and premium 120-gsm paper for smooth writing.
Critique: With the publication of "How to Write a Children's Picture Book", children's book author Kate Jerome draws
upon her many years of experience, expertise and success to create a complete, spiral bound, DIY instructional course that
will prove invaluable for aspiring (and practicing) writers of children's books. It comes in the form of a Discbound
Notebook by Levenger Circa and as a writing journal for prospective authors features 17 Tab Sections, a Fold-Out
Storyboard, a Translucent Cover, and a Refillable Disc Notebook. Providing a complete children's book themed writing
workshop under one cover. Thoroughly 'user friendly' in organization and presentation, this unique format for "How to
Write a Children's Picture Book" by Kate Jerome is especially and unreservedly recommended pick for both personal and
professional writing and publishing instructional reference collections.
Editorial Note: Kate Jerome (https://www.katejerome.com) has an extraordinary career that seamlessly blends corporate
leadership with creative prowess. An accomplished publishing executive, award-winning children's book author, and inter-
generational product expert, she brings an exceptional blend of storytelling, educational insight, and strategic leadership to
her work. Kate began her career as a high school biology teacher before transitioning into educational publishing. Rising
quickly through the ranks at Scott Foresman, she ultimately served as its President and as a Senior Vice President on the
HarperCollins Executive Board. Her leadership helped shape high-impact K-12 curriculum programs that advanced
reading, science, and environmental literacy nationwide.
As a staunch advocate of STEM, Kate launched her own company, KNI, to collaborate with National Geographic in
developing an award-winning science series for kids. With a portfolio that now boasts over 200 fiction and nonfiction
books, her contributions to children's literature are vast and varied. One of her notable works includes Who Was Amelia
Earhart? a part of Penguin's esteemed New York Times best-selling Who Was? series. Her most recent series on ocean
conservation for middle school students, OceanX Adventures, is being done in collaboration with the Dalio Foundation's
nonprofit OceanX initiative. Kate also served as President of the innovative publishing company, Insight Editions, where
she led the development of award-winning titles across pop culture, nature, and the arts.
The Christmas Shelf
A Very Brazilian Christmas: The Greatest Brazilian Holiday Stories of All Time
Mario de Andrade, et al.
New Vessel Press
www.newvesselpress.com
9781954404380, $26.95, HC, 160pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Very-Brazilian-Christmas-Greatest-Holiday/dp/1954404387
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-very-brazilian-christmas-mario-de-andrade/1147044363
Synopsis: "A Very Brazilian Christmas: The Greatest Brazilian Holiday Stories of All Time" from New Vessel Press is a
compendium of literary efforts by talented writers that combine to present a literary celebration of Christmas south of the
equator where the holiday falls during the Brazilian summer and festivities are punctuated by the rhythms of surf and
samba.
Comprised of classic and contemporary literary works by Machado de Assis, Mario de Andrade, Clarice Lispector, Paulo
Coelho, Graciliano Ramos, Lygia Fagundes Telles, Moacyr Scliar, Rubem Braga, Victor Heringer, Bruna Dantas Lobato,
Concalves Dias, Joaquim Maria Machado de Assis, and St. Jose de Anchieta,"A Very Brazilian Christmas" features a
bountiful, and surprising anthology presenting a potent mix of familial feasts, poetry, the peal of church bells, Midnight
Masses, and U.S. expatriates flirting at parties in Rio de Janeiro, and more! Unique, edifying, and Christmas themed, "A
Very Brazilian Christmas: The Greatest Brazilian Holiday Stories of All Time" is especially and unreservedly
recommended for personal reading lists, as well as community and college/university library Literary Fiction & Short Story
collections.
Editorial Notes:
Mario de Andrade (1893-1945) was a Brazilian novelist, poet, and musicologist deeply involved in the avant-garde
movement. His 1928 novel Macunaima was one of the foundational texts of Brazilian Modernism.
Clarice Lispector (1920-1977) was a Ukrainian-born Brazilian novelist and short story writer. Her debut novel, Near to the
Wild Heart, published in 1943, was a sensation and won the prestigious Graca Aranha Prize.
Rubem Braga (1913-1990) was a Brazilian writer of short prose sketches. After attending law school, Braga served as a
war correspondent in Italy during World War II. During his long career, Braga contributed to newspapers in Sao Paulo and
Rio de Janeiro.
Paulo Coelho (1947-) was born in Rio de Janeiro. He is the author of twenty-two international bestsellers and is best
known for his novel The Alchemist.
St. Jose de Anchieta (1534-1597) was a Jesuit missionary to Brazil who was instrumental in founding the cities of Sao
Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. Considered the father of Brazilian literature, he composed poems and plays and wrote the first
grammar of the Tupi language.
Joaquim Maria Machado de Assis (1839-1908), born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, is regarded by many as the greatest
Brazilian writer and wrote numerous novels, plays, poems, short story collections, and several translations.
Goncalves Dias (1823-1864) was a prominent poet and playwright of the Brazilian Romantic movement who is often
considered Brazil's national poet.
Victor Heringer (1988-2018) wrote a debut novel Impossible City published in 2009 and his second novel Gloria was
awarded Brazil's Jabuti Prize. His 2016 novel The Love of Singular Men was nominated for numerous awards.
Bruna Dantas Lobato (1991-), born in Natal, Brazil, is the author of Blue Light Hours and an assistant professor of English
and creative writing at Grinnell College. Her translation of The Words That Remain by Stenio Gardel won the National
Book Award for Translated Literature.
Graciliano Ramos (1892-1953) was a Brazilian novelist whose works centered on the northeast area of Brazil where he
spent most of his life. He is well known for his novels Sao Bernardo, Anguish, and Barren Lives.
Moacyr Scliar (1937-2011) was a prolific writer and physician. Much of his fiction is centered on Jewish life in Brazil and
one of his novels was on the National Yiddish Book Center's list of the 100 Greatest Works of Modern Jewish
Literature.
The Health/Medicine Shelf
Losing the Weight Loss Meds
Dr. Holly Wyatt, author
Dr. James O. Hill, author
BenBella Books
www.benbellabooks.com
9781637747803, $21.95, PB, 320pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Losing-Weight-Loss-Meds-Medications/dp/1637747802
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/losing-the-weight-loss-meds-holly-r-wyatt-md/1146890068
Synopsis: New weight loss medications like Ozempic(R), Wegovy(R), Mounjaro(R), and Zepbound(R) (known as
GLP-1s) can help you lose weight, but research shows that without a plan, the weight almost always comes back if the
prescription ends.
Co-authored by Dr. Holly Wyatt and Dr. James O. Hill, "Losing the Weight Loss Meds: A 10-Week Playbook for Stopping
GLP-1 Medications Without Regaining the Weight" is the first playbook designed specifically to help you transition off
medication -- and keep your hard-earned success for life.
Two leading obesity experts. Dr. Holly R. Wyatt and Dr. James O. Hill carefully lays out a science- backed, 10-week
program to replace medication with the power of food, physical activity, and mindstate. With "Lose the Weight Loss
Meds" you will discover how to:
Reset your appetite naturally with smart food strategies
Use physical activity to restore and optimize metabolism
Strengthen your mindstate to build resilience against cravings and setbacks
Catch early signs of weight regain and stop it before it snowballs
Create routines and environments that make success easier to sustain
This isn't another quick-fix diet. It is a practical, effective, DIY guide for the moment millions of people now face: life
after GLP-1s.
Whether you are preparing to stop medication now or later, or just beginning your weight loss journey, this DIY playbook
equips you with the tools to protect your progress and fully live the life you have worked so hard to create.
Critique: Original, seminal, groundbreaking, timely, and thoroughly 'reader/user' friendly in tone, style, organization and
presentation, "Losing the Weight Loss Meds: A 10-Week Playbook for Stopping GLP-1 Medications Without Regaining
the Weight" is vitally important reading for anyone on (or contemplating going on) this new group of weight loss/control
drugs (such as Ozempic) that are gaining in widespread popularity and use. While this trade paperback edition of "Losing
the Weight Loss Meds" from BenBella Books is a critically important and highly recommended addition to personal,
professional, community, and college/university library Health/Medicine collections, it should be noted that it is also
readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $14.99).
Editorial Note #1: Dr. Holly Wyatt is a leading authority in weight loss and long-term weight management, with over 25
years of experience helping people not only achieve significant weight loss but also maintain it for life. Best known as the
medical doctor on the hit TV show Extreme Weight Loss, Dr. Wyatt has guided countless individuals through dramatic
transformations, using her expertise in metabolism, nutrition, and behavior change. Coauthor of the bestselling book State
of Slim, she specializes in creating sustainable, science-based strategies that empower people to reset their metabolism,
manage their appetite, and develop healthy, lasting habits. Dr. Wyatt's career is dedicated to helping people maintain their
weight loss and improve their overall well-being by focusing on sustainable lifestyle changes rather than quick fixes.
Editorial Note #2: Dr. James O. Hill is a world-renowned expert in obesity, nutrition, and weight management, with over
40 years of groundbreaking research and experience in the field. As the cofounder of the National Weight Control
Registry, the largest study of individuals who have successfully maintained long-term weight loss, and coauthor of State of
Slim, Dr. Hill has pioneered the understanding of sustainable weight loss. His work has been instrumental in developing
evidence-based strategies that empower people to achieve lasting weight management through balanced nutrition, physical
activity, and behavioral changes. Dr. Hill has published over 700 peer-reviewed articles and is widely recognized for his
contributions to public health, including shaping national policies on obesity prevention and management.
The Cookbook Shelf
Clodagh's Happy Cooking
Clodagh McKenna
Kyle Books
c/o Octopus Books
https://www.octopusbooks.co.uk
9781804193372, $29.99, HC, 240pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Clodaghs-Happy-Cooking-Healthy-Recipes/dp/1804193372
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/clodaghs-happy-cooking-clodagh-mckenna/1147469891
Synopsis: Clodagh McKenna is an experienced and gifted cook who has packed "Clodagh's Happy Cooking: 100 Easy,
Speedy, Healthy Recipes for Good Mood Food" with delicious recipes specifically intended for the health-conscious
family cook who's short on time.
Clodagh's Happy Cooking is a DIY compendium of easy, everyday, tasty recipes make health and happiness a part of your
daily routine from breakfast to dinner. All of the recipes have been designed to fit into your daily life, with accessible
ingredients, vegan alternatives and air fryer instructions.
The recipes range from My Daily Happy Juice; Breakfast Quiches; My Heritage Loaf; and Noodle Salad with Spicy Peanut
Dressing; to Greek Marinated Chicken with Courgette & Feta Spicy Couscous & Tzatsiki; Veggie Vibes Power Bowl;
Quick Tomato Spaghetti, and My Mum's Irish Stew with Pearl Barley -- and so many more!
From teas juices and breakfasts to help you start your day on the right side of the bed to simple suppers you can make in
under 30 minutes, Clodagh's Happy Cooking is a must-have guide to joyful, healthy living. The recipes are designed to be
quick and achievable, using easy-to-find ingredients and incorporating vegan alternatives plus air fryer adaptions when
relevant to suit today's diverse diets and busy lifestyles.
The individual chapters include: Teas and Juices, Breakfast, Healthy Snacks and Treats, Soups & Breads, Lunch,
30-Minute Suppers and Get-Ahead Cooking.
With recipes including nutritious juices and tea such as Healing Tea and My daily Happy Juice (more than 1 million views
on social media) Soups and Breads such as Make Me Strong Green Soup and Guinness Brown Bread, there is something
for everyone's healthy habits here. Treats include Banana Peanut Bread and GF Oat & Pistachio Cookies, while delicious
quick lunches include Red Curry Lentils with Sweet Potatoes & Spinach and Greek Chicken with Spicy Couscous &
Tzatsiki. For those Get-ahead days recipes include one-pot dishes to freeze for later.
Critique: Beautifully illustrated throughout, "Clodagh's Happy Cooking: 100 Easy, Speedy, Healthy Recipes for Good
Mood Food" is a simple pleasure to browse through, an ideal resource for memorable menu planning, thoroughly 'kitchen
cook friendly' in organization and presentation. A special and highly recommended pick for personal, professional, and
community library cookbook collections, it should be noted that this hardcover edition of "Clodagh's Happy Cooking: 100
Easy, Speedy, Healthy Recipes for Good Mood Food" from Kyle Books is also readily available in a digital book format
(Kindle, $15.99).
Editorial Note: Clodagh McKenna (www.clodaghmckenna.com) is a chef, author and TV presenter. She is a much-loved
resident chef on ITV's This Morning, a regular chef on ITV's Cooking with the Stars and a regular on The Marilyn Denis
Show in Canada and The Today Show in the USA. She is the author of 8 bestselling cookbooks. Clodagh is passionate
about the planet and living well, and is inspired daily by her sustainable homestead in Hampshire, UK, where she grows
countless varieties of fruit and vegetables, and has six beautiful Burford Brown hens and uses produce in her simple,
speedy recipes. For her upbeat recipe videos and everyday infectious inspiration follow her on Instagram
@clodagh_mckenna
The Apothecary Chef
Natasha MacAller
Kyle Books
c/o Octopus Books
https://www.octopusbooks.co.uk
9781804192801, $34.99, HC, 240pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Apothecary-Chef-Recipes-Beneficial-Healthy/dp/1804192805
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-apothecary-chef-natasha-macaller/1147387725
Synopsis: For "The Apothecary Chef: Recipes with Beneficial Herbs & Plants for a Long and Healthy Life", author
Natasha MacAller has collaborated with a team of international award-winning chefs, ranging from April Bloomfield and
The Sioux Chef in the USA, to David Leibovitz in Paris and Pierre Koffmann in London, to gather and create recipes, each
with several hero ingredients that nourish, sustain and delight.
Individual chapters comprising "The Apothecary Chef" include Good for the Gut, Everyday Joy, A Sense of Calm,
Immunity Boosters, Longevity & resilience and Breath & Balance. From starters, salads and soups to mains, pestos,
chutneys and desserts, recipes include Spring Pea, Petal and Pea Shoot Salad, Slow-Cooked Peppercorn Lamb Shank and
Spiced Nectarines. Each chapter includes delicious, nature-inspired dishes for optimum wellbeing.
Alongside the recipes is a directory of 50 herbs and plants (each one illustrated) that explores the myths, truths and
medicinal benefits of each plant. Natasha also shares tips and ideas for growing them yourself, in whatever space you have
available. There are also features on shopping seasonally, harvesting and storing local edibles, plus where to purchase
hard-to-find ingredients.
"The Apothecary Chef" is completed with a recipe index, a herbs and plants index and details of the chef contributors.
Contributing chefs include Pierre Koffman, Skye Gyngell, The Sioux Chef, Olia Hercules, April Bloomfield, Peter
Gordon, and others.
Critique: Beautifully illustrated with full color photos, expertly written, organized and presented, "The Apothecary Chef:
Recipes with Beneficial Herbs & Plants for a Long and Healthy Life" will prove a welcome and enduringly appreciated
resource for planning memorable, palate pleasing, appetite satisfying, and 'kitchen cook friendly' meals for any and all
dining occasions, formal and informal. Enhanced for professional chef and home kitchen cooks alike with the inclusion of
a three page listing of contributing chefs, a glossary, a listing of Useful Resources, and a three page Index, it should be
noted that this hardcover edition of "The Apothecary Chef" from Kyle Books is also readily available in a digital book
format (Kindle, $19.99).
Editorial Note: Natasha MacAller (https://www.dancingchef.net) is a former professional ballerina who brings the same
diligence and precision to the kitchen as she did to dancing. Author of two internationally recognized cookbooks "Vanilla
Table" and "Spice Health Heroes", Natasha is now turning her thoughts to herbs and foraged ingredients. She divides her
time between Los Angeles, Auckland and London consulting with chefs, restaurants, farmers markets and culinary events
on menu and recipe development, as well as teaching cooking classes to curious home cooks and up and coming
chefs.
The Biography/Memoir Shelf
Beautiful Mystery: Living in a Wordless World
Danilyn Rutherford
Duke University Press
www.dukeupress.edu
9781478029250, $29.95, HC, 240pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Beautiful-Mystery-Living-Wordless-World/dp/1478029250
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/beautiful-mystery-danilyn-rutherford/1147175160
Synopsis: When Danilyn Rutherford and her husband Craig noticed that their six-month-old daughter Millie wasn't making
eye contact, they took her to their pediatrician. And an optometrist. Then a neurologist. Later, to a team of physical and
occupational therapists. None of the doctors could give Millie a diagnosis, but it was clear that her brain was not
developing at the rate it should.
At an age when some children take their first steps, Millie had the cognitive ability and motor skills of a three-month-old.
Three years later, Craig died suddenly of a heart attack and Danilyn found herself on the precipice of her anthropology
career as a widow and single mother, still trying to solve the puzzle posed by Millie's inaccessible mind.
Now in her twenties, Millie has never been able to express herself verbally, but she has a thriving social environment
rooted in the people around her and in things her companions and family can see, hear, smell, and feel. Life in Millie's
world is far richer than might be immediately evident to those who think and communicate in conventional ways.
"Beautiful Mystery: Living in a Wordless World" by Danilyn Rutherford explores what it means to be a person in the
spaces between what we can and cannot say, and how we can fight to care for those we love when they don't have the
language to fight for themselves.
Through her unique lens as a mother and an anthropologist, Rutherford tells the story of arriving in Millie's world, what
she found there, and how Millie showed her that words aren't always what makes us human. Enlightening and deeply felt,
"Beautiful Mystery" demonstrates that you don't have to understand someone to love them -- a lesson that, if we all learned
it, might allow us to live together in a fractured world.
Critique: A fascinating story of heartbreak, tragedy, struggle, and ultimate success, "Beautiful Mystery: Living in a
Wordless World" is a truly extraordinary and deeply personal and unique life story that has a universal resonance,
inspiration, and application. Exceptionally well written, emotionally engaging, and is an inherently fascinating from start to
finish, "Beautiful Mystery: Living in a Wordless World" is an extraordinary and especially recommended pick for
personal, community, and college/university library Contemporary American Biography/Memoir collections and
supplemental Cultural Anthropology and Disability Parenting curriculum studies lists. It should be noted that this
hardcover edition of "Beautiful Mystery: Living in a Wordless World" from Duke University Press is also readily available
in a digital book format (Kindle, $16.17).
Editorial Note: Danilyn Rutherford (https://danilynrutherford.com) is President of the Wenner-Gren Foundation for
Anthropological Research. An award-winning anthropologist, she has previously taught at the University of California,
Santa Cruz, and the University of Chicago. She is the author of Living in the Stone Age: Reflections on the Origins of a
Colonial Fantasy, Laughing at Leviathan: Sovereignty and Audience in West Papua, and Raiding the Land of the
Foreigners: The Limits of the Nation on an Indonesian Frontier.
The General Fiction Shelf
How to Fake a Haunting
Christa Carmen
www.christacarmen.com
Thomas & Mercer
c/o Amazon Publishing
9781662530746, $16.99, PB, 349pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/How-Fake-Haunting-Christa-Carmen/dp/1662530749
Synopsis: Lainey Taylor is being pushed to the brink by her alcoholic husband, Callum. Prone to hallucinations and erratic
behavior, it's only a matter of time before he puts Lainey's life (and that of their daughter, Beatrix) in jeopardy.
A divorce and full custody is out of the question. In Callum's words: Over my dead body.
Lainey's sympathetic friend Adelaide has a wild solution. They'll stage a haunting so convincing it will drive Callum out of
Lainey's life for good. Nothing too over the top: strange smells, noises in the walls, and flies unleashed along the
windowsills. It could work. Considering Callum's alcohol-induced night terrors, he's already close to broken.
With each new scare, Lainey is closer to seeing the haunting through to its bitter, freeing end.
But in a house filled with so much rage, resentment, and fear, is it any wonder that Lainey and Adelaide's plan goes
horribly wrong? As their fake haunting spirals into something no one can control, Lainey discovers that the only way out of
this frightening trap is to join forces with Callum, or die trying.
Critique: Clearly, with the publication of "How to Fake a Haunting", author Christa Carmen demonstrates beyond any
question that she is a clear and consummate master of the horror fiction genre. Original, imaginative, emotionally
engaging, and a compulsively compelling page turner of a read from start to finish, "How to Fake a Haunting" is a full bore
psychological thriller that is an unreservedly recommended pick for personal reading lists and community library
collections. It should be noted that this paperback edition of "How to Fake a Haunting" from Thomas & Mercer is also
readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $4.99).
Editorial Note: Christa Carmen (www.christacarmen.com) is also the author of Beneath the Poet's House; The Daughters
of Block Island, winner of the Bram Stoker Award and a Shirley Jackson Award finalist; Something Borrowed, Something
Blood-Soaked, an Indie Horror Book Award winner; and numerous short stories, including the Bram Stoker Award -
nominated "Through the Looking Glass and Straight into Hell".
The Lady on Esplanade
Karen White
Berkley Books
c/o Penguin/Random House
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com
9780593549490, $30.00, HC, 416pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Lady-Esplanade-Royal-Street-Novel/dp/059354949X
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-lady-on-esplanade-karen-white/1146937694
Synopsis: Nola is ready to focus on starting over in the Big Easy. She wants to get back to work on the renovations of her
Creole cottage, and she is eager to launch a new murder-house-flipping business with contractor, closet psychic, and
part-time nemesis Beau Ryan. After a near-death ghostly encounter and the return of Beau's missing sister, they are
confident that the ghost of his mother can finally rest.
Nola believes the shotgun house on famed Esplanade Avenue is a prime fixer-upper for her first project. It may have been
the site of a woman's murder and the disappearance of an entire family, but the house will be perfect for new-to-town
Cooper Ravenel -- who happens to have caused Nola's first heartbreak.
That's the least of Nola's worries, though. In addition to the elusive spirit of an angry young woman who accompanied
Cooper to New Orleans, the house on Esplanade has its own ghosts, including one that is becoming increasingly dangerous
as he tries to hide his dark secrets. And the wet footprints from the spirit of Beau's mother have returned to let them know
there is still unfinished business before she can rest. Spectral danger is headed toward them, and it's up to Nola to convince
Beau to help before it's too late!
Critique: Original, deftly crafted, clever, imaginative, and a fun read from start to finish, "The Lady on the Esplanade" by
Karen White is a blending of cozy mystery and ghost story that will prove to be an immediate and enduringly popular pick
for community library collections. It should be noted for personal reading lists that this hardcover edition of "The Lady on
the Esplanade" from Berkley Books is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $14.99).
Editorial Note: Karen White (https://www.karen-white.com) is the author of more than thirty novels, including the Tradd
Street series, The Last Night in London, Dreams of Falling, The Night the Lights Went Out, Flight Patterns, The Sound of
Glass, A Long Time Gone, and The Time Between. She is the coauthor of The Lost Summers of Newport, All the Ways
We Said Goodbye, The Glass Ocean, and The Forgotten Room with New York Times bestselling authors Beatriz Williams
and Lauren Willig.
The Historical Fiction Shelf
Our Share of Morning
Laura Bonazzoli
https://www.laurabonazzoli.com
Sibylline Press
https://sibyllinepress.com
9798897409938, $22.00, PB, 422pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Our-Share-Morning-Laura-Bonazzoli/dp/B0FDQNQJ1B
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/our-share-of-morning-laura-bonazzoli/1147684730
Sibylline Press
https://shop.sibyllinepress.com/products/our-share-of-morning-a-novel
Synopsis: 1933. A three-story tenement in a mill town west of Boston. In the third-floor apartment hangs a portrait of
unforgettable beauty: Ada, a neighbor's daughter, who disappeared years before.
In the apartment below, two sisters (thoughtful, sensible Violet and gifted but fragile Glory) come of age unaware of how
the missing Ada haunts their lives.
As disease and poverty threaten their family, they are each other's refuge. But as they reach adulthood, the fallout from a
broken love affair (while unraveling the mystery of Ada) threatens their bond.
Narrated in turns by each of the sisters, "Our Share of Morning" reveals how contagion, misogyny, and a series of betrayals
force Violet and Glory to face immutable loss. Poignant and poetic, "Our Share of Morning" is a meditation on meaning,
fate, forgiveness, and the fierce endurance of sisterly love.
Critique: Original, clever, deftly crafted, eloquent, and all the more impressive when considering that this is author, poet,
and essayist Laura Bonazzoli's debut as a novelist, "Our Share of Morning" is an extraordinary and engaging read from
beginning to end. While especially and unreservedly recommended for community/public library 20th Century Era
historical fiction collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that this paperback edition of "Our Share of
Morning" from Sibylline Press is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $5.99).
Editorial Note: Laura Bonazzoli (https://www.laurabonazzoli.com) has had her short fiction, poetry, and essays published
in dozens of literary magazines and several anthologies. She works as a freelance editor and ghostwriter, and teaches
creative writing with Maine Media Workshops. She holds a BA from Regis College in Weston, Massachusetts, and an
MFA from the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis.
The Literary Fiction Shelf
Emerald City Blues
H. Lee Barnes
University of Nevada Press
www.unpress.nevada.edu
9781647792206, $29.95, HC, 388pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Emerald-City-Blues-Western-Literature/dp/1647792207
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/emerald-city-blues-h-lee-barnes/1147111473
Synopsis: In the summer of 1942, Eve Halverson assumes her dead sister's identity and leaves behind her small-town life
in Washington for the promise of something new in San Pedro, California. Determined to support the war effort, she takes
a job at a boot factory, stepping into an unfamiliar world of sweat, steel, and camaraderie. Among the women on the
factory floor, she finds resilience, laughter, and unexpected friendships that begin to reshape her understanding of the
world -- and herself.
But it's the quiet, captivating dockworker and blues singer Hard Times (H.T.) who truly upends her life. As Eve grows
closer to H.T., she finds herself drawn into his world, one filled with music, longing, and the ever-present shadows of
prejudice. Their connection forces Eve to confront realities she'd never imagined, challenging the boundaries of her own
perceptions and the risks of crossing societal lines. When Eve becomes a witness to a violent crime at a blues club, her life
takes a dangerous turn. As she navigates the escalating threats, she leans on the strength of her newfound friends and the
fragile, complex bond she shares with H.T.
Set against the vibrant yet turbulent backdrop of World War II-era California, "Emerald City Blues" is a heartfelt
coming-of-age story. It explores the complexities of love, the power of friendship, and the courage it takes to forge your
own path in an uncertain world. Eve's journey is one of discovery -- not just of the world beyond her hometown, but of the
resilience and strength she never knew she possessed.
Critique: With the publication of "Emerald City Blues", author H. Lee Barnes documents his having a genuine flair for the
kind of articulate and imaginative storytelling talent and style that makes his novel an emotionally compelling and
inherently engaging read from start to finish. Original, exceptional, and a riveting read, "Emerald City Blues" is especially
and unreservedly recommended for community library Literary Fiction collections. It should be noted for personal reading
lists that this hardcover edition of "Emerald City Blues" from the University of Nevada Press is also readily available in
paperback (9781647792138, $24.95) and in a digital book format (Kindle, $23.12).
Editorial Note: H. Lee Barnes (https://www.hleebarnes.net) is the author of ten books, including four novels and four short
story collections. His short fiction has received the Willamette Fiction Award and the Arizona Author's Association Fiction
Award. His last collection, Life Is a Country Western Song, garnered the 2019 New Mexico/Arizona Book Award for
Fiction Other. In addition, Barnes was honored by the Vietnam Veterans of America with an Excellence in the Arts Award
for his Vietnam War books, and in 2009 he was inducted into the Nevada Writers Hall of Fame. He earned his MFA in
creative writing from Arizona State University and taught English and creative writing at the College of Southern Nevada,
retiring emeritus in 2017.
The Romantic Fiction Shelf
The Sinking of the Leonardo da Vinci
Deborah Jeanne Weitzman
Koehler Books
www.koehlerbooks.com
9798888247327, $29.95, HC, 284pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Sinking-Leonardo-Deborah-Jeanne-Weitzman/dp/B0F2KJ8M3L
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-sinking-of-the-leonardo-da-vinci-deborah-jeanne-weitzman/1147196293
Synopsis: 1976, New York City.
Joanna, a dreamy and sensitive young woman, suffers deep loneliness and a sense of never belonging. The world of music,
of songwriting, draws her toward something deeper, if only she had permission to enter that world.
When she meets Luca, onboard The Leonardo da Vinci, her wildest dreams come true. He-the young navigator of the ship,
rebellious and passionate-gives her that permission. They fall hopelessly in love, and against all odds, she travels to Rome
to be with him. When she arrives, he has drastically changed. Never knowing what turned him so callous, this dark seed
contaminates the rest of her life.
Back in New York, she runs into her former professor, Stuart, a visionary environmentalist, and they marry. Older than
Joanna, he is her anchor and benevolent father figure. To never be burned again, she vows to stay far from the rocky shoals
of passion. To keep that vow, she buries her creative soul, her real voice, and her music.
But when Stuart unexpectedly dies of a heart attack, her un-lived self awakens with a vengeance. Hoping to heal, she
travels to the walking trails of Cinque Terre, where she unexpectedly reawakens both passion and comfort in her
relationships, finding herself along the way.
Critique: Original, eloquent, exceptional, and a fully engaging read from cover to cover, "The Sinking of the Leonardo da
Vinci" by author/storyteller Deborah Jeanne Weitzman is ane extraordinary mix of romance, heartache, and ultimate
emotional triumph. Weitzman's genuine flair for a vividly effective and narrative driven storytelling raises her novel to an
impressive level of literary elegance. While unreservedly recommended for community library Contemporary Romance
Fiction collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that this hardcover edition of "The Sinking of the Leonardo
da Vinci" from Koehler Books is also readily available in paperback (9798888247303, $19.95) and in a digital book format
(Kindle, $5.99).
Editorial Note: Deborah Jeanne Weitzman (https://deborahjeanne.com) is a native New Yorker who has traveled the world.
These travels have defined and informed her writing. Her published memoir is "Pandora Learns to Sing". An accomplished
musician, "The Sinking of the Leonardo da Vinci" is her first novel.
The Mystery/Suspense Shelf
Revenge, Served Royal: A Mystery
Celeste Connally
Minotaur Books
c/o St. Martin's Publishing Group
www.minotaurbooks.com
9781250387394, $29.00, HC, 336pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Revenge-Served-Royal-Mystery-Inquires/dp/1250387396
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/revenge-served-royal-celeste-connally/1147017531
Synopsis: September, 1815. Autumn is in the air as Lady Petra Forsyth and some of the most illustrious members of the
ton descend upon Windsor Castle for a week of royal celebrations, with the highlight being Queen Charlotte's inaugural
patisserie contest for the best bakers employed by England's finest houses. Not only is Lady Petra's own cook one of the
contestants, but Her Majesty has requested that Petra herself serve as one of the judges.
Petra's happiness at tasting delicious cakes and biscuits only increases at finding her beloved Aunt Ophelia in attendance at
Windsor, as well as Sir Rufus Pomeroy. As England's most famous former royal chef-turned-cookbook author, Sir Rufus is
slated to present his best recipes to the Queen during the festivities, with Petra being granted an early viewing in the royal
library.
Yet upon arrival, Petra instead encounters a frantic housemaid pointing to a body of one of Her Majesty's guests -- and to
the valet still tugging at the silk ribbon used to strangle the victim. What's more, the valet turns out to be Oliver Beecham,
the ne'er-do-well brother of Petra's own lady's maid, Annie. But as Oliver is hauled away to the dungeons, he protests his
innocence, claiming the late guest argued with several aristocrats, including the Prince Regent and Petra's Aunt Ophelia,
and boasted about hiding a potentially scandalous document within the vastness of Windsor Castle.
When some poisoned tea meant for Petra is consumed by one of her fellow judges, it's clear the real killer is still walking
the castle's halls. Indeed, in order to prove the innocence of Annie's brother and find the incriminating document, Petra will
need to act like a lady, eat like a chef, and think like one of Her Majesty's best spies before a murderer can turn the
celebrations from sweet to royally deadly.
Critique: A perfectly penned Regency era novel of mystery, suspense, and suspicions, "Revenge Served Royal" by Celeste
Connally is a fun read for dedicated cozy mystery fans and historical mystery enthusiasts from start to finish. Original,
exceptional, and highly recommended, "Revenge Served Royal" will prove to be an immediate and enduringly popular
pick for community library Mystery/Suspense collections. It should be noted for the personal reading lists that this
hardcover edition of "Revenge Served Royal" from Minotaur Books is also readily available in a digital book format
(Kindle, $14.99).
Editorial Note: Celeste Connally (https://celesteconnally.com) is also the author of the Lady Petra Inquires series, as well
as an Agatha Award nominee, and a former freelance writer and editor. Her mysteries are set in Regency-era England and
feature a headstrong heroine, and as many equestrian scenes as her plots and editor will allow. She delights in giving her
mysteries a good dose of romance, too, along with a few researched historical facts she hopes you'll find as interesting as
she does. Passionate about history and slightly obsessed with period dramas, what Celeste loves most is reading and
writing about women who don't always do as they are told.
One-Week Odyssey
Carolyn Brodeur
Belle Isle Books
https://www.belleislebooks.com
c/o Brandylane Publishers
https://www.brandylanepublishers.com
9781966369318, $17.95, PB, 174pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/One-Week-Odyssey-Blackwater-Lake-Mystery/dp/196636931X
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/one-week-odyssey-carolyn-brodeur/1148189040
Synopsis: Kat Normand is a seasoned portfolio manager of community associations who never expected to trade her busy
career for the mysterious lakeside town of Blackwater Lake. But when the homeowners association offers her a six-figure
salary, a cozy home, and the role of general manager, it feels too good to pass up-even if the HOA barely seems to exist
online.
Soon, Kat discovers her predecessor vanished without a trace, and the residents are harboring secrets they won't easily
share. With the help of her quirky assistant Babs and Jet, her loyal English Springer Spaniel (who may be more than he
seems), Kat sets out to unravel the unsettling mysteries hiding beneath the town's polished surface-before she disappears,
too.
Critique: Featuring all the elements that go into the making of a good cozy mystery, "One-Week Odyssey" by Carolyn
Brodeur is a deftly crafted and thoroughly fun read from start to finish. Especially and unreservedly recommended for
community library Mystery/Suspense collections and the personal reading lists of all dedicated small town themed cozy
mystery fans. It should be noted for personal reading lists that this paperback edition of "One-Week Odyssey: A
Blackwater Lake Cozy Mystery" from Belle Isle Books is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle,
$9.99).
Editorial Note: Carolyn Brodeur (https://blackwaterlakemysteries.com) studied English and writing, nurturing her dream of
becoming an author of fiction one day. Carolyn grew up binge reading book series by authors such as Anne McCaffrey,
Carolyn Keene, and Christopher Pike, enjoying genres like sci-fi, paranormal, and mysteries. However, she truly found her
niche when she discovered cozy mysteries while working for a Homeowners Association.
A Case of Life and Limb: The Trials of Gabriel Ward
Sally Smith
Raven Books
c/o Bloomsbury Publishing
www.bloomsbury.com
9781639737178, $28.99, HC, 320pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Case-Life-Limb-Trials-Gabriel/dp/1639737170
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-case-of-life-and-limb-sally-smith/1147708460
Synopsis: Christmas Eve, 1901. Gabriel Ward KC is hard at work on a thorny libel case involving London's most famous
music hall star, Topsy Tillotson, and its most notorious tabloid newspaper, the Nation's Voice, but the Inner Temple
remains as quiet and calm as ever. Quiet, that is, until a severed hand arrives in the post.
While the hand's recipient, Temple Treasurer Sir William Waring, is rightfully shaken, Gabriel is filled with curiosity.
Who would want to send such a thing? And why? But as more parcels arrive-one with fatal consequences-Gabriel realizes
that it is not Sir William who is the target, but the Temple itself.
Someone is holding a grudge that has already led to at least one death. Now it's up to Gabriel, and Constable Wright of the
City of London Police, to find out who, before an old death leads to a new murder.
Critique: With all the makings of a first class historical cozy mystery, "A Case of Life and Limb" by gifted novelist and
former British barrister Sally Smith is an extraordinary and fun read for mystery fans from start to finish. Great characters,
unexpected plot twists, and a satisfying (if surprising) finale, "A Case of Life and Limb" is especially and unreservedly
recommended for community library Historical Mystery/Suspense Fiction collections. It should be noted for the personal
reading lists of dedicated mystery buffs that this hardcover edition of "A Case of life and Limb" from Raven Books is also
readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.13).
Editorial Note: Sally Smith spent all her working life as a barrister and later King's Counsel in the Inner Temple. After
writing a biography of the famous Edwardian barrister, Sir Edward Marshall Hall KC, she retired from the bar to write full
time. A Case of Mice and Murder, her first novel, was inspired by the historic surroundings of the Inner Temple in which
she still lives and works and by the rich history contained in the Inner Temple archives. A Case of Mice and Murder is the
first in a series starring the reluctant sleuth Sir Gabriel Ward KC.
The Water Lies
Amy Meyerson
www.amymeyerson.com
Thomas & Mercer
c/o Amazon Publishing
9781662531972, $28.99, HC, 347pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Water-Lies-Amy-Meyerson/dp/1662531974
Synopsis: Heavily pregnant with her second child, Tessa Irons has enough on her mind without her toddler throwing
tantrums at the local coffee shop. The boy is inconsolable, shouting "Gigi!" to a woman Tessa's never seen before -- and
never will again. The next morning, the woman's body is dredged up from the canal outside the Ironses' posh Venice Beach
home, and Tessa's gut tells her it's no coincidence.
Barb Geller refuses to believe that her daughter's death was just some drunken accident. She heads to California for
answers, where she crosses paths with Tessa. Together they hunt for the truth, certain they'll find a connection between
their children.
But the police don't believe them. Tessa's husband dismisses her worries as pregnancy jitters, and even though people are
always watching along the canals, no one saw a thing. Tessa and Barb only have each other, their intuition, and the
creeping sense of danger that grows with every shocking revelation.
Critique: As an author, Amy Meyerson is gifted with a genuine talent for the kind of narrative drive storytelling style that
fully engages the reader's rapt attention from start to finish. Her newest novel, "The Water Lies" is an extraordinary and
original suspense thriller that will hold a particular interest for fans of amateur female sleuths having to solve a murder
mystery against tremendous odds and skeptical authorities. A simply riveting read from cover to cover, "The Water Lies" is
highly recommended, especially for community library Contemporary Mystery/Suspense collections. It should be noted for
the personal reading lists of cozy mystery fans that this hardcover edition of "The Water Lies" from Thomas & Mercer is
also available in paperback (9781662531989, $16.99) and in a digital book format (Kindle, $4.99).
Editorial Note: Amy Meyerson (www.amymeyerson.com) is the author of The Bookshop of Yesterdays, The Imperfects,
and The Love Scribe. Her books have been translated into eleven languages and are frequently chosen for best-of lists,
including lists from Good Morning America, Publishers Weekly, The Christian Science Monitor, Library Journal, The
Philadelphia Inquirer, and the Texas Library Association's Lariat List. Meyerson completed her graduate work in creative
writing at the University of Southern California, where she now teaches in the writing department.
Behind These Four Walls
Yasmin Angoe
https://yasminangoe.com
Thomas & Mercer
c/o Amazon Publishing
9781662529696, $28.99, HC, 367pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Behind-These-Four-Walls-Novel/dp/1662529694
Synopsis: Isla Thorne had a rough start in life. Orphaned young, she spent her formative years in a group home where she
met her best friend, Eden Galloway. At sixteen, they decide to run away to LA... but Eden never makes it.
It's been ten years since Eden vanished. And Isla's determined to find her.
She begins at the last place Eden visited: the Corrigan mansion in Virginia. Eden claimed to have unfinished business
there. Posing as an aspiring journalist, Isla insinuates herself into the wealthy family's home and begins searching for the
truth.
The more she digs, the more Isla discovers Eden isn't who she thought she was. Was she even a victim, or did Eden plan
this all along? Desperate for answers and to keep her identity hidden, Isla finds an ally in one of the Corrigan sons. But as
she wades deeper into this power-hungry family's secrets and lies, she finds herself in the crosshairs of a bloodline that's
more lethal than loyal.
Critique: An impressive novel of suspense from start to finish, author Yasmin Angoe presents a genuine flair for
developing engaging characters and the kind of cliff hanger plot twists that make for a riveting and memorable read. While
"Behind These Four Walls" is an especially and unreservedly recommended pick for community library Contemporary
Suspense/Thriller collections, it should be noted for the personal reading lists of dedicated mystery buffs that this
hardcover edition of "Behind These Four Walls" from Thomas & Mercer is also available in paperback (9781662529672,
$16.99) and in a digital book format (Kindle, $4.99).
Editorial Note: Yasmin Angoe (https://yasminangoe.com) is the author of Her Name Is Knight. Yasmin received the 2020
Eleanor Taylor Bland Crime Fiction Writers of Color Award, was a Goodreads 2024 People's Choice nominee for Mystery
& Thriller, and was a finalist for the Library of Virginia's People's Choice Award for Fiction. She's a member of several
organizations including Crime Writers of Color, Sisters in Crime, and the International Thriller Writers.
Stuart Woods' Blown Away
Brett Battles
G. P. Putnam's Sons
c/o Penguin Group
www.penguin.com
9780593854747, $30.00, HC, 368pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Stuart-Woods-Blown-Teddy-Novel/dp/0593854748
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/stuart-woods-blown-away-brett-battles/1147078417
Synopsis: Former CIA operative Teddy Fay whisks away to join Peter and Hattie Barrington in Palm Springs. But his hope
for a relaxing vacation vanishes when he attends a prominent actor's annual birthday party, where he witnesses a heated
squabble between two women, only for one of them to turn up dead the next day.
Teddy investigates who might be lurking in the shadows and uncovers a web of intrigue involving a sinister plan to take
over a cutting-edge energy company. If he doesn't act fast, valuable secrets risk falling into the wrong hands, but more
importantly innocent lives could be in jeopardy.
Critique: Featuring a popular character created by the late novelist Stuart Wood in a new novel by Brett Battles, with the
publication of "Stuart Woods' Blown Away", once again former CIA operative Teddy Fay returns for yet another thrilling
Hollywood adventure. Simply packed from cover to cover with action packed cliff-hanger suspense, "Stuart Woods' Blown
Away" is a fun and riveting read for the legions of dedicated mystery/suspense fans. This is the stuff of which block-buster
movies are made!
Highly recommended for personal and community library collections, it should be noted that this hardcover edition of
"Stuart Woods' Blown Away" from Putnam is also available in a large print paperback edition (Random House Large
Print, 9798217168903, $32.00) and in a digital book format (Kindle, $14.99).
Also very highly recommended are the previous volumes in the Teddy Fay series: "Stuart Woods: Deep Water", "Stuart
Woods: Near Miss", "Stuart Woods: Golden Hour", Stuart Woods: Finders Keepers", "Stuart Woods: Smolder". "Stuart
Woods: Obsession".
Editorial Note #1: Stuart Woods (www.StuartWoods.com) was the author of more than ninety novels, including the #1
New York Times bestselling Stone Barrington series. A native of Georgia and an avid sailor and pilot, he began his writing
career in the advertising industry, Chiefs, his debut in 1981, won the Edgar Award. Woods passed away in 2022.
Editorial Note #2: Brett Battles (https://brettbattles.com) is the author of more than forty novels, including the Jonathan
Quinn, Rewinder, Project Eden, and Night Man Chronicles series. He is a three-time Barry Award nominee, winning for
Best Thriller in 2009 for his novel The Deceived.
The Lie She Wears
Elle Marr
https://ellemarr.com
Thomas & Mercer
c/o Amazon Publishing
9781662528330, $16.99, PB, 331pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Lie-She-Wears-Elle-Marr/dp/1662528337
Synopsis: Museum curator Pearl Davis always had a strained relationship with her mother, Sally. Growing up, she rarely
felt her mother's love. So many things about her mother's behavior never added up. But when Sally dies unexpectedly, she
leaves Pearl a letter from the grave... confessing to murder.
Suddenly, Pearl has even more questions than she has answers. She suspects the letter is just a sign of her mother's
diminished state of mind -- until she finds human remains in Sally's garden. With the help of a friend, Pearl begins
searching for the truth of her mother's actions -- and as she does, more cryptic notes emerge. But these letters aren't just
clues behind a confession. They're a warning. Sally was terrified of something.
When more remains are discovered, it's clear whatever secrets Sally died with are now Pearl's to bear. And as darkness
closes in, Pearl fears that her mother's past could be the death of her.
Critique: A deftly crafted novel of intense psychological suspense, "The Lie She Wears" by Elle Marr is an extraordinary
and riveting read from cover to cover. While especially and unreservedly recommended as a popular pick for community
library collections, it should be noted for the personal reading lists of dedicated mystery/suspense fans that this paperback
edition of "The Lie She Wears" from Thomas & Mercer is also readily a in a digital book format (Kindle, $4.99).
Editorial Note: Elle Marr (www.ellemarr.com) is also the author of Your Dark Secrets, The Alone Time, The Family
Bones, Strangers We Know, Lies We Bury, and The Missing Sister. Originally from Sacramento, Elle graduated from UC
San Diego before moving to France, where she earned a master's degree from Sorbonne University in Paris. She now lives
and writes in Oregon with her family.
The Bishop Murder Case
S.S. Van Dine
Pushkin Vertigo
c/o Pushkin Press
www.pushkinpress.com
9781805335368, $18.95, PB, 394pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Bishop-Murder-Case-Van-Dine/dp/1805335367
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-bishop-murder-case-s-s-van-dine/1103620086
Synopsis: A series of gruesome murders has left the jazz age Manhattan in shock.
When Cock Robin is found dead with an arrow through his chest, New York's DA calls in amateur detective and
professional flaneur Philo Vance to solve the case. But this mystery proves to be more challenging than Vance could have
imagined, and a cunning presence seems to be constantly one step ahead of him. As Vance investigates, more gruesome
murders occur, and a sinister pattern begins to emerge: each perverse death is staged to represent a line from a nursery
rhyme.
In an even more disturbing twist, after each murder, the perpetrator sends a note to the press, signed simply 'The Bishop.'
As more deaths go unsolved, the murderer's hubris grows, and each act is more brazen than the last. Vance must move
quickly to stop the Bishop's bloody spree among the upper echelons of New York society.
Critique: Set against the elite backdrop of Manhattan during the Jazz Age and featuring Philo Vance, a distinctive and
erudite private detective, "The Bishop Murder Case" by S.S. Van Dine is arguably one of the great classic detective stories
of its time. This intricate and skillfully crafted murder mystery (originally published in 1929) is a time-lost treasure
brought back into print in paperback by Pushkin Vertigo for a new generation of armchair detectives and is an unreservedly
recommended pick for personal reading lists and community library Mystery/Suspense collections.
Editorial Note: S.S. Van Dine is the nom de plume of a very popular American writer and art critic named Willard
Huntington Wright, who was famous for writing detective novels. He is best remembered for creating the 1920s popular
fictional character, Detective Philo Vance. This character was immensely well known on radio programs and in movies
besides featuring in Van Dine's books. Author Van Dine was considered an important figure in the cultural circles of the
avant-grade during the pre-First World War era in New York. He had adopted the pen name to keep his real identity
concealed in the literary world. Author Van Dine was born on October 15, 1888, in Charlottesville, Virginia.
(https://www.bookseriesinorder.com/s-s-van-dine)
Dastardly Deeds Down on the Farm
Cynthia Hickey, author
Linda Baten Johnson, author
Teresa Ives Lilly, author
Janice Thompson, author
Barbour Publishing
www.barbourbooks.com
9798891512245, $14.99, PB, 448pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Dastardly-Deeds-Down-Farm-Mysteries/dp/B0DWQLRKXP
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dastardly-deeds-down-on-the-farm-cynthia-hickey/1148336474
Synopsis: "Dastardly Deeds Down on the Farm" from Barbour Publishing is a compendium of cozy mystery stories by four
gifted writers showcasing amateur sleuths having to muck and muddle their way through mysterious disappearances and
deaths in the barnyard!
Hog Wild by Cynthia Hickey
Shelby Dickens' idyllic hog farm turns chaotic when her prized hog vanishes before the county fair. Racing against time,
she uncovers rivalries and secrets, risking everything to expose the truth and restore honor.
The Dark Side of the Moo by Linda Baten Johnson
Liv Olsen returns from university to her home at Friendly Farm - a place that lives up to its name until the dairy cows
become seriously ill and the vet is murdered in the barn. Moo-sterious happenings keep Liv looking over her shoulder as
she turns amateur sleuth.
Fowl Deed by Teresa Ives Lilly
April transformed her homestead into an egg farm, chicken-inspired gift store, and Airbnb, then hosted the local farmer's
market - all to keep the town's realtor, Jeff Barr, plus the bank from taking over the property. But when Jeff is found dead
by the chicken coop, April must solve the murder or lose it all.
Searching for Sunshine by Janice Thompson
Jessie Kingston responds to an ad to breed her thoroughbred mare, Cosmic Sunshine, with Derby winner Like the Wind.
But this opportunity of a lifetime turns disaster when her horse goes missing while in the care of the breeder.
Critique: Original, clever, deftly crafted, and a thoroughly fun read from cover to cover, the four farm related cozy mystery
short stories by four gifted authors that comprise "Dastardly Deeds Down on the Farm" is especially and unreservedly
recommended to the attention of the legions of cozy mystery fans and will prove an enduringly popular acquisition for
community library Mystery/Suspense collections. It should be noted for personal reading lists that this paperback edition of
"Dastardly Deeds Down on the Farm: 4 Cozy Mysteries" from Barbour Press is also available in a digital book format
(Kindle, $12.98).
Editorial Note #1: Cynthia Hickey (https://cynthiahickey.com) has taught writing at many conferences and small writing
retreats. She and her husband run the publishing press, Winged Publications, which includes some of the CBA's best
well-known authors.
Editorial Note #2: Janice Thompson (https://janiceathompson.com) writes romantic comedies, cozy mysteries, nonfiction
devotionals, and musical comedies for the stage.
Editorial Note #3: Linda Baten Johnson (https://www.lindabatenjohnson.com) won blue ribbons for storytelling, and
dreamed of making up tales to entertain. Linda earned her Master of Arts degree in English and history, worked as a
Realtor, a teacher, and logged many volunteer hours.
Editorial Note #4: Teresa Ives Lilly (https://www.fantasticfiction.com/l/teresa-ives-lilly) is the author of a variety of
Christian Novellas and Novels. She is also the author of over 250 unit studies for teachers and homeschoolers.
Earthquake Shack
Susie Hara
Arte Publico Press
www.artepublicopress.com
9798893750218, $19.95, PB, 240pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Earthquake-Shack-Garc%C3%ADa-Miller-Mystery/dp/B0F186NXFN
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/earthquake-shack-susie-hara/1147125180
Synopsis: Sadie Garcia Miller is in her office in San Francisco's Mission District when her cousin, Al, who she has not
seen since childhood, walks in looking to hire her. She has no intention of helping him because she promised her
grandfather years ago not to have anything to do with the Jewish gangster side of the family.
When Al offers both money and information about her father's mysterious death years before, Sadie says she will at least
listen to his request. His daughter Ruth's house has disappeared -- completely vanished! It was one of the original cottages,
or earthquake shacks, built by the Army and the Parks Commission after the 1906 quake to provide housing for displaced
people. About 5,000 tiny wooden homes were constructed, all with redwood walls, fir flooring and cedar shingles. They
need Sadie's help to find it.
Intrigued by the case and desperate to learn more about her father's possible murder, Sadie agrees to investigate the
situation despite the family "business", which Al claims is completely legit these days. Soon she discovers a tangle of
intergenerational family conflicts, meets an obsessed housing activist and stumbles into a romance with a femme PI on the
same trail. And when Sadie finds herself tied up in a dark warehouse, she realizes there's much more at stake than just a
missing building! Featuring a half-Mexican, half-Jewish investigator, this entertaining mystery uncovers a little-known
aspect of American history.
Critique: Original, deftly crafted, clever and engaging, "Earthquake Shack" is an inherently fun and fascinating suspense
thriller of a read from start to finish. Author Susie Hara demonstrates a genuine and creative flair for the kind of narrative
driven and history-laced storytelling that raises her mystery novel to an impressive level of literary excellence. This
paperback edition of "Earthquake Shack" from Arte Publico Press is especially and unreservedly recommended as a
popular pick for community library Mystery/Suspense collections and the personal reading lists of dedicated mystery
buffs.
Editorial Note: Suzie Hara (https://susiehara.net) is the author of "The House on Ashbury Street" (Mumblers Press, 2023)
and "Finder of Lost Objects" (Ithuriel's Spear, 2014), which was a Lambda Literary Award Finalist and winner of an
International Latino Book Award. Her stories have appeared in several anthologies, including Fractured Lit Anthology 2
and Fast Girls. Her play, Lost and Found in the Mission, written with Rowena Richie, won the Best Ensemble award in the
San Francisco Fringe Festival. She has received fellowships from the Millay Art Colony, Ragdale Foundation and Virginia
Center for the Creative Arts. She is a member of the writing communities The Ruby and Page Street Writers.
The Second Son
Simon Gervais and Ryan Steck, authors
https://simongervaisbooks.com
https://ryansteck.com
Thomas & Mercer
c/o Amazon Publishing
9781662529290, $16.99, PB, 347pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Second-Son-Thriller-Chase-Burke/dp/1662529295
Synopsis: Soldier-turned-sommelier Chase Burke may have traded his rifle for bottles of wine, but violence and conspiracy
aren't through with him yet. First, his intelligence analyst brother is killed in a covert op gone wrong and branded a traitor.
Then a brutal ambush at the restaurant where Chase works leaves the woman he is romantically involved with clinging to
life.
Scrambling to clear the family name and protect his secret love, Chase teams up with NYPD Detective Alice Doyle, a
single mother fighting battles of her own. Together they uncover a powerful criminal syndicate whose unscrupulous
influence sweeps the globe -- and strikes painfully close to home.
As elite mercenaries close in, Chase is dragged back into the dangerous world he thought he'd escaped. Facing a mother
losing her memory and a past that never forgets, he fights to win a zero-sum game where trust can be lethal. But when all
seems lost, an unlikely ally could help turn the tide.
Critique: A deftly crafted espionage thriller of a read from cover to cover, "The Second Son", co-authored by the team of
Simon Gervais and Ryan Steck, is the stuff of which block-buster action/adventure movies are made. A solid and highly
recommended pick for community library Mystery/Suspense collections, it should be noted for the personal reading lists of
fans of police procedurals and military thrillers that this paperback edition of "The Second Son" from Thomas & Mercer is
also currently available in a digital book format (Kindle, $1.99).
Editorial Note #1: Simon Gervais (https://simongervaisbooks.com) is a former federal agent specializing in protective
operations and counterterrorism. He spent nearly twenty years in the military and in law enforcement. His assignments
took him all over Europe and the Middle East. He's the New York Times and #1 Amazon bestselling author of 15 exciting
thrillers, one of these titles (Robert Ludlum's The Blackbriar Genesis) was written for the Robert Ludlum estate. Simon's
Clayton White series is presently being adapted for TV by CBS Studios with Jerry Bruckheimer TV attached to produce,
and his Pierce Hunt series is being adapted for TV by Sobini Films.
Editorial Note #2: Ryan Steck (https://ryansteck.com) is the author of "Fields of Fire", "Lethal Range", "Redd Christmas",
"Out for Blood", "Gone Dark", "Ted Bell's Monarch", and "Ted Bell's Warmonger". He is also a freelance editor, the
founder and editor-in-chief of The Real Book Spy.
The Fantasy/SciFi Shelf
A Curse of Ashes
Sariah Wilson
www.sariahwilson.com
Montlake
c/o Amazon Publishing
9781662527487, $28.99, HC, 525pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Curse-Ashes-Eye-Goddess/dp/1662527489
Synopsis: Princess Lia of Locris is the unlikeliest person to be Ilion's defender. Once, she would have gladly seen the entire
adversarial nation burn. But much has changed. Ilion is home to too many innocents, including her sister. Besides, there is
no escaping the goddess's command -- especially as Lia is Ilion's prophesied savior.
With that mortal obligation come rules: She must never consummate her marriage to Xander, prince of Ilion, lest she lose
her powers of divine magic when she needs them most. Physically bonded to share each other's pain, these former enemies
have grown from merely attracted to something more profound. But what future can they have when Lia's destiny requires
sacrificing her life?
As enemies close in and war threatens everything they love, Lia and Xander must find a way to follow the goddess's laws
while also accepting the truth in their hearts - before the prophecy demands its final, fatal price.
Critique: Heroic fantasy from a female perspective, "A Curse of Ashes" is the third title in author Sarah Wilson's 'The Eye
of the Goddess' series. Exceptional, original, creative, written with Wilson's genuine flair for the kind of narrative driven
storytelling style that immerses her readers from start to finish, "A Curse of Ashes", with its impressive blending of
romance and action/adventure, is highly recommended for community/public library Fantasy Fiction collections. It should
be noted for the personal reading lists of dedicated fantasy fans that this hardcover edition of "A Curse of Ashes" from
Montlake is also readily available in paperback (9781662534195, $16.99) and in a digital book format (Kindle,
$4.99).
Editorial Note: Sariah Wilson (www.sariahwilson.com) is the author of more than two dozen romantic fantasy and
contemporary romance novels, including A Tribute of Fire and A Vow of Embers in the Eye of the Goddess series, The
Chemistry of Love, and Roommaid.
The Wondrous Life and Loves of Nella Carter
Brionni Nwosu
www.brionninwosu.com
Lake Union Publishing
c/o Amazon Publishing
9781662530883, $28.99, HC, 383pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Wondrous-Life-Loves-Nella-Carter/dp/1662530889
Synopsis: Most humans cower in the face of Death. Not Nella May Carter. She sees him. She doesn't hide. Instead, she
bargains.
Born enslaved in eighteenth-century Georgia, Nella still believes in the will to survive amid the most untenable of
conditions, in the glory of life, and in the ultimate goodness of the human race. She asks that Death (who is doubtful and
curious) to allow her to live long enough to prove it.
He's giving Nella all the time in the world.
Challenged, Nella embarks on an epic journey across the globe and centuries. Each new incarnation records the joys and
losses, and the friendships and heartbreaks, throughout her lifetimes. When she meets handsome and passionate professor
Sebastian Moore (the first man to whom she has ever revealed her secrets) Nella yearns for the mortality that escapes her.
She can't bear to leave this love behind.
As Death keeps watch, has Nella's journey come to an end? Or is a new one just beginning?
Critique: Impressively original, deftly crafted, and of particular appeal to readers with an interest in the subject of what
immortality would be like, "The Wondrous Life and Loves of Nella Carter" by Brionni Nwosu is an extraordinary and
fascinating read from start to finish. Having created a world of magical realism that incorporates an African-American
historical perspective, "The Wondrous Life and Loves of Nella Carter" will prove a uniquely popular pick for community
library Fantasy Fiction collections. It should be noted for personal reading lists that this hardcover edition of "The
Wondrous Life and Loves of Nella Carter" from Lake Union Publishing is also readily available in paperback
(9781662530890, $16.99) and in a digital book format (Kindle, $1.99).
Editorial Note: Brionni Nwosu (www.brionninwosu.com) is a writer, educator, and joyful creative based in the vibrant city
of Nashville, where she lives with her husband and their three children. After more than a decade teaching students and
mentoring teachers, she shifted her storytelling craft from a side passion to center stage. A 2021 We Need Diverse Books
mentee under Rajani LaRocca, Brionni writes bold, heartfelt fiction that explores connection, purpose, and what it means
to live a life well.
Snake-Eater
T. Kingfisher
www.redwombatstudio.com
47 North
c/o Amazon Publishing
9781662525094, $16.99, PB, 271pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Snake-Eater-T-Kingfisher/dp/1662525095
Synopsis: With only a few dollars to her name and her beloved dog Copper by her side, Selena flees her past in the city to
claim her late aunt's house in the desert town of Quartz Creek. The scorpions and spiders are better than what she left
behind.
That's because in Quartz Creek, there is a strange beauty to everything, from the landscape to new friends, and more blue
sky than Selena's ever seen. But something lurks beneath the surface.
Like the desert gods and spirits lingering outside Selena's house at night, keeping watch. Mostly benevolent, says her
neighbor Grandma Billy. That doesn't ease the prickly sense that one of them watches too closely and wants something
from Selena she can't begin to imagine.
When Selena's search for answers leads her to journal entries that her aunt left behind, she discovers a sinister truth about
her new home: It's the haunting grounds of an ancient god known simply as "Snake-Eater," who her late aunt made a
promise to that remains unfulfilled.
Snake-Eater has taken a liking to Selena, an obsession of sorts that turns sinister. And now that Selena is the new owner of
his home, he's hell-bent on collecting everything he's owed!
Critique: Original, imaginative, clever, deftly crafted, and a suspense thriller of a fantasy from start to finish, "Snake-Eater"
by T. Kingfisher is an especially and unreservedly recommended pick for community library Contemporary Fantasy
Fiction collections. It should be noted for the personal reading lists of dedicated paranormal fantasy fans that this
paperback edition of "Snake-Eater" from 47 North is also currently available in a digital book format (Kindle, $1.99).
Editorial Note: T. Kingfisher (www.redwombatstudio.com) is the Hugo Award - winning author of fantasy, horror, and
occasional oddities, including What Feasts at Night, Nettle & Bone, What Moves the Dead, Thornhedge, A House with
Good Bones, and A Sorceress Comes to Call. Under a pen name, she also writes bestselling children's books.
Fallen Gods
Rachel Van Dyken
https://rachelvandykenauthor.com/books
Entangled
c/o Red Tower Books
https://entangledpublishing.com
9781649374677, $32.99, HC, 528pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Fallen-Deluxe-Limited-Rachel-Dyken/dp/1649374674
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fallen-gods-rachel-van-dyken/1144501901
Synopsis: They said the Gods were myth. That the Giants were only stories told around dying fires.
They lied.
The Gods aren't dead -- they are only sleeping, locked in mortal bodies, scattered across the world, waiting for the right
spark to wake them. And my father is the most ruthless of them all.
He raised me to obey. To bleed. To be his blade when the time came. Now he's sending me to Endir University, a place
filled with ancient bloodlines and deadly secrets, to steal back Mjolnir, the hammer of legend. If I fail, everyone I love
dies.
But Aric Erikson wasn't part of the plan. He is the enemy's heir. Distant. Dangerous. And... the one person I can't afford to
fall for. He's closed himself off completely behind a wall of ice, but the more I'm ordered to unravel him, the harder it
becomes to remember where the lies end and I begin.
There's only a mission I never chose (and a man I was never meant to love) standing between me and a war that will decide
the fate of the world.
But if I'm the spark, maybe he's the fuse. And the Gods? They're about to wake up angry.
Critique: "Fallen Gods" by Rachel Van Dyken is an extraordinary heroic fantasy saga from the perspective of a female
heroine. A superbly crafted action adventure, "Fallen Gods" is a fun and riveting read from start to finish and will prove to
be an immediate and enduringly popular pick for personal reading lists and community library Romantic Fantasy
collections. It should be noted for fans of Epic Fantasy that this Hardcover Edition of "Fallen Gods" from Entangled: Red
Tower Books is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $14.99).
Editorial Note: Rachel Van Dyken (https://rachelvandykenauthor.com/books) is the author of regency, contemporary, and
now Epic Fantasy romances.
Undead and Unwed
Sarn Tschida
Quirk Books
www.quirkbooks.com
9781683694724, $17.99, PB, 320pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Undead-Unwed-Novel-Sam-Tschida/dp/1683694724
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/undead-and-unwed-sam-tschida/1146661867
Synopsis: Tiffenie may be three hundred years old, but she's still a hot mess. As a vampire, she is tragically single, works a
dead-end job at a blood bank, and spends her nights marathoning Hallmark Channel movies with her cat.
When Tiffenie inherits a fixer-upper home in Valentine, Vermont, thanks to a case of mistaken (okay, stolen) identity, she
seizes the chance to get her life back on track. With her newly undead neighbor (it was an accident!) in tow, Tiffenie is
determined to live out her holiday rom-com dreams in this picture-perfect town.
But between the mystery of her stolen identity, small-town drama, and the arrival of her insufferable vampire ex-boyfriend
Vlad, getting her happily ever after with a hot Christmas tree farmer won't be easy. To uncover what she truly desires,
Tiffenie must embark on a journey of self-acceptance for the first time in her immortal life. Luckily, it's never too late to
start therapy.
Critique: An original, imaginative, hilarious, clever, and quirky blend of vampire fantasy and rom-com story, "Undead and
Unwed" by Sam Tschida is a fun and fascinating read from cover to cover. Of special appeal to fans of vampire tales
and/or Hallmark Channel style romance movies. Certain to be an immediate and enduringly popular addition to
community/public library Fantasy/Vampire Fiction collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that this
paperback edition of "Undead and Unwed" from Quirk Books is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle,
$10.99).
Editorial Note: Sam Tschida (https://www.samtschida.com/books) is the founder of Smut University and writes rom-coms
and mysteries while braving the Minnesota winter. She is the author of "Siri, Who Am I?" and "Errands and
Espionage".
Artificial Truth
J. M. Lee, author
Sean Lin Halbert, translator
Amazon Crossing
9781662529580, $16.99, PB, 223pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Artificial-Truth-Novel-J-M-Lee/dp/1662529589
Synopsis: In the virtual city of Alegria, fantasies are made real, innumerable lifetimes are lived, and even death itself is a
survivable experience. An escape from reality that changed the landscape of artificial intelligence, it is home to more than
one hundred million people. Though it's been six years since Alegria's creator (revolutionary tech genius KC Kim) died of
cancer, his legacy is alive in the pinnacle of KC's genius: an AI named Allen who surges with KC's memories.
As hard as KC's widow, Minju, and her new husband, Junmo, try to move on, Minju can't shake the unnerving feeling that
somehow, from somewhere, KC is watching. She sees a stranger who bears an uncanny resemblance to him. A pair of
KC's custom-made shoes arrive at her doorstep. And someone has booked a Tokyo hotel room where she and KC shared
happier times. Certain of nothing except KC's mad innovation, Minju can only imagine what he is accomplishing without
even existing.
If KC is reaching out from an infinity of memories, what are his plans for Minju and Junmo, and how can they hope to
escape KC's all-seeing grasp? And whose plans are they, really? The possibilities are frightening.
Critique: Original, eloquent, exceptional, "Artificial Truth" by Korean author J. M. Lee will hold a very strong appeal for
readers with an interest in a deftly crafted science fiction novel extrapolated from today's emerging AI technologies. A fun
and fascinating read from start to finish, "Artificial Truth" is ably translated into English for an American readership by
Sean Lin Halbert. While this paperback edition of "Artificial Truth" from Amazon Crossing is a strongly recommended
and unique pick for community library Science Fiction collections, it should be noted for the personal reading lists of
dedicated SF fans that it is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $1.99).
Editorial Note #1: J. M. Lee (https://www.joeyverse.com) is an author whose books have sold millions of copies in Korea,
where he was born and raised. He is the author of Broken Summer (currently in production for a television series); Painter
of the Wind (which was adapted into an award-winning South Korean television series); The Boy Who Escaped Paradise;
and The Investigation -- which was nominated for the Independent Foreign Fiction Prize and was the winner of Italy's
prestigious Premio Selezione Bancarella award.
Editorial Note #2: Sean Lin Halbert holds an MA in Korean literature from Seoul National University. He is the recipient
of the LTI Korea Translation Award for Aspiring Translators, the Korea Times Modern Korean Literature Translation
Award, and the GKL Translation Award. Artificial Truth is his seventh translated book. Sean lives in Seoul and teaches at
LTI Korea Translation Academy. (https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21261365.Sean_Lin_Halbert)
The Music CD Shelf
Marina
All compositions by Lena Bloch Publishing
Poems by Marina Tsvetaeva
www.lenabloch.com
Fresh Sound Records
$TBA CD / 8.99 Euro digital
Bandcamp
https://freshsoundrecords1.bandcamp.com/album/marina
Russian-born saxophonist/composer Lena Bloch and the Bloch quintet present "Marina", a music album inspired by the
work of Russian poet Marina Tsvetaeva (1892-1941). All music compositions are by Lena Bloch, although the poetic
lyrics are by Tsvetaeva herself. Performed by vocalist Kyoko Kitamura, Jacob Sacks on piano, Ken Filiano on bass,
Michael Sarin on drums, and Lena Bloch on saxophone, "Marina" is an extraordinary tribute that explores Tsvetaeva's
poetic genius through the fluid and responsive medium of jazz. Highly recommended! The tracks are I Refuse; Insomnia;
Marina; Such Tenderness; Tired; Immeasurable; and The Time Will Come.
Murmurations
Kate Wyatt Trio
katewyattpiano.com
Privately Published
$20.00 CAD CD / $10.00 CAD digital
Bandcamp
https://katewyatt.bandcamp.com/album/murmurations
Murmurations is a contemporary jazz album by the Kate Wyatt Trio, which consists of Kate Wyatt on piano, Adrian
Vedady on bass, and Louis-Vincent Hamel on drums. Aside from their vibrant cover of the classic "Mack the Knife" by
Kurt Weill, all songs are original compositions by members of the trio. Inspired by the extraordinary coordination of flocks
of starlings or similar birds moving in unison, Murmurations captures the moment-to-moment intensity of musical
interplay, spontaneity, improvisation and adaptation. Highly recommended! The tracks are Mack the Knife (K. Weill);
Murmurations (K. Wyatt); Sunrise (A. Vedady); Coruscation (K. Wyatt); Finding (K. Wyatt); Patience (K. Wyatt); Going
to the Sun (K. Wyatt); Bardo (L-V. Hamel); Succession (K. Wyatt); Embers (A. Vedady); and Music is Beautiful (A.
Vedady).
There's beauty enough in being here
Noam Lemish
noamlemish.com
TPR Records
tprrecords.ca
$17.00 CAD CD / $10.00 CAD digital
Bandcamp
https://noamlemish.bandcamp.com/album/theres-beauty-enough-in-being-here-2
"There's beauty enough in being here" is a music album of original compositions by pianist Noam Lemish, performed by
Lemish on piano, Sundar Viswanathan on alto & soprano saxophones and bansuri, Andrew Downing on double bass, and
Nick Fraser on drums. Inspired by a Fernando Pessoa poem about the deeply spiritual resonance within the most mundane
and everyday events, "There's beauty enough in being here" is an extraordinary musical tour that draws upon Lemish's
talent and experience in creating both jazz and classical works. "There's beauty enough in being here" lives up to its title,
and is highly recommended. The tracks are Song for Rona; Aviv (Spring); Song for Milly; Kadrin Gatshor (Gratitude); It
was there all along; San Francisco is my Copenhagen; There's beauty enough in being here; The poignancy of Now (based
on a theme by Robert Schumann); and Kadrin Gatshor (Reprise).
Kinda Out West
Aretha Tillotson
arethatillotson.com
Bent River Records
bentriverrecords.macewan.ca
$TBA CD / $9.00 CAD digital
Bandcamp
https://arethatillotson.bandcamp.com/album/kinda-out-west
Kinda Out West is the second album (as a leader) by bassist Aretha Tillotson. The title reflects on Tillotson's love for
Western Canada. The original songs, all composed by Aretha Tillotson, celebrate the heritage, musicians, and culture of
the Alberta province. Performed by the talented quartet of Tillotson on bass, Ingrid Jensen on trumpet, Christine Jensen on
alto saxophone, and Dave Laing on drums, the jazz of Kinda Out West draws inspiration from great chordless bands of
legendary saxophonists Sonny Rollins and Ornette Coleman in the 1950's and 1960's and their classic 1957 album "Way
Out West". Passionate and independent, Kinda Out West is a standout contribution to modern jazz collections, highly
recommended. The tracks are Jill of All; Kinda Out West; Cricklewood Lane; Lullaby to Those Before; Sphere of
Influence; 35; Gauche Caviar; Sad Junie (To Highway Jake); and Kinda Out West (Alt Take).
Nyaeba
Rich Brown
Whirlwind Recordings
whirlwindrecordings.com
$14.00 CD / $10.00 digital / $28.00 vinyl
Bandcamp
https://richbrown-whirlwind.bandcamp.com/album/nyaeba
Nyaeba is an original, solo album by Rich Brown, showcasing his talent for creative composition and mastery of the bass
guitar. All songs are created and performed by Rich Brown, on 6-string electric bass and 4-string semi-acoustic fretless
bass. The music weaves the saga of a fictional griot (a West African historian, storyteller, praise singer, poet, and/or
musician) who journeys across the world and tells of his travels. A lively musical soundscape celebration of travel and
learning, Nyaeba is highly recommended especially for international and multicultural music collections. The tracks are
Ukudlala; The Sum of our Tears (Gently Falling); Heart of a Lonely Woman; Nyaeba (The Griot); Kalagala Ebwembe;
Sowetoiera; Turiyasangitananda - The Transcendental Lord's Highest Song of Bliss (Meditation for Alice Coltrane); and
The Kingdom of Heaven is Within.
Return of the Light
Joe Elefante's Wheel of Dharma
www.joeelefantemusic.com
Privately Published
$13.99 CD / $9.49 MP3
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Return-Light-Joe-Elefante/dp/B0FJSD2V8V
Pianist, saxophonist, vocalist, composer, arranger, and band leader Joe Elefante presents the Return of the Light, a
mellifluous jazz album and part of Joe Elfante's Wheel of Dharma series. All songs are by Joe Elefante except for the
classics "Don't Talk (Put Your Head on My Shoulder)" by Brian Wilson and Tony Asher, and "Some Other Blues" by John
Coltrane. Performed by Joe Elefante on piano and vocals, Freddie Hendrix on trumpet and flugelhorn, Erena Terakubo on
alto saxophone, Sameer Shankar on bass, and David Heilman on drums, Return of the Light explores themes of
compassion, connection, and healing. Uplifting and beautiful, Return of the Light is highly recommended especially for
connoisseurs of inspirational jazz. The tracks are Jazz for Dummies; Mudita; Return of the Light; Cromwell; Ankara
Blues; Nobly Born; Don't Talk (Put Your Head on My Shoulder); Simple Girl; Loving Kindness; Sore on the Floor; and
Some Other Blues.
Playing Favorites Featuring Kelsey Wallner
Chris Rottmayer
chrisrottmayer.com
Privately Published
$20.00 CD / $9.00 digital
Bandcamp
https://chrisrottmayer.bandcamp.com/album/playing-favorites
Playing Favorites Featuring Kelsey Wallner is a vocal jazz collaboration between pianist Chris Rottmayer and vocalist
Kelsey Wallner, supported by Clark Sommers on acoustic bass and Matt Endres on drums. Most of the smooth, resonant
songs were composed or arranged by Wallner; a few classic favorite selections are by other creators. Playing Favorites
Featuring Kelsey Wallner is a consummately graceful performance and a treasure for connoisseurs, highly recommended.
The tracks are Everything Happens To Me (Dennis/Adair, arr. Wallner); One Note Samba (Jobim/Mendonca, arr.
Wallner); Voyage (Kenny Barron); Velho Piano (Caymmi/Pinheiro, arr. Wallner); On The Street Where You Live
(Loewe/Lerner, arr. Wallner); Firm Roots (Cedar Walton); Sail Away (Tom Harrell); I'm Too Sweet (Kelsey Wallner);
Love Ain't Free (Kelsey Wallner); Love Dance (van Lins); and Never Will I Marry (Frank Losser, arr. Wallner).
The Light & The Fury
The Outernet
Privately Published
$30.00 AUD CD / $20.00 AUD digital
Bandcamp
https://theouternet.bandcamp.com/album/the-light-the-fury
The Light & The Fury is an electric jazz-rock album of original songs composed by Phil Turcio and performed by The
Outernet (Phil Turcio on piano and keyboards, Emilio Kormanic on guitars, Pete Mollica on bass, and Pete Drummond on
drums). The Light & The Fury also showcases Turcio's extraordinary mixing talents, as he programs and transforms the
band's recordings into supersonic musical expressions. A fast-paced, transcendental journey, The Light & The Fury is
highly recommended especially for connoisseurs of intense, avant-garde music. The tracks are The Fury; The Crossing pt I;
The Crossing pt II; Mortal; Menacing Images; We Remember; Running From The Aliens pt I; Running From The Aliens
pt II; Running From The Aliens pt III; and The Light.
Of The Near And Far
Patricia Brennan
patriciabrennanvibes.com
Pyroclastic Records
pyroclasticrecords.com
$18.00 CD / $12.00
Bandcamp
https://patriciabrennan.bandcamp.com/album/of-the-near-and-far
Vibraphonist, marimbist, and composer Patricia Brennan presents Of The Near And Far, a wondrous fusion of jazz,
classical, and alt-rock influences into a sweeping, original soundscape inspired by the constellations. An extraordinary
team of talented musicians bring Brennan's far-reaching vision to life: Modney on violin, Pala Garcia on violin, Kyle
Armbrust on viola, Michael Nicolas on cello, Sylvie Courvoisier on piano, Miles Okazaki on guitar, Kim Cass on bass,
John Hollenbeck on drums and percussion, Arktureye on electronics, Patricia Brennan on marimba and vibraphone with
electronics, and Eli Greenhoe as conductor. Of The Near And Far is a choice pick for avant-garde music collections, highly
recommended. The tracks are Antlia; Aquarius; Andromeda; Citlalli; Lyra; Aquila; and When You Stare Into The
Abyss.
Running Through My Mind
David Bailis
www.davidbailis.com
Create or Destroy
$TBA CD / $10.00 digital
Bandcamp
https://davidbailis.bandcamp.com/album/running-through-my-mind-2
Running Through My Mind is a jazz album David Bailis, performed by Bailis on guitar, Caroline Davis on alto saxophone,
Andrew Links on piano and keyboards, Jordan Scannella on bass, and Kenneth Salters on drums. All songs are David
Bailis' original compositions except for two renditions of popular favorites, "Joy Inside My Tears" by Stevie Wonder and
"Jealous Guy" by Donny Hathaway. Bailis is an elite runner (a 2:53 marathoner, triathlete, and coach), and Running
Through My Mind is strongly inspired by his own love of the sport. The passionate, challenging, and sweeping music feels
like a tribute to every sports player who pushes their own limits, and great listening during a morning jog or run! Highly
recommended. The tracks are Ordinary Trash; Angles; Telepathy; Star Sign; Zenith; Joy Inside My Tears; Comet; and
Jealous Guy.
Prawntail
Prawntail trio
Endectomorph Music
www.endectomorph.com
$15.00 CD / $12.00 digital
Bandcamp
https://prawntail.bandcamp.com/album/prawntail
Brooklyn-based piano trio Prawntail present their self-titled debut album of original songs, all composed by Prawntail's
members: pianist Evan Main, bassist Walter Stinson, and drummer Steven Crammer. The songs are unapologetically
intense, even political; the track "There's a Special Place in Hell for the Reagans" specifically calls out the Reagan
administration's neglect during the AIDS epidemic that contributed to hundreds of thousands of AIDS-related deaths in the
1980's and beyond. Prawntail is a showstopping introduction and hopefully a portent of more to come from this talented
trio! The tracks are Meryl (E. Main); There's a Special Place in Hell for the Reagans (W. Stinson); Ripple (S. Crammer);
Prince '37 (S. Crammer); Flop Sweat (E. Main); For the Morrow (S. Crammer); Fire (Sale) (E. Main); and Get a Job (W.
Stinson).
sayr: salt | thirst
Jussi Reijonen
www.jussireijonen.com
Privately Published
15.00 Euro CD / 9.00 Euro digital / 27.00 Euro vinyl
Bandcamp
https://jussireijonen.bandcamp.com/album/sayr-salt-thirst
"sayr: salt | thirst" is a solo string music album by Finnish-born guitarist, Arabic oud player, and composer Jussi Reijonen.
In addition to the guitar and the oud, Reijonen also weaves the Finnish kantele, the Moroccan sintir, and the West African
kora into his striking, original improvisations. A genre-defying creative exploration, "sayr: salt | thirst" is highly
recommended especially for avant-garde music collections. The tracks are sola; sarvi; sae; and keinu in the "salt" section,
and koto; kuori; karna; sae; kiedo; aina; and ennen in the "thirst" section.
The Pets Shelf
The Dog's Table
Joelle Jay, author
R. A. Young, author
BenBella Books
www.benbellabooks.com
9781637747766, $28.95, HC, 304pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Dogs-Table-Real-Food-Healthier-Pups_from/dp/1637747764
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-dogs-table-joelle-jay/1146925585
Synopsis: Dogs love food, and just like human diets, the best canine diets feature natural, whole-food ingredients and
homemade meals. Co-authored by Joelle Jay and R. A. Young, and backed by extensive research on dog health, "The
Dog's Table: 120+ Easy Real-Food Recipes for Happier, Healthier Pups -- from Eggs Benedog to Seafood Pawella" is the
definitive guide to feeding your canine companions. Real food is not just tastier and fresher, it will help your dog live
better for longer.
Creators of dog foodie sensation @TheCedLife Joelle Jay and R.A. Young share 120 delicious, healthy recipes for dog
chefs seeking to create an enriching, food-forward lifestyle for dogs. Combining the latest nutrition science, convenience,
and common pantry staples, The Dog's Table is a comprehensive guide to an optimal canine diet.
"The Dog's Table" covers:
Simple, daily one-pot meals like Chicken Pup Thai and Bison Barkshuka
Pup-friendly versions of your own favorites, including Chicken Doodle Soup, Lapawgna, and Puptato Gratin Pie
Festive foods and low-carb desserts for special occasions, like Diner Burger and Fries, Bark Wellington, Soft Carob Chip
Cookies, and Frosted Layer Cake
Plus, tips for creative meal-planning and key nutrition guidelines for dogs from all walks of life, from puppies to working
adult dogs and seniors
Backed by extensive research on dog health, and accompanied by full-color recipe photographs, "The Dog's Table" is the
definitive guide to feeding your canine companions. Real food is not just tastier and fresher, it will help your dog live
better -- for longer.
Critique: An absolute 'must' for anyone with a beloved canine companion (or who hope to have one), "The Dog's Table:
120+ Easy Real-Food Recipes for Happier, Healthier Pups -- from Eggs Benedog to Seafood Pawella" is an extraordinary
and unreservedly recommended resource. Profusely illustrated throughout with full color photography, "The Dog's Table"
covers adult canine meals, special diets, meals for 'Foodie Pups'. Also included is vital information on dog nutrition basics,
three pages of Notes, and a six page Index. Thoroughly 'dog owner friendly' in organization and presentation, it should be
noted for personal, professional, and community library Canine Pets & Veterinarian collections that this hardcover edition
of "The Dog's Table" from BenBella Books is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $13.99).
Editorial Note #1: Joelle Jay is a musician, designer, and content creator. Alongside her long-time collaborator, Robin, she
launched TheCedLife, a social media sensation known for creating dog meals so irresistible that even humans are jealous.
In its first year, TheCedLife garnered over 200 million views. After successfully self-publishing an ebook, The Dog's
Tablemarks her debut full-length print book. Joelle also serves as cofounder and creative lead of Precious Creatures
Co.
Editorial Note #2: R. A. Young is a technologist, researcher, and content creator. As TheCedLife's audience expanded,
R.A. turned his focus to the science of dog nutrition and health. He now leads the Precious Kitchen newsletter, one of the
top-selling publications on Substack, and co-founded Precious Creatures Co., where he heads product development.
The Judaic Studies Shelf
The Art & Practice of Living Wondrously
Ronit Ziv-Kreger, editor
Maggid Books
c/o Koren Publishers Jerusalem Ltd.
www.korenpub.com
9781592647118, $29.95, HC, 280pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Art-Practice-Living-Wondrously-Momentum/dp/1592647111
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-art-and-practice-of-living-wondrously-ronit-ziv-kreger/1148116740
Synopsis: Knowledgeably compiled and deftly edited by Ronit Ziv-Kreger, "The Art & Practice of Living Wondrously" is
more than just another volume of inspirational readings. Rather it is a roadmap to embracing life fully -- even in moments
of uncertainty.
Science confirms what wisdom has always taught us: experiencing awe and wonder, even briefly, enhances our well-being,
deepens our connections, and builds resilience. "The Art & Practice of Living Wondrously" is collection of commentary
and insights by learned contributors on weaving wonder into our daily lives, offering stories and insights from some of the
most brilliant minds and soulful thinkers of our time.
Among those contributors is the renowned psychologist, author, and Holocaust survivor Dr. Edith Eger who describes
wonder as a lifeline in times of turmoil: "In the face of trauma and despair, wonder becomes a lifeline, reminding us that
beauty exists even in darkness. It shifts our focus from what we have lost to what is still possible, opening our hearts to
connection and hope as an active choice."
"The Art & Practice of Living Wondrously" is your invitation to embrace life more fully, with wisdom and curiosity
guiding the way. Of special note is rising through pain and confusion by uncovering wonder even in life's challenges.
Becoming an agent of hope and thereby fortifying yourself and those around you with strength and meaning.
Critique: Featuring an informative Introduction and Epilogue, the thirty-two articles comprising "The Art & Practice of
Living Wondrously" are deftly organized into three major sections (Nurturing Relationships, Navigating Through
Challenging Straits, Being An Agent Of Hope). A seminal and groundbreaking volume, "The Art & Practice of Living
Wondrously" is an especially and unreservedly recommended addition to personal, synagogue, community, and
college/university library Judaic Theology and Jewish Life collections. It should be noted that this hardcover edition of
"The Art & Practice of Living Wondrously" from Maggid Books is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle,
$8.99).
Editorial Note: Ronit Ziv-Kreger is Momentum's director of education and evaluation. With a PhD from MIT and decades
of study in Jewish spiritual teachings, including Mussar, she brings over twenty-five years of experience designing and
leading major educational initiatives. Since joining Momentum in 2016, she has advanced bold, data-driven programs that
foster impact across communities and institutions. She is also editor of The Art and Practice of Living Wondrously
(Koren/Maggid, 2025) and author/editor of Year of Growth (2017 - 2022) and Soul Full: Gateways to Jewish Prayer
(Koren/Maggid, 2025). Her work focuses on unity without uniformity.
The Buddhist Studies Shelf
The Radical Path of Somatic Dharma: Radiant Body, Radiant Mind
Will Johnson
Inner Traditions International, Ltd.
www.innertraditions.com
9798888500484, $16.99, PB, 144pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Radical-Path-Somatic-Dharma-Radiant/dp/B0CY9KJ28W
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-radical-path-of-somatic-dharma-will-johnson/1145074477
Synopsis: With the publication of "The Radical Path of Somatic Dharma: Radiant Body, Radiant Mind", and from a
Buddhist perspective, Will Johnson eloquently argues that the modern practice of seated meditation is in serious need of
reformation. What began as a living, vibrant, and felt practice (the primary practice of the Buddhist path to spiritual
realization) has somehow painted itself into a corner of frozen stillness, divorced from a lived, bodily experience.
Presenting an accessible and deeply felt guide to sitting meditation as an active exploration, Johnson offers a revitalized
understanding of this essential spiritual practice through deeper connection with the body. He maintains that the
thought-focused mode of consciousness of modern rigid seated meditation introduces patterns of holding and tension into
our bodies and virtually guarantees that awakening will not occur. He then explains how our focus on thought, rather than
embodied experience, results in a numbing of our connection to our physical self and the dimming of the body's natural
somatic radiance, which in turn leads to the nagging presence of chronic pain, a general sense of malaise, and the inability
to get comfortable in our own bodies.
However, this "consciousness of separation" can be overcome. In the pages of "The Radical Path of Somatic Dharma:
Radiant Body, Radiant Mind" Johnson presents a wide range of practices, including 14 meditations, to support the
awakening of breath and presence in the body, drawing on techniques from Buddhist, Sufi, and somatic wisdom traditions
as well as methods from his studies with Ida Rolf and Judith Aston.
Through the radical path of conscious sitting, Johnson shows how to transform your sitting meditation practice into a fully
natural mudra of greater grace from which radiance will naturally flow. As the egoic perspective is dissolved, and chronic
pain and discomfort are lessened, practitioners begin to feel a new, enlightened, bodily radiance -- what Johnson calls "The
Great Wide Open".
Critique: Informative, thoughtful, thought-provoking, erudite and iconoclastic, "The Radical Path of Somatic Dharma:
Radiant Body, Radiant Mind" offer a Buddhist perspective and is simply fascinating reading that is especially
recommended to students of Buddhism and practitioners of meditation. Exceptionally well written, organized and
presented, "The Radical Path of Somatic Dharma: Radiant Body, Radiant Mind" is an extraordinary and extended treatise
that will prove to be a popular pick for personal, professional, community, and college/university library Buddhist
Meditation, Rituals & Practices collections and supplemental curriculum studies lists. It should be noted that this
paperback edition of "The Radical Path of Somatic Dharma: Radiant Body, Radiant Mind" from Inner Traditions is also
readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $12.99).
Editorial Note: Will Johnson (https://www.embodiment.net/about) is the director of the Institute for Embodiment Training
and the founder of Bambu Hueco, a retreat center in Costa Rica that views the body as the doorway to spiritual growth and
transformation. The author of several books, including Breathing through the Whole Body and Eyes Wide Open, he
teaches a deeply body-oriented approach to sitting meditation at Buddhist centers around the world.
The Travel Shelf
100 Classic Hikes Oregon
Eli Boschetto
Mountaineers Books
www.mountaineersbooks.org
9781680516241, $24.95, PB, 576pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/100-Classic-Hikes-Oregon-Mountains/dp/1680516248
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/100-classic-hikes-oregon-eli-boschetto/1147066086
Synopsis: The varied landscapes of the state of Oregon are a year-round hikers paradise, offering an abundance of volcanic
peaks, dramatic coastlines, lush forests, wide-open high deserts, winding canyons, and sparkling alpine lakes.
With the publication of "100 Classic Hikes Oregon", hiking expert and author Eli Boschetto shares his deep knowledge
and passion for trails and Oregon's hiking community.
Designed for use by day hikers and backpackers alike, this new guidebook highlights the state's best natural spaces along
with routes of historical or cultural significance. Boschetto provides options for both shortening or extending many hikes
so everyone can find the route that matches their skill and energy level -- and, of course, includes distance and time for
each route as well as difficulty rating, elevation gain, permit information, and more.
Critique: "100 Classic Hikes Oregon" by Oregon hiking and outdoors expert Eli Boschetto is a completely new,
comprehensive, full-color guide to the most iconic trails across Oregon. Of special note is the inclusion of detailed
full-color topography maps and stunning color photos complement every trail, as well as trail lists for wildflower viewing,
fishing, views, waterfalls, and more. Exceptional, informative, and an ideal resource for planning Oregon based itineraries
and excursions, "100 Classic Hikes Oregon" thoroughly 'user friendly' in organization and presentation -- making it
especially and unreservedly recommended for personal, professional, and community library Hiking & Camping
instructional reference collections. It should be noted that this trade paperback edition of "100 Classic Hikes Oregon" is
also available from Mountaineers Books in a digital book format (Kindle, $24.95).
Editorial Note: Eli Boschetto (www.PCTOregon.com) is a professional hiker, writer, and author based in Portland,
Oregon, and has put more than 6000 miles under his hiking boots exploring the mountains and wilderness areas throughout
the western US and Canada. He is the author of Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail: Oregon and Urban Trails Portland, both
published by Mountaineers Books. Eli is also an accomplished outdoor photographer and has worked as a Northwest
correspondent for Backpacker magazine as well as editor of Washington Trails magazine. Visit him online on Facebook
and Twitter @pctoregon
The Wine Shelf
Wine Pairing for the People
Cha McCoy
Harvest
c/o HarperCollins Publishers
www.harpercollins.com
9780063329676, $35.00, HC, 272pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Wine-Pairing-People-Communion-Certified/dp/0063329670
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/wine-pairing-for-the-people-cha-mccoy/1146931785
Synopsis: Wine enthusiasts and connoisseurs often say food and wine that grows together, goes together, and that spicy,
tangy, salty, and sweet flavors are a challenge to pair. But what about foods from regions where wine grapes aren't
prevalent? What about global cuisines (many of which are outside of Europe) that celebrate heat and tang? Don't these
traditional foods deserve the perfect wine pairing?
Cha McCoy, Certified Sommelier and owner of The Communion wine boutique, knows that good foods and wines go
together and that the cuisines of Africa, Asia, and the Americas are just as worthy of great pours.
"Wine Pairing for the People: The Communion of Wine, Food, and Culture from Africa and Beyond" is a first-of-its-kind
guidebook in which McCoy pairs wines with foods from Africa, Asia, and beyond, blending practical information with a
side of aspirational armchair travel. McCoy shares her journey of learning and connecting with deep culinary traditions and
regional cuisines around the world, diving in by continent and then by region or country, from Africa to the Caribbean,
from Latin America to the United States of America, and Asia, and exploring their winemaking regions.
Throughout, you will see pairing lists and menus to easily find wines to savor with whatever food you are craving, whether
it's Moroccan Tagine, Jamaican Jerk Chicken, Mexican Elote, Shrimp Po' Boy, Peach Cobbler, or Pad Thai. Plus, "Wine
Pairing for the People" features 25 recipes for global fare from renowned chefs and mixologists that represent the heritage
of each destination, with food accompanied by suggested wine pairing, to complete the meal.
Whether you are curious about what to eat on your next trip abroad, want to try out a local restaurant, or are looking to
explore a new cuisine to cook at home, "Wine Pairing for the People" will not only guide you on what to eat but how to
best highlight the flavor of your meals with successful pairings. Complete with a foreword by Stephen Satterfield, and
stunning photographs, maps, and illustrations throughout, "Wine Pairing for the People" is a groundbreaking resource that
boldly declares: Wine is for everyone!
Critique: Beautifully and profusely illustrated throughout, "Wine Pairing for the People: The Communion of Wine, Food,
and Culture from Africa and Beyond" by wine and dining expert Cha McCoy is a seminal study that is eloquent,
informative, and imaginatively instructive. Exceptionally well written, organized and presented, "Wine Pairing for the
People" is especially and unreservedly recommended for personal, professional, community, and college/university library
Wine/Beer/Liquor collections. It should be noted for non-specialist general readers with an interest in Wine Tasting, Wine
Making, and Cuisine paring with Wines that this hardcover edition of "Wine Pairing for the People" from Harvest is also
readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $17.99).
Editorial Note: Cha McCoy (https://www.chamccoy.com) is an entrepreneur, educator, and event producer. As a certified
sommelier with the Court of Master Sommeliers, she developed The Communion, a wine dinner series that offers an
inviting, accessible approach to gathering and enjoying wine. This experience inspired her to open her first
brick-and-mortar store, The Communion Wine & Spirits. The dinner series was profiled in Food & Wine, and Cha was
named one of Wine Enthusiast's 40 Under 40. Cha has held coveted positions, such as Cherry Bombe's first beverage
director, the head of beverage for the Charleston Wine + Food Festival, and a sommelier at a Michelin-starred restaurant in
Portugal. Passionate about education, she spends her spare time mentoring and teaching at her alma mater, Syracuse
University, where she served as an adjunct professor, educating and inspiring new wine drinkers.
The Sports Shelf
The Soccer 100
The Athletic Soccer Staff, author
Oliver Kay, author
James Horncastle, author
William Morrow & Company
c/o HarperCollins Publishers
www.harpercollins.com
9780063412675, $45.00/$42.00, HC, 784pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Soccer-100-Athletic/dp/0063412675
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-soccer-100-the-athletic/1147011322
Synopsis: "The Soccer 100" is a celebration of the beautiful game and its 100 greatest players, ranging from the pre-World
War II exploits of Dixie Dean to the modern-day genius of Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi.
These players left legacies, redefined the game with trademark skills, and grew into national icons. They have their stats
(the goals, the wins, the trophies) but, more importantly, they have their stories.
One World Cup winner owned a nightclub that briefly transformed a corner of industrial Germany into one of the hippest
places around. An Austrian forward's death is still shrouded in mystery. A striker who might have become a telephone
technician had he not been spotted playing soccer was eventually elected president of his country.
And there are unanswered questions. How did Pele's Brazil shirt from the 1958 World Cup quarterfinal go missing in a
Welsh school? Which goalkeeper was so good that one opponent considered scoring against him akin to "winning a
trophy"?
Through extensive research and interviews, The Athletic soccer staff, led by Oliver Kay and James Horncastle, discovered
angles and tales that shine a new light on the sport's most compelling characters.
They faced an impossible riddle, too: Of the thousands of players to hit the pitch, who is the best? Their efforts to find the
answer took the foremost sports newsroom on a journey, and what emerges is more than a ranking. Through all-new, vivid
portraits of each athlete, The Soccer 100 is a tribute to the greatest players to have ever graced the most popular sport on
the planet.
Critique: A brilliant presented, impressively informative, and deftly written history of Soccer Heroes and their inspiring
stories, "The Soccer 100" is a 'must read' selection for the legions of soccer fans and is especially and unreservedly
recommended for community and college/university library Sports/Soccer History/Biography collections. It should be
noted for personal reading lists that this hardcover edition of "The Soccer 100" from William Morrow is also readily
available in a digital book format (Kindle, $22.99) and as a complete and unabridged audio book (HarperCollins Christian,
9798228690677, $59.95, CD).
Editorial Note #1: The Athletic has built the world's largest sports newsroom by focusing on deep reporting, expert
analysis, and unmatched journalism to drive its storytelling. It recently became a part of the New York Times
company.
Editorial Note #2: Oliver Kay is a senior writer at The Athletic having previously spent 19 years at The Times, and is a
veteran of 11 World Cups and European Championships. His first book, Forever Young: The Story of Adrian Doherty,
Football's Lost Genius, won both the Football Book of the Year and Sports Book of the Year awards at the British Sports
Book Awards in 2017. James Horncastle is a senior writer for The Athletic, specializing in Italian and European football.
He speaks Italian, has lived in Rome, and is a regular contributor to the BBC and TNT Sports. In September 2024, he was
awarded the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic for his contribution to promoting Italian football and strengthening the
cultural ties between Italy and the United Kingdom. (https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/author/oliver-kay)
Editorial Note #3: James Horncastle (https://jameshorncastle.com) is a football/soccer writer. He speaks Italian, has lived
in Rome and specializes in Serie A, but follows all the major leagues, from Spain and Germany to England and France. His
articles have featured on BBC Sport, Fox Soccer, ESPN and can also be found in FourFourTwo, Champions, When
Saturday Comes and The Blizzard. He has occasionally been known to put in guest appearances on Guardian Football
Weekly and BBC Five Live too.
The Theatre/Cinema Shelf
The Scenographic Model, third edition
Darwin Reid Payne, Ronald Naversen, and Brad M. Carlson
Southern Illinois University Press
www.siupress.com
9780809339761, $43.00, PB, 232pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Scenographic-Model-Darwin-Reid-Payne/dp/0809339765
Southern Illinois University Press
https://www.siupress.com/9780809339761/the-scenographic-model
Synopsis: This newly updated and expanded third edition of "The Scenographic Model" by the late and noted scenographer
Darwin Reid Payne, builds (with contributions by Ronald Naversen and Brad M. Carlson) upon Payne's original theories
and exercises to provide a modern exploration of the practice of theatrical modelmaking.
With chapters on traditional and contemporary materials, tools, and techniques, this third edition of "The Scenographic
Model" aptly serves as a foundational guide to understanding the historical, theoretical, and practical aspects of
scenographic modelmaking, making it essential for the beginner, generalist, and professional design practitioner.
This new third edition of "The Scenographic Model" begins with a brief history of the scenographic model and explores
how modelmaking has adapted to changes in materials, technology, and commercial influences over time. It then details
setting up a safe, productive model-building studio before introducing the types and purposes of various scenographic
models.
It goes on to instruct the reader in constructing common model elements and accessories.
Later chapters explore how the models reveal stage space and create mood and atmosphere through tonal shading and
lighting; discuss the use of found objects, collage techniques, and projection models in scenic design; and delve into 3D
printing and computer routering.
The final chapter provides information on various aspects of photography and image sharing related to design and
production communication.
This comprehensive text provides information not just from theater but also from other modeling disciplines and sources,
including architecture, film, dioramas, dollhouse modeling, and model railroading. A useful resource for high school,
community college, university, and community theater enthusiasts, it is also an excellent reference book for theater
designers throughout the country.
Critique: This illustrated, large format (8 x 0.9 x 10 inches, 1.46 pounds), paperback third edition of "The Scenographic
Model" by the team of co-authors Darwin Reid Payne, Ronald Naversen, and Brad M. Carlson, is informative enhanced for
the reader's benefit with the inclusion of an Introduction (The Sceneographic Model in History), eight pages of Notes, a six
page Bibliography, and a six page Index. A complete and comprehensive course of DIY instruction, this new and expanded
third edition of "The Scenographic Model" from the Southern Illinois University Press is especially and unreservedly
recommended for personal, community, and college/university library Stage Craft, Model Building, and 3D Printing
instructional reference collections and supplemental Theatre Department curriculum studies lists.
Editorial Note #1: Darwin Reid Payne was a professor emeritus of scenic design at Southern Illinois University
Carbondale. He is the author of Materials and Craft of the Scenic Model, Theory and Craft of the Scenographic Model,
The Scenographic Imagination, and Computer Scenographics.
(https://www.meredithfh.com/obituaries/darwin-reid-payne)
Editorial Note #2: Ronald Naversen, (Ph.D.) is a professor emeritus of scenic design at Southern Illinois University
Carbondale. He has worked as a freelance designer for numerous theatres including Westport Country Playhouse in
Connecticut, the Vitalist Theater of Chicago, and the New Harmony Theater in Indiana. He has published articles in
TD&T, Stage Directions, and Theatre Crafts. (https://www.ronaldnaversen.com)
Editorial Note #3: Brad M. Carlson is an associate professor of theatre design and Chair of the Department of
Communication and Theatre Arts at Truman State University, where he teaches scenic design, and stagecraft. His
professional design work has been featured at The Rose Theatre in Omaha, The Human Race Theatre in Dayton, Victory
Gardens Theater in Chicago, and the New London Barn Playhouse, in New Hampshire.
(https://www.bradcarlson.com)
The Business Shelf
Unfolded: Lessons in Transformation from an Origami Crane
Brian Schubring, author
Linda Schubring, author
Wiley
c/o Wiley Professional Trade Group
www.wiley.com
Blackstone Publishing
https://www.blackstonelibrary.com
9781394338092, $24.00, HC, 144pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Unfolded-Lessons-Transformation-Origami-Crane/dp/1394338090
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/unfolded-brian-schubring/1146693152
Synopsis: With the publication of "Unfolded: Lessons in Transformation from an Origami Crane", co-authors Brian and
Linda Schubring have created a provocative allegory to help individuals and leaders develop a sense of their true identity,
permission to dream, and courage to transform
"Unfolded" is an allegory about an origami crane's dream of becoming a paper plane, Unfolded imparts a philosophy and
strategy to help leaders meet their full potential, cultivate better relationships, and grow their leadership capacity. Through
purposeful storytelling, "Unfolded" encourages readers to join a journey of transformation, self-acceptance, and
expression, helping them unpack their identity and build confidence in themselves.
Readers will learn how to look within to navigate their lives and about the importance of understanding the internal map of
their life story, lived experiences, lessons learned, and shaping relationships.
"Unfolded" gives readers permission to dream and shows readers how to:
Work with your feelings of self-doubt, fear, shame, guilt, and judgment when taking the next step forward
See play as practice in disguise, and trying as intentional practice
Track stories, maps, creases, folds, and dreams to look at your life and learn something important
"Unfolded" is also a critical business book empowering individuals and leaders to begin a discussion on personal
wellbeing and professional influence, and help their people understand how meaningful relationships and lived experiences
are shaping how they show up on their teams, their families, and in the world.
Critique: A unique, original, and effective approach to business organization leadership, management, motivation and
improvement, "Unfolded: Lessons in Transformation from an Origami Crane" is impressively well written, organized and
presented -- making it an ideal and unreservedly recommended addition for personal, professional, community, corporate,
and college/university library Business Management collections and supplemental MBA curriculum studies lists. It should
be noted for MBA students, academia, corporate executives, business managers, entrepreneurs, and non-specialist general
readers with an interest in the subject that this hardcover edition of "Unfolded: Lessons in Transformation from an Origami
Crane" from Wiley is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $14.00) and as a complete and unabridged
audio book (Blackstone Publishing, 9798228676121, $45.95, CD).
Editorial Note #1: Brian Schubring is the founder of Leadership Vision Consulting. With expertise in behavioral
psychology, clinical counseling, and applied neuroscience, he empowers individuals and teams to achieve their fullest
potential. A natural leader and athlete, Brian's journey includes excelling in hockey before pivoting to compete in over 50
marathons, 250 triathlons, and three Ironman triathlons. His nearly 40 years as a fitness instructor reflect his unwavering
dedication to health and growth, both physical and personal. Brian's unique blend of strategic insight and human
connection continues to inspire transformation in leaders and organizations worldwide.
Editorial Note #2: Dr. Linda Schubring is the president and owner of Leadership Vision Consulting, bringing decades of
experience in leadership and organizational culture. Previously, she served in university administration and as VP of
Employee Experience and Culture at an IT consulting firm where she led transformative initiatives. Linda earned a Doctor
of Intercultural Studies from Fuller Theological Seminary with research centered on how multinational leaders navigate
change in diverse European cultural contexts. As a breast cancer survivor, Linda brings a profound understanding of
resilience and the human capacity for growth through adversity. Her empathy and insight inspire those around her to
navigate challenges with courage and find meaningful paths forward.
The Metaphysical Studies Shelf
Making Tarot Magic
Briana Saussy, author
Theresa Reed, foreword
Weiser Publishers
c/o Red Wheel/Weiser
www.redwheelweiser.com
9781578638765, $19.95, PB, 248pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Making-Tarot-Magic-Remedies-Transform/dp/1578638763
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/making-tarot-magic-briana-saussy/1146811771
Synopsis: In various traditions around the world, divination is not a stopping point; it's the beginning. Someone may come
to tarot (or other forms of divination) to receive insight into their situation but also to glean a diagnosis and treatments to
remedy problems. These "treatments" are often magical rituals or ceremonies the querent could perform for themselves or
have someone else perform on their behalf. Each tarot card has specific recommendations for what kind of magic and ritual
might be appropriate to address a specific concern -- you just need to learn how to read them with an eye to their inner
magic.
With respect to "Making Tarot Magic: Rituals and Remedies to Transform Readings into Action" by tarot expert Briana
Saussy:
Each section of the book is dedicated to a single magical condition: abundance, healing, love, justice, and more.
Every tarot card has an interpretation seen through the lens of and with respect to the magical condition the section has
focused on.
Techniques are given for the types of magical work best suited to a particular card's presence and meaning in a
reading.
Suggested intentions provide guidelines for what attitude or spirit you may want to infuse your work with to produce the
best result.
Includes magic basics, ritual and ceremonial suggestions, and recipes.
Readers will learn to work with sacred vessels, candles and oil lamps, incense, sachets, spiritual baths, herbs and roots,
magical words, prayers and petitions, sacred waters, textile magic, and spirits.
"Making Tarot Magic" teaches you how to tune in, interpret the issue, and find the remedy.
Critique: Comprehensive, reader friendly in organization and presentation, and an especially recommended pick for
aspiring and professional tarot readers alike, "Making Tarot Magic: Rituals and Remedies to Transform Readings into
Action" by Briana Saussy is an ideal, DIY instructional guide and 'how to' manual on applying magical tarot readings to
real world applications. Informed and informative, this trade paperback edition of "Making Tarot Magic: Rituals and
Remedies to Transform Readings into Action" is a prized pick for personal, professional, community, and
college/university library Metaphysical Studies: The Tarot collections and supplemental curriculum studies lists. It should
be noted that "Making Tarot Magic: Rituals and Remedies to Transform Readings into Action" from Weiser Books is also
available in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.99).
Editorial Note: Briana Saussy (https://brianasaussy.com/about-briana) is an author, storyteller, teacher, spiritual counselor,
and founder of the Sacred Arts Academy, where she teaches magic, divination, ceremony, and other sacred arts for
everyday life. She is well-grounded in the world's great religious and intellectual traditions, as well as Western
psychological practices. She holds a BA and MA in Eastern and Western classics, philosophy, mathematics, and science
and is a student of ancient Greek and Sanskrit. Briana's work has been featured in The Paris Review, Yoga Journal,
Enchanted Living, and more.
Prosperity Magic
Rachel Patterson
https://www.rachelpatterson.co.uk
Moon Books
c/o Collective Ink Books
https://www.collectiveinkbooks.com
9781803419763, $19.95, PB, 232pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Prosperity-Magic-Spell-Working-Abundance/dp/1803419768
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/prosperity-magic-rachel-patterson/1146850784
Synopsis: From the author of Fate and Fortune magazine's ever-popular Witch That Gets You Rich column. Rachel
Patterson now presents "Prosperity Magic: Spell Working for Abundance, Money, and Prosperity", an ideal introduction to
the realm of money-making magic.
But that is not all. Abundance and prosperity can manifest in all kinds of ways - in the form of cold hard cash, or equally,
in the form of friends, family, love, and happiness. "Prosperity Magic" provides a plethora of general magical suggestions,
spell workings, tips, and correspondences for creating all kinds of prosperity, abundance, and money-making magic to
enrich and enhance your life, as well as recover from debts, because sometimes we need that, too.
All the spells compiled and presented in "Prosperity Magic" are straightforward and uncomplicated, often using items and
ingredients easily found in any home, kitchen, and cupboard.
The overarching message of "Prosperity Magic" is that money magic shouldn't be complicated. It should involve simple
steps for creating and manifesting the comfortable life you deserve, not just for you but also for those you care about -- and
that you deserve in abundance in all areas of your life!
Critique: Exceptionally well written, organized and presented, "Prosperity Magic: Spell Working for Abundance, Money,
and Prosperity" will prove to be an invaluable and enduringly appreciated introduction to the use of Wiccan magick to
promote financial and emotional success in our personal and professional lives. Fascinating, informative, thought-
provoking, and thoroughly 'reader/user' friendly in style and approach, "Prosperity Magic" is a seminal and unreservedly
recommended addition to personal, professional, community, and college/university library Metaphysical Studies &
Wiccan Practices collections and supplemental curriculum lists. It should be noted for Wiccan students and practitioners
that this paperback edition of "Prosperity Magic" from Moon Books is also available for personal reading lists in a digital
book format (Kindle, $9.99).
Editorial Note: Rachel Patterson (https://www.rachelpatterson.co.uk) is an English witch who has been walking the Pagan
pathway for over thirty years. She has had over 30 books published (so far). Her passion is to learn, she loves to study and
has done so from books, online resources, schools and wonderful mentors over the years and still continues to learn each
and every day but has learnt the most from actually getting outside and doing it. Rachel gives talks to pagan groups and
co-runs workshops with the Kitchen Witch Coven. A regular columnist with Fate & Fortune magazine, she also
contributes articles to several magazines such as Pagan Dawn and Witchcraft & Wicca. You will find her regular
ramblings on her own personal blog and YouTube channel. Rachel is host for the Pagan Portals Podcast, (Moon Books
Publishing). Her craft is a combination of old religion witchcraft, Wicca, hedge witchery, kitchen witchery and folk
magic.
The Criminology Shelf
Until She's Found: A Daughter's Journey of Love, Loss, and Justice
Stacey Andrade King, author
Nancy Jo Publishing
https://nancyjoandrade.org
9798993429502, $10.99, PB, 90pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Until-Shes-Found-Daughters-Journey/dp/B0FY2K8VYS
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/until-shes-found-stacey-andrade-king/1148616838
Synopsis: When twelve-year-old Stacey's mother, Nancy Jo Andrade, went missing, her world shattered. What followed
the devastating discovery that Nancy Jo had been murdered were decades of painful uncertainty -- her body never being
found and her family's relentless fight for justice by a system that faltered.
In this riveting and personal account, Stacey shares what it means to live in the aftermath of violent crime - not as a
headline, but as a daughter, sister, and survivor. Through her eyes, readers witness the silence left behind, the ongoing
battle with courts and sentencing, and the haunting absence of closure.
"Until She's Found: A Daughter's Journey of Love, Loss, and Justice Taken Away" is not about answers. It is about the
questions that never stop. It is about the weight of absence, the resilience of love, and the unrelenting pursuit of justice for
those who can no longer speak for themselves.
For families who have endured similar loss, Stacey offers recognition and solidarity, as well as a collection of resources to
help navigate the impossible journey of surviving violent crime. For others, this is an unflinching glimpse into the human
cost of violence - a story that demands compassion, awareness, and change.
Stacey Andrade King's story stands as both testimony and tribute: to her mother's life, to the families forever marked by
murder, and to the enduring fight for justice when the system fails.
Critique: Heartbreaking, emotionally engaging, but ultimately positive, "Until She's Found: A Daughter's Journey of Love,
Loss, and Justice Taken Away" is an exceptional memoir that will hold immense appeal for readers with an interest in the
impact of crime on ordinary families, about the struggle to deal with unspeakable tragedy. Exceptionally well written and
presented, "Until She's Found" is especially and unreservedly recommended for community and college/university library
Contemporary American Biography/Memoir collections, and supplemental Criminology curriculum studies lists. It should
be noted for personal reading lists that this paperback edition of "Until She's Found" from Nancy Jo Publishing is also
readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $5.99).
Editorial Note: Stacey Andrade King is a writer, speaker, and advocate for victims' rights. She honors her mother's memory
by raising awareness of the challenges faced by families affected by violent crime, sharing resources for survivors, and
promoting victim-centered reform. Stacey lives with her family and remains committed to seeking justice for all families
whose lives have been forever changed by violent crime. She established "The Nancy Jo Foundation", a non-profit
organization dedicated to helping families with missing children to honor her mother. (https://nancyjoandrade.org).
James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
Diane C. Donovan, Editor
Midwest Book Review
278 Orchard Drive
Oregon, WI 53575-1129
phone: 1-608-835-7937
e-mail: mbr@execpc.com
e-mail: mwbookrevw@aol.com
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