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Wisconsin Bookwatch
Table of Contents
Reviewer's Choice
The Story of Disney: 100 Years of Wonder
John Baxter, et al.
Disney Editions
c/o Disney Book Group
https://books.disney.com
9781368061940, $60.00, HC, 304pp
https://www.amazon.com/Story-Disney-100-Years-Wonder/dp/136806194X
Synopsis: On October 16, 1923, Walt Disney and his brother Roy founded what would become The Walt Disney Company.
Walt's passion and vision continues to inspire creative development across the company. As a result, Disney characters (and
their stories) have touched the lives of generations of fans. They encourage a belief that dreams really can come true.
Critique: The Walt Disney Company honors its 100th anniversary in 2023. As part of the festivities, "The Story of Disney:
100 Years of Wonder" by the team of co-authors John Baxter and Bruce Steele, and the staff of the Walt Disney Archives
beautifully and informatively showcases the company's history and rich legacy (past, present, and future) through vibrant
voices and rare Disney concept art and photographs. As the official companion to the touring exhibition by Walt Disney
Archives and SC Exhibitions, "The Story of Disney: 100 Years of Wonder" is a simply gorgeous coffee table style (9.5 x
1.55 x 11.3 inches, 1 pound) volume that admirably serves as a treasure trove for pop culture enthusiasts, artists, art
collectors, and Disney fans -- and is unreservedly recommended for personal, community, and academic library Disney
Theme Park and Travel Guide collections.
Editorial Note #1: John Baxter has written both fiction and nonfiction for a number of publishers, including HarperCollins,
Berkley, and Hearst. He has been a featured comedy blogger for the Huffington Post, and is the author of four books for
Disney Publishing Worldwide on a number of subjects. The first, Disney During World War II: How the Walt Disney
Studio Contributed to Victory During the War (2014), came about as a result of the author's lifelong fascination with the
studio. In addition to co-authoring the present volume, Baxter also authored The Disney Conservation Fund: Carrying
Forward a Conservation Legacy (2016), ABC News: 75 Years in The Making, and has worked on the Disney Institute's
forthcoming new edition of Be Our Guest: The Art of the Customer Experience.
Editorial Note #2: Bruce C. Steele is the editor in chief of Disney's magazine and supervisor of the digital Disney Newsreel
and D23.com. He is also a journalist and Disney fan with a long career of profiling the famous and the unheralded, from the
pastry chefs at the Biltmore Estate to the stars of Disney's Mary Poppins Returns.
Editorial Note #3: The Walt Disney Archives was established by Roy O. Disney, Walt Disney's brother and Chairman of
Board, who determined that significant assets and documents relating to the history of The Walt Disney Company should be
gathered and preserved, and that the recollections of key employees should be documented. Chief Archivist Emeritus Dave
Smith was officially hired for this purpose on June 22, 1970, and since then, the Walt Disney Archives has curated millions
of historic items, including books, art, awards, photographs, merchandise, props, costumes, and much more. The Archives
team has assisted in research and review of hundreds of scholarly and documentary works in varied media and produced
numerous exhibits for the presentation of The Walt Disney Company's respected and beloved history to the public.
The American History Shelf
The Missouri Home Guard
Petra DeWitt
University of Missouri Press
113 Heinkel Bldg., 201 S. 7th Street, Columbia, MO 65211
https://upress.missouri.edu
9780826222664, $40.00, HC, 242pp
https://www.amazon.com/Missouri-Home-Guard-Protecting-during/dp/0826222668
Synopsis: Missouri was one of many states that established a defense organization to take over the duties of the National
Guard that had been federalized for military service when the United States declared war on Germany in 1917. The tasks of
this volunteer Home Guard included traditional National Guard responsibilities such as providing introductory military
training for draftable men, protecting crucial infrastructure from potential enemy activities, and maintaining law and order
during labor activism.
The Home Guard also functioned to preserve patriotism and reduce opposition to the war. Service in the Guard was a way to
show loyalty to one's country, particularly for German Americans, who were frequently under suspicion as untrustworthy.
Many German Americans in Missouri enthusiastically signed up to dispel any whispers of treason, while others found
themselves torn between the motherland and their new homeland.
Men too old or exempt from the draft for other reasons found meaning in helping with the war effort through the Home
Guard while also garnering respect from the community. For similar reasons, women attempted to join the organization as
did African Americans, some of whom formed units of a "Negro Home Guard."
Informed by the dynamics of race, gender, and ethnicity, "The Missouri Home Guard: Protecting the Home Front during the
Great War" by Professor Petra DeWitt focuses upon this understudied but important organization and knowledgeably
examines the fluctuating definition of patriotism and the very real question of who did and who did not have the privilege of
citizenship and acceptance in society.
Critique: A seminal study that is enhanced for the reader with the inclusion of numerous illustrations, fifty pages of Notes, a
twelve page Bibliography, and a twenty-two page Index, "The Missouri Home Guard: Protecting the Home Front during the
Great War" is an unreservedly recommended addition to personal, professional, community, and academic library 20th
Century American History collections, it should be noted for the personal reading lists of students, academia, and non-
specialist general readers with an interest in the subject that "The Missouri Home Guard" is also available in a digital book
format (Kindle, $38.00).
Editorial Note: Petra DeWitt (https://missourioverthere.org/about/?historian=petra-dewitt) is Associate Professor of History
and Political Science at the Missouri University of Science and Technology. DeWitt specializes in migration and ethnic
history and has published several articles and encyclopedia submissions on those subjects. She is also the author of Degrees
of Allegiance: Harassment and Loyalty in Missouri's German-American Community during World War I, which won the
State Historical Society of Missouri's Missouri Book Award in 2012.
The Business Shelf
Managing Employee Burnout
Shauna Moran
Kogan Page Inc.
8 W 38th Street, Ste 902, New York, NY 10018
www.koganpage.com
9781398608092, $126.00, HC, 256pp
https://www.amazon.com/Managing-Employee-Burnout-Develop-Workforce/dp/1398608092
Synopsis: With the publication of "Managing Employee Burnout: How to Develop A Happy, Healthy and Engaged
Workforce", Shauna Moran covers everything from what burnout is, what causes it and what different forms it can take. She
also explores the role of the organization in employee burnout and includes specific guidance on how to manage burnout in
remote and hybrid working environments and why dispersed teams may be more susceptible to burnout.
Full of actionable advice and real world examples, "Managing Employee Burnout" also demonstrates what strategies to put
in place to safeguard staff retention and productivity from burnout as well as how to promote awareness and emotional
intelligence in the business. Furthermore, "Managing Employee Burnout" explains why effective company culture,
communication, leadership and an inclusive talent strategy are key to building a healthy, engaged and sustainable workforce.
There is also coverage of how to improve employees' mental health and discussion of the importance of taking a break and
how to establish healthy boundaries.
Critique: Exceptionally well written, organized and presented, "Managing Employee Burnout: How to Develop A Happy,
Healthy and Engaged Workforce" should be considered essential reading for all HR professionals, as well as anyone who is
responsible for talent management and ensuring employee health, happiness and productivity. While especially and
unreservedly recommended for personal, professional, academic, corporate, and academic library Business Management
collections and curriculum studies lists, it should be noted be noted by MBA students, academia, corporate executives,
union leaders, and non-specialist general readers with an interest in the subject that "Managing Employee Burnout" is also
readily available in a paperback edition (9781398608078, $39.99) and in a digital book format (Kindle, $31.99).
Editorial Note: Shauna Moran (https://www.shaunamoran.com) is the Founder of Operate Remote, an award-winning
executive coaching agency that empowers leaders to address staff burnout and build more emotionally healthy, engaged and
sustainable teams and organizations. Prior to this, she headed up Partnerships in various SaaS companies. Based in
Vancouver, Canada she has a background in psychology and is an accredited Executive and Leadership Coach as well as an
Emotional Intelligence Practitioner.
Experiential Intelligence
Soren Kaplan
Matt Holt Books
c/o BenBella Books
www.benbellabooks.com
9781637742020, $26.00, HC, 264pp
https://www.amazon.com/Experiential-Intelligence-Experience-Personal-Breakthroughs/dp/1637742029
Synopsis: With the publication of "Experiential Intelligence: Harness the Power of Experience for Personal and Business
Breakthroughs", Soren Kaplan reveals how our past experiences impact our present success and future opportunities in ways
we often don't recognize. While you can't change what's happened to you or how you've responded to it, within your unique
stories are hidden strengths waiting to be discovered. Do just that by uncovering your Experiential Intelligence -- the
mindsets and abilities gained from your personal and professional life experiences.
Just as memorizing facts doesn't give you a high IQ, your Experiential Intelligence (XQ) isn't merely what you've learned
over time. It's how you perceive challenges, view opportunities, and tackle goals. XQ is your unique internal fingerprint.
Leverage it to: Become a better leader; Increase collaboration, innovation, and results; Hire and develop talent using more
strategic criteria; Transform your organization's culture.
"Experiential Intelligence" reveals the psychological, sociological, and neurological forces that make us tick. You can learn
how to uncover your hidden assets, remove invisible barriers limiting peak performance, and amplify strengths to achieve
breakthroughs for yourself, your team, and your organization.
Critique: Of special value to readers with an interest in entrepreneurship, corporate leadership, and employee/supervisor
motivation, "Experiential Intelligence: Harness the Power of Experience for Personal and Business Breakthroughs" is deftly
organized into three main sections: Understand XQ, Develop XQ, Apply XQ. Informative enhanced for the reader with the
inclusion of four pages of Notes and an eight page Index, "Experiential Intelligence" is a seminal and unreservedly
recommended addition to personal, professional, community, corporate, and academic library Business & Financial
Management collections and supplemental MBA curriculum studies lists. It should be noted that "Experiential Intelligence"
is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $13.99).
Editorial Note: Soren Kaplan (www.sorenkaplan.com) is an author, a Columnist for Inc. Magazine, the founder of
Praxie.com, and an affiliate at the Center for Effective Organizations at USC's Marshall School of Business. He has advised
and led leadership development programs for thousands of executives globally, including Disney, Visa, PayPal, PepsiCo,
Cisco, Wells Fargo, eBay, Medtronic, AARP, and many others. Business Insider and the Thinkers50 have recognized him as
one of the world's top management thought leaders and consultants.
Talent Intelligence
Toby Culshaw
Kogan Page Inc.
8 W 38th Street, Ste 902, New York, NY 10018
www.koganpage.com
9781398607255, $126.00, HC, 256pp
https://www.amazon.com/Talent-Intelligence-Business-Organizational-Performance/dp/1398607258
Synopsis: Improved access to people and business data has created huge opportunities for the HR function. However,
simply having access to this data is not enough. HR professionals need to know how to analyse the data, know what
questions to ask of it and where and how the insights from the data can add the most value.
With the publication of "Talent Intelligence: Use Business and People Data to Drive Organizational Performance", author
Toby Culshaw provides a practical guide that explains everything HR professionals need to know to achieve this. It outlines
what Talent Intelligence (TI) is why it's important, how to use it to improve business results and includes guidance on how
HR professionals can build the business case for it.
"Talent Intelligence" also explains how and why talent intelligence is different from workforce planning, sourcing research
and standard predictive HR analytics and shows how to assess where in the organization talent intelligence can have the
biggest impact and how to demonstrate the results to all stakeholders. Most importantly, "Talent Intelligence" covers KPIs
and metrics for success, short-term and long-term TI goals, an outline of what success looks like and the skills needed for
effective Talent Intelligence. It should be noted that "Talent Intelligence" also features case studies from organizations
including Philips, Barclays and Kimberly-Clark.
Critique: A high priority read for anyone involved in their company's Human Relations activities and responsibilities,
"Talent Intelligence: Use Business and People Data to Drive Organizational Performance" is an extraordinary and seminal
study that is especially recommended for personal, professional, community, corporate, and academic library Personnel
Management and Business Decision-Making/Problem Solving collections. It should be noted for MBA students, academia,
corporate executives, and non-specialist general readers with an interest in the subject that "Talent Intelligence" is also
available in a paperback edition (9781398607231, $41.99) and in a digital book format (Kindle, $33.59).
Editorial Note: Toby Culshaw (https://www.koganpage.com/author/toby-culshaw) is the Talent Intelligence Leader,
Worldwide Operations and Consumer, at Amazon, leading a global team in talent intelligence. He was Global Head of
Talent Intelligence and Executive Recruitment Research at Royal Philips, the Dutch health technology group. He was
named by Recruiter Magazine as one of the 11 Most Influential In-house Recruiters in 2017, 2019, 2020 and 2021 and is an
international speaker on sourcing, executive research and talent intelligence. Based in Brighton, UK he is also the founder of
the Talent Intelligence Collective, a Talent Intelligence Mentor at Udder and a co-host of the Talent Intelligence Collective
Podcast.
The Money/Finance Shelf
The Body of Money
Gayle Colman
Wiley
c/o Wiley Professional Trade Group
www.wiley.com
9781394166558, $29.95, HC, 352pp
https://www.amazon.com/Body-Money-Self-Help-Sustainable-Intelligence/dp/1394166559
Synopsis: With the publication of "The Body of Money: A Self-Help Guide to Create Sustainable Wealth through Innate
Intelligence", financial expert Gayle Colman presents a comprehensive guide to building and sustaining wealth by using the
incredible intelligence of the human body.
The story you've been told about money is all wrong. Spreadsheets, PNL's, money markets, and index funds only touch the
surface. "The Body of Money" provides a completely unique and effective approach to personal finance like nothing you've
experienced before.
By demystifying money psychology and behavior economics Certified Financial Planner and Master Integral Coach Gayle
Colman shows you exactly how to use your innate wisdom to heal old money patterns, tend to wounds created by
generational financial trauma and create sustainable wealth that is aligned with your deepest values. Integrating cutting-edge
research, laugh-out-loud storytelling and body-centered practices, Gayle puts the power of individual wealth-building
squarely back in your own hands.
"The Body of Money" explains: How body practices can have a transformative effect on your money habits; Where your
personal money manager lives in your body and how to access its true wisdom; Why investing in a way that matches your
personal values can actually be better for your health; How to use your body to gain true financial agency, reduce debt,
invest in real estate and make the most important money decisions of your life.
Critique: Exceptionally well written, organized and presented, and offering an indispensable 'real world' practical and
effective approach to personal finance, "The Body of Money: A Self-Help Guide to Creating Sustainable Wealth through
Innate Intelligence" is perfect for anyone seeking relief from money struggles, as well as individuals and families who want
to create a robust and healthy money legacy for their lives. While especially recommended as an addition to personal
reading lists and community/academic library Financial Planning and Budgeting Management collections, it should be noted
that "The Body of Money" is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $18.00).
Editorial Note: Gayle Colman (https://www.gaylecolman.com) is a Certified Financial Planner and Master Integral
Coach(TM) with 40 years of experience in the world of money as an advisor to individuals, families and entrepreneurs. She is
also a co-founder of Colman Knight Advisory Group, LLC, providing Integral Wealth Services in a nourishing environment
committed to generous listening, high integrity, and expert care.
Building Wealth on a Dime
Kimberly Hamilton
Wiley
c/o Wiley Professional Trade Group
111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030-5774
www.wiley.com
9781119900009, $27.95, HC, 352pp
https://www.amazon.com/Building-Wealth-Dime-Finding-Financial/dp/111990000X
Synopsis: With the publication of "Building Wealth on a Dime: Finding Your Financial Freedom", financial educator
Kimberly Hamilton delivers an engaging guide for building wealth through small but powerful changes to your money --
especially if you're starting small.
As a former student debt warrior turned homeowner, Kimberly knows this experience first-hand. Through the financial lives
of everyday moneymakers like Claire in New York, Tanya in Chicago, and Eric in Portland, Kimberly teaches you how to
take control of your finances, eliminate debt, and invest for your financial future.
Written in a tone that sounds more like a friend than financial advice, you will gain the tools you need (both psychological
and financial) to change your mindset and achieve your own financial freedom.
"Building Wealth on a Dime" covers: Efficient techniques for eliminating debt; How to calculate and implement a guilt-free
weekly spending cap; A complete breakdown on investing for beginners, including the different types of accounts,
investments, and methods you need to be strategic; Completely legal (but rarely talked about) tax loopholes that can save
you thousands; What you need to consider when buying your first home or real estate investment.
Critique: An impressive and comprehensive compendium of solid, 'real world', and practical information, insight, advise and
strategies, "Building Wealth on a Dime: Finding your Financial Freedom" is an extraordinary 'how-to' handbook that is an
especially recommended addition to personal, professional, community, and academic library Money Management and
Financial Planning collections. It should be noted for anyone seeking to improve their relationship with money and
accelerate their journey to financial freedom that "Building Wealth on a Dime" is also available in a digital book format
(Kindle, $17.00).
Editorial Note: Kimberly Hamilton (https://www.beworthfinance.com) is the Founder of Beworth Finance where she helps
women and millennials make smart money moves. As a Certified Financial Education Instructor, Kimberly's advice has
been featured in major publications such as Forbes, Business Insider, and Health magazine, among others. She can be
followed on social media @BeworthFinance
The Biography Shelf
Call Me Anne
Anne Heche
Viva Editions
http://vivaeditions.com
9781627783316, $15.95, PB, 176pp
https://www.amazon.com/Call-Me-Anne-Heche/dp/1627783318
Synopsis: "Call Me Anne" is the sequel to Heche's first book, "Call Me Crazy". It is a memoir consisting of personal
anecdotes of her rise to fame: how Harrison Ford became her on-set mentor, her relationship with Ellen Degeneres, her
encounter with Harvey Weinstein, her history of childhood sexual abuse, her relationship with God, her journey to love
herself, and more. Part memoir and part self-acceptance workbook, Anne's personal stories are interwoven with poems,
prompts, and exercises that got Anne through tough times. Readers are encouraged to try them as they navigate their own
journey to self-love, acceptance, forgiveness, and faith.
Critique: Intimate, articulate, informative, interesting, once again Anne Heche has written an intensely personal memoir that
is a simply fascinating and ultimately inspiring, and a 'must read' selection for the legions of Anne Heche fans. While a
highly recommended addition to personal, community, and academic library Contemporary American Memoir collections, it
should be noted that "Call Me Anne" is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.99).
Editorial Note: Anne Heche (1969-2022) was an Emmy-award winning actress, director, and screenwriter based in LA. She was also author of Call Me Crazy. Following a dual role in the daytime soap opera Another World (1987-91), Heche rose to mainstream prominence in the late 1990s with films Donnie Brasco (1997), Volcano (1997), Six Days, Seven Nights (1998), and Return to Paradise (1998). In 1998, Heche portrayed Marion Crane in Gus Van Sant's horror remake of Psycho. Heche received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her
performance in the Lifetime movie Gracie's Choice and a Tony Award nomination for Best Actress for her work in
Broadway's Twentieth Century. She was also a contestant on the reality show, Dancing with the Stars in 2020. Her wikipedia page is https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anne_Heche
The General Fiction Shelf
The Editor
Thomas A. Williams
Venture Press
c/o William & Company Book Publishers
https://www.entrepreneur.com
9781878853554 $16.95, PB, 240pp
https://www.amazon.com/Editor-Brewster-Gazette-Metaphysical-Newspaper/dp/1878853554
Synopsis: "The Editor: How the Brewster Gazette Became the World's First Metaphysical Newspaper" by novelist Tom
Williams is the story of one John Hawkwood, a man who meets a midlife crisis head-on when he resigns his professorship
to buy a struggling weekly newspaper in the college town of Brewster, North Carolina.
When John grows weary of writing editorials lamenting the shenanigans of the City Council or the scoundrels in
Washington, he makes a drastic change. Henceforth, he will editorialize not about the mundane but about the transcendent:
the nature of time, the hard problem of consciousness, and leaps of faith.
That's how The Brewster Gazette became the Brewster MacroCosmos, the world's first metaphysical newspaper. "The
Editor" not only tells the story of Hawkwood's adventures doing these things, but how in the process he would discover his
own identity.
Critique: Echoing the old theme of 'write what you know', Thomas A. "Tom" Williams is himself an author and publisher --
giving his novel "The Editor: How the Brewster Gazette Became the World's First Metaphysical Newspaper" a particular
and entertaining reality. Of special note are the little quotes that open each chapter -- 'Nothing is more active than thought,
for it travels over the universe.' - Thales of Miletus. While especially and unreservedly recommended for personal reading
lists in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.95), "The Editor" will prove a unique and welcome addition to community and
academic library literary fiction collections.
Editorial Note: Thomas A. Williams is the author of a series of books in the writing/publishing field, including Get Paid to
Write!, Poet Power: The Practical Poet's Guide to Publication, and How to Publish Your Own Magazine, Guidebook or
Weekly Newspaper, now in its fifth edition and the standard in its field. He has owned and edited his own weekly
newspaper, regional magazines, and guidebooks. He now directs his own publishing company, Williams & Company,
Publishers. (https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22280.Thomas_A_Williams)
The Marriage Box
Corie Adjmi
https://corieadjmi.com
She Writes Press
www.shewritespress.com
9781647420796, $17.95, PB, 288pp
https://www.amazon.com/Marriage-Box-Novel-Corie-Adjmi/dp/1647420792
Synopsis: Casey Cohen, a Middle Eastern Jew, is a sixteen-year-old in New Orleans in the 1970s when she starts hanging
out with the wrong crowd. Then she gets in trouble and her parents turn her whole world upside down by deciding to return
to their roots, the Orthodox Syrian Jewish community in Brooklyn.
In this new and foreign world, families gather weekly for Shabbat dinner; parties are extravagant events at the Museum of
Natural History; and the Marriage Box is a real place -- it's a pool deck designated for teenage girls to put themselves on
display for potential husbands.
Casey is at first shocked by this unfamiliar culture, but after she meets Michael, she's enticed by it. Looking for love and a
place to belong, she marries him at eighteen, believing she can adjust to Syrian ways. But she begins to question her
decision when she discovers that Michael doesn't want her to go to college; he wants her to have a baby instead.
Can Casey integrate these two opposing worlds, or will she have to leave one behind in order to find her way?
Critique: With a very special appeal to readers with an interest in a Jewish themed coming-of-age story, "The Marriage Box"
by Corie Adjmi is an exceptionally well written and entertaining read from beginning to end, While also available for
personal reading lists in a digital book format (Kindle, $8.49), "The Marriage Box" is an quite special and unreservedly
recommended addition to community library Women/Family Life Fiction collections.
Editorial Note: Corie Adjmi (https://corieadjmi.com) is the author of the short story collection "Life and Other
Shortcomings", which won an International Book Award, an IBPA Benjamin Franklin award, and an American Fiction
Award. Her essays and short stories have appeared in dozens of journals and magazines, including HuffPost, North
American Review, Indiana Review, Medium, Motherwell, Kveller, and others. "The Marriage Box" is Corie's first
novel.
Mr. Breakfast
Jonathan Carroll
Melville House
46 John Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201
https://www.mhpbooks.com
9781612199924, $28.99, HC, 272pp
https://www.amazon.com/Mr-Breakfast-Jonathan-Carroll/dp/1612199925
Synopsis: Graham Patterson's life has hit a dead end. His career as a comedian is failing. The love of his life recently broke
up with him and he literally has no idea what to do next. With nothing to lose, he buys a new car and hits the road, planning
to drive across country and hopefully figure out his next moves before reaching California.
But along the way Patterson does something his old self would never have even considered: he gets tattooed by a brilliant
tattoo artist in North Carolina. The decision sets off a series of extraordinary events that changes his life forever in ways he
never could have imagined. Among other things, Patterson is gifted with the ability to see in real time three different lives
that are available to him. The choice is his: The life he is leading right now, or two very different ones. In all of them there
is love or fame and of course danger because once he has chosen, there is no telling what will happen next.
Critique: With the publication of "Mr. Breakfast", author Jonathan Carroll has created a dazzling, absorbing, and deeply
moving novel about the choices that we have to confront and face. With a very special appeal to readers with an interest in
the themes of paranormal fantasy and magical realism, "Mr. Breakfast" is a fun and absorbing read from first page to last.
While unreservedly recommended for community and academic library Contemporary Literary Fiction collections, it should
be noted for personal reading lists that "Mr. Breakfast" is also available in a paperback edition (9781685890889, $17.99)
and in a digital book format (Kindle, $14.99).
Editorial Note: Jonathan Carroll (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jonathan_Carroll) is the author of seventeen novels,
including the critically acclaimed The Ghost in Love, The Land of Laughs, and Outside the Dog Museum, for which he has
won a British Fantasy award. Jonathan has also written two story collections, with his stories winning a Pushcart Prize, two
French Fantasy Awards, a Bram Stoker Award, and a World Fantasy Award. His work has been published in over thirty
languages, and he has over 110,000 followers on Facebook.
The Historical Fiction Shelf
Marvelous
Molly Greeley
https://www.mollygreeley.com
William Morrow & Company
c/o HarperCollins Publishers
www.harpercollins.com
Blackstone Audiobooks
www.blackstoneaudio.com
9780063244092, $32.00, HC, 416pp
https://www.amazon.com/Marvelous-Novel-Molly-Greeley/dp/0063244098
Synopsis: 1547: Pedro Gonzales, a young boy living on the island of Tenerife, understands that he is different from the other
children in his village. He is mercilessly ridiculed for the hair covering his body from head to toe.
When he is kidnapped off the beach near his home, he finds himself delivered by a slave broker into the dangerous and
glamorous world of France's royal court. There "Monsieur Sauvage," as he is known, learns French, literature, and sword
fighting, becoming an attendant to the French King Henri II and a particular favorite of his queen, the formidable Catherine
de' Medici. Queen Catherine considers herself a collector of unusual people and is fascinated by Pedro -- and determined to
find him a bride.
Catherine Raffelin is a beautiful seventeen-year-old girl whose merchant father has fallen on hard times and offers up his
daughter to Queen Catherine. The queen will pay his debts, and his daughter will marry Monsieur Sauvage.
Catherine meets Pedro for the first time on their wedding day. Barely recovered from the shock of her father's betrayal, she
soon finds herself christened "Madame Sauvage" by the royal courtiers, and must learn to navigate this strange new world,
and the unusual man who is now her husband.
Critique: A magnificent work of carefully crafted historical fiction, "Marvelous" by Molly Greely is based upon a real
character in 16th Century France whose name was Petrus Gonsalvus (c. 1537, Tenerife - c. 1618), famous during his
lifetime because of his medical condition -- hypertrichosis. His life at various courts in Italy and France has been well
chronicled. "Marvelous" is a compelling portrait of an unusual marriage and the story of a remarkable, resilient family.
While especially and unreservedly recommended for community library Historical/Biographical Fiction collections, it
should be noted for personal reading lists that "Marvelous" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $14.99) and as
a complete and unabridged audio book (Blackstone Audio, 9798212206808, $41.99, CD).
Editorial Note: Molly Greeley (https://www.mollygreeley.com) is also the author of "The Clergyman's Wife" (2019) and
"The Heiress" (2021).
Within These Walls of Sorrow
Amanda Barratt
Kregel Publications
2450 Oak Industrial Drive, NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505
www.kregel.com
9780825447013, $17.99, PB, 304pp
https://www.amazon.com/Within-These-Walls-Sorrow-Poland/dp/0825447011
Synopsis: Set in World War II Poland, "Within These Walls Of Sorrow is the story of Zosia Lewandowska, a woman who
knows the brutal realities of war all too well. Within weeks of Germany's invasion of her Polish homeland, she lost the man
she loves. As ghetto walls rise and the occupiers tighten their grip on the city of Krakow, Zosia joins pharmacist
Tadeusz
Pankiewicz and his staff in the heart of the Krakow ghetto as they risk their lives to aid the Jewish people trapped by Nazi
oppression.
Hania Silverman's carefree girlhood is shattered as her family is forced into the ghetto. Struggling to survive in a world
hemmed in by walls and rife with cruelty and despair, she encounters Zosia, her former neighbor, at the pharmacy. As
deportation winnow the ghetto's population and snatch those she holds dear, Hania's natural resiliency is exhausted by
reality.
Zodia and Hania's lives intertwine as they face the griefs and fears thrust upon them by war, until one day, they are forced to
make a desperate choice -- one that will inexorably bind them together, even as they are torn apart.
Critique: A compelling and deftly written work of extraordinary literary fiction from first page to last, novelist Amanda
Barratt's meticulous research and lush, award-winning writing shine once again in "Within These Walls Of Sorrow", a
moving story about a group of unsung heroes who fought for hope and humanity in the most harrowing of times now known
to us at the Holocaust. While also available for personal reading lists in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.99), "Within
These Walls Of Sorrow" is a significant and unreservedly recommended addition to community library World War II era
historical fiction collections.
Editorial Note: Amanda Barratt (www.amandabarratt.net) is the Christy Award-winning author of several novels and
novellas, including My Dearest Dietrich: A Novel of Dietrich Bonhoeffer's Lost Love. She is also a member of American
Christian Fiction Writers and a two-time FHL Reader's Choice Award finalist.
The Romantic Fiction Shelf
Take the Lead: A Dance Off
Alexis Daria
St. Martin's Griffin
c/o St. Martin's Press
https://us.macmillan.com/smp
9781250817969, $17.99, PB, 368pp
https://www.amazon.com/Take-Lead-Dance-Off-Novel/dp/125081796X
Synopsis: Gina Morales wants to make it big. In her four seasons on the show 'The Dance Off', she's never even made it to
the finals. But her latest partner, the sexy star of an Alaskan wilderness show, could be her chance. Who knew the strong,
silent, survivalist-type had moves like that? She thinks Stone Nielson is her ticket to win it all -- until her producer makes it
clear they're being set up for a 'showmance'.
Joining a celebrity dance competition is the last thing Stone wants. However, he'll endure anything to help his family, even
as he fears revealing their secrets. While the fast pace of Los Angeles makes him long for the peace and privacy of home, he
can't hide his growing attraction for his dance partner. Neither wants to fake a romance for the cameras, but the explosive
chemistry that flares between them is undeniable.
As Stone and Gina heat up the dance floor, the tabloids catch on to their developing romance. With the spotlight threatening
to ruin everything, will they choose fame and fortune, or let love take the lead?
Critique: The kind of deftly written story that Hallmark Romance Movies are made from, "Take The Lead" by Alexis Daria
is a delightful and light-hearted romance from cover to cover. While also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $12.99)
for personal reading lists, "Take The Lead" will prove to be an immediate and enduringly popular addition to community
library Multicultural Romantic Comedy collections.
Editorial Note: As a novelist, Alexis Daria (https://alexisdaria.com) writes stories about successful Latinx characters and
their (occasionally messy) familias. Her debut novel "Take the Lead" won the 2018 RITA Award for "Best First Book". Her
novel, "You Had Me at Hola", is a Target Diverse Book Club Pick, and New York Times Editor's Choice Pick.
The Reunion
Kayla Olson
Atria Books
c/o Simon & Schuster
1230 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020
www.simonandschuster.com
Blackstone Audiobooks
www.blackstoneaudio.com
9781668001943, $17.00, PB, 320pp
https://www.amazon.com/Reunion-Novel-Kayla-Olson/dp/1668001942
Synopsis: Liv Latimer grew up on TV. As the star of the popular teen drama Girl on the Verge, Liv spent her adolescence on
the screen trying to be as picture perfect as her character in real life. But after the death of her father and the betrayal of her
on-screen love interest and off-screen best friend Ransom Joel, Liv wanted nothing more than to retreat, living a mostly
normal life aside from a few indie film roles. But now, twenty years after the show's premiere, the cast is invited back for a
reunion special, financed by a major streaming service.
Liv is happy to be back on set, especially once she discovers Ransom has only improved with age. And their chemistry is
certainly still intact. They quickly fall into their old rhythms, rediscovering what had drawn them together decades before.
But with new rivalries among the cast emerging and the specter of a reboot shadowing their shoot, Liv questions whether
returning to the past is what she needs to finally get her own happy ending.
Critique: As an author, novelist Kala Olson is a master of the contemporary 'RomCom'. An original and fun read from cover
to cover, "The Reunion" is the stuff of which Hallmark Channel Television Movies are made. While unreservedly
recommended as an addition to community library Contemporary Romance collections, it should be noted for the personal
reading lists of dedicated romantic comedy fans that "The Reunion" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.99)
and as a complete and unabridged audio book (Blackstone Audio, 9781797150840, $39.99, CD).
Editorial Note: Kayla Olson (www.KaylaOlson.com.) is the author of two books for young adults and The Reunion.
Whether writing at her desk or curled up with a good book, she can most often be found with a fresh cup of coffee and at
least one cat.
The Mystery/Suspense Shelf
Downfall
Mark Rubinstein
Oceanview Publishing
www.oceanviewpub.com
9781608095469, $27.95, HC, 352pp
https://www.amazon.com/Downfall-Mark-Rubinstein/dp/1608095460
Synopsis: When Rick Shepherd, a physician, approaches his office on a busy Manhattan street, he finds police cars, an
ambulance, and crime scene technicians. He soon learns a passerby was shot three times in the back, murdered at the front
door to Rick's office.
Later that evening while watching the local news, Rick and his fiancee, Jackie, see a photo of the victim -- to their horror,
the deceased looks identical to Rick.
Two nights later, while making a house call in a Brooklyn apartment building, Rick's 64-year-old father is shot and killed in
the exact same way. Detectives Art Nager and Liz Callaghan are assigned the case, and they launch an investigation. There
are no clues leading to the perpetrator.
Even more ominously, someone has been calling Rick and Jackie's apartment and hanging up. Whoever is targeting Rick
must have murdered his father, and they now have Rick in their crosshairs. Nager and Callaghan seem to be making no
progress with their investigation. Rick's quest for the truth draws him into a labyrinth of secrets, past tragedies, and the
agonizing pain of lives shattered by a single event. Can he make it out before he meets the same fate as his father?
Critique: A riveting suspense thriller of a crime novel, "Downfall" is another compelling novel from the pen of author Mark
Rubinstein and is certain to be an immediate and enduringly popular addition to community library Contemporary
Mystery/Suspense collections. It should be noted for the personal reading lists of the growing legion of Mark Rubinstein
fans that "Downfall" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $11.49).
Editorial Note: Mark Rubinstein (https://www.markrubinstein-author.com) is an award-winning novelist, physician, and
psychiatrist who has written nonfiction and suspense-thriller fiction. His books have won the IPPY Gold Award and two
Benjamin Franklin Silver Awards. His Mad Dog Trilogy is under consideration for film or TV series adaptation
Murder at an Irish Castle
Ellie Brannigan
Crooked Lane Books
2 Park Avenue, 10th floor, New York, NY 10016
www.crookedlanebooks.com
Dreamscape Media
https://www.dreamscapepublishing.com
9781639102587, $18.99, PB, 320pp
https://www.amazon.com/Murder-Irish-Castle-Mystery/dp/1639102582
Synopsis: Rodeo Drive bridalwear designer Rayne McGrath expected her thirtieth birthday to start with a power lunch and
end with champagne, lobster, and a diamond engagement ring from her fiance. Instead, flat-broke and busted, she's on a
plane to Ireland where she discovers that she's inherited a run-down family castle.
But her Uncle Nevin's will contains a few caveats -- for example, if Rayne doesn't turn McGrath Castle around within a
year, the entire village will be financially destroyed.
With the fate of the town in her hands, and rumors that Rayne's uncle's death wasn't actually an accident, she can't possibly
go back to her old life in L.A. As the devastating truth about her uncle dawns on Rayne, it's not just her reputation that's on
the line, it's her life.
Critique: Featuring a sharp and endearing protagonist, a colorful and quirky locale, and replete with twists and turns
befitting an old Irish village, with the publication of "Murder at an Irish Castle", novelist Ellie Brannigan launches the first
title in her new Brannigan's cozy mystery series that is as romantic as it is deadly. A cosy style 'whodunnit' international
culinary mystery featuring a woman sleuth, "Murder at an Irish Castle" is a very special and highly recommended addition
to both personal reading lists and community library Mystery/Suspense collections. It should be noted that "Murder at an
Irish Castle" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $13.99) and as a complete and unabridged audio book
(Dreamscape Media, 9781666628593, $22.99, CD).
Editorial Note: Ellie Brannigan, (https://crookedlanebooks.com/ellie-brannigan) also writes under the pseudonym of Traci
Hall.
Lay This Body Down
Charles Fergus
Arcade Publishing
www.arcadepub.com
c/o Skyhorse Publishing, Inc.
307 West 36th Street, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10018
www.skyhorsepublishing.com
9781956763447, $26.99, HC, 312pp
https://www.amazon.com/Lay-This-Body-Down-Mystery/dp/1956763449
Synopsis: "Lay This Body Down" is a mystery novel by Charles Fergus that takes place in 1837 during one of the most
horrific periods in pre-Civil War America, when dark skinned human beings were considered chattel and both northern and
southern states grew rich from slave labor. And when a Pennsylvania sheriff like Gideon could choose to uphold the federal
Fugitive Slave Act of 1793 or defy that racist law at great peril.
Critique: "Lay This Body Down" (the third novel in author Charles Fergus 'Gideon Stoltz Mystery Series) is a hard-hitting,
action-packed story of how Gideon tries to protect a boy who has fled north from a Virginia plantation -- and pays dearly for
his principles. Written with the vivid, atmospheric prose that imbues the whole series, the life and times of an early
American backwoods town and its hardscrabble citizens will grip readers as Gideon and his wife True solve a murder, bust
a kidnaping ring, and help one unforgettable boy who courageously chooses freedom above all else. Original and deftly
scripted, "Lay This Body Down" will have special appeal to readers with an interest in historical mysteries and suspense
thrillers that are written with a distinctive literary style. While highly recommended for community library
Mystery/Suspense collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "Lay This Body Down" is also available in a
digital book format (Kindle, $17.99).
Editorial Note: Charles Fergus (http://www.charlesfergus.com) is the author of twenty books, many of which are about
nature and the outdoors with readers reporting that his understanding of wildlife, natural places, and rural living informs his
novels..
Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers
Jesse Q. Sutanto
Berkley Prime Crime
c/o Penguin Group (USA)
www.penguin.com
9780593546178, $27.00, HC, 352pp
https://www.amazon.com/Vera-Wongs-Unsolicited-Advice-Murderers/dp/0593546172
Synopsis: Vera Wong is a lonely little old lady (that is, a lady of a certain age) who lives above her forgotten tea shop in the
middle of San Francisco's Chinatown. Despite living alone, Vera is not needy, oh no. She likes nothing more than sipping
on a good cup of Wulong and doing some healthy detective work on the Internet about what her Gen-Z son is up to.
Then one morning, Vera trudges downstairs to find a curious thing -- a dead man in the middle of her tea shop. In his
outstretched hand, a flash drive. Vera doesn't know what comes over her, but after calling the cops like any good citizen
would, she sort of lifts the flash drive from the body and tucks it safely into the pocket of her apron. Why? Because Vera is
sure she would do a better job than the police possibly could, because nobody sniffs out a wrongdoing quite like a
suspicious Chinese mother with time on her hands.
Vera knows the killer will be back for the flash drive; all she has to do is watch the increasing number of customers at her
shop and figure out which one among them is the killer. What Vera does not expect is to form friendships with her
customers and start to care for each and every one of them. As a protective mother hen, will she end up having to give one
of her newfound chicks to the police?
Critique: A quintessential cozy mystery that will have immense interest to fans of the genre, "Vera Wong's Unsolicited
Advice for Murderers" is original, memorable, and a fun read from cover to cover. While certain to be an immediate and
enduringly popular addition to community library Mystery/Suspense collections, it should be noted for the personal reading
lists of readers who enjoy novels featuring amateur women crime solvers, that "Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for
Murderers" is also available in a paperback edition (9780008558734, $17.99) and in a digital book format (Kindle,
$11.99).
Editorial Note: Jesse Q. Sutanto (https://jillgrinbergliterary.com/book_author/jesse-q-sutanto) is the author of adult, YA,
and children's middle grade books. She has a master's degree in creative writing from Oxford University, though she hasn't
found a way of saying that without sounding obnoxious. The film rights to her women's fiction, Dial A for Aunties, was
bought by Netflix in a competitive bidding war. Her adult books include Dial A for Aunties and its sequel, Four Aunties and
a Wedding. Her YA books include The Obsession, The New Girl, and her upcoming romcom, Well, That Was Unexpected.
Her MG books include Theo Tan and the Fox Spirit and an untitled sequel. She is on Twitter @thewritinghippo and on
Instagram @jesseqsutanto
Standing Dead
Margaret Mizushima
Crooked Lane Books
2 Park Avenue, 10th floor, New York, NY 10016
www.crookedlanebooks.com
Dreamscape Media
https://www.dreamscapepublishing.com
9781639102440, $28.99, HC, 288pp
https://www.amazon.com/Standing-Dead-Timber-Creek-Mystery/dp/1639102442
Synopsis: Deputy Mattie Cobb and her sister, Julia, travel to Mexico to visit their mother, but when they arrive, they
discover that she and her husband have vanished without a trace. Back in Timber Creek, Mattie finds a chilling note on her
front door telling her to look for "him" among the standing dead up in the high country.
The sheriff's department springs into action and sends a team to the mountains, where Mattie's K-9 partner, Robo, makes a
grisly discovery -- a body tied to a dead pine tree. Mattie is shocked when she realizes she knows the dead man. And then
another note arrives, warning that Mattie's mother is in desperate straits. In a last-ditch gambit, Mattie must go deep
undercover into a killer's lair to save her mother -- or die trying.
Critique: A combination of police procedural and cosy mystery, "Standing Dead" by Margaret Mizushima is a plot rich and
entertaining read that is especially recommended for the reading lists of all dedicated mystery fans and community library
Mystery/Suspense collections. It should be noted that "Standing Dead" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle,
$13.99) and as a complete and unabridged audio book (Dreamscape Media, 9781666629064, $22.99, CD).
Editorial Note: Margaret Mizushima (www.margaretmizushima.com) is the author of the award-winning and internationally
published Timber Creek K-9 Mysteries. She also serves as president for the Rocky Mountain Chapter of Mystery Writers of
America, and was elected the 2019 Writer of the Year by Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers. She is a member of Northern
Colorado Writers, Sisters in Crime, Pikes Peak Writers, and Women Writing the West.She can be followed on
Facebook/AuthorMargaretMizushima, Twitter @margmizu, and on Instagram at margmizu.
Even When You Lie
Michelle Cruz
Crooked Lane Books
2 Park Avenue, 10th floor, New York, NY 10016
www.crookedlanebooks.com
Dreamscape Media
https://www.dreamscapepublishing.com
9781639102501, $18.99, PB, 336pp
https://www.amazon.com/Even-When-You-Lie-Novel/dp/1639102507
Synopsis: Reagan Reyes is a woman who hunts other people's secrets. A former intelligence officer, she's currently the
in-house investigator for pricey criminal defense attorney, Cade McCarrick -- and she's his lover, despite the law firm's rules
forbidding romantic relationships between partners and staff. But their love (including their agreement never to lie to each
other) is the only authenticity they have in a world of subterfuge and betrayal.
That agreement is pushed to its limits when a mysterious woman leaves an envelope for Cade and is soon discovered dead.
While the envelope's contents aren't related to any of Cade's current cases, Reagan uncovers a connection to a recent murder
outside a Deep Ellum nightclub -- and an even more ominous link to the dead woman.
The police don't seem to care about either death, but they hit too close to home for Reagan to ignore. As she digs deeper into
Dallas's sordid underbelly, she's completely on her own except for Cade - and there's a killer bent on eliminating them both
at any cost.
Critique: An inherently compelling, pulse-pounding, romantic thriller of a read from first page to lat, author Michelle Cruz's
new novel, "Even When You Lie", will be of particular appeal to anyone with an interest in deftly crafted crime fiction with
more plot twists than a Disneyland roller-coaster. While highly recommended for personal reading lists and community
library Mystery/Suspense collections, it should be noted for the growing legions of Michelle Cruz fans that "Even When
You Lie" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $13.99) and as a complete and unabridged audio book
(Dreamscape Media, 9781666629590, $22.99, CD).
Editorial Note: Michelle Cruz (https://authormichellecruz.com) is a seventh-generation native Texan who served as a
commissioned officer in the United States Air Force and staffed a member of Congress. She resides with her family in the
Texas Hill Country and is a member of WFWA and the Writers' League of Texas
The Protege
Jody Gehrman
Crooked Lane Books
2 Park Avenue, 10th floor, New York, NY 10016
www.crookedlanebooks.com
9781639102488, $28.99, HC, 304pp
https://www.amazon.com/Protege-Novel-Jody-Gehrman/dp/1639102485
Synopsis: Dr. Hannah Bryers, anthropology professor and forensics expert at the prestigious Mad River University, takes
pleasure in examining corpses, but small talk and living people fill her with dread. When she's not teaching, she analyzes the
decomposing flesh of murder victims around the globe.
Winter Jones is Hannah's most promising graduate student. She's smart, cunning, and dedicated, but she's got her own
agenda for coming to Mad River. She's here to bring Hannah Bryers down and she will stop at nothing to make her life
implode.
In alternating narratives, Winter systematically robs Hannah of the things she values most: her reputation, her job, and
ultimately her safety.
When dangerous mistakes are made in her lab, Hannah has no idea who would have it out for her and would be willing to
risk students' lives. As the incidents become deadly, many suspects come to light. Hannah won't go down without a fight.
She has to figure out who is sabotaging her career and killing people; her life depends on finding answers.
Critique: A compulsive page turner of a read, "The Protege" reveals author Jody Gehrman's genuine flair for creating
psychological thrillers that will hold and keep the reader's total attention from cover to cover. While also available for
personal reading lists in a digital book format (Kindle, $13.99), "The Protege" will prove a welcome and enduringly popular
addition to community library Contemporary Mystery/Suspense collections.
Editorial Note: Jody Gehrman (https://www.jodygehrman.com) has authored several novels and numerous plays for stage
and screen. Her young-adult novel, Babe in Boyland, won the International Reading Association's Teen Choice Award and
was optioned by the Disney Channel. Jody's plays have been produced or had staged readings in Ashland, New York, San
Francisco, Chicago and L.A. Her full-length, Tribal Life in America, won the Ebell Playwrights Prize and received a staged
reading at the historic Ebell Theater in Los Angeles. She and her partner David Wolf won the New Generation Playwrights
Award for their one-act, Jake Savage, Jungle P.I. She holds a Masters Degree in Professional Writing from the University of
Southern California and is also a professor of Communications at Mendocino College in Northern California.
A Mansion for Murder
Frances Brody
https://frances-brody.com
Crooked Lane Books
2 Park Avenue, 10th floor, New York, NY 10016
www.crookedlanebooks.com
Dreamscape Media
https://www.dreamscapepublishing.com
9781643857602, $28.99, HC, 320pp
https://www.amazon.com/Untitled-Brody-13-Shackleton-Mystery/dp/1643857606
Synopsis: When Kate Shackleton disembarks at Saltaire station, in the West Riding of Yorkshire, she has no idea what to
expect. A stranger, Ronnie Creswell, has written to say that he has urgent information about the past that will interest her,
and he persuades her to make the journey to Milner Field, the grand house that is said to be cursed. But moments after Kate
arrives at the lodge, a messenger brings devastating news to Ronnie's parents: he has been found drowned in the mill
reservoir.
Ronnie's father suspects that this was no accident, and the post-mortem proves him right. Ronnie was murdered. Terrified
and distraught, Mrs. Creswell refuses to stay at the Lodge a moment longer. But events take an even more shocking turn
when ten-year-old Nancy Creswell, eyes and ears for her blind Uncle Nick, goes missing. An account of the fateful Saturday
of Ronnie's death arouses Kate's suspicions, and furhter investigations could prove her right.
But truth is never so straightforward at Milner Field. Uncle Nick spins an old story that could hold the key to finding Nancy
alive -- though the fabled curse may not have claimed its last victim yet. And only a set of old bones buried on the grounds
will finally reveal the horrifying truth.
Critique: The thirteenth novel in author Frances Brody's simply outstanding series of cozy mysteries staring that amateur
sleuth Kate Shackleton. With all the entertainment value of an Agatha Christie novel, "A Mansion for Murder" is an
original, compelling, and highly recommended addition to personal reading lists and community library collections. Be
warned though, if this 13th title is your first introduction to Frances Brody mysteries, then you will find yourself compelling
to seek out the previous twelve cozy mysteries starring Kate Shackleton! It should be noted that "A Mansion for Murder" is
also available in a paperback edition (9780349431970, $14.99), in a digital book format (Kindle, $13.99), and as a complete
and unabridged audio book (Dreamscape Media, 9781666629613, $22.99, CD).
Editorial Note: Frances Brody (https://frances-brody.com) wrote historical sagas, winning the HarperCollins Elizabeth Elgin
award for most regionally evocative debut saga of the millennium before creating the Kate Shackleton mystery series.
A Midsummer Night's Scheme
Harper Kincaid
https://www.harperkincaid.com
Crooked Lane Books
www.crookedlanebooks.com
Dreamscape Media
https://www.dreamscapepublishing.com
9781643856308, $26.99, HC, 288pp
https://www.amazon.com/Midsummer-Nights-Scheme-Bookbinding-Mystery/dp/1643856308
Synopsis: Just when everything is returning to the calm that Quinn Caine and her sidekicks, Ruff Barker Ginsburg and
Sister Daria, are used to in their beloved town of Vienna, a Broadway star crash-lands into their peace and quiet. Former
'player', Chad Frivole, is Vienna's prodigal son -- the once notorious lothario has returned a Broadway star, ready to make a
different kind of mark on his hometown.
Not everyone is celebrating the Tony-award-winner's return. Chad's a triple threat -- not with a cast of characters lining up to
seek their revenge on him. So, when he turns up dead in his car, trapped with a sack full of snakes, Quinn can't say she's
surprised -- but promises handsome detective Aiden Harrington that she's staying out of this local mystery.
That is, until someone starts threatening her brother's life. It's true, Sebastian 'Bash' Caine used to be a womanizer, just like
Chad. And the killer doesn't seem to care that he's not that man anymore. Bash Caine is in the killer's sights, and unless
Quinn and her crew can find the killer in time, whoever it is will drag her brother into his final act on this mortal coil.
Critique: As a novelist, author Harper Kincaid demonstrates a complete mastery of the cozy mystery genre complete with an
amateur female sleuth and her pets. Featuring memorable and deftly crafted characters and a positive roller-coaster of plot
twists and turns, "A Midsummer Night's Scheme" is the latest addition to her 'A Book Binding Mystery' series and is
unreservedly recommended for personal reading lists and community library Mystery/Suspense collections. It should be
noted dedicated cozy mystery fans that "A Midsummer Night's Scheme" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle,
$13.99) and as a complete and unabridged audio book (Dreamscape Media, 9781666629620, $22.99, CD).
Editorial Note: Born in California and raised in South Florida, Harper Kincaid has moved around like a nomad with a
bounty on her head ever since. After earning her master's degree in Gender History and another in Clinical/Macro Social
Work, Kincaid decided to not to use either and become a writer instead! (https://www.harperkincaid.com/books)
The Shimmer on the Water
Marina McCarron
Head of Zeus
https://headofzeus.com
9781801104449, $16.95, PB, 416pp
https://www.amazon.com/Shimmer-Water-Marina-McCarron/dp/1801104441
Synopsis: 1997. As the people of Fort Meadow Beach celebrate the Fourth of July, four-year-old Daisy Wright disappears
and is never seen again. Present Day. Fired from her job and heartbroken, Peyton Winchester moves back home for the
summer. Sitting in her childhood bedroom in her parents' sprawling mansion on the edge of the Atlantic ocean brings back
all kinds of memories - including Daisy's vanishing when Peyton was a young girl herself. As she begins her search for the
truth, the investigation will hit close to home, intertwining Daisy's past and Peyton's present with irreversible consequences.
How far will Peyton be ready to go to uncover the truth and will what she finds destroy everything or finally lead her
home?
Critique: When you're lost sometimes the only way to look forward is to look back. "The Shimmer on the Water" by
novelist Marina McCarron is the story of three women, two generations apart, and one secret they share. Deftly crafted and
memorable characters, a plot replete with unexpected twists and turns, "The Shimmer on the Water" is an inherently
fascinating blend of a 'whodunnit' mystery and a domestic thriller of a read from first page to last. While highly
recommended as an addition to community library Mystery/Suspense collections, it should be noted for personal reading
lists that "The Shimmer on the Water" is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $3.99).
Editorial Note: Marina McCarron (http://marinamccarron.com) holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Publishing degree.
She has worked as a reporter, a freelance writer, a columnist and a manuscript evaluator. She gets her ideas for stories from
strolling through new places and daydreaming. Her debut novel, "The Time Between Us", came to her as she stood at Pointe
du Hoc on a windy June day and asked the magical question, what if...?
Bones Under the Ice
Mary Ann Miller
Oceanview Publishing
1620 Main Street, Suite 11, Sarasota, FL 34236
www.oceanviewpub.com
9781608095377, $27.95, HC, 336pp
https://www.amazon.com/Bones-Under-Jhonni-Laurent-Mystery/dp/1608095371
Synopsis: Two days after a blizzard hits Field's Crossing, Indiana, Sheriff Jhonni Laurent discovers the frozen body of a
high school senior under a fifteen-foot pile of snow and ice. Murder is rare in farm country, and this death marks the
beginning of Jhonni's first homicide case.
Just as the investigation gets underway, Jhonni's opponent for sheriff from four years ago wages a bitter reelection battle to
oust her. Then, Jhonni finds another body, and further complications arise when a century-old feud between two families
reaches its breaking point.
Soon, a slew of newspaper articles causes the Indiana State Election Board to doubt her credibility. Jhonni must fight to
maintain her reputation, keep the small farming community together, and find the murderer at large -- all while demons
from her own past threaten to crush her. Can she find the killer and mend her battered spirit before it's too late?
Critique: All the more impressive when considering that "Bones Under The Ice" is author Mary Ann Miller's debut as a
novelist, this carefully crafted and original suspense thriller of a 'whodunnit' mystery will have a particular appeal to readers
with an interest in police procedural murder mysteries. While also available to fans of women sleuth/detective (and in this
case sheriff) mysteries in a digital book format (Kindle, $14.95), "Bones Under The Ice" is unreservedly recommended for
community library Mystery/Suspense collections.
The Butcher of Berner Street
Alex Reeve
Felony & Mayhem Press
https://felonyandmayhem.com
9781631942822, $27.00, HC, 300pp
https://www.amazon.com/Butcher-Berner-Street-Leo-Stanhope/dp/1631942824
Synopsis: "Cold-hearted murder." That's what was promised in the anonymous note, and Leo Stanhope can't resist. He may
be a working journalist at last, but it's a precarious gig, and a good story could bring in the readers. What he finds on Berner
Street, though, is a dead body that isn't, not to mention a lady wrestler who's quite a bit more. The crowd is angry: They like
things cut and dried. But Leo knows all about things that are one thing and also another. He's got a secret himself, and if he's
found out, an angry crowd will be the least of his worries. This is Queen Victoria's London, and the courts are not kind to
young men who are -- quite a bit more!
Critique: The third volume in author Alex Reeve's extraordinary Victorian era 'Leo Stanhope' mystery series, "The Butcher
of Berner Street" is an 'whodunnit' mystery novel that will have a very special appeal to readers with an interest in Historical
mysteries featuring amateur sleuths and LGBTQ elements. A terrific read from cover to cover, and the stuff from which
BBC movies are made, "The Butcher of Berner Street" is unreservedly recommended for both personal reading lists and
community library Mystery/Suspense collections.
Editorial Note: Alex Reeve (https://felicitybryan.com/fba-author/alex-reeve) lives in Buckinghamshire, England, with his
wife and two sons. Having done many jobs, including working in a pub and teaching English as a foreign language in Paris,
he is now a university lecturer. His debut novel, Half Moon Street, was the first in a Victorian crime series featuring
transgender amateur sleuth Leo Stanhope. His writing focuses on closing the gap between the actual Victorian era and how
the period is perceived.
Burning Distance
Joanne Leedom-Ackerman
Oceanview Publishing
1620 Main Street, Suite 11, Sarasota, FL 34236
www.oceanviewpub.com
9781608095339, $28.95, HC, 400pp
https://www.amazon.com/Burning-Distance-Joanne-Leedom-Ackerman/dp/1608095339
Synopsis: When ten-year-old Elizabeth West's father dies in a tragic plane crash over the Persian Gulf, her family uproots
their life in Washington, D.C., and moves to London. Her mother marries a knighted British businessman who has two
children, and Elizabeth (Lizzy) and her two sisters move in with their new family.
At age sixteen, while attending the American School of London, Lizzy meets and falls in love with Adil Hasan -- but when
Adil's father, a noted arms middleman, is deported, Lizzy and Adil are separated.
Lizzy's family has also become involved with French-German industrialist Gerald Rene Wagner. Little does she know that
Adil's family has ties to the man, as well. When a member of her family is murdered in Berlin under mysterious
circumstances, questions surface about Wagner's dealings, and Lizzy reexamines what really may have happened to her
father. All the while, she endeavors to reunite with her lost love, Adil, and reclaim the connection that was ripped
away.
Critique: Another deftly crafted novel of suspense featuring finely honed characters and an original storyline with more plot
twists and turns than a Disneyland roller-coaster, "Burning Distance" showcases author Joanne Leedom-Ackerman's
impressive and narrative storytelling skills. Very highly recommended for community library collections, it should be noted
for personal reading lists that "Burning Distance" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $11.99).
Editorial Note: Joanne Leedom-Ackerman is a novelist, short story writer, and journalist whose works of fiction include The
Dark Path to the River and No Marble Angels. Her recent nonfiction book, PEN Journeys: Memoir of Literature on the
Line, drew inspiration from her job as a vice president of the worldwide writers and human rights organization PEN
International. She is also on the boards of the American Writers Museum, the International Center for Journalists, Words
Without Borders, Refugees International, and is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and the Texas Institute of
Letters. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joanne_Leedom-Ackerman)
Just the Nicest Couple
Mary Kubica
https://marykubica.com
Park Row Books
c/o HarperCollins Publishers
www.harpercollins.com
9780778333111, $28.99, HC, 320pp
https://www.amazon.com/Just-Nicest-Couple-Mary-Kubica/dp/0778333116
Synopsis: Jake Hayes is missing. This much is certain. At first, his wife, Nina, thinks he is blowing off steam at a friend's
house after their heated fight the night before. But then a day goes by. Two days. Five. And Jake is still nowhere to be
found.
Lily Scott, Nina's friend and coworker, thinks she may have been the last to see Jake before he went missing. After Lily
confesses everything to her husband, Christian, the two decide that nobody can find out what happened leading up to Jake's
disappearance, especially not Nina. But Nina is out there looking for her husband, and she won't stop until the truth is
discovered.
Critique: A deftly crafted domestic thriller of a read, "Just the Nicest Couple" by Mary Kubica is an inherently riveting read
with more plot twists and turns than a Disneyland roller-coaster. While also available for the personal reading lists of fans
with an interest in psychological suspense fiction in a paperback edition (9781848458437, $10.99), in a digital book format
(Kindle, $14.99), and as a complete and unabridged audio book (Blackstone Audio, 9798212222990, $41.99, CD), "Just the
Nicest Couple" will prove to be a welcome addition to community library Contemporary Fiction collections.
Editorial Note: Mary Kubica (https://marykubica.com) is the author of "The Good Girl" and "Pretty Baby". She also holds a
Bachelor of Arts degree from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, in History and American Literature.
The Fantasy/SciFi Shelf
Conquer the Kingdom
Jennifer Estep
https://www.jenniferestep.com
Harper Voyager
c/o HarperCollins Publishers
www.harpercollins.com
9780063023468, $19.99, PB, 432pp
https://www.amazon.com/Conquer-Kingdom-Gargoyle-Queen-Novel/dp/0063023466
Synopsis: Time is running out for crown princess Gemma Ripley. Despite being a cunning spy and a powerful mind magier,
Gemma hasn't been able to track down the most dangerous enemy her kingdom of Andvari has ever seen. Adding to her
worries is the Sword and Shield tournament. With gladiators flocking to the capital city of Glanzen, Gemma can't tell who is
friend or foe.
Determined to protect Andvari at any cost, Gemma hatches a bold plan, but things aren't what they seem. Soon, everything
she holds dear is being threatened, including her burgeoning relationship with Prince Leonidas Morricone.
With the kingdom she holds dear slipping through her fingers, Gemma will have to conquer her fear and unlock the true
secret of her magic -- or watch her friends and family die and her beloved Andvari fall.
Critique: A riveting novel of magic, adventure, romance and fantasy, "Conquer the Kingdom" by novelist Jennifer Estep is
the third and final volume of the author's epic fantasy series 'Gargoyle Queen'. While available for dedicated fantasy fans in
a digital book format (Kindle, $11.99) and as a complete and unabridged audio book (Blackstone Audio, 9798212207799,
$41.99, CD), "Conquer the Kingdom" will prove to be a prized and popular addition to community library Science Fiction
& Fantasy collections.
Editorial Note: Jennifer Estep (https://www.jenniferestep.com) is an urban fantasy author who prowls the streets of her
imagination in search of her next fantasy idea. She is the author of more than fifty books in the Crown of Shards series, the
Elemental Assassin series, the Mythos Academy series, and others, along with numerous novellas.
Not Your Ex's Hexes
April Asher
St. Martin's Griffin
c/o St. Martin's Press
https://us.macmillan.com/smp
9781250808011, $16.99, PB, 352pp
https://www.amazon.com/Not-Your-Hexes-Supernatural-Singles/dp/1250808014
Synopsis: For her entire life, Rose Maxwell trained to become the next Prima on the Supernatural Council. Now that she's
stepped down, it's time for this witch to focus on herself. And not think about her impulsive one-night stand with Damian
Adams, a half-Demon Veterinarian who she can't get out of her head. Neither of them is looking for a relationship. But
when Rose is sentenced to community service at Damian's animal sanctuary it becomes impossible for them to ignore their
sparking attraction. A friends-with-benefits, no feelings, no strings arrangement works perfectly for them both.
After a sequence of dead-end jobs, it's not until Rose tangos with two snarly demons that she thinks she's finally found her
path. However, this puts Damian back on the periphery of a world he thought he left behind. He doesn't approve of Rose
becoming a Hunter, but if there's one thing he's learned about the stubborn witch, it was telling her not to do something was
one sure-fire way to make sure she did.
Working (and sleeping) together awakens feelings Damian never knew he had -- and shouldn't have. Because thanks to his
ex's hex, if he falls in love, he'll not only lose his heart, but his humanity as well!
Critique: A fun read from cover to cover, "Not Your Ex's Hexes" by Apri Asher will have a tremendous appeal to readers
with an interest in paranormal romantic comedies. While also available for personal reading lists of dedicated Occult
Romance fans in both a digital book format (Kindle, $11.99) and as a complete and unabridged audio book (Dreamscape
Media, 9781666628562, $22.99, CD), this unique and deftly crafted novel is especially and unreservedly recommended for
community library Fantasy Fiction and Occult Romance collections.
Editorial Note April Asher (https://www.aprilhuntbooks.com/april-asher-books.html) was hooked on romantic stories from
the time she first snuck a bodice-ripper romance out from her mom's bedside table. She now pens laugh-out-loud romantic
comedies with a paranormal twist, but when she's not putting her characters into embarrassing situations with supernatural
entities, she also writes high-octane romantic suspense as April Hunt, her thrill-seeking alter ego.
Earth Builder
David Kirkland
Vanguard Press
www.vanguardpressbooks.com
c/o Perseus Books Group
https://www.perseusbooks.com
9781800163423, $15.99, PB, 346pp
https://www.amazon.com/Earth-Builder-David-Kirkland/dp/1800163428
Synopsis: He's no hero. He never wanted to be a hero. He is simply all that's available at the time. Now not so much guided as pushed, he must undergo several structural rebuilds that enable him to save first humanity and
finally the galaxy itself.
Critique: Effectively written in a first person narrative, "Earth Builder" by David Kirkland will have a very special appeal to
science fiction fans. An inherently interesting, unique, and extensive storyline by an author of impressive narrative driven
storytelling skills, "Earth Builder" is recommended for community and academic library Science Fiction collections. It
should be noted for personal reading lists that "Earth Builder" is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle,
$3.99).
Editorial Note: David Kirkland (https://pegasuspublishers.com/authors/david-kirkland) has worked in the building trade all
his life, starting with his father and being joined by his brother, then finally working alone as a sole trader. He has also
trained in Reiki, reaching Level 3 (Master), and various martial arts. He believes that this planet and humanity are fantastic,
and that we are finally starting to evolve and to see the planet for what it is: home.
Consecrated Ground
Virginia Black
http://virginiablackwrites.com
Bywater Books
P.O. Box 3671, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48106-3671
www.bywaterbooks.com
9781612942551, $18.95, PB, 248pp
https://www.amazon.com/Consecrated-Ground-Virginia-Black/dp/1612942555
Synopsis: Like her father before her, Joan Matthews is a witch. For generations, their family of binder witches has protected
Calvert, Oregon from vampires by strengthening the land with spellcraft. Pushing back against tradition, Joan defied her
father and left town to become a war witch, one who fights the monsters hand-to-hand. But when her father dies, Joan
returns to find her hometown assailed by a vampire lord's endless attacks -- and the answers lie with the one woman who
chose a rival over Joan.
Leigh Phan once believed her heart was safe and her future was set. When Joan left town, Leigh's choices led to ruin and
unintended consequences. Now Leigh harbors a dark secret forcing her to live a moment-to-moment existence. Her only
hope of survival lies in trusting the war witch who left her behind.
Now it's up to Joan to fight for a town she left behind, while Leigh faces a destiny she never imagined was possible. With
Calvert on the brink of total destruction, Joan and Leigh join forces and face inconvenient truths in order to save their town -
- and each other.
Critique: A gripping novel of dark fantasy, "Consecrated Ground" by Virginia Black will have a very special appeal to fans
of action/adventure vampire and witchcraft novel. Of particular interest to members of the LGBTQ community,
"Consecrated Ground" is unreservedly recommended for community library Science Fiction & Fantasy collections. It should
be noted for personal reading lists that "Consecrated Ground" is also available in digital book format (Kindle, $9.49).
Editorial Note: Virginia Black (http://virginiablackwrites.com) writes contemporary romance and speculative/science
fiction. All her stories feature prominent lesbian characters. Her literary works include four short stories ("Season Finale";
"Love Undaunted"; "Constant"; and "Reclamation". "Consecrated Ground" is her first published novel. She has also written
several fan fiction stories in multiple fandoms, and all of them can be found on Fanfiction.net or AO3 (Archive Of Our
Own, https://archiveofourown.org).
The Coloring Book Shelf
Courage, Dear Heart
Ink & Willow
c/o Penguin Random House
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/authors/2215162/ink-and-willow
9780593578315, $15.00, PB, 96pp
https://www.amazon.com/Courage-Dear-Heart-Empowering-Inspirational/dp/0593578317
Synopsis: With 'color it yourself' beautiful illustrations, inspirational quotes, and brief biographies, "Courage, Dear Heart: A
Coloring Book of Empowering Words from Inspirational Women" from Ink & Willow is an adult coloring book that invites
women to find strength in their community and discover courage by stepping into the calling God has uniquely ordained for
them. The empowering coloring pages feature original designs from talented female artists and quotes from inspiring
women in both the past and the present.
Too often, women are made to believe they are "less than" when it comes to importance, worth, beauty, or ability. But this
was never the message God intended them to receive. Rather, God has appointed us to purpose and strength and whispers
words of courage and reassurance over us. We can be community-builders like Eve, warriors like Deborah, rescuers like
Rahab, prophecy fulfillers like Ruth, leaders like Esther, believers like Mary, teachers like Priscilla, prophetesses like Anna,
and members of the great cloud of witnesses like so many of the women quoted in these pages.
Critique: "Courage, Dear Heart: A Coloring Book of Empowering Words from Inspirational Women" is a large format 9.75"
x 9.75" (25x25cm) perforated page paperback with 45 single-sided coloring pages. It features quotes from the Bible, hymns,
and a variety of inspirational women and speakers, such as Francine Rivers, Grace Cho, Julian of Norwich, Jennie Allen,
Rosa Parks, Ruth Chou Simons, Corrie Ten Boom, and more. Of special note are the 'to be colored' illustrations by Holly
Camp, Jennifer Tucker, Ann-Margret Hovsepian, Laura Marshall, and Bridget Hurley (all featured in Whatever Is Lovely
and Choose Joy) as well as new artist Shannon Contreras. Unreservedly recommended, through the words in this meditative
and inspiring adult coloring book, women will feel called to fulfill their own incredible purpose and mission -- one of lifting
their voices to make God's kingdom known on earth, one of loving and encouraging their communities well, and one of
empowering those around them to do the same.
Editorial Note: Ink & Willow products infuse contemplation and inspiration into the regular spiritual practice of
creative-minded Christians, wherever they are in their faith journey. Each thoughtfully curated gift product is based in
biblical truth and sparks a reminder of how God reveals beauty in the midst of our ordinary.
Scriptures and Florals Coloring Book
Allison Loveall
Andrews McMeel Publishing
www.andrewsmcmeel.com
9781524878740, $12.99, PB, 96pp
https://www.amazon.com/Scriptures-Florals-Coloring-Allison-Loveall/dp/152487874X
Synopsis: With the publication of the "Scriptures and Florals Coloring Book", adults can gift themselves time for joyful
creativity and contemplation. Filled with rich, inspirational quotations from Scripture and beautiful designs by artist Allison
Loveall, this adult coloring book will help to find moments of quiet reflection, peace, and calm. This Christian themed
coloring book includes more than 45 hand-lettered quotations and gorgeous illustrations Loveall and features single-sided
perforated coloring pages ready for framing.
Critique: Including inspiring quotes from the ESV Bible, "Scriptures and Florals Coloring Book" is a contemplative joy and
a fun DIY activity that is highly recommended for relieving the stresses and strains that daily life is heir to.
Editorial Note: Allison Loveall (https://lovealldesign.co) is a 24-year-old self-taught artist and illustrator based out of
Phoenix, AZ. Her journey as an artist began in 2015 as she searched for a hobby during her freshman year of college. Her
vibrant and inspirational art quickly became loved by friends and family -- motivating her to start selling her work online.
She has a sincere love for producing art that captures the beauty of nature and maneuvering words to look just as beautiful
as their meaning. She specializes in acrylic paintings and illustrating digitally on her iPad.
The Audiobook Shelf
A Brush with Murder
Bailee Abbott, author
Jennifer Jill Araya, narrator
Dreamscape Media
https://www.dreamscapepublishing.com
9781666520453, $59.95, CD (9 Hours, 45 Minutes)
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-brush-with-murder-bailee-abbott/1139850671?
Synopsis: For Chloe Abbington, the transition from fine-art painter in New York City to painting-event business owner in
charming Whisper Cove is more than a little jarring. But when poison-pen journalist Fiona Gimble writes a viciously
negative review of the newly opened Paint with a View, Chloe learns that critics are the same everywhere. And when she
finds Fiona's body behind her shop with a painting knife in her neck, Chloe realizes that this picture-perfect town offers
anything but peace and quiet.
Suddenly, bustling Artisan Alley is a crime scene, and Chloe is the prime suspect. Her sister and business partner, Izzie, isn't
much help -- she's busy running the shop, and besides, she has secrets of her own. As shrewd Detective Barrett tries to paint
her into a corner, Chloe soon finds that Fiona had plenty of enemies.
The Whisper Cove Gazette columnist wielded her pen like a sword, slicing and dicing just about every shop owner in the
lakeside town. Chloe sets out to prove that she's been framed for Fiona's murder. But she'd better learn the fine art of
detection quickly, before the real killer paints the town red again. Otherwise, she may end up trading in her paint smock for
an orange jumpsuit... or a green burial plot!
Critique: As a novelist, author Bailee Abbott is a master of the Cozy Mystery genre. As a narrator, Jennifer Jill Araya is an
impressively talented storyteller. Together they bring this complete and unabridged audio book edition of "A Brush With
Murder" to life in a true 'theatre of the mind' experience. This complete and unabridged "A Brush With Murder" from
Dreamscape Media is an unreservedly recommended addition to personal listing lists and community library
Mystery/Suspense audio book collections.
Editorial Note #1: Bailee Abbott (https://crookedlanebooks.com/bailee-abbott) is a retired teacher who now spends her days
plotting murder and writing mysteries. She's a member of Sisters in Crime as well as of International Thriller Writers. Bailee
lives with her husband and furry friend Max in the quiet suburbs of Green, Ohio. Bailee also writes the Sierra Pines B&B
mystery series under the name Kathryn Long.
Editorial Note #2: Jennifer Jill Araya (http://www.jenniferjillaraya.com) is an Audie Award Winner, an Earphones Award
Recipient, an American Library Association YALSA Amazing Audiobooks Award Winner, a SOVAS Award Finalist, and a
three-time Independent Audiobook Award Finalist, Jennifer has narrated nearly 300 audiobooks for a variety of publishers
and producers, including Penguin Random House Audio, Simon & Schuster Audio, HarperAudio, Blackstone Publishing,
and Audible Studios. Jennifer also narrates Romance and Erotica titles under the name Isabelle Ruther.
50% Off Murder
Josie Belle, author
Angie Hickman, narrator
Dreamscape Media
https://www.dreamscapepublishing.com
9781690590859, $19.99, CD (7 Hours, 29 Minutes)
https://www.amazon.com/50-Off-Murder-Good-Girls/dp/1690590858
Synopsis: Maggie Gerber (who is one of the founding members of the Good Buy Girls) loves her quiet life in St. Stanley,
Virginia. But all that changes when Sam Collins, her old flame, moves back to town as the new sheriff.
On top of that, Claire Freemont, a librarian and the newest member of the Good Buy Girls, starts acting utterly strange.
When Maggie goes to visit her the next day at the library, she finds the body of a very dead man. Turns out the man is
someone from Claire's past.
As the handsome new sheriff zeroes in on Claire, it's up to Maggie and the rest of the Good Buy Girls to use their
bargain-hunting skills to hunt a killer -- all while making sure they don't pay too much in the process!
Critique: Debuting a new Cozy Mystery audio book series 'by author Josie Belle, "50% Off Murder" is deftly narrated by the
outstanding vocal performance of Angie Hickman. This complete and unabridged CD edition from Dreamscape Media will
have a special appeal to fans of 'whodunnit' mysteries featuring women amateur sleuths and is particularly and especially
recommended for both personal reading lists and community library Mystery/Suspense audio book collections.
Editorial Note #1: Josie Belle (https://cozy-mystery.com/Josie-Belle.html) is a pseudonym for Jenn McKinlay, the author of
the Library Lover's mysteries and the Cupcake Bakery mysteries.
Editorial Note #2: Angie Hickman (https://tantor.com/narrator/angie-hickman.html) earned her bachelor's degree in
secondary English education, and then expanded her passion for words through her work in libraries and bookstores -- going
on to bring stories to life through audiobook narration.
A Bias for Murder
Sally Goldenbaum, author
Stephanie Dillard, narrator
Dreamscape Media
https://www.dreamscapepublishing.com
9781662065439, $19.99, CD (6 Hours, 32 Minutes)
https://www.amazon.com/Bias-Murder-Queen-Bees-Quilt/dp/1662065434
Synopsis: Oliver Harrington II was one of the most beloved members of Crestwood's community. Despite being the picture
of health at age 52, he died from a sudden heart attack, leaving behind the family mansion on a sprawling piece of
property.
His twin sister, Adele, returned to the town she despises to claim her brother's home, intent on turning it into a B&B. And
she's hired Po Paltrow and the Crestwood Quilters to craft quilts for the guest rooms.
But Adele is not the only one interested in the future of the Harrington estate. A developer wants to put multiple houses on
the land. The townsfolk just want their neighborhood to retain its small-town charm and not become a tourist trap. But when
an autopsy reveals that Oliver was actually poisoned, suspicion falls on his sister. Po doesn't believe Adele is guilty, leaving
her determined to discover who else harbored deadly designs on the Harrington home...
Critique: Another fun and absorbing Cozy Mystery from the pen of Sally Goldenbaum and brought to life with the gifted
narrative skills of Stephanie Dillard, this complete and unabridged audio book edition of "A Bias for Murder" will
especially delight listeners who are devoted fans of 'whodunnit' mysteries with more plot twists and turns than a Disneyland
roller-coaster. "A Bias for Murder" will prove an immediate and enduringly popular addition to community library
Mystery/Suspense audio book collections and is a 'must' for the legions of Sally Goldenbaum fans!
Editorial Note #1: Sally Goldenbaum (http://www.sallygoldenbaum.com) was born on the shores of Lake Michigan in
Manitowoc, Wisconsin to a homemaker mother and a ship-building father. Although she now lives in landlocked Prairie
Village, Kansas, her longing for lakes and the sea is satisfied in part by writing the USA Today bestselling Seaside Knitters
Mystery series, which is set in Cape Ann, Massachusetts. Her fans can follow her on Facebook at
www.sallygoldenbaum.com
Editorial Note #2: Stephanie Dillard (https://www.stephaniedillard.com) studied theater and music at the University of
Houston and has a master's degree in choral conducting from Westminster Choir College. While she remains active in the
world of theater and opera, she now brings her musical talents behind the mic to give a wide range of vocal colors, clean
diction, and emotional nuance to her characters.
The Betrayed
Jeff Wheeler, author
Kate Rudd, narrator
Brilliance Audio
www.brillianceaudio.com
9781799790242, $19.99, MP3-CD (9 Hours, 22 Minutes)
https://www.amazon.com/Betrayed-Dawning-Muirwood-3/dp/179979024X
Synopsis: Bound by more than the search for a fantastical stolen tome, Eilean and Hoel plummet through the mirror gate
into Leoneyis -- a world on the brink of disaster as its sovereign's reign begins to unravel. Enemies converge to destroy King
Andrew, who has become headstrong and paranoid. His influence is undermined, and his kingdom is vulnerable. That's
what happens when a king is betrayed by a queen.
The Queen of Brythonica is not just the rival of an anxious king. She's in possession of the ancient tome that Eilean and
Hoel seek, which could help her achieve immortality. She knows Eilean is coming for her, and she is every bit the match for
the young wretched. After all, they learned under the same master.
Eilean's first mission: save King Andrew's court lest it disappear under the floods of the Deep Fathoms. Her second: retrieve
what is rightfully hers from the clutches of the Queen of Brythonica. To do so means confronting the queen in a duel of wits
and magic.
The fate of Leoneyis is left to Eilean. She must save one world to secure the future for which she is destined in her
own!
Critique: Narrator Kate Rudd's impressive storytelling skills bring Jeff Wheeler's "The Betrayed" to life in a true 'theatre of
the mind' experience for the listener. An epic fantasy with more plot twists and turns than a Disney World roller-coaster, this
complete and unabridged audio book from Brilliance Audio will prove a welcome and appreciatively enjoyed addition to
personal reading lists and community library Fantasy Fiction audio book collections.
Editorial Note #1: Jeff Wheeler (www.jeff-wheeler.com) is the author of the First Argentines series (Knight's Ransom,
Warrior's Ransom, Lady's Ransom, and Fate's Ransom); the Grave Kingdom series; the Harbinger and Kingfountain series;
the Legends and Covenant of Muirwood trilogies; the Whispers from Mirrowen trilogy; the Dawning of Muirwood trilogy;
and the Landmoor novels. Jeff is a husband, father of five, and devout member of his church. He lives in the Rocky
Mountains.
Editorial Note: Kate Rudd (https://www.kateruddreads.com) is the winner of 2013 Audie and Odyssey Awards for narration
of John Green's The Fault in Our Stars and has been narrating audiobooks for nearly a decade. A ten time Audiofile
Magazine Earphones Award recipient, Kate's performances have garnered inclusion in Audiofile's Best Audiobooks of the
Year 2012/2017/2018 and Best Voices of the Year 2012. She has narrated more than 450 titles across a variety of genres and
can be followed on Twitter @katerudd
Symphony for a Deadly Throne
E. J. Mellow, author
Madeline Lake & Tony Roberts, narrators
Brilliance Audio
www.brillianceaudio.com
9781713658832, $19.99, MP3-CD (14 Hours, 2 Minues)
https://www.amazon.com/Symphony-Deadly-Throne-Mousai-3/dp/1713658836
Synopsis: Within the world of Aadilor sits the hidden Thief Kingdom, a land overflowing with magic and mayhem. There
the Mousai, a trio of deadly sorceresses, serve the reclusive Thief King, delivering punishment and pleasure to the
masses.
Arabessa Bassette is the leader of the Mousai, conducting their powerful gifts with unyielding precision. But behind her
mask of control burns a desire to forge her own path -- along with a tumultuous relationship with Zimri D'Enieu, her father's
right hand and the man who's held her heart since they were children. When an unexpected invitation to vie for the Thief
King's throne pulls her into a deadly competition, Arabessa's composure cracks as she finds herself with an impossible
choice -- give up her greatest love or her greatest ambition.
But sacrifices loom large in the Thief Kingdom, for the quest for power always comes at a price. With her and Zimri's future
hanging in the balance, Arabessa must decide if she's willing to pay it.
Welcome to the world of Aadilor, where love is found between cracks and the most mesmerizing symphonies carry lethal
notes. Dare to play?
Critique: An epic conclusion to author E. J. Millow's fantasy trilogy, 'The Mousai', the story telling narration talents of
Madeline Lake Tony Roberts to provide the listener with a truly memorable 'threatre of the mind' experience. Complete and
unabridged, this Brilliance Audio production is extraordinary and unreservedly recommended for both personal lists and
community library Epic Fantasy audio book collections.
Editorial Note #1: E. J. Mellow (http://www.ejmellow.com/about) is an author specializing in magical mayhem. Her work
has appeared on best-of lists such as Buzzfeed and Gizmodo and has reached number one on Amazon's charts, as well as
received medals from eLit Book Awards and Next Generation Indie Book Awards. Readers have said her "lyrical, vibrant,
and imaginative" writing sweeps them into "stunning worlds." She is also the cofounder of She Is Booked, a literary-themed
fundraising organization that supports women's charities.
Quick Silver
Dean Koontz, author
Todd Haberkorn, narrator
Brilliance Audio
www.brillianceaudio.com
9781713626176, $29.99, MP3-CD (10 Hours, 8 Minutes)
https://www.amazon.com/Quicksilver-Dean-Koontz/dp/1713626179
Synopsis: Quinn Quicksilver was born a mystery -- abandoned at three days old on a desert highway in Arizona. Raised in
an orphanage, never knowing his parents, Quinn had a happy if unexceptional life. Until the day of "strange magnetism." It
compelled him to drive out to the middle of nowhere. It helped him find a coin worth a lot of money. And it practically
saved his life when two government agents showed up in the diner in pursuit of him. Now Quinn is on the run from those
agents and who knows what else, fleeing for his life.
During a shoot-out at a forlorn dude ranch, he finally meets his destined companions: Bridget Rainking, a beauty as gifted in
foresight as she is with firearms, and her grandpa Sparky, a romance novelist with an unusual past. Bridget knows what it's
like to be Quinn. She's hunted, too. The only way to stay alive is to keep moving.
Barreling through the Sonoran Desert, the formidable trio is impelled by that same inexplicable magnetism toward the
inevitable. With every deeply disturbing mile, something sinister is in the rearview -- an enemy that is more than a match for
Quinn. Even as he discovers within himself resources that are every bit as scary.
Critique: As an author, Dean Koontz is one of the very best when it comes to a riveting novel of mystery, suspense, and
action. Now with his mystery thriller "Quick Silver" available as a complete and unabridged audio book narrated by
impressive storytelling skills of Todd Haberkorn, will be treasured by the legions of Dean Koontz fans and an enduringly
popular addition to personal and community library Mystery/Suspense audio book collections.
Editorial Note: Dean Koontz (www.deankoontz.com) was only a senior in college when he won an Atlantic Monthly fiction
competition. He has never stopped writing since. Koontz is the author of seventy-nine New York Times bestsellers, fourteen
of which rose to #1, including One Door Away from Heaven, From the Corner of His Eye, Midnight, Cold Fire, The Bad
Place, Hideaway, Dragon Tears, Intensity, Sole Survivor, The Husband, Odd Hours, Relentless, What the Night Knows, and
77 Shadow Street.
Editorial Note #2: Todd Haberkorn (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Todd_Haberkorn) is a talented American voice actor and
director, who has dubbed in anime, films, and video games.
The Chemistry of Love
Sariah Wilson, author
Em Eldridge, narrator
Brilliance Audio
www.brillianceaudio.com
9781978694392, $19.99, MP3-CD (12 Hours, 4 Minutes)
https://www.amazon.com/Chemistry-Love-Sariah-Wilson/dp/1978694393
Synopsis: How can Anna Ellis, a geeky, brilliant, and hopelessly smitten cosmetic chemist possibly win over Craig Kimball,
the man of her dreams -- who also happens to be her boss? The answer is Craig's empathetic (and handsome) CEO half
brother, Marco. The makeup mogul knows Craig for the ridiculously competitive rival he is. Whatever Marco has, Craig
wants. That can be Anna, if she's game to play.
All Anna and Marco have to do is pretend they're falling in love and let the rumors begin. If the experiment in attraction
works, a jealous Craig will swoop in and give Anna her happily ever after -- if it weren't for one hitch in the plan. There's
more to Marco than meets the eye. With every fake date, Anna's feelings are starting to become dizzyingly real.
Blame it on chemistry. It's unpredictable, exciting, and occasionally combustible. If Anna and Marco are really falling in
love, who are they to argue with science?
Critique: With a very special appeal to fans of clean, wholesome, contemporary romantic comedy, "The Chemistry of Love"
by Sariah Wilson is brilliantly narrated by the vocal storytelling skills of Em Eldridge. The result is complete and
unabridged audio book experience and a highly recommended addition to community library Romance Fiction audio book
collections.
Editorial Note #1: Sariah Wilson (www.sariahwilson.com) is the author of The Paid Bridesmaid, The Seat Filler,
Roommaid, Just a Boyfriend, the Royals of Monterra series, and the #Lovestruck novels.
Editorial Note #2: Em Eldridge (http://www.emeldridgevo.com) is an experienced voice over actor and audio book narrator
who has done commercials, animation, and audio books.
Meru
S. B. Divya, author
Deepa Samuel, narrator
Brilliance Audio
www.brillianceaudio.com
9781799799078, $19.99, MP3-CD (11 Hours, 43 Minutes)
https://www.amazon.com/Meru-S-B-Divya/dp/1799799077
Synopsis: For five centuries, human life has been restricted to Earth, while post-human descendants called alloys freely
explore the galaxy. But when the Earthlike planet of Meru is discovered, two unlikely companions venture forth to test the
habitability of this unoccupied new world and the future of human-alloy relations.
For Jayanthi, the adopted human child of alloy parents, it's an opportunity to rectify the ancient reputation of her species as
avaricious and destructive, and to give humanity a new place in the universe. For Vaha, Jayanthi's alloy pilot, it's a daunting
yet irresistible adventure to find success as an individual.
As the journey challenges their resolve in unexpected ways, the two form a bond that only deepens with their time alone on
Meru. But how can Jayanthi succeed at freeing humanity from its past when she and Vaha have been set up to fail?
Against all odds, hope is human, too!
Critique: A 'must' for dedicated science fiction fans, "Meru" by S. B. Divya and brought to life by the impressive narrative
talents of Deepa Samuel is an extraordinary 'theatre of the mind' experience from beginning to end. This complete and
unabridged edition from Brilliance Audio will prove to be an immediate and enduringly popular addition to personal and
community library Science Fiction audio book collections.
Editorial Note #1: S. B. Divya (www.sbdivya.com) is a Hugo- and Nebula-nominated author whose work includes
Machinehood, Runtime, and the short-story collection Contingency Plans for the Apocalypse and Other Possible Situations.
Her stories have been published in various magazines, such as Analog and Uncanny; on Tor.com; and in several
anthologies, including Seasons Between Us and Rebuilding Tomorrow. She holds degrees in computational neuroscience
and signal processing, and she worked for twenty years as an electrical engineer before becoming an author.
Editorial Note #2: A listing of narrator Deepa Samuel's audio book productions can be found at
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18671635.Deepa_Samuel
Seven Mercies
Laura Lam & Elizabeth May, authors
Christina Traister, narrator
Brilliance Audio
www.brillianceaudio.com
9781799758990, $29.99, MP3-CD (16 Hours, 23 Minutes)
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/seven-mercies-laura-lam/1139309037?ean=9781799758990
Synopsis: After an ambush leaves the Novantae resistance in tatters, the survivors scatter across the galaxy. Wanted by two
great empires, the bounty on any rebel's head is enough to make a captor filthy rich. And the seven devils? Biggest score of
them all. To avoid attacks, the crew of Zelus scavenge for supplies on long-abandoned Tholosian outposts.
Not long after the remnants of the rebellion settle briefly on Fortuna, Ariadne gets a message with unimaginable
consequences: the Oracle has gone rogue. In a planned coup against the Empire's new ruler, the AI has developed a way of
mass programming citizens into mindless drones. The Oracle's demand is simple: the AI wants One's daughter back at any
cost.
Time for an Impossible to Infiltrate mission: high chance of death, low chance of success. The devils will have to use their
unique skills, no matter the sacrifice, and pair up with old enemies. Their plan? Get to the heart of the Empire. Destroy the
Oracle. Burn it all to the ground.
Critique: "Seven Mercies" is the second title in a feminist space opera duology by co-authors Laura Lam & Elizabeth May"
and follows the team of seven rebels who will free the galaxy from the ruthless Tholosian Empire -- or die trying. Brought
to life in a true 'theatre of the mind' experience by the articulate storytelling skills of narrator Christina Traister, this
complete and unabridged audio book edition from Brilliance Audio is especially recommended to the attention of dedicated
science fiction fans, and will prove to be an enduringly appreciated addition to community library Science Fiction audio
book collections.
Editorial Note #1: Laura Lam (https://lrlam.co.uk) is the author of feminist space opera Seven Devils (co-written with
Elizabeth May), BBC Radio 2 Book Club section False Hearts, the companion novel Shattered Minds, and the
award-winning Micah Grey series. Her short fiction and essays have appeared in anthologies such as Nasty Women, Solaris
Rising 3, Cranky Ladies of History, Scotland in Space, and more.
Editorial Note #2: Elizabeth May (https://elizabethmaywrites.com) is the author of the YA fantasy trilogy The Falconer and
short fiction published in the anthology Toil & Trouble. She was born and raised in California before moving to Scotland,
where she earned her PhD at the University of St Andrews.
Editorial Note #3: Christina Traister (http://www.christinatraister.com) is a freelance audiobook narrator, having recorded
well over two hundred titles for such companies as Brilliance Audio (Amazon), Common Mode (Harlequin Audio and
Harper Collins), Tantor Media, Lyric Audiobooks, John Marshall Media (Harper Collins ), Podium Publishing (Audible),
Macmillan Publishers (Audible), BeeAudio, Ltd (Harper Collins), Dreamscape Media (HarperCollins), and Talking Book
(Coffee House Press).
Not at Eight, Darling
Sherryl Woods, author
Sara Sheckells, narrator
Dreamscape Media
https://www.dreamscapepublishing.com
9781666523447, $TBA, MP3-CD, (292 Minutes)
https://www.dreamscapepublishing.com/catalog/audiobooks/detail/?%22not-at-eight,-darling%22/sherryl-woods+/&id=000
12353
Synopsis: TV producer Barrie MacDonald has worked for years to get her sitcom on the air. So when network executive
Michael Compton tries to reschedule her show, she isn't quick to let him have his way -- no matter how charming or
handsome the man might be. Though it's clear that he's interested in her, the spunky producer knows better than to mix their
personal and professional lives together. But as Barrie sees similarities between her real-life problems and the romance of
her on-screen heroine, she begins to rethink her decision to brush Michael aside. Life with Michael could get complicated.
But maybe life without him would be far less exciting!
Critique: An original and fun romance novel by author Sherryl Woods, "Not at Eight, Darling" is now available in a
complete and unabridged audio book edition thanks to the simply outstanding narrative talents of Sara Sheckells. "Not at
Eight, Darling" is a delightful and recommended addition to the personal lists of dedicated romance fans, and will prove to
be an enduringly popular contribution to community library Contemporary Romance audio book collections.
Editorial Note #1: Sherryl Woods (https://sherrylwoods.com) is the author of nearly 150 books. Two of her series have been
developed for TV. Chesapeake Shores airs on Hallmark Channel and Sweet Magnolias on Netflix.
Editorial Note #2: Sara Sheckells (https://sarasounds.com) has told stories as a radio host, a costumed tour guide, and now
as an audiobook narrator. A former educator, her specialized knowledge of college life, adolescence, and career
development informs her narration in multiple genres including literary fiction, memoirs, thrillers, self-development, and
women's fiction.
Murder Out Of Character
Olivia Matthews, author
Janna Edwards, narrator
Hallmark Publishing
c/o Dreamscape Media
https://www.dreamscapepublishing.com
9781666610123, $TBA, MP3-CD, (453 Minutes)
https://www.dreamscapepublishing.com/catalog/audiobooks/detail/?murder-out-of-character/olivia-matthews+/&id=000133
98
Synopsis: Marvey, still adjusting to life in Peach Coast, Georgia, is at a library fundraising event when she comes across a
list of four names. One is the name of someone who recently died -- and who may have been murdered. Another is Spencer
Holt, the handsome newspaper owner who's become one of Marvey's best friends. The four people appear to have nothing in
common other than living in Peach Coast. Spencer dismisses the list at first, but before long, he has to admit he may be in
danger. As Marvey prepares for a visit from her parents, can she, Spencer, and their intrepid librarian friends stop a killer
bent on long overdue revenge?
Critique: An expertly crafted cozy mystery by novelist Olivia Matthews, this complete and unabridged audio book edition is
skillfully narrated by Janna Edwards. The result is a flawlessly produced listening experience that will have a very special
appeal to anyone with an interest in the adventures of a woman sleuth dealing with a mystery that has more plot twists and
turns than a Disneyland roller-coaster. "Murder Out Of Character" is very highly recommended for both personal reading
lists and community library Mystery/Suspense audio book collections.
Editorial Note #1: Olivia Matthews is the cozy mystery pseudonym for national best-selling and award-winning author
Patricia Sargeant (www.PatriciaSargeant.com). Patricia's work has been featured in national publications such as Publishers
Weekly, USA Today, Kirkus Reviews, Suspense Magazine, Mystery Scene Magazine, Library Journal and RT Book
Reviews. She's also been interviewed on podcasts including Destination Mystery with Laura Brennan, Conversations LIVE!
with Cyrus Webb, Read You Later with Lasheera Lee and Katara's Cafe with Katara Johnson.
Editorial Note #2: Janina Edwards (https://www.janinaspeaksvolumes.com) has recorded more than 400 titles through
traditional audiobook publishers including Blackstone, Simon & Schuster, Dreamscape, Tantor, and Audible, as well
independent production platforms, such as ACX and Findaway. She has been featured in the New York Times, Audiofile
and ACX (Audible's Audiobook Creation Exchange). Janina excels at portraying compelling believable characters and
voices of African Americans, and other people of the English-speaking African diaspora (the West Indies, West and South
Africa).
State of the Union
Marie Force, author
Eva Kaminsky, narrator
HTJB, Inc.
c/o Dreamscape Media
https://www.dreamscapepublishing.com
9781666609943, $34.99, MP3-CD (560 Minutes)
https://www.amazon.com/State-Union-Marie-Force/dp/1666609943
Synopsis: President Cappuano has been working for months on his first State of the Union address, his highest profile
moment yet as the country's new president. He's dealing with a wide array of complex issues and is counting down to the
televised speech before a joint session of Congress. While he tries to strike the right tone to assure the American people that
their new president is hard at work on their behalf, his wife, Metro Police Lt. Sam Holland is faced with one of the most
confounding cases of her career and juggling some complex issues at home with the couple's children. Add to that some
vexing security concerns, and the first couple are on edge as they wonder whether they'll pass this first big test for the
fledgling Cappuano administration. As always, when things get too hot to handle in the rest of their lives, Sam and Nick
turn to each other for solace as their bond grows deeper by the day
Critique: The latest installment in the First Family Series by novelist Marie Force, and now available as a complete and
unabridged audio book, "State of the Union" is brilliantly narrated by the impressive vocal acting talents of Eva Kaminsky
who does full justice to the narrative driven writing style of the author. The result is an especially and unreservedly
recommended addition to personal and community library Contemporary Romance/Suspense audio book collections.
Editorial Note #1: Marie Force (https://marieforce.com/ is an author of contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and
erotic romance. Her series includes Gansett Island, Fatal, Treading Water, Butler Vermont, Quantum, and Miami Nights.
Her books have sold more than ten million copies worldwide, have been translated into more than a dozen languages, and
have appeared on the New York Times bestseller list more than thirty times.
Editorial Note #2: Eva Kaminsky (https://www.evakaminsky.com) is an actress, director, and audiobook narrator. An Audie
nominee and two-time winner of the Earphones Award, she has recorded over 150 audiobooks in genres ranging from
romance to young adult.
The Great Man Theory
Teddy Wayne, author
Adam Barr, narrator
Dreamscape Media
https://www.dreamscapepublishing.com
9781666609431, $22.99, MP3-CD (10 Hours, 25 Minutes)
https://www.amazon.com/Great-Man-Theory-Teddy-Wayne/dp/1666609439
Synopsis: Paul is a recently demoted adjunct instructor of freshman comp, a divorced but doting Brooklyn father, and a
self-described "curmudgeonly crank" cataloging his resentment of the priorities of modern life in a book called The Luddite
Manifesto.
Outraged by the authoritarian creeps ruining the country, Paul is determined to better the future for his young daughter, one
aggrieved lecture at a time. Shockingly, others aren't very receptive to his scoldings. His child grows distant, preferring
superficial entertainment to her father's terrarium and anti-technological tutelage. His careerist students are less interested
than ever in what he has to say, and his last remaining friends appear ready to ditch him.
To make up for lost income, he moonlights as a ride-share driver and moves in with his elderly mother, whose third-act
changes confound and upset him. As one indignity follows the next, and Paul's disaffection with his circumstances and
society mounts, he concocts a dramatic plan to right the world's wrongs and gives himself a more significant place in it.
Critique: As a novelist, author Teddy Wayne has a genuine flair for satire and finely honed characters. As entertaining as it
is thought-provoking, this complete and unabridged audio book edition (so deftly narrated by the storytelling talents of
narrator Adam Barr) of "The Great Man Theory" will prove a welcome addition to both personal and community library
Contemporary Fiction audio book collections.
Editorial Note #1: Teddy Wayne (https://teddywayne.com) is the author of the novels "Loner" (Simon & Schuster), "The
Love Song of Jonny Valentine" (Simon & Schuster), and "Kapitoil" (Harper Perennial). A columnist for the New York
Times and McSweeney's and a regular contributor to The New Yorker, he is also the recipient of a Whiting Writers' Award
and an NEA Creative Writing Fellowship. He has taught at Columbia University, Washington University in St. Louis, and
the Yale Writers' Conference.
Editorial Note #2: Adam Barr (https://www.adambarrnarration.com) is a recovering lawyer; a 25-year veteran of the golf
industry (primarily as a print and TV journalist); an actor and singer with a lively, wide-ranging baritone voice -- and a
lifelong lover of books and reading. His studies with prominent audiobook veterans Johnny Heller and Shannon Parks have
helped him focus on well-crafted characters rather than just bare words on the page.
Kill Them with Canvas
Bailee Abbot, author
Jennifer Jill Araya, narrator
Dreamscape Media
https://www.dreamscapepublishing.com
9781666616651, $22.99, CD (9 Hours, 14 Minutes)
https://www.amazon.com/Kill-Them-Canvas-Bailee-Abbott/dp/1666616656
Synopsis: Chloe Abbington and her sister, Izzie, are enjoying huge success running Paint with a View, their paint party
business in the tranquil western New York lakeside town of Whisper Cove. Now, their aunt Constance (president of the
local chapter of the Chautauqua Sisterhood) has hooked them up with a gig hosting a Halloween painting party. The guests
will be painting a local ghost legend, the Lady of Chautauqua Lake, who died a hundred years earlier and rises from the lake
every October to haunt anyone who dares venture out on All Hallows' Eve.
The event seems to be going off without a hitch, until Chloe overhears an argument between Constance and Viola
Finnwinkle, the Sisterhood director, about the fate of the local chapter. Both women leave and the sisters finish their
painting. But the next morning, Viola's body is discovered floating face down near the town ferryboat dock, her long red
hair spread around her. Eerily, the image is an exact replica of a painting Chloe and Izzie had discovered at the event the
night before.
What's more, the police find Constance's purple knit hat lying on the ground near the crime scene. Constance pleads
innocence, saying the hat mysteriously went missing during the event. Frantic that she might be charged with murder, she
begs Chloe and Izzie to help her. The sisters believe their aunt is innocent, but if so, who's the real killer -- and when will
the next victim turn up?
Critique: "Kill Them With Canvas" is the second novel in author Bailee Abbott's cozy mystery series 'A Paint By Murder
Mystery'. A beautifully constructed and original 'whodunnit' that is especially and unreservedly recommended for
community library Mystery/Suspense audio book collections, "Kill Them With Canvas" is brought brilliantly to life in a true
'theatre of the mind' experience by the narrative storytelling skills of Jennifer Jill Araya.
Editorial Note #1: Bailee Abbott is a member of Sisters in Crime as well as of International Thriller Writers. She also writes
the Sierra Pines B&B mystery series under the name Kathryn Long and has an online Author's Page at
https://crookedlanebooks.com/bailee-abbott
Editorial Note #2: Jennifer Jill Araya (http://www.jenniferjillaraya.com) is an Audie-Award winning narrator who's training
as an opera singer and orchestral cellist lend a musicality and depth of understanding to her narration that help bring an
author's story to life. An Audie Award Winner, Earphones Award Recipient, American Library Association YALSA
Amazing Audiobooks Award Winner, SOVAS Award Finalist, and three-time Independent Audiobook Award Finalist,
Jennifer has narrated nearly 300 audiobooks for a variety of publishers and producers, including Penguin Random House
Audio, Simon & Schuster Audio, HarperAudio, Blackstone Publishing, and Audible Studios. Jennifer also narrates
Romance and Erotica titles under the name Isabelle Ruther.
The Music CD Shelf
Something in the Water
Jake Ybarra
www.jakeybarra.com
Privately Published
$TBA
Something in the Water is a music album of ten original works by guitarist and baritone singer Jake Ybarra. The songs draw
upon roots and rockabilly music traditions to tell emotional stories through their lyrics, from a couple's uneasy romance
while bad weather traps them indoors to a homeowner's discovery of century-old love letters, to a traveler's wistful regrets
over a missed opportunity with a special girl, and more. Something in the Water is poignant, unforgettable, and highly
recommended. The tracks are Late November, BloodFire, Savannah's Song, A Whole Lot To Remember, Long Winter, Call
Me By My Name, Something In The Water, Disappear, No Reason Or Right, and Silly Little Things.
Interblaze
Ally Fiola & The Next Quest, featuring Jeff Coffin
www.allyfiola.com
Privately Published
$TBA
https://allyfiola.com/discography
Interblaze is a contemporary jazz album performed by Ally Fiola and The Next Quest, featuring Grammy-nominated
saxophonist Jeff Coffin. The songs are composed and arranged by Ally Fiola, except as noted in the track listing. The lively
songs feature saxophone, trombone, sousaphone, guitar, piano, and percussion fused into emotionally charged soundscape
adventures with captivating melodies and enthralling rhythms. Interblaze is a fresh and exciting listening experience for
modern jazz connoisseurs, highly recommended! The tracks are Interblaze, Back Track, Circular Beginnings, Intuition (arr.
Chris Mitchell), Rocket Sunrise, Thoughts of Home, Underground, and Amazing Grace (Traditional).
Absence of You
Tina Hartt
tinahartt.com
Privately Published
$TBA CD / $9.49 MP3
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BSP27L3N
Canadian singer, composer, and musician Tina Hartt presents Absence of You, a multifaceted jazz album. There are original
creations and captivating favorites; there are songs performed in smooth English and songs performed in sultry French.
There are songs about harrowing personal struggle, songs about comfort, and songs about intense passion. Absence of You
is profound, powerful and highly recommended especially for connoisseurs of multilingual jazz. The tracks are Amour,
castagnettes et tango; Trust Your Heart; Absence of You; Kiss of Fire; Paris s'eveille la nuit; J'attendrai; I Can Look but I
Can't Touch; Ne me quitte pas; La boheme; J'ai perdu mon coeur; and La vie en rose.
Dindin
Kimi Djabate
www.kimidjabate.com
Cumbancha
www.cumbancha.com
$14.98 CD / $9.49 MP3
https://www.amazon.com/Dindin-Kimi-Djabate/dp/B0BGPW67Q7
Talented guitarist, percussionist, and balafon (African xylophone) player Kimi Djabate presents Dindin, a music album with
a title that means "children" in the Mandinga language. The songs blend Afro-Portuguese rhythms, Cuban swing, electric
desert blues and more into soul-stirring original compositions. The Mandinga language lyrics address social and political
problems of modern Africa, addressing issues such as religion, women's rights, poverty, and education. Dindin is a standout
addition to world music collections, highly recommended. The tracks are Afonhe, Yensoro, Alidonke, Kambem, Na,
Dindin, O Manhe, Sano, Mbembalu, Mana Mana, and Djugu Djugu.
Ramon
Christopher McBride
www.crmcbridemusic.com
Kyo Music Publishing, LLC
www.kyomusicpublishing.com
$TBA CD / $9.49 MP3
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BTXDYQTK
Harlem-based, Grammy-nominated saxophonist Christopher McBride presents Ramon, an album of original music. All
songs are written and produced by Christopher McBride, and strongly influenced by his affinity for rhythm & blues. The
performances include contributions from fellow musicians on trumpet, piano, bass, drums, guitar, tuba, trombone, and more.
The songs include emotional pieces, celebrations of life's joyous moments, and a sobering reflection upon the last moments
of Trayvon Martin's life in the three "Stand Your Ground" songs. Ramon is vivid, unforgettable, and highly recommended.
The tracks are Lady D, Welcome, You Put A Smile On My Face, Bronx Unchained, Your Eyes Can't Lie, Intimacy,
Postlude, Stand Your Ground Pt. 1 - Suspicion, Stand Your Ground Pt. 2 - Confrontation, Stand Your Ground Pt. 3 - In
Memoriam: The Ballad of Trayvon Martin, Dope (For The Steppers), Girl Get 'Em, and Your Eyes Can't Lie
(Instrumental).
The Christian Studies Shelf
How to Human
Carols Whittaker
WaterBrook Press
c/o WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group
10807 New Allegiance Drive Suite 500, Colorado Springs, CO 80921
http://waterbrookmultnomah.com
9780525654025, $18.00, PB, 240pp
https://www.amazon.com/How-Human-Distracts-Divides-Disconnects/dp/052565402X
Synopsis: The Covid-19 Pandemic, white cops shooting down black men, a war breaking out between Russia and the
Ukraine, an attempted overthrow of a freely elected American government, rising numbers of the homeless and the hungry,
climate change based disasters world wide and here at home (and more!) -- these are crazy times. We are more agitated than
ever. We're fighting. Wrestling with big issues. Less connected than ever to one another and to God. It's a perfect storm:
debilitating anxiety, crashing relationships, and forgetting what it feels like to, well, be human.
With the publication of "How to Human: Three Ways to Share Life Beyond What Distracts, Divides, and Disconnects Us",
author, speaker, and social-media personality Carlos Whittaker offers a fresh vision for becoming the best versions of
ourselves. We can refuse to let disagreements define us. We can say no to becoming upset, rage-filled humans and say yes to
fuller, happier lives. It begins as we make the shift from "me" to "we" to "everybody" in a three-part journey to be human,
see fellow humans, and free those around us.
A practical guide which reveals how to help others, how to hope fiercely, and how to experience the thrill of being fully
human, in the pages of "How to Human", Carlos describes a radical path of love -- one that requires us to become builders
rather than destroyers. One that gets personal. One that moves toward others in faith rather than away in fear. One that,
when times get crazy, is willing to get crazier (in a good way). One that understands the big joy of how to human.
Critique: Written from a Christian perspective, "How to Human: Three Ways to Share Life Beyond What Distracts, Divides,
and Disconnects Us" by Carols Whittaker is especially and unreservedly recommended reading for anyone in need of a
Christian based Self-Help/Spiritual Growth instructional guide that is 'real world practical', motivationally inspirational, and
thoroughly 'reader friendly' in organization and presentation. While highly recommended for church, seminary, community,
and academic library collections, it should be noted for the personal reading lists of seminary students, clergy, and all
members of the Christian community that "How to Human" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $12.99).
Editorial Note: Carlos Whittaker (https://www.carloswhittaker.com) is a speaker, social media personality, and author of
Moment Maker, Kill the Spider, and Enter Wild. A self-professed "hope dealer," he frequently speaks at some of the
nation's largest churches, corporations, and culture-shaping conferences as well as events such as Orange Conference and
MOMcon. Carlos is a People's Choice Award winner and host of the popular Human Hope podcast.
The Judaic Studies Shelf
State of Halakha: Israel's History in Jewish Law
Aviad Tabory
Maggid
c/o Toby Press
PO Box 8531, New Milford, CT 06776-8531
www.korenpub.com
9781592645534, $29.95, HC, 304pp
https://www.amazon.com/State-Halakha-Israels-History-Jewish/dp/1592645534
Synopsis: Halakha is the system of Jewish law is designed to guide Israelis and all members of the Jewish community in
major and minor areas of their lives. However, how is it to be applied in unprecedented situations?
"State of Halakha: Israel's History in Jewish Law" is fascinating new work with which rabbi and educator Aviad Tabory
goes through watershed events and major issues in modern Israeli history, examining them through the lens of halakha.
Examples include the 1961 capture of Adolph Eichmann and the obligation to bring murderers to justice; the Eli Cohen
affair in Syria and how far one may go to protect the State of Israel; the 2005 Disengagement from Gush Katif and the issues
surrounding the destructtion of synagogues; the religious ramifications for Jerusalem the capital when the American
Embassy moved to Jerusalem.
"State of Halakha: Israel's History in Jewish Law" is a study of halakha within the context of the pertinent historical,
political, cultural and social issues at each time.
Critique: As informed and informative as it is thoughtful and thought-provoking, "State of Halakha: Israel's History in
Jewish Law" is a seminal contribution to our understanding of Jewish law and a welcome, unreservedly recommended
addition to personal, professional, community, and academic library Jewish Life & History Studies collections and
supplemental curriculum studies lists.
Editorial Note: Rabbi Aviad Tabory (https://torahinmotion.org/profile/rabbi-aviad-tabory) currently teaches Gemara at
Yeshivat Eretz Hatzvi in Jerusalem. In the summer he serves as the Rosh Bet Midrash in Bnei Akiva Camp Stone. He
studied at the Hesder Yeshivot of Ohr Etzion and Har Etzion in and received Smicha from the Israeli Rabbinate. and a
degree in Jewish education from Herzog College. He hask also taught at Michlelet Orot, Midreshet Lindenbaum, Midreshet
HaRova, and took part in establishing a new Yeshiva High School in Susiya. He has served as the Rav Shaliach of the
Jewish Agency to Bnei Akiva in the UK as well as the founding community Rabbi of Alei Etzion in Hendon, London.
Prophetic Voices: Renewing and Reimagining Haftarah
Rabbi Barbara Ab Symons, editor
Central Conference of American Rabbis
c/o CCAR Press
www.ccarpress.org
9780881233704, $24.95, HC, 562pp
https://www.amazon.com/Prophetic-Voices-Renewing-Reimagining-Haftarah/dp/0881233706
Synopsis: The traditional haftarah cycle, read on Shabbat and holidays during the Torah service, contains a wealth of
prophetic wisdom, yet today it is too often forgotten or ignored.
With the publication of "Prophetic Voices: Renewing and Reimagining Haftarah", compiled and edited by Rabbi Barbara
Ab Symons, gives new life to these ancient texts. A diverse group of contributors the includes rabbis, cantors, scholars,
educators, activists, and poets, provide short commentaries on each haftarah, demonstrating their profound relevance to the
present.
Additionally, "Prophetic Voices" boldly invites us to rethink the haftarah canon. Going beyond the Prophets, it presents
alternative readings from Jewish texts biblical to contemporary. New haftarot for each Shabbat and holiday are included,
plus haftarot for the Jewish American calendar, from Yom HaShoah to Pride Month to Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
The readings are enhanced by scholarly essays placing the Prophets in historical context and examining the role of prophecy
in Reform Judaism. Prophetic Voices summons us to listen, study, think, and teach -- as well as to sing, pray, and
march.
Critique: Of special interest, value and relevance for students of the Torah and the Jewish Reform Movement, "Prophetic
Voices: Renewing and Reimagining Haftarah" is an especially and unreservedly recommended addition to personal,
professional, synagogue, community, college, and university library Judaic Studies collections and supplemental curriculum
studies lists.
Synopsis: Rabbi Barbara Ab Symons (https://www.ccarpress.org/content.asp?tid=596) graduated from the University of
Michigan and was ordained by Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in 1994. Since 2006, she has been
serving Temple David in Monroeville, Pennsylvania, just outside of Pittsburgh. She is deeply involved in the interfaith
community primarily through her work with the Monroeville Interfaith Ministerium (of which she is past president) and
through the Catholic Jewish Education Enrichment program. Engaged with the local community, Rabbi Symons has served
as president of the hospital's clergy board and rabbinic groups, and she is active with the town council, school board, and
library.
The Fashion Shelf
Sundressed: Natural Fabrics and the Future of Clothing
Lucianne Tonti
Island Press
2000 M St NW Suite 650, Washington, DC 20036
www.islandpress.org
9781642832716, $29.00, HC, 216pp
https://www.amazon.com/Sundressed-Natural-Fabrics-Future-Clothing/dp/1642832715
Synopsis: For consumers, buying clothes has never been more complicated. Even as fashion brands tout their sustainability,
the industry is plagued by pollution, waste, and poor working conditions. In fact, fashion may account for as much as 10%
of all greenhouse gas emissions. If our clothes reflect our values, is it possible to be truly well-dressed?
With the publication of "Sundressed: Natural Fabrics and the Future of Clothing ", sustainable fashion consultant Lucianne
Tonti answers with a resounding yes. Beautiful clothes made from natural fabrics including cotton, wool, flax, and cashmere
can support rural communities and regenerate landscapes. They can also reduce waste -- but only if we invest in garments
that stand the test of time rather than chasing fast fashion trends.
In the pages of "Sundressed", Tonti travels the world to showcase producers who are reforming the industry, from
Mongolian goatherders, to Mulberry groves in China, and American hemp farms. Many of these innovations begin in the
fields, with the cotton crops that will ultimately be spun into a soft T-shirt or the sheep's wool than will be knitted into a
cozy sweater. Fiber farmers are taking a page from the regenerative agriculture movement, giving back to the land as they
tend it. Meanwhile, further down the supply chain, top designers are working with Indigenous communities to relearn the
artistry of sewing -- and reward them financially. And global brands, including Levi's, are working to produce a pair of jeans
that can withstand dozens of washes without any sign of wear.
Tonti also shows readers how accessible sustainable fashion can be. Not everyone can afford a designer shirt that was
lovingly hand-sewn. But most of us can buy less, choose natural fabrics over polyester, thrift shop, and wear our clothes
longer.
"Sundressed" is an exploration of a revolution currently taking place in the world of fashion from farm to closet.
Critique: A simply fascinating read that will have a special appeal and relevance to professionals and non-specialist general
readers alike who have an interest in the impact of the Green movement on today's fashion makers and clothing
manufacturers. Informatively enhanced for readers with the inclusion of twelve pages of Notes, "Sundressed: Natural
Fabrics and the Future of Clothing" is a seminal and unreservedly recommended addition to personal, professional,
community, and academic library Green Fashion & Textile Busiess collections and supplemental Environmental Economics
curriculum studies lists. It should be noted that "Sundressed" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $10.99).
Editorial Note: Lucianne Tonti (https://www.luciannetonti.com) has worked in fashion in Melbourne, Sydney, London, and
Paris since 2008. In 2020 she launched the sustainable fashion site Prelude, profiled in Vogue. Lucianne holds a Bachelor of
Communication, a Juris Doctorate, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Political Science. Her writing appears in The Guardian
and she is the fashion editor of The Saturday Paper.
The Parenting Shelf
One and Done
Rebecca Greene, MSW, LMSW
Familius
www.familius.com
9781641707442, $18.99, PB, 256pp
https://www.amazon.com/One-Done-Guide-Raising-Thriving/dp/1641707445
Synopsis: Being an only child doesn't necessarily mean being a lonely child. Families come in all shapes and sizes, and even
a family with one child is complete and whole. But every family is unique, and raising an only child can seem daunting.
As a therapist, the mother of an only child, and an only child herself, Rebecca Greene is an expert in the variety of issues
that surround raising an only child, and she knows that parenting an only child is a complex endeavor, no matter how you
came to be one and done. With the publication of "One and Done: The Guide to Raising a Happy and Thriving Only Child"
she presents a comprehensive guidebook for parents that explores the reasons why a family might have one child, discusses
the benefits of having an only child, debunks the stigmas of only children, and provides tips and strategies for creating a
happy home environment and building a strong community for an only child. Rebecca also covers what to do when your
only child is lonely, how to develop new family traditions, how to plan meaningful trips for your family, how to choose the
ideal neighborhood, and more!
Critique: An impressive combination of instructional guide and 'how-to' manual, "One and Done: The Guide to Raising a
Happy and Thriving Only Child" is a thoroughly 'parent friendly' compendium of research, first-hand accounts, and
tried-and-true methods and advice. Simply stated, "One and Done" is the ultimate resource for raising a happy and thriving
only child and therefore an essential and unreservedly recommended addition to community library Parenting collections. It
should be noted for personal reading lists that "One and Done' is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle,
$12.99).
Editorial Note: Rebecca Greene (www.rebeccagreeneauthor.com) is a licensed social worker. She is an only child raising an
only child and has a unique, insider's perspective about the many different angles and benefits of raising an only. She writes
self-help/parenting books and also children's books about social-emotional skills and overcoming challenges. Rebecca is the
author of the award-winning children's book, My Perfect Cupcake. She is also the author of "The Teenagers' Guide to
School Outside the Box" and "Law School for Dummies". Her second children's picture book is "Very Virginia".
The Travel Shelf
Lonely Planet's Where to Go When, second edition
Editorial Staff
Lonely Planet Publications
www.lonelyplanet.com
9781838695040, $24.99, HC, 304pp
https://www.amazon.com/Where-Go-When-Lonely-Planet/dp/1838695044
Synopsis: With the publication of this newly updated and expanded second edition of "Lonely Planet's Where to Go When"
the aspiring world traveler can take advantage of decision-making flowcharts to inspire their next unforgettable city break,
tropical beach vacation, wildlife encounter and more -- all organized by month with amazing weekend escapes, as well as
one and two week experiences.
Sip lip-smacking beers and contemplate fine Flemish art in Bruges during February; enhance your wellbeing with a yoga
retreat in Australia's Byron Bay throughout June; cycle the USA's Death Valley during the cooler month of November - and
it will be revealed just why each destination is so wonderful to be in at that exact moment. With so many inspiring
month-by-month holiday recommendations, the new edition of "Lonely Planet's Where to Go When" offers travelers a
lifetime of offbeat adventures and well-known wonders to pursue.
This new edition of Lonely Planet's "Where to Go When" features: 25 destinations for each month of the year that cover
every corner of the globe; Handy decision-making flowcharts to help you choose your next exciting getaway based on your
travel passions and the activities that appeal to you the most; Special monthly events, festivals and celebrations calendar;
Intuitive keys and colour coding that suggest ideal trip length: short break, one week, two weeks +; Amazing experiences
for all interests: wildlife & nature, adventure, value, culture, journey, food & drink, personal growth, relaxation; Top
budgeting tips in clear grids and diagrams so you can get the most out of your money; Super family friendly breaks and
experiences plus suggestions on when to leave the kids at home.
Critique: Beautifully and profusely illustrated with full color photography, "Lonely Planet's Where to Go When: 2nd
Edition" an armchair traveler's delight and a welcome itinerary planning resource for once-in-a-lifetime worldwide traveling
-- and unreservedly recommended as an addition to personal, professional, community, and academic library Travel Guide
collections.
Editorial Note: With over 150 million guidebooks in print, Lonely Planet is a trusted source for any traveler. Since their
inception in 1973, they have inspired generations of travelers to discover amazing places and enabled curious travelers to
get off the beaten paths to appreciate different cultures and become agents of positive change.
100 Trails, 5,000 Ideas
Joe Yogerst
National Geographic Press
101 West 104th Street, Suite 8, New York, NY 10025
www.nationalgeographic.com
9781426222566, $29.99, PB, 352pp
https://www.amazon.com/100-Trails-000-Ideas-Where/dp/1426222564
Synopsis: Fully up to National Geographic standards, with the publication of "100 Trails, 5,000 Ideas: Where to Go, When
to Go, What to See, What to Do" Joe Yogerst takes you from the coast of Florida to the peaks of Wyoming on a series of
epic hiking and walking adventures.
In these informative and beautifully illustrated pages, you will find National Geographic's recommendations for superlative
hikes, as well as tips for wildlife spotting, scenic picnic locales, routes with a view, camp sites, and off-trail activities
nearby. Plus, you will discover alternative routes to extend your trek or tackle shorter lengths of some of the country's most
iconic journeys, like the Appalachian Trail. With each itinerary you will find practical planning advice for when to go and
what to expect when you arrive.
Inspiring and comprehensive, "100 Trails, 5,000 Ideas" offers something for everyone, from beginners looking for an easy
day-hike (the tow path along the C&O Canal in Maryland) to advanced trekkers seeking multi-week excursions (the famed
multi-state Continental Divide Trail).
"100 Trails, 5,000 Ideas" is an ideal compendium of: Tips for exploring Washington's Elliott Bay Trail along the Seattle
Waterfront; Routes for hiking the Grand Canyon, rim to rim, in Arizona; Advice for conquering Wisconsin's "Ice Age"
Trail; The fascinating history behind Georgia's Kennesaw Mountain Battlefield Trail; The best way to see the falls along
New York's Niagara Falls Gorge Trails; How to trek the Plain of the Six Glaciers in Banff National Park -- and so much
more!
Critique: Beautifully illustrated, exceptionally well organized, and thoroughou 'user friendly' in presentation, "100 Trails,
5,000 Ideas: Where to Go, When to Go, What to See, What to Do" is unreservedly recommended as a core addition to
personal, professional, community, and acdemic library North American Travel Guide, National Parks, Camping & Hikig
collections. Whether an intrepid on-site hiker or an enthusiastic armchair traveler, "100 Trails, 5,000 Ideas: Where to Go,
When to Go, What to See, What to Do" it should be noted that "100 Trails, 5,000 Ideas" is also readily available in a digital
book format (Kindle, $13.99)..
Editorial Note: During three decades as an editor, writer, and photographer, Joe Yogerst (https://joeyogerst.com) has lived
and worked in Asia, Africa, Europe, and North America. His writing has appeared in Conde Nast Traveler, CNN Travel,
Islands magazine, the International New York Times (Paris), Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, and National
Geographic Traveler. He has also written for 34 National Geographic books, including the best-selling 50 States, 5,000
Ideas. Yogerst is also the host of a National Geographic/Great Courses video series on America's State Parks.
The Computer Shelf
Murach's R for Data Analysis
Scott McCoy
Mike Murach & Associates
www.murach.com
9781943873036, $59.50, PB, 578pp
https://www.amazon.com/Murachs-Data-Analysis-Scott-McCoy/dp/B0BJXF7F23
Synopsis: Businesses, corporations, and social media companies are collecting massive amounts of data. But this data isn't
valuable until someone analyzes it to gain insights that can be used to make decisions. That's why the US Bureau of Labor
Statistics (BLS) predicts that the demand for data analysts will continue to grow for the rest of the decade.
Now, with "Murach's R for Data Analysis" by Scott McCoy as a guide, you can learn the R skills needed to become a data
analyst, and you can learn them faster and better than ever before thanks to its unique paired-pages format that works
equally well if you're new to programming or if you're an experienced programmer.
You will get started fast by learning only the parts of the R language that you need for data analysis. Then, you will learn
how to use R with the tidyverse package to get, clean, prepare, analyze, and visualize data at a professional level. By the end
of this book, you'll be creating linear regression models and classification models and using them to make predictions.
"Murach's R for Data Analysis" contains three realistic analyses that use real-world data. That's because by studying
analyses like these is critical to the learning process.
Critique: An ideal textbook for DIY studies or classroom curriculums in meta data analysis, "Murach's R for Data Analysis"
by computer-based data analysis expert Scott McCoy has the highest possible recommendation for personal, professional,
community, and academic library Data Processing/Data Mining instructional training and reference collections.
Editorial Note: Scott McCoy is a professional programmer who has worked in a variety of domains including
bioinformatics, IT automation, security, and data analytics. He holds a B.S. in computer science and a Microsoft
certification in database technologies. He is also a full-time author for Murach Books.
Murach's ASP.NET Core MVC
Mary Delamater, author
Joel Murach, author
Mike Murach & Associates
www.murach.com
9781943873029, $59.50, PB, 816pp
https://www.amazon.com/Murachs-ASP-NET-Core-MVC-2nd/dp/194387302X
Synopsis: With the publication of this newly updated and expanded second edition, "Murach's ASP.NET Core MVC" does
an even better job delivering the skills needed to develop websites using the MVC (Model-View-Controller) pattern with
ASP.NET Core. For those who already know the basics of C#, they will quickly learn to code the way today's top web
professionals do. Each individual section comprising this new edition of "Murach's ASP.NET Core MVC" features clear,
beginner-friendly examples and easy-to-understand explanations that walk reader/user through crucial skills, best practices,
and helpful tips.
Critique: Comprehensive, detailed, exceptionally well organized and thoroughly 'user friendly' in presentation, "Murach's
ASP.NET Core MVC: 2nd Edition" by computer software experts Mary Delamater and Joel Murach is especially and
unreservedly recommended for personal, professional, community, and academic library Computer Software instructional
and training reference collections.
Editorial Note #1: Mary Delamater has a bachelor's degree from Lewis-Clark State College and holds several certifications.
Currently, she works for TechKnowSolve, which is her software development company. Also, she has been helping Murach
Books develop great technical books for over 7 years.
Editorial Note #2: Joel Murach is the oldest son of publishing pioneer Mike Murach. Joel has been writing and editing
books about computer programming for over 30 years now. During that time, he has written extensively on a wide range of
Java, .NET, web, and database technologies. He has had best-selling books in all of those categories! In his books, you can
see his clear approach to teaching any subject.
The Journalism Shelf
Chasing Catastrophe
Rick Leventhal
Post Hill Press
www.posthillpress.com
9781637584941, $28.00, HC, 400pp
https://www.amazon.com/Chasing-Catastrophe-Covering-Hurricanes-Breaking/dp/1637584946
Synopsis: Part memoir and part leadership manifesto, with the publication of "Chasing Catastrophe: My 35 Years Covering
Wars, Hurricanes, Terror Attacks, and Other Breaking News", veteran journalist Rick Leventhal empowers those aspiring
reporters and journalists who are ready to work hard to overcome adversity and achieve their goals. In the pages of "Chasing
Catastrophe", Rick shares some incredible highlights and some of the most challenging moments of a career in journalism
spanning some thirty-five years.
Rick also shares what it was like to sleep in the dirt in the Iraqi desert; to stand at the base of the Twin Towers in flames and
run from the smoke cloud when they fell; to face a Category 5 hurricane; to be on scene when one of America's most
cheered and respected race car drivers crashed and died; to hurry to the frozen Hudson River from Midtown after Captain
Sully landed his plane on its icy surface; to separate fact from fiction on the fly and figure out what could be reported -- and
what couldn't; and to be in awe meeting some of the most famous people in America, only to learn they were fans of his
work.
Critique: Especially recommended reading for anyone curious about what its like to have a career as a journalist in some of
the most dangerous places at home and abroad, "Chasing Catastrophe: My 35 Years Covering Wars, Hurricanes, Terror
Attacks, and Other Breaking News" is an extraordinary and unreservedly recommended addition to personal, professional,
community, and academic library American Biography/Memoir and Contemporary Journalism collections. It should be
noted for journalism students, academicians, and non-specialist general readers with an interest in the subject that "Chasing
Catastrophe" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $14.99).
Editorial Note: Rick Leventhal (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rick_Leventhal) is a veteran journalist who spent thirty-five
years covering wars, hurricanes, terror attacks, and other major breaking news stories across the country and around the
world. After ten years at local affiliates, Rick quickly rose to Senior Correspondent at Fox News Channel where he was
assigned to many of the biggest stories of the past twenty-five years. He ran from the dust cloud when both towers fell on
9/11, embedded with Marines in Iraq and Afghanistan, spent weeks in Libya covering the fall of Mu'ammar Al-Qadhdhafi,
chased countless storms and other breaking news, and remained rock solid on air through all of it.
The Art Shelf
Painting Calm
Inga Buividavice
Leaping Hare Press
c/o Quarto Publishing Group USA
100 Cummings Center, Suite 265D, Beverly, MA 01915
www.quartoknows.com
9780711281844, $20.00, PB, 160pp
https://www.amazon.com/Painting-Calm-Connect-through-watercolour/dp/071128184X
Synopsis: The act of painting is widely acknowledged to bring positive mental health benefits as an Art Therapy. Painting
can helps us center ourselves, focus our intentions and engage creatively with the world around us. With the publication of
"Painting Calm: Connect to Nature Through the Art of Watercolour", Inga Buividavice has created a beautiful guided
watercolor book that reveals aspects of painting with the healing powers of nature, taking you on a journey toward peace
and tranquility.
Even if you have no experience with watercolours or painting, the accessible and easy-to-follow prompts found in "Painting
Calm" will allow you to express yourself and create with ease and joy. Gather inspiration from artist Inga Buivadavice's
beautiful illustrations, designed to capture an emotional connection with the natural world through texture and color.
"Painting Calm" includes: An overview of watercolour painting supplies and how to use them; Basic watercolor techniques
and color theory; Exercises for finding inspiration in nature; Seasonal projects that include painting trees, leaves, flowers,
natural light and patterns found in nature; Tips for building a creative practice.
Discover your inner artist (and forge a new and powerful relationship to nature) with "Paining Calm", as you watercolor
your way to mindful wellbeing.
Critique: Beautifully and profusely illustrated throughout in full color, "Painting Calm: Connect to Nature Through the Art
of Watercolour" will have a special appeal and value for anyone with an interest in art therapy, stress relief, and relaxation
through painting flowers, landscapes, and images of light, structure and symmetry with watercolors. Motivational and
inspiring as it lays out a course of DIY activities to calm the soul and ease the mind, "Painting Calm" is an extraordinary and
recommended addition to personal, professional, community, and academic library collections. It should be noted that
"Painting Calm" is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.99) as well.
Editorial Note: Inga Buividavice (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=unzx2FOoi3M) is a graphic artist and author based in
Liverpool but originally from Lithuania. She graduated from Vilnius Academy of Arts with an MA in graphic design, and
started hand drawing and painting in 2018. Her work centres on the natural world and its relation to the act of creating, and
is inspired by plant and animal life around her.
The Art of Drawing Manga Furries
Talia Horsburgh
Walter Foster
walterfoster.com
c/o Quarto
quarto.com
9780760381861 $22.99 pbk / $11.99 Kindle
https://www.amazon.com/Art-Drawing-Manga-Furries-anthropomorphic/dp/0760381860
Synopsis: The Art of Drawing Manga Furries is packed with hundreds of tips, tricks, and step-by-step how-tos for creating a
variety of manga furry characters, including kemono, kemonomimi, scalies, and fursonas.
With its in-depth instruction, this book is suitable for all manga artists and furry enthusiasts, regardless of skill level or age.
From learning the basics of drawing characters and giving them personalities to designing your own fursona and creating
reference sheets for them, this book is the ultimate guide to creating all things furry. Follow the simple steps to learn how to
draw a variety of furries, including neko (cat girls), kitsune (fox girls), and dragon-like characters.
By the end of this book, you'll be able to create:
Kemonomimi characters, which are humans who possess animal-like features such as ears or tails
Kemono characters, which are largely animalistic
Scalies, which are furries of the reptile and amphibian variety
Personalized fursona designs and reference sheets for them
Characters in different poses using templates
Along the way, you'll learn the basics of drawing, how to combine humans and animals into unique creatures, and use
templates to create your own characters. All instruction is easy to follow, so you can quickly learn to draw different faces
and expressions, hairstyles, clothing and accessories, various animal-like qualities, and so much more.
Step-by-step instructions make the drawing process approachable for beginning and aspiring artists. Projects range from
simple and easy furries to more complex ones. Also included are tips for developing your own characters, while looking to
common styles for inspiration. Templates at the end of the book allow for easy practice of character faces and poses.
Critique: The Art of Drawing Manga Furries lives up to its title as a guide to drawing anthropomorphic characters in the
style of Japanese manga, with both black-and-white and color illustrations to demonstrate each step of the process. Both
"kemonomimi" characters (which appear like humans with animal features like ears or tails) and "kemono" characters
(which appear much more animalistic) are covered, as are tips and tricks for drawing scaly characters and personalized
fursona designs. A handful of sample templates round out this excellent, easy-to-follow guide and supplementary resource
for budding manga artists! It should be noted for personal art guide collections that The Art of Drawing Manga Furries is
also available in a Kindle edition ($11.99). Another highly recommended title is author Talia Horsburgh's previous how-to
guide, The Art of Drawing Manga (9780760375440, $22.99).
The Sports Shelf
Field of Magic: Baseball's Superstitions, Curses and Taboos
John Cairney
McFarland & Company
PO Box 611, Jefferson NC 28640
https://mcfarlandbooks.com
9781476685465, $29.95, PB, 215pp
https://www.amazon.com/Field-Magic-Baseballs-Superstitions-Curses/dp/1476685460
Synopsis: Superstition has been a part of baseball from the beginning. From good luck charms to human mascots, from
ritual statues of Babe Ruth to the curse of Colonel Sanders, there may be almost as many superstitions as their are players
and fans.
With the publication of "Field of Magic: Baseball's Superstitions, Curses and Taboos", academician and baseball historian
John Caimey draws upon social science, religious studies and SABRmetrics, to explores the rich history of supernatural
belief in the game and documents a wide variety of rituals, fetishes, taboos and jinxes. Some of these have changed over
time but coping with uncertainty on the field through magical thinking remains a constant.
Critique: "Field of Magic: Baseball's Superstitions, Curses and Taboos" is an extraordinary study of the role and history of
superstition in the sport of baseball on the part of players and fans alike. Enhanced for the reader with historic b/w photos,
eighteen pages of Chapter Notes, a four page Bibliography, and a twelve page Index, "Field of Magic" will have a very
special and unique appeal to dedicated baseball fans everywhere -- making it an unreservedly recommended and enduringly
popular addition personal reading lists, as well as highschool, community, and academic library Baseball History &
American Sports History collections.
Editorial Note: John Cairney (https://hmns.uq.edu.au/profile/4353/john-cairney) is a professor and the head of Human
Movement and Nutrition Sciences at the University of Queensland in Brisbane Australia. Originally from Canada and a
lifelong Toronto Blue Jays fan, he is the author of four other books and more than 300 published journal articles. He is also
a member of the Society for American Baseball Research.
The Gardening Shelf
Cut Flowers, Foliage and Fruits of the Southeast
Lee Hemmings Carlton
The Globe Pequot Press
www.globepequot.com
9781493044429, $29.95, HC, 280pp
https://www.amazon.com/Cut-Flowers-Foliage-Fruits-Southeast/dp/1493044427
Synopsis: Native plants are the natural centerpieces of the American southeastern landscape, so why shouldn't they also be
the centerpiece of the Southern table?
From the mountains of Southern Appalachia, into the Piedmont Plateau and all the way down to the Atlantic and Gulf
Coastal Plains, native plants provide an abundance of cut flowers, foliage, fruit, and berries that add regional character to
any vase or wreath throughout the year.
With the publication of "Cut Flowers, Foliage and Fruits of the Southeast: Four Seasons of Floral Design", Lee Hemmings
Carlton introduces readers to the beautiful bounty of the region along with growth information, seasonality, how to forage
and harvest responsibly, and flower care, illustrated with vibrant photography. Also included is a descriptive field guide of
native trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals, and vines that are essential for floral design.
With "Cut Flowers, Foliage and Fruits of the Southeast: Four Seasons of Floral Design" even the most novice of gardening
enthusiasts can bring the landscape indoors with guides to create wreaths and vase arrangements. Of special note are the
tutorials and primers that will teach the expert and novice alike to arrange gorgeous floral designs by season.
Critique: Beautifully, profusely, and informatively illustrated in full color throughout, "Cut Flowers, Foliage and Fruits of
the Southeast: Four Seasons of Floral Design" is an ideal instructional textbook for established curriculums and DIY studies
in South Regional Gardening in general, and Fruit/Flower Gardening in particular. Information enhanced for the reader with
the inclusion of a five page Glossary, a two page Bibliography, and a seven page Index, "Cut Flowers, Foliage and Fruits of
the Southeast: Four Seasons of Floral Design" is unreservedly recommended for personal, professional, community, and
academic library Gardening and Horticultural collections. It should be noted for personal reading lists that it is also available
in a digital book format (Kindle, $28.45).
Editorial Note: Lee Hemmings Carlton (https://www.goldenrodgardens.net) is a horticulturist living and growing on the
western side of Beech Mountain, N.C. Lee has been designing and installing plant-driven, site-specific, colorific gardens
and landscapes in Georgia, Alabama, and the Carolinas for two decades. Lee incorporates native plants in all of her work,
from cut flowers to landscaping and ever-popular wreaths and floral arrangements
The Humor Shelf
Why Are You Like This?
Meg Adams
Andrews McMeel Publishing
www.andrewsmcmeel.com
9781524874261, $16.99, PB, 176pp
https://www.amazon.com/Why-Are-You-Like-This/dp/1524874264
Synopsis: Once again for a whole new generation of readers, "Why Are You Like This?" (a compendium of comic scenarios
by Meg Adams) helps to answer life's most pressing questions such as: Is my partner actually upset or just hangry? Whose
turn is it to remember the reusable shopping bags? Is it appropriate to put up Halloween decor two months in advance?
(Spoiler alert: Yes. Yes, it is.)
"Opposites attract" has never rung truer when it comes to vivacious extrovert Meg and her level-headed introvert husband,
Carson. Carson makes his coffee with only the finest locally roasted beans; Meg microwaves two-day-old joe. Carson is
reserved and rarely opens up to friends; Meg ensures everyone in her life (including her mailman) knows about her
hemorrhoid.
From the joys of marrying your best friend to the bizarre musings of a twelve-pound pup to the humor and heartbreak of
anxiety, Meg's all-too-relatable comics leave no stone unturned.
Dorky and downright hilarious, "Why Are You Like This?" explores what it means to make fun of oneself and find laughter
in the little things.
Critique: Just to give two examples of the kind of humor that is Meg Adams signature style:
"Oh! Wow! This is an actual book! It's so professional! There's even a barcode. This is the best book ever!!!" -Meg's
Mom
"Sigh... why do you have to be shirtless in so many comics? How is this book going to sell in a gas station in rural
Montana?" -Meg's Dad
A fun read from first page to last, "Why Are You Like This?" is unreservedly recommended for personal and community
library Contemporary Humor collections. It should be noted for the personal reading lists of comics humor fans that "Why
Are You Like This?" is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle. $9.99).
Editorial Note: Meg Adams (https://artbymoga.com) is a comic artist and author based in Bend, Oregon. She can be found
avoiding direct sunlight, sipping hot cocoa and working on a variety of projects ranging from comics to illustration. Meg
lives with her better half, Carson, and their two spoiled little dogs: Boedy and Luna.
The Gaming Shelf
Everybody Wins
James Wallis
Aconyte Books
https://aconytebooks.com
c/o Simon & Schuster (distribution)
https://www.simonandschuster.com
9781839081910, $29.95, HC, 224pp
https://www.amazon.com/Everybody-Wins-Decades-Greatest-Board/dp/1839081910
Synopsis: The annual Spiel des Jahres (Game of the Year) Awards are like the Oscars of the tabletop gaming world. With
the publication of "Everybody Wins: Four Decades of the Greatest Board Games Ever Made", British author and game
designing expert James Wallis investigates the winners and losers of each year's contest to track the incredible explosion in
amazing new board games.
From modern classics like CATAN, Ticket to Ride, and Dixit to once-lauded games that have now been forgotten (not to
mention several popular hits that somehow missed a nomination), "Everybody Wins" is a comprehensive yet hugely
readable study of the best board games ever made with commentary penned by one of the most knowledgeable
commentators on the hobby.
Critique: Profusely and beautifully illustrated throughout, "Everybody Wins: Four Decades of the Greatest Board Games
Ever Made" reveals the evolution in tabletop gaming and showcases 40 years worth of award-winning games. This coffee-
table style (10 x 0.7 x 10 inches, 2.73 pounds) volume is an inherently nostalgic trip down memory lane and a 'must' for all
truly dedicated gamers. While unreservedly recommended for personal and community library collections, it should be
noted that "Everybody Wins" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $19.95).
Editorial Note: James Wallis (http://www.jameswallis.com) is an award-winning games designer, author and critic. He has
been designing and reviewing games for three decades and is best known for "Once Upon a Time" and "The Extraordinary
Adventures of Baron Munchausen". James has also been a national newspaper columnist, TV presenter, magazine editor
and novelist.
The Photography Shelf
More than Scenery: Yellowstone, an American Love Story
Janet L. Pritchard
George F Thompson Publishing
http://gftbooks.com
c/o Casemate Publishers
1940 Lawrence Road, Havertown, PA 19083
www.casematepublishers.com
9781938086953, $45.00, HC, 240pp
https://www.amazon.com/More-than-Scenery-Yellowstone-American/dp/1938086953
Synopsis: Photographer Janet Pritchard's romance with the American West began with horseback riding, watching movies,
and hearing her dad's dreams of being a cowboy. When she began to spend adolescent summers in Wyoming during the
1960s, her world changed forever, as she fell under the spell of natural wonder in the shadow of the Grand Tetons. Only
later did she recognize her feelings as a response to what nineteenth-century Romantics called the sublime.
A vintage 1916 picture postcard of Golden Gate Canyon by F. Jay Haynes inspired the project that would culminate with the
publication of "More than Scenery: Yellowstone, an American Love Story ". When Pritchard turned it over and read the
message -- "I cannot describe the Yellowstone as the dictionary is only a book. It is more than scenery. In some places, it is
so beautiful that the men take off their hats, and the women are silent!" -- she was back in a childhood place of wonder
tempered by a lifetime of work as an artist and teacher in landscape photography.
Formed by fire and ice, embraced by a nation seeking an ancient past with a future as grand as the landscapes it inhabited,
Yellowstone was established as the world's first national park by an Act of Congress in 1872. One hundred fifty years later,
the park and the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem continue to occupy an iconic role in the public imagination of Yellowstone
as a place that is both real and ideal. Here, in this complex ecosystem where wild nature and culture meet, the complexities
of our relationship to the natural world are revealed unlike any other place.
Yellowstone is truly unique, and each generation who visits it invests Yellowstone with ideas, beliefs, and values reflecting
its historical moment. In "More than Scenery: Yellowstone, an American Love Story", Pritchard surveys these relationships
with her captivating photographs and insightful text, and Lucy R. Lippard' sets the table with her heartfelt introduction to the
world's romance with Yellowstone.
"More than Scenery: Yellowstone, an American Love Story" reveals why Yellowstone is so important to American and the
world and how its landscapes reflect more than scenery.
Critique: A magnificent coffee-table style (10.3 x 1.7 x 12 inches, 3.92 pounds) volume, "More than Scenery: Yellowstone,
an American Love Story" is an impressive compendium of full color photography showcasing America's oldest (and
arguably best) national park. A please to simply browse through one fascinating page at a time, "More than Scenery:
Yellowstone, an American Love Story" will be of immense appeal to readers with an interest in landscape photography and
the Yellowstone National Park. No personal, professional, community, college, or university library Contemporary
Photography collection can be considered comprehensive without the inclusion of Janet L. Pritchard's "More than Scenery:
Yellowstone, an American Love Story".
Editorial Note: Janet L. Pritchard (http://janetpritchard.com) is a Guggenheim Fellow Professor of Art at University of
Connecticut. Her previous landscape photography projects include "The Wild Heart of New England: The Connecticut
River & Watershed" and "Like a Whisper: Time on the Land" .
An Affair of Flowers
John Robert Rodrigues, photographer
Stephen Buchmann, introduction
Patricia Z. Smith, contributor
Goff Books
c/o ORO Editions
31 Commerical Blvd., Suite F, Novato, CA 94949
www.oroeditions.com
9781954081727, $35.00, HC, 136pp
https://www.amazon.com/Affair-Flowers-John-Rodrigues/dp/1954081723
Synopsis: "An Affair of Flowers" is impressive book is richly illustrated with 91 gorgeous macro photographs of flowers
(and also some of their pollinators) taken by John Rodrigues, an artist who has taken that time to truly see. John, with the
eye of an artist, takes an old lens and new camera and gives a new look at an old photographic subject.
Critique: A magnificent and memorable coffee-table style (9.5 x 0.75 x 9.5 inches, 1.68 pounds), volume, "An Affair of
Flowers" is a beautiful compilation of unique images quite unlike any previous flower-based photographic study. Simply
stated, "An Affair of Flowers" is a seminal and unreservedly recommended contribution to personal, professional,
community, college, and university library American Photography and Garden Pictorial collections.
Editorial Note #1: John Rodrigues (https://www.johnrodphoto.com) worked as a photographer for Motown. He took
headshots for aspiring actors, photojournalism assignments for local papers, and of course some nice family pictures. From
the very beginning of his career, his favorite subjects have been landscapes and nature. He was used the SONY A7R IV, and
it became the perfect vehicle to meld old technology with new using a simple adapter to create a whole different way of
seeing flowers. This allowed for a "live view" screen that gave license to see his subjects in real time - he could move in and
out of petals, stamens, and leaves like a mini spaceship. These images with a narrow field of focus had the "look" Rodrigues
had been striving to achieve throughout his whole career.
Editorial Note #2: Stephen Buchmann (http://stephenbuchmann.com/bio) is a pollination ecologist specializing in bees. He
is an adjunct professor with the departments of Entomology and of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of
Arizona. A Fellow of the Linnean Society of London, he has published over 150 peer-reviewed scientific papers and eleven
books, including The Forgotten Pollinators that warned in 1996 about global pollinator decline.
Editorial Note #3: Patricia Z. Smith (https://complementsthebook.com) is an award winning playwright, editor,
photographer, interviewer, and the author of "Sixty Years Sixty Voices: Israeli and Palestinian Women"
The Architecture Shelf
Boundless: 50 Years of Curiosity
EVP
ORO Editions
31 Commerical Blvd., Suite F, Novato, CA 94949
www.oroeditions.com
9781954081758, $45.00, HC, 240pp
https://www.amazon.com/Boundless-50-Years-Curiosity-EYP/dp/1954081758
Synopsis: Highlighting 50 years of examples, "Boundless: 50 Years of Curiosity" is about pushing the architectural limits of
"What's possible?" In doing so, it highlights the history of EYP, an interdisciplinary design firm, and its unique culture
through a rich body of work.
Deftly organized into three parts (Roots, Complexities, Possibilities), each section tells a story through projects highlighting
client dreams, technical challenges, and social and environmental impacts.
"Roots" honors the strong foundations of EYP's 50-year history, including its early grounding in sustainability, preservation,
and work with mission-centered clients. It covers a wide mix of transformative projects across higher education, healthcare,
and government sectors.
"Complexities" reflects the many opportunities and challenges - design, technical, or otherwise - driving the firm's work
over the past two decades. Learn about clients and projects that challenged limits of design, including a green-powered US
Embassy; a Planetree hospital; a flexible student maker space, and a state-of-the-art workplace for a national lab. Discover
how important existing buildings can be reinvented, like those designed by architectural icons Eero Saarinen and Louis
Kahn.
"Possibilities" covers work the firm is engaged with today - either on the boards or under construction - including
community centers, national historic treasures, places of diplomacy, hospitals for mental health, centers for student
innovation, and buildings inspiring the future of science and technology. It uncovers what's possible when novel designs
intersect with cultural insights to create authentic experiences, enhancing people's lives and communities.
Critique: A magnificent coffee-table style (9.1 x 1 x 11.8 inches, 3.75 pounds) volume, "Boundless: 50 Years of Curiosity"
is collaboratively co-edited by the team of Robert McClure, Jennifer Hebblewaite, and Leigh Stringer. A compendium of
full color photographs augmented by informative commentaries, "Boundless: 50 Years of Curiosity" also includes a
complete listing of the contributors and their credentials, as well as a listing of awards, collaborations, and image credits.
The result is a fascinating, informative, memorable, and seminal contribution to the growing library of Architectural History
references for personal, professional, community, college, and university library collections.
Editorial Note: EYP (https://www.eypae.com) is consistently ranked as one of the top architecture, interior design, and
engineering firms, particularly for their work in healthcare, higher education, cultural, government, science and technology,
office, and modernization projects. The firm consistently wins awards for design excellence related to their architecture,
interiors, and modernization work.
The Needlecraft Shelf
Tiny Felt Cuties & Creatures
Delilah Iris
www.Delilahiris.com
Walter Foster Publishing
c/o Quarto Publishing Group USA
100 Cummings Center, Suite 265D, Beverly, MA 01915
https://walterfoster.com
www.quartoknows.com
9780760380529, $21.99, PB, 128pp
https://www.amazon.com/Tiny-Cuties-Creatures-step-step/dp/076038052X
Synopsis: From self-taught artist Delilah Iris, Sew Cute!: Tiny Felt Cuties & Creatures includes more than a dozen patterns
for making tiny animals, dolls, dollhouses, props, adorable gifts, and miniature play sets. The projects can be created as
stand-alone finished works, but they can also be used to complement each other in a complete set for use in a tiny miniature
world!
If you have been looking for new crafting techniques to learn at home, and don't want to buy a lot of tools and materials,
creating felt miniatures is the perfect choice. Felting does not require a sewing machine and can be done using simple hand
stitches and embroidery, both of which are demonstrated in the book along with stylized photo tutorials. Also included are
detailed doll patterns, suggestions for materials to have on hand, and much more.
Critique: "Sew Cute!: Tiny Felt Cuties & Creatures" is comprised of DIY instructions for creating twelve adorable, trendy
felt miniatures with the help of step-by-step tutorials and projects featuring beautiful photos that illustrate easy felting
techniques. Basically offering a master class in the machine free art of crafting animals, dolls, fairy houses, and so much
more, "Sew Cute!: Tiny Felt Cuties & Creatures" is a unique and valued addition to personal, professional, and community
library DIY felt-based crafting collections. It should be noted that "Sew Cute!: Tiny Felt Cuties & Creatures" is also
available in a digital book format (Kindle, $10.99).
Editorial Note: Delilah Iris (www.Delilahiris.com) is a self-taught felt and fiber artist with an extensive background in
graphic design and print, media, and content creation. Her works include a line of felt sewing patterns and DIY craft kits
found in craft stores across the United States and Canada. She is a constant creative dabbling in mixed-media art and even
ceramic pottery from her studio in Maine. Delilah can be followed on Instagram @delilahiris
Cross Stitch Celebrations: Graduation
Mollie Johanson
www.molliejohanson.com
Walter Foster Publishing
c/o Quarto Publishing Group USA
100 Cummings Center, Suite 265D, Beverly, MA 01915
https://walterfoster.com
www.quartoknows.com
9780760380505, $19.99, PB, 96pp
https://www.amazon.com/Cross-Stitch-Celebrations-graduation-themed-announcements/dp/0760380503
Synopsis: Whether you are an absolute beginner in cross stitch or a seasoned pro, "Cross Stitch Celebrations: Graduation"
shows you how to create highly giftable personalized keepsakes for the accomplished students in your life.
This DIY step-by-step guide includes all of the basic instruction you need to learn the art of cross stitch. Following a brief
introduction to tools and materials and an overview of basic cross stitch techniques, you will be treated to: 30+ charming
patterns; A range of mix-and-match fonts, border designs, color schemes, and education-themed motifs; Techniques on how
to compose a DIY design; Tips for framing and displaying finished projects .
The more than 30 patterns include a variety of border designs, alphabets, and color schemes to choose from and combine to
make a truly special gift for any educational accomplishment. Just some of the things you can cross stitch are a wall
hanging, mortarboard, pennant, and greeting card, complete with a message and themed motifs, such as a trophy, music
notes, paint palette, beaker, stethoscope, and more. Whether it is for a graduation, winning a spelling bee, or the first day of
kindergarten, you can create the perfect personalized gift for every student in your life.
Critique: Profusely and informatively illustrated throughout, "Cross Stitch Celebrations: Graduations is the ideal
introduction to the manifold needlecraft possibilities of the art of the cross-stitch in creating gifts and home decorations
celebrating a graduation. While unreservedly recommended for personal, professional, and community library Needlecraft
instructional reference collections, it should be noted that "Cross Stitch Celebrations: Graduations" is also available in a
digital book format (Kindle, $9.99).
Editorial Note: Mollie Johanson (www.molliejohanson.com) has loved creating and crafting cute things for as long as she
can remember. She is the author of Stitch Love: Sweet Creatures Big & Small and a regular contributor to stitching and
sewing magazines.
The Jobs/Careers Shelf
Resilience and Well-being for Dental Professionals
Mahrukh Khwaja
Wiley-Blackwell
www.wiley.com/wiley-blackwell
9781119814504, $65.00, PB, 304pp
https://www.amazon.com/Resilience-Well-being-Dental-Professionals-Mahrukh/dp
Synopsis: Dentistry is a high-stress profession with elevated rates of anxiety, depression, burnout, suicidal thoughts and
self-harm. Chronic workplace stress is a growing concern as it can severely damage the mental health of dental professionals
and negatively impact their ability to provide appropriate care. Psychological interventions have been shown to greatly
benefit the well-being and emotional resilience of the medical and healthcare community, yet resources that provide
preventative tools are limited.
"Resilience and Well-being for Dental Professionals" by Mahrukh Khwaja is designed not only to combat occupational
hazards in Dentistry, such as burnout and compassion fatigue, but also to build resilience, engagement at work and nurture
positive mental health through a variety of evidence-based tools.
An invaluable guide, "Resilience and Well-being for Dental Professionals" will helps its readers to utilize tools drawn from
the science of well-being (Positive Psychology, Mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Acceptance and
Commitment Therapy), in order deal successfully with stress and to create happier, thriving careers.
Critique: Exceptionally well written, organized, presented, and timely, "Resilience and Well-being for Dental Professionals"
is essential reading for anyone working in dentistry and should be considered an important textbook for supplemental
dentistry curriculum reading lists. While also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $52.00), "Resilience and
Well-being for Dental Professionals" is a critically important and unreservedly recommended for professional, college, and
university library Dentistry collections.
Editorial Note: Dr Mahrukh Khwaja (https://www.mind-ninja.co.uk/about-us) is a dentist working in the UK, a Positive
Psychologist and founder of Mind Ninja: a well-being start-up providing resilience and mental health training to dental
professionals.
The Theatre/Cinema/TV Shelf
Pac-Man: The First Animated TV Show Based Upon a Video Game
Mark Arnold
Bear Manor Media
BearManorMedia.com
9798370756986 $22.22 pbk
9781629339382, $33.33 hc
https://www.amazon.com/Pac-Man-First-Animated-Based-Video/dp/B0BVPFKQTD
Synopsis: With this book, Pop Culture Historian Mark Arnold takes an in-depth look at the history of Pac-Man, the classic
character that spawned the very first animated cartoon series based upon a video game.
Pac-Man: The First Animated TV Show Based Upon a Video Game goes through the entire history of the Hanna-Barbera
animation studios, the history of video games pre Pac-Man, the history of Pac-Man, the character, the video game, the
spin-offs, the merchandise and the TV series. Each and every episode of the classic 1980s series is covered and
examined.
Plus, author Arnold covers how Pac-Man has been honored on various anniversaries including his most recent 40th
anniversary milestone in 2021. A fun read for casual and hardcore Pac-Man and video game fans alike featuring many
character model sheets and other images.
Critique: Pac-Man: The First Animated TV Show Based Upon a Video Game is a pop culture history, tour, and celebration
of the first children's cartoon to transform video game characters into the medium of animated television. A brief history of
animation studio Hanna-Barbera Productions, arcade video games, and the Pac-Man video game precedes a more thorough
examination of the animated show, a detailed episode guide with credits and extensive plot summaries, and black-and-white
illustrations including official model sheets. Pac-Man: The First Animated TV Show Based Upon a Video game is a
treasure for connoisseurs of video game media in general, and Pac-Man media fans in particular.
The Self-Help Shelf
Brave Boundaries
Sasha Shillcutt, MD
Health Communications, Inc.
301 Crawford Blvd, Suite 200, Boca Raton FL 33432
https://hcibooks.com
9780757324192, $16.95, PB, 224pp
https://www.amazon.com/Brave-Boundaries-Strategies-Control-Empowered/dp/0757324193
Synopsis: No matter how educated they are or how far they have climbed up the ladder, women are taught one thing over
and over at every stage of their lives: when someone asks you for help, you say yes. Women are supposed to agree to take on
whatever is asked of them, regardless of how busy they are. No matter how much a woman deeply desires to say no, the
societal expectation is that women are helpers - taught to fix problems, show up at all times, and not let people down. They
are instructed to never say no to tasks or duties asked of them, even when they are drowning in work and barely hanging on
by a thread. Rather than say no, they often become avoiders and lose opportunities for personal growth. This leads to
feelings of immense failure, inauthenticity, and burnout.
Dr. Sasha Shillcutt has known this feeling, too, but now she understands and shows women there is another way. Having
coached thousands of professional women and business leaders in her classes and conferences, she knows that setting
boundaries is the essential lesson that they need to learn in order to avoid burnout and a loss of themselves in their incessant
drive to please and say yes. In her special down-to-earth way, Sasha will show readers how to erect fences that protect their
physical and mental health while providing opportunities for joy and growth. Readers will learn that boundaries are kind,
not restrictive, and being a person with boundaries is the most empowering and peaceful way to live. They will learn to say
no to others and say yes to themselves.
Critique: An essential and 'real world practical' instructional DIY guide for women on how to set strong, workable
boundaries to safeguard their health, happiness, and wellbeing, "Brave Boundaries: Strategies to Say No, Stand Strong, and
Take Control of Your Time: The Key to Living Empowered" is exceptionally well written and thoroughly 'reader friendly' in
organization and presentation. Informatively enhanced for the reader with the inclusion of a two page listing of Resources, a
two page listing of Recommended Reading, and a six page References and Bibliography section. While also available for
personal reading lists in a digital book format (Kindle, $12.99), "Brave Boundaries" is a strongly recommended addition to
community library Motivational Self-Help/Self-Improvement collections.
Editorial Note: Sasha Shillcutt, MD (https://womenasone.org/resources/shillcutt) is a tenured professor of anesthesiology at
the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska. She is a gender-equity researcher, award-winning clinician,
professional coach, and speaker. In 2016, she launched her organization Brave Enough, where she leads a community of
thousands of women. She teaches women how to have work-life control through coaching, courses and conferences. Her
passion is empowering women to be brave enough in their professional and personal lives to set boundaries. She speaks
often at conferences, workshops, and retreats, including her annual conference for women's leadership and wellbeing on the
topics of career burnout, boundaries, and developing resilient leaders. In 2016, Sasha was awarded the national American
Medical Association's Women Physician's Inspiring Physician Award by her peers.
We Are All Addicts
Carder Stout, PhD
Viva Editions
http://vivaeditions.com
9781632280817, $16.95 PB / $9.99 Kindle, 188pp
https://www.amazon.com/We-Are-All-Addicts-Compulsions/dp/1632280817
Synopsis: Expert therapist Dr. Carder Stout believes that the soul's authentic voice has the ability to heal addictive cycles
and completely remove them from the psyche. The soul is pure consciousness untethered from human experience, and Dr.
Stout has maintained sobriety for seventeen years by utilizing this untapped resource. In turn, he has successfully treated
numerous clients for addiction and other mental health conditions using the same technique. It is with this expertise, he
breaks down his theory of "We Are All Addicts" in a compellingly readable guide.
With the publication of "We Are All Addicts: The Soul's Guide to Kicking Your Compulsions", Dr. Stout deftly presents a
spiritual approach to ridding the mind of the complex problems created by addiction. These solutions to obsessive thinking
and compulsive behaviors are unconventional, and have previously been shared exclusively with his patients in therapy --
until now!
Through exercises, meditations, visualizations and writing, Dr. Stout will demonstrate how to connect deeply to your soul.
Readers will not only gain an understanding of the addiction holding them back, but how to overcome it through
self-honesty and self-love.
Critique: Exceptionally well written, organized and presented, "We Are All Addicts: The Soul's Guide to Kicking Your
Compulsions" is both a practical and a spiritual self-help guide to liberating oneself from destructive and addictive patterns.
Exercises, meditations, visualizations and more are presented as therapeutic tools. An excellent guide emphasizing the
importance of being honest with oneself and loving oneself, "We Are All Addicts" is highly recommended. It should be
noted for personal reading lists that "We Are All Addicts" is also available in a Kindle edition.
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
http://www.midwestbookreview.com
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