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Able Greenspan's Bookshelf
Look Twice: Your Guide to Staying Safe in an Unsafe World: Volume 1
Tim Beard
Stillwater River Publications
https://stillwaterpress.com
9781965733615, $19.99, PB, 234pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Look-Twice-Guide-Staying-Unsafe/dp/1965733611
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/look-twice-tim-beard/1149284391
Synopsis: Tim Beard is a career security professional who honed his expert skills in the US Marines and CIA's Clandestine Service. Now with the publication of "Look Twice: Your Guide to Staying Safe in an Unsafe World: Volume 1" he shows you the very secrets he has used to stay alive in risky situations in the most dangerous places on earth -- secrets you can use to avoid becoming the next victim of a terrible crime.
You may think you have no control over the bad things that could happen, but you do. You can control your own actions-and the right actions could save your life and those of the people you love. Tim takes you through a variety of scenarios and reveals what you should do step-by-step. Starting with: LOOK TWICE.
In Volume I of "Look Twice", Tim introduces the Look Twice Mindset and essential security concepts fundamental to the entire LOOK TWICE book series. He guides you on how to stay Safe at Home and Work, and what to do when you go Out in Town to run errands, visit the ATM, and other everyday activities. Tim also discusses different modes of Transportation with critical insights into automobiles, riding the subway, road rage, and other topics to help you stay safe.
Critique: Original, clever, thought-provoking, 'real world' practical, "Look Twice: Your Guide to Staying Safe in an Unsafe World: Volume 1" by security expert Tim Beard is comprehensive and thoroughly 'reader/user' friendly in organization and presentation. Timely, relevant, and unreservedly recommended for personal, professional, community, and college/university library 'Personal Security' collections, it should be noted that this paperback edition of "Look Twice" from Stillwater River Publications is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.99).
Editorial Note: Tim Beard (https://timbeardauthor.com) has over three decades of experience in the public and private sectors. He was recruited by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) into the Directorate of Operations (Clandestine Service). Tim conducted and managed extremely sensitive clandestine operations around the globe for the U.S. Government, including overseas postings in multiple countries in Asia and the Middle East. He previously served on active duty in the U.S. Marine Corps as an infantry officer, attaining the grade of captain. After retiring from CIA, Tim founded a global intelligence and risk mitigation consulting company, assisting clients in achieving strategic and tactical objectives in high-pressure environments under complex circumstances. He has helped clients to create a competitive advantage by driving decision-making and facilitating business opportunities.
Able Greenspan
Reviewer
Diane Donovan's Bookshelf
Chare
Penn Anderson
www.PennAnderson.com
Independently Published
9798988749325, $10.00 Paperback/$5.00 eBook
Author's Website
https://books2read.com/chare
Chare is a novella that packs a big read into a succinct format. This lends to its attraction to audiences that appreciate quick but thoroughly thought-provoking reads as it follows the life of one who is "one of one hundred identical siblings. A "pack animal" through and through."
This sets the stage for the quick realization that Chare is no ordinary character, but something truly unique in the world of strange sentient reactors to life. Her original perspective offers twists in all kinds of situations, from the night a basketball coach throws a chair across the court in protest of a referee's perhaps-unfair call to how Chare finds herself alone for the first time, at the tender age of fourteen.
A host of characters come to light during this process, including father Ron and his preteen daughter Gwen. Penn Anderson describes how their relationship has suffered from a blend of divorce and his self-centered reaction (which he also deems 'bad luck') when a situation then separates them for half of her adult life.
Anderson's contrasts between very different observers builds a foundation of the unexpected, keeping readers on their toes as the story evolves. Chare inadvertently earns a front-seat observational status as these events unfold, which proves refreshingly delightful as confrontations and family conflicts clash with grifters, other families, and evolving intrigue.
Anderson's attention to lively descriptions adds more fun and amazing mental visuals to the story:
Scotty wasn't really wearing a dress, he was wearing a kilt, his signature garment. At six foot three, he felt his legs were owed to the world. He placed Chare, in her Virgin Mary knitwear, just behind the driver's seat in his Sprinter van so he could see her in his rearview mirror.
Libraries seeking a novella that embraces elements of family dynamics, psychological change, a unique observer's participation in life, and many unexpected twists will find it delightfully easy to recommend Chare to a wide audience - especially readers looking for easy access, thoroughly engrossing surprises, and situations that are anything but predictable. In the book world of staid characters and formula plots, Chare is a breath of fresh air.
The Choice Within
Stephanie Woodman
https://woodmanbooks.com
Vortex Press, LLC
9798989940646, $18.99 Paperback/$8.99 eBook
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Choice-Within-Stephanie-Sue-Woodman/dp/B0GKFZHDB4
The Choice Within is a novel set against the backdrop of World War II, and contrasts two very different lives changed by a war which rages in Asia and America. Stephanie Woodman builds her characters from disparate cultures and foundations with an eye to intersecting their experiences, beliefs, and assumptions.
This creates an interesting contrast between volunteer domestic military nurse Lieutenant Jeannette Crawford, who moves beyond American soil to tend to soldiers on a hospital ship in the Pacific, and Japanese Reserve Flight Trainee Akira Tanaka, conscripted to participate in a battle for the greater good of his country.
Each character comes to realize that their ideals don't match up to the horrors of war and military service, where realities often clash with perceptions of right and wrong and what destiny will embrace.
Unlike most stories of battle and revelation, Woodman takes the time to embed a sense of place and culture into the experiences and observations of characters that operate on each side of the war:
Though Akira enjoyed flying through and around the clouds, the expanse of endless blue brought a surge of endless energy and endless possibilities. The moment he leveled out, a stunning beauty lay before him, as if Kukunochi, the god of trees, had taken a color palette and painted the Earth; golden Ginkgo trees, mixed between glorious, dark-red maples, grew up the hills. The missing detail in the beauty and tranquility of the scene was a haunting melody, created by his great-grandfather plucking the strings of his koto.
These descriptions create moments of relief and realistic settings whereby each character's concerns and influences emerge in revised ways in response to the war duties and events that buffet their lives.
Much more than being another novel about World War II battles (though these scenarios, of course, are included), this is a story of shifting hearts and minds as the world comes apart around each person, forcing them into revised realizations about the paths of their lives.
Another notable feature to this story that sets it apart from typical World War II scenarios lies in the interplay between ordinary life (family relationships, games, friendships) and the extraordinary circumstances that war introduces to everyone.
These features, cemented in well-developed characters whose lives and interests clash over a war that keeps them guessing and growing, make for a powerful novel that needs to find its home in any library strong in fictional World War II experiences.
Driven with a special blend of colorful characters and growth opportunities gleaned from war's introduction of revised goals and perceptions, The Choice Within is about adaptation and change. It introduces many thought-provoking contrasts between lives and perceptions during these times, making the story hard to put down, easy to recommend to libraries, book clubs, and readers, and easy to discuss.
She Reincarnate
Sam Siciliano
www.samsiciliano.net
Isola Curiosa Books
9798993821719, $17.95 Paperback/$8.99 eBook
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/She-Reincarnate-Sherlock-Mystery-Adventures/dp/B0GQF8X34X
She Reincarnate is a bow to H. Rider Haggard's classic work She, and will especially enthrall readers familiar with the classic tale of Ayesha, the mysterious white queen of a Central African Tribe.
Here, Sam Siciliano has taken She to a different milieu and level by adding a Sherlock Holmes investigative layer to the Victorian legend. The story opens with young Herbert Potter coming to see Holmes and his cousin/narrator Henry Vernier at Baker Street. Potter is concerned that his fiancee Jane has broken off their engagement and is behaving strangely. For one thing, she wants to be called Ayesha.
It's not long before a thread of wry, ironic humor emerges from the dilemma - one of the trademarks that makes this Holmes read a satisfyingly refreshing, different approach to the usual classic Sherlock piece:
"Their fate is rather sobering. They thought they were being preserved for another life which awaited them, and instead, to be pulverized! Still others ended up on display in various museums, or worse yet, were unwrapped after dinner parties. They should not have been disturbed. It does seem blasphemous." He shrugged. "Who knows? Were they not meant to be left intact so that when the final trumpets sound, they too could rise from their tombs along with the rest of the dead?"
Other passages reflect the difference between Holmes' acceptance of unusual things, such as large talking "nevermore" ravens as pets in homes, and Henry's more staid approach to life, which is also outlined with humor and wry wit:
I said nothing but only stared warily at the bird. While I was perfectly content to have birds nearby in the bushes or up in trees, singing to their heart's content, or digging about and foraging for worms, the idea of having them indoors had always repelled me. A canary in a cage is bad enough, but to allow a bird - and a large one at that! - to fly about loose...
As the intrigue grows, the story delves into Egyptian artifacts, mummy preservation techniques, bloody ancient ceremonies, undercover operations, and mystical unions.
Other characters present points of view which alternate during the story as events play out and Dr. Michelle Doudet-Vernier also becomes involved. These perspectives are solidified in chapter headings to smooth the transition between personalities, adding fine alternate windows into Holmes' investigations and the interactions of those whose lives swirl around him.
The women of Victorian times prove as strong as the male characters in She Reincarnate, flushing out the action and making the story especially appealing to female readers attracted to proactive women whose insights are every bit as important as the men in the story.
Issues of bodies, souls, reincarnation, and destiny elevate the intrigue in satisfyingly unexpected ways, making this Holmes world full-bodied and rich in its atmosphere and progression. The resolution of theft, murder, and ancient influence proves satisfyingly unexpected - but it's the strong characters and their ethics and interactions which drive the mystery in an exceptional manner.
This is why librarians and readers who enjoy Sherlock Holmes or H. Rider Haggard will want to consider this marriage of the two minds in a modern incarnation of ancient struggle. The story embraces with an exquisite attention to detail, with twists and turns readers won't see coming, while staying true to the Holmes mythos, attraction, and propensity for fielding ancient supernatural forces and influences.
The Monarch Alliance
Jessica James
https://jessicajamesbooks.com
Independently Published
9781941020555, $26.99 Hardcover/$19.99 Paperback/$6.99 eBook
Author's Website
https://jessicajamesbooks.com/books/the-monarch-alliance
The Monarch Alliance is a historical mystery based in a New York legendary castle-like hotel called Mohonk Mountain House. Here is where peace conferences made history in the past - and where journalist Danika Vaughn struggles to decipher historical letters before a modern-day pact is signed that consigns the world to corruption and repression.
The blend of historical, political, and psychological tension is exquisitely conducted as the Mohonk area's outer beauty and inner secrets come to life under Danika's probe.
Delicate and inviting tension is developed from the novel's opening lines:
Before she could respond, arms enveloped her from behind, pulling her into an embrace that was as powerful as it was unexpected. There was strength in the way he held her - an unspoken promise of safety - steady, comforting, and threaded with secrets. Yet there was something else there, too. Risk. Ruin. A truth too heavy to carry.
When the historical papers that could provide links between past events and present-day corruption are destroyed in a fire, Dani and Cole (who helps with security, but accompanies her in an increasingly dangerous investigation) suspect foul play. The hunt for a key pact assumes central importance to a variety of players in the dangerous political game that unfolds at the conference.
It's not just a mystery - it's a race for control. Dani finds herself barely in the lead as she struggles to remain a step ahead of those who would repress the truth - which makes her a dangerous threat.
Jessica James outlines the progression of events with a finely tuned eye to building tension in even the most innocuous of descriptions:
The guests were laughing and posing for photos in front of a floral arch with the flags from the different nations represented at the peace conference. Nothing about it looked wrong. Which only made it worse... Everything seemed perfect. Yet everything was undeniably wrong.
Dramatic encounters with people involved with funding networks, shell companies, and underlying special interests build threads of possibility that will keep readers guessing as the labyrinth of discovery winds through Mohonk Mountain House and everyone involved in its future.
James crafts a suspenseful and delicate walk between mystery, history, and thriller tension that gives her story an intriguing blend of possibilities.
Librarians and readers seeking a novel packed with unexpected twists, political and psychological connections, and possibilities that emerge to challenge each character's profession and perception of good and evil forces will find excitement in droves, here. The Monarch Alliance works its magic on a seemingly peaceful environment to bring underlying motivations and danger to the surface.
Packed with surprising connections and impacts, The Monarch Alliance enhances its tension with a study in dangerous attraction, making for a powerful story filled with many satisfying twists:
"I didn't plan on any of this," she said, her voice quiet, uncertain why the words came out at all. Maybe because they were the only truth she could grab hold of in that moment.
Terratron: A New Frontier, Volume 2
Nathaniel Bernadeau
Independently Published
9798271126147, $29.99 Hardcover/$24.99 Paperback/$9.99 eBook
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Terratron-Frontier-Vol-2-Nathaniel-Bernadeau/dp/B0FXG5ZJSR
In Terratron: A New Frontier, Volume 2, Emperor Abukar Kenessit is the sovereign of the Milky Way Galactic Empire, a vast interstellar kingdom that is beginning to fall apart.
Military and political sci-fi fans are in for a treat with this sweeping story of space pirates, bounty hunters, emperors, and the ongoing struggle for peace which plays out on a larger scale than most stories represent.
The Empire's rule may have been strengthened since the last conflict, but that doesn't mean it's solid by any means. Imperial control and local governance teeter on the brink of disaster.
Readers new to this world will find it easy to edge into its special challenges as the story opens with Grand Viceroy Boris Drexel's report on the state of affairs, which rounds up the progress and obstacles facing the kingdom.
As mercenaries, freedom fighters and rebels, and Empire holders clash, the saga introduces fiery confrontations on all sides that contain thought-provoking passages of defiance and action:
Korrath, seizing what she believed was another opportunity to spread her rhetoric, appeared in person. She was apprehended mid-speech, her fiery defiance giving way to fury as the Marshals dismantled her security detail with flawless precision. "You may have me," she spat as they dragged her away, "but you cannot silence an idea!"
The struggles on individual and community levels hold interplanetary ripples of effect which also are intriguing:
The triumph was not merely military; it was a resounding reaffirmation of the Empire's vision. The Xyveran and Rylka coalition had sought to exploit the fractures within the galactic expanse. Instead, they had unified it.
Headings within the chapters ("A Glimpse of the Bigger Picture;" "Reflection on Power and Legacy") also offer food for thought, reflecting the major themes of each event, making it easy reading for book club discussion groups.
The result is a powerful sci-fi story of invasion, redemption, and struggle that cloaks its characters in the mantle of historic decisions and confrontations that evolve on an epic scale.
Librarians and readers seeking a massive world-building saga of control, choice, and the influence of heritage as a pursuit for peace that at times appears futile and other times all-important will welcome how Terratron: A New Frontier poses new opportunities and questions on many different levels.
Replete with action, reflection, and moral and ethical conundrums, Terratron: A New Frontier is highly recommended for thinking sci-fi readers who enjoy fast-paced plots. The saga rests firmly on the realistic convictions and choices of characters that interact over accomplishments that lend the illusion of invulnerability to participants who begin to question their missions and purpose.
The Silent Breakup
Dr. Arica Law
Balboa Press
c/o Hay House, Inc.
www.balboapress.com
9798765204160, $37.99 Hardcover/$19.99 Paperback
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Silent-Breakup-Untold-Disconnection-Healing/dp/B0G4FD41MW
The Silent Breakup: The Untold Story of Disconnection-And the Small Steps Back Toward Healing surveys a state of distancing and discontent that turns soul mates into roommates and lovers into distant friends. It identifies the qualities of a "silent breakup" and how this translates to an emotional estrangement that may or may not be fixable.
It's "the quiet ending no one talks about" (as one chapter states) that involves the early process of a relationship that is heading for the rails. Acknowledging the symptoms of this state of mind and tackling its origins before the train leaves the tracks is what The Silent Breakup is all about. It gives readers an opportunity to not just identify breakup's insidious qualities, but directly address its wellsprings before it's too late.
Reflective questions and practical tools accompany Dr. Arica Law's insights about the process. This turns The Silent Breakup into an effective self-help manual, as well, for those who would do more than identify early signs of trouble.
The book tackles these big subjects in smaller, digestible sections. The first part identifies signs of disconnection; the second tackles patterns of response; and the third offers ideas for reconnection and healing.
Each segment joins with the others to create a bigger picture of opportunity and hope. This will especially attract couples interested in engagement, dialogue, and preserving the love they share.
A notable strength of this approach is how Dr. Law refers back to the foundations of ideas to draw these efforts together later in the book:
Earlier in Part One, we looked at emotional bids - those everyday moments when one partner seeks connection. Here's the twist: If a bid isn't in your love language, you might not even realize it's a bid. Or, you might see it, turn toward it, but respond in your own language instead of theirs. They reach for comfort, and you offer a solution. They want words, and you give them touch - just like we saw with Jay and Lena.
The result is a lesson in hope, change, psychological savvy, and partnership development that ideally will be kept as a companion volume for tackling life beyond romance alone. Many of these concepts can apply to overall relationship-building efforts.
Librarians and readers seeking to expand their reading lists of psychological self-help and couples counseling books will find The Silent Breakup a winner. The book clubs and psychology groups that choose it for discussion, as well as readers who want to apply its principles to life changes, will find The Silent Breakup holds many examples, much food for thought, and solutions that break the habit of distancing from problems.
When I See the Sun, You See the Moon
Jennie Marie Naffie, author
Mary Wahr, illustrator
Atmosphere Press
www.atmospherepress.com
9798891329577, $29.99 Hardcover/$17.99 Paperback/$8.99 eBook
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/When-See-Sun-You-Moon/dp/B0G365PPJ4
When I See the Sun, You See the Moon gives picture book readers and read-aloud adults the thought-provoking story of a granddaughter and grandmother who live "an ocean apart." The distance between MimiChi, who lives in Japan, and her Nona, who lives in the United States, seems vast.
But as the story unfolds, filled with simple, colorful illustrations by Mary Wahr, connections between the two, cemented by love, evolve to emphasize that distance does not diminish love. The daily rituals each performs with the other in mind help reinforce to young listeners and readers the fact that love can grow despite distance:
MimiChi blows kisses outside and asks the wind to carry them to Nona. Nona sings their favorite songs and sends them back on the wind to MimiChi.
The result is a lovely dialogue about remote love which can pave the way for effective conversations between adult and child about the ways love can be preserved even though miles physically separate loved ones and families.
Elementary-level libraries will find When I See the Sun, You See the Moon easy to recommend to parents seeking picture book stories about absent family members or the impact of a long-distance relationship.
Attuning
John Popielaski
Broken Tribe Press
https://www.brokentribepress.com/books
9781965412237, $15.00
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Attuning-John-Popielaski/dp/1965412238
Attuning is a novel about a devastating construction project set to destroy wetlands and natural areas for 220 miles through the heart of rural Maine. It explores the struggles of eco-warriors, non-profit coordinator Chris Atwater, and spiritual healer and hiker Cosme Esperanza, all of whom seek to stop it. More than a story of good intentions and effective resistance, Attuning tackles broader issues of spirituality, methods of preservation or destruction, and the underlying psyches and motivations of humans on all sides.
A wide cast of characters is introduced, with reflective passages about their convictions and attitudes giving readers food for thought:
Chris wonders if he is commanding her to purify her body, or to get involved in revolutionary action, or to do them both without regard for drawing lines and relegating major life decisions to compartments.
As grassroots activists, development proponents, and plots to either build or defeat the East-West Corridor emerge, readers learn from how both sides react to the impact of the project, which emerges in various ways and on different levels.
John Popielaski builds his story around opposing forces, then introduces another spiritual facet into the mix which gives the story more depth and religious inspections into the matter of caretaking the Earth.
This approach illustrates that the seeming black and white stance of each side should actually include a moderating "gray area" of thought that ideally will be part of any consideration of nature and human impacts.
As chapters unfold messages of purpose, intention, action, and consequence, the battle evolves in more than one way as a group hike involves both interconnected and individual effort.
Popielaski builds a story that ultimately is about control, letting go, and connecting with God differently.
Librarians and readers interested in an ecological journey that dovetails neatly with spiritual concerns will find Attuning heartwarming, inspirational, and thought-provoking.
Its ability to accent the healing process for a better understanding of environment, self, and the cosmos makes for a thoroughly engrossing tale of confrontation, realization, and renewal that considers the possible benefits of upheaval.
Nasparnival(TM)
Freeman Smith
Atmosphere Press
www.atmospherepress.com
9798891329621, $41.99 Hardcover/$27.99 Paperback/$9.99 eBook
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/NasparnivalTM-Freeman-Smith/dp/B0G4S5KX46
Nasparnival(TM) is a satirical portrait of modern America as experienced by Colt Cortez, a former Hollywood child star turned would-be U.S. senator. Much like in today's political world, Colt and his crew navigate a challenging milieu of school shootings, book banning, identity theft, and journalists gone wild.
The setting is a right-wing "Freedom town" shaped like the Omega symbol, where a carnival/NASCAR race serves as the selected backdrop for Colt to announce his bid for senator.
It's hard to imagine that the "epicenter of democracy" would take place at the race track, but in this wry examination, the NASPARNIVAL(TM) event unfolds in a revolutionary and appealing manner that melds entitlement with a Saturday night tradition.
Trademarks on advertising slogans, event titles, and sayings permeate the story, emphasizing the irony of capitalizing on language and intention, as Colt romps through politics and life. He draws on his Hollywood background to dramatize actions and solicits real-world figures for his spectacle - including real police officers.
The dialogue, plot, and characters read like a movie, with the lively commentary and observational style that marks screenplays and film's dramatization techniques:
"I'll be there, let me know. That sounds good. I'm getting pressured by the county commissioners, as you know. They don't quite cotton to the freedom town thing. They want it to be the way it's always been and want us to keep an eye on things, you know what I mean by that."
"Yeah, we're aware of those losers. We got them under control."
"Well, they control me too, Colt. I gotta keep them happy too."
"I feel you. It's in my skin," Colt says, using his line, 'It's in my skin' to show a political empathy.
Freeman Smith wields these literary devices in a manner that is rich, fast-paced, and both whimsical and serious as modern events and culture are tapped for profitable ventures both political and personal. Readers are given many opportunities to appreciate this world as conundrums and group rules emerge to redefine the boundaries of ambition and life purpose.
This creates both a literary explosion of delightful complexity and analysis, and a novel that will feel familiar in its backdrop and society and evocative in its portraits of opposing forces and motivations:
"We all hate Colt and his buddies and The Omega, got it?" Wendell says. "I was just going to do my time here, be a dick, and walk away, but y'all got to me," he says and they all laugh. "I am an actor, you're an actor," he says, pointing to the new guy, "so maybe we make up our own show or something."
The result is a delightful story that will keep readers alternately laughing and thinking as Colt and his gang face a shifting world and society.
Librarians seeking examples of satirical political and social commentary will want to place Nasparnival(TM) at the top of their literary acquisition and recommendation lists. Replete with action, confrontations, ironies, and too-real worldviews, Nasparnival(TM) is a study in intention and reality that will thoroughly absorb book clubs, as well. They will find much material for debate and discussion as Colt's efforts evolve (or devolve).
The Secret Buttons
Ellen Shapiro
Visual Language Books LLC
http://www.visualanguage.net
9781891328336, $29.95 Hardcover/$10.95 Paperback/$8.95 eBook
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Secret-Buttons-Ellen-M-Shapiro/dp/1891328336
The Secret Buttons will appeal to ages 13-18 with its story of Anni Blum and her little sister Rosie, who depart alone from Nazi-occupied Austria, disguised and headed for England and safety. When they get there, however, freedom proves elusive, for their German language usage brands them as Nazi spies even as blackouts and bombings pummel their new life.
Narrated in the first person, the story assumes a realistic tone of immediacy strengthened by the fact that the plot is inspired by author Ellen Shapiro's mother's memories.
The story is also a standout because it addresses the prejudice and hostility immigrants during those times faced from fearful folk in the free world - a topic that often gets sidelined in the focus on Nazi atrocities.
As the children face encounters with suspicious train conductors, relatives who show them how to be workers, and others, they are challenged by their lack of English as well as new customs and perceptions in their foreign home:
The meaning of 'Domestic Worker Visa' is starting to sink in. My head is filled with questions I don't have the English words to ask. I make a mental note to look up 'blackout curtains.'
The result is a powerful story of two children who escape the Nazis, only to find prejudice and challenge in their new home. It will provoke many discussions among young readers about prejudice, different customs, and some the impacts of Nazi rule that normally don't receive much focus for this age group. In addition, the plot adds further journeys towards safety that the children face as they are forced to adapt, yet again, to a foreign culture:
"There will be more bombings. I gave your mother my word I would keep you safe. It will be safe in New York. They say the Germans will try to send submarines across the Atlantic, and I pray they won't succeed. Their planes will never make it all the way there to drop a bomb. So this is the right time for you to leave."
Librarians looking to add thought-provoking books about immigrants and those who fled Nazi oppression will find The Secret Buttons a winner. Its ability to tackle bigger-picture issues and personalize them for a young audience makes for a story that is compelling, thought-provoking, and worthy of library acquisition and top recommendation to young readers who receive yet another angle about Nazi impact and immigration experience.
Human Again in the AI Age
J.D. Macpherson
Cairnstone Press
https://readhumanagain.com
9781069862136, $17.99 USD (paperback), $8.99 (Kindle), $22.95 (hardback)
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/HUMAN-AGAIN-Age-J-D-Macpherson/dp/1069862134
Human Again in the AI Age is about utilizing AI technology in the best possible manner, which will especially appeal to AI users and former skeptics about the experience. This audience receives a reasoned assessment of not only AI's promises and pitfalls, but lessons on how best to employ it to maximize positive, human-enhancing results.
Take mindfulness, for example. Readers may not readily associate the fine art of cultivating mindful techniques with the successful use of AI technology, but J.D. Macpherson
draws these connections via a series of examinations that pinpoints exactly where AI and human perception deviate:
AI can effortlessly describe how a roller coaster works - the height, speed, gravity, and engineering - but it's never heard the ker-clack, kerclack, ker-clack climbing that first hill, or felt the breathless drop that follows. AI is data without experience. Knowledge without thrill.
Mindful approaches to AI evolve from this knowledge of human strengths:
Edge in an AI-driven world isn't winning at data, speed, or admin. That game is already lost. Emotional intelligence and sensory awareness, precisely the things AI struggles to imitate, are becoming increasingly valuable. It's about being present in the moment, experiencing the sensory input and spending time focusing on how it makes you feel. There's another word for this: mindfulness.
Each chapter reviews another segment of the AI/human interaction puzzle that pieces together not only revised concepts about AI, but changed attitudes and objectives about using AI.
The connections Macpherson makes in his book are not just eye-opening, but essential for human adaptation to new technologies in general and AI in particular:
Just like scribes fearing the press, today's professors, writers, lawyers, knowledge workers, feel threatened. They feel threatened because knowledge itself no longer holds privileged power. Recognize AI as inevitable historical disruption, not a unique threat. With this you can move proactively instead of defensively.
Human Again in the AI Age is an important survey that should be in any library interested in technology, adaptation, and what it means to be and stay human in a rapidly changing, mechanized world.
Replete with discussions about human and AI nature and the possibilities that emerge from their intersection, Human Again in the AI Age is very highly recommended reading not just for classrooms studying the psychology of technological advancement, but for individual readers and book clubs interested in a different approach to understanding and making the most of AI's potential while remaining grounded as a human being.
Hotel Bahnhof
Jimmy Cela
Vanguard Press
c/o Pegasus Publishers
https://pegasuspublishers.com
9781837945863, $12.99
Amazon UK
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hotel-Bahnhof-Jimmy-Cela/dp/1837945861
Pegasus Publishers
https://pegasuspublishers.com/books/all/hotel-bahnhof
Immigration issues are usually treated like a political football - but not in Hotel Bahnhof, where they assume the guise of a psychological and intellectual examination. The setting is the Hotel Bahnhof, which becomes the focal point of a rolling feeling of suffering, uncertainty, and the shared fears of immigrant residents who face forces of deportation and prejudice despite their dissimilar national origins.
The hotel, used entirely for refugees, exists with a cloak of identity and challenge which Jimmy Cela captures in an astute introduction. The hotel "...maintains the potential to evoke more aristocratic and decorative times when a name like, say, Grand, lurks behind its main run-down entrance while what-if scenarios and "What happened?" questions hang on its facade like blazons on a tired and aged veteran's chest."
Through this initial description, readers will be prepared for a literary and intellectual journey that goes beyond most overt surveys of the refugee condition to probe the psyche and survival tactics of a host of characters influenced by both their culture and their move to a foreign land:
The brain of the Albanian was trained in the conception of fantasy, of parallel reality. He was a fiction writer without writing a line, always in process, without books and performance, but all in his passive-aggressive attitude and behavior toward the world.
Hotel Bahnhof offers a journey in social, psychological, and intellectual reflection that represents a discourse about contrasts between different refugee experiences and perceptions. Readers with backgrounds in literary fiction, refugee issues, and psychological analysis will be particularly attracted to the novel for its astute and thought-provoking probes into individual identities and human nature.
From the "uglifying process" of regimes to the wellsprings of the rise of dictators, oppression, and repression that lead a countryman to flee his roots to seek asylum in a strange new land, Cela crafts the kinds of contrasts and insights that lend to book club or classroom discussion about all kinds of refugee circumstances and psyches.
Under his pen, the Hotel Bahnhof stands for Everyman in an unusual manner - where a strange, uncertain holding place for a host of refugees becomes, in an uncommon sense, home to some. These patterns, viewed through narrator JC's eyes, create hard-hitting observations and emotional reactions to vastly changed status and place which are simply unavailable, either in other novels or many a nonfiction expose of the refugee experience.
Paradise may indeed be lost for many of these characters, but how they navigate their vastly revised circumstances to tackle the challenges of nostalgia and isolation makes for a powerful blend of personalities whose lives dovetail in unexpected ways.
Libraries and readers seeking a fictional story that rests on the shoulders of real experience will find Hotel Bahnhof powerful, intellectually and philosophically satisfying, and ultimately packed with thought-provoking reflections. It will lend equally well to vigorous book club and classroom discussions about not just refugees, but the nature of successful literary portraits of the human condition.
Letters: Our American Story
Ann Brubaker Greenleaf Wirtz
Resource Publications
c/o Wipf and Stock Publishers
https://wipfandstock.com
9798385255184, $37.00 Hardcover/$22.00 Paperback/$9.99 eBook
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Letters-Ann-Brubaker-Greenleaf-Wirtz/dp/B0G5GT5BXR
Letters: Our American Story is a narrative about America's history that injects a personal touch into what is too often a collection of dates and events alone. How best to absorb the basics of American identity and perseverance than through correspondence and the passion of those who lived through tumultuous times and events?
Key connections are made between famous individuals and ordinary citizens, extraordinary and regular lives, and American regional cultural values and the broader milieu of American psyches, embracing genealogical lineages and individual efforts alike.
Spiritual threads and devotion to faith also connect the dots between such experiences as women's suffrage, family heritage, and Ann Brubaker Greenleaf Wirtz's modern life. This places historical precedent in a category unparalleled in other histories or memoirs, creating connections to influential individuals who fostered faith and understanding by example.
Reflections on personal milestones big and small mark this journey through American experience:
We look ahead in life, never imagining we can't experience our expectations. Lois D. Spano sadly died from cancer ten months shy of her seventy-ninth birthday. She was thirty-eight when she wrote her message. I'm thankful for her impact and for the role model she presented not only as a teacher but as a wonderful human being. Gentle humor, positivity, and encouragement are unforgettable attributes and are impossible not to pass on. Her touch on my life was carried forward, and it's gratifying to know I had a small impact on Winston's life when he was in fourth grade.
Because of its wide-ranging notes, Letters: Our American Story happily defies pat categorization. At once a memoir, a history, a survey of faith and influence, and a collection of letters that draw together seemingly disparate topics and individuals, the story that unfolds holds the power to attract an uncommon audience of memoir readers, history enthusiasts, and those who appreciate literary insights.
This journey, rooted from a World War II letter from her father, Kenneth L. Brubaker Sr., is well worth undertaking as the author draws together facets of her past and how different forces and individuals joined via circumstance and serendipity to contribute to the fabric and melting pot of America.
How do we impact the world around us? How does history carry forward the notes we add into American experience? How are heroes, some applauded and others virtually unknown except to their immediate circles, created?
Librarians looking for standouts for book clubs and patrons alike will find Letters: Our American Story easy to highly recommend to a wide audience of general readers and scholars with interests ranging from memoirs and American culture to genealogy, letter-writing, and spiritual reflection.
All these elements coalesce in a powerful tribute to the American psyche and its interconnected culture, making for a survey that is hard to put down and thoroughly thought-provoking reading, powered by letters that form a foundation of hard-hitting written reflections:
The choices she made in handling her grief encourage us to choose a positive path forward. Her words demonstrate that life does go on, though at times hard and overwhelming; that other people's grief can give us perspective on our own struggles; and that expressing our compassion never goes unnoticed.
The War in Heaven
Mano Sotelo
www.sotelostudio.com
MindStir Media
https://mindstirmedia.com
9781963844788, $16.99 Paperback/$5.99 eBook
Author's Website
https://www.sotelostudio.com/thewarinheaven
The War in Heaven is a story that embraces fantasy, magical realism, mythology, and psychology, and is highly recommended for a wide audience interested in any or all of these themes.
Its graphic novel format illustrates, in black and white, a study in faith, hope, and social foundations. It opens with a history of creation and moves into a tale of challenging the devil, family relationships between Archangel Michael and the fallen Lucifer, shifting reality, and a journey undertaken by angels who confront their own failures in an effort to find the way home.
While traditional Christians may take offense at some of these angels' interactions, readers of thought-provoking fantasy that injects ethical and spiritual conundrums into its story of confrontations and new realizations will welcome how The War in Heaven evolves a journey rich in irony and new beginnings.
Mano Sotelo's illustrations are nicely done, the dialogue-driven story proves compelling as the angels interact and confront themselves as well as one another, and the story moves between the incarnations and origins of war to inner landscapes of transformation as it carries readers into a milieu in which angels reassess their very being and purpose.
The story also enters into philosophical realms, which will especially delight readers who appreciate contemplative action in their graphic novel fantasies:
I've been so wrapped up in this illusion: chasing things, seeking stimuli, searching for diversions. I've lost my purpose. So long, I've been in this state of wanting, state of lack. So many thoughts, completely consumed in my thinking. Associating, evaluating, never being with the reality in front of me.
Librarians seeking graphic novel fantasy stories will thus find The War in Heaven a cut above most, with its marriage of philosophical and psychological reflection to action-packed confrontations both physical and spiritual.
Filled with thought-provoking moments, The War in Heaven is more than entertainment reading, offering insights and reflections as suitable for book club and spiritual group debate and discussion as it is for individual enlightenment.
Where the Deer and the Antelope Play
Rick Donahoe
Atmosphere Press
www.atmospherepress.com
9798891329782, $26.99 Hardcover/$14.99 Paperback/$7.99 eBook
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Where-Deer-Antelope-Play-Donahoe/dp/B0G2TQSC25
It's easy to see why Where the Deer and the Antelope Play won the 9th Annual Jack Kerouac Literary Competition. Its story of a dying man who leaves his abode in the East to sojourn into the Pacific Northwest to die on his own terms translates to a compelling study in choice and transformation which proves unexpectedly thought-provoking and uplifting, given its end-of-life focus.
What springs to life are the timber wars of this region and the musings of Stewart, who has made an ancient tree the wellspring of his new life until it, too, dies:
Gone, too, was the ancient tree he'd called his own. Roots reaching like giant tentacles over the rocky ground, the burned-out cleft in its trunk gave him a place to do what boys do, a place to hide. He liked to sit with his back against the trunk until he became the tree itself, feel his feet deep in the earth, his arms high against the sky. Trees were the wind's way of telling tales, he knew, of waves breaking across the bows of tall ships, the blows of a great blue whale.
Where the Deer and the Antelope Play's special blend of Western atmosphere, Pacific Northwest timber issues, ecological survey, and end-of-life treatise represents a literary, philosophical journey into foreign realms. Stewart delves into the nuances of his own life and its impact on the world. He chooses a final path that promises more unexpected journeys as he encounters romance with young woman Annie and becomes steeped in a nature connection that he'd never before felt from his traditional life choices.
From small towns and new experiences riding horses to characters that personalize forces bent on logging the wilderness, Rick Donahoe gives equal time to exploring the attitudes and motivations of all sides:
"Ancient forests my ass," Mack bellowed, "with their endangered owls, woodpeckers, pine martens, murrelets, and every other goddamned thing. I'll tell you what's endangered... you and me, this mill and every job that goes with it." Pens and pencils jumped when he pounded his desk. "Our way of life, that's what's endangered."
Vivid passages reflect the dialogues and commitments of not just Stewart, but a cast of characters whose lives intersect in the Pacific Northwest arena over choices of nature preservation versus expanded lifestyles and careers:
"Not you, Mack. All of us. From the man in the Oval Office down to the guy adding a deck onto his home. We all thought the forests would go on forever, that they'd never end." He looked down on the ravaged landscape. "But now our backs are to the wall, to the Pacific Ocean. The last frontier you were part of, Mack, it's gone."
"Well, I'm not gone," Mack muttered. "Anyway, not yet!"
As Stewart finds new reasons for living in a different way, readers become immersed in Oregon's environment and the worlds which collide over the state's management and natural resources.
Librarians looking for literary novels steeped in Pacific Northwest atmosphere and issues would do well to add Where the Deer and the Antelope Play to their collections.
Replete with literary representations of social, political, and psychological growth which marry well with a focus on natural surroundings and characters who perceive their worlds differently, Where the Deer and the Antelope Play is evocative, thought-provoking, and ultimately uplifting in its messages about survival and thriving. The forces which clash over convictions about how this world should be managed and used make for a story that will also appeal to book clubs and discussion groups interested in intersections of man and nature.
The Age of Serpents and Scorpions
Tom Cladis
The Black Spring Press Group
www.blackspringpressgroup.com
9781915406927, $21.99
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Age-Serpents-Scorpions-Tom-Cladis/dp/1915406927
The Age of Serpents and Scorpions represents epic fantasy at its best. It's a Christian fantasy that revolves around two teens and their guide, The Fortune Teller, who may be able to help Jimmy finally deal with the death of his beloved mother.
The story opens with a concerned father, the sudden connection Jimmy feels with Sasha, and their encounter with extraordinary situations that challenge not only their concept of reality, but also their concept of good and evil.
The Fortune Teller is haunting and mysterious:
The fortune teller's response sent shivers through the teenagers' bodies. "I see the world not as it is, but as it should be. In my world, nothing is impossible."
It turns out that, rather than telling fortunes, he's more a listener and a guide who offers the teens insights into God and spirituality:
Sure enough, as Sasha looked deeper inside her mind, she did find herself - but not on the side of the wall she would have preferred. "I'm on the wrong side," she groaned.
Jimmy discovered the same thing about himself. "Why am I on this side?" he objected. "I believe in God."
"Yes, you do. You both do," the fortune teller replied calmly. "But, do you believe what He says? He sent His Son not only to save us from ourselves, but also to remind us of our divine inheritance.
"Jesus assured us that if we had faith and did not doubt, nothing would be impossible for us. But, no one believes Him...and that's what puts you on the wrong side of the wall, as you call it."
As the teens embark on a journey, elements of a dystopian thriller and time travel experience enter the picture to expand the Christian themes and discussions with a kiss of fantasy adventure.
Fans of C.S. Lewis's Narnia series will find these spiritual messages more overt than Lewis portrayed in his young adult series, but just as engrossingly entwined with action and confrontations that keep the plot immersive and hard to predict.
As parallel universes evolve and bigger picture thinking about good and evil emerges, readers of all ages will appreciate how deeply and provocatively The Age of Serpents and Scorpions delves into transformative thinking and experiences.
Librarians seeing patron interest in Christian fantasy will appreciate a story that holds many opportunities for discussion and debate in book club and spiritual circles, and will want to add The Age of Serpents and Scorpions to their collections.
Filled with disparate characters, compelling confrontations with self and changing milieus, and issues that provoke readers to self-assess and think about the nature and processes of good and evil, The Age of Serpents and Scorpions is a rich fantasy worthy of acquisition, recommendation, and discussion.
Unorganised Crime
Jamie C. Richter
www.jamierichter.com
Plan C Publishing
9781764104906, $11.99
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G45N2762
Unorganised Crime is set in Australia and revolves around a clever woman who taps the owners of a pub to pick up a Korean man from the airport. Seems like a simple request - but when he vanishes, crime and trouble haunt them.
From the novel's opening lines, Jamie C. Richter builds a tense interest in these developments by employing succinct language and vivid descriptions. Jack and Hung, the main characters, are attractive suspects in the kidnapping. They actually don't have a clue about what's going on, but do hold a vested interest in proving their innocence and affecting the outcome of events.
These goals evolve within a compelling blend of Korean gangsters, detectives, hit men, and murder attempts which plague their efforts, thoroughly immersing them in a situation they are ill-equipped to tackle.
Between testosterone-fuelled antics, Magdalena's increasing immersion in the duo's dilemmas, and debts and enforcement methods that accompany murder threats, Unorganised Crime moves through the Australian landscape with deft twists of plot, memorable and realistic characters, and special interests whose methods and interests collide with bigger-picture crime-busting efforts.
Richter brings Australia's culture and backdrop to life with a blend of lingo and atmospheric description that will delight readers interested in mysteries that simmer with confrontations, a sense of place, and the unexpected.
Rich in a cultural setting that is built as deftly as the murder circumstances, Unorganised Crime will appeal to a wide audience of libraries, readers, and book clubs interested in vivid stories of murder, international clashes, and intrigue.
Before They're Gone
E A McCarthy
Independently Published
9798218930653, $16.99 Paperback/$9.99eBook
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Before-Theyre-Gone-McCarthy/dp/B0GKKHZ4JD
Before They're Gone is a novel centered on the children of Ukraine and their beleaguered lives under years of war. It's an important story that should prompt much discussion in historical and book club circles about human rights issues that impact the fate of children in general and, especially, in the Ukraine/Russia war.
The story opens with a stark reflection on the fates of children captured by Russia:
Children being brainwashed - told that Ukraine no longer exists and that their parents and everyone they love is dead. Children given Russian passports with new names and identities. Children forced to spend hours making supplies for the Russian military, working until their fingers were rubbed raw and bleeding. Children as young as ten being trained in artillery so they would be capable soldiers when they turned of age. That something this heinous could happen in 2022 seemed unthinkable, but as the weeks turned to months, the rumors became incontrovertible facts.
The viewpoint shifts between captured child Sasha, his mother, and others who navigate the broken, stark world of a country under siege. These changing perspectives allow for wide-ranging, contrasting experiences to build a hard-hitting novel that proves atmospheric, realistic, and nearly impossible to put down.
The brutal conditions these children face after they are captured by Russians comes to life in vivid passages of sorrow that captures these contrasts and confusion from a child's viewpoint:
"Not many children, especially children in your circumstances are given the opportunity to come to such a prestigious camp such as this!"
What circumstances is she talking about? I look around and no one looks like they're any more happy to be here than I am. I would much rather be with Mamma, Nastya and Aleksandar, even when we were getting bombed and had hardly any food.
As the story unfolds, readers gain a sense of the civil rights issues and children's struggles in a manner that few accounts of Ukraine struggles have presented in the past. The fact that these are couched in the overlay of fiction adds more drama and insight into the experiences, personalizing events that often don't make the daily news.
Before They're Gone is not light reading. It's a stark, realistic portrait of Russian atrocities, war, and children caught in the middle of adult concerns who serve as pawns in a deadly game of politics and social restructuring.
Ideally, Before They're Gone will not only be acquired by libraries, but highly recommended to a variety of book clubs and history discussion groups. These can range from groups concerned about children's rights and advocacy under war conditions to those specifically involved in Ukraine issues and experiences.
Packed with vivid, eye-opening detail, Before They're Gone reveals facets of children's experiences of war that few adults may have considered before, making the story a "must" for any who would better understand the underlying costs and struggles between Russia and Ukraine and war in general.
Spring Melt
Lori Duffy Foster
https://loriduffyfoster.com
Speaking Volumes LLC
https://speakingvolumes.us
9798890223654, $17.95 paperback; $7.99 ebook
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GGJ2W8PZ
Spring Melt is a historical suspense novel that brings the world of the 1920s Adirondacks to life. It opens with a conundrum: protagonist Ella Devine makes George Alberts nervous. She's a key witness that he needs for a murder trial, as apparently three men have killed for her, but she is reluctant to speak. He desperately needs her testimony. The emotion elicited by her story might be Alberts' only hoping for setting these men free.
For nineteen years, the death of Henry Roth was assumed to be an accident and Ella could bury the trauma he caused her as a child. But all that explodes to the surface when someone comes forward with information that leads to the arrest of three men, friends of Ella's father, on charges of murder. As the long-buried truths of Ella's past are revealed, so are the crimes and the lies of the rich and the greedy. We learn that the murder victim, the son of wealthy loggers, might not be a victim but a rapist of the worst kind.
As events move within and outside of the courtroom, Lori Duffy Foster weaves a delicate dance between truth, crime, and victims that keeps readers involved and guessing about motivations, outcomes, and long-kept secrets.
Does guilt make a man a killer? Can a jury be convinced about what really happened all those years ago, and who should be blamed for the outcomes that changed many lives?
Foster's courtroom drama does more than focus on perps and victims. It reveals moral and ethical conundrums that illustrate how many events aren't black and white, but teeter in gray areas that disguise motivations, emotions, and intentions alike.
Most of the action takes place in the courtroom, which will delight those who like justice system procedurals, but the culture and times of the Adirondacks region permeates the story with satisfying atmosphere to lend events historical and cultural insights which are equally revealing and absorbing.
As Jim Maddox and other characters swirl into events to add their own perspectives, which are presented in chapters clearly identified with changing points of view, readers will especially appreciate the full-bodied reflections of characters who find their belief systems and values challenged:
Jim was certain Hooper believed publicity was his motive for the murder indictment. He had to admit; this case made his blood boil. It had all the elements he had ever dreamed of in a case. It had a victim from a wealthy, respectable family. It had defendants that people cared about, defendants with children and grandchildren whose neighbors and friends were shocked to learn of the allegations. It had a few wrenches.
Librarians and readers will appreciate how the shocking series of revelations unfolds; the compelling nature of how all characters are fully developed with contrasting motivations and feelings about crime, justice, and survival; and how the mystery deepens and develops thanks to probes both within and outside the courtroom.
Book clubs dedicated to courtroom dramas that arrive with a sense of place, history, and purpose will especially appreciate how Spring Melt flavors its suspense with elements of psychological and social revelation in a manner that will encourage avid discussions on many levels.
Journal of the Plague Years V. 1: End Notes
John Rember
johnrember.com
Grand Mogul Books
9798999596826, $16.99 print/$9.99 ebook
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0FXNCM3GB
Journal of the Plague Years: End Notes takes place between March of 2020 and March of 2021, and is the first book in a three-volume series of John Rember's journal entries, written during and after the Covid-19 pandemic.
Many took pen in hand when shutdown left them isolated and looking for a project to undertake, so the proliferation of Covid journals and stories is widespread - and too often unremarkable.
Journal of the Plague Years: End Notes is notable not for its familiar notes about isolation and hunkering down in the face of death, but for the circumstances that surrounded Rember and his wife. They quarantined in Idaho's Sawtooth Valley, went hiking, and, in winter, backcountry skiing, cooked gourmet dinners for two, and occupied their time via the internet and reading.
As much as they had the necessities for survival, each other, and intellectual stimulation, it was also a time of fear, uncertainty about the future, and facing possible death from invisible sources beyond their refuge.
As millions died around the world, the Rembers observed from a safe distance that human life was being altered. They knew that once they left their refuge, the world would never be the same again.
Reflections are emotional, spiritual, and philosophical:
I had realized I could never live long enough to read all the books left in my library, even the ones I needed to read for self-improvement. I am aware of the implications of that statement. My capacity for self-improvement falls short of my need for self-improvement. I'll die a work in progress and be condemned to a few thousand less happy incarnations, a cautionary example to all good Buddhists.
The process by which Rember assesses this strange new world, considers his impact on it, and injects a literary, reflective voice into the self-assessment process creates an intellectual bastion of contemplation that stands out from many other Covid stories of those years:
Blind transformation is what phase changes do - they're a little like black holes, where if you get close to them time gets all wonky and the past doesn't make it intact to the future. It still doesn't feel warm in the darkest 26 days of the year. It still doesn't dispel the feeling that sometime in the next few years, you might look at the world we're in now as a fat Russian novel, full of nasty doomed people who had no idea what was about to hit them.
Politics and social examination enter into his thinking via internet and television, observed and analyzed in a thought-provoking manner that captures a feel of the times and their shifting sands of altercation and contemplation:
...even when Joe Biden called on Americans to live in a world ruled by Fate, one where our highest human defense against a brutal universe was to lend a hand to someone in need, I didn't cry. I just hoped that this time, our president wasn't a psychopath.
More so than most writings about the Covid years, Rember captures the hopes, dreams, fears, and possibilities that stem from prolonged isolation and self-examination.
These facets will attract libraries interested in memoirs, Covid experiences, and broader subjects such as the impact of isolation on the heart and soul and the possibilities of surviving an impossibly devastating pandemic, only to navigate a much-changed self as well as the outside world.
Filled with contemplative moments that will lend nicely to book club discussions, Journal of the Plague Years: End Notes is a powerful chronicle of the experience and effects of isolation and what happens to individuals who move away from social interaction to seek meaning and hope from their own solitary worlds.
Silent Oath
J.P. Brutus
Atmosphere Press
www.atmospherepress.com
9798891329263, $29.99 Hardcover/$17.99 Paperback/$8.99 eBook
Silent Oath is a medical thriller replete with notes of reality as an esteemed surgeon, Dr. Sarah Adams, is accused of negligence, facing the relentless investigative process of a medical machine that is poised to roll over all her past achievements.
The weight of her moral, ethical, and professional strengths is crushing as Sarah faces unprecedented processes determined to wreck havoc on her life:
In a matter of weeks, that oath - and the life she'd built around it - would come under fire in ways she could never have imagined.
As the story unfolds, Montreal's medical system flaws and the forces at work beneath its surface engulf everything that medical care should support. Medical and ethical conundrums come to light in realistic and engrossing ways that move beyond personal experience to tackle broader medical issues.
J.P. Brutus is a physician well familiar with the medical system, and this reflects in the authenticity and depth of his descriptions of hospital systems and politics.
As Sarah probes the underlying motivations and special interests influencing draconian measures against physicians, more questions arise about the propriety of pursuing what seems like a dubious justice against all odds:
"All these doctors... suspended for trying to help their families, their patients. Pierre-Emile, destroyed for falling behind on paperwork because he was too busy saving lives. And now me." She looked up at Lucas, her voice steady despite the fear in her eyes. "What happens to the patients when their doctors are gone? The College claims to protect the public, but how is taking good doctors away from their patients helping anyone?"
Because of these detailed and in-depth questions, Silent Oath is more than a medical thriller that excels in intrigue. It's a social and medical world examination that is thought-provoking, engaging, and dramatic all in one. As the expose unfolds, a host of characters wind up fighting for not just their careers and medical system revisions, but for their beliefs and lives.
The radical ambition that fuels system revisions and unexpected consequences proves every bit as engrossing as the intrigue that builds between characters, their options and decisions, and the forces that rule and overrule their medical judgment.
Librarians and readers seeking medical thrillers that sizzle with realistic inquiry, action, and unexpected twists will especially appreciate the engaging characters and situations that occupy Montreal's medical system in this story.
Filled with moments of discovery and hard truths, Silent Oath tests the boundaries of commitment, expectations, and ambition in ways thriller readers won't anticipate. These elements make for a powerful, highly recommended addition to literature on medical world processes, reviewing the quandaries physicians face in performing their jobs efficiently, easily, and without fear of retribution.
The Biscuit Tin
Loriana Paterson
Atmosphere Press
www.atmospherepress.com
9798891329669, $29.99 Hardcover/$17.99 Paperback/$8.99 eBook
The Biscuit Tin is about a woman facing domestic abuse, isolation, and motherhood. It paints a revealing portrait of Englishwoman Marie Delaney, who finds herself in Paris living not a dream, but a nightmare.
Life shifts again and her living nightmare turns into new possibilities when her husband dies and she moves away from the big city into French town in the Loire Valley. She takes refuge in a rundown house and finds solace in a man who harbors his own wounds from the past.
The biscuit tin holds all that is good in life, with many promises of change, but the challenge lies in setting aside past experience and trauma to embrace new patterns of possibility.
From its opening lines, The Biscuit Tin is rich with allegory as the biscuit tin is introduced:
Well, it was the same every Christmas at Nettlebed Farm. We'd sit in front of the fire after too much booze and food and talk about the biggest load of rubbish imaginable. This year it was the biscuit tin. Mum had given it to Francois and I as a wedding gift the previous June. It had photos of some of the royal palaces around it.
Biscuits become a recurring theme as Marie entertains a new beau and new possibilities. Loriana Paterson steeps her atmospheric novel in the cultural flavors of France and England, but adds universal themes of women's' experiences and choices to create bigger-picture thinking about Marie's journey:
Francois Deschamps was no lover. He was abusive, forceful and belittled me at every possible chance he had. Well, for all that he was, there were times when he did have a microdot of passion. With Laroche I might as well have held out my hand for payment. I felt degraded and used and, more than anything, ashamed. Who was this man? What made me do such a meaningless, passionless act with a man who I knew absolutely nothing about? Was he now going to go home to his wife and family and act as if nothing had happened? Of course, he was.
Marie's experiences and thoughts will resonate with any woman who has been abused, built a new life, but still confronts the impulse to treat new relationships much like the old ones that introduced trauma.
Poignant moments of realization and longing permeate the story, adding extra dimensions of contemplation and new choices into Marie's recovery and attempt to build a different life:
The scenario is this. Strip the bed, open the window and spray all over, preferably with a disinfectant-type liquid. Then shower. Get rid of the smell. I didn't do any of that. I closed the door behind me and proceeded to prepare my supper. It was as if these actions would somehow hide what had occurred. Was it wrong of me to try, for once in my life, to be part of the human race?
Libraries and reader will find The Biscuit Tin refreshingly reflective, ultimately uplifting, but perhaps challenging to sensitive readers newly emerging from their own repressive or abusive backgrounds. However, the process by which Marie embarks on new ventures and relationships will prove delightfully inspiring as she forges ahead against all odds - and in a country that challenges her with its unfamiliarity and, concurrently, poses new possibilities.
All these elements make The Biscuit Tin a top pick for those seeking literary fiction, women's novels, and stories that shine with new possibilities and growth. Book clubs, especially those interested in novels about new beginnings and relationship quandaries, will welcome The Biscuit Tin's ability to follow Marie, Suzanne Auroux, young child Caroline, and others through the patterns, influences upon, and choices of their lives.
Tommy Tofu's Christmas Wish
Joanne Rose
Independently Published
9798872646211, $12.95 Paperback/$4.99 eBook
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Tommy-Tofus-Christmas-Wish-Joanne/dp/B0CQTXNKV7
Tommy Tofu's Christmas Wish presents a holiday theme supported by a Meat Free Monday ideal. Readers interested in the intersection of food choices, ethics, and Christmas spirit will appreciate the picture book story's message and engaging, colorful holiday drawings by Tuly Akter.
A warm-hearted boy lives in the small village of Plantopia. His discovery that some people feel lonely and cold at Christmas prompts him to come up with the concept of 'Operation Vegan Christmas Feast!'
How can food choice mitigate isolation? The focus is not just on food decisions (which his positive parents support), but on "making this holiday extra special for everyone."
Descriptions of vegan foods, from mashed potatoes "as fluffy as clouds" to roasted garlic Brussels sprouts, kick off the season with mouth-watering descriptions. Adults who read the book to the very young will especially appreciate its appealing descriptions of healthy food:
Their kitchen turned into a colorful canvas, with rainbow salads bursting with crisp greens, juicy tomatoes, and creamy avocado slices. Steaming bowls of hearty soups filled with colorful vegetables and aromatic herbs simmered on the stove.
Combine the magical of holiday decorating and the giving spirit of Christmas with a young boy's determination to spread delightful vegan food joy, and it's evident that this very different holiday picture book will reach a wider audience than the usual Christmas story.
Elementary-level librarians and adults seeking holiday spirit picture books to read to kids will welcome the sentiments, happiness, and healthy food focus of Tommy Tofu's Christmas Wish, which can be enjoyed year-round as a fine example of the gift of kindness.
Until It's Over
Dorothy Van Soest
www.dorothyvansoest.com
Apprentice House Press
https://apprenticehouse.com
9781627206785, $30.75 HB/$20.49 PB
Bookshop.org
https://bookshop.org/p/books/until-it-s-over-dorothy-van-soest/25f924b9aba92fe0
Until It's Over adds to Dorothy Van Soest's Sylvia Jensen mysteries with an unexpected investigation into a decades-old political cold case involving a popular Senate candidate.
While mystery audiences will be attracted to Sylvia and her journalist friend, J.B. Harrell, for its intrigue, social dilemmas arise along with their probe to give the novel a full-bodied feel of complexity as Native American and historical issues clash.
Tackling injustice and righting wrongs, no matter how long ago they occurred, are propositions that have no deadline or expiration date. J.B.'s probe includes virtually everyone around him as he tackles questions and odd events, which translate to a weighty list of approaches to solving not one, but many puzzles:
J. B. sat back down at the table with his notepad and pen. What kind of relationship did Jordane and Sylvia have? Why won't anyone talk about Will? Is it about shame? Is it related to the guilt Sylvia carried all her life? Whew! This town was full of secrets and lies. And in order to get to the truth, he would have to untangle a hairball of human bias, fear, anger, and pain.
Sylvia, though she can be frail, is also a force to be reckoned with, especially since J.B. has decided to table his intended expose about Jordane. As events threaten to fracture J.B.'s relationship with Sylvia and their investigative partnership, further issues arise which prove not only that the past isn't far behind, but that cold cases can turn into frighteningly hot issues for modern times.
Van Soest creates a moving mystery that will reach a wide audience, from mystery enthusiasts and readers of Sylvia's past experiences to newcomers who will find the blend of personal interaction, political struggle, and investigative processes create the perfect storm of unexpected controversies with satisfying twists of plot.
Librarians seeking mysteries that can reach beyond genre readers will find that Until It's Over not only holds attraction to audiences of thriller, political intrigue, and social issues, but embeds events with questions about justice and choice that will make perfect fodder for book club discussions.
Replete with issues of aging and health, investments and special interests whose concerns could move beyond business and politics to embrace murder, and connections between sexual abuse, uranium mining, and indigenous people's rights, Until It's Over is a study in force and discovery that cultivates riveting moments.
A Proof of Love
Merida Johns
https://www.MeridaJohnsAuthor.com
Coffee Cup Press
9781733279086, $16.99
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Merida-L.-Johns/e/B001IU2KBS
A Proof of Love combines fiction with a memoir overlay as narrator Katie Blake reviews her life in a small American town and the principles and influences that came with personalities and people she wants to immortalize in writing:
Today I'm making this my one day to tell a story about grief and love and about the beloved people in my life so that they will never be forgotten.
Though her beloved Gram is "dead and gone forever" as Katie's story opens, the currents of her life and its effect on family and community open like a delicate flower of realization. These are based on the principles in her grandmother's sayings, which live on in Katie's heart.
The novel's foundations are The Principles List. This directs Katie's values and life in a discourse about all kinds of life approaches that will prove especially thought-provoking discussion material for book clubs and reading groups:
"Does THE Principles List state it's okay to hate people?" she repeated.
"It doesn't have a rule about that."
"Doesn't it say to be kind to animals, bugs, and people?"
"It says to be kind to them, not that you can't hate them."
"Can you hate someone and be kind to them?"
From characters like Rose, who transition from "old selves to new ones," to important connections between ideals and real-world experiences, A Proof of Love builds important connections between encounters and attitudes which are exceptional in their insights and impact:
Unfortunately, I had not connected the concept of adaptability with THE Principles List. If I had, life would have been easier. And if I had known the foundation of Mrs. Wagg's bias against hippies and a mysterious music festival was that these had brought her brother to no good, my empathy for her would have grown too.
The result is a novel which is compelling, thought-provoking, and filled with engaging questions about life principles and their enactment in all kinds of situations within and outside of family and community.
Katie's insights as she applies The Principles List to her own encounters and growth are particularly delightful and revealing:
I was too young to understand the full measure of grim crossroads where decisions are rarely either black or white. More often, they are a combination of grays.
Merida Johns's outstanding novel A Proof of Love should be on the radars of librarians and readers interested in especially evocative surveys of how small-town values and family experiences entwine for bigger-picture thinking about selfishness, generosity, and life crossroads.
Girls in a World at War
Peggy Munro Scholberg
Nancy Ewing Munro (in memoriam)
Kirk House Publishers
www.kirkhousepublishers.com
9781959681687, $31.86 Hardcover/$19.95 Paperback/$0.99 eBook
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Girls-World-Peggy-Munro-Scholberg/dp/1959681680
Girls in a World at War follows the experiences of ordinary American girl Kathy Collen, who in 1944 enlists in the army during World War II. The novel features the firsthand account of fictional Kathy and four other young women who served in the 223rd General Hospital, but is based on dietician Nancy Ewing Munro's writings about her experiences.
The five girls portrayed land in France, where they operate out of a converted horse barn situated near the 82nd Airborne quarters near the Battle of the Bulge. Their patients included survivors released from the Dachau concentration camp as well as soldiers and all manner of people drawn into the war in various ways.
Nancy's daughter Peggy Munro Scholberg took her mother's original 660-page manuscript and edited it for publication, making the story vividly accessible to a wider audience than its original, lengthier version would have attracted.
The story opens with the rumblings of future conflict as Hitler's inability to acknowledge a Black athlete at the Olympics fails to attract the attention of either sixteen-year-old Kathy or her uncle:
Neither Kathy nor Uncle Fred were able to notice that Adolf Hitler did not acknowledge the Black man's victory. They were also unaware that the Olympic salute was being transformed to instead become a Nazi salute... Kathy would forever remember that day. The time when the world was not at war - the time when the Olympic salute celebrated excellence.
It then continues with service experiences in the States after Kathy's enlistment, from basic training to social and military encounters. Readers learn about protocol, training, and a woman's place in the army through Kathy's eyes.
Girls in a World at War is heavy in dialogue and interpersonal interactions. This lends a particularly realistic, compelling flavor to the military and political encounters that emerge as Kathy moves through and past the war, absorbing its impact.
From drills and volleys of noise from guns to social mores, changing values, and Kathy's growth as she encounters romance and new possibilities for her future, Girls in a World at War is packed with insights about girls of the times and how they experienced and were changed by war:
"When in this society it was all right to take a truckload of furniture you wanted, you took it without a twinge from your conscience. If you'd been brought up in another society, with no restrictions on sex, you'd feel free to sleep with Charles. Sex drives are dominant. Don't reject them. Rejected, they cause neuroses. Fulfill yourself. Fulfill Charles. Live! Fear rigidity and sterility, not sex."
"I'll be fulfilled when I have six babies," Kathy said...
Librarians and readers seeking a vivid story of the World War II experience from the point of view of a young woman who faces changes because of her choices in the shifting world around her will find Girls in a World at War a powerful survey.
Book clubs and readers seeking wider-ranging debate and discussion material about young women facing new concepts and choices for their lives will find much to delight and consider in Girls in a World at War, whose realistic portraits of the times is more vivid than most World War II fiction.
Seven Graves to Marrakech
Michael Mandaville
Creative Explorer Publishing
9781963347180, $9.99 eBook
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Seven-Graves-Marrakech-Michael-Mandaville-ebook/dp/B0FXNLZJYL
Seven Graves to Marrakech is a thriller that embeds within its story a father/son dilemma which arises when former operative John Blaine brings his son Jeremy to Marrakech for a vacation, only to become embroiled in an assassination attempt and the subsequent political turmoil that rocks and threatens their lives.
Blaine is hiding many facts about his prior involvements and identity, and these emerge under the most dangerous of conditions to impact not only his decisions, but their lives. Underlying these revelations is a shaken relationship with his son, who receives an eye-opening education in intrigue, danger, and the true actions of his father.
Michael Mandaville creates encounters and dialogue between the two which cement the shifting nature of their relationship:
"Dad, what's our plan?" asked Jeremy.
"Don't worry. I got it figured out." He tucked off his helmet and set it on the bike.
"I want to know," stammered Jeremy.
"Don't--"
"Dammit... Talk to me..." yelled Jeremy.
Blaine took in his son, softened by his distress and anxiety.
"You're right," said Blaine. "I'm sorry." He put his hand on his son's neck and touched foreheads with him, consoling him.
Jeremy's demand for answers only places him deeper in danger as Blaine navigates uncertainty and new revelations that buffet them both, trying to enlighten and protect his son at the same time. Blaine's old spying skills and tricks of the trade must be tapped and updated in order for them both to survive, but his confrontations with betrayal, hidden codes, conspiracies, and high-stakes operations thwarts even his seasoned abilities as the story moves deeper into the growing, thriving city of Marrakech and the cultural and political forces which operate under the veneer of its modernity.
Mandaville injects historical references into his story that further expand its appeal to more than thriller readers alone, providing rationales and insights that will attract those interested in Middle Eastern backdrops and communities.
The result blends the nonstop action and twists of a thriller novel with the intriguing cultural insights of a historical fiction piece, the psychology of family relationships as Jeremy and his father dance around hidden truths and new possibilities, and the growth of a son who discovers not just his father's real skills, but his own ability to survive and navigate unfamiliar territory.
Librarians interested in thrillers that hold the ability to reach beyond genre readers into expanded circles will appreciate how Seven Graves to Marrakech builds its exquisite tension, interpersonal relationships, twists and turns of intention and possibility, and its ultimate surprises.
Replete with satisfyingly thought-provoking international intrigue and father/son confrontations, Seven Graves to Marrakech is a tale that proves thoroughly compelling.
And Your Byrd Can Sing
Jim Roberts
Silent Clamor Press
9798993393506, $19.99 Paperback, $9.99 eBook
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FVTSBV7G
I've killed three men, but I'm not a murderer. Really, I'm not.
So opens a story with lines so compellingly confessional that it's nearly impossible not to continue, joining other outstanding literary opening lines that hold invitations which can't be turned down.
And Your Byrd Can Sing explores and expands its introduction as the first-person narrator muses on God's judgment, law, and whether or not he's truly a killer.
Jim Roberts evolves Texan Billy Wayne Bastrop's saga with a close eye to inspecting a young man's Southern roots, cultural influences, and the choices and consequences of his behaviors. These lead him to grapple with matters of life, death, and moral behavior as he confronts loss and strives to overcome poor decisions.
The steady infusion of Southern atmosphere throughout Billy's experiences creates delightfully unexpected insights into his life's influences:
It was a Hindu, not a Christian, who gave me a new arm. This happened despite the best efforts of my aunt, Sunshine Bastrop. I called her Sunny. She fought hard for my new arm to be a miracle from Jesus.
Billy has one arm, but needs two for the things he wishes to accomplish in life. Soon the cost of his desire comes to light as his struggles move from girls and adjusting to a prosthetic arm to walking a fine line between paranoia and logic as he faces the aftermath of Wonderful's death, certain that his implication in Wonderful's demise is inevitable.
Roberts injects metaphor and description into his story to embed it with powerful imagery. This adds to Billy's compelling experiences:
Soon we were both on my bed. Across the river in Kentucky, bright snaky tongues of lightning licked out from a black-plum sky, distant but moving toward the river. The storm bathed us in staccato bursts of light...
This marriage of place, Southern culture, and brutal truths about faith, circumstance, and character flaws creates a literary and social examination that will prove impossible for readers to predict or put down.
Librarians seeking exceptionally literary discourses about small town Southern experience, coming of age, and entering into adult conundrums and issues of choice and responsibility will find And Your Byrd Can Sing worthy of top recommendation.
It should not only be placed at the top of reading lists, but highly recommended to book clubs seeking vivid discussion material about the southern experience and growing into one's choices and limitations.
The Rubicon Leader
Vahab Hasiri
Consilium Dynamics Advisors Ltd.
www.consiliumdynamics.com
9781069733603, $24.99 Hardcover / $16.99 Paperback / $7.99 Kindle eBook
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1069733601
Why don't we have better leaders around us in our communities, societies, organizations, sports, and politics? Are these really the best we have? Why doesn't anyone want to take responsibility to lead? And why does nobody teach us how to be leaders?
The Rubicon Leader: Master Your Inner Revolution and Create a Legacy That Multiplies is a top recommendation for self-help business and leadership students seeking insights on what it means to create not just an effective impact, but a lasting one. It tackles the process of deconstruction and reconstruction that purportedly makes for good leaders, but in reality can result in wasted time, energy, and frustration if not properly understood and applied.
Unlike most self-help guides about being more effective, the focus here is on identifying potentially destructive patterns of self-criticism and change that do little in the long run. And the long run is what The Rubicon Leader is all about.
Vahab Hasiri blends a memoir of experience into this inviting journey, reviewing the lessons that ultimately led to new beginnings:
...the essential skills of transformation, influence, and human connection that underpin true leadership.
Hasiri's approach is deeper in psychological self-inspection than most, demanding of its readers their own attention to deconstruction and identification as they navigate past efforts and new possibilities.
Examples and reflections invite not only discourses about change, impact, responsibility, and transformation, but applied results that can be spread into business, leadership, and personal life pursuits with new clarity:
How can that kind of influence be measured, the kind that composes trust rather than commanding obedience? Look for the quiet indicators. You'll hear your words repeated in rooms you've never entered, and find people defending your position before you've spoken. See resistance dissolve, not because you argued harder, but because you aligned deeper.
From the elements involved in becoming a "master communicator" to the step-by-step work of reframing concepts, perceptions, and applications, Hasiri cultivates a special blend of personal experience and insight with bigger-picture questions about applied transformation.
All these features set The Rubicon Leader apart from those self-help guides that would lecture, devolve into personal memoir alone, or keep emotional content (and thus, connections) at arm's length.
One of the very best features in this approach lies not just in musings and applications, but in the call to make visionary leadership choices that demand from potential leaders participation, vulnerability, and strength.
The admonitions that stem from this process are reinforced by historical precedent, personal experience, and examples of leadership objectives:
Competence must be the baseline; influence evaporates the moment execution fails. Small commitments matter more than grand promises - every missed follow-up or vague response erodes credibility. Transparency is non-negotiable; when people understand your incentives and see they align with theirs, suspicion dissolves into confidence. Serve without keeping score. Own mistakes quickly and completely.
Librarians overseeing business and leadership collections will want to consider The Rubicon Leader a 'must have' acquisition, and will also want to highly recommend it to business and leadership book clubs seeking actionable, specific routes to making better decisions and leading not just by example, but by inspirational outlook.
Diane C. Donovan, Senior Reviewer
Donovan's Literary Services
www.donovansliteraryservices.com
Gary Roen's Bookshelf
I Did Not Kill My Husband
Linda Keir
Blackstone Publishing
www.Blackstonepublishing.com
9798228310063 $29.99 HC / $6.88 Kindle
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Did-Not-Kill-My-Husband/dp/B0FHQFHHPK
Linda Keir is two authors who mesh their talents together to write "I Did Not Kill My Husband" A remarkable page turner thriller. Cara Campell is convicted for the murder of her husband Karl. Through a fluke of circumstances, she is able to escape, now, on the run. Her goal to prove her inn nonce. Law enforcement does not think so, as there is a massive dragnet to recapture her including, small town sheriff, Jordan Burke in hot pursuit determined to bring her in because her getaway occurred in his jurisdiction. Yes it sounds like the plot of the TV show and movie The Fugitive. There is nothing wrong with that because most fiction is the same basic premise. "I Did Not Kill My Husband" is so well written holding interest to the very end, with surprise after surprise as she evades jail. Deeply rooted characters and suspense where pages rapidly are turned captivating readers throughout. "I Did Not Kill My Husband" does everything, it is supposed to, that is sure to be recommended by readers for a long time.
Photograph
Brian Freeman
Blackstone Publishing
www.Blackstonepublishing.com
9781665109765 $29.99 HC / $9.99 Kindle
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Photograph-Brian-Freeman/dp/1665109769
"Photograph" entices readers to open its pages, to begin the constantly unfolding mystery. Private eye Shannon Wells, meets the daughter of a woman, who hired Shannon a while back. The female requests, information why Shannon was recruited. The mom came, with a proposal to have Shannon tell her who she is. For whatever reason Shannon, was intrigued and took her case, to find very little information, that was met with a satisfied person. The younger woman reveals her mom is now dead she suspects murdered by someone, that she believes, also had something to do with the contact with Shannon. As Shannon is hired by the lady she pieces together fragments that all lead to a photograph taken in a Michigan town, many years ago. She also learns more, about her own family, of deeply buried secrets that are uncovered. "Photograph" is a gripping tale of suspense with many twists and turns to the last page to satisfy any mystery enthusiast.
Robert B. Parker's Big Shot: A Jesse Stone Novel
Christopher Farnsworth
Putnam
c/o Penguin Random House
www.penguinrandomhouse.com
9780593854372 $30.00 HC / $14.99 Kindle
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Robert-Parkers-Jesse-Stone-Novel/dp/0593854373
A Jessie Stone story is always fun reading, by whoever the author is dating back to Robert B. Parker who began the series. "Robert B. Parker's Big Shot" begins with a traffic stop, conducted by Jessie himself, of Paradise's newest resident where the driver goes to jail, for the way he handles the violation. It is this event that sets up the rest of the action-packed tale, that includes antisemitism, crooked dealings, and a plot, to have Jesse removed as sheriff. The conflicts propel along, to the outcome, as life goes on in Paradise. Farnsworth keeps the trademark snappy dialogue, as well as solid writing, to drive the events along. "Robert B. Parker's Big Shot" is another well done addition to the long running Jesse Stone legacy sure to please fans.
A Life For A Life
Ren DeStefano
Berkley
c/o Penguin Random House
www.penguinrandomhouse.com
978059343834, $19.00 pbk / $12.99 Kindle
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Lie-Ren-DeStefano/dp/0593438345
I am often asked, what do I look for in a review title? Several things qualify, but the top of the not list, is a popular style that "A Life For A Life" fits into so well. The form entails each character narrating separate chapters in the first person. Honestly, I do not have the concentration to do so because often I am backtracking, to remember who is speaking. It is annoying to say the least, as well as time consuming, from other titles, that deserve attention, rather than devotion to this new fashionable luxury, that I hope ends one day the same as New Journalism came to its well justified demise.
Tom Clancy: Executive Power (A Jack Ryan Novel)
Brian Andrews and Jeffrey Wilson, authors
Putnam
c/o Penguin Random House
www.penguinrandomhouse.com
9780593718063 $30.00 HC / $14.99 Kindle
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Clancy-Executive-Power-Jack-Novel/dp/0593718062
The newest Tom Clancy novel, "Executive Power" is a rip-roaring roller coaster ride all the way. Kyle Ryan is the sole survivor of an intelligence team on a mission in Angola. He is able to get to the American embassy. Later it is attacked by a force that takes personnel, the ambassador and Kyle hostage. The United States government races against time as President Jack Ryan senior monitors the situation before he acts. It is revealed through the many agencies under him there is a coup in progress,. His daughter Lieutenant Katie Ryan is also in Angola as part of a military team locate and take out whoever is responsible, get back the hostages, restore the embassy, and government of Angola. "Executive Power" is nail biting suspense that is for anyone looking for a great thrill packed journey
Tom Clancy: Terminal Velocity (A Jack Ryan Jr. Novel)
M. P . Woodward
Putnam
c/o Penguin Random House
www.penguinrandomhouse.com
9780593718032 $32.00 HC / $14.99 Kindle
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Clancy-Terminal-Velocity-Jack-Novel/dp/0593718038
"Terminal Velocity" is another great addition to the Clancy cycle of different series. It begins with a revenge terrorist attack, on everyone of an American team that took down, in a covert operation his father. His is a step-by-step campaign, to eliminate families and the team members. Different factions of American agencies pull together their information, to organize a response to take place somewhere in India or Pakistan, where the data determined their target hides out. It just happens Jack Ryan and his fiancee are in India for the wedding of a friend. Jack realized they were being followed by an unknown individual. When they confront him he detonates a bomb that takes out a portion of the building they are in. Both survive to continue to the wedding festivities. Later Jack is again a scapegoat for another surveillance by an unknown party while he learns of the planned strike he is ordered to lead. Kept in the know is President of the United States Jack Ryan senior as everything unfolds. "Terminal Velocity" an exciting, suspenseful, novel, that races along, with rapid pacing, believable characters set against a twisty set of conflicts that are tied up by the end. There is also a surprise ending.
Secrets of 24
Edited by Dan Burstestein & Arne J. De Keijzer
Union Square & Co.
9781402753961 $19.99 HC / No Kindle
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Secrets-24-Unauthorized-Political-Riveting/dp/1402753969
"Secrets of 24" is the most definitive collection of writings, to ever be done about the hit Fox tv series. The compilation includes the creators, actors, writers, producers, directors, and techno people connected with the production but the assemblage includes so much more analyzing the nine seasons, a movie and lots of tidbits never deal with before. Tom Clancy leads the commentators that includes computer strategy experts, protection professionals like a former director of Homeland security, Intelligence authorities, in the know high ranking military people to name a few of the essayists, and critics of the characters and storylines. "Secrets of 24" is for anyone who has ever enjoyed the show to also be thrilled with all kind of new details from whizzes in their fields.
The Now Era: Improvisations on presence, rhythm, and the art of being human
Sarah Jane Cion
https://www.sarahjanecion.com
Independently published
9798270011659, $14.99 pbk / $4.99 Kindle
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Now-Era-Improvisations-presence-rhythm/dp/B0G4R6SL7N
Sarah Jane Cion has always produced different interesting nonfiction titles and poetic collections, but "The Now Era" is very different in form and subject. This time it appears in a poetic appearance instead it reads like prose. "The Now Era" is her life story told from an early age, where she learned even then where her future would lead in the field of music. Realizing she was gifted in piano she tells a beautiful story, of when her family was enjoying, Disney World in Orlando, where she asked a piano play on Main street if she could play it. His attitude was ho hum another kid wanting to play chop sticks. During his break this seven-year-old sat and played incredible selections that drew him back to realize his error about her. Cion enlightens with many more selections, including entertainers she has shared the spotlight with along the way, friends of hers over the years in many different realms, her beliefs on many aspects of life, and a lot more by a woman who is a talented jazz pianist, author mom, and just an incredible example of what you can do when you realize the gifts you were given and utilizing so many things you learn throughout the time here. "The Now Era" is filled with positive messages implications to follow and reinforcement that when you believe in yourself good things will come.
The Spider Strikes: The Web of the Spider Series
Michael P. Spradlin
Margaret K. McElderry Books
c/o Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
https://www.simonandschuster.com/kids
9781665947268, $17.99 HC / $7.99 Kindle
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Spider-Strikes-Web/dp/1665947268
"The Spider Strikes: The Web of the Spider Series" is the third of the ongoing chronicles of life in Germany during the rise of the Nazi takeover that ended in its defeat. Joshua has invited his closest friends Rolf and Ansel to go with him, for a vacation in Austria, away from the black cloud of Nazi infiltrators, into their region. Once at their retreat they are horrified, to find Austrians feel much the same as Nazis, and that the Hitler youth members they already know, are there too. The buddies try to stay hidden but the bullies mess with them for a bit more, then retreat. The third installment continues to show the dark plague that has extended itself to other portions of Europe even in the year of 1931 and how it is being accepted by others who are under its spell. The novel details the dark and sinister world, that is growing, while there are those who are resisting as best as they can, "The Spider Strikes" continues to show the parallels, to what is happening in the world today that should be a wakeup call to people all over the universe,
Glory Be
Jamie Sumner, author
Alisha Monnin, illustrator
Atheneum Books For Young Readers
c/o Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
https://www.simonandschuster.com/kids
9781668153581, $17.99 HC / $10.99 Kindle
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Glory-Be-Jamie-Sumner/dp/1668153580
"Glory Be" is a charming story of a girl and the special relationship she has with her dog. Glory, a young female in New Orleans, is worried after her canine Rous turns up missing. For several days she searches for him the love of her life. She prepares flyers and talks to every person she can to see if there is anyone who knows anything. She also deals with her drunkard father who is not there for her as well as her mother is there in listening but can not do much else. "Glory Be" utilizes a different form as well as a nice flow with deeply detailed characters who fill this wonderful kids title appropriate for all ages.
Gary Roen
Senior Reviewer
Helen Dumont's Bookshelf
Find the Answers Within You: Ten Pathways Toward Self-Discovery
Shannan Kym
https://www.shannankym.com
Balboa Press
c/o Hay House, Inc.
www.balboapress.com
9798765262719, $29.99, HC, 172pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Find-Answers-Within-You-Self-Discovery/dp/B0FRNHCQFY
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/find-the-answers-within-you-shannan-kym/1148315697
Synopsis: In "Find the Answers Within You: Ten Pathways Toward Self-Discovery", Shannan Kym shares her personal story to inspire and empower anyone struggling with addiction, or other self-destructive patterns, to break free and find their own path to greatness.
With remarkable honesty and courage, Shannan opens up about the abuse she endured as a child, which made her vulnerable to feelings of self-doubt and low self-esteem, depression, a troubled marriage, and alcoholism.
She also revisits the day (August 17, 2019) that she resolved to change her life. Drawing practical lessons and spiritual insights from her profound transformation, Shannan guides her readers on a journey to discover how the hell they got to the place they are at-and then get out.
In the final section, "Find the Answers Within You" presents 10 pathways for readers to follow to rise above the past and live a rewarding, harmonious life.
Critique: Informative, candid, 'real world practical', and an inspiring, fascinating read from start to finish, "Find the Answers Within You: Ten Pathways Toward Self-Discovery" by Shannon Kym will hold immense appeal and value for readers having to deal with self-destructive behaviors and attitudes. Exceptionally 'reader friendly' in organization and presentation, "Find the Answers Within You" is especially and unreservedly recommended for personal, professional, community, and college/university library Self-Help/Self-Improvement collections. It should be noted that this hardcover edition of "Find the Answers Within You" from Balboa Press is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $3.99).
Editorial Note: Shannon Kym (https://www.shannankym.com) is an internationally award-winning author, podcast host, TEDx public speaker, and transformational mentor. Shannan Kym's life purpose is to inspire others by her life story, her spiritual journey, and her mission to help others unravel their past, overcome the genetic blueprint of addiction and abuse, and find their own greatness.
UNSTOPPABLE: Straight Women on the AIDS Frontlines
Victoria Noe
www.victorianoe.com
King Company Publishing
9798988240549, $16.99, PB, 216pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/UNSTOPPABLE-Straight-Women-AIDS-Frontlines/dp/B0FMVV3K51
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/unstoppable-victoria-noe/1148039126
Synopsis: With the publication of "Unstoppable: Straight Women on the AIDS Frontlines", author Victoria Noe returns to the subject of her award-winning 2019 book "F*g Hags, Divas and Moms: The Legacy of Straight Women in the AIDS Community". But this time, the author focuses on the shifting public health environment of today.
Showcasing candid personal interviews that are complemented by extensive research, "Unstoppable" highlights the critical work of straight women to end the epidemic.
Also explored are their responses to new challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the second Trump administration's dismantling of HIV services, research, and treatment. How do they respond to the erasure of their accomplishments? Is the goal of ending the epidemic by 2030 no longer possible?
They are frustrated, exhausted, angry but determined. And they're not giving up. -- Because they're unstoppable!
Critique: An invaluable and timely study, "UNSTOPPABLE: Straight Women on the AIDS Frontlines" will prove to be of special value to readers with an interest in the history of the AIDS epidemic, the damage being done by the Trump administration to America's health services structure. It showcases the involvement of straight women in assisting the LGBTQ community. An articulate, authentic, informative account, "UNSTOPPABLE: Straight Women on the AIDS Frontlines" is an especially appropriate and unreservedly recommended addition to personal, professional, community, and college/university library AIDS and Women's Studies collections and supplemental curriculum studies lists. It should be noted for students, academia, and the non-specialist general reader with an interest in the subject that this paperback edition of "UNSTOPPABLE: Straight Women on the AIDS Frontlines" from King Company Publishing is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $4.99).
Helen Dumont
Reviewer
John Taylor's Bookshelf
The Rigging Handbook: A Comprehensive Guide to Sailboat Rigging
Herb Benavent, author
Lin Pardey, foreword
The Lyons Press
c/o The Globe Pequot Press
www.globepequot.com
9781493086009, $39.95, PB, 324pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Rigging-Handbook-Comprehensive-Sailboat-Maintenance/dp/1493086006
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/rigging-handbook-herb-benavent/1144110367
Synopsis: "The Rigging Handbook: A Comprehensive Guide to Sailboat Rigging" by Herb Benavent is an introductory to mid-level guide for boat owners, sailors, and cruisers who want to better understand how their masts and sails work.
Part I covers the function of rigging on a sailboat and a general overview of common rig designs - with a focus on single-masted sloops and cutters and two-masted ketches, yawls, and schooners - as well as the slight nuances between them. Chapters then progress to introducing the parts of standing rigging (the parts that hold the mast up) and running rigging (the parts that hold the sails), the function of each piece, and a discussion of the strengths and weaknesses of all rigging materials, including hemp, galvanized steel, stainless steel, titanium and aluminum, and Dyneema (synthetic).
Part II discusses how to evaluate, tune, repair, and replace rigging. Chapters cover in detail what happens when rigging parts fail or reach the end of their serviceable life, including from corrosion, cracks, and UV damage. Learn how to perform a rig survey and what to consider when it comes to the wear and tear that happens with time, distance, and use and abuse. The final chapters discuss the basics of replacing standing and running rigging (including set-up and tuning) and the advantages of steel versus synthetic and polyester versus more modern fibers, enabling readers to make an informed decision about what grade of equipment to use to outfit their boats.
Critique: This trade paperback (7 x 0.85 x 10 inches, 1.35 pounds) edition of "The Rigging Handbook: A Comprehensive Guide to Sailboat Rigging" features an informative Foreword by Lin Pardey and is part of the seven volume 'Sheridan House Guides' series. Offering a solid introduction to the rigging of sails in all types of sailing crafts, "The Rigging Handbook" is exceptionally 'reader/user' friendly in organization and presentation. An ideal instructional resource for novice and even the more experienced sailors, "The Rigging Handbook" is an essential and invaluable addition to personal, professional, community, and college/university library Sailing Ship Repair, Maintenance and Operations collections and supplemental curriculum studies lists. It should be noted that "The Rigging Handbook" from Lyons Press is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $28.99).
Editorial Note: Herb Benavent (https://www.riggingdoctor.com/meet-the-crew), has been living the cruising life since 2017, when he and his wife, Maddie, left Baltimore, Maryland, and set off to do the impossible: cruise full-time in a 1968 Morgan 45 with an electric motor and synthetic rigging, showing how you can sail sustainably as far as your heart desires! Some 18,000 nautical miles later, they have sailed to the Bahamas, Bermuda, the Azores, Portugal, Spain, Gibraltar, Morocco, Madeira, Cape Verde, Suriname, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. Currently, Herb and Maddie are back living in Baltimore as they refit a 1966 Alberg 30 into a proper cruising yacht.
John Taylor
Reviewer
Mary Cowper's Bookshelf
This I Know: Principles for a Life of Faith and Optimism
Anthony P. Carter, author
Denzel Washington, foreword
Loyola Press
www.loyolapress.com
9780829460117, $15.99, PB, 128pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/This-Know-Principles-Faith-Optimism-ebook/dp/B0FW26M353
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/this-i-know-anthony-p-carter/1148020961
Synopsis: From the streets of the South Bronx to the boardrooms of Fortune 100 companies, Anthony P. Carter's extraordinary life is a testament to the power of faith, friendship, and purpose. As a Black Catholic leader shaped by a Jesuit education, Carter has faced the hard truths about race and identity in America, all while staying rooted in an unshakable devotion to God.
In his memoir, "This I Know: Principles for a Life of Faith and Optimism", Carter deftly blends moving personal stories with spiritual insights and corporate wisdom, offering readers a rare perspective on what it means to lead with dignity and compassion.
With a powerful foreword by the author's lifelong friend Denzel Washington, "This I Know" is a bold and unflinching guide to living with meaning, resilience, and joy.
Whether you are a person of faith seeking affirmation, a student searching for your place in the world, or an ally determined to understand and uplift others, Carter's personal story meets you with honesty, inspiration, and the courage to believe in what is possible.
Critique: Exceptionally well written, inherently fascinating, reader engaging, and ultimately inspiring, "This I Know: Principles for a Life of Faith and Optimism" by Anthony P. Carter will be of special appeal to readers with an interest in contemporary social issues from a Catholic perspective. Highly recommended, "This I Know" will be of particular interest to clergy, seminary students, and non-specialist general readers with an interest in a Christian approach to, and perspective on, the social/cultural issues of our day. It should be noted that this paperback edition of "This I Know" from Loyola Press is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $13.99).
Editorial Note: Anthony P. Carter (www.loyolapress.com/authors/anthony-p-carter) is a retired corporate executive, award-winning diversity strategist, and lifelong Catholic. A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, he continues to mentor, volunteer, and share stories that uplift and unite.
Then Comes Baby
Jessica Vernon
Rowman & Littlefield
c/o Bloomsbury
https://www.bloomsbury.com
Blackstone Publishing
https://www.blackstonelibrary.com
9781538195925, $19.95, PB, 224pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Then-Comes-Baby-Conversation-Postpartum/dp/1538195925
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/then-comes-baby-jessica-vernon/1146060888
Synopsis: The transformation to parenthood is arguably the most pivotal and vulnerable journey of a person's entire life. Despite this, pregnant and new parents are often only provided resources regarding how to care for their baby -- not for themselves. Parents need to see an authentic representation of what the transformation to parenthood is really like so that they can come out on the other side resilient, whole, and thriving.
With the publication of "Then Comes Baby: An Honest Conversation about Birth, Postpartum, and the Complex Transition to Parenthood", Board-Certified OB/GYN Jessica Vernon draws from her own experience as an OB/GYN and mom to delve into the physical and mental parts of birth and the postpartum journey that new and expecting parents aren't prepared for because they just aren't talked about.
"Then Comes Baby" walks readers through birthing plans, what to expect during labor, the emotional and physical reality once the baby is born, postpartum recovery, hormones, sleep, the myths of motherhood, and more. With an open and empathetic voice, Dr. Vernon shares personal stories and common issues that come up in her own practice to provide guidance, actionable advice, and support without judgment.
The disconnect between the expectations and reality of becoming a parent has left many feeling blindsided, anxious, guilty, and alone. "Then Comes Baby" looks to change that, preparing and empowering birthing people through the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of becoming a parent.
Critique: Comprehensively informative and thoroughly 'reader friendly' in organization and presentation, "Then Comes Baby: An Honest Conversation about Birth, Postpartum, and the Complex Transition to Parenthood" by Dr. Jessica Vernon is essential reading for all prospective mothers. While especially and unreservedly recommended for personal, professional, community, and college/university library Pregnancy & Childbirth collections, and supplemental 'Postpartum Depression curriculum studies lists, it should be noted that this paperback edition of "Then Comes Baby" from Rowman & Littlefield is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $17.95) and as a complete and unabridged audio book (Blackstone Publishing, 9798228491052, $39.99, CD).
Editorial Note: Dr. Jessica Vernon (https://www.drjessicavernon.com) is an MD, a PMH-C, and a Board-Certified OB/GYN who has cared for and supported thousands of people throughout their reproductive journeys over the past 15 years. She is the Clinical Director of Product as well as an Associate Medical Director at Oula, a midwifery based women's health startup in New York City. As a mom of two she brings her lived experience with the transition to parenthood to her work. She has a deep passion for providing holistic, people centered, culturally humble care and has developed programs to increase access to perinatal mental health care and improve health equity. She has received professional recognition and has been quoted in the media for both her work and expertise in the field as well as her openness in sharing her own story.
Mary Cowper
Reviewer
Micah Andrew's Bookshelf
A Simple Schedule C Expense Tracker for Sole Proprietors, Single-Member LLCs, Freelancers, and Independent Contractors
Amy Rose Herrick
https://www.amyroseherrick.com
Privately Published
9781960427564, $14.99, PB, 120pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Proprietors-Single-Member-Freelancers-Independent-Contractors/dp/1960427563
Synopsis: A practical recordkeeping tool for the self-employed and freelance entrepreneur,
"A Simple Schedule C Expense Tracker for Sole Proprietors, Single-Member LLCs, Freelancers, and Independent Contractors", created by business tax specialist Amy Rose Herrick is a straightforward, no-nonsense resource designed to help self-employed individuals keep clean, organized business expense records throughout the year.
Created for sole proprietors, single-member LLCs, freelancers, and independent contractors who file Schedule C, this workbook provides a structured way to document expenses consistently, clearly, and in one central place -- so your records are ready when it's time to prepare your tax return.
Instead of relying on memory or last-minute reconstructions, this large format (8.5 x 0.28 x 11 inches, 13.1 ounces) paperback record book helps you to maintain an ongoing paper trail that supports accurate reporting and smoother collaboration -- whether you prepare your own return or work with a CPA or EA.
"A Simple Schedule C Expense Tracker for Sole Proprietors, Single-Member LLCs, Freelancers, and Independent Contractors" will enable anyone to:
Organize business expenses in one location
Quickly and easily record expenses daily or weekly - you choose
Track deductible expenses consistently throughout the year
Support accurate year-end reporting
Reduce stress, omissions, and rework at tax time
Maintain clear records for compliance and audit support
Specifically designed and intended with a specific purpose, this specialized record and workbook is intentionally focused on expense record keeping only. Mileage and vehicle expenses should be tracked using a separate mileage log that meets IRS recordkeeping requirements. Payroll and W-2 wages are not tracked in this book and should be handled through appropriate payroll services or payroll software.
The Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) section is intentionally brief. Inventory valuation and COGS calculations can be complex and vary by business; professional guidance is strongly recommended.
This record book is a documentation and organization tool. It does not provide tax, legal, or accounting advice. Tax laws vary by situation, and working with a qualified professional is recommended to ensure proper compliance. Good records don't replace professional advice -- they make it possible.
Critique: Thoroughly 'user friendly' in organization and presentation, "A Simple Schedule C Expense Tracker for Sole Proprietors, Single-Member LLCs, Freelancers, and Independent Contractors" by Amy Rose Herrick is an ideal record keeping resource that is especially and unreservedly recommended for personal and professional expense accounting documentation that fully meets IRS taxable deduction requirements.
Editorial Note: Amy Rose Herrick, ChFC(R), is a tax professional, financial educator, and author known for turning complex financial and tax topics into plain-English, real-life guidance. For more than three decades, she has helped individuals and business owners build wealth with intention, reduce unnecessary tax drag, and make financial decisions that hold up in the real world -- not just on paper. Amy is based in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, and serves both local and stateside clients. (https://www.amyroseherrick.com)
Micah Andrew
Reviewer
Michael Dunford's Bookshelf
Mileage Log Book
Amy Rose Herrick
https://www.amyroseherrick.com
Privately Published
9781960427465, $9.99, PB, 168pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Mileage-Log-Book-IRS-Compliant-Tax-Deductible/dp/1960427466
Synopsis: If you drive for business travel, medical appointments, hospice care, charitable work, church activities, or client visits, the IRS requires accurate, timely mileage records before you can claim a single deduction.
With the publication of "Mileage Log Book: IRS-Compliant Tracker for Business, Medical, Charitable and Church Mileage Tracker | Vehicle Expense, Trip & Odometer Log | IRS-Ready Tax Deduction Record", Amy Rose Herrick has created an ideal mileage log book for recording/documenting appointments and business travel functions as a practical vehicle travel journal for expenses, helping you track driving mileage logs and travel miles clearly, consistently, and audit-ready -- and all without apps, subscriptions, or lost data.
Specifically designed for small business owners, freelancers, contractors, caregivers tracking hospice mileage, ministry volunteers, real estate professionals, and anyone who drives for deductible purposes, this logbook keeps all mileage categories organized in one simple system.
The "Milage Log Book" is comprised of:
An IRS-aligned layout - Supports required documentation, odometer tracking, trip purpose, and tax-season preparation
Clear guidance throughout - Explains standard mileage vs. actual expense methods, common mistakes, and record-keeping best practices
Complete 5-in-1 system - Business travel, medical mileage, hospice and caregiver driving, charitable and church mileage, plus appointment tracking
An audit-ready structure - Daily logs with destinations, notes, expenses, and monthly and annual summaries
Appointment-tracking integration - Capture mileage and appointments together for better accuracy and easier tax filing
And is Small-business friendly - Built for self-employed professionals, contractors, and multi-purpose drivers
The Mileage Log Book features
Business Daily Mileage Log
Medical & Hospice Mileage Logs
Volunteer & Church Mileage Logs
Appointment Tracking Pages
Vehicle Expense Log (fuel, repairs, tolls, parking)
Monthly Summary Sheets
Annual Mileage Summaries
Year-End Tax Preparation Checklist
Audit-Ready Documentation Checklist
Why Paper Beats Mileage Apps? Because mileage apps can fail when phones lose battery, GPS misreads trips, software updates, or subscriptions lapse. This paper logbook never crashes, never deletes entries, and never mislabels a trip. Plus the IRS has always preferred clear, written documentation. This logbook provides dependable, year-long proof to support every deduction you claim.
Critique: Exceptionally well organized and thoroughly 'user friendly', business tax expert and consultant Amy Rose Herrick's "Mileage Log Book" is an essential and unreservedly recommended acquisition for:
Small business owners & entrepreneurs
Business travel and appointment-based driving
Hospice caregivers & medical mileage tracking
Contractors & real estate professionals
Church volunteers & charitable drivers
Any entrepreneur serious about maximizing legal deductions
Editorial Note: Amy Rose Herrick, ChFC(R), is a tax professional, financial educator, and author known for turning complex financial and tax topics into plain-English, real-life guidance. For more than three decades, she has helped individuals and business owners build wealth with intention, reduce unnecessary tax drag, and make financial decisions that hold up in the real world -- not just on paper. Amy is based in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, and serves both local and stateside clients. (https://www.amyroseherrick.com)
Michael Dunford
Reviewer
Paul Vogel's Bookshelf
The Art of the Sneaker: Form and Function Through the Lens of a Collector
Andrew Dutton. photographer
Familius
www.familius.com
9798893961225, $24.99, HC, 172pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Art-Sneaker-Function-Through-Collector/dp/B0FLTP9QNP
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-art-of-the-sneaker-andrew-dutton/1148019829
Synopsis: Every sneaker (arguably the world's most favorite shoe) has a story to tell.
From Nike Air Force 1s to the Chuck Taylor All Star, these kicks have gone from the courts to the streets, influencing both fashion and culture. In a tribute to their iconic silhouettes, photographer Andrew Dutton has captured the story of 150 limited-edition, classic, and custom sneakers by focusing solely on their form, texture, and colorway.
Visually stunning and artistically fresh, "The Art of the Sneaker: Form and Function Through the Lens of a Collector" by photographer Andrew Dutton is a collection of high-quality photographs essential for any sneakerhead, fashion designer, art enthusiast, or collector.
Every page comprising "The Art of the Sneaker" provides a unique glimpse into a world of creative expression and visual storytelling that is perfect for both display and inspiration. No long, convoluted narratives necessary -- these images of sneakers speak for themselves.
Critique: Original, exceptional, fascinating, memorable, this large format (8 x 0.26 x 10 inches, 1.74 pounds) hardcover coffee-table style edition of Andrew Dutton's "The Art of the Sneaker: Form and Function Through the Lens of a Collector" from Familius is an extraordinary and unreservedly recommended addition to personal, professional, community, and college/university library Contemporary Fashion Photography collections. It should be noted that "The Art of the Sneaker" is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $17.99).
Editorial Note: Andrew Dutton is a photographer and middle-school digital media teacher who brings sneakers to life through visual storytelling, emphasizing their design, texture, and cultural significance. By blending creativity and technical skill, his work captures the unique connection between sneakers, style, and individuality. When not teaching, Dutton celebrates sneaker culture through photography and social media promotions (@ad_sneaks), engaging with over 400k dedicated fans.
Paul T. Vogel
Reviewer
S.A. Gorden's Bookshelf
The Chic Crone (A Paranormal Women's Fantasy): The Rowanswood Crones Bk 1
Kirsten Marion
https://kirstenmarion.com
Dancing Chow Press
9781775034605 $14.99, paper
B0DV4W175Z $4.99 ebook, 325 pages
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Paranormal-Womens-Fantasy-Rowanswood-Crones/dp/1775034607
The Chic Crone is a different blend of a few contemporary cozy genres. The setting is a modern world that overlaps into the paranormal. Witchcraft and paranormal creatures are mixed with the real world blended with mysterious events.
Sixty-year-old Olivia Furie's life fell apart when her husband dies and she discovers he had another family with children. Her husband has spent all of their money and the mistress and creditors sue to get at her bank accounts from her job as a writer. Suddenly odd fires happen around her and she receives a letter from her dead grandmother informing her that she has inherited the grandmother's home in the village of Rowanswood which is a village nearly impossible to find on the map or by road.
Olivia is attacked on the street by paranormal creatures and is saved by her cat and a stranger. Her modern mind refuses to believe the paranormal happening around her so she decides to escape for her broken life to her grandmother's home. There she tries to cope with Rowanswood which happens to be a safe haven between the paranormal and modern worlds. She then discovers that the fires that were happening were caused because she is a fire crone and that many want her dead. She needs to learn about both her powers and the mystery of what is happening before the next attack on the her and the protected haven.
The Chic Crone is a fun mixed genre book. Its biggest drawback is that it is obviously book 1 in a series. Chic Crone ends not in a cliff hanger but in what reads like an end to a chapter. Chic Crone is recommended for anyone who enjoys cozy genres. It is a way to easily explore different cozy niches.
The Tenth Trail Mark (The Tenth Series Book 2)
Joe Looby
https://thetenthseries.com
10th Mountain Films, LLC
9798999130112, $27.99 paper
B0FD84QY86, $5.99 ebook, 272 pages
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Tenth-Trail-Mark-Book-ebook/dp/B0FD84QY86
The Tenth Trail Mark is a fictionalized story about the actions of the 10th Mountain Division during WWII. The historical details of the fighting seem to be accurate but the fictional tale holding the narration together feels off.
The tale's main protagonist, Johnnie Grey, grows up during the Great Depression and learns survival by living in the Adirondack mountains, a more extreme mountain environment then what the 10th Mountain Division will soon be fighting in during the war. This is where the narration feels forced. Johnnie is portrayed as an idealized folk hero type figure with a romanticized personal life when the war details are the stark reality of battle. Fictional military stories have to walk the line between characters that feel real and the true events. Looby's protagonist doesn't have the same reality as the battlefield and this mismatch can be distracting.
The Tenth Trail Mark is an easy recommendation for the military reader. The details of the WWII battles are easily worth the read. The mismatch of the fictional characters with the war reality will not be noticed by most readers.
S.A. Gorden
Senior Reviewer
Suzie Housley's Bookshelf
Under Two Flags: A Novel of World War I
Janis Robinson Daly
Black Rose Writing
www.blackrosewriting.com
9791685137328, $5.99 Kindle, $20.95 PB, 290 pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Under-Two-Flags-Novel-World-ebook/dp/B0GCFNXZV3
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/under-two-flags-janis-robinson-daly/1149019775
Synopsis: Under Two Flags tells the compelling story of Josephine Therese Marzynski, a young Jewish woman from Boston who leaves home in 1916 to study opera in Berlin at the height of World War I. Inspired by her mother's abandoned musical dreams and driven by her own fierce ambition, Josephine risks safety and certainty for the chance to refine her voice at one of Germany's most prestigious conservatories.
What she finds in Berlin is not only artistic opportunity but suspicion, rationing, propaganda, and the heavy emotional cost of war. As an American in Germany during a volatile political moment, Josephine must balance loyalty to her homeland with gratitude toward those who shelter and mentor her abroad. Her journey becomes one of identity as much as artistry - of discovering where she belongs when the world insists, she choose sides.
Drawing inspiration from historical accounts and family legacy, the novel follows Josephine through fear, humiliation, resilience, and growth, ultimately revealing how courage and music can endure even in the shadow of global conflict.
Critique: As someone who has read a great deal of historical fiction over the years, I approached Under Two Flags with both curiosity and caution. Despite many explorations of World War I, Janis Robinson Daly provides an intimate and refreshingly personal perspective. Rather than focusing solely on battlefields and generals, she places us inside the heart of a young woman whose greatest weapon is her voice.
Josephine is not portrayed as reckless, but as determined - sometimes stubborn, often brave, and always deeply human. Music's role in her life doesn't present a romanticized image. That emotional tightrope adds a steady undercurrent of suspense.
Daly's research is clear without overwhelming the story. The atmosphere of wartime Berlin - food shortages, military scrutiny, social suspicion - feels authentic and carefully rendered. Yet what stayed with me most was the emotional landscape: Josephine's homesickness, her pride, her humiliation during inspections, and her unwavering belief that art still matters in times of darkness.
As a woman who understands how family expectations and personal ambition can pull in different directions, I found Josephine's internal struggle especially resonant. Her loyalty to her father's American patriotism and her mother's German heritage creates a powerful emotional duality. The title, Under Two Flags, is more than symbolic - it reflects the layered identity so many immigrants and children of immigrants quietly carry.
This novel will appeal to readers who enjoy historical fiction centered on strong female protagonists, particularly those who appreciate stories grounded in real historical texture. It is thoughtful, immersive, and emotionally sincere without becoming sentimental.
In the end, Under Two Flags reminds us that patriotism, identity, and art are rarely simple. Sometimes they coexist in tension. And sometimes, Josephine discovers that courage stems from remaining true to oneself when the world demands otherwise, rather than choosing one flag over another.
Catholics vs. Protestants
Andrew Goliszek, Ph.D.
First Light Books
9798218886127, $TBA pbk / $8.99 Kindle, 155 pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Catholics-vs-Protestants-Protestant-Undeniable-ebook/dp/B0GQDRQGRK
Synopsis: Catholics vs. Protestants: How to Counter Protestant Myths and Beliefs with Truth, Scripture & Undeniable Facts is a focused and methodical exploration of theological differences between Catholicism and Protestantism. Dr. Andrew Goliszek structures the book around common misconceptions about Catholic doctrine and responds to each one with historical context, scriptural references, and citations from the Catechism.
Beginning with the Protestant Reformation and its impact on Christian unity, the book walks readers through key doctrinal debates including sola scriptura, the role of tradition, the authority of the papacy, Marian devotion, the Rosary, the Eucharist, salvation, the biblical canon, and more. Each chapter opens with a stated "myth," followed by what the author presents as clarifying facts grounded in Scripture and Church teaching.
Designed especially for Catholics who wish to better understand and defend their faith, the book also invites Protestant readers to examine Catholic teachings through a historical and biblical lens.
Critique: Catholics vs. Protestants is a very enlightening book. As someone who has spent decades watching conversations about faith grow more polarized, I approached this book with cautious curiosity. What I found was a carefully organized and passionately written defense of Catholic teaching.
Dr. Goliszek writes with conviction, and it is clear that he has done his homework. By presenting a myth and then providing documentation, the material becomes accessible, even to those without a theological background.
The strongest aspect of this book is its clarity. With Scripture passages and Catechism references, the direct and easy-to-follow chapters allow readers to examine the evidence themselves. Whether or not one ultimately agrees with every conclusion, the author's intent is to ground arguments in historical continuity and textual support rather than emotion alone.
That said, the tone is unapologetically firm. Readers looking for a purely ecumenical dialogue may find the approach more defensive than conversational. However, for Catholics seeking reassurance, historical grounding, and a stronger understanding of why the Church teaches what it does, this book will probably feel affirming and empowering.
What stood out to me most was the emphasis on history. At this stage in my life, I appreciate how often modern debates overlook the past. Dr. Goliszek consistently returns to early Christian writings and historical context, encouraging readers to consider how doctrine developed and how divisions unfolded over centuries.
Catholics vs. Protestants is best suited for thoughtful adult readers who want to deepen their knowledge of Christian doctrinal history and who are comfortable engaging with firm theological argumentation. It would make a strong addition to parish libraries, adult faith formation groups, or personal study collections.
In the end, this is a book written not merely to debate, but to defend - and it does so with clarity, confidence, and a clear sense of purpose.
Strong Glass: A Memoir of Escaping the Dark Mirror of Family History
M. D. Roblyer
Apprentice House Press
https://apprenticehouse.com
9781627206631, $34.99 HB, $23.99 PB, 326 pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Strong-Glass-Memoir-Escaping-History/dp/1627206620
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/strong-glass-m-d-roblyer/1148871528
Synopsis: Peggy's life looks solid from the outside - successful career, stable marriage, hard-earned independence. But when her husband quietly tells her he's had enough and is leaving, everything she thought was secure cracks. In that painful moment, she realizes something she can no longer ignore: she has been repeating the very behaviors she once vowed to escape.
Peggy turns back toward the family history she spent years trying to outrun. She sifts through memories of her 1950s childhood in western Maryland, where the family's stained-glass and mirror restoration business shaped both their livelihood and their identity. The small-town setting - Cresaptown, with its close quarters and long memories - forms the backdrop for a story that stretches beyond one generation.
As Peggy pieces together her parents' struggles during the Great Depression and World War II, she sees how trauma doesn't simply disappear. It travels quietly through families, reshaping itself in alternative forms. What she once dismissed as "the past" looks more like an inheritance.
This is a story about facing what we would rather avoid. It suggests that sometimes the only way forward is to look honestly into the mirror of where we came from. Through that hard reckoning comes something unexpected - not just understanding, but compassion. What begins with a jolt of painful clarity gradually moves toward forgiveness, empathy, and the possibility of breaking a cycle that once felt unbreakable.
Critique: Strong Glass tells the story of a woman who has experienced enough life to comprehend that childhood doesn't really stay confined to childhood. I found this memoir both moving and sobering. Roblyer writes with the honesty that doesn't seek pity, only clarity. There is no melodrama here - only a steady unfolding of memory, reflection, and painful self-awareness.
Roblyer can render childhood perspectives so convincingly. The sensory details - the fragrant lilac bushes, the savor of penny candy in the neighborhood movie theater, the rainbows of stained-glass in her father's shop - create a nostalgic softness that makes the darker revelations all the more unsettling.
She depicts a time, like many of us who grew up in mid-century America, when appearances mattered and people kept certain subjects silent. That silence becomes one of the book's most powerful themes.
Roblyer handles difficult material - family conflict, emotional volatility, and allegations of abuse - with restraint. She does not rush to condemn nor to excuse. Instead, she wrestles openly with ambiguity, especially in her attempts to understand her mother's troubled past. As someone who has spent years reflecting on my own parents as flawed human beings rather than the larger-than-life figures of childhood, I appreciated this mature and compassionate lens.
The metaphor of glass - clear yet fragile, reflective yet capable of distortion - runs thoughtfully throughout the narrative. It serves as a fitting symbol for memory itself: what we see, what we think we see, and what may lie just beneath the surface.
Readers who appreciate reflective, psychologically layered life writing will find much to consider here. Strong Glass ultimately prompts us to consider a vital question many of us face in midlife: To what extent does our story stem from inheritance, and how much control do we have over re-writing it?
Women Make History: Fifty-Three Stories of Courage, Strength & Resilience
Sharon Spaulding, author
Doug daSilva, contributor
Carl Spaulding, illustrator
Outside the Box, LLC.
https://outsidetheboxllc.us
9798993436937, $34.99, HC, 254pp
9798993436906, $24.99 PB, $7.99 Kindle
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Women-Make-History-Fifty-Three-Resilience/dp/B0GMYQPZLT
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/women-make-history-sharon-spaulding/1149433246
Synopsis: In Women Make History: Fifty-Three Stories of Courage, Strength & Resilience, Sharon Spaulding brings long-overdue attention to women whose names may not always appear in textbooks but whose impact shaped the world we live in. Organized into thematic sections such as "The Warriors," "The Game Changers," "The Visionaries," and others, the book offers concise, engaging biographical portraits of women from diverse backgrounds, eras, and professions.
From activists like Zitkala-Sa and Sue Kunitomi Embrey, to pioneers such as Dr. Mary Walker and Deborah Sampson, Spaulding highlights women who challenged injustice, expanded opportunity, and refused to be defined by the limitations of their time. Each chapter presents not only the historical facts of these women's lives but also the social and political contexts they confronted.
The book closes each profile with reflective prompts titled "Bring It Home," encouraging readers to consider how the courage and conviction of these women might resonate in their own lives today.
Critique: Women Make History is a celebration of prominent women through the centuries! As a woman in midlife who grew up on a steady diet of history books that rarely mentioned women beyond a passing paragraph, I found this collection both enlightening and deeply affirming.
Sharon Spaulding writes with clarity and purpose, making each profile accessible without sacrificing substance. The entries are brief enough to hold a busy reader's attention, yet rich enough to spark curiosity and further exploration.
What stands out most is the range of women included. This is not a narrow celebration of only the most widely recognized figures. Instead, Spaulding introduces readers to educators, reformers, artists, scientists, labor organizers, and civil rights advocates, and society marginalized many of them in their own time. The diversity of backgrounds, cultures, and political viewpoints makes the collection feel expansive and inclusive.
The writing style is straightforward and conversational, which makes the material especially suitable for classroom use, book clubs, or multigenerational reading. Including discussion prompts is a thoughtful touch; they transform the book from a simple compilation of biographies into a tool for dialogue. As someone who has raised children and now reflects more intentionally on legacy and impact, I appreciated those moments of invitation to think more deeply.
The book's quiet strength comes from its insistence that presidents and generals are absent. Instead, it showcases determined women who refused to remain silent and whose presence shaped history.
This is an inspiring and accessible collection that would make a meaningful addition to home libraries, classrooms, and community discussion groups. This collection particularly suits young adult and adult readers who seek fuller, more inclusive historical narratives.
Wishes on the Waves: A Gull Island Romance Book 2
Catherine Michaels
Cool Breeze Books
9790998337258, $6.82 Kindle, 351 pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.ca/Wishes-Waves-Gull-Island-Romance-ebook/dp/B0GJSZ8H1V
Synopsis: Set along the sun-washed shores of coastal North Carolina, Wishes on the Waves is a heartfelt contemporary romance that blends family, second chances, and the healing rhythm of the sea. Annie Lawson is fiercely devoted to her young son and to preserving her family's small-town gift shop, a legacy built across three generations. Life has narrowed to responsibility, routine, and quiet resilience.
When Cal Carter returns to Gull Island to restore his grandfather's cottage and rebuild stability for his teenage daughter, he brings with him more than moving boxes. He carries unfinished chapters - of grief, fatherhood, and a writing career under pressure. A chance encounter - sparked by glitter, chaos, and a split-second act of heroism - pulls Annie and Cal into each other's orbit.
As community gatherings, beachside rescues, and shared moments unfold, both must confront the guarded places in their hearts. Against a backdrop of ocean tides and small-town warmth, this book explores what it means to risk love again when life has already reshaped you.
Critique: Wishes on the Waves crafts a coastal romance that feels lived-in rather than staged. Gull Island isn't just a setting - it breathes. The sensory details of salt air, shifting dunes, porch lights, and dockside cafes create a grounded sense of place that anchors the emotional journey. Readers can almost feel the sand between their toes.
Annie is a particularly strong heroine. Her devotion to family and heritage never feels idealized; it feels earned. Michaels portrays her as capable and steady, yet quietly vulnerable. Cal, meanwhile, is a refreshing romantic lead - a single father balancing ambition and uncertainty, strength and tenderness. Their chemistry unfolds organically through shared responsibility and understated humor rather than dramatic contrivance.
The supporting cast adds depth and authenticity. From lively cookouts to interwoven family dynamics, the community surrounding Annie and Cal reinforce one of the novel's central themes: healing rarely happens in isolation. Michaels skillfully balances romance with generational ties, parenting challenges, and the weight of personal history.
Catherine Michael is a superb author who has written a book that speaks to the heart. The pacing is thoughtful, allowing emotional beats to develop naturally. While the story carries familiar hallmarks of the contemporary romance genre - returning home, second chances, close-knit community - it distinguishes itself through nuanced character development and sincere emotional layering.
This book will appeal to readers who appreciate heartfelt romance grounded in family, resilience, and the restorative pull of coastal life. It is a warm, character-driven novel that lingers gently, like the echo of waves against the shore.
Tree-Lined Streets of Queens
James McKee
Finishing Line Press
https://www.finishinglinepress.com
9798899901911, $22.99 PB, $57.01 HB, 78 PP
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Tree-Lined-Streets-Queens-James-McKee/dp/B0FVJJD2RX
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/tree-lined-streets-of-queens-james-mckee/1148495612
Finishing Line Press:
https://www.finishinglinepress.com/product/tree-lined-streets-of-queens-by-james-mckee
Synopsis: In Tree-Lined Streets of Queens, New York City feels alive on every page. Set in the uneasy early 2020s, the collection reflects a time shaped by uncertainty, change, and quiet self-examination.
The poems stay grounded in everyday moments while hinting at the larger forces moving beneath them. Though rooted in Queens, the work reaches far beyond one neighborhood, touching on experiences that feel widely shared.
Critique: Divided into four sections, Tree-Lined Streets of Queens moves thoughtfully between the personal and the public. McKee writes about race, environmental fragility, family history, and identity with calm clarity. The poems show how civic tensions and private memories intertwine, how what happens in the world inevitably settles into our own lives.
James McKee's style is direct but layered, reflective without drifting into sentimentality. He doesn't over-explain or push for easy conclusions. Instead, he trusts the reader, allowing meaning to grow out of carefully observed details.
In these pages, the streets of Queens become more than a setting - they stand as quiet witnesses to change, memory, and belonging. This is a collection for readers who appreciate poetry rooted in place and shaped by lived experience.
Santa Cutie: A Sweet and Spicy Holiday Romantic Comedy (Cherryville Book 1)
Jenny Alexandra
Pink Shark Press
9798993411620, $4.99 Kindle, $13.99 PB, 274 pp
Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Santa-Cutie-Holiday-Romantic-Cherryville-ebook/dp/B0FWBXDKTH
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/santa-cutie-jenny-alexandra/1148724778
Synopsis: For Melody Whitaker, Christmas isn't a season - it's a celebration of everything she once went without. Her strict household dismissed and denied the holiday. Now, she pours her whole spirit into reclaiming it. Every December, her home becomes a glowing wonderland of lights, garlands, ornaments, and carefully stored treasures collected over the years. She greets the season with unfiltered joy, as if she's rediscovering magic that was once kept from her.
Determined to share that joy, Melody signs up to portray Mrs. Claus at a nearby nursing home's holiday program. She's ready with cookies, carols, and cheer - until she crosses paths with Eben Golding. Quiet, serious, and frustratingly handsome, Eben carries himself like a man who has no patience for tinsel or tradition. Where Melody sees enchantment, he sees excess. Still, despite his cool exterior and obvious disdain for the festivities, their paths keep crossing in ways that feel anything but accidental.
When rehearsals for the nursing home Christmas pageant unravel - missed cues, mishaps, and mounting stress - Melody wonders if positivity alone can hold everything together. Yet as she and Eben spend more time together, she realizes that sometimes the most unexpected connections are the ones that matter most.
Opening your heart to someone who truly sees you - lights, glitter, and all - might be the real miracle of the season. That is, if Melody can help Eben discover that a little Christmas magic might be worth believing in after all.
Critique: Santa Cutie is the story that instantly lifts your mood and wraps you in holiday cheer. It's brimming with festive fun, playful charm, and enough Christmas spirit to soften even the grumpiest of hearts.
At its core, this is a warm and uplifting tale about fresh starts, choosing joy after hardship, and finding the courage to let someone truly see you. With humor, heart, and just the right touch of romance, it reminds readers that sometimes the greatest gift isn't under the tree - it's the person who believes in your light.
Jenny Alexandra is a lively storyteller who has a way of pulling readers right into the holiday spirit. This charming, feel-good read highlights her gift for creating stories that leave people smiling long after they turn the last page. I truly enjoyed every minute and can't wait to see what's next in the Cherryville series.
Every Step of the Way
Sofia Ramirez Castillo
Castle & Wisdom Press
9798999635327, $0.99 Kindle, $16.99 PB, $26.99 HB, 298 pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Every-Step-Sof%C3%ADa-Ram%C3%ADrez-Castillo/dp/B0GCKPMFY4
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/every-step-of-the-way-sofa-a-a-a-rama-a-a-rez-castillo/1149172532
Synopsis: Noah once believed her life was unfolding exactly as it should - Derek beside her, music guiding her, and a love she was certain could weather any storm. But when Derek collapses under pressures he refuses to share, she's left grasping for a version of him that seems to fade by the day. Loving him turns into fighting for him - and slowly, painfully, she realizes she may fight alone.
When everything she built falls apart, Noah retreats to the one place that has always felt steady: her grandmother's home. There, in rooms filled with familiar scents, worn photographs, and quiet, steady wisdom, she begins the fragile process of rebuilding herself. It isn't dramatic or instant. It's slow. Honest. Tender.
Yet healing doesn't move in a straight line. Memories linger. Grief shifts shape. As Noah faces the pieces of her past she tried to outrun, she must rediscover who she is without the life she once imagined. At its heart, this is a story about heartbreak, identity, and the quiet courage it takes to choose hope when nothing feels certain anymore.
Critique: Every Step of the Way is an emotional, character-driven novel that explores how love can slowly unravel under the weight of silence and unspoken pain. The story contrasts the tender beginnings of Noah and Derek's relationship with the growing distance in their marriage.
Noah is a deeply reflective narrator whose past - marked by the loss of her mother and a complicated family dynamic - shapes her longing for connection and stability. Derek, once charming and attentive, becomes withdrawn as pressure and secrets consume him. What makes the story compelling is that the conflict isn't dramatic or explosive - it's gradual. The heartbreak comes from emotional absence, not betrayal.
Sofia Ramirez Castillo's writing is intimate and thoughtful, filled with small, meaningful moments that make the relationship feel real. At its core, the novel asks an honest question: Is love enough when communication breaks down?
This is a moving read for anyone who appreciates raw, realistic portrayals of marriage, vulnerability, and the fragile space between holding on and letting go.
Secrets of the Sky Gods
Ryan McBride
Simurgh Says
https://simurghsays.com
9798993498003, $2.99 Kindle, $14.99 PB, 584 pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Secrets-Sky-Gods-Ryan-McBride/dp/B0G9MYNPC8
Synopsis: On a sun-drenched island said to be the chosen realm of the Sky Gods, serenity is little more than an illusion. Akiponahai glows with golden terraces, sacred melodies, and breathtaking beauty - but beneath its vibrant surface, unrest quietly gathers, inviting curiosity about what lies beneath.
Runa lives in the margins of this paradise. Small, solitary, and fiercely guarded, she possesses a rare and dangerous talent: the ability to steal secrets directly from people's minds. Her gift makes her a key player in a world where hidden truths are more valuable than jewels, drawing readers into her dangerous world.
When she takes a secret far more perilous than whispered scandal or forbidden love, everything changes. Forces older and far more powerful than she imagined close in. Prophecy tightens around her like a snare, and the knowledge she carries threatens not only her island home but the fate of the wider world, creating a compelling sense of danger and anticipation.
As alliances shift and danger mounts, Runa can no longer hide in the shadows. To survive, she must confront ancient myths, buried truths, and the dark presence intertwined with her own forgotten history. What begins as a thief's desperate attempt to endure becomes a sweeping journey of self-discovery, bravery, and belonging.
Critique: Secrets of the Sky Gods is an ambitious epic fantasy that combines immersive world-building with emotional resonance and an unconventional heroine. The novel thrives on its richly imagined setting, where mythology, culture, and politics weave together into a layered and atmospheric narrative.
Ryan McBride crafts a world that feels textured and alive - from storm-battered waterfront taverns to sacred island terraces shaped by legend. The story balances seafaring adventure and political tension with a magical premise centered on knowledge as power. In this world, secrets are not merely whispered - they are weapons.
The prose leans descriptive and occasionally lyrical, particularly in its environmental details. Readers who enjoy deep immersion will appreciate the careful construction of culture, dialect, and lore. The abundance of invented terminology and layered references may slow the pace, especially in early chapters. However, those willing to settle into the rhythm of the storytelling will find the complexity rewarding. Runa stands out as a morally nuanced protagonist - vulnerable yet resilient, flawed yet compelling. Her journey anchors the novel's sweeping scope, grounding its larger conflicts in personal stakes.
Overall, Secrets of the Sky Gods offers a thoughtful and atmospheric contribution to epic fantasy. With its distinctive magic system, intricate mythology, and high emotional stakes, it will resonate with readers who enjoy expansive worlds, complex characters, and stories where information can be as dangerous as any blade.
Blooming Hollyhocks: Tales of Joy During Hard Times
Naomi Helen Yaeger
Beaver's Pond Press
www.BeaversPondPress.com
9791643435107, $16.95 PB, 210pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Blooming-Hollyhocks-Tales-During-Times/dp/1643435108
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/blooming-hollyhocks-naomi-helen-yaeger/1148531117
Synopsis: Blooming Hollyhocks is a richly detailed work of creative nonfiction that highlights family, resilience, and quiet joy during the Great Depression and World War II, inspiring feelings of warmth and hope in readers.
Drawing on interviews, family stories, and historical research, Naomi Helen Yaeger shares her mother, Janette Minehart's, early life in small-town Minnesota, creating a personal connection that encourages empathy in readers.
Through vivid, story-driven chapters, the book offers an intimate portrait of daily life in the 1930s and 1940s - where hard work, faith, and neighborly kindness formed the backbone of survival, appealing to readers who love detailed narratives.
Critique: Blooming Hollyhocks introduces readers to a close-knit family navigating economic uncertainty while finding comfort in simple pleasures: backyard stargazing, shared meals, childhood games, community gatherings, and the natural beauty of the prairie landscape.
Naomi Yaeger captures the innocence and curiosity of childhood alongside the realities of the era, including illness, loss, and social change. The narrative highlights the strength of women, the importance of education, and the values passed down through generations. Small moments (often overlooked!) become powerful reflections of endurance, compassion, and hope.
Both personal and historical, Blooming Hollyhocks preserves a way of life rooted in connection and perseverance, serving as a tender tribute to family legacy and a reminder that even in difficult times, joy can take root and flourish, encouraging readers to find hope in adversity.
An Eye for Joy: Noticing the Good World Everywhere
Peg Guilfoyle
Sea Crow Press
https://www.pw.org/small_presses/sea_crow_press
9791961864399, $4.99 Kindle, $19.95 PB, 138 pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Eye-Joy-Noticing-World-Everywhere/dp/1961864398
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/eye-for-joy-peg-guilfoyle/1147474742
Synopsis: An Eye for Joy is an insightful and uplifting collection of essays that invites readers to slow down and rediscover meaning in the moments that often pass unnoticed. Through thoughtful observation and elegant prose, Peg Guilfoyle illustrates how joy arises not only from life's defining experiences but from its quieter, everyday patterns - found in art, human connection, travel, nature, and reflection.
Arranged in thematic sections, the book moves effortlessly through a wide range of settings and encounters. Guilfoyle draws inspiration from public spaces, theatrical experiences, brief exchanges with strangers, and simple details in the natural world. Many essays begin with small, familiar moments - an unexpected interaction or a fleeting image - and expand into thoughtful reflections on kindness, beauty, memory, and our shared humanity.
Critique: At its core, An Eye for Joy encourages readers to approach life with heightened awareness and openness, emphasizing the quiet moments of goodness that often go unnoticed. The book offers meaningful insights for readers at any stage of life, meeting them wherever they are on their personal journey and inspiring ongoing reflection.
Peg Guilfoyle's writing reflects a mindful approach to life, shaped by curiosity, warmth, and quiet insight. Blending personal experience with cultural awareness, she offers a perspective that feels both intimate and universal.
The collection is engaging and refreshing, with each essay prompting interest in the next. Its concise and accessible format makes it especially inviting, allowing readers to enjoy one or two pieces at a time - an ideal companion for even the busiest schedules.
Philosophy of Mind: Reflections
Anthony Musker
DELTACAT Press Book
9791036964085, $TBA, PB, 215 pages
Publishing Release Date TBD
Synopsis: Philosophy of Mind: Reflections offers a clear and compelling look into one of philosophy's most enduring questions-what exactly is the mind, and how does it connect to the world?
Anthony Musker guides readers through the main issues that have sparked centuries of debate, including questions about consciousness, the beginnings of thought, and if the mind can exist apart from the physical body. This invites readers to feel curiosity and see the importance of these questions in understanding ourselves.
Through an approachable blend of classic perspectives and modern viewpoints, Musker breaks down complex ideas like perception, intentionality, personal identity, free will, and the mind - body relationship, making them accessible even to readers new to philosophy and encouraging them to examine how these concepts shape both individual understanding and collective human experience.
Critique: Philosophy of Mind: Reflections is an intellectually stimulating work that appeals to both newcomers and seasoned students of philosophy. It nurtures curiosity, deepens analytical thinking, and offers a renewed appreciation for the intricate workings of human thought. This book motivates and empowers readers to explore complex ideas.
Anthony Musker's writing stands out for its ability to inspire reflection and broaden perspective, offering a unique approach that challenges familiar ideas, invites deeper contemplation, and leaves a lasting impression long after the book is closed, distinguishing it from other philosophy books on the market.
ZigZag Girl
Ruth Knafo Setton
Black Spring Crime
https://blackspringcrimeseries.com
9791917788038, $18.95, PB, 300 pages
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1917788037
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/zigzag-girl-ruth-knafo-setton/1148476226
Black Spring Crime
https://blackspringpressgroup.com/products/zigzag-girl
Synopsis: Lucy Moon's pursuit of justice forces her to confront the one illusion she has spent her life protecting -- her past.
What starts as a determined search for answers after her friend's murder quickly propels her into a deadly confrontation with a serial killer who seems to know far too much about the memories she's struggled to keep buried.
With every new clue, the tension builds and the danger intensifies, drawing Lucy deeper into a labyrinth of deception, peril, and psychological intrigue. Her magician's intuition and razor-sharp instincts could be her strongest assets, but they might not be enough against an adversary who always seems one step ahead.
Critique: ZigZag Girl is a story that grabs you from the first page and doesn't let go. It's suspenseful, atmospheric, and relentlessly engaging. This story asks a gripping question: Can Lucy outsmart a predator who knows her better than she knows herself, or will the path to the truth lead her straight into her own undoing? The psychological depth of this book will keep readers on the edge of their seats.
Ruth Knafo Setton's vivid imagery and immersive storytelling bring the world of ZigZag Girl to life, making readers feel like they're right there in the action. Each of her distinct and richly drawn characters bring something essential to the story. These elements combined to create an irresistible and unforgettable reading experience.
Arboreal Destiny: The Trees That Shaped the History and Culture of Nations
Gregg Coodley, M.D.
Bendrogo Publishing
9790999077047, $28.99 HB, Kindle $4.99, 414 pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/dp/099907704X
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/arboreal-destiny-gregg-coodley/1149367852?
Synopsis: Arboreal Destiny invites readers to explore history from a fresh and unexpected perspective - through the lives of trees. Instead of treating them as simple background to human events, the book places trees at the center of the story, showing how deeply they have influenced cultures, economies, beliefs, and daily life.
Each chapter highlights a different tree species, beginning with its biological characteristics and then tracing its cultural impact. Readers learn how the fig became sacred in spiritual traditions, how the olive shaped entire economies, and how oak, cedar, chestnut, and rubber trees quietly powered industries and communities. These trees did more than provide food and materials - they carried symbolism, inspired traditions, and helped build civilizations.
Critique: More than a collection of facts, Arboreal Destiny gently challenges readers to reconsider their relationship with the natural world. It encourages us to recognize trees not as scenery, but as living witnesses and contributors to human progress. The result is a meaningful and timely read that leaves you glancing at the nearest tree with a little more appreciation than before.
Gregg Coodley approaches history in a way that feels both creative and enlightening. By focusing on trees, he offers a perspective rarely seen in nonfiction, making the book stand out in a crowded field. The blend of science, history, and narrative keeps the material accessible while still thought-provoking.
Editorial Note: Best suited for readers ages 10-18, though adults with an interest in history or the environment will also find much to enjoy.
Happy Hippotastic Holi! How to Celebrate with Consent
Geshu Sugandh, author
Natasha B. Padhiar, illustrator
BrooklynBiharn
9798988264910, $25.00, HC, 42pp
9798988264910, $20.00, PB, 40pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Happy-Hippotastic-Holi-Celebrate-Consent/dp/B0GH3G2168
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/happy-hippotastic-holi-sugandh/1149218344
Synopsis: Happy Hippotastic Holi! is a bilingual (English and Hindi) picture book that introduces young readers to the vibrant spring festival of Holi while gently teaching the importance of consent. Through playful, mud-loving hippos, author Geshu Sugandh invites children ages 3 - 8 to explore celebration in a way that honors both joy and personal choice.
As the story unfolds, readers see hippos gathering bright flowers, turning them into colorful powders, dancing to festive drumbeats, and sharing sweets. But woven throughout the cheerful rhyme is a thoughtful question: should fun ever come at someone else's expense? The hippos model a better way - asking before adding color, listening when someone says "no," and welcoming everyone in the way they feel most comfortable celebrating.
The final pages expand beyond story time with background information about Holi, a glossary of Hindi words, a STEAM activity for making natural colors, and a sweet treat recipe, making this book both educational and interactive.
Critique: After reviewing children's literature for over three decades, I have learned to recognize when a picture book offers something more than charming illustrations and rhythmic text. Happy Hippotastic Holi! does exactly that. It delivers heart along with heritage.
Geshu Sugandh approaches a beloved cultural festival with warmth and respect, while also addressing a very modern and necessary conversation - boundaries. Rather than preach, she poses thoughtful, child-friendly questions early in the story: Do the hippos splash without asking? Do they laugh at those who stand aside? The answer, of course, is no. The hippos celebrate with kindness.
What impressed me most is how naturally the message unfolds. Consent does not act as a stern rule, but as an extension of care. "May I add some color?" becomes a joyful refrain, modeling language children can actually use. The bilingual presentation strengthens the book's inclusivity and offers a meaningful bridge for families raising culturally connected readers.
Natasha B. Padhiar's illustrations are bright, inviting, and full of motion. The colors practically dance across the pages, mirroring the spirit of Holi itself. Yet even in the liveliest scenes, there is emotional clarity - hesitant hippos are visible, and their feelings matter. That visual nuance is important in a book centered on social-emotional learning.
Even further, the back matter elevates the work. The historical overview of Holi and the emphasis on "Pause, Ask, Play" reframes a common festival phrase into something thoughtful and empowering. The added activities make this an excellent classroom or library selection.
In my professional opinion, this is a timely and beautifully executed picture book. It honors culture without romanticizing it, and it teaches children that celebration is most meaningful when everyone feels safe and included. That is a lesson worth sharing - during Holi and every day of the year.
Editorial Note: Recommended ages 3-8 years old.
Get Real, Lucille!
Laura Petrisin
Monarch Educational Services, LLC
https://monarcheducationalservices.com
9781957656878, $15.99 PB 34 pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Get-Real-Lucille-Laura-Petrisin/dp/1957656875
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/get-real-lucille-laura-petrisin/1147605033
Synopsis: Get Real, Lucille! Is a charming and heartfelt picture book about discovering where you belong and learning to value what makes you unique, encouraging educators and caregivers to feel excited about its potential impact.
When the circus rolls into a new town, Lucille sets off on her own to find answers at a nearby farm. There, she meets real chickens going about their daily routines. Eager to belong, Lucille tries to copy them, but quickly learns that she can't cluck, scratch, fluff her feathers, or lay eggs. Feeling out of place and rejected, Lucille doubts herself.
Everything changes when Lucille draws on her circus talents. Her natural flair for movement and comedy delights the chickens and fills the barnyard with laughter. In that moment, Lucille understands that being "real" isn't about becoming someone else - it's about being true to who you already are.
With renewed confidence, Lucille returns to the circus and teams up with her partner, Peaches, to create a fresh act where she shines as an equal. As the circus moves on, Lucille knows she has finally found her place - accepting herself for who she is.
Critique: Get Real, Lucille! Is a warm, humorous, and affirming story that gently reinforces themes of individuality, belonging, and self-acceptance, inspiring confidence and hope in children and adults alike.
The book's cover deserves special recognition. The bold image of a bright yellow rubber chicken instantly sparks curiosity. As the story unfolds, the cover is a thoughtful and fitting introduction to the book's message.
This book would be a valuable addition to any library and makes an ideal bedtime read. It offers more than entertainment - it provides reassurance, encouragement, and a positive message for young readers that being different is not only acceptable but something to be celebrated.
Editorial Note: Recommended reading ages 5-8, grades K-3.
Cone & Skate
Amy Nicolai, author
Christina Michalos, illustrator
Independently Published
9798218851323, $21.99 HB, 34pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Cone-Skate-Amy-Nicolai/dp/B0GGW5DNP8
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/cone-and-skate-amy-nicolai/1149215010
Synopsis: Cone & Skate is a heartwarming children's story about friendship, courage, and discovering the joy of change. The story centers on a lonely construction cone, accustomed to staying exactly where she is, who encounters a carefree roller skate, and this encounter turns her quiet, predictable world upside down in the best possible way.
Drawn into Skate's adventurous spirit, Cone begins a journey beyond her familiar surroundings, encouraging children to trust, take risks, and embrace new possibilities. Together, the unlikely pair explores how stepping outside one's comfort zone can lead to connection, confidence, and unexpected happiness.
Critique: Cone & Skate features playful illustrations that enhance the gentle, encouraging message, supporting visual learners and engagement. It's a book that will encourage all to step outside their comfort zone.
Amy Nicolai and Christina Michalos make a winning team. Nicolai's descriptive words, combined with Michalos's beautiful illustrations, bring the book to life. Talent as these two displayed make for a winning book.
This charming story reassures young readers that change doesn't have to be scary - and that friendship can help guide us forward, supporting emotional resilience and confidence.
Editorial Note: Recommended for children aged 4 to 9, suitable for early readers and those developing emotional understanding.
The Truth of Who You Are: A Story of Belonging
Catherine Rose, author
Jeffrey Dale, illustrator
https://catherinerose-childauthor.com
Beaver's Pond Press
www.BeaversPondPress.com
9791643434315, $19.95 PB, 34 pp
Author's Website
https://catherinerose-childauthor.com/read-a-book/#works
Synopsis: As dusk settles over a quiet forest, a solitary owl keeping watch near the trees notices a child sitting alone on a fallen log, her sorrow unmistakable. She has wandered away from the pain of schoolyard cruelty, carrying with her a question shaped by hurt and doubt - whether she will ever find a place where she truly belongs.
The encounter unfolds into a gentle and meaningful journey. With calm guidance, the owl invites the forest animals to share their own stories - accounts of perseverance in which their unusual qualities became sources of courage and strength. Through these shared experiences, the child sees that belonging does not require hiding differences, but honoring them.
Critique: The Truth of Who You Are is a thoughtfully composed and emotionally resonant children's book that addresses themes of belonging, self-acceptance, and resilience with grace and sensitivity.
Framed within a tranquil forest setting, the story follows a vulnerable child whose encounter with a wise owl becomes a turning point in her understanding of self-worth. The narrative unfolds gently, allowing young readers to absorb its message without feeling instructed, while still offering meaningful insight for adults.
Catherine Rose's writing is lyrical and assured, striking a careful balance between simplicity and depth. Her prose invites readers into a reflective space where empathy and understanding naturally take root. The structure of the story - anchored by shared experiences from the forest animals - effectively reinforces the idea that differences are not obstacles, but sources of strength and courage.
Jeffrey Dale's illustrations elevate the book significantly. Rich and emotion, the artwork complements the text with visual warmth and clarity, enhancing the story's impact and making it accessible to readers of varying ages. Each illustration contributes to the overall tone of comfort and reassurance that defines the book.
The Truth of Who You Are is a polished and meaningful work with lasting appeal. Its universal message and artistic quality make it a powerful addition to home, school, and library collections, as well as a valuable resource for conversations about kindness, individuality, and belonging.
Suzie Housley, Senior Reviewer
https://housleysliteraryservices.com
James A. Cox
Editor-in-Chief
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