D.L. Norris | Historical Fiction

In Where the Heart Is, D.L. Norris delivers a profoundly moving tale that skillfully examines themes of family, loss, and the struggle for reconciliation against the picturesque backdrop of Nebraska. Following the death of Jenna Davis-Wilson’s father, she, along with her children, decides to return to her childhood home. This return sets in motion a series of revelations that could destroy her family, including a dark family secret hidden in the attic and disturbing connections to a widow. Jenna's husband, Marcus, a highly regarded obstetrician in New York, also moves to the small town of Tilden, where he finds himself at odds with a longtime family friend known for her strong opinions and p...

Marcus Abston | Historical Fiction

Blood Brothers is the fifth installment in A Dying Truth Exposed series by Marcus Abston, and it unfolds against the backdrop of the early American Civil War, focusing on interwoven stories of strength, struggle, and racial complexities during a tumultuous time in U.S. history. The narrative follows Joseph, a Cherokee boy torn from his family and thrust into the horrors of slavery. His mother, Annabelle Lightning, embarks on a desperate journey to locate him while fighting against societal norms and her past connections, particularly with Judy Mays, a complex figure who doubles as a friend and potential foe. As Brock Jackson and Calvin Plecker's malevolence intensifies, devastating trut...

Kasey Compton | Self- Help

Kasey Compton’s In Search of You: How to Find Joy When Doing More Isn’t Doing It Anymore is a profound exploration of self-discovery, inner freedom, and the pursuit of genuine happiness amidst life’s chaotic nature and contemporary fast-paced culture that is characterized by stress and manifold distractions. The book integrates personal narrative with therapeutic guidance, emphasizing the importance of excavating one’s past to construct a meaningful future. In this book, readers will understand what joy truly is and how to tap into it, allow it to possess them, and spread from their inner worlds to the world around them. It is a journey that helps readers move from their brokenness...

Wes Snowden | Historical Fiction

Wes Snowden's The Seagull delivers an emotionally rich tale fraught with adventure, romance, and an intriguing protagonist’s moral dilemmas set against the backdrop of 18th-century America just before the War of Independence. The narrative follows Jeremy Whitehall, a London gentleman forced by his greedy and unscrupulous uncle, Rolland Silas Crabb, into a dangerous quest to uncover trade secrets in Nantucket. As we follow Jeremy's journey, we see him struggling with his precarious task and his interactions with distinct characters that enhance the story's depth. His interactions with Monique Saffron and Faith Mitchell reveal a transformation in Jeremy—he evolves from a self-indulgent wastrel...

Ragnar Kroll | Science Fiction & Fantasy

Virtuality Book I: The Sailor Comes Home from the Sea by Ragnar Kroll probes deeply into the societal implications of rapid technological progress, drawing a chilling picture of a near future where AI and neurotechnology redefine human interactions and self-identity. The narrative is thick with themes of acceptance, disillusionment, and the struggle for authenticity in an increasingly artificial world. The plot unfolds through character-driven narratives and philosophical musings, mainly state-of-the-art circumstances gripping Sam Pilgrim, Robin, and other sophisticated characters. Central to the plot is the conflict between human relationships and the pervasive influence of technology—symbo...

R.A. Van Vleet | Crime Thriller

 Payback by R.A. Van Vleet, the gripping novel by R.A. Van Vleet, intricately weaves a narrative brimming with crime, deception, and the harrowing aftermath of trauma. Megan Mikhaliovna is a determined private investigator haunted by her past as a victim of sex trafficking. The novel's opening scene vividly portrays her observation of Harold Huntington engaging in an illicit affair, setting the stage for the unraveling web of secrets and consequences that follow. The initial case centers on Ian Martin, the proprietor of Martin’s Investigation, Security, and Bond Enforcement Agency, hired by Mrs. Betty Huntington to investigate her husband, Harold, for potentially nefarious act...

Colin Dodds | Fiction - Literary

The Reign of the Anti-Santas by Colin Dodds is a unique and audacious Christmas tale that takes readers on a rollercoaster ride through a world where the holiday spirit collides head-on with corporate greed, scandal, and societal change. The story is narrated by Elvin, an elf with a front-row seat to the evolution and devolution of Christmas. Elvin's journey begins when he unwittingly accompanies Santa Claus on a Christmas Eve trip, setting the stage for a decades-long adventure filled with intrigue and danger. Dodds creates a narrative that includes Santa's secret affairs, the PR scandal that catapults Rudolph to fame, and the encroachment of humanity on the North Pole. What makes this book...

PS Conway | Poetry & Short Stories

PS Conway’s exquisite poetry collection Echoes Lost in Stars delivers a transcendent journey through a constellation of themes, prominently highlighting love, loss, and existential reflection. Each section—Sun, Sun (light), Star (light), and Stars—invites the reader to contemplate the intricate back-and-forth between the celestial world and human emotion, akin to the works of John Keats. One of the most compelling aspects of Conway's work is his expert use of vivid imagery and symbolism that lends depth to the reader's experience. For instance, in the poem “Long Before the Christ Child,” the frankincense tree represents a duality of hope and despair, grounding spiritual significance within e...

Vincent Traughber Meis | Fiction - LGBTQ

In The Long Journey to You, Vincent Traughber Meis delivers a poignant narrative exploring themes of love, loss, and self-discovery through the lens of its protagonist, Nathan. The novel follows Nathan as he navigates life after the death of his partner, Anthony, given the weight of societal expectations and his internal struggles. The plot centers around Nathan's attempts to forge a connection with Mateo, a nurse caring for his ailing mother, against the backdrop of his lingering grief and bitter memories of the past.  The setting is crucial to the story, predominantly the tiny suburban town of San Leandro, California, and later the vibrant city of San Francisco. This duality...

Kirsten Pursell | Romance

In The Scarlet D by Kirsten Pursell, Scarlet embarks on a daring journey of self-reinvention after a thirty-year marriage crumbles. Seeking solace on Sullivan's Island, she joins a divorced women's book club, hoping to connect with like-minded souls. Amidst the stunning backdrop of South Carolina, her dormant desires come to life when she encounters the charming Ben, a younger man who challenges her boundaries. However, the confident Beau, a maturer suitor and a man more suited for her age, offers a glimpse of true connection. As past wounds resurface with the arrival of an old flame, Scarlet must navigate love, judgment, and the possibility of a second chance. The novel opens with Scarlet's...

Aishah Hight | Children - Grade K-3rd

 In Cake, Lemonade, and Sprinkles, Aishah Hight beautifully captures the universal struggle for self-identity through the experiences of a young girl named London. Set against the backdrop of a costume birthday party, the story unfolds as London struggles with choosing a costume that reflects her individuality and personality while yearning for her friends' approval. Facing the dilemma of fitting in with her friends or showcasing her unique style, London explores creative ideas that just don’t feel like her. With inspiration, she learns the importance of self-expression and the courage to stand out. Aishah Hight’s colorful storytelling, paired with exquisite jeweled-toned illustrations,...

Alisse Lee Goldenberg | Teen & Young Adult

Alisse Lee Goldenberg’s The Ghost in the Garden is a captivating middle-grade novel that deftly navigates themes of friendship, grief, and the supernatural through the lens of a young girl named Sophie Madison. After moving from her bustling city life in Calgary to the quieter Stratford, Ontario, Sophie struggles to adapt to her new surroundings and confronts unsettling experiences in her new home. The narrative begins with Sophie’s reluctance and disdain for her new life—emotions relatable to anyone who has faced significant change. Goldenberg’s portrayal of Sophie’s alienation captures the complex world of young adolescence while employing a charming blend of humor and angst. The real twis...