Thomas DeConna | Literary Fiction

In Accustomed to the Dark by Thomas DeConna, twenty-four-year-old journalist Jenny Smith scores a career-defining interview with reclusive author AJ Kenton. But instead of questions, their afternoons unfold as Kenton shares a transformative story from his youth. This coming-of-age novel deftly captures the struggles and triumphs of adolescence through the eyes of 13-year-old AJ. Set in a small suburban town during the 1960s, the narrative begins with AJ’s simple ambition to sell flower seeds to purchase an art set. However, his journey takes on deeper meaning through encounters with characters like Mrs. Billings, Mrs. Newcross, and Mr. Carter, each representing different facets of life's cha...

Jim Altfeld |

In White's Tavern, Jim Altfeld delivers a compelling narrative set in the Chicago suburbs during the early 1970s, skillfully intertwining loyalty, betrayal, and crime. The story unfolds non-linearly, centering on Bill Ott, the larger-than-life self-proclaimed “King of White's Tavern.” Bill's charisma and charm are juxtaposed against his reckless behavior, creating a protagonist that is as magnetic as he is flawed. The novel begins with a glimpse of Bill’s tumultuous life before flashing back to his childhood on Leavitt Street, where he grew up in a rough neighborhood alongside his brother Jimmy, who becomes entangled with the mob. This backstory provides depth and context to Bill's character...

Zoe Disigny | Fiction - Womens

Zoe Disigny's The Art of Traveling Strangers explores personal transformation against the backdrop of art and travel. Claire Markham embarks on a transformative journey to Europe as an art guide, hoping to escape the emotional toll of her recent divorce and strained relationship with her daughter, Amber. The novel reveals Claire's internal struggles and features vibrant characters, particularly her employer, Viv Chancey, whose exuberance and impulsive nature challenge Claire's sense of control. The novel begins with an evocative scene aboard Claire’s flight to Europe, where she reflects on her life through the lens of art. Disigny skillfully illustrates how art can symbolize personal experie...

Laura Burke | Murder - Mystery

The FBI has an asset in Jolene, a shrewd woman who can get to the bottom of cold cases. The local agents give her carte blanche in picking the unsolved mystery and then begin the investigation. The two FBI agents place a bet on the most likely case Jolene will choose, but Jolene manages to surprise them with her selection. When choosing from a sword murder, an unexplained death of spouses, or skeletal remains, Jolene selects the case involving skeletal remains. The latest case involves a trip into Wisconsin where Jolene along with Agents Bley and Haines find more than they bargained for as their case leads to a string of deaths involving an ancient curse dating back over a century. They wil...

Diana Waldman | Poetry - General

A Woman's Song by Diana May-Waldman is a gorgeous collection of poetry that is as exciting as it can be, a collection that uncannily captures the essence of womanhood. In these poems, readers will hear echoes of longing, feel drawn into the currents of passionate encounters, understand the ache of wanting a man or seeking revenge, savor the beauty of friendship, and be pulled into a place — in the deep recesses of the heart — where a woman finds her strength and her weakness. The poem “Penis” sets the tone for the raw emotions that are noticeable in Diana May-Waldman’s poetry, and she says it as she feels it: “I want a penis / I want to give birth to it / So I can teach it to...

Cathy Parker |

Cathy Parker’s Robot: A Deadly Love Story masterfully melds the themes of love, loyalty, and the moral quandaries posed by advancing technology. The story follows mechanic Cassidy Barr, a mechanic whose excitement for her job at Lorbar quickly devolves into a labyrinth of corporate intrigue. In a world where technology blurs the line between human and machine, mechanic Cassidy Barr is thrilled to accept a groundbreaking job at Lorbar, the company transforming the future with advanced robots. But Cassidy finds herself entangled in a web of corporate ambition and secret agendas as she works alongside Sam, a charismatic android training to run for public office. Her relationship with boyfr...

Leona Cobham | Children - Adventure

Flying Circus Through Thick and Thin by Leona Cobham, the second installment of the in the Airplane Adventures series, a notable book that takes readers on a journey with a group of anthropomorphic airplanes—Vul the Vulcan, Spif the Spitfire, Woody the Tiger Moth, and Tom the F-14 Tomcat—as they tackle extreme weather conditions and an emergency in a remote village. Amid inexplicable illnesses plaguing the villagers, the planes face dangerous adversaries involved in suspicious mining operations. The narrative unfolds as they integrate teamwork, face treacherous environments, and demonstrate grit to protect the villagers. This leads to thrilling air encounters and a battle against an unjust t...

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...

Muraly Srinarayanathas | Business and Investing

In Between Borders, Beyond Boundaries, Muraly Srinarayanathas explores the nuances of authentic business engagement in an increasingly globalized world. The book focuses on understanding local cultures and weaving them into business strategies through an innovative three-step EIA method: Embed, Interpret, and Act. Srinarayanathas draws on personal and professional experiences from living in eight countries, showcasing how cultural insights are instrumental in successfully navigating diverse business ecosystems. He articulates how local knowledge is crucial for authentic engagement and effective business operations, inviting businesses to rethink their strategies in a global marketplace. ...

Laurel Colless | Children - Adventure

Knights Unite is the fourth book in the Peter Blue Series by Laurel Colless, and it follows Riva du Lac, who is determined to uphold her promise to avoid detentions at Spiral Hall. But a sea cleanup reveals Shem, a mythical fish boy, and a surprise honor from the Spiral Knights forces her to choose between rules and friendship. Meanwhile, Peter Blue has a vision of a water-dwelling monster. Can their unlikely alliance save the knights—and the world? Laurel Colless captures the delicate balance of environmental activism and adolescent adventure through the eyes of Riva, the determined twelve-year-old protagonist. The character development is both nuanced and engaging, particularly in Riva’s j...

Kayla Cunningham | Science Fiction & Fantasy

In Blood Oath, Kayla Cunningham delivers a gripping tale set within a dark, fantastic realm torn apart by the violence of the Sovereign War. The story follows Allyria Pilar, a sixteen-year-old prisoner in Redvine, who faces execution after her desperate attempt to save a magical woman, Prisoner #9486114, escalates into chaos. This pivotal moment catapults Allyria into the depths of a brutal system designed to crush hope and humanity. When unexpected help arrives through the enigmatic Death Dealer, Allyria must navigate her newfound freedom. At the same time, she is bound by an unsettling blood oath that ties her fate to an influential and morally ambiguous figure. But can she break free and...

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...