Connie Richardson (Black Rose Writing)
In Rapid City Summer by Connie Richardson, fifteen-year-old Natalie reluctantly leaves her life in a Chicago suburb behind when her mother accepts a dream job in Rapid City, South Dakota. Uprooted from her cross-country team and best friend, Syd, just after freshman year, Natalie dreads the move. That is, until she meets Adam, her fly-fishing-obsessed neighbor, who introduces her to South Dakota's natural beauty. As Natalie learns to cast a fly rod on Rapid Creek and to hike rugged trails in the Black Hills, she also learns to deal with family...
Sharon Mikeworth (River Nation Publishing)
The House on Chestnut Circle by Sharon Mikeworth is a haunting story that follows Trent Cooper, a former graphic designer seeking a fresh start in a small, aging neighborhood after leaving his tumultuous marriage. The move will allow him to be near his son, but moving into the fifty-year-old Lance Harrington’s house comes with surprises Trent never imagined. Trent becomes intrigued by the house’s dark history, particularly the mysterious disappearance of Lance’s girlfriend, Valerie Summers, who vanished without a trace twenty-five years earlier...
Karen Black (Karen Black)
Heritage Mountain by Karen Black is a tale of adventure, magic, and a battle to preserve ancient secrets. The story follows a diverse group of characters, including archaeologists, supernatural beings, and guardians of the forest, who explore the Adirondacks in search of artifacts, lost relics, and even a legendary gold mine. Marco Cason is exploring the mountain history with Chase, Maria, and Anita, but he is unaware that they are the guardians of the fae. With maps, they explore the legends of the mountain and discover folklore that reveals t...
Glenda K Clare (Independent)
The Legacy of Prairie Winds by Glenda K Clare is a saga that chronicles the life of Johann (John) Gehring, a young German immigrant who bravely journeys to America in search of a new life. At sixteen, Johann arrives in the Nebraska’s rugged prairies. He encounters tornadoes, prairie fires, and experiences the freezing winters. He learns to survive in the midst of the fiercest challenges. Adopting the name John, he finds love with Helena, and together they build a home and raise five children, including the spirited Berta. Helena teaches her chi...
Eleanor Lerman (She Writes Press)
King the Wonder Dog and Other Stories by Eleanor Lerman is a delightful collection of short stories that examine the quiet struggles and unexpected moments of ordinary lives. Laura is an aging woman seeking to adopt an older dog; Jeanne faces loneliness amid Macy’s bewilderment and her search for a lost pet. Cassandra struggles with her mental health in a hospital, and her husband provides care and unexpected responses in “Normal People.” “Old Dogs” follows Steven, a Jersey City maintenance worker, as he confronts aging and mortality while remi...
Asawer K (Independently Published)
Beyond Zero by Asawer K. is a haunting tale that plunges you into the depths of trauma, mental health, and the indelible scars of depressive pain and struggle. The narrative centers mainly on Lily, a young woman struggling with invisible wounds. It intertwines her journey with mythic tales of girls like Serelai and Eline, who confront their own darkness in unique worlds. The book explores the complex layers of grief, silence, and grit, capturing the often-unnoticed struggles of those experiencing depression. Lily’s internal monologues unveil de...
Harbinder Mathadu (Amazon)
The Karma Club by Harbinder Mathadu is a gripping novel that features multiple subplots spanning India and the UK, centered on themes of guilt, redemption, and the cyclical nature of karma. The story begins with a vivid depiction of a rural Indian village where a tragic fire claims the lives of a family, leaving a young Raj haunted by guilt, believing himself responsible for their deaths. Years later, in London, Raj struggles with deep-seated trauma and loneliness, finding solace only in fleeting moments of connection, especially with Gabby, a...
Don Tassone (Toerner Press)
New Again by Don Tassone is a compelling collection of interconnected stories that explore themes of renewal, forgiveness, human connection, and purpose. The stories present an array of characters and settings, each exploring a unique human experience. “New Eyes” is about Betsy Mitchell’s journey through her fears and mental health struggles to seeing life differently, thanks to her connection with family and conversations with her new Muslim neighbor, Shakila. Other stories present the lives of individuals facing loss, guilt, and r...
Jaden Noble (Friesen Press)
Jaden Noble delivers a captivating tale in Knock Out, a perfect read for YA fans. The story introduces Zena, a young woman fighting to escape her traumatic past and protect her future. Her father has been a monster, and all she wants is never to have anything to do with him. She has struggled with homelessness and has hit the lowest point she could ever imagine before tumbling into the gym, where she doesn’t just find a place to train, but people she can call family. The gym gives her the space to train and to reclaim her identity, but when she...
Margaret Marie Klenzing (Stewart Education Services)
Margaret Marie Klenzing’s debut is a heartwarming and compelling exploration of a young dancer’s journey through the world of ballet. You’ll discover the magic of ballet and the power of friendship in Marie’s Nutcracker, fully illustrated with nineteen original drawings by Rori Alexander. This captivating story follows seventeen-year-old Marie, a talented dancer, as she embarks on a journey to become a professional ballerina. Witness her struggle with insecurities, rivalries, and her feelings for handsome Peter, a professional dancer from New Y...
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