(NewsUSA) - “Animal Control” by Jonathan R. Miller

A young woman in California inherits a power that begins in the body and echoes out to the edges of the world. It isn’t explained and doesn’t come with rules. It gathers underneath the skin, waiting for direction.

As she begins to understand what the power can touch, rearrange, and dismantle, her decisions grow heavier. The results, stranger. Two friends join her — one driven, one deliberate — and the movement that forms between them gathers momentum until it starts to shift the balance between what is and what could be. Together they learn that transformation isn’t an event. It is a state. And not every becoming is safe.

“Animal Control” is a literary novel of restraint and reach, exploring how power circulates through the living world. It tells a story of instinct, intent, and of a young woman who must decide what she is willing to change and what she is willing to become. Purchase at https://amzn.to/4mtoEHl.

“Maya Blue: A Memoir of Survival” by Brenda Coffee

For fans of “Breaking Bad” and “Narcos,” a searingly honest and unforgettable memoir that challenges women to rethink everything they know about survival, resilience, and finding their voice.

At twenty-one, Brenda Coffee surrendered herself to her marriage and became a woman who would do almost anything her charismatic and powerful older husband, Philip Ray, wanted. Their life together was a fairy tale — until Philip, the founder of two high-profile, groundbreaking public companies, began making real cocaine in their basement and became addicted. Until the Big Six tobacco companies threatened their lives for creating the first smokeless cigarette, and brutal Guatemalan military commandos forced her into the jungle at gunpoint.

A suspenseful, fast-paced memoir that reads like a thriller, “Maya Blue” is an inspiring reminder that as long as you never surrender your voice and always keep your wits about you, you can survive almost anything. Purchase at https://amzn.to/4lyMBMf.

“Night of the Bear” by Alan Cockrell and Richard Hess

Reverend Bobby Chatman, a successful television preacher and the United States president's spiritual adviser, is hiding a dark secret. Immigrating to the US from Russia, he and his two assistants are deep-cover Russian intelligence operatives who have devised a plan to bring the United States to its knees with just four cruise missiles launched from within its borders.

Captain Mark "Suds" Matthews is a frustrated F-15 Eagle pilot who’s prepared to leave the Air Force and fly his final Eagle ride. Meanwhile, the career of his girlfriend, FBI Agent Darryl McCormick, seems to only be at its outset.

The night of the Russian attack is a desperate race to deliver the weapons and exit American airspace before being discovered, performed by an aircrew forced to risk their lives for a mission they don't believe in. Unbeknownst to him, Captain Matthews's last ride as an F-15 pilot may just be his most important. Purchase at https://amzn.to/45XsFwT.

BookTrib’s Lit Picks: 36 Free First Chapters from the Hottest Books of 2025

Readers get a free sneak peek into some of the hottest books and new voices being talked about in literary circles.

BookTrib.com — a leading source for book reviews, news, interviews and articles — offers readers the 2025 edition of its popular Lit Picks ebook collection of first chapters featuring excerpts from 36 new releases and hidden gems.

What to read is the most popular question our editors get a BookTrib.com.  This free gift can help readers decide what they will enjoy next. “BookTrib Lit Picks” includes lots to choose from, including contemporary and historical fiction, thrillers, fantasy, sci-fi, romance, self-help, memoirs and more from publishers like Blackstone, Koehler and Minotaur to award-winning small presses and works from independently published authors. Get your free download at https://booktrib.com/litpicks.

(NewsUSA) - “A Magical Loveliness of Ladybugs” by Amy L. Stark, Ph.D.

In a world filled with zany, fast-paced children’s books, “A Magical Loveliness of Ladybugs” offers a refreshing style that acts as a gentle reset button for busy minds.

Imagine finding your bedroom filled with ladybugs. That is exactly what Jan finds when she comes home from school.

This beautifully illustrated children's book, based on a true story, helps kids notice and find value in the natural world around them. The story focuses on children and adults' interactions with plants, bugs and butterflies, and demonstrates how nature can be sustained by planting habitats and gardens.

“Small creatures often carry the biggest truths,” the author says, and that ideal can be found throughout every page of the book.

If you're looking for a picture book that celebrates quiet moments, encourages close observation and fosters a lifelong love for nature, this one belongs on your shelf.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/4jYkwOl.

“The Bitter End Birding Society” by Amanda Cox

Hometown hero Ana Leigh Watkins ventures to Bitter End, Tennessee, to help her great-aunt prepare for retirement. A town called Bitter End seems an ironic place for Ana to refresh her weary spirit, but she's desperate for respite from the attention and unwarranted admiration of her community. While on a hike in Roan Mountain, a ragtag group of amateur bird-watchers takes her under their wing — a little against her will. However, she quickly warms to these genuine souls seeking solace in the great outdoors.

But when Ana's adventures in Bitter End lead her to a severed branch of her family tree — one that involves the forbidden love between a moonshiner's daughter and a preacher's son — what began as a getaway to help her great-aunt becomes a transformative journey that binds together two women who, though they live on the same street, have been estranged for sixty years.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/3GXtAEX.

“Anchored by Love” by Marie-Claire Moriah Wright and David Saccoh Wright

Siblings Clara, Max and Ash all found their own paths in life, but despite their individual achievements, it was the strength of their family that truly defined them. The cruise had been a chance to reaffirm that love, to reconnect and remind themselves of what mattered most: their bond as a family.

Through love, they found a way to withstand every obstacle life had thrown at them. Their journey had taught them that success isn’t just about achievements or accolades — it’s about the moments of connection. Because true joy and fulfillment came not just from what they had done, but from whom they had shared it with.

Their story is a testament to the power of love — and as they sailed into the future, they did so knowing that their hearts, their lives, and their family were forever anchored by love.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/40v68FA.

“Design for Your Mind” by Annie Guest

Homes are more than buildings; author, attorney and mental health therapist Annie Guest discovered this after the death of her parents. “My parents left their house to me. I decided to reimagine it in ways that would help me remember the whole of my parents’ lives — not just those sad final years — as I rebuilt my own life.”

Guest takes us through her journey and shows us the magic of how she transformed her home sustainably and on a budget. Using 95 “before” and “after” photos accompanied by easy-to-follow explanations of the science of good interior design, Guest helps us discover the true purpose of each room and how it can promote healthy living.

This is more than a book of inspired, affordable interior design. It’s a guide for anyone facing a new beginning who wants to recreate a home that supports well-being, self-expression and personal empowerment.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/3IACnxa.

(NewsUSA) - For anyone who’s ever felt crushed under the weight of family dysfunction, addiction or life-altering adversity, John Beyer offers something rare: proof that it’s possible to not only survive, but to thrive.

In “Live a Little Better: One Man’s Journey of Survival, Sobriety, and Success,” Beyer recounts with raw honesty how he rose from a childhood marked by parental addiction and neglect to build a successful business, raise a family and become an advocate for autism awareness. It’s a deeply personal memoir, but one that speaks to a wide audience — anyone who’s ever looked at their life and wanted more.

Beyer doesn’t sugarcoat his past. He was born into a home where addiction ruled and abuse was the norm. At a tender age, he had already endured life’s most stressful experiences — death, divorce, illness and moving. His teenage years were marked by binge drinking, criminal activity and emotional instability. The turning point came in 1986; after years of self-destruction, a near-fatal car crash, and the deaths of close friends and family, Beyer had hit rock bottom. A months-long bender led him to seek help from Alcoholics Anonymous, marking his long path toward sobriety and healing.

Recovery didn’t make life easy. But it gave Beyer the tools to keep going when things got hard. With the support of his longtime partner, Amy, and a dedicated therapist, he not only stayed sober but built Men on the Move, a top-rated moving-and-storage business on the East Coast. He also rediscovered his creative spark as a singer and songwriter. Success, for Beyer, didn’t come from erasing the past — it came from working through it and letting it sharpen his sense of purpose.

That resilience would be tested again when his son Gregory was diagnosed with autism. Instead of retreating, Beyer and Amy became fierce advocates. Beyer’s role as a father shaped his next chapter as a public figure committed to making a difference. He helped launch organizations and community programs, including Spectrum Designs Foundation and the David Center, and served as chairman of the Long Island Chapter of Autism Speaks.

Through personal tragedy, health crises, and the daily struggles of parenting and recovery, Beyer’s story remains grounded in gratitude and forward motion. The book isn’t a victory lap — it’s a conversation with anyone who’s still in the trenches, looking for hope. His daughter Lauren insisted he tell this story, and readers will be glad he did.

“Live a Little Better” is a testament to second chances and the quiet heroism of getting up every day and choosing to do better. It's for readers who crave honesty without despair, inspiration without self-help clichés. And in a time when so many feel overwhelmed by life’s unpredictability, Beyer’s message couldn’t be more needed.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/44Kds2F.

(NewsUSA) - In an era where medicine is being overhauled by innovation at a dizzying pace, few voices offer the clarity, conviction and insider perspective of Dr. Marschall Runge. His new book, “The Great Healthcare Disruption: Big Tech, Bold Policy, and the Future of American Medicine,” presents a sweeping, urgent vision of how American medicine is being irrevocably transformed — and how we can navigate the chaos.

Drawing on his experience as CEO of Michigan Medicine and Executive Vice President for Medical Affairs at the University of Michigan, Dr. Runge leads readers into a world where innovations such as artificial intelligence, gene therapies and next-generation obesity medications are no longer hypothetical; they are here now, reshaping diagnosis, treatment and access.

From retail giants entering primary care to AI reshuffling the diagnostics landscape, the pace of change is dizzying. Yet Dr. Runge keeps the narrative grounded. He writes not only as an insider but as someone who understands the complexity, trade‑offs and human impact of these shifts.

As a practicing cardiologist, scientific researcher and health system executive, Dr. Runge brings a rare clarity to issues that often get lost in the buzz. He frames health innovation as more than just technology — it is about culture and ethics. He challenges readers to reconsider how we define value in medicine, whether through outcomes, equity, cost or human connection. He invites patients, clinicians, policymakers and everyday readers into dialogue rather than lecturing from the top.

Despite the technical subject matter, Dr. Runge’s style remains accessible. He breaks down complex ideas into practical, digestible terms while sharing anecdotal examples of real-world implementation — all while pressing readers to think ahead. With rich storytelling, sharp insights and practical solutions, Dr. Runge cuts through the complexity of modern medicine to offer a bold, balanced path forward.

Dr. Runge has received praise from countless healthcare professionals for his insights in “The Great Healthcare Disruption.”

Victor J. Dzau, MD, who is the president of the National Academy of Medicine and Chancellor Emeritus at Duke University Health System, calls the book “a vital and timely contribution to the urgent conversation about the future of medicine — and what it must become to serve society in the 21st century.”

Pete McCanna, CEO of Baylor Scott & White Health, sees Dr. Runge as a much-needed thought leader in the industry. “He is as practical as he is inspirational, calling upon leaders to follow a roadmap designed to make care more customer-focused,” he says. ”As a fellow healthcare leader who also believes in the urgent need for industry transformation, I deeply appreciate Dr. Runge’s bold vision and dedication to fixing what is broken.”

Mark Hussey, CEO and President of Huron Consulting, which works with many clients in the healthcare industry, notes that the book is “a must-read for all who are passionate about improving healthcare and health outcomes in a financially sustainable way.”

By the end, “The Great Healthcare Disruption” leaves readers with neither feelings of doom nor technophilia, but with pragmatic optimism: yes, healthcare is shifting faster now than at any time since antibiotics and vaccines, but it is not inevitable that progress will be equitable or sustainable. Dr. Runge proposes a blueprint built around collaboration, accountability and grounded policy. He envisions systems that preserve the humanity of medicine even as technology expands what’s possible.

“The Great Healthcare Disruption” is essential for anyone trying to understand how today’s breakthroughs might impact their next doctor’s visit, their aging parent's care or national policy. Whether you are a clinician, a consumer, a policymaker or just someone curious about what lies ahead, this is your primer on the forces transforming American medicine — and what we must do if we want innovation to benefit us all.

Learn more at www.drmarschallrunge.com and purchase the book at https://amzn.to/4mC9gJc.

(NewsUSA) - “Moscow Nights Return” by Beth H. Macy

After years in semi-retirement, Cold War spy Elda Ainsworth is sent by the American government to extract her friend Korinna Federov, a Russian translator for the Kremlin. KGB operative Anatoly Petrov’s mission is to eliminate Korinna, thus ensuring the covert activities of both the American and Russian presidents are kept secret.

The delicate balance of peace is on the line as Elda squares off against Anatoly in a high-stakes cat-and-mouse chase across Russia and Europe. Alone against the power and resources of the Kremlin, are Elda’s wits and skills enough to save Korinna and win one for America in the new Cold War?

“Moscow Nights Return” is the first book in a gripping series of spy thrillers that bring alive flawed characters who operate in this clandestine world of international espionage. The fifth book in the Moscow Nights series will be released in the fall. Purchase at https://amzn.to/4fnlRuN.

“Falling Angels: A Maxx King Thriller” by John H. Thomas

In the explosive finale of the Maxx King trilogy, former Army Ranger Maxx King, a cybersecurity expert, faces a conspiracy that could end humanity. From Seattle’s secret labs to Beijing’s frenetic streets and Afghanistan’s war-torn mountains, Maxx and his team of allies — fierce Gabby, steadfast Andres and loyal Glen — hunt a rogue ex-DARPA scientist, traitor CIA operatives, and an Iranian physicist wielding technology that could trigger chaos on a cataclysmic scale.

The clock is ticking. Betrayals sting like shrapnel. In a pulse-pounding showdown, he must outmaneuver a killer who never misses, averting global catastrophe and saving the woman he loves.

“Falling Angels” is a merciless thriller packed with loyalty, betrayal and unbreakable spirit. This Maxx King saga finale grips readers with relentless suspense and gut-wrenching emotion. Jack Slater and Matthew Reilly fans will love this: one rule applies when facing a world-ending conspiracy — don’t blink. Purchase at https://amzn.to/4jUOKki.

“Homo Idioticus: Why We Are Stupid and What to Do About It” by Cezary Pietrasik

We are not Homo sapiens or Homo economicus; we are Homo idioticus.

- IQs in developed countries have been declining since 1995

- 10% of Americans use their phones during sex

- 40% of Americans reject the theory of evolution

- Nearly 40% of the world’s population has not completed high school

- 86% of American teens cannot differentiate between fact and opinion

“Homo Idioticus” explores the paradox of human intelligence and irrationality, delving into the roots of this idiocy, from biology to societal norms to systemic flaws, using vivid historical and modern examples to illustrate our follies.

With humor, compelling anecdotes and a clear sense of urgency, “Homo Idioticus” challenges readers to confront uncomfortable truths about human behavior by providing a profound exploration of how humans can be their own worst enemies — and how we, both individually and collectively, can fight back. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3ZAfSy3.

“High Flight: A Pilot's Journey Through Life” by Richard Hess

Richard Hess, born John Patrick Aliano, began life in a typical middle-class household. His parents divorced when he was just a toddler, and after his mom remarried, she gave him her new husband's surname, further distancing him from his paternal roots. Growing up on New York's mean streets with an abusive stepfather taught Richard grit at a very early age.

This grit followed him into the United States Air Force, which became his surrogate patriarch for the next 28 years. During his service, Richard learned to leave his scars behind. Now, after 50 years of marriage, raising three kids, fighting in nine war zones and traveling to countless countries, he's gained a certain perspective on life.

Richard's years spent as a military pilot, airline captain and businessman have given him an education in life, love and faith — an education that begs to be shared. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3FZEMAr.

(NewsUSA) - “Black Sun Rising” by Otho Eskin

When Washington, DC, homicide detective Marko Zorn's partner is murdered, his search for justice leads him deep into Black Sun, a violent neo-Nazi movement built from the ruins of WWII's most sinister forces. Their goal: unleash a catastrophic attack that will plunge the nation into chaos.

To stop them, Marko must confront a conspiracy stretching from Washington's corridors of power to the shadows of the city's underworld. Can Marko save the country from annihilation?

A pulse-pounding thriller in the tradition of Baldacci, Clancy, and Patterson, "Black Sun Rising" delivers relentless suspense, razor-sharp political intrigue, and a chillingly timely story of unchecked hatred — and the one man willing to risk everything to stop it. “Black Sun Rising” is the fourth book in Otho Eskin's Marko Zorn series and can be read as a stand-alone or as a part of the series. Purchase at https://amzn.to/4kpR1VV.

“Gone Dark” by Ryan Steck

Late-summer wildfires are a fact of life in Montana. But as an inferno nears Wellington, Matthew Redd gets the unusual call that a team of smoke jumpers has suddenly gone dark. As head of the county’s fledgling search and rescue team, Redd drops into the fire zone and finds more than he bargained for: a killer has taken out the smoke jumper team along with two civilians, and only a terrified young boy is left as witness. Redd and little Jack narrowly escape the raging fire, and Redd calls in the acting director of the FBI to investigate the bigger forces at play.

In this pulse-pounding thriller, former Marine Raider Matthew Redd, “a force to be reckoned with” (Jack Carr) and “the go-to man in a bad situation” (Brad Taylor), must face his greatest fears and figure out how to escape when the one way out goes up in flames. Purchase at https://bit.ly/4iSD3Lf.

“Patriotism: Unhinged 1963-2024” by James Manning

“Patriotism: Unhinged 1963-2024” is a non-fiction historical treatise on the JFK Assassination. It was written for people who know nothing about it, people who think they know everything about it and for everybody in between.

As a young Marine, Jim Manning saw hidden evidence that would prove Lee Harvey Oswald innocent of all charges in the case. Soon after revealing what he saw, Jim’s life was threatened, and he spent the next 55 years as a Kennedy investigator. As the years went by, he concentrated on evidence that had been covered up by the CIA's Propaganda Section. Now, he reveals the evidence marked top secret that was taken from Langley to bring out the truth.

“Patriotism: Unhinged 1963-2024” exonerates Lee Oswald of all charges, and explains the who, the why and how it was orchestrated by the top intelligence agencies. Purchase at https://amzn.to/457fKJS.

“Taking the Stairs & Liking It: Seven Steps to an Amazing Life” by Lauren Speeth, PhD

Drawing on a lifetime of personal experience, “Taking the Stairs and Liking It” inspires readers to find joy through a life of purpose, coherence and significance. The counsel laid out within these pages has its lineage from author Lauren Speeth’s serendipitous interview with President Jimmy Carter. The former President’s words to Speeth changed the course of her life. Speeth delved deeply into what President Carter shared with her, developing a methodology based on his offerings, and, having put these ideas to the test, she traveled the world teaching them. All the while, Speeth was putting Carter’s fundamental precepts into practice in her personal life without realizing it.

Within these pages, readers will find that they can achieve their dreams, regardless of the present obstacles, as Speeth provides a pathway for making a positive impact on the world while leading a richer, more joyous and fulfilling life. Purchase at https://amzn.to/45wxbUt.

(NewsUSA) - “Voices of the Civil War” by Barry Robbins

Step into the hearts and minds of those who lived through America's darkest chapter with "Voices of the Civil War", a groundbreaking work that brings history to vivid life through meticulously crafted first-person narratives.

More than just a retelling of battles and dates, "Voices of the Civil War" plunges you into the human experiences and wrenching emotions of a nation at war with itself. Feel the agonizing weight of command, the adrenaline-pumping terror of combat, the soaring hope of emancipation and the heart-rending anguish of a country torn asunder.

Prepare to be transported back in time and forever changed by the poignant, personal voices within these pages. You'll walk away with a profound new appreciation for the impossible choices, the inspiring resilience and the staggering human toll of the war that forged modern America. Purchase at https://2ly.link/26Qn3.

“Thunderbird Rising” by John H. Thomas

An action-packed alternate-history thriller full of uncertain loyalties, deceit, and international espionage set in Seattle and New York City.

Maxx King is a former Army Ranger turned cybercrime investigator trying to get his life back on track when he has an unexpected confrontation with a ruthless Chinese spy. Struggling to understand the escalating violence, he discovers a clandestine US-China conflict centered around a device of unknown origins with the power to trigger massive natural disasters.

Caught between competing US government agencies, Chinese assassins, secret informants, and a rising number of deaths, Maxx must get to the truth before the next catastrophe strikes. Things get personal when it turns out his girlfriend has been working on the covert project and may be the source of damaging leaks that threaten national security.

A great fit for fans of Jack Slater, Matthew Reilly and Steve Berry. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3Q0HWVO.

“Parenting with Pride: Unlearn Bias and Embrace, Empower, and Love Your LGBTQ+ Teen” by Heather Hester

Your kid just came out to you, and amid the flurry of emotion, you know you would do anything to protect their health and happiness. And you are not alone! Heather Hester, coach, advocate, and host of the #1 rated podcast, “Just Breathe: Parenting Your LGBTQ Teen,” combines an honest retelling of her own son’s coming-out experience with wide-ranging research, conversations with dozens of professionals, and the unique experiences of other families to provide the ultimate guidebook for parents embarking on this journey.

Hester gently guides parents and caregivers through the four pillars (Embrace, Educate, Empower and Love) toward fully supporting and loving their LGBTQ+ child. With trustworthy information and an accessible, straightforward plan, “Parenting with Pride” provides actionable yet profound tools and mental shifts to help parents support their teens and themselves and be a catalyst for change in their communities. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3RieZpi.

“Return to Hawaii (A Donovan Cross Novel)” by Daniel Voelker

Originally from Hawaii, NIA agent Donovan Cross has not returned home in nearly 30 years. The unexpected death of his parents altered the course of his life. Instead of attending a prestigious college on a scholarship, he chose a path of spying and espionage.

When the Agency ordered him to return to his birthplace, he anticipated confronting painful memories of his parents' passing. However, those feelings were replaced by a sense of excitement and rejuvenation.

Unbeknownst to him, his presence on the island is crucial to addressing a sensitive global crisis: China's imminent invasion of Taiwan. Hawaii is being used, shrouded in secrecy, to facilitate this invasion. The skills Cross has honed over the years and his knowledge of the island's secrets will lead him and his newfound ally, the beautiful Jade Viper, on the thrill ride of a lifetime. Purchase at https://bit.ly/3GPwyee.

(NewsUSA) - “Mothers of Fate” by Lynne Hugo

After constructing a new life for herself after an affair with her married boss, Deana Wilkes is ready to make things right and meet the son she was forced to relinquish in a closed adoption 30 years ago. She seeks out Monica Connell, an attorney, to find him; but Monica's wife, Angela, was adopted herself and is certain that closed adoptions need to remain closed unless the adoptee seeks contact. She draws a red line, but Monica feels compelled by her own complicated history to help Deana.

As this wedge between them hardens, will Angie or Monica have the best custody claim to their own beloved adopted baby? Through it all, nobody knows what Deana's son wants — not even his adoptive parents.

“Mothers of Fate” vividly portrays lingering psychological wounds as characters struggle to reconcile self-determination with the sacrifices love demands. Purchase at https://amzn.to/41LurjG.

“Surviving the Survivor” by Joel Z. Waldman

It started when Karmela Waldman, psychotherapist and Holocaust survivor, and her son Joel Waldman, a broadcast journalist, decided to start a podcast. It’s a bumpy start as the lovingly dysfunctional mother-son duo struggle to figure out the art of podcasting on the fly, but soon, their “Surviving the Survivor” podcast breaks out as a wildly popular true-crime hit.

Along the way, the two discover things about each other that they never knew — like how Karmela survived World War II by hiding in a boys’ Catholic school.

Mastering podcasting is one thing; figuring out the meaning of life is a challenge of an entirely different order. In real time and “on air,” mother and son engage frankly and movingly with each other for the first time as adults, discussing child-rearing, aging, illness, death and the secrets to enjoying life no matter how complicated it gets. Purchase at https://amzn.to/4iYYIkG.

“Little Great Island” by Kate Woodworth

On Little Great Island, climate change is disrupting both life and love.

After offending the powerful pastor of a cult, Mari McGavin has to flee with her 6-year-old son. With no money and no place else to go, she returns to the tiny Maine island where she grew up — a place she swore she’d never see again. There, Mari runs into her lifelong friend Harry Richardson, one of the island’s summer residents, now back himself to sell his family’s summer home. Mari and Harry’s lives intertwine once again, setting off a chain of events as unexpected and life-altering as the shifts in climate affecting the whole ecosystem of the island … from generations of fishing families to the lobsters and the butterflies.

“Little Great Island” illustrates in microcosm the greatest changes of our time and the unyielding power of love. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3XykTGc.

“Roll the Sun Across the Sky” by Barbara Linn Probst

Approaching a milestone birthday, Arden Rice has seen it all: three marriages, hardship and wealth, choices she both regrets and defends, all fueled by the same fierce desire — to give her daughter the best possible life. At least, that’s what Arden tells herself.

But nothing is simple. Arden is haunted by her impetuous history, with its trail of damage and deception. Yet she’s finally made a life where she can be her best self — until the unthinkable happens, and a train engineer’s lapse in attention throws that life into chaos.

Secrets begin to unravel, and Arden finds herself questioning everything she thought she knew — along with her own role in shaping the disturbing person her daughter has become. As the stakes increase, Arden must face questions she’s spent a lifetime avoiding: Which acts define a person? Can someone be better than her worst acts? Purchase at https://amzn.to/3E4KeRp.

(NewsUSA) - “Silent Horizons" by Chad Robichaux

In this new military thriller, Foster Quinn is more than a former Force Recon Marine: he’s a husband, father, and faithful brother to his teammates. When one of them is killed during a high-risk operation, Foster struggles to balance his roles as a dedicated family man and an elite warrior.

Then he gets the chance to step in where his best friend left off, assuming a cover identity that will pave the way for a critical mission. On his own in a new country, he must carefully choose who to trust. One wrong move could spell disaster.

From former Force Recon Marine Chad Robichaux and Navy TOPGUN fighter pilot Jack Stewart comes a thriller that gives readers a pulse-pounding glimpse into the clandestine side of special operations. It’s perfect for fans of Jason Bourne and James Reece and makes a great Father’s Day gift.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/43FrimM.

“Vested Interest” by Bailey Herrington

Vested interest: "a special concern or stake in maintaining or influencing a condition, arrangement or action especially for selfish ends." — Merriam Webster Dictionary.

In “Vested Interest: A David Elliott Mystery,” an attractive, intelligent young member of David Elliott’s congregation disappears; fear and ugly rumors spread throughout the community and the congregation. After her strangled body is found, the autopsy reveals startling details. The investigation, hampered by a lack of solid evidence, proceeds slowly. When another member of David Elliott’s congregation dies mysteriously, the increasing anxiety rips the church apart and intensifies David’s doubts about his ability and self-worth. David finds evidence that appears to incriminate members of his congregation as killers. His daring plan to confront the killers erupts in violence and death before the killers can be brought to justice.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/3S5X857.

“Portrait of a Feminist” by Marianna Marlowe

Infused with a passion for justice, this expansive memoir by a biracial and multicultural feminist will appeal to fans of “Crying in H Mart” and “How to Raise a Feminist Son.”

With writing that is simultaneously wise and shimmering, nuanced and direct, Marlowe confronts her own experiences with the hallmarks of patriarchy. Interweaving stories of life as the child of a Catholic Peruvian mother and an atheist American father in a family that lived many years abroad, she examines realities familiar to so many of us — unequal marriages, class structures, misogynist literature, and patriarchal religion. Through braided memories that flash against the present day, “Portrait of a Feminist” explores the essential questions of feminism in our time: What does it look like to live in defense of feminism? How should feminism be evolving today?

Purchase at https://amzn.to/4iPNyhE.

“Invaders of the Heartland” by James Bultema

After LAPD brass scrutinized his split-second decision in a deadly bank shootout, Detective Jake Dalton left the city behind for his hometown—Fairview, Oklahoma. But his return to small-town life is anything but quiet.

Taking over a struggling four-person police department, Jake believes he’s left big-city crime in the past—until the Chinese mafia moves in, turning Fairview into the hub of a ruthless billion-dollar marijuana empire.

When Jake sounds the alarm, federal agents dismiss him, and local officials look the other way. Outgunned and outnumbered, he stands alone as the last line of defense against a brutal syndicate determined to seize total control. One wrong move could cost him everything.

Written by a retired LAPD officer, Invaders of the Heartland is a gritty, high-stakes police procedural brimming with real-world authenticity, crime, and conspiracy. The story may be fiction, but the crisis is very real.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/4iV5GGU.

(NewsUSA) - "Retirement Planning That Delivers" by Pete Bosse, PhD, CFP

It’s not unusual to fear the unknown when it comes to retirement, such as: What will I do with all my free time? What do I still want to accomplish? Will I have enough money to live on? How will I stay connected to friends from work? How will I stay healthy in retirement? Answers to all these questions and many more are contained in this book.

While other books focus on the numbers and the math — the spreadsheets, savings goals and investment strategies — “Retirement Planning That Delivers” focuses on 80% lifestyle, 20% finances. What if retirement could be a time to rediscover your passions, deepen relationships and make every day fulfilling — without the constant worry about finances? Whether you’re just starting your journey or feel like you’re behind, this guide offers practical, actionable advice to help you take control of your retirement today.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/42VpUeW.

“The Sooner You Forget” by Christopher Bensinger

In this little-known chapter of World War II history, a young American soldier must reconcile what happened to him at the hands of the Nazis — and his own government.

Soon to be eighteen, Charlton Buckley is looking to escape the grips of his dead-end Wisconsin hometown and abusive father. He channels his youthful enthusiasm toward piloting for the Air Force — but then his plane is shot down on his first mission, and he’s captured and sent to a German stalag. As the Nazis’ war efforts start to fail, they pull Jewish soldiers from the Allied ranks and transport them to a secret labor death camp. Despite his Christian background, Buckley is taken, and there he experiences horrors beyond imagination.

Navigating trauma, faith, love and loyalty, “The Sooner You Forget” is the story of one man’s search to find true liberation decades after imprisonment. Purchase at https://amzn.to/4c6qedT.

BookTrib’s Lit Picks: First Chapters From the Hottest Books

Here’s a chance for readers to get a sneak peek into some of the hottest books and new voices being talked about in literary circles.

BookTrib.com — a leading source for book reviews, news, interviews and articles — offers readers the Winter 2025 edition of its popular Lit Picks ebook collection of first chapters from the hottest new books. Featuring excerpts from over 50 new releases and hidden gems, “BookTrib Lit Picks” is the perfect read!

A free digital sampler, “BookTrib Lit Picks” includes a sampling of contemporary and historical fiction, thrillers, fantasy, sci-fi, romance, self-help, memoirs and more from Penguin Random House, Simon & Schuster and HarperCollins to award-winning small presses and works from independently published authors. Get your free download at https://booktrib.com/litpicks.

“Voices of the Civil War” by Barry Robbins

Step into the hearts and minds of those who lived through America's darkest chapter with "Voices of the Civil War", a groundbreaking work that brings history to vivid life through meticulously crafted first-person narratives.

More than just a retelling of battles and dates, "Voices of the Civil War" plunges you into the human experiences and wrenching emotions of a nation at war with itself. Feel the agonizing weight of command, the adrenaline-pumping terror of combat, the soaring hope of emancipation and the heart-rending anguish of a country torn asunder.

Prepare to be transported back in time and forever changed by the poignant, personal voices within these pages. You'll walk away with a profound new appreciation for the impossible choices, the inspiring resilience and the staggering human toll of the war that forged modern America. Purchase at https://2ly.link/26Qn3