(BookTrib) - “The First Cycle: NUE World Chronicles” by F.N. Knight

In this ambitious science-fantasy epic set nearly a thousand years after humanity’s flight from a dying Earth, the planet Thelo is both refuge and prison — a world of twin suns, corrosive mists, dangerous beauty and old bargains with a long reach.

Anibel Azure, the youngest daughter of the ruling Azure family, has been raised to become Lady Head of the Medium. But first she must face the Test, a secret coming-of-age rite that has claimed generations of Azure daughters and bound her people to the mysterious Black Towers. Haunted by visions of humanity’s violent first days on Thelo, Anibel begins to question the history she has inherited.

With Jael, a quick-witted acolyte drawn into her orbit, Anibel may uncover the truth behind the ritual, the ruling Vaine families and the rebellion gathering in the shadows. Richly imagined and morally charged, “The First Cycle” launches a bold new saga.

Purchase at https://tinyurl.com/the-first-cycle.

“Grab Another Gear: Disrupt the Norm. Ignite Your Passion.” by Wayne Williams

This compelling self-help and leadership guide is designed for anyone ready to break out of autopilot and live with greater purpose. Drawing on Wayne Williams’s deep experience helping leaders navigate pivotal transitions, “Grab Another Gear” invites readers to disrupt the routine, rekindle dormant passion and embrace meaningful change rather than comfort.

Through his signature Grab Another Gear framework, Williams blends vivid racing metaphors, personal insights from wins and wipeouts, and clear “Gear Check” action steps that help individuals clarify identity, strengthen relationships and make courageous choices that matter. Far from a typical motivational read, this high-octane guide empowers readers to shift from merely successful to truly significant — living fully engaged, fully awake and fully alive. It’s the ideal read for leaders, entrepreneurs, and anyone feeling stuck or seeking clarity, courage and a renewed sense of impact.

Purchase at https://tinyurl.com/grab-another-gear.

“Dawn Before Darkness” by Liz Lazarus

A psychological thriller inspired by real events, “Dawn Before Darkness” reveals the treachery of a ruthless stalker, the alarming failure of the legal system and the unthinkable battle a daughter must face to protect her family.

Dawn Smith, a vet tech, meets her dream guy. Not only does he woo her with fancy dates and thoughtful gifts, but he charms her widowed mother. Soon, however, strange things begin to happen — a break-in at her home, a missing necklace, and most alarming of all, a rapid decline in her mom’s health. The facade of Mr. Charming is cracking and before Dawn understands the magnitude of his lies, she’s immersed in a battle she never saw coming.

Drawing on real-life guardianship cases and interviews with stalking victims, Lazarus crafts an emotionally charged thriller that explores how the systems designed to protect us can be manipulated.

Details at https://tinyurl.com/dawn-before-darkness.

“Scripts” by Brandon Knightley

In mid-twentieth-century America, Arlene Zirner is a woman no one seems to see clearly — least of all her cold, dismissive husband, Charlie. Raised with an unusual worldview and trapped in a marriage that has taught her to disappear, Arlene quietly accepts the boundaries of her life until a chance encounter in a park awakens a hidden gift.

With a typewriter tucked away like a secret, Arlene begins to discover not only a talent for writing, but a self she has long been denied. Woven through her story are intimate two-person dramatic scripts, read aloud by other couples who find in them a language for emotions they cannot otherwise express.

Inventive, tender and quietly powerful, "Scripts" is a literary novel about marriage, silence, unseen goodness and the private acts of creation that can become a path to liberation.

Learn more at https://tinyurl.com/scripts-review or purchase at https://tinyurl.com/scripts-novel.

(BookTrib) - “The Captain's Clue” by Brock Eastman and Shaun Stevenson

In this hilarious action-adventure for Christian kids, the parables of Jesus literally come to life — and Parable Port is in deep water. Anthony and his friends have barely recovered from their last wild adventure when the storm of the century hits town. The rain won’t stop, the waters keep rising, and the Parable of the Wise and Foolish Builders has gone seriously haywire.

As flooded streets fill with electric eels and homes begin crumbling like sandcastles, Anthony teams up with Grace and Duck to find the mysterious lighthouse keeper, Captain David, who may hold the key to saving the town. Meanwhile, budding podcaster J.R. gets caught up chasing a big story and must decide whether popularity is worth risking real friendships.

Fast-paced, funny and faith-filled, this illustrated middle-grade adventure helps young readers discover what it means to build life on a solid foundation.

Purchase at https://tinyurl.com/the-captains-clue.

“Ashes of the Republic” by James Chesterton

In this chilling speculative thriller, America in 2046 is a nation transformed by surveillance technology, artificial intelligence and an increasingly authoritarian government. Former engineer Lily Osbourne knows this world better than most: years earlier, she helped create the technology that now monitors citizens, suppresses dissent and keeps those in power firmly in control.

Forced to abandon her former identity after falling out of favor with the ruling Dennison family, Lily discovers firsthand what happens to those who challenge the system. As she watches her inventions weaponized against ordinary people, she is compelled to confront her own role in creating the future she once helped build.

Blending high-stakes suspense with timely questions about power, responsibility and personal freedom, “Ashes of the Republic” is a thought-provoking cautionary tale that feels less like distant science fiction than a warning about the world taking shape around us.

Purchase at https://tinyurl.com/ashes-of-the-republic.

“The Peace Guidebook: How to Cultivate Hope, Healing, and Harmony for the Good of Humankind” by Elizabeth Hamilton-Guarino and Dr. Katie Eastman

In a divided and uncertain world, “The Peace Guidebook” offers a practical path toward personal healing, compassionate leadership and meaningful collective change. Inspired by the global Percolate Peace Project, Elizabeth Hamilton-Guarino and Dr. Katie Eastman draw on decades of work helping people navigate grief, transition and transformation to present Ten Principles of Peace for everyday life.

Blending reflection, storytelling and accessible daily practices, the book invites readers to quiet what is unsettled within, move through conflict with courage and grace, lead from a place of love, and build relationships rooted in shared values. The book’s prompts and exercises make the journey interactive, encouraging readers not only to think about peace but to practice it in their homes, workplaces and communities.

Part guidebook, part call to action, “The Peace Guidebook” is a steady companion for anyone seeking a more grounded, purpose-driven life — and a more compassionate world.

Purchase at https://tinyurl.com/the-peace-guidebook.

“The Alpha Trace” by J. Mayberry

A string of murders. A cryptic symbol. A small town where everyone seems to be hiding something.

True-crime podcaster Elena Coleman has spent years digging into the questions Millbrook Falls wants left alone — a decades-old serial killer known as the Alpha, a suspicious police shooting and the local forces determined to keep both stories quiet. When Elena is found dead in her apartment with the Alpha’s chilling mark left behind, Detective James Rios is pulled into a case that refuses to stay cold.

Then more bodies appear. Each one bears the killer’s signature. Each one pulls Rios deeper into a pattern of violence that grows more disturbing with every turn. To solve it, he must untangle a web of police corruption, family loyalties and evidence that refuses to point in only one direction.

A tense serial murder investigation full of twists and turns, “The Alpha Trace” is a psychological crime thriller where every clue raises new questions — and no one is above suspicion.

Purchase at https://tinyurl.com/the-alpha-trace.

(BookTrib) - “Riptide” by Chad Robichaux with Jack Stewart

Still haunted by his former teammate’s betrayal, former Force Recon Marine Foster Quinn is thrust back into the world he thought he left behind. As he hunts down the men pulling the strings of a global conspiracy, Foster must resist the temptation to be swept away by revenge in his search for justice ― especially when the war becomes personal, and he realizes it’s coming to his own turf.

Written by two Armed Forces veterans who bring real-world expertise to their writing, “Riptide” is an exhilarating, ripped-from-the-headlines thriller that blurs the line between duty and revenge ― and leaves no one above suspicion.

“Riptide” is hailed as an “action-paced conspiracy thriller that brims with authenticity” (Mark Greaney) and praised for “its unmatched realism and tactical authenticity” (Nick Freitas).

Purchase at https://amzn.to/4rHt5QJ.

“Should Have Told You Sooner” by Jane Ward

While studying art history in London, Noel Enfield falls deeply for aspiring artist Bryn Jones. Their future seems set — until Bryn leaves for a five-month painting trip through Italy, Noel discovers she is pregnant, and a series of painful misunderstandings leads her to make a life-altering decision.

Thirty years later, Noel returns to London for a museum secondment, determined to prove she has moved on. Instead, she is drawn back into the city’s close-knit art world and the unresolved past she thought she had buried. When she finally learns why Bryn never came back, everything she believed about her choices, her family and her own resilience is shaken.

Praised by Kirkus Reviews as an “artful and affecting novel of loss and reconnection,” “Should Have Told You Sooner” is a moving story of romance, regret and second chances.

For more information and to purchase, visit https://www.janeaward.com/.

“The Heart of Gardening: How to Have a Successful Life Through Sustainable Gardening from a Storyteller’s Perspective” by Rebecca Band

So many people dream about having a garden but hesitate to take that first step. Knowing where to begin can feel overwhelming. That’s why organic gardener and horticultural professional Rebecca Band created “The Heart of Gardening,” a simple, gentle guide to help new gardeners find their footing and discover success without relying on chemicals.

Along the way, Band shares personal stories, the reasons behind her methods, and the observations she’s gathered from years of experience. “My hope is that this book will not only offer practical guidance,” writes the author, “but also uplift, entertain, inspire and spark thoughtful reflection for anyone ready to begin their gardening journey.”

Purchase at https://amzn.to/4v123pF.

“Lili y el árbol de los colores mágicos / Lili & the Tree of Magical Colors” by Rosalba Segovia

In this gentle bilingual picture book, Rosalba Segovia introduces readers to Lili, a kindhearted girl whose walk to school becomes an unexpected lesson in friendship, empathy and peace. Along the way, Lili meets a lost turtle, a frightened black cat and an injured iguana, each in need of comfort and help. Together, they follow a fragrant breeze toward a wondrous tree of magical colors — only to discover that the tree grows sad and gray when friends fight.

With soft illustrations and side-by-side Spanish and English storytelling, “Lili & the Tree of Magical Colors” invites young readers to see kindness as something active: listening, helping, forgiving and standing together. As Lili and her friends learn, differences do not have to divide us. When we reach for one another with love and respect, the world becomes brighter, more peaceful and more beautiful. Also available: an accompanying album of songs based on the book.

Purchase the book at https://amzn.to/4d5b2Qk and the accompanying music at https://amzn.to/4uzbwUO.

(BookTrib) - “L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Volume 42” edited by Jody Lynn Nye

Each year, the L. Ron Hubbard Writers and Illustrators of the Future Contest discovers new voices in science fiction and fantasy — and Volume 42 of its annual anthology showcases its latest award-winning writers and artists. Selected from entries around the world, winning writers and artists are paired together for the project, resulting in illustrated stories that highlight the creative collaboration at the heart of the program.

This year’s collection spans a wide range of speculative storytelling, from explorations of identity and consciousness to mysteries shaped by shifting realities, alongside richly imagined fantasy and darker, more unsettling tales. These are emerging creators at a pivotal moment in their careers, offering fresh perspectives and bold ideas. With contributions from established authors alongside these new talents, “L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Volume 42” serves as both a celebration of this year’s winners and a glimpse of the genre’s evolving future.

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

“The Architect of Deception” by Debbie Baldwin

In Debbie Baldwin’s latest, privilege and power mask a far more dangerous game. Razz James — once destined for Manhattan’s elite circles — has spent six years unraveling in grief after his twin brother’s death. When his best friend receives an invitation to an exclusive secret society, Razz seizes the distraction, volunteering for an initiation challenge that seems reckless but harmless: steal a memento from a billionaire’s fantastical mansion high above the city.

He pulls it off — or so he thinks. When a body surfaces, Razz is thrust into a twisting web of lies, corruption and shifting loyalties, where wealth bends the rules and truth is anything but fixed.

Blending psychological tension with high-society intrigue, Baldwin delivers a layered thriller packed with riddles, red herrings and escalating stakes. As Razz races to uncover the mastermind behind it all, one question drives the suspense: in a world built on deception, who can he trust?

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

“What the Heart Carries” by Susan Appel

In this emotionally resonant novel inspired by a true story, Susan Appel explores identity, family and the truth that refuses to stay hidden. Stephanie grows up in a loving Brooklyn household, yet a quiet unease about her origins follows her into adulthood. Miles away, Carmine is shaped by instability and loss, driven by a need to understand where he belongs. They are strangers — until a single revelation brings their lives together, exposing a shared past neither knew existed.

Spanning decades and moving between Brooklyn and Florida, “What the Heart Carries” traces the ripple effects of one long-buried secret. As the truth surfaces, both must reckon with what was lost, what remains and what it means to move forward. Appel delivers a heartfelt story of reconciliation, faith and resilience — and the fragile, enduring ties that define family.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/4d89Lbb.

“The Overprivileged, Underqualified Manifesto: When Leadership Forgets Competence and the Emotional Cost We All Hide” by Giovi Zaro

Technology and digital transformation leader Giovi Zaro draws on decades inside global organizations to deliver a sharp, unflinching look at why so many workplaces fall short of their promises. Blending firsthand experience with cultural critique, Giovi argues that failure isn’t rooted in technological complexity, but in leadership that prioritizes optics over outcomes.

Written for high performers, new managers and anyone quietly burning out in “successful” environments, the book names the emotional toll of navigating politics, exclusion and performative progress — where integrity is often sidelined and truth goes unspoken.

Yet it’s not purely diagnostic. Giovi points toward a more hopeful path grounded in accountability, humility and honest leadership. Part manifesto, part mirror, this concise work gives language to what many professionals feel but rarely articulate — and challenges readers to rethink what leadership, and work itself, could be.

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

(BookTrib) - “The Lost Panel” by Mark Steven Hammond

Among the many treasures of Saint Bavo’s Cathedral in Ghent, Belgium, is a massive altarpiece painted by the Renaissance artist Jan van Eyck. Its many panels depict biblical figures, saints, martyrs, prophets, clergy and angels gathered around a pastoral scene at the center, where the Lamb of God bleeds into a golden chalice. It’s an awe-inspiring sight — and, as one of the earliest and most influential masterpieces of oil painting, a defining work in Western art. But what many visitors don’t realize is that the altarpiece, at least in part, is a forgery. One of its panels has been missing for nearly a century, replaced by a meticulously crafted replica.

In April 1934, thieves stole the panel known as "The Just Judges," which remains the greatest unsolved art theft in history. Ransom notes followed. To prove their claim, the thieves returned the reverse side — an image of John the Baptist — while the front vanished completely. Weeks later, a dying man claimed he alone knew the panel’s location, leaving behind cryptic instructions. Investigators pursued the clues, but the painting was never found.

This real-world mystery forms the foundation of Mark Steven Hammond’s "The Lost Panel." While theories about its fate have circulated for decades, Hammond asks a more provocative question: what if it was hidden in plain sight?

The novel opens in 15th-century Bruges, where Jan van Eyck is reimagined as a covert operative embedding secrets within his work. This reframes the altarpiece as more than a religious object — it becomes a vessel for hidden knowledge. The story then shifts to the present day, where a group of historians and researchers is drawn into the long-unsolved mystery. At the center is Ryan, an impulsive but driven protagonist, balanced by Sophia, an art historian whose expertise anchors the investigation. Alongside them are Barbara and Matteo, each contributing specialized knowledge as the mystery expands beyond academic curiosity into something far more dangerous.

What begins as research quickly becomes a high-stakes pursuit. The team follows a trail of historical clues, encoded messages and buried secrets stretching across Europe and into the remnants of wartime history. As they draw closer to the truth, they find themselves in a race against unseen adversaries equally determined to uncover — or control — it.

Hammond balances intellectual puzzle-solving with kinetic action, moving from archival discoveries to high-speed chases. At its core is a compelling idea: in art, meaning is not always visible on the surface. Thematically, the book explores the intersection of faith, power and knowledge, raising questions about who controls history and what is allowed to endure. It also examines legacy — how meaning can be embedded, obscured and rediscovered over time.

What ultimately sets "The Lost Panel" apart is its ability to transform a real-world enigma into a compelling narrative. Hammond doesn’t simply revisit the mystery; he reimagines it, suggesting that what was lost may have been hidden for a reason. Some works of art are not meant to be seen, but to be discovered.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/4u3cGYy.

(BookTrib) - “The Woman from Warsaw” by Salah el Moncef

Set in wartime Benghazi, “The Woman from Warsaw” is a sweeping and intimate portrait of courage, exile and resilience. In luminous prose, Salah el Moncef traces the intertwined destinies of Mariam Khaldoon, a young girl coming of age amid the ruins of empire, and Esther Sanz, a refugee whose quiet defiance reshapes every life around her. This haunting novel captures the beauty and terror of a world collapsing, yet refuses despair.

“The Woman from Warsaw” transforms history into living experience — each page steeped in the colors, sounds and moral tensions of the Mediterranean at war. The author writes with the lyric precision of a poet and the moral vision of a historian, reminding us that even in humanity’s darkest hours, tenderness endures. In this work, Moncef reveals the full measure of his craft, writing at the height of his powers.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/4m4vsM4, listen to an excerpt from the novel at https://tinyurl.com/the-woman-from-warsaw-excerpt or read advance reviews at https://tinyurl.com/the-woman-from-warsaw-reviews.

“Kyla's Kite Is Flying” by Simon P.J. Dorey

In this imaginative and touching children’s picture book, Kyla receives a very special gift for her birthday — a trick kite. With her parents' help, she sets it aloft and learns to maneuver it. But then the unexpected happens: Kyla gets tangled in the kite and carried away by the wind. At first, Kyla is scared. How will she get down? But soon she learns to control her flight and performs amazing tricks! As she flies, she undergoes a transformation that will take her far from her family and the world below to a peaceful place full of love and joy.

Available in English, French and Spanish, “Kyla's Kite Is Flying” is a comforting tale of how love transcends death, inspired by the author’s niece, who passed away when she was very young. All net proceeds from the book's sale go to children’s hospitals across the U.S. and Canada. From April 2, 2026, to May 15th, 2026, purchasers can designate the funds to the participating hospital of their choice.

Visit https://tinyurl.com/kylas-kite to purchase or learn more.

“Seeds of Purpose: Seven Keys to Unlock Your Gifts and Fulfill God's Desired Will for Your Life” by Marlyse Tchamko

“Seeds of Purpose” offers a faith-centered guide for readers seeking clarity, identity and direction in their lives. Drawing from her own spiritual journey, Marlyse Tchamko presents seven practical, biblically grounded principles designed to help readers grow closer to Christ and better understand their unique calling.

Blending scripture with real-life insights, the book explores how to build strong relationships, make values-driven decisions, and steward your innate gifts with intention. Each “key” serves as both encouragement and an action plan, inviting readers to deepen their faith as they navigate everyday challenges with purpose and integrity.

Written as a guide for teens but accessible to a broader audience, “Seeds of Purpose” speaks to anyone searching for meaning. Tchamko’s message is clear: discovering who you are begins with understanding whose you are — and living boldly from that truth.

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

“Fault Line: Still Standing” by Tim Smith

In “Fault Line: Still Standing,” Tim Smith delivers a searing yet ultimately uplifting memoir of a childhood shaped by instability, neglect and emotional abuse — and the long road to reclaiming a sense of self. Growing up in the rural South, Smith navigates a world where love is unpredictable and safety is never guaranteed, from chaotic homes and volatile caregivers to the quiet loneliness of being unseen and misunderstood.

As he moves through adolescence, marked by bullying, shame and questions of identity, small moments of refuge — teachers, books and creativity — offer glimpses of another life. But it isn’t until adulthood that Smith begins the difficult work of confronting his past and rebuilding on his own terms.

Told with raw honesty and surprising flashes of humor, this is a story of survival, resilience and, ultimately, healing — a testament to what it means to endure and still find a way forward.

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

(BookTrib) - Just for Love, A Moment in Time: Our Tomorrows Are Today and Tomorrow by Len Guardino

What happens when the life you built no longer feels like your own?

In this original romantic comedy musical stage play, Ellen Taylor appears to have it all — wealth, family and social standing — but beneath the surface, something essential is missing. One unexpected night out changes everything when she quite literally collides with Grant Michaels, a charismatic nightclub singer. What begins as playful banter quickly sparks a deeper connection, awakening emotions Ellen has long suppressed.

As their relationship evolves into both a romance and a creative partnership, Ellen is forced to confront the tension between security and fulfillment, responsibility and desire. With sharp dialogue, screwball humor and musical interludes that bring inner conflicts to life, the story explores what it means to rediscover yourself later in life — and whether it’s ever too late to choose passion over perfection.

Blending romance, satire and theatrical flair, this is a story about awakening, reinvention and the risks of following your heart.

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

“Other People: A Memoir and Reflections on Trauma, Connection, Meaning, and the Neuroscience of Healing” by Michael S. Piraino

Blending memoir with accessible neuroscience, “Other People” by Michael S. Piraino is a deeply human exploration of how we heal from trauma — and why we can’t do it alone. Drawing from his own life and decades of work with foster youth and families, Piraino reflects on the moments, relationships and insights that helped him transform pain into purpose.

Rather than offering quick fixes, he reveals how trauma shapes the brain — and how connection, meaning and empathy can help rewire it. Personal stories unfold alongside clear, compassionate explanations of the science behind resilience, making complex ideas feel both relatable and hopeful.

At its core, this is a book about the people who shape us: the ones who hurt us, the ones who help us and the ones who walk beside us as we find our way forward. Thoughtful and inspiring, “Other People” reminds readers that healing is not a solitary act — it’s a shared human experience.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/4lwj9rE.

“Changing Cadence: Friendship, Football and the Art of Transition” by Andra Douglas

“Changing Cadence” by Andra Douglas is a heartfelt, semi-autobiographical novel about friendship, football and the transitions that redefine us at every stage of life. Through Christine — a former quarterback turned owner of the New York Sharks women’s tackle football team — the story explores what it means to step away from a defining role while facing the future head-on.

As Christine prepares to sell the team after one final season, her life is further complicated by her mother Dorothy’s move from the family’s Florida ranch to an assisted living community known as The Commons. There, a lively group of residents becomes unexpectedly invested in the Sharks’ farewell season, following the team from afar.

Moving between New York City and rural Florida, Douglas captures an unlikely bond between generations — blending humor, nostalgia and emotional depth in a story about letting go, holding on and finding meaning in life’s next chapter.

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

(BookTrib) - “Strong Roots, Safe Wings” by Kalyani Gopal, PhD, HSPP

Parenting often begins with the best intentions — yet in moments of stress, many parents find themselves reacting in ways that feel painfully familiar from their own past. In “Strong Roots, Safe Wings,” clinical psychologist Dr. Kalyani Gopal offers a compassionate, evidence-based program designed to help parents understand and heal the deeper patterns that shape their responses to their children.

Grounded in neuroscience, attachment theory and trauma research, this illustrated workbook focuses not on fixing children’s behavior but on helping caregivers regulate their own emotional responses. Through a structured six-week program of reflections, guided exercises and practical tools, readers learn how to stay grounded during difficult moments, set healthy boundaries without shame or punishment, and repair missteps with honesty and connection.

By addressing the lingering effects of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), Dr. Gopal empowers parents and helping professionals to break harmful cycles — nurturing emotionally secure, resilient children who feel safe enough to grow and thrive.

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

“Evil, Goodness, and Creating Active Bystandership” by Ervin Staub

In “Evil, Goodness, and Creating Active Bystandership,” renowned psychologist Ervin Staub reflects on a life shaped by both unimaginable cruelty and extraordinary human courage. A survivor of the Holocaust in Hungary who later escaped communist rule and built an academic career in the United States, Staub has devoted his life to understanding why people harm others — and why some choose to help instead.

Blending memoir, psychology and social insight, Staub traces how his personal experiences led to groundbreaking research on the roots of violence, genocide and altruism. From studying “altruism born of suffering” to promoting reconciliation in post-genocide Rwanda and helping train police officers to intervene when colleagues misuse force, his work explores how ordinary people can become agents of change.

Through powerful stories and decades of research, Staub offers a hopeful message: when individuals step forward as “active bystanders,” they can interrupt harm and help build a more compassionate world.

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

“Lost in the Holler” by Michael West

When RJ Burnette leaves behind his high-pressure finance career in New York and returns to the Tennessee mountains, he hopes to reset his life in the quiet rhythms of home. But Gizzard’s Holler has not been waiting patiently for him. Beneath its familiar routines lies a secret the town has kept for decades.

Years earlier, RJ’s sister Sue Ann died under circumstances everyone accepted as tragic misfortune. Now RJ begins to learn that the story he grew up believing may not be the whole truth. As old memories surface and long-held silences begin to crack, he finds himself confronting a past that many in the community would rather leave buried.

“Lost in the Holler” blends Southern Gothic atmosphere with a character-driven mystery, exploring family loyalty, grief and the uneasy balance between protecting those we love and facing the truth.

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

“Weight Class: A Fighter's Life-or-Death Battle with an Eating Disorder” by Danny O’Connor

What if the most dangerous opponent an elite fighter faces isn’t in the ring — but on the scale?

In “Weight Class,” former Olympian and professional boxer Danny O’Connor delivers a powerful memoir exposing the hidden toll of eating disorders in weight-class sports. From high school wrestling to a world title fight on national television, O’Connor chronicles a decades-long battle with starvation, dehydration and binge cycles that nearly cost him his life.

What looked like discipline from the outside was, in reality, a silent and escalating illness. With raw honesty, he reveals how a culture that rewards extreme weight-cutting can mask serious mental health struggles — especially in men, who are often overlooked in conversations about eating disorders. More than a sports memoir, “Weight Class” is a story of survival, self-reckoning and recovery — and a necessary wake-up call for athletes, coaches and anyone who thinks they know what an eating disorder looks like.

To purchase, visit https://www.bitelikeaman.com/ or https://amzn.to/4bLOzqK.

(BookTrib) - “Death at a Firefly Tea” by Laura Childs

As fireflies dazzle like tiny glowing lanterns, tea maven Theodosia hosts an elegant evening tea on the patio of the Tangled Rose B and B. But in this gentle darkness, an intruder has slipped deadly drugs into the baked Alaska of Mrs. Van Courtland, one of Charleston’s grande dames.

Shocked by this brazen act, Theodosia begins her own shadow investigation and soon finds herself at odds with a greedy developer, questionable residents of Honey Badger House, and a housekeeper who knows all the secrets. It’s only at the black-tie Starry Night ball that Theodosia stumbles upon the killer and is pulled into a dramatic life-and-death chase.

“Death at a Firefly Tea” is a perfect pick for cozy mystery lovers who enjoy food-themed capers. Kirkus writes: “A charming mystery full of surprises, recipes, hints for throwing unusual tea parties, and a stellar cast of characters.”

Purchase at https://amzn.to/4sjWot4.

“Anchors to Ashes” by David Caraccio and Tom Seeley

In a family saga rising from the misty shores of the Pacific Northwest, “Anchors to Ashes” chronicles an ambitious dynasty across 100 years of triumph, betrayal and descent into madness.

At the dawn of the 20th century, brothers Joseph and George Stevens plant the seeds of an empire as their axes ring through ancient forests and their ships navigate restless seas. Through the crucible of two world wars and changing economic tides, the brothers adapt — often at great personal cost — and their legacy takes hold.

Decades later, radiant but troubled heiress Sloane Stevens inherits both fortune and flaw. She must bear the burden of a complex illness that alters her world in subtle and profound ways.

Told through three distinct points of view and based on a true story, “Anchors to Ashes” explores how birthright, entitlement and identity change how we grapple with life's ordeals and lays bare what happens when the mind becomes both the vessel and the storm. 

Purchase at https://amzn.to/3P9bS4X. 

“Gone in Three Seconds” by Jim De La Vega

A terrified woman bursts into a Los Angeles ER with a fresh tattoo she swears she didn’t get. The numbers on her skin count down: 00:03 — BOOM. The explosion kills the victim and a nurse. Hours later, a businessman in the LAX baggage claim detonates the same way.

Former Blackhawk pilot, now forensic psychologist Dr. Cassidy Chord survived the blast that destroyed her leg, but nothing’s prepared her to pit wits against a foe turning random civilians into walking weapons. The terrorist has stalked and studied Cassidy, engaging her in his sick game — leaving her gifts, clues and disappearing pictures and emails that turn her from FBI consultant to suspect.

As attacks escalate across Los Angeles, Cassidy goes rogue because anyone can be next. Anywhere. Anytime. If you’re marked, you’re already gone. Tick. Tick. Tick. BOOM.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/4l3u1No.

“Tales of Revenore: The Iron Witch” by Frank J. Zanca

In the war-torn realm of Ravenore, whispers of an ancient evil have begun to stir once more. When a mysterious young woman named Threa is pulled into a world of powerful magic, mystical creatures, rival kingdoms and shadowy conspiracies, she discovers that the darkness threatening the land is tied to a legend thought long-buried — the Iron Witch.

As armies gather and secrets unravel, Threa must learn to wield a power she barely understands. Hunted by those who fear her and guided by unlikely allies, Threa, alongside her young dragon, races against time to uncover the truth behind the Iron Witch before the realm falls into chaos.

“Tales of Ravenore: The Iron Witch” is an epic fantasy adventure filled with dark magic, romance, dangerous destinies and a hero whose choices may decide the fate of an entire land. Join us in bringing this immersive, full-cast audiobook to life on Kickstarter at https://tinyurl.com/tales-of-ravenore.

(BookTrib) - “When Waiting Becomes Life” by Jeff Deaton, MD

“When Waiting Becomes Life” gently illuminates the often unseen emotional landscape of infertility — a journey many walk in silence. Drawing on heartfelt, real-life stories from women and couples who have faced failed cycles, loss and years of uncertainty, Dr. Jeff Deaton blends compassionate medical insight with deeply human narrative. Each chapter offers not only the raw honesty of lived experience but also practical, encouraging advice that helps readers process grief, confront shame and navigate complex treatment decisions with greater clarity and confidence.

Readers praise the book for its warmth and wisdom, noting how Deaton’s balanced mix of hope, science and empathy makes even the most difficult moments feel shared rather than endured alone. Whether you’re living the struggle or supporting someone who is, this book offers solace, strength and a reminder: waiting isn’t the whole story — growth and resilience can be part of the journey too.

Purchase at https://tinyurl.com/when-waiting-becomes-life.

“Choosing Emotions: Thinking with Your Head and Acting with Your Heart” by D. Earl Johnston

What if emotional intelligence begins not with regulation — but with vocabulary? In “Choosing Emotions,” D. Earl Johnston presents what he calls an “Emotionary”— a cross-disciplinary reference that defines 272 emotional states drawn from philosophy, psychology, science, art and spiritual traditions. After nine years of research and integrating more than 1,800 contributors spanning 3,000 years of recorded thought, Johnston points out that emotional literacy depends on definitional clarity.

From everyday experiences like admiration and confidence to complex states such as trauma and procrastination, each entry’s source ranges from clinical terminology to street expressions alongside insights from history’s great thinkers. Johnston also introduces a provocative linguistic idea: emotions function as the adverbial drivers of behavior — shaping how we act as much as what we do.

Designed equally for browsing or deeper study, “Choosing Emotions” invites readers to name, understand and easily navigate the full spectrum of human experience. Purchase at https://amzn.to/4kRi4KU.

“Summertime & Short Stories” by Stanislas M Yassukovich

In "Summertime & Short Stories," Stanislas M. Yassukovich invites readers into a world of privilege, longing and moral reckoning. The title novella unfolds among Long Island’s old-money elite, where a respected general practitioner embarks on an affair with a patient — a transgression that entangles both in layers of professional guilt and unresolved family ties.

The accompanying stories traverse elegant international settings and intimate emotional terrain. A brass rubbing hobbyist discovers a gravestone bearing his own name. A pleasure-seeking gentleman seeks redemption through charity. An introvert is swept into an insider trading scandal by his domineering girlfriend. Elsewhere, a painter’s canvas mysteriously fades, a polo-playing playboy confronts loss, sisters clash over love, and a father weighs the measure of his bond with his son.

By turns ironic, reflective and quietly provocative, this collection explores desire, consequence and the fragile façades that shape human lives.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/46LyAGi.

“Friday Nite at the Bucket of Blood Bar” by Bobby “Z” Zielinski

The rite of passage: from the schoolyard – to the candy store – to the bar.

The bar in the ‘50s and ‘60s was where you cashed your paycheck, socialized with your friends, borrowed money, and bought various items that “just fell off” the back of a truck! It was where you also bet the numbers for the horses and paid off the “shys.”

Every Friday, from 3:00 p.m. until 3:00 a.m. Saturday morning, everything revolved around Slippery Eddie, the bartender. Every hour, a different story unfolded.

As an 84-year-old vet, cancer and Covid survivor, recovering alcoholic (46 years), original Jersey City ‘50s bad boy, high school dropout, and published author and poet, Bobby “Z” has lived it all – and lived to tell the tale.

“Friday Nite at the Bucket of Blood Bar” could very well be the next “Bronx Tale,” “Goodfellas” or “Sopranos.” Purchase at https://amzn.to/49DUux3 or visit the author’s website, Tales of the Junkyard Dog, at https://talesofthejunkyarddog.wordpress.com/ for more information. Zielinski can also be contacted at [email protected].