(BookTrib) - “The Terminal Gene” by John H. Thomas

In this gripping techno-conspiracy thriller set in 2029, brilliant geneticist Dr. Emily Harper makes a discovery that could upend humanity: the terminal gene, a hidden sequence in every living organism that predicts, with chilling precision, the exact moment of death. What begins as a stunning breakthrough becomes a question of who controls the truth — and who pays for it. Emily soon realizes releasing this knowledge could change everything — from healthcare decision-making to personal freedom.

When Helix Innovations’ ambitions turn lethal, Emily and her fiancée, former paratooper Tyler Reed, find themselves fugitives in a high-stakes game of betrayal, espionage and paranoia. With powerful enemies determined to exploit the terminal gene for profit and control, Emily must choose between protecting her discovery and exposing a shadowed conspiracy that threatens the very fabric of society.

Fast-paced and thought-provoking, “The Terminal Gene” blends cutting-edge biotechnology with philosophical urgency, exploring how far corporations and governments will go to control fate itself.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/3Z47CWn.

"Whiteout" by Lynette Eason and Dani Pettrey

Brace yourself for double the suspense in two snowbound thrillers where avalanches trap couples with their enemies — and escape may be impossible.

In “Buried in Shadows” by Dani Pettrey, Cassandra Parker arrives at her best friend’s destination wedding, hoping her stalker hasn’t followed her to Colorado. Among the wedding party is Sheriff Joel Brunswick, the man she left at the altar to protect a dangerous secret. When an avalanche strands their ski group in an abandoned lodge, Cassandra’s worst fear is confirmed: her stalker is there, and he’s willing to kill to claim her.

In “Snowbound Secrets” by Lynette Eason, Dr. Maya Sullivan plans a quiet retreat to her inherited ranch to build a haven for military veterans. Instead, an avalanche traps her at a Colorado ski resort — and reunites her with her high school crush. As old wounds resurface, Maya realizes someone is targeting her, turning their search for answers into a fight for survival.

Purchase at https://tinyurl.com/whiteout-novellas.

“You Know FAT Mary: Achieving Weight Loss and Optimal Health. My Journey. My Discoveries.” by Mary H. Putre

“You Know FAT Mary” is a compilation of hard-earned wisdom, lived experience and the urgency that comes from confronting one’s own health. For most of the author’s life, weight was a constant struggle — 50 to 150 pounds overweight from childhood into adulthood — despite height and every conventional explanation. What began as frustration eventually became a turning point. Staying unhealthy was no longer an option.

Determined to understand what was really happening, the author began asking fundamental questions that were never addressed along the way: Was the body getting what it truly needed? Could long-term medications be masking deeper issues? How does the body actually function?

The answers form the foundation of this book. It explores how our bodies respond to what we put in, on and around them — and how vital signals are often ignored. From blood markers to cellular needs, the body speaks clearly when we learn how to listen. Our bodies are remarkable teachers. This book shows how paying attention can change everything. Obesity is not a disease; it's a lack of nutrition.

Purchase at https://tinyurl.com/youknowfatmary or https://amzn.to/4qVC40T.

“Look Twice: Your Guide to Staying Safe in an Unsafe World, Volume I” by Tim Beard

Tim Beard — a career security professional who honed his expert skills in the U.S. Marines and CIA’s Clandestine Service — shows you the very secrets he has used to stay alive in risky situations in the most dangerous places on earth — secrets you can use to avoid becoming the next victim of a terrible crime.

You may think you have no control over the bad things that could happen, but you do. You can control your own actions — and the right actions could save your life and those of the people you love. Tim takes you through a variety of scenarios and reveals what you should do step-by-step. Starting with: LOOK TWICE.

In Volume I, Tim introduces the Look Twice Mindset and essential security concepts fundamental to the entire “Look Twice” book series. He guides you on how to stay safe at home and work, and what to do when you go out in town to run errands, visit the ATM and other everyday activities. Tim also discusses different modes of transportation with critical insights into automobiles, riding the subway, road rage and other topics to help you stay safe.

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

(BookTrib) - “Lowdown” by Anthony Schneider

Spanning three decades and two continents, “Lowdown” is a deeply human crime novel about love, loyalty and the long shadow of choice. Jimmy Piccini, a Brooklyn mob soldier who kept faith with the code of silence, is released from prison at age 58 after serving 25 years for a crime he didn’t directly commit. The world he returns to is unrecognizable — and haunted by the memory of Milena, the woman he loved and lost.

Told through interwoven timelines, the novel traces Jimmy’s rise in the Brooklyn mob and Milena’s escape to Sicily after her marriage to a volatile made man collapses under violence and betrayal. From gritty New York streets to sun-washed Mediterranean villages, Anthony Schneider crafts a character-driven story where violence gives way to introspection, and vengeance wrestles with forgiveness. “Lowdown” is a romantic literary thriller with a powerful emotional core and deftly layered themes of love and loss, reckoning and redemption.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/4pTMOf2.

“Boys Will Be Men: 8 Lessons for the Lost American Male” by Vince Benevento, LPC

There is an underrecognized crisis facing today’s young men — one marked by anxiety, isolation and a growing lack of purpose. Drawing on nearly two decades of experience working with men and young adults, author Vince Benevento, founder of Causeway Collaborative, has seen firsthand how traditional talk therapy often falls short — and has uncovered what actually helps young men move forward.

Through eight practical, hard-earned lessons, Benevento replaces abstraction with action, emphasizing structure, accountability, healthy risk-taking and the power of meaningful male relationships. Blending candid personal stories with real-world case examples, he offers a framework that helps young men build confidence, resilience and direction — brick by brick. Written for parents, educators, mentors and these young men themselves, “Boys Will Be Men” is less about fixing what’s “wrong” and more about restoring what’s missing: purpose, connection and the tools to step fully into adulthood.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/49OxOZN.

“DoubleHelix" (Book One in the Helix Project) by J.L. Calder

In the shadows of power, survival is never guaranteed.

Washington, D.C., 1996. Mike Green has built a career writing about dead girls, but nothing prepares him for the file he uncovers at the National Archives: the murder of Delilah Grennan, a Soviet dissident with ties to the Russian underworld. What begins as research becomes obsession, as Delilah’s voice invades his thoughts, her enemies become his, and paranoia pulls him deeper into the dark machinery of power.

Drawn into a covert war between a global crime syndicate, intelligence agencies, and a political dynasty that claims him as family, Mike learns too late that survival sometimes means being buried.

Winner of a 2026 Independent Press Award for Political Thriller and a 2026 Pencraft Award for Thriller Audiobook, “DoubleHelix” is a dark, razor-sharp political thriller blending psychological suspense, espionage intrigue and sarcastic wit — perfect for readers who crave character-driven conspiracies and morally treacherous power games.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/4q5LXrU.

"AROC Adventures – ABCs of Safe Web Surfing: Essential Online Safety Tips for Your Child's First Device" by C.D. Richardson

Help your child build healthy screen habits and explore the digital world with confidence.

“AROC Adventures – ABCs of Safe Web Surfing” is a vibrant, futuristic picture book that introduces young readers to technology with kindness, balance and responsibility. Through colorful A-to-Z lessons, each page highlights an essential skill — from screen-time balance and online manners to empathy, critical thinking and kid-friendly internet rules.

Guided by AROC, a friendly robot hero, children learn how to make smart choices online, avoid harmful behaviors and build strong character both on and off the screen. Ideal for families, teachers and early-learning classrooms, this engaging book offers a fun, age-appropriate introduction to digital literacy, cyber ethics and safe browsing. It also empowers caregivers and children to engage in a timely, much-needed conversation about smart and safe online habits.

Whether your child uses a tablet, computer or smartphone, this is an essential resource for guiding them through the early stages of exploring technology and developing responsible digital citizenship.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/4q8IV6b.

(BookTrib) - “Transitions” by MB Barden

“My Mom asked me if I wanted to go to my grandfather’s grave with her. I thought, really? I’m sure that is what every kid would love to do on a Saturday afternoon. I just looked at her. I was staring at her but not seeing her. Instead, I saw images of zombies, ghosts, vampires, werewolves, and creepy crypt keepers. ‘No, thank you.’”

In this relatable and touching story, intended for children ages six to 12, a boy who is afraid of cemeteries works through his fear as he comes to a greater understanding of life and death during a visit to his grandfather’s grave.

The symbolism on the gravestones and in nature comforts him as he accepts death as a part of life. He comes to realize that an individual's death is not an ending but a continuation of the soul’s journey.

Purchase at https://tinyurl.com/transitions-mbbarden.

“The Safe Place” by Brandon M. Rogers

“The Safe Place” is a gripping journey of redemption and healing, where faith and trauma intertwine to shape a young man’s life. Tristan’s search for belonging and understanding leads him through a maze of relationships, struggles with faith, and the painful remnants of his past. As he battles shame and detachment, his path toward forgiveness — both from others and himself — becomes the most difficult yet transformative journey of all.

This novel invites readers into an emotional, spiritual exploration of grace, love and the power of overcoming internal battles. With a powerful mix of lyrical storytelling and raw, heartfelt moments, “The Safe Place” will resonate with anyone seeking redemption and the courage to heal.

Purchase at https://tinyurl.com/TheSafePlaceAmazon.

“Not Yet Your Time” by James Terminiello

Winner of a Literary Titan Book Award

When Titus Carneades is saved from a traffic death by a mysterious young woman who quickly vanishes, telling him, “It is not yet your time,” he finds himself drawn into a high-profile terrorist kidnapping of a Chinese businessman in which the same woman has interfered.

Both fascinated and troubled, Titus volunteers to help government agents resolve the crisis and encounters the woman's mentor, the suave and avuncular founder of the Apologizers, a group that believes God has forsaken humanity and must be lured back by good deeds.

This odd trio embarks on a perilous odyssey that includes imprisonment in a labyrinthine security complex under the ruins of the World Trade Center; flight through a murky, unfinished tunnel beneath the Hudson River; a safe house masquerading as a defunct museum; and a perilous train ride to link up with a terror cell. Ultimately, the reluctant Titus will face a rendezvous with life, love, death and destiny in the green wilds of New York’s Hudson Valley.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/49Tfq3f.

“When All the Gods Died” by Sudarshan Chatterjee, M.D.

What if the legends you thought were lost forever were waiting just beyond the veil of myth?

When their plane from Athens crashes in an unknown area, archaeologist Andrew and his fiancée Rhea are plunged into a world where Greek gods walk among mortals. Stranded in an ancient, magical land, they uncover a secret lost to time: the Olympian gods never vanished — they were merely waiting. As old rivalries reignite and new destinies emerge, Andrew and Rhea must navigate a realm where gods wield thunder, love is a battlefield, and mortal lives hang in the balance.

Epic in scope and rich with mythological depth, this novel weaves history, adventure, and fantasy into a gripping modern retelling of Greece’s greatest legends. Each Olympian — from Zeus’s thunderous power to Aphrodite’s captivating allure — comes alive in a tale of power, fate and timeless struggle.

Perfect for readers craving immersive mythology, mystical adventure, and the unending battle between mortals and immortals. Step into a world where the gods never died, and the myths begin anew.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/4pD9AHT.

(BookTrib) - “The Dark Birth of the Secret Council” by Tracy Cavelli-Trussell

Trisha Maitland, a celebrated novelist, speaker and devoted woman of faith, begins experiencing vivid dreams that transport her to a dark, dangerous realm known as Elsewhere. What starts as unsettling visions soon reveals itself as a spiritual reality — one connected to a powerful and sinister secret council manipulating events in the physical world. As Trisha struggles to understand God’s messages woven through her dreams, she uncovers a growing conspiracy led by a charismatic businessman whose thirst for power masks ancient evil.

Moving between light and darkness, faith and temptation, truth and deception, reality and imagination, this fast-paced, faith-fueled supernatural thriller explores spiritual warfare, free will and redemption. With prose as sharp as sea glass and characters that leap off the page, it is both a compelling mystery and a profound meditation on the stories we tell ourselves to survive. “The Dark Birth of the Secret Council” launches a gripping Christian thriller trilogy that challenges readers to consider what unseen forces may be shaping their world.

Purchase at https://a.co/d/4RRUsoW.

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

“Friday Nite at the Bucket of Blood Bar” follows the exploits of one bar’s patrons across a single evening, from Friday at 3 p.m. until Saturday at 3 a.m. Everything revolves around Slippery Eddie, the bartender. Every hour, a different story unfolds, introducing a cast of colorful, albeit shifty, characters.

In the tradition of “A Bronx Tale,” this narrative poetry collection is a historical and satirical look at the post-war bar scene in Jersey City, New Jersey, told by one of the original Jersey City bad boys of the period, Bobby “Z” Zielinski. “The bar in the 50s and 60s was where you cashed your paycheck, socialized with your friends, borrowed money, bought various items that ‘just fell off the back of a truck,’ … bet the numbers for the horses and paid off the ‘shys,’” Zielinski writes.

Now you can experience the mayhem of this rough and rowdy time in urban history for yourself through “Friday Nite at the Bucket of Blood Bar.” 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].

“Corn Festival” by Melissa Laird

In 1970, drawn by idealism and the promise of a better way of life, Wanda and a small group of friends leave California for North Freedom, Wisconsin, determined to build a communal farm rooted in cooperation, organic living and music. As they struggle to grow food, restore an old cabin and find their footing in a skeptical rural community, cracks begin to form — both within the group and between them and the world around them. Backlash, disappointment and diverging paths eventually leave Wanda alone, guarding a dream that once felt revolutionary.

Spanning five decades, “Corn Festival” traces the echoes of that experiment into the present day, revealing how the cultural divisions of the late 1960s resurface in modern America. By linking counterculture idealism to contemporary polarization, the novel offers a deeply personal and timely reflection on belonging, legacy and the enduring struggle to create meaningful change.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/4qKjh8w.

“The Great Dane” by Suanne Laqueur

After the sudden death of his only child, Liko Greenman is adrift, passing time until a mystery hidden inside his son’s favorite video game gives him a reason to move forward. When a cryptic clue from the game’s maker leads him from the digital world to a secluded farm in rural New York, Liko meets Danelaw “Dane” Strong — an intersex man with a layered past and a life shaped by love that defied convention.

As Dane guides Liko through the game’s unanswered questions, the search becomes something deeper: a journey through grief, identity and the ways people find belonging when traditional labels fall short. Set against legends, folklore and the evocative symbolism of the Three Hares triskelion, “The Great Dane” is a luminous exploration of connection, chosen family and the healing power of love.

Blending romance and drama with psychological and philosophical depth, Suanne Laqueur shows us that while we view the most profound human connection in pairs, three is often love’s most magical number.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/4qsKpt3.

(BookTrib) - “The Memory Stone (Dragons of Camelot Book 2)” by Bryan Davis

A girl with powers beyond her understanding. A boy sworn to protect her. And a kingdom veering into madness.

Camelot is becoming increasingly dangerous for dragons and their allies. When a fear-inducing toxin seeps into the water supply, Merlin, Hawk and Sabina suspect sorcery. Could this be Lady Morgan’s doing? But when Lady Morgan pleads innocent and offers a truce to save her poisoned sister, the trio hesitantly believes her. Using a supernatural device called the memory stone, the team splits up to embark on an epic journey to Dragon’s Rest and portals beyond to uncover the mystery.

From Bryan Davis, bestselling author of the Dragons in Our Midst series, comes book two in an epic fantasy adventure set in King Arthur's Camelot. Perfect for middle-grade readers of Christian fiction, this fast-paced novel features an epic battle between good dragons and dragon riders against the forces of evil, told through multiple points of view, including those of the dragons.

Purchase at https://tinyurl.com/thememorystone.

“Animal Control” by Jonathan R. Miller

Kirkus Reviews Best Indie Books of 2025 Honoree

Nominated for the Otherwise Award

A young woman 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, 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.

In its starred review, Kirkus Reviews calls “Animal Control” “unusually unsettling and unforgettable. A strange, inventive tale that evolves into a challenging and rewarding odyssey.” “Animal Control” is a literary novel of restraint and power, 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.

“Pearl Bound” by Natalie Bergman

Some women are bound by class. Others refuse to be bound at all.

In the glittering halls of Gilded Age New York, beneath chandeliers and velvet drapes, danger hides in plain sight. “Pearl Bound” is a gothic historical novel steeped in desire, power and the cost of defiance.

Eve Kelly, a young Irish immigrant, arrives at Greythorne, the sprawling estate of the formidable Rennard family, to work alongside her mother. Born into servitude but driven by a restless force she cannot name, Eve is drawn into the orbit of Saskia Rennard — the family’s magnetic, volatile daughter. What begins as forbidden attraction quickly becomes something far more dangerous, entangling Eve in a world where wealth conceals cruelty, gender dictates survival, and intimacy itself becomes a form of rebellion.

As secrets surface and boundaries collapse, “Pearl Bound” reveals how love, ambition and power can turn lethal when society’s rules are broken.

Fans of gothic fiction, sapphic desire and dark historical narratives will find “Pearl Bound” a haunting and unforgettable debut.

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

“Vic’s Views: Opinions Of An Old Codger” by Victor A. J. van Lint

In “Vic’s Views,” scientist, engineer and concerned citizen Victor A. J. van Lint offers a clear-eyed, data-driven examination of the forces shaping modern society — and the dangerous consequences of our growing unwillingness to listen to one another. Drawing on a lifetime of learning in research, public policy and global affairs, van Lint explores science, religion, politics, economics, law, environmental risk, war and peace through a unifying lens: how humans make decisions and why extreme thinking so often overrides reason.

Rather than promoting ideology, “Vic’s Views” challenges readers to question assumptions, weigh evidence, and engage opposing perspectives with intellectual honesty and moral restraint. In an era defined by polarization and outrage, this book is a call for civil discourse, principled compromise and informed skepticism — before division hardens into conflict. Most importantly, van Lint invites readers not simply to agree or disagree, but to think more carefully about the future we are creating together.

Purchase at https://tinyurl.com/vicsviews.

(BookTrib) - “Teaching in the Dark” by Genét Simone

A young teacher buys a one-way ticket to the tiny Arctic village of Shishmaref, Alaska. Within minutes of landing, she finds herself dealing with unexpected, rustic accommodations and the culture shock of living in a remote Iñuit community. To endure freezing temperatures, power outages, loneliness and first-year teacher anxieties and missteps, she relies on her courage, resilience, sense of humor and wit. Eventually, she realizes that her challenges pale in comparison to the life lessons she learns about the heart of teaching — lessons from her students, their culture and their community on the vast, windy landscape at the edge of the Chukchi Sea.

Full of poignancy and humor, this bold, heartfelt story has won numerous awards, garnering praise for Simone’s “lyrical appreciation of the natural environment” (Gold Non-Fiction Book Award) and “rich character development,” and the book’s themes of “resilience, belonging, and the power of community” (International Impact Book Award). Jack Canfield, author of “The Success Principles” and the “Chicken Soup for the Soul” series, says, “Buy this book!”

“Teaching in the Dark” makes a great gift for new teachers or anyone who loves journeys of personal growth amid culturally unique settings.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/4rPA0s9.

“Ni De Aquí, Ni De Allá - But Still Whole” by Dolma Diaz Braynin

“Ni de Aquí, Ni de Allá, But Still Whole” is a breathtaking bilingual (Spanish–English) celebration of what it means to grow up between worlds. Born from the beautiful chaos of shifting between languages, blending cultures and shaping identity, this book reminds readers of a powerful truth: you are not missing pieces. You are already whole. A living masterpiece woven from every story, every word and every tradition you carry.

Created for every child navigating their family’s past while forging their own future, this story shines a light on the strength found in being both — and more. It’s a love letter to the bridges we build between languages, generations and hearts. A reminder that being “in-between” isn’t confusing; it’s courageous, powerful and extraordinary.

Written and illustrated for children ages 8–12 by an educator of Mexican–Puerto Rican heritage, this Spanish–English dual-language storybook celebrates bicultural pride, identity affirmation, emotional and social growth, and the deep roots of family and culture.

Beautifully told and vibrantly illustrated, “Ni de Aquí, Ni de Allá – But Still Whole” is a stunning invitation for young readers to see themselves — fully, proudly and powerfully — just as they are.

Purchase at https://tinyurl.com/nideaqui.

“Ten Thousand Central Parks: A Climate-Change Parable” by David Brown Morris

With extreme heatwaves, wildfires, hurricanes, and floods displacing millions, many wonder: What can I do about climate change? “Ten Thousand Central Parks” challenges the despair of inaction, using the history of Central Park as an unlikely yet urgent environmental parable.

Built in the years surrounding the Civil War, Central Park was a radical experiment in urban renewal, transforming chaotic, polluted, wildly irregular terrain into an 843-acre refuge ― a visionary public project undertaken at a time of national crisis. It offers a powerful lesson: Even in turbulent times, cities can be reimagined, and large-scale ecological transformations are possible.

Written with urgency and optimism, “Ten Thousand Central Parks” offers a fresh perspective on the climate crisis, rejecting doom in favor of possibility. We need projects on the scale of Central Park ― thousands of them ― to meet today’s environmental challenges. Fast-paced, beautifully written and boundary-crossing, this narrative nonfiction gem is an invitation to think big, act boldly and embrace radical hope.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/4oSZ7Yx.

“Charlie Minto's Pyramid Scheme” by Les Carroll

After Charlie Minto’s sister is murdered by a cartel-connected gang, the retired Marine Corps sniper and recent law school graduate assembles a team of like-minded warriors to avenge her death. Haunted by the possibility that his sister's killers will never be caught and punished, Charlie goes all-in with high-risk vigilante justice while wrestling with his own moral compass and the future security of his surviving loved ones. To further complicate his life, Charlie is shockingly approached by the woman responsible for the death of his parents, who needs his help with a high-profile, against-all-odds lawsuit.

Charlie must launch his legal career and execute the dangerous moonlighting job while facing intense internal conflict over his activities outside the rule of law. For Charlie Minto, what will the final cost of vengeance be? And will it be worth it?

Written by an Air Force and Air National Guard veteran, “Charlie Minto's Pyramid Scheme” grapples with a relevant moral question in today’s society: Is it justified to avenge a murder with murder? Is it acceptable to kill people who “deserve to be killed”?

Purchase at https://amzn.to/4iP07vg or visit http://www.lescarroll.com/ for more information.

(BookTrib) - “Unshrink Yourself: 12 Mini-Shifts to Ditch Self-Doubt and Own Your Life” by Thanh Nguyen

“Unshrink Yourself” is a heart-driven guide to help you break free from self-doubt and start owning your life. If you’ve ever held back because you didn’t feel ready, smart or worthy enough, this book offers a turning point. Bestselling author and leadership coach Thanh Nguyen shares twelve small-but-mighty mindset shifts designed to quiet your inner critic, let go of perfectionism and step into your power.

Through honest stories and practical reflection exercises, she walks you through the steps she used to rebuild her confidence — from a voiceless immigrant teenager to an engineering executive, bestselling author, professor and speaker. Each mini-shift introduces a simple but profound change in how you think, speak and show up every day, helping you break self-sabotaging patterns, replace fear with compassion, speak up, stand tall and build confidence through consistent, courageous action. Because the world doesn’t need a smaller version of you.

Purchase at https://www.theencourageteam.com/unshrink.

“Reflections on Life’s Illusions: A Memoir of Culture and Consciousness” by Jane Gallagher

“Reflections on Life’s Illusions: A Memoir of Culture and Consciousness” dives into the pool of memory to explore what shaped the consciousness of the Baby Boom generation — and Jane Gallagher’s own perspective. Her lyrical prose interweaves a search for identity, love and meaning with reflections on the larger forces that defined an era, piecing together a “patchwork quilt” of vivid memories and social commentary, featuring the voices of leading intellectuals alongside her own.

The explosive years between 1954 and 1975, when McCarthyism, the Vietnam War, Watergate and systemic racism collided with the rise of feminism, civil rights and environmental awareness, inform Gallagher’s growing awareness, culminating in a life-changing hike through the mountains of Peru. Ultimately, this memoir offers a wise and graceful invitation to reexamine cultural stories, looking beyond nostalgia to rediscover wonder, curiosity and belonging for a deeper understanding of how culture molds belief — and how awareness can transform it.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/4p41kS1 or https://bookshop.org/a/2572/9781633379077.

“Gunbarrel Highway” by Sean Bridges

Texas trophy wife Claudia Grant dies after she causes an early morning car accident. In the other vehicle, Daniel Morrison, an attorney struggling with a pending divorce and pill addiction, panics and leaves the scene.

The victim’s husband, congressional candidate Hayden Grant, is a corrupt politician who seizes the opportunity and places a million-dollar reward on Daniel’s capture. Dead or alive.

Daniel is on the run. Roya Navarro, a determined San Antonio police detective, is hot on his trail with local law enforcement, county sheriffs, a hungry journalist and trigger-happy citizens all across the Lone Star state out on the hunt for the bounty.

IT’S 150 MILES TO THE BORDER AND THE ENTIRE STATE IS OUT FOR BLOOD. THERE’S NO TURNING BACK NOW …

Purchase at https://amzn.to/48NioFS.

“The BEST Christmas Pun & Dad Joke Book” by L. Newkirk

The perfect way to bring laughter to your holiday celebration! “The BEST Christmas Pun & Dad Joke Book” features 201 Christmas-themed gems, from fresh one-liners to classic knee-slappers. Plus, laugh (and groan) your way through 301 everyday puns for year-round fun — from sports, food, animals, celebrities and more, there’s something to tickle everyone’s funny bone. Here are just a few samples:

What did the football coach say to the broken vending machine? "Give me my quarterback."

Every New Year's Eve, I look forward to a good show at Times Square ... and year after year, they drop the ball.

Why is a broken drum the best Christmas present? You can’t beat it!

With squeaky-clean humor that’s appropriate for all ages, it makes a great stocking stuffer or Secret Santa gift for family, friends, co-workers … and, of course, dads!

Purchase at https://amzn.to/48I3CPu.

(BookTrib) - “The Great Dick and the Dysfunctional Demon” by Barry Maher

“An enormous amount of fun. Wholly fresh and original. Wickedly funny … a hot, sweaty, magic- and murder-infused rollercoaster. … I loved it.” —David Moody, author of Hater

Once Steve was a hero. Now he’s running from the law. And he’s just become a killer, stumbling upon a woman being assaulted by what seemed to be the most bloodthirsty wino in California. Steve should keep moving. But Victoria, the woman, is beyond stunning.

Steve stays. Even as the face of the man he just killed materializes on his arm. Even as he’s looting the decomposing dead for the secrets of a self-proclaimed sorcerer. Even as he becomes trapped in a nightmare of fire, blood and death with the Ralph Lauren version of the Manson family.

The Sorcerer’s rituals and spells can’t actually work, of course. Until they do. And unknown to Steve, a demon is growing desperate.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/499XJN7.

“The Book of Reservations” by Laura Buchwald

Josie Gray believes her restaurant, Miss Sylvie’s, can be a sanctuary for both the living and the dead, with whom she can communicate. But as the Greenwich Village eatery struggles to survive, the practical demands of running a kitchen collide with her spiritual gift.

Derek, her pragmatic partner in business and life, eschews the spirit world — and the ghost table Josie sets every night for her departed loved ones. Tensions at the restaurant rise further as the staff contends with a manipulative new manager and mysterious sous chef, while the spirits Josie serves grow restless.

Drawn into the unfinished stories of those around her, Josie must deliver long-buried truths that could change lives, even as she questions her place in a world that doubts what she sees. Every encounter forces her to confront what she owes her friends and family on both sides of the veil, as well as her own needs.

Purchase at https://tinyurl.com/bookofreservations.

“The Black Dagger Brotherhood: 20th Anniversary Insider’s Guide” by J.R. Ward

Celebrate twenty years of the #1 New York Times bestselling Black Dagger Brotherhood with this all-new insider’s guide. J.R. Ward returns to the world that redefined paranormal romance, offering behind-the-scenes stories, personal reflections, writing insights and a candid look at the challenges and triumphs of her legendary career.

This commemorative volume also revisits the original Brothers with classic favorites and never-before-seen material, including a brand-new novella — “Happy Anniversary,” in which Wrath and Beth reclaim lost time in a tender, erotic and emotional reunion. Fans will also enjoy Brotherhood interviews, “Ask a Brother,” Vishous’s Agony Aunt column, “Kitchen Corner with Fritz,” “Bella’s Books,” playlists, monthly horoscopes and more.

A true keepsake, this collection is both a celebration of the series and a heartfelt thank-you to the readers who have been part of the journey. It’s also the perfect holiday gift for any J.R. Ward superfan.

Purchase at https://a.co/d/9WkNywI.

“Joyful Resilience” by Agazit Negash

A moving memoir about love, loss and the unbreakable bond between siblings.

When Biruk — diagnosed with autism — loses both his mother and father just 25 days apart, his world is shattered. Stepping in as his guardian, Agazit must navigate overwhelming grief while honoring the devotion and sacrifices of the parents who shaped them. Full of vivid, emotionally rich storytelling, “Joyful Resilience” reads like a love letter to the author’s family and a testament to the strength found in compassion.

As Agazit and Biruk lean on each other and learn to adapt, their journey reflects the power of familial love, the beauty of neurodiversity, the courage required to keep moving forward, and the universal struggle through grief to healing. Heartfelt, relatable, inspiring and deeply human, “Joyful Resilience” celebrates connection and perseverance in the face of unimaginable loss.

Purchase on Amazon https://amzn.to/448pJxc or visit AgazitBooks.com for other options. Follow @authoragazitnegash on Instagram or @AuthorAgazit on X.

(NewsUSA) - “Orville & Friends Crumble the Cookie Cartel: A Hero Pets Mystery-Adventure” by Avante Books and R. P. Wynes

When a daring rescue sends poodle Tinker tumbling downriver, her friends Orville the loyal Lab and Tina the clever cat leap into action — and into the adventure of a lifetime. What begins as a mission to return a lost bunny soon uncovers a dark plot: “The Grabbers,” a gang of pet thieves, are on the prowl. With the help of a quick-thinking crow and a few unexpected allies, the trio must crack the case and save their friends before it’s too late.

The first in the Hero Pets Mystery-Adventure series, “Orville & Friends Crumble the Cookie Cartel” brims with heart, humor and high-stakes heroism. Young readers will be swept up in a world of courage, teamwork and friendship where every paw, claw and feather counts. Perfect for children ages 8 and up who love animal adventures, daring rescues and mysteries that bite back — with sweetness to spare.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/4oZP44V.

“Teddy Lou, Bell Guru” by Chris Demeropolis

When young Teddy Lou’s fascination with bells leads him to wonder whether they might have “strange smells,” his imagination takes flight — and so does he, climbing right to the top of the bell tower! Can he get back down to the ground safely before the bell rings?

Perfect for ages 4 to 8, “Teddy Lou, Bell Guru” combines whimsical illustrations with an introduction to Newton’s Laws of Motion, inviting children to explore the world through hands-on curiosity. A daring adventure “about pursuing your ambitions and being ready and willing to take risks to achieve your dreams” (Feathered Quill Book Reviews), this delightful tale is equally engaging for storytime and early STEM learning. With catchy rhymes and a lovable hero, it’s a story kids will want to read again and again.

Purchase at https://tinyurl.com/teddyloubellguru.

“A Magical Loveliness of Ladybugs” by Amy L. Stark, Ph.D.

Encourage children to slow down and notice the wonders around them with this picture book inspired by a true story. Jan comes home from school to find her bedroom filled with ladybugs. What follows is a gentle, poetic journey into nature’s quiet magic — where curiosity becomes discovery and even the tiniest creatures have lessons to share.

Through lyrical language and soft, enchanting illustrations, the book encourages mindfulness, environmental awareness and the joy of observation. Children learn how planting gardens and nurturing small habitats can sustain life and beauty in the natural world.

Perfect for story time, classrooms or bedtime reading, “A Magical Loveliness of Ladybugs” is a calming celebration of stillness, wonder and the interconnectedness of all living things — a reminder that sometimes the smallest visitors can open our eyes to the biggest truths.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/48hpnFE.

“The Outstanding Little Picture Book” by Simon P. J. Dorey

The Outstanding Little Picture Book knows it’s his destiny to be published, but he gets rejected by publishers and agents time after time. As his hopes and dreams keep fading away, will he ever make his dream come true? Cheer on Little Picture Book and his trusty dog, Pages, as they set out on the roller coaster ride to publication.

Written for ages 4 to 7, “The Outstanding Little Picture Book” teaches children not only about the world of publishing but also about resilience and perseverance in the face of rejection. Through the book’s simple storytelling, children learn that while there are many (and sometimes contradictory) reasons we get rejected, none are related to our inherent self-worth or are insurmountable to our ultimate success.

Available in English, French and Spanish and also as a coloring book, “The Outstanding Little Picture Book” is available for purchase at http://littlepicturebooks.com/.

(BookTrib) - “The Heart of It's a Wonderful Life” by Jimmy Hawkins

In this special book, Jimmy Hawkins helps us focus on the true meaning behind the classic holiday movie. It’s not just about the message or its many famous lines, but about the motivation behind the film’s creation and director Frank Capra’s unrelenting vision for what it should be.

As a boy, Jimmy played George Bailey’s youngest son, Tommy. And he has spent the eight decades since living out the heart of the story and becoming arguably the world’s foremost expert on the movie. Filled with unpublished facts that the author has collected about the cast and crew, this book gives a clearer understanding of what they all brought to the scripted pages.

Through excerpts from the screenplay, never-before-seen photos, and a lifetime of friendship with both Frank Capra and the movie’s stars, Hawkins guides us to discover why this story still touches the spirit generations after its release.

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

“Quinn Goes to the Farm” by Mary Mueller

Featuring pure, clean storytelling, “Quinn Goes to the Farm” is a simple, heartfelt story about a little boy bonding with his grandmother on a fun adventure. The author used to pick strawberries with her family at a local farm near her home in Minnesota. She recalls that experience through Quinn, who is dropped off at Grandma Mary’s house for a strawberry-picking expedition.

Mueller captures the boy’s excitement and details the dialogue between grandson and grandparent, as well as the events that will define their day. As they head to the farmer’s wagon, they discuss, for instance, the many ways they like to eat strawberries — as a jam, with peanut butter, even on ice cream.

Sometimes, it’s pleasure enough to recount a warm, charming experience using fundamental words and comforting pictures and let young readers smile with wonder. That’s what this charming book is all about.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/4otZ8lx.

“Journey to the Land of Integrity” by Bruce Beck

In a land of secrets, courage is the only way forward.

Isaiah, a young teen haunted by a hidden past, is unexpectedly transported to the mystical Land of Integrity — a realm where danger lurks, and truth is elusive. There, he is called to the role of a journeyman and mentored by Iswa, a wise old watchman with deep knowledge of the land. Alongside him is Ohtara, a fearless girl known for defending the helpless and fighting for justice, her bravery already revered as legendary.

As Isaiah journeys through a world filled with mystery and peril, long-buried truths begin to surface. When everything he thought he knew is challenged, Isaiah faces a decision that could have dire consequences. Will he have the strength to do what’s right, even if it costs him everything?

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

“Wings of Madness” by R. John Dingle

A third body is discovered in a field outside a small New England city on the day that FBI agent and profiler Gus Wheeler and his partner arrive to investigate a string of murders. The killings seem random, yet each victim was last seen in a club in the city’s Music Row, a scene Gus is uniquely qualified to navigate.

Camera footage shows the most recent victim flirting with the moody bassist of a popular cover band. Gus knows the former prodigy from his time in the New Orleans jazz scene, but the suspect’s memory is hazy. Complicating their inquiry, there’s no record of any of the victims leaving the clubs — with the bassist or alone. So where were they taken and how?

A serial killer’s at work, but as they circle their suspect, the killer strikes first, making it personal for Gus. And with time running out, Gus is forced to play a madman’s game.

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