(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.

(NewsUSA) - “God Storys” by Victorya Wright

Do you have a personal mantra that guides you? Have you ever felt God's presence so strongly that it seemed as if He was right beside you? Do you seek His wisdom when faced with tough decisions?

Since childhood, Victorya Wright has experienced God's undeniable presence, leading her in ways both profound and personal. There are moments when she turns, expecting to see someone beside her, only to realize it is His unseen nearness. When uncertainty arises, she seeks clarity through prayer and her own version of the ancient Thummim and Urim — trusting Him to reveal the way forward.

“God Storys: Told By a Daughter of the Most High King” is a compilation of 30 true, standalone vignettes that testify to these Divine encounters — extraordinary moments that are not mere coincidences, but God-instances. May these stories inspire you, strengthen your faith and open your eyes to His presence in your own life.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/493zW1k.

“Reflections on Life’s Illusions” by Jane Gallagher

In “Reflections on Life’s Illusions: A Memoir of Culture and Consciousness,” Jane Gallagher dives into the pool of memory to explore how her generation — and her own consciousness — were shaped by the cultural revolutions of the mid-20th century. Blending personal recollection with social commentary, she revisits 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.

Gallagher’s lyrical prose interweaves stories of her search for identity, love and purpose with reflections on the larger social forces that defined an era. Alongside the voices of leading thinkers, she invites readers to look beyond nostalgia toward a deeper understanding of how culture molds belief — and how awareness can transform it. Culminating in a life-changing hike through the mountains of Peru, this memoir offers a wise and graceful invitation to rediscover wonder, curiosity and belonging.

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

“Souls Adrift” by Max MacCaigh

The whispers find her. They always find her.

October 1873 — Chicago, after the Great Fire. Three broken souls board a steamship to escape despair and the city’s ashes. Maribeth, born to wealth in England but now penniless in America, searches for purpose. First Mate Atticus, a widowed Civil War veteran, longs for oblivion. Nine-year-old Kristi, an orphaned Norwegian immigrant, has nowhere left to turn.

As Maribeth and Atticus take Kristi under their wings, love begins to heal them all. But with the good comes darkness — chilling visions, ghostly voices and deaths that defy reason. What begins as a voyage to new life may end as their final crossing.

A historical novel of supernatural suspense, “Souls Adrift” is a sea story, a ghost story and a love story — “Titanic” meets “The Others.”

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

“Touch Me” (Dark Sides, Book One) by Lynn Crandall

The darkness is growing.

In the City of Auralia, bounty hunter Payson Silver can feel it pulsing through every cry for help. Born an Aeon, descended from the evolved people of Atlantis, she was born to restore balance — to counter dark energy with light. With her partner and soulmate Braden Powers, she uses her psychometric gifts to battle the Dark Aspects, forces bent on plunging the world into darkness.

But when a former Aeon, Diane Butler, twists Braden’s mind and traps him in a false reality, Payson must race against time to save him — while the fate of the world hangs in the balance. Ten days. One impossible choice.

As light and darkness collide, love becomes both weapon and weakness. The fate of Auralia — and humanity itself — depends on whether Payson can conquer the darkness within and rekindle the power of love strong enough to pierce the shadows.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/4i8vXTs.

(NewsUSA) - “Slices of Life: A Comic Montage” by Qu

This masterful collection of comics features universal vignettes that examine the small moments in life, reveling in all its quiet beauty. Originally created as the author's thesis project for her MFA in Illustration Practice at MICA, this collection of insightful and subtly magnificent silent comics is now being brought to English readers, as it has previously only been published in China. This edition of “Slices of Life” not only features sublime comics that inspect and reflect the majesty of everyday life, but will also include behind-the-scenes backmatter presenting Qu's journey and artistic process.

Readers are saying Qu is “one of the best contemporary cartoonists to pay attention to” with her “elegant, gorgeously rendered style.” Early readers call the collection “peaceful … yet hilarious,” praising it as a “deeply nostalgic” tribute to what makes “life worth loving” and “all the little moments that are magical and worth slowing down to celebrate.”

Purchase at https://bit.ly/3LsvpeO.

“From Doctor to Healer” by Erica M. Elliott, M.D.

In this final volume of her memoir trilogy, Dr. Erica Elliott begins her medical training as an enthusiastic, wide-eyed student but soon becomes a disillusioned doctor, sick from toxic chemicals at the clinic where she works. This health catastrophe, followed by a near-fatal accident and the harrowing, experimental brain surgery that saved her life, forces Erica off the path of mainstream medicine and onto a path that leads to her profound healing, along with the profound healing of her patients. Now, more than half a century after a Navajo grandmother offered a prophecy about her life, Erica fulfills it in ways she never could have imagined.

“From Doctor to Healer” follows on the heels of her first two groundbreaking memoirs, which followed her time serving the Navajo people as a young school teacher and as a medical doctor (“Medicine and Miracles in the High Desert”) and her later decade-long odyssey in search of her life’s purpose (“From Mountains to Medicine”).

Purchase at https://amzn.to/47X0DU8.

“Maya, Dead and Dreaming” by Lana Sabarwal

A sleepy town. A precocious girl. A drizzly night. A chilling death that makes no sense at all.

June 1938: Popular teenager Maya Hickman is found dead in a shallow creek, leaving the sleepy town of Shogie, Washington, shocked and baffled. Fourteen years later, Maya begins haunting the dreams of her childhood friend and quiet Indian immigrant, Munna Dhingra, just as an anonymous letter arrives musing “Why Maya Had to Die.”

Stalked by guilt and desperate to prevent more deaths, Munna befriends Karenina — a fiendishly brilliant psychoanalyst — and together, the two unravel a web of jealousy, betrayal and forbidden relationships within a tight-knit community desperate to cling to its veneer of tranquility. But every secret uncovered leads to more questions and every step forward heightens a sense of encroaching dread. Will they find out in time... why Maya had to die?

Agatha Christie meets “Gone Girl" in a 1950s small town.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/3ScYX0i.

“If Today You Hear His Voice” by Irene Lynch

Throughout our rich and inspiring Catholic history, many saints have proclaimed to have had a conversation with Christ or the Blessed Mother. I believe that everyone can hear the voice of God! He is as alive and involved in our lives today as He was when He walked the earth over two thousand years ago! God wants a loving relationship with each one of us. I believe that through the Holy Spirit, God prompted me to write this book. My complete trust in His endless love and mercy has given me blessings beyond my greatest dreams. My prayer is for you to seek God in all things, walk with Him in your life journey, and listen to His voice. Come walk with me and let me show you how!!

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

(NewsUSA) - “My Mountains” by Chris Smith

“My Mountains” is a tender, soul-searching memoir about grief, faith and the quiet strength it takes to keep climbing. Set in the rugged beauty of the Rockies, it tells the story of a mother who endures devastating loss and finds not answers, but presence — in the trees, the trails and the God who meets us in our pain.

This book is for anyone who has stood at the edge of heartbreak and wondered if joy could still be real. Through lyrical storytelling and honest reflection, “My Mountains” offers hope without platitudes and peace without pretending. It reminds us that we’re not alone on the trail — and that sometimes, the steepest paths lead to the most beautiful views.

Whether you are grieving, searching or simply longing for beauty again, this book will walk beside you — and leave you changed.

Learn more at www.authorchrismsmith.com.

“Searching for Bowlby” by C. V. Wooster

Meet the Father of Attachment Theory

John Bowlby may be one of the most influential yet under-recognized figures in modern psychology. While Freud and Jung became household names, Bowlby quietly changed how the world understands childhood, love and emotional development.

“Searching for Bowlby” is a sweeping historical narrative that brings his story vividly to life. Born into Edwardian England, Bowlby grew up in an era when emotional distance was seen as discipline and affection as weakness. Those early fractures became the foundation of a theory that forever transformed parenting, psychotherapy and the way society views love, loss and resilience.

C. V. Wooster goes beyond academic biography to weave together meticulous research, historical context and human insight, revealing the man behind the theory. For anyone interested in psychology, history, biography or the timeless quest to understand love and human connection, “Searching for Bowlby” offers both an intimate portrait of a revolutionary thinker and a mirror for our own emotional lives.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/47IyFuj.

“A World Gone Mad: The True Story of Surviving a Dictatorship” by Gretel Timan

A heartbreaking autobiography that offers a glimpse into life in East Germany and the life-changing experience of moving to the United States.

Gretel Timan grew up in East Germany and struggled with discrimination and restriction because her father was a capitalist, she had contact with her American aunt, and worst of all, she refused to join the Soviet-German friendship.

“Appreciated by the government were the people who were loyal and never questioned what happened. I was not one of them,” Gretel recalls. “I ran again and again into conflict with my government … I resisted and so put myself in danger.”

In 1957, she emigrated to the U.S., and her life changed dramatically. In her words, she became a “butterfly.” This book contains the struggles of her life: her tears, her defeats, her resistance, her hopes, all the ups and downs — and ups again.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/49n0RVE.

“The Death Penalty Revisited” by Willard Bakeman

In “The Death Penalty Revisited,” an experienced criminal law attorney provides an overview of the history and current practice of capital punishment in America, and provides insights into changes and reforms that, if implemented, would be earth-shaking.

Reviewers are calling it “an engrossing and entertaining read” featuring “fascinating vignettes” of many criminal cases, from O.J. Simpson to Scott Peterson, with some “surprising conclusions never before expressed.” Author Willard Bakeman provides both sides of the arguments for and against the death penalty so that readers can reach their own conclusions on whether they favor or oppose the death penalty.

As a California trial attorney who’s been counsel in over 150 civil and criminal trials, Bakeman’s insights are both “truly surprising and mind-opening.” He addresses the details and significance of many criminal cases with cutting insight and in a manner that has never been done before. It is readable, entertaining and thought-provoking.

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

(NewsUSA) - “The Lost Seigneur” by David Loux

This riveting sequel to the award-winning “Chateau Laux” unravels the story of the du Laux family’s patriarch, Jean-Pierre du Laux, in the late 17th century and the decades that followed, in a land plagued by a persistent legacy of religious turmoil. Jean-Pierre, a nobleman in southern France, was wrongfully imprisoned during the brutal Dragonnades, a campaign designed to crush Protestant faith in the wake of France’s long history of persecution. When he emerges from captivity years later, reunion with his family seems impossible — until he meets an unexpected ally, a spirited young companion, who proves that even in the darkest times, loyalty and compassion can light the path home.

The novel has been described as “a meticulously crafted tale of emotional depth,” with reviewers exalting how the story rewards readers with the author’s “exquisite writing, a finely plotted story and immersion into a family saga of love, loyalty, tragedy and triumph.”

Purchase at https://amzn.to/4nNCdl9.

“If Necessary Alone” by V M Knox

During the dark days of winter, 1941, Britain fights on alone against the Nazi threat. Major Clement Wisdom of the Special Duties Section of the Secret Intelligence Service (MI6) is sent to far North Scotland to investigate illicit radio signals being picked up by the local out-station. But as soon as he gets there, a man is found brutally murdered, his body displayed for maximum effect. Is it a warning or a terrible accident?

As more murders are discovered, Clement realises he is facing not only an embedded Nazi spy but also a ruthless killer. Alone and struggling against the bitter Scottish weather, as well as a web of silence from the locals, Clement must unmask his enemy before he becomes the next victim.

“If Necessary Alone” is the second in the Clement Wisdom Series of WW2 Intelligence War novels.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/4mGmmE5.

“Bertie's Place” by Edie Goodwin

Molly Parsons has just graduated from college and lands a job teaching fifth grade in a small farming community in northeastern Ohio. As she and her friend Eva are ready to move into their new apartment, Eva backs out, leaving Molly without a place to live — until she finds Bertie’s Place.

The boardinghouse operates out of a beautiful Victorian home. Bertie Evans, the owner, is a spry older woman. She welcomes Molly with open arms. Grateful for a place to live, Molly settles into her teaching role, making her share of beginner mistakes.

Molly is tough and resilient. She has a loving heart and buoyant spirit. How does she handle the challenges she faces in Life and love? Will she be able to forgive herself as she forgives others?

Watch for the sequel, “Molly,” coming in the New Year.

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

“Minidrash” by Boris Burshteyn

9 Short Commentaries on the First Torah Portion Bereishis.

In this insightful collection, Boris Isaac Burshteyn presents nine short Torah commentaries on the first Torah portion, Bereishis. Each essay delves into a unique aspect of the Creation Story, exploring theological and philosophical themes such as the Holy and the mundane, immortality, the laws of nature, the origin of the Ten Commandments, miracles, animal treatment, free will, the human soul, ingenuity, morality and the source of ethics.

Written in clear and engaging language, these essays offer original perspectives that prompt thoughtful reflection and deepen the reader's understanding of the Torah. This book is a testament to the enduring wisdom of the Torah and its relevance to contemporary life. It invites readers of all backgrounds to engage in a meaningful and intellectually stimulating way, making it perfect for study groups or self-paced learning, offering food for both discussion and thought.

Purchase at http://bit.ly/4nPwSKw.

(NewsUSA) - “Cinematic Destinies” by Patricia Leavy

Legendary actor Finn Forrester and his wife, philosopher Ella Sinclair Forrester, have captivated the world with their fairy-tale romance since Finn famously proposed on the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival. As the couple now prepares to celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary, they wonder if their children will ever find love.

Eldest daughter Betty is excelling in a medical residency program — and has convinced herself that distancing herself from emotions is the path to success. Youngest son Albert, a recent college graduate, is trying to find his footing in Boston as he struggles with his identity. Free-spirited Georgia is her mother’s spitting image and an actress following in her father’s footsteps — perhaps in more ways than one, as sparks fly with her new costar.

In this highly anticipated conclusion to “The Location Shoot” and “After the Red Carpet,” we see how Finn, Ella, and their children fulfill their cinematic destinies. Purchase at https://amzn.to/45yoqsF.

“Karma Never Sleeps” by R. John Dingle

When a second woman from a group of friends known as “the posse” is murdered in the woods near the New England enclave of Kendalton, FBI agent and profiler Gus Wheeler and his partner are called in to determine if this is a serial killing. He’s intrigued by a clue hidden on the body: a memorial picture of a teen who died 25 years ago.

Instead of helping with the investigation, the long-term friends stonewall the agents. But Gus can smell fear beneath their calm masks, fake smiles, and politely vague answers. Digging deeper, he discovers they are being terrorized by cyberstalking, spying, threats, and mysterious break-ins. When a third member is hospitalized after a brutal attack, Gus suspects someone in the posse is the hunter instead of the hunted.

Time’s running out, and Gus’s life depends on his skill at determining who’s the best liar in town. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3QOBRfu.

“Labyrinth of Shadows: The Witch's Rebirth (Part 1)” by Michaela Riley

2025 Winner of the NYC Big Book Award in Fantasy.

478 AD Gaul. The remnants of the once-mighty Western Roman Empire crumble under the rising power of the fierce Merovingian Franks. Amidst this chaos, whispers of an ancient prophecy circulate — a prophecy foretelling the arrival of a powerful witch, destined to illuminate humanity's darkest hour. It is on the fateful night of Samhain, as the veil between realms thins, that an infant is born under a celestial eclipse — a sign that foreshadows both hope and impending doom. Her name? Merona.

As Merona approaches her twelfth birthday, she unknowingly becomes a pawn in a deadly game orchestrated by a sinister sorcerer determined to extinguish her light. But he underestimates the forces at play.

Within Merona's veins flows a legacy of strength and untapped magic. Her awakening will ignite a cataclysmic struggle with the power to reshape the very fabric of existence. Purchase at https://amzn.to/4m6OwbM.

“The Order of the Wolf: Species Chronicles: Book Two: Covenant” by Lisa Lacriola

All is not well in Toni Luello's world. Losing Regan, her lover, was not on the agenda, but that loss was just a start as more secrets and half-truths came to light.

After learning about the Mythological Origins of her witchcraft lineage and being warned of an archaic organization called the Covenant, whose members can see 'that which is unseen' and possess medallions imbued with mystical properties, Toni pieces together her true purpose.

New allies, old enemies, and the questionable actions of those closest to Toni disrupt her quest to unite any remaining members of the Order of the Wolf with their supernatural brethren.

Follow Toni as she continues her journey as one of the blessed, a subspecies of wolf-human shapeshifters, and the last of her kind, if the prophecy holds. Who can she trust? What more will be revealed about her evolution? Where does she belong and with whom? Purchase at https://amzn.to/4mtfY3B.

(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.