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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

- IQs in developed countries have been declining since 1995

- 10% of Americans use their phones during sex

- 40% of Americans reject the theory of evolution

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Gone Dark” by Ryan Steck

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

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

“Patriotism: Unhinged 1963-2024” by James Manning

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Thunderbird Rising” by John H. Thomas

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Surviving the Survivor” by Joel Z. Waldman

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

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

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

“Little Great Island” by Kate Woodworth

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(NewsUSA) - “Silent Horizons" by Chad Robichaux

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

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

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

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

“Vested Interest” by Bailey Herrington

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

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

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

“Portrait of a Feminist” by Marianna Marlowe

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

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

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

“Invaders of the Heartland” by James Bultema

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“The Sooner You Forget” by Christopher Bensinger

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Voices of the Civil War” by Barry Robbins

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

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

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

(NewsUSA) - “Writers of the Future Vol 41” by L. Ron Hubbard

Step into the extraordinary with an anthology that promises the unexpected, the thought-provoking and the unforgettable. Celebrating the best new voices in speculative fiction, this collection offers gripping tales of science fiction, fantasy and beyond. Explore alien landscapes, futuristic technologies and hidden realms. Follow protagonists who face impossible odds — who redefine courage, resilience and what it means to be human. Gain inspiration from essays by L. Ron Hubbard, Robert J. Sawyer and Tom Wood, offering rare insights into storytelling and creative mastery.

This volume continues the legacy of Writers of the Future, the competition that has launched myriad bestselling authors. Whether you love heart-pounding action, thought-provoking “what ifs,” or stories that blur the line between science and magic, Volume 41 is your gateway to new dimensions. With tales and illustrations that linger long after the final page, this anthology invites you to take the leap into worlds uncharted. Purchase at https://amzn.to/4bRRmxj.

“She Who Rides Horses: A Saga of the Ancient Steppe, Book One” by Sarah V. Barnes

Set more than 6,000 years ago, “She Who Rides Horses” introduces the story of Naya, the first person to ride a horse. Daughter of a clan chief, bolder than the other girls but shunned by the boys because of her unusual appearance, Naya wanders alone through the vast grasslands where her people herd cattle and hunt wild horses for their meat.

But Naya dreams of creating a different kind of relationship with the magnificent creatures. One day, she discovers a filly with a chestnut coat as uncommon as her own head of red hair. With time running out before she is called to assume the responsibilities of adulthood, Naya embarks on a quest to gallop with the filly across the boundless steppe. Unwittingly, she sets in motion events that will change forever the future of humans and horses alike. Purchase at https://amzn.to/4iOGEdb.

“Future Earth” by Roy C. Carriker

This book is intended to inform and provoke discussion about what humanity faces going forward by using a spaceship as a metaphor for Earth. The two major threats at the forefront are global nuclear war and global warming, as well as Artificial Intelligence and pandemics. Although filled with worrisome facts, this book is not about gloom and doom but creating a collective grassroots awareness of the threats to life on Earth ahead.

Mankind’s existence window is closing at a quickening pace. We may still have the ability to resolve or regulate all the issues presented. Climate change likely represents the greatest peril and the greatest challenge, but the challenge will not be met until there is a realization of our global, collective interdependence and a global sense of urgency. We can participate in improving the odds of mankind’s survival by spreading the truth about all the issues discussed. Do not be a silent victim. Purchase at https://amzn.to/4bG47dW.

“Change of Heart” by Cristina LePort, M.D.

In the bustling heart of New York City, a young medical student’s life is tragically cut short, though her heart continues to beat, holding the promise of life for another. Detective Kirk Miner is called to the scene and quickly realizes the case is far more complex and dangerous than it initially seemed, uncovering a chilling conspiracy involving organ donations and high-stakes crime. Enter FBI Agent Jack Mulville, who steps in to supervise Special Agent Charlotte Bloom as they join forces with Miner. Together, they unravel a web of corruption, revealing that Amy Winter's death is connected to a ruthless organ trafficking ring.

"Change of Heart" is a gripping medical thriller that intertwines the intricacies of modern medicine with the relentless pursuit of justice. Cristina LePort, M.D., masterfully combines her medical expertise with edge-of-your-seat storytelling, delivering a novel that will keep you turning pages long into the night. Purchase at https://amzn.to/4iBXJac.

(NewsUSA) - “Onward, Ye Heroes” by C.S. Brown

In this exciting conclusion to the “Smoke Without Ash” fantasy series, three heroes must stand on the front line to defend the world from the forces of evil. Pushed by clans of dragons to accept a responsibility that never should have been theirs, they must face the Smoke Without Ash as it emerges from the northern deserts.

Driven by prophecies that suggest one of them is the Hero of Destiny, they lead the combined armies of men and dragons against the approaching menace. But prophecy is never clear, and they do not know which of them is the foretold hero.

They struggle to learn the truth, but the Smoke Without Ash advances. Out of time, they must find a way to work together, hoping they can answer the question before it is too late and darkness engulfs the world. Purchase at https://bit.ly/4h7MHbB.

“A Life in Frames” by Leonora Ross

A photojournalist consumed by his passion for telling stories through his camera lens. A father and son at a war of wills. Lovers struggling to find a way to each other.

This coming-of-age literary saga follows Namibian photojournalist Lejf Busher, an intense and complex individual with his head in the clouds. Two women are central to Lejf's existence: his mother and the woman he loves. Destined for success and international acclaim, he discovers the complex reality of a career that separates him from his relationships. Lejf's expectations of a world and people he cannot change force him to confront his fears and choices when he can no longer run from them.

“A Life in Frames” is about the push and pull between the ties that bind us and the desires that motivate us, and about coming to grips with the consequences of unspoken and misinterpreted words. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3DvWeLG.

“Estranged: How Strained Female Friendships Are Mended or Ended” by Susan Shapiro Barash

When life gets hard, women turn to their female friends. Husbands, partners and jobs come and go, but close friendships are our bedrock. Until they're not. What happens when these bonds sabotage instead of support? By peeling back the societal narrative that our friendships are meant to last forever, Susan Shapiro Barash uncovers a more nuanced reality: the closest bonds do falter.

“Estranged” is an eye-opening investigation/practical guide for women navigating the murky waters of suboptimal friendships. The book sheds light on the unspoken pain of estrangement — both for the "estranger" who walks away and the "estrangee" who is left behind. Amid candid confessions of betrayal and grief, Barash challenges women to reimagine their friendships and take the bold step of letting go when necessary.

This cutting-edge book offers an empowering path forward: learning to prioritize self-worth, stability and authenticity over loyalty to friendships that no longer serve us. Purchase at https://amzn.to/4ijtR2n.

“Horrible Women, Wonderful Girls” by Julie Ann Sipos

In this spirited satire of sisterhood and survival across The Urban Frontier, a daring new literary heroine emerges to heal a divided nation — whether it wants her to or not.

Kids' entertainment executive Jaycee Grayson, fresh from rehab and forced out of her hard-won studio job, seeks the unlikely refuge of Littleburgh, Wisconsin. There she expects to find like-minded ladies helming Littleburgh's famous high-end doll empire — only to confront an unfriendly outpost of Prairie Karens, an army of happy backstabbers harboring a billion-dollar web of secrets and masks.

Fueled by irreverence and wit as sharp as a stiletto skating on thin ice, a twisted plot leads Jaycee and her fellow misfits toward either a joyful rebellion or a public execution in the town square. Buckle in for a poignant, provocative and darkly funny showdown between Hollywood and the heartland. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3DJimlV

(NewsUSA) - “High Tea and Misdemeanors” by Laura Childs

When a wedding is tragically averted by the death of the bridesmaid, Theodosia is determined to prove that it was murder in the latest entry to this New York Times bestselling Tea Shop Mystery series.

Theodosia Browning and her tea sommelier, Drayton Connelly, are tapped to cater the elegant wedding of Bettina and Jamie. Theodosia and Drayton are setting up when they hear a crash from the greenhouse. Shockingly, they discover that part of the roof has collapsed, trapping a bridesmaid and the groom. He will pull through, but the bridesmaid is no more. Theodosia is convinced it was murder.

As an added feature, the book includes delicious recipes and tea-time tips. Purchase at https://bit.ly/4fvTGtK.

“Why Wolves Matter: A Conservation Success Story” by Karen B. Winnick

Where did all the wolves go? The birds, the fish and the beavers?

When the top predator was wiped out, the balance of nature in Yellowstone National Park was disrupted. The circle was broken. Written in a lyrical style, “Why Wolves Matter” is an ecological tale that helps children understand the interconnectedness of all things in the natural world. Once all the wolves were gone, the elk population grew so large that the trees and vegetation on which they fed disappeared, throwing the Park and the remaining wildlife into disarray.

Supplemented with a timeline and bibliography, the non-fiction picture book “Why Wolves Matter” is about the importance of the top predator in nature, how balance was restored in Yellowstone National Park and the circle made whole again — with important historical and scientific relevance for children. Purchase at https://amzn.to/415gGKV.

“Gather, Ye Heroes” by C.S. Brown

In this first book of an exciting new fantasy series, securing victory against his enemies, Tianis is thrown into a world he is ill-prepared for. Confronted by a dragon, he is informed that he must lead mankind against an ancient foe returning after nearly 1,000 years.

Torg, 16, is looking forward to being released from his apprenticeship and taking his place in society. But his path leads him toward something completely different. He encounters a dragon, who brands him as the chosen leader of the armies of man and dragon.

Elsbeth, the daughter of a master weaponsmith who works alongside her father in the armory, makes an accidental discovery that brings her face to face with a dragon. She is told that there is more to the world than she ever imagined and that she is to be a leader on that stage.

But can prophecy be trusted? Purchase at https://bit.ly/4fSfe3Y.

“Kalayla: Unraveling Tangles” by Jeannie Nicholas

This tale is told from three distinct points of view: a young teenager, her mother and their landlady. Kalayla is a bi-racial girl determined to teach adults a thing or two. Her mother, Maureen, has been disowned by her Irish family and works as a waitress. Their Italian landlady, a widow, is retiring as CEO of her family’s business.

Their deepening friendships provide a scaffolding of support and show the transformative power of connection as they each risk new adventures with laughter and courage. Their stories touch on race, sexuality, marital abuse, exasperations of adolescence, single motherhood and self-discovery.

Kirkus Reviews describes the book as “an eloquent tale about real-life people with difficult problems.” Purchase at https://amzn.to/40RaLcq.

(NewsUSA) - "Conviction Overturned" by Willard Bakeman

A must-read for evangelicals and skeptics alike. “Conviction Overturned” is a forensic review of the Bible’s credibility based on legal principles of proof, written by someone with extensive expertise with the law and scripture. Author Willard Bakeman is a 35-year San Diego trial attorney, but also a seminarian and former evangelist turned skeptic. His background is uniquely fitting to perform an objective, informed, insightful and incisive forensic analysis of the Bible's credibility. In “Conviction Overturned,” he cuts no corners to deliver the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, no matter whom it may antagonize.

“Conviction Overturned” answers such compelling questions as: Is the life of Jesus a miraculous fulfillment of prophecy? Is there evidence that portions of the New Testament are forged? Was Jesus gay? Is Moses the spiritual forebear of Osama bin Laden? What did Jesus think about transgenderism? Purchase at https://amzn.to/40X7sAr.

"The Elderly Gentleman's Ulyssee" by Hans Bodmer

A smarter, older Gentleman makes his way from Zurich to Geneva on hiking trails, wherever they exist. The declared goal is to reach a destination — the Café de la Place in Meyrin — as soon as possible. The adventures and encounters along the way are unforeseen and unexpected, and the experience brings smiles, laughter and a sense of achievement. But there’s also unpleasantness, tooth grinding and suffering.

He has much time to explore his thoughts and follow thought processes put in motion by the events. He inevitably ends up in complex, exuberant pipe dreams and bizarre, surreal spheres. Very often, he is sent into the virtual desert for his thoughts. Which he isn't concerned about. He wanders, ponders and continues to provoke, undeterred.

He meets different types of men, friendly ones and also disgusting ones. Not only that, he encounters many charming ladies and often risks falling in love. Join the journey. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3CRXcl9.

"Your Home Remedy for Acid Reflux Disease" by Dr. Howard Christian

Tired of struggling with acid reflux disease? Looking for an authentic remedy that allows you to keep eating the foods you love? This self-help book reveals a no-diet, alternative healing approach to transform your life and relieve your GERD. However you define your struggle, your unbridled well-being is within reach. Dr. Howard Christian offers this essential guide to help you break free from the cycle of symptoms, medications and dietary restrictions.

Drawing from his personal battle with GERD and his background in immunology, Dr. Christian emphasizes understanding GERD not as an adversary but as a messenger signaling the need for growth and self-awareness. He uses a unique, non-dietary remedy rooted in ageless wisdom to promote emotional, psychological and physical transformation.

Imagine the lasting benefits! Start feeling better today. Purchase at https://amzn.to/4kukfmN.

"Soul Flowers" by Cynthia Schumaker

“Soul Flowers” is Schumaker’s seventh poetry collection, delving into universal human emotions and experiences that connect us all. The collection provides enjoyable and accessible "word music" designed to appeal to dedicated poetry lovers and to others who might like to be. Employing both rhymed and unrhymed formats, Schumacher's work spans a wide array of subjects, often drawing inspiration from the natural world. Her poems touch on themes of hope and resilience, and offer comforting wisdom. Seamlessly blending new works with selections from previous publications, “Soul Flowers” invites readers to find solace and connection through shared human experiences.

Pacific Book Review says, “Schumacher's poems are seeds of wisdom, nurturing a sense of peace and connection to the cycles of life … ideal for anyone seeking solace, inspiration, and the gentle reminder that like flowers, the soul has its own seasons of blooming and renewal.” Purchase at https://amzn.to/3OUflRz.