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Shelley Kolton | Memoir
In introducing Brain Storm: A Life in Pieces by Shelley Kolton MD, Robin Morgan states: ''This book will not leave you unchanged... It is a harrowing, hallowing experience—and a triumph of the human spirit.'' There couldn't be a better statement to speak about this memoir of mental illness and the author's incredible journey toward understanding herself and healing. Born in 1950, she recalls having an idyllic childhood, her mother carrying her constantly, while her father would playfully toss her into the air. But she experienced loneliness, together with her brother, as her parents climbed the social ladder. Shelley Kolton has “been” many personalities on her mind — a sad little girl, an aggressive young boy, and many more. From her years as a child, until she transformed into a respectable OB/GYN in New York City, she has lived with depression, suicidal tendencies, and disturbing periods of panic. This memoir lifts the veil to reveal someone broken and deeply hurting, living under th...
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Oran Brucks | Fiction - Historical - Event/Era
Hurrah for Liberty by Oran Brucks is set in 1814 at a time the British are almost taking full control of America. The British are on the verge of bringing America to utter submission, yet in Pennsylvania, the two brothers are oblivious to the war as they set out West in search of adventure. Travis and Squib Tanner, together with their dog, Fidious, only want to hunt and fish and enjoy anything that comes along the way on their journey west. All of this changes when they suddenly find themselves hemmed in a game of espionage. They are in the middle of two forces standing against each other and to survive, they must make a difficult choice. Oran Brucks paints a picture of an America that instantly entices readers in this tale that is brimming with historical hints. America is a coveted land of freedom, a place for settlers. Readers encounter characters from different places, from Irish outcasts to Native Americans. Travis and Squib Tanner are on a journey across the desert to meet thei...
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Brian Rouff | Humorous American Literature
The House Always Wins: A Vegas Ghost Story by Brian Rouff follows Anna Christiansen, a small-town girl who works for the Scandia Gazette and whose life is about to be changed in ways she never could have imagined when she falls for the person she is interviewing, a bass player in a promising band. It is not long before she finds herself moving to Las Vegas, getting married, and pregnant. She moves into a house haunted by the ghost of a racketeer in Sin City. An unscrupulous casino owner sends her a letter stating that he will be buying all the properties on the street for a parking lot. Anna is not willing and ready to let go of the house, and in a town where corruption is rank and rife and where people result to murder to get their way, does she stand a chance at keeping the house she has become so fond of? Brian Rouff's setting in Las Vegas is fully and vividly drawn and he writes about locales in a way that makes them alive in the minds of readers. A wonderful meld of mystery, comi...
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Jeff Marlowe | Fiction - Thriller
Jack Pszcynack lives as a young adolescent in the house of his parents, who are still surprisingly married. Jack’s older brother, Joey, goes out of his way to torment and terrorize Jack. The Pszcynacks live in the town of Pennsauken, New Jersey. Jack’s parents, Barbara and Joe Sr., are all about maintaining appearances, especially when it comes to their neighbors. However, recent developments on Browning Road have upset the delicate balance in the neighborhood. A neighbor has decided to sell his house, and a barely concealed intolerance begins to reveal itself as no one wants the new owners to be of a different race. Jack is all too familiar with his family’s racism, but the prospect of African-Americans moving in has the Pszcynacks threatening to uproot the family.Browning Road is a poignant coming-of-age drama revolving around the world of Jack Pszcynack. Jack is an outgoing young man, yet due to his family’s dysfunction, he adopts more of the traits of a disaffected youth. The affec...
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Jerry Lovelady | Poetry
Grief and Her Three Sisters by Jerry Lovelady is a gorgeous collection of poems that capture life, love, and loss. The first thing that catches the attention of readers when they start reading Lovelady's poetry is his incredible ability to write with clarity while allowing the fusion of nature with human emotion. And then there are those moments that compel readers to reflect on insights about life and the author’s wisdom. You'll find one as you open the first poem, “The Great River Taketh.” It reads: ''In death there is always life. / In a seed there is hope for life. /In our offspring resides all genetic diversity.'' The collection is moving, powered by strong streams of emotions and words to heal grieving hearts. Jerry Lovelady's poetry stands out in its symbolism and the breadth of its imagery. The author has the uncanny ability to capture the different seasons of the heart while inviting readers to look past their hurts to discover a new beginning in the ending. Each poem is uniq...
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Kasey Rogers | Literary Fiction
What would you do if you found valued keepsakes left by the previous homeowners in your residence? Nina DeMarco pondered this question as she discovered hidden letters in a crawl space in her attic apartment. Captivated by Lilia Michaud's story, Nina rediscovers herself after experiencing a troubled divorce and is motivated, excited, and has a new purpose. She is determined to find and return these letters to Lilia while reuniting her with the two inspirations behind the letters in Kasey Rogers's The Color of Frost. Nina also meets Maddie, Penny, and Ben, all with their own story. Together they form a unique and much-needed bond. ''Sometimes you do just have to make your own family.'' The story's content is eye-opening. The author addresses the intense subject of sexual abuse and suicide. Some common themes involve love, loss, self-discovery, and community. These compelling characters have come together to assist one another through their trauma and daily living, and the beau...
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Shelley Kolton | Memoir
In introducing Brain Storm: A Life in Pieces by Shelley Kolton MD, Robin Morgan states: ''This book will not leave you unchanged... It is a harrowing, hallowing experience—and a triumph of the human spirit.'' There couldn't be a better statement to speak about this memoir of mental illness and the author's incredible journey toward understanding herself and healing. Born in 1950, she recalls having an idyllic childhood, her mother carrying her constantly, while her father would playfully toss her into the air. But she experienced loneliness, together with her brother, as her parents climbed the social ladder. Shelley Kolton has “been” many personalities on her mind — a sad little girl, an aggressive young boy, and many more. From her years as a child, until she transformed into a respectable OB/GYN in New York City, she has lived with depression, suicidal tendencies, and disturbing periods of panic. This memoir lifts the veil to reveal someone broken and deeply hurting, living under th...
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Kirsten Pursell | Fiction - Thriller
''Love can be uniquely beautiful in its most raw, honest, and emotional way.'' Jenn embarks on an unforgettable journey as she fights to find and reignite the vibrant and free-spirited person she once was. She discovers that divorce doesn't mean the end as she reunites with her first love, who helps her to find the love and passion that lay dormant inside of her in author Kirsten Pursell's Long Enough to Love You. This book is a romantic, appealing read where the character stays true to herself and is steadfast with what she wants despite middle-aged patterns and societal norms. It's liberating once you've discovered who you are, and the author humanizes Jenn in this way. The reader can follow the ebbs and flows of life, and feel the pain, the excitement, and the reigniting of self within this character, which makes her relatable. Revisiting one's past isn't damaging in this case. This book is buoyant and relevant to those who may question their lives after divorce, havi...
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Tony Philips | Children - Grade K-3rd
In The Pig Who Loved Gluffles by Tony Philips, a pig who loves gluffles meets a resourceful rabbit who sells him ten pounds of the stuff. After consuming everything in one sitting, the pig goes looking for more. The rabbit is surprised to see the pig again at his door at four o'clock in the morning saying, “There’s a hole in me that’s burning.” He goes off looking glum as the rabbit tells him he doesn’t have anything for him. But the rabbit knows a secret place where gluffles grow in the heart of the woods. So he creeps there just to be surprised to find the swine trailing him. The story follows the adventure that culminates in a pack between the rabbit and the pig, a pact to ensure there are gluffles tomorrow in troves. This book has a complementary tale that features an adventure involving a tortoise and the wacky birds that rule the land, laying eggs in the snow. But the eggs the birds lay aren’t what they used to be. What happens when they discovered that there is a tort...
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Gahl Eden Sasson | Spirituality & Inspiration
The Astrology of 2023: Traversing the Bridge by Gahl Eden Sasson is a book for astrology aficionados and anyone who is looking to understand the key components of astrology and predictions for 2023. The Cosmic Navigator Gahl E. Sasson provides an astrological guide to navigating 2023 in this book that is divided into three parts. In the first part of the book, the author lists the important dates of each month and what they signify, with the eclipses, retrogrades, and other astrological elements to think about. In the second part, readers will find the Astro Trends, the tarot cards of the year, some exercises, and the author's recommendations. The third part of the book offers readings of the zodiac signs for 2023 and the tarot cards. For those who love astrology, this book is a comprehensive guide that offers answers and pointers that will help them make decisions and plan the year in a way that allows them to create harmony and success, in their different endeavors. It is tho...
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Linda Keen | Fiction — Coming of Age
The Dream Keepers by Linda Keen is a rollicking ride that follows two young characters, Starlight and her older brother, Thatcher O'Day as they set out on the adventure that will shape their lives in inscrutable ways, from the Deep South to the West Coast. The kids are seven and eight when — together with their grandfather — they must embrace change at the break of a new Millennium. Grandma Gloria has followed the advice of the social worker and has asked Star and Thatcher to leave their regular middle school for the unknown. So, from the treacherous and dangerous journey to settling into a new environment, the young hero and heroine must face challenges bigger than their age. Follow them as they evolve through each year and trying circumstances. Linda Keen's book is a delightful read for fans of YA, a story that opens with a mysterious tragedy unfolding before the eyes of the young characters. Being uprooted from one's immediate and familiar environment is a strong plot point for a...
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Marc R. Micciola | Science Fiction & Fantasy
The Torain people are second-class citizens in Kosavros. Nowhere are they more marginalized than in the kingdom of Fleuris. A resistance movement has been fighting for equality; the resistance is led by a Lycan named Weylyn. However, the ascension of the tyrannical General Rosspier only serves to make things worse for his people. In an effort to help the Torain, Weylyn travels to the kingdom of Tudrose seeking an alliance with the benevolent Queen Sophia. She agrees to aid the resistance if Weylyn is successful in establishing pockets of resistance in Kosavros’s other kingdoms to weaken them for an eventual war. Weylyn and his trusted friends embark on their mission which is relayed expertly from multiple points of view from the vantage point of well-developed and complex characters in a richly detailed setting. Readers will notice themes drawn from real-world historical and current-day struggles of marginalized groups, making the protagonists easy to empathize with and givin...
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Dwight Jesmer | Fiction Satire
Kimo Jones has only three weeks left to complete his sentence in a maximum security prison. Just three weeks! Then he does something incredibly insane: he escapes from prison. The reason might be ridiculous to any sane person, but not for Jones who can't miss playing the annual golf tournament with his friends. During yard duty, he escapes and an encounter with the beautiful Rachel makes his adventure an even more enjoyable one. Along the way, they meet Frank, his friend, Frank's brother, and Frank's wife. Kimo quickly learns that a lot of tragic things have happened in his absence. He discovers an opportunity for redemption, but can there be anything better than a weekend of golf? Doing Time in California by Dwight Jesmer is a rollicking ride, a humorous adventure with quirky characters. Kimo has once been a catholic school teacher, one who believes that God's ways are inscrutable. Now, he doesn't resemble anything he taught the students then. Jesmer's debut novel is a winner and it...
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Shelley Kolton (FLR Press)
In introducing Brain Storm: A Life in Pieces by Shelley Kolton MD, Robin Morgan states: ''This book will not leave you unchanged... It is a harrowing, hallowing experience—and a triumph of the human spirit.'' There couldn't be a better statement to speak about this memoir of mental illness and the author's incredible journey toward understanding herself and healing. Born in 1950, she recalls having an idyllic childhood, her mother carrying her constantly, while her father would playfully toss her into the air. But she experienced loneliness, to...
Brian Rouff (Huntington Press)
The House Always Wins: A Vegas Ghost Story by Brian Rouff follows Anna Christiansen, a small-town girl who works for the Scandia Gazette and whose life is about to be changed in ways she never could have imagined when she falls for the person she is interviewing, a bass player in a promising band. It is not long before she finds herself moving to Las Vegas, getting married, and pregnant. She moves into a house haunted by the ghost of a racketeer in Sin City. An unscrupulous casino owner sends her a letter stating that he will be buying all the...
Kirsten Pursell (Atmosphere Press)
''Love can be uniquely beautiful in its most raw, honest, and emotional way.'' Jenn embarks on an unforgettable journey as she fights to find and reignite the vibrant and free-spirited person she once was. She discovers that divorce doesn't mean the end as she reunites with her first love, who helps her to find the love and passion that lay dormant inside of her in author Kirsten Pursell's Long Enough to Love You. This book is a romantic, appealing read where the character stays true to herself and is steadfast with what she wants des...
Kasey Rogers (Indies United Publishing House)
What would you do if you found valued keepsakes left by the previous homeowners in your residence? Nina DeMarco pondered this question as she discovered hidden letters in a crawl space in her attic apartment. Captivated by Lilia Michaud's story, Nina rediscovers herself after experiencing a troubled divorce and is motivated, excited, and has a new purpose. She is determined to find and return these letters to Lilia while reuniting her with the two inspirations behind the letters in Kasey Rogers's The Color of Frost. Nina also meets Ma...
Daniel A. Sheridan (Self-published)
In 1850, Timothy Sullivan lives with his father (Jeremiah) and older brother (Thomas). Tim and his family are still recovering from the loss of his mother to Yellow Fever. Tim’s Aunt has recently learned of an offer that she desires to convey to both Tim and Jeremiah. The offer involves Tim becoming an apprentice to renowned photographer Mathew Brady. Jeremiah, despite initial skepticism, acquiesces and Tim is soon traveling from Staten Island to New York City to learn a new trade. Despite a rocky first day where he is beaten and robbed, Tim ar...
Jeff Marlowe (Capablanca Books)
Jack Pszcynack lives as a young adolescent in the house of his parents, who are still surprisingly married. Jack’s older brother, Joey, goes out of his way to torment and terrorize Jack. The Pszcynacks live in the town of Pennsauken, New Jersey. Jack’s parents, Barbara and Joe Sr., are all about maintaining appearances, especially when it comes to their neighbors. However, recent developments on Browning Road have upset the delicate balance in the neighborhood. A neighbor has decided to sell his house, and a barely concealed intolerance begins...
Jena M. Steinmetz (Palmetto Publishing)
The Witness Tree by Jena M. Steinmetz is a spellbinding romp of historical fiction steeped in mystery. Breanne Walker is a Pennsylvania archival preservationist working for Gettysburg National Military Park’s museum. Breanne is called to investigate a mystery about the Witness tree, the same that stood on the battleground of the Civil War and that is now toppled. In the roots of the toppled tree is the remains of a Confederate soldier and a tattered diary. Breanne's boss, Greg Ransome, entrusts her with the secret project. Breanne works feveris...
Jodi Lea Stewart (Progressive Rising Phoenix Press)
The Gold Rose by Jodi Lea Stewart is a gripping tale chockful with intrigue and a story with strong and mature themes. Charlotte Hunt-Basse works for ROSE International, a secret rescue agency veiled as an international horticulture enterprise and funded by some of the wealthiest people in the world. Charlotte is stuck in dire conditions due to bad weather, and again, flashes of dangerous work she has done for the agency begin to come to mind. She has handled very dangerous cases, especially the two-year-old Pinkie and Babe. During a vio...
Tony Philips (Idle Brains Publishing)
In The Pig Who Loved Gluffles by Tony Philips, a pig who loves gluffles meets a resourceful rabbit who sells him ten pounds of the stuff. After consuming everything in one sitting, the pig goes looking for more. The rabbit is surprised to see the pig again at his door at four o'clock in the morning saying, “There’s a hole in me that’s burning.” He goes off looking glum as the rabbit tells him he doesn’t have anything for him. But the rabbit knows a secret place where gluffles grow in the heart of the woods. So he creeps there just to...
Gahl Eden Sasson (Self)
The Astrology of 2023: Traversing the Bridge by Gahl Eden Sasson is a book for astrology aficionados and anyone who is looking to understand the key components of astrology and predictions for 2023. The Cosmic Navigator Gahl E. Sasson provides an astrological guide to navigating 2023 in this book that is divided into three parts. In the first part of the book, the author lists the important dates of each month and what they signify, with the eclipses, retrogrades, and other astrological elements to think about. In the second part, readers will...
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