Horror/Thriller
Date Published: 10-23-2021
Publisher: Didactic Cafe Press
Can you survive the night when a murderous competition arrives in a small East Texas town with one road in and no way out?
About the Author
Chad Lehrmann is the author of numerous novels and also finds time to teach AP History to high school students. The product of a small town in Texas, he knows all too well the secrets that live in those supposedly idyllic villages.
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Historical Fantasy
Date Published: October 1, 2023
"I would advise you, young man, to take care around anyone with the surname Firefax. I know not if the rumors be true that they be king killers, but they are, without any doubt, a dangerous family."
Legend tells of a city of gold on a phantom island. The wealth of that city could end the American Revolution. But the only person who knows the island’s location is the world’s deadliest assassin. And he’s not giving up that secret without a fight . . .
1781. New England.
The world’s oldest family of high-profile assassins, the Firefaxes, have been killing off dignitaries—and being well-compensated to do so—for centuries. The family is thrown into turmoil by their patriarch’s death and the return of their cunning, cruel prodigal, Murdoch. Murdoch is the only one left who knows where the Firefax wealth is, kept on a secret island. But Murdoch’s former protégé, now turned nemesis, Istäni, who is the leader of a British intelligence network, and Murdoch’s former colleagues from a Continental intelligence network are looking for that wealth. These spy networks are bent on tracking down the legendary treasure, whatever the cost, but may have met their match in this wily, dysfunctional family of killers.
About the Author
A.M. Vergara is a physician assistant and paramedic. When not writing, reading, or working in the hospital or on the ambulance, she can be found outside, hiking, camping, riding her mule, foraging for edible mushrooms, field-herping, or playing her banjo.
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Historical Mystery
Date Published: 10-23-2023
Publisher: Level Best Books' Historia Imprint
"In a seamless blending of historical fact and narrative skill, Richard Helms reimagines the sensational case of Daniel M'Naghten, whose 1843 murder trial set a precedent that reverberates to this day. Helms has crafted a thoroughly gripping historical mystery that will leave readers eager to hear more of the “notorious thief-taker” Vicar Brekonridge.
—Daniel Stashower, Edgar Award Winning Author of American Demon
About the Author
A lifelong North Carolinian, Richard Helms retired from active practice as a forensic psychologist in 2005, after working in the field for over two decades. At one time, he was the only court psychologist covering four counties in NC. A court-recognized expert in sex crimes and the psychology of sex offenders, mystery writing was an easy transition and a logical next step after Helms left his professional career to become a college professor in Charlotte. He retired from teaching in the summer of 2016 to become a full time writer. Helms has twenty-two novels in print.
Besides writing, Helms loves gourmet cooking, woodworking, traveling, simracing, amateur astronomy, playing with his grandsons, and rooting for the Carolina Tarheels and Carolina Panthers. For a peek at his non-writing life, check out his other website at www.rickhelms.com
The parents of two grown children, Richard Helms and his wife Elaine live in Charlotte, NC.
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Children’s Book, Middle Grade
Date Published: September 30, 2023
Come along with Sitou on a magical journey of emotional discovery!
Are you ready for a magical trip through a beautiful autumn forest, where you'll learn lessons on joy, sadness, anger and fear and meet some wonderful friends? We're excited to tell you about "Sitou’s Journey into the World of Emotions," a captivating children's book that takes kids over seven and older on a trip of emotional discovery that changes them.
The Journey Starts with the main character Sitou, a young and sensitive girl. Sitou makes friends with a scared, talking hedgehog. As they go on a journey together, Sitou learns that even the smallest animals have their own emotions and feelings. Sitou wants to learn more about fear, sadness, joy and anger and she does. Sitou learns to recognize and understand her own feelings and those of others as she meets different animals. The book shows in a beautiful way how important understanding and emotional intelligence are, giving young readers the tools they need to deal with their own feelings with confidence and kindness.
Interesting is that the story isn't the end of the trip! The second part of the book is a workbook "Discover for Yourself the Essence of Joy, Sadness, Anger, and Fear". The workbook has a set of interactive tasks that encourage readers to use the lessons Sitou learned on her trip in their own lives. The assignments help kids understand and deal with their feelings, which is important for their mental health.
The author really wants to make a difference in the mental and emotional health of young readers. If this book can make a child smile or help someone who is having a hard time with their feelings and emotion, it will make the author very happy and proud. Parents, guardians, teachers, and therapists are encouraged to talk to their kids, students and clients about what's in the book. This can lead to fun and important conversations.
Why read: "Sitou’s Journey into the World of Emotions"?
· A heartwarming and interesting story for kids 7-12 years of age.
· Shows youngsters how important emotional intelligence and kindness can be.
· Interactive tasks reinforce what you've learned and help you grow as a person.
· A helpful resource for parents, guardians, teachers, and therapists who want to help children's mental health and intelligence.
· Beautiful illustrations made by an award-winning illustrator
Get a copy right away! Don't miss the chance to join Sitou and her friend the hedgehog on this touching trip. You can now buy the book "Sitou’s Journey into the World of Emotions, at https://www.amazon.com/Sitous-Journey-into-World-Emotions-ebook/dp/B0CGJTSZLT. Let your child's heart be touched by the magic of emotions as they discover the beauty of the autumn forest and the depth of their own feelings.
About the Author
Linda Luchtman is a debut author from the Netherlands. During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, which was a hard time for many people emotionally and mentally, the story of Sitou was born, but the author put it aside to write "The Bum Biter," a sweet little book for toddlers that was only released in her private circle in the Netherlands but will be available on Amazon later this year.
It wasn't until her daughter, Lara, struggled with anxiety in 2023 that the author revisited the story of Sitou. She knew it was the perfect way to help her daughter, and it did just that. Now, Linda is on a mission to share the story to help kids and adolescents with their emotional well-being. Next to this, she has made several assignments to go along with Sitou's story to help readers connect Sitou's journey to their lives. This makes it a more interactive and meaningful experience.
Linda is not only an expert in writing. She is also an expert in instructional design and using neuroscience to create effective classrooms. She has a Master's degree in this field and has helped many teachers and trainers in universities, vocational training, and businesses. She is a certified coach and is currently seeing her first coaching clients.
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A Kids' Court Whodunit #6
Middle-Grade / Mystery
Date Published: 09-29-2023
A missing ladder. A relentless bully. Can the junior lawyer uncover the truth before chaos erupts?
Luana Porcello has discovered a new love: volunteering at the community dog pound. Still, as much as she enjoys working with animals, law remains her true passion. So, when the local bully accuses his neighbor of theft, she happily resumes her attorney role, confident of her client’s innocence.
But as Luana gets to work, a formidable wall of evidence stands against her client, from physical proof linking him to the alleged crime scene to an eyewitness who insists he saw the accused commit the deed. Undeterred by the odds stacked against her, Luana is relentless in her quest to vindicate her client. Will her determination be enough to tip the scales of justice in their favor?
About the Author
Caron Pescatore was born in the United Kingdom. She spent most of her childhood in Jamaica before migrating to the United States. After practicing as a registered nurse for many years, Caron decided to enter law school, obtaining her J.D. in 2001. She worked as an attorney for several years before leaving the profession to become a stay-at-home mom—her most challenging career to date. She recently resumed working as an attorney at Legal Aid, representing people from marginalized communities. Ms. Pescatore is passionate about justice and fairness for all, a sentiment that led, in part, to her decision to write the Kids’ Court Whodunit series. Her favorite pastimes are reading, writing, and watching true-crime shows. She also recently discovered a love of painting using stencils. At present, Ms. Pescatore lives in Florida with her husband and two children.
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A Rhyming Backyard Adventure
Children's Book
Date Published: September 2023
Meet Twiggy! He loves to explore with his family finding treasures to store before winter. Fall is ending, and Twiggy finds a soft and fuzzy treasure to keep him warm during colder days. Unknown to him, it belongs to a girl searching for her favorite lost sock. Find out what happens when Twiggy and the girl come face to face. How will they cope with their complex emotions about the situation and each other?
About the Author
Renée DeVincent was born on an Army Base in Savannah GA. Her passion for reading and creativity developed at a young age. Growing up in a military family and moving frequently, books and art became a source of comfort and escape. Later in life, she embarked on her writing career, grant and technical writing, shortly after receiving her M.Ed. in Counseling. At the same time, she continued to develop her passion for fictional short stories, literature, and art, leading her to get an AAS degree in Graphic Design.
Reading books to her daughters inspired her to write and illustrate her first Children's Book, Twiggy and the Lost Socks. Renée believes reading and storytelling are powerful ways to connect with others and foster a love of learning. Using a lighthearted rhyming style, inspired by nature, Renée uses her colorful illustrations and writing to encourage self-awareness, responsibility, positive relationships, and a solid character.
Currently, Renée resides in the heart of Kansas with her two children and supportive husband of 30 years. When not writing or creating art, Renée loves to spend time with her garden, nature, the outdoors, and her many fur babies. Hazel the Doberman and Milo the Ragdoll cat, provide many hours of writing inspiration.
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Children's Book
Date Published: May 1, 2023
Publisher: Jan-Carol Publishing, Inc.
My Favorite Season is Spring is a beautifully illustrated picture book which every child will love. Through rhythm and rhyme, take a fun and exciting journey with little Susie as she describes her favorite season. She finds so many fun things to do and she loves the outdoors, and you will too! Great engaging teaching tool for children.
About the Author
Patrice D. Wilkerson is an MBA graduate who loves writing poetry. She has been writing poetry since she was eight years old and loves to inspire others through words. She's written a collection of poetry entitled, Through It All, I'm Going to Make It, which she published in 2010.
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Memoir / Self-help / Spirituality / Relationships
Publication date: September 28, 2023
Publisher: Palmetto Publishing
Hello, goddess!
As a wife, mother, career woman, and active member of your community, you may have so many responsibilities that you lose sight of who you actually are. You have what society claims is the "perfect life." So why do you feel empty rather than exhilarated?
In Goddess Mode, Meli Rowland shows you how to break free of the mold tradition would put you in. She clears the way for you to seek your higher self and explains why it's essential-and never too late-to embrace your inner goddess. Follow the model Meli uses to find clarity.
Unearth the secret to maintaining a healthy balance. Experience how positive thinking and intentional action play critically important roles in every goddess's life, including yours. Discover invaluable tips, lessons, and exercises for overcoming any setback, adversity, or fear while living a life of true meaning for yourself. Awaken your inner power to self-trust, self-respect, self-love and self-heal.
About the Author
Meli Rowland is an entrepreneur, mother, social media influencer, and the creator and mentor of the Goddess Mode lifestyle. Following a disadvantaged childhood and years in foster care, Meli took her life into her own hands and defied all odds to become a self-made millionaire. Now, she educates women on how to discover their inner goddesses and define the lives they want for themselves through financial independence-and how to manifest in thirty seconds.
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Contemporary Steamy Romance / Romantic Comedy
Date Published: September 28, 2023
When local politics heat up, desires ignite as a conservative councilwoman and her liberal adversary find themselves entangled in a web of desire that blurs the lines between power and passion.
In the heart of Austin, Texas, a fiery clash of ideologies takes center stage on the city council dais. Mia Sinclair, the council's lone conservative, finds herself spiraling into turmoil as her marriage crumbles before her eyes. A daring move to save her relationship backfires spectacularly, leaving her vulnerable and exposed. On the opposing side, Gio Barra, the charismatic progressive council member, seizes the opportunity to publicly condemn her. Little does he know, beneath the surface, a fire of attraction smolders.
As their political feud escalates, so does their unexpected desire for one another. Their passion ignites in the most unlikely places, from intense debates to secret encounters in hidden corners. Mia's world crumbles further when she discovers her husband's betrayal, while Gio grapples with uncharted desires that his longtime girlfriend fails to ignite.
In the midst of personal chaos, Mia's and Gio's paths converge, revealing their raw vulnerabilities. They find solace and a strange connection amidst their heated debates, leading to a tentative truce and shared understanding. But as they navigate newfound tenderness, old insecurities threaten to tear them apart.
Dive into the sizzling pages of 10-1 and experience a world where passions run as high as political tensions. Get your copy today and join two sworn enemies as they discover that the heat of their rivalry masks an even more scorching connection—one that threatens to unravel their carefully constructed lives!
***The book is high heat, explicit sex and involves self-esteem struggles that depict self-harm.
About the Author
K. Sato has been obsessed with love stories her whole life. Like taped HEA’s of soap opera, TV and movie couples - she would watch over and over - completely obsessed. Fast forward decades later to when she picked up her first contemporary romance novel and realized she could craft her own stories AND make them as dirty as she wanted! That’s her HEA! When she’s not playing with her couples like naked Ken and Barbie, she’s reading some of her fave authors or hanging with her husband or working at Costco. ‘Cuz she might as well get paid for being there so much.
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Coming of Age / Thriller
Date Published: April 27, 2023
Publisher: MindStir Media
"I realize that saying, The Devil Won't Keep Us Apart, Shane Clark's gritty novel about friendship and revenge is masterfully paced and suspenseful to the upmost degree sounds like the usual promotional B.S, but honestly, people, this book kept me reading way past my bedtime, and I don't find many that can do that these days. I can't wait to see what he comes up with next."
Donald Ray Pollock, author of Knockemstiff, The Heavenly Table, and The Devil All The Time
Some vendettas can never be forgotten...
When Sherman Rehabilitation Center suffers its first murder in decades, authorities race to find a motive as the media swarms. The brutality is unprecedented, even in a prison setting. One week later, eighty-seven-year-old Elmer Ray walks into the local Ohio Highway Patrol Post, claiming he has the answers. First, they need to hear about the two most interesting people in the world: Adrian Franklin and Conner Wallace.
Adrian Franklin, the young neighbor of Elmer Ray, lived a troubled life of neglect and abuse. He had a bad haircut and a worst nickname. The older man tries to take the boy under his wing in a way no one else has ever done. For Adrian, most see a quick temper and lost soul. Elmer sees something different in him, a sense of loyalty and a yearning to be loved.
Conner Wallace, a British National, a drifter on a motorcycle, and a pugilist with a quick wit, roamed the west and lived by an unbreakable moral code that got him in more trouble than he bargained for. After a five-year bit in a Nevada prison, he finds a safe haven in the underground fight scene on the shores of the Pacific Ocean.
What does a young boy and foreigner have to do with a brutal prison murder in the sleepy town of Sherman, Ohio? Only Elmer Ray knows the answers. And he isn't giving them until the Post Commander hears how their lives converge with an Appalachian drug dealer, a sexual predator, and a mob boss to influence the brutality in that prison cell.
The Devil Won't Keep Us Apart is a shocking and raw account combining a coming-of-age tale with a disturbing psychological thriller.
CHAPTER 1
Present Day
Blood oozes out from under the prison cell door slowly,
methodically, and purposefully, like it has a predetermined destination in
mind. Below, on the first tier, two correctional officers lounge, oblivious to
the actions above. The first officer is at the computer screen, using the light
to study notecards. Today, he brought thirty-one. He is in his second semester
of nursing school and is working third shift. Seven hours into his shift, he
has memorized twenty-nine. Six months removed from the academy, he has grown
quite proficient at studying while listening to inmates sleep, pass gas, and
snore. The second officer reclines in a chair with one boot over the other. He
is forty minutes into a deep sleep, dreaming of lotto numbers, mansions, and
Swedish maids, Babette and Inga. He is the senior officer.
The first officer reads over his thirtieth card and notices
the time. He fists the thigh of his partner. “It’s four forty-eight.” He hears
him stir, adds, “It’s count time.”
Sleepy croaks back, “I got it,” moans, and stretches his
arms. He comes down hard on both feet and lets out a whine and stands up. He
yawns and sticks out his hand. “Keys?”
The first officer unclips the keys, extends them, and
returns to his cards. Sleepy flips the flashlight on and starts his round on
the right-hand side of the range. He draws close to the door and squints
through the window. When he sees two bodies breathing, he pushes on, continues,
and crosses over to the other side. When he reaches the desk, he says, “All
good,” and heads toward the stairs. Swipes away a bead of sleep from an eye and
lumbers up.
Hears his partner call out, “Are you counting?”
He squints down and says, “Huh?” When he receives an annoyed
grin, Sleepy says, “What time is it?”
“Told you it was almost five.”
“Oh,” Sleepy says and continues. His eyes seesaw between
cells as he counts the condemned. He gets to the end of the range with a count
of sixteen and crosses to the other side. Eighteen . . . twenty . . .
twenty-two . . . twen- . . . “Oh, shit!” he yells as his feet slip, and he
lands on his back. He fishes for the light with his right hand. His left goes
to the back of his head.
He hears the steps below, a voice calls out, “You okay?”
“Yeah,” he says as he struggles to pull his head off the
concrete. He gathers the flashlight and notices blood on his palm. Light on his
hand. He follows the blood under the cell door and stands up, and peers over
the rail. “Call help!”
“What is it?”
“Just call,” he says and gropes for his keys. Come on. Come
on. The darkness, adrenaline, and fear of the unknown hinder his depth
perception. He unclips the keys, shines the light on the door, and keys the
lock.
Before he turns it, he hears the rookie say, “What are you
doing?”
He grits his teeth at the rookie jogging toward him, airs a
fist, and grinds out, “Can’t you see the fucking blood?” When the rookie looks
down at the pool under their feet, Sleepy adds, “We are only standing in it.”
“Don’t open the door,” the rookie says and slows to a
tiptoe. “Someone might have a weapon.”
“Did you call for help?”
“No.”
He leaves the keys hanging and hands the radio to the
rookie. “Call for assistance and go wait by the door.”
The rookie is flustered. He stomps around and stutters, “Is
someone dead?” Rips at his hair. “Are you going . . . we’re dead. Didn’t I tell
you I heard some screaming earlier?”
“Relax.”
“You didn’t hear the screaming?” His voice ricochets down
range, fills the air.
About the Author
Shane T Clark hails from Chillicothe, Ohio, where he lives with his wife and four kids. He played football at Ohio State University, including in the 1997 Rose Bowl. He earned a Bachelor's Degree and a Master's Degree before being employed by the State of Ohio for the past twenty-four years, and he also has taught Sociology, Criminal Justice, and Deviant Behavior courses as an adjunct professor for ten years.
An avid reader and traveler, he hopes to live in a van and travel nonstop around the country when he retires. The Devil Won't Keep Us Apart is his first novel with at least two more on the way.
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Historical Fiction / Short Stories
Date Published: March 20, 2023
From the Sphinx communicating through a Ouija board to Narcissus's traditional, terrible fate morphing into his first glimmer of hope, Tales of a Spiritual Sun re-writes the Greek myths as never before. The tales of the familiar are tackled, such as the stories of Medusa, King Midas, and Pandora. Yet, Tales of a Spiritual Sun also includes those that are, perhaps, less well known such as Orpheus, Proteus, and Psyche.
All the stories are viewed from new angles or written with modern twists. They take on new lives, with fresh locations and messages at their heart. These include a scientific experiment ready to change the world on the night it is set to end and a personal detective who must decide if a man, claiming his wife is a nymph, is delusional or about to commit an awful crime.
Tales of a Spiritual Sun allows readers to discover ancient myths in a bold and original way, in both contemporary and traditional settings.
About the Author
Paul Kiritsis, PsyD, MScMed, is a medical psychologist, poet, and artist. His seven published books cover contentious topics in psychiatry and clinical psychology, mind-matter interaction, literary studies, and poetry, and he is the recipient of twenty-two book/literary awards. He was elected for inclusion in the 2023 Doctors' edition of the Best of California Magazine for excellence in medicine. Paul's diverse academic interests straddle cognitive neuroscience, psychology/neuropsychology, and philosophy of mind on one end of the spectrum and esotericism, comparative religion, and history on the other. He enjoys cycling, weightlifting, playing the keyboards, and scuba diving in his spare time.
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