PROMO: For Our Friends the Animals

 

 

Cultivating a Reverence for Life

Christian Nonfiction

Date Published: July 31, 2024

Publisher: BookBaby

 

In For Our Friends the Animals, Robert Echols delivers a stirring spiritual call to action for Christians and all people of conscience to embrace a reverence for life in its fullest form.

Blending biblical truth, compassionate prayers, and the life-affirming philosophy of Dr. Albert Schweitzer, this powerful work urges readers to see animals not as commodities—but as beloved creations of God. In Part One, Echols explores the deep moral and spiritual responsibility we hold toward all creatures. In Part Two, he presents practical steps to confront today's most pressing animal welfare issues—from factory farming to environmental degradation.

Whether you're a lifelong advocate or someone opening your heart to new possibilities, For Our Friends the Animals invites you into a faith-driven movement of empathy and transformation. Through spiritual insight and practical guidance, the book empowers readers to become stewards of compassion, protecting both creation and Creator's intention.

“This book is not just a read—it’s a spiritual pledge. A call to embody Christ’s love by caring for those who cannot speak for themselves.”

Join the movement. Embrace the message. Be the change.

 

About the Author

 

  Robert Echols is a spiritual author, thought leader, and passionate advocate for animals and all of God’s creation. As the author of For Our Friends the Animals: Cultivating a Reverence for Life, Echols blends Christian spirituality, biblical wisdom, and the moral philosophy of Dr. Albert Schweitzer to offer a powerful message: we are called to protect and uplift all living beings.

A cancer survivor and U.S. Army veteran, Robert's life journey has been guided by service—to his country, his faith, and now, to the voiceless creatures that share our planet. He is the founder and former president of the For Our Friends the Animals Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to financially supporting animal shelters, rescues, and sanctuaries. Under his leadership, the foundation funded the construction of animal shelters in Florida, putting faith into action and making his life his argument, as Schweitzer once wrote.

Robert frequently shares his message of compassion on LinkedIn, in podcasts, and as a guest speaker throughout the Mobile Bay, Alabama area. With academic credentials from Phillips Exeter Academy, New York University, and Emory University (J.D./M.B.A.), and a past career as an ethics officer and Army JAG attorney, Robert’s voice is both seasoned and deeply principled.

His current writing project is a four-volume spiritual treatise titled For Our Friends the Animals, empowering others to embrace a universal love rooted in Christ’s teachings and a reverence for all life.

“Let my words inspire you to become a steward of the earth and a champion for animals—because the love of Jesus is not just for humanity, but for all creation.”

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Blog Tour: Crossing Fifty-One

 

Death & Grief, Parenting, Self-Help

Date Published: 06-20-2023

Publisher: Koehler Books

 

A week before Christmas 1951, Dr. Ralph Russell risked everything to voluntarily enter a locked federal drug-treatment facility known as a "narcotic farm."

Sixty-five years later, Dr. Russell's granddaughter Debbie suffers a debilitating crisis of identity when her father (Dr. Russell's oldest son), always her biggest fan, is accepted into hospice.

Debbie's investigation into her paternal lineage reveals family secrets and ignites her mother's volatile outbursts, propelling her into therapy.

When therapy fails her, the grandfather Debbie never knew saves her, and she collaborates with her dying father one last time to make her biggest dream come true.

 

Crossing Fifty-One pulls back the curtain on the internal struggles of midlife and provides a blueprint for redefining one's self beyond the constraints of addiction and dysfunctional family dynamics.

Interview

Chapter 1

Now: Christmas 2015

 

“Should I call 911?” The server smiles politely, her eyes locked on Dad.

“Let’s give it a minute,” I respond, attempting to project a pleasant, calm demeanor I don’t actually feel. The last thing Dad wants is to be responsible for lunch being called off.

Miraculously, Mum nervously agrees.

Nodding, the server glides away.

Slumped in his chair, eyes closed, Dad does not move. At least he’s not thrashing around on the floor. That would draw too much attention.

The muted sounds of conversation and clinking silverware blend seamlessly with Nat King Cole’s “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.” The upscale St. Paul restaurant, a lovely relic of the Victorian era, is decked out in holiday splendor, appealing to Mum’s heightened need for that certain aesthetic. My reservation has secured us a cozy table near the fireplace. We are tucked behind one of several glittering Christmas trees scattered throughout the restaurant. Table placement is key. Mum cherishes her privacy even when dining out.

However, despite all my efforts at concealment, a young woman makes her way over to our table. “I wasn’t meaning to eavesdrop,” she begins, “but I work in a nursing home, and this happens pretty regularly.”

Her gentle voice calms me but glancing at Mum and seeing the fake smile she dons like a mask, I feel my heart beat a bit faster. We have been exposed.

The young woman continues. “One little trick I’ve learned is to put a Kleenex or napkin in front of the person’s face to monitor their breathing.”

I could see Dad was breathing, but now I struggle to control the slight panic that has crept in and taken its place in my chair at our table.

I suppose there are worse ways to go.

Since Dad’s Parkinson’s diagnosis over a decade ago, I’ve had a front-row seat to his slow disappearance. Once the buffer and the glue for our little family, he now struggles to fulfill his most important role: keeping Mum happy. This morning, he insisted that he could manage the holiday lunch outing, but just getting from the car into the restaurant was touch and go.

I exhaled once we were seated at our semi-secluded table. We ordered our food, and Mum immediately began prattling on about how lovely everything looked. I nodded and smiled, playing my role as a dutiful, devoted daughter. When Mum finally paused her soliloquy, we both glanced over at Dad.

He was out cold.

That was about ten minutes ago. Or was it ten hours? I can’t tell.

Mum keeps talking. I guess it helps her take her mind off her unconscious husband. I keep smiling while monitoring Dad’s breathing out of the corner of my eye. The restaurant staff hovers in as nice a way as possible. Finally, we agree that 911 should be called.

After what seems like forever, three burly paramedics make their way back to our table. By this time, Dad is coming around.

“What did I miss?” He smiles weakly.

His smile fades as he glances over at Mum.

“I’m so very sorry.”

About the Author

Debbie Russell is a lawyer-turned writer. She spent twenty-five years as an Assistant County Attorney in Minneapolis, prosecuting numerous high-profile cases—specializing in those involving domestic and child abuse. At age fifty-five, Debbie took early retirement, giving up a full pension for the freedom of time. She now spends that precious time writing, restoring her property to native prairie and wetlands, and training her rambunctious retrievers.

Debbie’s first published article appeared in the Minneapolis Star Tribune in 2001. After that small triumph, her writing focused primarily on legal briefs and memoranda, which were consigned to district court files. Debbie resumed creative writing in 2014 when she began her storytelling blog by sharing personal stories and professional experiences that touched her life in a significant way. Her top-ranked December 2021 article for Elephant Journal, an online journal that celebrates the mindful life is entitled “Getting the Most out of Therapy: Easier Said than Done,” and is partially based on events in her book.

Debbie's award-winning book, Crossing Fifty-One: Not Quite a Memoir, was released in June of 2023. In 2024, she became a regular contributor to the Minnesota Star Tribune, writing about criminal justice and adjacent issues.

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PROMO: The Weight of Loyalty

 

 

Historical Fiction

Date Published: May 25, 2025

 

“My long-term survival is doubtful under any scenario. Yet, I already defied the impossible by escaping from a watery tomb and swimming to this very spot. But luck is finite—it always peters out.”

As the island of Kefalonia falls under the harsh occupation of Italian soldiers in 1941, British sailor Oliver Graham washes ashore, desperate to evade capture. Rescued by the fierce and determined Natalía Giannatos, he becomes entangled in a web of love, loyalty, and betrayal.

With her brother and fiancé lost to the conflict, Natalía is driven by vengeance against the occupiers and a deepening bond with Oliver. But when an Italian colonel fixates on her, she must navigate a dangerous game of deception to protect her family and village. As Oliver struggles with his hidden heritage and his growing feelings for Natalía, they are thrust into the heart of the resistance, where every choice could lead to freedom or devastation.

In a story that intertwines love and sacrifice against the backdrop of war, The Weight of Loyalty explores the resilience of the human spirit and the lengths one will go to for love. Will Oliver and Natalía’s connection survive the trials of conflict, or will the brutal realities of war tear them apart forever?

 

About the Author

 

 Mike H. Mizrahi and his wife, Karen, reside in Poulsbo, WA. He is a winner of the (indie Reader Discovery Award and a Laramie Finalist in the Chanticleer Book Awards. His other historical novels include The Unnamed Girl, Tattered Coat, and the Great Chattanooga Bicycle Race.

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PROMO: Grandma's Bucket of Mercy

 

Children's Book

Date Published: May 28, 2025

Publisher: ‎MindStir Media

📘 Book Description for Grandma’s Bucket of Mercy by Robin Carole

You are never too old or too young to learn life’s lessons.

From multiple award-winning author Robin Carole comes a heartwarming true story that celebrates the power of love, forgiveness, and generational wisdom. Grandma’s Bucket of Mercy is a touching tale of one young girl’s summer with her grandmother in 1960s California—and the quiet but profound lesson that would change two lives forever.

Ten-year-old Carole is sent on a mysterious errand involving her grandmother’s elderly neighbor, not knowing her grandmother is teaching her about the gift of mercy. Years later, Carole finally understands the full impact of that experience when a stranger shares how her small, anonymous acts of kindness transformed a life.

Beautifully written and deeply personal, this story is a tribute to the grit and grace of the women who survived the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression and to the enduring strength of intergenerational bonds. Grandma’s Bucket of Mercy is perfect for readers aged 9–12—and for the childlike spirit in every adult who believes in the quiet power of compassion.

✅ True story based on real-life events

✅ Uplifting themes of family, kindness, and legacy

✅ Ideal for ages 9–12 and meaningful for all ages

🪣 Sometimes the smallest gesture can change everything.

 

About the Author

Robin Carole is a multiple award-winning author and lifelong storyteller dedicated to preserving the legacy of the strong women in her family. A native Californian who grew up in the scenic wine country, Robin spent over 40 years in Deaf Education as a Certified Sign Language Interpreter, working with students from kindergarten through adult education. 

Now retired and living in Spokane, Washington, Robin draws from real-life experiences and the stories passed down from her grandmother, mother, and aunts to write books that speak to the hearts of readers young and old. Her passion for storytelling began as a child, sitting at the feet of her family matriarchs, listening to tales of resilience, faith, and enduring love. 

Her latest book, Grandma’s Bucket of Mercy, is a heartfelt tribute to the power of quiet acts of compassion—and a reminder that even children can change the world through kindness. Through her writing, Robin invites readers to revisit a time when life was simple, values were taught through action, and lessons of mercy could last a lifetime. 

“My education, my work, my goals, and accomplishments are here for only a moment, but my family is a lifetime.” —Robin Carole 

Fun Facts About Robin: 

• Her favorite meal is a classic Southern tomato sandwich 
• She loves gardening, even if it mostly means pulling weeds 
• Oldies music, storytelling, and pets bring her the most joy 
• She still believes in the power of sitting together and sharing stories 

 📚 Explore Robin’s books and discover stories that stay with you—because the lessons we learn from our grandmothers are often the ones we never forget.

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PROMO: Cracks Beneath the Surface

 

 

Titanic Tales of Love and Loss, Book 1

Historical Romance, Historical Fiction

Date Published: May 28, 2025

Love. Scandal. Tragedy.

 

When Maddy weds the wealthy and influential John Jacob Astor IV, she believes she is stepping into a life of privilege, passion, and promise. But beneath the dazzling façade of high society, whispers of scandal, resentment, and betrayal threaten to pull her under. Shunned by New York’s elite for marrying a man nearly three decades her senior, Madeleine soon realizes that love in the gilded age comes at a price.

As the Astors embark on their homeward voyage aboard the RMS Titanic, fate sets a course neither could have foreseen. Amid the grandeur of the world’s most luxurious ship, tensions rise, secrets unravel, and the ocean stretches endlessly before them—along with the chasm widening in their marriage.

But when disaster strikes, will love, wealth, or power matter in the face of the unthinkable? And when the ice cracks beneath them, will the Astors’ love survive—if they do?

 

Cracks Beneath the Surface is a sweeping historical romance woven with heartbreak, resilience, and the echoes of a love tested by time, fortune, and fate.

 

Are you ready to set sail on a journey of passion, peril, and the power of a love that dared to defy the tides of time? Get your copy today and discover the story behind the headlines.

 

About the Author

Laura McCrum is a Scottish author and former business and education professional whose passion for storytelling has found its voice in both historical fiction and self-help. Cracks Beneath the Surface is her debut historical romance novel and the first in the Titanic: Tales of Love and Loss series—a compelling exploration of human connection, courage, and social class aboard the ill-fated RMS Titanic. Drawing on meticulous research and a love for character-driven narrative, Laura brings real historical figures to life alongside unforgettable fictional characters.

While her Titanic series is published under her real name, Laura also writes empowering self-help books under the pen name Lamont, including Healing the Rift with Your Adult Child and The Blended Family Guide, which support readers through complex personal relationships.

The second book in her Titanic series, The Last Line, follows First Officer William Murdoch and delves deeper into the lives of both crew and passengers during the ship’s final days.

Laura’s writing bridges the emotional power of fiction with the insight and compassion of her self-help work—offering readers both escapism and emotional resonance. Visit Lauran on her website at www.lmcpublications.com

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PROMO: The A+ Student Blueprint

 

 

Self Help, Study Skills, Study Hacks

Date Published: June 13, 2025

Unlock your potential with The A+ Student Blueprint: Study Hacks, Brain Training, and Mindset Secrets for Academic Success by Zohaib Khan—a game-changer for students aiming to boost grades without burnout. Ideal for high school, college, and lifelong learners, this isn’t just a study guide; it’s a proven roadmap to master learning and achieve top grades.

Why This Book Stands Out

Unlike generic guides, The A+ Student Blueprint blends cognitive science, neuroscience, and Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) to transform how you learn. Struggling with focus, retention, or procrastination? This book offers science-backed strategies to study smarter, not harder, helping you excel in any subject.

What You’ll Discover

* StiC Method: Use Spaced Repetition, Testing, Interleaving, and Categorizing to retain info and ace exams.

* FAST Method: Speed learning with Forget, Act, State Management, and Teach techniques.

* Time Management: Master Pomodoro, Kanban Boards, and Eisenhower Matrix to prioritize tasks.

* Memory Hacks: Use doodling, mnemonics, and Leitner System to memorize effortlessly.

* Mindset Shift: Rewire beliefs with NLP’s Godiva Pattern to make studying fun.

* Procrastination Busters: Beat delays with Eat That Frog and habits from Atomic Habits.

Real Results, Real Stories

Follow Jack’s journey in case studies as he masters vectors, quadratic equations, and biology tests using these techniques. Step-by-step examples show how to apply strategies to real subjects, making learning achievable.

Why Students, Parents, and Educators Love It

* Flexible: Tailor strategies to your Visual, Auditory, Kinesthetic, Olfactory, or Gustatory style.

* Actionable: “Try This Now” sections help you start immediately.

* Lifelong Skills: Learn how to learn anything, anytime, anywhere.

* Inspirational: Shift from “I can’t” to “I’ve got this” with mindset hacks used by Serena Williams and Tony Robbins.

Who Is This For?

* Students: High school and college learners seeking better grades.

* Parents: Equip your child to excel and build confidence.

* Educators: Discover strategies to inspire students.

Your Journey Starts Here

With The A+ Student Blueprint, you’re building a toolkit for success. Start with one technique today—color-coding or Pomodoro—and watch grades soar. Backed by research and student stories, this is your shortcut to A+ status.

Join the A+ Movement Today!!

 

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PROMO: Katy In Central Park

 

  

Book 2 in the Kitty in the City Series

Children's Book

A chapter book for ages 5–7

Date Published: 06-18-2025

Publisher: Crimson Dragon Publishing

Broadway’s favorite singing cat is back on the scene—and this time, she’s headed to Central Park! In Katy in Central Park, Katy is ready for a quiet day with her owner Lilian… until their picnic basket is suddenly snatched.

With her best cat buddy Weasel at her side, Katy dashes through the park’s winding paths, determined to solve the mystery. But is everything really what it seems?

This charming chapter book, written and illustrated by Ella English, is full of fun, friendship, and feline flair—plus an important lesson about thinking twice before making snap decisions.

🎉 Bonus alert!

At the end of the book, young readers can dive into a bundle of Did You Know? facts about Central Park.

Did you know Belvedere Castle is perched high above Turtle Pond and used to house a weather station? Or that Central Park Zoo is home to snow leopards, sea lions, and red pandas? There are over 280 species of birds in the park, and the entire park is 843 acres—that's about 640 football fields!

 

✨ Book launches June 18—International Picnic Day!

Celebrate by grabbing a blanket, heading to Central Park, and sharing a storytime picnic with Katy the singing cat!

 

Ella English is a British author and illustrator known for her children's books, particularly her Kitty in the City series and the Merblood Saga. She writes and illustrates imaginative stories, often with themes of dreams, adventure, and friendship. After moving from London, Ella English now lives in Baltimore, USA, with her two daughters.

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