PROMO: The 21st Minute

 

Self-Help

Date Published: November 20, 2024

Publisher: MindStir Media

 

One in six American adults take psychiatric medication and yet, doctors are only allotted twenty-minute appointments that are spaced out by months at a time. This book starts at minute twenty-one and is filled with everything you wish your doctor had time to explain about mental health. Nearly sixty million American adults struggle with mental illness but half are not receiving any treatment and only a quarter of them have access to psychotherapy. With demand for treatment far outpacing supply, our current mental health crisis requires a new approach that goes beyond the limitations of the health care system.

Dr. Julia Krankl, a Harvard and UCLA-trained psychiatrist, trauma resilience specialist and physician educator details her mental wellness menu-fifteen practical ways to improve mental health that don't involve taking a pill or doing formal therapy. Readers of The 21st Minute will be empowered to become the hero of their mental wellness journey using tools that work. The 21st Minute bridges the gap between what doctors hurriedly explain in twenty minutes and what we all need to thrive. For physicians and therapists who practice holistic mental health care, The 21st Minute stands as an evidence-based resource of alternatives and adjuncts to medication management and psychotherapy.

The 21st Minute offers an accessible and transformative roadmap to optimal mental wellness using modern medicine, evolutionary psychology and diverse cultural perspectives. If you are ready for a new approach to achieve your mental health goals on your terms-this is it.

About the Author

JULIA KRANKL, MD is a board-certified psychiatrist, trauma resilience specialist, physician educator, winemaker and recovering perfectionist. All proceeds from The 21st Minute will be donated to mental health nonprofits.

 

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PROMO: The Light Behind the Shadow

 

 

Memoir and Personal Development.

Date Published: December 20, 2024

Publisher: ‎ Manhattan Book Group

 

 

In this beautifully crafted book that delves into the intricacies of human emotion and resilience, the author takes us on a poignant journey through the memories and experiences that have defined their life. From childhood challenges to moments of profound connection and self-discovery, the narrative weaves together themes of love, loss, and the enduring power of familial bonds. Through heartfelt reflections and poignant storytelling, readers are invited to explore their emotional intelligence and embark on a journey of self-discovery alongside the author. This compelling and insightful book promises to uplift, inspire, and resonate with readers seeking connection, understanding, and empowerment in their own lives. Join the author on this transformative journey and discover the beauty and resilience that lies within the human spirit.

 

About the Author

Dinorah Briceno's academic journey exemplifies her unwavering commitment to education and social welfare. Currently a Ph.D. Candidate in Social Welfare/Social Work at Yeshiva University, she is engaged in pioneering research that addresses the multifaceted challenges facing Latin communities today. In addition to her academic pursuits, she currently works as a psychotherapist and site coordinator in the SBS program at a community-based mental health agency, where she continues to apply her expertise and advocate for vulnerable populations.

Before starting her doctoral studies, Dinorah obtained a Master’s in Social Work from Yeshiva University in 2021, deepening her understanding of the intricate relationship between mental health and social justice. In conjunction with her Master’s degree, she also earned a certificate in trauma, further enhancing her expertise in this critical area.

Her dedication to language education is evident in her pursuit of two additional master’s degrees: one in Teaching English as a Foreign Language from Universidad Europea del Atlántico and another in Teaching Spanish as a Foreign Language from Universidad Internacional Iberoamericana (UNINI PR). These degrees underscore her belief in the transformative power of language as a means of empowerment and cross-cultural understanding.

With over 16 years of experience in education, Dinorah’s journey began with a Bachelor of Education degree from UCAB - Universidad Católica Andrés Bello in 2009, establishing a solid foundation for her career. She has continuously sought to expand her expertise through specialized training, including a Diploma in Autism Education from the Center for Disabilities Studies (CEPIA) at Universidad Monteavila. Additionally, she holds a graduate certificate in Teaching Formation for Early Education from Universidad Metropolitana (VE), further showcasing her dedication to early childhood education.

Dinorah has gained valuable experience working with children and adults, including those with special needs, individuals struggling with addiction, and those facing mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), borderline personality disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and oppositional defiant disorder (ODD). Her hands-on experience in these areas reflects her commitment to supporting individuals with diverse challenges and enhancing their quality of life.

Dinorah Briceno’s diverse experiences and steadfast commitment to education and social welfare exemplify the transformative potential of knowledge and compassion. Her journey inspires others and highlights the profound impact that education and advocacy can have on fostering a brighter and more equitable future for all.

 

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PROMO: Mama Dallas and Augie

 

 

Crime, True Story, Mob, Immigration, Biopic, Italian American, Fiction

 

 

Mama Dallas and Augie is an epic novel that brings to life the Italian American experience, centering on New York’s first “Godmother,” Concetta. Her journey begins in Italy and leads to New York’s notorious Five Points, where she fiercely protects vulnerable young prostitutes. After tragedy strikes and she believes her son, Augie, is dead, Concetta dedicates her life to her family and the struggling poor in the Italian sector slums of New York.

But Augie survives, posing as an American spy and diving into a dangerous underworld that spans from New York to France and Turkey, eventually becoming embroiled in the infamous pre-WWII "French Connection" drug trade. His charm and cunning keep him one step ahead of both mobsters and law enforcement as he navigates in the shadows that intersect with powerful OSS agents and German operatives, leading to his capture and imprisonment in Dachau only to return to America to bring justice to his family name.

 

Based on a true story, Mama Dallas and Augie spans decades of love, betrayal, espionage, and war—an unforgettable saga of loyalty, resilience, and family bonds.

About the Authors

Jody Fasanella grew up in the theater world in New York. As a veteran stage performer, she has appeared in numerous film and television productions, including The Moving Picture Co. 1914, Good Grief, Tight, Vartan LLP, Steel, The Others, Profiler, and L.A. Law.

On stage, she played the lead, Tessie, in John Morgan Evans' comedy Daughters. According to the Los Angeles Times, “…the cast gives heartfelt performances during the passages of tender reflections.”

Jody has since turned her talents to writing and producing and is dedicated to sharing the true story of her great-grandmother, “Mama Dallas,” and her uncle, “Augie,” as standalone features or mini-series with Little Studio Films.

 

Sandi Jerome, a UCLA Advanced Screenwriting graduate, is an accomplished screenwriter and novelist. Her animated sci-fi script is in production, and she recently sold her tech company to pursue writing full-time. With over 20 scripts recognized as finalists in Nicholls, Page, Final Draft, and Austin Film, her work shines across genres.

Her young adult novels, Kira and Henry (a 2024 Kindle Book Review Semifinalist) and Wilma Wallaby: Genius Girl Detective, are in development. Sandi also wrote the feature adaptation of Hijacked, based on the true story of Flight 705.

A Cherokee Nation member and 2023 Native American Media Alliance Fellowship winner, Sandi is married to an Italian and enjoys her love for pizza.

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PROMO: Stupid Carrot, MD

 

 

Parenting Children to Independence

Nonfiction

 

 

Parenting is one of life’s greatest joys, but it can also feel like an overwhelming journey filled with doubts, challenges, and endless questions. In Stupid Carrot, M.D., pediatrician Dr. Kenneth Cruse draws on over 30 years of experience helping families navigate the ups and downs of raising children—and his own experiences as a father—to create a practical and relatable guide for parents at every stage.

From sleepless newborn nights to the unpredictable teenage years, Dr. Cruse addresses key milestones in child development with warmth, humor, and expert insights. This book dives into today’s most pressing pediatric challenges, including:

 

Electronic communication and social media

• Alcohol and substance abuse
• Sexuality and gender identity
• Building resilience and independence

 

Packed with lighthearted anecdotes, real-life stories, and actionable advice, Stupid Carrot, MD. reassures parents that they are not alone in the chaos of raising children. Whether you’re navigating your first diaper change or your teenager’s social life, this book is a trusted companion, helping you empower your kids to become confident, independent adults.

About the Author

 Kenneth J. Cruse, MD, FAAP

 Dr. Cruse has been a practicing pediatrician in Thibodaux, LA, since 1995. He graduated from St. Louis University School of Medicine in St. Louis, MO, in 1991. He completed his internship and residency at Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston, TX, in 1994. After practicing as an emergency room pediatrician at Children’s Hospital in New Orleans, LA, he opened his private practice in Thibodaux. He has witnessed tremendous changes in medical care for children during his tenure in practice.

 During this time, he and his wife, Maria, who is also a physician, reared their three children while working in their respective fields. They have always stressed the importance of instilling solid foundations for their children to allow them to be independent adults. He feels he learned so much from his own children, and this made him a better father and a better pediatrician. Stupid Carrot, M.D. is a culmination of both his personal and professional experiences which he openly shares with readers to assist them on their parenting journey.

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Blog Tour: Ivory Bones

 

 

The Lewis Chessmen Murders

Historical Mystery

Date Published: February 4, 2025

Publisher: Briarstone Press (sarawinokur.com)

 

Ancient chess pieces. A centuries-old diary. And a modern killer closing in.

 

When Icelandic forensic geneticist Brynja Pálsdóttir, haunted by her family’s dark legacy, is drawn into the search for the missing Lewis Chessmen, she becomes a pawn in an assassin’s deadly game.

A centuries-old diary, written by a woman abducted during the brutal Barbary pirate raid on Iceland in 1627, lands on her desk. Brynja soon realizes the woman’s story may hold the key to finding the priceless medieval artifacts.

As Brynja digs deeper, she becomes the target, surrounded by deception and unsure of whom she can trust: the NYPD colleague hiding her own motives, the sculptor whose family lays claim to the chessmen, the lover she has spurned, even her own assistant.

As the past and present collide, betrayal, loss, and survival transcend time and place.

Ivory Bones: The Lewis Chessmen Murders is a gripping blend of Nordic noir, historical intrigue, and murder mystery, where ancient secrets and modern dangers force Brynja to face a dark, inner truth before the assassin makes their final move.

 

Excerpt


Brynja checked her watch. She was late for the annual Thorrablót feast. Although the

pagan sacrifice was a thing of the past, in Iceland the past lived on. Her long-time love Ari was

hosting the traditional dinner party at his favorite restaurant, Nordica, and she didn’t want to

miss the celebration.

She stood to grab her coat from the rack, then hesitated.

The book stared at her.

Ari would understand. She sat back down and unfolded the loose paper that had fallen

from its pages. Except for the ragged edges, it was surprisingly soft and smooth. Brynja

recognized it as rag paper, a common form of paper centuries ago. Cotton rags washed and

ground into pulp.

She squinted to read the faded ink.

I hasten to write my last words.

In my life, I have survived unspeakable horrors.

Twenty odd years ago, in the year of our Lord 1627, I was

taken captive from my beloved Iceland and swept across vast and

furious seas by the cruelest of men, the Barbary pirates. Torn from

my family and my homeland, I met a slave’s fate in Algiers and

servitude in Morocco. Now, I tremble in the dark hollow of my

master’s shed, kept away from his clapboard house in New

Amsterdam.

I hear footsteps approach.

We meant no harm.

I pray Willem will live to love again.

For me, it is too late.

God save my soul.

Sorrow seeped into Brynja’s bones.

She fixed on the date. 1627.

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Blog Tour: Life Lessons from Mom

 

 For The Man You'll Become

 

Inspirational Self-Help / Parenting

Date Published: 01-31-2025

 Publisher: Books to Hook Publishing, LLC.

 

 

A Mother’s Enduring Wisdom for Her Son.

Inspiration, Guidance, and Lessons for a Meaningful Life.

 

This heartfelt collection offers powerful truths, invaluable insights, and practical lessons through anecdotes, personal reflections, and uplifting stories. It’s a must-read for anyone seeking clarity, purpose, and direction in life.

 

Discover how to:

- Grow Personally and Spiritually: Build self-awareness, make ethical choices, and draw strength from faith.

- Strengthen Relationships: Foster lasting connections rooted in trust, respect, and heartfelt communication.

- Overcome Challenges with Resilience: Turn adversity into opportunities for growth.

- Navigate Life’s Transitions with Confidence: Thrive in every stage, from career changes and leadership roles to family and entrepreneurship.

- Live a Meaningful Life: Pursue passions, prioritize well-being, and create a lasting legacy.

-Achieve Balance: Embrace the 4-Quadrants of Personal Growth—spiritual, social, intellectual, and financial.

 

Whether you’re a son seeking guidance or a parent sharing wisdom, this book is a powerful companion for navigating life’s uncertainties and achieving greatness.

The perfect gift for sons, partners, friends, or anyone searching for inspiration and guidance to live a meaningful life.

While no book has all the answers, this one provides a wellspring of hope, support, and actionable inspiration.

From mother to son, these are life lessons every man needs.

A loving reminder: You are never alone, and you are capable of extraordinary things.

 

About the Author

Amy Tan is an accomplished business executive and award-winning author with over twenty years of experience in corporate leadership and market expansion across Southeast Asia. She holds a Business Administration degree from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology and a Postgraduate Certificate from the University of Nottingham.

Beyond her corporate role, Amy is a passionate storyteller, weaving her diverse experiences into narratives that explore personal growth, resilience, and transformation. Her recent book, Revisiting the Depths - Overcoming Fear and Finding Peace, which won the Literary Titan Gold Book Award, recounts her emotional and spiritual journey as she overcomes a long-held fear of the ocean through diving.

Amy’s latest book, Life Lessons from Mom: For the Man You’ll Become, is a thoughtfully crafted guide that offers practical wisdom on navigating life’s challenges, cultivating meaningful relationships, and building a legacy of love. She is also the author of Doing Business in ASEAN and China: An Ultimate Guide to Doing Business, which showcases her expertise in regional economic integration.

Having lived in Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, and Indonesia, Amy brings a rich, cross-cultural perspective to her writing, inspiring readers to overcome challenges and make positive changes. Her work highlights the powerful impact of storytelling on personal and professional development.

 

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PROMO: Doing Good & Doing Well

 

 

Nonfiction / Leadership

Date Published: 12/24/23

 

 

INSPIRING HELPING PROFESSIONALS TO BECOME LEADERS IN THEIR ORGANIZATIONS

 

This book is the product of a 30-year career (and counting!) focused on doing good in the world, spent on trying to improve the quality of life of self and others, and dedicated to fulfilling the needs of those most in need.

In it, Michael shares his personal experiences with organizational leadership and his insights on what makes a good leader in the helping professions, incorporating anecdotes, case studies, and current cultural profiles to illustrate his points and arguments.

Though not a memoir, each chapter of this narrated guidebook reflects the author’s viewpoints on the essential and extolled roles helpers hold in the workplace and why their particular contributions and talents have never been needed more and should be valued like never before.

People who do good in the world can also do well—more than that, they deserve to do well on the basis of their altruism and commitment. If you’re looking to advance your helping professional career while simultaneously advancing the human condition for the people you serve and for society at large, you’ll find much in these pages that speaks to you … and hopefully inspires you to make even more of a difference than you already are.

About the Author

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