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Table of Contents
Reviewer's Choice
How to Build Your Very Own Little Free Library
Philip Schmidt
Cool Springs Press
c/o Quarto Publishing Group USA
www.quartoknows.com
9780760398821, $24.99, PB, 176pp
https://www.amazon.com/Build-Your-Very-Little-Library/dp/0760398828
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/how-to-build-your-very-own-little-free-library-little-free-little-free-library/114680330
4
Synopsis: Around the world, a community movement is underway featuring quaint landscape structures mounted on posts in
front yards and other green spaces, as well as supported in large pots and other vessels outside homes and businesses on
busy urban streets. They are evidence of the growing trend toward neighborhood organization, community outreach, and in
some cases, a quiet protest against book bans.
This movement has been popularized by Minnesota-based Little Free Library (LFL), whose members currently include
200,000 library stewards around the world who seek to build community togetherness and promote reading by sharing
books among neighbors. LFL has inspired builders to use similar structures to share things like CDs, food, and seeds in the
community.
Produced in cooperation with the Little Free Library nonprofit organization and authored by professional carpenter Phil
Schmidt, "How to Build Your Very Own Little Free Library: 11 Mini Structures You Can Build" is the builder's complete
source of inspiration and how-to knowledge.
This newly updated, information-packed, DIY instructional guide features:
A how-to for planning and designing your little sharing structure
An overview of building materials and tools
11 complete plans for structures of varying sizes and aesthetics
Step-by-step color photography and instructions
A gallery of tiny structures, along with uplifting words from stewards, for further inspiration
Information on proper installation of the small structures
Common repairs and maintenance for down the road
Timely information on how LFL has become part of the growing movement against book bans
"How to Build Your Very Own Little Free Library" even includes information on how to become an official library steward,
getting the word out about your little structure once it's up and running, and tips for building a lively collection. Also
included are QR codes for additional building videos as well as interactive maps for locating other LFLs near you - or
wherever you may travel!
Community togetherness has never been so much at the fore of our consciousness - or so important. "How to Build Your
Very Own Little Free Library" is a brilliant and effective tool on the road to helping you build literacy and community in
your neighborhood.
Critique: Often referred to as 'Bird Houses for Books', the Little Free Library system is volunteer based and an ideal project
to promote literacy, a cooperative community spirit, and make accessible books for those members of the general public
who might otherwise be without access to a formal community library or library systems. Beautifully illustrated, providing
'user friendly' DIY step-by-step instructions, this large format (8 x 0.5 x 10.25 inches, 1.55 pounds) paperback edition of
"How to Build Your Very Own Little Free Library: 11 Mini Structures You Can Build" from Cool Springs Press is
especially and unreservedly recommended for personal, professional, community center, public and academic library
Community Service and Carpentry collections. It should be noted that "How to Build Your Very Own Little Free Library:
11 Mini Structures You Can Build" is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $23.74) as well.
Editorial Note #1: Philip Schmidt is a writer, editor, and project designer specializing in houses and everything we do with
them. A former carpenter, he is the author of more than two dozen books covering subjects from solar power to backyard
treehouses to DIY plywood furniture, including How to Build Your Very Own Little Free Library, The Complete Guide to
Treehouses, PlyDesign, The Complete Guide to Patios, and Install Your Own Solar Panels. He lives in
Colorado.(https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/120132.Philip_Schmidt)
Editorial Note #2: More information about the Free Little Library organization can be found on their website at:
https://littlefreelibrary.org
A Bookshop of One's Own
Jane Cholmeley
Bloomsbury Academic
c/o Bloomsbury Publishing
www.bloomsbury.com
9798881806217, $34.00, HC, 386pp
https://www.amazon.com/Bookshop-Ones-Own-Group-Change/dp/B0DJC677N9
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-bookshop-of-ones-own-jane-cholmeley/1143608948
Synopsis: What was it like to start a feminist bookshop, in an industry dominated by men? How could a lesbian thrive in
Thatcher's time, with the government legislating to restrict her rights? How do you run a business when your real aim is to
change the world?
Silver Moon was the dream of three women - a bookshop with the mission to promote the work of female writers and create
a much-needed safe space for any woman. Founded in 1980s London against a backdrop of homophobia and misogyny, it
was a testament to the power of community, growing into Europe's biggest women's bookshop and hosting a constellation of
literary stars from Margaret Atwood and Maya Angelou to Angela Carter.
While contending with day-to-day struggles common to other booksellers, plus the additional burdens of misogyny and the
occasional hate crime, Jane Cholmeley and her booksellers created a thriving business. But they also played a crucial and
relatively unsung part in one the biggest social movements of our time.
"A Bookshop of One's Own: How a Group of Women Set Out to Change the World" is a fascinating slice of social history
from the heart of the women's liberation movement, from a true feminist and lesbian icon. Written with heart and humour, it
reveals the struggle and joy that comes with starting an underdog business, while being a celebration of the power women
have to change the narrative when they are the ones holding the pen.
Critique: Unique, deftly crafted, informative, insightfully thought-provoking, and an inherently fascinating read from first
page to last, "A Bookshop of One's Own: How a Group of Women Set Out to Change the World" is an extraordinary
account that will be of immense value and appeal to readers with an interest in the role of the bookshop to a community.
While a special and unreservedly recommended pick for community and college/university library collections, it should be
noted for the personal reading lists of dedicated bibliophiles, authors, publishers, and aspiring independent bookstore
proprietors that this hardcover edition of "A Bookshop of One's Own: How a Group of Women Set Out to Change the
World" from Bloomsbury Academic is also readily available in a British paperback edition from Amazon (Mudlark,
9780008651077, $12.30, 384pp).
Editorial Note #1: The Silver Moon Women's Bookshop was a feminist bookstore at 68 Charing Cross Road in London,
England, founded in 1984 by Jane Cholmeley, Sue Butterworth, and Jane Anger. They established Silver Moon Bookshop
to promote women's writing, serve a community of readers and encourage discussion of women's issues. The shop served
both as a safe space for women to participate in literary events and a resource centre to learn about local feminist initiatives.
Jane Cholmeley and Sue Butterworth also founded Silver Moon Books, publishers of lesbian romance and crime fiction. In
Autumn 1986 Sue Butterworth created the shop's newsletter Silver Moon Quarterly, reaching out nationwide and
internationally. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silver_Moon_Bookshop)
Editorial Note #2: Jane Cholmeley is a key figure in British feminism and books, the co-founder of Silver Moon Women's
Bookshop, which became the largest of its kind in Europe. Silver Moon created a safe space for women and proudly made
women's writing central and visible on the best bookselling street in the world. It quickly came to play a vital role in the
second-wave feminist movement. Operating in a male-dominated space, the stop was often subject to threats of arson but
maintained a safe space for customers, with community activism at its core. The bookshop frequently hosted writers such as
Toni Morrison, Maya Angelou, and Margaret Attwood. Sandi Toksvig nominated Jane Cholmeley as a Gay Icon in the
National Portrait Gallery's exhibition of that name in 2009 and Jacqueline Wilson named Jane her feminist icon in Stylist,
2018.
The Little Frog's Guide to Life
Maybell Eequay
Summersdale
www.summersdale.com
9781837994731, $11.99
https://www.amazon.com/Little-Frogs-Guide-Life-Inspiration/dp/B0DSKGHGGD
The Little Frog's Guide to Life will make a fun gift book for many as it translates the internet mushroom frog's observations
into a book filled with succinct pearls of wisdom. Some 40 hand-drawn frog illustrations accompany daily lessons perfect
for easy digestion, encouraging and uplifting reflection, and humor that pairs nicely with admonition such as: "f you want to
add a little sweetness into the world, write a letter to a stranger, wishing good things for them, and leave it on a public
bench." This heartening collection is attractive and thought-provoking, all in one.
The AI Studies Shelf
Ethical AI in Marketing
Nicole Alexander
Kogan Page Inc.
www.koganpage.com
9781398622319, $134.00, HC, 288pp
https://www.amazon.com/Ethical-AI-Marketing-Aligning-Responsibility/dp/1398622311
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/ethical-ai-in-marketing-nicole-alexander/1146743878
Synopsis: The rapid evolution of AI presents marketers with unparalleled opportunities, but innovation inevitably invites
scrutiny. To stay ahead, marketers must ensure their use of AI is both effective and ethical.
Whether you are launching your first AI marketing initiative or scaling existing programs, "Ethical AI in Marketing:
Aligning Growth, Responsibility and Customer Trust" by Professor Nicole Alexander is practical and instructive guide that
will equip senior marketing professionals and aspiring leaders with the strategic insight and tactical expertise needed to
navigate the complexities of AI-driven marketing.
Offering a comprehensive roadmap for those responsible for implementing AI solutions, "Ethical AI in Marketing" also
explores how to harness AI's transformative power while upholding ethical standards and fostering consumer trust.
Additionally, and through real-world examples from organizations such as Ally, OSF Healthcare, Adobe, and Ipsos, "Ethical
AI in Marketing" examines how businesses are addressing key challenges, from navigating privacy considerations while
delivering personalized experiences to developing governance frameworks that ensure ethical oversight without hindering
innovation.
"Ethical AI in Marketing" fully delves into the strategies that create sustainable competitive advantages through ethical AI
adoption and provides a nuanced understanding of how companies at various stages of AI maturity are approaching
responsible implementation. By illuminating both the challenges and opportunities that arise in AI adoption, "Ethical AI in
Marketing" offers marketers the tools and frameworks necessary to build trust, drive innovation, and ensure AI-driven
marketing aligns with long-term ethical and business goals.
Critique: A seminal, groundbreaking, informative, insightful, thoughtful and thought-provoking study, "Ethical AI in
Marketing: Aligning Growth, Responsibility and Customer Trust" by Professor Nicole Alexander is impressively
'reader/user' friendly in organization and presentation. Enhanced for the reader's benefit with the inclusion of a twenty- eight
page Glossary, a one page Postscript, and a four page Index, "Ethical AI in Marketing: Aligning Growth, Responsibility and
Customer Trust" is a timely and unreservedly recommended addition to corporate, community, and college/university library
Business Ethics/Corporate Governance collections and supplemental MBA curriculum studies lists. It should be noted for
the personal reading lists of MBA students, academia, corporate executives, business managers, entrepreneurs, and
non-specialist general readers with an interest in the subject tht this hardcover edition of "Ethical AI in Marketing: Aligning
Growth, Responsibility and Customer Trust" from Kogan Page is also readily available in paperback (9781398622296,
$38.99) and in a digital book format (Kindle, $38.99).
Editorial Note: Nicole Alexander is a marketing leader and educator with over 25 years of experience driving growth,
innovation and transformation. She is an Adjunct Professor at NYU, a Lecturer at Section School and a Board Member at
Per Scholas. She has held prominent leadership roles, including Global Head of Marketing at Meta, SVP of Innovation at
Ipsos and VP of Innovation for Greater China at Nielsen. Nicole holds an MSt in AI Ethics and Society from the University
of Cambridge and an Executive MBA from TRIUM (NYU Stern, HEC Paris, LSE).
(https://perscholas.org/about/board-staff/nicole-alexander)
The Environmental Studies Shelf
Satellite: Essays on Fatherhood and Home, Near and Far
Simmons Buntin
Terra Firma Books
c/o Trinity University Press
https://tupress.org
9781595343116, $20.95, PB, 278pp
https://www.amazon.com/Satellite-Essays-Fatherhood-Home-Near/dp/1595343113
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/satellite-simmons-buntin/1145713514
Synopsis: How do we find a way to exist equitably in the world without exhausting our natural and cultural resources?
Exploring how to create belonging, among both human and nonhuman animals, is our essential work. Parents have the
added responsibility of conveying this charge to their children in a way that centers hope and empowerment over guilt and
fear.
With the publication of "Satellite: Essays on Fatherhood and Home, Near and Far", Simmons Buntin delves into the idea of
belonging (in place, time, family, and community) in sixteen essays written over nearly two decades.
The pieces range throughout the desert Southwest, on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border, and as far afield as Mount Saint
Helens, eastern Montana, northern Vermont, Sweden, and even the moon (if a telescope atop Kitt Peak counts).
Buntin also examines the beauty and challenges of raising a family and creating more sustainable communities in the
Sonoran Desert -- and, more broadly, in any of America's diverse cultural and ecological landscapes. How should
community be defined? How do we protect heritage in an age of globalization? How do we find renewal following personal
and place-based trauma? What forms may grace take, and how can parents pass that dignity on to their children?
Fortunately, it is a responsibility both shared and rewarding, funny and phenomenal, for at every turn there is a new
discovery, a new insight, a new integration between ourselves and the world that culminates, when we succeed, in a vibrant
sense of place. Buntin searches for a balance between the built and natural environments and the beings that inhabit them in
a way that enables us not only to survive but to thrive together.
Critique: Exhibiting author Simmons Buntin's impressive skills as an essayist and his engaging observations and
commentaries so appropriate for memorably insightful writing of nature and family, "Satellite: Essays on Fatherhood and
Home, Near and Far" is a fun, informative, thoughtful and thought-provoking read from start to finish. While this paperback
edition from Terra Firma Books is an especially and unreservedly recommended pick for community, and college/university
library Nature/Environmental collections and supplement Ecosystems curriculum studies lists, it should be noted for
students, academia, environmentalists, and non-specialist general readers with an interest in the subject that "Satellite" is
also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $15.99).
Editorial Note: Simmons Buntin (https://simmonsbuntin.com) is the author of the poetry collections Riverfall and Bloom;
the co-author (with Ken Pirie) of Unsprawl: Remixing Spaces as Places; and the co-editor (with Elizabeth Dodd and Derek
Sheffield) of Dear America: Letters of Hope, Habitat, Defiance, and Democracy. He is also the editor-in-chief of
Terrain.org, the president and director of the board of Terrain Publishing (www.terrainpublishing.org).
The Political Science Shelf
Liberals with Attitude
Danny Goldberg
Akashic Books
www.akashicbooks.com
9781636142593, $28.95, HC, 356pp
https://www.amazon.com/Liberals-Attitude-Rodney-Beating-Angeles/dp/1636142591
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/liberals-with-attitude-danny-goldberg/1146816784
Synopsis: With the publication of "Liberals with Attitude: The Rodney King Beating and the Fight for the Soul of Los
Angeles", author Danny Goldberg documents the 16 months (1991-92) between the brutal beating of Rodney King by four
police officers that was captured on a home video camera and the resignation of LAPD chief Daryl Gates.
Gates was reviled by the local Black and civil liberties communities because of the pattern of racism and brutality in the
department, and he was uniquely powerful because of the structure of the Los Angeles City Charter and the secret files he
kept on local politicians.
The effort to get Gates to step down after thirteen years as chief and to amend the City Charter to prevent another
unaccountable chief from amassing that much power was led by Los Angeles mayor Tom Bradley, a former LAPD officer
and the first Black mayor of the city. To overcome Gates's entrenched power, Bradley assembled a team that included future
US secretary of state Warren Christopher, the local ACLU, Congresswoman Maxine Waters, and activists who saw the
struggle against Gates as an important chapter in the civil rights movement.
Much of the local media, especially the Los Angeles Times, was supportive of Bradley's agenda, as was the burgeoning
"gangsta rap" culture of LA, much of which emerged in reaction to the LAPD.
Author Danny Goldberg was the chair of the ACLU Foundation of Southern California during those years and was
personally acquainted with the leaders of the fight against Gates. He interviewed several dozen people who are still alive
and got access to thousands of pages of documents among the papers of Stanley Sheinbaum, who was married to the heiress
of the Warner Bros. film fortune. Sheinbaum was chosen by Mayor Bradley to be the president of the Los Angeles Police
Commission, with the specific mission of getting Gates out of office. Goldberg's insider saga demonstrates that cooperation
between the political left and center is required to overcome white grievance and unaccountable power.
Critique: Offering an impressively detailed and informative 'behind the scenes' perspective of the political, cultural, and
judicial aftermath of the Rodney King incident in Los Angles that became a national wide social justice issue, "Liberals with
Attitude: The Rodney King Beating and the Fight for the Soul of Los Angeles" is an extraordinary and unreservedly
recommended pick for personal, professional, community, and college/university library Political Science, Law
Enforcement, and Social Justice collections and supplemental curriculum studies lists. It should be noted for students,
academia, political activists, and non-specialist general readers with an interest in the subject that this hardcover edition of
"Liberals with Attitude: The Rodney King Beating and the Fight for the Soul of Los Angeles" from Akashic Books is also
readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $26.23).
Editorial Note: Danny Goldberg (https://www.dannygoldberg.com) is the author of five previous books including In Search
of the Lost Chord: 1967 and the Hippie Idea and the national bestseller Serving the Servant: Remembering Kurt Cobain. He
is a political activist who serves on the boards of Public Citizen, Americans for Peace Now, and Brave New Films. He was
the chair of the ACLU Foundation of Southern California from 1987 - 1994, during which the events described in his
newest book, Liberals with Attitude, took place. He is currently president of Gold Village Entertainment and has worked in
the music business since the early 1970s as a personal manager for Nirvana, Sonic Youth, Bonnie Raitt, the Allman
Brothers, and Steve Earle, among others; and as president of three major record companies: Atlantic, Warner Bros., and
Mercury.
Revolution and the Road to Peace in Colombia
Fidel Castro
Pathfinder Press
www.pathfinderpress.com
9781604881912, $10.00, PB, 110pp
https://www.amazon.com/Revolution-Road-Peace-Colombia-Lessons/dp/1604881917
Synopsis: "Revolution and the Road to Peace in Colombia: Lessons from the Cuban Revolution" is comprised of articles,
letters, and other writings by Fidel Castro who draws important lessons from his half-century of revolutionary experience
leading the working people of Cuba to take state power out of the hands of its capitalist rulers such as the dictator Batista
who was backed by US imperialism.
Fidel Castro writes with a special authority because it was he and his supporters who opened the door to the first socialist
revolution in the Americas.
In 2008, as part of efforts to end six decades of armed conflict and guerrilla war in Colombia, Castro shared that experience
with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and the world.
The example set by Cuba's Rebel Army combatants presented in these pages remains as relevant today as it was then.
Critique: Essential reading for students and non-specialist general readers with an interest in 20th Century
Cuban/Columbian Socialist History and Political Science, and unreservedly recommended for community and
college/university library International Studies collections, it should be noted that this paperback edition of Fidel Castro's
"Revolution and the Road to Peace in Colombia: Lessons from the Cuban Revolution" from Pathfinder Press is also
available in Spanish (9781604881912, $10.00, PB).
Editorial Note: Fideal Castro's writings published by Pathfinder Press include:
Cuba and Angola: Fighting for Africa's Freedom and Our Own (coauthor, 2013)
Playa Giron/Bay of Pigs: 1961, Washington's First Military Defeat in the Americas (coauthor, 2001)
U.S. Hands Off the Mideast! (coauthor, 1990)
In Defense of Socialism (1989)
Cuba Will Never Adopt Capitalist Methods (1988)
Nothing Can Stop the Course of History (1986)
War and Crisis in the Americas (1985)
Our Power Is That of the Working People (2005)
Building Socialism in Cuba (1983)
Fidel Castro on Chile (1982)
Cuba's Internationalist Foreign Policy (1981)
Selected Speeches of Fidel Castro (1979)
The Social Issues Shelf
Abortion Rights as the Free Exercise of Religion
Peter S. Wenz
McFarland & Company
https://mcfarlandbooks.com
9781476696904, $49.95, PB, 231pp
https://www.amazon.com/Abortion-Rights-Free-Exercise-Religion/dp/147669690X
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/abortion-rights-as-the-free-exercise-of-religion-peter-s-wenz/1146533602
Synopsis: "Abortion Rights as the Free Exercise of Religion: The Constitutional Case for Choice" by Professor Peter S.
Wenz is the first to analyze the Supreme Court decisions related to religious freedom and abortion rights, showing that the
Supreme Court gives women a religious right to abortions, at least during the first half of pregnancy.
The Supreme Court also considered any sincerely claimed religious belief to be worthy of accommodation if it causes no
great harm. Therefore, a woman who claims that having a child would interfere with work dedicated to God's glory should
receive an accommodation that exempts her from state laws restricting abortion, as that is the kind of relief accorded by the
Supremen Court to others seeking religious exemptions from generally applicable laws and other rules.
The Supreme Court cannot claim in this case that abortion causes great harm, because it maintains even in its most recent
abortion decision that it is neutral on the question of when the unborn attains a right to life, and loss of the unborn's life is
the central harm claimed by others regarding abortion. In the pages of "Abortion Rights as the Free Exercise of Religion:
The Constitutional Case for Choice", Professor Wenz ably argues that 21 weeks of gestation is the earliest point at which a
right to life can be attributed to the fetus on a scientific basis.
Critique: An original, seminal, and meticulous study, "Abortion Rights as the Free Exercise of Religion: The Constitutional
Case for Choice" by Professor Peter S. Wenz is informatively enhanced for the reader's benefit with the inclusion of an eight
page Bibliography, twelve pages of Notes, a ten page Addendum of Legal Scholars, and an eight page Index. A thoughtful
and thought-provoking work of essential scholarship, "Abortion Rights as the Free Exercise of Religion: The Constitutional
Case for Choice" is a critically important and unreservedly recommended addition to personal, professional, community and
college/university library Contemporary Social Issues/Abortion Rights collections and supplemental curriculum studies lists.
It should be noted for students, academia, governmental policy makers, political activists and non-specialist general readers
with an interest in the subject that this paperback edition of "Abortion Rights as the Free Exercise of Religion: The
Constitutional Case for Choice" from McFarland & Company is also available in a digital book format (Kindle,
$29.99).
Editorial Note: Peter S. Wenz (https://www.peterswenz.com/about) is an emeritus professor of philosophy at the University
of Illinois, Springfield, and adjunct professor at the University of Canterbury in Christchurch, New Zealand. He has also
taught for at least one semester each in England (both London and Oxford), Scotland, and New Zealand and has lectured in
Ireland, Australia, Spain, Germany, China, Australia and France. He has more than 40 articles and book chapters as well as
ten single-authored books on topics in medical ethics, animal rights, environmental philosophy, political philosophy, moral
issues in the law, constitutional law, hot-button political issues, and the philosophy of religion.
The Education Shelf
The Best 391 Colleges, 2026
Robert Franek, et al.
The Princeton Review
c/o Random House Inc.
www.PrincetonReview.com
9780593518298, $26.99, PB, 896pp
https://www.amazon.com/Best-391-Colleges-2026-Depth/dp/0593518292
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-best-391-colleges-2026-the-princeton-review/1146546474
Synopsis: The Princeton Review's college rankings started in 1992 with surveys from 30,000 students. Over 30 years and
more than a million student surveys later, they stand by their claim that there is no single "best" college, only the best
college for a specific student -- and that "The Best 391 Colleges, 2026: In-Depth Profiles & Ranking Lists to Help Find the
Right College For You" is the ideal resource for finding it!
"The Best 391 Colleges, 2026" features:
391 in-depth school profiles based on candid feedback from 170,000+ students, covering academics, administration, campus
life, and financial aid
Insights on unique college character, social scene, and more
Direct quotes from students about their school's professors, campus culture, career services, and more
Lists of the top 25 colleges in 50 categories based on students' opinions of academics, campus life, facilities, and much
more
Ratings for every school on Financial Aid, Selectivity, and Quality of Life
The detailed admissions information includes:
The "Inside Word" on competitive applications, test scores, tuition, and average indebtedness
Comprehensive information on selectivity, freshman profiles, and application deadlines at each school
Also offered is free access to 2 full-length practice tests online (1 SAT and 1 ACT) to help a student prep for the important
admissions-exams part of their admissions journey.
Critique: Comprehensive, reliable, thoroughly 'user friendly' in organization and presentation, "The Best 391 Colleges,
2026: In-Depth Profiles & Ranking Lists to Help Find the Right College For You" is an indispensable and essential
acquisition and informational resource for highschool counselors, parents, graduating highschool seniors, and adults of any
age seeking to attend a college and seek a degree.
Editorial Note: The experts at The Princeton Review have been helping students, parents, and educators achieve the best
results at every stage of the education process since 1981. The Princeton Review has helped millions succeed on
standardized tests, and provides expert advice and instruction to help parents, teachers, students, and schools navigate the
complexities of school admission. In addition to classroom courses in over 40 states and 20 countries, The Princeton
Review also offers online and school-based courses, one-to-one and small-group tutoring, as well as online services in both
admission counseling and academic homework help.
The World History Shelf
Animal History: History as If Animals Mattered
Andrew Linzey & Claire Linzey, editors
Resource Publications
c/o Wipf and Stock Publishers
https://wipfandstock.com
9798385248674, $42.00, HC, 220pp
https://www.amazon.com/Animal-History-If-Animals-Mattered/dp/B0FGCZM6PS
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/animal-history-andrew-linzey/1147604198
Synopsis: Traditional history overlooks non-human animals. But with the publication of "Animal History: History as If
Animals Mattered" co-editors Andrew and Claire Linzey reinstates them as proper subjects of historical enquiry.
Comprised of fourteen essays drawn from the Journal of Animal Ethics by accomplished academics, "Animal History"
offers pioneering insights into what animal history is and how it should be done. "Animal History is deftly divided into
sections covering the nature of animal history, selected intellectual figures, and historical controversies concerning meat
eating and vivisection.
Critique: Original, seminal, ground-breaking, thoroughly 'reader friendly' in organization and presentation, "Animal History:
History as If Animals Mattered" is an extraordinary and unique contribution to a more complete understanding human
history from our ancient hunter/gatherer ancestors, to the rise of agriculture and animal husbandry, down to the present day.
A fascinating, informed and informative read from start to finish, "Animal History" is especially and unreservedly
recommended for personal, community, and college/university library Animal Biology, Ethics & Husbandry History
collections and supplemental curriculum studies lists. It should be noted for students, academia, and non-specialist general
readers with an interest in the subject that this hardcover edition of "Animal History" from Resource Publications is also
readily available in paperback (9798385248667, $27.00).
Editorial Note #1: Andrew Linzey is the director of the Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics and a member of the Faculty of
Theology at the University of Oxford. He has written or edited more than twenty books, including Animal Theology,
Creatures of the Same God, and Why Animal Suffering Matters. He is also the author of Animal Rites: Liturgies of Animal
Care and the co-editor of Animals and Christianity: A Book of Readings, both published by Wipf and Stock.
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_Linzey)
Editorial Note #2: Clair Susan Linzey is a British theologian, ethicist, editor, and writer. She is the Frances Power Cobbe
Professor of Animal Theology at the Graduate Theological Foundation and Deputy Director of the Oxford Centre for
Animal Ethics. Linzey's research centres on animal theology and ethics, environmental ethics, systematic and feminist
theology, and Christian ethics. She is also co-editor of the Journal of Animal Ethics and the Palgrave Macmillan Animal
Ethics Series. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clair_Linzey)
The Military History Shelf
Fighting for Philadelphia
Michael C. Harris
Savas Beatie LLC
www.savasbeatie.com
9781611217421, $34.95, HC, 480pp
https://www.amazon.com/Fighting-Philadelphia-Mifflin-Whitemarsh-5-December/dp/1611217423
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fighting-for-philadelphia-michael-c-harris/1146492252
Synopsis: The weeks of bloody maneuvering and fighting along the Delaware River at Fort Mercer, Fort Mifflin, and
Gloucester receive but scant attention in the literature of the American Revolution. The same is true for the five-day
Whitemarsh operation and other important events in December 1777.
With the publication of "Fighting for Philadelphia: Forts Mercer and Mifflin, the Battle of Whitemarsh, and the Road to
Valley Forge, October 5 - December 19, 1777" author and historian Michael C. Harris rescues these important actions from
obscurity, puts them in context with the Saratoga Campaign, and closes his magnificent trilogy that began with the battle of
Brandywine and left off with the slugfest at Germantown.
This period of the war started when General Sir William Howe's army of 16,500 British and Hessian soldiers set out aboard
a 265-ship armada from New York to capture Philadelphia in late July 1777. Six difficult weeks later, Howe landed near
Elkton, Maryland, moved north into Pennsylvania, and defeated Washington's army at Brandywine on September 11.
Philadelphia fell to the British.
Obscured by darkness and a heavy morning fog, Washington launched a successful surprise attack against the British
garrison at Germantown on October 4. The recapture of the colonial capital seemed within Washington's grasp until poor
battlefield decisions brought about a reversal of fortune and a clear British victory. Like Brandywine, the bloody
Germantown scrap proved Continental soldiers could stand toe-to-toe with British Regulars.
A protracted and complex quasi-siege of the British garrison followed. This fascinating and little-studied chess game had
Washington trying to close the Delaware River and harass enemy foraging parties to starve out Howe's command, while the
British tried to capture or neutralize the key American bastions of Forts Mercer and Mifflin and keep the river open.
Harris's "Fighting for Philadelphia" is the first complete study to merge the strategic, political, and tactical history of the
complex operations sandwiched between Germantown and the arrival of the Continental Army at Valley Forge. His
sweeping prose relies almost exclusively on original archival research and a deep personal knowledge of the terrain,
highlighted by 21 original maps, illustrations, and modern photos.
Told largely through the words of those who fought there, Fighting for Philadelphia is sure to please the most discriminating
reader and assume its place as one of the finest military studies of its kind.
Critique: An impressively informative, seminal, comprehensive, deftly written and groundbreaking study of dedicated
research and meticulous scholarship, "Fighting for Philadelphia: Forts Mercer and Mifflin, the Battle of Whitemarsh, and
the Road to Valley Forge, October 5-December 19, 1777" by Michael C. Harris is especially and unreservedly
recommended as an essential acquisition for personal, community, and college/university library American Revolutionary
War collections and supplemental curriculum studies lists. It should be noted for students, academia, and non-specialist
general readers with an interest in the subject that this hardcover edition of "Fighting for Philadelphia" from Savas Beatie is
also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $22.50).
Editorial Note: Michael C. Harris is a graduate of the University of Mary Washington and the American Military University.
He worked for the National Park Service at Fredericksburg, Virginia, Fort Mott State Park in New Jersey, and the
Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission at Brandywine Battlefield. Mike conducts tours and battlefield rides and
currently teaches in the Philadelphia region. He lives in Pennsylvania with his wife Michelle and son Nathanael.
(https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/341812.Michael_C_Harris)
Seeds of Victory
James Ellman
Stackpole Books
c/o Globe Pequot
https://www.globepequot.com
9780811776776, $29.95, HC, 336pp
https://www.amazon.com/Seeds-Victory-Defeat-Triumph-American/dp/0811776778
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/seeds-of-victory-james-ellman/1145809468
Synopsis: Like all armed forces, the United States military (often celebrated for its victories) has, from time to time, been
defeated on the battlefield throughout its long history. Unlike some others, the United States has shown a remarkable ability
to bounce back from defeat: to learn from the loss, recover, and turn it into victory.
With the publication of "Seeds of Victory: Defeat, Triumph, and the American Way of War", author and historian James
Ellman (who has established a reputation for his reconsiderations of military history), takes a close look at eight such pivot
points on the ground, in the air, and at sea, from the American Revolution through the Korean War:
Long Island (1776) to Trenton and Princeton (1777)
Charleston (1780) to Cowpens and Guilford Court House (1781)
Invasion of Canada (1812) to Battles of Lake Erie and the Thames(1813)
First Bull Run (1861) to Antietam (1862)
Pearl Harbor (1941) to Midway (1942)
Luzon (1942) to Buna-Gona (1943)
Schweinfurt (1943) to the "Big B" (1944)
Chongchon River (1950) to Operation Ripper (1951)
In brisk narratives, Ellman describes each battle, explaining how it was fought and lost, and then shifts gears to detail how
leaders (military as well as civilian) such as George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Chester Nimitz, Douglas MacArthur,
James Doolittle, and Matthew Ridgway assessed the factors that led to defeat, and made changes to training, tactics, and
strategy, so that American forces entered the next battle wiser and able to win.
Ellman then uses this framework to evaluate the wars waged in more recent decades in Vietnam, Afghanistan, and Iraq.
Surprisingly, despite the accepted consensus that these conflicts resulted in painful defeats, the American military repeatedly
showed its historic ability to react and recover, and if not achieve victory, at least stabilize the situation on the
battlefield.
While US forces eventually pulled out of these three conflicts, the overarching Cold War and War on Terror were still
concluded in America's favor. As "Seeds of Victory: Defeat, Triumph, and the American Way of War" makes clear, the
history of the United States at war is, to a surprising degree, the story of tenacity in the wake of defeat, of flexibility and
adaptability on the path to victory. This is essential reading for understanding how battles are lost and won.
Critique: Simply stated, "Seeds of Victory: Defeat, Triumph, and the American Way of War" by James Ellamn is essential
reading for anyone seeking to understand how battles are lost and won over the past 230 years of American military history.
Enhanced for the reader's benefit with the inclusion of a twelve page Bibliography, sixteen pages of Notes, and a four page
Index, "Seeds of Victory: Defeat, Triumph, and the American Way of War" is a seminal, groundbreaking, and unreservedly
recommended addition to personal, community, and college/university library American Military History collections and
supplemental curriculum studies lists. It should be noted for students, academia, military historians, and non-specialist
general readers with an interest in the subject that this hardcover edition of "Seeds of Victory: Defeat, Triumph, and the
American Way of War" from Stackpole Books is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $28.45).
Editorial Note: James Ellman (https://www.jamesellman.com) holds a bachelor's degree in history and economics from
Tufts University and an MBA from Harvard. He has also written Hitler's Great Gamble: A New Look at German Strategy,
Operation Barbarossa, and the Axis Defeat in World War II (Stackpole, 2019) and MacArthur Reconsidered: General
Douglas MacArthur as a Wartime Commander (Stackpole, 2023).
Scattered Far and Wide
Justin Laborde
Naval Institute Press
www.nip.org
9781682476642, $34.95, HC, 416pp
https://www.amazon.com/Scattered-Far-Wide-Naval-Academy/dp/1682476642
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/scattered-far-and-wide-justin-laborde/1146843288
Synopsis: Withe the publication of "Scattered Far and Wide: The Naval Academy Class of '38 at War", Justin Laborde tells
the war stories of U.S. Naval Academy midshipmen from the Class of 1938.
Commissioned on the eve of World War II, they faced the trials of combat as new officers from the early days of American
involvement and as ships captains, pilots in leadership positions, and submariners in charge by VJ Day.
Tested as young leaders, they bore the new burden of command while at the fore of the Pacific War's largest and most
pivotal campaigns. They felt the wind and spray in their faces and the percussion of ships' guns and depth charges at the
pivotal moment in their lives and careers, making their experiences unusually compelling, heartbreaking, and (most
assuredly) instructive.
From Pearl Harbor through the end of the war, these were the men who fought and struggled for survival as part of the U.S.
Navy's Asiatic Fleet. In the early months of the conflict, they tried to stem the onslaught of the Imperial Japanese Navy.
Some were captured and sent to brutal prisoner-of-war camps. Others took to the air from aircraft carriers as members of
torpedo, bomber, and fighter squadrons during the Battles of the Coral Sea and Midway. Later in the war, a number served
aboard submarines, experiencing some of the most legendary patrols in the history of the Silent Service.
Author Justin Laborde's grandfather, Alden Laborde, was a member of the Class of 1938. Upon his death, Justin obtained a
1938 edition of The Lucky Bag, the Naval Academy's yearbook. Reading the memoirs of Alden's classmates, Justin realized
he was well placed to tell the fascinating and unreported story of this class's experiences in World War II. He spent five
years gathering primary materials and researching the histories and wartime tales. The young men who graduated from the
Naval Academy in 1938 left Annapolis on the eve of war and faced its perils around the world.
In the process, these junior officers earned medals and fame, left legacies of heroism and loss, and sparked tales of renown
and bravery that reverberate today.
Critique: An original, seminal, groundbreaking study based upon meticulous and exhaustive research, "Scattered Far and
Wide: The Naval Academy Class of '38 at War" by Justin Laborde is a truly extraordinary and unreservedly welcome
contribution to personal, community, and college/university library World War II History, Biography & Memoir collections
and supplemental curriculum studies lists. Enhanced for the reader's benefit with the inclusion of numerous illustrations,
twenty-four pages of Notes, a ten page Bibliography, and a fifteen page Index, this hardcover edition of "Scattered Far and
Wide: The Naval Academy Class of '38 at War" from the Naval Institute Press is also readily available for students,
academia, and military history buffs in a digital book format (Kindle, $19.22).
Editorial Note: Justin Laborde, PhD, is a strategic consultant and frequent speaker on consumer trends, marketplace
insights, and business-growth strategies at Fortune 500 companies. Raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, Justin now lives with
his wife, Amanda, and their three children.
The Cookbook Shelf
Spinning Plates
Anna Stanford
Hamlyn
c/o Octopus Books
https://www.octopusbooks.co.uk
9780600639541, $26.99, HC, 192pp
https://www.amazon.com/Spinning-Plates-Dinners-Substitutions-Families/dp/0600639541
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/spinning-plates-anna-stanford/1146581448
Synopsis: The recipes comprising Anna Stanford's "Spinning Plates: Easy Dinners with Simple Substitutions for Busy
Families" demystify the art of cooking for busy families. They all work, are achievable for any level of cook, and taste
fantastic. There are no fads or fuss, just good, honest, balanced food.
Every recipe features clever swaps and switches to make cooking one meal for the whole family easy. From curries that can
easily be made with chicken, fish or tofu, to quick quiches with 5 different flavor variations and stir fries that work with
whatever veg you have to hand, Anna's recipes and simple substitution ideas make it easy to please everyone!
From Spiced Chickpea Flatbreads, Chili Two Ways, and Creamy Smoked Salmon and Asparagus, to Vietnamese Pork
Traybake, Smokey Beef Brisket, and Maple Roasted Root Veg; and Black Bean, the recipes showcased in "Spinning Plates:
Easy Dinners with Simple Substitutions for Busy Families" are 50% vegetarian or adaptable to vegetarian, and all recipes
are light on equipment, often cooked in one tray or pan, saving on expensive kitchen items and washing up.
Critique: "Spinning Plates: Easy Dinners with Simple Substitutions for Busy Families" by Anna Stanford is enticingly
illustrated throughout with full color photos of finished dishes in support of thoroughly 'kitchen cook friend' recipes that will
enable even the most novice of family chefs to provide their families with memorable, palate pleasing, appetite satisfying,
physically nourishing meals for any and all family dining occasions. While especially and unreservedly recommended for
personal, professional, and community library cookbook collections, it should be noted that this hardcover edition of
"Spinning Plates: Easy Dinners with Simple Substitutions for Busy Families" from Hamlyn is also available in a digital
book format (Kindle, $13.99).
Editorial Note: Anna Stanford (https://annasfamilykitchen.com) is a home cook, foodie, and mum to her three children. She
has over 180k loyal followers on Instagram, and over 11k on Facebook, where she shares her minimal faff, family friendly
recipes. Like so many parents, Anna is used to catering to multiple dietary requirements and changing preferences within her
family. That's why all her recipes have easy swaps, switches and tips to make it possible to cater for the whole family with
one delicious, balanced and low-faff meal.
Heartland Masala
Jyoti Mukharji & Auyon Mukharji, authors
Olivier Kugler, illustrator
Kevin Miyazaki, photographer
Collective Book Studio
https://thecollectivebook.studio
9781685553289, $35.00, HC, 288pp
https://www.amazon.com/Heartland-Masala-Cookbook-American-Kitchen/dp/1685553281
Synopsis: Co-authored by Jyoti Mukharji and Auyon Mukharji, "Heartland Masala: An Indian Cookbook from an American
Kitchen" is packed from cover to cover with rich storytelling, stunning visuals, and a blend of modern and traditional dishes.
Both a heartfelt portrait of one Midwestern family and a practical guide to cooking incredible Indian meals at home,
"Heartland Masala" features:
Delicious, Accessible Recipes: 99 carefully tested dishes bring Indian flavors into your kitchen, with ingredients and
methods tailored for American home cooks.
Cultural Essays & Family Stories: Fresh, insightful, and often humorous essays explore the immigrant cooking philosophy,
the Mukharjis' mother-son dynamic, and the many quirks of Indian culinary history.
Illustrations & Stunning Photography: A 32-page full-color photo insert by photographer Kevin Miyazaki - plus original art
make this a gorgeous centerpiece for your kitchen or coffee table.
Step-by-Step Guidance: Illustrations by Olivier Kugler that demystify complex techniques, along with spice shopping tips to
build confidence and skill.
Critique: An informative and inspiring culinary browse for 'culturally curious' readers and adventurous American family
cooks alike, "Heartland Masala: An Indian Cookbook from an American Kitchen" is unique among Indian cookbooks and
ideal for planning authentic, memorable, India themed menus with for special dining occasions and celebrations. Especially
and unreservedly recommended for personal, professional, family, and community library Ethnic Cookbook collections, it
should be noted that this hardcover edition of "Heartland Masala: An Indian Cookbook from an American Kitchen" is also
available in a digital book format (Kindle, $16.99).
Editorial Note #1: Jyoti Mukharji is a chef, teacher, and retired physician. She immigrated to the US from India in the late
1970s, and she began teaching weekly Indian cooking classes out of her home in Prairie Village, KS in 2010. Jyoti has since
welcomed several thousand students into her kitchen, and her writing and teaching have been celebrated in press and radio
outlets across the Midwest. Jyoti's team includes her husband Jhulan (art director), her eldest son Arnob (grocery shopping
deputy), her middle son Auyon (musical guest), and her youngest son Aroop (copy editor).
(https://kansascitymag.com/midwest-masala)
Editorial Note #2: Auyon Mukharji is a musician, writer, and culinary historian who spends most of his time thinking about
food. He studied biology at Williams College and was awarded a Watson Fellowship in 2007 to study self-expression in
folk music. Since 2009, Auyon has toured with, and cooked for, the acclaimed indie-folk band Darlingside. He otherwise
finds time to work in and around kitchens (and farms) in both his hometown of Kansas City and his adopted
state-of-residence of Massachusetts. (https://fahertybrand.com/blogs/journal/auyon-mukharji)
Editorial Note #3: Olivier Kugler (www.olivierkugler.com) is a German-born London-based editorial illustrator and visual
journalist. He has travelled to Iran, Laos, Iraqi Kurdistan, Cairo, Ghana and many other places on assignment for a variety of
publications including The Guardian, New Yorker, Harper's Magazine, French journal XXI and German GQ. He has done
extensive reporting on Middle Eastern refugees in Europe and a book collecting this work called Dem Krieg Entronnen was
published in German by Edition Moderne - and in the UK and North America as Escaping Wars and Waves. The book has
won two major European design and illustration awards. Oli is also a past winner of a V&A Illustration Award and World
Illustration Award.
Editorial Note #4: Kevin Miyazaki's food, interior and travel assignments have taken him to 23 countries and 37 states. His
passion is shooting cookbooks, and he loves the unique collaboration involved with each project. His publishing clients
include Collective Book Studio, Knopf, Clarkson Potter, Rizzoli, House Beautiful, Smithsonian and The New York Times.
Kevin is a past IACP finalist and a member of Diversify Photo. (https://www.kevinmiyazaki.com)
(Almost) Instant Noodles
Lily Martin
Hamlyn
c/o Octopus Books
https://www.octopusbooks.co.uk
9780600639527, $19.99, HC, 176pp
https://www.amazon.com/Almost-Instant-Noodles-Ultimate-Speedy/dp/0600639525
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/booklily-martin/1147149049
Synopsis: Noodles are a quick and easy to cook, and delicious to eat. With the publication of "(Almost) Instant Noodles:
Rapid Raman, Ultimate Udon, Speedy Stir Fries and More!", Lily Martin offers a beautifully illustrated culinary
compendium of foolproof noodle based recipes that can be made in a flash so that you can have a tasty and filling noodle
meal, almost instantly!
The recipes are organized thematically, with oodles of noodle inspiration in chapters dedicated to Soups, Saucy, Salads, Stir
Frys and Sides, plus an especially useful chapter on upgrading instant and pot noodles from corner-store basics to
mind-blowing meals.
It couldn't be easier to embrace the noodle trend with recipes that range from Crispy Salmon Ramen; Spicy Chicken Satay
Noodles; and Aubergine and Sesame Salad; to Ginger and Chili Stir Fry, Summer Rolls with Peanut Dip; Tofu with Black
Beans and Cashews -- and more!
Critique: Beautifully illustrated with a full color, full page photograph of each finished dish, "(Almost) Instant Noodles:
Rapid Raman, Ultimate Udon, Speedy Stir Fries and More!" by Lily Martin is the ideal resource for planning memorable
noodle-based menus with. While and ideal and unreservedly recommended pick for personal, professional, and community
library Seoul, Taiwanese, and Korean themed cookbook collections, it should be noted that this hardcover edition of
"(Almost) Instant Noodles: Rapid Raman, Ultimate Udon, Speedy Stir Fries and More!" from Hamlyn is also available in a
digital book format (Kindle, $10.99).
Editorial Note #1: Lily Martin is a food writer based in Bristol, UK. Her recipes are creative, exciting and easy to achieve,
and draw inspiration from flavours and techniques she has enjoyed travelling around the world. Lily has loved noodles since
she was a student, and first discovered she could turn simple and affordable ingredients into innovative, flavour-packed and
satisfying meals. She has since become a noodle expert, traveling extensively in Southeast Asia and mastering the art of
cooking with noodles. There is an extensive listing of her books online at:
https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/5068380.Lily_Martin
Editorial Note #2: Hamlyn, was founded by Paul Hamlyn and is one of the most well known names in illustrated publishing
producing practical, informative and inspiring books. It approaches all the books it publishes in an accessible and appealing
manner.
Korean Banchan Recipes
Nobuko Kitasaka
Tuttle Publishing
www.tuttlepublishing.com
9780804858106, $16.99, HC, 96pp
https://www.amazon.com/Korean-Banchan-Recipes-Authentic-Pancheon/dp/0804858101
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/korean-banchan-recipes-nobuko-kitasaka/1146735033
Synopsis: Banchan are small, healthy, vegetable-focused side dishes that accompany every Korean meal. They're meant to
complement the main dishes -- providing extra flavors and textures featuring crisp, fresh vegetables. Tangy pickles,
seasoned seaweed, marinated tofu, spicy kimchi - there's something for everyone. For many, the Banchan are actually the
main event!
"Korean Banchan Recipes: 100 Authentic Side Dishes from Japchae and Jeon to Kimchi and Namul" showcases a range of
recipes that include:
Spicy Kimchi Dishes such as the sweet-tart Cherry Tomato Kimchi and rich Pork and Kimchi Stir-Fry
Lightly-seasoned Namuls like Wood Ear Mushrooms with Gochujang Namul and savory Garlic Chives with Soy
Namul
Seasonal Pickles like Pickled Whole Garlic, Perilla Leaves in Soy Sauce, and Dried Apricot Miso Jangajji
Crisp Panjeon Pancakes including Shredded Sweet Potato Jeon and Shiitake Mushroom Jeon
Stir-fried Japchae Noodles like Asparagus and Onion Japchae and Mushroom Japchae
Main Dishes like Beef Bulgogi and Sweet and Spicy Stewed Chicken Drumettes
And so many more!
With 100 unique and mix-and-match banchan recipes, preparing a complete, healthy, and delicious home-cooked Korean
meal has never been easier!
Critique: Beautifully illustrated throughout with full color photographs of finished dishes, "Korean Banchan Recipes: 100
Authentic Side Dishes from Japchae and Jeon to Kimchi and Namul" is a culinary compendium exceptionally 'kitchen cook
friendly' DIY recipes that are authentically Korean and unreservedly recommended for Korean themed menus for formal and
informal dining occasions. While an especially appropriate pick for personal, professional, and community library
Ethnic/Korean cookbook collections, it should be noted that this hardcover edition of Nobuko Kitasaka's "Korean Banchan
Recipes" from Tuttle Publishing is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.99).
Editorial Note: Nobuko Kitasaka has made Seoul, South Korea her home for over a decade. While living there, she has
immersed herself in the pursuit of mastering traditional Korean home style recipes. Taking to heart the Korean philosophy
of "eating what's good for the body," she continues to deepen her knowledge of local ingredients and cooking methods. She
hosts cooking classes and seminars in her home, where she conveys the charm of Korean cuisine (which is spicy, but also
delicate and bold) while teaching the art of creating beautiful table settings. Kitasaka has authored three Korean
cookbooks.
The Midlife Kitchen: Health-Boosting Recipes for Midlife and Beyond
Mimi Spencer and Sam Rice
Mitchell Beazley
c/o Octopus Publishing Group
https://www.octopusbooks.co.uk
9781840919646, $32.99
https://www.amazon.com/Midlife-Kitchen-health-boosting-recipes-midlife/dp/1840919647
Mimi Spencer and Sam Rice's The Midlife Kitchen: Health-Boosting Recipes for Midlife and Beyond is for midlife eaters
just beginning to recognize that healthy eating should be a priority, especially in the perimenopause and menopause years. It
features over a hundred creative recipes honed by Mimi Spencer and Sam Rice which are designed to restore and support
health systems well past one's forties, blending healthy ingredients with no-fuss recipes in dishes such as Red Lentil &
Smoked Mackerel Kitchri, Slow-Roasted Lamb with Sticky Figs, and Hot Tapas Almonds with Honey and Cinnamon. The
dishes burst with flavor, feature unexpected combinations, and are introduced with color illustrations, health tips, and a 'why
we love it' introduction that adds interest and appeal. The Midlife Kitchen is an excellent guide recommended for
general-interest libraries strong in recipe collections.
Bold Beanco: Full of Beans
Amelia Christie-Miller
Kyle Books
c/o Octopus Publishing Group
https://www.octopusbooks.co.uk
9781804192979, $26.99
https://www.amazon.com/Bold-Beans-Full-Delicious-Recipes/dp/180419297X
Bold Beanco: Full of Beans packs delicious bean recipes into a collection filled with accompanying color photos for
maximum attraction. While there are many, many bean cookbooks on the market already, this gathering focuses on
expanding the perception and repertoire of bean cookery to new levels. Organized by types of beans and including recipes
for all kinds of occasions from quick snacks to entertaining, the showcase of variety ranges from a mushroom-infused Carlin
Pea Stroganoff to a One-Pan Chickpea, Roasted Grape and Carmelised Carrot with Baked Feta and a Speedy Tuna &
Borlotti Bean Salad. Color photos on facing pages add attraction and interest. All that's needed is access to a variety of
beans, and cooks are good to go.
Larousse French Cooking
Larousse
Hamlyn
c/o Octopus Publishing Group
https://www.octopusbooks.co.uk
9780600638582, $49.00
https://www.amazon.com/Larousse-French-Cooking-definitive-collection/dp/0600638588
Larousse French Cooking: The Definitive Collection of Classic Recipes from the French Home Kitchen gathers over a
hundred recipes from all regions of France, organizes them by specialties and seasonal ingredients, and is the only French
cookbook a home cook needs, if only one were to be selected for home reference. Classic, traditional French recipes are
accompanied by step-by-step directions, color photos, and special features on local culinary traditions throughout country.
From Cider-Braised Gammon to Chicken Fricassee or Quiche Lorraine, these are outstanding basics every aspiring French
cook should know and love.
The Wine/Beer/Spirits Shelf
The Mixology Way: Classic Cocktail Recipes to Master the Art of Mixology
Lucas Tubiana
Mitchell Beazley
c/o Octopus Publishing Group
https://www.octopusbooks.co.uk
9781784729806, $39.99
https://www.amazon.com/Mixology-Way-Classic-cocktail-mixology/dp/1784729809
The Mixology Way: Classic Cocktail Recipes to Master the Art of Mixology by Lucas Tubiana blends drink mixing with
coffee table embellishment as it pairs lovely color photos with some 100 cocktail recipes. It is recommended for home
entertainment where lavish coffee table books are of special interest. Other mixology books focus on recipes and include
small color photos of results, but this survey attracts with rich illustrations, from color photos to diagrams of mixed drink
appearances. The recipes below them become the adjunct to, not the center of, attention, enhancing the finer art of drink
mixing. The Mixology Way is intriguing, unique, and deserves a place in any mixology collection.
The Biography/Memoir Shelf
David Davis, Abraham Lincoln's Favorite Judge
Raymond J. McKoski
University of Illinois Press
www.press.uillinois.edu
9780252046636, $50.00, HC, 352pp
https://www.amazon.com/David-Davis-Abraham-Lincolns-Favorite/dp/0252046633
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/david-davis-abraham-lincolns-favorite-judge-raymond-j-mckoski/1146473611
Synopsis: One of Abraham Lincoln's staunchest and most effective allies, Judge David Davis masterminded the floor fight
that gave Lincoln the presidential nomination at the 1860 Republican National Convention. This history-changing event
emerged from a long friendship between the two men. It also altered the course of Davis's career, as Lincoln named him to
the U.S. Supreme Court in 1862.
With the publication of "David Davis, Abraham Lincoln's Favorite Judge", Professor Raymond J. McKoski offers a
biography of Davis's public life, his impact on the presidency and judiciary, and his personal, professional, and political
relationships with Lincoln.
Davis lent his vast network of connections, organizational and leadership abilities, and personal persuasiveness to help
Lincoln's political rise. When Davis became a judge, he honed an ability to hear each case with complete impartiality, a
practice that endeared him to Lincoln but one day put him at odds with the president over important Civil War - era
rulings.
McKoski details these cases while also providing an in-depth account of Davis's role in Lincoln's two unsuccessful
campaigns for U.S. Senate and the fateful run for the presidency.
Critique: A seminal and groundbreaking work of meticulous and exhaustive research, "David Davis, Abraham Lincoln's
Favorite Judge" is an extraordinary and informative study that is informatively enhanced for the reader's benefit with the
inclusion of a twenty-four page Bibliography, fifty-six pages of Notes, and a ten page Index. Exceptionally well written and
thoroughly 'reader friendly' in organization and presentation, "David Davis, Abraham Lincoln's Favorite Judge" is a unique
and unreservedly recommended addition to community and college/university library 19th Century American
Biography/Memoir collections and supplemental Abraham Lincoln Studies curriculum lists. It should be noted for the
personal reading lists of students, academia, and non-specialist general readers with an interest in the subject that this
hardcover edition of "David Davis, Abraham Lincoln's Favorite Judge" from the University of Illinois Press is also available
in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.99).
Editorial Note: Raymond J. McKoski is a retired Illinois Circuit Judge and adjunct professor at the University of Illinois
Chicago School of Law. He is also the author of "Judges in Street Clothes: Acting Ethically Off-the-Bench".
Finding Our Grove
James Gardner
www.jamesgardnerwriter.com
Rundle Rock Publishing
9798218740399, $24.95, PB, 382pp
https://www.amazon.com/Finding-Our-Grove-College-Football/dp/B0FLQ3K73L
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/finding-our-grove-james-gardner/1148015617
Synopsis: "Finding Our Grove: A Story about Life, Family, and College Football" by James Gardner follows a small group
of college football fanatics as they set out to visit a different college town each year. These trips-lovingly known as "guy
trips"-initially began as a chance for the men of the family to spend a little more time together, while also enjoying a little
more football.
The reader will enjoy following along, year by year and team by team, as these visitors experience, firsthand, college
football's most revered programs and traditions; learn about her most beloved names, mascots, and bands; and meet college
football's indomitable fans.
As goes football, so goes life. In the pages of this memoir readers will also find heartache, adversity, and loss along with
considerable hope, faith, and love. "Finding Our Grove" offers an intimate portrait of the challenges faced by those with
Down syndrome and the family and friends who support them.
Critique: Eloquent, engaging, exceptional, informative, thoughtful and thought-provoking, "Finding Our Grove: A Story
about Life, Family, and College Football" is a candidly articulate true life story of inclusion, friendship, fatherhood, and
college football fandom. While an especially and unreservedly pick for community and college/university library
Contemporary American Biography/Memoir collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that this paperback
edition of "Finding Our Grove: A Story about Life, Family, and College Football" from Rundle Rock Publishing is also
readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $8.99).
Editorial Note: James Gardner (https://www.jamesgardnerwriter.com) received his B.A. from The Ohio State University and
his J.D. from Case Western Reserve University. As a practicing lawyer for more than thirty years, Jim is a passionate
advocate for the disabled and those who have been injured. Penned as a love letter to his family and to the "guy trips", he is
also the author of "Chance to Breathe".
Jew Girl
Marcie Maxfield
https://marciemaxfield.com
Desert Canyon Press
9798992539011, $TBA print / $9.99 Kindle, 256pp
https://marciemaxfield.com/books
https://www.amazon.com/JewGirl-Memoir-Belonging-Marcie-Maxfield-ebook/dp/B0FRLW9CYB
Synopsis: "Jew Girl: A Memoir" is a life story told in the form of nineteen deftly crafted essays by Marcie Maxfield and
range from her early childhood down to the present day. The essays comprising "Jew Girl: A Memoir" deal with all manner
of personal, social, cultural, and societal issues ranging from skin color based discrimination (race), anti-semitism (Jewish
identity), and being female (gender equality). Marcie's memoir is intensely personal and also exhibits a universal
resonance.
Critique: Deftly written with wit, humor, and insight, along with an inherent eloquence that raises her memoir to an
impressive level of literary elegance, this trade paperback edition of Marcie Maxfield's "Jew Girl: A Memoir" from Desert
Canyon Press is especially and unreservedly recommended for personal reading lists, as well as community and
college/university library Contemporary Jewish American Biography/Memoir collections.
Editorial Note: Marcie Maxfield (https://marciemaxfield.com) is also the author of "Em's Awful Good Fortune" -- a novel
about marriage and compromise disguised as a travel romp through Paris, Tokyo, Shanghai, and Seoul.
Becoming Kerouac: A Writer in His Time
Paul Maher Jr.
The Lyons Press
c/o The Globe Pequot Press
www.globepequot.com
9781589796874, $34.95, HC, 318pp
https://www.amazon.com/Becoming-Kerouac-Writer-His-Time/dp/158979687X
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/becoming-kerouac-paul-maher-jr/1142907131
Synopsis: Jack Kerouac was one of America's great writers of the latter half of the 20th century, yet he endured a life
characterized by persistent hardship and disillusion. With the publication of "Becoming Kerouac: A Writer in His Time",
leading Kerouac scholar Paul Maher Jr. targets the writer's embattled insight of self as central to his life and work.
"Becoming Kerouac" reveals how Kerouac's troubled interactions with alcohol, drugs, and spirituality stamped its
importance on his autobiographical prose and poetry and created a singular language that united thoughts on the human
condition and spiritual liberation. "Becoming Kerouac" affixes Kerouac's life and art in a fresh way, giving contemporary
readers a rich perspective from which to understand this 20th-century literary genius.
Using unpublished archival material, "Becoming Kerouac" also focuses upon the writer's critical formative years (1940 to
1957) to demonstrate his growth as a novelist and poet. Maher contends that Kerouac developed his singular language to
capture human consciousness as it never had before. His futilities catapulted American literature to reflect its restless
post-World War II anxieties.
Narrating the events that comprised Kerouac's life, biographers have long struggled to illustrate his complexness and the
contradictions that shaped his determinations and dogged his relationships. But without consideration of the writing, the
troubles in life fail to reveal their deeper resonances by skillfully analyzing the work while tracing the events. Maher
achieves a full portrait, revealing struggles that problematize his work. "Becoming Kerouac" fuses Kerouac's life and art to
comprehend this misunderstood literary genius.
Critique: A seminal and groundbreaking literary biography and analysis, "Becoming Kerouac: A Writer in His Time" by
Paul Maher Jr. is an extraordinary and informative contribution to the literary icon that was Jack Kerouac and his life's work
that proved so influential on the literary community over the past seven decades. Fascinating, informative, and a compelling
read from start to finish, "Becoming Kerouac: A Writer in His Time" is especially and unreservedly recommended for
personal, professional, community, and college/university library American Biography/Memoir collections and
supplemental Creative Writing curriculum studies lists. It should be noted for students, academia, and the legions of Jack
Kerouac fans that this hardcover edition of "Becoming Kerouac: A Writer in His Time" from Lyons Press is also readily
available in a digital book format (Kindle, $23.50).
Editorial Note: Paul Maher Jr. (https://paulmaherjr.com) is a freelance writer, editor and photographer.. He is also
author/editor of Kerouac: His Life and Work; and editor of Tom Waits On Tom Waits: Interviews & Encounters with Tom
Waits; Miles On Miles: Interviews & Encounters with Miles Davis; One Big Soul: An Oral History of the Films of Terrence
Malick; and Isolated Wanderer: A Maxwell Bodenheim Reader.
This Is Panther Country
Tom McKeown
https://www.tommckeownbooks.com
Brown Books Publishing Group
https://www.brownbooks.com
9781612547305, $27.95, HC, 264pp
https://www.amazon.com/This-Panther-Country-Underdog-Basketball/dp/1612547303
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/this-is-panther-country-tom-mckeown/1146492415
Synopsis: Thirteen-year-old Tom McKeown, growing up in a close-knit Irish American family, struggles to balance school,
friends, and the newly discovered world of teenage society. It's an era when race and class divisions were very real, but
bridged by athletics and community purpose. From his vantage in the eighth grade, Tom and the Village of Babylon follow
their varsity basketball team, the Panthers, as they fight their way forward in hopes of claiming the first ever Long Island
Championship.
Led by visionary coach Roy Koelbel and star player Glenn Vickers, the Panthers confront adversity on and off the court.
Each obstacle overcome brings them closer to that elusive title. At the heart of their journey is a knockdown trilogy of
games with a familiar and formidable Amityville team, who have dreams of their own.
With a keen eye for strategy, detail, execution, and a deep love for the game of basketball, McKeown chronicles a season of
finding purpose in unexpected places, the power of teamwork, and the thrill of cheering for a team that embodies the heart
and spirit of a community. Even when faced with potential heartbreak, you'll find yourself shouting, "This is Panther
Country!"
Critique: Exceptionally well written, fully engaging, and a fascinating read from cover to cover, "This Is Panther Country: A
Memoir of Youth, Underdog Spirit, and Basketball Glory" by Tom McKeown is an athletic underdog story of a high school
basketball team's quest for glory and a young man's journey of growth, family, and determination. Set against the vibrant
backdrop of mid-1970s Long Island, New York, "This Is Panther Country" is a heartwarming memoir that fully captures the
excitement, challenges, and camaraderie of a small-town varsity basketball team and its dreams of triumph. While especially
and unreservedly recommended for community and college/university library Contemporary American Biography/Memoir
collections, it should be noted for the personal reading lists of highschool basketball fans that this hardcover edition of "This
Is Panther Country" from the Brown Books Publishing Group is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle,
$19.99).
Editorial Note: Tom McKeown (https://www.tommckeownbooks.com) is a successful technology entrepreneur who
cofounded and ran software provider TrenData before selling the company in 2021. He has also written numerous articles
that have been published in various trade magazines. Tom grew up on Long Island where he attended Babylon High School
and was an avid fan and participant in the school's basketball program. He later graduated from Trinity College in Hartford,
Connecticut, where among other activities he broadcast the school basketball games both in person and on the local radio
station. Tom remembers fondly the mid-1970s when his high school basketball team was a regional power and the envy of
many surrounding schools.
The General Fiction Shelf
Living the Good Life
Celia Anderson
Boldwood Books
c/o Ulverscroft Large Print, Inc.
www.ulverscroft.com
9781836171560, $42.00/$35.70, PB, Large Print, 400pp
https://www.ulverscroft.com/store/us/search/9781836171560
Synopsis: The peaceful village of Willowbrook seems to be the ideal place for a new lease of life - at least according to
Nell's husband, Barney. With an empty nest and coming towards retirement, he's persuaded her to try country living. Their
cottage even has an annexe that's perfect for Barney's widowed father, Frank.
Nell is less sure about this fresh start... and it's not long before cracks in her thirty-year marriage begin to appear. Instead of
spending more time together, she and Barney seem to be drifting apart. Frank, too, is unsettled.
A weekly community group exploring the secret of happiness provides a way for Nell and her father-in-law to navigate their
new surroundings. Nell finds some friends, and Frank is quickly taken in hand by the neighbourhood matriarchs - the
self-styled 'Saga Louts'!
But will questioning what makes her happy push Nell even further away from Barney, especially when she discovers the
secrets her husband has been keeping? Or can opening up to others help old wounds heal and bring them back together once
more? What really is the secret to happiness?
Critique: Original, unique, compelling, exceptional, deftly crafted, and inherently interesting read from start to finish, this
large print trade paperback edition by novelist Celia Anderson "Living the Good Life" from Boldwood Books is an
extraordinary work whose author been able to lift her novel to an impressive level of literary excellence. "Living the Good
Life" is an especially commended pick for community library Literary Fiction collections and the personal reading lists for
readers with an interest in contemporary women's fiction.
Editorial Note: Celia Anderson enjoys writing contemporary fiction featuring older protagonists, although a wide age range
of characters can always be found in her books. She is an enthusiastic member of the Romantic Novelists Association,
having proudly graduated from their New Writers' Scheme in 2013. The RNA is an amazing source of good advice and a
place to meet like-minded, supportive people who will happily talk about books for hours on end. What could be better?
(https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/15609057.Celia_Anderson)
The Passionate Sister
John Thorndike
Independently Published
9798314028780, $15.00, PB, 268pp
https://www.amazon.com/Passionate-Sister-Advance-Reader-Copy/dp/B0F2HRGSL4
Synopsis: Instead of dying of an overdose at 57, Ginny Thorndike wakes and fights to stay clean. Her son Rob drives her
home from rehab, pours her gin and wine onto the lawn and flushes her pills down the toilet.
Her older son comes to help as well, with his gay lover Miles. But when Miles is diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's disease they
return to their home in Key West, and Ginny faces a cold winter alone in Sag Harbor.
Soon it will be Miles who needs help, and Rob as well after his wife disappears, leaving him with round-the-clock care for
their one-year-old twins.
"The Passionate Sister" is the story of Ginny seeking to make up for her past failures as a mother, looking after both sons
and grandchildren, even as she meets and slowly opens up to Lyle, her first lover in years.
Critique: Original, deftly written, emotionally engaging, and a simply riveting read from start to finish, "The Passionate
Sister" by John Thorndike is family drama raised by the author's exceptional storytelling skills to an impressive level of
literary excellence. While an exceptional and unreservedly recommended pick for community and college/university library
Contemporary Literary Fiction collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that this trade paperback edition of
"The Passionate Sister" is also currently available in a digital book format (Kindle, $0.99).
Editorial Note: John Thorndike (https://www.johnthorndike.com). His first two books were novels, followed by a memoir,
"Another Way Home", about his wife's schizophrenia and his life as a single parent. A second memoir, "The Last of His
Mind", describes his father's year-long descent into Alzheimer's, and was a Washington Post Best Book of 2009. His third
novel, "A Hundred Fires in Cuba", follows the love affair of a young American photographer and Camilo Cienfuegos, one
of the heroes of the Cuban Revolution.
The Historical Fiction Shelf
Whiz Kid
Joel Burcat & David S. Burcat
Milford House Press
c/o Sunbury Press
https://www.sunburypress.com/collections/milford-house
9798888193297, $24.95, PB, 291pp
https://www.amazon.com/Whiz-Kid-Joel-Burcat/dp/B0FDH23VT1
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/whiz-kid-joel-burcat/1147690564
Synopsis: With the publication of "Whiz Kid", co-authors Joel Burcat and David S. Burcat transports their readers back to
1950 Philadelphia, where Ben Green (a decorated World War II veteran from Camden, NJ) is completing his senior year at
the University of Pennsylvania.
A gifted writer, Ben dreams of becoming a novelist, but the weight of responsibility looms large. His closest friend and war
buddy, Stan Ledyard, urges him to join his father's powerful advertising firm in Center City. While at home, Ben's wife,
Debby, hopes he will choose the security of that job (especially with their first child on the way) and leave behind their
cramped apartment above her father's button shop in 'The Zibbiter' -- South Philly's bustling Jewish market.
While committed to finishing his novel, Ben becomes entangled with Ilene Van Cleve, a wealthy and charismatic classmate
who tempts him with a life far from his working-class, Jewish upbringing. As Ben navigates this crossroads, he encounters
both blatant antisemitism and the subtler prejudices of Philadelphia's Main Line elite, as well as the harsh realities of racial
injustice.
A comfortable future in advertising, complete with Main Line mansions and country clubs, lies within his grasp. Yet, his
in-laws quietly nudge him toward a more traditional Jewish life, rooted in family and community.
Set against the electrifying backdrop of the Philadelphia Phillies' underdog run to the 1950 World Series, Ben's journey
mirrors the broader struggles of a changing city and generation.
Critique: Original, exceptional, deftly crafted, compelling, raised to an impressive level of literary excellence and an
inherently fascinating read from cover to cover, "Whiz Kid" by co-authors Joel and David Burcat is a truly memorable
coming-of-age novel centered on the conflict of family expectations and personal aspirations, the security of guaranteed
future and the uncertainty of attempting to realize a driving personal ambition.
"Whiz Kid" is an especially and unreservedly recommended pick for community library Literary Fiction collections. It
should be noted for personal reading lists that this trade paperback edition of "Whiz Kids" from the Milford House Press is
also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.99).
Editorial Note #1: Joel Burcat (https://joelburcat.com) is a novelist and retired environmental lawyer whose thrillers fuse
real-world issues with high-stakes action. He is the author of "Reap the Wind" (2024), which won a Silver Medal from
Readers' Favorite and was a Kindle Book Awards Semi-Finalist. A former Assistant Attorney General, Burcat's legal
expertise fuels his gripping, socially relevant stories.
Editorial Note: David S. Burcat was a Navy corpsman in World War II, a graduate of University of Pennsylvania (English
Literature and Dentistry), and a proud son of Camden NJ and his adopted town of Philadelphia. He worked in advertising in
the 1950s before returning to Penn to study dentistry. He wrote "Match Point", the novella within the novel, in about 1950.
Dave was the father of co-author, Joel Burcat. He died in 1998.
The Sun Dog
Robert Downes
Blank Slate Press
9781966103042, $18.95, PB, 320pp
https://www.amazon.com/Sun-Dog-Native-America-Ojibwe/dp/1966103042
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-sun-dog-robert-downes/1147552673
Synopsis: When a Seneca Iroquois town on Lake Ontario is beset by an evil spirit, its female chieftain, Walking Turtle, calls
upon seven shamans and seven warriors from neighboring tribes to free her people from the demon.
Meanwhile, in an isolated village to the north, a young woman named Found by the River is accused of witchcraft. She and
her protector, Willow, face certain death unless they can escape their tormentors.
Into this scenario comes Sun Dog, a charismatic magician leading a band of refugees fleeing the collapse of their civilization
800 miles to the south. Sun Dog and his people are survivors of mighty Coosa, a realm destroyed by the army of Spanish
conquistador, Hernan de Soto.
Sun Dog vows to rid the Senecas of their demon, while wrestling with a sinister force of his own. He alone can decide the
fate of those condemned as witches.
Brimming with unforgettable characters and grounded in history, "The Sun Dog" is the follow-up to author Robert Downes
previous novel "The Wolf and The Willow", reintroducing Willow and Wolf in an ongoing saga set in Native America
during the tumultuous "Lost Century" of the 1500s.
Critique: Once again historian, journalist, and novelist Robert Downes has created an inherently fascinating novel that will
be of special appeal to readers with an interest in Native American themed fiction. Original, authentic, compelling, and a fun
read from cover to cover, "The Sun Dog" is an especially and unreservedly recommended pick for community library
Historical Fiction collections. It should be noted for personal reading lists that this paperback edition of "The Sun Dog"
from Blank State Press is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $5.99).
Editorial Note: Robert Downes (https://robertdownes.com/bio.html) has been a respected journalist and historian for over 30
years. He writes books of travel and adventure and lives the life he writes about. He has backpacked through more than 70
countries, with destinations ranging from the super-cities of the Third World to the heart of the American wilderness. In
1991 he co-founded the Northern Express Weekly in Traverse City, Michigan, which grew into the region's largest weekly
newspaper.
Daughter of the Tarot
Clare Marchant
Boldwood Books
c/o Ulverscroft Large Print, Inc.
www.ulverscroft.com
9781836030584, $42.00/$35.70, PB, Large Print, 432pp
https://www.ulverscroft.com/store/us/search/9781836030584
Synopsis: 1644 A.D.: Portia is living in London, having escaped an abusive man in Italy, with just baby Vittoria and the
clothes on their backs. Making her living reading tarot cards, she starts to realise there are other women like her -- women
who need help. As she delivers the Devil card to their door, each has the chance to escape... But to what future? Because
Portia is a woman with secrets. And they are about to come back to haunt her.
Present Day: After her mother's death and father's hasty plans to remarry, Beatrice has left home to open a tarot shop in
London. But when she's unpacking, she finds a set of cards she's never seen before, one that's evidently been handed down
through generations of her family. It's a set that is missing a card though... the Devil's Card. She begins to search for the lost
card, but she also starts to hear rumours of that very card being linked to a series of murders of women in 17th century
London...
Will she find the truth... or will she only see the illusions the cards are suggesting?
Critique: An original and deftly crafted blending of historical and contemporary fiction that will be of immense appeal to
readers with an interest in women oriented stories of fantasy, mystery, and the Tarot. This large print, trade paperback
edition of "Daughter of the Tarot" by novelist Clare Marchant is especially recommended for both personal reading lists and
community library collections. It should be noted that "Daughter of the Tarot" is the third titles in author Clare Marchant's
large print paperback series from Boldwood Books that also includes "The House of the Witch" (9781836030386) and "The
Shadow on the Bridge" (9781836030485).
Editorial Note: Clare Marchant (www.bookseriesinorder.com/clare-marchant) is the author of dual timeline historical
fiction. Her books have been translated into seven languages.
Secrets That Remain: The Emil Fricker Story
Julie Rose Bawden-Davis, author
Lynn Rose Ann Kelley, author
Roses Are Red Publishing
https://rosesareredpublishing.com
ASIN: B0FGT35QGM, $5.99, Kindle
9781955265492, $15.99, PB, 386pp
9781955265522, $32.99, HC
https://www.amazon.com/Secrets-That-Remain-Fricker-Story-ebook/dp/B0FGT35QGM
Synopsis: In 1924, a brutal crime shattered the quiet farmland of Madison County, Illinois. Emil Fricker, a wealthy and
respected dairy farmer, stood trial for a murder that shocked the region. A century later, the truth is finally revealed.
Based on a true story and written by Emil's direct descendants, the historical novel, "Secrets That Remain", by co-authors
Julie Rose Bawden-Davis and Lynn Rose Ann Kelley uncovers what really happened behind closed doors on the Fricker
dairy farm. Told through the voices of Emil's wife, children, and those closest to the events, this powerful story deftly blends
the elements of historical fiction with courtroom drama, family saga, and a mystery ripped from the yesteryear newspaper
headlines.
Critique: Drawn from generational accounts, court records, and newspaper coverage, "Secrets That Remain: The Emil
Fricker Story" is suspenseful story of deftly crafted historical fiction that reveals not just a notorious crime -- but the
devastating fallout such an event has on a family and a community, -- as well as the resilience of those left behind, and
down to this present day, haunting secrets that still persist from that day to this. Compelling, exceptional, and an inherently
fascinating read from start to finish, as well as the kind of novel that will linger in the mind and memory of the reader long
after it is finished and set back upon the shelf, "Secrets That Remain: The Emil Fricker Story" is especially and unreservedly
recommended for personal reading lists and community library History Fiction/Mystery collections.
Editorial Note #1: Lynn Rose Ann Kelley, granddaughter of Emil and Rose Fricker, spent her formative years in South
Bend, Indiana. She moved to Southern California when she was ten years old, where she met her first husband, Monte
Bawden, while in high school. They had four daughters - Julie, Amy, Mandy, and Katie. When she married her second
husband, Bill Kelley, she also became a stepmother to his daughter, Allison. Bill passed away in January 2020, and Lynn
followed in December of the same year.
Like her mother, Blanche, Lynn had a long, productive career as a nurse. She earned her LVN and BSN, working in
hospitals and in home healthcare, the latter focused on the care of AIDS patients. Later in her career, she earned a Doctor of
Psychology (PsyD) and went on to combine her skills as a nurse and counselor. She also became a Clinical Specialist in
Treatment of Victims and Perpetrators of Domestic and Random Violence, and earned certification in yoga, combining the
therapeutic and physical benefits of yoga with her practice Yogatalk.
Though she had many accomplishments, Lynn considered her greatest achievement being a wife, mother, and grandmother.
She expressed this sentiment often throughout her life.
Editorial Note #2: The great granddaughter of Emil and Rose Fricker, Julie Bawden-Davis is a bestselling journalist,
novelist, blogger, and YouTuber. A prolific author, Julie writes in several genres. She enjoys creating page-turning,
suspenseful novels, garden books that turn any brown thumb green, and spiritual books meant to enlighten and inspire.
Julie began penning stories at the age of 5, when she wrote sweet, little romance books for her grandmother. From there, she
graduated to sneaking to a neighbor's house to watch "Dark Shadows" (because her parents thought it was too scary for her)
and in her teens, rushing home after school to become immersed in the world of "General Hospital." These early influences
inspired her to write suspenseful books full of intrigue.
Widely published, Julie has written 45 books and more than 4,000 articles for a wide variety of national and international
publications. She lives in Southern California, where she enjoys sunny, blue skies most days and year-round gardening. Julie
gains inspiration from being surrounded by plants when she writes.
Trudy's Awakening
Carolyn Newton Curry
Mercer University Press
www.mupress.org
9798897360031, $27.00, HC, 288pp
https://www.amazon.com/Trudys-Awakening-Carolyn-Newton-Curry/dp/B0FBN8WJH3
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/trudys-awakening-carolyn-newton-curry/1147586207
Synopsis: "Trudy's Awakening" is an historical novel by Carolyn Newton Curry that is set in the latter half of
nineteenth-century Georgia and tells the story of three women whose lives were intermingled as they worked to overcome
society's barriers to their progress and success.
Gertrude Thomas, "Trudy" to her friends and family, grew up in wealth and privilege but lost it all in the aftermath of the
American Civil War.
Amanda "Mae," along with her mother Lurany, were enslaved to Gertrude's family and yearned for freedom.
Lizzie Jeter was a middle-class young woman who dreamed of being a professional artist.
All three women faced tremendous obstacles in a world that wished to limit and suppress their talents.
Of special note is that author Carolyn Curry uses her own research from her award-winning biography, "Suffer and Grow
Strong: The Life of Ella Gertrude Clanton Thomas, 1834-1907", to imagine the way these women's different paths crossed
in their fight for freedom, civil rights, and successful careers. As their lives intersect, they form close bonds and become
friends.
Critique: Original, eloquent, and with fictional characters given a background of authenticity through author Carolyn
Newton Curry's meticulous and dedicated historical research, "Trudy's Awakening" is a fascinating and compelling read
from cover to cover. A work of historical fiction raised to an impressive level of literary excellence. One of those novels that
will linger in the mind and memory long after the book has been finished and set back upon the shelf, "Trudy's Awakening"
is especially and unreservedly recommended for community and college/university library Historical/Literary Fiction
collections. It should be noted for personal reading lists that this hardcover edition of "Trudy's Awakening" from the Mercer
University Press is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $20.00).
Editorial Note: Carolyn Newton Curry (https://carolyncurry.com) is also the author of "Suffer and Grow Strong: The Life of
Ella Gertrude Clanton Thomas, 1834-1907", which won the Georgia Author of the Year Award and was chosen as One of
the Ten Books All Georgians Should Read by Georgia Center for the Book. Her first novel, "Sudden Death" was a murder
mystery set in the world of football. In 2002, Curry founded Women Alone Together(R) and served as its executive director
for twenty-two years.
An American Nurse In Paris
John F. Andrews
https://johnfrederickandrews.com
46 North Publications
9798989383559, $26.99, HC, 328pp
https://www.amazon.com/American-Nurse-Paris-Novels-Great/dp/B0CN1VZD6L
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/an-american-nurse-in-paris-john-f-andrews/1146561780
Synopsis: Medical journalist Alice Simmons's quest to become a war correspondent careens headlong into a wall of sexism
and deceit after her arrival in Paris in 1918. The suave officer in charge of the American Army press office refuses to let
Alice leave Paris while her male counterparts scramble to the Front during the German spring offensive. One evening, his
misogyny escalates to a drunken assault. Alice manages to fight back, but then her attacker begins a campaign of false
accusations to cover his crime.
A nursing position in an American Red Cross military hospital is Alice's only hope to remain in France. It turns into the best
scoop of her career. Wounded marines and soldiers from the Battle of Belleau Wood flood her ward. A tragic death amid the
human wreckage of war unlocks Alice's compassion and her capacity to love, both long-buried after a childhood tragedy.
Her patients' courage inspires Alice's fight to restore her honor and open her heart.
Critique: Original, deftly crafted, with extraordinary attention paid to historical detail that offers an impressive level of
authenticity, "An American Nurse in Paris" by John F. Andrews is a compellingly engaging read from cover to cover and
will prove to be an especially prized pick for community/public library Historical/World War 1 fiction collections. It should
be noted for personal reading lists that this hardcover edition of "An American Nurse in Paris" from 46 North Publications
is also readily available in paperback (9798989383511, $16.99) and in a digital book format (Kindle, $6.99).
Editorial Note: John F. Andrews (https://johnfrederickandrews.com) is the award-winning author of the 'Novels of the Great
War Series' which includes (in order of publication) "An American Nurse in Paris", "Dogs Don't Cry", and "Our Desperate
Hour". Andrews writes from the perspective of a service family member and critical care physician to craft unique historical
stories based on real events. His characters struggle along side some of the real heroes of WWI, as well as showing the
plight of civilians caught in one of the most horrible conflicts in human history. His novels are stories of struggle, survival,
hope, resilience, and love.
Dogs Don't Cry
John F. Andrews
https://johnfrederickandrews.com
46 North Publications
9798989383542, $26.99, HC, 300pp
https://www.amazon.com/Dogs-Dont-Cry-Novels-Great/dp/B0CSBGMYKM
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dogs-dont-cry-novels-of-the-great-war-john-f-andrews/1146431891
Synopsis: Abby is the Durand family dog, a companion for fifteen-year-old Marcel and his sister, Genevieve. Marcel is
plagued by doubts about his courage as he approaches military age. Genevieve has severe pneumonia and is convinced she
will soon die.
Evacuation is ordered as the German army barrels toward their home village. The doctor tending to Genevieve warns their
mother that the rigors of evacuation will kill the young girl on the eve of her thirteenth birthday. Their mother waits until the
last moment to leave their home in search of shelter.
A disastrous escape leaves them orphaned and alone.
Marcel and Genevieve must find a distant relative, Cousin Henri, who lives near Paris. However, they have never met him,
are not sure of his last name, and don't know his address. Abby is the key -- Henri is her former owner, though she begs to
differ on the "owner" concept. If anyone can find him, she can. The teens confront their worst fears while seeking refuge
amid the chaos of war, armed only with their faith in Abby.
Critique: An effectively engaging and deftly crafted blend of adventure, suspense, and coming of age during the chaotic
turmoil of World War I, "Dogs Don't Cry" is part of author John F. Andrew's exceptional 'Novels of the Great War' series
and a truly memorable read from beginning to end. A prized pick for personal reading lists and community library World
War I historical fiction collections, it should be noted that this hardcover edition of "Dogs Don't Cry" from 46 North
Publications is also readily available in paperback (9798989383535, $16.99) and in a digital book format (Kindle,
$7.99).
Editorial Note: John F. Andrews (https://johnfrederickandrews.com) is the award-winning author of the 'Novels of the Great
War Series' which includes (in order of publication) "An American Nurse in Paris", "Dogs Don't Cry", and "Our Desperate
Hour". Andrews writes from the perspective of a service family member and critical care physician to craft unique historical
stories based on real events. His characters struggle along side some of the real heroes of WWI, as well as showing the
plight of civilians caught in one of the most horrible conflicts in human history. His novels are stories of struggle, survival,
hope, resilience, and love.
Our Desperate Hour
John F. Andrews
https://johnfrederickandrews.com
46 North Publications
9798989383580, $28.99, HC, 378pp
https://www.amazon.com/Our-Desperate-Hour-Novels-Great/dp/B0DKJ3GP6F
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/our-desperate-hour-novels-of-the-great-war-john-f-andrews/1146460168
Synopsis: Ab Johnson has one last chance to reconcile with his son, Jack, a marine second lieutenant who is heading into
the worst conflict in human history. Second lieutenants don't last long in the killing fields of France.
Ab volunteered to rejoin the army and come to France for a liaison job far from the fighting, only to be transferred to the
Paris Medical Group. Ab's quest leads him from the backrooms of Paris, through command posts, and to the front lines
during the Battle of Belleau Wood. He confronts French petulance and American inexperience as he struggles to help
organize an army medical system swamped with casualties during his desperate search.
Ab's story intertwines with three others: an arrogant surgeon who sees war as opportunity; a navy corpsman searching for
his place in the world; and a marine private full of fighting spirit and patriotism. They confront their destinies in a grueling
fight filled with chaos and heart-stopping fear. Each joined the war effort for his own reasons -- now all they hope for is to
survive.
Critique: Enhanced for the reader's benefit by the historical research of John F. Andrews in the process of writing his
'Novels of the Great War', "Our Desperate Hour" is a simply fascinating and skillfully written story that brings the reader
into a yesteryear of World War I and its impact on the lives of the men who fought across the battle fields of France. A gem
of historical fiction that is an exceptional and highly recommended acquisition selection for community library 20th Century
Historical Fiction and World War I themed fiction collections, it should be noted for the personal reading lists that this
hardcover edition of "Our Desperate Hour" from 46 North Publications is also available in paperback (9798989383573,
$18.99) and in a digital book format (Kindle, $7.99).
Editorial Note: John F. Andrews (https://johnfrederickandrews.com) is the award-winning author of the 'Novels of the Great
War Series' which includes (in order of publication) "An American Nurse in Paris", "Dogs Don't Cry", and "Our Desperate
Hour". Andrews writes from the perspective of a service family member and critical care physician to craft unique historical
stories based on real events. His characters struggle along side some of the real heroes of WWI, as well as showing the
plight of civilians caught in one of the most horrible conflicts in human history. His novels are stories of struggle, survival,
hope, resilience, and love.
The Secret Book Society
Madeline Martin
Hanover Square Press
c/o HarperCollins Publishers
www.harpercollins.com
9781335001153, $30.00, HC, 336pp
https://www.amazon.com/Secret-Book-Society-Novel/dp/1335001158
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-secret-book-society-madeline-martin/1146736612
Synopsis: London, 1885: Trapped by oppressive marriages and societal expectations, three women receive a mysterious
invitation to an afternoon tea at the home of the reclusive Lady Duxbury. Beneath the genteel facade of the gathering lies a
secret book club -- a sanctuary where they can discover freedom, sisterhood and the courage to rewrite their stories.
Eleanor Clarke, a devoted mother suffocating under the tyranny of her husband. Rose Wharton, a transplanted American
dollar princess struggling to fit the mold of an aristocratic wife. Lavinia Cavendish, an artistic young woman haunted by a
dangerous family secret. All are drawn to the enigmatic Lady Duxbury, a thrice-widowed countess whose husbands'
untimely deaths have sparked whispers of murder.
As the women form deep, heartwarming friendships, they uncover secrets about their marriages, their pasts and the risks
they face. Their courage is their only weapon in the oppressive world that has kept them silent, but when secrets are deadly,
one misstep could cost them everything.
Critique: Original, clever, deftly crafted and showcasing the impressive flair of author Madeline Martin for the kind of
narrative driven and emotionally engaging storytelling style that provides the reader with a truly compelling and memorable
read from start to finish, "The Secret Book Society" is a unique and especially recommended pick for community/public
library Historical Fiction collections. It should be noted for the personal reading lists for readers with an interest in Gothic
Fiction that this hardcover edition of "The Secret Book Society" from the Hanover Square Press is also readily available in
paperback (9781335016287, $18.99) and in a digital book format (Kindle, $12.99).
Editorial Note: Madeline Martin (https://madelinemartin.com) is a New York Times, USA TODAY, and international
bestselling author of historical fiction and historical romance with books that have been translated into over twenty different
languages.
Of Silver and Secrets
Michelle Griep
Bethany House Publishers
c/o Baker Publishing Group
www.bethanyhouse.com
978074242571, $18.99, PB, 368pp
https://www.amazon.com/Silver-Secrets-Victorian-Archeological-Treasures/dp/0764242571
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/of-silver-and-secrets-michelle-griep/1146440673
Synopsis: In 1889 Victorian England, Eva Inman is haunted by guilt over her parents' deaths while struggling to care for her
blind sister and manage her family's crumbling estate. With the tax deadline looming, Eva's situation looks dire until an
ancient silver ring is unearthed on the property. Despite superstitions warning against disturbing the supposedly cursed
acres, Eva's need for funds ignites her curiosity about the potential of finding more buried relics.
Cambridge professor Bram Webb must prove a legendary Christian Roman settlement exists, or he'll risk exposing his
uncle's deteriorating memory and they'll both lose their positions. Then Eva steps into his office with the prospect of an
archaeological dig that might lead to the very evidence Bram requires -- provided he and Eva can set aside painful memories
of a time they would rather forget.
As the dig forces the two to confront their pasts, the work becomes fraught with challenges that threaten Eva's and Bram's
hopes, as well as the growing attraction between them.
Critique: Original, clever, impressively well written, exceptionally memorable, "Of Silver and Secrets" by Michelle Griep is
a Victorian Romance set against the background of a19th Century archeological dig in England. "Of Silver and Shadows" is
the sequel to "Of Gold and Shadows", this second and concluding volume in the author's 'Time's Lost Treasure' series.
While this hardcover edition of "Of Silver and Shadows" is unreservedly recommended for community and public library
Historical Romance Fiction collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists of readers with an interest in deftly
crafted Christian Historical Romance novels that it is also available in paperback (9780764242571, $18.99) and in a digital
book format (Kindle, $11.39).
Editorial Note: Michelle Griep (www.MichelleGriep.com) has been writing since she first discovered blank wall space and
Crayola. She is a Christy Award-winning author of historical romances that both intrigue and evoke a smile. She is also an
anglophile at heart, and you'll most often find her partaking of a proper cream tea while scheming up her next novel . . . but
it's probably easier to follow her on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.
The Literary Fiction Shelf
Fireflies in a Jar
Beka Wueste
https://www.bekawueste.com
Fox Island Press
9781967077045, $35.00, HC, 284pp
https://www.amazon.com/Fireflies-Jar-Beka-Wueste/dp/1967077045
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fireflies-in-a-jar-beka-wueste/1147853636
Synopsis: "Who are you, Sam?"
Unfortunately for Sam, the answer is: a lonely, single, closeted, mid-thirties woman with no close friends and no romantic
prospects who feels stalled in her own life. Entirely convinced that she is unworthy of love or happiness after surviving
decades of emotional neglect and bullying,
Sam knows she needs to make changes, but is held hostage by her own history, which complicates her attempts to take
control and start her second act.
For most people it's the 2010's, but for Sam, it's 1991, 1997, 2004, or any other painful moment from her past. At any given
moment, her memories rear up and seize her, paralyze her, force her to relive an endless loop of the worst times of her
life.
Sam's inability to come to terms with her past immobilizes her, leaving her isolated, unfulfilled and desperate for change
while navigating past traumas and current family crises.
As Sam tries to change her own life for the better, her actions have unintended consequences across her family.
Critique: Original, deftly crafted, emotionally engaging, "Fireflies in a Jar" showcases author Beka Wueste's genuine flair
for the kind of narrative driven storytelling style that raises her novel to an impressive level of literary excellence. Especially
and unreservedly recommended for community and college/university library Contemporary American Literary Fiction
collections, it should be noted that this hardcover edition of "Fireflies in a Jar" from Fox Island Press is also readily
available for personal LGBTQ 'Coming of Age' reading lists in a paperback edition (9781967077052, $19.99).
Editorial Note: Beka Wueste (https://www.bekawueste.com) is an award-winning visual artist who exhibits her visual work
frequently in regional and national shows. Born in Texas and raised in Virginia, Beka earned a B.A. in art history from the
University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, VA, and an M.A. in art history from George Mason University in
Fairfax, VA. She is also the author of "The Unsent Letters of Lucy Prior".
Town College City Road
Patrick McGinty
University of Wisconsin Press
https://uwpress.wisc.edu
9780299354244, $18.95, PB, 284pp
https://www.amazon.com/Town-College-City-Patrick-McGinty/dp/0299354245
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/town-college-city-road-patrick-mcginty/1147076193
Synopsis: "Town College City Road" follows Kurt Boozel from childhood in an insular Northwestern Pennsylvania steel
town through life's booms and busts, and back to his Rust Belt home.
As a teenage math whiz, Kurt is bullied but relishes the opportunity to tutor his high school's star athlete. After their
friendship ends in a public and emasculating act of violence, Kurt steers his life progressively eastward, first as a closeted
economics major clinging to the coattails of his richer fraternity brothers, then to New York for a high-pressure finance
job.
After turning his attention to the fantastic promises of the cryptocurrency market, he finds himself unmoored while driving
across Pennsylvania in the midst of a snowstorm to be the best man at his brother's wedding.
Through his struggles to pass multiple masculine initiations, both real and metaphorical, Kurt ultimately discovers that the
only thing tougher than running away from rural mythology is constructing a new one.
Critique: Exceptional, emotionally engaging, and a riveting read from start to finish, "Town College City Road" by novelist
Patrick McGinty is an inherently fascinating 'coming of age' story that will have an authentic resonance with the reader.
With his distinctive and narrative driven storytelling style, author Patrick McGinty raises his novel to an impressive level of
literary excellence. Making it an unreservedly recommended pick for personal reading lists, as well as community and
college/university library Contemporary Literary Fiction collections.
Editorial Note: Patrick McGinty teaches at Slippery Rock University and serves on the executive council for his statewide
faculty union, APSCUF. He is the author of the novel "Test Drive".
(https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7567801.Patrick_McGinty)
The Romantic Fiction Shelf
The Heart Hitch
Laurie Woodford
https://www.lauriewoodford.com
The Wild Rose Press, Inc.
https://wildrosepress.com
ASIN: B0FKH56NXX, $5.99, Kindle
9781509263493, $20.99, PB, 332
https://www.amazon.com/Heart-Hitch-Laurie-Woodford-ebook/dp/B0FKH56NXX
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-heart-hitch-laurie-woodford/1147939878
Synopsis: Professor Ramona Sadler lost her university job, luxury townhouse, and is now having to be a substitute teacher
living in a Texas RV park.
Plus, her annoying volunteer supervisor, Dr. Lonnie Acres, lives on the farm next door, a maddening coincidence because
have you seen this guy? Shirtless? Holding a lamb?
Lonnie Acres may seem aloof and sometimes downright smug but, secretly, he's dealing with heartache and a gentleman
complex that he's wanted to shake ever since he first looked into Ramona's eyes.
When Ramona must travel to New York to assist her ailing mother and Lonnie helps tow her RV eighteen hundred miles to
visit, secrets are revealed, souls are bared, and it just may be the road trip of their lifetime.
Critique: Original, skillfully crafted, "The Heart Hitch" by Laurie Woodford will prove of immense interest to fans of
contemporary romantic comedies. A fun read from start to finish by a novelist expert in the genre, "The Heart Hitch" from
The Wild Rose Press is an especially and unreservedly recommended pick for personal reading lists and community library
Contemporary Romance collections.
Editorial Note: Laurie Woodford (https://www.lauriewoodford.com) after teaching college English in the U.S., China, and
South Korea and earning an MFA in creative writing a bit later in life, is now a full-time author with a soft spot for memoir,
romantic comedy, and helping others write their life stories.
The Magic of Provence
Alison Roberts
Boldwood Books
c/o Ulverscroft Large Print, Inc.
www.ulverscroft.com
9781836173250, $42.00/$35.70, PB, Large Print, 400pp
https://www.ulverscroft.com/store/us/search/9781836173250
Synopsis: Fiona Gilchrist has spent years running from her demons. But deciding to take back control, she packs up her life
and makes the trip to Provence to be reunited with her sisters. And almost instantly, there is something about La Maisonette
which is healing and Fi knows she's ready for a chance to start again.
When an opportunity arises to work alongside vet Christophe Brabant, Fiona, although hesitant cannot resist saying yes.
Because immersing herself in what she loves is the ultimate distraction. And while Christophe may be utterly charming, he's
also committed to his job so Fiona knows she's in safe hands.
Yet, what starts as a blossoming friendship quickly turns to something deeper. Because for the first time in her life, Fiona
begins to feel relaxed and completely at ease. Could it be that Christophe's heart is more like hers than she realises? Or has
she allowed him to penetrate the boundaries she always considered unbreachable?
Coming to France took a leap of faith, but in doing so it has allowed these two damaged souls a chance to find each other
while Provence works its magic...
Critique: The kind of romance novel that is both singularly original and yet with a universal resonance, "The Magic of
Provence" by author Alison Roberts is an impressively clever, deftly crafted, and truly memorable story that will linger in
the mind and memory of the reader long after the book has been finished and set back upon the shelf. This large print trade
paperback edition of "The Magic of Provence" from Boldwood Books will prove to be a treasured pick for personal reading
lists and community library Contemporary Romance Fiction collections.
Editorial Note: Alison Roberts (https://www.alisonrobertsromance.com) is the author of well over a hundred romance
novels. An extensive listing of her books can be found online at:
https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/258036.Alison_Roberts
Pitcher Perfect
Tessa Bailey
Avon Books
c/o HarperCollins Publishers
www.harpercollins.com
9780063380820, $30.00, HC, 336pp
https://www.amazon.com/Pitcher-Perfect-Fake-Dating-Disciplined-Completely/dp/006338082X
Synopsis: Boston Bearcats rookie Robbie Corrigan is living the dream. He's made it to the NHL, his best friend/teammate
and fellow "orgasm donor" is his roomie -- and the women of Boston love them both. Life is sweet. That is, until he meets
Skylar Paige, division 1 softball pitcher, girl least likely to take anyone's bull... and the one member of the opposite sex
immune to his charms. Robbie might be dazzled by the badass pitcher, but Skylar pegs him as a filthy player and wants
nothing to do with him.
When he discovers she's carrying a serious torch for her brother's best friend, Robbie knows he should just go back to
clubbing and whipped cream bikini parties, but he can't seem to leave Skylar to flounder on her romantic quest to land
another man. Nor can he miss out on the opportunity to spend time with her and hopefully redeem himself. Before Robbie
knows it, he's agreed to be Skylar's fake boyfriend/love coach at an upcoming family wilderness competition where her
crush will be in attendance. What could go wrong?
Through a series of contests that require them to trust each other, Robbie and Skylar grow closer and closer until their fake
relationship starts to feel like the realest thing they've ever known and the sizzling lessons in sensuality burn out of
control.
But it's all just pretend... right?
Critique: The stuff of which Hallmark Channel Rom-Com movies are made, "Pitcher Perfect: A Spicy Fake-Dating Sports
Romance of a Playboy Hockey Rookie and the Disciplined Softball Pitcher Completely Immune to His Charms" by Tessa
Bailey is a fun and funny read from cover to cover. The very definition of 'feel good' fiction, "Pitcher Perfect" is especially
and unreservedly recommended for community/public library Contemporary Romance collections. It should be noted for the
personal reading lists of dedicated Rom-Com fans that this hardcover edition of "Pitcher Perfect" from Avon Books is also
readily available in paperback (9780063380837, $18.99) and in a digital book format (Kindle, $11.99).
Editorial Note: Tessa Bailey (https://www.tessabailey.com) can solve all problems except for her own, so as an author, she
focuses those efforts on stubborn, fictional blue-collar men and loyal, lovable heroines. Tessa writes with spice, spirit,
swoon and a guaranteed happily ever after.
The Rules of Falling for You
Mollie Rushmeyer
Bethany House Publishers
c/o Baker Publishing Group
www.bethanyhouse.com
9780764244421, $18.99, PB, 352pp
https://www.amazon.com/Rules-Falling-You-Regency-Infused-Contemporary/dp/0764244426
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-rules-of-falling-for-you-mollie-rushmeyer/1147013286
Synopsis: The perfect match can't be far (certainly not at a Regency-themed singles' retreat) or so podcaster Zoe Dufour
believes. After years of creating content for her relationship podcast inspired by Regency etiquette and era-appropriate rules
for romance, she knows her listeners have anticipated this retreat. But she also attends with expectations of her own: finding
the ideal modern-day gentleman who can meet every one of the nonnegotiables on her checklist.
Harrison Lundquist, Zoe's podcast producer and best friend's brother, reluctantly agrees to tag along on the retreat to capture
footage while seeking a career-advancing promotion. He views the retreat as ridiculous. And Zoe's methods for finding her
real-life Mr. Darcy? Downright absurd! But as he films her whirlwind dates, his growing feelings for her are sidelined by
suitors vying for her attention. When Zoe realizes her checklist for the man of her dreams might be holding her back, she
must decide if she's willing to rewrite her rules and take a chance on the person who has been there all along.
She thought she knew the rules of love. Turns out, love makes its own.
Critique: Original, clever, well crafted, and a fun read from cover to cover, "The Rules of Falling for You" by novelist and
storyteller Mollie Rushmeyer is rom-com reading at its very best. While a prized and popular pick for community library
contemporary 'clean' romance collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that this paperback edition of "The
Rules of Falling for You" from Bethany House Publishers is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $12.99).
Editorial Note: Mollie Rushmeyer (www.MollieJRushmeyer.com) writes whimsical romance with heart and humor. She has
a deep and abiding love for all things British, bookish, and filled with history and mystery. A modern girl herself- (she
wouldn't want to go a day without modern plumbing and central air!) she's always felt a special connection to the past and
anything with a happily ever after. Her debut novel, "The Bookshop of Secrets", was a finalist for a 2023 Carol Award.
Once Upon a Christmas Carol
Melody Carlson
Fleming H. Revell Company
c/o Baker Publishing Group
www.revellbooks.com
9780800744731, $18.99, HC, 176pp
https://www.amazon.com/Once-Upon-Christmas-Carol-Christian/dp/080074473X
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/once-upon-a-christmas-carol-melody-carlson/1147013443
Synopsis: Carol Langstrom hates Christmas. Growing up in a dysfunctional home, with a birthday on December 25 and too
many dashed childhood expectations, she would rather avoid the holiday season. And working in the design industry where
she manages seasonal decor for wealthy, entitled clients certainly hasn't helped!
So, this year her goal is to flee by herself to the Bahamas -- bah humbug! But bad weather and God's radically different plan
redirect her flight to blustery Michigan, where she gets stuck on her aunt's farm and discovers a different kind of Christmas
-- one wrapped in love, family, and holiday spirit.
Critique: A sweet Christian/Romance novella with the themes of 'A Christmas Carol' but set in Michigan, "Once Upon A
Christmas Carol" by Melody Carlson is a fun and heartwarming read from cover to cover. The stuff of which Hallmark
Movie Channel movies are made, "Once Upon A Christmas Carol" is especially and unreservedly recommended for
personal reading lists and community library Christmas themed fiction and contemporary romance collections. It should be
noted that this hardcover edition of "Once Upon A Christmas Carol" from Revell is also readily available in a digital book
format (Kindle, $12.99).
Editorial Note: Melody Carlson (www.bookseriesinorder.com/melody-carlson) is the author of more than 250 books,
including many Christmas novellas, young adult titles, and contemporary romances. She received a Romantic Times Career
Achievement Award, her novel All Summer Long has been made into a Hallmark movie, and the movie based on her novel
The Happy Camper premiered on UPtv in 2023.
The Christmas House
Beverly Lewis
Bethany House Publishers
c/o Baker Publishing Group
www.bethanyhouse.com
9780764244681, $17.99, HC, 160pp
https://www.amazon.com/Christmas-House-Christian-Fiction-Lancaster/dp/076424468X
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-christmas-house-beverly-lewis/1147013282
Synopsis: With the holidays approaching, Liz Lantz is dedicated to using her Hickory Hollow buggy tour business to share
God's love with the Englisher tourists who visit her Lancaster County community.
But when her father and brother are called away for a while, Dat finds a young Amishman to assist her on the tours in her
brother's place, much to Liz's dismay. Regardless, the popularity of her Christmas House Buggy Tour means she could use
the help, so as the countdown to Christmas begins, she works alongside Matthew Yoder, who quickly takes a genuine
interest in the tour customers -- and Liz.
As an Englisher family in Hickory Hollow expresses their festive spirit with a lavishly decorated house for the second year
running, Liz's Amish community becomes increasingly concerned about attracting unwanted traffic and attention, and Liz
wonders if there is any way to bridge the gap to help the new neighbors feel welcome.
At the same time, she grapples with her growing feelings for Matt, whose position with her is only temporary. Can she find
a way to bring harmony to Hickory Hollow in time for Christmas?
Critique: A Beverly Lewis is a master of the Amish Romance genre and her latest novel, "The Christmas House" continues
to showcase her gift for deftly crafted, original, engaging, and entertaining novels set against Amish/Mennonite cultural
backgrounds. While also readily available for personal reading lists in a digital book format (Kindle, $11.99), this hardcover
edition of "The Christmas House" from Bethany House Publishers is especially and unreservedly recommended for
community/public library Contemporary Romance Fiction collections.
Editorial Note: Beverly Lewis (www.BeverlyLewis.com) was born in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country, and has
more than 19 million books in print. Her stories have been published in twelve languages and have regularly appeared on
numerous bestseller lists, including the New York Times and USA Today.
Designed with Love
Tracy Peterson
Bethany House Publishers
c/o Baker Publishing Group
www.bethanyhouse.com
9780764245107, $29.99, HC, 320pp
https://www.amazon.com/Designed-Love-Cheyenne-Tracie-Peterson/dp/0764245104
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/designed-with-love-tracie-peterson/1146440629
Synopsis: After being widowed on her wedding day, Emma Johnson moves to Cheyenne with her sister-in-law to start over.
Emma's life has been marked by wild living and a desire for fun, but the death of her husband forces her to reconsider her
priorities. Her brother-in-law Colton Benton travels with them, intending to help Emma get established, but she becomes
wary of Colton's intentions, wondering if he is genuinely interested in her or merely after his brother's inheritance -- which is
now hers.
Colton has harbored feelings for Emma since they first met, and he is caught between his love for her and the pressure from
his brothers to marry her for the family's financial benefit. As they settle into Cheyenne, Colton tries to balance his business
dealings with the Union Pacific and his growing affection for Emma. With his sister's simple yet profound faith in God as
inspiration amidst their struggles, Emma and Colton will be challenged to believe that a divine plan is intricately woven into
their lives.
Critique: A western Christian historical romance set in Frontier Wyoming, "Designed With Love" is the second volume in
author Tracie Peterson's 'Hope of Cheyenne' trilogy and a fun read for historical romance fans from cover to cover. Clever,
exceptional, and a highly recommended pick for community and public library Historical Romance collections, it should be
noted for the personal reading lists of Tracie Peterson fans that this hardcover edition of "Designed With Love" from
Bethany House Publishers is also readily available in paperback (9780764241116, $18.99) and in a digital book format
(Kindle, $12.99).
Editorial Note: Tracie Peterson (www.TraciePeterson.com) is the author of more than 100 novels, both historical and
contemporary. She has won the ACFW Lifetime Achievement Award and the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award.
Her avid research resonates in her many popular series.
The Western Fiction Shelf
Western Union
Paul Bedford
c/o Ulverscroft Large Print, Inc.
www.ulverscroft.com
9781444855791, $25.00/$21.25, PB, Large Print, 230pp
https://www.ulverscroft.com/store/us/search/9781444855791
Synopsis: The year is 1861, and the nation is embroiled in Civil War.
The Western Union Telegraph Company intends to connect East with West as never before, but is beset by enemies. Wires
are cut and telegraph poles burned, and then matters take a far darker turn when a repair crew is massacred.
The question is, who might be responsible? Could it be embittered Indians, belligerent Confederates, or even the Pony
Express, which will surely go out of business as soon as the transcontinental telegraph is completed?
Company boss Ezra Cornell employs a grizzled former Texas Ranger, known only as Kirby, to investigate. Paired up with
young company employee, Ransom Thatcher, the two men head out across the vast northern plains in search of the deadly
marauders. Then it belatedly dawns on Thatcher that if his companion is a Texan, that must also make him a Confederate,
and yet another potential enemy!
Critique: A skillfully written, clever, engaging, and original western novel by an impressively talented author, Paul
Bedford's "Western Union" is an extraordinary and original story set in the historical framework of the American Civil War.
Featuring memorable characters and unexpected plot twists, "Western Union" is a fun read from start to finish for dedicated
western fans and this large print paperback edition from the Linford Western Library is an unreservedly recommended pick
for personal reading lists and community library Western Fiction collections.
Editorial Note: Paul Bedford has a strong interest in the history of the American frontier, and makes his western novels as
factually accurate and realistic as possible. A listing of his westerns is online at:
https://www.fantasticfiction.com/b/paul-bedford
Brothers Of The Gun
B. S. Dunn
c/o Ulverscroft Large Print, Inc.
www.ulverscroft.com
9781444855364, $25.00/$21.25, PB, Large Print, 206pp
https://www.ulverscroft.com/store/us/search/9781444855364
Synopsis: Buford Lance fought for every inch of his B-L connected ranch, so he'd be damned if he was going to hand over a
large portion of his Cottonwood Creek range to homesteaders.
Instead, he decides to fight again. This time, he hires two of the best guns in the business.
Lucas Kane: The Gun King. They said he was invincible, that there was nobody faster.
Jordan Kane: The Prince. Next in line for the throne. He'd take on any job. It was said that he'd shoot his own mother if the
price was right.
One, an out and out killer, the other, his polar opposite who could never commit murder no matter the price.
When Lucas Kane refuses the job, Lance has him bushwhacked. It begins an infamous blood-letting talked about for years
to come and leads to the change of a town's name in an effort to forget. Ultimately, it draws two brothers into a showdown
where only one can walk away.
Will the 'Gun King' keep his throne? Or can the 'Prince' finally get to wear the crown he desperately covets?
Critique: An action/adventure gun slinging western of the first order, This large print paperback edition of novelist B. S.
Dunn's "Brothers of the Gun" from the Linford Western Library series is a fun and riveting read from cover to cover that is a
strongly recommended pick for both the personal reading lists of dedicated western fans and community/public library
Western Fiction collections.
Editorial Note: B. S. Dunn has written an impressive number of western novels, all of which are listed online at:
https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/13544157.B_S_Dunn
The Feud at Broken Man
Frank Callan
Linford Western Library
c/o Ulverscroft Large Print, Inc.
www.ulverscroft.com
9781444855258, $25.00/$21.25, PB, Large Print, 213pp
https://www.ulverscroft.com/store/us/search/9781444855258
Synopsis: Lord Harry Lacey, the youngest son of an English aristocrat, he has run away from his debts at home to start a
new life in America. Using his skills with horses and guns, he makes a living as he journeys west to Colorado.
Then he decides to give up his guns and start a new life as a public speaker in the new settlements where he believes people
will be keen to experience culture. However, arriving in Broken Man en route for Denver, Lord Harry witnesses a young girl
being badly wounded in crossfire and quickly learns that the town is being torn apart by a feud.
Seeing an opportunity to do something useful, he tries to influence local leaders to resolve the situation -- only to find that
some disputes can only be settled with a gun.
Critique: With all the compelling action of a Clint Eastwood western movie, "The Feud at Broken Man" by western novelist
Frank Callan is an original, clever, and deftly crafted read that will fully engaging and delight hardcore western buffs from
start to finish. This large print paperback edition of "The Feud at Broken Man" from the Linford Western Library series is an
extraordinary and highly recommended pick for personal reading lists and community/public library Western Fiction
collections.
Editorial Note: Frank Callan has held a long fascinating with the West. A complete listing of his western novels is at:
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8011071.Frank_Callan
Dead Man Walking
Derek Rutherford
Linford Western Library
c/o Ulverscroft Large Print, Inc.
www.ulverscroft.com
9781444855265, $25.00/$21.25, PB, Large Print, 284pp
https://www.ulverscroft.com/store/us/search/9781444855265
Synopsis: The authorities warned Jim Jackson that if ever set foot in Texas again then he wouldn't get out alive. But Jim is
back, searching for information about old friends incarcerated in the cruel Texas penal system, with intentions to bust them
out of wherever they are. When Jim foils a train robbery, he's suddenly both a hero and a hunted man. The death toll rises as
Jim attempts to outrun both the authorities and the friends of the train robbers he killed. Meanwhile, there's still a prison
break to engineer. And there's also the matter of the beautiful and enigmatic Rosalie Robertson...
Critique: Another original, deftly crafted, and riveting read from cover to cover by talented author and storyteller Derek
Rutherford, "Dead Man Walking" is western action/adventure at its very best. This newly published, large print, paperback
edition of "Dead Man Walking" is a choice and recommended pick for personal reading lists and community/public librar
Western Fiction collections.
Editorial Note: Derek Rutherford is based in Gloucester, UK. He has published five Black Horse Westerns and numerous
short stories in the western, crime, science-fiction, and horror genres. When not writing he plays lead guitar in a band and
enjoys predator fishing and photography. (https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1080882.Derek_Rutherford)
The Mystery/Suspense Shelf
Vision Storm
Mike Raymond
Independently Published
9798280907300, $14.99, PB, 379pp
https://www.amazon.com/Vision-Storm-Mike-Raymond/dp/B0F91HMP76
Synopsis: Have you experienced deju vu, or the feeling that you've been somewhere before? What about clairvoyance, a
premonition of what is about to happen? Why do some people have stronger sensations than others? What if it began to
occur more frequently and started to interfere with your life? Would you wonder about your sanity?
That's what happened to 16-year-old Dannilee Bennett. It seemed she always made the right moves and avoided the wrong
ones. In fact, she was the luckiest kid anyone ever knew. But she worried that, like her mother, she might have been losing
her mind.
One man took notice. He watched patiently, determined that soon, he would teach her to control and grow her special talent.
And when she was ready, he would use her to build his criminal enterprise into an empire.
Despite valiant efforts of family and friends, Dannilee is whisked away from the life she knew and immersed into an entirely
different culture. Alone, thousands of miles away from home, she had to learn quickly to choose friends from enemies,
lovers from friends and how to harness a power she never wanted.
Critique: Original, expertly crafted, fully engaging, and an inherently compelling read from start to finish, "Vision Storm"
by novelist Mike Raymond is an impressive blending of mystery, adventure and suspense which is an especially and
unreservedly recommended pick for highschool and community library Contemporary Fiction and Mystery/Suspense
collections. It should be noted for personal reading lists that this paperback edition of "Vision Storm" is also readily
available in a digital book format (Kindle, $2.99).
Editorial Note: Mike Raymond is also the author of "The Bluffton Christmas Shoppe" (2013), a novel for young readers
ages 12-18.
Arctic Red
James Bultema
P.D. Publishing
ASIN: B0FFNFZLMN, $5.99, Kindle
9798298175074, $24.99, HC, 428pp
9798297826892, $17.99, PB, 428pp
https://www.amazon.com/Arctic-Red-Sea-Book-ebook/dp/B0FFNFZLMN
Synopsis: Due to climate change the Arctic is no longer frozen -- and Greenland is the target for both the Americans and the
Russians.
In the chilling aftermath of the Sea of Red series, "Arctic Red" by James Bultema, the United States faces its most
treacherous enemy yet: a resurgent Russia hell-bent on controlling the Arctic's strategic frontier. As ice melts, tensions
ignite.
Lieutenant Commander Jessie "Swagger" Hampton is back in the cockpit of his F-35, now flying combat missions over the
world's newest battlefield. His wife, Lieutenant Commander Sarah "Danger" Freeman, patrols the skies in her E-2D
Hawkeye, the eyes of the fleet, tracking enemy fighters, detecting missile launches, and directing the kill chain as war erupts
across the Arctic.
When Russian forces launch a surprise invasion of Greenland, the U.S. military scrambles to respond. From silent
submarine warfare beneath the polar sea to high-altitude dogfights and boots-on-frozen-ground combat, Arctic Red delivers
relentless action and razor-sharp realism.
The war for the Arctic between the American and the Russians has begun -- and the cost of failure is global.
Critique: With the publication "Arctic Red, once again James Bultema demonstrates his mastery of the techno-thriller genre
with a story that could be torn from tomorrow's headlines. Bultema writes with an authenticity that brings his characters to
life. Deftly crafted with many an unexpected plot twist, "Arctic Red" is a simply riveting read from cover to cover. "Arctic
Red" especially and unreservedly recommended for community library Contemporary Suspense Thriller Fiction collections,
and the personal reading lists of growing legions of James Bultema fans.
Editorial Note #1: "Arctic Red" is the fourth volume in the 'Sea of Red' series by James Bultema. The previous three titles
are: "Sea Red"; "Attack from Within", and "Red Lines"
Editorial Note #2: James Bultema (https://www.jamesbultema.com) is a military combat veteran and a retired LAPD officer
with over twenty-five years of experience on the streets of Los Angeles. Drawing on his experiences from real-world
conflict zones and urban policing, as an author, Bultema weaves authenticity into every battle scene. With a degree in
history and a commitment to thorough research, he ensures his depictions of modern warfare are as accurate as they are
compelling.
Strings Attached
Andrew Nitkin
Palmetto Publishing
https://www.palmettopublishing.com
9798822973831, $23.99, HC, 186pp
https://www.amazon.com/Strings-Attached-Andrew-Nitkin/dp/B0DVX91D51
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/strings-attached-andrew-nitkin/1146929710
Synopsis: Jonathan Lanbourne worked his entire career to become a concert guitarist. His dreams finally became realized
when the European Union Cultural Council contracted him to do a five-city tour of Europe. After discussing it with his wife,
Jonathan agreed-and in a few short months, he flew to London for the first leg of the trip.
However, in the second city, Brussels, Jonathan began to notice odd happenings and became sucked into a world he was
wholly unfamiliar with before. A mysterious person beckons him to a restaurant who turns out to be someone he didn't
expect, making a proposal he didn't want to hear.
A few days later, in his Paris event, Jonathan is pulled into a scene seemingly plucked from an old-time gangster
movie.
As his world tour continues, Jonathan must jump through hoops of romance, crime, music, culture, and more to return to a
safe and comfortable life. But, based on the decisions he makes-or in some cases, was forced to make-is safe ever really an
option anymore? And what will happen to the career he's worked so hard to build if his mistakes come to light?
"Strings Attached" is a deftly crafted novel that includes many cultural references to famous cities in Europe and South
America. It often references each city's music, cuisine, art, and history, making each exploit of Jonathan's more interesting
and engaging for the reader.
Critique: Original, clever, engaging, author Andrew Nitkin has a genuine flair for the kind of storytelling that raises his
novel of suspense to an impressive level of literary elegance. An inherently fascinating read from start to finish, "Strings
Attached" is especially and unreservedly recommended for community library Contemporary Mystery/Suspense collections.
It should be noted for personal reading lists that this hardcover edition of "Strings Attached" from Palmetto Publishing is
also readily available in paperback (9798822973848, $15.99) and in a digital book format (Kindle, $7.99).
Editorial Note: Andrew Nitkin (https://whartonarts.org/artistic-team/andrew-nitkin) is an entrepreneur, musician, and
educator with decades of experience in the performing arts. He founded a renowned music school and performance space in
NYC and later served as an executive administrator and guitar instructor at Wharton Institute for the Performing Arts, New
Jersey's largest nonprofit arts organization. Now based in Scotch Plains, NJ, Andrew writes books blending entertainment
with practical lifestyle insights and is currently recording a classical guitar album. His debut novel, "Strings Attached",
launches a series of fiction and non-fiction works. Andrew aims to inspire and enrich lives with creativity and wisdom
through his writing and teaching.
A Halloween Murder
Mary Grand
Boldwood Books
c/o Ulverscroft Large Print, Inc.
www.ulverscroft.com
9781836784654, $42.00/$35.70, PB, Large Print, 400pp
https://www.ulverscroft.com/store/us/search/9781836784654
Synopsis: Susan has always taken comfort in the peaceful rhythm of life on the Isle of Wight. But when her daughter Zoe
invites her to a Halloween ghost walk at a remote castle, Susan has a sense of foreboding she can't quite shake.
It's meant to be a bit of fun for the group of old school friends, the thrill of an overnight stay behind the castle's ancient
gates. But when one of them is found dead, the weekend away takes a sinister turn. With the castle locked down and the
group trapped inside, it soon becomes clear the killer would have been amongst them.
As the police begin their investigation, Susan can't stand by and watch. She knows her daughter, and she knows Zoe's
friends -- none of them could be capable of such a terrible act. Could they?
Critique: Original, deftly crafted, and a dedicated mystery lover's delight, "A Halloween Murder" by Mary Grand is an
extraordinarily fascinating and impressively entertaining read from cover to cover. This large print paperback edition from
Boldwood Books will prove to be a welcome and enduringly popular pick for the personal reading lists of classic
'whodunnit' style mysteries and a solid acquisition choice for community and public library Mystery/Suspense
collections.
Editorial Note: Mary Grand (https://marygrand.net)is the bestselling author of murder mysteries set in the current time but in
the style of classic whodunnits. These are set on the Isle of Wight where she lives and writes, and the island landscape is an
important feature of her books. The first three novels with Boldwood, starting with The House Party, are stand-alone murder
mysteries. The next four are part of a series featuring amateur detective Susan Flynn, starting with A Seaside Murder
(originally published as Death At Castle Cove). Mary's writing career started with three self-published novels starting with
Free to Be Tegan, which is set in Wales, where Mary was born and grew up, and two anthologies of short stories Catching
the Light and Making Changes. These earlier novels are in the women's fiction genre, featuring central characters who find
strength in overcoming adversity.
The Case of the Body on the Orient Express
Kelly Oliver
Boldwood Books
c/o Ulverscroft Large Print, Inc.
www.ulverscroft.com
9781836175551, $42.00/$35.70, PB, Large Print, 400pp
9781836175490, $90.95/$77.31, Audio CD (8 Hours 20 Minutes)
9781836175490, $90.95/$77.31, MP3-CD (8 Hours 20 Minutes)
https://www.ulverscroft.com/store/us/search/9781836175551
Synopsis: Paris, 1928: Agatha Christie and fellow writer Dorothy L Sayers board the Orient Express, bound for
Constantinople. Christie in particular is looking forward to a break from recent dispiriting events in both her work and
private life -- the finalization of her divorce from her philanderous husband Archie, and the miserly reception of her latest
book.
But before the duo can settle in to enjoy the luxuries of their first-class journey, their journey is derailed when a fellow guest
drops dead during the dinner service. And as the last person to speak to the victim, Dorothy finds herself a prime suspect in
his murder.
As the train hurtles East, Sayers' resourceful assistant Eliza and her friend Theo must navigate a maze of suspects. But with
each passing mile, the stakes rise, and when another body is discovered, their search to find the killer before they reach their
destination becomes increasingly complicated.
Can Eliza and Theo stay one step ahead, crack the mystery and clear Dorothy's name? Or will this be one journey too far for
the amateur sleuths?
Critique: A classic 'whodunnit' murder mystery, but 'starring' as the amateur female sleuths two acclaimed masters of the
genre, Agatha Christie and Dorothy L. Sawyers, this hardcover, large print, trade paperback edition of author Kelly Oliver's
"The Case of the Body on the Orient Express" from Boldwood Books is especially and unreservedly recommended for the
personal reading lists of cozy mystery fans, as well as community/public library Mystery/Suspense collections.
It should also be noted by librarians that, deftly narrated by Penelope Rawlins, "The Case of the Body on the Orient
Express" also available as a complete and unabridged audio book from Boldwood /Ulverscroft in either a CD or an MP3-
CD format.
Editorial Note: Kelly Oliver (https://kellyoliverbooks.com) is the author of four award-winning bestselling mystery series
and dozens of nonfiction books.
The Atlantis Covenant
Rob Jones
Boldwood Books
c/o Ulverscroft Large Print, Inc.
www.ulverscroft.com
9781805579953, $42.00/$35.70, PB, Large Print, 472pp
https://www.ulverscroft.com/store/us/search/9781805579953
Synopsis: The greatest mystery of all time is about to be revealed. When world-famous archaeologist and ex-soldier Max
Hunter finds a mysterious artifact in a tomb beneath the Gates of Nineveh, his lifelong dream of finding Atlantis comes one
step closer.
But there is a problem. He is not the only one looking for it and his discovery unleashes a high-speed hunt for the lost
civilization between a mysterious Swiss foundation, the FBI, and the world's most secretive society. From the dangers of the
Iraqi desert to Cuba and the jungles of El Salvador to the enigmatic Valley of the Kings in Egypt, Hunter faces a race against
time and murderous enemies who will stop at nothing to kill him and claim the greatest prize in history for themselves.
As he fights for his life, it soon becomes apparent that his enemies are hoping to find more than lost history in Atlantis, and
are searching for something altogether more sinister. Can he use his unique ingenuity and knowledge to decipher the clues
and find Atlantis and its lethal treasures before they fall into enemy hands?
Packed with high-octane chases and breath-taking suspense, The Atlantis Covenant is the first thriller in the brand new
Hunter Files series from the author of the bestselling Joe Hawke series, Rob Jones.
Critique: Clever, exceptional, engaging, swiftly paced, and a fun read from cover to cover, "The Atlantis Covenant" by Rob
Jones is an action packed historical thriller of a novel that will hold a very special appeal readers with an interest in ancient
mysteries whose secrets could dramatically impact our present understanding of the world. Launching the new 'Hunter Files'
adventure series by Rob Jones, this large print, trade paperback edition of "The Atlantis Covenant' from Boldwood Books is
an original and unreservedly recommended pick for personal reading lists and community library General Fiction
collections.
Editorial Note: Rob Jones is the author of twenty-five thrillers, including fourteen in the Joe Hawke action-adventure series
and now The Hunter Files. A listing of his books is available online at
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/238274172-the-atlantis-covenant
How to Slay at Christmas
Sarah Bonner
Boldwood Books
c/o Ulverscroft Large Print, Inc.
www.ulverscroft.com
9781836335535, $42.00/$35.70, PB, Large Print, 488pp
https://www.ulverscroft.com/store/us/search/9781836335535
Synopsis: Jessica Williams loves Christmas: the food, the drink, the fairy lights, -- the opportunities to take out all the
miserable people who ruin the festive season for others.
And what better cover for her murderous intentions than taking a job as Mrs Claus at the Ellsbury Christmas Market grotto?
After all, who would possibly think Mrs Claus could stab a man through the eye with a Phillips-head screwdriver?
Fearne Dixon hates Christmas. As the long-suffering wife of the Ellsbury Christmas Market's manager, she's sick to the
back teeth of it and it's still only November. But then the bodies start piling up, an old rival arrives back in her life, and
Fearne reaches breaking point.
Critique: Original, riveting, skillfully crafted, and a first class suspense thriller of a read from start to finish, "How To Slay
At Christmas" by novelist Sarah Bonner showcases that author's genuinely engaging and narrative driven storytelling style.
This large print, trade paperback edition of "How To Slay At Christmas" from Boldwood Books is an especially and
unreservedly recommended addition to the personal reading lists of dedicated suspense/thriller mystery fans and
community/public library Contemporary Mystery/Suspense collections.
Editorial Note: There is an extensive listing of novels by Sarah Bonner listed online at:
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21758144.Sarah_Bonner
Mince Pies and Murder
J. R. Leigh
Boldwood Books
c/o Ulverscroft Large Print, Inc.
www.ulverscroft.com
9781837514892, $42.00/$35.70, PB, Large Print, 480pp
https://www.ulverscroft.com/store/us/search/9781837514892
Synopsis: As Christmas approaches in the Cornish town of Seal Bay, festive cheer fills the air. Twinkling lights, jingling
bells, and sparkling trees adorn every corner, and Morwenna Mutton, the sharp-witted sexagenarian sleuth, is eagerly
counting down the days. But when local author Pawly Yelland is discovered dead at a party, a champagne flute in one hand
and a mince pie in the other, it seems this Christmas will be anything but merry.
Known for his grudges against several neighbours, Pawly had recently made no secret of his disdain for some of the local
crowd -- and now, with his death, a long list of suspects emerges. As the police begin narrowing down those with a motive,
Morwenna knows she's the only one who can uncover the truth and restore some yuletide magic to Seal Bay.
But things take a darker turn. Mysterious Christmas cards begin arriving at doorsteps, and sightings of a sinister
Santa-costumed figure at windows only add to the growing tension. Can Morwenna solve the murder before Christmas is
ruined for good?
Critique: Original, expertly crafted, clever, and of special appeal to readers with an interest in cozy mysteries 'starring' an
elderly, amateur, female sleuth seeking to solve a puzzling, plot twisting, 'whodunnit' murder mystery with a memorably
distinctive cast of characters and unexpected plot twists, "Mince Pies and Murder" is a fun and compelling read from first
page to last. This large print, trade paperback edition of J. R. Leigh's "Mince Pies and Murder" from Boldwood Books is an
extraordinary and highly recommended addition to personal reading lists and community library Mystery/Suspense
collections.
Editorial Note: Professor James Ron Leigh (C Eng., C Math., FIET, FIMA) studied Electrical Engineering at Sheffield
College of Technology, winning the Freshgate Scholarship. He has an MSc in Maths and a PhD in Control Engineering. He
worked as a Systems Engineer at United Steel Companies and as Head of Control Systems Development at British Steels
Corporate Labs. As Post-Above-Reader at the University of Westminster, he set up university-wide interdisciplinary
research projects and was Founder/Director of the Industrial Control Centre and the Government/Industry funded Advanced
Control Club. His specialization continues to be assisting the transfer of useful technology from academia to industry. He
has served the IET in several capacities, particularly in relation to control applied to biotechnology. J. R. Leigh is also the
author of "Control Theory: A Guided Tour".
Death at the Village Christmas Fair
Debbie Young
Boldwood Books
c/o Ulverscroft Large Print, Inc.
www.ulverscroft.com
9781835185834, $42.00/$35.70, PB, Large Print, 328pp
https://www.ulverscroft.com/store/us/search/9781835185834
Synopsis: It's been a busy year for Alice Carroll, with her Curiosity Shop opening for business, and not one but two murders
shaking things up in her quaint Cotswold village. She's looking forward to her first countryside Christmas, complete with
traditional Christmas Fair and Santa Run.
But her hopes for innocent festive fun are thwarted when one of the Santa Runners steals something from her mum's
knitting stall. His festive outfit makes him hard to spot, until he's found fatally injured outside the village hall with the
stolen item.
Despite what the police say, Alice suspects there's more to his murder than meets the eye. She's determined to solve the
mystery -- including why, once more, a stranger thought something from her Curiosity Shop was worth killing for.
With the help of her charming neighbour Robert Praed, can Alice find the killer before the bells ring out this
Christmas?
Critique: Both classic and original, "Death at the Village Christmas Fair" by novelist Debbie Young is a cozy mystery fan's
delight and a fun read for 'whodunnit' mystery buffs from start to finish. All the elements are here -- an amateur female
sleuth, a puzzle of a 'whodunnit' murdery with clues, red herrings, and unexpected plot twists. It's clear that as an author,
Debbie Young is a master of the genre. This large print, trade paperback edition of "Death at the Village Christmas Fair"
from Boldwood Books will prove to be an immediate and enduringly popular pick for personal reading lists and community
library Mystery/Suspense collections.
Editorial Note: Debbie Young (https://authordebbieyoung.com) has been a journalist, publicist, columnist, blogger, and
novelist. An extensive listing of her books is available online at: https://www.bookseriesinorder.com/debbie-young
The Story That Wouldn't Die
Christina Estes
Minotaur Books
c/o St. Martin's Publishing Group
www.minotaurbooks.com
9781250364135, $28.00, HC, 320pp
https://www.amazon.com/Story-That-Wouldnt-Die-Mystery/dp/1250364132
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-story-that-wouldnt-die-christina-estes/1146167652
Synopsis: Phoenix, Arizona TV reporter Jolene Garcia is fresh off winning her first Emmy and committed to covering
stories that matter to her community. But Jolene's managers want stories that grab immediate attention and generate clicks,
not ones that take time to develop.
When a beloved small business owner dies in a car crash, Jolene isn't convinced it was an accident. He'd been raising
questions about who keeps getting lucrative deals at city hall -- questions that powerful people don't want answered. The
deeper Jolene digs, the more suspicious things she uncovers.
Exposing greed, ambition, and deception could become the biggest story of Jolene's career. Her bosses tell her to drop it.
But there's a story here, and Jolene's going to find it!
Critique: A deftly crafted and fun read for cozy mystery fans, "The Story That Wouldn't Die" by Christina Estes is an
entertaining traditional 'whodunnit' detective mystery with an amateur female sleuth trying to uncover the truth obscured by
a web of unexpected plot twists and turns. Original, brilliant, memorable, "The Story That Wouldn't Die" is the sequel to
"Off The Air" which launched the author's 'A Jolene Gardia' mystery series. While especially and unreservedly
recommended for community/public library Contemporary Mystery/Suspense collections, it should be noted for the personal
reading lists of mystery buffs that this hardcover edition of "The Story That Wouldn't Die" from Minotaur Books is also
readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $14.99).
Editorial Note: Christina Estes (https://www.christinaestes.com) is an award-winning reporter who spent more than twenty
years covering crime, public policy, and business for TV and radio stations in Phoenix, Arizona. Her reporting has appeared
on CBS and National Public Radio (NPR).
The Mysterious Case of the Missing Crime Writer
Ragnar Jonasson
Minotaur Books
c/o St. Martin's Publishing Group
www.minotaurbooks.com
9781250408266, $29.00, HC, 320pp
https://www.amazon.com/Mysterious-Case-Missing-Crime-Writer/dp/1250408261
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-mysterious-case-of-the-missing-crime-writer-ragnar-jonasson/1147103015
Synopsis: One winter evening, bestselling crime author Elin S. Jonsdottir goes missing. There are no clues to her
disappearance and it is up to young detective Helgi to crack the case before its leaked to the press.
As Helgi interviews the people closest to her (a publisher, an accountant, a retired judge) he realizes that Elin's life wasn't
what it seemed. In fact, her past is even stranger than the fiction she wrote.
As the case of the missing crime writer becomes more mysterious by the hour, Helgi must uncover the secrets of the writer's
very unexpected life.
Critique: Original, exceptional, clever, compelling, and a fun read for mystery buffs from cover to cover, "The Mysterious
Case of the Missing Crime Writer" by Icelandic author Ragnar Jonasson is an extraordinary and deftly crafted detective
novel that is an unreservedly recommended pick for community library Contemporary Mystery/Suspense collections. It
should be noted for personal reading lists that this hardcover edition of "The Mysterious Case of the Missing Crime Writer"
from Minotaur Books is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $14.99).
Editorial Note: Ragnar Jonasson is the award-winning Icelandic author of the international bestselling Hulda series, the
Dark Iceland series, and standalone crime fiction, with five million copies sold across 36 territories. Ragnar was also an
executive producer of the CBS Studios TV series The Darkness, based on the first novel in his Hulda series, starring Lena
Olin and directed by Lasse Hallstrom. His novel Outside is being developed for the screen by Ridley Scott.
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ragnar_J%C3%B3nasson)
For Duck's Sake
Donna Andrews
Minotaur Books
c/o St. Martin's Publishing Group
www.minotaurbooks.com
9781250894380, $28.00, HC, 320pp
https://www.amazon.com/Ducks-Sake-Langslow-Mystery-Mysteries/dp/1250894387
Synopsis: in the backyard of the house her brother Rob, his wife Delaney, and their new baby have moved into, Meg is
supervising some workmen who are using a bulldozer to start digging out a duck pond.
She wants to get away from her own house, which has become the staging site for Caerphilly's first Mutt March, which will
be held the next day. Meg thinks it will be more peaceful at Rob's house -- and it is until the bulldozers uncover a skeleton
whose skull has a hole and a bullet rattling around inside.
Meanwhile, Chief Burke begins searching the police records to see if he can identify any missing persons who would fit the
bill. He doesn't turn down Meg's offer to help with his identification efforts, and she begins looking in the library and
talking to old-timers.
She's all the more eager to help because Iris Rafferty, who sold the house to Rob and Delaney and still lives in the
mother-in-law suite, disappears the morning after the finding of the body! Does her disappearance have anything to do with
finding the body? Was it voluntary? Or was she kidnapped -- possibly by the prowlers who are spotted lurking around the
half-finished duck pond at night? Or do the prowlers have sinister designs on one or more of the dogs who will be marching
in the parade?
Critique: Original, clever, and a fun read for 'whodunnit' cozy mystery fans from cover to cover, "For Duck's Sake" is the
newest addition to novelist Donna Andrews' 'Meg Langslow Mysteries' series. While unreservedly recommended as a
guaranteed popular pick for community/public library Mystery/Suspense collections, it should be noted for the personal
reading lists of dedicated cozy mystery buffs and the growing legions of Donna Andrews fans that this hardcover edition of
"For Duck's Sake" from Minotaur Books is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $14.99).
Editorial Note: Donna Andrews (http://donnaandrews.com/books.shtml) has won the Agatha, Anthony, and Barry Awards,
an RT Book Reviews Award for best first novel, and four Lefty and two Toby Bromberg Awards for funniest mystery. She
is a member of the Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and Novelists, Inc. Andrews lives in Reston, Virginia. She
has now written 37 books in her Meg Langslow cozy mystery series.
The Killer Question
Janice Hallett
Atria Books
c/o Simon & Schuster
www.simonandschuster.com
Blackstone Publishing
https://www.blackstonelibrary.com
9781668083536, $30.00, HC, 448pp
https://www.amazon.com/Killer-Question-Novel-Janice-Hallett/dp/1668083531
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-killer-question-janice-hallett/1146644142
Synopsis: Sue and Mal Eastwood run an isolated rural pub called The Case is Altered where a weekly trivia game has
revived its flagging fortunes -- that is, until a body is found in the nearby river. Soon after, a mysterious new team arrives
and shakes up the diverse field of regulars by scoring top marks in every round...every week.
Meanwhile, Sue and Mal have a secret of their own. Before arriving here, they were caught up in a secret police operation
which meant they had to leave town -- and whatever happened back then seems to have finally caught up with them.
Five years later, the pub lies derelict, and their nephew Dominic is determined to make a documentary about their story.
What happened at this unassuming pub? And can a single question really kill?
Critique: A dedicated mystery lover's delight, "The Killer Question" is a brilliantly crafted suspense thriller of a read from
start to finish. Featuring an amateur sleuth, clues and deceptions, a deftly crafted plot populated by memorable characters,
"The Killer Question" by novelist Janice Hallett is extraordinary, original, and unreservedly recommended for community
library Mystery/Suspense collections. It should be noted for personal reading lists that this hardcover edition of "The Killer
Question" from Atria Books is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $14.99) and as a complete and
unabridged audio book (Blackstone Publishing, : 9781668124567, $39.00, CD).
Editorial Note: Janice Hallett (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Janice_Hallett) is a former magazine editor, award-winning
journalist, and government communications writer. She wrote articles and speeches for, among others, the Cabinet Office,
Home Office, and Department for International Development. Her enthusiasm for travel has taken her around the world
several times, from Madagascar to the Galapagos, Guatemala to Zimbabwe, Japan, Russia, and South Korea. A playwright
and screenwriter, she penned the feminist Shakespearean stage comedy NetherBard and co-wrote the feature film Retreat.
She lives in London and is the author of The Examiner, The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels, The Appeal, The
Christmas Appeal, and The Twyford Code.
The Last Hurrah
Gaga Gabardi & Judilee Butler, authors
BnG Publishers
www.BnGbooks.com
https://jgabardi.wixsite.com/bngbooks
9781736123904, $16.99, PB, 308pp
https://www.amazon.com/Last-Hurrah-Phoebe-Korneal-Mystery/dp/1736123904
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-last-hurrah-judilee-butler/1138353413
Synopsis: One fateful summer morning, Old Al, an itinerant gold prospector, is discovered dead at the abandoned Sunshine
Mine. As word spreads through the community of Oresville, Colorado, a collective gasp of shock echoes. Beloved by the
community, who would want to harm him? Was his demise an accident or is something darker lurking?
Deputy Phoebe Korneal is summoned to lead the investigation, thrusting her into a mystery with more twists than a pretzel
factory. As Phoebe works to find the cause of Old Al's death, she unearths secrets that threaten to shake Oresville's
tranquility -- from the whereabouts of Old Al's stash of gold to his hidden relationship with Augusta.
Eager to solve Old Al's death, Phoebe races to crack the case, wrestling with her vow to steer clear of romantic
entanglements. Alongside the mixed web of clues and suspects, she learns about Colorado's rich mining heritage and the
resilient spirit of the town's founding women.
Critique: Original, deftly crafted, and a fun read for mystery buffs from cover to cover, "The Last Hurrah" by co-authors
Gaga Gabardi and Judilee Butler is the first installment of a Phoebe Korneal Mystery series and will have its readers
looking eagerly toward the next Phoebe Korneal action/adventure puzzle solving mystery novel. While an especially and
unreservedly recommended pick for community library Mystery/Suspense collections, it should be noted for personal
reading lists that this paperback edition of "The Last Hurrah" from BnG Books is also readily available in a digital book
format (Kindle, $3.99).
Editorial Note: Co-authors, Gaga Gabardi & Judilee Butler (www.BnGbooks.com) used technology to jump the hurdles of
their distant locations (2,000 miles between our homes) and were able to develop their character, Phoebe Korneal
(pronounced Cor-nell) and grow a framework around a small mountain town, using Colorado history for background.
Mistletoe and Mayhem
Janice Thompson
Barbour Fiction
www.barbourbooks.com
9798891511729, $14.99, PB, 256pp
https://www.amazon.com/Mistletoe-Mayhem-Red-Truck-Mysteries/dp/B0DQLVV69W
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/mistletoe-and-mayhem-janice-thompson/1146701551
Synopsis: It's less than a week until Christmas in Mabank, Texas, and just a few days away from RaeLyn and Mason's
wedding on Hadley ranch. Unfortunately, a wildfire with mysterious origin is rapidly traveling across several counties and
headed right for the Hadley acreage. Fire fighters rush to put it out before the family homestead goes up in flames, taking the
business and the old red truck with it. Their perfect wedding may be ruined, and RaeLyn and Mason are determined to find
the source of the fire.
Critique: Original, carefully crafted, cleverly plotted, and a fun read for mystery lovers from start to finish, "Mistletoe and
Mayhem" is the third titles in author/storyteller Janice Thompson's Red Truck Mystery series. While a select and
unreservedly recommended pick for community library Mystery/Suspense collections, it should be noted for personal
reading lists that this paperback edition of "Mistletoe and Mayhem" from Barbour Fiction is also readily available in a
digital book format (Kindle, $14.99).
Editorial Note: Janice Hanna Thompson (https://janiceathompson.com) is an accomplished author of inspirational romance,
quirky cozy mysteries, light-hearted historicals, and fun books for younger readers.
(https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/118456.Janice_Thompson)
First Comes Marriage... Then Comes Murder
Donna Mumma
Barbour Fiction
www.barbourbooks.com
9798891511750, $15.99, PB, 304pp
https://www.amazon.com/First-Comes-Marriage-Then-Murder/dp/B0DQLWH16Y
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/first-comes-marriagethen-comes-murder-donna-mumma/1146701553
Synopsis: It is 1956 in Levi City, Florida. Vivien Sheffield (a renowned bridal gown designer and consultant for Wynton's
Department Store), is facing the greatest challenge of her career. Someone has been killing brides who wore one of her
custom gowns in their wedding!
Vivien's fellow employees and close friends (Audrey, Mary Jo, and Gigi) and her assistant Mirette spring into action to save
Miss Vivien and the young brides of Levy City before the murderer succeeds at destroying Vivien's business at Wynton's...
and her reputation.
Critique: Original, cleverly crafted, and a fun read for dedicated cozy mystery fans from cover to cover, "First Comes
Marriage... Then Comes Murder" by novelist Donna Mumma is part of the author's 'Women of Wynton's' mystery series and
a welcome, highly recommended pick for community library Contemporary Mystery/Suspense collections. It should be
noted for personal reading lists that this paperback edition of "First Comes Marriage... Then Comes Murder" from Barbour
Fiction is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $15.19).
Editorial Note: Donna Mumma (https://donnamumma.me) is an award winning author who loves to blend history, mystery,
and a dash of hope in stories that explore ordinary people who learn extraordinary life lessons. Donna is an active member
of Word Weavers International, serving as president for the Tampa chapter as well as a mentor for chapters around the
country. She was recognized as the Word Weavers traditional groups president and mentor of the year in 2022. She also
serves as a line editor and contributor for www.Inskpirationsonline.com, a site featuring devotions written for writers by
writers.
The Booker
Kevin R. Doyle
Camel Press
www.camelpress.com
9781684923243, $16.95, PB, 238pp
https://www.amazon.com/Booker-Sam-Quinton-Mystery/dp/1684923247
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-booker-kevin-r-doyle/1147646024
Synopsis: Sam Quinton hadn't thought much about the entertainment business for several years. His days as a minor
celebrity were part of his past, which was fine with him. But when a Hollywood producer walks through the doors of his
gym and offers to create a TV show around his life, Sam doesn't say no right away.
Then the producer's partner ends up dead in her hotel room, and Sam has to put on his private detective hat to straighten
things out. It doesn't take long to realize the TV offer may not have been exactly what it was cracked up to be.
Suddenly, a whole lot of seemingly bad folks are gunning for Sam. Forget his budding Hollywood career. He has to do
everything possible to keep himself and his client alive!
Critique: Original, deftly written, imaginative, and a fun read for traditional private eye detective stories, "The Booker" by
Kevin R. Doyle is a riveting suspense thriller that will keep hold of the reader's rapt attention from first page to last. Doyle
has the ideal and narrative driven storytelling style perfectly suited to the genre and while "The Booker" is a welcome and
recommended pick for community library Mystery/Suspense collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that
this paperback edition from Camel Press is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $6.99).
Editorial Note: A retired high-school teacher and former college instructor, Kevin R. Doyle is the author of six novels in the
Sam Quinton mystery series, all published by Camel Press. He's also written four crime thrillers, including And the Devil
Walks Away and The Anchor, and one horror novel, The Litter, along with numerous short horror stories published in small
magazines over the years. The first Quinton book, Squatter's Rights, was shortlisted for the 2021 Shamus award for Best
First PI Novel. (https://kevindoylefiction.com)
Making a Killing in Diamonds
Rob Bates
Camel Press
www.camelpress.com
9781684923229, $16.95, PB, 252pp
https://www.amazon.com/Killing-Diamonds-Diamond-District-Mystery/dp/1684923220
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/making-a-killing-in-diamonds-rob-bates/1147434405
Synopsis: A brilliant scientist has discovered a way to produce synthetic diamonds so close to the real thing, not even
incredibly sophisticated equipment can tell them apart from natural gems. But then, the scientist disappears, just as these
high-tech imitations begin to turn the diamond market upside down.
As journalist-turned-sleuth Mimi Rosen tries to locate the scientist and his mysterious formula, she uncovers a trail of
murder and intrigue, where executives double-cross each other and use people as pawns in a deadly game of money and
power.
Critique: Set in New York City's Diamond District, "Making A Killing In Diamonds" is another deftly crafted, fun and
exciting suspense-thriller of a mystery by novelist Rob Bates -- who draws from his many years in the diamond/jewelry
trade to give his fictional novel an impressive sense of authenticity. A compulsively compelling adventure from cover to
cover, "Making A Killing In Diamonds" is original, clever, and inherently fascinating mystery that will hold a very special
appeal for readers with an interest in 'the ways humans try to hold onto what's true and meaningful in an increasingly
fake-filled world'. Especially and unreservedly recommended for personal reading lists and community/public library
Contemporary Mystery/Suspense collections, it should be noted for the growing legions of Rob Bates fans that this
paperback edition of "Making A Killing In Diamonds" from Camel Press is also readily available in a digital book format
(Kindle, $6.99).
Editorial Note: Rob Bates (https://robbatesauthor.com) has written about the diamond industry for three decades. He is
currently the news director of JCK, the leading publication in the jewelry industry. There, he has won 12 editorial awards,
and been quoted as an industry authority in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and on National Public Radio.
He is also a comedy writer and performer, whose work has appeared on FuseTV, comedycentral.com, and
Mcsweeneys.
Knights on the Graveyard Watch
T. B. Pasko
Camel Press
www.camelpress.com
9781684923205, $18.95, PB, 284pp
https://www.amazon.com/Knights-Graveyard-Watch-T-Pasko/dp/1684923204
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/knights-on-the-graveyard-watch-t-b-pasko/1147195339
Synopsis: Veteran Officer Danillo Venko, an overweight, white dinosaur knocking on the door of 50 works the graveyard
shift in the beleaguered 7th Precinct under an oppressive commander. It couldn't get much worse and yet it does with a cold
case.
Venko is assigned to train rookie Officer Marcus McGhee, an African American Gen Z member who spends more time
watching his phone than the streets. The pair are assigned a cold case of two missing teens abducted 27 years apart by the
same suspect that vanished after both incidents.
They discover their cold case kidnapper has recently reappeared and snatched another teen only to release him ten minutes
later, unharmed with no memory of the event
A winding chase leads them to a retired one-legged detective, a toxic industrial plant, and a cover up before the shocking
conclusion.
Critique: An impressively original and cleverly crafted novel, "Knights on the Graveyard Watch" by T. B. Pasko is given a
particular feel of authenticity as the author draws from his years of experience and expertise as a nightshift police
offers.
"Knights on the Graveyard watch" will will be of special interest to fans of police procedural novels. The debut title for
Pasko's 'The 7th Precinct' series, "Knights on the Graveyard Watch" is especially and unreservedly recommended for
community/public library collections. It should be noted for personal reading lists that this paperback edition of "Knights on
the Graveyard Watch" from 6th Books is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $7.99).
Editorial Note: T. B. Pasko (https://tbpaskoauthor.com) is a retired police officer with 27 years law enforcement experience.
In the summer of 2019 just prior to retiring, the seeds of my first novel were planted while working the midnight shift.
The Spies in Jimmy's Place
Michael Mayo
Camel Press
www.camelpress.com
9781684923083, $18.95, PB, 294pp
https://www.amazon.com/Spies-Jimmys-Place-Suspense-Novels/dp/1684923085
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-spies-in-jimmys-place-michael-mayo/1147296336
Synopsis: September, 1934. All of New York is riveted by the surprise capture of Bruno Hauptmann, but no one more than Jimmy Quinn whose violent
life was changed by the Lindbergh kidnapping.
At the same time, American Nazis march through Jewish neighborhoods, and a German spy network operates out of a
midtown hotel.
The murder of one of Jimmy's employees brings him to the attention of a rogue Federal agent, while Jimmy's beautiful and
larcenous girlfriend Connie helps a young blonde who suspects that her Sugar Daddy is setting her up to take a fall.
All of them meet in an explosive finish high atop Rockefeller Center in the Rainbow Room.
Critique: Original, skillfully written, clever, engaging, and an inherently fascinating read from cover to cover, "The Spies in
Jimmy's Place" is sequel to author Michael Mayho's "Welcome to Jimmy's Place". This riveting read deftly combines action,
suspense, and mystery. Especially and unreservedly recommended for community/public library Historical Mystery
collections, it should be noted for the personal reading lists of suspense/thriller fans that this paperback edition of "The
Spies in Jimmy's Place" from Camel Press is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $6.99).
Editorial Note: Michael Mayo (https://mike-mayo.com) has written about film for numerous publications, including The
Washington Post. He has worked extensively in radio and was co-host of the nationally syndicated Movie Show on Radio
and Max and Mike on the Movies. Among his books are American Murder, Videohound's Horror Show, War Movies and
the Jimmy Quinn suspense novels.
Bless Your Heart
Leigh Dunlap
Crooked Lane Books
www.crookedlanebooks.com
9798892421638, $29.99, HC, 336pp
https://www.amazon.com/Bless-Your-Heart-Leigh-Dunlap/dp/B0DQBZSLHW
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/bless-your-heart-leigh-dunlap/1147297842
Synopsis: Anderson Tupper, a member of one of Atlanta's richest families, has been murdered in the dugout of the Little
League field where he was a volunteer coach, and it's up to Detective Shay Claypool, a single mother from the other side of
town, to find his killer.
With the exclusive area of Buckhead threatening to secede from the city of Atlanta and take its tax revenue with it, Shay is
under pressure to solve the murder of one of Buckhead's own. Accustomed to handling drug dealers and prostitutes, she
must now contend with an even more sinister group: the Buckhead Betties, the insufferably entitled women of Georgia's
most affluent zip code. One of them might be a murderer, but who? Is it the old-money queen of Buckhead? The mysterious
new girl in town? The drug-dealing trophy wife?
It seems secrets and lies are as plentiful as luxury handbags in Atlanta and everyone's guilty of something. Shay's
investigation will make her examine her own prejudices and discover that, as a woman and a mother, she might not be that
different from the Betties after all. And if she isn't careful, they just might take her down with them.
Critique: Clever, engaging, and a cozy mystery lover's delight from cover to cover, "Bless Y our Heart" by author Leigh
Dunlap is all the more impressive when considering that it is her debut as a novelist. A fun and thoroughly engaging read for
police procedural mystery buffs and a highly recommended pick for community library Contemporary Mystery/Suspense
collections, this hardcover edition of "Bless Your Heart" from Crooked Lane Press is also available for personal reading
lists in paperback (9798892422710, $19.99) and a digital book format (Kindle, $14.99).
Editorial Note: Leigh Dunlap (https://leighdunlapwrites.com) is the screenwriter of the hit Warner Bros. movie A Cinderella
Story. A native of Los Angeles, she attended film school at the University of Southern California. She now splits time and
personalities between South Carolina and South Kensington and dreams of one day giving it all up and searching for buried
treasure. Until then, she writes movies and books. Including this "Bless Your Heart".
What the Dead Can Do
Peter Rosch
Crooked Lane Books
www.crookedlanebooks.com
9798892421836, $29.99, HC, 336pp
https://www.amazon.com/What-Dead-Can-Do-Thriller/dp/B0DQBYY3DF
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/what-the-dead-can-do-peter-rosch/1147196960
Synopsis: When a commercial flight crashes, all 184 people on board perish -- with the singular exception of a two-year-old
boy named Ethan, who is then entrusted to family friends Matthew and Nicole per his late parents' wishes.
From the afterlife, Ethan's parents, Tag and Amanda, watch helplessly as Nicole's secret addictions, the family's financial
struggles, and the public's fascination with their story ignite events that threaten their son's welfare.
Soon, Amanda's grief turns into an insidious obsession: Ethan belongs with her and no one else, and she sets out to reunite
with her son by any means possible -- including killing Ethan herself.
After Amanda learns how to possess the living, only Tag stands in her way. He must protect his child, even if the
consequences of his actions mean he may never see his wife or son again.
What the Dead Can Do is a dark, psychological, speculative thriller tinged with horror, destined to keep readers' minds
spinning long after the final page.
Critique: An impressively original, deftly crafted, and emotionally compelling psychological thriller with an inherently
interesting supernatural element, "What The Dead Can Do" is a riveting and memorable read from start to finish. All the
more impressive when considering that it is author Peter Rosch's debut as a novelist, "What The Dead Can Do" is especially
and unreservedly recommended for community/public library Mystery/Suspense collections. It should be noted for personal
reading lists that this hardcover edition of "What The Dead Can Do" from Crooked Lane Press is also readily available in
paperback (9798892422802, $19.99) and in a digital book format (Kindle, $14.99).
Editorial Note: Peter Rosch (https://www.peterrosch.com) is the author of multiple dark fictions born from the various
addictions he chased while living in New York City as an award-winning writer and creative director. He's many years sober
now but remains an addict's addict.
The Fantasy/SciFi Shelf
Saving Utopia
Stefano Teatini
Independently Published
9798315095712, $9.99, PB, 306pp
https://www.amazon.com/Saving-Utopia-Stefano-Teatini/dp/B0F271CP7M
Synopsis: In a world reborn from the ashes of past civilizations, Parsif, a Utopian "brain worker," is thrown into a political
maelstrom when war-mongering General Paund plunges Utopia into turmoil shattering the already troubled young man's
fragile existence.
As the General exploits fear to seize control, Parsif and the beautiful Maulwurfe princess, Licht, are thrust into the heart of
the resistance. With their interracial love defying societal norms, the pair become a beacon of hope amidst the chaos, but
insurmountable challenges still threaten to tear them apart.
Driven by his restless nature and the hope for a united future, the young man must embark on a dangerous mission to unite
the factions against Paund's tyranny. As he rallies the disparate peoples into an uneasy alliance, he must grasp the true
meaning of democracy, diversity, and sacrifice if he is to lead the uprising.
With the fate of his loved ones at stake, can Parsif conquer his past and save Utopia from destruction, or will his dreams of
freedom and love be crushed under the heel of repression?
Critique: Set some 20,000 years into the future, "Saving Utopia" by novelist Stefano Teatini is an original, deftly crafted,
and simply riveting read that will hold a very special interest from start to finish for fans of action/adventure and dystopian
themed science fiction. Clever, engaging, memorable, and fun from cover to cover, "Saving Utopia" is especially and
unreservedly recommended for community library Science Fiction collections. It should be noted for the personal reading
lists of dedicated SF fans that this paperback edition of "Saving Utopia" is also readily available in a digital book format
(Kindle, $2.99).
Editorial Note: Stefano Teatini (www.facebook.com/public/Stefano-Teatini) is an imaginative storyteller and world-builder
hailing from Rome. With a PhD in English and Creative Writing from Aberystwyth University, he has dedicated nearly 15
years to teaching high school English, alongside a four-year tenure as a Special Educational Needs and Disability
teacher.
Farm Pond: A Fairy Tale
Gordon Frisbie
TFL Stories
https://tflstories.com
9798886274271, $30.95, HC, 326pp
https://www.amazon.com/Farm-Pond-Fairy-Gordon-Frisbie/dp/B0FHJGP7XS
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/farm-pond-gordon-frisbie/1147829404
Synopsis: Whimsical forces, unleashed by an impetuous yet loyal dog named Peacemaker, drag Malcolm and Eve away
from Earth and into In-Between Land where their fantasy adventure begins to unravel.
While traveling through a mountainous landscape of ancient lore, the Earthlings learn that the future of all worlds within the
continuum depends on their ability to defeat the demonic evil that has invaded In-Between Land. The benevolent inhabitants
of In-Between Land, and other worlds, also provide knowledge and appurtenances for resolving this epic conflict.
"Farm Pond" is a novel about world-building and all the magical appliances and social connections that are required for
surviving on an alien planet. While the whole story is enabled with highly technical details, as an author "Gordon Frisbie
often fills the gaps of knowledge to ensure the reader thoroughly understands practical application of these rigmaroles.
Thus, creating a world where almost anything is possible with proper suspension of belief.
Critique: Original, deftly crafted, clever, and an engaging, fun read from cover to cover, "Farm Pond" by Gordon Frisbie
will have an immense appeal to fans with an interest in an action/adventure themed blending of fantasy and science fiction.
While especially and unreservedly recommended for community/public library Science Fiction & Fantasy collections, it
should be noted for personal reading lists that this hardcover edition of "Farm Pond" from TFL Stories is also readily
available in paperback (9798886274288, $16.95) and in a digital book format (Kindle, $1.99).
Editorial Note: Gordon Frisbie has enjoyed storytelling for much of his life but has only recently entered the realm of
publishing his own stories. His first attempt was an online literary blog Mill Bastard.
(https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17720684.Gordon_Frisbie)
Operation Reboot
James Hallenbeck, author
Julian Bauer, illustrator
Doreen Martens, editor
Cold Mountain Publishing
9798998614026, $2.99, Kindle
9798998614033, $14.95, PB, 280pp
https://www.amazon.com/Operation-Reboot-James-Hallenbeck-ebook/dp/B0FKZZ8ML7
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/operation-reboot-doreen-martens/1148111542
Synopsis: As modern civilization crumbles under its own weight, a small band of time travelers makes a fateful decision: go
back. Back to the year 1604, to the land of the Mohawk. Armed with critical knowledge and carefully chosen technology,
their mission is as daring as it is uncertain -- empower Indigenous nations before European colonization takes root and offer
a new path forward for humanity.
But history is no tame beast.
Little Feather, a disaffected Mohawk youth abducted in childhood, is drawn to the mysterious newcomers. Haunted by the
brutal cycle of inter-tribal warfare and guided by visions of his spirit animal, he yearns to end the bloodshed that scars his
people. The strangers may hold the key -- but can he trust them? And will their presence change the future for the better, or
unleash consequences even worse than the ones they hope to prevent?
Time is fragile. Destiny is not yet written. But rebellion runs deep -- in every age.
Critique: Original, deftly crafted, clever, riveting, and a simply fascinating blend of time travel science fiction,
action/adventure, and a 'what if' alternative history theme, "Operation Reboot" is a fun and intriguing read from cover to
cover. Author and storyteller James Hallenbeck demonstrates a genuine flair of the kind of narrative driven style that readers
will find unique and compelling from start to finish. "Operation Reboot" from Cold Mountain Publishing is especially and
unreservedly recommended for community library Science Fiction collections and the personal reading lists of dedicated
science fiction fans in general and 'what if' alternate history fans in particular. It should be noted that "Operation Reboot" is
also available in a Kindle edition and a Kobo edition.
Editorial Note #1: James Hallenbeck is a physician and associate professor emeritus at Stanford University in Palo Alto,
California. He is also the author of two editions of Palliative Care Perspectives, and an award-winning pioneer in the
emerging field of palliative care. He has been recognized for his ability to explain difficult medical concepts clearly.
Editorial Note #2: Julian Bauer (https://julianbauer.com) is freelance illustrator and designer based in Germany.
Editorial Note #3: Doreen Martens is a book editor whose list of titles is available online at:
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17304773.Doreen_Martens
The Reaping
Matt Aynes
https://mattaynes.com
Dancing Robot Press
https://dancingrobotpress.com
9798990695023, $26.99, HC, 294pp
https://www.amazon.com/Reaping-Aeternum-Trilogy-Matt-Aynes/dp/B0DFV4TRCZ
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-reaping-matt-aynes/1146176781
Synopsis: Biotech genius Charles Ferguson invents a revolutionary medical scanner that unravels the mysteries of our DNA.
After signing a contract to mass-produce the device, he falls into the clutches of the Magnus Foundation. The Foundation
hijacks his scanner's technology to identify and target the Reaps, billions of people whose genetics have been deemed
inferior. With the help of his brilliant girlfriend, Nadia Petrova, Charles and a covert resistance group race against time to
save five billion people from annihilation.
All over the Earth, the human race is about to be harvested. Will humanity survive the nightmare of The Reaping?
"The Reaping" by novelist Matt Aynes is a compelling, action packed technothriller of a read from cover to cover. "The
Reaping" showcases the author's story telling style -- one that is laced with humor, features truly memorable characters, a bit
of 'inspirational romance', and an epic battle between good and evil.
"The Reaping" introduces a brilliant scientist who faces difficult questions that challenge his viewpoints about God and the
world. Who must deal with assassins and kidnappers, drone strikes and bloodthirsty oligarchs. But who also encounters
unyielding faith and words of wisdom from a Christlike monk.
Critique: Original, deftly written from a Christian perspective, entertaining, emotionally engaging, and an inherently
fascinating read from start to finish, "The Reaping" by Matt Aynes is an especially and unreservedly recommended pick for
community library Science Fiction and Suspense/Thriller collections. Book 1 of author Matt Aynes 'The Aeternum Trillogy',
it should be noted for personal reading lists that this hardcover edition of "The Reaping" from Dancing Robot Press is also
readily available in paperback (9798990695009, $16.99) and in a digital book format (Kindle, $2.99)
Editorial Note: Matt Aynes (https://mattaynes.com) started writing stories when he was seven and never stopped. He and his
wife are trained Bible translators and serve the translation movement in support roles. They have three children and a
codependent cat that moved into their garage one winter and adamantly refused to leave. Matt's debut novel, "The Reaping",
won the ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) Genesis contest.
The Tinker The Mage & The Princess
Harold D. Bobb, Jr.
https://hdbobbjr.com
Independently Published
https://hdbobbjr.com
9798413062449, $22.75, HC, 336pp
https://www.amazon.com/Tinker-Mage-Princess-Tales-Told/dp/B0B1VM2JYK
Synopsis: "The Tinker, the Mage & The Princess" is the first book in the 'Tales Told by a Tinker' series by novelist Harold
D. Bobb, Jr.
Set in a world where magic is outlawed in the kingdom of Autry, "The Tinker, the Mage & The Princess" begins the
adventures of a traveling Tinker named Nathan and his Giant Multicolored Coach.
As Nathan travels the kingdoms selling his wares from town to town he searches for clues to the lost Tinker homeland, The
Shimmering Forest. His search becomes entangled in a complex web of politics, alliances, and magical conflicts. With
kingdoms on the brink of war, the possibility of an alliance through marriage between Autry and the neighboring kingdom
of Sulan arises.
Meanwhile, the morally diverse kingdom of Balzar threatens to ally with The Silver Tower of Mages, adds further intrigue
and danger. Throughout "The Tinker, the Mage & The Princess", various fantastical creatures such as Ogres, Trolls, Elves,
and Giants make appearances.
Critique: Original, clever, fun, exceptionally well written, and a veritable saga of an action/adventure fantasy novel, this
hardcover edition of "The Tinker, the Mage & The Princess" by Harold D. Bobb Jr. is also available in paperback (
9798796545942, $10.50) as well as in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.99) for the personal reading lists of all dedicated
fantasy fans and a highly prized pick for community library Fantasy Fiction collections,
Editorial Note: Harold D. Bobb Jr. (https://hdbobbjr.com) grew up in the Midwest along the Mississippi River in a small
community. After a 40-year career as a Doctor of Chiropractic managing a multi-doctor clinic, retirement gave him the time
to work on book concepts that he had percolating for several years. His first book, "Crystal Guardian of the Five Worlds",
was published in 2021.
The Eye of Illusion
Harold D. Bobb, Jr.
https://hdbobbjr.com
Independently Published
9798443027197, $22.75, HC, 290pp
https://www.amazon.com/Eye-Illusion-Tales-Told-Tinker/dp/B0B1BVQNTR
Synopsis: The second title in the 'Tales Told by a Tinker' series by author H.D. Bobb, Jr., "The Eye of Illusion" finds that the
war between The Silver Tower and the King of Autry has intensified, and is reaching a fever pitch.
The Silver Tower of Mages forms an alliance with the King of Balzar. The ArchMage of the Silver Tower provides Balzar's
navy with wands capable of controlling the wind, granting their navy a significant advantage. As the Tower's new navy ally
comes to the Silver Tower's aid, they are able to break a blockade of the Tower's one port.
A volcanic eruption blankets the crops of Autry with ash, leading to a bleak harvest for its citizens. Amidst these challenges,
"The Eye of Illusion" follows the adventure to discover the Tinker homeland, The Shimmering Forest. The Tinker and his
comrades search for the Eye of Illusion, an ancient artifact that is a crucial item needed to uncover the path forward to the
Shimmering Forest.
Critique: "The Eye of Illusion" is an action/adventure fantasy saga that deftly blends the elements of magic and fantasy with
mystery and suspense. What novelist Harold D. Bobb Jr. is carefully crafting is an original and complex fantasy world
replete with mythical creatures and dangerous adversaries. A solidly structured fantasy, "The Eye of Illusion" is an
inherently fascinating and fun read from cover to cover. While this hardcover edition of "The Eye of Illusion" is highly
recommended for community/public library Fantasy Fiction collections, it should be noted for the personal reading lists of
dedicated fantasy fans that it is also readily available in paperback (9798443027197, $14.75) and in a digital book format
(Kindle, $9.99).
Editorial Note: Harold D. Bobb Jr. (https://hdbobbjr.com) grew up in the Midwest along the Mississippi River in a small
community. After a 40-year career as a Doctor of Chiropractic managing a multi-doctor clinic, retirement gave him the time
to work on book concepts that he had percolating for several years. His first book, "Crystal Guardian of the Five Worlds",
was published in 2021.
The Dragon & The Book of Blessings
Harold D. Bobb, Jr.
https://hdbobbjr.com
Independently Published
https://hdbobbjr.com
9798824763522, $22.75, HC, 334pp
https://www.amazon.com/Dragon-Book-Blessings-Tales-Tinker/dp/B0B1S58K51
"The Dragon & The Book of Blessings" is the third book in the author Harold D. Bobb Jr. heroic fantasy series "Tales Told
by a Tinker".
After the destruction of the Silver Tower of Mages and the emergence of a new mountain pass caused by the eruption of a
volcano, new lands are opened. The saga continues to weave together multiple storylines.
First, is an encounter with a golden dragon seeking revenge on the Arch Mage of the Silver Tower who had held it captive.
As the dragon's lair is explored, secrets are revealed, and a thrilling quest begins.
Meanwhile, in the Scarlet Desert, the dark-skinned Sundown Tribe faces the relentless attacks of Giant Sand Worms due to
the lava flows disrupting their nesting areas. A buried pyramid holds secrets of their past. Their unique magic, tinged with
darkness, becomes essential in uncovering crucial clues for the overarching quest to find the lost Tinker homeland, The
Shimmering Forest.
The Dwarves of the Spine Mountains play a crucial role in obtaining an important artifact for our adventurers to complete
their quest.
Lastly, the Green Folk of Elyneas, the Elves, discover a malevolent force draining magic from their land, and killing their
people. They seek assistance from the Sundown Tribe and the Dwarves to confront the ancient evil.
Critique: "The Dragon & The Book of Blessings" is a unique and distinct continuation of a world of enchantment and
excitement. As a writer of fantasy fiction, Harold D. Bobb Jr.'s genuine flair of creating an original, colorful, and immersive
world of interesting characters and engaging storytelling is truly impressive. A skillfully crafted and entertaining read by a
master of the heroic fantasy genre, "The Dragon & The Book of Blessings" will prove a welcome and enduringly
appreciated acquisition for community and public library Fantasy Fiction collections. It should be noted for the personal
reading lists of dedicated action/adventure fantasy fans that this hardcover edition of "The Dragon & The Book of
Blessings" is also available in paperback (9798824749762, $14.75) and in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.99).
Editorial Note: Harold D. Bobb Jr. (https://hdbobbjr.com) grew up in the Midwest along the Mississippi River in a small
community. After a 40-year career as a Doctor of Chiropractic managing a multi-doctor clinic, retirement gave him the time
to work on book concepts that he had percolating for several years. His first book, "Crystal Guardian of the Five Worlds",
was published in 2021.
End of the Long Exile
Harold D. Bobb, Jr.
https://hdbobbjr.com
Independently Published
9798338231821, $24.99, HC, 470pp
https://www.amazon.com/End-Long-Exile-Tales-Tinker/dp/B0DG2MTHSW
Synopsis: "End of the Long Exile" is the fourth volume in author Harold D. Bobb, Jr.'s epic fantasy saga series "Tales Told
by a Tinker" and takes us to the Gates of the Shimmering Forest. The lost homeland of the Tinker Tribe and the Wind
Walkers.
They were exiled from the land four hundred years before. by the gods as punishment for misdeeds of grave proportion.
Now they have made their amends and look forward to exploring these forgotten lands.
Magic is strong here and the forest is alive and dangerous. Nathan and his companion Gunter enter through the gates in his
Tinker Coach being pulled by the two huge horned oxen that pull the eight wheeled multi-colored coach. Its exterior is
covered in cabinet doors and drawers of every color containing the many exotic items he sells and trades for while the
interior is their plush home on wheels and larger on the inside than the outside.
They travel with a pink dragon egg that will hatch the first Lunar Dragon in a thousand years at the next full moon. Gunter
has been named its defender and custodian until the hatching by a Gold Dragon that fired the egg to bring it out of its
dormancy.
They meet fairies and gnomes along the road as well as dangers posed by the inhabitants. Wizards rule the land and the
descendants of the Tinkers and Wind Walkers that did not heed the exile live in slavery. A star tattoo on the forehead of the
slaves marks their station in life.
The Tinker's arrival may change everything as his presence breaks the Covenant Spell that has kept the slaves in check. The
Wizard's Council will not allow a Tinker to go without the Mark. They label the Tinker an imposter, but he is not their only
worry as dragons plot revenge against them for stealing dragon eggs. Conflict is on the horizon as the coach travels this new
land.
Critique: With his 'Tales Told by a Tinker' series, novelist Harold D. Bobb Jr. has deftly crafted a world of heroes, villains,
magic, fairies, gnomes, wizards, dragons, and other fantastical denizens. "End of the Long Exile", the fourth volume in this
epic fantasy series, continues to showcase the author's natural talents as an imaginative storyteller and his saga one that is an
original, fun and fascinating read from cover to cover. Highly recommended, especially for community library Epic Fantasy
Fiction collections, "End of the Long Exile" is also readily recommended for the personal reading lists of dedicated
action/adventure fantasy fans in paperback (9798338226094, $14.50) and in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.99).
Editorial Note: Harold D. Bobb Jr. (https://hdbobbjr.com) grew up in the Midwest along the Mississippi River in a small
community. After a 40-year career as a Doctor of Chiropractic managing a multi-doctor clinic, retirement gave him the time
to work on book concepts that he had percolating for several years. His first book, "Crystal Guardian of the Five Worlds",
was published in 2021.
Dragons: A Handbook of History & Lore from Basilisks to Wyverns
Agnes Hollyhock
Castle
c/o Quarto Publishing Group
www.quarto.com
9781577155409, $19.99 HC
https://www.amazon.com/Dragons-Handbook-History-Basilisks-Wyverns/dp/1577155408
Synopsis: For millennia, dragons have been considered real, appearing in legends and myths across cultures and societies,
including Central America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. Why are these creatures so popular, and what do they reveal about
human nature?
Dragons offers a deep dive into the imaginative world of dragons and explores their vivid lore and myths across a wide
variety of cultures. Through detailed descriptions and original artwork, learn all about these mysterious and powerful
creatures, including:
Historical Tales and Legends
Dragons in Ancient Cultures
European Dragon Lore
Asian Dragon Myths
African and Polynesian Dragons
Dragon-Related Symbols
And more!
Featuring beautiful illustrations and a comprehensive appendix of notable dragon sites around the world, this easy-to-use
and informative handbook is perfect for fantasy enthusiasts and the dragon curious. From their appearance in ancient myths
to contemporary fantasy works, discover how dragons have influenced human culture across the globe.
Critique: Black-and-white and a few two-color illustrations enhance Dragons: A Handbook of History & Lore from
Basilisks to Wyverns, a compendium about different types of dragons as described in myths and legends around the world.
Organized like a reference handbook, Dragons covers a fascinating array of draconic topics, including lore, taxonomy,
symbolism, legendary dragons, dragons in fiction, and more. Dragons: A Handbook of History & Lore from Basilisks to
Wyverns is a delight for dragon fans and a welcome addition to public library fantasy collections, highly recommended.
King Foretold
Jayci Lee
https://www.jaycilee.com
Montlake
c/o Amazon Publishing
9781662533655, $28.99, HC, 363pp
https://www.amazon.com/King-Foretold-Realm-Four-Kingdoms/dp/1662533659
Synopsis: Nine-tailed fox spirit Sunny Cho has spent years running from her destiny, but fate is upon her. Inevitable or not,
she doesn't like it one bit.
After a harrowing battle with a dark enemy from her past, Sunny has nowhere left to go but back to the Realm of Four
Kingdoms. She grudgingly trains as a suhoshin cadet by day while learning to harness the Yeoiju's magic by night -- to
disheartening results. At least throwing herself into training with Jihun and her suhoshin friends keeps her from running to
Ethan and a love that can never be.
But there are more immediate dangers to fear than the slow fracturing of her heart. Tyranny, deadly secrets, and betrayal
reign in the Realm of Four Kingdoms. And eternal darkness threatens magical and mortal worlds alike. To stop the rise of
evil, Sunny must embrace the full force of her powers... or risk being consumed by the darkness within.
Critique: Imaginative, clever, and drawing upon Korean folklore/fantasy to deftly craft a distinctive and original
action/adventure romantic fantasy, "King Foretold" by Jayci Lee is an extraordinary, memorable, and fun read from cover to
cover. While an ideal and recommended pick for community library Fantasy Fiction collections, it should be noted for the
personal reading lists of dedicated fantasy fans that this hardcover edition of "King Foretold" from Montlake is also readily
available in paperback (9781662520778, $16.99) and in a digital book format (Kindle, $4.99).
Editorial Note: Jayci Lee (https://www.jaycilee.com) writes poignant, sexy, and laugh-out-loud romance featuring Korean
American main characters. Jayci is retired from her fifteen-year career as a litigator because of all the badass heroines and
drool-worthy heroes demanding to have their stories told.
Kingdom of Tomorrow
Gena Showalter
Montlake
c/o Amazon Publishing
9781662530524, $16.99, PB, 363pp
https://www.amazon.com/Kingdom-Tomorrow-Book-Arden-Showalter/dp/1662530528
Synopsis: Twenty-year-old Arden Roosa knows only Ourland. Two worlds split and stitched together, with broken pieces
from each, statues of fallen gods, and heavenly artifacts that are either worshiped or feared.
But nothing is more fearsome than the night.
A strange madness haunts the darkest hours, turning innocents into gleeful killers. Arden does her best to stay safe, until she
reads a book written about her life. It's called The Book of Arden -- and everything changes.
Forced to join Fort Bala Royal Academy, Arden is paired with the ruthless High Prince Cyrus Dolion. But while he trains
her for combat against a mystical adversary, she can't deny the sparks burning between them.
If her panic attacks and war games aren't enough, Arden is also tapped to join the Tome Society, rumored guardians of an
invisible library with books that foretell the future. But the more she learns about the society, the less she understands about
Ourland, the gods -- and the person she's destined to be.
Critique: Original, imaginative, clever, exceptionally well written and a thoroughly fun read from start to finish, in
"Kingdom of Tomorrow", author Gena Showalter deftly blends romance, fantasy, adventure, and elements of a dystopian
future. While especially and unreservedly recommended for community library Romantic Fantasy collections, it should be
noted for the personal reading lists of 'Romantasy' fans that this paperback edition of "Kingdom of Tomorrow from
Montlake is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $1.99).
Editorial Note: Gena Showalter (https://genashowalter.com) is the author of nearly one hundred novels. While most of her
work falls under the genre of romance (be it paranormal, fantasy, contemporary, or young adult), she has also coauthored a
quirky, cozy mystery series and a nonfiction guide about writing a book in one year.
Baen Books
www.baen.com
https://www.amazon.com/Dancing-Destruction-Jason-Cordova/dp/1668072750
Jason Cordova edits Dancing With Destruction (9781668072752, $18.00), a collection of powerful military sci-fi readers
who examine predators, clashes, and situations that each hold the potential to destroy everything. Such notable Baen authors
as David Weber, Melissa Olthof, and others create diverse tales, from "lizard wars" and chases to girls who destroy (or
remake, depending on one's perspective) worlds, raiders and bug hunts, and dangerous jungle pursuits. Fast-paced action
keeps each story unpredictable and thoroughly engrossing.
https://www.amazon.com/Long-Home-Interstellar-Medic-Book-ebook/dp/B0DVJV8QDQ
Interstellar Medic: The Long Way Home by Patrick Chiles (9781668072745, $18.00) tells of galaxy-hopping emergency
medic Melanie Mooney, whose fast-paced life comes with a cost: relativity distances her from everyone and everything she
knows. Her goal is to return to Earth before it has totally changed, but her profession introduces a tangled scenario of
possibilities and professional challenges that keeps her personal goals elusive and difficult. These wonderful stories will
compliment many a sci-fi library and individual reading list.
https://www.amazon.com/Winds-Fate-Make-Darkness-Light-ebook/dp/B0DVJBZNXF
S.M. Stirling's The Winds of Fate: Make the Darkness Light (9781668072721, $30.00) combines time travel with
international special interests and conflict in a story that embeds its time travel journey with thriller-style elements. Years
after their initial foray into the past, Artorius and his tam find out the Chinese government has sent a team to change the past
in their favor. A race against (and within) time ensues over control of what version of the future will emerge from this time
tampering in a series of clashes between politics, technology, and powers that really have no business altering the past.
Readers of alternate history and political sci-fi will find The Winds of Fate engrossing.
https://www.amazon.com/Presence-Malign-Deep-Man-Trilogy/dp/1668072734
Michael Mersault's The Presence Malign (9781668072738, $28.00) combines a pirate story with fantasy as an inter-world
warship and its military captain face a war which will determine the future of humanity itself. Military sci-fi readers are in
for a treat via fast-paced action, a wide cast of characters who emerge from both sides, and an overall struggle for power
which holds its roots in perhaps-misguided loyalties and dangerous leaders. The result is thoroughly engrossing, satisfyingly
complex, and rich in confrontation. Both are excellent additions for sci-fi readers seeking fast-paced action.
The Comix/Graphic Novel Shelf
Understanding Superhero Comic Books
Alex Grand
McFarland & Company
https://mcfarlandbooks.com
9781476690391, $39.95, PB, 358pp
https://www.amazon.com/Understanding-Superhero-Comic-Books-Controversies/dp/1476690391
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/understanding-superhero-comic-books-alex-grand/1142921249
Synopsis: With the publication of "Understanding Superhero Comic Books: A History of Key Elements, Creators, Events
and Controversies", comic book historian Alex Grand dissects the origin and growth of superhero comic books, their major
influences, and the creators behind them.
Grand demonstrates how Batman, Wonder Woman, Captain America and many more stand as time capsules of their eras,
rising and falling with societal changes, and reflecting an amalgam of influences.
"Understanding Superhero Comic Books: A History of Key Elements, Creators, Events and Controversies" also covers in
detail the iconic superhero comic book creators and their unique contributions in their quest for realism, including Julius
Schwartz and the science-fiction origins of superheroes; the collaborative design of the Marvel Universe by Jack Kirby, Stan
Lee, and Steve Ditko; Jim Starlin's incorporation of the death of superheroes in comic books; John Byrne and the
revitalization of superheroes in the modern age; and Alan Moore's deconstruction of superheroes.
Critique: With occasional B/W illustrations, this trade paperback edition of "Understanding Superhero Comic Books: A
History of Key Elements, Creators, Events and Controversies" by comic book historian Alex Grand is deftly organized into
five major sections: Building Blacks; The Rise and Fall of Superheroes; Flight of the Superheroes; Modern Superheroes;
Diversity and Aftermath. "Understanding Superhero Comic Books" also features a sixteen page Introduction, a two page
Epilogue, a twenty page Bibliography, and a fifteen page Index. Extraordinary, exceptionally well written, organized and
presented, "Understanding Superhero Comic Books" is a highly recommended addition to personal, professional,
community, and college/university library Comics/Graphic Novels Literary Studies/Criticism/History collections and
supplemental curriculum studies lists. It should be noted that this traded paperback (7 x 0.72 x 10 inches, $1.45 pounds)
edition of "Understanding Superhero Comic Books" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $25.99).
Editorial Note: Alex Grand (https://comicbookhistorians.com) is an internationally established comics historian, founder of
the Comic Book Historians, and a regular panelist at Comic Con International: San Diego, Wonder Con, and San Diego
ComicFest. He has been featured in comics-based documentaries, television, and radio programs and has appeared or been
published in The Wall Street Journal, Hollywood Reporter, The Comics Journal, The Jack Kirby Collector and Alter
Ego.
Secondary Superheroes of Golden Age Comics
Lou Mougin
McFarland & Company
https://mcfarlandbooks.com
9781476675138, $49.95, PB, 446pp
https://www.amazon.com/Secondary-Superheroes-Golden-Age-Comics/dp/1476675139
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/secondary-superheroes-of-golden-age-comics-lou-mougin/1132506382
Synopsis: When Superman debuted in 1938, he ushered in a string of imitators including Batman, Wonder Woman, Captain
Marvel, Captain America. But what about the many less well-known heroes who lined up to fight crooks, super villains or
Hitler -- like the Shield, the Black Terror, Crimebuster, Cat-Man, Dynamic Man, the Blue Beetle, the Black Cat and even
Frankenstein?
These and other four-color fighters against crime and supervillains crowded the newsstands from the late 1930s through the
early 1950s. Most have since been overlooked, or lapsed into obscurity, but not necessarily because they were victims of
poor publication.
With the publication of "Secondary Superheroes of Golden Age Comics", life-long comic book fan Lou Mougin gives the
other superheroes of the Golden Age of comics their due.
Critique: Informatively enhanced for the reader's benefit with the inclusion of a four page Introduction, a two page
Bibliography and a fifteen page Index, "Secondary Superheroes of Golden Age Comics" is a unique, inherently fascinating,
meticulously crafted study that is of special and particular interest to students, academia, and dedicated fans of comic
book/graphic novel literary histories. While a prized pick for community and college/university library collections and
supplemental 20th Century Popular Culture curriculums, it should be noted that this trade paperback edition of "Secondary
Superheroes of Golden Age Comics" from McFarland & Company is also available in a digital book format (Kindle,
$29.99).
Editorial Note: The late Lou Mougin was a respected comics writer and historian with credits at Marvel, Heroic, Claypool,
Warrant, Lucky, Charlton Arrow, and others. A listing of his books is available online at:
https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/7667605.Lou_Mougin
Witchcraft
Sole Otero, author/illustrator
Andrea Rosenberg, translator
Fantagraphics Books
www.fantagraphics.com
9798875001277, $34.99, PB, 376pp
https://www.amazon.com/Witchcraft-Sole-Otero/dp/B0DYSLQLHK
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/witchcraft-sole-otero/1147066718
Synopsis: Buenos Aires, Argentina, 1768.
It is a dark and foreboding night when the boat arrives from Europe, bringing three shadowy figures to shore. The Maria
sisters have come to take the New World by storm. At once righteous and menacing, the sisters will exert their insidious
powers over generations, leaving a wreckage of shattered spirits in their wake.
Told through the eyes of the people whose lives the sisters have cast asunder, "Witchcraft" is a mesmerizing mystery for the
reader to piece together. Strange magic, dark humor, and a fiery undercurrent of female rage cohere into a heady tale of
colonialism, indigenous folklore, and modern agoraphobia.
Critique: A literary fiction in a graphic novel format that is compellingly crafted with an exceptional artistic talent and
storytelling expertise, "Witchcraft" documents Sole Otero as one of South America's most talented and original cartoonists
and graphic novelists. Ably translated into English by Andrea Rosenberg, "Witchcraft" is a unique, original, and fascinating
saga that is especially and unreservedly recommended for personal, community, and college/university library Graphic
Novel collections. It should be noted that this massive trade paperback edition from Fantagraphics Books is also readily
available in a digital book format (Kindle, $24.99).
Editorial Note #1: Sole Otero (http://soleotero.com/en/bio) is a comic artist, children's book illustrator, and textile designer.
She has published the graphic novels Poncho Fue, Intensa, and most recently Naftalina (Mothballs), which won the
Fnac-Salamandra Graphic Novel Award in 2019 and the Audience Award from the Angouleme International Comics
Festival in 2023.
Editorial Note #2: Andrea Rosenberg (https://reedsy.com/andrea-rosenberg) is a translator who has worked on a variety of
novels and graphic narratives in Spanish and Portuguese. Her translations of the graphic novels Run For It by Marcelo
D'Salete and The House by Paco Roca won Eisner Awards in 2018 and 2020, respectively.
The Moon Prince
Kevin Fraser Mutch
Fantagraphics Books
www.fantagraphics.com
9798875000751, $29.99, PB, 448pp
https://www.amazon.com/Moon-Prince-Kevin-Fraser-Mutch/dp/B0DL1RZRBF
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-moon-prince-kevin-fraser-mutch/1146479469
Synopsis: Mistreated for being mixed-race and forced into hard labor at a workhouse in West Hoboken, New Jersey, young
Max and Molly are ordinary orphans -- or so they think. That is, until a wise old man hears their last name: M'Chawi.
Rattled by this realization, he sends them off on a journey that will uncover the secret behind their mystic lineage and give
them purpose and power far from home -- on the Moon!
There, they encounter the Moon's fantastic inhabitants: the Sky Pirates and their merciless Queen Melissa; the Groos, blue
primates and genius mechanics (literal grease monkeys) and their robot protector, Moma Machina; and a kingdom of
singing spiders giant enough to eat a man. Looks can be deceiving, and those who first appear frightening can turn out to be
allies, and even friends. Take Prince Grakko, pampered heir-apparent to the Bat-People.
The Moon is a land locked in constant battle. Races live in fear and ignorance of one another. To make matters worse, the
siblings' getaway isn't as clean as they'd hoped, and the Earth Queen's Grand Inquisitor is hot on their trail. Armed with a
bejeweled dagger, pendant, and pure hearts, Max and Molly must unite the denizens of the Moon under a common cause,
before humanity's folly reduces their world to rubble.
Critique: Original, clever, and an inherently fun read from cover to cover, "The Moon Prince" by author/illustrator Kevin
Fraser Mutch is an iconic science fiction story that evokes a narrative driven, exceptional, illustrated storytelling style
perfectly suited to the graphic novel format. While especially and unreservedly recommended for personal and community
library science fiction themed graphic novel collections, it should be noted for the personal reading lists of dedicated science
fiction adventure fans that this trade paperback edition (7.5 x 1.3 x 9 inches, 2.85 pounds) of "The Moon Prince" from
Fantagraphic Books is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $21.99).
Editorial Note: Kevin Fraser Mutch is a cartoonist, digital artist, and painter from Winnipeg, Canada. He received an MFA
in painting from the University of Victoria. His graphic novel Fantastic Life received a Xeric Award in 2010 and was
excerpted in The Best American Comics 2011. (http://www.pages.kevinmutch.com/pages/about.html)
Making Manga: The Saturday AM Way
Saturday AM
Rockport Publishers
c/o Quarto Publishing Group USA
www.quartoknows.com
9780760389928, $21.99, PB, 128pp
https://www.amazon.com/Making-Manga-Saturday-Storytelling-Building/dp/0760389926
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/making-manga-saturday-am/1147095158
Synopsis: Created by the team at Saturday AM, the world's leading showcase of diverse manga and comics stories, "Making
Manga: The Saturday AM Way - Storytelling, World-Building, Layouts - With Two Manga Short Stories for You to
Complete!" gives you guidance on everything you need to develop, create, and publish your own dynamic Manga
stories.
"Making Manga: The Saturday AM Way" features:
A detailed method for building a "storytelling box" that will help you define and frame your concept
Suggestions for developing compelling characters and power systems that can successfully drive your story
Techniques for mastering layouts that ensure your scenes are easy to follow while using visual flow to heighten tension,
build drama, or deliver a punchline
How to enhance your stories with powerful backgrounds and effective lettering techniques
An overview of options for publishing, distribution, and licensing that gives you potential strategies for getting your work
out there
Invaluable advice and insights through interviews with industry experts on storytelling, writing, character development,
creating layouts, lettering, printing, retail, promotion, and more
Two short manga starter stories inspired by Saturday AM's hit series Apple Black and Clock Striker that let you explore
your new creative skills
QR codes that link to exclusive instructional videos
Ideal for beginning to intermediate manga and anime artists, character designers, fantasy illustrators, animators, and
cartoonists, "Making Manga: The Saturday AM Way" is the complete insider's guide to producing your own manga from the
ground up.
Critique: This heavily illustrated, large format (8.75 x 0.5 x 11 inches, 1.2 pounds) paperback edition of "Making Manga:
The Saturday AM Way - Storytelling, World-Building, Layouts - With Two Manga Short Stories for You to Complete!"
from Rockford Publishing is impressively 'user friendly' in organization and presentation. Also available in a digital book
format (Kindle, $10.99) "Making Manga: The Saturday AM Way" is an unreservedly recommended pick for personal,
professional, community, and college/university library Instructional Art/Manga collections.
Editorial Note: Saturday AM is a unique digital comics brand featuring an ever-growing catalog of popular, exclusive and
diverse action manga-style webcomics by independent creators from around the world. Among the nearly 50 visionary
artists on the Saturday AM team are @WhytManga (Apple Black), @JeyOdin (Hammer), and @saigamiproject (Saigami).
To learn more about Saturday AM, visit saturday-am.com, or find them on Instagram (@saturday_am), YouTube
(youtube.com/user/MyFutprint), and Twitter (@saturday_am).
Suitor Armor: Volume 3
Purpah
Ten Speed Graphic
c/o Ten Speed Press
https://crownpublishing.com/imprint/ten-speed
9780593835692, $24.99, HC, 224pp
https://www.amazon.com/Suitor-Armor-3-Purpah/dp/0593835697
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/suitor-armor-purpah/1146546451
Synopsis: After paying a visit to an illegal market on the outskirts of the kingdom, per direction from her imprisoned faerie
ally Quinn, Lucia learns that she has been living in complete ignorance: Fairies are being tortured, mutilated, and killed as a
consequence of the war. And the elves that she has seen humans taking as servants and laborers are just faeries who have
had their wings forcibly removed. Lucia is ridden with immense guilt and emotional turmoil that she has survived for so
long in secrecy as one the last of the monarch faeries with her wings still intact.
Bearing the weight of her newfound knowledge, amidst the arrival of King Reimund's terrifyingly suspicious uncle Lord
Ricon, Lucia fears she is no longer safe both within and beyond the castle. Modeus continues to serve as a pillar of comfort
and safety for her, but he begins to develop his own complicated emotions while wrestling his true violent inclinations.
Lucia's relationship with Kirsi is strained as the future queen begins to assert herself and the power of her status, leaving
Lucia feeling utterly alone.
Complete with original behind-the-scenes content and a bonus storyline exclusive to this thrilling and suspenseful third
volume, "Suitor Armor: Volume 3 includes episodes 39-51 of the greatly successful Webtoon webcomic by
storyteller/illustrator Purpah.
Critique: Like the first two installments of the Suitor Armor series by artist and storyteller Purpah, this third volume is an
expertly illustrated and presented graphic novel that will hold a very special appeal to readers with an interest in Manga
style romance, fantasy, and adventure. Highly recommended for personal and community library graphic novel collections,
it should be noted that this hardcover edition of "Suitor Armor: Volume 3" from Ten Speed Graphics is also readily
available in paperback (9780593835708, $17.99).
Editorial Note: Purpah is an artist and writer based in California. They earned a BFA in illustration and have since gone on
to create Suitor Armor on Webtoon as well as writing for other projects.
(https://www.webtoons.com/en/fantasy/suitor-armor/list?title_no=2159)
The Audiobook Shelf
Doctor Who: The Wheel of Ice
Stephen Baxter, author
David Troughton, narrator
BBC Audio
c/o Ulverscroft Large Print, Inc.
www.ulverscroft.com
9781529973549, $107.95/$91.76, CD (9 Hours 45 Minutes)
https://www.ulverscroft.com/store/us/search/9781529973549
Synopsis: The Wheel is a ring of ice and metal turning around a moon of Saturn. Home to a mining colony supplying a
resource-hungry Earth -- it's also a colony plagued by problems. Equipment failures and thefts are on the rise. Children tell
stories of mysterious creatures glimpsed aboard the Wheel. And some of the younger workers refuse to go down into the
warren-like mines.
And then one of them, surfing Saturn's rings, saves an enigmatic blue box from destruction.
Once on the Wheel, the Doctor and his companions, Jamie and Zoe, face a critical situation when they become suspected by
some as the source of the ongoing sabotage. They soon find themselves caught in a mystery that reaches back to the creation
of the solar system. Here is to be found a mystery that could destroy the Wheel -- and kill them all!
Critique: A 'must' for the legions of Doctor Who fans, this complete and unabridged audio book edition of "Doctor Who: the
Wheel of Ice" from BBC audio has skilled narrator David Troughton bringing author/storyteller Stephen Baxter's original
and entertaining tale of the Doctor's time traveling adventures to life. While this CD 'theatre of the mind' edition of "Doctor
Who: the Wheel of Ice" is comprised of 9 CDs and a sturdy hard plastic shell casing, it should be noted for personal,
community, and college/university library Science Fiction audio book collections that it is also readily available in an
MP3-CD format (9781529973556, $107.95/$91.76, 2 CDs).
Editorial Note #1: Stephen Baxter (www.stephen-baxter.com) had his first professionally published short story appeared in
1987. He has been a full-time author since 1995 and is currently Vice-President of the British Science Fiction Association.
His books have won several awards including the Philip K Dick Award, the John Campbell Memorial Award, the British
Science Fiction Association Award, the Kurd Lasswitz Award (Germany) and the Seiun Award (Japan) and have been
nominated for several others, including the Arthur C Clarke Award, the Hugo Award and Locus awards. He has also
published over 100 sf short stories, several of which have won prizes.
Editorial Note #2: David Troughton (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Troughton) is an English actor. He is known for
his Shakespearean roles on the British stage and for his many roles on British television, including Dr Bob Buzzard in A
Very Peculiar Practice and Ricky Hanson in New Tricks.
Sun Ascendant
C. F. Dunn, author
Polly Edsell, narrator
Soundings
c/o Ulverscroft Large Print, Inc.
www.ulverscroft.com
9781399187145, $126.95/$107.91, CD (14 Hours 30 Minutes)
https://www.ulverscroft.com/store/us/search/9781399187145
Synopsis: 1470, England -- The kingdom is in turmoil as the battle between supporters of the Yorkist king, Edward IV and
the old Lancastrian king, Henry VI escalates.
And for Isobel Fenton the war is personal. Her father's sudden death made her an heiress to Beaumoncote Manor, a desirable
estate in the midlands. But as conflict threatens England's unstable peace, Isobel and her lands become the focus of bitter
tensions and a long-held feud.
Taken from her manor, Isobel becomes the unwilling mistress of an indomitable Earl. Unable to protect her own lands or
herself, she sees her only chance of happiness in the Earl's brother, Robert Langton, newly sworn to serve Richard, Duke of
Gloucester.
Isobel's life in the castle becomes increasingly difficult as the Countess plots against her rival, and Isobel finds herself
trapped and alone in her gilded prison.
She is determined to take her fate into her own hands, but how can she gain her freedom and find her way back to
Beaumoncote...?
Critique: The sequel to "Wheel of Fortune", this audio book edition of "Sun Ascendant" is the second title in novelist C. F.
Dunn's 'The Tarnished Crown' saga based on the Wars of the Roses -- a conflict that took place in Medieval Europe.
Brought vividly to life in a true theatre of the mind experience by the impressive narrative talents of Polly Edsell, this
complete and unabridged audio book edition of "Sun Ascendant", with its hardcover casing (and comprised of 13 CDs) will
prove an enduringly popular pick for community library collections. It should be noted for the personal lists of historical
fiction fans that "Sun Ascendant" is also available in a MP3-CD edition (9781399187152, $126.95/$107.91, 1 Disc).
Editorial Note #1: C. F. Dunn (https://www.cfdunn.co.uk) is a novelist of history, mystery and suspense. Studying medieval
history at university, CF Dunn has always been acutely aware of the impact of the past. Vibrant characters and meticulous
research seamlessly weave threads of history to bring an authenticity to her richly-hued, suspenseful stories of intense love,
loyalty and treachery.
Editorial Note #2: Polly Edsell (https://www.pollyedsell.com) is a classically trained Voice Over Artist and Audiobook
Narrator based in London. With nearly 100 titles to her name, she has had the pleasure of working with the top studios,
publishers and authors both in the UK and abroad. Polly is especially known for my humorous timing, warm native RP tone,
and multilingual abilities. She is fluent in French and Italian, as well as having a good grasp of Spanish, and a decent ear for
German pronunciation.
Warriors of Iron
M. J. Porter
Boldwood Books
c/o Ulverscroft Large Print, Inc.
www.ulverscroft.com
9781836174998, $107.95/$91.76, CD (10 Hours 13 Minutes)
https://www.ulverscroft.com/store/us/search/9781836174998
Synopsis: Britain AD541
Seeress Meddi has been restored to her rightful position of influence within the Eorlingas tribe. But a heavy cloud hangs
over the tribe's survival with the escape of the treacherous Elen who seeks to exact a bloody vengeance following Meddi's
reinstatement and her downfall.
Meddi knows Elen will return to settle the blood feud and the tribe must be ready to face this deadly threat with iron. They
must toil day and night to harness the power of the lost magiks to make the weapons needed to overpower Elen.
Meanwhile, Waermund, a warrior of Saxon descent, has escaped his enforced captivity and vows vengeance against his
captors. He too hungers for the promise of sharp blades and travels West to find those who can fashion iron into blades
sharp enough to kill. But when a lone woman befriends the band of warriors, promising him even more than that, he's
beguiled by her tale of deceit amongst her own tribe, so reminiscent of his own.
Unbeknown, Meddi and Waermund share a common enemy and one who is just as belligerent as they are.
Critique: A part of author M. J. Porter's 'The Dark Age Chronicles' series, "Warriors of Iron" is an impressively original,
exceptionally engaging, deftly scripted, and simply fascinating historical action/adventure novel that is brought vividly to
life in a true 'theatre of the mind' experience by the exceptional storytelling talents and narration by the team of Antonia
eamish and Simon Mattacks. With its sturdy and protective plastic clamshell casing, this CD edition of "Warriors of Iron"
from Boldwood Books is a welcome and recommended pick for library audio book collections. It should be noted that this
complete and unabridged CD edition of "Warriors of Iron" is also available in an MP3-CD format (9781836175001,
$107.95/$91.76) and in a large print paperback edition (9781836175056, $42.00/$35.70).
Editorial Note #1: M. J. Porter (https://www.mjporterauthor.com) is a member of the HWA (Historical Writers
Association), The Society of Author, ALLI and the CWA (Crime Writers Association).
(https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7163404.M_J_Porter)
Editorial Note #2: Antonia Beamish is an experienced narrator with an extensive listing of her books at
https://www.audible.com/search?searchNarrator=Antonia+Beamish
Editorial Note #3: Simon Mattacks is an accomplished narrator with a listing of his work online at
https://www.audible.com/search?searchNarrator=Simon+Mattacks
Wolves of the Empire
JC Duncan, author
Sean Barrett, narrator
Boldwood Books
c/o Ulverscroft Large Print, Inc.
www.ulverscroft.com
9781805498322, $112./$96.01, CD (11 Hours 43 Minutes)
https://www.ulverscroft.com/store/us/search/9781805498322
Synopsis: "Wolves of the Empire" is the fourth volume of JC Duncan's action-packed 'Last Viking' series.
Sworn to serve the empire, cursed to decide its fate. 1041 AD, Constantinople The Byzantine empire is fading. Sick with
corruption and complacency that paralyzes its once mighty people, assailed from within and without by those who seek to
feast upon its riches. The emperor is dying, the empress is ageing, and rebellion threatens in the heart of their
homelands.
The last hope of the eternal empire might lie with a disgraced foreign mercenary. Harald Hardrada fears nothing but failure
or dishonor. For eight years he has faithfully served the heirs of Caesar, but has failed in his goal to earn the riches and
reputation he needs to reclaim the throne of Norway.
Empress Zoe makes Harald one final offer to save both of their ambitions: He can have all the riches and glory that he
desires, if he breaks his oaths and delivers the empire into her grasp.
Is Harald the man of his word or will he bend to the empress's ruthless demands?
Critique: A 'must' for the legions of Viking action/adventure fans, "Wolves of the Empire" is an extraordinary, original,
deftly crafted, and simply riveting story of Harald Hardrada set in the last days of the Byzantine Empire. Professional
narrator and vocal actor Sean Barrett is able to bring author JC Dunn's Harald Hardrada Viking saga to life in a true 'theatre
of the mind' experience making this complete and unabridged CD audio book edition O "Wolves of the Empire" a welcome
and enduringly popular pick for community and public library audio book collections. It should be noted that this audio
book edition of "Wolves of the Empire from Boldwood Books is also readily available in an MP3-CD format
(9781805498339, $112.95/$96.01) and in a large print paperback edition (9781805498391, $42.00/$35.70).
Editorial Note: JC Dunn (https://jcduncan.co.uk) is the author of the series, 'The Light of the North', a saga of a mythical
sword, and the legendary warrior-smith who wielded it. Set in a fictional alternate history of the end of the Viking age,
against a backdrop of a climactic struggle between the Norse and the Christian states of western Europe, a struggle for
conquest and survival. As the Norse world falls apart, a sword is forged that has the future of the people tied to it by fate,
and by the gods, or so the seer tells it. In 'The Light of the North', the sword becomes the symbol of the resistance, but a
sword is nothing without a hand to wield it, and from the chaos a reluctant hero emerges to bear it, and gives the people
their last great weapon; hope.
Eagle and the Flame
Adam Lofthouse, author
David Thorpe, narrator
Boldwood Books
c/o Ulverscroft Large Print, Inc.
www.ulverscroft.com
9781836785156, $107.95/$91.76, CD (10 Hours 33 Minutes)
https://www.ulverscroft.com/store/us/search/9781836785156
Synopsis: Wall of Hadrian, Britannia, AD 367 It's just another day -- until it isn't.
Tribune Sixtus Victorinus is scouting north of the Wall when he first sees the smoke. Little does he know it's about to
change his life forever. Riding south he finds a province in chaos, the local populace in flight, the soldiers absent.
For rebellion is in the air at the far reaches of empire. The land is ablaze, overrun with barbarians, 'Valentia', is the word on
everyone's lips. And no one seems to have the first clue what to do about it.
And so Victorinus must act. He has let his life run to ruin, drunk his youth away. Now he must forge himself into the soldier
he always wanted to be, the hero his children think he is.
Because his family are among the missing, and traitors lurk much closer than he could ever believe.
To save his family, he must first save an empire.
Critique: Original, deftly crafted, compelling, "Eagle and the Flame" is the first book in the author Adam Lofthouse
historical action packed 'Shadow of Rome' adventure series that is set during the tumultuous years of the Roman Empire's
occupation of Britain. Brilliantly narrated by David Thorpe from start to finish, this complete and unabridged CD edition
(with its sturdy protective casing) of "Eagle and the Flame" is especially appropriate and recommended for
community/public library audio book collections. It should be noted that this audio book edition of "Eagle and the Flame" is
also available in an MP3-CD format, as well as a large print paperback edition (9781836785217, $42.00/$35.70).
Editorial Note #1: Adam Lofthouse (https://www.adamlofthouse.com/books) resides in Kent, UK and has for many years
held a passion for the ancient world. After ten years of immersing himself in stories of the battles that forged our history, he
decided to write them himself.
Editorial Note #2: David Thorpe is an award-winning audiobook narrator known for voicing various genres, including
fantasy and science fiction. He has narrated numerous popular titles, including works by authors like Adrian Tchaikovsky
and Roald Dahl. A listing of his narrated books is at:
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18994915.David_Thorpe
The Library CD Shelf
Shishiodoshi
Kaze & Koichi Makigami
www.satokofujii.com
Libra Records
$TBA CD / 1,000 JPY digital
https://satokofujii.bandcamp.com/album/shishiodoshi
Shishiodoshi is an original, full-length music album by the international quartet Kaze and vocalist Koichi Makigami. The
Kaze quartet consists of composer-pianist Satoko Fujii; trumpeter Natsuki Tamura; trumpeter Christian Pruvost; and
drummer Peter Orins. Together they have created an avant-garde musical canvas that defies categorization, drawing
inspiration from the beautiful and rhythmic centerpiece of a traditional Japanese bamboo garden. Inspired and inspiring,
Shishiodoshi is a treasure for connoisseurs of multicultural music artistry, highly recommended for both personal and public
library collections. The tracks are Make a Change (25:15); Shishiodoshi (19:19); and Inspiration 2 (16:26).
Points in Time
John Yao and his 17 Piece Instrument
See Tao Recordings
$TBA CD / $12.00 digital
https://johnyao.bandcamp.com/album/points-in-time-4
Trombonist and composer John Yao and the extraordinarily talented musicians of his big band, the 17-Piece Instrument,
present the album Points in Time. Reimagining small band classic songs in a big band jazz style, Points of Time is vibrant,
vivacious, and a joy for connoisseurs of the genre. Points in Time is highly recommended for both personal and public
library music collections. The tracks are Upside; Not Even Close; Triceratops Blues; First Step; The Other Way; Early
Morning Walk; Song for Nolan; and Finger Painting.
Arcadia
Kevin Keller
www.kevinkeller.com
City Hall Records
www.cityhallrecords.com
$12.00 CD / $9.00 digital
https://kevinkeller.bandcamp.com/album/arcadia
Inspired by medieval sounds and plainchant melodies, Arcadia is an ambient new age album with chanting, keyboards, and
live strings. Kevin Keller's original, artfully composed music symbolizes a journey through the afterlife; the accompanying
chants are inspired by biblical and liturgical sources, along with original Latin texts written by Keller. Sofia Campoamor
provides a transcendentally beautiful performance as the lead vocalist, along with sopranos Katherine Wessinger, Danya
Katok, and Wendy Baker; violinist Sarah Zun; viola player Angela Pickett; and cellist Laura Metcalf. Arcadia is ideal for
meditation, creative inspiration, or quiet contemplation, and is highly recommended for both personal and public library
new age collections. The tracks are Et vidi caelum; Et nox ultra; Me solum me invenio; In tenebris; Mare, littus, flammam;
In equo fugit; Et lux perpetua; and Veni intus.
Good Hang
David Bode
davidbodemusic.com
1718 Records LLC
$15.00 CD / $9.00 digital
https://davidbodemusic.bandcamp.com/album/good-hang
The debut album of New Orleans-born saxophonist, flute player, composer, and arranger David Bode, Good Hang is a big
band ensemble jazz album, featuring beloved classic songs and a grand total of nineteen talented performers on saxophones,
flute, trumpet and flugelhorn, trombone, sousaphone, piano, guitar, acoustic and electric bass, and drums - and almost every
band member has one or two solos! Ambitious, vivacious, and brimming with passion, Good Hang embodies the music and
vibrance of New Orleans - as well it should, since its creation was made possible through a grant from the Threadhead
Cultural Foundation, and organization that promotes New Orleans' culture and heritage. Good Hang is the a "must-have" for
big band jazz connoisseurs, highly recommended for both personal and public library music collections. The tracks are
Syeeda's Song Flute (J. Coltrane); Libertango (A. Piazzola); Spring Can Really Hang You Up The Most (F. Landesman/T.
Wolf); Happy People (K. Garrett); Lover, You Should've Come Over (J. Buckley); Cold Train Funk (D. Bode); Monkey
Puzzle (J. Black); Temporary Blindness (D. Bode) and Dear Prudence/Don't Let Me Down (J. Lennon/P. McCartney).
BloodLines
Rico Jones
Giant Step Arts
giantsteparts.org
$TBA CD / $20.00 digital
https://ricojonesjazz.bandcamp.com/album/bloodlines
BloodLines is a live-recorded jazz album of original compositions by Rico Jones, performed by Rico Jones on tenor
saxophone, Max Light on guitar, Joe Martin on bass, and Nasheet Waits on drums. Half of BloodLines consists of a five-
part suite; the other half is four songs reflecting on moments that transcend time, and presence of God made manifest. The
music of BloodLines speaks to listeners of all faiths, and is highly recommended especially for mind-expanding spiritual
contemplation. The tracks are Bloodlines: Suite of the Eternal & Omnipresent Spirit (I. Invocation; II. Lone Wolf; III.
Bloodlines; IV. Queen Isabelle; V. Dwennimmenn); Judgement and Absolution; Across Time; The Moment; and The Voice
of God Shines Brightly on My Heart.
Under the Surface
Sumi Tonooka, composer
www.sumitonooka.com
Performed by Alchemy Sound Project
www.alchemysoundproject.com
Privately Published
$15.00 CD / $9.99 digital
https://sumitonooka.bandcamp.com/album/under-the-surface
Under the Surface is a captivating original jazz album composed by Sumi Tonooka and performed by Sumi Tonooka's trio
and Alchemy Sound Project: Sumi Tonooka on piano; Gregg August on bass; Johnathan Blake on drums; Erica Lindsay on
tenor saxophone; Samantha Boshnack on trumpet; Michael Ventoso on trombone; and Salim Washington on tenor
saxophone, bass clarinet, and flute. The music is inspired by the roots of trees and the fungi-supported mycorrhizal networks
that form a symbiotic relationship with long-lived plants. Under the Surface is entrancing, adventurous, mind- expanding,
and highly recommended especially for connoisseurs of original jazz. The tracks are Points of Departure; Savour; Interval
Haiku; Tear Bright; Mother Tongue, For Stanley; and Under the Surface.
Candy Apple
Domenic Cicchetti
domcicchetti.com
Nyack Records
$TBA CD / $TBA digital
https://open.spotify.com/artist/4vKggpH4PZdMvsNv4YEq9Z
https://music.apple.com/us/album/candy-apple/1796015579
Candy Apple is an original jazz album by multi-instrumentalist Domenic Cicchetti, featuring Cicchetti on piano, keyboards
and synth with contributions from a medley of talented music artists on guitar, sax, drums, flute, percussion, and more. The
songs range in tone from exciting and energetic to smoothly flowing and serenely beaming. Candy Apple is as flavorful as
its title suggests, and highly recommended especially for connoisseurs of original jazz. The tracks are Jump To It; Candy
Apple; PCH; Sunlight; Intricate Journey; Ode to a Friend; and Night Time.
Overlook
Ben Clifton
Ben Clifton Music
ben-clifton.com
$TBA CD / $14.00 digital
https://benclifton.bandcamp.com/album/overlook
Pianist, composer, and multi-instrumentalist Ben Clifton presents Overlook, a jazz album of original songs which showcase
Clifton's talent; ten tracks were written entirely by Clifton, while four tracks were co-written with others. Clifton's masterful
piano is the centerpiece of the performance; some individual tracks are enriched by talented music artists on bass, drums,
electric guitar, violin, cello, vibraphone, or other instruments. Overlook is a sweeping life journey in music form, and highly
recommended especially for jazz connoisseurs in search of something fresh and exciting. The tracks are Convocation (Ben
Clifton); Shadows (Ben Clifton/Nicoya Polar); No Access to Hollywood (Ben Clifton/Kelly Doyle); Serenity (Ben Clifton);
Constructs (Ben Clifton); Overlook (Ben Clifton); Relapse (Ben Clifton); Cortiandt (Ben Clifton/Nicco Martinez/Johnathan
Hulett); Lost on Maple (Ben Clifton/Arthur Moyler); Return to Sanity (Ben Clifton); Introspection (Ben Clifton); Dream
State (Ben Clifton); Don't Live the Same (Ben Clifton); and Precious Transition (Ben Clifton).
Loving You
Kieran Brown
Cellar Music Group
$14.99 CAD CD / $9.99 CAD digital
https://kieranbeatricebrownmusic.bandcamp.com/album/loving-you
Jazz vocalist Kieran Brown presents the music album Loving You, a resonant performance of classics love songs (and two
of Brown's originals) brought to life with a grand gathering of talented musicians on piano, bass, drums, guitar, alto and
tenor saxophone, violin, viola, cello, and more. Enduring love is a central theme of all the memorable songs. Brown's
rapturously beautiful, dulcet vocals make Loving You a special treasure for connoisseurs of the genre. Highly
recommended! The tracks are You're Gonna Hear From Me (Andre Previn/Dory Previn); Do It Again (George
Gershwin/Buddy DeSylva); Emily (Johnny Mandal/Johnny Mercer/Henry Mancini); Mediation (Antonio Carlos
Jobim/Newton Mendonca/Norman Gimble); I'll Love You Just the Same (Kieran Brown); Alfie (Burt Bacharach/Hal
David); Little Bits of Magic (Kieran Brown); Loving You (Stephen Sondheim); Hallelujah, I Love Him So (Ray Charles);
and Somewhere (Leonard Bernstein/Stephen Sondheim).
Lift Up This Old World
Hilary Hawke
www.hilaryhawkemusic.com
Privately Published
$20.00 CD / $15.00 digital
https://hilaryhawke.bandcamp.com/album/lift-up-this-old-world-2
Talented banjoist, vocalist, and multi-instrumentalist Hilary Hawke presents Lift Up This Old World, a bluegrass album
featuring nine original songs and two arrangements. Joined by Ross Martin on guitar, Max Johnson on bass, Camie Howes
on fiddle, and more music artists lending their exceptional talent to enrich specific tracks, Hilary Hawke has created a
down-to-earth album about building confidence to tackle life's challenges. Immersive, insightful, and creatively engaging,
Lift Up This Old World is a choice pick for connoisseurs of the genre, highly recommended. The tracks are Liza Jane; All
I've Ever Known; Have Your Own Way; Parts And Labor / 4 Cent Cotton; Never Take Me With You When You Leave;
NYC Waltz; World Rests Its Head; No Surprises; Lonely Heart; Sun Is All around; and Dreaming Of You.
Haunted Melody
Peter Campbell
Peter Campbell Music
petercampbellmusic.com
$TBA
American-Canadian vocalist and producer Peter Campbell presents Haunted Melody, an eclectic jazz album of timeless
songs co-arranged with masterful Canadian guitarist Reg Schwager. An extraordinary array of talented music artists lend
their expertise in the trumpet, flugelhorn, tenor saxophone, guitar, bass, drums, percussion, and more to enrich this
extraordinary reimagination of selected songs by various composers. Haunted Melody is a stunning and immersive audio
experience, highly recommended. The tracks are Sweetest Presence/Doce presenca (Ivan Lis/Jane Monheit/Vitor Martins);
Lost in a Summer Night (Andre Previn/Milt Raskin); My Mood is You (Carl Sigman); No One After You (Anjani
Thomas/Leonard Cohen); He Never Mentioned Love (Curtis Lewis); Invitation (Bronislaw Kaper/Paul Frances Webster);
Song for Old Lovers/La chanson des vieux amants (Jacques Brel/Amanda McBroom/Gerard Jouannest); I'm Lost (Otis
Rene); Forgetting You/Esquecendo voce (A.C. Jobim/Judy Spencer); If Ever/Saudade de amar (Dori Caymmi/Tracy
Mann/Paulo Cesar Pinheiro).
Short Stories
Don Macdonald
donmacdonaldmusic.com
Privately Published
$TBA CD / $9.49 MP3
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FM4LV71H
https://donmacdonald.bandcamp.com/album/short-stories
Short Stories is a vocal jazz album by Canadian composer, violinist, alto sax player and vocalist Don Macdonald, featuring
seven original songs and three arrangements of classic favorites. JUNO-winning guitarist Mike Rud, award-winning pianist
David Restivo, bassist Jill McKenna, drummer Joel Fountain, tenor sax player Kiyo Elkuf, and vocalist Allison Girvan
combine their talents with Don Macdonald's vision and performance to bring Short Stories to vibrant life. True to the
album's title, each song presents its own snapshot story of the perils, pitfalls, and hopes of everyday life. Short Stories is a
treasure for vocal jazz connoisseurs, highly recommended. The tracks are Sofia's Coming Out; Nobody Knows You When
You're Down and Out (Jimmie Cox); Fall From Grace; Invisible; Clementine; Sonny's Bridge; Fate; One More Cup of
Coffee (Bob Dylan); Stormy Night With You; and I Cover the Waterfront (Johnny Green/Edward Heyman).
The Blu-ray Shelf
Leiji Matsumoto's Queen Millennia Complete TV Series
Sentai Film Works
https://www.sentaifilmworks.com
c/o RLJ Entertainment (distribution)
$99.98
https://www.sentaifilmworks.com/products/816726023670-queen-millennia-complete-collection-blu-ray
Originally broadcast in 1981-82, Leiji Matsumoto's Queen Millennia Complete TV Series features all forty-one episodes
plus a special episode of the anime adaptation of the classic space opera manga by Leiji Matsumoto, who is also known for
creating the beloved sci-fi series "Space Battleship Yamato", "Space Pirate Captain Harlock", and "Galaxy Express 999". In
Queen Millennia, the genius astronomer Professor Amamori has discovered a tenth planet named in the solar system, and
it's on a collision course for the Earth! This projected doom is more than a natural disaster; a spy from the tenth planet, using
the name Yayoi Yukino, has infiltrated Earth on a mission to facilitate the enslavement or destruction of humankind. Yet
Yukino's interactions with humanity, especially Amamori's young adult nephew, cause her to reconsider her deadly mission.
Can Yukino defy the will of an alien world and find a way to save humankind - or to help humans save themselves with
science? A sweeping sci-fi odyssey, Queen Millennia Complete TV Series is a "must-have" for connoisseurs of classic
anime, highly recommended! Queen Millennia Complete TV Series is rated TV-14; parental guidance is suggested for
preteen viewers. 41 episodes plus special episode on 5 Blu-ray discs, 1050 minutes, Japanese audio with English
subtitles.
The Photography Shelf
A History of Photography in Canada, Volume 1
Martha Langford
McGill-Queen's University Press
www.mqup.ca
9780228023685, $85.00, HC, 600pp
https://www.amazon.com/History-Photography-Canada-Participation-McGill-Queens/dp/0228023688
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-history-of-photography-in-canada-volume-1-martha-langford/1146509373
Synopsis: From early reports of the invention to its wide application during World War I, the idea of photography created
anticipation and participation in the modern world.
The first volume (Anticipation to Participation 1830-1019) of "A History of Photography in Canada" by Martha Langford
captures this phenomenon in detail by examining hundreds of historical photographs generated in and about
Canada-in-the-making and by listening to the chords they struck in the collective imagination.
Emphasizing technological readiness and cultural eagerness for the medium, in the pages of "A History of Photography in
Canada: Volume 1", Langford shows how photography served ideals of progress and improvement as Canada's settler
society looked to master the world by seizing its visible traces.
The imposition of these programs on Indigenous Peoples and indentured labourers is confronted throughout this massive
volume, which offers both narratives and counternarratives of subjectification.
Reproducing photographic images of people, places, events, and objects from the unceded territories of the First Nations,
Inuit, and Metis, from British North America, and from the Dominion of Canada and the Dominion of Newfoundland,
Langford asks where and when photographs were taken, why, and by whom. How did the making and preservation of a
photograph alter the circumstances in which it was produced, and how did this affect individual and collective
consciousness?
Alongside accomplished portraits, landscapes, still lifes, and their vernacular counterparts, "A History of Photography in
Canada: Volume 1" draws glimmers of photographic experience from treatises and doggerel, official reports and personal
diaries, newspapers, magazines, letters, and travelogues.
This first volume, 'Anticipation to Participation 1839-1918' chronicles eight decades of re-invention and re-purposing, from
a wondrous discovery to the wide adoption of photography as a basic tool for knowledge gathering, artmaking, and
journaling. Langford's sweeping narrative rewrites the history of photography from the bottom up, vividly expanding the
definition of photographic experience.
Critique: This large format (8.5 x 1.7 x 11 inches, 1 pound) hardcover edition of "A History of Photography in Canada,
Volume 1: Anticipation to Participation, 1839 - 1918" is also the 45th volume in the McGill-Queen's University Press
simply outstanding McGill-Queen's/Beaverbrook Canadian Foundation Studies in Art History series. A masterpiece of
meticulous scholarship, historian and academician, Professor Martha Langford has impressively exercised her expertise in
researching the history of Canadian photography with the publication of "A History of Photography in Canada, Volume 1:
Anticipation to Participation, 1839 - 1918" which features an informative ten page Introduction, fifty pages of Notes, a
twenty-four page Bibliography, and a nine page Index. Profusely illustrated throughout with examples of photography in
service to an informative and instructive commentary, "A History of Photography in Canada: Volume1" is a unique,
exceptional, and unreservedly recommended addition to community and college/university library History of Photography
collections and supplemental curriculum studies lists. It should be noted for the benefit of students, academia, historians,
and non-specialist general readers with an interest in the subject that this edition of "A History of Photography in Canada:
Volume 1" from the McGill-Queen's University Press is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle,
$80.75).
Editorial Note: Martha Langford FRSC is a Canadian art historian. She is also a Distinguished University Research
Professor of art history at Concordia University and the Research Chair and Director of the Gail and Stephen A. Jarislowsky
Institute for Studies in Canadian Art. She was the founding director of the Canadian Museum of Contemporary Photography
and served as its director and chief curator from 1985 until 1994. She is an elected Fellow of the Royal Society of
Canada.
In the Moment: 40 Years of Reuters Photojournalism
Alexia Singh, editor
Thames & Hudson, Inc.
www.thamesandhudsonusa.com
9780500029138, $65.00, HC, 320pp
https://www.amazon.com/Moment-40-Years-Reuters-Photojournalism/dp/050002913X
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/in-the-moment-reuters/1147007167
Synopsis: Founded in London in 1851, Reuters mission is to present to the world the news that matters. Its photographers
deliver over 1.5 million photographs every year, priding themselves on being first on the scene. For close to four decades,
Reuters photographers have captured evocative images to document events at speed. They have received numerous awards
over that time, including a 2024 Pulitzer Prize for breaking news photography of the Israel - Hamas war.
Extensively illustrated with around 500 photographs, and divided by decades starting from the 1980s, "In the Moment: 40
Years of Reuters Photojournalism" weaves together timelines and stories offering a visual account of forty years of Reuters
photography. Reuters photographers dedicate themselves to covering major news events around the world, often at
enormous personal sacrifice. At a time when trust in journalism is eroding, their role is more important than ever. This
timely publication draws on revelatory first-person texts from the photographers themselves, capturing not simply life
behind the lens, but what it means to bear witness to history.
Offering an unrivaled insight into the workings of an agency that has long been at the center of global events, "In the
Moment: 40 Years of Reuters Photojournalism" is a visual testament to the power and value of news photography over four
consecutive decades.
Critique: The large format (10 x 1.1 x 12 inches, 4.62 pounds) hardcover edition of "In the Moment: 40 Years of Reuters
Photojournalism" from Thames & Hudson is knowledgeably compiled and deftly edited by photojournalism expert and
Reuter's picture editor Alexia Singh. A magnificent chronicle of Reuters (one of journalism's iconic institutions) is a unique
and especially recommended pick for personal, professional, community, and college/university library 20th Century
Photography collections and supplement Photojournalism curriculum studies lists.
Editorial Note #1: Alexia Singh (https://www.alexiasingh.com) is a senior lecturer in photojournalism and documentary
photography at the London College of Communications. She worked as a picture editor for Reuters for twenty years. In
2010, she was appointed editor in charge of Reuters' Emmy award - winning website The Wider Image. She has worked
with clients such as Magnum Photos, WaterAid, Disasters Emergency Committee, and Save the Children.
Editorial Note #2: Reuters (https://www.reuters.com) is the world's largest international text, photography, and television
news agency. Its award-winning photographers have captured the defining moments of our times, from war zones and
protests to sporting events and culture.
Last Laughs
Elliott Erwitt
teNeues Publishing
https://www.teneues.com/en/company
9783961716333, $75.00, HC, 208pp
https://www.amazon.com/Last-Laughs-Elliott-Erwitt/dp/3961716331
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/last-laughs-elliott-erwitt/1145663448
Synopsis: When great black and white photography and tongue-in-cheek humor come together, as they did with Elliott
Erwitt, the result is a unique coffee table book like "Last Laughs". No one was better than the New York photography
legend at observing everyday scenes around the world with heart and humor through the lens of his camera. Shortly before
his death in 2023, he curated this wonderful selection of amusing, tongue-in-cheek snapshots for his last major photo book,
which are also tinged with a touch of wistful nostalgia from today's perspective.
Elliott Erwitt mastered the art of capturing special moments in seemingly casual everyday scenes with his camera. Whether
stars or unknown faces in the streets, whether people or dogs, when the photography legend Erwitt observed the world
through the lens of his camera, his sense of humor was always his companion. It is the unmistakable signature of his
photography in black and white that turned these tongue-in-cheek glances at the lives of others into impressive documents
of contemporary history: a wonderful, sometimes melancholy book of hand-picked photographic moments full of nostalgia
and humor.
Critique: A unique coffee table book celebrating one man's lifetime of photojournalism with nostalgic and a contemporary
photo-eyed historical perspective, "Last Laughs" is a fitting memorial to the life, legend and work of of creative
photographer Elliott Erwitt. This large format hardcover edition of "Last Laughs" from teNeues Publishing is an
extraordinary, iconic, visually and emotionally engaging photographic study of the contemporary human condition with all
its eccentricities, humor, tragedy, conformity and non-conformity. Each Black & White photo is either full page or double
page in size. This massive, coffee-table style volume is especially and unreservedly recommended for personal,
professional, community, and college/university library Contemporary American Photography collection and supplemental
Photojournalism/Criticism curriculum studies list.
Editorial Note: Elliott Erwitt was the grand seigneur of magazine photography, a long-standing member of the famous
Magnum Photos agency and also served as its vice-president. The widely travelled photojournalist knew how to document
contemporary history and snapshots of life like no other. Whether celebrities such as Marilyn Monroe and Jackie Kennedy,
ordinary people on the streets of New York or his favourite animal subject, dogs, he was able to capture the humor in
everyday scenes in an incomparable way. Erwitt passed away in 2023, but the legacy of the photography legend lives on -
with a wink in black and white and this, his last self-curated photo book "Last Laughs".
The Business Shelf
Women in Entrepreneurship and Family Businesses
Helle Neergaard and Naomi Birdthistle, editors
Edward Elgar Publishing
www.e-elgar.com
9781800376410, $171.00, HC, 326pp
https://www.e-elgar.com/shop/usd/women-in-entrepreneurship-and-family-businesses-9781800376410.html
Synopsis: Collaborative compiled and co-edited by Helle Neergaard and Naomi Birdthistle, "Women in Entrepreneurship
and Family Businesses: Methodological Insights to Advance Research" is a compendium of contributions by erudite
scholars that collectively illustrates the need for innovative research to better understand women's roles in entrepreneurship
and family firms.
Underscoring the importance of using diverse methodologies to accurately capture real-world experiences, "Women in
Entrepreneurship and Family Businesses" explores the corporate challenges women face, such as gender bias and balancing
work with family.
"Women in Entrepreneurship and Family Businesses" also advocates for the expansion of research into historical contexts
using archival and documentary evidence, uncovering the stories of women entrepreneurs of the past.
Encouraging engaged scholarship and collaboration with practitioners, co-editors Helle Neergaard and Naomi Birdthistle
seek to emphasize the significance of studying cultural backgrounds that may be unfamiliar to researchers. By pushing the
boundaries of traditional research methods, they aim to advance knowledge and support the development of women in
entrepreneurial fields.
Scholars and students interested in gender studies, qualitative research methods and family business will benefit from
Women in Entrepreneurship and Family Businesses". It is additionally useful for researchers seeking to identify
methodological research gaps in the field.
Critique: An original, seminal, and groundbreaking compendium of twelve erudite articles, a seven page listing of the
contributors and their credentials, a seven page Afterword by the editors, and an eight page Index, "Women in
Entrepreneurship and Family Businesses: Methodological Insights to Advance Research" is an especially and unreservedly
recommended addition to personal reading lists and college/university library collections and supplemental MBA
curriculum studies lists.
Editorial Note #1: Helle Neergaard is Professor of Entrepreneurship, School of Business and Social Sciences, University of
Aarhus, Denmark.
Editorial Note #2: Naomi Birdthistle is Professor of Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation, Griffith Business School,
Griffith University, Australia.
Ideas to Action
Rick Tucci
https://ideastoactionplatform.com
FriesenPress
https://www.friesenpress.com
9781038318060, $33.68, HC, 180pp
https://www.amazon.com/Ideas-Action-organizations-innovation-accelerate/dp/1038318068
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/ideas-to-action-rick-tucci/1147406309
Synopsis: As automation and artificial intelligence (AI) continue to reshape the workplace, the real opportunity for
entrepreneurs and business managers isn't choosing between systems and people -- it is with effectively integrating
them.
With the publication of "Ideas to Action: Unlock your organization's hidden genius to ignite innovation and accelerate
results" makes the case (and delivers an instructive guide) for unlocking the untapped genius of your front-line workforce
and turning insight into measurable results.
Built on 35+ years of real-world application across Fortune 500 companies, healthcare systems, and public agencies, "Ideas
to Action" isn't about trends or theory. It's about returning to what works: making it easy for employees to share ideas, take
ownership, and lead change.
Transformation strategist Rick Tucci shares the Ideas-to-Action Process(TM) -- a simple, scalable framework that
empowers employees at all levels to contribute meaningfully to innovation and growth. This method sidesteps the common
traps of top-down change by giving frontline teams structured tools to turn insight into impact.
"Ideas to Action" is a practical DIY guide that will show you how to:
Engage employees as true partners in innovation
Tap existing know-how - without relying on outside consultants
Build a culture of continuous improvement and adaptability
Deliver measurable results in weeks -- not months or years
From the plant floor to the executive suite, Ideas to Action offers a repeatable system for building a more agile, invested,
and innovative organization -- and doing it fast!
"Ideas to Action" reveals the future of work -- and a return to what matters most.
Critique: The fundamental message of author Rick Tucci throughout "Ideas to Action: Unlock your organization's hidden
genius to ignite innovation and accelerate results" is that -- 'In the age of AI, your greatest innovation engine isn't artificial -
- it's human'.
Exceptional, informative, innovative, insightful, inspirational, motivational, and extraordinarily well written, organized and
presented, "Ideas to Action" is especially and unreservedly recommended for personal, professional, community, corporate,
and college/university library Business Management/Decision Making collections and supplemental MBA curriculum
studies lists.
It should be noted for MBA students, academia, entrepreneurs, business managers, corporate executives, and non-specialist
general readers with an interest in the subject that this hardcover edition of "Ideas to Action" from FriesenPress is also
readily available in paperback (9781038318053, $21.99) and in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.99). Bulk buyers may
obtain "Ideas to Action" at a discount from bulk distributor Porchlight Books (https://www.porchlightbooks.com).
Editorial Note: Rick Tucci, for over 35 years, has helped leaders around the world unlock the hidden genius of their
frontline employees to drive innovation, accelerate results, and build stronger cultures. As the founder of Leap Academy,
Rick developed the Ideas-to-Action Process(TM) - a proven, practical system that equips leaders to tap employee insight
and rapidly convert ideas into measurable outcomes. His tools and approach have been implemented by Fortune 500
companies, government agencies, and nonprofits alike.
Marketing Effectiveness
Sorin Patilinet
Kogan Page Inc.
www.koganpage.com
9781398621060, $134.00, HC, 264pp
https://www.amazon.com/Marketing-Effectiveness-Applying-Science-Growth/dp/1398621064
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/marketing-effectiveness-sorin-patilinet/1146743863
Synopsis: Contrary to popular belief marketing effectiveness is not just about the measuring of ROI. The lens of
effectiveness must be applied to all marketing mix elements, from strategy to pricing and product, to media and advertising.
It's a strategic shift that demands robust evidence-based decisions and consistent application in order to grow.
Written by leading marketing practitioner, Sorin Patilinet, "Marketing Effectiveness: Applying Marketing Science for Brand
Growth" will enable mid-senior level marketers to integrate the scientific methods and advanced measurements required for
true marketing effectiveness into their marketing strategies, in order to reap the benefits of strong customer understanding
and developing decision-making processes for growth.
Covering everything from neuroscience and its application to marketing to advanced analytics and machine learning models,
"Marketing Effectiveness: Applying Marketing Science for Brand Growth" provides a comprehensive practical guide for
marketers. It also takes a look into the future of how AI will impact the use of marketing effectiveness, and features real
world examples from Snickers, Warby Parker and Uber Eats.
Critique: Exceptionally well written, deftly organized, and thoroughly 'reader friendly' in presentation, "Marketing
Effectiveness: Applying Marketing Science for Brand Growth" by Sorin Patilinet is a complete course of invaluable
instruction that is especially and unreservedly recommended to the attention of MBA students, academia, entrepreneurs,
business managers, and corporate officers with a responsibility for marketing their company's goods and/or services. While
an appropriate and recommended addition to personal, professional, corporate, and college/university library
Global/International Business Management collections and supplemental MBA Database Storage & Design curriculum
studies lists, it should be noted that this hardcover edition of "Marketing Effectiveness: Applying Marketing Science for
Brand Growth" from Kogan Page is also available in paperback (9781398621053, $38.99) and in a digital book format
(Kindle, $37.04).
Editorial Note: Sorin Patilinet (https://www.sorinp.com/about) is the Senior Director of Marketing Effectiveness at Mars
based in Brussels, Belgium. His initiatives such as the innovative AVI and ACE effectiveness measurement systems have
earned industry recognition from prestigious organizations including WARC, ANA and WFA. As a keynote speaker at
renowned industry events including Cannes, WFA, ANA, Mad//fest, Festival of Marketing, Possible, and ARF, and as a
regular guest lecturer at Wharton Business School and other universities in Europe, Sorin plays a crucial role in shaping the
future of marketing and inspiring the next generation of marketers.
Data and Analytics Strategy for Business, 2nd Edition
Simon Asplen-Taylor
Kogan Page Inc.
www.koganpage.com
9781398622036, $134.00, HC, 344pp
https://www.amazon.com/Data-Analytics-Strategy-Business-Leverage/dp/1398622036
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/data-and-analytics-strategy-for-business-simon-asplen-taylor/1146743866
Synopsis: Now in a new and expanded second edition, "Data and Analytics Strategy for Business: Leverage Data and AI to
Achieve Your Business Goals" by Simon Asplen-Taylor is a practical guide for business, technology and data leaders
building a data, analytics and AI strategy for their organization.
Starting by identifying the value you can obtain from data, analytics and AI, "Data and Analytics Strategy for Business"
shows you how to maximise that value to support your organization's goals and mission. It also covers the importance of
having high quality data to generate trust, getting the whole organization on board as well as all the other essential elements
required to complete your strategy. "Data and Analytics Strategy for Business" provides the keys to using data to drive
improved business results.
Incorporating the latest developments in AI, this new second edition of "Data and Analytics Strategy for Business" shows
how entrepreneurs and corporate leaders can use AI right away to get value from their existing strategy. "Data and Analytics
Strategy for Business" also provides practical guidance and recommendations for implementing AI and machine learning to
maximize performance. Filled with real-world examples from organizations including Tesco and Facebook, "Data and
Analytics Strategy for Business" is an effective step-by-step guide to designing and implementing a results-driven data
strategy.
Critique: Exceptionally informative, expertly written, impressively comprehensive, thoroughly 'reader friendly' in
organization and presentation, "Data and Analytics Strategy for Business: Leverage Data and AI to Achieve Your Business
Goals, 2nd Edition" by Simon Asplen-Taylor is an extraordinary and recommended addition to personal, professional,
corporate, and college/university library Strategic Business Planning collections and supplemental MBA curriculums. It
should be noted for MBA students, academia, entrepreneurs, corporate executives, and non-specialist general readers with
an interest in the subject of Data Mining that this newly updated and expanded second edition of "Data and Analytics
Strategy for Business: Leverage Data and AI to Achieve Your Business Goals 2nd Edition" from Kogan Page is also readily
available in paperback (9781398622012, $42.99) and in a digital book format (Kindle, $38.80).
Editorial Note: Simon Asplen-Taylor is the founder and CEO of VALSTR, a leading data, analytics and AI consultancy. He
was the UK's first Chief Data Officer (CDO) and previously served as CDO for multiple FTSE firms including Bupa and led
some of the largest data-led transformations in Europe. He is a Fellow of the Royal Statistical Society and serves on their AI
Taskforce. In 2023, CEO Magazine named him Most Influential Data Analytics CEO and in 2025, he was awarded a Top
100 Influential People award. He is based in London, UK.
The Psychology Shelf
Wrestling Through Adversity
Christine M. Silverstein
Winsome Entertainment Group
9798888964385, $29.99, PB, 426pp
https://www.amazon.com/Wrestling-Through-Adversity-Christine-Silverstein/dp/B0CFM32LSG
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/wrestling-through-adversity-dr-christine-m-silverstein/1143903129
Synopsis: From the dark ages to the present era, our treatment of those mentally ill has progressed from chaining to a wall
those afflicted with mental disturbance who never saw the light of day to the use of medications and counseling to treat
mental illness.
However, in emergency rooms throughout the United States, our young people on the brink of despair are held hostage for
psychiatric care.
The message of "Wrestling Through Adversity: Empowering Children, Teens & Young Adults to Win in Life" by Dr.
Christine M. Silverstein is that we as a modern society have become bound to antiquated biomedical models of mental
health care. It is fortunate that we, as a society, are experiencing a mental health crisis of enormous proportions currently
only in the sense that we are beginning to hear a wake-up call as we witness a total breakdown of our mental healthcare
system regarding the mental stability of our youth and other groups of everyday people.
Healthcare professionals and societies are beginning to understand that mental health is integral to overall health and is
more than the absence of symptoms of psychological distress. The mastery important to us all includes the acquisition of the
capacity to reflect, to relate on a deep level with others emotionally, and to empathize in the face of change or stressful
situations.
Resilient young people who possess these qualities and the ability to wrestle through adversity when they have the skillsets
to do so, lead more successful lives when they know how to make lemonade out of lemons.
Critique: A seminal and groundbreaking study, "Wrestling Through Adversity: Empowering Children, Teens, & Young
Adults to Win in Life" by Dr. Christine M. Silverstein is exceptionally informative, insightfully thought-provoking, deftly
crafted, timely and thoroughly 'reader friendly' in organization and presentation. While this paperback edition of "Wrestling
Through Adversity" from the Winsome Entertainment Group is especially and unreservedly recommended for community
and college/university library Adolescent Psychology & Counseling collections and supplemental curriculum studies lists, it
should be noted for the personal reading lists of psychology/counseling students, practitioners, academia, and non-specialist
general readers with an interest in the subject that "Wrestling Through Adversity" is also available in a digital book format
(Kindle, $9.99).
Editorial Note: Dr. Christine M. Silverstein (https://drchristinesilverstein.com) is a peak performance coach, behavioral
health RN, and clinical hypnosis expert at The Summit Center for Ideal Performance has assisted clients of all ages for 27
years to reach their best performances in health, athletics, academics, business, and performing arts. She specializes in
working with children, teens, and young adults, using Mindful Toughness skillsets, such as self-hypnosis, mental rehearsal,
positive self-talk, and feedback loop analysis. As a researcher, historian, and best-selling author, she has presented her
works on Hypno-Coaching and history in the US and globally to promote mental health.
The Architecture Shelf
Second-Century Modernism
John Jennifer Marx
ORO Editions
www.oroeditions.com
9781957183343, $65.00, HC, 252pp
https://www.amazon.com/Second-Century-Modernism-John-Jennifer-Marx/dp/1957183349
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/second-century-modernism-john-jennifer-marx/1146407079
Synopsis: This first century of architectural modernism has come to a close with a mixed review. Enthusiasm for its
achievements goes hand in hand with a discontent about a sizeable portion of its outcome, as well as its effect on the natural
and built environments. The most vocal supporters of these modernist ideals crafted epic claims that modernism was bound
to deliver progressive and humane environments. Alas, the follow through of those promises was uneven at best.
Can we update this ideological framework, establishing a new outlook that is both open-ended and operational?
If the first century of modernism can be considered an architecture of abstraction and ideas, then what might we design if we
turn our attention, in this second century of modernism, to an architecture of emotional abundance?
With the publication of "Second-Century Modernism", John Jennifer Marx creates an architecture of richness and
community by placing a higher priority on emotional meaning, through a shift in the design process that balances the
rational with the intuitive, and a "Less + More" approach to expanding the range of cultural values we can inclusively
balance in our environments.
"Second-Century Modernism" welcomes you to embrace the paradoxical qualities of human existence.
Critique: This large format (9781957183343, 4.91 pounds) hardcover edition of "Second-Century Modernism" from ORO
Editions presents and showcases the architectural criticism, insights and advocacy of John Jennifer Marx. With profusely
illustrated commentaries, a bit of poetry, a three page listing of Project Credits, a one page listing of Image Credits, and a
one page listing of Acknowledgments (which include five deceased architects who influenced John Jennifer Marx), this
coffee-table style volume is unique, informative, challenging, thoughtful and thought-provoking. "Second-Century
Modernism" is a critically important and fully recommended acquisition for personal, professional, community, and
college/university library Architectural Studies collections and supplemental curriculum studies lists.
Editorial Note: John Jennifer Marx, AIA, is a co-founding principal and chief artistic officer of Form4 Architecture in San
Francisco, California. He is responsible for developing Form4 Architecture's design vision and philosophical language. In
order to return a sense of humanity back into architecture, he advocates for the inclusion of philosophy, art, and poetry in the
thoughtful making of place by creating emotionally resonant architecture and urban spaces.
(https://www.di.net/di-media/articles/2024-quarterly/q4-08-consequential-question-has-modernism-failed-us-john-jennifer-
marx)
The Needlecraft Shelf
Crocheted Flowers
Emma Varnam
The GMC Group
www.gmcbooks.com
9781784946807, $27.99, PB, 160pp
https://www.amazon.com/Crocheted-Flowers-Stylish-realistic-crochet/dp/178494680X
Synopsis: "Crocheted Flowers: 30 Stylish and realistic blooms to crochet" by Emma Varnam showcases beautiful
needlecraft projects (including poppy, daisy, daffodil, lavender and peony) which are fun to make and the perfect way to use
up odds and ends of your favorite yarn.
With 30 botanical beauties to choose from, ranging from cheery sunflowers to ruffled roses, cool Bachelor Buttons and a
beautiful Tulip, there's sure to be a favorite for everyone. The projects make charming gifts and provide instant decorations
for plain bags, clothing and other accessories. You can also create a unique bouquet or flower garland.
Each project has detailed color photography of the completed flower and there are clear, concise instructions to follow.
Critique: Thoroughly 'reader/user' friendly in organization and step-by-step presentation, this large format trade paperback
edition of Emma Varnam's "Crocheted Flowers: 30 Stylish and realistic blooms to crochet" from the The GMC Group will
prove to be a welcome and prized addition to personal, professional, and community library Needlcraft/Crochet instructional
reference collections.
Editorial Note: Emma Varnam (https://emmavarnam.co.uk) has for more than a decade had a successful crochet and knitting
design career. She enjoy balancing her daily need to be creative with sharing my experiences and inspirations in an online
blog.
Flower Embroidery
Susie Johns
The GMC Group
www.gmcbooks.com
9781784946814, $26.99, PB, 136pp
https://www.amazon.com/Flower-Embroidery-Floral-Motifs-Projects/dp/1784946818
Synopsis: From delightful daffodils to cheerful cherry blossoms, with the publication of "Flower Embroidery: Over 100
Floral Motifs and Projects to Create". Susie Johns introduces aspiring embroiders to a range of fundamental embroidery
techniques and best practices through easy-to-follow instructions, clearly defined tips and step-by-step photography.
Each page comprising "Flower Embroidery: Over 100 Floral Motifs and Projects to Create" features beautifully
photographed projects which vary from pillowcases, table cloths and cutlery wraps, to aprons and picnic cloths. Projects
included in this step-by-step instruction guide will appeal to both beginners and more experienced embroiderers alike.
Whether you are a seasoned needlework enthusiast or a budding embroidery artist, "Flower Embroidery: Over 100 Floral
Motifs and Projects to Create" offers a needlecraft bouquet of inspiration and step-by-step guidance to create stunning floral
masterpieces.
Recommended embroidery projects include:
Lavender pouches
Buttercups and Daisies Cutlery Wrap
Summer Bouquet Cushion
Honeysuckle Apron
Poppy Picnic Cloth
Critique: This large format (8 x 0.5 x 10 inches, 1.1 pounds) paperback edition of Suzie John's "Flower Embroidery: Over
100 Floral Motifs and Projects to Create" from The GMC Group is especially 'user friendly' in organization and presentation
-- making it an ideal and unreservedly recommended addition to personal, professional, and community library
Needlecraft/Embroidery instructional reference collections.
Editorial Note: Susie Johns is an artist and designer who has written dozens of craft books, including Circus Embroidery,
Knitted Woodland Creatures, How to Embroider, Fat Quarter: Bags & Purses and Fat Quarter: Vintage. Her patterns and
designs appear regularly in consumer craft magazines in the UK, such as Let's Knit, Sew and Let's Get Crafting, and she has
written numerous patterns for suppliers such as DMC. She has also demonstrated various crafts on television.
(https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/166687.Susie_Johns)
All-New Twenty To Make: One Patch Quilts
Carolyn Forster
Search Press Ltd.
https://www.searchpress.com
9781800922587, $11.95, HC, 64pp
https://www.amazon.com/All-New-Twenty-Make-Patch-Quilts/dp/1800922582
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/all-new-twenty-to-make-carolyn-forster/1146019281
Synopsis: Appropriate for both novice and experienced quilters looking for ready-to-trace templates and contemporary
one-patch quilting inspiration, "All-New Twenty To Make: One Patch Quilts" is a simply stunning and instructive DIY
instructional guide for twenty quilting projects from Carolyn Forster and contains 20 different patchwork shapes, ranging
from triangles and diamonds, to tumblers, clamshells and applecores, each of which are made up into a stunning one-patch
design.
For each of the 20 shapes there is:
A full-size template, ready to trace off and use
Piecing instructions to help you put together your one-patch designs with ease
Layout variations to inspire you to use each shape in numerous ways
Clear photographic visuals showcasing Carolyn's chosen layout and fabric.
A complete quilting primer makes "All-New Twenty To Make: One Patch Quilts" easily and methodically accessible for
beginners, with advice on scaling the templates up and down, and both hand and machine sewing.
Of special note is the inclusion of a complete one-patch quilt project, with full making-up instructions and sumptuous
photography, created using a selection of the one-patch blocks.
Critique: Thoroughly 'user friendly' in organization and presentation, this new edition of "All-New Twenty To Make: One
Patch Quilts" from Search Press is an expanded hardback edition of their "20 to Stitch: One-Patch Quilts" (2017) and is an
especially and unreservedly recommended addition to personal, professional, and community library Needlecraft/Quilting
collections. It should be noted for personal use that this hardcover edition of "All-New Twenty To Make: One Patch Quilts"
is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.44).
Editorial Note: Carolyn Forster (www.carolynforster.co.uk) is a popular quilting author who started making quilts when she
was a teenager and went on to study Textiles at the University of Bath. Since graduating, Carolyn has taught patchwork and
quilting both in the UK and the USA and has had her quilts featured in a number of books and magazines, including
Fabrications, Popular Patchwork and Patchwork and Quilting. Carolyn lives in Tunbridge Wells, UK.
The Folktale/Fairytale Shelf
Dark Fairy Tales
Viktor Wynd, author
Luciana Nedelea, illustrator
Prestel Publishing
www.prestel.com
9783791393506, $40.00, HC, 240pp
https://www.amazon.com/Dark-Fairy-Tales-Definitely-Suitable/dp/3791393502
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dark-fairy-tales-viktor-wynd/1147082929
Synopsis: Viktor Wynd has always gravitated toward the weirder corners of folklore. On his extensive travels, he has
amassed a trove of folklore and fairytale stories that refuse to play nice -- filled with risque twists, grotesque details, and
endings that are surprisingly happy, though not always in the way one might expect.
Having entertained audiences around the world with these tales, he has now written down some of his favorites in "Dark
Fairy Tales: Stories from Around the World (That Are Definitely Not Suitable for Children)", a book as beautifully
produced as it is macabre.
The stories comprising "Dark Fairy Tales" were collected in Wales, Ireland, Arabia, Germany, Norway, Papua New Guinea,
and Borneo and include the adventures of a one-eyed troll; the feckless Paddy O'Dwyer; a changeling child; a girl who
thinks she can outwit a witch; the doomed Sinbad the Traveler; shapeshifters; and a baby-eating pig.
Each chapter begins with Wynd's personal account of how he came to learn these stories. Arresting and intricate B/W
illustrations by Transylvanian artist Luciana Nedelea perfectly balance the charming and grotesque.
"Dark Fairy Tales" also includes a guide to the art of learning and recounting fairy tales. With foil accents and
black-stenciled edges, this very special volume feels like a forbidden artifact plucked from a dusty cabinet of
curiosities.
Critique: Informatively enhanced for the reader's benefit with the inclusion of an Introduction (On Fairy Tales - How to Use
This Book), an eight page article 'How to Tell a Story', eight pages of Notes, and 21 fairytales organized by country of origin
(Wales, Ireland, Arabia, Germany, Norway, Papua New Guinea, Borneo), "Dark Fairy Tales: Stories from Around the
World (That Are Definitely Not Suitable for Children)" is a unique and fascinating read from start to finish and highly
recommended for personal, community, and college/university library Folklore/Fairytale collections. It should be noted for
students, academia, and non-specialist general readers with an interest in the subject that this hardcover edition of "Dark
Fairy Tales: Stories from Around the World (That Are Definitely Not Suitable for Children)" is also readily available in a
digital book format (Kindle, $36.99).
Editorial Note #1: Viktor Wynd (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viktor_Wynd) is a writer, artist, and the proprietor of the
eponymous Museum of Curiosities, Fine Art and UnNatural History in London. He regularly leads expeditions to Papua
New Guinea, the Congo and beyond, taking small groups with him via his boutique travel agency Gone with the Wynd. He
is the author of Viktor Wynd's Cabinet of Wonders and The UnNatural History Museum (both published by Prestel).
Editorial Note #2: Luciana Nedelea is an illustrator from Transylvania specializing in heavy metal-style imagery. She holds
a PhD in ancient history and archaeology. (https://nedelealuciana753.wixsite.com/luciana-nedelea-art/portfolio)
The Art Shelf
Draw & Color Everything Awesome
Leon Romer
Walter Foster Publishing
c/o Quarto Publishing Group USA
www.quartoknows.com
9780760398418, $16.99, PB, 192pp
https://www.amazon.com/Color-Everything-Awesome-Step-Step/dp/0760397694
Synopsis: "Draw and Color Everything Awesome: Includes Easy Step-by-Step Drawings, Fun Coloring Pages, and QR
Codes to Video Lessons!" by Dutch artist Leon Romer is packed from cover to cover with easy-to-follow tutorials and
inspiration, making it perfect for beginners who want to explore cute, kawaii-inspired drawing. Whatever your age or skill
level, you can learn to draw everything from foods and animals to outdoor scenes and cozy indoor items.
This US edition of Leon's Dutch "Draw and Color Everything Awesome" includes exclusive bonuses like 20 extra coloring
pages along with QR codes that link to his video tutorials for added guidance. Known for his kawaii style, Leon brings
ordinary items to life with a playful touch that inspires creativity.
"Draw and Color Everything Awesome" is a veritable treasure trove of inspiration that includes:
100+ step-by-step drawing tutorials: Learn to draw foods, animals, and everyday items in a fun, accessible style.
Exclusive coloring pages: This US edition includes 20 additional coloring pages offering extra opportunities to color fun
drawings.
Interactive video content: QR codes lead to instructional videos, so artists can see the techniques in action.
An ideal DIY instruction and 'how-to' manual for young artists, beginners, or anyone interested in kawaii art, "Draw and
Color Everything Awesome" makes drawing accessible and enjoyable. With vibrant illustrations and plenty of
encouragement, "Draw and Coor Everything Awesome" turns drawing into a personal journey of artistic creativity and
fun.
Critique: An ideal introduction to Kawaii style art, "Draw and Color Everything Awesome: Includes Easy Step-by-Step
Drawings, Fun Coloring Pages, and QR Codes to Video Lessons!" is comprised of 100 step-by-step kawaii drawing tutorials
that are impressively 'reader/user' friendly in organization and presentation. This large format (8.5 x 0.48 x 11 inches, 1.7
pounds) paperback edition of "Draw and Color Everything Awesome" from Walter Foster Publishing is a truly extraordinary
and highly recommended pick for personal, professional, community, art school, and college/university library Art
Instruction Guide collections and supplemental Art/Illustration curriculum studies lists.
Editorial Note: Leon Romer (https://www.leonromer.nl) has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide with his whimsical
illustrations and charming characters. His distinctive artistic flair, characterized by vibrant colors, playful designs, and a big
touch of kawaii charm, has earned him a dedicated following across various social media platforms where he can be found
@leonromer. Whether he's creating enchanting children's books, hosting engaging television segments, or crafting delightful
merchandise, Leon's work embodies a sense of joy and wonder that inspires the imaginations of all ages. Through his art,
Leon continues to spread positivity and creativity, leaving a lasting impression on all who encounter his delightful
creations.
Visionary Art
Alexander Shester M.D., author
Regent Press
www.regentpress.net
9781587907111, $29.95, PB, 96pp
https://www.amazon.com/Visionary-Art-Alexander-Shester-M/dp/1587907119
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/visionary-art-alexander-shester-m-d/1147424021
Synopsis: "Visionary Art" is comprised of many of psychiatrist Alexander Shester's artistic image that he has produced
throughout the years. The visionary imagery was stimulated by his earlier Jungian studies dealing with dreams, active
imagination meditations, and later by visionary plant medicines, all of which took him into the extraordinary depths of his
psyche to experience archetypal symbolism as part of his individuation process and healing.
A personal commentary follows each art piece; however, author/artist Shester invites the viewer to find meaning in the
images that reflects their own psyche. "Visionary Art" reflects Shester's personal struggles with the forces of darkness and
light, woundedness and radiance, despair and hope, as well as his transpersonal connection to the natural world.
Critique: Original, articulate, thought-provoking, visually interesting, and of particular value/appeal to readers with an
interest in Jungian Psychology and Philosophy, this large format (8 x 0.25 x 10 inches, 9.9 ounces) paperback edition of Dr.
Alexander Shester's "Visionary Art" from Regent Press is especially and unreservedly recommended for personal,
professional, community, and college/university library Contemporary Psychology & Art collections and supplemental
curriculum studies lists.
Editorial Note: Alexander Shester, M.D., is a psychiatrist and Jungian Analyst with over thirty years of participating in
guided Vision Quests using entheogens and shamanic principles. He is now retired and manifesting his creativity and
experiences as a visionary artist, author, and musician with an interest in Americana and folk music, singing and playing his
guitar, banjo, and harmonica.
The Parenting Shelf
Just One: The New Science, Secrets & Joy of Parenting an Only Child
Susan Newman
Prometheus Books
c/o The Globe Pequot Press
www.globepequot.com
9781493088584, $21.95, PB, 178pp
https://www.amazon.com/Just-One-Science-Secrets-Parenting/dp/1493088580
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/just-one-susan-newman/1145809494
Synopsis: Drawing from groundbreaking new research and interviews with over 100 families, with the publication of "Just
One: The New Science, Secrets & Joy of Parenting an Only Child", renowned psychologist Susan Newman, Ph.D.
dismantles the outdated myths about having and parenting only one child.
"Just One" provides parents with a informed and informative roadmap for confident parenting decisions. Whether you are
contemplating your family's size being restricted to a single child or already raising an only child, "Just One" is an
authoritative guide addresses the most pressing concerns including:
Is one child right for me? Am I being selfish?
No sibling: Am I cheating my child?
What are the benefits of being an only child?
Why the "selfish, lonely only" stereotypes no longer hold up
How to raise a well-adjusted, compassionate only child
Is caring for aging or ill parents too much for one child?
More and more families are embracing the solo child with little to no pressure from family and friends to have another. The
one-child family has become desired in the U.S. and worldwide in developed countries. China, England, Korea, France and
Canada have already been labeled "one-child nations".
Critique: An original, seminal, and extraordinary work of meticulous research, "Just One: The New Science, Secrets & Joy
of Parenting an Only Child" by social psychologist Susan Newman is impressively well written, organized and presented --
making it ideal for both professional and non-professional readers with an interest in the specific subject of having and
raising an only child whether it is in response to fertility issues, governmental decrees, cultural pressures, or conscious
decision making. While uniquely and unreservedly recommended for personal, professional, community, and
college/university library Contemporary Parenting collections, it should be noted that this paperback edition of "Just One:
The New Science, Secrets & Joy of Parenting an Only Child" from Prometheus Press is also readily available in a digital
book format (Kindle, $20.85).
Editorial Note: Susan Newman, Ph.D. is a social psychologist specializing in parenting concerns, family dynamics and
trends. She is a member of the American Psychological Association, The Authors Guild, and the American Society for
Journalists and Authors, and is a Court Appointed Special Advocate for abused and neglected children.
The Native American Studies Shelf
Indigenous Activism in the Midwest
Margret McCue-Enser
Michigan State University Press
https://msupress.org
9781611865509, $34.95, PB, 175pp
https://msupress.org/9781611865509/indigenous-activism-in-the-midwest
Synopsis: With the publication of "Indigenous Activism in the Midwest: Refusal, Resurgence, and Resisting Settler
Colonialism", Professor Margret McCue-Enser examines how Minnesota Indigenous activists use public memory sites to
interrupt and challenge the dominant narrative of place.
Professor McCue-Enser also explores how Indigenous activism reveals and disrupts material, discursive, and performative
rhetorics of settler colonialism. This work cultivates the ground between rhetorical studies of place and space and
Indigenous studies in which place is central to Indigeneity and activism.
Using largely in situ analysis and drawing on Indigenous and rhetorical scholarship as well as Indigenous and mainstream
press, the analysis focuses on sites such as an outdoor art installation, a historic settlers' village, centennial and
sesquicentennial farms, and a celebrated military fort.
Critique: A seminal and groundbreaking study of meticulous scholarship, "Indigenous Activism in the Midwest: Refusal,
Resurgence, and Resisting Settler Colonialism" by Professor Margret McCue-Enser is an extraordinary contribution to
Contemporary Native American collections. Informatively enhanced for the reader's benefit with the inclusion of an
eighteen page bibliography of Works Cited, thirty-eight pages of Notes, and a six page Index, this original study is an
especially and unreservedly recommended acquisition for community and college/university library Indigenous People
Studies and supplemental curriculum lists. It should be noted for the personal reading lists of students, academia,
governmental policy makers, political activists, and non-specialist general readers with an interest in the subject that this
paperback edition of "Indigenous Activism in the Midwest: Refusal, Resurgence, and Resisting Settler Colonialism" from
the Michigan State University Press is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $33.20).
Editorial Note: Margret McCue-Enser is a professor of communication studies at St. Catherine University. Her recent work
explores the role of rhetoric of place in constituting diasporic communities. Her published research has explored the ways
that Indigenous communities in Minnesota assert Indigenous terms of belonging and expose farmer-settler narratives of
place and how Menominee restoration leader and first female Indigenous head of the Bureau of Indian Affairs Ada Deer
centers her identity and her argument on Menominee land and culture. McCue-Enser won a top article award from the
American studies division of the National Communication Association and a top paper award (with Derek Sweet) from the
rhetoric and public address division of Western States Communication Association. Her work has appeared in Decolonizing
Native American Rhetoric: Communicating Self-Determination, Reconsidering Obama: Reflections on Rhetoric, the
Quarterly Journal of Speech, Communication Studies, and Argumentation and Advocacy, among other outlets.
The Spirit of the Rainforest
Dr. Rosa Vasquez Espinoza
Gaia
c/o Octopus Publishing Group
https://www.octopusbooks.co.uk
9781856755566, $27.99
https://www.amazon.com/Spirit-Rainforest-Indigenous-Scientific-Reconnects/dp/1856755568
The Spirit of the Rainforest: How Indigenous Wisdom and Scientific Curiosity Reconnects Us to the Natural World comes
from an author who grew up alongside the Amazon, learning about it from her native healer grandmother. Even though she
pursued a career in science and gained a PhD in the US, Espinoza remained connected to her Amazon home, returning to it
as a leading biologist and writer to explore its unique attributes. These Amazonian journeys are delivered with insights into
ecology, healing, natural medicine, and biodiversity, contrasting Espinoza's scientific education with intimate knowledge of
indigenous communities and insights. The combined perspective juxtaposes worlds not often brought together so
seamlessly, and will prove an attraction for libraries interested in blends of science, new age, natural medicine, and
healing.
The Fashion Shelf
Vintage Icons of Fashion: From the Chanel 2.55 to the Rolex Oyster
Raul Barragan Sanz and Jean-Sebastien Moisy
Mitchell Beazley
c/o Octopus Publishing Group
https://www.octopusbooks.co.uk
9781840919653, $39.99
https://www.amazon.com/Vintage-Icons-Fashion-Chanel-Oyster/dp/1840919655
Raul Barragan Sanz and Jean-Sebastien Moisy's Vintage Icons of Fashion: From the Chanel 2.55 to the Rolex Oyster
gathers under one cover some of the most collectable vintage pieces from the fashion world. It juxtaposes clothing and
accessories with a probe of the the vintage fashion market, surveying big name brands, discussing their characteristics and
history, and considering both manufacturing and collectibles. Full-page color photos accompany such articles as 'The Jackie
by Gucci', 'The Chanel Jacket by Chanel', and 'The Bar Jacket by Dior', which details scandals, design intentions, the politics
behind artistic creations and their marketing, and characteristics of different collections. Vintage Icons of Fashion is an
excellent guide recommended for general-interest libraries strong in fashion history, offering information hard to find
elsewhere.
The Music Shelf
Legendary Guitars
Julien Bitoun
Cassell
c/o Octopus Books
https://www.octopusbooks.co.uk
9781788406321, $60.00, HC, 240pp
https://www.amazon.com/Legendary-Guitars-Explore-Worlds-Most/dp/178840632X
Synopsis: From the beginnings of the American guitar in the 19th century to the avant-garde Canadian creations of 2025,
from folk to electric to archtop; from the cheap guitar of the bluesmen of the 1960s to the Les Paul worth half a million
dollars; all the instruments showcased in the pages of "Legendary Guitars: Explore the World's Most Legendary Guitars" by
Julien Bitoun are exceptional, whether it's because of their sound, their craftsmanship, the way they play, their aesthetics or
the artists they inspired.
Julien Bitoun, who is a dedicated and talented musician, as well as a greatly informed specialist in the history of rock, has
lovingly selected each of the instruments. He tells the story of their creation and the reasons they entered music history.
Enough to make the most jaded collector pale or the most occasional enthusiast definitely addicted, this magnificent edition
of "Legendary Guitars: Explore the World's Most Legendary Guitars" is profusely illustrated with spectacular color
photography of individual instruments in support of an accompanying and informative commentary.
Critique: Quite arguably the ultimate collection of 100 legendary guitars, this large format and coffee-table style (9.25 x
0.85 x 12.25 inches, 5.66 pounds) hardcover edition of Julien Bitoun's "Legendary Guitars: Explore the World's Most
Legendary Guitars" from Cassell comes in a protective paper casing and is an extraordinary and recommended pick for
personal, professional, community, and college/university library Music History collections and supplemental curriculum
studies lists. It should be noted that "Legendary Guitars: Explore the World's Most Legendary Guitars" is also available in a
digital book format (Kindle, $31.99).
Editorial Note: Julien Bitoun a French guitarist, singer, and teacher, is the author of several books on the history of rock and
guitars, including Woodstock and Guitars & Heroes, published by Grund, and Strange Brew (Carmion blanc), a written
version of his rock history course at Sciences-Po. He also writes for major guitar and rock publications in France, including
Guitar Part and Guitar Xtreme.
Beyonce All the Songs
Benoit Clerc
Cassell
c/o Octopus Publishing Group
https://www.octopusbooks.co.uk
9781788405577, $60.00
https://www.amazon.com/Beyonc%C3%A9-All-Songs-Story-Behind/dp/1788405579
Music fans need have more than a passing interest in Beyonce in order to appreciate the weighty Beyonce All the Songs:
The Story Behind Every Track, which offers a deep dive into her music in a manner that will appeal to avid fans seeking a
comprehensive guide. Over five hundred pages explores Beyonce, her creations and intentions, and their impact in this
song-by-song survey of her career. From solo albums to visual projects and innovations, All the Songs not only profiles her
finest creations, but the people around her who contributed to her inspiration. Full-page black and white and color photos
pack the pages, providing added attraction and value that will thoroughly delight her fans, reinforcing her connections to
soul, hip-hop, and other notable genres and musicians.
The Theatre/Cinema Shelf
Diversity in Disney Films
Johnson Cheu
McFarland & Company
https://mcfarlandbooks.com
9780786446018, $29.95, PB, 315pp
https://www.amazon.com/Diversity-Disney-Films-Ethnicity-Disability/dp/0786446013
Synopsis: Although its early films featured racial caricatures and exclusively Caucasian heroines, Disney movies has, in
recent years, become more multicultural in its filmic fare and its image.
From Aladdin and Pocahontas to the Asian American boy Russell in Up, from the first African American princess in The
Princess and the Frog to "Spanish-mode" Buzz Lightyear in Toy Story 3, Disney films have come to both mirror and
influence our increasingly diverse society.
Compiled and edited by Professor Johnson Cheu, "Diversity in Disney Films: Critical Essays on Race, Ethnicity, Gender,
Sexuality and Disability" is comprised of essays that reflects recent scholarship on representations of diversity in Disney and
Disney/Pixar films, not only exploring race and gender, but also drawing on perspectives from newer areas of study,
particularly sexuality/queer studies, critical whiteness studies, masculinity studies and disability studies.
Covering a wide array of films, from Disney's early days and "Golden Age" to the Eisner era and current fare, the essays
comprising "Diversity in Disney Films: Critical Essays on Race, Ethnicity, Gender, Sexuality and Disability" highlight the
social impact and cultural significance of an entertainment giant.
Critique: Composed of eighteen eloquent and informative essays, "Diversity in Disney Films: Critical Essays on Race,
Ethnicity, Gender, Sexuality and Disability" is deftly organized into five major sections and further enhanced for the reader's
benefit with the inclusion of an Introduction (Re-casting and Diversifying Disney in the Age of Globalization), an eight page
Filmography, a four page listing of the Contributors and their credentials, and a ten page Index. A seminal, unique, an
important contribution to cinematic history and theory in general, and Disney movie history in particular, "Diversity in
Disney Films: Critical Essays on Race, Ethnicity, Gender, Sexuality and Disability" is an especially recommended
acquisition for personal, professional, community, and college/university library Cinematic Studies & Film History
collections and supplemental curriculum studies lists. It should be noted for students, academia, and non-specialist general
readers with an interest in the subject of Disney films that this trade paperback edition of "Diversity in Disney Films:
Critical Essays on Race, Ethnicity, Gender, Sexuality and Disability" from McFarland & Company is also readily available
in a digital book format (Kindle, $15.99).
Editorial Note: Johnson Cheu is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Writing, Rhetoric and American Cultures at
Michigan State University in East Lansing. He has published work in fields of disability studies and popular culture, as well
as poetry and creative essays. (https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4139431.Johnson_Cheu)
The Sports Shelf
Eden: A Portrait of Mountain Biking in Aotearoa New Zealand
Nick Stevenson
Thames & Hudson, Inc.
www.thamesandhudsonusa.com
9781760765231, $55.00, HC, 272pp
https://www.amazon.com/Eden-Portrait-Mountain-Aotearoa-Zealand/dp/1760765236
Synopsis: Few countries in the world serve up such diverse mountain bike riding landscapes as Aotearoa, New Zealand.
With a labyrinth of trails that flow, challenge, and excite set against a backdrop of dramatic and surreal landscapes, New
Zealand has become a veritable "Garden of Eden" for mountain bikers.
With contributions by leading photographers and professional athletes that have contributed to and documented the rise of
mountain biking, "Eden: A Portrait of Mountain Biking in Aotearoa New Zealand " is comprise of a stunning collection of
mountain bike photography and informative essays capturing the growth of this young sport in the youngest country in the
world.
Critique: This profusely illustrated large format (9.6 x 1.1 x 12.1 inches, 4.2 pounds) coffee-table style hardcover edition of
Nick Stevenson's "Eden: A Portrait of Mountain Biking in Aotearoa New Zealand" from Thames & Hudson is an ideal pick
for armchair travelers, itinerary planning for New Zealand visitors, sports photography enthusiasts, and aspiring mountain
bike cycling fans. Original, unique, and inherently fascinating from cover to cover, "Eden: A Portrait of Mountain Biking in
Aotearoa New Zealand" is especially and unreservedly recommended for personal, professional, community, and
college/university library collections.
Editorial Note: Nick Stevenson is one of the founders and executive producer at production company Hunt Cinema and
managing director of the marketing agency Cadre. As a producer, filmmaker, and marketer he has crafted films, online
commercials, branded entertainment, advertising campaigns, and event experiences for many global brands.
The Gardening Shelf
Sharing the Love of Gardening
Kristie C. Wolferman
University of Missouri Press
https://upress.missouri.edu
9780826223296, $54.95, HC, 258pp
https://www.amazon.com/Sharing-Love-Gardening-History-Westport/dp/082622329X
Synopsis: With the publication of "Sharing the Love of Gardening: The History of The Westport Garden Club", Kristie C.
Wolferman has carefully chronicled the seventy-five-year history of Kansas City's Westport Garden Club (WGC).
Founded as a women's garden club in 1950, the group became a member of the prestigious Garden Club of America (GCA)
in 1956. Since that time, it has evolved into an organization committed to civic improvement through educational programs
and action in the areas of conservation, horticulture and the use of native plants.
With the post-World War II housing boom, the nascent WGC became involved in landscaping projects aimed at beautifying
Kansas City. These efforts continued when the WGC led re-landscaping efforts after the Great Flood of 1951.
Early in their club's history, the women of the WGC learned that collaboration with other organizations allowed them to
have a greater impact on the causes about which they cared. They soon began working with city governments and park
departments on both sides of the Missouri-Kansas state line, including with the Linda Hall Library and Arboretum, the
Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, and the Loose Park Garden Center.
In addition to being a thorough history of The Westport Garden Club (and the considerable influence that a small number of
dedicated, educated women have had on it) "Sharing the Love of Gardening" is packed from cover to cover with stunning
photography, showcasing previously unpublished images from the clubs' archives and the original work of club member and
professional photographer Marianne Kilroy.
Critique: This large format (12 x 1.2 x 9 inches, 4.13 pounds) hardcover edition of Kristie C. Wolferman's epic "Sharing the
Love of Gardening: The History of The Westport Garden Club" from the University of Missouri Press is a magnificently
illustrated, meticulously researched, impressively well organized and informative horticultural society history that will have
immense appeal and value for readers with an interest in the history of Midwestern regional gardening, urban gardening, and
gardening design. This coffee-table style volume is especially and unreservedly recommended for personal, professional,
community, and college/university library Gardening History collections and supplemental curriculum studies lists.
Editorial Note: Kristie C. Wolferman earned a B.A. in History from Middlebury College and an M.A. in History from the
University of Missouri-Kansas City. She taught middle school History and English at Pembroke Hill School in Kansas City
for twenty years and at the O'Neal School in Southern Pines, North Carolina, for twelve years. She is the author of six
books, including The Osage in Missouri, The Indomitable Mary Easton Sibley: Pioneer of Women's Education, and, most
recently, the second edition of The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art: A History.
(https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1167909.Kristie_C_Wolferman)
The Travel Shelf
Pale Pink Roads
Joe Tarantino
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/57942455.Joe_Tarantino
Pleasant Valley Publishing
9798218704766, $16.95, PB, 256pp
https://www.amazon.com/Pale-Pink-Roads-Journey-American/dp/B0FGKVQ1C5
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/pale-pink-roads-joe-tarantino/1147887787
Synopsis: As a teenager, Joe Tarantino set out on a naive but ambitious quest to ride 100 miles on a bicycle. It did not go
well. He counted every click of the odometer, battled flat tires, ran out of food, and hit the proverbial wall. He ultimately
had to call his dad for a ride home.
But a year later, his brother and cousin convinced him to try again -- this time, a 120-mile ride. Armed with a better bike and
a bit more experience, Joe fell in love with cycling along the open road.
Over the years, long-distance cycling became a way to navigate life's hills and valleys. As he juggled raising a family, caring
for aging parents, and pursuing a career as an aerospace engineer, Joe found clarity, peace, and purpose from the saddle of
his bike.
With the publication of "Pale Pink Roads: A Journey of Faith, Pedals, and American Byways", Tarantino presents seventeen
epic rides -- each one told with humor and heart. Tarantino reveals how miles on unfamiliar pavement led to insights on
resilience, faith, and self-discovery.
More than just a ride across America, "Pale Pink Roads" is the story of a man who pedaled through fear and found
something far greater on the other side.
Critique: Original, exceptional, fascinating, inspiring, and a fun read from start to finish, "Pale Pink Roads: A Journey of
Faith, Pedals, and American Byways" is an extraordinary travelog that will hold a very special appeal to cycling enthusiasts
and travelog fans alike. Deftly written with a natural born storyteller's flair, "Pale Pink Roads" is especially and unreservedly
recommended for personal, community, and college/university library American Travel & Travelog collections. It should be
noted that this paperback edition of "Pale Pink Roads" from Pleasant Valley Publishing is also readily available in a digital
book format (Kindle, $7.99).
Editorial Note: Joe Tarantino has cycled through all 50 U.S. states, crisscrossing a vast network of roads and trails. With 25
marathons and other endurance events under his belt, he retired from a successful 35-year career in the aerospace industry as
a chemist, engineer, and operations manager, in response to God's call to a different direction in his otherwise comfortable
life. While pursuing his cycling goals, he seeks to inspire others to chase their dreams through his writing.
(https://bookgoodies.com/interview-with-author-joe-tarantino)
The Literary Studies Shelf
Jane Austen and Masculinity
Michael Kramp, editor
Bucknell University Press
https://www.bucknell.edu/azdirectory/bucknell-university-press
9781611488661, $136.00, HC, 318pp
https://www.amazon.com/Jane-Austen-Masculinity-Transits-Literature/dp/1611488664
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/jane-austen-and-masculinity-bryce-campbell/1127658889
Synopsis: Knowledgeably compiled and deftly edited by Michael Kramp, "Jane Austen and Masculinity" is an eclectic
collection of contemporary scholarship addressing the representation of men and masculinity in the fiction and popular
adaptations of the English literary icon Jane Austen.
This anthology also includes work by a variety of esteemed and emergent Austen scholars from around the world who
engage in a dialogue on critical questions surrounding her fictional treatment of men and masculinity, such as historical
(post-French Revolutionary) changes in social expectations for men and women, brothers and fathers, male lovers, soldiers
and the military, queer and alternative sexualities, violence, and male devotees of Austen.
Additionally, this collection addresses Austen's fiction, including her juvenilia, as well as the ongoing popular appeal of her
work and the enduring Austen vogue.
The work in this anthology builds on established critical discourses in Austen scholarship as well as important conversations
in Masculinity Studies.
Critique: "Jane Austen and Masculinity" is a seminal and groundbreaking body of exceptional research contributed (under
the editorship of Professor Michael Kramp) by 15 erudite scholars who are experts in the life, times, and works of Jane
Austen. Informative enhanced for the reader's benefit with the inclusion of a fourteen page Bibliography, a complete listing
of the contributors and their credentials, and a twelve page Index, "Jane Austen and Masculinity" is especially and
unreservedly recommended for community, college, and university library 18th Century Literary Criticism collections in
general, and supplemental Jane Austen curriculum studies lists in particular. It should be noted for the personal reading lists
of students, academia, and the legions of Jane Austen fans that this hardcover edition of "Jane Austen and Masculinity"
from the Bucknell University Press is also readily available in paperback ( 9781684485437, $39.95) and in a digital book
format (Kindle, $23.65).
Editorial Note: Michael C. Kramp is a professor of English at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. He is the
author of Patriarchy's Creative Resilience: Late-Victorian Speculative Fiction and Disciplining Love: Austen and the
Modern Man and the editor of Jane Austen and Critical Theory. (https://wordpress.lehigh.edu/dmk209)
Storybook Worlds Made Real
Kathy Merlock Jackson, editor
Mark I. West, editor
McFarland & Company
https://mcfarlandbooks.com
9781476674186, $49.95, PB, 292pp
https://www.amazon.com/Storybook-Worlds-Made-Real-Narratives/dp/1476674183
Synopsis: Memorable children's narratives immerse readers in imaginary worlds that bring them into the story. Some of
these places have been constructed in the real world (like Pinocchio's Tuscany or Anne of Green Gables' Prince Edward
Island) where visitors relive their favorite childhood tales.
Theme parks like Walt Disney World and Harry Potter World use technology to engineer enchanting environments that
reconnect visitors with beloved fictional settings and characters in new ways.
Critique: Collaboratively compiled and co-edited by professors Kathy Merlock Jackson and Mark I. West, "Storybook
Worlds Made Real: Essays on the Places Inspired by Children's Narratives" is simply fascinating collection of eighteen new
and informative essays that explore the imagined places based on the fictional worlds we loved as kids -- and with a special
focus on the meaning of setting and its power to shape the way we view the world around us.
Also featuring an useful and 'reader friendly' Introduction by the co-editors, "Storybook Worlds Made Real: Essays on the
Places Inspired by Children's Narratives" also includes a four page listing of the Contributors and their credentials, as well
as a four page Index.
A seminal and groundbreaking contribution to personal and library collections on children's literature, literary criticism, and
its impact on amusement parks and other aspects of popular culture, this trade paperback edition of "Storybook Worlds
Made Real: Essays on the Places Inspired by Children's Narratives" from McFarland & Company is a unique and highly
recommended addition for community and college/university library collections that is also available for personal reading
lists in a digital book format (Kindle, $29.99).
Editorial Note #1: Kathy Merlock Jackson is a professor of media and communication at Virginia Wesleyan University,
where she teaches courses in media studies and children's culture. She is the author of over a hundred articles, chapters, and
reviews and has published thirteen books. She is a former editor of The Journal of American Culture and a past president of
the Popular Culture Association. (https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/350819.Kathy_Merlock_Jackson)
Editorial Note #2: Mark I. West is the former chair of the English department at the University of North Carolina at
Charlotte. He has written or edited nineteen books on children's literature and culture and is a former president of the
Children's Literature Association. (https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/7200.Mark_I_West)
The Self-Help Shelf
A Singular Life
Greta Booth
Hail Mary Publishing
9798999385338, $19.99 PB / $9.99 Kindle 131pp
https://www.amazon.com/Singular-Life-Secrets-Without-Traditional/dp/B0FHWG76JG
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-singular-life-greta-booth/1147846100
Synopsis: Too often, those who are married or in long-term relationships seem like they get every advantage in life -- while
single people struggle to stay afloat. But it doesn't have to be this way. "A Singular Life: Secrets to Living Well With or
Without a Traditional Partner" by Greta Booth will help to pave a new path forward for those who are single -- and for those
who may find themselves single in the future.
From building a prosperous career and nurturing home to rediscovering good health and uplifting community, "A Singular
Life" explores ways single people (especially single women) can get ahead without being tethered to an unhealthy or
unfulfilling relationship. While acknowledging that good relationships do exist, "A Singular Life" also strives to help
readers embrace a way of life that feels authentic to them, and to not force a bad relationship simply for the sake of being in
one.
Throughout "A Singular Life", Greta Booth deftly weaves first-hand accounts of dating with valuable lessons, practical
advice, and spiritual hot takes. She also includes her five key rules for dating that seek to protect and empower women while
they search for love -- and not simply get them married off.
There is something for people at all stages of life in the pages of "A Singular Life" -- from those just starting out, to those
who thought they would be further along by now.
Critique: Exceptionally honest, unflinching, occasionally iconoclastic, and thought-provoking from start to finish, "A
Singular Life: Secrets to Living Well With or Without a Traditional Partner" by Greta Booth is an expertly presented
compendium of 'inspiring stories, hard-fought secrets, and unexpected tips' for being able to lead a remarkable and
contemporary life whether or not is it with or without a traditional romantic partner. While especially and unreservedly
recommended for community and college/university library Self-Help/Self-Improvement collections, it should be noted for
personal reading lists that this paperback edition of "A Singular Life: Secrets to Living Well With or Without a Traditional
Partner" from Hail Mary Publishing is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.99).
Editorial Note: Greta Booth (https://www.asingularlife.com) has an online Q&A at:
https://www.goodreads.com/author/57639877.Greta_Booth/questions
The Metaphysical Studies Shelf
Thai Tattoo Magick
Sheer Zed
Inner Traditions International, Ltd.
www.innertraditions.com
9798888501719, $29.99, PB, 40pp
https://www.amazon.com/Thai-Tattoo-Magick-Initiatory-Practices/dp/B0DH3MV7NT
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/thai-tattoo-magick-sheer-zed/1146297997
Synopsis: Sharing his profound encounters with Thai magick during four separate pilgrimages to Thailand, with the
publication of "Thai Tattoo Magick: The Initiatory Practices of the Thai Buddhist Magicians" by writer and musician Sheer
Zed details the intense personal initiations and rituals he experienced with the sect of Thai Buddhist magicians known as
Ajarns.
Traveling all over Thailand to meet with holy monks in sacred places, Zed undergoes powerful Thai magickal rituals.
Among these are the Gold Face Blessing, where gold leaf was hammered onto his face to form a mask, and a Satuang ritual,
traditionally performed for returning soldiers, that crescendos with the release of 21 unruly catfish into the Ping River
during a Wolf Moon. As Zed explores the cultural context of Thai Buddhist necromancy, he details firsthand the pain and
transformation of his multiple talismanic Sak Yant tattoos, ritually done by hand by Ajarns in magickal inks, including one
that spiritually transformed him into a tiger. He shares his experiences of intense Serm Duang ritual baths, the insertion of a
gold Takrut needle into his arm, and a rare initiation to connect him directly with spirits.
Revealing the extreme personal losses and traumas that led to his spiritual transformation, Zed also shares how his initiatory
experiences with Thai Buddhist sorcerers helped him destroy his destructive former selves and discover profound healing
for his mind and soul. Exploring chaos magick, pop culture, and esoteric Buddhism, he also examines the artistic and occult
influences that shaped him into a magickal practitioner -- from the underground electronic music scene and the work of the
Beat Poets to the writings of Aleister Crowley and the Buddhist Anarchism of Gary Snyder.
Critique: Original, seminal, groundbreaking, exceptionally well written, organized and presented, "Thai Tattoo Magick: The
Initiatory Practices of the Thai Buddhist Magicians" is a unique volume that will be of special and particular interest to
readers concerned with Buddhist rituals, practices, tattoo art, and metaphysical magic. While especially and unreservedly
recommended as a unique addition to personal, professional, community, and college/university library Buddhist Studies
and Metaphysical Studies collections and supplemental curriculum lists, it should be noted for students, academia, and
non-specialist general readers with an interest in the subject that this trade paperback edition of "Thai Tattoo Magick: The
Initiatory Practices of the Thai Buddhist Magicians" from Inner Traditions is also readily available in a digital book format
(Kindle, $20.99).
Editorial Note: Sheer Zed (https://sheerzed.me) is a writer, Buddhist shaman, musician, and artist. He has contributed to
Hadean Press, Indie Shaman, Rituals & Declarations, and many other publications. A counter-cultural activist, underground
music artist, and magickal practitioner for more than 30 years, he lives in the United Kingdom.
The Wisconsin Shelf
Urban Trails Madison
Andrea Debbink
Mountaineers Books
www.mountaineersbooks.org
9781680517279, $18.95, PB, 224pp
https://www.amazon.com/Urban-Trails-Madison-Downtown-Campus/dp/1680517279
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/urban-trails-madison-andrea-debbink/1146180926
Synopsis: Madison, often considered Wisconsin's premier city, embodies the lush lakefronts, forests, and grasslands that
make Wisconsin famous.
With the publication of "Urban Trails Madison: Downtown * UW Campus * Dane County * Ice Age Trail", Andrea
Debbnik dives straight into the area's numerous natural areas (many of them accessible by public transit) with explorations
and daytrips ranging from lakeshore walks to trails winding through prairie and wetlands preserves, plus multiple segments
of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail.
"Urban Trails Madison" reveals a wealth of easy opportunities for solitude and a nature fix right in their own backyard with
this handy guide that reveals so many under-appreciated gems of Wisconsin's capital city.
Critique: "Urban Trails Madison: Downtown * UW Campus * Dane County * Ice Age Trail" features 40 trails, with maps,
detailed route descriptions, and friendly tips to get the most out of every excursion by Andrea Debbink, who is a Madison
local and expert naturalist. This handy pocket guide also includes notes and information about winter hiking, trail
accessibility, and local flora and fauna. As a local author, Debbink highlights the best and most accessible trails in the city
for walking, hiking, or running, offering additional suggestions for biking, wintertime walks, or snowshoeing. Portable,
colorful, authentic, and a recommended pick for personal and community library Travel Guide collections, this pocket
paperback guidebook (4.25 x 0.5 x 6.75 inches, 8.8 ounces) is especially and unreservedly recommended for residents and
visitors alike wanting to explore Madison's beautiful trails and natural resources.
Editorial Note: Andrea Debbink (www.andreadebbink.com) is the author of more than a dozen books for children and
adults, including The Wild World Handbook series and Thrive Where You're Planted, a guided nature journal for city
dwellers. As a suburban-born kid in the Midwest, Andrea grew up exploring the natural wonders that often hide in ordinary
places, and she still has a soft spot for city habitats and wildlife. Now as an author and naturalist, she writes about the
themes of environmental stewardship, citizen science, and outdoor exploration. Andrea hikes, paddles, and writes in
Wisconsin with her family. She can be followed online on Instagram @andrea.debbink
James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
Diane C. Donovan, Editor
Midwest Book Review
278 Orchard Drive
Oregon, WI 53575-1129
phone: 1-608-835-7937
e-mail: mbr@execpc.com
e-mail: mwbookrevw@aol.com
www.midwestbookreview.com
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