Return to home
page Book Reviews, Book Lover Resources, Advice for Writers and Publishers
Home / Small Press Bookwatch

Small Press Bookwatch

Volume 24, Number 6 June 2025 Home | SPBW Index

Table of Contents

Reviewer's Choice International Studies Shelf Social Issues Shelf
Cookbook Shelf Biography/Memoir Shelf General Fiction Shelf
Historical Fiction Shelf Literary Fiction Shelf Romantic Fiction Shelf
Mystery/Suspense Shelf Fantasy/SciFi Shelf Poetry Shelf
Money/Finance Shelf Business Shelf Interior Design Shelf
Sports Shelf Christian Studies Shelf Self-Help Shelf


Reviewer's Choice

Whose Lane is it Anyway?
Tom Edgerton, author
Greg Siple, illustrator
Versa Press, Inc.
https://whoselaneisitanyway.com
9798218022006, $18.00, PB, 102pp

https://www.amazon.com/Whose-Anyway-Cyclists-Motorists-Safely/dp/B0D958F8DV

Synopsis: With the publication of "Whose Lane is it Anyway? How Cyclists and Motorists can Share the Roads Safely", author and life-time bicycler Tom Edgerton offers sound insights and practical advice on how cyclists and motorists can safely share America's roads.

Tom persuasively explains how people can communicate and cooperate to make road travel a more positive and fun activity. He also notes how increased awareness and respect for others can help us understand and mitigate the challenges and dangers we can all face.

Comprised of numerous engaging and thematic relevant quotations, 90 color and black and white photos and illustrations (biketoons by Greg Siple), and more than 80 real-life anecdotes, "Whose Lane is it Anyway? How Cyclists and Motorists can Share the Roads Safely" strongly encourages people to take responsibility for their own safety, offerings numerous and 'real world effective' ways to do so.

Critique: This large format (8 1/2" by 11") paperback edition of "Whose Lane is it Anyway? How Cyclists and Motorists can Share the Roads Safely" by Tom Edgerton is an ideal Highschool and Commercial Driving School supplemental curriculum studies lists. Essential reading for cyclists and drivers alike, this unique and thoroughly 'reader friendly' paperback edition of "Whose Lane is it Anyway? How Cyclists and Motorists can Share the Roads Safely" is especially and unreservedly recommended for personal reading lists, as well as community and college/university library Bike/Car safety and travel collections.

Editorial Note #1: Tom Edgerton (https://whoselaneisitanyway.com) retired after a 30-year career with the U.S. Department of the Interior, primarily the Fish and Wildlife Service. After college, his wife Cathy and he traveled widely for work, including Virginia, Alaska, Utah, and Hawaii. Tom composed editorials for several newspapers, and was published in Adventure Cyclist, the nation's only magazine dedicated to bicycle travel. He also regularly edited work for colleagues. He also enjoys writing humorous poetry for special events and is a member of the Central Oregon Writers Guild.


The International Studies Shelf

Human Rights and Peace
Zafra Lerman
https://zafralerman.com
Jenny Stanford Publishing
https://www.jennystanford.com
9789815129243, $59.95, HC, 206pp

https://www.amazon.com/Human-Rights-Peace-Zafra-Lerman/dp/9815129244

Synopsis: Zafra Lerman was precocious as a little girl growing up in Israel. She grew up with deep-seeded values -- values so deeply held that they became ingrained in her being. These values led her to dedicate her life to using science diplomacy to fight for peace and for human rights. She also developed a new curriculum, where she taught science through art, music, dance, and drama. This curriculum was successful with underprivileged students around the world.

"Human Rights and Peace: A Personal Odyssey" is a genre-busting first-person narrative in which Professor Lerman recounts her remarkable life -- a life that has led her all around the world from the Soviet Union to Peru, from China to Cuba, and beyond where she fought for dissidents who were being denied basic human rights.

And, perhaps most importantly, her life has led her to Malta, the first site of the Malta Conferences. After the September 11 attacks on the United States, Professor Lerman conceived, coordinated, and launched the Malta Conferences (the biennial, international meetings of scientists from all Middle East countries, Nobel laureates, and political leaders) which use science diplomacy as a bridge to peace in the Middle East.

"Human Rights and Peace: A Personal Odyssey" is an inspiring call to action showing how Professor Lerman's life and work has led to the innovative use of science as diplomacy in the fight for human rights and peace. It is an inspiration to educators, scientists, policymakers, and the general readers. Original, unique, there is no equivalent, competing work.

Critique: Part memoir, part political blueprint for peace, "Human Rights and Peace: A Personal Odyssey" is informative enhanced for the reader's benefit with the deftly inclusion of a 32 page section of B/W historical photos and a five page Index. Exceptionally well written, organized and presented, "Human Rights and Peace: A Personal Odyssey" is informed and informative, thoughtful and thought-provoking, inspired and inspiring. A deftly crafted, seminal and biographical study, "Human Rights and Peace: A Personal Odyssey" is especially and unreservedly recommended for personal, professional, community, and college/university library Human Rights and Contemporary Biography/Memoir collections. It should be noted by students, academia, political activists, and governmental policy makers that this hardcover edition of "Human Rights and Peace: A Personal Odyssey" is also readily available in paperback (9789815129724, $25.95) and in a digital book format (Kindle, $24.65).

Editorial Note: Zafra Lerman (https://zafralerman.com) was born in Israel and grew up there as the country struggled to achieve independence from the British mandate. She is a scientist, educator, and human rights activist and has developed an innovative approach of teaching science at all levels using art, music, dance, drama, animation, and rap, which has proven extremely successful with underprivileged students across the globe. She has worked on human rights around the world and brought dissidents to freedom. She always believed in the power of science to encourage social mobility and, on a broader scale, understanding between nations. The pinnacle of her career has been using science as a bridge to peace in the Middle East. She founded the series of "Malta conferences," now in its 20th year, in which scientists from all countries of the Middle East come together with several Nobel laureates for a week to establish understanding and collaboration.


The Social Issues Shelf

I'll Fly Away
Marc Sapir
Stories about Amazing Disabled Elders
9798990229310, $14.99, PB, 256pp

https://www.amazon.com/Away-stories-about-amazing-disabled-elders/dp/B0F1PPTP6S

Synopsis: We all hope to grow old with dignity and some joyfulness. "I'll Fly Away" by Marc Sapir is comprised of 40 intimate narratives by extraordinary elders that explore both the challenges of aging and the joys and vibrancy that often persist in the twilight years.

Poignant observations of the patients and families by a team of health professionals intersecting daily at the Center for Elders' Independence in Oakland, California, reveal the complexities of aging, identity, amid the assertive persistence of the human spirit.

From a couple's summer drive across the Arizona desert to a family's struggle with mental illness to patients' romantic escapades, each tale offers a unique glimpse into the resilience of individuals facing profound transitions and prompts questions about our collective responsibility to our elders.

Though "I'll Fly Away" is valuable for medical and public health professionals working with the elderly, it especially offers families kinship, support, and inspiration. For patients and readers in general, "I'll Fly Away" champions the idea that every one of us is a unique person with needs, wants, and a voice that is discoverable and deserves to be heard. Simply stated, "I'll Fly Away" embodies the notion that every life is a story, and every voice matters.

Critique: Original, deftly written, informative, thought-provoking, emotionally and intellectually engaging, inspired and inspiring, "I'll Fly Away" is an inherently fascinating read from cover to cover and one that touches on such diverse issues as parenting, health, spirituality, and relationships. This trade paperback (5.5 x 0.54 x 8.5 inches, 10.5 ounces) edition of Marc Sapir's "I'll Fly Away" from Stories About Amazing Disabled Elders is especially and unreservedly recommended for personal reading lists, as well as community and college/university library collections.

Editorial Note: Marc Sapir (http://marcsapir.net), is a retired primary care, geriatric and public health physician, as well as an essayist and political activist. He was first Medical Director of the Center for Elders' Independence for disabled elders for 9 years. He is author of five plays, and also writes fiction, poetry, and music.


The Cookbook Shelf

Miami Vegan
Ellen Kanner
https://soulfulvegan.com
LCIX, LLC
https://lcixllc.com
9781962539210, $39.98, HC, 210pp

https://buy.stripe.com/14k9BQ8Fb3i8eJO8wx

Synopsis: "Miami Vegan: Plant-Based Recipes from the Tropics To Your Table by Ellen Kanner is comprised of more than 80 'Sun-Drenched Recipes', each of which is ideal for vegan menu planning.

"Miami Vegan" is a plant-based culinary celebration of the tropics with dishes that offer the bold Latin and Caribbean flavors and beloved dishes that reflect Miami's delicious diversity.

Miami native Ellen Kanner brings Miami to your table with a wealth of recipes delivering succulence, sizzle, and the big sun-drenched flavors you love -- and all with a plant-based spin. The recipes showcase: flaky guava cream cheese pastry citrus-sparked and fish-free ceviche creamy, coconutty Caribbean curry umami, olive-studded picadillo meltingly tender sweet plantains classic gone vegan Key lime pie

The recipes comprising "Miami Vegan" will awaken you to the pleasures of plants with easy techniques that up your game in the kitchen and make fresh produce sing. With "Miami Vegan" you will discover how the spangle of citrus, the gentle warmth chile and spices and the bounty of fresh green herbs have the power to transform even simple staples like rice and beans into a party-worthy hot pots that feed a crowd.

Miami knows how to throw a party, and Kanner (the author of Feeding the Hungry Ghost: Life, Faith and What to Eat for Dinner) invites you to join the celebration as "Miami Vegan" brings the bold, tropical flavors of the city to your kitchen with vibrant, accessible recipes that let you enjoy the taste of Miami no matter where you are.

Critique: This large format (11 x 8.5 x 0.35 inches, 1.98 pounds) hardcover edition of "Miami Vegan: Plant-Based Recipes from the Tropics To Your Table by Ellen Kanner 80+ Sun-Drenched Recipes" by Ellen Kanner is enhanced with full color photos of finished dishes and is an ideal reference and resource for planning memorable vegan menus for any and all dining occasions both formal and informal. "Miami Vegan" is especially and unreservedly recommended for personal, professional, and community library Vegan/Vegetarian cookbook collections.

Editorial Note: Ellen Kanner (https://soulfulvegan.com) writes about the intersection of food, culture, community, wellness, and sustainability for outlets including HuffPost, VegNews, and Edible South Florida. She's a vegan advocate and culinary instructor, recipe developer for major brands, and the creator of the Substack newsletter Broccoli Rising.


The Biography/Memoir Shelf

Beneath the African Sun: A Memoir
Barry Maughan
https://www.barrymaughan.com
Outback Publishing
9798218297398, $17.95, PB, 308pp

https://www.amazon.com/Beneath-African-Sun-Barry-Maughan/dp/B0F3JG82YD

Synopsis: With the publication of "Beneath the African Sun: A Memoir", the armchair traveler will enjoy accompanying Barry Maughan -- a fearless journalist whose six years on the continent of Africa unfolded like a tapestry of extraordinary moments.

From the tumultuous days of Emperor Haile Selassie's overthrow in Ethiopia to a roadside negotiation for a humble stalk of bananas in Uganda, Barry's adventures are truly captivating, including the scenic beauty of northern Kenya, where two mothers share a spontaneous and heartwarming moment amid the wild surroundings of the bushland.

In his enthralling narrative, Barry invites his readers to relive the exhilarating, dramatic, and often comical escapades that defined his years traversing Africa and presenting his personal adventures in a world where courage knows no bounds.

Critique: Part memoir, part travelogue, "Beneath the African Sun: A Memoir" by journalist and adventurer Barry Maughan is a fun and informative read from cover to cover. Exceptionally well written, and thoroughly 'reader friendly' in organization and presentation, "Beneath the African Sun: A Memoir" is especially and unreservedly recommended for personal reading lists, as well as community and college/university library Contemporary Biography/Memoir collections. It should be noted that this paperback edition of "Beneath the African Sun: A Memoir" from Outback Publishing is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.99).

Editorial Note: Barry Maughan (https://www.barrymaughan.com) is a lifelong writer and was an international broadcaster and journalist for more than forty years. During that time, he plied his trade on four continents, including stops in Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, and the United States. His major news coverages included the coup that overthrew Emperor Haile Selassie in September 1974, and the devastating drought and subsequent famine in Ethiopia's northern province of Wollo. The last twenty-four years of his career were spent at the Voice of America in Washington, DC, where he retired as chief of the English to Africa service. Since his retirement, Barry has kept busy writing about his extensive travels and life experiences in What Won't Fatten Will Fill, Please Turn Out the Northern Lights When You Leave.

Dr. Beare's Daughter: Growing Up Adopted, Adored, and Afraid
Janice Jones
Lou Jan Press
https://loujanpress.com
9798989097807, $16.95, PB, 372pp

https://www.amazon.com/Dr-Beares-Daughter-Growing-Adopted/dp/B0DHJCDKQ3

Synopsis: It was 1947 in Celina, Ohio, when charismatic doctor and surgeon, Ralph Beare and his socialite wife, Lou, childless and in their early forties, adopted a four-and-a-half-month-old orphan.

Janice (and everyone else) knew she was adopted, and everyone recognized Dr. Beare's Daughter on sight. With her red hair and freckles, she looked nothing like her dark-haired parents. She also said and did things her parents did not expect of their own child.

Finding herself an outlier in her family and at school, she struggled to be that elusive, golden child she imagined her parents really wanted, while also struggling with the strict rules of the Catholic Church and norms of Celina.

Being "Dr. Beare's Daughter" came with an erasure of her own identity. Despite her efforts to be that perfect child, there was a small voice, deep inside her, that popped up at the most inconvenient times, saying, "I'm here." Try as she might to silence it, her true self sometimes slipped out to take charge, and then there was trouble.

Critique: Original, deftly written with an impressive measure of candor, informatively insightful, and an inherently fascinating read from start to finish, "Dr. Beare's Daughter: Growing Up Adopted, Adored, And Afraid A True Story" by Janice Jones will hold a very special appeal to readers with an interest in stories of adoption, family dynamics, and true life stories that will linger in the mind and memory of the reader long after the memoir has been finished and set back upon the shelf. While also readily available for personal reading lists in a digital book format (Kindle, $7.99), this paperback edition of "Dr. Beare's Daughter" is especially and unreservedly recommended for community and college/university library Contemporary American Biography/Memoir collections.

Editorial Note: Janice Jones grew up adopted in Celina, Ohio. She has worked as a children's book buyer for a large, independent bookstore, freelance writer and editor, and she invented a way to use jigsaw puzzles to teach reading skills to children. Her hobbies are gardening, e-bike riding, singing, and playing musical instruments. The two things Janice values most in the life are truth and connection to family, friends, and the world at large.


The General Fiction Shelf

After Woodstock
Howard Reiss
https://www.howardreiss.com
Krance Publishing
9798986428444, $10.99, PB, 283pp

https://www.amazon.com/After-Woodstock-Howard-Reiss/dp/B0DJF8F646

Synopsis: Jack and Bryan have been best friends since the age of two. In high school Jack talked about getting his doctorate in math and computer technology and creating the first android robot. Bryan dreamed about becoming a big-time lawyer with a penthouse in the city and a house in the Hamptons.

They graduated high school in 1969, a momentous summer, which they capped off by attending the Woodstock Concert. The three days of peace, love and music sent Jack off in a radically different direction. While Jack and Bryan go on to live very different lives, they continue their relationship over the next fifty years through letters. "After Woodstock" is based upon those letters.

Critique: Although a deftly crafted and original work of fiction, "After Woodstock" accurately captures the tone and timber of the times and is a genuinely authentic representation of the impact that the now legendary Woodstock concert/conclave/experience would have on a generation of young Americans. A fun and fascinating read from cover to cover, "After Woodstock by Howard Reiss is especially and unreservedly recommended for community and college/university library General Fiction collections. It should be noted for personal reading lists that this paperback edition of "After Woodstock" from Krance Publishing is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $2.99).

Editorial Note: Howard Reiss (https://www.howardreiss.com) is a graduate of Dartmouth College and Columbia Law School. He co-founded a soup kitchen in Nyack, New York where he lives and runs. "After Woodstock" is his fourteenth published novel.

A Future of Her Own
Samantha Quamma
Black Rose Writing
www.blackrosewriting.com
9781685135478, $18.95, PB, 329pp

https://www.amazon.com/Future-Her-Own-Historical-Fiction/dp/1685135471

Synopsis: As fall term begins, Ramona is reassigned to the night shift waitressing at Dusty's Drive-In, which closes after the female-only campus curfew. Panicked because she needs her job to pay tuition, Ramona petitions to appeal the curfew on the advice of her friend Dimitri. When rejected by the dean, citing "safety concerns" for female students, Ramona turns to Dimitri's older brother, Theo, a leader in the campus anti-war movement, for help.

Exposure to the world of activism through new friends, who become family, reveals that the curfew is one of countless unfair expectations of women on campus -- and Ramona's petition is only the beginning. She soon learns that the line between right and wrong isn't always clear and must decide how far she'll go to break down an unjust system.

Critique: Set in the turbulent 1960s when the seeds for the Women's Rights movement were being sewn on college and university campuses all across America, with the publication of "A Future of Her Own" by author Samantha Quamma fully captures the sense and feel of the times. Deftly crafted, emotionally and intellectually engaging, "A Future of Her Own" is a fun and fascinating read from start to finish. It is all the more impressive when considering that this is also Samantha Quamma's debut as a novelist.

While unreservedly recommended for community library General Fiction collections, it should be noted for the personal lists of readers with an interest in historical and romantic coming of age stories that this trade paperback (5.5 x 0.83 x 8.5 inches, 14.7 ounces) edition of "A Future of Her Own" from Black Rose Writing is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $5.99).

Editorial Note: Samantha Quamma lives in Seattle, Washington. When she's not writing about women making their place in the world, she's working in the technology industry and chipping away at her yearly reading goal. "A Future of Her Own" is her first novel.

Dear Virginia, Wait for Me
Marcia Butler
https://marciabutler.com
Central Avenue Publishing
9781771684088, $19.00, PB, 192pp

https://www.amazon.com/Dear-Virginia-Wait-Me-Novel/dp/1771684089

Synopsis: For as long as she can remember, Peppa Ryan has been guided by a benevolent voice in her head who she believes is Virginia Woolf. Though she's an exceptionally bright twenty-year-old, she suffers from crippling low self-esteem and has barely left her parents' ramshackle home in Queens, New York City.

At the turn of the millennium, Peppa is caught between her father's wishes for her to run the family business and her mother's mental illness. In spite of these pressures, she bravely ventures out on her own to start a job at a Wall Street investment firm. But her parents continue to pull strings, insisting she date a handsome plumber in the hopes that she'll abandon her job and return to her roots. Peppa plans to immediately dismiss him, but to her surprise they discover an unlikely bond over a shared love of Virginia Woolf. With the encouragement of her kindhearted boss, his eccentric client, and the voice of Virginia, Peppa gains confidence and begins to thrive in her new life.

Then, when Peppa discovers a betrayal by her family, she suffers a breakdown. And on one crisp and clear autumn morning, as she slowly recovers, Peppa finds herself on the path to reconciliation.

Critique: Original, deftly written, and a truly compelling page turner of a novel from start to finish, "Dear Virginia, Wait for Me" by talented novelist Marcia Butler is a unique coming-of-age novel of a fragile yet brilliant young woman determined to establish her own life according to her own goals -- even when confronted by familial obligations and manipulations. While especially and unreservedly recommended for community and college/university library Contemporary American Literary Fiction collections, it should be noted that this paperback edition of "Dear Virginia, Wait for Me" from Central Avenue Publishing is also available for personal reading lists in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.99).

Editorial Note: Marcia Butler (https://marciabutler.com) is a former professional oboist, interior designer, filmmaker, acclaimed memoirist, and the author of "Oslo, Maine", "Pickle's Progress", and "The Skin Above My Knee". After many decades in New York City, Marcia now makes her home in New Mexico.

The Outcast
D. I. Whipple
Whipple Prestige Publishing
9798218534776, $19.95, HC, 318pp

https://www.amazon.com/Outcast-D-L-Whipple/dp/B0F272R3TF

Synopsis: In the fall of 1963, all sixteen-year-old Danny Prescott wants is to attend school, have a girlfriend on Saturday night, and play football. But the simple act of giving a ride to the town's star football player unexpectedly capsizes his life and that of everyone he cares about.

When a young girl is assaulted, the tight-knit community of Banning quickly points fingers, but the beloved star athlete is protected by his popularity, while Danny, the farm boy from a family with little influence and a spotted reputation, becomes the easier scapegoat.

Now Danny must fight to clear himself in the face of betrayal from those he has known all his life. But at Banning High, he finds no safe haven -- only judgment. But as the world turns its back on him, an unexpected ally emerges who knows what it means to be abandoned by everyone she thought she could trust.

Critique: Original, deftly crafted, emotionally engaging, and showcasing author D. L. Whipple's genuine flair for the kind of distinctive and narrative driven storytelling style that raises "The Outcast" to an impressive level of literary excellence. All the more remarkable when considering that "The Outcast" is D. L. Whipple's debut as a author, his compelling novel is especially and unreservedly recommended for highschool and community library Contemporary Literary Fiction collections. It should be noted for personal reading lists that this hardcover edition of "The Outcast" from Whipple Prestige Publishing is also readily available in paperback (9798992234701, $12.95) and in a digital book format (Kindle, $2.99, Amazon).

Editorial Note: Dennis Whipple's journey began on a dairy farm in a quaint rural community in Iowa, where his passion for writing blossomed in childhood. However, as he considered the practicalities of life, he redirected his focus toward business, earning a graduate degree in Marketing and Finance. Whipple navigated the corporate world with remarkable success, ultimately becoming CEO and president of two Fortune 500 companies. Now retired, he finally returns to his first love-writing.


The Historical Fiction Shelf

A Dagger for Catherine Douglas
Euan Macpherson
Menzies and Wood Publishing
https://menziesandwood.com
9781912750061, $14.99, PB, 434pp

https://www.amazon.com/Dagger-Catherine-Douglas-Betrayal-Scotlands/dp/1912750066

Synopsis: "A Dagger for Catherine Douglas" by Euan Macpherson tells the story of Catherine Douglas ("Kate Barlass"), the Lady-in-Waiting who found herself at the center of a plot to assassinate King James I of Scotland.

The year is 1437; everything is going well for Catherine. She has been granted a prestigious position in the Scottish court and a prosperous marriage to a wealthy merchant has been arranged for her.

Sean Campbell, a mercenary with a reputation as a ruthless cut-throat, attends court. Catherine is attracted to him. But in the intrigues of courtly life, no one has any friends: there are only ambitious courtiers seeking advancement. So who has been promised advancement on the death of the king? Is Sean Campbell part of the king's bodyguard or is he one of the assassins?

It is not only the king's life that is in danger. Catherine will learn that even the ladies-in-waiting may be sacrificed in this brutal attempt by an ambitious earl to seize the Scottish throne.

Critique: Historical fiction at its very best, "A Dagger for Catherine Douglas" by author Euan Macpherson is a skillfully crafted, original, riveting and fun read from cover to cover. Of particular and special interest to readers of Renaissance Era historical romance and Highlander action-adventure novels, "A Dagger for Catherine Douglas" will prove to be an exceptionally and enduringly popular pick for community library Historical Romance Fiction collections. It should be noted for personal reading lists that this paperback edition of "A Dagger for Catherine Douglas" from Menzies and Wood Publishing is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $7.99).

Editorial Note: Euan Macpherson is also the author of "The Last Jacobite Heroine", "The Trial of Jack the Ripper: The Case of William Bury 1859-89", and "City of the Dreadful Night: The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Jack the Ripper".

Portrait of an Unseen Woman
Roberta Harold
https://www.robertaharold.com
Rootstock Publishing
https://www.rootstockpublishing.com
9781578691944, $19.99, PB, 432pp

https://www.amazon.com/Portrait-Unseen-Woman-Novel-Annie/dp/157869194X

Synopsis: In 1892 Paris, Annie Shaw longs to escape the confining American Colony where she's lived for the past twenty years as a quiet Civil War widow. As a budding artist, she is ready to immerse herself in the Belle Epoque's vibrant life of art, literature, and music. But when her domineering mother-in-law announces plans to move in next door and make Annie her permanent caregiver, Annie feels trapped and must choose between being responsible for others-her expected societal role-or living her life on her own terms.

Critique: An original, eloquent and deftly crafted story set in late 19th Century Paris, "Portrait of an Unseen Woman: A Novel of Annie Shaw" by Roberta Harold is a an inherently fascinating and reader engaging historical novel that is the story of a woman striving against the constricting Victorian norms and expectations of a widowed woman's role of the late nineteenth century. A fully entertaining read from cover to cover, "Portrait of an Unseen Woman" is an especially and unreservedly recommended addition to community and college/university library Literary & Historical Fiction collections. It should be noted for personal reading lists that this paperback edition of "Portrait of an Unseen Woman" from Rootstock Publishing is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $7.99).

Editorial Note: Roberta Harold (https://www.robertaharold.com) is the author of two historical mysteries, "Heron Island" and "Murdered Sleep," as well as numerous articles, reviews, short stories, and poems. A native of Scotland and 2001 graduate of the Bread Loaf School of English, where she won its 1999 Poetry Prize, she lives with her husband and cats in Montpelier, Vermont.


The Literary Fiction Shelf

Leda
Grace Austin
Hippoclides Press LLC
http://hippoclidespress.com
9798986559476, $29.00, HC, 246pp

https://www.amazon.com/Leda-Grace-Austin/dp/B0DPM1XMCR

Synopsis: Leda's quest for meaning in life leads her into dangerous territory. She is a retired American physician who sets out on a simple medical mission but, through events beyond her control, spirals into international intrigue where she is asked to jeopardize her life. Should she let her future be a simple evolution into old age or should she end as a martyr to a cause?

From the suburbs of Connecticut and the clubs of Manhattan to the horror of the refugee camps of Syria to the West Bank, Leda sees a different world. She is impacted by personal losses to the realization that she does not want to go "quietly into the night." How can an American woman on her own insinuate herself into the highest reaches of power? Does her sacrifice change history? Does her choice impact the manipulative powers to explain the current Middle East?

With her new novel, "Leda", author Grace Austin unravels the twisted and complex politics of the Middle East-from British occupation, the birth of Israel, to the blood-soaked roads of Gaza-in this suspenseful and erudite thriller. Austin nimbly explores the origins of conflict between Palestine and Israel, through the wavering eyes of Leda and the intricate relationships she shares with a host of complicated characters.

Leda is highly relevant, fast-paced, and richly developed. It's the story of one woman searching for life's meaning while navigating the dark webs of domination and resistance-it's a novel that speaks to some major questions of our day.

Critique: The motto of Hippoclides Press (the publisher of Grace Austin's "Leda") is 'Books to Challenge the Complacent Mind'. And this original, deftly crafted, emotionally and intellectually engaging novel does just that. Raised to an impressive level of literary excellence and an inherently fascinating, thought-provoking, and occasionally iconoclastic read from start to finish, "Leda" is especially and unreservedly recommended for community and college/university library Contemporary Literary Fiction collections. It should be noted for personal reading lists that this hardcover edition of "Leda" is also readily available in paperback (9798986559483, $15.95) and in a digital book format (Kindle, $0.99, Amazon).

Editorial Note: Grace Austin graduated from the University of Chicago and Northwestern University Dental School, later obtaining a specialty in Periodontics from Rutgers Dental School. After years in private practice in New Jersey she published a historical novel, VILNIUS:UNDER FOUR FLAGS, based on the city she was born in and stories her parents told her about World War II.

During extensive travel in the Middle East, she visited Palestinian refugee camps in Jordan, Syria and Lebanon, and also became familiar with conditions in the West Bank and Gaza. Based on her experiences, she wrote a children's book GIZA THE GAZA DONKEY, and LEDA, a novel.


The Romantic Fiction Shelf

Sam's Decision
Jean C. Joachim
https://jeanjoachimbooks.com
Moonlight Books
9781945360169, $14.99, PB, 250pp

https://www.amazon.com/Sams-Decision-Catskills-Saga-Joachim/dp/194536016X

Synopsis: Set against the charming backdrop of 18th-century rural America, "Sam's Decision" invites you into the life of Sam Chesney, a man torn between his aspirations and the weight of societal expectations. As Sam navigates the complexities of love, family, and ambition, he must decide whether to follow his heart or adhere to the roles dictated by his community.

Author Jean C. Joachim creates a richly detailed setting, in her character-driven narrative storytelling style which deftly explores themes of resilience, community support, and the timeless struggle between personal desires and societal norms.

Critique: Original, deftly crafted, a riveting, fun and fascinating read from cover to cover, "Sam's Decision" is the third title in novelist Jean Joachim's 'The Catskills Saga' series. While especially and unreservedly recommended for personal reading lists of dedicated small town romance fans, and community library Romance Fiction collections, it should be noted that this paperback edition of "Sam's Decision" from Moonlight Books is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $5.99).

Editorial Note: Jean Joachim (https://jeanjoachimbooks.com) is a talented and versatile romance author whose books have hit the Amazon Top 100 list in the U.S. and abroad since 2012. She writes sports romance, small town romance, big city romance, and romantic suspense. Jean has over 50 books in ebook, print and audio. The first two titles in her "The Catskills Saga' series are "Abigail's Journey" and "Sarah's Dilemma".


The Mystery/Suspense Shelf

Dead Man's Pacemaker
Diako Hazhir
Cosmic Forge Press
https://rezarajebi.com
9798992992724, $27.99, HC, 402pp

https://www.amazon.com/Dead-Mans-Pacemaker-Pirouzi-Persian/dp/B0F77M7NY2

Synopsis: Dr. Arman Pirouzi left Iran behind for a better life in the United States until he is reluctantly recruited by the CIA and returns to Tehran, where the ruthless IRGC hunts, tortures, and routinely kills spies and traitors with brutal efficiency.

His mission is to locate a critical asset, extract classified intelligence, and stop a war before it starts. His challenge is to survive the most dangerous city in the world, where old friends become enemies, past loves are rekindled, and death waits around any corner.

Capture means torture. Failure means catastrophe. But the greatest danger of all is trusting the wrong person!

Critique: Original, deftly crafted, fast paced, "Dead Man's Pacemaker" is an inherently fascinating political thriller that will particularly appeal to fans of high drama, political intrigue, and espionage with lives on the line. Showcasing author Diako Hazhir's impressive gifted for narrative driven storytelling that holds the reader's rapt attention from start to finish, "Dead Man's Pacemaker" is an action packed and unreservedly recommended pick for personal reading lists and community library Contemporary Suspense/Thriller Fiction collections. It should be noted that this hardcover edition of "Dead Man's Pacemaker" from Cosmic Forge Press is also readily available in paperback (9798992992717, $16.99) and in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.99).

Editorial Note: Diako Hazhir is a medical professional and a writer of gripping political thrillers. As a member of the Iranian diaspora, he brings a deeply personal perspective to his storytelling, drawing from 27 years of lived experience in Iran. Many of the events in his novels echo real-life moments he has witnessed, blending authenticity with high-stakes intrigue. Through his writing, Diako Hazhir explores themes of resistance, espionage, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of oppression.


The Fantasy/SciFi Shelf

The Neurodiversiverse: Alien Encounters
Anthony Francis, et al.
Thinking Ink Press
https://www.thinkinginkpress.com
9781942480266, $19.99, PB, 325pp

https://www.thinkinginkpress.com/product/neurodiversiverse-alien-encounters

Synopsis: "The Neurodiversiverse: Alien Encounters" is a science fiction anthology of stories, poetry, and art from Thinking Ink Press is a diverse and hopeful book of neurodiversity-themed science fiction short stories, poetry, and art that will be of immense interest to anyone who enjoys science fiction, who cares about neurodiversity, or who wants to see optimistic visions of the future.

Would neurodiversity be an advantage in an encounter with aliens? That's the connecting theme for short stories featuring:

Heartbroken starships.
Human-sized hamster balls.
Superpowers unleashed by anxiety.
A planet covered in mathematical fidgets.
Why aliens abduct cows.

The stories comprising "Neurodiversiverse: Alien Encounters" also includes themes of autism, ADHD, PTSD, OCD, synesthesia, anxiety, avoidant attachment disorder, dissociative identity disorder, and more.

A compendium of stories, poems and art from Tobias S. Buckell, M. D. Cooper, Ada Hoffmann, Jody Lynn Nye, Cat Rambo, and nearly forty other contributors, "The Neurodiversiverse: Alien Encounters" is ably edited by Anthony Franci,(author of the award-winning urban fantasy novel Frost Moon), and Liza Olmsted (editor of the writing inspiration book Your Writing Matters).

Critique: The neurodiversity paradigm is a framework for understanding human brain function that considers the diversity within sensory processing, motor abilities, social comfort, cognition, and focus as neurobiological differences. It application as the basis for storytelling is as unexpected as it is fascinating. Original, unique, imaginative, and deftly crafted, "The Neurodiversiverse: Alien Encounters" is a fun and thought-provoking read from cover to cover and unreservedly recommended for community and college/university library Contemporary Science Fiction collections. It should be noted for personal reading lists that this trade paperback edition of "The Neurodiversiverse: Alien Encounters" from Thinking Ink Press is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.99, Amazon).

Editorial Note #1: Dr. Anthony G. Francis, Jr. is a science fiction writer and computer scientist who started writing urban fantasy because he likes it. The Dakota Frost series combines Anthony's love of hard science, fantastic magic, alternative culture, and strong, feisty women. When not making computers smarter or writing science fiction and fantasy, Anthony blogs about his life, his writing and his research at The Library of Dresan. He also writes an occasionally updated webcomic, f@nu fiku.

Editorial Note #2: Holly Schofield (www.hollyschofield.wordpress.com) has had her stories appear in Analog, Lightspeed, and Tesseracts and many other publications throughout the world.

Generations
Noam Josephides
Pygmalion Media
https://generationsnovels.com
9798988667940, $26.90, HC, 455pp

https://www.amazon.com/Generations-Science-Fiction-Mystery-Thriller/dp/B0D135WB2R

Synopsis: A secret buried for generations. A conspiracy that threatens humanity's future. And one woman who must risk everything to uncover the truth.

The THETIS is humanity's last hope: it is a generation ship carrying the last remnants of Earth to resettle on a new planet.

For two hundred years, its society has flourished under the banner of unity and cooperation. But beneath this carefully maintained facade lurks a truth so devastating it could spell doom for their entire future on their new home.

The key to uncovering the truth lies in the hands of Sandrine Liet, an introverted Archivist who has everything to lose by pitting herself against the most powerful people on the ship.

The deeper she digs, the more evident it becomes that there is only one way to save both herself and her fellow Thetans from the ominous scheme plotted by the Thetis elite -- and it's the most horrifying choice imaginable!

Critique: Original, deftly scripted, compelling, fascinating, and with an immense appeal to readers with an interest in dystopian science fiction and multi-generational space travel/exploration, All the more impressive when considering that it is the author's debut as a novelist, "Generations" by Noam Josephides is especially and unreservedly recommended for community library Science Fiction collections. It should be noted for the personal reading lists of dedicated science fiction fans that this hardcover edition of "Generations" from Pygmalion Media is also readily available in paperback (9798988667926, $17.00).

Editorial Note: Noam Josephides has been fascinated with writing, space and science since early childhood. In highschool, he represented his country in NASA's Planetary Society's competition for inventing solutions for colonizing Mars, and then went on to write a thesis on Black Holes. After a service as an Air Force Captain, Noam joined film school where he majored in screenwriting and directing, and went on to create films that have won multiple International awards. He also founded multiple technology startups in the media and movie industry.

Kindred Spirits: A Titanic Tale
Nelson Aspen
Red Sky Presents
https://redskypresents.com
9781941015933, $16.99, PB, 319pp

https://www.amazon.com/Kindred-Spirits-Titanic-Nelson-Aspen/dp/194101593X

Synopsis: Inspired by the author Nelson Aspen's personal experiences, "Kindred Spirits: A Titanic Tale" is an historical fantasy that spans time between the night in 1912 when Titanic met her tragic fate and the hedonistic party scene of modern Manhattan. From rubbing elbows with the "Unsinkable" Molly Brown, John Jacob Astor and other iconic figures from the so-called Ship of Dreams to metropolitan globe-trotting in an effort to unravel the mystery of their metaphysical connection, our two heroes are Kindred Spirits.

Critique: Original, imaginative, deftly crafted, emotionally and intellectually engaging, "Kindred Spirits: A Titanic Tale" by novelist Nelson Aspen is a fun and fascinating read from start to finish. Especially and unreservedly recommended for community library Fantasy Fiction collections, it should be noted for the personal reading lists of Alternate History/Historical Fantasy fans that this paperback edition of "Kindred Spirits: A Titanic Tale" from Red Sky Presents is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $8.99).

Editorial Note: Nelson Aspen (http://nelsonaspen.com) is a journalist, author and singer, as well as one of pop culture's most charming personalities. He has spent three decades on morning television bringing the latest news to millions of viewers around the world! His 2023 book "Your Home is Your Castle: Live Like an A-Lister in a Post Pandemic World" was followed by his semi autobiographical "Dancing Between the Raindrops" series is also generating enthusiastic critical and popular acclaim. He co-hosts the much loved "Titanic Talk" podcast and resides in New York City.


The Poetry Shelf

Lullaby of Love: Selected Poems
Rebecca Winning
https://rebeccawinningwriter.com
Indian Paintbrush Poets
https://www.poetrysoup.com/poems/best/indian_paintbrush
9781735773131, $29.00, PB, 90pp

https://www.amazon.com/Lullaby-Love-Selected-Rebecca-Winning/dp/1735773131

Synopsis: In Late Morning

In late morning
with the wick of sun turned up
and burning brightest, streams have eyes.
Branches and their shadows serve as hair.

Narcissus
when the birdsong overhead
ran in honeyed notes along the river
changing the expression of the ripples

were you blind?
to have only seen yourself
among the hundreds? We cry Narcissus,
and a thousand faces watch us from our tears.

With the publication of "Lullaby of Love: Selected Poems", Rebecca Winning gives her readers a slender compendium of unique poems filled with seeable images, mystery, personal loves and glimpses of nature.

"Lullaby of Love: Selected Poems" is an impressive compendium of original, meditative, free form verse, that also includes previously published poems from her early years (including poems from two books: A Cure for Backache (1977) and A Marriage Pact and Other Poems (1983)), as well as 30 previously unpublished poems.

These are heartfelt poems offer deeply personal reflections on love, loss, family, marriage, infidelity, divorce, healing, aging, death and new beginnings. Each poem crystallizes a point-in-time that celebrates the mystery and wonder of our everyday lives.

Critique: Emotionally and intellectually engaging, eloquent and elegant, unique and yet universal, the poetry of Rebecca Winning as revealed in the pages of "Lullaby of Love: Selected Poems" from Indian Paintbrush Poets rises to an impressive level of literary excellence and is especially, unreservedly recommended for personal reading lists, as well as community and college/university library Contemporary American Poetry collections.

Editorial Note: Rebecca Winning (RebeccaWinningWriter.wordpress.com) received a BA in English from DePauw University in 1974, attended creative writing classes at Sangamon State University, and received an MA in Creative Writing from the University of Denver in 1979. Her book, A Cure for Backache and Other Poems was published in the Sangamon Poets series in 1977; a second book, A Marriage Pact and Other Poems was published by Moonsquilt Press in 1983. For thirty years, she worked in large corporations doing Investor Relations; for the last ten years of her career, she did Community Engagement and Strategy for Jefferson County Public Library. Now retired, she is able to devote more time to her writing.


The Money/Finance Shelf

A Dollar for Fifty Cents
Michael Joseph, CFA
IWS Press
9781964205045, $14.99, PB, 104pp

https://www.amazon.com/Dollar-Fifty-Cents-Strategies-Outperform/dp/1964205042

Synopsis: For over a century, a peculiar and powerful anomaly has existed in the stock market -- one that has allowed savvy investors to buy $1 worth of assets for just 50 cents. This isn't a gimmick. It's not a speculative trick. It's a documented, persistent market inefficiency that professional traders, fund managers, and even Warren Buffett himself have quietly leveraged to outperform the market for decades.

Yet most investors remain completely unaware of it.

This anomaly exists in closed-end funds (CEFs) -- one of the stock market's most misunderstood and overlooked asset classes. Unlike traditional mutual funds and ETFs, CEFs trade at deep discounts to the net asset value (NAV) of their holdings, creating unique opportunities for those who understand how to capitalize on them.

With the publication of "A Dollar for Fifty Cents: Proven Strategies to Outperform the Market with Closed-End Funds", veteran investor and portfolio manager Michael Joseph, CFA, unveils the hidden power of CEFs, showing investors how to profit from mispricings, avoid common pitfalls, and build a smarter, more profitable portfolio. Whether you're an individual investor, a financial advisor, or a portfolio manager, this instructive 'how-to' guide will transform the way you think about value investing and market inefficiencies.

The world of investing has changed. Traditional stock-picking has become more difficult than ever, with algorithmic trading, passive indexing, and hedge fund dominance making it harder for individual investors to gain an edge. But closed-end funds remain one of the last bastions of market inefficiency -- an area where professional investors can still find undervalued assets that offer superior risk-adjusted returns.

Unlike mutual funds and ETFs, which are priced at their exact net asset value, CEFs can trade at significant discounts - sometimes 10%, 20%, or even 30% below the value of their holdings. These pricing gaps create exceptional opportunities for those who know how to exploit them.

Yet CEFs remain widely ignored by the financial media, underutilized by fund managers, and misunderstood by the investing public. Why?

They don't receive the marketing push that mutual funds and ETFs do.
Most financial advisors aren't trained to understand them.
Wall Street makes little money from them, so they're rarely promoted.

That's precisely why the opportunity exists -- and why investors who understand CEFs can gain an edge over the broader market.

Critique: A fascinating 'insider' account of a specific and targeted investment opportunity heretofore largely unknown to the general public, "A Dollar for Fifty Cents: Proven Strategies to Outperform the Market with Closed-End Funds" by Michael Joseph is an ideal DIY instructional that is impressively well written, organized and presented for the professional and non-specialist general reader seeking to financially benefit from the opportunities afforded by stock market investment and financial management. Especially and unreservedly recommended for personal, professional, community, and college/university library Finance, Bond Investing, and Budgeting/Money Management collections and supplemental curriculum studies lists, it should be noted that this trade paperback (5 x 0.24 x 8 inches, 5.9 ounces) edition of "A Dollar for Fifty Cents: Proven Strategies to Outperform the Market with Closed-End Funds" from IWS Press is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.99).

Editorial Note: Michael Joseph, CFA (https://michaeljosephcfa.com) is a portfolio manager and deputy chief investment officer at Stansberry Asset Management. He is a member of the CFA Institute's Practice Analysis Working Body and sits on the board of Copper State Credit Union and the advisory board of the Arizona Council on Economic Education.


The Business Shelf

Self-Employed Taxes, Unleashing Schedule C Deductions
Amy Rose Herrick
Money With Amy Series
9781960427359, $29.99, HC, 170pp

https://www.amazon.com/Self-Employed-Taxes-Unleashing-Schedule-Deductions/dp/1960427350

Synopsis: With the publication of "Self-Employed Taxes, Unleashing Schedule C Deductions: A Line-By-Line Guide to Unlock Deductions and Create New Tax Savings for Small Business Owners and Independent Contractors", professional tax consultant Amy Rose Herrick offers clear, step-by-step guidance for self-employed entrepreneurs when it comes to paying their state and federal taxes. Herrick provides a clear walk-through of the Schedule C form so the non-professional entrepreneurial tax payer can accurately report their income and expenses.

Herrick also covers smart deductions, uncovering commonly missed write-offs that can significantly lower a tax bill. Offering real-life examples, Herrick shows how other self-employed individuals handle their taxes to avoid costly mistakes. Also featured are year-round strategies, how to plan ahead and stay organized for a stress-free tax season.

Whether you are just starting out or have been self-employed for years, "Self-Employed Taxes, Unleashing Schedule C Deductions" will give you the confidence to take control of your business finances and save money on taxes.

Critique: This large format (9781960427359, 1.09 pounds) hardcover edition of "Self-Employed Taxes, Unleashing Schedule C Deductions: A Line-By-Line Guide to Unlock Deductions and Create New Tax Savings for Small Business Owners and Independent Contractors" from the Money With Amy series will prove of immense interest and value to readers concerned with having to deal with entrepreneurial, small business, self-employed bookkeeping and taxes. While especially and unreservedly recommended for personal, professional, business, community, and college/university library Business Financial Management collections and supplemental MBA curriculum studies lists, it should be noted that "Self-Employed Taxes, Unleashing Schedule C Deductions" is also readily available in paperback (9781960427236, $19.99) and in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.99).

Editorial Note: Amy Rose Herrick, widely recognized as "America's Profit Building Specialist," is a Chartered Financial Consultant, Tax Professional, and Educator. With over three decades of expertise, she has dedicated her career to empowering entrepreneurs, professionals, and families to build profitable businesses, reduce tax burdens, and create comprehensive financial strategies for long-term success.

Franchise Your Business
Mark Siebert
https://www.ifranchisegroup.com
Entrepreneur Press
https://www.entrepreneur.com/press
9781642011593, $25.99, PB, 400pp

https://www.amazon.com/Franchise-Your-Business-Mark-Siebert/dp/1642011592

Synopsis: Now in a newly revised and updated second edition, "Franchise Your Business: The Guide to Employing the Greatest Growth Strategy Ever", successful entrepreneur Mark Siebert (CEO of iFranchise Group) tells you what to expect, how to move forward, and avoid costly mistakes as he imparts decades of experience, insights, and practical advice to help grow your business exponentially through franchising.

"Franchise Your Business" is the perfect instructional guide to:

Using other people's money to grow your business
Evaluating your existing businesses for franchisability
Identifying the advantages and disadvantages of franchising
Developing a business plan for "growth on steroids"
Evaluating legal risk, obtain necessary documents, and protect intellectual property
Controlling quality better than in corporate operations
Creating marketing plans and tools to attract franchises
Selling franchises to the right candidates while avoiding potential problems
Helping your franchisees establish their franchise businesses
Cultivating the franchisee-franchisor relationship
Preparing your franchise business for an ultimate sale when it is time to exit

Simply stated, "Franchise Your Business" will teach you everything they need to know about the most dynamic growth strategy ever created.

Critique: Exceptionally well written, thoroughly 'reader/user' friendly in organization and presentation, comprehensive and up-to-date, this new second edition of "Franchise Your Business: The Guide to Employing the Greatest Growth Strategy Ever" from Mark Siebert is especially and unreservedly recommended for community and college/university collections and supplemental MBA curriculum studies lists. It should be noted for MBA students, academia, entrepreneurs, small business owners, and non-specialist general readers with an interest in the subject that this paperback edition of "Franchise Your Business: The Guide to Employing the Greatest Growth Strategy Ever" from Entrepreneur Press is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $14.99).

Editorial Note: Mark Siebert (https://www.linkedin.com/in/markcsiebert) is an expert in evaluating a company's franchisability, structuring franchise offerings, and developing franchise programs. Siebert is the CEO or iFranchise Group and has personally assisted over 30 Fortune 2000 companies and over 500 start-ups franchisors.

Transformational Leadership
Duygu Alptekin Gursu
https://www.duygualptekin.com
Hasmark Publishing International
https://hasmarkpublishing.com
9781774822210, $16.99, PB, 240pp

https://www.amazon.com/Transformational-Leadership-Excellence-Strategies-Real-Life/dp/B0CGYPSGGL

Synopsis: In today's fast-paced, ever-changing world, leadership is more than an aspirational title -- it is the ability to navigate complexity, seize opportunities, and inspire others with authenticity and purpose.

With the publication of "Transformational Leadership: Inspire the Excellence Within: A Guide and Workbook with Proven Strategies and Real-Life Stories", internationally acclaimed leadership and team coach Duygu Alptekin Gursu offers a powerful guide to help you master the skills, mindset, and tools needed to lead with confidence and conviction.

Drawing from her extensive global coaching experience with top executives and leadership teams, Duygu provides a practical roadmap to:

Cultivate a leadership mindset rooted in authenticity and self-awareness
Harness the power of influence to inspire and mobilize teams
Navigate uncertainty with resilience and strategic clarity
Build high-performing, motivated teams that thrive in any environment
Turn challenges into growth opportunities through reflective practices

Critique: Whether one is a seasoned executive, an emerging leader, or someone aspiring to lead with more significant impact, "Transformational Leadership: Inspire the Excellence Within" by Duygu Alptekin Gursu is an impressive and 'reader/user' friendly compendium of strategies, real-life examples, and actionable tools for excelling as a leader in business and in life. While especially and unreservedly recommended for personal, professional, community, business school, corporate, and college/university library Business Management, Mentoring, and Motivation collections and supplemental MBA curriculum studies lists, it should be noted that this paperback edition of "Transformational Leadership: Inspire the Excellence Within" from Hasmark Publishing International is also available for MBA students, academia, corporate executives, governmental policy makers, and non-specialist general readers with an interest in the subject in a digital book format (Kindle, $6.99).

Editorial Note: Duygu Alptekin Gursu (https://www.duygualptekin.com) holds the esteemed Master Certified Coach (MCC) credential and is among the first to earn the Advanced Certified Team Coach (ACTC) designation from the International Coach Federation. She is dedicated to unlocking the full potential of top and mid-level executives, high-potential individuals, and executive management teams in global corporations. She has coached executives in over fifty countries, and her blue-chip clients include Nestle, Loreal, Johnson & Johnson, Mayo Clinic, Microsoft, Roche, Workday, Service Now, Equinix, Philips, Pfizer, Novartis, Unilever, Coca-Cola, GlaxoSmithKline, Vodafone, and Volvo. She is also the author of "Transformational Leadership: Inspire the Excellence Within" (2023).


The Interior Design Shelf

Design For Your Mind
Annie Guest
B. D. Walsh Publishing LLC
https://bdpublish.com
9798992203349, $43.99, HC, 190pp

https://www.amazon.com/Design-Your-Mind-Caregiver-Therapist/dp/B0DZQHBL1C

Synopsis: With the publication of "Design For Your Mind: How a Family Caregiver and Mental Health Therapist Renovated Her Home to Recharge Her Life - and Didn't Break the Bank" by Annie Guest offers a refreshing look at how we can create spaces through deftly crafted interior designs to support our emotional and intellectual needs-now, and for the rest of our lives.

In "Design For Your Mind", Annie Guest also tells how she drew on her background as a mental health therapist to renovate her house and recharge her life after years of family caregiving. She takes us through her process, room by room, always with an eye to pursuing the purpose of the room and its potential to support creativity and focus and promote healthy living. Annie shows how she achieved big results without spending a fortune. "Design For Your Mind" features some 95 'Before' and 'After' photos and stories, and discussions of the science behind good design are lively and easy to follow.

"Design For Your Mind" is an absorbing dive into what we humans need to thrive, and it's sure to spark your ideas for meeting those needs with design choices for your own home. Whether you are designing rooms to promote your focus and creativity, creating a space that helps you stay organized and productive, or switching things up to give yourself a lift, "Design For Your Mind" is and ideal instructional guide.

Critique: This large format (8.5 x 0.63 x 11 inches, 1.99 pounds) hardcover edition of "Design For Your Mind: How a Family Caregiver and Mental Health Therapist Renovated Her Home to Recharge Her Life - and Didn't Break the Bank" by Annie Guest is beautifully and profusely illustrated in full color throughout. Informed and informative, thoughtful and thought-provoking, inspired and inspiring, thoroughly 'reader/user' friendly in organization and presentation, "Design For Your Mind" is a unique, original, and unreservedly recommended pick for personal reading lists, as well as community and college/university library Interior Design collections and supplemental curriculum studies lists. It should be noted for students, academia, interior design professionals, and non-specialist general readers with an interest in the subject that this hardcover edition of "Design For Your Mind" from B. D. Walsh Publishing is also readily available in paperback (9798992203325, $35.99) and in a digital book format (Kindle, $7.99).

Editorial Note: Annie Guest had a varied career in book publishing, advertising, and law, before she took another jump to work as a mental health therapist and publish her first book. With the publication of "Design For Your Mind", Annie combines her passion for people and their potential with her love for interior design and her appreciation for the design choices that support mental health.


The Sports Shelf

PARdon Me: 50 Years of Golf, One Hole At A Time
Joseph Bronson
Silicon Valley Press
https://siliconvalleypress.net
9798985842876, $40.00, HC, 202pp

https://www.amazon.com/PARdon-Me-Years-Golf-Hole/dp/B0F1C6Q1RJ

Synopsis: Drawing from decades of experience both as a dedicated amateur golfer and a seasoned observer of the sport, with the publication of "PARdon Me: 50 Years of Golf, One Hole At A Time", Joesph Bronson delivers a captivating collection of personal stories and reflections on the ever-challenging game.

Bronson takes readers on a journey through iconic courses, unforgettable rounds, and his musings on the evolution of golf-from the golden days pre-pandemic to the new boom in popularity. With chapters covering the highs and lows of playing alone, battling slow play, and the challenges of professional tournaments, Bronson offers a unique perspective on what makes golf such a special game.

Whether recounting his memorable Pro-Am experiences-including a memorable round with the legendary Arnold Palmer-or reflecting on his local rounds at famed courses like Pebble Beach and the royal and ancient St. Andrews, Bronson's wit, insight, and enduring love for the game shines through.

"PARdon Me" is not just about golf; it's also about life, perseverance, and the endless pursuit of improvement, making it a must-read for every golfer-duffer, amateur or seasoned pro. In this third installment, Joe shares:

Personal tales from iconic golf courses around the world
Insights into the pandemic's impact on golf's resurgence
Humorous and heartfelt stories of Bronson's adventures in Pro-Am tournaments
Updates on famous golf holes and the dreaded "shank"

Golf enthusiasts will enjoy joining Bronson as he continues to share his lifelong dedication to the game, reminding readers why golf is more than just a sport-it's a way of life.

Critique: Exceptionally well written, interesting, informative, and a fun read for golfing enthusiasts from start to finish, "PARdon Me: 50 Years of Golf, One Hole At A Time" by Joesph Bronson is especially and unreservedly recommended for personal, community, and college/university library Sports Golfing History and Golfing Biography/Memoir collections. It should be noted that this hardcover edition of "PARdon Me" from Silicon Valley Press is also readily available in paperback (9798985842883, $21.99) and in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.99).

Editorial Note: Joseph Bronson brings a lifetime of golf passion and experience to his writing, having played 87 of the top 100 courses in the U.S. and many of the finest courses worldwide. A member of prestigious clubs like Monterey Peninsula Country Club and Cordevalle Golf Club, Bronson combines his global business expertise with a deep love for the game. His extensive travels and hands-on experience make him uniquely qualified to share insights, stories, and commentary on the sport he loves. Through his books, Bronson offers readers a fresh, thoughtful perspective on golf's iconic courses and memorable moments.


The Christian Studies Shelf

Herald Reflections
Kim Gentry Meyer
https://www.kimgentrymeyer.com
Fitting Words Publishing
https://www.fittingwords.net
9781571027870, $16.99, PB, 48pp

https://www.amazon.com/Herald-Reflections-Kim-Gentry-Meyer/dp/1571027874

Synopsis: Christian readers will enjoy embarking on an extraordinary journey with the "Herald Reflections" by Kim Gentry Meyer. This unique volume offers its readers with an immersive experience into the stories behind the songs of the acclaimed "Herald" album. Dive deep into each track through insightful narratives, accompanied by Bible verses that anchor the themes, and experience vibrant paintings that enrich the "Herald" story. With eight meticulously crafted chapters, each dedicated to a specific song, readers are encouraged to savor the content one chapter at a time.

"Herald Reflections" is specifically designed to ensure a welcoming and engaging format that suits both individual exploration and group study. Each chapter provides QR codes that allow the reader to listen to the corresponding song, making for a rich, multisensory experience. Perfect for music enthusiasts and seekers of meaning alike, "Herald Reflections" promises a harmonious blend of art, spirituality, and personal connection.

Critique: Original, unique, inspired and inspiring, this paperback edition of author Kim Genry Meyer's "Herald Reflections" from Fitting Words Publishing is especially and unreservedly recommended for the personal reading lists of clergy, seminary students, and all members of the Christian community regardless of denominational affiliations.

Editorial Note: Kim Gentry Meyer (https://www.kimgentrymeyer.com) is an avid dog and cat lover, an award-winning singer-songwriter and poet, a visual artist, a published blogger, a nonprofit fundraising professional, and a former Mrs. Massachusetts America. With the publication of "Herald Reflections" she now adds author to her impressive resume.


The Self-Help Shelf

Thriving!: How to Create a Healthier, Happier, and More Prosperous Life
Rand Selig
www.randselig.com
Independently Published
9798887599472, $24.95, HC, 333pp

https://www.amazon.com/Thriving-Create-Healthier-Happier-Prosperous/dp/B0CJHH49MQ

Synopsis: You can embrace your potential and a life of fulfillment with "Thriving!: How to Create a Healthier, Happier, and More Prosperous Life" by Rand Selig who explores what it takes to create a purposeful, healthy, and happy life.

Rand Selig, a seasoned expert, shares tools and decades of wisdom to help you thrive in every stage of your life and "Thriving!" is for a wide range of people throughout their lives -- including when launching their adult lives and careers, raising a family and addressing work-life balance, building effectiveness and integrity as managers or leaders, moving past a focus on self to becoming more engaged with helping others and the world around us, and gaining wisdom and evolving with soul.

"Thriving!" shows how to:

Forge enduring and deep relationships with yourself, friends, family, partners
Strengthen your emotional health by learning to let go, forgive, and stop self-sabotaging
Become a lifelong learner, fully accepting mistakes and turning them into valuable lessons
Age well, creating and living your legacy while you are alive
Define success on your terms, understand what "enough" truly means, and build a life-affirming future

Critique: Exceptionally informative, inspiring, motivating, and thoroughly 'reader/user' friendly in organization and presentation, "Thriving!: How to Create a Healthier, Happier, and More Prosperous Life" truly lives up to the promise of its title and will hold a very special appeal for readers with an interest in creating a successful work/life balance and effective time management. While especially and unreservedly recommended for personal, professional, community, and college/university library Self-Help/Self-Improvement collections, it should be noted that this hardcover edition of "Thriving!: How to Create a Healthier, Happier, and More Prosperous Life" by Rand Selig is also readily available in paperback (9798887598680, $15.99) and in a digital book format (Kindle, $2.99, Amazon).

Editorial Note: Rand Selig (www.randselig.com) is an accomplished entrepreneur, coach, scoutmaster, board member, and roll-up-your-sleeves conservationist. With an MBA from Stanford and undergraduate degrees in mathematics and psychology, he excels at managing complex projects globally. He is relentlessly positive and believes he can design his own life and others can, too.

The Trauma of Rejection
Donna F. LaMar, PhD
https://drdonnalamar.com
Palmetto Publishing
https://www.palmettopublishing.com
9798822954731, $$14.99, PB, 240pp

https://www.amazon.com/Trauma-Rejection-Healing-Understanding-Spirituality/dp/B0DPGTD9HP

Synopsis: With the publication of "The Trauma of Rejection: Healing, Understanding, and Spirituality", author and psychotherapist Donna F. LaMar presents a powerful exploration of the devastating effects of rejection and the journey to healing. "The Trauma of Rejection" serves as a beacon of hope, guiding individuals who have been subjected to the harsh realities of rejection, helping them navigate the often rocky path to recovery. "The Trauma of Rejection" is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the profound healing that can occur when we confront our pain head-on.

In the pages of "The Trauma of Rejection, Dr. Donna LaMar candidly shares her personal story of rejection, uprooting the deep-seated trauma from her soul. She strips away the veil of her professional title, revealing her raw and authentic self. Dr. LaMar's personal journey becomes a mirror for readers, reflecting their own experiences and validating their feelings.

"The Trauma of Rejection" is not just a narrative; it is a tool and resource designed for those who serve in the healing professions. It is a compilation of wisdom extracted from both personal experience and professional practice. "The Trauma of Rejection" delves into the heart of rejection, describing it as a black jellyfish with thousands of stinging tentacles, relentlessly inflicting pain. "The Trauma of Rejection" serves as a study of rejection's far-reaching effects and its impact on our identities.

Yet, even within its stark exploration of pain, "The Trauma of Rejection" remains an uplifting guide towards healing. It emphasizes the importance of self-discovery, the uncovering of one's unique purpose, and the vital contribution each individual can make to the world. By sharing her journey, Dr. LaMar inspires readers to embark on their own paths of healing, encouraging them to reclaim their lives from the grips of rejection.

"The Trauma of Rejection" is an invitation to transform pain into power. It is a call to action for those who have suffered rejection to rise above their circumstances, heal, and make a difference in the world. It is a compelling reminder that everyone, regardless of their past, has the ability to contribute something positive to the world.

Critique: Candid, insightful, informed and informative, "The Trauma of Rejection: Healing, Understanding, and Spirituality" is extraordinarily well written, organized and presented. A fascinating and thought-provoking read from cover to cover, "The Trauma of Rejection" by Dr. Donna F. LaMar is especially and unreservedly recommended for community and college/university library Self-Help/Self-Improvement collections and supplemental Mental Health curriculum studies lists. It should be noted for the personal reading lists of students, academia, mental health workers, counselors, and non-specialist general readers with an interest in the subject that this paperback edition of "The Trauma of Rejection" from Palmetto Publishing is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, "6.99).

Editorial Note: Dr. Donna F. LaMar (https://drdonnalamar.com) is a seasoned researcher and author, celebrated for her intimate understanding of overcoming trauma. Her book, "The Trauma of Rejection", encapsulates her personal triumph over years of emotional pain, offering a beacon of hope for others. LaMar's insights, backed by extensive research, provide practical steps towards healing. Her work is a testament to the human spirit's resilience and the transformative power of recovery. In her compelling journey from despair to renewal, she invites readers to explore the depths of their own healing process. Dr. LaMar's empathetic approach is a lifeline for those grappling with the devastation of rejection.

The JOAT: Life Lessons from a Jill of All Trades
Kristin Massey
www.kristinmassey.com
Book Baby Publishers
www.bookbaby.com
9798350984804, $14.99, PB, 240pp

https://www.amazon.com/JOAT-Life-Lessons-Jill-Trades/dp/B0F4M7GY92

Synopsis: With the publication of "The JOAT: Life Lessons From A Jill of All Trades", Kristin Massey introduces her innovative concept of "skill-stitching". This is a transformative approach to self help that deftly blends diverse skills into a powerful tapestry of abilities.

Negotiating her way from the bustling streets of Chicago and New York City to the sun-soaked boulevards of Los Angeles, each chapter comprising "The JOAT" unfolds with a new challenge, a fresh perspective, and actionable insights.

It is Kristin's ability to turn failure into an asset teaches her readers how to embrace setbacks as stepping stones to success. Much like a modern-day Odysseus, she navigates the complexities of life with resilience and creativity, guiding readers to embrace their unique talents and confidently face life's challenges.

Critique: Impressively original, informatively insightful, exceptionally well written, thoroughly 'reader friendly' in organization and presentation, "The JOAT: Life Lessons from a Jill of All Trades" by Kristin Massey is a unique and 'real world' DIY practical instructional and inspirational guide that is especially and unreservedly recommended for community Self-Help/Self-Improvement collections. It should be noted for personal reading lists that this paperback edition of "The JOAT: Life Lessons from a Jill of All Trades" from BookBaby is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $2.99).

Editorial Note: Kristin Massey (www.kristinmassey.com) is a multifaceted creative young woman with an impressive background as a recording artist in the group Red Siren and a voice-over artist. Her passion for culinary arts has blossomed into a successful career as a recipe developer, allowing her to create recipes for bestselling books and numerous health and fitness publications.

This Thing in My Head
Jessica Aike
https://jessicaaike.com
Independently Published
9798303627772, $9.99, PB, 39pp

https://www.amazon.com/This-Thing-My-Head-Self-Actualise/dp/B0DQJXHXC7

Synopsis: "This Thing in My Head: Break Free, Stand in Your Power, and Self-Actualise" by Jessica Aike comprises streams of consciousness. It delves into the intricacies of culture, the chaos foisted on children and a woman's journey to self-actualisation. By sharing compelling narratives gleaned over ten years of advocacy in behalf of women, Aike proposes balance and common sense. Read her compelling ideas as she deftly explores culture, child abuse, and self-actualisation.

Critique: Informative, insightful, emotionally and intellectually engaging, "This Thing in My Head: Break Free, Stand in Your Power, and Self-Actualise" is a compelling and inspiring read from cover to cover. Of special interest to readers concerned with abuse recovery, self-esteem restoration, and motivational tools for dealing with a troubled past for a healed and healing present, and a welcoming future, "This Thing in My Head: Break Free, Stand in Your Power, and Self-Actualise" by Jessica Aike is especially and unreservedly recommended for personal, community, and college/university library Self-Help/Self-Improvement collections. It should be noted that "This Thing in My Head: Break Free, Stand in Your Power, and Self-Actualise" is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $5.99) as well.

Editorial Note: Jessica Aike (https://jessicaaike.com) is a British-Nigerian writer. Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Ms. Aike relocated to London, England at the age of two, where she was raised and currently resides. Her published work can be seen in Afritondo, The Eyes of African Women, Literally Stories, Ariel Carter, Down In the Dirt Magazine and Fiction on the Web, and Book of Matches where she explores a range of themes. Multiple Faces of Keke was shortlisted and published in the February 2024 Issue 'Where Icarus Went' in the Down In the Dirt Magazine.


James A. Cox
Editor-in-Chief
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


Copyright ©2001

Site design by Williams Writing, Editing & Design