"If you make quick decisions without financial planning, the money could disappear quickly. Planning for sudden wealth includes tax planning, investing and taking a step back to consider how the money can help you reach your financial goals," according to the website of the CFP Board, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting professional standards in personal financial planning.

If you inherit money, consider these guidelines from the CFP Board to make sure you take full advantage of your good fortune:

- Keep quiet. Some people may know as soon as you do that you have inherited wealth, but don't be pressured by others offering investment advice or seeking loans or support. Don't broadcast an inheritance until you have a plan for its use.

- Don't rush. Consider enlisting the help of a professional financial planner; at the very least, step back and take some time to consider how you might spend or invest to use your resources wisely. Educate yourself about the options for saving and investing for smart wealth management.

- Make a plan. If you don't have an overall financial plan, unexpected wealth is a reason to make one. If you already have a financial plan in place, you can update your goals and advance on some of them sooner than expected, such as paying off debt, saving for retirement, or establishing an emergency fund. Sharing the wealth can be part of your plan, too. If there is a cause you feel strongly about, plan to allocate some of your resources to that cause, and consider getting involved in the organization to determine how your contribution will be spent.

- Have some fun. It's okay to splurge on a few special items if you are confident in your finances overall. A new car or a special trip can be a worthwhile use of some of your newfound funds; set aside some money for indulgent purchases, but take your time to identify something you will truly enjoy.

Visit letsmakeaplan.org for more financial planning tips and guidance and to locate a certified financial planner in your area.

"Killer Graces"
by Steve Melen

A journey of adoption, cancer, addiction, and breakthrough living. In his late thirties, Steve Melen thought he had it all -- until a diagnosis of Stage IIIB stomach cancer brought it all to a screeching halt. Steve battled his demons and the fact that he only had a 15 percent chance of survival.

Killer Graces is not just another cancer tale. It is a revelation, exposing how cancer can shine a spotlight on things that people prefer not to think or talk about. It is a story of both weakness and strength as Steve navigates a world of pain, drugs, alcohol, marital problems, and anxiety. Join Steve on his journey of self-discovery. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3jlDxKt.

"Up the Creek"
by Alissa Grosso

An unsolved murder. Disturbing dreams. A missing child. Caitlin Walker hasn't had a dream in nine years. But now nightmares torture her son Adam and awaken in Caitlin buried memories and a dark secret. Her husband Lance has a secret of his own, one that his son's nightmares threaten to reveal.

In Culver Creek, newly hired detective Sage Dorian works to unravel the small town's notorious cold case, the grisly murder of a young girl. How are Caitlin and Lance connected to the horrific crime? And how far will they go to make sure their secrets stay hidden? Find out in this riveting thriller. Purchase at https://books2read.com/u/mvZlL6.

"Synchronicities on the Avenue of the Saints"
by Deborah Gaal

Physicist Noah Friedman is bipolar and is racing against time before the experimental drug he takes steals his mind, then his life. His deranged psychiatrist is aiming to clear $10 million on the sales of this drug and has become Noah's enemy.

As Noah starts his quest to free himself from the drug and the doctor, he soon finds himself with a coterie of odd compatriots. Together they work to stop the worldwide launch of the drug. Can Noah right the wrongs of his ancestors in time to heal himself and also prove that love creates a synchronicity with what and who is loved? Purchase at https://amzn.to/35puUtz.

"Her Mother's Grave"
by Lisa Regan

When two young boys discover human bones buried beneath a tree in a trailer park, Detective Josie Quinn races to join her team at the scene. Josie's past crashes into her present when it is confirmed that the bones belong to Belinda Rose -- a teenage foster child who was murdered thirty years ago.

Just as Josie gets closer to uncovering a secret that will shatter her world, another body is uncovered. It's clear someone close to Josie will stop at nothing to keep the truth buried forever. As she battles her past demons, can Josie stop this killer before another life is taken? Purchase at https://amzn.to/35AUFab.

NOTE: BookBites is a continuing series bringing readers information and ideas for their next read. For more reading ideas, visit BookTrib.com and subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

The financial planning profession provides one example. The demographic makeup of the United States is changing, with Hispanic, Black and Asian populations continuing to grow. Despite persisting wealth gaps that affect many minority communities, median earnings and purchasing power among these populations are also growing.

Although these groups are accumulating wealth, they are less likely than white families to work with a financial planner. About 28% of Black households and 17% of Hispanic households use a financial planner to help them reach their financial goals, compared to 31% of white households. According to the RAND Corporation, Hispanics and Blacks are also less confident in their ability to meet unexpected short-term expenses or long-term financial goals.

The RAND research suggests a large population of these individuals could benefit from financial planning advice. One challenge is that the current financial planner demographic makeup of the financial planning profession does not reflect the demographic makeup of the U.S. population: At the end of 2019, only about 4% of more than 87,000 CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM professionals are Black or Hispanic.

Additional studies and interviews with current and aspiring financial advisors indicate that a more diverse workforce could better reach and assist diverse communities. In research conducted by the CFP Board Center for Financial Planning, CFP® professionals cite the opportunity to expand access to financial services in underserved communities and to help improve their understanding of personal finances as key benefits of being a financial planner. Nearly 60% of those surveyed agree that Black financial planners and Hispanic financial planners, respectively, would have an advantage in attracting new clients of similar racial or ethnic backgrounds to their advisory firms.

"Diversifying the talent pipeline is an opportunity and a prudent approach for financial planning businesses," said Center Managing Director D.A. Abrams, CAE. "We are successfully working with many firms who want the industry to reflect our nation's shifting demographics and respond to the increasing purchasing power of people of color."

Abrams sees potential value of like-to-like messages in reaching people in diverse communities. Different groups have different ways of thinking and communicating about money. Some prospective financial planners of color interviewed by the Center explained their families emphasized just getting by versus saving or investing, while in other families, talking about money was taboo. Shared backgrounds and mutual understanding can help financial advisors overcome these cultural challenges and encourage potential clients to shift their thinking.

Diverse financial planners also help raise awareness of financial planning -- both as a service and a career opportunity -- within their own communities. Many play an active role in promoting the financial planning profession by participating in community events, visiting parent meetings at local schools, or leading workshops or other educational programming at community centers. They also serve as mentors and role models to younger students who may wish to study and join the financial planning profession.

Recognizing these challenges and opportunities, the Center hosts an annual Diversity Summit to provide a platform for discussing initiatives that can advance diversity in the financial planning profession. The Center's third Diversity Summit will take place virtually November 18-20, 2020 and will focus on sustainable diversity and inclusion initiatives within the profession. Visit https://2020diversitysummit.cfp.net to learn more and register.

A focus on hiring financial advisors from and working with diverse communities has the potential to positively impact their financial wellness and social mobility.

In 1661 Madrid, Ana's young niece Juliana suddenly vanishes. Ana searches the girl's room and finds a diary. After a futile search in Spain, she comes to Juliana's final entries, and, discovering the horrifying reason for the girl's flight, abandons her search.

In 1992 Missouri, in her deceased mother's home, Rachel finds a diary by a woman named Juliana. Rachel recognizes the names Ana and Juliana: her mother uttered them on her deathbed. As she learns the truth about Juliana's tragic family history, Rachel seeks to understand her connection to the writings - hoping that in finding those answers, she will heal the wounds caused by her mother's lifelong reticence. Purchase at https://amzn.to/2Rajwv8. 

"The Best Part of Us"
by Sally Cole-Misch

Beth cherished her childhood family summers on a pristine northern Canadian lake. Theirs was an unshakeable bond with nature, family, and friends. But that bond was torn apart, first as rights to their island were questioned and then by nature itself, and the family was forced to leave.

Fourteen years later, Beth has created a new life in urban Chicago. There, she's erected a barrier between the past and present, no matter how much it costs - until her grandfather asks her to return to the island to determine its fate. Will she choose to preserve whom she has become, or risk everything to discover if what was lost still remains? Purchase at https://amzn.to/2wTaSuh. 

"A Wife in Bangkok"
by Iris Mitlin Lav

Crystal's husband, Brian, is being sent to manage his company's Bangkok office and he expects her and their children to come along. She reluctantly acquiesces. She doesn't want to leave everything familiar in their small Oklahoma town; it's 1975, however, and Crystal, a woman with traditional values, feels she has to be a good wife.

Crystal finds beauty in Thailand, but also isolation and betrayal. Fighting intense loneliness and buffeted by a series of shocking events, she struggles to adapt to a different culture and battle a severe depression and, ultimately, decide whether her broken relationship with her husband is worth saving. Purchase at https://amzn.to/2XFh9mE. 

"A Place Called Zamora"
by LB Gschwandtner

Niko and El are trapped in a politically corrupt dystopian city where brutality rules. After winning a cynical race where only one rider can survive, Niko tosses aside his chance to join the city's corrupt inner circle by choosing lovely El as his prize - thus upsetting the ruling order and placing them both in danger.

With the Regime hunting them and the children of the city fomenting a guerrilla revolt, they attempt a daring escape to the possibly mythical utopia of Zamora. But as events unfold, the stirrings of love El once felt for Niko begin to morph into mistrust. If they reach Zamora, will Niko ever claim his secret birthright? And what will the future hold if he loses El? Purchase at https://amzn.to/2Aovg7z. 

NOTE: BookBites is a continuing series, bringing readers information and ideas for their next read. For more reading ideas, visit BookTrib.com and subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

"Vanishing Girls"
by Lisa Regan 

When beautiful Isabelle Coleman goes missing, everyone in town joins the search. They find no trace of the town's darling, but detective Josie Quinn finds another girl they didn't even know was missing. Mute and unresponsive, it's clear this mysterious girl has been damaged beyond repair. All Josie can get from her is the name of a third girl and a flash of a neon tongue piercing that matches Isabelle's.

The race is on to find Isabelle alive, and Josie fears there may be other girls in terrible danger. Someone in this close-knit town is committing unspeakable crimes. Can Josie catch the killer before another victim loses his or her life? Purchase at https://amzn.to/318BuUk. 

"The Laureate: Mystery in Renaissance Italy"
by Ken Tentarelli 

Called "page-turning and suspenseful," Nico Argenti returns from the university with a law degree. He is eager to begin his career, but instead finds his city of Florence engulfed in turmoil. Power-hungry aristocrats are using the death of Cosimo de Medici as the perfect opportunity to seize control of the Republic.

The Florentine Chancellor recruits Nico to help defeat the conspirators before they can destabilize the government. Nico learns that the conspirators have hired an assassin to eliminate the opposition. He must thwart the plot before the assassin is turned against him. The intrigue is balanced by the warmth of Nico's friends and family. Purchase at https://amzn.to/2Q4XSYd. 

"Silver Wings, Iron Cross"
by Tom Young 

A tense, authentic, and emotionally powerful saga of two enemy combatants - an American pilot and German U-boat officer - united by fate in an epic fight for survival.

Near the end of WWII, when Karl's plane is shot down behind enemy lines, he's forced to make the hardest decision of his life: trusting the enemy. When Wilhelm's U-boat is attacked in an air raid, he abandons ship and finds an unlikely ally: the pilot who bombed him.

They must lie for the other, fight for the other, or die with the other. But their alliance won't be put to the test until they reach the end of the line. Purchase at https://amzn.to/2YcrV4K. 

"Love"
by Casey Rislov 

Love is Casey Rislov's sixth children's book. The award-winning author was inspired to create a board book for babies and toddlers as a way to give them words and pictures to understand the feeling of love.

Love is inspired by the much-loved and well-known passage from the Bible (1 Corinthians 13:4-8): "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails." Purchase at https://amzn.to/31aoVYF.

NOTE: BookBites is a continuing series bringing readers information and ideas for their next read. For more reading ideas, visit BookTrib.com and subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

"What's Not Said"
by Valerie Taylor 

Kirkus calls "What's Not Said" "snappy and contemporary…reads like a fun, romantic comedy despite the heavy subject matter." When Kassie discovers her emotionally abusive husband has chronic kidney disease, her plans to divorce him and move in with a younger man collapse - until she pokes around and realizes his illness is the least of his deceits.

But Kassie is no angel. As she struggles to justify her own indiscretions, their lives collide into a tangled web of sex, lies and DNA. Kassie commits to helping her husband find an organ donor. In the process, she uncovers a life-changing secret, forcing her to decide whose life to save. Purchase at https://amzn.to/2BO096C. 

"Hate's Recompense" 
by Joseph H. Gibson 

President Kahn faces a stiff re-election and moves to usurp the democratic process by executing cyber and bioterrorism attacks on his own country to stay in power. Kahn fabricates a lethal bio attack by Iran, which he plans to execute with the help of an Artificial Intelligence Agent called Athena.

Resistance leaders learn of Kahn's plans - and millions of lives are at stake. They organize an uprising. But as they lose the battle, their only hope is to free the creators of Athena from Kahn's captivity and allow them to reprogram their brainchild to end Kahn's deadly politics. But is the country ready to relinquish control to a machine? Purchase at https://amzn.to/2XhayiK. 

"Rootlines"
by Rikki West 

Rikki and her sister, Linda, had fallen out with one another. They are not speaking when Linda emails that she has lethal abdominal tumors, that her only hope is a total bone marrow replacement. Linda claims Rikki is too old to donate, and explains there's only a slight chance she is a good match - but Rikki refuses to accept that.

Linda's email ignites a wild aspiration in Rikki: She will become the perfect donor, with the most vigorous cells possible. She rises with intent to heal herself, her sister, and their rootlines, the patterns formed in their family of origin that have quietly shaped their lives. The sisters beat the lymphoma - and heal the intertwined roots of their family pain. Purchase at https://amzn.to/2zZgWCu. 

"Kill Chain"
by Dominic Martell 

Years ago, Pascual Rose put his life as a terrorist behind him. He sold out his colleagues for a new identity and low profile in Barcelona. All was quiet until he received a midnight text: Come join us on the terrace.

The stakes are high: if he fails, it will cost him his family; if he succeeds, $1 million will buy a lot more than translation piecework will. But the money-laundering scheme involves a nexus of diverted revenues, shell companies and cryptocurrencies peopled by shadowy benefactors, Russian mobsters, German intelligence agents, and a mysterious woman with a chilling warning: Get out before it's too late. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3ia7P33. 

NOTE: BookBites is a continuing series bringing readers information and ideas for their next read. For more reading ideas, visit BookTrib.com and subscribe to our weekly newsletter.