(NewsUSA) - “Onward, Ye Heroes” by C.S. Brown

In this exciting conclusion to the “Smoke Without Ash” fantasy series, three heroes must stand on the front line to defend the world from the forces of evil. Pushed by clans of dragons to accept a responsibility that never should have been theirs, they must face the Smoke Without Ash as it emerges from the northern deserts.

Driven by prophecies that suggest one of them is the Hero of Destiny, they lead the combined armies of men and dragons against the approaching menace. But prophecy is never clear, and they do not know which of them is the foretold hero.

They struggle to learn the truth, but the Smoke Without Ash advances. Out of time, they must find a way to work together, hoping they can answer the question before it is too late and darkness engulfs the world. Purchase at https://bit.ly/4h7MHbB.

“A Life in Frames” by Leonora Ross

A photojournalist consumed by his passion for telling stories through his camera lens. A father and son at a war of wills. Lovers struggling to find a way to each other.

This coming-of-age literary saga follows Namibian photojournalist Lejf Busher, an intense and complex individual with his head in the clouds. Two women are central to Lejf's existence: his mother and the woman he loves. Destined for success and international acclaim, he discovers the complex reality of a career that separates him from his relationships. Lejf's expectations of a world and people he cannot change force him to confront his fears and choices when he can no longer run from them.

“A Life in Frames” is about the push and pull between the ties that bind us and the desires that motivate us, and about coming to grips with the consequences of unspoken and misinterpreted words. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3DvWeLG.

“Estranged: How Strained Female Friendships Are Mended or Ended” by Susan Shapiro Barash

When life gets hard, women turn to their female friends. Husbands, partners and jobs come and go, but close friendships are our bedrock. Until they're not. What happens when these bonds sabotage instead of support? By peeling back the societal narrative that our friendships are meant to last forever, Susan Shapiro Barash uncovers a more nuanced reality: the closest bonds do falter.

“Estranged” is an eye-opening investigation/practical guide for women navigating the murky waters of suboptimal friendships. The book sheds light on the unspoken pain of estrangement — both for the "estranger" who walks away and the "estrangee" who is left behind. Amid candid confessions of betrayal and grief, Barash challenges women to reimagine their friendships and take the bold step of letting go when necessary.

This cutting-edge book offers an empowering path forward: learning to prioritize self-worth, stability and authenticity over loyalty to friendships that no longer serve us. Purchase at https://amzn.to/4ijtR2n.

“Horrible Women, Wonderful Girls” by Julie Ann Sipos

In this spirited satire of sisterhood and survival across The Urban Frontier, a daring new literary heroine emerges to heal a divided nation — whether it wants her to or not.

Kids' entertainment executive Jaycee Grayson, fresh from rehab and forced out of her hard-won studio job, seeks the unlikely refuge of Littleburgh, Wisconsin. There she expects to find like-minded ladies helming Littleburgh's famous high-end doll empire — only to confront an unfriendly outpost of Prairie Karens, an army of happy backstabbers harboring a billion-dollar web of secrets and masks.

Fueled by irreverence and wit as sharp as a stiletto skating on thin ice, a twisted plot leads Jaycee and her fellow misfits toward either a joyful rebellion or a public execution in the town square. Buckle in for a poignant, provocative and darkly funny showdown between Hollywood and the heartland. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3DJimlV

(NewsUSA) - “High Tea and Misdemeanors” by Laura Childs

When a wedding is tragically averted by the death of the bridesmaid, Theodosia is determined to prove that it was murder in the latest entry to this New York Times bestselling Tea Shop Mystery series.

Theodosia Browning and her tea sommelier, Drayton Connelly, are tapped to cater the elegant wedding of Bettina and Jamie. Theodosia and Drayton are setting up when they hear a crash from the greenhouse. Shockingly, they discover that part of the roof has collapsed, trapping a bridesmaid and the groom. He will pull through, but the bridesmaid is no more. Theodosia is convinced it was murder.

As an added feature, the book includes delicious recipes and tea-time tips. Purchase at https://bit.ly/4fvTGtK.

“Why Wolves Matter: A Conservation Success Story” by Karen B. Winnick

Where did all the wolves go? The birds, the fish and the beavers?

When the top predator was wiped out, the balance of nature in Yellowstone National Park was disrupted. The circle was broken. Written in a lyrical style, “Why Wolves Matter” is an ecological tale that helps children understand the interconnectedness of all things in the natural world. Once all the wolves were gone, the elk population grew so large that the trees and vegetation on which they fed disappeared, throwing the Park and the remaining wildlife into disarray.

Supplemented with a timeline and bibliography, the non-fiction picture book “Why Wolves Matter” is about the importance of the top predator in nature, how balance was restored in Yellowstone National Park and the circle made whole again — with important historical and scientific relevance for children. Purchase at https://amzn.to/415gGKV.

“Gather, Ye Heroes” by C.S. Brown

In this first book of an exciting new fantasy series, securing victory against his enemies, Tianis is thrown into a world he is ill-prepared for. Confronted by a dragon, he is informed that he must lead mankind against an ancient foe returning after nearly 1,000 years.

Torg, 16, is looking forward to being released from his apprenticeship and taking his place in society. But his path leads him toward something completely different. He encounters a dragon, who brands him as the chosen leader of the armies of man and dragon.

Elsbeth, the daughter of a master weaponsmith who works alongside her father in the armory, makes an accidental discovery that brings her face to face with a dragon. She is told that there is more to the world than she ever imagined and that she is to be a leader on that stage.

But can prophecy be trusted? Purchase at https://bit.ly/4fSfe3Y.

“Kalayla: Unraveling Tangles” by Jeannie Nicholas

This tale is told from three distinct points of view: a young teenager, her mother and their landlady. Kalayla is a bi-racial girl determined to teach adults a thing or two. Her mother, Maureen, has been disowned by her Irish family and works as a waitress. Their Italian landlady, a widow, is retiring as CEO of her family’s business.

Their deepening friendships provide a scaffolding of support and show the transformative power of connection as they each risk new adventures with laughter and courage. Their stories touch on race, sexuality, marital abuse, exasperations of adolescence, single motherhood and self-discovery.

Kirkus Reviews describes the book as “an eloquent tale about real-life people with difficult problems.” Purchase at https://amzn.to/40RaLcq.

(NewsUSA) - "Conviction Overturned" by Willard Bakeman

A must-read for evangelicals and skeptics alike. “Conviction Overturned” is a forensic review of the Bible’s credibility based on legal principles of proof, written by someone with extensive expertise with the law and scripture. Author Willard Bakeman is a 35-year San Diego trial attorney, but also a seminarian and former evangelist turned skeptic. His background is uniquely fitting to perform an objective, informed, insightful and incisive forensic analysis of the Bible's credibility. In “Conviction Overturned,” he cuts no corners to deliver the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, no matter whom it may antagonize.

“Conviction Overturned” answers such compelling questions as: Is the life of Jesus a miraculous fulfillment of prophecy? Is there evidence that portions of the New Testament are forged? Was Jesus gay? Is Moses the spiritual forebear of Osama bin Laden? What did Jesus think about transgenderism? Purchase at https://amzn.to/40X7sAr.

"The Elderly Gentleman's Ulyssee" by Hans Bodmer

A smarter, older Gentleman makes his way from Zurich to Geneva on hiking trails, wherever they exist. The declared goal is to reach a destination — the Café de la Place in Meyrin — as soon as possible. The adventures and encounters along the way are unforeseen and unexpected, and the experience brings smiles, laughter and a sense of achievement. But there’s also unpleasantness, tooth grinding and suffering.

He has much time to explore his thoughts and follow thought processes put in motion by the events. He inevitably ends up in complex, exuberant pipe dreams and bizarre, surreal spheres. Very often, he is sent into the virtual desert for his thoughts. Which he isn't concerned about. He wanders, ponders and continues to provoke, undeterred.

He meets different types of men, friendly ones and also disgusting ones. Not only that, he encounters many charming ladies and often risks falling in love. Join the journey. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3CRXcl9.

"Your Home Remedy for Acid Reflux Disease" by Dr. Howard Christian

Tired of struggling with acid reflux disease? Looking for an authentic remedy that allows you to keep eating the foods you love? This self-help book reveals a no-diet, alternative healing approach to transform your life and relieve your GERD. However you define your struggle, your unbridled well-being is within reach. Dr. Howard Christian offers this essential guide to help you break free from the cycle of symptoms, medications and dietary restrictions.

Drawing from his personal battle with GERD and his background in immunology, Dr. Christian emphasizes understanding GERD not as an adversary but as a messenger signaling the need for growth and self-awareness. He uses a unique, non-dietary remedy rooted in ageless wisdom to promote emotional, psychological and physical transformation.

Imagine the lasting benefits! Start feeling better today. Purchase at https://amzn.to/4kukfmN.

"Soul Flowers" by Cynthia Schumaker

“Soul Flowers” is Schumaker’s seventh poetry collection, delving into universal human emotions and experiences that connect us all. The collection provides enjoyable and accessible "word music" designed to appeal to dedicated poetry lovers and to others who might like to be. Employing both rhymed and unrhymed formats, Schumacher's work spans a wide array of subjects, often drawing inspiration from the natural world. Her poems touch on themes of hope and resilience, and offer comforting wisdom. Seamlessly blending new works with selections from previous publications, “Soul Flowers” invites readers to find solace and connection through shared human experiences.

Pacific Book Review says, “Schumacher's poems are seeds of wisdom, nurturing a sense of peace and connection to the cycles of life … ideal for anyone seeking solace, inspiration, and the gentle reminder that like flowers, the soul has its own seasons of blooming and renewal.” Purchase at https://amzn.to/3OUflRz.

(NewsUSA) - Every Fall by Angela Douglas

A chilling thriller, perfect for fans of Karin Slaughter and Lisa Gardner, exploring the dark side of police culture and family trauma.

Bree knew life married to a beat cop would be tough, but she believes their family will be fine living in the crime-infested city of East Bernheim — that is, until one day crime follows them home. Jake then agrees to stretch their finances and move to a bigger house in a better neighborhood. But Bree, now pregnant with their second child, begins to hear voices and suffer strange dreams. Then when tragedy strikes on the job, Jake enters a spiral of guilt and grief that degrades his grip on reality.

Bree, isolated and struggling, must protect her children from the one person she thought would always keep them safe. A thriller that tackles toxic masculinity in police culture and trauma, you’ll be on the edge of your seat. Purchase at https://bit.ly/400i0PY.

Dear God, My Life Is in Jeopardy by Tom Covino

When you read the story of Evelyn Dawson, you'll never quite be the same again.

The beginning will make you wonder, the middle will shock you, and the ending may cause you to re-evaluate what you thought were the right answers to some of life's deepest questions.

This book answers the greatest fear that man has … why am I afraid to die? The first half is written as fiction, and then tied up through facts and truth. In the story, Evelyn finds herself on the game show Jeopardy. No Alex Trebek or other players, just her, the host, and an audience made up of all the best professional actors, athletes and singers. Says one reviewer,  “I can’t recall a book that affected me so much. From suspenseful and gripping, from Jeopardy to the final courtroom, this book shook me to the core.”  Purchase at https://bit.ly/4g003qA.

Our Best Selves by David Torne

Wisdom for our souls' growth. As part of our human nature, we yearn for the compelling desire to grow and evolve as individuals, even without being fully aware of this fact. Our soul yearns to reach that version of ourselves that best defines us and to overcome those limitations that distance us from our purest essence.

This book is a guide with a great transforming power that, in a simple and entertaining way, will provide readers with essential tools for the ultimate purpose of helping them in their personal and vital development.

Embark on a journey of self-discovery to unlearn what no longer serves us and at the same time help us to establish new guidelines that favor our well-being and pave the way to a full and authentic life. Achieving the best version of ourselves becomes a commitment that, at a collective level, can potentially transform all of humanity. Purchase at https://bit.ly/4j0e4Gi.

Race to Cable Town (Book 1) by Edward Penner

Tom finds an old letter in his attic addressed to his great-grandfather, and the letter is signed by a man named Clayton. Who is he and why was he sent to jail? Tom and Andy ride to Cable Field in search of clues. But when they get there, Andy is challenged to a bike race, and it’s sure to be his toughest race ever.

Can Andy win or has he finally met someone faster? And, when the race is over, can the boys learn more about the mysterious man named Clayton? It’s the start of a bold new adventure for Tom and Andy.

This first book in the series is an action-packed story that will keep young readers turning the pages and help them discover that reading adventure stories can be just as much fun as cell phones, video games and other distractions. Learn more at www.edwardpenner.com.

(NewsUSA) -  

We're All Mad Here: An (In)Elegant Memoir by Marie Kuipers

Peer behind the curtain of one fiercely opinionated and unapologetically peculiar woman’s unhinged life. If her upbringing in Dirty Jerz and her narcissistic mother aren’t enough, add a psychotic catfishing ex-husband, a lifesaving Solo cup, heaps of grief, and a dash of Lyme, and you’ve got the recipe for a (mostly) hilarious roller-coaster ride of a read.

Experience the epiphany that saves a beloved rooster from an evil HOA Karen. Bond over such atrocities as puke, the patriarchy, and plus-sized effrontery. Find unexpected solace in a simple feather.

This collection of sketches forms the gooey center of a Venn diagram for “dark,” “irreverent,” and “raucously funny.”

For everyone who has dreamed of conquering calamity, embracing chaos, or banging a hot vampire, We’re All Mad Here plunges you into a maelstrom of heartbreak, hilarity, and, finally, forgiveness. Purchase at https://amzn.to/4jP0KFh.

Under the Charcoal Sky by John H. Cunningham

After a life-changing discovery, Buck Reilly embarks on his greatest adventure, which threatens to be his last. The identity of the woman who gave him life is a closely guarded secret for reasons that go far beyond her own short existence. As Buck pursues information that has been fiercely hidden in Scotland for generations, it puts him and his friends in the crosshairs of a secret society whose sole purpose is to eliminate any threat of exposing the truth. Their lives depend on Buck finding missing ancient documents and treasure, impossibly fast, or they will all be killed.

The breathless pace will carry readers deep into the night as Buck races against the clock to overcome a double-cross that will cut him to the core as he faces off against the coldest, most brutal circumstances one could endure. Purchase at https://bit.ly/3W9UfT8.

Puppied to Death by C.B. Wilson

A murder, an ancient rivalry, and a puppy you can’t help but love…

A frantic plea from her sister sends Cat Hawl on a rescue mission to Hawaii. What should’ve been a simple mediation between Lani and their mother turns deadly. Not only is a tea sommelier murdered, but a puppy has turned the crime scene into a dog’s breakfast, and Cat’s trouble-prone sister is nowhere to be found.

Since the police suspect the worst, it’s up to Cat to dig deeper. With her mother and Miss Marple Mahjong Mama’s help, Cat uncovers an ancient rivalry rooted in the Forbidden City. Can a thousand-year-old tea reading be the cause of the current puppy pandemonium and mounting body count?

Puppied to Death is the charming ninth book in the Barkview Mysteries series, with characters out of their comfort zones, spectacular twists, and plenty of paw-friendly humor. Purchase at https://bit.ly/3PoCzQ2.

My Bully, My Aunt & Her Final Gift by Harold Phifer

Sometimes the death of a loved one can fix your pain. Here’s a funeral that turned into a comedy show. The death of the author’s evil aunt taught him a lot about grief, love, loss, resentment and redemption. After her death, he was tasked with the job of putting together a memorial that no one wanted to attend.

It’s far from grim — there’s laughter until the end.

Most of the story is recreated from real-life experiences of a misguided kid. Readers will be shocked by the darkness and behaviors of a close blood relative. Logic and Aunt Kathy never coexisted, whereas her philosophies and arbitrary enforcements kept the author off-balance for much of his young life. Somehow, he survived the chaos, abuse, and despicable treatment then and found another way. This story pulls back the covers to that sick, twisted, and formative relationship the author had to endure. Purchase at https://bit.ly/3PZlNqQ.

(NewsUSA) - The Forgotten Man: A Journey Through the Ashes by Stanley S. Seidner

A powerful epic that chronicles the adventurous life of David Wdowinski, a tragic and brilliant psychiatrist, Holocaust survivor, and Revisionist leader during the epoch of the Warsaw Ghetto Rebellion. The author uses 50 years of painstaking research to weave a gripping tale from unpublished documents — including family letters, diaries, and previously unknown evidence — creating a spellbinding narrative that takes readers from the times of murderous pogroms and nationalist anti-Semitism through the Holocaust.

Vividly evoking Wdowinski and his turbulent times, this is a riveting historical psychological portrait of a man many considered to be a paragon of strength and virtue. Arguably the controversial apotheosis of heroic leadership in the Warsaw Ghetto, Wdowinski gave critical testimony at the Eichmann trial and helped to establish a Jewish State. Devastating and unflinching, the book masterly reveals a story of devastating loss and its consequences upon personal identity. Purchase at https://amzn.to/40K97te.

Progress Not Perfection by Alison Ashby

In the manner of Mary Karr’s Lit, this is a raw and mesmerizing addiction memoir from a new and upcoming author which explores her unique story of alcohol addiction and the drastic impact it had on her life and career.

Alison Ashby was not always an alcoholic. An ambitious, strait-laced child and academic young adult, Ashby became a dedicated teacher and social worker. A talented writer and insightful cultural observer, Ashby describes how she hid a terrible and destructive secret from her family, husband, and co-workers.

With gripping passages, Ashby’s story is a cautionary tale filled with unforgettable description of severe Alcohol Use Disorder and subsequent brushes with disaster. But the center of the book is her journey from an alcoholic teetering on the edge of mortality to proud woman in recovery.

With breathtaking honesty and injections of humor, Ashby delivers a riveting message of hope, courage, and resilience. Purchase at https://amzn.to/40yhMyK.

The Art of Bending Time: A Forbidden Return by Quinn Jamison

Lavinia is lost without the world she left behind. The only way forward is to find herself again. Almost nothing seems to help until she meets a friend at a library she often visits for solace. Except there seems to be something strange about the place; Lavinia is hearing whispers from the other side again, and not only the voice she wishes to hear.

The more she discovers, the stranger the secrets that unfold. Her newfound hope spurs on a dangerous and forbidden endeavor. With support along the way, Lavinia strives to never give up on the man she refuses to call a ghost. In the face of many obstacles, time itself is most troubling. She fights to keep him, but will she actually succeed? Despite the formidable ramifications of time, Lavinia's true destiny awaits her. Purchase at https://bit.ly/3VonLEC.

The Three O’Clock Calls by Tom Smith

Bright, persistent ringing ripped Tom from sleep. He rolled over, fumbled for the reading light beside his bed, and reached for his phone. As he answered the call, he saw the time: 3:00 a.m. Nothing good comes from a three o’clock call.

“This book is a beacon of hope for anyone navigating grief or hardship,” writes one Amazon reviewer. “The author’s story of enduring unimaginable tragedy yet finding strength through faith is both inspiring and deeply moving. His openness and resilience remind us that no matter how dark life may seem, hope is always within reach. This heartfelt journey reassures readers that they are never alone in their struggles.”

Says another reviewer, “The author wrote about tragic events that were heartbreaking but then told a beautiful story about his faith and the strength of his family. During the most heartbreaking moments, he found peace and comfort.” Purchase at https://bit.ly/4gmz1J4.

(NewsUSA) - A Mysterious Night at the Library by Kim Chesney

A delightful tale about the magic of books, the fun of learning, and the joy of new friendships.

It's the night before Halloween, and twins Kat and Ollie are in for a big surprise at the library. Under a full moon and shooting stars, they discover a little bear who's fallen out of his book after being tucked away for over 100 years! There's just one problem—he doesn't remember how to read!

What's a bear to do? Luckily, Kat and Ollie know just the thing. They whisk him away to their farmhouse, where they teach him the ABCs, show him the wonders of reading, and form a lasting bond of friendship along the way.

The author channels her childhood love of reading and adventure into stories for all ages. This debut book is sure to bring a smile to readers from every generation.  Purchase at https://bit.ly/4hxBIZB.

The 9th Colony: Hornet’s Nest by Colin Curtis

A gripping and thought-provoking science fiction novel that challenges the very foundations of what readers believe about the world. Through a captivating narrative, the author takes readers on a thrilling journey filled with mystery, intrigue and a profound exploration of human existence.

The story revolves around Simon Chambers, a seemingly ordinary 28-year-old decorator. However, on one fateful day, his life takes an extraordinary turn when he witnesses a mysterious craft circling above him. He is kidnapped by an alien race and transported to another galaxy. But he escapes – and forms a resistance group, working to uncover the truth of human origins.

It's a series of events that catapult Simon into a world of discovery and danger, shattering the illusions that have clouded Earth’s population for almost two centuries.

Now available in audiobook format, as well as hardcover, paperback and ebook. Purchase at https://bit.ly/4eHb7qQ.

My Journey with Angels by Leslie Przymusinski

In this heart-wrenching tale,  a young Jamaican girl faces a darkness that no child should ever endure. Left in the hands of abusive family members, three-year-old Leslie must adapt to her new environment. This is a true story of survival, resilience, and hope. From the shadows of abuse and despair, Leslie's tale unfolds with raw honesty, revealing the depths of her pain and the strength to escape it.

As Leslie navigates her abusive childhood, she encounters moments of kindness; angels that light her path. These angels offer her solace and strength. Later in her journey, she meets a new teen mother who needs desperate help. Suddenly, there is a story within a story, as she pays her blessings forward. Leslie’s journey is not only a testament to her courage and faith but also a tribute to the power of compassion and the human spirit's unyielding will to survive. Purchase at https://bit.ly/3OLrqZn.

Third Collection of Short Stories by Stanislas M. Yassukovich

Stanislas Yassukovich returns with another riveting collection of short stories, a worthy successor to his acclaimed Short Stories and A Cape Town Decameron. Each tale, woven from his vast experiences, spans an array of subjects, characters, and locales. Drawing inspiration from his illustrious career as an international investment banker, Yassukovich gives readers a privileged peek into the intersections of finance, adventure, and the human spirit. Every story offers a unique flavor, capturing varied moods and moments. Collectively, they paint a vivid tableau of a world both bygone and current, all anchored by enduring values. His insights, observations and keen writing style provide the roadmap for a journey through a life richly lived and brilliantly recounted. Purchase at https://bit.ly/47yUXMK.

(NewsUSA) - Face the Storm by C.D. Kreger

This is the author’s intimate and courageous memoir of growing up and surviving an environment of mental illness, religious zealotry, and sexual abuse. She tells an extremely compelling story, recounting her experiences with those around her who should have been trustworthy and protected her. She digs deep into her past and shares what shattered her life most, then uses it to uplift other victims of such heinous crimes into a space of healing.

CD Kreger has bravely and boldly faced storms in coming forward sharing her story. The devastating fact is that it isn’t just her story, but is the story of too many women, men, and children. If the author can find the inner strength to publicly share her story, then perhaps we the readers can stand with her and other survivors, so no one must Face the Storm alone. Purchase at https://bit.ly/3AcUgy0.

Escape From Appalachia by Mary Frances Barron

Above all else, this book shows how a resilient spirit — undervalued, abandoned, and betrayed — can be restored

Told in its just-released audiobook as well as traditional formats through the eyes of a witty, outgoing, and curious little girl, Francie beautifully weaves together personal narratives and historical information about the ever-present American tragedy known as Appalachia. She peels back layers of her early life while walking us through the patches where coal miners and their families once lived, the impact of surviving in a contaminated environment, and the everyday threat of pollution, addiction, toothlessness, chronic depression, and abuse. An area where drugs and alcohol numb the pain of reality.

Francie portrays the mindset and brokenness of the people and the hopelessness that can come from living in isolation and poverty. It’s a story that brings the reader to laughter and tears and showcases an irrepressible drive to escape the grip of Appalachia on its sons and daughters. Purchase at https://bit.ly/4elmG75.

Cycling for a Cause: A Cross-Country Adventure by Joe Matthews

Are you ready for a heartwarming adventure that reminds us of the goodness in the world?

Joe Matthews is a retired New York City firefighter whose life takes an unexpected turn when he undergoes bilateral knee replacement surgery. As Joe navigates the challenging road to recovery, he finds himself shaken by the turmoil of a horrific world event — the invasion of Ukraine by Russia in February 2022.

Fueled by a desire to make a difference, Joe goes on an inspiring journey: bicycling across America to raise funds for those affected by the crisis in Ukraine. From the highs of overcoming physical challenges to the lows of battling anxiety and insomnia, Joe's roller coaster ride captures the resilience of the human spirit. Through this journey, he discovers unexpected kindness in the generosity of strangers and the support of newfound friends.

All proceeds to be divided among six favorite charities. Purchase at https://bit.ly/3UJoEHf.

The Misconceived Conception of a Baby Named Jesus by Bill Burkland

A religious satire — a fast-paced comedic reimagining of the events surrounding the birth of Jesus, with sensibilities similar to The Book of Mormon and Monty Python's Life of Brian.

Mary and Joseph rendezvous in a secluded Nazarene garden where they get to know each other well — very well. Months later, when Mary's pious mother sees that her young unwed daughter is pregnant, she and a pompous High Priest devise a plan to characterize the pregnancy as divine, of God's seed. Mary refuses to go along with their plan, insisting Joseph is the true father. Joseph and Mary battle her parents for the fate of their newborn baby.

As news spreads through Bethlehem, unscrupulous shepherds, rakish Wise Men, an earnest but malodorous peasant, and an aging cat with a penchant for prophecy all try to determine whether the baby is truly the Son of God. Purchase at https://amzn.to/4fUphGl.

(NewsUSA) -  

Birth can be scary. Prior to the global pandemic in 2020, it was estimated that 10 to 15 percent of women in the United States had a fear of childbirth so strong that it impacted their daily functioning. That number rose to 62 percent during the pandemic.

That’s why childbirth psychology expert Samantha Vaive, Ph.D., published a new book, MIND-BODY, BIRTH, a research-based, easy-to-understand and inclusive guide designed to help pregnant women achieve their best birth. Birth doesn’t have to be something women suffer through just to get to the good part—birth can be the good part.

In this book, readers will learn how to move beyond the fear of childbirth, allowing them to have a joyful birth experience that they are excited about.

“This glorious, beautiful thing we have literally been doing since the dawn of humans was crushing people around me,” says Vaive. “Birth should not be devastating.”

MIND-BODY, BIRTH breaks down what actually makes childbirth painful (it’s not what people think) and offers strategies to reduce that pain. Readers will learn the barriers that get in the way of an awesome birth experience.

The book also explores traditional and non-traditional ways to enhance the birth journey and improve outcomes for women and their babies. The book guides readers through activities, and journaling prompts them to deepen their understanding while exploring the path to their best birth.

Vaive is founder of Sound Birthing LLC and creator of the Mind-Body, Birth approach. Her doctoral research explored improving the childbirth experience and birth outcomes. She is passionate about making anxiety-free childbirth accessible to everyone. She holds a master’s in social work from the University of Denver and a postgraduate certificate in sex therapy and sexual health education from the University of Michigan. Additionally, she has completed over 500 hours of Yoga teacher training and is a certified sound therapist. 

“This book will give you the tools you need to take control and birth better,” says Vaive.

As the book comes to an end, readers will use these activities to build their personal birth toolkit—a comprehensive resource that will guide them toward a joyful birth.

Whether this is a person’s first time giving birth or they are looking to improve upon past experiences, MIND-BODY, BIRTH equips them with the knowledge and confidence to feel prepared and excited about their upcoming birth.

“This book is here to support you,” says Vaive. “To help you have your best birth. Not to tell you how you should be.”

Learn more by visiting the author’s website at  www.sound-birthing.com.

(NewsUSA) - Here’s a chance for readers to get a sneak peek into some of the hottest books and new voices being talked about in literary circles this holiday season.

BookTrib.com—a leading source for book reviews, news, interviews, and articles—has just launched the Winter/Holiday 2024 edition of its popular Lit Picks ebook collection of first chapters from the hottest new books (Meridian, November 2024). Featuring excerpts from over 30 new releases and hidden gems, BookTrib Lit Picks is the perfect digital stocking stuffer this holiday season.

A free digital sampler, BookTrib Lit Picks includes first chapters from contemporary and historical fiction, thrillers, fantasy, sci-fi, romance, self-help, memoirs, and more from Penguin Random House, Simon & Schuster, and HarperCollins, to award-winning small presses and works from independently published authors.

“We are thrilled to provide this holiday eBook to readers and couldn’t be happier with the range of books and level of participation from major publishers, highly acclaimed authors, and new voices that are sure to make their mark on the literary landscape,” said Meryl Moss, president and founder of BookTrib.com and Meryl Moss Media Group.

Authors and titles include: #1 New York Times Bestselling Authors, #1 Sunday Times Bestsellers, #1 Wall Street Journal Bestsellers, USA Today Bestselling Authors, Silver Falchion Award Winners, Bram Stoker Award® Winners, Edgar Award Nominated Authors, Goodreads Choice Award Nominated Authors, and more.

Among the specific books included in this edition are: What I Ate in One Year by Stanley Tucci; The Millicent Quibb by Kate McKinnon; Beyond a Reasonable Doubt by Robert Dugoni; Identity Unknown by Patricia Cornwell; Crude by Mike Bond; Firetrap by Otho Eskin; Lost in Thought by Deborah Serra; Abandoned at Birth by Janet Sherland.

Also: Seven Days of SHIVA by Marc Gellman; Teaching in the Darkby Genet Simone; Sid Johnson and the Well-Intended Conspiracy by Frances Schoonmaker; Strong to Save by David Emerson Frost; The Little Bird by Ashby Jones; Flight of the Rondone by Patrick Girondi; The Nest by Hal Glazier.

Additionally: Something Better by Diane Parish; The Rhythm of Grace on Standalone Mountain by Jeffery Deal; Plowman by Charles Bruckerhoff; The Wheel of Evil by N.L. Holmes; Today Is the Day by Deborah Curtin; Stand a Little Out of My Sun by Angelyn Voss; Twice the Family by Julie McGue; Third Collection of Short Stories by Stanislas Yassukovich.

More books include: Bad Boys in Boston by Del Chatterson; Casalvento by Gudrun Cuillo; Coded to Kill by Marschall Runge; and Crossroads of Empire by Michael Cooper.

BookTrib Lit PicksHoliday/Winter 2024 Edition is available for free at BookTrib.com/LitPicks, on NetGalley, and popular retail outlets where ebooks are sold.

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GET FREE EBOOK AT BookTrib.com/LitPicks.