Month: February 2022

The BookFest Spring 2022 salutes industry icon Irwin Zucker

The BookFest returns for a 5th biannual online bookish adventure April 2 and 3 with the inaugural BookFest Awards. Photo: The BookFest, used with permission.

The BookFest® returns for its 5th biannual virtual event on April 2 and 3, 2022, with the inaugural BookFest Awards. Industry icon Irwin Zucker, founder of the Book Publicists of SoCal and president of Promotion in Motion Public Relations, will receive the first Honorary Achievement Award on April 3. All winners of The BookFest Awards Spring 2022 will also be announced then. (The BookFest, 2022)

The executive BookFest Awards judging committee includes Elaine Ash, Celeste S. Duckworth, Flo Selfman, and Elliott Wolf. The BookFest Awards honors outstanding books published within the last five years, extending it from three years. Due to lockdowns and social distancing, Desireé Duffy, founder of The BookFest, felt it was important to highlight books that may not have seen the recognition deserved.

“The BookFest Awards honors outstanding literary achievement. Saluting writers and connecting them with readers is the mission of The BookFest. We welcome submissions and look forward to honoring many deserving books and authors this spring. Plus, we are beyond thrilled to cast a spotlight on someone who is a friend and mentor of mine, and an inspiration to the entire industry, Mr. Irwin Zucker.” – Desireé Duffy

Award winners and those receiving honorable mentions will receive a downloadable certificate, awards graphic, and recognition on The BookFest website. Third, second, first, and top winners will receive special recognition through Books That Make You media placements, social media, the radio and podcast show, and public relations. Optional awards certificates and trophies are also available for purchase to winners and honorable mentions.

Books submitted to The BookFest Awards are evaluated with a three-round judging system: first by an expert vetting team to ensure submitted work meets necessary criteria, then by The BookFest associate judging committee, and then final determinations are made by the executive BookFest Awards judging committee.

As is tradition, day one of The BookFest is geared toward readers and features Live Author Chats and programming to spark the imagination of everyone who loves to read. Day two focuses on writers and features the “Brave New Writer,” and the “Critiki-Bar” interactive live panels. Panel discussions, Conversations, the highly anticipated Big Bundle of Books Giveaway, and many other favorites will also happen at The BookFest Spring 2022.

The Pitching Room is a space on The BookFest website for writers to submit their manuscript pitches to potentially be matched with literary agents and publishing decision-makers. In addition to possibly securing an agent or book deal through the Pitching Room, authors may also request to be considered for “Critiki-Bar” or “Brave New Writer” at The BookFest Adventure.

Attendees can browse “Virtual Booths,” which are pages for BookFest sponsors, like a physical booth one might find at a festival. There is also a “Books Page” highlighting books from participants. The BookFest organizers encourage attendees to browse books and support the authors and sponsors who help bring this free-to-attend event to attendees around the globe.

The complete programming list and speakers will be available on the website. They will also be officially announced in a future press release and through email notifications to BookFest subscribers. The BookFest is produced by Black Château Enterprises and presented by Bookstagrammers, a platform dedicated to book influencers, and by Books That Make You, a bookish brand for bibliophiles.

The live stream will be available at TheBookFest.com on the day of the event. It will also stream through the Books That Make You Channel on YouTube and Facebook Page. Hashtags include #TheBookFest and #TheBookFestSpring2022 and social media for Black Château and Books That Make You will help spread the word.

The BookFest is the leader in virtual literary events and produces vital conversations on the world’s stage for those who love to read, and those who love to write. It launched May 2020 at a time when lockdown forced many live events to be cancelled. A free event, the biannual event happens in the spring and fall, and streams panel discussions, conversations, and live interactive sessions. As an award winner, The BookFest has recognitions from the Webby Awards with a nomination in 2021, a gold award from the Muse Creative Awards in 2020, and a silver award from the w3 Awards in 2020. The BookFest features an array of literary speakers, experts, and authors, which has included: Mitch Albom; Kevin J. Anderson; Mark Coker; Robert G. Diforio; Cheryl Willis Hudson; Wade Hudson; Sarah Kendzior; Jonathan Maberry; Lisa Morton; James Rollins; Connie Schultz; Michael Shermer; Mark K. Shriver; Danny Trejo; Helene Wecker; Dr. Chanda Prescod-Weinstein, and many others. The BookFest is presented by Books That Make You and produced by Black Château Enterprises.

 

 

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Book review: ‘Inhuman Trafficking: A Legal Thriller’ by Mike Papantonio and Alan Russell

‘Inhuman Trafficking: A Legal Thriller’ is the new novel by Mike Papantonio and Alan Russell. Photo: amazon

Mike Papantonio is a senior partner of Levin Papantonio, one of the country’s largest plaintiffs’ law firms, and was one of the youngest inductees into the Trial Lawyer Hall of Fame. He has aggressively taken on Big Pharma, tobacco, weapon manufacturers, and the automobile industry, among other strongholds of corporate greed, and uses his own cases as springboards for his novels. Papantonio is also a well-known media presence as host of America’s Lawyer and co-host of the syndicated radio show Ring of Fire.

Alan Russell is the #1 bestselling author of seventeen mystery and suspense novels, including “Burning Man,” “Shame,” “St. Nick,” and “A Cold War.” Russell’s novels have been nominated for most of the major awards in crime fiction, and he has won a Lefty award for best comedic mystery, a USA Today Critics’ Choice Award, multiple San Diego Book Awards, and the Odin Award for Lifetime Achievement from the San Diego Writers/Editor Guild.

In their new novel “Inhuman Trafficking: A Legal Thriller,” while taking on a human trafficking case, the past comes calling with word that Nick “Deke” Deketomis’ fifteen-year-old goddaughter, Lily Reyes, is missing.

“Inhuman Trafficking” begins with Lily Reyes being set up by her boyfriend Carlos Navarro and handed off to a strange man who calls himself ‘Tío Leo’ as collateral for a planned score gone bad. Seven days after Lily disappears, her mother Sylvia contacts Deke for help in bringing her home safely. This is a sideline from his current case with Welcome Mat Hospitality.

For Deke, going head to head with some of the most dangerous cases has long been a way of life. His target this time is Welcome Mat Hospitality, a firm known for its truck stops and lodging throughout the United States. What Welcome Mat does not advertise is the human trafficking—for sex work and slave labor—going on at many of its properties. For the sake of better profits, Welcome Mat’s ownership has turned a blind eye to this lucrative enterprise. When Deke learns that Lily has fallen prey to a notorious trafficker, his personal and professional worlds converge when Lily comes in contact with Karina, a Russian woman who is one of the many victims of a madwoman’s human trafficking operations. For his goddaughter to survive, Deke must prevail not only in the legal arena but outside of it.

Mike Papantonio is the author of the Nick “Deke” Deketomis series of legal and courtroom thrillers including “Law and Addiction,” “Law and Disorder,” and “Law and Vengeance.” Even though “Inhuman Trafficking” is not a “Law and..” titled book, Deke is back in action trying to save the world from man’s inhumanity to man, in this case, human trafficking, which includes slave labor and sex traffickers.

There is not as much courtroom drama as in Papantonio’s previous books, but Deke and his team shine as they work incessantly to find Lily while trying to identify Karina and bring down the system that is taking advantage of her and countless others. The language is down to earth, easy to understand and expressive at times “Colors shimmered, appearing and disappearing like will-o’-the-wisps.”

With action that flows easily through the pages, one of the highlights is the heart-pounding action when Karina finally gets the nerve to call Deke’s office for help while looking over her shoulder to make sure no one sees her. Some of the details of human trafficking, including Lily’s survival mechanisms, are hard to read but are not overly graphic. The main takeaway is that everyone has had their challenges but nevertheless survived and are stronger because of them. Filled with relatable and well-developed characters, investigative action, and unpredictable developments, “Inhuman Trafficking” is a fast-paced thriller recommended for John Grisham fans who root for the little guy.

“Deke knew the ‘damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead’ look in Gina’s eyes. As she opened her mouth to reply, Deke surreptitiously banged the side of her chair. Gina turned his way, took a read of his eyes, and swallowed her commentary.”

Rating: 4 out of 5.

*The author received a copy of this book for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

Read an excerpt:

Book excerpt: ‘Inhuman Trafficking’ by Mike Papantonio and Alan Russell

Punk rock documentary GRIDLOCKED: On Tour With The Briggs

GRIDLOCKED: On Tour With The Briggs is now available on digital and On Demand. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

From Gravitas Ventures, GRIDLOCKED: On Tour With The Briggs, the new rockumentary feature film on iconic punk band The Briggs, is now available on digital and On Demand. (Gravitas Ventures, 2022)

From writer-director Kevin James Barry (“Among Them”, “Serena and the RATTS”), GRIDLOCKED follows the Los Angeles-based punk rock band through their ten day tour of the west coast with personal interviews with the band’s front man, Joey LaRocca. From Joey’s engaging perspective, the film explores the sometimes harsh and other-times intensely rewarding lifestyle of musical artists. Joey must navigate a musical career that fell short of his youthful expectations as it collided with the realities of maturing and gaining family responsibilities. The story culminates, in what may be the final tour with the band that he loves, with the realization and acceptance that life does not always play out as planned.

“Avoids the usual pratfalls of reunion documentaries to really interrogate what it means to be a middle-aged artist finding new definitions of success.”
MIDWEST FILM JOURNAL

“I Can’t Recommend This Film Enough”
UNSEEN FILMS

“Such a beautiful film”
MOVIE-BLOGGER.COM

Teatro Audaz presents Mariachi Girl

Teatro Audaz presents Mariachi Girl this March 4-13. Photo: Teatro Audaz

Teatro Audaz is proud to present its first-ever mainstage musical of Mariachi Girl, an uplifting bilingual production about reaching one’s dreams. Just in time for Fiesta, the production will feature live Mariachi music for every performance, from March 4-13, by San Antonio’s popular Mariachi Azteca de América. (Teatro Audaz, 2022)

Written by playwright Roxanne Schroeder-Arce, Mariachi Girl features vibrant original mariachi music and lyrics by Héctor Martinez Morales. The March 12 performance will include a special “talkback” with the audience by Schroeder-Arce, the cast, and director. The March 12 performance will also be American Sign Language Interpreted with the help of interpreter Robert Cardoza for attendees and their families who are deaf or hard of hearing.

“We are proud to feature an all Latinx cast and diverse crew for this special production of Mariachi Girl. Teatro’s mission is to produce, showcase and respect the stories of our cultura and we believe this production does so.” – Laura T Garza, Executive Artistic Director, Teatro Audaz San Antonio.

“Through its authentic music, colorful staging and lights, Mariachi Girl is a beautiful celebration of Mexican-American culture, San Antonio’s culture. We invite Teatro Audaz fans to bring the entire family and join us for this uplifting bilingual family drama about reaching for your dreams while still challenging long-held cultural traditions.” – Director JoJanie Moreno.

Mariachi Girl:
Ten-year-old Carmencita dreams of being a mariachi singer and one day joining in performance with her father. However, her father clings to a long-held family tradition of male-only mariachis. When Carmencita’s teacher offers her a book about a female mariachi, everything changes for “Cita” as she sees a possibility of her dream becoming a reality. Can she celebrate her own heritage and expand her father’s view of the world?

Weekend performances will be held from March 4-13 with Friday and Saturday showings at 7:30p.m. and Sunday showings at 2p.m. Performances will be held at the Public Theatre of San Antonio’s Russell Hill Rogers Auditorium at 800 West Ashby Place. COVID-19 safety protocols will be put in place with mandatory mask wearing, hand sanitizer stations, and social distancing with seating capacity maxed at 50 percent.

For tickets, visit Teatro Audaz. Pre-sale tickets start at $20 with discounts available for students, seniors, military and educators. Early entrance VIP tickets are $25. The presale will end at 11:59p.m. on February 25, 2022.

Regular price tickets start at $25 with discounts available for students, seniors, military and educators. Early entrance VIP tickets are $30.

Mariachi Girl is sponsored by LaMarque Enterprises.

Cast and Crew
Mariachi Girl features performances by Michelle Bortoni (Carmen), Jessica Arenas (Mrs. Parker), Lucero Garcia (Carmencita), Esai Gomez (Danny), and Gino Rivera (Luis).

The production team includes JoJanie S. Moreno (Director), Isabel DeLaCerda (Assistant Director), Gino Rivera (Music Director), Karen Arredondo (Scenic Designer), Larry Martinez (Lighting Designer), Stephen Gamez (Sound Board Operator) Ixchel Cueller (Costume Designer), Michael Randolph (Sound Design/Board Operator), Axa Soria (Stage Manager), Madissyn Zapata (Assistant Stage Manager).

Teatro Audaz is dedicated to exploring the varied experiences and cultures of Latinx people through producing and displaying the creative talents of our artists. We aim to highlight the stories of, and serve the artists that we feel are most under-represented, including all BIPOC, LGBTQ, women, refugees, and immigrants.

Hiatus Spa + Retreat’s Seasonal Retreat –Elixir

Hiatus Spa + Retreat is offering their Seasonal Retreat –Elixir throughout February. Photo: Hiatus Spa + Retreat, used with permission.

Nestle in and shift into the season’s change with a retreat to enliven the soul with Hiatus Spa + Retreat’s “Seasonal Retreat: Elixir,” an 80 minute service offered throughout February. (Hiatus Spa + Retreat, 2022)

With empowering aromas of Jasmine and Sandalwood, you will experience a sparkling raspberry and hibiscus foot soak, followed by a gentle coconut and sugar foot scrub to exfoliate and purify your skin. Next, a hydrating raspberry, rosewater masque is applied while your tips & toes are bundled in a restoring aloe vera, raspberry, and bentonite clay mask. The service concludes with a soothing, Hot Stone massage. You will walk out of this Retreat feeling restored and tranquil. 

The “Elixir” monthly retreat is priced at $195 and is $139 for H-Circle members. For more information on the monthly retreat services and booking information, visit Hiatus Spa + Retreat online.

With eight locations across Texas, eight years on Inc. 500’s fastest-growing companies, and an innovative spa subscription model, Hiatus Spa + Retreat is a fresh kind of full-service spa that has changed the wellness industry. Powered by products with green ingredients and a high-touch experience, Hiatus’s personalized approach to wellness is driven by the view that regular relaxation should be an empowering part of a healthy, happy lifestyle.

312 Pearl Pkwy.
Building 4, Ste. 4112
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 202-3355

The Wooks’ new album Flyin’ High

The Wooks’ third full length album will be out February 25, 2022. Photo: The Wooks, used with permission.

Good, stand-the-test-of-time love songs tend to come from unlikely origin stories, but until The Wooks’ founder CJ Cain wrote “Flyin’ High,” from their upcoming album of the same name, not one of them has been inspired by the crash landing of a buddy’s World War I bi-plane. The resulting tune is a story of two different couples, real folks from the small town of West Liberty, Kentucky, where Cain’s father grew up, that falls somewhere perfectly between the sound of The Band, Van Morrison, and The Wooks’ ever-evolving signature style. The official video for “Flyin’ High,” animated by Josh Clark, follows the storyline in intricate, beautiful detail. “Flyin’ High” is the first release from The Wooks’ third full-length album, Flyin High, out February 25, 2022. (The Wooks, 2021)

Rather than repeating the formal studio experiences for past albums, The Wooks—CJ Cain on guitar and vocals, Harry Clark on mandolin and vocals, George Guthrie on banjo and vocals, and Allen Cooke on Dobro—recorded Flyin’ High over two sessions in Nashville in the home studio of bluegrass guitarist Jake Stargel. As a producer, he brought an easygoing vibe as well as acoustic expertise to the project, which is the band’s first full-length album since the fall of 2018.

Inspired by the traditional as well as the unconventional, The Wooks have established a distinctive sound through original songwriting, exceptional musicianship, and outside influences ranging from jam bands to Southern rock. While their origin stories are diverse, all four members of The Wooks have forged a common bond that honors individuality and innovation. With minimal shows to road-test the material on Flyin’ High, Cooke speaks for the band when he says he is eager for fans to discover these new songs—on the album as well as the stage. “This band is definitely not a band that is set on keeping things to the way they sounded on the record,” he says. “We’re all about keeping these songs fresh and new-sounding as shows go on.”

The Wooks are ambassadors for Can’d Aid, a nationally recognized nonprofit that rallies volunteers from all walks of life to build thriving communities; through their work with Can’d Aid, they have performed and donated instruments to schools and underserved youth.

Catch The Wooks on tour in 2022:
2/24 – Louisville, KY – Zanzabar
2/25 – Huntington, WV – The Loud
2/26 – Lexington, KY – The Burl
3/1 – Atlanta, GA – Eddie’s Attic
3/2 – Birmingham, AL – The Nick
3/4 – Asheville, NC – Isis Music Hall
3/5 – Nashville, TN – Station Inn
3/9 – Awendaw, SC – Awendaw Green
3/10 – Raleigh, NC – Pour House
3/12 – Roanoke, VA – Martin’s St Patty’s Street Fair
3/13 – Richmond, VA – The Camel
3/16 – Charlottesville, VA – The Southern
3/17 – Washington DC – Pearl Street Warehouse
3/18 – Farmville, VA – North Street Press Club
3/19 – Round Hill, VA – B Chord Brewing
3/30 – Ferndale, MI – Otus Supply
4/1 – Newport, KY – Southgate Revival House
4/2 – Morgantown, WV – 123 Pleasant
4/5 – Syracuse, NY – Funk n Waffles
4/7 – New Haven, CT – Cafe Nine
4/8 – Boston, MA – The Burren
4/9 – New York, NY – Jalopy Theater
4/10 – Asbury Park, NJ – The Saint
4/13 – Philadelphia, PA – City Winery
4/14 – Lancaster, PA – Zoetropolis
4/15 – Grove City, PA – Big Rail Brewing
4/16 – Thomas, WV – The Purple Fiddle

Flyin’ High track list:
1. What The Rocks Don’t Know
2. Tennessee Girl
3. Mudfish Momma
4. New Peace Of Mind
5. Butler Hayes
6. Flyin’ High
7. Madison Chimes
8. Iron Ore Betty
9. Other Side
10. Virgil’s Prayer
11. Black and White
12. Little While

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Peppa Pig Live! Peppa Pig’s Adventure tour coming to the Majestic Theatre

Tickets are now on sale for March’s performance at the Majestic Theatre. Photo: google

Round Room Live and Hasbro are thrilled to announce that Peppa Pig Live! Peppa Pig’s Adventure will bring the loveable, cheeky little piggy to live audiences across the United States, with a stop at the Majestic Theatre in San Antonio, TX on March 16, 2022 at 6pm. Tickets are now on sale online and at the venue box office. (Majestic Theatre, 2022)

Come join Peppa Pig on an exciting camping trip in the woods with George and her school friends, including Pedro Pony, Suzy Sheep and Gerald Giraffe. With lunchboxes packed and Daddy Pig driving the bus, Peppa and friends are excited about their outdoor adventures, full of singing, dancing, games and surprises. Little piggies everywhere will love this 60- minute live musical experience.

Airing around the world in more than 40 languages and produced by eOne, Hasbro’s global entertainment studio, Peppa Pig is the #1 most streamed preschool show for kids of any age globally. Peppa Pig is streamed on top content platforms including Paramount+, Amazon Prime Video, and Roku and is considered the “crown jewel” of Nick Jr. with more than 3.2 million global followers on Facebook and 84 million subscribers on YouTube. Peppa’s first musical release, My First Album, continues to take the world by storm following its 2019 release—and Peppa’s second album Peppa’s Adventures: The Album, was released in July 2021 and continues Peppa’s pop stardom.

“We can’t wait to bring this delightful and captivating show, featuring such beloved characters, to audiences across the country. We’re proud to offer the most engaging and memorable family experiences for live entertainment fans of all ages.” – Stephen Shaw, tour producer and co-president of Round Room Live

In an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19, Peppa Pig Live! Peppa Pig’s Adventure tour producers and venue management teams continue to work diligently on localized plans to ensure the safety of all audience members, touring personnel, and venue staff – Majestic Theatre Health and Safety Protocols.

Upcoming book release: ‘Race For What?’ by JD Mass

‘Race For What?’ by JD Mass will be released March 29, 2022. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

In 2017 JD Mass achieved his doctorate in Organizational Psychology and became heavily involved in white antiracism groups in Los Angeles and later in St. Louis. This work in anti-racism reflecting on what he learned throughout his journey inspired him to write “Race for What?” A wise thinker and guide, JD dares white folks to stay the course to finally correct the harm of racism and help create a humane world. (JD Mass PsyD, 2022)

JD Mass PsyD’s “Race for What? A White Man’s Journey & Guide to Healing Racism from Within” will be released on March 29, 2022. Mass tells the story of growing up in a black community and witnessing racism firsthand, as well as his successes and missteps in building powerful alliances with the community in which he was raised.

Part memoir, part how-to, and entirely real, this masterfully woven book takes readers back in time to St. Louis in the 80s and 90s, when Mass was growing up with a circle of creative friends and influences. The talent he bonded with, such as the rapper Nelly, would set the stage for a life of music, religion, culture, community development, and politics.

Of his new book, Mass says, “I have been on a lifelong journey to learn why racism was created and what we can look forward to without it. Change is happening. Will it be the superficial change that doesn’t bring forth justice, or the transformational healing that is needed? Race for What? provides a vision for the latter.”

“Race for What?” provides stories with a unique perspective from a white man’s experience and illustrates seven steps to healing. Mass encourages white people to work through the emotional and psychological obstacles in order to repair and heal the harm racism has caused.

“Race for What? A White man’s Journey & Guide to Healing Racism from Within” is available
for pre-order on Amazon.

Paperback ISBN: 979-8-9854838-0-2
Ebook ISBN: 979-8-9854838-1-9
Ebook price: $12.99
Paperback Price: $16.95
Publisher: ‎ R4W INC

 

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Book review: ‘Treachery Times Two’ by Robert McCaw

‘Treachery Times Two’ is the new mystery novel by Robert McCaw. Photo: google

Robert McCaw is an author who grew up in a military family traveling the world. He is a graduate of Georgetown University, served as a U.S. Army lieutenant, and earned a law degree from the University of Virginia. He was a partner in a major international law firm in Washington, D.C. and New York City, representing major Wall Street clients in complex civil and criminal cases. Having lived on the Big Island of Hawaii, McCaw fills his writing of the Islands with his more than 20-year love affair with this Pacific paradise. His new book “Treachery Times Two” is book four in McCaw’s Koa Kāne Hawaiian Mystery Series and follows “Death of a Messenger,” “Fire and Vengeance,” and “Off the Grid.” This new mystery novel involves secret military weapons, saboteurs, a volcanic eruption—and a probe of Chief Detective Koa Kāne’s criminal past.

“Treachery Times Two” – The action begins with a vivid description of a volcanic earthquake as “Pele, masquerading as a glassy-haired old woman,” destroys an abandoned cemetery and unearths a mystery that will shake up Hilo Hawaii’s Chief Detective Koa Kāne’s life as he knows it. The destruction brings forth the body of a woman mutilated by her killer to conceal her identity. While trying to solve this mystery, he finds himself at odds with a mysterious defense contractor with a politically connected board of directors. Defying his chief of police, Koa becomes entangled in an FBI espionage investigation of Deimos, a powerful secret military weapon. To top it off, Koa—a cop who thirty years earlier killed his father’s nemesis and covered up the murder—now faces exposure by the dead man’s grandson who mysteriously comes into town demanding answers. Koa is forced to investigate his own homicide, and step by step, his cover-up unravels until another man is falsely accused. His character is tested as he debates whether to stand by and let an innocent man pay for his crime or come clean and risk losing it all. 

Detective Koa Kāne is on the trail of another killer who thought the crime would be covered up by volcanic lava. Not only does he need to find out who killed the mysterious woman, he is constantly looking over his shoulder and dreading the day when his past crime will be revealed. It follows him constantly: “The investigation which had consumed his waking hours had now invaded his sleep.” Every time he closes a case, he visits Anthony Hazzard’s tombstone. As with the previous books, “Treachery Times Two” features highly developed, complex, and relatable characters, as well as Hawaiian terms, language, and history. Sometimes these Hawaiian terms and names slow down the pacing of the story, but it is worth it and readers are rewarded with a thrilling murder mystery filled with one plot twist after another. The author’s love of Hawaii is evident in his writing by his use of beautiful poetic language, especially when describing volcanic activity, as when the lava was “spreading thin, glassy particles of Pele’s hair like strands of cotton candy.” Koa Kāne is a deeply flawed character, comparable to Jack Reacher and Jason Bourne. He is running from his past while trying to be the best detective he can be all the while people he thought he knew disappoint him but he still struggles on. The highlight is Chapter 9, which has eye-opening historical background on Hawai’i including how in 1893, the Committee of Safety, a group of western businessmen, with the backing of US Marines, staged a coup d’état against the reigning monarch and five years later, the United States annexed the islands. The plot twists keep the reader guessing until the shocking end. “Treachery Times Two” is another remarkable murder mystery by Robert McCaw and is recommended for fans of Michael Connelly who also appreciate a historical lesson or two. The good thing about this excellent mystery series is that each novel stands on its own and can be read in any order.

*The author received a copy of this book for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Whataburger Feeding Student Success Scholarship receives boost from Dr Pepper

Dr Pepper has contributed to the Whataburger Feeding Student Success Scholarship program. Photo: Whataburger, used with permission.

The Whataburger Feeding Student Success Scholarship program launched in December 2021 with a commitment to help college, university and not-for-profit vocational school students achieve their dreams. To enhance Whataburger’s $500,000 commitment, Dr Pepper has contributed an additional $100,000 to the Whataburger Feeding Student Success Scholarship program. A new total of $600,000 in scholarship funding is available and will be awarded to 120 students across Whataburger’s footprint. (Whataburger, 2022)

The first year’s scholarships will be awarded to Black and other racial minority students as part of a $1,000,000 commitment Whataburger made in June 2020. The applications for the Whataburger Feeding Student Success Scholarship is Monday February 28, 2022.

Since 1950 when Harmon Dobson opened the first Whataburger as a small roadside burger stand in Corpus Christi, Whataburger has focuses on its fresh, made-to-order burgers and friendly customer service. Today, the company is headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, with more than 850 locations across its 14-state footprint, and sales of more than $2.8 billion annually. Whataburger has 50,000 Family Members (employees) and more than 60 million customers who like to customize their Whataburgers just the way they like it.