‘Let the Devil In’ is the new novel by Maeve McKnight. Photo: Amazon
Romance novels are some of the most popular books and come in a variety of sub-genres. They are often a guilty pleasure because they are usually easy to read and immerse the reader in a world where a person, or a couple, overcome adversity to obtain their happily every after. On that subject, today’s new book release is “Let the Devil In” by Maeve McKnight. This romance e-book centers around Agatha, whose world is rattled when she meets a mysterious man who makes her feel emotions she does not feel for the man is supposed to be marrying. Want to find out what other surprises life has in store for her? Order your copy today, this title is available on Amazon Kindle.
Maeve McKnight is a working woman by day and a romance writer by night. She longs to bring life to the characters in her head and introduce them to the world. She has been married for ten years to her supportive husband and is a mother to a young child and a Yorkshire Terrier. (Maeve McKnight, 2023)
“Let the Devil In” – Agatha had her life planned for her by both her parents and society. She was to be married to the richest family in town. She feels nothing for her new fiancée but it doesn’t matter in a world that only cares about money and climbing the social ladder. However, a strange man she never met makes her feel alive. He then offers her a deal. Will she make the right choice?
‘The Life And Times of Vinny The Pug’ is the new picture book by Allen Y Kimble, Jr. Photo: Allen Y Kimble, Jr., used with permission.
It is no doubt that canine companions play a big part in our lives. They become family and family stays together no matter what life throws at us. This includes having to relocate to another city, even another state, in search of better opportunities. Such is the case of Vinny The Pug. When the family had to move from Florida to Arizona after the September 11 attacks, Vinny had to adjust from living in lush and green surroundings to an arid desert. He adapted to his new home, of course, and even learned to pose atop boulders. Follow Vinny’s journey in the new picture book “The Life And Times of Vinny The Pug” by Allen Yhorst Kimble Jr. Perfect for dog lovers everywhere, it includes pictures and coloring projects and is suitable for all ages and is available on Amazon. Learn more about the Kickstarter campaign.
Allen Y Kimble Jr is a native of New Orleans, Louisiana and grew up in the mid-1950s. Upon turning a young man, he entered the United States Air Force and served one year in Vietnam, eight years in Asia, and a total of 11 years total service time. While in South East Asia, he picked up photography as a hobby, which he still enjoys today. In 2001, he acquired a little pug in Orlando, Florida and named him Vinny. As a result of the 9-11 Terrorist Attacks, he took the family out west to Phoenix where Vinny learned to climb and pose atop boulders. His new book “The Life And Times of Vinny The Pug” is a picture story book of his best friend Vinny. (Allen Yhorst Kimble Jr, 2023)
“The Life And Times of Vinny The Pug” – This is a true-life picture book of the life and times of Vinny The Pug. It began on September 12, 2001 following the terrorist attacks on New York and Washington. Florida’s economy was left in shambles after the attacks. Overnight Orlando’s tourism industry ground to a halt, forcing Vinny’s human to move the family. They went out west to Arizona to find better employment opportunities.
When they arrived, Vinny was still just a puppy, not yet one year old. However, he was mature enough to be surprised by what he saw. Arizona was very different from what he remembered back home in Florida. Orlando was lush with greenery; there were trees, vegetation, and lakes everywhere. All at once it hit the little pug; his new home in Phoenix, Arizona was in the desert. This book of photographs shows how the little pug adapted to the harsh realities of living in Arizona. It shows how Vinny The Pug came to appreciate his new home in the the desert. Before a year had passed, he had even launched a challenge to set a new Guinness World Record.
Vinny The Pug’s picture book is an enjoyable experience that will work well in classrooms. It is suitable for all ages from 5 through adults.
It includes: • 50 – Color Pictures • 87 – Black & White Graphic Arts • 8.5″ x 11″ pages for best viewing • Includes coloring projects
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Vinny The Pug. Photo: Allen Y Kimble, Jr., used with permission.
‘Roadside: One Man’s Look at the Afterlife’ is the new book by Scott Moss. Photo: Amazon
When it comes to the afterlife, everyone has their viewpoints. While some believe death is final, others believe in heaven/hell and reincarnation. Regardless of where you fall in this topic, we have all seen those roadside memorials and wonder about the story behind them. Today’s new book, “Roadside: One Man’s Look at the Afterlife” by Scott Moss centers around Scott, a man who possesses spiritual abilities after being in an accident and experiencing a near death experience. This intriguing book will make you look at these roadside memorials differently and hopefully help you understand why they are so important to people grieving a loved one. Read all about Scott’s amazing new purpose in life – “Roadside: One Man’s Look at the Afterlife” is available on Amazon.
Scott Moss has worked in the medical field for over 30 years. He is familiar with life and death and has been in the room many times as people crossed over. This is his take on what might happen when you cross over. The interesting thing about Scott is his sense of humor. That makes the books he writes fun to read. Mr. Moss is not religious by any means. In fact, he does not believe in organized religion. He likes to cover serious topics with a flare for the funny side of all things. (Scott Moss, 2023)
“Roadside: One Man’s Look at the Afterlife”– Scott is a blue-collar worker who is in charge of street illumination. One day while he is up in the cherry picker 30 feet up in the air, a driver in a semi-truck has a fatal heart attack and hits the back of his truck. He is thrown from the basket and is critically injured from the fall. He spends weeks in a coma, then a couple of months in rehab. On the way home from the hospital, he sees a guy looking down at a roadside memorial. The guy has an almost ethereal look to him. Scott asks his wife if she saw the guy. She says she did not. When he passes the same memorial, the guy is still there. Scott stops the car and, when he approaches the guy, realizes that he is confused, wondering why there is a cross here and why he can not get home. Scott realizes he has a new purpose in life – to help these souls who were killed so suddenly cross over to heaven. Each person is different, and Scott needs to approach each one of them with care.
‘The Bucharest Legacy: The Rise of the Oligarchs’ is the second novel in the Bill Hefflin Spy Thriller Series by William Maz. Photo: Amazon
William Maz was born in Bucharest, Romania, of Greek parents and emigrated to the U.S. as a child. He is a graduate of Harvard University, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, and Yale residency. During his high school and undergraduate years, he developed a passion for writing fiction. He studied writing at Harvard, the New School, The Writer’s Studio in New York City, and with Gordon Lish, and is now writing full time. He divides his time between homes in Pennsylvania and New York City. In his new novel, “The Bucharest Legacy,” CIA agent Bill Hefflin is back in Bucharest and is immersed in a cauldron of spies and crooked politicians. (Amazon, 2023)
“The Bucharest Legacy” – The CIA is rocked to its core when a KGB defector divulges that there is a KGB mole inside the Agency. They learn that the mole’s handler is a KGB agent known as Boris. CIA analyst Bill Hefflin recognizes that name—Boris is the code name of Hefflin’s longtime KGB asset. If the defector is correct, Hefflin realizes Boris must be a triple agent, and his supposed mole has been passing false intel to Hefflin and the CIA. This makes Hefflin the prime suspect as the KGB mole inside the Agency.
Hefflin is given a chance to prove his innocence by returning to his city of birth, Bucharest, Romania, to find Boris and track down the identity of the mole. It has been three years since the bloody revolution, and what he finds is a cauldron of spies, crooked politicians, and a country controlled by the underground and the new oligarchs, all of whom want to find Boris. But Hefflin has a secret that no one else knows—Boris has been dead for over a year. Perfect for fans of John le Carré and Brad Thor.
‘Rejection Happens for a Reason’ is the debut novel by S Mukesh Rao. Photo: Amazon
Rejection is a natural part of life, especially when it comes to love and dating. Some of the most relatable characters in novels happen to be those who have been through this painful stage of life. Today’s book of the week is “Rejection Happens for a Reason” by S Mukesh Rao. In this witty, entertaining, and heartbreaking novel for young readers, the author explores the raw emotions one feels after experiencing an unrequited love. Sharad’s life is upended when a gorgeous girl named Tiya Hegde falls in love with him. Little does he know that he is heading for the most devastating rejection of his life. This page-turner will keep you hooked right up until the surprise ending. Find out if Sharad finds his happily ever after and pick up your copy of “Rejection Happens for a Reason” today: it is available on Amazon.
S Mukesh Rao is an author with a deep love for storytelling. Leaving the corporate world behind, Mukesh pursued his true passion for writing and it turned out to be a rewarding leap of faith. When not crafting stories, he enjoys immersing himself in good books and thought-provoking documentaries. If you are seeking an author dedicated to unraveling life’s complexities, Mukesh invites you to dive into his entertaining new debut rom-com novel. In “Rejection Happens for a Reason,” he explores life’s ups and downs. This heartwarming story touches on themes of love, loss, and self-discovery and is connecting with readers around the globe. (S Mukesh Rao, 2023)
“Rejection Happens for a Reason” – Sharad falls in love with girls as if he is born for it, but his fate is that his love is never returned. Follow him on a tough journey from constant heartbreaks to a glimmer of hope, sparked by his attraction to Tiya Hegde. He faces a painful rejection, which makes him question if he can ever find true love. Dive into this engaging rom-com novel by S Mukesh Rao, where he explores, with wit and entertainment, the raw emotions that follow a rejection in love. Experience the ups and downs of Sharad’s quest for love in this heartfelt story of resilience and self-discovery that promises an emotional ride through the twists and turns of romance.
‘Maribelle’s Shadow’ is the latest novel by Susannah Marren. Photo: Amazon
Susannah Marren is the author of “Between the Tides,” “A Palm Beach Wife,” and “A Palm Beach Scandal” and the pseudonym for Susan Shapiro Barash, who has written over a dozen nonfiction books, including “Tripping the Prom Queen,” “Toxic Friends,” and “You’re Grounded Forever,” among others. For her nonfiction, she has been featured in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, The New York Post, The Chicago Tribune, Elle, Marie Claire, and has appeared on national television including the Today Show, Good Morning America, CBS, CNN, and MSNBC. Barash has been a guest on national radio including NPR and Sirius Radio. For over twenty years she has taught gender studies at Marymount Manhattan College and has guest taught creative nonfiction at the Writing Institute at Sarah Lawrence College. Presently she is teaching at the Westport Writers Workshop. Her new novel, “Maribelle’s Shadow,” is a compelling tale of deception and family loyalty.
“Maribelle’s Shadow” – The only thing that spreads faster than gossip in Palm Beach is news of a mysterious death. As the editorial director of Palm Beach Confidential, Maribelle Walker knows what lurks beneath the glittering facade of the rich elite on Florida’s most glamorous coast. Or does she? The story begins when her adoring husband Samuel dies suddenly. She knows he is being unfaithful but she is hesitant about confronting him. With his death, secrets surface, including the secrets and lies between Maribelle and her sisters Caroline and Raleigh. Compounding the anguish, the authenticity of their socially ambitious mother Lucinda and lavish lifestyle of mansions, privilege and couture clothes is thrown into doubt. As their carefully constructed image unravels, each sister realizes she must fend for herself. The pathway out is steep and worth any risk – until the winner takes it all.
Even though it is fun to read about the rich and social elite, sometimes the characters are not very relatable, so it is hard to feel sorry for them when their lives take a downward spiral. Such is the case of the Barrow sisters. Thanks to their momager, they are always in society-lady mode and since they are obsessed with their social status, every decision they make, from how they dress to where they are seen and with who, is based on whether or not it will elevate or improve their status. The story is divided into three parts and the chapters are alternately narrated in the point of view of the sisters, so readers get an insight into their thoughts and characters. Because of this, the plot is character driven and the mystery behind Samuel’s death unravels slowly in the background even though it marks the beginning of the end for Maribelle. With highly descriptive language: “…she was trapped in mounds of seaweed, fighting to reach the shoreline,” the story flows naturally through the pages, making this an easy and fun to read novel. It also highlights the point that every family, regardless of social status, has secrets that will eventually come to light. Overall, “Maribelle’s Shadow” is a story of family and loyalty, and how far some people will go to hang on to what they have. It is recommended for readers who enjoy women’s fiction centered around socialites, power, and money.
“Don’t be so dramatic, Maribelle,” Lucinda said. “Samuel was another husband. They come; they go…..They’re fungible. Sisters, friends who are like sisters, aren’t.”
*The author received a copy of this book for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.
5000 Space Aliens will be available November 21, 2023. Photo: Google
Director Scott Bateman and Producer Lucas A. Ferrara are excited to share the trailer for their new genre-bending animation, 5000 Space Aliens, which is coming to digital download worldwide on November 21,2023. Get ready to meet a new space alien every second in this bonkers and groundbreaking one-of-a-kind animated film. (October Coast, 2023)
Imagine meeting a space alien. Now imagine meeting one space alien every second. This is what happens in Scott Bateman’s groundbreaking animated film 5000 Space Aliens. Scott Bateman has turned found footage, vintage photo studio pictures from Venezuela and Romania, scraps from a 100-year-old psychology textbook, and more into 5000 one-second shots of animated characters.
Instead of a typical narrative, 5000 Space Aliens is more like a ride: You just let the hypnotic rhythm of images wash over you. This one-of-a-kind animated extravaganza was made by just one animator, director Scott Bateman. Bateman also created the electronic-tinged soundtrack.
5000 Space Aliens was Medusa Underground Film Festival’s ‘Best Picture’ and has received multiple ‘official selections’ at a raft of international festivals. Pulled from the mind of Director Scott Bateman whose previous work includes The Bateman Lectures on Depression and You Your Brain & You. Not your average filmmaker, Bateman took the incredible leap to fund his projects via game shows, winning $100,000 (and a cruise) on Who Wants To Be A Millionaire, as well as becoming a one-day Jeopardy! champion.
On making the film, Scott Bateman says, “Storytelling is everywhere these days, it’s ridiculous. But not everything has to tell a story. I believe movies can do other things as well, and still be fun and entertaining to watch. So with 5000 Space Aliens, I set out to create an entertaining, non-narrative film.
5000 Space Aliens has a visual rhythm of one shot per second, and it is an absolutely hypnotizing movie-going experience. It’s like a ride: you don’t have to think, you just let it wash over you. The music acts as a thread through the whole film, your friend who’s on the ride with you.
I’m very happy that it all worked. 5000 Space Aliens is a very fun movie to watch with a group of friends at home or in a theater. There are so many ‘What did I just see?’ moments, and it’s highly re-watchable.
But also, I wanted to make a film but had no money at the time. So I was looking for a way I could make a movie all by myself. This was a fun challenge, as it’s been one so rarely. I did all this animation, created all this music, did the editing, all of it. I had a blast making this film, and I’m so happy it’s a blast so audiences can experience this groundbreaking, one-of-a-kind film. There’s never been another film like this.”
“…If you’re looking for something quirky, off-beat, and extremely entertaining, check out this unique film. And while you’re at it, you’d best fasten your seatbelts, as you’ll likely encounter some turbulence as this mesmerizing movie takes you on a fast-paced, high-speed joyride. An engaging alternate reality awaits.” – Lucas A. Ferrara, Producer
The ready to drink Mexican beverage has been rapidly growing as it approaches its first year in the U.S. market. Photo: Picadas, used with permission.
Picadas, the first Mexican hard agua fresca, released a new variety pack of 12 cans with four different flavors, including a brand-new flavor, Piña (pineapple), which is found exclusively in the variety pack. The original flavors—Limonada, Mango and Guava—are included in the pack. Made from a family recipe, Picadas combines real fruit juice with alcohol from cane sugar to create a hard agua fresca that embodies the bold, authentic flavors of Mexico. (Picadas, 2023)
The Mexican ready-to-drink beverage was released in the United States in January 2023 to 200 H-E-B stores across Texas and, since then, has seen rapid growth. Picadas is now available at all H-E-B stores and has added multiple other retailers in Texas, including Buc-ee’s, Quick Trip in North Texas, and Total Wine.
Picadas was founded in Monterrey, Mexico, in 2021 by Hugo Martinez, a local who –– like everyone in Mexico –– grew up enjoying homemade aguas frescas with his family. Martinez was pursuing an MBA at Stanford when he became captivated by the ready-to-drink cocktail craze. Martinez began selling Picadas at mercados and local farmers’ markets in Monterrey. As the drink gained popularity and word began to spread around the country, Martinez formed strategic partnerships that got Picadas into stores like Vinoteca, H-E-B, Soriana, Chedraui, and other Mexican chains. Martinez partnered with Austin-based Redbud Brands to expand Picadas to its first U.S. market.
“I’m incredibly proud to see how Picadas has resonated with consumers. Based on the success of six-packs, we knew it was time to expand into the variety 12-pack. It is a testament to the strong appeal for Mexican products, embraced not only by Mexicans but by everyone in the U.S. We are thrilled to launch this new Piña flavor and variety pack to continue to offer more unique, authentic Mexican flavors to our customers.” – Hugo Martinez, founder of Picadas.
Picadas blends the juice in small batches, allowing it to retain a bold, fruit-forward flavor, with no need for artificial additives. The mixture is then sweetened with agave, and cane sugar alcohol is added. Every 12-ounce can contains 130 calories and 4.5% alcohol by volume. In addition to the newly released variety 12-pack, six-packs of individual flavors are available at all retail stores. Each pack is accompanied by an Individually portioned packet of spicy chili salt to place on the rim and enjoy with each sip. Six-packs retail for $10.99, and variety packs retail for $19.99.
Picadas is a ready-to-drink, hard Mexican agua fresca made with real fruit. The name Picadas comes from the word “piquete,” the Spanish slang for “spiked.” A packet of chili lime salt accompanies every pack of Picadas to enjoy on the rim in classic Mexican style. Picadas aims to showcase the vibrancy of Mexico with four distinctive flavors: Mango, Limonada, Guava, and Piña. Founded by Stanford Business School graduate Hugo Martinez, Picadas is the culmination of his quest for a drink that faithfully re-creates the taste he grew up with in Mexico.
Cary Morin’s upcoming album Innocent Allies takes inspiration from famed western painter Charles M. Russell. It will be out January 26, 2024. Photo: Google
Internationally acclaimed as a mesmerizing live performer, Cary Morin’s soul-stirring voice and jaw-dropping fingerstyle guitar playing have captivated audiences for decades. Morin’s career catalog fuses the best of American roots music: blues, folk, soul, bluegrass, and the timeless and distinctive sounds of the rural countryside, from the Western Plains and Rocky Mountains to the rhythmic melting pot of the deep South. His music has reached millions through prestigious performances at venues like the Kennedy Center and Lincoln Center as well as national television and radio programs. He has shared stages with Taj Mahal, Los Lobos, and Bonnie Raitt, among countless others, while earning multiple awards including two Indigenous Music Awards for Best Blues CD. When not performing across the US and Europe, Morin finds inspiration in Northern Colorado, which he proudly calls home. (IV-PR, 2023)
With Innocent Allies—due for release on January 26, 2024—Morin observes details in Charles M. Russell’s painting from his perspective as a Native Crow and sets them to song. “Situations depicted in his paintings that might not be obvious to some are subtle cultural or ritualistic details,” says Morin, pointing out Russell’s Indian Hunters Return, in which an elder is being served their meal first; a customary gesture in Crow culture. “As an Indigenous artist, I bring a perspective to this aspect of Charlie’s work by way of this body of songs.” Morin is also quick to note that Charles M. Russell was a friend to the Plains Tribes, concerned with the destruction of Native culture and portraying Native Americans in his paintings with a dignity that was largely absent from other artists’ portrayals of the time. “This record is a masterpiece worthy of its place among the great works of art it was created to honor,” says Trina Shoemaker, the Grammy-winning producer who mixed and mastered the album at her Alabama studio.
Morin shared the first single from Innocent Allies: the impetus for the album itself, “Big Sky Sun Goes Down.” Fans can watch the music video for “Big Sky Sun Goes Down”—produced by Randy Perkins & Film Locale—and stream or purchase the single.
Innocent Allies track list: Big Sky Sun Goes Down Waiting and Mad Waiting for a Chinook Old Timer’s Poem Good Medicine Killing the Blues Indian Hunters Return Whiskey Before Breakfast Big Nose George’s Outlaw Blues Fire Boat Bullhead Lodge Wally and Keeoma Where the Trails Cross the Big Divide Montana Sky
‘How to Take a F*ck Boy’ is the new book by Emmanuel Simms. Photo: Amazon
Relationships can be complicated but dating is a whole other level of messy, especially in today’s modern world. Nowadays, there are a myriad of books out there that offer advice on navigating these troublesome waters but at least they bring the topic to the table and get people talking. If you are looking for a unique book on relationship advice, consider Emmanuel Simms’ new book “How to Tame a F*ck Boy.” The title might be off-putting, but the term is just another way of saying ‘bad boy’ or ‘bad girl.’ In reality, it is a real, raw, and relatable guide that “acknowledges the messiness of modern love, yet offers actionable advice (and a few laughs) to navigate it.” It is a short read filled with personal stories, humor, and practical advice. It is available on Amazon.
Emmanuel Simms MFA is an American writer best known for his book “The Rules of a Successful Failure.” In his writing, he explores social issues such as race and discrimination within minority communities. Simms has an urban tone in his writing, which allows him to explore these complex topics in a way that is both informative and relatable for his readers. (Emmanuel Simms, 2023)
Simms grew up in a low-income, inner-city neighborhood. He witnessed firsthand the effects of discrimination and poverty on minority communities. This shaped his view of the world and inspired him to write about these issues in his books. In “The Rules of a Successful Failure,” Simms uses his personal experiences to explore what it takes to overcome adversity. He offers readers a unique perspective on the challenges faced by minorities in society and provides valuable advice on how to overcome them.
Simms’ writing is important because it offers a rare look into the lives of minority communities. His insights can help readers to better understand the difficulties faced by these groups and can provide hope to those who are struggling to overcome them. His new book “How to Tame a F*ck Boy : 12 Steps for Taming Your F*ck Boy,” the first in the #RelationshipGoals Mastery series, is a humorous and insightful look at navigating the complex world of modern dating.
“How to Tame a F*ck Boy : 12 Steps for Taming Your F*ck Boy” (#RelationshipGoals Mastery Book 1) – In the exhilarating dance of modern relationships, Emmanuel Simms offers a bold and candid guide to understanding, navigating, and potentially taming the enigma known colloquially as the ‘F*ck Boy.’ Through “12 Steps for Taming Your F*ck Boy,” Simms delves into the dynamics that make these relationships both enthralling and tumultuous. Drawing from a mix of personal anecdotes, humor, and practical advice, this book doesn’t just shed light on the allure of the F*ck Boy but also offers tangible steps for those hoping to find balance in such partnerships. Whether you’re caught in the throes of a whirlwind romance, seeking clarity, or just in for an entertaining read about modern love’s complexities, this book is your compass. Dive in and discover a blend of humor, wisdom, and raw truths that will resonate, provoke thought, and maybe even guide you to a healthier, happier relationship dynamic.
SA Examiner 