‘Promise?’ is the thrilling new YA debut novel by Allison Thompson. Photo: Allison Thompson, used with permission.
For readers who enjoy teen and young adult paranormal and fantasy novels, here is a brand new release by Allison Thompson. “Promise?” is available through Amazon and right now, the e-book is available as a free download until Friday June 16 11:59p.m. and afterwards for .99.
Allison Thompson is a special education teacher and mother to two young children. In her debut novel “Promise?,” the ultimate battle between good and evil will unfold. (Allison Thompson, 2023)
“Promise?” – In a small shore town there lives Madison, a determined young woman working at a local pizza shop. Little does she know that her ordinary life is about to be shattered when Marcus, a menacing red demon, sets his sights on her, threatening her very existence. Enter Kyle, a seasoned demon hunter with a sworn duty to protect humanity. Drawn to Madison’s side, he takes on the daunting task of safeguarding her and battling the forces of darkness. Promises will be made and broken.
Lauren, a kind-hearted bookstore employee, crosses paths with the malevolent Marcus. A fateful encounter brings David, a brave demon hunter, into her life. As their bond deepens, they find themselves caught in a dangerous dance with destiny, navigating the perilous line between love and the eternal battle against evil.
Melissa and Michael defy the odds by maintaining a blissful existence despite Marcus’s relentless pursuit. Together, they create a haven of happiness, even as darkness looms on their doorstep.
Each couple must confront their own unique challenges, fighting against the evil that seeks to tear them apart. As their individual narratives intertwine, so does the fates of everyone. Their lives converge in a climactic showdown against Marcus, where the ultimate battle between good and evil unfolds. Love and promises made will be tested.
From Here To Home will be released June 30, 2023. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Legendary, Saxon Pub-bred quartet The South Austin Moonlighters were riding high on the success of their 2019 opus Travel Light with top billing on the alt-country charts and festival appearances throughout the U.S. and Europe when the world came crashing to a screeching halt in 2020. Fortunately for the band and their fans alike, the Moonlighters are veterans of Austin’s scrappy, DIY music scene and were never going to let a little loss of momentum stop them. With the help of a wildly successful crowdfunding campaign, The South Austin Moonlighters—Lonnie Trevino Jr., Chris Beall, Daniel James, and Hunter St. Marie—took to the studio with producer Steve Berlin and got right back in the saddle, cutting ten tunes that would eventually become their brand new album, From Here To Home. (IV-PR, 2023)
At its core, From Here To Home is an album of rebirth and acknowledgement. It is a recognition of where The South Austin Moonlighters have been, and a peek at all of the exciting places they are going and want to head towards in the future. “From Here To Home is a journey back to rediscovering why we started doing this in the first place,” Trevino Jr. says, before his co-conspirator helps him complete the thought in a way only the closest of collaborators can: “Because that’s the only thing we want to do–make joyous music.”
The South Austin Moonlighters recently released their first single from From Here To Home, the bouncing, half-time groove of “Make A Livin’”; a deceptively deep, upbeat song about what it really means to make ends meet for a family. “What should we be providing?’’ asks Beall, who wrote the song with his good friend Rodney Black. He expands, “Surely ‘ourselves’ would be the most important thing, and yet there are multiple generations of parents working so much they rarely see their kids. Lots of folks have to work like that, unfortunately. But could there be a ‘line’ that gets crossed when too much is just ‘too much?’ The TV bill, the new car, the nicer house….maybe we should let go of a few of those things and not have to be shackled to the workplace to pay for them.” Packaged within textures of gritty guitars and vintage bass thump, “Make A Livin’” is one of those rare songs that makes listeners dance and think, and that quality is the Moonlighters’ party piece that runs from beginning to end of From Here To Home.
Fans can listen to “Make A Livin’” today at this link and pre-order or pre-saveFrom Here To Home ahead of its June 30 release. The South Austin Moonlighters are back on the road; tour dates can be found below or online.
From Here To Home track list: Nashville Make A Livin’ Long Time Coming Box Of Memories Faded Into Gray Hearts In Parallel From Here to Home Then Away Farewell It’s Only Money (That Makes The World Go ‘Round) Delta Man
Catch The South Austin Moonlighters On Tour: June 16 – Austin, TX – Waterloo Records In-Store Record Release June 23 – Conroe, TX – Red Brick Tavern June 24 – Austin TX – 3Ten – Album Release Show July 1 – Houston, TX – McGonigel’s Mucky Duck August 3 – Estes Park, CO – Listening at the Legion August 4 – Telluride, CO – Mountain Village Summer Concert Series August 5 – Silverton, CO – Columbine Roadhouse Gatorfest August 11th – Dallas, TX – Morton Meyerson Symphony Center (Los Lobos support)
Whataburger’s new Father’s Day Collection has a variety of gifts for Father’s Day. Photo: Whataburger, used with permission.
Whataburger
Everyone has come to love the Whatastore, which has Whataburger gear for every occasion. The new Father’s Day Collection makes it easy to get the perfect gift for the dad in your life, whether he is out on the lake or just enjoying a classic #1. To make things even easier, Whataburger is offering 20% off the Father’s Day Collection in the Whatastore on June 13. Just load up your cart and the discount will be automatically applied at checkout. (Whataburger, 2023)
To pair with Dad’s favorite taste-tee meal, the newly designed golf gear is a hole in one. The course will know just how he likes it with the new Mint Golf Hat. Help him tee off in style with the Otterbox Golf Kit or keep his clubs looking crisp with our Day Dot Golf Head Cover. They are guaranteed to make it look like he shoots a low score.
If golf is not his game, tackle Father’s Day for your favorite fisherman with a variety of new gear. Premium activewear is built for his favorite hobby, like the Whatacatch UV Tee, or go lightweight with the Magellan Outdoors Toile Sketch Print White Short Sleeve Shirt. Every Whataburger dad needs that signature orange-and-white accessory that matches everything. For the ultimate in refreshment all summer long, the Whataburger YETI stainless steel Rambler® tumblers are iconic for a reason. Grab the 30-oz. stainless steel Rambler® tumbler that is designed to look just like Whataburger drink cups. This double-walled tumbler will keep his drink icy cold from the cupholder to the course.
iFLY Indoor Skydiving
Father’s Day is this Sunday and if you are looking for last minute gifts, iFLY Indoor Skydiving will make fathers feel like the super hero they are, briefly giving them the power of flight. At an iFLY tunnel, they can experience body-flying “indoor skydiving” in a vertical wind tunnel either with the whole family or on an adventure of their own. (iFLY Indoor Skydiving, 2023)
Instead of searching for another baseball cap or goofy trinket, iFLY offers digital gift cards Dad will not lose and can redeem whenever they are ready to take flight. Digital cards include Dad worthy designs with phrases like “From your least disappointing child” to “Hope your Father’s Day is better than your Dad Jokes.”
Give dad the ‘gift of flight’ this Father’s Day. Photo: iFLY Indoor Skydiving, used with permission.
‘Harrison Waits’ is a children’s book written and illustrated by Missy Hagen. Photo: Amazon
In today’s book news, the spotlight shines on a children’s book about a boy who is waiting for something big and how he passes the time. Missy Hagen’s “Harrison Waits”is an illustrated children’s book that is sure to entertain the little ones in your life.
Missy Hagen came to children’s book writing and illustrating after an eclectic career in fields that seemed to predict such destiny. She has a BA in Elementary Education from Cornell College, spent years in corporate technical writing, built a popular aerobic dance program in the eighties, and raised three children, all before returning to college for web and graphic design. She combined her teaching, technical, and design skills as Educational Technology Director for Rochester Community and Technical College for over 10 years. When her grandson Harrison was born, it sparked the idea for “Harrison Waits” based on his FOUR initials. A story focusing on the letters H and W and about how the rewards of being patient and keeping busy yield an outcome worth waiting for. Missy’s watercolor and ink artwork has often been exhibited and featured throughout southeast Minnesota where she resides with her husband.
“Harrison Waits” is a wonderful story about a young boy who is anxiously waiting for … what? See how Harrison patiently passes the time while he anticipates the arrival of something special he has been looking forward to for a long time. Will it be worth the wait? Can Harrison find enough to do to keep himself busy while waiting? The colorful artwork from Missy Hagen will captivate all ages while the clever play on the letters “H” and “W” will entertain readers and listeners alike. For extra fun, search for hidden “H” and “W” words illustrated on each page.
Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk’s open-air Cenote Pool Deck. Photo: Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk, used with permission.
Happy Pride Month! Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk will celebrate with a special pride package available throughout the month of June, including pride-themed cocktails, delicious bites, and striking city views from the hotel’s vibrant rooftop lounge, The Moon’s Daughters, and open-air Cenote Pool Deck, complete with luxury cabanas and a poolside bar for all-day entertainment. (Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk, 2023)
This June, San Antonio is full of pride parties and rainbow-hued festivities, including the biggest pride parade in South Texas on June 24, featuring live music, family-friendly drag performances, and LGBTQ-run artisan and food vendors along the San Antonio Riverwalk.
‘I Know You By Heart: Navigating the Dementia Journey’ by Angie Swetland. Photo: Amazon
It is hard enough having to care for a loved one with dementia, but often, the resources and support system are hard to come by. This resource guide aims to answer readers questions about dementia and gives personal experience accounts and coping tips, all in easy to understand language.
Angie Swetland graduated from Luther College with a degree in Sociology and Religion. Her first job was as Activity Director in a small-town nursing home. Forty years later, she retired as Corporate Director of Customer Relations at Presbyterian Homes and Services (PHS), one of the nation’s largest not-for-profit providers of senior housing and services. During her time at PHS, Angie developed curricula for Dementia Care services and worked with care teams to ensure care protocols were in place. Angie also assisted in developing a Dementia Care Specialist certification program offered jointly by the Alzheimer’s Association of Minnesota and North Dakota and served on its faculty. Currently, she serves on the Board of Directors of Our Lady of Peace Hospice and Home. Angie facilitates a Dementia Caregiver Support Group at Easter Lutheran Church and enjoys public speaking to area churches and other organizations about Dementia Care. Her book “I Know You By Heart: Navigating the Dementia Journey” gives answers to some of their commonly asked questions about dementia as well as coping strategies for the future. (Angie Swetland, 2023)
“I Know You By Heart: Navigating the Dementia Journey” – In the U.S. today, over 5.8 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s Disease or related dementia. Each of these individuals has a story and each one has caregivers with stories of their own. You have questions – so many questions about what is happening now, and what is to come. How do I cope with this new manifestation of the disease? How do I prepare for an uncertain future? This is especially true when just navigating your way through each day can be overwhelming. In navigating this journey, it is important to remember two essential truths. The first is that the body may fail, and the mind may wander, but the spirit – the person inside – remains intact. The caregiver’s role is to maximize the remaining strengths of the person they care for. The second is that you are not alone. Caregiving is often an isolating experience. Stories from the lives of others let us know that our experiences are not unique. Be assured that many have gone before, and others are walking the same road today.
Melissa Smith’s new book “Authentically Grounded.” Photo: Melissa Smith, used with permission.
Part of self care usually means journaling as a way to get to know yourself better. For some people, this comes easy, while for others, they could benefit from guidance from an outside source. In today’s book news, Melissa Smith’s new book “Authentically Grounded: A Guided Journal for Unraveling and Soothing Your Soul” is this type of resource guide meant to guide you in your journey to self discovery and connecting with yourself.
Melissa Smith holds a Master of Science in Reading Education and a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Radford University. Her academic background and esteemed personal and professional experiences equip her with the knowledge and empathy necessary to navigate complex social issues. Melissa’s career began as an elementary school teacher in underserved schools, where she utilized her skills to help students overcome personal and systemic obstacles. Today, she uses her platform to illuminate and challenge societal norms and systemic barriers, inspiring individuals, particularly Black women with diverse, intersectional identities, to embrace their authentic selves. (Melissa Smith, 2023)
As the Founder and Principal Consultant of Authentically Grounded, Melissa aids individuals and communities in breaking free from oppressive societal constructs, promoting their well-being, and encouraging the exploration of their unique identities. She provides transformative coaching, consulting, and development services, specializing in emotional flexibility, culturally humble pedagogy, decolonization practices, personal development, and self-exploration. Her work is clearly multifaceted, covering a broad spectrum of transformative personal and social change. With her authentic storytelling and ability to facilitate difficult discussions, Melissa connects with her audience on a profound level.
In her transformation from a public school educator to a DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging) professional leader, Melissa focuses on empowering others to acknowledge their potential and promote inclusivity in all walks of life. Join her on this transformative journey as she continues to inspire and liberate people worldwide. Her new book “Authentically Grounded: A Guided Journal for Unraveling and Soothing Your Soul” is a one-of-a-kind tool designed to help you tap into your inner strength and connect with yourself on a deep level.
Author Melissa Smith. Photo: Melissa Smith, used with permission.
“Authentically Grounded: A Guided Journal for Unraveling and Soothing Your Soul” offers a refreshing approach to self-exploration by providing a safe and empowering space to celebrate your strengths, acknowledge your challenges, and explore your inner self. Through a unique blend of introspective prompts, self-care practices, and mindfulness exercises, this guided journal provides a nurturing environment for exploring your patterns, thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, enabling you to reconnect with your sense of self.
“Authentically Grounded” offers a distinctive method of supporting individuals from communities that have been historically excluded, marginalized, and underserved. This guided journal deliberately creates a welcoming environment for these communities to delve into their experiences, emotions, and feelings as they navigate their path toward personal growth and healing. You are worthy and deserving of the life you want, and you have the power to create it, one step at a time. Whether seeking inner peace, building self-confidence, or cultivating a deeper self-awareness, experience the transformative power of Authentically Grounded: A Guided Journal for Unraveling and Soothing your Soul.
Start your journey toward authenticity and wholeness today!
‘I Hope You Dance: Inspirational Quotes to Help You Enjoy the Magic of Life’ by Randa and Nadiath Adechoubou. Photo: Amazon
For readers who like inspirational and self-help books, “I Hope You Dance: Inspirational Quotes to Help You Enjoy the Magic of Life” by Randa and Nadiath Adechoubou is a collection of inspirational quotes and positive affirmations that is sure to lift your spirits.
Randa Adechoubou holds a master’s in business administration (MBA) from the University of Cape Town (UCT) and a BPhil in political science from Northwestern University. When she is not writing in her favorite coffee shop, Randa is exploring or daydreaming about her next travel destination. In her books, she provides practical action plans to help you recognize what is keeping you stuck, as well as the talents and brilliance you can use to move forward —all in a friendly conversational tone. So be prepared to laugh and learn as you will finally find the confidence to let your brilliance shine. She is the author, along with Nadiath Adechoubou, of “I Hope You Dance: Inspirational Quotes to Help You Enjoy the Magic of Life” – a collection of inspirational quotes that will inspire you to live your best life. It is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and Bookshop, among others. (Randa Adechoubou, 2023)
“I Hope You Dance: Inspirational Quotes to Help You Enjoy the Magic of Life” – Have you ever wondered why some people can, but others cannot? How some can stay positive when others cannot find the light in the darkest times of their lives? Experiences leave their mark, and for those who have gone through difficult times, they know the tough times never last. They kept going, trusting they would see light at the end of the tunnel. In this book, the authors have created a collection of funny, uplifting, and inspirational quotes to get us motivated. Whether you are looking for that creative spark, trying to find the energy to carry on, or just want to put a smile on your face, “I Hope You Dance” will be your companion. This book is for anyone who needs a pick me up, anyone who has been knocked to the bottom, and anyone struggling to get back up: keep on dancing.
‘The Legend of The Black Shadow’ is a western novel by Elonzo Phillips. Photo: Amazon
Elonzo Phillips is a writer who was born and raised in Wharton, Texas. He started writing when he was 19 years old while in his second semester in college and wrote his first book when he was 21. By the time he graduated college, he had written four books. He wanted to become a writer because he has always excelled at creating stories, both fiction and non-fiction. When he was in school, he was constantly teased for daydreaming and now he has turned it into writing, his favorite hobby, for when he is daydreaming, he is re-writing reality in his head as his own personal multiverse. His favorite author is Stephen King and the movies based on his books, especially Stand By Me, Misery, Pet Sematary, and The Shawshank Redemption partially inspired him to become a writer. His book “The Legend of the Black Shadow” is the story of Bryce Taylor, a young black cowboy out to prove that life can be lived without hate, conflicts, or wars. A reading sample is available on Amazon. (Elonzo Phillips, 2023)
“The Legend of the Black Shadow” – Even as a kid, young Bryce Taylor watched the evil of the West slaughter both his family and his friend. Since then, Bryce has traveled all over the West, feared as the famous mask gunman, known as The Black Shadow, who wanted nothing more than to stand and fight for colored folks and for folks of different ethnicities, proving that all humans are the same and should be treated the same, regardless of color. During his journey around the West, he crosses paths with friends and foes, who hate, fear, and like him.
Move Offshore offers quality business support services. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Being a small business owner or entrepreneur is hard enough without having to deal with the challenges that come with the IT aspect of business. Successfully running a business nowadays requires having the digital skills to compete in an ever evolving and competitive marketplace. Whether you are setting up a small business, are an independent author or artist, or simply want to dedicate your time to running your business, outsourcing business support services like digital marketing, social media marketing, and SEOservices makes excellent business sense. Professional companies like Move Offshore specialize in business support services. They have an expert global team and two decades of experience providing quality business services to companies that need such support. (Move Offshore, 2023)
Since 2004, Move Offshore has been a leader of the business and knowledge service industry. The main office is in Orlando, Florida and they have three support centers in India. They offer a wide range of professional business services that can help your business reach its full potential. Their dedicated staff works 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including all federal holidays, to ensure you get the best, round-the-clock service and on-site managers are always ready to assist you in any business needs you may have. Whether you require digital marketing, social media marketing, or SEO services, they are available to help.
More information about some of their services:
SEO – their team of SEO experts will help your website grow organically and exponentially.
Digital Marketing – includes a social media manager, email marketer, and market analyst.
Social Media Management – they will keep a vibrant social media presence for your business on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and more.
Web Development Services – if you need website design, they can build anything from a single page to a functioning e-commerce site.
Information Research – their data AI and automation services will perform a thorough target market data analysis.
What makes Move Offshore a better choice? They are the cost-effective alternative to hiring additional in house staff, they specialize in small businesses, and their dedicated staff is always available to handle any questions or concerns you may have. Need more information? You can reach out to them anytime.
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