Author: Sandra Cruz

Blogger, book reviewer, artist, poet, avid reader and nature/animal lover.

Seafood Delight: Taco Cabana’s Shrimp Tacos Are Here for Lent

Taco Cabana announces new shrimp tacos for Lent season. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.

SAN ANTONIO, TX – Taco Cabana is kicking off spring in Texas and Lent season with the addition of new Shrimp Tacos to the menu. Guests can take advantage of this new offering starting Wednesday, March 5, 2025 for a limited time only. Each taco features battered shrimp, fresh lettuce, tomato and a zesty chipotle ranch sauce all served in one of Taco Cabana’s beloved flour tortillas for just $3.99. (Taco Cabana, 2025)

“Lent is here, and we know many of our guests are looking for delicious meat-free options. That’s why we are excited to introduce our new Shrimp Taco – a crispy, golden, flavor-packed way to keep your Fridays (and every day) delicious,” said Taco Cabana President Ulyses Camacho. “These tacos feature panko-crusted shrimp, our smoky chipotle ranch, fresh toppings and freshly made tortillas for a bold and satisfying way to enjoy seafood.”

Taco Cabana is also continuing its commitment to providing delicious food for guests at an unbeatable price with its recently introduced $4.99 meal deals, including:

  • The Rise & Grind: Start your day off right with 2 Breakfast tacos, a hashbrown, and your choice of coffee or a small drink. Choose from our signature potato & egg, bean & cheese or chorizo & egg tacos.
  • Monster Breakfast Burrito Meal Deal: A delicious burrito loaded with chorizo, bacon, hashbrowns, beans, cheese, and chipotle ranch in every bite. Served with your choice of coffee or a small drink to fuel your morning. 
  • The Crunch & Quench: Get a fan favorite ground beef or shredded chicken Double Crunch Pizza. Served with a small drink to satisfy your cravings.
  • 7-Layer Burrito Meal Deal: All the layers of flavor you could want including rice, beans, lettuce, cheese, sour cream, tomato and guacamole, wrapped up in a flour tortilla and served with a small drink. It’s the perfect lunch on the go. 

This spring is also a great time to try Taco Cabana’s savory Carne Asada menu featuring:

  • Carne Asada Street Tacos: Three carne asada tacos on street corn tortillas topped with freshly chopped onions and cilantro.
  • Carne Asada Taco: Carne asada topped with fresh lettuce and tomato served on one of Taco Cabana’s fluffy flour tortillas.
  • Carne Asada Cabana Bowl: Carne asada served over a bed of rice, beans and shredded lettuce and topped with fresh pico de gallo, shredded cheese and sour cream in a crispy shell.
  • Carne Asada Loaded Fries: Crispy french fries topped with Taco Cabana’s signature queso, carne asada, guacamole, pico de gallo and sour cream.

Available Everywhere You Are: Dine in, drive thru, pick up curbside, or order through the MY TC!® App or online—however you choose, Taco Cabana is here to serve you. 

Founded in 1978, Taco Cabana is a Texas institution known for its Mexican-inspired flavors, freshly made tortillas, and vibrant dining experience. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or enjoying a meal with friends, Taco Cabana is the go-to spot for bold flavors and unbeatable value. With 141 locations across Texas, we’re here to make every meal unforgettable.

Mike Papantonio’s ‘The Middleman’: A Legal Thriller That Hits Close to Home

‘The Middleman’ is Mike Papantonio’s latest legal thriller. Photo: Barnes & Noble.

Legal thrillers blend courtroom drama, high-stakes legal battles, and moral dilemmas. They often feature sharp-witted attorneys, complex cases, and unexpected twists that keep readers on edge. I like that they provide a behind-the-scenes look at the legal system, showcasing both its strengths and flaws. With elements of crime, suspense, and ethical conflicts, legal thrillers challenge readers to question justice and truth. The first legal thriller I read was John Grisham’s “The Client” and I was instantly hooked on the genre. Authors like John Grisham and Scott Turow write stories that combine legal intricacies with human drama, making the genre both intellectually stimulating and emotionally gripping.

Mike Papantonio is another excellent author worth reading. I have read and reviewed several of his legal thrillers, the most recent one being “Inhuman Trafficking.” His newest one, “The Middleman,” will be out this week and promises another thrilling and suspenseful thriller involving Big Pharma.

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, human trafficking, and the automobile industry, among other strongholds of corporate greed, and uses his own cases as springboards for his novels. He was a lead lawyer in the national opioid litigation and the national PFAS litigation.

Papantonio is also a well-known media presence as host of America’s Lawyer, and founder and former co-host of the syndicated radio show Ring of Fire. His new legal thriller is “The Middleman” is an epic drama of whistleblowers, murder, thrills, and legal combat—torn from today’s headlines. It will be released on March 4, 2025. (Wunderkind PR, 2025)

“The Middleman” – Nicholas “Deke” Deketomis and his law firm take on America’s Big Pharma when Deke’s college pal, Matt Redmond, presents him with a case of criminal fraud involving EirePharma, a powerful Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM). PBMs serve as the “middlemen” between drug manufacturers and insurance companies. The Deketomis firm unravels the details about how governmental graft enables PBMs like EirePharma to create America’s catastrophic price gouging crisis.

EirePharma was recently taken over by the charismatic CEO, Connor Devlin, who has a Rasputin-like influence over the company’s president. Devlin utilizes racketeering practices—and perhaps murder—to raise the prices of insulin and other drugs for his own profit and to the detriment of consumers.

Amy, the president of EirePharma, decides— at great peril—to become her company’s whistleblower and provide evidence to Deke and his team. When key witnesses and even Redmond family members meet mysterious and violent deaths, Amy finds herself a pawn caught in the center of a frightening and deadly game of wills between a formidable mobster, who in the eyes of the public is a respected businessman, and a law firm that is determined to put an end to the Middleman’s crimes.

Enter If You Dare: Win a Spine-Chilling Night in the Haunted House That Inspired ‘Something I Keep Upstairs’

J.D. Barker’s new novel ‘Something I Keep Upstairs’ will be released in May. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

When it comes to mystery and ghost thriller books, you can’t beath the spine-chilling suspense, eerie atmospheres, and unpredictable twists. They are some of my favorites books to read going back to my early childhood years. These genres tap into our fascination with the unknown, blending psychological intrigue with supernatural elements to keep us on edge. The tension of solving a mystery, combined with the fear of the unseen, creates a gripping reading experience.

Ghost thrillers, in particular, evoke emotions ranging from curiosity to dread, making us question reality and the afterlife. Whether unraveling a whodunit or encountering restless spirits, these stories provide an adrenaline rush, immersing readers in dark, haunting worlds where every shadow holds a secret.

In today’s ever changing marketing landscape, interactive book marketing can create buzz and engage readers in exciting, immersive ways. Hosting contests where winners spend a night in a haunted house is a thrilling way to promote mystery and ghost thriller books, offering fans a real-life spooky experience. It can turn readers into active participants, making the book launch a memorable adventure rather than just a release.

Do you love challenging contests and haunted houses? If so, then this contest is just for you. J.D. Barker, the New Your Times and international best-selling author is offering readers the chance to spend the night in a real haunted house as part of the promotion for his new novel “Something I Keep Upstairs.” The story centers around 17 year old Billy Hasler and his best friend David Spivey who are out to spend their final summer before college in the New Hampshire house that Billy has inherited. What could possibly go wrong? The novel is inspired by an abandoned house in Wood Island and the lucky winner will be spending 24 hours in this house, which is rumored to be haunted. (J.D. Barker, 2025)

On June 13 one name will be drawn and the winner, along with 3 of his/her closest friends, will get this once in a lifetime opportunity. They will meet in Kittery Point, Maine and then be transported by boat to the island and the house. Once the boat leaves, it will not be back until 24 hours later. Can you survive the night? Find out more about the contest and click here to enter.

“Something I Keep Upstairs” will be released on May 13, 2025 and is available for pre-order now.

For a haunted house to be born, somebody has to die.

In the sleepy coastal town of New Castle, New Hampshire, seventeen-year-old Billy Hasler’s life is about to take a terrifying turn. When his best friend David Spivey inherits a mysterious house on a nearby island, it seems like the perfect place to spend their final summer before heading off to college. No parents. No police. No responsibilities. (Barnes & Noble, 2025)

As they dig into the island’s dark past, they awaken an ancient evil that has influenced generations. What begins as an innocent summer adventure quickly descends into a nightmare.

“Something I Keep Upstairs” is a haunting exploration of friendship, sacrifice, and the darkness lurking just beyond our understanding.

Courtesy photo, used with permission.
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Debra Silverman’s Take on Astrology: A Guide to Self-Discovery and Growth

‘I Don’t Believe in Astrology’ is Debra Silverman’s insightful new book. Photo: Barnes & Noble

Astrology has fascinated people for centuries, offering a sense of meaning and connection to the universe. Many find comfort in its insights, believing celestial movements influence personality, relationships, and life events. For some, it provides guidance, especially during uncertain times. Horoscopes and birth charts give individuals a sense of self-awareness and destiny, making them feel understood. While skeptics view astrology as pseudoscience, its symbolic language resonates deeply with those seeking reassurance or direction. In a fast-paced world, astrology offers a spiritual refuge, blending mystery, tradition, and hope into a practice that continues to thrive.

If you’ve ever been curious about astrology and wanted to learn more, Debra Silverman’s new book “I Don’t Believe in Astrology” is worth checking out.

Debra Silverman is an astrologer, psychotherapist, spiritual guide, and author. With our planet longing for compassion and guidance in these very unusual times, Debra brings her Master’s degree in clinical Psychology plus her humor, wisdom, and honesty to soothe the collective pain. Debra is the author of “The Missing Element” and founder of a school educating more than 7,000 people in Astrology. Debra is also the host of The I Don’t Believe in Astrology Podcast. Her new book, “I Don’t Believe in Astrology,” is an accessible guide to the life-changing benefits of astrology. It will be released in April 2025 and is available for pre-order. (FSB Associates, 2025)

“I Don’t Believe in Astrology” – In a chaotic, confusing, and divisive world, Debra Silverman introduces astrology as the medicine for accepting our human nature–its idiosyncrasies and dilemmas. Through an application of both therapy and astrology, this breakthrough guide equips readers with tools that release self-judgment, inner criticism, negativity, and misunderstanding. Every sign struggles with psychological issues. Understanding the unique topics relative to your sign, it’s no surprise you are quirky. Learning how to accept who you are and love yourself unconditionally through the lens of astrology is at the heart of this book.

Debra Silverman teaches you how to step away from the struggle of your ego and see yourself with the calm objectivity of your soul. You will learn to love what you see—not just your best qualities but everything about you. She shows you how to aim for the high road of your personality. Most of all, you will cultivate compassion for all the other signs in the zodiac. Learn the meaning of the sun, moon, rising sign, Mercury, and Saturn. Using Debra’s method combining the wisdom of astrology and psychology, readers will remember the truth of their soul’s expression, seen through the eyes of self-love.

Below is an excerpt from “I Don’t Believe in Astrology,” posted with permission.

Excerpt

Astrology shows you who you really are and says, “Hey, this is you, and it’s okay. You have permission to be a daydreamer (Pisces), or ambitious (Capricorn), or strong (Aries). There are reasons you value freedom over relationships (Aquarius), or financial security over frivolous shopping (Taurus), or talking over listening (Gemini). It’s natural for you to obsess about the meaning of life (Sagittarius), or have a morbid curiosity about death (Scorpio), or feel best when your whole family is under one roof (Cancer), or be in love with romance (Libra), or try to get all the attention (Leo). You don’t need to fight it. It’s just you being you.”

Astrology turns on self-awareness. If you are a Virgo, astrology will teach you that you tend to criticize yourself. Bringing that into your awareness helps you to ease up and understand how important it is for you to be precise, attend to details, and check off your to-do list. The voice of your observer (I’m going to show you how to find and hear it) will say, “Yep, you criticize yourself. Don’t worry. You’re okay.” Then if someone tells you, “Hey, relax, it’s not that important,” you’ll know enough about yourself to know that for you, it is important, and that’s okay, too. You love the small stuff. You’ll know you’ve got the observer turned on when you learn to laugh at yourself a little, and genuinely be able to say to yourself, “Oh, there I go again. That’s so me!”

There are struggles inherent in each of the twelve signs. Find your struggle, and you will discover what you are here to learn. You’re not here by accident. There is a curriculum, and a folder in the home office with your name on it. Astrology provides the keyhole to peek through, to see what your lessons are. It’s a relief to know your challenges are happening for a reason, and most of all, to understand that you’re not to blame.

Author Debra Silverman. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
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Survival, Suspense, and the Undead: Zombie Thriller Die Alone

Die Alone will be released in the UK on March 10. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Zombie movies have captivated audiences for decades, blending horror, action, and social commentary. Their appeal lies in the thrilling survival scenarios, intense suspense, and gruesome effects that keep viewers on edge. These films often reflect societal fears, from pandemics to societal collapse, making them both entertaining and thought-provoking. Classics like Night of the Living Dead and modern hits like Train to Busan showcase human resilience and moral dilemmas in apocalyptic settings. Fans enjoy the adrenaline rush, the eerie atmosphere, and the chance to imagine how they would survive a zombie outbreak, making the genre a lasting favorite in horror cinema.

For zombie movie lovers, there’s the recent new movie Die Alone. It’s a Canadian horror thriller that was released in September of last year. It focuses more on the protagonist’s emotional journey and mystery than the usual zombie gore and violence. The film had its European premiere at Sitges last year. Die Alone will be released in the UK & Ireland on Digital Download, DVD and Blu-ray from March 10.

In the US, it’s available on Tubi, Amazon Video, YouTube, Google Play, Fandango at Home, and Apple TV.

London UK: Lightbulb Film Distribution is pleased to share the poster and trailer for new post-apocalyptic thriller, Die Alone. (Strike Media, 2025)

Die Alone – In a post-apocalyptic world, a young man with amnesia joins forces with a hardened survivalist during a zombie outbreak, as they set out to find his missing girlfriend. It stars Carrie-Anne Moss, Douglas Smith, and Frank Grillo.

“We are delighted to be bringing Die Alone to audiences in the UK & Ireland. Inspired by films like 28 Days Later, it’s a thrill-ride from start to finish.” – Commercial Director, Matthew Kreuzer

Release date: March 10
Directed by: Lowell Dean
Formats: Digital, DVD, & Blu-Ray
Run Time: 90 mins.

Die Alone production still. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Swing, Putt, Win: Holey Moley Open Competition Debuts In Texas

The biggest mini-golf showdown comes to the U.S. with a high-stakes cash prize across San Antonio, Houston, and Austin. Three Cities. One Championship. Photo: Mitch Lowe, used with permission.

Mini-golf is a fun, accessible recreational activity enjoyed by people of all ages. With its colorful courses, whimsical obstacles, and creative themes, it offers a playful twist on traditional golf. Unlike standard golf, mini golf requires no prior experience, making it ideal for families, friends, and even date nights. The game encourages lighthearted competition while providing a relaxed environment for socializing. Its appeal lies in its simplicity, affordability, and the excitement of navigating unique challenges like windmills, ramps, and tunnels. Whether indoors or outdoors, mini golf provides an enjoyable escape, combining skill, luck, and entertainment in a compact setting.

Attention mini-golf enthusiasts! If you’re competitive and would love a chance to compete in a tournament for a $10,000 cash prize, check out this opportunity from Holey Moley Mini Golf.

Austin, TX – Hot off dominating Australia’s mini-golf circuit, the  Holey Moley Open swings into the U.S. this spring across all three Texas locations. Not an average mini-golf tournament, the Holey Moley Open is a multi-day competition that will take place across Austin, Houston, and San Antonio, beginning with City Championships on March 25. Teams of 4 will compete across 9 exciting mini-golf holes to see who will be crowned the city champions. Winning teams advance to the State Final at Holey Moley Austin on April 8 for a shot at a $10,000 cash prize. Beyond the competitive action on the course, spectators can enjoy live DJs, dance under confetti showers, savor delicious food/drink specials, and meet Caddy’s in full costume slinging cocktails — making the Holey Moley Open this year’s most high-energy mini-golf experience. (Holey Moley Mini Golf, 2025) 

Registration for a chance to compete began on February 25 and ends on March 10. Teams are made up of four golfers, and players must be at least 21 years to participate. There is no cost to submit a team registration form. Of the submissions, Holey Moley will select 60 teams to compete across the state. Winning teams at the March 25 City Championships will be offered travel accommodations to compete at the State Final in Austin on April 8. The State Final will consist of 18 holes (two courses). 

Each team will play a round of nine holes, with a maximum of +6 strokes per hole to be kept score by an official caddy. Penalties will be dealt for off-course balls as well as interference, and in the event of a tiebreaker, one lucky team member will play an extra hole. The team with the lowest combined score wins.

Complete details about the Holey Moley Open, the registration form, and requirements for registration can be found online.

Love golf and looking for Spring Break ideas in San Antonio?

With Spring Break just around the corner, Holey Moley Mini Golf is the perfect spot for students looking to stay local and have a memorable, affordable experience. Offering a unique indoor mini golf adventure, Holey Moley combines fun with cool, refreshing vibes—making it the ideal destination for anyone looking to make the most of their time off. 

Whether you’re planning a night out with friends or a family outing, Holey Moley provides an exciting and relaxed atmosphere with mini golf, drinks, and tasty bites all in one place. For college students specifically, Holey Moley is offering a $10 discount with the promo code SPRINGBREAK—giving them an affordable way to enjoy the fun without breaking the bank.

  • Code: SPRINGBREAK
  • Offer: $10 off student bookings
  • Valid: March 10th-16th  

Holey Moley Mini Golf is a mini golf course and bar that turns traditional putt-putt into a multi-sensory labyrinth of unique holes. It’s nifty, it’s nostalgic, it’s a bit ’80s, and a bit ’90s. Mostly, it’s the craziest round of mini golf you’ve ever played. With drinks, cocktails, and tunes on offer at our full-service bar, The Caddyshack, all of your off-the-green needs are taken care of. We are *not* in even a tiny way affiliated with any of the creators of popular culture that some of our holes may, or may not, remind you of.

Blue Sky Sundays: JD Clayton’s Latest Musical Journey

Arkansas’s country-rock troubadour JD Clayton announces anticipated sophomore LP, Blue Sky Sundays. Photo: David McClister, used with permission.

Fort Smith, AR – In addition to the release of his new single “Dirt Roads of Red,” JD Clayton has announced his highly anticipated sophomore album, Blue Sky Sundays. Due out on February 28 on Rounder Records, Blue Sky Sundays finds Clayton taking the helm as producer in the studio with his touring band to capture the vitality and grit of his crowd-thrilling live show. (IV PR, 2025)

“One morning I was playing golf with a buddy from Georgia down at McCabe Golf Course in Nashville when he turned to me and said that there should be a song about wishing that the streets of gold in Heaven could be streets of Red, referring to the red clay down in Georgia,” remembers Arkansan singer-songwriter JD Clayton.

Wheels turning, Clayton went home, picked up his guitar, and finished writing “Dirt Roads of Red” in under an hour. “Now, being an Arkansas kid, I could never bring myself to write a song about Georgia. Thankfully, my favorite state, Colorado, also has a high concentration of iron deposits in its soil.” 

With a halftime drum beat and a striding, bluesy piano, “Dirt Roads of Red” has an appropriately slinky vibe. “It feels inherently southern to me and has a super cool groove,” says Clayton. That feeling gets amplified with a slide guitar solo before the song’s final chorus: “Good God almighty I beg you please / Just before I’m dead / Turn them streets of gold to dirt roads of red.”

Clayton’s first few lines set up the whole song and come from some personal experience. “It turned out to be a really special track to me because my dad is a pastor and I love the interaction the boy has with his pastor in the first verse of the song,” he says. Typical with the music Clayton has released throughout his budding career, his soulful delivery and funky-leaning instrumentation help frame the story he’s telling in a way all his own.

Fans can stream or purchase “Dirt Roads of Red,” and pre-order or pre-save Blue Sky Sundays ahead of its February 28 release. For tour dates and ticket information, please visit JD Clayton online.

Blue Sky Sundays tracklist:
Let You Down – (JD Clayton)
Dirt Roads of Red – (JD Clayton)
Madelene – (JD Clayton)
Slow & Steady – (JD Clayton)
Arkansas Kid – (Al Kooper, Ronnie Van Zant, Robert Burns)
Give Me One Reason – (Tracy Chapman)
High Hopes & Low Expectations- (JD Clayton, Kendell Marvel)
Dance Another Dance- (JD Clayton)
Goodnight- (JD Clayton)

A native son of Arkansas, JD Clayton delivers a timeless form of country rock that’s wholly the product of his environment: down-to-earth, deliberately unhurried, touched with a carefree ease that’s undeniably infectious. Over the past few years alone, he’s brought his crowd-thrilling show to tours with the likes of Dwight Yoakam, Old Crow Medicine Show, and Parker McCollum, in addition to performing at major festivals such as Bonnaroo and Dreamy Draw and opening for artists like Hank Williams Jr., Brent Cobb, and Ashley McBryde.

As a kid growing up in Fort Smith, Clayton got his start playing guitar and later took up piano, drums, banjo, harmonica, and ukulele. He released the debut EP Smoke Out the Fire while still in college. After grinding it out in Nashville for several years, he returned to his hometown and immersed himself in creating an adventurous new album that soon led to his signing with Rounder Records. With equal parts soulful self-reflection and wildly colorful storytelling, Blue Sky Sundays immediately transports the audience into a world that moves at its own exhilarating rhythm—and ultimately reveals an artist of hard-won character and singular authenticity.

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A Magical Night Awaits – Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon: The Super Live Shines in San Antonio

The Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon North American Tour will make a stop at the Majestic Theatre on March 18, 2025. Photo: Bond Theatrical, used with permission.

Following its sensational month-long engagement in London, Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon: The Super Live, the world-wide smash hit 2.5D musical sensation based on the wildly popular manga (comic book), will launch a North American tour this March with technical rehearsals and previews held in Pittsburgh, PA and an official opening on March 15 in Austin, TX and in partnership with SXSW (South by SouthWest). The tour includes a stop in San Antonio at the Majestic Theatre on March 18, 2025. (ATG Entertainment, 2025)

With book, lyrics and direction by Kaori Miura (Musical: The Prince of Tennis, Tokyo Revengers The Musical), choreography by Satomi Toma, and music by Go Sakabe and KYOHEI, the visually stunning show follows the stories of Usagi Tsukino, a teenage girl who transforms into the heroic Sailor Moon. Together, with her fellow Sailor Guardians, she battles many dark forces to protect the Earth from evil.

With a mix of action, heartfelt moments, and iconic music, this production sees the manga characters brought to life on stage, in an epic story-telling live show experience guaranteed to wow audiences night after night, creating an unforgettable experience for fans and newcomers alike. Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon: The Super Live will be performed in Japanese with English subtitles.  

“At its very basic, ‘Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon’is about 5 girlfriends banding together to fight for what they believe in… that’s timely,” said writer and director Kaori Miura.  “Sailor Moon and her fellow guardians are equipped with powers that help them defeat evil and the characters are imbued with the self-determination to have agency and make their own confident decisions. In short, they are the ultimate example of ‘girl power.’”

The show’s North American engagement of Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon: The Super Live, is strictly limited, with previous engagements in New York City and Washington, D.C. selling out in record time. Ticket prices range from $45-$179 (will vary from city to city) including a VIP package designed to create enchanting fan experiences. For the San Antonio show, tickets are available online through the Majestic Theatre.

One of the most popular Mangas of all time, “Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon”is a global cultural phenomenon.  Created by Naoko Takeuchi, Sailor Moon began as a manga in 1991 in Japan in a girls’ comic magazine published by Kodansha and has since sold over 46 million copies world-wide and has been translated into over 17 languages. It has been adapted as an anime and a live-action tv series which has aired in over 40 countries.

Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon: The Super Live premiered at the AiiA 2.5 Theater Tokyo in August 2018. Following its European premiere in Paris in November 2018, the show had its US premiere in Washington D.C. and New York in March 2019 which sold out within minutes, drawing audiences from over 40 states. It has since played a hugely successful run in Taiwan. 

South Texas AuthorCon: A Celebration of Stories, Creativity, and Community

This year’s South Texas AuthorCon featured a variety of authors from the Rio Grande Valley.

Author events, such as book signings, readings, and meet-and-greets, offer readers a unique opportunity to connect with the creators behind the stories. These events are important because they foster personal interactions, allowing authors to share insights, inspiration, and behind-the-scenes details of their work. For readers, attending author events provides a chance to engage with their favorite writers and discover new ones across all genres. The appeal lies in the sense of community and connection that forms, making the reading experience more intimate and memorable. These events also encourage a deeper appreciation of literature and the creative process.

This month, the city of San Benito hosted the second annual South Texas AuthorCon at the San Benito Plaza. The two day event brought readers of all ages to meet authors of all genres, purchase books, and get author autographs. The first day was geared solely towards students while the second day was open to the public and all together, authors, artists, and guests made this event a success.

Before the event, Beyond Borders Books held a writing contest. Valley View High School student Mariano Moreno won the 2024 Creative Writing Contest for his poem “¿Dónde están mis hijos?” which he recited that day.

Many thanks to the authors and artists for their patience in meeting everyone and taking their time to tell their story and answer questions. This event was an opportunity for me to discover authors I hadn’t hear of and meet fellow bibliophiles. I met a handful of authors from several genres including memoirs, children’s books, and YA novels.

Some of the authors included:

Thomas Ray Garcia – “The River Runs” Short story collection. This collection presents insights into Texas-Mexico border culture, highlighting tales of resilience while refusing to shy away from the omnipresent reality the river imposes. Written from 2015 to 2020, these stories resist a singular vision of the border, centering the Rio Grande as a site of transformation.

Monica Velasquez – “The Wait Until Sunday for Pan Dulce.” Children’s book. A little girl waits patiently everyday just to get to Sunday, when the family eats sweet bread. Her feelings change day by day in which she dreams of eating different types of “pan dulce.” The book is a rhyming book for children or children at heart. Different types of Mexican sweet bread are beautifully drawn, bringing the book to life.

Cassie Bleu Davila – “I’m Not Waiting for My Mom To Die.” Memoir. When Cassie was 7 years old, she had to leave the only place she had ever known after her mom married a US citizen. Now living in the United States, she puts on a fake smile for everyone, but behind closed doors her life is a nightmare. She is hiding the deepest darkest secret that nobody could imagine. The only person that knows about her secret is her mom. But if her own mom won’t help her, who will?

Rosario Ozuna – “The Tears Behind the Smile: Poems and Reflections from the Heart”– Literary fiction. These poems and reflections mirror daily obstacles and several of our deepest daily emotions, which sometimes we keep chained up within our soul. Several of the themes in this book are kept in our hearts in silence. Many of these experiences are painful, distressing, and even make us cry and doubt, but they also help us to believe in ourselves. Without these sunny and blue situations, we wouldn’t know how to move forward and make the best of these circumstances. This book also debuts ten Spanish poems. Facebook profile

Jaime Perez – “A Risky Yet Worthwhile Endeavor,” “The Vacant Space,” and “Through You.” Fiction.

P.L. Blair – She is author of the Portals series, novels that blend fantasy, detective mysteries and an occasional touch of horror.

Rosa Estela Mora – “Becoming Sofia Bosco” and “The Sofia Bosco Effect” – Teen and YA Fiction.

Patty York Raymond – “It’s Too Windy” “Hay Mucho Viento!” Children’s books. The story is about family and how establishing long lasting traditions leads to developing close family ties that last a lifetime. Jessica and David can’t wait to swim in the grandparents’ pool. But how long will they have to wait? It’s Too Windy is accompanied by a music CD.

Angela Rosko – “Hello Grace” and “Grammy Misses Gracie.” The Adventures of Gracie and Grammy series of children’s books.

Margarita Longoria – “Living Beyond Borders: Growing up Mexican in America” YA short story collection. In this mixed-media collection of short stories, personal essays, poetry, and comics, this celebrated group of authors share the borders they have crossed, the struggles they have pushed through, and the two cultures they continue to navigate as Mexican Americans.

Naivi Vera – “El Maravilloso Mundo de Susy: La Pequeña Hormiga Aventurera” “The Wonderful World of Susy: The Adventurous Little Ant” Children’s book. “El maravilloso mundo de Susy, la hormiguita aventurera” is a Spanish-English bilingual children’s book that teaches children values like bravery and teamwork. Through this bilingual tale, they will discover how fun the world of ants can be. In this magical illustrated story, children will learn in a fun and simple way how to overcome big challenges and achieve more when everyone can contribute their part by working together, helping each other, and contributing to nature.

‘Two Truths and a Lie’: The Mind-Bending New Science Fiction Novel by Cory O’Brien

‘Two Truths and a Lie’ will be out on March 4, 2025. Photo: Barnes & Noble

Science fiction books captivate readers by offering thrilling escapes into worlds of limitless possibilities. They ignite imaginations with futuristic technologies, interstellar voyages, and encounters with alien civilizations.Beyond mere escapism, sci-fi often serves as a mirror to our own society, exploring complex themes like technological advancement, social justice, and the human condition. Readers are drawn to the genre’s ability to pose “what if” questions, prompting reflection on our present and potential futures. From dystopian warnings to utopian dreams, science fiction offers a unique lens through which to examine humanity’s place in the cosmos. Its enduring appeal lies in its power to both entertain and provoke thought.

Coming out next month is the new cyber punk science fiction novel by beloved internet humorist Cory O’Brien.

Cory O’Brien is the author of “Zeus Grants Stupid Wishes” and “George Washington Is Cash Money.” He has written for numerous award-winning video games, including Monster Prom and Holovista, and designed multiple tabletop games, including Inhuman Conditions and Hand to Hand Wombat. His new novel “Two Truths and a Lie” introduces an unforgettable investigator to the drowned streets of L.A. in a hugely imaginative and heartfelt blend of noir and cyberpunk. It will be released on March 4, 2025 and is available for pre-order. (Penguin Random House, 2025)

“Two Truths and a Lie” – In a mostly underwater near-future Los Angeles, aging combat-drone veteran Orr Vue now lives a simple and small life, trading snippets of what’s become the most valuable currency: information. So when the cops show up at his door looking for data on a murder he’s not even aware has happened, things get interesting for the first time in 25 years.

At first, Orr is happy to exchange whatever he knows about the demise of InfoDrip’s top exec to buy booze and pay rent on his memory storage, but that plan goes to hell when Orr’s old boyfriend, Auggie Wolf, shows up as the number one suspect. Forced to stretch his atrophied spy skills and take his illegal horde of drones out of retirement alongside his busted knees, Orr finds himself in the crosshairs of the militarized police, a family of megarich corporate heirs, a clan of emancipated AIs, and a cult. Barely avoiding getting killed with every clue he collects, Orr realizes he’s uncovered not just a murder, but a conspiracy that threatens Auggie’s very existence. Ahh, the things we do for love…

But in a world where memories can be bought and sold, how can you truly know who anyone is—or what you yourself are capable of? Fast paced, funny, and shockingly romantic, “Two Truths and a Lie” is Raymond Chandler reinvented for the 22nd century.

EARLY GLOWING REVIEWS

“O’Brien’s (George Washington Is Cash Money) fiction debut is a highly intriguing vision of the near future that examines the role of memory in a functional aspect, which also underscores the utility of forgetting: Funes the Memorious by Jorge Luis Borges meets Total Recall by Philip K. Dick, with a wry narration that balances the grim reality.”- Library Journal’s December Debut of the Month Pick & Starred Review

“A stunning achievement, Two Truths and a Lie is many things at once: a hilarious satire, a gripping thriller, a meditation on memory and identity, and a love story that will have you wiping tears from your eyes, all set in a carnivalesque future where the darkest dreams of capitalism have come true. Like other great comic novelists—Thomas Pynchon, Rachel Yoder, Charles Yu—Cory O’Brien balances humor and pathos to marvelous effect, a literary magician who can do almost anything on the page.” – Scott Guild, author of ‘Plastic’

CORY O’BRIEN AUTHOR TOUR

Tuesday, March 4 – 7p.m. PT:
Mysterious Galaxy | San Diego, CA
In-Person Solo Author Event, followed by Audience Q&A and Book Signing
Address: Mysterious Galaxy Bookstore | 3555 Rosecrans St | Suite 107 | San Diego, CA 92110

Wednesday, March 5 – 4p.m. ET:
WORD | Brooklyn, NY
In-Person Stock Signing
Address: WORD | 126 Franklin St | Brooklyn, NY 11222

Wednesday, March 5 – 7p.m. ET:
POWERHOUSE Arena | Brooklyn, NY
In-Person In Conversation with Mattie Lubchansky, followed by Audience Q&A and Book Signing
Address: POWERHOUSE Arena | 28 Adams St | Brooklyn, NY 11201

Thursday, March 6 – 6:30p.m. ET:
Literati Bookstore | Ann Arbor, MI
In-Person Solo Author Event, followed by Audience Q&A and Book Signing
Address: Literati Bookstore | 124 E Washington St | Ann Arbor, MI 48104

Friday, March 7 – 6:30p.m. CT:
The Book Cellar | Chicago, IL
In-Person Solo Author Event, followed by Audience Q&A and Book Signing
Address: The Book Cellar | 4736 N Lincoln Ave | Chicago, IL 60625

Sunday, March 9 – 4p.m. CT:
Bucket O’ Blood Books and Records | Chicago, IL
In-Person Solo Author Event, followed by Audience Q&A and Book Signing
Address: Bucket O’ Blood Books and Records | 3182 N Elston Ave | Chicago, IL 60618

Wednesday, March 12 – Time TK:
Union League Club of Chicago | Chicago, IL
In-Person Solo Author Event, followed by Audience Q&A and Book Signing
Address: Union League Club of Chicago | 65 W. Jackson Blvd. | Chicago, IL 60604

Saturday, March 15 – 1p.m. CT:
Highland Park Public Library Author Fest X Secret World Books | Highland Park, IL
In-Person Author Fest Event Participation
Address: Highland Park Public Library | 494 Laurel Avenue | Highland Park, IL 60035

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‘Two Truths and a Lie’ release date