New book release: ‘Every Silent Thing’ by Alan Brenham

‘Every Silent Thing’ is the first in The Claire Deveraux series by Alan Brenham. Photo: Amazon

Alan Brenham is the pen name of Alan Behr. He worked as a Texas law enforcement officer for over twenty years and as a criminal prosecutor and later criminal defense attorney for over twenty-five years. He is the author of five published novels. Two of those novels, “Price of Justice” and “Cornered,” have been translated into five foreign languages and published in several countries. “Price of Justice” won several awards including best in police/crime fiction. It also became a top 100 international bestseller. In his new book, “Every Silent Thing,” Claire Deveraux must find a way to help keep her identical twin sister stay alive while she herself is fleeing from a killer who thinks she has some important missing information. It is the first in The Claire Deveraux series. (Amazon, 2023)

“Every Silent Thing”- Shy and deaf, twenty-three-year-old Claire Deveraux has worked hard to land her dream job as a foreign service officer at the U.S. Embassy in Paris. Yet her idyllic life is shattered when she finds a woman lying on the restroom floor dying from a gunshot wound. The dying woman utters three words to Claire and conceals a thumb drive in Claire’s pocket. The items are keys to the location of proceeds from a bank robbery. The killer, certain Claire now has sole possession of those items, must find her, recover the code words and the drive, then kill her before she can solve the puzzle and recover the money. Knowing he is determined to find and kill her, Claire must do whatever she can to keep her heart beating.

New book release: ‘Hearts At War’ by Hélder Fanha Martins

Dive deep into the heart of the Qing dynasty, where the shadowed halls of the imperial palace brim with intrigue and the far reaches of Shangli village resonate with age-old martial arts secrets. Photo: Hélder Fanha Martins, used with permission.

In historical fiction, a fictional story takes place within real historical events. As a big history fan, this is one of my favorite genres, especially when it involves warriors and battles in a faraway land. For fans of the genre, here is a new book release to keep in mind: “Hearts At War” by Hélder Fanha Martins. Readers can journey through China’s captivating cultural fabric, where kung fu is not just a fight, but a philosophy, and where the heart’s silent battles are as fierce as the ones fought in broad daylight. In this vivid epic, ancient wisdom drawn from “The Art of War” fuels a village’s courageous stand against an impending invasion. Sounds exciting, doesn’t it? Find out more, pick up your copy today.

Hélder Fanha Martins stands as a distinguished author who merges the rigorous world of scientific academia with the craft of storytelling. Serving as a professor in Information and Communication Sciences at the Polytechnic University of Lisbon, Hélder’s academic contributions are evident in his notable scientific publications. Yet, his passion extends beyond academia and into the realm of fiction. His work, “Zechariah – Lost in Time, Found in Love,” is a thoughtful sci-fi narrative that delves into the complex relationship between love, destiny, and technology. By challenging the traditional concepts of time and legacy, the novel has garnered attention from readers in both Portuguese and English, urging them to reflect on the deeper implications of their actions through time and space. “Hearts At War,” his second fiction book, is a masterful ode to the indomitable human spirit, illustrating that true power arises not from force, but from the enduring heartbeats of a resilient people. It is available on Amazon in English and Portuguese editions. (Hélder Fanha Martins, 2023)

“Hearts at War” is an immersive fiction epic set in the Qing dynasty, during the reign of Emperor Guangxu and under the shadow of the influential Empress Dowager Cixi. The book is an intricate tapestry of intertwined lives that span from the halls of the imperial palace, a stage for intrigues and corruption, to a remote village called Shangli, where the inhabitants cultivate an almost mystical connection with the land and keep the traditions of Chinese martial arts alive.

The narrative follows Yan, a devoted father and martial arts master, his daughter Mei, a young woman drawn to a broader existence, and Jian, a wandering warrior with a complex past. The fate of the three becomes inexorably intertwined when the village discovers an enigmatic green-blue jade slab, making Shangli a target for a ruthless warlord. As the threat of invasion grows, the village mobilizes in desperate resistance, employing guerrilla tactics and drawing inspiration from concepts in the legendary book “The Art of War.”

The story navigates through the rich cultural tapestry of China, offering an introspective view into kung fu, philosophy, and the eternal struggle between pragmatism and the yearnings of the heart. “Hearts at War” is more than a tale of physical battles; it is a profound exploration of the resilience of the human spirit in the face of the greatest challenges. The book is a celebration of the beauty, culture, and tenacity of a people who find their true strength when confronting seemingly insurmountable adversities.

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Excerpt: ‘Your Heart Was Made For This’ by Oren Jay Sofer

‘Your Heart Was Made for This’ is the upcoming new book by Oren Jay Sofer. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Oren Jay Sofer teaches Buddhist meditation, mindfulness, and communication internationally. He holds a degree in Comparative Religion from Columbia University, is a Certified Trainer of Nonviolent Communication, and a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner for the healing of trauma. Born and raised in New Jersey, he is the author of several books, including the best-selling title “Say What You Mean: A Mindful Approach to Nonviolent Communication” and the latest “Your Heart Was Made For This: Contemplative Practices for Meeting in a World in Crisis with Courage, Integrity, and Love.” His teaching has reached people worldwide through online communication courses and guided meditations. Oren lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with his wife and son, where he enjoys cooking, spending time in nature, and home woodworking projects. “Your Heart Was Made For This: Contemplative Practices for Meeting in a World in Crisis with Courage, Integrity, and Love” will be released November 21, 2023 and is available for pre-order from Amazon.

“Your Heart Was Made For This: Contemplative Practices for Meeting in a World in Crisis with Courage, Integrity, and Love”- from the bestselling author of “Say What You Mean” and meditation teacher comes a pragmatic guide to living a life of meaning and purpose in a time of great social, environmental, and spiritual upheaval. Through touching stories, insightful reflections, and concrete instructions, Sofer offers powerful tools to strengthen our hearts and nourish the qualities that can transform our world. Each chapter guides you to cultivate a quality essential to personal and social transformation like mindfulness, resolve, wonder, and empathy. You will learn ways to find more choice and freedom in life, strengthen focus, sustain energy, and accomplish goals, identify burnout and take steps to renew yourself, imbue your daily activities with clarity and vitality, and respond more effectively to collective challenges.

Excerpt from “Your Heart Was Made for This: Contemplative Practices for Meeting a World in Crisis with Courage, Integrity, and Love” © 2023 by Oren Jay Sofer. Reprinted in arrangement with Shambhala Publications, Inc. Boulder, CO.

“Your heart was made for love: for connection, belonging, and meaningful relationship with other people, beings, and the earth. Your heart was made to give and receive; to know joy, purpose, and freedom. All of this is possible for you and for each of us. Yet painful emotions, ignorance, and oppressive conditions disconnect us from our hearts’ potential. The flow of this love has encountered obstacles from the beginning, but perhaps never more so than now. Our ancestors’ village was not the global village of the twenty-first century with its seemingly infinite complexities and pressures, nor did we evolve to engage with social media algorithms or constant alerts of tragedy. How do we reclaim our birthright to love while navigating a complex world in crisis? How do we make love our guide?

The Buddha long ago taught that we can shape our inner lives: “Whatever the mind frequently thinks upon and ponders, that will become its inclination.” Our thoughts, feelings, and intentions grow into habits and over time settle into our character. Contemplative practice roots itself in this power to mold the heart and thus renew ourselves. Today, we call this “neuroplasticity.” If we do not shape the heart, the world will do it for us, and the world does not have our highest welfare in mind.

The tide of modern society floods us with incessant pressures, demands, and desires. On a personal level, urgency, confusion, and fear spin us in a blur, grind us down, and sap our energy. On a global level, war, social unrest, and a growth-driven economy sweep through our communities, setting us on a course for violence and ecocide. It takes steady, continuous effort to swim against these currents, make choices based on our values, and turn the tide together.

We are living through a mass extinction of our own making. The climate crisis, the rise of fascism and the erosion of democracy, the COVID-19 pandemic, the ongoing trauma of injustice and oppression rooted in colonialism—these are our present reality. What will be our legacy? We are capable of beauty, but we destroy; we embody elegance, but are soaked in blood. Some days, it’s a lot just to get out of bed in the morning.

And, our actions matter, individually and collectively. Every action plants a seed. Some seeds bear fruit in this lifetime, while others lie dormant for generations. We harvest the fruit of our ancestors’ actions—for good and for ill— and our choices today shape the future.

How do we meet our challenges and choose wisely? To truly meet something is to encounter it with awareness, enter into relationship with it, and respond appropriately. How we respond when we contact pain, sorrow, and injustice? Do we become broken, embittered, lost, or frozen? Do we lash out in anger, fear, or hatred, adding fuel to the fire? Or are we able to find the balance and clarity to meet the suffering of our world with tenderness, wisdom, and skillful action?

Responding effectively depends on training the heart and developing inner resources. We may not recognize it, but we are always practicing something. Our thoughts, words, and actions shape us. Each one creates a trickle of water flowing downhill, carving a channel in the fertile soil of our heart and mind. If you practice feeling anxious, stressed, and agitated, you etch those grooves deeper. If you practice patience, kindness, and ease, with every moment you grow stronger. In fact, these heart qualities can become your default orientation so that, when hardships arise, you draw not on old reactions but on new strengths.

Like an ecosystem recovering its innate balance, when we stop adding pollutants and seed the proper species, the process of awakening begins to flower in our hearts. Nourishing the heart is joyful. Remembering our potential and aligning ourselves with our deepest vision for life can happen in any moment, and can be filled with lightness and beauty. This is contemplative practice.

Such practice cultivates reflective, critical awareness and explores meaning, value, and purpose. It includes the arts, ritual, storytelling, relationship, and meditation, and it can provide the strength and clarity necessary to engage skillfully with the immense problems of our times— to mourn what we have lost, heal what we can heal, and transform what calls for change. If we are to adapt and grow, if we are to survive and create a better world, we need inner resources to meet our challenges.”

Author Oren Jay Sofer. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
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New book release: ‘Nolanverse: Exploring the Greatest Illusion in Movie History’ by Robert E. Eliot

‘Nolanverse: Exploring the Greatest Illusion in Movie History: An Unauthorized New Analysis of The Dark Knight Rises’ by Robert E. Eliot. Photo: Robert E. Eliot, used with permission.

In the world of superheroes, Batman is arguably one of the most famous one in the DC Universe. There have been numerous movies made to bring him to the big screen, including The Dark Knight trilogy. This set of Christopher Nolan Batman movies consists of Batman Begins, The Dark Knight, and The Dark Knight Rises. While The Dark Knight Rises was an exciting movie, the ending left us with more questions than answers. If you are a fan of the trilogy, today’s new book release might interest you: “Nolanverse: Exploring the Greatest Illusion in Movie History: An Unauthorized New Analysis of The Dark Knight Rises.” Robert E. Eliot delves deep into the movie and examines it from every angle in an effort to fully understand the meaning of that enigmatic ending. It is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other book retailers.

Robert E. Eliot is also the author of “Mi Negro Amigo: An Unauthorized New Analysis of Tarantino’s The Hateful Eight.” His new book “Nolanverse: Exploring the Greatest Illusion in Movie History: An Unauthorized New Analysis of The Dark Knight Rises” analyses the ending of that final Batman movie. He lives and works in the great state of Washington and looks forward to writing additional nonfiction books in the future. (Robert E. Eliot, 2023)

“Nolanverse: Exploring the Greatest Illusion in Movie History: An Unauthorized New Analysis of The Dark Knight Rises.” – The Dark Knight Rises holds a distinguished place in twenty-first-century cinema as the monumental conclusion to Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy. And as millions of moviegoers around the world know, one of the most glaring aspects of the film is the way that it concludes—with the type of sensational ending that seems engineered for generating plenty of discussion beyond the movie theater.

For too long, fans have had to live with a highly unsatisfactory explanation of that ending—an explanation that is content to simply twist facts to suit theories. But what if we were to let good old-fashioned common sense have a say about the fate of Gotham’s legendary hero the Batman at the height of the film’s chilling climax?

What if the grand finale to one of the most important motion picture trilogies of all time is seriously different from what audiences have long supposed? What if there is still so much more to discover?

“A breath of fresh air for fans of the Dark Knight trilogy who have long pondered the mysteries surrounding the fate of Batman in the film’s climax. … A truly fascinating read. … If you’re a fan of Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy or simply enjoy thought-provoking film analysis, then definitely get yourself a copy of Nolanverse today.” – K.C. Finn, Readers’ Favorite

“Eliot’s work forays beyond a standard analysis and really places the grand finale of the Dark Knight trilogy under a microscope, expertly examining every angle while bringing in numerous Christopher Nolan ventures, like Memento and Inception, to probe the mind of the iconic filmmaker. … With almost surgical precision, Eliot guides readers through … a thought-provoking debate on whether … Nolan has pulled off perhaps the greatest illusion in cinematic history. While Eliot starts with the ending, his critique is incredibly comprehensive.” – US Review of Books

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New book release: ‘The Ultimate Guide You Need to Making Homemade Dog Food and Treats’ by Sarah Smith Hansen

‘The Ultimate Guide You Need to Making Homemade Dog Food and Treats’ is the new book by Sarah Smith Hansen that contains easy, delicious, and nutritious recipes for dogs of every breed. Photo: Amazon

Dogs have become a big part of our lives, and now more than ever, we take care of them and treat them like family. This includes being careful about what we feed them even if it means making homemade meals especially for them. If you care about your dog’s wellbeing, including what ingredients are best for them, understanding their nutritional needs, and which harmful ingredients to avoid, today’s new book release is just for you. “The Ultimate Guide You Need to Making Homemade Dog Food and Treats” by Sarah Smith Hansen is every dog owner’s resource guide to taking proper care of your animal companion. It is available now on Amazon.

Sarah Smith Hansen is a dedicated advocate for animal welfare and nutrition. With a background in animal science and over a decade of experience in the pet food industry, she has witnessed the importance of providing healthy, homemade food for dogs. Sarah’s passion for improving the lives of pets and their owners led her to write a comprehensive guide on crafting nutritious meals for dogs. She resides in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and two beloved dogs, finding inspiration in nature and her love for cooking. Through her work, Sarah aims to empower pet owners to provide the best nutrition for their furry companions. Her new book “The Ultimate Guide You Need to Making Homemade Dog Food and Treats,” is about providing a comprehensive resource for dog owners who want to ensure their pets have a happy and healthy life through proper nutrition. (Sarah Smith Hansen, 2023)

“The Ultimate Guide You Need to Making Homemade Dog Food and Treats” – this book addresses several common concerns and motivations dog owners might have, such as the desire for a more cost-effective and healthier alternative to commercial pet food, concerns about the safety and impact of commercial pet food, and the complexities of preparing homemade dog food.

The author, Sarah Smith Hansen, who is an advocate for animal welfare and nutrition, shares over 170 homemade dog food recipes and provides guidance on portion sizes for different dog breeds. The book also covers common mistakes to avoid, answers various questions about making homemade dog food, offers budget-friendly options, and provides tailored recipes for dogs with specific health conditions or dietary requirements.

Readers can expect to learn about ingredients to avoid, the importance of vitamins and minerals, and how to balance macronutrients in their dog’s diet. The book is designed for dog owners of all cooking skill levels, even those with no prior cooking experience. It aims to empower readers to take control of their dog’s nutrition and create nutritious and delicious meals and treats.

In summary, the book is a comprehensive guide that equips dog owners with the knowledge and recipes needed to make homemade dog food and treats that promote their dog’s well-being and happiness.

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New book release: ‘Nadia Boulanger: War Years in America and Her Last Decades’ by James Whipple Miller

‘Nadia Boulanger: War Years in America and Her Last Decades’ is the new release from James Whipple Miller. Photo: Chestnut Hill Press

Nadia Boulanger was a French music teacher and conductor. She taught many of the leading composers and musicians of the 20th century and performed occasionally as a pianist and organist. If you are interested in learning more about this highly influential music teacher, check out this new biography from James Whipple Miller – “Nadia Boulanger: War Years in America and Her Last Decades” which includes 227 letters exchanged over four decades between Boulanger and her close friend and disciple Ruth Robbins. It is available through Chestnut Hill Press.

Author James Whipple Miller was a professor of Comparative Literature and Classical Chinese at UC Berkeley. He served as editor- in-chief of financial and technology publications in Silicon Valley, leading to relationships with investors and technical innovators, in turn leading to decades in start-up business finance and directorships on many boards. He now invests his time in editing and writing projects far removed from finance, business, and Silicon Valley. His new book “Nadia Boulanger: War Years in America and Her Last Decades” is the first biographical study of the great French master teacher’s last half of life. (Chestnut Hill Press, 2023)

“Nadia Boulanger: War Years in America and Her Last Decades” – From this unique record between an extraordinary teacher and her student, we gain deep and new insights into Boulanger’s beliefs and feelings, and how they changed as she faced the challenges of aging. Another intimate perspective on Boulanger comes from her favorite post-war student Idil Biret who vividly describes her resistance to Boulanger’s rigidity.

It was released on October 19 and has received rave advanced reviews:

“Cause for celebration!”-Thomas Wolf, Liner Notes Magazine

“This wonderful collection of letters and well-researched commentary will fascinate musicians, music lovers, or any reader interested in the life and legacy of a 20th-century musical titan!” -Clare Longendyke, Classical Concert Pianist

“A labor of love that ably explores the relationship among three women and their shared love of music.”-Kirkus Review

“Invaluable insight into a less-known period of Nadia Boulanger’s life, helping fill out a comprehensive picture of her later years.”-Nicholas Phan, Opera Lyric Tenor

“As a performer of her works, I have long admired Nadia Boulanger. This four-decade exchange of letters reveal her beautiful qualities as a teacher and person.”-Miriam K. Smith, Classical Cellist

Chestnut Hill Press is an independent publisher dedicated to promoting global understanding through distinctive new books in literature, art, and music.

Book review: ‘Embracing God in the Right Perspective with the Right Foundation of Faith in Him’ by Chris Tham

‘Embracing God in the Right Perspective With the Right Perspective In Him’ by Chris Tham. Photo: Amazon

Chris Tham, a firm believer in the Gospel of Light through Christ Jesus, believes that the greatest joy in life is to discover man’s truthful identity in God and that every living soul in the history of mankind is a child of God. In this book, he writes about how we can discover our true identity in the spiritual realm and how our identity relates to God.

When it comes to religious studies, there are many books out there that can guide readers in their search for a deeper understanding of the Bible. What makes this one different is that it is an intense study of Christianity, God, and everything in between. At over 500 pages and 14 chapters such as Who is God and Who Are You and Who Are The Evil Spirits?, it is not meant to be read straight through; it is a reference guide meant as a companion in studying the Bible. It is heavy in Bible verses and references and often compares biblical themes such as sin, hell, and heaven according to the Bible, the Torah, and the Quran, different religions, and even offers atheist and agnostic views. The goal here is not to convert anyone, because the author is not in preacher mode. He is merely informing readers about intellectual concepts such as personal identity and destiny using biblical verses in a language most readers can understand. Most importantly, it “serves as a good text material for interfaith dialogue.” Some of his views are unconventional and may ruffle some feathers, so it helps to read it with an open mind. For example, he gives the undeniable historical fact that Germany was a Christian country under Adolf Hitler and questions why this was, if “the spirit of God desires for peace and not bloodshed among mankind.”

One highlight is Chapter 3 Knowledge Versus Truth which ponders the question that if we have stubbornly held onto strong beliefs with a closed mind all our lives, how can we differentiate between “is it knowledge or is it the truth.” Overall, it is a heavily researched teaching tool with graphics and bulleted lists that can be useful even for anyone who wants to delve into these topics. It is recommended for readers who like instructional books about the Bible, Christianity, and spirituality and appreciate different viewpoints.

“Before we came into this world, were we given the option to choose which country we wanted to be born in or which family we wanted to be born to? Therefore, some of us are predestined to go to heaven and some are predestined to end up in hell? Once again, is this the divine biblical truth?”

“Embracing God in the Right Perspective with the Right Foundation of Faith in Him” is available on Amazon, eSentral, Goodreads, and Authors Reading.

*This is an honest and heartfelt review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to the reviewer.

Upcoming new book release: ‘Apropos of Running’ by Charles Moore

‘Apropos of Running’ is the new memoir by Charles Moore. Photo: Charles Moore, used with permission.

Memoirs provide an insight into a world that we might not otherwise experience, whether it is from the viewpoint of a celebrity, musician, or athlete. If you are a fan of memoirs, especially sports memoirs, today’s new book release by Charles Moore might interest you. “Apropos of Running” is the story of a world-class marathoner who completed all six of the Abbott World Marathon Majors. Charles Moore brings to light his experiences as a Black man in the world of marathons in this insightful memoir. So if you enjoy these types of books, put this one on your to read list. With a release date of November 5, it will be available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Charles Moore has published work on the subject of contemporary arts and related topics on Artnet, Artsy, and Cultured Magazine, and many other places. Based in New York City, he graduated from Harvard University and is currently a doctoral student at Columbia University. His new book “Apropos of Running” is a timely and unforgettable memoir of long-distance running and an essential testament to the persistence and power of Black marathon runners and how one man transformed his life and the sport of running just by showing up at the starting line time after time. (Charles Moore, 2023)

“Apropos of Running” – Based on Charles Moore’s experience running 24 marathons between 2016- 2023, this memoir is both a celebration of his journey to become a 24-time marathon runner and a candid, deeply personal interrogation of how race and culture are intertwined. The author explores the lack of diversity in marathoning, as he came face to face with the predominant myth that “Black people don’t run marathons.” From international races in major cities across Asia, Europe and the United States, including his native Detroit, he is confronted with not only the racial history of America, but the racialized history of the sport he had devoted his life to. Moore is one of the few to address the Venn diagram of Blackness and long-distance running.

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New book release: ‘Child of Dawn’ by Leslie Ann Lee

‘Child of Dawn’ is the exciting new fantasy adventure novel by Leslie Ann Lee. Photo: Amazon

The beauty of fantasy novels is that they transport us to other world, some with elves, others with vampires, but they are always filled with wonder and magic. Now that the days are getting shorter, why not curl up with a good book and if you love fantasy novels, today’s new release might just cast a spell on you. “Child of Dawn” by Leslie Ann Lee is the story of Dagsbrún and Anda who are completely different but when they meet, they begin an adventure that will change their lives in ways they never imagined. So if you enjoy books filled with magic, adventure, elves, vampires, and romance, pick up a copy today and find out what happens in a story that begins when an elf and a vampire fall in love. “Child of Dawn” is available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle version.

Leslie Ann Lee is an author whose love affair with the written word began at the age of six. She graduated with a BA in English and an MA in Literary Humanities and the love affair with writing continues to this day. She sees stories like films played in her head. As of today, she has self-published three other novels, a children’s book, and a non-fiction retrospect of religious life growing up in a conservative church. Early on in her adult writing career, she was recognized for her poetry with several awards and had the honor of having one of her poems published in a state-wide poem anthology. She has also won recognition for a few of her short stories. Her new book “Child Of Dawn” is set in the world of the Vale, which is ruled by elves and vampires and is destined for destruction unless a prophecy can be fulfilled and two individuals who are completely opposite can find something in common.

“Child of Dawn” – The Vale is a place ruled by magic and governed by elves and vampires. They have warred with one another for millennia, forbidden to associate, much less fall in love, until one elf and one vampire do.

Thus begins the tale of their son, Dagsbrún, forced to be carried to another world beyond their barrier of magic, also called the Vale. Here, he is raised by an elven relative. Half-elf, half-vampire, he is hunted because of his need for blood but cannot be killed. He grows embittered and torments himself because he is called a “monster” and a “murderer.”

And then, one day, his gypsy servant brings a girl to his remote castle. A girl, who much like him, is thought to be a curse simply because she is different. Anda is the daughter of a human father and elven mother who crossed over into the human world by accident during a storm. Anda possesses her mother’s magic but does not know how to control it. She is forced to flee for her life, thus arriving at Dagsbrún’s home.

Here, his grandfather, Gammel, the elf who fled with him when he was an infant, reveals to them that they are part of a prophecy that must be fulfilled to save the Vale from destruction. Anda must learn to control and use her magic, and Dagsbrún must learn to face his fear of losing the one individual who sees beyond his darkness.

Together, they cross over into the realm of elf and vampire and embark on an adventure that will take them through both the ethereal land of the elves and the dark wasteland of the vampire. Anda must fulfill her role in the prophecy or die trying. And Dagsbrún must come to terms with a heart that is slowly learning to beat with an undying love.

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Book review: ‘Runway Dreams: A Fox in the Fold’ by T.K. Ambers

‘Runway Dreams: A Fox in the Fold’ is the new murder mystery novel by T.K. Ambers. Photo: Amazon

T.K. Ambers is the award-winning author of “Runway Dreams: A Pricey Affair.” Her novel has been recognized in four different award competitions and took second place in the Pencraft Awards, Women’s Fiction category. Her eighth-grade English teacher loved her work and pushed her to publish. Though writing has always been her passion, it took nearly eighteen years before she decided to follow her teacher’s guidance. T.K. has a love for nature, travel, photography, concerts, off-roading, and hiking and aside from her novels, she runs a website on travel and life.  She lives in New Richmond, Wisconsin with her husband and two cats: Bellatrix and Kit. In her new novel “Runway Dreams: A Fox in the Fold,” everywhere Bell Price goes, death is stalking and toying with her. (Amazon, 2023)

“Runway Dreams: A Fox in the Fold” – The story begins with a Prologue that takes place overseas as a young lady is taken away to a new life. This is book two in the Runway Dreams series, so the events take place a few days after. Bell Price wants nothing more than peace, quiet, and a drama-free life for her family. With Martin now in custody, she thinks the worst is behind her but life has a few surprises for her. The last thing she suspects when she goes to the local police precinct is that the prior week’s horrors are only the start of what is headed her way. Gunshots ring out in the early hours of the morning and a scream pierces the air. It is now clear that an unknown assailant is stalking her with revenge in mind. Family, friends, and even innocent bystanders get caught in the middle as she is in danger no matter where she goes. She grows increasingly suspicious of everyone around her and finds it hard to trust anyone. Will Bell and her siblings be able to catch the stalker before one of them becomes the next victim? With their parents now gone, they must work together in spite of the increasing danger to finally have the much needed peace they all deserve.

The drama continues in the next installment of the Runway Dreams saga as the family of models is still in danger. Even though Martin is already in jail, someone out there is bound and determined to get revenge in his name. Danger and violence seems to follow the siblings wherever they go and just goes to prove that being rich and privileged does not protect anyone from the dangers of the real world, even with bodyguards and safe houses. The author brilliantly combines the action and suspense of a murder mystery with the glamour of the fashion industry, including fashion shows, parties, and traveling. Her writing style is beautifully descriptive: “A blood-curdling scream ripped through the early morning stillness” and brings the action to life. Thanks in part to it being highly dialogue driven, the story flows easily through the pages and makes this an easy read. Even though the characters can be considered privileged, they are still relatable due to the extensive character development, showing that everyone has drama in their lives and toxic relationships affect everyone, regardless of socioeconomic levels. As far as the murder mystery part is concerned, everyone is a suspect and there are plenty of plot twists to keep readers guessing. The young lady in the Prologue becomes relevant towards the end and perfectly wraps up it all up. Overall, “Runway Dreams: A Fox in the Fold” is a must read mystery novel and is recommended for readers who appreciate mystery, comedy, and psychological suspense fiction.

“The storm may have been outside, but it was raining inside the limo as a waterfall of silent emotion washed away their pain.”

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

Rating: 4 out of 5.