Category: book releases

New book release: ‘The Key on Edge’ by Michael J Piatt

‘The Key on Edge’ is the thrilling new novel by Michael J. Piatt. Photo: Amazon

Abstract topics such as creativity, creative thinking, and innovation can sometimes be difficult to comprehend. This is why it is so refreshing when experts in those fields feel the need to share their knowledge with the general public, especially young readers. Today’s new book release is by Michael J. Piatt, whose profession as an inventor spans multiple decades and strongly believes that creativity is a skill that can be nurtured. In “The Key on Edge,” mystical images from the past are intertwined with present-day realities that are just too coincidental to be real—or are they? A small town, a gang of friends, the courage to discover, and too many mysterious coincidences to be real, make this exciting adventure come to life for all who dare. The faceted edges of the key are destined to heighten individual creativity throughout this work. As you enter the world of the Sharefield Gang you do so at your own risk. Discovery is not for the faint of heart! It may be geared towards young readers, but even adults can learn from the self-help instructional material offered within the pages of this gripping narrative.

Michael J. Piatt, is a seasoned technologist and prolific inventor, now turned author. He has made creativity a lifestyle and is the author of over 130 US patents. He wants to share lessons learned with the younger generation, knowing that they will face problems that do not yet exist. He has a passion for fostering creativity in youthful minds. Through his books, he aspires to make a positive impact by sharing decades of life lessons in the art of innovation. His new book “The Key on Edge” combines his heartfelt enthusiasm for storytelling with his dedication to encouraging creative potential. It is Illustrated by Juan Giraldo. All profits from this book go to educational charities. The book is available on Amazon, select Barnes and Noble stores, and can be ordered from most bookstores. (Michael J. Piatt, 2023)

“The world around us is evolving faster than ever, driven by a cascade of new technologies. Maybe I can help in a small way to equip the next generation with the tools necessary to flourish in this dynamic landscape.” – Michael J. Piatt

More on the author: LinkedIn Instagram

“The Key on Edge” This YA mystery is about a group of six 9th grade students in a small town. Their school play comes to life, and all sorts of other mysterious things start to happen as they climb Majestic Mountain, work in an old mansion, play an antique computer game, and save their beloved dog Grand Paw. Throughout the book, they work together to creatively solve problems and get out of jams, until they discover just who wrote the script to that play. The book teaches the creative thinking process. It is the first in a series of Sharefield Gang adventures. Discussion Notes are provided at the end to allow readers to further explore their own creative abilities.

Discover how “The Key on Edge” unlocks a lifetime of intrigue and wonder. Understanding and practicing creative thinking are the backbones of this uplifting and inspiring mystery novel. So, delve into the unknown, embrace the magic, and let your imagination soar. It will leave you questioning what lies beyond today and will ignite a sense of curiosity and excitement that will stay with you long after the final pages.

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♬ original sound – Author Michael J.

Book of the week: ‘Reunion’ by Scott Moss

‘Reunion’ by Scott Moss is a novel about love, friendships, and the secrets we all keep. Photo: Amazon

Continuing on the topic of the afterlife, a medium is a person who claims to be able to contact and speak to people who are dead and pass messages between them and people who are still alive. Now I do not know if I believe in mediums, I have never met one, but I like to keep an open mind. This is the topic of Scott Moss’ book “Reunion.” Robert and Mike went to high school together but were just acquaintances. At their high school reunion, they both come across the women they had crushes on in high school. They become close after that, but both Mike and Robert are harboring deep secrets. These secrets are big and will determine whether the relationships they have will last and will eventually affect Jessica and Samantha in big ways. So if you enjoy romantic fantasy books about mediums and angels and spirit guides, give this one a try. “Reunion” is available on Amazon.

Scott Moss has worked in the medical field for over 30 years. He is familiar with life and death and has been in the room many times as people crossed over. Scott has been writing for years. He specializes in adult fiction and children’s books. His passion for life provides his unique literary spark. Scott enjoys making people laugh and bringing out the best in everyone he meets. Scott’s most interesting character trait is his sense of humor. That is what makes the books he writes so much fun to read. Mr. Moss is not religious by any means. In fact, he does not believe in organized religion. He likes to cover serious topics with a flare for the funny side of all things. His book “Reunion” is a story of second chances and representative of how love works at its own pace. (Scott Moss, 2023)

“Reunion” is about four friends who find themselves single at their 20-year reunion and rekindle their high school friendships. This page turner has it all: suspense, love, relationships rekindled, and deep secrets.

Mike is a successful entrepreneur who has recently lost his wife to breast cancer. Robert, a medium who can communicate to the individuals in the afterlife, is having difficulty maintaining a relationship because of his abilities. He receives a message from Mike’s wife but feels it is too soon to reveal it. Robert also has communicated with previous classmate Samantha’s husband, who lost his life in Afghanistan. Jessica, a single mom of three, was attracted to Mike in high school but they never found the timing to be right. With the help of Robert’s abilities as a medium, the four find long-lasting love.

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New book release: ‘Black’ by Skyler Van Kirk

‘Black’ is the exciting new novel by Skyler Van Kirk. Photo: Skyler Van Kirk, used with permission.

I am excited about today’s new book release news. It combines historical and speculative fiction. Stories in speculative fiction take place in a setting other than the real world, a parallel universe of sorts. These are some of the most artistic works of literature because they immerse the reader in either futuristic, dystopian, or imagined worlds. Now picture, if you will, a novel that puts forth the question: is the chief in the oval room really in charge, or is it the fury of the people that fuels the country? In Skyler Van Kirk’s “Black,” the time is coming when the Commander in-Chief will be in direct confrontation with the potent retribution of the people. Sounds exciting, right? If you enjoy the types of novels that explore such topics, pick up your copy today. It is available on Amazon.

Skyler Van Kirk’s journey began in the heart of a sprawling urban wilderness. The raw material of fantasy, woven into the very fabric of this concrete jungle, was the crucible that forged his inspiration to awe-inspiring heights. From those pulsating streets, his words ascended. The strokes of his pen metamorphosed into narratives of passion, love, epic drama, and heart-wrenching tragedy. What was once a pursuit of artistic expression has now become a relentless odyssey to push the boundaries of his readers’ emotions to their limits. When it comes to the sky, it does not get any higher! His new book, “Black,” is about the true power of the Commander-in-Chief and what happens when the pale faces behind the most protected building on the planet have to face the vengeance of the people who built it. (Skyler Van Kirk, 2023)

“Black” – In the past, dreams were taken away by force. Labor was forced and ran by profit. This country was built on a billion-dollar business. Laws were made to keep certain people mentally and physically broken. Families were ripped apart, all for the fortune of this country. Women were used, men were emasculated, and children became the worst victims. Yet, through all of this, they survived. One day they became free, or did they?

In the present, it seems that in generations down the line, certain people are still fighting for the American dream. It is supposed to be better, yet it is not. It is supposed to be easier but it is not. Our children learn that with their ancestors this country would not exist. The people in power are fighting hard to hide their dirty little secrets. People in power are going as low as to rename what really happened to so many people. The one word that still haunts them is “Slavery.”

Now here we are in the future, and things have actually changed. We have our first female president in history. The commander-in-chief is a woman, a woman who is supposed to be a beacon of hope. Yet, just like in the past with every action, there is a reaction. Our newly elected president really thinks she can solve this country’s number one problem. A problem that has been growing for decades, “Debt.”

Regrettably, that ember of hope has morphed into a venomous mirage, adorned by people dressed in powerful deceptive lies. The Commander-in-Chief, seated atop the pinnacle of universal power, desperately clings to a perilous conviction: Only by rebirthing relics from the darkest past of history can she exorcise the unsurmountable national debt.

The past seems to fade into the dark hushed abyss, vanishing like a fridged whisper in the night, while it unfurls its mighty wings. A vengeful lineage, no longer willing to be pawns in the government’s game, stands fortified. No longer shall the heavens rain down fire and brimstone upon, for this time this generation will go to war.

The ancestors of this country were scared by new land and therefore forced into shackles. Now, the juggernaut of a government must finally come face to face and grapple with a nation that has thrown on war paint like the gladiators of yesteryears. How then, will a governance contend with the people who hold them up? The People are finally awake from years of slumber and refuse to yield.

Welcome to black.

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New book release: ‘The Deseret Reckoning’ by Matthew L. Huffman

‘The Deseret Reckoning’ is the thrilling new novel by Matthew L.. Huffman. Photo: Amazon

While I like all types of books, one of my favorite genres is historical fiction because I love history. Historical fiction features a story that takes place in or involves a historically important time period. Today’s new book release, “The Deseret Reckoning” by Matthew L Huffman centers around Susan, an ambitious young woman at the Smithsonian Museum whose life takes a surprising turn when she discovers a series of letters dating back to 1870 that involve a wagon train and a hidden mine. With plenty of action and adventure, this suspenseful work of literary fiction is available on Amazon and is sure to please fans of the genre.

Matthew L. Huffman is an avid fly fisherman, a dedicated western states traveler, outdoorsman, and writer. He is a full time professional land surveyor in the front range areas of Colorado, where he calls Arvada home. Huffman holds a Bachelor’s Degree from The University of South Florida, a philosophy major. A Pandemic novella, “Of Dice and Men” (2019), was his first published work. “The Deseret Reckoning” (2023) is his first full-length novel. This latest stunning release is a tale based in history and told through the eyes of Susan Kingsley, a shy yet bold museum assistant in the midst of change, displacement, and growth. (Matthew L Huffman, 2023)

“The Deseret Reckoning” – Susan Kingsley is a historical acquisitions assistant with career ambitions at the Smithsonian Museum. She shares an apartment with her ex-husband, FBI special agent Andrew Harrison. Susan has discovered copies of a series of letters from 1870 describing a wagon train from Santa Fe, New Mexico, bound for the Deseret Territory, the Mormon lands prior to Utah statehood, and a hidden mine.

The new owner of the letters, twenty-seven-year-old Tom Sullivan, a distant relative of the recipient, joins two older friends on a camping trip to discover the source of the letters. While Susan tracks Tom and his letters across Colorado, Wyoming, and Utah, Andrew tails her every step. After a chance encounter with Kat, a friendly face at a challenging time, a bolder, fiercer Susan emerges.

As Susan’s character arc grows, Andrew’s arc delves from petty disagreements to all-out fraud and deception, a cop with a grudge. What secrets will be revealed? What has been hidden in the mine? Will Susan succeed, or will Andrew sabotage her efforts and commit the ultimate crime?

“This irresistible novel manages the curious trick of making the reader want to stand up and cheer… A transformative tale of personal reinvention from a masterful storyteller.” – Kirkus Reviews (Kirkus Star)

“… a thoughtful but well-paced adventure… raising the stakes, right till the end. This novel is as much a journey of self discovery and newfound determination as it is a quest for retracing a historical trail.” –BookLife

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New book release: ‘Let the Devil In’ by Maeve McKnight

‘Let the Devil In’ is the new novel by Maeve McKnight. Photo: Amazon

Romance novels are some of the most popular books and come in a variety of sub-genres. They are often a guilty pleasure because they are usually easy to read and immerse the reader in a world where a person, or a couple, overcome adversity to obtain their happily every after. On that subject, today’s new book release is “Let the Devil In” by Maeve McKnight. This romance e-book centers around Agatha, whose world is rattled when she meets a mysterious man who makes her feel emotions she does not feel for the man is supposed to be marrying. Want to find out what other surprises life has in store for her? Order your copy today, this title is available on Amazon Kindle.

Maeve McKnight is a working woman by day and a romance writer by night. She longs to bring life to the characters in her head and introduce them to the world. She has been married for ten years to her supportive husband and is a mother to a young child and a Yorkshire Terrier. (Maeve McKnight, 2023)

“Let the Devil In” – Agatha had her life planned for her by both her parents and society. She was to be married to the richest family in town. She feels nothing for her new fiancée but it doesn’t matter in a world that only cares about money and climbing the social ladder. However, a strange man she never met makes her feel alive. He then offers her a deal. Will she make the right choice?

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New book release: ‘The Life And Times of Vinny The Pug’ by Allen Y Kimble, Jr.

‘The Life And Times of Vinny The Pug’ is the new picture book by Allen Y Kimble, Jr. Photo: Allen Y Kimble, Jr., used with permission.

It is no doubt that canine companions play a big part in our lives. They become family and family stays together no matter what life throws at us. This includes having to relocate to another city, even another state, in search of better opportunities. Such is the case of Vinny The Pug. When the family had to move from Florida to Arizona after the September 11 attacks, Vinny had to adjust from living in lush and green surroundings to an arid desert. He adapted to his new home, of course, and even learned to pose atop boulders. Follow Vinny’s journey in the new picture book “The Life And Times of Vinny The Pug” by Allen Yhorst Kimble Jr. Perfect for dog lovers everywhere, it includes pictures and coloring projects and is suitable for all ages and is available on Amazon. Learn more about the Kickstarter campaign.

Allen Y Kimble Jr is a native of New Orleans, Louisiana and grew up in the mid-1950s. Upon turning a young man, he entered the United States Air Force and served one year in Vietnam, eight years in Asia, and a total of 11 years total service time. While in South East Asia, he picked up photography as a hobby, which he still enjoys today. In 2001, he acquired a little pug in Orlando, Florida and named him Vinny. As a result of the 9-11 Terrorist Attacks, he took the family out west to Phoenix where Vinny learned to climb and pose atop boulders. His new book “The Life And Times of Vinny The Pug” is a picture story book of his best friend Vinny. (Allen Yhorst Kimble Jr, 2023)

“The Life And Times of Vinny The Pug” – This is a true-life picture book of the life and times of Vinny The Pug. It began on September 12, 2001 following the terrorist attacks on New York and Washington. Florida’s economy was left in shambles after the attacks. Overnight Orlando’s tourism industry ground to a halt, forcing Vinny’s human to move the family. They went out west to Arizona to find better employment opportunities.

When they arrived, Vinny was still just a puppy, not yet one year old. However, he was mature enough to be surprised by what he saw. Arizona was very different from what he remembered back home in Florida. Orlando was lush with greenery; there were trees, vegetation, and lakes everywhere. All at once it hit the little pug; his new home in Phoenix, Arizona was in the desert. This book of photographs shows how the little pug adapted to the harsh realities of living in Arizona. It shows how Vinny The Pug came to appreciate his new home in the the desert. Before a year had passed, he had even launched a challenge to set a new Guinness World Record.

Vinny The Pug’s picture book is an enjoyable experience that will work well in classrooms. It is suitable for all ages from 5 through adults.

It includes:
• 50 – Color Pictures
• 87 – Black & White Graphic Arts
• 8.5″ x 11″ pages for best viewing
• Includes coloring projects

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Vinny The Pug. Photo: Allen Y Kimble, Jr., used with permission.

New book release: ‘Roadside: One Man’s Look at the Afterlife’ by Scott Moss

‘Roadside: One Man’s Look at the Afterlife’ is the new book by Scott Moss. Photo: Amazon

When it comes to the afterlife, everyone has their viewpoints. While some believe death is final, others believe in heaven/hell and reincarnation. Regardless of where you fall in this topic, we have all seen those roadside memorials and wonder about the story behind them. Today’s new book, “Roadside: One Man’s Look at the Afterlife” by Scott Moss centers around Scott, a man who possesses spiritual abilities after being in an accident and experiencing a near death experience. This intriguing book will make you look at these roadside memorials differently and hopefully help you understand why they are so important to people grieving a loved one. Read all about Scott’s amazing new purpose in life – “Roadside: One Man’s Look at the Afterlife” is available on Amazon.

Scott Moss has worked in the medical field for over 30 years. He is familiar with life and death and has been in the room many times as people crossed over. This is his take on what might happen when you cross over. The interesting thing about Scott is his sense of humor. That makes the books he writes fun to read. Mr. Moss is not religious by any means. In fact, he does not believe in organized religion. He likes to cover serious topics with a flare for the funny side of all things. (Scott Moss, 2023)

“Roadside: One Man’s Look at the Afterlife”– Scott is a blue-collar worker who is in charge of street illumination. One day while he is up in the cherry picker 30 feet up in the air, a driver in a semi-truck has a fatal heart attack and hits the back of his truck. He is thrown from the basket and is critically injured from the fall. He spends weeks in a coma, then a couple of months in rehab. On the way home from the hospital, he sees a guy looking down at a roadside memorial. The guy has an almost ethereal look to him. Scott asks his wife if she saw the guy. She says she did not. When he passes the same memorial, the guy is still there. Scott stops the car and, when he approaches the guy, realizes that he is confused, wondering why there is a cross here and why he can not get home. Scott realizes he has a new purpose in life – to help these souls who were killed so suddenly cross over to heaven. Each person is different, and Scott needs to approach each one of them with care.

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New book release: ‘The Bucharest Legacy’ by William Maz

‘The Bucharest Legacy: The Rise of the Oligarchs’ is the second novel in the Bill Hefflin Spy Thriller Series by William Maz. Photo: Amazon

William Maz was born in Bucharest, Romania, of Greek parents and emigrated to the U.S. as a child. He is a graduate of Harvard University, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, and Yale residency. During his high school and undergraduate years, he developed a passion for writing fiction. He studied writing at Harvard, the New School, The Writer’s Studio in New York City, and with Gordon Lish, and is now writing full time. He divides his time between homes in Pennsylvania and New York City. In his new novel, “The Bucharest Legacy,” CIA agent Bill Hefflin is back in Bucharest and is immersed in a cauldron of spies and crooked politicians. (Amazon, 2023)

“The Bucharest Legacy” – The CIA is rocked to its core when a KGB defector divulges that there is a KGB mole inside the Agency. They learn that the mole’s handler is a KGB agent known as Boris. CIA analyst Bill Hefflin recognizes that name—Boris is the code name of Hefflin’s longtime KGB asset. If the defector is correct, Hefflin realizes Boris must be a triple agent, and his supposed mole has been passing false intel to Hefflin and the CIA. This makes Hefflin the prime suspect as the KGB mole inside the Agency.

Hefflin is given a chance to prove his innocence by returning to his city of birth, Bucharest, Romania, to find Boris and track down the identity of the mole. It has been three years since the bloody revolution, and what he finds is a cauldron of spies, crooked politicians, and a country controlled by the underground and the new oligarchs, all of whom want to find Boris. But Hefflin has a secret that no one else knows—Boris has been dead for over a year. Perfect for fans of John le Carré and Brad Thor.

Book of the week: ‘Rejection Happens for a Reason’ by S Mukesh Rao

‘Rejection Happens for a Reason’ is the debut novel by S Mukesh Rao. Photo: Amazon

Rejection is a natural part of life, especially when it comes to love and dating. Some of the most relatable characters in novels happen to be those who have been through this painful stage of life. Today’s book of the week is “Rejection Happens for a Reason” by S Mukesh Rao. In this witty, entertaining, and heartbreaking novel for young readers, the author explores the raw emotions one feels after experiencing an unrequited love. Sharad’s life is upended when a gorgeous girl named Tiya Hegde falls in love with him. Little does he know that he is heading for the most devastating rejection of his life. This page-turner will keep you hooked right up until the surprise ending. Find out if Sharad finds his happily ever after and pick up your copy of “Rejection Happens for a Reason” today: it is available on Amazon.

S Mukesh Rao is an author with a deep love for storytelling. Leaving the corporate world behind, Mukesh pursued his true passion for writing and it turned out to be a rewarding leap of faith. When not crafting stories, he enjoys immersing himself in good books and thought-provoking documentaries. If you are seeking an author dedicated to unraveling life’s complexities, Mukesh invites you to dive into his entertaining new debut rom-com novel. In “Rejection Happens for a Reason,” he explores life’s ups and downs. This heartwarming story touches on themes of love, loss, and self-discovery and is connecting with readers around the globe. (S Mukesh Rao, 2023)

“Rejection Happens for a Reason” – Sharad falls in love with girls as if he is born for it, but his fate is that his love is never returned. Follow him on a tough journey from constant heartbreaks to a glimmer of hope, sparked by his attraction to Tiya Hegde. He faces a painful rejection, which makes him question if he can ever find true love. Dive into this engaging rom-com novel by S Mukesh Rao, where he explores, with wit and entertainment, the raw emotions that follow a rejection in love. Experience the ups and downs of Sharad’s quest for love in this heartfelt story of resilience and self-discovery that promises an emotional ride through the twists and turns of romance.

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Book review: ‘Maribelle’s Shadow’ by Susannah Marren

‘Maribelle’s Shadow’ is the latest novel by Susannah Marren. Photo: Amazon

Susannah Marren is the author of “Between the Tides,” “A Palm Beach Wife,” and “A Palm Beach Scandal” and the pseudonym for Susan Shapiro Barash, who has written over a dozen nonfiction books, including “Tripping the Prom Queen,” “Toxic Friends,” and “You’re Grounded Forever,” among others. For her nonfiction, she has been featured in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, The New York Post, The Chicago Tribune, Elle, Marie Claire, and has appeared on national television including the Today Show, Good Morning America, CBS, CNN, and MSNBC. Barash has been a guest on national radio including NPR and Sirius Radio. For over twenty years she has taught gender studies at Marymount Manhattan College and has guest taught creative nonfiction at the Writing Institute at Sarah Lawrence College. Presently she is teaching at the Westport Writers Workshop. Her new novel, “Maribelle’s Shadow,” is a compelling tale of deception and family loyalty.

“Maribelle’s Shadow” – The only thing that spreads faster than gossip in Palm Beach is news of a mysterious death. As the editorial director of Palm Beach Confidential, Maribelle Walker knows what lurks beneath the glittering facade of the rich elite on Florida’s most glamorous coast. Or does she? The story begins when her adoring husband Samuel dies suddenly. She knows he is being unfaithful but she is hesitant about confronting him. With his death, secrets surface, including the secrets and lies between Maribelle and her sisters Caroline and Raleigh. Compounding the anguish, the authenticity of their socially ambitious mother Lucinda and lavish lifestyle of mansions, privilege and couture clothes is thrown into doubt. As their carefully constructed image unravels, each sister realizes she must fend for herself. The pathway out is steep and worth any risk – until the winner takes it all.

Even though it is fun to read about the rich and social elite, sometimes the characters are not very relatable, so it is hard to feel sorry for them when their lives take a downward spiral. Such is the case of the Barrow sisters. Thanks to their momager, they are always in society-lady mode and since they are obsessed with their social status, every decision they make, from how they dress to where they are seen and with who, is based on whether or not it will elevate or improve their status. The story is divided into three parts and the chapters are alternately narrated in the point of view of the sisters, so readers get an insight into their thoughts and characters. Because of this, the plot is character driven and the mystery behind Samuel’s death unravels slowly in the background even though it marks the beginning of the end for Maribelle. With highly descriptive language: “…she was trapped in mounds of seaweed, fighting to reach the shoreline,” the story flows naturally through the pages, making this an easy and fun to read novel. It also highlights the point that every family, regardless of social status, has secrets that will eventually come to light. Overall, “Maribelle’s Shadow” is a story of family and loyalty, and how far some people will go to hang on to what they have. It is recommended for readers who enjoy women’s fiction centered around socialites, power, and money.

“Don’t be so dramatic, Maribelle,” Lucinda said. “Samuel was another husband. They come; they go…..They’re fungible. Sisters, friends who are like sisters, aren’t.”

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

Rating: 4 out of 5.