Category: book releases

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.

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.

New book release: ‘Infectious Injustice’ by Justin Cook

‘Infectious Injustice’ is the new book by Justin Cook. Photo: Amazon

Memoirs and biographies can be some of the most compelling books to read. They tend to provide first hand accounts of eras and places some of us might never get to experiences. Such is the case in today’s new book release: “Infectious Injustice” by Justin Cook. This true story is told by an inmate who was inside, living and breathing in the system of incarceration for nearly two years. No matter how many prison movies or television shows we watch, they will never tell the real story compared to someone who actually lived it. Curious about what prison life is like from the inside and what it says about the justice system, rehabilitation, and the mentally ill and addicted? Then get your copy of “Infectious Injustice” today, it is available on Amazon.

Justin Cook was born in Nevada. He is a technical architect who has worked at the most prestigious companies and holds over fifty technical certifications, including top-tier status among the technical community worldwide. He speaks four languages, which he developed while living abroad in Spain, France, and Germany and has has traveled to over thirty countries, which translates to he doesn’t know how to save money. He now lives in a house free of bars that is made for naps, reading books, and drinking too much coffee. Most days, you will find him lounging in his Kirkland sweats from Costco, writing, where he transports readers to a place where bold heroes have endearing flaws, as he broadly addresses the human experience. The swashbuckling action-adventure “Infectious Injustice” is his first novel.

“Infectious Injustice: The True Story of Survival and Loss Against Corruption, the COVID-19 Disaster Inside of San Quentin, and the Dumpster Fire that is Known as Mass Incarceration.” – A secret preview into the treacherous journey of a man thrown from a successful life in Silicon Valley into the dark asphyxiating prison of San Quentin, with murders, serial killers, rats, and COVID around every corner. He paints a masterpiece of detail by challenging the stigma that prisoners are less than people, that law enforcement is superior, and that the system of incarceration in the United States is still functioning. You will join him in the cell while he recounts hunger strikes, malnutrition, panic, and pandemonium, by weaving comedic banter with a stoic sense of realism. This is a captivating tale of how sick and dying men, caused by the nationally publicized disaster of thirty deaths in a short period in the prison, stitched together the remnants of their shattered dignity and formed a brotherhood to withstand all odds; it paints the solo journey of a man’s struggle through addiction, loss, corruption, oppression, racism, and fear. You won’t be able to put down this enthralling and uttering engrossing saga of survival, a triumphant testament to the endurance of the human spirit, loyalty, respect, and the fallacy of rehabilitation while incarcerated.

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New book release: ‘Losing Lee’ by Joe Egan

‘Losing Lee’ is the new mystery novel by Joe Egan. Photo: Amazon

When it comes to books, family drama fiction always draws me in, especially when there is a family secret involved. We tend to relate to these stories and characters, much so when the story takes place in our home town or state. Such is the case in today’s new book release “Losing Lee” by Joe Egan. The story takes place in 1998 Dallas, so it should resonate with former and current Texas natives. Bryant Blankenship’s brother Lee died in an accident when Bryant was just 12 years old. Now that he is older and in high school, he wants to know what really happened and won’t rest until he does. This contemporary coming of age novel is perfect for readers of all ages who appreciate family saga fiction as well as stories that take place in the 90s-so retro! “Losing Lee” is available on Amazon and signed copies are available through the author’s website. Get your copy today and find out what really happened to Bryant and why there is so much secrecy around his death.

Joe Egan, a Minnesotan, resides in the heartland with his wife and daughter. His literary journey began at the age of seven crafting short stories and creating student newspapers and he has been hooked to the pen ever since. Joe is a devout Catholic, a golf fanatic, and a friend of Bill W. In his spare time, you can find him driving his truck, hanging out with family, or writing his next novel. His new book “Losing Lee” is a mystery novel about the mysterious death of a teenage boy’s brother. (Joe Egan, 2023)

“Losing Lee” – In 1998 Dallas, Texas, 17-year-old Bryant Blankenship grapples with the mystery surrounding his older brother Lee’s untimely death five years earlier. Covered in secrecy, Lee’s passing has left Bryant yearning for the truth. An off-color comment from a classmate hints at Lee’s involvement in dubious activities, sparking Bryant’s quest for the truth. “Losing Lee” is a gripping mystery about what it means to find closure.

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New book release: ‘Forbidden Bodyguard’ by Rachael Theron

‘Forbidden Bodyguard’ by Rachael Theron is an Enemies to Lovers Romance novel. Photo: Rachael Theron, used with permission.

Contemporary romance novels have always been the most popular subgenre of romance novels because they take place in modern times and the characters tend to be more relatable. If you are a fan of these novels, I have exciting news for you: today’s new book release is a contemporary romance titled “Forbidden Bodyguard: An Enemies to Lovers Romance” by Rachael Theron. As an added bonus, you can take advantage of a Free Book Download offer to check out this forbidden romance between a bodyguard and his boss’ daughter. Sounds steamy, doesn’t it? Don’t wait! Get yourself a free copy and find out what happens when you mix business with pleasure.

“Forbidden Bodyguard: An Enemies to Lovers Romance”

Hooking up with my boss’s gorgeous daughter wasn’t part of the job description.

Isabella Blackwood is back from college and is more entitled than ever. As the head of Blackwood security, I can work things around to make sure we don’t cross paths. But I secretly crave her smart mouth, wondering what other nasty things her full lips can do. Her privileged attitude, stunning looks, and seductive body —she’s a maddening mix of irritation and fascination. Things get complicated when Isabella’s father insists she has her own bodyguard, but I don’t trust him.

My protective instincts go wild.

When we’re stuck together for a weekend wedding, everything is put on the line, and I’ll risk it all to keep her safe: my career, my life, my heart. (Rachael Theron, 2023)

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Photo: Rachael Theron, used with permission.

Book review: ‘My Goodbye Girl’ by Anna Gomez

‘My Goodbye Girl’ is a contemporary romance novel by Anna Gomez. Photo: Amazon

Anna Gomez is a hopeless romantic who writes about real life, flawed characters and the saving grace of unconditional love. Her experience of living and growing up in a foreign country plays a large part in her stories. Her full-time career and ability to travel extensively also add flair and individuality to the vividly written settings in her books. They transport the reader to faraway places and make them feel like they have been there before. Anna’s inspiration stems from the people she meets and the places that she has seen. Her stories are realistic and honest, thought-provoking and impactful. Her love for poetry is evident in her writing style. She also has written under the pen name Christine Brae and six books of her books have won literary awards and ranked as bestsellers upon release. In her latest novel “My Goodbye Girl” Tessa must let go of the past and determine once and for all if love is truly more powerful than the pain of goodbye. (Amazon, 2023)

“My Goodbye Girl” – This contemporary romance begins when Tessa Talman first meets Simon Fremont as they are both waiting to board a plane bound for La Guardia. Not only is she attracted to him, she is intrigued by how different their lives are. He is a dedicated scientist, practical, pragmatic, and grounded. She is a head-in-the-clouds romance author. As their relationship grows, they meet in places around the world, while continuing to live in different countries. Though their feelings for each other deepen, their priorities remain the same. Simon is in a hurry to be financially sound and settle down, but Tessa is enjoying her freedom and newfound success. Neither is willing to give in, but as each goodbye gets harder, Tessa begins to wonder whether fame is the path to happiness, or if she has everything she needs in Simon. Just as Tessa finds the courage to go after her own happily ever after, the unthinkable happens, separating them in ways she never imagined.

Romance novels are usually a guilty pleasure because they are predictable and include a ‘happily ever after’ plot. The two main characters in this story are so different from each other and meet at predetermined sites around that world that it is impossible to picture them having a serious future together. Tessa is a free spirited author who enjoys traveling around the world while Simon is a serious scientist who is ready to settle down. The first part is just about them meeting in different places and then hurriedly saying goodbye. Because there is little development or depth to these characters, they are not relatable, so it is hard to be concerned about what happens to them. The real action does not take place until the end of the first part, in Chapter 35, and by then, it feels rushed. Regardless, it is an easy read and since it is heavily dialogue driven, with descriptive language and short chapters, the story flows through the pages. Tessa and Simon’s story takes place through the years as they experience the harsh reality of life – no spoilers! Far from original, “My Goodbye Girl” is still an easy and enjoyable read about two people who are polar opposites yet are involved in a whirlwind romance that takes them around the world. It is recommended for readers who enjoy contemporary romance, women’s fiction, and multicultural romances and appreciate emotional plot twists.  

*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.

New book release: ‘Cliff’ by John M. Spagnoli

‘Cliff’ is the new novel by John M. Spagnoli. Photo: Barnes & Noble.

Detective and crime novels are so interesting to read because they tend to include elements of suspense and investigation. Today’s new book release combines the best of investigations with an unexpected botanical subplot. If you are a fan of both, may I recommend “Cliff” by John Spagnoli. Seasoned detectives Skull and Violet are hot on the trail on a new case when the unexpected happens. If good old detective stories are your favorite read, give this one a try. It is available on Barnes & Noble as an e-book.

John Spagnoli, author of the psychological thriller novel “Shadowed Soul” and a botanical primer, “How to Grow Worsleya Seeds,” is both a storyteller of suspenseful tales and botanist. An avid gardener with experience in hybridization, he created new day lily and clivia plant crosses. A New York City native, he is the proud father of two ‘seedlings’ of his own. He underpins his new detective novel, “Cliff,” with his own skilled research about rare and common plants. (John Spagnoli, 2023)

“Cliff” – Told through the eyes of two seasoned detectives, Skull and Violet, this story has as many twists and turns as the sinuous cliff side roads where mysterious murders occur. When Skull returns from military service with PTSD, Violet covers for him as they sleuth out cold cases in the seaside metropolis where they grew up as besties. The duo struggles with unrequited love for each other while scrambling to investigate a new rash of murders masquerading as suicides. From women dropped over cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean to paranormal apparitions in the twilight hours, nothing make sense to the detectives until rumors of a cult lead to unexpected botanical revelations. Colorful characters spice the treacherous hunt to catch the perpetrators before the next victim is sacrificed. Will Skull’s PTSD compromise the investigation before they can bring the serial killers to justice?

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