Category: book releases

Book review: ‘Dimensions: First Jump’ by Leif J. Erickson

‘Dimensions: First Jump’ is the science fiction adventure novel by Leif J. Erickson. Photo: Amazon

Leif Erickson was born and raised on a grain farm outside Wheaton, MN, not far from White Rock, SD, which served as the inspiration for the Ghost Town series. From a very early age, Leif knew that he was going to be a farmer, just like his father and grandfather. Being an ecologist and former farmer, much of Leif’s writings feature forests, lakes, and nature in general. Leif has always been interested in science and its possibilities for the human race, pushing the envelope of technologies, and finding how far humans can go. Much of Leif’s science fiction writing explores these themes and ideas. His latest book “Dimensions: First Jump” finds Matt Levier crossing dimensions to rescue his sister Libby and ends up in the middle of an interdimensional war for power and control. It is available on Amazon and Book Selfie in audiobook and ebook format. 

“Dimensions: First Jump” – The story begins in the middle of a battle, where air sirens are going off and people are running for their lives. We meet the characters that Matt will eventually meet and how they fit into this ongoing battle for control. Chapter 2 introduces readers to Matt Levier, who always took the safe path. After his parents died in a strange accident, he stayed behind to look over his younger sister Libby, putting his college and work plans on hold. Then his sister is murdered under bizarre circumstances and on the night of her funeral, he receives a cryptic phone call at 3a.m. telling him that Libby is alive in another realm and there is a small chance that she can be saved. Matt agrees to meet with the caller, a man named Seth, who is a member of a mysterious group known as the Knights of Shiloh. Seth tells him a story of an interdimensional war that is threatening to rip the very fabric of the universe apart. A group, known as The Syndicate, led by a ruthless dictator has been amassing power and taking over dimensions by brute force, subjugating those they conquer. The only force, other than the Knights, attempting to oppose The Syndicate is the Goths, a shadow group not out for power but to destroy the Syndicate and Earth. Caught between the Syndicate and the Goths, Matt must train in the ancient knowledge of the Knights of Shiloh and help them stop the madness before all dimensions are enslaved by the Syndicate. As Matt uncovers his powers, Syndicate and Goths Forces close in on them. During this battle, Matt discovers secrets and lies and learns that he holds the keys to the salvation of all dimensions.

Time travel and parallel dimensions/universes make exciting storylines for science fiction fans. Having the characters jump from one dimension to another, sometimes at just the right moment, is one of the most thrilling elements of this story. The first time Matt defies gravity: “The pair felt gravity give way beneath them before Matt felt his feet on the ground” hints at similar scenes where they jump dimensions or teleport out. He is reluctant to get involved in this interdimensional struggle, he just wants to find out what happened to Libby. She is captured, but we are never told exactly why she was taken and she does not appear until the end. Her story is not really told, so it is hard to care what happens to her. The story is heavily dialogue driven, fast paced, and the language is easy to understand and poetic at times: “A silver-coin moon illuminated the area as countless stars twinkled like diamonds in the sky.” There are so many characters that sometimes it is hard to keep up with all the names and they tend to be one dimensional. Highlights include the intense battle scenes in Chapter 1 that begins with “The whine of an air-raid siren overpowered the sharp yelling on the ground” and Chapter 17 when Sapphira gets stabbed by Miso but Matt goes back in time to prevent her stabbing and helps her but then passes out from the effort. The title and the cliffhanger of an ending imply that this will be a series so hopefully we will find out why Libby is so important to the story. Overall, “Dimensions: First Jump” is a thrilling science fiction novel that plays with the concept of multiple dimensions where wars are fought for revenge, greed, and power, and includes enough plot twists to keep readers guessing. It is recommended for fans of time travel and science fiction adventures similar to Star Trek, the Matrix universe, and the 2008 movie Jumper.

“Bravery isn’t simply doing the hard thing, bravery is standing up in the face of fear and moving on anyway. It’s telling your fear you are the master of your fate, not your fear. Fear can only hurt you as long as you allow it to.”

*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.
Courtesy photo, used with permission.

New short story release: ‘Embracing The Unconventional Path’ by Ife Akanegbu

‘Embracing The Unconventional Path’ is the new short story by Ife Akanegbu. Photo: Ife Akanegbu, used with permission.

Although not in the headlines as much as they once were, stories about people with HIV and the stigma it carries still need to be told. It affects people of all types of backgrounds, genders, and races and the strain it causes on their mental health is undeniable. Today’s new book is “Embracing The Unconventional Path: A Short Story About Confronting HIV Stigma and Embracing Mental Health” by Ife Akanegbu. It tells the inspiring journey of Adanma, an HIV positive young girl. It is available on Amazon and from September 14-16, it will be free to download.

Storytelling is to Ife Akanegbu, a Nigerian native, what art is to Picasso: an undeniable passion that only grows stronger with each tale told. He began telling stories as a young boy as a means of passing the time and would soon evolve into a creative outlet when, years later, Ife decided to add his voice to the mental health debate. That is when he combined this talent with more than fifteen years of medical expertise to create Motivating Our Champions, a game-changing children’s book series designed to help our precious little ones take good care of their mental health. (Ife Akanegbu, 2023)

By covering various topics from health problems and communicable diseases to writing Christian short stories, he is determined to impact lives by inspiring people to start deep and honest discussions on matters that are often considered too difficult to initiate, even as he promotes preventive medicine. Ife is versatile and as dedicated to addressing children through his captivating stories as he is to addressing adults.

Leading a life full of adventure, compassion, and resilience with life lessons learned along the way, Ife enjoys sharing his thrilling experiences with others. He completed his medical training in Nigeria and obtained his Master’s in Health Management at the University of Leeds. Ife now practices family medicine in British Columbia. With more projects in the works, you can certainly look forward to more beautiful, vivid, and interactive reads. His new short story “Embracing The Unconventional Path: A Short Story About Confronting HIV Stigma and Embracing Mental Health” invites you to challenge your own perceptions and embrace a world free from stigma. (Ife Akanegbu, 2023)

“Embracing The Unconventional Path: A Short Story About Confronting HIV Stigma and Embracing Mental Health”– When Titi and Musa struggle to conceive a child, fate leads them to Adanma, a beautiful 5-year-old in need of a loving home. But something about Adanma makes Titi hesitant to adopt her – she is HIV positive. However, Musa’s deep connection with the young girl compels him to pursue the adoption process, which Titi eventually gets on board.

Determined to protect her against prejudice, Titi does whatever it takes to hide her status from the world. But right from the word go, Adanma bravely and resiliently embraces her status, fearlessly talking about it every chance she gets, regardless of who is listening.

Her brilliant mind and unwavering self-acceptance become her greatest assets, and she excels academically, refusing to be defined by her status. Adanma’s inspiring journey ultimately captures the attention of both young men and influential figures, leading her to the world stage.

The way we see ourselves influences how the world sees us. It becomes our inner thoughts and can help us navigate difficult paths.

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Photo: Ife Akanegbu, used with permission.

New book release: ‘Full-Tilt Boogie: A Jade Hui Mystery’ by Robb T. White

‘Full-Tilt Boogie: A Jade Hui Mystery’ is the latest novel by Robb T. White. Photo: Amazon

Crime, noir, and detective novels have been around for years and their popularity is still strong. Whether it is a gritty and cynical detective solving crimes or a morally compromised private detective solving seedy mysteries, their dark undertones have thrilled readers who prefer more realistic storylines. If you are a fan of this genre of books, “Full-Tilt Boogie: A Jade Hui Mystery” by Robb T. White might just be your next guilty pleasure. This new release is available on Amazon.

Robb T. White writes from Northeastern Ohio. He has published several crime, noir, hardboiled novels, and genre stories in various magazines and anthologies. He has been nominated for a Derringer and “Inside Man,” a crime story, was selected for Best American Mystery Stories 2019. His second hardboiled private investigator series, after the Thomas Haftmann mysteries begun in 2011 with “Haftmann’s Rules,” features Raimo Jarvi in Northtown Eclipse and Northtown Blitz. British website Murder, Mayhem & More cited “When You Run with Wolves” as a finalist for Top Ten Crime Books of 2018 and Perfect Killer in 2019. “If I Let You Get Me” was selected for the Bouchercon 2019 anthology and “The Russian Heist,” another crime thriller, was selected by Thriller Magazine as winner of its Best Novel category. In his new novel “Full-Tilt Boogie: A Jade Hui Mystery,” shortly after being assigned to the field office, Special Agent Jade Hui is stumped by her predecessor’s do-nothing record when there is every indication that something big is about to happen. (Robert T. White, 2023)

“Full-Tilt Boogie: A Jade Hui Mystery” – Something’s going on in Youngstown, Ohio—and it is not pretty. The Bureau is hindering SAC Jade Hui’s attempts at stopping the brutal trafficking of young girls in New York City. She has only a retired senior agent as her backer. Now she is reassigned back to that minor field office in Youngstown, the quintessential rust-belt city—and she contemplates quitting. Her newest assignment holds her back, however: she is to coordinate with Interpol’s Amsterdam contact, an old colleague from her past.

Jaap Ens is spearheading an international drug-smuggling operation that originates in Amsterdam with tentacles reaching into the American Midwest. Jaap tells Jade that the Aryan Brotherhood, a dangerous prison gang which has been operating for decades under law enforcement’s radar, has aligned itself with a cartel of international criminals to dominate the United States with the designer drug Extasy. Camouflaged behind its racism and neo-Nazi politics, the Brand has shifted away from the high-risk and hard-to-control production of meth to this designer drug, where endless supplies of pills are manufactured by the hundreds of thousands in labs across the Netherlands. Using the same routes in place from their sex-slave trafficking in Europe and the Balkans, this cartel of Albanian and Russian mobsters is beginning to flood the huge market of vulnerable American teenagers.

Adding to Jade’s challenges is a raw agent assigned to assist her: Derek Bensusan. Jade is determined not to fail this time, and she has the qualities of mind and heart to succeed. She and Derek interview a convict given a “death sentence” by the Aryan Brotherhood at the state penitentiary. He reveals an expected drug shipment and mentions a bar downtown.

Derek’s ongoing investigation into a corrupt local bank with links to the Russian crime organization out of Brighton Beach needs help. She calls New York for technical support and they send their ace hacker. Jade, meanwhile, has a disturbing experience after an interview with a striking woman who runs in dangerous, wealthy circles over a female prize fighter’s brutal death.

Jade attempts to re-establish a rapport with the detectives of Youngstown P.D. but discovers hostility and suspicion. The drug investigation will take Jade to Amsterdam, Buenos Aires, and Moscow and back again to Youngstown. She will be surrounded by a vile host of sleazy characters between Hollywood and the Midwest, some with Russian connections to crime organizations. As Jade gets closer to the top figures in the international drug ring, the body count rises as the expendables are cut loose.

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New book release: ‘From Heartbreak to Healing’ by Ann Zachariah, M.D.

‘From Heartbreak to Healing’ is the new self help book by Ann Zachariah, M.D. that addresses the topic of ghosting and how to recover, heal, and rebuild trust. Photo: Ann Zachariah, used with permission.

The dating term ‘ghosting’ is fairly new and refers to abruptly cutting off contact with someone without giving that person any warning or explanation for doing so. It is quickly becoming more common and can be emotionally confusing and hurtful to the person who has been ghosted. If you or someone you know has been the victim of ghosting and are looking for a self help book that addresses this issue, consider “From Heartbreak to Healing: OMG! I Just Got Ghosted: Navigating Emotional Storms and Reclaiming Self-Worth” by Dr. Ann Zachariah. It aims to help readers find closure and rebuild trust. Pick up your copy today at Amazon.

Welcome to the world of Dr. Ann Zachariah, a renowned psychiatrist, educator, clinician, and author based in Houston, Texas. Discover how her extensive knowledge and expertise can empower you to make transformative changes and unlock your true potential. (Dr. Ann Zachariah, 2023)

As a psychiatrist, Dr. Ann Zachariah understands the complexities of the human mind. Her compassionate approach and unwavering commitment to mental health have helped countless individuals overcome challenges and find inner peace. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, or any other mental health issue, Dr. Zachariah is here to guide you on your journey toward healing and self-discovery.

Beyond her clinical practice, Dr. Zachariah’s impact extends to education. She shares her wisdom and insights with aspiring mental health professionals, equipping them with the tools and knowledge to make a difference in the lives of others. Her passion for teaching and mentoring shapes the next generation of compassionate caregivers, ensuring a brighter future for mental health care.

Dr. Zachariah’s captivating books leave an indelible mark on the world. Each page encourages readers to embrace transformative changes and embark on a journey of self-improvement. Her words resonate deeply, inspiring individuals from all walks of life to break free from limitations, discover their true potential, and live a life filled with purpose and fulfillment.

Join the movement of personal transformation ignited by Dr. Ann Zachariah. Whether you seek guidance in your own life or aspire to make a positive impact on others, her expertise, compassion, and empowering words will guide you toward a brighter, more fulfilling future.

Do not wait any longer – start your transformative journey today with Dr. Ann Zachariah’s life-changing books and unlock the extraordinary potential within you. Experience the power of psychiatry, education, and authorship in transforming lives.

“From Heartbreak to Healing: OMG! I Just Got Ghosted: Navigating Emotional Storms and Reclaiming Self-Worth” – Did you just get ghosted? Are you finding closure and trying to rebuild trust? Then you are in the right book! Discover the transformative power of “OMG! I Just Got Ghosted.”

In this illuminating book, you will unravel the enigmatic behavior of ghosting and embark on a profound journey from heartbreak to healing. Packed with insights, strategies, and practical tools, this guide will equip you to navigate the emotional labyrinth of ghosting with resilience, confidence, courage, strength, and self-empowerment.

Key Highlights:

Psychological Insights: Gain a deep understanding of the psychology behind ghosting, allowing you to decode the motives and emotions that drive this perplexing behavior.
Healing Pathways: Navigate the emotional aftermath of ghosting with grace and strength. Discover how to embrace solitude as an opportunity for self-discovery and healing.
Empowerment through Boundaries: Learn to set healthy boundaries that shield your well-being and promote emotional recovery, ultimately restoring your sense of control and self-worth.
Trust Renewal: Rebuild trust, not only in others but also in yourself. Find out how to rekindle trust after heartbreak, cultivating more meaningful connections based on understanding and mutual respect.
Life-Changing Lessons: Extract essential life lessons from your ghosting experience. Elevate your self-esteem, develop personal growth, and harness newfound wisdom that enriches every aspect of your life.

Benefits You Will Gain after Finishing the Book:

Emotional Resilience: Equip yourself with tools to navigate emotional turmoil, empowering you to emerge stronger and more resilient after a painful experience.
Personal Growth: Transform heartbreak into an opportunity for growth. Discover your strengths, weaknesses, and untapped potential, leading to profound personal development.
Healthy Relationships: Develop a deeper understanding of healthy boundaries, open communication, and trust-building, which will positively influence all your relationships.
Inner Healing: Find solace and healing in solitude. Learn how to embrace your emotions, process grief, and embark on a journey of self-renewal.
Empowered Choices: Armed with insights, you’ll make informed choices about your future relationships, allowing you to create connections that align with your values and aspirations.

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Book of the week: ‘Double Crossed and Unraveled’ by Kelsey Carlee

‘Double Crossed and Unraveled’ is the inspiring memoir by Kelsey Carlee. Photo: Amazon.

Memoirs can be inspiring to read because they help put life’s difficulties in perspective. You realize you are not alone and if others can survive, so can you. If you like memoirs and are looking for an interesting one to read, consider “Double Crossed and Unraveled” by Kelsey Carlee. Let her story and creative musings empower and encourage you to become the person you were always meant to be. It is available on Amazon.

Kelsey Carlee is from the Seattle area and enjoys creating art in her spare time. She has been writing since she was a kid, with her first published work at 14 years old. Hoping to help others, she bravely and unapologetically writes about the trauma she has experienced. Having penned a second Kindle book on Amazon, “The Double Yellow Line,” her third book is expected to be released later this year. Her memoir “Double Crossed and Unraveled” chronicles the author’s unraveling through poetry, letters, and recollection as an outlet to heal her past traumas. (Kelsey Carlee, 2023)

“Double Crossed and Unraveled” – This memoir recounts the relationships that a young Kelsey experienced, including meeting Howie, which turned her whole world upside down. It touches on her complicated relationship with her mother, and how the love she developed for Cole nearly cost her life. The plot circles around from when the author was younger to the adult version of herself, as she grieved the loss of her mother and had to face her past to help her deal with reality. “Double Crossed and Unraveled” is for every survivor of neglect and abuse. The author touches on themes like domestic violence, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), sexual assault, complicated grief, addiction, and recovery. It is easy to get lost in this “riveting” story that is difficult to put down once you begin reading.

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New book release: ‘The CBT Social Anxiety Workbook for Women’ by Adele Payne

‘The CBT Social Anxiety Workbook for Women’ is the new book by Adele Payne. Photo: Amazon

At one time or another, almost everyone struggles with anxiety, most likely social anxiety, including me. There are so many books out there that deal with the subject and today’s new book release is by an author who has experienced it herself and now, as a life coach, is out to help women overcome social anxiety. “The CBT Social Anxiety Workbook for Women” by Adele Payne is now available on Amazon in Kindle format.  

Adele Payne is a life-coach, public speaker and author who focuses her effort on helping women overcome social anxiety and awkwardness. As a teenager, she suffered from severe anxiety that threatened to disrupt every aspect of her life. Thoughts about visiting friends or a picnic would send her heart racing and her emotions wild for several hours. She set out to find lasting cures for her social anxiety and while her journey of self-discovery took several years, she learned the right strategies for defeating social anxiety. Over the last five years, she has continued to help people, especially women, overcome their anxiety problems by sharing the strategies that worked for her and dozens of other people who have tried them. Her latest book, “The CBT Social Anxiety Workbook for Women: Essential Cognitive Behavioral Skills and Techniques to Overcome Fears and Anxious Behavior, Improve Confidence, and Feel Comfortable in Any Situation,” is for anyone who wants to be able to step beyond anxiety and find a new way to tackle the kinds of events that we have avoided for far too long. (Adele Payne, 2023)

“The CBT Social Anxiety Workbook for Women” focuses on themes such as cognitive behavioral therapy strategies for overcoming anxiety and boosting self-confidence; the symptoms, complications, and drawbacks of anxiety disorders; the role of fear in our response to anxiety; development of social skills for anxious women; instant strategies for dispelling fear, worry, and anxiety; and the stress response and how it fuels anxiety.

Social anxiety is something that can happen to any of us at any time. Stress at work can trigger feelings of insecurity. Relationship issues can knock your confidence and some of us have just always seemed to be facing the struggle that is social anxiety for years. It is about time we changed all that.

The author knows from her own experience that you can be someone who is a confident, caring and compassionate woman in every area of your life and that it may not be easy when you hear someone who speaks with such confidence. Surely it is all just empty words, right?

Wrong! She made the shift from anxiety to calm in just a few short months by tapping into her inner narrative using a proven approach. CBT is a simple way to reprogram and realign the way the brain works so you can go out there into the world and experience everything it has to offer in your own personal way.

Inside “The CBT Social Anxiety Workbook for Women,” you are going to learn:

  • What anxiety is
  • Symptoms of anxiety
  • Social anxiety and symptoms
  • Social anxiety in men vs women
  • Common causes of social anxiety
  • CBT interventions for dealing with social anxiety
  • More strategies that work for dealing with social anxiety
  • Overcoming your fears
  • Building self-esteem and confidence
  • Important social skills
  • And a whole lot more

ONE CLICK NOW will change the rest of your life.

Inside you will find a wholesome, accessible and compassionate way to change how you approach your inner voice. It is that anxious cycle of thoughts, voices and ideas that seems to be circling around and around when you are trying to force yourself to walk through the door and meet a room. Together, we are going to break that cycle and redirect all of your energy in a way that really will change the rest of your life.

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Book review: ‘Existing While BLACK in Corporate America’ by Rudy Jones

‘Existing While BLACK in Corporate America’ is the new book by Rudy Jones. Photo: Rudy Jones, used with permission.

Books on business, leadership, career advice, and personal development and growth are usually targeted to all readers, but today’s new book release is an exception. “Existing While BLACK in Corporate America” by Rudy Jones speaks directly to black readers but some of the material, such as the future of the workforce with the rapidly evolving Artificial Intelligence component and the importance of being your own boss, is essential business advice that everyone can use. So, with that said, if you are looking for a business guide on navigating the corporate world, check out Rudy Jones’ new book, especially if you are black in corporate America. It is available on Amazon.

“Existing While BLACK in Corporate America” – After the Reconstruction era black people were stuck working for former slave owners on farms and plantations throughout the United States. Although they were technically no longer slaves, they endured harsh and unfair treatment. During the early 20th Century, they saw the fruits of their labor come to fruition when black businesses opened in parts of the country. Black people understood that because of their history and Jim Crow, they could not just work for anyone and expect a fair shake. They had to rely on their resiliency and fighting spirit to persevere. Some time after the civil rights movement they were able to access spaces once prohibited and they became content with working for anyone. This book examines their existence in corporate America. Some of the experiences will be discussed in this book and how they should maneuver going forward. (Rudy Jones, 2023)

In the Introduction, the author gives his background and the struggles he faced as a black man in corporate America for 20 years, which included roadblocks to career advancement. He shares his experiences and the lessons learned and hopes to help young professionals just entering the workforce while inspiring older professionals to think critically about the future of the job market and how it will affect black people. The book is divided into nine chapters, including How Will Artificial Intelligence Impact Black People and Black Women In Corporate America. Personally, he did everything right: got the job done, his job performance was above average, he had excellent evaluations, but still could not climb up the corporate ladder because he was not seen as ‘trustworthy’ and in the end, that is what matters the most. Highlights include Chapter 2 Why is it so Hard for Black People to Network? where he writes that black people have no access to those in senior leadership and when there are black people in these roles, it is hard to establish relationships with them but they should learn to work together because “Power is not in the individual but in the group;” and Chapter 7 How Will Artificial Intelligence Impact Black People where he questions whether AI will one day learn anti-black biases and racism. The chapters are short but the content is useful and eye-opening. With language that is easy to understand, the author does an excellent job of breaking down the difficulties that black people encounter in the business world and offers solutions to navigating an increasingly toxic office culture. Even though “Existing While BLACK in Corporate America” speaks directly to black workers and offers them exceptional life and business advice, everyone can benefit from it, especially the focus on being our own boss and which industries are considered AI proof. It is a must read and recommended for readers interested in business and workplace guidebooks who can also appreciate learning more about the black experience in corporate America.

“There is no difference between world politics and office politics because politics is war.”

*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: ‘The Founders’ Plot’ by Frank Victoria

‘The Founders’ Plot’ is the new political thriller from Frank Victoria. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Today’s new book release is perfect for readers who like political thrillers full of action, suspense, and conspiracy theories. “The Founders’ Plot” by Frank Victoria weaves together intricate layers of political intrigue, personal sacrifice, and moral dilemmas. Set against the backdrop of contemporary issues, the story offers a gripping story that not only sheds light on the dark underbelly of politics and immigration but also challenges the audience to question the true intentions behind the exercise of power. What happens when the newly elected California Governor Mike DiGrasso defies the Supreme Court? No one would ever know the meeting took place. Sounds intriguing? Find out for yourself and pick up a copy of this exciting thriller today. It is a masterful political thriller and winner of the Beverly Hills Book Award and it is available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle format. (Frank Victoria, 2023)

Frank Victoria was born and raised in Chicago, but now lives in Orland Park IL, a suburb of that city. He served in the Marine Corps, graduated from Northern Illinois university with a B.A. in Journalism, and was a writer and editor for several business magazines for more than twenty-five years. Then he made a career change into Education and taught American history and government in the Chicago Public Schools for sixteen years. In his new book “The Founders’ Plot,” Afghanistan war hero Mike DiGrasso has just been elected Governor of California by an overwhelming majority and immediately sets out to work on keeping his campaign’s primary promise – to create a strict immigration law.

“The Founders’ Plot” – In the wake of Mike Digrasso’s (50s) election as California governor, the sordid and dangerous world of illegal immigration becomes a central focus. DiGrasso, a decorated Afghan war veteran, initiates a stringent immigration law, which later faces opposition as the Supreme Court declares it unconstitutional. Despite the Court’s ruling, DiGrasso chooses to continue enforcing the law, igniting a collision of federal, state, and judicial powers. This clash not only jeopardizes the country’s political and justice systems but also tests the limits of authority.

United States President Martin W. Ballard (50s), a long-time friend of Governor DiGrasso, is faced with a pivotal decision – whether to federalize the California National Guard in order to enforce the Court’s ruling. As tensions escalate, Senate Minority Leader Elizabeth Stern, a cunning member of the opposition party, emerges as a formidable adversary. Stern is relentless in her pursuit to make DiGrasso comply with the Court’s decision, even resorting to tactics such as planning impeachment proceedings and blackmailing the governor over a past affair. The strain on DiGrasso’s personal life is undeniable, as his wife learns of his infidelity and temporarily leaves him.

Amid this turmoil, the lives of two Mexican families living in the country illegally are deeply affected by the hyperintense atmosphere brought about by the new immigration law. Their struggles underline the human toll of such policies, revealing the heartbreaking consequences for those caught in the crossfire.

Behind the scenes, several political players share the belief that federal courts have amassed excessive power, operating beyond the bounds of authority outlined in the Constitution. They orchestrate a clandestine plot that is rooted in a desire to recalibrate the balance of power and reflects their conviction that their actions align with the principles of the Founding Fathers. Thus, the title “The Founders’ Plot” takes on a deeper meaning, encapsulating the audacious plan to reshape the nation’s legal landscape.

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Author Frank Victoria. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

New romance novels by R.A. Harolds

‘Love’s Forbidden Path’ is a contemporary romance novel by R.A. Harolds. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Romance novels tend to be escapist fun reads and have always been popular through the years. If you are a fan of contemporary romance and historical/regency romance novels (think Bridgerton and Pride and Prejudice) here are two new ones by R.A. Harolds that deserve mention. So whatever mood strikes today, whether a modern romantic ‘forbidden love’ suspense novel, or a historical romance filled with pirates and arranged marriages, consider the following novels. They are both available on Amazon.

“Love’s Forbidden Path: Bound by Society, United by Forbidden Love: A Passion Ignited Against All Odds: Defying Boundaries, Igniting Hearts: A Forbidden Love that Transcended All”

Contemporary romance
Romantic suspense

Their first impression of each other was like a bolt from the blue. It was a moment that would change their lives forever. The instant they laid eyes on each other, they knew they were in trouble. It was a forbidden love that they could not control. In a world divided by strict societal norms and prejudices, two individuals found themselves entangled in a forbidden love affair. Despite the odds stacked against them, their attraction for each other burned with an intensity that could not be ignored.

Courtesy photo, used with permission.

“The Buccaneer’s Princess”

Historical regency fiction
Regency historical romance
Fantasy romance

Elsie Barclay does not want to marry Baron Alistair Duncan. He is a shrew, vile, and she is furious that her father, Viscount Everly Barclay, has arranged the marriage to the dolt of a man. She wants to marry for love and not for standing within the Scottish monarchy. Feeling sullen and dwelling on her future as Alistair Duncan’s betrothed, Elsie’s surprised when someone enters her bedchamber and whisks her away. But she is even more flabbergasted when she realizes Brigg Cronan, marauder, and pirate captain, kidnapped her. She met the bandit years ago and despised him for how cruel he treated her, but after spending months at sea with the buccaneer, Elsie has fallen in love with the man.

Buccaneer Brigg Cronan has vowed retaliation upon Viscount Barclay for taking his younger sister, Charlotte Cronan, months ago, and his plan to retrieve his sister fails. Still, Brigg decides to return the abduction if the viscount’s only daughter is equivalent enough for now. Little did Brigg know the fiery viscount daughter would be his undoing when he realizes he has fallen in love with her while she had been held captive aboard his ship. When Elsie is taken from his ship during an attack on Everly’s army, Brigg vows to get her back.

Courtesy photo, used with permission.

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Book review: ‘Root of All Evil’ by Ayura Ayira

‘Root of All Evil’ is the thrilling new novel by Ayura Ayira. Photo: Amazon

Ayura Ayira is a melting pot author who, with a masterful blend of genres, effortlessly spins captivating tales that empower, uplift, and celebrate the enduring power of strength, love, and diversity. Her books delve into dark content and feature characters from diverse social, economic, and racial backgrounds, often set in international locations. “Root of All Evil” is set in an intricate world of politics, spies, and assassinations where nothing is ever as it appears. It is available on Amazon and Goodreads. (Amazon, 2023)

“Root of All Evil” – What do you do when your true existence is cloaked in darkness? Set in fictional Togulisho, West Africa, First Lady Zayani Ada, formerly known as Chinasa, resides in a realm of duality, fueled by a clandestine operation orchestrated by her dictator husband Changa Ada and the powerful foreign forces that sustain tyranny. Balancing a facade of humanitarianism with internal turmoil, she keeps her identity concealed, haunted by the heinous acts she once played a part in during her country’s harrowing genocide. The story begins as a flashback in the Prologue, when, as a young girl, Zayani witnesses the total slaughter of her village and is taken as a child bride. In the first chapter, she is hosting a charity gala to benefit the Ijun people when she meets Stefan, who will ultimately challenge everything she has ever believed. In that moment, she tumbles into an overwhelming infatuation. With him, she can finally shed the layers of pretense and confront the consequences of her past actions—the damage she inflicted upon the world as a child soldier and the devastation she furthered by marrying the man responsible for spearheading the ethnic cleansing campaign that shattered her life. The weight of her secrets has placed her life, as well as the lives of her people, in constant jeopardy. Before she can embrace her own rendition of a blissful ending, she knows she must confront her past and seek redemption. As love beckons to her soul, the urge for revenge is stronger. She must reconcile her past misdeeds, charting a course that paves the way for her ultimate happily ever after.

In novels, politics, civil war, and humanitarian issues can sometimes be one sided and feature mostly male characters. What makes “The Root of All Evil” unique is that the protagonist is a strong female character who has been through hell and back, yet wants to help her people but still needs to look out for herself. Zayani can never let her guard down as she is under constant threat of violence. To make matters worse, she has to pretend to like her husband as a survival mechanism but in reality she cannot stomach him. She is complex and multidimensional; vulnerable but strong and smart enough to know when to push an issue and when to let it go: “Zayani wondered if she was boundary-defying or just a bitch with a long memory.” Due to her circumstances, she was a child soldier so as an adult, she has no qualms about killing when necessary. Even though she experiences love, she does not let it cloud her judgement because she learns that “Love, the soul’s highest aspiration, was remarkably unreliable. Hate is the most reliable emotion in the world.” With complex and well developed characters, this well written political thriller goes deep into the mind of a woman who has been through enough trauma and pain to last her a lifetime. The language is down to earth yet hauntingly poetic and descriptive: “The cut sounded like a foot sliding into a slipper, but the red of his insides splattered her face.” Overall, “The Root of All Evil” is a must read page turner with a riveting story that shines a light on how far people are willing to go due to greed and an unquenchable thirst for power. It is recommended for fans of Tom Clancy, Robert Ludlum, and Vince Flynn who appreciate political thrillers with an added human element component.

*Disclaimer: due to violence and sexual content, this book is intended for mature readers, but in this reviewer’s opinion, the violence is not graphic.

“Sometimes the only response to unspeakable cruelty is cruelty. There is no speech, no prison, no meeting of the minds, that reaches these people. There is only blood for blood.”

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

Rating: 5 out of 5.