‘Karen the Origin Story’ is the second book in the Amish Sovereignty series by Andre Johnson. Photo: Andre Johnson, used with permission.
Literature and fiction does not always have to be so serious. Humor is essential to lighten life’s heavier moments, especially when dealing with history and everyday life. By now we have all heard of the term ‘Karen’ in modern slang. It usually refers to a middle class white woman who is seen as extraordinarily entitled or demanding. Today’s book highlight is “Karen the Origin Story” by Andre Johnson and it touches on that subject; it is available on Amazon. If you enjoy the lighter side of fiction, consider this humorous title by Andre Johnson.
Andre Johnson is the author of “Karen the Origin Story,” book 2 of 3 in the Amish Sovereignty series which also includes “Amish” and “Karen the Horror Story.”
“Karen the Origin Story” Noah and Anita are fraternal Amish twins. These twins and two of their friends go on their Rumspringa. While on Rumspringa, the group realizes that things are a little different and that they really like chili cheese fries. Midway though Rumspringa, they realize that they need to make a difference before going home. (Andre Johnson, 2024)
For anyone unfamiliar with Rumspringa, it is a rite of passage and period of growth for Amish young people during which they face fewer restrictions on their behavior and are not subject to the usual community norms. It usually begins at age 16 and ends when a youth chooses to either be baptized in the Amish church or leave the community. (Google)
‘The Law of Beasts, Book 1 – Act 1’ is the new book by Dapharoah69. Photo: Dapharoah69, used with permission.
Fantasy fiction takes place in faraway imaginary worlds that contain supernatural beings and creatures, including vampires. Vampires make for some of the most fascinating storylines I have read; especially when there is some type of power struggle between warring factions involved. Today’s new book release by the talented storyteller Dapharoah69 is one such book. “The Law of Beasts, Book 1 – Act 1” features Khovahsh Burgoos, a nine thousand-year-old member of the Dragonhead Ancients, and introduces readers to Alicia Chay, a sadistic queen of torture. Sounds intriguing, doesn’t it? Don’t wait! Get your copy today and find out what happens next. “The Law of Beasts, Book 1 – Act 1” is available on Amazon.
Dapharoah69 is a multi-award-winning, best-selling, independent literary force born in Salinas, California and raised in Goulds, Florida. For twenty years, he has entertained millions of fans around the globe with his unapologetic writing. He is an LGBTQIA sex symbol, spoken word artist, poet, HIV activist, actor, professional model, dancer, literary icon, and a living legend. His success and killer ink have influenced a sea of writers in numerous countries for two decades. (Dapharoah69, 2024)
He wrote “The Law of Beasts, Book 1 – Act 1” of his vampire series in June of 1998 before he became Dapharoah69 at the age of 22. He was known as Ja’Breel Le’Diamond. He published his first book when he was homeless. He has penned thirteen books and three memoirs and notched ten Amazon and Barnes and Noble Top 100 bestsellers. He won Book of the Year and Male Author of the Year via the African-American On the Move Book Club, The Men of Integrity Award from Utopian LLC and a Certificate of Recognition from the New York State Senate for his literary achievements.
“The Law of Beasts, Book 1 – Act 1” – Khovahsh Burgoos, an elitist demi-shifting reincarnate, is a nine thousand-year-old member of the Dragonhead Ancients. Alicia Chay, the sadistic queen of torture, ruled for forty centuries under the identity of someone else. With a family of savages as her fledgling, she detests mortals, but she loves feeding on them for blood. She became a vampire, built The House of the Hounds and created a treaty without clearance from the Dragonhead Ancients or the Queen Mother, Armona. Alicia hunts down insubordinate vampires that illegally use human bodies to harm precious animal life. Meanwhile, she is being observed by Khovahsh. He has direct orders to deceive her, but he has his own agenda. When they encounter each other, a chain of events compromises her life and opens the door for Muzzle, an angry villain, to threaten her for turning her back on The House of the Hounds.
‘Flashback: Lolita’ is the new novel by P.M. Richter. Photo: Amazon
Crime fiction centers around crimes, criminals, police, and the investigations that surround them. The mystery and suspense is what makes these novels so fascinating to read. Today’s new book release is one such novel: “Flashback: Lolita” by P.M. Richter. If you like mystery, crime, and psychological thrillers with a female lead character, check out this new novel. Buy your copy today; it is available on Amazon.
P.M. Richter is an author living in West Hollywood California. She has a degree in Psychology from Northridge State University. She has worked as a property manager for Nansay, Corp. a multi-national corporation and has been a dance teacher for Arthur Murray and Fred Astaire Dance Studios. She loves reading, writing, and making covers for her books. Her new book “Flashback: Lolita (Abuse, Mafia Wife, Prison)” is a flashback on Lolita’s life and book 3 in the Deadly Fun Series. The series includes “Deadly Fun” and “Precious and Deadly.” (Pamela M Richter, 2024)
“Flashback: Lolita” – A Cinderella Story? Yes, she has an evil, abusive mother and a terrible early life filled with physical abuse. Yes, she meets the handsome Mafia Prince in church of all places. They are madly in love and have a gorgeous fairytale wedding. They live in a beautiful mansion. Fabulously rich and young, they look forward to a wonderful life. Lolita loves being wife to the Mafia enforcer. She has everything she’s ever wanted and adores her husband. But Happily Ever After? I don’t think so.
All the fairy tales and romance stories end with “And They Lived Happily Ever After.” What really happens after the ‘Ever After?’ Could it be tragic? Well, yeah.
When the Prince is gone forever, murdered. When political forces targeting the Mafia cause a miscarriage of justice. When you’re thrown into a maximum-security women’s prison. Then it’s just a matter of survival.
Clashing steel gates. Your room is big and scary. The food is awful. Working daily in the laundry, like a real Cinderella, is hot and exhausting. The nights are filled with inmates screaming and crying.
The guards are mostly okay, making sure the prisoners follow strict prison rules. Except one, who has it in for Lolita. A real nasty character who came from a rival Mafia gang in Chicago. He is determined she will suffer. Maybe never leave the prison alive.
Drones fly over the prison gates, delivering contraband, poison pills, and weapons. There are strip searches for hidden drugs. Fights break out between inmates. Rival gangs clash in warfare. Drugs are rampant. Can Lolita survive?
Midnight Peepshow will have a digital release on February 13, 2024. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Attention horror movie fans! As I always say, it’s always the perfect time for a horror movie. There’s a new horror/thriller movie coming to digital on February 13, 2024. Perhaps in just in time for Valentine’s Day, if you and your valentine like these types of movies. Don’t miss Midnight Peepshow.
In Midnight Peepshow, we are introduced to an unnamed Madame who owns and operates a peepshow offering patrons a tailor-made experience wrapped around their deepest desires, fears, and sins. Tonight, it welcomes a businessman who has a unique connection to an extreme fantasy website on the dark web. He soon becomes a witness to three stories of victims who found the same website, and now the Midnight Peepshow has found him. It will only be a matter of time before he is made to pay the ultimate price for dabbling in the dark side of his own desire. (October Coast, 2024)
Director: Airell Anthony Hayles, Andy Edwards, Jake West, Ludovica Musumeci
Cast: Zach Galligan, Chiara D’Anna, Richard Cotton, Sarah Diamond, Jamie Bacon, Derek Nelson, Jack Fairbank. Miki Davis, Ryan Oliva, Ocean M. Harris
Freight Fried Chicken will be located in the food hall at the Bottling Department. Photo: A.J. Creative, used with permission.
Award-winning chef Nicola Blaque will open her latest concept, Freight Fried Chicken, at the Food Hall at Bottling Department at Pearl on Saturday, January 13, 2024. Chef Blaque, whose fried chicken recipe has caught the attention of Eater, San Antonio Express-News and others on numerous occasions, created Freight Fried Chicken as a homage to the rich culinary history and traditions shared amongst Black Americans. Freight Fried Chicken draws its inspiration from black women in post Civil War America that sold fried chicken to rail passengers traveling through Gordonsville, VA. The women became known as Waiter Carriers and their chicken recipes would attract travelers who would go out of their way just to try the famous chicken. The sale of fried chicken allowed formerly enslaved women to support their households and create racial progress in a time fraught with dissension. (Freight Fried Chicken, 2024)
Freight Fried Chicken will use a dry batter for its chicken, which is similar in style to what was served by the Waiter Carriers. The chicken will also be served with biscuits, just like it was served on those trains so many years ago. Guests can also expect to see fried chicken tenders, a fried chicken sandwich, biscuits, mac ‘n’ cheese, seasoned fries, a vegetarian sandwich option, and more on the menu. Freight Fried Chicken’s bone-in chicken is halal and all of its batter is gluten free.
Opening date: Saturday, January 13, 2024 Hours will be 10a.m. to 9p.m. Sunday – Thursday and 10a.m. to 10p.m. Friday and Saturday
The Food Hall at Bottling Department 312 Pearl Pkwy Building 6 San Antonio, TX 78215
Lattoia Massey, known professionally as Chef Nicola Blaque, is a restaurateur and chef based in San Antonio, Texas. Chef Blaque is the executive chef and owner of the Jerk Shack, a Jamaican-inspired restaurant in San Antonio. The restaurant offers fare like jerk chicken, braised oxtail and quickly became a staple after opening in 2018. She also opened Mi Roti, a Caribbean concept at the popular Pearl district in San Antonio, in the summer of 2020, which is now being redeveloped into her latest concept, Freight Fried Chicken.
In addition to running successful concepts that have been recognized by GQ, Eater and more, Chef Blaque is an Army Veteran, a graduate of The Culinary Institute of America in San Antonio, a private chef for members in the NBA, a wife and a mom. Having been born and raised in Jamaica until she was five years old, Chef Blaque is passionate about introducing people to the flavors of the Caribbean. Though she’ll be the first to tell you that the dishes she’s serving up aren’t always traditional Jamaican dishes, she’s passionate about infusing those flavors into cuisine her patrons know and love.
Pearl is a dynamic neighborhood built around the historic Pearl Brewery, located just north of downtown San Antonio on the banks of the San Antonio River. Pearl is home to architecturally significant buildings like the brewhouse and stable—both built in 1894—and numerous plazas. Today, Pearl is home to dozens of unique culinary concepts, one-of-a-kind retail, weekend markets, residential communities, innovative office tenants, the San Antonio campus of the Culinary Institute of America, and the award-winning Hotel Emma. Pearl is a vibrant district where the community gathers to play, work, and live; it is a place where things are made and celebrated with purpose and sincerity.
‘Kengi’s House’ is the captivating new book by Griffin Hurley. Photo: Griffin Hurley, used with permission.
Fantasy novels are fascinating to read because they involve imaginary worlds, magic, and mythical and supernatural creatures. They are full of action and adventure and transport readers into other worlds populated by complex characters. If you are ready for your next exciting fantasy/action adventure read, consider today’s new book release, “Kengi’s House” by Griffin Hurley. It features a young man named Dak who embarks on a journey of self-discovery while unraveling family secrets and confronting his own doubts and fears. Don’t wait! Pick up your copy today and find out how Dak’s journey ends. It is available on Amazon.
Griffin Hurleyis a fresh voice in the literary scene, bringing a passion for storytelling to the forefront. With a knack for creating engaging narratives, Griffin’s writing reflects a love for words and a deep connection to the human experience. Stay tuned for captivating tales that invite readers to explore new worlds and plots. In his new book “Kengi’s House,” Dak navigates a world filled with gangsters, power struggles, and moral dilemmas. (Griffin Hurley, 2024)
“Kengi’s House” – “Dak’s Journey” follows the life-changing odyssey of Dak, a young man living in the vibrant and mystical city of Eldoria. Amidst a world where mortals and deities coexist, Dak finds himself thrust into a whirlwind of divine encounters and epic challenges that test his courage, resilience, and inner strength.
The story unfolds as Dak’s tranquil life takes an unexpected turn when he crosses paths with Kami, a powerful deity who takes a keen interest in him. As rumors spread and alliances shift, Dak becomes entangled in a complex web of political intrigues and supernatural conflicts that threaten the balance of his city and the world beyond.
As he prepares for a pivotal meeting with Kami, Dak must not only contend with the forces vying for control, but also grapple with matters of the heart. His evolving connection with his best friend Joy and the challenges they face together add a layer of depth to his narrative, forcing him to confront his feeling and priorities.
‘Secretariat Plot: Conspiracy in the Arctic’ is available for pre-order now. Release date is January 12, 2024. Photo: Sougata, used with permission.
Political thrillers often center around a high stakes power struggle. Authors such as John le Carré, Vince Flynn, and Robert Ludlum are some of the best known authors of political thrillers. In a geopolitical thriller, that power struggle is affected by geographical elements such as boundaries, coalitions, spatial networks, or natural resources. If you enjoy the suspense of a good geopolitical thriller, consider today’s upcoming new book release “Secretariat Plot: Conspiracy in the Arctic” by Sougata. A secretariat plot and conspiracy in the Arctic beckons you into a world where politics and profit collide in a relentless battle for global supremacy. This title will be released on January 12 and is available for pre-order now through Amazon.
“Secretariat Plot: Conspiracy in the Arctic”Geopolitical Thriller (DEN SMIL series – Geopolitical Thriller Book 1) – In the frozen expanse of the Arctic circle, where icy winds howl and secrets lie buried beneath the snow, an epic geopolitical thriller unfolds. The story is real and this will leave readers grasping for breath with suspense, thrill, twists, and adventure. (Sougata, 2024)
Former war correspondent turned United Nations Secretariat operative Den Smil finds himself thrust into the heart of a chilling conspiracy codenamed ‘Polar Bear.’ What starts as a mission to mediate a Russian coal mine dispute in Svalbard soon spirals into a perilous journey to expose a global plot that could reshape the very fabric of the world order. Governments, business houses, and shadowy alliances converge in a dance of intrigue. Den Smil must navigate a treacherous web of deception to unearth the truth.
The story starts with the United Nations climate conference in Katowice, Poland but the prelude of the conspiracy was planned long back in Svalbard to exploit the Arctic’s natural pattern for economic gain. The story unfolds in a pursuit of power through a complex spider web. Den will be trapped in Ethiopia but he has to travel across Greenland and Norway to consolidate the leads and uncover the sinister plot. There is negligible chance that he would discover the root cause and catch the mastermind legitimately. If he can’t make it, the Earth and the world power will change forever. The espionage, assassination, malfunctioning, and complex business deals shroud the Arctic in uncertainty, as the fate of Earth’s economy, rare resources, and crucial trade routes teeter on a precarious edge.
Geopolitics heats up in the icy embrace of the North Pole.
As you turn the pages, prepare to be drawn into a gripping narrative filled with unexpected twists, and realize the Arctic Circle emerges as the epicenter of a geopolitical storm.
Are you ready to embark on a journey where secrets could thaw the world order anytime? Witness it.
Sponsored Post
‘Secretariat Plot: Conspiracy in the Arctic’ is available now for pre-order. Photo: Sougata, used with permission.
1705066995
days
hours minutes seconds
until
‘Secretariat Plot: Conspiracy in the Arctic’ release date
Dole is presenting sponsor of the ‘Get Fit for No Kid Hungry’ initiative targeting national fitness and wellness influencers in January 2024. Photo: Google
Dole Food Company has started a busy year of health, wellness, and hunger-relief initiatives by extending its partnership with No Kid Hungry, a campaign of Share Our Strength, committed to ending hunger and poverty, for a third consecutive year in 2024. The company’s alliance with the national nonprofit began in summer 2020 in response to the impact of COVID-19 when schools closed and millions more U.S. children were left facing hunger. (Dole Food Company, 2024)
Dole’s ongoing work with No Kid Hungry includes nutrition education, fundraising support, and at-retail initiatives to help the thirteen million kids in the U.S. who are living with hunger to have access to three healthy meals a day.
The produce leader is also the presenting sponsor of Get Fit for No Kid Hungry, an influencer-based health and wellness fundraising initiative designed to rally the nation’s top fitness and nutrition experts to host health-related livestream classes and web-based instruction throughout January. In addition to sponsoring the program, Dole is encouraging its own partner bloggers and influencers to inspire their followers to get fit and give back in the New Year by donating to No Kid Hungry.
The renewed collaborations with No Kid Hungry are part of a milestone year for Dole that will include virtual health and wellness workshops, new brand ambassadors, dozens of new, produce-based recipes and local and national celebrations marking the 125th anniversary of DOLE® Bananas.
“We’ve been honored to work alongside No Kid Hungry over the past three years in their quest to ensure that every child in the U.S. gets the healthy food they need to thrive. While we’ve made some great strides together, there is still much work to do to fulfill both organizations’ goals of addressing hunger and food insecurity for children.” – William Goldfield, Dole Food Company’s director of corporate communications
“Access to healthy food unlocks so much opportunity for our nation’s kids. When kids have access to three meals a day, they can dream big and have a bright future. That’s why we’re so incredibly grateful to Dole and our other Get Fit partners, as well as the many fitness, health and wellness experts hosting ‘Get Fit for No Kid Hungry’ livestream classes this January to help raise awareness and funds to connect kids to the food they need. Together, we can get fit, give back and make sure kids across the country have access to the fuel they need to grow up healthy and strong.” – Carla Warner, senior director of Revenue Innovation at Share Our Strength, the organization behind the No Kid Hungry campaign
Active in the health and wellness blogger and influencer space since 2009, Dole recruited several Get Fit for No Kid Hungry influencers participating in the 2022 and 2023 programs. The company is encouraging its millions of social media followers, employees, customers, Dole Nutrition News e-newsletter subscribers, growers, retailers and other industry partners to contribute to the effort.
Dole plc
Dole plc, is one of the world’s largest producers and marketers of high-quality fresh fruit and fresh vegetables. Dole is an industry leader in many of the products it sells, as well as in nutrition education.
No Kid Hungry
No child should go hungry in America. But millions of kids in the United States live with hunger. No Kid Hungry is working to end childhood hunger by helping launch and improve programs that give all kids the healthy food they need to thrive. This is a problem we know how to solve. No Kid Hungry is a campaign of Share Our Strength, an organization committed to ending hunger and poverty.
‘Past Sins: A Kalanu Mountain Mystery’ is the new mystery novel by J. Thomas Witcher. Photo: J. Thomas Witcher, used with permission.
Mysteries and suspense thrillers are some of my ultimate favorite books to read. They keep readers guessing and often have plot twists to keep things interesting. If you love a good suspense thriller and looking for your next big read, check out today’s new book release: “Past Sins: A Kalanu Mountain Mystery” by J. Thomas Witcher. It is book 2 in the Kalanu Mountain Mystery series featuring Tobias Atkins, a former detective with the Kalanu County Sheriff’s department. Even though he is now retired, a haunting new mystery draws him in. It is available on Amazon.
J. Thomas “Tommy” Witcher has been writing since the age of 10 when he discovered the magic of words both in prose and poetry. Gathering knowledge and ideas from his varied life as an Air Force brat, U.S. Marine (Purple Heart recipient in Vietnam), and police officer, he has further broadened his horizons in the past few years as an actor in several productions with the Henry Players in McDonough, Georgia. Educated and reared in England and Georgia, with Marine service in Vietnam, the Mediterranean and the Caribbean, he has a truly cosmopolitan view of life. Tommy is happily married and lives in Cleveland, Georgia. In his new book “Past Sins: A Kalanu Mountain Mystery,” they thought Tobias Atkins was finished as a cop. They thought wrong. (J Thomas Witcher, 2024)
“Past Sins: A Kalanu Mountain Mystery” – Retired detective Tobias “Swede” Atkins is in for a rollercoaster ride. Battling post-coma challenges, a perplexing ex-wife, and accusations of arson, his world spirals into a tangled web of suspicions and doubts. As he navigates a town on the edge of chaos, a woman’s desire to turn a restaurant into a battleground unravels a historic murder and concealed secrets fanned by the mountain’s fiery whispers. Swede discovers the past haunts the present and truth is as elusive as mountain winds.
The sci-fi metaphysical thriller Reflect will be released on cable Video On Demand and Digital HD on January 9, 2024. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Cranked Up Films is excited to kick off their 2024 slate with the North American VOD release of Reflect, the feature film debut of writer/director/star Dana Kippel. The sci-fi metaphysical thriller follows a group of friends on a spiritual obstacle course hoping to improve their lives, but they don’t know they are being monitored by mysterious hooded entities, eager to take over their bodies. Reflect debuts on Digital VOD January 9, 2024, including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu. (Justin Cook PR, 2024)
Dana Kippel headlines the film as Summer, rounded out by a cast including Grace Patterson, Jadelyn Breier, Marissa Patterson, Ariana Williams, Corey Brooks, Eric Scott Woods, Dash Katz, Maya Knell, Ryan Jack Connell, and Joe Filippone. Kippel produced under her Crazy Carrot Films shingle, alongside Zac Coats, Ryan Jack Connell, Brian Duss, Grace Patterson, Loan Thach, and Rhiannon Moller-Trotter. Michael DeLano of COTU Media served as executive producer.
Reflect world premiered at the Chandler International Film Festival and went on to screen at the Boston Science Fiction Film Festival, the Sydney Science Film Festival, and the ETHOS Film Awards International Film Festival.
Reflect –
Unhappy with her current relationship, Summer sets out on a road trip to Sedona, AZ, accompanied by her four gal pals to a spiritual obstacle course. Upon arriving, they are greeted by their uncanny host, Hermes who leads them into the vast desertscape which becomes the foreground for the interdimensional game show they unknowingly are participating in.
Transported, they begin a colorful, surrealistic journey of the soul, diving into issues surrounding trauma, mental health, and female relationships. The girls start to go missing one by one as we discover mysterious hooded figures are following them. As the tension rises, who will figure out how to escape this and become the last one standing, ultimately winning The Game of Life?
SA Examiner 