The Crown of Tannenley is the new short story by Liza Clarke. Photo: Amazon
Science fiction and fantasy works of literature are fascinating because they transport the reader to make believe worlds, kingdoms, and faraway planets. When I want to escape from the ‘real world,’ I pick up the latest epic novel and get lost in its pages for days. If you like stories similar to The Chronicles of Narnia, A Game of Thrones, and Lord of the Rings, today’s new release, The Crown of Tannenley by Liza Clarke, just might be your next read. It involves kings, queens, invading armies, kingdoms, and all the interesting elements that make fantasy books so exciting.
Liza Clarke lives in the suburbs of Sydney, Australia, loves to travel, and has always enjoyed a good book. She has two cats who like to help her write, though their level of helpfulness is questionable. She has always loved reading fantasy and sci-fi and now she gets to write about it. She has a BA and MA in history and hopes to incorporate them more in her writing. In her new short story The Crown of Tannenley, the future of the kingdom is at stake as a young new king takes over. It is available on Amazon and other book retailers. More on the author here. (Liza Clarke, 2023)
The Crown of Tannenley – The young Queen did her best to defend her people and kingdom – she failed. With her death, the crown fell to her young cousin who she had sent with the refugees. Nickolas was never meant to be King, never wanted the throne, but now he was the only one of the family left. Could he rally not only his people but the Mages’ College to drive the invaders back? Clashing with King Edric was not part of the plan but he had no choice, he had to do what was right for his people, even those from other kingdoms who had been forced to flee. Would the line of Tannenbay end with him or would he win the war?
“Living With Depression: Navigating Mood Disorders as a Family: Mental Health: A Journey of Courage and Resilience” is the new book by Damian D. Lewis. Photo: Amazon
The subject of mental health, especially mood disorders like depression and anxiety, touches almost everyone at one time or another. Either we know someone who needs help, or we ourselves need help. It includes emotional, psychological, and social well-being and can be influenced by genetics, our environment, and the sum of our life experiences. According to Damian D. Lewis, author of the new book “Living With Depression: Navigating Mood Disorders as a Family: Mental Health: A Journey of Courage and Resilience,” “good mental health is not merely the absence of mental illness, but also about developing positive qualities like resilience, self-esteem, and a sense of purpose.” This book is not just for the person struggling with mood disorders, but for anyone who cares enough to seek guidance. It is available on Amazon.
“Living With Depression: Navigating Mood Disorders as a Family: Mental Health: A Journey of Courage and Resilience” – Within this book lies a powerful and heartfelt guide to conquering the challenges of depression and mental health disorders with the unwavering support of loved ones. It explores the often-overlooked impact that mood disorders can have on relationships and family, while providing practical strategies for finding hope and healing even in the toughest of times.
With compassion and insight, this book warmly welcomes you to a community of survivors, where you will find the courage to face your struggles and reclaim the joy that has been waiting for you on the other side of depression and related mental health disorders. Whether it is your mental health disorder or that of a loved one, this book offers the inspiration and support you need to move forward with strength and resilience.
Above all, remember this: you are never alone. Take comfort in knowing that help is always available, and that there is light at the end of the tunnel, no matter how daunting the struggle may seem. Embrace the promise that your story, your strength, and your potential for growth are waiting for you, and let this book be your guide.
Meet Damian Lewis, your friendlyneighborhood storyteller:
“Hey there, I’m Damian, and I’m a firm believer that stories have a magical power. They can whisk you away to fantastical realms, make you ponder life’s big questions, or simply give you a good chuckle—all in the time it takes to finish your morning coffee.
But there’s more to my tales than meets the eye. I’m on a mission to unravel the fascinating tapestry of the human mind, one story at a time. You see, I’ve always been intrigued by the way our emotions dance to the rhythm of our thoughts.
In my writing, I dive deep into the oceans of mental health, exploring the enigmatic currents of anxiety, depression, and resilience. It’s a journey I’m deeply passionate about, and I’ve found that stories are the perfect vessel to explore these uncharted waters.
As I always say, ‘The future is now.’ When you crack open one of my stories, you’re not just reading words on a page; you’re embarking on a voyage through the intricate landscapes of the human psyche. Whether it’s an offbeat comedy, a heartwarming tale of connection, or a spine-tingling thriller, my stories are designed to resonate with the human experience.
And hey, I’m not all about the serious stuff. I love to sprinkle a bit of humor into my narratives because life’s too short not to share a good laugh.
So, come along on this adventure with me. Let’s explore the extraordinary in the ordinary, find joy in the little moments, and dive headfirst into the incredible complexity of our minds—one story at a time. After all, the best tales are the ones we create together.” #DamianLewisStories
‘Lilly The Unicorn: Moves To Town’ is the new children’s book by Michelle Matos that teaches children a valuable life lesson. Photo: Michelle Matos, used with permission.
Aside from being entertaining, children’s books can also teach them life lessons, especially about important subjects such as bullying and accepting yourself. Such is the case in today’s new children’s book release “Lilly The Unicorn: Moves To Town” by Michelle Matos. Being new in town, Lilly can not wait to go to school so she can make new friends, but the experience does not turn out like she imagined. This book teaches children the importance of accepting people just the way the are. Pick up a copy for your little one – it is available on Amazon.
Michelle Matos has always had a passion for art, which led her to earn a Bachelors degree in Fine Arts from Kutztown University. Her love for art started at a young age with reading books. Her mother, who has a love for reading, worked as a librarian. The library was where Michelle would spend much of her time. Remembering how much of an impact books made on her as a child, Michelle was inspired to create heartwarming stories to help children with issues they may face growing up and illustrating them with the beautiful, vibrant colors that captivated her as a child. Her new children’s book is “Lilly The Unicorn: Moves To Town” teaches children that everyone is unique and special in their own way, just like a unicorn. (Amazon, 2023)
“Lilly The Unicorn: Moves To Town”– In this heartwarming story, Lilly, a young unicorn, moves to a new town and can’t wait to start the school year so she can make friends for the first time. But, Lilly quickly discovers that her new classmates would rather make fun of her horn than actually be her friend. It is not until her teacher, Ms. Owl, who sees how cruelly she is being bullied, intervenes by giving the class a unique assignment that Lilly’s classmates suddenly see Lilly in a blinding new light.
“Embodied Imaginations: Fictional Characters Making Experiential Crossings into Real Life: An Unusual Phenomenon” is the new book by Chidambaram Ramesh that looks into the captivating world where characters seem to acquire lives of their own. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Here is an interesting concept: can characters in novels and literature be so well written that they eventually take a life of their own? When writers create a character, they invest so much energy into his/her appearance and personality that sometimes they become the character and attempt to engage with him/her as a real person to the point of describing such interactions as a form of ‘possession.’ This is the subject of the new book by Chidambaram Ramesh titled “Embodied Imaginations: Fictional Characters Making Experiential Crossings into Real Life: An Unusual Phenomenon” in which he attempts to combine modern science with spiritual, mystical, and philosophical theories to create interest in more studies about “how our minds create the world around us.” Curious to find out more about this? Pick up your copy today on Amazon.
Chidambaram Ramesh is a graduate of Madurai Kamaraj University in India with a degree in engineering. He is a freelance researcher and writer striving to rediscover and re-establish several lost, scientifically significant concepts from the past by incorporating these into modern science. He is the author of several works, including “Thought-Forms and Hallucinations: Some Curious Effects of the Holographic Mind Process” and “Lightning as a ‘Photographer’–Revisiting a Forgotten Phenomenon of Nature.” His current interests include studies of consciousness. His new book “Embodied Imaginations: Fictional Characters Making Experiential Crossings into Real Life: An Unusual Phenomenon” introduces readers to the mysterious and profound part of creative writing that they never knew existed before. (Amazon, 2023)
“Embodied Imaginations: Fictional Characters Making Experiential Crossings into Real Life: An Unusual Phenomenon” examines the science behind the writers’ experience of characters developing their own will and taking objective forms. Many writers have the experience that their characters have evolved their own personalities. They start to tell their own stories, and sometimes they could even rebel against the author’s ideas for them and change the course of the whole plot. That is not all, though. Sometimes, literary characters assume objective appearances which are visible not just to the creators, but also to others and manifesting in the real world. These experiences raise several interesting philosophical and scientific questions. Have the writers unwittingly created quasi-conscious entities by the power of their minds? Can thoughts manifest as something tangible that can be seen, heard, or even touched? How genuine are the contents of the mind? “Embodied Imaginations” explores these questions, highlighting the results of an investigation on this fascinating topic, stemming from personal anecdotes of many writers. Providing scientific evidence for the existences of these mental constructs, the goal is to collect robust and reliable building blocks that may help to deconstruct perceptions and provide answers to this phenomenon. The book attempts to give modern science a place where spiritual, philosophical and mystical threads can be interwoven. Efforts have been made to corroborate theoretical claims with experimental evidence, contributing to research in cognitive psychology to determine the role of imagination in creating external reality.
‘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
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.
‘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.
‘The Seattle Fugitive: The Story of Jimmy James III’ is Elonzo Phillips’ exciting new novel. Photo: Amazon
Today’s new book release is “The Seattle Fugitive: The Story of Jimmy James III” by Elonzo Phillips. It is the story of seventeen year old Jimmy James III as told by Jimmy himself and begins with him trying to reassure us that he is not a monster, that he is not a killer. He is a fugitive in hiding, accused of killing two of his classmates but insists he is just a normal high school kid and proceeds to recount the events of that tragic day. The first couple of chapters take place at school and revolve around Jimmy and his friends during a typical school day. Want to find out what happens to Jimmy? “The Seattle Fugitive” is available through the author’s website and Amazon.
Elonzo Phillips is a writer who was born and raised in Wharton, Texas. He started writing when he was 19 years old while in his second semester in college and wrote his first book when he was 21. By the time he graduated college, he had written four books. He wanted to become a writer because he has always excelled at creating stories, both fiction and non-fiction. When he was in school, he was constantly teased for daydreaming and now he has turned it into writing, his favorite hobby, for when he is daydreaming, he is re-writing reality in his head as his own personal multiverse. His favorite author is Stephen King and the movies based on his books, especially Stand By Me, Misery, Pet Sematary, and The Shawshank Redemption partially inspired him to become a writer. His new book “The Seattle Fugitive: The Story of Jimmy James III” is his 5th book and the story of a young high schooler named Jimmy James III. (Elonzo Phillips, 2023)
“The Seattle Fugitive: The Story of Jimmy James III” – Jimmy James was living life the way any other genius student would until an infamous tragedy takes place. One day he was casually sitting in class when all of a sudden he blacks out. He wakes up in the middle of a murder scene involving two of his classmates. With blood all over him, almost the whole school stands witness, as they all point fingers at him, believing he had murdered the two students who were lying dead next to him. Now, while on the run from the police, swat, the army, and even the national guard, Jimmy James has no choice but to prove his innocence while hiding out in the very city that claims him as a monster. Will he solve his case in time or will he serve the death penalty?
“This book will catch you by surprise every minute!” “This book is based on a true story!” “This book is very inspiring and it inspires people, who feel different, that they’re somebody too!”
‘The Amber Menhir’ will be released October, 4, 2023. Photo: Amazon
Jonathan N. Pruittis a lifelong educator, a former scientific researcher, and a provocative fantasy author. Rising from humble beginnings in a rural, economically disadvantaged county in Florida, he skyrocketed to academic success, earning a PhD at the youthful age of 24. Pruitt’s journey took him from the concert halls as a child prodigy pianist to the globally recognized halls of esteemed universities including the University of Pittsburgh, Princeton University, and the University of California, Santa Barbara. His life experiences—from living in diverse corners of the world like South Africa, Namibia, Australia, and Canada, to navigating the wild landscape of his career—richly inform his narratives. Pruitt’s storytelling defies reality yet resonates with emotional truth. He makes readers question the differences between good and evil and the murky area between the two. With his debut novel “The Amber Menhir,” Pruitt delivers biting humor, deep human insights, and a unique scientist’s perspective. Readers visit a modern-day, grimdark fairy tale where reality bends and twists. Jonathan N. Pruitt’s metamorphosis from a prodigious scientific mind into a fantasy author is a testament to reinvention. Avoiding the usual expectations of fantasy by way of satire, humor, and a race of nefarious evil cats, it is the first in Jonathan Pruitt’s The Shadows of the Monolith series and arrives this October from Spinner Loom Press. It is available now for pre-order on Amazon. (Black Château, 2023)
“The Amber Menhir” – With each new dawn, the celestial body known only as ‘Calamity’ draws closer – and with it the end of the world. Humanity’s only hope from oblivion rests in the menhirs, towering bastions of scholarship and imagination which cast long shadows across the lands. The scholars within the menhirs devote themselves selflessly to the discovery of new magic that will help avert the impending apocalypse … or so the masses have been made to understand.
In a society divided between those with occult potential and lay citizens, Tara Langcraw is recruited into the Amber Menhir with great interest. The long-awaited heiress of a bloodline bearing the rarest of the six magical disciplines, time manipulation, she is expected to flourish within this noble citadel of learning, as are her friends and fellow recruits, Roland Ward and Peony Bianchi. They soon find, however, that those who fail to meet expectations, or who dare to challenge the prevailing order, put more than their marks on the line. For the menhir squirms with rivalries, and those who stand against the status quo may not stand for very long.
Having earned the title of the world’s most infamous spider biologist, Pruitt has penned a grimdark fantasy lampooning the academic and scientific communities, while also offering an immersive, diverse, and fast-paced story. What exactly is a Menhir? “Found across the globe, Menhirs are mysterious, ancient, imposing monoliths that prove evidence of a civilization’s existence. They’re often the subject of superstition, just like the magical institutions that make up this world. Whether they stand as pinnacles of grandeur and discovery, or blemishes of political pestilence will be up to the reader,” explains Pruitt.
‘The Protectress’ is the new novel by Ayura Ayira. Photo: Amazon
If you like ancient world historical romance and romantic erotica, today’s new book release is just for you. “The Protectress” by Ayura Ayira features a strong female character, a demigoddess, who wages war on Earth. It opens with Tilelli, the Protectress, leading her soldiers in an epic battle. After reading the sample, the language appears lyrical with vivid metaphors: “Ever the graceful killer, she watched and waited, expecting them to say something. No one did, death had already stolen their words;” and there is plenty of battle violence. *Disclaimer: This book contains violence, graphic language, and sexual content and is intended for maturereaders. It is available on Amazon, Goodreads, Audible, and other booksellers.
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. In her new book “The Protectress,” a demigoddess wages a war that spawns betrayal and the loss of her divine powers. (Ayura Ayira, 2023)
“The Protectress” – a demigoddess, descended from a long line of demigoddesses, is banished to Earth to safeguard humanity from a looming destiny of destruction. She finds solace and refuge in the arms of a mysterious stranger—a mortal. With unwavering faith that her loyal troops will orchestrate her daring escape, the Protectress counts on her return to the secure embrace of her palace. Yet, with each passing day, she finds herself increasingly drawn to this handsome man, surpassing the bounds of prophecy. The weight of duty and legacy occupy her thoughts, but her body hungers for something else. If she is not careful, her heart may soon follow, and how would the Gods judge her actions then?
‘Birthday Countdown’ is book 3 in the Fairy-Tailed series by Megan Pighetti. Photo: Amazon
Looking for a children’s book that celebrates the magic and imagination of childhood? Then look no further: “Birthday Countdown” by Megan Pighetti is specially written for children ages 4-6 and beautifully illustrated to capture your young child’s attention. Ideal for moms and dads who want to bond with their child over a delightful bedtime story, the “Birthday Countdown” is sure to quickly become a cherished part of your bookshelf. Are you ready to begin Kyle’s birthday countdown? Then order your copy today! (Megan Pighetti, 2023)
Megan Pighetti enjoys writing picture books with an interactive element. Whether the child will be involved with a craft after the story, a new family tradition, a recipe, or a new skill to ease anxiety, children will continue to think about the written words long after the final word is read. Born and raised in Colorado, the outdoors has always been an excellent inspiration. However, nothing is more of an inspiration than her family. Residing in Fort Collins, Colorado, where she received her degree in Consumer and Family Sciences with a concentration in Education, Megan belongs to SCBWI and a local critique group. Through this critique group, she has created multiple stories she has self-published. Self-publishing has enabled Megan to develop her storytelling skills further and understand the entirety of the picture book-building process. Her latest book, “Birthday Countdown,” is book 3 in the Fairy-Taled series. Begin your birthday countdown with this adorable children’s story about the magic of birthdays. Other books in the series include “A Birthday Fairy Tale,” “The Tooth Fairy Quits,” “Fairy-Taled Wish,” and “Fairy-Tailed Birthday Trouble.”
“Birthday Countdown”– It is only three sleeps until Kyle’s big day! As he eagerly waits for the presents and birthday treats, he has one giant birthday wish – to be visited by the Birthday Fairy. Even though he does not have his friend’s magical bracelet, he wishes with all his might, but will his birthday wish come true?
Lovingly crafted as a fun children’s story that celebrates the joy and excitement of birthdays, this magical story invites kids and parents on a memorable adventure that shares the value of love, family, and birthday wishes. With enchanting illustrations that will capture the imaginations of boys and girls ages 4-6, this book captures the thrill of birthday wishes through a child’s eyes, sharing a cute tale about one of the most important days of your young child’s life.
This book:
Showcases a beautiful story with gorgeous illustrations that bring each scene to life
Makes a wonderful read for toddlers, preschoolers, kindergarteners, and kids ages 4-6
Imparts a valuable lesson about love, patience, family, and magic wishes
Great as a charming gift idea or bedtime story for your child, grandchild, niece or nephew
SA Examiner 