PW Select November 2013

November 2013
A guide to whats new in self-publishing Full reviews of 28 self-published books Listings for 160 new titles
Plus:
How Christian retail is adapting to self-publishing Traditional publishers have recruited authors from WestBow Press William Sirls moves from WestBow to Thomas Nelson Betty Sargent offers writing tips from pros
The PW Publishing Industry Salary Survey

2013
Now Available for Purchase at publishersWeekly.com/salary2013
R E TA I L I N G
Christian Retail Adapts to Self-Published BooksSometimes

By Andy Butcher
A year after celebrating the release of her first novel, Amanda Barber, a private music teacher, observes, Its easier than ever to get published, but its not easy to be successful. Publishing is a piece of cake, but to actually sell booksthats the hard part.
into stores. There are opportunities, but with a word of caution, says CBAs president, Curtis Riskey. The opportunity is discovery of new voices and different ideas, but that must be balanced with good reads, and busy retailers cant always personally vet titles on their shelves to determine Curtis Riskey that.
he challenge recently took her to Banner Books Parable Christian Store in her hometown of St. Joseph, Mich., for a book signing to promote her Christian historical fiction title, The Pursuit of Elizabeth Millhouse (Axiom, 2012). Though she sold only a Amanda Barber handful of copies there, and knows she can make more money selling copies online, Barber believes that for long-term success, its better to have a presence in retail stores. She is not alone. A growing number of self-published/indie authors are recognizing the importance of cultivating connections at bricks-and-mortar bookstores; at the same time, Christian retailers are warming to a category they have historically been cool toward. Lorraine Valk, owner of the independent St. Joseph store that hosted Barber, has a cautious approach to such titles, but she sees advantages. Authors love being able to tell their friends where the book is available, it creates goodwill, and it gets the author back into the store on a regular Lorraine Valk basis to check their stock, she says. And they have family and friends that are also gaining a positive image of our store. CBA, the Christian retail trade association, sees the selfpublishing explosion as a way for member stores to connect with their local communities and establish themselves as places where readers can discover good new authors. The organization has focused on the trend at its recent trade shows, with special workshop sessions on how writers can get their books
New Traffic
Local authors wanting to see their books on the shelves at one of CLC Bookcenters three locations in the Philadelphia area have to complete an application form and provide a review copy. Jim Pitman, director of retail operations, currently has a pile of titles awaiting assessment, with seven in-store signings taking place in seven weeks. Local authors bring in family, friends, and people from their church. Its new traffic for us, he says. They might sell only a few books, but if they bring in three or four new people who havent been here before, they Jim Pitman have the potential to become lifetime customers, which could mean a lot of money over a long period. That long-term view is important for retailers who might dismiss as a bust a signing where only a few people show up and sales are minimal. Its not just about the [immediate] sales, says Darren Henry, president of Advocate Distribution Solutions, part of Send the Light Distribution LLC, which serves Christian stores. Seeing promotion of self-published authors as an opportunity for retailers to tap into the buy local groundswell, Henry notes that if Christian retailers dont want to go that route, others will. He points to Barnes & Noble frequently hosting local author signings. A case in point: Amanda Barber recently scheduled seven events at B&N locations in her area, in addition to her visit to Banner Books, to promote her book. Its a really good opportunity, and I will continue with them, she says of the B&N opportunities, but I have to figure out what else I can do. Its a lot of gas money running around to all these signings. Bookstores still leery about carrying self-published books might be encouraged to consider the category more seriously by
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R E TA I L I N G
the way some established authors with traditional publishing histories now are also taking the indie route (see PW, Nov. 11, Having It Both Ways, p. 38). Among them is award-winning thriller writer Brandilyn Collins, who decided to go independentturning down offers from other traditional housesafter the recent folding of B&H Publishing Groups fiction line left her without a contract. books in that format traditionally selling for $14.99 in Christian stores.Then there are self-publishing enterprises that offer less than the usual 40% discount for stores. Suzanne Kuhn worked with one author who signed with a service that gave no discount to retailers. The book was full price, says Suzanne. Well, guess Suzanne Kuhn what that meant for her sales? She had none, and couldnt figure out why.
Going Hybrid
Says Collins, Stores historical resistance to self-published books is and will continue to change as more and more wellknown, bestselling, and award-winning authors choose to take this route. I know numerous names in this arena doing self-pub now, either turning to it full-time or going hybrid. Hers will be one of the banner names on a new initiative adding further credibility, if its needed, to self-published books in-store potential. Collinss new work of suspense, Sidetracked, will be one of the first titles featured in the new Jerry B. Jenkins Select Line of self-published books to be promoted to Christian retail in the spring. They will arrive in stores through 1Source, a partnership between Jenkinss Christian Writers Guild Publishing, Believers Press, Bethany Press, and Anchor Distributors. It launched in October to offer author services from editing to marketing and distribution. Every channel is crucial for success these days, says Jenkins. The problem with self-pubs in the past is that they havent been considered real or legitimate because they have been so hard to find in bookstores. Jenkins, coauthor of the blockbuster Left Behind series and Christian publishings top-selling writer, founded CWGP in 2012, though he had long been a critic of the substandard writing, editing, and design of much self-publishing. Now even he has some of his backlist titles earmarked for self-publishing someday. Eventually I saw the light, he explains, recognizing that technology was making self-publishing more economical while at the same time even good writers were finding it harder and harder to get traditionally published. Because of new technology and a growing number of providersfrom traditional publishers launching their own self- and co-publishing divisions (see Keeping Faith with Authors, p. 4) to former big-name publishing professionals offering independent servicesindie authors are producing more quality work. But they still need to sharpen their business skills to connect with retailers. One big problem is pricing, says Shawn Kuhn, a longtime retailer who, with his wife, Suzanne, coaches new authors on the book business through Suzannes Suzy Q promotion company. Some self-publishing programs set their retail price based on page count, but an $18.99, 240-page Christian fiction trade paper doesnt do well in the bookstore, he notes, with Shawn Kuhn
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Store Champions
Many stores that do work with self-published authors want to take the books on consignment, like Baker Book House in Grand Rapids, Mich. Store manager Sue Smith, recently elected chairman of CBA, notes that on such terms, carrying some selfpublished books can be low risk. Smith is very selective in the self-published titles she accepts, and her experience is that selfpublished authors can be very unrealistic about their sales and quite demanding. But when there is a good connection they Sue Smith end up being champions for your store, she says. And as part of a tight-knit writing community, they might send more selfpublished authors the stores way, she adds. Pete Nikolai, director of publishing services at Thomas Nelsons WestBow Press self-publishing division, advises authors to develop a long-term strategy for working with local stores. Get to know the manager and staff months before your book will be published, he says. Buy your books there, and bring in friends and Pete Nikolai family members to shop. Get on their e-mail list. He suggests that rather than propose basic book signings, authors should put together talks that will educate and entertain, and work with other area writers to organize an informative and entertaining program. Consider forming a local authors association that does events throughout the year to help support the local store and local authors, Nikolai says. Actively promote your book by speaking at other events and doing other publicitymention the store where the book is available, and keep the store informed of the publicity. Ask the store which wholesaler it prefers so you can make sure it is easy for the store to purchase your book. Thats the kind of approach Jeff Dixon, a pastor in Sanford, Fla., has taken with his Disney-themed books, The Key to the Kingdom and Unlocking the Kingdom, both published by Deep River Books. I have created events where we have done a night of Disney history, stories, and how we learn spiritual lessons from it, then spent some time talking about the books themselves, he says.
R E TA I L I N G
One challenge for smaller stores is that self-published books make a demand on already limited shelf space and can mean time-consuming paperwork, says longtime independent retailer Rick Lewis, who, with his wife, Sue, owns Logos Bookstore of Dallas. While generally not a fan, he carries some self-published titles, seeing the most success with books by local pastors, counselors, and spiritual directors. I think their books did well because their occupations have trained them well, they tend to be older with more life experience, and they are all readers themselves, he says. lishing landscape continues to change, we want to offer great content no matter where it is produced, Miller adds. But not everyone sees the self-publishing boom opening doors at Christian retail: Jeff Gerke believes stores would be making a mistake if they carried his Jeff Gerke Marcher Lord Press science fiction and fantasy titles. The niche publisher of speculative fiction has won two Christy Awards and four American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Awards, with his recent release, Amish Vampires in Space, optioned for a movie. Gerke says Christian stores have done such a good job of catering to their core clientele that theyve driven off everyone else in a breeze of potpourri and Amish cotton. Carrying MLP books would be the equivalent of a candy store starting to carry lawnmowers. The best place to buy and sell Christian speculative novels is still online. For those who do want to pursue retail sales, Barber has some closing advice: You had better be prepared to work really hard. Writer and editor Andy Butcher has covered the Christian market for more than a dozen years.
Consignment Pretty Rare
Some Family Christian Stores locations might accept a local authors book on consignment, but currently its pretty rare, says Clark Miller, chief marketing officer for the Christian retail chain, with 280 stores in 36 states. Selfand indie publishers often dont have the press run sizes and ability to accept returns and honor other terms that we require, he says. In addition, theres no way for us to know whether these books have been professionally edited and vetted, and that they would be appropriate for our stores Clark Miller and our customers. However, as the pub-
SCOUTING SELF-PUBLISHED WORK
Keeping Faith with Authors

WestBow Press opens doors
By Lynn Garrett
Successful self-publishing might be fairly new, but one company can trace its roots back more than 200 years.
n 1798, on West Bow Street in Edinburgh, Scotland, the eponymously named Thomas Nelson was founded as a publisher of inexpensive editions of classic books like The Pilgrims Progress and Robinson Crusoe . After two centuries of changes in ownership, Nelson is now part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, the unit of HarperCollins created when News Corp. acquired Nelson in 2011 and combined it with its existing Zondervan imprint. The name of Nelsons self-publishing division, WestBow Press, harks back to those long-ago origins. When Nelson launched the division in 2009, it revived WestBow, which had been the name of the Thomas Nelson fiction imprint until 2005, when the One Company initiative eliminated Nelsons imprints. Nelson formed a strategic partnership with Author Solutions for the new venture, which Nelson and ASI co-manage. ASI provides the full range of publishing functions, selling packages to authors with options for production, different levels of editing, marketing, and getting WestBow titles into distributors databases. With a dedicated WestBow team of 6070 staffers at ASIs Bloomington, Ind., headquarters, Nelson has not had
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to add staff, notes Pete Nikolai, director of publishing services for WestBow and the only full-time WestBow employee at Nelsons Nashville headquarters. Calling Author Solutions a strong partner, Nikolai says, they are a big part of our operations. They have unique expertise and they can scale. Through this alliance, WestBow has published 4,000 titles since it began and plans to continue to publish at that paceabout 1,000 per year. While WestBows marketing materials cite the advantages of self-publishing for authorsspeed, freedom, control the goal for indie authors is still a traditional publishing contract, Nikolai says. Likening WestBow to a farm club, he says, traditional publishing still offers major benefits, especially bookstore distribution. The book then has a chance of making the bestseller lists, its in the Ingram database, and there are review opportunities. And e-book sales have plateaued, so the majority of sales are still print. What sets WestBow apart from other self-publishing companies, says Nikolai,
are the advantages it offers as a division of HarperCollins Christian Publishing. We are always checking sales reports to see if we want to consider a book for acquisition. Several times a month, I will also suggest authors to agents we know. One author who signed with WestBow, William Sirls, was contracted by Nelson just before his book was released in a WestBow edition (see Grace and Redemption, p. 7). Other recent WestBow authors also have been signed by publishers: Sharon Garlough Brown, who published Sensible Shoes: A Novel with WestBow in 2010, was signed by InterVarsity Press, which released its edition in February. Annie Downs published From Head to Foot with WestBow in 2010; she later signed with Zondervan, which published its edition, retitled Perfectly Unique, in 2012. Her second book for Zondervan, Speak Love, with a companion devotional/journal, Speak Love Revolution, released in August. Those titles are for teens and young adults; her first adult trade book, Lets All Be Brave , will be published by Zondervan in spring 2014.
SCOUTING SELF-PUBLISHED WORK

WestBow has strict editorial standardsthe same as Thomas Nelsons that begin with the authors personal faith commitment and behavior and how those align with the theological tenets of evangelical Christianity. Profanity, violence, and sexual scenes are prohibited, and specific criteria for WestBow books are laid out in eight points based on the New Testament passage Philippians 4:8: they are to be true... noble... just... pure... lovely... of good report... virtuous... praiseworthy. Books are vetted for adherence to these standards when WestBow receives a finished manuscript. When an author signs up with us, they agree to those standards, Nikolai says. If we feel they have deviated from them, well ask the author for changes, or, in some cases, cancel the book. Most WestBow titles are e-books and/ or POD. That should be what everyone does, Nikolai says. Theres no need for warehousing costs for authors. Occasionally we do print more copies and warehouse them, for example, if an author has speaking engagements and needs to ship books to them. The Nelson sales team sells WestBow titles into local bookstores selectively, when we see a book has traction, Nikolai says, and we try to get a title into bookstores within about 100 miles of an authors home town. Asked whether the WestBow brand is more prominent than that of other Christian self-publishers, Nikolai says, Not with consumersthey dont care. But I think it is within the industry. The companys Web site offers not only information on WestBow services and editorial standards but also a bookstore and an Author Hub with how-to and inspirational videos, blogs, a listing of events and resources, and author news. WestBow holds an annual contest for authors through the Women of Faith conferences; the grand prize winner receives a free self-publishing package. The 2010 winner, Marcia Moston, won for her memoir, Call of a Coward (WestBow, 2011) and went on to sign with Nelson, which published its edition in 2012. Amy Sorrells won in 2012, but was signed by David C. Cook before she could publish with WestBow. Her How Sweet the Sound: A Novel, will be published by Cook in March 2014. This years winner is Laurie Norlander for Mirror Images , a novel released by WestBow this July.
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TIPS FOR SELF-PUBLISHING
What Every Self-Publisher Needs to Know

Top writing tips from the pros
By Betty Kelly Sargent
Probably, the best advice Ive ever come across from a writer on writing is Elmore Leonards suggestion, If it sounds like writing, rewrite it. Second best is Mark Twains illustration of how to show, dont tell, followed by Margaret Atwoods close third, Do back exercises. Pain is distracting.
1. Never open a book with the weather. 2. Avoid prologues. 3. Never use a verb other than said to carry dialogue. 4. Never use an adverb to modify the verb said. 5. Keep your exclamation points under control. 6. Never use the words suddenly or all hell broke loose. 7. Use regional dialect, patois, sparingly. 8. Avoid detailed descriptions of characters. 9. Same for places and things. 10. Leave out the parts readers tend to skip.
hether you are a seasoned self-publisher or a first-time indie author, and whether you are writing fiction or nonfiction, chances are you agree with Hemingway, who said, There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed. Nobody said this writing business was going to be easy. For Hemingway, the secret to effective writing was to forget about the flowery prose of the literati and keep your writing simple, short, and clear. When he went to work for the Kansas City Star in 1917, he was given four rules for effective writing, and he stuck with them his whole life. Here they are:
1. Use short sentences. 2. Use short first paragraphs. 3. Use vigorous English. 4. Be positive, not negative.
Another witty, wonderful advice-giver is Kurt Vonnegut. In the preface to his short story collection Bagombo Snuff Box, he lists eight basics of what he calls Creative Writing 101.
1. Use the time of a total stranger in such a way that he or she will not feel the time was wasted. 2. Give the reader at least one character he or she can root for. 3. Every character should want something, even if it is only a glass of water. 4. Every sentence must do one of two thingsreveal character or advance the action. 5. Start as close to the end as possible. 6. Be a sadist. No matter how sweet and innocent your leading characters, make awful things happen to themin order that the reader may see what they are made of. 7. Write to please just one person. If you open a window and make love to the world, so to speak, your story will get pneumonia. 8. Give your readers as much information as possible as soon as possible. To heck with suspense. Readers should have such complete understanding of what is going on, where and why, that they could finish the story themselves should cockroaches eat the last few pages.
He also said, There is no friend as loyal as a book, something for all of us self-publishers and book lovers to keep in mind. Back to Elmore Leonard. Years ago, at Delacorte Press, I was lucky enough to be his editor on Swag, Fifty-Two Pick-Up, and Unknown Man #89. We became pals, partly because we were both from Birmingham, Mich., and partly because I was such a fan of his sharp, unpretentious prose. I always refer to style as sound, he said, and he was hypersensitive to the sound of language. In 2006 he talked about the craft of writing on BBC Twos The Culture Show. If youre interested, you can find the short video on YouTube. In the show he offers three tips for writers:
1. You have to listen to your characters. 2. Dont worry about what your mother thinks of your language. 3. Try to get a rhythm.
It seems to us at BookWorks that if you wrote down all the suggestions for writing well from successful writers, and tossed them into a hat, the top 10 would look something like this:
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Write every day, even if it is only for 10 minutes. Use the active not the passive voice. Write like you talk. Never use clichs. Read what you write out loud, or, better yet, have someone else read it to yousound matters. 6. Go easy on the adjectives and adverbs. 7. Keep it moving. 8. Show, dont tell. 9. Finish it. 10. Delete the boring stuff.
In 2007 he published his witty, short book called Elmore Leonards 10 Rules of Writing, based on his 2001 New York Times article, Easy on the Adverbs, Exclamation Points and Especially Hooptedoodle. Leonard suggests that writers:
For more insights from writers on writing, and for guidance on every aspect of your self-publishing adventure, please visit us at www.bookworks.com. Were here to help. Betty Kelly Sargent is founder and CEO of BookWorks.
AUTHOR PROFILE
PW Talks to William Sirls
Grace and Redemption

By Lynn Garrett
Hes living the dream of every self-published author.
we expect it to continue to sell well. Sirlss contract with Nelson is for two books, with an option for a third. His second novel, The Sinners Garden, releases in December; says Sirls, Its also about how miracles can happen today. Sirls says working with WestBow was awesome. Alan Bower, publisher and director of channel sales for WestBow at Author Solutions, gave me an understanding of the entire publishing process and what avenues were best to get the book out there. His advice to authors planning to selfpublish? Do your homework and choose the right company. Set realistic goals. Dont discount the value of editingits huge. Start building your platform now, before you even write the book. Read and write a lot. Be cognizant of distributionthats big. Figure out how to differentiate yourself from the thousands of other books out there. And get your book into the hands of the right people. Sirls is clearly not hesitant about promotion. Though Nelson advised him that book tours are not cost-effective for new authors, he embarked on one last November through January. In addition to signings at retailers, he spoke at churches and libraries. I dont remember how many stops there were, he says. I just loaded copies into the back of my truck and tried to get them into as many peoples hands as possible.
JEFFERY E. CORNS
n 2011, William Sirls signed up with WestBow Press, the selfpublishing arm of Thomas Nelson, to publish his first novel, The Reason. After going through the editorial and production process, he had 100 copies printed 90 days before the official publication date that September, giving away 35 to family and friends and sending 65 to churches to ask for reader feedback. Expecting maybe 10 responses, instead Sirls received more than 200. WestBow publishing director Pete Nikolai gave a galley to Thomas Nelsons receptionist, Marjo Meyers, who he knew was a voracious reader of Christian fiction. She raved about it to Nikolai and to Allen Arnold, then Nelsons fiction publisher. The rest is history: Sirls was offered a multibook contract with Thomas Nelson, which published The Reason on Sept. 4, 2012. But before the dream came the nightmare. As a senior v-p of a large investment firm, Sirls says, I was one person on Sunday as I sat in church, but another Monday to Saturday, when I was not an exemplary human being. Finally, the contradiction became too much for him, and in 2006 Sirls turned himself in to federal prosecutors. I basically blew the whistle on myself. I was hurting a lot of good people, and it had to stop. Tried and convicted of money laundering and wire fraud, in 2007 Sirls was sentenced to federal prison. Its the single greatest thing thats ever happened to me, he says now. Most of us dont make time for God. In prison I was forced to slow down and think about my faith, and I saw what was importantforgiveness, grace, patience,
and faith. The Reason had its genesis before these events. Sirls had gone through a divorce, and his daughter had been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. While at the hospital where his daughter was being treated, he saw a couple with their cancer-stricken son. The boy smiled at his parents, the parents smiled back, and there was such love there, says Sirls. I knew then my problems were not as bad as I thought. That encounter became the inspiration for the novel Sirls wrote that year. I wrote it for fun, I didnt think it would ever be published, he says. It featured characters based on the boy and his doctor, as well as a magical character who came along to fix peoples problems, says Sirls. As his Christian faith deepened during his 29 months in prison, Sirls rewrote the original version of The Reason. The central charactersthe boy with cancer and the oncologist who treated him remained the same, but the magical character became spiritual, he saysa carpenter, a prophetic or Jesus-like figure, who worked at the hospital where the boy was being treated. Sirls says people had suggested he write a memoir about his own experiences, but decided fiction was a more accessible medium for communicating his themes of grace and redemption. The Reason has sold 50,000 copies in its first year, and, says Katie Bond, director of marketing and publicity for fiction at Thomas Nelson, Its a very respectable performance for a debutweve been very pleased. Its clear this story has found a really supportive audience, and
SELF-PUBLISHED LISTINGS
New Titles from Self-Publishers

The 160 titles submitted for our 15th PW Select
Booksellers, publishers, and agents are encouraged

to take a look at the following listings of self-published books from authors either waiting to be discovered or with a track record and a following who are doing it on their own.
BIOGRAPHY & AUTOBIOGRAPHY

Relatively Criminal: A Memoir Donna Abear. Moonshadow Books. $14.95 paper (358p), ISBN 9780967710112; $4.99 e-book ASIN B00FB1FGRU Amazon; bn.com An award-winning humor columnist takes readers on a funny and poignant rollercoaster ride as she chronicles her relationship with a criminal and drug addict: her little brother, Frank. From Death to Blessing Laurie Agius. WestBow Press. $19.99 paper (262p), ISBN 9781449774172; $3.99 e-book ISBN 9781449774165 Amazon; bn.com; WestBow Press The author tells about his 24 years battle with and victory over depression, suicide, and homosexuality through making Jesus Christ Lord and Savior of his life. The Lords Plan: My Journey with the Lord; A Choice, a Child, an Answer to Prayer, a Witness Kimberly Dismukes. WestBow Press. $13.95 paper (160p), ISBN 9781449777593; $5.99 e-book ISBN 9781449777579 thelordsplan.com; Amazon; bn.com
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Dismukes says God has a plan for each life, for each moment of each day that will be lived before a life is created. God answers our prayers. He loves us more than we can possibly imagine. God is real and he does reveal himself to us today. Dolly Vardon Anton Holden. Boustrophedon Press. $19.95 paper (448p), ISBN 9781490457291; $4.99 e-book ASIN B00A6ZTB22 Amazon; bn.com I was bought as a slave and for a slave, Dolly told her daughters. Her grandson recreates her life, from her orphan childhood in 19th-century London to her introduction to the demimonde in Paris and finally her escape to America. Retaliation Amy Block Joy. CreateSpace. $13.95 paper (208p), ISBN 9781482651331; $6.99 e-book ASIN B00F6666MO Amazon; bn.com A first-person account about the danger of speaking out in the workplace. A faculty member at a major public university, Joy refused to give in to intimidation and fear after exposing criminal activity in her workplace. She fought back and won. Sunlight on My Shadow: My Secret Teen Pregnancy in the Sixties
Judy Liautaud. City Creek Press. $16.95 paper (280p), ISBN 9781883841171; $9.99 e-book ISBN 9781883841072 Amazon In 1966, the author was 16 and pregnant. Sent from her Catholic school to a home for unwed mothers, she felt guilty about her actions for decades, until she sought out the daughter she once gave up. The Boy Who Lived with Ghosts John Mitchell. Inclusic. $16.99 paper (438p), ISBN 9780615793207; $6.99 e-book ASIN B00CDXWOAG Amazon; bn.com A disturbing though often hilarious memoir. This is a coming-of-age story of a boy growing up in 1960s England. It is a story of survival and a boys desperate attempts to save his mother from the horror. George Fabyan: The Tycoon Who Broke Ciphers, Ended Wars, Manipulated Sound, Built a Levitation Machine, and Organized the Modern Research Center Richard Munson. CreateSpace. $12.95 paper (185p), ISBN 9781490345628; $12.95 e-book ASIN B00FITNT0Q; BN ID
2940045307901 Amazon; bn.com This Gilded Age tycoon laid the foundation for the National Security Agency, captured foreign terrorists, designed the acoustics for major auditoriums, and created the first diverse science center. Stretch Marks Liz Raptis Picco. CreateSpace. $14 paper (257p), ISBN 9780615715933; $9.95 e-book ASIN B00C46OV76BN; BN ID 2940016456089 Amazon, bn.com For Picco, the road to motherhood means offering up her blood, her sanity, and her heart. Gold Buckles Dont Lie: The Untold Tale of Fred Whitfield Terri Powers. Whitfield & Powers Publishing. $24.99 hardcover (272p), ISBN 9780989404709 (505) 227-7187 Fred Whitfield, long considered pro rodeos only black man, was loved by most but hated by many; he tells stories only old men should remember. Crossing the River Sorrow: One Nurses Story Janet Richards. WestBow Press. $17.99 paper (206p), ISBN 9781449796600; $3.99 e-book ISBN 9781449796594 Amazon; bn.com; christianbook.com The story of one womans plunge from a sheltered childhood in the 1950s into the world of medicine and her search for answers to some of lifes most troubling questions. A Prophets Journey: My Search for Destiny Shirley Spencer. WestBow Press. $18 paper (223p), ISBN 9781449797690; $3.99 e-book ISBN 9781449797683 Amazon; bn.com; christianbook.com; Kobo The story of a woman who did not know prophets still existed, yet she became a prophetic voice for God. Ozellas General Store: Cook Station, Missouri Tammy Tucker. WestBow Press. $17.95 paper (189p), ISBN 9781490801537; $3.99 e-book ISBN 9781490801544 Amazon; bn.com The true story of a humble store owner who used her influence and place in the community to change lives and help others. Heads or Tails: A Physicians Journey from Doctor to Patient Joseph Varughese, M.D. Elizabeth Varughese. $8.99 paper (224p), ISBN 9780615875385; $6.99 e-book ISBN 9780615875385 Amazon; bn.com Varughese traces his journey from a village in India to life as a physician in Los Angeles. In a twist of fate, he finds himself on the other end of the stethoscope as a bone-marrow transplant patient. Barbarian Stew: It Seemed Normal at the Time Julie Williams. Kindle Direct. $2.99 e-book ISBN 9780989928106 Amazon An offbeat, comic collection of shorts about the author and her brother, Knox. Life changes when their mother, Dede, gets sober. desktoprevelations.com Carnevale tells how to learn to fight, become unstoppable, read motives, win every battle, never be fooled, shed addictions, destroy fear, connect with heaven and more. Something Happened on My Way to Hell Kimberly Davidson. WestBow Press. $19.95 paper (240p), ISBN 9781449778538; $3.99 e-book ASIN B00B0A11OI Amazon; olivebranchoutreach.com Davidson says we all love something too much. In this 12-week study program, she guides readers to learn how filling the spiritual emptiness in their lives can help them break free from everyday addictions. Leaving the Abbey: Reflections on a Several-Year, Parallel Journey of a Christian Parish and a Group of Wonderful Women (Plus Monks) Kathryn H-F. WestBow Press. $11.95 paper (108p), ISBN 9781449787943; $3.95 e-book ISBN 9781449787967 WestBow Press A parish and a retreat group of recovering alcoholic women face losing a beloved home. Their journeys intertwine toward joyful acceptance of Gods will. Standing on the Promises: Discover the Power of Unshakable Faith Christina M. Whitaker. WestBow Press. $13.95 paper (192p), ISBN 9781449766832; $3.99 e-book ISBN 9781449766849 Amazon Through the authors journey of courageous hope and unshakable faith after a series of near-death experiences, she offers guidance on how to conquer your fears and understand your destiny.
BODY, MIND & SPIRIT

Desktop Revelations, Volume 1: Spiritual Warfare L. Carnevale. WestBow Press. $19.95 paper (248p), ISBN 9781449798352; $3.99 e-book ISBN 9781449798345
BUSINESS & ECONOMICS

Elements of Leaders of Character:
Attributes, Practices, and Principles Wayne Hogue. WestBow Press. $35.95 hardcover (274p), ISBN 9781490803425; $3.99 e-book ISBN 9781490803449 leadersofcharacter.com Hogue details the attributes, practices, and principles that define leaders of character. The Adventure Consultant: Tales from the Entrepreneurial Trail Todd Houston Smith. Advantage Media Group. $18.99 paper (318p), ISBN 9781599324418; $9.99 e-book ISBN 9781599324418 Amazon A venture development consultant shares the great successes and crushing defeats of his life on the often-potholed international entrepreneurial trail in the complex and turbulent Internet Age. nels who protect him in this urban fantasy adventure of Druids, Bards, and Old Ones, with enough hipster snark to tickle your meta bone. A Prayer for the Devil Dale Allan. Emerald Book Co. $23.95 hardcover (320p), ISBN 9781937110345; $4.99 e-book ISBN 9781937110345 Amazon; bn.com; Ingram Mystery, politics, and religion collide as a priest struggles to find the people responsible for his brothers murder. The Executioners Heir: A Novel of EighteenthCentury France Susanne Alleyn. Spyderwort Press. $15.99 paper (348p), ISBN 9781492306795; $3.99 e-book ISBN 9781301131044 Amazon In 1760s Paris, young Charles Sanson, forced by birth into an odious job as the public executioner, must reconcile his duty with his conscience. Hat Dance: An Emilia Cruz Novel Carmen Amato. KDP/ Createspace. $12.99 paper (286p), ISBN 9781492791775; $3.99 e-book ISBN 9780985325633 Amazon In the second Emilia Cruz novel, Acapulcos first and only female police detective risks a dance with the devil to catch an arsonist and find a missing girl. All the Shadows of the Rainbow Inanna Arthen. By Light Unseen Media. $14 paper (299p), ISBN 9781935303152; $4.99 e-book ISBN 9781935303176 bylightunseenmedia.com/ atsotr.htm; Amazon Newly made vampire Diana Chilton works with a secretive coven using magic to catalyze social change in the 1960s. A Fine Piece of Chocolate: Righteous Sistas Crossing Over to the Wild Side Jacqueline R. Banks. WestBow Press. $13.99 paper (154p), ISBN 9781449791094 (866) 928-1240 The stories of three righteous women who leave the protective boundaries of their faith to find love, each with her flavor of smooth chocolate. The Lawyers Relic and A Grandfathers Dilemma Julian Bauer. WestBow Press. $13.95 paper (181p), ISBN 9781490802725; $3.99 e-book ISBN 9781490802732 Amazon; bn.com Two contemporary novellas pose questions of faith and integrity and present the benefits of trust and virtue. The Scholars Challenge Julian Bauer. WestBow Press. $24.95 paper (338p), ISBN 9781449788285; $3.95 e-book ISBN 9781449788278 Amazon A fact-filled novel of dissension in the early church and how two men wrote the books that unified its tenets across countries and cultures. Murderers and Nerdy Girls Work Late Lisa Boero. Nerdy Girl Press. $12.99 paper (350p), ISBN 9780615762524; $5.99 e-book ISBN 9780988990005 Amazon A murder mystery involving a face-blind detective who uses the unique attention to detail she developed dealing with her condition to solve the case. Ghost of the Gods Kevin Bohacz. Kevin Bohacz. $14.95
FICTION
The Dance of the Spirits Catherine Aerie. Aurora. $13.80 paper (226p), ISBN 9780989690928; $3.98 e-book ISBN 9780989690911 Amazon At the height of the Korean War, an American Army lieutenant and a young Chinese surgeon volunteering with the other side cross paths. Though their love is forbidden, their passion and pursuit of liberty cannot be quenched. The Waking Dreamer J.E. Alexander. Mechanical Owl Media. $12.99 paper (343p), ISBN 9780615876511; $5.99 e-book ISBN 9780615848112 Amazon As he approaches adulthood, Emmett is unaware of the dark forces searching for him or the mysterious senti-
10 P U B L I S H E R S W E E K L Y N O V E M B E R 1 8 , 2 0 1 3
paper (389p), ISBN 9780979181535 kbohacz.com The sequel to the technothriller Immortality about t h e n e a r- e x t i n c t i o n o f h u m a n i t y, w h i c h p i t s humanity against machine, science against humanity, and humanity against religion. Lark, in Her Element: A Soul Set Free Angela Brackeen. WestBow Press. $19.99 paper (242p), ISBN 9781490803814; $3.99 e-book ISBN 97814908038 Amazon; Kobo To Larks dismay, her innocent longings have brought unsettling changes to her life. She must choose to either escape or survive by humbly accepting the changes. The List: First in the Wallis Jones Series Martha Carr. MRC Publishing. $19 paper (450p), ISBN 9781620304303; $5.99 e-book ISBN 9781301857234; ASIN B00FKV93I4 marthacarr.com A political thriller centered around a young family caught between the two biggest, seediest, most powerful factions in the country. The Anatomy of Blindness David Cook. AuthorHouse. $23.95 paper (342p), ISBN 9781481732819; $3.99 e-book ISBN 9781481732796; ASIN B00E4G7QP8 Amazon; Author House; bn.com D r. G a r y S p i n d e l i s seduced into a mystery cult to discover love, ecstasy, and the ultimate cost of eternity. Hack: A Shepherd Novel Kieran Crowley. Omicron Press. $14.99 paper (336p), ISBN 9780615906690; $4.99 e-book ISBN 9780615869650; ASIN B00FEJ3PK4; BN ID 2940148446484 Amazon; bn.com; iBooks; Kobo Its a dog-eat-dog world at the infamous tabloid New York Mail, where new pet columnist F.X. Shepherd is mistakenly put on the trail of a serial killer whose sense of humor involves hacking celebrities to death. The Strategist William H. Cunningham. Creative Content Corp. $4.99 e-book (459p), ISBN 9780989769501 Amazon In the aftermath of the global financial crisis, a former top Wall Street strategist fired in the wake of Lehman Brothers bankruptcy uncovers a conspiracy to manipulate U.S. employment data to influence the economy and the presidential election. Pyotr Ilyich Adin Dalton. Adin Dalton. $5.99 e-book (670p), ASIN B00DAHFRQ2 Amazon The death of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, the great 19th-century Russian composer, remains a mystery to this day. This thoroughly researched novel tells his personal story. When Smiles Fade Paige Dearth. CreateSpace. $16.25 paper (470p), ISBN 9781475096927; $4.99 e-book ASIN B00B8XPVL6 Amazon; bn.com How far will a child go to protect herself and the people she loves? For Emma Murphy, it meant becoming a serial killer. Already There Diane Dierks. Aha! Publishing. $12 paper (316p), ISBN 9780974525419; $8 e-book ASIN B00ERV0TNG Amazon A single mother whose only son was killed by a pedophile comes to think that her plan for revenge may be divinely inspired. She and the sheriff must wrestle with knowing what is right when justice goes terribly wrong. The Great Anti-American Novel Daniel Donatelli. H.H.B. Publishing. $17.76 paper (432p), ISBN 9781937648152; $8.61 e-book ISBN 9781937648169 tgaan.com An Orwellian memoir about two adopted siblings fighting for survival during a second American civil war caused by government corruption and a global economic collapse. Creatures of Grace P. Kristen Enos. CreateSpace. $8.99 paper (174p), ISBN 9781484933572; $5.99 e-book ISBN 9781630029616 Amazon Connected fantasy short stories that explore different aspects of womens lives from a feminist angle, from abuse, religious devotion, and sexual orientation to gender identity. Orbit Beach Jane Etarie. Murder Island Press. $12.99 paper (212p), ISBN 9780988051515; $2.99 e-book ISBN 9780988051508; ASIN B007Z59FZ4 janeetarie.com; Amazon; bn.com A lost car. A lost boyfriend. A garbage job. A garbage roommate. The narrator needs hidden wisdom to make everything betterno matter what, to conceive, believe, achieve. Hidden Doors, Secret Rooms Jamie Eubanks. CreateSpace. $12.99 paper (340p), ISBN 9781482356182; $2.99 e-book ASIN B00BSE43PK Amazon A ground-breaking and unsanctioned
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surgical procedure results in a cure for a dying womans Hodgkins lymphoma... but not without negative ramifications. Border Field Blues Corey Lynn Fayman. Corey Lynn Fayman. $11.99 paper (316p), ISBN 9781477600023; $3.99 e-book ISBN 9780989452618; ASIN B00FOVLL8K coreylynnfayman.com; Amazon; bn.com Sex, politics, environmentalism, and classic rock guitars collide in this mystery set in the backcountry along the San DiegoTijuana border. The second book in the Rolly Waters series. Other People George Fithen. WestBow Press. $13.95 paper (172p), ISBN 9781449782306; $3.95 e-book ISBN 9781449782290; ASIN B00BD17OQ8 Amazon; bn.com The willingness of one young woman to share her faith helps a small group of friends cope with tragedy. Epic Sloth: Tales of the Long Crawl Philip Gaber. Philip Gaber. $12.99 paper (177p), ISBN 9780615726489 (704) 649-2419 This new collection of introspective and edgy literary caricatures has the feel of a neo-psychedelic itinerant busker involved in a passionate and fiery partimen with himself. These are psychology tales with a theme of unavoidable destiny. The Muse of Violence Bruce Hartman. Swallow Tail Press. $12.95 paper (257p), ISBN 9780988918115; $3.99 e-book ASIN B00GCI6Z30 Amazon A writers group in New York begins to shed members as it acts out a sequel to Agatha Christies And Then There Were None. Obitchuary Stephanie Hayes. Stephanie Hayes. $12.95 paper (280p), ISBN 9780615884929; 99 e-book ISBN 9780989846134; ASIN B00FH869U0 Amazon; bn.com Penny Perkins just killed her date with a bottle of Misty Mangoberry Merlot. Thats especially inconvenient because shes the local newspapers obituary writer. As she investigates, the mystery of her dead dates life deepens. These Barren Hills David J. Heslop. CreateSpace. $14.95 paper (338p), ISBN 9781490313023; $4.95 e-book ASIN B00DGIN7IU Amazon; bn.com The rise and fall of the small rural town of Red Cloud, Ariz.; the brutality of corporate greed; and the deadly consequences for those who get in the way. A companion novel to Red Cloud Pistachios. Scary, Man Jeffrey Hickey. Bignboo Productions / CreateSpace. $17.95 paper (450p), ISBN 9781484819265; $8.99 e-book ASIN B00FMXPTSS Amazon; bn.com Amid small towns, small minds, gossip, rumors, and paranoia, a professional storyteller and teacher, his wife, and their daughter embrace a new normal in 21stcentury America. Restoring the Castle: Restoring Faith Romances, Book One Joni M. Hill. WestBow Press. $22.95 paper (316p), ISBN 9781490806099; $3.99 e-book ISBN 9781490806082 Amazon; WestBow Press At Kilmegan Castle in Scotland, boundless love grows in unexpected ways whether for a childhood friend or for God. Cloudy Witness: Blessedly Assured Janette Jones. WestBow Press. $19.95 paper (254p), ISBN 9781449752064; $3.99 e-book ISBN 9781449752071 Amazon; WestBow Press As three couples and one rumormonger go about their daily journey, two unsuspecting souls encounter a figure clad in white and end up with life-changing experiences. This work of Christian fiction brings the written Word to life. The Last Journey of Jack Lewis: The Conversation of C.S. Lewis with Friedrich Nietzsche and Sigmund Freud Chang-Wuk Kang. WestBow Press. $17.95 paper (236p), ISBN 9781449791117; $3.95 e-book ISBN 978449791100 Amazon Kang imagines a conversation among Lewis, Nietzsche, and Freud when they meet in the other world. As a result, a mysterious event takes place. Oh Sh!t...: The Awakening, Book 1 Michael Kaye. Michael Kaye Books. $12.99 paper (480p), ISBN 9780615877426; $4.99 e-book ISBN 9780615877426 Amazon John and his family are awakened to fact that they and the rest of society are facing the implosion of the U.S. economy. Terminal Rage A.M. Khalifa. Citation Books. $14.99 paper (402p), ISBN 9781940387000; $3.99 e-book ISBN 9781940387017; Amazon; bn.com
A former FBI hostage negotiator with a dark past faces off with an enigmatic man determined to right old wrongs through extreme measures. Beyond the Shadow of the Brownstone Valerie Lawrence. Carpenters Son Publishing. $14.95 paper (284p), ISBN 9780989372299; $9.99 e-book ASIN B00DPZ00NE Amazon; stl-distribution.com The psychological pain of abortion, betrayal, and accidental death shatter generations of a family, yet hope and new purpose endure, as does the familys brownstone. The Alexandrite Rick Lenz. Chromodroid Press. $14.95 paper (245p), ISBN 9780984844241 (818) 780-1509 A Hollywood actor is fired from a play in 1996, having no inkling his next job will be starring opposite Marilyn Monroe in 1956. Odysseus: Bound Stephen H. Logsdon. BookBaby. $2.99 e-book (312p), ISBN 9781483504087; ASIN B00EBE8X4G Amazon In search of intelligent life, the survey ship Odysseus is lured by an artifact into a life-or-death fight. What She Saw Sheila Lowe. CreateSpace. $12.99 paper (349p), ISBN 9781492309161; $3.99 e-book ASIN B00E3P0C6K Amazon A story of psychological suspense that follows a young woman through the terrifying labyrinth of amnesia, where no one is who or what they appear to be. The Gray Ship Russell F. Moran. Coddington Press. $14.95 paper (382p), ISBN 9780989554602; $2.99 e-book ASIN B00ENIM9PE Amazon A novel of time travel, romance, and a nuclear warship in the Civil War. The captain is a 36-year-old AfricanAmerican woman. Ponzi and Picasso: Finance, Fraud and Fine Art Rochelle Ohrstrom. Seismic Behest. $15.95 paper (368p), ISBN 9780989155571 Amazon; bn.com When the multibillion-dollar global art market collides in an avalanche of complicity among oligarchs, Chinese mafia, and hedge funds, an artists life is risked and morals tested. The Mayonnaise Murders Keith A. Owens. Detroit Ink Publishing. $12.99 paper (346p), ISBN 9780615784250; 99 e-book ISBN 9781626756441 Amazon A detective from a planet where mayonnaise is an essential ingredient in an illegal drug tracks a dealer to a Colorado town. Linnetsburg: Birth upon the River Lune M.L.M. Palima. CreateSpace. $14.99 paper (420p), ISBN 9781492706090; $3.99 e-book ISBN 9780989949408; ASIN B00F7YDSX0 Amazon; bn.com Amid world war and electromagnetic pulse weapons, history repeats itself as the American-led community and militia of Linnetsburg rise in the English city of Linnetsford-upon-Lune. Simple Simon William Poe. CreateSpace. $19.98 paper (462p), ISBN 9781477624999; $2.99 e-book ASIN B00F2R8CYC; BN ID 2940148389842 Amazon; bn.com From rural Arkansas to life in a cultlike religious group, Simon struggles to understand his sexuality, cope with addiction, and find his place in the community, and learns the power of forgiveness and acceptance. Uptown J.T. Riggen. Dog Ear Publishing. $15.50 paper (252p), ISBN 9781457519567; $6.99 e-book ISBN 9781457520648 Amazon; bn.com A crime thriller told from multiple points of view is set against the backdrop of a luxurious, state-of-the-art casino that attracts both high rollers and the lowest of criminals. Searching: A Quest for Truth, Love and Salvation Janice Ross. WestBow Press. $22.99 paper (328p), ISBN 9781490800806; $3.99 e-book ISBN 9781490800813 Amazon; bn.com; WestBow Press A story of love and faith, and mystery and suspense, and a tapestry of characters who find God meets every need in ways only he could have orchestrated. Jack Slater, Pooka Sloan, Planet Earth Paul Rovina. Chrysalis Books. $2.99 e-book (187p) ISBN 9781939736000 Amazon An alcoholic, epileptic gunsmith-cumadventure novelist navigates Key Wests criminal underworld. With a gangsters-nguns plot, preoccupation with offbeat technology and unexplained phenomena, the novel recalls steampunk gems like Nick Harkaways Angelmaker. Family Pieces Misa Rush. ThINK Write Publications. $10.10 paper (266p), ISBN 9780615391588; 99 e-book ISBN 9780983310105 Amazon; bn.com; Kobo
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Stunned by the unexpected death of her mother, Karen Woodss life turns upside down as she searches for a missing piece of a necklace that represents a beloved family tradition. Across the Mekong River Elaine Russell. CreateSpace. $12.95 paper (262p), ISBN 9781466338104; $2.99 e-book ISBN 9781623450533 Amazon; bn.com Russell charts the journey of a Hmong family, fleeing war and persecution in Laos to a refugee camp in Thailand and a difficult new life in the U.S. The Christmas Bracelet Sherry Schumann. WestBow Press. $17.95 paper (240p), ISBN 9781449784256; $3.95 e-book ISBN 9781449784263 WestBow Press; Amazon; bn.com Grief-stricken Kathryn Sullivan withdraws from Christmas traditions until her precocious neighbor, seven-year-old Abigail, drags Christmas boxes from storage, exposing a forgotten charm bracelet. Death Never Sleeps E.J. Simon. iUniverse. $21.95 paper (386p), ISBN 9781475986204; $3.99 e-book ISBN 9781475986228 Amazon; bn.com A psychological and technological drama wrapped inside a classic crime thriller. Two brothersone a bookie, one a corporate CEOget closer after one is murdered. The Peaceful Affair Moshe Sipper. CreateSpace. $12.99 paper (324p), ISBN 9781492306214; $4.99 e-book ASIN B00EXILZZE Amazon Renowned detective Noro Myx is called in by the president to search for missing war treaties whose disappearance could wreak worldwide havoc. Myx plunges into a gallant effort to save the world from the horrors of nuclear peace. Crossroads Blues Israfel Sivad. Psychotronic Arts. $15.50 paper (444p), ISBN 9781478328704; $2.99 e-book ASIN B00AOV9J5W Amazon; bn.com Andrew, Charlie, and Michelle have known each other since high school. But on Sept. 11, 2001, as the Twin Towers collapse, everything changes. The Question R. Breuer Stearns. CreateSpace. $10.99 paper (270p), ISBN 9781482084467; $3.99 e-book ISBN 97816300039462 Amazon; bn.com If you could have the answer to only one question, what would you ask? This novel is the fiction that you wish, believe, or may know is true. The Canterbury Tales in Neverland: A Post-apocalyptic Mystery of Literary Survival Carl Stevens. CreateSpace. $19.95 paper (340p), ISBN 9781479355945; $3.99 e-book ASIN B009NGPF9I Amazon; bn.com For those who plead that the classics have meaning today, Stevens offers a postapocalyptic mystery wherein the detectives need for hard facts clashes with a cultures need to reinvent itself on the evershifting sands of storytelling. The Charging Bull of Terry County Carl Stevens. CreateSpace. $14.95 paper (226p), ISBN 9781490461748; $2.99 e-book ASIN B00DPJNNE8 Amazon; bn.com A postmodern fiction on truth in the stories we tell about our wars, our families, and ourselves: Gettysburg, Hiroshima, 9/11, and the Treegarden family. The Time Travelers Fool: A Psychological Mystery of Literary Survival Carl Stevens. CreateSpace. $14.99 paper (206p), ISBN 9781480269897; $2.99 e-book ASIN B00AAW9YG4 Amazon; bn.com A dialogue on the metaphysics of reading is a test of wills between a psychiatrist and his patient who claims to travel through time. Jewel of the East Nicholas L. Waddy. CreateSpace/ BookBaby. $12.99 paper (316p), ISBN 9781484998816; $2.99 e-book ISBN 9781626759541 jewelnovel.blogspot.com Set in 18th-century India, this novel revolves around a beautiful young noblewoman, a ruthless British colonel, and a handsome, idealistic Indian mercenary. The Last Hours of Their Lives Joseph A. Wellman. BookLocker. $14.95 paper (182p), ISBN 9781626466388; $4.99 e-book ISBN 9781626465695 Amazon; bn.com; Booklocker.com A 53-year-old woman with just 40 hours of flying takes over the controls of an airliner when the captain and first officer become medically incapacitated. Deaths Twisted Tales J.J. White. EBGB Publishing. $9.95 paper (168p), ISBN 9780615861616; $1.95 e-book ASIN B00EKY7776 Amazon; bn.com Award-winning author J.J. White has the Grim Reaper introduce 28 twisted tales for the readers enjoyment. Rage in Paris Kirby Williams. CreateSpace. $14.99
paper (246p), ISBN 9781490314945; $9.99 e-book ISBN 9780615876412 Amazon A black jazzman flees Jim Crow, joins the French army during WWI and later turns private eye. He tracks a runaway American heiress during Pariss 1934 political crisis. The Girl in the Photo Wally Wood. CreateSpace. $13.95 paper (352p), ISBN 9781491230237; $2.99 e-book ASIN B00EBCE306 Amazon Two middle-aged children first find a memoir their dead father was writing about a time in his life he never discussed with them. They then find a letter that says, in effect, I love you, I miss you, Im going to have a baby. Broken Strings Nancy Means Wright. Nancy Means Wright / GMTA Publishing. $14.99 paper (258p), ISBN 9780615743554; 99 e-book ISBN 9780615743552 Amazon; nancymeanswright.com When puppeteer Fay finds a friend dead from poisoned yew and a half-sister strung up like a marionette, she vows to cut down the killer. Housekeeping Translations Maria Flores Shaw. Clean Casa. $35 hardcover (300p), ISBN 9780988423503 maidtotranslate.com; boutique stores An illustrated guide to bridging the communication barrier between employers and their Spanish-speaking housekeepers (or vice versa). Contains checklists and over 1,000 translated phrases. Daughter of Camelot: Empire of Shadows, Book 1 Glynis Cooney. Mabon Publishing. $12.99 paper (418p), ISBN 9780989135009; $4.99 e-book ISBN 9780989135009 Amazon; bn.com At the turbulent end of the Arthurian era, 14-year-old Dierdre aspires to the glorious adventures open only to men and secretly trains as a knight. But a ruthless plot will test her ambitions. Ages 1014. Mistaken Identity L.L. Eadie. CreateSpace/ Cricket Cottage Publishing. $14.95 paper (244p), ISBN 9781491213704; $4.99 e-book ASIN B00ES5432O Amazon; Cricket Cottage Publishing Teen popstar Tuesday Greenwood wants to change her bubblegum image. Zelda her antifanreinvents Tuesday. But Tuesdays conservative mother and agent stand in their way. Ages 1116. Trouble Jean Jacobs Fort. AuthorHouse. $14.49 paper (24p), ISBN 9781463405977; $3.99 e-book ISBN 9781481737517 bookwhirl.com Follow the little calves Trouble and Rosie and their friend Jake the crow as they find themselves in some chaotic mishaps on Mr. Forts Shady Acres farm. Ages 36. The Infinite Song: An Allegorical Tale for Our Times Andrea Freeman. Halcyon Wind Press. $19.95 paper (48p), ISBN 978-0989089708 (415) 250-8095; Amazon An allegorical creation tale written in rhyming verse, accompanied by handpainted illustrations. Ages 36. The Starlight Chronicles: Slumbering C.S. Johnson. WestBow Press. $17.95 paper (206p), ISBN 9781449779122;
JUVENILE FICTION
Hear Jacqueline Abelson. CreateSpace. $14.99 paper (272p), ISBN 9781475273090; 99 e-book ASIN B0084V2WVC (626) 792-8627; Amazon; bn.com Charlotte Goode, a talented 17-year-old, faces a life-changing surgery that will leave her deaf and end her days as a musician. Ages 1218. The Phoenix Rising Destiny Calls Phenice Arielle. CreateSpace. $12.99 paper (510p), ISBN 9781490354002; 99 e-book ASIN B00CW664XW Amazon When a nightmare-plagued N.Y.U. student wins a coveted trip to South Africa, she embarks on a fight for her life that may unlock the answers to her dreams. Ages 1218. The Prodigals, Book Two: Giants in the Land Clark Burbidge. WinePress Publishing. $14.99 hardcover (248p), ISBN 9781606152416; $9.99 e-book ISBN 9781414125206 (360) 802-9758 Three young prodigals must find themselves, overcome their own doubts, and stand against the greatest evil ever to threaten the land of giants. Ages 1014.
HISTORY
MGM: Saving the Best for Last; Dore Schary and the Death of MGM Charles Ziarko. CreateSpace. $40 paper (416p), ISBN 9781491036075; $40 e-book ASIN B00FPW1PGQ Amazon A former assistant director examines the end of Hollywoods Golden Age (1935 1956) via the detailed financial profiles of the Schary years (19481956) and MGMs stars.
HOUSE & HOME

Maid to Translate: English to Spanish
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$3.99 e-book ISBN 9781449779115 Amazon The first book in a YA series that centers on the life of Hamilton Dinger, a 16-year-old whose seemingly perfect life becomes an interdimensional war zone as it crosses paths with the supernatural. Ages 1116. Outview: The Inner Movement #1 Brandt Legg. The Sager Group. $14.99 paper (352p), ISBN 9780988178533; $7.99 e-book ISBN 9780988178540 Amazon A coming-of-age thriller of mystics and magic. While fighting to stay alive, 16-year-old Nate discovers that everything he believed about his life is a lie. Ages 1116. Pete Pelicans: Troubled Double Shoe Tying Lesson! M.B. Massey. Macaroni Press. $9.99 paper (26p), ISBN 9780615722030 Amazon This illustrated book encourages positive self-image and choosing the right friends. Ages 36. So Much Potential Margaret J. McMaster. Mansbridge Dunn Publishers. $12.95 paper (91p), ISBN 9780981052571; $5.99 e-book ASIN B00EW73SJW Amazon; chapters.ca Andy Towells dream of becoming a commercial fisherman is jeopardized when a co-worker goes missing. Ages 1218 (HiLo). Teenage Dirtbag Rebecca Montemurro. CreateSpace and Smashwords. $12.99 paper (352p), ISBN 9781490908861; $6.99 e-book ASIN B00DAD39JS; BN ID 2940044595422 Amazon; bn.com; iTunes Dirtbag Kyle defies McKinley Highs social stratosphere when he embarks on an unexpected romance with popular Bettina in Spain. Peer pressure and self-awareness soon collide. Ages 1218. The Stormglass Protocol Tim Pratt and Andy Deemer. Stormglass Ventures. $7.99 paper (278p), ISBN 9780989933605; $4.99 e-book ASIN B00FEZLTPG Amazon; bn.com Fourteen-year-old Jake had ignored the letters marked Highly Confidential for too long, so they sent him a message he couldnt miss: Dont even think about screaming, new kid. Very bad things will happen if you scream. Pratt is a Hugo Award winner. Ages 1014. High: The Way of an Eagle Charlene Quiram. Keytree Press. $17.99 paper (372p), ISBN 9780989514507; $2.99 e-book ISBN 9780989514514 Amazon Verona must use her eagle vision and her friends supernatural powers to stop a demon-infested serial killereven if the killer is her hot boyfriend. Ages 1116. What Really Matters! Ralph A. Redding. Bookwhirl. $12.90 paper (24p), ISBN 9781618562500; $2.99 e-book ISBN 9781618562524 bookwhirl.com; Amazon; bn.com Zeke the zebra sees his reflection and gallops off on an adventure to learn about the color of his skinand diversity. Ages 36. Winter: The Manhattan Exiles, Volume 1 Sarah Remy. Madison Place Press. $11.99 paper (302p), ISBN 9780615830216; $2.99 e-book ISBN 9780615875149 Amazon; bn.com; Indigo When Winter discovers a changeling in the subway, he realizes hes been given a chance to rescue his family from exile on modern-day Manhattan. Ages 1116. External Forces: The Laws of Motion, Volume 1 Deborah Rix. Dime Store Books. $12.99 paper (268p), ISBN 9780992020804; $2.99 e-book ISBN 9780992020811 Amazon; bn.com Since the Genetic Integrity Act was passed, the Department of Evolution has guided the creation of each generation, and deviations from the divine plan are not permitted. But a lot can happen to a girl between her first kiss and her first kill. Ages 1116. Dear Master Dragon Alva Sachs. Three Wishes Publishing Co. $12.95 paper (32p), ISBN 9780979638039 Amazon Danny Dragon decides to write a letter to the Master Dragon for help. Will the Master Dragon write back, or will Danny have to solve his problems by himself? Danny discovers what it is like to be a real dragon. Ages 36. Almost Demon: Chamber One of the Sigil Cycle AJ Salem. Salem Books. $14.95 paper (310p), ISBN 9781629660035; $9.99 e-book ISBN 9781629660031 Amazon; bn.com Gemma Pope is a high school senior and car crash survivor turned reluctant demon summoner. As disasters multiply, she must figure out whom to trust in order to save her town. Ages 1218. Billy the Baaadly Behaving Bully Goat Staci J. Schwartz. ComteQ Publishing. $12.95 paper (32p), ISBN 9781935232605 stacischwartz.com; Comte-
Qpublishing.com; Amazon In this rhyming story, a bullying billy goat learns how to treat others with kindness and respect. Ages 36. The Adventures of Mr. Ant Lloyd Shores. WestBow Press. $13.95 paper (28p), ISBN 9781449797478; $3.95 e-book ISBN 9781449797485 WestBow Press; Books-A-Million; Amazon; bn.com Mr. Ant, not willing to settle for a normal ant life, starts an adventure. He makes friends, overcomes problems, and makes interesting discoveries. Ages 36. The Piano Tuners Daughter: My Best Friend Ingrid Silvian. Xlibris. $15.99 paper (24p), ISBN 9781483661810; $3.99 e-book ISBN 9781483661834 Amazon; bn.com; Xlibris A story of the friendship of two young girlsone Jewish, one Christianwho live in 1930s Nazi Germany and how the war changes their lives. Ages 812. iPooKee Brook Tesla. iPooKee Publishing Corp. $14.99 paper (328p), ISBN 9780989693509; $2.99 e-book ISBN 9780989693516 Amazon; bn.com; Indigo A teenager embarks on a time-warping odyssey to reverse an unspeakable tragedy that appeared to usher in the decline of a world power. Ages 1014. Element Princess: The Commence Jenaia Williams. Xlibris. $19.99 paper (300p), ISBN 9781483652719; $3.99 e-book ISBN 9781483652733 Amazon In a small town near present-day Tokyo, Element Princesses, young women possessing godly abilities, must fight the Demon Lord, who wants to destroy the human race and rule the dimension. Ages 1014.
NONCLASSIFIABLE
What My Dog Has Taught Me About Men (After All, Hes Male, Too!) Barbara Jude Frerichs. Stonesong Press. $14.95 hardcover (64p), ISBN 9780989497008 Ingram A beautifully illustrated and lighthearted book about women, their dogs, and their men.
JUVENILE NONFICTION
Sir Francis Drake Pat Croce. Pirate & Maritime Research Society. $15.95 hardcover (56p), ISBN 9780989753302 thepiratemuseum.com; Amazon Follow Drakes amazing journey from humble sailor to fame and fortune, from mere mate to beloved admiral, from a boy with a dream to a knight kneeling before Queen Elizabeth I. Ages 812.
NONFICTION
The Sky Behind Me: A Memoir of Flying and Life Byron Edgington. Biblio Publishing. $17.95 paper (301p), ISBN 9781622490370; $9.99 e-book ASIN B00AMRO5GQ Amazon; Lightning Source; Ingram; Biblio More than an aviation memoir, this is a story of a lost dream, war, a struggle for redemption, and a new and better dream by a retired commercial helicopter pilot. Canaan Stoppers Godwin Emofo. WestBow Press. $13.95 paper (170p), ISBN 9781449784737; $3.95 e-book ISBN 9781449784744 WestBow Press; Amazon; bn.com This book warns against the sins and influences that can keep individuals from their God-given inheritance. Moments of Grace and Spiritual Warfare in the Lord of the Rings Anne Marie Gazzolo. WestBow Press. $17.99 paper (224p), ISBN 9781449769680; $3.99 e-book ISBN 9781449769673 West Bow Press All you need to know about life you can learn from those in Middle-earth.
NATURE
Wedded to the Land: Stories from a Simple Life on an Organic Fruit Farm Joan Donaldson. WestBow Press. $13.95 paper (186p), ISBN 9781449785505; $3.99 e-book ISBN 9781449785499 WestBow Press; Amazon; bn.com Agrarian stories that portray the challenges of drought, raising organic fruit, living off the grid, plus the joys reaped from the land and friends. The author and her husband have been organic farmers for 40 years. The Story of Chester: The Monarch Caterpillar / Larvae Susie Vanderlip. Intuitive Wisdom Publications. $24.95 paper (26p), ISBN 9780974462400; $9.99 e-book ISBN 97809744624 iBooks; storyofchester.com A brilliantly colored, fully narrated photo storybook packaged with a liveaction video of Chester the monarch caterpillar on his mission to become a beautiful butterfly.
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Focus on Your Best Health: Smart Guide to the Health Care You Deserve Glenda F. Newell, M.D., and Brenda B. Spriggs, M.D. CUSH Communications. $18.44 paper (272p), ISBN 9780979179297; $9.99 e-book ISBN 9781483505817 focusonyourbesthealth.com This guide by two physicians demystifies the language of medicine, teaches health care consumers how to navigate the medical maze, and gives them the absolute permission to take charge of their wellness and health care. The Improbable Return of Coco Chanel: As Witnessed by Her Assistant, Richard Parker Richard Parker. EBook Bakery. $14.95 paper (132p), ISBN 9781938517150; $6.95 e-book ISBN 9781938517136 ebookbakery.com In Parkers recollections of his time as the young assistant to the aging fashion icon, he chronicles the untold challenges in opening a new showroom for Chanel Perfumes in New York, the corporate infighting between two alpha male executives, and how Coco Chanels return to haute couture was saved from disaster. The Fourth Demand: The Story of a Father and Son Journey Andy Solomon. BookBaby. $8.99 e-book (400p), ISBN 9781483502854; ASIN B00E3XCBJS Amazon; bn.com; Sony; iBooks; Kobo The tale of an over-9,000-mile shared motorcycle tour of America that marks the end of 20 years together as single dad and only child. Finding X: One Familys Solution to Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Joni St. John and Ray St. John. Vermilion Press. $14.95 paper (331), ISBN 9781467567626; $7.95 e-book ASIN B00EBWRCH2 Vermilionpress.com The St. Johns detail their familys dealings with obsessive compulsive disorder and strive to make this disorder more understandable. inside of me. This is my poetry. Misty Mirrors Gilbert Soroqure. Lulu. com. $12 paper (90p), ISBN 9781105178238 Amazon A collection of poetic texts reflecting thoughts and deep sentiments about everyday life. Includes perspectives of the authors life in Paris, Madagascar, Tahiti, and San Francisco.
PERFORMING
Actor Muscle: Craft. Grit. Wit.; A Professional Guide to the Business of Acting Beverly Leech. Actor Muscle/Voltaire Media. $19.95 paper (252p), ISBN 9780615705309; $9.99 e-book ISBN 9780989345019 Amazon Updated with 2013 rates and services, this book is written for every actor to begin, maintain, and sustain a professional life.
PSYCHOLOGY
Shrinkwrapped: My First Fifty Years on the Couch I. Michael Grossman. RDR Books and EBook Bakery. $17.95 paper (287p), ISBN 9781571431288; $4.95 e-book ISBN 9780984015535 ebookbakery.com; Amazon; bn.com Perhaps the worlds longest coming-ofage quest, this is the often humorous and true story of a boy-to-mans search for emotional maturity. Grossmans quest parallels psychoanalysis from the early Freudians to a curious bunch of New Age clinicians.
PHILOSOPHY
The Delude: A Philosophical Journey Yoji K. Gondor. CreateSpace. $19.95 paper (128p), ISBN 9781481015370; $9.99 e-book ASIN B00CYMM6MC Amazon; select bookstores A delude is an individual that is overwhelmed by various incoherent and false assertions. This book examines old ideas in a modern context. It is a philosophical study that reflects on epistemic conditions in which knowledge is accumulated.
RELIGION
Reaching Out and Bringing In: Ministry to and with Persons with Disabilities David W. Anderson. WestBow Press. $19.95 paper (172p), ISBN 9781449790950; $3.99 e-book ISBN 9781490805559 WestBow Press; Amazon; bn.com This book is intended to help pastors and church leaders develop an inclusive worldview for ministering to and with individuals and families affected by disability. Life-Changing Verses, Volume 1 Carlton Lee Arnold. WestBow Press. $13.95 paper (154p), ISBN 9781449779221; $3.99 e-book ISBN 9781449779214 (770) 886-8667 The objective of this book is to enable
POETRY
The Beginning of Me Eric Christopher Jackson. CreateSpace. $9.99 paper (102p), ISBN 9781490572048; $4.99 e-book ASIN B00EIKV9K8 Amazon Jackson says, Without the ability to write, my life would become too silent. Without an avenue to express my emotions, my questions, each day would become void. Without an audience to hear me, my words would become prisoners
Christians to personally apply specific Bible verses to their personal lives. Selected Bible verses are explained, real life application is given, and readers are challenged to apply them to their lives. Life-Changing Verses, Volume 2 Carlton Lee Arnold. WestBow Press. $13.95 paper (186p), ISBN 9781449789466; $3.99 e-book ISBN 9781449789459 (770) 886-8667 The objective of this book is to enable Christians to personally apply specific Bible verses to their personal lives. Selected Bible verses are explained, real life application is given, and readers are challenged to apply them to their lives. Life-Changing Verses, Volume 3 Carlton Lee Arnold. WestBow Press. $13.95 paper (182p), ISBN 9781449798628; $3.99 e-book ISBN 9781449798611 (770) 886-8667 The objective of this book is to enable Christians to personally apply specific Bible verses to their personal lives. Selected Bible verses are explained, real life application is given, and readers are challenged to apply them to their lives. Life-Changing Verses About Men: Encouragement for Christian Men to Apply Gods Word with Conviction Carlton Lee Arnold. WestBow Press. $17.95 paper (191p), ISBN 9781490806624; $3.99 e-book ISBN 9781490806617 (770) 886-8667 This book identifies a Bible passage, provides a description of that passage, and makes a real-life personal application for a Christian man. Each of the 52 chapters is intended to challenge the way a Christian man lives his life in the world today. The Religious Right Is Wrong: The Ethics of Religion and the Gay Community F. Lee Barham, M.D. Bridgeview Press and CreateSpace. $18.99 paper (290p), ISBN 9781478116936; $7.99 e-book ISBN 9780615862095 Amazon; bn.com The author advances a straightforward argument against the historical, biased, and misunderstood biblical documents that unfairly harm members of the nonheterosexual religious community in its search for equality. Revive! The Oracles of God: The Three Constants of the Christian faith Ozakieoniso Charlie. WestBow Press. $30.95 hardcover (160p), ISBN 9781449790127; $5.99 e-book ISBN 9781449790110 WestBow Press This book is the authors holy cry to bring believers back to the three constants of Christianity: the Word of God, Prayer, and Service. He believes that when all three are embraced as a lifestyle, there will be a threefold release of the power of God. Understanding the Bible: Head and Heart, Part One: The Old Testament Bob Dowell. WestBow Press. $49.95 paper (518p), ISBN 9781449775797; $9.99 e-book ISBN 9781449777890 Amazon; bn.com This book guides the reader through the Bible, with interpretive prose summaries to inform the head and interpretive poetic summaries to incite the heart. Healing Hereafter: Finding Rational and Refreshing Answers for Why Were Here and Where Were Headed Jason Dykstra, M.D. Samizdat Creative. $14.99 paper (510p), ISBN 9781938633195; $7.99 e-book ISBN 9781938633201 Amazon; bn.com Dykstra explores wide-ranging questions about the afterlife, heaven, hell, and Gods plan for humanity in this accessible Biblical investigation. All proceeds benefit charity. The Royalty Principle: A Guide to Reigning in the Kingdom of Heaven Lady Dylyce. WestBow Press. $19.95 paper (276p), ISBN 9781449785598; $5.99 e-book ISBN 9781449785604 WestBow Press A two-part book that includes the authors testimony (filled with close encounters of the God kind), and a 10-week discipleship study. A Glimpse of Glory: My Journey to Heaven and Back Rick East. WestBow Press. $13.99 paper (156p), ISBN 9781490803784; $3.99 e-book ISBN 9781490803777 Amazon A mysterious illness caused the author to lapse into respiratory failure the afternoon of December 25, 2012. He discovered his spirit was in Heaven, being coached by the Holy Spirit, and he saw the City of Heaven, New Jerusalem. Exploring Faith and Reason: The Reconciliation of Christianity and Biological Evolution Bruce Glass. DBG Publishing. $13.25 paper (296p), ISBN 9780578110479; $5.95 e-book ASIN B00B5UHG7Y Amazon The author presents a faith-affirming examination of the intersection of Christianity and the unbiased findings of science. The Fishermans Wife: The Gospel According to St. Peters Spouse Kathleen Glavich. WestBow Press.
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$19.95 paper (252p), ISBN 9781449790585; $6.99 e-book ISBN 9781449790578 WestBow Press The story of Peters longsuffering wife in first-century Capernaum. The stories of Peter and Jesus and others are told through her eyes. Footsteps Toward Grace Jodi Hammann. WestBow Press. $11.95 paper (108p), ISBN 9781490804606; $3.99 e-book ISBN 9781490804613 WestBow Press This book is a collection of stories from the authors lifethe ups, the downs, the tears, and the laughter. She went for 39 years without the Lord, and these stories are her footsteps toward grace. Throwing Grapes and Moving Mountains: A Devotional Journey for the Hungry Heart Jan Hegelein. WestBow Press. $19.95 paper (266p), ISBN 9781449775902; $3.99 e-book ISBN 9781449775926 (866) 928-1240; WestBow Press This collection of biblical reflections aims to swiftly draw the reader into intimate, honest engagement with God. Nuggets: Establishing a Daily Quiet Time Sara Hixon. WestBow Press. $9.95 paper (82p), ISBN 9781449787974; $3.99 e-book ISBN 9781449787981 Amazon; bn.com A 30-day devotional featuring a nugget of truth for practical Christian living, a Bible reading, and a guided prayer time for each day. BRG Bible King James Version: Blue Red and Gold Letter Bible Scott Johnson. WestBow Press. $7.99 e-book ISBN 9781449758271 Amazon; Google; bn.com; Apple; Kobo; christianbooks.com The Bible with Gods spoken words in blue, Jesuss words in red, and name of the Holy Spirit in gold. With words of angels underlined in blue and messianic references underlined in red. How Could I Wish You Back From Heaven? Sandra Brown Neahusan. WestBow Press. $11.95 paper (118p), ISBN 9781449768621; $3.99 e-book ISBN 9781449768614 Amazon; bn.com; christianbooks.com A widow describes her path of grief and recovery following the sudden loss of her husband, emphasizing Gods grace and faithfulness. God Is a Very Present Help Barbara Nelson. WestBow Press. $9.99 paper (90p), ISBN 9781449796945; $3.99 e-book ISBN 9781449796938 (877) 444-6879 A womans life is thrown into chaos just as she is about to begin an exciting dream project, so she turns to God for help and a new direction for her life. Life: Why Live if You Have to Die? David Perry. WestBow Press. $11.95 paper (114p), ISBN 9781449798413; $3.99 e-book ISBN 9781449798420 Amazon; bn.com; (404) 916-2503 This book, full of poetry, quotations, illustrations and instructions, is written to enlarge your vision of life and guide you through the maze and entanglements that life throws at you daily. Why on Earth Are There Churches? The Biblical Mission of the Local Church Michael R. Privett. WestBow Press. $13.99 paper (164p), ISBN 9781449760236; $3.99 e-book ISBN 9781449760229 WestBow Press A plea by a church planter/pastor for Christian leaders to refocus on their Godgiven, biblical mission and specific objectives for the local church. Good News in a Bad News World Aleysha R. Proctor. Xlibris. $19.99 paper (120p), ISBN 9781483684796; $3.99 e-book ISBN 9781483684802 Amazon; bn.com Proctor asks, Have you heard of any bad news lately? She is sure that you have. Proctor assures the reader there is hopeshe has some good news for you. God Kisses: The Journey Through the Loss of My Daughter and Finding My Soul Ginger Reynolds. WestBow Press. $17.95 paper (198p), ISBN 9781449796693; $9.99 e-book ISBN 9781449796709; (817) 233-9326 When the authors 13-year-old daughter died, she asked, Why my child? Why did God do this to me? Through her weak faith, God revealed to Reynolds these God kisses to let her know He and heaven are real. All the Commandments of God: Find Out the Secret to Inherit All the Blessings of God Esther V. Shekher. WestBow Press. $22.95 paper
(304p), ISBN 9781449785239; $3.99 e-book ISBN 9781449790264 Amazon; bn.com This book contains all the commandments of God for us to obey to inherit blessings of God in life, given with specific rewards for obedience and consequences of disobedience. It also includes commandments on eternal life and eternal damnation. Listening to the Voice of God Shirley Smith. WestBow Press. $9.95 paper (70p), ISBN 9781449774264; $3.99 e-book ISBN 9781449774271 Amazon The authors account of personal communications with God, written to encourage both believers in God and those making a decision about God. The Revelation Problem: St. Johns Revelation as History John T. Spivey. WestBow Press. $13.95 paper (156p), ISBN 9781449787097; $3.99 e-book ISBN 9781449787080 WestBow Press A study of Revelation as dealing with the persecution of the early church by the Roman Empire and the fall of the Roman Empire. Hebrews: Its Not How You StartIts How You Finish Kathy Stewart. WestBow Press. $13.95 paper (172p), ISBN 9781449793111; $5.99 e-book ISBN 9781449793104 WestBow Press A laymans guide to the most encouraging book in the New Testament. It is especially addressed to Christians who are going through trials and doubts. To believers who manage to persevere in their faith, Stewart says the rewards are well worth the struggle. Change: How to Remain a Strong Leader During Your Churchs Transition Janice Elaine Stinnett. WestBow Press. $9.95 paper (80p), ISBN 9781490802633; $7.99 e-book ISBN 9781490802626 Amazon; bn.com; Lifeway Stinnetts advice is to encourage leaders while a church is going through a transition, depend on God to lead the leader in all aspects, and offer new plans and perspective while leaning on Gods guidance. Semi Serious: An Unexpected Journey to a Deeper Faith Charlotte Stone. WestBow Press. $13.95 paper (146p), ISBN 9781449775629; $3.95 e-book ISBN 9781449775612 WestBow Press The book recounts Stones sudden change in career from teacher to trucker. After training and a rookie year, Stones work evolves into a surprising spiritual journey. Shame on Us Christians Kevin Turnbaugh. WestBow Press. $11.99 paper (112p), ISBN 9781490802237; $3.99 e-book ISBN 9781490802220 Amazon; bn.com Turnbaugh instructs Christians and nonChristians alike on how to live in accordance with the Ten Commandments. From Disgrace, Shame, Humiliation and Hopelessness to Leaping to Victory: The Victory Can Be Yours if You Strategically Position Yourself Nii Lante Wallace-Bruce, M.D. WestBow Press. $11.95 paper (140p), ISBN 9781490800073; $3.99 e-book ISBN 9781490800066 Amazon; bn.com This book teaches how to strategically position yourself to have a destiny-encounter that could totally transform your life and lead you to a life of victory and celebration.
SELF-HELP
Keep It $imple $tupid: How to Protect Your Finances from Wall Street and Yourself R. Timothy Curran, JD, CFP. CreateSpace. $9.99 paper (102), ISBN 9781482012743; $9.99 e-book ASIN B00FA1MJSK Amazon A simple guide to keep Wall Street from running over you, and keeping your fear and greed at bay on the road to financial success.
TRAVEL
Radical Sabbatical: A Hilarious Journey from a Stifling Rut to a Life Without Boundaries Glen Tibaldeo and Laura Berger. Berdeo. $16.99 paper (342p), ISBN 9780984043323; $9.98 e-book ISBN 9780984043330 Amazon Two cubicle convicts find themselves in hilarious chaos after chucking the corporate ladder for a jungle paradise.
TRUE CRIME
True Hollywood Noir: Filmland Mysteries and Murders Dina Di Mambro. Classichollywoodbios.com Publications. $16.95 paper (268p), ISBN 9780615572697; $6.99 e-book ISBN 9781483508887 Amazon In a mixture of classic Hollywood nostalgia and true crime, Di Mambro explores the drama of the mysteries and murders from 1922 to 2001 that played out in living color behind the silver screen of film noir. Includes 100 photos.
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Reviews
Fiction
The Adorations: A Novel in Double Time
Roger Boylan. Olympiad Press, $3.99 e-book (463p)
CreateSpace, $11.99 paper (284p) ISBN 9781-4679-2336-1
Gustave Termi, a professor and a bit of a drinker, is floored by an unexpected vision of the Archangel Michael. Termi goes in search of others who have had similar experiences, meets journalist Martine Jeanrenaud, and reads her account of an Austrian mystic named Stefanie von Rothenberg. As Termi learns of von Rothenbergs experiences she is courted by a young Adolf Hitler, then sees visions of the devil, and finally becomes Hitlers mistresshe is transfixed. Martine and Termi become lovers, and she later introduces him to the real-life Stefanie von Rothenberg, who has been living in a convent for decades. Von Rothenberg reveals that she killed Hitler years before his body was discovered, helping to save the world from his evil. Boylans novel tells the stories of two mystics tied together by visions of an angel, but the author takes on enough material for two books. Readers will find von Rothenbergs tale far more engaging than Termis story, which often feels like an unnecessary framing device. Hitler and von Rothenbergs affair is fascinating, but the portions of the narrative devoted to Termi are often confusing and tedious. This unevenness will leave many readers frustrated.
Julian Kravetz is a young author attempting to write about the Holocaust. His late parents, Uri and Anna, were both Holocaust survivors, and when he finds their diaries, he learns that his mother was a Communist and a Resistance fighter in the Warsaw Ghetto. He also learns that she was raped by a Nazi named Otto Langner. Langner developed feelings for Anna, bringing her food and sheltering her as best he could. Still, Anna was arrested and taken to Auschwitz. Langner then arranged to be transferred to the camp, and continued to alternate between sadism and tenderness until he began to fully comprehend the humanity of the Jews he was killing. When Auschwitz was abandoned, Anna helped Langner pretend to be a former prisoner, and he resolved to spend the rest of his life making amends. Langer then met Uri Kravetz, who had also been at Auschwitz and recognized him as a guard. Uri took Langner prisoner and later executed him. Uri went on to marry Anna, who was pregnant with Langners baby. Dorion wants readers to think about redemption, atrocity, and the sanctity of life, but this message is hampered by the flawed structure of his narrative. The framing device of the diaries proves distracting to the central story. And while the novel is poignant and the setting vivid, readers will have trouble staying fully engaged.
meandering mystery that provides ample thrills, but only facile characterization. In his debut novel, Crouch, himself a veteran attorney, pits dedicated young lawyer Jace Forman and paralegal Darrin McKenzie against wealthy, well-connected Cal Connors in the investigation of 21-year-old Alexis Stones death and disinterment. If Crouchs depiction of Connors is brutally onedimensional, he at least keeps the story spinning with subplots, such as those involving Stones involvement with married Sen. Talmadge Worthman, the clash between Connorss daughter Christine and reporter Leah Rosen, and the mysterious relationship between cemetery official Wallace Arnold and embalmer Lonnie Masterson. The characters fill their roles zestfully, but the book lacks depth below its fast-moving surface. Rosens discovery of an explosive secret and the presence of Formans alienated son, Matt, in Stones apartment before her death provide ample last-minute drama, but the shocking conclusion obscures the legitimate questions about the legal system and judicial powers that Crouch raises. Readers interested in courtroom drama and fast-moving thrillers will find much to like, but those in search of well-wrought characterization will likely be frustrated.
Deep into Dusk: A Gabriel McRay Novel

Laurie Stevens. Follow Your Dreams, $13.99 paper (348p) ISBN 978-0-9891634-0-8
Cried for No One

Hubert Crouch. CreateSpace, $16.95 paper (388p) ISBN 978-1-4812-3947-9
Comrade Anna: A Novel of Resistance in the Warsaw Ghetto

Gary L. Dorion, illus. by Mikaila Baca Dorion.
The discovery of a dead girls body on a desecrated church altar in Texas leads to the collision of an unctuous hypocritical senator, a mercenary powerhouse shyster, and a determined young reporter in this
An abduction and assault in the Los Angeles area impel detective Gabriel McRay and on-again, off-again girlfriend Dr. Ming Li to confront personal demons in this vividly drawn follow-up to Stevenss Dark Before Dawn. The questioning of victim Tara Samuels soon brings McRay, at first glance a stereotypical down-at-the-heel dick, into a confron-
REVIEWS
tation with Samuelss haughty, wealthy husband. As fresh crimes emerge, McRay has flashbacks about his childhood rapist. The link between McRays empathy for Tara and his anguish about the past leads to increasingly aberrant behavior as he works to crack the case. The authors depiction of the tension between McRays tormented inner life and his commitment to solving the case rings true. Stevenss characterization is solid, and while her plotting could be tighter, the adventures of Gabriel McRay offer plenty of thrills. parents face difficulty in maintaining positive relationships. The grim, understated scenes of young people coping with the seamy side of life ensure this is no lighthearted read, and Barneys convincing portrayal of ambivalent teen psychology prevails over the perhaps too-pat ending to provide a powerful glimpse of an underground world unknown to many, whose inhabitants are capable of transformation through love and acceptance. tack, the Torreoni family takes refuge at their country farm. While a monastery accepts Nino Torreoni as a student, the obligation of sister Nina to marry spurs a hackneyed discussion between her and friend Angelica Bordoni about marriage for love or for wealth. Although Bennos inferior social status makes him ineligible for Nina despite their friendship, a Papal Bull allowing marriage if sexual intercourse has occurred injects new options. Although Van Doren ably addresses the issue of arranged marriage and social standing, his characters are not engaging enough to make their fates interesting, nor are their dilemmas out of the ordinary.
Inked: The Novel

Everly Drummond. CreateSpace, $3.99 ebook (249p) ISBN 978-1-301-02029-4
Graffiti Grandma
Jo Barney. Encore, $13.95 paper (334p) ISBN 978-0-615-72645-8
Ellie Miller, an elderly antigraffiti vigilante, finds that teenage street kid Sarah Jansen resurrects her long-dormant maternal instincts in this gritty yet heartening examination of the significance of family. Fearing the increasingly malevolent Jeffwho uses brutality and murder to dominate a family of runaway teens but loyal to her friends, Sarah is conflicted in her yearning for guidance and friendship, leading isolated Ellie to re-engage with everyday life. Barney weaves a multifaceted narrative with quick shifts in time and focus to show how flawed individuals overcome or are destroyed by failed relationships. The destructive impact of alcohol, drugs, and sexual abuse on children is abundantly displayedand made stronger by the absence of graphic or exploitative portrayalsbut the struggles of policeman Matt Trommald, who cares for his autistic son, and Ellies fragile, evolving commitment to Sarah reveal that even dedicated
In Drummonds uneven work, when Avery Carmichael goes to get a tattoo, she doesnt expect to become smitten with sexy tattoo artist Brody Duncan. Brody doesnt expect it either, but they end up having a passionate weekend together. Then Avery disappears. Five years later, they run into each other, and Brody still has feelings for Avery. Hes in the middle of a divorce, however, and Avery has a secret: a son named Parker, who was fathered by Brody. Soon Avery and Brady are thrown back together. But Avery is supposed to take over the family business in New York, and Brody cant uproot his life in Boston. While Avery and Brody have undeniable chemistry, the impediments to their relationship often feel contrived, and the characters and their motivations are somewhat underdeveloped, making it difficult for readers to empathize with their troubles.
The Reflecting Man: Vol. 1

D.K.R. Boyd. Wonderdog, $33.25 paper (772p) ISBN 978-0-9920174-7-7
The Lion of Cortona: Exiles: A Novel of the Middle Ages

Charles Van Doren. CreateSpace, $14 paper (262p) ISBN 978-1-4849-8964-7
The stratified society of turbulent 13thcentury Italy is the backdrop against which the love story of Benno, son of swineherd Giovanni, and aristocratic Nina Torreoni develops, in this first installment in a historical series. Exiled from their home city, Cortona, by a treacherous at-
Narrator Kurtis Death (accent on ath) navigates a host of unusual occupations, rising up through the ranks of the confectionery business, working as a journalist, and even offering advice (and candy) to Adolf Hitler and other high-ranking Nazis in this detailed, if unconvincing, historical saga set before and during WWII in Canada, America, and Europe. Wealthy, highly moral Arthur Gagnon adopts Death as a boy following his parents demise and gives him a job in his candy factory in New Brunswick. The delights of candy making provide scant preparation for the moral challenges of journalism, but prove pragmatically useful in forging connections to top Nazis. Boyd paints a convincing picture of Nazi depravity with his detailed descriptions of Germany under the Third Reich.
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However, despite entertaining wordplay involving Deaths name and the odd fact that he is supplying chocolate to top Nazis, readers will find it difficult to become invested in the exploits of Boyds potentially fascinating protagonist.
What She Saw

Sheila Lowe. CreateSpace, $12.99 paper (349p) ISBN 978-1-4923-0916-1
Senlin Ascends:
Book 1 of the Books of Babel

Josiah Bancroft. CreateSpace, $13.99 paper (370p) ISBN 978-1-4825-9095-1
The honeymoon trip of Thomas Senlin and young bride Marya becomes a nightmarish plunge into the darkest of unknown territories in this engaging, multilayered mystery/adventure. Senlin, a headmaster and teacher, wants to fulfill his dream of climbing the mysterious, though widely venerated, Tower of Babel, but Marya vanishes from the teeming bazaar at its foot. In this debut novel, Bancroft turns Senlins search for Marya into a clash of nave belief and hard-earned experience. Encountering indifference and mockery, Senlin forges links with others who have lost family members or otherwise are victims of oppression. In a medley of bizarre, intensely imagined scenes, Bancroft evokes the tormented world of Kafkas Josef K. as Senlin evolves from a standoffish academic to a morally committed participant in the problems of others. Repeated early references to Senlins reliance on The Everymans Guide to the Tower of Babel suggest that his dilemma is an encapsulation of universal experience, a message underscored by the isolation of his quest. Emerging clues about Maryas whereabouts lead Senlin to forge a pact with painter Philip Ogier, who seeks to recover his own missing treasure. Bancroft succeeds in creating a baffling world that offers little tenderness or hope, but in which pursuit of instinct and love, dedication, and shared sacrifice can overcome barriers. If he sustains the tone of quirky menace in his planned sequel, the reader will find much to applaud.
Jessica Mack wakes up on a train on the California coast with no idea of where she is, who she is, or how she got there. When a man identifies her as Jenna Marcott, Jessica plays along and allows him to escort her to Jennas apartment, wheredespite her continued state of amnesia she is certain a violent crime occurred. When Jessica goes to Jennas job at the BioNeutronics Laboratory in Oxnard, she learns that Jenna was involved in the mysterious Project 42. Jessica tries to discover what the secret project is, but shes soon trailed by lab security personnel, who demand to know the whereabouts of files relating to Project 42, which they insist she has stolen. Jessica is taken to a secret room at the lab, where she discovers a woman who looks like her twin: Jenna Marcott. As Jessica starts to remember her life, she and Jenna band together to try to expose the project, which involves mind-control devices and has backers in the upper echelons of American politics. Lowes thriller covers a lot of groundhowever, readers may find it difficult to follow the overly complicated narrative. The books lastminute twists and turns rely on deus ex machina, and it is only revealed at the end that two minor charactersa handwriting analyst and a copare focal points of the sequel. While the authors prose is clean and effective, her plotting and pacing are often overly confusing.
business with brazen sexual innuendo is an act of merit, then Saltzman deserves high praise. Section headings such as Are You a Real Estate Wantrepreneur? and Preaching the Buy-Ble attest to the authors fun and lively spirit. But beyond the glitzy word play is a compendium of conventional insights into real estate success. Saltzman acclaims the art of salesmanship, and notes the importance of acting in the best interest of clients. Real estate purchases involve tough questions, and Saltzman insists that buyers, sellers, and agents all prepare for them. Her advice that agents listen to what clients mean, not necessarily what they say, is among the books more useful observations. Saltzmans suggestion that agents not take the real estate business, or themselves, too seriously may have a doubleedged resonance with readers; whether her claim that the ideas my potty mouth spouts are valid will depend in part on the significance that admonitions such as Dont be a denyhard. Join the believolution may convey.
Crossing the River Sorrow: One Nurses Story

Janet Richards. WestBow, $17.99 paper (206p) ISBN 978-1-4497-9660-0
Nonfiction
Arousing the Buy Curious: Real Estate Pillow Talk for Patrons and Professionals
Becki Saltzman. Oomau Media, $18.95 paper (299p) ISBN 978-0-9890935-0-7
In this real estate handbook, Saltzman admits up front that her prose and advice is not prudish. If infusing the real estate
Richards spent most of her life working as a nurse in various hospitalsan experience that showed her the best and worst of humanity, as well as the fragility of life. Additionally, one of her children suffered from significant health problems. Richards was constantly confronted by death and dying and spent years feeling numb, refusing to emotionally engage or accept the reality of her spiritu-
REVIEWS
al starvation. But when she began doing volunteer work with Joni and Friends, a Christian ministry devoted to helping the disabled, Richards came to terms with her spirituality, found God, and discovered the emotions shed buried for years. Richardss memoir is engaging but uneven. The author jumps between different parts of her story in a manner that can be confusing, while the crux of the story her conversion to Christianityis told in a way that feels like an afterthought. Richards also glosses over the emotional difficulties that made her job and life challenging, and because of this, readersmany of whom will see themselves in the authors struggleswill never fully understand the intricacies of her remarkable story. aphorisms: for instance, Character-based leadership is leadership with nothing but good and honorable motives and intentions. Hogue provides a mishmash of anecdotal assurances about the importance of leadership, and many of his arguments restate the obvious. son, Marty, for one of their customary motorcycle ridesbut this time, the ride ended in a near-fatal accident. After the crash, Solomon vowed not to ride with Marty again until he graduated from college, when they would take a cross-country trip together. Upon Martys graduation, that is exactly what they did. Here, Solomon reflects on parenthood, the kind of man his son has become, the kind of man he thought he would become, and the process of letting go of ones children. Solomon weaves his reflections into tales of the road and thoughts on literature. Hes an excellent writerhis command of language and his familiarity with the classics is evident on every page. Solomon has a thoughtful, deliberate style, and readers who love language will find his writing resonant. He ably evokes the countryside and skillfully renders the highs and lows of parenting. By the books end, readers will find themselves holding their family close and planning a trip across the country.
Evil Shadows
Rick Hallock. Barringer, $14.95 paper (296p) ISBN 978-0-9882034-2-6
Elements of Leaders of Character: Attributes, Practices, and Principles

Wayne Hogue. WestBow, $35.95 hardcover (274p) ISBN 978-1-4908-0342-5
Hogue delineates what he acknowledges to be the largely intangible craft of leadership and to outline the necessary qualities of leaders. The gamut of leadership qualities includes both individual appeal and the ability to influence people en masse. Believing that leadership ability is learnable, Hogue concentrates on elucidating desirable character traits for leaders, and includes supporting quotes from notable people. His list of valuable accomplishments, however, is so voluminous that the exercise amounts to little more than a laundry list of desirable virtues. Hogue acknowledges that people can aspire to leadership with the intention of manipulating people, but emphasizes that the role of leaders as transformational agents is to improve society. Given this welter of possible motivations to lead, good character is an absolute bedrock. But many of the assertions are little more than imposing
Rick Hallock worked as a successful software entrepreneur for years until federal agents knocked down his door; took his computer equipment, software, and disk drives; and accused him of distributing child pornography. It became clear very quickly that he had nothing to do with the crime and that he was the victim of identity theft. But that didnt stop him from losing his business, his reputation, and all of his money. Despite Hallocks efforts over the course of years, the government refused to return his personal property. When his computer equipment finally was returned, all of the data had been removed. Hallock tells a shocking and engaging story, but unfortunately he tells it poorly. He reiterates the same points again and again, rather than presenting a clear narrative. At times, this reiteration even serves to confuse the reader about the facts of the case. While his final theory that government agents conspired to steal his identity initially and then committed crimes themselvesis interesting and well presented, and while what happened to him is truly terrible, his narrative will likely frustrate readers more than engage them.
God Kisses: The Journey Through the Loss of My Daughter and Finding My Soul
Ginger Reynolds. WestBow, $17.95 paper (178p) ISBN 978-1-4497-9669-3
The Fourth Demand: The Story

of a Father and Son Journey
Andy Solomon. BookBaby, $8.99 e-book (368p) ISBN 978-1-4835-0285-4
Seven years after biker and English professor Solomon (Partners) became a divorced single parent, he took his young
In this engaging but uneven memoir, Reynolds recounts a tale of loss that kindled renewed religious faith. The death of her 13-year-old daughter, Tayler, from cancer in 1999 provoked denial, outrage, and eventually an intensified belief in God. Reynolds describes her grieving process as both a protest against
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the seemingly impossible and as a gradual deepening of her faith. Mixed into the narrative are accounts of what the author calls God kisses: Taylers visitations to friends and family after her death. The emotional intensity of Reynoldss story, and the account of her transformation from a withdrawn, bitter mother into a member of her community, will resonate with Christian readers and those who have gone through similar tragedies. However, others may recoil at Reynoldss repetitious and enthusiastic testimony of divine grace. In this intimate memoir, Peardon Brandos longtime executive assistant and confidanterecounts meeting the Hollywood icon in her fathers dental office and describes their initial attraction, which eventually blossomed into a decades-long friendship. She saw a side of him that few others did and earned his trust to became a member of his inner circle. Peardon recalls that Brando was always there for her, from the start of her marriage and the birth of her children through her later divorce. She manages to tell all about the deceased star without profaning his memorya tricky thing. However, Peardon is reluctant to delve into certain events that would help readers better understand her life and character, and this takes away from the narrative. Still, her memoir is a fascinating must-read for Brando fans. Denial of Fact. Vignettes range from botched chemical peels, her childrens Mandarin classes, endeavors to use a Slip n Slide, and six months in Mexico with the in-laws. Readers will be pleased to see familiar characters reprise their roles from Turners first book, such as brother-in-law Virgil, who tells everyone that Turners father is Dean Koontz, the guy who wrote The Shining. Turners unapologetic confessional is easy to relate to, and she succeeds in finding humor and entertainment in even the most mundane trials of motherhood.
Life Changing Verses, Vol. 1

Carlton Lee Arnold. WestBow, $13.95 paper (129p) ISBN 978-1-4497-7922-1
Raising Parents, Raising Kids: Hands-On Wisdom for the Next Generation
Dawn Menken. Belly Song, $18.95 paper (264p) ISBN 978-0-9852667-4-5
An experienced Bible teacher, Arnold reproduces and comments on 52 scriptural passages to give practical guidance and provide spiritual challenges for Christians. The author offers up assertions about the prevalence of Satans power and the possibility of insight into absolute truth about life, as well as dire warnings about the miseries of those who lack religious conviction and the glories of those who have it. Arnold emphasizes the prevalence of divine power over worldly allurements, and hence the transformational power of renouncing a self-centered existence for the peace that a genuine faith provides. Although some observations border on triteness, Arnolds sincere tone and references to his own life will resonate with readers, while his insistence that those who focus on their problems engage in self-defeating behavior rings true. However, perhaps the most valuable contributions of Arnolds writing are those that affirm the significance of belief over questions of its validity.
Mommy Had a Little Flask

A.K. Turner. Fever Streak, $12 paper (228p) ISBN 978-0-9855839-8-9
Marlon Brando: A Memoir

Nancy K. Peardon. Falcon Press, $17.95 paper (320p) ISBN 978-0-9884557-1-9
Turner is back and better than ever in this comedic sequel to This Little Piggy Went to the Liquor Store, as reliably honest and zany storytelling conveys both the joys and trials of parenthood. Turner, an Idaho mother raising two young daughters, has an opinion on everything, including buffets (they bear responsibility for whats wrong with this country); writers retreats and how to measure the quality of someones writing by how much he or she talks about it (excessive babbling is an attempt to compensate for crippling insecurity); and a parenting technique she calls Willful
In this useful handbook, Menken, a conflict-resolution educator and mother, tackles the principles of conflict resolution in child rearing, encouraging parents to develop empathy in kids and foster a sense of self-determination even in the youngest children. Menken also describes effective ways of speaking with her young son about things like mortality, while respecting his unique viewpoint and learning from him, instead of just teaching him. Menken clearly has a great deal of experience with children, and it shows. She deftly and succinctly explores how parenting techniques affect adult relationships as well as relationships with children. Menken is a gifted writer and parents will find much value in her take on child rearing.
The Royalty Principle: A Guide to Reigning in the Kingdom of Heaven

Lady Dylyce. WestBow, $10.95 paper (276p) ISBN 978-1-4497-8559-8
Teacher and speaker Dylyce describes the ways in which born-again Christians can best prepare to become members of
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Gods royal family in Heaven. Her essential message is that born-again Christians are meant to reign with Jesus and, as such, must act in very specific ways they must be ambassadors to the rest of the world and conduct themselves with grace and humility. Dylyce also recounts her difficult childhood and the ways that God has blessed her. Her guide makes clear her passion and commitment to Christianity. Her views will appeal to most Christians, andperhaps more importantlythe author never alienates nonbelievers. Dylyces 10-week course aimed at helping Christians better prepare for the second coming is clearly written and sincere. And while it isnt likely to convert nonbelievers, devout Christians will find this both useful and thought provoking. Communication Alliance to Network Thoroughbred Ex-Racehorses (CANTER), giving thoroughbred racers new lives. While Normile could never get Baby back, she parlayed her tragedy into new life for hundreds of animals. Readers who love animals will be touched by this account and by Normiles love of and dedication to horses. Her courage in exposing the dark underbelly of racing is reflected on every page. While the story lags at times, Normile and Lindner have produced an engaging memoir that is a must-read for animal lovers. he has lost his operatic mojo and consequently his livelihood. Despite this crisis, he takes solace in the knowledge that his voice was his ticket out of Austria during a bloody chapter of world history. Once in Hollywood, Franz refuses an offer for an onscreen role from director Otto Preminger and embarks on a successful new career as a costumer, supervising on the set of such popular television shows as The Untouchables with Robert Stack. This biography adds a personal dimension to the literature of the 20th-century Jewish diaspora. With family photos, letters, and an appendix.
Something Happened on My Way to Hell

Kimberly Davidson. WestBow, $19.95 paper (240p) ISBN 978-1-4497-7853-8
Saving Baby: How One Womans Love for a Racehorse Led to Her Redemption
Jo Anne Normile and Lawrence Lindner. Powder Point, $15 paper (272p) ISBN 978-09888780-0-6
Serenade: A Memoir of Music and Love from Vienna and Prague to Los Angeles, 1927 to World War II to 2012
Carol Jean Delmar. Willow Lane, $27.99 hardcover (516p) ISBN 978-0-9860359-0-6
In this memoir, Normile charts the course of her life and describes the growth of her passion for horses. In the early 1990s, her stable of horses was expanding, but one of the conditions of that expansion was that she race Baby, a grandson of the legendary Secretariat. Normile soon became immersed in the world of horse racing, but discovered, much to her shock, that it is corrupt, that many trainers are indifferent to the wellbeing of their horses, and that when a horse is injured or performs poorly, it is sent to be slaughtered. Normiles navet was destroyed for good when poor track maintenance caused Baby to fracture his tibia, an injury that led to his being euthanized. Normile resolved to commit her life to saving damaged horses and rescuing unwanted ones from slaughter. She started an organization called the
Her parents flight from Nazi Germany to Hollywood prompted Delmar, now an opera critic, to produce this vivid portrait of the couples leap for freedom. Using her fathers audiotapes as source material, the author presents the Delmars romance like an opera in three acts. The first is set in Vienna in 1927, when young Franz and Franziska meet. The scene then shifts to Prague in 1937, where Franz, a singer, is hailed as a bright new face in opera. But in 1939, they are forced to flee to the United States via Panama City and Havana. En route to the country that will become their home, the dramatic tension builds when Franz realizes that
Bible counselor Davidson considers herself a former sinner. She has recovered from eating disorders, drug addiction, and promiscuity, and has rededicated her life to Jesus. In this self-help volume, she wants to show fellow sinners the myriad temptations of modern life, the different forms addiction can take, and how they turn ones attention away from God. Davidson offers up a 12-week study guide to recognizing addiction, breaking free of habits, and surrendering to God. She offers checklists, tips, and a plethora of biblical verse to support her course. While Davidsons guide will appeal to readers who are already devout Christians, others may find her points about the ways people can turn away from God repetitive and cringe at her generalizations, particularly her assertions about behaviors demonstrated by all Christian women. The authors points about the new forms addiction can take in the modern era (cell phones, etc.) are useful and on point, but for the most part, Davidson is preaching to the choir.
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and gritty detail. Thirteen-year-old Deirdre hails from Dinas Emrys, a minor outpost resolutely loyal to the High King. When tragedy strikes King Arthurs court in the form of Lancelot and Guineveres infamous affair, it sparks a swiftly growing conflict. Deirdre, who struggles with the expectations and limitations afforded her by her gender and social status, gets caught up in the political intrigue and courtly maneuverings, ending up in a position to play a pivotal role in Arthurs final battle. Meanwhile, she navigates the treacherous waters of romance, wooed by a knight whose intentions may not be entirely pure. In this first book in the authors planned Empire of Shadows series, Cooney draws from historical records and popular legends alike, infusing them with a Welsh flavor to create a rich tale of destiny and self-determination. The familiar Arthurian trappings act mostly as a backdrop, allowing the original characters to leave their marks in a strong if occasionally meandering effort. Ages 1218. by conflicting social circles, personal problems, disapproving families, and more. As the year unfolds, so does their tumultuous courtship and on-again, off-again love affair. Though the chemistry is real and the characters sparkle together, the narrative suffers from awkward pacing and frequent time jumps. Theres also a disjointed lack of identity, as the story careens from summer love to teen drama, from a story line about Kyles dyslexia to a breakup fueled entirely by Bettinas willingness to believe everything bad she hears. Without focus and balance, this romance has too much of a kitchen-sink feel. Ages 1218.
Childrens Books
Fiction
The Stormglass Protocol
Tim Pratt and Andy Deemer. Stormglass Ventures, $7.99 paper (278p) ISBN 978-09899336-0-5
In this action-packed and fast-paced tie-in to a mobile app game of the same name, Pratt (Rags and Bones) and filmmaker Deemer (Poultrygeist) team up to deliver the story of a boy recruited by a secret spy organization to help save the world. Jake, a spy enthusiast, is contacted by Filby and Lizzie, two young agents of Stormglass who need his help investigating a series of strange incidents. Before long, the three kids are running from the deadly representatives of Vindiqo, a major company with a shadowy agenda. With the bare minimum of training and a handful of nifty gadgets, Jake tries to thwart Vindiqos plan to develop a new breed of synthetic killer bees, all while uncovering the traitor on his own team. Though the premise is played fast and loosefor laughs as much as for dramathe story barrels along with a cheerful intensity and no shortage of middle-grade Bond-style adventure. Memorable characters and fanciful concepts more than make up for any of the storys harder-to-swallow moments. The first in a planned series. Ages 612.
Slumbering
C.S. Johnson. WestBow, $17.95 paper (206p) ISBN 978-1-4497-7912-2
Teenage Dirtbag
Rebecca Montemurro. CreateSpace, $13.99 paper (352p) ISBN 978-1-4909-0886-1
Daughter of Camelot
Glynis Cooney. Mabon Publishing, $12.99 paper (410p) ISBN 978-0-9891350-0-9
Debut author Cooney offers up an intriguing coming-of-age adventure set in the waning days of Camelot, presented with an eye toward historical accuracy
Montemurro, who also writes adult novels as Stella Kelly, offers a YA romance in which opposites attract and sparks fly. Kyle, the titular dirtbag, is a musician with a bad rep at East McKinley High. Bettina is an overachiever under pressure from all sides; her family expects her to succeed, while her boyfriend just wants sex. Though Kyle and Bettina have barely interacted, they become fast friends when coincidence brings them together in Barcelona during the summer before their senior year. Once back home, they slowly form a relationship perpetually challenged
An arrogant jock gets something of a spiritually empowered superhero makeover in this origin story, the first in newcomer Johnsons Starlight Chronicles. Sixteen-year-old Hamilton Dinger is a Tetris-obsessed football player with a trademark smirk, a knack for getting top grades without working for them, and a crush on classmate Gwen Kessler. When a meteorite strikes Apollo City, it sparks a series of bizarre and unsettling events, including mysterious illnesses and attacks. Hamilton is caught up in the aftermath, beset by weird dreams and strange waking visions, all tied to his slowly manifesting powers. Though Hamilton prefers to focus on his normal life, he eventually and reluctantly springs into action to defend his home against the malevolent beings that are now threatening it, aided by the Celestial Dragon Elysian. The intentionally unlikable protagonist, a slow-burning plot, and a poorly explained premise weigh down Johnsons story. The underlying messagethat the desire for truth and love will bring us to the one who can bring us power, as Johnson writes in an afterwordis overshadowed by storytelling with little sense of urgency. Ages 12 18.
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Deep into Dusk: A Gabriel McRay Novel

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