Today, I have a fictional novel in our featured book spotlight! Learn about Dangerous Times by author William Kinsolving! 

Fiction

Date Published: May 1, 2025

Publisher: Manhattan Book Group

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I chose a Southern ethos, finding an unexpected woman to suffer and survive the decade; and three brothers, each of whom carves a unique path through it, one as a fugitive unjustly accused of murder and slave-stealing, one as an enigmatic operative across the jagged spectrum of antebellum party politics, and the eldest who inherits his family's storied tobacco plantation as its lands burn out.

The story is told chronologically, the fiction adhering to the history. Should a question arise as to which is which, any event of historical significance - no matter how bizarre or implausible -- did indeed happen.

The novel echoes ethnic truths as they were at the time. I write of intimacies as well as horrors found in historical records. Both public and private relations were often infused with their own destruction -- as were the expanding "United States" in that decade, and I fear in this one.

About the Book

After a questionable academic career at Stanford (I mean, how practical is a double major in Drama and Far Eastern Theology?), Kinsolving fled to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival to play Richard II. He then attended The London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art for polish. Returning to New York, he appeared as an actor under-, off- and on Broadway, as well as a saloon singer in foul Greenwich Village nightclubs. For creative diversion during these years, he acted and/or directed back in Oregon, at the Stratford (CT) Shakespeare Theater, Harvard, Dartmouth, Café La Mama, then went out and won the Best Actor of the Year award from the San Francisco Chronicle for performing at the Berkeley Rep.

Ineluctably transitioning to a second career, Kinsolving wrote a play with 84 speaking roles, was awarded a Ford Foundation Playwriting Grant, and had the play produced by the Stratford Ontario Shakespeare Festival. This led to the first of some 54 films on which he worked for every major studio (and several distinctly minor ones) in Los Angeles, London and Rome (ask him about Zeffirelli sometime) as screenwriter and script doctor. Suspecting that such a life was leading to the utter corruption of his soul (not to dare mention his body), he retreated to Carmel to write the first of five novels (a NY Times best-seller, a couple of Literary Guild Main Selections, he adds humbly, but only if asked).

While serving on the Board of Trustees of the California Institute of the Arts, he regressed happily to nightclub and fundraising performances, accompanied by the likes of Peter Duchin and Emmanuel Ax, singing at the Algonquin Hotel’s late lamented Oak Room and for one of the late Brooke Astor’s better birthday parties among many other less name-dropping venues.

Last year, he directed a musical for which he wrote the book and lyrics in the nave of San Francisco’s Grace Cathedral about Johann Sebastian Bach and his family. Bach provided all the music, and proved to be very easy to work with. THAT WEEK WITH THE BACHS had the best voices in the Bay Area, including the ineffable Frederica von Stade.

He began work on the historical novel DANGEROUS TIMES between the diversions above. He knew the history, but even so, was startled by how constant the similarities are in that destructive time to what’s going on in this one.

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Today, I have a paranormal romance in our book blitz spotlight! Learn about Once Upon a Blue Moon and author Avery Arujo! 

Paranormal Romance/Mystery

Date Published: July 1, 2025

 

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About the Book

Magic, mystery, and enemies-to-something-much-sweeter collide in this cozy paranormal romance full of heart, humor, and hexes.

 

Hazel Thornton is a small-town witch with a knack for brewing potions, botching spells, and annoying her grumpy werewolf neighbor, Blake Carter. But when a magical mishap leaves them trapped in each other’s bodies, they’re forced to work together—awkwardly, sarcastically, and very much against their will. 

 

To make matters worse, Moonridge is on edge. Wolves are acting strange. Magic is going haywire. And beneath Hazel’s apothecary, something old and dangerous is waking up. As Hazel and Blake stumble through spellwork, supernatural politics, and a suspiciously perfect wellness guru with a shady agenda, one thing becomes clear: this body swap isn’t their biggest problem. 

 

As Hazel and Blake race to reverse the spell, they uncover secrets that could tear the town apart. But the deeper they dive into the mystery, the more they realize their biggest problem might not be magic... it might be how much they’re falling for each other.

About the Author

Avery Arujo is the pen name of a neurodivergent, painfully shy, and proudly introverted writer who has finally decided to dip her toes into the chaotic world of self-publishing.

 

Though she’s been quietly writing for years (mostly through anonymous fanfic and enthusiastic encouragement for other writers) this marks her first official foray into paranormal-romance-mysteries. (ParaRoMystery?) It was the quiet days of the COVID pandemic, the persistent voices of the Moonridge characters in her head, and the gentle (okay, sometimes pushy) insistence of family and friends that nudged her toward publishing. 

 

Avery lives in the northern U.S., where it’s cold more often than not, with two opinionated dogs, and a significant other who is equal parts grumpy and lovely. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her watching trashy reality TV or reading with a blanket, a cup of coffee, and at least one pet trying to prove that they are more interesting than her book.

 

Connect with the Author

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Nonfiction / Nutrition / Health

Date Published: March 3, 2025

Publisher: ‎MindStir Media

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If you have struggled with food, we understand! We’ve been there! We know that diets don’t deliver long-term weight loss. We know that weight-loss drugs work for many people, but at high cost and with many side effects. And they only work as long as you take them.

Diets and drugs fall short because they do not address the root cause of obesity. But there is another way! Reaching your lean weight and optimal health depends on understanding that the root cause of obesity is a chemical imbalance in the body due to improper nutrition. The game-changer is learning some nutritional science that lets the body guide us toward lean weight and optimal health. This book explains the root cause of overeating and provides the nutritional guidelines that make all the difference. Myrna’s nutritional science provides the key that will free you from food addiction and change your life so you can live longer, healthier, and with enhanced athletic ability. This science actually works. It's simple. It's forever. And it's easy!

About the Authors

Myrna Garcia Haag, R.D.

After decades working in the fitness business, Myrna set out to learn the links between nutrition and optimal health. At age fifty-five, she returned to school, earned a degree in nutrition and accreditation as a Registered Dietitian. Myrna lives in Tampa, Florida, where she has built a clinical nutrition practice, treating patients with chronic illnesses.

Years of research and engaging with hundreds of patients led Myrna to develop nutrition balancing techniques that turn off the metabolic triggers that cause overeating. This science has helped patients approach their lean and healthy weight—without dieting. Myrna’s research has also produced guidelines that provide athletes with a competitive advantage.

Now, with this book, Myrna offers everyone simple science that puts us on the path to a lean and long life. She is devoting all her energy to positively changing people’s lives.

https://leanlong.life/myrna-garcia-haag-r-d/

 John J. Macionis, Ph.D.

John spent much of his adult life as a college professor. He was Prentice Hall Distinguished Scholar at Kenyon College, in Gambier, Ohio. John is also a professional writer. For more than forty years, he has authored the best-selling college textbooks in several fields of social science, published by Pearson Education (http://www.macionis.com).

John promotes the appreciation of music, protection of the natural environment, and expanding historical literacy across the United States. He divides his time between Lake George, New York, and Vero Beach, Florida. John enjoys playing tennis, performing the blues and oldies rock and roll, and looking for ways—big and small—to make the world a better place.

Myrna’s science changed John’s life. Starting from obesity and being well on the road to diabetes and heart disease, John has reached his lean weight, and his health has improved dramatically. What he wants now is to share this message with others.

https://leanlong.life/john-j-macionis-ph-d/

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This morning, I have a children's book for middle grade readers in our book release spotlight! Learn about Trouble at the Winston Hotel by author J.S. Keim. 

Date Published: July 15, 2025

After his father’s death, Theodore has the task of caring for his mother and thirteen siblings by working as a doorman for the mice at a glitzy seaside Florida hotel where the rich and famous come and go. 

The moment Theodore sets eyes on petite, lovely Lila, he vows to do anything to win her heart. When the hotel owners threaten to close it down after unexpected bad publicity hurts their business, Theodore is drawn into the mystery of who is causing the movie stars at the hotel to become ill. 

Intent on saving the hotel, winning Lila’s affection, and keeping his family safe, Theodore sets out to solve the mysteries behind the dangerous situation. Being a detective can be a hard business, and he ends up with a few surprises of his own.

A unique little story for all … man and mouse. Another book by J. S. Keim full of fun, fantasy, and danger.

About the Author

While she was growing up, books were always present - being read, ready to go back to the library, or about to be discovered. Information from the books was shared in conversation, giving everyone in the family a thirst for sharing ideas. Perhaps that is why she was drawn to the idea of writing stories early on. 

As J.S. Keim, she writes children's stories full of fun, fantasy, and danger. She particularly loves to write novels about characters who have interesting, fun, and exciting experiences with creatures both real and fantastical, and who learn to see the world in a different way. 

She has written over 50 adult women's fiction books, and as a writer of children's books, she enjoys self-publishing and has had three of her children's stories published in magazines - Highlights for Children, Jack and Jill, and Children's Playmate.

Connect with the Author

Amazon Author Page

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Amazon

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Kobo

Apple Books

I love finding new mystery thrillers to share! Today, I have Illusionist from the Sean McPherson Novel series by author Laurie Buchanan! Check out the novel, read an excerpt from the book, learn about the series, and author & preorder the book! 

A Sean McPherson Novel, Book 5

A contemporary crime thriller perfect for Louise Penny and Robert Dugoni fans, Illusionist presents PI McPherson with an impossible dilemma: kill an author at a writing retreat in the Pacific Northwest, or let a college student die.

Sean “Mick” McPherson drives the Pines & Quill van to Bellingham International Airport. The last time I went to the airport was to drop off the September writers in residence who barely lived to tell about their stay.

His thoughts home in on Gambino, head of a trifecta-based crime family—Seattle, San Francisco, and New Orleans. Mick tightens his grip on the steering wheel. You learned the hard way that Gambino’s reach is long and elusive. That his minions infiltrate even the most inaccessible places to do his bidding, so stay on your A game.

Last month, over the Labor Day weekend, Emma, Mick’s pregnant wife, and Carly and Brianna, the daughters of one of his best friends, Joe Bingham, were abducted and held hostage in a secluded cabin on Mount Baker by Gambino’s thugs. Joe, a Bellingham homicide detective, took a bullet in his right shoulder, saving his daughters.

After the incident, local police chief Bruce Simms referred to him, Joe, and Rafferty, Mick’s other best friend, as “The three musketeers” at a press conference. He went on to say, “Though nontraditional—an ex-cop turned PI, a homicide detective, and an FBI special agent—they accomplish what no others do; they solve crimes and put bad guys behind bars. Consistently.”

Mick smiles at what Simms didn’t say to the press—they let me assist in criminal investigations because, unlike Rafferty and Joe, I have fewer restrictions, protocols, and no red tape as a PI.

About the Author

As a novelist, photographer, and voracious reader, she never travels without three essentials—a laptop, a camera, and a book.

Growing up, she dreamed of being a magician, an international spy, and a mad scientist. There’s still time!

Her writing studio is the hayloft of a historic carriage house in the Pacific Northwest, where creativity thrives. Her husband, Len, a private pilot, and Henry, their not-so-standard Standard Poodle, join her on daily walks. She always carries a camera because sometimes, the best word choice is a picture.

A journey that left an indelible imprint on her was a 20-day, 211-mile trek across the majestic landscapes of Scotland. She, her husband, and their son hiked from the North Sea to the Atlantic Ocean, with the pinnacle being the climb of Ben Nevis at the midpoint of their adventure, the highest point in the British Isles.

"My writing goal is simple: to leave you wanting more." —Laurie Buchanan

Catch up on the 5-Book Series!

Today, I have a motorcycle club romance novel in our book teaser spotlight! Learn about Xavier, from the Kiss of Death MC series by Marteeka Karland--and preorder the book! 

Motorcycle Club Romance, Suspense, Age Gap

Date Published: July 18, 2025

Tillie: At the lowest time in my life, I realize I might have gained my very own guardian angel. I never saw Xavier as more than a friend, but then he went to prison for me. I’ll never forget his sacrifice. He’s the one person I can tell anything, the one person I trust above all else. He’s also the man I’ve built up in my little fantasy world as being the perfect husband. Only problem is, I forgot he’s still a killer. How can I be with a man who’s capable of taking a life? I’m torn between my growing feelings for him and my fear of what it means to love a man like Xavier. 

Xavier: Did I have to kill the man who beat Tillie? No. But I’m headed to prison anyway, so why not get an added bonus? Tillie defended me to anyone who would listen, but I still never expected she’d be almost religious in coming to see me every Saturday. I also didn’t expect to fall in love with the beautiful, spirited woman. Seeing her smile now is worth the extra time I’m spending away from my brothers in Kiss of Death and the comfort of home. Unfortunately, my little Tillie is a magnet for trouble. Good thing she has me to protect her, because there is nothing I won’t do for Tillie. Nothing. If I have to kill for her again, so be it. Anyone who touches her is dead. May God have mercy, because I won’t.

Warning: Adult situations, graphic language, and violence, which may be a trigger for some readers. 

About the Author

Marteeka Karland is an international bestselling author who leads a double life as an erotic romance author by evening and a semi-domesticated housewife by day. Known for her down and dirty MC romances, Marteeka takes pleasure in spinning tales of tenacious, protective heroes and spirited, vulnerable heroines. She staunchly advocates that every character deserves a blissful ending, even, sometimes, the villains in her narratives. Her writings are speckled with intense, raw elements resulting in page-turning delight entwined with seductive escapades leading up to gratifying conclusions that elicit a sigh from her readers. 

Away from the pen, Marteeka finds joy in baking and supporting her husband with their gardening activities. The late summer season is set aside for preserving the delightful harvest that springs from their combined efforts (which is mostly his efforts, but you can count it). To stay updated with Marteeka's latest adventures and forthcoming books, make sure to visit her website. Don't forget to register for her newsletter which will pepper you with a potpourri of Teeka's beloved recipes, book suggestions, autograph events, and a plethora of interesting tidbits.

Connect with the Author & Publisher

Author on Instagram & TikTok: @marteekakarland

Author on Facebook

Publisher on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok: @changelingpress

Buy the Book 

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Get the 6-Book Kiss of Death MC series!

This morning, I have a humorous memoir with a health and nutrition theme. Learn about The Plight of the Pudgy by Tammy Waldoch! 

Health & Fitness Diet & Nutrition / Weight Loss Humorous Memoir

Date Published: 07-29-2025

Publisher: BookBaby

Waldoch authentically pours her heart and soul into sharing raw stories and songs filled with deep faith, side-splitting humor, and a resounding message that we are all perfectly made in God's eyes. 

Tammy writes this book not only as a testimony of her faith but also to share her private path of redemption and healing. 

Among the pages, readers will also enjoy fiction stories designed to encourage laughter and reflection, along with some preposterous (and creative!) parodies that provide a backdrop of humor to lighten the burdens of The Slim at Heart.

Heart Felt And Honest - This book will make you laugh and cry. The lament of women who struggle with body image applies to a good majority of women.

Read an Excerpt

I guess you could say it all began in childhood. By “it,” I mean my destructive habit of looking down on myself and hating my body no matter how good I looked. The years of damage I inherited as a child compounded into a mountain of never feeling “good enough” as a young adult and adult. I believe that the scars from the aftermath of my Dad’s infidelity only deepened my emotional pain, but the emotional ramifications were not addressed. I did not know what to do with the grievous shackles of insecurity that had bound me. Much of it was a severe reaction to my Dad’s actions and how he treated my mother like an object. My Dad was a salesman and a real-wheeler-dealer type. They used to say he could sell ice to Eskimos. 

Unfortunately for my mom, her sweet-talking man used that charisma unprincipled. He was quite the Casanova who seduced multiple women with his flattering tongue and lips dripping in honey. To be fair, my parents were only teenagers when they married and welcomed their first child. They were babies having babies and were still trying to figure out how to be adults when they were pulled together in holy matrimony. But my Dad’s cheating ways broke both my Mama’s heart and mine as he strayed from my mom time and time again. Gone was the sanctity of sexuality and the sacredness of marriage. Even as a child, I experienced my mother’s pain and hurt as if it were my own. Even though there were four of us kids, I had always been “Daddy’s little girl,” so his actions felt like a betrayal to me as well. I had, and still have, so many questions I’d like to know the answers to. 

She and her husband of 38 years share a dynamic love for better for worse, in sickness and in health, that has endured all things. 

She is also a proud parent of two sons and has two beautiful daughters-in-law who share life’s joys and challenges. Her faith is at the heart of everything she does, and this book is a testimony of her Lord and Savior’s incredible loving kindness toward her. Gilda Radner once said, “Life is full of delicious ambiguities.” 

Tammy invites everyone to share those ambiguities with her!

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https://mybook.to/ThePlightofPudgy

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