This morning, I have a children's book to share in our book spotlight! Learn about Kind Kids: The The Adventures of Hurley, Pearl, and The Pink Soldiers of Kindness and author Jenna McDonough!

Children's Book

Date Published: October 10, 2025

Publisher: Gatekeeper Press

With Mom’s loving guidance, Hurley and Pearl learn the power of pausing, breathing, and reflecting before reacting. They discover that kindness can heal hurt feelings, bring people together, and make everyone feel seen and loved. Inspired by Mom’s story of spreading kindness through small pink toy soldiers, the siblings embark on a heartwarming mission of their own—to brighten others’ days, one soldier at a time. 

 

At school, Hurley comforts a classmate with a pink soldier after a tough moment on the playground, while Pearl lifts the spirits of a substitute teacher who feels overwhelmed. Through these small but powerful acts, Hurley and Pearl realize that kindness doesn’t just help others—it also fills their own hearts with warmth and happiness. 

 

Their journey is about more than sharing toys; it’s about spreading love, empathy, and connection to everyone around them. Along the way, they discover a simple truth: kindness can change the world, one thoughtful gesture at a time. 

 

Complete with a heartfelt letter from the fictional Colonel Michael T. Pinkerton, Kind Kids inspires young readers to share their own adventures of kindness. This delightful and empowering story encourages children to take small steps to make big impacts in their families, classrooms, and communities while reminding them that kindness to others begins with being kind to themselves. 

 

Perfect for parents, teachers, and children alike, Kind Kids is a touching exploration of sibling dynamics, emotional growth, and the ripple effect of simple, kind acts.  

Amazon

About the Author

Beyond the app, I guide adults in identifying and releasing stuck energy through meditation, sound baths, and custom-designed healing experiences. I also developed coaching programs, such as Lifestyle Design and a proprietary program for high school juniors and seniors, as well as for any young adult navigating a transition year, to help them prepare with confidence for life beyond the classroom. 

 

My professional journey began in education. I hold a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus in Communications Journalism from Florida Atlantic University, and started my career as an Elementary ESE teacher. While I found teaching deeply fulfilling, I also experienced firsthand the challenges of burnout, which inspired me to seek balance through meditation, mindfulness, and yoga. As my life evolved and I became a mother, I continued to deepen my personal practice, remaining committed to wellness while shifting my focus toward family. 

 

During the global pandemic, I witnessed the surge of anxiety and stress across all ages and felt called to expand my work. What began as a personal passion evolved into a mission: to equip others—children, parents, and adults alike—with the tools they need to navigate life’s challenges with greater peace, presence, and emotional intelligence. 

 

In recognition of my dedication to wellness and emotional regulation, I have and continue to serve as a member of the 2024 and 2025 Forbes Health Advisory Boards.

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This morning, I have a fantasy novel to share in our book spotlight. Learn about Islands in the Mist and author J.M. Hofer! Read my thoughts on the book and be sure to enter for a chance to win a prize in the book tour giveaway at the end of this post.

 

Set in Iron Age Britain and steeped in Welsh legend, the Islands in the Mist series brings to life the magic and mystery of the Arthurian Age.

In Islands in the Mist, we meet the great warrior, Bran, called home from the battlefield to his mother's deathbed. He honors her final wish by vowing to solve the mystery of what fatally attacked her in the night. Though many have dismissed it as a wolf attack, she insists it was not, and encourages him to seek the counsel of Talhaiarn, druid advisor to their clan.

On his journey, Bran encounters the fiery Lucia, widow to a Roman centurion, and her strangely-gifted stable boy, Gwion--an enigmatic child graced with understanding beyond his years. Lucia possesses "the Sight," an ability that has plagued her from the time she was a small girl, tormenting her with disturbing visions of events that invariably come to pass. Fate leads her to discover many of her maternal ancestors were masterful women gifted with similar psychic abilities and that some of them have been watching her from the shadows for years.

Upon returning to his village, Bran finds himself at odds with the hot-tempered Aelhaearn, who is determined to become their clan's next chieftain. To Aelhaearn's disappointment, Bran's sister, now priestess in her mother's place, convinces the clan to choose Bran for the honor instead. In the aftermath of their conflict, Bran discovers something shocking about his rival that causes him to rue his sister's decision.

As everyone strives to unravel the mystery surrounding their nocturnal enemies, their creator patiently carries out her plan, woven from the exploited weaknesses of her opponents. Slowly, all but one are pulled into the seductive maelstrom of her power.

 

My Review

The author’s writing offers a blend of action-packed scenes and character-driven dialogue. A great deal of attention is given to building the world and establishing its rules, which helps the story feel believable by the end. Magic and myth are present, but they are woven in carefully rather than overwhelming the reader. That said, readers will need some patience as the fantasy world develops. The pacing occasionally slows when the story pauses to explain background details, and a few of these moments feel a bit awkward in how they are introduced. Still, there is a steady sense of mystery that keeps the pages turning, especially as hints of greater danger begin to surface.

The novel introduces a lot of characters. While each serves a purpose, keeping track of how everyone is connected can occasionally feel complicated, particularly during more complex scenes. Readers may need a little extra focus to remember names and relationships as the story progresses. However, these connections ultimately help move the plot forward and add depth as the story grows.

Would I recommend Islands in the Mist? I would. It’s a strong start to the series and does a good job mixing action with mystery as the story unfolds. The world feels well thought out, even if the pacing slows now and then while details are being explained. Readers who don’t mind a slower build and enjoy stories with layered plots and mythic elements will find this one worth a spot on their reading list. 

 

This morning, we are joining the cover reveal for a new memoir from Sarah Church! Catch a glimpse of the cover, learn about book and author! 

Memoir

Date Published: April 22nd

Publisher: Acorn Publishing

Sarah Vosburgh has often felt misunderstood by her mother, a woman who lived a quintessential suburban life. But when her mother is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, Sarah’s world unravels, and she must confront a disease that will only worsen. As roles reverse between mother and daughter, Sarah faces the guilt of making decisions she hopes are the right ones while also carrying the grief of losing her mom bit by bit everyday. She navigates a labyrinth of health services amid the heartbreaking, and at times darkly humorous, realities of caregiving.

There are the white lies and midnight phone calls, the misbuttoned blouses, and the second slice of chocolate pie that tastes just as good as it did the first time. And then there’s the quiet awe at the persistence of connection even when language falters and names are forgotten.


Told in finely wrought prose and lyrical fragments of memory, Who Will Name the Bees? is a daughter's unflinching love letter to the flawed, fierce, and unforgettable woman who raised her.

 

About the Author

It was never in Sarah Vosburgh’s plan to be an author or to write a memoir. As a busy mom, wife, and psychologist, she always saw her life as full (sometimes overfull). But in the dark of night, memories knocked on her brain, compelling her to commit them first to paper, then to bits and bytes.

Sarah is a member of the International Memoir Writers Association and San Diego Writers, Ink. Her work has been published in A Year in Ink and numerous volumes of Shaking the Tree: brazen. short. memoir. A native New Englander, she now lives in San Diego with her husband, her daughter, her granddog, and a most extraordinary feline. 

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Some stories announce themselves quietly, while others arrive already smoldering. Vengeful Fire falls firmly in the latter category, opening with heat, destruction, and unanswered questions that linger well beyond the first spark. This spotlight takes a closer look at Mikala Ash’s upcoming dark fantasy/paranormal romance, drawing directly from the publisher-provided tour materials.

Dark Fantasy / Paranormal Romance

Date Published: February 6, 2026

Publisher: Changeling Press

About the Book

Heat rages out of control as the pub burns. 

The only thing hotter is the woman watching the flames.

Diana Kendall just had an argument with the owner of Cornwall’s pub. Now Cornwall’s is burning to the ground. Diana’s an enigma, an artist, beautiful and intelligent, but strangely aloof. How can Mike resist? But when he wakes up the next morning, Diana’s gone.

It’s not until Mike sees a naked woman disappear into an art gallery with a wolf at her side that the real trouble starts. The woman looks incredibly like Diana. But what is the mysterious apparition trying to tell him?

Mike needs to find out what’s really going. Does Diana’s fiery past tell the story, or will he get burnt by Vengeful Fire?

 

What Readers Can Expect

Vengeful Fire blends paranormal mystery with romantic tension and vivid sensory detail. Fire and heat are recurring motifs, and the story leans into intrigue, unanswered questions, and surreal imagery. Readers who enjoy darker fantasy romances with an emphasis on atmosphere may find this title aligns with their tastes.

 

Is This Your Kind of Read?

Vengeful Fire may appeal to readers who enjoy dark fantasy and paranormal romance with a strong atmospheric focus. The description suggests a story driven by mystery, sensual tension, and striking imagery rather than straightforward answers. Readers who appreciate morally ambiguous characters, surreal moments, and symbolism woven into the narrative may find this one intriguing.

 

 

 Want to see your book featured on our site? Visit one of our book tour partners or send me an email!  

 

About the Author

Aussie Mikala Ash used to be a mild-mannered training & development consultant by day, and a wild sci-fi and paranormal adventure writer by night. Now she is a brazen full-time writer and nature photographer who is concentrating on having among other things, “… bags, and bags of fun!” Mikala can be found on Facebook and on Twitter.

Where to Find the Author & Publisher

Author on Facebook

Author on Twitter

 

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

Save 15% off any order at ChangelingPress.com with code RABT15