Elbert Jones Jr.’s Real Men vs. Plastic Men dives deep into what it truly means to be strong, grounded, and authentic in an age of appearances. With honesty, grit, and heart, Jones calls on men to rise above performative masculinity and rediscover the values that build real character—discipline, emotional intelligence, and integrity.

Whether you’re on a personal growth journey or just tired of the noise, this book challenges and inspires in all the right ways.

📘 Plus—don’t miss the giveaway! Enter below for a chance to win a copy of Real Men vs. Plastic Men and start your own journey toward living with purpose and truth.

African American / Nonfiction

Date Published: 08-30-2025

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 About the Author

 Mr. Jones is entrepreneur with well over 33 years in the U.S. government and knows how to operate a successful business. He has had experience as well in the entertainment field. During the late 1970s' and much of the early 80s' Mr. Jones affectionately known to his many friends and loved ones as 'June' or 'Jonesie' collaborated on various singles by several local DC area recording artists and has mentored underground rap star "D Young". A phenomenal businessman who loves people and live talk radio Elbert Jones Jr. is a great access to KJ Publications,Inc..

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Sometimes the best way to rewrite your story is to stop chasing it altogether. Caila Klaiss’s Kennedy Sloane Gets Scooped is a witty, emotional read about rediscovering purpose, love, and balance when life refuses to stick to the script. If you’ve ever dreamed of trading chaos for coastal calm—or wondered what might happen if you did—this one’s for you. 

🌴 Don’t miss the giveaway at the end of this post! Enter below for your chance to win a copy of the book and a little something to encourage your book buying habit!

Contemporary Women's Fiction/Contemporary Romance

Date Published: November 6th, 2025

Publisher: Acorn Publishing

On a rainy Manhattan afternoon, career-obsessed writer and news producer Kennedy loses the interview that was guaranteed to catapult her to senior producer status. Hours later, revered and feared book editor Muffin Evans, aka the Manuscript Eater, shelves the publication of her promising debut novel.

Over a night of tears and too many glasses of wine, Kennedy responds to an internet ad for a villa on the picturesque island of Hilton Head. She books a five-week “hiatus from life,” to focus on herself, free from distractions. 

However, soon after arriving on the island, J.P. Long catches Kennedy’s hesitant eye. Despite a series of serendipitous encounters around the romantic oasis, Kennedy knows there’s no room in her life for a charming professional golfer turned businessman who is battling his own personal and professional insecurities. 

But maybe he’s worth the trouble.

If there’s one thing Kennedy’s learned, it’s that life rarely happens as expected, and sometimes, the best stories unfold when you stop chasing the perfect headline. 

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About the Author

 A graduate of Fordham University, Caila Klaiss is an award-winning network news producer who spent seventeen years crisscrossing the country to cover breaking and developing stories for platforms across ABC News. The bulk of her career was spent producing true crime documentaries for 20/20. 

Since making the difficult decision to leave a career she loved, Caila has pursued her other life-long dream of becoming a writer. When she is not reading, writing, or researching, Caila recharges by practicing yoga.

Born, raised, and currently living in northeastern Pennsylvania, Caila is a New Yorker at heart whose happy place is a warm sandy beach, under a palm tree.

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If you’ve never tried audiobooks, you’re not alone—but you’re missing one of the easiest ways to read more, learn more, and enjoy stories on the go! Whether you commute, walk your dog, or relax before bed, audiobooks can turn ordinary moments into mini reading escapes.

Getting started is much easier than you might think—and yes, you can enjoy them even if you’re a lifelong “page loyalist.” Here’s everything you need to know to become a confident, committed audiobook listener. 

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Why Audiobooks Are Worth It

Audiobooks have exploded in popularity thanks to their convenience, accessibility, and variety. You can download a new audiobook and start listening in seconds. You can discover new narrators who naturally bring stories to life, and fit books into your day in ways traditional reading can’t.

Top Benefits of Audiobooks:

• 🎧 Listen anywhere: in the car, at the gym, or while folding laundry.
• ⏱️ Save time: multitask while “reading.”
• 💬 Boost comprehension: many listeners absorb and remember more through narration.
• 🧠 Rediscover classics: professional narrators make even dense books feel cinematic. 

Get an Audible Membership – .99/mo for 3 months

How to Choose the Right Audiobook for Your First Listen

Not all books translate equally into great audio experiences. When you’re starting out, look for engaging stories, talented narrators, and strong pacing.

A few tips:

• Pick a book you’ve already read: Familiarity helps you focus on the experience rather than trying to keep up with the plot.
• Start with action, mystery, or romance: These genres tend to have lively narration and keep you hooked.
• Check the narrator: A great voice actor can transform a good book into an unforgettable one. Look up samples before buying.  

The Easiest Ways to Listen

You can listen through almost any device—your phone, tablet, or laptop. Many apps make it seamless to start, bookmark, and sync across devices.

Popular Programs:

• Audible: The largest audiobook marketplace, perfect for most users. Offers include discounted monthly rates + credits.
• Libro.fm: Independent-bookstore-friendly and ethically sourced. Libro.fm Memberships offer credits and discounts--and support local bookstores. You can sign up here.
• Scribd: Subscription-based, great for voracious listeners.
• Spotify & Apple Books: Ideal for quick purchases or trying single titles.

You can create affiliate links for some of these services so that each signup through your blog earns you a commission.

How to Stay Engaged While Listening

If you’ve tried audiobooks before and lost focus, don’t write them off yet. Listening is a skill—one that gets easier with the right strategies.

Try these focus hacks:

• Start small. Go for short audiobooks, around 4–6 hours.
• Listen during routines. Walking, cleaning, or commuting works best.
• Use bookmarks and notes. Apps let you highlight key parts to revisit.
• Adjust narration speed. Many new listeners prefer 1.2x speed—it sounds natural but sharper.

Best Kinds of Books to Begin With

While preferences vary, newcomers usually love:

• Memoirs read by the author: Authentic and heartfelt (try Becoming by Michelle Obama).
• Mystery & thrillers: Great pacing and attention-grabbing.
• Humorous fiction: Laughter keeps you locked in.
• Short story collections: Quick wins to build the habit.

My eBook Recommendation of the Week? I just finished listening to Magic Hour by Kristin Hannah, with narration by Suzanne Toren. Great for fans of attention grabbing psychological fiction!

Make Audiobooks Part of Your Lifestyle

The secret to loving audiobooks is consistency. Instead of carving out extra time to “read,” weave listening into your existing routine. 

Morning coffee? Audiobook. 

Drive to work? Audiobook. 

Evening walk? Audiobook.

The more you listen, the more natural it becomes—and soon, regular reading and listening will feel like interchangeable, enriching habits.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve ever said, “I don’t have time to read,” audiobooks are your answer. They transform downtime into discovery time and open new worlds right through your headphones.

So don’t wait—grab your first audiobook today:

👉 Try Audible or Start Listening with Libro.fm & Support Local Stores

Whether you’re chasing adventure, memoir, or motivation, there’s a story waiting to fill your next quiet moment. All you have to do is hit play. 

Music can elevate the soul—or expose its deepest cracks. In The Well-Tempered Violinist by Barbara T. Carlton, art, ambition, and emotion intertwine in a story that resonates long after the final note. Learn about this historical fiction novel and author--and be sure to enter for a chance to win a prize in the book tour giveaway at the end of this post. 

Book 1 of The Gift

Historical Fiction

Date to be Published: November 5, 2025

Publisher: Acorn Publishing

But the violin Marthe’s father left her is a constant reminder of the profound bond between them, and it gives her the strength to begin healing. When the Köln Conservatory offers her an unexpected scholarship, she seizes her chance to reach for excellence.

Under the rigorous tutelage of Professorin Wolff, and subjected to predatory harassment by a fellow student determined to destroy both her self-worth and her chances of success, Marthe quickly learns she will need more than motivation and talent to rise to the top.

Filled with heart, wit, and music, The Well-Tempered Violinist is an enduring coming-of-age tale about an artist striving for greatness against enormous odds.

The Well-Tempered Violinist, Book 1 of The Gift series, is her first novel.

Connect with the Author

Facebook: Barbara Thornburgh Carlton, Writer

Instagram: @btcarlton_writer 

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I love finding new thrillers and mysteries--especially novella-length ones--and I have one to share this morning! Beneath Cozumel's shimmering waters lies a secret worth killing for.  Beneath Cozumel’s shimmering waters lies a secret worth killing for. In Echoes of Fortune: Shadows Over Cozumel, bestselling author David R. Leng delivers a gripping blend of mystery, history, and nonstop action that will keep you turning the pages! 

Date Published: November 11, 2025

What would you risk to uncover a secret buried for over 150 years?

From bestselling and multi–award-winning author David R. Leng comes the next pulse-pounding installment in the Echoes of Fortune series. 

His debut, Echoes of Fortune: The Search for Braddock’s Lost Gold, captivated readers and earned a 4.5-star rating on Goodreads. Now the adventure continues with a brand-new novella that plunges deeper into history’s deadliest secrets. 

When historian Jack Sullivan, Smithsonian curator Emma Wilson, and fellow former Navy SEAL Steve Johnson set out for a Thanksgiving dive off Cozumel, they expect nothing more than warm waters and forgotten wrecks. Instead, they uncover a Confederate ghost ship that vanished in 1865—along with a sealed brass tube containing secrets powerful enough to change history. 

But they’re not alone. Shadowy mercenaries and a black-hulled yacht stalk their every move, determined to silence them before the truth surfaces. From dazzling reefs to the back alleys of Veracruz, Jack and his team are forced into a deadly game where history isn’t past—it’s a weapon. 

Some secrets don’t want to be found. And some will kill to stay buried. 

Perfect for fans of Steve Berry, Clive Cussler, Dan Brown, and James Rollins, Shadows Over Cozumel delivers nonstop action, historical intrigue, and a mystery that spans centuries.

Chapter 1

Cozumel Mexico

Thursday, November 22, 2018

8:56 AM

The black mega yacht waited beyond Cozumel’s harbor mouth, a dark predator lurking in sunlit waters. Cruise ships gleamed at the pier, fishing boats slipped out toward the open sea, but this vessel did not belong. Sleek, silent, and perfectly placed in deeper water, it radiated intent. 

At the bow rail, a man in a white Panama hat with a dark band stood with military stillness, his weathered hands gripping the binoculars trained on the harbor. A gold watch caught the light as he lifted his wrist to check the time. 

A striking young woman approached in a sheer white cover-up over her swimsuit, her smile as rehearsed as the silver tray she carried. She might have been a model from one of the glossy magazines scattered in the salon, another prop in the theater of wealth the man commanded. 

Ice clinking, he took the drink without a glance, eyes locked on the port, as if even beauty and luxury were beneath his notice. 

“Sir,” a subordinate murmured, appearing at his shoulder, “the Americans arrived last evening. Right on schedule.” 

The binoculars never wavered.

“Our marine park contact confirmed they requested to dive La Sombra.” The man paused, then continued in his Caribbean accent, “We’ve been tracking them since they arrived. Sullivan—the professor, the tall one. His Smithsonian curator fiancée. And his fellow former SEAL friend. Our hacker says he’s been digging into the Del Rio.” 

Through the lenses, he watched three figures board the Maria Elena—a tall, blond man helping the athletic woman with her gear, the muscular Black man arranging air tanks with quiet efficiency. 

“Possibly lethal. High profile,” he noted. “We should keep this out of the media if we can. Let them dive.” He lowered the binoculars, his eyes tracking the dive boat pulling from the pier. “But if they become a problem...history will bury them too.” 

David R. Leng, known for his expertise in risk management and insurance, now ventures into the world of fiction with his latest historical thriller, Echoes of Fortune. With a distinguished career spanning over 30 years, David is the author of International #1 Best Sellers including "Insured to Fail" and "The 10 Laws of Insurance Attraction," and has saved clients over $42 million in premiums and overcharges. 

As Executive Vice President and Partner of the Duncan Financial Group, David is celebrated for his innovative Risk Profile Improvement Process and has earned numerous accolades, including Advisor of the Year by the Institute of WorkComp Professionals. 

An avid contributor to industry publications, David’s passion extends beyond his professional achievements to include boating, skiing, woodworking, and supporting his local high school’s musical productions. His foray into historical thrillers reflects his deep storytelling skills and a lifelong commitment to engaging and captivating audiences.

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