St. Lucifer's School for Girls
by A.M. Caplan
The flock of swearing crows is normal. The earthquakes and murder spree are not. To graduate, will she have to fend off a devilish destiny?
Devil’s Point, New York. Mettie Eastey loved coming from a long line of evildoers. But the senior year student is left reeling when she learns she doesn’t share her tiny Satanic town’s bloodline, destroying her relationship with her grandmother. And she can’t help thinking something’s a bit off when she chases off bullies… and the next day the taunting boys show up stone cold dead.
Skeptical of the supernatural after an attempt to make a pact with the Lord of Darkness fails spectacularly, Mettie tries to convince herself that the macabre series of slayings that follow are the work of a simple serial killer. Yet with all Hell threatening to break loose, understanding the motive behind the morbid massacre could be the only way to keep her body and soul in one piece.
Will her stubborn determination to deny Satan end in fire and brimstone?
St. Lucifer’s School for Girls is a humorous horror story. If you like dark themes, clever twists, and gruesome laughter, then you’ll love A.M. Caplan’s gory imaginings.
Buy St. Lucifer’s School for Girls to get an A in demonology today!
Veil of Dawn's Promise
by Joe Sarkic
In the towering city of Cyronis, every corner lies under the watchful gaze of surveillance drones. Elysa Jane Hawthorne, a brilliant Data Miner for the Centralized Data Mining and Surveillance Agency (CDMSA), walks the fine line between order and freedom. Cyronis thrives on breathtaking technological wonders and haunting shadows, maintaining an aura of control—until a catastrophic market attack shatters its fragile peace. Thrust into a perplexing mystery, Elysa faces challenges that test her skills and shake the very core of her beliefs about the systems she serves.
As she uncovers hidden secrets amidst advanced AI and elusive human resistance factions, a rebellion brews in the city's underbelly. The Veil of Dawn, a mysterious group with growing influence, emerges as both a threat and a potential savior in the fight against oppression. "Veil of Dawn’s Promise" intertwines themes of surveillance, rebellion, and identity in a futuristic setting that questions the moral boundaries of technology's reach.
If you crave stories filled with tension, atmospheric cityscapes, and characters grappling with ethical dilemmas, this is the novel that will pull you into a world where no one is truly free. Embark on Elysa's journey and discover the secrets that lie beneath the city's surface.
The Secrets of Hawthorne House
by Donald Firesmith
From Grief to Wonder: A Journey of Magic and Friendship.
Dive into the enchanting world of The Secrets of Hawthorne House, a multi-award-winning young adult paranormal fantasy that masterfully addresses themes of grief, fitting in, bullying, financial hardship, and respecting others’ beliefs and cultures. And it does so while weaving a spellbinding narrative of adventure, friendship, mystery, and ancient magic.
After the tragic death of his mother, Matt Mitchell’s grieving father moves him and his twin sister away from the sea they love to the small Midwest town of Hawthorne, Indiana. As a new out-of-towner at the local high school, Matt’s despair and anger grow when he becomes the target of relentless bullying. He is soon warned that Old Lady Hawthorn, the secretive recluse who lives in the dilapidated Victorian mansion next door, is a witch who murdered her husband. But once Matt starts working for her, he discovers she is something altogether different. When the old lady’s niece and her three children move into the mansion, Matt’s dreary world takes an extraordinary turn.
Matt meets Gerallt, and their unexpected friendship changes Matt’s life forever. As they become best friends, Matt discovers a world brimming with secret magic and an ancient Celtic god, challenging everything he thought he knew. Together, the two boys confront the school bullies with a blend of cunning and magical mischief, embark on a thrilling quest for lost treasure, and uncover the profound secrets hidden within Hawthorne House.
Winner of ten book awards, The Secrets of Hawthorne House is more than a story of friendship; it is a journey into a world where magic is real, cultures clash, and a lost treasure waits to be found. This meticulously crafted coming-of-age story balances the real with the fantastical, weaving a rich tapestry from elements of urban fantasy and Celtic mythology.
Critics and readers have praised The Secrets of Hawthorne House for its ability to cover complex issues while maintaining a lighthearted and engaging tone that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. With descriptive prose, a multifaceted plot, and memorable characters, this book captivates and delights with wisdom, humor, and heart. The characters’ personal battles resonate deeply with readers of all ages.
More than merely a story of two friends, The Secrets of Hawthorne House is a journey through grief, the struggle against discrimination, and the discovery of inner strength amidst adversity. Whether you’re a young reader or simply young at heart, it delivers an unforgettable adventure that bridges the gap between the ordinary and the extraordinary. With its unique blend of realistic struggles and magical escapades, this novel is a treasure trove of lessons on life, acceptance, and the unbreakable bonds of friendship. Pick up a copy now and join Matt and Gerallt as they uncover the true secrets of the Hawthorne House.
GENRE WINS
(HONORABLE MENTIONS)
BooksShelf
FICTION WINNERS
This Is How We Heal from Painful Childhoods
A Practical Guide for Healing Past Intergenerational Stress and Trauma
by Ernest Ellender PhD
Did your childhood feel like something you survived instead of enjoyed?
Painful childhoods naturally results in many sticky obstacles to adult success, ranging from distrust in others to self-sabotaging thoughts and behaviors. During prolonged periods of chronic family stress (intergenerational trauma), a young brain creates deeply ingrained physical and mental habits to survive childhood.
Unfortunately, these habits work against generational trauma survivors in adulthood and can even result in diagnoses like depression, bipolar, ADHD, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and Complex PTSD (C-PTSD). These perfectly normal reactions to childhood stress do not automatically go away when you grow up! Healing childhood trauma is challenging but possible.
This guidebook presents 20 key concepts in the form of rules (or guidelines) for comprehensively thriving past your stressful childhood. Each chapter explains the key concepts behind the rule before offering realistic trauma workbook exercises that show you how to apply the rule to your own life. Consistent application of these 20 rules will build your knowledge base and critical skills necessary for maximum personal thriving and happiness. Most trauma recovery workbooks focus on 4-5 of these issues in depth but leave out other important concepts!
Author Ernest Ellender, PhD has worked directly with childhood trauma survivors since 1995. He combined his clinical psychology doctorate with his martial arts career (black belt jiu-jitsu instructor) to create this comprehensive and effective book about healing from childhood trauma and protecting yourself and your family from further trauma.
JUST FIREWORKS
A Child's memories of a war-torn Lebanon
by Nader Barrak
In "Just Fireworks," experience Lebanon's civil war during the 1980s through the eyes of a child. Born into a world of relentless conflict, he recounts his harrowing experiences growing up amidst bullets, rockets, and the ever-present threat of destruction.
Today, as a husband to a prominent Ugandan public figure and a father of six, the author reflects on how these memories shaped him, from surviving his father's abduction to living through Israeli airstrikes, Syrian shelling, militia clashes and siege. This story isn't just personal—it's universal, shedding light on the hidden trauma war leaves in its wake.
This memoir is a compelling read for those intrigued by the profound impact of conflict on children's development. It presents a unique perspective on the absurdity of war, seen through the innocent eyes of a child in one of the world's most volatile regions.
Readers will not only gain a deeper understanding of the devastating consequences of war but will also glimpse the enduring psychological scars it inflicts on its youngest victims. "Just Fireworks" is a must-read for those interested in Middle Eastern conflicts and the broader topic of war and its lasting repercussions.
Memoir of a Mangled Mind
How Concealing My Dissociative Identity Disorder Unleashed Multiple Personalities
by Steven Simmons Shelton MA JD
Three minds. One body.
And nobody is safe.
At age sixteen, blackouts take over Steve Simmons’s life. He loses hours, days, and weeks at a time. Terrified he’ll be institutionalized or disbelieved, Steve doesn’t tell anyone.
He soon discovers that he has multiple personalities, a mental disorder that developed years earlier when sexual predators targeted him. Originally created to protect him, these “alters” hijack his consciousness to live their own lives—one as a thief and the other as a gay prostitute.
By refusing to tell anyone of his condition or seek proper mental health treatment, Steve grants his doppelgangers free rein to drag him down the paths of crime and debauchery.
To maintain his freedom and reputation, Steve discards his ethical compass in order to conceal his alters’ criminal activities—even after becoming an attorney at one of the world’s premier litigation firms.
This deeply personal memoir lays bare Steve’s childhood sexual assaults and the poor judgment he exercises to hide his mental disorder caused by the trauma.
How will he navigate the road to redemption?
GENRE WINS
(HONORABLE MENTIONS)
BooksShelf
NONFICTION WINNERS
Somebody's Someone
by Linda Oatman High
Twelve-year-old Ruby Bean has become an Accidental Expert on Missing Mothers.
When her mother, Ruthie, goes missing again due to mental illness and addiction, Ruby and her aunt leap into action to search for Ruthie.
A jewelry store robbery and unexpected kindness from the victim bring more twists to the journey. From Georgia to Washington to New York City, Ruby discovers that sometimes even the worst events can bring the best surprises into one's life, if you keep believing.
The Golden Web
by Tiffany Dickinson
Thomas the spider is perfectly comfortable making his home in a room at the children’s hospital. He learns many things from observing the children who come to get well and by watching television, especially TV game shows. When a child leaves, Thomas doesn’t mind. His motto is, “Spiders have family, food, and foes.” He needs no friends. That is, until the very sick boy, Marco, moves into his room.
When the boy and the spider realize they can talk to each other, Thomas soon has a friend. But does he have the courage to befriend someone who will leave him, one way or another? And will Marco have the courage to bravely fight his serious illness and leave his new best friend behind?
With humor and heart, The Golden Web tells of friendship, courage, and hope. It’s the perfect story for those who believe in miracles and know friends can lift you up as you reach for the stars.
Lumilore
The Original Story of the Dragon who Glowed
by Sabine Ruh House
Discover a magical journey with Lumilore, the enchanting dragon whose fur glows with the light of a thousand stars!
A heartfelt adventure awaits in a lush, mystical forest where dreams dance in the breeze. Meet Lumilore, a brave and wondrous creature with a heart as radiant as its fur. When the forest's beloved Sparkling Stream loses its shine, Lumilore sets off on a courageous quest under the moon's watchful eye to restore its magical glow.
Join Lumilore as it encounters wise otters, playful fireflies, and mysterious birds, all while avoiding the feared Grouchylo. With each step, Lumilore learns about bravery, friendship, and the power of believing in oneself.
This beautifully illustrated tale is perfect for readers of all ages and will captivate your imagination and warm your heart. Children will be enchanted by the whimsical story and stunning artwork, while parents will appreciate the timeless messages of courage and self-discovery.
GENRE WINS
(HONORABLE MENTIONS)
BooksShelf
CHILDREN'S BOOKS WINNERS
Words Left Unspoken
by J.A. McGovern
Discover life’s untold stories through J.A. McGovern’s evocative poetry. Walk city streets, bask in meadows, and journey through spirituality, love, and adventure in
Words Left Unspoken.
Finalist: Amity Literary Prize, 2023
The reader is invited to embark on a poetic odyssey through life’s complexities in Words Left Unspoken—an exploration of silence, wisdom, and universal resonance.
Would you like to take a walk through the inner city, lie down in a sunny meadow, savour time with nature and family? All these moments, and more, are captured within J.A. McGovern’s debut poetry collection.
McGovern’s poems urge us to take to the road for wild adventures, to question ideas of life and death, and to learn through another’s eyes and experiences.
More than a compilation of verse, McGovern’s work is a profound exploration of the silent struggles that resonate within us all, compelling readers to listen and truly understand the echoes of a world yearning to be heard.
J.A. McGovern’s diverse experiences create a rich tapestry of moments, urging readers to explore life’s complexities, question ideas, and listen to the profound echoes of universal struggles. As a multifaceted creator with recognition in various mediums, McGovern’s debut collection promises a unique blend of intellectual depth, artistic prowess, and a fresh perspective in the world of poetry.
A Concerto for an Empty Frame
Music for Survival
by Elizabeth Kirkpatrick-Vrenios
This is a rare creation of song and scar, of vulnerability and both emotional and structural complexity. In Kirkpatrick-Vrenios’ new collection Concerto for an Empty Frame, the outer and inner, conceptual and human worlds mingle in accessible yet complex ways. Brimming with meditations on family, biology, mathematics, landscape, and personal identity, all woven through the language of classical music, these vibrant poems remain grounded in a universal familiarity that opens us up to something greater. If one of the aims of poetry is to condense our vast, contradictory, and beautifully human world into the briefest of songs, Concerto for an Empty Framestands as a testament to its possibility.
––John Sibley Williams, author of Skyscape
Elizabeth Kirkpatrick-Vrenios’ new poetry collection is like listening to a powerful concerto by Mozart or Beethoven presented in the form of a musical score, complete with Italian notation. Even her definitions are poems, such as her definition of “concerto:”
“Mus: One thousand yellow finches lift off a late summer river all at once.”
The three movements of her concerto lead us through the breakup of her marriage, the loss of her son in a terrorist bombing, and finally a stepping away from grief, as “Blue startles the air open like an egg.” Concerto for an Empty Frame is a brilliant work.
––Maureen Eppstein. Author of Horizon Line
Seeking and Surrendering
Poetry on Soul, Self, and a Puzzling Life
by Parto Dehdashti PhD
This book is a selection of poems that represent the author’s spiritual journey over the years. The poems express her personal reflections on life experiences, contemplation of societal beliefs and values, and a search for answers in untangling the concept of self from spirituality. Her poems offer thoughts and emotions that may seem controversial to readers at times, but that simultaneously unveil important and thought-provoking questions. These free verse poems have been inspired by observations, perspectives from far eastern philosophies, Persian poets, and western spiritual authors. They reflect a journey in the path of awakening ready to be shared and accompany you in your journey of questioning, mindfulness, discovery, appreciation, and growth.