London's Psycho Cyclist
(Vance And Shepherd Mysteries Book 5)
by John Broughton
Fortunately, husband-and-wife psychopaths are few and far between. But after a spate of cyclist killings, Vance and Shepherd are called in to investigate an apparently irreprehensible architect and his wife.
When the architect is elected to a high political position, Vance’s suspicions arise. After an ingenious drone device is used to detonate hidden unexploded World War 2 bombs in the area, the duo is certain that the couple have something to do with the crime.
Damian Devenish, the architect, is determined to punish society. Can Vance and Shepherd prevent him from achieving his ultimate, spectacular vendetta?
TEARS OF THE AEON
THE GOTHIC WAR
by R. F. PINA
In the crucible of history, where the flames of empires clash, and the destinies of civilizations are forged, there exists a chapter often overlooked—a tale obscured by the dust of ages. It is a saga of untamed lands, ancient conflicts, and beings whose destinies were bound to the cosmic threads of gods and mortals alike. Within the shadows of the Roman Empire, during the fateful year of 376 AD, a narrative unfolded that would echo through the corridors of time, leaving behind a legacy woven with threads of love, war, and the supernatural. "Tears of The Aeon: The Gothic War" unravels against the setting of a world grappling with the chaos of an impending conflict between the mighty Roman Empire and the desperate Visigoths led by the enigmatic Chieftain Fritigern. Faced with the dual threats of the Roman legions and the merciless Huns, Fritigern makes a desperate plea to Emperor Valens for sanctuary within the borders of the empire. This plea sets in motion a series of events destined to reshape the fate of nations. A warrior, blessed with strength and abilities that defy the laws of men, embarks on a journey marked by love, and destined to attract the gaze of gods. Bound by an inexplicable connection, he finds himself entangled with a young Gothic woman from the Taifali Tribe, their union becoming a focal point for the unfolding cosmic drama. As the gods themselves take notice, the stage is set for the initiation of the end of the world. "Tears of The Aeon" invites you to traverse the realms of history and myth, where the fates of empires and the whims of divine beings converge in a tale of love, war, and the enduring echoes of an age-long past. In the shadows of forgotten forests, where the tears of the Aeon fall like rain, the Gothic War awaits its chronicler..
Rock Bottom Rising:
A Convicted Mother's Second Chance Historical Novel Perfect for Book Clubs (Rock Bottom Historical Fiction Series 2)
by Kimberly Nixon
Ruby has no money, not a single friend, and a shocking 1925 felony conviction for larceny. Though she encounters betrayal, she embarks on a journey to re-enter her children’s lives that will test the core of her being as obstacles chip away at everything but her resilient spirit.
Deceived by men, caught between survival, career opportunities, and providing for her children, Ruby’s enduring love and determination to rise above her mistakes resonates with anyone who has yearned for a second chance. Threads of life in Tennessee during the 1930s and 1940s—the Great Depression, WWII, the Tennessee Valley Authority, and Manhattan projects—add to her odyssey.
Set in rural Tennessee, one woman’s journey from despair to redemption unfolds as a single mother, showing Ruby’s grit in tumultuous times. Based on the true story of the author’s grandmother, this biographical historical fiction novel shows us the enduring power of a mother’s love, personal sacrifice, and difficult choices.
This tragic and uplifting sequel to Rock Bottom, Tennessee, will move readers of The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek and The Four Winds with a testament to the enduring power of love, forgiveness, and the boundless possibilities of starting anew.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
BooksShelf
FICTION WINNERS
NONFICTION WINNERS
When the Bell Rings
A Firefighters Journey
by Robert Gass
Forget Hollywood. This isn't a story about glory. It's a raw, unfiltered look at life as an NYC firefighter.
More than just burning buildings. Join a veteran firefighter with 27 years under his gear. Witness the adrenaline rush of the unknown, the camaraderie that sustains you through the firestorm,and the quiet toll it takes on the men and women who answer the call.
This book isn't just for firefighters. It's for the spouses who hold down the fort, the adult kids who wait by the window, and anyone who wants to understand the invisible scars left by heroism. This is a collection of stories of courage, of family, and the unspoken battles fought after the flames are out.
When the Bell Rings takes you inside the firehouse, onto the frontlines, and into the hearts of those who risk it all.
Are you ready to step into the heat?
Life IS a Game
Life Lessons Learned Living The Rules for Being Human
by Chérie Carter-Scott Ph.D. MCC
Many yearn for a perfect life, with little to no stress, with total enduring health, loving relationships, opportunities, success, and unlimited happiness. Unfortunately, there aren’t many lessons to be learned from perfection. Lessons occur from overcoming adversity and from dealing effectively with disappointment, hurt, loss, trauma, and even tragedy.
In Life IS a Game, author Dr. Chérie Carter-Scott offers a narrative that showcases the anatomy of a life from the inside out. In 1998, she wrote If Life is a Game, These are the Rules: Ten Rules for Being Human which became a runaway bestseller on all the lists, and in 40 languages. Now, twenty-five years later, she’s written her life story in the context of the “Ten Rules for Being Human” and shares how they apply to challenges, breakdowns, breakthroughs, and victories.
Through a series of vignettes, Life IS a Game provides guidance for overcoming adversity and reframing your circumstances to imagine the value of challenges. Carter-Scott helps you look at life through the lens of enlightenment.
Journey of Awakening and Higher Consciousness
by Jane Kim Yu
Discover the journey of awakening in a new light never seen before. Read about our universal journey of discovery, of awakening to the greatest truth of the land, the truth that reverberates in our very hands, the hands of heart, the very heart of our being, that - you are love.
Through a profoundly rare experience that left the author’s mind silent for nearly half a year, it awakened her own desire to find her fire. The very fire that lit the night sky. The very fire that lives in all our hearts nigh. The very fire, to come alive.
Jane’s debut book Journey of Awakening and Higher Consciousness, is an offering of love that crystalizes her 3 passions: eloquent writing, creative expression, and the exploration of our divine humanity. These combine into an unforgettable experience that will awaken your inner fire and bring passion and purpose back into your life.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
BooksShelf
Children's Books WINNERS
Chalk Ninjas and the Driveway Dojo
by Steve Morgan
Life on the driveway can be tough.
And for a chalk ninja, children can be even tougher!
But the heroes in this book will not snap under pressure and refuse to be ground into dust.
The driveway dojo teaches them about the importance of practice, perseverance, and pals!
So hit the pavement with Bo, Chuck, Archer, and Stubs as they fight their way through kids playing with bikes, bubbles, water balloons (and yes, even boogers).
Chalk Ninjas and the Driveway Dojo is a fun-filled story with eye-catching illustrations, and a deeper meaning about a growth mindset. This book is ideal for children aged 4-9, and helps to drive home that abilities can be developed through dedication, hard work, resilience and a little grit!
I'm Beautiful Because I Am
Valuing Myself & Others With Empathy and Care
by Azizi Tuere
This children's illustrated book builds self-worth and empathy, encouraging kids to value themselves and others. It teaches children:
-
Beauty comes from within
-
To appreciate their unique qualities
-
To develop friendship and social skills
-
To practice mindfulness and gratitude
-
To value diversity and practice understanding
From the "Because I Am" series, this book is essential for family life, classrooms, and libraries. It's perfect for discussing moral values, respect, and the beauty of diversity.
If you enjoy books about growing up and the facts of life, you'll love "I'm Beautiful Because I Am."
The Last Free Dog
by Sarah Bergquist Kosumi
In the heart of Kosovo, a litter of puppies is born, and among them, one is a spitting image of the legendary Illyrian Sheepdogs: Lyri. The pride and joy of an Illyrian is protecting a flock of sheep from wolves, bears, and even lynxes. However, young Lyri does not climb majestic mountains but instead mounds of waste. Lyri faces numerous trials in a rapidly changing world as he matures from a puppy into a young dog. His heritage and pack’s traditions give him the tenacity and vigor needed to cope with the challenges of being a free dog.
THE LAST FREE DOG is an all-ages graphic novel that reimagines the lives of stray dogs in the Balkans and similar places worldwide. Readers delve into the experiences of these free dogs and discover efforts to combat pollution, preserve the environment, and aid the stray animal population. Through this tale, children, leaders, and individuals of all backgrounds can engage with vital issues such as pollution and the animal rights challenges in this region.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
BooksShelf
The Lilacs I Once Knew: Friddie’s Poems
by Roni Rosenthal
The Lilacs I Once Knew is a collection of poems by Friddie Stoleru, born in 1919 in Bucharest, Romania.
At 18, Friddie married a charming, charismatic scientist named Freddy; but their union was tragically short.
Just two weeks after the wedding, Freddy disappeared, and Friddie was unjustly accused of a crime she had never committed. She spent nine years in a Romanian prison, followed by four years in a communist labor camp.
Despite the harsh and inhumane conditions, Friddie found solace in writing poetry.
Friddie’s poems reflect her journey through life, imprisonment, and hope. They speak of joy, loss, fear, resilience, and the indomitable human spirit.
After her death, her family discovered hundreds of letters and postcards where Friddie shared her poems with her cousin, Aaurica.
Friddie's story was first told in the award-winning novel Where the Lilacs Bloom Again(StoryTime World, 2022). Now, her powerful words are brought to life in this collection.
