About The Author: Jan Mau Hill was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana. Her career was in advertising and corporate marketing before transitioning to be a full-time writer. She lived for decades in the beautiful Pacific Northwest which inspired the setting of her first book. Currently, she’s back in the deep-south where she tends to speak her mind and raise some Cain.
Book Title: Rock Genre: Young Adult Urban Fantasy Book Synopsis: Reputation Trashed. Labeled a Terrorist. No one said life was easy. In retrospect, seventeen-year-old Samara Yancy should not have taken the shortcut on her final exam. Her expulsion from The Guardian Academy forces her to look for work beyond the protections of her home on The Rock. A job on The Mainland seems like the answer to her problems. Working for Mages has a downside. Besides their magic, which can kill, Sam’s affiliation with them makes her the prime suspect in a terrorist attack. In order to clear her name, she must join forces with those who view her as the enemy. Lies and manipulation block her attempts to get at the truth. But all that digging unearths a family secret she never wanted to know. As well as discovering a powerful enemy who wants her dead. Sam is stuck between The Rock and a hard place, with no one to blame but herself. Find the Book Here: https://amzn.to/4aIFj42 Find Jan’s Website Here: https://janmauhill.com/ Spotify: http://tinyurl.com/33scr7w9 YouTube: https://youtu.be/HF9gZFa_Eq8
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About The Author: Allison Spooner is the author of two collections of genre-crossing flash fiction, Flash in the Dark and The Problem with Humans, and has contributed to several horror and science fiction anthologies. The Lost Girl: A Neverland Story is her debut novel.
When she isn't writing, Allison loves reading, doing yoga, trying not to kill her plants, watching bad disaster movies, and spending time with her family in her home state of Michigan. The Lost Girl won the PenCraft 2024 Book Award for Literary Excellence! Book Title: The Lost Girl: A Neverland Story Genre: Young Adult Fantasy Book Synopsis: Can Neverland save Peter Pan's descendant? Angela, the great-granddaughter of Peter Pan, is dying. Doctors have given up hope, but her mother, raised on tales of a magical land of eternal youth, is not done fighting. In a desperate attempt to save her thirteen-year-old daughter, she sends a reluctant Angela off toward the second star to the right and straight on till morning. But Neverland is not the idyllic paradise Angela imagined. The landscape has lost its luster. The Lost Boys are aimless and desperate for a leader. The pirates are bored and ready for a fight. Led by an incompetent and erratic Captain Smee, they want Neverland for themselves and will stop at nothing to get rid of Angela. In this volatile landscape, Angela's promise to fight for her life is tested at every turn. Thrust reluctantly into adventure, Angela must navigate the treacherous seas of her own mortality, consider a future without her mother, and discover the difference between living and simply surviving. Neverland, with the guidance of her new friends and the echoes of her great-grandfather's legacy, could save Angela’s life . . . but maybe not in the way she expects. Find the Book Here: https://amzn.to/3TS1cb8 Find Allison’s Website Here: www.allisonspoonerwriter.com Spotify: http://tinyurl.com/y2kh99s8 YouTube: https://youtu.be/bv5u58EwY4I
Listener Advisory: Strong Imagery
About The Author: Jamie M Samland is a fantasy author based in Canton, MI, USA. He is passionate about creating vivid worlds and compelling characters that transport readers to new realms of imagination. Drawing inspiration from his love of storytelling, Jamie spends his free time playing board games, roleplaying with friends, and indulging in other hobbies like martial arts and home repair. When he is not writing, Jamie is often found lost in thought, dreaming up new and exciting stories to share with readers alongside his husband and their cats. Book Title: The Necromancer of Urbus: Book Four of The Chronicler's Awakening Series Genre: Epic Fantasy Book Synopsis: Cazlandt, the first of the archmages, seeks atonement. He travels to the corrupted realm of Urbus to discover a spell capable of reaching beyond the final curtain, to undo his murder of a friend seven centuries ago. Guided by a swordsman with his own haunted past and a talking, flying cat, Cazlandt travels across a realm of wraiths and shadow. Battling fragments of banished dark gods, daemon from the space between worlds, and the poisonous energy seeping into his mortal shell, he forges toward the world tree for a single, selfless act. Though maybe not the one he intended. In his third novel, author J. M. Samland's Necromancer of Urbus will suck you into a dark world to watch the spiraling path of his key anti-hero. Will Cazlandt find what he seeks? Will he make it out of Ubrus without taking a sliver of that cursed realm with him? Read Necromancer of Urbus, prequel to Realms of Terswood and The Chronicler's Awakening trilogy to find out! Find the Book Here: https://amzn.to/3SxHOzp Find J.M.’s Website Here: https://jamiemsamland.com/ Spotify: http://tinyurl.com/4sdxcnka YouTube: https://youtu.be/PXeK6t6xRe8
Listener Advisory: Violence, Graphic Imagery
About The Author: Jamie M Samland is a fantasy author based in Canton, MI, USA. He is passionate about creating vivid worlds and compelling characters that transport readers to new realms of imagination. Drawing inspiration from his love of storytelling, Jamie spends his free time playing board games, roleplaying with friends, and indulging in other hobbies like martial arts and home repair. When he is not writing, Jamie is often found lost in thought, dreaming up new and exciting stories to share with readers alongside his husband and their cats. Book Title: Seeds of Farsil: Book Three of The Chronicler's Awakening Series Genre: Epic Fantasy Book Synopsis: If you had the power to go back to undo the worst atrocities, or even a single failure, would you? Should you? Alishia, the Chronicler, grapples with this question and the consequences. Invaders wielding overwhelming magic bring the leaders of Poas to their knees. They come bearing an invitation to the rebirth of the realm and to witness as they assume singular rule. Lone, regent king of Dracon and king of the archmages, manages the fallout from his late aunt’s disastrous final moments and this father’s waning sanity, all while struggling to gather allies against this new threat. Should he fail, his enemies will rise to power and leave this nation to waste away in the frozen north. Alishia, the Chronicler, manipulates her power over time to flit across realms, but she must eventually return home. She arrives just as events are getting to their worst for Lone, leaving her with a dreadful test of her morals and how far she will take her budding power. Seeds of Farsil marks the last installment in The Chronicler’s Awakening series, though not a finale for the players involved. In a tale of love and loss, cosmic forces reach across time to bring Alishia and Lone’s reality to the brink of annihilation and press them to define what it means to achieve victory. Find the Book Here: https://amzn.to/47JuXyk Find J.M.’s Website Here: https://jamiemsamland.com/ Spotify: http://tinyurl.com/mr2vfbsz YouTube: https://youtu.be/L4y1lC_lAaY About The Author: Jamie M Samland is a fantasy author based in Canton, MI, USA. He is passionate about creating vivid worlds and compelling characters that transport readers to new realms of imagination. Drawing inspiration from his love of storytelling, Jamie spends his free time playing board games, roleplaying with friends, and indulging in other hobbies like martial arts and home repair. When he is not writing, Jamie is often found lost in thought, dreaming up new and exciting stories to share with readers alongside his husband and their cats.
Book Title: Realms of Terswood Book 1 of The Chronicler's Awakening Series Genre: Epic Fantasy Book Synopsis: An ancient scabbard holds immeasurable power to shape the future and reave the past. Lone, prince of the archmages, doesn't realize how close his world is to its end until his aunt's failing sanity forces him to set aside his thirst for adventure and struggle to hold his nation together. Daemon and the undead rise against him while he unravels a centuries-old plot too late to stop. His failure means the death of his family and the entire realm. Twenty-five years ago, Daelin was the sole survivor in the final battle against the necromancer Amer and terrors have plagued his every night since. He and his wife, Queen Teiris, thought they were going on a peaceful trip to honor the dead when a physical manifestation of the madness growing within Daelin forces them to flee alongside two mysterious beings as old as time. Find the Book Here: https://amzn.to/403pAb0 Find J.M.’s Website Here: https://jamiemsamland.com/ Spotify: http://tinyurl.com/2vd22v9h YouTube: https://youtu.be/LWgU6Nt_zIU Indie Authors write some of the most fascinating, engaging, and remarkable stories. But they aren't as easily discovered... so we're doing what we can to change that dynamic.
At the start of each month, we'll post a title and tell you a little bit about the book and the author. At the end of the month, we'll all meet in the Zoom Room to talk about the book and enjoy a discussion with the author. You'll get to ask questions, and learn about their writing process, influences, and other interesting stuff. This group is free to join, and all of the authors' books are available in print and ebook on Amazon and through other retailers. Check with your local library, too. If they don't have a lending copy, ask them to order it! January's Book Club Selection:
University professor Matthew Richter hates complications. Planning his every day down to the second leaves no opportunity for a social life, which he doesn’t feel the need for anyway. Jian Wei helps run his family’s business. The only thing he enjoys more than tormenting his parents and siblings with endless pranks is plotting his next trick on a certain uptight customer. Though so different, chance inexplicably draws them both to a World War II photography exhibit, and the aging photographer Milton Glass. Milton shares the story of two soldiers brutally cut down on the battlefield—which has haunted him for the better part of his life—and his suspicions that the soldiers shared a bond they never fully realized. Now, in the twilight of his life, Milton can’t help but wonder if Matthew and Jian share a potential bond of their own. Could they possibly be the same men from so long ago, returned for a second chance at being together? Milton can hope. Find the book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/48dyFky Find Kristoffer's Website: https://www.kristoffergair.com/ YouTube: https://youtu.be/49EgBS9rrng Spotify: http://tinyurl.com/5n97ekse About The Author: Tandi Thomas, a poetic soul with roots in Southeastern Kentucky, now calls the vibrant Metro Detroit area in Michigan her home. In the company of her cherished family and beloved pets, she finds inspiration in the every day moments. When she's not crafting mesmerizing verses, you can find Tandi lost in the world of literature, creating culinary wonders in the kitchen, dancing to the rhythm of life, and treasuring quality time with her loved ones.
Book Title: Sweet Surrender Genre: Poetry Synopsis: Embark on a captivating literary journey with "Sweet Surrender," a profound and deeply personal exploration penned by the talented wordsmith, Tandi Thomas. In this beautifully crafted collection of poetry, Tandi bares her soul, inviting you to join her on an extraordinary voyage of self-discovery, resilience, and ultimate empowerment. Within the pages of "Sweet Surrender," you will encounter the essence of a woman who has harnessed her inner strength and risen above adversity. Tandi's poetry resonates with power and choice, offering you a mirror to reflect on your own life's journey. As you navigate her verses, you will discover not only the raw beauty of self-healing but also the profound wellspring of compassion and grace that lies within us all. Find The Book Here: https://amzn.to/4b9lIdx Find Tandi’s Website Here: https://tandithomas.com/ YouTube: https://youtu.be/DgfyFw9YAME Spotify: http://tinyurl.com/2c7bx7ba
About The Author: Holly DiBella-McCarthy is an educator with over 30 years in the field teaching students in pre-k through college. With a master's and sixth year degree in special education, Holly taught young children in public school specializing in early reading skills, and college students at 3 Universities in Connecticut, USA. Holly was also the Director of Special Education for 15 years in 2 public school districts. During her career Holly co-authored many articles published in professional education journals, and developed training for teachers, paraprofessionals and parents in school readiness skills, home-school connection, behavior management, and crisis prevention.
Holly's Children's Picture Book 'Dilly Duck Plays All Day' has received the prestigious Mom's Choice Gold Award, Royal Dragonfly first place award, the Pacific Book award, and Three Reader's Favorite awards. Dilly Duck will have kids practicing rhyming, counting, and recognizing emotions while having fun. 'Dilly Duck Plans a Parade' will be released in the Fall of 2023. Holly is equally passionate about art and crafting, and her Learn How to Book Fold books are teaching beginners this art form. Title: Dilly Duck Plays All Day Genre: Children’s Synopsis: On the bank of a great big lake in a park called Wonder Wake, Dilly Duck sits all alone, so sad and bored on her own. There is just one thing to do. Find her friends, her flock, her crew! This interactive story will have children counting to 10 as Dilly gathers her friends for a day of play. Find the Book HERE: https://amzn.to/3SbqQFo Find Holly’s Website HERE: https://hollydibellamccarthy.com/ Spotify: http://tinyurl.com/597raz4x YouTube: https://youtu.be/3EqnafXtN-I About The Author: John was born in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, in 1988. Over the next 21 years, John remained in Huddersfield at home with his parents. During this time, he began to follow his passions for bodybuilding, wrestling, music, youth work, and eventually, his true love, art. John applied himself fully to his passions, winning awards in bodybuilding, learning to play guitar beautifully, becoming passionate about the lives of others and developing his skills with a paintbrush.
Book Title: The Battles We All Face: Hope In Times of Uncertainty Genre: Self-help/ Spiritual Guidance Book Synopsis: Do you struggle with life? Battling Anxiety? Depression? Managing your time? Motivation? On a daily basis want to know some very simple self-help methods that can greatly increase your joy of living? You are looking at the book that could change your life. Many make that claim and fall short. Not this book, however. Over the last decade, I have personally gone through most of what life can throw at me. From temporary homelessness, anxiety, BPD, betrayal, relationship breakups, medical misdiagnosis, depressions and so much more. •The first thing I want you to know is this. YOU ARE NOT ALONE… Billions have literally been in the same place you are, and billions will be long after your time on earth is over. Where many self-help teachers fail is they teach the same old teaching over and over again. Many without having ever experienced life for themselves. No teaching and understanding are not key in self-change… CORRECT teaching and CORRECT understanding are key and that is where you come in. •You need to know right now more than anything that you have value, and you are immensely important. •I wrote this book for everyone. Everyone is going through a battle right now that most people do not even know about. Many of the simple and easy-to-follow teaching in this book are lessons I have personally learned and taught over the last decade of craziness. •Many books go into way too much detail and become extremely hard to digest. Mine is deliberately different. One page per chapter. It gets to the point, teaches the wisdom, and the rest is up to your interpretation and mind. You can do this. •Artwork to inspire. I have also created artwork, especially for this book. That you (the reader) will have a positive association every time you think of one of the images you will remember the teachings. ARE YOU READY TO STOP FEARING AND START LIVING? Over 40 sessions you will be one of the many who will begin to see life in a new way. You will begin to feel an awakening with you that will inject life into your mind, body, and soul. And finally and most importantly, even if you don’t learn something new (which I will be amazed at) you will know the unshakeable truth… YOU ARE NOT ALONE. Very quickly you will be amazed at how much your mind opens and how clearly you see the world. You will love this easy to read, very unique perspective that I share with my audience. Get it now, don’t delay unlocking the life that you have always wanted to today. Find the Book Here: https://amzn.to/3NObhSC Find John’s Website Here: http://thejohnmorris.co.uk Spotify: http://tinyurl.com/yryxta9b YouTube: https://youtu.be/vwtqMDibVjc About The Author: Joan holds a Master of Science in Business, Medical, and Technical Journalism as well as two others in ESL and Education. She has published on a variety of topics from cochlear implants to the economy and has conducted workshops –domestic and foreign–on the nuances of business communications for managers and start-up companies. She is the leader of her own enterprise with training programs for entrepreneurs–all levels and recently published two books–Jamie is Autistic: Learning in a Special Way and Go for It Leadership Handbook for All Students. This book has also been translated into Spanish.
Book Title: Jamie Is Autistic: Learning In A Special Way Genre: Children’s Book Synopsis: This is the story of one young girl's struggles as an Autistic learner. Through the support of parents, teachers, and a school counselor she is able to learn and make friends. Exercises to help Autistic learners are included in the back of the book. While this was written for Autistic students, it will also show children the importance of acceptance of others and learning in different ways. Find the Book Here: https://amzn.to/3vrhZaU Find Joan’s Website Here: https://www.joansbookshelf.com/ Spotify: http://tinyurl.com/yuukhhkw YouTube: https://youtu.be/9CbduAClXyo |
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