Month: January 2024

Deputy Gemma Stone Book 2

by Gail Koger

Genre: Action, Comedy, Romance 

 

Law enforcement isn’t for the fainthearted. 

Are you brave enough to enter my world?

SWAT for Dummies

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by Sofia Diana Gabel

 

 

Thriller

Date Published: 01-15-2024

 

 

Geneticist Lucien Roux’s cutting-edge experiment to clone Neanderthals blurs lines between ambition and ethics after the clones are stolen and forced to play a brutal and violent game dubbed Neanderball. Haunted by the realization that his hubris overpowered his morality, Lucien knows he must fix what he’s done.

Racing against time as a military faction and a sinister adversary close in, he has one chance to expose the real reason his research was taken. With his ex-Marine girlfriend, he sets out on a dangerous journey to save the Neanderthals before it’s too late. It’s an all or nothing fight for redemption, leading to a showdown for his survival, and freedom for the Neanderthals.

 

EXCERPT

Lucien stood outside his lab door, hoping his Neanderthal clones had survived to reach the five-day blastocyst mark. What made his cell phone alarm go off? He placed his chin on the plastic extension to the right and pressed the red button. With his retina scanned, a chime sounded. He straightened. Next came fingerprint verification. He placed his thumb on a small pad next to the retinal scanner and waited for the second chime. Last came the voice verification.

He stepped back and spoke, “Bonjour, je m’appelle Lucien Roux.”

A split-second pause. “Bonjour, Doctor Roux.”

Third and final chime. The door slid left into the pocket slot and closed after he entered the lab. For a moment, he stood and enjoyed the cool, unobtrusive, sterile comfort of the place where he’d spent most of his time over the past three years. His second home. Come to think of it, it was more accurate to call it his first home.

“Lights.”

The fluorescent lights flickered on and illuminated the countertops crammed with glassware, notepads, microscopes, and computers. He dodged around the benches and stools to the incubator room at the far end of the lab.

He pressed a button beside the door. “Release incubator lock.”

As he wrapped his hand around the incubator’s door handle, his foot tapped. “Come on, come on.”

To anyone else, it would look like a commercial refrigerator door, but looks were deceiving. He kept his incubator out of view in a separate room where only his voice would unlock it, tucked away from the potential prying eyes of the techs and cleaning crew.

The lock clicked open.

What had happened? Nutrients he’d deal with, but if he’d miscalculated the growth enhancers, it meant he’d lose the entire batch of Neanderthal specimens. If they lived, all sixteen would have developed further than any of the other clones that failed to thrive.

He swung the stainless door wide and hurried in. The interior lights flooded the cool, small space. There they were, his sixteen specimens, mounted vertically in silver-sided test tubes holding the growth medium, four high with four side-by-side, all males to reduce the variables that might come with both sexes. He peered closely through the small magnifying window in the first growth tube and then the next and the next.

 

I’m a multi-genre author and have been writing for as long as I can remember, and try to attend as many writing workshops and conferences as possible.

I was born in Sydney, Australia, but have lived in the United States for most of my life. I have two undergraduate degrees in archaeology and environmental resource management (wildlife biology) and a master’s degree in public archaeology, as well as a host of courses in writing, editing, and even criminal justice. We can never learn too much, right?

In addition to writing, I absolutely adore traveling. I’m definitely a wanderer at heart and find it hard to settle in one place for long. And why should I? There are so many places to explore!

 

Contact Links

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Twitter: @sofiadianagabel

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A Practical Guide to Stepping Out of Fear, Navigating Big Relationship Change, and Living Your Best Life

Relationships, Self-Help

Date Published: September 2023

 

 

All the sh*t you need to know about getting a divorce, packed into one little book.

 

BONUS: There’s no screaming, fighting, spending days or weeks in a courtroom, or blowing thousands of dollars on attorneys. And spoiler alert: this one has a happy ending.

IN RELATIONSH*T, YOU WILL DISCOVER:

* The tools you need to get you through the divorce process and beyond.

* How to tell your partner (and your kids), “I want a divorce.”

* How to find an attorney that’s right for you.

* An alternative path to making a divorce happen—without burning down the house!

* How to keep respecting and supporting each other, up to the very end.

* And so much more sh*t . . .

RELATIONSH*T is your guide to the divorce you’ve never heard of. Big change doesn’t have to be so hard. Your courage is the only path to your dreams. So set aside the fear, pick up this book, and walk toward your dream life.

Through years of therapy, a loving support group of girlfriends, and her own intuition, Brooke Box blazed a new trail through the divorce process. After 20 years of marriage, Brooke found the courage to end it. Instead of going the traditional route of divorce, she and her spouse forged a new path. This book is your guide to getting through the divorce process with love and respect—and, if you’re lucky, just one attorney.

This is Brooke’s story of finally releasing the fear and walking toward her best life. Let her story be your own guide to a more exciting, fulfilling life!

Divorce doesn’t have to mean war.

Two people can break up AND divide up their lives amicably.

And YOU have the courage within you to make this major relationship change.

About the Author

Brooke Box is a proud survivor of an amicable divorce. Based on her divorce experience and the advice of many friends, colleagues, and even strangers, she’s written Relationsh*t to assist people going through one of the most difficult life changes. She attributes her divorce success in part to a decades-long love affair with personal growth and development. She is a huge fan of therapy.

Brooke’s approach to life is honest, direct, and straightforward, and this book is no different. Brooke takes her experience and outlines an alternative approach to divorce that will empower and motivate her readers. Brooke believes we all deserve a life of our dreams and that we have the potential to create that life ourselves. That’s why she wrote this book and is dedicated to creating a community where people know they’re not alone, where they can get unstuck, release the fear, and start building the lives they’ve always dreamed of.

Before writing this book, Brooke enjoyed a successful sales career in a variety of industries such as tech, music, fashion, and sports. She loves to travel, is a french fry connoisseur, and will stop anywhere for a margarita. You can find Brooke in Texas, typically surrounded by family and friends.

Contact Links

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                                                                        © M.C.V. Egan

Ironically my conservative Catholic upbringing in 1960s Mexico was the very fuel that ignited my interest in Astrology and all things magical. For those of you with no experience in said religious upbringing; the irony lies on an acquired love of the very pagan things I was being taught to steer away from while clearly being shown a way to them.

The Christmases of my childhood are filled with stressful memories. The need to please both sides of the family, run by two strong and very different family matriarchs who dictated the traditions and rituals between the twenty-fourth and twenty-fifth of December every year and those forty-eight hours were long. As such my favorite day of the holiday season was January sixth; The Epiphany and The Three Magic Kings.

On the twenty-fourth of December in my paternal grandmother’s home gifts were brought at the stroke of midnight by Baby Jesus, a stroke hammered out by a scary and dark cuckoo clock. The magical manner in which a tiny baby could possibly bring all our gifts, was the sole thought I pondered upon as I was told to sit and pray to him aloud and in the company of most of the family. Understandably some of the adults had to lay out the gifts.

Every time I asked how a little baby could possibly accomplish such a colossal task. After all a small baby carrying such large loads seemed far less plausible than a Santa who arrived through nonexistent chimneys. The predictable answer was the same; “We were not born to understand the great power of the omnipotent.”

Yes, I was raised with huge long words that were seldom explained and I knew better than to ask; “What does omnipotent mean?” Because that would have been greeted with incredulity by the adults and mocking of my ignorance from older siblings and cousins.

Exhausted at midnight we opened gifts after which I slept in the car for what seemed like a horribly long ride home; Mexico City is spread out and it was a good distance. The much needed sleep disrupted by having to make it to my bed, as the sixth of eight too old to be carried and too young to help.

The following morning Santa’s gifts suspiciously addressed with my mother’s handwriting appeared under our Christmas tree. Excited and running on little sleep we opened those. Some Christmases Santa; with the same suspicious and distinguishable handwriting, left some unlucky recipient a letter of warning that their behaviour had not been too impressive and far more than a reprimand could be expected the following Christmas. I never received one of those and always felt in excellent terms with the man in red.

I did however get in trouble over the inevitable crash of the breaking glass of the Christmas ornaments. I loved the distorted reflection of my face on the spheres and sometimes I got too close to try to make my nose look larger. As an adult I do not own glass ornaments.

On the twenty-fifth lunch was at my maternal grandmother’s home. She was a great fan of Santa Claus, her tree was not only filled by Santa but her second husband my step-grandfather dutifully dressed the part and had a deep impressive Ho, Ho, Ho. The telltale smell of his favorite bourbon, Old Crow and a distinctive ring he wore made it all too clear that underneath the red suit, hat and huge beard was our clean shaven bald adorable  Tío Luis, sharing his holiday cheer. Then there was the kids table, in which I was the only girl surrounded by brothers and male cousins, (but that’s another story).

One similarity every household had during the holidays was Los Tres Reyes Magos. The three exotic figures and their camels set apart from the Nativity scenes. Every day we moved them closer to the crèche where baby Jesus lay. These three Magic Kings who followed the stars and brought great gifts; gold, frankincense and myrrh all three sounded like magical potions to me, even the gold was something I visualized as liquid and magical.

In Spanish they are Reyes Magos (Magic Kings) not Wise Men but in both languages they were tremendously appealing to me, and they made sense. I could look up and see stars, the language that defined them was not complicated and they made sense. They were interesting, attractive and wealthy looking, they brought gifts and followed stars. They fueled my interest in Astrology, travel and foreign cultures.

On January fifth we placed our shoes outside our bedroom door. By then the tree was taken down and the dangerous glass spheres that had survived the season safely stored away. The winter break over and in school uniforms we welcomed the day of The Epiphany; surely it fell on a weekend sometimes, but my memories always incluse the school uniform.

On the sixth of January we would awaken to a small gift brought by these Magical Kings, we ate a round cake with a hidden baby Jesus; which if at my paternal grandmother’s house we were order to swallow and deny having gotten (that is also another story), but that stress free feel of rhythm and back into routine, that was the holiday day I loved and still celebrate every year.

A Doggie Journey Through the Alphabet

by G.D. Griffiths

 

 

A Doggie Journey Through the Alphabet

Children’s Book

Date Published: December 2023

Delve into the delightful world of letters alongside Rhea, the adventurous German Shepherd! In G.D Griffiths’ “ABC’s with Rhea: A Doggie Journey Through the Alphabet,” young readers embark on a vibrant and lively expedition through the ABCs. Rhea’s boundless energy and enthusiasm turn each letter into a thrilling discovery, transforming the learning process into an exciting escapade. From A to Z, this charming book captures the essence of education and entertainment.

So get ready to wag your tails in excitement, as you uncover the magic of language with Rhea, your lovable furry friend!

 

About the Author

G.D. Griffiths currently lives in Redondo Beach, California, with his wife, eleven-year-old son and, of course, Rhea, the insatiable German Shepherd.

Originally from Wales, G.D. has always loved stories and creating worlds of imagination. Having worked with children for a number of years, he observed that their learning process was quicker when the subject was crafted within some type of story. This is what led to this book.

When he’s not writing, he’ll either be out exploring with his family, floating on his kayak seeking inspiration, or brushing the relentless amount of dog hair from his clothes and furniture.

Purchase Link

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A Children’s Book, Chapter Book

by Témmy Francis

 

Children’s Book, Chapter Book

Date Published:  December 2023

 

 

Embark on a thrilling maritime journey with Captain Whiskers, the clever and adventurous cat who calls the bustling harbor town of Seapaw Bay home. Authored by the talented Témmy Francis and beautifully illustrated by Bolaji Olaloye, “Captain Whisker’s Nautical Adventure” is a whimsical tale that will capture the hearts of young readers and the young at heart.

Meet Captain Whiskers, a feline like no other – he’s the proud captain of the remarkable miniature naval ship, the “S.S. Meowington.” Joining him on this seafaring escapade are a delightful crew of animated sea creatures, including Sammy the Sailor Seal and Tina the Tugboat Turtle. Together, they set sail on the sparkling waters of Seapaw Bay, navigating through waves of excitement and discovery.

Through Captain Whiskers’ enchanting adventures, children will not only be entertained but will also learn valuable lessons about friendship, teamwork, and the importance of following one’s dreams. Each page is a treasure trove of imagination, where the power of collaboration and the joy of exploration come to life.

Captain Whisker’s Nautical Adventure is a perfect addition to any young reader’s collection, fostering a love for reading and igniting their creativity. With vibrant illustrations that leap off the pages, this delightful tale promises to inspire young minds to set sail on their own adventures, both in the world of books and beyond.

Dive into the magic of Captain Whiskers’ world – order your copy today and let the journey begin! 

 

About the Author

Author Témmy Francis is a debut children’s book author from San Diego CA. When not writing she enjoys the company of her family. She is a veteran of the U.S navy and currently studying to become a pharmacist.

 

Contact Link

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by Dr. Visar Vela

 

 

What Is Cancer and What Can We Do Against It?

 

Health, Medicine

Date Published: November 11, 2023

 

 

Cut Through the Jargon and Finally Understand Cancer

 

Cancer is one of the most dreaded diseases in the world. It can strike anyone, anytime, anywhere. But what if you could arm yourself with the latest scientific knowledge and practical strategies to prevent, detect and treat cancer?

This book is for anyone interested in learning more about the disease in a simple and easy-to-understand manner without losing scientific and medical accuracy. It contains simple terminologies and relatable illustrations to help explain cancer from its conception. Furthermore, it has many analogies to the real world that we haven’t seen before in this way in any cancer book.

That’s exactly what this book will teach you: a complete and easy-to-follow guide to cancer, written by three renowned experts in the field. In this book, you will learn:

• The basics of cancer biology, genetics and cell cycle
• The common risk factors and causes of cancer and how to avoid them
• The best ways to screen for cancer and the different diagnostic methods available
• The meaning and implications of cancer grading and staging
• The most effective and cutting-edge therapies for cancer and how they work
• The challenges and solutions for coping with cancer physically and emotionally
• The importance and benefits of nutrition and physical activity for cancer patients and survivors
• The steps and tips for planning for life after cancer and preventing recurrence

 

Whether you are a cancer patient, a survivor, a caregiver, or just someone who wants to learn more about this complex and fascinating topic, this book is for you. It will empower you with the information and tools you need to fight cancer and live a healthier and happier life.

 

Don’t let cancer scare you or confuse you. Order your copy today and discover the secrets to understanding and beating this disease.

About the Author

Dr. Visar Vela is a medical diagnostic assistant. His passion for cancer research and diagnostics arose while working on his master’s thesis, when he researched blood cancer in Adrian Ochsenbein’s lab at the University of Bern. During his Ph.D. in biological medicine, he uncovered the mutational landscape of a rare lymphoma type at the Department of pathology in Basel under Stefan Dirnhofer and Alexandar Tzankov. By writing this book, he hopes that the reader will get the best possible information about cancer development and cancer diagnostics.

Besides having a passion for cancer research, Dr. Vela loves jogging, sailing, and cycling. In 2019, he participated in many running and cycling activities and covered 1000 km in each discipline. He grew up in the lovely Swiss Alps, in the Valais. He still has his most creative phases at the airport. He says that airports are great sources of problems that need solving, such as cancer research.

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by Arthur Ruben and Eleanor Cooney

 

A Novel inspired by True Events

 

Coming of Age / Fiction

Date Published: November 28, 2023

Publisher: Manhattan Book Group

 

What happens when a loving family man dies suddenly and a stranger takes his place?

IVY HILL is a thoroughly American coming-of-age story set in the mid-20th century. Earthy, realistic, and mordantly funny, it is rich with details of that iconic era. It is also a timeless, universal tale of redemption, morality and conquering adversity, with nearly-mythic elements anyone from any century and virtually any culture would recognize: there’s a wicked giant, a good grandmother and a bad one, a “ghost” or two, and even, in a manner of speaking, a dark potion.

And at the center of the story, an innocent child.

Love, death, danger and fate intertwine in this novel, which was inspired by author Arthur Ruben’s actual life. It takes place in Brooklyn from 1952-1957, then Newark from 1958-1970. Ruben’s protagonist, five-year-old “Eddie,” is devastated following the death of his beloved 34-year-old father. He waits in vain and with a slowly breaking heart for Daddy to return. His mother’s disastrous remarriage, plus the family’s wrenching move from Brooklyn, NY, to the Ivy Hill section of Newark, NJ, turns Eddie’s life inside out. Over the next thirteen years, he is transformed from helpless brokenhearted child into an entirely different creature. The post-war society he was born into is also transformed: the repercussions of that potent and turbulent time, still in living memory-Viet Nam, Woodstock, the Mansons, and especially now, civil rights-are with us to this day, and will resonate with millions of readers.

 

 

Purchase Link

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