April 21, 2026 – M.C.V. EGAN ❧Defining Ways❧

The Road Home and Other Short Stories

Published on April 21, 2026April 19, 2026 by mariacatalinaeganLeave a comment

Short fiction collection

Date Published: March 4, 2026

Publisher: Manhattan Book Group

The Road Home is a powerful and emotionally rich literary fiction short story collection that explores the universal search for identity, belonging, and meaning in life.

From a chance encounter that propels a young mother into the glamorous world of high fashion… to an elderly widower rediscovering hope through an unexpected bond… to a troubled young man battling inner demons—these stories highlight the resilience of the human spirit.

Set across diverse locations and cultures, these compelling stories examine:

● Self-discovery, emotional healing and personal transformation
● Connection, friendship and Love.
● Written by retired psychiatrist Gene Altman, this collection offers readers authentic, insightful, and psychologically rich storytelling.

At the heart of the collection is the title story, The Road Home, a moving exploration of what “home” truly means—not a physical place with walls and a roof, but a deeply personal destination where one is fully accepted and finds belonging, comfort and safety.

Perfect for fans of literary fiction, psychological fiction, and character-driven stories, The Road Home invites readers to reflect on their own lives and discover the strength to overcome obstacles by discovering unexpected inner resources within themselves.

About the Author

Gene Altman is an award-worthy literary fiction author, retired psychiatrist, and former professional photographer whose work explores the depth of human emotion, identity, and personal transformation. A graduate of Harvard College and Stanford Medical School, Altman brings a rare blend of psychological rigor and creative insight to his writing.

Before dedicating four decades to clinical psychiatry in Hawaii, Altman worked as a professional photographer in New York City. His candid photography and prose collection, Cityscapes: Intimate Strangers, earned praise for its evocative storytelling and emotional impact.

After retiring from psychiatry, Altman turned his focus to writing literary short fiction inspired by his lifelong passion for helping individuals better understand themselves. His stories explore themes of self-discovery, friendship and love—making his work resonate with readers seeking thoughtful, character-driven narratives.

With a unique perspective shaped by both psychology and art, Gene Altman crafts compelling stories that illuminate the complexities of the human experience.

Contact Links

Purchase Links

I Love It When We Read Together

Published on April 21, 2026April 19, 2026 by mariacatalinaeganLeave a comment

Children’s Books / Early Learning Beginner Reader

Date Published: 08-12-2025

Publisher: Mission Point Press

I Love It When We Read Together invites reading partners to create their own special rituals with gentle prompts and endearing illustrations that encourage kids to read along, spot animals, and spark lively conversations. This book is perfect for building fluency and connection. Inspired by the literacy challenges of the pandemic, early childhood educator Karolyn Wallace crafts a cozy experience that helps families bring the joy of reading home.

Excerpt

It’s more than just a story…we make connections.

This playful book turns reading into an adventure, inviting kids and grown-ups to ask questions, laugh out loud, and dive into stories together!

About the Author

Karolyn Wallace is a seasoned educator with over twenty years of experience teaching in elementary classrooms across public and private schools in Maryland, Washington, DC, Los Angeles, and New York. Before that, she was a broadcast journalist at local news affiliates in Los Angeles and Flint, Michigan. She is currently part of the team at The Children’s Learning Lab, where experienced educators connect with elementary students for online learning. She divides her time between Michigan and California, enjoying the company of her husband, children, and grandchildren.

Contact Links

Website

Goodreads

Instagram

Purchase Link

https://mybook.to/LoveWhenWeReadTogether

Amazon

https://kingsumo.com/js/embed.js

Thea

Published on April 21, 2026April 7, 2026 by mariacatalinaeganLeave a comment

by Genevieve Morrissey

narrated by Nicole Fikes

Genre: YA Historical Fiction, Coming of Age

Poverty, prejudice, her mother’s addiction…in her quest for an education,

15-year-old Thea tries to navigate them all.

But will a secret ultimately undermine her efforts?

Thea

by Genevieve Morrissey

narrated by Nicole Fikes

Genre: YA Historical Fiction, Coming of Age

2025 Page Turner Book Award winner for Best Historical Fiction & Character Architect Award

Oklahoma City, 1925

Fifteen-year-old Thea Carter lives in a small garage apartment—Thea’s seventh “home” in four years—provided by her alcoholic mother’s employer, the morose and enigmatic Dr. Hallam.

School is Thea’s refuge and she’s an excellent student, but the parasitic Mrs. Carter’s instability continually threatens her dream of getting a high school diploma. In an effort to keep her mother employed and the two of them housed, Thea secretly takes on much of her mother’s work while at the same time navigating adolescence, friendships, and first love.

Dr. Hallam, impressed by her drive and intelligence, becomes Thea’s unexpected ally, but in addition to wealth and position, the doctor also has a secret that could ruin him, and shatter his bond with Thea.

“Morrissey crafts a wise and moving coming-of-age historical novel with resonant contemporary themes, meticulous period detail, and flawed but sympathetic characters who will win readers’ hearts… Lovers of historical fiction and coming-of-age stories will relish time spent with Thea.” —BookLife ‘Editor’s Pick’ review

“Thea is a coming-of-age tale with a lot of heart and charm… Morrissey’s characters truly leap off the pages.” —Readers’ Favorite review

“The story is one of friendship and found family, with a heartwarming conclusion… THEA is a moving historical coming-of-age novel whose characters’ compassion and empathy inspires.” —IndieReader review

**Now available as an audiobook!**

Audible * Amazon ebook * Bookbub * Goodreads

Thea is the new historical novel by Genevieve Morrissey, author of the award-winning Marriage & Hanging and the popular Antlands science fiction series. She is an avid student of British and American social history who, through one of those strange little quirks of fate, spends most of her days talking with scientists. In addition to writing, Genevieve enjoys reading obscure books, travel, and solitude.

Website * Facebook * Instagram * Bluesky * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads