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"A Pastor's Pit"
by Judge Roy Sparkman

Religious liberty is under attack in the United States. Faced with legal challenges for the mere action of preaching from the Bible, Pastor Preston and his supporters confront a terrifying truth: the U.S. Constitution is no defense against a biased district attorney obsessed with sending him to prison.

A "Pastor's Pit" exposes the threat to the religious liberty that people of all faiths take for granted, as well as the crucial role that U.S. Supreme Court appointments and presidential elections play in maintaining the rights of all citizens. How can a pastor be indicted and tried for the "crime" of preaching from the Bible? Will the courts send him to prison or uphold his constitutional freedoms? Purchase at https://amzn.to/2NHapnh.

"Irina"
by Philip Warren

A masterfully detailed historical novel of culture, religion, history and politics of the times intertwined with a deeply moving portrayal of tragedy, hope and perseverance. This is Irina's journey from Polish serving girl to French businesswoman. Her determination and curiosity will make you cheer, and her harrowing escape from those who would thwart her progress will have you holding your breath.

Poznan, Poland 1378. Irina is dying. Despite her storied life, one loss is not accounted for: her only son. In a world dominated by men, Irina finds that she can thrive, having everything she could want but the answer to one question. A rich, wonderful saga. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3hQ859Y.

"On the Way to Casa Lotus"
by Lorena Junco Margain

This is a memoir of family, art, injury and forgiveness. The author -- a passionate art collector and devoted wife and mother -- is already shaken after abruptly fleeing Mexico and relocating in the USA with her family. Then, she learns she has a tumor, which simple surgery can mend. But to err is human -- even for surgeons. Rather than improve after surgery, her condition worsens.

Deeply compassionate, wise and poetic, the memoir lays bare some of the most poignant contradictions of the human condition, blurring the distinctions between guilt and neglectfulness, anger and sorrow, humility and shame, gratitude and despair. The book plants a seed of hope that loss and pain can serve a higher purpose. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3vYcbRf.

"Indecent Exposure"
by Viola Trivette 

Meera and Aaron have been pitted against each other since law school in their fight for a higher class rank and their ever-growing gap in political views. Apart from constant class bickering, Meera avoids Aaron after an awkward moment in an empty classroom their first year. However, as graduation approaches, she starts to regret all those nights she spent alone in the library and finally agrees to go out with her roommate where she bumps into Aaron at a noisy club.

Although both characters are undeniably drawn to one another, they refuse to admit what's between them. What ensues is a game of back-and-forth as they each try to force the other to concede. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3he4Xok.

NOTE: BookTrib's Bites is presented by BookTrib.com

­­­­(NU) 

“The Beirut Protocol ”
by Joel C. Rosenberg

Trapped behind enemy lines. Brutally tortured and threatened with death. And the worst is yet to come. Special agent Marcus Ryker has spent his whole life protecting others, but this time his own life is in danger.

When a routine advance trip along the Israeli-Lebanese border goes wrong, American operatives are ambushed and captured by a rogue Hezbollah special forces team. If Marcus and his colleagues are tortured and executed on live television, the president will have to enter another war he likely can't win.

Marcus faces a life-or-death battle, and the odds of survival are narrowing. Escape seems impossible. Rescue is a fading hope. This is the CIA’s most valuable operative as you have never seen him before. Purchase at https://amzn.to/35Po5Ci.

“First Dog on Earth”
by  Irv Weinberg

“Heartwarming story about relationships among people and dogs.”

At the dawn of civilization, a wolf dog befriends an old hunter and revives his alpha powers among his human tribe. Together with the animal’s pack, they discover a new way of life -- a shared odyssey of survival and trust that grows into the most successful partnership the Earth has ever known, changing dogs and humans forever.

This is the poetic story of how civilization progresses all because of the abilities the dogs bring the tribe. How does the greatest love story in history begin? With a leap into the unknown. “Like no other book you've read!” Purchase at http://amzn.to/38pfW8j.

“How to Train Your Hooman: A Field Guide”
by  Gwen Romack

This is the lighthearted and funny read we so desperately need in these not-so-light-hearted times – and the perfect Mother’s Day gift for those dog-loving moms. 

Follow this unique story told by an extraordinary dog, Finn. He’s irreverent, funny, and full of sass. Based on his real life, join Finn as he issues weekly reports back to K9 Rescue Headquarters on the strange behaviors and rituals of his rescue-“hoomans.”

With sarcastic wit, he observes the curious world around him, heroically saves his unwitting hoomans from dangers (see also: evil electric toothbrush), and shares his musings about the often-lackluster level of service he feels he receives. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3bzqKDV.

“Waxing Pathetic ”
by M. B. Clark

Waxing Pathetic is a sardonic, often hilarious, raging stream of consciousness from one mad American woman. From the pathetic to the political, the lunatic to the poetic, Clark's memoir is a masterwork of dry wit and piercing observation. 

From Been Down This Road, where she relates her high school dating history, to This is Real...and Surreal, where she takes down some pathetic politics, Clark merges real events with dream-state fiction that evokes deeper truths hidden in memories. Waxing Pathetic will leave you breathless as you are taken down roads not taken by most American women. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3aTrCT3.

NOTE:BookBites is presented by BookTrib.com.

(NewsUSA) - Warm up with Lifetime's winter slate of hot stories featuring several of pop culture's most iconic women: Salt-N-Pepa, Wendy Williams, and Whitney Houston.

The programming kicks off on January 23 at 8 pm ET/PT with "Salt-N-Pepa," a three-hour Lifetime original movie about the groundbreaking hip-hop duo, starting with their days as students at Queensborough Community College and their first recording experiences.

The story details the duo's unprecedented success as the first female rap group to go platinum, and features several of the duo's hits, including "Let's Talk About Sex," "What a Man," "Shoop," and "Push It."

The movie also explores Salt-N-Pepa's impact on hip-hop culture, with their frank lyrics about men and sex that paved the way for future female rappers. The movie stars GG Townson as Cheryl "Salt" James and Laila Odom as Sandra "Pepa" Denton.

Following the movie, the Emmy® and NAACP award-winning Loni Love hosts a documentary, "Let's Talk About Salt-N-Pepa," featuring exclusive interviews with Salt and Pepa about what makes their partnership work, and their ongoing influence on the music world.

Next up, on January 30, "Wendy Williams: The Movie" airs as the first biopic about Wendy Williams, outspoken television host and self-proclaimed "Queen of all Media."

Executive produced by Wendy Williams, the movie tells the story of her career path from her early days as an urban radio host and how she overcame obstacles both personal and professional to achieve her goal of having her own syndicated talk show. Despite all the naysayers and obstacles Wendy encountered throughout her life, her strength and determination have allowed her to thrive. Ciera Payton plays Wendy Williams, joined by Morocco Omari as Wendy's ex-husband, Kevin Hunter.

The film is followed by the documentar "Wendy Williams: What a Mess!" in which Ms. Williams gives a raw and emotional interview.

Finally, "Whitney Houston & Bobbi Kristina: Didn't We Almost Have it All," a two-hour documentary scheduled for February 6, explores the emotional story of Whitney Houston and her daughter, Bobbi Kristina, and their parallel stories, including the pressures of life in the spotlight and struggles with drugs and alcohol.

The program includes conversations with friends and family for a candid look at the ups and downs of the lives of this famous mother and daughter.

Visit mylifetime.com for more about Lifetime's winter programming and other events.

(NU) 

“The Beirut Protocol ”
by Joel C. Rosenberg

  Trapped behind enemy lines. Brutally tortured and threatened with death. And the worst is yet to come. Special agent Marcus Ryker has spent his whole life protecting others, but this time his own life is in danger.

  When a routine advance trip along the Israeli-Lebanese border goes wrong, American operatives are ambushed and captured by a rogue Hezbollah special forces team. If Marcus and his colleagues are tortured and executed on live television, the president will have to enter another war he likely can't win.

Marcus faces a life-or-death battle, and the odds of survival are narrowing. Escape seems impossible. Rescue is a fading hope. This is the CIA’s most valuable operative as you have never seen him before. Purchase at https://amzn.to/35Po5Ci.

“First Dog on Earth”
by  Irv Weinberg

  “Heartwarming story about relationships among people and dogs.”

  At the dawn of civilization, a wolf dog befriends an old hunter and revives his alpha powers among his human tribe. Together with the animal’s pack, they discover a new way of life -- a shared odyssey of survival and trust that grows into the most successful partnership the Earth has ever known, changing dogs and humans forever.

  This is the poetic story of how civilization progresses all because of the abilities the dogs bring the tribe. How does the greatest love story in history begin? With a leap into the unknown. “Like no other book you've read!” Purchase at http://amzn.to/38pfW8j.

“How to Train Your Hooman: A Field Guide”
by  Gwen Romack

   This is the lighthearted and funny read we so desperately need in these not-so-light-hearted times – and the perfect Mother’s Day gift for those dog-loving moms. 

  Follow this unique story told by an extraordinary dog, Finn. He’s irreverent, funny, and full of sass. Based on his real life, join Finn as he issues weekly reports back to K9 Rescue Headquarters on the strange behaviors and rituals of his rescue-“hoomans.”

  With sarcastic wit, he observes the curious world around him, heroically saves his unwitting hoomans from dangers (see also: evil electric toothbrush), and shares his musings about the often-lackluster level of service he feels he receives. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3bzqKDV.

“Waxing Pathetic ”
by M. B. Clark

  Waxing Pathetic is a sardonic, often hilarious, raging stream of consciousness from one mad American woman. From the pathetic to the political, the lunatic to the poetic, Clark's memoir is a masterwork of dry wit and piercing observation. 

  From Been Down This Road, where she relates her high school dating history, to This is Real...and Surreal, where she takes down some pathetic politics, Clark merges real events with dream-state fiction that evokes deeper truths hidden in memories. Waxing Pathetic will leave you breathless as you are taken down roads not taken by most American women. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3aTrCT3.

NOTE:BookBites is presented by BookTrib.com.

(NewsUSA) - THE ULTIMATE OFFICE FAN EXPERIENCE

Beginning on January 1, 2021, you can stream every episode of The Office only on Peacock, NBCUniversal's streaming service. Whether you have watched the series ten times through, or have never seen a single episode, Peacock has every fan covered. Peacock provides a variety of ways to relive The Office's best pranks, romances, quotes and more.

Binge through every milestone in Jim and Pam's relationship and listen to Michael Scott utter the words "that's what she said" more times than you can count in the original series or enjoy these moments and more with The Office: Superfan Episodes that include never-before-seen footage and deleted scenes in extended cuts. See a sample of an extended cut clip from season 3 of The Office here.

Looking for more? Peacock offers fans behind-the-scenes content, including bloopers, featurettes, and interviews, as well as special curated, themed episode collections, clip playlists, and a 24/7 channel of ambient noise devoted to the sights and sounds of an office.

Just like the soft pretzels on Stanley's favorite day of the year, Pretzel Day, the first two seasons of The Office are completely free to enjoy. The remaining episodes from seasons 3-9 and The Office: Superfan Episodes are available for Peacock Premium subscribers. In February, Spanish-language streaming options will become available for the first time, too.

ENJOY COMEDY CLASSICS AND MORE ON PEACOCK

The Office joins Peacock's library of comedy classics and current hits from NBCUniversal and beyond, including Parks and Recreation, 30 Rock, Saturday Night Live, Cheers, Everybody Loves Raymond, George Lopez, The King of Queens, The Amber Ruffin Show, Saved by the Bell, and much more.

Peacock brings together everything people love about TV and streaming to deliver the best live and on-demand programming from NBCUniversal and beyond. Sign up for Peacock today -- completely free -- and enjoy thousands of hours of current and classic movies and shows, exclusive channels, timely news and sports, late-night, reality, and more. Or upgrade to Peacock Premium for just $4.99 per month and enjoy access to thousands of hours of movies, shows, originals, live news, and sports. You can also go ad-free for just $5 more per month.

HOW TO WATCH

Xfinity X1 and Xfinity Flex customers enjoy access to Peacock Premium, including all episodes of The Office, at no extra cost. X1 and Flex customers can also unlock an exclusive The Office surprise by repeating famous quotes from the iconic series into the Xfinity Voice Remote such as "Dunder Mifflin," "Bob Vance," "I'm not superstitious," and "Fool me once, strike one" to hear audio Easter eggs from Michael and the gang.

Peacock is available nationwide on the Roku platform; Apple devices, including iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Apple TV 4K, and Apple TV HD; Google platforms and devices, including Android, Android TV devices, Chromecast, and Chromecast built-in devices; Microsoft's Xbox One family of devices, including Xbox One S and Xbox One X; Sony PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 4 Pro; and VIZIO SmartCast TVs and LG Smart TVs. In addition to Comcast's Xfinity X1 and Flex customers, Cox Contour customers enjoy Peacock Premium with their service at no additional cost.

Visit Peacocktv.com to learn more.

(NewsUSA)

"Veronica Viggle and the Bubble Gum Machine: A Mad Scientist Story"
by Louis Goldman

A graphic novel for children (and adults) "with illustrations that jump off the page and characters that you cheer for." After being trapped by Veronica Viggle and held in the Mad Scientist's deep and dark (yet freshly scented) laboratory, the Little Boy is in for a world of trouble, destined to be turned into grasshoppers … or marshmallows … or worse yet, bubble gum!

The Little Boy's friends team up to stage a daring rescue from the Mad Scientist's laboratory. But can they overcome Veronica's cunning and the Mad Scientist's crafty inventions? You are about to find out!

"Conveys some eternal truths in a highly accessible manner, in language that is simple and clear." Purchase at https://amzn.to/39V0oLz.

"The Mystery at Turkelton Manor"
by Kraig Dafoe

Twelve-year-old Nathaniel Jones wants to be a detective. Though his imagination tends to run wild, Nate knows something strange is going on and he is determined to figure it out. Hearing noises at night, the young detective sees a strange figure lurking about.

The Turkeltons are rich, and Nate's grandfather is their groundskeeper. As a result, Nate gets to spend the summer on the manor grounds. With priceless art and expensive jewelry in the mix, and someone creeping around at night, Nate becomes determined to catch a thief. There's just one problem -- nothing seems to be missing. For ages 10 and up. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3rraUjn.

"Sink or Walk on Water"
by Stevenson Jones

"Stevenson will capture your heart, mind and faith. He takes you on a journey during a simple meeting, and when it's over you realize he has tricked you into discovering yourself."

Life has taught the author lessons that have helped him in his growth as a person. This book will inspire individuals from all walks of life because it speaks on a lot of everyday issues that we all face. The hope is that this book will help those who are unsure of their faith by listening to the author's story on how God has helped him overcome tough situations in life. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3d4C2RB.

"Vector to Destiny"
by George W. Kohn

In this memoir that goes beyond the classic Vietnam war story, the author faces a life-changing dilemma: Should he do what is expected of him or dare to pursue his heartfelt dream? His decision takes the reader on an inspiring, action-packed journey from a demanding farm life in Wisconsin to treacherous skies over Vietnam. He will capture your heart with farm adventures and his struggles and determination to get through college and Air Force pilot training.

You will be his co-pilot in an F4 Phantom jet, narrowly surviving perilous missions as a combat fighter pilot. Experience this compelling, true-life journey of a destiny accomplished through faith and perseverance. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3bFPmcK.

BookBites is presented by BookTrib.com

"Rene Descartes Does Not Exist"
by A.R. LaBaere 

One reviewer describes this most unusual work: "An audacious experiment in Cosmicism and disoriented terror. It repeats, falls over itself, reinvents, creates layers of complex meaning and uses grammatical mistakes in a creative way. At first it is truly maddening and seems as if it goes on forever, but by the time one is in the section about the King in Yellow, it really takes off and puts the reader in an absolutely cosmic sense of despair."

"This is for advanced readers in the Lovecraft-Chambers tradition, who will understand the subtle references and be able to read an unending stream of consciousness mode. I fell in love with it after a whole series of challenges to my sanity and ability to suspend disbelief." Purchase at https://amzn.to/3mYswCn.

"Ryder Stephens"
by Veronica L. Ventura

Ryder Stephens is a popular girl who tumbled through her 13 years with effortless ease -- until her center fell. After witnessing her mother's death, Ryder takes to the streets to right the wrongs thrust upon her by an unjust world. Hardships lead to foolish decisions. Starving and failing, pieces of Ryder's shattered ego spill onto the NYC streets. All is lost until that one freezing morning, she spots Jack.

Inviting her into his home, Ryder makes a decision: no more flashbacks, no more grief. With one click, she deletes her past. As different and complicated as Jack’s family is, a fake family is a good deal better than no family at all. Then, the unthinkable happens. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3h7G516.

"Legacy"
by Chris Coppel

In this spine-chilling, time-traveling horror, Craig Edmonds and his young family are awoken at 2 a.m. by someone banging at their front door. On their doorstep they find an unexpected delivery... a large crate with a generic label addressed to his family. Craig, a sheriff in southern Utah and former elite Marine sniper with psychological scars, opens the crate to discover an intricately carved wooden mirror.

Now Craig must fight an enemy and battle against the embodiment of evil in a desperate attempt to save his family. His mission will take him 25 years into the past and 6,000 miles from home in order to defeat the reanimation of a 16th century English witch. Purchase at https://amzn.to/31ylhHp.

"Rascal on the Run"
by Howard Tate Scott

Drawn into a web of small-town secrets, family drama, and the rusted tentacles of the Dixie Mafia, a young lawyer is forced to confront his own notions of justice, freedom, love, and sobriety. When an episode of Unsolved Mysteries leads to the capture of a murder suspect on the run for 25 years, the ominous pattern of facts drags a4ttorney Critter Stillwell into a hidden corner of his father Guy's past.

Attorney Guy had defended a black woman charged with the murder of a KKK thug. By the time it was over, Critter's world and the sleepy town of Athens, GA, were in flames. Now an older, wiser Critter discovers stunning connections between Guy's case and his own. He must choose between his duty to the law and an unwavering loyalty to his flawed but charismatic father. Purchase at https://amzn.to/2ROaAig.

NOTE: BookTrib's Bites is presented by BookTrib.com