Skip to main content
x

BookTrib Launches LIT PICKS Holiday 2024: First Chapters from the Hottest Books

(NewsUSA) - Here’s a chance for readers to get a sneak peek into some of the hottest books and new voices being talked about in literary circles this holiday season.

BookTrib.com—a leading source for book reviews, news, interviews, and articles—has just launched the Winter/Holiday 2024 edition of its popular Lit Picks ebook collection of first chapters from the hottest new books (Meridian, November 2024). Featuring excerpts from over 30 new releases and hidden gems, BookTrib Lit Picks is the perfect digital stocking stuffer this holiday season.

A free digital sampler, BookTrib Lit Picks includes first chapters from contemporary and historical fiction, thrillers, fantasy, sci-fi, romance, self-help, memoirs, and more from Penguin Random House, Simon & Schuster, and HarperCollins, to award-winning small presses and works from independently published authors.

“We are thrilled to provide this holiday eBook to readers and couldn’t be happier with the range of books and level of participation from major publishers, highly acclaimed authors, and new voices that are sure to make their mark on the literary landscape,” said Meryl Moss, president and founder of BookTrib.com and Meryl Moss Media Group.

Authors and titles include: #1 New York Times Bestselling Authors, #1 Sunday Times Bestsellers, #1 Wall Street Journal Bestsellers, USA Today Bestselling Authors, Silver Falchion Award Winners, Bram Stoker Award® Winners, Edgar Award Nominated Authors, Goodreads Choice Award Nominated Authors, and more.

Among the specific books included in this edition are: What I Ate in One Year by Stanley Tucci; The Millicent Quibb by Kate McKinnon; Beyond a Reasonable Doubt by Robert Dugoni; Identity Unknown by Patricia Cornwell; Crude by Mike Bond; Firetrap by Otho Eskin; Lost in Thought by Deborah Serra; Abandoned at Birth by Janet Sherland.

Also: Seven Days of SHIVA by Marc Gellman; Teaching in the Darkby Genet Simone; Sid Johnson and the Well-Intended Conspiracy by Frances Schoonmaker; Strong to Save by David Emerson Frost; The Little Bird by Ashby Jones; Flight of the Rondone by Patrick Girondi; The Nest by Hal Glazier.

Additionally: Something Better by Diane Parish; The Rhythm of Grace on Standalone Mountain by Jeffery Deal; Plowman by Charles Bruckerhoff; The Wheel of Evil by N.L. Holmes; Today Is the Day by Deborah Curtin; Stand a Little Out of My Sun by Angelyn Voss; Twice the Family by Julie McGue; Third Collection of Short Stories by Stanislas Yassukovich.

More books include: Bad Boys in Boston by Del Chatterson; Casalvento by Gudrun Cuillo; Coded to Kill by Marschall Runge; and Crossroads of Empire by Michael Cooper.

BookTrib Lit PicksHoliday/Winter 2024 Edition is available for free at BookTrib.com/LitPicks, on NetGalley, and popular retail outlets where ebooks are sold.

BOOKTRIB

BookTrib.comWhere Readers Discover was created as a source for people who love books, who want to find out what’s happening in the book world and love reading about their favorite authors and learning about new ones. For more than 20 years, BookTrib has been providing book reviews, author interviews, news flashes, podcast and TV interviews, book club recommendations and much more to passionate readers. BookTrib.com brings discerning readers and rising authors closer together – and in a big way, with more than 90,000 unique monthly website visitors and more than 240,000 social media followers.

MERYL MOSS MEDIA GROUP

BookTrib.com is produced by Meryl Moss Media Group, a leading literary marketing and publicity firm that for more than 30 years has helped authors get exposure to their audience of readers.

GET FREE EBOOK AT BookTrib.com/LitPicks.

 

BookTrib’s Bites: Jump-Start Winter with These Four Insightful Reads

(NewsUSA) - Inner TrekInner Trek: A Reluctant Pilgrim in the Himalayas by Mohan Ranga Rao

After being threatened by a Bangalore mob boss, Mohan Ranga Rao, an accomplished businessman, an avid traveler, and a generous philanthropist, makes a vow: If he somehow gets out of the situation, he will thank the gods by going on Kailash Mansarova, a holy mountain pilgrimage in Tibet. What starts out as merely a challenging high-altitude trek soon becomes a life-changing adventure.

With a blend of humor, honesty and keen insight, Mohan journeys toward a deeper understanding of the world around him. A memoir of a road less traveled and a true story of self-discovery at 18,000 feet.

“A modern Canterbury Tales, telling of a fascinating real-life adventure,“ says Dr. C. Naganna, University of Mysore.

“A heartwarming read; a spiritual adventure,” says Anuradha Goyal, The Mouse Charmers.

Purchase at https://bit.ly/3CNPzvn.

Tell the storyTell the Story: A Hollywood Odyssey by Terrell Tannen

As a highly paid screenwriter, Terrell Tannen lived the classic Hollywood lifestyle: the Porsche, oversized house, dinners, and parties. By most measures, he could be called wildly successful. Yet script after script, written for the bona fide elites of the movie business, floundered for all the usual and unusual Hollywood reasons.

Here’s a peek into what it feels like to constantly flirt with fame. At times resembling a darkly comic film, it's a very American tale, illustrative of the driving forces of hope and ambition in a place where these desires burn like an inextinguishable neon sign.

It also reminds us that life has a way of writing its own script. This is the story behind the story on screen — how it happens, and more often does not. A story for cinephiles, film enthusiasts, aspiring artists, romantics, wishers and dreamers. Purchase at https://bit.ly/4eSMtV0.

the healingThe HEALing Revolution Diet by Dr. Randall S. Hansen, Ph.D.

The definitive truths to living a long and healthy life are clearly explained by a wellness and healing expert in this comprehensive, science-based, easy-to-understand guide, which includes healing and health strategies that you can start today.

Our food system is not the best in the world; it is one of the worst. In the past 70 years, we have gotten food and nutrition completely wrong, resulting in an epidemic of weight gain, insulin resistance, diabetes, hypertension, digestive issues, heart disease, cancer, stroke, dementia, and more.

This book debunks dieting myths and focuses on the most current research on nutrition and diet. It includes answers to frequently asked nutrition and diet questions, expert tips from the best dieticians and nutritionists, and stories from people who have healed themselves through diet. The book also includes quick and easy recipes for healthy meals and snacks. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3U6Yo9A.

are you makingAre You Making Love or Just Having Sex? by Elliot D. Cohen Ph.D.

“A practical guide that unveils the profound difference between physical intimacy and deep emotional connection.”

In the act of making love, there is symbolic meaning that is felt through and through the sex act. Unfortunately, many relationships flounder. Just having sex may ease the tension, but it becomes a means, not an end in itself.

This book helps you overcome the obstacles, the unlovable habits that encumber your relationship. It can help to create the harmonic balance between a sex life and other aspects of your personal and interpersonal relationships.

The book introduces a five-step method based on Logic-Based Therapy & Consultation (LBTC), a popular form of evidence-based, philosophical counseling modality. Complete with self-improvement exercises and video lectures, this innovative book shows how you can identify your unlovable ways of relating, counter them with lovable goals, embrace philosophies of love that promote. Purchase at https://bit.ly/4eLxkoP.

 

BookTrib’s Bites: Four Irresistible Winter Reads

(NewsUSA) - Russian NonsensicalRussian Nonsensical by Edward D. Webster

This book weaves a spellbinding embroidery of mystery and intrigue, with threads of betrayal, exotic thefts, international adventure, and the looming specter of war in Ukraine.

Pastor Clem Dudas is a man of exquisite contradictions: a charismatic preacher who features rattlesnakes in his worship, a businessman developing fake AI "political exposés," and a schemer with clandestine Russian connections. Bud Randolpf shares Clem's politics, a quirky disposition of his own, and a far different link to Russia: Bud travels there seeking love.

When Clem’s wife and two favorite snakes go missing, Bud and his detective team take the case. They solve one mystery, only to uncover another far more deadly. Bud’s Russian romance heats up, just as Russia attacks Ukraine. In the end, Russian deceptions, American deep fakes, unorthodox ideas and the gentle love of a good woman turn Bud’s world upside down. Purchase at https://amzn.to/47hABcv.

The RecessThe Recess Coat by Susan Wyant

The recess coat is big, green, long and puffy. It symbolizes the favorite teacher that wore it.

The Recess Coat, a children’s book for ages 6-9, is a tale about a beloved educator and her endearing qualities of warmth, kindness, sharing, inclusion and many more positive traits.

She sees potential in every child and helps them realize it. Her carefully crafted lesson plans offer knowledge and inspire the love of learning. Be there for her final lesson.

The book captures hearts of children and educates through its storytelling and glossary by introducing new vocabulary. It stands as a tribute to dedicated teachers everywhere while clearly leaving a legacy on a generation of students. Purchase at https://bit.ly/4fy8ZTf.

VilliansacVilliansac by John Warwick

A supernatural mystery set in a small village in Southwest France, revolving around a 13th-century chateau with a haunting history. Constructed by Count Alphonse de Poitiers, the chateau imprisoned his illegitimate, unstable son, Charles, until his mysterious disappearance. In 1868, another occupant, John Henry Forbes, vanished under similar eerie circumstances.

In 2006, London banker John Mortimer purchases the chateau, but a hidden decree demanding pension payments to local villagers stirs trouble. Mortimer stumbles upon a pub and, inexplicably, time-travels back to 1868, becoming entangled in strange occurrences, hauntings, and deadly secrets.

A group of villagers and a persistent tax officer die in their quest for the truth about the pension payments, while Mortimer is confronted by supernatural forces, including a sinister figure named Charles Snoopchut Sfenalono. The novel weaves together elements of time travel, ghostly phenomena, and suspense in a tale of mystery and intrigue. Purchase at https://bit.ly/4dSes6U.

TemporalTemporal Destiny by Robert Schulman

In this thrilling conclusion of Robert Schulman’s science fiction trilogy, readers embark on an adventure reminiscent of Isaac Asimov, Ray Bradbury, and Larry Niven. The story follows paleontologist Jack and his astrophysicist girlfriend Jen, who, alongside their crew, navigate a future Earth ravaged by a pandemic.

After discovering an alien artifact in Wyoming, they learn they were chosen by future inhabitants to solve humanity's crises. Their journey reveals the Balocks, an advanced alien race that has abandoned their domain, leaving behind destructive inorganic beings.

Set a decade after their arrival, the crew faces challenges that ignite a galaxy-wide conflict. As they attempt to save one race while aiding another, they discover the harsh realities of time travel—the universe always collects a toll for disrupting the Temporal Order. Purchase at https://bit.ly/4fH6Vsj.

BookTrib’s Bites: Four Fantastic Reads to Close Out Fall

(NewsUSA) - Housekeeper's SecretThe Housekeeper’s Secret by Sandra Schnakenberg

For fans of stranger-than-truth stories, Sandy Schnakenburg uncovers rattling and unprecedented revelations in this powerful memoir of love, secrets, and survival.

When Lee Metoyer is hired to be the new housekeeper, she has no idea she’s about to become the anchor to a family in an abusive patriarch's home, setting a mystery in motion that will take decades to uncover. At 72, Lee falls ill and on her deathbed asks Sandy to write her story. The only problem is, Sandy doesn’t know the story.

So Sandy takes an emotional and thrilling journey, unveiling shocking truths not only about her beloved housekeeper but also her own upbringing. She learns that Lee came to her family’s sprawling estate harboring a secret past. For decades, she’s been in hiding. But Sandy’s quest forces her to grapple with her own family history as well, and to confront the effects of the psychological abuse she suffered as a child. Purchase at https://bit.ly/4ewzcRO.

Stealing TimeStealing Time by Tilia Klebenov Jacobs and Norman Birnbach

For fans of Back to the Future, The Time Traveler’s Wife, and Time and Again, here’s a smart, funny caper that will steal your heart.

When there’s no time left, you have to steal it!

New York, 2020. Tori’s world is falling apart. Between the pandemic and her parents’ divorce, what else could go wrong?

Plenty! Like discovering that a jewelry heist 40 years ago sent her grandfather to jail and destroyed her family.

New York, 1980. Bobby’s life is pretty great—until a strange girl shows up in his apartment claiming to be a visitor from the future. Specifically, his future, which apparently stinks. Oh, and did she mention she’s his daughter?

Soon Bobby and Tori have joined forces to save the mystical gemstone at the heart of all their troubles. This time-travel jewelry heist will keep you guessing until the end. Purchase at https://bit.ly/4guShFH.

The Many MothersThe Many Mothers of Ivy Puddingstone by Randy Susan Meyers

Seven children. Five mothers. One idyllic commune. What could go wrong?

Annabel Cooper wants to save the world. In 1964 she journeys to Freedom Summer in Mississippi, where the disappearance of her first love ignites a lifelong fight for justice. Years later, she, her husband, and four couples form a Boston political collective where they live together with their children in a rambling Boston house. As the era's social upheaval intensifies, they move their children to a Vermont Eden, where they can remain safe; their parents continue their political work, taking turns traveling to Vermont to care for the children.

But not all danger comes from the outside.

This book delves into the intricate and nuanced dance of familial love and communal ties through the lens of sociopolitical upheaval from the 1960s to the present day, examining which sacrifices are worth the price. Purchase at https://bit.ly/3BANWkr.

LafitteThe Lafitte Affair by Norman Woolworth

When burglars break into Hope Mausoleum and violate Crypt 1083-A where the remains of the former Girod Street Cemetery are housed, New Orleans property crimes detective Thibodeaux “Bo” Duplessis is confronted with three confounding questions: Who are the burglars? Why did they break into the crypt? What, if anything, did they take?

In need of expertise he does not possess, Bo turns to his childhood friend Bruneau Abellard, a cranky, overweight antiques dealer with exacting epicurean standards and a font of historical knowledge. Together, the friends uncover a secret love affair between a famous antebellum actress, whose remains are contained in the crypt, and the notorious pirate Jean Lafitte. As their investigation deepens, they find themselves confronting two separate yet entwined mysteries 200 years apart. To solve the present-day crime, they come to realize they must first unravel a conundrum from the distant, murky past. Purchase at https://bit.ly/4dFl1J6.

 

Engaging Two-Book Coming-of-Age Saga Amid Middle East’s Complex History

(NewsUSA) - Wages of EmpireCrossroads of Empire

A young man’s coming of age is at the heart of what BookLife Review calls “a richly layered narrative that sheds light on the human toll of conflict and celebrates an indomitable spirit of resilience amid overwhelming adversity."

Author Michael J. Cooper has made a pivotal period in history come alive in his thought-provoking, immersive and multiple awarding-winning two-book saga, Wages of Empire and Crossroads of Empire. The author masterfully crafts a tale that intertwines vivid characters and complex themes, blending historical fiction with elements of mystery and intrigue.

Both novels are set against the backdrop of World War I and explore themes of ambition, political intrigue, and the complex relationships between Western powers and the Middle East during the early 20th century.

In Wages of Empire, the story begins in the summer of 1914 when 16-year-old Evan Sinclair leaves home to fight in what was then called "The Great War for Civilization." The novel vividly portrays the Western Front's brutal reality, where Evan experiences firsthand the horrors of trench warfare.

Michael CooperLittle does Evan know that, despite the war raging in Europe, the true source of conflict will emerge in Ottoman Palestine, since it's from Jerusalem where the German Kaiser dreams to rule as Holy Roman Emperor.

One of the strengths of Wages of Empire is its interwoven cast of historical figures. Evan crosses paths with personalities like famed British archeologist T.E. Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia); British diplomat Gertrude Bell; Winston Churchill; Arab leader Faisal bin Hussein; and Zionist leader Chaim Weizmann.

In Crossroads of Empire, Cooper continues Evan’s journey, focusing more intently on the intricate political and military maneuvers in Ottoman Palestine. Having survived German artillery, poison gas, and friendly fire in helping to turn the tide of the war in its first months, Evan barely survives his hospital ship's sinking by a German U-boat. Left with amnesia, he no longer remembers who he is.

During his quest to recover his memory, Evan will discover far more: love for his father, grief for his late mother, and hidden secrets of his bloodline — an unbroken lineage that stretches back to the Crusades and will determine his future role in the Great War.

Cooper has produced  “a gripping page-turner and a series of carefully observed character studies,” says Chanticleer Book Reviews. “Beautifully written in a voice and in details that capture the era, Crossroads of Empire is a must-read for readers of all ages.”

The author himself emigrated to Israel in 1966 and lived in Jerusalem during the last year the city was divided between Israel and Jordan. He graduated from Tel Aviv University Medical School, and after a 40-year career as a pediatric cardiologist in Northern California, he continues to do volunteer missions serving Palestinian children who lack access to care.

Cooper’s writing is richly detailed, and he blends historical accuracy with a gripping narrative. The novels shed light on how the seeds of modern Middle Eastern conflicts were sown during this era, offering readers not only an engaging story but also a deeper understanding of the region's complex history.

To learn more and purchase, visit https://michaeljcooper.net.

 

BookTrib’s Bites: Kick Off the Holidays with These Four Exciting Reads

(NewsUSA) - July EverythingJuly and Everything After by Allie Nava

A modern tale of resilience and transformation against extraordinary odds, for fans of Paolo Coelho, Amy Tan, and Khaled Hosseini.

As Maya turns 22, civil war breaks out in her birth country Sri Lanka while on a visit from America. Maya is targeted and attacked in organized massacres against minorities, and she barely escapes.

Haunted by the horrors, Maya returns to the U.S. and tries to rally a diverse group of allies to help expose the atrocities, among them her Norwegian-American best friend, a magnanimous Catholic nun, and a gifted young man from her past.

Bent on justice, Maya isn't prepared for the unexpected twists and turns that will test her resolve. As the war and humanitarian crisis intensify, so does Maya's disillusionment with herself, but contact with a mysterious mentor whose wisdom she once ignored holds the key to her future.

Purchase at https://a.co/d/0HNFtb9.

Between liesBetween Lies and Revenge by Hannah D Sharpe

For fans of Megan Miranda and Sally Hepworth, here’s a gripping debut of domestic suspense, where a daring jewel heist becomes a lifeline for two women entangled in a web of deceit.

Years after the theft of an heirloom jewelry, ex-con Elle is on the run ... until she spots a stranger wearing a signature piece. Determined to take back what is hers, Elle befriends the woman, and offers to appraise and clean the jewelry, replicating and replacing the pieces instead.

Meanwhile, Olivia is maxing out credit cards to pay for fertility treatments, keep her blackmailing father at bay, and maintain appearances. When Olivia meets Elle, she finally feels understood.

The two bond and start a home jewelry side-hustle. Then they start switching rich housewives’ gems with fakes. But they each have secrets and trust their final con will exact the revenge that’ll secure their freedom. Purchase at https://bit.ly/3ZBsJR3.

lucianityLucianity by John Byer

Lucianity reports the results of a criminal investigation into a 2000-year-old “Cold Case” where it is revealed that Lucius, the Bishop of Cyrene and keeper of early church records, forged and/or corrupted about 75 percent of the New Testament, which includes the four gospels; Revelation; Acts, and at least 16 of the Epistles.

Lucius fabricated his scripture under each of the deceased Apostle’s names, except for the gospel of Luke and Acts, since Lucius was Luke. As such, the detective identifies only the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ as true, and almost everything else as the fiction of Lucius: e.g. the physical ascension and Rapture. Lucius even used books by Flavius Josephus and ancient Egyptians to write scripture for Matthew 24, Mark 13, Luke 21 and Revelation wherein he attributes false dialog to Jesus. Purchase at https://amzn.to/4aD0R0O.

superSUPER PSYCHED by Adam Dorsay, PsyD

Connection is everything. Let a leading therapist to Silicon Valley’s top executives help you become super psyched by discovering your personalized formula for more energy, higher performance, better relationships, and a more meaningful life.

Drawing on more than a decade of practical research and Dorsay’s groundbreaking work with Facebook as co-creator of its international resiliency program, Super Psyched reveals an innovative framework for readers to create their own Connection Formula—a customizable tool that allows users to strengthen their bonds in four basic areas: with others, the world around them, their spirituality, and (perhaps most importantly) themselves.

Packed with actionable advice, unforgettable stories, and unexpected insights, Super Psyched is the ultimate handbook for unleashing the power of connection to live the life you love. Purchase at https://bit.ly/4fKR6kg.

 

 

BookTrib’s Bites: Curl Up With These Four Fantastic Reads

(NewsUSA) - coverCovet the Chaos by Caleb Shawn Sully

Based on a true story. Emerging from his service in Iraq, a soldier seeks redemption and solace by joining the Peace Corps and volunteering in Ukraine, only to grapple with the weight of his experiences and the shifting landscape of his moral compass. He finds he must set aside idealistic notions of escape and atonement and confront the ghosts of his past and the complex reality of the present. The saga delves into his journey of assimilation and self-discovery.

His attempts to forge connections—particularly with the enigmatic Katya and the volatile Sgt. Ramsey—serve to unearth deeper layers of pain and resilience. As a consequence of his journey throughout the battlefields of Iraq and the post-Soviet world of a quaint Ukrainian village, he comes to terms with the nature of suffering and the pursuit of meaning in a world marked by chaos and uncertainty. Purchase at https://bit.ly/3XlicYS.

WinkA Wink at Coronavirus by Kiran Katib

"Hope in the times of Pandemic" is Kiran Katib's heartfelt response to a world turned upside down by COVID-19. This children's book is her endeavor to demystify the challenges of the pandemic for young minds, offering clarity and comfort through engaging narratives. Her stories are crafted with a delicate balance of education and hope, guiding children to a place of understanding and resilience. With each page, she encourages her readers to look beyond the present and toward the horizon filled with promise and endless possibilities.

The author’s narrative is one of heartfelt transformation, from the serenity of village life to the vibrant pulse of urban education. Rooted in the values of a small town, she found solace and inspiration in the art of storytelling. As a mother of a bright 12-year-old boy, hard transition through life's stages has been mirrored in her son's growth. Purchase at https://bit.ly/3T7Ntfb.

authenticityAuthenticity and Grace by David Smith PhD

This concise guide demonstrates how to uncover our “authentic life.” Beyond traditional psychology and religion lies the ever-extraordinary power of Grace. Understanding how Grace unfolds as our individual life reveals our true purpose. Dr. Smith teaches us how to identify and use what he calls “Gracepoints” to remove the barriers such as anxiety, depression, fear, and despair that keep us from seeing how the natural power of Grace unfolds in our lives.

The best news of all: Grace is free. Everyone has access to their authentic lives — the only requirement is to get out of the way, bypassing the ego and conditioned thinking covering up our authentic selves. This powerful guide shows us clearly what Grace is, how it can heal, and how we restore the awareness, energy, and the lost sense of wonder which makes us truly individual and human. Purchase at https://bit.ly/4d6bgn8.

TriumphTriumph to Tragedy, Book Four by Daniel J.D. Bayard

This book marks the continuing chronicle of the first (and only) successful slave revolution in the world, ultimately spawning the Republic of Haiti. The story is hardly a fairy tale, as the factual events are all too true. It recounts the circumstances and individuals purposely ignored by world history texts for far too long. The books are brimming with romance, intrigue, war, and political betrayal, all seductive page-turners that entertain and educate readers, countrymen, and history buffs alike.

After 13 years of constant turmoil, the Bayard family has deftly navigated their lives through the ever-shifting political landscape. Death and destruction loomed at every turn for Jean and Marie, determined to carve out their success despite all odds. Book Four opens after their victory over Napoleon Bonaparte’s French army. They soon realize establishing stability and peace may be more challenging than fighting for their freedom.

Purchase at https://www.triumphtotragedy.com/triumphtotragedybookstore.

 

BookTrib’s Bites: Four Exciting Reads to Sink Your Teeth Into

(NewsUSA) - Lost in ThoughtLost in Thought by Deborah Serra

Does your mind wander? Where does it go without you?

Ilana manages an opera house in Manhattan. Her world is well-planned until she begins to question her choices. Having been adopted, she decides to secretly spy on her birth family. When she does, her life explodes.

This novel is about how our lives are driven by unconscious choices and the consequences from our illusion of free will.

“Ilana’s journey as a woman trying to figure out who she is, is compelling, unexpected, and also heartbreaking. This novel captured me.” — Delia Ephron, author, screenwriter

“I am in awe. This is an extraordinary story, and one that will remain with me.” — WendiReviews

“This novel is a masterclass in psychological fiction.” — Rekha Rao

 “This book is about a character navigating matters of self-control. It’s gripping."  — Patricia S. Churchland, author, MacArthur grant recipient, neuro-philosopher

Purchase at https://bit.ly/3AFn4zk.

 

Civil UnityCivil Unity by Shola Richards

In order to transform our world, we must unite behind a new kind of civility.

In a world that is more divided than ever, it will take a radical act to transform our discourse, our lives, and our world. International civility consultant and keynote speaker Shola Richards believes that unifying our world around the power of civility is that radical act, and it’s not for the faint of heart.

Civil Unity is not another book about turning the other cheek when faced with harmful or hateful behavior. This book is about providing the practical tactics to disagree more effectively, bridge ideological divisions, actively prioritize our mental health, and fiercely create a more civil world that will sustain over time. If you are ready to transform our discourse, our lives, and our world, let’s get to work. Purchase at https://bit.ly/3yH4iqD.

 

The Little BirdThe Little Bird by Ashby Jones

In 1964, a Black teenager was murdered by a drunken white cop who got away with the crime, and eight years later, the boy’s best friend, Shane, returns from combat intent on carving out justice himself. Suzanne, the daughter of the lawyer who failed in prosecuting the case, also lands back in Virginia, but her aim is to follow her father’s path to suicide, a path created by his loss and the severe rheumatoid arthritis that followed.

Shane and Suzanne were four years apart in high school and barely knew each other before they met, but after a chance encounter, an almost instant connection is made. Neither knows the other’s secret goal, but as their bonds deepen, their love will be tested by familial duty, long-held grief, and even shifting sanity. But love might have other plans for Shane and Suzanne. Purchase at https://bit.ly/3AJZ7GY.

 

Here There Is No WhyHere There is No Why by Philip Graubart

Did Chaim Lerner, acclaimed Israeli author and Holocaust survivor, kill himself in 1983, 38 years after surviving Auschwitz? If so, was it traumatic memories finally catching up to him? Or despair over Holocaust denialism? Or ordinary, difficult health issues? Or simply a deadly episode of depression?

Or was it murder?

In 2005, Judah Loeb, Lerner's former student and now a struggling American journalist and single father, travels to Jerusalem to investigate Lerner's death. He drags along his 15-year-old daughter, Hannah, and they team up with Charlie, Judah's former Hebrew University roommate, now a Jerusalem homicide detective. Their investigation takes them through the darker corners of the Israeli psyche, where they uncover secrets that threaten to destroy Lerner's reputation and alter Jewish history. While probing the mysteries of Israel's past, they encounter personal betrayal, heartbreak, and the fragile possibilities of forgiveness and redemption. Purchase at https://bit.ly/46ZJLdy.

BookTrib's Bites: Four Enthralling Autumn Reads

(NewsUSA) - Deena UndoneDeena Undone by Debra Every

A terrifying nightmare sets off a series of attacks on Deena Bartlett's five senses, and her eighty-year-old Aunt Agatha is responsible. But the old woman is not alone. She's made a monstrous bargain with the Sensu, a malevolent entity whose stock in trade is attacking a person's five senses, one by one. It has promised Agatha health in return for the killing of her niece.

Deena has remained loyal to her bitter aunt for years. But Agatha is dying and her insults will soon end... until a string of inexplicable incidents. A sound so piercing Deena's nose bleeds. A smell so vile her breathing suffocates. And after each attack her aunt's health improves. With mounting dread, Deena discovers her aunt’s bargain, and when the Sensu thrusts her into its terrifying realm, she must battle not only the power of her aunt's long-held secrets but her own guilt. Purchase at https://bit.ly/3THZfMX.

The Burning YearsThe Burning Years: Until This Last Quartet: Book 1 by Felicity Harley

In this first book in a series, it’s the year, 2060. Sophie, a top female scientist, dismantles the government weather modification program and steals the male and female trans-humans who hold the promise of extended life.

While the remaining inhabitants of Earth are forced to design new underground habitats in order to survive a harsh, overheated world, Captain Rachel Chen, takes the worldship Persephone to Proxima Centauri, hoping that this new star system will provide a refuge for the survivors of the human race.

One Amazon reviewer calls the book “captivating and fast-paced, covering important issues facing our planet through a very engaging story. The author provides a wealth of scientific information very creatively, easily weaving it in as part of the suspense and plot of this story.” Purchase at https://bit.ly/3C4gnHC.

Don't Judge a BookDon’t Judge a Book by Its Cover by Sierra D. Luchien

A scared woman is afraid to live for herself because she’s caught up in the street life and issues with gangs, men, money and abuse. Little did she know she would change her life.

A social worker comes into the picture. She takes Sierra’s siblings out of school, and says she is going to help the family turn things around. But was it a deal with the devil?

That day caused a domino effect, leading to overall depression with underlining pain that was covered with material things and a false pretense. Nothing would stop Sierra not getting raped, stabbed, shot. But she was a runner that ultimately ran right into God as her savior. Purchase at https://bit.ly/4d7xlm1.

Building Wealth Through Rental PropertiesBuilding Wealth Through Rental Properties by Dr. Amit Sachdeo

In the ever-evolving landscape of investment opportunities, real estate stands out as a powerful wealth-building tool that has stood the test of time. If you are completely new to rental property investing, this book serves as a comprehensive roadmap to mastering the exciting world of real estate investing.

Packed with practical advice and actionable strategies, this handbook covers everything novice investors need to build a successful rental property portfolio from the ground up. Each chapter is crafted to empower readers with the knowledge, strategies, and confidence needed to unlock the wealth-building potential of real estate. Inside, readers will find the motivation to transform aspirations of wealth and prosperity into an abundant reality of financial freedom.

Key steps include: how to identify lucrative rental properties, optimal financing methods for investing in rental properties, tips for effective property management, real-life case studies, and more. Purchase at www.sachdeo.com/shop.

 

BookTrib’s Bites: Dive Into These Four Exciting Fall Reads

(NewsUSA) - I'll have a doubleI’ll Have a Double by Juliana Hastings

It might be shocking to learn that a nice glass of Pinot Noir at the end of a stressful day can be related to breast cancer. Here’s a brave and eye-opening journey from a survivor of self-assessment that acknowledges the degree to which women are creating a hospitable environment in their bodies for the disease to recur. The book is bracing, instructive, and inspiring.

In simple, relatable language, the book distills decades of research papers from universities and medical research centers in a way that will convince even those most reluctant to recognize the links between lifestyle choices, alcohol and breast cancer. The fight is never over, so survivor women must fight the fight for the rest of their lives. Fight the probability of recurrence, fight the cancer catalysts over which they have control and fight to stay alive. It feels good to do so! Purchase at https://bit.ly/3TcMbzS.

Something BetterSomething Better by Diane Parrish

It arose not from desire or even interest, but from curiosity: what would happen . . . if she just let it?

The bubble in which Ruth and David live their tidy suburban lives is about to burst. A tragic automobile accident shatters their insular world and sends David into an emotional tailspin. An unexpected job opportunity sends Ruth to the West Coast, waylaying her desire to become a mother and making her increasingly unavailable for David's needs.

Thrown off balance, David develops a fixation on Annabeth Brady, the daughter of the friends lost that fateful night. As he and Ruth drift further apart, each must decide if they will remain true to their vows, or search for something better.

Told in gorgeous, descriptive prose with flashes of humor and insight, this debut novel quietly questions our notions of forgiveness and faith. Purchase at https://bit.ly/3Y5rQiT.

Soul MastersSoul Masters: The Hunting Grounds by K.R. Gastreich

On a hike through the forest, Mayela stumbles into a terrifying world where immortals hunt souls. To survive, she secures protection from a Soul Master. When he demands payment, Mayela fights back. But how can she fight the desire consuming her heart?

Every soul Nathan claims expands the power of his realm. In Mayela, he finds a rare gift that could guarantee his place among the Soul Masters. All he must do is secure her allegiance without losing his heart. And Nathan has no heart to lose. Or does he?

With eternity at stake, Mayela and Nathan ignite a transcendent passion that breaks all the rules. Among the Soul Masters, a malevolent force awakens. The final hunt is on… Purchase at https://bit.ly/3A2vWi7.

Restaurant ExcellenceRestaurant Excellence by Marvin Alballi

Whether you're establishing your first restaurant, launching another franchise, welcoming guests to a luxury hotel dining experience, or sitting comfortably in the city's F&B concept, this book provides expert advice to take your business to the next level and better serve your new and loyal customers. No matter your skill level, this book will offer something to appeal, enlighten, and encourage.

Author Marvin Alballi has worked his way through the ranks to become an award-winning food-and-beverage executive managing franchise chains, celebrity-chef restaurants, independent establishments, and global hotel F&B operations. He has overseen everything from mom-and-pop diners to fine dining.

This book presents valuable and practical advice with contributions from 28 respected food-service industry professionals, including several Michelin-starred chefs. These suggestions cover every essential topic: kitchen management, service and hospitality, training and development, design, marketing, cost management, operations, menus and interviews with top chefs and CEOs. Purchase at https://bit.ly/3WycUZW

Subscribe to Books & Entertainment