“Goin’ Back to Californ-I-A” by Stephen M. Todd is a heartfelt and inspiring memoir that chronicles the journey of a young man, Steve Todd, on his mission to spread the teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in California from 1988 to 1990. This narrative offers a deeply personal and honest account of the challenges, successes, and spiritual growth experienced by a missionary in the field. BUY NOW Todd’s story begins with the excitement and anticipation of serving a mission, a calling he receives with a profound sense of duty and honor. However, the reality of missionary ..read more

What’s your favorite thing you have written? A letter to my niece, Ruthie, on her first birthday. Her arrival into the world transformed my life, and she appears in several of the poems in It Will Have Been So Beautiful. The book is dedicated to her and my grandmother Ruth (her namesake) who died when I was six. What’s your favorite thing that someone else has written? Elizabeth Bishop: anything! I particularly like “The Moose,” “Arrival at Santos,” and “Poem,” a deceptively simple ars poetica in Geography III. I’ve loved that book since I first read it 30+ years ago, before I was even th ..read more

“The Peculiar Case of the Petersburg Professor” by Sharon Kay is an engaging and immersive cozy mystery set in the nostalgic backdrop of 1974. This book marks the debut of the Michelle Kilpatrick Mysteries series, captivating readers with its blend of suspense, intrigue, and a dash of the social dynamics of the 70s. BUY NOW The story follows Michelle Kilpatrick, a determined journalism student at the University of Petersburg, who finds herself in the midst of a perplexing murder mystery. The sudden discovery of her professor’s dead body catapults Michelle from worrying about her grades to bei ..read more

“The Little Girl at the Bottom of the Picture: A Journey of Selfless Discovery” by Jeremy White is a profoundly touching and beautifully narrated memoir that captures the essence of self-discovery, healing, and the power of human connection. This book is not just a story about finding one’s biological roots; it’s a testament to the journey of healing and the strength of the human spirit. At the core of this narrative is Edie White, whose life takes an unexpected turn when an AncestryDNA test reveals a startling truth about her parentage. Raised by a loving adoptive family, Edie’s discovery set ..read more

“Terracolina – A Place to Belong” by Carla Kessler, with illustrations by Richard Kessler, is a captivating and imaginative tale that resonates deeply with the young and young at heart. This enchanting story follows the journey of twelve-year-old Thomas, who, on his birthday, embarks on an unexpected adventure in a magical garden named Terracolina. The book masterfully intertwines themes of environmental conservation, self-discovery, and the importance of finding one’s place in the world. Thomas, a thoughtful and introspective boy, feels disconnected from his peers and misunderstood by his par ..read more

“SYMUTAL” by Dean Alexandrou is a gripping science fiction novel set in the dystopian future of 2057, a world where the omnipotent power of algorithms has reached its zenith, heralding an era defined by the Algorithm Singularity. This is a future where resistance against the all-encompassing control of artificial intelligence seems futile, and humanity’s last hope lies in the hands of Omar Cantor, the head of Omicore. BUY NOW The narrative is set against the backdrop of a world where technology companies are engulfed by government AI systems, except for a few like Omicore. Omar Cantor’s darin ..read more

“Sons of Isan: Taking Refuge in a Thai Temple” by William Reyland is an enthralling memoir that delves deep into the heart of Buddhist life in Thailand, offering a rare and intimate perspective from a Western convert. Reyland’s journey, marked by his determination to understand and embrace Buddhism, takes us to the Thai region of Isan and into the daily rhythms of life at the Wat Pramuenrat Buddhist temple. BUY NOW Reyland’s narrative is a testament to the transformative power of cultural immersion and spiritual seeking. His initial struggles with dietary adjustments and the shock of transiti ..read more

“The Flaws in Our Prayers” by Magdalena Stanhoff is a rich tapestry of intersecting lives and narratives, weaving together a story that is as complex as it is captivating. The novel traverses the lives of characters from diverse backgrounds, each struggling with their own inner turmoil and external challenges, creating a compelling exploration of love, identity, and the human condition. At the heart of the story is Kim Hana, a Korean emigrant living in Poland, whose life becomes intertwined with that of Sebastian, a man she saves from drowning. Their relationship, which begins with a fleeting ..read more

“Outcast Artist in Bretagne – WWII Heartbreak and Forbidden Love” by Diane Scott Lewis is a poignant and compelling historical fiction novel that explores the complexities of love, loyalty, and survival during the tumultuous times of World War II. The story of Norah Cooper, an Englishwoman seeking refuge in Brittany, and Major August von Gottlieb, a German commandant torn between duty and conscience, is a deeply moving tale that captures the heartache and moral dilemmas faced by individuals caught in the crossfire of war. BUY NOW Norah Cooper’s journey, beginning with her flight from England ..read more

“The Configuration of a Soul” by Irina Diamond immerses readers in a world where scientific prowess reigns supreme, and it’s within this setting that we meet Eris, a character whose life is forever altered by her encounter with two siblings from the slums, Aaron and Natlee. Diamond creates a narrative that not only explores the boundaries of science and the human spirit but also delves into the complexities of trust, loyalty, and the human condition. Eris’s journey is a gripping one, marked by profound loss and the relentless pursuit of an almost impossible goal: to resurrect Aaron, the fallen ..read more