"Don't Let Me Keep You is a lyrical meditation on motherhood seven times over, gestating, unfurling with rhythmic, poignant prose." –Maggie Ginsberg, author of Still True

Hildy Halverson, a genius in math and science, is pushed by her parents to step into a male-dominated field and change the world for women. But Hildy, enamored of the scientific force of the human body, and her own body's ability to create and sustain life, decides to go against contemporary expectations. She marries young and raises a houseful of kids.

Hildy wants her children to choose their own life paths. As each child is born, she tells them, "You can be whatever you want to be, and whatever you want to be will be great." Despite her efforts to not influence her children, Hildy does so, often in unexpected ways. Each child is introduced in that first private moment between Hildy and her new baby. This is followed by a chapter revealing that child's life, years later. Woven throughout is an underlying grief over the death of the sixth baby soon after birth. That grief is more pervasive than any of them expect.

In this ambitious novel, the struggles and joys, fatigue, and exhilaration of motherhood, are captured in the full panorama of family life. Hildy lovingly raises her children, then lets them go, finding herself along the way.

At the height of the Cold War, Roy Chisolm arrives at the edge of the free world.

An idealist in less-than-ideal times, Chisolm’s military orders have taken him to the Bunker, an underground fortress in West Germany where intelligence and war footing operations convene. Within the impenetrable concrete walls, he finds a complete lack of military protocol, a total disregard for the stakes of the game, and a life of soul-crushing absurdity.

Under constant threat of Russian annihilation, those assigned to the Bunker grapple with the inescapable futility of their posting. Chisolm struggles to maintain his moral compass in the face of disturbing apathy and chaos. But even as he plots his escape, he begins to form enigmatic bonds with his fellow warriors—and a romance outside the Bunker walls—unearthing a new understanding of trust, conviction, and love.

Inspired by true events, Bunker Mentality is Joseph Heller’s Catch-22 meets David Graeber’s Bullshit Jobs, exploring the meaning of war, morality, madness, honor, and courage in a world of utter insanity.

“What a satisfying read. A tale of loss and rebuilding, regrets and redemption, missteps and new chances.”

When a small plane crashes in the hills above Van Weathers’ ranch, it brings new clues to an old treasure map. His son Josh wants to go on a horse camping trip into the mountains to look for gold. Van isn’t convinced there’s treasure but thinks it might be an opportunity to repair their fraught relationship. In the wilderness of Big Sur, they find the plane crash wasn’t an accident, and they aren’t the only ones out there searching for treasure.

“Darker Than the Sky takes us from a cabin in the redwoods to the forests of Northern California to the Rocky Mountains to a cornfield in Iowa, then back to the dry golden hills and oak trees of Big Sur. Van’s story gains new depth and meaning in each location. So well done.”

“The stories around the campfire were my favorite part. Men being manly, but also talking about real worries and regrets and aspirations.”

PREORDER/LAUNCH SALE

'Mind-expanding' —Kirkus, starred review

A science fantasy noir tale from the Nebula-nominated author of “Tower of Mud and Straw.”

Refusing the queen’s order to gas a crowd of protesters, Minister Shea Ashcroft is banished to the border to oversee the construction of the biggest defensive tower in history. However, the use of technology taken from refugees from another reality makes the tower volatile and dangerous, becoming a threat to local political interests. Shea has no choice but to fight the ruling hierarchy to ensure the construction succeeds—and to reclaim his own life.

Surviving an assassination attempt, Shea confronts his inner demons, encounters an ancient legend, and discovers a portal to a dead world—all while struggling to stay true to his own principles and maintain his sanity. Fighting memories and hallucinations, he starts to question everything …

Sleeping Worlds Have No Memory is a thought-provoking meditation on the fragility of the human condition, our beliefs, the manipulation of propaganda for political gains, and our ability to distinguish the real from the unreal and our willingness to accept convenient “truths.” Praised for its gritty realism and literary qualities, the novel is a compelling exploration of memory, its fragile nature, and its profound impact on our perception of identity, relationships, and facts themselves.

An imaginative, heady clash of fantasy and science-fiction that delivers powerful messages'—FantasyBookCritic

'Triumphs in its emotional and unsettling storytelling' —The Fantasy Hive

“As if Harry Potter was written for grown-ups, Peter Straub’s Shadowland delivers carnage, blood, pain, fairy tales, and flashes of joy and wonder, just like real magic.”—Grady Hendrix

You have been there...if you have ever been afraid.

Come back. To a dark house deep in the Vermont woods, where two friends are spending a season of horror, apprenticed to a Master Magician.

Learning secrets best left unlearned. Entering a world of incalculable evil more ancient than death itself. More terrifying. And more real.

Only one of them will make it through.

★★★★★ "A vast universe, a fantastic cast of characters, masterful storytelling, how could I not love this?"

Two galaxies. One microbe. The fate of trillions hangs in the balance.

Earth has changed—an unidentified microbe swept the globe, curing all disease and crippling the world economy. Aubrey Hope, heiress to a pharmaceutical empire, will do anything to save her family legacy. Her Hail Mary plan requires a microbiologist, a hacker, and a pop star.

In another galaxy, Matthai Valtrellin, unexpected heir to the high priesthood, is burdened by grief and duty. But when a naked, bloodied alien teleports from the future, claiming to be his mate, his world turns upside down.

Caught between his obligations to her, his family, and the countless Valmoran citizens he is fated to lead, he finds himself torn between fate and destiny. But with the help of a luck-obsessed smuggler, an empathic politician who finds most people 'invariably intolerable', and a four-armed ex-gladiator, he may just find himself on a perilous journey to a mythical planet ... called Earth.

As these complex characters navigate love, duty, and the weight of their own choices, their paths intertwine in unexpected ways. Each must confront their own demons while grappling with forces beyond their control.

The Valmoran Chronicles contains:

• Ill-conceived plans to smuggle cuddly murder-pets
• Mind-bending medical mysteries
• Ancient conspiracies
• AI-run space stations
• A cast of deeply nuanced and diverse characters

A thrilling space opera for fans of Dune, Firefly, and Black Mirror, The Valmoran Chronicles inhabits a universe where superpowers exist, alliances are forged in unlikely places, the boundaries of reality are warped, and first contact is just around the corner.

Dive into this epic adventure where nothing is as it seems, and the truth could reshape two galaxies forever.

~

The Valmoran Chronicles: Emergence was originally published as episodes 1-23 of the Kindle Vella serial, The Valmoran Chronicles. It has been extensively revised, with new scenes added, but the story canon remains unchanged.

Ten years after her mother’s death, Eliza Levinger never imagined she’d hear from her again. But then The Letter arrived.

Eliza’s world broke apart when she was sixteen and her mom died of cancer. Now, years later, she has rebuilt her life to include a director-of-development job at a nonprofit, a Manhattan apartment, and an easy-on-the-eyes bedroom buddy—just the kind of no-strings relationship she wants, even if it’s less than her best friend, Mo, thinks she deserves. But when Eliza’s dad dies unexpectedly, her beloved aunt Claude arrives at the shiva with a letter from her mom—to be opened only after her father’s death. Inside the letter? A bombshell.

Suddenly, all of Eliza’s relationships are upended. Her brother is angry, her stepmother is threatening to disinherit her, and Mo—who has always been her rock—doesn’t seem to understand what she’s going through. But as Eliza struggles to cope with the shocking news, she finds an unexpected ally—her brother’s best friend, Josh—her high school crush, whom she’s tried hard to forget. It’s not in Eliza’s nature to trust . . . but maybe it’s time for that to change.

Perfect for fans of Emily Giffin, Katherine Center, and Jennifer Weiner, Dear Eliza explores the meaning of family, the complexities of grief, and the beauty in finding your way again.

Rachel and Talia Fontenot are sisters born into brutal, rural poverty of southeastern Louisiana in the 1960s.

Raised with one another until tragic circumstances intervene and they are separated. Talia disappearing into a life of drugs and petty crime, Rachel fleeing to New Orleans. It is now present day and Talia has been missing for many years. Rachel in New Orleans is living what appears to be the perfect life, but underneath she is struggling with constant anxiety, prescription drug abuse and tremendous grief over the loss of her missing sister, as well as her oldest son to an accident several years earlier.

One night, she receives a call from a nurse she's not heard from since Hurricane Katrina. The information she is given sets in motion a series of events that will unravel. Rachel's life forced her to examine her past choices and takes her on a psychologically arduous journey to save her sister.

1940, World War II. The Nazis have crushed Europe, and Hitler launches a massive aerial assault with the Luftwaffe against the heavily outnumbered British RAF. The fate of civilization teeters in the balance.

Johnnie Shaux, a Spitfire fighter pilot, must summon up the fortitude to fly into a battle where death is all but inevitable, and continue to do so until the inevitable occurs…

Eleanor Rand, a brilliant Fighter Command mathematician, studies the control room map constantly tracking the ebbs and flows of the conflict, and sees the glimmerings of a radical breakthrough…

Breaking Point is based on actual events in the Battle of Britain. Written with a penetrating historical accuracy of World War II and breathtaking speed, Breaking Point puts you inside the cockpit as the pilots duel to the death, inside RAF Headquarters as the commanders make their decisions, and inside the lives of young men and women facing one of the great crises in modern history.

"A Stunning heart-tugging debut-Hight paints a setting reminiscent of Richard Powers' The Overstory while weaving a tale of addiction as crushing as David Sheff's Beautiful Boy!" -Cam Torrens, author of False Summit

Bill Collins raised his son Kenny to work hard in the logging trade and keep his whining to himself. But when Kenny becomes a meth addict, Bill must face the bitter truth that he may have failed at his most important job.

Jonah Price moved to Humboldt County to save the redwoods. Yet, guilt over his father's death leads him to get high so often that he walks through life like a zombie, half-dead to his surviving family and floundering as an environmental activist.

After meeting in a 12-step program, Bill and Jonah form a bond that grows as they open up about their struggles. They find in each other a kindred spirit who could help each man rebuild his shattered life—if they can overcome their differences.

Rediscover the joy of reading with heartwarming tales designed just for you.

Step into a world of nostalgia, laughter, and inspiration with Feel-Better Short Stories for Seniors, a collection meticulously crafted by Bradley Windrow to reignite the sparks of joy and comfort for senior readers. Each of the 40 bite-sized stories is a little slice of fun, ready to lift your spirits and tickle your funny bone. Written in large print for easy reading, these tales are just the right length for a quick pick-me-up without tiring out your eyes.

From bumping into a long-lost friend at the supermarket to the comical chaos of a community bingo night, every tale is a mini-vacation, a great way to add a little light-hearted fun to the day. Feel-Better Short Stories for Seniors promises to make you laugh, cry, and "aww" with its relatable characters and uplifting messages.

What's Inside:

• Follow along with tales that capture the essence of cherished memories and simpler times.
• Feel uplifted and encouraged by stories that celebrate resilience, kindness, and the human spirit.
• Enjoy a good laugh with humorous stories that warm the heart and brighten the day.
• Embark on adventures and thoughtful reflections that resonate deeply and meaningfully.

Feel-Better Short Stories for Seniors is a wonderful gift for parents, grandparents, and anyone who loves a good story. Share the gift of joy and comfort with this delightful collection, perfect for bringing a smile to the faces of those you love.

So, grab a cup of tea, find a comfy chair, and settle in with your copy of Feel-Better ShortStories for Seniors today. Experience the uplifting power of heartwarming stories!

“Tough Trail Home is a delightful read about a family coming to terms with each other and their new lives.” –Pamela Stockwell, author of A Boundless Place

The Dunwhitty family is flying high until their carefully choreographed life falls apart during the 2008 Great Recession. Lisa's firm goes belly-up while Michael's shuts down after selling faulty heart valves. Desperate, Lisa insists they regroup by seeking refuge in rural Central Texas on land she inherits from a distant relative she barely knows.

It's not the ranch Lisa remembers, but a ramshackle money pit. Michael and their teenage son, Andrew, despise the place. Only their young daughter, Jessica, is happy. After a bitter argument, Michael moves to the city. As his job search drags on, Lisa begins to plant roots; friendships develop for her and the children. With the help of Michael's parents, her neighbor, and the remains of her savings, she begins to return the ranch to its former glory. The couple continues to drift further apart, Michael turning his attention to another woman.

A call from the sheriff's department that their son is in custody jolts the couple to the core. Can they repair their relationship for the sake of their son? Or is it too late?

Manila, Philippines, 2003. Dane Chandler is visiting Manila on a writing assignment. Jack Pierce is a tough-talking Korean War veteran. When Jack asks Dane to join him for cards at the pension's cafe, Dane instinctively agrees, sensing the man's "command" presence. What unfolds will change their lives forever.

Tokyo, Japan, 1949. Jack Pierce joined the army for honor and adventure, finding himself garrisoned at Camp Drake, Tokyo. On a raucous night at Ginza's glitzy Club Florida, the young corporal meets the love of his life, Michiko Okura. After a touchy start, the two embark on a journey of love and discovery. But when the Korean War erupts, Jack ships out to a brutal landscape of violence and is not the same when he returns.

As Dane listens to Jack's story, experiencing his hellish battlefield encounters and tremendous loss, he witnesses Jack's undaunted outlook on life and discovers newfound maturity in himself.

A searing, hard-boiled account of camaraderie among soldiers, multi-cultural love, and heartbreak set against the colorful backdrop of post-war Japan and the horrific battle for "Rat Mountain," Cherry Blossoms in Winter is a wild rollercoaster, making one laugh, cry, cheer, and relish the power of the human spirit.

“In Like Family, Feeney not only brings us back to the terrifying time when the Spanish flu had its hold on us, but also beautifully explores the meaning of family.” –Ann Hood, author of The Stolen Child

Mollie Crowley, a 26-year-old Irish unmarried teacher at a one-room schoolhouse in rural Michigan, and 8-year-old Cecilia Pokorski, a Polish girl orphaned after the deaths of her family during the 1918 influenza pandemic, are an unlikely pair.

While Cecilia is grieving the loss of her beloved Mamusia, Mollie leans on her own mother, Catherine, for assistance after taking the girl into their home. Mollie loves teaching, but Cecilia hated having Mollie as her first teacher.

In their town in rural Michigan, the Irish and the Polish don't mix. The Catholic Church, the town's doctor, and Mollie's older brothers are pitted against Mollie, who is highly independent, even stubborn. Everyone who fears "the sickness" is desperate to stay safe and healthy, and unsure of what precautions work.

Cecilia is treated with suspicion, even fear. Mollie, Cecilia, and Catherine, while isolated on their family farm, face all these struggles with courage and creativity.

Readers will see challenges they faced during COVID-19 as similar to the ones people faced nearly a hundred years earlier. Like Family explores themes of prejudice related to ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and religion; foster care and adoption; feminism; education and teaching; language and cultural differences; family factions; death and grief; loneliness; and ultimately, the power of love, family (biological and intentional), and community.

2020 PenCraft Award Winner - Adventure Fiction

"...covers more ground and cultural range than most such tales, but retains a classic feel and a solid heart." –IndieReader

Creators of the World, Coyote and the Moon pay special attention to the only survivor of a blazing fire, Tali Nohkati, as the child takes his first steps. At the end of a long journey rich in animal encounters that takes him from the White Land to the Land of the Red Earth, Tali is finally adopted by a tribe.

After saving Nuttah from the sacrifice of the Morning Star, Tali seeks refuge in the mangrove close to Hitchiti the Alligator and Raven the Raven where Cagama the Turtle advises them to go to sea. In the heavenly light of the island of Cagama, they taste the true happiness of starting a family and of living in harmony with a tribe. However, all hell breaks loose as Huracan is unleashed, its violent winds destroying their piece of paradise and taking everything in their path, men and destinies alike...

Set in modern-day Tokyo, The Butterfly Café tells the story of American Jessie Yamada. When her emotionally-abusive husband suddenly dies in a traffic accident, she is overcome with guilt because while making plans to leave him, she had often thought how much easier it would be for her if he were dead. Those feelings quickly shift to shock and anger after discovering her entire marriage had been built upon secrets and lies. Jessie unexpectedly inherits a dilapidated café full of cats, where with the help of old friends and quirky neighbors, she constructs a new life for herself and her daughter. But just when things finally seem to be going right, a twist of fate forces her to make a decision that will have a far-reaching impact on herself and all the people she loves.

The Butterfly Café explores issues such as friendship, family, and love. It shows how second chances at happiness can be found in unexpected ways.

"DeConna leaves it to the reader to ponder whether the value of truth always outweighs its cost." –Carolyn Geduld, author of The Struggle

Jenny Smith, a young journalist, secures a career-making interview with a famous but reclusive author, AJ Kenton. Jenny's time with Mr. Kenton, however, is not spent in her asking questions but in his telling one last story.

During three afternoons, Kenton describes a pivotal point in his life. As a twelve year old, he went door to door in his neighborhood and sold packets of flower seeds. His goal was to earn a prize from the seed company's catalog. His memories reveal the hidden struggles of middle-class life in the early 1960s, a time that many people living today picture as ideal. When neighbors invite AJ into their homes, they also invite him into their private worlds of successes, failures, and dreams. At the same time, AJ discovers his true talents, and he faces the dysfunction that may tear his family apart.

By experiencing an intimate look at a cross-section of American life from the past, Jenny realizes how our present American life is painfully similar. Ultimately, she must decide whether to unmask harsh realities or to maintain pleasant illusions.