Sneak Peek: BROADWAY BUTTERFLY by Sara DiVello

28 June 2023

New York in the Roaring Twenties—a riveting true-crime novel, based on one of the most notorious unsolved murders of the era, where power, politics, and secrets conspire to bury the truth.

Manhattan, 1923. Scandalous flapper Dot King is found dead in her Midtown apartment, a bottle of chloroform beside her and a fortune in jewels missing. Dot’s headline-making murder grips the city. It also draws a clutch of lovers, parasites, and justice seekers into one of the city’s most mesmerizing mysteries.

Among them: Daily News crime reporter Julia Harpman, chasing the story while navigating a male-dominated industry; righteous NYPD detective John D. Coughlin, struggling against city corruption; and Ella Bradford, the victim’s Harlem maid, closest confidante, and keeper of secrets. Adding fuel to the already volatile crime: a politically connected Philadelphia socialite, an Atlantic City bootlegger, Dot’s dicey gigolo lover, a sultry Broadway dancer, and a cagey sugar daddy guarding secrets of his own.

From Broadway’s glittering lights to its sordid underbelly to the machinations of the country’s most powerful men, Julia embarks on a quest for justice. What she discovers, twist after breathtaking twist, might be even more nefarious than murder.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Sara DiVello is a true-crime novelist and the creator/host of the Mystery and Thriller Mavens Author Interview Series. She also serves as the director of social media strategy for the International Thriller Writers association. Sara has appeared on CBS, ABC, and CNBC, as well as in the New York Times, Forbes, the San Francisco Chronicle, and more. Her articles have been published in Marie Claire, Elle, Redbook, Cosmopolitan, and Woman’s Day, as well as in other outlets. In her spare time, Sara loves to cook (and eat!), garden, and go for leisurely walks with her husband and their beloved rescue mutt, Peluda.

She runs the Mystery and Thriller Mavens Facebook group, a free online book group where readers can continue the conversation, enter giveaways, request their favorite authors, submit questions in advance, and dish about their latest reads and favorite books. All are welcome.

www.saradivello.com

www.mysteryandthrillermavens.com

Facebook.com/AuthorSaraDiVello

Instagram: @saradivello

Twitter: @SaraDiVello

Women Mean Business: Celebrate the Wisdoms from over 100 Inspiring Leaders

Jocie McKade

27 June 2023

Andrews McMeel Publishing (AMP) will release Women Mean Business: Over 500 Insights from Extraordinary Leaders to Spark Your Success by Edie Fraser, one of the most influential women in business today, Robyn Freedman Spizman, New York Times bestselling author and veteran media personality, and Andi Simon, PhD, award-winning corporate anthropologist and author, announced Kirsty Melville, AMP President and Publisher. Women Mean Business shares over 500 wisdoms from more than 100 female change makers, who offer comprehensive guidance on the most important things women need to know about modern leadership. The book will be published on September 26, 2023.

Women Mean Business features learnings from a never-before assembled sisterhood of women dedicated to the mission of helping women achieve the most of their potential in professional and personal arenas. The book features the top five lessons learned from the individual contributors, which include executives such as Carol B. Tomé, CEO of UPS, innovators, entrepreneurs such as Kay Unger, CEO of Kay Unger Design, and activists such as Lilly Ledbetter, who raised global awareness about equal pay for work.

Inspirational and aspirational, Women Mean Business has received early praise from Billie Jean King, founder of the Women’s Tennis Association and a champion of racial and gender equity. “This is the century of women, and the trailblazers in this book are dedicated to championing equal pay, parity, and positions for all women. Their insight and wisdom can be a valuable tool for success and advancement in your own journey,” said King. It also has been lauded by Robert Reiss, CEO of CEO Forum, as the “one book you should read all year…the wisdom from these women is extraordinary.”

Co-author Edie Fraser adds, “The women in this book remind us that giving, sharing, and activating others mobilizes people so we all move further, faster, together. We believe that with each turn of the page, readers are empowered to change their lives. This book shares the most inspiring revelations and wisdoms for all women to use in their professional and personal lives. Women mean business and business needs women. With many business organization CEOs profiled, we salute them all and cite what Sandra Quince, CEO of Paradigm for Parity, shares and others all chime in, ‘Lift As You Climb.’ These women leave such strong legacies.”

Women Mean Business: Over 500 Insights from Extraordinary Leaders to Spark Your Success is available for pre-order wherever books are sold. For more information on the book and to find links for pre-order, please visit https://publishing.andrewsmcmeel.com/women-mean-business.

A Brand New Western::: The Brand of Brotherhood From T.D. Zummack

Jocie McKade

27 June 2023

The Brand of Brotherhood By T.D. Zummack

The Brand of Brotherhood, T.D. Zummack’s second novel, is a classic Wild West adventure about two brothers who find themselves on opposite sides of the law

The Brand of Brotherhood from Endless Sky Books, the second novel by Saskatchewan writer T.D. Zummack, author of the detective thriller Amazing Grace, tells the exciting tale of two young brothers, orphaned on the way to California, who grow up in the care of a gunfighter and ultimately find themselves on the opposite side of the law.

“I’ve always enjoyed tales of the Old West, and The Brand of Brotherhood offers a memorable one with well-developed characters and plenty of adventure,” says Edward Willett, editor and publisher of Endless Sky Books. “I’m excited to share it with readers.”

“The publication of The Brand of Brotherhood is very exciting for me,” says Zummack. “The fact that it is a second published book helps legitimize for me the choice I made when I began my journey to becoming an author.”

The Brand of Brotherhood can be ordered through most bookstores, online or off, in ebook and print formats. It can also be purchased directly from Endless Sky Books at www.endless-sky-books.com.

More about the book

Two brothers on opposite sides of the law . . .

Life is hard in 1869 Nebraska for the Warner family and brothers Colt and Brick. After the tragic loss of their mother, their father decides to take his sons west to California–but he dies along the way, leaving Colt and Brick, aged just twelve and ten, to finish the trip and fend for themselves in the Wild West.

With the help of a former gunfighter, Jim Borden, the pair forge their way together–until Brick decides to become an outlaw.

After years on opposite sides of the law, the two find themselves locked in a showdown where they must decide what matters more: following their own paths or their shared bond of brotherhood.

About the Author

The Brand of Brotherhood is the second novel for T.D. Zummack, who is also the author of the thriller Amazing Grace. A member of the Saskatchewan Writers’ Guild, he spent his adolescence reading authors such as Agatha Christie and Louis L’ Amour and his adulthood reading true crime. You can find any and all author-related information at his website, tdzummack.com, as well as short stories he’s written on the platform page vocal.media/authors/t-d-zummack.

He is a true crime and mystery nerd and when not writing can be found lounging around his house in Regina, Saskatchewan with his family and their pets.

New Book Masterfully Tells the Stories Revealed by WWII Bomber Jacket Art

Jocie McKade

27 June 2023

Bomber jackets from WWII, adorned with artwork from the airmen who wore them, has been captured in a new book by award-winning photographer John Slemp. Available here: Bomber Boys – WWII Flight Jacket Art is the most comprehensive visual record of A-2 jackets ever produced. Over 100 jackets are depicted representing all theaters of the war, including jackets from museums such as the Smithsonian Air and Space, National Museum of the United States Air Force, the 390^thMemorial Museum, and from private collections. In combination with the art on the jackets, artifacts and personal accounts reveal each airman’s journey in the U.S. Army Air Corps.

Author John Slemp presents WWII Veteran Ret. Lt. Col. Orrin Brown, Jr. with his new book, Bomber Boys – WWII Flight Jacket Art. Col Brown, a bombardier whose portrait is in the book, is the last surviving member of the original Carpetbagger unit that flew top secret missions dropping supplies behind enemy lines. He currently lives in Opelika, AL and is 103.

The 12 x 12, 398-page coffee-table book captures the imaginations of those unfamiliar with military folk art. Jackets, including actor Jimmy Stewart’s, will fascinate readers with stories and contemporary portraits of pilots, crew, and even a member of the original top-secret Carpetbagger unit who dropped supplies behind enemy lines. Given the collectible nature of the jackets, chapters written by experts in the fields of collecting, conservation, and fashion are included. To aid the novice, there are six beautiful illustrations of WWII aircraft, including a dustcover surprise.

Slemp commented, “Initially I was drawn to the artwork and symbology. As the number of jackets photographed grew, the stories of the owners began to weigh more heavily. The emotion these jackets engender has been nothing short of astounding. To illustrate that point the daughter of a WWII flyer who, during an early exhibition of the work, stood in front of a print of her Dad’s jacket for almost two hours. Upon departure and in a quivering voice, she told me that I had no idea what it meant to her.”

With over 50 five-star reviews, perhaps one sums it up best, “You’ve made a book that is important to military and US history that reaches us on a very personal level and you did it with great artistry.” The book is suitable for middle-school and up and serves as an immersive introduction to understanding the experiences of WWII.

www.WWIIBomberBoys.com

Turn the Pages Partners with CAN TV to Expand Access to Book Reviews

Jocie McKade

26 June 2023

Turn the Pages, a leading platform for book reviews and literary recommendations, is thrilled to announce its collaboration with CAN TV, a prominent television network with a wide reach in Chicago neighborhoods. This collaboration aims to connect with over one million viewers each month, promoting awareness of Turn the Pages and the invaluable book reviews it provides.

One of the primary objectives of this collaboration is to facilitate educators in finding suitable books for their students in the classroom. By working closely with CAN TV, Turn the Pages will gain access to a network of educators who can benefit from the platform’s extensive catalog of book reviews. The collaboration aims to support teachers in their efforts to enrich their students’ learning experiences by recommending relevant and engaging literature.

“We are excited to join forces with CAN TV to expand the impact of Turn the Pages,” said Jordan Rivers, founder of Turn the Pages. “Working together allows us to connect with a diverse audience and empower educators with valuable resources to enhance their students’ educational journeys.”

Through this collaboration, Turn the Pages will be able to reach a larger community of authors seeking assistance with marketing their books. By providing free book reviews, Turn the Pages aims to support authors in reaching a wider audience and gaining valuable exposure. The platform’s commitment to nurturing literary talent aligns seamlessly with CAN TV’s mission to promote local artistic endeavors.

“We believe in the power of literature to inspire, educate, and transform lives,” added Rivers. “By partnering with CAN TV, we can amplify our efforts and provide authors with the platform they need to showcase their work to a broader audience.”

CAN TV, with its extensive viewership and influence in the Chicago community, offers a unique opportunity for Turn the Pages to connect with a vast and diverse audience. This venture will enable Turn the Pages to share book reviews, author interviews, and literary recommendations with over one million viewers each month. This collaboration will not only raise awareness about Turn the Pages but also inspire individuals to explore new literary worlds and engage with the rich tapestry of stories available.

About Turn the Pages:

Turn the Pages is a leading online platform dedicated to providing insightful book reviews and literary recommendations. With a mission to celebrate literature and connect readers with meaningful stories, Turn the Pages offers a wide range of book reviews across various genres. The platform is committed to supporting both established and emerging authors by providing valuable marketing assistance, including free book reviews.

About CAN TV:

CAN TV is a prominent television network in Chicago, dedicated to amplifying diverse voices and local artistic endeavors. With a broad viewership, CAN TV provides a platform for community-based content and empowers individuals to share their stories, experiences, and perspectives.

DO NOT DISCARD – New Book Chronicles Journey of Orphan Thrown in the Trash as a Baby

Jocie McKade

26 June 2023

Do Not Discard is a new book by Chicago author, Marlene Byrne, based on the true-life story of Sam, an orphan who was thrown in the trash as an infant. The book chronicles Sam’s story from a garbage dump in El Salvador as he rises above adversity in an orphanage and the streets of El Salvador to attend college in Chicago.

His journey is long, challenging, and sometimes dangerous. He is discarded. He is shot. He is a runaway. He falls in love. You will come to understand his resilience, empathize with his circumstances, and celebrate his triumphs. Sam’s journey is as inspirational as it is real.

A central focus of the book is the significance of having dreams and reaching for your goals. By weaving Sam’s story, author Marlene Byrne shows readers that they can overcome even the most difficult of circumstances. The story inspires us all to find our dream and take control of our destiny.

“I focus my writing on inspirational stories. Sam’s journey shows us all the importance of dreaming big,” said Byrne. “Be inspired to never give up on your dreams by Sam’s true-life story.”

Do Not Discard, Byrne’s eighth book, continues her focus on writing good stories based on real life achievements. Her prior book, Music Has Legs (2021, co-written with David Haznaw) is another inspirational story based on Juan Manuel Pineda’s journey to Chicago to receive treatment at Shriners Hospital. Do Not Discard is available on Amazon in both e-book and paperback.

About Marlene Byrne

Marlene Byrne has been writing, in one form or another, her whole life. As CEO of Celtic Chicago, a full-service advertising agency, she used her writing skills for clients. Now she focuses her efforts on writing books and telling inspiring stories. Byrne has three adult children and lives in Chicago with her husband. Her work is published through Good Stories Publishing.

More information on Marlene Byrne and her work can be found at www.marlenebyrne.com or at www.goodstoriespublishing.com. Author interviews available upon request.

SOULWORM From Edward Willett

Jocie McKade

26 June 2023

SOULWORM From Edward Willett

Soulworm, the debut novel of Edward Willett, now the award-winning author of more than twenty novels and twice that many nonfiction books, has just been made available once more in a new edition from Shadowpaw Press Reprise.

A young adult fantasy novel, Soulworm was originally published by Royal Fireworks Press in 1997, and was shortlisted for the Best First Book award at that year’s Saskatchewan Book Awards. It was written in the 1980s while Willett was news editor of the Weyburn Review newspaper, and is set in Weyburn in 1984—which nowadays gives it a Stranger Things vibe, although at the time it was a present-day tale.

“I’m thrilled to have my first published novel available again for the enjoyment of a whole new generation of readers,” Willett says. “I enjoyed re-reading and (lightly) revising it—it was like visiting an old friend I hadn’t seen for a while.”

The story

For years, Liothel has waited in vain for her powers to manifest themselves, so that she can become a full-blown Warder, defender of the realm of Mykia from the mind-controlling spirit creatures known as soulworms. But when a soulworm escapes from the Warden’s citadel through a magical portal into the parallel world of Earth, it is her spirit that, entirely by accident, is sent in pursuit.

She finds herself, a helpless, unsuspected observer, in the mind of Maribeth, a teenage girl in the small Canadian prairie city of Weyburn, Saskatchewan, in 1984—and discovers the soulworm has possessed Maribeth’s best friend, Christine.

Somehow, she must find a way to save Earth from the plague of death and destruction the soulworm and its offspring will release if allowed to spread across the unprotected planet. Only she knows the danger—and only she can stop it.

Critical praise

“A wonderfully entertaining, imaginative, and well-crafted book for young adults . . . This book is well-paced and controlled and never becomes moralistic . . . A great read! Highly recommended.” – Saskatchewan Book Award Judges

About the author

Edward Willett is the award-winning author of more than sixty books of science fiction, fantasy, and non-fiction for readers of all ages, including the Worldshapers series and the Masks of Agyrima trilogy (as E.C. Blake) for DAW Books and the YA fantasy series The Shards of Excalibur, originally published by Coteau Books. His most recent novel is the humorous space opera The Tangled Stars (DAW Books).

Willett won Canada’s top science fiction/fantasy award, the Aurora Award, for Best Long-Form Work in English in 2009 for Marseguro (DAW) and for Best Fan Related Work in 2019 for The Worldshapers podcast, and a Saskatchewan Book Award for Spirit Singer in 2002. He has been short-listed for Aurora and Saskatchewan Book Awards multiple times (most recently for his YA science fiction novel Star Song), and long-listed multiple times for the Sunburst Award for Excellence in Canadian Literature of the Fantastic.

He lives in Regina, Saskatchewan. Website: edwardwillett.com.

Talking with COUNTDOWN author Lynette Eason

Jocie McKade

26 June 2023

Welcome Lynette! Thanks for talking with us about your suspense, COUNTDOWN.

Let’s start with a quick look at your latest release.

Flight paramedic Raina Price’s past has marched back into her present—and it wants to kill her. A stalker who knows her well is determined to finish what he started, and US Marshal Vince Correlli vows to protect her at all costs—even if it ends his career.

Your female protagonist, Raina Price, has a secretive past. Can you please provide some insight about why she had to go into hiding?

She made some lousy choices as a teenager. One of those choices led her to juvie, where she met the other heroines in the series, but one particular bad choice led her to get involved with a man who was a narcissistic sociopath. With this guy threatening those she loved, her only recourse, she felt, was to drop off the face of the planet and go into hiding.

Vincent Corelli vows to protect Raina at all costs. How has his job as a US Marshal provided him with the skill set to see this through?

Well, that’s what a Marshal is trained for, right? Protecting those who need it? So, he simply transfers his training to Raina to keep her safe.

Countdown is the final book in the Extreme Measure series. What is the connecting element for all the books in this series?

The connecting element for all the books is the four heroines who met in juvie as teens.

Will characters from previous books in the series make appearances in your new novel?

They do. I always love bringing back previous characters and catching up with what’s going on in their lives. The readers enjoy it too.

Are there any threads that run through the whole series that will be wrapped up in this book?

No, each book can be read as a stand-alone. All threads are wrapped up in each book.

What was the inspiration for this series?

I have a lot of brainstorming buddies, but I have to give credit to my editor, Andrea Doering, for this idea. She threw out a little spark of an idea, and I managed to fan it into a flame that became the series.

Did you have a favorite character in Countdown?

I really love Raina. She was terrified on so many levels but displayed such courage to fight back against her abuser and stalker. I respected her a lot and was thrilled to be able to give her a happy ending.

Countdown is set in Asheville, North Carolina. Why did you choose this setting?

Asheville, North Carolina, is one of my favorite places on earth. I love the mountains, I love small towns on the outskirts of big cities, I just love it all. And I spend a lot of time there. So, I often set my books in the mountains of North Carolina.

What do you hope readers will gain from reading Countdown?

I hope they will be thoroughly entertained for several hours, and if something in the spiritual element connects with them, then that’s always a wonderful thing.

How can readers connect with you?

I’m on Facebook at www.facebook.com/lynette.eason and Twitter @lynetteeason and Instagram @lynetteeason. My website is www.lynetteeason.com.

Thank you so much for joining us today, Lynette!!

Readers, here’s a look at COUNTDOWN:::

A stalker who wants to finish what he started. A US Marshal who’s vowed to protect his charge. And one woman who is determined to put the past in the past.

Flight paramedic Raina Price has been running so long it’s hard to stop. To escape a dangerous stalker, she changed her name and disappeared, building a new life with the help of a friend from her time in juvie. It feels good to put her energies into saving people’s lives, but because her stalker was never found, she’s never stopped looking over her shoulder. And one can only run so far before the past finally catches up.

US Marshal Vincent Corelli’s job is to hunt down fugitives and protect those who are assigned to him. When Raina is almost killed right in front of him, he vows to protect her at all costs–whether it’s his job or not. Together they work to solve the mystery of Raina’s past. But someone is out to make sure Raina doesn’t live long enough to do it.

Countdown is the breathless conclusion to USA Today bestselling author Lynette Eason’s thrilling Extreme Measures series.

hoopla Digital Launches New Manga Experience

Jocie McKade

25 June 2023

hoopla Digital, the only all-in-one app for public libraries, is strengthening its leadership of the comics category among library digital platforms with the launch of its new manga offering.

Patrons of libraries that partner with hoopla can immediately access manga content for all ages and reading abilities. Manga, which, in Japanese, is comprised of two characters: man 漫 meaning “whimsical” and ga 画 meaning “pictures,” is known for its storytelling and unique art style.

Manga is distinct from other comics styles, as it is read right to left and back to front. Understanding the importance of this experience, hoopla has updated its exclusive ActionView functionality to allow readers to be fully immersed in the action in the traditional order. hoopla’s unique ActionView brings comics, and now manga, to life by taking the reader through the story panel-by-panel, allowing them to view the intricacies of the art and take in the story at their own pace.

“Interest in manga has grown globally, and we are excited to bring this category to our partner libraries and their patrons. At hoopla, we are comics enthusiasts, and being able to bring the experience of these amazing works to more people gets at the heart of our mission,” said hoopla Comics and Graphic Novels Marketing Lead, Ray Barry. “Those who tap into our manga offering will see the deep respect and appreciation we have for manga creators.”

The launch of manga on hoopla includes a distinct offering of popular series including Berserk, Aria: The Masterpiece, Gunsmith Cats, Oh My Goddess!, and Path of the Assassin.

These titles will be found in hoopla’s expansive comics section featuring various other collections of comics and graphic novels from renown publishers. Readers can also explore hoopla’s in-depth comics offerings and resources by engaging with the hoopla Graphic Novel Book Club.

At launch, hoopla’s manga offering includes content from Dark Horse Comics, TOKYOPOP, Fantagraphics, Titan Comics, and Ablaze Comics, with titles coming soon from Media Do International. Media Do’s initial content will include publishers Manga Classics, Saturday AM, UDON Entertainment, VAST Visual and more. The offering will grow quickly, with new titles being added weekly. By year’s end, thousands of titles are expected, as well as new partnerships with prominent manga publishers.

“We are excited to make our manga content available to libraries and patrons of all ages,” said Media Do International CEO Daihei Shiohama. “This partnership will fuel wider access to our manga titles and the category at large and provide an amazing array of storytelling and creativity to readers.”

hoopla offers 24/7 access to borrow, download, and stream more than 1.3 million eBooks, audiobooks, comics, movies, music albums, television episodes, and more through hoopla BingePass, all with a valid library card from a participating public library. Librarians interested in offering hoopla to patrons should contact 800-875-2785 (US), 866-698-2231 (Canada), or (02) 4732-3480 (Australia and New Zealand).

To access content on hoopla, cardholders of participating libraries can download the free hoopla mobile app on their Android or iOS device or visit hoopladigital.com. hoopla is in more than 9,500 public libraries across the U.S., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, including Chicago Public Library, San Francisco Public Library and Los Angeles Public Library. Visit hoopladigital.com to find out if your library partners with hoopla.

About hoopla Digital
hoopla is a category-creating service that partners with public libraries across North America, Australia, and New Zealand to provide online and mobile access to thousands of movies, TV shows, music albums, eBooks, audiobooks, and comics. With hoopla Digital, patrons can borrow, instantly stream, and download dynamic content with a valid library card. All content is accessible via hoopla Digital’s mobile app and online at hoopladigital.com. hoopla Digital is a service of Midwest Tape, a trusted partner to public libraries for over 30 years.

OUT OF THE BOX A childrens book of discovery By Lucia Matuonto

Jocie McKade

25 June 2023

Out of The Box By Lucia Matuonto

A fun and engaging children’s book about discovering new places, friendship, and exploring our wonderful world!

Welcome to Grey City! This is a city surrounded by walls with no trees, but full of factories, smog and dirt.

Brother and sister Noah and Mila have lived here their whole life.

On their daily walk, their dog Buster digs a hole under the city’s walls and escapes to the other side. Noah and Mila follow him and see a whole new world outside the little box they’ve grown up in. They discover the beautiful Green Town.

There they encounter new faces like Ali and Carol who show them what it’s like to breathe clean air, ride a bicycle and see trees everywhere you go.

Why have Noah and Mila never heard of Green Town before?

Out of the Box is the story of an adventure and discovery that allows children to connect with the environment through the eyes of Noah and Mila.

It shows us the importance of greener living and how pushing for change is possible!

Out of The Box: A New World: Matuonto, Lucia, Tirado, Gabriella, Hafez, Maya, V, Hani: 9781954137462: Amazon.com: Books

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Lucia Matuonto is a bestselling author, host at The Relatable Voice Podcast and Uncut with Lucia by Worldauthors.org and children’s physiotherapist. Lucia’s writing journey started about 20 years ago when she wrote articles for magazines and had a successful blog. She was born in Brazil, studied and lived in 6 countries. Lucia Matuonto used to teach and treat children with motor and cognitive disabilities. The children she met inspired her to create an imaginary world, full of animals and fantasy. By observing the beach fauna in Florida, Lucia developed her characters, who are now present in many children’s lives.

https://www.luciamatuonto.com/

https://www.worldauthors.org/

@therelatablevoice

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