Sneak Peek: Gingerbread Danger by Amanda Flower

14 September 2024

Amanda Flower’s USA Today bestselling Amish Candy Shop Mysteries combines a fascinating look at Amish life with the sugar rush of candy making, a quirky whodunit, and a hint of romance between chocolatier Bailey King and her law enforcer boyfriend. This eighth installment raises the charm even more, as Christmas preparations are underway in the small town of Harvest, Ohio.

Amish Candy shop owner and star of TV’s Bailey’s Amish Sweets, Bailey King has a lot to be excited about. She’s happily engaged to Aiden Brody, newly appointed county sheriff, and her candy factory is finally having its grand opening in Harvest, Ohio—just before Christmas! Bailey is ready to let the sweet celebrations
begin . . .

With the help of local community organizer Margot Rawlings, Harvest will have a Candy Land themed Christmas on the village square—featuring Bailey’s recently perfected recipe for gingerbread men. When the big day comes, everything is going well—until bitter news arrives. One of Bailey’s Amish friends has been killed in an apparent accident just outside the candy factory. Aiden is promptly on the case—with more than a little input from Bailey . . .

Together, they soon learn that the victim was working for some powerful men in the county, and in doing so was spying on his own Amish community. Still, Bailey is determined to find the perpetrator. If she can’t cut out the killer from the rest of the suspects, her gingerbread men won’t be the only ones in danger of disappearing . . .

CHRIS ROBERSON AND MICHAEL AVON OEMING UNVEIL THE SHADOW OF THE GOLDEN CRANE

Jocie McKade

13 September 2024

Chris Roberson and Michael Avon Oeming Unveil The Shadow of the Golden Crane
B.P.R.D. Agent Sue Xiang Takes Center Stage in a Four-issue Standalone Hellboy Universe Series

Acclaimed writer and iZombie creator Chris Roberson is teaming up with superstar artist Michael Avon Oeming (Blue Book, Powers) for The Shadow of the Golden Crane, an all-new Hellboy Universe mini-series. In this four issue series, a mysterious B.P.R.D. case forces Agent Sue Xiang to dive into the history of the secretive Golden Crane Society… and her own complicated family history.

“As far back as Hellboy and the B.P.R.D.: 1953 we have teased the idea that there is some connection between Susan Xiang, an agent of the B.P.R.D. with psychic abilities, and an organization called the Golden Crane Society, a secret society that protected the people of China from otherworldly threats for centuries. Susan was raised on stories of the Golden Crane, and when she was seven there was an incident involving her uncle and some jiangshi (Chinese ‘hopping vampires’) that we have so far only caught glimpses of. In The Shadow of the Golden Crane, we follow Susan and her fellow B.P.R.D. agents Hellboy and Victor Koestler as she uses her abilities to unlock the secrets of the Golden Crane Society. In each issue Susan relives the experiences of a different group of Golden Crane members at different points in history in a variety of locations in China and beyond, so that each chapter is essentially a standalone story that makes up one part of a larger narrative. And in the end, Susan discovers that she and her family might be more closely connected to the legacy of the Golden Crane than she ever imagined.”

Former FBI Analyst Sue Xiang’s psychic intuition and keen investigative skills helped Hellboy and the B.P.R.D solve numerous paranormal mysteries throughout the 1950s. Now, in The Shadow of the Golden Crane she sets out on her first solo adventure to investigate a paranormal puzzle involving the mysterious Golden Crane Society and her own family’s connection to the occult organization.

“When I turned 50, I reflected on my career and what else I wanted to do,” said Oeming. “Working more on the Hellboy Universe was at the top of my list. So, when I reached out to Mike and Dark Horse, I was thrilled to be assigned to work on Susan Xiang with Chris Roberson. I jumped right into sketching as soon as I got the assignment. Chris wrote a fantastic series that’s easy to dive into, even if you’re a casual Hellboy fan—it’s fully accessible and packed with spooky action.”

The stand-alone series is written by Roberson with covers and interior art from Oeming, with lettering by Clem Robins. The Shadow of the Golden Crane #1 will be available in comic shops on January 15, 2025 from Dark Horse Comics.

Be sure to follow DarkHorseComics on social media and check our website, www.darkhorse.com for more news, announcements, and updates.

About Mike Mignola
Mike Mignola’s fascination with ghosts and monsters began at an early age; reading Dracula at age twelve introduced him to Victorian literature and folklore, from which he has never recovered. Starting in 1982 as a bad inker for Marvel Comics, he swiftly evolved into a not-so-bad artist. By the late 1980s, he had begun to develop his own unique graphic style, with mainstream projects like Cosmic Odyssey and Batman:Gotham by Gaslight. In 1994, he published the first Hellboy series through Dark Horse.There are thirteen Hellboy graphic novels (with more on the way), several spin-off titles (B.P.R.D., Lobster Johnson, Abe Sapien, and Sir Edward Grey: Witchfinder), prose books, animated films, and two live-action films starring Ron Perlman. Along the way he worked on Francis Ford Coppola’s film Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992), was a production designer for Disney’s Atlantis: The Lost Empire (2001), and was the visual consultant to director Guillermo del Toro on Blade II (2002), Hellboy (2004), and Hellboy II: The Golden Army (2008). Mike’s books have earned numerous awards and are published in a great many countries. Mike lives in Southern California with his wife, daughter, and cat.

About Chris Roberson
Chris Roberson is the co-creator with artist Michael Allred of iZombie, the basis of the hit CW television series, and the writer of several New York Times best-selling Cinderella miniseries set in the world of Bill Willingham’s Fables. He is also the co-creator of Edison Rex with artist Dennis Culver, and the co-writer of Hellboy and the B.P.R.D, Witchfinder, Rise of the Black Flame, and other titles set in the world of Mike Mignola’s Hellboy. In addition to his numerous comics projects, Roberson has written more than a dozen novels and three dozen short stories, and has been a finalist for the World Fantasy Award four times; twice a finalist for the John W. Campbell Award for Best New Writer; three times a finalist for the Eisner Awards; and has won the Sidewise Award for Best Alternate History in both the Short Form and Novel categories. He lives with a teenager, two cats, and far too many books in Portland, Orego

Sneak Peek: Dearest by Jacquie Walters

Jocie McKade

13 September 2024

Dearest by Jacquie Walters

A new mom in need of help opens her door to her long-estranged mother—only to invite something much darker inside—in this “fast-paced and frightening debut” (Rachel Harrison) about the long shadows cast by family secrets, perfect for readers of Grady Hendrix or Ashley Audrain.

Flora is a new mom enamored of her baby girl, Iris, who has arrived a few weeks early. But with her husband still deployed, Flora must navigate the newborn stage alone. As the sleepless nights pass in the loneliness of their half-empty home, the edges of her reality begin to blur.

Just as Flora becomes convinced she is losing her mind, a surprising guest shows up to help: Flora’s own mother, to whom she hasn’t spoken in years. Can they mend their fraught relationship? Or is there more that Flora’s mother isn’t telling her about the events that led to their estrangement?

As stranger and scarier events unfold, Flora begins to fear that her mother’s secrets have allowed something truly evil to enter her home. She must decide: is her hold on reality slipping dangerously away? Or is she, in fact, the only thing standing between a terrifying visitor and her baby?

Callum Walker and The Fractured Veil by J.M. Shaw

Jocie McKade

13 September 2024

Callum Walker and The Fractured Veil by J.M. Shaw

Callum Walker triumphed over the darkest of evils but, in doing so, the veil separating humankind from the magical realm was damaged. To protect humanity, Callum patrols the border to prevent malicious vagrants from wreaking havoc. Realizing his self-assigned task is impossible and, after failing to garner support from his elven allies, Callum sets out to repair the fractured veil…alone.

After the veil’s near collapse, Neola, the goddess of the veil, calls upon her demigod son, Jax Foster, to determine if the responsible one poses any further threat to the barrier. Jax finds Callum and accosts him for answers, seriously injuring him in the process. Learning that they are both protecting the veil, Jax atones by forcing Callum to accept help, and their friendship develops.

Meanwhile, the Harpies resent the warlock’s previous escape from their clutches. They manipulate the goddesses of vengeance and retribution, the Furies, into effecting their revenge. As Callum begins to heal, the Furies abduct and pronounce him guilty of the Harpies’ fabricated crimes. While the warlock endures gruesome tortures, Jax seeks to rescue Callum and risks punishment for past misdeeds.

Callum’s deliverance carries a heavy cost, and his experience leaves him broken. Recovery takes time, but the warlock now has a valuable friend in Jax, and the demigod harbors a hopeful secret for their future.

The Fractured Veil : SHAW, J. M.: Amazon.ca: Books

“I absolutely loved the 3rd book on the Callum Walker series. I had a hard time putting it down. I really want to know what happens next for Callum, Jax and some of the other characters. I love how the author creates and develops her stories. I can’t wait until the 4th book comes out ”_Guardian, Amazon Reviewer

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

J.M. Shaw lives in Airdrie, Alberta, with her husband and two young children. She and her family embarked upon a journey of understanding, acceptance, and life-long learning when they discovered their shared diagnosis of autism and ADHD. Writing is her passion and, with experience and interests in healthcare, psychology, martial arts, and personal training, she pours her unique insights and knowledge into all her creative fictions.

Sneak Peek: BAD REPUTATION by Emma Barry

Jocie McKade

12 September 2024

BAD REPUTATION by Emma Barry

In this whip-smart workplace romance from the author of Chick Magnet, a former teen star and an accidental intimacy coordinator have a plan to fix their images—and falling in love would ruin everything.

Emma Barry is the romance author you need to read. She is a talented writer and storyteller who crafts a contemporary romance that is a well-written, unputdownable book with the signature elements of a good rom-com. She creates relatable characters, describes lively settings that set the right mood, and best of all she imagines an engrossing, slow-burn romance that is absolutely swoon-worthy. If you’re looking for a great read after devouring Bridgerton Season 3, you should add her latest stand-alone release, BAD REPUTATION (Montlake; October 1, 2024) to your TBR list this
Fall.

BAD REPUTATION is set in the world of Hollywood and filmmaking and is about getting a do-over on your career when everyone thinks they know who you are, but you know that they’re wrong. Cole James’s reputation as Hollywood’s favorite himbo no longer suits him. His fans can’t separate the real man from the character he played on a soapy teen drama decades ago. But that’s going to change with Waverley, the hit streaming historical romance series (think Bridgerton or Outlander).

Maggie Niven hates her own notoriety. Fired for directing a divisive play, Maggie takes her fight against censorship public. When Hollywood comes calling, she becomes the new intimacy coordinator for Waverley. But it’s harder than she imagined to focus on the job.
Cole isn’t what she expected—and Maggie is more than he dreamed of. As filming gets underway, the cast’s old traumas lead to real intimacy, and Cole and Maggie struggle with feelings they shouldn’t have.

Having an affair on set could destroy his comeback and her new career.
The show must go on. But if Cole and Maggie want a happy ending, they’ll have to start doing things their own way.

For fans of romance novels by the likes of Christina Lauren, Ali Hazelwood, Kate Clayborn, Kate Canterbary and Lucy Parker, BAD REPUTATION is a must-read that will pull you in from the first page and will keep you reading until Happily Ever After.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Emma Barry is a teacher, novelist, former political staffer, and recovering academic. Emma lives with her high school sweetheart and a menagerie of pets and children in Virginia, where she occasionally finds time to read and write. You can visit her on the web at
www.authoremmabarry.com.

NAMI Releases Second Book in the “You Are Not Alone” Series for Parents & Caregivers

Jocie McKade

11 September 2024

Today, the National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI) released its second-ever book, “You Are Not Alone for Parents and Caregivers: The NAMI Guide to Navigating Your Child’s Mental Health―With Advice from Experts and Wisdom from Real Families.” The book, written by NAMI Associate Medical Director and child psychiatrist Christine M. Crawford, MD, M.P.H., was published by Zando.

“You Are Not Alone” provides a comprehensive, compassionate, and practical resource for anyone concerned about a child or young adult’s mental health. The book channels the collective wisdom of the NAMI community, sharing 80 personal stories of parents, caregivers, and the voices of young people that will help adults understand their perspectives.

The book is available at major retailers, including Amazon, Target, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, and Bookshop.org, along with independent booksellers. All royalties will support NAMI’s mission of education, support, and advocacy for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness.

Dr. Crawford, a parent herself, draws on her personal and clinical experience, and guidance from leading experts to provide a lens through which readers will gain an understanding of the many factors affecting young people’s mental health. She shares insights into how mental health conditions may manifest at different ages, what kind of interventions may be necessary, what to do to help kids thrive, and much more

“A growing number of children and teens in the U.S. are struggling with mental health conditions but parents, teachers, and other caregivers are often at a loss when concerns arise for a child they care about. The road to recovery can be difficult to navigate and it is my goal that this book will serve as an empowering and helpful resource, letting parents and caregivers know that they are not alone in this journey,” said Crawford.

This book is the second in the “You Are Not Alone” series. The first book, “You Are Not Alone: The NAMI Guide to Navigating Mental Health―With Advice from Experts and Wisdom from Real People and Families,” written by NAMI Chief Medical Officer, Ken Duckworth, MD, is an essential tool for individuals and families seeking expert guidance on diagnosis, treatment, and recovery for mental health conditions. Like the second book, it features inspiring and true stories from real people in their own words. Select stories from those interviewed in the “You Are Not Alone” series can be found here.

“I’m glad we can continue the ‘You Are Not Alone’ conversation with this book. This resource is going to be incredibly important to parents and caregivers as they help the children in their lives manage mental health conditions. Crawford is such an impactful voice for children’s mental health, and I am proud that NAMI can continue to share these powerful stories with those who need them,” said Duckworth.

The book has received praise from noted authors and experts in the mental health field, including:

“‘You are Not Alone’ is the beacon of hope parents and caregivers need…. Every physician and mental health provider should keep copies of this book to give parents when these issues arise; the insights and hope this book provides will be a powerful tool in the provider’s therapeutic toolkit.”
―Bruce D. Perry, M.D., Ph.D., author, with Oprah Winfrey, of the New York Times #1 bestseller “What Happened to You: Conversations on Trauma, Resilience and Healing”

“Makes the complex world of children’s mental health accessible to all while uplifting the voices and experiences of real parents and caregivers.”
―Jay Shetty, #1 New York Times bestselling author and host of the “On Purpose” podcast

Additional information on the second “You Are Not Alone” book, including early reviews, and online book purchase links are available at nami.org/book.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness.

Tatiana Marín Releases Tenth Book, “Under the Essence of the Heart” – A Soul-Stirring Collection of Poetry and Reflections

Jocie McKade

11 September 2024

Author Tatiana Marín is thrilled to announce the release of her tenth book, Under the Essence of the Heart. This latest work is a poignant collection of poems and life reflections that delves deeply into themes of love and nostalgia, inviting readers to explore the nuanced tapestry of human emotions.

Under the Essence of the Heart is a journey through the various stages of life, capturing the balance between personal experiences and universal truths. Marín’s new collection features a selection of evocative pieces that have been drawn from her extensive body of work in Spanish. This rich tapestry of literature offers a deep look into the diverse facets of human existence, reflecting Marín’s unique ability to resonate with readers on an emotional level.

“Under the Essence of the Heart is a labor of love and determination. It is an attempt to distill the profound and often fleeting moments of our lives into something tangible and relatable,” says Marín. “Through this collection, I hope to evoke a sense of shared humanity and allow readers to find their own reflections in my words.”

Tatiana Marín, a nationalized American who has made several contributions to the literary world, has consistently bridged cultural and linguistic boundaries with her work. Born with an early passion for art and literature, Marín emigrated to the United States, where she has since dedicated herself to her craft. Her literary career spans across multiple languages, including Spanish, English, and French, reflecting her broad and inclusive artistic vision.

Marín’s previous works have garnered acclaim in both the U.S. and Spain, and her poetry is known for its lyrical and evocative style. Her verses are a beautiful blend of delicacy and strength, immersing readers in a reflective and nostalgic atmosphere. Through her carefully chosen words and vivid imagery, Marín conveys deep emotions and awakens the senses, drawing readers into a space where they can empathize with the characters and experiences she weaves on the page.

Under the Essence of the Heart is available for purchase on Amazon and with Barnes & Noble in English and French in over 40 thousand bookstores worldwide. For those interested in exploring the depths of Marín’s poetic universe, this collection promises to be a moving experience.

About Tatiana Marín
Tatiana Marín is a celebrated author known for her evocative poetry and insightful reflections on love, life, and human emotion. With works published in Spanish, English, and French, Marín’s writing transcends borders and languages, offering a universal appeal through its lyrical beauty and emotional depth. She resides in the United States and continues to contribute to the literary world with her poignant and introspective works.

Sneak Peek: Never Keep by Caroline Peckham, Susanne Valenti

Jocie McKade

11 September 2024

Never Keep by Caroline Peckham, Susanne Valenti

Fate doesn’t favour the wicked in the highly anticipated first installment in this brand new spin off series to the Booktok phenomenon, the Zodiac Academy series, from the Twisted Sisters and Amazon and Wall Street Journal #1 bestselling authors Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti.

The dragons are lost.
The elements are at war. Enlisting isn’t optional.
And I’m falling for a man who wants me dead.

I’m a wielder of hearts and summoner of corruption. Heir to nothing and born to a fool in the wrong damn month.

But I’m also one of only two Fae in this divided land of hellions who might be starting to see through the lies we’ve swallowed for so long.

In the year we turn twenty-one, conscripts from across the warring nations of air, fire, earth and water are sent to Never Keep – the only place in our besieged continent where our magic can be Awakened.

But something is wrong inside Never Keep. Something which might extend far beyond the reaches of this desolate fortress. Within the gothic walls of this frigid castle in the snow, we’re left to hold our own against the brutal Fae from the opposing lands.

The Reapers are merciless. The Royals are lying. The Werewolves run rampant and Vampires roam the wastelands in bloodthirsty covens. But even though death lurks in every shadow of the Keep, it’s the least of my worries.

I’m delving into secrets the stars don’t want me uncovering, making alliances with Fae born to be my enemy, falling for a sinner while promising my heart to a different heathen and somewhere amid it all, I’m supposed to win a war.

I thought the only thing I had to do was survive my magical instruction.

Turns out, fate doesn’t favour the wicked.

***This is an enemies to lovers romantasy series set in the same world as Zodiac Academy, but it’s a dark and villainous tale of its own. You haven’t met tainted souls like these before or enemies that hate each other as deeply as these characters do. Book 1 in the series will leave your heart raw and bloody. You’ll be left gasping for breath and aching for more of the twisted Fae who lurk between the pages and they might just be irredeemable…***

A Re-launch of Epic Proportions by Critically Acclaimed Horror Author, Brennan LaFaro

Jocie McKade

11 September 2024

It’s been 15 years since Noose Holcomb perpetrated the Buzzard’s Edge Train Robbery of 1872, leaving Rory Daggett an orphan. Settled in with a new family and a second chance at life, Rory never quite sheds the thirst for revenge.

When one of the gang members returns to Buzzard’s Edge, Rory’s life is violently upended once more. Capturing the rogue spurs on a furious chain of events that pits Rory against each member of Noose’s gang, every one more twisted and terrifying than the last, in order to work his way to their leader.

With the help of a fellow orphan whose life Noose turned upside down and the town’s sheriff, Rory will stop at nothing to be the man who ends Noose’s reign of terror, but can he do it without becoming the man he seeks to kill?

Noose – Brigids Gate Press

Six months after the death of Noose Holcomb, Buzzard’s Edge rests in an uneasy quiet, but can a town that resonates with such hatred remain peaceful for long?

Dark forces conspire to chase Rory Daggett and his mute adopted daughter, Alice, into exile, framed for a crime they didn’t commit.

With a new sheriff and a notorious killer for hire tracking their every move, the two must choose between starting a new life and saving the soul of the town that betrayed them.

Strap yourselves in tight, folks, ’cause the blood-curdling saga of Rory Daggett and Buzzard’s Edge is fixin’ to unleash a harrowing storm. Get ready to face a nightmarish landscape where gunpowder and the macabre collide in a haunting dance of terror.

The Demon of Devil’s Cavern – Brigids Gate Press

“What a genre smashing adventure! I have never read a western/horror book before…and now I’m hooked. The author kept me on the edge of my seat and even though I hadn’t read the first book, I wasn’t lost or confused while reading this one. Reading this gave me serious Walking Dead vibes but more intense and a way better plot and storyline. I will definitely go back and read the first book and I hope there are many more to come!” _ Kris10, Amazon Reviewer

“Noose by Brennan LaFaro is a fast paced, action packed, super natural Western dripping in whiskey and blood. A full-on revenge Western with horror elements that slash and shoot from all sides. Once the story kicks off, it doesn’t let up on the action, suspense and super-natural surprises. Definitely not a one-sided story. This story has a lot of heart, the characters are deep, and each story has enough firepower to break your heart. If you love horror, westerns or both – this is the perfect read for you. And the short story which LaFaro uses to close out the book is beautiful as well. Pick this one up and strap in for the wildest ride in the old west.” _ Tabitha Thompson

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Brennan LaFaro is a music teacher by day, horror writer by night, living in southeastern Massachusetts with his wife, two sons, and his hounds. He is the author of the Slattery Falls trilogy, the Buzzard’s Edge Saga, as well as Illusions of Isolation and Last Stay. You can read his short fiction in various anthologies and find him on Twitter at @brennanlafaro or at www.brennanlafaro.com.

Sneak Peek: Murder in Highbury by Vanessa Kelly

Jocie McKade

10 September 2024

Murder in Highbury by Vanessa Kelly

First in a captivating new series, Jane Austen’s Emma Knightley entertains a different role in Highbury—going from clever matchmaker to Regency England’s shrewdest sleuth.

Less than one year into her marriage to respected magistrate George Knightley, Emma has grown unusually content in her newfound partnership and refreshed sense of independence. The height of summer sees the former Miss Woodhouse gracefully balancing the meticulous management of her elegant family estate and a flurry of social engagements, with few worries apart from her beloved father’s health . . .

But cheery circumstances change in an instant when Emma and Harriet Martin, now the wife of one of Mr. Knightley’s tenant farmers, discover a hideous shock at the local church. The corpse of Mrs. Augusta Elton, the vicar’s wife, has been discarded on the altar steps—the ornate necklace she often wore stripped from her neck . . .

As a chilling murder mystery blooms and chaos descends upon the tranquil village of Highbury, the question isn’t simply who committed the crime, but who wasn’t secretly wishing for the unpleasant woman’s demise. When suspicions suddenly fall on a harmless local, Emma—armed with wit, unwavering determination, and extensive social connections—realizes she must discreetly navigate an investigation of her own to protect the innocent and expose the ruthless culprit hiding in plain sight.

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