TELEPORT YOURSELF INTO A NEW WORLD AS YOU LISTEN AND READ ALONG TO “SPARKS”

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13 July 2024

Step into the minds of Philo and Atlas with these two epic playlists from Revel Guts

The hit queer fantasy webcomic, Sparks, is coming to Dark Horse in Sparks Volume 1: Portals. Now, fans can get a glimpse of the magic behind the graphic novel with two specially designed playlists. Each playlist reflects Philo and Atlas’s characters and features introductions and blurbs by Revel.

Philo has always been the worst student in his class at the academy, with powerful magic he can barely control. His lack of ambition and discipline is about to catch up with him as graduation day looms. When he’s paired to train together with the aloof star student Atlas, Philo’s magic backfires, teleporting them both far from home. Now, their futures depend on them working together to make it back to their school in time.

In just a few short days the pair find common ground that their years of classes together never managed to build, and at some points Philo questions if he didn’t have the wrong idea of Atlas the whole time—wondering if their struggles to get home might plant the seeds for something bigger. Meanwhile, powers outside the academy are setting plans in motion that may change both of their lives.

Spark up these epic tunes as you read through Sparks Volume 1: Portals, coming out in bookstores July 16 and comic shops July 17. The playlists for Philo and Atlas can be found on the Dark Horse Spotify Channel, and more below!

Dark Horse Comics

Barnes & Noble The God of the Woods by Liz Moore July 2024 National Book Club Selection

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Jocie McKade

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13 July 2024

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Barnes & Noble announces The God of the Woods as their July National Book Club pick and welcomes readers to join author Liz Moore at a free live virtual event on Tuesday, August 6^th at 3PM ET. The author will be in conversation with Lexie Smyth, Category Manager for Fiction at Barnes & Noble, and Kiley Reid, author of Such a Fun Age and Come & Get It, to discuss the title as well as answer questions from audience members. Attendees must register via Eventbrite to access the livestream on Zoom.

“Liz Moore’s latest, The God of the Woods, is one of the most gripping novels I have read,” said Lexie Smyth, Category Manager for Fiction, Barnes & Noble. “Weaving together a Succession style family drama with the mysterious disappearance of two children from an Adirondacks summer camp in the 1970s, Moore had me absolutely spellbound. I’m not sure what our Book Club readers will want to discuss first: the similarities between the missing children, the intriguing dynamic between the summer camp employees and the wealthy family whose grounds they work on, or the survival stories layered within. This is the perfect book for the dog days of summer, and I can’t wait to dissect every little twist and turn with our readers.”

This greatly anticipated follow-up to bestseller Long Bright River delivers all that Moore’s readers would expect to find in her latest work — and then some: an immersive, atmospheric story; flawed, complex characters; and expertly navigated exploration of themes such as class, gender roles and sexuality. Set against the backdrop of a lush woodland summer camp during the predigital Me Decade, Barbara Van Laar is discovered missing from her bunk early one morning, just like her brother had been 14 years prior. The mystery unfolds in a nonlinear timeline, orbiting the kids at camp and those closest to the Van Laars and the secrets they keep. Each page more gripping than the next, readers won’t be able to resist the dark heart beating throughout this novel.

The Barnes & Noble Book Club selects a newly published work of fiction each month, chosen by their booksellers to provoke, engage and enthrall book lovers. The Barnes & Noble Exclusive Edition of The God of the Woods features an original essay from the author and a reader’s guide in addition to embossed details on the cover and pink endpapers.

“I’m elated to learn that The God of the Woods has been chosen for the Barnes & Noble Book Club,” said author Liz Moore. “It feels appropriate that this book, set primarily at a summer camp, will reach Barnes & Noble readers in July. I have spent some of my happiest summertime hours immersed in books; I hope this novel can provide the same experience for other readers.”

Leading up to the event, readers can share their thoughts and engage in conversation on social media using the hashtag #BNBookClub. During the livestream, readers are encouraged to participate in the discussion and submit questions to be answered throughout.

Rewriting Shakespeare

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Jocie McKade

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13 July 2024

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Plays are a medium that inherently welcome new interpretations, after all, each new production comes with the questions what if, why, and how? These authors wonder the same thing and have penned some intriguing tomes that won’t just have you reminiscing about Shakespeare, but have you rethinking his work entirely.

A Daughter of Fair Verona by Christina Dodd

Rosaline Montague, the eldest daughter of the legendary Romeo and Juliet (alive and kicking in this reimagining), navigates the complexities of life in fair Verona with a fiercely independent spirit. Growing up in the shadow of one of the great love storie,s Rosaline has never been eager to wed, so when her latest parentally selected suitor, Duke Stephano, winds up murdered at their betrothal ball she isn’t terribly upset. But she can’t allow a killer to walk free…

If We Were Villains by M.L. Rio

Does life imitate art on this immersive dark academia tale? Oliver Marks has just completed a ten-year prison sentence, a detective on the old case worries he still doesn’t have the full story. A decade earlier, Oliver was part of an elite group of seven actors at a prestigious arts college, where life mirrored their Shakespearean roles of hero, villain, and temptress. When a sudden shift in their onstage casting lead to deadly real-life consequences, the group tried to navigate the treacherous overlap of art and reality, all while maintaining a façade of innocence.

The Girl on the Balcony by Olivia Hussey

Olivia Hussey takes readers on an intimate journey through her life, from her rise as a celebrated actress in the 1960s to her enduring friendships, tumultuous marriages, motherhood, and her battle with stage-four breast cancer. She opens up about her struggles with agoraphobia and bankruptcy, and her eventual path to self-discovery in India. This memoir offers an inside look at her astonishing career and life with particular attention paid to her iconic performance as Juliet in Franco Zefirrelli’s 1968 adaptation of “Romeo & Juliet” and her reflections on that experience all these years later.

These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong

Plunge into the roaring chaos of 1926 Shanghai, where a bloody feud between two rival gangs—Juliette Cai’s Scarlet Gang and Roma Montagov’s White Flowers—dominates the city’s underworld. When a mysterious contagion causes gangsters on both sides to claw their own throats out, Juliette and Roma must set aside their animosity and join forces. With the city teetering on the brink of madness, they must confront an unknown monster lurking in the shadows, for failure means losing Shanghai to chaos forever in this thrilling reimagining of Romeo and Juliet.

Reprinted with permission from Kensington Books.

Sneak Peek: ON THE HUNT by Iris Johansen

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Jocie McKade

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12 July 2024

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ON THE HUNT by Iris Johansen

#1 New York Times bestselling author Iris Johansen introduces a bold new heroine—and her search-and-rescue dog—as Kira Drake begins an international search for an elusive killer.

Kira Drake has come to Paris with her highly trained Golden Retriever, Mack, to investigate the horrific bombing of a museum in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower. What she doesn’t know is that one powerful man has a special reason to find the person responsible.

Jack Harlan has all the money in the world, but it can’t bring his brother back. His sibling was murdered during the theft of a scientific discovery that could have made the world a better place. Now, after a four-year search, Harlan learns that this bombing was the work of the same twisted man.

Kira and her dog are in demand from law enforcement agencies all over the world, but Harlan convinces her to continue the investigation for his own purposes, wherever it may lead. So against her better judgment, Kira finds herself on the hunt, placing her trust in Harlan. For what she hopes is justice. When what he may be seeking is vengeance.

Author Joel Sansone’s BLUE BOOK – Police Office & Bookie Changing the City

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Jocie McKade

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12 July 2024

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Recent release “Blue Book” from Newman Springs Publishing author Joel Sansone tells the riveting story of a former police officer and bookie Rick LeKashi who, after a brutal attack, emerges from a coma stronger than ever and determined to protect his city. Facing challenges and controversy, Rick navigates a world where justice isn’t always black and white.

Joel Sansone has completed his new book “Blue Book”: a gripping tale that dives into the gritty world of Rick LeKashi, a former police officer and unlikely hero who, after surviving a vicious assault that left him in a coma for two years, awakens with a newfound strength and purpose.

“He is no ex-Delta team and never was a CIA assassin,” writes Sansone. “He is a true hero and ex-police officer. He was born and bred in the East New York section of Brooklyn. He was attacked and left for dead by a group of still unknown assailants.

“After two years in a coma, he has awakened and is bigger and stronger than ever. In addition to being a heroic police officer, he is also a bookie. Yes, he is guilty of running an illegal bookmaker business. Most of his clients in the bookie business are fellow police, firemen, and other New York State employees. Now the adventure starts for Rick LeKashi. He is back, and though he cannot wear a badge, he can still serve and protect the people of New York in his own way.

“Some may say he is a vigilante, but he considers himself a lucky guy that is able to live a somewhat normal life after his attack. Now he is content being a bookie and working out to rebuild his physical attributes. He works hard at rebuilding himself as a man and as a bookie. He is able with the help of his ex-bosses to consider opening his own private investigation business. This way, he gets to feel more like a cop. He needs it because he is always in the middle of some sort of trouble. It’s like he is a magnet for trouble, and he never walks away. He is a stand-up good guy, even though most of his money comes from being a bookie.”

Published by Newman Springs Publishing, Joel Sansone’s enthralling tale paints a vivid picture of New York’s underbelly, where loyalty and justice intersect as Rick’s journey unfolds in a world where every victory comes at a price. Filled with suspense and character-driven, “Blue Book” promises to captivate readers, leaving them on the edge of their seats with each turn of the page right up until the very end.

Readers who wish to experience this mesmerizing work can purchase “Blue Book” at bookstores everywhere, or online at the Apple iBooks Store, Amazon.com, or Barnesandnoble.com.

‘Laugh and Grow Bible for Kids: Who is Jesus?’ Special Available for Streaming Friday, July 12

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Jocie McKade

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12 July 2024

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Minno, the #1 source of Christian content for kids and families, is thrilled to announce the premiere of the Laugh and Grow Bible for Kids: Who is Jesus? special, available for streaming on July 12. Perfect for children and families to watch together and grow in their understanding of Jesus and His love for us, this engaging 30-minute special is based on the award-winning, top-selling Laugh and Grow Bible for Kids print edition written by the creator of VeggieTales®. To celebrate the launch of the special, the Laugh and Grow Bible for Kids print edition will be available for the special price of only $1, while supplies last.

The Laugh and Grow Bible for Kids: Who is Jesus? special was developed when the creators began animating classic stories about Jesus’ life such as: John baptizing Jesus, Jesus’ temptation in the desert, Jesus choosing His disciples, and the Sermon on the Mount.

“We recognized that while many children are often exposed to the birth of Jesus in Christmas stories, and the death and resurrection of Jesus at Easter, it’s also important for kids to learn more about who Jesus is and how He lived. Before we ask kids to love and follow Jesus, they have to grow to know Him,” said Jess Wolstenholm, Minno VP of Education and Publishing, and Executive Producer of the animated series. “This special will be a wonderful catalyst for parents to help their child develop a more personal understanding of Jesus.”

Minno is also offering a free downloadable companion Family Guide that provides additional insights, a memory verse, reading plan, discussion questions, and coloring sheets to help families dive deeper into the stories and themes presented in the special. Through both the visual content and companion resources, families will be able to watch, laugh, and grow in their understanding of who Jesus is and why He came to be our Savior and friend.

More than just children’s Bible stories, the Minno Laugh and Grow Bible for Kids is the most comprehensive, age-appropriate and engaging presentation of the Good News of Jesus’ love available. Through the books, series, specials, devotionals and downloadable resources, families can read a story in the print edition, and then watch a fully-animated version of the story in the series and in the special, and continue the experience through off-screen fun. Filled with beloved Bible moments, curious questions, support for sticky subjects and tricky topics, there is no better way for families to grow in the truth of God’s Word together!

To learn more, stream the special and access the additional resources, visit: www.gominno.com/jesus

Book Review: Finding Mr. Write by Kelley Armstrong

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Jocie McKade

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11 July 2024

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Finding Mr. Write by Kelley Armstrong

Hits all the RomCom marks!

I absolutely loved this story. Kelley Armstrong once again gives us 3D characters, even when the MMC is trying to present himself as a 1 dimension stereotype! Insight to the writing world and the FMC choices to navigate it…enter male pseudonym and someone to pretend they’re him…And it’s brilliant. I found myself laughing as these two shared innuendo and inside jokes as they developed their relationship… inner dialogue was the best… giving them heartfelt inner revelations and relationship choices that had me wincing and cracking up. Nothing was far fetched but fitting the characters growth as individuals and couples and where they wanted to go through all their discovery.

Sneak Peek: NOT WHAT SHE SEEMS by Yasmin Angoe

By

Jocie McKade

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11 July 2024

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NOT WHAT SHE SEEMS by Yasmin Angoe

She left home as the local pariah at twenty-two, but when a family tragedy brings her back, she must confront her tortured past—and a new danger in town that no one seems to understand but her.

After years of self-exile, Jacinda “Jac” Brodie is back in Brook Haven, South Carolina. But the small cliffside town no longer feels like home. Jac hasn’t been there since the beloved chief of police fell to his death—and all the whispers said she was to blame.

That chief was Jac’s father.

Racked with guilt, Jac left town with no plans to return. But when her granddad lands in the hospital, she rushes back to her family, bracing herself to confront the past.

Brook Haven feels different now. Wealthy newcomer Faye Arden has transformed the notorious Moor Manor into a quaint country inn. Jac’s convinced something sinister lurks beneath Faye’s perfect exterior, yet the whole town fawns over their charismatic new benefactor. And when Jac discovers one of her granddad’s prized possessions in Faye’s office, she knows she has to be right.

But as Jac continues to dig, she stumbles upon dangerous truths that hit too close to home. With not only her life but also her family’s safety on the line, Jac discovers that maybe some secrets are better left buried.

PAST LIFE’S REVENGE By Angela Van Breemen

By

Jocie McKade

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11 July 2024

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PAST LIFE’S REVENGE By Angela Van Breemen

Have you ever had a dream that was so real, you were sure it was from a past life?

Since childhood, David Harris has suffered from debilitating nightmares. He has sought the advice of psychiatrists and other health professionals without obtaining any relief. When he meets an attractive young psychic, Emma Jackson, she encourages him to seek the help of her friend Anna Tungsten, a hypnotherapist. During an emotionally charged past life regression, David learns he was murdered in his most recent reincarnation, thirty years earlier. When David realizes his murderer is still alive, he cannot move on and a build a new life with Emma until he has exacted revenge and stopped the murderer from killing again.

Past Life’s Revenge: A David Harris and Emma Jackson Mystery eBook : Van Breemen, Angela P: Amazon.ca: Kindle Store

Amazon.com: Past Life’s Revenge: A David Harris and Emma Jackson Mystery eBook : Van Breemen, Angela P: Kindle Store

“Memorable, thoughtful, and entertaining author Angela van Breemen’s “Past Life’s Revenge” is a must-read mystery and paranormal thriller. The shocking revelations and the equally shocking twists that take the protagonists to the edge emotionally and physically will have readers eager to delve deeper into this new series.” _ Anthony Avina, Top 50 Feedspot Reviewer

“Past Life’s Revenge by Angela Van Breemen is a stunning suspenseful thriller. It’s filled with unusual things like past lives and things we cannot explain. The paranormal vibe though fit well for this story. The tale was dark, twisty, and kept me on the edge. Someone knowing he was murdered, and the murderer is hanging around is the greatest catch of all. There were so many questions that popped up as I read. It made me want to keep reading until I found all my answers. Especially, who was the murder and why. I loved reading this book.” _ Danielle Urban, AR Critique

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Angela van Breemen is delighted to have completed her first novel, Past Life’s Revenge, a crime thriller with a twist of spiritualism. She is an avid writer of poetry, belongs to the Wordsmiths Writers’ Group based out of New Tecumseth, Ontario and is a member of the Crime Writers of Canada and the South Simcoe Arts Council. Angela is a Soprano Soloist.

A firm believer in giving back to the community, she often sings for different charitable organizations. Music and poetry have been an integral part of her life, and in early 2024 she launched her debut album, In The Breeze. Celtic in nature, it includes three original pieces of music, based on her poetry.

Angela volunteers for Procyon Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Centre, a group dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and safe release of orphaned and injured Ontario wildlife. More information can be found about Angela at: Angela van Breemen, author – Author of the David Harris & Emma Jackson Mysteries

PODCAST: Marilyn Monroe, Murder, and the Mob with Thriller Author Lori Roy on Book Lights

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Jocie McKade

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10 July 2024

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Marilyn Monroe, Murder, and the Mob with Thriller Author Lori Roy on Book Lights

LISTEN HERE!

Lori Roy is the author of six novels, including her upcoming novel, LAKE COUNTY (6/1/24). Her debut, BENT ROAD, was awarded the Edgar Allen Poe Award for Best First Novel by an American Author. She went on to receive the 2016 Edgar Allen Poe Award for Best Novel, making Lori the first woman to receive an Edgar Award for both Best First Novel and Best Novel, and she is the third person to have done so.

Lori’s critically acclaimed work has been named a New York Times Editors’ Choice, twice named a New York Times Notable Crime Book, featured in People Magazine as Book of the Week and excerpted in Oprah Magazine. Her work has been widely reviewed and has been included on numerous Best Of lists and summer reading lists.

Lori lives with her family in west-central Florida.You can learn more at: https://www.loriroy.com/

And for more about our host Lisa Kessler visit http://Lisa-Kessler.com

Book Lights – shining a light on good books!

Here’s a look at Lori’s latest release LAKE COUNTY:

Set in the 1950s, this thriller by Edgar Award–winning author Lori Roy reimagines the life of Marilyn Monroe, tying her fate to a dreamy teenager whose boyfriend runs afoul of the mob.

Desperate to break free of small-town Florida, Addie Anne Buckley dreams of following in the path of her glamorous aunt Jean—known to the world as Marilyn Monroe. When Aunt Jean plans a trip to Hollywood for Addie’s eighteenth birthday, Addie sees her chance to escape.

One thing stands in her way: her boyfriend. Truitt Holt is Addie’s first and only love and will be joining her in California. But days before Addie’s due to leave, Truitt does an about-face and gives her a painful ultimatum: stay and marry him, or they’re through. Addie chooses her dream.

Hurt and angry, Truitt unwittingly exposes the illegal bolita game he’s been running in mob territory. Now the Tampa Mafia is after him, and he has until midnight to cut a deal that will save his life and Addie’s. What he doesn’t know…his trouble with the mob has already found Addie and her family. She’s already in a fight for her life.