I Love Me! Colorful and Creative: Empowering Coloring Book Series for Girls and Boys By Takiyah Smith

21 February 2024

I Love Me!
Colorful and Creative: Empowering Coloring Book Series for Girls and Boys. Coloring books designed to cultivate imagination, inspire, build confidence and foster a positive-self image.

This carefully crafted coloring book series was designed to cultivate imagination, inspire, build confidence and foster a positive-self image.

These revolutionary books teaches children to love the skin they’re in. I Love ME! Colorful and Creative. Both boys and girls can be leaders, quirky, brainy, brilliant, sporty, inventive, entrepreneurial, musical, artsy, strong, or all of the above. Being a child is limitless and knows no bounds. Children color outside of the lines, should they see fit. This book reinforces the notion, that children can be and do whatever they choose.

Words are Powerful.

Every coloring page includes an “I am”, affirmation statement or words of empowerment. There are no drawings on the back so that children can have a space to create and dream. The back sides of each coloring page feature words of influence and elevation, such as, “Well-read and well-versed. A winning combination. Now that’s Powerful.” “I am happy and confident.”

Imagery is Influential.

Every single image was crafted with care and intention. This book highlights hundreds of well-thought-out images with a focused theme for each page such as: entrepreneurship, traveler, music, science, art, math, sports, travel, prince, etc. Some of the beautifully crafted imagery includes: camping scenes, space ship, doctor, astronaut, scientist, microscope, beakers, math problems, musical instruments, art supplies, King, gymnast, rock climber, golfer, skateboarder, soccer player, basketball, runner, nature, rainbow, super hero’s, dogs, cats, lizard, snake, turtle, bunny, deer, birds, candy, flowers, pyramids, books, cars, hearts, music notes, stars, crowns, and so much more.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Takiyah Smith is a native San Franciscan and Mom. She studied Business and Merchandise Product Development at The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising and is an entrepreneur with many passions. Her mission is to inspire and empower children through art and imagination and to strengthen adults mentally, physically, and financially through her literary work.

Takiyah is a published author as well as a publishing consultant and (literary) event planner. She also provides contracting services to multiple non-profits in the San Francisco Bay Area with a specialty in program management.

In her spare time Takiyah enjoys Bikram Yoga with her daughter, travel and volunteering. She is currently the co-chair for the public policy committee of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, San Francisco.

Subaru of America and AAAS Announce Winners of 2024 Prize for Excellence in Science Books

Jocie McKade

20 February 2024

Subaru of America, Inc., and the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the world’s largest general scientific society and publisher of the Science family of journals, today announced the 2024 winners of the AAAS/Subaru Prize for Excellence in Science Books. The awards, which for nearly 20 years have recognized exceptional books about science that engage readers of all ages, this year honor books on subjects ranging from the noises of nature to the scale of the solar system.

The prize-winning books for 2024 are:

Whale Fall: Exploring an Ocean-floor Ecosystem by Melissa Stewart and illustrated by Rob Dunlavey.
The Planets Are Very, Very, Very Far Away: A Journey Through the Amazing Scale of the Solar System by Mike Vago.
Human Body Learning Lab: Take an Inside Tour of How Your Anatomy Works by Dr. Betty Choi.
The Sounds of Life: How Digital Technology Is Bringing Us Closer to the Worlds of Animals and Plants by Karen Bakker.

Since 2005, Subaru of America and AAAS have partnered to encourage the writing and publishing of high-quality science books for young audiences – and to boost their interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics and inspire the next generation of scientists.

“AAAS believes that, through good science books, this generation, and the next, will have a better understanding and appreciation of science,” said Sarah Ingraffea, the AAAS/Subaru Book Prize Award manager at AAAS.

Awards are given in four categories: Children’s Science Picture Book, Middle Grades Science Book, Hands-on Science Book and Young Adult Science Book. Judging panels composed of librarians, educators, scientists, and literacy experts evaluate each submission according to detailed criteria tailored to each category that include age-appropriateness, scientific accuracy, and the examination of scientific concepts without perpetuating stereotypes or misconceptions.

This year, the judges received a record number of submissions. With today’s announcement, the AAAS/Subaru Prize for Excellence in Science Books has now honored 76 books and more than 100 authors and illustrators.

The author of each winning book and the illustrator of the children’s book will receive a $1,500 prize and a commemorative plaque.

“Together with AAAS, we have the opportunity to spark a child’s imagination related to science, technology, engineering and math,” said Jeff Walters, President and Chief Operating Officer, Subaru of America, Inc. “This year’s prize-winning books can help inspire a lifelong love of curiosity, learning, and innovation.”

Learn more about the 2024 award-winning books, writers and illustrator:

Children’s Science Picture Book
Whale Fall: Exploring an Ocean-floor Ecosystem, by Melissa Stewart. Illustrated by Rob Dunlavey. Random House Studio, 2023.

Whale Fall: Exploring an Ocean-floor Ecosystem captures the end of a whale’s life, during which they silently sink to the ocean floor and become a food source for the dwellers of the deep sea, from sharks to microbes, for many decades to come.

Melissa Stewart has written more than 200 science books for children, including the Sibert Medal Honoree Summertime Sleepers: Animals that Estivate, illustrated by Sarah S. Brannen. She holds a degree in biology from Union College in Schenectady, NY, and a master’s degree in science journalism from New York University. While gathering research for her books, she’s explored tropical rain forests in Costa Rica, gone on safari in East Africa, and swum with sea lions in the Galapagos Islands.

Rob Dunlavey is a fine artist and children’s book illustrator. His recent titles include Whale Fall by Melissa Stewart, In the Woods by David Elliott, and Owl Sees Owl by Laura Godwin. A native of the tall-grass prairie and oak savannas of suburban Chicago, Dunlavey studied at the Art Institute of Chicago, Southern Illinois University, and Claremont Graduate University in Claremont, California. Rob is married and has two daughters and two cats—but no whales.

Middle Grades Science Book
The Planets Are Very, Very, Very Far Away: A Journey Through the Amazing Scale of the Solar System, by Mike Vago. The Experiment, 2022.

In its pages that open out not once but twice, The Planets Are Very, Very, Very Far Away dismantles the myth of nine planets orbiting the sun in tidy concentric circle and shows the true scale and vastness of our solar system.

Mike Vago is the creator of the bestselling The Miniature Book of Miniature Golf, The Pocket Book of Pocket Billiards, and the interactive board books Train and Rocket. He’s a graphic designer and a regular contributor to The A.V. Club. He tells people he lives in New York, but he actually lives in New Jersey.

Hands-on Science Book
Human Body Learning Lab: Take an Inside Tour of How Your Anatomy Works, by Dr. Betty Choi. Storey Publishing, 2022.

Aimed at kids age 8 and up, Human Body Learning Lab details each major body system and leads readers through hands-on activities that range from making a moving model of the eyes to creating a working model of the urinary system.

Dr. Betty Choi is a pediatrician, medical writer, and former homeschooling parent. From her roots at Boston Children’s Hospital to over a decade of work in education, she is passionate about making learning memorable and meaningful. Her debut book, Human Body Learning Lab, teaches kids about their amazing bodies through fun, hands-on activities. The accompanying website, HumanBodyLearning.com, offers more resources for curious kids, parents, and teachers.

Young Adult Science Book
The Sounds of Life: How Digital Technology Is Bringing Us Closer to the Worlds of Animals and Plants, by Karen Bakker. Princeton University Press, 2022.

The Sounds of Life explores not just the many sounds created by plants and animals but how groundbreaking technology and traditional knowledge has deepened humanity’s understanding of those sounds – and affirmed our connection with nature.

Karen Bakker was a scholar at the University of British Columbia and entrepreneur who worked at the crossroads of technology and ecology. The author of seven books and more than 100 scholarly articles, Bakker also led The Smart Earth Project, which explores the impacts of digital technologies on environmental sustainability. In a tremendous loss to the many communities of learning she inhabited and impacted, Bakker passed away in August 2023, before this latest recognition for The Sounds of Life.

Delacorte Romance Launching with “A Summer of Love” Campaign

Jocie McKade

20 February 2024

Delacorte Press will launch Delacorte Romance, a new imprint dedicated to publishing romance novels for teen readers, led by Wendy Loggia, VP, Senior Executive Editor, Delacorte Press. The news was announced today by Barbara Marcus, President & Publisher, Random House Children’s Books. Delacorte Romance will publish love stories for teens featuring the tropes, themes, and authentic depictions of young love that romance readers crave, in an accessible paperback format. The inaugural list, launching in Summer 2024, will feature five titles, with twelve books slated to be published annually beginning in 2025.

Wendy Loggia said, “The growth of the romance category in the past few years is astounding, and we are thrilled that with these books we will have even more opportunities to reach teen readers, and to give the many romance fans hungry for love stories more of what they want. If you’re looking for love, the story starts here, at Delacorte Romance.”

The launch of Delacorte Romance will be supported by a major marketing and publicity “Summer of Love” campaign, including the first-ever dedicated young adult presence at Steamy Lit Con 2024, branded “Swoony Lit Con,” and sponsored by Delacorte Romance. Fans will be able to get their hands on exclusive romance swag, among other special activations. Throughout the year, Delacorte Romance authors will appear at romance-themed cons and book festivals such as Love Y’all and YALLwest, as well as on romance themed-panels and book signings across the country, including in support of Indie Bookstore Romance Day in August. Readers will have a myriad of opportunities to engage with the imprint’s authors and editors, as well as via the soon-to-be-launched @DelacorteRomance IG handle, beginning Spring 2024. Fans can visit @DelacorteRomance to learn more about their favorite authors, get sneak peaks at upcoming releases, and go behind-the-scenes with publishing staff and converse with like-minded book lovers.

The inaugural Delacorte Romance list offers readers a variety of escapes—to far-flung locales including Rome, Scotland, and the beaches of Mallorca, Spain—and tropes they crave, including grumpy-sunshine, forced proximity, reality showmance, and fake dating, to name a few.

Among the featured titles is the highly anticipated publication of BEACH CUTE from Beth Reekles, author of the Kissing Booth series, which was a global sensation and inspired the hit Netflix films. Equal parts romance and humor, BEACH CUTE follows Luna, Rory, and Jodie—three strangers in need of a vacation. As their lives collide in unexpected ways, will they have a summer they’ll never forget?

In WILD ABOUT YOU, a grumpy-sunshine romance from Kaitlyn Hill, author of Love from Scratch and Not Here to Stay Friends, the trail to true love doesn’t always come with a map. This reality-TV-themed rom-com takes readers on a college-aged Amazing Race–esque adventure on the Appalachian Trail, promising hilarious banter, wild antics, and off-the-charts chemistry.

Introverted and slightly anxious Astoria “Story” Herriot is doing life with her mom in Rome. But when she fake-dates a Scottish celebrity, she soon finds herself living her own Roman holiday until the feelings get real and the paparazzi’s knives come out in ALL ROADS LEAD TO ROME by Sabrina Fedel. It’s a fairy-tale romance in the Eternal City . . . but will it have a fairy-tale ending?

HEARTS OVERBOARD by Becky Dean (Love & Other Great Expectations) is a banter-filled rivals-to-lovers romance between a STEM-loving girl and a jock guy that will fill readers with wanderlust . . . and have them rooting for love aboard a cruise to Alaska. A girl attempts to win back her ex and step outside her comfort zone by trying everything from zip-lining to a polar plunge—all while leaving readers guessing who she ends up with.

It’s time to saddle up for love in NEAR MISSES & COWBOY KISSES by Katrina Emmel. This swoon-worthy rivals-to-lovers romance between a Nebraskan cowboy and California girl, thrust together on the Oregon Trail, will have readers racing through the pages. Under a wide prairie sky, everything comes into focus, including a cowboy’s heart. As some readers know—and others will discover—once you love a boy in a Stetson, you’ll never be the same.

Coming up on future Delacorte Romance lists: Beth Reekles delivers a cozy grumpy-sunshine romance perfect for fall with LOVE & LATTES; BETTER THAN REVENGE, a football/podcasting/role-reversal romance from Kasie West (Sunkissed); LOVE POINTS TO YOU, a sweet and swoony sapphic love story from Alice Lin; and WHILE WE’RE YOUNG, a whirlwind friends-to-lovers romance by bestselling author and TikTok sensation K. L. Walther, with more on the way from Addie Woolridge, Kristy Boyce, Auriane Desombre, Jenny L. Howe, and others!

Meet the Summer 2024 Delacorte Romance Authors

Beth Reekles is the author of the Kissing Booth series, which inspired the Netflix films. She first published The Kissing Booth on Wattpad at age fifteen in 2010, and it accumulated almost 20 million reads before it was published in 2013 by Delacorte Press. A self-confessed nerd and rom-com fan, she is now a full-time author living in South Wales and shares movie reviews on her Instagram. Follow her on Instagram at @authorbethreekles, and on TikTok at @bethreekles.

Kaitlyn Hill is a writer, reader, and sweet tea enthusiast who believes that all the world is not, in fact, a stage, but a romance novel waiting to happen. She lives with her real-life romantic hero in Lexington, Kentucky. Kaitlyn is the author of Love from Scratch and Not Here to Stay Friends. Follow her at @thekaitlynhill.

Sabrina Fedel has worked as a litigator and a civilian environmental compliance attorney. She earned her MFA in creative writing from Lesley University and has taught in the English department at Robert Morris University as an adjunct professor. Sabrina loves Italy and the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, animals, chocolate in any form, Oxford commas, and, most of all, her kids. Follow her on Instagram at @SabrinaFedelAuthor.

Becky Dean is a fan of adventures both real and fictional. She can frequently be found watching science fiction shows and planning exciting trips for herself and her characters. Though she’s a proud Baylor grad and lives in Texas with her family, she remains a California girl at heart. She is also the author of Love & Other Great Expectations and Picture-Perfect Boyfriend. Follow her at @beckydeanwrites.

Katrina Emmel grew up in New Hampshire, moved to the Midwest for graduate school, and continued traveling westward until she reached the Pacific. Now a SoCal resident, Katrina lives in an active household with her husband, their two children, her father-in-law, and their twin beagles, Doc Holliday and Wyatt Earp. In addition to writing fiction, she loves science, crafts, making up silly songs for her kids, and supporting monarch conservation by planting lots of milkweed. Near Misses and Cowboy Kisses is her debut novel. Follow her on Instagram at @katrinaemmelauthor.

Sneak Peek: A Fifth of The Story By Katherine Hayes

Jocie McKade

20 February 2024

A Fifth of The Story By Katherine Hayes

There’s an attack on US soil, and Brock―an agent of the CIA―finds himself in the middle of the mess. He soon discovers that there’s been a breach that threatens not only to destroy the nation’s safety, but very possibly, Brock’s own life.

In the race against the clock, Brock tries to keep his field officer’s wife and children safe and stay alive.

In the midst of the chaos, Brock discovers one of his closest allies is a part of the dangerous intelligence breach responsible for a recent string of crimes by an extremist organization.

It’s up to Brock to either take down the organization, or find himself―and those he loves most―at their mercy.

A Fifth of the Story is the suspenseful, action-packed tale of one man’s courage and resilience as he works against the clock to save the lives of his two best friends and, ultimately, the freedom he’s fought for as a CIA agent during one of the US’s history’s darkest hours, using the backdrop of espionage, loyalty, betrayal, and the ultimate test of friendship.

Amazon.com: A Fifth of the Story: 9781637971284: Dr. Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes: Books

This is one of the best first novels I’ve ever read. Not often can we read an authentic thriller that begins in Mali, Africa, and it remains just as believable in Washington, DC. Her well-drawn characters feel like real people. The last 75 pages kept me so engrossed I couldn’t put it down to eat my evening meal. —Cecil Murphey

Suspense at its finest! I kept turning pages, looking over my shoulder, and forgetting to breathe. —DiAnn Mills

Sometimes we read stories. Other times, we live them. Katherine’s captivating knowledge, writing, and plot grab us and refuse to let go. Dive into the adventurous and exhilarating world of a CIA operative, Brock O’Reilly, who wrestles with social issues, friendship, costly love, and a worthy mission. But cancel your appointments because you’ll not want to exit Brock’s world until you must. —Rodney Combs, Ph.D.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Author, speaker, educational consultant, and editor–Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes, Ed. D. has had her hand in leadership for many years. She loves speaking to groups and delivering messages with a quick wit and real-life stories. Katherine is a freelance writer/content editor, a content editor/writing coach for Iron Stream Media, and a sensitivity reader for Sensitivity Between the Lines.

She is a review board member and contributor to Inkspirations (an online magazine for Christian writers), and her writing has been published in Guideposts. Her work in art/writing is distinguished by awards, including the New York Mayor’s Contribution to the Arts, Outstanding Resident Artist of Arizona, and the Foundations Awards at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writer’s Conference (2016, 2019, 2021). She is a member of Word Weavers International and serves as an online chapter president and mentor. She belongs to FWA (Florida Writers Association), ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers), CWoC (Crime Writers of Color), AWSA (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association), and AASA (American Association of School Administrators). She serves on the board of the nonprofit organization Submersion 14 and is an art instructor for the nonprofit organization Light for the Future. Katherine hosts the podcast Murder, Mystery & Mayhem Laced with Morality. She has authored a Christian Bible study for women and is currently working on the sequel to her first general market thriller novel.

Books::: Presidents Day

Jocie McKade

19 February 2024

On Monday, February 19^th we honor Presidents’ Day. Established in 1885, it is still officially called “Washington’s Birthday” by the federal government. Presidents’ Day is now popularly viewed as a day to celebrate all U.S. presidents past and present. In that spirit, check out this distinctive collection of presidential biographies and memoirs:

Washington by Ron Chernow WASHINGTON: A LIFE by Ron Chernow

Winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Biography

Celebrated biographer Ron Chernow provides a richly nuanced portrait of the father of our nation and the first president of the United States. In this groundbreaking work, based on massive research, Chernow shatters forever the stereotype of George Washington as a stolid, unemotional figure and brings to vivid life a dashing, passionate man of fiery opinions and many moods.

Our Ancient Faith by Allen C. Guelzo OUR ANCIENT FAITH: LINCOLN, DEMOCRACY, AND THE AMERICAN EXPERIMENT by Allen C. Guelzo

An intimate study of Abraham Lincoln’s powerful vision of democracy, which guided him through the Civil War and is still relevant today—by a best-selling historian and three-time winner of the Lincoln Prize.

“It is altogether fitting and proper that, with this meditation on democracy and its most subtle defender, Allen Guelzo again demonstrates that he is today’s most profound interpreter of this nation’s history and significance.” —George F. Will

Dinner with the President by Alex Prud'homme DINNER WITH THE PRESIDENT: FOOD, POLITICS, AND A HISTORY OF BREAKING BREAD AT THE WHITE HOUSE by Alex Prud’homme

A wonderfully entertaining, often surprising history of presidential taste, from the grim meals eaten by Washington and his starving troops at Valley Forge to Trump’s fast-food burgers and Biden’s ice cream—what they ate, why they ate it, and what it tells us about the state of the nation—from the coauthor of Julia Child’s bestselling memoir My Life in France. Included are ten authentic recipes for favorite presidential dishes, such as: *Martha Washington’s Preserved Cherries, *Abraham Lincoln’s Gingerbread Men, *William H. Taft’s Billy Bi Mussel Soup, *Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Reverse Martini, *Lady Bird Johnson’s Pedernales River Chili.

“[A] beautifully written book about how the presidential palate has helped shape America. . . . Fascinating.”—Stanley Tucci

Personal Memoirs by Ulysses S. Grant PERSONAL MEMOIRS by Ulysses Grant; Foreword by James M. McPherson

Faced with cancer and financial ruin, Ulysses S. Grant wrote his personal memoirs to secure his family’s future—and won himself a unique place in American letters. Acclaimed by writers as diverse as Mark Twain and Gertrude Stein, Grant’s memoirs demonstrate the intelligence, intense determination, and laconic modesty that made him the Union’s foremost commander. Personal Memoirs is devoted almost entirely to his life as a soldier, tracing the trajectory of his extraordinary career from West Point cadet to general-in-chief of all Union armies. With their directness and clarity, his writings on war are without rival in American literature.

Becoming FDR by Jonathan Darman BECOMING FDR: THE PERSONAL CRISIS THAT MADE A PRESIDENT by Jonathan Darman

This revealing biography of Franklin D. Roosevelt shows how one of the most consequential leaders in American history found his true self in his searing struggle with polio–emerging from illness with a strength and wisdom he would use to inspire the world.

Incomparable Grace by Mark K. Updegrove INCOMPARABLE GRACE: JFK IN THE PRESIDENCY by Mark K. Updegrove

Kennedy entered office inexperienced but compelling, his reputation more given by an enamored public than earned. In this compelling new account of Kennedy’s time in the White House, presidential historian Mark K. Updegrove reveals how his first months were marred by the botched Bay of Pigs invasions, a disastrous summit with the Soviet premier and a mismanaged approach to the Civil Rights movement. Though demoralized, Kennedy offered an important lesson in perseverance, righting wrongs and, importantly for our times, learning the correct lessons. Indeed, Kennedy grew as president, radiating greater possibility as he coolly faced a never-ending stream of crises before his tragic death.

MY LIFE: THE PRESIDENTIAL YEARS by Bill Clinton

President Bill Clinton’s My Life is the strikingly candid portrait of the 42nd U.S. president, a global leader who decided early in life to devote his intellectual and political gifts, and his extraordinary capacity for hard work, to serving the public.

A Promised Land by Barack Obama A PROMISED LAND by Barack Obama

In the stirring, highly anticipated first volume of his presidential memoirs, Barack Obama tells the story of his improbable odyssey from young man searching for his identity to leader of the free world, describing in strikingly personal detail both his political education and the landmark moments of the first term of his historic presidency—a time of dramatic transformation and turmoil.

FOR YOUNGER READERS

A PARADE FOR GEORGE WASHINGTON by David A. Adler, John O’Brien

Crowds cheering, trumpets sounding, and cannons firing! Follow along as George Washington journeys from Virginia to his inauguration in New York City. After the Revolutionary War, the newly formed U.S. Congress chose the first president. Every vote was for Washington. David A. Adler deftly retells this joyous journey in information-packed prose, while John O’Brien masterfully illustrates our complex and beautiful new nation in his signature style. Included in the meticulously detailed artwork are period-accurate maritime signal flags for kids to decode and buildings like Federal Hall in New York City that still stand today. Back matter includes a time line, source notes, and a bibliography.

Kid Presidents by David Stabler KID PRESIDENTS: TRUE TALES OF CHILDHOOD FROM AMERICA’S PRESIDENTS by David Stabler, Doogie Horner

Hilarious childhood biographies show how George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, Barack Obama, and other presidents-to-be faced kid-sized problems growing up in America. Kid Presidents tells all of their stories and more with full-color cartoon illustrations on every page. History has never been this much fun!

Thomas Jefferson by Maira Kalman THOMAS JEFFERSON: LIFE, LIBERTY AND THE PURSUIT OF EVERYTHING by Maira Kalman

Renowned artist Maira Kalman sheds light on the fascinating life and interests of the Renaissance man who was our third president. As she did in Looking at Lincoln, Maira Kalman shares a president’s remarkable, complicated life with young readers, making history come alive with her captivating text and stunning illustrations.

RONALD REAGAN: A LITTLE GOLDEN BOOK BIOGRAPHY by Lisa Rogers; Illustrated by Catherine Pape

This Little Golden Book about Ronald Reagan—the 40th president of the United States who loved horses and jellybeans—is an inspiring read-aloud for young girls and boys.

For more information on these and related titles visit the collection Presidents Day

PenguinRandomHouse

Sneak Peek: Just for the Summer by Melody Carlson

Jocie McKade

19 February 2024

Just for the Summer by Melody Carlson

Romantic Times Career Achievement Award winner Melody Carlson pens a lighthearted, uplifting read in Just for the Summer. Set in both Idaho and Washington State, two women begin a search for belonging and consider swapping jobs for the summer. But they soon realize it’s not so simple to find the happiness—and love—they’re searching for. Readers are invited to come along for the ride as these women adapt and grow in this compelling, escape novel from Melody Carlson.

Ginny Masters manages a popular boutique hotel in Seattle with hospitality and grace—neither of which is extended to her by its exacting owner, Diana Jackson. Ginny’s circumstances are further complicated by the unwanted attention of Adrian Jackson, CFO of the hotel and son to Diana. Because Ginny lives near the hotel, she never escapes the pressures and demands of a career she thought she would love but finds she may be stuck in.

Jacqueline Potter begrudgingly runs her grandfather’s fishing lodge in western Idaho. The rustic, cozy cabin life is not her style, but it is the only job opportunity she could find in the hospitality industry. Ben Tanninger, a local river guide with roguish good looks, may be the only redeeming factor. Still, Jacqueline longs for the sophistication of city life.

Could the desires of both women be fulfilled by JobSwap, an online service that allows them to switch employment for the summer? While the women are thrilled to trade locations, their swap may have ramifications they never thought of: Is Jacqueline cut out for the weight of Diana’s expectations? Can Ginny embrace a rustic lodge in place of a polished hotel? And what of Adrian’s and Ben’s interests?

“Just for the summer” might just be more than these women anticipated.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of more than 250 books with sales of more than 7.5 million, including many bestselling Christmas novellas, young adult titles, and contemporary romances. She received a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award, her novel All Summer Long has been made into a Hallmark movie, and the movie based on her novel The Happy

Camper premiered on UPtv in 2023. She and her husband live in central Oregon.

New Release: Find Your Beat By Former Police Chief Tim Eggebraaten

Jocie McKade

19 February 2024

Find Your Beat By Tim Eggebraaten

Walk In the Rhythm of Life
A guide to transforming your life through music and positivity by retired police chief turned author, Tim Eggebraaten

In the rhythmic pages of “Find Your Beat,” Tim Eggebraaten, a retired police chief turned messenger of optimism, invites you on a journey through the melodies of life. With heartwarming stories and practical wisdom, he reveals the power of finding beauty amidst the chaos, the rhythm in everyday moments, and the resilience within. Tim’s candid tales take you behind the badge, sharing the highs and lows of a high-stress career, personal struggles, and the healing power of music, friendships, and love.

From the depths of personal challenges to the heights of realistic optimism, he weaves a tapestry of hope. Discover how one man found his beat through positivity, learned to hush the cacophony of negativity, and embraced the symphony of gratitude. With warmth and humor, Tim illuminates the path to improving your own realistic optimism and rediscovering the beauty around you. “Find Your Beat” is more than a book; it’s a guide to transforming your life’s soundtrack. Let Tim’s inspirational journey help you find your rhythm, tune into the positivity surrounding you, and dance to the melody of optimism. Join Tim on this remarkable odyssey and unlock the music of your soul. Your journey to finding your beat begins here.

Tim Eggebraaten | Kirk House Publisher (kirkhousepublishers.com)

Find Your Beat: Walk in the Rhythm of Life: Tim Eggebraaten: 9781959681427: Amazon.com: Books

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Tim Eggebraaten, with nearly 28 years in the Criminal Justice field, brings a wealth of experience to his role as a captivating national speaker. From his beginnings as a correctional officer in 1989 to his tenure as Chief of Police, Tim’s journey is a testament to his expertise in “working the beat.”

Retiring from law enforcement in 2016, Tim embraced the title of “Off Duty Chief,” passionately taking his message, music, and talent to the streets. His compelling storytelling and witty perspective on balance, growth, leadership, and life make him a sought-after keynote speaker on the national stage.

Tim’s unique approach combines his love for music with his motivational message, taking audiences on an emotional roller coaster. From light-hearted anecdotes to profound insights on loss and mental health, Tim engages and inspires.

Based in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, Tim shares his life with his wife, Denise, relishing the outdoors, friendships, and family moments with their adult children and two grandsons.

Investment Fund Reveals the U.S. Government’s Hidden Plan to Control Bitcoin, Gold, and World Currencies

Jocie McKade

18 February 2024

Despite popular belief, the greatest product of all time is not the iPhone, Coca-Cola, or sliced bread. According to a new book from Amplify Publishing, the product that actually outsells all other products in recorded history is the U.S. dollar. The Federal Reserve’s number one job is to protect and promote its number one product. The U.S. dollar must be protected from all competitors—such as gold, Bitcoin, and even the Chinese yuan. There is a secret war going on for the future of money. The U.S.A is winning, and with this powerful guidebook—you can too.

Published today, Dollars, Gold, and Bitcoin: The Fed’s Hidden Agenda and How to Profit from It, written by John S. Pennington Jr. who co-founded a $28 billion family of investment funds, increases your probability of success in business and investing by revealing the hidden agenda of the world’s most powerful bank. It is available now on Amazon and Audible.com.

In 1933, the U.S. Government confiscated all gold bullion from its citizens. Our grandparents’ generation could go to jail for having five gold coins in their pocket. Why? Because the Federal Reserve needed to take control and ensure that the U.S. dollar would be the top world reserve currency.

Now, in 2024, the next big change has become clear—digital money. The U.S. government’s plan to control the rise of Bitcoin as well as the BRICS countries is already in motion.

Ensure you’re on the winning side by taking preventive measures and utilizing the in-depth knowledge contained in this book. It will elevate your game to a higher level of thinking with financial strategies and real problem-solving skills.

Mr. Pennington has spent years watching the efforts of the Fed to protect the U.S. dollar and has learned invaluable lessons from it. Now, he shares his profound knowledge with readers in what he calls “the ultimate handbook for making billion-dollar decisions.”.

Understanding how the future of money will be played allows the balance of wealth to be tilted in your favor. Dollars, Gold, and Bitcoin is available now. Learn more at www.JohnSPenningtonJr.com.

Cardiac Arrest Survivor Dr. LaNysha Adams Launches ME POWER Audiobook, Defying Odds in American Heart Month Celebration

Jocie McKade

18 February 2024

Award-winning author and founder of Edlinguist Solutions LaNysha Adams, Ph.D. is set to captivate audiences nationwide as she launches the audiobook version of her acclaimed bestseller, ME POWER during American Heart Month. Dr. Adams, a 7-time award-winning author, mother of two, and cardiac arrest survivor, draws from her journey to offer a motivational guide to personal growth and fulfillment.

ME POWER encourages individuals to unlock their limitless potential with self-knowledge and principled action. Dr. Adams, who was saved by her husband performing CPR after a cardiac arrest, emphasizes the importance of heart health, especially during the American Heart Association’s 100th birthday.

“As we celebrate the American Heart Association’s centennial, we must focus on health and hope for everyone,” says Nancy Brown, American Heart Association CEO. “With nearly 3 out of 4 cardiac arrests occurring at home, it’s vital for all families to know CPR.”

Dr. Adams’ survival story adds a unique perspective, highlighting the rarity of such outcomes. Recent statistics from the American Heart Association indicate that CPR if administered immediately after cardiac arrest, can triple a person’s chance of survival.

“I am incredibly blessed to have a partner with CPR certification capable of saving me in time,” says Dr. Adams. “Shockingly, fewer than 10% of people who experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital setting survive. Even more disheartening is that this statistic has remained the same for over 30 years.”

The audiobook release precedes Dr. Adams’ upcoming national radio and TV tour and her TEDx talk scheduled for April 20 in Ashbury Park, NJ. Through these engagements, Dr. Adams aims to share insights from ME POWER, highlighting the significance of heart health and cardiovascular disease prevention.

ME POWER, in its audiobook form, provides easy accessibility to Dr. Adams’ empowering message, delivering both inspiration and practical advice. As American Heart Month takes center stage, journalists are invited to engage with Dr. Adams’ story and spread awareness about the vital connection between personal empowerment and heart health.

Starting February 15, 2024, the audiobook will be available during Heart Failure Awareness Week #HFWeek2024.

Stay connected with Dr. Adams on social media (@edlinguist) and her website, www.lanysha.com.

The Illusion of the Perfect Profession by Betsy Gall

Jocie McKade

18 February 2024

The Illusion of the Perfect Profession by Betsy Gall

Betsy Gall’s story of love, physician suicide, and finding comfort and purpose in the aftermath

Betsy Gall was living the American dream. Married to an oncologist with three healthy children; life was pretty darn good. That all changed on Thanksgiving Day of 2019 when her “life of the party” physician husband took his own life. Matthew Taylor Gall, M.D., M.S., who had devoted his entire life to saving lives, was dead at the young age of 49. The Illusion of the Perfect Profession is a culmination of Betsy’s journals, letters to God, and her journey with faith throughout this horrific traumatic experience that left her family shattered and asking how could this happen.

Through reading and research, Betsy discovered that physician suicide is a trend. One million patients lose their doctors to suicide every single year. This is a subject matter that, unfortunately, needs to be widely discussed to help change a system that is undoubtedly broken.

The Illusion of the Perfect Profession: Betsy Gall: 9781952976933: Amazon.com: Books

Betsy Gall | Kirk House Publisher (kirkhousepublishers.com)

Betsy Gall’s heartfelt book about the suicide of her physician husband and its aftermath offers thoughtful insights, first-hand observations, and personal advice, all written with love and understanding. Her book will be of immense help to survivors of suicide loss as well as the medical community. ~Carla Fine, author of No Time to Say Goodbye: Surviving the Suicide of a Loved One

Betsy Gall pulls no punches in this riveting, frank, and heartbreaking book. Her 49-year-old husband Matthew, a dedicated oncologist, soulmate, father, and lover of life, died by suicide on Thanksgiving Day 2019. He died of untreated depression, ironically and tragically, not uncommon in ailing physicians. Ms. Gall’s book is one family’s journey through unspeakable loss and anguish, buttressed with courage, love, unwavering faith, determination, and hope. “The Illusion of the Perfect Profession” is also a clarion call to the world of medicine that all physicians with psychiatric illnesses have a right to life-saving care without having to worry about their privacy and dignity or losing their job, or assaults to their medical license. Her book honors her husband. It is a gift and warrants a wide readership. ~Michael F Myers, MD Professor of Clinical Psychiatry, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, New York, and author of “Why Physicians Die by Suicide: Lessons Learned from Their Families and Others Who Cared.”

This book is one wife’s story about love, physician suicide, and finding comfort and purpose in the aftermath. Suicide has reached the point where, like knowing someone with cancer, we all know someone who has committed suicide. Anyone and everyone is at risk, and that includes people in the medical profession. The saying, ‘doctor heal thyself,’ is easier said than done, and tragically every year, doctors die by suicide at a rate higher than that of the general population. It happened to my family in 2017 when we lost my ex-husband, who was also a cardiothoracic surgeon. It was years later when I met Betsy, and we soon learned how much we had in common. Her drive to help others going through the same experience and to offer hope and healing, courage, and community to others who have lost a loved one to suicide is inspiring. One thing is clear, optics are deceiving, even for doctors. ~Dr. Jennifer Ashton, ABC News Chief Medical Correspondent and author of Life After Suicide.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Betsy Gall and her three children, Grady, Gavin, Sophie, and their dog Liberty, split their time between Charlotte, North Carolina, and Minneapolis, Minnesota, where she focuses on faith, family, and friends. In addition, Betsy is an active real estate agent, investor, landlord, and habitual remodeler. Betsy is speaking all over the country about physician suicide after her oncologist husband, Dr. Matthew Gall, tragically and unexpectedly took his own life on Thanksgiving Day in 2019. Betsy loves to ski downhill in her spare time, spend time at her lake home, and exercise. In addition, she continues to give back to Angel Foundation and the Dr. Lorna Breen Foundation.

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