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Heritage Mountain
Heritage Mountain is a heartwarming blend of cozy fantasy and wilderness adventure, following botanist Anita and survivalist Marco as they reunite for an archaeological expedition in the Adirondacks. Alongside their close-knit friends, Maria and Chase, and a delightful cast of supernatural beings like pixies, elves, and a telepathic cat, the group embarks on a journey that’s as much about discovery as it is about connection, both with nature and each other. The story gently weaves folklore, love, mystery, and magic into the everyday, creating a world where firepits reveal ancient tools, and a simple forest walk may bring you face-to-face with stargazers or nymphs.
I genuinely enjoyed reading this. There’s a quiet, comforting kind of magic in the way author Karen Black writes. She gives the characters space to breathe, laugh, stumble, and grow close. I loved the humor between Chase and Maria. It felt like watching old friends tease and support each other without missing a beat. Marco’s protective, grounded energy made him instantly likable. And Anita. I loved Anita. Her blend of practicality and wonder, her quiet strength and openness to magic, made her feel real and relatable. And the worldbuilding? It’s so gentle and subtle, the supernatural just slips in like a whisper. Nothing is overexplained or flashy. And that makes it feel real.
Everything feels safe, and sometimes I find myself wishing for a little more tension or stakes. But then again, that’s probably the point. Heritage Mountain tells a different kind of story. One about trust, connection, and ancient magic hidden in plain sight. It’s quiet but rich, like the kind of story you’d tell around a fire under the stars. It made me want to go hiking. Or at least take a walk and keep an eye out for little footprints in the moss.
I’d recommend Heritage Mountain to anyone who loves stories about found family, soft magic, and wilderness tales that feel like a warm blanket on a chilly morning. If you liked Practical Magic or The Bear and the Nightingale, or just need a break from the world, this book will meet you gently and invite you in. Fans of cozy fantasy, magical realism, and wilderness adventure will find Heritage Mountain a gentle, enchanting read full of heart, hidden magic, and unforgettable charm.
Pages: 264 | ASIN : B0FGVT464K
Nurse Dorothea® presents Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction and Why Mindfulness is a Key Coping Skill
Nurse Dorothea Presents Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction and Why Mindfulness Is a Key Coping Skill by Michael Dow is a warm, inviting introduction to mindfulness presented through a fictional after-school class. Nurse Dorothea guides readers through the basics of mental health, the meaning of mindfulness, and the many ways it can improve daily life. The book mixes friendly explanations, real research, and simple activities while also covering Jon Kabat-Zinn’s nine pillars of mindfulness and the three main practices: meditation, body scanning, and mindful yoga. It’s an easygoing, approachable read meant for people of all ages.
The book opens with Dorothea reminding the class that every person is one life event away from facing a mental health challenge, which felt honest and grounding. Throughout the early chapters, she repeats gentle reminders to be patient and nonjudgmental with yourself, and I found those small, warm nudges surprisingly comforting. The writing avoids heavy language and instead feels like someone sitting beside you, calmly talking you through your own thoughts.
I also really enjoyed the student comments woven throughout the book. They make the lessons feel alive and relatable. One student mentions that mindfulness while driving helps keep you safe, and another talks about how multitasking can pull you away from the moment. These small interactions add humor and humanity to the material. They break up the teaching in a way that makes the book feel more like a real class than a traditional self-help guide.
The seated meditation instructions are clear and easy to follow, and the emphasis on letting your mind wander without judgment made me feel oddly relieved. The body scan exercise is explained in a simple, calm voice that made me want to try it right away. Even the yoga section feels approachable, especially when the author reassures readers not to judge themselves if they wobble or fall. That moment actually made me smile because it felt so human.
The book is gentle, sincere, and wonderfully beginner-friendly. I’d recommend it to teens, parents, teachers, or anyone who wants a simple and encouraging introduction to mindfulness. If you’re looking for a book that feels like a calm, supportive voice guiding you through stress and distraction, this one fits the bill perfectly.
Pages: 179 | ISBN : 978-1-968690-01-4
Nurse Dorothea® presents Healthy Relationships
Healthy Relationships presents a thoughtful and approachable exploration of what helps relationships thrive. The book is framed as a guided workshop led by Nurse Dorothea, who walks readers through the core ingredients of healthy connection, communication, boundaries, empathy, responsibility, and self-awareness. Although the tone is gentle and accessible, the book is wide in scope, touching on friendships, family ties, romantic partnerships, and online relationships. Its structure blends direct instruction, reflective prompts, and short personal stories in a way that encourages readers to slow down and consider how they relate to others.
The classroom-style format works particularly well. Early in the book, readers are invited to pause, write, and reflect, which creates a sense of active participation. Simple metaphors, like caring for relationships as one would tend a garden, and the recurring reminders that everyone faces challenges, offer a steady, grounding presence throughout the text. At times, the tone can feel overly earnest, but that sincerity reinforces the author’s intention: to encourage readers to approach their relationships with clarity and kindness.
The many student stories woven into the book add depth and texture. Accounts from individuals describing supportive parents, patient partners, meaningful friendships, or online connections create an authentic emotional thread. These examples are used to highlight specific principles such as trust, cooperation, and mutual respect, and they break up the instructional sections in a way that feels natural. The book does not shy away from discussing difficult dynamics either. Its explanations of imbalance, dishonesty, control, and disrespect are concise and direct, making the warnings easy to understand without sensationalism.
The section on meaningful apologies stands out for its emphasis on responsibility and repair rather than defensiveness. Later discussions on reconnecting with others and choosing high-quality relationships are practical and encouraging. The message is consistent and clear: healthy relationships are intentional, vulnerable, and sustained through ongoing care.
Nurse Dorothea® presents Healthy Relationships offers a steady, compassionate guide for readers of all ages. It would be especially valuable for educators, counselors, families, and anyone seeking a straightforward framework for understanding relational well-being. Its warmth, clarity, and practicality make it a supportive companion for those hoping to build stronger and more thoughtful connections.
Pages: 239 | ISBN : 978-1-968690-00-7
Messenger of the Reaper: Part 2
Messenger of the Reaper: Book 2 jumps right into the chaos of Paul Greer’s strange and dangerous life. The story follows him as he takes on brutal jobs, uncovers dark secrets, and wrestles with the eerie presence of James Crum, the Reaper himself. The book blends revenge, the supernatural, and gritty crime drama. It moves fast, takes sharp turns, and never really lets up. There is a constant sense that something worse is coming, and Paul is the only one who can stand in its way, even if it costs him everything.
I felt pulled along by the sheer wildness of it. The writing is straightforward, sometimes blunt, and it gives the whole thing a raw, rough edge. I liked that feeling. It matched Paul’s world. Dangerous. Dirty. Lonely. The ideas about fate and the weight of violence hit harder than I expected. Every time Paul slipped into that cold other self, I found myself tensing up. The book made me uneasy in a way that felt intentional. It wanted me to sit in the dark with him. And I did.
Sometimes the story moved so fast that I had to catch my breath. But honestly, that frantic pacing also made it feel real. Life doesn’t wait, especially not in Paul’s line of work. The supernatural pieces were some of my favorites. Grim and strange, and presented in this matter-of-fact voice that made them weirdly believable. The mix of everyday grit and mystical danger gave the book a flavor that stuck with me after I put it down.
I walked away feeling like I had ridden shotgun through someone’s personal hell, watching him claw his way from one threat to another with nothing but stubborn will keeping him upright. If you like high-tension stories with revenge, supernatural twists, and a main character who is always one step from losing himself completely, this book is a solid pick. It’s gritty. It’s strange. And it’s definitely a book worth picking up.
Pages: 138
The Stanton Falls Mysteries – Dead Reckoning
Dead Reckoning follows a tight-knit group of Stanton Falls detectives and their families as they head out on what should have been a relaxing Mediterranean cruise. Instead, the trip unravels into a tangled mess of missing passengers, eerie shipboard mysteries, emotional tension, and danger that creeps up on them when they least expect it. The story shifts between calm family moments, unsettling turns, and sharp revelations. It keeps the focus on relationships and teamwork while pushing the characters into situations that test them in new ways.
While reading, I kept feeling this warm mix of comfort and suspense. The writing leans heavily into character bonds, and I liked that a lot. There is a genuine sense of history between them, and the quieter scenes made the high-stress moments hit harder. At times, the dialogue felt a little straightforward, but the emotional weight underneath kept me hooked. I appreciated how the author balanced cozy slice-of-life beats with creeping dread. It created this enjoyable tension that made me want to keep turning pages.
Some ideas in the book surprised me in a good way. The ship’s strange happenings, the shifting cabin numbers, the subtle horror beneath the surface, all of it gave the mystery a fresh vibe. I loved that the story didn’t try to outsmart the reader with cheap tricks. It felt honest. There were moments when the pacing slowed, and I caught myself wishing for quicker movement, but the payoff eventually landed with enough emotional punch to make up for it. By the end, I felt oddly proud of the characters for what they’d pushed through.
I’d recommend Dead Reckoning to readers who enjoy character-driven mysteries with a touch of creepiness and a whole lot of heart. It’s great for anyone who wants a story that mixes friendships, family, and danger in a setting that feels fun at first and unsettling once things start going wrong. If you like mysteries that make you care about the people as much as the puzzle, this book will be right up your alley.
Pages: 187
The Ghost’s Gambit
The Ghost’s Gambit, the third installment in Stephanie Cotta’s Iron Kingdom series, sweeps readers back into the dark, perilous world of the Iron Kingdom, where rebellion burns quietly under the thumb of a brutal empire. The story picks up in the midst of chaos, rebels fleeing through snow, soldiers in pursuit, loyalties torn to pieces. Author Stephanie Cotta crafts a world that is both cruel and tender, filled with haunted warriors, hidden magic, and fragile hope. The narrative follows a cast of complex characters, Wraiths, Conjurers, and outlaws, each wrestling with their own ghosts as they defy a king who seeks to crush them. It’s a tale of defiance, sacrifice, and the flickering light that refuses to die in the shadow of tyranny.
Cotta’s writing moves with fierce rhythm, sometimes sharp as steel, other times soft as snowfall. Her descriptions pull you straight into the fight, the clang of metal, the sting of regret, the ache of loss. What struck me most wasn’t just the action, though it’s thrilling, but the intimacy of the quiet moments in between. When Rowan bleeds for his brother, or Tahira whispers spells through tears, or Akaran faces the cost of vengeance, it hits hard. The book isn’t afraid to show how grief shapes courage, or how love can bloom even when surrounded by blood and ruin. I found myself caring deeply for these characters, even when they stumbled, even when they broke.
The pace shifts swiftly, cutting one moment and lingering the next. There are scenes where the prose leans into drama, yet I couldn’t fault it because it felt honest to the pain the story carries. The dialogue has a rawness that fits the world’s brutality, and while the lore is dense, it rewards you for paying attention. What really lingered with me was the emotional weight beneath the battles. This isn’t just a fantasy about swords and sorcery; it’s about forgiveness, loyalty, and the ghosts we carry when the fight is done.
The Ghost’s Gambit is a story that grips you and doesn’t let go, yet somehow leaves a quiet warmth behind. I’d recommend it to readers who crave epic fantasy with heart, especially those who love stories like Throne of Glass or Mistborn but want something cleaner in tone and more focused on the ties between family and faith. It’s dark, yes, but not hopeless. If you like your fantasy with both grit and grace, this book is worth every page.
Pages: 430 | ISBN : 978-1957656946
Voodoo and the Bayou
Once Upon a Time in the Big Easy follows a former hitman down to New Orleans as he tracks a kidnapped girl trapped in the underworld of human trafficking. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I wanted him to have a challenge of being a hero and not only saving a young woman but taking down a disgusting scoundrel.
Was there a reason why you chose this location as the backdrop for your story?
New Orleans is such a mysterious city, historically with voodoo and the bayou in its landscape. Made me think of intrigue for the readers.
Can you tell us more about what’s in store for Chubby Pone and the direction of the next book?
Consequences is the next adventure for Pone as he races against time to save his handler, who was poisoned by a bullet and is in a deep coma. He tries to find the culprit and a cure.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
For a young girl kidnapped by her father. The task gives him more than he bargain for as Theiler Lebeau throws him into a world of gambling, contraband, prostitution, and incest. The Troubleshooter puts his life on the line again to help those who can’t help themselves.
Ending Theiler’s bayou fabulous life of disgust is top priority, along with rescuing a young girl and others, while crumbling an evil empire.
Autobiography: Winner of the International Writers Inspiring Change: Most Inspiring Author Award in 2017 for the horror/thriller “Things That Go Bump in the Night: Here There Be Monsters,” “Crabbe H. Appleton: At your service” with Mercury Slim short stories and song lyrics.
Perceived Predictability
Inheriting Karma follows a man hiding in plain sight whose cover is blown, sending his life into chaos and forcing him to scramble to hold it all together with the least amount of casualties. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The question itself holds the key to my answer. I’m the type of guy who needs a challenge. Predictable outcomes send me packing from the story. I write how I feel, so having a man hiding in plain sight with a perceived predictability lets me shock the reader.
I thank you for your review; it truly nails my intention when writing stories. It’s no secret that my series is not for everyone. Characters who die in the first book are still big participants in follow-ups. For the reader, they are tasked with trying to follow the depth of karma each actor’s actions create.
What inspired your characters’ interactions and backstories?
Growing up, I didn’t have to go far for what I now call Safari Hunts. Challenging Karma was meant as a one-off, keep a last promise to my mom. So many family traits make up the characters. Mam’s boob magnet eyes, Francois’ inventing new dishes and making everyone try it, Ray’s never buying new clothes, and love of pickles.
Backstories are a blend of daydreaming, people-watching, and engagement. When my tenth draft of Challenging Karma shocked my mom into trying to talk me out of using its ending, I knew I had a formula that I couldn’t change.
By nature, I’m a puzzle solver; even playing cards, it has to be a strategic game or I get bored (any bridge players who can help educate)? Even now, I have to slow down because I write an interaction that leads to a fifth, sixth, or even seventh book storyline. For example, lawyer Charlene Reece was supposed to die in Surviving Karma then a daydream brought her story to a new level. Her Karma story really expands in Reciprocating Karma, coming out later this month.
How do you balance story development with shocking plot twists? Or can they be the same thing?
For me, the story takes the reader so many miles down a path only to reach a time when the puzzle hits a three-pronged crossroads. Again, your reviewer nailed it when he said he had to go back to adjust his thoughts. So far, the twists exist on these three paths: believe what you think you read, go back to change your thinking, or go forward with expected outcomes.
The twist, although meant to shock, is a kind of progression of events that fills a lot of our current news cycles. Serial Killers in #1. A wrongfully convicted prisoner seeks payback in #2. Criminal organizations use public events to further their goals in #3. And #4, where a vigilante will seek retribution for the deaths of loved ones.
The premise, “Walk in another’s shoes,” is how I try to develop the story. Hence, the need for a comedic slowdown, weird encounter, or stubborn quirk. I want unique characters that readers can relate to. Reciprocating Karma introduces Carlee. Her sports story is one such lighter moment. But even while writing it, I could picture my wife actually living that experience (before she married a sports nut, of course).
I hope the series continues in other books. If so, where will the story take readers?
Beta readers for #4, Reciprocating Karma compare it to a movie that has caused many a conversation about whether it’s a Christmas movie or a thriller during the holiday season. It comes out in the next few weeks, so readers will have to pick a side. Yes, there’s a shock, but its subtitle causes a self-review of one’s own life.
The future in my Karma world has at least two more shocks to provide. In fact, both #5 and #6 are ripping through pages (I handwrite every first draft). But with Karma being such a wide open source of inspiration, seven will start filling dreams soon.
Author Links: Goodreads | X (Twitter) | Website | Amazon
Runs parallel to the soon to be released crossover book #4 ‘Reciprocating Karma!’
One oversight is all it took to turn hunters against him. Legal documents record his real name as Wilson O’Reilly instead of Forrest Clay, but his involvement with Ricky Topin going rogue brightens the already dual personality spotlight. Two criminal accomplices vie for attention over the one true love Wilson has ever experienced, a cop.
Once word spread of his link to Topin’s murderous rage, hiding in plain sight no longer became a possibility. Or just maybe? A boss to one, partner to another, and enemy to the third person, O’Reilly weaves his circumstances toward a solution. Although for him to walk the streets again, past friends may die, organizations receive new leadership, and cops become targets.
Although fluid, the first seed planted is to use his onetime lovers, position against her. A simple warning of an assassination attempt piques interest until the offspring of a former gangster ‘Inherits Karma’ from his father. One kill shot setting the stage for O’Reilly to regain the blessings of freedom.
Stuck in quicksand, law enforcement takes the case, international. Thrilling mind games culminate in a three-minute window, where survival becomes a scene of chaos.
LITERARY TITAN 