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PUBLISHER'S LETTER Hello Readers, The holiday season is a favorite time of year for my family. It means time together, a respite from the usual hustle and bustle of work and school, and a chance to truly reconnect and recharge. We have a treasure trove of beloved traditions; and for us, it’s Thanksgiving to Christmas Eve as the highpoints of the season. The Thanksgiving feast means eating all day with family, while friends drop in to visit. Then, the hunt for the perfect Christmas tree and trimmings, to the chaotic but fun cookiebaking marathon. The house is always filled with the comforting scents of pine, cinnamon, and hot cocoa. All this downtime has led me to discover great reads I don't usually allow myself to indulge in, and that got me thinking. With so many standouts from the award programs, I was wondering what these award-winning authors would recommend to me as a holiday gift, so I asked. The result was this month’s article “The Ultimate Gift: Award-Winning Authors Share Their Holiday Book Picks.” I received dozens of submissions on what book they would gift and why, and I’m sharing those with you in this issue of Printed Word Reviews’ Holiday Gift Guide. I’ve included this year’s NYC Big Book Award winners and distinguished favorites to help you with your shopping list, as there is a book for anyone and everyone who you need a gift for. Although 15 major categories, we’ve broken it down to very specific kinds of reads, guaranteeing the perfect reading match for those you are gifting. As I mentioned in my last letter, the NYC Big Book Award continues to attract high-quality books from all over the world. Our 2025 winners include "What is My Legacy?" by Martin Luther King III, Arndrea Waters King, Marc Kielburger, and Craig Kielburger, as well as "Modernist Bread at Home" by Nathan Myhrvold, all very appropriate gifts this year. The call for the Independent Press Award entries is fast approaching. If you're an author or publisher looking to gain recognition, visit www.independentpressaward.com for more details. Lastly, BookCAMP 2026 on April 24-26 promises to be bigger than ever. We’ll be celebrating the NYC Big Book and the Independent Press Award recipients, as well as connecting with publishing experts. Reserve today at www.ipabookcamp.com/tickets. Until next time, keep on reading,
Ted Olczak
TED OLCZAK Publisher www.PrintedWordReviews.com
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TABLE OF CONTENTS 2
Call for Independent Press Award Entries
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Publisher’s Letter
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Table of Contents / Disclaimer
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The Ultimate Gift: Award-Winning Authors Share Their Holiday Book Picks
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2025 NYC Big Book Award Listings
15
Printed Word Book Reviews
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Current GAB TALKS podcasts
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Reservations: A Samantha Wright Crime Series by Theresa Janson
Crime fiction, Thriller, Contemporary Romance ISBN: 979-8998812705 “Theresa Janson’s thriller “Reservations” weaves together elements of crime, suspense, and romance, making it ideal for readers who appreciate complex plots and resilient female protagonists. The novel centers on FBI profiler Samantha Wright, who is driven by a personal mission to capture a serial killer who previously eluded her late mentor.
BookCAMP magazine
PWR
PRINTED WORD REVIEWS
was twistedly obsessed with her.
The story is set against the cold, stark landscape of Indian reservations, primarily Ashland, Montana, during a harsh winter. Sam is not only hunting a killer who targets young boys on the reservation but is also battling her past. Nightmares haunt her, sprouting from a prior case where she was attacked and captured by a killer who
Arriving in Ashland, Sam’s determination to solve the current case is unyielding, despite the complex jurisdictional dynamics between the FBI, Tribal Police, and local law enforcement. She takes residence at The Lodge, owned by Will Little Bear, a Cheyenne guide and tracker. Will quickly becomes an essential, though unexpected, ally. As Sam and Will delve into the chilling evidence—the tortured, mutilated bodies of the victims—they uncover disturbing patterns. The killer’s profile suggests someone with an intimate knowledge of the reservations. Sam’s innovative theories, including the use of peyote, intensify the hunt.
DISCLAIMER: The Printed Word Reviews magazine has been issued the following ISSNs by the U.S. ISSN Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.: Format: Online Format: ISSN 3067-011X and is published 10 times per year. The title was previously published under the Independent Press Award and NYC Big Book Award Present with the following ISSNs by the U.S. ISSN Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.: Format: Online Format: ISSN 2836-9157; and the Print Format: ISSN 2836-9149.
The aftermath focuses on Sam’s gradual recovery and Will’s unwavering support. Their deepening bond is cemented by a poignant moment when Sam is honored with an induction into the Cheyenne Tribe, receiving the name “She who stands with the warriors.” The strength they find in each other is tested when a threatening note and a lock of her own hair arrive, suggesting the killer or an accomplice may still be at large.
Any questions or comments, please contact the Publisher Ted Olczak at Ted@GabbyBookAwards.com or Ted@PrintedWordReviews.com. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced without express permission from the publisher.
“Reservations” concludes with an affirmation of healing and enduring love. Will’s promise to marry Sam despite the ongoing threats highlights their unwavering resilience. The narrative is more than a crime story; it is a profound exploration of human endurance and the transformative power of connection.
All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by an information storage and retrieval system - except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in a review to be printed in a magazine or newspaper - without permission in writing from the publisher. To submit your book for review, send to: Printed Word Reviews, 63 Clinton Rd, Glen Ridge, NJ 07028. Allow 8 -12 weeks. Unpaid reviews are not guaranteed. More details available on our website at https://printedwordreviews.com/
It’s highly recommended for fans of crime fiction with a heart. www.theresajanson.com
To submit your book for our award programs, visit the websites:
Read the full book review:
Spring 2026: https://www.independentpressaward.com/
www.printedwordreviews.com/bookreviews/9798998812705
Fall 2026: https://www.nycbigbookaward.com/ (More consumer focused; different judging; allows for all authors and publishers to participate; announced in the fall of every year)
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REVIEW
S P OT L I G H T 5
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ULTIMATE Gift Independent Press and NYC Big Book AwardWinning Authors Share Their Holiday Book Picks
D
o you ever wonder what celebrated award-winning authors are reading? Recommending? Even better, if they had any book they could bestow as a gift, what would that book be? Well, I've asked dozens of award-winning authors from our NYC Big Book Award and Independent Press Award programs what their holiday pick would be.
just a set of book recommendations; it's a peek into the hearts and minds of the writers who shape our literary landscape. Moreover, the list below resulted in an eclectic, fascinating mix that spans genres and generations, offering a truly exceptional guide for your holiday gifting—or for your own cozy winter reading pile! Whether you are looking for a gift that will be devoured in one sitting or a classic to treasure for a lifetime, this selection, curated by your favorite award-winning authors, is sure to contain the perfect title.
These literary luminaries, whose own works have garnered critical acclaim, reveal the single book they would bestow upon a loved one this year. This exclusive list is more than
Secret Santa by Andrew Shaffer
Santa’s Kid of the Year by David Knoll
If you're looking for a holiday scare, this is my favorite! So creative, so horrifying and festive all at the same time. A quick and creepy read that just might become your new holiday favorite book.
It is a fresh and exciting take on the magical land of Santa with fun characters and thrilling adventures. The theme of being kind is cool and being a bully is cruel will really resonate with children.
Michele Kwasniewski, author of The Rise and Fall of Dani Truehart Series
David Knoll
www.independentpressaward.com/2025favorites/9781950544349
www.nycbigbookaward.com/2025-favorites/9798892437691
HISTORICAL FICTION
BIOGRAPHIES / MEMOIRS Deadly Dilemma: A Memoir
A Dragon among the Eagles: A Novel of the Roman Empire
Anthony Gurley
Adam Alexander Haviaras
Are those moments of victory, success, and happiness sufficient in number, scope, and magnitude to outweigh the failures, disappointments, fear, and isolation that often color life’s landscape? In “Deadly Dilemma”, Anthony takes you on a journey of remembrance and reflection. Everyone has a story. Sometimes, we need a nudge to revisit our stories and confront the experiences that have shaped our lives.
“A Dragon among the Eagles” is a prequel novel in the ground-breaking Eagles and Dragons series by award-winning author and historian Adam Alexander Haviaras. Experience the gritty and passionate world of the Roman Empire with this bestselling historical fiction series that combines adventure, romance, family saga, and the supernatural.
ISBN: 978-0991887354 • $16.99
ISBN: 978-1662887864 $19.99 (Currently available at $9.98)
__________________________________________________________________________________________________ Amazon, Barnes & Noble, all major online retailers, independent bookstores, brick and
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
mortar chains, public libraries, and direct from Eagles and Dragons Publishing.
Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and online bookstores.
www.anthonygurley.com www.PrintedWordReviews.com
https://eaglesanddragonspublishing.com/books/a-dragon-among-the-eagles-eagles-and-dragons-prequel/
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HOW-TO I Am Delivered: Before, During, and the Aftercare to Wholeness Dr. Jewel D Williams
I Am Delivered gives a different perspective on the deliverance process. Due to the issues people are facing, some find themselves dealing with feelings of abandonment, rejection, anger, bitterness, and more, which hinders their walk as Christians. In this book, we will examine these issues from a clinical perspective. Imagine these issues are like infections trying to cause havoc in our bodies. I Am Delivered offers practical advice on how to partner with God to discover the “invaders” in your life. The book guides you through the process of uncovering the issues affecting your soul to prepare you for God’s deliverance. See video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jNBUjr7nwq8
ULTIMATE Gift
My favorite holiday novel is “The Legend of Holly Claus” by Brittney Ryan. Not only are the story, characters, and illustrations beautifully nostalgic in the vein of classic Christmas tales like “The Nutcracker” and “The Tailor of Gloucester,” but in 2005, Ryan invited young readers to write letters to “Holly Claus, The Royal Palace, The City of Forever, The Land of the Immortals,” and then wrote back as Holly, the daughter of Santa Claus, herself, adding an element of joyful interactivity.
Erika Lynn Adams, author of “Allie's Adventure on the Wonder”
ISBN: 979-8989319367 • $14.99
www.nycbigbookaward.com/2025-winners/9781643435268
_______________________________________________________________________________________________ Available on Amazon.
https://amzn.to/4nFOPLg
My favorite book to revisit during the holidays is A Tresury of Christmas Poems, to which I had the joy of writing the foreword. Its pages are filled with timeless verse that never fail to lift my spirit, reminding me of the beauty in reflection and renewal. Each reading invites me to pause—to cherish the moments of the year gone by and to look with hope toward the year ahead.
LGBTQ NONFICTION Dueling Photographers: George Dureau and Robert Mapplethorpe Jack Fritscher, PhD
This essential art history by eyewitness-participant Fritscher examines one of 20-century art’s great questions of influence and mentorship - George Dureau to Robert Mapplethorpe - two icons colliding around race, primacy, and originality.
ISBN: 978-1890834692 • $19.95
________________________________________________________________ Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and online bookstores. https://jackfritscher.com/Non-Fiction/Profiles-Dureau/Dureau-ProfilesGayCourage.html
David Bossert, author of “Find Your Happy Place: The 8-Step Guide to Boosting Your Creativity Through a Personal Retreat”
www.nycbigbookaward.com/2025-favorites/9798987058954
“Audition” by Katie Kitamura makes an excellent gift for fiction lovers. It is sublime to read and a true page-turner, and—having been shortlisted for The Booker Prize this year—it's a buzzworthy book to discuss with others. Katherine Davis-Gibbon, author of “Words”
www.nycbigbookaward.com/2025-winners/9781737957690
LITERARY FICTION The Dying Art Of Life: An Oliver Twist Sequel. Probably. shoeless
Who cares for Oliver Twist? If Charles Dickens was right then we all would. As Nancy’s daughter Olivia arrives from America to solve her mother’s murder she finds a truth Charles Dickens worked so hard to keep from us.
“The Almost Nearly Perfect People” by Michael Booth... a funny but kind comparison of Norwegians and Danes… Lee Woodman, author of the “SCAPES” series
www.nycbigbookaward.com/2025-winners/9781737957690
ISBN: 978-1068733949 • $23.99 __________________________________________________________________________________________________ Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and online bookstores.
https://autocognition.co.uk/
For a super holiday gift I recommend the adventuresome, comedic The
Mutant Critter Sitter's “The Electric Seal” by Heather Macht! Robin Pullen, author of “Caro's Comet”
www.nycbigbookaward.com/2025-favorites/9798990346208 www.PrintedWordReviews.com
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Your Roadmap to Renewal: 8 Proven Steps to Recharge, Refocus and Reclaim Your Creativity
Find Your Happy Place: The 8-Step Guide to Boosting Your Creativity Through a Personal Retreat by David A. Bossert offers a transformative journey to discover a personal sanctuary where one can reconnect with themselves and unlock their creative potential. Through eight comprehensive steps, ranging from embracing seclusion to fostering mindfulness and expanding creativity, Bossert provides a roadmap for readers to delve into their innermost thoughts, set inspiring goals, and attain the clarity needed to achieve them. Drawing from over three decades of experience, the author shares profound insights and practical exercises to facilitate self-discovery and personal growth. This guide promises life-changing benefits, inviting readers to embark on their own retreat today and begin the fulfilling journey towards living their best life.
“Dave Bossert is a true mentor...This book is an external playbook for an internal breakthrough...”
—Dave Zaboski, Former Disney Animator, co-founder and Chief Creative Officer of Laetro.com
“Dave has thoughtfully invited his readers into the genesis of his personal retreat process... The eight steps shared provide a step-by-step guide to jump-starting one’s own retreat practice in a refreshingly straightforward and practical way.” — Richard Ramsey, Vice President of Human Resources The Walt Disney Company (Retired)
Available at your favorite booksellers and here: FindYourHappyPlaceBooks.com or theoldmillpress.com
ISBN: 979-8987058930
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RETAIL LIST: $24.95
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THE
ULTIMATE Gift I would like to recommend the book, "The GAP and the GAIN" by Dan Sullivan. This is a great book for self-reflection at the end of the year on how far we have come. Hwee Peng Tan, author of “How To Be A Neuro-Affirmative Parent: The Truth About Raising A Neurodivergent Child”
www.nycbigbookaward.com/2025-favorites/9789811894060
My favorite holiday pick is Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times By Katherine May. This book helps us tune into slower seasons of life and embrace the winter months with reflection, rest and intention. It's a must read for authors and book readers alike! Jennifer Todling, author of “Dancing on My Own Two Feet: A New Life One Step at a Time”
www.nycbigbookaward.com/2025-favorites/9781647428785
My favorite book for the holiday is Lucy Ashe's ballet novel The Sleeping Beauties. Dancers and non-dancers alike will love the twists and turns through fact and fiction in this page-turning saga set in London, 1945. Kara Tatelbaum, author of the NYC Big Book Award for Performing Arts “Putting My Heels Down”
www.nycbigbookaward.com/2025-winners/9781945060458
My all-time favorite books—I cannot pick just one— are The Lord of the Rings trilogy and Tolkien’s other works. The deeply wrought world, the marriage of myth and human stakes, and the varied, often lyrical prose make every return feel inexhaustible. These books, which I deeply admire, not only made me fall in love with reading but also gave me the desire to become an author and share worlds of my own. Joe Sarkic, author of “Veil of Dawn's Promise”
www.nycbigbookaward.com/2025-favorites/9781738252565
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The Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger is a clas-
sic for a reason; not only does it absolutely nail that awkward period of adolescence we all have to suffer through, but it made me realize I wasn’t alone in thinking and feeling the way I do.”
INSPIRED BY TRUE EVENTS
Michael Thomas Perone, "The Electric God and Otherv Shorts"
Dumped for her high school nemesis before their class reunion, audacious rock wife Charlemagne Devlin is a 100 proof mix of Bridget Jones, Daisy Jones, Fleabag and AbFab rejecting rehab, on her calamitous marriage comeback tour.
Sometimes the comeback isn't getting him back. It's getting you back.
www.nycbigbookaward.com/2025-favorites/9798887472232
The story of 1929 feels uncomfortably familiar--so if you like financial history that actually makes you feel the pulse of the past, this book is for you.
Yet, will her victory be walking away from it all?
"Great dark humor, and all too true. Reminds me of one of my ex-wives..."
Cosmo P. DeStefano, Financial Strategist & Author A Neurodivergent Child”
– Aynsley Dunbar, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Drummer – Journey, Bowie, Whitesnake, Zappa & others
www.independentpressaward.com/2025winners/9781544529844
Margaux Dunbar Hession
FORMER ROCK STAR WIFE + MISCHIEF MAGNET & NOVELIST
The Book of Joy by Dalai
Lama and Desmond Tutu This book is an uplifting roadmap to happiness. It is in the spirit of the holidays, emphasizing kindness, generosity, and giving.
somargaux.com ISBN # 979-8-88679-556-1
Retail: $21.95 | Purchase Price $14.95
Women’s Fiction/Recovery | Distributed by Ingram Content Group Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kindle Unlimited & other online booksellers
Ellen Dee Davidson, Sacred Forest Bathing
www.nycbigbookaward.com/2025-winners/9781591435471
The Will to Change: Men, Masculinity, and Love (2004) by bell hooks. Wonderful writing about love and how it has become so elusive for both men and women.
Anthony Silard, “Love and Suffering: Break the Emotional Chains that Prevent You from Experiencing Love”
www.nycbigbookaward.com/2025-favorites/9780981785370
Elizabeth Gilbert’s memoir, All the Way to the River It is an Oprah’s Book Club selection. It is a very raw account of the death from cancer of the one person she calls the love of her life. While it is funny, it might not be the most uplifting book for the holidays. Maria Baltazzi, PhD, MFA, author of “Take a Shot at Happiness: How to Write, Direct & Produce the Life You Want”
www.independentpressaward.com/2025winners/9781637588604
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2025 NYC Big Book Award Action/Adventure
The Child Riddler by Angela Greenman Against the Wind by A.W. Baldwin
Cogitatio: Shadows in the Wind - Book Two by McKinley Aspen Crash and Fred: An Adventure of Epic Absurdity by Chase Fiore The Time Patriot: Episode 1, Hail Mary Pass by Kim Megahee
Addiction & Recovery
Soaring to New LowsConfessions of a Rock Star Wife's Hilarious Road to Ruin and Redemption by Margaux Dunbar Hession
African American Fiction
When It All Falls Down by Chinedu Achebe
African American Nonfiction
The Stories They Hear: Expecting Greatness as the Key to Success by Dr. William Keyes IV
Alternative Medicine
America’s Lifeline for Better Health: Preventive Care: 21Day Program: 10 Simple Steps for Better Health by Bala Kumar
Animals-Pets
Healing Wisdom for Pet Loss: An Animal Lover's Guide to Grief by Anne Marie Farage-Smith
You Are Invited Part 2 by Susan Marie Chapman
Old Crabby Turtle's Big Rescue by C.L. Olsen, Michael Stark
Anthology
L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future, Volume 41 Edited by: Jody Lynn Nye
Song of the Raven: An Inuit Tale of Harmony with Nature by Amanda Hall Words by Katherine Davis-Gibbon
Women Making A Difference by Peace Mitchell & Katy Garner
Book Cover DesignFiction
Arts & Entertainment
Y'all (Not) Gon' Make Me Lose My Mind: Notes from a Hip-Hop Unicorn & Suicide Survivor by Emilia A. Ottoo
Hermit of Paradise: A Novel by Kim Sanders Allie's Adventure on the Wonder by Erika Lynn Adams
Audiobook-Fiction
Dracula: Finding of a Shadow. A play by Lisa Monde
The Curse of Maiden Scars, Maiden Mother Crone by Nicolette Croft
Psychosis Diagnosis by Nikki Minty
The Pale Flesh of Wood by Elizabeth A. Tucker
Audiobook-Nonfiction
Do Good While Doing Well - Invest for Change, Reap Financial Rewards and Increase your Happiness by Marcia Dawood
Biography
Animal Revenge by David Bush
Mission to China; The Life of Walter Henry Medhurst by John Holliday
Destination; Remarkable.: Surviving the Dark Side of Success by Mary Grothe
Courageous Clooney by C. Strassel
Book Cover DesignChildrens Picture Books
The Housekeeper's Secret by Sandra Schnakenburg
Echoes in the Stars by Gordon Frisbie You Are Invited Part 1 by Susan Marie Chapman
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Witness to a Prosecution: The Myth of Michael Milken by Richard V. Sandler
Kobee Manatee Climate Change and The Great Blue Hole Hazard by Robert Scott Thayer
Non-Obvious Thinking: How to See What Others Miss by Rohit Bhargava and Ben duPont
Start. Scale. Exit. Repeat. by Colin C. Campbell
Beyond the Hammer: A Fresh Approach to Leadership, Culture, and Building High Performance Teams by Brian Gottlieb
Cracklin' in the Woods by Dakota Lee Cross; Illustrated by Kristine Lucco
Do Good While Doing Well: Invest for Change, Reap Financial Rewards and Increase Your Happiness by Marcia Dawood
Book Cover DesignNonfiction
Benjamin's Mess: Sketches, Tirades and Spoofs by David Benjamin
Mikhail Gorbachev - How he changed our lives by Bettina Schaefer
From Founder to Future: A Business Roadmap to Impact, Longevity, and Employee Ownership by John Abrams
Pioneers: 8 Principles of Business Longevity from Immigrant Entrepreneurs by Neri Karra Sillaman
Autobiography
From Cab Driver to Carnegie Hall by David Singer
BusinessEntrepreneurship & Small Business
The Third Estate Secrets of the Manor by D R Berlin
Go Together: How the Concept of Ubuntu will Change How We Work, Live and Lead by Shola Richards
Build It Boldly: How Daring Business Leaders Can Gain Influence and Create Impact by Dr. Kimberly McGlonn
San Diego Seafood: Then & now recipes and stories from a history of fishing by California Sea Grant Collaboration
The Illusion of Innovation: Escape "Efficiency" and Unleash Radical Progress by Elliott Parker Unlikely to Unstoppable: Stories from Everyday Entrepreneurs by Jennifer Collins and Elizabeth Clark
Business-General
Rethinking Operating Models: Designing People and Technology Powered Organizations by Amy Kates, Greg Kesler, and Kent McMillan Data-Driven Talent Management: Using Analytics to Improve Employee Experience by Kristin Saling
Book Interior Design Shaded indicates winner in category
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THE
ULTIMATE Gift The book I would recommend that deeply moved me is An Unfinished Love Story, by Doris Kearns Goodwin. I am always captivated when I hear her speak, but to get a personal glimpse of the powerhouse couple that she and her husband Dick were was incredible. Not to mention, you felt as if you were present during the 1960s and 1970s. Also, you listen to great speeches, but never think about where they came from. The role of a speech writer is so intense, and some of the greatest, most lasting speeches were written by Richard Goodwin. Especially, with our nation in such turmoil and the misrepresentation of history, this is a mustread chronicle of their lives, their love story, their brilliance, and mutual respect for one another, as well as the Kennedy & Johnson administrations. Nancy Regas, author of "The Art of Being a School Counselor"
www.independentpressaward.com/theartofbeingaschoolcounselor
CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE French Lessons, One Woman’s Tale of Sex, Wine and House Renovation in La Belle France Roberta Samuels
“French Lessons” is a romance about a middle-aged, newly-divorced American, Barbara Waldheim, who decides to reinvent her life and seek adventures in France. She buys a historic farmhouse in a tiny hamlet. To her surprise, while restoring the house, she herself undergoes a makeover and finds love in the process— but not the handsome Frenchman she expected.
ISBN: 978-1637775561 • $12.99
__________________________________________________________________________________________________ Available at Amazon, Apple iBook, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org and Walmart.
www.robertasamuels.com
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL BIOGRAPHY, LOVE AND LOSS, DEATH AND GRIEF Are You Really Listening? Bernice Simpson
This book was written from a nurse’s perspective dealing with end of life care. Along this journey, the author shares her experiences and insights as she navigates the care process for each patient and their individual needs. This is a must read for everyone because the reality is that we all deal with end of life care.
ISBN: 978-1665732710 • $11.99
__________________________________________________________________________________________________ Available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Walmart.com, bernicesimpsonauthor.com, along with other Ingram suppliers.
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If They Won’t Bend, Break Them!®: Tips, Tactics and Strategies You Need to Negotiate Like a Pro by Geoffrey Michael Staff Matters: People-Focused Solutions for the Ultimate New Workplace by Bonnie Low-Kramen The Leader-Shift Playbook: 4 Simple Changes to Score Big and Unleash Your Team’s Potential by Phillip B. Wilson The Middle Matters: A Toolkit for Middle Managers by Jeff Sigel
Business-Motivational
The New Rules of Influence: How to Authentically Build Trust, Drive Change, and Make an Impact by Lida Citroën Certainty: How Great Bosses Can Change Minds and Drive Innovation by Mike Mears From Conflict to Courage: How to stop avoiding and start leading by Marlene Chism GOLD IN YOUR BACKYARD: Lessons in Life, Leadership, and the Power of a Dream by Ron Rubin Leadership Is Worthless…But Leading Is Priceless by Thom Mayer, MD Ping Pong Leadership: 18 Principles to Succeed at Any Table in Business, Sports, and Life by Justin Bookey Soul Venture, a true life and death journey into the startup culture by Ashwin Gulati
Cancer
When Cells Rebel: Your Martial Arts and Defeating Cancer by Lawrence Kane and Kris Wilder
Career www.PrintedWordReviews.com
Childrens-Educational Series
Design Your Life: Your Career, Your Way by Erifili Gounari
Nurse Florence® for the Visually Impaired with Illustrator Anastasia Bradley: Volume 1 by Michael Dow, RN, MS
Dare to Be Naive: How to Find Your True Self in a Noisy World by Joshua Berry
Nurse Florence® for the Visually Impaired with Illustrator Angel Kincaid: Volume 1 by Michael Dow, RN, MS
What Lights You Up?: Illuminate Your Path and Take the Next Big Step in Your Career by Mary Olson-Menzel
Nurse Florence® for the Visually Impaired with Illustrator Kelsey Tone: Volume 1 by Michael Dow, RN, MS
Caregiving
Don't Walk Away, A Care Partner's Journey by Marilyn Raichle
Chapter Books
Nurse Florence® for the Visually Impaired with Illustrator Lindsay Roberts: Volume 1 by Michael Dow, RN, MS
Dinky Donkey Doo: A Brave Boy, His Loyal Protector, and a Journey of Hope by David P Kavanaugh and Albert Arrayás
Nurse Florence® for the Visually Impaired with Illustrator Sela Goldfarb: Volume 1 by Michael Dow, RN, MS
Chick Lit
The Gift by C. D'Angelo
Childrens-Board Books
Childrens-Fiction
Welcome to the NIC Zoo by Paige Pedroli
Did You Hear That? by Antonio Vicente and Miguel Ordóñez
Childrens-Death and Dying
Little Miss Linda Speaks Out About Death by Dr. Linda J. M. Holloway
Childrens-Educational
Childrens-Inspirational
One Lawn at a Time: The Chronicles of Rodney's Mission to Spread Kindness by Rodney Smith Jr Dearest Sunchild by Ralph Bristout I Have a Voice: A Book of Listening by Heidi Solomon-Orlick
Cracklin' in the Woods by Dakota Lee Cross; Illustrated by Kristine Lucco
What If Roxy by Jessica Ann
Childrens-Friendship
Childrens-Grief
Treasures from Beyond the Rainbows by Angelica R. Clark
Childrens-Holiday
Welcome to School! by Dona Herweck Rice
Cried the Raven by Ruth Amanda
The Sons & The Stars by Rey A. Banda
Charlotte and Penelope and Their Magical Menagerie by Teresa Argenbright and Dan McGeehan
Sticky Pineapple And The Little Precious Gems: How I Came Into This World by Stephanie Boag
Childrens-Humor
Ode to a Pug: THAT CAT! by Jill Rosen
Bentley Makes a Dump Cake by Miki Taylor
Worpple by Lynn K. Russell
Caro's Comet, The Celestial Cinderella by Robin Pullen
Santa’s Kid of the Year by David Knoll
Paper Airplanes: A Girl, a Dream, and the Sky Between by Jennifer Li
Words Tangled by Olivia Von Holt
Alphabet Parade: An Alliterative Alphabet Adventure by Stephen Barany
Gona and the Christmas Glitter Disaster by Carla Crane Osborne
Old Crabby Turtle by C.L. Olsen
Soulful Struttin' by Julia Pierre Hammond
Marco the Great and the Mystery of Phaseville by SK Bennett
Holidays All Year with Pomp, Snow, and Cirquemstance by Neil Goldberg, Niko Nickolaou, et al.
Willard DoGooder and the Trail of Friends by Jen Kirkley
Childrens-Motivational
Words by Katherine Davis-Gibbon
Claiming Her Crown (Butterfly Princess Book 4) by Alisa Hope Wagner Once Upon a Tile: Suzi's Shower & Her Superpower by Laura Muirhead Singing Surya Dreams to Dance by Suchi Sairam You Can Throw a Party! by Jan Gniffke and Rebeca J Pintos
Childrens-Nonfiction 14
Labyrinth of Shadows: The Witch’s Rebirth Part 1
NEW ADULT FICTION Tell Me That You Love Me
by Michaela Riley
David Rogers
Set against the vivid backdrop of 1970s New York City, the story introduces us to Connie Roberts who arrives seeking not just a change of scenery but a fresh start. Her lonely plight leads to bad decisions, dark places and the people who dwell there. The reflective and introspective style of writing draws the reader deep into Connie’s emotional landscape, making her triumphs feel like their own.
Dark Fantasy. Harper Book Writers. ISBN: 979-8998564819 A young witch named Merona must use her powers to fight a demon, while uncovering her mystical lineage and the legacy of the Merovingians, and alter her people’s destiny in a world where ancient magic clashes with Christianity.
ISBN: 978-2650485710 • $14.00
__________________________________________________________________________________________________ Available on Amazon.
https://amzn.to/3IuuucY
With historical backdrops and fantasy, “Labyrinth of Shadows: The Witch’s Rebirth Part I” is a spellbinding journey into a world where ancient magic collides with the rise of Christianity. Set in the early fifth century, the story brings together the historical events of the Merovingian dynasty’s rise with mythology and supernatural powers. The book kicks off with the Hun invasion, forcing the Sicambrian Franks, led by Merovech, to migrate. This turmoil sets the stage for a young witch’s arrival, a figure whose ancient powers are said to challenge even the most powerful magical bloodlines. At the heart of the story are several fascinating characters: Merovech, the Frankish leader; the Witch, who holds a destiny-altering secret; and Clovis, a young boy destined for either greatness or destruction. As the story progresses, we are introduced to Merona, a baby whose birth signals an impending change. We follow her journey as she grows, hones her powers, and, with the guidance of Murdach and the Morrigan, prepares to face her greatest challenge.
YOUNG ADULT FICTION Sower, Gon`s Infinity Brice Mbonde
After Apollon and his companions are entrapped in a deathly plot triggered by the theft of a magic wand, they dive into the undersea world of Neptune’s Wonderland where they find a musical box inscribed with a luminous infinity symbol, the name Ozartian Gon, and a series of puzzles they must decipher to thwart the threat. As the menace of a magus and titans tightens around the demigods, they race against time to break free, climaxing in a showdown to save themselves and continue the legacy of Gon.
ISBN: 978-1774822548 • $13.99
__________________________________________________________________________________________________ Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and online bookstores.
https://amzn.to/4nFsGgq
MEMOIR Don’t Walk Away, A Care Partner’s Journey
The conflict centers on Merona’s struggle against the demon Armaeus, a powerful entity determined to thwart her. Their climactic battle is a true highlight of the book, as Merona draws on the elements, the labyrinth, and her unwavering will to defeat him. The resolution is satisfying, as Merona not only secures the fate of her people but also advocates for tolerance and acceptance among different faiths. With its world-building, complex characters, and blend of historical events with magical elements, this book is for anyone who loves epic fantasy and historical sagas. It’s a tale of destiny, power, and the enduring legacy of ancient magic.
Marilyn Raichle
Marilyn Raichle’s transformative memoir shares her experience caring for her mother, Jean, who lived with Alzheimer’s. Beyond a simple recollection, the book, beautifully illustrated with Jean’s vibrant artwork, serves as a powerful testament to the enduring human spirit and a revolutionary guide for redefining the caregiving experience.
ISBN: 979-8877911390 • $39.00
__________________________________________________________________________________________________ Available on Amazon.
dontwalkaway.net Read the full review here: www.printedwordreviews.com/bookreviews/9798314030844
FALCON
REVIEW 15
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First Ladies Make History by Anita McBride and Giovanna McBride, Illustrated by John Hutton
Childrens-Religion
India: The Land of Festivals: A Monthly Guidebook to Diverse Celebrations by Anuja Mohla The Psalms of King David by Demi The Secret Princess: A Tale of Hope by J.C. Prins
Christian
Restore Me! But Privately Please by Dr. Susan Agbenoto Prayed Up by Katrina Bills
Coffee-table Book
The Taste of Ambiance: Luxury Wine Cellar Designs by Al Fuentes Crypto Moments: How Tech Visionaries Disrupted Global Finance by Ben Brauser
Coloring Books
Berlin Divided—Berlin United: Remembering Berlin in the Cold War | Berlin Geteilt – Berlin Vereint: Erinnerungen an Berlin im Kalten Krieg by Bibi LeBlanc Glitter the Unicorn Loves to Color on the Moon by Callie Chapman
Comedy
The Surreal Adventures of Anthony Zen by Cameron A. Straughan
Comics and Graphic Novels
My Book of the Dead: a memoir by Kathleen Edwards
Along Came Spider: The Making of a Superhero (The Web Society) - Book 1 by Michele L Sayre
Luna and the city of shadows by Roksolana Lebid
I Lived to Tell the World: Stories from Survivors of Holocaust, Genocide, and the Atrocities of War by Elizabeth Mehren and Timothy Longman
Follow Your Dreams by Frederick Russo
Cookbook-General
Modernist Bread at Home by Nathan Myhrvold
Rebranding Autism: A Guide to Seeing Strength on the Spectrum by Clain Udy
Cooking with Judith by Judith Briles
Show Box Lunch by Glenda Leona Boddy’Johnson
Cookbook-International
Asian Heritage Chefs in White House History: Cooking to the President's Taste by Adrian Miller and Deborah Chang
Cultural Heritage
The Soul of War: Ukraine – Where Every Step Tells Their Story by Ivona Olofsson
Cookbook-Regional
San Diego Seafood: Then & now recipes and stories from a history of fishing by California Sea Grant Collaboration
Ay Ya Yai! Miss Lou: Voice of the Jamaican People by Tania Hernandez
Dark Fantasy
The Infernal Age: Demon Gate by Anson Joaquin
Crime Fiction
Invaders of the Heartland by James Bultema
Education
There's Research for That by Heidi Anne Mesmer, Katie Hilden-Clouse
Ding Dong Ditch: Shadows of the Big East by Noz
The Amazing World Beneath the Waves by Gloria Barnett
Cross Genre
Perceptive: Insights for leaders who feel more, process deeply, and think differently by Rachel Eve Radway
Word Fun Riddles & Crisscross Puzzles by Helene Hovanec
Environment
Now You Are a Missing Person by Susan Hayden
Our Global Crisis: "We'll Never Run Out!" by Brian D McLean
Rooting Out Shame: A Son's Account of Child Sexual Abuse and Recovery by Frank Root III
Epic Fantasy
The Hypomanic Toolbox by Todd Hagopian
Cultural & Social Issues
Cherish or Perish by Prabha Karan
Lead, Follow, or Fail: The Human Struggle for Productivity, and how Nations, Organizations, and People will Prosper in our Changing World by Peter J. Brews Two-Comma Wealth: Investment, Tax, and Estate Strategies to Consider When Your Net Worth Exceeds a Million Dollars by George Stefanou
Fine Arts
The Female Gaze in Art and Photography by Anita Selzer
General Fiction
Walking on Nathan's Grave: A Tale Traversing Heaven and Hell by R. Luce Pursuing A Masterpiece by Sandra Vasoli
Tiny Vices by Linda Dahl
Fantasy
Darke Realms: Enraged: (Gorgon 1) by Michele L. Sayre
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Finance
Agriculture, Blockchain, & Crypto: The ABC’s of Blockchain, Financial History & Ways Property Owners Can Make Money in the New Financial Sector by Jillian Hishaw, Esq.
Bellosio: An Age of Miracles by John F Shekleton
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The Pentacle, The Madigan Chronicles, Book Six by Marieke Lexmond
Talent Show by Denise Haynes
Labyrinth of Shadows: The Witch's Rebirth Part I by Michaela Riley
Contemporary Novel
Ghosts of Rheynia by Tim Facciola
The Cradle of Oshae by A. K. Hauser
The Immortal Witness by Clifton Wilcox
The Neurodiversity Edge: The Essential Guide to Embracing Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, and Other Neurological Differences for Any Organization by Maureen Dunne
Everlasting by Sara Fanfarillo
Gift Books
Social Media Spellbook: 366 Ways to Get Witchy on the Web by Natalie Zaman, Amy Blackthorn duckYeah! by Pete Williams
Green
PWR
PRINTED WORD REVIEWS
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SHOWCASE REVIEW
PRINTED WORD REVIEWS
Welcome to the NIC Zoo
Colorscapes
by Paige Pedroli
by Lee Woodman
Childrens Board Books. Independently Published. ISBN: 979-8218307080
Poetry. Shanti Arts Publishing. ISBN: 978-1962082860
In a heartwarming journey through the NIC-Zoo, a collection of animal babies learns that every unique life is worth the wait as they grow stronger and prepare to soar into their new beginnings.
“Colorscapes,” is the sixth volume in Lee Woodman’s celebrated “Scapes” series, and it presents a profound, vibrant meditation on the world of color. Far from being a simple catalogue of hues, this collection of poetry transforms color from a mere visual phenomenon into a deep exploration of human emotion, history, and cultural narrative.
“Welcome to the NICU-Zoo” is a tender and necessary children’s board book by Paige Pedroli, inspired by her own family’s experience as a two-time NICU mom. This heartwarming story re-imagines the often intimidating environment of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit as a cozy, temporary haven for animal babies, the “NIC-Zoo,” providing a message of hope and understanding for both children and their parents.
Woodman, a poet with a background rooted in an international childhood and a career at prestigious institutions like the Smithsonian and the Library of Congress, brings a rich, interdisciplinary perspective to her work. The book begins with a preface that beautifully traces her lifelong fascination with colors, influenced by the intense palette of her childhood in India and her later studies in art history. This scholarly yet intimate foundation sets the stage for a collection that is both highly accessible and deeply nuanced.
The story centers on various baby animals who hatch or are born early and require specialized care. Instead of a sterile hospital, they are admitted to the brightly envisioned NIC-Zoo, colorfully illustrated by Elena Hernandez, a nurturing place where dedicated caring nurses help them grow strong. The rhyming narrative follows the gradual progression of time, patiently detailing how each unique baby receives individualized care. The book beautifully addresses the need for patience during recovery, a reality many NICU families face.
The core thesis of “Colorscapes” is that colors are inextricably intertwined with our emotions, histories, and cultural narratives. Woodman supports this idea by devoting each poem to a specific color or nature theme, offering diverse and unique perspectives…
The tone is consistently gentle and suitable for bedtime reading, making complex emotions accessible. The book is ideally suited for a child reader demographic of ages 4–8, though its primary audience extends beyond that to include NICU siblings and the parents reading to their babies. For an older sibling, the NIC-Zoo framework provides a concrete, non-scary metaphor for the hospital, helping them understand why their new brother or sister can’t
What truly sets “Colorscapes” apart is its masterful unique blend of poetic expression and scholarly insight. Woodman doesn’t just describe colors; she investigates them. She draws upon historical references, scientific facts, and vivid personal anecdotes, giving the reader a comprehensive understanding of each color’s symbolic weight. The popular style ensures the work is not intimidating, making it easy for a broad audience to connect with the material without sacrificing intellectual depth.
come home yet. The narrative progression is reassuring and cyclical. The climax arrives not in drama, but in joyful readiness: when the babies are finally healthy, they fly or hop off to their own home, carrying the NIC-Zoo as a cherished memory of the care they received. Key illustrated scenes, such as the initial early arrival and the final departure, will undoubtedly resonate deeply with families who have lived this journey.
“Colorscapes” is an essential read for poetry enthusiasts, art historians, and anyone with a sincere interest in the cultural and emotional dimensions of colors. Readers will benefit from gaining both a deeper, more profound appreciation for the vivid hues that surround them and a greater understanding of how these colors subtly influence our perceptions and feelings every day.
“Welcome to the NICU-Zoo” is more than just a sweet story; it is a therapeutic resource wrapped in a comforting tale. By transforming a challenging
This collection, along with the “Scapes” in the series, is highly recommended for those who seek to enrich their knowledge of art and color theory through the moving, metaphorical lens of poetry. It’s a book that reminds us to look— really look—at the chromatic landscape of our lives.
medical setting into an imaginative, safe space, Paige Pedroli validates the feelings of parents while providing a hopeful narrative for children. This book is a valuable addition to any family’s library, particularly those seeking comfort and understanding during or after a NICU stay.
Read the full review here: www.printedwordreviews.com/bookreviews/9781962082860
Read the full review here: www.printedwordreviews.com/bookreviews/9798218307080
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