AUDIOBOOK SPOTLIGHT - YA HISTORIAL - THEA by Genevieve Morrissey Narrator Nicole Fikes

Poverty, prejudice, her mother’s addiction…in her quest for an education, 15-year-old Thea tries to navigate them all. But will a secret ultimately undermine her efforts?

Thea
by Genevieve Morrissey
Narrated by Nicole Fikes
Genre: YA Historical Fiction, Coming of Age

2025 Page Turner Book Award winner for Best Historical Fiction & Character Architect Award

 

Oklahoma City, 1925

Fifteen-year-old Thea Carter lives in a small garage apartment—Thea’s seventh “home” in four years—provided by her alcoholic mother’s employer, the morose and enigmatic Dr. Hallam.

School is Thea’s refuge and she’s an excellent student, but the parasitic Mrs. Carter’s instability continually threatens her dream of getting a high school diploma. In an effort to keep her mother employed and the two of them housed, Thea secretly takes on much of her mother’s work while at the same time navigating adolescence, friendships, and first love.

Dr. Hallam, impressed by her drive and intelligence, becomes Thea’s unexpected ally, but in addition to wealth and position, the doctor also has a secret that could ruin him, and shatter his bond with Thea.

 

"Morrissey crafts a wise and moving coming-of-age historical novel with resonant contemporary themes, meticulous period detail, and flawed but sympathetic characters who will win readers’ hearts… Lovers of historical fiction and coming-of-age stories will relish time spent with Thea." —BookLife 'Editor's Pick' review

"Thea is a coming-of-age tale with a lot of heart and charm… Morrissey's characters truly leap off the pages." —Readers' Favorite review

"The story is one of friendship and found family, with a heartwarming conclusion… THEA is a moving historical coming-of-age novel whose characters' compassion and empathy inspires.” —IndieReader review 

**Now available as an audiobook!**

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Thea is the new historical novel by Genevieve Morrissey, author of the award-winning Marriage & Hanging and the popular Antlands science fiction series. She is an avid student of British and American social history who, through one of those strange little quirks of fate, spends most of her days talking with scientists. In addition to writing, Genevieve enjoys reading obscure books, travel, and solitude.

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BOOK LITZ w/EXCERPT - FANTASY - BARNABAS BARTHOLOMEW AND THE UNDEAD FRESHMAN

Barnabas Bartholomew and the Undead Freshmen

by Matthew Lett

Publication date: September 16th 2025

Genres: Coming of Age, Fantasy

BLURB

Death isn’t the end of education—at least not at UniverZity U., where fourteen-year-old Barnabas “Barney” Bartholomew is about to begin his freshman year.

As a recently raised zombie trying to make his undead mother proud, Barney must navigate the haunted halls of an underground mausoleum-turned-school, where strict Crypt Keepers enforce ancient rules and mysterious passages hide untold dangers. With fellow freshman facing expulsion for merely refusing to eat their grits, Barney knows he’ll need more than just good grades to survive. But when he discovers his beloved grandfather’s connection to this shadowy institution, Barney realizes there might be more to UniversZity U.—and himself—than meets his speckled blue eyes.

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EXCERPT

“What in the heck is a lich?” Barney asked.

“It’s a member of the Undead class, like us, except it was brought back to life by a sorcerer or a necromancer for evil purposes.”

“What sort of evil purposes?” Barney asked. There was a knot in his stomach; a bundle of nerves resting on the edge of a guillotine.

“Hard to tell,” Pudgy replied. “Depends on what the sorcerer wants the lich to do. He could use it as an assassin, I suppose, to knock off his enemies, or as a bodyguard. Or in this case, a guard dog over a graveyard.”

“But why a graveyard? What would a sorcerer want in a graveyard anyway? And what if it’s not even there? This lich thing. Suppose it’s gone?”

Pudgy shrugged. “Then it’s gone and we don’t have to worry about anything. But if it is real, and there is a lich wandering around, it’ll be looking for souls to eat. That’s why we need the crucifix, to repel it.”

“’Souls to eat?’” Barney repeated. “Are you serious?” He felt light-headed for a second; the world beyond his eyes in a lazy swoon.

“Quite serious,” Pudgy answered. “That’s what liches do. They eat the undead, and if they can, they’ll eat their souls too.”

Barney’s face paled at the thought. An undead cannibal running around the graveyard? That’s what it was! An undead cannibal! The dead eating the dead, for Christ’s sake!

Pudgy caught the look on Barney’s face; pallid, the sickly color of cream cheese left out in the sun for too long. He snickered. “Hey, calm down. It’s a legend, remember? We’ll be fine. Trust me.”

Barney didn’t answer, his tongue frozen to the roof of his mouth, when Millicent cleared her throat. “Guys?” She tapped the face of her wristwatch. “We need to go if we plan on making curfew. You can discuss the ins-and-outs of liches later, but we need to move.”

“You’re right,” Pudgy said. “I’ll take the lead with the flashlight. Milly, you’ll be behind me. Barney next and then Marcy, and I don’t want you two kissing back there. Agreed?”

Barney blushed clear to his toes. Marcy smiled at him. Millicent laughed out loud and Pudgy winked at Barney, who was staring at the tops of his shoes with a sheepish grin. “Yeah, yeah, okay…” he mumbled. “Funny, real funny, now can we go?”

And so they entered the southwest tunnel, its passages by now near memorized. It was more of a home away from home for the children; its twists and turns nothing more than well-travelled streets and avenues in their hometowns.

Barney stepped through (minus his flashlight which he’d given to Pudgy), when a thought struck him like a phantom stone in the darkness: Pudgy never fully answered my question, he thought. Why the graveyard? Why would a sorcerer (or a necromancer, for that matter) want a lich guarding a graveyard for him? Hmmm…

###

The trip to the graveyard took less than forty-five minutes, and the four of them arrived to find the wrought iron gates unlocked, and the tombstones shrouded in a silky mist of pale fog. A raven, with one eye missing, was perched on a spire atop the gate. It looked down at the children, as if considering their plight, then cawed in its shrill voice a single word they heard all too well:

“BEWARE!”

The raven took flight after its portent of doom. It did a hop and a half-skip, spread its wings, and then soared over the face of the moon reflected in the wavering mist. The raven disappeared as Pudgy opened the gate in a scream of rust. It was loud in the tranquil of the graveyard; as good as any doorbell that rings after midnight.

“Smooth move,” Barney quipped.

“Sorry,” Pudgy said. “I didn’t expect that. Let’s go.”

They walked through the gates; their eyes blind, sinking in what they could not see. Silence–the full-time caretaker of the grounds–greeted them. Distant thunder rolled over the clouds in the east. Lightning followed and took a snapshot of the graveyard for posterity’s sake.

And had there been a black cat perched on the back of a tombstone, with its yellow lamp-lit eyes and its spine arched in a splay of fur, it would not have surprised Barney in the least. The graveyard was spooky, if not picturesque in the simmering light of the moon; a mural better suited on the backdrop of a Halloween landscape.

“What now?” Barney whispered. The air was dank, hollow

somehow. There was no need to whisper, but the graveyard almost

demanded—dared that it be so upon its consecrated ground.

 

Author Info

Matthew Lett was born in Kassel, Germany. Currently, he lives in Sapulpa, Oklahoma with his wife of 39 years, and their two daughters, who also reside in Oklahoma. He’s also a Veteran of the United States Navy, serving on both the U.S.S. Saratoga and U.S.S. America aircraft carriers from 1985-1989. Matthew has been a prolific writer for over 20 years and is a multi-published author with an array of Novels, Novellas, Novelettes, and assorted short stories in a variety of genres. Most of his work can be found in Horror/Suspense/Mystery categories.
During his leisure time, Matthew enjoys rock-n’-roll music, attends church on a regular basis, watches Mystery Science Theatre 3000, reading, and playing with his 3 grandchildren. And of course, Writing. His books include such titles as, “He Who Walks the Corridors,” (Wolf on Water pub.), “Trail of Love and Death,”, “Woodview Heights: Legacy of Decadence” Trilogy and “Barnabas Bartholomew and The Undead Freshmen.”
Matthew Lett can be reached via e-mail for comments, feedback, and suggestions at matthew74107@yahoo.com

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BOOK BLITZ w/EXCERPT - YA COMING OF AGE - FOREVER WE DREAM by Mark Workman

Forever We Dream

by Mark Workman

Publication date: March 19th 2025

Genres: Coming of Age, Young Adult

BLURB

Three voices, one dream, and a chance to uncover the truth.

It’s 1978, and the glittering disco craze is sweeping across America. Identical conjoined triplets Elliana, Bellamona, and Gabriella have one shared dream: finding their mother, who vanished without a trace years ago. Singing is their only solace, and now they have a chance to take that passion to the national stage.

When they’re invited to compete in Your Shooting Star, a famous music competition, the teenage sisters see it as their chance to reunite with the woman they can’t remember but long to know. But stepping into the spotlight means facing their greatest fears. As the underdogs fight to stay in the contest, they must brave ruthless rival Twyla-Violet, a former child model determined to claim the coveted title at any cost.

While the four-round competition heats up, secrets, lies, and conspiracies threaten to tear their world apart. Can the triplets stand strong and use the power of television to reconnect with their past? Or will their dream shatter under the pressure of fame?

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EXCERPT

Carla gawked at the triplets, shocked by their wrecked makeup. “What have you done?”

Katherine stepped over to them. “Carla, I’ll take care of the girls.” She took in their disturbed faces. “Did Twyla-Violet do something to you again?”

Mona sniffed back her tears. “It doesn’t matter anymore.”

“Sixty seconds,” Carla announced behind them.

Katherine pulled the girls around her. “Don’t let that bully beat you. There’s no time to fix your makeup. You must turn this crisis into a tactical advantage. I want you to think of the one thing you want more than anything else and imagine how you’d feel if you couldn’t have it.”

Papilio stared up at her, six amber irises adrift in the pain-stained red sclera of their eyes.

“That’s how we feel now,” Mona muttered as another black tear dripped from her chin and soiled more of their white blouse.

“So put those painful emotions into every word you sing and note you play. Understand, Papilio?”

Appearing almost catatonic, the triplets nodded slowly.

Carla pointed at the stage. “Ten seconds!”

Gently, Katherine brushed a black tear from Mona’s soft jawline with the back of her fingers. “And don’t forget to sing the lyrics from a girl’s perspective. Make them personal.” She stepped back and gestured for Papilio to go.

“Thanks for everything,” Mona said as if it would be the last time they ever saw the coach they had come to admire.

An aching feeling in the pit of Mona’s stomach told her something awful was about to happen. She sensed the judges sharpening their axes, anticipating the metallic taste of blood, ready to exact their punishment on Papilio for being naive enough to think three homely zeros were good enough to become America’s Teen Shooting Star. Their wacko mother didn’t even want them—why would anyone else?

As the dimmed lights increased in intensity, Papilio joined hands, put their right feet forward, and marched onstage while being careful not to trip in their tall platform heels. Halfway there, Gabby lost her concentration. Her ankle twisted sideways, and she nearly fell before Mona, anchored by Ellie, pulled Gabby’s arm and helped her recover, preventing an embarrassing human avalanche.

Despite the triplets’ messy state, the crowd behind Twyla-Violet’s cheering section applauded loudly. The Empress fan club, still decked out in violet band T-shirts, filled the front row as if they were permanently cemented to the seats. Their jaws dropped when they saw Papilio’s sloppy makeup and ruined costume. The hecklers were so shocked by their disheveled appearance, they forgot to snicker.

Papilio’s die-hard fan from their school’s math club stood in the middle of the row behind the jeerers. She held a sign that read Go Papilio! Her metal braces glinted as she jumped up and down, black pigtails bouncing, cheering for the band. Two other calculators with her screamed even louder.

Papiliomania was becoming contagious.

 

Author Info

Mark Workman toured the world as a road manager and lighting designer with many famous rock bands for 33 years. After leaving the music business in 2015, he worked at a major drug and alcohol treatment center in Malibu, California, for four years, where he earned his certification as a drug and alcohol counselor. Mark now spends his time reading, writing, and traveling. He grew up in Petersburg, Virginia, has lived in Greater Los Angeles for most of his adult life, and currently resides in the Las Vegas area. His estrangement from his late father since the age of six, along with his love for the music of the Bee Gees and 70s nostalgia, greatly inspired his debut novel, Forever We Dream.

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SPOTLIGHT w/INTERVIEW - YA MAGICAL REALIZM - THE HEART OF CHENOA (The Black Dove Legacy, #1) by Creole Noir

The Heart of Chenoa

The Black Dove Legacy, #1

by Creole Noir 

Date of Publication: June 2nd 2023

Cover Artist: Creole Noir 

Genre: Magical Realism, YA, Coming of Age

ISBN:  979-8396415935

ASIN: B0C6VYSPF1

Number of pages: 275 pages

Word Count:  44,953

Tagline: Everyone knew she was the belle of the ball, and it was hard to imagine anyone ever taking her crown away from her.

BLURB

The Heart of Chenoa is a heartwarming tale about a young woman's courage to leave her abusive boyfriend and start a new life in a new town. Along the way, she finds a group of misfit friends who become like family to her, including the inseparable siblings Brooke and Jerald, and the popular but conflicted JC, who harbors a secret love for Jerald. As they navigate high school drama and personal trauma, they come together to seek revenge against a conniving classmate, and ultimately learn to embrace their unique gifts and find strength in their bond.

The story explores themes of love, friendship, betrayal, and redemption as the characters navigate their way through the ups and downs of life. Brooke's premonitions and Lucille's powers add a touch of magic to the story, while Jerald learns to control his trauma-induced alter ego. Ultimately, they discover that they have grown and evolved in unexpected ways and that their bond is stronger than anything life can throw at them.

Amazon

Excerpt:
Amidst the sprawling fields of Chenoa, a small town nestled in the heart of the Texas, a tale of resilience and friendship unfolds. At its core lies the story of a young woman named Indigo, whose journey from darkness to light weaves a tapestry of courage, love, and the transformative power of friendship.
Indigo had known no other reality than the one she shared with her abusive boyfriend, Troy. The shackles of fear bound her tightly, choking the life out of her dreams. But one fateful night, fueled by a flicker of courage ignited deep within her heart, she made the decision to break free.
With nothing but a few belongings and a trembling resolve, Indigo set out on a journey to start anew in a town where nobody knew her name. Chenoa welcomed her with open arms, offering sanctuary from the storm that had raged within her for far too long.
As Indigo tentatively navigated the unfamiliar school of her new home, she stumbled upon a group of misfits whose warmth and acceptance enveloped her like a comforting embrace. Among them were Brooke and Jerald, inseparable siblings whose laughter echoed through the halls of Chenoa High School, and JC, whose inner turmoil simmered beneath his charming exterior.
Together, they formed an unlikely family, bound not by blood but by the unbreakable ties of friendship and shared experiences. Each member of their motley crew bore scars of their own, but together, they found solace in the company of kindred spirits.
As high school dramas unfolded and personal traumas resurfaced, Indigo and her newfound companions stood united against the tide of adversity. They rallied together to seek justice against a conniving classmate, their bonds growing stronger with each shared victory.
But beneath the surface of their idyllic friendship lay secrets waiting to be unearthed. JC harbored a love for Jerald that dared not speak its name, while Brooke's premonitions whispered of futures yet to unfold. And in the shadows, Jerald battled with the demons of his past, struggling to tame the beast within.
Yet through it all, they clung to each other, their hearts intertwined in a tapestry of love and loyalty. As they confronted their deepest fears and embraced their unique gifts, they discovered that strength lies not in solitude but in the unbreakable bonds of friendship.

In The Heart of Chenoa, amidst the Spanish moss trees and the whispering winds, Indigo and her friends learned that the greatest battles are fought not with fists but with hearts open wide. And as they embraced the magic woven into the fabric of their lives, they found redemption in the unlikeliest of places: within themselves, and within the hearts of those they held dear.

Author Info

Creole Noir is an author who has a passion for writing stories that not only bring suspense, but also delve into deeper themes of social justice and class disparities. His debut novel Cry of the Black Dove follows London and her friends as they embark on a mission to get revenge after being wronged by those in power. Creole hopes his work will help readers think about these issues and the marginalization that often follows. Outside of writing, he enjoys hosting a podcast with Kinky Boots. Creole currently lives in Tyler, Texas where he obtained an Associates degree in General Studies from Tyler Junior College before engaging in healthcare labor such as caregiving and teaching life skills. He now writes full-time.

Keep in touch with Creole Noir's work by following him on Instagram or checking out his podcast. He loves hearing from readers about their favorite stories and characters. With Creole Noir’s vivid imagination and captivating voice, each of his novels will keep you hooked until the very end.

The Book Junkie Reads . . . Interview with . . . Creole Noir . . . 

How would you describe your style of writing to someone that has never read your work?

I'd describe my writing style as a mix of Southern Gothic, weird, eerie, and mysterious elements. I like to dive into topics that might be seen as taboo, especially focusing on black culture. Southern Gothic influences my work, bringing in themes of decay, redemption, and the strange. But I also love adding layers of mystery and suspense with the weird and eerie stuff. I'm all about exploring the darker side of life and human nature, pushing boundaries to create stories that make you think.

The Black Dove series is inspired by the writing style of the alternative goth community. It captures the vibe of the gothic subculture, embracing darkness, deep thinking, and going against the norm. Just like gothic fashion mixes dark elegance with rebellion, the series mixes mystery, darkness, and supernatural elements. Characters go on journeys through mysterious worlds, digging into their feelings and finding hidden truths. Like the alternative goth community, the series challenges rules, talks about topics others might avoid, and celebrates being unique. It's a journey into a world where light and darkness blend, perfect for anyone who loves something a little different.

Have you found yourself bonding with any particular character(s)? If so, which one(s)?

One character from "The Heart of Chenoa" that I really connect with is Brooke. She's the kind of friend who lifts everyone's spirits with her positivity and support. Brooke has this amazing ability to brighten up the darkest of days. She's always there for her friends, offering a listening ear or a helping hand whenever they need it. Even when she's dealing with her own struggles, she puts others first.

What I love most about Brooke is how she handles the chaos in her life while also dealing with her developing powers. As she discovers her supernatural abilities, she faces fear and uncertainty. But instead of letting it overwhelm her, she faces it head-on with courage.

I find myself bonding with Brooke because she feels so real and relatable. Her strength and resilience inspire me, and her kindness reminds me of the importance of supporting those around me. So yes, Brooke is definitely one of my favorite characters in the book. She's someone I can't help but root for as she navigates the challenges of her journey.

Do you have a character that you have been working on that you can't wait to put to paper?

In one of the stories from the anthology book "Series of the Bizarre," there's a character named Moses who embarks on a journey of self-discovery that leads him to uncover his connection to the Nommo-sapiens. Moses, a young man grappling with feelings of alienation and otherness, finds himself drawn to the mysterious history of the Nommo people. As he delves deeper into their lore, he begins to uncover startling similarities between their experiences and his own.

The Nommo people, according to legend, are a race of beings who descended from the stars to impart wisdom and knowledge to humanity. However, their teachings were met with fear and rejection, leading to their eventual exile and isolation from human society. Similarly,  Moses has always felt like an outcast, never quite fitting in with those around him. His journey to uncover his connection to the Nommo people becomes a quest for identity and belonging, as he seeks to understand the significance of his heritage and the role  he plays in the larger tapestry of existence.

As Moses delves deeper into the mysteries surrounding the Nommo people, he begins to unlock latent abilities and insights that set him apart from those around him.

Can you share your next creative project(s)? If yes, can you give a few details?

I'm in the process of creating a horror anthology called "Series of the Bizarre," deeply rooted in African American culture and ancestral lore. Each story draws inspiration from the rich tapestry of African American folklore, traditions, and myths, weaving together tales that reflect the essence of our heritage. Through this anthology, I seek to explore the depths of our cultural roots while delving into the eerie and mysterious. These tales dive into our rich traditions and myths, exploring our ancestral roots in a spooky way.

If you could go ANYWhere, money is not a concern, and spend one full year. Where would you go and what would you do with this time?

If I had the chance to go anywhere for a whole year, money no concern, I'd pick Charleston, South Carolina. It's got everything I love: amazing food, rich culture, and that eerie, Southern Gothic vibe.

First off, the food scene in Charleston is unbeatable. I'd spend my days trying out all the classic Southern dishes like shrimp and grits, she-crab soup, fried green tomatoes, rice stuffed fish, fried shark steak, and garlic crab. Every meal would be a new adventure!

Then, there's the Geechee culture, deeply rooted in the Lowcountry. I'd soak up as much as I could, attending events, visiting historical sites, and connecting with locals to learn about their traditions and history. It's a side of Charleston that's so unique and important.

And of course, Charleston's Southern Gothic atmosphere would be the perfect backdrop for my adventures. I'd wander through moss-covered trees, enjoy the scent of magnolia blossoms and saltwater from the nearby coast, visit the quiet corners of hidden gardens and secret courtyards and soak in the mysterious ambiance of the city. It's the kind of place that sparks creativity and imagination.  

Overall, a year in Charleston would be an incredible journey of discovery and inspiration. It's a city that's steeped in history, culture, and delicious food, and I'd make the most of every moment.

Thank you Creole Noir for joining and giving a little insight to you and your process. Your work is appreciated. I may have to stop in Charleston this summer on my road trip through the South.

Keep in touch with Creole Noir via the web:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creole.noir

FB: https://www.facebook.com/lafrance.johnson.144 

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@creolenoir8 

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SPOTLIGHT - CONTEMPORARY - REFLECTIONS ON THE BOULEVARD (Reflections of Michael Trilogy, #2) by L.J. Ambrosio

A teacher and his protégé take a haphazard journey of joy, friendship and discovery.

Reflections on the Boulevard
Reflections of Michael Trilogy, #2
by L.J. Ambrosio
Genre: Contemporary Fiction, Coming of Age 

Michael's story continues from A Reservoir Man (2022) where we find him teaching at a university ready to retire. He unexpectedly meets a young man named Ron who becomes his protege and journeys in a haphazard adventure with him throughout America and Europe, each twist and turn of the road bringing unexpected adventures. The journey taken is one of joy, friendship and discovery.

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A Reservoir Man
Reflections of Michael Trilogy, #1

A Reservoir Man, critics have hailed this explosive and timely work as “a must-read coming-of-age story of 2022.” 

Twists and turns further pull the reader in to Michael’s action-packed tale, with powerful themes, from betrayal and family to secrets and identity.

“Be sure not to blink because you just might miss a pivotal moment in Michael’s rousing, larger-than-life story.” --R.C. Gibson, Indiestoday.com.

“This book is a dream, a gamble, a utopia, even.” -- Kalyan Panja, Bookmarkks.

Everywhere Michael turns he sees a Reservoir Man. Michael’s endless trials of survival include sexual assault, The Vietnam War, an arrest in Spain, Hollywood scandal, the AIDS outbreak, 9/11 and beyond.

​If only Michael could find the one thing he values most, freedom. Michael’s coming-of-age is tarnished by many but the courage to live his truth may just keep Michael one step ahead...or will he succumb to the embraces of a Reservoir Man?

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Louis J. Ambrosio ran one of the most nurturing bi-coastal talent agencies in Los Angeles and New York. He started his career as a theatrical producer, running two major regional theaters for eight seasons. Ambrosio taught at seven universities. Ambrosio also distinguished himself as an award-winning film producer and novelist over the course of his impressive career.

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BOOK BLITZ w/EXCERPT - YA COMING OF AGE - EAST OF EVERYWHERE by Susan Pogorzelski

East of Everywhere

by Susan Pogorzelski

Publication date: November 11th 2021

Genres: Coming of Age, Young Adult

BLURB

It’s been almost a decade since the end of the war, when the telegram first arrived at their house on Lennox Lane.

Four years since the apartment on Harker Street, where food was scarce and nights were long and their mother slept away her grief.

Three months since Janie was forced to leave her little brother, Brayden, and best friend, Leo, behind at Anthers Hall.

Two weeks since she stole a bicycle and ran away from the new children’s home on the other side of the state.

One day since she arrived in Montours City.

No one knows her secrets in this small town. If Janie is going to make it back to her brother and the only place she’s ever called home, she needs to keep it that way. But when a hard-hearted widow, a boy in a boxcar, and a dog named Panda weave their way into her life, Janie begins to wonder if what she’s searching for isn’t better off laid to rest.

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EXCERPT:

“Are you Alex?”

“That’s me.” He nodded towards the boxcar. “And that’s me home you’re in.”

“I’m sorry,” she said quickly. “Sabina told me to find you and—” Janie stepped onto the concrete blocks, her foot catching the edge. The odd angle and her weight made them shift and begin to wobble. Her pulse quickened as she fought to keep her balance, her hands grasping at the air. She tumbled to the ground, sprawled across the weeds and dirt.

“Well,” Alex said above her. “Now you broke me stairs.”

Unwilling tears pooled in her eyes and her cheeks grew hot as a sharp, burning pain pierced her palms. She winced and stood slowly, trying to brush away the stray gravel that clung to the bits of blood streaking her hands and knees. She took a step back, stumbling over the railroad ties. Alex reached out to steady her, then took her hand and turned it over. His touch was surprisingly hesitant and gentle.

“Cut yourself on the landing there.” He dropped her hand and began walking towards the platform. “Come on, then.”

Janie brushed at her eyes with the back of her hands and followed after him. Step one, she reminded herself. Focus.

“I can do it myself—the window, I mean,” she called after him. “She wanted you to fix it, but I can do it myself…” Her voice trailed off as she watched him lean his hands on the platform and hoist himself up. She raised her eyebrows at him, annoyed. A grin twitched at the corner of his mouth as he tilted his head towards his left.

“Stairs are over there.”

Janie glared at him and stalked towards the other end of the platform.

“It’s just that Sabina said she has a list for you—a list of things she needs fixed.”

“Seems those hands need fixing first.”

She followed him inside, past the remnants of the motorbike and broken benches and the ticket counter where flyers still advertised roundtrips to the city. They walked down a short corridor until they reached a bathroom that had lost its door. Faded writing was scrawled across broken green and white tile, and the mirror above the sink was spotted with dark water stains. Alex pulled his striped shirt over his head and pushed up the sleeves, then ran the tap and stuck his hand beneath the steady stream to check the temperature. Wordlessly, he reached for her—more gently than she was expecting—and before she could protest, he was guiding her hands beneath the lukewarm water. She jumped back and hissed at the sting, but he held on.

“It’s alright, it’s alright,” he said quietly.

A blush crept into her cheeks as he ran his thumbs along the scratches, easing the dirt free from the cuts. She glanced up at his reflection in the mirror, studying the way his hair hung across his forehead, the way the dimple just beneath his cheek deepened when he clenched his jaw, the way he tilted his head, his deep brown eyes roaming across her hands as he tended to her. He was so different from Leo…

She drew in a short intake of breath and jerked her hands away. Alex glanced at her, eyes narrowed in brief confusion, then pulled back and tossed the towel that was draped across his shoulder onto the sink next to her. He leaned against the doorway, folding his arms across his chest as he watched her run a small section of the towel beneath the water and dab at her hands.

“Is that your motorbike out there?” she asked. She leaned down to brush stray bits of pebble from her pants where dirt stains had already set in.

“Yep.”

“What are you doing to it?”

“Fixing it up. So I can be on me way.”

“So, you’re not from here?”

“What gave it away, the boxcar or me accent?” Janie felt herself relax and returned his smile. “I’m just traveling,” he said. “Same as you.”

She looked up sharply but didn’t say anything. She turned off the faucet and set the stained towel down on the edge of the sink.

“Guess we better go and see about that window.” He reached over and grabbed the towel. “What’s your name then?”

“It’s Janie,” she said, following him out of the bathroom and into the main room.

“Janie.” He said the word like he was testing it. He tossed the towel onto a broken bench and crouched down near his motorbike to gather his tools. “You sure that’s your name?”

She regretted coming here instantly—here to this derelict train station, to the boarding house with her very own room, to this town with its sense of safety and relief and friendship. She’d overstayed her welcome; she should have moved on days ago. She’d have to leave eventually, anyway—she knew that. She was only there until she could make enough money to get herself home to Anthers Hall. She didn’t belong to this town, not really. This wasn’t forever.

But the thought ripped through her, clutched at her heart until it took her breath away. She didn’t want to leave—not this town, not these people, not when she finally found a place she could actually belong, at least, for a little while. Not because of him and how from the moment they’d met just a few moments ago he seemed to see right through her.

She grit her teeth. “I know my own name.”

“And I know when something’s not the whole truth.”

 

Author Info

Susan Pogorzelski is the award-winning author of Gold in the Days of Summer and The Last Letter. When she's not writing novels of nostalgia and the magic of everyday life, she works as a consultant and editor at Brown Beagle Books, is an intuitive energy practitioner at Susan Dawn Spiritual Connections, and is the founder of LymeBrave Foundation. She lives in South-Central Pennsylvania with her beloved family and pets.

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COVER REVEAL - YA CONTEMPORARY - THORN OF SECRETS (My Darkest Secret, #2) by B. Truly

Thorn of Secrets

My Darkest Secret, #2

by B. Truly

Publication date: January 2022

Genres: Coming of Age, Romance, Young Adult

BLURB

In love with the same face that haunts me….

The falling leaves of autumn are like the deceit in my family lineage. Closing the door on the infinite cold—winter blossoms into the spring of new beginnings. In the next season of my life, I’m mending the pieces back together. Opening myself up, I even begin to date, which is a big step for me.

After graduating from high school, a shocking development causes me to be on alert. When nothing comes of it, I move forward, wanting desperately to put the past behind me.

About to start college, I bump into someone from my complicated past, and my heart is torn. The dilemma I struggle with: Do I let other people’s opinion define who I am? I must decide if I’ll push through the ridicule and pave my own path. Could the face that’s scorned me be the key to my resolve? I’ll never know if I take the easy way out.

I’ve unlocked my darkest secret only to have it return to torment me. As the thorns of his obsession encompass me, I discover I’m part of a twisted ploy. If I don’t figure a way out of this predicament, then the life I’ve known may cease to exist.

Don’t miss the riveting sequel to Madison’s story that will have you dangling on the edge of your seat.

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Author Info

B. Truly has wanted to be an author since she was fifteen years old. She is grateful to have accomplished this dream. B. Truly has very vivid dreams and a wild imagination. She likes to read, watch tons of TV shows, and movies. She’s addicted to romance and gets a thrill out of suspense and sci-fi. She writes young adult, new adult, and adult romance, sci-fi, dystopian, and paranormal genres.

B. Truly likes to explore conflicted plots of romance with thrilling twists. She also loves creating impossible situations for her characters to grow from and try to overcome.

B. Truly has three wonderful children, and a husband who defines the person that she is today. She works full-time as an Ultrasound technologist in Houston, Texas.

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BOOK BLITZ w/EXCERPT - COMING OF AGE - COMBUSTIBLE by Al Riske

Combustible

by Al Riske

Publication date: May 16th 2021

Genres: Coming of Age

BLURB

It’s that summer between the end of high school and the start of something else. Dean Stockton and Curt Hutton are best friends, and more often than not you can find them rowing on the Rogue River at dawn.

Together they experience something they will never be able to describe adequately. But then they won’t really need to. Not to each other. It’s that moment of swing when rowers find the rhythm and everything falls into place. The shell seems to lift right out of the water.

Enter Isabelle Smiley. She’s beautiful yet insecure, knowing yet innocent, and crazy about Curt in a way that no girl has ever been crazy about Dean. She wants Curt to choose a college closer to home than the one he and Dean have selected—and she can be persuasive.

“I’d never be able to hold out against a girl like Smiley,” Dean admits.

“Don’t say that,” Curt replies. “I told her she’d have to convince you, too.”

Everyone is conflicted in this story of friendship, lust, and life-changing choices. Only one thing seems certain to all of them: If Smiley strikes a match, Dean will catch fire.

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EXCERPT:

All the Way to France

The Sandpiper Bar & Grill overlooks the mouth of the Rogue River, and right now the parking lot is jammed with cars. A red Mustang convertible—the top down, for this is a starlit night in June—circles slowly to the back door.

In the kitchen, the scene is a whirl of cooks, busers, and dish washers.

Wearing an apron and a floppy chef’s hat, Dean cuts into a fresh cheesecake and passes a slice to the server waiting in the pantry window.

Above the din, a line cook hollers—

“Stockton, you’ve got visitors out back.”

Fellow pantry cook Victor Lee is shucking littleneck clams next to Dean, who says—

“Cover for me, will you?”

Backed into a loading zone behind the restaurant, Curt’s freshly waxed convertible couldn’t be shinier. The girl from Brookings is still seated on the passenger side; Curt opens the door for her.

Dean takes off his hat as he pushes through the screen door. He runs one hand through his hair, sweaty from the heat of the kitchen, while his eyes stay glued to the girl’s legs as she climbs out of the low-slung car. Her dress—white with tiny black polka dots—rides up and he can see all the way to France. She blushes but there’s reason to believe she is more pleased than embarrassed.

“Dean, I’d like you to meet Isabelle—oof!”

Curt’s date removes her elbow from his rib cage.

“You know I don’t like that name,” she says.

“Well, how am I supposed to introduce you?”

She turns to Dean—

“Just call me Smiley,” she says. “That’s my last name but it’s what everybody uses.”

They shake hands. Hers are soft and smooth—so much so that it’s unsettling.

“What’s wrong with…?”

Smiley cringes, so he doesn’t say her first name.

“It reminds me of my grandmother,” she says. “I was named after her, actually, but I can’t stand her. The feeling’s mutual, I’m sure.”

“You don’t look like an Isabelle anyway.”

“Thank you.”

Only two words, but they say Dean is exactly right—and Curt is just … mean.

“Busy tonight?” Curt asks.

“A madhouse. But I think we’ve got it under control now. How was the show?”

Curt holds his hand out flat, palm down, and tips it from side to side. Smiley looks appalled at his lack of enthusiasm.

“She cried the whole time,” Curt says.

“Well, it was sad … but I liked it,” Smiley replies. “You should see it, Dean.”

Since Dean doesn’t have a girlfriend and has never been to a movie alone, he’s not sure what to say.

 

Author Info

AL RISKE is the author of Precarious, Sabrina's Window, The Possibility of Snow, Then We'd Be Happy, and Combustible. He has worked as a newspaper reporter, magazine editor, and ghostwriter. Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, he now lives in California with his wife, Joanne, and their dog, Bodie.

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