Book Junkiez

https://mybook.to/BricaBrackMickeyMack

Purchase Link

https://mybook.to/TheManintheMiddle

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You Got This! Virtual Book Tour

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 12:00:12 +0200

Honest Lessons on Life, Love, and Leveling Up

Personal Development

Date Published: March 24, 2026

Publisher: Acorn Publishing

Your twenties and thirties are packed with big decisions, bigger
emotions, and the pressure to somehow have life all figured out. But what if
you didn’t have to learn every lesson the hard way?

In You Got This!, personal and professional development coach Lisa Bartley
shares candid advice and empowering mindset shifts—through sharp
honesty, laugh-out-loud moments, and the kind of wisdom that only comes with
experience. Bartley tackles what no one prepares you for—setting
boundaries, navigating relationships, rebounding from failure, and finding the
courage to go after what you really want.

This is not a guide to becoming perfect. It’s a guide to becoming
powerful on your terms.

If you’ve ever felt stuck or like everyone but you got the memo on
adulthood, this book is your reminder that growth is messy, clarity takes
time, and no, you’re not behind . . . you’re just getting started.

You Got This! is a must-read for every woman standing at the threshold of the
rest of her life. It’s the permission slip, pep talk, and playbook every
woman needs while figuring it all out.

EXCERPT

INTRODUCTION

It takes a village to raise a child. A village to nurture a teenager. And a village to cheer them on throughout adulthood. Yet, in recent decades, that village has practically become extinct. Economic pressures have left families feeling overworked, overwhelmed, and overstressed with little time and energy to support and cheer on the next generation of powerhouse women—leaders, creatives, rock star moms, trailblazers, and community enthusiasts. Digital communication has replaced face-to-face interaction. And while social media may give the illusion of connection, it doesn’t offer the same wholehearted encouragement, wisdom, and insight that communal and multigenerational relationships once did. And then there are those who feel isolated due to relocation, depression, divorce, and tragic loss. Where’s their tight-knit tribe? And who can they look to when facing important—and sometimes life-altering—choices?

The landscape of the proverbial village has changed, and the shift has left a hollow space—one that begs to be filled. Consider the following:

Women today have more career opportunities than ever before . . . but less of a village to help them seize those opportunities confidently and assertively, without second-guessing themselves.
We’re feeling more empowered to pursue our passions . . . but have less of a grassroots cheering squad shouting, “You Got This!” from the sidelines.
We’re encouraged to lean in . . . but we’re hearing fewer communal and societal words of wisdom when we miss the mark—a community rallying around us, reminding us that strike three doesn’t mean we’re out.

This good news–bad news dichotomy raises the question, Where can women find support and sage advice when navigating the decisions, the triumphs, the hurdles, the self-doubt, and the ebb and flow of early-to-mid adulthood?

The village has shrunk, while the need for it has expanded.

Honest Lessons on Life, Love, and Leveling Up is my contribution to the diminishing village. After coaching thousands of people over the past fifteen years, raising a son and daughter, and yes, having the perspective of seeing my own twenties and thirties in the rearview mirror, I’ve gained insights that—if time travel were possible—I would have excitedly shared with my younger self. Instead, I’m sharing them with you.

Originally intended as a literary blueprint for my daughter, Madison, I started jotting down bullet-pointed life lessons. Some of those lessons I learned the easy way, some the hard way, and others by simply observing the cause and effect that played out among friends and family. As a mom, I felt a deep desire to help my daughter make smart choices; to give her the benefit of everything I had done right as well as the benefit of everything . . . Well, let’s just say everything I would have done differently, had there been a do-over. I also wanted to bequeath maternal words of wisdom from my mom, Norma, and her mom, Grandma Libby. Sure, societal norms have changed over the years. But human nature has not. This would be a gift—my gift—to my daughter.

I continued to scribble down thoughts, mentally fast-forwarding to the time when these insights would have the greatest impact on the trajectory of her life. One day, I realized this “gift” had book potential. Women just like you—in the throes of life-defining decisions—could benefit from practical generational guidance, along with the assurance, You Got This!

The pages that follow have been a work in progress for over twenty years and therefore the content has evolved over time. Let me explain. In my role as a personal and professional development coach and trainer, I’ve had the privilege of helping men and women across all walks of life uncover blind spots, overcome challenges, and close the gap between who they are now and who they want to be. And I say “who” they are and “who” they want to be instead of “where” they are and “where” they want to be because we can only alter where we’re going by first recognizing and adjusting who we’re being; who we’re showing up as in our day-to-day lives. It’s always exciting to see the transformation! The thrill of being part of that process never gets old. Bolstered by their newfound confidence, clients have made bolder moves, improved the quality of their relationships, and become the architects of their own lives. I’m excited and honored to help you do the same!

Interestingly, throughout the years, some patterns began to emerge, especially among my female coaching clients and workshop participants. As they articulated their goals and visions—along with their fears and frustrations—it became clear that the Five Pillars of Empowerment were necessary to support their dreams and aspirations: Self-Confidence, Courage, Assertiveness, Resilience, and Self-Acceptance. Courage, as I define it here, is the willingness to acknowl...

The Man in the Middle Teaser

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 12:00:00 +0200

A Tapestry of Tangled Lives

Family Saga / Fiction / Based on True Lived Experiences

Date Published: April 6, 2026

Publisher: Serapis Bey Publishing, Arizona, US www.parulagrawal.com

A story of human connection between twins, between lovers, between comrades in
war, set against the shadow of the evangelical religion and its judgments.”

Based on a childhood of shadowy secrets surrounding her parents’
marriage and the rigid judgment of the Evangelical religion, the author
attempts to find her truth. A work of historical fiction and romance, it spans
the era of WWII and beyond, weaving the story of her father, mother and aunt
(her mother’s twin sister). The unexpected twists and turns mirror those
of our own lives, and readers can empathize and identify with the
characters’ humanity as they struggle with their flaws. The power of
religious judgement is explored along with the strength and resilience of
individuals challenged by the ethics of life. This is also a fascinating study
of the complexities of being twins. With the strongest of bonds that
overwhelms their very different personalities, their love for the same man
creates a gulf between them that threatens their entire adult relationship. It
is also a story of a man and how he navigates his own journey after love and
loss. When his WWII experience takes him to countries he has never dreamed of
seeing, and opens him to the excitement of new cultures, he finds new meaning.
At the same time, his bonds to his comrades in arms and their shared
experiences of battlefield traumas leaves him with emotional scars. A story of
secrets and the power of love, the themes of self-doubt and second chances are
embedded in the narrative, along with the acceptance of one’s actions
following painful choices.

A story of human connection between twins, lovers, comrades during World War
11, families, and generational trauma, set across the United States and Europe
and against the shadow of the Evangelical religion and its judgments. A family
saga of secrets, shadows, and unspoken enduring love, and its impact across
three generations, based on a true story of lived experience. A work of
romantic, historical fiction, The Man in the Middle; A Tale of Tangled Lives
is based on the true story of the author’s parents. It follows their
youth in the early 1900s in US, through the years of WWII in Europe, and
after, and their lives as friends, lovers, parents, and elderly individuals.

This is a story of love and its many forms. There are no heroes or demons,
only people dealing with their humanity. Or maybe there are heroes: Luke, as
he navigates his life honourably and responsibly, while harbouring feelings
for more than one woman; Anna as she comes to terms with her selfish impulses
and attempts to overcome them; Pierrette, who recognizes and accepts that she
cannot give Luke the life he wants, and that their love is not enough.
Karoline is perhaps the true heroine of the book. A victim of the religious
beliefs she is trapped by, she finds it impossible to love herself. Instead,
she spends her life feeling inferior to her sister and undeserving of
Luke’s love. At Luke’s passing, she finally receives the
confirmation of her worth and her place as the love of his life.

Excerpt

“Do you want to talk about it?”

“It’s over,” Anna said flatly. “Nils and I are getting married. Luke and I are finished …. All he said was ‘I don’t want an explanation. I want my ring back.’…. He stood there waiting, staring at me with repulsion. I handed it to him and he left. He hates me now and he doesn’t even know I’m pregnant.”

Her body dissolved into a mass of despair.

“I’ve made such a mess of everything!”

Karoline melted….. She grieved for her…. She could only try to reassure her.

“It’s done now, Anna. You’ve made your choice…..”

Karoline’s mind swirled in a maze of conflicting thought, one especially.

Who’s comforting Luke?

About the Author

“The author lives half-time in San Diego, CA, and half-time in a small village
in Southern France. This is her exploration of the unexplained secrets that
shadowed her childhood and the consequences that haunt all our choices.”

“I wrote this book to come to terms with my past. I wanted to understand
the people who raised me, through the fictional characters of Karoline and
Luke, who represent my parents and my mother’s twin sister, Anna, who
represents my aunt. My childhood was full of love, but as I watched the
individuals around me, I sensed a drama that excluded me. I knew my father had
been in WWII and experienced Normandy, the Battle of the Bulge and much more
during the four years he spent in Europe. The way he talked about the world he
had discovered there intrigued me and I knew there was more to tell, which he
never spoke about. My mother adored my father, but there was a tension in the
room when my aunt was present. A connection between my father and my aunt was
obvious despite their effort to hide it. Through the years, there were
inadvertent comments that hinted of a previous relationship between them, but
it wasn’t until the end of my father’s life that conversations
took place that enlightened me. I didn’t ask, but they each wanted to
tell their story, their truth about what happened. This book is my truth, my
experience in living with them and loving them. It is my attempt to honor them
by exploring their humanness and accepting that we are each a complex
entity.”

Contact Links

Instagram: @julie.lee.williams

Purchase Link

The po...

The Road Home and Other Short Stories Blitz

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 12:00:40 +0200

Short fiction collection

Date Published: March 4, 2026

Publisher:
Manhattan Book Group

The Road Home is a powerful and emotionally rich literary fiction short story
collection that explores the universal search for identity, belonging, and
meaning in life.

From a chance encounter that propels a young mother into
the glamorous world of high fashion… to an elderly widower
rediscovering hope through an unexpected bond… to a troubled young man
battling inner demons—these stories highlight the resilience of the
human spirit.

Set across diverse locations and cultures, these compelling
stories examine:

● Self-discovery, emotional healing
and personal transformation

● Connection, friendship and Love.

●
Written by retired psychiatrist Gene Altman, this collection offers readers
authentic, insightful, and psychologically rich storytelling.

At the
heart of the collection is the title story, The Road Home, a moving
exploration of what “home” truly means—not a physical place
with walls and a roof, but a deeply personal destination where one is fully
accepted and finds belonging, comfort and safety.

Perfect for fans of
literary fiction, psychological fiction, and character-driven stories, The
Road Home invites readers to reflect on their own lives and discover the
strength to overcome obstacles by discovering unexpected inner resources
within themselves.

About the Author

Gene Altman is an award-worthy literary
fiction author, retired psychiatrist, and former professional photographer
whose work explores the depth of human emotion, identity, and personal
transformation. A graduate of Harvard College and Stanford Medical School,
Altman brings a rare blend of psychological rigor and creative insight to his
writing.

Before dedicating four decades to clinical psychiatry in Hawaii,
Altman worked as a professional photographer in New York City. His candid
photography and prose collection, Cityscapes: Intimate Strangers, earned
praise for its evocative storytelling and emotional impact.

After
retiring from psychiatry, Altman turned his focus to writing literary short
fiction inspired by his lifelong passion for helping individuals better
understand themselves. His stories explore themes of self-discovery,
friendship and love—making his work resonate with readers seeking
thoughtful, character-driven narratives.

With a unique perspective shaped
by both psychology and art, Gene Altman crafts compelling stories that
illuminate the complexities of the human experience.

Contact Links

Purchase Links

The post The Road Home and Other Short Stories Blitz first appeared on Book Junkiez.

I Love It When We Read Together Teaser

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 12:00:16 +0200

Children’s Books / Early Learning Beginner Reader

Date Published: 08-12-2025

Publisher: Mission Point Press

I Love It When We Read Together invites reading partners to create their
own special rituals with gentle prompts and endearing illustrations that
encourage kids to read along, spot animals, and spark lively conversations.
This book is perfect for building fluency and connection. Inspired by the
literacy challenges of the pandemic, early childhood educator Karolyn Wallace
crafts a cozy experience that helps families bring the joy of reading home.

Excerpt

It’s more than just a story…we make connections.

This playful book turns reading into an adventure, inviting

kids and grown-ups to ask questions, laugh out loud,

and dive into stories together!

About the Author

Karolyn Wallace is a seasoned educator with over twenty years of experience
teaching in elementary classrooms across public and private schools in
Maryland, Washington, DC, Los Angeles, and New York. Before that, she was a
broadcast journalist at local news affiliates in Los Angeles and Flint,
Michigan. She is currently part of the team at The Children’s Learning
Lab, where experienced educators connect with elementary students for online
learning. She divides her time between Michigan and California, enjoying the
company of her husband, children, and grandchildren.

Contact Links

Goodreads

https://mybook.to/LoveWhenWeReadTogether

Purchase Link

The post I Love It When We Read Together Teaser first appeared on Book Junkiez.

Your Joyful Years Virtual Book Tour

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 12:00:02 +0200

Empowering good health and happiness beyond 50

Self help, Women Health

Date Published: 20 March 2026

“An uplifting and empowering guide to later life that blends lived
experience with science and practical wisdom, encouraging us not merely to
age, but to thrive. I read this book as a middle-aged man and loved it
… it is beautifully reassuring, humane, and optimistic.”

— Professor Chris van Tulleken, Clinician, Academic, TV Presenter, UK

Aged 50+ is a pivotal stage in many women’s lives. We are entering
post-menopause—free from reproductive hormones, periods, and
contraception. Children may be leaving home, careers may be shifting or
winding down, and there is the dawning realisation that we may have 20 or 30
healthy years ahead of us. This is not an ending, but a powerful new
beginning. This stage of life offers an opportunity to reconnect with
yourselves, to rediscover what truly matters, and to prioritise self-love and
self-care without guilt. This book brings you the wisdom of 50 inspiring women
who share their lived experiences with honesty and generosity. Their stories
offer guidance, reassurance, and permission to live authentically on your own
terms. Together, they show how this stage of life can be rich with meaning,
purpose, freedom, and joy. These are Your Joyful Years.

Professor Joyce Harper is a down-to-earth expert in reproductive and
women’s health, with almost 40 years’ experience listening to
women and translating science into practical, evidence-based guidance. She has
published widely about women’s health and is passionate about helping
women thrive. Joyce combines research, real-world experience, and a deep
belief in living life to the full, and she practices what she preaches. This
book is the second in her trilogy: Your Fertile Years; Your Joyful Years; and
Your Final Years.

EXCERPT

Prologue

A Gift from Me to You:

Embrace Your Health and Happiness Beyond 50

This book is a gift to women around the world. My intention is for every woman beyond 50 to live her best life and for it to truly become the most fulfilling and joyful time. Writing this book and listening to these women changed my life, and I hope it changes yours.

Why did I write this book? Almost daily my mother wished people good health and happiness. Throughout my life I’ve taken this saying on board and lived a relatively healthy and happy life. But at 50, having gone through the menopause, I became a single parent of three boys under 10, and I felt it was time to take my mother’s saying to another level so I could live my best life ever. I knew I was running out of time.

Now, I’m a 62-year-old woman feeling the need to write about the power of postmenopausal life because few people talk about the wonders of our second spring. But don’t take my word for it. In Your Joyful Years I share my stories and the stories of 50 other women who are thriving and happy. I want these words to be an inspiration to all women. To give you the permission and motivation to achieve good health and happiness. This is the first book to share so many stories from women about ageing.

Who is this book for? It is for women who are struggling at any age. I have especially seen issues for mothers when their children leave the nest, and at retirement for those who have worked. Life is a journey, and we all face challenges, particularly through divorce, grief, perimenopause, and ill health. I genuinely believe that it’s never too late to find joy and transform our lives by reconnecting with self-care and self-love. It is not selfish. But the most common response I hear from women is that they don’t have the time to look after themselves. If you are in your 50s, 60s, 70s or 80s when you are reading this—you are nearer the end of your life than the beginning. We cannot wait any longer. If you want to live your last decades as a healthy and happy woman—now is the time. Through the honesty and wisdom of the stories in this book, I hope you will find inspiration to reconnect with your authentic self.

But let’s not do this alone. I believe women supporting women is incredibly powerful and as I have grown older, the women in my life have become more important to me than ever before. Let’s find our tribe and flourish.

Society has decided how women aged over 50 should be behaving. Let’s reset this and rise to our power. This book aims to help you make this shift and give you tools to help you live the life you have always wanted. Life does not need to be a constant struggle. By this stage in your life you may be curious, and searching for more, and this is why you are reading this book.

In 2023, at the start of the journey to write this book, I asked my friends on Facebook what they thought about my idea to write a book sharing the stories of happy women, and I received so much support, but also a thought-provoking comment from a dear friend. She said “Anyone who says they are happy is either on drugs or delusional” which is a sentiment I totally disagree with. I don’t think we can be happy all the time, but there are those people who are happy most of the time. And we can learn from each of them.

How did I select the 50 women I interviewed? Initially, I chose a handful of women who I knew were joyful and I used a method called snowballing, where I asked each woman for suggestions of other people to interview. Of the final 50 women, there are five who are long-term friends, 16 are acquaintances, most of which I have only met a few times, and the others were totally unknown to me before the interviews. You can find out who they are at the end of this prologue. I have interviewed many of them on my podcast, with further interviews planned in the future. What they have in common is that they all are thriving.

We need to see role models who are flourishing—these are the women in this book.

Chapter 1 begins with these women’s views about ageing. After spending years on the treadmill of life, many of them have finally paused, reflected, and turned their attention inward. They realise that they are now living their happiest and most authentic lives, and they feel that ageing is a privilege. But life has not always been like this for these women. You will read about the challenges they have faced, including, illness, bereavement, divorce, abuse, and trauma. What stands out is how they responded to these difficulties, learning from these experiences and moving forward with resilience and hope.

Claimed Without Mercy Teaser

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 12:00:33 +0200

Gay Enemies to Lovers Romance

Date Published: April 24, 2026

Publisher: Changeling Press

Captive. Claimed. Protected by the devil himself.

I’m Tyson Hughes’ right hand. Collector. Enforcer. Executioner.
When a low-level idiot tries to clear his debt by offering up his own nephew,
I expect a clean transaction. A body to move. A message to send. Business.

I don’t expect Kellen. Bruised. Beautiful. Untouched by this world in
ways that make my jaw lock. He looks at me like I’m either the devil
come to claim him… or the only thing standing between him and worse.
Taking him wasn’t part of the plan. Delivering him to Tyson
would’ve been easier. Smarter. Safer. Instead, I claim him.

Now he’s living under my roof, breathing my air, learning the rules of a
world I don’t sugarcoat. I’m not a hero. I don’t rescue
people. I own what’s mine. I protect it. And I destroy anyone stupid
enough to threaten it. But the deeper I pull Kellen into my life—into
the violence, the loyalty, the blood that binds us—the harder it is to
tell where captivity ends… and desire begins.

When the debt comes due, I’ll have to choose. Tyson’s empire. Or
the young man I claimed without mercy—and refuse to let go.

WARNING: Intended for readers 18+. Dark MM mafia romance. Possessive
antihero. Captor/captive tension, dubious consent. High heat. Guaranteed HEA.
No cheating.

Excerpt

Ian

I watched the men work, arms folded across my chest. The dim lights of the
warehouse cast long shadows as they moved product from one crate to another,
their movements precise and mechanical. Nobody spoke much — they knew better.
When I oversaw an operation, I expected efficiency, not conversation. The
tattoos on my forearms seemed to pulse in the half-light, a reminder to
everyone present of who I was and what I was capable of. The man who made
problems disappear.

“Faster,” I said, my voice echoing against the concrete walls.
“We need this shit loaded before sunrise.”

The men picked up their pace, sweat beading on their foreheads. This shipment
was worth seven figures — premium grade heroin straight from our overseas
connections. The kind of product that kept Tyson’s empire running and
our pockets lined.

I paced between the rows of crates, watching each man’s hands, each
movement. Trust wasn’t something I gave easily, especially not to the
low-level soldiers Tyson assigned to these jobs. Most were competent enough,
but all it took was one fuck-up, one greedy asshole, and we’d have cops
swarming the place or, worse, a war with another organization.

Something caught my eye. A slight hesitation from one of the newer guys —
skinny fuck with a neck tattoo that screamed prison ink. He glanced over his
shoulder when he thought I wasn’t looking, then slipped his hand into
his jacket pocket just a little too casually.

I moved behind a stack of crates, circling around until I was positioned where
he couldn’t see me. Three years of working as Tyson’s enforcer had
taught me to spot a rat before they even knew they were one.

“Something interesting in your pocket, Alvarez?” I asked,
appearing beside him like a shadow.

He jumped, nearly dropping the bag he was holding. “No, Mr. Grant. Just
checking the time.”

“Really? Pull it out, then.”

His eyes darted to the exit, calculating the distance. I knew that look.
I’d seen it dozens of times before on the faces of men who thought they
could outsmart me.

“Now,” I said, not raising my voice. I never had to.

“It’s nothing, I swear –”

I grabbed his wrist, twisting until he gasped in pain, then reached into his
pocket myself. My fingers closed around a small plastic bag containing about
twenty grams of our product. The weight of it told me everything I needed to
know.

“Everyone stop,” I commanded, and the warehouse fell silent.
“Gather round. Seems we need to have a little lesson in loyalty.”

The men formed a circle, their faces grim. They knew what was coming.
They’d seen it before, or at least heard the stories.

I held up the bag. “Alvarez here thinks he deserves a bonus. Isn’t
that right?”

“Please, Mr. Grant, I wasn’t –”

My fist connected with his jaw before he could finish the sentence. He
stumbled backward but didn’t fall. Good. I wanted him conscious for what
came next.

“Tyson Hughes pays you well,” I said, addressing everyone now.
“He provides for your families. Keeps the cops off your backs. And in
return, he asks for one thing.” I grabbed Alvarez by the throat.
“Loyalty.”

I slammed him against a crate, my hand still tight around his neck. His eyes
bulged, face turning red, then purple.

“You know what happens to thieves in this organization?” I asked,
loosening my grip just enough for him to breathe.

He nodded frantically, gasping for air.

“Tell them,” I demanded, nodding toward the other men.

“They… they die,” he choked out.

I smiled. “Usually. But tonight, I’m feeling generous.”

Relief flooded his face for a brief moment before I slammed my knee into his
groin. As he doubled over, I caught him with an uppercut that sent him
sprawling across the concrete floor.

The men watched in silence as I approached Alvarez, who was now curled into a
ball, blood trickling from his split lip. I knelt beside him, keeping my voice
low enough that only he could hear.

“I’m going to let you live, but not out of mercy.” I pulled
a switchblade from my pocket and flicked it open. “You’re going to
be a message.”

What happened next filled the warehouse with screams that the thick walls
swallowed whole. The men watched, faces impassive but eyes wide with fear as I
made my point in blood. When I was done, Alvarez lay sobbing on the floor,
clutching what remained of his left hand.

“Get him patched up,” I told two of the men. “Then drop him
at the emergency room across town. Make sure he understands that if he says a
word about where he was or who did this, the next visit won’t be so
pleasant.”

They nodded and dragged Alvarez away, leaving a smear of crimson across the
floor. I turned to the remaining men, wiping my blade clean on a handkerchief.

“Finish loading the shipment. I want everything out of here in thirty
minutes.”

They scattered like cockroaches under a light, moving twice as fast as before.
The metallic smell of blood hung in the air, mixing with the dust and chemical
odors of the warehouse. I checked my watch. Almost 3 AM.

My phone vibrated in my pocket. A text from Tyson:

Need you at the house. 9 AM sharp. Important matter to discuss.

I stared at the message, feeling a familiar mix of pride and anxiety. A direct
summons from Tyson usually meant one of two things: I’d fucked up, or he
had a special job that only I could handle. Given that I’d been running
operations smoothly for months, I was betting on the latter.

I supervised the rest of the loading in silence, watching as the men carefully
avoided the bloodstain on the floor. By 4:15 AM, the warehouse was empty
except for me and the lingering evidence of what happened to those who
betrayed Tyson Hughes.

I locked up and climbed into my black Audi, the leather seat cool against my
back. The night had turned cold, but I...

Jumper Blitz

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 12:00:32 +0200

Children’s Book

Jumper is a little colt’s inspiring journey after being separated from
his birth mother who is addicted to a toxic plant. From fear and loss to
healing and hope, this book tenderly portrays the complexities of addiction,
abandonment, trauma, and healing.

The author lives on a horse ranch and has experience fostering and adopting
children, allowing her to masterfully weave this beautiful metaphor. This book
helps build bridges, teaching difficult topics without judgement or blame and
offers a compassionate view of addiction. It can grow with children through
different stages of their life, as they take in layers of wisdom at their own
pace. Reading Jumper is a great springboard for discussions on difficult
topics for young children and teenagers alike.

Perfect for children with:

* RAD, Reactive Attachment Disorder,

* ODD, Oppositional Defiance Disorder,

* SAD, Separation Anxiety Disorder.

* Abandonment Trauma

While invaluable for those involved with foster care or adoption, Jumper is a
powerful tool for teaching EMPATHY and a great addition to any family library.
JUMPER IS FOR EVERYONE. Thoughtfully written with deep sensitivity, Jumper
shows an example of unconditional love and its power to heal, while validating
the anger, pain and confusion that can be brought on by trauma. Young and old
will be captivated by this moving story. Whether you are a horse lover or not,
you will be by the end of this story!

About the Author

Shelley Flake was a foster parent for 8 years & has two adopted children
for a total of nine. She has a bachelor’s degree in Special Education & a
lifetime of experience working with children of all ages both at home &
through volunteer work. She & her family recently moved from their home
just north of New York City to a quiet 100-acre ranch in the West, with a
dozen trail horses, cows, chickens, barn cats & her beloved Border-Aussie,
Blue. One of her favorite pastimes is singing & dancing with her family in
the kitchen. Bring on Ed Sheeran, Frank Sinatra, Billy Joel, Carly Simon, The
Beatles, or Alicia Keys…Bottom line, there is always music playing at the
Flake house.

Purchase Link

The post Jumper Blitz first appeared on Book Junkiez.

Deconstructing America Virtual Book Tour

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 12:00:29 +0200

Political Nonfiction

Date Published: January 21, 2026

Publisher ‏: ‎ Seacoast Press

In recent decades, most of us have witnessed increasing social and
political strife, tearing apart the very fabric of American society. This
polarization stems from decades of shifting ideologies, moving from a
foundational center-right perspective toward the left. Acknowledging the root
causes of this cultural shift and recognizing the depth of the problem is the
first step toward addressing it.

The divide we see today is largely driven by ideas that contradict the
founding principles of the United States. Deconstructing America explores
these forces through a series of interconnected, fact-based narratives,
revealing the key moments and influences that have contributed to America’s
decline.

EXCERPT

A nation, any nation that can proclaim national sovereignty has a duty to its citizens to protect them from harm by external forces that threaten their culture, indeed, a national identity, including their laws and constitutional order.

The United States of America was invaded by illegal aliens from all over the world during the presidency of Joe Biden and his counter-part Vice President Kamala Harris (2021-2025) in one of the most cynical and dangerous open-borders policy in world history. The internal corruption this caused is unprecedented: Billions of hard-earned tax payer money at both the state and federal levels further exacerbated political polarization in the American electorate.

As blue-states that are governed entirely by the Democrat Party not only embraced this new illegal alien constituency and reinforced their rhetoric and policy toward sanctuary status for illegal immigrants, it pitted federal law enforcement against federal (ICE, Customs and Border Patrol) law enforcement creating dissention among citizens.

In blue-states, such as Chicago, Los Angelis, New York, Boston and others, rampant criminality and a newer entitlement class became all too evident. Soft on crime policy, a feature that had already been present in these blue-states with the defund police movement, especially after the BLM protests and anarchy in the summer of 2020, after the death of George Floyd further created a new criminality among criminal illegal alien gangs let into the U.S. during the Biden open-borders debacle.

In the meantime, other illegal aliens who were not necessarily criminal actors but came here for a perceived better life, still created downward pressure on the local, state and federal economies. The U.S. at the state level provided housing that was already in crisis, but also includes food, clothing and schooling, all at the expense of U.S. citizens.

Imagine a country that would destroy themselves from within. A country that would degrade its public education system in order to fund its unions who are entirely beholden to one political party—the Democrat Party. Public sector teachers unions did not help create an atmosphere for positive learning outcomes, they instead hindered educational outcomes with decadent progressive policies that harmed children.

Imagine a country that would allow foreign nationals to vote in their elections, thereby cancelling out a citizens vote and creating a situation that that disenfranchises the citizen voting public at-large.

Imagine a country that would allow the marginalization of parental control in favor of the state. A country that would in certain states create laws that would take children away from their parents because the parents didn’t agree to usher their child into sex change surgeries and hormone blockers is truly a country in decline.

Imagine a country, a Western capitalist country, especially the U.S., hell-bent in allowing a culture of anti-American sentiment to thrive.

The United States which is a nation founded on Judeo Christian values that has eroded faith as its foundational and cultural mediator in favor in the omnipotence of MAN. A nation, especially the U.S. is easily led down a path to its own destruction under that kind of leadership. Communism and its precursor socialism are then, in turn, is easily adopted by the failing nation where their leaders eradicate Christian faith. In the United States of America to this point today we are beyond just the slippery slope of decadence. In the U.S. we have reached the point, the precipice, where the confluence of deconstruction is near complete and the following quote from the book is apropos.

“This newer madness is just the tip of the iceberg if we let it continue. This isn’t just about communism, because communists in Russia or China wouldn’t allow such decadent behavior in their own society. This is purely a far-Left progressivism that has proliferated over the course of generations.

“Communist leaders are ecstatic at the specter of America’s devolving cultural decadence. While American’s are fighting each other on cultural terms and watch their core institutions that made America great in the first place weaken, communist nations are shoring up their military alliances.” (Introduction, P. xiii)

About the Author

After a long career as an entrepreneur working in the cycling and
fitness industry managing, owning, and consulting for numerous retail
establishments, it became natural to study the people, cultures, and social
environments in and around my working life. Once retirement became imminent it
afforded me the time and vigor to completely immerse myself in the social
sciences, including anthropology, sociology, social psychology, and history in
furtherance of understanding and writing about the complex world issues that
humanity faces.

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Romantasy

Date Published: March 16, 2026

Anita was a timid college student who dreams of love and adventure. By
chance she meets Devin a handsome and charismatic man with dark secrets of his
own. Together with family, friends and a spirit they must face fears and
challenges, doubts and danger. This book is a true Romantasy, it is a love
story and a fantasy. Order on Amazoon.com, in eBook and soft cover. I think
you will fall in love.

About the Author

I am a retired teacher, parent, wife and Grandmother of four. Stormy my
Havenese dog is 19 years old, and I think of him as my fur child. I enjoy
writing science fiction, fantasy, and stories about my life. Devin and the
Devil is my third book, and my favorite. I hope it is yours too.

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The Bric-A-Brac of Mickey Mack Teaser

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 20:25:16 +0200

Poetry /Comedy Satire Gift Rhyme Millennial Humor Silverstein Memory

Date Published: 04-15-2026

Publisher: The Tink and Tank Press

Excerpt

I sat across from him, he had a twisted distant gaze
while he wracked his mind and grappled with a foolish phrase
which was written on a note and shuffled in a mess of junk
atop a desk ensconced in filth, no doubt the man was drunk.
His name was Mickey Mack, both laser focused and aloof,
fenced in by Bric-a-Brac unpacked and stacked up to the roof.
A product of his times, so wise, yet dumber than a door.
A man of vast experience and yet he’s such a bore.
He’d traveled ’round the world and been to many foreign lands
to simply say he had, to sit and sulk, his only plans.
For “that’s what people do,” he’d say, “they travel to enjoy
the petty world and what it offers every girl and boy.”
Despite the fact that Mr. Mack had traveled far and wide
he would do what’s done at home and find a bar to sit inside.
And there, while many past him by, bemoaning life itself,
it tortured Mickey for he couldn’t help but see himself.
He realized now that time is gone, and that’s the way it is,
and he, while living other people’s lives, had wasted his.
And as a way, as best he could, expel the toxic bile,
he has compiled every groan and gripe within a file.
And written down, at last, now put together in a book
the crying whines of all he heard from all the trips he took.
A vapid, superficial twit, he sobered up somehow,
and Mickey Mack looked up at me behind a furrowed brow,
and as he squinted, leaning closer straining hard to see,
He was looking in a mirror, for the hopeless fool was me.

About the Author

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Golfing, Gardens & Ghosts Blitz

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 12:00:53 +0200

Cozy Mystery

Date Published: 01-28-2026

Publisher: Secret Staircase Books, an imprint of Columbine Publishing Group,
LLC

School’s out for the summer and math teacher Katie Wilk needs
something to occupy her time, something beyond helping to plan Jane
Mackey’s upcoming wedding. So, when Jane suggests golf lessons and Katie
secures a part-time job at the Shady Oaks Country Club to cover the cost of
her golfing gear, it seems like a win-win plan. Unfortunately, the
club’s irascible golf pro seems to make enemies wherever he goes, so
when his body turns up near the 14th hole, it’s anyone’s guess who
might have done him in.

Katie doesn’t really want another murder to investigate, but Officer
Ronnie Christianson is back to his old ways, and it looks like he’ll do
what it takes to implicate her in the death. And Katie just happens to have
seen a potentially incriminating clue, behind a secret garden wall that few
know about. Can Katie, Jane, and Ida ask enough questions to find out what
really happened before the police come after her?

Praise for this amazing cozy series by multiple award-winning author Mary
Seifert:

2024 Chanticleer International Book Awards – Semi-Finalist – Mystery &
Mayhem category

2024 Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Award – Top Pick – Cozy Mysteries

2024 International Impact Awards – Winner – Books in a Series

“…. a solid 5 out of 5 stars. For those seeking not just a
mystery but an immersive experience, Mary Seifert’s debut novel [is] the
perfect companion for a cosy night in, a cup of tea, and a journey into the
heart of a captivating mystery.” – Maverick, Movies & Murder,
Online Book Club.org

“…an intricate mystery with plenty of action and suspense. Plus, I
like the dog.” David Housewright Edgar Award winning author of Something
Wicked

“From navigating small town life to solving puzzling murders, Katie and
Maverick are a delight.” —Mindy Mejia, international bestseller
author

“Immediately captivating! Katie and Maverick are destined to become a
notable amateur sleuth team in the mystery world.” –Connie
Shelton, USA Today bestselling author

“I thoroughly enjoyed this debut book by Mary Seifert! This well written
and thoughtful story kept me engaged with fun characters, interesting
information and mind and math puzzles. Looking forward to book two!”
James, 5-star online review

“Fun read! The author has an authentic voice and has done her research.
The plot covers many topics: dogs, history, the inner workings of hospitals,
family dynamics, and more. I especially enjoyed the puzzles and little-known
historical facts that were part of the story. Maverick, Movies & Murder
kept my interest and left me wanting more. Highly recommend!” Beth,
online 5-star review

“…very much looking forward to her next!!! I can’t get
enough of Ms. Seifert’s books!!” – proudarmymom, 5 stars

“…plenty of unanticipated twists and turns. It kept [me] up
reading to see what was going to happen next!” – RHN, 5 stars
online

“Maverick, Movies, and Murder isn’t merely a cosy mystery; it’s a
literary embrace, a narrative that unfolds in layers, revealing both the
familiar and the unexpected.” OnlineBookClub.org review

Excerpt

“I can’t imagine you didn’t inherit my ability to sit still
and do absolutely nothing. I’m the king of procrastination.”

I laughed. “This from a man who plans every minute of his day.”

“Yes, but I make certain I plan all my sitting-still time first. I might
have some ideas for you.”

Poised to take note of Dad’s constructive contributions, I said,
“Do tell.”

He leaned back in the chair and crossed his arms. “You could pick up a
new hobby.”

…

“I could teach you to cook. Maybe. Or you could bike.”

I plopped my elbow on the table and supported my cheek in my hand. “You
and Ida have tried to teach me to cook. It’s been practically
impossible, and there’s only so much biking I can do.” I shook my
head yet listened for something novel.

“You could sleep in.”

“Tried that.” I side-eyed my pup and exhaled.

“You could learn a craft like … crocheting or knitting.”

Two more words made the list. He waited for an enthusiastic response, which
didn’t happen, but nuggets of ideas turned over in my head as I chewed
my final morsel of bacon. Our landlady, Ida Clemashevski, was a creative whiz
not only at cooking, but with her passions of art, acting, music, and probably
crafting as well.

“There’s always fishing,” he said, cautiously optimistic.
“Or get a part-time job?”

I jotted a few words next to his recommendations and drew a fish.

Dad asked, “What’s that?”

Having confirmed my lack of any artistic talent, my sketch disappeared under
scribbles. “I’ll think about taking up a hobby, but meanwhile, it
seems I’ll simply have to resign myself to mundane chores
…” I hopped up. “Nothing exciting. Something like doing the
dishes.” I juggled the serving platters, plates, and silverware and
deposited them in the sink, leaving the delicate cups for a second trip.

Soap foamed under the cascade of hot water, and I scrubbed slowly to eat up at
least a portion of my free time. Although Dad reached for a towel, I shooed
him out of the kitchen, knowing how much he valued his predictable weekday
schedule: a hearty first meal of the day, a one-mile walk around the
neighborhood—rain or shine, an in-depth read of the newspaper from cover
to cartoons, an exercise class at the Y, and his volunteer stint at the
library.

“No doubt, by week’s end you’ll have discovered a new and
more streamlined method for doing dishes. You know I love you.” He
kissed my forehead and headed for the door and a day of sunshine. “But
we’ve got to keep you occupied and out of trouble, or you’ll never
get rid of the crazy nickname you earned.”

I called to his retreating back, “Just because I’ve been in the
wrong places and involved in the resolution of several serious crimes, I
really don’t think I deserve the moniker ‘Katie Wilk, the murder
magnet.’”

About the Author

...

I Love It When We Read Together Blitz

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 12:00:33 +0200

Children’s Books / Early Learning Beginner Reader

Date Published: 08-12-2025

Publisher: Mission Point Press

About the Author

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Goodreads

https://mybook.to/LoveWhenWeReadTogether

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Death and Life in the City of Dreams Blitz

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 12:00:09 +0200

Literary Fiction

Date Published: April 16th

Publisher: Acorn Publishing

Jaded city planner Townsend Meadows looks out across Evermore Valley
with the ghost of his dead friend by his side. “Do you ever
wonder,” Fen asks, “what this city will look like five hundred
years from now?”

Their city is teetering on the brink of collapse, and the mayor’s answer
is a gleaming new auto mall at the valley’s edge. For Townsend,
it’s the death of everything a city should be. Struggling to regain his
passion and forced to choose between compliance and conviction, he must risk
his career to fight for a more hopeful and verdant future.

From an
architect’s vision at the dawn of the twentieth century, to a
rancher’s dynasty scarred by violence and greed, to a city
founder’s hidden message of hope, this story about the rise, fall, and
reawakening of an American city reaches far beyond the present. A timely,
sweeping novel of memory, corruption, and resilience, Death and Life in the
City of Dreams asks, “What legacy will we choose to leave for our
children?”

About the Author

Nicholas Deitch is a writer, architect, and advocate for social justice whose
fiction explores the intersection of cities, history, and human resilience.
His passion for storytelling began when a colleague recognized the emotional
depth of his nonfiction work. Since then, he has honed his craft, publishing
short stories in Litro Magazine, Club Plum, and Santa Barbara Literary
Journal. His short story “Grace Eternal” won Best Fiction at the
Santa Barbara Writers Conference (2019).

Death and Life in the City of Dreams, his debut novel, is deeply influenced by
his experiences in nonprofit leadership and the design of inclusive
communities and urban places.

Originally from Los Angeles, he now lives in Ventura, California, with his
wife and creative partner Diana.

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Facebook

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https://mybook.to/TheManintheMiddle

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The Man in the Middle Blitz

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 12:00:48 +0200

A Tapestry of Tangled Lives

Family Saga / Fiction / Based on True Lived Experiences

Date Published: April 6, 2026

Publisher: Serapis Bey Publishing, Arizona, US www.parulagrawal.com

A story of human connection between twins, between lovers, between comrades in
war, set against the shadow of the evangelical religion and its judgments.”

About the Author

Contact Links

Instagram: @julie.lee.williams

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