A Life Through Books

(Rocky Mountain Romances, Book 3)

Romance

Date Published: 1.17.2022

Publisher: Dragonbooks Publishing House

Is that a vintage RV— painted top to bottom with paw print-shaped polka-dots — driving into town? You can bet your pupper’s next bubble bath it is! Get ready to plunge into the pages of the third book in the always pet-friendly Rocky Mountain Romances series.

When Kathrina gets chased out of her Seattle apartment because of its no pets policy, she packs up her business, Kat’s for Dogs Mobile Grooming, and heads to the mountain town of Independence Junction, Colorado.

In Independence Junction, pets are welcome, the local diner is the hub of social life, and Sam, that good-looking guy Kat met last summer, just happens to still be around. But oh no! Sam turns out to be a professional hockey player with an ego the size of the biggest mountain in the state. Not only is Kat a little man-shy, but she has no interest in wasting her time trying to tame that wild one.

However, when injured dogs start turning up in the woods, Kat must find a way to help. Before she knows it, Kat is tangled up in the small town’s dark side. Will she rescue the animals? Will she accept Sam’s help? Will the townsfolk finally have enough with whoever, or whatever, is hurting their dogs?

Welcome back to Independence Junction in Book 3 of The Rocky Mountain Romances series. Your quirky friends are waiting for you to join them for another small town suspense story, complete with a nice blend of laughter, mystery, and heart-warming romance along the way!

Praise for Rocky Mountain Romances Book 1:

“An enjoyable, mixed-genre romp with an intriguing main couple and colorful townsfolk.” – Kirkus Reviews

INTERVIEW

What is the hardest part of writing your books?

The hardest part of writing a book is starting at all. After all those books the thought of writing 80,000+ words are still so intimidating.
 

What songs are most played on your Ipod?

I'm afraid to say I don't listen much to music; I don't even own an iPod - so... not sure how to answer that question :-) I love the silence if I'm writing.

Do you have critique partners or beta readers?

My mother is actually my beta reader. She calls me out if a scene is sloppy or if something doesn't make sense and doesn't let me get away with anything.

What book are you reading now?

Right now, I'm reading Trolled, Book 3 of the legacy of Magic Series written by Lindsay Buroker

How did you start your writing career?

I was freshly separated from my now ex-husband, living with my mom, pregnant, no job and no money and a serious book addiction. Since I didn't have any money to feed my book addiction, I decided to use the time I didn't read to write. And here we are, 36 books later of which 4 are already out in English.

Tell us about your next release.

My next release, Rocky Mountain Kid, is actually my own favorite among the Rocky Mountain Romances. Book 4 tells the story of Paula who encounters a run away girl in her barn. While she is figuring out how to help the girl, she also learns that love doesn't threaten her independence when she gets to know the town's very handsome and kind vet Nate better.

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Women's Fiction

Date Published: July 14, 2019

"Simultaneously compelling, intriguing, and effortlessly entertaining read. De Soprontu imparts views on themes of poverty, race, identity, strength, and deliverance, all tightly bound within this intricate psychological opera." KIRKUS REVIEWS

"VICES/VIRTUES is a beautifully written, strikingly moving, look at the interacting lives and diverse backgrounds of women in an unconventional profession" Indie Reader

Cristela had a childhood shrouded in secrets. Ashamed of their circumstances, her mother told lies and encouraged her daughter to do the same. As Cristela grew, she unraveled the lies, but found that deception is a hard habit to break. Now, as an adult, Cristela creates a secret alter ego as the dominatrix Mistress Clara.

By day, Cristela is a good-girl poster child. By night, Mistress Clara masters the hidden erotic realm of an S&M dungeon. With her knack for duplicity things should work smoothly except for one complication – friendship. The quirky array of fellow dominatrices at the dungeon are nothing like the stereotypes she expected. Divided between her affection for the girls at the dungeon and her desire to keep her fetish activities secret, Cristela fears her two worlds are colliding. Can Cristela break her history of deceit? In a world of vices and virtues, salvation isn’t something you find, it’s a path you make.

About the Author

Beatrice De Soprontu began writing at the age of four, when she scribbled on the walls with a crayon. Now an adult, she mostly scribbles on her home computer surrounded by her noisy children and their less noisy father. Born and raised in New York City, (which includes: Queens, Bronx, Brooklyn, maybe even Staten Island – a.k.a. the real New York and not the tourist trap that is Manhattan), she enthusiastically travels the world on a budget whenever she gets the chance.

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Book Four: Architect

General and Literary Fiction

Date Published: February 28, 2023

Publisher: The Skydenn Looking Glass

Twenty-first-century scientist Matt Miller has become a wealthy businessman and politician with a beautiful wife and family. Yet, despite his every effort, Matt’s world is crumbling around him. Grace has recovered from her physical injuries, but her mental scars deepen as the threat to her family remains and her brother’s trial looms on the horizon. The Millers find themselves at the center of a maelstrom that threatens to engulf the entire colony of Virginia and make it the epicenter for a revolution. As the events around Matt unfold and his situation worsens, an opportunity presents itself to right the wrongs he has caused, but only if Matt can leave his life in the colonies behind.

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Autobiography

Date Published: November 6, 2022

Publisher: Ocean Reeve Publishing Queensland Australia

Throughout this book we learn about the sufferance of a baby boy, unwanted by his teenage parents.

This boy grew up with an aggressive and womanising father that constantly reminded him that he was a mistake that ruined his father’s life.

While been beaten and mentally abused, all he craved from his parents was love but received nothing but humiliation and sufferance from his father.

This caused detrimental trauma to the young boy, and he grew up believing that he would never achieve anything in life.

I was this little boy, and this is my story.

What Readers Are Saying

"Great read, very compelling, could not put it down. Read in one sitting. You are a good guy, glad that I know you!"

- Peter Healey

"Reading Escaping my Demons gave me an insight into how difficult Joseph's childhood was ... This would be a good self-help book for those who have had less-than-ideal family life and the proof has shown that in the end we make our own lives and can choose toe either be a victim or a winner."

-Vicki Ebert

"The book 'Escaping my Demons' is Fragarazzi's road map to the emotional freedom he now enjoys today."

-Kez Wickham St George

About the Author

Joseph Fagarazzi was born in Venice, Italy in 1951. His life story, and his book, Escaping My Demons, are based on his strength and persistence in surviving as an unwanted ridiculed child by biased parents.

Learn more about Joseph and how his life journey took him to live in Australia on www.josephfagarazziauthor.com

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Riding With an Outlaw Motorcycle Club in the Old Days

Memoir/ Motorcycle History

Date Published: 01-09-2021

Take a thrill-packed ride with the outlaw bikers of the Hangmen Motorcycle Club during the wild days of the 60s and 70s, and experience what it feels like to live on the edge.

When 15-year-old Dale drops out of school, he’s not sure if he wants to be a Marine or a biker. Neither of them pays well, but both fulfill his need for adventure and excitement. As soon as he gets his first Harley, the decision comes easily and the young man falls into the dangerous life of a 1% outlaw biker in Southern California.

For almost a decade, Hangmen Motorcycle Club becomes his family, and passionate yet kind-hearted Dale experiences true brotherhood with this extraordinary group of men. Caught up in gang brawls, run-ins with the law, partying and some romance, there is never a dull moment in his day. Perennial values such as honor, loyalty, and freedom also become part of his life. For Hangmen Motorcycle Club—a modern version of the gunfighters of the Old West—is all about living life to the fullest as free spirits, preserving one’s liberties, and protecting one’s kin.

With hundreds of raving reviews, Hangmen is a page-turner to be enjoyed from beginning to end whether or not you are a biker. It is packed with unexpected twists and turns and the author’s sense of humor brightens up even the bleakest situations. Ultimately, Hangmen is a book about humanity and probably the most authentic and raw immersion in the motorcycle club subculture of the 60s and 70s.

About the Author

Dale Arenson is a bestselling author of gripping memoirs inspired by his risky and unconventional life. A high-school dropout, he found the supportive family he always craved as a member of the famous Hangmen Motorcycle Club. After many run-ins with the law and brushes with death and animated by the desire to better himself, Arenson reinvented himself as a commercial pilot and had a successful career in aviation for 35 years.

Always up for a good challenge, later on he became a World Champion and Record Breaker Rifle Shooter.

A big admirer of classics such as Plato, Hemingway, and Marcus Aurelius, Arenson is now taking his turn at writing books that entertain, inspire, and stand the test of time.

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An ex.po.sé on Christian doctrines and traditions which are against God’s covenants.

Religion / Nonfiction

Date Published: 01/24/2023

Publisher: Times of Truth Publishing

This book shows how the original Hebrews, including the followers of Christ, understood God’s voice; how they knew a Scriptural text was inspired and should be accepted.

It highlights issues which have arisen because, in early Church history, the original voice wasn’t understood and followed properly.

Since the death of the last of the 12 Apostles, traditions of men have taken over the Church, and these have had negative effects on the world despite the Church putting so much effort into evangelism and winning souls.

This book shows how and why Christianity is not the fastest-growing religion, despite efforts in evangelism and soul-winning.

This book goes further to provide more accurate interpretations of the events from the Garden of Eden down to the tree of life in the book of Revelation. It uses principles of interpretation, as provided by the Bible itself.

The book has pointed out traditions of men in the Church with respect to teachings on Hell, Heaven, who goes to Heaven, what happens when we die, binding the devil, witches and wizards, one is taken and one left, pleading the blood of Jesus, the Church as the bride of Christ, times of the gentiles, salvation, brothers and sisters of mine, repent or you’ll burn in hell and many other daily teachings.

About the Author

Aniekan Okono is a graduate of Business Administration. He holds professional certificates in Business Analysis, Business Architecture and Enterprise Architecture.

He is an Enterprise Architect by profession and an avid Bible reader.

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Walmart

The Betty Lou Gerson Story

Nonfiction

Date Published: January 28, 2023

She voiced one of Disney’s most infamous villainesses. With her husky timbre and most unforgettable cackle, Betty Lou Gerson terrified an entire generation as Disney’s original “Cruella de Vil” in One Hundred and One Dalmatians (1961). Betty used her whiskey-soaked voice to give us an innovative portrait of elegant villainy beyond entertainment’s stereotypical “old hag” antagonists in radio, film, and television. She had a prolific radio career in both Chicago and Hollywood before the silver screen and was featured in many popular television series in the 1950s and 1960s such as Perry Mason, The Dick Van Dyke Show, and Hazel. Though “Cruella” is perhaps her most recognized role, she also performed in other beloved film classics including Cinderella (1950), Mary Poppins (1964), and Cats Don’t Dance (1997).

The great irony of Betty’s story is that while her voice frightened audiences through nearly all mediums, off mic, she was in fact no villainess at all. Betty traversed through some of the most volatile eras in American history, while overcoming many personal tragedies of her own. She was among twentieth century entertainment pioneers and an iconic voice of feminism.

About the Author

Lona Bailey is a Golden Age of Hollywood researcher and writer of "Uncredited: The Life and Career of Actress Virginia Gregg" and "The Voice of Villainy: The Betty Lou Gerson Story."

As a PhD and former therapist, Lona is passionate about telling the untold #storiesofwomen who perhaps weren’t finished using their own voices during their earthly journeys. Lona is a mother of three with a balanced perspective on the multidimensional elements involved in legacy-maintenance with particular interest in the preservation efforts of the #GoldenAgeofHollywood. Lona’s #biographic works are delicately researched and written with a candid and fair pen and plenty of room for levity.

#OldHollywood holds millions of secrets in its gothic #sensationalism; with its #darksecrets, come just as many shimmering triumphs– and Old Hollywood wouldn’t be as we know it without both.

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Commercial Fiction

Date Published: February 23, 2023

Publisher: Acorn Publishing

In the twilight of his NFL career as a middle linebacker for the Chicago Storm, Mike “the Steelman” Stalowski masks his physical pain and mental anguish with alcohol and painkillers. The fan favorite has a rebel image and a notorious reputation, and he plays a violent gridiron game fueled by inner rage. 

While estranged from his wife and living in the fishbowl environment of professional sports, he unexpectedly meets the fresh-out-of-college Kim Richardson. She sees through Mike’s star persona to who he really is—a kind guy from the Southeast Side of Chicago who has never forgotten his humble blue-collar roots. The lives of the star-crossed, seemingly mismatched couple collide during a whirlwind romance that culminates in a tragic series of events.

The Walk-On is a timeless tale of love and loss that explores the consequences of personal decisions and the rewards of faith, redemption, and hope.

Early Reviews

“An interesting read where star linebacker Mike Stalowski confronts the inevitable challenges every NFL player faces as they transition to their post-football life. His experiences may seem exaggerated, but they are still very real.”

Gary Fencik, Chicago Bears, Super Bowl XX Champion

“Despite his NFL fame and bad-boy attitude and antics, I empathized with the humble guy from a blue-collar background fighting painful emotional and physical demons. . .Ultimately, The Walk-On is an incredible story of love and loss, with faith and mentorship fostering hope for the future.”

Bill Rancic, Author of the New York Times bestseller, You’re Hired

“Just like the protagonist’s very fast sports car, The Walk-On will leave you, from the very first paragraph, just a little breathless as you navigate all the sharp turns that come fast and furious at the reader. . .”

Jean Becker, Author of the New York Times bestseller, The Man I Knew: The Amazing Story of George H. W. Bush's Post-Presidency

“The Walk-On is a fascinating story of self-sabotage and redemption. A page-turner!!!!” 

Mary Pat Kelly, Bestselling author of Galway Bay, Of Irish Blood, and Irish Above All

About the Author

Richard Podkowski, a native of Chicago’s South Side, began writing fiction while studying criminal justice at Loyola University Chicago.

As a United States Secret Service special agent, Richard protected U.S. presidents and foreign dignitaries and investigated major domestic and international financial crimes. After retiring from the Secret Service in 2003 as a supervisory special agent, he became a management member of a Fortune 100 company's global security group. For the last several years, Richard has been a private sector strategic security consultant.

Inspired by professional athletes who lived in a fishbowl under constant media scrutiny and made life-altering mistakes, Richard wrote The Walk-On. Other projects include a holiday rom-com manuscript and a crime story. In his free time, Richard enjoys riding his road bike, working out, and making Christmas ornaments. He currently resides with his family in Los Angeles.

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Meditation, spirituality, yoga, health

Date Published: November 23, 2022

Naive to meditation? Want a moment of peace from the chaotic world? not sure how to focus?

Discover how to meditate with this uncomplicated beginner guide. Dr. Samuel Steinberg presents meditation as an exquisite approach to attain peace, healthy, stress-free life by keeping it simple through basic techniques.

"Meditation For People Who Cant't Meditate" is a perfect guide for beginners tangled between the right time, place, position, group, and props to meditate with. Let this book walk you through the core of how to meditate correctly, the benefits of everyday practice, and the diverse styles of meditation in a fun way.

About the Author

Dr. Samuel Samtosha Steinberg is a highly qualified and accomplished author, educator, and consultant. He holds a graduate degree in Plant-Based Nutrition from Cornell University, a doctorate in Metaphysics, and is currently completing a doctorate in Naturopathic Psychology. He is a Special Education teacher, a Yoga Alliance certified 500 E-RYT yoga teacher, and a meditation consultant for mental health practitioners and pain support groups. He is the author of several books, including "Meditation for People Who Can't Meditate," "Free Bird" (a children's book about freedom), and "Parents Guide to Helping a Child With Learning Disabilities." He has also authored several books on veganism, vegetarianism, anxiety, depression and panic attacks, promoting positive self-esteem in children, autism in the workplace, chakras, and weight loss and fitness.

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Poetry

Publisher: Kuumba Books

Uplifting, motivational, and empowering, the poems in For Orphans, Lost Children, Youth, and Whom It May Concern celebrate resilience, compassion, spirituality and, above all, the power of dreams to spawn hope for the future.

Rolly Lambert Fogoum’s second poetry collection clusters heartfelt and passionate poems speaking to orphans, the deliberately silenced, and the ignored. By turns lyrical, introspective, and epistolary, the collection’s force builds as the poems appeal to our compassion. Often directly addressing the forsaken, this collection takes us on a journey through empathy, chronicling painful times, but also heralding hope for better times to come.

About the Author

 Rolly Lambert Fogoum Tameza, mostly known as Rolly Lambert Fogoum, is a professional boxer and a humanitarian. He graduated with a B.A. from the Faculty of Law and Political Sciences at the University of Yaounde II, Soa in 2013 and began a professional boxing career in 2014, with his first fight in Dubai. During a hiatus from boxing, he competed as a fitness model, winning awards in several categories.

He returned to boxing in 2018 and won several titles, including Universal Boxing Organisation Africa Champion in Ghana in 2020, World Boxing Organisation Africa Champion in Dubai in 2021, World Boxing Association Asia Champion and World Boxing Council Asia Champion in Thailand in 2022. His first book, Light Your Inner Spark for Days of Grace, was published in 2021.

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African Books Collective

A Journey to Discover Who We Are

Children's Book

Date Published: May 20, 2022

Publisher: Hasmark Publishing International

Josh, age ten, and Sara, age eight, are brother and sister. They enjoy each other's company and love to play games together and explore the woods near their house. Sometimes, though, they worry that they don't fit in with their peers. Like many kids, they have questions and concerns about life and why things are the way they are.

One day, a seemingly wrong turn in the woods leads them to an unexpected discovery. They meet a wise, magical being who teaches them how to appreciate and use their miraculous minds and unique God-given gifts. Through these lessons, they learn how to connect with their authentic confidence and personal power, positively transforming them and their mindsets.

The story in this short book is based on the author’s personal life journey and the wisdom and insight she has gained from her mentors and spiritual teachers in the field of personal development and spirituality. It is a life-transforming guide for children and adults alike.

About the Author

I was born in Seoul, Korea in 1971.  As the youngest of the family, with an older sister and two older brothers, I was surrounded by comfort, support, and most of all, love.

As a child, I loved spending time in my own world of imagination, where I had the ability to create my friends, experiences, and “realities.” These were always preferable to the true reality that surrounded me.

Growing up in the 1970s and 1980s, Korea was still recovering from its long history of military dictatorship after the Korean war and still experiencing the turmoil of political upheaval. It was simply too chaotic and harsh for a free-spirited young mind.

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