A Life Through Books

Baker Mischief Book 4

Political Thriller

Date Published: 06-10-2025

What would happen if a man of integrity, calm judgment, and firm conservative principles were elected our President? Would he do better than what we have? Or might he discover that behind America’s expressed principles something still lingers from the Fall? That behind our longing for justice, for community, for fairness, for freedom, for beauty, proportion, for the things that nurture all that is good, Something is still out there?

Let’s see.

Dr. Richard Sherry is the author of the Baker Mischief series, including A Month of Sundays (2022) ; Mondays, Mondays (2023) ; and First Tuesday 2024. The political thriller series introduces retired political science professor Dr. Ed Baker, determined to open up American politics to daylight. He is almost always up against both the law and forces attempting to conceal their influence on American life. In A Month of Sundays, Baker uncovers who owns senators up for election in 2020 and releases their emails to the voters in their states. In Mondays, Mondays, he reveals a "voting bloc" in the Supreme Court and who is influencing them. In First Tuesday, Baker and his former students look at the influential forces behind the 2024 presidential election, with surprising results.

Richard released a memoir in 2020, The Long Run: Meditations on Marriage, Dementia, Caregiving, and Loss (2020), about his first wife's illness and death.

Richard is a retired college professor and administrator. He resides in Minnesota and winters in Arizona with his wife Marjorie Mathison Hance, author of the North lakes Murder Mystery Series.

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Cyberpunk/Urban Fantasy Fiction

Release Date: July 23rd, 2025

Publisher: Acorn Publishing

If you make a deal with the Devil, don’t forget to read the fine print. 

Three operatives find themselves on the run after a corporate sabotage job goes awry. Now, their predatory employer, a heavyweight weapons-tech firm, wants its elite A-team dead at all costs.  Jon is a smooth-talking charmer. Friedrich is a hacker prodigy. And Guion is the ice-cold tactician who keeps them all in line.

Backs against the wall, the men strike separate infernal pacts to stay alive. They vanish into the urban badlands of New York’s Five Hives, vowing to lie low and figure out why they’ve become targets. Meanwhile, Jon suspects there’s an insidious evil possessing his friends, and he wonders if they all got more than they bargained for. 

Amid an escalating war between local gangs and the firm’s private shock troops, the fugitives uncover a conspiracy that threatens to destroy everyone they know and love. But can they stop the destruction before their inner demons seize control?

About the Author

 At the age of four, Russell Anders started telling stories, often interrupting his mother during bedtime reading to ask, “Then what happened?” She always answered, “You tell me,” and his imagination conjured fantastical tales of dragons and dinosaurs.

He gravitated toward a career as a technical writer and writing coach for software companies. He also briefly served as a columnist for Dragon Magazine. One of his favorite hobbies includes tabletop role playing, especially as the game master. And yes, he's as cruel to the characters in his games as he is to the characters in his books; his players love him for it. 

Russel lives with the constant canine companionship of whip-smart but goofy Sigurd, an English Mastiff (the best breed ever).     

Daemones ex Machina is his debut novel.

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A Sean McPherson Novel, Book 5

A contemporary crime thriller perfect for Louise Penny and Robert Dugoni fans, Illusionist presents PI McPherson with an impossible dilemma: kill an author at a writing retreat in the Pacific Northwest, or let a college student die.

About the Author

As a novelist, photographer, and voracious reader, she never travels without three essentials—a laptop, a camera, and a book.

Growing up, she dreamed of being a magician, an international spy, and a mad scientist. There’s still time!

Her writing studio is the hayloft of a historic carriage house in the Pacific Northwest, where creativity thrives. Her husband, Len, a private pilot, and Henry, their not-so-standard Standard Poodle, join her on daily walks. She always carries a camera because sometimes, the best word choice is a picture.

A journey that left an indelible imprint on her was a 20-day, 211-mile trek across the majestic landscapes of Scotland. She, her husband, and their son hiked from the North Sea to the Atlantic Ocean, with the pinnacle being the climb of Ben Nevis at the midpoint of their adventure, the highest point in the British Isles.

"My writing goal is simple: to leave you wanting more." —Laurie Buchanan

Reckless Kings MC, Book 6

Date Published: July 25, 2025

Publisher: Changeling Press

Salvation -- Since the day Yulia came to live with me, I’ve not once cheated on her. She’s legally my wife, and that’s all that matters. Besides, my daughter, Clover, has kept me busy. Now Clover’s nearly an adult and I’ve noticed the way Yulia looks at me when she thinks I’m not paying attention. But can we have a real marriage when we’ve been nothing but friends all these years? It’s too bad my family has be to taken before I realize the answer to that question. Now I’ll do whatever it takes to get Clover and Yulia back, and I’ll send their kidnappers straight to hell.

Excerpt

Yulia

The wind whipped my hair across my face, stinging my eyes as I stood at the edge of the school grounds. My heart pounded, each beat a reminder of the choice before me. Memories flashed through my mind -- cruel hands, mocking laughter, endless fear. I closed my eyes, willing the images away.

This was it. The end. My fingers trembled as I gripped the knife tighter. Just one cut and it would all be over. No more pain. No more shame. I took a shaky breath. “Prosti menya, sestra,” I whispered. Forgive me, sister.

The blade glinted in the fading sunlight. So sharp. So final. I pressed it to my wrist.

A roar split the air.

My eyes snapped open. In the distance, a motorcycle engine growled, growing louder. Closer. I hesitated, the knife hovering above my skin. Who would come here? Why now? The engine’s rumble filled my ears, drowning out the frantic beating of my heart. Despite myself, I turned toward the sound.

A flicker of… something. Not quite hope. But curiosity. A momentary distraction from the abyss. I lowered the knife, just slightly. My mind raced. Should I wait? See who it was? Or finish what I’d started?

The motorcycle drew nearer. Any moment now, it would crest the hill. I bit my lip, indecision paralyzing me. The wind continued to howl around me, urging me forward. But that sound… it called to me. Promising… what?

I didn’t know.

For just a moment, my despair lifted. And in that moment, I chose to wait.

The motorcycle crested the hill, its rider a dark silhouette against the blazing orange sky. My breath caught in my throat. He was massive, all broad shoulders and muscled limbs, his leather cut emblazoned with a patch I couldn’t quite make out.

He dismounted in one fluid motion, his boots hitting the ground with a heavy thud. My fingers tightened around the knife as he strode toward me, his pace urgent but measured. “Easy now, darlin’,” he called out, his voice a low rumble that carried on the wind. “Why don’t you put that knife down?”

I shook my head, taking a step back. “Stay away,” I warned. “I don’t know you.”

He slowed his approach, hands raised placatingly. “Name’s Hawk. I’m with the Reckless Kings. I was sent here to help. A few of my brothers are waiting nearby to make sure we don’t run into trouble.”

My mind reeled. The Reckless Kings? How did they know? Why would they care? “No one can help,” I whispered, more to myself than to him. “It’s too late.”

Hawk took another careful step forward. “It’s never too late, sweetheart. Trust me on that.”

I laughed, a bitter sound that surprised even me. “Trust? I don’t even know what that means anymore.”

His gaze met mine. “Then let me show you. Just… put the knife down. Please.”

My hand trembled. Part of me wanted to believe him, to grasp at this lifeline he was offering. But the fear, the pain of the past years, it all threatened to drown me. “I can’t,” I choked out. “You don’t understand what he did to me.”

Hawk’s expression softened. “Maybe not exactly. But I’ve seen enough pain in this world to recognize it. You’re not alone, Yulia. Not anymore.”

My name on his lips startled me. How did he know? Who sent him?

As if sensing my thoughts, he added, “Your sister’s worried sick. She asked us to find you.”

Tears welled in my eyes. “Oksana?”

Hawk nodded. “She loves you. Let us help. Let me take you somewhere safe.”

The knife slipped in my grasp, my resolve wavering… The knife clattered to the ground, and my legs gave out. I crumpled, expecting to hit the cold earth. Instead, strong arms caught me, steadying me against a broad chest.

“I’ve got you,” Hawk murmured, his voice a low rumble. “You’re safe now.”

I trembled, my body wracked with silent sobs. Years of pent-up fear and pain poured out of me as Hawk held me, his grip firm but gentle. “Can you walk?” he asked after a moment.

I nodded weakly, not trusting my voice. Hawk kept an arm around me as he guided me toward his motorcycle. The machine loomed before us, all gleaming chrome and sleek lines. “Ever ridden before?” Hawk asked, swinging his leg over the seat.

I shook my head, eyeing the bike warily. “Nyet… no.”

He extended his hand. “First time for everything. Hold on tight, okay?”

With shaking fingers, I grasped his hand and climbed on behind him. The leather of his cut was smooth under my palms as I wrapped my arms around his waist. I heard three more motorcycles and noticed the men were also from the Reckless Kings.

“Ready?” Hawk called over his shoulder.

“Da,” I whispered, tightening my grip.

The engine roared to life, vibrating through my entire body. We took off, the world blurring around us as we sped away from the school grounds. Away from my nightmares.

I pressed my face against Hawk’s back, the wind whipping my hair. Part of me still couldn’t believe this was real. That I was escaping. That someone had come for me. “Where are we going?” I shouted over the engine’s rumble.

“Somewhere safe,” Hawk called back. “Our compound. You’ll be protected there.”

Protected. The word sent a shiver through me -- of fear or hope, I wasn’t sure.

As we rode into the gathering darkness, I clung to Hawk, to this stranger who’d become my unexpected savior. My mind raced with questions, with doubts. But for now, I let the roar of the engine drown out my thoughts, focusing only on the road ahead and the promise of safety it held.

Tears stung my eyes, instantly whisked away by the biting wind. My chest ached with each ragged breath, emotions churning like a storm inside me. Gratitude and terror warred for dominance.

“You okay back there?” Hawk’s voice barely reached me over the engine’s roar.

I nodded against his back, not trusting my voice. My fingers dug into the leather of his cut, anchoring me to this surreal moment.

About the Author

Harley Wylde is an accomplished author known for her captivating MC Romances. With an unwavering commitment to sensual storytelling, Wylde immerses her readers in an exciting world of fierce men and irresistible women. Her works exude passion, danger, and gritty realism, while still managing to end on a satisfying note each time.

When not crafting her tales, Wylde spends her time brainstorming new plotlines, indulging in a hot cup of Starbucks, or delving into a good book. She has a particular affinity for supernatural horror literature and movies. Visit Wylde's website to learn more about her works and upcoming events, and don't forget to sign up for her newsletter to receive exclusive discounts and other exciting perks.

Author on Facebook, Instagram, & TikTok: @harleywylde

Publisher on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok: @changelingpress

Save 15% off any order at ChangelingPress.com with code RABT15

Nonfiction / Nutrition / Health

Date Published: March 3, 2025

Publisher: ‎MindStir Media

If you have struggled with food, we understand! We’ve been there! We know that diets don’t deliver long-term weight loss. We know that weight-loss drugs work for many people, but at high cost and with many side effects. And they only work as long as you take them.

Diets and drugs fall short because they do not address the root cause of obesity. But there is another way! Reaching your lean weight and optimal health depends on understanding that the root cause of obesity is a chemical imbalance in the body due to improper nutrition. The game-changer is learning some nutritional science that lets the body guide us toward lean weight and optimal health. This book explains the root cause of overeating and provides the nutritional guidelines that make all the difference. Myrna’s nutritional science provides the key that will free you from food addiction and change your life so you can live longer, healthier, and with enhanced athletic ability. This science actually works. It's simple. It's forever. And it's easy!

 

About the Authors

Myrna Garcia Haag, R.D.

After decades working in the fitness business, Myrna set out to learn the links between nutrition and optimal health. At age fifty-five, she returned to school, earned a degree in nutrition and accreditation as a Registered Dietitian. Myrna lives in Tampa, Florida, where she has built a clinical nutrition practice, treating patients with chronic illnesses.

Years of research and engaging with hundreds of patients led Myrna to develop nutrition balancing techniques that turn off the metabolic triggers that cause overeating. This science has helped patients approach their lean and healthy weight—without dieting. Myrna’s research has also produced guidelines that provide athletes with a competitive advantage.

Now, with this book, Myrna offers everyone simple science that puts us on the path to a lean and long life. She is devoting all her energy to positively changing people’s lives.

 

https://leanlong.life/myrna-garcia-haag-r-d/

 

 John J. Macionis, Ph.D.

John spent much of his adult life as a college professor. He was Prentice Hall Distinguished Scholar at Kenyon College, in Gambier, Ohio. John is also a professional writer. For more than forty years, he has authored the best-selling college textbooks in several fields of social science, published by Pearson Education (http://www.macionis.com).

John promotes the appreciation of music, protection of the natural environment, and expanding historical literacy across the United States. He divides his time between Lake George, New York, and Vero Beach, Florida. John enjoys playing tennis, performing the blues and oldies rock and roll, and looking for ways—big and small—to make the world a better place.

Myrna’s science changed John’s life. Starting from obesity and being well on the road to diabetes and heart disease, John has reached his lean weight, and his health has improved dramatically. What he wants now is to share this message with others.

 

https://leanlong.life/john-j-macionis-ph-d/

 

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Holocaust Biography

Date Published: December 10, 2024

Publisher: ‎Book Publishers USA

This narrative gives us a detailed chronicle of the turbulent life of Rebbe Aryeh Leibish Gottesman Zt”l. Beginning from his childhood years, with the next chapters bringing alive the years of pain he endured in the most horrendous period of the holocaust. Following the highly interesting period detailing his formative years in America, that gives us a glimpse of the post-trauma that a war survivor lived with. His scars and pain and loss that accompanied him for the next seventy years

When he was still but a child and a young bochur, little Leibish fought ferociously against life’s odds to learn Torah in times that antisemitism was common in the little town in Czech where he lived. After suffering all the horrors of Auschwitz, Dachau, and more, when he lost both his parents and family, except for one surviving brother. R’ Leibish threw upon himself again with happiness and fortitude to accept the yoke of learning Torah. First in the city of Serdaheli and then in the famed Nitra Yeshiva in America, where he became one of the most notable and close students of the renowned Torah giant and distinguished war activist Hagaon Hatzaddik Rebbe Michoel Ber Weissmandel ZT”L. He stood out in the front line of Talmudei Chachomim of the first generation after the war.

The next step in life was when with his diligence and persistence he grew to be a major Gaon that illuminated the path for many many students and breathed a life of Torah up to his final moment.

About the Author

My name is Emil Gottesman and I am 67 years old, married and blessed with a family of children and grandchildren. Owner of a medium size US Customs House Broker and Freight Forwarder company. In my community, I'm known by my Hebrew name Amrom Gottesman.

Born to my Parents R’ Leibish and Rickel Gottesman, both Holocaust survivors, raised and still live my life, with strong values of family, religion, and faith

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Science Fiction

Date Published: December 3, 2024

2025 Book Excellence Awards Finalist in Science Fiction

“A musing science fiction novel about the future of AI, Anticipation Day follows a group of friends as they try to improve their lives through government-sanctioned fantasies." —Foreword Clarion Reviews

“A boundary-pushing plunge into a vividly imagined future, Anticipation Day poses powerful questions about identity, the human experience, and our digital destiny as a species, resulting in a provocative mixture of Black Mirror and The Surge.” —The Independent Review of Books

In the summer of 2026, amidst the sights and sounds of one of the oldest pubs in London, Dr. Joshua Lee receives a call that will alter his life for the foreseeable future—he’s asked to work on a clandestine project that will transform every American’s way of life.

Six years later, amidst the steel and glass canyons of the Denver suburbs, a group of friends assemble for dinner the night before their first escape into Anticipation Day, an immersive simulated experience that is promised to be an annual respite from the daily grind.

Amongst this group of friends are Alexandra, Eric, Patrick, Mike and MaryAnne, each at inflection points in their lives and each with their own life scars and unrealized dreams. As they prepare to plug into the simulation, they are forced to confront their own fears and desires, all while interfacing with their chosen simulated experience, blurring the lines between reality and the artificial dreamscape.

These experiences force the group to confront their deepest fears, chase exclusive happiness, and unlock truths buried within their souls. As they delve deeper into the algorithmic labyrinth, more truths about their existence are fully revealed.

However, the question begs: Will their journey lead to salvation, or will it unravel the very fabric of their existence?

Join this eclectic band of suburbanites as they look for meaning amidst the chaos of the digital age. Anticipation Day beckons, but not everything is as is seems in this electrifying tale of urban futurism.

I am a certified public accountant and work for a public accounting firm. My family also invested in a kosher-style delicatessen in NJ that my wife runs during the week. This is my first foray into writing professionally

The idea for this book started a few years ago with the concept of how the feeling of “anticipation” is missing in most people’s lives. I had to think about what would people anticipate doing for the entire year that it would cause society to be happier. Eventually, I came up with the idea of a government-sponsored program that allowed you to enter a simulation once a year to experience an entire different life from your real life. The writing took about 4 months with ~ a year of editing and rewriting. Cannabis was the main driver behind the creativity of the stories as it allowed me to relate to the characters and where they were in their lives and how they would react to their simulation experiences. It was a fun experience but not sure I would do it again

About the Author

Jeff Michelson is a Certified Public Accountant by trade, a deli owner on the weekends and a first time author. Jeff lives in the NJ suburbs with his family, including their dog Maggie and lots of koi fish!

As a first time author, Jeff really enjoyed the creative process of writing this book and hopes others enjoy reading the story as much as he enjoyed writing it!

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Part One

Date Published: January 25, 2025

Recycled Brain delves into a world where humanity has unlocked the ability to create custom life forms, including Pegasus or Dragon. The story follows Hayate Yamano, a guide in a unique "theme park" where visitors can interact with fantastical creatures.

However, the idyllic setting is shattered when a group of cultists launches a surprise attack, sparking a conflict that threatens civilization itself. As tensions rise and hidden truths come to light, Hayate finds himself at the forefront of a moral and existential crisis.

As civilization teeters on the brink of chaos, Hayate and his friend, Vine, must grapple with profound ethical questions and make decisions that will shape the course of humanity's future. "Recycled Brain" expertly blends cutting-edge scientific concepts with thrilling narrative twists, offering readers a thought-provoking exploration of the boundaries between science, ethics, and human nature.

Recycled Brain is a must-read for fans of science fiction and speculative thrillers, offering an unforgettable journey into a world where the line between reality and imagination is blurred. Be prepared to be immersed in a riveting tale of adventure, discovery, and the power of choice.

About the Author

- Takahiro has authored over 68 published works, including technical books, science fiction, and articles. He has received recognition for his work, including the Wakayama City Mayor's Award for game design and selection as a recommended work for the 10th Cultural Media Arts Festival.

- In addition to his creative endeavors, Takahiro has focused on scholarly work and has a paper on AI that has been published and presented in 2022.

- He is also the author of "The Metallic Dragon and I" and the graphic novel "Beast Code," which was released in the United States on November 2022. A second album (under the name A-Rumenoy Musicians) was released in 2023. In 2024, it began publishing online articles about AI technology.

- In 2025, the graphic novel “Recycled Brain Part One” will be released; Part Two is scheduled for 2026. A contribution on AI was published in the Journal of the Society of Arts and Sciences. March 2025 : An article about the author and my book appeared in the newspaper "News Wakayama."

- His hobbies include mineral collecting and tropical fruit gardening.

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