A CLOSER LOOK AT FEBRUARY’S
FIREFLIES AND ZEROES
By Liz Larson
A gripping journey highlighting friendship, mystery, and the resilient human spirit
THE BOOK
Amidst the echoes of February 2018’s tragic events in Charlottesville, Virginia, emerges a riveting tale of friendship, mystery, and redemption.
The Generation, a pop-punk trio, is thrust back into the spotlight after a tumultuous hiatus marked by racial violence and the mysterious disappearance of their enigmatic front man, Max. As guitarist Jason navigates the complex web of emotions and uncertainties, a shocking twist at a reunion party propels him into a desperate quest to unravel the truth behind Max’s vanishing act. In a gripping race against time through Virginia’s Blue Ridge, Jason discovers unexpected revelations about his closest relationships and the haunting events that shaped Max’s journey. Fireflies and Zeros is a rollercoaster of suspense, resilience, and the enduring bonds of friendship, promising readers an immersive experience filled with unexpected twists and poignant self-discovery.
THE AUTHOR
Writing about one’s own writing is always a struggle, so I’ll keep it simple. I write what I know: loud music, small-town adventures, growing up, and coming out.
TEACHING IN THE DARK: A MEMOIR
By Genét Simone
A harrowing journey becomes the transformative experience of a lifetime
THE BOOK
Embark on an unforgettable journey in this memoir as a young teacher’s one-way ticket to Shishmaref, Alaska becomes a transformative odyssey.
Battling freezing temperatures, rustic living, and the challenges of teaching in a remote Iñuit community, she discovers resilience, courage, and the profound impact of life’s lessons. Through power outages, loneliness, and missteps, the teacher not only survives but thrives, gaining invaluable insights from her students and the rich culture surrounding her. This story is a heartwarming exploration of the human spirit against the backdrop of the vast Chukchi Sea, where the winds of change bring warmth, connection, and a deeper understanding of the true essence of teaching and community.
THE AUTHOR
I have been a teacher for over thirty years. My experiences in Shishmaref, Alaska, spearheaded a lifelong quest to understand the more emotional and spiritual aspects of teaching. What draws people into the profession, and what keeps them there? To keep myself in the profession, I created The B.E.S.T. Formula, a system for helping myself and teachers in any industry be Brave, Effective, Self-Caring, and Transformative.
I live in Seattle, Washington, and am still teaching high school. Can’t seem to get enough! In my spare time, I love to visit coffee shops and stroll in the woods or by the ocean. I also love to write, and am working on two more books (2024 is going to be a big year). Teaching in the Dark is my first book, however, and will always be “my baby.”
KILLER IN A WINTER WONDERLAND
By Wendy Sand Eckel
A Festive thriller that will keep your blood hot even in the dead of winter
THE BOOK
Dive into the festive intrigue of Killer in a Winter Wonderland, the enchanting fourth installment in the Rosalie Hart Cozy Mystery Series. Set in the whimsical town of Cardigan, Maryland, this holiday-themed tale blends suspense, humor, and culinary delights.
As December unfolds, Rosalie Hart faces unexpected challenges — a solo Christmas, a renovated Day Lily Café, and a shocking murder on River Road. Teaming up with her trusted friend Glenn, Rosalie navigates the holiday hustle with delectable menus, high-stakes sleuthing, and a rich atmosphere that only the season can provide. Killer in a Winter Wonderland promises readers a delectable cornucopia of mouth-watering fare, captivating characters, and a fast-paced narrative that will keep them riveted from the first festive page to the thrilling conclusion.
THE AUTHOR
Wendy Sand Eckel is the award-winning author of the Rosalie Hart Mystery Series. The holiday-themed Killer in a Winter Wonderland is the fourth in the series. Her mystery series has been awarded Best Cozy by Suspense magazine, and Mystery at Windswept Farm, the third book in the series, made the humorous novel bestseller list on Amazon. A trained life coach, Wendy writes the advice column for the Maryland Writers’ Association newsletter and enjoys mentoring aspiring authors. She lives in a small town on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, a unique and quirky part of the country, which is also the setting for her series.
In addition to her husband, she lives with two male orange tabbies, Frodo and Sam, who her daughter rescued from a soybean field. She loves to cook and is happiest when her kitchen is filled with friends and family and the table is brimming with savory food and wine.
FORGETTING ME
By Katherine Tirado-Ryen
A woman forced to confront her dark past embarks on a journey of self-discovery
THE BOOK
Embark on a riveting journey of self-discovery in Forgetting Me, where protagonist Anne Strafford awakens in a New York City hospital with no memory of her identity, her shattered face, or the enigmatic movie star by her side.
As she unravels the mystery of her forgotten life, Anne grapples with shocking developments — a pending divorce, an estranged twin sister, and several fractured relationships. Caught between the fragments of her past, Anne confronts the profound questions that define our existence. What shapes us more — the triumphs or the mistakes? Can we transcend the sum of our experiences?
With courage and determination, Anne delves into the echoes of her forgotten past, weaving a tale of resilience and the pursuit of an unforgettable future. This book is a poignant exploration of identity, love, and the enduring strength within us all.
THE AUTHOR
Katherine Tirado-Ryen is the author of four novels: Forgetting Me, The Secrets Inside, Two Weeks of Summer, and The Traitor’s Prophecy (coming soon). She was a semifinalist in Amazon’s Breakthrough Novel Award Contest. She lives in Arkansas with her husband and three sons and is currently working on the next book in her epic fantasy series Blood of the Warrior Queen. For updates on new releases, sneak peeks, or to join her newsletter, visit her website.
FOR THE LOVE OF MAGGIE O’DIE
By Cle Curbo
Mysteries nest inside puzzles in serpentine sci-fi thriller
THE BOOK
Protagonist Maggie O’Die is drawn into a web of intrigue when she spots a striking resemblance between her missing husband and the young private investigator, Ryger Deacon. When a clandestine group targets them with a bounty, Ryger embarks on a perilous journey, uncovering surprising revelations about his own past while racing to find Maggie and the granddaughter destined for a vast fortune.
For the Love of Maggie O’Die weaves a tale of suspense, unexpected connections, and the enduring power of love. Join Maggie and Ryger on a thrilling adventure where mysteries unravel, and the echoes of the past shape the destiny of those entwined in this intricate tale of heart and intrigue.
THE AUTHOR
Cle Curbo’s teenage and middle-age years were filled with construction jobs, college work, county investigations, law school, driving a beer truck, estimating and project management in construction, legal support for subcontractors, and recycling data collection for the state until finally making room to finish and publish works of fiction, science fiction and mystery.
Cle seems to always place a love story in the middle of the action. What would life be without love? He’s working on sequels to Quest for Sylvane and For the Love of Maggie O’Die, as well as new sci-fi and a Jo X Spectre private eye series. Cle Curbo sweats it out in sunny California.
