A CLOSER LOOK AT JANUARY’S
CLARA’S SECRET
By Stephan R. Frenkel
Profound insight into a lesser-known period of German history
THE BOOK
Clara’s Secret is a mesmerizing journey through time, blending historical richness with the indomitable spirit of Clara Prinz. Forced to flee Berlin in 1939, Clara’s odyssey becomes a portal to her vibrant adolescence during La Belle Époque. As she sails into uncertainty, the narrative gracefully unfolds Clara’s memories, revealing a world of elegance and transformation in early 20th-century Prussia. The tapestry of her life interlaces with luminaries like Mark Twain and Theodore Roosevelt, offering readers an intimate view of pivotal moments.
This critically acclaimed bestseller not only paints a vivid picture of cultural shifts but also delves into the very fabric of human existence. “Clara’s Secret” is an exquisite exploration of personal and historic events, a testament to resilience in the face of upheaval, and a celebration of the enduring human spirit amidst the tumultuous waves of time.
THE AUTHOR
Stephan R. Frenkel is an accidental author. The subject of this book inspired him to write. He is a first-generation American born in New York City and raised in its northern suburbs. Steve attended the University of Wisconsin in Madison and received a Master’s Degree from the Washington University School of Architecture in St. Louis. He worked in New York as an architect with Hellmuth, Obata + Kassabaum, the largest U.S.-based architecture and engineering firm, where he participated in international and national architecture and planning projects.
Steve then worked as principal designer and land planner with a development company prior to founding a private architecture and planning practice on the East Coast. He independently continued to sponsor and produce large-scale land development projects. Steve currently lives with his wife in California. Clara’s Secret is an everlasting tribute to his most admired heroes.
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A THOUSAND FLYING THINGS
By Kathryn Brown Ramsperger
Culture shaped them. Love transformed them. Will a child unite them?
THE BOOK
Embark on a soul-stirring journey in A Thousand Flying Things, where idealistic humanitarian Dianna, armed with a decade of field experience, sets out to save the world in war-torn Southern Sudan. Amidst the chaos, she reconnects with Qasim, a charismatic figure striving to rescue his homeland, Lebanon. Their rekindled love, sparked in the bustling streets of Nairobi, faces a heart-wrenching dilemma—choosing between the demanding call of duty and the passionate flames of their past.
As cultural barriers, the relentless backdrop of war, and the complexities of family and career threaten to tear them apart, Dianna and Qasim grapple with a profound question: Can love endure in the face of adversity? In A Thousand Flying Things, they navigate the tumultuous terrain of passion and purpose, forcing them to confront their deepest fears, trust, and ultimately find the strength to forge both enduring love and lasting peace.
THE AUTHOR
Kathryn wrote her debut novel, The Shores of Our Souls, in response to 9/11’s Ground Zero, because she wanted to center and align people and shift societal prejudices and labels. As a young adult, she devoured novels by writers who cared about social justice: Charles Dickens, George Eliot, Eudora Welty (a frequent visitor to her university campus), Barbara Kingsolver, and Anne Lamott. Her favorite novel is John Steinbeck’s East of Eden.
Kathryn graduated Phi Beta Kappa in English from Hollins University in Virginia, and earned her graduate degree in Publications Management from George Washington University. She’s lived and worked in Europe and Africa, traveling throughout the Middle East. Her most recent short story, “A Green Rose,” was published by and received an award of excellence from the journal Willow Review, and The Shores of Our Souls was a semi-finalist in the Faulkner-Wisdom Literary Competition. All of her writing focuses on the search for peace and the connections we all share.
THE OTHER MOTHERS
By Katherine Faulkner
A fresh and deftly paced thriller about murder, class, and motherhood
THE BOOK
Dive into the gripping mystery of The Other Mothers where a young nanny’s enigmatic death unravels a tale of secrets and lies. Tash, a new mom yearning for a career breakthrough and a supportive circle of friends, stumbles upon an opportunity when she crosses paths with the sleek, sophisticated mothers in her son’s playgroup. Drawn into their world of opulence, Tash finds herself living the life she’d always dreamed of—an escape from her cramped reality.
Yet, as a second tragedy strikes, Tash’s pursuit of journalistic glory transforms into a perilous exploration of the secrets veiled by privilege. Coffees, cocktails, and playdates blur the lines between friendship and danger. In The Other Mothers, Tash must untangle the web of deception surrounding her newfound companions, questioning if they are true friends or if their acceptance masks a darker, more treacherous alliance. Prepare for a riveting journey through London’s high society, where every whispered secret brings Tash closer to the unsettling truth.
THE AUTHOR
Katherine is a London-based author and journalist. She studied History at Cambridge University, graduating with a First, then completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Newspaper Journalism. Since then she has been working as an investigative reporter and latterly an editor. Her work has been published in many national papers, and she most recently worked at The Times, where she was the joint Head of News.
While working as an undercover reporter, Katherine won the Cudlipp Award for public interest journalism and was nominated for a string of others. She was also commended by a committee of MPs for ‘the highest standards of ethical investigative reporting.’
Katherine was inspired to write her debut novel about the complexity of female friendships after attending NCT classes when pregnant, and her experience of sudden intimacy with complete strangers.
She lives in Hackney, East London, where she grew up, with her husband and two daughters.
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THE FAIRYTALE LIFE OF DOROTHY GALE
By Virginia Kantra
A woman learns to follow her own road in this heartwarming novel inspired by The Wizard of Oz
THE BOOK
Embark on a transformative journey with Dorothy “Dee” Gale in this compelling tale of self-discovery, love, and resilience. After a tumultuous affair leaves her reputation in tatters, Dee flees to Trinity College Dublin, seeking solace and a fresh start. Amidst the historic charm of Ireland, she forms unlikely bonds with Sam, a charismatic Irish poet, enigmatic Tim Woodman, and the steadfast Reeti Kaur. In the nurturing embrace of powerful women mentors, Dee navigates a year of profound change, confronting fears and rediscovering her strength. As she grapples with choices that could shape her future, Dee realizes the true power within her.
This captivating narrative weaves together themes of family, home, and the unwavering courage to pursue one’s passions. Join Dee as she learns to make her own family, find her true home, and embrace the formidable force within her. A tale of empowerment, resilience, and the enduring journey to belonging.
THE AUTHOR
New York Times bestselling author Virginia Kantra is the author of more than twenty novels. Her stories have earned numerous awards including two Romance Writers of America’s RITA (R) Awards, ten RITA nominations, and two National Readers’ Choice Awards. Carolina Dreaming, the fifth book in her Dare Island series, won the 2017 RITA (R) Award for Best Contemporary Romance – Midlength and was named one of BookPage’s Top Ten Romance Novels of 2016.
Virginia is married to her college sweetheart, a coffee shop owner who keeps her well supplied with caffeine and material. They make their home in North Carolina, where they raised three (mostly adult) children. She is a firm believer in the strength of family, the importance of storytelling, and the power of love. Her favorite thing to make for dinner? Reservations.
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ON MADERA CREEK
By Rachel Goss
Parallel stories begin to collide when a Soviet spy encounters a country club debutante
THE BOOK
Step into the riveting world of espionage and unlikely alliances in this gripping tale set against the backdrop of 1947. Natasha Baranov, a daring escapee from prison, and Imogene Park, haunted by the past, converge under the vast Texan skies. As romance blossoms amidst the celestial wonders, the specter of Natasha’s dark history looms. When their fates entwine once more, Natasha seeks revenge, blaming Imogene for her woes. Yet, in a surprising twist, Imogene seizes the chance to rewrite their narrative.
In a dance of danger and redemption, the two women forge an uneasy alliance, tackling a perilous Cold War mission that could alter the course of history. Under the enchanting stars and amidst the rugged landscapes, a tenuous friendship emerges from the ashes of animosity. On Madera Creek is a tale of love, revenge, and second chances, where the past collides with an uncertain future in the volatile era of the Cold War.
THE AUTHOR
Rachel A Goss is a fifth generation Arkansan. She received an AB degree from Washington University in St. Louis, studying English Literature and Biology, and she has a Master of Science in Biology from Texas A&M University. In Arkansas, Missouri, Texas and New York she worked in basic scientific research, studying plant science, pathology and vascular medicine. In the late 90’s, she and her husband moved to San Jose, California so she could be at home with her three children. Rachel started her writing career when her youngest daughter graduated high school. Several years ago they relocated to Carmel-by-the-Sea, where they live with their Welsh Cardigan Corgi puppies Sunny and Snowy.
Rachel likes true stories and enjoys weaving characters and events from real life into fictional narrative. When she was a teenager Rachel and her father rode horses, picked persimmons and gathered plant mulch near Camp Robinson, home of the Arkansas National Guard, whose property adjoined their hometown. When she discovered that many years earlier the area had been a POW camp, home to about 3000 German soldiers, she thought there was a story in the making.
Additionally, Rachel’s father and two uncles were World War II veterans, and their stories and letters in part inspired this novel. Rachel enjoys stories based on historical events that leave the reader with hope for a better world.
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SURVIVAL AT STAKE
By Poorva Joshipura
Speaking for those who don’t have a voice
THE BOOK
Acclaimed animal rights advocate Poorva Joshipura compellingly unveils the intricate web connecting human well-being to the treatment of animals. As science sheds light on animal consciousness, emotion, and morality, Joshipura passionately argues that our moral responsibility extends beyond recognizing these traits—it intertwines with our survival.
Joshipura delves into the profound impact of hunting on wildlife, linking it to pandemics and epidemics that harm both animals and humans. She explores how meat production devastates forests, fuels climate change, and poses a direct threat to our existence. From blood sports to leather production and animal experimentation, she exposes the far-reaching consequences on public health and the environment.
Rejecting speciesism, Joshipura advocates for acknowledging our shared evolutionary roots and interconnectedness with all species. Survival at Stake challenges us to break free from dominance, fostering a harmonious coexistence with nature. A call to action for a better future for every inhabitant of our planet.
THE AUTHOR
Poorva Joshipura is the author of For a Moment of Taste: How What You Eat Impacts Animals, the Planet and Your Health (2020). She is the Senior Vice President of International Affairs for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) Foundation UK, through which she oversees numerous global PETA entity operations and projects. She is the former chief executive officer of PETA India, and the former director of PETA UK. Early on in her career, she also worked in various capacities for PETA US. She is a member of the board of directors for PETA India and the former co-opted member of the government body Animal Welfare Board of India. Poorva is also an advisor to Animal Rahat, an organization that aims to help some of the most neglected animals in the world, and to the Petra Veterinary Clinic, which does similar work in Jordan.
Poorva’s award-winning work involves stopping cruelty to animals used for food, clothing, experimentation, entertainment and other purposes in countries around the world. She has personally conducted undercover investigations into places where animals are used and has overseen numerous other such investigations. Her work for animals extends to courtrooms, corporate boardrooms, government offices, police stations, college campuses, schools and on the street through rescue and emergency response efforts. Poorva has led many campaigns that have been widely covered by major news agencies around the world. She is a regular guest on television news and radio shows through which she encourages viewers and listeners to be considerate to animals. She speaks on animal rights at universities and at other events, and can usually be found in London, Mumbai, Delhi or Wadi Musa.
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