An engaging tale of prophecy and magic… - Kirkus Reviews

Eric Munger's debut novel, 𝙎𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙢 𝙂𝙧𝙖𝙯𝙚𝙧 𝙍𝙞𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙜, is featured in the April 1 edition of Kirkus Reviews Magazine!

The first cries began at dawn. By nightfall, the great city of Saan was nothing but ash and silence.

𝙎𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙢 𝙂𝙧𝙖𝙯𝙚𝙧 𝙍𝙞𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙜 is the first book in 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗟𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗮 𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗹𝗲𝘀, an epic fantasy series set in a world where ancient forces awaken, kingdoms fracture, and ordinary people are forced into extraordinary choices.

Eric is drawn to stories that explore power, ambition, loyalty, and friendship — especially the ripple effects of choices made under pressure. He believes fantasy works best when the world feels lived-in, shaped by flawed characters, difficult decisions, and consequences that refuse to stay contained.

Most days find Eric traveling across the country full time with his wife Jessica, and their cat Toby, in their RV. A fan of National Parks, he often draws inspiration for his stories from mountain, forest, and desert vistas they explore.

 A sweeping tale of war, faith, and a warrior caught between love and destiny

Templar Quest for The Holy Grail is an epic story set during the 3rd Crusade, where Knights Templar battle not only enemies of flesh and blood but also the shadows within. Blending rich historical detail with gripping prose, Armstrong brings alive the struggle for Jerusalem and the eternal mystery of The Holy Grail. At its heart lies the courage of Laird Kelan Armstrong – a warrior torn between duty, honor, and the sacrifices demanded by destiny. From the borderlands of Scotland to the deserts of the Holy Land, this sweeping journey immerses readers in battles, betrayals, and the timeless search for hope in a broken world.

BRIAN ARMSTRONG is a master storyteller with a deep passion for history and spirituality. With a background steeped in medieval studies and an abiding fascination for the Crusades, Armstrong brings both authenticity and heart to every page of Templar Quest for the Holy Grail.

He is a native of Southern California and traces his own roots back to the Scottish Armstrong Border Reiver Clan of warriors and beyond to the Viking Conquerors in the 9th C. in Northern Britton. Mr. Armstrong is also a member of the modern day Scottish Knights Templar, Priory of Robert the Bruce.

Armstrong spent his entire professional career working in Hollywood.  He earned an Emmy Award in 2013 and seven additional nominations for this prestigious honor.

His writing explores places where choices define character and faith becomes both burden and guide.

A Journey from Grief to Connection in Every Country on Earth (Travel/Memoir)

Some journeys we choose. Others choose us. This deeply felt memoir of loss and renewal is told through connection across the globe. Belonging to the World traces a journey across cultures where human connection becomes a lifeline through grief. Through intimate encounters and travel-driven reflection, the book explores how belonging can be rediscovered – sometimes far from home, and often through others.

Praise for Belonging to the World: “An inspiration that leads us toward positive affirmation of change.” – Julia Roberts, actor

“A moving reminder of the power of human connection.” – Luke Russert, author and broadcast news correspondent

BARRY HOFFNER is the founder of Caravan to Class, a foundation that brings access to education for youth in West Africa. The foundation's anchor program, Bourse Jackie Scholarships for young women, is named in honor of his late wife. Hoffner earned his MBA from Columbia University and worked in investment banking across the globe. A midcareer sabbatical transformed him, as he fell in love, traveled the world, and started a family. After losing his wife in 2017, Barry devoted himself to a new chaptertraveling to every country in the world. He lives in Sausalito, California, and is the proud father of two adult sons, Benjamin and Daniel.

“Compelling, poetic, and funny as hell” —Nicolas Cage

Ari Loeb’s devastating new novel, The Stunted Man has all the weight of a wrecking ball crashing through a film set. It’s nasty. It’s noir. And it’s not for the faint of heart. Aging, alcoholic stunt performer Lex Mercier is forced to battle his inner demons while on a dangerous Frankenstein movie in New Orleans.

Written from an insider’s perspective on the stunt industry, Loeb’s book invites you to peek behind the curtain at the men and women who risk their lives to bring you the high-octane cinema you love.

ARI LOEB grew up as a dancer and acrobat and toured with Cirque du Soleil, Momix, and Pilobolus. He later worked as a choreographer and performer on the Broadway musical, Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark, and has choreographed for television widely here and abroad. After years on the road, he returned to his hometown of Los Angeles to pursue a stunt career. He has worked on over one hundred films, television shows and video games, specializing in creature horror, such as Fear The Walking Dead, Zombieland: Double-Tap, Renfield and the Resident Evil franchise. His debut novel Thunder, AZ, is an award-winning piece of survival horror.

Designed for ages 4–10, these simple yet beautiful designs encourage creativity, emotional balance, and a love of nature.

Pebble’s Mindful Mandalas coloring book is your gentle guide to calm and creativity. Inside this book, you’ll find a world of dinosaur and nature inspired mandalas, circles made of leaves, clouds, waves, and friendly prehistoric shapes, all waiting for your colors to bring them to life. Each page invites kids to slow down, breathe, and focus, helping them relax while exploring patterns that spark imagination. Also included are short mindfulness exercises and creative prompts that turn coloring time into moments of calm and self-expression.

MARYAM BONYADIAN, LMFT, is a licensed therapist from California who believes in the power of books to nurture emotional growth in young minds.

Her Pebble books series draws from the joyful chaos of parenting, the art of emotional regulation, and the heart of evidence-based care – blending creativity and compassion to help children learn, grow, and calm their busy minds.

 Yang bought his first motorcycle as new immigrant to America, lonely and out of place. Whenever he rode that green Yamaha, he felt more in touch with life’s possibilities. Although the bike was stolen within a few months, Yang never forgot the feeling. It wasn’t until later in life that Yang got back on a motorcycle. By then, he’d settled into Silicon Valley amidst the technology revolution; and founded, scaled, and sold a half-billion-dollar tech startup. Then, during the upheaval of the dot-com bubble burst and a few failed attempts to get new companies off the ground, Yang felt a strong pull to reengage with himself. He revved up his bike and began riding into unfamiliar landscapes.

Coming Alive on the Ride narrates more than 40,000 miles of his travels, from California’s coast to the upper reaches of Alaska, Canada’s far eastern edge, and more.

This inspiring memoir is a reminder that, if we slow down and tune in our senses, adventure inspires and instructs the way nothing else can.

“With honesty and grace, Michael Yang weaves together stories of motorcycle roads, immigrant challenges, and Korean heritage into a powerful meditation on resilience and renewal... —Yul Kwon, VP at Google and Winner of  Survivor: Cook Islands

Michael Yang is a Korean American author, entrepreneur, investor, and adventure motorcycle traveler. He was born in Seoul, South Korea and immigrated to San Jose, CA, at 14. He founded a Silicon Valley tech startup, which was successfully acquired by a large corporation. In his sixties, Michael began embarking on epic motorcycle journeys across North and South America.

Yang holds a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering and computer science and a master's degree in business administration from UC Berkeley, and a master's degree in computer science from Columbia University. He is a fourth-degree black belt in Taekwondo and lives in La Cañada, California, with his wife and family.

Born and raised in the Bronx Housing Projects, Sophia Ramirez always dreamed of a way out. She finds one when she meets her Prince Charming. However, taking a risk on love turns out to be more dangerous than the neighborhood she grew up in. From the projects to penthouses and exclusive parties, the unfolding events are shrouded in lies and secrets. Ultimately, Sophia is faced with a choice, life or death. Whose it will be, is for her to decide...

"I tore through this in two days! Fans of twisty thrillers like "The Housemaid" will love this book... keeps you guessing right up until the last few pages, when you're rewarded with a great ‘OMG!’ moment.”

Annette Ortiz Mata is an award-winning author, blogger, podcaster,and producer. She has written books on faith and parenting.  This is her first foray into fiction. She has produced theatre, broadcast news, live shows, and web series. She graduated from USC Gould School of Law with a Master’s in the Study of Law and a certificate in Entertainment Law.

It’s 2002 in the world of The Beta Boys, and 16-year-old Roman Vallancourt has the audacious dream to become the next tech icon. He hatches a computer hacking heist that could make him a digital legend – or destroy everything important to him.

He recruits his two Armenian best friends as co-conspirators – one a cocky and relentless overachiever, the other a gaming savant who’s more comfortable handling controllers than conversations with girls.

The Beta Boys is more than a heist story: it’s an archival love letter to an analog-to-digital generation – navigating brutal social hierarchies, the awkward spark of first crushes, and the unfiltered weirdness of high school before social media.

Praise for the book: Hooked from page one. Follows the misadventures of a group of high school friends, and their heist-of-sorts. I was impressed by the literary prose as well, reminiscent of the writing styles of Franzen or DeLillo. Recommended for any tech nerd or thirty-something-year-old nostalgic for a bygone era. -- Shaunt Gharibian

Arin Mikailian is a Glendale-based author with nearly 20 years of experience as an editor and reporter. His work has appeared in the Los Angeles Times and the Daily Journal.

A USC graduate, he had to unlearn most of his journalism training to write his debut novel, The Beta Boys—inspired by his best friend's real involvement in an early 2000s cyber heist.  

A collection of bite-sized tales offering varied settings, genres, and characters.

Meet young Margaret who learns that fairies are all about fun, Lord Duke Ravenwood who finds others take issue with his dreary slant on spring, Elotie, a college student whose quest to identify a secret admirer leads to unexpected revelations, Hannah who discovers romance with her husband's summer-only persona, James whose desperate plea for rain brings grief of another kind, a ghost who most assuredly was famous for . . . something, and the mountain man who finds both shelter and a bit of Christmas cheer on a cold, winter day.

Southern California native Ann Bernath has been writing since the she was inspired to write a book by the "The Patty Duke Show." In March of 2023, two of her short stories were published in the TechLit anthology "Inner Space and Outer Thoughts: Speculative Fiction from Caltech and JPL Authors." She self-published her own book "Rock. Stone. Pebble." in December 2023, and has published a prequel, a fantasy, and two short story collections since. Ann writes genre fiction - westerns and sci-fi/fantasy in particular - and has a sequel to her fantasy novel in progress with more novels and stories on tap.

A Story and Activity Book Celebrating the Magic of Little Hands (Ages 2-6)  

The Marvel of My Hands is a joyful story and activity book. Through Vivi’s adventure, children discover how their hands can create, help, and express love—encouraging creativity, kindness, and confidence through storytelling, art, and fun interactive activities.

“I’m an elementary school teacher and love this book! It’s sweet, colorful and has thoughtful illustrations and narrative. It was interactive and my students enjoyed listening. Love the activity at the end of the book.” — online review

RUSSO SHANIDZE, a Georgian-American writer, discovered her love for writing at a young age, penning her first poems between the ages of eight and eleven. Despite abandoning her passion for many years due to self-doubt, she rekindled her creative spirit and has since published works in various genres, including poetry and memoir.  

Now, Russo infuses her childhood joy and resilience into creating inspiring stories for children. She raised two sons as a single mother. Currently, she lives in Los Angeles with her younger son, where she continues to write, explore nature, and nurture her creative talents. 

A Migrant Family’s Story Seen Through the Eyes of Its Youngest Son

More than a memoir, this is a testament to resilience, where chaos and love share the same roof, and memory becomes both wound and healing...

Rene C. Silva invites readers into a deeply personal journey through the eyes of the youngest son in a migrant family. With raw honesty and poignant reflection, he recounts the struggles and triumphs of his family’s search for a better life, navigating through poverty, love, betrayal, and unrelenting hope.

From humble beginnings in Mexico to the dusty fields of California, Silva explores the complexities of familial bonds, sacrifice, and resilience. He gives voice to the untold stories of his parents, showcasing their unwavering commitment to providing a future for their children, despite the odds stacked against them.

Rene C. Silva was born and raised in Orange County, CA and obtained a Master’s Degree in Public Health from California State University, Long Beach. He enjoys watching movies, and even though he considers himself an introvert, he likes to sing rock and pop songs before an audience. He is also a runner and completed a half marathon in Laguna Hills in 2025.

Reflective Eyes is his first book.

A perfect book for kids learning how to manage their emotions with kindness and confidence!A perfect book for kids learning how to manage their emotions with kindness and confidence!

(Picture Book ages 3-8)

Meet Pebble the Pterodactyl—a bold little dino who often yells and feels overwhelmed. With the help of friends, Pebble learns calming tools like deep breaths, relaxing muscles, and using a gentle voice. This heartwarming story teaches kids simple, fun ways to manage big feelings and find peace inside.

MARYAM BONYADIAN, LMFT, is a licensed therapist from California who believes in the power of books to nurture emotional growth in young minds. Pebble the Pterodactyl Learns to Calm Down is her second children's book in the Pebble series, inspired by the joyful chaos of parenting - and the importance of emotional regulation and evidence-based care.

Set in a vast dream-like desert landscape with lovable animal characters and a night sky full of stars, Bloom In follows a quirky Cactus who struggles with her long rough arms and prickly skin while comparing herself to the soft little Poppy flowers blooming in the sands around her. Guided by a conversation with the Sun and illuminated by a moment of reflection under the Moon, the Cactus discovers that there is always enough space in her heart to Bloom In.

Bloom In is a magical, spirited, and poetic book about love, connection, and belonging—reminding young readers that our truest forms of expression happen not when we conform, but when we lean into our own messy, but unique soul’s unfoldment. With colorful illustrations and heartfelt prose, this empowering story encourages children (especially young girls) to find confidence in their changing bodies, confusing mood swings, and even their "prickly" skin!

With colorful illustrations and heartfelt prose, this empowering story encourages children (especially young girls) to find confidence in their changing bodies, confusing mood swings, and even their "prickly" skin!

Based on the Award-Winning Enlighten Productions Animated Short Film!

Avery Robinson Rouda is an award-winning writer, director, & producer committed to raising global consciousness by engineering the Rainbow Bridge between spirituality & storytelling.

Her animated short films have played at the Newport Beach, Beverly Hills, Austin, Omaha, HollyShorts, and Chicago International Children's Film Festivals, as well as Comic Con and more. Her first film, Dream Catcher, won the Stage 32 Short Film Contest and her second animated short, Bloom In, is the inspiration for her first picture book.

Avery lives with her husband and fur-babies in Los Angeles, CA.

A novel in verse and an environmental tale of love under the sea…

Welcome to the lonely life of Pontus. He believes he is the only great white shark in his underwater world.

Welcome to the lonely life of the shark Electra. She believes she will never find comfort again, after her mother was snatched from the waters.

But they find each other and discover new meaning in their lives...while living with existential dread caused by humanity.

As unconventional as it is captivating, this book is both a romance and a tragedy told in poetry. It is a testament to the terrors of our habitats, a story of true love outside human norms, and stands out as a book every person who cares about the environment should experience at least once.

Heartwarming, beautiful, and uniquely devastating—an environmental tale of love under the sea, told in verse. (ages 12-18)

SHANTI HERSHENSON was born in 2007. Her first two novellas were published when she was in sixth grade, but ever since she could hold a pencil, marker, or crayon, she was creating stories.

Shanti writes primarily Science Fiction, but also enjoys other genres, including Fantasy and Contemporary. She has won several awards. Pontus and Electra is her third work of poetry.

She frequently performs powerful poetry about bullying, climate change, and current events at open mic nights.

Shanti lives in California with her parents, sister, and furry friends. Besides writing, she enjoys skateboarding, fencing, being a regular teenager, and of course, reading.

THE FIRST VIRTUAL HUMAN HAS A PROBLEM

Eleanor Burton leads the development team for the soon-to-be deployed OrbitNet internet satellites when she receives a fatal diagnosis. With two months to live, she becomes the guinea pig for a friend’s brain scanning experiment. she awakes to discover she is now a virtual human, a rogue program running on the primary OrbitNet satellite. To survive, she must keep her existence secret.

“Two Thirds of a God is a cyber-thriller stocked with characters that question the nature of awareness and identity. Gloster’s vision of cyberspace is engaging and a pure pleasure to read. The man-versus-machine plot will have you rooting for the machine, while questioning whether it’s a machine at all. - Scott Coon, author of Godless Armageddon

“The novel succeeds both as a character study of a digital being and as a techno-thriller. A post-human entity proves to be the most relatable character in this engaging cyberthriller.” – Kirkus Reviews

VANCE MITCHELL GLOSTER is an award-winning writer who had a career as a computer scientist before turning to writing full-time. He worked on the Space Shuttle program and for several leading technology firms, developing artificial intelligence and encryption software, as well as a massive email system. He is also a musician who played keyboards on several progressive rock albums and wrote the score for a movie. He resides in southern California with his wife Kathy and their dog Cali, where he and Kathy enjoy riding recumbent bicycles.

A piano soundbook including easy sheet music

Embark on a Magical Musical Adventure! Step into an interactive piano book for kids where music and storytelling come together to inspire young learners! Co-created by classically trained pianist and music educator Jordan Daniels, this engaging resource is perfect for introducing children to the joys of piano and music education.

Features beloved classical music for beginners, arranged for easy play.

Includes interactive elements that spark creativity and encourage learning.

Color-coded, easy-to-follow piano sheet music for kids helps build confidence.

Designed for ages 3-10 and beginner pianists of all ages.

Join in the adventure and let music lead the way! Whether your child is a budding pianist or simply loves imaginative stories, this book is the perfect introduction to the world of music.

JORDAN DANIELS is a classically trained pianist, software engineer, and author based in Los Angeles. Jordan studied piano performance at UCLA and USC and music education at UCLA, earning a credential as a music teacher. This diverse training fuels his unique approach to music, merging technical mastery with a deep understanding of pedagogy. Known for his stunning piano arrangements of popular video game music and anime soundtracks, Jordan brings beloved melodies to life with a blend of artistry and technical expertise.

Welcome to the 1980s world of Joey Superstar - a whirlwind of cocaine, sex, and money.

Josaphina Brinkley seems to have it all: She’s a superstar model. Women want to be her. Men simply want her.

But underneath the glossy veneer she hides a traumatic past. The end of her marriage to Italian Aristocracy led to a stint in rehab. When she returns to parties, premiers and modeling, she hopes she won’t be drawn back into addiction.

As Joey fights for redemption, can she change the course of her life and become the superstar she was always destined to be?

Gardiner gives readers the key to a secret world of supermodels, sex, style and scandal in her deliciously intoxicating debut, the first in an exciting Damaged Beauty series.

“...Honest, raw and powerful...an eye-opening glimpse into the world of beauty ...an important and courageous book in the #MeTooMovement” – Book Magnet

“Margaret’s lush prose brings depth and emotion to every page”. - LA Weekly

MARGARET GARDINER became an international cover girl at 16, Miss Universe at 18, and ultimately, the fashion editor at GoldenGlobes.com. She’s worked with A-list stars from Angelina Jolie to Zendaya. She knows what it is like to be on the red carpet, in the spotlight - and what goes on behind the scenes. With a degree in psychology, and a focus on diversity, equity and inclusion, her debut novel is for every woman who has ever been made to feel less.

Margaret Gardiner is at the bookstore on Sunday, July 20 at 4 PM to share her book and her experiences.

At the pinnacle of technological prowess, humanity is uniquely empowered to bring about its own collapse.

In their fascinating narrative, JIANG and ROSEN leverage their broad professional experiences to explore pathways that transcend basic survival to arrive at a thriving advanced technological society extending into the vast, mysterious universe. Their solutions point the way to a prosperous multi-world future, providing a comprehensive roadmap for humanity to overcome existential threats and flourish on Earth and beyond.

...an inspiring, no-nonsense guide to securing humanity’s future! The authors explain complex risks—nuclear war, climate collapse, and AI—in clear, everyday language, then offer practical solutions you can actually imagine happening.

-          On line review

JONATHAN H. JIANG’s (PhD) areas of expertise are Earth sciences and astrophysics. He has over 300 peer-reviewed publications. As a Senior Research Scientist at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, he has earned three NASA Exceptional Achievement Medals. He also serves on the National Academies’ Committee for Human Mars Exploration Science Strategy, shaping scientific goals for Mars missions.

PHILIP E. ROSEN (M.Sc.) enjoyed a distinguished career in the energy industry. Today, he focuses on independent research, exploring the evolution of technological civilizations, astrophysics, and human space exploration. His work reflects a deep commitment to advancing understanding in these fields.

FOURTEEN-YEAR-OLD STEPHEN ROSSI IS DONE.

Basketball, baseball, track and field—he was always up for a good competition. Pushing himself to be the best was all that mattered. But when tragedy strikes, Stephen walks away from everything. How do you move forward when your parents won’t even talk about what happened?

As if things couldn’t get any weirder, his best friend, Sam, comes up with a wild bet to get him back in the game—one Stephen can’t pass up. Then there’s Allison, his new neighbor. She’s competitive, loud, and way too good at getting under his skin. At first, he wants nothing to do with her. But as their unexpected friendship grows, Stephen’s grief begins to shift into something else—hope.

A story about first love, friendship and overcoming grief.

“...a wonderful, heartwarming story that will leave you feeling hopeful...” – Goodreads review

Yazmina Valenzuela is a wife, mom, teacher, and storyteller. By day, she’s either prepping a teaching series or checking up on her daughter’s homeschool work. She is also currently pursuing her Master’s Degree in Healing, where she’s diving deep into the world of inner healing and counseling. By night, she’s writing stories that explore the beauty and tension of growing up—navigating friendship, family, love, and all the wonderfully awkward moments in between. She’s passionate about helping young people feel seen, valued, and understood. She currently resides in Southern California.

"Choose your world."

Savannah Jones lives an insular life voicing The Guide for the same virtual game worlds that she immerses herself in, ignoring society's tech-access discrimination.

When one of her siblings from the orphanage where she grew up contacts her, he offers her a chance to leave technology behind and explore an actual new world instead of a virtual one, even though doing so would mean leaving her adopted family and a mysterious new love interest behind.

The Guide to Palas is a prequel to Rock. Stone. Pebble., answering the mystery behind the first book's "find of a lifetime," both past and future protagonists facing the quandary of choosing between worlds.

Southern California native Ann Bernath has been writing since the age of 6, inspired by the "Author! Author!" episode of "The Patty Duke Show." In 2023, two of her short stories were included in the TechLit anthology Inner Space and Outer Thoughts: Speculative Fiction from Caltech and JPL Authors. She self-published Rock. Stone. Pebble that same year. The Guide to Palas was released in June, 2025. Ann writes genre fiction - westerns and sci-fi/fantasy in particular – and has both a sequel to her fantasy The Dragon King Invites You to Tea and a collection of short stories in progress.

(Science Fiction)

A Romance/Adventure....Chances were slim that a young woman from the Provinces would encounter legendary Dusters during a short ride across the Wildlands. But when her coach is waylaid by masked riders and her coach mate is abducted, her adventure in the Wildlands begins with two Dusters named Rock and Stone.

Southern California native Ann Bernath has been writing since the age of 6, inspired by the "Author! Author!" episode of "The Patty Duke Show." In 2023, two of her short stories were included in the TechLit anthology Inner Space and Space and Outer Thoughts: Speculative Fiction from Caltech and JPL Authors. She self-published Rock. Stone. Pebble that same year.  Ann writes genre fiction - westerns and sci-fi/fantasy in particular – and has both a prequel and a fantasy novel in progress.

A child’s passion for learning and accomplishment is harnessed to attain peaceful rest, sleep, and sweet dreams. The book is also a joyful outlook on the appreciation of life.

In the first book of Nanu's fables, the story focuses on a little boy named Ari who has a love for balls. This passion is so powerful that he doesn’t want to sleep. A surprise solution unfolds which allows him to keep his passion and get sleep at the same time.

The story is an allegory for the celebration of the simple things in life.

RONNIE SWIRE SIEGEL is a landscape architect who spent her career designing nature-based outdoor play and learning environments for children. Her first book, Displaced, received several awards. Her second book is the first in a new series called Nanu's Fables where she seeks to engage children in a ways to help them grow and thrive individually, and connect with their community and with the earth.

Ronnie received a BA in Fine Arts and Natural Sciences from Colgate University and her Masters in Landscape Architecture from University of Pennsylvania.

She lives with her husband in the chaparral hills above Los Angeles.

Fourteen animals around the world are on a journey for survival when climate change displaces them to bizarre new habitats in this interpretive photo illustration picture book. Each story begins with a brief description of the animal’s habitat and why their current home is at risk. 

A section at the end of the book provides a summary of facts to help answer children’s questions about climate change.

Based in stark reality, but cushioned in whimsical fantasy, this book is intended to evoke action and emphasize our responsibility as stewards of the earth. Young readers will end the book with an optimistic prediction that we can work together to reverse the course of climate change to make our world enduring for all creatures. 

A thought-provoking blend of fantasy and unusual imagery and an urgent call to environmental action. --Kirkus Reviews

Ronnie Siegel considers her life’s work trying to connect children with nature.  Her background as a landscape architect and environmental artist has enabled her to see more acutely than most the everyday effects of climate change.

As a landscape artist, Ronnie has teamed with various groups to reinvent traditional play spaces with a more nature-based focus for urban children.

As an environmental artist, Ronnie recently completed an Interactive Global Art Project called Carry the EARTH, intended to use storytelling to bridge gaps between countries, cultures, ages, and economic divides, and unite people with the common thread that together we can make huge change to protect the planet.

Ronnie received a BA in Fine Arts and Natural Sciences from Colgate University and her Masters in Landscape Architecture from University of Pennsylvania.

She lives with her husband in the chaparral hills above Los Angeles.

CHRONICLES OF TIME TRAVELERS AMONG US

Short Stories by: R. James Doyle, Rogelio Fojo, David Gerrold, RC Matheson, Christopher Priest, Terika Marija Smits, Fernando Sorrentino,  and more!

Desperate to escape their present circumstances, seven outcasts hunt down alleged visitors from the future.

 What happens when we hunt down elusive visitors from the future?

Discover a present where we invite, seduce, trap, love, hate, and even murder... our time-traveling twins.

R. James Doyle (aka Richard J. Doyle) held technical and managerial roles at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) over a career arc spanning forty years, working primarily at the interface of space exploration and computer science, with a focus on autonomous space systems. He was a member of a JPL team that consulted on the Babylon 5 sci-fi TV Series in the 1990s. Doyle had the pleasure of visiting Sir Arthur C. Clarke in Sri Lanka, in the year 2001. He recently published the Young Adult space adventure novel RAISING THE ROOF, part of Hugo and Nebula award-winning author David Brin’s Out of Time Series.

After making his mark as an award-winning journalist and science writer in Uruguay, Rogelio Fojo entered the world of filmmaking, working on productions in Los Angeles and earning a Kodak grant to direct his debut film, Chimera, which won Best Film at the Pasadena Film Festival. In 2018, he directed The Stooge, written by Christopher Priest (The Prestige) and featuring Robert Picardo (Star Trek). Now, he's blending his love for speculative fiction and cinema in a genre-bending sci-fi anthology about the effect of magic illusions in time travel, in collaboration with Doyle.

Out of Time Series YA sci-fi novel edited by Hugo and Nebula Award-Winning author David Brin

Fifteen-year-old Tallulah (Tullie) has a passion for the natural world and sensitivity to the history of her Choctaw people. One day a message appears literally out of nowhere, inviting her to the 24th century!

Future folk are recruiting teens from across time, to travel and explore where adults can’t. Along with a computer whiz-kid, a free diver from 19th century Ceylon, a cabin boy from 1906 arctic explorations, and others, including a Hawaiian octopus, Tullie is tasked with leading her team to an ice-roofed ocean world, many light-years away!

Braving radiation storms, ice tunnels, and lightless watery depths - plus a helpful but unreliable robot - Tullie and her comrades must find a way to protect this amazing world’s ecosystem before it’s too late!

...An imaginative book rich with original and provocative ideas... Doyle’s lifelong JPL career gives him scientific and technological insights that permeate the book and are easily understandable... Many readers will find inspiration, both scientific and human. The book may even be a formative experience for some. – S. George Djorgovski, Professor of Astronomy and Data Science, Caltech

R. James Doyle held technical and managerial roles at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) over a career arc spanning forty years, working primarily at the interface of space exploration and computer science, with a focus on autonomous space systems. He holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science specializing in Artificial Intelligence from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). 

Doyle was a member of a JPL team that consulted on the Babylon 5 sci-fi TV Series in the 1990s. He had the pleasure of visiting Sir Arthur C. Clarke in Sri Lanka, in the year 2001. He wrote the story Disentanglement in the speculative fiction anthology INNER SPACE AND OUTER THOUGHTS by Caltech and JPL authors.

SIGNED COPIES AVAILABLE

Lotta Pedal once again taps into her scrappy confidence and quick wit to tackle another outdoor adventure; leading her to discover new things about the environment and gets creative on ways to help protect and love the planet just a little bit more. Sporting her very own signature style, a tray filled with freshly baked full-moon themed whoopie pies, and a newly renovated backyard treehouse, Lotta Pedal is ready to celebrate the first full moon of the summer. Join Lotta as she chases a mysterious night owl thief, avoids near cycling mishaps with her brothers and welcomes some unusual winter-like summer weather. Eventually Lotta catches her unwelcomed Buck Moon visitor and unexpectedly learns a thing or two about how to protect the natural environment around her. Lotta and her friends rally together and come up with a creative plan to help contribute to the care of the wildlife, plants, and trails at their local regional park. (ages 6-12)

Vanessa’s fondest childhood memories kick-started her thirst for adventure. A graduate of Queen’s University in Film Studies, her desire for storytelling led her to a successful career in advertising. Living in California, you’ll find her riding her favorite mountain bike trails, photographing wildlife or cruising down Highway 1. Her passion and respect for the outdoors is something she wishes to share with all her readers; to inspire them to get outside, explore their own worlds and the beauty of the natural environments around them.

Personal Memoir and Cookbook Celebrating The Art of The Pivot

Saken’s book takes the reader on a life journey, beginning with lemonade stands and restaurants in her backyard growing up. Through a series of circumstances, some chosen, some out of necessity, the obvious way to earn a living was through a talent for cooking and entertaining, although not classically trained.

The many stops include tried and true recipes handed down from her mother-in-law, the most popular themed menus and recipes from her catering days, those most requested breakfast offerings from Pine View House; her Bed and Breakfast located in the mountain of The Angeles National Forest and, lastly the Comfort Food recipes she prepared for her favorite CEO that warms the stomach as well as your heart.

Sharing interesting stories and insights, along with delicious and easy to follow recipes will tempt the palette as well as discover the many ways to tap into your own natural talent whatever it may be.

Born and raised in Los Angeles, CA, Norma Saken currently lives in Palm Desert, CA with her fur baby, Spanky; always enjoying visits from family and friends.

PRAISE FOR THE BOOK:

“In her book, “May I Have Seconds Please?”, Norma has woven the pivots of her life, together with candid charm and through the language of food. Each chapter reflects the strong and interesting woman she is and her well written recipes inspire even a woman that can’t cook into believing ‘I can do this!’ “ - Judee L.

“An intriguing story of a life well-lived, filled with personal anecdotes, advice for following your passions, and delicious recipes.”

“I came for the recipes but stayed for the stories! Great experiences and lessons - Norma is my  hero!! So relatable. I want a B&B - she did it! When working w high profile/celebrities - you better be happy w what you have - good advice! I went through a dessert pizza phase (when  Two Boots made custom pies for the kid shows) though I seemed to be the only one into them - tonight I was validated (twice!). Also, the Pistachio Bundt cake they serve at Claud’s in the village (recipe in NYTimes cooking) has a similar secret ingredient to Norma’s lemon bundt cake = pudding!  I'm making poetic Sweet and Savory pretzels for Monday MJ. I guess I stayed for the recipes too…” 😋 - Beth Lorge, New York City

To order Norma’s book and to submit a review, go to:

https://www.flintridgebooks.com/presales-local-authors/pre-sales-may-i-have-seconds-please-by-norma-y-saken

Sporting her very own signature style, a box filled with freshly baked beach-themed cookies, and a newly designed surfboard, Lotta Pedal is ready for her first surf of the summer. Join Lotta for a West Coast adventure as she taps into her scrappy confidence and quick wit while she tangles with mysterious underwater thieves, a school bully, and some dangerous weather. Eventually, Lotta catches her wave and unexpectedly learns a thing or two about what is threatening the natural environment around her. Lotta and her friends rally together and come up with a creative plan to help protect the sea mammals and ocean waters around their local surf spot.

Vanessa’s fondest childhood memories kick-started her thirst for adventure. A graduate of Queen’s University in Film Studies, her desire for storytelling led her to a successful career in advertising.
Living in California, you’ll find her riding her favorite mountain
bike trails, photographing wildlife or cruising down Highway 1. Her
passion and respect for the outdoors is something she wishes to
share with all her readers; to inspire them to get outside, explore
their own worlds and the beauty of the natural environments
around them.

From the poet: The poems in this collection are like patches on an Amish quilt. They are all separate and distinct, yet all unified into one complete piece. They are written in rhyme in traditional iambic pentameter.

The qualities I value in writing as in my life are authenticity, clarity and direct experience. Inspiration comes from many of the songwriter lyrics I’ve listened to obsessively since high school from the time of the Beatles, especially Bob Dylan, Chuck Berry, and Lucinda Williams. The poems are written to tell stories, my point of view on various social issues, and some, hopefully, to entertain.

David Nile Chase was born in Iowa, spent his childhood in small towns in Illinois and Indiana, and college years in Chicago from 1967-1971, during the turmoil of the student movement against the war in Vietnam. He arrived in LA in the summer of ’71 with the intention of experiencing everything in that zeitgeist after campus life. Chase studied acting and worked many restaurant jobs before going back to school to study psychology at Immaculate Heart College, Hollywood, where he became very interested in cognitive development and researched a link between children’s cognitive development and fairy tales. He went on to teach in the Los Angeles Unified School District for twenty-five years ending in 2012, during which time he wrote many short stories. He has also maintained a tome of journal writing since his university days.