Page 13 - Reader's House Magazine Press Pack

The Showcase HUB... FRINT COOL SIDE: • One to five pages State-of-the-Art design page templates are provided for approval. • Good for archiving. • Suitable for showcasing in offices and homes. • Great gift to present to others. • Helps build trust with readers. • Provides tangible credibility and prestige. • Features high-quality photography and pages. • Creates a tangible impact. • Increases visibility. • Opens doors for collaborations and connections. • Contributes to legacy and memorability. • Aids in influence building. • Helps establish yourself or your brand as an authority in the industry. TECHNICAL SIDE: The magazine is available in print across over 190 countries and more than 40,000 retailers and platforms. This enhances your brand recognition globally and supports your SEO and marketing efforts. VOICES OF LITERATURE 50 DAWN LEDET 52 CHRIS PATCHELL 54 ANA ATANASKOVIĆ JUDITH PATRICIA LENNOX SANDS ROSE SARA MILLER ARNOLD NIKKI BARBARA BROADWELL PINKE A.M. STEPHANIE BRIAN A. WAYNE DON DL STUART S. SMITH PLANK JACOBSEN AKER WHITE 56 PETER GEORGE 58 NINA SCHUYLER 60 MARIE J. S. PHILLIPS 62 JANE ALISON 64 CHAD BOUDREAUX 66 BETHANIE FINGER 6 II Reader’s House Reader’s House II 7 W hat’s INSIDE Author Interviews 10 12 14 16 24 26 30 38 32 44 46 48 Editor’s Picks Your Gateway to Endless S tories MARK ANTHONY Innovative, intellectually daring, and structurally ambitious, Henry’s Chapel challenges conventional storytelling with its unique metafictional approach and thought-provoking narrative framework. Paperback: £13.99 https://tinyurl.com/2v5uatte riAchgcruipltpuirnagl,daetpmtho,spshaerpicptlhortitlilnegr,wainthd compelling characters. The Moving Blade is a masterfully crafted crime LIT is an exceptional blend of suspense, originality, and emotional depth, delivering a thrilling and unforgettable reading experience. Paperback: £13.24 https://tinyurl.com/47v5wjsa novel. Paperback: £19.99 https://tinyurl.com/4rm468dt Plagued Lands PAUL BERNARDI S.E. BABIN NIKKI BROOKE A gripping, action-packed historical cahdavreancteurse, wanitdhirnitcehnsdetbaailt,tlceosmcepneellsi.nAg must-read for medieval fiction fans! Paperback: £8.99 https://tinyurl.com/mpr35ytt mySst.eEr.yBfialbleind cwraitfhtshaeadret,lihguhmtfuolu,rw, aitntdy an unforgettable cast of living and ghostly characters. Kindle: £0.77 https://tinyurl.com/2aaakaes Plagued Lands enthrals with its thrilling plot, heartfelt relationships, and a courageous heroine, making it an unmissable dystopian gem. Paperback: £12.99 https://tinyurl.com/msx3xww2 Paperback: £12.41 LIT GRAHAM GUEST MICHAEL PRONKO American Jukebox TARA C. ALLRED LEN JOY LAEOdarNinCg,ElyrGicaAl ImTaEsteRrpiece—Ga- iter’s voice is unforgettable, weaving raw honesty and poetic brilliance into a fiercely original narrative. Paperback: £12.67 https://tinyurl.com/yckr4v8u chAolgorgipicpailntgh,reilmleortwiointhalmlyarsitcehrfpuslys-tor- ytelling, compelling characters, and an unpredictable mystery that keeps readers enthralled until the end. Paperback: £11.13 https://tinyurl.com/3uanerz8 A beautifully written, charac- ter-driven story that masterfully explores family, identity, and resilience with heartfelt emotion and relatable depth. Paperback: £12.95 https://tinyurl.com/mwutswhk The Last Dragon Lord The Empath’s Survival ter Guide MICHAEL LA RONN Thaddeus and the Mas- Heroes of Reighja A masterfully written dark fantasy, The Last Dragon Lord captivates with its rich world-building, complex antihero, and gripping tension. Kindle: £8.99 https://tinyurl.com/2bph6jed JUDITH ORLOFF JIM GILL Henry’s Chapel The Moving Blade My AfroRican State of Soul LUCAS RIVERA A powerful, poetic masterpiece— raw, rhythmic, and deeply moving. Rivera’s voice resonates with authen- ticity, bridging generations through identity, struggle, and art. Paperback: £15.84 https://tinyurl.com/mttjpjfb Thurkill’s Rebellion Murder by the Brush The Angel and the Ama- zing Life of Maggie Love C.R. FABIS A masterful blend of mystery and morality, Fabis delivers a thou- ght-provoking tale that captivates with complex characters and powerful storytelling. A Memory of Fictions Real Life and Other Fictions SUSAN COLL ecWceinttyr,ich—eaRrtefealt,LaifnedawndonOdtehrefur lFlyic- tions is a captivating blend of mys- tery, humour, and self-discovery. Paperback: £6.89 https://tinyurl.com/yc7c2t46 UnAuthored Letters LOUIS SAUVAIN Insightful, empowering, and deeply validating—The Empath’s Survival Gu- ide is an essential resource for sensitive souls seeking balance, resilience, and An enthralling tale of mystery, adventure, and rich world-building, Heroes of Reighja captivates with its emotional depth and intrigue. Kindle: £22.79 https://tinyurl.com/4wsc8z9a Rich world-building, compelling characters, imaginative challenges, aTnhdadhdeeaurtsfealntdcathmeaMradasetreier amnaeknethral- ling fantasy masterpiece. self-acceptance. Paperback: £11.35 https://tinyurl.com/mry6p2cp Paperback: £17.22 https://tinyurl.com/4rbb79xh https://tinyurl.com/547pthb8 D RAF T D RAF T “atricia Sands, award-winning Canadian author, whose stories are deeply inspired by the culture, beauty, and spirit of the south of France.’’ Patricia Sands carries her readers to places where the heart lingers long after the page is turned. Though she makes her home north of Toronto, it aisntdhsepsioriut.thFroofmFrtahnecseutnhlait cvlialliamgsesheorf iPmroavgeinacteiotno the shimmering Côte d’Azur, her novels capture both the beauty of place and the inner journeys of those who find themselves transformed by it. PatriciaSandscaptivatesreaderswith vividsettings,deeplydrawncharacters, and heartfelt stories celebrating women’s resilience, friendship, and transformative journeys. grow in my imagination. P Her debut, The Bridge Club, established her oasf farisetonrdystheilple, reosfilwieonmce,na’sndlivbeslo, nwgeianvgi.nWg ittohgeTtherPtrhoemieses doef ePpreonvedncheranbdonthdewbiethlorveeadeLrosvwehion sPoruogvhent cneotroilnolgyyh, esrhe characters’ stories but also the vivid landscapes and sensu- al rhythms of French life. That fusion of setting and soul freemlsailnikseaahcahllamracrkterofguhiedrifingcttihoen,nwarhrearteivteh.e land itself often Later works such as Drawing Lessons, the Villa des Violettes series, and her award-winning The Secrets We Hide reflect a writer unafraid to embrace new layers of emotional depth. Sands’ gift lies in revealing the quiet strength of women, in celebrating friendships, and in reminding us that personal rein- vention is always possible — at any stage of life. With each book, Patricia Sands invites her readers to step into a story that feels both intimate and expansive, grounded in truth yet elevated by her love of beauty, place, and connec- tion. Hers is a voice of generosity and warmth, carrying the unmistakable fragrance of Provence with every page. encouragement and ideas. rYeoaudreLrosvinetinhePrsovuethncoefsFerraiensceim.Hmoewrsdeso I’moftenaskedifI’veconsideredwriting What advice would you offer to aspiring authors, especially those embarking on their writing journey later in life? Please excuse the cliché, but it is true. It issomneevtehrintogonleawte. Mtoafnoyllopweoaplderheamveosrtotryies totell.StephenKing’sbook,OnWriting: AinMevemryowirroitfinthgecCourarfstewoarswroerckosmhompeIndtoeodk. This message of his has remained with me, asintddIowpanrapnhdrawsrei:teIfity. oFuinhdavyeouarsvtoriycet.oDteoll, not worry about grammar. Then work with a qualified editor. Write on! 12 II Reader’s House Reader’s House II 13 By Z. Roberts enfceheal-ngtoso.dA,mlifues-at-ffireramdifnogrsftaonrsieosf! Celebrating S tories Of T ransformation And Connection Your novel The Secrets We Hide won Wtheom20e2n’3s BFoicotikonE.xWcehllaetncinespAiwreadrdyofourto explore themes of secrecy and personal trIawnsrfotremthaitsiostnoriny tdhuirsinsgtoCryo?vid and it evolved from a shorter story I created mtoawnyrityeemarys ptyrpeviciaoluhslayp.pIyfosutonrdieist sdeitffiincult France during the Covid years, with so many pFeoorpsloemaeroruenadsotnh,eIwoarsdasbulfefetorincghatnrangeeldmieys. emotions into the difficulties and challenges facing the characters in this novel. InLostatSea,partoftheSailAway Series, you contributed a novella. How did you approach writing within a collaborative series while maintaining your unique voice? they felt they were there too. Patricia Sands discusses her love for the south of France, creating immersive stories of women’s lives, friendship, resilience, and personal reinvention, offering readers both Having started your writing career at 65, fwrohmat pchaoltloenggraepshdyidtoyofiuctfioacne, atrnadnhsiotiwoning did your visual storytelling skills influence yoIucronwfreistsinIgd?id not consider writing until my 60’s and could not have understood how itnwmoyuldifeb.eMcoymfierastrnicohvleyl,sTathisefyBirnigdgcehaCpltuebr (based on my real-life Bridge Club), hap- pedenpeudbrlaisthienrgo.rAgasnIicbaelclaymanedmIonrevienrvoinlvtendd- in the craft of writing, it was apparent to mtherotuhgahtImhyadphboeteongtrealplihnyg.Nsteoeridelsesaslltomsyalyi,fe I had ... and continue to add ... thousands emotional depth and inspiration. Patricia Sands Shares Her Journey Through Friendship, France and Fiction Actually, this series was only collabora- tive in that each novel had to be set on a ship. Otherwise the story was entirely up to the author. My story ended up being very dnioffpearretnictufrlaormretahseoont,haenrds iInhtahdetsheerimeso,sftoern- joyable time writing it. My protagonists are tnyipniec-aylelayrm-ooldrewmoamtuerneitnhtahnisthceastwe,osotwitewntays- fun creatively to bring their stories to life. thIensstpoirtieso,faolluorfdtihffeeraeuntht oarpspcroallcahbeosratoted on the details of publishing, cover design and promotion. It’s always a pleasure to be engaged with other authors, sharing support, of photos from France through my travels. Many provide writing prompts and readers enjoy them in my newsletters and posts. Your novels often feature strong female friendships. How do these relationships shape the narratives and resonate with your readers? frTiehnadnskhiyposuhfaovretbheisenquaenstiimonp.oFrteamntapleart ofthetapestryofmylife.Forexample, TfrhienBdsrhidipgewCitlhubthiossbeawseodmoenttheatficftoyn-tyienaures to this day. hoTwhetheadtitgorrooufptohfatwmomaneunscdriidptnqout edsitsipolnaeyd any animosity or conflict with each other. I was happy to explain how those assumptions rose from long-established stereotypes of waroemtreunly’snforine-njuddshgiepm.MenotasltawnodmsuenppIokrntiovwe. There are times when one must agree to disagree. Of course, we may experience conflicts, even anger, but are able to resolve tmheastuerfiteye.liInogfstewnihtheahrofnreosmty,reamdpearsthwyhaondare glad to see these attitudes expressed. Through your books and tours, you share your love for the south of France. How do athnedsecoenxnpeecrtiewnictehsyeonuricahudyoieunrcset?orytelling Patricia Sands beautifully captures the magic of Paris and Provence in The French E ffect. This heartwarming tale of second chances brims with rich imagery, you blend the allure of the region with the personal growth of your characters? ofSFinracnecnei,nietoisfombyvisotuosriIeshavresaedteinepthleovseouatnhd knowledge of the area, its culture and people. The blend flows easily between setting and story. The area is not simply a backdrop, but a force that guides the characters’ inner jour- neys. The sensory beauty of the area and the balanced lifestyle encourages transformation in the character arcs. I find my personal reflections weave into my characters. It gives me pleasure to share aPenrohvaeplsatbhoaut twailgl rhoauppoenf .wWomhaetnI odno akntouwr. is that watching and listening to so many wthoemsoeunththorofuFgrhantche,ydeafirnsiftaellyitnhleosveerewailt-hlife emotions and reactions become part of char- acters. It’s inevitable, and I feel my readers absorb these deep connections to the setting. In your Villa des Violettes series, you revisit beloved characters. What draws you back to these stories, and how do you keep them fresh for your readers? my passions in this manner. The greatest satisfaction comes from readers who say I love this series because it came about purely from requests from readers who had become completely engaged with the char- acters. The stories evolve as the characters touchingcomopmelelnintgs.cNhaorac’stejorsu,rannedy of self-discovery is inspiring, and the festive, romantic setting EDITOR’S CHOICE NOVEL • STORY • LITERATURE NOVEL • STORY • LITERATURE EDITOR’S CHOICE YOUR SPIRITUAL CURRICULUM BONES IS BACK RETURN TO AUTUMN SPARKS FLY UP PROSPECT FOR MURDER MY HUSBAND’S CHILD by Katja Rusanen by Marc Fetscherin by Rusty Blackwood by Carol Strickland by Jeanne Burrows-Johnson by Alison Ragsdale Transformative, compassionate, insightful, em- powering, practical, healing, uplifting, soulful, inspiring, profound, life-changing, authentic, guiding, nurturing, enlightening, motivating, liberating, wise, accessible, essential. vi“tyB, ofunne,sainsdBfacmkirlyedbeofindeisngH—alalonweenegnagwiinthg ctraedaittii-on Bones is Back by Marc Fetscherin brings a fresh irresisItnibtelnyssetleyapmays—sioDnealitcei,otuhsriSlluinrgrelyndseurspdenlisveefrusl,fiaenrdy chemistry, gripping tension, and a deeply satisfying romance. StricAkslapnedllbvinvdidinlygipllourmtrianiattoesf MhearrbgrairlelitaFnucell,ear—udCacairtoyl, and the timeless relevance of her story. parAacnaoprmtivaaltintgribglueen—d oPfromsypsetcetryfo, rHMawuardiiearniscupleturfrec,tafnodr cosy mystery enthusiasts! vivAidbcehaurtaifcutellrys,whreitatretnf,eletmstotrioynteallliyng,raipnpdinagcnaopvtievlawtiinthg exploration of motherhood and sacrifice. In Your Spiritual Curriculum: 5 Steps to Make Peace with Your Past and Transform Your Future, Dr Katja Ru- sanen offers an inspiring and practical guide to personal healing and spiritual transformation. Drawing on her own experiences as well as her years of working with clients, she presents a clear five-step process that helps readers release the weight of past traumas and reconnect with their authentic selves. What makes this book stand out is its balance between spiritual wisdom and grounded, practical exercises. Rather than relying solely on abstract concepts, Rusanen provides readers with tools they can immediately apply in their dai- ly lives. Each step is designed to help dismantle limiting beliefs, heal emotional wounds, and ultimately open the door to greater peace, purpose, and self-acceptance. The book is structured to take readers on a journey— beginning with reframing past difficulties as lessons, moving through the release of negative emotions, and culminating in aligning with one’s soul wisdom. Along the way, real-life stories illustrate how transformation is possible, making the guidance relatable and accessible. The compassionate tone throughout the book reassures readers that they are not alone in their struggles and that change is genuinely within reach. Rusanen’s writing is both empathetic and empowering, offering hope without sugar-coating the challenges of personal growth. For anyone who feels held back by guilt, shame, or unresolved pain, this book provides not just in- sight but also a roadmap towards freedom and fulfilment. Deeply practical yet profoundly spiritual, Your Spiritual Curriculum is an invaluable companion for those seeking to rise above the limitations of the past and embrace a more authentic, joyful future. 18 II Reader’s House tiwnnisotvtaotiHvealalnodwexencictienlgebwratyiofnosr, fianmtrioldieusctiongenagnage during the spooky season. The story revolves around Bones, a playful skeleton who enlivens Halloween with friendly pranks and interactions. Fetscherin’s inventive work transcends conventional holiday nar- ratives by making Bones inclusive for all religions and beliefs, thus broadening its universal appeal. What truly sets this book apart is its emphasis on family interactions and teaching values. Bones not obnultyalasmo ussuebstlcyheilndcroeunrtahgreosupgohsliitgivhethbeeahrtaevdioaunrt,ics presenting Halloween as more than just a sugar-fu- elled festivity. This dual-purpose character appeals to parents too, as he eliminates the stress of daily holiday traditions like the constant repositioning Rusty Blackwood’s Return to Autumn: Part 2, the gripping conclusion to the dramatic series that began with The Perils of Autumn, delivers a truly compelling and suspenseful narrative that stays with the reader long after the final page. Set against the backdrop of the posh Kentucky community of TfahmeiMly etaednosiwons, tdhecestiot,raynmd arsetdeermfuplltyioin.teFratwnsinoefsthe previous books will appreciate the continuation of key storylines, as characters face personal challenges amidst shocking revelations. The narrative unfolds in January 1978, with Autumn and Cyril navigating life at Landon Manor while caring for their son, Drew. Their world, however, is far from idyllic. The dark secrets harboured by jockey Duff Taylor threaten to unravel tLhaewsntasbSiltiatbylaens.dBrelapcuktwatoiond oefxtpheertelystebeumildesd sLuasnpdeonnse by gradually revealing the layers of betrayal, culmi- nating in life-altering events that will keep readers on edge. From the stable foreman William Brown’s discoveries to the unwavering commitment of Man- fred Montgomery, the tension rises as the narrative hurtles toward its explosive conclusion. Blackwood’s prose is vivid and evocative, cap- turing the grandeur of equestrian life while delving dcheeaptienrtaodtdhse deempothtiotonsthoef phleort,cwhaitrhacttweris.tsEtahcaht are both shocking and satisfying. Fans of well-crafted romance dramas and intricate family sagas will find much to admire here. This expertly paced finale to the Return to Autumn series is a testament to Rusty Blackwood’s talent for bfolernfdaninsgodfraivmeati,nsgusfipcetniosne, athnids ecmapotitvioanti.nAg minustsat-l-read ment deserves its five-star acclaim. Ca“rSoplaSrtkriscFklaynUdpis: TahceomLopsetllSitnogryhiosftoMriacraglanroevteFluthllaetr”vibvy- idly brings to life the remarkable yet often forgotten figure of Margaret Fuller. Strickland masterfully weaves together a narrative that is both character-driven and historically grounded, immersing readers in Fuller’s passionate, trailblazing existence. Fuller is presented not merely as a mfouolttnio-ftaecienteAdmfiereribcrandtrawnhsocesendinentetlalleicstmanbdutaamsbaitvioibnrant, challenged the status quo of her time. isJaenanenegaBguinrrgowinstr-oJodhuncstion’stoPtrhoespNeactafloier MSeuarcdherrist Hawaiian Cozy Mysteries series, blending a captivat- ing mystery with the soothing charm of the Hawaiian Islands. This first instalment in the series strikes a balance between light-hearted storytelling and the intrigue of a murder investigation, making it a solid pick for fans of cosy mysteries with a tropical flair. The book captures readers’ attention with its unique premise: Natalie Seachrist, a retired travel writer wcoimthpalegxifwt fhoerevihseiorngsr,amndonviesceinAtoritehletrapgaicrtamlleyndtied, determined to uncover the truth behind her murder. The narrative offers an intriguing mix of deductive sleuthing, paranormal hints, and Hawaiian culture. Natalie’s keen observations and her partnership with the resourceful former detective Keoni Hewitt inject aMdoerleiogvhetfru, lthaemadteduitri-odnetoefctNivaetadliyen’samfeilcinientcootmhepasnto- ry. ion, Miss Una, provides a touch of charm that cosy mystery enthusiasts will appreciate. Burrows-Johnson’s vivid descriptions of Hawaiian locales and cultural details elevate the novel, immers- ing readers in a scenic backdrop that feels almost Alison Ragsdale’s My Husband’s Child is a cap- tpilvuantignegs arenaddemrsoitnitoonalclyomchpalregxedwefabmoiflylodvrea,mtraustht,at and heart-rending choices. From the moment a little girl appears at Cora’s doorstep, clutching her baby brother’s hand, with the haunting words, “Mummy said you’d look after me,” the story grips you and doesn’t let go. of characters. Fetscherin’s concept, which requires oacnclyesasisbklelaentodncoufstaonmyisiazbeleorfosrtyelvee, rmyafkaemsitlhy.e idea The writing is engaging and straightforward, making it ideal for young readers. The book is short enough to hold the attention of younger audiences but meaningful enough to leave a lasting impression. Bones, with his mischievous yet lovable personality, is destined to become a cherished Halloween icon for families everywhere. Beyond its entertainment value, the book empowers families to create a tmradkiitniognithaaut nbiaqluaencaedsdfiutinonwtiothhmoleidaanyin-tghfeuml ledssons, literature. EmFuerllseorn’s, Tcohnonreacuti,oHnsawtihthortnhe, launmdiWnahriietms oafn—herofefrear—read- ers a fascinating lens into mid-19th-century intellectual circles. Strickland excels at portraying these relationships with nuance, offering both admiration and critique in equal measure. The novel also succeeds in balancing Fuller’s public achievements, such as her pioneering writings on swiaolmcehno’iscerisg, hintsc,luwdiitnhghhererparifvfaitre asntrdugmgolethsearnhdoocdonoturotsvidere- of marriage. These elements humanise Fuller, rendering her neither a saint nor a scandal but a trailblazer on her own terms. Ragsdale paints a vivid portrait of a woman rebuilding her life after heartbreak, only to have it dTihserucphtieldriennt’hsesumdodsetnuanrerxivpaelctherdoawnsdCporiagninatnot awsaiyt.u- ation fraught with mystery and emotional stakes. The narrative beautifully captures her struggles as she balances her growing bond with the children against the murky circumstances surrounding their abandon- ment. Themes of motherhood, sacrifice, and loyalty are explored with sensitivity, making every twist and reTvehleatcihoanrafecetel rbsoatrhearuicthelyntdicevaenldopsteadr,tlaingd.Rags- dale’s writing is evocative and engaging. As Cora navigates the conflicting accounts of her ex-husband and his wife, the tension is palpable, keeping you guessing about whom to trust. Although the novel is deeply emotional, it avoids descending into melodra- ma, maintaining a grounded and relatable perspective on the challenges of raising children thrust into an extraordinary situation. likFeanKsaotef Hcoemwpitetlalindg DfaimanielyCdhrambaserblayinauwthilolrfis nd themselves enthralled. My Husband’s Child is a beau- tifully crafted tale that lingers in your mind long after the final page. It’s a must-read for anyone drawn to stories of resilience and the extraordinary power of love. Overall, Bones is Back is a delightful, stress- free, and interactive Halloween guide that encourages families to connect in a charming and memorable way. Fetscherin has created a timeless, versatile tradition that will surely be treasured across generations. The backdrop of posthumous debates among her contemporaries adds an additional layer of tension and intrigue. Strickland uses this framing device to explore the enduring ethical dilemmas of individual ambition versus collective responsibility. The stakes feel particularly aplolyigrneasnotniannthaenndocvienle’ms gartipcaplilnygvcilviimd.ax, which is emotion- Meticulously researched and beautifully written, “Sparks Fly Up” does justice to Fuller’s extraordinary life while raising questions that resonate far beyond the 19th century. Strickland’s portrayal of Fuller as a woman of passion, intellect, and uncompromising vision ensures her Alegmacuystb-ruerands fboriglohvtleyr,sinosfphiirsintogrircealdfiecrstiboontahntdhefnemanindisntow. literature alike. like a character in itself. However, the pacing may feel slow at times, especially for those accustomed to fast-moving mysteries. The storyline unfolds msoemtheomdicgahltlyfi,nbduisladtiinsgfytionwgawrdhsilietsortheseorslumtiaoyn,dweshiirceha bit more urgency in the plot. Though not without minor flaws, Prospect for Murder succeeds as an entertaining blend of mystery and Hawaiian atmosphere. Fans of the cosy mystery genre will likely enjoy the gentle intrigue and charm- isnegriecsh,aarnacdterersa.dTerhsiswbhooakpspertescaianteinsvtiotriniegs ttohnaet wfoeratvhe slow-burn mysteries with rich settings will find much to admire here. Reader’s House II 19