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PUBLISHER'S LETTER
MYSTERY / THRILLER / SUSPENSE The Podcast Matrix Murders (A Matrix Mystery) D.J. Laing
Dear Book Enthusiasts,
“Chilling, beautifully constructed and compelling.... It has the necessary virtue of all mysteries-we can’t wait to find out who and why. ” —Ambrose Clancy, Editor, The Shelter Island Reporter
With the call for the “decline and fall” of the independent bookstore over the past 30 years, mostly from the big box stores' predatory expansion tactics to the digital revolution, it’s clear we are experiencing a bookstore renaissance this past decade.
A stark, searing opening. The reader is in the mind of a murderer who savagely bludgeons a man to death. No motive is given, except “anger fueled by the thousand disappointments in his life...” The killer surveys the crime scene, but he forgets to put the “Do Not Disturb” sign on the doorknob-a telling signal that all might not go as planned. He has ideas for more murders, for “adversaries” and “oppressors.” Once police discern the reason for killings, they catch murderers. He would not let them see why until everyone died.
ISBN: 978-1955036924 • $21.95
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With almost half of 7,000 plus storefront locations restored from the height, and double the 1,400 plus storefront in 2009, we now look at the landscape in 2026 and the data tells a far more triumphant story. We are currently witnessing a "Second Peak" that proves the physical book and the community space are thriving. With over 3,200 plus store locations nationwide, we have seen an escalation of storefronts in the last several years alone.
Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and online bookstores.
WHODUNIT Mystery Writing Competition Award Winner
This resurgence is not just about nostalgia; it is about evolution. Today’s indie bookstores are more diverse, more community-focused, and more curated than those of the 1990s. They have transformed from simple retail outlets into cultural hubs, cafes, and event spaces. Driven by a new generation of readers and a collective desire for tactile, human connection in an increasingly algorithmic world, the divisive factions that spur more conversations and ideas, the independent bookstore has reclaimed its place as the "third place" of American life, next to the home and workplace. As we celebrate this growth, we turned to local bookstore owners and managers to better understand their take on independent publishing. I’ve included some past interviews in this issue. These ‘tastemakers’ can have a profound effect on bestseller lists, and readership. In my estimation, the "Golden Age" of bookselling isn't behind us, it is happening right now. As we look forward to BookCAMP 2026, I welcome experts and novices to share their experience, knowledge and network to sell more books, with independent bookstores as part of the strategy. If you haven't secured your ticket yet, pick up one at: www.ipabookcamp.com/tickets. And join us for the book fair after the show. It’s a bright day ahead of us, with more books, more outlets, more ideas. Let’s celebrate this moment, and look forward to the chapters we’ve yet to write and the innovations that will define our future. Until next time, keep on reading,
Ted Olczak TED OLCZAK
Publisher, Printed Word Reviews
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TABLE of CONTENTS 2
Call for the 2026 NYC Big Book Award Entries
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Publisher’s Letter
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Table of Contents / Disclaimer
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GAB TALKS Interview with Gisella Rose, author of Elixir: A Journey into Ancestral Alchemology.
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Bookstore Love: How independent bookstores view independently published books and authors
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Book Fairs in April and May
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Printed Word and FALCON Reviews
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Current GAB TALKS Podcast Guests
Grumpy The Iguana
by Susan Marie Chapman Childrens • ISBN: 9780578568607 • Canoe Tree Press A happy iguana in Miami Beach turns grumpy when his tree home is cut down and his routine is disrupted. Displaced and disheartened, his gloom only lifts when a charismatic green parrot offers his friendship and invites him to a new home. www.printedwordreviews.com/bookreviews/9780578568607
FALCON
REVIEW
www.PrintedWordReviews.com
Alien Trucker
by Jeremy Haladyna Fantasy/Sci-fi/Visionary Fiction ISBN: 978-1977279859 • Outskirts Press Jeremy Haladyna’s Alien Trucker is a metaphysical road trip that proves the loneliest stretches of the American Southwest are an ideal stage for an interstellar identity crisis. By blending the “diesel-and-dust” realism of long-haul trucking with the sleek, cold desperation of extraterrestrial politics, Haladyna crafts a narrative that feels like Convoy meets The X-Files.
www.printedwordreviews.com/bookreviews/alien-trucker
FALCON DISCLAIMER:
REVIEW
www.PrintedWordReviews.com
The Printed Word Reviews magazine has been issued the following ISSNs by the U.S. ISSN Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.: Format: Online Format: ISSN 3067-011X and is published 10 times per year. The title was previously published under the Independent Press Award and NYC Big Book Award Present with the following ISSNs by the U.S. ISSN Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.: Format: Online Format: ISSN 2836-9157; and the Print Format: ISSN 2836-9149. Any questions or comments, please contact the Publisher Ted Olczak at Ted@GabbyBookAwards.com or Ted@PrintedWordReviews.com. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced without express permission from the publisher. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by an information storage and retrieval system - except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in a review to be printed in a magazine or newspaper - without permission in writing from the publisher. To submit your book for review, send to: Printed Word Reviews, 63 Clinton Rd, Glen Ridge, NJ 07028. Allow 8 -12 weeks. Unpaid reviews are not guaranteed. More details available on our website at www.printedwordreviews.com To submit your book for our award programs, visit the websites: Fall 2026: https://www.nycbigbookaward.com/ (More consumer focused; different judging; allows for all authors and publishers to participate; closes every August 15th, winners announced in October of every year.) Spring 2027: https://www.independentpressaward.com/ (Independent press and authors consideration; does not permit the big 5 publishing houses to participate; closes December 15th every year, winners announced in March of every year.) To advertise, please contact: Ted@GabbyBookAwards.com or Ted@PrintedWordReviews.com, or visit our website, https://www.independentpressaward.com/advertise
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with
Gisella Rose
Author: Elixir: A Journey into Ancestral Alchemology The GabTalks recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Gisella Rose, author of Elixir: A Journey into Ancestral Alchemology. Her debut book is the Winner of the 2025 New York City Big Book Award and the 2026 Independent Press Award in the Cross Genre: Mind, Body, and Spirit categories. Gisella Rose is an award-winning author, artist, dancer, embodiment practitioner, and ancestral alchemist. She is the creator of Ancestral Alchemology, a signature method that blends astrology, genealogy, somatic embodiment, and mysticism to support ancestral connection, energetic healing, and sacred remembrance. Her work centers around ancestral exploration and healing, inviting others to tap into the innate magic of their own bodies. In addition to being an award-winning author, Gisella is also the host of SOMAmagical - The Podcast with Gisella Rose, where she explores ancestral alchemy, astrology, embodiment, and bodybased magic. For over a decade Gisella was known as "Gisella Rose - The Pain Proof Artiste," performing sideshow stunts on stages all around the world, including performing with bands such as Jane's Addiction and Ill Nino. Her path also winds through the tattoo industry, where she has worked as a skilled body piercer and permanent makeup artist, and currently as a Marketing Administrator for Axys Rotary. Gisella guides others into this magical remembering, sharing sacred work shaped by both deep lineage connection and lived experience. She currently resides in Kentucky.
Gabby: Alchemology isn’t something folks hear every day. What exactly is ancestral alchemology?
Gisella: It’s all connected, yes. We have ancestral patterns that we come into this world with. It’s actually in our bones, in our DNA. There’s a whole science now and they’re uncovering more about behaviors and different ways that we move through life that are very ancestral. I think that a lot of the time when people think of ancestral healing and generational healing, they’re thinking about uncovering traumas. Yes, there’s an importance to that. If we uncover the gifts, we’re able to rewrite, change and accept.
Gisella: Alchemology is a word that I put together. I’m sure it’s been used somewhere else at some other points, because humans are just incredible and we connect in such beautiful ways in that way. Ancestral alchemology is the merging of the ancestral lines, your lineage, it’s lineage astrology, and then alchemizing the elemental connections of the lineage astrology. Fire, water, air, earth shapes not just our nature, but the stories of our bloodlines.
Gabby: The theme of the book is transformation. Spiritually, elixir actually symbolizes transformation. What type of transformation do you believe is most essential for folks and how is the book a tool for that journey?
Gabby: Is Ancestral Alchemology about healing the past?
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Gisella: The most important transformation that we can go through in our life is to remember. Remembering will be purely individual. What are you bringing? What is your piece of magic? Your personal elixir? What are your bits that you’re bringing into your family line, as well as the collective, as well as the world? I would love to be able to guide everybody through this amazing, beautiful process of connecting and meeting your ancestors, whether it be through looking at your family tree, opening up their different placements of things, meeting them, knowing when their birthday is, when their death day is, and honouring them. There is such a beautiful connection.
few deep breaths, connect, drop down into your body. Visualize roots growing into the earth, feel the ground beneath you and that feeling of stability and support. Gabby: How can folks begin the process of looking into their ancestral tree and genealogy? Gisella: I do genealogical research for folks. I love it. I love connecting the living and the dead. It brings me such joy. If you want to do this on your own, I suggest ancestry.com, and myheritage.com. These are really phenomenal. It just takes time.
Gabby: Do you encounter common misconceptions that folks may have about ancestral work? Gisella: Blame it all on the ancestors. It must be ancestral. There’s got to be responsibility. When we do ancestor work, we also have to take responsibility. Gabby: Are there small everyday practices from “Elixir” that listeners can possibly start experimenting with right now?
To listen to and watch the full interview
www.thegabtalks.com.
Gisella: If you haven’t, you know, done any kind of family research genealogy, obviously I suggest that. Go outside, or just sit wherever you are and put your hands over your heart, take a
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To learn more about Gisella Rose and her work visit
www.gisellarose.com
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IndieBooks DISCOVER
Hudson Valley Books for Humanity
Best tip for customers when visiting a bookstore. If you are looking for a specific book, please come with all the information: title, author, and genre. As we sell primarily pre-loved (used) books that aren’t inventoried in our system, we need to know where in the bookstore to look for your book! What I most love about bookstore customers? Our customers are extremely supportive of our store and of independent bookstores in general. They support “slow” business (i.e. they’re willing to wait a few days for their special order to come in), and they specifically look for local authors and artisans. What I love most about independently published books? Independently published books often address topics and/ or formats not necessarily covered in the mainstream media. For example, we have an author in our community who wrote a children’s book in the form of a deck of cards so that the child can tell a different story each time. We sold out of that in a few weeks.
67 Central Ave., Ossining, NY 10562 Ossining, NY 10562. Amy Hall, owner
What is your biggest challenge oropportunity over the next year? Since we are now one year old, our biggest challenge/ opportunity is to double our business this coming year by bringing in more customers and building up our social media presence. Once people come into our store, they are hooked.
Amy Bloom's Books
7834 SW Capitol Hwy, Portland, OR 97219, (503) 246-0053 www.annieblooms.com Your Independent Neighborhood Bookstore Michael Keefe, Publicist/Events Coordinator www.IndependentPressAward.com
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WHO CAN ENTER?
No publication date restriction. • independent publishers • hybrid publishers • self-published authors
• traditional publishers • university presses • association presses
WHEN CAN I ENTER the Childrens Bookworm Award? We are on a rolling submission, approximately every two and a half months. All entries must be postmarked no later than May 25, 2026. What if I miss the deadline? Enter our spring program IndependentPressAward.com as we take books until December 15th 2026. ENTRY FEE: $59 per title/per category, plus $50 for any additional category. 1. Complete form: Download a form from this page, https://www.ChildrensBookwormAward.com/submit-online OR submit the entry form online on this page, https://www.ChildrensBookwormAward.com/submit-online 2. Calculate the total entry fee. Choose which categories, https://www.ChildrensBookwormAward.com/categories, to enter each book into. You may enter a book into as many categories as you’d like. The fee for the first category is $59. Any additional book categories for that same book is $50 per category. • SINGLE BOOK, MULTIPLE CATEGORIES: One who enters “Book One” in Children’s Educational and Book Cover Design Childrens category, the entry fee is $59 + $50 = $109. • MULTIPLE BOOKS: One who enters “Book One” in Children’s Educational and Book Cover Design Childrens category, the entry fee is $59 + $50 = $109, and “Book Two” in Mystery and New Fiction (first-time published), the entry fee is $59 + $50 = $109, so $109 + $109 = $218 in total book entry fees. 3. • If completing the paper entry form, include one copy of the entry form with the book. • If entry form is completed online, NO paperwork is required. You may send the book directly from Amazon, Walmart, or other major retailer directly to the address below. • For Audiobooks, a single copy of the completed Entry Label must be submitted along with either an include an Audible gift code or “Spotify” code on the entry form. 4. Pay via PayPal button on the website or mail a check, along with your books and printed entry form (if entry form was completed online, NO paperwork is required), and ship to: Printed Word Reviews / Children's Bookworm Award 63 Clinton Road Glen Ridge, NJ 07028 (973) 969-1899
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The Book Man
Amy Bloom's Books (continued) My tip for customers: Don’t be shy about asking for recommendations. Even a busy-looking bookseller is always happy to take a few minutes to talk about books they love. That’s why we’re here! In a world of e-commerce, what I love most about bookstore customers is their desire for a real experience and the value they place on community. Also, our customers are just so lovely and kind. Regarding independently published books, I love the more immediate connections to the people behind the books–– small press publishers and authors alike––and sharing their enthusiasm for getting a book out into the world. It may sound like a cliché, but, as a brick-and-mortar bookstore, our biggest challenge truly is also an opportunity: to maintain an atmosphere that booklovers want to be a part of.
www.bookman.ca Like us on FACEBOOK! Chilliwack: 604.792.4595 • Abbotsford: 604.853.READ Internet Sales: 604.795.5992 • Amber Price, MGC, Owner Our bookstore is unique in that we’re a second generation business, with both generations still working together daily. My Father (David Short, aka The Book Man) and I have been working side by side since I was 12, and full time for the past 24 years. He’s our resident ‘mad professor’ with great bushy eyebrows, a signature capsule wardrobe (denim jeans and shirts, and handmade colourful sweaters), and a penchant for strange books, coffee and pastries. He is our main used book scout, and has a special desk where he goes through all of the books that he’s found removing old labels and markings, repairing broken bindings, and ensuring that each book gets its own little spa day with him. As a second generation owner I have modernized our creaky old bookstore, adding barcodes, proprietary software to manage our MASSIVE inventory, hard won customer database of 32 years and customer request lists. I have added a data entry department, and a second branch, and we now employ 19 people. I have grown up in the bookstore, learning how to navigate payroll services, building maintenance and always finding new ways to contribute to, and build community in the two cities we have our shops. I love providing meaningful, fairly paid employment and last year added an Adopt-a-Cat window to the Chilliwack branch of the bookstore. Alongside our resident bookstore cat Beatrix (Potter) we have adoptable cat(s) available for customers to meet, play with and pat, and hopefully take home. We’ve already adopted out nine cats, and look forward to the next installation of another feline friend or three!
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The Book Man (continued) Together, my Father and I have built something truly extraordinary. His passion for books and reading, and mine for people, community and managing large scale projects are the perfect mix (I also LOVE reading, of course). My Dad is 83 now, so each day is increasingly precious - if reading books alone could keep a person alive, he would certainly have attained immortality alone. What I most love about bookstore customers?
Book Mart & Cafe
Bookstore customers enter in two modes: focused, or curious. Our focused clients have specific titles or genres in mind, and cut right to the chase in acquiring their desired title, or browsing a section in the shop. Our curious customers might make eye contact with us (or not) but are equally content to keep their headphones in, their coffee cup in their hand, and simply wander, letting the books ‘choose them’ instead of the other way around.
120 E Main St, Starkville, MS 39759 Carolyn Abadie, Owner 1. Plan on spending some time in a bookstore - so much to see and enjoy. Especially a bookstore that also has used/vintage books. 2. Customers that love books are generally intelligent and have an interesting life. I love to visit with our customers!
We have a particular soft spot for the aimless browsers who simply spend time perusing the shelves, petting our bookstore cats, snapping pictures of displays, and gradually choosing a few treasured titles to take home with them. Our bookstores are designed to be relaxing escapes, and taking that time to truly browse makes for a wonderful passing of time, with treasures to take home at the end.
3. Independently published books make me think that the author really wanted to make this book work. I admire authors that self-publish.
Island Bookstore 7372 Main St., Mackinac Island, MI 49757 Mary Jane Best tip for customers when visiting a bookstore. Many frequent visitors to Mackinac Island include Island Bookstore on their ‘things to do’ list while planning a vacation to our beautiful island. Bookstores in vacation areas are the perfect places to pick up a souvenir, wherever you go. What I most love about bookstore customers? Not only do they want to pick up a recommendation for a good read, they also want to know more about life on Mackinac Island. And I love that generations of families come back to Island Bookstore for a yearly visit. What I love most about independently published books? As an independent publisher myself, I love the fact that anyone can publish a book on their favorite interest, so the breadth of topics are endless.
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What is your biggest challenge or opportunity over the next year? A potential recession may impact sales, but the outlook for our island is still good. We’ve been named Best Island in the Continental US by Travel and Leisure Magazine which will introduce new visitors to Mackinac. www.nycbigbookaward.com
CALLING ALL PUBLISHERS AND AUTHORS FROM ANYWHERE
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WHO CAN ENTER? Print and audiobooks can be submitted by: • • • • • •
independent publishers hybrid publishers self-published authors university presses association presses small, medium and big house presses
*including any of the big five publishing houses and their imprints
Outside of the big five publishing houses, any publisher or author may submit to both competitions, IndependentPressAward.com (every spring); and NYCBigBookAward.com (every fall). See webpages for complete details. WHEN CAN I ENTER the NYC Big Book Award? We are on a rolling submission, approximately every two and a half months, with two hard deadlines: (1) September 1, 2025 to December 30, 2025 (2) January 1, 2026 to August 15, 2026 Final entries must be received no later than August 15, 2026. This final deadline will not be extended. What if I miss the deadline? Enter our spring program Independent Press Award as we take books until December 2026 for IndependentPressAward.com. ENTRY FEE $99 per title/per category, plus $79 for any additional category
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That’s right, no limitation on where the author is located or the topic of the book.
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Submit your book on any subject for the 2026 NYC Big Book Award! F A
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STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS 1. Decide which books or audiobooks (copyright date within the past three years is recommended to enter into this year’s competition. 2. Calculate the total entry fee. Choose which categories, https://www.nycbigbookaward.com/categories to enter each book into. You may enter a book into as many categories as you’d like. The fee for the first category is $99. Any additional book categories for that same book is $79 per category. SINGLE BOOK, MULTIPLE CATEGORIES: One who enters “Book One” in Children’s Educational and Book Cover Design Children’s category, the entry fee is $99 + $79 = $178. MULTIPLE BOOKS: One who enters “Book One” in Children’s Educational and Book Cover Design Children’s category, the entry fee is $99 + $79 = $178, and “Book Two” in Mystery and New Fiction (first-time published), the entry fee is $99 + $79 = $178, so $178 + $178 = $356 in total book entry fees. 3. Download a form from this page, https://www.nycbigbookaward.com/submitviamail OR submit the entry form online on this page, https://www.nycbigbookaward.com/submit-online Complete form 4. Duplicate each Entry Label if you are entering multiple categories. For print books, a copy of the completed Entry Label must be placed inside the front cover of every book submitted. Up to four physical copies tor entry into four or more categories. Audiobooks. a single copy of the completed Entry Label must be submitted along with either an Audible gift code or Authors’ Direct code. IF SUBMITTING ONLINE and sending a book directly from Amazon.com or other retailer/printer, NO PAPERWORK IS REQUIRED. 5. Pay via PayPal button on the website or mail a check, along with your books and printed entry form, and ship to: NYC BIG BOOK AWARD 63 Clinton Road Glen Ridge, NJ 07028 USA
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Bookstores are a place that deserve time and patience to be fully appreciated. Books should be pulled off the shelf to be flipped through and the variety of shelves need exploring. Bookstores are like books themselves in that it is an opportunity for escapism. To leave the outside world behind and get lost within the shelves.
Winchester Book Gallery
The thing I love most about bookstore customers is that connections between customers and the seller are so authentic and genuine because bookstore shoppers have a level of empathy and kindness that is rare. I often find myself having great customer encounters and getting to share the love of books with each other is always something I look forward to. What I love most about independently published books is that indie authors are pushing the boundaries of their respective genres. Every time I read an independently published book, I am usually blown away by the subversion of tropes and how indie authors go against what most traditionally published books are putting out.
Old Town Winchester 7 North Loudoun Street, Winchester, VA 22601 (540) 667-3444 www.winchesterbookgallery.com Aden Evosirch
My biggest opportunity over the next year is to continue progressing and improving my skills by working at my independent bookstore. The work I do here is rewarding, and there is always room for growth.
My best tip for customers when visiting a bookstore is to not give yourself a timeframe to be in and out of the store.
the Cloak & Dagger A Mystery Bookshop
Best tip for customers when visiting a bookstore. Ask what is the booksellers’ favorite book and why? Then if you haven’t read it, be sure to buy it! What I most love about bookstore customers? They share their latest reads and book recommendations so we can see if their suggestions would be a fit for our other reading customers. What I love most about independently published books? They break the mold with respect to story lines and provide a wide range of genre topics not easily found amongst the big publishing houses.
349 Nassau St. Princeton, NJ 08540
their favorite authors/series/genre. Talking to them about what engages them means you learn more about them and the books.
Bookstore Minneapolis, MN
What I love most about independently published books? Many independent books are great, with authors not pushed to be commercial, but there are also people who choose independent publication to avoid editing, and they need editors!
Best tip for customers when visiting a bookstore. Ask the employees what they are most excited about/reading/ favorites. It’s almost always something that you would never find on your own,and while it might be something that you’re not interested in, it might be your new favorite!
What is your biggest challenge or opportunity over the next year? Inertia. Very easy to get stuck in a rut, and miss opportunities because those ruts are too high to see out of!
What I most love about bookstore customers? Love of books--most regular customers are passionate about www.IndependentPressAward.com
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Upcoming
BOOK FAIRS
San Antonio Book Festival April 11 in San Antonio, TX www.sabookfestival.org
Montclair Literary Festival May 2-9 in Montclair, NJ www.succeed2gether.org/montclair-literary-festival
Greensboro Round Literary Festival April 9-11 in Greensboro, NC www.greensborobound.com/festival
DSM Book Festival May 2 in Des Moines, Iowa www.Beaverdalebooks.com
BAMI Festival April 11 in West Palm Beach, FL www.booksartmusic.org
CRAA Chesapeake Regional Authors & Artists Festival (CRAA Fest) May 15 - 17 in Bel Air, MD https://www.craafest.com/
Midwest Literary Walk April 18 in Chelsea, MI www.chelseadistrictlibrary.org/midwest-literary-walk
Santa Fe International Literary Festival May 15-17 in Santa Fe, NM www.sfintrnationallitfest.org
Ohioana Book Festival (CANCELLED FOR 2026) Was slated for April 18 in Columbus, OH www.ohioana.org/programs/ohioana-book-festival
Gaithersburg Book Festival May 16 in Gaithersburg, MD https://www.gaithersburgbookfestival.org/
BookCON April 18-19 in New York, NY
Greater Pittsburgh Festival of Books May 30 in Pittsburgh, PA www.piuttsburghbookfestival.org
LA Times Festival of Books April 18-19 in Los Angeles, CA www.events.latimes.com/festivalofbooks
Bay Area Book Festival May 30-31 in Berkeley, CA www.baybookfest.org
BookCAMP’s Book Fair 2026 April 26 in Newark, NJ https://www.ipabookcamp.com/book-fair Annapolis Book Festival May 2 in Annapolis, MD www.keyschool.org/community/annapolis-book-festival
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FALCON
REVIEW
Ghosts in my DNA: Past Lives of Boston by S. A. Beach In this historical nonfiction, S. A. Beach tackles a question that haunts many of us as we get older but few approach with such scientific and historical rigor: Why am I the way I am? After thirty-five years of teaching science and serving as a librarian in the Caribbean, Beach turns her analytical eye toward her own origin story. “Ghosts in My DNA” is not merely a recitation of a family tree, rather it is a lyrical exploration of “blood memory,” the haunting idea that the traumas, triumphs, and wanderlust of our ancestors are encoded into our very fiber. The narrative arc begins with a stark contrast in her evocative memoir. We see the author as a young “baby boomer” leaving the rocky soil of New England for the vibrant, colonial echoes of St. Croix. This move serves as the book’s primary catalyst. Decades later, Beach questions if her “cultural leap” was a modern whim or a genetic echo in a search to begin a family with greater diversity.
The heart of the book lies in Beach’s thesis that genetic heritage silently directs our life choices. As a science teacher, she bridges the gap between hard biology and spiritual intuition. She posits that her ancestors’ survival instincts, their religious rebellions, and even their “secret” family tragedies (such as the mysterious disappearance of Chloe Kenney) created a psychological blueprint that she inherited centuries later. What stands out is that Beach writes with the clarity of a librarian and the curiosity of a scientist. Her “popular style” makes complex genealogical records feel like a propulsive mystery novel. Furthermore, the book excels at placing individual ancestors within the larger “Great Migration” and Revolutionary movements, making the history feel personal rather than academic. Lastly, the focus on “reinvention” as a family trait provides a satisfying emotional payoff for the author’s own life in the Caribbean.
Beach’s research, conducted largely at the New England Historical and Genealogical Society, is impressive in its breadth. She navigates several centuries of American history beginning with the Puritan Paradox. Tracing the Kingsbury lineage back to the 1630 Winthrop Fleet, Beach recreates the tension of the early Dedham Colony. She provides a nuanced look at the “Covenant of Grace” and the “Covenant of Works,” showing how these rigid religious structures shaped her ancestors’ temperaments. The book does not shy away from the darker chapters of New England’s founding. Through the eyes of the Kingsburys, we witness the encroachment on Indigenous lands, the tragedy of the Pequot Wars, and the complex role of “Praying Indians” caught between two worlds. One of the most compelling segments follows Fisher Kingsbury, a member
ISBN: 978-1665782234
of the Sons of Liberty, and his courtship of Chloe Kenney, a Loyalist. Their marriage serves as a microcosm of the American Revolution—a reminder that the birth of a nation was also a fracturing of the home.
Readers looking for a traditional “ghost story” may be surprised to find that the “ghosts” are metaphorical and genetic. However, for fans of Finding Your Roots or Ancestry, this is a powerful feature “Ghosts in My DNA” is a beautifully rendered map of a woman’s soul, traced through the ink of old town records and the salt of the Atlantic Ocean. It is a vital read for anyone interested in genealogy, New England history, or the burgeoning field of epigenetics. Beach reminds us that while we may leave our homes, our homes and the people who built them never truly leave us.
www.printedwordreviews.com/bookreviews/ghosts-in-my-dna
My Lucky Star by Cheryl Olsten A Celestial Journey of Heart, Hooves, and Home In a world that often measures worth by stature, Cheryl Olsten's "My Lucky Star” offers a shimmering reminder that greatness is a matter of spirit, not size. This sequel to “Big Wishes for Little Feat” successfully bridges the gap between a grounded contemporary setting and a whimsical, starstrewn fantasy. In a dream, the two "outsiders" meet: Lafitte, a small horse with a grand pedigree who is constantly overlooked, and Ella, a young American girl navigating the loneliness of her new life in Belgium with her Aunt Anastasia. When Ella renames the horse "Little Feat," their bond becomes a catalyst for the extraordinary.
The book hits its stride during the rising action, where the duo explores the cosmos. However, the stakes are brought back to earth with a gripping sequence. The plot shifts from a dreamlike exploration to a high-stakes rescue mission when Little Feat is captured. This moment provides
ISBN: 978-1733955164
The climax at the Derby is a classic "underdog" triumph. It isn't just about winning a ribbon; it’s about Ella and Little Feat proving their worth to the world and, more importantly, to Ella’s parents. The resolution is moving, as it avoids the trope of Ella simply "going home," it celebrates a new kind of family structure and the importance of allowing a child to pursue their passion where they feel most alive. The "unbreakable bond" and resilience of the two is the magic that fuels their flight and success. Most impressive is illustrator Paolo D’altan’s use of rich jewel tones—deep midnight blues, shimmering golds, and velvet purples—to create a celestial atmosphere. The swirling cosmos gives the story a "tangible" sense of magic and reminiscent of classical Disney-esque charm.
Olsten handles the emotional weight of Ella’s situation— the financial struggles of her parents and her feelings of displacement—by channeling those heavy emotions into a soaring celestial adventure. The transition from the stables of Belgium to the literal constellations of the night sky feels seamless, turning the Pegasus myth into a tangible guide for a girl in need of a miracle.
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the necessary tension to keep young readers engaged, proving that the bond between the two is strong enough to withstand both celestial comets and earthly villains.
“My Lucky Star” is for children aged 4–9, especially those who find solace in animals. It is a visual and emotional fable that teaches us that even when we are far from home, we can find our way by following the "lucky stars" in our own lives.
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FALCON
REVIEW
Last of the Autumn Rain by Diana Louise Webb Diana Louise Webb's Last of the Autumn Rain, the first installment in the Broken Reflections series, is a psychological thriller that uses the backdrop of the early 1980s to explore the corrosive effects of trauma and the complex journey of self-discovery. The main protagonist wrestles with grief, a traumatic past, and a desperate need for reinvention.
reflection on their deep, formative friendship and the darker corners of their shared past. The book weaves together the protagonist's past traumas with their current emotional upheaval. Key to this section is the exploration of a strained teenage friendship with Mandy Jo Boliver, which culminates in a terrifying, life-altering trip to Juárez, Mexico. The protagonist’s near-kidnapping and subsequent escape from Mandy Jo’s cartel connection powerfully shape their resilience and determination. However, the protagonist remains deeply haunted by lingering trauma.
The narrative offers a dramatic exploration of friendship and betrayal, set primarily between the bustling city of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and the protagonist’s planned retreat to Trenton, New Jersey. Webb crafts a compelling atmosphere, pulling the reader into the protagonist's headspace as they navigate memories spanning from a childhood marked by strict parental expectations to a successful career at The Walden Company.
The conclusion is a dramatic and satisfying twist of liberation. They begin to piece together Candice’s secret life, uncovering her involvement in a mysterious heist. The protagonist determines the true events leading to Candice's death and makes a final, decisive choice, which marks the ultimate self-discovery and liberation. The ending is poignant, offering a complete break from the past while honoring the complexity of the friendship that shaped them.
The book is ideal for readers interested in psychological narratives and stories that delve into the complexities of human relationships and mental health, utilizing a non-linear structure that effectively builds suspense. The story kicks off with a shocking event: the death of the protagonist's best friend, Candice Wentworth. Candice, described as a vibrant and effervescent personality, falls through a glass floor into electrified water. This catastrophic loss serves as the core catalyst, shattering the protagonist's present and forcing an intense
ISBN: 979-8890223432
Diana Louise Webb has crafted a sophisticated psychological thriller that provides more than just suspense—it delivers a profound look at grief, survival, and the fluid nature of identity. Highly recommended for fans of character-driven psychological narratives.
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DoubleHelix: Book One in The Helix Project by J.L Calder J.L. Calder's "DoubleHelix" is a taut, atmospheric noir-inspired thriller that intertwines the quest for literary inspiration with an unsettling political conspiracy. Set against the backdrop of mid-1990s Washington, D.C., and reaching into the shadows of international intrigue, this first book in The Helix Project is a character-driven story that grips the reader.
The pacing builds, moving through international locations like Ukraine, lending a global dimension to the conspiracy. The suspense is maintained as Mike uncovers a lethal web of secrets, making it clear that he is dealing with forces far beyond the scope of his detective novels. The climax is a brutal and visceral payoff, culminating in a violent confrontation. The conclusion offers a compelling twist on the classic noir ending: Mike is given a new identity, Doug Ross, a necessity to shield him from the lingering threats of the conspiracy.
The protagonist, Mike Green, is introduced as a writer of hard-boiled detective novels—a man who understands shadow and consequence, but only on the page. His life takes a sharp, dangerous turn when he stumbles upon the unsolved case of Delilah Grennan, a murder victim with mysterious ties to intelligence agencies and a powerful political dynasty represented by Senator Rick Stockton.
This transformation elevates the book beyond a simple thriller. The final pages focus on the loss of the old life, the grief for connections severed, and the resilience of the human spirit. Mike, now Doug, grappling with his second chance, makes for a thought-provoking finish.
Mike's investigation escalates from simple research into a full-blown obsession. This psychological descent is the narrative's central engine; straining his relationship with his girlfriend, Kristin, and blurring the lines between the fictional darkness he writes about and the very real dangers he is uncovering.
J.L. Calder delivers a textured novel with morally ambiguous characters and a plot that is both suspenseful and engaging. Readers who appreciate a political thriller alongside the existential angst of a psychological noir will find this a compelling read. It establishes a strong foundation for The Helix Project, leaving the reader eager to see where the man who used to be Mike Green goes next.
The book excels at political intrigue. Mike's quest pulls him into the orbit of the powerful Stockton family, forcing him to confront the dark side of ambition and corruption. The inclusion of Tom Stockton, battling substance abuse under the weight of family pressure, adds a necessary layer of human frailty to the otherwise clinical world of high-stakes politics.
ISBN: 979-8993002309
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2026 DISTIN GU IS
INDEPENDENT PRESS AWARD
DEPENDENT • IN PR
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AWARD ESS PR NT
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WARD SA ES
2026 W IN N
CALL FOR ENTRIES
“Book publishers have always counted on awards to highlight the best offerings in a genre or category, that’s true now more than ever.” —David Nudo, Fmr. Dir. of The New York Times Book Review
We invite all Independent Authors & Publishers
Open to mid-size and small press; self-published; independent publishers & authors.
**NOW ACCEPTING BOOKS DIGITALLY** Book Award Entry, 3 ways to enter ONLINE:
What if I miss the deadline? Enter our www.NYCBigBookAward.com program, final books must be entered and received by August 15th.
1) Complete the online form, www.independentpressaward.com/online-entry-form-1 2) Pay online 3) Email your PDF or .epub to: Gabby@IndependentPressAward.com ONLINE & MAIL (no paperwork): 1) Complete the online form, www.independentpressaward.com/online-entry-form-1 2) Pay online 3) Mail your book with NO PAPERWORK directly from Amazon, Walmart, or other retailer directly to our address OR submit your entry by mail: 1) Complete entry form, click to download. 2) Include a check or proof of payment Make checks payable to: Independent Press Award and mail to: ADDRESS FOR BOOK ENTRIES: Independent Press Award Attn: Gabby Olczak 63 Clinton Rd Glen Ridge, NJ 07028 (973) 969-1899 Last rolling deadline is November 30 and final December 15, 2025. FINAL DEADLINE: Final applications and books to be received by DECEMBER 15, 2025 Winners of the annual award program are announced every Spring. Winners are notified by late January 2026. Awards Dinner is April 25, 2026.
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Some FAQs If I complete the online application, do I need to send a print book? Your choice to email Gabby@IndependentPressAward.com a PDF or ePub file, or have a book sent directly from Amazon or other major retailer. Is there a restriction on publication date? No, there is absolutely no restriction on the date your book was published as we are concerned with the best book. Do you take pre-publication manuscripts? Yes as long as the actual publication date is before our official date of announcement on March 20th. (Winners & Favorites will be notified in January.) How is the book judged? Judging is done by committee and point system. Although we do not provide that feedback, we offer a paid book review option at a discount. If you’d like a book review, you can order one via FALCON REVIEW, www.printedwordreviews.com/falcon-review. What is provided upon winning? As a Winner or Distinguished Favorite comes with many benefits. We want to showcase your award-winning title, and help you get in front of your audience. We help you with your award-winning book and provide a number of items including free Winner or Distinguished Favorite (2nd place) banners in two different sizes (300x250 and 728x90 are typically supplied, if you need another size is not charge, please ask, any customization is a charge.); free digital certificate of recognition which can be printed on any paper size; we list your title in our Announcement issue (50,000 digital copies, some print); free second listing of author & title in our Holiday Gift Guide or Last Minute Gifts (50,000 digital); free press release template that you can customize, and will even help you get the word out! In addition, you can purchase self-adhesive seals to put on each book you have already printed. We promote on trade sites, emarketing, social media, advertising and send press releases that often result in coverage for winners and favorites. As a result, many authors get responses, and we have been personally contacted by news outlets such as Newsday and Readers Digest. We have satisfied authors who appreciate our support. Lastly, check out our promotion page to help get additional exposure to key book buying audiences, discounted magazine and billboard advertising, and even videos and reels. Books recognized as a Winner or Distinguished Favorite of the Independent Press Award® is a celebrated honor given by industry experts, and you’ll want everyone to know!
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