Holiday Gift Guides

The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy

by Megan Bannen

This whimsical and heartfelt romantic fantasy blends humor, charm, and emotional depth. Bannen crafts a tale of love and second chances in a richly imaginative world. With endearing characters and an enchanting plot, it’s a delightful escape into magical storytelling.

Going Back for Jojo

 by Carrie Beamer

A moving tale of friendship, loyalty, and the courage to face the past. Beamer’s vivid storytelling and relatable characters create a heartfelt journey of resilience and redemption. A touching, beautifully written story that lingers with readers long after the final page.

The Fall of Faith

by Jeff Berney

My own second novel has been described as a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the dark corners of belief and deception. With sharp prose and unpredictable twists, this is a story of intrigue and moral conflict. A thought-provoking and suspenseful read for fans of gritty, character-driven storytelling.

The Alterator’s Light

by Dan Brigman

An imaginative and thought-provoking journey through a world transformed by mysterious forces. With vivid world-building and compelling characters, Brigman weaves a tale of resilience, discovery, and hope. A captivating blend of science fiction and human drama that will leave readers pondering its themes long after.

No Such Luck

by Ian Cahill

A sharp, fast-paced thriller that keeps readers on edge with gritty prose and unexpected twists. Cahill crafts a gripping tale of misfortune, survival, and determination. Packed with tension and clever plotting, it’s a must-read for fans of high-stakes, character-driven suspense.

The Trophy Wife’s User Guide

by L. Beth Campbell

A satirical look at love, ambition, and self-discovery packed with wit and keen observations. Campbell explores the complexities of relationships and identity with humor and heart. A clever, thought-provoking read for fans of contemporary fiction with a touch of sass.

We Come Bearing Curses

by Zachariah Chamberlin

A dark and mesmerizing collection of tales exploring the macabre and mysterious. With lyrical prose and haunting imagery, Chamberlin crafts stories that linger long after the final page. Perfect for fans of eerie, thought-provoking fiction that delves into humanity’s shadowy depths.

Pearls of the Sea

by M.S. Chambers

A mesmerizing journey into a world of magic, courage, and discovery. With lush world-building and a heartfelt narrative, Chambers crafts a tale of resilience and friendship. Perfect for readers who crave enchanting adventures filled with wonder and the power of the human spirit.

The Angels Within

by Diana Day-Admire

A heartfelt and inspiring tale of hope, healing, and inner strength. Blending spiritual themes with compelling storytelling, Day-Admire explores the resilience of the human spirit. Uplifting and beautifully written, it’s a touching read for those seeking encouragement and a deeper connection to life’s wonders.

Pilate’s Faith

 J. Alexander Greenwood

A thrilling mystery brimming with intrigue, danger, and redemption. With a compelling protagonist (I hope we haven’t seen the last of) and a tightly woven plot, Greenwood delivers a story full of twists and emotional depth. A satisfying blend of suspense and heart, perfect for fans of character-driven crime fiction.

The Domino Effect

by Kristin Helling

A poignant exploration of how small choices shape lives. Helling’s emotional depth and relatable characters create a compelling narrative about resilience, love, and self-discovery. With its heartfelt storytelling and universal themes, this novel is a touching reminder of the interconnectedness of life’s moments.

A Cat for All Seasons 

by R.M. Kinder

A charming, reflective collection celebrating the unique bond between humans and cats. Through witty prose and heartfelt anecdotes, Kinder explores the quirks, wisdom, and companionship of feline friends. A delightful read for cat lovers and anyone who appreciates the joy pets bring.

Bandit Rising

by Jason A. Meuschke

An action-packed tale of vengeance, loyalty, and redemption. Set in a gritty, vividly imagined world, Meuschke delivers a fast-paced narrative with complex characters and gripping twists. A thrilling adventure that will captivate fans of high-stakes drama and immersive, character-driven storytelling.

Red Rain

by Rachel Newhouse

A gripping dystopian tale of survival and rebellion. Set in a vividly imagined, rain-soaked world, Newhouse weaves a story of resilience, sacrifice, and hope. With complex characters and a relentless pace, it’s a compelling read for fans of dark, thought-provoking speculative fiction.

Glitched

by Eisley Rose

A thrilling dive into a tech-driven dystopia where reality and virtual worlds collide. Rose’s gripping narrative and sharp character development pull readers into a high-stakes story of survival and identity. Fast-paced and thought-provoking, it’s a must-read for fans of cyberpunk and speculative fiction.

Murder Among Friends

by Juliet E. Sedonie

A clever and engaging mystery that keeps readers guessing until the end. With sharp dialogue, intriguing characters, and unexpected twists, Sedonie crafts a gripping whodunit. A perfect blend of suspense and wit, it’s a delightful treat for fans of classic murder mysteries.

Churn

by Chloe Chun Seim

A deeply evocative exploration of identity, change, and resilience. With poetic prose and richly drawn characters, Seim crafts a narrative that flows like its namesake, pulling readers into its emotional depths. A beautifully crafted tale for those who appreciate introspective and transformative storytelling.

Kill Creek

by Scott Thomas

A spine-chilling homage to classic horror. Combining vivid atmospherics with psychological depth, Thomas crafts a tale of terror as four authors confront a haunted house’s sinister secrets. Cleverly paced and genuinely unnerving, it’s a must-read for fans of intelligent, character-driven supernatural horror

Death Before Dishonor

by Madeline Vaughn

A gripping tale of loyalty, betrayal, and sacrifice. Vaughn’s dynamic characters and vivid storytelling create an emotionally charged narrative that keeps readers hooked. With its high-stakes plot and themes of honor and resilience, this is a must-read for fans of action-packed, character-driven fiction.

The Other Way Around

by Noon Westbrook

A heartfelt and transformative tale of self-discovery. Westbrook’s vibrant characters and poignant storytelling pull readers into a journey of love, courage, and second chances. With its emotionally resonant narrative, the book is both captivating and deeply inspiring—a must-read for fans of contemporary fiction.

No Tooting at Tea

By Alastair Heim 

No Tooting at Tea tells the tale of a perfectly proper tea party that goes wrong when someone keeps breaking the “no tooting” rule.

I Told The Storm

By Dayonne Necole

Some storms create a lot of chaos in our lives—both physical and spiritual. Emry learns from his mother the lessons and growth that comes from storms of all kinds. In the end does he see their beauty? Does he see that he’s never alone? Read to find out!

Eddie and Fred Teach Calming Tools

By Diana Reynolds

Eddie and Fred Teach Calming Tools focuses on teaching children different techniques for managing their emotions and remaining calm. The book features Eddie and his best friend Fred, an adventurous dog.

The Magical Mind of Mitzy

By Amy Jo

Are you ready to join Mitzy on an exciting adventure that celebrates the power of creativity and imagination? In this inspiring children’s book, Mitzy proves that anything is possible if you just think outside the box!

Bernice Buttman, Model Citizen

By Niki Lenz

In this heartwarming story filled with plenty of gross-out humor, Bernice Buttman is the biggest bully in the 5th grade. She loves pounding puny kids and eating cheese balls till her fingers turn orange.

Crimson Minds

By Patrick D. Kaiser

It’s said humans use only 10% of our minds. But what if there are some who can use more? In modern day Chicago three gangs of psychic youth vie for power. Led by their Kings, each one seeking to control the city. Unfortunately for them, Daniel Cavanough has no interest in such matters. His only concern is to find the truth of his father and sister’s murder. 

Gideon Hawke #1: This Glorious Cause

By Robert Krenzel

Gideon Hawke is coming of age in Colonial Massachusetts, trying to decide where to steer his life. But then on the morning of April 19th, 1775, British troops march into his hometown of Lexington, and nothing will ever be the same. Soon Gideon is fighting in desperate battles; fighting for his life, for his freedom, and for a Glorious Cause.

Legend: A Fairytale Retelling

By Rebecca Reddell

Decisions might make or break some families. When magic destroyed the world, four kingdoms emerged. Living simply, as the new kingdom dictates, Cassie is used to the days of cleaning up after her annoying stepmother and diabolical step-siblings. When evil witch takes her hostage, Cassie’s only choice is to go along with the plan until she can get free.

BridgeKeeper

By L.S. Moore

When the veil between the living and the dead is as thin as a soap bubble, sixteen-year-old Will McCurty discovers a chilling family legacy. Each generation’s firstborn becomes a medium, a Bridge between the living world and the In Between. Will must harbor secrets, lie to friends, and break his mother’s heart. But it’s that or abandon his brother to the desperate dead.

Kissing the Blarney Stone

By L. Beth Campbell

It’s just a stone and only a myth until Ariella leaves Blarney Castle with the Gift of Gab. After returning home from a family vacation in Ireland, she finds herself unable to keep her thoughts from escaping her mouth. As she navigates her new gift of eloquence and lack of restraint, will Ariella unintentionally hurt the people around her, or will she discover how powerful and life-changing her words can be?

Lead Me Home

By Theresa Hupp

Fans of Lonesome Dove and True Grit will enjoy Lead Me Home. Join a wagon train bound for Oregon with Mac and Jenny who pose as a married couple. On the arduous six-month trek, they confront raging rivers, rugged mountains, and untrustworthy companions. Together, Mac and Jenny face the best and worst in themselves and in each other, while discovering the beauty and danger of the western frontier.

Never Cross a Highlander

By Lisa Rayne

Ailsa Connery has waited three long years to finally escape her enslavement at Stirling Castle and reunite with her clan. But all her carefully laid plans are completely destroyed by the arrival of the fierce, Highland warrior known as Dubh Mahoun, the Black Devil, who has plans of his own.

Scarlet Red

By Mitch Unruh

Detective Abigail Paxton is changing, both physically and psychologically. As she continues her metamorphosis, she isn’t sure what to fear more; the thing she is turning into, or who she is becoming. After her final encounter with the vampiric creature, Piper, Abigail hasn’t been the same. Her body is changing and she has developed a taste for…a different kind of nourishment. Now, she fears that the people she was once sworn to protect, might need protection from her.

Life Boat

By Luke Eckeley

Life throws curves. Sometimes the curves are so sharp and dramatic that recovery seems impossible. On February 2nd, Cort and Lucie Palmerton are thrown a curve so devastating that it threatens their happiness, their health, and their lives. Sensing Cort is on the brink of giving up, Lucie proposes a long-shot idea in a desperate effort to change their path. Her plan to leave everything behind, buy a sailboat, and explore the world, sounds like nothing more than preposterous to Cort.

John Pilate Mystery Series

By J. Alexander Greenwood 

J. Alexander Greenwood (voted Best Author in KC 2023) is the author of the award-nominated John Pilate Mystery Series, including Pilate’s Cross, Pilate’s Key, Pilate’s Ghost, Pilate’s Blood, Pilate’s 7, Pilate’s Rose, Pilate’s Shadow, and Pilate’s Faith. This quirky, snarky series follows embattled college professor John Pilate and his snarky alter ego/side kick, Simon, as mysteries, murders, and women fall into his lap.

The Fall of Faith

By Jeff Berney

This gritty domestic thriller about lust, love and the consequences of doing whatever it takes to survive. How far would you go to be a part of something bigger than yourself? That’s the question Jimmy grapples with when his truck breaks down in Eden, an isolated little town in Missouri. As he interacts with the colorful and crazy townsfolk, he soon finds himself falling in love with a local woman while danger closes in on him from every angle. Will he find love at long last? Will he make it out of Eden alive? Or will he lose his life along with his faith?

The ultimate Stay-at-Home Dad

By Shannon Carpenter

A practical guide for modern-day parenting geared towards stay-at-home dads, offering advice on everything from learning to cook and clean with children, to dealing with mental health and relationships and addressing male loneliness, with the easygoing perspective that dads can use their natural talents to parent any way that they choose.

The Girl with the Agate Eyes

By Dan Kelly

At the dawn of the Roaring Twenties, Mattie Howard was known as “Queen of the Underworld,” “Queen of the Bandits,” and the “Golden Girl.” But her most common sobriquet was “The Girl with the Agate Eyes.” She cracked safes and robbed banks. She was a drunk, a fugitive, and an adulteress. But did she murder Diamond Joe Morino?

God Above Cancer: Faith When It’s Ugly

By Amy Larry

Most days involved diaper changes, toddlers on my hips, lots of picture books, and catchy songs. My job as an in-home daycare provider was a pleasant kind of chaos I welcomed, germs and all. Then one day, hiding in the bathroom for a quick breather, I saw blood in my stool. Gross! Unfortunately, it’s necessary to the story. And I was concerned enough, after a few more instances, to call the doctor. Spoiler alert — I had rectal cancer.

The Other Way Around

By Noon Westbrook

Two Families. One Decision. A Lifetime of Consequences. Inspired by true events, author Noon Westbrook transports us into the world of Naomi Martinez, a prominent psychiatrist whose life is upended after a chance encounter with a dying stranger leads to a fateful decision that changes everything. “The Other Way Around” is a unique and relatable exploration of the human condition, illuminating the delicate balance between choice and fate.