BRANFORD DOWNTOWN MERCHANTS BOOK FESTIVAL & AUTHOR STROLL
10 AM - 3 PM MAY 9TH, 2026
BRANFORD DOWNTOWN MERCHANTS BOOK FESTIVAL & AUTHOR STROLL
10 AM - 3 PM MAY 9TH, 2026
D. WALSH GILBERT
MISNEACH
A Story of Kidnap, Enslavement, and Colonialism is a story written in verse about a midwife stolen from Ireland in 1650 during Oliver Cromwell’s period of dominance. The Irish word, misneach, means courage and hope during uncertain times. First sent to work the sugar plantations in the West Indies of Barbados and Montserrat, Aoife is sold again into servitude on a Puritan minister’s farm in Farmington, Connecticut. Along her way, she meets and befriends an African slave and an indigenous mother who needs her midwifery help. Aoife encounters situations and experiences known to history in a tale full of imagery and tension, and though fictional, the stories of the Irish sentenced into indentured servitude, the early slaves captured from Africa, and the native peoples and lands of New England are painted and made real. This is a tale to compare with our modern day and times.
JACK MATTHEWS
ARTE PERDIDIA
Mattapoisett was a quiet New England town on Buzzards Bay — until body parts started showing up in the most unlikely places. Manny Pereira, a decorated and disabled Vietnam War Veteran, races to find the killer in an investigation that spans from Nazi Germany to the Azores and Newfoundland, and finally to the neighborhoods of this once peaceful harbor town. With more than a few possible suspects, Manny works quietly behind the scenes and uncovers a decades old scheme of greed, revenge, and murder. The allure of art and love compound the challenges for Manny, and as he closes in on the killer, not even he could have anticipated the frightening twist in his investigation or its shocking conclusion.
MEYERS, BILL
The Wreck of the Whydah
Set during the golden age of piracy, where scoundrels ruled the high seas, this is the tale of a notorious pirate, his fearless crew, and their ill-fated voyage aboard the Whydah. When their ship wrecks off the coast of Cape Cod near Wellfleet, their story seems lost to time—until 300 years later.
Teen siblings stumble upon a dusty journal hidden in their grandmother’s attic, a relic from the past that holds more than just words. Buried behind an old wall, they unearth a treasure of strange artifacts and more journals, written by one of the original survivors of the wreck. As they piece together this centuries-old mystery, they uncover secrets long buried and embark on a thrilling journey that could change history forever. Adventure, danger, and discovery await in this captivating tale of pirates, lost treasures, and modern-day sleuthing.
Sarah Blancharde
GRABTOWN
An unsolved murder, bracketed by grief and abuse. Can there be justice, and what will it look like?
Forty years ago, a farmer was murdered near an abandoned village the locals call Grabtown. Police never found his killer.
When twin sisters Cassie and Ana return to their rural childhood home in northeastern Connecticut to grieve their mother's death and settle her affairs, they discover something unexpected among her belongings: the draft of a murder mystery, written by their mother's longtime girlfriend, AJ. The manuscript begins with the Grabtown killing—and features their mother as a key character.
Cassie, a frustrated writer estranged from her family and stuck in an isolating marriage, sees an opportunity. Ana, fearful of what they might learn, wants to destroy it. As Cassie digs deeper, uncovering a disturbing trail of abuse that winds back through their family and town, she questions the truth of AJ's story. Is it fiction—or a confession?When Cassie's mercurial husband tells her to stop digging and a retired detective arrives with new questions about the old murder, she realizes someone believes the old story is true. And they'll do anything to keep their secrets.
RANDEE MACK
NORTH SIDE STORY
Mandey, a high school honor student, and Shannon, a high school dropout, have a fateful meeting at the beach in Galveston on a bleak autumn day. They are immediately taken with each other, but their relationship is soon threatened by secrets they are keeping and by those opposed to the being together. After weathering a rocky beginning their devotion is further tested by a violent crime that could tear them apart forever.
GREG GILMARTIN
THE CASTLE FIRES
Natural and supernatural forces collide in a high tech world when a young woman inherits her father's castle and his empire. A father she never knew. An empire on a collision course with a geological disaster. In a small town with big dreams, and bigger egos. She must rely on her father's crew of characters and his advice, from the beyond, to solve his murder, save his legacy, and the castle that is now hers. And everyone falls in love! It's magic until you prove it's science. Author Greg Gilmartin brings a charming cast to life amidst murder, only, magic and mayhem!
Leigh Allen
Unto the Least of These
Unto the Least of These… is a story of family, forged from the intensity of living an unconventional lifestyle together on the streets, a tale of concern and caring, of jealousy and hate, of burgeoning love, growth and the cleansing of the modern day ‘leprosy’ of homelessness. Unto the Least of these.. is also a story of violence, death and miracles.
Tony Renzoni
CONNECTICUT BOOTLEGGER QUEEN NELLIE GREEN
Known as the “Queen of the fastest rum runners on the East Coast,” Nellie Green led a captivating life full of bootlegging adventures. Nellie fearlessly stood up to all those who tried to stand in her way, receiving respect and financial support from many very influential people. Nellie built an underground empire in a business world dominated by men. Her rum runners were men of intrigue who assumed aliases such as “Blackie,” “Wing,” and “King Tut.” Nellie Green was widely known to have the “Touch of Midas and the Temperament of Thor”. Join author Tony Renzoni as he recounts the life and times of this legendary figure, set against the historical backdrop of the Prohibition Era, the Women’s Movement, and the Roaring Twenties.
Death and Coffee
Death and Coffee is about Prudence, a newly turned reaper in 1661. She makes her way through the decades and centuries working for Death until she falls in love with hospital doctor Daxone in New York City, 2024. Love is against the rules, and Death banished the couple only to bring Prudence back to help save the world. With the fate of humanity in her hands, Prudence must harness her innate power as a witch to banish a demon and save her love. Kirkus reviews calls it a "zany, clever, thrilling supernatural tale."
The Second Mouse Gets the Cheese
The Second Mouse Gets the Cheese challenges the belief that success belongs only to those who act first. Drawing on personal experience, practical frameworks, and timeless wisdom, Chad C. Betz introduces the “Second Mouse Philosophy”, a disciplined, reflective approach to achieving meaningful success without falling into the traps of haste, comparison, or externally defined goals.
The book guides readers through clarifying their personal definition of success, taking intentional action, managing distractions, and overcoming internal and external obstacles that lead to mediocrity. Emphasizing relationships, mentors, and service to others, Betz shows how long-term fulfillment comes from thoughtful execution rather than reckless speed.
Each chapter combines real-world examples with reflection exercises, takeaways, and action steps, making the book both practical and introspective. Ultimately, The Second Mouse Gets the Cheese is a roadmap for professionals who want sustainable success on their own terms, proving it’s never too late to learn, adapt, and win wisely.
Sarah Branson
A Pirates Pact
Two brothers, a hidden secret, and an adventure of a lifetime.
On the pirate island of Bosch, almost eleven-year-old twins Kik and Mac are facing a storm of changes. With a father from Edo and a Bosch mother, the brothers navigate the challenges of identity, friendship, and family in their own unique ways.
Mac, daring and mischievous, finds himself in a whirlwind of trouble as he strives to impress new friends. Meanwhile, Kik, quiet and observant, grapples with his heritage and a heartfelt secret he's not ready to share.
When a ball thrown in anger fractures a family heirloom, a hidden piece of a pirate treasure map emerges, setting them on a quest that will shake up their relationship and reshape their understanding of family.
A Pirates' Pact is a tale of friendship, self-discovery, and the enduring strength of family ties. Will Kik's and Mac's pact withstand the challenges ahead? Embark on this middle grade adventure where bonds are forged, secrets are unveiled, and treasures go beyond gold and jewels.
MARC YOUNGQUIST
THE 143RD IN IRAQ
The 143rd in Iraq is a military memoir about a Connecticut Army National Guard Military Police Company that deployed to Baghdad in 2003/2004. A story of service, sacrifice, bravery, and military insanity the only the Army could come up with. From training up at Fort Drum New York in 38 degrees below zero winter to issuing 45 Mark 19 grenade launchers with no ammunition. In spite of it all, the mission was accomplished.
ERICA SUMMERS
VANITY KILLS
Haunted by his tragic past, Jack LeBlanc, a heavily scarred introvert, finds himself volunteering for the clinical trial of a miraculous new tissue-regeneration drug nicknamed Obsidian. Jack and the other test subjects soon discover that the medication is not what was promised. They’re about to find out the hard way that the pills have nightmarish consequences and that Jack’s pained conscience isn’t the only thing with teeth.
With every pill taken, one thing becomes more clear: the path to perfection will be paved with gore. From the author behind Bad God's Tower, Writhe, and Mantis comes a truly unsettling, Cronenberg-style body horror novel that will make your skin crawl and have you questioning every pill you take.
HAIL AND FAREWELL
Written in the first person and with a strong annotated historical and political background, "Hale and Farewell: A Vietnam Era Memoir" is a deeply personal and emotional journey of a patriotic soldier who served through the social maelstrom and political upheaval that accompanied the Vietnam Era. His ideals, ambitions, perseverance, traumatic heartbreaks, and abandonment carry the reader back in time in his deeply personal reflection of American history.
MORAL DEMISE
Jack, Benny and Charlotte are best friends with a mission to find excitement in their sleepy town of Greensville. The adventure-seeking trio stumble upon something that piques their interest. Grabbing surveillance gear, they begin their own investigation, unaware that they are being watched. But this time, they end up going too far.
BEYOND THE LIGHT OF THE WILLOW TREE
In Beyond the Light of the Willow Tree, Daniel E. Chambrello crafts a guidebook for the human condition via a profound story of enduring love. Compelling perspectives of time, purpose, and mysticism reveal unique and life-changing truths for every reader.
Fear Not the Unexpected
The Begonia House keeps its secrets. Everyone knows that. Everyone, that is, except for clever eleven-year-old Fairday Morrow, whose family has just moved In. Being the Senior Investigator in the Detective Mystery Squad, more commonly
known as the DMS, she’s ready to uncover the mysteries hidden within the strange manor. As the investigation gears up and the pieces of the puzzle begin to fall into place, the DMS enters into a world where anything is possible, and the danger is most definitely real. Follow along with Fairday and her friends, as spooky meets lovely in this twisting tale of dark secrets and hidden pasts.
Never Alone
Caleb Rand's book, Never Alone, was inspired by his own experience with bullying. That firsthand encounter showed him how much damage bullying can do. Wanting to bring attention to the issue and offer hope, he wrote Never Alone as a 6th grade student. The main character, Jeff, deals with the emotional and psychological effects of constant bullying. The story shows Jeff's hopelessness and isolation, capturing the inner struggles of someone who feels completely alone and unable to cope. But then, something changes: Jeff starts to see the power of kindness. These small acts of compassion make a difference, helping to counter the negativity he's faced. Through these interactions, Jeff learns that even in tough times, he's not alone. The book highlights the importance of support from his community. Never Alone reminds us that empathy and kindness can overcome challenges and help those who feel vulnerable find a sense of belonging.
Toothbrushing with Maggie & Mommy
How do you get your kids to brush their teeth AND do it correctly? Well, you start by reading them a cute book that is loaded with toothbrushing tips & tricks. One that is written by a pediatric dental hygienist so you know it’s good!
Discover the secret to sparkly smiles in Toothbrushing with Maggie & Mommy, book 1 in the Sparkly Smiles Series.
Embark on an educational adventure with Maggie as she and her classmates learn an important lesson. Toothbrushing with Maggie & Mommy is a delightful children's book that makes toothbrushing fun. This educational tale follows Maggie, her Mommy and their friend Dino, as they teach the children at Miss Patty’s Preschool about the importance of toothbrushing and how to do it properly.
Litany of Sorrows
MKarl von Richter, a handsome young man with a dark past and a sinister future, is injured while skiing in the Italian Alps. He falls in love with Katrina Amorino, his dark-haired, blue-eyed nurse. Unaware Germany is preparing for war, Katrina naïvely moves to his home; but before she arrives, Karl joins the SS and begins implementing Hitler's deadly Final Solution, exterminating the Jews and other "deplorables." At the end of the war, SS Officer Karl heads home to find his parents dead, and Katrina and their young son missing. As he searches for Katrina, Karl's conscience reawakens, revealing dark truths. Meanwhile, Katrina, hiding in fear, agonizes over her impetuous decisions that have become a litany of sorrows that haunts her for decades to come.
THE BILLIONAIRES ASSISTANT
The Billionaire's Assistant synopsis: Hindered by a broken arm, Eric Salko’s life is upended when the VP of his firm hires him a temporary new assistant. But the moment his stunning new employee steps foot in his palatial Greenwich, Connecticut estate, all bets are off. The Billionaire's Assistant sizzles with smoldering heat, opulence, and contains a heartwarming HEA.
F.R. RIVERS
THE GATHERING II ANOTHER ROUND OF EVIL
The Gathering by F.R. Rivers is a first time novel written by this author. He followed this up with the sequel and he’s currently working on the third and final novel for this trilogy. The series takes place in a Connecticut tavern. The readers will enjoy the characters in this book as they are amusing in their own ways, eccentric and most of all, deadly. The author uses fiction and a dash of the paranormal to help the reader get inside these killer's minds and to understand their motivations.
AMANDA FEE
FROGS HAVE FEELINGS TOO
It is okay to have feelings, because everyone does!
Follow Fred the frog on his journey with his feelings. Watch him navigate his good days, his bad days, and all the ones in between. Imagine yourself in Fred's shoes, do you think you could manage your feelings too?
SALLY LARKIN GREEN
THE CUTEST BABY DRAGON
It all begins with a quiet bedroom and a surprise visitor. A playful baby dragon turns an ordinary day into something unforgettable. From sneaking doughnuts to leaving a trail of toys, this mischievous little dragon causes quite the stir. But when night falls, the real magic happens.
ARCHER ATWOOD
MOONLIGHT MEADOW
What will happen when the Fae that rule the seasons find each other? Balance or chaos?
Diana was ready to break up with her boring boyfriend until they received an invitation to a party at a country estate. Why not wait till after? Her decision would prove to be life-changing when the mysterious and sexy host snares her gaze and conjures up new feelings, or were they very old feelings that went to sleep when her life did? Unable to resist, she allows him to introduce her to his odd and at times scary world that she only believed existed in fairytales and myths. Even though every fiber of her being tells her to run in the opposite direction, her deep desire to learn why she is having such a strong attraction to him wins out. Who is he really?
TIMOTHY CRAIG
THE SECOND
Kyle Casselman’s life is split into before and after. A car crash leaves him waking up in a hospital bed with fractured memories, a critically injured father, and a mountain of questions about the night that changed everything. Struggling with his recovery, Kyle wrestles with the absence of his mother, who left years ago without explanation, and a newfound fear of losing the one parent who’s always been his anchor.
Music, once a joyful bond between Kyle and his dad, becomes both a refuge and a painful echo of the past. Thankfully, Kyle doesn’t have to face the silence alone. His irreverent best friend Cash, loyal and level-headed Ryley, and the enigmatic Tessa—whose understanding runs deeper than Kyle expects—offer him the support he desperately needs as he confronts the wounds of his family and his own uncertain future.
As Kyle navigates grief, guilt, and the challenges of teenage life, he must confront the shadows of his broken family and find the strength to redefine what family truly means.
ELISSA BASS
HAPPY HOUR
KK Rhinehart is a 55-year-old woman whose physical and mental health has been wrecked by menopause. When she discovers an unfamiliar iPhone in her husband’s car, what’s on it instantly ends her 25-year marriage. Alone in her family’s Cape Cod summer beach house in the off-season, KK is ready to give up.
Her two siblings and her two closest friends refuse to let her waste away on the couch, providing hilarious and over-the-top support. And the intense interest of Jay, a much younger bartender and surfer - is the impetus she needs to find her joy again. But before that happens, KK has to navigate some viral Tik Toks, a national debate on reverse age-gap dating, heartbreaking loss, and a whole lot of kitchen dancing.
DR BRIDGET COOPER
THE BOOK HOW TO NAVIGATE CLOCKSUCKERS
The clocksuckers are everywhere.
Social media rabbit holes, indecisiveness, and procrastination rob us of precious time, peace, and joy. The world is full of people who are sleepwalking through life.
Is that you? Will you hit “snooze” on the alarm that’s ringing, inviting you to live a purposeful and happy existence? Is it time to take back control of your life?
If you’re ready to feel empowered to book your time with what matters and tackle the habits and irritations that have long derailed you, then dive into The Book. Through evidence-based approaches to seeing time differently, you’ll: become and stay more present, embody intentional actions, make swifter decisions, and discover proven strategies to use time more efficiently. It offers a stockpile of easy-to-use tools, tactics, and frameworks people the world over implement to change their relationship to time, and therefore, life.
CORBIN KIME
THE WARD OF EXILES
Osirys was never never meant for motherhood. Pregnant, abused, and overwhelmed by circumstance, she takes drastic measures and finds herself far from everything - and everyone - she ever knew. She is a Harbinger, brought to a fantastic, magical world split in two by the impassable, world-shaping Virdi River. On one shore, a politically rich society struggles with corruption and cruelty. On the other, the ruins of an ancient empire linger, the evil that destroyed it long ago held at bay by the magic of the wild Virdi. As history seeks to repeat itself, it is a fight against fate for Osirys. Chosen by Pandemonium, Archfiend of Chaos, for her flaws - and preserved by the Mystic demigods, the Muses, for her potential, she embarks on a journey through a dangerous and unforgiving land to save or condemn all of reality. Along the way, she hopes to find the strength and willpower she needs to face and overcome the challenges of the familiar world she came from.
BOB CRELIN
FACES OF THE MOON
Tagged “a completely unique book” by the National Science Teachers of America, Faces of the Moon lets readers experience the changing phases of the Moon through clever cutouts and engaging lyrical poetic verse - inspiring curiosity and connection to Earth’s celestial neighbor.
CHRISTOPHER D. ABBOTT
THE TIGER’S CLAW
Not all the myths of monsters lurking in the dark are just stories. When Doctor Watson first took rooms with Sherlock Holmes at 221b Baker Street, he found himself embroiled in a world of crime and intrigue he could barely comprehend.
One year on, Watson’s now confident about assisting the detective, no matter how macabre the case might be. So when a young coalman from the Yorkshire Moors appears at their door, begging for help to locate his beloved sister who disappeared two days before under mysterious circumstances, Holmes and Watson can barely contain their excitement. But that enthusiasm soon turns to horror when Holmes uncovers the enigma of the tiger's claws—and places them both in the sights of a murderous madman.
R A DESILETS
BLOOD UNTED
Carter Ortese is Trouble
Everyone knows Carter Ortese is Trouble, which is why it makes no sense when band geek Emma Williams asks him out on a date. It was supposed to be a dare; he was supposed to say no. But he says yes, and Emma’s not backing down now. Carter’s been hiding in the shadows, running from a reputation he has no control over. Emma’s been fighting to keep up with her family’s perceived perfection. Both realize that maybe it’s better to have one person who sees them—flaws and all. Emma learns that no one knows the real Carter Ortese. Dual POV, young adult, heart-wrenching coming of age romance.
SALLY E. BAHNER
THE ART OF RAISING A KITTEN
Starting with the expectant mom, “The Art of Raising a Kitten” takes you through the week-by-week milestones of kitten development. There’s an emphasis on socialization as the foundation for the purrfect relationship with your kitten.
With a focus on the kinder and gentler aspect of integrative care, the book explores choices based on the lifestyle of the kitten. For instance, the number and frequency of vaccinations depends on that lifestyle – inside vs. outside and likelihood of exposure – rather than rote determination.
The importance of quality nutrition is also discussed, along with health challenges that may be encountered.
JERRY AUGUSTINE
VIETNAM BEYOND
"Vietnam Beyond" is not only a photographic accounting of a soldier's time while serving in a front-line unit in the infantry; it is a study of human nature. When rank has its' privileges, not only in the military, but in civilian life as well, you will learn how a person with "power' will use this power to his advantage over someone at his most vulnerable time in their life. You will read how officers and sergeants use their rank to their benefit. You will also learn how attorneys and even a senator used the legal system to their advantage when having control over someone when he is most vulnerable.
MAAYAN HAREL-SIBELMAN
FOREVER DARKNESS
This chilling collection of horror short stories and poems explores the darkest corners of the human mind. From psychological terror and dystopian despair to supernatural forces and cosmic dread, each piece delves into a unique realm of fear. Twisted realities and unsettling encounters blur the lines between sanity and madness, the real and the imagined. Whether confronting the horrors of the unknown or the terrors within, this anthology delivers a spine-tingling journey that will haunt you long after the last page is turned.
KELLY JARVIS
SELKIE MOON
We are all surrounded by darkness. And we are all drawn to the light.
The Orkney Islands north of Scotland are steeped in stories of selkies, seal folk who swim in cold ocean waters and shed their skins to sing and dance on land. One young girl named Isla uses legends of selkie brides to understand her parents’ troubled marriage and navigate her strained relationship with her mother. As Isla comes of age, she confronts the sacred points of transformation found between sea and land, nature and civilization, and past and present, uncovering the key to her identity. Selkie Moon is a novella for all those who believe stories can illuminate the deepest and darkest waters of the human soul.
J. KILLELEA
HIS GRACE'S GOVERNESS
A governess with a secret. A duke with a broken heart. Can love heal their wounds?
Miss Eleanor Clairbridge, at five and twenty, has resigned herself to a life without love. With her family's London townhouse threatened by dwindling finances, she accepts employment as a governess to help support her widowed mother and preserve her cherished childhood home. When Eleanor arrives at Ivy Grange Estate, the last thing she expects to find is a spark of attraction between her and her new employer. Determined not to risk her position, she resolves to keeps her distance. There is more than one reason a romance between them can never be.
JAMES DINAPOLI
THE BELL TOLLS
The Bell Tolls follows FDNY firefighter Tom Sullivan after a devastating line-of-duty injury shatters the life he built in the firehouse and at home. Forced into rehabilitation and an uncertain future, Tom battles physical pain, survivor’s guilt, depression, and the fear of losing his place in the brotherhood that defined him. While his wife Patty and their young sons struggle alongside him, Tom must confront the emotional toll of trauma and the difficult reality that some injuries don’t heal with time alone. Ultimately, Tom learns that recovery isn’t about reclaiming who he once was, but discovering who he was meant to
become. Through resilience, family, and an unexpected new path within the fire service, he finds renewed purpose beyond the flames.
RICHARD J. FRISWELL
MERCHANTS OF DECEIT
Merchants of Deceit is a work of historical fiction, tracing the life and times of 19th century Middletown, Connecticut resident Samuel Russell, who made his fortune in the period 1820-40, smuggling opium into China during the peak period of 19th c. China Trade, when tea, silks and porcelain were in high demand in the West. A combination of historical research of life in Canton, China, during that period—both for Western businessmen and Chinese living under the centuries’-old rule of dynastic emperors—brings these competing forces together to reveal a little-known chapter in American history, an elusive game of cat and mouse that would, in turn, alter the course of world history.
RALENE GOFF
WHAT IS FERGUS
Fergus loves reading about faraway places and writing thrilling stories in his cozy den. But when his best friend Fran invites him to help plan the Highland Fling Festival and Bake Sale, Fergus can’t help but worry...
What if he falls while dancing? What if he messes up the pies? What if no one likes his stories?
While Fran dives into every new activity with enthusiasm, Fergus hangs back—until he stumbles upon a surprising opportunity that just might be the perfect fit. Could this be his moment to shine?
With warmth, gentle humor, and a lovable hero you’ll root for from page one, What if, Fergus is a tender tale about facing fears, sharing your gifts, and finding courage in unexpected places.
For anyone who’s ever asked “what if…”—and needed a little push to find out what happens next.
MARK PERLMAN
THE RELUCTANT SOLDIER
Weaving fact and fiction, the author creates a novel of war, romance, murder, intrigue, and the challenges of racism that spans a century and gives us an unforgettable protagonist. Virgil Lincoln Carpenter (1891-1973), an African American, grows up in the segregated South in a loving but struggling family.
Fate smiles on Virgil when, as a young man, he saves the life of a White banker's daughter. The banker finances Virgil's college education, he moves to New York City, and becomes a professor. When many of his male students leave to join the army as America enters World War One, Virgil feels pressure to enlist and reluctantly joins the famous "Harlem Hellfighters" Regiment. The story follows Virgil and the Hellfighters through the challenges of war in France.
KEN COULSON
THE ARSONIST
Are there any chances left for a man who helped stoke the flames of a global financial meltdown and then reaped the rewards? When Cal Minor strikes bottom—losing his home, career, wonderful wife, and children—redemption appears at the elite Atlas Corp led by the corporate bull, Hank Henleman, who is hell-bent on monetizing the looming global climate catastrophe. An ambitious young prosecutor and the FBI have other ideas and Cal soon finds himself ensnared between them and Henleman’s protectors including the sadistic head of a shadowy paramilitary force, Arik Bane, and his drug-addled #2, John Ryker. Riding the razors edge, The Arsonist brings readers to the brink of calamity in an intriguing, contemporary, and revelatory debut corporate thriller.
BARBARA McCLANE
BLESSED NOT BITTER
A memoir of Barbara McClane's journey who was named by the hospital staff at birth due to her mother's addiction and abandonment. The story reveals a person working through the trauma of mental, physical, and substance abuse and institutional misfortunes. Thus riddled her spirit for decades. Through lessons, upheaval, triumphs, self-discovery, losses, and various support systems, including the foster care system; she was able to view her life as being blessed, not bitter.
JORDAN LOPEZ
LOOKED DOWN UPON
In "Looked Down Upon: The Exiled Kin," we follow the journey of Lucas Ramirez, a teenager who is struggling to find his place in a world that seems to misunderstand him. Born with autism and dealing with poverty, prejudice, and trauma, Lucas feels like an outsider in his own community. His only solace comes from his mother, grandmother, and two friends, Bonnie and Drew.
But everything changes when Lucas discovers the truth about his father's supposed death. Furious and determined to bring his deadbeat father to justice, Lucas embarks on a dangerous mission that takes him on a journey of self-discovery and redemption. Along the way, he grapples with issues of faith, love, and the complexities of family dynamics.
JEN PAYNE
FIRST CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT
Reflecting on the sudden loss of a close friend, author Jen Payne returns, as she does in her past books LOOK UP! and Evidence of Flossing, to the solace of nature. On the opening pages, she allows the poet Rilke to remind the reader “Through the empty branches the sky remains. It is what you have. Be earth now, and evensong. Be the ground lying under that sky.” Written from the shoreline of Connecticut and the wide and windswept beaches of Cape Cod, this book is an intimate look at life transitions and how we cope with the unexpected. Included in LitNuts as “The Best of the Indies / Poetry Special Edition.”
ALLIA ZOBEL NOLAN
THE OFFICAL "BETTER THAN DOGS" CAT BOOK
Cat-lover and humorist Allia Zobel Nolan has the inside scoop—the purr-fect answer—to the question, "Which are better, cats or dogs?"
After scampering around the world and pattering through neighborhood sandlots, Allia has captured those expressive felines in crazy photos and paired each one with a hilarious one-liner. Cat lovers near and far unite to applaud the proof of the truth...
Cats are the best, of course!
GREG DILLON
THE THIN BLUE LIE
A former FBI agent, now assigned to a federal fugitive task force, discovers FBI misconduct and reports his concerns to his boss, the head of all law enforcement for the state of Connecticut. When Dillon is subsequently removed from the task force, he is reassigned, demoted, harassed at home and work, then threatened with termination. Dillon finally files a federal civil action against his employer, leading to a contentious trial that ultimately involves testimony from renowned forensic scientist Dr. Henry Lee and the most famous police whistleblower of all time, former New York city detective Frank Serpico. Even after a major courtroom victory and landmark decision, Dillon realizes retaliation has only just begun.
KIERSTEN SCHIFFER
LOVE FRACTALLY
While working at a camp for kids with disabilities Annie meets Theo, a shaggy-haired nursing student who claims to have seen the afterlife and has returned with one mission: to find her.
According to Theo’s Angel Guide, their futures are inextricably linked, and Annie is about to be pulled into a mystery far greater than herself.
When Theo and Annie are invited on a treasure hunt orchestrated by celestial hands, Annie is forced to confront the impossible—whether she dares to trust in the extraordinary or continue to live in the safe, logical world she knows.
DANA BUCKMIR
EVERYTHING WILL BE OKAY
Grieving from the death of her father, Dana decides to take a break from online dating. After a chance encounter with a medium predicts that she’ll find love again, a message from an intriguing stranger piques her interest.
Erik Becker is the charming, witty and charismatic stranger who messages her, challenging her to step out of her comfort zone and give love another chance. Dana thinks she’s met her soulmate but soon realizes that the man of her dreams is not who he seems. What initially begins as a whirlwind romance quickly transforms into something that could lead to dire consequences.
MARY JANE RUFFO
SEA GLASS BEACH
Miranda Roberts abruptly becomes a widow following a tragic accident. Her world is shattered, and she has lost all hope. She closes her heart, choosing to live in the past. While waiting for her new home to be built, Miranda enters into an unwritten contract with Josh Turner, the kind, handsome owner of The Beach Rose Inn on Sisters Island. In exchange for room and board, Miranda agrees to help with redecorating and the daily operations of the inn. Josh suppresses his romantic feelings for Miranda, patiently waiting for her to return his affection. Miranda’s resolve to remain devoted only to her deceased husband wanes as her heart begins to soften toward Josh and his delightful daughter, Ellie. When her new home is completed, Miranda must make a choice. Will she return to the mainland and remain a prisoner of the past, or will she hold onto hope, follow God’s plan, and risk a second chance at love?
KRYS RAYNE
FALLING FOR THE ASSIST
Easton Henley, star center for the Shadow Wolves, has built a career on goals, grit, and barely contained rage—until one explosive incident and a reckless drive cause a devastating accident that shatters his reputation. Suspended from the NHL and sentenced to community service at a small-town animal clinic, he’s forced to work under Dr. Palisade Honors, the woman he spent one unforgettable night with seven years ago.
Palisade has built a careful life around her daughter, Casey, and the clinic she runs, keeping one secret buried: Easton is Casey’s father. As Easton bonds with the hockey-obsessed little girl and shows real commitment to changing his life, the lie between them grows harder to sustain. When a near tragedy turns him into Casey’s hero, Palisade must decide whether to finally tell the truth and risk losing everything or trust that this new version of Easton can handle the family he never knew he had.
JANE LEMOND
DR ALICE HAMILTON
Try to imagine a time in the early 1900s, when safety wasn’t part of the workplace culture. Workers were often seriously injured on the job or even poisoned by the chemicals they used. Dr. Hamilton not only saw sweeping changes in the world of occupational medicine, but instituted many of these changes herself. She was the first female professor at Harvard University, even before women were allowed an education at this institution. As a political and social activist, she did not shirk from difficult and even dangerous conditions. Alice fought alongside the labor unions; she lobbied to pass laws to protect the common people, and she was acclaimed for her medical acumen. She did most of her work in the factories, production mills, and sweatshops of the late 1800s to early-to-mid-1900s. More than any other woman of her time, Alice Hamilton pursued an active and purposeful life.
REGINA KYLE
How Not To Mess With A Millionaire:
Interior decorator Zoe Ryan’s life resembles a bad country song. Her boyfriend dumped her, her car died, and she was recently handed a pink slip. What’s a girl to do? Leave everything behind for a bit....in Positano, Italy. When she gets there, she finds a surprising extra—millionaire restaurateur Dante Sabbatini in the kitchen. In his underwear. Making coffee. Dante’s plan was to escape to his family’s beach house for some quiet and privacy. What he didn’t know was that his meddling, matchmaking nonna rented the entire house to a sexy stranger at the exact same time as his stay. With both refusing to leave, Zoe and Dante agree to be temporary roomies, but secretly aim to try to drive the other out. But suddenly their game of one-upmanship takes a very sexy detour, and they can’t believe what happens next.
RECALIBRATING
“Sometimes I feel like I’m stuck in a bad B-movie, waiting for a new director.”
A memoir in verse, "Recalibrating Gravity" offers a poetic reflection on embracing life’s messiness with humor, grit, and grace—written by Mary Keating, a poet, lawyer, and lifelong disability advocate who became paraplegic at fifteen.
Keating brings readers into life before, during, and after a spinal cord injury. With raw honesty and unexpected wit, she captures what it’s like to find yourself trapped in a world not built for wheelchair users.
This isn’t a polished tale of overcoming—it’s a visceral, funny, and fiercely personal memoir that invites readers to feel each moment: the absurdity, the heartbreak, the faith—and the family that helps her hold it all together.
Her poems don’t tell you about ableism, healthcare failures, or loss—they show you.
"Recalibrating Gravity" is more than a disability memoir. It’s about resilience, identity, and rewriting your own script when the world refuses to hand you a new one.
KEN ENGELMAN
THE LOCAL NONPROFIT MARKETING & FUNDRAISING GUIDE
The Local Nonprofit Marketing & Fundraising Guide: How Small and Community Nonprofits Attract Donors, Recruit Volunteers, and Build Trust is a practical playbook for grassroots and community nonprofits that struggle with limited budgets, small staffs, and low visibility. Drawing from real-world nonprofit experience, the book explains how organizations can use simple, strategic marketing, storytelling, partnerships, and community engagement to grow support. It shows leaders how to attract donors, recruit and retain volunteers, build credibility, and create meaningful relationships with their communities. Rather than relying on expensive campaigns, the guide focuses on creative, low-cost strategies that any nonprofit can implement - from local media outreach and sponsorships to events and volunteer-driven promotion. The core message is that successful nonprofits don’t just ask for donations - they communicate their impact, build trust, and invite the community to become part of their mission.
PAIGE LAWRENCE
GLUTEN FREE GHOULS
Meet the Gobbling Ghouls — six silly, snack-obsessed green monsters who love diving into dumpsters and tipping over trash cans in search of their favorite junk-food treats! But when their unhealthy eating habits start causing some not-so-fun side effects, the Gobbling Ghouls must face the truth: it’s time for a change.
Can Gloppy, Bogey, Teaky, Oafie, Pops, and Bonkers learn to swap junk-food feasts served on garbage can lids for healthy meals around the dinner table? This playful and funny story helps young readers dive into the importance of healthy, balanced eating in a way that's both entertaining and memorable.
AK NEVERMORE
BREAKER
On an alternate earth, Talents are persecuted for their superhuman mutations, and the Source is hunting them…
Haunted by his past, Flynn Scot doesn’t want to play white knight. Luckily, escaped Talent Kara Jester’s no distressed damsel.
But to get her north, he’s forced to choose; protect the woman he’s afraid to love, or let out the animal he swore he’d never be again. Either may destroy him, if Kara’s secrets don’t kill them first.
HAL JOHNSON
IMPOSSIBLE HISTORIES
Impossible Histories by Hal Johnson (Macmillan Publishers): Across 1400 years and six continents (sorry, Australia), Impossible Histories examines pivotal moments in history from both sides—what actually happened and what would have happened had one little thing gone differently.
WILLIAM LISKA AND KIM PERLOTTO
THE EIGHTH CONECTICUT VOLUNTEER INFANTRY IN THE CIVIAL WAR
The Eighth Connecticut Infantry was one of the longest-serving Union volunteer regiments in the Civil War and saw action throughout the Eastern Theater, from Burnside’s expedition in North Carolina to the battles at Antietam, Fredericksburg, Cold Harbor and Petersburg, and campaigns throughout Virginia. Drawing on soldiers’ letters and diaries, this first-ever regimental history of the Eighth chronicles four years of combat service, with maps newly created from historical accounts.
KRISTEN FERENCZ
WADE IS AFRAID TO SWIM
Sea Otter Tales: Wade is Afraid to Swim, written by Kristen Ferencz, is a story about friendship and overcoming fears. Kristen is a local author from Seymour, CT who also works as a chemist and a swim instructor. The main inspiration of the story came from two of her youngest students who happened to be friends and were both afraid to swim. Several techniques that were used to help them overcome their fears are highlighted in the book. Both Kristen’s teaching style and reactions from her students as they progressed are seen throughout the book.
R. C. GOODWIN
MAKING GOD LAUGH
MAKING GOD LAUGH gives an insider’s view of psychiatric work in private practice, correctional settings, substance abuse treatment, homeless shelters, and student mental health at a large University. It includes background material – growing up in Central Illinois; Yale; Dublin (medical school); coming back to Connecticut (internship and residency). Among its tangents are stints as a Freedom Rider and a Skid Row social worker, careening through the sexual revolution, marriage, divorce, remarriage, and navigating the blended family shoals. It deals with psychiatric training, day-to-day psychiatric practice, and how it affects a psychiatrist’s personal and family life.
LISA HUGHES
MAKING GOD LAUGH
Who Am I? is a foundational book that takes you on a journey of self -discovery. Along the way, you begin to remember that this life is very much an inside job, one that is brave and introspective. It explores how easy it is to place your worth alongside things and achievements but coming home to yourself is proven to always be the remedy.