New Book Release: Reunion in the Desert - by Leslie Rager

 

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Quinn Goode, returns to her family’s ranch in Wickenburg, Arizona, seeking refuge after a broken heart derails the life she thought she wanted. Back on the ranch, Quinn hopes the familiar rhythms of hard work, wide skies, and her grandmother’s steady presence will help her mend. What she doesn’t expect is to come face-to-face with the boy who once held her heart—and now threatens to claim it again in ways she never imagined.

Colton Carson was once a world champion rodeo rider, a man whose life revolved around grit, glory, and the roar of the crowd. One reckless decision, however, cost him everything—his career, his confidence, his family, and his sense of self. Left physically and emotionally scarred, and working to overcome an addiction, Colton retreats from the spotlight and lands at the Goode ranch, carrying his regrets as heavily as his injuries.

As Quinn and Colton reconnect, their shared history ignites a powerful attraction neither can ignore. But desire alone isn’t enough. Both must confront their pasts—Quinn’s lingering heartbreak and insecurities, and Colton’s shame and self doubt—if they hope to build something lasting. Set amid dusty corrals, open pastures, and quiet desert nights, the novel captures the intimacy of small-town life and the fast-burning intensity of love earned, not given.

About the author:

Leslie Rager draws on her restaurant industry background and sharp sense of humor to create engaging cozy mysteries. Her Jayne Stanford series, Menu for Murder, Cocktails at Sunset, and No Reservations, has earned five-star reviews from Readers’ Favorites, Amazon, and Goodreads. The series follows an imperfect restaurant server who stumbles into murder investigations. Reunion in the Desert marks Leslie’s first romance novel. Set in historic Wickenburg, Arizona, it tells the story of two childhood friends reunited on a struggling family ranch. Leslie is active in her community, volunteering with nonprofits like EBeauty Community and teaching free writing courses.

New Book Release: King Cotton III: Jack & the Ripper - by Richard A. Noble

 

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King Cotton III: Jack & the Ripper is the third entry in the series of historical fiction novels involving the exploits of Jack Bailey, the irresistible scoundrel that charmed his way through the Civil War, helped himself to a share of the Confederate Treasury, distilled bourbon with John Beam (Jim's uncle), helped establish the Old Chisolm Trail, and witnessed some of the earliest gunfights and train robberies in the Old West. A friend to Abraham Lincoln, Ulysses S. Grant, Allan Pinkerton, George Armstrong Custer, Calamity Jane, Buffalo Bill Cody, and other famous figures of the era, Bailey is back and as is so often the case, he becomes embroiled in some of the most notable events of the late 1800's.

Jack & the Ripper begins as Bailey reunites with Wild Bill Hickok, now a marshal in Kansas. He later finds himself an unwilling participant in Cuba's Ten Years War for independence, involved in the circus business, consulting on the Treaty of Washington, hosting Queen Victoria and the future King Edward VII at Buffalo Bill's Wild West show, and patrolling the squalid streets of Whitechapel in 1888, hot on the trail of Jack the Ripper. Predictably, our hero never lacks for female companionship along the way, or for the occasional (and inadvertent) confrontation with deadly characters like Frank and Jesse James and John Wesley Hardin.

As it was in the first two books, people, timelines, and events in Jack & the Ripper are depicted accurately, and corroborated with footnotes, photographs, and newspaper accounts. Bailey's role is fictional. Those first two books in the trilogy have been awarded 5 stars by Reader Views and Readers' Favorite(R) and more than 90% of the reviews on Amazon are also 5 star.

About the author:

Richard A. Noble enjoyed a long career in publishing before retiring in 2022. He became interested in the Civil War while living in Kentucky. His oldest daughter was born there, and her first restaurant meal was at The Old Talbott Tavern in Bardstown. Bardstown plays important roles in King Cotton II: Kentucky Gold. Rick's wife was born in Kansas, where a lot of the action in King Cotton II: Kentucky Gold and King Cotton III: Jack & the Ripper takes place, in part in tribute to her. The King Cotton series overall is a tribute to the history of America and the American West.

Authors should qualify for all the Oscars categories - by Vijaya Schartz

 

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As I watched the announcements of the 2026 Oscar nominees recently, I realized how many categories are now rewarded. Each year they add new categories. The latest one this year recognizes casting directors.

When writing a novel, the author has to be an expert in all the categories. Whether we write fiction or true events, we are responsible, not only for the overall story, the script (dialogue), but also for creating (casting) our characters (defining who they are, what makes them tick, and what they look like). We have to decide what they wear (especially for period pieces), the setting (movie set design), the special effects (I have many in my sci-fi books), action scenes, the actors’ direction, the secondary characters, the subplots, the narrative…

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Authors are not required to write music, of course, but we do create an atmosphere by describing the sounds, the smells, the touch, and the feelings, as well as the thoughts surrounding the novel.

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Maybe authors should also get awards for Historical Accuracy. Nowadays most period films are accurate, as movie makers and authors conduct intensive research before filming or writing. But I remember a time when Hollywood was taking big liberties with history, and was later criticized for it. I still cringe when I watch old films of ancient Egypt.

Research is a must, something green authors do not always understand. The wrong detail can spoil the entire novel and ruin the author’s credibility for the reader. Personally, I love doing research. Many unexpected plot ideas often come from researching settings and local lore, legends, and little-known history.

I’ve often been told that reading my books was like watching a movie. Thank you. I take it as a compliment. Please, go ahead and suggest my books to Hollywood!

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Actually, there is a good reason for that. As I write, I see the movie unfolding in my head on a big screen. I love movies. It’s not unusual for me to memorize the lines of my favorite films as I watch them over and over. It’s also why my books are fast reads. Like in movies, I believe in telling a story as succinctly as possible. Why write a paragraph when one word says it all?

I hope you enjoy my books. And if you do, please leave a review on the book page. Thank you in advance.

Happy Reading!

Vijaya Schartz, award-winning author

Kick-butt Heroines, Brave Heroes, cats, romance

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New Book Release: Styled by Scripture: A Faith-Fueled Guide to Building a Bankable Presence - by DeAnna Dupree

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You don’t need another confidence quote — you need a divine reminder of who you are.

In Styled by Scripture, Visibility, and Success Coach The Fabulous DeAnna DuPree takes you beyond surface-level style and into a Spirit-led journey of identity, influence, and impact. This is where faith meets finesse — and where your reflection becomes revelation.

Through powerful storytelling, biblical truth, and actionable strategy, you’ll learn how to:

Stop hiding behind shame, comparison, and saboteurs.

Show up with purpose, polish, and presence — in life, business, and leadership.

Build a bankable presence that attracts opportunity and honors God.

Activate your influence with confidence, charisma, and conviction.

Every chapter closes with “Styled by Scripture” devotionals and “Now Walk It Out” activations — so you’re not just inspired, you’re ignited.

Styled by Scripture isn’t just a read — it’s a revelation. A blueprint for women of faith who are ready to be seen, shine boldly, and walk in divine alignment with their assignment.

If you’re ready to stop shrinking and start shining — your moment is here.

About the author:

DeAnna DuPree, affectionately known as The Fabulous DeAnna DuPree, is an Author, Business Coach, Image Consultant, and Marketing Director for NAWBO Phoenix. With a career rooted in branding, presence, and influence, she helps women entrepreneurs elevate their visibility, messaging, and leadership. As Founder of Impeccable Style LLC, DeAnna blends image strategy with business acumen, teaching that how you show up impacts trust and income. She is the author of Styled by Scripture and creator of Confidently Unleashed and YOU Are the Brand™, empowering women to lead with clarity, confidence, and values aligned purpose.