This year, the LocalLit newsletter expanded to include reviews of books by authors with a connection to the Shaw Media coverage area.

Here is a list of the books I read and reviewed, along with descriptions and how to order them.

All descriptions are the author's Amazon descriptions unless otherwise noted.

Submission information is included at the end of this list.

Happy reading!

"Boomhood: A Baby Boomer's Free-Range Childhood" by Robert Hafey

"'Boomhood - A Baby Boomers Free-Range Childhood" overviews generational memories created by common childhood experiences and historical events. It is a flash-back, whimsical and fun account of one baby-boomer's childhood.

"Reading "Boomhood" will cause individuals to reflect upon their own childhood to better understand how time, place and their interactions with others shaped them into the person they are today."

[ "Carry On" by Dr. Daniele de Girolami ]

This Joliet cardiologist writes in his book's Amazon description: "This is a collection of fifty-two poems that were written over a two-year period. What is extraordinary about the poems is that “they” came to me. I’m convinced that these poems were given to me by the Holy Spirit.

"Why do I think this?

"Oddly enough, I’m not a poet. I practice cardiology. Moreover, when these poems popped into my head, I wrote them down feverishly, as if a scribe, to get all the words down to paper.

"Overwhelmingly, most of the poems were written within about five minutes! I give all glory and credit to God for using me as a vessel to glorify Him. These poems are not just for Christians. They are for everyone who would open their hearts to read of the God that I love. Please enjoy."

[ Cry of the Poor by Kathleen A. Ellinger ]

"'Cry of the Poor' is my tenth book of poetry and a collection of poems from previous works that focus primarily on social justice issues. In addition to creating my own cover image, there are poverty drawings throughout this book which capture the urgency of the needs of the poor.

"The poetry moves the heart to be compassionate and to assist those less fortunate than ourselves: the starving, the refugee, the homeless and the poor in general throughout our world and in our own country of the United States."

[ "Daraga's Quest (Volume 1)" by Colleen H. Robbins ]

"When Timbrel's impending exile from the elves--her crime is her half-human blood--becomes a rescue mission, she sets off with an accused wizard, an ancient historian, and a warrior for help. Toss in a plot against the elven throne, running afoul of slavers, and a price on their heads, and mix well.

"At the same time, the dragons send Nayev to find any surviving offspring from a long-ago affair. While searching--or rather, while procrastinating--he meets the group, and is fascinated by this half-elven woman who continually surprises him.

"Elves and dragons are forbidden to mix. But she is only a half-elf, and he is much more than a dragon. When outside invaders attack, threatening the known world, does it still count?"

[ "Did I Ever Thank You, Sister?" by Sal Di Leo ]

"Sal Di Leo returns after 30 years to the Catholic orphanage outside Chicago that he and his siblings called home in 1963.

"This is the beginning of a journey of discovery and remembrance as Sal is forced to reconstruct his life as it really happened, including some of his most difficult years at Boys Town in Nebraska.

"As an adult, Sal tried to rise above his turbulent past in an aggressive quest for power and money. Successes soon led to failures.

"Eventually, a wise friend convinces Sal to go back to his roots and look for the good experiences and valuable lessons he learned as a nine-year-old orphan."

[ "Elspeth" by Sue Mydliak ]

"It is 1700, Loth, Scotland. Elspeth, who is now twelve, learns that she is a witch and from that day she learns about her craft, but at some point she learns about her fate, as did her Mother.

"They knew that a day would come, in the distant future, that she would eventually be on her own at a very young age. The omens told her as did her familiar, Bram. Now, she must face the world alone. A world where monsters exist, but in the minds of human beings whose lot in life is nothing but attention getting selfishness."

[ "Emmet's Storm (Floyd County Chronicles)" by Ann Rubino ]

"Emmet Roche is an odd ball, a whippersnapper, a genius. His failed science experiments caused such ruckus he's being shipped out to the country school. Nobody there likes or understands him.

"When the blizzard of 1888 hits, snowing sideways, will anyone listen to his ideas about the flame color in the stove? And the headaches and dizziness? Will they take his advice before it's too late?'

[ 'Fang Face: ... as if being a teenager doesn't suck enough" by Norm Cowie ]

'Erin has been bitten by a vampire, twice. As she starts slipping into the dark side, horrible things start happening, like pizza doesn't taste good anymore. Worse, she gets outed as a vampire during a dodge ball game at school.

"Her friends and family learn one more bite will turn her Undead forever, so they arm themselves with stakes and garlic to protect her from the vampires that want to turn her into a coffin sleeper forever.'

[ "Fifteen Years" by Allison Rios ]

'How many lies can be undone?

'The remainder of Rae Pinemore’s heart broke the day she said goodbye to her baby.

'To be fair, her heart hadn’t been whole since she left home after graduation in search of greener pastures.

"With her high school sweetheart, James Preston, comfortable in his new life with a new wife, Rae builds a future far from her small hometown of Jessup in hopes the distance will help her forget all the lies she’d told; lies that could destroy every friendship she has.

"But then she returns home for her fifteen-year reunion. Is it too late to apologize?'

"If Not Now, When?" by Joliet artist Tita Recometa-Brady

"Each letter of the alphabet inspired new drawings, new designs." The result is "the most encouraging words in the English-American language from A to Z, Brady wrote.

The result is an extremely visually interesting, heavily referenced spiral-bound little book that roots the reader on the page as he ponders the art, the quote, and then back to the art, which is all circular in its outer shape.

For copies and more information, email Brady at titarbrady@comcast.net

[ "Guarding City, State and National Gates Through Prayer: A Leadership And Intercessory Prayer Guide" by Ora J. Holloway ]

"In this wake-up call to take charge – the church, the ecclesia, the called-out ones – are ordered from the courts of Heaven, to take the limits off and move in the supernatural as God desires to change the spiritual climate and heal our cities, regions, and nations through prayer, intercession, decrees, declarations, consecration, and fasting as we travel the world on our knees."

[ "Life's Wisdom: Overcoming Addiction" by Ralph Carey ]

Carey writes in the book's Amazon description: "This is how I survived a lifestyle of criminal and drug abuse. I went to prison and changed my life. How I reconnected with my family. Accepted the Lord into my life. overcame cancer, hep-c, three prison terms, divorce, and a drug habit that was so out of control it seems impossible to still be alive much less in great health.

"I have been on top and down to the pits of hell. been homeless, lost everything I owned at least five times. I changed my way of thinking, my choices , my thought process, my values. and this book tells how I did it."

[ "Locks of Love: A Book of Encouragement" by Holly Coop ]

"'Locks of Love' is a compilation of poetry to ease your troubled soul, unlock the grip that cancer has on your spirit and leave you with the hope and knowledge that your future has and forever will be locked into the great mercy, love, and promise of Your Higher Power.

[ "Journey Through the Old Testament: 52-Week Bible Devotional" by Dale Hansen ]

'What if you can know God better with one key verse to focus on, one set of verses to review and one doable application?"

"Make the Season Right" by Lee Fahrner of Hickory Hills.

Before I share my thoughts, here is the story's abridged synopsis.

"Christmas was only a few weeks away but held no meaning for Slick Eddie Roberts," a sophomore at Centerville High. Once an honor roll student, Ed is now in danger of failing first semester and has already quit the basketball team.

"With his father gone and his mother working two jobs, Ed spends his evenings learning a variety of scams from a quick-tempered con artist. Ed and his habitually nervous friend, learn how to take advantage of unsuspecting Christmas shoppers while the con artist claims most of the profits. No matter how well the scams work, Ed never feels satisfied.

"During a parent conference with the school’s assistant principal, Edward’s mother finally reaches the breaking point when she learns that her son, has vandalized the school website and is in danger of failing the entire semester.

"Desperate to make up for the past, Ed attempts to improve his grades with the help of another student, a volunteer tutor. When the tutor asks Ed to accompany him to Outcast Flats, a rundown area on the outskirts of Centerville, Ed reluctantly agrees.

"Their visit to “the Flats” marks the beginning of a quest that eventually ends with both boys accomplishing more than they could ever have imagined and finding the true meaning of Christmas along the way."

Fahrner printed limited copies of the novel. To obtain a copy, email him at n9ckz@comcast.net.

[ My Dad's Rose: One son's struggle with his father's tragic death" by Jeffrey F. Joutras Joutras ]

"In October of 1975, Jeff Joutras was pulled out of his freshman religion class at Providence Catholic High School to hear the devastating news: his father had tragically died in an workplace explosion and fire at Union Oil's refinery, leaving his wife and seven children behind.

"Jeff's moving account tells how the grief of the loss followed him for decades, through his career and through his own journey as a father of five, the loss ultimately manifesting in a depression that he hid for years.

" After dwelling on the loss, Jeff overcame his fear and pride and finally reached out for help. In the process, he found a new perspective on life, death, and living on this side of eternity.

"'My Dad's Rose ' will resonate with anyone who has struggled with the loss of a loved one. Through his personal recounting, practical advice on dealing with dark thoughts, and confronting the mysteries and metaphors of faith, Jeff shows how our greatest hardships can make us stronger.

[ "Near Myths" anthology (various authors) ]

The anthology "Near Myths" is the eighth anthology overall from the Journey. It explores unique stories that have been closely inspired by myths, legends, faerie tales, songs and other archetypical stories that resonate in the human consciousness.

"Exploring a diverse and wide array of themes, the stories and poems in this anthology delve deep into human emotions.

"Authors include: Becki Blumer, C. M. Brennan, Samantha Brown, Brian Cable, Ava Douglas, Awnna Marie Evans, Elaine Fisher, Anna Gabrielli, Caroline Harbour, Todd Hogan, Yolanda Huslig, Diana Jean, S. Ellen J., Arah Ko, Debra Kollar, Sara Marschand, Tanasha Martin, Daniel McCullough, Keshia L. Nowden, Mary O'Brien-Glatz, Ed Pongklub, Dani Saiz, Molly Scranton, Lydia H. Stucki, Annerose Walz, S. Michael White, and Tim Yao."

[ 'One Week at a Time: Grounded and Growing Through His Word" by Dale Hansen ]

"Know God better on a busy schedule. What if we could work on the same reading for a week--same verse or verses, same application--and transform our lives to follow God through his Word one week at a time?

"We can set a foundation of a manageable list of verses to pray through and memorize, learn the overview of the verses or chapter, and find a doable application for our lives to apply the rest of the week.

"Whether by yourself, with a friend, or in a small group, you can become more knowledgeable on how God uses the writers and people of the Bible to challenge us forward in our walk with God today."

[ 'Rosewood" by Sue Mydliak ]

Daemons, witches and vampires...they exist only in horror stories, but are we sure? Rosewood is the Trilogy of a family, rich in history and lore. It's about upholding family traditions and dishonoring them when they go too far.In Birthright, a family secret is kept from Candra.

Then when her parents die mysteriously, it is then that Candra begins to find out who she really is.The Rosewood coven is out for blood, Candra's and Kane is in their way. The Legacy tells a story about truths, and the horrors they hide.Kane tells his point of view of how he came to be, and him meeting his soul mate . . . Candra.

[ "Sarah's Christmas Wish" by Terri Ellinger ]

A heartwarming Christmas story about a seven year old girl living in an orphanage with her two best friends. Her dream is to find a home with parents for herself and her friends. The orphanage is not one of warmth or compassion but it doesn't stop Sarah's dreaming and good nature.

[ "Southern Shorts (Series) (Volume 1)" by Sue Mydliak ]

"If you like humorous southern stories, this book is what you're looking for. Charlese and her friends live in Dry Prong, Louisiana and not a day goes by that something just drives Charlese absolutely crazy, especially if it involves her neighbor Willodean Ferris.

"Folks, you do not want to miss a single story about this small, but quaint town. Why even how they came up with the town's name is funny. Sit down, take a load off your feet and get ready to laugh."

[ "Stay: Four Pillars for Living Life and Finishing Well" by Jim McGuire ]

"In nineteen years as a hospice chaplain, Jim McGuire has had the distinct privilege of providing pastoral care to more than four thousand individuals and their families.

"Throughout his service, Jim has learned that like each birth, each death is unique and bears telling. There is a lesson to be learned with each passing, if we are willing to learn, and Jim has identified four main lessons, or pillars: Stay Focused, Stay Calm, Stay Humble, and Stay True to Yourself.

"Over the course of four chapters dedicated to these pillars, Jim walks readers through the experiences of those finishing their earthly journeys and provides lessons the reader can apply to all facets and stages of life.'

[ "The Acorn Wars" by Tom Hernandez ]

"Miles Ayala is a young man growing into the role of a new dad when his adoptive father dies suddenly. His mother's demand that Miles, as the oldest child do the eulogy for the man that raised Miles and his brother as his own pushes him into a dark emotional corner.

"Miles struggles with painful secrets that leave him questioning his relationship with the only father he's ever known and his own identity as a father, son and man.

"This powerful story of self-examination and growth explores the limits, challenges and ultimately, the unbreakable bonds of family.'

[ "The Adventure of a Lifetime" by Ravina Thakkar ]

"Nine-year-old Betty Hilmar thinks her life couldn't possibly be more boring. That's why she's always reading her favorite book, Amber the Brave.

"Amber gets to battle supervillians, slay dragons, and have incredible adventures that Betty only dreams of. But everything changes when Betty receives a mysterious new book.

"Suddenly, Betty finds herself in the middle of one of Amber's top secret missions. Together, she and Amber must stop the evil Doctor Sly from taking over the world, and as they race from one danger to the next, Betty learns that being a sidekick is no piece of cake."

[ "The Book of Cain" by James Pressler ]

The best of people yield to society’s evils, and everyone can be redeemed. From the inner city comes Mark Cain, a man of simple beliefs who also thinks he is Cain, Son of Adam, Brother of Abel, forced to walk the Earth beyond the judgment of Man until he is forgiven. He is cursed to know neither friends nor enemies, love or hate, or any judgment from society.

"Then he meets someone who is different. Inexplicably, she can judge him, sympathize with him – even show concern.

"Mark’s solitary life now has someone reaching to him. Is she divine? Has she been sent to relieve him of his curse? Or has he failed to redeem himself? All he knows is that he must follow her, obey her, and find out how she can lead him to redemption.

"This work of literary fiction with modest religious overtones is set in the inner city, but tells a tale that is, at its core, about the human view of judgment and salvation."

“The Edge of Middle – thoughts from the top of the hill” by Tom Hernandez

"'Middle Age"' is not about age, per se. Rather, it's a scenic turnout along the Road of Life from which to see where you've been, celebrate (or cry!) and commiserate, adjust course as needed, and keep pushing forward with the hard-won clarity that comes through success, failure, faith and survival.

"The trip from youth middle age is filled with challenges, achievements, confusion, focus, elation and disappointment, heartache and joy.

"These 25 poems, short stories and essays reflect and expound on that ongoing journey through the eyes and experiences of one husband, father doing his best to find his way along a new path.

[ "The Heart's Bone" by Jennifer Russ ]

"In 2009, three Tibetan children stumbled upon a self-immolation protest while playing a game in the Jokhang Square. It would alter their lives in ways that they could never imagine.

"Fourteen-year-old Anil, his best friend Yeshe, and Yeshe’s younger sister, Opame, have hardly been apart since their births within Lhasa’s rigid and carefully-control borders. They spend their days running through the Barkhor Market, playing games, and fantasizing about life beyond China’s ever-tightening grip.

"Then a boisterous game of tag leads them to a young monk who has set himself on fire in a self-immolation protest. The monk’s sacrifice leaves a lasting impression on the three children and, for the first time in their lives, they find themselves diverging amongst growing tensions and escalating resistance in their own land of the snows.

"'The Heart’s Bone' is a coming of age story set in a dangerous time and place. It explores the immortal power of friendship and discovers just how far young people will go to protect their freedom, their heritage, and each other.'

[ "Tinkey's Goldfish" by Serena Diosa ]

It's description on AbeBooks.com says," Why is it that no one in Tinkey's village wants to believe Tinkey can talk to the animals? Maybe they think he has a wild imagination! Would you believe someone could talk to animals?

"We will find out how Tinkey overcomes his little problem!

[ "Toby and Miko" by Terri Ellinger ]

"'Toby and Miko' is about a six year old boy who is often teased by his friends, and is looking for courage. He befriends a unicorn named, Miko.

Together they walk through the woods in his back yard.

[ 'We Were 'posed to Get Married: Emmy's Story, Part 1 (Volume 1)" by Kenneth Lee McGee ]

"The "Emmy's Story" series begins when Emmy is four years old and then quickly progresses to focus on her teen years and beyond.

'In this first book, "We Were “Posed To Get Married: Emmy's Story Part 1," Emmy, growing up in the Midwestern city of South Hampshire, gains valuable life experience as she struggles with romance, peer pressure, and ponders her faith in God.

'Does Emmy marry her childhood friend? Does her lifelong friendship with the church-going boy next door develop into romance? How does she reconcile her relationship with the neighborhood "bad boy?

'Emmy's petite stature, youthful appearance, tomboyish love of sports and deep interest in music set her apart from the other girls as she enters high school. She yearns to fit in, but rejects the popular crowd's expectations and becomes frustrated by other students who assign her the same unwholesome morals as her older sister.

'How will she cope with this misconception? And will she learn to cope with her dysfunctional family?"

[ "Whitewallsville" by Jennifer Russ ]

"Roger Holland is a middle-aged man with above average visual abilities and an affliction for staring contests. Prior to his death, he had thrived as a successfully published author and a loving husband and father.

"However, when he comes to find that his, once doting, wife has found another man and his second, not so successful, novel is less than promising, Roger begins to fall apart.

"After a tragic accident, Roger is sent into a tailspin that drives him to end his life and wake up to a new one that begins inside of the mental health wing at Lincoln Memorial Hospital.

"Here, Roger meets Chester- a schizophrenic with a hatred for cats, and Oscar- a wise ex-stock broker who has failed in life and yet excels at board games.

"With the help of his fellow patients and the assistance of the great Dr. Calvin Bennett, Roger will face his demons and come to see the truth of why he chose to die and why he now must choose to live."

(This book is currently out of print).

KNOW MORE

Each week LocalLit will deliver an original short and family-friendly story, or a book review, by a local author to the newsletter's subscribers. Authors with a connection to our readership area may submit. Submission does not guarantee acceptance. Stories should be edited and between 1,000 words and 7,500 words.

Featured authors will be spotlighted in publications before the newsletter runs so readers have time to sign up. Contact Denise M. Baran-Unland at 815-280-4122 or dunland@shawmedia.com.

To sign up for the LocalLit newsletter, visit theherald-news.com/newsletter/locallit/#//.