CONTESTS
POTY BOOK REVIEWS
WHEN DARKSOME FALLS
FULL BOOK TITLE: When Darksome Falls
AUTHOR NAME: M. C. Ryder
PUBLISHER NAME: M.E.C. Publishing
LINK: https://www.amazon.com/When-Darksome-Falls-M-Ryder/dp/B0DQBMM5YC/
In the latest installment of The Dark series, When Darksome Falls, M.C. Ryder delivers an evocative blend of self-discovery, romance, and supernatural suspense. The protagonist, once a powerful vampire, now grapples with the human frailties she never fully understood before. As she attempts to find herself in a world stripped of her former strength, the narrative delves deep into themes of loss, identity, and the painful reality of starting anew after a life-altering transformation.
Ryder excels in creating a world rich in atmosphere, blending the mundane with the fantastical. The protagonist's internal struggles are poignant and raw, amplified by her reflections on her past life as a vampire. The narrative's strength lies in its ability to weave together personal growth with a sense of suspense. The tension builds steadily, drawing the reader into the protagonist's journey of reinvention, especially as she crosses paths with the enigmatic Danielson Cain. Their electric, but ultimately fraught, romance is one of the book's strongest components, offering a mix of passion and uncertainty that keeps the stakes high.
However, while the novel’s suspense is generally well-crafted, some readers may find the pacing uneven. The protagonist's internal monologue, while well-written, can occasionally feel repetitive, detracting from the otherwise engaging plot. At times, the emotional depth of the character is so consuming that it risks overshadowing the more action-driven aspects of the story, making the narrative feel sluggish when it should be gaining momentum.
The exploration of toxic relationships and women finding strength is a highlight, yet some of the secondary characters, such as Camille and Beckett, while integral to the plot, feel somewhat underdeveloped. Their relationships with the protagonist are not as fully fleshed out as they could be, and their motivations sometimes feel secondary to the main character's emotional arc.
Despite these criticisms, When Darksome Falls is a compelling entry in The Darkseries, offering readers a thrilling ride through a world where supernatural elements intertwine with human emotions. It’s a story about loss, redemption, and the search for identity, with just enough romance, mystery, and action to keep readers invested. Ryder's writing is strong, and while the pacing may leave some wanting more action and less introspection, the emotional core of the story is undeniably gripping.
Ultimately, When Darksome Falls will appeal to fans of paranormal fiction who appreciate a slow-burn narrative with a focus on character evolution.
About the Author:
Award-winning author M. C. Ryder has been composing stories, poems, and lyrics from the beginning of time when reading became a hobby. The sky is the limit but enjoys exploring off the beaten path both figuratively and literally. Resides in the Keystone State with a clowder of felines who rule the house. Enjoys long trail walks during the cozy tinge of Autumn, appreciates music with deep lyrical meaning, and relishes in reading a variety of genres.
MY JOURNEY AS AN AUTHOR
FULL BOOK TITLE: My Journey as an Author
AUTHOR NAME: M. C. Ryder
PUBLISHER NAME: M.E.C. Publishing
LINK: https://www.amazon.com/My-Journey-as-Author-Memoir/dp/B0DNW1BC2T/
In a literary landscape often crowded by formulas and facades, this deeply personal and refreshingly honest collection offers a bold, behind-the-scenes look into the life of an independent author carving their own path through the literary world. Part memoir, part how-to, and part rallying cry, this work is a resonant exploration of creativity, perseverance, and identity.
From the raw reflections in the introduction—where the author declares, “I’m no one of importance”—to the chaptered narrative that spans everything from The Writing Process to Burnout and The Clowder, the book reads like a conversation with a brutally honest friend who’s walked through storms and still found the will to dance in the rain. The prose is candid and unpolished in a way that feels intentional: it reflects the author's commitment to sincerity over perfection and individuality over conformity.
The structure of the book mirrors the organic chaos of a writer’s mind, moving from the technical aspects of writing and publishing to more personal reflections like Self-Doubt, Sales, Bullying, and Weight Loss. This breadth creates an intimate scrapbook of the author's journey—not just as a writer, but as a human navigating success, rejection, and the constant battle of self-worth.
What truly stands out is the voice: unfiltered and unapologetically real. Whether the author is venting frustration about recycled publishing trends or declaring allegiance to paperback over hardback, readers will find a kindred spirit in these pages—someone unafraid to say what many think but rarely voice.
Highlights include chapters like All I See Are Dark Clouds, which suggest a deepening emotional complexity, and A Dance Between Light and Darkness, which hints at the poetic duality at the heart of this collection. The inclusion of features from other works, such as The Ride of Your Life and Heart & Soul Lyrics, adds an exciting bonus for fans and an entry point for new readers to explore more of the author’s fictional creations.
This book will appeal most to emerging writers, independent creatives, and anyone who's ever felt dismissed or underestimated in their pursuit of a dream. It's not a step-by-step guide to publishing success, nor does it pretend to be. Instead, it’s something far more valuable: a literary compass forged in self-belief and resilience.
A heartfelt and empowering manifesto for writers who dare to be different. With its fearless honesty and refusal to conform, this is a compelling testament to why telling your story—your way—still matters.
About the Author:
Award-winning author M. C. Ryder has been composing stories, poems, and lyrics from the beginning of time when reading became a hobby. The sky is the limit but enjoys exploring off the beaten path both figuratively and literally. Resides in the Keystone State with a clowder of felines who rule the house. Enjoys long trail walks during the cozy tinge of Autumn, appreciates music with deep lyrical meaning, and relishes in reading a variety of genres.
GIRL GRIT
FULL BOOK TITLE: Girl Grit: Savage Not Average
AUTHOR NAME: Alexandra Elinsky PhD
PUBLISHER NAME: Austin Macauley Publishers
https://www.amazon.com/Girl-Grit-Savage-Not-Average/dp/B0DGPKMG3M/
Dr. Elinsky’s Girl Grit: Savage Not Average is a manifesto for women determined to reclaim their self-worth and shatter societal constraints. The first installment in the Human Empowerment trilogy, this book is a self-help battle cry, urging women to step out of the shadows and embrace their full potential. Dr. Elinsky blends rigorous research with raw personal reflection, forging an exploration of the gender-based conditioning that holds women back and the transformation required to break free.
Structured in two distinct parts, Girl Grit first unpacks the deeply ingrained struggles that women face from childhood, tackling themes of love, identity, and self-worth with a keen awareness of the societal norms that perpetuate them. Chapters such as Starved for Love and Don’t Expect to Be His Princess Forever fearlessly expose the myths women are raised to believe, calling out toxic patterns that diminish confidence and autonomy.
The second half of the book pivots to empowerment, offering actionable strategies for readers to cultivate grit, resilience, and self-mastery. Dr. Elinsky’s concept of the Fire Woman—a self-assured, fearless woman who refuses to be silenced—serves as a guiding force, inspiring readers to embrace their inner strength. From setting boundaries to challenging abusive narratives, chapters like The Snake, The Lioness, and The Sharkand Real Monsters Don’t Live Under Your Bed deliver transformative insights, making this book a practical roadmap for self-reclamation.
Dr. Elinsky’s writing is both lyrical and authoritative. She speaks directly to her readers, often employing bold, magnetic language. Her tone is unapologetic, her message urgent, and her call to action undeniable.
For those ready to challenge the status quo and step into their own, Girl Grit is the spark that will ignite transformation. As Dr. Elinsky warns, this book is not for the faint of heart—it is for those ready to rise.
About the Author:
Dr. Alexandra Elinsky: #1 Best Selling Author, Celebrity Keynote Speaker, Entrepreneur, Leadership Coach, Mother, and 10X Business Award Winner with 15+ years’ experience coaching and training professionals globally. With clients in 20+ countries around the world, Dr. Elinsky has helped individuals achieve personal and professional excellence.
THE THIRD ACT
FULL BOOK TITLE: The Third Act
AUTHOR NAME: Kathleen Brehony
PUBLISHER NAME: Kathleen Brehony
https://www.amazon.com/THIRD-ACT-Kathleen-Brehony/dp/B0DHQSWDTK/
Grief and renewal intertwine in this introspective tale of two women navigating life’s uncertainties.
Shannon O’Connell and Elizabeth Matthews are both searching for meaning in The Third Act, Kathleen Brehony’s meditation on love, loss, and reinvention. Shannon, still raw from heartbreak, the slow decline of her mother, and the loss of her best friend, wades through relentless sorrow. Elizabeth, meanwhile, has faced career setbacks and failed relationships, yet clings to the hope of a fresh start. Their alternating perspectives offer an exploration of past wounds and the possibility of healing, though Shannon’s grief-heavy chapters sometimes overshadow Elizabeth’s quieter resilience.
Brehony’s prose is thoughtful and deeply introspective, inviting readers into a rich, reflective narrative. The novel embraces long internal monologues that, while poignant, encourage a contemplative reading experience. Its dual-perspective structure beautifully reinforces themes of past and future, endings and beginnings.
Despite moments of deliberate pacing, The Third Act delivers an emotional core that lingers. Brehony reminds us that no matter how much life has unfolded, there’s always room for another chapter. For readers who appreciate reflective stories of loss and self-discovery, this novel offers a heartfelt and resonant take on second chances.
About the Author:
Kathleen Brehony Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist whose passion for her work has led her to examine love and loss and the resounding power of friendships to support us even in life’s most difficult moments. She is the author of Awakening at Midlife (Riverhead), Ordinary Grace (Riverhead), After the Darkest Hour (Holt), Living a Connected Life: Building Relationships that Last a Lifetime (Holt), and co-author with Karen Jones of Up the Bestseller List (Adams), with co-author Robert Gass of Chanting: Discovering Spirit in Sound (Broadway) and with Esther Rothblum Boston Marriages: Romantic but Asexual Relationships Among Contemporary Lesbians (University of Massachusetts Press).
Kathleen was Host and Associate Producer for a weekly television show All About Women (WDBJ Roanoke, VA) and produced and hosted a short-form radio program, Heartwaves, that ran throughout North America for years. She has been a guest on hundreds of radio and television shows including the Today Show, was the subject of an hour-long presentation on PBS (CPTV, Connecticut Public Television), and is an excellent public speaker.
THE LIGHT OF FADED STARS
FULL BOOK TITLE: The Light of Faded Stars
AUTHOR NAME: Francis-Adrien Morneault
PUBLISHER NAME: Friesen Press
https://www.amazon.com/Light-Faded-Stars-Francis-Adrien-Morneault/dp/1038317991/
Back in the bitter cold of a New Brunswick November, in the narrow alleyways where shadows stretch long and the wind carries whispers of the dead, a girl named Evie MacMurrough was found lifeless, her body left to the elements, her final moments written in bruises and broken nails. The detectives arrive in their run-down, contusion-blue Cadillac, inhaling the last embers of their cigarettes before stepping into the crime scene, where death lingers in the air like smoke. The scene is brutal—frozen eyes locked in eternal terror, a body contorted by violence, the scent of decay mixing with the faintest trace of vanilla. A book lies facedown in the dirt beside her, its pages soaked in the same mud that clings to the soles of her killers. Mercy Among the Children. A cruel irony, or a clue waiting to be unraveled?
In The Light of Faded Stars, Francis-Adrien Morneault weaves a crime story steeped in melancholy, where the act of solving a murder is less about justice and more about chasing ghosts. The narrative is thick with atmosphere—cold winds whipping off the Atlantic, cigarette smoke curling through the air, the dead staring back at the living with unspoken accusations. The protagonist, a weary homicide detective with more ghosts than victories, doesn’t just investigate the murder of Evie MacMurrough; he mourns her, as he has mourned all the nameless victims who came before. To him, corpses are a single, endless thread of humanity's cruelty, their stillness an affront to the motion of life.
Morneault’s prose is lyrical, poetic even, elevating what could have been a standard detective novel into something more haunting, more introspective. The writing lingers on the details—frostbitten streets, the desperate clutch of a dying girl, the unrelenting cycle of violence that turns young women into statistics. But it’s not all beauty in darkness. The novel stumbles in places, weighed down by its own philosophical musings. At times, the protagonist’s internal monologue feels indulgent, his reflections stretching long past the point of necessity. The digressions into societal detachment from death, while evocative, occasionally distract from the urgency of the case.
Yet, for all its detours, The Light of Faded Starsnever loses sight of its central question: Who killed Evie MacMurrough, and why? The investigation unfolds with methodical precision, the detective and his partner sifting through the wreckage of a life cut short, each clue leading deeper into the city’s underbelly. There are moments of genuine horror—a chipped tooth from a final, desperate struggle, the missing fingernail that might have found purchase on the killer’s skin, the quiet knowledge that someone, somewhere, is watching as they get closer.
The novel thrives in its atmosphere, its language, its relentless exploration of the spaces between life and death. The resolution, when it comes, isn’t just about unmasking a killer—it’s about confronting the inevitable decay of all things, the ephemeral nature of beauty, the fleeting glow of a fading star. Morneault doesn’t just tell a crime story; he tells a story about the weight of time, the way the past never quite lets go. Forget the usual detective tropes, surrender to the novel’s haunting, elegiac tone, and let yourself be pulled into the cold, gray streets of Saint John. It’s a crime story, yes, but one that lingers like the final drag of a cigarette, smoke curling into the void.
About the Author:
Francis-Adrien Morneault experienced adoption, born an anglophone but raised a francophone. He is an ex-military officer who became a passionate educator. Megan Montreuil Morneault is his beloved daughter. He holds a master’s degree in French literature from Quebec, is an avid reader of all literature traditions, and loves road trips and travel abroad. He lives in a lake house in the Saint John area, New Brunswick, with his wife, Anna. He is currently the Head of the Modern Languages Department at Rothesay Netherwood School, a renowned private secondary school.
NAKED ULTRA
FULL BOOK TITLE: Naked Ultra: A Texas-Sized Misadventure
AUTHOR NAME: Craig Ohlau
PUBLISHER NAME: Unpublished
Craig Ohlau’s Naked Ultra: A Texas-Sized Misadventure is part road trip, part endurance test, and all heart. This short yet engaging story follows two first-time authors who, in a fit of reckless ambition, decide to turn a routine business trip into an unforgettable adventure—signing up for one of the world’s toughest ultramarathons along the way.
From the opening chapter, Ohlau’s writing is fast-paced and full of wit, capturing the blend of excitement and anxiety that comes with both publishing a book and running an ultra-distance race. The narrative unfolds with vivid storytelling, complemented by beautifully rendered watercolor illustrations that bring the landscapes, characters, and chaos of the journey to life.
As the miles add up—both on the road and on the racecourse—the book becomes more than just an adventure tale. It’s a reflection on resilience, the unpredictable nature of personal ambition, and the bonds forged through shared struggle. Chapters like Breaking Point and The Final Descent take readers deep into the mental and physical toll of ultrarunning, while lighter moments, such as The Gospel According to Brisketand Two German Boys and a Texas Feast, add humor and warmth.
At just around 90 pages, Naked Ultra is a quick read, but it is one that is sure to linger long after the final chapter. Whether you're a runner, a writer, or simply an adventurer at heart, this book will leave you inspired!
About the Author:
Craig Ohlau is an award-winning author known for blending sports, adventure, and heartfelt storytelling. His works, including The Sons of Chester and Kings of the County League, have earned national recognition and a place in the National Baseball Hall of Fame Library. He has also penned Naked Iron, chronicling his journey in triathlon, and Grandma, Tell Me Your Story, a memoir honoring his grandmother. In addition to his nonfiction, Craig has published multiple children's books, including the award-winning The Active Book of Monsters and Don’t Wake the Dragon. His latest book, Naked Ultra: A Texas-Sized Misadventure, continues his tradition of capturing the spirit of endurance and adventure.
DON'T WAKE THE DRAGON
DON'T WAKE THE DRAGON
DON'T WAKE THE DRAGON
FULL BOOK TITLE: Don't Wake the Dragon
AUTHOR NAME: Craig Ohlau
PUBLISHER NAME: Craig Ohlau
https://www.amazon.com/Dont-Wake-Dragon-Craig-Ohlau/dp/B0F22LVWTF/
In Don’t Wake the Dragon, Craig Ohlau captures the magic of family in one of the most delightful and charming ways imaginable. This interactive children’s book brings to life a playful game between a father and his three children—a nightly adventure filled with suspense, laughter, and love.
Ohlau strikes the perfect balance between humor and tenderness, transforming a simple household routine into a beautifully illustrated journey of imagination. You can almost hear the stifled giggles and feel the tiny footsteps tiptoeing through the pages. The interactivity invites young readers to become part of the story, heightening the fun while reinforcing the warmth of familial bonds.
But beyond the dragon and the chase, the book delivers a deeper message: the real treasure isn’t in outwitting the monster—it’s in the connection, the joy, and the shared moments that make childhood magical and parenthood unforgettable.
Whether you’re a parent looking for a bedtime favorite or a child eager for adventure, Don’t Wake the Dragon is a must-have. Highly recommended for families who love stories that spark play and celebrate love.
About the Author:
Craig Ohlau is an award-winning author known for blending sports, adventure, and heartfelt storytelling. His works, including The Sons of Chester and Kings of the County League, have earned national recognition and a place in the National Baseball Hall of Fame Library. He has also penned Naked Iron, chronicling his journey in triathlon, and Grandma, Tell Me Your Story, a memoir honoring his grandmother. In addition to his nonfiction, Craig has published multiple children's books, including the award-winning The Active Book of Monsters and Don’t Wake the Dragon. His latest book, Naked Ultra: A Texas-Sized Misadventure, continues his tradition of capturing the spirit of endurance and adventure.
KARI GUNTER-SEYMOUR
AUTHOR BIO
Kari Gunter-Seymour is the Poet Laureate of Ohio. Her poetry collections include Dirt Songs (EastOver Press, 2024) Alone in the House of My Heart (Ohio University Swallow Press, 2022), winner of the 2024 Legacy Book Award, 2023 ABF Best Book Award and finalist for the National Indie Excellence Award; and A Place So Deep Inside America It Can’t Be Seen (Sheila Na Gig Editions, 2020), winner of the 2020 Ohio Poet of the Year Award. A ninth generation Appalachian, she is the editor of I Thought I Heard A Cardinal Sing: Ohio’s Appalachian Voices, funded through an Academy of American Poets Fellowship Grant and the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and winner of the 2023 ABF Poetry Anthology "Best Book Award". She is the executive director of the Women of Appalachia Project and editor of its anthology series, Women Speak. Gunter-Seymour holds writing workshops for incarcerated adults and women in recovery. She is a retired instructor in the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism at Ohio University; the founder, curator, and host of "Spoken & Heard," a seasonal performance series featuring poets, writers, and musicians from across the country. She was selected to serve as a 2022 Dodge Poetry Festival Poet and is an artist in residence for the Writing the Land Project and a Pillars of Prosperity Fellow for the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, Verse Daily, World Literature Today, and on Poem-a-Day.
DIRT SONGS
In her third full-length collection, Dirt Songs, Kari Gunter-Seymour's poems are full-throated, raw, deceptively simple, and rippling with candor, providing readers an insider's lens into the larger questions surrounding the many aspects of Appalachian culture, including identity, the impact of poverty,generational afflictions, and the brunt of mainstream America's skewed regard for the region. Readers will discover a musicality of language, a stoic sense of honor, a richly detailed tapestry of experiences, and an inspiring display of humility and courage. Throughout the book there is an overarching determination to endure, to be the last truth teller left standing, arm raised in solidarity with the land and its people. Dirt Songs does what journalists and mainstream media have failed to do: provide a uniquely intimate look at landscape and family generated from within Appalachia, recognizing that one story cannot accurately represent a region or its people.
INTERVIEW WITH THE AUTHOR OF THE YEAR
1. Your poetry often explores themes of place, identity, and resilience. How has your connection to Appalachian culture shaped your writing, and what do you hope readers take away from your portrayal of this region?
My connection to Appalachia is the wellhead of every word that I write. I come from a long line of self-sufficient, resourceful, hardworking folk. My father’s people arrived here in America nine generations ago and settled in Henrico County, VA and from there they made homes in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and then the Ohio Valley. My mama’s people also settled in Virginia, eight generations ago, in Harrison County, which became West Virginia and eventually they also moved into Appalachian Ohio. I could hardly get any finer Appalachian pedigree then these precious roots.
It is my hope that my work is adding to the conversation of setting things right, to re-educate the rest of the country, which has been sold negative preconceived ideas about who/what Appalachians are. I write about honor, endurance, courage, culture, love of family, history, lore, the land, and the way throughout multiple generations we continue to provide evidence of how even against the odds Appalachians continue to thrive and work hard to maintain our culture. We take great pride in our heritage—warts and all.
2. In today’s fast-paced digital world, poetry can often be overlooked. What do you think is the role of poetry in modern society, and how do you make your work resonate with contemporary audiences?
I think everyone in the arts has an obligation to record history as truthfully as possible based on their own experiences. We know that history books leave details out. Art holds history accountable. I write poems that I hope have the power to stir things up, create internal dialogue and therefore get external conversations started. I make use of every opportunity I am given to voice my truths. When I write I am not consciously thinking whether or not my work will resonate with contemporary audiences. I just want to speak as honestly as possible. I have been so blessed—right place, right time—so many people have reached out to me, guided me, lit my path. I want to do the same for others. My voice, spoken and/or on a page is one way I know how to do that. Call me a Pollyanna if you want, but I will never give up on trying to ruffle folks and instigate frank discussions around equality for all, starting with the basics: healthcare, education, nutrition. We can do this!
3. Can you share some insights into your creative process for this collection? Were there any specific challenges or breakthroughs that stood out to you during its creation?
I set aside writing time every Sunday morning, faithfully, and by that I mean, yes, it is my church time, but also the gift I give myself, this quiet time of meditation and concentration every week. I am one of those people who listens for the muse, so when she is being stubborn I use specific tactics to fire her up: list making, word maps, I walk outdoors or inside the house in search of unusual smells, sounds or textures that can trigger my creativity. I keep my ears open. Some of my best poems are based on something I overheard or was told, or when I hear someone like Maggie Rogers or Jason Isbell on Spotify.
These methods work really well for me. My goal is to write a poem a week. Let me be clear, some of these weekly poems are real clunkers, but I am often able to extract a line or two and begin a new poem. I am compelled to write and am acutely aware of how the writing heals me. That’s really the reward, the healing. The rest is cake and icing.
4. As a celebrated poet and advocate for Appalachian culture, how do you balance the deeply personal aspects of your work with broader social and political themes? Do you find that one informs the other, or do you approach them separately?
One definitely informs the other. I am often at odds with louder journalistic and political misunderstandings of the region, and I feel an obligation to address these afflictions, to push back. I hope my poetry does that. I take risks, take on tough topics like racism, addiction, war, rape, and domestic violence. Not everyone wants to read poems about these subjects, but I believe we all need to. I try to continue to grow, to represent myself and the region with dignity, exhibit grace like my grandmother taught me. I work at being a good listener and a good friend. I put all of this in my writing. But I want to say right up front that it is impossible for one person, or their work, to represent an entire region. I share what’s happening in mine. Those who want to get a truly accurate view of Appalachia need to read the work of many regional poets/writers.
5. What advice would you give to emerging poets who are looking to find their voice in today’s literary landscape? Are there any specific practices or experiences that have been particularly valuable in your own journey as a writer?
Attend live and online readings, a person can learn so much about voice and what is good poetry and bad poetry simply by listening, especially at open mic nights. Enroll in workshops. Write down topic thoughts in a journal. Read other poets, read and read some more. This is such a tough business, every poem straight from the gut, you need to learn to not take critique and/or submission rejections personally. Be kind. Be joyous every time someone you know gets published or lifted up in some way. I think what most of us really want even more than recognition is to find community. We all need to support each other and to be supported. Once you begin to practice it, communal joy can be lusciously infectious. No matter what, keep writing!
CONGRATULATIONS CATEGORY WINNERS!
Your contributions to literature have captivated readers and critics alike, earning you a well-deserved place among the best in the field. This year's competition was particularly fierce, with an extensive and diverse range of works showcasing talent, creativity, and dedication.
CATEGORY WINNERS--FICTION
ADVENTURE
TITLE: Tomboy And Tomgirl: Earth's Unconventional Superheroes
AUTHOR: Gavin Thomas
PUBLISHER: Gavin Thomas
ANIMALS/PETS
TITLE: Infinity Tales
AUTHOR: M. C. Ryder
PUBLISHER: M.E.C. Publishing
CHILDREN'S
TITLE: Digger the Colony Worker Ant
AUTHOR: Christian Kueng
PUBLISHER: Atlantic Publishing Group, Inc.
GENERAL
TITLE: The War Ends At Four
AUTHOR: Rosanna Staffa
PUBLISHER: Regal House Publishing
HISTORICAL
TITLE: Book of Dreams
AUTHOR: R. LeClair
PUBLISHER: WestBow Press
HORROR
TITLE: All the Monsters Are Here: Thirteen Spooky Tales
AUTHOR: Aaron Ray Ballard
PUBLISHER: Page Publishing
HUMOR
TITLE: Tomboy And Tomgirl: Earth's Unconventional Superheroes
AUTHOR: Gavin Thomas
PUBLISHER: Gavin Thomas
LEGACY
TITLE: Until September
AUTHOR: Harker Jones
PUBLISHER: Harker Jones
MUTLICULTURAL
TITLE: The MALA BEADS ~ A Novel of Hope and Discovery in a Time of Chaos
AUTHOR: Kathy Aspden
PUBLISHER : Kathy Aspden
NOVELLA
TITLE: Who Will Rescue Us? A Love Story
AUTHOR: Judy DuCharme
PUBLISHER: Ambassador International
POETRY
TITLE: DIRT SONGS
AUTHOR: Kari Gunter-Seymour
PUBLISHER: EastOver Press
RELIGION
FULL BOOK TITLE: Quest for the Scroll…
AUTHOR NAME: R. L. Rinne
PUBLISHER NAME: Winged publications
ROMANCE
TITLE: Tomboy And Tomgirl: Earth's Unconventional Superheroes
AUTHOR: Gavin Thomas
PUBLISHER: Gavin Thomas
SPIRITUALITY
TITLE: Quest for the Scroll…
AUTHOR: R. L. Rinne
PUBLISHER: Winged publications
SUSPENSE
SUSPENSE
TITLE: Your Brain’s Still Flashing
AUTHOR: Jim Lively
PUBLISHER: Treaty Oak Publishers
THRILLER
SUSPENSE
TITLE: Your Brain’s Still Flashing
AUTHOR: Jim Lively
PUBLISHER: Treaty Oak Publishers
WOMEN'S
TITLE: The Death of a Diet
AUTHOR: Debbie Rae Triplett
PUBLISHER: Palmetto Publishing
YOUNG ADULT
TITLE: The Darkened Enchantment
AUTHOR: M. C. Ryder
PUBLISHER: M.E.C. Publishing
CATEGORY WINNERS--NONFICTION
BIOGRAPHY
TITLE: I Drink Coffee and Make Shit Up
AUTHOR: Baer Charlton
PUBLISHER: Mordant Media
BUSINESS
TITLE: The Second-Best Business Book Ever Written: THE PURSUIT of THOUGHT LEADERSH IP IN SALES, MARKETING, and LIFE
AUTHOR: Tom Marks
PUBLISHER: Tom Marks
EDUCATIONAL
TITLE: An Educational Organizational Puzzle: Professional Learning Communities with Fidelity
AUTHOR: Dr. Natasha Cox-Magno
PUBLISHER: School Rubric Inc.
FAMILY
TITLE: Grandma, Tell Me Your Story: A Memoir
AUTHOR: Patsy Ohlau
PUBLISHER: Patsy Ohlau
GENERAL
TITLE: Naked Iron: An Improbable Quest in the Sport of Triathlon
AUTHOR: Craig Ohlau
PUBLISHER: Craig Ohlau
HEALTH
TITLE: UNCOVERING YOUR MIND: HOW THE BRAIN LEARNS AND ADAPTS
AUTHOR: HENRY OH
PUBLISHER: HENRY OH
HISTORY
TITLE: Black Woman: The Quintessential Embodiment of Hope (Rise Up and Walk)
AUTHOR: Michael James
PUBLISHER: HOPE (Helping Oppressed People Emerge)
INSPIRATIONAL
TITLE: GOING FOR IT!
AUTHOR: Paul Salfen
PUBLISHER: Clovercroft Publishing
MEMOIR
TITLE: Black, White, and Gray All Over; a Black Man’s Odyssey in Life and Law Enforcement
AUTHOR: Frederick Douglass Reynolds
PUBLISHER: Mindstir Media
MULTICULTURAL
TITLE: Ninety-Nine Fire Hoops
AUTHOR: Allison Hong Merrill
PUBLISHER: She Writes Pres
MUSIC
TITLE: Every Note Tells a Story
AUTHOR: Shie Rozow
PUBLISHER: Whispering Wind Media, Inc.
SELF-HELP
TITLE: You Aren’t Depression’s Victim
AUTHOR: Debra Atlas
PUBLISHER: BookBaby
RELIGION
TITLE: THE MAGNIFICENCE OF THE 3
AUTHOR: Timeout A. Taumua
PUBLISHER: Timeout A. Taumua
SOCIAL CHANGE
TITLE: Stolen Voices: Missing and Murdered in Big Horn County
AUTHOR: Bonnie Bley
PUBLISHER: NY Publishers
SPORTS
TITLE: Coming Home: MY AMAZIN’ LIFE WITH THE NEW YORK METS
AUTHOR: Cleon Jones, Gary Kaschak
PUBLISHER: Triumph Books
TRUE CRIME
TITLE: Saint Bloodbath
AUTHOR: Frederick Douglass Reynolds
PUBLISHER: DeltonRamsey, LLC
WOMEN'S
WOMEN'S
TITLE: Seeing Life Through One Lens
AUTHOR: Dr. C. Denise Shook
PUBLISHER: Dr. C. Denise Shook
2024 POTY BOOK AWARDS LONGLISTERS
