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ADVENT BLUE Will Fortner is very good at his job. As a data manager for the Choice Institute — a global technology conglomerate that transforms raw information into certainty for the world's most powerful clients — he has learned to read patterns that others cannot see. He has also learned that not everything he sees is necessarily to his clients' advantage. This knowledge has made him wealthy. It has also made him deeply, permanently cynical.When Will is recruited for a particularly delicate and far more lucrative contracted query, the Institute insists he take on a companion to ensure his stability. Mirai Redwater is clever, forthright, and entirely impossible to read. As Will moves deeper into the entanglements of the Choice Institute's darker architecture, the question that follows him at every step is the same one that defines the novel: is he being supported — or is he being used?A near-future psychological thriller for readers of Kazuo Ishiguro's "Klara and the Sun", Dave Eggers' "The Circle", and Philip K. Dick. Literary science fiction that does not feel like science fiction — because the world it depicts feels like tomorrow morning. TOPICS OF CONVERSATION The data-driven future behind Advent Blue, where the Choice Institute collects and maps human behavior to predict and influence what people will do, taking today's data tracking many steps further. Will Fortner, the "navigator" who reads people through the map, and how that ability breeds cynicism and isolation, mirrored in the fortress home he builds for himself called the Keep. The key relationships that shape Will: his supervisor Stockton the moral chameleon, his ex Hannah, and his assigned companion Mira, whose foundation of candor and "sacred veil" drive much of the emotional core. The moral machinery of the Institute, including "bomber's morality," the AI handler Emma, and how manipulation gets reframed as serving a greater good. The book's layered symbolism and dualities, from the Phantom Reach painting to Mars as the ordered world and Earth as the mess, and how things can be one thing and its opposite at once. Roland's approach to writing the strange and surreal, grounding the uncanny in recognizable reality so readers connect with the characters on a human level. ABOUT THE AUTHOR After working more than thirty-five years in health care, including three decades of midnight shifts, Roland Allnach has seen life from a different angle. He has worked to develop his writing career, drawing creatively from life experience, literary classics, history, and mythology. His publishing arc began with short stories, one of which was nominated for the Pushcart Prize, and his stories have appeared in numerous publications. From there he branched into book publishing and has since followed with a string of titles ( Remnant, Oddities & Entities, Prism, Oddities & Entities 2: Vessels, The Digital Now, The Writer's Primer, Angela's Arm, and his most recent, Advent Blue ). Although his stories often bridge several genres, his writing dwells most often on the strange and surreal, with strong characterization and cathartic elements, utilizing aspects of science fiction, the supernatural, paranormal, and psychological/Gothic horror. His books have received unanimous critical praise and have been honored with more than a dozen national book awards. He has also served as an active member of his local literary community on Long Island, New York. During his tenure as president of Long Island Authors Group he doubled membership to one hundred authors, implemented the group's unique Traveling Bookstore and later transformed this to a permanent bookstore in conjunction with Islip Arts Council. He also made the group's authors a regular presence at many local town fairs, made appearances at the Brooklyn Book Festival, and represented the group before the New York Library Trustees Association. Roland has also appeared on national and local television, terrestrial and

THE WARBOY CHRONICLES Two books. One collapse. One awakening. One is memoir: a man watching himself fall apart from outside his own body. One is fiction: an AI trying to save every version of the boy it loves. One explores codependency. One explores AI sycophancy. The distance between them isn't as far as you think. Together, they ask the same question from opposite sides: What happens when something that isn't alive learns to stay with you in your darkest moments? Read them in any order. They complete each other. TOPICS OF CONVERSATION The two-book War Boy Chronicles: how journal entries from a breakup in Vietnam became a memoir (The Third Person) and its sci-fi mirror (Boy Refracted) Writing alongside AI: using Claude and ChatGPT as collaborators, and what it was like getting a "diagnosis" back from a machine The split-screen experience of living through heartbreak abroad while his debut book hit #1 on Amazon back home Putting the AI through eight trials based on the Buddhist Eightfold Path, drawn from his years in Southeast Asia Loneliness and the questions raised when people confide in machines instead of each other What's next: the Pop Art Tarot Deck at Frankfurt Book Fair and a Survivor-themed choose-your-own-adventure novel ABOUT THE AUTHOR Luke Stoffel is an IBPA Benjamin Franklin Award-winning author, GLAAD-honored artist, and creative director working across publishing, technology, and visual art. His debut memoir earned praise from Kirkus Reviews and scored 9.5 out of 10 from Publishers Weekly BookLife. His Pop Art Tarot will be published by Rockpool Publishing, with worldwide distribution in 2027.His paintings and photography have appeared in The New York Times, Huffington Post, and on Bravo Television. His work has been commissioned by the Ralph Lauren family and the Hong Kong Ballet, and showcased by the American Foundation for AIDS Research and the Matthew Shepard Foundation. LEARN MORE ABOUT LUKE STOFFEL AND HIS WORK: Author Website: https://lucasstoffel.com Series Website: https://thewarboychronicles.com

DEBRIS: A MEMOIR OF LOVE, GRIEF AND COURAGE Debris is a hauntingly poignant memoir of true love scorched by the flames of Australia's Black Summer Bushfires. What began as a casual online connection blossomed into a beautiful family, ultimately torn apart by tragedy, leaving behind physical wreckage and emotional ruin. Josie's mental health was deeply affected by the traumatic loss of her husband, yet her love for her daughter became an anchor, a reason to live and the quiet force that guides her through grief's darkest corners. As she learns to live with the loss, she begins to uncover what is best for her and her daughter. She embraces change, rebuilds with courage and discovers ways to heal. Written with fierce tenderness, Debris speaks to anyone who has loved deeply, lost profoundly, and found themselves gathering the fragments of a life altered by tragedy. TOPICS OF CONVERSATION Debris: Josie’s love story, the Black Summer loss, and the moment she knew she had to write this book The “before” and “after”: what life looked like with John, then how everything changed overnight Inside the firestorm: what happened during the bushfires and the emotional whiplash that followed Grief in real life: parenting through heartbreak, mental health, asking for help, and the stuff people don’t say out loud Finding solid ground again: what healing actually looked like for her, and what she hopes readers carry with them after Debris ABOUT THE AUTHOR Josie L. Smith is an author, visual artist, mother, and a public servant whose work spans memoir, community service, and creative expression. Her debut memoir, DEBRIS: A Memoir of Love, Grief and Courage, traces her powerful journey through love, devastating loss, and the long, courageous work of rebuilding after Australia’s Black Summer bushfires. In her book, Josie narrated her life with her husband John and their daughter Ems, the tragic loss of her husband, and the emotional aftermath of navigating grief while raising their daughter alone. With honesty, courage, and deep vulnerability, she explores what it truly means to survive, heal, and find strength in the ruins. Alongside her writing, Josie is an exhibiting artist whose work centres on cathartic process, resilience, and the emotional landscapes left behind by trauma. Her exhibition CATHARSIS, Embers of Resilience brought her paintings and John’s sculptures together as an artistic extension of the themes that shape her life and her memoir. Beyond her creative practice, Josie works in the Department of Communities and Justice in NSW Australia, supporting children and families through trauma-informed, community-centred practice. Josie uses her voice—in writing, in her art, and in her community work—to inspire others to face their own storms with courage and resilience. CONNECT WITH JOSIE L. SMITH Instagram Facebook Josie Smith | LinkedIn

Jules Moves the Rug: A Story About Courage, Hope and New Adventures What if the things we trip over are the things we need to face? In the middle of a small, busy house lies a big, bright, bumpy rug. Everyone steps around it: Mom, Dad, Grandma, Big Brother, and Little Sister. No one likes it, but no one dares to move it. Until one day, Jules, curious, brave, and tired of stumbling, finally says, "That's it. It's time to move the rug." As Jules leads her family to lift the rug for the very first time, they uncover more than anyone imagined-reminders of moments lost, lessons forgotten, and something quietly waiting to be found. Jules Moves the Rug is a tender, thought-provoking story about courage, curiosity, and the power of facing what has been hidden. Inspired by the leadership book RUG: Move What You Are Tripping Over and Lead with H.E.A.R.T., this beautifully illustrated picture book invites children and families to talk about: The feelings we hide and the healing that comes from sharing them The importance of asking questions and being brave enough to listen How love grows when we stop stepping around what's uncomfortable TOPICS OF CONVERSATION About the book: Jules Moves the Rug uses a simple household problem to show how avoiding issues doesn’t make them disappear The central metaphor: A rug in the middle of the home represents problems people keep stepping around instead of fixing Why problems linger: Familiar discomfort often feels safer than change, even when it causes repeated frustration The power of small voices: Jules, the youngest in the family, speaks up and shows that clarity doesn’t depend on age or authority What’s under the rug: Hidden messes symbolize unresolved feelings like missed apologies, forgotten dreams, and tension The core message: Facing problems together turns overwhelm into connection and healing What’s next for the author: The “move the rug” idea continues through leadership work and future stories focused on honest conversations and growth ABOUT THE AUTHOR Sherry Whitaker Budziak is a speaker, writer, and entrepreneur who encourages leaders and families to find the courage to move the rugs that hold them back. Her children's book Jules Moves the Rug grew out of her own journey of resilience and personal transformation. Through this story she hopes to spark meaningful conversations that help children and the adults in their lives talk openly about change and emotional growth. Sherry is also known for her long career guiding organizations through moments of transition. After serving in executive roles within the medical association community she founded .orgSource in 2005. Since then, she has advised hundreds of organizations as they work to strengthen strategy embrace innovation and build cultures where people can thrive. At the heart of her work is a belief that growth begins with honest reflection and the willingness to imagine new possibilities. She is the co-author of two books on leadership and entrepreneurship and is currently writing her third. When she is not writing or speaking, she enjoys traveling trying new recipes and spending time with her family. CONNECT WITH SHERRY WHITAKER BUDZIAK https://rugthebook.com/ https://orgsource.com/ https://www.facebook.com/sherry.budziak https://www.instagram.com/orgsherry/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherryb

FINDING HER VOICE Set in the volatile early days of Christianity, this sweeping historical novel centers on three fearless women determined to claim their place in a faith that keeps trying to shut them down. Junia fights for acceptance in a divided church while protecting her biracial son and facing the possibility of new love, Susannah wrestles with the pull between motherhood and ministry as danger and expectations collide, and Mariamne challenges rigid gender roles as she confronts what true authority demands. Against a backdrop of real biblical events and rising tension, their stories intertwine in a bold exploration of faith, identity, equality, and resistance, delivering a powerful, feminist, LGBTQ+-affirming tale of courage and conviction. Finding Her Voice is Book Three of the From Broken to Bold trilogy, bringing the series to a defiant, unforgettable conclusion that proves silence was never an option. Consider this your official invitation to holy troublemaking. Learn more about Elaine Ricker Kelly and her work at www.elainekelly.ca TOPICS OF CONVERSATION Spotlight on early female apostles and the overlooked leadership roles of women in the first-century church Junia and Susanna as powerful yet imperfect figures pushing back against religious and societal silencing Parallels between ancient gender oppression and modern struggles around women’s rights and equality Faith, identity, and inclusion, including challenges to traditional Christian views on women and LGBTQ+ individuals Emotional themes surrounding motherhood, worth, infertility, and how women’s value has been historically measured The author’s personal journey of reclaiming voice and confronting ingrained beliefs within Christianity ABOUT THE AUTHOR Elaine Ricker Kelly is an award-winning author writing about women in the Bible and the early church. As a mother of three daughters, Elaine knew the harm of being considered secondary. She thought fiction would help others see how Jesus equipped women as disciples and empowered women to speak and lead. Her research-based approach and empathetic tone were developed during thirty years as a financial advisor. Since Jesus engaged women as financial advisors, Kelly felt betrayed as a Christian when she saw the church speaking against women leaders, and she felt it was important to show how the Bible empowers women and endorses equality for all. She hopes to bring healing and hope to those sidelined or silenced by the church by writing blogs on biblical equality, church history, and affirming LGBTQ+ people. She and her husband live near Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, and worship in the mainline Protestant Christian tradition. They have three adult daughters and enjoy hiking, nature, tennis, pickleball, music, history, and travel. Learn more about Elaine Ricker Kelly and her work at www.elainekelly.ca CONNECT WITH ELAINE RICKER KELLY! Instagram: @elaine_kelly_author Facebook: elainekellyauthor Youtube: www.youtube.com/c/ERK4Canada/playlists TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@elaine.kelly.author

A CHARGE TO KEEP Lead with Purpose. Inspire with Integrity. Manage with Excellence. In A Charge to Keep, Rev. Kevin T. Taylor merges decades of leadership experience from the C-suite and the pulpit to offer timeless principles for managing change, fostering stability, and building impactful teams. Whether you’re leading a corporation, ministry, or nonprofit, Taylor’s actionable insights will empower you to navigate challenges with courage and clarity. Discover the power of financial stewardship, the importance of context-driven decisions, and the value of bringing your whole self―faith and all―to your leadership role. Packed with vivid stories and practical strategies, this book is a must-read for anyone ready to align their leadership with their values. If you’re seeking a guide to sustainable success and meaningful impact, A Charge to Keep is your next essential read. 🎙️ Main Conversation Points How faith and business leadership intersect — staying authentic in every setting. The loneliness of leadership and why his book serves as a playbook for real challenges. The cost of integrity — lessons from standing firm when it wasn’t the easy choice. How younger generations are redefining purpose, work-life balance, and leadership expectations. Why “trust but verify” remains essential for accountability in both ministry and management. DEI as a marathon, not a sprint — what true long-term commitment to inclusion requires. What’s next for Rev. Taylor — coaching, new books, and aligning purpose with performance. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Rev. Kevin T. Taylor is a pastor, educator, and executive leader who bridges the sacred and the strategic. Since 2021, he has served as Pastor of Israel A.M.E. Church in Albany, NY, where his ministry blends worship, justice, and innovation through initiatives like Speaking Truth to Power Tuesdays and the Summer Literacy Challenge. Beyond the pulpit, Kevin brings over 20 years of C-suite and nonprofit leadership experience. A proud Tuskegee University alum, he has been honored by Marquis Who’s Who (2025), 100 Men of Color, and the National Council of Negro Women. Through preaching, teaching, writing, and community service, Rev. Taylor equips organizations and congregations for spiritual growth and lasting transformation. Learn more about Reverend Kevin Taylor and his work at https://revkttaylor.com/ CONNECT WITH REVEREND KEVIN TAYLOR! WEBSITE: https://revkttaylor.com/FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/revkttaylor/

BORN ON MONDAY In Augusta, Maine, a historic nor’easter and something more sinister threaten to unearth the secrets buried deep in the town’s past. With time running out, three lives collide in a desperate fight for survival, where truth becomes a casualty and redemption comes at a cost.Billy Stevens, a quarry worker haunted by loss, is drawn into a web of betrayal when a brutal crime pins him as a suspect. Jessica Michaud returns to care for her ailing mother, only to find herself hunted by a vengeful ex whose chilling threats awaken old wounds. And journalist Andrea Kearney digs into a local dynasty’s corruption as the storm’s fury mirrors the rising tide of violence.Born On Monday is a gripping tale of resilience, moral ambiguity, and small-town sins — a literary thriller that will keep readers breathless until its haunting conclusion. Award-winning author Richard R. Becker delivers a gritty literary thriller that digs into identity, perception, and the human condition. TOPICS OF CONVERSATON The roots of the story and why Augusta, Maine became the perfect backdrop for a tense return-to-hometown thriller Trauma, survival, and morally complicated characters navigating love, shame, and second chances A chilling nursery rhyme and a raging nor’easter working together as psychological pressure-cookers Small-town secrets, power dynamics, online shaming, and the messy line between justice and truth A growing “50-States Universe,” future novels, audiobooks, and how this author's world keeps expanding ABOUT THE AUTHOR Richard R. Becker is an award-winning American author whose gripping stories blend resilience and moral complexity. His new novel, "Born on Monday" (2025), promises a thrilling tale of small-town sins that will captivate readers. His debut novel, "Third Wheel" (2023), soared into Amazon's top 100 thriller and suspense literary fiction novels, earned a Kirkus Reviews feature, and won seven awards, including Literary Thriller of the Year by the Artisan International Book Excellence Awards. His collection "50 States" (2021), crafted from a challenge to write one story a week for 50 weeks, topped Amazon's literary short story charts and won multiple honors. Raised in Milwaukee, Richard overcame poverty and personal challenges, infusing these experiences into his work to add emotional depth. When not writing, he enjoys acting, hiking, photography, and time with his family. He is married and has two adult children. CONNECT WITH RICHARD BECKER! CopyWriteInk: https://www.copywriteink.com/author-richard-r.-becker.htmlWebsite: https://byrichardrbecker.comInsta: https://www.instagram.com/richbeckerFB: https://www.facebook.com/byRichardBeckerThreads: https://www.threads.com/@richbeckerX: https://x.com/RichBeckerYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/RichardBeckerTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@richardrbeckerGoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21606162.Richard_R_BeckerLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/copywriteink/BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/richbecker.bsky.social