Contemporary & Literary

Between Before and After

Jessica Stilling ISBN 978-1-955065-66-5

Indie movie director Sebastian Foster has found his niche making movies based on the award-winning novels written by his estranged mother. However, his latest film, based loosely on the tragic death of his sister as a child, opens up old wounds best left under bandages. Told in two concurrent timelines, now and when Sebastian was a teen, some twenty years ago in the mid-1990s, this story of learning unknown truths unwinds in streets of Paris, where Sebastian lived as a teen and where he has returned to to make his picture.

“This is a strong showing from Jessica Stilling and one that I will be thinking about for a long time to come.” — Bookgirl86, Goodreads “Five stars for this wonderful story!” – Sally S, Goodreads “it was an absolute treat!” – Gracie, Goodreads

About the author. Jessica Stilling has written three works of literary fiction, Betwixt and Between, The Beekeeper's Daughter, and The Weary God of Ancient Travelers. She also wrote poetry and short fiction for various literary journals. Her articles have appeared in Ms. Magazine, Bust Magazine and she writes extensively for The Writer Magazine. She has taught Creative Writing in both high school and university. She also publishes young adult fantasy under the pen name JM Stephen. Jessica loves Virginia Woolf, very long walks, and currently lives in southern Vermont where she writes for the very local newspaper, The Deerfield Valley News.

Available in paperback, Kindle, Nook, Kobo and Apple formats.

Soulful Return

Fidelis O. Mkparu ISBN 978-1-955065-60-3

"The hounding voice inside me would not let go." Thus begins the emotional journey of Afamefuna Onochie Nwaku—a Harvard-trained medical doctor with a career most can only dream of, a loving wife, and supportive family. Then, he receives a telephone call from his sister who lives in Nigeria that her life is being threatened. Left with no other fair choice, Afam leaves behind his family, throwing his marriage into turmoil and risking the life he has built in Boston. Instead of the Nigeria that he loves, that he needs, he finds a land and people he barely recognizes waiting for him. Afam decides to stay but realizes that his future in Nigeria is as murky as the River-Niger after a torrential tropical rainfall. As Afam sets out on a journey to reconnect with the family and heritage that he left behind, he must face new enemies in an increasingly corrupt Nigeria where many people see him as an American intruder. And through it all, he must fight to keep his family together—and alive.

“Mkparu has created a masterpiece of immigrant experience and connection, outlining many of the forces that influence and stress modern Africans and Americans alike.” — D. Donovan, Midwest Book Review “I knew it was going to be an excellent novel from the very first page.” — Sal, Bound 4 Escape “You absolutely cannot miss out on this breathtaking read!” — Linda, Goodreads “This is an impactful and memorable read that any book lover would enjoy.” — Bee, Book Pleasures “This is a wonderful read that will make you feel as though you've been transported to Nigeria” — Laura, Celtic Lady Reviews “Mkparu’s writing leaps off the page, his characters grab you with both hands” — Suzie, My Tangled Skein Book Reviews “What a beautiful book ...” Nora, Storeybook Reviews

About the author. Fidelis O. Mkparu is a Nigerian immigrant to the US who wishes to speak to his experiences and those of his fellow immigrants. He is a professor of Medicine at Northeast Ohio Medical University and a senior attending cardiologist at Aultman Hospital and Mercy Medical Center in Canton, Ohio. Previously, he was a Spaulding fellow at Massachusetts General Hospital at Harvard Medical School. His preceding novels include Love’s Affliction and Tears Before Exaltation (CIPA EVVY Awards Winner, Literary & Contemporary Fiction 2018).

Available in paperback, Kindle, Nook, Kobo and Apple formats.

The Ruination of Dylan Forbes

Chad Bordes ISBN 978-1-941072-94-3

Dylan Forbes is a man caught somewhere between reality and illusion. He takes us on a crazy ride through his life and leaves a message along the way. It’s a story about not knowing where you truly are, how you fit in, how life puts you where you sometimes need to be, of growing up, growing old, and learning that moments are truly all we have in this life.

About the author. Chad Bordes started writing at 14 years old. It is a passion inspired by his father who pushed him to take a creative writing class. He has maintained a blog for the better part of 20 years and likes to write about what he sees and feels around him. A true world explorer, he now lives in southern California.

Available in paperback, Kindle, Nook, Kobo and Apple formats.