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January 18, 2026

A Season of Thunder

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: A Season of Thunder 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Alex Gerrick ✍️
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Inspired by real events, Alex Gerrick crafts a deeply personal story that moves between past and present, Europe and Australia, memory and obsession.

At its heart, the book follows a man haunted by a violent childhood mystery and by unanswered questions surrounding his family’s past. When fragments of history resurface through war crimes, buried secrets, and long-silenced witnesses, the narrator embarks on a restless journey across continents to uncover the truth. This quest is not only about justice, but about identity, guilt, and the human need for closure.

The intersections between war, family loyalty, and mental health particularly PTSD are handled with sensitivity and depth.

A Season of Thunder is thoughtful work that will resonate with readers interested in true crime inspired fiction, post-war history, and psychological journeys. It is a powerful reminder that the past never truly disappears and that confronting it, however uncomfortable, may be the only path toward peace.

The language used in the book is easy to follow. I am impressed by Alex’s writing style. The book is well paced and I highly recommend it to my fellow readers.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

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January 18, 2026

Interview with author Alex Gerrick

Q1. Hello, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.

A1. I am a former senior government official and political adviser who left the Australian government in 2018. Since then I have been the CEO of a charity dealing with PTSD and on the board of another charity that deals with animal assisted therapy. I live in Canberra, Australia with my wife and pet beagle, Louie. I have just completed my first draft of my third book, The Cry of the Lyrebird. My interests include history, travelling, music, animals. and football, being a mad supporter of Liverpool FC.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “A Season of Thunder”?

A2. Although written as a novel, the book is based on fact, dealing with my shooting as a four year old boy and the possible connection to my father’s war service in the former Yugoslavia. Exploring such a traumatic event had its challenges as I discovered that many things I was told about the shooting were untrue. Dealing with that was difficult. Also discovering the background to my family’s escape from Yugoslavia (way before I was born) was also very challenging as I finally understood the terrible situations they experienced.

Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?

A3. I read widely, so I enjoy many authors. In terms of weaving together a story, I think Stephen King’s early books were a big influence on me, especially with character development. I also was influenced by writers such as Le Carre, Leon Uris, Herman Wouk, Robert Ludlum, and more recently, Robert Harris and Mick Herron. Catch 22 and To Kill a Mockingbird are still my two favourite novels of all time – I would love to write an Australian version of Catch 22 one day. I am also greatly influenced by the American film director, David Lynch, and how he portrayed the mysterious undercurrents that lurk within small towns.

Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?

A4. I am more of an international traveller these days – the Dalmatian Coast in Croatia and California are probably my two favourite places in the world because I love the sea and scenic, rugged coastlines. In Australia, Sydney is still my favorite place to visit – it is a historical city that offers everything, from fantastic beaches to brilliant restaurants and bars. Even for a large city, it relaxes me. Never get tired of visiting.

Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘A Season of Thunder’?

A5. As the youngest of four children, I wanted to record the story of my family’s escape from Yugoslavia for my siblings and their children. It is such an amazing story that I felt it needed to be retold within our family for decades to come so that those that live after us continue to honour the sacrifices that my parents and my oldest sister made.

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘A Season of Thunder’?

A6. It took me about six months to conduct all the research for the book, and about eighteen months to write it.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

A7. You can purchase the book through Amazon or order it online through your favourite bookstore such as Barnes and Noble etc. In Canberra, some bookshops carry the book.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘A Season of Thunder’?

A8. As for the book cover, I wanted something that conveyed a tree burning following a storm as that was an image my father recollected from the final days of the war. Fortunately I was able to find and purchase the perfect photo. My publisher who helped me with the book turned it into the perfect cover. As for ‘A Season of Thunder’ the title comes from my discussions with a Filipino Marist brother who I met in the Philippines in 2001. He explained to me about the Four Seasons of Life – the first being the Season of Thunder which details the events that led to your birth. That title fits perfectly with the essence of the novel.

Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself.

A9. Always have a surprise or twist ready to go! Sometimes I didn’t even know what the twist would be until it came to my head.

Q10. What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing?

A10. Stay calm, trust your instincts, don’t be scared to seek and take feedback, and don’t give up!

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January 17, 2026

Writers of the Future, Volume 39

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Writers of the Future, Volume 39 presented by L. Ron Hubbard
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This volume gathers various winning stories from the Writers of the Future contest, alongside additional pieces by established authors such as Kevin J. Anderson, L. Ron Hubbard, and S. M. Stirling. The range is impressive. Readers move effortlessly from intimate, emotionally driven narratives to high-concept science fiction, playful urban fantasy, and dark, morally complex tales.

Stories like “Kitsune” by Devon Bohm stand out for its lyrical prose, blending myth and modern identity with quiet power. Others, such as “Death and the Taxman” by David Hankins, showcase humor and originality, proving the anthology is as entertaining as it is thoughtful.

Each story feels distinct in voice and ambition. Themes of identity, sacrifice, freedom, and consequence recur throughout the volume.

The illustrations, created by winners of the Illustrators of the Future contest and art directed by Echo Chernik, elevate the reading experience. Beyond the fiction itself, the included essays on writing and illustration add practical and inspirational value, particularly for aspiring creators.

Writers of the Future, Volume 39 is an engaging collection that succeeds in its goal of discovering and showcasing new talent.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

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January 17, 2026

Writers of the Future, Volume 38

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Writers of the Future, Volume 38 presented by L. Ron Hubbard
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This collection brings together various winning stories by new writers, complemented by works from legendary authors such as Frank Herbert, L. Ron Hubbard, and David Farland himself. This balance between fresh perspectives and established masters gives the volume a rich sense of continuity.

The stories range widely in tone, theme, and setting: from monster-filled worlds that question the morality of hunting and violence, to intimate, emotionally charged tales about family, trauma, and identity; from time travel to myth-infused historical fantasy. This diversity keeps the reading experience engaging, ensuring that nearly every reader will find something that resonates with them.

Several standout stories explore the human cost of power and progress, often through deeply personal lenses. Rather than relying solely on spectacle, many authors focus on character-driven narratives, grounding their speculative concepts in relatable emotions such as grief, fear, hope, and love.

The inclusion of illustrations by winners of the Illustrators of the Future contest adds another layer of depth to the book. The artwork enhances the atmosphere of each story, offering visual interpretations that complement the written word. Under the art direction of Echo Chernik, the illustrations maintain a cohesive quality while still reflecting the unique styles of individual artists.

Overall, Writers of the Future, Volume 38 is a strong and thoughtfully curated anthology.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

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January 17, 2026

Of Witches and Vampires

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Of Witches and Vampires 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Tricia Copeland ✍️
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Told primarily through Lilith’s perspective, the story reimagines her not as a demon, but as a powerful, sensitive, and fiercely independent being who longs for companionship, creativity, and purpose. Her exile from Eden is not born of evil, but of emotional neglect and the refusal to live a life devoid of passion and connection.

Lilith’s loneliness, love, grief, and resilience are portrayed well. Her relationships with Eve, with her children, and with Lucious are complex, revealing the cost of immortality.

The origin story of vampires is handled with creativity. Copeland focuses less on horror and more on identity, survival, etc, making the supernatural elements feel meaningful.

Readers who enjoy immersive mythology and character-driven fantasy will find the journey rewarding. The language used in the book is easy to follow. It is a short read that one could read in a single sitting. The world building is impressive with a smooth narration.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

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January 16, 2026

North of Broken & Furever Home

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: North of Broken & Furever Home 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Holly B. Gutwillinger ✍️
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The story alternates between Renley, a middle-aged woman navigating loss, identity, and a shifting family dynamic, and Sully, a young dog struggling to survive in a harsh, unforgiving world. This dual perspective is one of the novel’s greatest strengths. Renley’s chapters are deeply relatable, filled with the exhaustion of caregiving, the ache of unfulfilled purpose, and the longing to belong to something meaningful. Sully’s voice, on the other hand, is raw, innocent, and heartbreaking, offering a powerful reminder of resilience and loyalty in the face of fear and abandonment.

The parallels between Renley’s internal struggles and Sully’s fight for survival are handled with care, reinforcing the novel’s central theme: healing often begins when we open ourselves to love again, especially the kind that asks for nothing in return.

Animal lovers will find this book especially moving, but the story resonates far beyond that audience. Anyone who has felt lost, unseen, or “north of broken” will recognize themselves in these pages.

North of Broken & Furever Home is a heartfelt, soul-soothing read about second chances, chosen family, and the profound ways humans and animals save one another. This book is a beautiful reminder that sometimes, finding a forever home starts with finding yourself.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

January 16, 2026

Nearly Departed in Deadwood

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Nearly Departed in Deadwood 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Ann Charles ✍️
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Nearly Departed in Deadwood is a fast-paced story set in the historic town of Deadwood, South Dakota. The novel introduces readers to Violet Parker, a single mom and a struggling real estate agent.

As young girls begin disappearing from Deadwood, Violet is already under pressure to sell a house within three weeks or risk losing her job. Just when things couldn’t get worse, she lands a listing for a crumbling Victorian home with secrets of its own.

Between a trigger-happy property owner, a sabotaging coworker, creepy anonymous messages, and a dangerously attractive stranger, Violet’s life quickly spirals into chaos. The storyline is so intriguing that it kept me on the edge of my seat.

Deadwood feels vivid and alive, almost like a character itself. Violet Parker is a standout protagonist making it easy for readers to root for her from the very first chapter.

Fans of cozy mysteries with a darker edge, strong female leads, and small-town secrets will find this book a great read. By the final page, you’ll be eager to get your hands on the next book by the author.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

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January 16, 2026

The Tail of Doug & Todd: A Golden Bond

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Tail of Doug & Todd: A Golden Bond 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Alexandra M. Longfellow ✍️
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The Tail of Doug & Todd: A Golden Bond by Alexandra M. Longfellow is a delightful and adventurous tale centered on two lovable dogs, Doug and Todd. Doug, a golden retriever, enjoys peaceful naps and delicious treats. His calm routine is turned upside down when his human parents surprise him by bringing home Todd, a small, fluffy puppy.

Todd is eager to become Doug’s best friend, but Doug finds himself longing for his quiet days. He worries about sharing his space, his favorite slipper, etc. Todd’s playful energy keeps Doug constantly on his paws, testing his patience and emotions. Will Doug ever get his peaceful life back, or will he learn to welcome Todd as part of the family?

This heartwarming story is beautifully written and highly relatable, especially for siblings. Older children, in particular, will connect with Doug’s feelings when a new family member arrives. The book gently teaches valuable lessons about friendship, adjustment, and acceptance. Alexandra M. Longfellow has done a wonderful job crafting a meaningful and engaging story for young readers.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

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January 16, 2026

The Rescue of Minnie Engel

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Rescue of Minnie Engel 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: William Tirre ✍️
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The Rescue of Minnie Engel tells a powerful story of a family torn apart by war and hatred, and the desperate journey to reclaim what remains.

Minnie’s capture is horrifying and emotional, setting the tone for a story that does not romanticize the Old West. Instead, it presents a raw portrait of survival from Minnie’s terror and resilience to her brother Matthias’s struggle to balance duty, grief, and faith. The ideological divide between the Engel brothers adds depth, showing how the Civil War fractured not just a nation, but families themselves.

One of the book’s greatest strengths is its diverse cast. From former soldiers and outlaws to cowboys, freed Black frontiersmen, etc, the rescue party feels authentic. Each character brings a unique background and motivation.

The storyline asks difficult questions about morality, justice, and cultural conflict, while reminding the reader that courage and compassion can exist even in the darkest circumstances. This is a thoughtful historical novel that will appeal to readers who enjoy character-driven stories.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

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January 16, 2026January 16, 2026

Interview with author Alexandra Longfellow

Q1. Please introduce yourself so that the readers will get to know you better.

Hi! I’m Alexandra Longfellow, a mom, wife, lifelong book lover, and proud dog mom to two golden retrievers named Doug and Todd. By day, I tell real-world stories as a U.S. Air Force Public Affairs professionals. By night (and especially at bedtime), I love creating stories filled with heart, humor, and a whole lot of love. If there’s a dog nearby or a book in my hand, I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.

Q2. What is the inspiration behind your book The Tail of Doug & Todd: A Golden Bond?

Doug and Todd inspired the book simply by being themselves. Doug is the wise, older brother who knows all the rules, and Todd is the joyful whirlwind who learns them as he goes. Watching their bond grow (through tail wags, patience, and plenty of mischief) felt like a story that needed to be told. I wanted to capture that magic and share it with families everywhere.

Q3. When did you realize you want to be an author?

I realized I wanted to be an author when I noticed how powerful stories are, especially the ones we read aloud together. Stories can calm busy minds, spark imagination, and turn ordinary moments into special memories. Once I saw that, I knew I wanted to create stories that children would ask for again and again.

Q4. Please tell us something about your book The Tail of Doug & Todd: A Golden Bond.

The Tail of Doug & Todd: A Golden Bond is a cozy, heartfelt story about two dogs learning how to share love, space, and life together. It’s about growing bonds, gentle lessons, and discovering that family isn’t just about who was there first It’s about choosing each other every day.

Q5. For which age group is your book The Tail of Doug & Todd: A Golden Bond?

The book is perfect for children ages 2–10, but it’s really written for lap reading. It’s the kind of story meant to be read with a child tucked under one arm and maybe a dog curled up at your feet.

Q6. What is your favorite quote?

“One day you will read books you once loved to someone you love.”
It’s a beautiful reminder that stories don’t just stay on the page, they become part of our lives.

Q7. What do you like the most about your country?

I love the sense of possibility. The idea that stories, dreams, and creativity can come from anywhere (and that everyone has a voice worth hearing) is something I truly value.

Q8. What suggestion do you want to give to parents of little readers regarding a reading habit?

Keep it fun! Let kids pick the books, read the same story for the hundredth time, use silly voices, and don’t rush. Reading should feel like a treat, not a chore; and the memories you create will last far longer than the lesson itself.

Q9. What does literary success look like to you?

Literary success is hearing a child say, “Read it again!” or seeing a book get a little worn from being loved. If my story becomes part of someone’s bedtime routine, that’s the greatest reward I could ask for.

Q10. Lastly, who is your inspiration in life and why?

My biggest inspirations are my family, and yes, that includes Doug and Todd. They remind me every day that love is loyal, patience matters, and joy can be found in the simplest moments… especially when tails are wagging.

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