Elmo Piggins and Reginald Dexter served as foils to Ishmael O’Donnell, the main character in Derald Hamilton’s first novel, "The Call," which told the unconventional tale of a group of seminarians. Now Elmo and Reginald return in two prequel novellas that shed additional light upon their backgrounds prior to their call to enter the seminary. Hamilton also includes three stories on similar themes about individual conflict with institutions and the transformations that may result. As with "The Call," "Twice Upon a Prequel" is being praised for its character development and themes. The Pacific Book Review states that the book is “poignant and relevant” and “not a mindless read; be prepared to have to think about the concepts and relationships that are being presented.”

Jack Summers is a regular guy with one particular hobby—or rather obsession—being a wine connoisseur. His love of wine leads him to drink at every opportunity—at home, at work, and on the road. He puts wine tasting events before everything in his life and wants to spend all his time with other wine connoisseurs. Even when his best friend, Julie, and the store clerk, wine sage Adrian, suggest he may have a drinking problem, Jack refuses even to look at how his lifestyle is affecting his relationships and his ability to function normally. Stories of alcoholics are not new, but what makes "Fermented Memories" stand out is George Kuc’s portrayal of Jack’s inner thoughts, his denials, his manipulative behavior, his addiction, and even his codependent relationship with Marci. The depiction of Jack’s faulty decision-making—to drink and to spend time with those drinking to the neglect of his other relationships and his work—provides an amazing analysis of the alcoholic mindset, as well as how loved ones end up enabling an addict even when they are trying to help.

Both of Dr. Jerry Burgener’s books, "Desert Journey" and its new sequel "Return to the Desert," are fictional, but largely autobiographical, portrayals of a man’s spiritual journey toward greater understanding about life, its value and purpose. Jerry travels into the desert where he learns lessons from his Native American spiritual guide, Tom. Together, the two men explore what has held Jerry back in life, and also how life, with all its events—joys and tragedies—is always a blessing. In "Return to the Desert," Jerry finds he needs a refresher on lessons he previously learned, but also that it is time to build on previous lessons to advance farther in his self-knowledge. Devastated to find his girlfriend has been cheating on him, Jerry seeks sympathy from Tom, not at all expecting Tom’s reaction that the situation is a blessing in disguise because it will provide among other things a new learning experience for Jerry.

Diane Jones, an African-American 18-year old honors student takes a job as a nanny to a prestigious white family, Jerry and Ann Shaw, before entering college. It’s the late 1970s in California and while racial issues are coming to the forefront, Diane comes face to face with those issues. She quickly becomes a respected friend and member of their blended family, paying special attention to their eight-year old son, Chad, Ann’s son from a previous marriage. The Shaw’s eldest son, David returns home for the summer and an immediate attraction sparks between Diane and David. They began a secretive love affair. Can Diane’s proud, traditional family accept a white man as Diane’s love interest? Will the Shaw family value her as David’s potential partner? As their love affair blossoms, Diane and David make their relationship public. "Checkered Fences" by author Alma Hudson is a novel of remarkable insight and a tribute to our world’s changing social and political climate.

"The Judas Ride" by author Peggy Sue Yarber hits the road running in the opening pages, where Sonia and Xavier argue explosively about whether Sonia should have their unborn child and about who the father is: Xavier, a struggling Christian, or Vader, an abusive and abused drug dealer. As the pages turn, readers continue to meet a hodgepodge of troubled teens and eclectic characters, including Pastor Manny, a quirky immigrant pastor infatuated with John Wayne. Pastor Manny desires to help the tortured souls in his community but finds that it takes more than unconditional love to reach them.

Poker-playing Dawn Carlisle is running from a domineering mother, a penchant for alcohol, and an ex-husband suing her for custody of their daughter. Abner Weaver, nursing a Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) hangover acquired in Vietnam, has drifted back into long haul trucking, his truck cab a "foxhole against the world." An injured dog draws Dawn and Abner together. "3 Aces" by author Richard Ide involved a vicious gang of cardsharks, a globalist trucking company owner, and a shower of Las Vegas Texas hold 'em winnings sever their relationship, ultimately driving them to a moment of perception and healing.

"Screwing the Pooch" by J.B. Bergstad is a collection of seven eclectic tales filled with thrills, suspense, chills and romance. There's even a little laughter and murder to liven up a coffee or lunch break. If agony, redemption, love and laughter are your cup of tea, you will find them stylishly attended in this compilation. The unusual mix of genre fiction is bound to please the most discerning fiction buff and may even please the reading palate of the nonfiction lover. "Screwing the Pooch" is a fun romp and a fast ride.

"One of us must die," is the mantra of Lee Thames, a bi-polar, sexually driven woman who, additionally, suffers from multiple personality disorder. She escapes from a mental hospital, where she was confined after an unsuccessful suicide attempt, and spends a reflective five hours, hiding in her home, preparing for the 'perfect murder.' Thames takes the reader on a rough ride throughout "In and Out of Madness," with her multiple personalities, through an abusive childhood, raging sexual encounters with multiple partners, and life threatening outbursts that culminate in the act she is preparing to commit.

"Shakespeare Ashes" by author Chris DeBrie portrays the relationships of several unique and interesting characters. Donna, who believes that issues of equality for women and minorities have been laid aside too soon, struggles to move on from her last relationship. She is resisting her mother's friendship with her ex and looking forward to a possible romance with her troubled and unique new friend. Erven, that friend, is recovering from the death of his mother and always looking for the next high. An escapist, his honesty and sometimes cruel humor along with his mysterious appeal seem to draw people to him. Robbie is the football star: Bound for greatness, he's the one with a steady girlfriend and plenty of action on the side. With an ever-present 'sinking' feeling, Charlene is recently laid off and facing her last semester of college with uncertainty, questioning both the relationships she has left behind and those she maintains.

A work that can take one on a brisk stroll amidst the skin of a concentration camp victim, or ruminate solemnly the deeper questions posed by sanity and reason. "Meaning and Relatedness" by author Khepri Rising stands obscured by an unrelenting boundless thirst for the purview of ethics: "what is right action?"; yet naked and humbly before it. The book masks myths cloaked and eclipsed; interesting, provocative, and mind bending; yet concise, pithy, and alluring enough that nearly anyone could find appreciation for its "stitched light". Playfully serious, dark-twisted and right on! It may become the new "Beat" manual for generation X.