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Learn more about Natasha Sumner < Back Natasha Sumner The Inner Alchemist: How Natasha Sumner’s Award-Winning Book is Redefining Spirituality In an era of endless external "hacks" for happiness, the 2026 Independent Press Award (IPA) for Spirituality has been awarded to a book that points firmly in the opposite direction. Accept Who You Are: And Witness Your Reality Transform by Natasha Sumner is a metaphysical promise. Since its win in early 2026, https://www.independentpressaward.com/2026-winners/9798999265609 , the book has become a beacon for those navigating the transition from performance-based living to authentic existence. What makes the book’s perspective so grounded is the woman behind it. Natasha Sumner leads a dual life that bridges the logical and the mystical. First, the professional: An engineer and program manager (BSEE, MBA) who understands the mechanics of how things work. Second, the intuitive: A spiritual coach, medium, and psychic who understands the mechanics of how the soul works. Sumner grew up in South America, influenced by her mother’s love for literature. This blend of technical precision and creative storytelling allowed her to write a spiritual guide that feels both structured and ethereal. She didn't just write this book; she “channeled” it during a pivotal transition from corporate burnout to spiritual alignment. The central argument of Accept Who You Are is that self-acceptance is the ultimate engine of reality. Sumner challenges the reader to view their life not as a series of random events, but as a reflection of their internal “frequency.” Sumner famously writes, “ The greatest love story begins within.” She posits that the “spark” we often chase in romantic partners is actually our own divine essence reflected back at us. By becoming the “object of your own adoration,” you dissolve the desperate need for external validation. The book provides a roadmap for identifying “subconscious programs,” the invisible scripts of shame and people-pleasing we inherit from society. Sumner uses her background in healing modalities like past life regression and remote viewing to explain how these layers can be peeled back to reveal the “inner artist.” The Independent Press Award is known for highlighting books that exhibit “courage and alignment.” Accept Who You Are stood out in the 2026 Spirituality category for its practical mysticism as it offers both a “shield and a compass,” providing spiritual protection from external pressures while guiding the reader toward their innate power. And then there’s the “Walsch” Endorsement, featuring a foreword by Neale Donald Walsch ( Conversations with God ), the book carries the mantle of modern spiritual classics, appealing to those ready for “New Earth” consciousness. Accept Who You Are is a homecoming. A remembrance that “you are love itself.” As Natasha Sumner continues to mentor seekers through her Dallas practice and her platform, Ascend 5D , her award-winning book serves as a definitive manual for anyone ready to stop searching and start becoming. Find out more about Natasha at https://www.acceptwhoyouarethebook.com/ . Share this article Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Learn more about Laura Muirhead < Back Laura Muirhead From Plot Twists to Queen Code: Laura Muirhead's Journey of Sovereign Leadership In the bustling literary world, few authors can claim the unique blend of entrepreneurial prowess, intuitive wisdom, and raw storytelling that defines Laura Muirhead. A seasoned CFO, a certified pilot, and a profound intuitive coach, Muirhead has translated her extraordinary life experiences into a compelling body of work that empowers women to embrace their inner Queen Code: The Book. Her recent accolades, including multiple honors from the Independent Press Award (IPA) and the NYC Big Book Award , underscore her growing influence in the self-help and personal growth spheres. Muirhead's journey truly began with her memoir, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to My Life . (Review: https://www.printedwordreviews.com/bookreviews/9781763852648 ) This isn't just a book of anecdotes; it's a testament to radical resilience and the power of embracing life’s unexpected detours. The memoir chronicles a series of life-altering events that would test anyone's fortitude. Surviving a devastating house fire that stripped away possessions but refined her spirit; the revelation at age 40 that her biological father was not the man who raised her; and the exhilarating, yet grounding, experience of winning the lottery, all profound life reevaluation events. This unflinching honesty resonated deeply with readers and critics alike, earning it a prestigious 2026 Independent Press Award (IPA) Winner in the Personal Growth category. It was also recognized as a NYC Big Book Award Distinguished Favorite , proving its universal appeal across both independent and mainstream publishing platforms. The book and its accompanying podcast serve as a powerful narrative of how "plot twists" can lead to profound self-discovery and gratitude. Building on the raw vulnerability of her memoir, Muirhead delivers the practical blueprint for transformation in Queen Code: The Book . (Review: https://www.printedwordreviews.com/bookreviews/queen-code ) This isn't just self-help; it's a call to sovereign leadership, encouraging women to “rule their own Queendom.” The book was honored as a 2026 Independent Press Award Distinguished Favorite , highlighting its innovative approach to empowerment. Central to Queen Code is the concept of “Personal Policies,” a methodology for creating clear, intentional boundaries and standard operating procedures for one's life. This framework helps readers: redefine identity, embrace archetypes; and healing: First moving from victimhood to empowered self-governance, Muirhead guides readers through powerful archetypes like The Sovereign, The Warrior Queen, The Oracle, and The Weaver, each representing different facets of feminine strength and leadership. This allows one to heal and grow by utilizing a “Question, Investigate, Heal, and Grow” (QIHG) methodology to dismantle inherited beliefs and cultivate unshakeable self-worth. The book’s blend of Muirhead's personal insights as a CFO and her intuitive coaching expertise provides a unique, actionable guide for women seeking to craft lives of purpose, power, and prosperity. Laura Muirhead's success with both the Independent Press Award and the NYC Big Book Award solidifies her standing in the literary world. While the IPA champions the innovative spirit of independent authors, the NYC Big Book Award places her work in direct competition with the biggest names in publishing, celebrating its universal quality and market appeal. Such dual recognition is a rare feat, signaling that Muirhead’s message transcends traditional genre boundaries and resonates with a broad audience. Laura Muirhead is a guide for those ready to embrace life's challenges, rewrite their narratives, and step into their power. Whether through the captivating journey of her memoir or the strategic framework of Queen Code: The Book , she illuminates a path to personal sovereignty, proving that every plot twist is an opportunity to rule your own magnificent life. Share this article Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Learn more about Michaela Riley < Back Michaela Riley Weaving New Magic: Michaela Riley’s Evolution into an Award-Winning Dark Fantasy Author For breakthrough authors like Michaela Riley, her lifelong journey to publication was one comprising hidden pathways forged by a quiet yet irreverent passion for the fantastical. Winning the highly competitive “Fantasy” category of the 2025 NYC Big Book Awards, Riley’s dark fantasy novel, Labyrinth of Shadows: The Witch’s Rebirth Part I , captured literary hearts as she imagines a twisted dystopia writhe with warring factions, arcane power, ancient myths … and whispered hopes of one witch who could save them all. Crafted worlds like the one portrayed in Labyrinth of Shadows (and her subsequent books within the Witch’s Rebirth series) once solely lived within the pages of Riley’s private notebooks, where her expansive narratives laid unshared. Nowadays, her published works grace her own b ookshelves and those of her readers alike as a tangible transformation from a secretive writer to an award-winning author who has penned a celebrated trilogy and captivating standalone pieces. But she did not embark on this journey alone. Alongside her supportive husband, she finally decided to share her dreams with the world when, on a whim of creative liberation, she published several books at once, including her captivating dark fantasy work Cauldron of Dagda . Riley has since described this actualized publishing career as a unique thrill — a reflection of when her stories once only thrived in the “recesses of [her] mind.” Her rich worldbuilding is informed by a “deep wellspring of family history,” allowing her to nurture fantastical elements into something profoundly resonant and human. Remarkably, Riley’s writing voice and style are not modeled after any one particular literary icon like horror master Stephen King or the romantic Nicholas Sparks. Rather, she draws inspiration across the realm, absorbing countless voices spanning every genre. This sheer power of diverse words that she has encountered as a lifelong reader was what ultimately compelled her to pick up that pen and weave her own thread into the grand narrative of the storytelling tapestry. “It’s an ongoing adventure, filled with challenges and triumphs, but above all, it’s the p ower of a dream nurtured, believed in, and finally, bravely shared.” By the final pages of Labyrinth of Shadows , readers will have immersed themselves not only in witch-fueled magic, but also in a novel that serves as a testament to Riley’s personal evolution—a world where, as she emphasizes, “history and magic collide and love endures.” For like any dark fantasy, it all begins with a simple yet enduring truth: the timeless magic of a story that demands to be told. Share this article Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Want to display your book? How about doing a signing? You can with Printed Word Reviews. Author Displays & Signings We have created more than just an author signing, but a complete way to market your book. Also, book display option only if you can't be there. Your book on display for a day: $150 or $199 for Full event (Perfect if you are not in person, and want exposure) OR Author signing : package is $350. (Perfect if you are in person, and want a day at the show; or just want some editorial coverage) June 26-29, 2026, Chicago, IL at ALA (American Library Assoc.) July 11-12, 2026, NYC at the New York Poetry Festival (Book Display Only, One book/Two books discounted rate of $49.-PoFest Only) March 20, 2027, Chicago, IL at AWP (Assoc. of Writers & Writing Programs) April 9-10, 2027, BookCAMP (PWR / IPA BookCAMP) BOOK DISPLAY ONLY: use this link: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/2FUVU94KFCVU6 IN-PERSON book signing/Editorial Only , use this link: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/FJLWR94DAXSL6 Package includes: * Full Page eBlast to local librarians and bookstores of Author Signings * Listing in the print and digital special edition of the magazine (Added Bonus for early sign-up) * Sixty minute dedicated signing / full day pass to the exhibit floor * Dedicated landing page * BONUS: Includes follow-up editorial coverage Total value of $1500, Your investment is only $350. OR just advertise: https://www.nycbigbookaward.com/advertise

Printed Word Reviews (PWR) is a literary platform and community that amplifies independent voices through paid book reviews, author interviews, and industry promotion, headed by publisher Ted Olczak. It provides services like the "FALCON Review" to increase book visibility among industry professionals and publishes the quarterly magazine, BookCAMP. PRINTED WORD REVIEWS Your Publishing Community STANDARDS Outstanding Quality Publishing is incredibly rewarding, and we're here to help you every step of the way. Discover essential tools and connections: Our comprehensive resource directory features publishing guides, editors, designers, and marketing experts. Absolutely no charge to sign-up and sign-in to gain access to our database. Gain industry insights: BookCAMP for expert advice from marketing to distribution, and Printed Word Reviews for in-depth book reviews and author interviews. Join our vibrant literary community: Explore our resources and subscribe to our magazines. Share your book, your review, your publishing experience here and let's celebrate the power of books together. Subscribe for updates Join Thanks for subscribing!

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< Back Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Share this page: PWR eNewsletter Printed Word May 21, 2026 Printed Word Reviews, https://www.printedwordreviews.com/magazine May 2026 edition - Share the URL with a friend ======================================== IN THIS ISSUE PWR’s Award-Winning Authors in Chicago Featured FALCON review by Printed Word Reviews Short GAB TALKS with thriller author Stephen J. Wallace ALA interview with the publisher ========================== Librarians, join us at ALA 2026!, Booth 4722 at the Printed Word Reviews booth during June 26th-29th. Award-winning authors will be signing books. If you are interested in getting a preview issue, https://www.printedwordreviews.com/offers/ala ========================== Featured Printed Word Review FALCON book review: "Everlasting" by Sara Fanfarillo A sheltered boy raised in isolation by a secretive father must follow a mysterious key and map through deadly, time-bending worlds to uncover his true bloodline and stop a hidden force threatening both his family and reality. https://www.printedwordreviews.com/bookreviews/978-1035872183 ========================== "So You Want To Be a Marine Biologist" by Linda Soules Linda Soules’s “So You Want to Be a Marine Biologist” serves as an essential, practical primer for middle-grade readers. The book’s primary strength is its ability to balance the inherent wonder of the ocean with the rigorous reality of scientific labor. https://www.printedwordreviews.com/bookreviews/978-1972766064 ========================== [Short] GAB TALKS short with Stephen J. Wallace, author of “Hazardous Lies” Haunted by a past tragedy, federal investigator Jon Barrett races against time to uncover the truth behind a deadly explosion at a chemical plant, facing corporate deceit and personal demons as he seeks justice for the victims. For fans of investigative thrillers. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yHhgrcRyRFg Podcasts will be available at https://www.independentpressaward.com/thegabtalks or subscribe to SPOTIFY (or your favorite service) to listen to our author interviews, https://open.spotify.com/show/1Ek1K0qZPqj4XBKbfMlQJW ========================== ALIEN TRUCKER A hybrid Pleiadian truck driver named Trucker embarks on a perilous mission to find a mysterious pink earth compound essential for saving his stranded crew, navigating the complexities of human society while grappling with his identity and the weight of his quest. https://www.printedwordreviews.com/bookreviews/alien-trucker ========================== WHAT'S IT LIKE TO BE OLD? by John Maynard A late-blooming poet confronts aging, illness, desire, and mortality with wit and candor, finding in the everyday humiliations and small joys of old age a way to comfort himself and others facing the same decline. https://www.printedwordreviews.com/bookreviews/979-8899903526 ========================== Printed Word Reviews Interviews Ted Olczak, Publisher of Printed Word Reviews, at ALA with Andrew Wooldridge of Orca Books https://youtu.be/vlAT1E3ALKM ========================== See our magazine on Overdrive via Libby (any local library), 32 global newsstand apps, https://www.zinio.com/publisher/publications/printed-word-reviews/41160, at a special event, or https://www.printedwordreviews.com/magazine ========================== (c) 2026 Ted Olczak. Please forward and share this newsletter in its entirety. Connect at https://www.linkedin.com/in/ted-olczak-64a1386/ ========================== Previous Next

Learn more about Susan Wands < Back Susan Wands Susan Wands author signing at ALA, Table 1652, on Saturday, June 28th, at 12:30pm High Priestess and Empress, Book Two, Arcana Oracle Series by Susan Wands (recognized as a Distinguished Favorite by the 2024 NYC Big Book Award) Artist and seer Pamela Colman Smith returns to London only to find her nemesis, Aleister Crowley, has resurfaced and set his sights on her. Despite his sinister efforts, Pamela continues developing her tarot deck, channeling her muses: Golden Dawn leader Florence Farr and theater star Ellen Terry. But when Ellen is poisoned, Pamela realizes Aleister won't stop until her muses are dead. When Aleister reveals his plot to assassinate Queen Victoria and all female rulers, war erupts between his Carlists and the Golden Dawn. With so many lives at stake, Pamela must access her deepest magic to win the battle of her life. Besides being recognized by the 2024 NYC Big Book Award, High Priestess and Empress took the 2024 OZMA 1st Place Fantasy Award; 2025 American Legacy Book Award Winner in Visionary Award; 2025 American Legacy Book Award Winner in Epic/High Fantasy Award and the 2025 IPPY Gold Medal Visionary/New Age. Susan Wands is a writer, tarot reader, and actor. A graduate from the University of Washington, she has acted professionally across the United States and on Broadway. Her adaptation of Pride and Prejudice was produced at the Cornish Institute in Seattle and she has written plays, screenplays, and skits and produce several indie films. She was a company member in Rumble in the Red Room, an off-Broadway troupe, for four years. As a co-chair with the NYC Chapter of the Historical Novel Society, she helps produce monthly online book launches and author panels. Wands’s writings have appeared in Art in Fiction, Kindred Spirits magazine, and The Irving Society journal First Knight . She lives in NYC with her husband, actor Robert Petkoff, and two cats, Flora and Flynn. Find out more at https://susanwands.com/ . Share this article Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Learn more about Grace Hodges < Back Grace Hodges Grace Hodges author signing at ALA, Table 1652, on Saturday, June 28th, at 11am Is the constant battle with bureaucracies and the suffocating grip of third-party interference leaving you drained and unable to deliver the exceptional care your patients deserve? It's time to break those chains and reclaim your professional autonomy as a physician with unwavering determination. Say goodbye to bureaucratic headaches and create a patient-centric approach that places you firmly in the driver's seat. Private Practice Solution is not your average book; it's a powerful guide designed to empower physicians like you to seize control of your destiny. This book is your key to unlocking professional freedom and unparalleled success in the ever-changing landscape of healthcare. Private Practice Solution: Reclaiming Physician Autonomy and Restoring the Doctor-Patient Relationship by Grace Torres- Hodges was awarded the 2024 Independent Press Award Winner in the category of Medical Nonfiction, https://www.independentpressaward.com/2024winners/979898917071 . Dr. Grace Torres-Hodges is a board certified podiatrist and foot surgeon. Since 2001, she has been serving the communities of Northwest Florida and South Alabama in her solo private practice and treating patients from infants to seniors offering conservative to surgical intervention. She has been dedicated to educating and mentoring fellow physicians as well as a consultant/strategist to physician entrepreneurs as they build their own direct care private practices and transition out of a broken healthcare system. For more information go to www.drgracedpm.com . Share this article Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Learn more about Jessica Bantom < Back Jessica Bantom Jessica Bantom author signing at ALA, Table 1652, on Saturday, June 28th, at noon Design For Identity: How to Design Authentically for a Diverse World Design is expression, a service, an act of creativity. But if designers design for everyone, how can there be so little diversity in the profession? In this book, Jessica Bantom examines the implications of design in everyday life, from spaces and products to images and the fashion industry. Too often design concepts are based on assumptions and stereotypes that don't necessarily reflect customers' lives and values. Certain company symbols and brands, such as the image of Aunt Jemima, have stirred controversy for years but only recently has there been a corporate social awakening. The demographics of our society are changing and becoming more diverse, yet different perspectives are often ignored unless there's fallout from public backlash. Bantom explores the concept of human-centered design that taps into an understanding of identity: how people live, what's important to them, and what informs their perspectives and experiences. Engaging directly with customers to identify their challenges and working with them to test ideas and solutions is the foundation of human-centered design. It's vital for businesses to get on board and change outdated mindsets if they want to be successful. Bantom has been recognized as a Distinguished Favorite in multiple categories by both the NYC Big Book Award and Independent Press Award. Jessica Bantom is a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (DEIB) practitioner and workplace strategist who helps develop customized strategies for organizations that bring about transformational change. A compelling speaker, certified facilitator, and coach, Bantom seeks to enable people and organizations to reach their full potential and actualize the values of inclusion and belonging no matter what position they hold. Jessica is also active in the interior design industry as an interior design and color consultant and as a DEIB champion committed to promoting meaningful change in the profession. Bantom’s career is informed by her ongoing dedication to exploring the intersection of design and diversity. Jessica completed her master’s degree in Interior Design at Marymount University in Arlington, Virginia, and obtained her bachelor’s degree at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, where she also completed a specialization in Design Thinking and Innovation from Darden Executive Education. At Georgetown University, Jessica received credentials as a Change Management Advanced Practitioner (CMAP), and she is certified as an Associate Diversity Coach through the CoachDiversity Institute in collaboration with the Howard University School of Business. She holds a certificate in Diversity and Inclusion from Cornell University. In addition, Jessica is certified by Veritas Culture as a Culture Facilitator and Diversity & Belonging Facilitator, and is also a Certified Change Management Professional (CCMP) and Prosci Certified Change Practitioner. A proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, Jessica is a long-time resident of the Washington DC area, although she will always call Philadelphia home. Share this article Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Learn more about Dr. D.W. Knight < Back Dr. D.W. Knight UP CLOSE and PERSONAL with Dr. D.W. Knight Step right up and meet the whimsical world of Dr. D.W. Knight, the creative force behind "Tongue Teasers: Laugh-Along Songbook Origins - A Taste of the Poems Before the Music"! More than just an author, Dr. Knight is a true storyteller who weaves together hilarious wordplay, wonderfully weird characters, and often, a sprinkle of heartfelt wisdom within his rhyming verses. Not only does he pen these delightful tales, but he also brings them to life with his own quirky and expressive illustrations. Imagine a blend of Shel Silverstein's playful oddities and the Sherman Brothers' catchy charm, and you'll begin to get a sense of the joy Dr. Knight brings to readers of all ages, especially those between five and twelve. Having spent years as an educator and a global traveler fluent in multiple languages, Dr. Knight infuses his work with a unique perspective, ultimately inspiring the collaborative musical project, GiGGLE SPOON. Get ready to dive into a world where laughter and learning go hand in hand, crafted by the one and only "Mr. Positivity" himself! I met Dr. D.W. Knight in person recently, both at the LA Festival of Books, and then again at the Independent Press and NYC Big Book Awards Dinner, as "TONGUE TEASERS" was the 2025 NYC Big Book Award winner in the Childrens Humor category. A tall, inviting man, who often travels with Patricia Knight of BD Brands (aka GiGGLE SPOON) and Bradford Knight, who composed music inspired by some of the poetry within “TONGUE TEASERS” and released it under the name GiGGLE SPOON. The trio's radiant happiness, always on display through their smiles, makes being around them a joy. Dr. D.W. Knight began writing poetry as a creative expression during his senior year as an undergraduate studying abroad in Madrid, Spain. He likens poetry to his favorite techno music for its structure and form that keeps him focused with set boundaries to follow, as compared to writing a novel which is more like jazz with its freeform and endless possibilities. The poetry in “TONGUE TEASERS” is inspired by his experiences as a teacher and coach to kids he saw struggling with self-doubt, feelings of hopelessness, and fears of failure. Having empathy for them and recognizing the social stressors that kids are enduring more so today with the repercussions of pandemic isolation, social media influences and escalating cyber bullying, Knight hoped his form of storytelling through poetry could bring joy to kids and help them to better cope with and overcome these rising challenges by imparting universal life lessons and good values through relatable and funny characters, ultimately so they would know they're not alone. And just as he loved exploring imaginary new worlds by reading books like the original Oz series or playing video games like Zelda when he was a kid, Knight hoped that he, too, could take readers to fun, new places where they could escape and laugh. In addition to writing the words, D.W. is also the illustrator. For TONGUE TEASERS, he included black and white sketches that he’d made for nearly every poem in the book. But with each book in the growing collection of Laugh-Along Songbooks, he’s making multiple pages of drawings to tell each individual poem’s story. The artwork is also used in the video production to accompany each poem’s music. D.W. says he loves the process of inventing and creating new characters from scratch. They take shape and evolve with each new sketch into what he recognizes as new “friends” to introduce to the world. His takeaway point is to impress upon kids, especially the ones who have some self-doubt and don’t yet know where their strengths are or their place in the world, that we are all a work in progress. It’s a metaphor for life – we are unfinished, constantly being shaped, tweaked and refined into a work of art. Dr. D.W. Knight credits his grandmother Eleanor for having instilled in him a genuine love for words and the beauty of language. She had devoted her career to developing a reading curriculum for children in response to her own son’s, Knight’s father’s, inability to read by third grade and the teacher telling her she didn’t know what else could be done. Determined, his grandmother made it her life’s work and became the reading director for the Minnetonka public school district in Minnesota. Shel Silverstein remains a favorite of D.W.’s since childhood when his grandmother gave him a copy of “Where the Sidewalk Ends”. He devoured the pages and his linguistic imagination played under Shel’s tutelage. Also in his home, shaping his mind for rhythmic words, were the joyful and catchy songs of the Sherman Brothers. His mother and father were always singing, filling their home with the sounds of music. It’s no wonder D.W.’s brother became a musician, composing music and writing songs. Knight thanks “K-12 teachers everywhere, parents who have the most important job in the world, kids across the planet, his brother Brad who keeps making great music, his late grandmother, parents, and Larry and Patty who always believed if New Yorkers loved the poems, others would too!” “TONGUE TEASERS” is a collection of illustrated poems written in rhyming verse with hilarious wordplay and outlandish inventiveness imbued with wit, life-lessons and wisdom that transcend age but equally entertain children with zany, memorable characters, making this book a favorite for all ages! Share this article Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Learn more about Loretta Goldberg < Back Loretta Goldberg Loretta Goldberg author signing at ALA, Table 1652, on Saturday, June 28th, at 1pm Award-winning author Loretta Goldberg writes historical literary fiction with battle scenes. She loves this genre because she finds in history’s frames, where events have beginnings and endings, a magical mirror in which we can see ourselves more fully. She earned a BA (Hons.) in English, Music and History at the University of Melbourne, Australia. She came to the USA on a Fulbright scholarship for piano. Her CDs are in 700 libraries. After a financial planning career she returned to her first love, writing. Her debut novel The Reversible Mask: An Elizabethan Spy Novel (MadeGlobal Publishing) has won several awards. Her non-fiction articles include Tudor history, financial planning, arts reviews and political satire. Chair of HNS-NY Chapter, she also belongs to the Authors Guild and NLAPW. A people and animal lover, she enjoys traveling, hiking, swimming and taking terrible photographs. Beyond the Bukubuk Tree: A World War II Novel of Love and Loss. New Guinea, 1941. Heroism, sacrifice and ultimately, hope, transcend the horror of war. Two men preparing for war, both with secrets they are determined to keep. Jake Friedman, an idealistic young Jewish doctor from Melbourne, is haunted by the death of a colleague he thinks he caused. Alex Whipple, a Catholic known as Wip, is a soul- scarred veteran of the First World War, an idealist who fights bullies on behalf of their victims yet has a chequered past in the wild side of post-war Paris that he is determined to forget. Both are posted to Lark Force, a lone and under-resourced battalion defending the port town of Rabaul. When the Japanese invade Rabaul, their battalion is abandoned by the Australian government. Improvising a jungle retreat, fighting rain, insects, disease, and vengeful Japanese pursuers, Jake will face the ultimate trials of his courage as Wip struggles to find the will to live. Many reviewers find the novel riveting, unforgettable and a war novel like no other, while The Midwest Book Review recommends it to libraries with World War II collections. Share this article Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link