Blink and your life’s halfway over. What if that happens literally?
College party girl Emily Murray bounces through majors and boys until an ill-advised art major leads her to a rebellious relationship with an aspiring rock star. When her father cuts off the college fund—and her boyfriend ditches her to chase a record deal—Emily spirals, hard.
One shaved head and emotional black out later, she wakes up thirty years in the future, living a life she doesn’t recognize as a successful therapist and engaged to a total stranger.
With no apparent way to rewind the clock, Emily scrambles to make sense of her new reality. With a wedding date looming and a competitive therapist threatening her fragile career, Emily is forced to question: Was this really the future she was meant for?
Witty, sharp and unexpectedly heartwarming, Feels Like the First Time, the highly anticipated follow up to This Time Around, is a love letter to our younger selves, reminding us that even when we feel lost, we often end up exactly where we need to be.
Kimberly Packard is an award-winning author of women’s fiction and romance.
When she isn’t writing, she can be found planning her next trip, asking her dog what’s in his mouth or curled up with a book. She resides in Texas with her husband Colby, a clever cat named Oliver and a precocious black lab named Tully.
Echoes of the Past: Crimes in Central Texas, Book 1
by Joan Moran
Crime Thriller
Publisher: Next Chapter
Publication Date: April 7, 2026
SYNOPSIS
Growing up in Las Vegas, Neil Dixon’s future looked bleak. The son of a drug-addicted mother, he didn’t have a lot of options until a police officer, Sergeant Finch, pulled him from danger and sent him to a new life in Texas.
Now, years later, Neil has become the police officer he always wanted to be—steady, principled, and unafraid to stand alone. But Jarrell, Texas, is not the clean slate he hoped for. Corruption in the department is rampant, and traffickers operate across the border.
When Neil’s mother dies, he returns to Las Vegas and meets the father he’s never known. He gets pulled into a deadly game with his father that stretches from Vegas to the police department in Jarrell, to cartel-scarred border towns. To survive, he must decide what kind of man he truly is – and how far he’s willing to go to stop the people who profit from chaos.
The first book in Joan Moran’s series of crime thrillers, UP FROM HELL, is a gripping, character-driven novel about the weight of the past and the cost of justice.
Joan Moran holds two master’s degrees: in Theater and in Education. Her desire to teach in the theater department at UNLV led to her position there, where she taught acting and theater history. Five years later, Joan founded and was the artistic director of the Meadows Playhouse, Las Vegas’s first year-round theater. Her interest in film led to her admission to the American Film Institute in Los Angeles as a producing fellow. Joan wrote her first screenplay and continued to write for film in Hollywood for the next 15 years. She produced several films.
Joan also pursued a career as a motivational speaker and blogger. As a keynote speaker, Joan commanded the stage with her delightful humor, raw energy, and wealth of life experiences. She spread her knowledge and energy as she combined 15 years of theater experience, as well as over 13 years of experience as a yoga and meditation instructor at UCLA.
Joan began her writing journey with her memoir, 60, Sex & Tango: Confessions of a Beatnik Boomer. Other books followed: I’m the Boss of Me: Stay Sexy, Smart & Strong at Any Age, a compilation of her most popular blogs, and An Accidental Cuban, a thriller that takes place in modern-day Havana. The novel was developed into a streaming series. Her recently published book, Once A Homecoming Queen, is a darkly humorous take on senior alcoholism. Joan also adapted Once A Homecoming Queen into an award-winning screenplay. Her latest book is a historical memoir of her mother: Suddenly, I Was Jewish: The Life and Times of My Jewish Mother. Up From Hell is her seventh novel. She is developing Up From Hell into a trilogy: ECHOES OF THE PAST: CRIMES IN CENTRAL TEXAS.
A stake-out at a trafficker way-station ends with Special Agent Jennifer Nash placed on forced leave. Until a government insider offers her a chance at redemption.
All she has to do is accompany an elite Louisiana SWAT team on a takedown mission. But as she’s shuttled by boat into the Atchafalaya Basin, she believes some of the unit might be compromised.
The raid ends in disaster. And the police find themselves outnumbered in the middle of a criminal operation, with a connected Cajun community and ruthless cartel members determined to put them down at all costs.
Sean Patrick Bridges is an award-winning screenwriter and film producer. He graduated from Schiller International University in Heidelberg, Germany. He’s been a Finalist and Semi-Finalist for the Nicholl Fellowship. Had a project invited to the Sundance Institute. He’s produced and directed two documentary short-subjects in the Caribbean.
He’s written novels, screenplays, short stories and produced audiobooks. He’s appeared as some form of Law Enforcement in a few TV episodes and film. And he’s worked on various projects with Robert Rodriguez’s Troublemaker Studios.
He’s the owner of Audible Parade Productions in the Texas Hill Country. Their latest audio story is TRIPLE SIX, a five-episode presentation. For current information, check out audibleparade.com
The Page Unbound is excited to help share ARC opportunities for THE ENDLESS DARK by Rose R. Briar — a dark fantasy romance filled with ancient magic, monsters, curses, and second-chance love in a dying world.
🖤 Dark Fantasy Romance 🖤 Monsters & Ancient Magic 🖤 Morally Gray Characters 🖤 Emotional Slow Burn 🖤 High-Stakes Fantasy
Six years after the Shattering destroyed the world, darkness is rising again—and the truth behind it may destroy what remains.
Hannah Heronstone appears to have everything—a devoted husband, a beloved child, and a thriving business built on ancient herbal knowledge. Yet beneath the calm surface of her life, something old and malevolent stirs. A disturbing encounter with a friend from her husband’s past awakens Hannah’s suspicion that a coven of dark witches is gathering near Wentworth Manor. When Hannah, Peter, and Johannah journey to Ireland, her fears take terrifying form as she comes face to face with an unspeakable monster. A fairy offers her aid—but in a land where truth is slippery and magic demands a price, can such a creature be trusted? And where, across legend and time, can she find the Last Fairy Witch?
Centuries earlier, Eithne is a young Irish slave whose gift for healing marks her as something more. Trained by a druid, her growing power cannot be hidden for long. Sent to the sacred stronghold of Rathcroghan to become a Bandrui, Eithne finds herself caught between two suitors—a gifted bard and a handsome prince—while a darker force watches from the shadows. A ruthless witch who will stop at nothing to destroy her.
Separated by centuries but bound by magic and fate, Hannah and Eithne must each risk everything to confront the darkness rising in their worlds. To save those they love, they must cross through time itself—or lose all they hold dear.
The Last Fairy Witch is book three in The Women of Midsummer Series.
Jean M. Roberts makes her home outside of Houston, Texas. Her experiences as a military brat, a serving Air Force officer, and wife of an Air Force pilot have left her with a love of travel, history and a sense of adventure. THE LAST FAIRY WITCH is her 11th novel. She writes historical fiction, historical fantasy, and cozy murder mysteries in a fictitious Texas town. When not writing, she loves to garden, cook, read and dream of her next book.
A delusional prison patient warns Dr. Brian Heiser, Marriage and Family Therapist, of enormous impending disaster. Dr. Heiser and his best friend, a lauded Forensic Psychologist, find themselves entangled in a 72-hour deadly race to stop an AI bill being fast-tracked through the Texas state legislature.
Patricia Reigns, an elite developer of artificial intelligence, teams with them, thus cementing the trio as a viable threat.
Unbeknownst to Fred, however, Brian and Patricia had a secret past. That past soon rekindled feelings in Patricia towards Brian, and vice versa. And this woman was not one to play coy.
The more they uncover, the more the deadly power of Artificial Intelligence is unleashed on them at every turn from unseen top tech billionaires all vying for the same AI state contract.
What follows is a three-day frantic sprint toward truth that none of them could have possibly fathomed: a secret plot funded by the world’s wealthiest tech giants, an AI bill touted as a massive “progressive” leap forward for Texas, assassins funded to the gills in blood money, politicians bought and paid for, and a media that couldn’t care less.
Last, buckle up for an intense final stretch that’s simply impossible to foresee.
Dr. Brent Bradley is a well-known couples therapist. He’s treated over a thousand couples in therapy and supervision of therapists. His books and articles are read internationally. He holds a PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy, an MA in Christian Theology, and a BA in English Literature.
Brent brings an expert focus and depth to emotion and relationship dynamics in his fictional writing. His style radiates with intelligent plots, suspense, romance, and mystery – all delivered within a relentless pace.
Brent is married with one twin daughter (and one that passed away in the womb). They live in League City, TX. He is an avid fan of the Astros and Texas A&M baseball.
Ziva the Great is a heartfelt picture book for older children about a Maine Coon cat learning to trust again and a quiet girl named Elsie who understands gentle things. Ziva is loving with her family but startles easily around new people-until Elsie arrives. The girl moves softly, speaks softly, and never frightens her.
Their friendship grows through small moments of closeness and calm. Together, they show young readers that healing takes time, trust can return, and even quiet hearts can find comfort again. Perfect for ages 8-12, this emotional animal story supports social-emotional learning (SEL) and is ideal for parents, teachers, counselors, and classrooms. Themes include emotional healing, resilience, friendship, overcoming fear, and the bond between children and animals.
REVIEW
The children’s book has all of my heart and I’m not ashamed to say I teared up reading it. When I was in college, I fostered a main coon kitten found on the street and fell in love when the little guy. So much that I convinced my parents to adopt him. So I knew when I saw the cover, I had to read and review this children’s book.
This book is the perfect mix of short and sweet. The art alone is mesmerizing and I absolutely loved just observing each page. This art style is one of my favorites and absolutely motivated me to pick up my own art and start sketching. Ziva’s expressions were so good and emotive. The illustrator uses a great sense of shadow and color grading to set the mood of each page. The warmth grows visually with the story and fit very well.
I loved the meaning behind this. Acceptance, respecting boundaries, and common healing. Those stood out to me most. I’ve taken in (and adopted) cats with trauma and have learned patience and time is everything. It also perfectly shows how perceptive cats are to people and their mood. When Ziva silently stays with Elsie and they bond, it was very touching. I think would be a great addition to read and teach to kids about understanding other emotions and needs.
Cindy J. Vanous is a Texas children’s author who writes heartfelt picture books filled with vintage charm, hope, and imagination. Her stories, from a lost puppy at the North Pole to a little ghost in Terlingua, Texas, celebrate courage, belonging, and the magic found in everyday moments.
Ziva the Great is a heartfelt picture book for older children about a Maine Coon cat learning to trust again and a quiet girl named Elsie who understands gentle things. Ziva is loving with her family but startles easily around new people-until Elsie arrives. The girl moves softly, speaks softly, and never frightens her.
Their friendship grows through small moments of closeness and calm. Together, they show young readers that healing takes time, trust can return, and even quiet hearts can find comfort again. Perfect for ages 8-12, this emotional animal story supports social-emotional learning (SEL) and is ideal for parents, teachers, counselors, and classrooms. Themes include emotional healing, resilience, friendship, overcoming fear, and the bond between children and animals.
REVIEW
The children’s book has all of my heart and I’m not ashamed to say I teared up reading it. When I was in college, I fostered a main coon kitten found on the street and fell in love when the little guy. So much that I convinced my parents to adopt him. So I knew when I saw the cover, I had to read and review this children’s book.
This book is the perfect mix of short and sweet. The art alone is mesmerizing and I absolutely loved just observing each page. This art style is one of my favorites and absolutely motivated me to pick up my own art and start sketching. Ziva’s expressions were so good and emotive. The illustrator uses a great sense of shadow and color grading to set the mood of each page. The warmth grows visually with the story and fit very well.
I loved the meaning behind this. Acceptance, respecting boundaries, and common healing. Those stood out to me most. I’ve taken in (and adopted) cats with trauma and have learned patience and time is everything. It also perfectly shows how perceptive cats are to people and their mood. When Ziva silently stays with Elsie and they bond, it was very touching. I think would be a great addition to read and teach to kids about understanding other emotions and needs.
Cindy J. Vanous is a Texas children’s author who writes heartfelt picture books filled with vintage charm, hope, and imagination. Her stories, from a lost puppy at the North Pole to a little ghost in Terlingua, Texas, celebrate courage, belonging, and the magic found in everyday moments.
Dr. Peter Palma joins the medical team of the Paradise to treat passengers for minor ailments as the cruise ship sails across the Atlantic. But he soon discovers that something foul is festering under the veneer of leisure. Deep in the bowels of the ship, a vile affliction pits loved ones against each other and shatters the bonds of civil society. The brig fills with felons, the morgue with bodies, and the vacation becomes a nightmare.
One by one, the chaos claims Peter’s allies. His mentor spirals into madness and the security chief fights a losing battle against anarchy. No help comes from the captain, who has an ego bigger than the ocean.
With the ship racing toward an unprepared New York, the fate of humanity hinges on Peter’s deteriorating judgment. But he’s hallucinating and delirious…and sometimes primal urges are impossible to resist.
The Regression Strain is a fast-paced medical thriller laced with psychological suspense, perfect for fans of Michael Crichton and Blake Crouch.
Kevin O. Hwang, MD, is a professor of internal medicine in Houston where he sees patients and teaches residents. His academic work has appeared in leading medical journals. Nothing excites him more than chicken enchiladas, index cards, and appropriately sized packaging. The Regression Strain is his debut novel.
Genre: Inspirational Nonfiction/ American Social History
Publication Date: 4 November, 2025
Pages: 241
SYNOPSIS
Some acts of courage never make the news, but they keep the world turning.
In every community, there are people who keep things moving simply by showing up. Quiet Valor: Everyday Americans opens with this familiar truth and builds a clear, steady narrative around it—highlighting the men and women whose everyday decisions hold families and neighborhoods together when it matters most.
Larry Nouvel brings forward stories that feel close to home: the workers, neighbors, teachers, and caregivers who operate without fanfare but whose actions hold real impact across families, streets, and local systems.
This volume reads like a portfolio of lived experiences, each one capturing a moment when an ordinary individual stepped forward because responsibility called for it. A teacher sprinting through a storm to guide anxious children. A bus driver managing an evacuation with near-perfect timing. A construction worker shielding a stranger on the subway tracks. A deputy diving into deep water to bring a lost child back to safety. An airman refusing to stop until every family in a flooded town was accounted for. These moments underscore a timeless point: communities endure because everyday people choose to act.
Nouvel’s style is measured and respectful, reflecting long-standing values, commitment, steadiness, and the quiet work ethic that has always shaped American life. Each vignette is lean, focused, and designed to show how character carries real operational weight. These aren’t headline-chasing stories; they are reminders of the reliable hands that keep families supported and neighborhoods functioning.
Following Quiet Valor: Unsung Architects of the American Promise and Quiet Valor: Children Who Cared, Endured, and Inspired, this third volume turns the lens toward the adults who sustain communities one steady act at a time.
Quiet Valor: Everyday Americans is a meaningful resource for readers who value tradition, continuity, and the steady presence of people who do the work because the work matters. It reminds us that valor is often quiet—and greatness is measured by the willingness to keep showing up.
Larry Nouvel is the author of Quiet Valor: Unsung Architects of the American Promise, Quiet Valor: Children Who Cared, Endured, and Inspired, and Quiet Valor: Everyday Americans— three books that celebrate individuals whose quiet actions shaped lives, communities, and sometimes nations.
An inventor and entrepreneur, Larry has developed and registered more than 100 health-related products worldwide and holds over a dozen patents. As founder of LNouvel Inc., he has spent decades quietly advancing innovations in pet, livestock, and household care. His latest venture, UnRuffled Pets, launched in 2024 with calming products for cats and dogs, and is now sold across the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Brazil.
Larry’s writing reflects his belief that quiet dedication—whether through caregiving, invention, or daily kindness—can drive lasting change. His stories highlight people who didn’t seek attention but made a difference all the same.
The author’s own feelings can be seen most acutely in the startling clarity of such lines as “history is not nostalgia. It is instruction,” “it is the courage to say This still matters when others have moved on,” and “to revive language is to confront the violence that tried to destroy it.” Each account is accompanied by a reflection, as well as a list of references that makes the thoroughness of Nouvel’s research clear.
Pintsized Pioneers at Play: Homemade Frontier Fun and Danger explores the forgotten world of how kids lived, laughed, and sometimes limped through their childhood years in the Old West.
While their parents settled the land, these pintsized pioneers explored it, creating their own adventures with homemade toys, daring games, wild animal encounters, and risky escapades. This engaging sequel to the award-winning Pintsized Pioneers: Taming the Frontier, One Chore at a Time shines a spotlight on the joys and perils of play in a land still being tamed.
From exploring the prairie and wrangling critters to celebrating frontier holidays and watching traveling circuses, this book reveals how children carved out fun and entertainment in a rough-and-tumble world. Learn how railroads and mail-order catalogs brought new toys, how schools and churches doubled as social hubs, and how a simple game could end in laughter or injury.
Written for young adults but fascinating for readers of all ages, Pintsized Pioneers at Play is packed with history, heart, and a hint of danger. Written at a tenth-grade reading level perfect for curious minds, Pintsized Pioneers at Play includes a glossary of related terms.
Perfect for fans of Western history, educators, homeschoolers, and lovers of untold American stories!
Preston Lewis and Harriet Kocher Lewis co-authoredthree books in the “Magic Machine Series” published by Bariso Press: Devotionals from a Soulless Machine, Jokes from a Humorless Machine, and Recipes from a Tasteless Machine. They reside in San Angelo, Texas.
Preston Lewis has published more than 50 fiction and nonfiction works. The author and historian’s books include traditional Westerns, historical novels, comic Westerns, young adult books, and historical accounts. In 2021 he was inducted into the Texas Institute of Letters for his literary accomplishments.
His writing honors include two Spur Awards from Western Writers of America and three Elmer Kelton Awards from the West Texas Historical Association. He has received ten Will Rogers Medallion Awards, and in 2024, he earned an inaugural Literary Global Independent Author Award in the Western Nonfiction category for Cat Tales of the Old West.
He is a past president of Western Writers of America and the West Texas Historical Association, which named him a fellow in 2016.
Harriet Kocher Lewis is the award-winning editor and publisher of Bariso Press. Titles she has edited have been honored with Will Rogers Medallion Awards, Spur Finalist designations, and Independent Author Awards.
Lewis concluded her 26-year physical therapy career as the inaugural clinical coordinator for the physical therapy program at Angelo State University, where she taught technical writing and wrote or edited numerous scientific papers as well as a chapter in a clinical education textbook.
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