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.
The Page Unbound 