☼ A Place In The Spotlight ☼ with M.C.V. EGAN

Tuesday, February 17, 2026

Amazing Amanda and the Crazy School Carnival

Kids Books / Young Adult

Date Published: 01-14-2026

Amazing Amanda and the Crazy School Carnival includes comedy and yet realistic life issues. Readers will laugh, giggle, worry, and cheer Amanda's attempts at growth. Amanda is a pre-adolescent girl who deals with body issues, middle-school drama, angst with new girls, coming of age issues such as seeing beyond the surface, handling responsibilities of leadership, and questions about faith. Set in a mid-size central Minnesota town, the story is told exclusively from Amanda's point of view. Amazing Amanda is a clean, family friendly story.

This is Abear's debut novel.

Coming soon: Book 2 Amazing Amanda and the Mystery of the Black Cat and Book 3 Amazing Amanda and Her Bright New Day. The series takes readers through Amanda's entire sixth-grade experience.

Excerpt

Amanda lurched down the hall, flapping her arms like a pelican trying to dry her armpits, and flew past the locker area and into her homeroom class. As sunshine streamed through open windows, she hoped a breeze reached her soon.
She shrank down when she got into her seat, the last desk in the middle row of five. Head and shoulders taller than most students and twice as wide, she preferred the back. That was better than hearing, “Amanda scrunch down so I can see,” or “Amanda, could you move a bit to the left?” and other—not so nice—comments.
When the bell rang, she punched out her left arm. “Yay! I made it on time.”
“Watch it,” Charlie Piggott said in the row to her left. His blue eyes widened. “Almost got me that time.”
“Sorry.” Amanda grimaced. “Really.”
“It’s okay. Better luck next time.”
“Huh?”
“To hit your target.”
She frowned. “I don’t want to hit you.”
He broke out in a grin. “Amanda, I’m just kiddin’ ya.”
Amanda grinned back. “You’re a pal.” After she dragged her science stuff from the book bag, she kicked the bag under the desk. Tucking her thatch of brown hair behind her ears, she wiped sweat from her forehead and closed her eyes to slow her breathing. She sensed the noise and chatter fading away…
“Before you get too settled, Amanda.” Miss Holter’s voice pierced through Amanda’s mist of serenity. “Please close the door.”
Amanda scrambled to her feet, smacking her thighs against the desk. “Ow!” She gritted her teeth and lumbered to the door.
As she started to close it, Miss Holter said, “Then come to the front of the class.”
Amanda jerked, slamming the door.
“Uh Oh’s” escaped from several students as heads swiveled toward her.
Confused, Amanda stumbled over a bookbag on her way to the front, mumbling, “One more thing and I’m going to scream.”
Standing beside Miss Holter made Amanda feel almost petite.
When the teacher turned, she whispered to Amanda, “Go ahead and sit in the chair there beside my desk.”
Amanda glimpsed the corners of her teacher’s mouth turn up ever so slightly and wondered what she wanted. If I’m not in trouble, why am I here? Miss Holter, her favorite teacher, had never done anything to embarrass her before.
The teacher motioned for their full attention. “In faculty meeting this morning, Principal Primson announced we’re having a carnival fundraiser. The sixth grade will be putting on the event. A student representative will help organize the students as we work on the carnival. The four homeroom teachers each nominated one student who must accomplish three challenges.”
“Sounds like too much work,” Mark Nelson said, scrunching his face.
The teacher nodded. “It will be. But a student with real leadership potential should not find the challenges too difficult. The tasks may even be invigorating for him or her.”
A zing of excitement crept up Amanda’s spine.
The teacher crossed her arms with a smug look. “My nominee—no, pardon me—our section 6B nominee is the very best.”

About the Author

As a teacher for almost thirty years, Beverly Abear enjoys writing for middle-grade and young adult readers. She has several stories in progress that she hopes to finish and get published. The Amanda stories are mostly set in a k-6th elementary school like the one the author attended in northern Minnesota. Because her faith has greatly affected her life, Beverly's passion for her readers is that they grow to trust in the Lord and enjoy an abundant life in Him.

Amazing Amanda and the Crazy School Carnival is Beverly's debut novel.

Contact Links

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Purchase Links

https://mybook.to/AmazingAmandaCarnival

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Forest Legend -The Tale of Ol’ Split Toe

The Tale of Ol' Split Toe

YOUNG ADULT FICTION

Science & Nature/Environment Science Fiction/Time Travel Literature & Fiction/Action & Adventure

Date Published: 03-31-2026

Publisher: Mission Point Press

Mother Nature struggles to maintain equilibrium in a changing world while fire, disease, logging, human displacement, and war repeatedly destroy forests of centuries-old trees. Split Toe, a deer chosen at birth for a unique education, travels through time to understand the interconnected workings of a Michigan forest. He meets humans along the way: Ice Age hunters who trap and kill a mastodon; Mukwoh, a young Ojibwe hunter who stalks Split Toe through swamp and forest; loggers clearcutting Michigan’s white pines; Edra, a woman advocating for the trees; Angus and Grace, pioneers who become a first generation of family farmers; scientists from the future studying the impact of nuclear radiation.

Split Toe witnesses two hundred years of conflict building between modern humans -- who fight to control the natural world -- and Mother Nature, who repeatedly reaches for balance. He wonders whether human ways will ultimately overpower Mother Nature, until he meets a boy who changes everything.

Excerpt

Chapter 5 – The Sacred Circle – AD1409
Page 54

Copyright @ 2026 by Daniel S. Ellens

And here, within the ancient circle, the barrier between the physical world and the spirit pool was thin. He could hear them now, whispering to each other in the wind.

Waawaashkeshi breathed deeply, looked up into the tree foliage, and asked the spirits the question that was weighing on him.

“Was that really necessary? The hungry cougar? The human stalking me? This flea? The problem at the river? I nearly broke my neck. It is still sore.”

Waawaashkeshi stretched his neck upward and to the side in a circular motion, lifting his chin. He was speaking to himself. Listening for an answer that would come from within.

“Am I not a chosen deer? Why do you not protect me from such things?”

The spirit’s answer seemed to whisper through his mind like wind through the leaves.

“Waawaashkeshi, you know that physically, you are an ordinary deer. You learn from experience as any other living thing learns from experience. You are as big and strong as your kind can be. Your chances of survival are better than other deer because of your strength and the wisdom you’ve gained from your experiences. Your adversaries are mighty, which will only make you stronger … if you survive. Your judgment grows, like a river fed by many streams. You would never be able to understand what you must learn if you were not an ordinary deer who faces real suffering. You are not protected from the natural trials of life because trials are a part of life. Do you think you could understand the strength of the river without such a crossing? Do you think you would have found out about the living soil if you had not crossed the river? Knowing such things is important. Your experiences will guide you in the future. They will help you understand the natural world, the forest, and its inhabitants. They will help you survive. These are your lessons.”

About the Author

Dan Ellens is an outdoor enthusiast who is passionate about connecting people with nature. He spends nearly half of each year in an isolated, electricity-free treehouse on Winterfield Pines Nature Sanctuary with woodstove heat, handpump water, and oil lamp lighting.

Dan has written four nonfiction books intended to inspire adventure, promote self-sufficient lifestyles, and connect people with nature.

While not in the wilds, Dan and his wife live in the small community of Salem, Michigan.

Contact Links

LinkedIn: Daniel S. Ellens

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Monday, February 16, 2026

Night Eagle by KZ Shaw

Falling from space was just the beginning

Science Fiction

Date Published: February 16, 2026

Falling from space was a horrific end for a distinguished astronaut. Or should have been. Instead, it didn’t just change his life, it changed the world.

When a catastrophic explosion on an orbiting space factory hurls construction manager Rahim Johnson towards Earth, survival seems impossible. Using a section of debris as a shield, Johnson miraculously endures the brutal descent and crash-lands deep into the Amazon rainforest. Severely injured and far from rescue, he is taken in by an isolated indigenous tribe whose world feels both unfamiliar and strangely connected to the ancestral stories that have haunted his dreams for years. As Johnson recovers, the rainforest awakens memories of history, loss and true friendship.

But the forest is no idyllic escape. When illegal loggers threaten the tribe’s land, Johnson is forced back into the modern world, and compelled to return the tribe’s favor. His survival transforms him into a global symbol and powerful advocate, but that also brings unimaginable consequences. Years later, his family is drawn to the very place he landed, uncovering a legacy that binds space exploration, environmental destruction, and one visionary inspired by Johnson who will shape the future of humanity.

Are you ready for Johnson’s incredible story? Get your copy today and discover the true meaning of courage, sacrifice, and the fight to protect what matters.

About the Author

KZ Shaw has loved science fiction ever since winning a copy of HG Wells short stories at school. And realizing its power to channel a fertile imagination into the written word. That fascination led to a lifelong love of science and the English language, with a particular affinity for technofiction.

Today, KZ can be found immersed in far-off galaxies or travelling with family in a more mundane world called Earth.

Or, if you’re lucky, solving world problems.

Purchase Link

Amazon

Friday, February 13, 2026

The Rescuer Fall River Series Book 3 by G.K. Brady Genre: Small-Town Second Chance Romantic Suspense

She’s moving on.

He’s running out of time.

One reckless night changes everything.

The Rescuer

Fall River Series Book 3

by G.K. Brady

Genre: Small-Town Second Chance Romantic Suspense

She’s moving on. He’s running out of time. One reckless night changes everything.

Reece Hunnicutt has spent his life coming to the rescue—whether it’s pulling climbers off treacherous mountain faces or volunteering to string the town’s Christmas lights. But after walking away from the elite search and rescue squad that gave him purpose, Reece is a man untethered, without a landing pad and dodging questions about his future. The one constant in his life? His quiet dedication to his small mountain town and his brothers who have no idea he’s about to embark on a new future that will take him to the other side of the continent.

Town veterinarian Neve Embry has been nursing a one-sided love for Reece since childhood. But she’s done waiting for him to see her as more than a kid sister who needs his protection. Between juggling a struggling clinic and starting up an exciting new relationship with a charming billionaire resort owner, Neve is determined to move on. Sparks might not fly with her new beau, but at least her heart isn’t on the line.

Until one impulsive night in Vegas changes everything.

Waking up married to Reece is the last thing Neve expects—or wants. But when her clinic is vandalized and her life upended, Reece insists on sticking around until the culprit is caught. Forced to live under the same roof, their shaky alliance begins to crack under the weight of their undeniable chemistry.

As danger closes in and secrets come to light, Reece and Neve must confront the truth about their desires—and decide whether this love can be rescued.

Amazon * Bookbub * Goodreads

The urge to giggle had everything to do with nerves and nothing to do with how he looked. No, nothing about his physique was giggle-worthy. If Neve could have crafted the perfect male specimen, he would have looked exactly like Reece. A sculpted torso that started at wide shoulders and tapered to a trim waist, like a V, above a perfectly square butt. Smooth, tan skin.

His back was to her, so she couldn’t assess the man package, but judging by the way it had felt against her in bed, he wasn’t lacking in that department either.

He came to a stop and glanced over his shoulder. “You’re staring.”

She swallowed a yelp.

A slow grin spread over his face—at least the side she could see in profile. “You know what they say. You see mine, I see yours.”

“That’s so childish!” she spluttered. “Besides, you’ve already seen it, and so have I.”

“We were five years old, Neve. I think things have changed since then.”

Details.

She brushed at something tickling her shoulder and looked up. “They have robes in here. His and hers, judging by the sizes.”

“Good because I can’t find a single stitch. Throw one out, would you?”

Hoisting herself to her feet, she slid the smaller robe from its hanger and quickly pulled it on before handing him the other one through the closet door.

“Thanks.” Fabric rustled. “As much fun as it is talking to you through a closet door, I think it’d be much easier if you came out.”

“Are you decent?”

“Always.”

She opened the door and stepped out—and tried not to laugh, especially given the seriousness of their dilemma. The robe hit him at the knees, and the sleeves were halfway up his forearms.

“We need to figure this out,” they both said at the same time.

“Maybe there are some clues in here.” Reece loped toward their adjoining doors, which stood wide open, but before she could follow, he let out a strangled sort of noise from his bedroom.

“What is it?” She hurried through the doorway.

“Found our clothes.”

His bed looked as though a herd of elephants had tap-danced on it. Scattered around said bed were various bits of his and her wedding outfits. Her panties lay in a crumpled heap beside his boxers, and her matching strapless bra hung over a chair that sat cockeyed to the desk. On the nightstand stood two empty champagne bottles, along with a half-dozen martini glasses, also empty.

She gasped and tried not to hurl.

He held up his hands. “Don’t panic.” Traipsing over to the desk, he switched on the lamp and picked up a piece of paper. A groan punched from his lungs.

“What? What is it?”

He locked gazes with her. “You can panic now.”

A mere beat passed, and she was by his side, gawking at what he held in his hands. Her already-unsettled stomach plummeted to her toes. “That’s … that’s …”

“A marriage license. Yeah.”

“It’s got to be a joke. Are those our real names?”

“Looks like.”

He plucked up what looked like a receipt and whipped his head toward her. His eyes dipped to her hand. “Holy Mother of …”

She followed his gaze, and her mouth swung open.

He pointed at her hand. “That is not fake.”

On her left ring finger was a big-ass diamond and a matching band.

Now she darted her eyes to his left hand. “Uh, you seem to be wearing what looks like the man version of mine. These must be fake! Right?”

“Don’t think so.” He held up the receipt.

She covered her mouth to hold back a choked cry. “Is that a six? With four zeros after it?”

“No, that’s an eight.” He rubbed his forehead with his free hand. “Damn! I bought these!”

She inspected the ring, which was almost too big for her small finger. “It is beautiful.”

“I have great taste. Did you have a say in it, or did I just … buy it?”

She blinked. “You’re asking me?”

“You were there, weren’t you?”

“Yeah, I was there, but I was as drunk as you, and everything’s a black hole.”

Dear God, what had they done?

**Don’t miss the rest of the series! **

Find them on Amazon

Since childhood, all sorts of stories and characters have lived in G.K. Brady’s imagination, elbowing one another for attention, so she’s finally giving them their voice on the written page.

An award-winning writer of contemporary romance, she loves telling tales of the less-than-perfect hero or heroine who transforms with each turn of a page. She also writes historical fiction under the pen name Griffin Brady.

G.K. is a wife and the proud mom of three grown sons. When she’s not writing, she might be reading, traveling, drinking wine, listening to music, or gardening—sometimes all at once! She currently resides in Colorado with her very patient husband.

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Amazing Amanda and the Crazy School Carnival

Kids Books / Young Adult

Date Published: 01-14-2026

This is Abear's debut novel.

Coming soon: Book 2 Amazing Amanda and the Mystery of the Black Cat and Book 3 Amazing Amanda and Her Bright New Day. The series takes readers through Amanda's entire sixth-grade experience.

About the Author

Amazing Amanda and the Crazy School Carnival is Beverly's debut novel.

Contact Links

Website

Facebook

Goodreads

Purchase Links

https://mybook.to/AmazingAmandaCarnival

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Bookshop

Let’s Talk Leadership

The Psychology of Power, Presence, and Purpose in Modern Leadership

Non-fiction — Leadership & Executive Psychology

Date Published: December 3, 2025

Let’s Talk Leadership is a psychological exploration of what truly shapes leaders and the cultures around them. Leadership is not a technique or a collection of frameworks. It is an inner journey, driven by personal history, emotional patterns, and the narratives that guide behavior. In this book, executive coach and C-suite advisor Arvid Buit reveals the hidden mechanisms that influence decision-making, presence, authority, and organizational impact.

Drawing on years of working closely with CEOs, founders and executive teams, the book uncovers how leaders are formed, why they act the way they do, and how they can grow beyond their limitations. It exposes the emotional architecture of leadership, explains why organizations mirror the mindset of their leaders, and shows why many development programs fail to create real change.

The book is divided into three parts.

Part I explores the psychological nature of leadership. It explains how early experiences shape adult leadership behavior, why leaders carry personal narratives into the workplace, how emotional signals travel through teams, and why strong leadership is often misunderstood or resisted.

Part II introduces five perspectives that allow you to understand and analyze leadership in any environment: the Collective, the Strategist, the Father, the Decision-Maker and the Creative. These perspectives help you see how leaders influence culture, make decisions, give direction, create safety and foster innovation.

Part III presents a practical seven-step development method. It guides you through assessing your current leadership identity, identifying blind spots, designing new behaviors, improving communication, building discipline, navigating change and inspiring others. The focus is on deep, sustainable transformation rather than quick fixes or surface-level techniques.

Let’s Talk Leadership is written for executives, managers, founders, HR-professionals, coaches and anyone serious about understanding the psychological reality of leadership. It offers a clear and honest approach to self-awareness, personal growth and organizational influence. Leaders who understand themselves create stability, meaning and direction for others. This book shows how to begin that process and how to develop a leadership presence that is both conscious and authentic.

About the Author

Arvid Buit is a globally recognized leadership expert, strategy consultant, and author with over two decades of experience in transforming leaders and organizations. His work delves into the complex psychology of leadership, helping executives and professionals understand the true nature of effective leadership, beyond the popular myths and misconceptions. Arvid is known for his candid approach, blending deep insights from neuroscience, behavioral science, and attachment theory to offer practical, actionable strategies that resonate with leaders at all levels.

Having worked with a diverse range of clients, from top CEOs to international artists, Arvid brings a unique perspective on leadership, drawing from his early career in the entertainment industry where he toured with globally renowned performers. His observations of how successful individuals struggle both on and off the stage laid the foundation for his deep understanding of the pressures and vulnerabilities leaders face.

Arvid’s latest book focuses on debunking modern leadership myths and creating a culture where both leaders and employees can thrive. His mission is to guide leaders toward self-awareness, authentic connection, and sustainable success, providing them with the tools they need to navigate the challenges of leadership in today’s fast-paced, high-stakes environment.

Whether through his consulting work, keynote speeches, or published writings, Arvid Buit is committed to helping leaders break free from outdated models and thrive in their personal and professional lives.

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