Nayeli

 

 

Memoir, Animal Rescue, Inspirational

Date Published: November 17, 2025

Abandoned. Injured. Left to fate on the harsh streets of Romania. This is the story of a paralyzed street dog named Nayeli—who refused to give up.

Struck by a car and left for dead, Nayeli's fate seemed sealed. But against all odds, a few strangers saw the fire in her eyes—and chose to believe in her. Their belief sparked a rescue effort that crossed borders, challenged assumptions, and gave one fragile life a second chance.

In Germany, Nayeli found a human who saw not a disability, but a soul worth fighting for. Through unwavering love, gentle care, and the quiet power of daily perseverance, Nayeli's resilience led to a life she was never supposed to have—a life worth living.

Nayeli: More Than Just a Survival Story is a deeply human tale of courage, quiet love, and the unspoken bond between a soul in need—and the one who answered.

This is not just a memoir. It is a soul journey through darkness and dignity, and a quiet tribute to what happens when hope refuses to die.

If you've ever believed in second chances—or felt that silent pull to protect a life more fragile than your own—then Nayeli's story will linger long after the last page.

For those who have ever fought quietly for a voiceless soul. Or mourned one.

This journey is for you.

 

About the Author

Some books are more than just stories—they are bridges. Bridges between past and future, between despair and hope, between those who have a voice and those who are unheard.

My book is dedicated to the forgotten souls—the countless stray dogs fighting for survival, the shelter dogs longing for medical care, and the puppies hoping for a safe home. It tells the story of resilience, of those who refuse to give up despite overwhelming odds.

But this book is also about the people who stand by them. The ones who don’t look away, who dedicate their lives to giving these animals a second chance. They are the unsung heroes of animal welfare, and their courage deserves to be seen, shared, and remembered.

By telling this story, I hope to build a bridge—one that connects awareness to action, compassion to commitment, and readers to a cause that truly matters. Because every rescued life is proof that change is possible.

Contact Links

Website

Facebook

Instagram

Purchase Link

Amazon

The Legacy of a Lie

  

 Contemporary Fiction

Date Published: January 15, 2026

Publisher: Windy Ridge Publishing

The Legacy of a Lie unravels a web of family secrets when the past resurfaces, threatening everything its keepers tried to protect. At its center is Maarit McDonough Malone, a brilliant yet flawed budding opera singer whose scandalous choices ripple across generations.

Her daughters—Kay, a celebrated mezzo-soprano, and Anna, a self-doubting composer—must confront the emotional fallout of their mother’s long-buried lies. Alongside them are a young, truth-seeking journalist, a lawyer, and a priest, all carrying the weight of secrets they are professionally and morally bound to keep.

Set in the haunting beauty of Minnesota’s river bluffs and Lake Superior’s North Shore, this is a story of legacy and redemption—of truth breaking through the cracks of deception and healing in the wake of generations of silence.

Excerpt

She turned the radio off as she pulled into the drive-through at the Coffee Stop. The attendant, too perky for the morning hour, wished her a great day and passed a medium coffee with cream but no sugar through the window. Only two meetings were scheduled for the day: the first with her boss at 11:00 a.m. and a division meeting at 1:00. With any luck, she’d escape the office early.

Instead of turning north to I–94 and Saint Paul, the car pulled out of the Coffee-Stop driveway onto the main street and turned south toward Red Wing. Maarit was surprised at the easy merge into the lighter-than-usual highway traffic.

“Why is the sun in my eyes today?” Maarit muttered. “It wasn’t yesterday.” Within a few minutes, where she expected stop lights, stop signs were spaced apart at irregular intervals. Long stretches of unfamiliar road stretched to the horizon. She looked at her watch and frowned. She should have been at work twenty minutes ago. The highway transitioned into a street with no curb or shoulder, then evolved into a narrow gravel road. She tried to turn around, but the car slid off the narrow shoulder into a ditch.

Confusion became fear. The front bumper hit an orange snow fence. The car shuddered. Forward motion ceased. Engine warning lights glowed red throughout the vehicle. Fear became panic. She tried to yell for help, but only a faint whisper escaped her lips. Her head throbbed. Everything blurred. Then, everything went dark as she lost consciousness.

 

About the Author

 

 Ron Elcombe is a professor emeritus at Winona State University (MN), where he taught various advertising and mass communication courses for 25 years. His eclectic career encompasses teaching instrumental music, as well as sales and marketing roles for multiple companies. He has been published in the Lake Country Journal and several professional academic journals and has attended seminars on fiction writing at the Iowa Summer Writers Festival. "The Legacy of a Lie" is the first book in a three-novel series. He resides in Rochester, Minnesota, with his wife, Sharon, and enjoys summers on the golf course and at the family cabin in northern Minnesota.

Contact Links

Website

Facebook

Instagram

Purchase Link

BookBaby

The Key Keeper’s Secret The Zoe Frost Chronicles Book 1 by Edgar Thorn Genre: Urban Fantasy

 

 

Magic is real. Monsters are hungry. And Zoe Frost is already marked.

The Key Keeper’s Secret

The Zoe Frost Chronicles Book 1

by Edgar Thorn

Genre: Urban Fantasy

A Shadow demon tried to kill me. Now it's master wants to finish the job...

I was just supposed to be going to the annual Magicians' Winter Charity Ball. But pretty soon I was neck-deep in a world of murderous monsters, secret societies, and time-travelling lunatics.
And if I can't figure out the truth, everyone I love is going to die.
With BFF Courtney by my side and boyfriend Blake showing his true colours, my quiet weekend turned into a total nightmare. And somehow, it's only the beginning...

The Key Keeper’s Secret kicks off The Zoe Frost Chronicles — a 13-book series of fast, funny, magical short reads packed with danger, adventure, bad guys, and monsters.

 

**Get it FREE 12/26 – 12/29!**

Amazon * Bookbub * Goodreads

 

I was almost at the exit when a hand grabbed my wrist.

At first, I thought it was a pushy homeless person asking for money.

They do that sometimes.

So, instead of screaming my head off, like a normal woman, I used a go-away spell.

Something designed to make humans leave you alone, no matter the situation.

One of the first spells a magician learns.

But, nothing happened.

The grip around my wrist got tighter. The fingers dug into my flesh. Hurting me.

Panic surged through my body.

This shouldn’t have been possible.

At the same time my body began to feel heavy and weak. Like I’d been drugged.

“Get off me,” I said, though my voice sounded distant, like it was coming from down a very long tunnel.

I tried another spell. But, still nothing. Like a light switch had been flipped off.

“Where is it?” the man hissed.

His voice was horrible. Like nails on chalkboard.

I looked into his face and for the first time saw the person who was attacking me.

Except, he wasn't a person at all.

He wasn't even a human.

There were two black holes where his eyes should have been. His skin was a horrible green-grey colour. Tight against his bones.

“Where is it?” he repeated, close enough for me to smell his breath.

It smelled of death.

“Where’s what?” I said. “Let go of me!”

But the weakness was growing. I was having difficulty keeping my eyes open.

My tongue felt like a big, fat walrus laying down in my mouth.

Before I knew it, I was on the ground. The thing was on top of me. Pinning me down so hard I could barely breathe.

I was sure I was going to die.

If only I'd stayed in bed with Blake, I thought. None of this would be happening.

“Blake,” I whispered.

“Where is it?” the monster snarled. “Tell me!”

Tears started running down my cheeks.

I turned to look him in the eyes. Not that he had any. But maybe he'd believe me if he could see I really meant it.

“I don’t know,” I said, “you’ve got the wrong person!”

He made a ghastly, whistling sound.

I squeezed my eyes shut, bracing for the worst. But suddenly his hand let go of my wrist.

The weakness disappeared, and the weight that had been pinning me down vanished.

Carefully, I opened my eyes and saw the monster standing beside me, wobbling gently from side to side, his hands covering his ears.

There was a man holding him by the collar.

A huge, tall man wearing a top hat and a tuxedo. Like he was just on his way to a wedding.

Even in the rain I could see the ice blue of his eyes.

Piercing and deadly.

“Canum sali luet ria, pani rostum luet si,” he bellowed, casting a spell, “Canum sali luet ria, pani rostum luet si.”

The words kept getting faster and faster. He spoke with a powerful, rhythmic venom.

Then, in one swift movement, he punched his fist straight through the monster’s chest.

His hand came out the other side holding its heart.

I turned my head away, afraid. And when I looked back they had disappeared.

Both of them. Without a trace.

Edgar Thorn writes fast-paced urban fantasy set in modern London, blending magic, danger, and dark humour.

 

Website * Facebook * Instagram * TikTok * Amazon

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a $10 giveaway!

Enter The Key Keeper’s Secret Giveaway Here

The Love of a Dog

 

 

A Chronicle of a Remarkable Retriever

Memoir/Love, Black Lab, Dog

Date Published: 02-14-2023

The decision to get a dog becomes a journey from high expectations through the reality of care giving and the fun of companionship to enduring love and finally loss. Dog lovers will see themselves and remember their beloved canine friends. They will wish they had known Tasha as they read about this quirky dog and her love of family and fun. Readers can applaud the transforming power of love.

Excerpt

Typically, I put mulch down in the spring, but I also use mulch to prepare for winter. However, not all mulch is equal when it comes to dogs. 

I am the queen of mulch. I used it abundantly to discourage weeds and hold moisture in the soil, and to protect roots during winter. I had a preference for cocoa bean mulch, which had a delectable aroma. A neighbor at our previous home came out one day while I was spreading it and said, “Oh, I thought you were baking brownies.” That’s how good it smells! 

I had been thoughtless. The cocoa bean is just as toxic for dogs as chocolate. Mulch covered the flower beds in the backyard where Tasha played. “Tasha,” I lectured, “you are not to touch this mulch under any circumstance. Never, never, never touch the mulch.”

 You’re overreacting, Mom.

 I’m not sure how she interpreted “mulch,” but not only did she never touch the mulch, she never put a paw in any flower bed or touch even a petunia or marigold. She kept me company when I worked in the yard, and much later, I found it difficult to garden without my furry assistant.

 

About the Author

Jo McCauley Prouty spent her formative years in West Virginia and Virginia, where she attended the College of William and Mary. She is a former educator and now applies her nurturing skills to flower gardening and entertaining her grandchildren. She resides in Minnesota with her orange tabby, Cooper. Her work has appeared in "The Journal of The Braxton Historical Society" and the "Journal of Opinions, Ideas and Essays."

Contact Links

Website

Facebook

Goodreads

Purchase Links

https://mybook.to/TheLoveofaDog

Amazon

Author Site

Magic Macy and the Giant

 

 

Children’s Book

Date Published: November 27, 2025

 

 A Magic and Adventure Bedtime Illustrated Chapter Story Book for Kids Ages 3–9

 

Join Magic Macy on Her Next Unforgettable Adventure!

 

After her brave journey with the Woodland People and the Ogre, Macy is back for another magical mission—this time, one that takes her deep beneath the earth and all the way to Africa!

 

When a mysterious rat-a-tat-tat on her window wakes her one night, Macy meets Harrison, a tiny mole-like protector from an underground world in trouble. Armed with her silver Magic Trainers with rainbow laces, Macy races across continents—past Buckingham Palace, the Eiffel Tower, and the pyramids of Egypt—to Zimbabwe, where an enormous Giant is forcing Harrison’s people to mine for coins.

 

With courage, quick thinking, and the flash of a camera, Macy must uncover the Giant’s secret and bring peace to two very different worlds. Along the way, she learns that even the biggest problems can have the smallest, kindest solutions.

 

A Story of Friendship, Understanding & Bravery

 

Through this exciting adventure, Magic Macy and the Giant teaches children the value of compassion, problem-solving, and seeing beyond appearances. Macy’s kindness helps her discover that even a scary Giant may simply need… a friend.

 

Magical Learning Moments

 

Like every story in the Magic Macy series, this book blends fantasy and education in a fun, imaginative way:

 

✔ Geography & Discovery – Journey across the globe through countries, capitals, and landmarks

✔ Empathy & Kindness – Understanding others and helping those in need

✔ Bravery & Teamwork – Facing fears and working together to solve problems

✔ Imagination & Creativity – Exploring magical worlds beyond the ordinary

 

Perfect for Bedtime or Early Readers

 

Featuring beautiful hand-drawn illustrations, this charming chapter story is ideal for bedtime reading or early independent readers aged 3–9. Younger children will be captivated by the vibrant imagery; older ones will enjoy reading about Macy’s courage and cleverness.

 

Each Magic Macy adventure comes with bonus printable activity worksheets, designed to spark meaningful discussions about the story’s lessons in kindness, geography, and empathy.

 

Why You’ll Love Magic Macy and the Giant

 

•        A magical, heartwarming story that celebrates courage and compassion

•        Encourages global curiosity and emotional growth

•        Perfect for bedtime stories or classroom reading

•        Inspires children to believe in themselves and the power of doing good

 

An ordinary girl. Magical trainers. A heart full of courage.

 

Follow Macy as she zooms across the world once again to remind us all that kindness can conquer even the biggest of giants.

About the Author

Mark Robertson is a family man who loves his sport, travelling and exploring the world and has a keen interest in history and creative writing. Mark has a strong imagination and is a great story teller. He has a penchant for imagining characters and their adventures, which he shared as a bedtime treat for his little ones. The Magic Macy series was first imagined at these bedtimes with his children. Magic Macy was one such character and he imagined Macy helping people and creatures who were in difficulty and she would venture around the world making good. The stories come to life with carefully crafted illustrations to inspire the imaginations of children and adults alike. We hope you will enjoy Magic Macy as much as Mark's children do at bedtimes.

 

Contact Links

TikTok

Instagram

Facebook

Purchase Link

Amazon

Elmer Kelton’s The Blessing by John Bradshaw

 

 

Western Adventure, Historical Mystery

Date Published: 12-03-2025

Publisher: Devil's Claw Press

Hewey Calloway, Elmer Kelton’s favorite footloose cowboy, has always been known to have a generous nature, readily giving to those in need. Time has finally mellowed Hewey and given him some wisdom that was lacking in his youth, but deep down, he’s still the same old Hewey. In this sequel to The Smiling Country, a beneficiary to one of Hewey’s past generosities pays him back, and with interest. Knowing Hewey would decline a monetary repayment, he is gifted land back in Upton County.

Trouble is, it was bought from his old adversary, Fat Gervin, who is still as crooked as ever. Gervin finds a seeming loophole in the contract and tries to pull another fast one on Hewey, who is fed up with Gervin’s endless treachery. Tensions rise, and when Gervin is shot, it’s Hewey who’s on the hook for the crime. But things are never as they seem, and it’s up to an eclectic cast of characters to sort it out, and for Hewey to learn what’s really important in life.

Written by longtime journalist turned novelist John Bradshaw, who was selected by The Elmer Kelton Estate to continue the Hewey Calloway tradition.

 

About the Author

John Bradshaw is a native of the small town of Abernathy, Texas. He is an award-winning journalist with well over a thousand published stories. Elmer Kelton’s The Familiar Stranger, co-authored with Steve Kelton, is his first book.

Bradshaw attended South Plains College followed by Texas Tech University. He spent several years shoeing horses for a living as his writing career progressed.

While the desire to write books was always there, Bradshaw first pursued a career in journalism. He wrote numerous stories for ranching, horse and horseshoeing magazines.

Growing up, Livestock Weekly came in the mail once a week, as it does for most in the livestock industry. Writing for Livestock Weekly was always a goal, and in 2005 Bradshaw’s first story was published. It was a profile of Brownie Metzgar, a humorous cowboy still working in a feedlot while in his late 80s.

In 2007 Bradshaw accepted a fulltime position with Livestock Weekly. While with the paper he had over a thousand stories published, as well as enough market reports to give him permanent nightmares.

Horses have always played an important role in his life. The son of a horseshoer, he has spent a significant amount of time either on or under a horse. He still shows in both ranch horse and reined cow horse competitions.

He and his wife, Sara, live outside Abernathy. Sara owns an architecture firm, SK Architecture Group, and they raise Spanish goats, hair sheep and cattle.

In 2013 the couple had a stillborn son, Fox Joaquin Bradshaw. After several years of heartbreak they adopted an infant boy, whom they named Julian Boone Bradshaw. Boone died in his dad’s arms following an accident at the barn five days before his sixth birthday.

Contact Links

Website

Facebook

Goodreads

Instagram

Purchase Today