Book Tour ~ Katy in Central Park by Ella English

 

 

Book 2 in the Kitty in the City Series

Children's Book

A chapter book for ages 5–7

Date Published: 06-18-2025

Publisher: Crimson Dragon Publishing

Broadway’s favorite singing cat is back on the scene—and this time, she’s headed to Central Park! In Katy in Central Park, Katy is ready for a quiet day with her owner Lilian… until their picnic basket is suddenly snatched.

With her best cat buddy Weasel at her side, Katy dashes through the park’s winding paths, determined to solve the mystery. But is everything really what it seems?

This charming chapter book, written and illustrated by Ella English, is full of fun, friendship, and feline flair—plus an important lesson about thinking twice before making snap decisions.

🎉 Bonus alert!

At the end of the book, young readers can dive into a bundle of Did You Know? facts about Central Park.

Did you know Belvedere Castle is perched high above Turtle Pond and used to house a weather station? Or that Central Park Zoo is home to snow leopards, sea lions, and red pandas? There are over 280 species of birds in the park, and the entire park is 843 acres—that's about 640 football fields!

 

✨ Book launches June 18—International Picnic Day!

Celebrate by grabbing a blanket, heading to Central Park, and sharing a storytime picnic with Katy the singing cat!

 A prickly feeling crept up my neck like icy pinpricks. The hairs on my arm stood up straight.

 

Weasel let out a soft, worried meow.

 

I whirled around. A chunky calico cat was perched on top of the wall, glaring down at us. The sun lit him up like a spotlight. He wore a little red vest, and a black bandanna was tied under his chin.

 

“Well, looky what we have here,” he said. His eyes narrowed, and his pointy teeth poked out. “If it isn’t Weasel, my old pal. And look, he even has a little girlfriend with him.”

 

The cat leaped off the wall and landed with a thud. He strutted up to Weasel, who gulped.

 

“Who are you?” I asked. My heart skipped a beat. This cat was scary.

 

“I’m Calico Jack,” said the cat.

 

A fluffy gray cat with a black eye patch crept along the wall. With a squeak, she somersaulted and landed next to Weasel. The gray cat rubbed her head on Weasel’s cheek. She purred loudly.

 

Weasel’s furry face lit up. “Hi, Mary!” Weasel said.

 

“How’s it going?”

 

Calico Jack was still glaring at us. His tail swished from side to side.

 

Mary circled Weasel, bumping him with her head.

 

“Some friend you are, leaving us high and dry. Just ran away in the middle of the night, didn’t he, Jack?”

 

“A traitor is what you are. A no-good bum.”

 

Calico Jack pushed his face close to Weasel’s good ear.

 

“Want me to rip this one up too? It would make a nice matching pair, eh, Mary?” Calico Jack gave a belly laugh, and Mary joined in.

 

EEEEYYOOWWW!

 

A sudden shrill cry pierced the air. Something slammed onto Weasel’s back.

Weasel yelped as an orange and white striped cat dug her claws into his back. With a twist, he shook her off onto the ground.

 

The new cat’s fur stood straight up, like she’d been zapped with electricity. A jagged scar marked her pink nose. She wore a tiny white shirt with a belt wrapped around her middle.

 

“Well, well, look who finally decided to show his face,” the frizzy cat said in a crackly voice. She licked a paw and smoothed down her spiked neck fur.

 

“Great to see you again, Anne. You’re looking mighty fine.”

 

“Stow the compliments.” She punched him softly on the left side of his head. “You shouldn’t have left us.”

 

She circled him, her tail swishing. “We’re your family. We searched all over, missing you.”

 

Anne leaned in close to Weasel’s face and narrowed her eyes. “You left us in the lurch. We’re family. You don’t just run out on family.”

 

Weasel’s ears drooped. He stared down at his paws.

 

“And now we’ve found you and your little friend,” Mary said in a menacing tone. “Looks like your luck has run out.”

 

“You don’t scare me!” I yelled, but it came out as more of a squeak.

 

I charged at Mary, but she caught me in a headlock. I didn’t want her to know I was scared, so I shouted, “You’d better leave Weasel alone!”

 

“Stay out of it! We’re pirates!” Calico Jack said, his voice a low rumble. “And pirates don’t split up, because they know the consequences.”

 

“If you’re pirates, where’s your boat?” I said, sinking my teeth into Mary’s arm. Shrieking, she loosened her grip.

 

But Calico Jack wasn’t listening. Shoving his paw under Weasel’s chin, he hoisted Weasel above his head and swung him around in circles above his head.

 

“You won’t get away with this, Weasel! You let me down, and I don’t like being let down.” Calico Jack shouted.

 

“Stop that!” I yelled, even though my legs were shaking.

 

Calico Jack threw back his head and roared with

laughter.

 

“What are you going to do about it, little girl?” he taunted.

 

I squeezed my hands into tight fists. My stomach twisted into knots seeing poor Weasel being whirled around like a toy.

 

Calico Jack spun faster and faster. Weasel wailed helplessly.

 

“He’s a stinky cat! Phew, Weasel, you reek,” Anne said, holding her nose.

 

Weasel always smelled like pizza grease, but it wasn’t as bad as Anne was making out.

 

Weasel hissed and writhed in Calico Jack’s grasp.

 

Weasel reached out a paw and scratched him so hard that Calico Jack dropped him.

 

“You devil!” Calico Jack cried.

 

Weasel grabbed me by the paw and yelled, “RUN!”

 

We bolted across the observation deck. Weasel was up on the wall in one leap, pulling me behind. Shaking off his grasp, I scaled the tall, rectangular tower of gray stone that shimmered in the sun. We scrambled up the bumpy surface, determined to get to the top.

 

Ella English is a British author and illustrator known for her children's books, particularly her Kitty in the City series and the Merblood Saga. She writes and illustrates imaginative stories, often with themes of dreams, adventure, and friendship. After moving from London, Ella English now lives in Baltimore, USA, with her two daughters.

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Teaser Tuesday ~ Hammer - Dixie Reapers MC by Harley Wylde

 

 

(Dixie Reapers MC)

 

Motorcycle Club Romance, Age Gap, Suspense

Date Published: June 27, 2025

 

Get ready to dive into the gritty yet heartwarming world of the Dixie Reapers.

 

Amelia: I know monsters. Hammer isn't one, regardless of what he says. He's a born protector with a big heart, and he's exactly what my family needs. Sure, there's a big age difference between us, but why should I care about other people's opinions? All that matters is that Hammer makes me happy. He's just what my sons need and he and the Dixie Reapers can protect me from my piece of s**t ex. Anything else is unimportant. Now I just have to convince him that we make a good team.

Hammer: I haven't walked the path of righteousness by any means, but it doesn't mean I'm a heartless bastard. Found out I had a kid who's now a Prospect. Discovered I had a granddaughter, and now I'm a great-grandfather. Adopted a kid who didn't have anyone. None of that makes up for the shit I've done in my past, or the fact I've been in and out of prison most of my life. So why does the sweetest woman I've ever met see me as her savior and not the monster I really am? Somehow she's become mine, along with her teen boys. If anyone ever said I'd be a family man, I'd have laughed in their faces. Guess the joke's on me.

Are you ready to experience a love story that challenges the boundaries and proves that every heart deserves a second chance?

 

Warning: Hammer is intended for readers 18+ due to adult situations, bad language, and violence. There's no cheating, no cliffhanger, and a guaranteed HEA!

 

EXCERPT

 

Amelia

I sat on the deserted Florida beach as dusk painted the sky in shades of orange and pink, my boys flanking me like sentinels. The rhythmic crashing of waves against the shore masked our hushed voices, nature’s white noise ensuring no one would overhear plans that could get us killed.

We’d chosen this spot carefully -- far enough from the tourist areas to avoid casual onlookers, but public enough that Piston wouldn’t think to look for us here. My old man hated beaches, hated sand, hated anything that couldn’t be controlled. The vastness of the ocean offended him somehow, as if the world had no right to be bigger than his ego.

The setting sun cast long shadows across the sand, stretching our silhouettes into distorted versions of ourselves. How fitting. We’d been living as warped reflections of a family for too long -- smiling in public while wearing concealer over bruises, making excuses for absences at school functions, practicing cover stories until they flowed from our lips more naturally than the truth.

“Do you think he knows we’re gone yet?” I asked, my voice barely audible above the surf.

Neither of my sons answered immediately. They’d learned to measure their words, to calculate risks before speaking. Another gift from their father.

The breeze coming off the water carried a chill that had nothing to do with temperature. Until this week, I’d been biding my time and slowly preparing. I’d learned the hard way what happened when we ran. Then things changed and I knew I needed to get us out of there. Waiting wasn’t a luxury we could afford. Watching Piston, the boy’s father, slam my youngest son’s head against the kitchen counter had severed whatever twisted loyalty I still felt toward him. I’d been with the enforcer for the Devil’s Minions for seventeen years. At least sixteen years too damn long.

I glanced at Chase’s profile, so much like his father’s it sometimes made my heart stutter with fear. But where Piston’s features were permanently hardened by cruelty and excess, my sixteen-year-old son’s face showed a different kind of hardness -- determination, protectiveness, the kind of strength that built rather than destroyed. He’d been taking the brunt of his father’s rage for years, positioning himself between Piston and his younger brother whenever possible.

On my other side sat Levi, his slender shoulders hunched against the evening air. At fifteen, he should have been worrying about homework and video games, not researching safe houses and motorcycle club rivalries. The fading yellow-green bruise around his eye made my stomach knot with guilt. I should have left years ago.

“We’ve got about eighteen hours before he realizes this isn’t a shopping trip,” Chase said finally, scanning the beach for potential threats. Always vigilant, my oldest. “Maybe less if he checks the bank account. Especially since he thinks we’re staying overnight somewhere. When we don’t check into a motel, he’ll come looking for us.”

I nodded, feeling the weight of time pressing down. Piston hadn’t wanted me to have access to money -- control was his favorite weapon -- but I’d been skimming cash from the household funds for months, hiding small bills in a tampon box he’d never deign to touch. It wasn’t much but combined with the emergency credit card I’d applied for in secret, it might be enough to get us to safety.

“He’ll come after us,” I said, stating what we all knew. Piston, aka John Minsley, didn’t lose possessions, and that’s all we were to him -- things to own, to use, to break when the mood struck him.

Levi’s fingers curled around mine, his palm clammy despite the cool evening air. “We planned for that, Mom. The Devil’s Boneyard MC --”

“Keep your voice down,” Chase hissed, though there was no one within a hundred yards of us.

The mention of another motorcycle club sent ice through my veins. Trading one MC for another seemed like jumping from the fire into a different kind of hell. But Levi had done his research, had shown me the forum posts from women who’d escaped abusive situations with their help.

“I know you’re scared,” I told them both, squeezing Levi’s hand. “I am too. But we can’t stay. Not anymore.”

The evidence of that decision was written on my youngest son’s face, in the shadows under his eyes that spoke of sleepless nights and the bruising from his father’s temper. It was etched in the scars on Chase’s back from that time Piston had caught him trying to call for help. It was branded into my own skin, hidden beneath long sleeves even in Florida’s heat.

Behind us, beyond the dunes and the sparse vegetation, our packed car waited -- everything we could safely take without raising suspicion crammed into the trunk. Old clothes, important documents hidden in tampon boxes and hollowed-out books, the few mementos I couldn’t bear to leave behind.

The sky deepened to purple as we sat there, three refugees planning a desperate escape from a man who would rather see us dead than free. But in that moment, with the endless ocean before us and my boys beside me, I felt something I hadn’t experienced in years -- hope, fragile as sea foam but just as persistent.

Chase stood abruptly, his tall frame casting a long shadow across the sand as he paced a few steps away, never taking his eyes off our surroundings. At sixteen, he already carried himself like a man who’d seen too much, his shoulders set with a tension that no teenager should know. The ocean breeze ruffled his brown hair -- the same shade as mine -- but his green eyes, Piston’s eyes, scanned the beach with a vigilance that broke my heart.

“Someone’s coming,” he muttered, nodding toward a couple walking their dog at the far end of the beach. “We should move.”

I watched as he shifted his stance, angling his body to place himself between us and the distant strangers. The motion was so automatic, so ingrained, that I doubted he even realized he was doing it. Years of protecting his brother, of trying to shield me when he could -- it had become instinct. And it made me feel like a shit mother.

“They’re just walking their dog, Chase,” I said softly. “They’re not his men.”

His jaw tightened, the muscle jumping beneath his tanned skin. “You don’t know that. Piston has eyes everywhere.”

“We’ve been careful.”

“Not careful enough.” He glanced at his brother, his expression softening marginally before hardening again. “Levi’s research is good, but Piston will call in every favor, track every account, hunt down every friend we’ve ever had.” He knelt in front of me, his voice dropping to a whisper. “Mom, if we do this, there’s no halfway. We either disappear completely or we don’t bother running at all.”

The fierce intensity in his eyes reminded me so much of his father that for a moment, fear flickered through me -- not of Chase, never of him, but of the genetic legacy he carried. Would my gentle boy who used to catch and release spiders from our bathroom eventually morph into the monster who’d sired him? Or was that intensity, channeled through love instead of hate, the very thing that might save us?

 

About the Author

Harley Wylde is an accomplished author known for her captivating MC Romances. With an unwavering commitment to sensual storytelling, Wylde immerses her readers in an exciting world of fierce men and irresistible women. Her works exude passion, danger, and gritty realism, while still managing to end on a satisfying note each time.

When not crafting her tales, Wylde spends her time brainstorming new plotlines, indulging in a hot cup of Starbucks, or delving into a good book. She has a particular affinity for supernatural horror literature and movies. Visit Wylde's website to learn more about her works and upcoming events, and don't forget to sign up for her newsletter to receive exclusive discounts and other exciting perks.

 

Author on Facebook, Instagram, & TikTok: @harleywylde

 

Publisher on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok: @changelingpress

Save 15% off any order at ChangelingPress.com with code RABT15

Pre-Order Today

Teaser Tuesday ~ Whiz Kid - South Philly Vs. The Main Line by Joel Burcat & David S. Burcat

 

Historical Fiction

Date Published: 07-01-2025

Publisher: Sunbury Press, Inc.

Whiz Kid is a powerful coming-of-age novel set in 1950 Philadelphia, where Jewish Navy veteran Ben Green faces impossible choices.

Pressured by his pregnant wife to finish his novel or take a secure job at a prestigious ad agency, Ben must also navigate the era’s class divisions and antisemitism. His best friend’s elite world clashes with his working-class South Philly roots and Jewish identity.

Temptation, ambition, and loyalty collide—especially when Ilene, a captivating classmate, threatens to unravel his carefully balanced life. As the Phillies’ Whiz Kids chase a pennant, Ben’s own reckoning builds to a climax, culminating in a surprising decision that redefines his future.

Co-written with David S. Burcat, Joel Burcat’s late father, Whiz Kid is a deeply American story of resilience, legacy, and the true cost of following one’s heart.

 

Excerpt

[Ben Green is talking with his friends about his professor’s reaction to a chapter of his novel. He’s glum.]

Ben sat next to Stan, facing Ilene. She looked at him and gently touched her fingers to the top of his hand. “What is it, Benji? You don’t look so good.”

Ben slowly pulled his hand out from under hers, turning it over briefly to squeeze her fingers before letting go. “Oh, it’s nothing. You know I’m writing this novel. I showed it to Chesterfield. He called it ‘interesting.’”

“Interesting? That’s good, isn’t it?” asked Stan, raising his eyebrows and smiling.

“That might be the single-most intentionally vague word in the English language. It means absolutely nothing. Nothing. Interesting painting. Interesting play. Interesting manuscript. It’s a nice way for the professor to say ‘no comment.’” Ben rested his elbow on the table and put his hand on his chin. “Hey, Ilene, give me one of those Kents, would you?”

 

About the Author

Joel Burcat is a novelist and retired lawyer living in Harrisburg, Pa. His previous novels, Reap the Wind, Drink to Every Beast, Amid Rage, and Strange Fire have been award-winning thrillers. He is a Gold Medal Winner from Readers’ Favorite, a Finalist of the Next Gen Indie Book Awards, and a winner of the PennWriters Annual Writing Contest. Strange Fire was a Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Week.

David S. Burcat was a Navy corpsman in World War II, a graduate of University of Pennsylvania (English Literature and Dentistry), and a proud son of Camden NJ and his adopted town of Philadelphia. He worked in advertising in the 1950s before returning to Penn to study dentistry. He wrote Match Point, the novella within the novel, in about 1950. He died in 1998. Whiz Kid- A Novel is his first published book. Dave was the father of co-author, Joel Burcat.

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Release Blitz ~ Rising from the Roots by Jasmine Farrell

 

 

Poetry. LGBTQ. Personal Growth.

Date Published: June 24, 2025

Rising From the Roots is a collection of poems that invites readers into a world of deep introspection and emotional exploration. Through heartfelt lines, and a transparent flow, Farrell examines the labyrinth of identity, love, and personal evolution. Each poem resonates with raw honesty, encouraging readers to reflect on their own experiences and emotions.

 

About the Author

Jasmine Farrell is a New York-based poet and author known for her candid and emotionally resonant work that explores themes of identity, love, and personal growth. With eight poetry projects to her name, including Rising From the Roots, Orange September, and Long Live Phoenixes, it’s safe to say, poetry is Farrell’s first love. Her writing often reflects her journey of self-discovery and resilience, addressing topics such as grief, empowerment, and the complexities of relationships. In addition to her poetry, Farrell made her debut as a novelist with Sloppy (2022), a work that delves into LGBTQ+ experiences and personal transformation.

Farrell's work resonates with readers seeking authenticity and connection, offering a blend of vulnerability and strength that encourages introspection and healing. Through her writing, she continues to inspire and uplift individuals navigating their own paths toward self-acceptance and understanding.

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Release Blitz ~ Wild in Minnesota by Mary Lee Painter

 

 

Romantic Comedy

Date Published: June 23, 2025

 

The last place Fern wants to be his back home as the Maid of Honor in her cousin's wedding. She's at a cabin by herself for a few days getting ready for the bachelor/bachelorette weekend, when rough and tough Gabe bursts through the door in the middle of the night. Thinking he's an intruder she starts throwing punches resulting in a brawl in the kitchen. She then learns he's a NHL hockey player and teammate of her brother's.

Fern doubts every Instinct she has due to her terrible past life choices. With an undeniable spark between the two, they hatch up a " weekend pass" option allowing her a few days with the wild one while keeping her heart intact. But after the crazy wedding party weekend including a high-speed chase, Fern overhears a shocking conversation and bolts. Gabe persuades her for another chance at the same time her brother finds out and all hell breaks loose.

After an unexpected twist and a decision that ends with her bringing a fake date to the wedding, her cousin disappears. Fern has no option but to turn to Gabe to help her locate the missing bride.

About the Author

Mary Lee Painter resides in Omaha Nebraska with her family. She is the author of Wild in Minnesota as well as the romcom The Other Fork in the Road on Amazon or barnesandnoble.com. Mary Lee has her first YA novel entitled Worst Idea Ever which will be published by Melange Books in February 2026, and adult romcom called Ding Dong, I'm home in July of 2026. She also has an adult rom-com entitled Quarterback Blitz that would be released in February of 2027.

Mary Lee loves Minnesota Wild Hockey, hanging with family, and Dove chocolate.

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Release Blitz ~ Soul Chaser - A Dragon Soul Press Anthology

 

 

Poetry

Release Date: June 23, 2025

Poetry; a unique and beautiful way to express feelings and ideas. Weaving words into perfect poetic prose, these authors remind you of your childhood, bring comfort from the hardships of life, fiercely spur emotions, and tell tales of old. All lovers of poetry will find a favorite here!

Featuring the following authors: Lee Clark Zumpe, Nick Armbrister, Anna Ross, Toastingfork, K.J. Watson, LindaAnn LoSchiavo, David J. Vowell, Roxana Negut, Vanessa Bane, Cassandra Jones, Andrea Tillmanns, Mathew Anderson, Fariel Shafee, Davion Moore, Afshan Q, Korede Badmus, Cara Hartley, Tanya Fillbrook, and J.E. Feldman.

Excerpts

I am not a symphony

My brain is complete cacophony.

Don’t come into my head

If you know what’s good for you.

You’ll wind up both deaf and mad.

 

I could be a figurine

As long as the figurine you mean

Is the Venus of Willendorf.

She’s only 4.4 inches tall,

But just like Rosie, she’s got it all.

 

I am not a ballet.

If I even tried to play

At spinning pretty pirouettes

I’d wind up face-down on the floor;

Trust me, you don’t want to see more.

 

I am not a sonnet

About an Easter bonnet.

I could be a country song

About a love that’s gone all wrong.

That’s what romance has been for me.

 

I’m not what anyone wants me to be,

But I must accept being just me

Before the sun goes down on my life

And it’s too late for affirmation

Of the fine qualities I possessed.

About the Author

 

Ornery Owl is a wise old bird who seeks the truth behind the lies. She uses her observations to heal the wounded soul. In essence, she is the spirit of an odd little bird whose wings were clipped at a young age. She is at once a whimsical manifestation of poetic expression and a fierce protector of those targeted for derision by an angry and unsympathetic world. Depending on how you perceive her, she can be either a goddamned delight or your worst nightmare.

Follow Ornery Owl (AKA Cara Hartley)

Cara H and Ornery Owl Amazon Author Page

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(C. L. Hart is my fantasy, horror, and sweet romance author pen name.)

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Book Tour ~ Ashes to Flame by Donna Simmons

 

Nonfiction

Date Published: March 3, 2025

Publisher: MindStir Media

 

Childhood trauma leads to perseverance and personal growth in this empowering memoir.

Born into a world shrouded by multi-generational cycles of abuse and child marriages, Donna Simmons navigates a harrowing landscape of pain and betrayal, detailing the challenges that devastated her early years but ultimately did not define the person she became.

Through poignant storytelling, she shares both moments of despair and the small victories that fueled her resilience. Each chapter reveals the transformative process of healing and self-discovery, touching on the importance of embracing nature, finding solace in creativity, and connecting with a community. Ashes to Flame recounts a powerful, deeply personal, and transformative journey from the ashes of childhood trauma to the vibrant light of purpose.

“You don’t actually think you can change the law, right? I

mean, you’re really naive if you do.” I have certainly had my

share of adversity, but this comment hit me harshly, as it

was coming from a woman who proclaimed herself to be a feminist and

women’s rights advocate, serving as the director of the city government’s

office for women where I lived. And her deflating yet inflammatory

comment came on the heels of my very first time speaking out at a

human trafficking awareness conference at a local university. During

this speech, I filleted my veins wide open, recollecting my own personal

experience of being married off at sixteen years of age to a man in his

early thirties, the same man who I met at a time when he was in a

position of authority over me at the behavioral health facility I had

been admitted to only two years earlier. In this speech, I also disclosed

publicly for the first time the exploitation I suffered as result of this

marriage. Yet somehow this woman had the audacity to proclaim that

this fire burning so brightly inside of me to fight the laws that allowed

and perpetuated these actions, nearly destroying me in the process, was

culpable of naivety.

I wish I could share with you that I had some clever quip back, but

I did not at the time. The only thing I could do was bite my tongue, quite

literally, and allow the hot flush that engulfed my pale skin to happen, as

there was no controlling it. I knew better than to listen to — much less

give energy to — those who would have me believe I was incapable in

any manner. I had already proven so many people wrong, as statistically

I should have been an addict, chronically living in poverty, or some combination

of the two. This is what childhood trauma does to people. This

is what child marriage does to people. This is what sexual exploitation

does to people. And having survived it all, I was determined to stop it.

My ultimate goal in 2016, the divinely guided purpose of my life’s

mission during that season of my life, was to change the state laws that

allowed child marriage to occur through parental consent or judicial

exception. In my own experience, my mother’s consent to me marrying

this much older man who she allowed me to begin dating when I was

just fourteen opened the door to my entrapment in an extremely abusive

and coercive relationship for the years to follow. Yes, with the stroke

of a pen, the man I married at sixteen — who I now refer to as my

perpetrator — was granted a literal license to continue sexually abusing

me, an act that without this signature and the laws that allowed it could

have been prosecuted as statutory rape.

Laws that perpetuate the cycles of sexual abuse, oftentimes

multi-generational cycles, are ultimately perversely immoral. And so it

is to starkly attempt to shut down the efforts of survivor leaders in the

fight to protect upcoming and future generations from the darkness we

blindly crawled our way through to break these cycles once and for all.

Those who abused us sought to silence us. Those who mock our efforts

to make this world a safer place are seeking to do the same. For me,

and many other survivor leaders I know, this adds fuel to our fire, and

we will not smolder to ash without putting up a fight with every bit of

resilience our minds and bodies can muster. I had to do this for nearly

the first twenty years of my life to survive. And I will continue to bring

this forth when necessary now. The stakes are too high to be stagnant

and complacent.

Speaking out for the first time at that conference was a catalyst for

so much to follow that would have me visiting multiple state capitals,

giving testimony to legislative bodies, providing multiple interviews

with local, national, and even international reporters, and even appearing

in a documentary highlighting the problematic prevalence of child

marriage today. My story shines a light on the uncommonly understood

fact that child marriage itself is a form of human trafficking. In my case

specifically, being married to a pedophile positioned him to be able to

traffic me in strip clubs and exploit me through other means. Yet I could

not prosecute him in my early thirties when I first found the strength to

do so, as the state laws in Indiana, where my abuse by this perpetrator

initiated, held a statute of limitations that too much time had passed.

At every turn, instead of the laws being geared to protect me as

a child, the loopholes within them ultimately protected a sociopathic

pedophile from prosecution. This individual does not deserve to have

his name spoken or known, as in doing so he would be granted a sense

of the undeserved illusion of power and prestige. This is how his abusive

and perverse mind operates and I refuse to indulge that in any capacity

any longer. Therefore, throughout this text you will find I use three terms

to acknowledge him: my perpetrator, the pedophile, and the parasite.

He was my perpetrator as he groomed my underage mind and body,

the pedophile that abused me in heinous ways, and the parasite whose

imprint I can never fully escape despite having been away from his toxicity

for years now, as the impact of trauma he imposed upon my life is

a ghostly stain I can never fully shake. These hideous terms are the only

ones befitting of him.

I write this memoir with the intention to form a coalition of

survivor leaders working together with arms linked as we deepen our

healing through community with each other and work toward ending

the laws and other systemic failures that perpetuate crimes against those

vulnerable to abuse and exploitation. There are so many opportunities

for change within our society. Legislation governing underage marriage

laws and state level statutes of limitations that place burden on the victim

of atrocious crimes to come forth before it is psychologically safe enough

to do so must be addressed. Exploitation within mental health institutions

and other helping professions must be more thoroughly researched

and acknowledged, with perpetrators held accountable. Systemic change

across these focus areas is critical for traumatic cycles to have opportunity

to cease within families and communities as a whole. Everything is

interconnected with mental health and trauma recovery residing at the

core of the issues at hand.

It is my belief that when we survive atrocities, we have a responsibility

to find purpose in the events that changed us — or perhaps

molded us if the abuse began very early on in our lives. The duration of

this lifetime on Earth is so very limited, but we must be mindful and

focused on the legacy we choose to leave for generations to come. The

imprint we make on this world will be experienced long after our last

breath, meaning we can plant seeds for trees we may never enjoy shade

from, gratefully knowing our descendants will. For me, these trees are

the ability to create a life one does not have to spend years recovering

from, as I have.

One thing is for certain. Regardless of those who would have me

dilute my voice, I will continue my efforts to bring an end to the antiquated

laws that perpetuate crimes against children.

About the Author

My name is Donna Simmons, and I’m a wife, mother, author, and avid advocate for breaking cycles of generational trauma and mental health recovery.  As a Governor appointed member of the Kentucky Juvenile Justice Advisory Board and member of the Bakhita Empowerment Initiative Advisory Board, I work with public servants and providers across the state to support a reduction in juvenile system involvement and strengthening protective factors for high risk youth.  My passion for this work comes from my direct experience as a child abuse survivor, involvement in a behavioral health facility when I was 14, and resulting grooming and exploitation by a 29 year old mental health professional who I was married off to as a child.

In my healing journey, I have recognized that true trauma recovery can only occur when we are willing to examine the generational cycles that keeps us bound in harmful patterns.  My mission is to help others transform their trauma into purpose so they can break these cycles and reach their full potential as individuals and parents.

 

Contact Links

Website

Facebook

Instagram- @transformingashes2flame

TikTok- @ashestoflame

 

Purchase Link

Amazon

Book Blitz ~ For Our Friends the Animals: Cultivating Reverence for Life by Robert Echols

 

 

Cultivating a Reverence for Life

Christian Nonfiction

Date Published: July 31, 2024

Publisher: BookBaby

 

In For Our Friends the Animals, Robert Echols delivers a stirring spiritual call to action for Christians and all people of conscience to embrace a reverence for life in its fullest form.

Blending biblical truth, compassionate prayers, and the life-affirming philosophy of Dr. Albert Schweitzer, this powerful work urges readers to see animals not as commodities—but as beloved creations of God. In Part One, Echols explores the deep moral and spiritual responsibility we hold toward all creatures. In Part Two, he presents practical steps to confront today's most pressing animal welfare issues—from factory farming to environmental degradation.

Whether you're a lifelong advocate or someone opening your heart to new possibilities, For Our Friends the Animals invites you into a faith-driven movement of empathy and transformation. Through spiritual insight and practical guidance, the book empowers readers to become stewards of compassion, protecting both creation and Creator's intention.

“This book is not just a read—it’s a spiritual pledge. A call to embody Christ’s love by caring for those who cannot speak for themselves.”

Join the movement. Embrace the message. Be the change.

 

About the Author

 

  Robert Echols is a spiritual author, thought leader, and passionate advocate for animals and all of God’s creation. As the author of For Our Friends the Animals: Cultivating a Reverence for Life, Echols blends Christian spirituality, biblical wisdom, and the moral philosophy of Dr. Albert Schweitzer to offer a powerful message: we are called to protect and uplift all living beings.

A cancer survivor and U.S. Army veteran, Robert's life journey has been guided by service—to his country, his faith, and now, to the voiceless creatures that share our planet. He is the founder and former president of the For Our Friends the Animals Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to financially supporting animal shelters, rescues, and sanctuaries. Under his leadership, the foundation funded the construction of animal shelters in Florida, putting faith into action and making his life his argument, as Schweitzer once wrote.

Robert frequently shares his message of compassion on LinkedIn, in podcasts, and as a guest speaker throughout the Mobile Bay, Alabama area. With academic credentials from Phillips Exeter Academy, New York University, and Emory University (J.D./M.B.A.), and a past career as an ethics officer and Army JAG attorney, Robert’s voice is both seasoned and deeply principled.

His current writing project is a four-volume spiritual treatise titled For Our Friends the Animals, empowering others to embrace a universal love rooted in Christ’s teachings and a reverence for all life.

“Let my words inspire you to become a steward of the earth and a champion for animals—because the love of Jesus is not just for humanity, but for all creation.”

Contact Links

LinkedIn

Goodreads

Purchase Links

Amazon

B&N

Book Tour ~ Cayman Conundrum by Stacy Wilder

 

CAYMAN CONUNDRUM

by Stacy Wilder

June 9 - 20, 2025 Virtual Book Tour

Synopsis:

LIZ ADAMS MYSTERY SERIES

 

A honeymoon in paradise turns perilous in this riveting seaside mystery.

A tropical vacation transforms into a web of danger and deception when an author and his manuscript vanish. Is his thriller about money laundering in the Caribbean too close to the truth?

With the stakes high and time ticking, Private Investigator Liz Adams and her new husband, Brad, along with their truth-sniffing Labrador, Duke, partner with the local authorities to unravel a multitude of crimes. As they search for clues, the newlyweds explore the delights of the island, including a hunt for buried treasure.

Will they uncover the truth in time, or will the honeymoon end in heartbreak? Set against the backdrop of the stunning island of Grand Cayman, this cozy mystery will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

Praise for Cayman Conundrum:

"5 Stars - Must Read... Set on a beautiful tropical island, Cayman Conundrum is full of fun and quirky characters and a mystery with twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the last page."
~ Sarah Hinrichs, Reedsy Discovery

"The characters were well developed and yet offered additional surprises. The storytelling was great moving at a good pace, as was the world setting. It is very well written and keeps you wanting to read on for the next zinger."
~ Texas Book Nook

"We are headed into cozy season, and this is the perfect cozy mystery read . . . This author tells a story that is entertaining while drawing readers into a love of mystery."
~ Novel News Network

"CAYMAN CONUNDRUM is the fourth book in Stacy Wilder’s fun and fast-paced cozy series, "Liz Adams Mysteries," but readers new to the story shouldn’t have any trouble enjoying it as a standalone. (However, the previous books are cozy mystery gold.) Engaging characters, a puzzling and dangerous mystery, and a romance from the past combine for an entertaining and satisfying story."
~ Karen Siddall

"I’ll admit that sometimes I decide to read a book solely based on its cover. I won’t even read the plot summary. Being the dog lover that I am, when I saw the beautiful black lab on the cover of Stacy Wilder’s Cayman Conundrum: A Liz Adams Mystery I knew I had to pick it up. I’m here to report that in addition to a great cover, this was an excellent, page-turning mystery. While this was my first Liz Adams Mystery, this read smoothly as a standalone. However, now I want to go back and read the first three books. I need more reading hours in my life to inhale all these great books!"
~ Sarah S Erwin

CAYMAN CONUNDRUM Trailer:

Book Details:

Genre: Cozy Mystery
Published by: Wild Hawk Press
Publication Date: June 28, 2024
Number of Pages: 227
ISBN: 9798985426694 (Pbk)
Series: A Liz Adams Mystery, Book 4 (Learn More About These Stand Alone Novels: Amazon & Goodreads)
Book Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookShop.org | Goodreads

Read an excerpt:

Chapter One

Secrets Are Hell

While Tim cocooned his body in the blue leather chair behind his desk, his fingers flew over the keyboard. The words flowed from his fingertips onto the computer screen. After he completed the final chapter of his novel, Secrets Are Hell, he leaned back in the seat that was positioned to optimize the view of the Caribbean. As he rubbed his newly acquired goatee, he watched the turquoise waves lap against the pearly sand.

When Tim and his former partner, Brad, sold their company, Multipoint Protection Services, Tim moved to Grand Cayman to pursue his dream of becoming an author. He grinned. His vision was about to come true.

After the identity thefts from his former company, Tim lasered in on the connection between the stolen information used to purchase prescription drugs and the subsequent laundering of the black market proceeds. The thriller was a product of his experiences, research, and imagination.

He recalled the conversation with his informant at the bar. Once the man he only knew as Jax consumed three shots of tequila, he’d spilled secrets about the money laundering business on the island. The man dripped sweat as he spoke, and he warned Tim to be careful with the revelations. Although Tim had fictionalized the facts gathered during his research, he prayed that he’d sufficiently disguised the characters involved in the illicit events.

Satisfied that the first draft was complete, he saved the document onto the flash drive and locked the device in the desk drawer. He stood and stretched his arms overhead before hiding the key underneath a leather-bound edition of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, one of many in his collection of books in the wall-to-wall bookcase behind him.

Tim raised his eyes toward the planked pine ceiling and contemplated his next steps. When he returned from Brad’s upcoming wedding, he would consult with developmental editors. In the meantime, he’d let the story marinate. His phone pinged, and he turned back to the desk to find a text from his girlfriend, Becky.

Why haven’t you called or messaged me?

His six-month-old puppy, Snooper, barked. He stepped away from his cellphone to let the dog inside. A salty breeze drifted through the opening. As he inhaled the scent, he wondered why he’d ever gotten involved with the former beauty pageant queen. He met her a few months ago when he’d volunteered at the rescue organization where he had adopted Snooper. While he massaged the black and white cocker spaniel mix’s ears, he reflected on that day they’d both tended to the homeless pets.

As Tim handed Becky a bag of cat food, a jolt of adrenaline pulsed through his body. Becky measured the servings and filled the bowls they’d deliver to the felines. While she poured, he admired her flowing raven hair that framed a heart-shaped face. Her almond shaped hazel-colored eyes shimmered with intrigue. After he heard Becky’s deep-throated laugh, he invited her to join him for a cup of coffee after their shift.

A month into the relationship, she began texting him incessantly. If he didn’t reply within an hour, she’d get agitated. He regretted inviting her as his plus one to Brad and Liz’s wedding in Charleston, South Carolina. A sigh escaped his lips. He longed for a soulmate like his friend had discovered in Liz.

Tim was delighted that the couple had chosen Grand Cayman as their honeymoon destination. He smiled in anticipation of the treasure hunt he’d planned as their wedding gift. Snooper wiggled away and bounded toward Tim’s cat, Irish. The feline hissed and halted the puppy in his tracks. Tim chuckled, picked up his phone, and fingered a response.

Been working on the book. Meet up for drinks at five at The Deck? We can talk about travel plans.

Without waiting for a reply, he placed the device down and strode toward the kitchen to feed his pets.

Who knew that today would be the last time he would touch the manuscript?

***

Excerpt from Cayman Conundrum by Stacy Wilder. Copyright 2024 by Stacy Wilder. Reproduced with permission from Stacy Wilder. All rights reserved.

 

 

Author Bio:

Stacy Wilder writes mysteries, children’s stories, short stories, and poetry. Her mission is to deliver a delightful story to readers of all ages while benefiting a larger community. She donates a portion of the proceeds from the sales of her books to causes that help the homeless, both people and pets.

Beyond writing, Stacy is deeply devoted to her faith, family, and her beloved Labradors. She is also enthusiastic about the causes she supports, the beauty of art, the serenity of the beach, and the joy of reading.

She and her husband live in Houston, TX with a totally spoiled Labrador named Eve.

Catch Up With Stacy Wilder:

www.StoryStacy.com
Amazon Author Profile
Goodreads
BookBub - @wilderstacy
Instagram - @authorstacywilder
Facebook - @wilderstacy

 

 

Tour Participants:

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Click here to view the Tour Schedule

 

 

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