Indie Reads Aloud: A Storytelling Podcast

The Frizz Girls want to teach you the ABC’s of wavy and curly hair complete with a glossary defining each word. This is a great resource to learn all the hair words to describe wavy and curly hair.   ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Stacy Schilling was born and raised in Los Angeles, California, where she developed a passion for the visual arts at a young age. After graduating high school in Kentucky, where her family relocated in 1990, she attended the University of Kentucky and earned a degree in Journalism. However, her true calling lay in graphic design, and she honed her skills working in Cincinnati, OH. Despite initial setbacks in her design career, she didn't give up and enrolled in Northern Kentucky University's Graphic Design program where she graduated with honors.With renewed determination, Stacy returned to her hometown of Los Angeles to pursue a career in the competitive design industry, working with prestigious clients such as NBC and UCLA, and quickly establishing herself as a talented and respected designer and teacher.After spending more than a decade teaching and working in the industry, Stacy noticed a gap in the market for children's literature that addressed hair care for young readers with curly or wavy hair. In 2022, she began writing a series of books to fill this gap and empower young readers to embrace and care for their natural curls.Stacy is recognized for her tireless work ethic, dedication to her craft, and has earned several awards and accolades for her contributions in the visual arts. In her free time, she enjoys learning about health and wellness, teaching website design, painting, and finding creative ways to express herself.Stacy is a truly remarkable individual, serving as an inspiration to those around her with her positive impact on the world through her work and kindness. She continues to inspire and make a difference in the lives of many.Learn more at https://www.dkpwriter.com/indie-reads-aloud-season-5

What The Frizz?!How to Take Care of Your Wavy or Curly Hair Find Your Hair Type The Frizz Girls are a new kid's picture book series aimed at teaching young girls ages 5-13 on how to take care of their wavy or curly hair. For many young girls, some have parents, grandparents and guardians that don't know how to teach their young ones how to properly care for their wavy or curly hair. Adults also label a child's hair frizzy or messy, which can have a HUGE impact on a child's self-esteem. The Frizz Girls are the brain-child of Stacy Schilling, and were created to share their tips and tricks on how all wavies and curlies can take proper care of their hair, and have the confidence to do it themselves. Stacy knows what it's like to grow up with parents that don't know or understand how to properly care for wavy or curly hair, and she doesn't want to see anyone go through what she did as a child.    ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Stacy Schilling was born and raised in Los Angeles, California, where she developed a passion for the visual arts at a young age. After graduating high school in Kentucky, where her family relocated in 1990, she attended the University of Kentucky and earned a degree in Journalism. However, her true calling lay in graphic design, and she honed her skills working in Cincinnati, OH. Despite initial setbacks in her design career, she didn't give up and enrolled in Northern Kentucky University's Graphic Design program where she graduated with honors.With renewed determination, Stacy returned to her hometown of Los Angeles to pursue a career in the competitive design industry, working with prestigious clients such as NBC and UCLA, and quickly establishing herself as a talented and respected designer and teacher.After spending more than a decade teaching and working in the industry, Stacy noticed a gap in the market for children's literature that addressed hair care for young readers with curly or wavy hair. In 2022, she began writing a series of books to fill this gap and empower young readers to embrace and care for their natural curls.Stacy is recognized for her tireless work ethic, dedication to her craft, and has earned several awards and accolades for her contributions in the visual arts. In her free time, she enjoys learning about health and wellness, teaching website design, painting, and finding creative ways to express herself.Stacy is a truly remarkable individual, serving as an inspiration to those around her with her positive impact on the world through her work and kindness. She continues to inspire and make a difference in the lives of many.Learn More at: https://www.dkpwriter.com/indie-reads-aloud-season-5

What The Frizz?!How to Take Care of Your Wavy or Curly Hair No Dry Brushing Rachel dry brushes her wavy hair and it always ends up frizzy and poofy! Her mom thinks dry brushing wavy hair is okay. Rachel is sad that her wavy hair looks frizzy and poofy. She wants to have pretty wavy hair. Rachel seeks help from The Frizz Girls and wants to know if it’s okay to brush her wavy hair, dry. Read and learn why The Frizz Girls’ teach dry brushing on wavy or curly hair isn’t good, and what might happen. The Frizz Girls are a new kid's picture book series aimed at teaching young girls ages 5-13 on how to take care of their wavy or curly hair.  ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Stacy Schilling was born and raised in Los Angeles, California, where she developed a passion for the visual arts at a young age. After graduating high school in Kentucky, where her family relocated in 1990, she attended the University of Kentucky and earned a degree in Journalism. However, her true calling lay in graphic design, and she honed her skills working in Cincinnati, OH. Despite initial setbacks in her design career, she didn't give up and enrolled in Northern Kentucky University's Graphic Design program where she graduated with honors.With renewed determination, Stacy returned to her hometown of Los Angeles to pursue a career in the competitive design industry, working with prestigious clients such as NBC and UCLA, and quickly establishing herself as a talented and respected designer and teacher.After spending more than a decade teaching and working in the industry, Stacy noticed a gap in the market for children's literature that addressed hair care for young readers with curly or wavy hair. In 2022, she began writing a series of books to fill this gap and empower young readers to embrace and care for their natural curls.Stacy is recognized for her tireless work ethic, dedication to her craft, and has earned several awards and accolades for her contributions in the visual arts. In her free time, she enjoys learning about health and wellness, teaching website design, painting, and finding creative ways to express herself.Stacy is a truly remarkable individual, serving as an inspiration to those around her with her positive impact on the world through her work and kindness. She continues to inspire and make a difference in the lives of many.Learn More at https://www.dkpwriter.com/indie-reads-aloud-season-5

Dragon Island: Football Season is an exciting, action-filled story about dragons who are passionate about football. With six teams, each made up of six players, the dragons have a unique ability to change their colors to match their team uniforms. One of the standout players is Ember, a deaf dragon with exceptional vision and a talent for creating winning strategies. Her skills are so valuable that each team takes turns drafting her onto their roster.The highlight of the story is a thrilling football match between Team Firestorm and Team Thunder. As the game unfolds, teamwork, clever plays, and strategy keep readers on the edge of their seats as they discover who will emerge victorious. At its core, the story is a celebration of competition, teamwork, and the unbreakable bond of friendship.  ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Lisa Jacovsky is a Psychology professor at Union College of NJ and SNHU. Lisa began writing short stories when she was seven years old. Writing is a passion for her and one of the many things she enjoys. She is currently the author of the award-winning first four books in the Let's Talk! Series, Rascal Cat Brothers, Purrrfect as I am, and Spooky Ooky Dance Party. Lisa lives in New Jersey, where she enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, and working on her next books. Keep up with her on social media to see what is coming next.Learn More at https://www.dkpwriter.com/indie-reads-aloud-season-5

In the spring of 1862, widowed Rachel Barnum leaves three children in Michigan with her farm’s hired man to embark on either a fool’s errand or a hero’s journey. She will stop at nothing to find her son Dwight, a Union soldier dying days away on a Missouri battlefield. Mounting obstacles include an imposing Rebel force entrenched on a Mississippi River island. Rachel fears her chances of finding Dwight in time to save him are shrinking each day she’s gone from her ten-year-old twin girls and another son, 16, who can’t abide the hired hand. With time running out, Rachel faces an agonizing decision: abandon her firstborn to the ravages of war and go back to family and the man she loves? Or fight on against all odds?This untold biographical fiction is based on true events.    ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Tom Huggler is a fulltime freelance writer and author of 20 nonfiction books and two novels. A former high school English teacher with B.A. and M.A. degrees from the University of Michigan, Tom turned in his gradebooks for a reporter's notebook in 1982. The former president of the Outdoor Writers Association of America has written articles for more than 100 publications and currently pens columns in each issue of WOODS-N-WATER NEWS ("Michigan Meanders") and SHOOTING SPORTSMAN ("To the Point"). Many of his nonfiction books have become collectible, including GROUSE OF NORTH AMERICA and A FALL OF WOODCOCK. His six-book FISH MICHIGAN series of mapped guides to the state's best public-access fishing locations sold more than a quarter-million copies and are now out of print. Huggler's first book was a conservation novel for young readers. WESTWIND WOODS (Michigan United Conservation Clubs, 1978) was written for his eighth-grade English students and went on to sell 15,000 copies. Tom has returned to fiction writing in his later years. https://www.dkpwriter.com/indie-reads-aloud-season-5

Esme lives a quiet life in the shadow of the palace in Atelina, the capital of Geoline. Raised by her devoted adoptive father, Maurice, she is content with her days of prayer, study, and simple living. But when Queen Veva’s very public defiance leads to her removal from the throne, the kingdom is thrown into uncertainty.To restore order, King Levan calls for a gathering of women from every province—one of whom will be crowned his new queen. Against her cousin’s warnings and her own gentle nature, Esme volunteers, feeling an unfamiliar pull toward the palace gates and the future that might await her there.But palace life is not the fairytale she imagined. Secrets whisper through marble halls. Allies are hard to find. And as Esme begins to win King Levan’s favor—and his heart—she also uncovers a dark scheme led by Levan’s most trusted advisor, Hesten: the complete annihilation of all God Followers.With Maurice’s wisdom to guide her and her faith to strengthen her resolve, Esme must summon a courage she never knew she possessed. To remain silent would be safe, but it would mean the destruction of her people. To speak could cost her crown… and her life.Chosen is a sweeping retelling of Esther’s story—a tale of romance, faith, and the kind of courage that changes kingdoms.  ABOUT THE AUTHOR:  Allison Wells is a storyteller with a heart for weaving tales of hope, redemption, and the beautiful, messy journey of learning to love. She believes in the power of words to connect us to something greater. Through each story, Allison hopes to slip into your soul and leave you feeling just a bit lighter, a bit more hopeful, and a little further along in your journey. As an author of both sweet romance books and women's fiction books, Allison strives to uplift in each story she writes.Learn More at https://www.dkpwriter.com/indie-reads-aloud-season-5

What Happened in Room 310?Eddie London is a quick-witted and slightly-incompetent private eye—he’s also Lacey Matthews’ last hope. The young woman implores him to investigate her boyfriend’s fatal fall from a hotel balcony. While the authorities have ruled out foul play, Lacey refuses to believe them.As he pursues disparate leads, Eddie finds himself pulled ever deeper into Summerport’s deadly underworld. Horse tracks, illegal bookmakers, and big money boxing matches all await him, and that’s before he gets to the imposter police officers and all-too-real mafioso.The list of suspects grows to include the enigmatic head of a crime syndicate, an overly-invested reporter, and a recalcitrant Army colonel. Secrets abound, and it's up to Eddie to uncover the truth.    ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Adam Dompierre is an award-winning mystery author with a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Michigan and a master’s degree in education from Augustana University. He works as an English teacher and won the Michigan Reading Association's Secondary Teacher Award in 2025.Adam lives in the Upper Peninsula with his wife Riley and their dog, Pilot. In his free time, he enjoys playing guitar and tennis, though not simultaneously.Learn More at https://www.dkpwriter.com/indie-reads-aloud-season-5

LISTENER ADVISORY: Violence, Strong LanguageEarth didn’t survive World War III intact—it survived divided. Two factions rose from the ash: the United Federation of Nations and the Russian Republic of Nations. When resources became weapons and the front lines went global, humanity fled upward, dragging its grudges into orbit and beyond.A century later, the conflict has frozen into a long Cold War fought with spies, fleets, and colony lines… until an ancient object buried deep beneath Luna unlocks a hyperspace network no human civilization could have built.The scramble to claim star systems begins.Then Orion’s scientists find something worse—and better: a new element in the asteroid belt that makes unrestricted FTL possible. The Federation commissions an antimatter-powered prototype, WarpStar, and gives command to the ship’s original architect, Captain John Henderson.His mission is simple: test the engine.What he discovers is not.    ABOUT THE AUTHOR: JL Maynor is a truck driver turned writer.He has spent ten years on the road, and during that time, he has dedicated his brain to creating stories thathe would like to share with the world!Learn More at https://www.dkpwriter.com/indie-reads-aloud-season-5

Shakti in You: Discovering Courage and Strength WithinShakti in You brings the nine forms of the goddess—celebrated during Navaratri—into the hearts of children everywhere. Through enchanting storytelling, modern-day reflections, and creative activities, this book shows how timeless qualities like bravery, patience, kindness, and wisdom live inside every child.Each story weaves mythology with everyday lessons children can relate to:· Standing steady when life feels wobbly 🌄Finding patience when challenges seem too big ⏳Facing fears with courage 🐯Choosing forgiveness and peace 🌙Balancing success with kindness 🌸Created for children ages 4–10, Shakti in You is more than a collection of myths—it’s a gentle guide for navigating everyday life with heart, courage, and confidence. Whether your family observes Navaratri or simply enjoys stories that uplift, these tales celebrate the universal power of Shakti—the strength, creativity, and compassion already living within every child. _______________________________________Lights of Diwali: Stories of Courage, Kindness, and HopeDiwali, the Festival of Lights, is one of the most beloved celebrations in the world—but this book isn’t about rituals or religion. Instead, it’s a heartwarming collection of timeless stories that shine with universal lessons every child can understand.In this beautifully written anthology, children will discover:Five classic Diwali tales—Rama’s homecoming, Krishna’s courage, Lakshmi’s generosity, Bali’s humility, and Kali’s strength—retold in an accessible, storybook style.Five modern-day parallels—each ancient tale is paired with a relatable story about kids today, showing how Diwali’s values of bravery, kindness, generosity, and friendship live on in everyday life.Reflection questions at the end of each story to spark family conversations, classroom discussions, or bedtime reflections.Perfect for ages 3–10, Lights of Diwali is designed for families of all backgrounds. Whether you celebrate Diwali or are simply curious about its meaning, these stories invite children to see themselves as little “lamps” in the world—shining through their kindness, courage, and love.🌟 A wonderful addition to home libraries, classrooms, and multicultural collections, this book is not about religion—it’s about the universal light we all carry inside.Learn More at https://www.dkpwriter.com/indie-reads-aloud-season-5

The Elephant Prince: Stories of Ganesha's WisdomDiscover the Magic of Ganesha Through Playful Stories & Colouring Fun!Step into the joyful world of Ganesha with this delightful collection of stories for children. Perfect for little listeners and early readers, these tales bring the elephant-headed god to life through laughter, wisdom, and heart.From how he got his elephant head to his race around the world and his love for laddus, each story is filled with playful adventures, gentle dialogue, and timeless lessons of kindness, courage, and creativity.And after the stories, children can enjoy fun colouring pages, bringing their favourite Ganesha moments to life while sparking imagination and learning.___________________________________________The Tiger Rider: Stories of Ayyappa's JourneyDeep in the forests of ancient India, a divine child is found by a king. That child—Manikandan, later known as Swami Ayyappa—grows up to become a symbol of strength, compassion, and purpose.From riding a tiger to fulfilling a divine mission, these stories trace his inspiring journey through adventure, wisdom, and faith.The Tiger Rider brings Swami Ayyappa’s legend to life for young readers, blending mythology with meaningful values like kindness, courage, and selflessness. Written in a gentle, engaging style, it’s perfect for children under 12—whether you're sharing age-old traditions or discovering them for the first time.Learn More at https://www.dkpwriter.com/indie-reads-aloud-season-5

Stories of Krishna: Tales of Michief and MagicDiscover the Magic of Krishna Through Heartwarming Stories & Fun Colouring Pages!Step into the enchanting world of Krishna with this delightful collection of stories for young hearts. Perfectly crafted for young children, these simple yet profound tales bring the beloved Hindu deity to life through vibrant adventures, playful moments, and timeless lessons.In this book, your little ones will meet Krishna as the mischievous child who loves playing his flute, outwitting naughty demons, sharing kindness with everyone, and even making rain clouds dance to his music! Each story is not only filled with wonder but also with important life lessons—kindness, courage, creativity, and the power of love—that will inspire and delight young readers.The stories are beautifully written in a simple, engaging way that children will adore, with vivid illustrations and charming dialogues that bring the essence of Krishna's childhood to life. Plus, each page includes fun colouring activities, where children can bring their favourite Krishna moments to life through art!This collection is a perfect introduction to the values and teachings of Hindu mythology, gently woven into the fabric of magical stories that will make bedtime special and unforgettable. The added colouring pages will spark your child’s imagination and creativity while reinforcing the moral lessons in each story.__________________________________________Flying Monkeys & Floating Stones: Stories of Hanuman & RamaDiscover the Adventures of Hanuman & Rama Through Heartwarming Stories.Step into a world of wonder, devotion, and courage with this beautifully crafted collection of stories about Hanuman and Rama—two beloved heroes from Hindu mythology. Perfect for young children, these gentle and inspiring tales bring ancient adventures to life with simple storytelling, vibrant characters, and fun interactive elements.In this book, children will meet Hanuman—the playful monkey with incredible strength and a heart full of love—and Rama—the noble prince known for his wisdom, kindness, and bravery. From flying across oceans and lifting mountains to building magical bridges and singing songs of love and loyalty, each story is filled with exciting moments and timeless values.Every tale is told in a way that’s perfect for little listeners and early readers, with colourful illustrations, easy-to-follow dialogue, and gentle life lessons woven into each page.This book is a joyful introduction to Hindu culture and values—like bravery, devotion, friendship, and truth—through the unforgettable journeys of Hanuman and Rama. Whether read at bedtime, during quiet afternoons, or shared with family and friends, these stories are sure to become treasured favourites.Learn More at https://www.dkpwriter.com/indie-reads-aloud-season-5

Stacy Learns To Love Her Wavy Hair, and You Can Too!When Stacy was nine-years-old, her mom convinced her to cut her long, wavy brown hair because she was tired of fixing Stacy's hair. Her mom didn't teach Stacy how to fix it herself.

 Stacy cried after her hair cut and didn't know how to stand up for herself. Throughout her life, Stacy had to learn and navigate the pitfalls of how to take care of her wavy hair, and eventually gave up when it became too much to handle. Then one day Stacy wanted to restore her long, wavy brown hair to it's glory and learned how to take care and love her wavy hair. In the process, Stacy learned to find herself and what makes her happy. She also found the confidence to stand up for herself and what she believes in. Stacy hopes many wavy and curly kiddos are able to do the same for themselves that she wasn't able to do as a kid.    ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Stacy Schilling was born and raised in Los Angeles, California, where she developed a passion for the visual arts at a young age. After graduating high school in Kentucky, where her family relocated in 1990, she attended the University of Kentucky and earned a degree in Journalism. However, her true calling lay in graphic design, and she honed her skills working in Cincinnati, OH. Despite initial setbacks in her design career, she didn't give up and enrolled in Northern Kentucky University's Graphic Design program where she graduated with honors.With renewed determination, Stacy returned to her hometown of Los Angeles to pursue a career in the competitive design industry, working with prestigious clients such as NBC and UCLA, and quickly establishing herself as a talented and respected designer and teacher.After spending more than a decade teaching and working in the industry, Stacy noticed a gap in the market for children's literature that addressed hair care for young readers with curly or wavy hair. In 2022, she began writing a series of books to fill this gap and empower young readers to embrace and care for their natural curls.Stacy is recognized for her tireless work ethic, dedication to her craft, and has earned several awards and accolades for her contributions in the visual arts. In her free time, she enjoys learning about health and wellness, teaching website design, painting, and finding creative ways to express herself.Stacy is a truly remarkable individual, serving as an inspiration to those around her with her positive impact on the world through her work and kindness. She continues to inspire and make a difference in the lives of many.Learn More at https://www.dkpwriter.com/indie-reads-aloud-season-5

A murder mystery where every sound tells a story, and every emotion glows with colour. He can taste the lies—but can he survive the truth?“The metallic taste spiked violently, coating my tongue like blood. Something felt wrong about this. It couldn’t be true. I heard myself exhale sharply. My pulse was roaring in my ears, the fluorescent lights too bright, the stale air suffocating— They weren’t missing. They were never coming back.”Thirteen-year-old Rhys Baker sees the world differently—literally. His synesthesia makes sounds taste like metal, emotions shimmer with colour, and memories echo through his senses. It’s a strange gift—but when his parents are found dead under mysterious circumstances, it becomes the only way to uncover the truth.With his best friend Kai and an enigmatic ally named Elara, Rhys follows a trail of cryptic clues only he can decode. But when Elara vanishes and eerie messages begin to surface, Rhys and Kai must race to solve the mystery before they too disappear.Echoes Beneath the Surface is a gripping, emotionally charged thriller for readers 11+. Perfect for fans of Holes, A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, and The Inheritance Games, this debut blends suspense, first love, and the haunting power of memory. Through Rhys’s eyes, readers are invited to experience a world where every sound hides a secret—and every feeling could be fatal.  ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Pranav has been an avid reader since childhood and began writing at the age of 10. Writing has become his creative outlet, allowing him to bring his vivid stories to life. In May 2025, he published his first middle-grade fantasy novel, followed by his second in September 2025, and he is already hard at work on his next adventure. Now 13, Pranav is a budding musician and author, playing the piano and exploring other instruments, sharing his passion on his YouTube channel, which features nearly 100 videos. He is enthusiastically pursuing his dream of becoming both a storyteller and a musician.Learn More at https://www.dkpwriter.com/indie-reads-aloud-season-5

Today is a big day for Rosemary Chick! The world is calling, and she can't wait to meet it-but there's just one tiny problem: She is still inside her shell!With determination and a spark of curiosity, Rosemary sets out to break out of the shell. Tap by tap, she learns that courage isn't about being ready-it's about trying, even when things feel hard.Filled with warmth, humor, and gentle life lessons, Rosemary Chick: Pip, Zip, Hooray! celebrates perseverance, curiosity, and the excitement of new beginnings. Perfect for ages 3-8, this charming story reminds young readers that even the smallest chick can do big brave things.    ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Dawn Feltrop is a children’s author, physical therapy assistant, mother of four children and Gigi of three grandchildren. She is passionate about nurturing self confidence and resilience in young readers. Through her empowering stories, Dawn aims to inspire children to believe in themselves, embrace their uniqueness, and face the world with courage and kindness.Dawn lives in Kansas with her husband, dogs, and chickens. When she’s not playing with the grandkids, she enjoys exploring the outdoors, photography, and spending time with family.Learn More at https://www.dkpwriter.com/indie-reads-aloud-season-5

Something sinister is waking in the Northwoods town of Neelsville. Birds are slamming into windows. Crosses at the church are turning upside down, and people are walking around with eyes as black as the lake at midnight. Scout never expected to be caught in the middle of it-or to feel an undeniable pull toward the mysterious Traveller, who seems to know more than he should. As eerie phenomena spread and dark forces tighten their grip on the town, Scout must navigate friendship, love, and the secrets buried deep beneath Neelsville's quiet pines. The Choice invites readers into a place where nothing is what it seems-and where the line between faith, fear, and fate blurs with every turn of the page.    ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Wendy M. Kok is a Michigan-based author known for her atmospheric Northwoods thrillers that blend romance, paranormal mystery, and small-town suspense. Drawing inspiration from the Wisconsin woods where she grew up, her stories pull readers into eerie, pine-lined worlds filled with unusual phenomena, intense emotion, and characters who linger long after the last page.Her award-winning debut, A Grey Resort, won the American Fiction Award in the Romance/Paranormal category and established her signature style: haunting settings, emotional depth, and a touch of the supernatural. Her newest novel, The Choice, continues that tradition with an unsettling mystery unfolding in the fictional town of Neelsville.When she isn't writing, Wendy works in the healing arts as a massage therapist and enjoys exploring the natural beauty of the Midwest, finding inspiration in every foggy morning, lake ripple, and shadow in the trees. She is passionate about connecting with readers, creating immersive fictional worlds, and sharing stories that blur the line between love and the unknown.Learn More at https://www.dkpwriter.com/indie-reads-aloud-season-5

LISTENER ADVISORY: Violence Murder by Mistake: Book One of The Black Book SeriesOne bomb; the ripples of devastation-endless.Tick . . . tick . . . tick . . .A bomb, that was meant for me, killed my mother, and unleashed a world I was never supposed to know about. Now I am surrounded by the FBI and mafia families. Good guys. Bad guys; the line blurs. One wrong decision could end so many lives, including my own.ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Theresa Sederholt:  If you love going on adventures of the mind and heart, then you're in good company. This is Theresa Sederholt, and her passion lies in writing stories that connect to those who have withstood dramatic, personal experiences. She wants to bring awareness and understanding by dealing with subject matter that is intimidating to navigate, and she does this across multiple genres. On the flip side, Theresa also likes to whip up a steamy romance sprinkled with suspense that keeps you guessing until the end. Who doesn't want happiness with a twist? When she's not writing, she's cooking with her amazing husband or spoiling her dogs. These days, you can also find Theresa exploring the beauty of the Arizona desert.Learn More at https://www.dkpwriter.com/indie-reads-aloud-season-5

Three 70+-year-old sisters- Poppet, Aggie, and Neddie - turn to the family business - cat burglary that their father taught them as children - to pay off a gambling debt he left behind. While trying to raise the needed money, the girls climb a rickety ladder to get into a house they think has a safe, outsmart a pretty clever Doberman in another heist and finally roam unsupervised through a 'specialty' bakery. In the end, the not only raise the needed money but the also escape. To add to the fun, they meet some very special men along the way.Fun, adventure and romance. What else do you need? Think Golden Girls meets Janet Evanovich! Who would suspect? Who dah thunk it could ever happen?  ABOUT THE AUTHOR:  After 40 years of traveling, award-winning author TK Cassidy has returned home to Montana. She has always been drawn to writing. From the moment she first held a pencil, she felt a profound sense of purpose. By the age of seven, she had already developed a writer's callus on her finger—a testament to her unwavering dedication that persists even after 60 years.Her versatility as a writer is evident in her inability to confine herself to a single genre. At times, her wicked sense of humor takes center stage, crafting stories about unlikely characters like 70-year-old sisters turned cat burglars (yes, really!) or the endearing Scruffy, whose quest for a grand prize will leave you in stitches. Yet Cassidy's repertoire extends far beyond comedic capers. Explore her compelling tales of love that transcend time and delve into the mysterious realm of the paranormal. Or immerse yourself in the multi-generational saga of an apartment with secrets untold. Let's not overlook her extensive collection of over 100 children's stories, which may undergo a revival at any moment. With TK Cassidy, you're in for a literary journey filled with surprises and guaranteed to captivate your imagination.Learn More at https://www.dkpwriter.com/indie-reads-aloud-season-5

LISTENER ADVISORY: Mature Situations, Strong Language, Violence; Strong Sexual ContentBorn A Strong Alpha with Powers...Prophesied Ruler of Wolves...And She Hates Heels...Jaidan Emerald Scott is known for being Strong Headed, Frustratingly Sassy and Methodically Determined, but will these traits be enough to win the loyalty of the three most powerful Alpha's who have defied wolf tradition.Which Defies Her!While implementing what she thinks is a full proof plan, she's confronted with Mysterious Near Death Experiences, Unexpected but Self-Discovering Revelations, Frustratingly Sexy Encounters, with her foes no less and a Potential Mate!What prey tell will she do?Will she survive the journey she has set for herself and live to be the Ruler?Will she find her fated mate?Final Question,Will you Survive the Spice Between the Pages?ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Magnolia Xen spends most of her time reading all forms of romance, paranormal werewolf shifters are her favorite, even though dragon, fae, vampire, and witches are not far behind. She is a big lover of all animals, from horses, cats, and dogs, but currently her Maine Coon kitten has captured her heart and takes up any time left after reading and writing. Magnolia's husband is her biggest fan and motivator, he believes she can do anything she puts her mind to and continues to push her to pursue all her passions.Growing up, Magnolia's grandmother had a library full of historical romance novels which introduced her to this genre and helped her escape into all forms of romance that she's expounded on over the years. Her love for those books sparked her love of reading, imagining, writing, and dreaming, that one day she would see her imaginings on the pages of her own novel. Magnolia is excited the day is finally here; she finally had the courage to pursue being a published author, and she hopes the readers enjoy reading as much as she enjoyed writing.Always let your perseverance and determination guide you to your safe spot!Learn More at https://www.dkpwriter.com/indie-reads-aloud-season-5

 Sometimes a catastrophe isn’t the worst of your problemsAs dust settles on the buried kingdom of Ymittos, Princess Derya faces a horrifying conclusion: her friend Princess Eliana has perished after failing to break an evil sorcerer’s curse. Which means the next obstacle in the plot to enslave the continent is Derya’s father — the Emperor of Cinar.When the emperor tasks Derya with forming a crucial alliance, her only way forward is to race the sorcerer in a hunt for the magical scepter he lost a millennium ago. If he retrieves it, he’ll be unstoppable in his quest to dominate the world.Seeking the scepter in barbarian-controlled territory could cost Derya her life.But if she refuses the quest, she loses her right to the empire.And if she fails, there won’t be an empire left to inherit.    ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Evelyn Puerto reads just about anything and writes in multiple genres. When she married, she inherited three stepdaughters, a pair of step-grandsons, and a psychotic cat. Currently she writes from South Carolina. If you'd like to keep up with her publication news and get a free short story, sign up for her newsletter at www.evelynpuerto.com/newsletter.Learn More at https://www.dkpwriter.com/indie-reads-aloud-season-5

Inspired by a true story, Into the Thicket begins with the moment the author's young son discovered an injured baby rabbit ― an encounter that sparked a heartfelt journey of care and connection.This tender picture book follows a boy and the rabbit he hopes to help, gently exploring themes of compassion, courage, love, and the bittersweet beauty of letting go. It invites young readers to develop empathy and a deeper appreciation for the natural world, showing how even the smallest acts of kindness can ripple through a great, big world.Featuring stunning watercolor illustrations by acclaimed Ann Arbor artist John Megahan, Into the Thicket is a story families will return to again and again.   ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Gail Kuhnlein has been writing stories since she was young. Her first self-published picture book, How Happy Is a Lark?, made her as happy as a, well you know. She’s just as excited about her new picture book, Into the Thicket.Gail majored in journalism and public relations at Michigan State University. She worked in the field for over thirty years, most recently at the University of Michigan’s Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. People she met at UM were instrumental in publishing her picture books, a long-awaited dream come true.She savors life with her husband, Tim, just outside Ann Arbor, Michigan. They adore their two adult sons, Davey and Trevor, and bunk with the sweetest kitties in the galaxy.Learn More at https://www.dkpwriter.com/indie-reads-aloud-season-5

A children’s picture book tells of the wishes of seven little raindrops for the time they become big raindrops and fall to the earth.    ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Bill Shaul, a longtime resident of the Metro Detroit area. Since graduating from Maranatha Baptist Bible College (now Maranatha Baptist University), he has served in various roles in many churches. Wherever he's gone, he has sought to serve God by serving others in whatever ways He wishes. Along the way, Bill's wonderful wife Peggy, reared four amazing daughters who have blessed them with nearly twenty grandchildren. (And yes, he can name all of them!)For nearly thirty years, Bill has pursued a hobby and a dream: Writing and sharing stories that will entertain, engage, and encourage readers.  Both have come to fruition with the publication of three books, with more to follow soon.Learn More at https://www.dkpwriter.com/indie-reads-aloud-season-5

This Christian novella, written for eight to twelve-year-olds, tells the story of a sixth-grade boy’s struggles with his teacher/soccer coach, culminating in learning a great lesson after the first game of the season.    ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Bill Shaul, a longtime resident of the Metro Detroit area. Since graduating from Maranatha Baptist Bible College (now Maranatha Baptist University), he has served in various roles in many churches. Wherever he's gone, he has sought to serve God by serving others in whatever ways He wishes. Along the way, Bill's wonderful wife Peggy, reared four amazing daughters who have blessed them with nearly twenty grandchildren. (And yes, he can name all of them!)For nearly thirty years, Bill has pursued a hobby and a dream: Writing and sharing stories that will entertain, engage, and encourage readers.  Both have come to fruition with the publication of three books, with more to follow soon.Learn More at https://www.dkpwriter.com/indie-reads-aloud-season-5

This Christian mystery/romance novel tells the story of an elite police unit responsible for providing secure transportation of prisoners and other ‘at risk’ individuals to and from various locations.The leader of this unit is the revenge target of an unknown person. With the help of his new romantic interest, he hopes to unravel this plot before he becomes the victim of Consuming Revenge.    ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Bill Shaul, a longtime resident of the Metro Detroit area. Since graduating from Maranatha Baptist Bible College (now Maranatha Baptist University), he has served in various roles in many churches. Wherever he's gone, he has sought to serve God by serving others in whatever ways He wishes. Along the way, Bill's wonderful wife Peggy, reared four amazing daughters who have blessed them with nearly twenty grandchildren. (And yes, he can name all of them!)For nearly thirty years, Bill has pursued a hobby and a dream: Writing and sharing stories that will entertain, engage, and encourage readers.  Both have come to fruition with the publication of three books, with more to follow soon.Learn More at https://www.dkpwriter.com/indie-reads-aloud-season-5

The Journey of Tanis weaves a interesting narrative that delves into the precipice of annihilation. As a catastrophic Gamma Ray Burst (GRB) hurtles relentlessly toward Earth, threatening to obliterate all life, a web of conspiracies envelops the impending catastrophe. At the heart of this cosmic turmoil is Brianna Alsobrooks, a retired astronaut seeking solace in civilian life, only to be thrust back into the chaos.Unbeknownst to the public, a clandestine government operation unfolds, desperate to save humanity from the impending doom. Brianna, enticed with promises of “one last mission,” embarks on a perilous journey, unaware of the true nature of her interstellar quest. Space becomes a canvas of deception, assassination attempts, and political corruption as Brianna and her dynamic crew confront an abyss of unanswerable questions.  ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Christopher Laird is an author from Detroit, Michigan. He has been writing science fiction since he was 15 years old. He currently has stories that will be adapted into stage plays and his Amazon best selling novel ORIGINS is in the process of hopefully being optioned for a motion picture. Mr. Laird is a graduate of Wayne State Univeristy in Detroit, Michigan. He is currently studying at Harvard University to  deepen his understanding of Psychology. Mr. Laird is  also an active member of The Detroit Institute Of Arts and The Detroit Zoo to help them to become world recognized institutions.Learn More at https://www.dkpwriter.com/indie-reads-aloud-season-5

Dive into a world where eerie shadows linger, laughter echoes in unexpected places, and spine-tingling chills are just a page away.Ghost, Gags, and Grim Tales is a spellbinding collection of 22 short stories that invites readers to explore the full spectrum of storytelling—from haunting ghostly encounters to light-hearted parodies and heart-pounding scares. Perfect for fans of the macabre, the absurd, and the darkly humorous, this book offers something for everyone.Whether you’re seeking a story that will make you laugh out loud, send shivers down your spine, or keep you turning pages late into the night, you’ll find it here. With vivid characters, twists you won’t see coming, and just the right mix of the spooky and the silly, Ghost, Gags, and Grim Tales is a must-read for young adults and anyone who dares to dance between light and dark.  ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Chelsea Leslie, a Special Education Teacher from Chesterfield, MI, has always been drawn to the magic of storytelling. A lover of literature and a firm believer in the paranormal, she finds inspiration in the mysterious and the whimsical. When she's not teaching or writing, you might find her making wishes on dandelions, dreaming up new tales to share.Learn More at https://www.dkpwriter.com/indie-reads-aloud-season-5

Listener Advisory: LanguageGetting old doesn’t have to be boring—especially when murder’s on the itinerary.Hy Reynolds has always been a good listener… whether he should be or not. Eugenia Drye is a widow, and there is very “widow” she doesn’t know about her neighbors. When their intrepid nosiness prompts their exasperated families to mention the “H word”—the home—the plucky pensioners take matters into their own hands and book a freedom cruise into retirement. After all, why shape up when you can ship out?Life aboard the Photuris is smooth sailing—until a passenger’s drink packs more kick than the chorus girls. Suddenly Hy and Eugenia are shelving their salsa lessons and shuffleboard to follow the trail, and toss the crew’s sanity overboard.One thing’s certain: murder on the high seas comes with plenty of comedy, chaos, and clue-hunting in Board to Death, the first laugh-out-loud installment in the Hy & Drye Mysteries.    ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Maisie Franklin believes life’s best mysteries are solved with wit, wine, and just the right splash of snark. A firm believer that trouble pairs best with a full-bodied red, she’s made it her mission to bring readers twisty plots, quirky sleuths, and the kind of small-town scandals that make gossip the town’s second-favorite pastime (after murder, of course).When she’s not writing fast-paced, laugh-out-loud cozies, Maisie can be found outsmarting crossword puzzles, getting emotionally invested in British baking competitions, or insisting that “just one more chapter” is a valid excuse for staying up way too late. She’s a lifelong mystery buff, an unapologetic pun enthusiast, and the kind of friend who would absolutely help you plot the perfect alibi (strictly hypothetically, of course).Pour yourself a glass, grab a comfy chair, and dive in—because Maisie’s got a case to crack, a few suspects to interrogate, and at least one exasperated detective to charm along the way.Learn More at https://www.dkpwriter.com/indie-reads-aloud-season-5

Murder wasn’t in the cards for Zoe Romano… until it was.Zoe Romano gave up front-page crime for fine wine, trading the chaos of New York City for the quiet charm of Mystic, Connecticut. Now, she runs Read Between the Vines, a cozy bookshop-slash-wine bar where the biggest scandal is usually who finished the last bottle of merlot.That is, until the town psychic turns up dead—with a tarot card stuck in her throat.Everyone in Mystic had a reason to want Madame Zorina to zip it, but only one of them is a killer. And when Chief of Police Derek Cody enlists Zoe’s help, she and her meddling staff start uncorking Mystic’s best-kept secrets. And a few missing lawn flamingos.Between pouring wine, dodging well-intentioned chaos, and making sure her own fate doesn’t end up in the death card pile, Zoe will need every ounce of wit—and maybe a splash of luck—to solve this case. Because in Mystic, murder might be in the cards… but Zoe refuses to let fate call the shots.    ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Maisie Franklin believes life’s best mysteries are solved with wit, wine, and just the right splash of snark. A firm believer that trouble pairs best with a full-bodied red, she’s made it her mission to bring readers twisty plots, quirky sleuths, and the kind of small-town scandals that make gossip the town’s second-favorite pastime (after murder, of course).When she’s not writing fast-paced, laugh-out-loud cozies, Maisie can be found outsmarting crossword puzzles, getting emotionally invested in British baking competitions, or insisting that “just one more chapter” is a valid excuse for staying up way too late. She’s a lifelong mystery buff, an unapologetic pun enthusiast, and the kind of friend who would absolutely help you plot the perfect alibi (strictly hypothetically, of course).Pour yourself a glass, grab a comfy chair, and dive in—because Maisie’s got a case to crack, a few suspects to interrogate, and at least one exasperated detective to charm along the way.Learn More at https://www.dkpwriter.com/indie-reads-aloud-season-5

LISTENER ADVISORY: Strong Language, Mature Situations, ViolenceA cruise to Antarctica turns deadly when a crew member is murdered, revealing a sinister plot to control the riches at the bottom of the world, and the power that comes with it. A group of strangers must uncover who is willing to destroy a continent for money and power. A fierce battle for the planet is brewing. The entire human race is at stake. Who will live? Who will die? Whose lives will be changed forever? A fictional story based on real facts. A book written to educate, inspire and change the way we see our world. Our home. We’re all in this together.   ABOUT THE AUTHOR: R. Roy is on a mission to educate, entertain - and change the way people look at the world. Perhaps a little more peace, a little more serenity, a little more beauty and a little more courage could do some good.  We’re all in this together.Learn More at https://www.dkpwriter.com/indie-reads-aloud-season-5

LISTENER ADVISORY: Violence, Mature SituationsInverted.Surviving The Upside-down World.Up is down. Back is forward. Last is first. Weak is strong.Twenty-five years after surviving the collision of worlds in Charity's Fire, the next generation has been trained to lead the underground. Then, the eldest runs away to Mars to escape the demands of leadership, and the second in command turns into a selfish rebel- bent on destruction.Is everything always falling toward chaos?As millions on earth flee the grip of the tyrannical Global Union, who will lead the outcasts to freedom? Who will rescue the downtrodden? Who will stand in the gap for the persecuted? Where will they run?Short-sighted human ambitions need to fall to the ground and die before the real plan can emerge from the fertile soil of impossibility.Are the Rebel and the Runaway really cowards?Was their preparation another divine distraction?Or have they suffered enough to be in the perfect positionfrom which the underground can launchan exodus of Biblical proportions?Inverted.Strong is weak. First is last. Forward is back. Down is up.Survive upside-down.  ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Craig ran away from his Michigan home at seventeen with his girlfriend. He had sold the love of his life on the romantic idea of living in the wild, wild west. So they wrote goodbye notes to all of their family and friends, packed the car and left on a sunny June afternoon with three hundred and fifty dollars between them.God rudely interrupted the fanciful journey at a rest area west of Chicago with a one-in-a-million chance meeting. Craig walked through the entry door to the old facility at the same moment his cousin exited. Joe, who is twenty years older, just happened to be moving to Colorado that day with his family. Long story short, Joe appealed to their sense of family and encouraged them to call home before they continued westward.That phone call wrecked the dream and saved their lives. Hearing your tough-as-nails father break down and cry for the first time in your life can do that. Plus his girlfriend's father had the State Police looking for them, she was sixteen.Less than nine months later, that not-so-impressed father of his girlfriend was arm in arm with her, walking down the aisle. Dad reluctantly signed over his parental rights to the eighteen year old pimple faced kid that had impregnated his daughter.There were only two people out of the fifty-six in attendance that day who believed the young idealistic couple had any chance to make it. They chose not to say one word about it. Craig discovered who that was almost forty years later while doing research for his first book.Does this story make Craig qualified to be an author? Hell no. Neither does living forty-two years with the same women he married in high school and the three kids they raised (and seven grandchildren). It is only by the grace of God they have survived and through that same grace he writes. Yet, Craig’s true gift is in storytelling and many of those skills were learned the hard way, living through the myriad of life altering choices he has made over the years. Imagine that. Life happens.Craig listens to people, striving to see them the way their Creator does, while asking pertinent questions along the way. Hearing stories of God’s kindness has been foundational to his journey, living one has transformed him. His pastor's heart motivates him to teach those that struggle with addictions. He leads small groups of men toward relational wholeness. Combine all of those experiences with a love for creating, an insane imagination, and you may begin to understand his story.Craig wants to inspire you to live in the truth our loving God has for you today.Learn More at https://www.dkpwriter.com/indie-reads-aloud-season-5

AJ Walker has built a life around balance and responsibility, raising twelve-year-old twin boys while managing her work from home and maintaining a friendly relationship with her ex-husband. Her days are full, her plans carefully drawn, and her heart safely guarded. Until she joins a local walking group and everything begins to change. What starts as a simple way to get healthier becomes a path to rediscovery. Through laughter, encouragement, and unexpected connection, AJ begins to see the woman she set aside somewhere along the way. Each step forward challenges her to let go of old fears and open her heart to the possibilities waiting just ahead. Heartfelt and hopeful, Where the Heart Begins is a story of fresh starts, quiet courage, and the first stirrings of a new chapter.  ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Mandy Jo is a multi-genre indie author who loves blending imagination with emotion in every story she writes. From time-traveling adventures and historical journeys to tales of mystery, fantasy, and women’s fiction, her books span genres but always center around heart and discovery. Originally from Michigan and now based in Greer, South Carolina, Mandy Jo continues to build immersive worlds while embracing the beauty of everyday moments. She’s also the founder of Creative Slingers of Ink, a vibrant writing community that brings writers together through virtual and in-person writing sessions, book signings, and a monthly book cover contest. With a background in tech and event coordination, Mandy Jo is passionate about helping authors connect, grow, and share their stories with confidence. When she’s not writing or cheering on fellow creatives, you’ll find her traveling with her husband, cooking something new, tracing family roots, or snapping photos of her latest adventure. A firm believer that stories can change lives, Mandy Jo writes with purpose—and a touch of Hallmark-style charm.Learn More at https://www.dkpwriter.com/indie-reads-aloud-season-5

LISTENER ADVISORY: Violence; Mature SituationsThe enemy of her enemy might be just the tool Anastassia Kazan needs to remove the Jalvian invaders from the Verian space station she calls home.Working out a treaty between the Jalvians and the Verian people is the highlight of Anastassia's military career. Just when station life seems to be settling into a tolerable accord, a spy from the Jalvian’s enemy shows up to take advantage of her hard work and threatens the precarious peace with his very presence. It’s only fair, as a spy for the Verian army, that she uses him in return.Chesser Ta’set’s mission to intercept the Jalvian’s next moves is imperative. Without them, his people will soon lose the war with Jal and his entire star system will be in chaos. Meeting a human spy with the telepathic skill necessary to slip into his target’s thoughts presents an avenue that will greatly multiply the odds of his success.All he needs to do is convince Anastassia to blow her cover and risk her life for a stranger from a world she doesn’t know.  ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Jean Davis writes an array of speculative fiction and plays with chickens. She has written short story collections, a space opera series, stand-alone novels, children’s books about her chickens, many projects that aren’t yet finished, and a lot of pages that you will never see.When not ruining fictional lives from the comfort of her writing chair, she can be found devouring books and sushi, weeding her flower garden, or picking up hundreds of sticks while attempting to avoid the abundant snake population that also shares her yard. She lives in West Michigan with her musical husband, an attention-craving terrier, and a mostly friendly flock of fluffy fowl.Learn More at https://www.dkpwriter.com/indie-reads-aloud-season-5

Woof, woof-let's go! Meet Lola and Sophie, two adorable pups who are ready to take your little one on a joyful ABC adventure. From barking and belly rubs to jumping, snuggling, wagging tails, and catching ZZZZs, each page introduces a new letter through playful doggy antics and sweet opposite pairs that delight early readers.Inspired by two real-life dogs-Lola, a glamorous chihuahua with a big personality, and Sophie, a once-homeless rescue who found a forever home-this book celebrates:Learning the alphabet in a fun, engaging wayThe importance of pet adoptionFriendship, kindness, and familyThe silly, lovable quirks of our four-legged friendsWith bright language and heartwarming backstories, Lola and Sophie's ABC Adventure makes the perfect read-aloud for toddlers, preschoolers, classrooms, and families who believe every pet has a story worth telling. A charming, feel-good journey from A to Z-with two furry friends who will steal your heart.  ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Christine Devane was a second grade teacher for thirteen years and enjoyed reading with her students. She currently lives in Massachusetts with her husband John; three children Joey, Nick, and Adeline; and their dog, Sophie. Christine loves going to the beach, spending time with family and friends, traveling, and collecting lucky elephants.Learn More at https://www.dkpwriter.com/indie-reads-aloud-season-5

LISTENER ADVISORY: Violence, Mature SituationsA new sweet and spicy romance sprinkled with suspense! Ava Ellis, a glamorous, former A-list actress is trying to rebuild her career when a shadowy threat forces her into hiding – and under heavy protection. Her high-profile brother calls in a favor and hires a trio of elite operatives to keep her safe. Leading them is Mace: a despondent former special forces commando with a short fuse, and zero interest in babysitting a spoiled celebrity... until he meets her.As the threat looms, the line between duty and desire blurs. But trust doesn't come easy, especially for a scorned actress, and Mace finds himself fighting not just for her safety, but for her heart.Blossoming love with a dousing of spice; this cocktail of literary entertainment will quench your thirst for a steamy romance heightened by the infusion of suspense and humor.    ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Hailing from the picturesque landscapes of northern Michigan, author Josephine Jordin’s literary passion embodies her craving for all things sweet and spicy. Armed with a degree in Criminology from Portland State University, and drawing inspiration from the likes of C.S. Lewis, Dean Koontz and the dynamic duo of Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child, Josephine weaves tales that blend romantic depth and suspense. She invites you to experience her debut novel, Ready for a Storm, the first in a three-part series.Learn More at https://www.dkpwriter.com/indie-reads-aloud-season-5

LISTENER ADVISORY: Violence, Strong Language, Substance Use, Mentions of Child Endangerment/ExploitationA hidden enemy resurfaces with a plan that could shatter the balance of the universe...Richard's masked organization has returned, aiming to seize control of the elementals to absorb their powers. To stop them, Ferenc and Olivia must reawaken their full abilities—but the only one who can help them, the gatekeeper Anya, has vanished.They need to find Anya and convince her to guide them to the Keeper of the Realms. And as time runs out, Richard's influence spreads. To make matters worse, Richard's apprentice has unleashed a dangerous toxin and legions of monstrous lunanites descending from the moon.If Richard succeeds, he'll plunge the universe into chaos. As the fate of the elemental realms teeters on the edge, Ferenc, Olivia, and their allies must unite their strengths and confront the darkness before it consumes everything.      ABOUT THE AUTHOR: S.W. Raine is Canadian, born and raised, and constantly moved between Ontario and Quebec with her military family. She moved to Michigan, USA, in 2004, where she currently still resides with her husband and son.She has always had a vivid imagination and loved reading and writing from a very young age. She took courses in Children’s Literature through ICL in Illinois, and she published her debut steampunk adventure in 2020. She has participated in NaNoWriMo for over a decade and was a Municipal Liaison for the Detroit region for six years.Learn More at https://www.dkpwriter.com/indie-reads-aloud-season-5

Meet Aria—a curious, spirited girl who thinks waiting is a rule invented by adults. From long lunch lines to crispy dosas, nothing seems to move fast enough for her! But when her grandmother, Paati, gifts her a tiny notebook called The Patience Project, Aria is about to discover that patience isn’t boring—it’s a superpower.Through unexpected challenges like a flooded science fair experiment, talent show panic, and friendship struggles, Aria learns to pause, listen, and act step by step. With each small win, she discovers that steady effort, courage, and calm can make even the hardest tasks possible.Inspired by timeless wisdom from the Thirukkural and South Indian stories, Aria’s Patience Project blends heart, humor, and life lessons for kids aged 6 and up. Perfect for young readers, parents, and classrooms, this story encourages children to grow their emotional intelligence, practice resilience, and see challenges as opportunities to shine.  ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Preethi is an author, speaker, and consultant, known for the Mystic India for Kids series and her business guide, The Ease Equation – Systems + Support = Sustainable Success. She began by writing bedtime stories for her children, which grew into a series that brings Hindu mythology to life, inspiring courage, curiosity, and cultural connection through engaging, value-filled narratives.Learn More at https://www.dkpwriter.com/indie-reads-aloud-season-5

Over the past twenty-five years, five friends reunite for their annual week-long getaway of comradery and adventure. This year, however, Glen Feffley suggested something different; a lake house in the quiet Finger Lakes region of upstate New York. It's quite a departure from their usual trips. Eagles Point is a small town in rural America. Weathered signs hang above storefronts along its idyllic Main Street, and friendly local conduct their lives with a casualness that seems unconcerned with time.The five men venture into town one night, looking for a bit of fun, unaware a heinous crime, rare for this town, has been committed at the restaurant where they stop for dinner. When the town's Chief of Police declares he has evidence proving some of them are involved, the five begin asking questions and doubting their decades-long friendship. Soon, they begin to unravel a secret this town has kept for far too long.Can they re-establish trust and find the answers they need to clear their names?ABOUT THE AUTHOR: James Wittenborg is a novelist and long-time member of the space community. A senior systems engineer with a Masters in Space Studies, he began his career supporting Space Shuttle test flights from Houston's Mission Control Center. He then went on to support the International Space Station (ISS) in Reston, Virginia, and the ISS Robotic Canadarm at the Canadian Space Agency in St. Hubert, Quebec. Currently, he supports the Space Launch System (SLS) program at the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama.James is also the author of The Dream Traveler Series, a trilogy of novels that center around a person's ability to dream himself back to a particular place and time in order to passively observe events. This "gift" aids authorities in solving crimes, however, it soon becomes an unwanted burden when the wrong people become aware of it.Learn More at www.DKPWriter.com

This Christmas, DJ Yeti drops the beat—lights burst, the Arctic roars, kids go wild. A winter rave explodes as a soft-hearted DJ returns home and finally shines.Packed with heart, humor, snowy magic, and retro-holiday art, this rare Christmas story delights both kids and exhausted grown-ups. Perfect for ages 3–8—and everyone in the room.DJ Yeti and the Full Moon Party isn’t just a book—it’s the start of a new holiday tradition: a glowing winter dance party for dreamers, music lovers, and every kid discovering their anthem.    ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Squirrels and houseplants were once Kendal’s childhood best friends—partners in endless make-believe. Adulthood dimmed the magic, but motherhood reignited it. Now she’s calling on everyone to join her in woodland mischief in The Dandelion Kingdom.Learn More at www.DKPWriter.com

A young girl is expecting a quiet, peaceful beach day of reading--but she's in for some disappointment. It turns out elephants love to play, especially at the beach! At first, the girl is annoyed when the elephants break her beach chair. Then, they block her sun amidst other loud and distracting shenanigans. Soon, though, the girl becomes intrigued by the elephants' playful nature. She still tries to read, but their games continue and can't be ignored. Having a change of heart, the young girl joins in when the elephants play volleyball. She surfs huge waves and even helps the elephants when they are scared. The young girl came to the beach to be alone, but she now finds herself surrounded by new friends. The silliness of these gentle giants amuse her, and what was once a plan to find some peace turns into a feast of fun! Come along to Elephant Beach, where distractions are welcome and adventure arrives with each and every wave.  ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Christine Devane was a second grade teacher for thirteen years and enjoyed reading with her students. She currently lives in Massachusetts with her husband John; three children Joey, Nick, and Adeline; and their dog, Sophie. Christine loves going to the beach, spending time with family and friends, traveling, and collecting lucky elephants.Learn More at www.DKPWriter.com

LISTENER ADVISORY: MATURE THEMES, MATURE LANGUAGEShimmer makes you forget—until it takes everything.In the near-future and rain-soaked New Albion, shimmer is both escape and enslavement—and the Bureau for Virtue, always watching, ensures the world stays hooked.Anouk Walker only wanted to survive until her next fix. But when a Bureau raid tears her closest friend away, she’s pulled into a Resistance whose ideals are as compromised as its methods.Time is short; she must rescue Jimmy before the Factory erases who he is. To bring him back, she must confront the Factory itself—a dark place whispered about in fear, where shimmer’s horrific origins are hidden.What begins as a desperate rescue becomes something larger: a fight over truth, loyalty and the human cost of hope. As the Bureau closes in and the lure of shimmer calls from the darkness, Anouk must decide not just who she’s willing to save, but what she’s willing to become.The Midnight Factory is a gritty, haunting and psychological dystopian thriller about addiction, complicity, and the fragile rebellions we build with the people we refuse to abandon. Perfect for fans of Margaret Atwood, Suzanne Collins, and P.D. James.   ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Russell Luyt grew up in South Africa before moving to the United Kingdom, where he built a career in social psychology and academic writing. Now based in Paris, Russell has swapped lecture halls for quiet cafés, bringing his passion and interest in human behaviour to the world of fiction. Having written academic literature for many years, Russell now enjoys exploring stories that speak to both the heart and the mind.Learn More at www.DKPWriter.com

LISTENER ADVISORY: MATURE LANGUAGE AND SITUATIONSThirty-Nine transgressive short stories that are raw, relatable, and fearlessly honest. Welcome to this nostalgic museum of girlhood, where eleven self-loathing and self-destructive girls are on display. Watch as feelings of confusion, rebellion, and a desire to belong turn them into defiant women, unruly mothers, and unsavory wives. Roman leaves prison with a dangerous man; Kia attends a locker room sermon on period sex; Carly escorts her boyfriend’s ex to the abortion clinic, and you develop nudes at the local drugstore. Through sharp and visceral prose, Shannon Waite gives life to the women you know, have been, or will be in ways that break you but won’t let you look away.Both a prequel and sequel to Waite’s interactive novel Raising Women, this expansion pack allows the novel’s girls to bravely tell their own gut-wrenching stories in unapologetically bold voices—and though it expands on the novel’s characters, this gritty, unsettling, and vulnerable short story collection can be read before, after, or isolated from the novel.  ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Shannon Waite writes stories about norms, characters who break norms, and society's wounds. They're always contemporary, often transgressive. Her debut novel, Raising Women, is an interactive novel in which readers make self-destructive decisions that explore the wild that is growing up girl.Her short fiction has been published in PANK, Hobart, ExPat Press, and elsewhere, and has been nominated for Best of the Net. She has won six flash fiction awards. She has two bachelor’s degrees in English and Creative Writing from Oakland University and an MA in Teaching and Curriculum from Michigan State University.Learn More at www.DKPWriter.com

LISTENER ADVISORY: MATURE LANGUAGE AND SITUATIONSGirls are taxes.Women are city limits.You are on the precipice of womanhood and have become obsessed with an ex-convict, Roman. She introduces you to the dangerous and honest side of life that no one else has been able to. As she unapologetically places you in scandalous situations, you begin making self-destructive decisions. Depending on which decisions you choose, you may taste Roman’s blood, get branded with a searing screwdriver, or date a married man– all while each choice challenges what it means to be a woman, real, or both.In this interactive novel, readers have twenty-four possible pathways with four unique endings to explore the wild that is growing up girl.Raising Women is undeniably candid in how it mirrors the hoops girls jump through to bargain their place in society. Waite illuminates the desperate craving they have for belonging in a culture that is quick to cast them as pawns on a chessboard.    ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Shannon Waite writes stories about norms, characters who break norms, and society's wounds. They're always contemporary, often transgressive. Her debut novel, Raising Women, is an interactive novel in which readers make self-destructive decisions that explore the wild that is growing up girl.Her short fiction has been published in PANK, Hobart, ExPat Press, and elsewhere, and has been nominated for Best of the Net. She has won six flash fiction awards. She has two bachelor’s degrees in English and Creative Writing from Oakland University and an MA in Teaching and Curriculum from Michigan State University.Learn More at www.DKPWriter.com

LISTENER ADVISORY: VIOLENCE, DEATHNo throne, no crown!Adana and Kiffen have retreated to the Border Keep like the refugees who swarm to them. With Maligon ensconced in Moniah and Kiffen's stepmother controlling Elwar, the last of the Four Kingdoms has fallen to the traitor's plots. All seems lost.Now they must place their trust in the one-time tavern wench, Shana, as she struggles to convince the Watchers and Monians that she is their true queen. Is her destiny an honorable one, with fealty to Adana, the woman who gave her a taste of true freedom? Or treachery, as the wealthy queen of all Moniah?While Adana and Kiffen struggle to hold on to the small island keep on the border between Elwar and Moniah, Princess Leera flees her mother's rule and embarks on a journey to bring an army to her brother. Crossing the kingdoms isn't safe, and this once-privileged princess has a lot to learn if she's going to evade her mother's soldiers and make it to Kiffen in one piece.With so much working against them and the traitor's supporters hiding in plain view, Adana and Kiffen struggle to succeed while learning how to rule together. Can they truly unite their two kingdoms or will they forfeit and disappear forever?ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Barbara V. Evers hails from the mysterious Dark Corner of South Carolina where she crafts fantasy stories with strong women matriarchies and clever animals. She is the award-winning author of THE WATCHERS OF MONIAH epic fantasy trilogy (The Watchers of Moniah, The Watchers in Exile, The Watchers at War) as well as numerous published short stories and essays. A two-time winner of the Imadjinn Best Fantasy Novel, she’s won many writing awards over the years including a Pushcart Prize nomination. Her short stories and essays have appeared in multiple issues of The Petigru Review, multiple issues of moonShine review, Childof My Child, Stupefying Stories, A Magnificent Display of Marvelous Wonders, and her own short story collection, Pieces of Her: Being a Woman is Not for the Faint of Heart. She’s currently working on an urban mountain fantasy series, The Matriarch Enchanter, and several other projects.Learn More at www.DKPWriter.com

Not All Beasts Hide in the Dark!The Nature of the Beast is a spellbinding tapestry of speculative short fiction, where shadows slink and truths unravel. Between these covers, beasts roam-scaled and winged, furred and fanged, creeping through underbrush or beneath skin. Dragons take flight. Shifters fight instinct. Spiders weave silent traps. Insects whisper destruction. And often, at the edge of every tale, waits the most frightening creatures of all: humans. Light flickers. Darkness looms. And in the space between, the line blurs.Who is the beast?Who is the prey?And in the end, who survives?The Nature of the Beast invites you to wander into the wild-where the soul of the creature, and the creature of the soul, are never quite what they seem.  ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Barbara V. Evers hails from the mysterious Dark Corner of South Carolina where she crafts fantasy stories with strong women matriarchies and clever animals. She is the award-winning author of THE WATCHERS OF MONIAH epic fantasy trilogy (The Watchers of Moniah, The Watchers in Exile, The Watchers at War) as well as numerous published short stories and essays. A two-time winner of the Imadjinn Best Fantasy Novel, she’s won many writing awards over the years including a Pushcart Prize nomination. Her short stories and essays have appeared in multiple issues of The Petigru Review, multiple issues of moonShine review, Childof My Child, Stupefying Stories, A Magnificent Display of Marvelous Wonders, and her own short story collection, Pieces of Her: Being a Woman is Not for the Faint of Heart. She’s currently working on an urban mountain fantasy series, The Matriarch Enchanter, and several other projects.Learn More at www.DKPWriter.com

 LISTENER ADVISORY: STRONG LANGUAGE, VIOLENCEThomas Vale is a Homeland Security intel analyst on loan to the FBI, and his ‘investigation is going up in flames, literally.  Months of research led him to a meeting between the Blue Panzers, a domestic terror cell of white supremacist cops, and their mysterious leader known only as “Malleus.”  When the house Thom tracked them to explodes in a ball of fire, he’s left with more questions than answers.The digital trail leads Thom back toward his rustic hometown on the Seneca reservation, where he hopes for a chance to reconcile with his estranged father.  But Thom’s research uncovers something unexpected – that his childhood first love is missing and presumed dead.  Haunted by memories of love and loss, Thom returns home in defiance of his orders, and quickly becomes both hunter and target.It’s a race against time to stop a terror attack that could claim thousands of lives and jeopardize American democracy as we know it.  When the last card is played, and all the chips are down, will Thom answer the call and lay down his life for his country?This is the second book in a series of high-octane thrillers featuring an autistic protagonist. This series proudly portrays high-masking autism with authenticity, and includes co-protagonists from a number of underrepresented backgrounds including LGBTQ+, BIPOC, neurodiversity, and physical disability. There is an emphasis on realistic portrayals of science, technology, and espionage tradecraft.  ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Jeffery J Boats is the only son of John and Shirley, and grew up in Allegany, New York. He graduated from Allegany Central School in 1988 at the age of fifteen. His only interests back then were mathematics and physics, which were his eventual majors at Saint Bonaventure University. He was still decades away from thinking of writing as anything more than just a fun diversion.As a graduate student at Carnegie Mellon, he wrote a linear algebra textbook with innovative (for the time) instructional technology, for which he was awarded a Doctor of Arts in Mathematics. But he also wrote screenplays, fan fiction, and a number of original works of fiction. They were mostly terrible of course, because that’s how all writers start. He's been writing ever since, mostly keeping it to himself, rarely showing anyone or even talking about it. Writing was something he did just for himself.Writing remained just a fun hobby until about five years ago. Jeff's Mom passed away in August of 2016. Eventually, to fill the alone time, Jeff's Dad got really into reading, and he gravitated toward smart action heroes. His favorite character was Lee Child’s “Jack Reacher” — he read every page of that series. Jeff read a few on his recommendation, and then and few more.Several years of planning, plotting, researching, and eventually writing, and now, here he is — the creator of an action/adventure/thriller series. Jeff is a professor of mathematics during the day, and a sculptor of universes at night. Jeff's always been more of an artist than a scientist, and he's truly enjoying showing it to the world for the first time. Learn More at www.DKPWriter.com

LISTENER ADVISORY: STRONG LANGUAGE, VIOLENCE, MTURE SITUATIONSThomas Vale was a math prodigy, expert gambler, and promising CIA recruit.  And his act was nearly flawless.  But when his secret was revealed – that he’d been masking high-functioning autism – his career in clandestine operations was over before it began.Or so he thought.Years later, when a former mentor resurfaces with a hand-tailored mission, Thom seizes the chance to finally prove himself. He teams up with “Sondra,” a mysterious and tough-as-nails spy, to investigate a suspected terrorist financier. They uncover a broader criminal scheme than they could have imagined, and soon the walls start closing in.Outnumbered, outgunned, and overwhelmed by his senses, Thom is pushed to his limits and beyond. And even if he survives … can he ever go home again?This is the first book in a series of high-octane thrillers featuring an autistic protagonist. This series proudly portrays high-masking autism with authenticity, and includes co-protagonists from a number of underrepresented backgrounds including LGBTQ+, BIPOC, neurodiversity, and physical disability. There is an emphasis on realistic portrayals of science, technology, and espionage tradecraft.  ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Jeffery J Boats is the only son of John and Shirley, and grew up in Allegany, New York. He graduated from Allegany Central School in 1988 at the age of fifteen. His only interests back then were mathematics and physics, which were his eventual majors at Saint Bonaventure University. He was still decades away from thinking of writing as anything more than just a fun diversion.As a graduate student at Carnegie Mellon, he wrote a linear algebra textbook with innovative (for the time) instructional technology, for which he was awarded a Doctor of Arts in Mathematics. But he also wrote screenplays, fan fiction, and a number of original works of fiction. They were mostly terrible of course, because that’s how all writers start. He's been writing ever since, mostly keeping it to himself, rarely showing anyone or even talking about it. Writing was something he did just for himself.Writing remained just a fun hobby until about five years ago. Jeff's Mom passed away in August of 2016. Eventually, to fill the alone time, Jeff's Dad got really into reading, and he gravitated toward smart action heroes. His favorite character was Lee Child’s “Jack Reacher” — he read every page of that series. Jeff read a few on his recommendation, and then and few more.Several years of planning, plotting, researching, and eventually writing, and now, here he is — the creator of an action/adventure/thriller series. Jeff is a professor of mathematics during the day, and a sculptor of universes at night. Jeff's always been more of an artist than a scientist, and he's truly enjoying showing it to the world for the first time. Learn More at www.DKPWriter.com

Who do you trust, when everything falls apart?Attacked as she travels home to Moniah for her coronation, Princess Adana struggles to hold onto her kingdom. Driven from her heavily guarded caravan by soldiers she previously thought loyal, Adana follows the lead of the royal giraffes and flees to a small farming village just inside the border of Moniah. Separated in the attack, her betrothed, Prince Kiffen of Elwar, is forced in the opposite direction, and he leads the survivors of the battle to the Border Keep between the two kingdoms.Although isolated from each other, Adana and Kiffen can communicate through their telepathically-bonded royal giraffes, and together they seek to build an army to stop the traitor Maligon. Doing so may not be possible, though, as he has already overthrown the kingdoms of Belwyn and Teletia, and is using the couple's betrothal to turn the people of both Moniah and Elwar against them as his army races across the savanna to capture the Seat of Authority in Moniah.Maligon excels at turning loyal subjects into traitors, and Adana and Kiffen must find a way to trust not only each other, but those around them, while protecting themselves from within. Turncoats abound, and if Adana and Kiffen fail to recognize the ones in their midst, all hope will be lost for the Four Kingdoms.ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Barbara V. Evers hails from the mysterious Dark Corner of South Carolina where she crafts fantasy stories with strong women matriarchies and clever animals. She is the award-winning author of THE WATCHERS OF MONIAH epic fantasy trilogy (The Watchers of Moniah, The Watchers in Exile, The Watchers at War) as well as numerous published short stories and essays. A two-time winner of the Imadjinn Best Fantasy Novel, she’s won many writing awards over the years including a Pushcart Prize nomination. Her short stories and essays have appeared in multiple issues of The Petigru Review, multiple issues of moonShine review, Childof My Child, Stupefying Stories, A Magnificent Display of Marvelous Wonders, and her own short story collection, Pieces of Her: Being a Woman is Not for the Faint of Heart. She’s currently working on an urban mountain fantasy series, The Matriarch Enchanter, and several other projects.Learn More at https://www.dkpwriter.com/indiereadsaloudseasonfour

Being a woman is not for the faint of heart!Not your typical stories about women, relationships, or love!Pieces of Her offers a gripping series of short stories that you won't forget, all about the lives of various women. Each story will stay with you because being a woman is indeed not for the faint of heart.These are NOT romances, but glimpses into the lives of women at different points and challenges in their lives.Read stories about women:Crippled by a teenaged daughter's poor decisionShattered by guilt and cruel wordsMisdirected by a crazy infatuationTrapped by fear and lonelinessChallenged by a major marital disagreementHaunted by the torment of bad memoriesThreatened after escaping a disastrous relationshipAngered by her own choices and trapped by the resultsDistraught by the ravages of her mother's dementia until she witnesses a miracleABOUT THE AUTHOR: Barbara V. Evers hails from the mysterious Dark Corner of South Carolina where she crafts fantasy stories with strong women matriarchies and clever animals. She is the award-winning author of THE WATCHERS OF MONIAH epic fantasy trilogy (The Watchers of Moniah, The Watchers in Exile, The Watchers at War) as well as numerous published short stories and essays. A two-time winner of the Imadjinn Best Fantasy Novel, she’s won many writing awards over the years including a Pushcart Prize nomination. Her short stories and essays have appeared in multiple issues of The Petigru Review, multiple issues of moonShine review, Childof My Child, Stupefying Stories, A Magnificent Display of Marvelous Wonders, and her own short story collection, Pieces of Her: Being a Woman is Not for the Faint of Heart. She’s currently working on an urban mountain fantasy series, The Matriarch Enchanter, and several other projects.Learn More at https://www.dkpwriter.com/indiereadsaloudseasonfour

Growing up, my mother told me stories of her childhood. As a young girl, I understood the narrative, but as I grew older, I realized that what I knew of my mother's past was incomplete, with only bits and pieces that made her life feel like it was a recipe, and I couldn't reconcile the final product. Even as a young adult, I did not understand or appreciate the true essence of my mother's life. As I got older, I began to try to put those pieces in order, like a jigsaw puzzle. But in the end, I was missing something. The picture was incomplete because I couldn't bring it to life. My mind could recall the facts, the events, and the journey that was so eloquently described to me over the years, but I was missing her passion and the courage that she needed to muster in order to make what must have been heart-wrenching decisions about how to survive an impending world war. There were sacrifices at every turn. My mother denied her heritage; she left her home, her things, her city, and her country. And as her family scattered throughout Europe, she lost a piece of her soul.An Unforgotten Heart is my pledge to my mother that I have, after all these years, found her heart, and I carry a huge part of her heart with me always, and it is my plan with this book to continue to carry her heart to my daughter and to the generations that follow.  ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Sandy Schachter is an educator, counselor, and author whose life journey has been shaped by a deep commitment to understanding and helping others. Born in London and raised in the United States, her experiences of migration and cultural transitions inspire her storytelling, particularly her exploration of family history and resilience. With a background in psychology and education, Sandy brings emotional depth and authenticity to her writing, weaving together personal narratives with historical significance. Now retired after a fulfilling career in counseling, Sandy dedicates her time to preserving her family’s legacy through poignant and heartfelt stories that connect generations.Learn More at https://www.dkpwriter.com/indiereadsaloudseasonfour

Discover the magic and science of the Northern Lights through the eyes of three Arctic friends. When Dash the husky looks up one winter night, he sees ribbons of color dancing across the sky. Together with Echo the snowy owl and Nimbus the Arctic fox, Dash sets off on a sparkling adventure to uncover the mystery of the lights that shimmer above the snow.This beautifully illustrated picture book blends lyrical storytelling with real science, introducing young readers to solar wind, magnetic fields, and the natural wonder of the aurora borealis. Perfect for ages 0–8, it inspires curiosity, imagination, and a lifelong love of discovery.Parents, teachers, and librarians will love how Dash and the Lights in the Sky combines early STEM learning with a gentle bedtime rhythm. The story encourages children to ask questions, explore nature, and see science as part of their everyday world.Each page glows with watercolor illustrations of the Arctic night, inviting readers to journey through a world where science meets wonder. This book includes a Parent Reading Guide and "Aurora Deeper Dive" section that explains the science behind the story in simple, age-appropriate ways.Perfect for homeschool lessons, classroom STEM units, or cozy family reading, Dash and the Lights in the Sky makes learning about nature and space feel magical. It's an ideal gift for curious kids, teachers, and nature-loving families.Themes: Curiosity, friendship, teamwork, Arctic science, light and color, nature and discovery.Educational Focus: Aurora Borealis, solar wind, magnetism, Earth and space, early STEM learning, NGSS-aligned concepts.Ideal For: Preschool, kindergarten, and early elementary learners; homeschool educators; science classrooms; storytime programs.  ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Ashley Key is a children’s author, science lover, and explorer whose travels to Iceland—where she witnessed the Northern Lights dancing across the Arctic sky—inspired Dash and the Lights in the Sky. Seeing the aurora shimmer over the snow sparked a lifelong fascination with how nature and science intertwine.Her stories are also inspired by her real-life husky, Drake, whose adventurous spirit and icy-blue eyes brought Dash to life on the page. Together, Ashley and Drake have explored mountain trails, frozen lakes, and starlit nights, discovering wonder in every corner of the natural world.Blending poetic storytelling with real science, Ashley creates picture books that encourage children to ask questions, explore their surroundings, and find beauty in discovery. She lives with her family, her two young children, and her loyal husky Drake—who still howls whenever the sky begins to glow.Learn More at https://www.dkpwriter.com/indiereadsaloudseasonfour

They’ll need the sweetest getaway ever to escape this mess…Jennifer used to be a wholesome daydreamer who’d never broken a law in her life.Then her bold roommate, Nari, ropes her into a money-making scheme that isn’t exactly…legal. To Jennifer’s shock, stealing from bad guys is actually fun.But their joyride comes crashing down when someone tips off the cops. Now Jennifer and Nari must team up with a crew of seasoned criminals for one daring heist that could set them up for life…or land them behind bars.Add in a charming stranger who tempts Jennifer’s heart, and suddenly her double life is more complicated than ever. Can she find a happily-ever-after that doesn’t include an orange jumpsuit?Fans of heist rom-coms, found family crews, and laugh-out-loud women’s fiction will love The Sweetest Getaway.  ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Originally from Michigan, Sasha made her home in the perfectly weatherless land of Southern California. She fell in love with a boy from Orange County and never looked back.She writes women’s fiction crime capers that help you to escape your daily reality, feel a sense of excitement, and plan your next adventure – all with some humor and close friendship thrown into the mix.They say you should write about what you know. While Sasha still hasn't officially committed a heist, there’s nothing she loves more than going on adventures with girlfriends. You can find her waking up while it’s still dark outside to write, exercise, and explore.Learn More at www.DKPWriter.com