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Featured Titles — Newly Released
Current Titles
Newly Published
Voices of Our Children
A Poetry Anthology
Edited by jennifer lyn amon and Sylvie Middleton
with the children of the HEAL Community Service Program
100% of the proceeds from sales of this book will be used to further HEAL members’ creative and artistic aspirations,
through the care of Homes with Hope, Inc. programming.
Christmas Lake Press donated its services to create this title.
Special October 2024 Release
Dancing with the Dragon
by Patrick Jenevein in conversation with Steve Fiffer
“Jenevein loses his shirt to China’s predatory, state-run economy, but wins it back again in this true account that shows the merits of fighting back when Beijing wages legal warfare against American entrepreneurs. Jenevein’s affection for China and its people shines through even as he tangles with a parasitic regime that, at every turn these days, stymies the progress that American and Chinese businessmen could achieve together in a post-Communist future.”
For news and updates about Dancing with the Dragon, as well as daily commentary on relevant current events from Patrick Jenevein, visit dancingwiththedragonbook.com.
Recently Published
DRIVEN
by New York Times best-selling author John Martel
Extraordinary writer John Martel is back with a must-read memoir—the capstone to his astonishing career.
—John Lescroart, New York Times best-selling author
As an attorney, I stand in awe of John Martel’s legendary accomplishments in the courtroom, and as the author of a legal thriller, I appreciate his commitment to the craft. It’s no surprise that his memoir is a page-turner, powered by
the intense energy and unstoppable drive he has brought to every aspect of his remarkable life.—Brian Cuban, attorney, author of The Addicted Lawyer, Tales of the Bar, Booze, Blow & Redemption and The Ambulance Chaser, and addiction recovery advocate
Attorney John Martel's memoir, Driven, explores nine decades of relentless ambition-from flying in the Air Force to winning high-profile legal cases, from successes in music, writing, and competitive sports to his indefatigable search for true love.
Born during the depression in rural Modesto, California, with no family encouragement, Martel became a college athlete, then an elite US Air Force pilot, a top trial lawyer, a successful singer-songwriter, a national best-selling author, and an international Masters Track and Field high hurdling champion. Now in his nineties, the mystery and suspense writer invites his readers to join him in a candid investigation of his life as he tries to solve the mystery of who or what drove him to a lifetime of frenzied preeminence, in total disregard for his health, happiness, and well-being.
Combining literature, law, and life lessons, Martel's memoir reveals the heartfelt reflections of a man who achieved uncanny success in five different vocations, only to discover that he had become a victim of his obsession with achievement, a prisoner of his need for recognition and fame. But it wasn't too late. Driven is a story of manic ambition that ends with lasting love and emotional redemption.
About the Author
John Martel’s father repeatedly assured him he would never amount to anything. The boy went on to become a successful college athlete, then an elite pilot in the USAF. Later, and for several decades thereafter, he was one of the most famous lawyers in the US, named among the Top Ten Trial Lawyers in America by the prestigious National Law Journal. He was concurrently a successful singer-songwriter who performed his original songs as Joe Silverhound in famous venues like The Troubadour in Los Angeles and the Palomino Club in North Hollywood.
In his spare time, he helped build a nationally recognized law firm of over 140 lawyers that bears his name. He then became a national best-selling author of five legal thrillers and in his senior years, won the gold medal in the 100 meter high hurdles at the 1997 Masters Track and Field National Championships, running the fastest time in the world for his age group that year.
Martel lives in California with his wife, Bonnie.
Learn more at johmartel.com.
The Climber of Pointe du Hoc
by Allen Saxon
A captivating story of love and heroism set against the Allied invasion of Europe.
“In short, exquisite chapters, Saxon remains in full control as he infuses tender stories into the quotidian lives of Caleb, Elizabeth, Benjamin and other vulnerable characters. Then, as the darkened beaches and cliffs of Normandy draw closer and the novella’s pages dwindle, Saxon—a scrupulous surgeon for fifty years—relaxes his grip and lets his creations stand on their own. Thankfully, he’s skillfully kept us in thrall to witness the denouement.”
“The story features moments of understated eloquence....Readers will come to care about these characters, some of whom will not come home.”
“A fascinating account of D-Day seen through the eyes of an Army Ranger, a British nurse and a Black Army medic. Allen Saxon deftly draws you into the lives of these captivating characters, revealing crucial untold experiences of this fateful day in WWII. ”
“Saxon engages the reader in a love story, a story about racism in the military (which we never hear much about), and the courage that a nurse, a medic and a soldier all display in one of the most dramatic moments of WW2. Bravo! A wonderful read.”
Amazon Bestseller
#1 New Release in French History
Meet Spencer Mazio
Spencer Mazio is an idiot and a genius. A hero and a coward. A star athlete who suffers from debilitating panic. He’s a bookie and a brawler, a womanizer and a fool. Last of the Famous International Playboys is his uproarious and heartbreaking story—a young man from a broken family trying to piece himself together from inside the ivy-covered walls of a famous university suffering from its own identity crisis. Spencer tells his story in an irreverent voice that makes us cry out loud for him and laugh out loud with him, but as he confronts the many versions of himself, he wrestles with identity in a world determined to see him as it wants to. He struggles with the painful paradox of relationships and crashes headlong into the boundaries of masculinity. He’s one part oblivious, another part contributor, and a third part observer as he tries to make sense of it all. But will he?
“If Huck Finn played baseball at Yale, he would be Spencer Mazio, the wise, heartbroken, comic hero of Last of the Famous International Playboys, who is lost in a privileged world he never made, among gifted losers and sweet-voiced girls. As he makes every possible bad choice, the reader roots for him to claim the light before his great heart is irretrievably broken. This is one of the most satisfying novels about becoming a man I’ve read in … forever.”
Adam Lenain is an attorney and a graduate of Yale University, where much of the book is set. He lives in southern California with his family, and Last of the Famous International Playboys is his first novel.
Learn more about Adam at adamlenain.com.
Read Adam’s interview on Medium.
Reviews
“A wry, sensitive portrayal of the roiling turbulence of youth in all its messiness.
Spencer’s narration of his travails as a young man, veering between hopelessly depressing and delightfully sardonic moments, will likely remind some readers of a 1990s Holden Caulfield....The tale’s dialogue flows at an impressive pace, with lightning quick conversations broken up by enough muted observations by Spencer to slow it all down….Lenain has crafted an emotional, well-balanced novel that ultimately reminds readers that everyone has an engaging story to tell.”
“Great story of 80s and 90s life culture and antihero angst. Super entertaining read and a wonderful mapping of the lifestyle and illusions and delusions of a composite character we can all identify with in some way. Or know well.”
“Hard to believe it’s his first book! AMAZING READ! I couldn’t put it down! The author really does an uncanny job of bringing the characters to life! SO well written! Can’t wait for more from Adam Lenain!”
“Engaging, moves fast, rides along with a distinctly American psyche.”
“Another perfect book from Christmas Lake Press.”
“I flew through this book. It’s an authentic exploration of late 80s/early 90s malaise, told through an ambivalent Ivy Leaguer who ranges from frustrating to endearing to heartbreaking. The characters feel true to life, as does the dialogue—I feel like I knew them. Modern fiction rarely stays with me, but I think I’ll be reflecting on a few of these characters for a while.”
“Hilarious, clever, and sad, Last of the Famous International Playboys reveals how uncomfortable being human can sometimes be. You can’t help but root for Spencer Mazio. I loved this book!”
An unforgettable journey
Dying with His Eyes Wide Open: A Memoir of Love and Grief is the revealing portrait of a real, faults-and-all, shiningly beautiful relationship, a multi-faceted diamond in the rough. Reconstructed from the author's journal entries and other writings poured out during the two years after her husband of thirty years slipped agonizingly away, the book moves back and forth through time fluidly, reflecting on how its passage is shaped and altered by grief. More than a memoir, Dying with His Eyes Wide Open also serves as practical inspiration on how to reconstruct oneself when life has been shattered and a model for honoring a lost loved one with whom the relationship was complex. Finding one's way back from the abyss requires forging an amalgam of theory, insight (one's own and others'), and lived experience. In this remarkable journey through love and grief, Kathryn has gotten the chemistry just right.
Transformed by the life and death of her beloved life partner, Kathryn Kaplan is passionately involved in providing grief support to clients in her private practice, Heartfelt Spaces. Building on her two previous careers as a psychiatric occupational therapist and organization development consultant in healthcare, Kathryn demonstrates that we can find new meaning in life when we feel all our feelings, grieve our losses, and use our experiences to help others. Her previous book, Becoming Visible to Myself: An Unexpected Memoir, was published by Christmas Lake Press in 2023.
Top New Release
in Death and Grief on Amazon
Advance Praise for Dying with His Eyes Wide Open
“Kathryn Kaplan has opened a door wide with the publication of Dying with His Eyes Wide Open, to anyone who wants to deepen their knowledge or understand their emotions when confronting death and grief. By meticulously recording the events around her partner’s diagnosis and death in the full context of his life and their life together, the difficult, the painful, the hurts and the wondrous moments, she allows her readers to make visible for themselves grief in all of its variations and nuances. A remarkably rich and deep work informed by a lifetime of self-reflection and questioning.”
“Death and grief are universal, and this book touches on these truths in relatable ways that are entertaining, instructive, and poignant. It made me appreciate more what members of my family have gone through when losing their spouse and consider how I can be not just more empathetic but more actively aware, understanding, and supportive.”
“An elegiacally beautiful account of a loving, compassionate, brilliant woman accompanying her beloved and remarkable husband to the Valley of Death. After the shattering recognition that he will never return, Dr. Kaplan mourns him reverently and profoundly, then finds a way to keep him in her life as she rebuilds her world without his physical presence.”
“At times gentle. At times searing. Always compelling. Dr. Kaplan has given us a rich, fast-moving account of her feelings and thoughts while her beloved was alive, and after his death.”
“An extraordinary gift and blessing for anyone grieving (or anticipating) the death of a loved one.”
“This new book, by Dr. Kathryn Kaplan, is a loving and unflinching exploration of the challenges and possibilities of grief. Part memoir, part guide book for professionals and lay people alike, Kathryn invites us to walk with her as she moves into and through her deep loss, neither abandoning the love and life she had, nor becoming mired in or clinging to the past. Instead she points to the strength and creativity we all have to face loss with our eyes wide open, bringing that loss forward into the next chapter of our lives.”
Reviews
“This book is in the same class as “The Year of Magical Thinking” and “When Breath Becomes Air.” Be prepared to lose sleep as once you start it you won’t be able to put it down.”
You Were Still Dancing
by Marianne Benz
The touching, inspiring, and illuminating story of three generations coming to terms with Alzheimer’s.
“On any unknown path with difficult terrain, I look for wise guides. Through this story, Marianne reveals herself as such, entering courageously with her whole self—mind, heart, body, and world of relationships. Her desire for more, for her mom and herself, is a light that leads her, and us, if we choose to listen, towards exactly that in surprising ways. I leave these pages feeling hopeful and moved by a tenacious love that transforms both those we seek to love well, and ourselves in the process.”
“Despite a heart bursting with mother-daughter love, and a sorely tested spirit, Benz leads her readers forward with the strength and tenacity of a seasoned prima ballerina. Somehow, still light-footed and encouraging, the author acts as both guide and explorer, sharing ups and downs as she narrates a poetic waltz no child wants to imagine, let alone take part in.
You Were Still Dancing presents a thoughtfully woven braid of scientific reasoning, spiritual sensitivity, and emotional intelligence, as the author details her own deeply personal saga with her mother’s Alzheimer’s in a straightforward, boots on the ground kind of way. Benz leaves no omen or obstacle, no obligation or observance, and no emotion—from joy to devastation—untouched.
An impossibly tough topic handled with stunning clarity and extraordinary grace.”
Learn more at mariannebenz.com.
On Compost
A Year in the Life of a Suburban Garden
by Scott Russell Smith
A Kirkus Reviews Best Indie Book of 2024!
Get ready to get your hands dirty!
“Who ever would have thought to write an entire book covering a full year of composting and the compost pile?!? On Compost: A Year In The Life of a Suburban Garden by Scott Russell Smith is as delightful a read as its subject is surprising. Smith’s wonderful writing skills and equally sharp powers of observation make this book a must for a ‘winter day by the roaring fire’ read. You will be completely entertained and end up fully educated.”
“Scott Smith captures the wonder of what happens below our feet, and at a faster pace in a compost pile, without straying into the fanciful or magical thinking that infuses too much of the compost literature.”
“There can never be enough books about the vital subjects of compost and soil. We need everyone to think about the vital role soils play and composting in all its forms is so important to build good soil health.”
“Rotting organic matter inspires this collection of personal anecdotes, garden science, and historical digressions.
We meet the author behind a coffee shop in tony Westport, Connecticut, as he’s gleefully putting a garbage bag full of coffee grounds—still warm!—in his car. This brown gold is on its way to Smith’s compost pile, where its nitrogen will transform fall leaves into rich soil. His dumpster diving isn’t just a way to get free nutrients for his garden. By liberating these spent beans and reusing them, he’s keeping them out of an already overflowing landfill. He may also be keeping leaves out of a landfill; yard waste makes up a rather shocking amount of all that we throw away in this country. Smith’s investment in his own patch of land extends to a concern for the environment generally, and his sense of alarm is woven throughout the text. But this diary of a gardener’s year is more than a call to action. Smith’s composting career began when he was an editor at a food magazine, and his cooking colleagues started giving him their kitchen scraps. The prose here is stylish but never showy. Smith’s sentences have the patient pacing of someone attuned to the seasons. Any observant and curious writer is likely to go off on tangents, and this writer certainly does. There are quotations from Wendell Berry and Henry David Thoreau, but Smith also shares Natalie Goldberg’s meditation on mental composting from Writing Down the Bones. Anyone claiming to be any kind of authority on compost would reveal themselves as a fraud without a chapter on worms, but not every author will mention that Cleopatra declared earthworms sacred or that the landmass that we call North America was denuded of earthworms during the last ice age, only returning with European settlers. Even when he offers glimpses of his personal life beyond the garden, Smith’s sense of time is connected to the state of his compost.
Part memoir, part backyard gardening guide, and altogether charming.”
About Our Books
Once in Ordinary Time
Barbara Walter Hetler lives in Illinois with her husband. Her children and grandchildren are within walking distance of her home. She loves to write and is also the author of Wand Hill, a children’s book.
In the spring of 1904, the parents of twelve-year-old Jonathan Schwartz send him alone by train, from Streeter, North Dakota, to Ruff, Washington. There he is to stay with a distant cousin he's never met while searching for suitable farmland offered by the U.S. government at $1.25 an acre. Jonathan's parents would follow as soon as they had sold their own farm in Streeter, which had been devastated by storms.
What happens in the months after Jonathan reaches his destination could never have been anticipated. While the trip begins with the thrill of adventure, it soon turns into a fight for survival. From the spring of 1904 to the spring of 1905 Jonathan must use his wits and courage to brave challenges that will change him in one year from a boy into a young man.
Reviews
“I had taken the day off and read the whole book in one sitting. I was transported to another time and place. The storytelling had perfect pitch. I felt like I was watching the events on a movie screen. Great contrast in the boy’s experience and a satisfying ending.”
“This delightful, frightening, and enlightening story is perfectly woven. One is taken into the discovery of survival while learning the wisdom, patience, and infinite care within the indigenous heart of Sewana. Thank you so much Barbara for producing this gem!! A must read to absorb its wisdom!”
“Whether your reading preferences are historical fiction, Native American culture, wildlife, or just good storytelling, this book will delight you. Set in the state of Washington in 1904, “Once in Ordinary Time” follows a 12-year-old boy trying to help his family homestead—while introducing the reader to the perils and beauty of survival in the new frontier. The author’s detailed research of the period along with Native American customs and medicine, rewards the reader with added dimensions to the on-point storytelling. I highly recommend this book to anyone from age 10 to 100!”
Where the Light Is Brighter …
… is the touching, bittersweet story of life in a long-term care facility, told mostly through the sharp eyes of 98-year-old Edith, who has an opinion on everything—and everyone—and a lifetime of memories that are slowly slipping away. She enters River’s Edge reluctantly, just before New Year’s, at the insistence of her son, William, but she plans to be back home in time to put chubby Cupid on her mantel, then swap him out in March for her madly grinning leprechaun. As we accompany Edith through her first year of living in this “never place,” the place on the hill where no one wants to be, we meet a cast of characters of advancing age. But despite her dread of the darkness within—a fear we all share about our elderly futures—brightness breaks through at every turn. The story is structured around holidays and the decorations with which the River’s Edge residents mark time, and as Edith settles in, surrenders to a self-appointed “welcoming committee,” and reluctantly makes friends, she begins to feel more and more at home. Written by a woman who works in the field, Where the Light Is Brighter shatters stereotypes and preconceived notions about the proverbial “old folks home” as we meet the forever young-at-heart folks who challenge our beliefs by greeting their final years with grace, enlarging our hearts as they enliven River’s Edge.
I wrote Where the Light Is Brighter to bring a broader audience into thoughtful dialogue about life in a nursing home. The issues that residents and their families face during this typically feared final stage are rarely explored until that stage is upon us. In my experience, places like River’s Edge are filled with people celebrating life, not anticipating death, and particularly now, in the wake of the pandemic, I wanted to find a way for the outside world to connect with this perennially invisible yet vibrant and vital community. With a work of fiction, I have engendered voices that present perspective (which I’ve witnessed first-hand) from those living behind the doors, along with their loved ones, and the staff who attend to them. It is my hope that this book will change the way we think about not only places like River’s Edge, but also that time when, for all of us eventually, the final horizon grows near. — C. C. Griffin
#1 Amazon Bestseller in Holiday Fiction
C. C. Griffin has had the honor of providing medical services as a nurse practitioner to the long-term care community for over a decade. It is only in hindsight at age 48 that her path to becoming an author grew clear. As a college student, she completed a concentration in gerontology while earning her BA in psychology at The College of the Holy Cross. She went on to pursue both a bachelor’s and master’s in nursing, practicing in hospitals and outpatient settings before returning to nursing homes. Over 20 years later, inspired by her work with this remarkable and resilient community, as well as the experiences of her two grandmothers, she is excited to share her debut novel, Where the Light Is Brighter.
Thomas G. Fiffer is a professional writer, editor, speaker, storyteller, publisher, and coach gifted at helping writers get their stories onto the page. He first met C. C. when she enrolled in a writing workshop he was teaching, and he was instantly captivated by her tales of the residents of River’s Edge. The two worked together intensively for several years to bring Where the Light Is Brighter to life, giving voice to the characters C. C. created and the stories they insisted she tell.
C. C. Griffin
Reviews
“Reading this book reminded me of my parents when they were in assisted living. The profiles of the main characters were vivid and realistic. Because of societal views of aging and death, the residents at River’s Edge were often dismissed and disparaged. Yet, friendships prevailed and interactons were conveyed with humor, pathos, and compassion. The author clearly understood the staff dynamics and challenges. I found myself smiling and then tearful as I kept reading. An emotional journey and one that should be widely shared.”
“As a healthcare worker, post pandemic, it’s refreshing to read a thoughtful fictional narrative that brings voice to those living in long term care. The characters are engaging and present. Wherever you are on life’s journey, this is a must read.”
“What I liked most about this book, especially being a healthcare provider myself, is that it highlights the life of an older generation who have so much history and resilience that we all can learn from!”
“This debut book showcases Griffin’s ability to craft a deeply immersive and engaging narrative that captivates throughout. Her writing style draws you into the emotional core of the main character, Edith, as well as the characters with whom she interacts. Using Edith’s experiences, Griffin inspires readers to empathize and find understanding with those struggling emotionally with mental health. It’ll leave you with a lasting impression of the power and transformative power of relationships.
Looking forward to Griffin’s next book.”
“A must read. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The characters are lovable and engaging. This book gives an amazing insight on how individuals adjust to aging, losing independence, and becoming dependent on others. It gives you a better understanding of what it is like to live in an assisted living facility. Amazing book 📕”
“A thoughtful and poignant look at what is currently happening inside the walls of assisted living and a valuable read for all about to embrace the care of a loved one in the generation before them.. ”
“Everyone who cares for the elderly including family members should read this book. Beautifully written.”
“Where the Light Is Brighter by C. C. Griffin and Thomas G. Fiffer is a thoughtful and beautifully written book with wonderful messages about caring for one another and celebrating every holiday. It reminds us to have compassion for and to value and respect people of every age. This story shows how hard it is for someone to leave their own house and move into a place shared by so many, the pain they may feel, and what it’s like to be old and forget everything they love. I enjoyed getting to know the characters in their various stages of aging as they were gradually introduced, showing that even though old age wears our bodies down, the spirit is what keeps us young. This story of resilience, loss, community, connection, confusion, and youthful spirit is a must-read.”
The Damsel and the Knight
New
from Greg Lawrence
Following his prescient techno-thriller, With You, Greg Lawrence has woven a passionate love story into a tightly plotted crime caper. His sly, stunning, and when she needs to be, savage heroine, Francesca Ambrosino, is a woman you will not soon forget.
Palermo, Sicily, 1993. Returning home from church after her mother has failed to collect her, twelve-year-old Francesca Ambrosino discovers her parents brutally murdered. Vincent and Angelica Ambrosino were slaughtered by Vincent’s employer, Cosa Nostra Godfather Salvatore “Toto” Riina, as part of a cleansing within his organization to stave off prosecution from the Italian government. Francesca flees to the home of her aunt, who places her in a Catholic girls school within a convent to protect her from her father’s enemies. But in the convent, Francesca is anything but safe. After escaping to pursue her studies at the Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, she exacts revenge on her tormentor. Ultimately, she migrates to America and obtains a doctorate in Art History from the University of Pennsylvania. Living alone within modest means as a curator for the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Francesca is determined to create a life free of financial concern. When a famous Rembrandt painting is loaned to her museum, she hatches a foolproof plan.
Logar Province, Afghanistan, July 2009. Connor Knight, a Special Forces Army Ranger, fights through an untenable combat position as he and his twelve Operational Detachment team members are under siege, outnumbered ten to one, in a tiny Afghan village. Only two of the team survive. Six years later, those survivors—Knight himself and Denton Martinez—operate a private security firm in Philadelphia. The mundane tasks of babysitting the rich are a long way from their combat tours in Afghanistan, and they, like Francesca, wrestle with their future and their past as they seek to make a more fulfilling life for themselves.
When Francesca approaches Connor with her plan, danger and love intersect, and everything changes for both of them in unexpected ways as they navigate the worlds of art, forgery, and organized crime.
Reviews
“A great new novel by an emerging talent by the name of Greg Lawrence. His second novel is an even more intriguing and entertaining book than his first. His characters, although flawed, are deep and compelling. His masterfully written drama details the planning and execution of an apparent stealing of a priceless work of art and selling faux paintings of the authentic painting to several corrupt individuals. The author has incorporated many twists and turns and an unanticipated ending which makes for a great read. Should be placed at the top of your must read list.”
“The amount of research that went into the characters’ backstories brings the entire story to life in such a believable way: a credit to the author’s dedication. Easy read, yet compelling and entertaining. Loads of subtle details and lines that make you smile. Would love to see it as a movie!”
“Greg Lawrence has written a masterpiece of suspense. It flows like a toccata to a crescendo. His dialog of the characters is realistic, sharp and grasping. The plot: an intricate tapestry with crisscrossing threads. The plan: as precise as a Mossad operation. Its execution: like a Swiss watch. I can’t wait for the movie!”
Becoming Visible to Myself: An Unexpected Memoir
Kathryn L Kaplan, PhD is known for her work as an Organization Development Consultant in healthcare, educator and coach in women’s leadership, and senior leader of culture change in medical centers. Her memoir focuses on the intersections of the personal with the professional, individual, and organizational, as well as the inner and outer aspects of growth and change.
Learn more about Kathryn at kathrynkaplan.com.
Told with aliveness and honesty, Becoming Visible to Myself is an invaluable guide for anyone, and especially women, looking to step into their full power. More than a memoir, the book is a synthesis of experiences, emotions, and resources, shared by the author with a generosity and courage reminiscent of Geneen Roth’s Women, Food and God and Lori Gottlieb’s Maybe You Should Talk to Someone. Kathryn Kaplan is a self-proclaimed seeker and achiever, and what began as a book about how to start journaling morphed over time into the riveting story of one woman’s enduring quest to embrace happiness by living her authentic life. Raised to never express feelings, Kathryn shares hard-won insights and innovative processes—culled from over 25 years of keeping a creative and intimate journal—that enabled her to become “fierce with reality” and cease being a mystery to herself. Coming to terms with the origins of narcissism in her family, she traces its damaging impact on her work and relationships while acknowledging the positive gifts she received from her parents. Kathryn's transparent process of personal integration as well as her structured approach to journal review make it easy for anyone to follow her lead. Readers will resonate with her “vulnerability as a strength” and find unexpected nuggets that will inspire and support them on their own journeys of self-discovery.
Advance Praise
“Kaplan’s engaging and vivid memoir takes readers on her extraordinary journey of finding her true self (“IT”). She is both expert storyteller—delivering a brave, soulful, authentic, and reflective account of her life—and master practitioner—offering many practical tools and resources through her personal and professional learning and growth. This creative treasure is meticulously structured and formatted with Kaplan’s original illustrations, poems, photographs, and journal entries interwoven throughout. A powerful and captivating must read!”
“Through her compassion and unwavering commitment to discovery and insight, Kathryn illuminates what’s possible for us all when we take the time to become visible to ourselves. Find a journal, pick up a pen, and let the journey begin!”
Reviews
“Kathryn Kaplan has given us a book I could not put down! The author’s memoir is organized and presented so brilliantly that I found myself totally engaged from the first page. In fact, Ms. Kaplan’s story is so captivating that I re-read it a few days later!”
“Oh my goodness. The depth, authenticity, and richness of this memoir in telling Kathryn’s story is deeply moving and inspiring. Here is a woman who shares her journey to growth and wholeness and sense of worth. Her amazing recall and clear depictions are enhanced by her lifelong practice of journaling which provides the rich source material. And, Kathryn provides another enormous plus of reading this book, by suggesting and guiding readers as to how to successfully establish journal writing in their own lives. Without reservation, I invite people to read this impressive book.”
“Read it! A brilliant example of an examined life. Meticulous in detail and warm and vulnerable at the same time. Should be required reading for memoir writers in training. Bravo!”
“Kathryn Kaplan takes a deep dive into herself, using her journals as tools for self-understanding and change. Her writing is honest and deep; she takes the reader along with her at every turn with helpful suggestions as well as her personal revelations. Her mastery of language and emotion shines through her writing. Her artistry and drawings in her journal are an amazing bonus. I am a cousin of Kathryn’s, and despite knowing her all our lives, I learned much more about her and other family members, and I have added to my own personal and family reflections by reading her beautiful memoir.”
“This book is very compelling on both levels: the range of leadership advice shared and the personal growth story revealed. I have renewed energy and new techniques to apply to my own leadership role as a K-12 public school principal. I am inspired to recommit to journaling, trying out some of Kathryn’s techniques that blend imagery, powerful quotes, and self-reflective passages. I am in awe of her honesty and strength as a powerful female medical organization consultant and her loving compassion for herself and her parents. I’ve underlined, highlighted and put Post It notes throughout this book, and I cannot wait to read her next book.”
“Dr. Kaplan’s ability to capture the wide range of emotions one experiences during the grieving process is unparalleled. I am in awe of her ability to share so much of herself in this book. Grief is not a linear process, as she so beautifully illustrates. Nor does it have a predefined time limit. Have some tissues nearby as you read.”
Sophia’s Journey — #1 New Release in paperback and ebook
Sophia’s Journey is a captivating exploration of the complex issues of early nineteenth-century America told through the eyes of a sweet, sensitive, and whip-smart young woman. Readers will instantly love—and come to respect—Sophia Records as she confronts the challenge of keeping secrets for both the living and the dead, making decisions requiring wisdom beyond her years, and stepping into her power as a woman in a male-dominated world. She is delightfully innocent, devilishly clever, and ultimately heroic.
Meet Sophia Records
Most days, Sophia found the rhythmic sound of milk splashing into the wooden bucket relaxing. Today, however, she couldn’t shake the feeling that James was in danger. Even in the best of weather sailing a small boat on the Chesapeake had its risks, risks she had ticked off on her fingers for James’s benefit at dawn.
“First,’” she had said, touching her index finger, “lightning. The water is wide. There is no protection. Second,” she touched her middle finger, “high winds. They could shred your sails. Worse, you could capsize. Third, you are alone. No one would know if you were in trouble. Fourth, pirates. Don’t laugh. There are thieves lurking on the bay. They’d take that boat you love so much or worse.” She had closed her fist and smacked it into her other hand hard enough to make a loud clap.
He merely smiled.
“This beauty is yar,” he said, slapping the boat’s smooth gunnel. “Grandsire and I designed it. I named it. Freedom is smaller than most shallops but that makes it easier to navigate. With only one mast, not two, I can sail it anywhere, just not to the ocean.”
And so, she agreed to keep his secret until the next day. Now she wished she hadn’t.
“James is making a mistake,” she told Ginger. The cow munched her hay.
#1 New Release on Amazon
Or, if you prefer not to shop on Amazon . . .
Historians record the extraordinary events but omit the day-to-day life of ordinary people. Joyce Newcomb believes that historical fiction helps to remedy that exclusion. A former teacher and newspaper feature writer, Joyce has been a storyteller most of her life. Growing up in Glencoe, Illinois, she began early by making up ghost stories to tell friends around a campfire late at night. The rest, you might say, is history
A graduate of the University of Colorado, she is co-author of Clippings of a Life, a biography of Wisconsin impressionist Francesco J. Spicuzza. Writer, teacher, advocate for the disabled—of all her many roles, the ones Joyce values most are mother and grandmother. She lives in Lake Forest, Illinois, where she reads, writes, and tends an ever-expanding garden.
Advance Praise
Reminiscent of Mark Twain’s tales, Sophia’s Journey is an impressive debut—a heartwarming early American coming-of-age story sprinkled with delicious bits of the Southern Gothic. — James Conroyd Martin, author of The Poland Trilogy
A work of art . . . rich with all the elements of story that entice young readers.
— Francie Arenson Dickman, award-winning author of Chuckerman Makes a Movie
Reviews
“The heroine, Sophia, is a wonderful character that feels, well, real. I’m going to buy a few copies for friends with teenage girls.”
“I enjoyed reading and learning about life in early 1800s Maryland. Interesting details laced throughout the story that bring the characters to life. Clearly well researched and worth your time.”
Sidanela — A Story of Family
A thousand years ago . . . in what is now the Central Piedmont area of North Carolina . . .
The Pee Dees were a tribe of roughly 500 Native Americans living around 1250 AD in Town Creek. Sidanela (which translates as “family”) chronicles a suspenseful season in the lives of the tribe as seventeen-year-old Red Willow, a feisty tomboy, navigates an agonizing choice. While following her fifteen-year-old brother, Running Wolf, into the woods to spy on his hunt, she witnesses him committing murder and must decide whether to turn him in at an annual confession event—where he’ll be put to death by a relative of his victim—or live with a secret that violates the values her late father taught her. This harrowing story features spellbinding ceremonies, tender moments of love and loss, and prophetic dreams, set against a tribe’s struggles to survive hostile neighbors, famine, and a sociopathic leader who will kill anyone to gain power. Throughout this thoroughly researched historical coming of age novel, the courageous spirits of Red Willow and Running Wolf lead the way out of crisis and towards a more hopeful future.
Listen to an excerpt
About the Author: David Long
Forty-five years ago I was born in a modest hospital in a modest town in the rolling hills of the Piedmont region of North Carolina, known mostly as the cradle of the tobacco industry. As I grew older and learned more about the place I lived, I gained a deeper respect for all that has transpired before me to make it what it is today. Unanswered questions about the Town Creek Indian Mound inspired me to write this novel, which, through research and invention, fills in historical gaps for the land I call home. Sidanela is my first attempt at a novel, and writing it has been an imaginative pleasure. My hope is that it will be received in the same way by its readers.
Reviews
“I was excited to read this book because I’m from the area it’s set in. I was not disappointed by this great story. I love how it blends history and Native culture with the story of family and perseverance. It’s a wonderful read and I’m looking forward to reading more from this author.”
“Great family drama in a seemingly lost culture. Left me wanting more from the next chapter of the main character’s life.”
“Sidanela is warmly written and immediately invites the reader in. This coming of age story provides a unique take on the genre by earnestly exploring the complex interfamilial bonds in a pre-colonial Native American tribe. This book tackles big philosophical questions while also building a compelling narrative that kept me coming back for more. I recommend this book to the amateur philosopher and anyone who just enjoys a heartfelt story. In either case, you will be glad that you picked Sidanela up.”
“Highly recommended! What a story! I thoroughly enjoyed this novel about a Native American family set hundreds of years before Europeans settled in North America. I cared about these characters and looked forward to reading about them. This book is entertaining, historical, and touched me on an emotional level. I loved how the author depicted the everyday life of the Pee Dee people and wove these enlightening details into an entertaining narrative that I looked forward to getting lost in each night. I was in suspense as it neared the end, and I am hopeful for a sequel because I would definitely like to read more from this talented author and about these characters.”
“A great story by a new author that weaves together history, family, and an intriguing plot. Lets you follow the life of a Native American family through love, loss, and triumph.”
“I picked this up because I have an interest in American Indian history, especially the early tribes that lived in and around North Carolina. The storyline is compelling, but I more so enjoyed the novel for the painstaking research that went into it. Long obviously knows his history and I appreciated the way he aligned an accurate historical portrayal with the character development. Well done!”
“A masterwork of historical fiction. Very well written, with descriptive, captivating language.”
The Alphabet of Love
Love is its own language, and we express love in countless ways every day without a single word. Yet love is also perhaps the most written-about word in all languages. We know love, we feel love, we give and receive love, and yet we struggle to describe and define it as much as to find it and keep it. Look for love too hard, and it vanishes; hold it too tightly, and it melts away in your hand. Love is both ever-present and elusive, an invisible yet palpable presence, inhabiting a mystical place beyond definition, and unquestionably the most powerful force in our lives.
The Alphabet of Love takes readers on a poetic, lexical tour of the many ways love manifests itself by exploring the language associated with love. Each entry offers a new version and vision of love to help form a more complete picture. Part practical guide, part source of inspiration, this book brings the magic of love into our minds and hearts and reminds us that love is, indeed, a many-splendored thing.
Advance praise
Thomas has a way of translating sometimes hard to express emotions onto paper that is both poetic and precise. He does this with a simple honesty that resonates gently, as if he is having a conversation with the reader. As a storyteller and teacher he touches on the many facets of LOVE from A to Z in the most thought provoking ways. — Ella Hicks, Founder of Rebel Thriver
In this book, Thomas Fiffer offers people in relationships a new and wide perspective on the definition of Love; how it is so much more than a feeling. Through the vulnerable sharing of his own relationships, and healing recovery process, along with beautifully written and poetically captured expressions of what Love is all about, Thomas has written a must read guide for relationships. — Quentin Hafner, Licensed Therapist and author of Black Belt Husband: A Marriage Book for Men and Go Next-Level: 9 Questions You Need to Answer to Get Absolute Clarity on What Matters Most, and Fulfill Everything You Want in Business and Life
Reviews
Once in a great while, you encounter something or someone who, through their spirit, energy and words — deeply affect and nourish your sense of knowing. Tom Fiffer’s Alphabet of Love has this kind of impact! After just A, B & C, I wished I’d have ordered a dozen more — to gift to my family, friends, colleagues and clients. It has been said that love is the answer: The Alphabet of Love equips you to explore and find your answer. — Joe Bosco
Listen to “Love is an Art.”
Photo by Julia Bobkoff
With You
With You is Greg Lawrence’s first novel—a stunning entry into the techno-thriller genre.
Can an AI (Artificial Intelligence) transcend its rational programming to make moral decisions?
Can we code a conscience into existence?
In With You, author Greg Lawrence explores this timely and transfixing question in a gripping novel that lays bare the ties that bind husband and wife, parent and child, and human and machine.
The last survivor of a Polish town that once numbered 25,000, WWII resistance fighter Michael Rain (born Moshe Rainewicz) makes his way to the place of his dreams—America—determined to start a new life after the war. His skills as a mechanic land him a job with Ford Motor Company, and he marries a resilient woman who has overcome her own troubled past.
Michael’s daughter, Samantha, has every opportunity her working class father can provide, as well as his razor sharp mind, steel nerve, and boundless optimism. But she needs it all to meet the demands of single motherhood resulting from a failed marriage. Struggling to succeed, Samantha starts out selling low-end real estate, eventually developing a high-tech software business she sells for millions, transforming herself from a woman wearing secondhand clothes to a wealthy entrepreneur. Yet, as she discovers, both poverty and wealth can be curses.
Samantha and her only child, Grace, develop a special connection, meeting each of life’s perils united as one. But as the tapestry of Grace’s comfortable suburban life unravels, and Samantha confronts her own crisis, their unassailable bond is tested, and Samantha must rethink how she can best protect her daughter.
Always focused on the future, Samantha invests not only a huge chunk of her fortune but also her very consciousness in a promising but risky artificial intelligence venture. Neither Grace nor her mother can anticipate the stunning confluence of life-altering and life-preserving events that flows from this fateful decision.
Set on two continents and spanning 100 years, With You is a fast-paced and inspiring story of three generations inextricably linked in life—and through a twist of fate—after death, revealing the power of family and its strength to overcome all challenges, including mortality. The Rain clan faces life and death, bound by their enduring love for each other, proving strong women come from strong mothers.
Reviews
A subtle story of family, friendship, strong women, and the hopeful side of technological advancement. — Kirkus Reviews
With You employs a clever sci-fi twist but delivers much more along the way. The characters are believable and vivid. The world that Lawrence paints is filled with detail - from horses to architecture, from investments to AI - there's much more than in a typical novel of this sort, and far more interesting. Great movie potential, too. — Amazon Reader
The intrigue of the story line kept me engaged from cover to cover. — Amazon Reader
I won the Kindle edition in a Goodreads Giveaway. The story started out slow, but as I kept reading, it turned out to be a "real page turner." Although this is not the genre I usually read, I found myself being immersed in the lives of the characters. I felt like they could be people that I know personally. Just some of the themes: Love, Heartbreak, Trust, Deceit—just like real life. You can't judge a book by its cover and sometimes you have to go OUTSIDE of the box. — San
Greg’s second novel, The Damsel and the Knight, is now available.
Jim Bruton, author of The In Between: A Trip of a Lifetime and The Practice In Between: The Art of Letting Go
With the release of Jim Bruton's first book, The In Between: A Trip of a Lifetime, readers began asking how they could put into practice the wisdom from the In Between. Using the personal integration of his Near-Death Experience in the In Between as a guide, Jim produced many videos and conducted hundreds of interviews that eventually led to the writing of this book. He was told how to write it in an Out of Body Experience, that told him that the words would contain the information but the rivers of white that ran between them held the understanding.
During this process, Jim realized the In Between did not want to be known as a 12-Step Guide to Surviving Life, but more as a space that invites each person to fill it with the essence of their own lives, the things that are important and meaningful to them. Instead of promoting some Next Big Thing, this book is about letting go, discovering that you have had all along what you need to be a happy, spiritual person.
You cannot satisfy desires. You can only feed them. Similarly, answers to questions can take you only so far. To take the quantum leap, you stop answering questions, and you awaken to them.
Advance praise
Your book is an adventure like a gorgeous sunrise, a dazzling sky, an exquisite storm’s tumult, a hint of the ether, and an inside-out experience of an inspiring, blazing sunset. — NDE survivor
Jim Bruton
Jim Bruton has lived a life many people dream of but few experience. As a little boy, he lived within an active imagination including a love for wildlife filming, international travel, science fiction, and vintage aviation. In adulthood, he checked every one of those off his list with internationally recognized achievements, an Emmy for a National Geographic wildlife film, traveling to all seven continents, the Titanic, the North Pole and Mt. Everest, shrinking a satellite TV truck into a backpack and transmitting live video from places previously impossible, and building and flying historical reproduction aircraft from World War I and the early 1930s.
For many, any one of these adventures would be a single lifetime achievement. For Jim, it was just the beginning, climaxing with the crash of his last aircraft and the Near-Death Experience that followed.
Learn more about Jim Bruton
Jim’s YouTube interview
The Big One: Miracles happen when you shoot for the sun
Mike Krysiuk
Mike Krysiuk grew up in Westport, Connecticut, and worked at Town Hall there for over 25 years, where his friendly and positive presence made paying taxes as close to a pleasure as it could be. He has done stand-up comedy, lectured on his story, and performed (voice and guitar) his original songs in local venues. His story was the subject of a one-man show at the Westport Museum for History and Culture, and he even had a bit part in the film, Revolutionary Road. Mike wants his story to help today’s youth learn the dangers of being a follower and not a leader, of getting in with the wrong crowd and walking in the shadows. It is Mike’s hope that his personal tragedy will prevent teenagers from reckless drinking and driving accidents. He knows he came back from the edge of death for many important purposes, but one of the greatest is sharing his story so the next generation does not forget his hard-earned lessons.
Learn more about Mike Krysiuk
Hear Mike read from The Big One
The year was 1974 and Mike Krysiuk was a high school senior who had finally hit his stride. He loved baseball, being in a band with his buddies, and cruising around in his Chevy Chevelle blasting tunes on his 8-track. That spring Mike was finally popular-part of the "in" crowd-the cool jocks who cut classes, got away with it, and always dated the pretty girls. He even made the varsity baseball team but spent the season getting splinters on the bench. When the coach finally called Mike in to relieve the star pitcher, a scout from the Mets who had come to observe the starter got to see Mike close the game with his famous sinker and turn a blowout into a one-run loss for the Wreckers. Suddenly, the major leagues were more than just a dream.
After the game Mike was elated, and despite his parents wanting him home right away to catch up on the homework he'd been skipping, he decided to go out with his new friends to celebrate. The boys planned a short drive across the border into New York where they could buy some beer at a liquor store. Mike got the seat of honor, riding in the tiny Triumph GT6 belonging to Ted, a James Dean type and the cool crowd's cocky ringleader. They sped away with Mike's six-foot-four frame crammed into the passenger seat-a decision that would change his life forever.
The rest of the story is a family saga of determination, teamwork, and resolute optimism. Mike's remarkable journey reminds us that, in a life-threatening crisis, the love of parents, siblings, relatives, and friends is invaluable-and likely the key difference between premature death and a new lease on life. Miracles really can happen when you shoot for the sun.
Reviews
A book I can’t put down about a guy who NEVER QUIT. Mike laughed at the odds against him and when things were unimaginably tough displayed the utmost courage. I believe everyone—especially those with children—should read this book. It may be the ultimate training tool to save lives. — Mike Calise, former player, St. Louis Cardinals Organization
What our authors are saying about Christmas Lake Press
“Christmas Lake Press blew away my expectations. I’m not sure a first time author can understand the importance of a good editor until they have one. Christmas Lake provided a clear process, continuous meetings, multiple iterations, insightful comments—just a commitment to making my book as good as it could be.”
“I pulled my first book from a horror story of one publisher and contracted with Christmas Lake Press for a thorough editing and re-launch. I found the team to be patient and insightful and we quickly worked through the manuscript and re-launched the book in a couple of months. Following that was my second book and that experience flowed as smoothly as the first, even thought it required more editing work as it was a fresh project. The surest proof of my satisfaction is the references of other authors I’ve met in search of a good, skilled, and ethical independent publisher. With Christmas Lake Press, search no further.”
“Working with Julia and Tom at Christmas Lake Press is an invaluable experience. I am discovering that dreams do come true. These two are why I will never stop shooting for the sun in everything I do.”
“Tom and Christmas Lake Press were extraordinarily helpful in assisting my efforts as a new author. My original manuscript required editing and composition assistance. Tom was able provide both those tasks as well as formatting and graphic composition for the final product. The process was seamless from the initial conversation through final publication on Amazon. His hands on approach and attention to detail made the difference in obtaining a professional product. I would recommend him without reservation to all new authors and seasoned professionals as well.”
“Every step of the way, working with Tom, I felt known, respected, and inspired. He helped me get underneath the stories I was trying to tell with emotion and truth. When I started the editing process, I thought very few would want to read my memoir. Now, I am so excited to share what I’ve learned in my life with a larger audience. As we begin revising book two, I couldn’t be happier with such an amazing, expert, and decent partner.”
“A novelist needs a skilled editor, a person who pays attention to details and grammar but, most importantly, understands the art of storytelling. Julia Bobkoff is this kind of editor, and she became mine when we worked together to ready Sophia’s Journey for publication. Her enthusiasm for the story and its characters, her respect for my voice and my intent made working with her a pleasure. We are a good match. I look forward to working with her again.”
A bit of history
Traditional publishing (which was just called “publishing” back when I took my first job at Random House) used to be pretty much the only way an author could take a book to market. (There was, of course, vanity publishing, but it was hideously expensive.)
Authors tapped away at their typewriters (I had a Smith Corona with swappable ink and eraser cartridges), and if their books were good enough, publishers paid advances against the royalties they expected (hoped) the authors would earn.
Other than writing the manuscript, publishers bore all the responsibility—and associated cost—of creating and selling printed books (there were no e-books back then, either).
So for publishers to stay profitable, all these expenses (editing, copyediting, proofreading, printing, marketing, and distribution, as well as rent, salaries, and of course, those legendary business lunches) were taken out of sales revenue, leaving authors with just 15% of (cover price) hardcover sales, 7.5% of paperback sales, and a slice of what’s still called subsidiary rights (foreign language editions, audio books, film productions, etc.)
For a $25.00 hardcover, an author would receive, after earning out his or her advance, $3.75 per copy (net of books ordered by bookstores but returned to the publisher because they didn’t sell), and for a $19.95 paperback, just $1.50.
Today things are different
While traditional publishers still operate with essentially the same business model (except for no longer, in most cases, paying advances), independent and hybrid publishers take a different approach.
We charge authors a relatively low upfront cost to cover pre-production (copyediting, proofreading, cover design, formatting) expenses.
We may (and Christmas Lake Press does) charge separately for working as editors in a collaborative fashion to help authors craft and complete their books.
We frequently employ print-on-demand services (such as Amazon’s KDP or Ingram’s Spark) to eliminate make-ready printing costs and the need for inventory. A book only gets printed when someone buys it.
We share (generally 50/50) the author’s cut of sales leaving authors with a nice chunk of change for each copy sold.
In our model, for a $19.95 paperback distributed through KDP, authors receive, depending on book length and production cost, roughly three times what they would get from a traditional publisher. And whereas it might take sales of 10,000 copies or more for an author under traditional publishing to earn out his or her advance and start receiving royalties, it takes our authors on average sales of between 1,000 - 2,000 copies to earn back in royalties what they “advanced” for upfront pre-production costs. Makes sense, right?
Every author wants to know what a prospective publisher will do to market the book. We collaborate intensively with authors on marketing, with planning beginning on day one and efforts continuing well after publication. Integrating our own promotion and advertising initiatives with opportunities for authors to leverage, we ensure that our books are distributed to the widest possible audience, including bookstores, librarians, and non-traditional sales outlets.
So if you have a book or you’re writing one (or you need help getting started, staying on track, and finishing), we’re not only your creative writing community, but also your full-service partner in publishing.
Thomas G. Fiffer, Publisher
Interested? Send us an email at info@christmaslakecreative.com to start a conversation or get more details.
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