by Philip Eliot | Dec 24, 2025 | Science Fiction |
(Originally published as The Progress of Mankind by Raymund Eich.)One man can make—or break—Earth’s iron grip on its galactic colonies: Stone Chalmers. Spy. Assassin. Earth’s top operative.On the newly-rediscovered colony world of Freeland, an Earth operative is murdered. Stone’s mission: journey through an artificial wormhole to the planet. Find the perpetrators. And terminate them.Going undercover, with a cover persona overlaid on his mind and genetic markers tweaked inside his cells, Stone expects an easy mission.But on encountering shadowy, powerful men and dangerous women, Stone discovers more than a plot that killed a fellow operative. A conspiracy plans a powerful blow against Earth’s control of the planet.A blow that will kill tens of thousands of colonists.A blow supported by treacherous forces inside the government of Earth.Join Stone on a distant planet in a headlong race against the clock in this, the first adventure in his complete four-novel series.”[A] thriller-style science fiction tale that’s a quick and fun read…. A good start to a promising series.” – Sfreader.com==========Want to learn more about science fiction author Raymund Eich? Here’s a Q&A to tell you more about this distinctive voice in new science fiction.First off: Raymund Eich. Am I spelling it correctly? And how do you pronounce it?That’s the correct spelling. My immigrant parents split the difference between the Anglo-French Raymond and the German Raimund.My last name is pronounced with a long-i vowel sound, like both syllables in Einstein. The preferred consonant sound is a sh. Overall, one syllable, eye-sh.Tough to pronounce, and also tough to spell. I’ve seen Elch, Einch, Etch, Eitch, Iech, Eric, and Erich. The misspellings used to bother me, but I’ve grown philosophical about them.What are some of your publishing credits?I’ve had short stories published in Analog science fiction and fact magazine and the sci fi anthology Surviving Tomorrow. And over a dozen novels and six short story collections are available as ebooks and paperback books, and some also as audiobooks.What’s The Freeland Vendetta and the rest of the Stone Chalmers series about?As a kid, I thought the James Bond movies with Sean Connery were one of the coolest things ever. Even if they’re dated, they’re still a lot of fun. Scheming villains, femmes fatale, going into the enemy stronghold and blowing everything up. I wanted to capture some of that pulp action in this series.But I also had some deeper issues to explore. When does a strong government become a tyranny? How can an oppressed group resist? And unlike James Bond, Stone Chalmers changes as a result of his adventures. He’s a different man by the end of book 4 than you’ll meet in this book.We should read the Stone Chalmers series in order? I recommend it. The order is The Freeland Vendetta, The Trinity Deception, The Minerva Conspiracy, and The Terra Betrayal.Final question. Science fiction, sci fi, SF, speculative fiction, or spec fic?Is it an adventure on future Earth, an exploration of a distant planet, a discovery beyond the limits of human knowledge, or a journey across deep space? Then I’ll read it. The genre fiction label doesn’t matter.
by Philip Eliot | Dec 24, 2025 | Womens Fiction |
“As deliciously heartwarming as a pumpkin spice latte on a cold winter’s night. I adored it!” – SHARI LOWThe BRAND-NEW, brilliantly funny novel from #1 bestseller Fiona Gibson, author of The Mum Who Ran Away from Everything, perfect for fans of Sophie Kinsella and Jill Mansell. ?? Shelley has had enough. She’s reached her limit with the festive preparation that has always fallen to her and, five days before Christmas, she’s booked a mini break… without her family. Up until Christmas Eve, Shelley and her bestfriends Pearl and Lena will be sipping prosecco in the Highlands, while her teenage kids wrap bacon around 100 chipolatas and her husband braves the supermarket for once.It’s exactly what she needs… until they’re snowed in. Facing the prospect of Christmas 500 miles from home, each of the friends is forced to confront her real reasons for needing to escape: the fiance with the obnoxious family; the son’s new girlfriend who is taking over their home; the family who take their mother for granted all year round…Will they make it home before Christmas day? And if they do, can they really go back to their old lives?This Christmas, forget Elf on the Shelf and get ready for Mums on the Run in the hilarious and heartwarming new novel from Fiona Gibson.Praise for Fiona Gibson:’I absolutely love Fiona Gibson’s funny, emotional, relatable writing.’ – JENNY COLGAN’Hilarious, sparky and joyful, relatable and brilliant! Highly recommended, whatever the time of year.’ – JUDY LEIGH’Snowy, sparkly and satisfying. Highly recommended.’ – MADDIE PLEASE’I so enjoyed this funny, insightful story… If you’re struggling with the Christmas overwhelm, this book is perfect for you!’ – CARMEN REID’Fun, festive and full of good cheer, Tis the damn season! should be on the top of your Christmas reading wish list.’ – SARAH BENNETT’This book isn’t just for Christmas… it’s the perfect escapist novel for any time of the year!’ – KATE GALLEY’A festive, funny and heartfelt story of friendship and finding your way. I loved it.’ – FREYA KENNEDY’Warm, witty and wonderfully relatable. Perfect escapism for women struggling to juggle everything, especially at Christmas!’ – KATHLEEN WHYMAN‘I absolutely loved this book and devoured it in less than a day. It was fun, relatable and an easy read. This was one of my favourite books by Fiona Gibson!’ ??????????‘Marvellous at any time of the year! You’re never disappointed with a Fiona Gibson novel and this one is no exception. Simple storylines, lovely ending, characters you can relate to and root for, what’s not to love?’ ??????????‘I adored this book! I love Fiona’s books anyway and definitely have more on my wishlist! This is the perfect festive read. Wouldn’t we all like to escape sometimes from the festive build up?’ ??????????‘This book is honestly very funny… I am probably going to reread this story again in the next couple of days, I liked it that much.’ ??????????‘I love a good Fiona Gibson book, and this is a very good one!’ ??????????‘I honestly couldn’t put this book down! Read in 1 day as I was just captured by the characters who are so true to life. This book has me laughing out loud and also in tears!’ ??????????‘I was cracking up laughing through the entire book and devoured it in one sitting!’ ??????????
by Philip Eliot | Dec 24, 2025 | Womens Fiction |
See what’s keeping readers turning pages long after bedtime: enter the enchanting world of the Rosemont series. Barbara Hinske has been heralded as one of the new masters of the contemporary romance. Part romance, part mystery/thriller/suspense, follow Maggie Martin as she rebuilds her life in an inherited mansion full of secrets.Coming to Rosemont (A BookBub Bestseller): Forensic accountant Maggie Martin’s well-ordered life is shattered by her husband’s untimely death and the double life he concealed. Dealing with the financial and emotional wreckage left in Paul’s wake, she is stunned to learn he inherited an estate known as Rosemont in the seemingly-serene Midwestern town of Westbury. Seeking a fresh start and a quiet, solitary life, she moves halfway across the country to make Rosemont her home. Before she can unpack her first box, she’s knee-deep in a battle against political corruption, where defeat and retreat are not an option. Still bearing the scars of betrayal, will she find joy, romance and possibility in Westbury?Weaving the Strands (the Second Novel in the Rosemont series): In this second book in the beloved Rosemont series, newly-elected Mayor Maggie Martin’s plans to start a serene new life have been derailed. At the epicenter of Westbury’s worsening financial crisis, she’s dealing with the looming foreclosure of a retirement community as well as a suspicious death. As public criticism abounds, she may be trusting people she shouldn’t. An uncertain relationship with her favorite veterinarian just adds to the pressure. Meanwhile, her nemesis, Frank Haynes, is stirring the pot and sowing the seeds of her destruction. But will his new assistant from Scottsdale turn the tables on him? With trouble all around and traitors in her midst, will the winds of change blow favorably or foul for Rosemont’s irrepressible owner?Uncovering Secrets (the Third Novel in the Rosemont series): Mayor Maggie Martin is knee-deep in the financial problems facing Westbury. The investigation into the fraud and embezzlement that created these problems is going nowhere and she’s on the hot seat to produce results. The bad guys are always one step ahead, with bribes and blackmail at their disposal. Her late husband’s mistress also has an ace to play against Frank Haynes. But will he slip through the net once again? Meanwhile, Rosemont’s attic gives up its secrets; some welcome, some not. Will Frank Haynes establish his claim to Rosemont?Interview with the AuthorQ: Why did you decide to write a series?A: I prefer television series to movies. The longer format of television allows for deeper character development. The same holds true for series fiction. I like to fall in love with a character or hate a character (but root for them to change their ways). I feel like Mma Ramotswe and Mma Makutsi from Alexander McCall Smith’s Ladies’ Detective Agency series are old friends. I wanted to recreate that sort of connection in the Rosemont series.Q: What types of books do you read?A: I’m a fan of women’s fiction, women’s sagas, romantic suspense, domestic suspense, crime fiction, and romance. My Rosemont series is set in the current day, but I’ve tried to capture a feeling of camaraderie and connection (among the good guys) that takes us back to a slightly simpler time and place.Q: What are the high points of your author journey?A: There are 3 things I hold very dear: 1) hearing from readers–especially newly blind adults–that my Guiding Emily series has given then hope and provided comfort, 2) having my novella The Christmas Club made into a Hallmark Channel movie of the same name (2019), and 3) seeing my name on the USA Today Bestseller List.
by Philip Eliot | Dec 24, 2025 | Christian Fiction |
Wrap yourself in the comforting warmth of sweet Christmas romances from Jessie Gussman with this box set curated especially for the holiday season! Fall in love with cowboys under the mistletoe, delight in the gift of generosity with Secret Saints, and let your heart sing carols on the beach in these six feelings-packed tales. Each story in this collection carries you away to the cozy embrace of a new small town filled with secrets and hard realities faced down by the love of community, family, and faith. Included you’ll find:Just Right – Avery Williams is planning a nostalgic Christmas barn party to cheer up her sick neighbor. But when Gator Franks rolls into town to tear down the barn and her plans, they find themselves forced to work together. Is the heat between them due to more than their burning dislike for one another?The Cowboy’s Mistletoe Christmas – When Mack suddenly becomes guardian to his nieces, he heads to Sweet Water for the holidays where he finds himself in a reluctant partnership with untrustworthy Angela. A stupid bet for a mistletoe kiss starts a pursuit he never imagined, but what he learns about her keeps it going. Will the bet come back to bite him before he can tell her the truth?Dreaming of Her Cowboy’s Kiss – Ruby Barclay doesn’t believe in fairy tales just survival. But when she catches her fiancé with another woman on their wedding day, she runs from the practical future she had planned. Whisked away by her steadfast friend Ethan to the quiet refuge of his farm, will Ruby’s pragmatic life make room for a chance at the real love he has to offer?Heartland Joy – The Bad Luck Widow has lost every man she’s ever loved to tragedy on her family farm, so naturally when kind-hearted Shawn Barclay shows up to keep a promise, turning him away is the only hope to protect him. But as Shawn persists in making good on his word, will the love quietly growing between them break the curse—or prove it true?There I Find Joy – Luke Landry can’t run fast or far enough to avoid matchmaking schemes. But now that Miss Heather’s decided he’s the perfect match for her very own granddaughter, she’ll stop at nothing to see them together. Will an unexpected family sway the odds in their favor?Second Chance Dreams – Back in high school, a cookie catastrophe ruined their almost-romance but now he’s a guest at her B&B while in town for his sister’s Christmas wedding. Will a dash of Christmas spirit, dessert redemption, and a second chance at love win out over the promotion waiting for him back in the real world? Or is his world really just about to begin?Sleigh Bell Dreams – When a thrilled Dr. Terry McBride returns to her hometown to take over the local practice, she finds herself sharing a duplex with the town’s most mysterious man. Will a special assignment for the town find her exposing his biggest secret – or will they find the magic they make together is a bigger blessing for all?Trapped Under the Christmas Tree – When a Christmas Tree, PA’s most eligible bachelor, Jake, finds himself in a pile of pine, the quiet librarian Tessa is the one who comes to his rescue. As they unwrap the mess, with they reveal the sweetest gift of all?
by Philip Eliot | Dec 24, 2025 | Christian Fiction |
USA Today–Bestselling Author: Will his scandalous past douse the spark growing between them?Luke Bowman’s homecoming is turning Emma Swartzentruber’s carefully ordered world upside down. Gone is her rebellious girlhood crush, and in his place is a handsome man who seems committed to serving the community. Luke’s even agreed to work for Emma’s ill father, whose last wish is to see his daughter wedded to a stable, loving man. But Luke—a man who flirted with the outside world with disastrous consequences—is hardly marriage material for a good Amish woman. Yet this Christmas, when her family is flung into crisis, Emma will find that he may just be the one to capture her heart for good.Praise for Patricia Davids’ novels”Uplifting . . . will have fans of Amish romance eager to read more from Davids.” —Publishers Weekly”Patricia writes with heart, integrity and hope. Her stories both entertain and edify—the perfect combination.” —Kim Vogel Sawyer, bestselling author of The Tapestry of Grace
