2020 REFLECTIONS

12/31/2020

Despite COVID-19, self-quarantining, and a world gone politically mad, we have some fond reflections of 2020.

As professional editors, we work with New Degree Press as well as other organizations to provide editing and marketing services. So, we thought we’d each share a few memorable books that we edited, as well as from some other highlights from this past year.

Stephanie’s Picks are:

Fandom – A Story about a Fan, a Boy Band, and Fandom by Angela Yang

5-Stars – “Very Interesting Book!
It has been a pleasure to have read Fandom …
The journey took Jun, the main character, from a disinterested person to a fan of a boy band and is a journey of yearning, of acceptance, friendship, self-discovery, and finally personal growth.” -Feng L.

Finding the Fountain - Why Government Must Unlock Biotech's Potential to Maximize Longevity by Breanna Deutsch

5-Stars -
“Relevant, Inspiring, and Timely. I’ve worked in the health field my whole career (preventative health/wellness) and was delighted and relieved to read this book! I’ve personally witnessed so much of what Breanna discusses in her book.

If we (as society and larger government) don’t begin to address what is truly causing aging and sickness, our system will not last through our generation let alone our kids and grandkids. It’s up to us! Thanks to Ms. Deutsch for bringing this topic to light - a must read for all!”
-Jamie E. Turpin, Med.

Tree of Knowledge – by J.F. Streich

5-Stars!
“What a brilliant and breathtaking adventure! The Tree of Knowledge is truly a story ahead of its time! (Or is it behind?) I was intrigued that this author chose to set this mystical tale in Pangea... before the world was torn apart to become what we know it today.

Having that set the stage for the out-of-this-world adventures that take place was a brilliant move and really gives a bit of familiarity to an otherwise "Harry Potter"-esque tale! If you're a Rowling fan you will certainly become a Streich fan too.

“This novel is beautifully written, intriguing, and much-needed in your collection. Finding out that this is Streich's first novel will surprise you, as he writes much like your favorite well-known and best- selling authors. I hope to read many more of his novels in the future!
-Taylor, Amazon Reviewer

Carol’s Picks Are:

Crimson Time by Emily VanderBent

5-Stars!
“Well-written, Engaging, and Intriguing! Adelaide has been looking for answers since the night her parents died. So, when a mysterious invitation beckons her to join a secret society, Adelaide thinks the society might just be her only shot at the answers she desperately wants. But when the society isn't all it appears to be, Adelaide finds herself stranded in history, sent on a seemingly impossible mission with ten strangers, all vying for a coveted spot within the society. For Adelaide, winning a game in the past might mean answers to her present. But first, she will have to put her history knowledge to the test in a fight for survival.

“I absolutely loved this story! Emily VanderBent created a unique twist on the time travel trope, and this story kept me guessing about which direction VanderBent would take me in next. I found Adelaide to be a sympathetic, relatable character with a strong, dynamic arc.

I also loved that, even though there were several viable candidates to choose from, there wasn't any romantic subplot to keep the characters busy during lulls in the action. Rather, VanderBent kept the characters busy with action on the page and it made for an engaging story.

This story reads like any you find on the bestseller lists; Crimson Time is intriguing, engaging, and has a great cast of characters set against a tumultuous, historical backdrop. Highly recommended for any fans of historical fiction, science fiction, or fans of well-written plots.”
-What Jen Reads

Love Is Bananas – One Man’s Journey to Discover the World’s Most Important Word by Trey Humphreys

5-Stars!
“This book took me on a wild ride! Trey Humphreys has written a book that is funny, heartbreaking, and insightful. I can't remember the last time I read a book that made me laugh out loud and cry...tears of joy and sadness.
What an amazing writer ... I look forward to reading his next book! -imr5191 Amazon Reviewer

Pity Partiers - Celebrating Your Failures to Achieve Your Biggest Win by Daniela Carrasco

5-Stars!
“Pity Parties Rock! If you want to know why a Pity Party rocks, read this book. Daniela Carrasco redefines failure and shows us how to use it to build resiliency, transform shame, look our fears straight in the face, and move forward.
An uplifting personal, psychological, and deeply engaging read. You'll never need to stay mired in your depression again if you take Carrasco's advice.” - P. Gordon, Spiritual Counselor and Author of Being Together: Practical Wisdom for Loving Yourself and Your Partner

Here are two of our favorite covers from that group:

Why a favorite? Those colors! The flames, the dress, the red hair, and the brief glimpse of architecture from Paris – all integral to the story. It’s a real eye-catcher!

Why this one? It’s a piece of art. Every representation is part of the world. The tree, the train, the boat, the island, the city - it's all magnificently representative of the world.

And then, we published two books:

Moon Blood Book 5 by Carol McKibben

5-Stars!
“Excitement, Terror, Thrilling, and Fun - As with the rest of the original series before, The First Blood Son Book 5 was an impossible adventure to lay down. It draws you into that world as if you were part of the Family, (except for the drinking blood part) and Carol makes perfect sense out of impossible escapades by powerful creatures who in the end would prefer peace and quiet and a glass of wine over the killing, but there is also plenty of that as well.

“I have been immersed in this world of Carol's since the First Snow Blood Book and have loved every minute spent living the life of travel, loss, love, friends, enemies, and, yes, interactions with higher powers in the form of Angels, as well as Demons, Zombies, Giants, and Gods of Myth as well as the One True God. If I were to speak of one over-riding point of these books, start at the first Book with Snow Blood and get ready for a wonderful future of fun and excitement in book after book... leading to this unexpected but, natural ending to Kane and Moon Blood's Story.

“When you catch your breath, get ready for more adventures in this world of Wineries, Vampires, Gods, Werewolf's, Humans, and more excitement for a long time to come.... I hope!" -Inspectorrick, Amazon Reviewer

Reign – The Assault of Lucifer Morningstar by Carol McKibben

5-Stars!
“Fantastic, Unique Read! Wow I'm telling you this book has more twists and turns than a roller coaster, and it’s exciting and throws you off balance. Because of those twists and turns you can't determine what’s coming next. It is fast action-packed from page to page, and it keeps you moving to find out what's going to happen next.

This book grabs ahold of you and will not let go from the beginning page to the ending page. Exceptional world-building and incredibly unique. The characters are very well developed and realistic, so well in fact that you begin finding yourself feeling sympathy, and empathy, for the characters who are very likable, especially Reign.

It has a great storyline as well as tension that puts you on the edge of your seat waiting for the next event to happen. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is tired of reading the same type of plot lines and storylines, and who is looking for a fresh perspective with a very unique style of storytelling. - kztg4evas, Amazon Reviewer

Works in Progress:

The Demon of Reginhart – by Penn Scripter

A demon and a mage and the enforcer who keeps them at bay. Three in one body.
Beast meets Beauty. But is she more than that? Can Beauty love the Beast? As only told from the point of view of the beast.

Get your FREE download!

The Transformation of Charlie - by Penn Scripter

Can love overcome death?
Can a human love unconditionally, to his own detriment? Remi loses Charlie, the love of her life, in a tragic accident but is consoled by a puppy she rescues. And the puppy appears determined to help her get on with her life. The German Shorthaired Pointer is so strangely familiar to her. He has Charlie’s eyes and his same devotion. Set in a background of horse breeding and the dressage world, discover how love can transform us all.

About the Authors

Penn Scripter is the nom de plume for the writing team of S.N. and Carol McKibben. This mother-daughter combo writes unexpected paranormal romance.

Separately, they each have a healthy list of novels.

S.N. McKibben writes dirty stories revolving around social taboos, none of which is for the weak of heart.

Carol McKibben is the author that writes from the eyes of a dog.

The two authors have combined their talents and interests to produce unexpected paranormal romance that will include fantasy, mythology, paranormal, dogs and horses, relationships, unusual circumstances, and, of course, romance.

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