Best Independent Books December 26
We are delighted to recommend the following books from the independent publishing sector.
FICTION
The Golden Manuscripts (Book Six of the Between Two Worlds series)
by Evy Journey
Clarissa has roamed through seven countries, yearning for a place she can call home. Her journey takes an unexpected turn when an unusual sale of rare medieval manuscripts leads her and Nathan — a doctor who moonlights as an art journalist — into the shadowy world of stolen art. These manuscripts, reminiscent of the picture books her mother once read to her, ignite her passion for art.
Inspired by the true story of an American soldier who stole illuminated manuscripts during World War II, this literary tale weaves together elements of self-discovery, art mystery, travel and love. As they delve deeper into their quest, they uncover clues that whisper of ancient thieves and unravel secrets that prompt more questions than answers about the esoteric and sometimes unscrupulous art world. For Clarissa, each discovery is a step closer to understanding where she belongs.
Clarissa's quest is not just about recovering lost art; it's about finding a sense of belonging and home. Will this journey grant her the peace she longs for, or will it lead to more questions and mysteries?
Expertly blends well-crafted romance and high-stakes adventure... — Self-Publishing ReviewHonors: Silver Medal, Historical Fiction-Medieval, Global Book Awards; Finalist, Cross-Genre Fiction, International Book Awards
Recognition for Author: Gold Medal, Contemporary Fiction, Global Book Awards, 2021
Category: Literature & Fiction
ISBN: 978-0996247498
NON-FICTION
From Rebel To Radical Innovator: Leading The Transformation Through Circularity
by Albin Kaelin
The author’s work embodies the core principles of sustainability, offering a solid framework for industries aiming to become more environmentally responsible and resilient.
This book provides readers the opportunity to learn from an industry veteran celebrated for his contributions to sustainable practices. Readers can master the transition from linear to circular thinking, achieving significant environmental and economic gains. They will discover methods to overhaul management systems and foster groundbreaking innovation, while exploring how industries can shift from rebellious upstarts to leading pioneers of sustainable change. Furthermore, the importance of consumer engagement in driving the sustainability journey is emphasized, highlighting the collective effort required for meaningful transformation.
This book empowers readers to redefine their business practices, create positive impacts, and lead the charge in the sustainability revolution.
Honors: seen on MarketWatch
Category: Business
ISBN: 978-1637352847
Confessions of an Ironman
by David Solyomi
The value is in the journey, not the finish line! In this book, the author describes his hilarious (and grueling) adventure as he attempts to complete one of the world’s most demanding endurance races.
There might be a fine line between discipline and stubbornness, but no one told the author that! In this book, he recounts how training in preparation for the world’s most iconic endurance race helped him to face his deepest fears and to attain a quality of life entirely different from what he had previously known.
This is an epic telling of one man’s highs (and so very many lows) in the parallel journeys to peak physical fitness and deep self-discovery. The journey itself is the destination as it offers the possibility of the deepest self-discovery, and with that, the chance for a better life. The outcome, like the Ironman title, is just the icing on the cake.
Not only those who are into sports can benefit from Solyomi’s narrative but any type of reader looking for inspiration and a purpose for doing what they are doing at this point in life. — GoodreadsHonors: seen on MarketWatch
Category: Children's
ISBN: 978-1637351079
Stifled: Where Good Leaders Go Wrong
by James G. Wetrich
Great leaders and managers are not about control. They inspire, enable, and get the hell out of the way. A leader recognizes a person’s potential; a great leader helps develop that potential to its fullest.
This book explores the techniques of successful leaders and managers in detail, offering ideas and solutions to all the challenges facing today’s organizations. In the wake of a global pandemic, a blossoming worldwide social consciousness and a titanic shift in how business is done, the major issues of leadership and management have morphed, intensified, and multiplied.
Among the issues addressed by the author are management of millennials and Zoomers; diversity, equity and inclusion; the need for transparency; the new global workplace; and management of the quantum speed of business evolution.
Well-written with incredible strategies, useful information and actionable tactics… — GoodreadsHonors: seen on CBS
Category: Business
ISBN: 978-1637350386
Invest and Grow Rich: Achieve Financial Freedom with $500 a Month
by Sanjay Jaybhay
This book is a fact-based boot camp in personal finance. It offers easy-to-follow concepts that will appeal to those seeking approachable solutions to managing budgets and assets.
All concepts are explained with the example of investment in rental property but the same thinking can be used for any kind of investments or businesses. It’s money mastery for the middle class.
This book explains what actions self-made breadwinners routinely practice. Key money concepts followed by millionaires are revealed. It also contains essential guidance about the common mistakes everyone makes around good and bad debt. Other topics covered include understanding necessities, liabilities and assets, four-dimensional investment and supersize downsizing.
Honors: seen on ABC, CBS and NBC
Category: Business
ISBN: 978-1943386659
In case you missed the books featured in the last newsletter, here they are again:
FICTION
The Story of Someone
by Beau Bernstein
In this illustrated contemplative tale, the protagonist has a journey of self-discovery and transformation as the person navigates the winding roads of life. Rich with reflection and introspection, this book invites readers to ponder their own paths and the destinations they seek.
With each sunrise and sunset, the person moves closer to uncovering the essence of existence and what it means to truly find oneself. Along the way, moments of doubt, enlightenment, joy and sorrow are encountered, each experience being a stepping stone towards greater understanding.
Bernstein's eloquent prose and thought-provoking narrative weave a story that is both universal and deeply personal, urging people to consider the journeys that shape their lives and the distances they travel in search of meaning. This is a moving exploration of the human spirit and the relentless quest for understanding and connection.
Honors: seen on MarketWatch
Category: Children's
ISBN: 978-1662912221
Saint Richard Parker
by Merlin Franco
This story follows Richard Parker, an ace businessman, writer and investigative journalist, who loses his job after exposing the vegetarian CEO of his newspaper as a beef exporter.
Forced to retreat to his village, Richard embarks on a journey of self-discovery and enlightenment. Navigating through market streets, ballrooms, tantric retreats and pristine jungles, he encounters a dark witch named Isakki and her menacing buffaloes. He consults an astrologer, who predicts his destiny lies in the exotic East. Along the way, he must prove he is not a con artist, child snatcher or Man Friday material. Amidst running for his life, he discovers his true love and the path to enlightenment.
This witty cross-genre satire tackles issues such as racism, prejudice and commodified spirituality in South Asia and Southeast Asia.
The globetrotting, vibrant, culturally rich adventures of Richard Parker are hard to resist. — KirkusHonors: seen on MarketWatch
Category: Humor & Satire
ISBN: 979-8223473961
Camilla Learns to Shine
by Elizabeth Connell Lewis and Mark S. Lewis
Camilla is no ordinary cuttlefish. She looks different from the others and cannot swim as fast as the cuttlefish and squid around her. Worried about her appearance, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery.
Along the way, Camilla learns to appreciate her special body type and unique abilities as she meets new friends near her ocean home. As she navigates the vibrant underwater world, she encounters various sea creatures who teach her valuable lessons about self-acceptance and the importance of embracing one’s uniqueness. Through her interactions, she discovers that her differences make her special and that true beauty comes from within.
This charming tale not only entertains but also educates young readers about marine life, fostering a love for the ocean and its inhabitants. Camilla’s heartwarming story celebrates diversity, resilience and the joy of helping others.
Honors: seen on MarketWatch
Category: Children's
ISBN: 978-1637353219
NON-FICTION
Leadership DNA: Shaping A Thriving Business Culture
by Alinka Rutkowska, Deepak Bhootra, Brandon C. Blewett et al.
This book showcases the real stories, insights and strategies of successful leaders across industries. This compelling anthology explores whether great leaders are born or made and provides practical examples of how they overcome adversity to inspire change.
It features contributions from entrepreneurs, corporate executives and industry visionaries. Insights include how an entrepreneur revived her business by focusing on mental health and fostering resilience within her team, illustrating the importance of well-being in leadership. Another contribution tells how a co-founder scaled his startup from zero to $1 million in just six months by leading with adaptability and purpose, offering key lessons in rapid growth. One of the leaders describes how she broke through barriers in male-dominated industries, transforming challenges into opportunities with inclusive leadership, offering invaluable insight into overcoming adversity. The book also explains how corporate leaders turned disengaged teams into high performers, using empathy and values-driven leadership to create positive cultures that boost engagement and success.
This anthology brings together a diverse range of leadership experiences and real-world examples, offering readers actionable insights and tools for fostering innovation, navigating complex challenges and creating thriving business cultures.
Honors: seen on MarketWatch
Category: Business
ISBN: 978-1637353493
Why Brave Women Win
by Jill Bausch
In this book, the author shares her story as a woman who used bravery to tackle imposter syndrome, find joy in failure, and transform into a real-life hero.
This book is intended for women aiming to achieve all types of wins. The author explains why it’s important to learn to mirror confidence until it is natural and how to do it. She discusses different levels of listening and how they bring people closer to reaching success. She describes the habits that have helped make women highly successful. She underlines what it takes for a woman to package herself in a way that produces maximum impact without compromising individual integrity or authenticity or voice and how to be a lasting leader during turbulent times.
The author’s story doesn’t start with her on a direct path to success. She’s proof that any woman can be a hero with a little bit of bravery.
Honors: seen on MarketWatch
Category: Business
ISBN: 978-1637351529
We trust that your readers will enjoy our hand-picked selection.
For more bestselling and award-winning books from the independent publishing sector, please go here.
Warm regards,
Alinka Rutkowska
CEO, LibraryBub
