Author Alley 2024
1st PLACE WINNER OF THE C.I.B.A. HEMINGWAY AWARD
"An inherently compelling read from start to finish that deftly combines the elements of espionage and romance." -MBR Bookwatch
"Absolutely enthralling and entertaining. Kept me engaged to the very end." -Bare Books Podcast
"A wonderfully rendered story." -Denton Record-Chronicle
In late 1950's Cuba, the island's allure as an elite global paradise was cloaked by a revolution that brought down its rich and powerful.
When a poor native farm boy named Victor Gomez is suddenly orphaned and adopted by one of the most influential families in his hometown, he meets and falls for Sarita Rodriguez-a supermodel and media empire heiress-just before Fidel Castro overthrows President Fulgencio Batista and takes control of the island. After Castro raids Victor's new family's estate and imprisons his father, Victor narrowly escapes and flees to the US where he accepts an unconventional, deadly deal as a spy to save his country. Still just a teen, Victor finds himself in a cycle of betrayal-struggling to find truth and purpose, while torn between protecting his now powerless parents, finding his disbanded biological siblings, and secretly pursuing Sarita as she rises to international fame from New York.
Based on the true story of the author's family, Isla Vulnerable weaves a captivating tale of love, sacrifice, and human resilience in the face of extraordinary historical events-including the Cold War, the Cuban missile crisis, the CIA's covert operations in foreign affairs, Operation Mongoose, and the assassination of JFK. A dynamic cast of real-life-inspired characters, meticulous attention to historical detail, edge-of-your-seat spy scenes, and a love story that transcends social classes compose an ideologically-unbiased, heartwarming, cinematic journey in this author's first published book.
A beautiful volume of 18 folktales and 8 fables written by award-winning Judi Lifton with 160 charming illustrations by Peg Asensio.
***The treasure trove of stories in this delightful anthology will tickle your funny bone, surprise you, and introduce you to a cast of unforgettable characters like Corny Portinga, Mr. Gizzard, Raspberry Rice, and Sassy Spudnut. A mix of adventures, fantasy, and a few fables full of talking animals will keep you turning the pages. Most of the stories feature lovable dogs, like Splash, Cheerio, Punkin, Frisbee, and Graham. There's so much happening in each story, you'll want to go back and read them over and over again.
Gloria G. Adams, author, librarian, storyteller
***"Judi Lifton has written a collection of short stories sure to captivate and nourish the imaginations of young readers. Friendship, family, and animals abound in circumstances whimsical and challenging with happy endings and thoughtful lessons. Locations vary for these stories, yet all share a similar viewpoint of child-like wonder of the natural, and in some cases imaginary, world as well as determination in the face of obstacles. Judi's Folktales seems meant to be read while sitting in a tree, reading by flashlight in a tent, or preparing for bedtime on a snowy winter's night." - Janice Phelps Williams, author of Emmeline Grant and the Monstrous Beesh
Is there a space between where you are and where you want to be? Do you resist overwhelming situations, wanting to avoid discomfort (while telling yourself you just need more motivation)? Do you feel intoxicated with inspiration one minute, only to find yourself binge-watching "Real Housewives" not long thereafter, having slayed nothing other than the snack cabinet?
You want to do things differently, but something keeps getting in your way. Maybe you spend too much time in your head. Maybe you panic when things start to feel "too much."
The solution? JUST DO NOTHING.
Through this humorous, insightful guide, you will discover data-driven, science-backed tools that:
As counterintuitive as it may sound, when you learn how to just do nothing with the chaotic thoughts and feelings swimming in your head, your life will change for the better. And, before you know it, you'll be comfortably engaging in experiences that once had you running for that snack cabinet.
