Maria Giura’s new memoir, Celibate, is published by Apprentice House. When twenty-eight-year-old Giura fell in love with Catholic priest Father James Infanzi, she had no idea how needy they both were nor how complicated their relationship would become. His attention seemed to fill the void left by her fractured family, but he also seemed to be a sign for her to finally face the vocation she’d been running from for years. Celibate focuses on her ten-year struggle to let go of this priest, to heal from her childhood, and to finally embrace her true calling. Fiercely honest and tender, this memoir is ultimately a story about surrender, forgiveness, and facing one’s deepest needs. Giura’s first book, What My Father Taught Me, was a finalist for the Paterson Book Prize. She has taught writing at several universities including Binghamton University where she earned her Ph.D. in English. https://www.amazon.com/Celibate-Memoir-Maria-Giura/dp/1627202145
Meryl Streep: On the Couch, by Dr. Alma H. Bond, was recently published by Bancroft Press to wonderful reviews. https://www.amazon.com/Meryl-Streep-On-the-Couch/dp/B082VWBXJK/
D. X. Varos will be releasing a collection of short stories written by our own publisher Daniel A. Willis on May 5th. These are all speculative fiction ranging from ghost stories to alternative history. The anchor story is a young-adult fantasy novella about a gay teenager from rural Ohio who can’t seem to find his place in this world but is whisked away to the land of fairies, witches, and elves where he is their only hope.
Linda L. Osmundson published her latest book in October 2019. Papa’s Changes: Dementia Through a Child’s Eyes illustrated by Laura Peters, details a child’s adjustments in her relationship with her grandfather as he progresses through the stages of his dementia. The activities they share with one another change but the love they share does not. Back matter for families and caregivers includes examples of how her grandchildren showed their love for their papa. Also, find tips, resources, and dementia information in this loving and helpful book. Books can be purchased through her website: www.LindaOsmundson.com or Amazon at https://tinyurl.com/tbg7jzq.
Timothy Hall’s new book, Racing with the Wind, is now available on Amazon for your reading pleasure. It’s a memoir about growing up in the golden age of old cars and drag racing – our connection to cars, our fascination with speed, excitement and taking things to the limit, sometimes at considerable risk. The book is also about learning to handle the highs and lows of life with an “Attitude is Everything” mindset. The stories are relatable to everyone, regardless of age or gender, who appreciates fun times and fast cars … and dodging the Grim Reaper. Thanks to Rocky Mountain Oldsmobile Club; Corvette Connection of Denver; beta readers (and CIPA folks) Karen Douglass, Fred Baker and Cousins Ron and Elaine for the Candid Camera “Split Car” chapter. Feel free to leave a review on Amazon and tell us your favorite car story.
Sarah Sommer recently launched her first children’s picture book, The Goose on the Roof, featuring colorful illustrations by Martina Terzi. In The Goose on the Roof, one little girl is frustrated by a goose honking atop her roof, so she enlists the help of her animal friends to try to solve the problem, but they end up getting into more trouble themselves. Written in a lyrical writing style, The Goose on the Roof incorporates cute animal characters, funny situations, a positive message, and rhymes (recommended ages: 4-8). Sarah is busy working on her next picture book, Animals at the Office, another rhyming, colorful, and animal-filled book featuring the quirky personalities that we have all encountered at the office (coming Summer, 2020). Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Goose-Roof-Sarah-Sommer/dp/1734216204 IG & FB: @SarahReneeSommer

Route 36
Allan Ferguson, author of Route 36: Ohio to Colorado—America’s Heartland Highway, recently conducted a virtual seminar for employees of the Colorado Department of Transportation, making the case for the designation of Route 36 as a historic Colorado by-way. Ferguson was also the subject of feature stories in Community Media’s April editions of the Washington Park Profile and Life on Capitol Hill. His guidebook is available at Amazon.com. and locally at The Tattered Cover and The Bookies. For more information, see www.us36guidebook.com.
Award-winning author Sunny Weber has received three glowing professional reviews for her second and third children’s books, Hurricane Dog: A Tale of Betrayal, Redemption & Change, and From Wild to Mild: A Dog in Two Worlds. Blue Ink Review gave both books positive comments, including a STARRED REVIEW for Wild to Mild, Kirkus Reviews gave thumbs up to Hurricane Dog. Sunny is awaiting her Kirkus Review for Wild to Mild. Both books are part of Sunny’s Pups & Purrs Children’s Humane Education Series. See www.sunnyweber.com
The views expressed herein are not those of Colorado Independent Publishers Association, its officers or directors. They are solely and completely those of the author. The Colorado Independent Publishers Association will not be held liable for any legal action resulting from information published in this newsletter, and the organization’s insurance will not cover any such action.