Book Pick of the Week: Hatchie: Keeper of the Secret

Some college students flip burgers during summer breaks; some have internships; and occasionally, one is plunged into an overwhelming flood of historical revelations with biblical implications.

In Hatchie: Keeper of the Secret, author Ed “Doc” Holliday tells the story of Patrick, a college student home for the summer helping his grandfather harvest pulpwood in the Hatchie Hills of North Mississippi. Patrick’s plan is to earn a little money to help with college expenses — not to uncover an ancient Native American secret with ties all the way back to King Solomon’s temple in Jerusalem.

As Patrick’s discovery is revealed, his world begins to unravel, and an evil force is unleashed that neither Patrick nor his grandfather is prepared to confront. Written to appeal to audiences who enjoy the Indiana Jones and National Treasure films, Hatchie: Keeper of the Secret draws inspiration from true stories of early explorers to North America, like Hernando DeSoto, to build a gripping tale that propels readers to places they never knew existed and introduces them to characters they never could have imagined.

Full of mystery and intrigue, Hatchie: Keeper of the Secret is an action-filled adventure that culminates in a surprising ending. The book is the first of a planned seven-part series.

“The series revolves around an ancient Chickasaw secret that is tied to Solomon's temple,” Holliday explained. “That is a large span of time, but the tale is wrapped around the pursuit of world peace and some battles that are almost forgotten to history.”

Amazon and Kindle link: https://www.amazon.com/Hatchie-Keeper-Secret-Ed-Holliday/dp/B0CDXYZP6M/

Book Pick of the Week: Egg Rolls & Sweet Tea: Asian Inspired, Southern Style

Egg Rolls & Sweet Tea: Asian Inspired, Southern Style is in part a memoir of Natalie Keng’s personal food journey growing up in the deep South, and yes: This is a cookbook full of tasty Asian-American and Southern fusion dishes, sauces, and drinks that home cooks will enjoy preparing and sharing.

With recipes like Fried Chicken Spring Rolls With Honey, Rainbow Black-Rice Salad, Okra and Tomato Stir-Fry, Black-Eyed Pea Hummus, Georgia Bourbon Coca-Cola Meatloaf, Golden Milk and Sorghum Hot Toddy, and of course, several recipes for egg rolls and sweet teas.

The author brings her own experiences to this book.

Keng is the creator of an award-winning line of Georgia-grown, Asian-inspired sauces (launched at Whole Foods Market) that feature natural ingredients and harken heritage recipes, earning her the title The Sauce Maven™. Before starting her own business, Keng was a strategic marketing executive in a Fortune 100 corporation. She has also headed leadership development initiatives at national non-profit organizations and served in public office. Keng is a recipient of the Greater Women’s Business Council’s Trailblazer Award and was appointed to serve on the Governor’s Health Task Force. A graduate of Vassar College, Keng holds a Master of Public Policy from Harvard Kennedy School of Government.

The book gives readers recipes that we all can make.

When trying out different dishes, you’ll feel like you are part of the story.
Language
English
Publisher
Gibbs Smith
Book Format
Hardcover
Number of Pages
224
Author
Natalie Keng
Title
Egg Rolls & Sweet Tea
ISBN-13
9781423661498
Publication Date
June, 2023
ISBN-10
1423661494

Keng’s business, outside of being a new author, Global Hearth, uses food and culture to promote team building and employee engagement, and she is all about diversity for small businesses.

A must read for those of us in the South. Available on Amazon here.

Kindle Pick of the Week: These Things Happen

Daniel Zimmer will do almost anything to end his pain—except for the one thing that might work.
Growing up in 1970s Brooklyn under the shadow of his tyrannical father and against the backdrop of the Son of Sam murders, the Karen Ann Quinlan tragedy, and the New York Yankee’s back-to-back championship seasons, Daniel Zimmer struggles to find a sense of safety and belonging. Daniel and his brother Max find moments of solace in the rebellious rhythms of early punk and metal bands like the Ramones and Judas Priest. But when faced with an unexpected family tragedy—for which he feels responsible—Daniel discovers the magical escape that alcohol can provide, numbing his pain and guilt.

Carrying the trauma of his youth into adulthood, Daniel falls deeper into alcoholism as he fights to face life on life’s terms. Then, just as he finally begins to embrace sobriety, Max attempts suicide and Daniel’s ex-fiancée makes an unexpected reappearance. Forced to face his demons head-on, Daniel struggles to take it “one day at a time.”

Kindle Pick of the Week: Play Together

Featuring over 60 games, Play Together is your go-to guide for family fun. Based on happiness, play, communication, and emotional intelligence research, the games and activities are more than just enjoyable.

They also teach important life skills and catapult your family’s development in the following:
Connection
Creativity
Mindfulness
Kindness
Movement and more

Plus, they’re simple. You can play most games in five minutes using materials you already have on hand. Activities are categorized by type (see above) and include detailed instructions as well as tips, anecdotes and conversation prompts for families. Some of the games included are:

KinMarble Mania Madness
3-2-1…Freeze!
The What If? Imagination Game
Cardboard Creations
Snap-A-Letter Scavenger Hunt
Make Your Own Puzzle
DJ Art
Floor Pong and more!

Ever wish life (and parenting) was more fun? Stop wondering what to do with your kids and instead begin to play together. You’ll be amazed at the wonder these games open up in you and your family’s lives. Optimized for kids 12 and under and fun for people of all ages!

Link: https://www.amazon.com/Play-Together-Activities-Creativity-Mindfulness/dp/1578269741

Book Pick of the Week: The Big Book of Civil War Sites

What a great book!

The definitive travel reference for America's most famous—and infamous—Civil War battle sites!

With The Big Book of Civil War Sites, history-focused travelers finally have ready access to in-depth and thorough listings of all sites associated with the major battles of a devastating war that transformed the nation. Whether for exploring the Southern states or the Eastern theater, this book provides a full range of historical background information, travel and lodging options, museums, tours, and special events.

Top attractions in the North include the National Civil War Museum in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; Gettysburg National Military Park; and Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. In the Southern states—from the Outer Banks of North Carolina to the Mississippi Delta—readers will discover the fascinating and varied world of Civil War history and read detailed accounts of battles in North and South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Florida, and Louisiana.


The Big Book of Civil War Sites includes:

Thorough listings of all major sites, including historical background information

Full-color photographs throughout

Special features on military and civic leaders

A glossary of Civil War terminology

Directions to hard-to-find locations

Helpful listings of restaurants, lodgings, shopping, tours, and special events

Here's one place to get it: https://www.target.com/p/the-big-book-of-civil-war-sites-paperback/-/A-87536326