Local bestselling author, Cathy Lamb, will be visiting Jan's Paperbacks on Saturday October 8th.  She will be discussing and signing copies of her latest release, THE LANGUAGE OF SISTERS, out now.  If you are unable to make it, or don't live in the Portland Metro area, you can pre-order any of Cathy's books on our website and she will sign and personalized your books on that day and we will ship them to you.  CLICK HERE for more details.
 

---

---

When I was a child, I remember sitting happily with my favorite book on my lap looking at the pictures and trying my hardest to recount the story, though I could not read a single word on the page. The illustrations spoke to me and, when my parents would read aloud, the words would always bring a smile to my face. This was a beautiful time of my life and something that I know I will never forget.
 
I am now a grown man and, about four years ago, I sat down to read that very same book to my son who was one year old at the time. I remember vividly how the pictures brought me back to my youth but, as I read the words and witnessed the childlike wonder on my son's face, I found myself struck by how that same story now spoke to me as an adult about life, love and acceptance. Each of those fantastic lessons flew over my head as a child but were placed in that story with a purpose; the book was written for both the child and the adult reader at the same time.
 
This revelation inspired me to become an author and create children's books of my own. I wanted to tell stories that brought joy to children of all ages and, hopefully, when those kids grow up, I want them to revisit those same books with their kids only to discover a lesson or message that was there the whole time. I suppose you can say that a well written kid's book is a gift that continues to give through the years.
 
As of this year I have written and self-published three children's books with a fourth on the way and many more in queue. I am continually blessed by each child I meet that loves and relates to the stories, characters and lessons from my books and could not ask for a better reason to continue writing. In that same vein, I have had the privilege of speaking with many adults who have found their own lessons and parallels on a much deeper level from those same stories. This is why I write.
 
The road of an independent author is challenging but the letters and feedback I receive from my readers push me forward. To know that Rahley the Silent Slug is being used by speech pathologists to help children with disabilities is incredible. To see schools using The Letter as inspiration for teaching kids to write letters of love and hope to their friends and family is an honor. To see King Boogie used as an early reader book at my son's school is a blessing. Most importantly, to be able to tell all of my readers young and old that they are special while sending them a smile is a gift I cannot begin to wrap my head around.
 
I will leave you with this challenge: Go into your attic, basement or local library and locate a book you loved as a child. When you have found it, read it again and see if it doesn't speak to you on a totally different level now. Maybe you will see a lesson that was there all along...
 
If you would like to know more about me or my books, I can be reached at info@ndbyma.com.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Who am I?  I am a father, writer and musician who believes firmly that, if you follow those little nudges from God, you will find yourself in places you would have never dreamed!

My journey has been fun, wild and sometimes nearly unbelievable.  If you would like to learn more, don't be shy! Contact me and I will gladly tell you far more about every twist and turn that turned a normal guy into an author.  It all started when I followed a little nudge...

---

This is a book written in prose form about a little boy grieving for his mother. I started reading this book and realized that it was a book that needs to be read aloud and shared. It is sad that Davey is grieving but the words form pictures that are so beautiful it makes the sadness easier to bear. It is one of the most wonderful books I have ever read, the author’s ability to paint pictures with words is, nothing short of, miraculous.  This is a book that is suitable for all ages. –Jody

Read the full book summary here

This was my best read of the summer-the latest book in Rosefelt's "Andy Carpenter" mystery series.  Andy Carpenter is a defense attorney who doesn't like to work and isn't much into lawyering.  That being said, he has a hard time saying no when a new case drops into his lap.  The consequences are often hilarious and always interesting.  This is light reading, with short chapters and dialogue to die for.  I read the entire book, cover to cover, in one afternoon and read it again the next day.  Especially loved the bit of a surprise in the last chapter!  Just can't seem to get enough of Andy and his associates!  More fun than substance but a marvelous distraction from the reality of daily life-just what the doctor ordered.  Highly recommended!!! –Sharri (Jan’s customer)

Highly recommended.
 
Scarlett knew it was dawn, but the crooked halls of La Serpiente smelled like the end of the night, sweat and fading fire smoke mixed with lingering breath from words whose ghosts still haunted the air. The doors didn't seem to be in any particular order. Room two was on the second floor, while room one was on floor three. Room five's teal door came after eleven's raspberry entry.
 
Welcome to Caraval, the magical, mystical reality game where nothing is as it seems and participants are warned not to fall into madness.
 
The story follows Scarlett and Donatella, sisters bonded by their father's physical and emotional abuse. One week before Scarlett is scheduled to wed a man she's never met, she receives a once-in-a-lifetime invitation to the mysterious week-long game called Caraval. It's an invitation Scarlett would usually give anything for, but if she is caught leaving her island, she and her sister will be mercilessly beaten. When beloved Donatella is kidnapped as part of the game's plot, Scarlett has no choice but to sneak off and participate.
 
Part mystery and part love story, Caraval is beautifully and creatively written. A string of fun, original twists and strong world building keep the tale moving. A romance that develops slowly and sweetly keeps readers wondering what the love interest truly has in store for Scarlett.
 
Caraval is Garber's debut novel and the book's ending leaves us satisfied and yet wanting more. Thankfully, she's written an ending that promises further adventures with sisters Scarlett and Donatella. -Skye (Jan's customer)
 

I'm so happy to know that the Ribbon Ridge series did not end with the last Archer sibling.  SO GOOD,  the first book in the Love on the Vine series, continues with Archer friend, Cam Westcott.  There are several familiar names throughout the story, but we are also introduced to Cam and his brothers (which means more books, yeah).  I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next installment, due out in January 2017. -Jill   

Read the full book summary here

Order eBook Online ($2.99)