THE SWANSON SHUFFLE
Two years out of college, Bia Fernandes leaves a dead-end job to work and live in a psychiatric halfway house, where she learns more than she expects from its ex-patients — just as the Watergate scandal in the U.S. comes to a head in 1974.
Swanson House is a derelict mansion that will be torn down for a highway coming through a dying mill town in Massachusetts. The state, which is closing its mental hospitals, hires inexperienced staff like Bia to help people make the transition. But where others have failed, Bia has it in her to help what the staff member she replaces called dented cans. She tries to see the good in them.
Among the residents are: Lane, who compiles his observations in small notebooks with titles like Twisted People; Angie, who claims to have been a groupie to rock stars; Jerry, the ultra-hip ex-carny; Carole, who says doctors stole her baby; and Alice, who falls asleep mid-sentence. The residents work menial jobs, take meds, and interact like family. The three other staff members at Swanson have their own problems, especially one who gets too close to the people they are supposed to help.
THE TWIN JINN AT HAPPY JACK’S CARNIVAL OF MYSTERIES
Forget about genies who are fiery spirits or live in lamps. The Twin Jinn at Happy Jack’s Carnival of Mysteries is a story that will make readers believe they are real.
Jute and Fina Jinn, brother and sister, and their parents are enchanted beings who seek refuge at a traveling carnival after escaping their cruel master.
While in hiding, the twins must pretend to be 11-year-old humans, but mischievous and curious, they sometimes get carried away. Who could blame them? The twins have the power to fly, be invisible, and use spells.
Thankfully, they have an outlet as carnival kids assisting their parents in a magic act and making friends with their fellow performers, including a shy boy.
Still, amid the fun, there is danger for the Jinn family because their former master, a man with evil intentions, is desperate to get them back, and having a magic act that turns out to be a huge hit could be their undoing.
Get your copy here: The Twin Jinn at Happy Jack’s Carnival of Mysteries
THE TWIN JINN AND THE ALCHEMY MACHINE
Jute and Fina Jinn, brother and sister, and their parents are enchanted beings, who happily performed a magic act in a traveling carnival. But once again, they had to escape after their former master found them.
Now, the Jinn family lives in a small town. Jute and Fina go to school, where their parents hope they will learn more about people. The twins must pretend to be ordinary 11-year-olds, but they are impatient with the human version of the world. Who could blame them? They have the power to fly, be invisible, and use spells. Humans don’t.
Without their parents knowing, Jute and Fina create an alchemy machine for a science fair project. Their machine really turns any metal into gold, but it also brings unwanted attention, including unfortunately from their former master who is desperate to get them back.
Get your copy here: The Twin Jinn and the Alchemy Machine.
THE COUSINS AND THE MAGIC FISH/LOS PRIMOS Y EL PEZ MAGICO
Cousins Diego and Sofia go on magical adventures with their Grandpa Roberto. This time they catch a talking fish, which grants them a wish after they let it go. In the end, the cousins and their grandfather choose the wisest wish.
Los Primos Diego y Sofía se embarcan en aventuras mágicas con Abuelo Roberto. En esta ocasión atrapan a un pez parlante, que les concede un deseo cuando lo dejan irse. Al final, los primos y el abuelo escogen el más sabio de los deseos.
Paperback only. Get your copy here: The Cousins and the Magic Fish/Los Primos y el Pez Magico
PEACE, LOVE & YOU KNOW WHAT
Turn on, tune in, and then what? That’s the question facing Tim and Lenora. But first they’ll escape to a three-day graduation bash put on by Tim and his roommates at their funky, hippie pad.
Peace, Love, and You Know What is a comedy framed by the Vietnam War and Watergate.
Get your copy here: Peace, Love, and You Know What
PROFESSOR GROOVY AND OTHER STORIES
Lenora Dias, her college hippie friends, and a notorious professor try to make sense of life during the late sixties. A prequel of sorts to the novel Peace, Love, and You Know What.
Kindle and Audio Book only. Get your copy here: Professor Groovy and Other Stories