Staff & Reader Submitted

EMPOWER Promotes Keshaun Vinson to Vice President of Permanency

Culver Public Relations — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 15:17:40 Z

EMPOWER has promoted Keshaun Vinson to Vice President of Permanency, recognizing her more than 20 years of experience in child welfare and behavioral health.

As a child welfare collaborative led by Texas Family Initiative, EMPOWER serves children and families across the Metroplex East region, overseeing foster care, case management, kinship and reunification services. In her new role, Vinson will lead permanency efforts for youth in Permanent Managing Conservatorship (PMC) and extended care, with a focus on helping children achieve safe, stable and permanent homes.

Prior to her promotion, Vinson served as EMPOWER's Permanency Director and has held leadership roles with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services and other community-based organizations.

To learn more about EMPOWER and how you can support children in foster care, visit 3EMPOWER.org.

BOOK REVIEW: PICTURE-PERFECT BOYFRIEND by Becky Dean

KAREN SIDDALL — Sun, 28 Jun 2026 11:34:13 Z

Picture-Perfect Boyfriend

Becky Dean

Fun and flirty with an inspirational message to be yourself and pursue your dream, not the one someone else plans for you.

Picture-Perfect Boyfriend is the latest contemporary young adult novel by author Becky Dean, and it is as fun as it is supportive of its theme to be true to oneself. I enjoyed this story, with its fine mix of romance, comedy, mystery, and inspiration, so much that I was smiling the entire time I turned its pages.

High school senior Mackenzie "Kenzie" Reed is an engaging and relatable main character on spring break with her family on the beautiful island of Maui. She's spent the entire final school year conforming to her parents' ideal vision of how she should live her life. Kenzie wants to pursue photography, but her mother and father don't believe it is a viable career goal and want her to join them in their family optometry business. Worn down by their years of criticism of her differences and the trivialization of her aspirations and talent, she had decided to do things their way. Happily, the story heads elsewhere.

The premise of the made-up boyfriend materializing in person hooked me the moment I read the blurb, and the story did not disappoint. Jacob/Jake, himself presenting two faces, was fun, flirty, and an enigma for much of the book. I laughed over the Eddie Haskell vibes I got from his interaction with Kenzie's family members and was relieved to discover he wasn't the "Stepford" boyfriend. The mystery of his identity and how he came to be on the island was brilliant.

The Maui setting was the perfect place to release Kenzie's repressed desires and personality. The descriptions of the lush surroundings and the inclusion of so many interesting places to visit on the island will have readers wanting to book their own visit.

With its engaging characters and fun and brilliantly executed premise, I recommend PICTURE-PERFECT BOYFRIEND to readers of contemporary young adult fiction, especially those who like an island setting, family drama, and romance.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from the author or publisher through TBR and Beyond Book Tours.

BOOK REVIEW: ESSENTIALS OF MURDER (AROMATHERAPY APOTHECARY MYSTERY, #1) by Kim Davis

KAREN SIDDALL — Sun, 28 Jun 2026 10:27:49 Z

Essentials of Murder

Aromatherapy Apothecary Mystery, #1

Kim Davis

The story wastes no time getting to the murder, and from there, it's constant action.

Essentials of Murder is the first book in author Kim Davis's Aromatherapy Apothecary Mystery series, and the cozy craft-themed story features essential oils, reflexology, and a curvy, prodigal hometown daughter. With engaging characters and a small Southern California town that never met a rumor it didn't want to spread, I enjoyed the story from start to finish.

Main character Carissa Carmichael grew up in Oak Creek Valley, but left for San Francisco the day after high school graduation, never looking back until trouble came knocking almost ten years later. The daughter of the local chief of police, she returned home after being used in an illegal kick-back scheme by her wealthy boyfriend, who is now serving time in prison for his misdeeds. Trained in the use of essential oils and reflexology, she's days from the grand opening of her Aromatherapy Apothecary Shop in the touristy downtown when she discovers the body of the next-door shop owner's obnoxious son in her back room and immediately becomes suspect number one in his death.

The story wastes no time getting to the murder, and from there, it's constant action. The police detective in charge of the investigation has a hidden agenda and immediately latches onto Carissa as the main suspect. This fuels Carissa's need to solve the case and clear her name herself. The author deftly develops the small town of Oak Creek Valley from scratch as readers follow Carissa through her investigation, upsetting the status quo and angering many along the way. The suspects are many, as the victim was obnoxious, vindictive, and not well-liked. Even his mother had reasons to want him out of the picture. Clues are sprinkled throughout the narrative for clever armchair detectives to find, but I only developed a few strong suspicions myself. The story was entertaining, well-plotted, and fast-paced, and includes a touch of romance.

I recommend ESSENTIALS OF MURDER to cozy mystery lovers looking for a delightful protagonist, an interesting essential oil theme, or an amazing rumor mill setting.

For this and more reviews, visit my blog, Boys' Mom Reads!

BOOK REVIEW: FEELS LIKE THE FIRST TIME by Kimberly Packard

KAREN SIDDALL — Sat, 27 Jun 2026 21:33:29 Z

Feels Like the First Time

Kimberly Packard

An emotionally devastating breakup sends an aimless college junior 30 years into her future.

Feels Like the First Time is a warm and witty womens fiction novel by veteran author Kimberly Packard in which an emotionally immature young woman is suddenly thrust into her own life 30 years in the future. Its the Spring semester of 1996, and after a heated public argument with her father about her aimless college performance, Emily Murray runs to her musician boyfriends place to discover he and his band are packing up and heading for L.A., where a possible recording contract awaits. However, while she thought she would be part of that move, he did not and planned to slip away without an explanation. Devastated, she returns to her shared apartment, and in an emotionally impulsive act, shaves off all of her hair and blacks out. But rather than awakening to follicular mayhem, Emily comes to in a strange bed, with a gorgeous older man singing in the shower. Shes 30 years older, and its 2026.

Emily Murray is such a great character; I was in her corner from start to finish. Shes a fun, free-spirited girl with a sassy wit and a love for live music and her lead-singer boyfriend, Wick. Unfortunately, Wick is all about Wick, seeing Emily as only an accouterment to his current self-image as a struggling Austin, Texas, musician on his way to the top. He has no problem leaving her behind to pursue his big break in L.A. Emily, however, has had an emotionally undernourished childhood, the result of her suddenly single mother being thrust unprepared into the role of breadwinner when her marriage to Emilys emotionally and physically distant father breaks up. But when she awakens in 2026, she finds herself engaged to Dr. Craig Harrison, the complete opposite of the men in her earlier life. Hes understanding, supportive, and only has eyes for her and her wellbeing. Their chemistry is palpable, even as she initially thinks hes the product of her dreaming. But once she realizes shes living in her own future, she begins to back away from this warm-hearted man, who in reality is a total stranger. As she falls for him, she worries shes an imposter in her own life, living a lie, and she cant do that to this good man.

There are several pivotal supporting characters in Emilys life, in both timelines. There is the mysterious Astrid, the psychic Emily consults on a whim after her blow-up with her father, and who is still in business in her future. While Emily repeatedly returns to Astrid to beg for help getting back to her life in 1996, Astrid is actually a source of wisdom and good advice when Emily is considering her options and contemplating some suspect choices. There are also Emilys lifelong friends, Josie and Sofia, and her loyal and wise assistant in her therapy practice, Monique. The story really celebrates the power and value of strong, supportive female friendships. In the end, Emily, who has grown into a gifted therapist, must learn some personal lessons of her own before she can live the life she was meant to live.

I recommend FEELS LIKE THE FIRST TIME to readers of womens fiction.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from the author through Lone Star Literary Life Book Campaigns.

BOOK REVIEW: ALIVE BY PROXY (PROXY LEGAL THRILLERS, #3) by Manning Wolfe

KAREN SIDDALL — Sat, 27 Jun 2026 21:30:35 Z

Alive by Proxy

Proxy Legal Thrillers, #3

Manning Wolfe

Quinton Bell defends a pro football player accused of murdering his agent.

Alive by Proxy is the third book in veteran author Manning Wolfe's riveting Proxy Legal Thriller series, and the suspense in this one is killer! Houston Wildcatter lineman, Marcus Hale, accused of murdering his agent one dark and stormy night, proclaims his innocence and retains Quinton Bell to defend him. But Quinton's past is just about to catch up with him, as someone who knows his true identity leaves him taunting notes and souvenirs, which soon escalate to more deadly hints. Quinton must decide whether to stay the course and do what he can for his famous client or cut and run for his life once again.

In this latest case, Byron Douglas has settled into his new persona as Quinton Bell, the identity and life of an old friend who died, and has built a thriving law practice with an eminently competent and dependable staff and loyal colleagues. He's moved into his work-in-progress fixer-upper home in Houston and regularly visits the Bell family home in Galveston, but he still feels like he's being watched. He's not wrong. With his anxiety pinging off the ceiling, he manages a thorough trial prep while convincing his client to come clean about the awful secrets he's keeping.

The descriptions of Houston are vivid and transport the reader to the humid, sauna-like city that is the largest in Texas. Quinton's trips to Galveston and, later, through north Texas to the casino across the Red River paint a picture of the state's size and the region's diversity. The long nighttime drive from Oklahoma south back to Houston captured the reality of the journey and the feelings of remote isolation and empty darkness.

The plot covers the defense's careful investigation of the murder before trial and the suspense of the courtroom proceedings. The author underscores the role of the defense attorney, regardless of the client's guilt or innocence. The appearances by the individual who is watching Quinton are creepy and full of tension. He so easily becomes invisible, able to quickly and quietly melt away out of sight. The author does a wonderful job building suspense throughout the story, and the scenes with the watcher had me on the edge of my seat.

I recommend ALIVE BY PROXY to readers of legal mysteries, thrillers, and courtroom dramas.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from the author through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours.

BOOK REVIEW: RIP THE SKY by Mark Packard

KAREN SIDDALL — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 14:41:27 Z

Rip the Sky

Mark Packard

A deeply evocative story of choices made and unforgiven acts.

Rip the Sky by Mark Packard, a recently released work of speculative fiction, tells the life story of Billy Don Worster, a simple boy from a hardscrabble farm in the Texas Panhandle. Addressing tough subjects such as battlefield experiences, PTSD, alcoholism, and drug addiction, Billy's story is, at once, emotional, fantastical, and riveting.

The story is complex, as are the emotions drawn as Billy's struggles unfold. His generation of veterans had a very different service experience than those of previous wars or those that came after for several reasons: the absence of a deeply patriotic cause to enlist and serve, divided leadership, lack of support for the war by the general public, at least as depicted by the media, are a few. They were often reviled upon their return, not receiving the recognition and appreciation they deserved. Nor was the recognition and treatment for PTSD very advanced. Billy self-medicates with booze and weed rather than prescription drugs under his doctor's care. His fight with addiction will be lifelong and is a vivid and visceral storyline. His 30-day coin presentation just about gutted me.

Billy's war experiences and subsequent hallucinations and nightmares were frighteningly real; the action and descriptions of the settings were easy to visualize to the point of feeling like I was there. His life is tragically altered forever by what he went through and how he reacted, never forgiving himself for what he perceived as his failures. Billy's experiences also led to his ability to leave his body and fly to doors in the sky, opening to other worlds or versions of his life had he made different choices. The truth of this ability to fly is left ambiguous. Is it a manifestation of his psychological problems or a tumor? Or is it a special gift or curse? However, since he shares the ability with Judge Madeline Johnston, I am leaning toward it being an actual gift. Common threads link him and the judge: how they reacted to the adversity in their lives, the choices they made, the paths they took or avoided, and their capacity to forgive.

The story covers a lifetime and a full spectrum of human interactions: the horror of war; the goodness of people such as Butch Crowley and Rachel Wheeler; their capacity for meanness as shown by Judge Johnston's courtroom management, demeanor, and judgments; and greed as depicted by Delbert Reynold's and Stewart Thompson's despicable actions. It is a story readers won't soon forget.

I recommend RIP THE SKY to readers of speculative fiction who enjoy stories with science fiction and fantasy elements.

For this and other book reviews, visit my blog, Boys' Mom Reads!

BOOK REVIEW: RIP THE SKY by Mark Packard

KAREN SIDDALL — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 14:41:27 Z

Rip the Sky

Mark Packard

A deeply evocative story of choices made and unforgiven acts.

I recommend RIP THE SKY to readers of speculative fiction who enjoy stories with science fiction and fantasy elements.

For this and other book reviews, visit my blog, Boys' Mom Reads!

BOOK REVIEW: RIP THE SKY by Mark Packard

KAREN SIDDALL — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 14:41:27 Z

Rip the Sky

Mark Packard

A deeply evocative story of choices made and unforgiven acts.

I recommend RIP THE SKY to readers of speculative fiction who enjoy stories with science fiction and fantasy elements.

For this and other book reviews, visit my blog, Boys' Mom Reads!

BOOK REVIEW: DEADLY GOLD RUSH (INDIE RETIREMENT MYSTERY, #2) by Landis Wade

KAREN SIDDALL — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 14:37:32 Z

Deadly Gold Rush

Indie Retirement Mystery, #2

Landis Wade

A complex but compelling plot with engaging, lovable main characters!

Deadly Gold Rush is the second book in author Landis Wades gripping Indie Retirement Mystery series featuring the residents of a senior living community in Charlotte, North Carolina, who are trying to enjoy their lives but are kept busy solving one mystery after another. In this latest adventure, Harriet Keatons twin brother, Joey, is released from prison after serving 20 years for a crime he didnt commit. However, he soon finds himself behind bars again when the body of one of the men framed him all those years ago is found in the basement of his family home, and the floor above it collapses, revealing the dead man covered in gold coins. Harriet enlists the aid of her friend, Craig Travail, also an Indie resident and attorney, to help her brother, who knows more about the murder than hes saying.

With its complex, compelling plot and engaging, lovable main characters, I was absorbed in the story from start to finish. I enjoyed the retirement community setting, with its cadre of older, and sometimes more mature, characters and the many experts in various areas of knowledge among the group, some only a couple of years removed from the workforce and careers in those specialties. I enjoyed how many of the characters had evolved into free spirits, depending on the freedom granted them by their advanced age or their marginalization in society as the forgotten elderly. Several romances are blossoming, as well as a slow-burn romance between Harriet and Craig that I was definitely rooting for. And who knew North Carolina was the epicenter of a gold rush before Californias?

The plot moves steadily forward as Harriet, Craig, and their friend, Yeager, attempt to prove Joeys case while Joey himself steadfastly refuses to tell all he knows. The investigatory phase of the story gives way to a riveting courtroom drama as Craig and another Indie resident and former judge unite as Joeys legal defense team. Complicating life for everyone are a series of calculated financial shenanigans aimed at the Indie and the residents by the powerful Standish Corporation and their legal tool, Robert Elkins, who is out for revenge against the trio who caused him to lose his license to practice law in book one. I was glued to the story, wondering if they would be able to get to the bottom of things, find justice, and save the day for the Indie and their friends.

While this is the second book in the series, readers do not need to have read the previous one to enjoy it. Enough backstory is mentioned to set the stage for the present tale without spoiling the first book for those who are enticed to look it up.

I recommend DEADLY GOLD RUSH to fans of cozy mysteries with historical storylines.

For this and other book reviews, visit my blog, Guatemala Paula Loves to Read.

BOOK REVIEW: DEADLY GOLD RUSH (INDIE RETIREMENT MYSTERY, #2) by Landis Wade

KAREN SIDDALL — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 14:37:32 Z

Deadly Gold Rush

Indie Retirement Mystery, #2

Landis Wade

A complex but compelling plot with engaging, lovable main characters!

I recommend DEADLY GOLD RUSH to fans of cozy mysteries with historical storylines.

For this and other book reviews, visit my blog, Guatemala Paula Loves to Read.

BOOK REVIEW - ENCELADUS STATION: FOUNTAINS by Douglas Alexander

KAREN SIDDALL — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 14:33:20 Z

Enceladus Station: Fountains

Douglas Alexander

A twisty tale of murder and corporate cover-up on a 22^nd-century lunar outpost of Saturn.

Enceladus Station: Fountains by Douglas Alexander is a twisty tale of murder and corporate cover-up at a frozen research outpost on one of Saturns moons. The combination of science fiction, mystery, and a near-future setting created an intriguing story that kept me reading until the satisfying, clever conclusion.

By the 22^nd century, space travel is routine, with humanity living, working, and visiting remote parts of the galaxy in only hours rather than years. Lt. Mark Grant is sent to the corporate research outpost on one of Saturns moons, Enceladus, to investigate the murder of one of the medical doctors stationed there. But on his arrival, hes greeted by the disturbing scene of yet another attack; this time in the Research Center, where scientists have been studying the moons precious water resources. The amount of blood pooled on the floor and smeared on monitors, keyboards, and access keypads of the locked facility indicates someone has been gravely wounded, yet the body has somehow vanished without a trace, and Dobson Pharmaceuticals, the corporate partner of the outpost, has suspiciously sent their own team of deadly clones to locate and eliminate the victim.

Part sci-fi, part action/adventure, and part riveting mystery and corporate cover-up, I was grabbed by the story from the start. The setting, an underground research facility on the outermost edge of our settled galaxy, is atmospheric with the seeping condensation on its walls and floors, constant cold infiltrating ones very bones, the dim to suddenly clinically bright lighting, decrepit behind the scenes maintenance passageways, and the ubiquitous presence of the Pricklies, small alien insect-like creatures labeled pest, yet clearly displaying signs of awareness and intelligence.

The story is told from multiple points of view, not just that of the investigating officer, Lt. Grant, which gives the reader insight into the many working parts of the plot. However, the shared perspective also seemed to prevent me from really connecting with Grant himself or his investigation. There is some emphasis on a couple of minor characters, perhaps as possible red herrings, but their presence is not followed up on, so the opportunity is not taken. Characters with critical involvement early in the book disappear and a secret meeting with shadowy operatives goes nowhere. A couple of characters change names from introduction to reappearance, such as Dr. Eric Harris, who is later called Jonas, and there are more typos and errors than I was comfortable with in a finished book. However, the resolution is excellent and serves up a well-done Agatha Christie drawing room-style reveal, with Grant gathering together all the players and presenting his conclusions.

I recommend ENCELADUS STATION: FOUNTAINS to readers of science fiction mysteries.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from Reedsy Discovery.

BOOK REVIEW: THOSE WHO SHALL DIE by Michael Bradley

KAREN SIDDALL — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 12:53:38 Z

Those Who Shall Die

Michael Bradley

An absolute page-turner!

Those Who Shall Die is a new thriller by author Michael Bradley and quickly proved to be an absolute page-turner as someone stalks the five members of the mystery podcast, the Society of Fibbers. Secrets come to light that even the closest friends dont know about each other, and no one knows who they can trust as they dodge a killer and uncomfortable questions from the lead police detective and a local reporter.

What a great story! Told from multiple points of view, readers get an inside seat to the thoughts and experiences of the mystery writers as they try to figure out who is behind the attacks before they become the next victim, while still meeting the looming deadlines for their next books and attending book signings and author appearances. The suspense builds rapidly, tempers flare, and relationships among the writing friends fray. I especially liked the mysterious black calling cards with cryptic quotes left for each target. There are secrets and plot twists that keep everyone on their toes. It was difficult to know who to trust or why the five had been targeted initially. I couldnt put this book down, reading it in one absorbing evening!

I recommend THOSE WHO SHALL DIE to readers of mysteries and thrillers.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from the author through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours.

BOOK REVIEW: THE LAST ORBIT by Lance Jepsen

KAREN SIDDALL — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 08:00:00 Z

The Last Orbit

Lance Jepsen

In a far-future universe where corporations control everything, including history, going along is the only way to stay alive.

The Lost Orbit is a new science fiction thriller by Lance Jepsen, set in a distant future where corporations control everything. Nicole Gordon is the pilot of the Tethys, a salvage ship held together by little more than hopes and prayers. With few resources, shes barely scraping by as she plies the Graveyard Orbit on the fringes of known space, looking for salvageable wreckage that others have overlooked or passed on, when she encounters an arkship, a huge, mythical spacecraft with its cargo still aboard and viable. But even the outer edges of space have corporate eyes and ears, and she soon finds herself fleeing for her life with one of the greatest secrets of her time by her side.

Nicole Gordon is a solitary soul, cynical, and suffering the aftereffects of a corporate memory wipe she underwent after a mission gone wrong three years earlier. Things that shouldnt be familiar to her are, and the mental manipulations done to her seem to be slowly reversing. Why this is allowed, other than the corporations are in charge, we do not know. Did she agree to having some technician physically drill into her head? Still, I enjoyed the action as critical memories continued to reestablish themselves and the mystery of her past was revealed.

Nicole is supported by interesting secondary characters such as her friend, Riya Bass, who arrives on the scene after miraculously capturing part of a distress signal. She is a talented communications expert, using available space junk and cobbled-together pieces of obsolete tech to make broken things work. Alton Virek becomes Nicoles companion as she flees the security forces of the corporation after she discovers their dirty secret hidden in the Graveyard Orbit. Dr. Imani Abut, not to be confused with another character, Jora Imanin, is a medical doctor whos seen it all while hiding on a derelict space station on the fringes of space for the previous 20 years. The characters are chased through off-limits space and treacherous debris fields by the corporate hunters, as they desperately attempt to get the word out about the corporations biggest lie of all.

While the plot grabs attention and the settings are atmospheric, the storys pace is hindered by constant description of every move, thought, and scene in a noir style. This treatment initially entertained me, but it quickly grew stale and disrupted the flow of the action. I really needed the author just to move it along. The author repeatedly used the same descriptions over and over again. All machinery and ship features groaned and moved as if they suffered from arthritis. The constant blaring of klaxons was accompanied by flashing red lights, always described as the color of a slaughterhouse or abattoir. Pilot Gordon experienced everything in her environment through her molars or the soles of her boots, and there was entirely too much hand-smacking of buttons, scraped knuckles, and bleeding on keyboards. I began to wonder if the basic story idea had been fleshed out using AI. Still, I wanted to know how the story resolved, so that is what ultimately determined my rating of 3 stars.

I recommend THE LAST ORBIT to casual science fiction adventure readers.

For this and other reviews, visit my blog, Boys' Mom Reads!

Through July 17: Dallas Historical Society Exhibits Original Copy of the Declaration of Independence

Sharon Adams — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 16:32:35 Z

In celebration of the 250^th anniversary of the United States, a rare, original copy of the Declaration of Independence is on display at the Hall of State in Fair Park until July 17, through a partnership between the Dallas Historical Society, Dallas Public Library, Dallas Police Department and the Dallas City Manager's office. The document is showcased as part of the "Declarations: America and Texas" exhibition alongside other historic documents from the Dallas Historical Society's collection, including the only known original printed General Order No. 3 handbill, the historic order proclaiming that all enslaved people in Texas were now free. The official original handwritten General Order No. 3 is housed at the U.S. National Archives.

Also included in the exhibit are:

An 1829 reproduction of Thomas Jeffersons draft of the Declaration of Independence
The original journal of the Convention of 1836 from Washington-on-the-Brazos documenting the creation of the Texas Declaration of Independence

At the request of Dallas Mayor Eric L. Johnson, the Declaration was transported from its permanent home at the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library to Fair Park under the supervision of Dallas Police and archivists from the Dallas Historical Society. Officers will provide 24/7 security throughout the exhibit, and archivists will monitor the document during its stay. Dallas Historical Society commissioned a specially designed display case to house the document while on view.

Entry to the exhibit at the Hall of State at Fair Park is free and is open from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. daily. Address is 3939 Grand Avenue, Dallas, TX 75210.

"As we celebrate America's 250^th birthday, I am thrilled to invite both Dallasites and visitors from near and far to experience firsthand an original copy of our nation's founding document and reflect on the ideals that make America exceptional," said Dallas Mayor Eric L. Johnson.

Karl Chiao, executive director of the Dallas Historical Society said, We are deeply honored to house this exhibit during the FIFA Fan Festival and welcome visitors to the Hall of State as they catch a glimpse of American history, Texas history and experience our interactive exhibits, as well. Young and old alike will be delighted and amazed at two interactive experiences, including the AR (augmented reality) Moody Digital Immersive Experience and the Alamo diorama, which fills an entire room.

The Fan Festival runs through July 19. "This is a wonderful opportunity to introduce FIFA visitors to such a rare and significant piece of American history," said Dallas City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert. "As Dallas welcomes guests from across the world, we are excited to showcase an important part of our nation's story."

Dallas's copy of the Declaration of Independence was printed in Philadelphia on July 4,1776. Today, only 26 original copies are known to survive, with Dallas owning the only copy on public display west of the Mississippi. Rediscovered in 1968 and bought by Dallas business leaders, the "lost copy" was gifted to the city in 1982. The Friends of the Dallas Public Library built its permanent exhibition space at the Central Library.

Throughout 2026, Dallas Public Library will host events and programs as part of its America 250 celebration, inviting the community to engage with history and explore the stories that shaped the nation. Visitors are invited to participate in the library's America 250 programs, featuring The Amazing Race for Independence activity challenge.

For more information about Dallas Public Library's America 250 programs and events, visit https://www.dallaslibrary.org/america250.

Learn more at the Dallas Historical Societys website: www.dallashistory.org

About Dallas Historical Society

Established in 1922, the Dallas Historical Society is the preeminent organization of its kind in Dallas, collecting, preserving, and exhibiting the heritage of Dallas and Texas to educate and inspire future generations. Housed at the Hall of State in Fair Park since 1938, the Society presents these collections through education programs, exhibitions, tours, access to research materials and workshops. Each year, the Dallas Historical Society is visited by more than 160,000 people and serves more than 20,000 students through guided tours and educational programming at the Hall of State, as well as outreach programs at school locations. More information is available at https://www.dallashistory.org/.

About Hall of State

Built by the State of Texas for the 1936 Centennial Exposition in Fair Park, the Hall of State has hosted events honoring presidents, royalty, heads of state, and other dignitaries for over eighty years. Located just minutes from downtown Dallas, the Hall of State can be rented for private functions ranging from corporate dinners or meetings to weddings or gala social events. Rental fees support the operations of the Dallas Historical Society, which calls the Hall of State home.

BOOK REVIEW: JANE WON'T QUIT by Eva Shaw

KAREN SIDDALL — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 13:03:36 Z

Jane Wont Quit

Eva Shaw

Engaging characters with edge-of-your-seat storylines.

Jane Wont Quit by Eva Shaw is a new, fun, non-stop story of romantic suspense that also tackles some very serious topics, such as child trafficking, child abandonment, kidnapping, addiction, and even the treatment of purebred show dogs once theyre no longer suitable for the ring. Pastor Jane Angieski, the temporary youth pastor at a Las Vegas megachurch, goes from the edge of depression and loneliness to a life full of surprises and a full house almost overnight.

As the replacement youth pastor at Desert Hills Community Church, Jane knows her time is limited; the regular minister is scheduled to return in a couple of months. But that doesnt stop her from getting neck-deep in the workings of the ginormous church, where in a space of a day, she gets a couple of new high-profile assignments. First, the churchs plans for its upcoming Vacation Bible School fall through, so Pastor Bob Normal places that one on Janes plate two days before kickoff. Jane, who is currently being scrutinized by the denominations guiding board after an issue at her previous church, cant refuse or complain; with her job already on the line, she cant afford to rock the boat. But only a day later, she is assigned the task of organizing a Dancing with the Las Vegas Stars-style fundraiser to raise money for a new youth center. Just like that, the work plate is full.

However, her personal life has taken a turn as well. Her 80-year-old grandfather, a former frontman for a popular rock band from the past, comes to Vegas and moves in with her as he works through a late-life crisis. Expanding the household further is the sudden emergency addition of Harmony Miller and her dog, Tuffy. When Harmony can no longer safely return to her foster home, Pastor Jane steps up to offer the girl a home while she waits for her father to be released from jail at the end of the summer. But the twists just keep coming!

Jane is fun, snarky, and a klutz, which doesnt help her with the ballroom dancing training at the local senior center. But she learns that sometimes success depends on who youre dancing with. Jane soon discovers secrets at the megachurch and that Pastor Bobs highly-touted dance sponsor, Delta Cheney, and her company, have a terribly dark side. Diverse storylines converge for a surprising and satisfying tale.

I recommend JANE WONT QUIT to readers of romantic suspense looking for something a little different but a whole lot of good.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from the author through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours.

49TH ANNUAL CHI OMEGA CHRISTMAS MARKET RETURNS NOV. 1922, 2026, AT NEW VENUE

Brynn Bagot Public Relations — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 06:30:00 Z

The 49th annual Chi Omega Christmas Market (COCM) is on the move and will be held November 19-22, 2026, at the Dallas Market Centers World Trade Center - 11th Floor. This years Market reflects both a change in venue and dates, returning to its traditional November timeframe while continuing its long-standing presence as one of Dallass most iconic and beloved holiday traditions. The 2026 Chi Omega Christmas Market Co-chairs are Gretchen Luedtke, Anne Tudhope and Amanda Weir.

This November, COCM will welcome more than 10,000 shoppers and over 200 merchants as it raises critical funds for numerous local nonprofit organizations and collegiate scholarships. 2026 beneficiaries include: Dallas Childrens Advocacy Center; Dallas Theater Center; Equest; Family Gateway, Inc.; Juliette Fowler Communities, Inc.; Make-A-Wish North Texas; Readers2Leaders; The Senior Source; and Vickery Trading Co., Inc.

Each year the Chi Omega Christmas Market supports a diverse array of nonprofit organizations that represent some of the most critical needs in the Dallas community, as well as collegiate scholarships, said Gretchen Luedtke, 2026 Chi Omega Christmas Market co-chair. We are so grateful to our community, shoppers, patrons and sponsors who generously support the Chi Omega Christmas Market and allow us to donate essential funds each year to these deserving beneficiaries.

The Chi Omega Christmas Market is a premier shopping experience open to the public, featuring a curated selection of seasonal and holiday gifts for every age, style, and occasion. Each year, COCM welcomes merchants from across the country along with thousands of shoppers, transforming the event into a luxury holiday marketplace. Guests can explore a wide range of items, including jewelry, holiday home décor, mens, womens, childrens and teen fashion, football and spirit gear, gourmet items, entertaining essentials, linens and original art. From timeless classics to new finds, the Chi Omega Christmas Market offers something for everyone on their holiday gift list. Santa and other special guests will make appearances throughout the event, adding to the festive atmosphere for all attendees.

The 2026 Chi Omega Christmas Market will kick off with a Preview Party on Thursday, November 19 and run through Sunday, November 22. The full schedule is as follows:

Preview Party - Thursday, November 19, 2026, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

First Call Shopping - Friday, November 20, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

General Admission - Friday, November 20, 2026, from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.

General Admission - Saturday, November 21, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

General Admission - Sunday, November 22, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

We are thrilled to continue this annual holiday shopping tradition in our community and look forward to welcoming shoppers and merchants from all over the country to the Dallas World Trade Center this November, said Anne Tudhope, 2026 Chi Omega Christmas Market co-chair. While we have moved back to our original November dates and changed locations, our mission to support our local beneficiaries and to provide collegiate scholarships remains unchanged. We look forward to welcoming the community to shop and celebrate the season with us!

For more information on the Chi Omega Christmas Market, visit https://www.chiomegachristmasmarket.org/.

FROM SILICON VALLEY TO THE ALTAR

Becky Banner — Sat, 20 Jun 2026 17:00:00 Z

How a Power Couple Left Tech to Build DFW's Premier Wedding Venue

On a Friday afternoon at Knotting Hill Place, Becky Banner never looking at an empty ballroom. She's in the middle of a wedding. By the time that couple dance their last song late at night, the next wedding is already being set up.

By Monday evening, the cycle repeats. It's Tuesday before the venue finally takes a breath, quiet for a couple of days, when the 55-foot ceilings echo with silence instead of celebration. In those 48 hours, the team walks through the space envisioning the next couple's vision, mentally mapping how the ballroom will transform for them.

Knotting Hill Place books almost every Thursday through Monday. In eight years, it's become so successful that downtime is a luxury, not a problem. This isn't by accident.

After 25 years building data centers and managing teams in the technology industry, after raising six children while climbing the corporate ladder at Cisco Systems, after co-founding two startups, Becky made a choice that surprised many: she walked away from the predictable, prestigious world of tech to build a wedding venue from the ground up.

Her husband Brianwho met at Cisco a quarter-century agomade the same leap. "I realized I'd spent decades solving complex technical problems for corporations," Becky says, settling into one of the venue's elegant gathering spaces. "But I wanted to solve a different kind of problem: creating magical moments for people on one of the most important days of their lives."

Today, eight years after opening Knotting Hill Place on a carefully chosen piece of Little Elm land, the couple has hosted over 2,000 weddings and events. They've built a business rooted in faith, dreams, and hard workthe same values that now drive their expansion into florals, bridal wear, and the next chapter of what has become a luxury wedding empire.

Their story is one of strategic pivots, calculated risk, and the power of partnership.

THE TECH YEARS

Brian and Becky met in the late 1990s at Cisco Systems, where both were climbing corporate ladders in the technology sector. They each brought complementary skills: Becky thrived in leadership, coaching, and client relationships; Brian excelled in business, finance and real-estate. While raising their six children, they continued building careers that most would call successful by every conventional measure. But success in tech doesn't always translate to fulfillment.

"We were good at what we did," Brian reflects. "Very good, actually. But there was something missinga sense of purpose beyond the bottom line."

After Cisco, Becky worked at a national network integrator. She co-founded MpowerMe, a national data center consulting firm. Brian retired from Cisco after 23 years. The income was solid. The résumés were impressive. The kids had security. Yet something gnawed at them.

"When faced with ambiguity and adversity, I've always risen to the occasion," Becky says. "But I realized I was doing that for shareholders and clients I barely knew. I wasn't doing it for something I truly believed in."

THE PIVOT

Around 2015, the idea began to crystallize. What if they could take everything they'd learned about building teams, solving problems under pressure, and creating systems that workedand apply it to something entirely different? What if they built something in an industry rooted in joy? The wedding industry seemed improbable for a couple with zero hospitality background. No event planning experience. No venue management. But it also seemed logical in an unexpected way. "The wedding industry at its core is about people," Becky explains. "Not just creating beautiful events, but facilitating the moments that matterfamilies gathering, lifelong commitments, joy. That resonated with me in a way tech never did."

They began researching the Dallas-Fort Worth wedding market in 2015. What they found was a gap: luxury venues existed, certainly, but most were either hotel ballrooms (sterile, corporate feel) or outdoor estates (weather-dependent, limited capacity). Few were purpose-built for weddings with the flexibility to accommodate 300 guests and transform into any bride's vision. "We wanted to build something unlike anything else in DFW," Becky says. "Not just beautiful, but intentional. Every detail designed with the bride and groom in mind." The search for land took over a year. They worked closely with the City of Little Elm, identifying a property that met their specific criteria: privacy, direct street access, proximity to the airport, and urban accessibility. They wanted couples coming from across North Texasor the countryto have easy access. The property on West Eldorado Parkway felt right.

THE BUILD

Building a luxury venue from raw land isn't a weekend project. It's a test of faith, patience, and partnership. Construction began in 2017. The Banners were hands-on at every stage. Becky oversaw design decisions with obsessive attention to detail; they walked contractors through the space repeatedly, imagining how light would hit the dance floor at sunset, how the flow would move guests from ceremony to reception, where emotional moments would naturally occur. "I wanted every bride to feel like this space was built for her,"s he says. "Not likes he was squeezing their wedding into someone else's vision."

Brian handled timelines, budgets, and logistics. As challenges inevitably arose during construction, he stayed focused on financial and operational realities while Becky led the creative vision. Their partnership worked at its best. "Brian dreams. Together they execute. Becky sees possibilities. I see constraints and figure out how to work within them," Brian explains. "Separately, we're good. Together, we're complementary." Knotting Hill Place opened in 2018.

THE SUCCESS

The first year was cautious. Would couples actually choose an unknown venue built by tech entrepreneurs over established brands? Would the market embrace their French Chateau aesthetic and purpose-built design?

The answer came quickly: yes.

By year two, they were at capacity. By year three, they added Brighton Abbey, an adjoining event space that expanded their offerings and capacity. Since opening, they've hosted over 2,000 weddings and events, with an average guest count around 250exactly the sweet spot they'd designed for. Couples' reviews on Google exceed 4.7 stars with over 550 verified reviews, a testament to the detail-oriented approach that Becky brings to every client interaction. "We built this business on three core values: Faith, Dreams, and Hard Work," Becky says. "Not just as a slogan on the wall, but as a lived practice. Every decision we make reflects those values." The business success attracted attention. Their oldest son, watching the growth and the potential, recently joined the team to help scale the brand further.

THE EXPANSION

Two years ago, Becky and her team launched Boujee Bloom, a floral and decor company that handles the aesthetics for many weddings throughout the metroplex. The integration is seamless couples can book venue and florals together, with Becky's vision for design executing across both services.

Now, they're launching Aristocrat Bridal, an exclusive bridal gown boutique also located in Little Elm. The idea: create an end-to-end luxury wedding experience where couples can find their venue, their flowers, and their dress all within a few miles of each otherall guided by the same design philosophy and attention to detail.

"We're not trying to become a one-stop-shop that's mediocre at everything," Brian clarifies. "We're building an ecosystem of premium services, each one excellent, each one aligned with our values." It's the logical evolution of entrepreneurs who've spent their careers building systems that work.

LESSONS & LEGACY

Eight years into their unexpected career change, Becky and Brian have learned that the skills that made them successful in tech translated directly to the wedding industry: leadership, problem-solving, financial discipline, and an obsession with detail. But they've also learned something simpler: that purpose matters. "When you're building something for a paycheck, you work hard but you're checking a box," Becky reflects. "When you're building something because you believe in itbecause you know these moments matteryou work differently. You think about problems differently. You never clock out."

For couples planning a wedding in North Texas, Knotting Hill Place represents not just a beautiful venue, but a space built by people who've chosen to dedicate their expertise to one singular purpose: making their day unforgettable. For Becky and Brian, it represents something deeper: a life aligned with their values. Faith, dreams, and hard worknot just as words on a wall, but as the architecture of everything, they've built. "I tell people all the time," Becky says with a smile, "if you're good at building things, build something that matters. Build something you'd want your kids to be proud of." By that measure, the Banners have built something remarkable.

---

Knotting Hill Place

2621 W. Eldorado Parkway, Little Elm, TX 75068

www.knottinghillplace.com

469-444-7844

BOOK REVIEW: TRAFFICKING IN MURDER (SYDNEY RILEY PROVINCETOWN MYSTERY, #11) by Jeannette de Beauvoir

KAREN SIDDALL — Sat, 20 Jun 2026 15:23:20 Z

Trafficking in Murder

Sydney Riley Provincetown Mystery, #11

Jeannette de Beauvoir

A gripping mystery ensues as Sydneys new acquaintances are marked for death!

Trafficking in Murder is the eleventh book in veteran author Jeannette de Beauvoirs compelling Sydney Riley Provincetown Mystery series featuring Sydney, the co-owner of an historic coastal hotel, her Homeland Security special agent husband, Ali, and her best friend and renowned artist Mirela Petrovna. When a travel show television producer goes missing while filming a segment at the Race Point Inn, Sydney is just as baffled as the womans coworkers. Although they had just met, the two women had connected and made plans for later in the day. But when Juliet Mills fails to turn up days after the show is wrapped, the worst is assumed. Meanwhile, a girl from a nearby Wampanoag tribe also disappears, coincidentally, the next story the missing producer was to feature this tribes upcoming pow-wow.

Sydney Riley, mentioned by name in a killers notes, is an engaging and sympathetic protagonist who, naturally, struggles with the implication that she is the reason people around her are being targeted. As she reviews her past involvement in cases that may have made her some enemies, readers get a quick look into the previous books in the series. There are an almost overwhelming number of individuals who could hold a grudge against her for uncovering their awful crimes. However, Sydney decides no one is going to look into her past to solve these new cases, so it is incumbent upon her to do it herself. Ali is understandably upset with her decision, and his emotional response to her looking into this latest murder leads to the first big argument of their marriage.

In this book, Sydney and Ali are staying up-Cape in Marstons Mill, where Ali is attending a training conference and looking into the young Wampanoag womans disappearance, as she may have been a victim of human trafficking. They are staying at their friend Margos home, cat-sitting a gruff tabby named Wally, while she is vacationing in Ireland. As Ali is away overnight a lot, Sydney invites Mirela to come up to help stave off her fears of the unknown noises she hears in the big, empty house, and Ali invests Mirela as backup for Sydneys inevitable investigating. The descriptions of the new settings are vivid and accompanied by interesting and tragic bits of history of the location and the Wampanoag tribe, whose descendants still live there.

The plot moves quickly, and the suspense builds as Sydney searches for clues and connections between the murder of Juliet Mills and the disappearance of Sky Taylor. The resolution is riveting and a very suspenseful finale for all their cases.

I recommend TRAFFICKING IN MURDER to suspenseful cozy mystery fans.

For this and other book reviews, visit Guatemala Paula Loves to Read at

https://guatemalapaula.blogspot.com/2026/06/virtual-book-tour-giveaway-trafficking.html

BOOK REVIEW: THE PAWN (THE LEMASTER FILES. #2) by John David

KAREN SIDDALL — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 13:24:45 Z

The Pawn

The Lemaster Files, #2

John David

A complex, high-stakes tale of betrayal, lust, and money.

The Pawn is the second book in author John David's thrilling Lemaster Files series featuring Pete Lemaster, investigative journalist for Jacksonville, Florida's WJAX. When Jacksonville businessman Scott Wilkins is arrested at the Singapore airport for drug possession, drugs he claims aren't his and knows nothing about, his nephew contacts his old college friend, Pete Lemaster, to shine his investigative spotlight on the case. The penalties for drug convictions in Singapore are steep, with lengthy prison sentences and corporal punishment caning on the table, and the nephew is hoping the news coverage will get the US government to intervene. Scott, a frequent business traveler to Singapore, is well aware of the many public warnings about the prohibitions and is unlikely to have attempted to smuggle drugs anywhere, let alone there. Scott's story is compelling, and Pete and his girlfriend, Lt Rebecca Dawes, with the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, go all in to try and figure out who put the drugs in Scott's carry-on bag and is trying to frame him in this particularly shocking way.

What a great story! Pete Lemaster is an engaging and entertaining character who is doing his best to uncover and report the facts of Scott Wilkin's situation. He and Rebecca are getting closer as romantic partners and work extremely well as an investigative team, even though their processes are often quite different. The presumptively innocent Scott is an unstoppable ladies' man, but, while charming, is shallow and completely focused on his own desires; character traits that had me doubting his story from page one.

The plot is well-paced, with Pete running a thorough investigation of Scott's movements up to his arrest as he tries to identify the people in Scott's life who would have such a grudge against him as to plan this kind of revenge. I enjoyed the newsroom's teamwork, the promise of coordination with the national network, and Pete's rivalry with the station's established anchor, Wes. While Pete and Rebecca didn't get to enjoy Singapore's sights and culture during their whirlwind trip, the details and descriptions of what they encountered and learned there were interesting. The deeper the pair dug into Scott's recent history, the faster the pages flew by, revealing a couple of plot twists I never could have imagined. Well done!

I recommend THE PAWN to readers of mysteries and thrillers, especially those who enjoy journalist sleuths and international cases.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from the author through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours.

BOOK REVIEW: THE PAWN (THE LEMASTER FILES. #2) by John David

KAREN SIDDALL — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 13:24:45 Z

The Pawn

The Lemaster Files, #2

John David

A complex, high-stakes tale of betrayal, lust, and money.

I recommend THE PAWN to readers of mysteries and thrillers, especially those who enjoy journalist sleuths and international cases.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from the author through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours.