River Ridge Press, Dominica

31/10/2025

In her latest blog, Kristine Simelda reflects on the raw reality of facing nature’s fury — from surviving Hurricane Maria in Dominica to empathizing deeply with Jamaicans in the wake of Hurricane Melissa.

She shares three unforgettable experiences that taught her what it means to reach “the moment of truth” — when control slips away and surrender becomes survival. 💔

But beyond devastation, Kristine reminds us that every storm brings lessons — opportunities to turn post-traumatic stress into post-traumatic wisdom and to make sustainable choices that shape a better future. 🌍

Read her powerful reflection below and join the conversation on how we can live more consciously with the forces of nature.

https://kristinesimelda.wordpress.com/2025/10/29/the-moment-of-truth/

Dear Readers, The Moment of Truth As a Caribbean resident who has witnessed the onslaught of 5 hurricanes in the past 30 years, including surviving Category 5 Hurricane Maria, I empathized with Jam…

22/10/2025

We’re so proud to see Kristine’s work recognized for its vivid storytelling, rich cultural roots, and fearless dive into Caribbean mysticism.

👉 Read the full feature on Caribbean Books Fuundation and explore the world of Maxine Alexander, where mystery meets ancestral memory.

Books of the Day: Climbing Jacko's Steps: Terror in the Rainforest and Bring Blessings Home: The Desperate Search for a Missing Child by Kristine Simelda.

22/10/2025

In celebration of , author Kristine Simelda has been spotlighted for her Maxine Alexander Mystery series — Climbing Jacko’s Steps: Terror in the Rainforest and Bring Blessings Home: The Desperate Search for a Missing Child.

Set in Dominica, these gripping novels weave suspense, spirit, and folklore — where every mystery is steeped in legend, and every clue leads back to the land and its people. 🌿📖

We’re so proud to see Kristine’s work recognized for its vivid storytelling, rich cultural roots, and fearless dive into Caribbean mysticism.

👉 Read the full feature on Books Foundation and explore the world of Maxine Alexander, where mystery meets ancestral memory: https://caribbeanauthors.wordpress.com/2025/10/22/books-of-the-day-climbing-jackos-steps-terror-in-the-rainforest-and-bring-blessings-home-the-desperate-search-for-a-missing-child-by-kristine-simelda

Books of the Day: Climbing Jacko’s Steps: Terror in the Rainforest and Bring Blessings Home: The Desperate Search for a Missing Child by Kristine Simelda …

19/10/2025

As far as I know, River Ridge Press, Dominica is the only publisher 100% generated from the island in terms of editing, proofreading, book design and cover art.

Dear Readers and Writers, Who comes up with these scams? Unfortunately, none of these phantom publishers exists in Dominica. Truth be told, it’s hard enough to get my own work out there, let alone …

14/10/2025

14/10/2025

🎉✨ Happy Birthday to Kristine Simelda! ✨🎉

Today we celebrate the heart and mind behind River Ridge Press, Dominica — a storyteller, mentor, and advocate for Caribbean literature. Kristine’s words have inspired readers near and far, weaving tales that celebrate the resilience, rhythm, and spirit of island life. 🌿📚

Here’s to another year of creativity, passion, and stories that remind us to keep moving Onward. 💙

14/10/2025

The writing world isn’t always kind — especially when scammers prey on those chasing their publishing dreams. In her latest blog, Kristine shares some heartfelt truths about the realities of publishing, the rise of self-publishing, and why, despite it all, we must keep creating.

As she reminds us: writing feeds our imagination and gives us strength to face reality. So write, publish, review, and most importantly—keep going. Just tread carefully through the scams and never lose your spark. 🌿📚

Read the full post here: https://kristinesimelda.wordpress.com/2025/10/12/they-scammin

Dear Readers and Writers, Who comes up with these scams? Unfortunately, none of these phantom publishers exists in Dominica. Truth be told, it’s hard enough to get my own work out there, let alone …

11/10/2025

Be sure to check out this interview with Hassan Professor Robinson and Kristine Simelda to find out a bit more about her books and views on consciousness.

In this episode we speak with Author and Poet, Christine Semelda as she shares some her literary works and a bit of her views on consciousness.

08/10/2025

07/10/2025

If you haven’t already gotten your copy of The Haunting at Mountain Lodge, it’s never too late! Happy Folklore Month!

Dominican Book of the Day for Caribbean Folklore Month.

The Haunting at Mountain Lodge: A Caribbean Odyssey by Rebecca Lynn, published by River Ridge Press, Dominica.

"Best friends Imani Stewart and Ella Blackman have moved to the Caribbean Island of Dominica to operate an eco lodge on a secluded plateau called Mountain Ridge. Mountain Ridge is where Mingos, descendants of the great maroon chief Mabouya, and his wife Gana, reside. The Mingos have been protecting the forest for centuries.
Imani and Ella have both been through traumatic experiences over the last few years and are eager to find peace, rejuvenation and purpose on the island of their parents' birth. In addition, Imani is desperate to learn about her mother's family as her mother refuses to tell her anything about her past on the island.
When the friends meet Lester Jefferson, their friendship, success as business owners, and even their lives are threatened. Will the enduring love of sisterhood save them? Or will the supernatural forces that call Mountain Ridge home prevail?"
https://www.amazon.com/Haunting-Mountain-Lodge-Caribbean-Odyssey/dp/9769579572/

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"...A key aspect of the story draws from Dominican folklore, with significant figures like Mama Glo (“Mother of the River”) and Papa Bois (“Father of the Forest”) highlighted. Guest speaker Fr. Franklyn Cuffy underscored the necessity of respecting and safely enjoying natural water bodies, emphasizing the traditional elements of the narrative.
When Dr. Jno-Baptiste took the stage, she revealed that the novel began to take shape during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, serving as a form of solace during challenging times.
“I have always been fascinated with Dominican folklore. Our history and our nature. The rivers and mountains are also very magnificent to me.” she shared, reflecting on how Maroons succeeded in resisting oppression by utilizing their natural surroundings. She emphasized the importance of merging conservation efforts with the growth of Dominica’s tourism industry.
Additionally, she pointed out that a central theme in her work is the resistance against environmental exploitation and the marginalization of vulnerable communities, which is why Maroon culture features significantly throughout the story. The inclusion of figures like Papa Bois and Mama Glo within the narrative is intentional; “I see them as protectors and as judges who will observe and if you dare to destroy the environment, they will strike,” she stated, before sharing excerpts that showcased the unique perspectives of the novel’s principal female characters..."
https://dominicanewsonline.com/news/homepage/news/the-haunting-at-mountain-lodge-by-dr-becky-jno-baptist-officially-hits-shelves-after-memorable-launch/

You can find out more about Becky Jno Baptiste (pen name Rebecca Lynn), and listen to an excerpt from the book, on this Author Showcase
https://youtu.be/b88vksASK8I

and also listen to the This Week In Interview conversation with Becky Jno Baptiste, here
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/15vFAyGCy1/
https://www.youtube.com/live/UUmX91LUFvc



Check out Caribbean Books Foundation and Caribbean Folklore Month
to find out more about October’s folklore celebration
https://www.facebook.com/caribbeanbooksfoundation
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61580400843718
https://www.youtube.com/


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05/10/2025

04/10/2025

Join us for 31 days of books.
Stayed tuned!