Columbus Publishing Lab

10/08/2025

“The ability of writers to imagine what is not the self, to familiarize the strange and mystify the familiar, is the test of their power.” – Toni Morrison

10/06/2025

A chance encounter with a former high school acquaintance leads to a mystery that twists and turns through history, draft-dodging, and a murder plot.

Larry and Barb are a typical American couple who love their family, travel, and each other. Their life together is a series of ups and downs-career changes, the uncertainty of living through the Vietnam War era, children, and the joy of living.

Until one day, they were on vacation in Petoskey, Michigan, when Larry hears a familiar voice coming from the high booth directly behind him in a local pub. . .He gets up to investigate and finds Trey, a high school classmate, from Connellsville, Pa. When he tries to reconnect with him, Trey denies knowing him and becomes agitated. Larry decides to take a photo, which totally sets Trey off. A clever comment cools things down and that seems to end things.

Puzzled, they head back to their campsite, only to strike up a conversation with a young man in a neighboring site. They exchange pleasantries and start showing each other photos on their phones. Inadvertently, the photo of Trey appears and the young man sees it. This sets off a series of events that pull Larry and Barb into a web of deceit where Trey seems the bad guy, but ends up being a victim.

A fictional mystery that draws its background from the author's own travel and life experiences, Over and Back will take you on a thrilling adventure as Larry and Barb work to solve a mystery and stop a murder.

"A delightful novel with a surprising twist! Larry Buttermore gives the reader a glimpse into his family, career and life adventures. The ending left me desiring friends like Larry and Barb who can spot good over evil!" -Amazon Reviewer

Order your copy 'of "Over and Back" by Larry Buttermore today!

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10/03/2025

In the spring of 2003, I came to a tiny village in southwest France. Walking down the shaded paths, listening to the sound of the waterfalls along the River Sor, surrounded by the lush beauty of the Montagne Noire, my heart immediately was swept away and so began my dream of living here.

Come along with me and experience the beginnings of the artist retreat La Cascade, the joy, laughter and embarrassing moments as I try to become a part of this village. You'll meet the local characters, explore the surrounding area and all the treasures it offers and enjoy my favorite recipes.

I'll take you further afield for adventures in nearby Toulouse, Avignon, Lyon, and Arles. Share the art, food, culture, and friendships. Let the journey begin!

"Reading this loving portrait of small village life in France made me feel like I was there. I couldn't put it down!" -Amazon Reviewer

Order your copy of Dayle Doroshow's book, Vignettes from My French Village, today!

I came to a tiny village in southwest France. Walking down the shaded paths, listening to the sound of the waterfalls along the River Sor, surrounded by the lush beauty of the Montagne Noire, my heart immediately was swept away and so began my dream of living here. Come along with me and experi...

10/01/2025

“You should write stories because you love the shape of stories and sentences and the creation of different words on a page.” – Annie Proulx

09/29/2025

Have you ever wondered what our planet, Earth, thinks about her life now? Read what she says in this simple, yet educational chat with her Solar System friends. She has some problems to solve, so she turns to her fellow planets and the Sun for advice. Read what they say and what Earth decides to do. What can we do to help her?

"Dr. Kline has masterfully provided detailed information on each of the planets in our solar system. She has also gently, but factually described how the “Humanoids” inhabiting earth are hurting her. A great read for middle schoolers with a glimpse of hope for the future!" - Amazon Reviewer

Have you ever wondered what our planet, Earth, thinks about her life now? Read what she says in this simple, yet educational chat with her Solar System friends. She has some problems to solve, so she turns to her fellow planets and the Sun for advice. Read what they say and what Earth decides to ...

09/26/2025

Lilith awakens in a strange and mysterious world...

Earth--a place full of wonder and terror alike. The life around her calls to her for aid, but there is something holding her back. A man wants her as his, and she can't deny the fact that she wants the same. But life teaches her a valuable lesson early on in her existence: no one can have everything.

Will Lilith's instinct to care for a vulnerable world outshine her desire for the man she longs for?

Only her enlightening journey through the ages will tell, and only then will she discover her true purpose through the trials of magic and sacrifice.

WINNER in the 2022 International Readers' Favorite Book Awards
WINNER in the 2022 Global Book Awards

Order your copy of Red Sand (The Creations Saga) by Anne Macreynold today!

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09/24/2025

“A word after a word after a word is power.” – Margaret Atwood

09/22/2025

Halloween. A season of costumes, candy, and community, when even monsters want friendship. As Sammy the Skeleton's Halloween Surprise reveals, sometimes the scariest-looking creatures have the biggest hearts.

Sammy, a playful and kindly skeleton, lives alone in a cemetery outside of town. He longs to make friends, but he fears his monstrous appearance will frighten people away. When the autumn wind brings news of an impending Halloween party, Sammy sees his chance to fit in.

Fashioning a costume and mask, Sammy hides who he is and attends the party, but what will happen if the other guests discover the truth? Will they be afraid?

"My kiddo loves this book. It's a super cute Halloween story!"- Amazon Reviewer

Order your copy of Sammy the Skeleton's Halloween Surprise today!

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09/19/2025

On the outside, Samantha has it all: money, looks, opportunity, love. But on the inside, Samantha is different. She can’t stop making bad choices. She’s restless and often reckless. In The Wrong Life, we meet Samantha’s family, friends, doctors, lovers, spouse, and her children, all of whom she enlists for help in her constant search for that one elusive thing—happiness.

When Samantha meets Alice, both their lives have fallen into disarray. They develop strong ties as they help each other through dark times. They are soulmates.

Kelly Anne Johnson loves red lipstick, perfectly manicured nails, and strong men. She and Samantha get along so well as college roommates that after school they move together to NYC. Kelly has a lot to say about relationships.

Jay Anthony Russo meets Samantha in high school. He’s been attracted to Samantha forever and regularly shows up wherever she settles—no matter her relationship status.

When Samantha meets Dennis McKenzie, she believes she has found her true love, her protector, and the right life, the one she’s been searching for all this time. Dennis is a celebrated surgeon who adores Samantha, and although he’s aware of her problems, he’s certain he can fix whatever’s wrong and that they’ll be the perfect couple.

And Samantha feels that way too—for a time—until the fear, doubt, and questions creep back in: Did I choose the wrong life? Is there a right life?

Order your copy of The Wrong Life by Judy Wood, today!

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09/17/2025

“I lived in books more than I lived anywhere else.”
― Neil Gaiman, The Ocean at the End of the Lane

09/15/2025

Centered around an old, eerie graveyard, this novel pulls the reader into the suspense of a twisted thriller and the spiral of internal turmoil experienced by twelve-year-old Lacey Tracey as she journeys through middle school drama.

Enduring her family's move from the metropolis of Pittsburgh, PA to the small, middle-of-nowhere town Cemetery Ridge, OH, Lacey tries to fit in with peers at her new school, while at the same time, being on the receiving end of student dislike for the principal, her (adoptive) father.

Believing Cemetery Ridge is a strange, hick town where nothing exciting could possibly happen, Lacey finds herself plunged into intrigue, piecing together clues to the disappearance of a young girl named Brooke who tries desperate measures to reunite with her family.

Developing confidence in herself, Lacey turns foes into friends as circumstances collide and relentless determination must get them through a dangerous encounter with an unexpected stranger to solve a mystery with far-reaching tentacles to the past.

"Once I started the book, I couldn’t put it down! The story is so well-written that it kept me intrigued from start to finish. Hard to believe this is the author’s first book!" - Amazon Reviewer

Order your copy of Cemetery Ridge by Barbara Eckholdt Johnstone, today!

Centered around an old, eerie graveyard, this novel pulls the reader into the suspense of a twisted thriller and the spiral of internal turmoil experienced by twelve-year-old Lacey Tracey as she journeys through middle school drama. Enduring her family's move from the metropolis of Pittsburgh, PA...

09/12/2025

Over the last few years gospel music has blown up. No longer limited to hymns, anthems and spirituals, gospel music now transcends musical styles, including jazz, blues, rock, country and urban contemporary. Like never before, there are opportunities for motivated, talented musicians to make a career in gospel music.

This book will help gospel artists who are seriously considering launching or advancing their careers in the field of gospel music. You will learn about the business relationships between gospel artists and personal managers, booking agents, record companies, radio stations and retail stores that sell gospel music.

You will learn how the music business works and how to avoid common pitfalls, both business and performance related, and about the unique challenges that face local performers.

With the information provided in this book, you'll be in a better position to make good decisions, and to fulfill your dream of working in the gospel music industry.

Order your copy of "Making It to the Top in Gospel Music" by Willie H. Alls today!

Over the last few years gospel music has blown up. No longer limited to hymns, anthems and spirituals, gospel music now transcends musical styles, including jazz, blues, rock, country and urban contemporary. Like never before, there are opportunities for motivated, talented musicians to make a ca...