Month: June 2025

2025-06-03T09:01:00

(BPT) – Father’s Day is all about honoring the men who’ve shaped you, supported you, and shared their wisdom. This year, skip the novelty mugs and neckties and treat Dad to something he’ll truly appreciate: a bottle of quality whiskey. Whether he enjoys a smooth Irish sip or a bold American bourbon, here are six standout options that offer a little something for every kind of dad.

1. Bushmills 10 Year Old Single Malt Whiskey: For the dad who’d rather be golfing

Bushmills has history in every sip — it’s the world’s most awarded Irish Single Malt and the oldest licensed whiskey distillery in the world. And as the Official Whiskey of the PGA TOUR, this Bushmills Single Malt Whiskey 10 year old is triple distilled from 100% malted barley and matured for a minimum of 10 years in former Sherry casks and bourbon-seasoned casks, which gives it its honey, vanilla and milk chocolate aroma. Its exceptional complexity is only matched by its approachability and its smoothness. (40% ABV, $58.99)

2. Proper No. Twelve Original Whiskey: For the dad who makes an Irish entrance

You’ve heard of an Irish exit — well, this dad does the opposite. The party doesn’t start till he arrives. He’ll enjoy the Proper No. Twelve blend, a blend anchored in single malt, crafted from Ireland’s finest golden grains to deliver a properly balanced liquid with hints of vanilla, honey-like sweetness, and toasted wood. (40% ABV, $24.99)

3. TINCUP Bourbon: For the dad who loves the great outdoors

If your dad’s camping equipment is already packed for summer, this is the bottle for him. Straight bourbon cut with Rocky Mountain water, TINCUP Bourbon is sweet and smooth — offering aromas of vanilla cream and worn leather, with notes of dried orange and rye spice. Pop off its signature tin cup cap and enjoy wherever adventure takes him, no glassware needed. (40% ABV, $24.99)

4. Stranahan’s Original American Single Malt Whiskey: For the dad who embraces what’s next

Stranahan’s is a pioneer of American single malt, the first whiskey category to be legally defined and protected by the U.S. government in 52 years. Stranahan’s is also the most awarded in its class; its Original recently won gold at the acclaimed San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Crafted from locally sourced grains, it’s a marriage of 5- to 9 year-old barrels and cut with Rocky Mountain spring water, offering rich caramel and toasted oak notes. (47% ABV, $56.99)

5. Pendleton 1910 Bourbon: For the dad who’s western at heart

Whether he’s a true cowboy or just appreciates that Western spirit, Pendleton Whisky is the one for him. Born in the Great American West, it was literally made to honor one of the world’s most famous and respected rodeos, the Pendleton Round-Up. Its new 1910 Bourbon, honoring the rodeo’s inaugural year, is a 10-year-old bourbon; bold, robust and cut with pure glacier-fed water from Oregon’s Mount Hood, offering flavors of caramel, vanilla and rye spice. (45% ABV, $45.99)

6. Great Jones Straight Bourbon: For the dad inspired by New York craft

Crafted in Manhattan’s first and only whiskey distillery since Prohibition, Great Jones Straight Bourbon is medium-bodied with notes of creamy vanilla and a peppery finish. New York-grown corn, barley and rye are mashed and cut with Catskill Mountain water to create a uniquely New York spirit. (43% ABV, $40)

For An Over-the-Top Experience, Pair With a Distillery Visit

For those who want to go the extra mile, pair the expression of your choice with an unforgettable visit to where the whiskey was made. Check out Great Jones Distillery in New York City, Stranahan’s Distillery in Denver, or The Bushmills Distillery on the north coast of Ireland, for exclusive distillery tours, delicious tastings and other unique experiences.

No matter which bottle you choose, give Dad more than a drink — give him a moment, a story and a toast to everything he is and loves.

Please drink responsibly. Learn more at Responsibility.org.

2025-06-03T14:19:00

(BPT) – Sports aren’t just about competition; the thrill of a game has a way of bringing folks together. Playing a team sport is also a great way to move your body and maintain wellness, all while forging social connections. Whether you’re getting ready for the start of a summer rec league or planning a weekend get-together, use these five easy tips from Sports Dietitian Dawn Jackson Blatner to boost wellness and build community through the power of sports.

1. Organize a friendly match

Get friends, family, co-workers and neighbors together by organizing a friendly sports match! Make sure to pick a sport that everyone can join regardless of skill level. Soccer, pickleball or a fun run are all great options that allow many people of various abilities to participate. At the end, you may find that someone else wants to organize another friendly sports match soon to continue the fun.

2. Stay hydrated and fueled

To play your best, you need fuel and refreshment. Set up a team station with a mix of hydrating drinks like water and sports drinks with electrolytes to replenish those lost while playing. You can also bring easy snacks to share that are packed with energizing nutrients. For example, hard-boiled eggs, trail mix, fresh fruit and turkey veggie wraps are great options for players to snack on before and after a game.

3. Encourage team bonding

Team sports aren’t just for exercise. They’re an easy way to find others who share a similar interest to yours. You can facilitate these community connections by encouraging team bonding. Before a game, consider starting with a gratitude circle where players share something they’re thankful for, promoting positivity and mindfulness.

A quick wellness check-in gives teammates the chance to express how they’re feeling physically and emotionally while ice breakers — whether silly or reflective — can also help new members feel included.

4. Make it fun!

Whether it’s a pickup game or intramural league, a team name is essential. Ask your players to agree on a name and then go a step further by offering simple DIY projects like customizable team bandanas, reusable water bottles or name tags. Just head to your local craft store and pick up some blank items and fabric or permanent ink pens, and let your team unleash their creative side.

Don’t forget to take photos during arts and crafts and field time. At the end of the day, you can create a postgame photo wall that everyone can enjoy.

5. Help your muscles recover with protein

After a game, your muscles will need time and fuel to recover. Make sure to nourish your body with a balanced meal to support muscle recovery and help your active body recharge.

Try this simple Crispy Quinoa Omelet made with Eggland’s Best eggs. It’s a quick, savory and balanced recovery meal that can be enjoyed at any time of day, especially after a pickleball game.

Because this omelet is made with EB eggs, you can rest easy knowing you’re getting double the Vitamin B12 compared to ordinary eggs for a natural energy boost that will keep you going throughout your day. Eggland’s Best eggs also have six times more Vitamin D and more than double the Omega-3s than ordinary eggs to help support muscle function and joint health.

Crispy Quinoa Omelet

Prep time: 5 minutes; Cook time: 7 minutes; Yield: 1

Ingredients

· 2 Eggland’s Best Eggs

· 1 teaspoon olive oil

· 1/2 cup cooked quinoa

· 1/2 cup chopped baby spinach

· 2 tablespoons shredded cheddar cheese

Preparation

1. In a small bowl, whisk Eggland’s Best Eggs.

2. In an 8-inch skillet over medium heat, add oil and quinoa. Spread quinoa out into an even layer and cook for about four minutes without stirring, until a crisp crust starts to form.

3. Pour in whisked eggs and top with spinach and cheddar cheese.

4. Cover and cook for about three minutes without stirring, until egg is set and cheese is melted.

5. Fold in half and serve.

Time saver: Use frozen precooked quinoa, just thaw before using.

Variations: Mix things up by swapping spinach and cheddar for other types of veggies and cheese.

Make sure to enter the Eggland’s Best Pickleball Power-Up Sweepstakes for the chance to win a Grand Prize of $5,000 along with Life Time pickleball gear and Eggland’s Best merch. It’s open for daily entry June 3 through July 15 at EBFamilySweeps.com. Weekly prize packs will contain a gift card, branded swag and a 3-month supply of Eggland’s Best eggs.

2025-06-03T07:01:00

(BPT) – Video games are one of America’s favorite pastimes with universal appeal across generations. According to the Entertainment Software Association’s (ESA) annual Essential Facts About the U.S. Video Game Industry report, nearly two-thirds of Americans ages 5 to 90 regularly play video games. That’s over 205 million people playing on their phones, tablets, consoles and PCs! Read on to discover nine surprising findings about Americans’ video game habits.

1. The average player is in their 30s

Video games aren’t just for kids. The ESA report found that the average player is 36 years old and has, on average, been playing for 18 years.

Video games are also equally enjoyed among men and women — 52% of men and 47% of women play video games regularly across all generations of players. Perhaps more surprisingly, among older generations, women play more than men. According to the ESA report, 52% of boomer women play video games, compared to 46% of boomer men.

2. Older generations play video games to stay mentally fit

The top two reasons that everyone plays are to relax and to have fun. However, older generations like boomers and the Silent Generation said they play video games to keep their minds sharp and prefer puzzle games (73%) and skill and chance (55%) games.

3. Players of all ages can reap mental, social and emotional benefits from video games

Older players aren’t the only ones benefiting from video gameplay. In fact, most U.S. adults — including those who don’t play video games — agree that video games bring people joy (84%), provide mental stimulation and stress relief (81%), provide accessible experiences (79%), help improve cognitive skills (77%), bring people together (76%) and are educational (70%).

The ESA report also reveals that U.S. adults believe video games can teach problem-solving (78%), teamwork and collaboration (69%), adaptability and resilience (60%), and STEAM (57%) and communication (53%) skills.

4. Video games are a valuable way to build and maintain social connections

Video games don’t have to be played solo. Many people play video games as a way to build and maintain relationships.

According to the ESA report, 55% of players aged 8+ play video games with others weekly and 78% believe video games can introduce them to new friends. These aren’t just casual connections either: 63% of Gen Z and 49% of millennials said they met a good friend or significant other through video games.

5. Video games bring families together

Did you know that parents are more likely to play video games? According to the ESA report, 70% of parents play video games, compared to 60% of all adults. While some of these parents are playing video games on their own, 82% said they play video games with their kids.

By playing video games together, families can have fun and bond. When asked about the top reasons why they play video games with their kids, parents said because it’s fun for all of us (61%), a good opportunity to socialize with my child(ren) (55%) and a great way for the family to spend time together (55%).

6. Parents prefer video games to social media for their kids

Parents like being in control and video games offer a multitude of ways for them to manage their kids’ screen time. In fact, 70% of all parents say they prefer that their children spend time on video games rather than on social media.

According to a recent Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) survey, 86% use at least one parental control setting on their kids’ devices to manage their gameplay.

7. Video games transcend entertainment categories

Many video games feature references to other real-world entertainment that players can enjoy outside of their sessions, especially younger generations. Surveyed Gen Z (39%) and millennials (30%) reported that they discovered new songs and new TV shows/movies (28% and 24%, respectively) because of a video game they played.

8. And they influence real-life sports performance

Can sports video games affect performance on the field? According to the ESA report, 56% of adult players who play real-life sports also play a video game version, with 87% of them believing it improves their real-life performance.

9. Video games are an accessible outlet for fun, entertainment and connection for players with disabilities

For the 21% of American adult players who report having a disability, video games offer them accessible opportunities for fun, entertainment and connection. More than half of players with disabilities think video games are very accessible (56%), and close to half (49%) rated the overall accessibility of video games to be extremely/very important.

Of those who rated accessibility of video games to be extremely/very important, they rated adjustable text size (50%), adjustable difficulty levels (39%), camera comfort (35%) and subtitles (35%) to be the most important features in games.

Are you interested in learning more about America’s connection to video games? Visit TheESA.com/Facts to access the full report and discover more facts.

2025-06-03T07:29:00

(BPT) – Summer is the perfect time for high school students to start exploring college-level learning and make progress on general education requirements. Now there’s an easier and more affordable way to get started, without the usual barriers of cost or scheduling.

To make it easier for more students to explore and access the opportunity to get a head start on a college education, Sophia learning is offering incoming high school juniors and seniors free access to college-level courses this summer.

Eligible high school students will have access to six of Sophia’s top courses, including biology, nutrition, information technology and college readiness, from their catalog of more than 70 courses.

Here are four good reasons high school students should get a head start on college this summer:

1. Save money.

Students can save money on tuition by completing some of their general education requirements before enrolling in a program. Sophia’s on demand, online courses are built for college credit. They have been recommended for college credit by the American Council on Education (ACE) and are designed to be transferred. Sophia partners with over 80 colleges and universities who have agreed to accept Sophia courses for credit and Sophia courses can also be submitted to non-partner institutions for credit consideration. Students can save up to 90% on their general education courses with Sophia and to date, $1B in tuition has been saved by students taking courses through Sophia Learning.

2. Explore areas of study.

Far too many high school students go straight to college without a sense of what truly interests them or an understanding of potential career opportunities. This can lead them to take unnecessary courses or switch majors, extending the amount of time required for a degree. By exploring different areas of study during high school, students can enter college with more knowledge about their strengths and interests before the costly commitment that may come with college enrollment.

3. Build confidence.

College can be exciting, but some students and parents can feel overwhelmed and uncertain about whether it is the right path for them. By trying out some general education courses in a pressure-free setting at their own pace, they can begin to build confidence and get a better sense of what they can expect in higher education.

4. Prevent summer slump.

Many education experts are concerned about the learning loss that can happen over the summer when students step away from academics for an extended period. Sophia is fully online and self-paced with no assignment deadlines, so courses can be taken throughout the summer from anywhere, anytime. This flexibility allows busy students who work or have other responsibilities during the summer to fit the courses into their full schedules.

Exploring different pathways from high school to college should start well before high school graduation. Whether students want to get ahead, explore if college is the right path, or simply try something new, Sophia provides flexible opportunities to support their goals.

Sophia’s summer program for high school juniors and seniors offers a pressure-free starting point for their college journey, providing a safe space for them to explore their educational interests and decide what next steps are right for them.

Sophia Learning’s cost savings estimates are based on the average annual tuition at public four-year, in-state institutions as reported by the College Board Trends in its 2024 College Pricing Report. They base the calculation on Sophia’s subscription price of $99 per month. The cost savings that an actual Sophia learner might experience will differ depending on the number of Sophia courses they take, the time it takes to complete those courses, and the price per course at the college the learner enrolls in.

Eligible high school juniors and seniors for the 2025-2026 school year can sign up between June 2 and July 31, 2025. Enroll today!

2025-06-02T08:31:02

(BPT) – As wildfire events increase in frequency and severity across the United States, the Everything Lifesaving Foundation (EL) and portable power leader Jackery are partnering to enhance community resilience and emergency response capabilities. The organizations’ recent collaboration during Los Angeles County wildfires demonstrated the critical importance of reliable power solutions during disasters.

“When disasters strike, the first 72 hours are crucial for saving lives and protecting property,” said Paul Herrera, Director of Everything Lifesaving Foundation. “Having dependable power sources becomes essential when infrastructure fails, which is why our partnership with Jackery has been transformative for disaster response.”

Rising wildfire threats nationwide

Wildfires are no longer just a concern for Western states. According to recent data, nearly half of all U.S. wildfires in 2023 occurred in the Southeast, driven by factors like hurricane debris and development in fire-prone areas. The U.S. experienced 27 separate billion-dollar weather and climate disasters in 2024 — nearly triple the long-term annual average.

At-risk populations include:

• Residents in the wildland-urban interface, where development meets natural areas
• Communities in drought-affected regions, which have expanded beyond traditional fire zones
• Elderly and medically vulnerable individuals dependent on powered medical equipment
• Rural communities with limited evacuation routes and emergency resources

Power solutions in action: The LA wildfire response

During the recent Los Angeles County wildfires, EL deployed Jackery portable power stations and solar generators throughout affected areas. This allowed for continuous operation of essential medical devices for vulnerable residents, charging stations for communication devices at emergency shelters, power for critical equipment at first responder command posts, and reliable electricity for the refrigeration of medications and food.

“We’ve seen firsthand how portable power solutions make a life-saving difference,” said Herrera. “In one instance, we powered a resident’s nebulizer and refrigeration for 72 hours until utility services could be restored. In another case, solar generators kept oxygen concentrators operational during extended power outages, preventing medical emergencies.”

Essential wildfire preparedness for homeowners

Whether it’s preparing for wildfire season, hurricane season or summer blackouts, EL and Jackery recommend homeowners take these crucial steps:

1. Create defensible space: Clear flammable vegetation at least 30 feet from structures.

2. Develop a power resilience plan: Invest in solar generators that can:

• Keep phones charged for emergency communications
• Power medical devices during evacuations
• Preserve refrigerated medications
• Provide lighting and device charging during extended power outages

3. Prepare evacuation kits: Include essential documents, medications, first aid supplies, and portable power sources.

4. Establish communication protocols: Ensure all family members know how to contact each other during emergencies.

“Disasters don’t wait for convenient times to strike,” said Herrera. “Our work with Jackery has shown that having reliable, portable power can make the difference between a manageable emergency and a life-threatening crisis.”

For more information about wildfire preparedness or to contribute to Everything Lifesaving Foundation’s efforts, visit www.everythinglifesavingfoundation.org.

2025-06-02T07:01:00

(BPT) – What’s the perfect Father’s Day gift for a dad who loves to fish?

If your dad loves to fish, consider yourself lucky. With so many new baits, storage solutions, fishing lines, and apparel to choose from, Rapala makes it easy to find the perfect gift to make your dad’s next day on the water even better. Bonus points if you can be there with him.

Lucky for you, the pros at Rapala have all year long to think about what fishing gear dads want the most. Here are a few things we’ll be gifting our own dads on June 15th.

The hottest soft plastics on the planet – CrushCity soft plastics have taken the fishing world by storm, winning tourneys and putting giants in boats worldwide. Whether he’s a bass man, walleye guy, or inshore angler, a bag or two of CrushCity Mooch Minnows or Freeloaders is how to crush Father’s Day. Pro tip: buy some for yourself, too, so Dad doesn’t have all the fun.

Give Dad his favorite lure in a brand-new color – Sure, maybe Dad already has a Rapala Jigging Rap in every color imaginable, but there’s a good chance he doesn’t have it in Pure Chrome or Juicy Lucy. That’s because these brand-new colors just dropped this year. You can bet you’ll put a smile on Dad’s face when you get him one of his favorite lures in a fun new color. Dads love shiny things, too!

Help him get organized with a new tacklebox – Is your dad’s tacklebox old, overflowing or just plain dirty? Dads can always use more space to store their fishing gear. The RapStack 3700 Tackle Tray is perfect for the dad who needs a little help keeping his gear straight. Each tray is stackable, so Dad can keep expanding his bait collection without having to reorganize the whole thing.

Challenge Dad to a ‘Big Fish’ competition – Sure, dads love new toys as much as the rest of us, but the best gift of all is quality time with their kiddos. So, turn your gift into a fun activity by getting him a digital scale, plus a few CrushCity baits, and challenge him to a competition: who can catch the heaviest fish! Whoever wins gets bragging rights until next Father’s Day.

Dads love merch – Take a classic Father’s Day gift — a new hat — and personalize it by sourcing it from Dad’s favorite brand. The red-white-and-blue Rapala trucker cap will make Dad feel cool all summer. Plus, the top of his head won’t get sunburned! You’re welcome, Dad.

If your dad isn’t a hat guy, don’t fret. This Rapala Fleece Pullover will keep him toasty on those brisk summer mornings out on the water, and he’ll think of you every time he puts it on.

When in doubt, restock Dad’s fishing line – If your dad loves to fish, you can bet he runs through line faster than you can say “Happy Father’s Day!” Help him restock with the new Sufix Revolve Ultra-Thin Finesse Braid. When he opens his gift, tell him it’ll give him less line drag and more action. He’ll be impressed.

Get him a cool new backpack – Is your dad always carrying things around in random bags? Gift him the Venture 13 Backpack by Rapala to keep him organized and hands-free when you two go out on the water together.

2025-06-02T02:01:00

(BPT) – If you’re a pet parent, you probably worry about your pet’s health. You may also know cats and dogs can develop oral health issues that are difficult to treat, leading to expenses and additional health concerns you’d rather avoid — for their sake and yours. That’s why it’s important to be proactive when it comes to your pet’s oral health.

Poor dental hygiene in your dog or cat can lead to plaque buildup, bad breath, gum disease and even serious health issues that can affect the heart, liver and kidneys. Regular oral care keeps your pet healthier, from their snout to their tail.

In honor of Oral Health Month, there’s no better time to start a new dental care routine for your four-legged family members.

Safeguarding your pet’s dental health

Bad breath, yellow or brown tartar, red gums, difficulty chewing, excessive drooling or pawing at the mouth are signs of dental problems in your dog or cat. If you notice any of these signs, consult your veterinarian right away.

Vets recommend brushing your pet’s teeth with pet-safe toothpaste, and scheduling regular vet checkups and dental cleanings as needed.

Most pets aren’t crazy about having their teeth brushed, so there are many oral health products that also help improve dental health in cats and dogs that you can use along with brushing.

Find the right oral health supplement for your pet

Besides cats and dogs having very different needs and challenges when it comes to oral health products, their age, breed and size also make a difference. Pets are individuals too, with their own preferences and behaviors — not to mention allergies, food sensitivities or picky eating habits that can make administering products difficult. The key is finding what your pet responds to the best.

With these challenges in mind, Swedencare offers a variety of ProDen PlaqueOff^® oral health products specially designed to address different pets and their individual needs, including powders, soft chews and more. The active ingredient in ProDen PlaqueOff^® is A.N. ProDen^® — a 100% natural organic kelp, sustainably harvested from the pristine waters off the Scandinavian coastline. It works with the pet’s body and creates an effect that dissolves existing tartar build-up and prevents new deposits from forming.

Here are some options to choose from:

ProDen PlaqueOff^® Powder

Using a powder to help reduce plaque, prevent tartar and treat bad breath is ideal for a seamless addition to your cat or dog’s diet, as you simply sprinkle once, daily. It’s also the most economical choice, particularly for long-term use. This option is especially suitable for introducing to younger pets as a preventative measure, given its longevity and cost-effectiveness.

Trusted by veterinarians for promoting good oral health and approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC), product trials of ProDen PlaqueOff^® Powder show a significant reduction in plaque and tartar, while also improving bad breath. You’ll see a noticeable improvement in 3-8 weeks, when used as directed.

Powder for Dogs provides correct dosage information based on the weight of your dog. Powder for Cats offers a tasty formula containing brewer’s yeast that’s specially made for cats, which they won’t be able to resist!

Treat them with ProDen PlaqueOff^® Soft Chews

These soft chews are another option to try that has shown significant reduction in plaque and tartar, while also improving bad breath. The product for dogs is the only VOHC-approved soft chew on the market with A.N ProDen^®. These soft additions to their oral health routine may be welcome treats for your cat or your dog.

Dogs love their bones

For dogs who love to chew, Dental Care Bones provide dual functionality — they’re designed to satisfy a dog’s natural chewing instincts while also aiding in dental care. If your dogs prefer a longer-lasting treat to engage with, this may be the perfect option. Whether you use them as a relaxation aid or a reward, Dental Care Bones provide a fun way to help keep your dog’s teeth clean and breath fresh.

Dental Care Bones contain the same unique, clinically proven seaweed ingredient as the rest of the ProDen PlaqueOff^® products, ensuring your dog’s oral health routine will be bolstered with every chew. They come in a variety of flavors and sizes, catering to both large and small breeds, making them a versatile addition to your pup’s dental care regimen.

Pet oral health made simple

It’s never too early — or too late — to start with good dental habits. Finding the best option for your pet will make taking care of their dental health a lot easier. By taking proactive steps now to help keep your furry friend’s teeth in good shape, you’ll feel good knowing you’re helping to support their overall health and well-being for years to come.

2025-05-31T23:01:00

(BPT) – Summer is all about recreation, relaxation — and diving into stories that transport you into another world. To help you get into beach mode, Disney Books offers exciting titles perfect for taking to the beach or packing for your vacay.

These selections have something for everyone: mystery, romance, adventure and humor. Whatever you’re into, you’ll find a story to suit your summer vibe.

Contemporary reboot of a beloved classic

If you grew up loving the story of Mulan, you’ll be swept away reading “Worth Fighting For” by award-winning, bestselling author Jesse Q. Sutanto. She takes Mulan into the corporate boardroom, with a contemporary romance about family expectations, mistaken identity and high-stakes mergers of business and the heart.

Sutanto draws on her Chinese-Indonesian roots to reimagine Fa Mulan as the right hand of her father’s private equity company who knows what it takes to succeed as a woman in a man’s world: work twice as hard, be twice as smart and burp twice as loud as any other finance bros in the business.

What happens when she needs to close an acquisition deal by masquerading as her own father (whom the other company has never met), including a week of cattle wrangling, axe-throwing — and trying not to fall for Shang, the private equity company CEO she’s negotiating with?

A beachy mystery — plus sea creatures

What if a friend from a magical summer on an island who mysteriously disappeared one day suddenly reappears 30 years later, still a ten-year-old boy? That’s what happens to Jenni Farrow in “Here Beside the Rising Tide” by bestselling author Emily Jane.

That’s just the beginning of the mysterious goings-on faced by Jenni, now grown up, with kids of her own. She has become Jenn Lanaro, famous author of the Philipia Bay action-romance series, and heads to the magical island from her childhood to escape her demanding career and soon-to-be-ex husband.

What happens next defies explanation: Her childhood friend Timmy emerges from the sea, saying he’s on a mission to save the world and needs her help. As Jenn grapples with work deadlines, her spirited children and burgeoning interest in a very sexy contractor, alarming and mysterious events begin unfolding along the coast. When a terror appears in deeper waters, Jenn begins to wonder if Timmy may be on to something …

Rugged life at sea

To further take you into coastal waters, “The North Line” explores the rough and ready work of men working on an Alaskan fishing boat in the unforgiving Bering Sea. Author Matt Riordan draws on his life experience to spin a seafaring tale featuring college student Adam, who’s looking for quick money — only to find dangerous work and a harsh lifestyle that forces a dark-hearted exploration of who he really is.

While challenging, the labor required to seize bounty from the ocean invigorates Adam, and the often crude comradery also brings hard-earned wisdom. But when a strike threatens the entire season and violence stalks the waves, Adam is thrust into a struggle for survival at the edge of a world where evolutionary and social forces collide for outcomes beyond anyone’s control.

Lies, truth and tragedy

If you love a good psychological thriller, “Tell Them You Lied” will keep you guessing until the end. Author Laura Leffler brings readers into the New York City art world, where recent art school grads Anna and Willow are trying to make their way. While art school was boundless creativity and collaboration, the New York art scene is all about survival. Worse: Willow’s true nature as a muse only to herself has become nakedly apparent, as has her cruelty.

This morning, the “mugging” that Anna staged for Willow was supposed to send Willow running back to her true friend, Anna, to give Anna her power back. But this isn’t just any Tuesday morning. It’s September 11, 2001. As the city reels from the day, Willow never returns. Anna keeps quiet about her prank but feels growing panic that she’s to blame for Willow’s disappearance. As the hours and days tick by, Anna begins to question whether she’s the mastermind she thought she was — or the pawn.

Thank you for being a cozy mystery

If you’re a “Golden Girls” fan and love cozy mysteries, you’re in luck! “Murder by Cheesecake: A Golden Girls Cozy Mystery” offers a delightfully zany combo of the two. Author and cheesecake enthusiast Rachel Ekstrom Courage offers a hilarious and mysterious series of events involving your favorite characters from the hit TV show. When Dorothy’s obnoxious date (from a newfangled VHS dating service) is found dead in a hotel freezer, it not only ruins a gorgeous cheesecake, but threatens the elaborate St. Olaf-themed wedding that Rose is hosting for her cousin.

With every guest at the wedding considered a potential suspect (especially Dorothy), and Rose’s cousin’s marriage on the line, the four besties must identify the real killer, usher the should-be-happy couple down the aisle and make sure nobody from St. Olaf gets lost in the wilds of Miami. It’s up to the Golden Girls to sleuth out a way for friendship and love to win the day!

Make sure to slip a few of these great options into your beach bag or suitcase in time for summer.