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The Maple Staple Features Stories that Explore Faith, Adventure, and Human Experience

I Only Walk On Water When it Rains

The Land of Tears: Is a Secret Place

The City of Mystery

GARDEN OF EARTHLY DELIGHTS OR THE NIGHTMARE: New York City in the 1970s and 1980s PART I: MANHATTAN

God's Promises for the Family Circle

This curated collection of books offers mystical journeys, magical realms, and insights for personal and family reflection.

TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA, August 22, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Stories have the power to transport, transform, and illuminate, whether through the quiet reflection of personal grief, the thrill of fantastical quests, the pulse of a bustling city, or the gentle guidance of faith and family.

The latest collection featured at The Maple Staple bookstore invites readers to journey across these varied landscapes, where imagination meets insight, and adventure intersects with introspection. Despite their diverse genres—spiritual memoir, allegorical fantasy, literary mosaic, and devotional guidance—each work resonates with a shared purpose: to touch the heart, inspire growth, and deepen understanding of the human experience.

Patty L. Luckenbach’s writing emerges naturally from a life devoted to guiding others through change, loss, and renewal. An ordained pastoral care minister, teacher, and psychotherapist, she has spent decades helping people navigate grief, embrace growth, and uncover resilience. These experiences became the foundation for two profoundly moving works: “I Only Walk On Water When It Rains” and “The Land of Tears: Is a Secret Place.”

In “I Only Walk On Water When It Rains,” Luckenbach opens a doorway into a mystical journey of self-discovery, guided by her conversations with the Great Bear Spirit. Through this spiritual dialogue, she reflects on the interconnectedness of all life and the profound sense of unity that underlies human existence. More than a personal account, the book becomes an invitation—calling readers to explore their own spiritual paths and to recognize the divine threads that weave them into the greater whole. It is both memoir and meditation, offering wisdom that resonates beyond the page.

Her other work, “The Land of Tears: Is a Secret Place,” turns inward to address the delicate terrain of grief and healing. Written as a grief support journal and workbook, it offers a gentle companion to those navigating the pain of loss. Drawing from her own experiences of sorrow as well as her work with others in mourning, Luckenbach creates a safe space for reflection and expression, encouraging readers to move through the process at their own pace. Each page serves as a quiet invitation to listen—to the heart, to memory, and to the unspoken wisdom that grief can reveal. In its simplicity and compassion, the book becomes not just a tool for healing but a gift of presence in times of sorrow.

From inner landscapes of grief and healing to magical realms of adventure, Mary Beth Allen brings a rare combination of imagination and heart to her storytelling, creating worlds where adventure, friendship, and courage come alive. Through her writing, she invites readers to explore bravery, loyalty, and the power of curiosity, crafting stories that entertain while offering meaningful reflections on character and growth. Her vivid narratives draw readers into magical realms, making each journey as engaging as it is inspiring.

In her book “The City of Mystery,” Allen transports readers into a thrilling quest sparked by a mysterious gift: a starburst-shaped crystal inherited by twelve-year-old Michal from her grandfather. Convinced it is a clue, Michal sets out with her magical companions on a journey to the legendary City of Mystery. Along the way, they navigate perilous swamps, haunted forests, and giant centipedes, encountering the Firsts—the original speaking dragon, eagle, and unicorn, and the first man awarded the mystical Blue Orb. Filled with danger, wonder, and revelation, the adventure challenges Michal and her friends to discover the answers needed to save her beloved city of Salvatore.

While Allen transports readers to fantastical realms, Gordon R. Schwerzmann grounds them in the raw vibrancy of real-life New York City. In “Garden of Earthly Delights or the Nightmare: New York City in the 1970s and 1980s Part I: Manhattan” . Schwerzmann captures the raw energy and contradictions of a city like no other. While he positions himself as a “minor supporting actor,” Manhattan itself takes center stage, alive with mystery, vitality, and constant transformation. Through his travels, photography, and encounters with residents from all walks of life, he illuminates the hopes, struggles, and dreams that define the city’s pulse—showing that beyond the postcards, life in New York is a daily negotiation of identity, ambition, and survival.

Blending narrative, stream-of-consciousness reflections, poetry, dream visions, short mysteries, and social commentary, Schwerzmann crafts a deconstructed memoir that is part personal story, part literary mosaic. The book immerses readers in Manhattan’s streets, revealing a city both enchanting and unforgiving, and offers a magic-realist perspective on its enduring allure. With Part I devoted to Manhattan and Part II set to explore the other boroughs, “Garden of Earthly Delights or the Nightmare: New York City in the 1970s and 1980s Part I: Manhattan" presents a layered, unforgettable portrait of New York City during a turbulent era.

Rounding out the collection, Marionette Simmons’ “God's Promises for the Family Circle” offers readers an inviting journey through faith, family, and reflection. This thoughtfully curated collection blends inspirational poems, engaging word search puzzles, and Bible-based insights designed to nourish the soul. Simmons draws on her own family experiences, illustrating how everyday challenges can be met with faith, prayer, and understanding. Each section offers a unique avenue for readers of all ages to explore God’s promises and discover guidance for their lives. Through her words, Simmons creates a space where families can reflect together, uplift one another, and find hope in God’s teachings.

The book serves not only as a spiritual guide but also as a practical companion for daily living. With prayers to speak over oneself, loved ones, and life’s challenges, readers are encouraged to actively engage with their faith, finding strength and positivity even in difficult circumstances. Simmons’ approach transforms ordinary moments into opportunities for spiritual growth, offering insights that resonate across generations. God's Promises for the Family Circle ultimately invites readers to spend meaningful time with God, embrace His promises, and witness the potential for positive change in every aspect of life.

These captivating books are now on display at The Maple Staple bookstore and are also available online at The Maple Staple Digital Bookstore at https://themaplestaple.com/digital-bookstore/, providing readers with both a tangible and virtual gateway to stories that entertain, enlighten, and uplift.

Emmanuel Laguardia
The MapleStaple
+ +1 7142495529 ext.
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