Centreville, VA – Christmas in Havana, the gripping third installment of Stephen Hiemstra’s Masquerade series, is now available. Combining political intrigue, action, and romance, Hiemstra’s latest novel dives deep into the complexities of love and loyalty in the face of personal grief and international crisis.

Luke Stevens, a CIA agent working undercover as a pastor, finds himself haunted by his ex-wife’s death as he eulogizes her. Just when Luke is ready to move forward, North Korean law student Ruth Chǔ (Yong Dae Chû) enters his life. She is secretly entangled in a dangerous game of espionage, working as a courier for North Korea’s Reconnaissance General Bureau (RGB) to support her family. Both Luke and Ruth must navigate their complicated pasts and present loyalties, all while international tensions threaten to boil over.

When China’s plan to invade Taiwan comes to light, with Cuba playing a key role in the diversionary attacks, Luke and Ruth are thrown into a whirlwind of danger. The novel raises the stakes with rogue operatives, international betrayal, and a contract placed on Luke’s life. Despite the chaos surrounding them, Luke and Ruth form a bond, quietly supporting each other as they face impossible choices.

Hiemstra’s skillful writing combines fast-paced action with thoughtful character development. Readers are treated to rapid-fire dialogue and a suspenseful plot that turns on a dime, keeping them on the edge of their seats. As Luke and Ruth struggle with their own personal dilemmas, Hiemstra skillfully weaves in commentary on international politics, hinting at larger global consequences and political missteps.

Praise for Christmas in Havana

“Having traveled to Havana, I can attest to the city’s rich history and intrigue, and Stephen Hiemstra captures this perfectly. Christmas in Havana is a thrilling read filled with action and suspense.”

— Percy M. Burns, Author of Glorious Freedom

“Stephen Hiemstra guides readers through a captivating adventure that reflects life itself, blending action and emotion with ease. Christmas in Havana is a fascinating story of love, loyalty, and survival.”

— Julio Martinez, Senior Pastor, Shadai Phoenix Church

“Christmas in Havana is a powerful conclusion to Hiemstra’s trilogy. It’s a fast-moving drama full of romance, action, and spiritual reflection.”

— Sharron Giambanco, Business Owner and Writer

About the Author

Stephen W. Hiemstra (MDiv, PhD) is a husband, father, and writer with a passion for Christian spirituality and ministry. After a 27-year career as an economist with the U.S. government, Hiemstra transitioned into ministry, serving as a pastor and writer. He has published numerous books, including Called Along the Way and A Christian Guide to Spirituality, and writes regularly on his blog. Stephen holds a Master of Divinity from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and a PhD in Agricultural Economics from Michigan State University.

For more information and to sign up for Stephen’s newsletter,

Visit www.stephenwhiemstra.net

Contact Information:

Contact Person : Stephen W. Hiemstra

Email: t2pneuma@gmail.com

Blog: https://t2pneuma.net

Books: https://t2pneuma.com

Dug Brown’s latest novel, Slaphappy, is a hilariously eccentric and daringly unpredictable tale that dives deep into the absurdities of human nature, morality, and the chaotic pursuit of fame. Set in a morally decaying society, Slaphappy follows the life of Bruiser, the irreverent host of the Atlanta-based internet game show Greed, where contestants are enticed to sacrifice their moral values for cash rewards.

This bold novel blends dark humor with elements of New Age smut, bringing readers a unique genre mashup that explores the fringes of human desires and moral boundaries. The novel takes an unexpected turn when Bruiser encounters Bootleg, a mysterious transient, during a show taping. After receiving a handful of change from Bootleg, Bruiser wakes up three days later with an uncanny ability: he can heal people by slapping them. What follows is a bizarre and darkly humorous journey across the country, as Bruiser embarks on a slap-fueled healing tour, raising questions about his sanity and whether his newfound power is a curse or a blessing.

 As Bruiser slaps his way through moral dilemmas, addictions, and a deep-seated disdain for humanity, the novel explores complex themes, including the savior complex, societal decay, and the human obsession with finding heroes in the most unlikely places. His bizarre journey is further complicated by his growing relationship with Vanessa, his new producer, who sees the entertainment potential in his powers, yet senses a deeper purpose behind his strange gift.

Brown’s writing, reminiscent of satirists like Philip Roth and Ishmael Reed, takes readers on a thought-provoking, surreal, and often darkly comedic ride. Through Bruiser’s exploits, Slaphappy satirizes reality TV, the pursuit of the American Dream, and the fine line between good and evil. 

Praise for Slaphappy

Slaphappy challenges readers to reflect on their own beliefs, fears, and anxieties through a blend of ultra-black humor, vivid surrealism, and characters who exist on the fringes of society. Bruiser’s story, while outlandish, embodies the darkest fears and desires of the modern world, creating a narrative that is as entertaining as it is thought-provoking.

With its irreverent tone and unpredictable twists, Slaphappy is a must-read for fans of dark comedy, New Age smut, and unconventional storytelling. Dug Brown’s unique voice, honed by years of bartending and transcendent spiritual practices, brings a raw, authentic edge to the novel, blending satire with a profound commentary on human nature.

Slaphappy is now available for purchase and promises to take readers on a wild, unforgettable journey.

Contact Information:

Contact Person: Dug Brown

Website: www.dugbrown.com

Email: dugbrown3@gmail.com

Dug Brown has spent most of his life observing humanity from behind a bar, where much of his dialogue and perspective on human nature was shaped. A Reiki master and Johrei practitioner, Brown brings a transcendental perspective to his writing. Having studied film in Los Angeles, Brown worked as a screenwriter before venturing into documentary filmmaking and eventually returning to the South. Slaphappy is part of a broader library of thought-provoking novels that aim to take readers from the darkness of human experience into the light of a new generation.

Life Bank Chain Introduces a New Paradigm in Genetic Data Management with Dr. Randy Schekman

Life Bank Chain, a player in blockchain-based healthcare solutions, has announced the launch of its ERC-20 token framework to bridge the gap between genetic research and blockchain. This revolutionary model aims to incentivize scientists and researchers to share data, driving innovation in personalized medicine and accelerating medical breakthroughs.

With Nobel Laureate Dr. Randy Schekman lending his expertise in biology, Life Bank Chain’s initiative promises to set a new standard in the fusion of blockchain and genetic research. This approach enhances efficiency, transparency, and collaboration, addressing critical challenges in healthcare while laying the foundation for a more open and secure research ecosystem.

“Blockchain offers a unique solution to manage research contributions and reward innovation,” said Dr. Randy Schekman, advisor to Life Bank Chain. “This project has the potential to unlock new frontiers in healthcare by making research more accessible and incentivizing breakthroughs.”

Building a Collaborative and Transparent Research Ecosystem

Life Bank Chain’s ERC-20 token framework incentivizes the collection and sharing of genetic data by rewarding contributors with digital tokens. These tokens aim to foster an environment of transparency, making research more efficient and accessible while encouraging collaborative efforts between scientists and healthcare professionals.

The project’s tokenized ecosystem also presents a compelling opportunity for investors, as it is designed to drive exponential growth through active participation and innovative contributions. Life Bank Chain’s dual focus on blockchain and biology positions it as a game-changer in both healthcare and decentralized finance.

Transforming Personalized Medicine with Blockchain Technology

The ERC-20 token system is just one aspect of Life Bank Chain’s mission to redefine personalized healthcare. Dr. Schekman’s extensive background in cellular biology informs the development of DNA and RNA-based solutions, with a focus on creating therapies tailored to individual genetic profiles.

This fusion of blockchain technology with personalized medicine ensures that data is secure, decentralized, and accessible only to those with authorized access. Life Bank Chain’s innovative model allows patients and researchers alike to maintain control over sensitive genetic data while fostering new breakthroughs in medical science.

“This initiative encourages both collaboration and security, empowering researchers to drive progress while respecting data privacy,” said Dr. Schekman.

About Life Bank Chain

Life Bank Chain is a pioneer in blockchain-based healthcare solutions, focusing on secure genetic data management and personalized medicine. With the involvement of Nobel Laureates Dr. Randy Schekman and Dr. Eric Maskin, the company combines cutting-edge biology with advanced blockchain technology to create innovative healthcare solutions. Life Bank Chain’s mission is to bridge the gap between science and decentralized finance, driving both data security and medical advancements.

Website: https://lifebankchain.io/

Media Contact

Contact person : Ryan Chris – CEO

Email: contactus@lifebankchain.io

Website: https://lifebankchain.io/