A two-time breast cancer survivor over-shares…
Let Me Get This Off My Chest
Memoir, Non Fiction
Available from…
Amazon
Barnes & Noble 
Your local book store Release Date: Saturday, 7/15/13
Paperback Price: $8.99
Ebook Price: $3.99
Audiobook Price: $8.26
ISBN13: 978-0-61581-251-9
Imprint: StoryRhyme.com Publishing
The reviews are in…
"Every woman must read this book…"
"I loved the narrator. She was hilarious and kind and just perfect. She sounds like the kind of person I want to be or I want my kids to be…"
"Hilarious and heartfelt — this series of essays follows the journey of a two-time breast cancer survivor. Brave, funny, and bold, this honest account will have you laughing and crying." — BookBub, October 30 2013
"…humorous and tip-filled… Lesh is faced with a recurrence that brings twofold challenges and options. Sometimes all one needs is a chat with someone who has been there and done that—twice! Based on Lesh's blog posts, this book is a solid fit for patient health collections." — Library Journal, September 2013
"The book's themes are very universally applicable. Anyone whose life has been touched by illness, injury, loss can relate to it without that exhausting feeling of being emotionally dragged back through the hard time…"
"The tips that she ends each chapter with are super-informative. I would call it a sort of "Breast Reconstruction for Dummies" except that Lesh's sweet, sincere, funny, yet somehow quite private personality imbues the book with a real sense of intimacy, like she is telling secrets over the dinner table..."
"There is no gunk here, except the gunk left behind by surgical tape, no filler except the saline in the post-mastectomy frankenboobs. The author chose to organize the book in a VERY useful, entertaining way…"
"It"s the inclusion of numerous practical tips that earns the book a fifth star. I found myself wishing I'd read it before my mother's two bouts with breast cancer, as I would have been far better informed about the experiential aspects of the illness and its implications. A heartily recommended, easy read for anyone with breast cancer or anyone who cares about someone with breast cancer…"
Tamoxifen hot flashes, mastectomy, reconstruction, breast cancer etiquette, Frankenboobs, bras with special attachments—Margaret Lesh shares all in her funny, heartfelt collection of essays, anecdotes, and life lessons from the perspective of a two-time breast cancer survivor. She’ll tell you when it’s okay to play the cancer card, what you should take to the hospital, and gives suggestions on how to cope in those dark moments of the soul. With practical tips sprinkled throughout, Let Me Get This Off My Chest explores how breast cancer changed her outlook on life, offering honest insights, humor, and sensitivity as she looks for the silver lining in a not-so-great situation. Whether you are a woman diagnosed with breast cancer or whether you know someone with breast cancer, this book was written for you.
Dark, funny, snarky, seventeen-year-old
Becca struggles to cope with mental illness in
My Friends Are All Strange.
My Friends Are All Strange
Contemporary Young Adult
Available from…
Amazon
Barnes & NobleRelease Date: Tuesday, 10/18/16
Paperback Price: $9.99
Ebook Price: $2.99
ISBN13: 978-1-53728-581-8
Imprint: StoryRhyme.com Publishing
The reviews are in…
"The beginning of the story gave me the feeling of It's Kind of a Funny Story, and then TFIOS. I highly recommend this book for YA fans."
"Becca’s wit is sharp and incisive, and if you’ve ever felt like you’re on the outside looking in, you’ll appreciate it as much as I did. And really, this is a book about healing, about accepting one’s weaknesses and treasuring our own uniqueness."
"Teen emotional problems and mental disorders are portrayed with a tremendous amount of skill ... in this believable, realistic, and memorable storyline."
"Lesh creates characters who could be sitting in my classrooms--and I appreciate her for giving me these insights and expanding my "looking at things through someone else's shoes" empathy. A beautiful book, both for its content and design."
Right now I'm living at Brookside, a place for people like me. I've met a kitty girl, a brooding beautiful boy, one who can't be touched, and others. My new friends. Strange people. People like me.
I've always been different, but lately, more so. My hands sometimes don't seem to be attached to the rest of me. I cut up all of my clothes. I'm hot, so hot, all of the time. If I sleep, a wizard haunts every dream. I don't sleep. Sometimes I want to run, but where do you run to when you're trying to escape your own mind? I don't know if I'll ever be the same. I'm smart. I'm nice, sometimes. I just want to be normal(ish). But, right now, my friends are all strange... Like me.
Dark, funny, snarky, seventeen-year-old Becca struggles to cope with mental illness in My Friends Are All Strange, the gripping contemporary young adult companion novel to Normalish.
Today isn't normal.
Just ask Becca.
She’d want you to know.
Mr. Katz is a Zombie
Middle Grade Fiction, FantasyThe Best Juvenile Fiction Book of the Year!
Winner of Foreword Reviews’ INDIEFAB Book of the Year Gold Award for Juvenile Fiction.
Available from…
Amazon Barnes & NobleRelease Date: Tuesday, 10/14/14
Paperback Price: $7.99
Ebook Price: $2.99
Ebook ISBN13: 978-0-69224-622-1
Imprint: StoryRhyme.com Publishing
The reviews are in…
Foreword Reviews, Winter Edition: "J.D.’s appealing, goofy narrative voice will attract trouble-seeking young readers, as will the fun yet spine-tingling Gothic themes, J.D.’s ghostbusting parents, and random illustrations of donuts and milk cartons. This chaotic adventure has all the elements that make kids giggle, and they’ll keep turning the pages to see if Mr. Katz ever returns from the dark side. Ages eight and up."
"One of my favorite sounds is hearing my son laugh while he’s reading a book. Of course, the downside it that he then insists on telling me what was so funny. I politely remind him that I want to read the book too so please don’t spoil it…"
"…I would highly recommend this book for the younger children who like zombies but perhaps are too young for the really scary books and movies. The book is short enough and fast-paced enough to keep a child entertained, and it also has some great humorous moments that can keep even an adult happy."
"…The humour is deadpan with none of the extravagant arm-waving hey-this-is-a-joke writing that can make adults grit their teeth. Mr Katz is a Zombie should appeal to the under tens who want a simple plot but with lots of (safe) action, (friendly) ghosts, and (donut-eating) zombies."
"The story still makes me chuckle when I think about it months after reading the book…"
When twelve-year-old J.D. is tricked into taking possession of a book of spells, his best friend turns their teacher into a zombie. The zombification of Mr. Katz creates general chaos and a not-so-terrific time for near-genius J.D.
Teamed with his best friend Rodney, twin troublemakers, and an obnoxious ghost, J.D. must figure out how to change Mr. Katz back from one of the undead before he:
1. Escapes the janitor’s closet;
2. Eats their brains;
and
3. Wears J.D.’s spleen as a hat.
Can four boys armed with a slingshot, two boxes of jelly donuts, and a handy zombie guide battle their mindless teacher and live to tell?
Probably not.
You’ll have to read Mr. Katz is a Zombie to find out.
Fifteen-year-old Stacy questions the strange
world of high school, love, her role in a
harsh universe, and life, in Normalish.
Normalish
Contemporary Young Adult
Available from…
Amazon
Barnes & NobleRelease Date: Friday, 10/5/12
Paperback Price: $9.99
Ebook Price: $2.99
ISBN13: 978-0-69240-299-3
Imprint: StoryRhyme.com Publishing
The reviews are in…
"Everything about this story was handled so well--the characters, the dialogue, the emotions (from happy to sad to numb), the pacing, the drama, the relationships, the ending, and everything else I'm forgetting--all of it was well-balanced and felt so right…"
"This heartfelt story will tug at your heartstrings and reach down into your soul like a familiar friend…"
"I love the "voice" of Stacy and the pacing was just right... A HS freshman wise beyond her years, witty, funny, and... Normalish."
"If you liked Perks of Being a Wall Flower, you'll love this…"
"This book reminds you that being a teen is not easy, it also shows you that with the right friends and environment teens can become wonderful people, not defined by a stereotype or a letter, but by their own intelligence and understanding…"
People tell you high school's so great and wonderful, but they're lying. It's mostly horrible and full of disappointment. It sucks. Your best friend abandons you. The jerk you're in love with pretends to be into you, and then the big dump. The boy you've really clicked with as a friend decides to go all crushy over you, so you break his heart just like yours was -- smashed into little pieces. Your sister goes mental, and you get involved with a guy who’s even crazier than she is (who you know is a very bad idea, but you do it anyway). Math only adds another stink of failure to the whole thing.
High school blows.
Just ask freshman Stacy.
She’d want you to know.
A well-intentioned but clueless romantic
is determined to find love for her lonely
neighbor over her exasperated husband’s objections.
Finding A Man For Sylvia
Contemporary Romantic Comedy
Available from…
Amazon
Barnes & Noble Release Date: Friday, 11/23/12
Paperback Price: $9.99
Ebook Price: $2.99
ISBN13: 978-0-69240-663-2
Imprint: StoryRhyme.com Publishing
The reviews are in…
"I love when a book can make me laugh, and that is what this book did, almost from the very start…"
"I absolutely love the world that Margaret Lesh has created in "Finding a Man for Sylvia." I wish I could dive into the book (and I did--I couldn't put it down) and have the heroine, Julia Hawthorne-Florez, pour a margarita or two for me and then find a match for me! I'd move to LA in a minute. Julia is truly a heroic character, in the way that women see other women as heroines for their depth of character, perception, and fun…"
"A good well written story of love and how it can find you in the most unusual ways. How unusual people can find love when you think it can never work. Delightful read with quirky tones, keeping it light and fast paced…"
"Good, sassy chick-lit with a funny, romantic vibe. Excellent choice; romance is back with hilarious panache! Highly recommend…"
"A really lovable protagonist and a cast of amusing characters made me want to eke this book out to myself in small doses, so as to make it last as long a possible..."
Julia Hawthorne-Florez has the best of intentions, and everyone knows what the road to Hell is paved with. Her husband Javier accuses her of playing God with people's lives, but Julia is simply a fool for love. (Or maybe just a fool?)
When lonely Sylvia moves in across the street, Julia is determined to find her match. But, of course, there are obstacles. Javier, for one, who's forbidden any further matchmaking attempts on his well-intentioned wife’s part. And there’s the little matter of Sylvia being in love with a man who's taken a vow of celibacy.
Julia schemes; the hamster wheel in her head spins furiously. Handsome Ted is Julia’s first choice. Except shy Ted happens to be interested in Julia's best friend, certified dominatrix Lisa. And so it goes. Julia spins her web; Javier laughs at her. But Julia always gets the last laugh in this Latin-infused contemporary romantic comedy.
My Terrible Book of Happiness: Love, Anxiety and Everything
Memoir, Non FictionAvailable from…
Amazon Barnes & NobleRelease Date: Tuesday, 7/31/18
Paperback Price: $8.99
Ebook Price: $2.99
ISBN13: 978-1-98771-245-2
Imprint: StoryRhyme.com Publishing
The reviews are in…
"…I loved her sense of humor, which she balanced perfectly with the serious topics of anxiety, a history of breast cancer, and other losses. I flew through this book and it ended far too quickly, which is my sign that I was lucky to find such an excellent book!"
"…The world would be a kinder place if everyone took the little bit of time to read this book. Oh, and not to leave out a simple, mundane pleasure: the formatting of this ebook (actually all of her books) is exceptional, superior to anything I’ve seen from the big publishing houses. Next book, please :>)."
"An easy to read book that should apply to many, both personal and almost universal, particularly relevant at this time. I am a psychotherapist and I would like to order several of these so I can give them to clients."
"This book is a reminder that anxiety and depression can be overcome. The author, through personal and well-written stories, gently reminds the reader they are not alone. There are simple things we can do to get out of the traps we set up for ourselves (she includes a toolkit of those ideas near the end). This was a timely book for me-I will be putting some of those ideas to task. I really appreciated the fact that the author shared her personal journey. A big thank you!"
Margaret Lesh confronts midlife, the empty nest, strange bodily happenings, illness, loss of faith, overwhelming current events, and her resulting dark period. With wit and compassion, she weaves personal stories, observations, essays, bits of trivia, and her own coping tools into a beautifully funny, engaging tapestry. Opening up about her mental, physical, and spiritual reboot, the author of Let Me Get This Off My Chest: A Breast Cancer Survivor Over-Shares once again invites you in for a chat over a cup of coffee (or tea). Sharing from the depths of her soul, she writes not only to figure things out, but to help others navigating times that often feel bewildering and chaotic.
For those feeling anxious, sad, or simply in need of a lift, this book was written for you.
Handle With Care: Your Breast Cancer Support Group in a Book
Memoir, Non FictionAvailable from…
AmazonRelease Date: Saturday, 7/25/20
Paperback Price: $9.99
Ebook Price: $3.99
ASIN: B08DMZ27RW
Imprint: The CARE Project, Inc.
The reviews are in…
"…Heartfelt, honest words shared by real life warriors. Don’t be surprised if you shed a few tears and then start laughing, it’s an emotional roller coaster, worthy of every moment."
"This book is easy to read and gives succinct insight from people who have first hand knowledge about this. I love the candor!"
"Amazing and heart warming! It’s encouraging. This book makes you laugh and cry! For every male and female breast cancer survivor, thriver and caretaker…"
"This book is filled with useful information not only for women or men going through breast cancer, but also for friends and family enduring the struggle alongside them."
A breast cancer diagnosis is devastating, but you don’t have to go it alone. Consider this your portable support group. With real voices of experience from those who’ve been there--breast cancer survivors and thrivers--the Hive shares all with thoughts on everything from chemotherapy and reconstruction to what we don’t want to hear (and what we do); the emotional impact breast cancer has had on our lives; our new superpowers; what gave us strength; what motivated us; and what inspired us to keep going.
From the ups and downs of the emotional roller coaster that is cancer treatment to the life lessons we learned along the way, the Hive offers some of the things we wish we knew when we were first diagnosed as well as valuable insights into the ways breast cancer has changed how we see the world and our outlook going forward.
Handle With Care is a valuable resource not only for those dealing with a breast cancer diagnosis, but for their family members, friends, and those playing support roles.
All royalties from the sales of Handle With Care go directly to The CARE Project, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit located in Riverside, California dedicated to providing emotional and financial support to local breast cancer patients in the form of survivor socials, chemo care packages, breast forms, compression sleeves, gas and grocery gift cards, wellness classes, exercise equipment, and more.
Dust Jacket Short Story Journal Volume 1: Spring 2017
Short Story, FantasyAvailable from…
AmazonRelease Date: Monday, 5/1/17
Paperback Price: $6.99
Ebook Price: $2.99
ASIN: B072HDTLT7
Imprint: Dust Jacket Short Story Journal
Dust Jacket Short Story Journal is a quarterly published magazine, with both print and digital editions, that features the best in new and innovative short fiction.
This issue contains the following short stories:
THE HINTERLANDS by Brad Cobb
ASKING FOR TROUBLE by Lindsey Danis
MERMAID LESSONS by Margaret Lesh
RECIPE FOR DISASTER by Pat Tompkins
THE GIRL WHO PRACTICED FALLING IN LOVE by Craig Loomis
BLOOD, FISH AND BONE by Neil Greybanks
CANDY SOUR, CANDY SWEET by Joe Musso
RETRY by Andrew Sanyaolu
A CONTRADICTION OF THE WORD: RETREAT by Andrew Tran