With winter settling in, what better way to stay warm than by snuggling up indoors with a good book?
If you’re searching for your next winter read, “Arizona Horizon” has featured several local, Arizona authors and chatted with them about their books. We’ve put together a list so you can easily dive into these reads and make your winter days a bit cozier.
For those inclined to explore beyond the winter collection, you can peruse our featured summer reads for ideas for your next vacation read.
‘VISIBLE’ by May Busch
Career-minded readers will benefit from May Busch’s new book, ‘VISIBLE,’ which offers practical strategies to advance professionally while staying authentic. Drawing from her 24-year rise to COO at Morgan Stanley Europe and her work developing leaders at Arizona State University, Busch provides a framework for making your potential visible without compromising your values.
In ‘VISIBLE,’ Busch emphasizes understanding senior decision-makers’ perspectives and leveraging your strengths to stand out authentically.
Learn more about the book and Busch in her interview with “Arizona Horizon,” and buy the book online.
‘Fight like Hell’ by Lorenzo Sierra
Former Arizona legislator Lorenzo Sierra shares his powerful personal journey in his memoir, “Fight Like Hell,” recounting his near-fatal battle with COVID-19 and his wife Rhonda’s fight against late-stage breast cancer. The book reflects on resilience, devotion and public service through unimaginable challenges.”
In “Fight Like Hell,” Sierra shares deeply personal insights, reflecting on the power of hope, the importance of loved ones, and the lessons learned from facing mortality.
Learn more about Sierra’s inspiring journey in his interview with “Arizona Horizon,” and buy the book online.
‘The Story That Wouldn’t Die’ by Christina Estes
Local journalist and author Christina Estes has released her latest novel, “The Story That Wouldn’t Die,” which follows a Phoenix reporter investigating the suspicious death of a beloved small business owner. As the reporter digs deeper, she uncovers potentially corrupt deals at city hall and faces powerful forces determined to bury the story. Drawing on Estes’ 20-plus years in journalism, the book offers a thrilling, authentic glimpse into the challenges and intrigues of reporting in Phoenix.
In her book, Estes blends real-life experiences with fiction to create compelling characters and storylines, capturing the tension, ambition and ethical dilemmas of investigative reporting.
You can learn more about her book and hear Estes discuss her inspirations in her interview with “Arizona Horizon,” and buy the book online.
‘Kiss Her Goodbye’ by Lisa Gardner
New York Times bestselling author Lisa Gardner has released the latest installment in her Frankie Elkin series, “Kiss Her Goodbye.” In the novel, Frankie is called to Tucson, Arizona, to find a missing Afghan refugee, whose friend fears she is in grave danger. Gardner explores the challenges of starting over after trauma and the lasting impact of past events, creating a gripping and deeply human thriller.
Drawing on extensive research into refugee resettlement and human experiences, Gardner brings authenticity and emotional depth to her story, making readers reflect on resilience, courage and the support needed to rebuild lives.
You can learn more about her book and hear Gardner discuss her research and inspirations in her interview with “Arizona Horizon,” and buy the book online.
‘Henry’ by Katrina Shawver
Author Katrina Shawver brings to life the incredible story of Henry Zguda, a Polish champion swimmer and Holocaust survivor, in her book, “Henry: A Polish Swimmer’s True Story of Friendship from Auschwitz to America.” Shawver chronicles Zguda’s journey from the swimming pools of Poland to the horrors of Auschwitz and Buchenwald, highlighting his resilience, courage and the power of human connection.
Through extensive research, rare documents and more than 70 original photographs, Shawver presents a deeply moving historical account that bridges past and present, showing lessons of perseverance and hope that remain relevant today.
You can learn more about her book and hear Shawver discuss Henry’s story in her interview with “Arizona Horizon,” and buy the book online.
‘Courtroom Drama’ by Neely Tubati Alexander
Phoenix author Neely Tubati Alexander brings friendship, romance and reality television to life in her latest literary rom-com, “Courtroom Drama.” As her third book, it showcases Alexander’s signature blend of humor, heart and engaging storytelling, following characters through unexpected twists and heartfelt moments.
Known for her pantser-style writing, Alexander lets her characters guide the story, creating an exciting and intuitive reading experience.
You can learn more about her book and hear Alexander discuss her creative process in her interview with “Arizona Horizon,” and buy the book online.
‘The Hat Diaries: Escape from the Adventure’ by Nadine Haruni
Children’s and teen author Nadine Haruni released a new book, adding on to her “The Hat Diaries” series. “The Hat Diaries: Escape from the Adventure” is an action-packed third book in the trilogy.
The coming-of-age fantasy trilogy follows 13-year-old Ryan Rigbee as he struggles with bullying and losing his dad.
By day, he is a normal teenager, but by night, he can handle anything once he puts on his magic hat. He then transforms into the role of the hat wearer, as he becomes a firefighter, police officer, magician, etc.
You can learn more about her book and hear Haruni talk about the series in her interview with “Arizona Horizon,” and buy her book online.
‘The Grave Artist’ by Isabella Maldonado and Jeffery Deaver
Award-winning mystery authors Isabella Maldonado and Jeffery Deaver are back with a sequel to their mystery, “Fatal Intrusion.” Titled “The Grave Artist,” the book follows federal agent Carmen Sanchez and private security expert Jake Heron as they combine their skills to face a new adversary.
A wedding reception is coming to a close when the day is shattered by the death of the groom. Though it appears to be an accident, the death is actually the third in a series of similar deaths. Sanchez and Heron believe something sinister is at play.
You can learn more about Maldonado and Deaver’s book and hear them discuss their collaboration in an interview with “Arizona Horizon,” and buy the book online.
‘Radical Sisters’ by Judith L. Pearson
When Shirley Temple Black, Rose Kushner and Evelyn Lauder were diagnosed with breast cancer, myths, outdated protocols and a lack of awareness of their disease were rampant. Worst of all was the paltry amount of research dollars devoted to the epidemic that was killing tens of thousands each year.
Meticulously researched, “Radical Sisters” by Judith L. Pearson is a rich narrative transporting readers through three decades of a changing social landscape in America. Taking cues from the women’s health movement and the AIDS movement, these trail‑blazing advocates did for themselves what the mainstream health care system refused to do.
Learn more about Pearson’s book and the legacy behind it in her interview with “Arizona Horizon,” and buy the book online.
‘State Legislatures: An Owner’s Manual’ by State Senator John Kavanagh
In “State Legislatures: An Owner’s Manual,” state Senator John Kavanagh (R) offers a real-world view of how laws are made. The book can be a resource for legislators, legislative staff, students, lobbyists, citizen advocates and anyone interested in legislative processes and lawmaking. Individual chapters in the book address legislative history, significant reforms, legislative organization, procedures and the legislators, staff and other players at the Capitol.
It also dives into bill drafting, judicial interpretation of laws, the genesis of legislation, and the complex process of passing laws. Other chapters examine threats to the legislative institution posed by the administrative state, the executive branch, and the courts, along with how legislators can guard against such threats.
The book concludes with chapters on ethics, logic, and argumentation, as well as the author’s advice to legislators and guidance on effective legislator-constituent communications.
You can learn more about his book and what went into writing it in his interview with “Arizona Horizon” and buy the book online.
‘The Rehab Playbook’ by Jaime Vinck
Part personal story, part guide and part industry insider’s view, Vinck offers step-by-step guidance, expert insights and the compassionate clarity families have been searching for, all the while donating a portion of the book proceeds to the American Addiction Research Foundation. “The Rehab Playbook” was released in September 2025 and sold out on Amazon within the first week.
Vinck, who is also a clinician, explained there are several reasons why a person dealing with addiction doesn’t go for treatment. In her book, she wanted to address these issues not only for the people struggling but also for their loved ones.
You can learn more about her book and the research behind it in her interview with “Arizona Horizon” and buy the book online.
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