18th Annual Great Midwest Book Fest: Saturday,June 20, 2026 1pm-4pm

 

Get your tickets here: https://tinyurl.com/gmbf2026

The 18th Annual Great Midwest Book Fest is a three-hour book fair that features African American authors and is open to the public with a $20 admission. Children are free. The 18th Annual Great Midwest Book Fest will be held on Saturday, June 20, 2026 from 1-4pm at Xchange Event & Creative Space, 3334 N. Holton St, Milwaukee, WI. The event will start with the authors giving a brief introduction of themselves followed by a short Q&A from the attendees. 

This year we are thrilled to have three headline authors including Phyllis R. Dixon, Saundra, and Monica Garner. Other authors that will be joining us this year are :

Vivian L. King

Dasha Kelly

Tony Lindsay

Eugene Pitchford

Michelle Davis-Newell

Sylvia Hubbard

These authors represent various genres including mystery/suspense, romance, vampire/fantasy contemporary fiction, children's books, and more! There is truly something for everyone. Each attendee who buys books from a participating author at the event will get a chance to get up to three free books in their SWAG bags!

Buy 1 book from a book event author you get a SWAG bag with 1 free book. Buy 2 books from 2 different book event authors you get a SWAG bag with 2 free books. Buy 3 books from 3 different book event authors you get a SWAG bag with 3 free books.

Please forward this to family, friends, book clubs, and any book lovers that you know. Thank you for your support.

New Review:The Ex Dilemma:Elle Wright

 

4 out of 5 books

Wesley Batchelor is in trouble. His image is on the verge of being ruined by a social media influencer. The problem is that Wesley doesn’t know who this influencer is and how she has all of this personal information. Wesley’s grandmother Joyce is the head of the Batchelor Corporation and she wants to see him succeed. Joyce has hired a private investigator to see who is behind this social media mess. But when Wes finds out that the private investigator is his ex Albany Keyes, things get tricky. Albany is trying to get her life back after a messy divorce. The last thing she needs to have any interaction with Wes. What will she do?

Scandal, secrets, and lies are what you’ll find in the Ex Dilemma by Elle Wright. Wright gives us an entertaining story about how social media can really mess up someone’s career. What makes this story so entertaining is the dynamic of Wes and Albany’s relationship throughout the book. There is also a shocking twist to this story that will delight readers. The Ex Dilemma is a sexy and fun read.This is a wonderful start to the Batchelor Life series.

Reviewed by Radiah Hubbert

Get your copy of The Ex Dilemma Today!

On the Line with Radiah Hubbert : Anna J

Anna J., a native of Philadelphia, is a multi-faceted author whose catalog spans across all genres. Her debut novel, My Woman His Wife, arrived on the scene in 2004 solidifying Anna's place in the literary industry. Deciding to switch gears, Anna J. tossed her hat into the thriller/suspense arena in the spring of 2025, introducing the world to Dylan Hunt, MMC in The Hunt: An Erotic Thriller. Further testing the limits of her creativity, Anna also contributed to her favorite past time and released Big Back Activities Vol. I and II. These coloring books that cater to those that enjoy a good meal.

Anna is currently working on a future release.

Okay bye. 

Radiah Hubbert: Tell us about What Happened to Zaniyah?

Anna J: What Happened To Zaniyah is about what happens when you think you have it all figured out. Internet predators, life after death, and how we cope with the decisions we make in life.

RH: How difficult was it to write this storyline?

AJ: This was my most difficult story to date. Like in a scale of 1-10, Zaniyah is 1,000. The reality of the story made it hard to tell, but somebody had to do it. 

RH: What would you want the readers to gain from this story?

AJ: My hope is that it sparks conversations between or teens/tweens and parents. The take away… be careful in these streets. 

RH: Can you give us a sneak peak into the next installment of this series?

AJ: Next up is Copy Cat. We are diving back into the Dylan Hunt case and what happened after his disappearance.

RH: You did include triggers warnings for this book. Do you think trigger warnings are necessary for authors to include in their books?

AJ: I’m from the old school. We didn’t do trigger warnings. You either put the book down if you didn’t like it, or you struggled through it.

For the sake of playing nicely, I gave the warning. Do with that what you will.

RH: As an industry veteran, what advice would you give to new authors?

AJ: Dang, have I reached vet status?  As a seasoned author I’d tell new authors that this is not easy. Sometimes you have to put the pen down. Take the time you need, and then pick it back up. Write as many stories as you can in this life time, and God willing you can pick it up in the next.

RH: Please share some of your upcoming projects.

AJ: Well…  I won’t share any titles right now, but let’s just say Copy Cat is still on the table, and there are some other projects that will be sprinkle in as well go. 

RH: Where can readers connect with you?

AJ: On all social media outlets I can be found under Author Anna J or Anna J Author

Click here for the review of What Happened to Zaniyah here

Click here to get your copy of What Happened to Zaniyah

New Review:All I Want for Christmas is You: Tanisha Stewart

 

4 out of 5 books

Jasmin is a ten-year-old little girl who is heartbroken. Her parents are on their way to getting a divorce. With her dad already moved in with his girlfriend, Jasmin wants her family back by Christmas. And she will try to do that by any means necessary.

All I Want for Christmas is You is a quick thriller by Tanisha Stewart. Stewart gives us story through the eyes of a little girl that just wants her dad to come back home. However, you will soon find out that everything is not what it seems. Of course this story has an unexpected twist that readers will not see coming. All I Want for Christmas is You is a fast-paced story that can be read at any time during the year.

Reviewed by Radiah Hubbert

Get your copy of All I Want for Christmas is You today!

New Review:The Bluest Night : Aaron Philip Clark

5 out of 5 books

The Bluest Night by Aaron Philip Clark is a gripping, atmospheric crime novel that draws you in through its mood, depth, and emotional intensity. Rather than relying on nonstop action, Clark builds tension through strong character development and a steadily unfolding sense of unease that keeps you invested.

This is the third book in the series of ex-cop turned PI Trevor Finnegan. Trevor is tortured, at times impulsive, but he has morals and is always looking to do the right thing and bring to justice the wrong doers. This time, he’s faced with a personal dilemma. One that he really doesn’t want any involvement in. But because of his dad, he’s kind of forced into solving the crime.

One of the novel’s biggest strengths is its characters. They are complex, flawed, and deeply human, making their choices feel believable even when they’re troubling. The author excels at exploring moral gray areas, prompting readers to think about justice, loyalty, and the cost of survival. The setting adds to the novel’s power, creating a dark, immersive backdrop that reflects the characters’ inner struggles.

Overall, The Bluest Night stands out as a compelling read that goes beyond a typical crime novel. It’s a great choice for readers who enjoy character-driven stories with emotional depth and plenty to talk about afterward.

Reviewed by Josephine Winfrey

Get your copy of The Bluest Night today!

New Review:What Happened to Zaniyah?: The Hunt Book 2: Anna J

 

5 out of 5 books

Zaniyah Burks is fifteen years old and thinks she knows everything. Her mother works very hard and warns Zaniyah as best as she can about the dangers of the streets. But will Zaniyah find out before it’s too late? Officer Morgan Johnson is on the case of trying to find Zaniyah. Meanwhile, she’s still wondering if she wants to stay on the police force.

What Happened to Zaniyah? is a gritty, cautionary tale by Anna J. This story takes a hard look at the dangers of what a teen in today’s world can face on social media. Anna J pulls no punches on showing what can happen when even present parents can miss what their child is really doing. This book is a prelude to CopyCat, which is book three in The Hunt series. However, you do not need to read The Hunt in order to read this book. But you will want to read The Hunt after reading this story. This book is not for the faint of heart so please proceed with caution. What Happened to Zaniyah? is not only an excellent book for adults, but also a book to read and discuss with your teens.

Reviewed by Radiah Hubbert

Get your copy of What Happened to Zaniyah? today!