Bookstore

Founded in 2015, APS Books & More was “Home to the Independent Author”.
The bookstore originally opened its doors inside of Ford City Mall, and then later moved to an independent location on 26th & Lawndale. Now, it remains an online business showcasing the talents of those authors published via APS Publishing.

Check out our authors…

Phyllis Calderon

What’s holding you back? Fear? Past trauma? Are you even aware that you’re stagnant? Well, I was totally oblivious to the fact that I’d become comfortable where I was sitting, which is what compelled me to write this book.

Compiled from my personal experiences, Stop Sitting and Stand is an outcry to the church collectively as a governing body as well as the individuals who comprise it. Those who have sat in complacency for so long that movement has seemingly ceased.

The extrapolated insights prompt the reader to think critically about their personal situations. They help the reader determine what got them sitting by exploring themes such as complacency, sentimentality, and clutter. If you’re tired of being stuck, I encourage you to thumb through these pages to discover what it takes to stop sitting and STAND!!!

Nicole Harris

Working Off the Beaten Path is a concise guide to 48 jobs with odd titles, and in some cases, even odder job descriptions. It was written for those who, for whatever reason, are not fulfilled with traditional jobs (doctor, lawyer, professional athlete, entertainer, fast food worker, etc). This guide proves that no matter how strange you may think your skills are, somewhere there is an occupation that will embrace them. Being unable to get a ‘regular’ job does not automatically mean you are unskilled; you may just be differently skilled. Sometimes you have to think outside the box.

This guide hopes to show readers that it is alright to be different. It is fine to be peculiar. There is nothing wrong with living off the beaten path. And now, you can even work there.

Serina Mitchner

Have you ever been scared, afraid, or terrified about becoming an adult? Your parents were giving warnings that life is about to happen…Now, you find yourself about to graduate, and it’s time to be responsible! No more safety nets. You are being kicked out of the nest and forced to fly. Whether you fly or flock, there will be lessons to learn! In her book, OMG Moments: I’m An Adult Already, Mitchner provides valuable lessons every young adult must learn. From self-care to time management to money matters and everything in between, you will receive an understanding of how to navigate through life.

Sharon Lockhart

Not intended as a professional means of counseling, Help… I’m Drowning provides a look into relationships and silent couples everywhere. It is a self-help guide to weathering the storms through some of the many facets of marriage. Despite your relationship status – single, desiring to be married, engaged, happily married, or on the brink of divorce, this book is for you. From the first kiss, the first embrace, through the changes and challenges that often present themselves within a relationship, Help…I’m Drowning is written with you in mind!

Books by Mary Hale

Ever been hurt? Abused? Mistreated? If you answered, “YES”, then this book is a must read! Author Mary Hale discussed how to sort through the “after effects” of the situations that cause these feelings so you can eliminate the emotional baggage and prepare to rebuild!

As you read, be ready to journey through your emotions. With this title, Author Mary Hale discusses the correlation between your body, soul, and spirit. She explains how once you comprehend that connection, you will have a better grasp on how to deal with matters of the heart.

Want to know how to be restored? Then, this book is for you! In this interactive read, Author Mary Hale breaks down how to go from brokenness to restoration. She also provides space and opportunity for you to chronicle your transition.

Ready to proclaim your healing? Read this! Continuing in the series, Author Mary Hale takes the time to teach readers how to search within to discover the love they’ve always desired.

Books by Valorie Tatum

In this charming tale, brothers Joey, Timmy, and Jack try to trick their mother, Rita Rabbit in order to enjoy a freshly baked pie. How do they do it? They have to get pretty creative to pull a fast one on Rita…she’s just too smart!!! But still, the brothers try. Maybe one can try to distract their mother while the other two make off with the pie. Will that work?

Read about the fun the brothers have, and see what happens when they try to put their plan into effect. Parents will not only enjoy reading this story with their little ones, but also the discussion that will ensue as this story addresses moral concerns for young children.

Everyday we encounter bullies. Often time, we label this as an issue that only children endure. The fact of the matter, however, is that bullies exist everywhere – at school, at work, within the community, and even online. Another fact is that children are not the only ones who are bullies or who get bullied.

Who Would You Tell, though depicted in a format to appeal for children, serves as a guide for anyone who has ever had to deal with this issue. Bullying is a serious problem, and this book is purposed to help its readers not only identify what it looks like, but also how to overcome it.

Once Upon A Time…I Was Never Young chronicles the journey of expedited maturation. Universal topics of family, community, and religion are discussed giving readers an opportunity to reflect on their own lives and experiences. A combination of short stories, self-evaluations and journal entries, this book is a great medium for individual introspection.

Author Valorie Tatum invites the reader to journey with her throughout her reflections of life. She recollects the events in her life that account for her being the woman she is today. Additionally, she challenges you to conduct your own self-evaluation regarding life. What mistakes have you made? What could you have done differently? Are you satisfied with your progress? Tatum gives the reader to understand that everyone must experience their individual trials, but the important factor are the lessons learned from these trying occurrences.

In this book, Author Valorie Tatum explains the importance of having a relationship with God. She explains how this relationship, and others, can help determine not only your call, but whether you decide to answer the call.

In Mission, Vision & Pedagogy, Valorie Tatum examines spiritual elevation from a personal viewpoint. She discusses the need to understand life’s mission; God’s vision; and provides a correlation between the two. Within the book, Tatum creates an interactive platform by giving readers a space to explore their own mission, vision, and purpose for life.

Books by Toneal M. Jackson

Pleasing Your Partner – This book discusses many of the issues that most marriages face. From financial hardship, to infidelity, to lack of communication, all of these problems can be conquered by adhering to the principles of this book. Every couple, whether just starting out, or on a continuous journey can benefit from this spiritual guide to h.a.p.p.i.n.e.s.s.

She’s Out. I’m In – Abuse. Blended Families. Communication. Money. Self-Esteem. Setting Boundaries. Trust. What do they all have in common? Regardless of age, race, or economic status, these issues typically plague all relationships. The difference however, is the manner in which the situations are addressed, and ultimately resolved. Encountered bumps in the road regarding your relationship? How did you handle it? Did you leave or did you stay? Still trying to decide exactly what to do? Your solution may be lurking inside… About the Authors International Award-Winning Author Toneal M. Jackson specializes in writing nonfiction self-help. Her books provide inspiration, relationship help, and effective communication techniques. Author Dominique Wilkins has written a plethora of “good books”. All of her fiction titles have received 5-star reviews, and are geared to entertain while incorporating a life lesson. These two powerhouses have joined forces to bring you the best of both worlds…entertaining scenarios with real self-help solutions!

Learning to Love Me – For generations it seems, women have struggled to love themselves. Despite positive characteristics, traits, and contributions, we tend to dwell on our flaws and shortcomings. Many of us were raised by women who encouraged us to embrace our beauty, both inside and out, while ironically enough, they were also conflicted. Learning to Love Me chronicles the personal experiences of 20 women, all with distinct backgrounds – age, race, social status and even geographic location. Regardless of those differences, the commonality that overwhelmingly unites them is the ability to overcome the obstacle that has at one point or another plagued us all. They have joined forces to share their journeys with the hope of encouraging readers to know that no matter the hardship, succeeding in life begins with self-love. After all, how can you truly love someone else unless and until you first love yourself. *Includes creative writing journal.

Love Me… Please – This story looks into the lives of four individuals – all whom have been plagued by rejection. They endure various hardships while in search of a solution to their misery. Why have they been rejected? Why can’t they be loved? If your have ever suffered with issues of abandonment; rape/molestation; low self-esteem; or infidelity, you will be able to identify with these characters who want so desperately to find a cure. Their daily prayer – Love Me…Please!

It’s A Way to Say It All (2 book set) Kids: From infanthood to adolescence, this book is designed to teach effective communication techniques that will help you better understand your child, and secure a lasting relationship. Partner: Award-Winning Author and Life Coach Toneal Jackson discusses how becoming a master of communication will solve any problem you face. Whether personal or professional, discover effective communication techniques that can enhance your relationships.

Four Girls (2 book set)Four Girls: A Lot of Choices discusses the trials and smiles associated with parenthood. More than just a mother’s recollection of life with her children, this work teaches character education; emphasizes the importance of family; and encourages the reader to embrace the value of love. Four Girls Learn Their Colors: In this rhyming tale, the four girls learn their colors. Oldest sister, Autumn, returns from school having learned that colors are grouped as being either primary or secondary. She spends her time teaching younger sisters Areana, Angele, and Jeriah how to differentiate between the two.

Growing Up to be Happy – Life can appear very tough. Trying to decide what to be, and what road to travel to obtain that goal can be difficult. Pressure from peers, society, and sometimes even family can make life seem downright overwhelming. In order to simplify a complicated situation, consider the most important factor: What does it take to be happy? After all, nothing you possess will matter if you can’t enjoy it! This work is written with a universal appeal. Whether eight, eighteen, or eighty, it compels the reader to deeply reflect upon a topic that most take for granted.

Being An Authorpreneur – Written by International Award-Winning Author, Toneal M. Jackson, this book is designed to provide tips to help authors succeed in the literary industry. This guide includes information on writing the book; getting it published (which incorporates a breakdown of traditional vs. self-publishing processes); marketing; promotion; sales; even knowing your rights! Every entrepreneur can benefit from this book. If you want to learn how to succeed from someone who has already done it, and save yourself a lot of money and frustration, you will definitely want to buy this book! *Includes Entrepreneur’s Journal

Inspiration from A.B.O.V.E. – International Award-Winning Author & Toneal M. Jackson combines personal narrative and poetry to teach how to turn any situation into an inspiring moment. She not only employs the “A.B.O.V.E.” acronym to demonstrate various sources of inspiration, but also incorporates “Life Coaching Questions” into the text to provide the reader with a thought-provoking, interactive experience.In this work, Jackson shares accounts of personal hardships, and reveals her secrets of endurance. She believes that although tragedies occur, they don’t have to overcome you. Learn how heartache, death, and misfortune can be transformed into personal growth.

Prayer Life Devotional Journal Collection – Written by International Award-Winning Author and Evangelist, Toneal M. Jackson, the purpose of these 13-week interactive Prayer Devotional Journals is to lead us into a lifestyle of prayer by becoming more acquainted with God. They are designed to teach readers methods of prayer by providing a master scripture and prayer tip for the week, and incorporating an outlet for customized prayer requests in an effort to realize personal goals. If you suffer from anxiety, are overtaken by worry, or struggle with stress, Praying Peace Over My Life will definitely help create the calm you’ve been looking for. If you’re wondering why you were created, or you’ve figured it out and just need a little direction, Praying Purpose for My Life will definitely help you find the answers you’ve been searching for. If you’re having trouble in your relationship, concerns with your kids, or issues on the job, Praying Problems Out of My Life will definitely help you find the solutions you’ve been seeking. The Bible declares in 3 John 1:2, “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospers”. If you desire to learn how to apply this to your life,Praying Prosperity into My Life will definitely help. *Journals are also available in Spanish

Meet the face of our Youth Division… Autumn Jackson

Books by Autumn Jackson

Hope Stern endures a lot of rejection and hardship. Despite this, she still chooses to have a positive outlook on life. That is, until one day she realizes that no one truly cares about her – not her friends, not even her brother. How will she manage the stress? Will she be able to continue being hopelessly persistent? You have to read to find out…

16-year-old Mariah has had to deal with a lot of drama. Issues with boys; pressure from her friends; really just trying to figure out who she is as a person.She hits a lot of bumps along the way and realizes that although life may seem complicated, the solution is truly simple. It lies in answering the title question, Which should I choose?

Mariah is now a senior in high school and somewhat depressed over the death of her mother. However, she has to quickly overcome it because now her father is unable to manage his emotions. She is faced with working a job, while balancing her schoolwork. But what happens when it gets too difficult and her grades begin to slip? What will she do when she learns that close friends are keeping secrets and discovers that old enemies are trying to bring her down? How will she react when she notices her boyfriend and his ex-girlfriend are getting closer? Will she be able to handle all the drama? What will she do???

In Book 3, all the friends are now out of school. Mariah decides to help her “frenemy” Tamela take care of her baby; however, she finds herself in yet another tangled web. How will she handle the constant blame for things beyond her control? And if her life isn’t complicated enough, she learns information about her family – and experiences even more drama in her love life. What will Mariah do? Discover the answer to these questions as you read, All Alone, All Together.

Everyone is still trying to get over losing Tamela. Meanwhile, Teresa and Jonathan are plotting to get revenge on Mariah for Tamela’s death. They use different attacks to try to get her – even harming her best friend! The couples’ relationships are affected by the chaos; old friends return. Will Jackson end up going to jail? Will there be an end put to the petty feud? Will the friends ever go to college? So many questions to discover the answer to in, Where Will Life Take Me?

It’s Mariah’s first year in college and she is experiencing a lot of new things. She has patched up many problems with her friends and family; however, for Mariah, nothing goes right very long! She has witnessed her friends be abused – both mentally and physically. When one of her friend’s actions lead to suspension, it causes Mariah to ask herself, Will I Make A Change?

Jackson returns and he and Mariah discover who was behind the cheating scandal. A new guy joins the group just to end up creating tension that causes even more problems. Mariah and Teresa’s friendship is on the line. Will they be able to fix it, or will it finally die? Find out what happens when you read, The Unexpected Turn.

Mariah and Jackson break up for good this time – or is it? What happens when Jackson, Shawn, Asha and Mariah are put in a group together to complete a school project? Will new relationships begin, or will Jackson and Mariah get back together? Will Teresa ever get revenge on Mariah? Find out when you read, The Forgotten Truth.

It’s Mariah’s last year of college and a lot has happened. Shawn has finally learned how to get along with the group; Asha is dating someone; and Jackson is in jail. For whatever reason, no one wants Mariah to see him. Teresa and Jonathan are still at odds with her, and her father’s health is getting worse. It is really becoming too much for Mariah to handle. Will she be able to graduate? What will happen with her and Jackson’s relationship? Will she discover who truly has her back? Find out what happens as you read, The Last Step of the Way.