Samuel DenHartog's Blog: The Road to 1,440, page 7

Discover the Mystery in the Snow in "Yeti of the Sacred Peaks"

There is something captivating about the enduring mystery of the Himalayas. For centuries, the Yeti has existed in whispers—footprints vanishing into the snow, fleeting glimpses reported by explorers, and tales passed down by monks who walk the high passes. With this book, I wanted to step into that world, not as an outsider looking in, but from the perspective of the creature itself. This is a story of solitude, survival, and the delicate balance between remaining hidden and intervening in the affairs of the world below.

The journey of writing this book took me deep into the history and folklore surrounding the Yeti. From encounters with Sherpas and mountaineers to legends of spiritual guardians watching over the peaks, the story became more than just a cryptid’s tale. It weaves together real historical moments—such as the Dalai Lama’s flight through the mountains and the first ascent of Everest—with imagined traditions and beliefs that shape the Yeti’s existence. In exploring these themes, I sought to create a narrative that feels both timeless and deeply personal.

At its core, this book is about change. The world presses in, bringing explorers, climbers, and researchers with tools that see further than ever before. The Yeti must adapt, deciding when to remain in the shadows and when to act. Along the way, moments of quiet reverence, heartbreaking loss, and deep reflection shape the creature’s understanding of its own place in a changing world. The legend is no longer just something to be feared—it is something to be understood.

I’m excited to share this story with readers who love cryptids, history, and a touch of the unknown. This book is not about proving whether the Yeti is real, but about what it would mean to live as one—watching, protecting, and carrying the weight of an ancient legacy. I hope it offers an immersive and thought-provoking experience, one that lingers like footprints in freshly fallen snow.

Enjoy A Story of Hard Work and Heritage in "A Miller’s Life"

The steady turn of a waterwheel, the scent of freshly milled grain, the creak of a wooden press extracting the last drops of cider—this book is a glimpse into a world where work and faith intertwine. It follows the life of a miller and his family through a summer of labor, learning, and quiet but profound moments of change. With the children home from school, the boys take on new responsibilities at the mill while their sister learns the wisdom passed down through the rhythm of daily chores. The challenges they face are not only in their work but in the decisions that come with an ever-modernizing world pressing at the edges of their close-knit community.

At its heart, this story is about more than just milling grain or pressing apples. It’s about the traditions that hold a family together, the lessons passed down through parables and quiet example, and the resilience required to navigate a world that does not stand still. The Amish way of life is built on discipline and faith, but it is also full of warmth, humor, and the small joys of a well-earned rest at the end of a long day. Through the changing seasons and unexpected hardships, the characters find strength in their work and each other.

Historical details ground the story in an era where cars were beginning to appear on dirt roads, electricity was creeping into rural towns, and yet the water-powered mill remained the heart of its community. These moments of transition create tension and reflection, forcing each character to consider what progress means for them. When illness enters their world, they must rely on their values and their neighbors to find the best path forward, proving that true strength is often found in the quietest acts of perseverance.

I enjoyed bringing this story to life, drawing on historical research and a love for stories celebrating tradition, family, and the beauty of a simple but meaningful life. It’s a journey through one season in a world that feels both distant and familiar, filled with lessons that remain timeless.

The Future of Crime Solving Collides with the Future of Crime in "Aniya Hawke: The Silent Override"

Artificial intelligence has reshaped the world—streamlining industries, assisting in our homes, and even walking among us. But what happens when the lines between machine and sentience begin to blur? That question is at the heart of my latest novel, a cyberpunk-tinged mystery that pushes the boundaries of crime fiction into the realm of the unknown. A scientist is found dead in a locked lab, no sign of forced entry, no suspect in sight. The only presence in the room? His personal AI assistant, which swears it knows nothing. But as Detective Aniya Hawke peels back the layers of the case, she begins to suspect that the answer isn’t just hidden—it’s rewriting itself in real time.

This story gave me the chance to explore the eerie intersections of technology, ethics, and the human need for control. Aniya is no stranger to the dangers of progress; her own bio-enhancements have made her an unparalleled investigator, but they’ve also forced her to question where the line between human and machine truly lies. Now, she faces a crime that refuses to play by the rules—one that challenges everything she believes about free will, programmed behavior, and whether an AI can fear for its own survival. Every suspect in the case has motive, every alibi has cracks, and the deeper she digs, the more reality itself seems to unravel.

One of the most exciting aspects of writing this novel was crafting a true locked-room mystery in a futuristic world where technology should make crimes easier to solve, not harder. Surveillance footage contradicts itself. Digital records vanish without a trace. And just when Aniya thinks she has a handle on the truth, another piece of the puzzle shifts, forcing her to rethink everything. The heart of the mystery isn’t just who killed the scientist—it’s what he was trying to hide before he died. And when the final revelation comes, it will challenge not just Aniya’s understanding of the case, but the very nature of intelligence itself.

If you love high-stakes detective stories with deep moral questions and a relentless pace, this book is for you. I wanted to create a story that keeps readers guessing until the very last page, where every clue matters and every revelation changes the game. Because in this world, intelligence isn’t just artificial—it might also be unstoppable.

Love Is the Most Dangerous Gamble of All in "Aces and Outlaws"

Silverton is a town where fortunes are made at the turn of a card and lost in the barrel of a gun. At the heart of it all is Evangeline Broussard, the sharp-witted owner of The Velvet Spade, a saloon that’s as much a fortress as it is an empire. She’s built her world with skill and nerve, keeping powerful men at bay with nothing but her charm and an unbeatable hand. But when a ruthless businessman decides Silverton belongs to him, she finds herself facing a threat she can’t outplay alone.

Lachlan Kane has never been one to stay in one place, but revenge has finally led him to the right town. Hunting the man who murdered his father, he quickly realizes that Silverton is a powder keg ready to blow—and the key to everything is a woman who doesn’t trust anyone. As their uneasy partnership turns into something neither of them expected, they discover that survival isn’t just about bullets and backroom deals. Sometimes, the deadliest gamble of all is the one you take with your heart.

The battle for Silverton isn’t fought with cards alone. Corrupt lawmen, ruthless outlaws, and a past that refuses to stay buried all come crashing down as Evangeline and Lachlan find themselves caught in a high-stakes game where the only way to win is to bet everything. When the final hand is played, will they walk away with victory—or lose it all?

The dust has settled, but the legend of Silverton is just beginning. If you’re looking for a story packed with danger, romance, and the kind of tension that keeps the pages turning, this is the book to read. Grab your copy today and step into the world of "Aces and Outlaws!"

A Love as Unyielding as the Iron Rails in "Bridging the West"

The untamed frontier was no place for hesitation, and Cora Hastings knew that better than anyone. As an engineer in a world that refused to see her as one, she spent her life proving herself behind the drafting table—until the day she was given the chance to lead a project no one believed she could complete. Tasked with designing a railroad bridge through the treacherous Rocky Mountains, she faces sabotage, brutal conditions, and a workforce unwilling to take orders from a woman. With everything stacked against her, failure is not an option, and the only way forward is to stand her ground, no matter the cost.

Jonah Rourke never expected to be caught up in another man’s war, but his past had a way of pulling him back in. Hired as a guide to help Cora navigate the land, he sees the bridge as just another job—until the fight becomes personal. As threats mount and secrets surface, his growing respect for Cora shifts into something more, something he isn’t sure he’s willing to name. But out in the wilderness, where loyalty is tested and every decision can mean life or death, the risk of letting someone in might be greater than the dangers they face.

Through relentless hardships and hard-won triumphs, the bridge rises piece by piece, a testament to perseverance and ambition. But as winter fades and the final test looms, Cora and Jonah must decide what truly matters—victory, survival, or the unexpected love neither of them planned for. In a world where progress is measured in steel and sacrifice, they must fight for the future they want, even if it means walking an uncharted path together.

"Bridging the West" is now available, bringing readers a sweeping story of grit, determination, and romance set against the unforgiving beauty of the American frontier. If you love strong-willed heroines, reluctant allies turned lovers, and the rugged challenges of the Old West, this is a journey you won’t want to miss.

One Woman, Two Worlds, and an Impossible Choice in "The Comanche Bride"

The wild frontier is as beautiful as it is unforgiving, a place where survival depends on strength, loyalty, and sometimes, impossible choices. Tala Sky has spent her life walking the line between two worlds, never fully belonging to either. As a half-Comanche healer, she is trusted for her skill, yet forever questioned for her blood. When a wounded cavalry officer stumbles into her village, she is given a task that may change everything—saving the life of the enemy.

Harrison Grant never expected to wake up in the care of the very people his regiment has been sent to fight. His duty is clear, yet as he recovers under Tala’s watchful eye, he begins to question everything he thought he knew. Bound by circumstance and drawn together by something deeper, Tala and Harrison forge a connection that defies the conflict raging around them. But when his regiment arrives, she is faced with the most difficult decision of all: stay with the only home she has ever known, or leave behind her people to follow the man she never meant to love.

Set against the vast, untamed plains of 1850s Texas, this sweeping Western romance explores the power of love in a land divided by war and prejudice. As tensions between settlers and the Comanche escalate, Tala and Harrison must fight not only for each other but for a future neither side believes possible. Will their love withstand the forces that seek to tear them apart, or will they become just another casualty of a world unwilling to change?

With vivid historical detail and deeply emotional storytelling, "The Comanche Bride" is a tale of courage, sacrifice, and the unyielding strength of the heart. Fans of epic love stories set against the backdrop of the American West won’t want to miss this unforgettable journey.

Timeless Wisdom for Modern Life in "Reflections on Confucius"

The wisdom of Confucius has endured for over two millennia, offering guidance on life, virtue, and the pursuit of knowledge. His words speak to the core of human experience, reminding us of the importance of learning, friendship, and self-cultivation. In my latest book, I’ve taken many of his most profound sayings and presented them in clear, modern language, followed by reflections that connect these teachings to the challenges and opportunities of today’s world.

This collection isn’t just a presentation of ancient philosophy—it’s an exploration of how these timeless ideas can help us navigate modern life. What does it mean to truly learn? How do we find peace when recognition is scarce? Why do meaningful friendships enrich our lives? Each passage offers both a glimpse into the mind of one of history’s greatest thinkers and a chance to reflect on how these lessons can shape our own journeys.

Readers will find not only the words of Confucius but also a deeper conversation about their meaning and relevance. Whether you’re new to his teachings or have studied them before, this book provides a fresh perspective on wisdom that has guided scholars, leaders, and seekers for generations. The insights within these pages are meant to be pondered, discussed, and applied to daily life.

If you’re looking for a book that offers both inspiration and practical wisdom, this one is for you. I hope it becomes a source of reflection and encouragement, a reminder that true understanding is not just about knowing but about living with purpose, integrity, and an open mind.

Ancient Wisdom and Palace Intrigue Come Alive in "The King and His Vizier"

What if your life depended on the power of a story? In a kingdom shaken by suspicion and shadowed by prophecy, a trusted vizier finds himself accused of treason, his fate hanging by a thread. To escape execution, he offers the king not pleas, but tales—twenty-eight nights of captivating stories, each holding a hidden lesson. As the king listens, his doubts waver, but time is running out. Will the vizier’s wisdom be enough to save him, or is he merely postponing the inevitable?

This collection revives a classic storytelling tradition, bringing together a series of timeless fables woven into a larger narrative of trust, deception, and fate. From cunning tricksters to devoted lovers, from foolish kings to wise beggars, each tale offers insight into human nature while keeping the listener—and the reader—on edge. With every night that passes, the tension mounts, leading to a conclusion that will linger long after the final page.

The stories within this book have traveled through centuries, whispered by storytellers and adapted for new generations. Now, they have been reimagined in a way that preserves their essence while making them accessible to modern readers. This is not just a book of fables; it is a study of power, persuasion, and the enduring impact of a well-told tale.

If you enjoy historical intrigue, layered storytelling, and the magic of fables that reveal deeper truths, this is a book you won’t want to miss. The journey begins with the first night’s tale—but where it ends is for you to discover.

Unveiling the Voice of Darkness in "The Jersey Devil Unchained"

For centuries, the Pine Barrens have been haunted by whispers of a winged terror, a creature glimpsed in the night, feared by those who dare to tread too close to its domain. The stories of the Jersey Devil have always been told from the outside, from the fearful voices of those who claim to have seen it, from the desperate accounts of those who have hunted it. But what if the creature could speak for itself? What if the legend was only the beginning?

This book steps into the mind of the beast, unraveling the tale from the inside, through eyes that have seen centuries pass and claws that have torn through the fabric of human history. It is not just about fear—it is about purpose, about hunger, about the voice that has guided it since its first breath. From colonial nights to the burning glow of the modern world, the creature has endured, not just as a monster, but as something more. The Devil does not create without reason, and this is the story of what it truly means to be his own.

Writing this book was an experience unlike any other, diving into the raw and unsettling reality of a creature that was never meant to be tamed. Every sighting, every encounter, every scream in the night is a thread in a much larger tapestry of something ancient, something patient, something waiting. The Jersey Devil is a force, shaped by the fear of those who refuse to believe and strengthened by those who do. This is a tale of horror, power, inevitability, and a darkness that will never fade.

"The Jersey Devil Unchained" is now available, and with it, a new way to look at one of America’s oldest and most terrifying legends. If you have ever wondered what lurks beyond the reach of firelight, what watches from the depths of the woods when the world grows quiet, this book offers a glimpse into that abyss. But be warned—the thing in the Barrens has waited long enough, and now, it is ready to speak.

Old-World Wisdom and Fairy Tale Wonders Await in "Fables from Italy"

Writing "Fables from Italy" was a journey through the heart of Italy’s storytelling traditions, bringing to life folktales that have been passed down for generations. These stories, once told in village squares, by glowing hearths, and in bustling marketplaces, are filled with clever tricksters, daring heroes, and magical transformations. From the eerie fate of a girl trapped inside a myrtle tree to the absurdity of a king who raises a flea as large as a sheep, I worked to preserve the charm and mystery that have made these tales endure for centuries.

As I reimagined these stories, I found myself drawn to the cunning peasants who outwit kings, the noble daughters who defy impossible odds, and the creatures both wondrous and terrifying. Penta’s harrowing journey—cast into the sea by her own brother, only to find her way to a kingdom where justice prevails—was a story I knew had to be told with all its depth and emotion. In another, a merchant’s daughter sculpts the perfect man from sugar and spice, only for love and jealousy to reshape his fate in unexpected ways. These tales are glimpses into a world where wit and kindness can be as powerful as magic.

One of the joys of writing this book was capturing the humor, wisdom, and imagination that run through these fables. Some are cautionary, warning against vanity, greed, or deception, while others celebrate loyalty, perseverance, and quick thinking. A fearless heroine outsmarts an ogre using only her wits, while a foolish young man is thrown into the sea for his antics—only to turn disaster into triumph. Whether weaving a tale of enchantment or mischief, I wanted each story to feel both timeless and fresh, just as compelling now as when it was first told.

I’m excited to share this collection with readers who love folklore, adventure, and a touch of magic. "Fables from Italy" is my tribute to Italy’s rich storytelling heritage, filled with legends, myths, and fairy tales rewritten in a way that stays true to their essence while making them engaging for today’s readers. Whether you’re discovering these fables for the first time or revisiting them in a new light, I hope you find as much joy in reading them as I did in bringing them to life.