Available Books
Below are links to several books available from Amazon (paperback and hardcover)
and on Audible (audiobooks). Books about pets, books about Christmas, and books about probate for realtors. Quite the array of subjects.
The Christmas House by Barry T. KuKes presents a hauntingly beautiful and emotional exploration of love, loss, and the supernatural, where a magical house brings the dead back for an annual visit every Christmas Eve. This concept creates a unique blend of fantasy and deep emotional resonance. The story, set in an affluent Chicago suburb, follows Martha, the caretaker of this mystical house, which has the ability to resurrect the dead for one night a year. After Martha's death, the house passes into the hands of an unsuspecting family who unknowingly become part of this incredible tradition.
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The magic in the house isn’t just about spirits returning; it’s a mechanism to convey deeper themes about family, love, sacrifice, and the importance of cherishing moments with loved ones. The characters who experience this eerie visitation come to understand the true meaning of these values, all while grappling with the realization that time is fleeting and the dead cannot truly return. KuKes uses this narrative to emphasize that life should be lived fully, without regrets, and with a focus on meaningful relationships.
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The allure of The Christmas House lies not only in its fantasy but also in its emotional undercurrents. The magic of the house becomes a metaphor for the cherished memories of lost loved ones, and the brief, annual reunion serves as a poignant reminder that life’s most important moments are often the ones we take for granted. For readers, the novel is a call to embrace love and togetherness before it’s too late—a message that resonates long after the final page is turned.
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"The Christmas House II: Martha Returns" picks up with a fresh yet familiar premise, continuing the magical and family-centered drama introduced in the first book. With Michael Carter moving on and selling the house to the Hills, the story takes a darker and more mysterious turn, building on themes of family dynamics, hidden secrets, and unresolved tensions.
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The Hills, now unexpectedly thrust into a complex family situation with the sudden custody of their stepchildren, are going to face many challenges. Their relationships with one another will be tested as they adapt to the new normal, while simultaneously dealing with the unexplainable magic of the Christmas House. The presence of Martha Kennedy, the house's mysterious matriarch, adds an intriguing layer, as she appears to be a guiding force for the family amidst their struggles, possibly serving as a bridge to understanding the house’s supernatural nature.
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The mention of murder, deceit, and family tensions hints that this second installment will delve deeper into mysteries surrounding the house, challenging the family to confront past secrets and perhaps uncover dangerous truths. The magic of the house seems to be intertwined with their emotional and relational growth, offering both blessings and burdens.
All proceeds benefit homeless animals. Why Do People Have Pets is written by Barry KuKes, Community Outreach Director of Halifax Humane Society located in Daytona Beach, FL. The book consists of seventy-six columns written between 2017 and 2020 for the Daytona Beach News-Journal and Seniors Today Magazine. An animal lover since he was a boy, Mr. KuKes states openly that he is one of those people who believe the first thing that happens when you arrive at the pearly gates is being greeted by the pets you have lost over the years. He would gladly pick up poop from sixteen dogs and one cat he once called best friend, if he could spend eternity with them by his side. All proceeds from the sale of this book will go to benefit shelter animals. Thank you for purchasing or downloading this book. Your kindness and generosity are much appreciated. Remember, adopt, don’t shop.
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It’s been two years since I published “Why Do People Have Pets?” a collection of 75 newspaper columns I wrote for the Daytona Beach News-Journal and Seniors Today. During that time, I had written over one hundred columns about animal welfare and caring for pets. Since then, the Daytona Beach News-Journal became part of the USA Today Network, and the network decided to make my column available to all 2400 newspapers which are part of the network. Readers of the book kept asking when the next book of columns would be available. Since publishing the last book, I have written over 100 columns. I have selected 64 of the columns I consider the best of the best, and those are included in this latest book, “Why Do Pets Have People?”
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Every real estate agent or broker (depending on the state in which you practice) has the same challenge in common: Where are they going to get their next sale?
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Traditional methods of finding buyers and sellers, such as contacting FSBO owners, “farming” specific neighborhoods, hosting open houses, and pursuing “expired” listings, can be successful; however, they are often very competitive and can leave agents weary. One avenue that remains constant and viable is estate-related properties that are in probate, many of which are sold in the first six to 12 months after the owner passes.
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