Urban St. Reads – Holiday Reads

Normally, we at Urban Street highlight local bookstores in this section, but this season we’re doing something special — turning our focus to Michigan authors and independently published books that deserve a wider audience. These writers often depend on online sales, word-of-mouth (and a little help from local press). Here are six homegrown titles worth discovering:

The Homemade Pie Cookbook
By: Laura Klynstra
Genre: Cookbook

Lansing-based author and designer Laura Klynstra knows the joy of a good pie. Her new book, The Homemade Pie Cookbook: 100 Pie, Tart, and Galette Recipes for Every Season, celebrates the beauty of baking by hand. With stunning photos she shot herself and recipes sorted by season, Klynstra’s collection offers both inspiration and nostalgia. Her advice: keep the butter cold and the crust flaky — and always save room for the Toffee Crumb Pie.

Into the Hand of a Woman
By: Carla Ohse
Genre: Spiritual Adventure Fiction

Muskegon native Carla Ohse’s inspiring novel follows Judge Deborah Miller from New York to Israel on a faith-driven mission to help women in crisis. Mixing modern adventure, moral struggle and spiritual triumph, it’s a story of courage and compassion that transcends borders.

Firekeeper’s Daughter
By: Angeline Boulley
Genre: Young Adult Thriller

Set in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Boulley’s bestselling thriller follows Daunis Fontaine, an Ojibwe teen drawn into an FBI investigation after witnessing a murder. Blending suspense, Native identity and emotional depth, Firekeeper’s Daughter captures the strength of community and the resilience of a young woman finding her voice.

The House of David: Salvation, Scandal, and Survival in a Modern American Commune
By: Evelyn Sterne
Genre: Nonfiction History

Historian Evelyn Sterne dives into the strange and captivating story of Benton Harbor’s Israelite House of David. Known for its baseball team, amusement park and public scandals, the commune is a fascinating mix of faith, fame and controversy. Sterne’s deep research makes this Michigan tale both compelling and haunting.

Places Where the Sun Don’t Shine
By: Estelle Slootmaker
Genre: Children’s Picture Book

Written in playful verse and printed in Wyoming,
Michigan, Places Where the Sun Don’t Shine is a witty, rhyming romp for kids and grown-ups alike. Local writer Estelle Slootmaker’s whimsical story and colorful illustrations make for a delightful bedtime read — and a true testament to Michigan-made creativity.

The Wild and Magical: Legends of Christmas Reindeer
by Ashley Schiavone
Genre: Holiday Children’s Book

Kalamazoo native Ashley Schiavone brings Midwest warmth and wonder to her debut picture book. With hand-painted illustrations and a timeless holiday message, Legends of Christmas Reindeer celebrates imagination, family and the joy of winter storytelling — sure to become a new seasonal favorite.