n Gar Roper, Ph.D. of Freeport, a nationally recognized psychologist and expert on deep emotional analysis, has released a new novel, “Hidden Grace,” a first-ever fictional look at psychotherapy for the professional or lay reader. Based on Roper’s actual clinical experience over 20 years, this story is shocking, sentimental, challenging and in the end inspiring. The story, with its focus on a woman’s triumph over horrendous childhood abuse, presents a detective tale and a hero’s quest. Grace Albright, the patient and Dr. Wilder, the therapist, each have secrets that even they can’t articulate but threaten to destroy them, nonetheless. Their encounter in therapy takes the reader inside the truth of trauma, strength, courage and recovery.

Roper is also well-known in Maine as director of the OMNI Camp in Poland Spring, formerly the Samantha Smith WorldPeace Camp, and as founder of the Nonprofit OMNI Learning Institute, “Maine Teachers First” Initiative. He also owns the Flying Lobster and Missing Moose Restaurant/Pub in Poland Spring on Range Pond.

“Hidden Grace” is available for $26.95 (hard cover), $18.95 (paperback) at www.omnilearning.org/HiddenGrace.html. Click on Cliffside Press Book Store.

n Christian P. Potholm, a DeAlva Stanwood Alexander professor of government at Bowdoin College in Brunswick, has written a new book, “Maine: The Dynamics of Political Change.” Potholm has worked as a political insider and activist for much of the last 40 years, dividing his time between the classroom and the election arena. He uses quantitative and qualitative analysis to understand political campaigns and make predictions regarding the outcome. He contends that campaigns waged in Maine display a strong dynamic quality independent of the instant polls and reports used by the media to predict outcomes.

Through quantitative analysis, he shows that Maine political campaigns are underpinned by a positive sense of well-being unique to the country. Potholm dissects his study using data as well anecdotal references to share the political and psychological dimensions of Maine politics.

“Maine: The Dynamics of Political Change” is published by Lexington Books, a division of Rowman & Littlefield Publishers Inc. of Lanham, Md. (1-800-462-6420, www.lexingtonbooks.com). The book is $80, cloth; $29.95, paper.

n Edward M. Turner of Biddeford has written a whimsical chronicle of Old England and the quest for riches and power by rogues and royalty alike in “Rogues Together.” In this fast-paced historical action-adventure, four rogues meet in Sherwood Forest, bond and pit their unique talents against forest outlaws and foreign invaders. The story reaches a dramatic conclusion during a battle on the shores of Land’s End.

Turner grew up in rural Maine in the 1960s, served in the U.S. Coast Guard, worked a series of skilled labor jobs and then began writing. Since 1995, he has published essays and stories and is currently revising a novel. He has written a Voices of Maine column for the Sun Journal. He lives with his wife, Amy, and her black cat, Fannie.

“Rogues Together” is 356 pages and available for $17.99, plus handling and shipping, at www.cambridgebooks.us.

n Humorist John McDonald will read from his newly released book, “down the road a piece: A Storyteller’s Guide to Maine,” and his “A Moose and a Lobster Walk into a Bar,” from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, at the Book Burrow and Cafe, 593 Center St., Auburn, and from 10 a.m. to noon Tuesday, Jan. 31, at Mr. Paperback, 855 Lisbon St., Lewiston. He will also sign copies of his new book.

In “down the road a piece,” McDonald shares his version of Maine’s colorful history, his take on the state’s not-to-be-missed destinations, how to interpret Maine-speak, where to shop, what unique Maine foods to eat and more.

Packed with both subtle and humorous descriptions and anecdotes, the book offers up a mix of traditional Maine stories and new material.

“Down the road a piece” is available for $15.95 (softcover) at www.islandportpress.com; or call Islandport Press at 688-6290.