Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, 25th Feb 2026 – Sanctuary by Karen East is a novel that asks what gets preserved when systems decide what may be remembered—and who is allowed to remember it. Explora Books will be displaying Sanctuary during the London Book Fair, taking place March 10–12, 2026, at Olympia London in Hammersmith, London, UK, where the book stands as a quiet but firm challenge to managed narratives and controlled histories.

Rather than rushing its reader through events, Sanctuary takes its time to examine power, memory, and responsibility across generations. The novel moves between two periods: the late 1990s and a near-future United States shaped by surveillance, environmental damage, and enforced compliance. These timelines do not compete with each other. Instead, they speak across distance, showing how choices echo forward and how unfinished work waits for new hands.

At the center of the book is a question that feels increasingly current: what happens when truth becomes inconvenient? Karen East frames this through institutions that limit speech, restrict movement, and reduce people to categories based on age or usefulness. The book does not rely on shock or spectacle. Its tension comes from accumulation—from policies quietly accepted, from habits formed under pressure, and from the slow narrowing of what is considered normal.

One of the novel’s most striking strengths is its treatment of age. In the society East imagines, growing older is treated as a liability. Against this, Sanctuary places deep value on lived experience. Elders are not background figures; they are keepers of memory and context. What they carry is not nostalgia but record—personal, political, and cultural.

The presence of the Anishinaabe community is handled with care and attention. The reservation is not portrayed as an escape fantasy or moral shortcut. Instead, it operates as a place shaped by discipline, mutual responsibility, and long memory. East pays close attention to daily practices, shared labor, and oral history, allowing these details to speak for themselves. The contrast between polluted urban spaces and restored land is clear, but it is never simplified into slogans.

Stylistically, Sanctuary favors direct prose. Conversations often carry weight, serving as exchanges of knowledge rather than filler. Sensory detail is used sparingly but effectively, especially in scenes grounded in the natural world. The result is a novel that feels measured and intentional, more concerned with clarity than ornament.

Displayed at the London Book Fair, Sanctuary invites readers, publishers, and industry professionals to consider how stories function under pressure—and why some voices endure when others are erased. It is a book that trusts attention over urgency, and thought over noise.

Sanctuary is available on Amazon and other major retailers.

About Explora Books 

Explora Books is a book marketing firm located in the heart of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The company specializes in self-publishing and marketing, taking pride in its exhaustive research and creative strategies that provide wider avenues for aspiring authors to gain recognition for their works. Explora Books aims to guide authors through the complexities of self-publishing, offering convenient solutions to navigate this process. The firm fosters and redefines creativity and innovation, setting new industry standards. Explora Books is dedicated to empowering authors globally.

Media Contact

Organization: Explora Books Ltd

Contact Person: Simon Pratt

Website: https://explorabooks.com/home

Email: Send Email

Contact Number: +16043306795

Address:Jameson Offices, 838 W Hastings St w, Vancouver, BC V6C 0A6, Canada

City: Vancouver

State: British Columbia

Country:Canada

Release id:41872

The post Explora Books Features Karen East’s Sanctuary – A Novel Exploring Managed Narratives, at London Book Fair appeared first on King Newswire. This content is provided by a third-party source.. King Newswire makes no warranties or representations in connection with it. King Newswire is a press release distribution agency and does not endorse or verify the claims made in this release. If you have any complaints or copyright concerns related to this article, please contact the company listed in the ‘Media Contact’ section

New Community Website Launches as a One-Stop Guide to Dine, Explore, and Experience the Central Business District of Arlington Heights, ILDowntownArlingtonHeights.us Brings Together Events, Restaurants, Parks, Nightlife, Recreation, and Local News for the Vibrant Downtown District

Arlington Heights, IL, United States, 25th Feb 2026 — A new community-driven website, DowntownArlingtonHeights.us, has officially launched to serve as a comprehensive, unofficial resource for everything happening in the heart of downtown Arlington Heights. The site brings together local events, restaurant guides, park information, entertainment listings, and neighbourhood news — all in one easy-to-navigate destination for residents and visitors alike.

The village of Arlington Heights has long been recognized as one of the most vibrant and welcoming communities in the northwest Chicago suburbs. Now, this free online resource gives the downtown area the digital presence it deserves, celebrating the district’s unique blend of shopping and dining, live entertainment, scenic green spaces, and rich history.

A Vibrant Downtown with Heights in Arlington Heights Worth Celebrating

Downtown Arlington Heights is no ordinary suburb. Nestled in the northwest corner of the metro Chicago region, this walkable central business district has evolved from a quiet farming settlement into a thriving entertainment district packed with amazing restaurants, concert venues, boutique shops, and community events that cater to every interest and age group.

The new website captures all of this energy. Whether you’re looking to dine at a farm-to-table favorite, catch live music at a beloved music venue, or simply enjoy an alfresco evening on a restaurant patio, DowntownArlingtonHeights.us is designed to be the go-to guide.

What the Site Covers

Restaurants and Dining in Arlington Heights — The site features a growing directory of restaurants in the district, ranging from gastropubs and sports bars to upscale Italian eateries. Downtown Arlington Heights is widely known for its outdoor dining scene, particularly during the Arlington Alfresco season that runs from May through September, when streets transform into open-air patios. Spots like Hey Nonny, which doubles as a live entertainment venue and a pub-style kitchen, and favorites along Campbell Street and Sigwalt Street give visitors and locals plenty of reasons to explore. The dining options truly cater to every palate.

Parks and Recreation in Arlington Heights — Green space is a defining feature of the Arlington Heights area. The site highlights parks in Arlington Heights such as Harmony Park, a central Arlington Heights gathering spot for community events, North School Park, and the scenic shores of Lake Arlington. These parks and recreation amenities offer families, joggers, and nature lovers an evergreen reason to spend time outdoors. Whether it’s a weekend stroll or a Thursday evening picnic, the park options are plentiful.

Live Entertainment and Nightlife — From the acclaimed Metropolis Performing Arts Centre to the intimate concert atmosphere at Hey Nonny, the downtown entertainment scene is a major attraction. The site covers entertainment venues, seasonal programming like the summer concert series, and nightlife options that make Arlington Heights a true after-dark destination. Whether it’s live music, a stage show, or a laid-back evening at a local venue, the district delivers.

Demographics and Community — DowntownArlingtonHeights.us also provides a snapshot of the community itself. Arlington Heights is a populous northwest suburb with a population of approximately 75,596 residents. The median household income is 116,723 USD, the median home value sits at 414,500 USD, and the median age is 42.7. In 2021 and beyond, the Arlington Heights area has continued to attract families and professionals drawn to its strong schools — including high schools within Township High School District 214 such as John Hersey and Rolling Meadows High — as well as middle schools and a robust neighbourhood feel. Condos and residential developments near the downtown district contribute to a walkable, modern-day lifestyle.

History of Arlington Heights — The site also explores the Arlington Heights historical roots of the area. Originally settled in the 1800s as a small community known as Dunton, the area grew rapidly after the arrival of the railroad. The railroad tracks brought commerce, connectivity, and a steady stream of new residents. Today, the Arlington Heights Historical Museum preserves this legacy, and landmarks like the Arlington Heights Memorial Library and the Arlington Heights Senior Center continue to serve the community. The Dunton name still echoes through street names and local lore, connecting modern-day Arlington Heights to its pioneering origins.

Transportation and Access — Getting to the district is easy. The downtown train station on the Union Pacific Northwest Line offers direct service to the Ogilvie Transportation Center in downtown Chicago, making the commute roughly 30 minutes. For drivers, Interstate 90, Route 53, and Northwest Highway provide easy access from across the northwest suburbs and the broader metro region. Arlington Heights is also within convenient reach of a major international airport, making it accessible for out-of-town visitors planning a day trip or an extended stay.

Arlington Park, the Chicago Bears, and the Evolving District

No conversation about Arlington Heights is complete without mentioning Arlington Park, the storied horse racing venue once operated by Churchill Downs. The site of the former stadium has been at the center of regional discussions — including headlines involving the Chicago Bears and urban planning firms like Populous — about what the future holds. These developments are part of the broader story of a suburb in transition, and DowntownArlingtonHeights.us aims to keep readers informed as conversations around the district evolve. The Windsor neighbourhood and surrounding areas near central Arlington Heights are also part of this evolving landscape, with new condos and residential interest drawing attention to the area.

An Evergreen Resource for Residents and Visitors

DowntownArlingtonHeights.us is not a one-time project — it’s an evergreen, living resource. The site publishes regular news updates, event listings, and guides designed to help anyone discover the best of the district. From a park guide to restaurant reviews, from high school information to recreation tips, the goal is simple: make it effortless to explore and enjoy Arlington Heights.

The site also offers a free newsletter for anyone who wants to stay updated on events, dining highlights, and seasonal happenings across the downtown Arlington Heights district.

About DowntownArlingtonHeights.us

DowntownArlingtonHeights.us is an independent, community-driven website dedicated to covering life in the heart of downtown Arlington Heights, IL. It is not affiliated with the Village of Arlington Heights or any government body. The site serves as an unofficial guide — a one-stop resource for events, dining, parks, entertainment, and local news in the district.

Media Contact

Organization: Downtown Arlington Heights

Contact Person: Greg Wheeler

Website: https://downtownarlingtonheights.netlify.app/

Email: Send Email

Contact Number: +18475434605

Address:126 S Dunton Ave

City: Arlington Heights

State: IL

Country:United States

Release id:41878

The post Downtown Arlington Heights Brings new Community Driven Website appeared first on King Newswire. This content is provided by a third-party source.. King Newswire makes no warranties or representations in connection with it. King Newswire is a press release distribution agency and does not endorse or verify the claims made in this release. If you have any complaints or copyright concerns related to this article, please contact the company listed in the ‘Media Contact’ section

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, 25th Feb 2026 – Explora Books will be displaying Something’s Going On Here by Ruth Cherry, Ph.D., along with its subsequent volumes, during the London Book Fair, March 10–12, 2026, at Olympia London in Hammersmith. Presented as a continuing literary thriller, the series follows retired English professor Nick Sanders as his carefully ordered life gives way to suspicion, moral pressure, and consequences that stretch far beyond a single town—or country.

The opening book begins in Los Osos, a coastal California community that looks calm enough to disappear into. Cherry uses this setting less as scenery and more as a test case: what happens when a place runs on silence, shared denial, and private agreements no one admits to making? Nick, newly retired and deeply uncomfortable without routine, is not a natural investigator. That discomfort becomes the engine of the story. The book is less interested in who committed which act than in what it costs to ask questions in a town that prefers none.

Cherry’s background as a scholar shows in the voice rather than the structure. Nick narrates with an academic’s habit of reflection, constantly measuring experience against memory, literature, and personal failure. The result is a first-person voice that feels alert, uneasy, and often dryly funny. Threats arrive, alliances shift, and violence interrupts thought, but the series remains grounded in Nick’s internal accounting—what he notices, what he ignores, and what he wishes he had understood sooner.

As the series continues, the scale expands. Book Two pushes Nick beyond Los Osos and into international territory, where trust becomes transactional and survival depends on accepting roles he never wanted. Later volumes take the story further still, blending espionage, criminal networks, and secret preservation societies obsessed with controlling knowledge itself. Despite the widening scope, Cherry keeps returning to the same pressure point: how much of oneself can be compromised before nothing recognizable remains.

Across the series, Cherry resists tidy moral answers. Characters lie to protect towns, families, causes, and sometimes themselves. Institutions meant to maintain order do their own damage. Even antagonists are allowed their justifications, which makes Nick’s choices heavier rather than clearer.

At the London Book Fair, Explora Books will showcase Something’s Going On Here as a complete and evolving work—one that begins as a small-town mystery and grows into a meditation on power, loyalty, and the stories people tell to survive what they’ve done. Readers drawn to reflective narrators, layered suspense, and long-form character change will find a series that rewards attention without asking for blind faith.

Something’s Going on Here: The Beginning of the End Book 1, Something’s Going on Here Book 2: A Farewell to Harm, and Something’s Going On Here: Between Tides and Truth are available on Amazon and other major retailers.

About Explora Books 

Explora Books is a book marketing firm located in the heart of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The company specializes in self-publishing and marketing, taking pride in its exhaustive research and creative strategies that provide wider avenues for aspiring authors to gain recognition for their works. Explora Books aims to guide authors through the complexities of self-publishing, offering convenient solutions to navigate this process. The firm fosters and redefines creativity and innovation, setting new industry standards. Explora Books is dedicated to empowering authors globally.

Media Contact

Organization: Explora Books Ltd

Contact Person: Simon Pratt

Website: https://explorabooks.com/home

Email: Send Email

Contact Number: +16043306795

Address:Jameson Offices, 838 W Hastings St w, Vancouver, BC V6C 0A6, Canada

City: Vancouver

State: British Columbia

Country:Canada

Release id:41875

The post Explora Books to Showcase Literary Thriller Series Something’s Going On Here at London Book Fair appeared first on King Newswire. This content is provided by a third-party source.. King Newswire makes no warranties or representations in connection with it. King Newswire is a press release distribution agency and does not endorse or verify the claims made in this release. If you have any complaints or copyright concerns related to this article, please contact the company listed in the ‘Media Contact’ section