Second Ridge Publishing

Rays of Hope - by H A Bustos

In the same way the sun rises each day, Psalm 30:5 reminds us, “Weeping may last for the night, But a shout of joy comes in the morning.”Like the sun’s rays, “Rays of Hope,” by H A Bustos, encourages us to lift our eyes, release our sorrow, and believe in healing again.

“Rays of Hope” is a gentle, uplifting song that wraps the listener in light during life’s darker moments. Carried by simple melodies and a ukulele-friendly warmth, it soothes the heart, inspires strength, and reminds us that love and hope are always within reach. Its comforting chorus and message of resilience speak directly to anyone who feels weighed down by pain, fear, or past scars.

Even when the road feels long and heavy, there is always a guiding light to lead us forward, God’s guiding light, surrounding us with hope and strength every step of the way.

Just in time for Christmas!

Join Buddy the Elf, along with Santa and Donner, in a hilarious North Pole adventure!

Today is the shortest day of the year. For Reina, it might be her last.

When the drums surge and the city sleeps, the Winter Solstice isn't about the return of the light… it's about surviving the dark.

Nico Navarro is locked in a race against time and ancient rituals, finding out the hard way that some secrets were meant to stay buried in the Chicago underground.

​The Mark of Shadows — the darkness is deeper than you think.

Tomorrow is the shortest day of the year. For Reina, it might be her last.

When the drums surge and the city sleeps, the Winter Solstice isn't about the return of the light... it's about surviving the dark.

Nico Navarro is locked in a race against time and ancient rituals, finding out the hard way that some secrets were meant to stay buried in the Chicago underground.

​The Mark of Shadows — the darkness is deeper than you think.

Ain't that the truth!

Kick off the holiday season with a ridiculously catchy, brand-new Country Christmas single called, “Remind Me Who Did What (and When)”, taking you straight into Santa’s overstuffed workshop brain as he tries to sort out an avalanche of wish lists, half-remembered good deeds, and (very) questionable holiday behavior.

Written by H A Bustos, what starts as Santa’s comic confusion ultimately becomes a cheerful reminder of what the season is really about: joy, warmth, and giving a little grace to everyone on the list.

From sparkly phones to candy blocks to cookie-based moral judgments, and everything in between, this song turns Santa’s annual dilemma into a toe-tapping holiday shuffle full of personality and charm. It’s a fun, witty ride that we hope every and anyone who’s ever forgotten who needed what can enjoy.

With twenty names, twenty wishes, and one very overwhelmed North Pole icon, the song ends on a heart-lifting note: because whether you’re naughty, nice, or just doing your best, there’s room for everyone in the holiday spirit.

We can’t wait for you to hear “Remind Me Who Did What (and When)” and let it bring some laughter, light, and maybe a little extra cocoa into your Holidays.

Introducing "Aloha Winds" - A Heartfelt Island Song from “Alana and the Honu “

Take the spirit of Aloha home with you through our brand-new song inspired by the beloved children's book, “Alana and the Honu!” available now on Amazon!

This simple yet beautiful song will transport you to the shores of Hawai’i with its soothing melody, meaningful lyrics, and gentle ukulele rhythm.

Perfect for kids and families, "Aloha Winds" celebrates the magic of nature, Hawai’ian values like Aloha and connection to the ocean, and the deep bonds we share with the creatures of the sea.

Let the island breeze carry you home and embrace the love and peace the ocean brings! Bring the magic of “Alana and the Honu” into your home TODAY!

Get your copy TODAY!

English: https://www.amazon.com/Alana-Honu-H-Bustos/dp/B0FF54KMZ7

¡Prepárate para un viaje inolvidable a las islas!

Alana y el Honu es una historia conmovedora y llena de aventuras sobre la compasión, la responsabilidad y el vínculo inquebrantable entre una niña y una tortuga marina que salvó.

Por qué te encantará este libro:

Arraigado en los valores hawaianos: Explora los poderosos temas de mālama 'āina (cuidado de la tierra) y kuleana (responsabilidad).

Una aventura mágica en una isla: ¡Observa cómo la bondad de Alana cierra el círculo cuando el océano le devuelve su regalo de una manera que nunca esperó!

Perfecto para lectores principiantes, aulas y familias: Inspira a las mentes jóvenes con lecciones importantes sobre la naturaleza, la familia y la bondad.

¡Pero no te fíes solo de nuestra palabra!

Lo que dicen los lectores:

"Estoy TAN encantada con tu nuevo libro... ¡Pedí 5 copias para compartir!" – Connie O., Kailua, HI

"Sé que mis nietos menores estarán MUY emocionados de recibir este libro. ¡No puedo esperar para leerlo con ellos!" – David D., Honolulu, HI

¡Lleva la magia de Alana y el Honu a tu hogar HOY!

¡Obtén tu copia HOY!

Inglés: https://www.amazon.com/Alana-Honu-H-Bustos/dp/B0FF54KMZ7

Español: https://www.amazon.com/Alana-y-el-Honu-Bustos-ebook/dp/B0FFJHC34N

Lea más sobre Alana y el Honu aquí:

Inglés: https://secondridgepublishing.substack.com/p/alana-and-the-honu-a-story-your-children-will-never-forget

Español: https://secondridgepublishing.substack.com/p/alana-y-el-honu-una-historia-que-sus-hijos-nunca-olvidaran

Escuche lo que otros dicen de Alana y el Honu con nuestra reseña del podcast:

Inglés: https://secondridgepublishing.substack.com/p/listen-to-a-review-of-our-latest-book-alana-and-the-honu

Español: https://secondridgepublishing.substack.com/p/un-cuento-hawaiano-de-bondad-y-magia-oceanica-alana-y-el-honu

¡Esta es una lectura obligada para todos los jóvenes soñadores de la isla, amantes de la naturaleza y familias que creen en el poder de la bondad!

Get ready for an unforgettable journey to the islands!

Alana and the Honu is a heartwarming, adventure-filled tale of compassion, responsibility, and the unbreakable bond between a little girl and a sea turtle she saved.

Why You'll LOVE This Book:

Rooted in Hawaiian values: Explore the powerful themes of mālama ‘āina (caring for the land) and kuleana (responsibility).

A magical island adventure: Watch Alana’s kindness come full circle when the ocean returns her gift in a way she never expected!

Perfect for early readers, classrooms, and families: Inspires young minds with important lessons about nature, family, and kindness.

But don’t just take our word for it!

What readers are saying:

“I am SO delighted with your new book… I ordered 5 copies to share!” – Connie O., Kailua, HI

“I know my younger grandchildren will be SO excited to receive this book. Can’t wait to read it with them!” – David D., Honolulu, HI

Bring the magic of Alana and the Honu into your home TODAY!

Get your copy TODAY!

English: https://www.amazon.com/Alana-Honu-H-Bustos/dp/B0FF54KMZ7

Spanish: https://www.amazon.com/Alana-y-el-Honu-Bustos-ebook/dp/B0FFJHC34N

Read more about this great story here:

English: https://secondridgepublishing.substack.com/p/alana-and-the-honu-a-story-your-children-will-never-forget

Spanish: https://secondridgepublishing.substack.com/p/alana-y-el-honu-una-historia-que-sus-hijos-nunca-olvidaran

Hear what others are saying with our podcast review:

English: https://secondridgepublishing.substack.com/p/listen-to-a-review-of-our-latest-book-alana-and-the-honu

Spanish: https://secondridgepublishing.substack.com/p/un-cuento-hawaiano-de-bondad-y-magia-oceanica-alana-y-el-honu

This is a must-readfor every young island dreamer, nature lover, and family who believes in the power of kindness!

We've got the lyrics. You bring the music!

Record your own version of our song, “Por No Estar Con Tu Amor,” in any genre you want.

Post it online Get 100 likes Win $100 and get featured

Full details here: https://secondridgepublishing.substack.com/p/second-ridge-publishing-summer-of-2025-song-contest

We started a story, and now we want you to continue it.

It’s a magical realism mystery, written line-by-line in the comments.

Ready to co-author something weird and wonderful?

A mysterious package. A scent of lilacs. A story waiting for you to finish it.

Join the Second Ridge Summer Crowdwriting Challenge! Drop 3–6 sentences in the comments and become a co-author.

Contest ends Sept 1!

Full details here:

We just dropped an original Spanish-language ballad, “Cerca a Ti,” written in the emotional style of Marc Anthony — and we want to hear your version.

Record your cover. Win $100. Get featured by Second Ridge Publishing.

All genres. All voices. Total creative freedom.

Feeling inspired? Bring your sound to this soulful new track. 🎧

Read the full post + lyrics & enter here

The Second Ridge Publishing Summer 2025 Song Contest is still open, and we’re looking (and listening) for you!

Turn our lyrics into your music. Win $100. Get featured.

Whether you sing, rap, produce, strum, loop, or drop beats, this is your chance to make magic. Any style is welcome—bachata, lo-fi, trap, folk, EDM, pop, reggae, disco—whatever speaks to your soul.

Here’s the challenge:

a) Record your own version of “Por No Estar Con Tu Amor” using the full Spanish lyrics b) Post your video on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, etc. (make sure it’s public!) c) Use these hashtags: #SecondRidgePublishing #SongContest #PorNoEstarConTuAmor d) Send us the link + a screenshot once your video hits 100 likes

What’s in it for you? $100 via PayPal Your song featured on our Substack and official website Bragging rights as the 2025 Summer Song Contest winner

Once submissions close, the community will vote and your fans can help you win!

Deadline: Labor Day Weekend – Monday, Sept. 1, 2025 @ 11:59 PM

Ready to enter? Full lyrics and info here: https://secondridgepublishing.substack.com/p/second-ridge-publishing-summer-of-2025-song-contest

Here’s your friendly nudge - NOW’s the time!

The story is already unfolding over at Second Ridge Publishing, and it’s waiting for YOUR twist, your character, your spark of magic.

This is your chance to:

Add to a living mystery-meets-magic tale Be published (yes, published!) with credit Flex your creativity in just 3–6 sentences See where the community takes the story next!

Haven’t added your part yet? Even better - there’s still time! Hop in before Labor Day weekend, and help us make something unforgettable.

Let’s write this summer into something legendary!

We are building a story together one twist, turn, and magical mystery at a time.

Can’t wait to read what you write!

..Yet, you are the one writing it!

The Mark of Shadows - coming to Amazon and to a bookstore near you! (Trust me, it’s worth the wait!)

Listen to our Pre-Release Podcast here: