The Mercury's policy (in print) is to refrain from reporting on self-published books. But on my blog, well, the rules get a little bendy.

And so to I introduce you to A.P. Morris, a Phoenixville author who is releasing a non-fiction book, "They're Not Gone: A Collection of True Stories from People Reunited with Their Loved Ones Who've Passed Away " this holiday season through Outskirts Press.

Morris, pictured at right, will be appearing/signing books at the following area locations next month:

• Saturday December 12, 2009 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Holiday Bazaar at Phoenixville Middle School, 1330 Main St Phoenixville, PA 19460. (484) 927-5200 (hosted by the National Junior Honor Society).

• Tuesday December 22, 2009 from Noon to 4 p.m. at Spring Run Natural Foods, 909 E Baltimore Pike, Kennett Square, PA 19348. (610) 388-0500. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to a nonprofit organization Urban Compass located in Southern California. Urban Compass was formed in partnership with local schools to combat poverty and violence and make a difference in children’s lives by providing tutoring support, enrichment activities, and field trips to keep the children engaged in a positive learning experience and off the streets.To learn more or donate directly you can go to http://www.urbancompass.org/

I have not read this book, but if you'd like to learn more about it, read on. The following is excerpted from a press release about the book:

"They’re Not Gone" shares stories of 13 people whose loved ones passed away and their eventual ‘reconnection’ through the assistance of local psychic medium Ricky Wood. Each story contains ‘evidence’ that their spirits are still very much alive.

Wood delivers specifics from names and dates to mannerisms and jokes to verify the spirit who is communicating.

“I wanted to share my story to give others hope, especially during the holiday season when missing them can be even more difficult. I am now 100% positive that our loved ones don’t vanish with death, they are still very much alive,” Morris said.

Morris tells of the loss of her brother to suicide when she was just 16. After hearing from him through the psychic medium, Wood, her life was transformed.

“I spent so many holiday seasons sad and depressed because I missed my brother so desperately. If I’d only known that he wasn’t just gone, I think it may have been a whole lot easier for me,” said Morris.

Following each story, there is a question and answer section where the reader gets to learn more about Wood’s beliefs based on his years of experience working as a medium.

“I’m very excited to have the opportunity to share some amazing true life stories. The information contained in this book could change so many people’s lives. I know - it changed mine,” Morris said.

Morris said her hope is that by sharing these stories it will bring peace to those who need it, especially during this holiday season.

To purchase a copy of “They’re Not Gone” for $16.95 visit http://www.amazon.com/ or http://www.theyrenotgone.com/.