Articles by John Arendt

Health

B.C. psychological thriller a finalist in book awards

A psychological thriller by a Summerland author is a finalist in the Canadian Book Club Awards for 2025. Every Fall, by Angela Douglas, is the story of a family’s struggle against unseen and all-too-real dangers. The story follows the lives of Bree, a former party girl turned stay-at-home mom, and Jake, a police officer whose life unravels after a tragic incident. Bree confronts haunting voices and nightmares while trying to protect her children as Jake’s guilt intensifies. Douglas began work on the novel in 2019. At that time, she and her family had moved to Summerland, where she was working as a real estate agent. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, she spent additional time working on the novel, writing at her real estate office. The book is published by Rising Action Publishing, a Canadian independent press based in Ontario. It is available in print and as an e-book. An audiobook version will be coming as well. It is available through the Okanagan Regional Library and through booksellers. Her next book, The Bone Trail, will be available in 2026. Every Fall is one of three titles in the Thriller/Mystery category in the book club awards. The awards have three finalists in each of 13 categories. This year, 50 per cent of the finalist titles in the Canadian Book Club Awards are independently published. Of the finalists, 82 per cent are Canadian. The awards are open to authors from around the world but are judged exclusively by Canadian readers. The winners will be chosen by Canadian verified readers who cast their votes by January 2026.

Entertainment

B.C. musician inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

A Summerland musician has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Paul Rodgers, founding member of Bad Company and Free, was the only Canadian inducted into the Hall of Fame this year. Because of health concerns, Rodgers, 75, was not able to attend the ceremony in Los Angeles, but Canadian performer Bryan Adams attended in his place and performed in honour of Rodgers. “Bryan was amazing on so many levels — such a consummate professional. It was an absolute charge watching him perform our song,” Rodgers said. In his acceptance speech, delivered via video, Rodgers thanked his wife Cynthia, calling her “my secret force and the reason my heart still beats.” Rodgers, who was born in Middlesbrough, United Kingdom, moved to Canada in 1997 when he met her. He relinquished his British citizenship in 2011 and is now a Canadian citizen. He was the lead singer and one of the founders of Bad Company in 1973, along with guitarist Mick Ralphs. The band also included bassist Boz Burrell and drummer Simon Kirke. The band has been recognized as a defining rock band of the 1970s and beyond. A new album, Can’t Get Enough: A Tribute to Bad Company, is a tribute to honour the band. This album includes rock, country and Americana artists performing the band’s songs. Rodgers and Kirke also appear on the album. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ceremony can be streamed on Disney+ on demand. A primetime special featuring performances and moments from the show will air on Jan. 1, 2026.