Blood Summer 1862

1862 was the second year of the Civil War and a year when hundreds of European immigrants and settlers from the eastern United States were building cabins and clearing farmland in Minnesota.

It was also the year when the Dakota Sioux were starving on their reservation because the annuity from the federal government was late, and the traders refused to sell them food on credit. In August the smoldering firestorm erupted, and the Dakota Sioux went on a rampage that shook the state and the nation.

This is the story  of a newly-arrived Swedish family who suffered through it, of a devout Dakota Sioux man who helped them and many others survive, and of the President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln, who sought justice for 303 condemned Dakota Sioux prisoners in the midst of the bloodiest battle of the Civil War.      

Bluejay in the Attic

Bluejay in the Attic is a captivating, thought-provoking, and highly contemporary read. Throughout Andy’s travels, there is a compelling honesty with his reflections on society and its impact on him throughout his journey. The development of Andy’s character creates a fascination and a compulsion that carries the reader to the edge of their seat beyond the final moments. The authorial voice is transfixing, evoking eras of history, and each layer of this evolving journey further engrosses the reader. Supported by a nuanced and complex cast and a layered narrative, Bluejay in the Attic is undoubtedly a well-written and beautifully crafted novel worthy of attention.

Bridge of Stones

In the simmering heat of August 1967, a kaleidoscopic minivan carrying a band of hippies – adorned with long hair, beards, beads, sandals, and granny dresses – pulls up at the gates of Ft. Gordon, Augusta, GA, then the heartland of the Military Police. Their mission is unconventional: to instruct the 25th Infantry Division, 60th Mine Scout Dog Platoon in harnessing the keen senses of dogs to detect landmines, trip wires, and hidden tunnels.

The air crackles with animosity as two worlds collide: the free-spirited and the regimented. Yet amidst the discord, Charlie Fasanaro, a young man with wisdom flowing through his veins, recognizes the crucial necessity of forging a bridge across the chasm of enmity that separates them. Their common cause is as clear as it is noble: saving lives in a theatre of war. Unbeknownst to Charlie, he is on the precipice of a spiritual catharsis that will redefine his very essence.

Volunteering to journey to the harsh landscapes of Vietnam alongside the 60th, Charlie is plunged into the visceral cruelties of war. Amidst the chaos, he witnesses acts of heroism and self-sacrifice that cast a new light on the soldiers he stands beside; a nobility and honor scarcely seen amidst the peace-loving circles of his civilian life. This revelation propels Charlie into a tumultuous voyage of self-discovery, as he grapples with his identity amidst a whirlwind of contrasting ideologies.

Bridge of Stones navigates through the turbulent waters of a time where ideologies clashed and the essence of humanity was put to the test. As Charlie endeavors to find his footing on the battlefield of conflicting beliefs, readers are ushered through a rich narrative that explores the profound essence of camaraderie, the unyielding spirit of sacrifice, and the indelible marks etched upon souls in times of war and peace.

Broken Tusk

Broken Tusk is a heart-wrenching tale that follows the trials and tribulations of a family of African elephants, narrated by the hero, a young male named Broken Tusk. From daily encounters with natural disasters to the cruel and devastating effects of human actions, Broken Tusk guides readers through the soulful journey of his family’s incalculable suffering. Alongside the hardships, readers also witness moments of joy, including playful games, mud baths, and even a bit of romance for Broken Tusk. With simple writing and short sentences, this absorbing story serves as an eye-opener for readers of all ages and provides an educational insight into the lives of African elephants.

Building 8

In the heart of a dystopian metropolis, Building 8 stands as a silent witness to the lives and struggles of its inhabitants. Anthony C. Mazzella’s gripping narrative plunges readers into a world where reality bends and the ordinary collides with the surreal. As the central business district is besieged by chaotic flying machines and destruction reigns, the top floor of Building 8 remains a curious sanctuary of calm. Within its walls, two men go about their business, seemingly oblivious to the mayhem below, embodying the eerie contrast between normalcy and chaos that defines the story.

Mazzella’s vivid imagination and keen insights into human nature drive this thought-provoking tale, weaving together elements of science fiction and psychological thriller. As the characters navigate a landscape of fear, uncertainty, and hidden truths, Building 8 challenges readers to question their perceptions of reality and the thin veneer that separates order from disorder. This novel is a powerful exploration of resilience, human connection, and the mysterious forces that shape our lives, making it a must-read for fans of speculative fiction and those who enjoy a deep dive into the complexities of the human psyche.

Butterfly

The Butterfly is a beautiful sight in flight.

The sunlight shines through its colorful wings.

We say mother nature has created a beautiful creature… or did she? 

This gripping and terrifying tale will have you questioning everything you thought you knew about butterflies. 

Canyons of the Mind

Russell James Ray is credited with the first canyoneering descents of the Barrancas Sinforosa and Batopilas. It was an endeavor that spanned several years, and included a self-delusional non-first descent of the Barranca Del Cobre. He currently resides in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where he dreams of other things. 

Chasing Rommel

On June 6, 1944, tens of thousands of American soldiers, sailors, and airmen assaulted the German held coast of France at Normandy. Some were killed, some wounded, and all of them were changed as the battles raged against Rommel and his defenders. They fell for yards of sandy beaches, for critical roads, bridges, villages, towns, and cities. Together, we will travel to those places, and we will relive all the bravery and horror, all the mistakes and honor, as we learn their stories - Chasing Rommel.

Chasing Serendipity

After experiencing body shaming, teenage breakups, and friendship fall-outs, Tala, a young adult fascinated by the world of TV series and social media glamour, decides to leave her old life behind. She wants to try and find her happiness anywhere but in her hometown. Soon, Tala meets the attractive and mysterious Henry Jones who makes her an offer she could not possibly refuse…

Will her free-spirit be fulfilled in the new world she walks into – a world she had been longing for – or will she continue chasing that stroke of luck she’s been looking for as an independent young woman?

Close Friends' Cathedral Adventure

Peat, a toad, and Paul-Paulette, an earthworm, live in the woods beneath the roots of their friend, Christy, a Christmas fern. One day they are dug up and carried away. Christy is replanted in a pot large enough to hold Paul-Paulette, but Peat is too big to get in and cannot completely hide. He stays under Christy’s fronds, but can’t disappear.

Together with their wild flower friends, they are taken to the Washington National Cathedral to participate in the annual Festival of Flowers. While the plants are being carried into the cathedral, Peat is discovered, picked up and left in the Garth – the small, enclosed garden near the base of the stairs.

This is the story of the little toad’s adventure as he tries to find his plant and animal friends in the huge building. It is a tour of the cathedral and an introduction to cathedral architecture inside and out. A short glossary of architecture terms is included.

Columbus, Slave Trader

Columbus, Slave Trader delves into an eye-opening exploration of history as it uncovers a seldom-told truth: the initial transatlantic slave ships did not traverse from Africa to America with captive Africans. Instead, the journey took a different, darker turn. The very first slave ships embarked from the New World to Europe, carrying a harrowing cargo of 500 captured Native Americans. Their enslaver? Christopher Columbus himself.

As the narrative unfolds, we confront the chilling reality of this early chapter in the slave trade, where these Native Americans, originally destined for Seville’s slave auction, endured unimaginable hardships. Only 80 would emerge as survivors, highlighting the heart-wrenching toll of this historic voyage.

Columbus, Slave Trader is a stark, essential and accurate historical fiction account that challenges prevailing narratives, shedding light on a pivotal moment in history and reevaluating our understanding of Columbus as not just an explorer but also a slave trader.

Come Thirsty: Leave Quenched

Come Thirsty, Leave Quenched invites you on a transformative journey into the depths of your spirit, offering a sanctuary for the weary soul. In a world filled with noise and distraction, this devotional serves as a navigational guide, leading you to the oasis of inner fulfillment you’ve been seeking.

You will find solace and inspiration for your heart, whether facing a broken spirit, a tired mind, or seeking answers to life’s profound questions.

Prepare to encounter whispers of grace and the realization that within you lies the key to everlasting fulfillment. Discover the courage to confront challenges and the strength to drink deeply from the wellspring of life.

Come with an open heart and leave these pages forever changed!