Love, Ruthie

Was the poet, William Wordsworth, right when he wrote “the child is the father of the man”? That is the question Jane Meyer asks Ruth Lucas in a letter. Best friends since high school, and now in their early thirties, Ruth and Jane keep in close touch through letters, phone calls, and when they can, visits.

When Ruth gets Jane’s letter with this question about Wordsworth’s line, she decides to review what stood out in her childhood and ask herself if those times informed and shaped the woman she became. This process takes her weeks and traverses early family memories, her college years, a job in Washington, her first lover, and other experiences on her way to becoming her own woman. Her answer to Jane’s question is Love, Ruthie.

M.A.X.X.

Marie Winterfield founded and directed the S.N.O.W. agency, a group of advanced investigative search and rescue specialists, is world renowned for cracking the toughest cases. When a massive power outage in New York City compromises the FBI, CIA, and NASA; Marie takes on her hardest case ever; taking on a top-secret agency that was believed to be shut down, but has actually gone global, kidnapping, killing, and framing innocent people for crimes they did not commit.

When things get out of hand and people start dying, Marie realizes that even her closest friends and colleagues have been corrupted, and her enemies are everywhere. She isn’t safe at home, at work, she isn’t safe… anywhere. Can Marie stop this group of computer criminal masterminds before it is to late or are they even the real enemy? Hold tight in this nonstop futuristic thriller with all the twists and turns that come with it.

Maddie Makes Ripples

Little Maddie was having a bad day. She fought with her brother Charlie, her mother got upset, even her dog Jasper was sad because no one would play with him after all the ruckus.

Sulking by the riverside Maddie was feeling sorry for herself.

Then along came this strange and wonderful being named Sam, who picked up some pebbles and gave them to Maddie, and some very interesting things began to happen…

Magda by the River

Angela Young’s novel, Magda by the River centers on the captivating journey of Magdalene, known affectionately as Magda. Feeling suffocated by the monotony of her small village life, weary of battling societal expectations, and yearning for acceptance, Magda longs for change. Her life takes an exciting turn when she joins a traveling troupe of performers, where she forges deep friendships that open her eyes to the possibilities and ‘more’ she has been seeking.

However, the most significant journey in Magda’s life is the introspective one. It’s a path that leads her to a profound understanding of her identity and self-acceptance, making Magda by the River not just a story of adventure, but also a tale of personal discovery and growth.

Maggie, the Dog with a Heart: The Adventures of a Jack Russell Terrier Book 3

What’s so special about Maggie? She looks pretty much like most other dogs of her breed with one exception… there are two large black spots on either side of her body that join together to form a heart when she curls up. That’s why she’s also known as ‘the dog with a heart.’

Lessons From Puppyhood is a charming story about a special Jack Russell Terrier puppy who, after being adopted by her forever family, realizes she needs to learn how to become a proper pet. But how? While listening to the family’s children talk about the lessons they learned in school, Maggie wonders if the school teaches ‘pet’ lessons as well. She tries to follow the children as they board the big yellow school bus each morning. But dogs aren’t allowed on the bus… or in school! Everyone needs to learn lessons in life… even dogs. Read this heartwarming story to discover the ‘pet’ lessons Maggie learns that will prove to be useful throughout her lifetime.

Malkin

Malkin tells the story of a small-town girl with big dreams, who believes her aspirations can only be realized in the big city, just a few hours away by train. Despite her humble beginnings, she seizes every opportunity, holding steadfast to her ambition of becoming a ‘Malkin’ in the bustling metropolis. She understands that achieving her dreams comes with a price: giving others what they want in order to attain what she desires.

With unwavering determination, she navigates the challenges and tribulations of her nuclear family and the struggles of her childhood friend. The narrative offers readers a vivid portrayal of how often her dream teetered on the edge of disaster.

Her journey is marked by indomitable courage and a positive mindset, fortified through meditation and gratitude. These elements guide her, acting as her talisman, and show her the path to success. She learns to see things in their true reality, overcoming self-deceptions born from her background, family, environment, and preconceived notions. Perhaps this is what it takes to dream and make that dream come true.

Manifesting Memories

What does a memory look like? Often it will appear personal and sacred because we have created it ourselves with every sensual focus we brought to our experience. Then, we sprinkle our thoughts and perspectives on it. A memory will reconnect us to the past for a  reimagining, a review, and a reframing. It will end up looking very much like who we are.

I hope the stories on these pages will entice you to return home to your own memories. Will you be stirred by how your memories have shaped you? Do they help reveal to you how unique you are? How have you chosen to be in life because of your memories? Reflecting on our memories may reveal how we truly belong to ourselves and to one another.

Enjoy the journey,

 Darlene

March on the Arch

Andi and Tony find themselves reduced in size to just nine inches tall. Mom and Dad have disappeared. What’s happening? Andi believes they must hike up the mountain behind their home, up to the monument known as the ‘Arch,’ to solve the mystery.

Being small makes everything so different! Mom’s garden, the fields, the woods, once so familiar, are transformed into a world of magic and danger.

Along the way, fun, friends, and surprises await. Brother and sister will need all of their courage and wits on their quest to save themselves, their folks, and even the planet.

Join them on this fantastic adventure filled with laughter and excitement!

Maria's Backpack

Sarah, Aleena, and Maria are best friends. They do everything together – they even share their hijabs!

But what happens when Maria disappears from school for a few days, and wants to be alone? Does that mean she no longer wants to be Sarah’s friend?

Join Sarah as she learns what it means to look after one’s mental health, which is just as important as taking care of our bodies.

McKenna Goes Home

The Civil War has ended, and McKenna is drawn back to Charleston, the cradle of her childhood and the echoes of a tumultuous past. As she steps into the post-war remnants of her once-beloved city, questions haunt her—does her home endure, or has it succumbed to the ruin? Are the ghosts of her youth lurking in the shadows of devastation, or will the rubble reveal secrets long buried? Returning to the city of her youth, now marred by the tragedy of conflict, McKenna must summon her resilience to confront the Charleston that awaits her, forever altered by the War’s relentless tide.

McKenna's Return - Unfair Contempt

In McKenna’s Return – Unfair Contempt, the second book in the McKenna Trilogy, McKenna is determined to reunite with her father in Washington D.C. after the end of the Civil War. However, her journey is not without its challenges as the post-war citizens of D.C. are quick to condemn her for the cause of the war and its devastating effects. Despite facing these tough encounters, McKenna uses her quick wit, cleverness, and strong faith to navigate through these difficult situations. Follow McKenna on her journey of resilience and determination as she tries to make a new life for herself in the aftermath of the war.

Me, Myself & I Remember Decatur (and Beyond)

This fun, engaging memoir is about a clever, strong-willed, mischievous, creative gutsy gal who was always out of the box. She proclaims she never saw that silly box! She has always questioned societal norms and injustices, insisting life should make more sense. This resulted in interesting, amusing experiences with fascinating people from diverse walks of life and cultures. For seventy-seven years when the world said ‘No’ she persevered with a resounding ‘YES!’

She has retained a childlike wonder and delight for life that is bold and entertaining. She has tried to make her planet kinder, especially for the downtrodden. Difficult setbacks only made her more determined to enjoy life to the fullest with meaningful lifelong relationships. Often, she’s had to pick herself up and dust herself off! Shunning bitterness, clinging to faith, she has showed the world real love. An encourager gifted at teaching, she has quick wit and is great fun.