House of the Beloved

Kurt Lingstorm is doing an archaeological dig under a church in Jerusalem which is believed to be built on top of the home where John the Apostle lived with Mary, the mother of Jesus. He uncovers a secret burial niche and needs an expert on first-century Christianity. He knows who he wants to bring in to help him. Michael O’Brien is a priest and archaeologist who specializes in this area. He is brought in by Kurt and the Cardinal in charge of Holy Shrines. The attraction between the two men is instant but they must also deal with the burial niches and a Vatican representative to Jerusalem who is less than priestly and is blackmailing two of Kurt’s team members to steal from the site.

How Big is Your Brave?

In How Big is Your Brave?, delve into the transformative journey of individuals as narrated by Jolene, a dedicated personal trainer. But this isn’t just about shedding pounds or building muscle – it’s about the odyssey of resilience, self-discovery, and confronting the deepest fears.

Jolene shares heartwarming tales of her clients, recounting not just their physical metamorphoses but also the mental battles they waged and conquered. Each story is a testament to the human spirit, the will to try, to fall, and to rise stronger than before.

For many, achieving fitness isn’t just a goal – it’s a testament to their grit, and often the most rewarding conquest they’ll ever embark upon. Yet, it’s that initial leap, the first step into the unknown, that’s the most daunting. How Big is Your Brave? celebrates those brave souls who dared to take that step, forever altering the trajectory of their lives. How about you? Are you ready to discover just how brave you can be?

How the Trolls Got Their Hair

Before the trolls had hair, they were nearly invisible. They were very cute, but they were not particularly interesting. Then a couple of young trolls set out on a quest to cover their heads. Thanks to some very smart teachers and very wise parents, the trolls made a surprising discovery. They put their heads together and showed all their friends how to be the happy-go-lucky, colorfully-haired trolls we know today.

What did the wise parents and smart teachers know? The step-by-step guide to reading together at the end of the story will tell everyone how to share the secret of the troll’s discovery. You may never see a bald troll, but the steps of the story of how they got their colorful hair will lead to many surprising discoveries of your own. Children, teachers, parents, and readers of all ages will enjoy sharing both the story of the trolls and the important message that the best stories are those we share with others.

Humphrey the Hippo and the Search for Milk

Deep in the mud pools and jungle forests of Hippoland lives Humphrey the Hippo. He is usually quite carefree compared to other hippos (who can be a bit grumpy at times). But one afternoon, he finds he is faced with a puzzle. Humphrey and his brother Harold are determined to make a cup of tea. But try as they might, they cannot find a key ingredient: milk.

So, they decide to consult their friend, Wilberforce the Wizard, for he knows everything. Wilberforce uses his magic to send the hippos to the land of Humans (even though Harold thinks humans are “mud sausages”). In the land of Humans, the hippos cause all kinds of chaos, involving grocery stores, credit cards and bananas - amongst other things.

But the two hippos persevere and return in triumph, with a carton of milk in hand, to Hippoland. However, their adventure is not over. They will still need the help of Wilbeforce the Wizard and his new mysterious friend, Clara.

I Have a Beautiful Brain, Compared to the Brains of Alcoholics and Drug Addicts

In this insightful and deeply personal exploration, Stewart Odendhal DVM PhD offers a unique perspective on the devastating effects of alcohol and drug addiction. Drawing from his professional background and personal encounters with addiction, Odendhal embarks on a mission to educate and deter young individuals from the lures of alcohol. This book is not only a narrative but a crusade against the widespread ignorance about the debilitating effects of alcohol on the brain.

Beginning with a startling revelation from a CT scan, Odendhal’s curiosity is piqued by the physical differences in the brains of alcoholics and drug addicts compared to those who abstain. This discovery propels him into an exhaustive research journey, delving into the science behind addiction, the societal implications, and personal anecdotes that paint a vivid picture of the struggles with alcoholism.

With chapters detailing his own experiences with alcoholic family members, the scientific intricacies of alcohol’s impact on the brain, and a poignant account of his battle with smoking addiction, Odendhal’s narrative is both educational and deeply human. He reflects on his interactions with Alcoholics Anonymous members, exploring the gap between scientific knowledge and the personal experiences of those battling addiction.

I Have a Beautiful Brain, Compared to the Brains of Alcoholics and Drug Addicts is a clarion call for a more informed approach to alcohol education, emphasizing the need for early intervention and awareness. Odendhal’s dedication to this cause shines through each page, making this book an essential read for anyone touched by the effects of alcoholism or seeking to understand the complex interplay between addiction and the human brain.

I Heard the Angels Sing

Have you ever felt that God was not there for you? Have you ever questioned, “Why, God, why?” One man did constantly. After an experience he cannot explain, he begins to reflect on his life, and he finds answers to those questions.

An inspirational reveal of how one man begins his journey back to God. He revisits occurrences from his life, exploring his own relationship with God. In sharing his experiences, he encourages others to discover and embrace their own relationship with God. Each chapter explores his personal memories from childhood into his adult life as he struggles with good and bad things in his life. Some experiences are small, some major and some occurrences affect him forever. He encounters great highs and deep lows in his life. And some incidents come full circle. He finally comes to the conclusion that God was always there for him.

It all began when he heard the Angels sing…

I Only Remember Grievances And Desserts

“Revenge is a dish best served cold” – Khan Noonien Singh

My more than 20 years of professional experience in the male-dominated career of emergency management has not exactly been a walk in the park. As less worn as the “path less traveled” may be, it is neither laced with ease nor filled with treasure. I have found it to be paved with judgment and spite. This was my experience as a pregnant teenager who insisted she would not be defined by the state of her body but forge ahead in life anyway. Although this was perhaps the lowest point of my life, I was able to find solace in cooking (particularly baking) and still decided to continue the path. And today, I can say that has made all the difference—which is the name of the chocolate truffles recipe I open with, along with the genesis of my difference-making choices.

On my career journey, I have encountered all dimensions of characters—the Cretin, the Quintessential Douche Bag, and the “Special Place in Hell” Vipers (made up of the Queen Bee and the BFF)—who have all attempted to rock the boat of my career advancement with their various strategies.

However, I have also encountered mentors who not only let me know I am not alone and provided astounding support but also stood by me and for me before others in the face of adversity. A combination of all these factors and the decisions I make along the way (some good, others, admittedly hasty and improperly reasoned) have culminated in the person I have become, both personally and professionally, and of course, a lot of recipes specially tailored to the various seasons I have had to go through.

I Want Freedom

I am now certain that my purpose is to be a voice for those who are suffering at this very moment from forced arranged marriages or stuck in cycles of abuse. My past made me who I am today, and while I wouldn’t wish what I’ve been through on anyone, I am proud of who I’ve become as a result. Fathers and mothers, sisters and brothers, daughters and sons, I need you: without your help, this is just an empty dream. Together, we can save some of these innocent young girls and women, who in some cases are as young as five years old. Without your help, I can’t bring them to safety and provide them with the education and life lessons that will allow them to reach a brighter future. This is an issue that affects millions of women all over the world, including here in the US; we are all human, and together we can make a change.

I Want to be Happy

I Want to Be Happy is a reflective guide on parenting, offering a values-based approach to decision-making. It emphasizes the importance of nurturing happiness and joy, not just in children, but in the hearts of people everywhere. This book serves as an inspiring backdrop, encouraging readers to create and foster a joyful and fulfilling environment for their families.

I Was a 12-Year-Old Rock Star...

Is extrasensory perception – E.S.P – real? Can certain individuals tap into a running stream of cranial activity from the very future itself?

Can such a person engage in such tremendously overwhelming action and not be known to the world as yet? Read on to discover hidden truths, not only about the rock music of 70s and 80s, but most assuredly about your own inner being and mankind itself.

I Was...

Prepare to embark on an inspiring journey for readers of all ages – an urgent call to action to protect our planet through the power of recycling.

I Was… unveils the extraordinary stories of everyday heroes who have made a profound impact on Earth’s future.

I'm Beautiful, Too

I’m Beautiful, Too is a powerful and uplifting book that encourages self-acceptance and self-love. It reminds readers that everyone is valuable and worthy, regardless of their perceived shortcomings or comparisons to others. Embracing our uniqueness and understanding our inherent worth can be transformative in fostering a positive self-image and outlook on life and a crucial part of child development.