Vanished Beauty

Trials and Tribulations.

These are the things life is flooded with: disappointments, heartbreaks, and setbacks. These things can be quite annoying and bewildering.

However, it is not necessary to pick up arms and fight against the current. A shift in perspective with a calm mental attitude can be a more promising guidance.

Endeavor to stop and think. Re-evaluate what and where things spun out of control. Life is always in perpetual motion, just like the rise and fall of the ocean waves. To be steadfast is to view circumstances, both pleasant and otherwise, with revered detachment.

Fatal Omens

The European “war to end all wars” was a catastrophe decades in the making. The prophetic voices of alienated writers and artists in Central Europe were at the turn of the twentieth century divining the end of modernity while seeking cultural and spiritual renewal. Cracks in the optimistic liberal order of the European Age were coming apart and ceding to darker forces.

Against this backdrop, historical novelist Stephen Almássy foregrounds the lives of Archduke Charles of Austria, Hungary, Bohemia and Croatia and Princess Zita of Bourbon-Parma. Their marriage before the Great War culminates during the war when they become the last Emperor and Empress of Austria-Hungary under the Habsburg scepter. The old Central European dynasty, the last outpost in Europe of the imperium sacrum, falls on the day, November eleventh, 1918, when the war comes to an uncertain end.

Fouzia’s Great Scarf Misadventure

Twirly spins, daring jumps, and sparkly dresses! Fouzia loves figure skating, and her dream is finally coming true. All she needs is a scarf to complete her dream outfit. Immediately, her entire family sets out to help with the perfect scarf solution. Fouzia is lucky to have such a caring family. But what’s the worst that could happen? Sometimes, too many opinions can be as bad as tripping on your toe pick! What might work for them isn’t right for her! How will Fouzia survive this tangled fiasco on the ice?

Fire Within

Ava Celeste Hennessey's Fire Within is a poignant and stirring memoir that delves into the tumultuous life of a family striving to keep afloat amid the challenging times of the 70s and 80s. Set against the contrasting backdrops of New England’s biting cold and Maui’s embracing warmth, this narrative unfolds through the innocent yet perceptive eyes of a child, Ava.

Ava’s childhood is marked by a series of escapes from literal and metaphorical fires, painting a vivid picture of a family often ensnared in chaos and struggle. Despite the hardships, her story is not just about the trials but also about the unyielding spirit of a young girl. Ava’s perspective, tinged with a child’s tendency to romanticize, provides a unique lens to view the odd and sometimes disturbing behaviors of her family members.

Love Evermore

Love Evermore is a heartfelt journey through feelings, dreams, and the many layers of life. This book invites you to a special place within, where words speak to the soul and awaken a new outlook on the world. Dear reader, open your heart and let these pages move you. Love Evermore is more than a story. It is a statement of joy, a collection of prayers, and a celebration of love itself.

Full Moon Speaks

Experience a timeless adventure under a brilliant full moon traversing the night sky in Full Moon Speaks! When the sun sets and the world quiets down, creatures near and far share their dreams and secrets with their shimmering friend—the moon.

Filled with enchanting illustrations and heartwarming conversations, this delightful story reminds us of the magic that happens when we dare to dream and share our thoughts with the universe. Perfect for bedtime reading, Full Moon Speaks will inspire little and big hearts alike to believe in their own beauty as reflected in the creatures that are revealed by the light of the moon.

Joy and the Menagerie - Book Two

After settling into a daily routine in their new downtown Chicago home, Joy and the Menagerie, along with their bosses and coworkers, get involved with various community events.

From rescuing the mayor's son from the cold waters of Lake Michigan to returning a lost wallet found in the pockets of a donated coat to a grateful owner, the Menagerie come together to support Joy in the end as she and her coworkers team up to perform a dramatic reading at a local school.

Those She Left Behind

When Jaime Springer’s act of loyalty to her volatile boss, Richard Kingston, results in a harrowing assault, she keeps the trauma hidden, fearing for her job and her future as a single mother. Years later, Richard’s death reveals a shocking secret about his health, forcing Jaime to confront the possibility of her own illness and the potential devastation for her young daughter, Hope. An unexpected alliance forms when the brilliant Krystal Thomas takes over Richard’s position, becoming Jaime’s boss, confidante, and staunchest ally. As Jaime’s health declines, their friendship deepens, navigating a challenging legal fight, newfound love for Krystal, and the ultimate question of who will care for Hope.

The Frog Song

Rubabbum, ruuummm, ruummmm. Did you know that not all frogs make the sound “ribbit”? Over 6000 species of frogs exist in the world, each with a unique voice.

The Frog Song brings these sounds to life in an engaging, heartwarming tale about a bullfrog who travels the globe on a magic lily pad to bring frogs from across the world together in song.

This whimsical story will have children laughing as they croak along with these distinctive frog sounds. Bullfrog is sure to be a family favorite as he gathers these frog friends together for a celebration of sound.

The Threat of Kierin

Branded by a curse that started in the past, Kierin grew up knowing that he was hated by his community. One night, though, it goes too far, and Kierin gives in to his fate, growing up to become a monster like everyone expected him to be. Years later, the citizens of Montoya hire a criminal to hunt down Kierin and put a stop to his killing spree. Moonshadow arrives and tracks him down, but instead of killing the fox, the wolf offers Kierin a deal instead. Kierin accepts the deal and follows Moonshadow, swearing loyalty to a group called The Order.

For a while he serves them faithfully, until on one mission he meets a turtle called the Shaman that leads him on a different path. Kierin’s eyes open up to horror as he fights to escape The Order and find allies that can help him repent for his past. A cobra named Coatl who was kidnapped by a cult for his ability to change in size, and a dragon named Giza who once worked with the Egyptian god Set to overthrow Ra.

Three cursed souls are now bound together, prophesized to protect the world from any evil that crosses their path. Will they succeed? It is up to them to find out.

Free Reading of the Gospel of the Essenes

The Essenes were one of the most influential sects in Jewish society during the time of Jesus of Nazareth. He himself, along with his relative John the Baptist, practised Essene traditions. Their way of life continued within Christianity for many centuries. Long concealed by Christian exegetes, the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls, or Qumran Scrolls, has brought the Essenes back to the centre of many studies.

The dramatic impact of Rome’s occupation of the Middle East (since 63 B.C.) led to a renewed focus on the ancient prophecy of the coming of a liberating Messiah. The greatest threat to the Jewish world was the clash of civilisations between pagan Imperial Rome and Mosaic traditions. It is within this context—and within the Essene precepts regarding the interpretation of the law, both divine and secular—that the birth of Christianity is rooted.

The Adventures of Misty Raindrop - Book 3

Rain in the desert is a wonder to Misty Raindrop. She always starts out as a water vapor but has never known how desert water vapor is different from most other places. It feels hot and dry, but what happens to the water? Pitter, a close friend to Misty, is missing, and now Misty must float through the thick desert air to find her friend. As she tumbles and bounces along the desert floor, she realizes that life in the desert is full of moisture and wetness.

As she searches for Pitter, she meets animals, plants, insects, and birds. All who desire raindrops but have no idea why she stays so big unlike water vapor. Misty is starting to understand that she’s never alone in the desert, but everything is not what it seems. Raindrops are doing things she can’t do, and just as she starts getting worried, she meets Goldie the Golden Barrel Cactus. Remember, Misty never gives up, and she always makes a big difference when she works with new friends.

Follow Misty as she looks for Pitter and ends up in a most unlikely place that creates a big surprise for Misty, Pitter, and all her raindrop friends.