Christina's War

Growing up on a poor farm in Missouri and learning how to sing opera from her war-scarred father, young Christina Cross has no idea the powerful forces of good and evil, of music and war, will one day pull her into the maelstrom of the Second World War, compelling her to make life-or-death-decisions about who she is fighting for and the price she is willing to pay.

Like a masterful opera, Christina’s War deftly transports the reader to early 1940s Paris where Christina and her sister, Nicollet, are sent by their father to live a better life with their Grandfather, Philippe Pétain. Philippe, eager to please the Nazi regime, envisions Christina’s exquisite voice as a means to entertain Hitler and his officers. Yet, unbeknownst to him, Christina’s heart belongs not just to music but to Laurent Gauvion Saint-Cyr, the charismatic leader of the French Underground who had recruited her into the resistance.

When she defiantly refuses to sing, setting Hitler’s fury aflame, Nicollet becomes a pawn in a dangerous game of power and retribution. Now, Laurent must not only fight for their country’s freedom but race against time to save the two sisters from the clutches of a malevolent Nazi officer who revels in torture.

Christmas Eve at Grandmother's House

Join three excited girls as they visit their grandmother’s house on Christmas Eve. The air is filled with laughter and chatter as they decorate, discussing who’s been naughty or nice. The warm, inviting scent of holiday smells from the kitchen, where Grandmother is busy preparing holiday dinner and treats.

The girls look so beautiful in the PJs Grandma has bought them for Christmas, a heartwarming tradition they cherish. Earlier that day, Grandma visited the MDPLS Library and has chosen a special story to read to her granddaughters tonight.

To find out how this enchanting Christmas Eve unfolds, you’ll have to read the book!

Circle of Stone

In Depression-era Arkansas, a group of Black individuals, weary of enduring relentless brutality and disrespect from white communities, form a covert alliance known as ‘The Circle.’ United by a vow to clandestinely resist racist oppression, they employ ingenious tactics to combat the injustices inflicted upon their town. As they skillfully orchestrate retribution, ‘The Circle’ begins to shift the power dynamics, much to the chagrin of their white oppressors. This stirring tale reveals the resilience and ingenuity of a community determined to fight back in the face of adversity.

Climbing the Stairs of the City & Other Short Stories

H. Lloyd Weston worked assiduously to create a compilation of short stories, some from real-life experiences, the others from the divine gift of the imagination. Each story is crafted with the author’s emphasis on originality and fluidity of thought and expression, keeping in mind the reader who will embark upon the same journey by finding enjoyment in reading these engaging stories. The author wants the reader to experience the same palpable joy and reward he received in the task of creating them.

His obsession with executing a quality batch of stories came from his love of literature and the coterie of exceptional short story writers whose works he read along the way. Among these are writers such as Anton Chekhov, Katherine Mansfield, D. H. Lawrence, James Baldwin, Eudora Welty, Katherine Ann Porter, Ernest Hemingway, and Leo Tolstoy. The reader is swept away by the gripping power of these stories-tales that are original, imaginative, and adventurous.

It is hoped that the average reader will find things pertinent to their own life experiences within these poignant and suspenseful tales; stories that afford them the chance to escape the humdrum of daily life and the headlines of today’s depressing 24-hour news cycle. It is hoped that these stories will take each reader to a place of wonder and escape to the three different geographic locations within these stories.

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.

Cloud County: A Love Story

This charming and delightful novel will undoubtedly captivate young adult and adult readers alike. Protagonists Adam and Sarah are dynamic, engaging characters whose sweet personalities allow readers to immediately connect with them and invest in the growth of their feelings for one another.

The author’s vivid voice immerses us in the rural Mennonite setting. A prevailing sense of teenage sincerity builds into early adulthood, creating an emotional effect that keeps readers on the edge of their seats up to the satisfying, emotive climax. Supported by a cast of lovable characters, this well-crafted romance features an engrossing narrative.

Cloud County: A Love Story is a finely written novel worthy of consuming the attention of audiences both young and old with its creative storyline that makes for an easy yet gripping read. Readers will be unable to put this book down until they have uncovered the very last sentence.

Cold-Blooded Waters

On the frigid coast of Newfoundland and Labrador, two families find themselves in the cold water of turbulent times. One, a human family, is immersed in a sea of misdirected emotions and the other, a killer whale family, is faced with the consequence of human interference. Both families are split apart on the rocks of life and heading straight for a collision course.

Young Charlie Newhook and his clan were struggling fishermen, who lived under a continual cloud of brooding storms brought on by blinded emotions. The immaturity of a son to understand his family’s situation and the inability by the father to express his feelings, introduces a perfect storm of discontent.

Cultis, the renegade killer whale, is the product of humanity’s quest for greed. Taken from the freedom of the sea, he becomes an uncontrollable force of terror, hell-bent on destroying everything in its path.

Blinded by the thirst for revenge, blood is freely spilled on the path of reconciliation, in hopes of shedding the weight of antiquated ways. In a sea of uncertainty, the Newhook clan and the pod of killer whales finally collide, to find unexpected redemption upon the cold-blooded waters of Newfoundland.

Collections of a Filthy Heart

I have a filthy heart.

It’s been bruised,

and broken,

and houses secrets best left in the dark.

These are its collections.

Courtney Jones lives in downtown Toronto, working in content creation and digital strategy. An avid lover of the written word, she prefers to pass her free time reading a good book while enjoying a glass of even better red wine.

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 Out of Her

I became a Christian about five years ago. Before that, I was a New Age guru and a practitioner of the occult science of Alchemy. My whole life, I have been fascinated with all things supernatural, spiritual, mystical, and psychic—if you look up the definitions of each word, you will see that they all have the same basic meaning.

He looked at the crowd and said, “How did I get into Alchemy? As I studied everything mystical, I came across a book that explained the science of Alchemy and its history. It sparked interest in me, and I did what I needed to do to find any manuscript on Alchemy. I was around 13 years old when I bought my first book on the subject. Now, what is Alchemy? For me to answer that, I need to first reference Genesis chapter 3. I’m not going to read the entire chapter; I will summarize what it says. We will be analyzing a few key verses to gain better understanding. The serpent goes to Eve and convinces her that if she eats from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, she will be a god as God is. Here is where Alchemy has its roots—why do I say that? Let me explain further...”

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!

Compelling Encounters

These journal accounts of life as a trauma specialist in Kenya, Eritrea and Uganda present poignant, engrossing yet disturbing view of African life. In shocking detail, HIV/AIDS deaths, inhuman treatment of the mentally ill, forced military conscription, brutal attacks by warring insurgencies, the fate of AIDS orphans and government control of the people are all noted in detail.

In contrast to the horrors witnessed, the descriptions of the beautiful scenery, flowers, and animals depict another side of African life. Details of family life, education, customs, and language are also included.      

The role of missionary sisters and priests and the church is emphasized and explained.