Best of
True-Story

2014

The Child Bride


Cathy Glass - 2014
    When 14 -year-old Zeena begs to be taken into care with a non-Asian family, she is clearly petrified. But of what?Placed in the home of experienced foster carer Cathy and her family, Zeena gradually settles into her new life, but misses her little brothers and sisters terribly. Prevented from having any contact with them by her family who insist she has brought shame and dishonour on the whole community, Zeena tries to see them at school. But when her father and uncle find out, they bundle her into a car and threaten to set fire to her if she makes anymore trouble. Zeena is too frightened to press charges against them despite being offered police protection in a safe house.Eventually, Cathy discovers the devastating truth from Zeena, and with devastation she believes there is little she can do to help her.

Daddy’s Little Princess


Cathy Glass - 2014
    But it isn’t long before Cathy begins to have concerns that the relationship between Beth and her father is not as it should be.Little Beth, aged 7, has been brought up by her father Derek after her mother left when she was a toddler. When Derek is suddenly admitted to hospital with psychiatric problems Beth is taken into care and arrives at Cathy’s.Beth and her father clearly love each other very much and Derek spoils his daughter, treating her like a princess, but there is something bothering Cathy, something she can’t quite put her finger on.Meanwhile Cathy’s husband is working away a lot and coming home less at weekends. Then, suddenly, everything changes. Events take a dramatic turn for both Beth and Cathy and her family; as Cathy strives to pick up the pieces all their lives are changed forever.

Shot Down: The True Story of Pilot Howard Snyder and the Crew of the B-17 Susan Ruth


Steve Snyder - 2014
    February 8, 1944 ... Shot Down and Alive For the first time, the full and complete story of the B-17 Flying Fortress Susan Ruth is shared in unbelievable detail. Author Steve Snyder’s story of his father, Lieutenant Howard Snyder, and the Susan Ruth crew, provides in-depth details about many aspects of World War II few understand or know about including the:• separation for young families as men went off to war;• training before heading to foreign soil;• military combat operations;• underground and resistance and what Lt. Snyder did when he joined it;• German atrocities toward captured crew and civilians;• behind-the-scenes stories of the Belgium civilians who risked all to save American flyers who were in the air one moment, spiraling down in flames the next;• creation and dedication of the monument to the Susan Ruth and its crew located in Macquenoise, Belgium in 1989.Shot Down was created from the vast number of letters and journals of Howard Snyder; diaries of men and women on the ground who rescued, sheltered and hid the crew; and interviews conducted by historians. Centered around the 306th Bomb Group in Thurleigh, England, it is informative, insightful and captivating.For most, 70 years is a long time ago. World War II fades in importance as each year goes by. Shot Down moves history out of the footnotes into reality, keeping the stories of real people alive as they experience being shot down. You are there, almost holding your breath as Lt. Snyder gets his crew out of his B-17 when bailing out over Nazi occupied Europe.

Trapped: The Terrifying True Story of a Secret World of Abuse


Rosie Lewis - 2014
    Experienced foster carer Rosie accepts the youngster as an emergency placement knowing that her autism will represent a challenge – not only for her but also for the rest of the family.But after several shocking incidents of self-harming, Pica and threats to kill, it soon becomes apparent that Phoebe’s autism may be the least of her problems.Locked for nine years in a secret world of severe abuse, as Phoebe opens up about her horrific past, her foster carer begins to suspect that Phoebe may not be suffering from autism at all.

Love Your Sister


Samuel Johnson - 2014
    and unicycles by the founders of the LOVE YOUR SISTER charity, Connie and Samuel Johnson, that will inspire and they hope get people talking about boobs! Born a year apart, Connie and Samuel Johnson have always been close. Faced with the devastating news that they would soon be separated forever, they made a decision.After already surviving cancer twice in her young life, at 33 Connie was diagnosed with breast cancer. But this time it was a whole different ball game. This time she was told she will die, leaving behind her two sons. As a young mum faced with her own death, Connie wanted to make it all less meaningless, and she knew just the way to do it - send her brother, Sam, on a one-wheeled odyssey around Australia.The aims: to break the world record for the longest distance travelled on a unicycle. To raise $1 million for the Garvan Research Foundation. And, most importantly, to remind women to be breast aware and stop others having to say goodbye to those they love.Their message is simple: 'Don't fall into the booby trap.' Samuel has travelled through every state and ridden more than 150,000 kilometres to raise awareness and raise research dollars.But Connie had a secret fourth aim: to fix Samuel. And it worked. Sam cleared his diary, cleaned himself up and tenaciously kept his promise to his dying sister.For them the job isn't over. They are determined to raise more money for research. Connie vows to fight until her dying day and Sam says the fight will go on long after that.These two remarkable Australians share their tale, from childhood through to the finish line and beyond in this truly unique story. Part memoir, part travel diary, part conversation, LOVE YOUR SISTER is an inspiring and unforgettable story that shows just how far one man will go for his sister.

Betrayed


Rosie Lewis - 2014
    Through Rosie’s support and understanding, gradually Zadie begins to settle into her new surroundings, but loyalty to her relatives, and fear of bringing shame on those around her, prevents her from confessing the horrifying truth about her troubled past.When the shocking truth finally emerges, Rosie and her family can hardly believe that Zadie had managed to keep the shocking secrets to herself for so long.

As Bill Sees It


Alcoholics Anonymous - 2014
    Way of Life, this book contains material that reflects cofounder Bill W.’s personal viewpoint and experience. From his Foreword: “This volume includes several hundred excerpts from our literature, touching nearly every aspect of A.A.’s way of life. It is felt that this material may become an aid to individual meditation and as a stimulant to group discussion, and may well lead to a still wider reading of all our literature. Over the past twenty-five years, it has been my privilege to write these books about A.A.: the text of Alcoholics Anonymous, Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, Alcoholics Anonymous Comes of Age, and Twelve Concepts for World Service, the last as part of our ‘Third Legacy Manual.’ [Retitled The A.A. Service Manual] Many pieces have been written for our monthly magazine, the A.A. Grapevine, and I have always carried on a large personal correspondence.”

Focused: Staying on Track, One Choice at a Time


Noelle Pikus Pace - 2014
    From overcoming devastating injuries to pursuing her dreams despite feelings of inadequacy and loneliness to maintaining her values in the face of extreme pressure, Noelle tells of heartbreak and triumph in a warm, conversational style as she shares insights to help others focus on the right priorities and find the faith to stay strong. With dozens of full-color photographs, motivating observations, and soul-searching reflections, chapters such as "You Always Have a Choice," "Dare to Stand Alone," and "The World Is Watching" offer a unique perspective for readers of all ages as they strive to stay on track the challenges and opportunities of everyday life.

Sarajevska Princeza


Edo Jaganjac - 2014
    Her mother died from the same grenade, hugging her daughter's body in order to protect her. This book is Jaganjac's recollection of the events that happened soon after that.

Unforgivable


Collette Elliott - 2014
    She slipped through the net and only just survived. Her childhood was a place of filth and terror. Her prostitute mother abused and neglected Collette; leaving her with clients, starving her and beating her to a pulp.But the worst thing was that the people who were supposed to protect Collette turned a blind eye. This is the story of a little girl who waited years for justice. It's the story of a woman determined to protect other children from suffering her fate.Collette Elliott is a 35-year-old mother of four. She was born in Birmingham to Maureen Batchelor, a prostitute, and suffered years of physical and mental abuse. In April 2013, Birmingham City Council awarded her £20,000 in damages for the anguish she suffered and their failure to protect her. Collette is now happily married, a devoted mother to her girls, and is campaigning on behalf of other child abuse victims.

The Girl From Yesterday


Shane Dunphy - 2014
    However, when a part time journalism job in rural Ireland leads him to a family in desperate need of intervention, and a young girl crying out for protection, Shane cannot stand idly by and watch...Little Emma Blaney lives with her three siblings in an ancient farmhouse, with a life that is like something from another time - no running water, no electricity, and no contact with the outside world. Whilst covering a land dispute between Emma's father Tom and his powerful brother Gerry, Shane discovers that there is a lot more wrong with the family than just a feud. The children are filthy, nervous and and undernourished. In order to protect Emma and her siblings, Shane finds himself at loggerheads with the church, local government, big business, property developers and industrial farmers. But Shane must discover the truth about the Girl from Yesterday, before it is too late, even if it will cost him his new life...

Wolf's Message


Suzanne Giesemann - 2014
    If you have ever wanted to read a book that validates immortality and communication with loved ones who have passed on, then read this book. It is an authentic portal to the other side." Caroline Myss, author of Anatomy of the SpiritWhen Mike and Beth Pasakarnis received the news that every parent dreads, their world seemed to crumble around them. Spiritual teacher and evidential medium Suzanne Giesemann knew exactly how they felt. Like Mike and Beth’s son, Wolf, her step-daughter Susan had been struck and killed by a bolt of lightning out of the blue. Until meeting Mike and Beth, Suzanne—a former “by-the-book” Navy commander—had cautiously refrained from using the word “proof” when speaking of the eternal existence of the soul. But no longer. The evidence Mike and Beth shared from their son provided all the proof she needed. Little did Mike, Beth, or Suzanne know that their lives would soon become even more entangled by unexpected visits from Wolf’s spirit. Had Wolf’s presence offered a one-time glimpse across the veil, they might still be pondering the significance of the mystifying clues he left behind. Instead, as Wolf repeatedly made his presence known, Suzanne was able to piece together Wolf’s puzzle and reveal a startling message that has profound spiritual implications for us all. Travel along on Suzanne’s incredible journey as she unravels the web of clues Wolf wove to ensure that his uplifting message of hope and joy is understood by all mankind. "Part spiritual detective story, part definitive proof of after-death communications from a most extraordinary young man, Wolf’s Message is above all a must-read for those seeking a more balanced, heart-centered way of living." Kenneth Ring, Ph.D., author of Lessons from the Light“Wolf’s efforts to communicate with us through Suzanne deserve to be taken seriously and received with gratitude, awe, and celebration.” Gary E. Schwartz, Ph.D., author of The Sacred Promise “Somehow, reading Wolf's Message creates a field into which the reader is incorporated experientially. Reading, learning, and Being are rolled into a synergy that exemplifies the truths of nature and existence as they are revealed. Such authentic interactivity is rarely achieved in this context; a really good book is one in which the author draws the reader in by chronicling notions and events in such a way as to invite and affirm our ability to relate. A really great story dispenses with the dichotomy of author and reader altogether, and the precious anomaly of Wolf's Message is that it behaves more like an Oracle than a Book.” Dr. Barbara E. Fields, Executive Director, Association for Global New Thought

My Name is Bob


James Bowen - 2014
    Bob and James are the best of friends; everywhere James goes, Bob the street cat goes with him.But what happened to Bob before he found James? This is the story of Bob in the early days, when his life is turned upside down and he goes in search of a new home and someone to love him...

No Place for Nathan: A True Short Story


Casey Watson - 2014
    Disruptive, aggressive and, most disturbingly, prone to violent mood-swings Nathan soon finds himself in at the school’s behavioural unit, managed by Casey – Ms Watson to her students. What’s even more disturbing is Nathan’s split personalities; from Jenny with a bright blonde wig to sexually frustrated Jack, Nathan’s behaviour demonstrates some serious psychological issues. What has caused all of this?Taken under the wing of Ms Watson Nathan is able to eventually trust, learn and grow into a happier little boy. But this happiness is short-lived and soon Ms Watson finds out a devastating secret about Nathan’s family life; an abusive father who raises Nathan in a filthy and squalid home unfit for animals, let alone a small child. But with social services reluctant to help an “attention-seeking” child they’ve looked into before Ms Watson’s efforts are put to the test. Will she be able to help this frightened little boy? Or will it all be too late?

Strength in Strangers: A true story of heartbreak, hope and courage


Lauren Britton - 2014
    The local medical centre lacked the equipment to keep him alive and there was no plane to a specialist hospital for several days.This is the inspirational and emotional true story of a normal young couple and their life torn apart by a near fatal heart affecting virus and a wife’s struggle to save her husband’s life.An account of the incredible journey to return him home safely, the terrifying wait in hospitals where few spoke English, seven weeks in Bangkok on life support and intensive care, the selfless acts of strangers, and the frightening realisation that previously fit and healthy Andrew would need an urgent heart transplant.This is a story of love, hope and courage against all odds.A story of friends and family, incredible medical staff, the strength found in strangers and the ultimate gift of a second chance.

Scarlett's Secret: A real-life short story by Casey Watson


Casey Watson - 2014
    The girls seem grounded but they never leave each other’s side, although there seems to be an underlying tension between them that Casey can’t quite put her finger on. What’s more, Jade has a strong, unpleasant smell about her that further isolates her from the other teenagers.Eager to help the girls, Casey starts digging and finds out that Jade was pregnant and that the girls were taken into care when they were sixteen. But it’s not until a violent argument during class that Casey truly realises the anger the two girls harbour towards the rest of the world. And when Scarlett finally reveals the truth, it suddenly all makes sense.Can Casey find a way to bring Scarlett and Jade closer together? And can she break down Jade’s walls and get the girls the help they have craved since their childhood?Dark, disturbing and heartbreaking, this is a story of two sisters who just needed someone to believe in them.

The Cat Rescue Diaries: 56 True Life Stories of Cats Who Found Their Forever Homes, and the People Who Saved Them


Kurt Schmitt - 2014
    We were fascinated. Today, we're still fascinated by the purr, but in many cases, we've let our feline companions down. There are millions of homeless and hungry cats. These are but a few of the stories of the lucky ones, rescued from bad situations and given a place on easy street.You'll be inspired, you'll be awed, and you'll say "awww" over stories about cats like these:Ms. Sammy, the cat delivered to her "furever" home by the coroner.Lima, the kitty with a horribly infected tail, but who never stopped purring in appreciation of her human's efforts to help her get well.Hanuko, the rescue with two human mommies.From tales of cats rescued from a warehouse, a barn, and even a coffee can, to heartwarming stories of feline determination and human compassion, every story in The Cat Rescue Diaries is evidence of what happens when good people seek out the purr and find their "purrfect" feline match.

The Dark Side Part 2 - Real Life Accounts of an NHS Paramedic - The Traumatic, the Tragic and the Tearful


Andy Thompson - 2014
    In the style of his first book, Andy recalls each event from the detailed documentation recorded at the time, each account written in a way that puts the reader right there next to him so that you live the events in real-time, hear the dialogue between paramedics, patient, their loved ones and other healthcare professionals as it would have been, and share in Andy’s thought processes during each of the ten very different situations he encounters.The term ‘The Dark Side’ describes the frontline emergency aspect of the Ambulance Service, since paramedics frequently experience sombre situations. In ‘The Dark Side, Part 2’ you will share in some truly traumatic, tragic and tearful events involving a seemingly vibrant, healthy young patient, a prison inmate, the victims of an horrific car crash, heart attacks, a frightening epileptic fit, the alarming effects of an allergic reaction, and what can happen when under-strain doctors prescribe the wrong medication. But there’s still room for lighthearted moments and a taste of the sometimes dark humour that allows paramedics to continually deal with events most of us would find too horrific. The detail in the descriptions of the care given to each patient on-scene by Andy and his colleagues will have you marvelling at the ability of these healthcare professionals to work at such speed of thought, buying enough time to deliver a patient into the specialist hands of hospital care and often full recovery. Of course there are inevitably also those times when tears of hope turn to tears of despair for loved ones. You cannot feel that pain until it happens to you, but this book will bring you mighty close to it at times.

No Greatness Without Goodness: How a Father's Love Changed a Company and Sparked a Movement


Randy Lewis - 2014
    No Greatness without Goodness is the powerful story of a corporate executive who, after watching the world through the eyes of his own child with autism, Austin, realized that we all have a greater responsibility to make the world a better place for everyone, including those with disabilities.As the Senior Vice President of Walgreens, Randy Lewis has created thousands of full-time jobs for people with disabilities. No Greatness without Goodness offers a firsthand account of what it takes to lead with courage in order to change people's lives for the better. Randy's motto is "What's the use of having power if you don't use it to do good." In this book, you'll learn how to start working for good no matter where you are or how much power you hold.

10 Ultimate Truths Girls Should Know


Kari Kampakis - 2014
    Obviously her message strikes a chord with moms and dads across the country. This nonfiction book for teen girls expands on these ten truths and brings a Christian message to the hearts of both moms and daughters.Teen girls deal daily with cliques, bullying, rejection, and social media nightmares. Kari Kampakis wants girls to know that they don’t have to compromise their integrity and future to find love, acceptance, and security. Her ten truths include:Kindness is more important than popularity.People peak at different times of life. Trust God’s plan for you.Get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Otherwise, you’ll never stick to your guns.Today’s choices set the stage for your reputation.You were born to fly.Fans of Kari's blog and newspaper column will not want to miss her first book. Filled with practical advice, loving support, and insightful discussion questions, 10 Ultimate Truths Girls Should Know is a timely and approachable list of guidelines that will help young girls navigate a broken world and become the young women God made them to be.

Woman in the Making


Rory O'Neill - 2014
    In a small town in the west of Ireland, a beautiful baby boy is born. He enjoys an idyllic country childhood: privileged, carefree, surrounded by love - and pet sheep.Eleven years later, the Pope visits Ireland, and things will never be the same again. At the Pontiff's mass in Knock, the little boy has an epiphany that will set him on the road to become the biggest, boldest, and most opinionated drag queen Ireland has ever known.This is the story of Rory O'Neill's journey from the fields to becoming Panti Bliss, the voice of a brave new nation embracing diversity, all the colours of the rainbow and, most of all, a glamorous attitude.It's also the story of a misfit who turned his difference into a triumphant art form; of coming to terms with HIV; of political activism; and of 'Pantigate', and the speech that touched a million lives.Welcome to the world of Panti - adored, fun drunk aunt to the world - and her creator Rory, in their own inimitable words.

The Devil On The Doorstep


Annabelle Forest - 2014
    For the next few years she was brainwashed by the cult's leader, Colin Batley, who ran a harem of followers from his unassuming cul-de-sac in Kidwelly, Wales. Batley ruled the cult with an iron will, his twisted ideology based on Aleister Crowley's Book of the Law, which informed their day-to-day lives. From the age of 11, Annabelle was repeatedly raped by Batley, and threatened with going to hell if she angered 'the gods' by refusing Batley's sick demands. Annabelle's mother joined in the sessions and even filmed them. Annabelle lived a double life - a schoolgirl by day, a sex slave at night. It might have endured for years had she not fallen pregnant at 17 with Batley's baby. In February 2008 she gave birth to a daughter, Emily, who gave Annabelle a reason to live and hope. Now she knew she had to escape, especially after Batley forced her into prostitution when Emily was three months old. She contacted relatives through Facebook on a computer in the public library and found the courage to report Batley, her mother and the other cult members to the police. In 2011 her evidence helped convict 48-year-old Batley for life on 11 charges of rape and numerous other sexual offences. Annabelle's mother was also jailed, along with two others in a case that came to be known as the 'cul-de-sac cult'. But Annabelle's story was far from over - she had to adjust to a new life away from the rules and rituals of the cult. Today she lives a happy and settled life with Emily and her partner but the nightmares of her damaged past will haunt her forever. Child of Courage refers to Annabelle herself but also her daughter, the child who gave her the chance to hope, the will to fight and the courage to live again.

Love Without Limits: A Remarkable Story of True Love Conquering All


Nick Vujicic - 2014
    Filled with practical insights that will benefit any couple, this inspiring book describes a godly courtship and the early years of the Vujicics’ marriage and parenting journey.   Above all, Love Without Limits is an inspiring reminder that when Christ is at the center of a relationship--even with serious challenges--true love will triumph. ***“Despite my optimism about other parts of life, I decided that love in this world had limits after all. I’d become convinced that no woman would want to marry such an obviously imperfect man as me….”   As a boy growing up in Australia, Nick Vujicic could not understand why God had allowed him to be born without limbs and if He would ever bring a woman into Nick’s life.    On the other side of the world, Kanae Miyahara—a girl growing up in Mexico--saw dysfunction sadly separate her family.  She wondered if a loving, lasting marriage was even possible.     Later, when Nick realized that God had a purpose for him, his life took on new meaning.  But after a long-term relationship ended in heartache, would he ever find someone to marry?   Kanae experienced relationships based on superficial attraction, but she longed to find a mate with strong character and faith—a man who would be a godly husband and father.     When Nick and Kanae met in the most amazing way, they realized that God—the ultimate Matchmaker-- had used even their discouraging and painful experiences to prepare them for each other…for the love of their life.

Two More Sleeps


Rosie Lewis - 2014
    This is the heart-breaking tale of Angell, a young girl desperately loved but inadequately cared for by her troubled mother Nicki.Abandoned and left barely clothed beneath a park bench on a freezing cold day in winter, the bewildered child is rescued by police and passed into the loving and compassionate care of the Lewis family.But when foster carer Rosie takes Angell into her home and heart, she wonders whether Angell’s mother will ever return for her daughter? Or will Angell be destined to spend the rest of her childhood in care?

Learning to Love Amy: The foster carer who saved a mother and a daughter (HarperTrue Life - A Short Read)


Mia Marconi - 2014
    She came to foster carer Mia Marconi’s house when she was three; she’d already been in care for five months by then. But her mum Amy didn’t get on with her carer and threatened to kill her so India was moved.But no matter how inadequate parents are, children in care love them and want the world to love them too.Amy had had a hard life: she was one of seven siblings, all of who had been abused and ended up in care. She was an alcoholic and she phoned all times of day and night threatening suicide.When India finally settled in Mia’s happy household, Mia embarked on amazing journey to help Amy too.

A Small Boy's Cry


Rosie Lewis - 2014
    As Charlie opens up about his past, a picture of the traumatic life the little boy has endured so far becomes clear.

12 Years A Slave: True story of an African-American who was kidnapped in New York and sold into slavery - with bonus material: Uncle Tom's Cabin, by Harriet Beecher Stowe


Solomon Northup - 2014
    Against all odds, Northup eventually manages to get word to his family – and the ensuing rescue from the drunken and sadistic Mr Epps and subsequent legal cases are no less shocking than the rest of the tale.Northup’s meticulous first-hand recordings of slave life, written in conjunction with a white lawyer called David Wilson, provide a true-life testament to tremendous courage and resolve in the face of unspeakable injustice.Now a major Hollywood film, nominated for Best Picture at the 2014 Academy Awards, and directed by Steve McQueen – starring Chiwetel Ejiofor, Brad Pitt, Michael Fassbender and Benedict Cumberbatch.

101 Kruger Tales: Extraordinary Stories from Ordinary Visitors to the Kruger National Park


Jeff Gordon - 2014
    A lioness prises open the door of a terrified couple. A leopard helps itself to a family’s picnic breakfast. A fleeing impala leaps through an open car window. A lion charges around inside a busy rest camp. A hyaena snatches a baby from a tent. A tourist takes a bath in a croc-infested dam… These are just a few of the 101 jaw-dropping sightings, scrapes and encounters in this collection of extraordinary true stories from the roads, camps, picnic sites and walking trails of South Africa’s Kruger National Park, as told by the very people who experienced them. There are no game ranger tales here – each and every story happened to an ordinary Kruger visitor doing what over a million tourists do in this spectacular reserve each year. It is a book to keep by your bedside in Kruger, to dip into at home when you’re missing the bush, to lend to friends who’ve never visited Kruger or to pore over before your next trip. Just don’t expect to ever sleep soundly in a safari tent again…

The Medic: Miracle on Hacksaw Ridge


Adam Palmer - 2014
    When he arrived at camp for basic training, he promptly made it known that he was a pacifist and would be unwilling to take a life or even so much as touch a weapon. He did however say that he would be proud to serve his country as a medic, if they would let him. No matter how much pressure the Army applied, the medic was unwilling to compromise his convictions. The other soldiers in his unit came to hate the conscientious objector, going so far as to throw their boots at him while he knelt by his bunk at night to pray. When the men of Company B assaulted “Hacksaw Ridge” on the island of Okinawa, something happened that would change their opinion of the medic forever.

A Child Called Hope: The true story of a foster mother's love (HarperTrue Life - A Short Read)


Mia Marconi - 2014
    The illegitimate child was her father, a lost soul who she idolised. Protecting him instilled in her an instinct to care for the vulnerable and, after a chance meeting with a chaotic foster family, she decided fostering was her vocation.In an incredible twist of fate, the first baby she fostered was born to an unmarried Italian girl. Then came Hope, so badly damaged by her teenage mother’s alcoholism she was in hospital for a year. Finally discharged and settled in Mia’s happy home, what happened next would make Mia question if she could carry on.www.harpertrue.co.uk

The Last Rescue: How Faith and Love Saved a Navy SEAL Sniper


Howard E. Wasdin - 2014
    Howard Wasdin, author of SEALTeam Six: Memoirs of an Elite Navy SEAL Sniper (twenty-two weeks on the NewYork Times best-seller list), survived the firestorm made famous in BlackHawk Down only to return to a world without support, without a mission, andsoon without his family. Wounded in Mogadishu and facing a torturous journey ofrehabilitation and recovery, he came home to find his marriage falling apartand his world upended. When he met Debbie, an accountant emerging from her owntrial by fire, he realized this might be his last hope, and the two togetherbegan a journey of rediscovering their faith in God and their ability to trustin God’s goodness.The Last Rescue is an unforgettable tale of brokenness andhealing, going deep into the firing line of modern warfare, through the agonyof broken marriages, and onto a path of redemption and love. With a clear-eyedview of the inevitability of heartache and the power of God’s faithfulness,Howard and Debbie remind us that no matter what our circumstances, we shouldnever, ever, give up hope.

Loving Amy: A Mother's Story


Janis Winehouse - 2014
    . . She was a bundle of emotions, at times adorable and at times unbearable. . . . Amy's passing did not follow a clear line. It was jumbled, and her life was unfinished—not life's natural order at all. She left no answers, only questions, and in the years since her death I’ve found myself trying to make sense of the frayed ends of her extraordinary existence.”Amy's mother, Janis, knew her in a way that no one else did. In this warm, poignant, and at times heartbreaking memoir, she tells the full story of the daughter she loved so much. As the world watched the rise of a superstar, then the free fall of an addict to her tragic death, Janis simply saw her Amy: the daughter she’d given birth to, the girl she’d raised and stood by despite her unruly behavior, the girl whose body she was forced to identify two days after her death—and the girl she's grieved for every day since.Arguably the most gifted artist of her generation, Amy Winehouse died tragically young, aged just twenty-seven. With a worldwide fan base and millions of record sales to her name, she should have had the world at her feet. Yet in the years prior to her death, she battled with addiction and was frequently the subject of lurid tabloid headlines.Including rare photographs and extracts from Amy's childhood journals, Loving Amy offers a new and intimate perspective on the life and untimely death of a musical icon.

Letting Go into Perfect Love: Discovering the Extraordinary After Abuse


Gwendolyn M. Plano - 2014
    It was her secret; it was her shame. But when her husband turned his brutality on her son, she could no longer stay quiet.   In Letting Go into Perfect Love, Plano recounts her experiences in a twenty-five-year abusive marriage, and as a survivor who came out of that relationship determined to start over, artfully depicting the challenges and triumphs of balancing the obligations of motherhood and career with her family’s healing process. Alternately heart-wrenching and joyful, this is a story of triumph over adversity—one woman’s inspiring account of learning how to forgive the unforgiveable, recover her sense of self, open her heart, and honor the journey home.

Reaching Rocky Mountain Jim: A Novel Based on the True Life Stories of James Nugent and Isabella Bird


Kari August - 2014
    Scarred not only physically from a vicious grizzly bear attack, but emotionally from previous war experiences, he now lives alone in his cabin. When strong-willed Englishwoman, Isabella Bird, visits the area, and Jim acts as her guide in a treacherous ascent up Longs Peak Mountain, an unlikely but undeniable attraction develops between them. Complicating Jim’s life further is powerful Lord Dunraven, who schemes to turn the region into his own private game preserve. Jim struggles to keep Estes Park safe from Dunraven’s greed while fighting for a commitment from Isabella. Reaching Rocky Mountain Jim is historical fiction that recounts the compelling relationship between Jim and Isabella, told amidst a stunning, rugged landscape and a frontier just beginning to learn its potential.

If Only He'd Told Me: A foster Family Pushed To the Limits


Mia Marconi - 2014
    Foster carer Mia Marconi was thrilled when he first arrived – a boy the same age as her son.It can be so bewildering for foster children when they arrive. The older ones are usually withdrawn and sullen. The younger ones will be screaming, spitting at you, making themselves sick and throwing themselves on the floor.For Mia, it’s normally her boisterous, happy children who provide the comfort at the beginning, because why should they trust another adult. Children always feel safe and secure when there are other children about. Mia believes it’s through making relationships with other children that they begin to trust adults again. But little did she know that six-year-old Brody was actually taking his anger and frustration out on her son. She quickly begins to realise the heavy price her family has had to pay. (Amazon.com)

Stolen Voices: A sadistic step-father. Two children violated. Their battle for justice.


Terrie Duckett - 2014
    He broke their dreams. But they came back stronger.‘Terrie and Paul are two of the bravest people I have ever met. I have only shared the briefest glimpse into the true horrors this brother and sister have endured, but I rarely come across cases this bad. After the unspeakable abuse and shocking betrayals, two incredible human beings came through – to inspire us all.’Sara Payne OBE, co-founder of Phoenix SurvivorsTerrie and Paul’s step-father had been living with them for six months when the abuse and grooming began. What started as innocent conversations and goodnight kisses quickly developed into something far darker and depraved.Everyday Terrie was assaulted and abused; her rapes were photographed, filmed and shared. Paul was regularly taunted and mercilessly beaten. But despite the bruises and the scars, and the desperate pleas for help, no one saw their pain.But through it all they stuck together, battling for their childhoods for over a decade and masterminding creative ways to outwit their stepfather and buy themselves fleeting moments of joy.In March 2013, thirty years on, Terrie and Paul made the brave decision to give up their right to anonymity to tell of the years of abuse they endured at the hands of their recently convicted step-father and raise awareness for the ongoing battle for justice for victims of child abuse. A powerful testament of what can be achieved through courage and love, this is their inspiring story.

How to Not Be an Idiot When You Get Divorced


Jaeson D. Rau - 2014
    In it's short and direct presentation, Jaeson has given us the ability to optimize an outcome that is beneficial to EVERYONE. Dr. Brent C. Bluekens ?Straight talk from the heart of someone who has been there. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is going through divorce and struggling to find the clarity and balance they so desperately need for the well being of the ones who suffer the most.........The Children?. Betty J. Lynn-Benson BGS Former Restoritive Justice Practicioner And Civil Claims Mediator "I felt Illuminated and Empowered as I read and pondered on the vast effects of divorce. I know that the information Jaeson shares, if applied, will yield a depth of positive impact our society has not previously known. Thank you Jaeson for this ?Work Of Heart? and your sincere desire to help make the journey of divorce a better one." Daryn Hubbard Coach, Developer, Explorer, Facilitator, and Innovator

Will to Live


Matthew Ames - 2014
    It will change the way you look at life.For a couple of weeks, Matthew Ames didn't feel well. The busy father of four young children knew things were not quite right but suddenly he was in Emergency, with a severe case of toxic shock syndrome – the common bacteria Strep A had entered his bloodstream and his body had gone into shutdown. He was put into an induced coma and the only way he could be kept alive was to have all his limbs amputated.Diane Ames knew exactly what her husband would want and that he would cope – he had always been optimistic and practical. Despite a one per cent chance of survival, she asked the doctors to go ahead with the radical operation. And so began the inspiring story of an ordinary family's courage and determination to make the most of a terrible situation.What happened to Matthew could happen to anyone. But not everyone would accept what life offers and pursue possibilities in the way that he does. Matthew has astounded doctors with his adaptation to a new way of living, so much so that he is about to become a bionic man. And he has never once questioned Diane's decision – it gave him the chance to truly understand how much family matters and to appreciate humanity.

On Dragonfly Wings: A Skeptic's Journey to Mediumship


Daniela I. Norris - 2014
    It aims to give hope to those who have lost a loved one and to those who are about to pass beyond hope that this is not an end. Written for lay people, rather than experienced spiritualists or mediums, and for anyone who is curious about exploring further, it provides practical tools to help readers find their own spiritual truth and path."

Bread or Death: Memories of My Childhood During and After the Holocaust


Milton Mendel Kleinberg - 2014
    "Alle raise," (everybody out), the German soldiers screamed as they pounded on our door with the butts of their rifles. And thus began a 4,500-mile journey from Poland through Russia and Siberia and eventually to Uzbekistan in Central Asia, as the author's family used bribery and darkness of night to flee as the Nazis invaded Poland in 1939. Young Mendel, from age four to fourteen, tells in vivid detail the wretched journey in cramped cattle cars through frigid Russia, the indignities of being forced labor, the shame of begging for bread just to survive, and death of those closest to him. The family s plight includes abandonment, hunger, and separation (and later remarkable twists of fate and reunion) quite unlike other Holocaust stories. This coming-of-age, Holocaust memoir is the author's personal account of how through great sacrifices by his mother he managed to survive the worst atrocities in human history and his uncertain days in a Polish Children's Home, scrabbling for fallen fruit, and surviving kidnapping and murder on the Black Road, and return to German Displaced Persons camps at war's end. But to what fate? Originally written as a memoir just for his grandchildren, Milton Kleinberg gives a moving account of his family s hardships and eventual immigration with a lump-in-the-throat passage to America past the Statue of Liberty and into a land of opportunity tinged with bigotry yet with a promise to future generations. This book for young adults has been reviewed by the Institute for Holocaust Education and includes a glossary, a book club discussion guide, a timeline, and a Teacher's Guide.

Who Was Queen Victoria?


Jim Gigliotti - 2014
    She married her first cousin, Albert, and had nine children who married into families across Europe. By the time she had earned the nickname “The Grandmother of Europe” and the title “Empress of India” it was indeed true that the sun never set on the British Empire. Publicly, she became a national icon, but privately, Who Was Queen Victoria?

The Yanks Are Starving: A Novel of the Bonus Army


Glen Craney - 2014
    One flag. No honor.The darkest day in American history.Former political journalist Glen Craney has enthralled readers with novels set during the medieval crusades and Scottish wars of independence. Now the award-winning author turns to World War I and the Great Depression, bringing to life the little-known story of the Bonus March of 1932, which culminated in a shocking clash between thousands of homeless veterans and U.S. Army regulars on the streets of the nation's capital.Mired in the Great Depression, the United States teeters on the brink of revolution. And the nation holds its collective breath as a rail-riding hobo from Portland leads 20,000 World War I veterans on a desperate quest for justice to the steps of the U.S. Capitol. -- Foreword Book-of-the-Year Finalist Historical Fiction -- indieBRAG Medallion -- Chaucer Award Finalist for Historical FictionThis timely epic evokes the historical novels of Jeff Shaara as it sweeps across three decades with eight Americans from different backgrounds who survive the fighting in France and come together again, fourteen years later, to determine the fate of a country threatened by communism and fascism: -- Herbert Hoover, the beleaguered president. -- Douglas MacArthur, the ambitious general. -- Pelham Glassford, the compassionate police chief. -- Walter Waters, the troubled leader of the Bonus veterans. -- Floyd Gibbons, the war correspondent and famous radio broadcaster. -- Joe Angelo, the Italian-American who is George Patton's orderly. -- Ozzie Taylor, the street musician turned Harlem Hellfighter. -- Anna Raber, the Mennonite nurse.We follow these men and women from the Boxer Rebellion in China to the Plain of West Point, from the persecution of conscientious objectors in the Midwest to the horrors of the Marne in France, and from the Hoovervilles of the heartland to the pitiful encampment in the bowels of the District of Columbia.Here is an alarming portrayal of the political intrigue and government betrayal that ignited the only violent conflict between two American armies under the same flag.

Gotta Find a Home: Conversations with Street People


Dennis Cardiff - 2014
    Documenting their stories will, I hope, introduce them to the public in a non-threatening way. Some panhandlers look intimidating, but that disappears when one sees them laugh. A typical day for me involves taking the bus and walking two blocks to work. I pass Joy’s spot every day. I usually sit and talk with her for twenty to thirty minutes. Chester and Hippo may drop by to chat. Most afternoons, depending on weather, I walk two blocks to the park where the group of panhandlers varies in size from two to twenty or more. They don’t panhandle at the park. Like a soap opera, every day is different; some scenarios will carry over a few days or weeks. People will disappear for weeks or months due illness, rehab programs or incarceration. When I met Joy I was going through an emotional crisis. Meeting her and her friends – worrying about them and whether or not they would be able to eat and find a place to sleep – took my mind off my problems, that then, seemed insignificant. It was truly a life changing experience.

Unravelled: The inspirational true story of a journey out of darkness


Vikie shanks - 2014
    For it's the day that Paul, my late husband and father to my seven children, decided he'd had enough of the life he had created for us all, and took himself off to the woods on the edge of our property, and fatally slashed his neck and arms." When Vikie Shanks met Paul, he seemed to be everything a girl could ever want. Handsome, attentive, caring and musically gifted, he felt like the antidote to all the bad things that had happened in her life. Vikie had had a deeply unhappy childhood, and it had scarred her. Sexually abused by her eldest brother and dominated by a violent father, her childhood ended with the death of her mother when she was just sixteen. Unravelled is the story of Vikie's life with Paul. Of the years in which his behaviour and mental state became ever more erratic. Of his casual cruelty, his spying, his inexplicable and sudden rages. Of his growing obsession with having more and more children, and of naming them according to a precise set of rules. How, over a period of years, he all but gutted their family home, tearing down most of the internal walls and removing almost everything but basic furniture, while simultaneously creating a secret home for himself, made out of plywood, in what used to be a shed. Of his secret diaries - the tens of thousands of entries he made, documenting every minute of every day. After his death, it would be these writings that would provide such compelling evidence of what further tragedy might have happened had he not made the decision that he did that fateful morning. Because whatever was wrong with him was like a ticking bomb that even Vikie hadn't properly heard; it seemed he'd spent time planning to kill the whole family.

The Girl Without a Voice: Part 1 of 3: The true story of a terrified child whose silence spoke volumes


Casey Watson - 2014
    One of six children Casey is teaching, Imogen has selective mutism. She’s a bright girl, but her speech problems have been making mainstream lessons difficult.Life at home is also hard for Imogen. Her mum walked out on her a few years earlier and she’s never got on with her dad’s new girlfriend. She’s now living with her grandparents. There’s no physical explanation for Imogen’s condition, and her family insist she’s never had troubles like this before.Everyone thinks Imogen is just playing up – except the member of staff closest to her, her teacher Casey Watson. It is the deadpan expression she constantly has on her face that is most disturbing to Casey. Determined there must be more to it, Casey starts digging and it’s not long before she starts to discover a very different side to Imogen’s character.A visit to her grandparents’ reveals that Imogen is anything but silent at home. In fact she’s prone to violent outbursts; her elderly grandparents are terrified of her.Eventually Casey’s hard work starts to pay off. After months of silence, Imogen utters her first, terrified, words to Casey: ‘I thought she was going to burn me.’Dark, shocking and deeply disturbing, Casey begins to uncover the reality of what Imogen has been subjected to for years.

Cornered: The Painful True Story of My Child Abuse Hell (Child Abuse True Stories)


Louise Henderson - 2014
    But then the tragic deaths of her father and grandfather within two years of each other turn her life upside down. Having moved in with her mother's parents after the death of her father, Louise finds that her grandmother's increasing reliance on the local church for comfort after her husband's death draws a soon to be unwelcome guest to the family home: the verger, Mr. Jarvis. Whilst outwardly paying attention to her widowed grandmother, he also seems to be focussed on Louise herself, and abuses his position of trust, both at the church's Sunday school and in the family home, to force his unnatural obsessions on her. Even after Louise's mother remarries and she can finally look forward to moving away from Mr. Jarvis, Louise must endure one more harrowing attack before he is finally caught out. But even then, with child protection teams still very much in their infancy in the early 1980s, Louise still lives with the consequences of her unstable childhood. WARNING: This book is based upon a true story of child abuse, and as such contains passages that some readers may find disturbing.

Diary of Two Mad Black Mormons: Finding the Lord's Lessons in Everyday Life


Zandra Vranes - 2014
    Their uniqueperspective and diary entries will have you laughing one minuteand saying "Amen!" the next as they talk about personal experiencesas well as lessons they've learned from pop culture aboutrelationships, sisterhood, standing up for what you believe,embracing diversity, dealing with adversity, and what it meansto be a Christian. This humorous and poignant outlook on lifewill strengthen your faith and tickle your funny bone. And you'llsoon realize that the authors aren't really mad, they're just crazyfunny and inspiring to listen to!

Dog Days In The Fortunate Islands: A new life in hidden Tenerife


John Searancke - 2014
    Together with their beloved Jack Russell/Staffie cross, Freddie, a rescue dog from the local RSPCA, they embark on the journey of a lifetime and relocate to the island of Tenerife. Selling up, they make the move to the north of Tenerife, a part almost unknown to the casual tourist – their very own hidden paradise, a world away from the 'tourist trap' that is the south of the island. Relaxed and surrounded by stunning coastal views, life in their new home, set amidst orange groves and banana plantations, is very different indeed! The weather is fantastic, the temperature idyllic, the people so friendly and the cost of living outrageously low… what more could they ask for? Adjusting to life abroad, and all of the costs that come with it, are explained in the book – from buying a new home and sorting out living taxes, to integrating into the local community and taking the dreaded Spanish driving test. Follow John and Sally as they learn a new language and take on a couple of new hobbies, while Freddie takes off on some unbelievable (but true!) exploits with his new canine friends. With a colourful collection of characters, travelling anecdotes that stretch from the English Midlands and all the way through mainland Spain in an old classic car, and some not so perfect moments that bring us back down to earth from time to time, this is a series of adventures that you will not want to miss. Dog Days In The Fortunate Islands is an ideal read for those contemplating retirement, moving to the Canary Islands or an extended trip through Spain. The book will also appeal to any dog lovers and holidaymakers who enjoy an interesting story.

Amie: An African Adventure


Lucinda E. Clarke - 2014
    She was happily married and she had her future all planned out. They would have two adorable children, while she made award winning programmes for television. Until the day her husband announced he was being sent to live and work in an African country she had never heard of. When she came to the notice of a Colonel in the Government, it made life very complicated, and from there things started to escalate from bad to worse. If Amie could have seen that one day she would be totally lost, fighting for her life, and enduring untold horrors, she would never have stepped foot on that plane

Obsessed


M. William Phelps - 2014
    When she started a new job at a cutting-edge research lab in Stamford, Connecticut, she met the man of her dreams. Nelson Sessler had no idea how violently Sheila would react when he began seeing a co-worker, Anna Lisa Raymundo. Sheila eliminated her rival in a bloody knife attack - and then turned her rage on another victim she saw as an obstacle to her passions. This book recounts the story of a white-collar love triangle gone horribly wrong - and the terrifying infatuation that drove one woman to kill.

The Wyoming Howler


M.L. Behrman - 2014
    A seasoned outdoorsman, having done stints as a buffalo hunter, range detective and shotgun man for Wells Fargo, Earl is just the man for the job. Tracking it to its secret lair high in a rocky escarpment that towers above the grassy range, a terrifying series of encounters leaves the veteran hunter wondering if the Native American's tales of a "Hairy giant who runs with the animals" might not just be true! Can Earl kill the beast before if kills him or will the fearsome creature add his mangled body to its long list of murderous outrages? This chilling thriller from author M.L.Behrman will keep you on the edge of your seat from the first page to the last, as you join the bloody hunt for "The Wyoming Howler".

Small Moments: A Child's Memories of the Civil Rights Movement


Mary M. Barrow - 2014
    Segregation. Separate but equal. At the dawn of the Civil Rights movement, these words mean little to Mary, an eleven-year-old Southern transplant in New Jersey. Forced to grow up in an place so unlike her old home, Mary clings onto one thing she knows and loves: Amelia, her family's African American housemaid.At once a stern caretaker and a tender mother-figure, Amelia's constant presence in Mary's life gradually exposes Mary to the rippling tide of unrest and inequality spreading through the nation, as well as the violent and heartbreaking ramifications of the Tuskegee experiment.Based on a true story, "Small Moments" is a gripping and heartfelt tale of how one uneducated and underprivileged woman taught a young girl to see the world not in terms of color, but in terms of kindness, equality, and love.

Dance of the Banished


Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch - 2014
    But their homeland is controlled by the Turkish government, which is on the brink of war with Britain and Russia. And although Ali finds passage to Canada to work, he is forced to leave Zeynep behind until he can earn enough to bring her out to join him.When the First World War breaks out and Canada joins Britain, Ali is declared an enemy alien. Unable to convince his captors that he is a refugee from an oppressive regime, he is thrown in an internment camp where he must count himself lucky to have a roof over his head and food to eat.Meanwhile, Zeynep is a horrified witness to the suffering of her Christian Armenian neighbours under the Young Turk revolutionary forces. Caught in a country that is destroying its own people, she is determined to save a precious few. But if her plan succeeds, will Zeynep still find a way to cross the ocean to search out Ali? And if she does, will he still be waiting for her?

Tailings


Kaethe Schwehn - 2014
    She was a twenty-two-year-old trying to come to terms with a failed romance, the dissolution of her parents' marriage, and her own floundering faith. At first, Holden Village, a Lutheran retreat center nestled in the Cascade Mountains, seemed like a utopian locale: communal meals, consensus decision-making, and eco-friendly practices. But as the months wore on, the idyll faded and Kaethe was left with 354 inches of snow, one prowling cougar, sixty-five disgruntled villagers, and a pile of copper mine tailings 150 feet high. Her Eden was a toxic Superfund site. How do we navigate the space between who we are and who we would like to become, between the world as it is and world as we imagine it could be? Tailings is a lyrical memoir of intentional community told from the front lines, a passionate and awkward journey about embracing the ""in-between"" times of our lives with grace and hope. ""Kaethe Schwehn's poignant memoir explores longing, both spiritual and physical, community and faith, in prose that is calm, lovely, and filled with clear-eyed honesty and grace. Tailings is simply an exquisite book."" --Dinty W. Moore, author of The Mindful Writer ""Schwehn's Tailings, is, like all of my favorite contemporary nonfiction, uncategorizable--part memoir, part spiritual reflection, part reportage. Brilliant in all of its guises, Tailings only makes me want to read more by Kaethe Schwehn. She writes with fierce intelligence and luminous clarity on all of her subjects: loss, grace, this very particular village, and the hard work of renewal. Tailings is a beautiful and original book by a remarkable writer."" --Rene Steinke, author of Friendswood ""Already by the second chapter, this is a book hard to lay aside. Schwehn's prose is liquid and intelligent. It catches your interest immediately and swings you from paragraph to paragraph and chapter to chapter. Her observations never stand still but sweep you forward into her story/memoir. She is a genuine artist."" --Walter Wangerin Jr., author of Ragman--and Other Cries of Faith Kaethe Schwehn holds an MFA from the Iowa Writers' Workshop and is the coeditor of Claiming Our Callings: Toward a New Understanding of Vocation in the Liberal Arts (2014). Schwehn has been the recipient of a Minnesota State Arts Board grant and a Loft Mentor Series award. Her fiction, essays, and poetry have appeared in numerous journals. She teaches at St. Olaf College and lives in Northfield, Minnesota, with her husband and two children.

Seeking Human Kindness


Reading HarborCharles Michael Tolosa - 2014
    The first book in a series by Reading Harbor aims to inspire, uplift, and put a smile on your face. Featured in this collection are the following 50 stories on acts of human kindness:A Hero's Heart By Darko from SerbiaA Little Bit of Help by Vanessa Pasco Lobrigas from the PhilippinesA Priceless Burger By Charles Michael Tolosa from the PhilippinesA Seemingly Insignificant Act by David Fribbins from the UKA Simple Gesture by Chelsea Resnick from North Carolina, USAA Simple Meal by Beverley Bowen-Evans from JamaicaA Special Watch by Summer White from Georgia, USABroken Leg vs. the Curb by Angel Propos from Florida, USACar Ride by Patrice Marrero from Massachusetts, USAChasing Down Kindness by Sharon Fuentes from Washington D.C., USACompliments FREE Take One if Needed by Sharon Fuentes from Washington D.C., USACorporal Punishment by Ajit Kumar Jha from IndiaEleanor by Angelica Crawford from the UKEmergency Call by Anna S. from Oregon, USAFallen Angel by Anthony Ford from the UKFar from Home by Rachel De Bretagne from FranceFarewell Lullaby by Joyce Jacobo from California, USAFatherhood by Jules Whitney from Oregon, USA First Night in Bangkok by Steven Brooks from the UKHeroes in an unlikely place by Lisa Martin from New York, USAHomeless Kindness by Ivana Milakovic from SerbiaHow a puppy taught me to live by Dejan Savanovic from Bosnia and HerzegovinaHow My Daddy Taught Me How To Be Kind by Sheila Salyers from West Virginia, USAJadika's Plight by Timothy Munene from KenyaLessons Learnt by Karan Sampat from IndiaLost in Peru by Grace Chen from Pennsylvania, USAMeeting God's Own Child by Shruti Fatehpuria from IndiaNo Ice Cream For Dad by Darcy Sprague from Texas, USAThe Old Lady and the Orange by R. Gonzales from the PhilippinesOne Golden Sun by Tammisan Mason from California, USAPay it Forward by Belle Evelyn from CanadaPink & Polka Dotted by Paula Baker from Utah, USASent from Heaven by Netra Manjunath from IndiaSimple Encouragement By Samantha Loomis from Wisconsin, USASinging for My Fare by Christina Boyes from Pennsylvania, USASpecial Delivery by Barbara Bergerson from New York, USAStrangers in a New City by Joanna Hoyt from New York, USASuper Mario by Marieta Plamenova from BulgariaThe Deadline by Ajit Kumar Jha from IndiaThe Effects of Helping Out by Tiffany Mcrae from GuyanaThe Gift by Bhavya Kaushik from IndiaThe Good Deed Game from Leonard Treman from Alabama, USAThe Happy Meal by Ayamma Mohsin from PakistanThe Seven Fifty to Marble Arch By Jan Gamm from SpainThe Unexpected Surprise by Paula R. from MexicoThere's a God in Each one of Us by Shruti Fatehpuria from IndiaWashing Clothes Story by Guey J. from ChinaWhat is Treasured on the Earth by Hranush A. from Armenia What Kindness Is by H. R. Chang from TaiwanYissus' Smile by Prusevie Boncato-Bekalo from Ethiopia

They're Rugby Boys Don't You Know?


Natalie Vellacott - 2014
    She was forever changed when, the ship having repeatedly broken down in the Philippines, she unexpectedly encountered and fell in love with a group of street teenage boys addicted to a solvent called "rugby." The dirty, wild, miserable, rabble were accustomed to hostility. Their curious approach in order to investigate the foreigners was cautious and sometimes abusive. Local Filipinos watched from a distance, fascinated yet fearful. These were the “rugby boys”--untouchable and invisible, even dangerous and definitely not worthy of time, attention, love and care. But now a small group of highly regarded foreigners seemed intent on drawing attention to them.A true missionary story about Christian hope being brought to the hopeless in the Philippines...

Returning


Yael Shahar - 2014
    There, he saw things that no one should ever see, and did things he would give anything to forget. Decades later, he still can't speak of his past - or even reveal his identity to those closest to him.Now he's decided to put himself on trial for treason against his people. Approaching a local rabbi to serve as judge, he sets in motion a process that may let him rejoin the world of the living - if it doesn't destroy him first.Returning is a haunting and compelling exploration of the choices we make in a choiceless time, the terrifying strength and burden of the will to survive, and the power of the human spirit to transcend even its own destruction. It will leave you changed forever.

Tolkien: How an Obscure Oxford Professor Wrote the Hobbit and Became the Most Beloved Author of the Century


Devin Brown - 2014
    Tolkien transformed his love for arcane linguistic studies into a fantastic world of Middle Earth, a world of filled with characters that readers the world over have loved and learned from for generations.Devin Brown focuses on the story behind how Tolkien became one of the best-known writers in the history of literature, a tale as fascinating and as inspiring as any of the fictional ones he would go on to write. Weaving in the major aspects of the author's life, career, and faith, Brown shares how Tolkien's beloved works came to be written.With a third follow-up film and the book's release the same month, there's a large interest in the faith values for these works. This book addresses that deep hunger to know what fuels the world and worldview of The Hobbit's celebrated author, Tolkien.

The Street or Me: A New York Story


Judith Glynn - 2014
    Michelle Browning is 33, drunk and a former beauty queen who nears death after six years of homelessness. Judith Glynn is divorced with grown children and struggles to support herself in her adopted city. After their first hello, neither woman is the same as they embark on a remarkable journey for two years. This memoir is a raw yet enlightening read that graphically depicts the homeless subculture. But as Judith sets out all alone to rescue Michelle is her fixation worth the sacrifice? At stake is whether Michelle will choose possible death in a gutter over Judith's guiding light back into society. Enrolled in Kindle Book Lending that allows users to lend their book after purchasing to their friends and family for a duration of 14 days. For full details, review the Kindle Book Lending Program.

The Coconut Chronicles: Two Guys, One Caribbean Dream House


Patrick Youngblood - 2014
    Renovating their little corner of paradise proved to be a crash course in how Vieques works—and how it doesn’t. Very few projects went according to plan, and many veered alarmingly off course. Along the way they learned a number of unforgettable lessons: concrete houses can have termites; five-foot iguanas aren’t necessarily more afraid of you than you are of them; emergency rooms don’t always stock medical supplies; and a property manager who paints your house orange instead of yellow may resign in a huff when you point out his little boo-boo. The Coconut Chronicles is a lighthearted account of Patrick’s and Michael’s battle to create order out of chaos in the not always relaxing tropics.

20 Beautiful Women


Saba Tekle - 2014
    Amazon.com best-selling author Saba Tekle has compiled these stories from women who have experienced devastating circumstances, loss, and disappointments. The one thing that connects them all: they had the strength to heal, find their purpose through their pain and now passionately help others in the areas self-love, weight loss, career, spirituality, relationships, finances, and forgiveness. Many of these stories, told here for the very first time, will empower you to make real changes in your life, heal down to your soul, find your passion, and live your divine purpose, now. After a soul-stirring foreword by national best-selling author, Debrena Jackson Gandy, you will find stories you can connect with, learn from, cry with, and grow from. It's a must read for anyone desiring connection with other real women and true transformation. This compelling book may change your life forever!

Lodge Cast Iron Nation: Inspired dishes and memorable stories from America's Best Cooks


Lodge Manufacturing Company - 2014
    Lodge Cast Iron Nation provides 200 recipes curated from Lodge's very own network of high-profile chefs and cast-iron cookware fans from around the country. Focused on American regional cuisine, it's packed with a diverse array of recipes-everything from appetizers to desserts and everything in-between. The book reveals the movement behind the resurgence in cast iron's popularity, showcasing exciting new flavor combinations from popular chefs (like John Currence, Lidia Bastianich, Mark Bittman and Peter Kaminsky) and highlighting the cookware's relevance for today's cooks, who are increasingly concerned with issues of sustainability, health, and expense when it comes to their food choices. Packed with classic regional casseroles, soups and stews, new twists on old favorites, plus desserts from the icebox and the oven-this cookbook proves that cast iron isn't just for cornbread. And with in-depth information on how to use and care for cast iron plus surprising tricks and tips-direct from Lodge fans-this cookbook is a comprehensive guide to getting the most out of cast-iron cookware. Finally, Lodge Cast Iron Nation gives back to the country it celebrates; a portion of the proceeds from the sale of every book will go to The Tennessee Aquarium's Serve & Protect sustainable seafood program which is helping inland residents reduce their impact on the world ocean.

Big Eyes: The Film, The Art


Leah Gallo - 2014
    Re-teaming with the writers of Ed Wood, Burton returns to the biopic genre by telling the story of Margaret and Walter Keane, and their beautiful and melancholy ‘big eyes’ paintings.This companion book features behind the scenes images detailing everything from costume design to cinematography, and original interviews explore the making of the movie all the way from script to final cut. Also featured is a gallery of Margaret Keane’s work.

Out of the Blue: A Suddenly Single Mother's Memoir of Love, Intuition, and Healing


VinnieCarla Agnello - 2014
    At the World Trade Center, he was a first responder, but even his best friend from Ladder 118 was not hopeful. Out of the blue, VinnieCarla's happy life was unraveling and she was powerless to stop it from happening.Reflecting on her premonition from three weeks before, then the visitation from her dead father on September tenth, these events fomented the surreal drama that was now her life. Every day, a new test of her faith in God went beyond what she imagined possible. Was God listening to her prayers? How could God take a loving husband and wonderful father away? Why was any of this happening? The afterlife signs revealed in this story amaze the most hardened skeptics.OUT OF THE BLUE captures the messy and the sublime meaning of redefining life in the wake of a traumatic loss. Told with honesty and humor, the author navigates the emotional minefields of grief, raising her sons alone, the 9/11 Compensation Fund, PTSD, the power of prayer, sex, struggles of going back to work, community support, depression, acceptance, and moving forward.Drawing on love, intuition, and healing practices, the author gathers the remarkable threads of coincidence and weaves them into our collective cultural tapestry of 9/11, recovery, hope, and living life in the present moment: the only moment that matters.

Brief Eulogies at Roadside Shrines


Mark Lyons - 2014
    They are also testaments to what survives. In his vibrant collection of stories, "Brief Eulogies at Roadside Shrines," Mark Lyons builds narrative shrines that redeem what is lost to misfortune and time. A snake-handling preacher - cast out and lost on the highway - finds faith in a junkyard. A hitchhiker feasts on roadkill with a hobo on the Great Plains and discovers the Cosmos. A Mexican-American Border Patrol officer arrests a mojado - a wetback - who asks him a question that makes him confront his own history. An artist whose paintings are rendered colorless by her abusive husband commits an act of vengeance and deliverance. A soldier returns from Iraq and meditates on the fate of the tumbler pigeon he left behind. "Brief Eulogies" are stories about communities - people finding ways to survive their histories, addictions, fears - hoping to reach a better place. Will this be their last home, their last stop on the line; or can they turn to each other and find redemption? A mesmerizing storyteller, Mark Lyons, Director of the Philadelphia Storytelling Project, weaves a collection of stories that reminds us how our lives can change in an instant, usually when we're not looking.

Vegetarian Quick & Easy - Under 15 Minutes: 100 Simple Natural Foods Recipes


Jonathan Vine - 2014
    We need it not only to survive but also to bring us joy and great taste experiences, to challenge our taste buds with new flavors, and, last but not least, to nourish us. But what do you do when you only have 15 minutes at your disposal? Time management is the answer. And that is what this book offers you""recipes that don't take more than 15 minutes to make, without sacrificing any of the taste.What's your part in all this? Just put on that apron and go to the kitchen. Have fun and enjoy cooking! Believe me, food that took hours to prepare but was done without any kind of passion won't taste better than food prepared in just 15 minutes with all the love in your heart.In "Quick & Easy Vegetarian Recipes" you will discover: The various vegetarian groups' classification and why people choose to become vegetarian.The benefits of being vegetarian and the concerns you need to deal with.Tips and guidance for becoming a vegetarian. So many people have done it already, you can do it too!How to get organized and actually find time to cook for yourself and your family.Quick & easy vegetarian recipes for busy mums, romantic meals, recipes that even kids can make and recipes for parties.100 Simple Natural Foods Recipes:Easy and Quick Recipes for Busy MumsQuick and Easy Recipes for Romantic MealsQuick and Easy Recipes That Even Kids Can MakeEasy and Quick Recipes for PartiesScroll up and grab a copy today.

When Fraser Met Billy: An Autistic Boy, a Rescue Cat, and the Transformative Power of Animal Connections


Louise Booth - 2014
    But when their son Fraser was born, Louise immediately knew something was wrong. Fraser was an angry child, prone to frequent screaming fits. When the family moved to the Balmoral Estate (Queen Elizabeth's summer residence), where Louise's husband had been hired to be the Queen's electrician, Louise plummeted into depression, worn down by her son's constant needs. At eighteen months, Fraser was diagnosed with autism and hypotonia, a muscle tone condition that affected his ability to walk and use his hands. Louise and her husband Chris were given the devastating news that Fraser would never go to a mainstream school, and it seemed all hope was lost.Then came Billy. A grey cat who'd been found in an abandoned house and left at a shelter, Billy came home with the family, purred, and laid his paws across Fraser's lap. The two became inseparable from that moment on, and slowly but surely, Billy transformed Fraser's life.Within two years of Billy joining their family, Louise watched her son evolve from being a toddler prone to anxiety, tantrums, and sudden emotional meltdowns into a much calmer, less moody child with a bright future. In their home on the beautiful Balmoral Estate, Billy still acts as Fraser's guardian, never leaving his side at mealtimes and bedtimes or whenever he's feeling low. Their profound bond has immeasurably improved both their lives and the family's, bringing them countless hilarious and touching moments along the way.A Sunday Times bestseller in the UK, When Fraser Met Billy is "a story of quiet, enigmatic triumph" (The Daily Mail), a powerful testament to a family's love for their child, and a treat for animal lovers everywhere.

Tehran Moonlight


Azin Sametipour - 2014
    Vividly set in a country where women have no voice, one woman's fight for love and her own identity result in unimaginable consequences. She was 23, beautiful, a violinist in love with her passion. A rebel born into a conservative family where belief was everything and honor shackled women in place. Then she met Ashkan. He was 27, gorgeous, born to an Iranian father in Boston. A successful architect in the States who had returned to Iran to find his past. Then he met Mahtab.

Loveyoubye: Holding Fast, Letting Go, And Then There's The Dog


Rossandra White - 2014
    It’s not the first time this has happened, and she trusts that their marriage, though tumultuous, will endure. But she soon learns that this time is different—and as new information comes to light, she realizes that the cracks in their relationship may have deepened past the point of repair. In the midst of this turmoil, White’s physically and mentally disabled younger brother needs her help. She returns to South Africa, land of her birth, to answer his call—and when she comes back to California, she finds that her dog Sweetpea, who for years has served as a vital emotional link between herself and her husband, has begun to succumb to a fatal illness. Ultimately, it is this core-rattling confluence of crises that forces White to face her own demons and make a decision: stay in a marriage that’s crumbling before her eyes, or leave her husband and forge a new life for herself.

Eight Twenty Eight: When Love Didn't Give Up


Larissa Murphy - 2014
    They talked about getting married, and he started looking for a ring. They dreamed about life together, a life of beauty and joy, raising babies and laughing with friends and growing old. They did not imagine a car accident. They did not imagine his brain injury. They did not dream about the need for constant care and a wheelchair and fear that food might choke him.  And they could not have imagined how persistent love would be. Theirs and God's.  Ian and Larissa Murphy tell their story of love in Eight Twenty Eight. Except, it's not just their love story. Really, it's yours as well. Read and gain a picture of love that will challenge all you think you know about what is true and what persists.

God Less America: Real Stories From the Front Lines of the Attack on Traditional Values


Todd Starnes - 2014
    Dark clouds are gathering. The winds of intolerance are blowing. There’s a great storm approaching.American Christians are facing uncertain times. Our nation’s values are under assault. Religious liberty has been undermined. We live in a day when right is now wrong and wrong is now right. The vicious leftwing attack against the recent traditional marriage stance of Chick-fil-A should serve as a wakeup call to people of faith. It’s not about a chicken sandwich. It’s about religious liberty. It’s about free speech. It’s about the future of our nation.As a reporter covering the culture war for FOX News, Todd Starnes is on the front lines of these attacks against traditional values. In God Less America, he uses both recent news stories and compelling interviews with today’s top conservative leaders to bring to light what is happening across our country. In his award-winning, satire-meets-serious writing style, he strikes an important blow in today’s culture wars.

Be Strong, Be Tough, Be Smart, "a father's guide to raising a child with autism"


Donato Alfredano - 2014
    Alfredano and Star offer empathetic emotional support, as well as practical tips for connecting with your child with autism.When Donato Alfredano's son, "Denny," was diagnosed with autism thirty years ago, Alfredano and his wife faced previously unimaginable trials: lack of information about Denny's condition, social isolation, and the daily fight to balance caring for their brilliant but difficult son with life's myriad of other challenges. The Alfredano family, including Denny's younger sister, Giada Star, weathered years of trial and error with unwavering dedication to, and faith in, each other. They saw Denny go from an uncommunicative toddler to a respected PhD.As he navigated medical and educational systems, Alfredano realized that considerable progress could be made at home through individually tailored interactions with his ASD child.Told in personal anecdotes and easy-to-follow snippets of practical advice, "Be Strong, Be Tough, Be Smart" lets parents know they are not alone. Alfredano doesn't promise easy answers, but his family's story shows that with fortitude and persistence, there is hope for every child with autism.

Maya Angelou 350+ Best Quotes: Maya Angelou Inspirational and Best Quotes from A Phenomenal Woman (Best Famous Quotes Book 1)


DAKOTA HEARTKIND - 2014
    Maya Angelou: 350+ Best Quotes from A Phenomenal Woman Hand Selected Quotes of Maya Angelou that contain sheer wisdom, inspiration and will have a positive impact in your life and those you share these quotes from a phenomenal woman of our time. Ready to Own These Quotes? Great! - Scroll Up and Buy Now!

God's Buried Children


Daniel Farcaș - 2014
    Daniel ends up running from the Romanian Secret Service and police that want him dead and he manages to fly to U.S. using someone else passport help by Mariana, an American girl that falls in love with him while in a Humanitarian Mission in Bucharest.There are other stories tangled in the novel, an adopted child, a child reunited with his father and a child killing his father and grandfather who abandon him.

Reckless: A Memoir


Rebecca Allard - 2014
    Why would a middle class white woman fall in love with a convicted felon from Harlem? “Reckless” is the story of her addiction to danger and the journey she took to reclaim her heart, mind and soul.

NIV, Discover God's Heart Devotional Bible, Hardcover: Explore the King's Love for His People on a Cover-to-Cover Journey Through the Bible


Anonymous - 2014
    Readers will experience rich insights into the original contexts of Scripture, and God's heart will be unveiled in new ways. This Bible includes 312 engaging devotions to serve as your tour guide, walking you through Genesis to Revelation in manageable portions. Each devotion includes a summary section of the Scripture passage, an application section that reveals God's good heart, and an insight section that ties each passage into the rest of God's great story. As you experience God's Word through this devotional Bible, you'll see his divine fingerprints from beginning to end, even in the most unexpected places. And you'll encounter a deeper, fuller picture of the Jesus you thought you knew. Whether you are starting out on your first steps or a seasoned traveler, let the NIV Discover God's Heart Devotional Bible open your eyes to God's good heart. Join him in his story. And experience a more intimate walk with him.8.5-point type size

The Galveston Hurricane of 1900: The Deadliest Natural Disaster in American History


Charles River Editors - 2014
    About 200 corpses counted from the train. Large steamship stranded two miles inland. Nothing could be seen of Galveston. Loss of life and property undoubtedly most appalling. Weather clear and bright here with gentle southeast wind.” – G.L. Vaughan, Manager of Western Union in Houston, in a telegram to the Chief of the U.S. Weather Bureau on the day after the hurricane. In 2005, the world watched in horror as Hurricane Katrina decimated New Orleans, and the calamity seemed all the worse because many felt that technology had advanced far enough to prevent such tragedies, whether through advanced warning or engineering. At the same time, that tends to overlook all of the dangers posed by hurricanes and other phenomena that produce natural disasters. After all, storms and hurricanes have been wiping out coastal communities ever since the first humans built them. As bad as Hurricane Katrina was, the hurricane that struck Galveston, Texas on September 8, 1900 killed several times more people, with an estimated death toll between 6,000-12,000 people. Prior to advanced communications, few people knew about impending hurricanes except those closest to the site, and in the days before television, or even radio, catastrophic descriptions were merely recorded on paper, limiting an understanding of the immediate impact. Stories could be published after the water receded and the dead were buried, but by then, the immediate shock had worn off and all that remained were the memories of the survivors. Thus, it was inevitable that the Category 4 hurricane wrought almost inconceivable destruction as it made landfall in Texas with winds at 145 miles per hour. It was only well into the 20th century that meteorologists began to name storms as a way of distinguishing which storm out of several they were referencing, and it seems somewhat fitting that the hurricane that traumatized Galveston was nameless. Due to the lack of technology and warning, many of the people it killed were never identified, and the nameless corpses were eventually burned in piles of bodies that could not be interred due to the soggy soil. Others were simply buried at sea. The second deadliest hurricane in American history claimed 2,500 lives, so it’s altogether possible that the Galveston hurricane killed over 4 times more than the next deadliest in the U.S. To this day, it remains the country’s deadliest natural disaster. The Galveston Hurricane of 1900 chronicles the story of the deadliest hurricane in American history. Along with pictures of important people, places, and events, you will learn about the Galveston Hurricane like never before, in no time at all.

Kings Queens of Great Britain: Every Question Answered


David Soud - 2014
    Details of the kings’ and queens’ personalities are the focus, with a timeline across the bottom relating the major events of their reigns. Also included is a section devoted to royal edicts. All the Edwards, Richards, Henrys, and Williams are represented, along with outstanding personalities such as Lady Jane Grey and Oliver Cromwell—a king in all but name. This is essential reading for all Anglophiles, so brew a pot of tea and dig into the history!