There are few strongholds left, and few leaders who have the vision and the power to protect their people. Naze Kinu, the Great Wizard provides a stronghold for the most talented young and old people in the lands. The Amber Refuge is his life’s work, a central stronghold built by his comrades, his power and his reputation. That is why, when he tells his long time aide, Doril, that he intends to tell all about his secret sibling, Riv, his intentions are met with alarm. Naze kept his relation to Riv a secret for half a century. Riv, known in legend as the Slasher Goblin, the Prince Slayer, and the thief of the Enduring Light. Despite the damage his revelation could do to his reputation, Naze is set on telling the true story of his brother, of the days that inspired the legend. Most of those close to him are left to wonder why, and to listen as their leader regales them with the tale of his misadventures with his brother and Oroza, the dragonling. This is the story of Naze and the brother he can no longer deny this is the story of Brightwill in times of drastic change.

    Pio of Pietrelchina has emerged as a figure of immense popularity, attracting fascination, veneration, and also emulation. Padre Pio, who once wrote in a letter, “I am a mystery to myself,” is certainly a mystery to all who know of him. To those who moved beyond mere credulity, he became an inspiration to embrace the fullness of faith. Perhaps that is why his shrine in outlying San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy, is second only to the Vatican itself in annual number of pilgrims and why Italian Catholics now report to praying more for St. Pio’s intercession than for that of any other saint. This book is a concise introduction to Padre Pio’s life, especially as compared to the example and journey of his spiritual father, St. Francis of Assisi. If St. Francis is said to be the most popular saint of all time, Franciscan Capuchin Padre Pio is perhaps the most popular saint of our times. Given that he passed only in 1968, it is remarkable to think that such a spiritual “superhero” could exist in our modern age. Through not spared from misfortune, he was spared those things that cloud us from perceiving the world in a truly spiritual way. Perhaps that is why Padre Pio offers us just the message we need to hear.

    The heart of ye child to be liftin the curse. Dare ye risk it?" When Mijo escaped from Madame Le Guillotine and set sail to England, little did she know who her savior was, or what he would mean to her. Theo was enchanted by his émigré, but knew what trouble they could be in. After dodging the French, revenue men, and smugglers, now they had their feelings to contend with. Passion was all well and good, as long as they could weather the storm it unleashed, and solve the curse.

    The Richardsons’ deaths are just two of several brutal murders to be unearthed. With local police stymied, former Scotland Yard Commander, Nicholas Adams and his team, are called in. But even with the extensive surveillance of central computer BigSys and the pervasive eyes of cameras that cover so much of the country, it takes the skills of the attractive Verity Burne – computer wizard and freelance feature writer – to uncover the links between the homicides that lead to the discovery of past injustices and a thirst for bloody vengeance.

    Although her parents and siblings are supportive, there is always something missing. Until one glorious day when she is baptized in the Jordan River and her life—body, soul, and spirit—is changed forever. Then she meets the Person who can make all her dreams come true—if she can get out of Herod’s banquet hall without losing her head!

    . . Amateur boxer turned executive Joe Robbins moves his family to Austin, Texas, to join a startup and get rich. At his first company party, Joe witnesses a young woman commit suicide. She leaves no note . . . no motive . . . and the image haunts his dreams.But the company is busy writing software and making sales and everyone is going to get rich! Employees careen around Austin like bats.When the market crashes, the company falls apart, and the paper riches evaporate. Then a director is found murdered, and the police figure Joe for a prime suspect. Two more executives are murdered, and Joe might be next.Forced into the role of an amateur detective, Joe falls back on what he knows: facts, logic, and analysis. If the going gets rough, he’ll use his fists. Whatever the approach, he’d better work fast because he’s facing a long stay in prison or a short trip to the morgue.

    Kyle has been training all of his life to become a spy and he absolutely knew that he’d be the best in the class. However, Kyle learns the hard way that he wasn’t as great as he thought he was and was even bested by Jenny in class who had nowhere as much training as he did. However, when Kyle met Paul, he believed that along with Jenny, they’d help Kyle learn the true ways of how to be a real and successful spy.

    This ebook contains mature themes and language, intended for 18+ readers only.

    As the Agency investigates the source of the disclosures, an old Office of Strategic Services file and the former Director of Central Intelligence become the focal point of their research. A race is on to find the file's secrets. If al-Qaeda's wins, they can acquire "suitcase" thermonuclear devices to attack America. If the CIA gets there first, they can make a deal with a Russian billionaire and trade the missing treasure for the weapons al-Qaeda craves. The political awakening of Duncan Hunter continues as he battles radical fundamentalists across the globe, he thwarts the terrorists' best plans and eliminates their leaders. He survived their latest attempts to kill him when he's finally cornered, captured, and dragged to an al-Qaeda lair. Inside lurks certain doom at the hand of his bitterest foe.

    His job is simple; look after the house for nine weeks before it is due to be knocked down and replaced with a new building by the new owners, Mr and Mrs Warren. While things seem pleasant enough to begin with, Sam soon realises that something isn’t right. There are noises in the walls, voices creeping in the darkness and a spectral force that seems increasingly hostile towards Sam’s presence. When Sam meets Cassandra Layton, the elusive heiress of the Layton fortune, she is baffled to discover that Sam knows nothing about the grisly history of the manor, and the curse that seems to have fallen upon every generation of the Layton family. As Sam becomes more and more obsessed with uncovering the mystery of Layton Manor, he begins to realise that it’s not just himself who is in danger, but Cassandra as well – and Sam soon finds himself in a race against time to solve the mystery and save the both of them before it’s too late. The Haunting of Layton Manor is a chilling story of ghosts and the supernatural, set against the backdrop of an old, haunted house, leading up to a terrifying twist of a finale.

    When Rita Taylor is foisted upon her reluctant aunt, Margaret Sinclair, neither are happy. Rita didn’t even know she had an aunt, while Margaret is convinced her wayward niece will be nothing but trouble. Despite their differences the pair become unlikely allies in life and love, especially when Rita reintroduces Margaret to her long lost childhood sweetheart, William Brodie.As Liverpool slips into the Great Depression, Rita’s relationship with the Brodie family flourishes and secrets from Margaret’s past emerge. But will hardship and heartbreak get in the way of this blossoming friendship? Originally published as ‘The Pawnbroker’s Niece’, The Heart Will Lead is a captivating saga perfect for fans of Pam Howes, Dilly Court and Lyn Andrews.

    One, new to the game, sees himself as a gift to the world of assassins. The other, a veteran of the craft, is a feared and respected hitman for one of the biggest crime families in the city.When their worlds collide, it’s a disaster waiting to happen. Every hit has to be carefully prepared – but they never planned on each other.Don't miss the first in a five – episodes serial full of thrills, conflict and intrigue! Episode 2: The CleanerTwo killers. One brings death. The other is Death.A Mafia’s score – settling went wrong. Two hitmen who have nothing in common must partner to handle it, despite their mutual contempt.Assassins don't usually work in pairs, and Eddie is no different. Worse, Eddie boss's boss puts him with Liam, an impulsive young hotshot who almost screwed up his last case, and neither one is happy. When Eddie finds out that the mark is an old friend, he has to decide where his loyalties lie – but if he makes the wrong decision, Liam will be there to fix it by any means necessary. That is, unless they kill each other before the hit.Don't miss the second installment of this five – episodes series of murder, mayhem and mystery. Buckle in as things take off for our protagonists, setting things in motion that will change their lives forever.-- The Assassins series --Enjoy suspenseful crime fiction with some dark humor and irony? Check out The Assassins, a fast-paced fun series about the “bad” guys.In the vein of LT Ryan’s Jack Noble series and Remington Kane’s Tanner books, action-packed The Assassins series introduces readers to Eddie and Liam. Fans of anti-heroes from early Tarantino movies like Pulp Fiction and Reservoir Dogs will enjoy riding along with these two gritty hitmen.Warning: this material contains strong language and violence. Recommended for mature audiences only.Note: This bundle is Part 1 out of 2. It contains episodes 1 and 2 of the Assassins series. It’s a free preview of the five-episodes series. If you enjoy it, you can complete the experience with the three remaining episodes (The Target, Killing Floor and Face Off) in a go, and at a discount rate here: www.amazon.com/dp/B013J9QX7C (just copy and paste into your browser).(You can also read them for FREE with Kindle Unlimited)." This story had me turning the pages and I was disappointed when it ended. You're going to want to read the next one! It's certainly a thrill ride and plenty of insight into the characters to build the series." ~Amazon Reviewer, Nickinic – Ebooks Galore (Ep. 1 - Face Off)" Very tense and full of action. I look forward to reading more of this series." ~Amazon Reviewer, Saintly1 (Ep. 1 - Face Off)" A good read. Fast, good action, great characters." ~Amazon Reviewer, Moser (Ep. 1 - Face Off)"Really enjoyed this book, it ended at the right time (not over done drawing it out). I was pretty gripped throughout, but towards the end I literally could not put it down.

    Her only solution is to find a rich farmer in the West to marry her. But she also hopes to fall in love with her husband. Richard Bland has recently been widowed and his heart is broken when he finds out a deep secret about his dead wife. Can he let go of the past and find love again? Can these two find the love they so yearn for? A Time For Love is a beautiful series of stories that follow the journeys of five noble women and the honest man they finally find on the frontiers. Each book is also a delightful standalone with satisfying happy-ever-after.

    But when sinister intentions surface and his new wife is captured Broderick is forced to see past the deceptions and begin another campaign of vengeance. But can the memories of the past be put aside for the sake of love? Book 2 - The Highlander’s Challenge How can jealousy and betrayal really spoil the life of a rich young noblewoman? Alina Du Mas seems to have everything she could desire in the wild and untamed Scottish Highlands—she is loved by most, breathtakingly beautiful, and high-born. However, the man she loves, though he is the son of a thane and has already saved her life, is not good enough to suit her cruel uncle. It’s up to Alina, her brother and sister-in-law, and wise old Aunt Aili to save the day…guided by her visions of a dark future that she must avoid at all costs. Should Alina trust the wisdom of her uncle when it seems he’s determined to kill the man she loves—or trust her visions instead? Can the beautiful seer trust her glimpses into such a dark future when love is clouding her judgment? Book 3 - The Highland Hero Should a brave and bold Highland warrior take a beautiful lass as his bride when he discovers her terrible secret? Blaine McNeil has loved Chrissie Connolly for much longer than he’d care to admit, but only allows his feelings to show when he makes a daring rescue of the captive maiden. The lass has been hurt, though he doesn’t know the extent of her injuries until after they are wed…and he discovers that she’s with the child. What should be done now—should the babe be destroyed or allowed a chance to live? What if it belongs to his enemy instead of the fruit of their newfound love? Does Blaine have what it takes to love and support his injured wife through her darkest hours—or has he discovered the limit of his endurance at last? Have his years on the battlefield prepared him for the toughest battle he will ever face? Inspirational romances that will warm your heart! If you love highlands romances, Scottish romances with a strong woman heroine, and a decisive male character, then this collection is for you! These are stand-alone romances. Each book in the series is approximately 65,000 words (around 300 pages). No cliffhangers, pure content and an awesome happily ever after, guaranteed to ignite your imagination in one sitting. Get this book for free with Kindle Unlimited!

     Part One: Bears in Underwear Olivia - I never intended to drive through this part of Colorado to begin with. It was a total fluke. But when a stop for gas in the tiny town of Rocky Top leads me to a male butt more perfect than I have ever seen before, I decide its fate. After all, I’m in Colorado to shoot an ad campaign for Tight Buns Underwear. If anyone needs the perfect butt, it’s me. Del - I have never bothered to look at an underwear ad and I definitely never considered the possibility of being in one. But that was before Olivia Talpin came stomping into my life. She ramrods my family’s outfitting company and soon enough we are all dancing to her tune and setting up photo shoots all over the mountain. That girl is lucky she’s so dang cute or I might be tempted to show her just how grouchy a bear can be. Part Two: Bearing All Trip - There is nothing more useless than a magazine article. Can’t say I’ve ever looked at one myself. Even worse is the fact that I have been elected—as the most personable member of the Olsen family—to be interviewed by a female writer staying in one of the cabins down by the river. Who ever heard of a woman writing articles and ads for a fishing magazine anyway? But Kiesha isn’t like anyone I’ve has ever met. The woman loves to fish, enjoys the outdoors, and doesn’t seem interested in much else. Not even me. Kiesha - There is no doubt in my mind that Trip Olsen is the most full of it man that I have ever met. But the guy knows fishing. For now, I figure it’s in my best interest to put up with Trip until he shows me the secret behind choosing just the right bait for mountain trout. After that the guy is history. The funny thing is that the longer I spend with Trip, the more I get the feeling he is the most intriguing person Iwill ever meet. Part Three: Grin and Bear It Lilly - I am sick and tired of bears. I’m tired of Rocky Top and conspiracy theories about rival bear clans and all of the other nonsense that goes along with being part of a family that seems to have gotten stuck back in the days of rival blood family feuds. I want something more. Painting is my passion and I don't care if I have to sneak onto Olsen property to get the one view that I have been dying to paint for years. Jared - Catching Lilly Mandeville trespassing on Olsen land might just be the best thing that ever happened to me. I have about as much interest in being a fishing guide as Lilly does in being a hunting guide. It doesn’t seem to matter to either one of us that our families might be horrified by this strange new friendship. Then me and Lilly happen upon something else. Something that will explain all of the strange animosity between our families and show everyone that it’s not the bears you have to worry about. It’s the wolves.