Whether it is Dwayne ‘the Rock’ Johnson playing an oversized scorpion man in The Mummy Returns and The Scorpion King, or the character of Anansi in Neil Gaiman’s American Gods; these magical creatures have a deep connection to the mythologies and folktales of ancient cultures.Where did they come from? What relevance do they serve in mythology? Why are some so obscure, while others become pop-culture enigmas? Get the answer to these questions, and learn about beasts from different world cultures.Folklorist Zayden Stone dives deep into the stories of these magical beasts and providesa fictional anecdote,a retelling of the original myths,an analysis of the symbolism and relevance of the creatures,and then pairs it with some beautiful black and white illustrations reimagined by artist Herdhian.In the second volume of the Mythical Creatures and Mythological Beasts book, the illustrated guide takes you through six themes that have been specifically chosen since they are consistent across cultures. The categories include:arthropods for insects, crustaceans, and arachnids;avian for birds;canines for wolves and dogs;serpents for snakes and dragons;ungulates for hooved animals like horses and cows; andaquatic for water dwelling beasts.Presenting the creatures in categories makes it easier to see what the beasts have in common. You will find some overlapping themes across ancient cultures that point to universal ideas in how humans perceive the world.If you have a love for the myths and want to learn about the unique beasts that dwell within them, this book is a great way to do it. Not only will you learn about ones you may have never heard of, but you will also be able to draw parallels between cultures and see how they interpreted their surroundings through stories of mythical creatures and magical beasts.If you haven’t already, then don’t forget to check out the first volume of Mythical Creatures and Mythological Beasts by Zayden Stone.

    She lives in Melbourne and enjoys the life of a single girl in 1970, with no intention of marrying any time soon, if at all. She has no desire to live the life she sees her mother has, with a house full of children. Things change suddenly after she loses her job and she finds herself faced with very different choices. She finds a new life in the outback, with a new kind of love and a new kind of pain.

     Rich as in affluent, well to do, prosperous… So, although they’d been beaten down by life the one thing they didn’t worry about was money. Four friends find themselves at a crossroad in life. For years they’ve hidden behind their smiles while suffering behind closed doors. For Jerzey, her biggest issue is her taste in men. After surviving a near-death experience, she vows to stay away from the hustlers until Snowden steps into her art studio. He’s like no man she’s met before but because of past pain, she’s afraid to freely give herself to him. Miko is known to be the life of the party. You can count on her to make you smile and give you a good laugh. However, it’s the things Miko isn’t joking about that torment her every day. At a young age, she was subjected to volatile things. Acts of hatred that shape her into a woman afraid of love. A woman that’s determined to lay every man down in her path but when she can no longer run from her pain she’s forced to face her truths. In doing so she is liable to hurt the two people who mean most to her in the world. Rumer is driven. With determination, she pushed herself to become one of the lead real estate agents at her father’s company. She seems to have it all but the thing she lacks most is self-love. When she looks in the mirror she doesn’t see the beautiful woman that people say she is. She finds herself with a nasty addiction and to make matters worse she’s fallen for her step-brother. With her life spiraling in a direction she never saw coming Rumer is given the choice to get help or stay stagnant in the dark world she’s created for herself. Nelly is torn between heaven and hell. Her life with her handsome fiance is everything that she ever wanted it to be. Jannero love and adores Nelly. All he wants in return is for her to love him back. Nelly does but because of her horrid childhood, she struggles to express it to him verbally. When faced with impending charges that could forever alter her life Nelly is changed into someone Jannero doesn’t know. A woman that is so angry it makes him question if marrying her is the right thing to do. This is a two-part series filled with real women that are dealing with real pain. Read at your own risk.

    The women on the station turned away with tears, images of their husbands, fathers, sons, brothers and boyfriends disappearing through the smoke. Dorothy stood there alone, until every trace of smoke from the train engine had dissipated. She suddenly felt cold and alone. She finally turned and followed the other women down the metal steps, off the station and back to Edward Street. 1927. The poverty-stricken streets of Neck End in England’s industrial midlands, were a lonely and miserable place for a little girl. Abandoned by her mother, Dorothy clings to the memory of her father, who lives in the capital city. London seems an entire world away, as she hopes for the day when he might send for her and she can finally get out. Twelve years later, the country is plunged into war with Germany and Dorothy’s world is thrown into chaos. Can she have a life in London with her father despite the dangers of war or will a chance encounter with a dashing soldier change her path for good?  Torn between loyalty to her father and the possibility of love, Dorothy struggles with the greatest decision of her young life. A decision influenced by war and the love of two strong, yet vastly different, men.

    With hurt in her heart and confusion clouding her mind, Promise is forced to believe that no one will ever love her since her own mother couldn’t.Hassan is a young, black Doctor that every girl wants, but he’s not impressed by them. Following an encounter with Promise, he knows he has to have her. After a brief game of cat and mouse, Promise falls head over heels in love with Hassan.Promise eventually has it all—well, except all the unanswered questions of why her biological mother didn’t want her. Determined to know the truth, she sets out to find the woman who is only a memory.Will Promise get the answers she’s looking for and finally have closure, or is it possible she won’t have closure at all and lose the ones that really care about her while searching for something that was long gone?

    The young witch and the fierce red dragon, Leander are heading out into the wide open world.Raven is taking on the responsibilities of a WarMage – just like her mother - and has joined the corps.Time to get ready for whatever the world throws at her and the kingdom of Lomberdoon.Something is affecting the dragons, wild and tame. A few have turned up crazed, spitting fire and ice, right before they die. Did the creepy crawly monsters of her childhood leave one last poisonous gift behind?Can Dr. Welby find out what’s causing it and create a cure before it’s too late?And Raven’s grandfather, Connor, is still missing. Can the frenemy, Bella and her private company track him down for Raven – in exchange for a favor, of course.Things are changing in the land of Lomberdoon and battles may be on the horizon. Who will stand with Raven and Leander?

    It’s available right here for your reading pleasure. In this complete series, you’ll take an unforgettable ride with Author Dani Littlepage. She is signed to Cole Hart Signature and her writing is very clever, and this story is unputdownable. ***WARNING*** This is not your typical, Urban Romance, Dope Boy, Thug Love, or Kingpin Savage book. Heart pounding. Nail biting. Gritty. Unique. My Other Baby Mama A Dope boy Love Saga is about the life of a young man that is successful in the drug game with his own operation. While trying to stay clear of the cops and provide for his family, he also has to manage his love life between his main chick and his side chick. Ramsey, 26, is the man in the city of Philly and the most popular drug dealer in the game. His drug operation and his money are his main focus and if anything or anyone stands in the way of that, he won’t hesitate to put them down. Every drug dealer needs a rider and his has been holding him down for five years strong. Although he has love for his main chick, he found love with his side chick of three years. If things weren’t complicated for Ramsey already, when he impregnated both women at the same time and had his children five days apart, his love life only intensified. While his heart is with one woman, his love for money and the streets is greater which may cause him to lose the woman he truly loves. Baylynn, 24, is Ramsey’s ride or die and a woman with a scandalous past. She was a known thot in the streets of Philly and was proud of the reputation she had made for herself but when Ramsey came into the picture, she gave up her whorish ways for the man she loved but her path on the straight and narrow didn't last for long. Throughout their relationship, Baylynn had numerous affairs on Ramsey and is often questioned about the paternity of their daughter Brandi. With many skeletons in her closet, Baylynn does her best to keep them hidden but, it might not be enough to keep them hidden from Ramsey and his family. Cashmere, 22, is the side chick of Ramsey. A college graduate, bookstore owner, blogger and all around good girl. Drawn to Ramsey’s charm, Cashmere was swept off her feet. It wasn’t until she was six months into her relationship with Ramsey that she found out that she wasn't the only woman in his life. Not wanting to give up the man she loved, Cashmere played her role as the side chick and when their daughter, Cassi, was born she continued to be the secret no one but Ramsey’s family knew about. With promises of becoming number one in his life, Cashmere holds on and fights for her position but her patience is wearing thin. Sex, lies, secrets and betrayal are in the mix of this love triangle but when the truth is exposed, will Ramsey’s money and business continue to be his focus or will his heart lead him to a real love like no other? Find out how their story unfolds in the complete series of My Other Baby Mama!

    Didn't want it to end. Great and different story line. - Christine This is a fantastic book that had me examining my own personal spiritual journey. Kudos to the author for writing such a heartfelt, inspiring work. - Verified Amazon Reader I absolutely loved the characters and the story. Their faith in God helped them through the trials they faced. The story is engrossing and very believable. Hope this book is a winner for the author. - Verified Purchaser "The story is emotionally gripping and pulls the reader along to see what will happen next. The best stories grab our emotions and don’t let go." -Judge's Commentary from 24th Annual Writer’s Digest Book Awards The Whispering of the Willows is an inspiring story full of twists and turns, freedom and redemption, the expected and unexpected. This book brings to light the struggles of young woman past and present. God’s goodness and provision flow from each page. --Linda Bottoms, Rocky Mountain Ministry Network Women’s Ministries Director A 1920s' saga of Emerald Ashby coming of age. Set against the superstitions and old time religion in the Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia, author Tonya Jewel Blessing tells a difficult, yet redemptive story of a blossoming young woman who is accompanied by her friends and her foes on a journey towards hope and healing. Love weaves through gut-wrenching circumstances and dismal poverty where Emerald Ashby grows strong despite grievous wrongs committed against her. In this desperate historical setting, mysterious disappearances lead to traps set for the innocent. Now, when key individuals begin carving out a rescue plan, Emerald Ashby sets a few of her own traps. It's a page turner. In this ailing town. What will be their measure of success? Cleverly suspenseful and sweetly spoken, the storyteller's unassuming voice transforms an Appalachian trail of tears into holy terror against an evil that stalks the innocent. In The Whispering of the Willows, an Appalachian marriage practice might be compared to the modern sex trade which exploits young females. Not since Catherine Marshall's strong heroine named Christy, has an Appalachian drama come to life like The Whispering of the Willows. Includes: Bibliography and Book Club Questions. A novel for women examining the Old Time Religion. Coming of age in the Southern Appalachians. Necessary lies by Diane Chamberlain, though historical of the 1960s, is similar, as is the romance and drama of one summer by David Baldacci.

    In the old world, home was only a quick hour and a half drive away. But now that cars and fuel are a thing of the past, nothing is quick, and it's certainly not easy.It's not even safe.Can Tamra and her children survive this dangerous journey? Was her hometown affected by these devastating attacks against the US? Are her parents even alive?Unending Havoc, Book 1 of Montana Mayhem, is the highly anticipated follow-up story to the bestselling Havoc in Wyoming Christian Futuristic series, which follows societal collapse from a small-town perspective. Featuring engaging scenarios, riveting action, and flawed yet strong and complex women, the Montana Mayhem series is perfect for fans of Mark Goodwin, Jamie Lee Grey, and Kyla Stone.Download today and discover why readers love this twist on the Post-Apocalyptic genre!The Montana Mayhem series can be described as “Cozy” Apocalypse and contains no profanity, gratuitous sex scenes, or overly detailed gruesome death scenes.

    Deciding to leave the streets alone and be a business man for once in his life, he heads to Vegas after agreeing to do one last lick for his man Cashmere and Ru. But situations arise and things don't go as planned when he gets jammed up and his life almost taken. That's when he meets Ya'Lani. The beautiful distraction. Although she saves his life, Jux is a firm believer in not leaving any witnesses behind. But the two soon realize they have more in common than just a shootout in the club. What happens when Jux finds out Lani and her man, were part of the reason he went to prison 8 years ago? Does he become so infatuated in her that he goes against his morals? The heart wants who it wants, but as the old saying goes, "No faces, No Cases"

    And now it’s available here in the entire SUPER BOXSET 1-4. In this four-book series you’ll take an unforgettable ride with the national bestselling author Twyla T. Her writing is very clever, and this story is unputdownable. **Warning** This is not your typical Urban romance, dope boy, thug love, or kingpin savage book. Heart pounding. Nail biting. Gritty. Women's Fiction. In Pretty Lips That Thugs Love from award winning and national best-selling urban fiction author, Twyla T. is at it again. Take time to experience this complete riveting series. Twyla T. brings fast-paced drama, intrigue, and twists in another 5-star book. Ashanti McNeal dealt with twenty-three-year-old Kentay Mills sneakily for years and now at the age of eighteen she is happy to be in an open to be in a relationship with him. She knows that Kentay loves her, but his love for the streets, as well as other women often complicates their relationship. Despite the fact that Kentay doesn't treat her the way she should be treated, Ashanti just can't seem to let him go. Kentay has known the streets his entire life. Besides his love for the hustle, Ashanti is the only woman that has his heart but it doesn't stop his from veering off and dealing with other women; including women he knows should be off limits. When he's not with Ashanti or dealing with other woman, he's hustling alongside his best friend Slick. Kentay learns to keep his friends close and his enemies closer. Twenty-year-old college basketball superstar, Ahmad Jones is the big man on campus at Mississippi State. Everyone knows him; that was until he met Ashanti. They instantly hit it off as friends but the chemistry between them is too strong for either of them to deny. As she's preparing to start a new journey at Mississippi State, Ashanti and Kentay's relationship is tested. Kentay notices her pulling away and tries to get himself together to make sure she remained with him but it may be too late. With test after test and betrayal after betrayal, the question remains if their relationship is strong enough to withhold what's being thrown their way or has Kentay pushed Ashanti too far? Truths will be revealed. Secrets will be unmasked. Pain will be inevitable. Relationships will dissolve. And, some relationships will launch. When it's all said and done, who will be standing tall at the finish line? Check out Pretty Lips That Thugs Love and see what storms are brewing in this urban fiction love story between Ashanti, Kentay, and Ahmad.

    With three beautiful children and lucrative businesses, they have everything in life that they need. Life is good for their little family; up until tragedy strikes, leaving Vanessa on life support and Dro possibly losing the love of his life.With things not looking so well for Vanessa, Dro is forced to make the decision of either pulling the plug or admitting her into a nursing facility. Not willing to do either, he sets his queen up in a room of their home and hires a private physician.Paradise has been in the medical field for over fifteen years. Taking care of people and helping the disabled is all she's ever wanted to do. But after losing a patient she had been caring for, for over a decade, her emotions makes her hang up her coat. But what happens when a person that means the world to her calls for a favor and her heart of gold forces her to put it back on?In this heartfelt standalone, you'll witness two words collide from tragedy. As the old saying goes, a shoulder to cry on, will eventually become a dick to ride on. Will that be true in Dro and Paradise's case? Find out and see, in A Real Nigga's Paradise!

    Even though his family's expectations and the burden of not letting them down weigh heavily on his shoulders, he cannot help but follow his true calling with every chance possible. When rustlers attack his ranch he is about to lose way more than just his cattle... Seeing no other option, he will take it upon himself to right the injustice and avenge his family. Will he find the courage to keep him going when he realizes that there's even more at stake, including the fate of the woman he deeply cares about?In the midst of all the chaos and angst, Ian meets Tara Gallagher. Her family had one of the most popular stores in town but since the loss of her father, she's been living a lonely life under the watchful eye of her mother. Although their upbringing was so different, Ian and Tara both wish they could march to the beat of their own drum. Their feelings for each other don't take long to manifest but soon enough, Ian will be confronted with yet another challenge. Tara's uncle arrives in town with a snobby suitor for her. Will their romance survive when Ian embarks on his dangerous journey, leaving Tara with the promise of his love but not of his safe return?Ian's quest is fraught with immense difficulty, and soon he'll find himself in the desert, traveling with two men who have every reason to want him dead. Will he manage to step up his game and prevail, or will both his and Tara's fates fall under the sway of corrupt, murderous men?A pulse-pounding drama, which will make you turn the pages with bated breath until the very last word. A must-read for fans of Western action and romance."A Rancher's Matter of Honor" is a historical adventure novel of approximately 60,000 words. No cliffhangers, only pure unadulterated action.

    Finding the unexpected man of her dreams in LaMir has her praying that the dream doesn’t turn into a nightmare. As soon as her future seems brighter, the dark clouds of her past threaten to close in. LaMir has received news that left him on the brink of destruction. While dealing with the betrayal of those around him, he pushes away Blu and her love. Will he lose the sunshine she provided as he falls further into the darkness? Tia has yet to learn even one of the many lessons she is being taught. With Karma fast approaching and threatening to take all she has left, will Tia survive? Kalib has been a fool in love for too long. His unhealthy feelings for Tia finally reveal themselves as one-sided. Will he take a stand and move on, or still be a player in all of Tia’s dangerous games? Ivory and Liam both knew their fairy tale romance was too good to be true. So when perfection turns to chaos will their relationship hold strong or break apart in the storm Get ready for all the twists and turns, and see how these couples hold onto this Beautiful thing called love.