Book picks similar to
Flame and Hope by Maretha Botha


africa
digital
goodreads
must-read-children-s-books

The Fire Escape Stories


Chuck Cascio - 2016
    Mike and his cousin, Salvatore “Sally-Boy” Boccanera are born one minute apart, in the same hospital, and it seems like they’ll never be more than a minute apart the rest of their lives. Their experiences knocking around the city are challenging, funny, touching, and at times disturbing—all of the ingredients that define growing up. Life lessons happen in the Italian bakery Sally-Boy’s father owns, where the boys loll and play, with ears and eyes wide open. But maybe the biggest lesson of all looms over Mike’s father, who’s determined to make drastic changes in pursuit of a better life. Hanging in the balance, at the center of the boys’ tumultuous lives, is the fire escape. It’s a place that is uniquely theirs, and Mike best describes its spell, recalling how it reeks in the rain, blisters in the sun, and ices over in the snow. It’s where he and Sally-Boy talk and think and philosophize and plot and try to understand all they can about themselves and the world.

The Boy in the Boat


O'Raleigh Brian - 2003
    This is a totally engrossing, real life thriller that reads more like fiction than fact. A compulsive page turner that will have you burning the midnight oil. Brian O'Raleigh never knew why his family fled Ireland but he learned early to escape his father's demonic rages by slipping away from the Alexandra Private Hotel to the beach and the Kathleen R, the fishing boat that was to become his refuge and sanctuary. At the age of 18, in trouble with the law himself, Brian leaves England for Australia seeking to overcome a growing dependency on alcohol and the damage it was wreaking on the lives of those he loves. In a style that is both raw and compelling, The Boy in the Boat tells the riveting story of Brian's childhood, his triumph over alcoholism, his inspirational journey towards recovery, and eventually to the profound revelation that he was moulded and shaped during his childhood years for the meaning and purpose of his life. This is a truly engrossing memoir. Read what the leadings critics said about this book.The Australian Irish Echo: “O'Raleigh is a convincing writer and this book deserves ranking with 'Angela's Ashes'. He mixes dialog, narrative and reflection in a story that is always engrossing, often scary and sometimes funny.”Australian Woman's Day. "From raw and compelling prose a moving portrait emerges of Brian. From cowed child to fierce rebel and finally to an adult battling his own inner demons. This is a finely crafted memoir".Australian New Idea: "Brian is no angel. He's an infuriating drunk and an irresponsible brute; which is why this story of ultimate redemption is so powerful."Review. Ballarat Courier. In this searingly honest memoir O'Raleigh chronicles the abuse that would leave him scarred for life. The fact that he can now write about his tumultuous origins, given over to crime, drugs and alcohol, must mean that he has at last conquered his own inner demons. This is an engrossing read." Amazon 5 Star Review.By Tina Beana January 28, 2015"It takes a special kind of courage to tell the world about all the mistakes you've made, about years of emotional and physical abuse by a parent, decades of alcoholism, pulling no punches, but that's exactly what Brian O'Raleigh has done in this memoir. Yes, it was a difficult book to read on many levels, it's not easy for a reader to watch a character sink further and further into an addiction, to see them lose everything at one point. But this man succeeded in turning his life around! He tells a dramatic and compelling true life story that reads more like fiction than fact.

A Very Funny Murder Mystery


Paul Mathews - 2018
    And when Lady Peculiar’s butler – a part-time comedian – is found drowned in his own mango chutney, Detective Inspector Clinton Trump comes blundering onto the scene – ready to shun logic, breach protocol and trust in his own gut instincts. What will South East England’s greatest detective uncover? Is her ladyship a murderess? Was the killer a comedy rival? Or are darker forces at work in this particular corner of Brokenshire? Join our self-proclaimed British detective genius, as he races against time to solve this very funny murder mystery – so he can play golf at the weekend! The first novel in the ‘Clinton Trump Detective Genius’ series This riotous English detective spoof is murderously good fun from first page to last, as Inspector Trump and his unwanted sidekick, Constable Dinkel, encounter a procession of crazy comedy characters in the Great British countryside. Stuffed solid with British humour (or ‘humor’, if you’re one of the many American tourists who visit Upper Goosing), its mix of black comedy, British farce, funny one-liners and downright silliness is guaranteed to generate tremendous titters across the very civilised world.More amateur sleuth than professional investigator, Clinton Trump will bring a smile to your face like no other Trump has before, or probably ever will. So, jump aboard the Trump detection train, blow your Clinton trumpet and join the movement – Make Murder-Mystery Great Again! A Word from Detective Inspector Clinton Trump: “Greetings from Upper Goosing – the murder capital of Europe. You’ll find the scenery, tea rooms and cake shops are well worth the risk of a premature, grisly death. But before purchasing this novel, please note that it only employs British English, as spoken by Her Majesty the Queen. I don’t want anyone griping about me saying ‘per cent’ instead of ‘percent’, ‘metre’ instead of ‘meter’ or ‘tea’ instead of ‘coffee’. If you must grumble, please do as the English do and complain only to yourself. And if you’re planning on enjoying a cup of Earl Grey with this quality e-book, please remember: it’s tea first, milk second. Finally, don’t be afraid to laugh thunderously when reading this novel. Just don’t laugh yourself to death – we have enough fatalities around here as it is. Thank you.”

JP Investigations


Lola Silverman - 2017
    5 books and NO cliffies! Book 1: Micah Lexi is everything a man like me should steer clear of. Mostly, that means she’s too good for someone like me. But when I realize that her brother is missing because of something that happened in my club, there’s really nothing for me to do but help her out. Something isn’t right around here and I’m ashamed to say that I’ve been a little blind to some stuff that was right under my nose. Lexi has woken me up in so many ways and I’m not sure I’ll ever be the same again. Book 2: Aaron I’m in Boston for one reason, to chase down a lead on my boss’s missing son. Joshua is the owner and CEO of Joshua Pettit Investigations and he tells me where to go and when. But it’s always up to me to find the best way to crack a case wide open. Of course this is the first time that my main informant in any case turned out to be a prostitute. For the moment she and I have mutual goals. But the more time I spend with Johanna, the more time I realize that there’s a lot more to her than anyone has ever given her credit for. Book 3: Zandry Coming to Denver in search of some runaway teens that might or might not be my boss’s kid is about the vaguest assignment I’ve ever had. Now I’m following runaway teens all over town and watching them pull off panhandling schemes that would make an experience thief green with envy. Something isn’t quite adding up here and it has nothing to do with the carnies coming to town. Of course hanging out with pickpockets occasionally means you get accused of doing the deed yourself. Fortunately for me there is a super hot cop that doesn’t mind coming to my rescue. Book 4: Liam Finding the bodies of dead runaway in a hole in the desert isn’t the worst thing I’ve ever seen, but it does come close. These kids are young and their lives had promise. But now I’m here in Albuquerque to see if my boss’s kid might be one of the unfortunates. I’m hoping not because the CEO of JPI is not the type of man who will take the murder of his son lightly. Fortunately for me I’ve happened onto a woman who is up to her ears in the business of runaway teens and also happens to look like an exotic angel come to take my poor Irish butt to heaven. Book 5: Joshua Beth is probably one of the best things that’s ever happened to me. Of course that probably makes me an idiot for constantly telling her that we can’t be a couple. The problem is that I shouldn’t be sleeping with employees. And of course my kid ran away and I’ve been tapping all of my resources trying to find him. Now I’m in New Orleans with Beth following one last lead. Of course this also happens to bring my ex wife out to help. Between her theatrics, a sarcastic local cop, and a voodoo priestess who can’t keep her nose out of other people’s business, all I can hope for is a happy ending that doesn’t end with a permanent stay in one of the Big Easy’s famous crypts.

Children's books: The Magic of words! By Joshua McManus: (Fun, Rhyming Bedtime Story/Picture Book About the magic of words!, for Beginner Readers, Ages 3-5) (giggletastic stories 5)


Joshua McManus - 2018
     Think of every single word, Every word you’ve heard. Every single word you say, Has a secret magic way! Like words can be kind, With love and some care. Or truly amaze, And capture your stare! So why not dive into this funny rhyming picture book to uncover everything words can do! This is a lovely fully illustrated picture book for children with heaps of humour that guides your through with exciting rhyme! And discover the true magic a word can do to others!

And The Whippoorwill Sang


Micki Peluso - 2007
     Around the dining room table of her 100 year old farmhouse Micki Peluso's six children along with three of their friends eagerly gulp down a chicken dinner. As soon as the last morsel is ravished, the lot of them is off in different directions. Except for the one whose turn it is to do the dishes. After offering her mother a buck if she’ll do them, with an impish grin, the child rushes out the front door, too excited for a hug, calling out, "Bye Mom," as the door slams shut. For the Peluso’s the nightmare begins. Micki and Butch face the horror every parent fears—awaiting the fate of one of their children. While sitting vigil in the ICU waiting room, Micki traverses the past, as a way of dealing with an inconceivable future. From the bizarre teenage elopement with her high school sweetheart, Butch, in a double wedding with her own mother, to comical family trips across country in an antiquated camper with six kids and a dog, they leave a path of chaos, antics and destruction in their wake. Micki relives the happy times of raising six children while living in a haunted house, as the young parents grow up with their kids. She bravely attempts to be the man of the house while her husband, Butch is working out of town. Hearing strange noises, which all the younger kids are sure is the ghosts, Micki tiptoes down to the cellar, shotgun in hand and nearly shoots an Idaho potato that has fallen from the pantry and thumped down the stairs. Of course her children feel obligated to tell the world. Just when their lives are nearly perfect, tragedy strikes—and the laughter dies. A terrible accident takes place in the placid valley nestled within the Susquehanna Mountains in the town of Williamsport, Pennsylvania. On a country lane just blocks from the family’s hundred year old haunted farmhouse, lives are changed forever. In a state of shock, Micki muses through their delightful past to avoid confronting an uncertain future—as the family copes with fear and apprehension. One of her six children is fighting for life in Intensive Care. Both parents are pressured by doctors to disconnect Noelle, their fourteen-year-old daughter. Her beautiful girl, funny and bright, who breathes life into every moment, who does cartwheels in piles of Autumn leaves, who loves to sing and dance down country roads, and above all loves her family with all her soul. How can Micki let this child go? The family embarks upon yet another journey, to the other side of sorrow and grasps the poignant gift of life as they begin. . .to weep. . .to laugh. . .to grieve. . .to dance—and forgive.

The James Ryker Trilogy


Rob Sinclair - 2018
    Now living in a secret location, under the new identify of James Ryker, he wants nothing more than to be left alone, the chance to start a new life away from chaos, violence, destruction and deceit.It’s not long, however, before Ryker’s short-lived idyll is destroyed when he is tracked down by Peter Winter, his ex-boss at the JIA. Winter brings with him news of the murder of a woman in Spain, Kim Walker, whose fingerprints match those of one of Ryker’s former adversaries who’s been missing presumed dead for years - an infamous female assassin known as the Red Cobra.A cyberattack at the JIA led to the Red Cobra’s profile being compromised, and Winter believes JIA agents may now be at risk too, Ryker included. But Ryker knew the elusive Red Cobra better than anyone, and when he sees the grisly pictures of Kim Walker’s corpse, he has news for Winter - she isn't the assassin at all ...So just who is the mystery dead woman? And where is the real Red Cobra? THE BLACK HORNET: What do you do when the love of your life vanishes without a trace? If you’re ex-intelligence agent James Ryker you search for the answers whatever the cost, however much blood and sacrifice it takes...Six months ago Lisa was taken from Ryker, and he’ll stop at nothing to find out who is responsible and why. Following a trail to Mexico, the ex-Joint Intelligence Agency asset soon finds himself in the firing line of enemies he long thought he’d left behind. Set-up for the murder of a former informant, Ryker is thrown into a crumbling jail run by The Black Hornet, the notorious leader of a Mexican drug cartel. But what connects the cartel to the informant’s murder, and to Lisa’s disappearance? And just who is the mystery American claiming he can help Ryker in his hour of need? THE SILVER WOLF: Ryker wants blood, and one way or another he’ll get it...Still tormented by the disappearance of his wife, ex-intelligence agent James Ryker sets out on a personal mission of revenge, prepared to go to any lengths in search of the truth.The trail takes him from the crystal waters of Mexico’s Caribbean coast, back to a place he thought he would never set foot again - his country of birth, England. But there he discovers more than even he bargained for. Stumbling across a terrorist attack targeted against his old employers - the secretive Joint Intelligence Agency -the faint clues to many events in his recent past are all seemingly linked to one mysterious character; The Silver Wolf.But just who is the Silver Wolf, and why is he hell-bent on punishing not just Ryker, but his closest allies at the JIA too?Has Ryker finally met his match?The Silver Wolf is a globe-trotting thriller that sees James Ryker at his hard-nosed best as he fights the ghosts of his past. As skilled as Jason Bourne, as no-nonsense as Jack Reacher, James Ryker delivers in another heart-pounding thriller. The James Ryker books are fast-paced thrillers filled with twists and turns and intrigue that will appeal to readers of big-hitting thrillers by the likes of Lee Child, David Baldacci, Mark Dawson

Cheeps the Chick


Arnie Lightning - 2015
    He is curious about what's on the other side of the fence. One day he decides to find out (with the help of his best friend, Chuck). Little do they know, there's a fox nearby. What happens next? This is an excellent read for beginning and early readers with cute illustrations. These stories are great for quick bedtime stories and cute tales to be read aloud with friends and family! Excellent for early readers Includes fun activities for kids Great for reading aloud with friends and family Illustrated story book great for a quick bedtime story Funny and hilarious jokes for kids FREE book download included (see inside link) Fun for the entire family! Kids and children can practice their reading skills or have a parent read the stories aloud to them. These fun stories are great for early and beginner readers. The stories are cute and easy to read and the illustrations are great for younger readers! This books is especially great for traveling, waiting rooms, and reading aloud at home. Story List & Activities: Illustrated story book Funny jokes for kids Maze puzzles included Best-Selling Children's Book Author, Arnie Lightning Arnie Lightning is a best-selling children's book author with a straightforward goal. He wants his work to create a positive impact in the lives of others through children's books. Learning morals, lessons, and good character can start at a young age. Arnie's books reflect this. By providing a comfortable and entertaining environment, learning can be a fun activity! Your child will be entertained for hours! *** FREE GIFT with your purchase! *** (see inside for link) Free book download included! Scroll up and click 'buy' and spend some quality time with your child! 100% Money Back Guaranteetags: children books, children chapter books, children story books, books children, free children kindle books, educational books for children, children joke books, picture books for children, children animal books, young childrens books, kindle books for kids, kids books, fantasy books for kids age 9 12, kid books, free kindle books for kids, books for kids ages 4-8, kids books on sale, best selling books for kids, good kids books, new books for kids, fun kids books, kindle kids books, kids picture books, bedtime stories for kindle, bedtime story, funny bedtime stories, bedtime stories for kids, animals, animal stories, animal pictures, storytelling animal, beginning readers kindergarten books for kids, stories for kids, stories for children, kids ebooks, short stories, bedtime stories, kids books, ebooks, childrens books, childrens book, kin

Fluffy the Kitten: Stories, Games, Jokes, and More!


Uncle Amon - 2015
    Fluffy is a timid kitten, but her friend Phillipo teaches her how to be brave and how to be patient. This is an excellent read for beginning and early readers. Each story is easy to read and exciting. Cute and bright illustrations for younger readers and a free coloring book! These stories are great for quick bedtime stories and cute tales to be read aloud with friends and family. Excellent for beginning and early readers Great for reading aloud with friends and family Cute short stories that are great for a quick bedtime story Funny and hilarious jokes & illustrations for kids FREE coloring book downloads included This books is especially great for traveling, waiting rooms, and read aloud at home. Story List & Activities: Fluffy the Kitten is Afraid of a Shadow Phillipo Helps Fluffy Overcome Her Bashfulness Fluffy the Kitten and the Monkeys Chasing Mice and Teasing Dogs Fluffy the Kitten is a Little Bit Silly Funny Cat Jokes Games and Puzzles Game and Puzzle Solutions Free Coloring Book Downloads WHAT A GREAT DEAL! => 5 STORIES, JOKES, GAMES, ACTIVITIES, AND A COLORING BOOK! Your child will be entertained for hours! *** FREE GIFT with your purchase! *** Free children's book download included!(see inside for link) Scroll up and click 'buy' and spend some quality time with your child! 100% Money Back Guaranteetags: cat books for kids, cat, cats, kittens, animal stories, kids books, children's books bedtime stories for kids, bedtime storybook collection, bedtime storybook, kids stories, bedtime stories for children, bedtime reading, free childrens books, Children's books, short stories, kids stories, stories for kids, stories for children, kids ebooks, short stories, bedtime stories, kids stories, stories for kids, short stories for kids, short stories, stories for kids, jokes, kids stories, childrens stories, kids books, childrens books, books for kids, bedtime stories, kids books, ebooks, books for kids, jokes, kids, hilarious, children, kid, kids books, childrens books, childrens book, kids book about animals, elementary, kids book, books for kids, childrens book, book, kindle book, kindle ebook, comedy, kindle unlimited, kindle unlimited books for kids, kindle unlimited books for children, humor, early reader, beginning reader, kids comedy, bedtime stories, free ebooks, ebooks free, stories for kids, preschool, ages 3-5, ages 6-8, ages 9-12, preteen, beginning readers, beginner reading, kids stories, children stories

The Marigold Story: Indira Gandhi & Others


Kumkum Chadha - 2019
    Prime Minister Indira Gandhi hated the marigold flower, although in death it was strewn all over her body; her son Sanjay Gandhi was dictatorial, but also uncommonly empathetic; Smita Patil, who was synonymous with strong, women-centric films, was deeply insecure in her personal life; Ekta Kapoor, the television czarina believes that her unabashed faith in God helped her scale heights and earn her first big bucks; and Abhinav Bindra, who won India the first Olympic gold medal in an individual event confessed how he was a laidback child with no goals in sight. Embellished with interesting nuggets, this book is a collection of fascinating profiles including, L.K. Advani, Smriti Irani, Lalu Prasad Yadav, Rajiv Gandhi, Amitabh Bachchan and Arun Jaitley. Uncommon access, being privy to confidences and, above all, a willingness to tell the story, bring alive the people behind the headlines. The Marigold Story: Indira Gandhi & Others is not a gushing account of newsmakers; if anything it captures their weaknesses; goes beyond their achievements and examines what makes these individuals distinctive and unforgettable at the same time.

The Tarzan Collection (8 Books)


Edgar Rice Burroughs - 2012
    Novels Tarzan of the Apes The Return of Tarzan The Beasts of Tarzan The Son of Tarzan Tarzan and the Jewels of Opar Tarzan the Terrible Collections Jungle Tales of Tarzan Tarzan the Untamed

Empress Gold


Jeffrey Whittam - 2013
    Both keys slid in unopposed. Both locks operated first time – lifting the heavy lid took all of Lee’s strength.From inside the box the accumulated wealth of twenty years stared up at him. Though he had seen it a hundred times before, under that yellow glare from his cap lamp the buttery glint of raw metal took his breath away.For over two decades, the Goddards have struggled through the uncertainties of war, political upheaval and now, faced with mounting pressure from a corrupt government, they are forced to make decisions that will change their lives forever. As Managing Director of the Empress Deep gold mine, Lee Goddard rolls into play the final ball of an already dangerous game.Fostered by rampant avarice and political uncertainty, life in Zimbabwe is worthless – only the elite survive. For a fortune in gold and tribal treasures, some are willing to sell the very soul of an emergent country.

Coyote Breed


Alan David - 2016
    Praise for Alan David 'A classic of the genre.' – Tom Kasey, bestselling author of Trade Off.Alan David is a prolific writer of over 500 novels in a wide range of genres, from classic westerns, to historical thrillers. His other western novels include Fight or Die, Gun Hell, Gun Wages, Wildmen and Draw or Die. Pioneering Press is an imprint of Endeavour Press, the UK’s leading independent digital publisher. We publish new and classic westerns by authors from the US and the UK. Sign up to our newsletterFollow us on Twitter: @PioneeringPress

Exposing Secrets (The Lucas Family Scandal Book 1)


Kia Summers - 2016
    Sweeter than a Georgia peach to some, this family might look normal and almost perfect on the outside. But behind closed doors... there's a rot that runs all the way to the pit of their bloodline! The family patriarchs Evette and Tyrone who have seven children together travel the church circuit giving the gift of song to church attendees. But their 18 year marriage is not without its problems. Not even close. Evette is fighting her flesh and Tyrone is trying to keep his family together. From the outside looking in, this family seems like a strong Christian family singing and living for God! But when you pull the covers back they put the “D” in a Dysfunctional Family! Find out what happens in part one of Exposing Secrets!

Kids Want To Know About Mysterious Places


J.W. Patterson - 2014
    Did you know that actors making the movie "Gettysburg" in 2003 had an incredible ghostly experience? Did you know that the Bigelow Ranch in Utah has been the scene of reported crop circles, UFO landings and ghosts?Kids will learn what is known and not known about many mysterious places. Are these places really where strange happenings occur? Kids can make their own minds up about them. Here Is A Preview Of What You'll Discover In This Book Did you know that 5 military planes and 14 men were lost in the Bermuda Triangle in one flight exercise in 1945? Did you know that a search plane looking for the 5 missing planes also disappeared? How were statues weighing 82 tons moved miles on Easter Island 1,000 years ago? Did you know that Union troops swore that the ghost of George Washington appeared on the Gettysburg battlefield? Were the amazing Nazca lines created by aliens as a giant UFO landing area 1,500 years ago? 8,000 people every year search for the Lost Dutchman Mine in the Superstition Mountains! Is it cursed? and much, much more