And the Australian government does not pay ransoms.After more than a year of stalled negotiations, Nigel's family takes matters into their own hands.  They go against government advice, scarifying their livelihoods, their houses and personal lives to bring the hostages home.  Meanwhile, the kidnappers are losing patience.  Brutalised, shackled, not knowing when or how the situation will end, Nigel faces the fight of his life.This is a story about what it takes to survive, and how far a family will go for freedom, whatever the price.

    Imogen and Chloe had an unbreakable bond that was tested to the very limits. This book is based on a true story, written by memories that Imogen began to remember, shortly after the birth of her son.Imogen's pregnancy was plagued with 'Hyperemesis Gravidarum,' the trauma of that pregnancy brought on some of her darkest memories. Memories that Imogen thought she had long ago buried in the past. You never know what goes on behind strangers doors. Sometimes even the friendliest of people have disturbing and haunting secrets.

    Now a veteran of five NBA seasons at the age of 23, Bryant has earned a place among pro basketball's elite.Mad Game documents his hard lessons on the road to stardom, his rapid rise through the NBA, and his conflicts with--and, at times, alienation from--his teammates, including his on-and-off-again relationship with Shaquille O'Neal. This is a story of triumph, of an unusually gifted young athlete trying to remain true to himself and his game.

    Due to its age, it may contain imperfections such as marks, notations, marginalia and flawed pages. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment to protecting, preserving, and promoting the worlds literature. Kessinger Publishing is the place to find hundreds of thousands of rare and hard-to-find books with something of interest for everyone!

    . .When Mama announced to our family that she had dementia, my brother and sisters insisted they couldn't help. They had their own lives elsewhere, after all. So, I gave up my dreams and spent the next nine years caring for Mama alone, losing her bit by bit, and nearly losing myself in the process.I, Gracie, started over . . .After Mama finally let go of this world, I let go of that world, too. I left the nightmare of my life with Mama, my family, and West Texas to start over in a new place, far away. It took some doing, but I have a new job, a safe place to live, and even new friends and a man who loves me, broken as I am. But . . .I, Gracie, am scarred . . .Until my past is buried like Mama, I keep my man waiting--struggling with what was and not trusting what is or could be.I, Gracie . . .Am on hold . . .still trying to let go.Praise for New York Times and USA Today-bestselling author Sharon Sala "Sharon Sala is a consummate storyteller." --Debbie Macomber, #1 New York Times bestselling author"Sala hooks you from the first page." --Fresh Fiction

    Can Earle, with his own troubles in running a small ranch, find it in his heart to help?He is as blonde as she is dark haired, literally and figuratively. Will their opposite characters and backgrounds help each other out in ways they could never have imagined, or will they make them clash and get into conflict?Despite the way they meet, who will save who and, most importantly, will they fall in love?"Capturing a Cowboy's Heart" is a historical western romance novel of approximately 80,000 words. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed happily ever after.

    His beggar-like existence, his intense devotion, his mystical encounters with Jesus, and his simple yet profound parables became the stuff of legends. No one who met him - including the thousands who flocked to hear him during his visits to Europe, the Far East, and the United States - remained unaffected.Known in his lifetime as India's most famous convert to Christianity, Sundar Singh would not approve of that characterization. He loved Jesus and devoted his life to knowing and following him, but he never accepted Christianity's cultural conventions, even as he embraced its stark original teachings.Wisdom of the Sadhu, a collection of anecdotes, sayings, parables, and meditations, brings together the best of Sundar Singh's teachings. Couched as they are in a distinctly Indian idiom, they probe the essence of the Gospels with unusual freshness and offer insights of great depth and value to every serious seeker.

    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?

    But is it a mistake, where does the money come from, and can Kitkat get through New Year's Day without its owner asking for the money back?This is a 7,000-word short story.

    One group of humanity, formed from various different ancient Earth nations, settled on a planet that would become known as Galataea. Over time, the flora and fauna of the world, even the atmosphere and the speed in which the planet revolved changed. It was as though the world itself wanted to welcome those children from a distant star. In time a new race of beings emerged on the planet. Humans now live alongside a race of crystalline beings capable of taking on the forms of strange and beautiful monster girls known as Crystallim. Their one desire.. to get closer to that special someone who they can truly connect with on an emotional and sexual level. A litrpg for those who love monster battle and capture video games, but also adore monster girls and the people who cuddle them. Mature Content Warning: 18+ Graphic sexual content, Obscenities, Adult Situations, and Monster Girls, and ridiculous Battle Harem hijinks. This litrpg story is an episodic series focusing on one of the worlds in the multiverse known as Project Scott. In this multiversal project the main protagonist is normally named Scott. Each of these protagonists is the same soul seen through a different lens.Small differences appear based on how they have lived their lives up until the story starts, but there are also startling similarities.

    Or another definition of success.

    But the used trailer they purchase from a shady dealer and their first weekend of camping on Halloween bring them more adventure than they bargained for.

    He’s fled from a tragic past, but his heartache is far from over, when his brother, a rising literary star and his wife are both killed. Right then, he decides to step up and take care of the orphaned son they left behind. While Aaron and his nephew attempt to create a new family, a kind, beautiful woman will unexpectedly enter their lives. Her positivity is refreshing, but she has troubles of her own. Can the three of them find the courage to mend their broken hearts and start anew?Mae has had her fair share of loss in her life, but faith is what kept her strong in the face of all the obstacles thrown her way. Her kindness and grace impress the new salesman in town, when she goes to work for him as a seamstress. As they draw closer, her faith seems to bring him solace but Mae keeps secrets of her own. Can she help bring the new family together, or will her own troubles tear them apart?Relentless, greedy publishers will try to discredit Aaron, and other forces will try to keep him apart from Mae. In this tale of love and faith, will the new family’s courage shine through or will a storm of envy and chaos wash them away forever?"A Challenge of Love and Faith" is a historical romance novel of approximately 80,000 words. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed happily ever after.

    And when you want to transform your life, change can be even harder. But it doesn’t have to be.Brett Moran knows from experience what it’s like to feel trapped in your own life, by your circumstances and by your environment – but he also knows that you can break free. That you can find happiness, purpose and passion for life if you have the right tools.From inside his prison cell Brett made these changes to his own life, visualising and then achieving his own transformation. Now he invites you to join the revolution for change, and make your own life one epic adventure.In this free introduction to Wake the F*ck Up, you’ll learn about Brett’s story but also find some practical advice on taking those first steps towards changing your life for the better.