Riding rental bikes and carrying a bare minimum of supplies, Rob Cocuzzo and his sixty-fouryear-old father, Stephen, embark on a 425-mile ride from Florence to San Donato Val di Comino, an ancient village in the mountains outside of Rome from which the Cocuzzo family emigrated a hundred years earlier.Prompted by Rob's ailing grandfather, who regrets having never visited his home village, the two cyclists pledge to make the trip in the old man's honor. Despite an expired passport, getting lost, some near misses, and other misadventures, the father and son finally reach the quirky village of San Donato. For Italian Jews in the 1940s, the road to San Donato was one of exile, and many of the people in the village banded together to protect nearly a hundred Jews. While meeting his many new "cousins," Rob attempts to unlock this history and glean what role his family played at the time--resistors or collaborators? The Road to San Donato is a generational story that many Americans share and a travel adventure not to be missed.

    A true tale of wickedness, despair, and redemption. Not to be missed. Born into a Dark and Secretive World of Domestic Violence ”What kind of life is this you live? Can you remember even one day you didn’t go to bed afraid and wake up afraid?” These are the words Jena Parks says, looking in the mirror as a child. Imagine being a child and every day a desperate struggle to survive. This was the life Jena endured from birth until the day she escaped the living nightmare of her father’s abuse. In The Fear of the Blow, Jena tells her candid personal story of the cruelty, abuse, and terror her father inflicted upon her, her brother, and her mother. She provides an insider perspective on the horrors of domestic violence and child abuse that inform and inspire the reader to help those who struggle. Unthinkable Horrors - a True-Life Story From the opening passages, Parks tells us of being witness to spousal abuse as her father would hit and kick her mother. She then begins to recount stories of her father’s “games” in which he would routinely nearly strangle his children. Verbal and physical beatings were a daily occurrence. Jena lived in terror of her father’s rage, often made worse by his alcoholism. She tells of the delight he would take in threatening to kill her or her mother. How Could This Kind of Domestic Abuse Continue Unchallenged? Parks helps the reader to understand how domestic violence can take root and go unchallenged for years - often until too late. She reminds us that child abuse, spousal abuse, and domestic violence thrive in silence - and that they form the most secretive and horrific epidemics known today. It is through educating ourselves about the reality of domestic violence that we can gain insight into the extensive and crippling effects on the children who are born into and raised inside of that dark world. And this empowers us to speak up and take action to help those in need. The Fear of the Blow is sure to break your heart, open your mind, and inspire courage and faith. Join the Fight to Raise Awareness Jena Parks is a committed to raising awareness about the prevalence of Domestic Violence and Child Abuse. She has written The Fear of the Blow in the hope of empowering others to speak up and to find a safe way out before it's too late. Because Child Abuse and Domestic Violence thrive in the silence please join Jena on her mission to shine a light on this epidemic. The only way we can stop it is to reveal it, to stand up and tell the truth, tell our stories and create real change in a still broken system that traps so many helpless women and children inside this Russian roulette life. Jena’s experiences expose the extreme cruelty and wickedness of which some are capable, but also points you to the place where one can always find hope and a safe harbor. Click the Buy button on this page to get your copy today.

    Book One lays out indisputable evidence the brain does not create your consciousness, and that when your body dies, your consciousness will be released into a mental realm. It explains what you can expect to experience during the first minutes until you come to a border near death survivors agree is a point of no return. Book Two will lead you past that border to explore that Shakespeare called, “The undiscovered country,” a mental realm each individual creates for him or herself. It also makes suggestions about actions to take now to insure the best possible outcome after death. Read what reviewers had to say about Book I: “Extraordinary findings in Stephen Martin’s newest book, Life After Death, Powerful Evidence You Will Never Die, will keep readers on the edge of their seats as they burn through this well written book’s pages. . . .” — Mark Davis, M.D. “If you only read one book about the afterlife, I highly recommend this one. It’s an extensive research project and is quite understandable for the average reader. . . .” — Alan Halverson “I couldn't put this book down. I'm 34 years old with no major health issues and have been recently dealing with a lot of anxiety over death. . . .” — Nicole Ryan “This is one of the most powerful books on this subject that I have ever read. Very inspiring.” — C. Ann Clarkon “Very accessible and well-written overview of recent research supporting evidence of consciousness existing independent of the brain; as well as its implications for survival of awareness after physical death. . . .” — Keith Park, Ph.D.

    As Alice pokes around looking for answers, she finds a surprising fellow mystery lover in the pastor of the local Twisted Rock Church of the Holy Cross. Pastor Joe is surprisingly good looking, shockingly difficult to rattle, and might even be understanding of the supernatural world. If the supernatural world doesn’t decide to do away with Pastor Joe before he can do something dramatic, like an exorcism on a certain cursed necklace. Part 2: The Serpent’s Shadow Shapeshifter Lacey Bostick is absolutely thrilled when local boy Silas Beardley brings a jade serpent’s head brooch into the antique shop. Although, Lacey is more interested in handsome Silas than his brooch. He swears that his great, great grandmother found the thing in a pharaoh’s tomb in Egypt. As soon as the brooch is sent away for authentication a series of mysterious mishaps start plaguing Silas. It is up to Lacey to find out whether or not the brooch is haunted, or if it really is the most effective good luck charm ever. It might even bring Lacey and Silas to the best moment of their lives. Part 3: One Man’s Trash Daphne loves dolls. When she finds a treasure trove of antique dolls just sitting in a box on the curb waiting for trash day, she cannot resist stopping to save the poor things. But when Daphne brings the dolls to Vaguely Vintage, Clara tells her that she’s stumbled onto a box of dolls that carry a horrible curse. Some poking around leads Daphne to the doorstep of local journalist Archie Rawlins. The truth is that Archie is pretty sure his crazy ancestors used the dolls to torment their neighbors. Ever since then, the dolls have been haunted. When strange things start to happen at Daphne’s house, Archi is determined to keep the sweet doll lover from being the next victim. It will take all of Daphne’s wits as a budding witch to put this supernatural story to bed and win the heart of the handsome hero. Part 4: The Story of Vintage Emily Alden is a half fairy. That means she has some unusual talents. When someone donates a box full of dusty old tomes to the local elementary school, Clara Bostick sends Emily to go and have a look. Unfortunately for Emily, science teacher Wade Orson got there first. Wade’s scientific certainty is on full display as he tries to decode the mathematics in the books. Emily doesn’t have the heart to tell him that it’s fairy math. But when strange things start happening at school, Emily realizes that she’s going to have to figure out who at the elementary school is reading those magical books with enough knowledge to put the incantations to use. Fortunately for Emily, Wade isn’t about to let fairy math carry the day. The two are going to need every bit of their considerable intelligence and a good dose of old fashion toughness to solve this mystery. Part 5: All that Glitters Shapeshifter Clara Bostick has almost resigned herself to being a spinster. It will be a chance to spend her life searching out the strangest and most cursed antiquities that the Eastern United States has to offer. Then Sawyer Hollander shows up at Vaguely Vintage with a glittering gold belt buckle he claims is cursed by the cowboy who died trying to win the buckle. Clara has had a crush on Sawyer all her life, but he’s never been a guy she could trust. Soon Clara finds herself twisted up so many threads of gossip in Twisted Rock, that she can’t possibly see how they all fit together. But as the tapestry begins to reveal itself, Clara sees one thing very clearly. Sawyer Hollander is in Twisted Rock for avery specific reason.

    After graduating at the top of her class, she’s a successful journalist who interviews celebrities and attends Hollywood parties for a living. There’s only one problem: she hates her life. Despite her seemingly charmed existence, Jaylah loathes her job, is lonely as hell, and is tired of living up to everyone else’s expectations. When she gets fired from her cushy position at the L.A. Weekly, she has two options: stay in L.A. and become a spectacular drunk or buy a ticket to London and finally live by her own rules. She chooses the latter and heads to the Queen’s city in search of adventure, but soon finds more than she bargained for. Turn It Loose is a fast-paced, entertaining book that takes readers along for an exciting ride.Loved Turn It Loose? Read the sequel, Two Steps Back (here)!

    But when the relationship between John and Tiffany ends, chaos begins to emerge. Caught in the middle is their son. This child is ruthlessly kidnapped from his father, and would then endure years of abuse. This child's father would be forced to endure years of stalking, harassment, threats, false accusations, and even an attempt on his life. He would endure all of this, all for the love of his son. In this book, which is based on a dramatic true story, a father must face countless challenges when his son's mother, who has Borderline Personality Disorder, stops at nothing in her attempt to dismantle his life. Little does she know, that God has promised this young father that He would someday bring his son back home to him. Come with us as we take you through this man's journey of faith. Feel the love that he has for his son as he risks his life and his freedom in order to be with him. And let us take you all the way to the end of this journey, where God's promise is fulfilled, and forgiveness reigns. www.johnstonebooks.com

    From vast deserts to an Indonesian fishing boat, a slow train through Burma to an armed confrontation in Laos, lullabies from middle-aged Chinese businessmen to a cold night on the Great Wall, wolves and reindeer herders, thieves and nomads: this is a vivid illustration of Asia and the people who live there, and of one ancient, stubborn motorcycle travelling through the world's wild places.

    The nation's power grid has failed. Hundreds of millions are left without basic utilities, and the enemy responsible for the EMP's detonation now wreaks havoc throughout the countryside.The Last OrchardCharlie Decker traveled to Seattle to acquire a much needed loan for his family’s Orchard. After a dozen requests, Charlie is forced to head home empty handed. But his plans are derailed after an unexpected attack on the city renders all electronics useless. No cars. No phones. Everything about the modern world has been destroyed. And that’s when the chaos begins.

    Struggling to navigate the constant presence of bodyguards and a sudden deluge of eligible bachelorettes, he is convinced that getting back to his private life is the answer, until he meets Shelly. She doesn't care about his money or his star status, and she seems to genuinely like him, but his heart has been broken once before. Can he risk opening himself up again?After Shelly meets Shawn at a charity event, she can't stop thinking about him. He’s humble, kind, and generous, everything her ex-husband wasn’t. But when his wealthy status is leaked to the press, it’s impossible to ignore all of the women who are vying for his attention, triggering her painful past. Will she be able to give love a second chance?

    When an ambitious colleague, Nolan Lemay, discovers that the announcement involved disclosure of a first century letter claiming the disciple Thomas to have been the literal twin of Jesus of Nazareth, Lemay attempts to acquire the manuscript and finds his own life in danger. >>>Three Women Dedicated to Protecting the Secret Three young women, trained from their youth to safeguard the secrets of an ancient text held by a small sect of St. Thomas Christians in southern India, track Lemay across Southeast Asia as he first attempts to make public the letter’s startling contents, then flees to escape the zealous pursuit of the Guardians of the Second Son. >>>Will the truth be revealed, or be lost forever? Scroll Up and Grab Your Copy Today!

    Includes - Searching for Faith, Looking for Lainey, Forget Me Not, and Hear Them scream. Readers: "Middleton keeps the pace rapid, the thrills coming and the unpredictable twists all wrapped up in a unique package of a psychic woman turned sleuth. SEARCHING FOR FAITH was a one sitting read - Highly recommend." - New York Times bestselling author, Tamara Rose Blodgett. "I need more Carissa please. I read these two in 3 days. I'm seriously hooked." - Amazon reviewer for Searching for Faith and Looking for Lainey. "If you read it at night, you'll not be able to sleep! Highly recommend." - Amazon reviewer for Forget Me Not. "I'm rarely ever actually shocked in a book, but this one did it to me enough to make me gasp out loud." - Amazon reviewer for Hear Them Scream. Book Descriptions - Searching For Faith - A missing child. A gifted psychic. A serial killer on the hunt. When a seven-year-old girl goes missing near Two Harbors, Minnesota, psychic Carissa Jones offers to help locate her. Desperate to find the child, and with no real leads, the local authorities agree to pull her into the case. Looking For Lainey - An eight-year-old girl abducted by sex traffickers A distraught mother riddled with guilt for taking her eyes off of her daughter. A man close to both of them... guilty as sin. Psychic Carissa Jones is once again pulled into a case... this one involving the sordid and terrifying world of child trafficking. Suggested for fans of Kay Hooper, Heather Graham, Iris Johansen, and Nora Roberts. Forget Me Not - A Summit Lake Mystery Thriller- When a deranged lunatic starts targeting single mom, Amanda Schultz, with threatening letters and "presents" on her doorstep, she turns to the police, who offer advice but no real help. At the mercy of a psychopath, Amanda realizes she's in a game of cat-and-mouse, where the killer keeps changing the rules and the winner... is the only one left standing. Hear Them Scream- A serial killer obsessed with recreating old horror movies. A young woman determined to find out who killed her twin. A small town that can’t seem to catch a break. Whitney Halverson's world is shattered when her sister, Brittany, is found murdered in Summit Lake. Unfortunately, the police have no leads, and the killer is still casting for several roles, including the one her sister didn’t scream loud enough for. But now that Whitney is in town, there’s an option for a re-take, and the killer is determined to get it right this time… Forget Me Not and Hear Them Scream is suggested for fans of Kay Hooper, Heather Graham, Iris Johansen, and Nora Roberts.

    Mother saved black widow spiders and the homeless. Brother Benny was Astrid’s immutable compass. He kept a straight face, his eyes glazed. All Benny wanted was to stay in one place.With all hell breaking loose, will Astrid and her beloved little brother navigate the ’70s and ’80s and survive childhood?

    but after graduating from law school at age forty-seven, she still faced the question: "What now?" Casual conversations about far-off travels with husband Glenn became a reality with the offer of a dream job at the United Nations in Rome, Italy.Coins in the Fountain brings life the challenges of acclimating to the beautiful and chaotic ancient city of Rome. Judith shares her struggles to learn the arcane rules and folkways of the UN while Glenn begins his valiant effort to cook Italian-style, as they both endeavor to embrace la dole vita. With an extraordinary count and countess for friends, dogs in the doctor's office, snakes and unexploded bombs on the golf course, along with a sinking sailboat rocking on the ocean, the unexpected was always just around the corner.Through wit, wry humor, and descriptions of enticing food and travel adventures, Judith takes you on a journey into the heart of what it is truly like to live in the Eternal City.According to Roman lore, if you toss a coin over your shoulder into the famous Trevi Fountain, the gods will grant you a return trip. When it was time for them to leave, Judith made that hopeful toss and her wish was granted.

    A gripping love declaration to Africa with the troubles of Rhodesia/Zimbabwe as background, the real protagonist of this book is Africa with all her wonders and horrors. "Highly recommended for lovers of the continent, especially those longing for a well-balanced and honest insider’s account of recent African history (B. Pataki 2013) "

    I’m going to hell. I can hear the nuns now, condemning me, and I deserve it. How could I have let Maxwell Brandt kiss me? A man I found disgusting at the way he treated woman—as if they were disposable, to be used then thrown away. It didn’t matter who he was, or how much money he had. He was a horrible person. Who the hell am I kidding? I’m just as bad because I let him kiss me. Then I did the unthinkable and kissed him back, with a hunger I’ve never felt before. All of this while my fiancé was in the same house. It was a horrible mistake, one that can never happen again. I love Kevin. I want to make a life with him, not be used by a man who won’t remember my name a month from now. What Kevin and I have built is real and I’m not throwing it all away. It didn’t matter if no other man, including Kevin, had made me feel the way Max did, it was wrong. Despite the fact Max keeps coming back to entice me, I stand firm. I won’t cheat on Kevin. I won’t become that person, no matter how badly my body wants him. I don’t want to want him. Until the moment he drops a bomb that destroys everything. Kevin has been cheating. His words destroy the illusion I’ve been hiding behind, because I know he’s telling the truth. Knew it in the way Kevin has gradually been pulling away... late nights out with the guys, his disinterest in me, and the way he’s twice pushed back the date of the wedding. I hadn’t wanted to believe, had been willfully blind to preserve the promise of a future with a man I believed I loved. All I want is to hide and lick my wounds, but Max won’t let me. With Kevin gone, he demands I fulfill the promise of that kiss. I don’t understand how a man like him wants a plus size woman like me, when my own fiancé refused to date me before I lost weight. Yet, he does, refuses to go away. In a rush of anger, pain, and hunger, I give in. The feeling of being wanted by a man like Max wiping away the humiliation of Kevin’s betrayal. Maybe a fling, a rebound affair, is exactly what I need. No promises, no expectations, and no broken heart. At least, that’s the way it started. Max Out of curiosity, to get a look at the fiancée who put up with a cheating weasel like Kevin Jarvis, I find myself looking into the bright green eyes of a woman who makes my body hard with longing. Then the weasel does the unimaginable and introduces green eyes as his fiancée. Even though she looks at my hand like it’s a grenade about to go off, she takes it and we both feel the attraction. We’re both in deep shit now, because I know she feels what I feel and I’m about to go after her, fiancé or not. I don’t care if she stays with Kevin. I just want her body. Besides, it won’t last long, desire never does and I don’t want her clinging after it’s over. Only, the bitch keeps pushing me away, denying us both the satisfaction our bodies crave. Her sanctimonious refusal as she uses Kevin and her engagement ring as a shield pisses me off. I didn’t want to drop a bomb, but if it gets me what I want, her in my bed, then I’m not going to flinch from it. I need her to satisfy this craving that’s eating me from the inside out. I’ll make her pay for making us both wait. I’m not her ex, and I’m sick of paying for his stupidity. Her body makes my body ache and I want her exactly as she is. Only, inch by inch I’m consumed by my need. I warn myself to pull away, sure this won’t last, can’t last. But letting go isn’t an option, no matter how hard I try.