Truth. In mainland China from 1949 to 1976, truth is all but eradicated, suppressed and supplanted by the iron will of Mao Tse-tung. Millions of people suffer untold anguish as their history, their culture, and their lives are brought under communist rule. Many flee to Taiwan and Hong Kong. As a child, Chen Wen-shan was taken from her family home in mainland China and sent to live with her great-uncle—a former general in the Nationalist Chinese army who had become one of the first converts to the LDS Church in Hong Kong. For ten years, Wen-shan has carried the sorrow of abandonment in her heart, with few memories of her life before. But at the death of Chairman Mao, fifteen-year-old Wen-shan receives a mysterious wooden box that holds a series of beautiful paintings and secret letters that reveal the fate of the family she has not heard from in more than a decade. As Wen-shan and her great-uncle read the letters in the jade dragon box, they discover an unbreakable bond... Views: 311
Mike tries so hard to please his father, but the only language his dad seems to speak is calculus. And for a boy with a math learning disability, nothing could be more difficult. When his dad sends him to live with distant relatives in rural Pennsylvania for the summer to work on an engineering project, Mike figures this is his big chance to buckle down and prove himself. But when he gets there, nothing is what he thought it would be. The project has nothing at all to do with engineering, and he finds himself working alongside his wacky eighty-something- year-old aunt, a homeless man, and a punk rock girl as part of a town-wide project to adopt a boy from Romania. Mike may not learn anything about engineering, but what he does learn is far more valuable. Views: 311
On Christmas Eve a pregnant woman recalls being rescued by a vagrant when she was a child.A Jewish family possesses an instrument that has been passed down for generations; it endures time and travels over the sea from the Middle East where it was first created. Once on American soil the family becomes successful and loses interest in the family loom and leaves it when they move to California. The person that finds the instrument sells it at an auction on EBay. The man Todd that wins the auction fell in love with the mosaic designs that were placed on the outside. After it sits in his garage for years he brings it out to show a friend, while examining the pieces to the mosaic he discovers a code, his friend a professor at UNC helps him with his connections at the University, to discover how to decipher a few of the many codes. Before they get started good, the black suits from the dept. of Homeland Security confiscate the instrument and Todd ends up in jail. Once out of jail Todd discovers that by stroking the strings on the instrument, he has heard Sacred notes that has triggered activation of dormant DNA. Which will prove to be a life changing event that will lead to him attending the school of Melchezidec during meditation? Upon which he will learn the Secrets of the Universe, which have been hid from mankind since ancient times. In the meantime he is instructed by Enoch an ancient one to stop eating meat, Todd begins hearing people’s thoughts and seeing in other dimensions, having visions and déjà vu. Which in most cases immediately following these, the visions happen in real life exactly as Todd had seen them. Once Todd hears a person’s thoughts he figures out that he has made a connection through a galactic energy source of sound and vibrations that have always been here. He then can hear that person speak or think at anytime he wishes, which will prove to be quite hard to adjust to. Join Todd as he starts the school of Melchezidec and learns the sacred knowledge, which will prove to be a true Pandora’s box in his life, as well as the United States Government that will end up putting Todd on a list “Public Enemy Number 1”. Because Todd refuses to work with them after they learn he has found what they presume is supernatural powers Views: 311
The great author of Vanity Fair and The Luck Of Barry Lyndon was born in India in 1811. At age 5 his father died and his mother sent him back to England. His education was of the best but he himself seemed unable to apply his talents to a rigorous work ethic. However, once he harnessed his talents the works flowed in novels, articles, short stories, sketches and lectures. Sadly, his personal life was rather more difficult. After a few years of marriage his wife began to suffer from depression and over the years became detached from reality. Thackeray himself suffered from ill health later in his life and the one pursuit that kept him moving forward was that of writing. In his life time, he was placed second only to Dickens. High praise indeed. Views: 310
Andy does just enough to get by, sometimes less. Between hits from the bong, hallucinogenic shrooms, and eating dog food, Andy contemplates his friend’s suicide attempts, his final days of college assignments, and the importance of his education to his dismal-looking future. By his side are Macbeth-like witches, his meek roommate, and an eccentric professor. And, of course, a girl.Andy does just enough to get by, sometimes less. Between hits from the bong, hallucinogenic shrooms, and eating dog food, Andy contemplates his friend’s suicide attempts, his final days of college assignments, and the importance of his education to his dismal-looking future. By his side are Macbeth-like witches, his meek roommate, and an eccentric professor. And, of course, a girl.Edgy and darkly humorous but, like all the best literature, it still keeps an undercurrent of seriousness.About the Author:Alex Kudera has survived fifteen years of teaching overloads but in some circles is better known for his mysterious injuries. He has bussed dishes and tutored English in two countries, and Fight for Your Long Day, his first novel, was drafted in a walk-in closet during a summer in Seoul, South Korea. A lifelong Philadelphian until fall 2007, Alex currently teaches literature and writing at Clemson University in South Carolina. Views: 310
It was a perfectly normal spring day in Brisbane. Some friends got together to share a few drinks. But the darkness of nightfall and the coming storm has brought something sinister with it.A kid who discovers he's the Emperor of the Supernatural World!12 year-old Max has never felt like he belonged at school or in his family. But one day, he is whisked away to a supernatural world where he discovers the very features that make him unique help him survive and even to claim his birthright as the Emperor of Occultoria, the government of the Supernatural World. With his wits, some magical abilities and some friends to assist him, Max must reunite all the rebellious parts of the strife-ridden Occultorian Empire to restore the balance of and keep the peace between the Natural and Supernatural Worlds.His first task is to force the Queen of Purgatorio into submission. As Max steps into the eerie land of wailing ghosts, he discovers that part of growing up means being courageous and confident - even when he doesn’t feel it. An inspirational story of growing up, belonging and believing in yourself, the Crown Prince of Occultoria is the first in a children’s coming-of-age series that combines elements of mystery, adventure, fantasy, thrillers, romance, magic, enchantment and the supernatural. Views: 310
Tell Your Kids a Cool Bedtime Story! These stories are designed for you to easily tell to your kids (ages 5-11). Keep them excited every time!When the most powerful man in the galaxy is taken hostage by the most feared aliens, there's only one man to call. Captain Sean Ryanis! Follow him as he battles the evil Malogan Empire, tussles with Fire Pirates, and escapes the grip of the Big Boss.Tell Your Kids a Cool Bedtime Story!Deep down every kid loves bedtime stories, but sometimes at the end of the day you just don't have the energy. That's where the Tell Me A Story series of books can help. Each nightly episode takes 5-10 minutes to read out loud and ends in a gripping cliffhanger. Imagine your child hanging on your every word and captivating them every night with an easy to tell bedtime story.For less time than it takes to watch the start of a sit-com, you can spend quality time with your kids and make memories they will never forget.About Sean Ryanis & The Impossible ChaseWhen the most powerful man in the galaxy is taken hostage by the most feared aliens, there's only one man to call. Captain Sean Ryanis! Follow him as he battles the evil Malogan Empire, tussles with Fire Pirates, and escapes the grip of the Big Boss. Can he save the galaxy from certain destruction? Views: 310
A maniacal collection of stories about the madness of the human mind. Features all new stories by: Laurita Miller, Richard Godwin, Angel Zapata, Benjamin Sobieck, Sean Patrick Reardon, Erin Cole, Lily Childs, and Chris Allinotte.This short story anthology is comprised of eight suspenseful and horrifying tales, composed for a special one-week fiction event on the blog, "The Leaky Pencil". These stories centre around the theme of Madness. Not one of the stories approaches this theme in the same way, and each has something unique to say.Features eight outstanding new tales by: Laurita Miller, Richard Godwin, Angel Zapata, Benjamin Sobieck, Sean Patrick Reardon, Erin Cole, Lily Childs, and Chris Allinotte. Views: 310
A small collection of short stories written by David Grewcock; including two first Chapters of the novels "The Floods of London" and "The Navigation Watch" available through Kindle publishing.A digest collection of short stories written by the author for the readers enjoyment, but also as an introduction to the first two novels in his "Black Crane" collection (available through Kindle and in hard copy).The intention of this collection is also to provide an inspiration that anyone can write a book if they challenge themselves. Views: 309
A six-pack of urban (and suburban) fantasies. "Mysfits" delves into the lives of several unique people in extraordinary situations--from an autistic child with a healer's touch, to a small town witch who volunteers at a local hospital, and many more. BONUS: Also include is the first chapter of A LITTLE PRIMITIVE, the acclaimed urban fantasy thriller by bestselling author Josh Langston.The South has an abundance of fascinating folk, and none are more interesting than those populating the contemporary fantasies contained in this quirky volume. "Mysfits" is a collection of six unforgettable tales from a rising star in the paranormal and fantasy genres. Views: 309
Thomas finds a new meaning in life after a quick visit to the alternative. He is assigned a new mission and gets help from a tree and a magician.Thomas discovers more to life with the help of Merlin and voices from a tall pine tree. He offers gratitude to the world and a little bit of magic. Views: 309
Meet Abbey Whistler. She's just died at the age of eighty and waits in her hospital room to be taken to the afterlife. But she quickly learns that crimes committed while alive actually do have repercussions when you die. Last Dance of a Black Widow is a sobering 3,000 word short story that explores the death of a life lived poorly.Meet Abbey Whistler. She's just died at the age of eighty and waits in her hospital room to be taken to the afterlife. But she quickly learns that crimes committed while alive actually do have repercussions when you die. From the author of the Pandora's Children collection of short stories, the novellas Dogs of War and King of the Merge, and the free short story Blink comes Last Dance of a Black Widow, a sobering 3,000 word short story that explores the death of a life lived poorly. Views: 309
Delivery Room DADS"That baby is mine!The moment he saw Annie Thatcher's pregnant belly, prodigal cowboy Alex McIntyre knew he was the father. No matter how far he rode from Wyoming, memories of that night with Annie followed. So why did she deny it?Of all the McIntyre brothers, Alex was the rebel, the one who couldn't settle down. But one look at Annie, and Alex was home to stay, determined to stake his claim on his ranch, his woman--his baby! He had three months to convince Annie--three months to learn how to be a daddy....Delivery Room Dads--Which McIntyre brother will be the first daddy of the New Year? In Bison City, Wyoming, it's 3...2...1...baby! Views: 309
Orphaned and stranded on an unfamiliar planet, Troy and his brother Tristan long to be back among the stars on their ship Star Chaser. Along with some friends they make a daring escape and manage to outrun their former guardian. It soon becomes clear, however, that they have another pursuer who turns out to be the very man responsible for their parents' deaths - the dreaded space pirate Red Raven!Orphaned and stranded on an unfamiliar planet, Troy and his brother Tristan long to be back among the stars on their ship Star Chaser. Along with some friends they make a daring escape and manage to outrun their pursuers.Visiting a wonderful and exciting space station they are horrified to find out that the very man who was responsible for their parents deaths was now following them - the dreaded space pirate Red Raven! Trying to lose him in the vast expanse of space their little ship is no match for Red Raven's warship! Views: 309