Jack Mac Fecker, pig breeder, farmer and father never thought that he would enter the world of spying, Steven Speilberg, badger rights, home brewing and gay farmers, especially not in the Mountains of Mourne. Temptation, in all its forms, invaded his world and he responded as any half educated Irishman would. Here we meet Jack and his family and find him at the doorstep of a world of espionage.Jack Mac Fecker, pig breeder, farmer and father never thought that he would enter the world of spying, Steven Speilberg, badger rights, home brewing and gay farmers, especially not in the Mountains of Mourne. Temptation, in all its forms, invaded his world and he responded as any half educated Irishman would. Here we meet Jack and his family and find him at the doorstep of a world of espionage, home brew and badgers. Will he go in? Will he cross that threshold and place his family, his farm and even himself in mortal danger? The first in a series of linked funny stories around the Mac Feckers. Views: 689
Kate was born, post Civil War, in Western Appalachia. Turning eighteen, tragedy forced her to face the world alone. A Bounty Hunter introduced her to a world populated by trains, hotels, steamships, fashionable clothes, society and tracking dangerous felons. Kate is a strong lady in all aspects of her life, willing to break cultural codes on how women were obliged to deport themselves.The recent Civil War had little effect on people living in the hills of Western Appalachia where Kate was born. Women struggled through a weary life in a corn-liquor culture dominated by hypocritical men holding to the tradition that women should be kept barefoot, silent, busy and pregnant. These male dominated customs were enforced by ego driven ignorant preachers.At eighteen Kate possessed a ripe body, an inquiring mind, an in tact virginity and a talent for hitting whatever came in the sights of her small-bore muzzleloader squirrel rifle.Within a fortnight two tragic events claimed the life’s of Kate’s father, two brothers and her mother. Kate was suddenly alone with two horses, a team of mules, some smaller livestock and a worn out farm in Painter Holler.While tracking two wanted men, a bounty hunter connected with Kate and learned the men he was seeking had met their end during a midnight shootout, when they attempted to rob Kate and her mother.With a storm in the offing, Brady accepted Kate’s invitation to stay at her house until the weather improved. During his visit Kate offered up her virginity and became Brady’s life partner. In return Brady introduced Kate to a world populated by trains, hotels, steamships fancy clothes and a life she lacked the knowledge to imagine.Traveling with Brady, Kate quickly transitioned into a mature young woman with a new vocabulary and demeanor able to feel at ease in formal afternoon teas wearing a holstered Derringer pistol under a fashionable dress or creeping around inside a dark, stinking, cheap saloon to arrest a wanted felon.Kate held up her half of the partnership by always being at Brady’s side and going gun to gun during showdowns with determined men and added more notches to her pistol than Brady.Following the Civil War, territories became states and municipal law enforcement replaced federal jurisdictions reducing the use of bounty hunters. Brady and Kate set aside their bounty hunting hats and formed Modern Investigation Agency to service civil cases and special contracts let by Federal Judge, Andrew Blake. Views: 689
Houston, Texas may be the blues capitol of the world, but when aging blues musician and Vietnam veteran Willard "Cottonmouth" Dalton is asked to kill a man, only Bill Travis can sort out why and get to the bottom of a war between two competing blues taverns and discover the identity of who stands behind a seeming accidental death, an explosion, and a brutal murder - all within a single day and night! Darkness, death and danger stalk the dirty piers of the ship channel and the back street jive joints, but Bill Travis is no stranger to any of them, as what unfolds becomes a deadly confrontation and a climactic fight for his life to the final bars of the darkest ballad of his career.
George Wier is the author of the popular Bill Travis Mystery series and numerous other books, including various science fiction and steampunk titles. He lives in Austin, Texas with his lovely wife, Sallie, two dogs and two cats. Views: 689
Professor Natalie Long has fantasized the day she would find Vincent Valentine's resting place. A scientist, she believes she has found the means to cure him of the darker side to his nature. But what if the cure could lead to his death?*(this is a work of fan-fiction; events take place after those of Final Fantasy VII)Vincent Valentine. A Turk for Shinra Corporation. Genetically engineered horror.Professor Natalie Long has fantasized the day she would find his resting place. A scientist who studied under Professor Gast, she believes she has found the means to cure him of the darker side to his nature.But when the cure could lead to his death, she isn't so certain she can live without him.*(this is a work of fan-fiction; events take place after those of Final Fantasy VII) Views: 689
She’s a cutting-edge travel blogger—he’s a fishing guide with strong ties to their small hometown.She thought they were arch enemies—he always thought they’d end up together.She’s a cutting-edge travel blogger—he’s a fishing guide with strong ties to their small hometown.She thought they were arch enemies—he always thought they’d end up together.Autumn grew up in her parents’ fishing resort in backwoods Oregon, listening to wild travel stories from around the world. Now she’s broken free and living her dream as a travel blogger, that is until her mom talks her into coming home and writing a blog about the Rugged Resort. Autumn’s very surprised to find Cory still there. He was the thorn in her side growing up, and now he’s buddy-buddy with her parents. She plans to write her blog and hit the road, but Cory has other ideas. Views: 689
It's been over a year since all the adults disappeared. Gone.
In the time since every person over the age of fourteen disappeared from the town of Perdido Beach, California, countless battles have been fought: battles against hunger and lies and plague, and epic battles of good against evil. Light, Michael Grant's sixth and final book in the New York Times bestselling Gone series creates a masterful, arresting conclusion to life in the FAYZ.
And now, the gaiaphage has been reborn as Diana's malicious mutant daughter, Gaia. Gaia is endlessly hungry for destruction. She yearns to conquer her nemesis, Little Pete, and then bend the entire world to her warped will. As long-standing enemies become allies, secrets are revealed and unexpected sacrifices are made. Will their attempts to save themselves and one another matter in the end, or will the kids of Perdido Beach perish in this final power struggle? Views: 689
When Risa loses the second key to hell, she angers several powerful people, and she’s starting to feel the pressure from all sides. She gets a visit from her father, who gives her an ultimatum: Get back the key or he will kill her friends. Risa also finds herself under the scrutiny of the vampire council, some of whom consider her a monster who should be destroyed. But they offer her a bloody bargain: Take on the lethal head of the council, Madeline Hunter, and others will support her. As the search for the keys to hell heats up, Risa realizes that she has no choice. For the sake of the people she loves, she must find the keys — and get rid of Hunter — before the second gate is opened and brings the world closer to all hell breaking loose. . . Views: 689
After deciding against ending his own life, Justin discovers that his sister is having dreams that are eerily similar to her real life with one exception: In her dreams, Justin is dead.Finally at the end of his miserable rope, Justin Luck climbs to the top of Stinton's Point and finds the perfect place from which to end it all. But just before he takes the leap, fear prevails and causes him to change his mind...or does he?That very night, his sister Rosie has a vivid dream that shakes him to his core: A dream in which he took his life by jumping from Stinton's Point.The days continue. So do Rosie's dreams. Rosie and Justin discover that the dreams are eerily similar to her real life, but there's one exception: In her dreams, Justin is dead. Views: 689
Once, Julianna was plain Julie Ann, a girl from the wrong side of the tracks who dared to love the son of the town's most powerful family. Gray loved her, too, and married her to give their unborn child a name, but sometimes love isn't enough. Ten years later they meet again. Despite their painful past, both are helpless to deny a love that never died.Former lovers are reunited as a hurricane approaches the island of Oahu.Once, Julianna was plain Julie Ann, a girl from the wrong side of the tracks who dared to love the son of the town's most powerful family. Gray loved her, too, and married her to give their unborn child a name, but sometimes love isn't enough. Ten years later they meet again. She is successful, beautiful, and certain that a decade ago he betrayed her, but despite their painful past, both are helpless to deny a love that never died. As secrets are slowly revealed and new and surprising friendships develop with otherrefugees from the storm, the past and present come together in one tumultuous explosion.From Glowing Embers is the first book of a four book series set among four islands in the Pacific. Smoke Screen, Rainbow Fire and Out of the Ashes follow, featuring characters introduced here. Views: 689
Bedtime Stories for Children is a short collection of modern adaptations of classic folk tales from around the world. Suitable for all ages.Bob Bishop was scrolling his Twitter feed when the dinosaur tweet popped up. The moment he spotted the author’s name he couldn’t suppress a guffaw. “Something tickled your fancy guv’nor?” Lauren glanced up from the adjacent terminal where she was uploading the latest target package onto Crimefighter. Bishop pointed at the screen. “Rave from the grave,” he said, chuckling, “I can’t believe that old war horse is still alive and kicking.” The girl came around and stood behind him, reading the tweet over his shoulder. “Bit strong. Who’s Jack Rivers anyway, bit of a nutter?”“Job old timer,” Bishop said, “from way back when we were young and keen, Jack was the DI running the Peckham crime squad and I was a mere skipper on the relief.” Bishop wagged his head as the memories stirred, “Long long ago,” he said.Lauren smiled down at him, “You surprise me guv,” she said, “I always assumed you were a direct entrant on the graduate ticket, you’ll be telling me you walked a beat in a tall hat next.”“Oh that I did,” Bishop said, the recollection stirring the recesses of his memory, “wooden-top in a blue suit, Commissioner’s cannon fodder, we didn’t know any better.” He glanced at the photo ID dangling from the lanyard around his neck as if seeking confirmation of his ascendancy from the mean streets of South London: Under his mug shot and the crest of the Metropolitan Police his designation read: Robert Bishop, Deputy Assistant Commissioner, Directorate of Public Affairs. “Must’ve had a run-in with the hobby bobbies to get him riled up like that,” Lauren mused reading the vitriolic tweet, “d’you want me to check the system?”Bishop swung his chair around to face her. Blonde hair pulled back in a pony tail, trendy jumper and designer jeans, a thirty-something DCI from the Media Ops Directorate. If Jack Rivers could’ve seen himself outranked by a girlie-girl he would have had apoplexy. “No,” he said, “You’ve got enough on your plate as it is, how’s the old man’s baby coming along, he’s bound to want a SITREP at morning prayers.”“Chip-n-nick?” it was Lauren’s turn to laugh, “Couple of hard men in the guinea pig group cut off their ear lobes with bolt cutters and ditched the implants. We’re going to have to tag ‘em somewhere else guv’nor.” She grinned, “Somewhere they won’t want to cut off.”Bishop wagged his head. “It’s pretty academic anyway, we ever get it past those bleeding hearts in Strasburg it’ll be a miracle. Infringement of human rights is a capital offence these days, the legal eagles’ll have a field day.”Lauren turned back to her terminal; she hadn’t noticed the far away look creep into Bob Bishop’s eyes as he re-read the dinosaur tweet and time shifted back to the dark ages. “Bob – you got a minute,” The Chief Super poked his head around the parade room door just as Bishop finished briefing the two-to-ten. “Step into the office, sergeant” the old man held the door open, grinning. And as Bishop did so, remarked, “That’s the last time I’ll call you that, Bob.” He waved a telex from the Yard. “You just got made up – congratulations Inspector.” He clapped Bishop on the shoulder in an avuncular gesture, “And you’ve got a posting my son, the dream factory.”As Bishop read the telex with mounting astonishment, the old man began to laugh: Bishop let it sink in for a moment and then he said: “Do I have a choice, boss? To be honest I’d rather stick with the relief.”The Divisional Commander shook his head: “Came down on a tablet of stone, Bob.” He glanced at his watch, “Oh and you’d better look sharpish; get over to the Yard and report to the fifth floor. Don’t look so shell shocked, your wagon just got hitched to a star.” Views: 689
While on an archeological dig in Central America, Marc Hansen's co-worker, Kit Korban, talks Marc into returning to the ranch where he grew up with a goal of excavating the Indian mound there. Kit knows that Marc, having walked away from his family four years before, has serious issues with them that need to be resolved. But as Kit begins to peel back the layers of a very complex man, she also finds a man worth loving. The problem is convincing Marc that just because he's no blood kin, he's not the outsider he's always believed himself to be. Views: 689
"My arms are full, but I feel so empty." Chase was facing the holidays feeling more than hollow. He was miserable, hen-pecked by his girlfriend, Victoria, and he was becoming downright bitter. Was there any way to renew the Spirit of Christmas in Chase’s heart? Maybe Emily holds the key...but will Victoria let go easily? Will Chase find what he’s looking for this Christmas?"My arms are full, but I feel so empty." Chase was facing the holidays feeling more than hollow. He was miserable, hen-pecked by his girlfriend, Victoria, and he was becoming downright bitter. Was there any way to renew the Spirit of Christmas in Chase’s heart? Maybe Emily holds the key...but will Victoria let go easily? Will Chase find what he’s looking for this Christmas?A Christmas Romance inspired by Peace First winner Nicholas Lowinger’s story of giving back, “To Whom Much Is Given” is a charming story of a young man’s awakening to a higher calling of serving others. Views: 688
The Dog Who Watched TV is the fourth in the 'Creature Teachers' series of educational children's books. Jasper the Westie likes to watch TV and barks when he sees other dogs. He has a puzzle, though, which he can't solve. Where do the dogs go when they walk off of the side of the TV screen? 'Creature Teachers' books are aimed at young readers, giving them a fun and informative experience.The Dog Who Watched TV is the fourth in the 'Creature Teachers' series of educational children's books. Jasper the Westie likes to watch TV and barks when he sees other dogs. He has a puzzle, though, which he can't solve. Where do the dogs go when they walk off of the side of the TV screen? ‘Creature Teachers’ is a range of children’s books aimed at educating and amusing the young reader. Each book tells a short story, with illustrations. Each story is based around a particular creature and is told in a humorous yet educational manner and introduces words and phrases that the young reader wouldn't be expected to know.On one level the stories are simple stories with happy endings. At a higher level, the parent can expand on key words and phrases, increasing the child’s vocabulary and basic understanding of simple grammar. Views: 688
The darkness is drawing near. For centuries the Alliance has kept their enemies at bay. But the rise of a tyrant in the East has set in motion events few could have foreseen. Strange creatures stalk the shadows and the laws of magic are being sundered. Brothers Christill and Thibalt will learn that their childhood woes are insignificant. Their part in this struggle will shape the fate of all.The tyrant King Zephra has waited nineteen long years to meet his destiny. In the deepest corner of his hidden lair he has finally found a way to break the laws of magic. His malevolent scheme will forever ensnare the world. And the Feldonian nation will be powerless to stop him.Yet destiny comes in twos. For on the very eve of Zephra’s rise to power nineteen years ago, two brothers were kidnapped from their homeland by the savage Miirvkin. Brothers who, growing up amongst their hated foes, are fated to return to Feldom at the turning point of this ancient struggle.Now, whilst strange creatures stalk the shadows, and the darkness encroaches, destinies will clash. Thibalt and Christill will find that they have a larger part to play in the fate of their homeland. Yet the salvation of an entire race will weigh a heavy burden on them. Views: 688
Everyone wants to be happy. Many, however, wrongly believe that happiness comes from having enough money, fame, personal comfort, worldly success, or even dumb luck. Happiness just seems to be so elusive and arbitrary — something all too often just out of reach.Joan Chittister sees happiness differently. To her it is not a by-product of wealth or success but, rather, a personal quality to be learned, mastered, and fearlessly wielded. Happiness, she says, "is an organ of the soul that is meant to be nourished." In these pages Chittister develops "an archeology of happiness" as she conducts a happiness "dig" through sociology, biology, neurology, psychology, philosophy, history, and world religions. Sifting through the wisdom of the ages, Chittister offers inspiring insights that will help seekers everywhere learn to cultivate true and lasting happiness within themselves. Views: 688
