$8.99 or FREE for Kindle Unlimited Subscribers
Amazon
Graduates or soon-to-be graduates of liberal arts courses are constantly
asked "What will you do with THAT degree?" Veteran business executive
and history major Ben Kitay tells us that the answer is "anything you
want". This book provides a practical, no nonsense guide for recent
graduates who did not study business but want to enter the job market.
Starting with personal stories of his own, then looking at statistics
and articles that show the truth about earning potential for liberal
arts students, Kitay proves that the liberal arts graduate is actually
more prepared for business than many of their peers who studied
business.
Included are concise and insightful guides to dressing
for success, finding work, successful interviewing, and how to get
started.
Graduates who studied history, fine arts, language,
literature, or any subject other than business will want to read this
book if they plan to enter the business world.
Saturday, January 28, 2017
Friday, January 27, 2017
The Moonbeam Rider by Carlton Holder
$2.99 or FREE for Kindle Unlimited Subscribers
Amazon
Occupation began when the first mothership appeared in the sky. Now they are taking over, one continent at a time. Collaborators, human traitors, are plentiful. Welcome to the resistance.
Noa Ash, a lonely teenage girl making entries into her personal journal, takes us on an astounding adventure. After she is orphaned during an alien attack, Noa is sent to live with a stern grandmother she has never known on Shadow - a once sunny beach that was warped into a hellish place of fog and darkness by a meteorite shower. There Noa finds an old surfboard and begins riding the beach’s cruel waves. As she learns to surf, Noa goes through a transformation of body and soul that turns her from a helpless nobody into a true heroine.
But fate has an even stranger destiny in mind for Noa when she discovers an underwater cavern where an archaic robot lay rusting. Only the robot is not a robot. It is a vessel. To resurrect it - the only weapon on Earth Noa believes can stop the alien occupation - she will have to transfer her life force - her soul - into the battered metal hull to pilot it. Aiding Noa in her mission is a strange boy from another time. A boy who Noa finds herself inexplicably drawn to.
"THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK" meets "WAR OF THE WORLDS."
AUTHOR’S BIO
Carlton Holder grew up in tough Brownsville, Brooklyn immersed in the New York City comic
book scene during its golden age (think "The Warriors" meets "The Amazing Adventures of
Kavalier & Clay"). His love of fantastic fiction and super-heroic exploits led him to the craft of
writing and the sport of gymnastics. After studying English and journalism at East Stroudsburg
University in Pennsylvania, where he was also a member of the gymnastics team, Carlton moved
to Los Angeles where he became first a Hollywood stuntman and later a screenwriter. He has
interviewed former members of the IRA in Belfast, written about the drug trade in Central
Mexico, and traveled to the Netherlands to research the World War II bombings of Belgium by
the Nazis. Carlton currently resides in LA where he is developing a TV show, when not penning
novels or planning trips to Area 51.
Amazon
Occupation began when the first mothership appeared in the sky. Now they are taking over, one continent at a time. Collaborators, human traitors, are plentiful. Welcome to the resistance.
Noa Ash, a lonely teenage girl making entries into her personal journal, takes us on an astounding adventure. After she is orphaned during an alien attack, Noa is sent to live with a stern grandmother she has never known on Shadow - a once sunny beach that was warped into a hellish place of fog and darkness by a meteorite shower. There Noa finds an old surfboard and begins riding the beach’s cruel waves. As she learns to surf, Noa goes through a transformation of body and soul that turns her from a helpless nobody into a true heroine.
But fate has an even stranger destiny in mind for Noa when she discovers an underwater cavern where an archaic robot lay rusting. Only the robot is not a robot. It is a vessel. To resurrect it - the only weapon on Earth Noa believes can stop the alien occupation - she will have to transfer her life force - her soul - into the battered metal hull to pilot it. Aiding Noa in her mission is a strange boy from another time. A boy who Noa finds herself inexplicably drawn to.
"THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK" meets "WAR OF THE WORLDS."
AUTHOR’S BIO
Carlton Holder grew up in tough Brownsville, Brooklyn immersed in the New York City comic
book scene during its golden age (think "The Warriors" meets "The Amazing Adventures of
Kavalier & Clay"). His love of fantastic fiction and super-heroic exploits led him to the craft of
writing and the sport of gymnastics. After studying English and journalism at East Stroudsburg
University in Pennsylvania, where he was also a member of the gymnastics team, Carlton moved
to Los Angeles where he became first a Hollywood stuntman and later a screenwriter. He has
interviewed former members of the IRA in Belfast, written about the drug trade in Central
Mexico, and traveled to the Netherlands to research the World War II bombings of Belgium by
the Nazis. Carlton currently resides in LA where he is developing a TV show, when not penning
novels or planning trips to Area 51.
Dark Rage by Daniel Darcey
Amazon
In a universe of myth and magic that spans the known, two great forces battle for control of all the realm, and at the heart of it are two powerful sisters, Princess Asora of the enchanted Utopian Kingdom and Queen Laxur of the mighty Darkcon Empire. Asora and Laxur clash with great nations, armies, and powers. However, both wish to reshape the universe in their image and idealsone with enlightenment and progress, the other with greatness and order. Asora, a magical princess, seeks scientific and technological advancements, both for peace and war. Laxur, a dark queen, wants greater power and revenge. Love and morality be damned.Change can create great opportunities and new life, but it can also lead to terrible strife.In all this, the people from both nations love their leaders (Asora and Laxur). But the world around them is coming down around them. New factions rise to protect the old ways. And to that, Laxur discovers a power that is beyond all. Asora discovers an ancient machine of great power built by a culture from eons past. Asora and Laxur have become the wills of their people and nations. And the fate of this universe is in their hands.
In a universe of myth and magic that spans the known, two great forces battle for control of all the realm, and at the heart of it are two powerful sisters, Princess Asora of the enchanted Utopian Kingdom and Queen Laxur of the mighty Darkcon Empire. Asora and Laxur clash with great nations, armies, and powers. However, both wish to reshape the universe in their image and idealsone with enlightenment and progress, the other with greatness and order. Asora, a magical princess, seeks scientific and technological advancements, both for peace and war. Laxur, a dark queen, wants greater power and revenge. Love and morality be damned.Change can create great opportunities and new life, but it can also lead to terrible strife.In all this, the people from both nations love their leaders (Asora and Laxur). But the world around them is coming down around them. New factions rise to protect the old ways. And to that, Laxur discovers a power that is beyond all. Asora discovers an ancient machine of great power built by a culture from eons past. Asora and Laxur have become the wills of their people and nations. And the fate of this universe is in their hands.
Thursday, January 26, 2017
Taking Chances by Ann Omasta - FREE
FREE
Buy It Here
The Davis Twins are both sexy and irresistible. Who will you choose? #TeamSeth #TeamSam
Spice-o-meter Rating: This steamy romance is a solid 7.5 on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being mild (Grandma’s diary – let’s hope!) and 10 being Ooh La La, I’m blushing, but I can’t seem to stop turning the pages (The Fifty Shades of Grey Red Room of Pain).
If YOU love reading about naughty, complicated love triangles or enjoy fun, contemporary romance novels with surprising twists along the way, get ready to spend the day reading Taking Chances.
This fast-paced, exciting story follows the passionate journey of Abigail Brown, a 28-year-old divorcee who has never had an orgasm, much to her chagrin. Despite being self-conscious about what she considers to be her body's failings, she has built a terrific life for herself in the quaint, lakeside town of Harbor Shores, Michigan. Abby thinks that she has discovered her happily ever after ending when she stumbles upon the perfect man, who shows her the intense sensual bliss that her body is capable of enjoying. Just when you think you have this book all figured out, some unexpected surprises come along and completely shake up Abby's world.
Get your copy of Taking Chances now because it's a great day to relax and enjoy reading a fun book that features the ultimate love triangle!
Available NOW:
Book 1 of The Davis Twins Series – Taking Chances.
Book 2 of The Davis Twins Series – Making Choices.
Book 3 of The Davis Twins Series – Faking Changes.
Buy It Here
The Davis Twins are both sexy and irresistible. Who will you choose? #TeamSeth #TeamSam
Spice-o-meter Rating: This steamy romance is a solid 7.5 on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being mild (Grandma’s diary – let’s hope!) and 10 being Ooh La La, I’m blushing, but I can’t seem to stop turning the pages (The Fifty Shades of Grey Red Room of Pain).
If YOU love reading about naughty, complicated love triangles or enjoy fun, contemporary romance novels with surprising twists along the way, get ready to spend the day reading Taking Chances.
This fast-paced, exciting story follows the passionate journey of Abigail Brown, a 28-year-old divorcee who has never had an orgasm, much to her chagrin. Despite being self-conscious about what she considers to be her body's failings, she has built a terrific life for herself in the quaint, lakeside town of Harbor Shores, Michigan. Abby thinks that she has discovered her happily ever after ending when she stumbles upon the perfect man, who shows her the intense sensual bliss that her body is capable of enjoying. Just when you think you have this book all figured out, some unexpected surprises come along and completely shake up Abby's world.
Get your copy of Taking Chances now because it's a great day to relax and enjoy reading a fun book that features the ultimate love triangle!
Available NOW:
Book 1 of The Davis Twins Series – Taking Chances.
Book 2 of The Davis Twins Series – Making Choices.
Book 3 of The Davis Twins Series – Faking Changes.
Cupid's Bow: The First Generation Collection by Melissa Storm
$4.99
Their love started a legacy. Now you can read the full story
in one special boxed set edition with exclusive bonus content you won’t
find anywhere else.
James Morgan never really believed in love. That is, until he laid eyes on Deborah Walker at the local soda fountain. He surprises himself by inviting her out for an impromptu night on the town, and she shocks him even more by agreeing. As the night progresses, the two share their past histories and secret dreams, and James realizes that she is the perfect woman for him. The only problem is that he ships off to Korea the next morning. Fulfilling his duty is non-negotiable to James, even if fighting for his country will ultimately break both of their hearts.
Deborah promises to wait for him, but two years is a long time to put her life on hold, especially for a man she only knew for one day. When Rip Rockwell returns from the war and James does not, Rip proposes marriage to Deborah. She agrees and they build a beautiful life together until his death fifty years later. Through it all, though, she can never quite forget her first love. She retires to Abilene, expecting to live out the rest of her days in peace. So imagine her surprise when James Morgan moves in next door…
Both lived lives full of love. Both lost their loves too early. Can James and Deborah form a new life together while cherishing their memories of those that still live in their hearts?
James Morgan never really believed in love. That is, until he laid eyes on Deborah Walker at the local soda fountain. He surprises himself by inviting her out for an impromptu night on the town, and she shocks him even more by agreeing. As the night progresses, the two share their past histories and secret dreams, and James realizes that she is the perfect woman for him. The only problem is that he ships off to Korea the next morning. Fulfilling his duty is non-negotiable to James, even if fighting for his country will ultimately break both of their hearts.
Deborah promises to wait for him, but two years is a long time to put her life on hold, especially for a man she only knew for one day. When Rip Rockwell returns from the war and James does not, Rip proposes marriage to Deborah. She agrees and they build a beautiful life together until his death fifty years later. Through it all, though, she can never quite forget her first love. She retires to Abilene, expecting to live out the rest of her days in peace. So imagine her surprise when James Morgan moves in next door…
Both lived lives full of love. Both lost their loves too early. Can James and Deborah form a new life together while cherishing their memories of those that still live in their hearts?
Excerpt:
James raked his toes through the cleanly cut grass. Was this the last
time he’d ever enjoy this sensation? Even if he came out of it with
his life, he’d be a changed man. Better to enjoy the simple
pleasures while he still could.
A powder blue Cadillac pulled into the driveway next door.
Tommy Morrison climbed out of the driver’s seat and swooped around
to open the passenger side door for his lady friend, Diana. His face
lit up when he spied James watching.
“Why, hello, James. Sure is a pretty day, in’t it?”
James smiled and nodded, unable to tear his eyes away as Tommy and
Diana kissed right in the driveway for all of the neighborhood to
see. He watched as Tommy whispered into her ear, and Diana kicked
back her heel in that classic gesture of a woman in love.
It was Tommy’s last day of freedom as well. He too would ship off
in the morning to answer his country’s call. Seemed he’d chosen a
very different way to spend the evening.
Love was not something he believed in. Freedom though, now that was
the real deal. And malted milk shakes in cool metal glasses—oh, how
he’d miss those. Luckily, the local soda fountain was only a short
walk into town. He’d have his fill, then return for his last
comfortable night at home in his own bed, that’s what he’d do.
So he sprang to his feet and headed into town, making sure to pay
especially close attention to how the birds chirped from the trees
and how the shiny copper of an abandoned penny glistened in the sun,
how freedom hung in the air like a fine perfume. He’d miss his
country, but he’d also do anything to protect it from the Communist
threat.
James pushed open the door to the soda shop, and a tiny bell jingled
to greet him. “The usual,” he called back into the kitchen. “Plus
add an order of French fries, will ya?”
He sat down at the bar to await his meal, his feet jiggling beneath
him as they tip-tapped on the checkered linoleum floor.
Then the doorbells jingled again, and the most beautiful woman James
had ever seen walked into the shop. The setting sun cast a warm glow
on her skin and her eyes glistened even brighter than the copper of
that penny. They were a darker shade of the same color, too. Her
skirt swished around her calves as she made her way over to the
counter and sat down beside James.
Maybe love was every bit as powerful as freedom after all.
***
Deborah felt the young soldier’s eyes fix on her the moment she
entered the soda shop. Normally, she’d blush and try to get away,
but the sign of his crisply pressed uniform hinted at a boy about to
deploy in the fight for her liberties, and she knew better than to
deny him the simple pleasure of looking at her, if that’s what he
wanted to do.
Besides, he wasn’t so bad on the eyes himself, with the high apples
of his cheeks and strong, angular jawline. He looked strong all over,
from his jaw to his biceps, right down to the stern but welcoming
expression he wore on his young, handsome face.
“The name’s Morgan, Airman First Class.” He stuck his hand out
toward her in greeting.
“I’m Deborah. Thank you for serving, Morgan.” She smiled
sweetly then buried her face in the menu.
“Actually, you should call me James, seeing as it’s my first name
and all. Care to let me treat you to a malted milk? It would be an
honor and a pleasure.”
She took a moment to size him up. Deciding he was harmless, she
answered with “Strawberry, thank you.”
“Hey, that’s what I like too. In fact, mine only just came out
from back. Take it.” He slid the chilly confection her way, and she
graciously accepted.
“When do you ship off?” she asked, sucking in a mouthful of the
delicious treat as she waited for his answer.
“Tomorrow morning.”
“So this is your last night stateside?”
He glanced toward the counter for a moment, then fixed his gaze on
her with burning intensity.
“Come out on the town with me, Deborah. Let’s make a night to
remember.”
Deborah smiled and stammered to buy herself some time. She’d only
just turned seventeen, and she’d never gone steady with a boy
before. But James wasn’t asking to go steady. He was just inviting
her out for a wholesome night of fun. Who was she to deny him this
small pleasure when he was willing to give so much to keep his fellow
Americans safe and free?
James tapped his foot on the floor. A nervous twitch? His lips set in
a straight line, and she could tell he was forcing himself to keep
his mouth shut and let her answer when she felt good and ready.
Well, heck, he seemed like a nice enough fellow. What could one night
hurt?
“Okay,” she said at last. “Let’s hit the town.”
Tuesday, January 24, 2017
Smart Women and Dangerous Men: 5-Novel Boxed Set Collection
$4.99
Amazon
5 complete novels by 5 USA Today Bestselling Authors = 1 Entertaining Read!
This collection includes:
DIRTY by Debra Webb
Jackie Mercer kicks butt and takes names—all while the mystery spiraling around her long lost lover and her attraction to Derrick Dawson plunge her into a tangled web of shocking secrets and deadly deceptions. Jackie has her hands full and her heart on the line—time to play dirty!
DOWN AND DEAD IN DIXIE by Vicki Hinze
Daisy Grant stumbles into a mob turf war, and now somebody wants her dead. Daisy may be small-town to the bone, not at all the kind of woman to deal with the Southern Mafia, but she gets creative fast! Then enters the way-too-attractive Mark Jensen, who didn't mean to rescue anybody or to go on the run because of a stubborn, sassy woman. But soon they are up to their ears in so many wacky characters they don't know who's on their side. They do know: Sometimes, to live, ya gotta die—and sometimes dying right takes . . . practice!
ONLY HIS TOUCH by Peggy Webb
Reunited lovers sizzle, from the moss-draped trees of New Orleans to the jungles and diamond mines of Africa, as they try to reclaim their dreams – and each other. Can their love survive murder, kidnapping and dark secrets?
BULLETPROOF by Regan Black
John Noble traded everything he’d once been for redemption, only to get caught in the web of a shadow agency he can’t escape. When new orders come in, he bargains to make protecting Amelia Bennett his last job. Just when John believes he’s found a woman who loves him despite what he’s become, his orders are amended: Amelia is to be terminated.
HERE COMES TROUBLE by Kathy Carmichael
For five incorrigible women, members of TROUBLE: The Readers Organization Uniting Book-loving Littlemouth Elites—being naughty has never been so much fun… and trouble never so delightful. There’s no avoiding trouble or them since they run all the charitable organizations in town and are self-justified at creating chaos to amuse themselves. But when they turn to matchmaking Stella Goody with wanderer, Quin Gregory, will they succeed? All becomes fair in love and Littlemouth!
***
This “choose your mood” collection of five complete novels crosses genre boundaries. Some stories are dark, suspenseful and gritty. Some contain explicit sex and/or graphic violence. Some are clean reads and downright funny. Choose your mood and enjoy the stories!
Amazon
5 complete novels by 5 USA Today Bestselling Authors = 1 Entertaining Read!
This collection includes:
DIRTY by Debra Webb
Jackie Mercer kicks butt and takes names—all while the mystery spiraling around her long lost lover and her attraction to Derrick Dawson plunge her into a tangled web of shocking secrets and deadly deceptions. Jackie has her hands full and her heart on the line—time to play dirty!
DOWN AND DEAD IN DIXIE by Vicki Hinze
Daisy Grant stumbles into a mob turf war, and now somebody wants her dead. Daisy may be small-town to the bone, not at all the kind of woman to deal with the Southern Mafia, but she gets creative fast! Then enters the way-too-attractive Mark Jensen, who didn't mean to rescue anybody or to go on the run because of a stubborn, sassy woman. But soon they are up to their ears in so many wacky characters they don't know who's on their side. They do know: Sometimes, to live, ya gotta die—and sometimes dying right takes . . . practice!
ONLY HIS TOUCH by Peggy Webb
Reunited lovers sizzle, from the moss-draped trees of New Orleans to the jungles and diamond mines of Africa, as they try to reclaim their dreams – and each other. Can their love survive murder, kidnapping and dark secrets?
BULLETPROOF by Regan Black
John Noble traded everything he’d once been for redemption, only to get caught in the web of a shadow agency he can’t escape. When new orders come in, he bargains to make protecting Amelia Bennett his last job. Just when John believes he’s found a woman who loves him despite what he’s become, his orders are amended: Amelia is to be terminated.
HERE COMES TROUBLE by Kathy Carmichael
For five incorrigible women, members of TROUBLE: The Readers Organization Uniting Book-loving Littlemouth Elites—being naughty has never been so much fun… and trouble never so delightful. There’s no avoiding trouble or them since they run all the charitable organizations in town and are self-justified at creating chaos to amuse themselves. But when they turn to matchmaking Stella Goody with wanderer, Quin Gregory, will they succeed? All becomes fair in love and Littlemouth!
***
This “choose your mood” collection of five complete novels crosses genre boundaries. Some stories are dark, suspenseful and gritty. Some contain explicit sex and/or graphic violence. Some are clean reads and downright funny. Choose your mood and enjoy the stories!
Tuesday, January 17, 2017
Goofy Newfies by Ann Omasta - $0.99!
$0.99 or FREE for Kindle Unlimited Subscribers
Amazon
What do you get when you combine a dash of romance, a pinch of humor, a ton of fun, and quite a few pounds of sweet and fluffy Newfoundland puppies? This delightful recipe makes for a heartwarming read that is sure to leave you wanting more.
Rascal, Ruby, Rowdy, Riley, Red, and Ripple (a/k/a Princess) wiggle their way into the hearts of their unsuspecting people. These lovable gentle giants thunder in and enhance the lives of their families in ways their humans would never have imagined to be possible.
Snuggle up with these adorable Goofy Newfies and let them try to convince you that drool is cool!
Amazon
What do you get when you combine a dash of romance, a pinch of humor, a ton of fun, and quite a few pounds of sweet and fluffy Newfoundland puppies? This delightful recipe makes for a heartwarming read that is sure to leave you wanting more.
Rascal, Ruby, Rowdy, Riley, Red, and Ripple (a/k/a Princess) wiggle their way into the hearts of their unsuspecting people. These lovable gentle giants thunder in and enhance the lives of their families in ways their humans would never have imagined to be possible.
Snuggle up with these adorable Goofy Newfies and let them try to convince you that drool is cool!
Gravity: A Short Story by Jessica Schaub
$1.99
Amazon
What would you do?
I'm Jefferson Stanhope and I'm short. Like, really short. As in bring-a-step-stool-to-drink-from-the-water-fountain short. It's not genetic or anything. My parents are tall and my older brother and sister are tall. But not me. I think God hates me. Caitlin says God doesn't hate anyone, but after what happened to her, I thought she would change her mind. She didn't.
This is a short (pun intended) story about how I tried to help a friend but got wrapped up in a harmless lie that ended up involving the entire school. I know that sounds mysterious, but I didn't tell the lie! I just didn't tell anyone that what Mike said was a lie. What's the difference, you ask? Well, now I know the difference. Believe me, I won't let that happen again!
Amazon
What would you do?
I'm Jefferson Stanhope and I'm short. Like, really short. As in bring-a-step-stool-to-drink-from-the-water-fountain short. It's not genetic or anything. My parents are tall and my older brother and sister are tall. But not me. I think God hates me. Caitlin says God doesn't hate anyone, but after what happened to her, I thought she would change her mind. She didn't.
This is a short (pun intended) story about how I tried to help a friend but got wrapped up in a harmless lie that ended up involving the entire school. I know that sounds mysterious, but I didn't tell the lie! I just didn't tell anyone that what Mike said was a lie. What's the difference, you ask? Well, now I know the difference. Believe me, I won't let that happen again!
Friday, January 13, 2017
Love's Prayer by Melissa Storm Excerpt
$4.99
Amazon Kindle
Apple iBooks
Barnes & Noble
Kobo
Paperback
From acclaimed author Melissa Storm comes the first in a brand-new series of sweet and wholesome small-town love stories with the community church at its center…
Summer Smith is at a crossroads in life. Fresh out of college with no idea what comes next, she agrees to take over her aunt’s flower shop for the season. She arrives in the small, close-knit community of Sweet Grove, Texas, hoping to find some answers.
Ben Davis has lived in the shadow of his family’s mistakes for years. Forced to give up everything he ever wanted for himself, he begins to consider taking his own life in a final effort to end all the pain. A desperate plea sent to the God he isn’t even sure he believes in is soon answered by a series of miracles that bring Summer and Ben crashing into each other.
Love’s Prayer offers a dramatic story about two people who must find a way to believe in each other and in themselves in order to finally find the place where they belong. This novel of finding faith, hope, and—ultimately—love in the darkest of times is sure to tug at your heartstrings and leave you craving more from the First Street Church Romances!
Amazon Kindle
Apple iBooks
Barnes & Noble
Kobo
Paperback
From acclaimed author Melissa Storm comes the first in a brand-new series of sweet and wholesome small-town love stories with the community church at its center…
Summer Smith is at a crossroads in life. Fresh out of college with no idea what comes next, she agrees to take over her aunt’s flower shop for the season. She arrives in the small, close-knit community of Sweet Grove, Texas, hoping to find some answers.
Ben Davis has lived in the shadow of his family’s mistakes for years. Forced to give up everything he ever wanted for himself, he begins to consider taking his own life in a final effort to end all the pain. A desperate plea sent to the God he isn’t even sure he believes in is soon answered by a series of miracles that bring Summer and Ben crashing into each other.
Love’s Prayer offers a dramatic story about two people who must find a way to believe in each other and in themselves in order to finally find the place where they belong. This novel of finding faith, hope, and—ultimately—love in the darkest of times is sure to tug at your heartstrings and leave you craving more from the First Street Church Romances!
Chapter
1
Ben
Davis had once believed in God. He had once believed in miracles,
fate, divine intervention, and all the similar lies people told
themselves to get through the day. Perhaps if he still believed, he
wouldn’t find himself so tempted to stay in bed all day, to never
get up—not even to eat—and to eventually die a slow, private
death in the only place that still offered him any comfort at all.
On
this day, a Thursday, he spent longer than usual blinking up at the
ceiling and wondering if he should just end it all with a swift
bullet to the brain. After all, that’s what his older brother
Stephen had done roughly five years ago. He’d wandered off into the
town square and shot himself clean in the face for all of Sweet Grove
to see. People were still talking about it to this day, and those who
didn’t speak of it were most definitely thinking of it.
Like
his mother. She waded through the memories, attempting to silence
them with the bottle. But even though the liquor often ran out, her
grief remained endless, unquenchable.
Ben
wasn’t saddened by the loss of his brother. Even though he
sometimes felt as if he should be. No, he was angry—his rage
another unquenchable commodity in the Davis household. Stephen had
selfishly chosen to end it all. He’d hurled his issues straight at
Ben who, ever since that day, had been tasked with paying the
mortgage, tending to their mother who had spiraled down the dark path
of addiction, and without an outlet to enjoy any of the things he had
spent years working toward and hoping for.
He’d
turned down his full-ride scholarship to college because he needed to
take care of things here in Sweet Grove—things that only got worse
the more his mother was left to grapple with her grief. Recovery
remained a summit she just couldn’t reach, no matter how hard she
climbed. So he’d turned the university down year after year, and
eventually the admissions board had just stopped asking.
Which
left him here today, staring up at the popcorn ceiling above his
twin-sized bed, no longer bothering to wonder if life could ever be
any different. At 6:12, he placed one foot after another onto the
shaggy carpet below and went to clean up for work. At 6:25, he was
out the door with a piece of half-cooked toast in one hand and a
banana in the other. He had five minutes to make the short walk from
the quaint—and “quaint” was putting it kindly—home he shared
with his mother to the local market where he worked as a bagger and
delivery boy. Yes, even his job title suggested a more temporary
arrangement, a job better suited to a boy than the man he had
become—although only just barely. And he still worked here.
“Good
morning!” sang his boss Maisie Bryant as he tromped through the
sliding glass doors. Each morning she arranged a fresh display of
local produce and other seasonal specialties right at the front of
the shop. As always, she took great pride in her work.
Ben
hated that his boss was only a couple years older than him. Maisie
had managed to escape town long enough to earn a degree before coming
back to run her family’s grocery store. While he didn’t know the
exact numbers, he could bet that the youngest Bryant child made at
least triple what he did for the same day’s work. But that was life
for you—or at least for Ben. Never fair, not in the least.
“Don’t
I get a hello?” Maisie teased him as always. Some days he liked her
chipper demeanor. This was not one of those days.
“Hi,”
he mumbled. “I’m going to go check the stock. See you in a bit.”
“Wait,”
she called before he could manage to make his escape. “I’ll
handle the stock. The staff over at Maple’s called, and they need a
delivery first thing. Think you can handle that? The purchase order
is on the clock desk.”
“Yeah,
I got it.”
Ben
hurried to put the order together and load up the designated Sweet
Grove Market truck. A smiling red apple beamed from the side of the
cargo hold. He hated that thing, but he did like having the
opportunity to drive around a little, let the wind wash over him as
he rolled about town. It sure beat walking everywhere, and since it
offered his only opportunity to get behind the wheel, he relished
every chance he got. Occasionally, Maisie would let him borrow the
truck to head into the next town over and lose himself in the sea of
unfamiliar faces.
He’d
once loved living in the type of place where everyone knew everyone
and everyone looked out for everyone, but he hated how people who had
once been his friends had begun to pity him. Ever since Stephen’s
death, they couldn’t even look at him without betraying that
sadness. Ben had become a reminder of how fragile life could be, of
how everything could go to hell in the briefest of moments. And
though their words were kind and their smiles were omnipresent, Ben
knew better. He knew that he’d become a burden to them all, that
his presence brought them sorrow.
At
first he’d tried to redirect them, to speak of
something—anything—else, but after a while he just grew tired. It
was easier to avoid them than to constantly have to apologize for the
blight his terrible, selfish brother had brought onto their town.
He’d have left if he could. Rather by vehicle or bullet, it didn’t
matter.
But
his mother needed him. And as small and insignificant as it seemed,
so did Maisie.
So
he remained, day after day.
And
so began another dark morning for Ben Davis.
***
Summer
Smith arrived in Sweet Grove right around that awkward time of day
when the sun was starting to set and ended up in her eyes no matter
how hard she tried to look away. She loved sunshine, which is why
she’d jumped at the chance to attend college in California, but now
those four years had reached their conclusion and had left Summer
more confused than ever about her future.
Thank
goodness her Auntie Iris needed her to run the Morning Glory shop for
the season. She was jetting off on some fancy cruise she’d been
saving up for half her adult life. True, that didn’t speak well of
the money to be earned operating a small town florist’s, but then
again, Summer had never been much taken with flowers anyhow.
The
problem remained that she’d never really been much taken with
anything in life. And now that she’d reached that pivotal stage of
needing to pick a career and finally set down roots, she was
hopelessly lost. Two months, one week, and three days—that’s how
much time she had to figure it out. At that point, Auntie Iris would
return from her sail around the world and be ready to take back her
shop and home. So for the next two months and some-odd days, Summer
would be living a borrowed life. Luckily, she’d always liked her
Aunt Iris.
The
old spinster greeted her at the door wearing a brightly colored
blouse with leaf fronds printed along the neckline, and with freshly
dyed hair that still smelled of chemicals. “Oh, there’s my Sunny
Summer!” she cooed.
Summer
laughed as her aunt hopped up and down, still holding her tight. The
hug probably could have lasted for days if a loud screeching hadn’t
erupted from deep within the small ranch house.
Iris
let go of her niece and breezed through the doorway, dragging the
smaller of Summer’s suitcases behind her. “Oh, enough, Sunny
Sunshine!” she called, leaving Summer to wonder if her aunt affixed
Sunny to the start of everyone’s name these days.
The
shrieking continued, growing louder as they made their way back
toward the living room. There, in the far corner beside the small
stone fireplace, sat a large iron cage with a colorful blur of
feathers which screamed its lungs out.
Iris
rushed over and unlatched the cage, then drew out the little bird on
a delicately poised finger. “Now that’s not how you make a good
first impression. Is it, Sunny?”
The
bird ruffled its feathers like a little marigold flower then shook
itself out.
Iris
laughed. “Much better. Now meet Summer.” She puckered her lips
and blew a stream of air at the little bird, who made a happy
bubble-like noise. Iris then offered the parrot to Summer who took a
giant leap back.
“I-I
just… You didn’t say anything about a bird!”
“Oh,
Sunny won’t be any bother. Besides, you’ll be grateful for the
company once you’re settled in and looking for a bit of fun.”
“I
tend to prefer the company of humans.”
“Sunny
is the human-est bird you will ever meet. Aren’t you, my baby?”
She placed the little Conure on her shoulder and he immediately
burrowed below the neckline of her blouse and stuck his head back up
through the hole, making Iris look like a strange two-headed monster.
Summer had to admit that Sunny was cute. Maybe she and the
bird could come to some kind of agreement during their months
together.
Iris—bird
in tow—showed Summer around the house, pointing out which plants
needed to be watered when and taking extra care when it came to
describing the needs of her little feathered friend.
“Is
that it?” Summer asked when the two had settled onto the loveseat
following the grand tour.
“Pretty
much. What else do you need to know?”
“How
to run the shop, for one. Also, what am I going to do with myself to
keep busy during the nights?”
“I’ve
written everything down in a big binder and left it for you near the
cash register. Everything in the shop is clearly marked as well.
You’ll use the key with the daisy head to open up shop. Hours are
eight to three. And as for how you’ll keep busy…” Her eyes
flashed as she bit back a Cheshire cat-sized smile. “Life in a
small town is never boring. You’ll see.”
“But,
Auntie Iris, aren’t you worried I’ll mess things up with the
shop?”
Iris
waved a hand dismissively. “You’ll figure things out.”
Summer
wasn’t sure whether her aunt was talking about running the shop or
about life in general. Either way, Summer sure hoped she was right.
Thursday, January 5, 2017
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Amazon
Psychic Empath development to increase your Empath abilities.
Are you interested in how you can increase the joy and happiness in your life? Are you currently looking for a way to change your life from within? Are you wondering why you mind continues to change as you meet new people. In this book, it will provide all that and more…
Psychic awareness and the understanding of what an Empath is. Learn how to enhance your life, develop your psychic abilities and your intuition as an Empath.
Aim to discover your hidden potential within that you have at all times. These abilities are hidden and with this book, you will learn and be able to move forward to strengthen these abilities to achieve an amazing life.
Here is what you will get with this book.
Common traits of an Empath
Surviving emotional vampires.
Understanding a Psychic Empath.
Shielding and clearing your energy.
Empaths have rare and special gift. They are unique, intuitive, creative and most of all, they have the ability to feel what others feel. They are also highly psychic. They can communicate with nature and animals, and receive information from various objects. Many of them can sense the past, present and future states of the environment and the people in it. However, in exchange for these remarkable traits, many empaths suffer from too much negativity and find it difficult to cope with their empathic abilities.
Plus a FREE bonus challenge
Why should you be interested in this book?
This guide also coincides with a consistent meditation practice that combined can greatly benefit the practitioner.
Experience a new and higher way to live life to it's fullest daily.
This book isn't teaching dogma or telling you something is good or bad for that matter, but it is a practical guide to help use the forces that you cant see to improve your life.
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