Robert Ott’s Belle is a heartwarming story about a young man who finds his fortune, only it turns out to be nothing like what he expected. At the turn of the century in Texas, many came to find a better life. Industry was beginning to boom, with the manufacture of railroads and automobiles. Anyone getting in on the ground floor of these miraculous means of transportation had a chance to find their fortune. Jacob Newsome, a young energetic man begins his journey across the country to do just that. Determined to get rich and prove himself, Jacob seeks to find …

During my last year before retirement as an agricultural engineer, the idea to travel Europe popped into my mind. The more I thought about it, the bigger the plan grew and in more detail. One month after retirement, I was in London, looking around for an adventure bike to buy, and did just that within a week. The same day, I left for France and this wonderful adventure started. I had a rough plan with only the different countries in sequence, with no bookings in advance except a visa for Ukraine and obviously for Europe. My idea of exploring a …

Diane Newsome is the middle child born into a middle-class family. Her older sister, Brittany, has resented her existence from the moment she was born. Unbeknownst to their parents, Brittany convinces Diane that she was placed on the doorstep as an unwanted child, and she dare not make a wrong move or her place in the family will be in jeopardy. Years later, when Diane finally divulges this secret, her parents are aghast, yet her mother still sides with Brittany, even shunning Diane and her children. Then one day Diane comes home to find her entire life has been a …

The eternal existence of the Universe rests on three orbs. One was stolen and the other two are in peril. The Orbs of Power were created when the world was young to sustain life. Each contains the forces within the Maker’s innate self: Omnipresence, Omniscience, and Omnipotence. When the Orb of Omnipresence fractures and explodes as the Archangel fights the Demon attempting to steal it, the fragments fall and scatter between Earth and the realm of Dyrg’Or, causing both dimensions to merge and fight for space, and the shards to latch on to the mortals below. Kyle Drummond never expects …

Jethro is a little pony that feels useless because all the other horses at Peter’s Pony Farm are ridden every day, but no one wants to ride him. The other animals, Chicken, Lamb, and Cow, all tell him that he is special, but Jethro disagrees and has little self-esteem. Until one day, a little neighbour girl named Jennifer starts to visit him. Peter, the owner of the pony farm, asks if she wants to ride Jethro, and he finally gets ridden! Then other children want to ride Jethro too and he realises that he is special after all. The idea …

Author Hans Moederzoon van Kuilenburg was a 10-year-old girl living in Amsterdam when German soldiers invaded Holland in the spring of 1940. The Dutch had intended to stay neutral at the outbreak of the war, as their military was no match for the Nazi hordes. Within five days, Holland had fallen and the German occupation was underway. The five ensuing years were among the darkest chapters in Dutch history, culminating in the "hunger winter" of 1944, during which 30,000 Dutch citizens died of hunger and cold. Even today, people like the author, who grew up during that time, are more …

Memoirs of a Saudi Pilot: In the Beautiful State of Alabama (USA) is an exciting and revealing book about the wonders and culture shock experienced by a traditional, conservative Islamic Arab coming to the United States for the first time, creating some unforgettable memories.The book deals with the author’s initial exposure to a foreign, advanced Western country, the new experiences he faces, the culture shock, and sharing his religious teachings with his American hosts.He writes, "At the end, it was wonderful experience, coming from a traditional and conservative Arab and Islamic culture, and having the great opportunity to study and …

Neil and Wolfie meet each other in the convent school. The mere fact that they are the only two boys in a class of girls means that they share an immediate bond. This relationship is tested numerous times, yet it seems to survive even the dramatic events of death, new schools, foster parents, and the influence of peers. Neil and I: Boys from the Convent is a story of a simple friendship lasting against all the odds. "Basic friendliness is a vital skill that needs to be developed in all people. We should radiate love and embrace all," notes the …

The House of Black and White: My Life with and Search for Louise Johnson Morris is the memoir of a white boy who was so strongly influenced by a black woman – the family maid – that he begins searching for her three decades after she went missing. This compelling book begins in 1959 in suburban Washington, D.C., and ends in 2012. Author David Sherer was barely two years old when Louise Johnson Morris became the family maid in 1959. She grew close to the children, particularly David, and taught him many life lessons. During medical school in Boston, he …

The Private Memoirs from a Chinese Love Agency is a true story about seeking love over the Internet. Not the X-rated kind, but a true and lasting love with a foreign pen pal. Author Gabriel Tiamo works in a gold mine over a thousand miles from Perth, Australia, where he lives. He works two weeks and then has one week of R&R. His job is hot and dusty work, but he likes it and the guys he works with are friendly. Besides, "The food is just out of this world!" His donga, where he sleeps, is a one-bedroom motel with …

Paul survives an attempt on his life, only to learn that both his sons are tragically lost at sea. He is not only physically weak and emotionally barren, but loses all hope for the future and resorts to suicide. When it fails, he nurtures a deep hatred for God, whom he once trusted. After his encounter with an atheist, his hatred for God turns to disbelief, and he enthusiastically reviews the material provided by his new atheist friend to prove that there really is no supreme being. Paul’s old friendship with a Catholic monk and other friends fails to alter …

The Three Little Pigs go green in the updated children’s book The Three Little Green Pigs, LLC: A Recycling Pig Tale. The descendants of the original Three Little Pigs are now in the construction business, building green homes out of recyclable materials. A contest pits the pigs against one another and the winner will be able to build his home throughout the town. Using different recyclable materials, the winning pig must satisfy the city inspector (a descendant of the Big Bad Wolf!). The story ends with the wolf purchasing an ecological home that has several modern changes, and the winning …