Me, Johnny, and The Babe

Me, Johnny, and The Babe, By Mark Wirtshafter, Free 

This is the story of two 12-year-old boys who were best friends growing up on the mean streets of the Kensington section of Philadelphia. It chronicles their friendship and the conflicts that they faced. It also tells the remarkable, untold true story of how Babe Ruth came to their local parish to play in one incredible baseball game. On a September day in 1923, Babe Ruth was whisked away from the Yankees game to play charity baseball to raise money to pay off the debt for their field. That day would forever change the lives of these two friends.

Coming of age in the era of prohibition two young boys find themselves facing the many challenges and dangers of the inner-city. Their love of baseball is their guiding light and source of hope. The improbable events that unfolded during Babe Ruth’s appearance at Boger Field have been lost in baseball history. From the moment Babe put on the Ascension of Our Lord Parish uniform and took the field against the Lit Brother’s team baseball folklore was made.

Camp Life

Camp Life, By Lucinda Maison, free 

Can a camp change your life? Drew liked his fine just the way it was. At almost 15, he would probably be the oldest kid there, and he didn’t plan on wasting any part of summer break paddling a canoe or making lanyards. He would chill and sleep and do whatever he liked. Now, that’s a plan! Jake was in trouble. One of his teachers said he was trouble. His mom was forcing him to go, his dad was long gone, and there was no one he could turn to…or so he thought. Dara was chasing her life’s dream…or was it someone else’s dream? Who wouldn’t want to be in the Olympics, right? But her dad pushed and pushed, and it would be a relief to get away from home for just a little while. There were other kids, different people, different lives, and camp would bring them together. A challenge, an act of kindness, a simple question, or something else entirely would set change in motion. And then there would be choices to make.

Ripple

Ripple, by E.L. Farris, free

The Young Adult version of the Amazon #1 Bestseller in Family Life Fiction
A Lyrical Book of Healing

When high-powered attorney Helen Thompson discovers that her fifteen-year old daughter has been sexually assaulted, she takes drastic measures.

Finding herself in trouble, Helen must relinquish control and put her faith in a process she knows to be flawed. As a team of lawyers, therapists and women from a safe house help Helen and Phoebe find hope and healing, a sociopath lurks, waiting for his moment to strike.

A lyrical, dark fairytale that will resonate with fans of women's literature and psychological thrillers, RIPPLE delves into the nature of evil, without seeking to provide final answers to the issue of what makes a human commit evil acts. And while the author takes readers to scary places, she ultimately shines a light on the human condition and celebrates the triumph of the human spirit in the face of great tribulation.


˃˃˃ Are you a mental health provider, or a therapist, social worker, or counselor?

"RIPPLE belongs in each practitioner's library and is a must-read for all sexual abuse and domestic violence survivors."

"Farris has given a young woman, a child, a mother, the lost, and yes even me--A VOICE. Farris writes of the horrors Phoebe faces. She writes about an epidemic without pulling any punches."

"This story is for survivors; however, it should absolutely be read by everyone."

"In each instance where I was affected or triggered, IMMEDIATELY following, in the next sentence or paragraph, were the perfect words or scene to bring everything I was feeling to a safe place."


˃˃˃ Are you looking for a book that will help you or someone you love heal from sexual abuse?

"RIPPLE is the perfect companion to The Courage to Heal."

"I've tried to read other books with the molestation story line, but ended up giving up on them because they didn't support the characters or show what molestation truly feels like, or they didn't resolve the crime or help those who were suffering."

"RIPPLE is different. This dark thriller made me feel supported, in part because the characters received the help they needed. This book validated ME and I hope all women who have been brushed off or not believed will read this book. If you know that woman, or girl, Give Her This Book!"

"I took a gamble on RIPPLE. It did hit close to home, but it's MY home now and I choose who comes to visit. I'm so glad it was E.L. Farris. I feel like I won that gamble!"


˃˃˃ Do you enjoy a well-written, page-turner?

"E.L. Farris' writing is like a vortex, quickly pulling you into the story and sucking you into an emotional whirlpool of betrayal, pain, loss, and finally, recovery and healing."

"Rarely do I come across a writer who tells a story so compelling that I read an entire book in one setting. Farris is a master story teller and I look forward to seeing more works by this talented author."

"Farris' lyrical writing style lends itself beautifully for a story that's built on suspense, danger and mystery. E.L. Farris has fast become one of my favorite authors. I look forward to reading more from her."

"From the opening chapter, I was hooked on this story that isn't full of victims--it's full of survivors, heroes and humans. It's a great read."

"I started this casually on Friday night and finished it this morning. I forced myself to put it down last night so that I could get some sleep. It's been a long time since a book has captured me like that."

"Intense and riveting."

Sons and Brothers in Seattle - a special for Father's Day 2014

Sons and Brothers in Seattle, by Wilson James, free with coupon code BU99P until 7/7/14 only.

Cameron Connors is a young father trying to deal with a mother who likes the idea of children, but otherwise appears not to like her own. Cameron has managed to get his own two young sons away from his mother, but now he needs to rescue Brendan, his younger brother. 

As Cameron has learned over the years, his mother can be quite two-faced, and heaven help anyone who crosses Mrs. Rachael Connors. Cameron and his mother are currently in a state of cease-fire, but that could change dramatically based on what Cameron has planned for the next few weeks in order to challenge his parents for custody of Brendan. 

Will Cameron succeed in creating a new family of four, or will he lose? The stakes are high, and Cameron stands to lose custody of his own two sons if he is not careful. Follow the saga of Cameron as he struggles to do what he knows he must do, and what is right.

This Special Edition of "Sons and Brothers in Seattle" includes bonus Chapters from the sequel, "Sons and Brothers Sail into Danger." The author is Wilson James, whose work has been reviewed at major online retailers as 'the most emotional ever read,' 'very inspiring' and 'A Great Book.' This Book has been a #1 Best Seller on the adult drama list and the Young Adult fiction list at Smashwords.

Baby Grand Legacy

Baby Grand Legacy, Book 1 of the Baby Grand (Desiree of Darlington) Series, by Bill Ellingsen, free

Unlikely hero Kevin Johnson has to spend the summer in rural Wisconsin with estranged grandparents. Expecting isolation and boredom, he instead finds grandparents that should have been in his life years ago, a role in cleaning-up the tarnished family racing legacy, and a bedazzling pianist named Desiree. 

Kevin had been kept from his grandparents because of his snooty father’s shame over the family scandal. Kevin’s great-grandfather Paul drove Indy cars for a notorious gangster during the Golden Age of Sports, ending up behind bars as a result of it. Although Kevin knows nothing about mechanics, his retired mechanical engineer grandfather says he is going to help him restore an antique race car like the one Paul drove in the 1927 Indianapolis 500. And while the car they are restoring will resemble the original, it turns out that Kevin is the spitting image of Paul. They aren’t just refurbishing an old racer, they’re out to clear Paul’s name. 

Other Books in the Series: Baby Grand Conspiracy, Baby Grand Opportunity 

The Rose Hotel

The Rose Hotel, by Rahimeh Andalibian, free for a limited time 1/15 - 1/18 only.

A country in chaos and a family torn asunder... In the midst of the upheaval and violence of Iran's 1979 revolution, a young girl struggles to make sense of a complex swirl of mystery and change.

In the novel, The Rose Hotel, Dr. Rahimeh Andalibian tells the true-life story of her Iranian Muslim family and two brutal crimes - one that her father solved and another of which her brother is accused. 

The Iranian-born author takes us first into the early intimacy of her pious family as they lived in prosperity in their luxury hotel in Mashhad, Iran. Their life of beauty and tranquility is ruptured by revolution, followed by a fall from grace, as her homeland is forever altered and her family uprooted, first to London, and finally to California, where they suffer a different kind of revolution. Struggling to acculturate and adjust to a new host culture in America, they soon discover that although they escaped Iran, they were not free from their own lies and hidden truths.

Heartbreaking and intimately told, The Rose Hotel is a story of healing, rebirth after tragedy, and hard-won redemption.

Zac and the Reluctant Prince, Book 1 of the Prince David series

Zac and the Reluctant Price, Book 1 of the Prince David series, by Wilson James, free with coupon (new coupon update 11/11/12....  YW33G valid until 1/1/13).

David has unexpectedly become the royal heir. David has also become an orphan. Those two overwhelming problems confront teenager Zach and his family, who simply want to protect David and help the younger boy deal with his destiny.

For Zach, Janice, Austin and David, life before the tragedy was about growing up and doing all the normal things kids do. They didn’t let an increasing awareness that David was a royal prince get in the way of their growing friendship. 

Before long, though, harsh realities start to shake their lives. First, there was a personal disaster and heartbreak for Zach, who came to realize that his role as big brother to Austin was now more important than ever, and that also meant being there for Austin’s best friend, David.

Then, a national tragedy thrusts David into the public spotlight, far too soon. The entire nation watches and comments on how he responds to the burdens that are put on his young shoulders. It is the love and support from his three friends that gets David through this first ordeal, and helps him start to accept who he must now become. 

Ultimately, Zach truly wants to protect David and give him as ‘normal’ a life as possible, but nothing in Zach’s life could possibly have prepared him for this new role. A treacherous uncle, disloyal cousins, and officious bureaucrats; Zach must best them all.

Zac and the Reluctant Prince, Book 1 of the Prince David Series, introduces David and the Bolithos, an unlikely but effective combination of young men and women who desire to do right, but who also want to be normal teenagers. Is that even remotely possible? Will they find the courage to succeed in spite of being nervous and scared of what lies ahead?

Zachary’s assistance and support to David could be a footnote in history, if that, or together they might somehow manage to shape the way people feel about David and about the monarchy in general. That might well change history.

The first of a planned series, but a complete novel standing on its own, this is a book providing inspiration for building lasting friendships, caring about family, seeking adventure, and overcoming the challenges we all face in life. This is a book for any young person or adult who has ever wondered where they fit into this world or how they could make an impact.

Through Grandpa's Eyes, and other short stories

Four Short Stories, by Timothy Paterson, free

Through Grandpa's Eyes

Presley Jennings is a sixteen year old boy, who adores his grandfather. When the elderly man collapses, Presley, is the only person who can save his life. Through some higher power, Presley finds himself traveling through his grandfather's life, and he learns what a truly remarkable and unselfish man his grandfather was and still is. This heartwarming story is suitable for all age groups. 

The Lost Ring

Wouldn't it be cool to travel back in time, and interact with your ancestors? Well. Annie Richards did just that. She was able to meet her grandparents when they were twelve years old, and by doing so, she was able to help solve a sixty-five year old mystery. 

Priorities

Scott Wilson had a great life. He was an only child, who was spoiled rotten. He was given everything he asked for. Then, his world came tumbling down. His parents lost their jobs, then they lost their house. Throughout the entire ordeal, Scott blamed his parents for everything. Scott decided to run away. Then, something happened that would change his attitude about everything. He must risk everything, including his own life to save a girl who is almost dead. Can he put her needs before his own? In those crucial seconds, his true character, would be revealed.  This story is a must read for older children, teens, as well as adults. 

Tough Love

Karen Clark was an irresponsible teenager, who didn't believe in following rules. When she became responsible for four young children, she realized why her parents were so strict with her. When tragedy strikes, she must set aside all of her fears, and keep the children from panicking. She must grow up and act like an adult, if they are to survive. 

The Roman and the Runaway

The Roman and the Runaway, by A.J. Braithwaite, free

In with the wrong crowd at school, Luke Brownlow is falling behind in his work. His parents take drastic action: banning him from seeing his friends and sending him to a new school. Luke falls out with his family completely and escapes from them by forming a friendship with their neighbour, Ned Kelly.

Luke's plans to get expelled from his new school have to be reassessed when he discovers that his new headmaster is the neighbour he has been getting to know over the summer. The actions of an antagonistic fellow student and the arrival of a runaway teenage girl make it harder to avoid confrontations with Ned than Luke had hoped. By the end of the school year he is in imminent danger of expulsion and is sure that he has lost the respect of the man he most admires.  A sequel, The Viking and the Vendetta, has just been published. 

Light through the Cracks

Light through the Cracks, by Rebecca Raymer, free

After surviving a horrific childhood, Lucy ends up on her own trying to find solid footing in her tumultuous life. Unfortunately, her early attempts at doing so leave her living in her car and knocked up by her drug dealer.

Being a teen-aged mother drastically changes Lucy’s life, but also allows her to view herself in a positive way for the first time. Her new perspective has changed her entire concept of love, and she is able to see that everything she was searching for was right in front of her all along.

Set in Southern Suburbia, Light through the Cracks is a story of resilience, strength, love, and the ability to not only survive in a formidable world, but to find peace and hope there, too. 

Sons and Brothers in Seattle

Sons and Brothers in Seattle, by Wilson James, free with coupon code WU44G until 2/2/12

Cameron Connors is a young father trying to deal with a mother who likes the idea of children, but otherwise appears not to like her own. Cameron has managed to get his own two young sons away from his mother, but now he needs to rescue Brendan, his younger brother. 

As Cameron has learned over the years, his mother can be quite two-faced, and heaven help anyone who crosses Mrs. Rachael Connors. Cameron and his mother are currently in a state of cease-fire, but that could change dramatically based on what Cameron has planned for the next few weeks in order to challenge his parents for custody of Brendan. 

Will Cameron succeed in creating a new family of four, or will he lose? The stakes are high, and Cameron stands to lose custody of his own two sons if he is not careful. Follow the saga of Cameron as he struggles to do what he knows he must do, and what is right.

This Special Edition of "Sons and Brothers in Seattle" includes bonus Chapters from the sequel, "Sons and Brothers Sail into Danger." The author is Wilson James, whose work has been reviewed at a major online retailer as “Very Inspiring” and “A Great Book.” This Book has been a #1 Best Seller on the adult drama list and the Young Adult fiction list at Smashwords.

Playing the Baseball Card

Playing the Baseball Card, by Wilson James, free

You are almost 14 years old. Your mother died six years ago, and you help look after your younger brother while you father works.

Your father is a pitcher for a minor league baseball team, and he is trying to make it into the major leagues. Just when it seems that things are looking better, tragedy strikes again. Now, it’s all up to you. You have your own dreams, and you desperately care about your small family. Will you be able to make it work? Just how much is a young teenage kid capable of doing, anyway?

PLAYING THE BASEBALL CARD is the story of Devin Robinson, the kid who dreams of pitching for the San Francisco Giants. Find out how Devin and his younger brother, Jordan, made it though their early years, and how Devin tries to make his mark in a world of adults. Find out how Devin's fierce determination to protect his remaining little family of two leads to adventure and achievement that he never thought possible. Find out how Devin plays the Baseball Card.

This is a story for baseball fans and anyone else who wants to read about personal courage and determination. This book has been reviewed at a major online retailer as “Very Inspiring” and “A Great Book.”

Sons and Brothers in Seattle

Sons and Brothers in Seattle, by Wilson James, free until 11/11/11, with coupon BF89M.

Cameron Connors is a young father trying to deal with a mother who likes the idea of children, but otherwise appears not to like her own. Cameron has managed to get his own two young sons away from his mother, but now he needs to rescue Brendan, his younger brother.

As Cameron has learned over the years, his mother can be quite two-faced, and heaven help anyone who crosses Mrs. Rachael Connors. Cameron and his mother are currently in a state of cease-fire, but that could change dramatically based on what Cameron has planned for the next few weeks in order to challenge his parents for custody of Brendan.

Will Cameron succeed in creating a new family of four, or will he lose? The stakes are high, and Cameron stands to lose custody of his own two sons if he is not careful. Follow the saga of Cameron as he struggles to do what he knows he must do, and what is right.

This Special Smashwords Edition of "Sons and Brothers in Seattle" includes bonus Chapters from the sequel, "Sons and Brothers Sail into Danger." This Book has been a #1 Best Seller on the adult drama list and the Young Adult fiction list at Smashwords. The author is Wilson James, whose work has been reviewed at a major online retailer as “Very Inspiring” and “A Great Book.”

A Family Legacy: The Watson Works

A Family Legacy: The Watson Works, by Wilson James, free.

The first ever sinking of a ferry on the rugged west coast becomes a personal tragedy for teenagers David and Connor Watson, back home in the small town of Franklin Lake. Four years previously, they were involved with the tragic accident that cost their father’s life, and now, having lost their mother and step-father, are orphans. What’s worse is that all of the family’s resources have been put into the family business. 
With no family left except for each other, David and Connor are faced with some tough choices. Connor, the younger of the two teenage boys, finds himself with the opportunity to prevent a whole new tragedy from befalling others, and puts himself at risk to save lives. Connor also becomes the one who must struggle to keep the family business going, as he somehow finds the strength, courage, tenacity, and maturity beyond his years to effect positive changes in his own life and in the lives of those around him. This book was a second round entry in the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award.

The Roman and the Runaway

The Roman and the Runaway, by A. J. Braithwaite, free

Luke Brownlow's plans to get expelled from his new school have to be reassessed when he discovers that his new headmaster is the neighbor he has been getting to know over the summer. The actions of an antagonistic fellow student and the arrival of a runaway teenage girl make it harder to avoid confrontation with the headmaster than Luke had hoped. By the end of the school year, he is in imminent danger of expulsion and is sure that he has lost the respect of the man he most admires. Having a good family friend as your headmaster might sound ideal, but Luke Brownlow soon finds that it just makes his life even more complicated...

Sons and Brothers in Seattle

Sons and Brothers in Seattle, by Wilson James, free until 11/11/11, with coupon BF89M.

Cameron Connors is a young father trying to deal with a mother who has treated her sons terribly. He’s managed to get his own two young sons away from his mother, but now needs to rescue Brendan, his younger brother. He has a very risky plan to challenge his parents for custody of Brendan. The stakes are high, and Cameron might just lose custody of his own two sons as he goes up against his parents. With BONUS from new sequel.

Aiden's Arrival: Honor Before Gold

Aiden's Arrival: Honor Before Gold, by Wilson James, free with coupon KM53M until 4/4/11

Dreams of another life; or reality? Aiden struggles to honor the legacy of his very young physical self, while dealing with memories of a tragedy that seem impossible to reconcile. At the same time, Aiden has been thrust into a public role in the Winter Games with extraordinary expectations for any boy his age. What challenges must Aiden confront? Can Aiden find the courage to meet this new reality?

Playing the 'Son' Card

Playing the 'Son' Card, by Wilson James, free.

Troy lost his father at age 9. Ever since then, he’s been steadily losing confidence in himself and his ability to make his way in the world. Troy is increasingly the target of bullies at school and he’s just hanging on. He hates school and socializing has become torture. Now age 12, he has one chance to change his life and start new. Will he meet the challenge or will he remain a victim?

Playing the Baseball Card

Playing the Baseball Card, by Wilson James, free

A story about personal courage and determination. Devin’s mother died six years ago, and he helps look after his younger brother while their father works as a baseball pitcher trying to make it into the major leagues. Just when it seems that things are looking better, tragedy strikes again. Now, it’s all up to the young teen as he tries to make it work for what’s left of his small family.