Unbreakable Love

Unbreakable Love, by Yesenia Vargas, Free for a Limited Time ONLY, January 18-22

“I never got the chance to say bye to you at the party. You ran out on me. Didn’t even leave a glass slipper behind for me to track you down with,” Carlos said. 

*** 

Ariana has a choice to make. 

Either listen to her parents and say no to going out with hot senior Carlos, the first guy to really make her heart falter. Or be Carlos’ girlfriend behind her parents’ back and make her freshman brother one unhappy guy. 

Because her brother Jimmy really doesn’t like Carlos, even if her best friend Mayra has got her back. Carlos makes her feels things she’s never felt, but he’s still hurting from his past. 

What Ariana doesn’t realize, though, is that risking it all for Carlos might put all of them in danger.

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."

Little Brother, by Cory Doctorow

Little Brother, by Cory Doctorow, free at author's website

(cover art depicts print edition for sale in UK)

Marcus, a.k.a “w1n5t0n,” is only seventeen years old, but he figures he already knows how the system works–and how to work the system. Smart, fast, and wise to the ways of the networked world, he has no trouble outwitting his high school’s intrusive but clumsy surveillance systems.

But his whole world changes when he and his friends find themselves caught in the aftermath of a major terrorist attack on San Francisco. In the wrong place at the wrong time, Marcus and his crew are apprehended by the Department of Homeland Security and whisked away to a secret prison where they’re mercilessly interrogated for days.

When the DHS finally releases them, Marcus discovers that his city has become a police state where every citizen is treated like a potential terrorist. He knows that no one will believe his story, which leaves him only one option: to take down the DHS himself.

The long-awaited sequel to this book, Homeland, is to be released on February 6, 2013. See Cory Doctorow's comments about the sequel here, on HuffPostBooks.

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.

The Green

The Green, by Karly Kirkpatrick, free

How far would you go to save your dream?

Seventeen-year-old Ariceli Pisa is a senior at the prestigious Cambridge High School and has her sights set on Northwestern University. She's a cheerleader, a member of the National Honor Society...and a drug dealer. That's not the only secret she has to keep from her best friend Naomi--she’s also madly in love with Naomi’s ex-boyfriend, James Bartlett. Trying to balance her life at Cambridge High with her new demanding job keeps her teetering on the edge of disaster. 

The Green contains strong language and drug references and is advised for ages 14 and up.

Pretty Killers

Pretty Killers, by Jordan McKinney, free

Book One: Diamonds - Life had not been too kind to little Tomika Drake. Other than growing up in one of the most ill-reputed cities in the state, at age 13, she lost her beloved mother and soon after, her father was incarcerated. For the next three years, she lived her life stuck in a suburban hell with her narcissistic half-sister and her equally evil mother, but on her 16th birthday, her life changed when she was forced to unwrap the powerful superhuman gift that was bestowed upon her at birth. 

Pretty Killers examines millennial American pop culture, politics, and society through a whirlwind week starting when a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity with a famed fashion mogul brings the feuding family to the sparkling metropolis of Queen City. But the shine quickly fades when they learn that the neighboring burg has been tackling an issue with humongous mutants and other terrors, including a gang that Tomika's half-sister gets caught up in. When the fate of the city ends up on Tomika's shoulders, will she find it in her heart to save her half-sister, or take the chance to finally do away with the scourge while saving the city from her gang's tirades?

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 Wrong Side of the Tracks, Book 1, by Mike Wells, free

14 year old Stephen moves into a bad neighborhood and soon finds himself in love with Kristine, one of the prettiest girls in his class. Kristine appears to like him, too, but Stephen learns she “belongs” to a big, mean football player who’s three years older. Despite warnings from his best friend, Stephen moves ahead anyway. All hell breaks loose. Will Stephen allow himself to be shoved into the background, or will he win the girl he truly loves? 

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. 

Little Brother

Little Brother, by Cory Doctorow, free at author's website

(cover art depicts print edition for sale in UK)

Marcus, a.k.a “w1n5t0n,” is only seventeen years old, but he figures he already knows how the system works–and how to work the system. Smart, fast, and wise to the ways of the networked world, he has no trouble outwitting his high school’s intrusive but clumsy surveillance systems.

But his whole world changes when he and his friends find themselves caught in the aftermath of a major terrorist attack on San Francisco. In the wrong place at the wrong time, Marcus and his crew are apprehended by the Department of Homeland Security and whisked away to a secret prison where they’re mercilessly interrogated for days.

When the DHS finally releases them, Marcus discovers that his city has become a police state where every citizen is treated like a potential terrorist. He knows that no one will believe his story, which leaves him only one option: to take down the DHS himself.

For The Win

For The Win, by Cory Doctorow, free at the author's website

(cover art depicts print edition for sale in UK)

In the virtual future, you must organize to survive.

At any hour of the day or night, millions of people around the globe are engrossed in multiplayer online games, questing and battling to win virtual “gold,” jewels, and precious artifacts. Meanwhile, others seek to exploit this vast shadow economy, running electronic sweatshops in the world’s poorest countries, where countless “gold farmers,” bound to their work by abusive contracts and physical threats, harvest virtual treasure for their employers to sell to First World gamers who are willing to spend real money to skip straight to higher-level gameplay.

Mala is a brilliant 15-year-old from rural India whose leadership skills in virtual combat have earned her the title of “General Robotwalla.” In Shenzen, heart of China’s industrial boom, Matthew is defying his former bosses to build his own successful gold-farming team. Leonard, who calls himself Wei-Dong, lives in Southern California, but spends his nights fighting virtual battles alongside his buddies in Asia, a world away. All of these young people, and more, will become entangled with the mysterious young woman called Big Sister Nor, who will use her experience, her knowledge of history, and her connections with real-world organizers to build them into a movement that can challenge the status quo.

The ruthless forces arrayed against them are willing to use any means to protect their power—including blackmail, extortion, infiltration, violence, and even murder. To survive, Big Sister’s people must out-think the system. This will lead them to devise a plan to crash the economy of every virtual world at once—a Ponzi scheme combined with a brilliant hack that ends up being the biggest, funnest game of all.

Imbued with the same lively, subversive spirit and thrilling storytelling that made LITTLE BROTHER an international sensation, FOR THE WIN is a prophetic and inspiring call-to-arms for a new generation

King Jimmy

King Jimmy, by Sue Verrochi, free


Boys and girls begin a dangerous game in a school yard one cold winter's day. (Short fiction) 

SOLO FLIGHT

SOLO FLIGHT, by Tod, free with coupon GA94F until 8/31/11

Nolan Cooper has a big secret. He invented and built an airplane. And he’s going to test fly it himself. . . if he can cut fourth period!

• Why is a smart kid like Nolan flunking his classes?
• What kind of school would punish a student for telling the truth?
• Why does the Principal want to send him to prison?
• Can his best friend be tempted to reveal his secret life?
• And why do they say his airplane design is destined to kill him?
• Will Nolan fly free of his troubles, or will he crash and burn?
• Find out in SOLO FLIGHT.

Solo Flight is the story of a boy and his clashes with the authorities as he tries to follow his own path in life. Part self-help novel, part political satire, the fast paced plot will keep you turning pages until the very end. You’ll be shocked to discover the true purpose of public school. Learn why it fails so miserably at education while it holds back the best and brightest. Solo Flight is a Declaration of Independence for young minds everywhere.

Throwback

Throwback, by Dave Conifer, free

It wasn't long before the kid from North Carolina had made friends at his new high school in Jersey. Ben is the kind of guy that everybody likes. He's the star of the wrestling team and he's spending a lot of time with Judy Voorst. So what's the problem? Ben Petrovic has a secret. He’s not who everybody thinks he is.

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?