25 Years To Life The Hopeless Romantics Book 1 by CJ Ives Lopez Genre: Sweet Contemporary Romance

 

 

Love through the Ages: Every Generation has its Story 

25 Years To Life

The Hopeless Romantics Book 1

by CJ Ives Lopez

Genre: Sweet Contemporary Romance 

In a heartfelt journey through small-town Iowa, a forbidden love challenges destiny, unveiling secrets that could alter the course of many lives.

The emotional, family drama romance "25 Years to Life" captures the essence of forbidden love and the relentless pursuit of truth. Shelly and Esteban, torn apart by societal norms and personal sacrifices, leave behind a legacy of mysteries and unspoken promises that threaten the fabric of their family.

The story unfolds in the lush fields of Iowa, where Shelly and Esteban's love blossoms against all odds. Their deep and undeniable connection faces the ultimate test when external forces and cultural divides pull them into separate worlds. As the years pass, the silence around their separation grows heavier, casting long shadows over their loved ones.

Without revealing the identity of their offspring or the intricacies of their hidden past, the narrative weaves through the challenges and emotional scars left in the wake of their unresolved romance. The ripple effects of their love story set the stage for a powerful tale of discovery, identity, and the enduring strength of love.

"25 Years to Life" is a poignant exploration of love's complexity, the weight of secrets, and the healing power of truth. This novel invites readers into a world where past and present collide, offering a lens into the hearts of those bound by love and separated by circumstances. For fans of deeply emotional narratives and stories of love against all odds, this book promises a journey of heartache, redemption, and the infinite possibilities that come with uncovering the truth.

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CJ Ives Lopez, a proud 20-year Air Force veteran, originally hails from Festus, Missouri, before relocating to Indianapolis, Indiana. After her distinguished military service, she founded The Authors Porch, leading the organization for four years before refocusing on her writing. As a best-selling, multiple award-winning author in various genres, including heartwarming children's stories under her Pen name Auntie Nann, CJ's literary journey is a testament to the transformative power of pursuing dreams. Explore CJ's captivating literary world and inspiring journey as she dives into diverse worlds with multiple pen names. at www.cjiveslopez.com.

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Opium et Moi Blitz

 

  A Memoir

 

Every perfume is a unique work of art, no different than a piece of music or a painting in its ability to evoke feelings in its audience. In 1976, Yves Saint Laurent fell in love with the idea of creating a new perfume that would convey the lush, sensual mood of the name he had already chosen, OPIUM.

Working with Yves, his personal and business partner Pierre, and so many others in the world of high fashion and fragrance could be exhilarating, infuriating, and often, a simmering pot-au-feu threatening to boil over. This narrative takes you behind the scenes, providing a glimpse of that fascinating world and the people who kept it spinning.

It is a highly personal story, and one I know well. It is my story.

About the Author

As a young boy, I was always absorbed in books about history—particularly that of the United States—and geography, yet still managed a healthy appetite of sports and a weekly outing to see the latest cowboy or adventure movie. Later, I was exposed to the Broadway stage and developed a great fondness for musical theater, at one point picturing it as a future career choice. But alas, as I grew older and realized I was not that talented, I became more serious about the future.

Fortunately, I wound up in a creative segment of the business world, which provided me the opportunity to travel the globe and stimulated my interest in world history. It also opened avenues into entertainment and politics. I found a home in the fashion industry and served as President of Charles of the Ritz Group, Ltd., then a wholly owned subsidiary of Squibb Corporation, where I also served on its Board of Directors. Here, I was deeply involved with well-known fashion designers, Yves Saint Laurent and Gianni Versace; Hollywood stars, Linda Evans and John Forsythe; and because of the success of the perfume, Opium, wound up in Washington meeting with senators, representatives and administration officials to obtain relief from gray market goods flooding the United States in the early 1980’s.

After my retirement, I wrote two novels based on my many years of experience in the fashion industry, and continually pursued my interest in history. Following a short break to write a non-fiction book on the relationship of taxes and jobs, I spent much of my time these past several years studying the biblical account of the rise of Christianity from the varying narratives of religion, history and archaeology. The results of that research were a source of information and inspiration for my wife, Leslie Schweitzer Miller, in writing her first novel, DISCOVERY.

Now my interest is in public policy on issues that affect the United States such as healthcare, taxes, job creation and foreign affairs, about which I will be commenting periodically.

 

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800 Sayings By Old Folks Who Raised Us

  

 Nonfiction

Date Published: 07-08-2021

Publisher: Pageturner Press and Media

 

The parents and grandparents of William Rocky Brown, 3rd, who raised him, had roots in the southern USA. Along with that Southern upbringing came the ability to turn everyday activities or things of nature into wise sayings. His mother and grandmother had old down-home sayings that took him a while to understand. After talking to others, he realized he wasn’t alone in this beautiful experience growing up, so he compiled the wise sayings in his book, 800 Sayings by Old Folks Who Raised Us.

The wise sayings—to be passed down from generation to generation—in this book are pearls of wisdom that relate to the past generations, while the present and future generations may take time to understand, just as Brown experienced. It creates good family fun and memories. It can also be used in the form of an intergenerational family game. 

 

P R E F A C E

Let me begin by saying that God is the Head of my life, Jesus is my Savior and the Holy Spirit is my Comforter.

Our parents or grandparents, who had roots in the South, raised many of us. Now, along with that Southern raising came the ability to take every day activities or things of nature and turn them into wise sayings. My mother was from Greenville, North Carolina and my grandmother who raised me was from Mobile, Alabama. They both had old sayings from ‘Down Home’ that took me a while to really understand what they were saying. After talking to others, I realized that I wasn’t the only one who had this wonderful experience growing up, so I decided to compile these 800 sayings.

It is my hope that they will bring you fond memories and laughter and you will share them with your children and grandchildren.

This book is dedicated to my mother Gwendolyn Regina Carraway Brown and my grandmothers: Ethel-Mae Knight Brown (Mother-dear), Halease Moore Wooten-Reid and my great-grandmothers Willie-Mae Knight and Carrie Skipper. My grand’s are the women on the cover and that’s me at 2 months old. (By the way, that’s a design on the chair and not a ribbon in my hair. lol)

Special thanks to my friend Ellen Graham, my Bethany Baptist Church members, my Facebook friends and the contributions I found that were posted on the internet by others who also enjoy these sayings.

 

Enjoy my friends!

WRB, 3rd

 

About the Author

The Honorable Reverend Dr. William Lewis Rocky Brown, 3rd, was born and raised in Chester, PA. He has three daughters and three grandchildren. Dr. Brown received his Bachelor’s from Cheyney University, his Master’s from Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a Doctorate from Jameson Christian College. He studied at the MLK Jr. Center in Atlanta and the University of the Virgin Islands and completed The F.B.I. and D.E.A. Citizens Academies.

Dr. Brown is an ordained 45-year Baptist Minister now serving at the Bethany Baptist Church in Chester, creator and host of Saturday Night Live Prayer & Praise Weekly Service, and a Master Police Chaplain. He’s also the author of “800 Sayings By Old Folks Who Raised Us” and The 3N1: A Trilogy Of Spiritually Filled Motivational Messages”. He has a weekly column in Scoop USA and a daily Blog on his website: www.yourspiritualmotivation.com. In the 80s and 90s, he traveled around the country, motivating youngsters to stay in school and to say no to drugs and violence, using the art of Rap. Thus, he was affectionately known as the “Rappin Rev.” He is a former elected member of the City Council of Chester. He was also elected twice as Chester City Controller and was elected in 2021 as a Pennsylvania State Constable.

Dr. Brown has been involved in numerous community and civic organizations. He is a Prince Hall 33-degree Mason, Past Master, Grand Chaplain Emeritus, Past Grand Worthy Patron, and an Elks and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity member. He has received over 200 awards and commendations.

 

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Connected by Fate Who Killed Melissa Witt? Book 2 by LaDonna Humphrey Genre: True Crime

  

Who Killed Melissa Witt? 

We Know Who Did it.
We Know His Name.

Connected by Fate unfolds against the haunting backdrop of the Ozark National Forest, where the unresolved murder of Melissa Witt has cast a long shadow over the dense woodlands for almost three decades. The mystery, woven into the fabric of the remote mountaintop, has become a part of the lore of the land, with the true identity of the murderer eluding capture, concealed by the forest's imposing presence.

Enter LaDonna Humphrey, driven by a profound sense of justice and a personal commitment to uncovering the truth, despite never having met Melissa Witt. LaDonna's connection to the case transcends the ordinary, fueling her with a relentless determination that has defined her life for almost a decade.

LaDonna's investigation is a riveting narrative of courage, resilience, and an unwavering pursuit of truth in the face of overwhelming odds. Each breakthrough and setback, each clue unearthed and lead followed, draws her deeper into a web of intrigue that extends far beyond the initial crime.

Connected by Fate is more than a true crime story; it's a testament to the power of human spirit and determination fueled by the knowledge that solving Melissa's murder is not just about bringing a killer to justice—it's about restoring dignity to a life cut tragically short, and offering closure to a community haunted by the specter of an unsolved crime.

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The Girl I Never Knew

Who Killed Melissa Witt? Book 1

For over two decades the identity of Melissa Witt’s murderer has been hidden among the dense trees and thorny undergrowth rooted deeply in the uneven ground of a remote mountaintop in the Ozark National Forest.

Determined to find answers, LaDonna Humphrey has spent the past seven years hunting for Melissa’s killer. Her investigation, both thrilling and unpredictable, has led her on a journey like no other.

The Girl I Never Knew is an edge-of-your-seat account of LaDonna Humphrey’s passionate fight for justice in the decades-old murder case of a girl she never met in person. Her unstoppable quest for the truth has gained the attention of some incredibly dangerous people, some of whom would like to keep Melissa’s murder a mystery forever.

“LaDonna Humphrey restores my faith in all of humanity. The Girl I Never Knew is a painstaking labor of love, masterfully woven together to create a riveting page-turner that describes her hunt for a killer and the traction she is gaining to solve this cold case.”

-Joshua Kessler, twice Emmy nominated Television Producer and Director, Unsolved Mysteries and Drug Lords (Netflix), Breaking Homicide and Unusual Suspects (Investigation Discovery)

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LaDonna Humphrey is an award-winning writer, filmmaker, investigative journalist, executive director of Oasis of Northwest Arkansas and an advocate for victims of crime.  Her passions include advocating for missing adults, crime victims, children in foster care, and for women in recovery.  LaDonna is the co-founder of All the Lost Girls and True Crime Fest NWA, as well as the co-host of the Deep Dark Secrets Podcast and the Legends in Blue Podcast. 

LaDonna and her husband, Danny, have seven children and they live in Northwest Arkansas.

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The Dove That Didn’t Return by Yael S. Hacohen

 

Poetry

Date Published: May 21, 2024

Publisher: Holy Cow! Press

 

A poet and female commander in the Israeli Defense Forces creates an original perspective from the war-torn front lines of the Middle East conflict.

The Dove That Didn’t Return tackles the canon of war poetry, an almost exclusively male-penned body of poems. In the book, biblical stories, verses, and fragments are rewritten through the eyes of a female lieutenant in the Israeli Army. It is a contemporary poetics on the revelations of war from an Israeli perspective never before told—a woman, and a soldier at that.

This debut full-length collection follows upon the publication of her critically acclaimed chapbook, Between Sanctity and Sand, from Finishing Line Press.

 

About the Author

Yael S. Hacohen earned a Ph.D. at UC Berkeley. She has received research/teaching fellowships from Tel Aviv University and Bar Ilan University. She has an MFA in Poetry from New York University, where she was an ‎NYU Veterans Workshop Fellow, International Editor at Washington Square Literary ‎Review, and Editor-in-Chief at Nine Lines Literary Review. Her work has been featured or is forthcoming in The Poetry Review, Ploughshares, The Missouri Review, Bellevue Literary Review, LIT, Prairie Schooner, New York Quarterly Magazine, Colorado Review, and many more. ‎Hacohen published her chapbook Between Sanctity and Sand with Finishing Line Press in 2021. Hacohen served as a lieutenant in the 162nd Armored Division of the Israeli Defense Forces. She lives with her family in Tel Aviv, Israel.

 

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A Court of Broken Promises & Nightmares Courts & Curses Book 2 by Michelle Helen Fritz Genre: YA Dark Fantasy Regency Romance

 

Once upon a time, an evil faerie queen traveled through 

the looking-glass with the cruelest of intentions…

to curse a baby. 

A Court of Broken Promises & Nightmares

Courts & Curses Book 2

by Michelle Helen Fritz

Genre: YA Dark Fantasy Regency Romance

Once upon a time, an evil faerie queen traveled through the looking-glass with the cruelest of intentions…to curse a baby.

When Alora meets her prince at a masquerade and shares a moonlight dance, her life is forever changed. As her heart longs for his promised return, she can't get his amber gaze far from her mind.

The Faerie Prince of the White Kingdom doesn't remember the night he fell in love with his true mate. Debauchery and unrest are twisting the subjects of Wonderland into sinister faeries, and the prince is suffering right alongside his people. With time ticking down to preserve the wonder of his land, he’ll need to battle his greatest foe and regain his lost memories or risk sacrificing everything.

With the help of the Resistance and a tutor with style and sass, Alora is destined to save the two kingdoms, but she’ll need to embrace the darkness in order to fulfill the prophecy. What Wonderland needs most is a savior. But she’s only ever been a simple English girl. No pressure there.

This is book two in a Regency fairytale re-telling mash-up series Courts & Curses with guaranteed happily ever afters and surprising twists to the tales you thought you knew. Adventure through the six Courts of Faerie in this shared universe as they battle the darkness that seeks to destroy their existence. Each book is written as a standalone with interconnecting characters and themes.

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Michelle Helen Fritz began her literary career as a personal assistant to Indie authors. She enjoys being immersed in the process of turning an idea into a complete and published book. Michelle loves to write about dashing heroes and the compelling women that tempt them with a bit of intrigue and an abundance of romance, creating swoon-worthy characters and stories for her readers to enjoy. Occasionally, her characters talk to her and change the entire plot. Maryland is where her humble abode resides, housing her four home-schooled children along with her jaunty hero-husband who makes all her dreams come true. Michelle fully believes in happily-ever-afters and wishing upon stars.

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The Knight’s Rebellious Maiden The Knights’ Missions Book 1 by Ella Matthews Genre: Historical Medieval Romance

 

He’s her protector…

She’s his forbidden temptation! 

The Knight’s Rebellious Maiden

The Knights’ Missions Book 1

by Ella Matthews

Genre: Historical Medieval Romance

He’s her protector…

She’s his forbidden temptation!

Part of The Knights’ Missions. Sir Leopold’s first mission is supposed to be a chance to prove his valour. But, tasked with safely escorting Lady Arianwen to her husband-to-be, Leo finds he is little but a glorified bodyguard. Only the seemingly simple mission goes awry when Ari proves that she’s willing to do anything to get away from her impending nuptials. As attraction sparks between them, can Leo choose knightly duty over love and deliver Ari to her wedding?

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Ella Matthews lives and works in beautiful South Wales. When not thinking about handsome heroes she can be found walking along the coast with her husband and their two children (probably still thinking about heroes but at least pretending to be interested in everyone else).

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Hidden in the Shadows by A.D. Vancise Genre: Thriller, Suspense, Mystery

  

Never trouble Trouble, ‘til Trouble troubles you,

for if you trouble Trouble, Trouble’s sure to trouble you. 

"All I can ever think about is murdering her." -C.B.

Twenty-three-year-old Evie Day never dreamt she’d be back in Woodsville Arkansas, a small town in the middle of nowhere, after having left five years earlier, but the death of her grandfather called for her return. After discovering a photo from 1933 of a mysterious woman standing next to a tiny wooden box, a strange vial of blood wrapped up in a handkerchief in the pocket of her grandfather’s overalls, and a key hidden in his desk drawer that belongs to a secret safety deposit box, Evie is unwittingly thrown into a world of evil where those closest to her are the ones to be the most feared and danger lurks around every corner.

Hidden in the Shadows by A.D. Vancise shines a light on the darkness and reveals the underlying players that have been hunting in plain sight.

💥 IMPORTANT NOTICE💥

The survivors of satanic rituals and child trafficking inspired this book, along with a photo I found in my grandfather’s family photos of a mysterious woman standing beside a tiny box. My grandfather died with the real story of what happened. He was a police officer.

I knew I had to take this story down a dark path once I heard the victims’ stories and those who never believed them. The killer’s POV is based on true testimonials of survivors. These horrific acts happened and continue to happen to kids worldwide.

Having said that, I feel the importance of noting a trigger warning for intense graphic material such as child trafficking, sadism, occult rituals, sexual and physical abuse, violence, and murder. If reading this material evokes memories of or PTSD from abuse, please contact professionals or a safe person immediately. This novel is in no way meant to sensualize or exploit these serious events. It requires courage to read this story meant to bring awareness to these heinous acts and give a voice to the children who no longer have one. It’s to shed light on a darkness that has plagued this world for far too long. I am awed by all those who can receive this information and want to help the children. We all need to give them a voice. Thank you for being brave enough to read this story.

Sincerely,

A.D. Vancise

Reviews for Hidden In the Shadows

"Writing with crisp efficiency, mordant wit, and bursts of searing terror, Vancise whets the novel's escalating puzzles and portents with an edge of queasy uncertainty." -Editors Pick, Booklife.

 

"If you're looking for a spine-tingling read that will leave you wondering who to trust, what dangers are lurking beneath the surface and when the next twist will come, then Hidden in the Shadows is the book for you."-Booktrib.

 

"Hidden in the Shadows by A. D. Vancise is a thrilling mystery that keeps readers in suspense from the first clue until the end." – Five Stars. Literary Titan.

"A.D. Vancise excels in crafting a dark, atmospheric story." -D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review

"If you are a reader who is tired of reading the same old books that are lackluster and forgettable, then take a chance with this one...you will not be disappointed." -The Red-Headed Book Lover.

"The author vividly informs your mind's eye." – Five Stars. Readers' Favorite.

 

“Dark, disturbing, and gripping.” -Five Stars. Bookview Review.

 

“A grim but exciting and compelling mystery even in its most disconcerting moments.” Kirkus Review.

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A D Vancise lives in Canada. When she’s not writing, she’s taking care of her three dogs, her cat, two ducks and some chickens. Her daughter is her inspiration for all things wonderful in the world.

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