What was really in the garden -- and how dangerous was it?Leela Devi Panikar, author of two short story collections -- Floating Petals and Bathing Elephants -- writes a short story closer to her own terrace.

After being bullied all through high school, Nick Sheldon is looking forward to college life. It’s going well until an unforeseeable complication is tossed his way in the form of Shane Gregory. Nick has been trying to hold a secret in all his life but the longer he’s around Shane, the sooner the façade starts to crumble.Dragons, griffins, and BNPs (Bugs of Nightmarish Proportions). Never in their wildest dreams could they have imagined what was in store for them. After learning he had inherited an enormous mansion and a huge tract of land from a reclusive set of relatives, Steve Miller, along with his wife Sarah, decide to take a few days off to investigate their new-found fortune in the quiet resort town of northern Idaho, Coeur d’Alene. While taking inventory of the vast manor, they discover a unique set of doors on the top floor. Mistaking them to be an ornate decoration, the doors are accidentally activated, presenting the two new homeowners with a tantalizing decision: step through or ignore? No harm could possibly befall them by simply walking through an open door, right? Curiosity getting the better of them, they step through and both are sent on a one-way journey to a land of unimagined wonder! Realizing they were now stranded on a world populated with creatures that should exist only in one’s imagination, they enlist the aid of the local king and queen. Their troubles continue to escalate, however, as it is revealed their arrival had been long foretold by an ancient local prophecy, bestowing upon them the status of Royal Bodyguards to the young crown prince. Stuck on a foreign world where mythical creatures abound, trying to avoid being attacked by griffins, and hoping to impress a living, breathing dragon, the newly appointed babysitters must find a way to return home soon before harm could befall the young prince.Some days it didn't pay to get out of bed.

The revised edition of Hacker School, now a trilogy with the addition of two new stories. ~ In a dystopian world, who will decide the future of mankind? "Your life is a burning match. Ignite a bonfire." - Allan R. WallaceThe revised edition of Hacker School, now a trilogy with the addition of two new stories. In a dystopian world, who will decide the future of mankind?After the Great Chaos, Jake's tribe decides it's time to expand from their hidden valley and once more deal with other societies.David's tribe is trying to gather technology and reconstruct some of the technical marvels that once existed. They are violently opposed by anti-scavengers that wait for promised help from now vanished bureaucracies.Charlene is mostly healed from her many battles. She's surprised by what may be a way to survive. Does this hacker really offer a small chance of escape? Maybe human rights hacktivism is in her future. Probably not. Is it foolish to trust someone just because he remembers how to laugh?Hacker School is a three act prelude to the cyberhug.me series. "Your life is a burning match. Ignite a bonfire." - Allan R. Wallace

Following a divorce, Heath MacLaren spends his nights with women who are beautiful, yet unable to provide what he seeks. His friendship with Annie sustains him.It’s been two years since Annie’s husband died. She cherishes the friendship she’s found with Heath, until he drops a bombshell that changes everything. Do they settle for what they have—or fight for it all?“In this passionate Contemporary Romance, author Shirleen Davies introduces her readers to the modern day MacLarens starting with Heath MacLaren, the head of the family.”The Chairman of both the MacLaren Cattle Co. and MacLaren Land Development, Heath MacLaren is a success professionally—his personal life is another matter.Following a divorce after a long, loveless marriage, Heath spends his time with women who are beautiful and passionate, yet unable to provide what he longs for . . .. . . Heath has never experienced love even though he witnesses it every day between his younger brother, Jace, and wife, Caroline. He wants what they have, yet spends his time with women too young to understand what drives him and too focused on themselves to be true companions.It’s been two years since Annie’s husband died, leaving her to build a new life. He was her soul mate and confidante. She has no desire to find a replacement, yet longs for male friendship.. . . Annie’s closest friend in Fire Mountain, Caroline MacLaren, is determined to see Annie come out of her shell after almost two years of mourning. A chance meeting with Heath turns into an offer to be a part of the MacLaren Foundation Board and an opportunity for a life outside her home sanctuary which has also become her prison. The platonic friendship that builds between Annie and Heath points to a future where each may rely on the other without the bonds a romance would entail.However, without consciously seeking it, each yearns for more . . .. . . The MacLaren Development Company is booming with Heath at the helm. His meetings at a partner company with the young, beautiful marketing director, who makes no secret of her desire for him, are a temptation. But is she the type of woman he truly wants?. . . Annie’s acceptance of the deep, yet passionless, friendship with Heath sustains her, lulling her to believe it is all she needs. At least until Heath drops a bombshell, forcing Annie to realize that what she took for friendship is actually a deep, lasting love. One she doesn’t want to lose. Each must decide to settle—or fight for it all.

The first novel involving T.A., a tourist to the Philippines, seeking romance, becomes inextricably involved in an armed uprising at an isolated tourist resort, part of a national rebellion. Unsure what to do, he is foolishly guided by the actions of his fictional heroes in the many novels he has read. Then, at a loss, he teams up with a mysterious ex-pat permanent resident of the island.This is the first of three novels involving T.A. Returning to the Philippines to reunite with his girlfriend, and return to their isolated island tourist resort to rekindle their romance, he becomes an unwilling and inexperienced participant in a national armed uprising. He is only aware of the local events and initially thinks he has stumbled on a massive drug-smuggling operation and is unsure if, of how he should resist. Untrained for such events, initially he is guided only by the actions of the fictional characters in the many novels he has read. A mysterious ex-pat, permanent resident on the island, reluctantly takes him under his wing and T.A. tries not to be a burden as they try to save themselves and as many tourists as they can.

Aqua is a story of a rather... unique group of teenagers. They're not humans, but magical beings called the Poweras who are faced with the evil-doer of the land. They risk everything they have to save their friends as well as themselves.When you were younger, did you ever think it would be cool to control an element? Despite what you thought, this was based off of fact. The Poweras are a different "Ethnic" group of people, hailing from the planet Powiera. This particular group of Poweras are on a journey to where? Los Angeles,California. There, they must save their friend. On the way, they meet a lovely duo of gentlemen who promise that they will be friends till their destination. Lies. They want simply to have them killed by none other than the most feared man in Powera history. In short, Aqua is an adventure story with a dash of romance, a modern twist on our childhood games.

Welcome to life in orbit. After a plague surges out of control, the infected begin to overrun humanity's cities one by one. Forcing those who survive to take orbit. Commander Dalton James has walked many paths. Most of them in search of whiskey.Welcome to life in orbit. After a plague surges out of control, the infected begin to overrun humanity's cities one by one. Forcing those who survive to take orbit. Commander Dalton James has walked many paths. Most of them in search of whiskey.As the fleet discovers a brand new race and its horrible secret, however, Dalton may just be the right man for the job. A rugged brown coat to his back and revolver hanging from his side, Dalton James is in no mood for games.He's always had a distaste for the undead and it just so happens that Dalton is wearing his shit-kicking boots. It's about to be on as high-tech weaponry clashes with the zestful tongue of a man who's had enough.

After an ion storm two of the officers of the DVD are beamed onto the DVD as their mirror images. Now the captain and crew must find how to remedy the situation.After an ion storm two of the officers of the DVD are beamed onto the DVD as their mirror images. Now the captain and crew must find how to remedy the situation. Also two people from another world join the crew and a situation develops when a General is rescued from a pirate ship and he has information about the past of these two people.

Witness a first-person view of a changed world. A solitary survivor hides in a mountain above the city, living in a trailer with the door and windows duct-taped shut. Outside, a virulent disease has killed off most humans. Those who lived have become something else. Survival in this new world comes down to two, simple rules: stay quiet and protect the air. But one day, everything is threatened.Witness a first-person view of a changed world. A solitary survivor hides in a mountain above the city, living in a trailer with the door and windows duct-taped shut. Outside, the air is poisoned with a virulent disease that has killed off most humans. Those who lived have become something else. Something that hunts and kills. Survival in this new world comes down to two, simple rules: stay quiet and protect the air. It's an obsessive and regimented life, but one day a visitor comes up the mountain that threatens everything.Part I of a can't-miss series. Part II out now.

"A Moon Light Walk" Is a Psychological Thriller written from a most cleaver perspective. You won't know which side to take or who you will want to embody. This Noir style short was written for the sole purpose of bringing the reader into a mindset unlike any other he/she has ever experienced before. New York City can either be your playground or your worst nightmare - Who will you be?“You pick a mark, a seemingly random person and decide to follow him…” A suspenseful psychological thriller set within the depths of the city streets of Manhattan. You catch yourself thinking one night on the subway ride home. You begin to ponder on a thought unlike any other you have had before. A thought which, when enacted upon, can and will change a man's life forever. Absolute control begins to transcend. You are empowered, enlightened, intrigued. You stand up thinking you are about to begin your journey, but your adventure as already begun. You simply smile - You Own The Night..."A Moon Light Walk : Venture The Rabbit Hole" Is a Psychological Thriller written from a most cleaver perspective. You won't know which side to take or who you will want to embody. This Noir style short was written for the sole purpose of bringing the reader into a mindset unlike any other he/she has ever experienced before. New York City can either be your playground or your worst nightmare - Who will you be?

Mass Effect: Humanity First is an interactive, multi-pathed fan fiction short story. Follow Cerberus operative Samuel Hallard as he's given the toughest assignment of his life. Through interactive reader choices, take the story into your own hands. It’s your mission, your choice. NOTE: This story is best experienced through Amazon Kindle, or MobiMass Effect: Humanity First is an interactive, multi-pathed fan fiction short story. Follow Cerberus operative Samuel Hallard as he's given the toughest assignment of his life, making him question everything he's fighting for. In the ever-expanding galaxy, humanity needs every advantage it can get. But at what cost?Through interactive reader choices, take the story into your own hands. It’s your mission, your choice. NOTE: This story is best experienced through Amazon Kindle, or Mobi.

wildfires leap from nowhere into our psyche and wrench our lives and those of our children. Wildfire is a riveting spectacle of smoke and wind with the chaos of flames and disaster. These three stories provide perspective for young people caught up in wildfire. Use them to begin the healing process.Santa Barbara Fire Song: Three stories of wild fire. In Santa Barbara as across the west, people live with more and more wildfire. These three stories provide perspective for young people caught up in wildfire. They build from the fairy tale “Black Belly Frog and the Fire” with an assault of the sudden discovery of rushing fire and the loss of home and threat to life. In “Gel’s Ants” a budding entomologist makes discoveries far beyond the harvester ants she is investigating that provides new leads on who started a terrible community-fire. “Canyon Fire” comes back to the moment of escaping the fast moving wildfire and the awful guilt of the accidental arsonist. Each story is a window into the experience for different aged young people who have been near wildfires and had their worlds shaken in the process.

"Macey, I can't help you if you won't tell me what's going on." She could hear the frustration in Carline's voice, but how could she tell her sister she was staying in a motel turning tricks while hiding from a loan shark who was going to do worse to her than simply break her legs. Broken legs would be a blessing.Siding With Plato is a romantic laugh-out-loud chick lit novel about Being Young, Beautiful, and a Seriously Hot Mess!Brooke Aarons can't get to college fast enough. Leaving behind her small town life, she intends to transform herself into a brilliant psychologist at the University of Texas, with no distractions to slow her down. But when she finds herself on a double date with the school's notorious playboy - and worse, enjoying it - Brooke has to wonder if she's the one who needs her head examined. James Cartwright's overly glorified jock status, endless bucks, and long line of willing girls should make him a non-starter for Brooke, but as she learns, the psychology behind a bad crush is a whole lot messier of a subject. Maybe Plato was right. Maybe love is a serious mental disease . . . If so there better be a cure before Brooke gets herself in too deep.

Jeffrey goes to the pub. A lot. He's gone stale and his suit hangs off him in demonstration of the fact. Jeffrey has lost touch with a lot, until something changes things.Reginald and Amanda are the perfect couple in Paradise Cove. Amanda is a-typical; popular and rich, she’s a daddy’s girl who gets everything she wants. Reginald is not only equally popular, he’s perfect in every way. He has dirty blonde surfer boy shaggy hair, sea blue eyes, golden tan, athletic body, and a cherry red vintage 1967 convertible Corvette. Their world is perfect in everyone’s eyes, right down to their wedding announcement last month at the Marina Bay Country Club. Nevertheless, with all perfect things, there’s always a threat. One that money could easily solve. After all, in their world, money solves everything, right? It can make any problem go away. Unless…it’s someone that money can’t buy. Someone who has proof about a missing girl that was last seen riding in a vintage red Corvette. The police of Paradise Cove ignore her attempts at helping to solve her best friend’s disappearance, but with or without their help, she will face whatever danger arises, to find her friend.

*Shortlisted in the 2014 Tod Hunter Literary Award.* This is a short story about an Indigenous Australian art teacher, frustrated by bereavement and the loss of her heritage in an ever changing world. This is a modern, contemporary literary piece set in Perth, Western Australia,.A short story about an Indigenous Australian art teacher, frustrated by bereavement and the loss of her heritage in an ever changing world. This is a modern, contemporary literary piece set in Perth, Western Australia. The narrator explores inter-cultural issues and taboos, the financial exploitation of indigenous artists and the 'one style' only of Aboriginal art in the global marketplace. It also touches on indigenous and non-indigenous spiritually, In this story, the narrators feelings of anger and loss are healed through art and friendship. The characters are fictional.This story is written by a non-indigenous writer who does not wish to fall into the 'apartheid of literature' that is often, but not always, prevalent currently. At the same time, all attempts have been made to treat indigenous peoples in this story with respect and understanding of their social and historical issues and they have been acknowledged and and their assistance sought before publication.

From teenage crushes to meetings with the Grim Reaper, seven authors present you with a variety of tales to make you laugh, ponder, and enjoy walking in someone else's shoes for a few minutes. And you'll find some very interesting shoes to walk in.Atticus Whaelord, a Junior at the prestigious Fortuna Preparatory Academy, dreams of becoming a big name detective. However, one day after class, he gets thrust into a case far bigger than he’d ever expected. With his friends at his side, Atticus needs to solve the murder of his classmate. But, he has a gift that no one knows about; the mysterious Queen of Spades that grants him the power to fix any broken object.Will Atticus bring the killer to justice? Or, will he get wrapped up in a conspiracy beyond his wildest imagination?

Short story by Cristina Hodgson: She was simply furious, but he was simply divine...How could a dinner date with the handsome Niccolo possibly go wrong? Or perhaps, how could it possibly go right for Anna, who suddenly finds herself behind the wheel of a probably stolen car, driving down a dark and eerie country lane in the company of a complete stranger? This certainly isn’t her idea of romantic. What is Niccolo's real motive? Are his feelings genuine, or is she just a pawn to be used in his game strategy, whatever that might be?

Creator: A Christian Poetry Collection includes over 20 incredible poems by various authors. Draw nearer to our Lord as you enjoy spiritual poetry that expresses joy, grief, admiration, regret, and devotion with creative intensity.Creator: A Christian Poetry Collection includes over 20 incredible poems by poets Jan Allison, Jeanne Beaumont, Faye Gibson, Jay Harding, Judy K. Haught, Joyce Johnson, Richard Lamoureux, Robert Lindley, Antony Mark, Stephan Mcbride, Liam Mcdaid, Brenda Meier-Hans, Casarah Nance, Kimmy Nelson, Regina Riddle, Isaac Thomas, Leon Wilson, Dave Wood, and more! Draw nearer to our Lord as you enjoy spiritual poetry that expresses joy, grief, admiration, regret, and devotion with creative intensity.