The mysterious Shroud of Turin has provoked controversy for centuries. Many believe it is the authentic burial cloth of Christ. Many believe it is a forgery. What if, however, there could be a final proof beyond any doubt that it was genuine? What if that proof went terribly, horribly wrong for us all? If you were told such a story by a barely glimpsed stranger, would you, should you, believe it?After Tina crosses paths with Damon Blackdart, she discovers that her soul houses another, dormant soul, Trinity, Damon’s Beloved, who died centuries ago. Damon tries to draw Trinity forward and when he succeeds, Tina befriends her and learns that Damon is part of the Lueeshareteers (Bloodeaters), powerful creatures old as time itself, whose three clans live in seeming peace and rule the world from shadows. After she is swept from Damon’s grasp by the Dumes, Trinity’s children, she also learns that vampires are not at the top of the food chain.Excerpt:Damon went up the stairs and stopped three stairs beneath her. “You better get back to your room and put on some slippers. You are going to get a cold running around barefoot.”Was he joking or being serious? Not that Tina cared. The only thing she cared about was getting out of this house, away from him and from that creature. “I know what you must be thinking.” He stepped up.She stepped back.“What is he going to do?” He advanced on her.She maintained the distance of three stairs between them. “Is he going to hurt me?” Damon took another step up. “Is he going to rape or even kill me?” She had run out of stairs. She turned on her heel and was about to run down the hallway, when she bumped into something. She looked up and there he was, standing before her. “How did you --”He grabbed her arm, holding her in place. “But you see, if I intended to do any of that, I would have done it already.”“Then what do you want with me?” She tried to wiggle her arm out of his grasp. “You have something that I want.” His fingers crawled up her arm. “Something very special.”“What?”He smiled down on her, a soft, friendly smile that made him look like an innocent young boy. “Stay here, you have nothing to return to.” He gently caressed her shoulder. “I have been in your mind, I have seen how you live. Looking for a job, worrying about when the money your grandmother left you runs out and in the meantime trying to live as modestly as you can. I even felt your loneliness. Is this life?”Tina looked at those green eyes that knowingly waited for her reply. A beautiful face, such an innocent smile, but there was cruelty behind it, she could feel it, but she could also feel that that cruelty wasn’t directed at her, that if he conveyed any feeling at all toward her, it was... fondness. “Will you let me go, if I ask you to?”“I’m sorry, I can’t do that.”Why had she even asked? She bit her lip, chewing on it, before she spoke. “But what do you want? What is so special that I have and you want?”“A fragment of your soul.”

In the aftermath of their mother's death, Tyler, Sarah, and Benji Rose are sent to live with their grandfather in rural Colorado. Secrets lie just beneath the surface in their new home. As the three teens begin to unearth them, a world of magic is revealed- a world of both darkness and light, safety and peril, family and loneliness. Journey with the Rose siblings into the deepest heart of magic.It has been nearly a year since Tyler, Sarah, and Benji Rose lost their mother in a tragic accident. Unable to cope, they are sent to live with their Grandfather on a wildlife sanctuary in rural Colorado. Amidst their unresolved grief and resentment, they each have strange encounters that make them wonder exactly what kind of wildlife their Grandfather is protecting.When a secret world of cursed men, mythical beings, and mounting stacks of magical paperwork is revealed, the Rose siblings begin a journey into the heart of magic. One sibling will risk their life for a simple wish, another will save them, and one will see the darker side of magic that threatens them all.Comprised of family secrets, hidden legacies, and the power of the soul, Sanctuary is a truthful yet fantastical profile of one family’s quest to heal after surviving terrible loss.

Finally, Lacey Washburn is ready for the grand opening celebration of the Aspen Valley Inn. She has two problems. First, the dead man at the bottom of the stairs actually died seven years ago. Second, Lacey had sworn off men forever so why is she so interested in the handsome sheriff investigating the murder. Beautiful Colorado location, great characters.Finally, Lacey Washburn is ready for the grand opening celebration of the Aspen Valley Inn. She has two problems. First,the dead man at the bottom of the stairs actually died seven years ago. Second, Lacey had sworn off men forever so why is she so interested in the handsome sheriff investigating the murder. Beautiful Colorado scenery, warm characters and an intriguing plot. This is a novella of approximately 25,000 words and the first book in the Aspen Valley Inn Series. Over 100 5 stars ratings

Slowly, inexorably, the Striga, a mysterious blue owl from the Middle Kingdoms, gains control over young Coryn's mind. An then the unthinkable happens. The Band is banished from the Great Ga'Hoole Tree. The Striga institutes a harsh new regime that will not stop until learning itself-the very foundation of the tree-becomes suspect and books are consigned to flame. Somehow the Band must open Coryn's eyes to the Striga's malign influence. But how? They are in exile!

Karen rescues a sad, old pony from an "everything must go" estate sale, then has to find a solution for how to keep him.

This article explores the many mysteries that have surrounded the moon since antiquity, and the relationship of the moon with ancient cultures compared to modern man’s technology oriented life style and how the moon’s subtle influences in our daily lives effect us positively or adversely.A hidden kingdom in a forbidden forest. A realm she can’t escape without the trust of a mage. But trust and magic make complicated allies – when time is running out . . .When Lea escapes ruthless pursuers within the shadows of a dark forest, she unwittingly stumbles upon an enchanted kingdom. But Verlaine is not the sanctuary it appears to be. And when its magi sovereign refuses to let her leave, her encounters with strange sorcery and malicious fey become the least of Lea's problems.Soon, Lea must find a way to outwit Gabriel Amarinth’s web of enchantment without betraying who – and what – she really is; and before a traitor can destroy all she’s fought to protect in her beloved home kingdom of Lorien.

An eclectic collection of ten short stories and Micro-stories by author Miranda Mayer. They range from real life to fantasy and paranormal. A quick and easy read!'A Desirable End'A better life at last.‘Continuation’ A family affair ‘Food’Shocking Truth 'Her'Feeding a Myth.'Jacob'Welcomed Imposter.'Lace'Genteel Murder'She Finally Did It'ReliefThree Micro stories (150 words or less):NormalityInvisible GirlCamouflage

In this short story a lonely elderly widower is visited by his wife who passed away six years earlier. She guides him into the afterlife.Mad-Sci-Soc? It used to be a University club, a crazy one, but then it morphed into something else. Something that was not quite definable and definitely crazy. How do you solve all the problems facing civilisation: cyborgs out of control, super-powered vigilantes hogging the digital channels and keep your girl happy? There may be a parallel universe that did not start in New York, 2123; a universe that does not start with Mad-Sci-Soc and a broken fridge. But that is always the problem with disturbances in the space-time fabric; nothing makes sense except to the time traveller.

Liz’s dream job as a flight attendant soon becomes a nightmare–uncovering an industry-wide scandal, while battling to save her own sanity.Crash Position takes you around the world on a behind the scenes visit, revealing the secrets the airlines don’t want you to know.LIZ is excited about her new job at a prestigious international airline. She soon meets Tanya, who leads a clique of transnational traffickers operating as Cabin Crew. Tanya’s criminal gang, don’t balk at covering up a death, robbing passengers and beating drug detection. They enjoy their drunken layovers and the decadent rewards of their crime. Tanya wants Liz to join them, whether she wants to or not.

The huge tire on the freeway outside town is not an advertisement, as people think, but a vessel from another universe on a sinister mission. Can Amanda and her friends make it back out alive? The fate of the world might hinge on the outcome, or at least Melissa's fancy new bike. Book 3 of the "Time Before Color TV" seriesSheillene, a champion tournament archer, is setting out on her own for the first time and discovers she has other options than the life of an exhibition performer. Follow her as she learns the ups and downs of bounty-hunting and the trade of the bard. Faced with the choice, which profession will she ultimately choose?Also included in this tome are several short stories, some previously published and some new, that take place in the world of Mealth--the world where 'Sheillene', 'Of Maia's Mist', and 'The Nightstone' occur.

The Earth has changed and the Animals fear they are in grave danger. Who can Lion send to travel to the end of the Earth to save them? And who is brave enough to go on this important mission?THE GUARDIANS BEGINS... An alien race flee their dying world... Welcomed by the hails and emissaries of the League of Eight, The Crulla instead make their way through the systems they come across, seeking worlds not to live on, but where they can harvest the blood of the inhabitants. After their advance leads them to a League outpost, where they decimate the population, the League are forced to act; going to war against the rampaging alien species, who are making their way slowly to the unprotected Sollus system, and it’s one occupied planet… Earth!

Second Place in the 2009 P&E Readers' Poll! A Top Ten Finisher!Christopher’s dedicated his allegiance to the Church. But that’s before he meets Roxanne, his cousin’s betrothed. Aboard the ship appointed for the honeymoon voyage, he fears losing her not to his cousin, but to a barbaric pirate attack. Will he live long enough to confess she holds his heart?When down-on-his-luck private eye Eddie Whittaker wins $19 million in the lottery, he thinks his troubles are all over. The truth is, they're just beginning.His Lucky Day is a hard-boiled short story (2,800 words) that explores why nice guys -- or maybe not-so-nice ones -- finish last.

“So did you ever work out Dramble’s riddle?” | Elly shook her head, “No, even to this day it puzzles me!” | “How does it go again?” | “Out of your heart the tears I keep and when I am no longer, your knowledge is complete,” Elly recited verbatim. | “I think I just solved it.” | “Where?!”A distant rumble echoed up and down the steep green valley walls; then a gentle breeze rippled across the valley floor stirring a patchwork of yellow, pink and blue, making the colourful tall stems of happy flowers seem to giggle softly and sway gently in the giddying silence. Patches of blue sky peered around the tall cliffs, partially obscured by lazy clouds hanging deftly and close to the rocky peaks. A monolithic giant, draped in the royal green velvet of deep rainforest, towered high above the trail and stood guard over the entrance to the enchanting scene, making sure only the invited found the secret, narrow breach.Something was beckoning, tugging at her heart strings and drawing her onto the path, urging her to keep walking. Step by step the trail led her deeper into the valley, tantalising her senses with each guarded step and piquing her curiosity.Where was she?Suddenly, the valley erupted into whispered laughter, adorable impish laughter echoing across the valley floor and entangled among the swaying flowers. She searched around trying to identify the voices, but they remained shy and hidden from her view. Then the sky opened and a warm, gentle shower drizzled over her, flooding her mind with childish delight as she tasted drops of water sweeter than honey. The rain began to teem down on her and as it did, the impish laughter increased; she heard a giggle trickle over her tonsils and then an echoing laugh bubbled up from deep inside her and spilled out into the rain. In a moment of ecstasy, she peered up at the sky and the mountains surrounding her and twirled on the spot, pirouetting like a ballet dancer, lost in excited elation and sending her long gown whirling around her.As suddenly as it came, the rain stopped and a gentle breeze caressed her face, dancing with her, calling to her in a loving whisper, “Elly... Elly... come to me, pretty lady,” enticing her down into the valley while its call halted her ecstatic dance. The voice made her heart burn within her and she searched among the flowers until she saw a beautiful young man standing on the path, beckoning to her with an outstretched arm. She gazed at the gesture for a moment, hesitating and a little confused, but then his haunting green eyes peered into the depths of her heart and overpowered her emotions, gently pulling her towards him...A gentle, easy read that will captivate your heart and hold it prisoner as it pleads with every word to take you deeper into an enchanted world of mystery, valour, romance and redemption.“So did you ever work out Dramble’s riddle?”Elly shook her head. “No, even to this day it puzzles me!”“How does it go again?”“Out of your heart, the tears I keep and when I am no longer, your knowledge is complete,” Elly recited verbatim.“I think I just solved it.”“Where?!”

The short story series: The Blind Bat, The Bat Sisters, and The Bat Colony are short anecdotes featuring teen bats. Bebe is a totally blind insect bat who first finds herself in the company of fruit bats. Batina is a fruit bat with low vision who gets adopted into an insect bat family. Despite their differences, these angsty bats eventually learn to live together. Also, two book Previews featured!The short story series: The Blind Bat, The Bat Sisters, and The Bat Colony are short anecdotes featuring teen bats. Bebe is a totally blind insect bat who first finds herself in the company of fruit bats. Batina is a fruit bat with low vision who gets adopted into an insect bat family. In the first story, Bebe learns that all insect bats are blind and that she's no different from the rest. These angsty bats eventually learn to live together despite their differences. In this short publication,readers can sample other titles available and soon to be available by Amanda Bybee.

Queen of Sky Island is a coming of age story charged with fantasy, heroic adventure, and vividly imagined new worlds. It is a 21st century adaptation of a story by L. Frank Baum. The story reveals a young girl, Tara, who in her determined search for her military father becomes trapped on an actual island in the sky where she leads one other worldly army against anotherQueen of Sky Island is a coming of age story charged with fantasy, heroic adventure, and vividly imagined new worlds. It is a 21st century adaptation of a story by L. Frank Baum, the creator of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.Queen of Sky Island reveals a young girl, Tara, who in her determined search for her military father becomes trapped on an actual island in the sky where she leads one other worldly army against another.Tara’s faithful companions on this perilous adventure are Bobo, a brave young boy who possesses a flying umbrella, and Sgt. Rik, a resourceful disabled veteran who looks after Tara and her mother at their sea cliff cottage on the Earth. Through miscommunication, Tara and her companions arrive at Sky Island, a bizarre land divided between wildly different pink and blue territories. They are unfairly taken prisoner by the Boolooroo, the selfish and mean-spirited leader of the Blue people. Facing a horrible punishment known as “patching,” Tara and her companions escape and run for a thick fog bank that separates the two territories. With help from an unusual creature, they cross through the dense fog, and they are taken to the queen of the Pinkies. After surviving a near fatal test in this new realm, Tara shows what she is made of and rises to lead the Pinkies against the Blues in an attempt to defeat the Boolooroo.

Meet Jack provides a sneak peek into the first of the Acts of Justice series, Melancholy Jack. You'll meet Jack briefly through the eyes of Nina (his mother), Jason (his best friend), Allie (his wife) and Dr. Ellen Foster (his psychologist).Melancholy Jack, the first in the Acts of Justice Series, is available. The second book, And So He Plays His Part, is scheduled for release June 2015.In 2008 in east Charlotte, a man walks out of his house in the early evening hours and is never seen again. Then, eight years later, almost to the day, clues to his final resting place are accidentally discovered by a storm water crew working near a creek. A very bizarre suicide. Another one in the psecret psociety pshort pstory pseries.Based on a true story.Approx. 1300 words.Mr. Malloy: Not present.Sex: No.Violence: No.Drug usage: Suspected.Strangeness level: Extremely high.

A funny short story about an artist, Cyra O'Grady, her beautiful new extension, bumbling bureaucrats and disappointing friends, featuring plenty of idiots. Cyra contacts her boyfriend in the hope of some help and support, but he too is unable to help. However, things are not as they seem.Eventually she decides on a novel plan of action.Artist Cyra O'Grady is very pleased with her life, one might almost say smug, until that fateful day when a dumper truck, complete with idiot driving it, demolishes part of her new extension. Cyra's efforts to interest the police, fire service and council come to naught in a fog of incompetence and bureaucracy.Cyra is distraught until she thinks of her friends. Surely they will rally round to help her in this time of crisis. Won't they?

David’s new school-teacher Mrs Wigglit, begins each day with a fascinating fact about the Possum Road residents. Her stories are so incredible that David tries to visit each one of his neighbours after school, often with disastrous results. During David’s visits, the Nutty Neighbour’s various vehicles always seem to end up being bashed, smashed or even trashed.Fortunately, all damaged cars qualify for the BOTTOMHAMSTED VILLAGE MAIN EVENT.

Part 2 of the Reggie series. A true zombie road trip across the north of England. Logan wrestles with both the zombies and the monsters inside of himself while Lizzie recalls the fall of New York and the death of her best friend and love of her life, Jason Seven. She thought she has dealt with all the loss she could, but now must watch another friend die through the scope of her gun.Part two of the Reggie series. James Logan had been wrong. He had been wrong about Lizzie and what she had been through as the zombies ravaged the dead city of New York. He had been wrong about the CDC being able to produce enough of the Zolpidem cure to turn the zombie war back in their favor, and most of all, he had been wrong about himself. The battle for D.C had been long and hard. Losing the city meant losing all hope for a world wide cure in super-heating and dispersing a Zolpidem based cure. All the retired General, along with his partner, the tough as nails inner city cop Elizabeth Jones, can do is escape to England by air. There they find themselves on an arduous road trip across the English Countryside and Industrial North East while making for Russia - the only other world superpower known to be working on an alternative dispersal platform for the cure and the last hope for the human race. In the truest zombie road trip, Logan and Lizzie stop at nothing to help all those they meet on the way, while Logan's inner brutality and violence starts to manifest itself in tearing down anything that stands against them. So while Logan wrestles with the monster inside of himself and the zombies bringing about the end of the human race, Lizzie recalls the story of the fall of New York and the death of her best friend, Jason Seven. Lizzie, the raven haired, young, attractive cop, had thought she had learned how to deal with loss. Had thought she had learned how to deal with heartbreak. But now has to watch another true friend die through the scope of her rifle. Against the backdrop of General John Cygan's horrific revelation, only Russia stands as the hope of all mankind.

An ancient alien probe is discovered drifting in deep space and is taken aboard the battleship, 'Temperance'. Although it poses no military threat, the offensive nature of the symbols etched on the craft's hull, might just be enough to provoke a war.99.9% of boys born in Oadford are destined to fish, farm or build. Stan Pike falls into the other 0.1%. Not all boys are born equal. Stan Pike is the son of a fisherman, who lives with his father and elder brother in the remote fishing village of Oadford, set beneath the ominous looking Mount Smouldotion, home to the terrifying dragon, Gordon the Gruesome. Gordon created mayhem for the townsfolk for decades, but has not been seen for nearly a hundred years. All this changes however, when Stan, his elder brother Edgar and his best friend Marvin enter Gordon's lair, and an unfortunate blunder from the kind hearted but dim witted Marvin awakens the dragon, resulting in the devastating destruction of Oadford..The only way to save Stan's town is to find the mystical Emerald of Foundation, a magical emerald with the ability to construct anything. Stan joins a quest of brave town folk in the hunt to find the Emerald, but they are not alone in seeking the prize. Gustavo, the evil wizard, leads a fierce goblin army to the Emerald's resting place, as he seeks it to ensure world domination.The resulting race for the Emerald results in betrayal, sacrifice, heart break, booby traps, mass battles and heart pounding encounters, and is not to be missed!