Nana and the “c” is a book for all ages and all cultures as it is about family and the ability to support a loved one through the challenges of cancer. It is told from a seven-year-old’s perspective as she gathers the courage to face her grandmother’s illness and learns that her irritating younger sister is perhaps smarter than she seems. Together they also learn how to conquer their biggest fear and replace worry with wonder.
The story is uplifting and often humorous while symbolizing hope. It will make readers of all ages laugh, cry, and remember their own childhood and the relationships and events that influenced who they have become. The goal of this story is to help children through health crises in their family. The illustrator, editor and designer donated their time to help with the project in order to make possible the donation of copies of the book to waiting rooms of cancer clinics.
Thank you so much for your generosity. We’re donating books to hospitals and children’s centers. Anywhere people might benefit from an uplifting story dealing with cancer.
Doris Schneider is an artist, scene designer, writer, and educator. She taught at William Carey University and was a tenured professor of theatre at North Carolina Central University. She published two novels: Borrowed Things and By Way of Water.
After her own bout with breast cancer, she wrote this story based on a real event with her granddaughters. While the illustrator, Wenhai Ma, was teaching at Duke University, the two became long term friends—culminating in their collaboration on Nana and the “c”.
Meet the Illustrator:
Wenhai Ma - American-Chinese scene designer, illustrator and educator. He was granted tenured professorship at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He graduated from the Central Academy of Drama, China and Carnegie Mellon University, USA. He has taught at Duke University, University of Nebraska Lincoln, Purdue University and the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, the Central Academy of Drama, China and the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, Singapore. He is the author of Scene Design Rendering and Media (Focus Publishing, USA) and illustrator for 10 children's picture books in the US. He has designed sets and costumes for various dramas, operas and musicals in the United States, China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan and Indonesia. His first novel Such An Enchanted Night was published in Taiwan, 2017.
The highly anticipated third installment in the WITCHES OF ROSE LAKE Series is almost here!!
Hunted by Them
(Witches of Rose Lake Series, bk 3)
by Lia Davis
Blurb:
Run, Cassia!
I’ve dreaded my sister’s telepathic warning since the day she left me in the care of the Carter Moon Pack.
They’re coming for you.
Now, I’m an animal to be hunted down. All because the Council fears the power that runs in my veins.
Because I’m a hybrid witch and wolf. It doesn’t matter that father is a councilman.
The council’s hunters are closing in, and I’m running out of options. When I stand my ground and face them, I’m no match for the four alpha males that flood my senses with desires too strong to ignore.
I have a choice to make.
Stay and fight, or keep running.
Hunted by Them is the third installment of the paranormal, reverse harem Witches of Rose Lake series.
In 2008, Lia Davis ventured into the world of writing and publishing and never looked back. She has published more than thirty books, including the bestselling A Tiger’s Claim, book one in her fan favorite Ashwood Falls series. Her novels feature compassionate yet strong alpha heroes who know how to please their women and her leading ladies are each strong in their own way. No matter what obstacle she throws at them, they come out better in the end.
While writing was initially a way escape from real world drama, Lia now makes her living creating worlds filled with magic, mystery, romance, and adventure so that others can leave real life behind for a few hours at a time.
Lia’s favorite things are spending time with family, traveling, reading, writing, chocolate, coffee, nature and hanging out with her kitties. She and her family live in Northeast Florida battling hurricanes and very humid summers, but it’s her home and she loves it!
Deadly Ground by Thomas W. Starbuck and Judy Belshe-Toernblom Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc. (April 4, 2018) Category: Fantasy, Romance, Science Fiction Lite, Post Apocalyptic Tour dates: October-November, 2018 ISBN: 978-1641401678 Available in Print and ebook, 157 pages Deadly Ground a riveting story about the human race under threat, with a rare DNA condition providing a second chance for humanity. A fast-paced novel that reads like an apocalypse movie with a biological viral disease, some romance, and aliens in the mix, centered on the unforgettable human main character AB, who becomes the hope for humanity's regeneration. By author Thomas W. Starbuck, whose storyline for Deadly Ground was adapted and written by Judy Belshe-Toernblom.
Trailer Deadly Ground by Thomas W. Starbuck
and Judy Belshe-Toernblom
Praise Deadly Ground by Thomas W. Starbuck and Judy Belshe-Toernblom
Great concept...makes you think. Could history be repeating itself? Fast read. Anxious for the sequel.- Peggy Holder, Amazon "A really good book and definitely a page-turner. I really liked the characters which is so important to me when I read a book. And the story really makes you think a lot about the things that are going on around us throughout the world. This was a different type of book than I normally read, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. This book has something for so many readers interests ñ some fantasy, some romance, some sci-fi. It's also a quick read. I'm looking forward to the author's sequel to 'Deadly Ground'."-Tamara,-Amazon Review
Praise Boonville Redemption:
The End Of The Beginning by Judy Belshe-Toernblom
Unique and wonderful on multiple levels. Told from a dog's point of view, the tale of love, betrayal, and ultimate redemption is woven in a tapestry of beautiful description, colorful history and memorable characters. Set in the quaint town of Boonville, Anderson Valley, Northern California, the book resurrects Boontling, the valley-specific, and near- lost language of Boonville's earliest settlers. It's a great read that will draw you into the quieter, gentler times, captivate you with the lush scenery, prompt you to curse or cheer the townsfolk of 1800s Boonville. - J. Helen Elza, Amazon A touching story about the good and evil that is part of the human experience. The characters inspire one to think about forgiveness and redemption. Very engaging and beautifully written. Loved reading it. So good I wanted the story to continue! -Garden Girl, Amazon
Opulence in every
space of his home was an accurate description of AB’s lifestyle. From his
lavish Tuscan kitchen to his media room festooned with all the latest gadgets.
He must always have the best, top-of-the- line, and there should always be a
way to improve it, whatever it might be.
There was
uncompromising quality, design, and craftsmanship in everything he owned. Every
detail from the high ceilings to the beautifully inlaid floors and exquisite
moldings in every room. He was a master at details. His worldwide travels had
culturally enriched him beyond the average guy. He brought into his home the
beauty he had seen around the world and incorporated it into his life and home.
His California
home was perched high on the hills overlooking the northern Pacific Ocean.
Rustic, magnificent, and equipped with all the modern amenities. The crown of
his home was the fantastic unobstructed view of the northern Pacific Ocean. In
the summer he viewed the vista through enormous glass doors that collapsed and
folded into themselves, bringing the outdoors inside. In the winter, he would
daydream out the same doors with a warm cup of coffee in his hand. At those
moments, it seemed that all his cares drifted away. Having this unhindered view
to the ocean year-round made him feel like he was gazing into infinity, and for
those brief moments, he was satisfied.
Outside his home
was even more exterior evidence of how he thought a person should live
peacefully and without want. The stunning, lush landscaped yard was park-like.
It included a pool, spa, fountains, spacious private patio areas, and an
expansive grassy yard. To go along with that he had created an organic garden,
and a hothouse. He could have charged admittance to the public to see all of
this if he was not such a sociophobe. It seemed that he was always in a
building frenzy. He was never finished.
With all the
romance that he had built around him for the eye to visualize, he had yet to
find a woman to share it with. Not one that could put up with him on a
long-term basis anyway. His intellect was higher than most on the planet, but
his emotions ran deep.
Call it what you
will: DNA, genetic, learned, or just a reality check from having a heart attack
in his thirties; he had developed a compulsion to write down his thoughts in a
journal at the end of each day. Every shelf in his den showed his varied
degrees in education, assorted medical books, studies on viruses, some awards,
record albums, and dozens of journals.
A Frederick
Remington’s bronze sculpture was placed on a nearby table. Next to it, in
direct contrast, was an empty Coca-Cola can-struction. Leaned up against the
wall were several paintings by various famous artists waiting to be hung. The
amazing house always was in flux. Proving that we were always one step away
from the sublime to the ridiculous in AB’s world.
On his desk were
family pictures of a young AB with his younger brother in their mother’s
garden. AB’s garden was an embellished version of his mother’s. In another
picture was a young AB standing with his father in front of his DC-3.
Stacked next to
them were old newspaper clippings. The headlines read that his entire family
had been killed in an airplane crash, leaving him as the young heir to the
family’s fortune. Sitting on top of the articles was a book of poems that
belonged to his mother.
One of his
journals lay open on his desk next to a notice from the IRS blazoned in their
favorite shade of red. Most people knew what AB did for a living, where he
went, and how he lived. But no one knew his thoughts or what made him tick
other than what they had heard him talk about. His journal revealed the inward
workings of AB.
I think this was a really good book with a cool concept. It is a really fast read and the characters can be relatable which is a great feat for such a short story. The story gets you thinking about things going on around you and as to whether history is really repeating itself and how things are going in the world. This is a different read for me as I’m normally an urban fiction or romance reader, but this was refreshing and makes me wonder what other sci-fi books I may be missing out on by not reading them. I give it 4 shields!
About Thomas W. Starbuck
Thomas W. Starbuck, an eternal optimist, finds joy in everything around him ñ from quality time with his active family to quiet meditation and contemplation about the world around him. Never living life in the status quo, Tom had an idea for a story. This spark of an idea for a screenplay turned into TomÃs first novel, 'Deadly Ground', published in April 2018. To give Deadly Ground the soul it needed, Tom worked with gifted writer, Judy Belshe-Toernblom, on both the screenplay and novel, and they were recognized by the 2018 Capital Fund Screenplay Competition Top 100. Tom is the father of two daughters and a beloved granddaughter, who one of the Deadly Ground characters was named after. He lives with his wife of 45 years in Des Moines, Iowa, where he graduated from Drake University and worked in financial services for 32 years prior to retirement in 2009. Website: http://www.twstarbuck.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TWStarbuck-523048831464185/ Twitter:†https://twitter.com/TStarbuckAuthor
About Judy Belshe-Toernblom
Multi-talented Judy Belshe-Toernblom has spent her career as an award-winning writer/producer/casting director in Hollywood. Having published 5 books, Judy received the Dove Foundation Award for her book, Boonville Redemption: The End of the Beginning, as well as its film, Boonville Redemption, starring Pat Boone, Edward Asner and Diane Ladd. Working with Thomas W. Starbuck on both the screenplay and published novel, Deadly Ground, they were recognized by the 2018 Capital Fund Screenplay Competition Top 100. She also received the Irwin Award for her book, It's A Freeway Out There! Everyone's Guide to the Film and Commercial Industry. She's had the privilege of working with award-winning directors over the years, casting for movies, educational films, industrials and infomercials,† such as:† McGruff the Crime Dog series, How the West Was Lost (Cable Ace Award), Knotts Berry Farm, Oroweat, Disney educational projects, Boys and Girls Town PSAs, Will Rogers Institute PSAs, and 100s more. Website: http://boonvilleredemption.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Boonville-Redemption-617980531559265/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/BoonvilleFilm
Buy Deadly Ground by Thomas W. Starbuck and Judy Belshe-Toernblom
Giveaway Deadly Ground by Thomas W. Starbuck and Judy Belshe-Toernblom
This giveaway is for the winner Ãs choice of one print or ebook copy of the book. Print is open to the U.S. only and ebook is available worldwide. This giveaway ends November 30, 2018, midnight pacific time. Entries are accepted via Rafflecopter only.
Raven returns to her childhood home to rebuild her severed relationship with her father. After a long year of capturing violent criminals and thwarting assassination plots, she could use a vacation.
But trouble is brewing on the home front. When Raven discovers her father is in financial peril, she’s determined to set things right even if it means sacrificing her heart in the process. Meanwhile, her relationship with Christian is on shaky ground when a skeleton falls out of his closet. Will they be able to leave the past behind, or is the trust between them dead and buried?
When the bonds of love are put to the test, only the courageous will prevail.
Dannika Dark is the USA Today Bestselling Author of Urban Fantasy Romance and Paranormal Romance books. Her books have sold more than 2 million copies worldwide, and she is a 2016 Audie Awards finalist. In addition to writing about supernatural worlds, Dannika is passionate about graphic design and creates all her own covers and series art. When not writing in her cave, she enjoys indie music, reading, Netflix, heaps of chocolate, and unleashing her dark side.
Nana and the “c” is a book for all ages and all cultures as it is about family and the ability to support a loved one through the challenges of cancer. It is told from a seven-year-old’s perspective as she gathers the courage to face her grandmother’s illness and learns that her irritating younger sister is perhaps smarter than she seems. Together they also learn how to conquer their biggest fear and replace worry with wonder. 
Wenhai Ma - American-Chinese scene designer, illustrator and educator. He was granted tenured professorship at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He graduated from the Central Academy of Drama, China and Carnegie Mellon University, USA. He has taught at Duke University, University of Nebraska Lincoln, Purdue University and the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, the Central Academy of Drama, China and the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, Singapore. He is the author of Scene Design Rendering and Media (Focus Publishing, USA) and illustrator for 10 children's picture books in the US. He has designed sets and costumes for various dramas, operas and musicals in the United States, China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan and Indonesia. His first novel Such An Enchanted Night was published in Taiwan, 2017.
