by L.J. Epps

3.5 stars – 11 reviews

Text-to-Speech and Lending: Enabled

Here’s the set-up:

A young adult, fantasy novel about a teenager who is the last eighteen-year-old in her territory. There will never be another child; every baby born after her has been taken away. Everyone wonders why she survived.

Emma Whisperer was born in 2080, in the small futuristic world of Craigluy. President Esther, in charge for the last twenty-two years, has divided their world into three territories, separated by classes—the rich, the working class, and the poor—because she believes the poor should not mingle with the others. And, the poor are no longer allowed to have children, since they do not have the means to take care of them.

Any babies born, accidentally or willfully, are killed. Emma is the last eighteen-year-old in her territory; every baby born after her has died. Somehow, she survived this fate.

During the president’s Monday night speech, she announces a party will be held to honor the last child in the territory, Emma Whisperer. Emma must read a speech, expressing how happy she is to be the last eighteen-year-old.

Emma doesn’t like the rules; she doesn’t believe in them. So, she feels she must rebel against them. Her family doesn’t agree with her rebellion, since they are hiding a big secret.

If this secret gets out, it will be disastrous, and deadly, for her family.

During Emma’s journey, she meets—and becomes friends with—Eric. He is one of the guards for the president. She also befriends Samuel, another guard for the president, who is summoned to watch over her. As Emma meets new people, she doesn’t know who she can trust. Yet, she finds herself falling for a guy, something which has never happened before.

After doing what she feels is right, Emma finds herself in imminent danger.

In the end, she must make one gut-wrenching decision, a decision that may be disastrous for them all.

“Fans of dystopian fantasy will devour this book. L. J. Epps writes a story that, while dealing with heavy subject matter, is still a light, enjoyable read. This dystopian fantasy novel ignites the imagination, and is a must read for fans of The Hunger Games and the Divergent Trilogy.”
—Kristina Gemmell,
Beta Reader

 

by Nagham AB

4.8 stars – 5 reviews

Text-to-Speech and Lending: Enabled

Here’s the set-up:

Excerpts of Things I Will Never Say is the first book by Nagham AB.

This book is a collection of short excerpts and poems that emphasize the incoherent and unclear thoughts and feelings that one had, or might stumble upon during the journey of their life. This book explores life and feelings from my own perspective; from a mind that over thinks too much and a heart that feels too deep. It touches on topics such as love and hate, families and friendships, insecurities, hopes and regrets, life and death.

Excerpts of Things I Will Never Say reaches out to those who might have similar situations or might go through them one day.

And for those people, I say: you are not alone!

by Asaf Shani

4.9 stars – 13 reviews

Here’s the set-up:

Jade loves playing with her toys. She spends hours playing with them but, somehow, she doesn’t seem to take care of them…

Join Jade and her father and see how, in a creative, gentile and empowering way, Jade understands what responsibility means in regarding her toys.

Asaf Shani is the father of three girls. In the last 15 years, he has worked with thousands of people worldwide to help them improve their conflict management skills. Asaf’s clients often tell him, “If only I would have known these life skills 30 years ago …” and “Why wasn’t I taught this stuff when I was a kid?”

These remarks, usually accompanied with a sigh, were the motivation for Asaf to write “Jade’s Life Skills Series”—a series of books intended to facilitate a discussion between parents and their children about all those latent and vitally important life skills.

Learning Responsibility is the Second book in “Jade’s Life Skills Series.” In this book, the very important subject of responsibility is dealt in a kid friendly way.

by Bernard Mann

4.5 stars – 13 reviews

Text-to-Speech and Lending: Enabled

Here’s the set-up:

This telling of the life and times of David the king goes well beyond the typical story line, into the exploration of little known story arcs — the adoption by David of the Hittites’ compound bow and large archer companies enabled Israel to throw off Philistine domination. His friendship with Hiram of Tyre and other rulers led to never-broken peace and successful maritime engagements with the Phoenicians. His willingness to help defend Canaanite Taanach signaled peace with Canaanites and his marriage with Maacah allowed peace with Geshur, other peoples of the north. Even more striking was his respect for women writers, including Judith, who wrote much of the books of Genesis and Exodus (See Bloom’s the Book of J), and Seraiah (my name for this author), who wrote the Book of Ruth. The roles of Bathsheba in Palace affairs and Maacah in her tragic sorrow over son Avshalom’s (Absalom’s) rebellion are illuminating. All in all, this saga is one of high drama and warm insights into personal and national life in ancient Israel.

by Bert Sarkkinen

5.0 stars – 8 reviews

Lending: Enabled

Here’s the set-up:

Post & Beam Timber Framing Uncovered!

Full timber framing is a thing of the past, generally speaking. The art of hybrid timber framing is a must read for owners, architects, and builders who want to influence the look and feel of their projects using exposed beam construction. Hybrid timber framing utilizes post & beam as well as modern & historical timber framing systems to create the ideal timber experience in a home or structure. Design is not held back by the constraints of traditional stick-built homes, or full timber frames. With this flexibility, the design must be carefully considered before the build starts.

With Hybrid Timber Framing, your options are many, but initial decisions have a massive impact on final result and satisfaction. This book educates owners, builders and architects on the decisions that must be covered during the design and planning stage. It is rich with ideas imagery and instruction to jumpstart your inspiration and planning.

However, this book is not for people who cannot or are unwilling to take a little time to learn and focus their efforts on the key things which will make or break the success of their timber building projects. It is a collection of high level techniques, ideas, and tips to avoid common pitfalls and ensure you get what you want with an enjoyable process.

Naturally, timbers and exposed beams have outsized impact on the aesthetics of building projects. Adding timbers without weighing the structural and aesthetic impacts can be worse than doing nothing and will magnify any awkward imbalances.

For rustic homes, beautiful structures, shops, pavilions, car canopies…the timber options are endless. Timber joinery and construction techniques create masterful look and structural integrity.

This guide will help you plan and build it right the first time! Important topics to consider include:

• How to achieve optimized beauty by first defining ugly
• Where to draw the line with hybrid timber framing
• Seven chapters portraying diverse and unique timber styles
• How to avoid the over simplified “Hail Mary” approach
• How to accurately predict in the cost of hybrid timber framing

Arrow Timber Framing Owner, Bert Sarkkinen, is the son of a carpenter who developed a passion and knack for building at a young age. He has experienced multiple challenges in this craft through “trials by fire” to become the visionary and chief designer he is today at Arrow Timber Framing.

He is especially proud of his design, production and manufacturing team who he credits to the ongoing growth and company success.

This book provides the crucial knowledge needed for every phase of the project from planning to completion. This guide will help you protect your financial investment and optimize the look of post and beam construction.

“This is the most comprehensive planning guide to help you protect your timber investment and gain long-term project satisfaction to be enjoyed by future generations. We wish you much success as you create unique, artistic and beauty for your next timber project.”