First book in the four book USA Today bestselling Magnolia Steele Mystery series by the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Denise Grover Swank.

Ten years ago, Magnolia Steele fled Franklin, Tennessee after an incident that left her with hazy memories and a horror of the place where she had been born and bred. Though her abrupt departure destroyed most of her treasured relationships, she vowed never to return . . . until she has no choice. When Magnolia’s breakout acting role in a Broadway musical ends in disgrace, there’s only one place she can go. She finds herself on her momma’s porch, suitcase in hand.

Drama follows Magnolia around like a long lost friend. She reluctantly agrees to help her momma’s catering company at a party for a country music star, only to find herself face-to-face with a sleazy music agent from her past. After a very public spat, Magnolia not only finds him dead but herself center stage in the police’s investigation. Now she must scramble to prove her innocence, relying on the help of acquaintances old and new.

But the longer Magnolia stays in Franklin, the more she remembers about the big bad incident that chased her away. The past might not be finished with her yet, and what she doesn’t remember could be her biggest danger.

The young Thean Spire leads an enviable life. Set to inherit his uncle’s coveted position as puppet master of a powerful galactic syndicate, he wants for nothing… except an opportunity to prove he’s more than a lucky heir.

He becomes even more determined to forge his own path when exposed secrets force him to take an uncertain future in the Crucible, an elite military academy where the best element-wielding warriors in the galaxy are trained. Failure means admitting he isn’t destined for the greatness that he had once been so certain of attaining. Failure means living a life more susceptible to the influences of those who wish to control him. Success means facing the worst of what the known and unknown universe has to offer.

After the shock and trauma of a loved one’s unexpected death, grief and loss can be devastating and confusing. Especially when we are unfamiliar with grief and the grieving process. You’re probably looking for grief support for yourself or a friend or family member, and you want to better understand what you’re going through emotionally, physically and mentally while grieving the sudden death of a loved one.

That’s exactly what author Cindi Brown experienced when her sister Jan died unexpectedly from a stroke at the age of 56, and that’s why she wrote this gentle guide.

After Jan died, Cindi had a deep need to understand what she and her family were going through. While there were many books and articles on grief, and the stages of grief, she couldn’t find the short book of explanations and reassurances she desperately needed in those early, dark days.

Unable to find a compassionate overview explaining what she was feeling/thinking, Cindi decided to write this small grief handbook with the intention of helping others understand what happens to them and their loved ones as they come to terms with the awful truth, and as they eventually begin the recovery process.

Two young boys are caught up in the world of fighting. Problems between pretty girls and guys are the catalyst for the fights.

In the story violence or bullying is a matter of everyday life. There is real fighting and suffering. There are victims but no heroes. Bullying and fighting are the featured story. Fighting organizations and bullies combine to put a stranglehold on an entire community. Names and races of those in the story are changed. This is not a feel good book.

Ninety percent of the book is the story. About ten percent is practical advice. As a practical matter, many people enjoy fighting for theater. This book is that too. Thus, those not interested in bullying and fighting issues may find the book interesting. The book is a journey to experience a fight.

The feature story provides a nice window to look at fighting and bullying issues. Martial art concepts of eliminating fighting and stopping bullying are on display.

Fighters are not exonerated or extolled. Fighting and bullying are topics which are addressed in meaningful ways. Limitations and productiveness of fighting are issues, and both are thoughtfully discussed. The feature story provides prerogatives to enable a better understanding of bullying and fighting issues.

Stopping bully behavior can be extraordinarily difficult. This story is no exception because it took five years to stop bullying around a handful of young beautiful girls. Accuracy in describing social conditions around fighting and bullying is the intent of the manuscript. Advice to stop bullying behavior is provided.

Profanity in the book is minimal. Some words are highlighted with asterisks in order to allow the book to be readable for a youthful audience. Profanity is only used in rare exceptions where no other explanation completes the narrative. There is no explicit sexual material in the book, but sex was a factor in living conditions. Sex is only mentioned because it was a catalyst for fighting, and the topic is handled with extreme care and caution.