Hertell Daggett has just discovered a time capsule. Only this one is full of people, and they’ve been living beneath his pet cemetery since 1963 due to some bad information they got about the end of the world. Hertell leads the duck-and-cover civilization into the glorious, mystifying, and often dismaying modern world. What could possibly go wrong?

At the cusp of the Post-American Age…

In CALIFORNIA TWILIGHT: Essays and Memories of The End of The Golden State, journalist and author Mark Cromer makes his case that decades of political malfeasance and journalistic corruption of the American media helped upend the California way of life. Part reporter’s notebook, part memoir and eulogy to The Golden State by a second-generation native, CALIFORNIA TWILIGHT is a collection of fast-paced columns and in-depth essays that shine a light on California’s struggles to address illegal immigration, urban overcrowding, and seemingly unrelenting crime.

CALIFORNIA TWILIGHT introduces readers to characters like Dr. Gene Rogers, Sacramento County’s former Medical Director of Indigent Health Services, who was fired after he exposed a scheme allegedly set up to provide illegal immigrants healthcare services at the expense of the most impoverished American citizens.

Cromer also takes readers inside the chaotic City of Pomona, where police discovered a low-bid janitorial service that hired illegal immigrants to clean city hall, literally providing them keys and unfettered access to city resident records. Cromer argues the system that allowed illegal immigrants this kind of access is a symbol of the jettisoning standards and safeguards that are meant to protect American citizens and workers.

CALIFORNIA TWILIGHT offers a compelling warning to the rest of the nation—before it’s too late.

Four unsuspecting souls are drawn into a miraculous experience with Jesus.

Josh, Hannah, Dave, and Larina become intertwined with each other and the story of Christ in this “gripping tale of suspense and redemption” (BookLife) as they face their personal tragedies, addictions, passions, and temptations:

… a budding musician living in the fast lane,
… an aspiring missionary using opioids to cope with family loss,
… a husband grappling with his marriage to a mentally ill spouse,
… an outspoken journalist in love with a married man.

Fans of THE SHACK (William P. Young) and anyone yearning for God’s peace and help will appreciate how MIRACLE AT ANGELS BEND brings the miracles and teachings of Jesus to life amidst raw, unfiltered, modern life challenges.

Set in the fictional town of Angels Bend and inspired by actual events, this masterfully woven blend of creative nonfiction and fiction delivers a contemporary, relatable experience with Christ. The creative “story within a story” design reflects the author’s award-winning, decades-long expertise in designing engaging, uplifting learning resources.

MIRACLE AT ANGELS BEND is suited for individual enjoyment or group discussions; teen readers or adults; new Christians or lifelong disciples. A free, printable Facilitator Guide is available to support Christian study groups and churches who use the book as a resource to apply the life and teachings of Jesus in today’s complex world.

Buy now and step into Angels Bend with this 2024 NYC Big Book Award Winner and 2024 International Book Award Finalist. Watch His miraculous power as you forge a deeper connection to Christ in your own life.

Discover why critics are raving about Miracle at Angels Bend:

“A gripping tale of suspense and redemption . . . offering fresh insights and perspectives, especially about how the narratives intersect with the messy, complex realities of life.” — BookLife Reviews (straight A production grades)

“A page-turning and heartfelt novel . . . a refreshingly straightforward and reality-focused example of Christian fiction, convincingly depicting everyday people with everyday problems.” — Kirkus Reviews

“Transcends the typical Christian inspirational novel . . . an imaginative integration of scriptural events, vividly brought to life in a modern setting . . . packed with inspiration and spiritual wisdom.” — Readers’ Favorite Book Reviews

“A masterfully woven story of struggle, community, and hope that will connect to every reader. Although the story is fictional, the truths are biblical, eternal, and well-applied to modern life. Perfect for personal reflection or to use as a discussion starter in a small group setting.” — Dr. Tim Riordan, pastor and bestselling author of New Every Morning: A 31-Day Devotional and Songs from the Heart

I know many people simply shook their heads when they knew the life we lived. They simply shrugged their shoulders and couldn’t understand how we did it. They wouldn’t trade their lives for ours ever. But I sure loved it. I loved being your mom. I loved waking up every day with my first thought being you. Before I even could think much, I knew I had to get you out of bed, get you ready for the day, get you your medications, give you a bath, do your vest treatment, and the list goes on. You depended on me to live. It was a huge honor and responsibility. It was the most meaningful thing I have ever done in my life.

Jacob, I love you to the moon and back,
Love, Mom

Maria Hopfgarten’s son Jacob was born on January 31, 2006. He was the most perfect baby boy she had ever seen. But Jacob had devastating health issues, culminating in a diagnosis of mitochondrial disease, a fatal condition.

In the ten short years of Jacob’s life, Maria found strength in blogging about Jacob’s life. Her posts have been gathered into this book along with Maria’s tips for parents coping with their own grief of losing a child.