A Life Through Books

Children's Book

Date Published: September 11, 2024

Discover an unforgettable journey of faith, adventure, and life lessons with The Dream of Glory, a heartwarming Christian story that the whole family will cherish. George, a devoted father, along with his wife, guides their two lively children, Emily and Emmanuel, through the excitement and challenges of life, teaching them about safety and instilling a strong foundation of faith in Jesus.

Set against the backdrop of thrilling adventures and moments of suspense, this story introduces readers to the family's courageous encounters with danger-including fierce wolves-and the power of unity and faith that sees them through. As George shares essential lessons about being aware of their surroundings, young readers will not only be entertained but also educated on important safety principles.

Written by J.J. Luna, a nurse and loving father from Yucaipa, California, The Dream of Glory is his first published book, inspired by personal challenges and his passion for guiding children through both excitement and learning. Perfect for children aged 3 to 12, this book is crafted to captivate young minds, enrich their faith in Jesus, and teach them invaluable lessons about awareness and resilience.

Give your child an inspiring tale filled with family values, the teachings of Jesus, and adventures that will keep them turning the pages. The Dream of Glory is a perfect addition to any Christian family's library.

About the Author

J.J. Luna is an author, devoted father, and seasoned healthcare professional living in the picturesque town of Yucaipa, California. With over 12 years of experience as a licensed vocational nurse (LVN), J.J. has dedicated his life to caring for others and spreading joy through laughter and compassion. Beyond his career, he is actively involved in his community, coaching his son’s coed U10 soccer team and fostering a spirit of teamwork and fun.

Driven by his passion for family, faith, and storytelling, J.J. Luna embarked on his first literary journey with The Dream of Glory, a Christian children’s book that intertwines adventure, life lessons, and spiritual teachings. Inspired by personal challenges and a deep desire to guide young readers, J.J. created this tale to encourage safety awareness and strengthen children’s faith in Jesus.

When he’s not writing or working, J.J. enjoys spending time with his family, exploring the outdoors, and making meaningful connections with those around him.

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In Search of His Palace, His Family, Homer, the War, and the Bronze Age Mediterranean

Nonfiction

Date Published: October 30, 2024

Publisher: Mindstir Media

The Bronze Age Mediterranean, 3200 1200 BC, was a period of high movement, intrigue, and warfare. In this book, the author, through extensive research with "Boots on the Ground," provides a new, cohesive, and comprehensive view of that age, the evolution of the Greeks into the Mediterranean, the kings and commander with their fortresses and palaces, and capped in the final years with Homer's war, "The Greatest War Story Ever Told." He describes not only how the Greek hero Achilles and events of that war leave a lasting legacy but also weaves in five generations of the family of Achilles, the truth about Homer and his war, and solves the mystery of the palace site of Achilles and his father Peleus. Excavations of Troy from 1871 to the present are revealed as are the discovered clay tablets of the Hittites identifying numerous wars at Troy and along the Aegean Sea in western Anatolia. The ultimate collapse of the Bronze Age and its kingdoms brings this author's epic saga to its final conclusion, the devastation of that end period harboring ominous signs for our own world today.

Early Reviews

A general reader, Jason Breyer, Palm Harbor, FL, working with the UPS, said of the book, "I couldn't put the book down. I was absorbed in fact versus myth and I had to keep on reading."

A Publishing Director, Danielle Allan, Boston, MA, with Mindstir Media, stated, "Your manuscript is fascinating. The book captures powerful storytelling while leading the reader through your adventures and combining them with legendary stories."

Another reader, Alexander Lardis, Annapolis, MD, a Senior Scientist (retired) with the U. S. Government, said, "The research is phenomenal, well-documented, and with a wealth of information. It was fascinating. I left feeling I had read a great story."

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Gay Romance Novella

Date Published: December 6, 2024

Taking chances is what Alexander lives for – especially when it comes to love.

Alexander’s a man of uncommonly happy disposition. His luck always holds true, and he takes chances with cheerful abandon. When he sees a Christmas Eve wedding running amok and a hot best man in need of help before Bridezilla goes boom, it’s second nature for him to step in and lend a hand -- especially with regard to the delectable best man, Noah. He’ll offer that one anything he needs -- a hand, a mouth, an… ahem.

And why not? The way Alexander sees it, he’s having fun and earning good karma -- and he might just already be falling in love.

Excerpt

Copyright ©2024 Will Okati

If a man acted as if he belonged in any given place, people usually didn’t ask questions. Alexander took the steps at an easygoing pace and casually strolled to the lovely man’s side. “Need a hand?”

“I could use three, to be honest.” Pretty eased a double stack of linen napery on a bare table and stretched his arms, pulling each at the wrists to release the cramped muscles. Alexander could massage those for him, but… later. “Do I know you?”

Beauty and brains. “Not in the least,” Alexander replied, twinkling at him. “I was passing by and thought I’d see if Good Samaritans were still in style.”

Pretty rubbed his arms as he gave Alexander a once-over of bemusement and perhaps a bit of appreciation. “At least you’re honest. If you promise not to take off with a box of table favors or hit on one of the bridesmaids, then be my guest. I’m serious about the bridesmaids. I love my sister -- the bride -- but if one more thing sends her off the deep end --”

Alexander laughed. “Don’t worry. About the bride or the bridesmaids.” He winked. “They aren’t what caught my eye.”

“Is that a fact?” Pretty’s cheeks turning faintly pink, and the appearance of a small smile gave him away. “That makes two of us.”

“You’re honest, too. And beautiful.”

The pink darkened to crimson. “And you’re a flatterer.” That would have been worrisome if he hadn’t grinned at him and pushed one-half of the napery Alexander’s way. “If you’re sure you want to get involved in the madness… then you can be my guest.”

“You can trust me,” Alexander said, ripe with confidence. “Watch.” He took the top cloth off the stack and gave it a good snap, meant to send a long cloth billowing out.

It would have been more impressive if said cloth hadn’t turned out to be a dinner napkin.

Pretty burst into laughter. “I have to keep you now. I wouldn’t be able to live with myself if I turned you out to wreak havoc on general society.” His cheeks remained pink and his blue eyes lambent. He offered his hand. “Noah McMasters. Call me Noah.”

Alexander took Noah’s hand. A very nice hand it was, too, slim and smooth but firm. “Alexander.”

A hint of dimples enriched Noah’s smile. “Just Alexander?”

“I have a surname, but I’ll make you work for that one.” Alexander winked at Noah -- the name fit him as well as a tailored glove, small and lovely -- and draped the napkin over his arm. He clicked his heels together and bowed from the waist. “Right now, I await your command. Tell me what you want from me and I’m yours.”

Noah ran him over with an assessing gaze, and no, “ran him over” wasn’t hyperbole. Technically, yes, but the sense of his taking Alexander’s measure left Alexander feeling as if he’d been subjected to the tender mercies of a steamroller with amorous intentions.

Amorous, though, that was good. And clever. That was better.

“What would you have done if I’d told you that I didn’t need help?”

Alexander gave that the consideration it was due; precisely half a second. “I’d have tried my luck down a different road that led to the same place, because if all this has to get laid out before the wedding, which I’m guesstimating is less than an hour or two away --” he waited for Noah’s nod --”you need the help. So why not? And if you want me to hit the road instead, all you have to do is say. I’ll wish you well and be on my way.”

Noah snorted delicately. “I actually believe you, and that makes you different from at least seventy-five percent of the guys I’ve known.”

“Wait.” Alexander dropped his handful of cutlery with a clatter. “How many of those guys --?”

“One ‘no really means yes, doesn’t it?’ was all it took,” Noah said. “I push the rest out at arm’s length as soon as I know what I’m dealing with. I’m pretty and I’m small, but I learn quickly, I’m sneaky and I’m fast and I don’t fight by the Marquis of Queensbury rules.” He laughed. “Look at you. I can tell what’s going through your head right now, you know. Where do I find them and how do I hurt them?”

“If you’d ever let me finish a sentence, I might confirm that.”

“I find preempting the obvious saves time and I take it as a personal challenge.”

Noah hefted the crate that looked far too heavy for him onto his hip and nodded toward the tables. “I’ll say leave the linens alone, but if you’re determined to lend a hand, then get lending. Follow behind me and lay out the candles and other claptrap. Deal?”

“Aye, aye, sir.”

“Sir. I could get used to that. Come on, this way. We’ll start at the end and work our way up. I like to take my time and do it right.”

“No sense in not bringing your A-game if the situation calls for it.”

Noah chuckled. “You’re adorable when you try to flirt.” He separated the napkins from the tablecloths and handed Alexander half. “Are you coming?”

Yes, and probably very soon.

About the Author

Willa Okati (AKA Will) is made of many things: imagination, coffee, stray cat hairs, daydreams, more coffee, kitchen experimentation, a passion for winter weather, a little more coffee, a whole lot of flowering plants and a lifelong love of storytelling. Will's definitely one of the quiet ones you have to watch out for, though he -- not she anymore -- is a lot less quiet these days.

Publisher on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok: @changelingpress

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Contemporary Fiction

Date Published: 9/26/24

The Underdogs was inspired by my time building a tech startup during the golden era of San Francisco, when Uber and Lyft were just getting started and battling it out. It’s a coming-of-age, immigrant story following a set of characters who are all trying to create a better future for themselves, for society, and escape their pasts.

Readers have shared that this story reminds them of The Prestige. Two geniuses, who came from nothing, competing against each other in a market that preys upon those who also come from nothing. Others have reflected on the story as a cautionary tale that stands the test of time — How “the few, the chosen” may end up taking advantage of the very same people who they grew up with.

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Billionaire Daddy Doms -- Bunny (#1)

Erotica / BDSM

Date Published: November 29, 2024

I never thought Bunny ears and a Bunny tail butt plug would be the start of a grand adventure.

It’s Christmas, and money’s tight, so I asked the agency for a new assignment. Still, I didn’t expect to wind up in a gilded Bunny cage in the home of an eccentric billionaire. While I’ve never met Daddy Jacob, he knows me -- he owns the Agency that sent me out on this assignment. Now I’m to serve as a Christmas present for a man in his household -- a Christmas present for Max.

I’m not certain how the rest of the week will go, but so far it feels like Max may just be the perfect Master for me. I have the feeling this assignment could be the start of the biggest adventure of my life.

Excerpt

Copyright ©2024 Wanda Violet O.

Christmas has never been my favorite holiday. Having said that, the job that had just fallen into my lap -- to be a Christmas Bunny for some rich guy with a pet-play kink -- was the best Christmas present ever. The money was nearly obscene, the anticipation of adventure intense.

This job included the possibility of kinky sex. I had been given the standard safe word and signed a contract outlining my limits, both hard and soft. Was it the safest thing I’d ever done? Not in the least. But, again, the money was good -- really, really good. If I was ever going to get out from under the mountain of medical bills I’d been left with after the crash that had put me in the hospital for a month and killed my mom, I had to get drastic.

Now I found myself was sitting on a huge, plush, overstuffed red beanbag in a very large cage, wearing a headband with bunny ears and a butt plug with a fluffy bunny tail. The cage had a big red bow wrapped around the middle, and it sat under a massive Christmas tree covered with sparkling, colored lights. I had several red and green fleece blankets and soft pillows in the cage so I was comfortable, but the room was warm to me even though I was naked.

It was early morning and once I’d readied myself, before I got into the cage, I’d been told it would be an hour before I’d be needed. I’d been given an alarm to press if I needed help before the client came for me, or if I felt threatened. Standard for this type of job with the agency. It was run by the ultra-wealthy and catered to the obscenely wealthy. I’d been skeptical when I’d first started, but the agency had never failed to keep me safe.

None of that meant I wasn’t a bundle of nerves, and getting more nervous the longer I waited.

Just as I was getting ready to hit the panic button, I heard footsteps coming. A man wearing black silk pajama pants and nothing else stalked down the stairs. He had long, shaggy hair, and a heavily muscled, sculpted body, reminding me of a predator moving through the jungle.

This man was classically handsome, with a strong jaw, straight nose, and piercing blue eyes. His cheeks were wide and masculine with dark stubble where he hadn’t yet shaved.

When he turned his head, his gaze landed on me and his movements stopped. He stared at me for a long time, not moving a muscle except to breathe. When he finally started moving again, he was focused squarely, intently on me. “I sincerely hope you’re my Christmas present, little Bunny.”

I knew better than to speak unless I had permission. It had been drilled into me from the second I’d been accepted to the program. The clients the agency served had specific tastes. They tried to match us to clients with similar tastes, but there was always a learning curve if I were staying more than a few hours. This job was supposed to last a week and could seriously bail me out, but I had to follow the rules precisely if I wanted to get the big payday.

The man knelt in front of my cage to get a better look at me. Those ice-blue eyes of his seemed to caress me as his gaze roamed over my body. “Be a good little Bunny. Turn around and present yourself. Stick that ass up in the air so I can have a look at you.”

I did as I was told without hesitation, presenting myself with my legs apart, ass in the air, and my chest on the floor. I knew what I looked like because I’d admired the plush, fluffy rabbit tail butt plug before getting in the cage.

“Hmm, you are quite the gift, aren’t you?” he said, his voice a low growl. “Who were you sent for, little Bunny?”

“I’m not sure, Sir. Only that I was to stay in the cage and await the Master’s pleasure.”

“Ah, Max!” the deep voice called from across the room.

I wanted to turn my head and look behind me but didn’t dare.

“I see you’ve found your present.”

“Daddy Jacob.” Max’s tone was subservient but in a different way than I’d ever heard before. The man was clearly a Dominant, but differed to this new man? “She’s mine?”

“If things work out and she agrees, yes. She’s yours. A gift from me and Kitten.”

I couldn’t help but shiver at the implication. It was an unusual sensation between fear and… interest? OK, that was disconcerting. I didn’t know this man and there was apparently at least one more person here.

I’m not sure what I expected, but there was a long pause and what Max said next both hurt and confused me. “Have I done something wrong, Daddy Jacob?” Where before there was amused interest and a healthy dose of lust in Max’s voice and his eyes when he’d first looked at me, now it was devoid of emotion.

“Max…” There was a note of censure between them, as if Daddy Jacob wasn’t happy with Max.

“But Kitten --”

“Kitten knows you need a pet of your own. She loves you as much as you love her and Andromeda. So do I.”

This seemed like a private conversation and I felt horribly out of place. I turned my face to the wall next to where my cage sat and stayed perfectly still.

There was silence while I heard someone unlocking the cage. The door slid open with a small squeak. “Come out, little one.”

I wasn’t sure what was going on, but I knew without looking at him I didn’t want to disobey or ignore Daddy Jacob. Keeping my gaze lowered and my hands clasped in front of me, I scrambled to do as he’d ordered.

“Kneel and present yourself, sweet Bunny.”

About the Author

Welcome to Wanda Violet O.'s world of bedtime fantasy, where you'll find a variety of sexy creatures ready to drink their fill. Wanda specializes in extreme kink. Monsters, BDSM role play... she's got it all. Come take a look for yourself!

Publisher on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok: @changelingpress

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Insight and education for end-of-life care

Nonfiction

Date Published: 12/1/2024

The Chronicles are an essential and informative read for hospice nurses, caregivers and others interested in end of life. Journey through 29 amazing stories of an Alaskan Hospice nurse with incredible people and learn about pain, symptom management and grieving. Through their love and loss, find encouragement and inspiration in these real-life lessons on this specialty of nursing not taught in the classroom. Hospice . . . Hospitum . . . Hospitality

Early Reviews

“Esther’s book is a must read for any nurse across the lifespan. She has not simply put together a collection of powerful stories of dealing with death and the dying process, but each story closes with the pearls of wisdom each patient and family were taught about end of life. Esther shows us, story by story, that being there to provide for the needs of peace, comfort, and love of the patient and their families in those last moments is one of the most important vows a nurse can keep.”

Christi M. Angelo, APRN-BC, F/AC  Hospice and Acute Care - Alaska

“This account of an experienced hospice nurse in rural Alaska is both inspiring and informative.  Esther’s interactions with patients demonstrate both the depth of her humanity and experience with patients toward the end of life. For the intended audience of Hospice nurses and caregivers, it provides a framework and clinical information while maintaining a truly compassionate undertone. Other audiences will be moved, informed and inspired...”

Patty Hewson C.R.N.P. Adult Primary Care - Pennsylvania

“The Chronicles depict how cultural beliefs and traditions one is raised with can help bring peace to the patient in knowing what their final journey holds. Faith, hope, and love are epitomized through Esther’s work.”

Angela Watson, MSN, BSN, BA, RN Case Manager Indian Health Services - New Mexico

“You will find a treasure chest of valuable knowledge to support any of the disciplines of the Hospice team. Every chapter connects you with the real dynamics of individuals and families as they walk through the end stages of life. I warn you now, some of these insightful stories will bring a tear, but also provide real and helpful expertise that will further enable you to do your calling better.”

David J. Gibson - Ordained Minister and Hospice Chaplain - Indiana

About the Author

Esther Pepper, RN, BSN, is a Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Nurse who was raised in Alaska and has lived there most of her life. She has 20 years of experience as a nurse, 16 of which have been in Hospice care. She found her calling and passion for end of life early in her nursing career. She is dedicated to training new nurses into the field of Hospice and works as a Hospice Case Manager in South Central Alaska.

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The Inspiring Story of a Business You've Never Heard of

Business Memoir

Date Published: September 10, 2024

This is a story for the rest of us. Those who want to grow their companies but can't find relatable inspiration, or guidance, in current business literature. It's a story about a company that you've never heard of, but one that used computer algorithms to save the American taxpayer over $60 Billion in government pandemic relief fraud. And it's about an unlikely founder who takes the risks and inspires his team to go from an idea to a nine-figure exit in less than 9 years.

In A Ten-Year Overnight Success, Pondera Solutions founder, Jon Coss, takes you with him on his journey through what he describes as the four stages of a typical startup. You'll share his raw emotions through the "rise and fall of enthusiasm", his months of desperation in the "desert of despair", his tempered confidence through "wiggles of hope", and his immense relief and sense of accomplishment marching toward the "Promised Land".

Jon's story-telling narrative combines soul-searching truths with self-deprecating humor to provide you with an inside look at what it takes to achieve the success that less than 1% of businesses ever will. Along the way, he offers practical, nuanced lessons that you won't find in the typical business book. Lessons learned in the trenches. Lessons that may not make you the next Tesla but are sure to grow your business. Lessons that apply to the rest of us.

About the Author

Jon has provided strategic consulting to many of the world’s largest technology companies, a nationally recognized expert in government fraud, and an active mentor for aspiring entrepreneurs

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Memoir

Step into Italia Tornabene's world, where her life's triumphs unfold, one captivating page at a time. "Suits to Stilettos" isn't just a book; it's a front-row seat to witness the incredible resilience of the human spirit.

Join Italia's journey from a challenging start to defying odds and creating her own success story.

Born into adversity, Italia faced it all — from teenage motherhood to homelessness. But this isn't just about struggles; it's about the gritty determination that refuses to bow down. Her book is an immersive dive into the unconventional, and the story is an inspiration for those who seek a path beyond limitations.

"Suits to Stilettos" is a lifeline for those ready to transform their lives. Ready to be inspired? Grab your copy and start the journey today. Your circumstances don't define you; your choices do.

About the Author

Italia Tornabene, a self-made millionaire, author, serial entrepreneur, and savvy investor, shares her extraordinary life experiences.

From rubbing shoulders with elite individuals to her unconventional career as an exotic dancer and sex worker, Italia's journey is as captivating as it is inspiring.

Discover how she overcame hardships and built an empire through resilience and determination. Her story is empowering and empowering testament to the resilience inherent in us all, and she's thrilled to share her wisdom with everyone she encounters.

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Medical Thriller

Date Published: November 7, 2024

For Sam Wyatt, his intern year was going to be the hardest year of his life. Profoundly affected by violence and death - and long before it was called PTSD or burnout - Sam and his fellow interns, Wilson Harrison, Gina Bautista, and Harry Martin must find a way to survive in THE COUNTY.

Doubting their choices, working 90 hours a week, lacking sleep, surviving on a diet of bad food and black coffee, each must learn to work in the understaffed, underfunded, and deteriorating hospital taking care of critically ill patients; for a system demanding they be constantly overworked if they want to become the doctors they promised themselves they would be.

Within this brutal system, Sam finds a mentor in Fish - his senior resident and the only one to tell him the actual rules to survive:

• Everyone will try to kill your patient, except you.

• It's OK to be wrong, but never unsure.

• Rebels are shot at dawn.

Fish should know. He had been through it just a year before. But would any of them make it out unscathed?

Set in the 1970's, this raw portrait of the birth of emergency medicine bears the roots of many of the problems underlying our broken medical system and our system of training doctors. Ones that have only progressively worsened since that time. But...

If you can persevere...

If you really follow Fish's rules...

Maybe you too can survive THE COUNTY.

About the Author

 In a career that spanned 5 decades in emergency medicine, Dr. Zane Horowitz was there when the specialty began. He worked predominantly in county hospitals and trauma centers throughout his 45-year career. He has seen the best and the worst of healthcare delivery. Since those early days, he has held many roles in the field of emergency medicine. He directed pre-hospital ambulance systems, supervised a multi-county rural EMS system and an air-medical helicopter service, and worked in community and rural critical access emergency departments. Currently, he is a Professor of Emergency Medicine at Oregon Health Science University, and he practices medical toxicology as the Associate Medical Director with the Oregon Poison Center. With over 100 medical publications Zane Horowitz now has written a novel about the early days of emergency medicine called THE COUNTY.

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Mastering the Ultimate Limit to Productivity

Nonfiction / Self-Help / Business/ Leadership

Date Published: ‎October 30, 2024

Publisher: ‎ Mindstir Media

As we move through life, we have all known individuals who just seem to be the most incredibly efficient and productive members of an organization. Their projects are always completed on time, and they seem to leave work early with everything accomplished. They are never late for the operating room or with clinic visits. Even more rarely, we encounter leaders and organizations that seem to be able to excel in the same manner.

Often, however, we seem to be caught up in an endless cycle of losing time or not being able to find enough time to accomplish our mission in our personal or work life. Perhaps these individuals, leaders, and organizations, who seem to be superefficient, just understand time differently. Perhaps they understand time as the ultimate limit to productivity, a box that we are all forced to live and work in. They view this box as being filled with essential sand and potentially superfluous water. They know how to manage it and control the flow of water within their box. Conventional organizational structures, such as meetings, committees, surveys, and consultants, only waste time and limit productivity.

In his book, The Box is Time, Dr. Costabile presents an unorthodox and sometimes irreverent approach to time management for individuals, leaders, and organizations. By viewing time management in an entirely different construct, we will become one of the "two-percenters" who are actually able to always manage their Box of Time.

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