The first time Monica Ocejo knew love was real, she had just stepped in dog poop-at a wedding, in six-inch heels, wearing a dress she'd designed herself. When her future husband knelt down and scrubbed her shoe clean without hesitation, it wasn't just romance-it was foreshadowing. Because life, as Monica learned, is equal parts glamour and grit, threads and tortillas.Between Threads and Tortillas: Memories and Recipes of a Mexican Immigrant serves up a memoir that's as comforting as a bowl of caldo de pollo and as bold as a shot of mezcal. Monica shares her story with warmth, wit, and just enough sass to keep you smirking between chapters. Raised in a privileged pocket of Mexico City, she steps on couture dreams, stumbles through a tequila-soaked adolescence, and eventually lands in Miami-with three kids, one business visa, and zero chill.Her life's journey-equal parts telenovela and Food Network special-takes readers through family feuds, fashion faux pas, culture shock, and cancer survival. She turns fear into salsa and setbacks into seasoning. From sewing her first dress, participating in Miami Fashion Week and battling breast cancer with lipstick intact, Monica reveals the spicy truth about chasing your purpose and reclaiming joy.And the recipes? Let's just say if laughter doesn't cure you, her shrimp cocktail might. Each chapter ends with a beloved family dish, from mango-studded ceviches to "oops-I-might've-overdid-the-Tajin" margaritas. These aren't just meals-they're edible memories.Perfect for fans of memoir, food writing, or anyone who's ever said, "I have no idea what I'm doing, but let's do it anyway." Between Threads and Tortillas is a deliciously honest tale about falling apart, cooking through it, and laughing your way back together.
Death-an uncomfortable topic and an unimaginable reality that we will all likely face at some point in our lives. What will you do and who will you turn to when faced with the loss of a loved one?Discover one mother's walk through the first two years after the unexpected death of her son, from wanting to be desperately removed from this earth to knowing and accepting that the Lord had other plans. Learn how Jesus Christ transformed her life. Follow along as she shares her journey from grief and despair to healing and hope. If you are grieving a loss, know that comfort, strength, and peace that cannot be explained are also available to you.
Black-and-white cinema effectively died out almost overnight in the mid-1960s. But in the face of a decade of serious competition from colour and widescreen-not to mention visual fads like 3D-black-and- white cinematography remained innovative and even experimental as it reached what looked like its endpoint. The evidence from a host of films from the mid-1950s onwards was that black and white cinematography was also still improving. It still had places to go, new techniques to exhibit.High Contrast Hollywood revisits the groundbreaking black-and-white films from the period when the format was first under siege, in the 1950s, to those scarce but bold monochrome movies of the 1970s and '80s, made when black-and-white had long since become a cinematic relic of the past. It chronicles how the resilient medium fought back during the Technicolor and CinemaScope age (1953-62), in films such as Blackboard Jungle (1955), Marty (1955), The Apartment (1960) and Psycho (1960), and details how black and white came back into fashion, thanks to the influence of the French New Wave, in striking adult- oriented 1960s movies such as Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1966), Seconds (1966) and In Cold Blood (1967).High Contrast Hollywood also explores how black-and-white film became the format of choice for avant-garde, iconoclastic and maverick directors, in Peter Bogdanovich's The Last Picture Show (1971), Bob Fosse's Lenny (1974), Mel Brooks' Young Frankenstein (1974), David Lynch's The Elephant Man (1980), Martin Scorsese's Raging Bull (1980) and Francis Coppola's Rumble Fish (1983). Finally, it celebrates the continued power of black and white as it crossed over from celluloid to digital filmmaking, still able to captivate viewers in offbeat and uncompromising films, from Ed Wood (1993) to Sin City (2005).
Arriving late for church one sunny Sunday morning, Bible college graduate Chris Ford is thrust into the pulpit to deliver the sermon at Brighton Christian Church.Without question, it is totally unexpected-as he is woefully unprepared.Over the coming months, God's hand is upon his life as a world of ministry opens up for him. Soon enough, he is involved in various church activities and evangelism opportunities. So much so that he decides to leave his secular employment to pursue ministry full-time.During this period, he builds new relationships and makes many new friends, including June Reynolds. They labor together doing exciting and purposeful work for the Lord as their special and lovely romance develops.
Rise and GrindToday's workplace presents unique challenges. Chief among them are social justice concerns. This collection of poetry addresses these concerns in valiant, often-sharp terms, while finding hope and joy in the midst of it all.
Felon to Fortune: The Billionaire Barbie Blueprint is the raw, riveting, and revolutionary memoir of a woman who defied the odds, silenced her past, and rose to build a financial empire.Billionaire Barbie isn't just a nickname-it's a lifestyle she earned through grit, grace, and grinding smarter. From being incarcerated and navigating the trauma of early life as a teenage dancer, to launching multiple six- and seven-figure businesses in taxes, credit, and digital entrepreneurship, Billionaire Barbie has redefined what it means to bounce back. In this powerful book, she walks you step by step through the highs, lows, and game-changing mindset shifts that transformed her from a felon into a nationally respected CEO.But Felon to Fortune is more than a memoir-it's a blueprint.This book gives readers the emotional permission and tactical roadmap to: Turn pain into purpose Convert street smarts into business strategy Leverage credit as a wealth-building tool Reclaim their story as a source of income and inspiration She doesn't just share her past-she exposes her process. From founding Billionaire Luxury Tax and Billionaire Business Credit to mentoring thousands of women through her masterclasses and content, Billionaire Barbie uses her voice, vision, and vulnerability to uplift a new generation of entrepreneurs-especially those who've been counted out, criminalized, or underestimated.Whether you're reentering society after incarceration, leaving the club life, or just tired of playing small, this book proves you are never too broken, too late, or too far gone to win big. Bold, unapologetic, and full of receipts, Felon to Fortune is a story of redemption that doubles as a playbook for legacy and liberation.For readers, students, mentors, and event organizers looking for a transformational voice rooted in authenticity, this book is a must-have.
Aaron's not ready to sleep. He's ready to BLAST OFF! Can he skip bedtime and fly to the stars?With a toy rocket and a big imagination, Aaron zooms past the moon, dodges a black hole, and discovers the stars might be closer than he thinks. Zoom to the Stars is a playful, heartwarming journey through space and storytime, perfect for little explorers who dream big, even at bedtime.Includes a bonus section with fun space facts to spark curiosity and support early STEM learning!
Aaron's not ready to sleep. He's ready to BLAST OFF! Can he skip bedtime and fly to the stars?With a toy rocket and a big imagination, Aaron zooms past the moon, dodges a black hole, and discovers the stars might be closer than he thinks. Zoom to the Stars is a playful, heartwarming journey through space and storytime, perfect for little explorers who dream big, even at bedtime.Includes a bonus section with fun space facts to spark curiosity and support early STEM learning!
Georgette and the Jellyfish is a beautifully illustrated children's story that captures the magic of friendship, courage, and self-discovery beneath the waves.When Georgette, a curious little girl with a love for the sea, meets a gentle jellyfish on a sunny afternoon by the shore, she discovers that the ocean holds more than shimmering shells and dancing waves-it holds lessons about kindness, bravery, and seeing beauty in unexpected places.As Georgette dives into a world of glowing creatures and colorful coral, her unlikely friendship with the jellyfish teaches her that even the smallest encounters can leave the biggest impressions. With lyrical storytelling and vibrant illustrations, this heartwarming tale encourages young readers to explore the unknown, embrace their differences, and care for the world around them.Perfect for bedtime reading or classroom story time, Georgette and the Jellyfish will delight children ages 4-8 and anyone who has ever felt the pull of the sea and the power of friendship.
A Checklist of Jesus' Commandments with Rewards and ConsequencesThe Great Commission of Christ: "Teach them to obey all that I have commanded you."Matthew 28:19-20, NIV"It's a sad phenomenon that some Christians tend to think of God's Commandments, boldly outlined in Scripture, as something relegated to the Old Testament and not necessarily a part of modern theology. However, Jesus clearly stated, 'If you love Me, obey My Commandments.' 'Holy living' cannot be acquired nor maintained without obeying His Commandments. Dr. Esther V. Shekher is to be commended for shining a spotlight on this neglected truth. I highly recommend All the Commandments of Christ to all Christians everywhere, especially to those who take God seriously."-Bob D'Andrea, Founder/President, Christian Television NetworkAll the Commandments of Christ, Volume II: Keys to Inheriting All the Blessings of God opens up God's heart by exploring Christ's Commands and His intentions for shaping His children's lives. Readers may immerse themselves in the Scriptures as they explore its settings and meanings and discern the directions it sets for modern daily life.In this book, Dr. Esther V. Shekher groups together pertinent biblical passages, organizes them, and shows how they reveal the path for Christians to follow to inherit the blessings God promises to all who obey Christ's Commands.If you have wondered what Jesus' Commands say about daily life, how one can follow them, and what sort of consequences flow from obedience and disobedience, then All the Commandments of Christ, Volume II will satisfy both your curiosity and your spiritual hunger.
Will you win or lose?The Game of Life is not a book implying that life is a game, because it's not. Therefore, everyone should take life seriously and not play with it. The game of life is only a metaphor to describe life, as it is filled with rules, challenges, and making choices.In this book, you will discover that life is akin to the game of dominoes. For dominoes teach valuable lessons such as forward-planning, strategic thinking, and decision-making. Life is also like dominoes in that you cannot reverse a bad decision once it is made. However, you will get another chance to make a good play during the game.In this book, there are a few tips on how to win in dominoes. But most importantly, this book will help you win in life. It will teach you biblical principles and help you make wise decisions. Moreover, it will provide eye-opening information and answer many of your questions. You may learn more about the Bible in this book than you have learned in your entire life.
Everyone knows the tale of Hansel & Gretel.The innocence that was taken from them and the torture the witch put them through.But what happened after they burned the witch in the oven?With scars and memories of horror, their lives were forever changed, until one day the trail leads back tothat cottage in the woods...
Everyone knows the tale of Hansel & Gretel.The innocence that was taken from them and the torture the witch put them through.But what happened after they burned the witch in the oven?With scars and memories of horror, their lives were forever changed, until one day the trail leads back tothat cottage in the woods...
Justice Isn't The Only Battle Worth Fighting.Maggie Bennett has lived for the day she could face the man who who gunned down her father. When she hears that outlaw Jedidiah Dawson has finally been sighted, she refuses to be left behind. She forces her way into the posse determined to see him hang. Nothing will keep her from delivering justice for her father.But the journey back to Bluff City is two weeks across wild country, and every step is a fight to survive. Storms cut them off from help. Enemies close in with their own deadly scores to settle. And the man shackled to her side turns out not to be the monster she imagined. Jedidiah is dangerous, yes. But he is also sharp, unflinchingly honest, and far more human than she ever allowed herself to believe.Somewhere between survival and pursuit, Maggie's hatred fractures. The pull between them grows stronger than fear, and the truth about her father's death threatens to upend everything she thought she knew.She set out to make a killer pay. Now Maggie must decide if holding on to vengeance is worth losing the only man who might truly understand her heart.
JOSEPH MCGINNIS CARRIED GENERATIONS OF PAIN FROM ABUSE, ADDICTION, AND SHAME. BUT GOD USED EVERY PIECE TO BUILD A NEW LEGACY THROUGH HIM.Joseph McGinnis shouldn't have made it. He grew up in chaos-raised without a father and shaped by abuse, anger, and silence. But this book isn't about staying stuck in pain. It's about rising. In these pages, Joseph shares how God met him in the mess, how he broke the chains that held his family for generations, and how he became the father, husband, and man he was created to be. If you've ever felt broken beyond repair, this is for you.
The Epic Life of Eusebio Francisco KinoIn the heart of the 17th century, a young Jesuit's brush with death sparked a vow that would change the course of history.When eighteen-year-old Eusebio Francisco Kino recovered from a grave illness, he credited his healing to Saint Francis Xavier-and promised to follow his patron's path to the missions of China. But God had other plans.Ordained and sent west to New Spain, Padre Kino would spend the next three decades carving a legacy across the untamed northern frontier. From the rugged coast of California to the desert lands of Pimería Alta, he brought not only the word of God, but the tools for survival-introducing cattle ranching and wheat cultivation to native communities. As peacemaker and protector, he stood between the Spanish crown and the people he served, navigating colonial politics, Apache resistance, and the harsh terrain of the Southwest.A brilliant mathematician, cartographer, and explorer, Kino's maps redrew the boundaries of the continent, proving that California was not an island, but firmly connected to the land he so loved.Vaquero Padre brings to vivid life the remarkable journey of a man of faith, science, and unshakable purpose-told as he himself might have shared it.
The Tale of the Ancient Mariner: A Descent into Madness by Edward FreemanWhen the sea calls, it never lets go.In The Tale of the Ancient Mariner: A Descent into Madness, Edward Freeman transforms Samuel Taylor Coleridge's immortal poem The Rime of the Ancient Mariner into a dark, psychological origin story of guilt, isolation, and eternal penance.Through the eyes of Emrys, a sailor cursed for a single, damning act, readers embark on a harrowing voyage aboard the doomed ship Mercy's Light-where faith falters, the dead stir, and the sea becomes both confessor and executioner.Written in the lush, evocative style of Clive Barker, the terrifying cleanliness of Edgar Allen Poe, and imbued with the mythic dread of H.P. Lovecraft, Freeman's retelling blends gothic atmosphere with profound emotion. The novel closes exactly where Coleridge's poem begins, when the Mariner grips the wedding guest's arm and speaks the first immortal words: "There was a ship..."A haunting descent for fans of dark literary fiction, psychological horror, and classic retellings.
What if C. S. Lewis had faced hashtags, memes, and viral doubt?In a world where soundbites pass for arguments and online outrage drowns out reason, Mere Christianity for the Digital Age calls believers back to clarity, courage, and conviction. Tom Dallis tackles the big questions-truth, morality, God's existence, and the resurrection-with the timeless wisdom of Lewis and the lived insight of someone immersed in digital culture. This isn't just a book about defending Christianity. It's a call to embody it-online and offline-with grace, truth, and hope.Foreword by Dr. Devin Brown, C. S. Lewis scholar and author of A Life ObservedPraise for Mere Christianity for the Digital Age"Much-needed and masterfully reasoned... With the clarity of C. S. Lewis and the cultural awareness of a digital native, Dallis has written a tour de force of apologetics for the 21st century. Every Christian thinker and digital disciple needs to read this." -Dr. Jeremiah J. Johnston"Wise, timely, and deeply encouraging." -Dr. Carolyn Weber
Riding for America is a story about a mother's sacrifice and inspiration as she guides her only son, Isaac Burns Murphy, to become the highest-paid and most successful sports icon of the 19th century.Although both of Isaac's parents, America Murphy and Jerry Burns, were born into slavery-and Jerry fought in some of the most decisive battles of the Civil War-Isaac was able to overcome challenges and become the "Prince of Jockeys." Isaac was known for his intellect, strategy, good sportsmanship, and kindness to the horses he cared for and rode to victory. A few of his notable wins and accomplishments include three Kentucky Derbys, four of five American Derbys, and the first photo finish in American sports history-a match race between a White and a Black rider.Readers will learn about a Black horse trainer named Eli Jordan, who coached Isaac to become the first jockey inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. A page-turner and a quick read, Riding for America moves at a fast pace with unpredictable twists and turns that keep readers on the edge of their seats throughout. Educational, entertaining, and historically significant, Riding for America is a journey of excitement filled with tenderness and a love of literature, life, animals, mothers, teachers, spouses, and friends. Isaac Murphy was a superstar with class, sophistication, and impeccable integrity. His life exemplifies perseverance and triumph against unimaginable odds. Isaac was a great American. He deserves to be remembered and celebrated as one of the most extraordinary sports heroes in U.S. history.
From USA Today Bestselling Author Willow Winters, comes a short, spicy MC Romance.It was supposed to be one drink at the bar.I didn't expect him to be there.His eyes hungry and matching the heat in my own.Then, it's just a walk down the late night roads.I had no idea what would happen or just how much l'd like it...
