A Special Touch From Me To You

John Haworth, despite innate shyness, has floated upward in a comfortable English home environment under the influence of much older sisters and their friends. After he begins a new school in the early fifties, the seven-year-old is looking lost when a classmate, Martin Holford, decides to take him under his wing. And so begins a long friendship. Ordinary rules of life apparently do not apply to the confident Martin except, perhaps, when he allows his mischievous humor excessive free rein against the self-important. While on separate coming-of-age journeys, Martin and John get on fine, despite John's occasional resentment about Martin's ability to bounce back after perpetrating 'wrong notes' against the wealthy while John slaves away attempting to make new music sound modern. John, who has no desire to be to be an apathetic musician like his viola teacher, unfortunately lacks the talent, personality, and love of limelight to match his glamorous piano teacher or Katherine, the singer he accompanies on the piano. Now all he has to do is somehow find his place amid an uncertain career as a ghost composer where chances come as infrequent as success. The Special and the Ordinary shares the unique story of two young people as they come of age and step into the future, each with a different idea on what it means to be true to themselves. iUniverse awarded The Special and the Ordinary the 'Editor's Choice' designation. Here are excerpts from the enthusiastic editorial reviews: "Definitely a worthwhile read, I recommend The Special and the Ordinary to lovers of literary fiction." - Pacific Book Review "...heartwarming and uplifting." - Kirkus Reviews "The writing is clear and refreshing, with clean sentences that move the story along at a brisk pace." - Clarion Review Visit my site at www.davidhclapham.com and see my book at Amazon by clicking here.

Painful Tears of Joy is written by Debra Viteri, who has been inspired by the Holy Spirit to give detailed accounts of her personal life and the many trials she has experienced. As you read these pages, it will bring you into a deep knowledge and understanding of her spiritual journey of being a care giver to her husband who suffered from a terminal illness, and how she engaged in spiritual warfare which has always been a large portion of her lessons through lifes unexpected trials. Although there have been many tears, she wants to express how the Lord can turn those painful tears to Tears of Joy. Throughout her book, she will use the greatest Book, the Bible, and a devotional Day by Day that has truly inspired her to walk a victorious life. Debra knows how to choose life, especially when she was used by God to give life to her husband through living liver donation. Are you having difficulty focusing on your challenge ahead of you? Debras desire is for you to learn to walk by faith and not by sight; and for you to know you are a winner despite any negative circumstances. She goes into great detail how she stood by faith when all odds were against her and her family. You will learn about Gods divine plan, for you to live healthy; body, mind and spirit, by using modern medicine, good nutrition and the power of scripture and prayer.

Scripture says to . . . be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ . . . (Eph. 5:18b-19). The Lord has given Virginia a gift to write and sing prayers and praises from her heart. The Lord is magnifi ed as she speaks of her Savior, His Word, and how He is the only One who can fi ll the empty cavities of our souls, as she so eloquently says in one of her prayer-songs. She speaks of Jesus unceasing love for her, and of her deep love for Him. She speaks of Jesus holding her hand and never letting go, and her words are fi lled with thanksgiving. I trust that her prayers and songs of the heart will cause all who read or hear her beautiful words to look to the Only One who can give us an eternal song the song of salvation and life everlasting. In Christ, Kathleen Ruckman, writer and friend Kathleen is the author of the following childrens books: The Tiny Book and The Big Book (creation books); Gods Amazing Book (about the Bible); and What Will Heaven Be Like? (to be released Jan. 2010)and other inspirational stories printed in collections and magazines. The scribe has written and so as the Holy Spirit has dictated, the glory of the Lord is celebrated within these pages. Readers of Virginias literary chronicles will dare to grow in ways never before imagined. They will question; they will smile; they will pray; they will exclaim; they will confi rm and most of all, they will soar!!! To GOD be the glory! Minister Eleanor Dennis, The Church of the People, Harlem, New York It is with joy to look forward to Virginias book on praises, prayers and songs. She has an angels touch with words and a singing voice which comes from God. Her presence among us is a blessing as she gives generously of her time, talent and her spirituality. The concerts she has given at Sacred Heart to raise funds for ill parishioners have been such an inspiration. Pat Cashman, Sacristan, Sacred Heart Catholic Church

When one thinks of prison, they often don't think about the wordlove.Meet Richard Vaden, who, when sentenced to prison, started questioning God, just as Job did, asking, 'Why, God? Why am I here? Where are You?' It was in prison that God showed him his calling: ministering to prison inmates. It was also here that God brought to him his helpmeet, Christine. In this powerful and compelling story, follow authors Richard and Christine Vaden as they find the godly love they had been searching for—although they were on opposite sides of the bars. The Vadens' story not only shows you how their love blossomed and grew into a consuming love, but it also covers subjects that are not spoken of enough in today's society: true love, godly love, spiritual love between husband and wife. It's the kind of love that can only happen when you come to 'oneness' in Christ. This inspirational story is about the beginning of the great love described in Ephesians 5:21-33. Pick upFinding the Needle in the Haystackand discover for yourself how God's love develops in even the most unusual of places. Discover, as they did, that this is actually the story of the gift of God's love to two of His children; it is aboutHis love.

It's Not Your Smarts, It's Your Schmooze uses humor and compelling anecdotes to explain why old-fashioned "people skills" are more important than ever. In this fast-paced, high-tech, gadget-filled world, far too many people have allowed technology to get in the way of authentic human relationships! But why is communicating so important in today's world? Because business is about people ... life is about people ... and schmoozing is about people. Networking is no longer enough. Schmoozing gives you the edge you need to succeed! Schmoozing also gives you the skills to reach beyond superficial small talk and passing acquaintance. Schmoozing is simply the art of building relationships by creating long-term bonds of trust! Everybody has the ability to succeed, and it doesn't require brains, beauty or bucks! Schmoozers are excellent communicators who know how to listen effectively and focus on others. Super Bowl Champion and Professional Speaker Rocky Bleier wrote that Ty's book offered "Practical advice for everyone in any business. Learn and practice what Ty preaches. You'll find yourself richer in every way!" James F. Getz, the CEO of Tristate Bank says "anyone who has recruited an academic superstar only to see them plateau or out-and-out fail in the work environment needs to read this book for guidance and solutions!" Diane Eliezer, of Kerr Drug comments that It's Not Your Smarts, It's Your Schmooze is "Always sage and often hilarious, is a must read for business advice and anybody who cares about self-improvement!"

Collection of Grace Pearl Shaw's poems, Lyrics, and Short Stories.