Bless You Boys

"May God Bless You All" is a creative non-fiction collection of letters from two sets of brothers to their sister during their service in World War 2. This is the story of common men living by God, prayer and family. Their letters share laughter, hardship and perseverance during one of the most tested times of their young lives.This story touches on issues of citizenship, farming and service. It is a story about all of us.Every person living in the United States of America shouldered additional responsibilities during the Second World War. Viola, whether she realized it or not, assumed the role of writing letters to her two brothers, two brother-in-laws and approximately a half dozen other servicemen from the small rural area of Greene, Ohio. Her tireless correspondence provided hope and morale for these men as well as for her young family and neighbors. Throughout the letters, all four men come to grips with each card dealt them keeping God, prayer and family in the forefront of their correspondence and actions. Although they each had their trials, they persisted in remaining selfless discussing the well-being of their family members and each other ahead of themselves. In addition, there are passages from the Bible found throughout the story that reveal our family's life and faith in God and though we are all sinners and harden our hearts until life is at its most difficult and we feel most vulnerable, these passages remind me, personally of God's infinite mercy and love for us.

Words kill, words give life; they're either poison or fruit--you choose! --Proverbs 18:21 (MSG) What words are you speaking into your life--words of faith or words of doubt? Are you enjoying the remarkable life God has for you, or is your mouth holding you back from a life filled with God's power and blessings? Open Your Big, Bold, Beautiful Mouth seeks to help you learn how to speak the words of faith that can move your life forward in a positive direction, with all the revolutionary results and blessings God has for you. Using the Scriptures along with real-life examples and experiences, this detailed, step-by-step teaching guide provides the principles, tools, and tangible practices you need to create the victorious life God has promised you. Arming yourself with God's Word allows you to overcome problems and challenges, unleash God's power and prosperity, produce results by speaking faith-filled commands, and count your blessings in a joy-filled life. Learn about the supernatural connection between your heart and your mouth, and find out how your words--working through the power of God--can create the life you want to live.

"Ever since I first heard that Lionel Richie and Diana Ross song, 'Endless Love,' all I've wanted is to find The One. Someone to love. Who will love me back." September, 1982. John Cougar's "Jack and Diane" is on endless radio rotation, and Dallas and Dynasty rule the ratings. Jack Paterno is a straight-A student living in the Detroit suburb of Hazel Park, with his own Atari 5200, a Beta VCR, and everything a seventh-grader could ask for. The only thing he has in common with foul-mouthed Brad Dayton, who lives on the gritty south side near 8 Mile, is that both are in Varsity Band. Or maybe that's not the only thing. Because Jack is discovering that while hanging around with girls in elementary school was perfectly acceptable, having lots of girl friends (as opposed to girlfriends) now is getting him and Brad labeled as Band Fags. And Jack is no fag. Is he? As Jack and Brad make their way through junior high and then through Hazel Park High School, their friendship grows deeper and more complicated. From stealing furtive glances at Playgirl to discussing which celebrities might be like that, from navigating school cliques to dealing with crushes on girls and guys alike, Jack is trying to figure out who and what he is. He wants to find real, endless love, but he also wants to be popular and "normal." But, as Brad points out, this is real life--not a John Hughes movie. And sooner or later, Jack will have to choose. Filled with biting wit and pitch-perfect observations, Band Fags is an exhilarating novel about lust and love, about the friendships that define and sometimes confine us, and about coming of age and coming to terms with the end of innocence and the beginning of something terrifying, thrilling, and completely unpredictable.

"The Boy Spies of Philadelphia" by James Otis is a historical adventure novel set during the American Revolutionary War, showcasing the daring exploits of a group of young patriots who become spies for the American cause. In this captivating story, a group of resourceful and patriotic boys from Philadelphia decides to take an active role in the fight for American independence. With ingenuity and courage, they embark on espionage missions to gather crucial information about British troop movements and strategies. Operating in a city occupied by British forces, they face danger and intrigue while working undercover to aid the American revolutionaries. The novel celebrates the spirit of bravery, patriotism, and the young heroes who played significant roles in shaping the history of the United States. It portrays how these young spies risked their lives for the cause of freedom and independence. James Otis' storytelling immerses readers in the turbulent era of the American Revolution, offering an action-packed narrative that captures the essence of the struggle for liberty and the contributions of young individuals to a pivotal moment in history.

"The Boy Scouts in the Great Flood" by Robert Shaler continues the thrilling adventures of the Boy Scouts as they confront the challenges posed by a great flood. Shaler's storytelling keeps readers engaged as they follow the scouts' efforts to assist their community during a natural disaster. This installment in the Boy Scouts series is an exciting choice for young readers, highlighting the importance of bravery, leadership, and service to others in times of crisis.

It's Christmastime in the pocket-sized village of Briarcliff Manor. With yuletide spirits flying high, life seems close to perfect in this quaint suburb of Manhattan. But not everyone feels the holiday cheer. While most go about their joyful holiday pursuits, young Charlie Riverton is restless. Compassionate by nature, he's especially mindful of the lonely and forlorn. At the same time, he's the unofficial leader of a close-knit group of sixth-grade buddies. Together they grapple with pre-teen hijinks, newfound freedoms and an emerging, nerve-wracking interest in girls. Meanwhile, there's a curiously gifted newcomer in town. Charlie develops a special friendship with the handsome stranger and together, they set out to craft a God-honoring Christmas gift for the whole community. Along the way, lives are changed and people begin to look at Christmas a little differently. Come spend the holidays in Briarcliff with this feel-good, coming of age story set in small-town America in the early 1970s. Congratulations to Tom for writing a heartwarming Christmas story that evokes the traditional Christmas spirit. A Gift Most Rare focuses on a God-honoring relationship between a young boy, a guardian angel and a whole village that rediscovers how best to celebrate Christmas. -Kevin Sorbo, Actor, Producer, and Director A Gift Most Rare is a gift to every reader. Bringing you back to a time when Christmas was filled with thanks to God, it is a great reminder to care for those around you, giving to those in need and coming together to celebrate God's gift of Jesus. -Rev Anthony Karlik, Sr. Pastor of Faith Lutheran Church, Briarcliff Manor, NY, and Eastern Region President of the Church of the Lutheran Brethren This novel is sweet and affectionate, with a strong spiritual uplift. A lovely debut. -Jamie Malanowski, author of The Coup and Commander Will Cushing, Daredevil Hero of the Civil War Every once in a while comes a magical story, an exquisite jewel of a book, a piece of fiction that more than makes up for all the ordinary books. Leihbacher is an amazing storyteller. He economically imbues his plot and characters with life's truths. -Karen Smith, Historian, Briarcliff Manor A Gift Most Rare is a thoroughly feel-good holiday tale, reminiscent of the things we love about It's a Wonderful Life, but for our times. -Martha Higgins Ferguson, Chappaqua, NY