Ella Giancetti thought certain things had ended in the South, like segregation and signs announcing 'Whites Only'. When she moves to Paterson, Virginia, though, she quickly discovers that, though the signs might be gone, some of the attitudes remain... Accepting her first job as a college professor in a different state is supposed to be the start of a new life as Ella heals from the death of her mother. Trying to balance preparations for the new semester with incessant phone calls from her abrasive sister Lisa is difficult enough before complications appear. Someone already hates her enough to vandalize her house, and there's a constant supply of unannounced visitors, like her enigmatic landlord, her eccentric older neighbor, a handsome police officer, and a ghost. Of the three, the ghost is the real problem. It appears in her dreams, it appears in person. It makes a mess. Ella needs to know how this young Black woman became a ghost if she ever wants to have a peaceful night in her new home. Working to find out who is threatening her and why, she can't help wondering about the irony of seeing other people's ghosts - but not her own mother, whom she desperately misses. As the history of the town of Paterson and the house she lives in is uncovered, Ella wonders if the past is truly the past and questions what will happen once she finds the truth about the events of 1960.
Christmas in Virginia… Where magic happens. Where angels come to earth to help us find our way. Where even the future has a home in Christmas. Where people find each other, even if they didn’t know they were looking. A Family for Christmas When Zoe finds Abby, a lost child, all she wanted was to help locate the girl’s parents. But her search embroils her with a chilling crime scene, a handsome stranger, and Percy, a mysterious social worker. A Life for Christmas As an undercover narcotics detective, Cade knew about the dark side of humanity. He’d seen the worst of the worst, and thought he was immune to almost everything. But when he gets a reassignment by the very high-up management team just in time for Christmas, he doesn’t know if he can get the job done. Adjusting to the new job means adjusting to Percy, his new partner, a graying man that Cade isn’t even sure is sane, much less partner material. A Christmas to Always Remember Percy is back, and he’s here to help Will and Tessa as they navigate their recovery. But can he help Dahlia, too, before she makes a mistake that costs her both her home and her soul? A Different Kind of Christmas Survival is key for those left behind, and Hope is struggling to care for her family while she waits for her husband to return. Will she take the chance to bring her children to safety in a new land? And with everything so different, will there still be a way to have Christmas? Lucky Christmas After agreeing to take her on a ride-along in during a shift, police officer Nick is convinced Kylie is crazy. She’s pushy, uncoordinated, and she has managed to get him in all kinds of trouble with his supervisors. But he soon discovers there is more to this stranger than he ever expected.
Ava Maria Sophia Cecilia has been conned into her into helping her brother, Giuseppe, with one of his paranormal investigations. She really hates it when she gets dragged into his ghost-hunting gigs, especially since she probably doesn’t believe in ghosts. But on the night they investigate the old McAllister place, the one house Ava is convinced is truly haunted, a dead body turns up in the basement. Ava is determined to investigate the death, even when it means she cannot avoid the new detective in town, the mayor, assorted ghost-hunters, and a crazy animal rehabber. As the investigation unfolds, she starts to wonder: has everyone in Brewster Square gone mad?
A tale of love, revenge, and recovery… Why is it so hard to listen when Hannah, the family ghost, issues a warning? Probably because she says things Katie doesn’t want to hear, and she only shows up when there’s trouble. Katie has a secret, and her life is starting to unravel. This time her family and friends may not be able to help her before it’s too late. As the stakes become higher, she is forced to confront her worst nightmare. While revelations about Katie’s obsession come to light, she is faced with enemies so powerful they could destroy her, body and soul.
ABOUT THE BOOK First released in 2003, this book was originally titled Be Your Own Brand: A Breakthrough Formula for Standing Out From the Crowd. Authors David McNally and Karl Speak realized that with the advent of our current technology, specifically, the rise in social networking, our personal and professional interactions have significantly changed. Because of this the later edition, Be Your Own Brand: Achieve More of What You Want By Being More of Who You Are has an additional chapter devoted to social networking and how this phenomenon fits into the concepts of brand management. The result is a refreshed version that walks the reader through the process of building your personal brand in a constantly changing world of growth and technology. The emphasis in this book is on making a positive difference to other people. McNally and Speak advocate the concept that to discover who you really are and grow your brand you need to determine your values and begin to build trust in your community. The idea of building trust within your community extends globally, as the significance of social media networking is discussed as well as techniques you need to adhere to in order to create a successful brand strategy. The new title in the second edition reflects the authors desire to help people achieve authenticity in their lives instead of forcing themselves into contrived versions of themselves. EXCERPT FROM THE BOOK Being alone is fine, but your work and endeavors must be shared with the world for people to truly know you. Authenticity: Time to Step Up A strong personal brand is a powerful way for the world to see and value the authentic you. In this section the authors really begin to delve into the concept of authenticity on a deeper level. Being authentic means being true to who you are, which, as stated previously, takes courage. By living authentically we build trust with others, because they feel they can believe in us. You have to believe that other people will understand where you are coming from, and let go of the worry that you will be misunderstood. To do this, commit to your authenticity. The authors have created a series of signposts that are designed to guide you to your authentic self. These signposts are:What is your purpose?What is your life’s vision?How will you reach your goals? By defining yourself using the above guides you will more successfully develop and deepen your brand. First Signpost: Purpose - What Is My Life About? Purpose is what gives meaning to everyone’s life. The author’s tone becomes very earnest here, as they try to convey the importance of the signposts as guides to building not just a better personal brand but a better life. Their theory, that our convictions dictate our actions, suggests that our convictions affect our relationship to others. When we introduce sales techniques such as manipulation into our lives we damage the strength of our convictions. It is important to be positive and honest to cultivate deserved trust. When you are able to solve problems and meet other people’s needs this demonstrates the depth of your convictions. Therefore, if you consistently show yourself to be driven by purpose this will underline the strength of your personal brand. Second Signpost: Vision - What Do I Want to Create? To create means to bring into being something that has never existed before. Children are very good at creating, usually because they are not mired in the world of adult responsibilities and limitations. Their perception that anything is possible provides a natural outlet for creativity. Gradually that changes for all of us, and some people construct walls and blocks around themselves that create limitations. This signpost is about creating a purpose around the idea that anything is possible and not being constrained by our perceived limitations.
Ella Giancetti thought certain things had ended in the South, like segregation and signs announcing 'Whites Only'. When she moves to Paterson, Virginia, though, she quickly discovers that, though the signs might be gone, some of the attitudes remain... Accepting her first job as a college professor in a different state is supposed to be the start of a new life as Ella heals from the death of her mother. Trying to balance preparations for the new semester with incessant phone calls from her abrasive sister Lisa is difficult enough before complications appear. Someone already hates her enough to vandalize her house, and there's a constant supply of unannounced visitors, like her enigmatic landlord, her eccentric older neighbor, a handsome police officer, and a ghost. Of the three, the ghost is the real problem. It appears in her dreams, it appears in person. It makes a mess. Ella needs to know how this young Black woman became a ghost if she ever wants to have a peaceful night in her new home. Working to find out who is threatening her and why, she can't help wondering about the irony of seeing other people's ghosts - but not her own mother, whom she desperately misses. As the history of the town of Paterson and the house she lives in is uncovered, Ella wonders if the past is truly the past and questions what will happen once she finds the truth about the events of 1960.
Ava Maria Sophia Cecilia has been conned into her into helping her brother, Giuseppe, with one of his paranormal investigations. She really hates it when she gets dragged into his ghost-hunting gigs, especially since she probably doesn’t believe in ghosts. But on the night they investigate the old McAllister place, the one house Ava is convinced is truly haunted, a dead body turns up in the basement. Ava is determined to investigate the death, even when it means she cannot avoid the new detective in town, the mayor, assorted ghost-hunters, and a crazy animal rehabber. As the investigation unfolds, she starts to wonder: has everyone in Brewster Square gone mad?
Christmas in Virginia… Where magic happens. Where angels come to earth to help us find our way. Where even the future has a home in Christmas. Where people find each other, even if they didn’t know they were looking. A Family for Christmas When Zoe finds Abby, a lost child, all she wanted was to help locate the girl’s parents. But her search embroils her with a chilling crime scene, a handsome stranger, and Percy, a mysterious social worker. A Life for Christmas As an undercover narcotics detective, Cade knew about the dark side of humanity. He’d seen the worst of the worst, and thought he was immune to almost everything. But when he gets a reassignment by the very high-up management team just in time for Christmas, he doesn’t know if he can get the job done. Adjusting to the new job means adjusting to Percy, his new partner, a graying man that Cade isn’t even sure is sane, much less partner material. A Christmas to Always Remember Percy is back, and he’s here to help Will and Tessa as they navigate their recovery. But can he help Dahlia, too, before she makes a mistake that costs her both her home and her soul? A Different Kind of Christmas Survival is key for those left behind, and Hope is struggling to care for her family while she waits for her husband to return. Will she take the chance to bring her children to safety in a new land? And with everything so different, will there still be a way to have Christmas? Lucky Christmas After agreeing to take her on a ride-along in during a shift, police officer Nick is convinced Kylie is crazy. She’s pushy, uncoordinated, and she has managed to get him in all kinds of trouble with his supervisors. But he soon discovers there is more to this stranger than he ever expected.
ABOUT THE BOOK First released in 2003, this book was originally titled Be Your Own Brand: A Breakthrough Formula for Standing Out From the Crowd. Authors David McNally and Karl Speak realized that with the advent of our current technology, specifically, the rise in social networking, our personal and professional interactions have significantly changed. Because of this the later edition, Be Your Own Brand: Achieve More of What You Want By Being More of Who You Are has an additional chapter devoted to social networking and how this phenomenon fits into the concepts of brand management. The result is a refreshed version that walks the reader through the process of building your personal brand in a constantly changing world of growth and technology. The emphasis in this book is on making a positive difference to other people. McNally and Speak advocate the concept that to discover who you really are and grow your brand you need to determine your values and begin to build trust in your community. The idea of building trust within your community extends globally, as the significance of social media networking is discussed as well as techniques you need to adhere to in order to create a successful brand strategy. The new title in the second edition reflects the authors desire to help people achieve authenticity in their lives instead of forcing themselves into contrived versions of themselves. EXCERPT FROM THE BOOK Being alone is fine, but your work and endeavors must be shared with the world for people to truly know you. Authenticity: Time to Step Up A strong personal brand is a powerful way for the world to see and value the authentic you. In this section the authors really begin to delve into the concept of authenticity on a deeper level. Being authentic means being true to who you are, which, as stated previously, takes courage. By living authentically we build trust with others, because they feel they can believe in us. You have to believe that other people will understand where you are coming from, and let go of the worry that you will be misunderstood. To do this, commit to your authenticity. The authors have created a series of signposts that are designed to guide you to your authentic self. These signposts are:What is your purpose?What is your life’s vision?How will you reach your goals? By defining yourself using the above guides you will more successfully develop and deepen your brand. First Signpost: Purpose - What Is My Life About? Purpose is what gives meaning to everyone’s life. The author’s tone becomes very earnest here, as they try to convey the importance of the signposts as guides to building not just a better personal brand but a better life. Their theory, that our convictions dictate our actions, suggests that our convictions affect our relationship to others. When we introduce sales techniques such as manipulation into our lives we damage the strength of our convictions. It is important to be positive and honest to cultivate deserved trust. When you are able to solve problems and meet other people’s needs this demonstrates the depth of your convictions. Therefore, if you consistently show yourself to be driven by purpose this will underline the strength of your personal brand. Second Signpost: Vision - What Do I Want to Create? To create means to bring into being something that has never existed before. Children are very good at creating, usually because they are not mired in the world of adult responsibilities and limitations. Their perception that anything is possible provides a natural outlet for creativity. Gradually that changes for all of us, and some people construct walls and blocks around themselves that create limitations. This signpost is about creating a purpose around the idea that anything is possible and not being constrained by our perceived limitations.
A tale of love, revenge, and recovery… Why is it so hard to listen when Hannah, the family ghost, issues a warning? Probably because she says things Katie doesn’t want to hear, and she only shows up when there’s trouble. Katie has a secret, and her life is starting to unravel. This time her family and friends may not be able to help her before it’s too late. As the stakes become higher, she is forced to confront her worst nightmare. While revelations about Katie’s obsession come to light, she is faced with enemies so powerful they could destroy her, body and soul.
The holiday season generates so many emotions, from trepidation about facing the holidays alone to sheer delight at rediscovering the love of family. Join the Chesapeake Bay Writers as they bring you a collection of short stories that all take place in and around the Tidewater region of Virginia, including: A Corduroy Christmas: Will a new boyfriend unite the family or destroy the relationship between sisters? Christmas Eve Deer: When life becomes difficult, the embrace of home is always welcome. Christmas Mermaid: A misnamed bookstore and a Christmas to remember. The Curious Case of the Christmas K9: A search & rescue tale with two dogs. Dancing on DoG Street: Was it too much to ask for a partner who would dance with her? Holiday Haircuts: This holiday haircut was for a very special customer. Safe at Home: For Angela, being in law enforcement meant more than a job, it meant taking care of people. Snowflakes: One small kindness at Christmas stays with Katie for a lifetime. The Greatest Gift: Santa's job really is the best job. The Homecoming: Can these siblings find their way back to being a family? The Stocking: What was the true message that her grandmother wanted her to know? Will and Trussy: A holiday season shared with a very special visitor.
Workaholic developer Richard Gardener is laid up at home for two week's mandatory leave-doctor's orders. No stress. No computers. Just fourteen days of complete rest. Bliss for most, but hell for Richard... in more ways than one. There's a darkness that lives inside Richard's home; a presence he never knew existed because he was seldom there alone. Did he just imagine those footsteps? The smoke alarm shrieking? The woman in his kitchen? His wife thinks he's just suffering from work withdrawal, but as the days crawl by in his solitary confinement, the terror seeping through the walls continues to escalate-threatening his health, his marriage, and his sanity. When the inconceivable can no longer be denied, Richard is forced to come to terms with what is happening. Can he find a way to banish the darkness before he becomes an exile in his own home? "Steven Jenkins weaves such masterful shades of weirdness between the workaholic programmer's inner psyche and the supernatural elements he encounters that the reader is equally unsure if they are real-or just products of his overworked brain. I did not want to put the book down until the mystery was solved." - Val Muller, author, The Scarred Letter
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