When magicians gather, strange things happen. The P. Howard Lyons Ring of the International Brotherhood of Magicians, sometimes known as Ring 99, meets at a location known only as "The Usual Place and Time." This motley crew of magicians, mentalists, psychics, comedians, university students, philosophers and general dilettantes work together to achieve the clubs objectives, being vaguely defined as something between "advancing the art of magic" and "perfe...

To fight android assassins, a young woman channels her father's heroism—and faces a troubled past—in this "enjoyable, fast-moving, off-planet adventure" (SFSite).In the twenty-fifth century, under the leadership of the League of Peoples, war and crime are things of the past and life is held sacred. That is, as long as you are healthy and beautiful. But those who are deformed or flawed, or who appear to be misfits in any way, are destined—or is "doomed" a better word...

In this "riveting" series from "a brilliant new voice," gender in the twenty-fifth century is a matter of personal choice—until you reach the Commitment Hour (David Feintuch).After most of Earth's population has left for other planets, life is simple in the isolated village of Tober Cove. Fullin, a twenty-year-old musician, lives well off of his craft. But soon he must make a life-changing decision that all residents of Tober Cove must make. Up until their ...

Enduring the turmoil after her son Preston’s passing prompts Sandra Cruz to evaluate her life. Although she’s loved building Cruz Development into one of Florida’s most successful businesses, she decides that time spent in her office has pulled her away from what truly matters: family.Joining with Charles—her ex-husband and new boyfriend—Sandra has combined her business skills with her passion for romance. Together, they created Simply Splendid Proposals, a compan...

Sandra and Charles Durro defied the odds and found love a second time. Together, they’re raising their high schooler Ayla and enjoying part time duties with their grandson Michael. Sandra continues operating Simply Splendid Proposals while volunteering at Michael’s preschool inside the church she’s attended since Preston was little, while Charles steps in as head of Cruz Development. Life is complete; life is wonderful. That is until Sandra hurts her back at the preschool and meet...

This book was prepared for lay people, congregational leaders, pastors, church musicians, worship leaders, and worship committees. It provides an answer for those who are asking the question: What does it mean to worship as a Lutheran in the twenty-first century? The goal of the book is twofold: In today's context, with so many different and confusing opinions about worship, this book provides lay people and pastors with a clear and understandable presentation of Lutheran theology for Luth...

Life is unpredictable. Sandra Cruz never imagined she’d once again go by the name Sandra Durro. Until now! Newlyweds Sandra and Charles head out for a much needed—and much deserved—romantic honeymoon on the island where Sandra and her sister Victoria vacationed in their youth. The island holds special meaning for Sandra, and she can’t wait to share it with Charles. She also plans to confront her past by visiting the beach where her younger sister Abbey drowned years earlier. There, she can...

Ayla Cruz longs for stardom. Years of playing in front of the guests at Cool Beans beside her boyfriend and songwriting partner Bailey prepared her for the ultimate opportunity: a chance to perform in front of pop superstar Fasa. After Ayla wins the talent show judged by Fasa, she earns a spot to record with him. But not everyone is excited for her. Her best friend Lindsay, and more importantly Lindsay’s mother, Ellen, are jealous of Ayla’s success and will do anything to bring Ayla’s shoo...

Randomized response is a data collection strategy specifically designed for surveys of a sensitive nature. By establishing a probabilistic connection between question and answer, randomized response and related methods protect respondents who are asked to disclose personal information. Covering a half century of theoretical and applied research, the Second Edition significantly updates and expands what was, at the time, the first comprehensive and practical guide to random...

House of Refuge is the third book in the Threefold Cord series. Twins Kevin and Robert reach adolescence, and Kevin soon finds himself being drawn into an illicit relationship by a crafty young female manipulator. The twins also have to deal with a mentally unsound teen who has become obsessed with Robert’s girlfriend.The twins’ younger sibling Jonah shares a secret with Kevin about his recent encounters with some vivid and frightening hallucinations. Neither he nor Kevin can make ...

Discover the unique mind and humane vision of an under-recognized American author. Encompassing themes of race, education, fame, law, and America’s past and future, these essays are James Alan McPherson at his most prescient and invaluable.Born in segregated 1940s Georgia, McPherson graduated from Harvard Law School only to give up law and become a writer. In 1978, he became the first Black author to win the Pulitzer Prize for fiction. But all the while, McPherson ...

In this final chapter of the Threefold Cord Series, the past returns once again to haunt Matthew and his family as they try to get on with their daily lives. Matthew, his girlfriend Melissa, along with several other young people, have found sanctuary within loving adoptive families after fleeing from a vile religious cult. But two recent cult refugees are horrified to learn that the cult has intentions to reclaim both of them by whatever means. Out of an irrational fear of being spirited a...