THEY were here long before sentient beings gave them a name...THEY have been watching us, and waiting until the time was right...THEY have started to return, and conscious life on our planet will regret it...A mosaic of weird horror, eerie sci-fi, and strange conspiracy theory rantings fromMatthew M BartlettTom BreenMichael A. CavagnaroMat FitzMatthew HenshawJonathan RaabAnd "Citizen X"Will leave you lo...

On his thirtieth birthday, barista Jimmy Patterson decides to get rip-roaring drunk after his roommate-boyfriend abandons him at a bar in the tiny California foothills town of Stone Acres where they have relocated from San Francisco. Jimmy is immediately rescued by the burly owner of Stonewall Saloon, who has had his eye on Jimmy since the first time he came in months before.Jimmy's fine with being saved but wants to know the bartender's real name since the guy has worn name tags wi...

A scrying stone says after his gift is destroyed, a famous songwriter will fall in love. Will the stone's prediction come true?Glass artist Ashton Snell is delighted when superstar singer/songwriter Hunter Davidson walks into his shop looking for a gift for a friend. On a whim Ashton looks through a scrying glass to see what's in store for Hunter in the future. The stone shows a vision of the glass unicorn gift shattering and Hunter falling in love. Should Ashton tell Hunter what h...

In this work, Henshaw examines the intricate animal carvings found in these mounds, providing detailed descriptions and interpretations of the various effigies, which include representations of birds, mammals, reptiles, and other creatures. His analysis aims to determine the symbolic meanings and functions of these carvings, suggesting that they were more than mere decorative art but likely held spiritual or ceremonial significance for the people who created them.The book also delves into ...

"Edna's Sacrifice and Other Stories" is a collection of short stories written by Frances Henshaw Baden, an American author known for her contributions to children's literature and fiction.The stories in this collection likely explore a variety of themes, characters, and settings, offering readers a diverse range of narratives and experiences. "Edna's Sacrifice" may serve as a central tale within the collection, possibly focusing on themes of selflessness, bravery, or personal growth.France...

Peter Lamont and Mark Trainor met as freshman in college. They separated to go to different law schools, but promised if, when they turned thirty, they weren't attached or married, they would get back together again. Over the years, they met up time and again, keeping their friendship alive and well.Recently, Peter turned thirty. Now for Mark's thirtieth, Peter has planned a progressive dinner at the restaurants on the refurbished pier. Will the lovely sunset, twinkling lights, and...

Examines the disastrous Allied Convoy PQ 17 of 1942, exploring how strategic errors and one critical decision led to its near-destruction.In early June 1941, few optimists would have forecast that beleaguered Britain would see victory or even be joined by new military allies. Yet on June 22, Nazi Germany launched Operation Barbarossa, its surprise attack on the Soviet Union, which in six months reached the very gates of Moscow. Then, on December 7, Japan l...

Gil and Ford shared a pivotal moment when they were kids living in tiny Leeward, California, on the northern coastal highway. Immediately afterward, Gil moved to the San Francisco Bay Area with his family so his mother could get better cancer care.Years later, Gil is back in Leeward, working as CFO at Mainsail Construction where Ford supervises the work teams. Gil has come home to take care of his father after the older man's stroke. While Gil says he's a small town boy at heart an...

Metal artist Martin Murphy knows dragons don't talk, especially the dragon crafted of sequins on a former flame's vest. So when the dragon seems to reach out and tells him to help its creator Ty, Marty refuses to believe the illusion. The sparks between him and Ty, on the other hand? They're as real as it gets.As he and Ty reconnect after so many years, Marty sees firsthand how the big man's innate kindness and willingness to help others consume his time and energy. Maybe the drago...

Everyone needs a helping hand at one time or another to find their path to love. Sometimes the hand is extended from a person or other times it's a gentle push from circumstances. Either way, if like the gay men in these stories, the man takes the hint, he will discover happily ever after isn't just a slogan but a reality.Contains the stories:12 Blind Dates: Two years after a bad breakup with his fiancé, Luke's friends think it's time he started dating agai...

It's July in Smallwood, Nevada. Time to try, once again, to bring the two halves of the community together to plan the town's holiday festival.As usual, the craftsmen and women on bar owner Wild Bill Toohey's side want the holiday celebration to reflect the rowdy, fun-loving Gold Rush Days of the west. On the other side of town, Smallwood Inn's Clive Pritchert and members of the Handcrafter's Co-op see the winter holiday as a more mellow, family affair.Longtime resident Har...

When Jack meets Tom, he's immediately smitten. But the time isn't right for romance. Instead, they become best friends. Tom has just bought his dream café and is working around the clock to get it up and running. Jack totally understands since he's establishing himself as a CPA.After Tom's sister dies, leaving him with her six-year-old son, Jack realizes Tom doesn't have the time or energy to do everything the boy needs. So Jack offers to help raise the boy. Despite Jack's reluctan...