This story is dedicated to all who dare to walk on holy ground by touching another human soul with love. (A thought suggested by Stephen Covey.)Why did I write it? It took over 12 years to complete the 16 books. I wrote it because I think it gives some perspective on the meaning of life. I have come to believe that God, at the creation, as a test of integrity, gave us a spirit with free will. A test of our integrity observed by God. I believe it is not so much what we accomplish, b...

In the space of less than twenty years, Napoleon turned Europe upside down. Rising from obscure origins to supreme power by a mixture of luck, audacity and military genius, he was able to harness the energies released by the French Revolution to resolve the internal problems which it had created, before turning his restless ambition to remodeling the political structure of the whole continent in a series of brilliant military victories. He was never able to finally subdue ...

THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING FOLLOW-UP TO AMERICAN SNIPERJoin Chris Kyle on a journedy to discover “how 10 firearms changed United States history” (New York Times Book Review)Drawing on his legendary firearms knowledge and combat experience, U.S. Navy SEAL and #1 bestselling author of American Sniper Chris Kyle dramatically chronicles the story of America—from the Revolution to the present—through the l...

As we continue with Book 2 of the 16, Janet and John have had their first date. You've gotten to know George and Molly Berkins. I'll remind you they are the majority stockholders of the family-owned corporation. George Berkins is a great-grandson in a long line of Berkins' who established the town of Berkinsville. Together, the threesome, George, Molly, and Janet are operating the mill office of the complex business.In this book you will get to know Steve Doyle: Janet's high school...

Now that John is seeking help with his fears, things are returning to the status quo. Janet's focus turns to the decisions and changes that are always considered at the formal mill end-of-year meeting. Specifically, John's possible promotion to Supervisor. Becoming a Supervisor would bring John to the point of being more assertive concerning their relationship. Thus making the Steve letters of much more serious concern. All this adds to the excitement of the Christmas season.

At the end of Book 14, the airline stewardess became entranced with my 'in love' smile And now I have to learn how to be in love in the real world, away from Berkinsville, impatiently waiting for the 'dumb army' to release 'my guy'. Seems that a lady in love can present special problems to photographers, too! And Steve has some serious real world courting to do. Not so easy from an Army training base! But there are ways I can help him deal with all that. Meanwhile, Janet's mother is planni...

Well, you know how Book 13 ended. That question hanging in the air! This book starts the next morning, April 12th. Steve has to report back to the Army base in Georgia April 27th. That leaves Steve about 2 weeks in Berkinsville. Listening while Diane describes this time, you can just sense the tension that existed back then. Tension and excitement! Sort things out and build a foundation for their relationship, that was their goal. And they had found the perfect place to hang out, the Berki...

In Book 2 Janet said "goodbye" to Steve. Steve left her with important guidance concerning her goals in life. To bring things to a head with winning her father's respect, she needed to take on a problem at the mill and solve it. If that didn't win her what she wanted with her father, she could then move on to find other ways to fulfill her life. Thus began the idea of the BETS project.Again, I have only one fear in telling you this story, that someone might take examples from our l...

I remember this time so clearly. Janet suddenly felt the responsibility for others fall on her shoulders. And these others were families; husbands, wives, children. People she considered more experienced than her in living life. Suddenly she had a lot more respect for the responsibility her parents had been carrying through the years as she was growing up. I believe when her father asked if she was sure she wanted to play the game, he understood that she was taking on far more than she und...

Well, here we are at the conclusion. I promised you the whole story of Janet's and my romances. You can't imagine what it has taken to write it. If you want to know about our lives after this story ends, please read the extensive epilogue. Annie has been essential to completing it, as I have recently been feeling my age. You've suffered through the difficult parts. Now I hope you will enjoy the rewards Janet and I achieved. Thank you for the honor you have shown me by reading so much. Dian...

Here is where Janet prepares to deal with her problem. The story will tell it all. -- Diane

As we ended Book 4, Janet had at last challenged her father and won his respect. Ward was enjoying the success of his pupil. Janet was afraid for Steve and fearful of being found out. John was dealing with his deep suppressed feelings from Atlanta. Both John and Janet were aware, curious, and respectful of the others' privacy. John was winning the respect of the men at the mill. And Janet was determined not to let his interest in her wander. Sad for me, the lonely onlooker. But I had my mo...