Twelve-year old Brendan tells the story, set in 1944-45, that begins with his parents' decision to buy a run-down grocery store in a tiny Minnesota town. What they discover about small town idealism, bigotry, and good old American values will change them and the town forever.... "A writer good enough to restore your faith in fiction." THE NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW From the Paperback edition.
For some, love starts with a smile, grows with a kiss, and ends in tears. For four friends from Queens, it’s about to get complicated… Best friends Terrance, Trey, Ash, and Devin grew up together in Queens, New York. While bonded by friendship, can they count on each other when life gets heavy and their complex love lives threaten the very essence of their being? Terrance married young, leaving behind his player days for unconditional love. After five years of marriage, the hard-working family man feels that his world is perfect—until he discovers otherwise. Trey is a ladies’ man who wants to have his cake and eat it too. Old habits die hard, but will he ever experience the happiness he deeply desires, or will he keep the carousel spinning? Meanwhile, Ash is coming home from prison. He has a lot of catching up to do—with the ladies, that is—and he wants his boys to join him for the ride, just like the good old days. Devin believes in monogamy—not loving a thousand different women, but loving your woman a thousand different ways. He’s in love with Danielle and believes he’s found true love. Is it real, or merely an illusion?
By day, the Duncans are an upstanding family who run a thriving car dealership in Queens. By night, they live a dangerous secret life! Carl Weber and Eric Pete deliver a thrilling underworld drama in The Family Business. L.C. Duncan, patriarch of the family, is at the age when hes starting to think about retirement in sunny Florida. But the recession is taking a bite out of the business and, worrying more, he has to decide which of his children should take over. When his workaholic son Orlando gets the nod, Orlandos siblingsincluding the favorite son Vegas, conniving daughter London, glamorous party girl Paris and flamboyant nightclub owner Rioare up in arms. But so are the Zunigas, a rival family whose fragile business alliance with the Duncans may explode at any moment. When Vegas suddenly breaks away from the family, Londons lawyer husband, Harris, makes a play for the company and all hell breaks loose. Selling cars, it turns out, is only a small part of the Duncans family business. Each member of the family has a secret expertise to reveal. And now, under siege from the Mafia, Mexican drug cartels and the Zunigas, the Duncans will have to stick togetheror die separately!
Ripped from the pages of the New York Times bestselling series The Family Business, Carl Weber and Eric Pete bring you To Paris with Love, a solo story about their two most popular characters to date—the bright, sexy, and deadly Paris Duncan and her flamboyant and cunning twin brother, Rio. It’s Spring Break, and Paris Duncan is on the verge of graduating at the top of her class from Chi’s Finishing School, one of Europe’s most exclusive private academies. At Chi’s, students not only learn the three Rs, but they also learn the deadly art of assassination. Like most of her classmates, Paris looks forward to going back home. She can’t wait to get back to the bright lights of New York City, where she plans on clubbing with her twin brother, Rio, scarfing down her mom’s cooking, and wearing out her father’s credit cards. A family crisis puts an end to her trip home in favor of a solo trip to the French Riviera. Rio Duncan has been accepted into one of the most prestigious law schools in the country and his father, LC Duncan, couldn’t be more proud of him. Unfortunately for LC, Rio has plans of his own, and they don’t include law school. If that wasn’t surprising enough, Rio’s got a few more things to tell his dear old dad, one of which is that he is gay. Now that he’s come out of the closet, Rio is in the wind. He’s headed to Europe to live life by his own rules and hook up with his sister for some fun in the European sun. Together Rio and Paris will do what they do best—have fun, find trouble, and break men’s hearts. Travel with Weber and Pete to Europe, to see how Paris and Rio became the dynamic duo of the Duncan clan.
New York Times bestselling author Carl Weber and Essence bestseller La Jill Hunt return with a story of love, betrayal and racism in the next addition to the wildly popular Family Business series. From the time he was a boy in Georgia, LC Duncan, patriarch and leader of the Duncan clan, has battled racism. Even now that he and his family are truly successful, the racism can still be in-your-face. Maybe it’s the political climate or perhaps it’s just bad timing, but LC and the rest of the Duncans are being challenged by the ultimate power-hungry racist, Sheriff KD Shrugs. Nevada Duncan is at that age when girls and sex are always on his mind. His handsome face and superior intellect attract Kia, the beautiful “Blasian” call girl who tempts him into running away to a place where the Duncans are definitely not wanted—El Paso, Texas, the home of KD Shrugs. What is the worst thing that can happen to a handsome, rich millennial? Rio Duncan would say it’s mistaken identity after being beat down in a nightclub by someone who thinks he’s Roman Johnson, a stickup kid who happens to be Rio’s doppelganger. What happens next will open up the biggest can of worms the Duncans have ever had to deal with. Get ready for another roller coaster ride with the Duncan family.
Children love animals, letters, and games involving numbers. With this book, even the youngest children can playfully learn their ABCs, the names of animals, and how to count. This fun animal book tells the exciting story of a zoo preparing for its opening day. The head zookeeper, who guides young readers through its pages, is waiting anxiously for the animals to get there. Will they all be in their cages by the time the first visitors arrive? Illustrated with loving attention to detail, The Zoo's Grand Opening is ideal for pre-school children. The book opens on an empty zoo and then follows the arrival of the animals, starting with an anaconda (representing the letter "A" and the number one), followed by a bear ("B" and two) and so on all the way to "Z" and 26. While they enjoy the story, children will playfully be introduced to the letters of the alphabet and how to count. At its end, they have not only been introduced to a variety of creatures, but they also know how many animals can be seen at the grand opening.
Travel back to a small Southern town where, before there was Duncan Motors, there were the Duncan brothers and their tough-as-nails women. After a hard fought battle, they've taken their place as the leaders of the town's criminal enterprises. Their rise to the top is not without problems, soon the Duncans are rocked by the murder of one of their own. No one knows who the killer is, but their secret adversary won't be happy until all the Duncans are dead and gone. Luckily, the Duncan brothers aren't alone, and when friends are called in to help, an all-out war ensues.
Before there was the family, there was just the business. From the minds of New York Times bestselling authors Carl Weber and Eric Pete comes the game-changing prequel to their blockbuster Family Business saga. Travel back to a small Southern town where, before there was Duncan Motors, there were the Duncan brothers: Louis, aka Sweet Lou, a lover of ladies and life . . . and a man you did not want to cross; Lawrence, aka Larry, a screw-up as attracted to trouble as it was to him; and Lavernius, better known as LC, the soft-spoken college boy who simply wanted to sell cars. But the Duncan brothers weren’t alone at the crossroads. There was also the mysterious and seductive Chippy, a woman who saw a way out of her circumstances and dared to take it. Witness what changed the course of their lives when ambitions intersected with opportunity that came calling one day in the form of a man named Alejandro Zuniga. Welcome to the familiar, but as you’ve never seen it before.
How to Start a XXXX Business About the Book Unlock the essential steps to launching and managing a successful business with How to Start a XXXX Business. Part of the acclaimed How to Start a Business series, this volume provides tailored insights and expert advice specific to the XXX industry, helping you navigate the unique challenges and seize the opportunities within this field. What You'll Learn Industry Insights: Understand the market, including key trends, consumer demands, and competitive dynamics. Learn how to conduct market research, analyze data, and identify emerging opportunities for growth that can set your business apart from the competition. Startup Essentials: Develop a comprehensive business plan that outlines your vision, mission, and strategic goals. Learn how to secure the necessary financing through loans, investors, or crowdfunding, and discover best practices for effectively setting up your operation, including choosing the right location, procuring equipment, and hiring a skilled team. Operational Strategies: Master the day-to-day management of your business by implementing efficient processes and systems. Learn techniques for inventory management, staff training, and customer service excellence. Discover effective marketing strategies to attract and retain customers, including digital marketing, social media engagement, and local advertising. Gain insights into financial management, including budgeting, cost control, and pricing strategies to optimize profitability and ensure long-term sustainability. Legal and Compliance: Navigate regulatory requirements and ensure compliance with industry laws through the ideas presented. Why Choose How to Start a XXXX Business? Whether you're wondering how to start a business in the industry or looking to enhance your current operations, How to Start a XXX Business is your ultimate resource. This book equips you with the knowledge and tools to overcome challenges and achieve long-term success, making it an invaluable part of the How to Start a Business collection. Who Should Read This Book? Aspiring Entrepreneurs: Individuals looking to start their own business. This book offers step-by-step guidance from idea conception to the grand opening, providing the confidence and know-how to get started. Current Business Owners: Entrepreneurs seeking to refine their strategies and expand their presence in the sector. Gain new insights and innovative approaches to enhance your current operations and drive growth. Industry Professionals: Professionals wanting to deepen their understanding of trends and best practices in the business field. Stay ahead in your career by mastering the latest industry developments and operational techniques. Side Income Seekers: Individuals looking for the knowledge to make extra income through a business venture. Learn how to efficiently manage a part-time business that complements your primary source of income and leverages your skills and interests. Start Your Journey Today! Empower yourself with the insights and strategies needed to build and sustain a thriving business. Whether driven by passion or opportunity, How to Start a XXXX Business offers the roadmap to turning your entrepreneurial dreams into reality. Download your copy now and take the first step towards becoming a successful entrepreneur! Discover more titles in the How to Start a Business series: Explore our other volumes, each focusing on different fields, to gain comprehensive knowledge and succeed in your chosen industry.