A violent summer thunderstorm lights up the night in the community of Vanderpool, Texas. Joe Garner, who runs the Lost Maples General store, hears reports of something seen, and his curiosity takes over. Coming across an extraordinary discovery, suddenly Joe and his friends are confronted with a dilemma. Worse, they must deal with outsiders who will do anything to get their find. It's a summer the people of Vanderpool will long remember. "Through the Raging Storm" takes readers on an ambitious science fiction adventure that will spark both curiosity and wonder. After Joe and his friends make their out of this world discovery, they are hooked. They embark on a quest that only leads to more surprises and a possibility too impossible to accept. Complication builds and the outsiders are doing more than just asking questions. Join Joe and his buddies as they cope with the mystery of a lifetime. The only thing he knows for sure, is that his life has been changed forever.
WINNER OF THE MAINE LITERARY AWARD FOR NON FICTION NATIONAL BESTSELLER A NEW YORK TIMES NOTABLE BOOK AN NPR BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR ONE OF JANET MASLIN’S MUST-READ BOOKS OF THE SUMMER A NEW YORK TIMES EDITOR'S CHOICE ONE OF OUTSIDE MAGAZINE’S BEST BOOKS OF THE SUMMER ONE OF AMAZON'S BEST NONFICTION BOOKS OF THE YEAR SO FAR “A powerful and affecting story, beautifully handled by Slade, a journalist who clearly knows ships and the sea.”—Douglas Preston, New York Times Book Review “A Perfect Storm for a new generation.” —Ben Mezrich, bestselling author of The Accidental Billionaires: The Founding of Facebook On October 1, 2015, Hurricane Joaquin barreled into the Bermuda Triangle and swallowed the container ship El Faro whole, resulting in the worst American shipping disaster in thirty-five years. No one could fathom how a vessel equipped with satellite communications, a sophisticated navigation system, and cutting-edge weather forecasting could suddenly vanish—until now. Relying on hundreds of exclusive interviews with family members and maritime experts, as well as the words of the crew members themselves—whose conversations were captured by the ship’s data recorder—journalist Rachel Slade unravels the mystery of the sinking of El Faro. As she recounts the final twenty-four hours onboard, Slade vividly depicts the officers’ anguish and fear as they struggled to carry out Captain Michael Davidson’s increasingly bizarre commands, which, they knew, would steer them straight into the eye of the storm. Taking a hard look at America's aging merchant marine fleet, Slade also reveals the truth about modern shipping—a cut-throat industry plagued by razor-thin profits and ever more violent hurricanes fueled by global warming. A richly reported account of a singular tragedy, Into the Raging Sea takes us into the heart of an age-old American industry, casting new light on the hardworking men and women who paid the ultimate price in the name of profit.
In the Darkness, Anarchy Awakens When a massive solar flare wiped out all modern technology across the globe, the small town of Abney, Texas, was thrown into chaos. Shelby Sparks and her teenage son, Carter, have found refuge, but Shelby knows she can't simply remain hidden. Carter is a type 1 diabetic in need of insulin—and Shelby will risk her life traveling to Austin to make sure he gets it. Shelby's best friend and high school sweetheart, Max Berkman, won't even consider letting her make the perilous journey alone. Together, they manage to reach the capital—only to discover that while things are desperate in Abney, Austin has turned into an urban nightmare on the brink of anarchy. Shelby and Max's search for medical supplies will lead them into terrifying territory, where the only thing more uncertain than finding what they need is the hope of making it out of the city alive. * * * In this second book in an eerily plausible, action-packed dystopian series, survival will be threatened and faith will be put to the ultimate test as a raging storm engulfs America.
Gary Weaver says that "prayer is part poetry, part free-association, and part love letter to God. When spoken, it is the most intimate, sacred speech we utter. When written down, it becomes a diary of the heart." And that's a perfect description of this compelling collection of more than 160 prayers. Some are songs of celebration and joy that "dance before the Lord," while others are desperate pleas for clarity, direction, and meaning amidst loss, divorce, suffering, injustice, fear, and anger. But all of them bring the gentle words of thoughtful introspection and a sustained conversation with the Almighty to the raging storm of daily life with its overwhelming cacophony of motion, noise, and imagery. These prayers can be used in almost any setting from the sanctuary to the stadium, as well as in study groups, prayer circles, nursing homes, or for private meditation. If you're looking for a prayer resource that speaks clearly about the Christian faith while addressing serious human questions, concerns, doubts, and distress, Gentle Words in a Raging Storm is a first-rate compilation you'll find yourself returning to again and again. Themes include: - Personal prayers - Pastoral prayers - Prayers about the seasons of life - Prayers about suffering, dying, and grief - Prayers for the journey of faith - Prayers for special occasions Gentle Words in a Raging Storm invites the worship leader to explore a rich variety of prayer topics, images, and metaphors. I would prescribe a careful reading of this book for anyone who suspects that repetition and sameness have invaded their public prayers. R. David Steele Pastor Emeritus, Christ Presbyterian Church Terra Linda, California Former columnist, The Presbyterian Outlook Gary R. Weaver is the executive presbyter of the Presbytery of Pueblo (Presbyterian Church, U.S.A.) in Pueblo, Colorado. He has pastored churches in California, Utah, Pennsylvania, New Mexico, and Arizona. Weaver holds degrees from the University of Kansas, the University of New Mexico, and Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary.
International bestselling fantasy author Markus Heitz returns with this thrilling sequel to The Triumph of the Dwarves. The Hidden Land lies broken. In the terrible battle to save the home of the dwarfs, elves and humans, many sacrifices were made by great heroes, and at the last the älfar were defeated. Aiphatòn, the son of the indelible and erstwhile Emperor of the Älfar, has sworn that his race will never again pose such a dire threat to the world; he is determined to seek out and destroy the last of his own people. But there may be a greater enemy to face: an enigmatic mage with powerful magic at her fingertips is threatening the entire country. Suddenly the Hidden Land's greatest enemy has become its only hope . . . The action never lets up in this next exciting story in the saga of the dwarves and the älfar! For more from Markus Heitz, check out:The DwarvesThe War of the DwarvesThe Revenge of the DwarvesThe Fate of the DwarvesThe Triumph of the Dwarves
The Raging Storm: A Reporter’s Inside Account of the Northern Uganda War, 1986-2005 is a highly personal and inside account of the northern Uganda war by a young woman whose early encounter with the conflict was as an on-the-ground war correspondent. Caroline Lamwaka’s experiences as a war-time journalist inform the narrative, the research and the broader perspective of an academically trained war and peace researcher. The book examines four phases of the northern Uganda war. These are: the war in Acholi, Lango and Teso; the peace efforts to end the war; the impact of the war; and coping with the impact of insurgency. Caroline Lamwaka joins other authentic voices examining the northern Uganda war.
The COVID-19 pandemic has left an indelible mark on our lives, and the same is true for the Church. Masses were suspended for months, people could not receive the sacraments, and during that time Pope Francis celebrated Mass alone every day. Why are you afraid? Have you no faith? collects some of the words from the pope’s daily homilies when the world was in isolation during the “long Lent” in the spring of 2020, as well as Angelus messages and prayers he delivered. This book is filled with poignant photos that bring to life Pope Francis’ words of support and encouragement, especially from his extraordinary blessing “Urbi et Orbi” in an empty St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican on March 27, 2020. The dozens of photos in this book illustrate the themes often evoked by the Holy Father during the pandemic, including fraternal love, solidarity, the common good, and the virtue of hope. Commemorating an historically important chapter in both the papacy of Francis and the history of the modern world, this book is another avenue by which the Holy Father shares his uplifting message of wisdom, hope, and love with those who have suffered in pain, loneliness, and fear. Despite the dire challenges we have faced during this pandemic, Pope Francis reminds us that evil does not destroy confidence in God, and it does not break the solidarity of humanity.
“An intense, immersive deep dive into a wild, dangerous, and unknown world, written with the pace and appeal of a great thriller. This is nonfiction at its very best.”—Lee Child The true story of two doomed ships and a daring search-and-rescue operation that shines a light on the elite Coast Guard swimmers trained for the most dangerous ocean missions In late September 2015, Hurricane Joaquin swept past the Bahamas and swallowed a pair of cargo vessels in its destructive path: El Faro, a 790-foot American behemoth with a crew of thirty-three, and the Minouche, a 230-foot freighter with a dozen sailors aboard. From the parallel stories of these ships and their final journeys, Tristram Korten weaves a remarkable tale of two veteran sea captains from very different worlds, the harrowing ordeals of their desperate crews, and the Coast Guard’s extraordinary battle against a storm that defied prediction. When the Coast Guard received word from Captain Renelo Gelera that the Minouche was taking on water on the night of October 1, the servicemen on duty helicoptered through Joaquin to the sinking ship. Rescue swimmer Ben Cournia dropped into the sea—in the middle of a raging tropical cyclone, in the dark—and churned through the monstrous swells, loading survivors into a rescue basket dangling from the helicopter as its pilot struggled against the tempest. With pulsating narrative skill in the tradition of Sebastian Junger and Jon Krakauer, Korten recounts the heroic efforts by Cournia and his fellow guardsmen to haul the Minouche’s crew to safety. Tragically, things would not go as well for Captain Michael Davidson and El Faro. Despite exhaustive searching by her would-be rescuers, the loss of the vessel became the largest U.S. maritime disaster in decades. As Korten narrates the ships’ fates, with insights drawn from insider access to crew members, Coast Guard teams, and their families, he delivers a moving and propulsive story of men in peril, the international brotherhood of mariners, and the breathtaking power of nature. Praise for Into the Storm “The story [Tristram] Korten tells is impressively multifaceted, exploring everything from timely issues such as climate change to timeless themes such as man’s struggle against the ocean’s fury.”—Miami New Times “Into the Storm is a triumph of reporting and you-are-there writing that becomes a deeper tale—with more implications about our own lives—with every chapter.”—Robert Kurson, New York Times bestselling author of Shadow Divers
Jared Thundercloud is: Hot; A doctor; Plays in a band; Dreams of his perfect match Sara Foster is: Beautiful; A young adult; A wannabe singer; Fleeing a repressive mother Do you believe in love at first sight? Do you believe in fate and destiny? Until a strange car pulled in Lucy's driveway, Jared Thundercloud laughed at his grandfather's old stories and legends. Now the girl that's been visiting his dreams since he was nineteen is standing across the street from him. At least he thinks it's her. She's the reason he became a doctor. He hoped he could change a predestined future by being in the right place at the right time. Can he? Will fate be kind, or will destiny rule out? Through the years, Jared has built a secret love for his 'dream girl'. A love so strong, he's willing to walk away if he thinks it's better for her - if his walking away can change her future. What does he want to change? Why won't he tell her? This book is linked to the 'A Vested Interest' series and could be regarded as the first book. You don't have to have read other books in the series. A second book, 'Roses and Regret', and third book, 'Choice and Change' also fit before the start of the A Vested Interest series. Comments from reviews: "unique people in an extraordinary situation" "beautiful but sad story" "an invisible force,destiny or fate" "endless romance" "You will laugh, smile,cry and love" "it had everything - mystery, love, jealousy, and sadness" "awesome job ... combining both romance and the paranormal"
Denise is a beautiful high school senior growing up in Philadelphia, who hates everything about her life. Her mother Nina is a sassy beautiful outspoken woman raising three kids on her own. Todd is a very handsome senior who loves the Lord, but is criticized by his peers because of his beliefs. Joe is the school hunk and he is also Denises boyfriend. But little did she know that he had a dark side. After graduation they became engage, which was only the beginning of her pain. Denise begins to untangle the ugly web of deception about Joe. Through lies, betrayal, and abuse her own tears and doubts held her captive. Through it all Gods unchanging hand transforms her life.
