In what he describes as "probably the darkest period of my life," Daroun Jamison struggled as a prison inmate to imagine the possibility that he could ever rebuild his life. In 1995, as he approached his eighteenth birthday, homeless, hungry and out of control, Daroun made a series of reckless, fateful decisions. Among the results were a near-fatal gunshot wound to an innocent and unintended victim and an 18-year prison sentence that would not end until 2011 when Jamison was 34. Yes, I've Made Mistakes-Your Past Doesn't Have to Determine Your Future, recounts Jamison's experiences as a troubled youth and former inmate and his journey to becoming a responsible, caring adult. The book's focus is on two important questions that dominated his thoughts during those prison years: first, how can one move forward after life-altering mistakes and bad decisions, and second, how does one avoid making the choices that can lead to undesirable or unexpected outcomes. Because it is based on real-life experiences, Yes, I've Made Mistakes offers practical advice and strategies-including a six-step process-to improve decision-making and help solve problems in positive, productive ways. Its aim is to inspire readers and offer resources to those who want to improve their lives. Its message is one of self-empowerment through self-examination and personal responsibility and reflects the author's belief that everyone has the capacity to be and do better.

Little Billy asked his grandmother how long she planned to stay 39, because on each birthday when asked how old she was, she would reply, “I’m still 39 and holding.” To which Billy replied, “Granny do you think you can stay 39 forever?” Far too many of us take growing old and old age too seriously. We need to lighten up...go with the flow. A sage is reportedly to have said, “You grow up the day you can laugh at yourself.” This volume of poems presents a humorous, and at times a serious, view of growing older. It is a follow-up to the author’s book, Have You Hugged Your Parents Lately? A book in which a deep and serious look is taken at aging, it’s problems and challenges. There is a second part in this book in which the author takes a nostalgic trip back into his childhood in rural Georgia, which he refers to as, “We didn’t know the depression was over until the middle fifties.” This poetic trip and the poems on aging will delight and encourage the hearts of all who read this book. It is an ideal gift for young and old.

Many young people and young professionals struggle to overcome unfulfilled aspirations and difficult circumstances, and frequently end up in unsatisfying jobs. Even so, armed with the right attitude, strategies, and behaviours, they can take advantage of opportunities to make a mark on the global marketplace while discovering greater fulfilment. Josh, a young professional like so many others, finds out how to do just that in The Magic of Monday, a fable that teaches lessons on developing a winning attitude in and out of the workplace. With the help of his longtime friend, Paul, he learns how - focusing on your strengths can make all the difference in performance; - changing damaging behaviours can yield positive results; - discovering new ways of thinking can transform a career; and - finding a mentor can provide huge dividends. Josh also learns top habits of high achievers, what it means to have a winning attitude, and how to stay motivated on a daily basis. By joining him on his journey and reading real advice and insights gleaned from interviews of more than seventy-five business leaders, entrepreneurs, senior executives, and managers, you'll never look at Mondays the same again.

This book was written to encourage every "special parent" who is carrying or has carried the weight of rearing a child or children - seemingly - alone. Whether your challenge relates to your child or children, finances, a relationship or the lack thereof, your career or educational dreams, or all of the above, this book was written for you. May each chapter leave you with every reason to "bee" encouraged, confident in this very thing - "you are special to, not forsaken by, God." Pregnant at 14, Dianne was quickly counted out by man. Add to her "charges" a second child at 18, welfare, the projects, a divorce, and overwhelming debt. Surely by man's standards she would never amount to anything. "Impossible" is what many thought - and said. BUT GOD! has turned Dianne's mess into a message of hope with evidence of His love and the unlimited possibilities in Him. Dianne graduated (pregnant) with her high school class - with honors - and has since earned four degrees including a Master's in Educational Leadership and a Doctorate in Biblical Studies. She is CEO of her own corporation and living single in Biloxi, Mississippi, with a testimony that God will keep those who want to be kept. Dianne's message is practical with the aim to encourage hearts with the truth that what God is doing for her, He can do for another - that and much more!

From the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award-winning author for Multicultural Romance, Bette Ford, a novel about family secrets, wealth and true love... “Poignant, gutsy and teeming with sensuality FOREVER AFTER is a stellar love story that no romance reader will want to miss. Once again, the inimitable Ms. Ford has created a sensational novel destined to become a keeper in the hearts of readers and booksellers for years to come.” –Romantic Times Tormented by dark family secrets, lies and deception, the beautiful Diane Rivers had to struggle to make a life for herself. Though a successful career in teaching finally awarded her the long-fought-for independence she craved, it came at a price...a future with the man she loved the most, Charles Alexander Randol, III. Charles Randol, Vice President of Randol Pharmaceuticals is shocked when he discovers that Diane’s promiscuous reputation is utterly false...Diane is a virgin. When Diane finally gathers up the nerve to share her true feelings with Charles, he immediately whisks her away to the island of St. Thomas for a private wedding, luxurious honeymoon and the intended happily ever after... But when they return to the States, Charles’ whole world is rocked when he learns that Diane’s virginity isn’t the only secret she’s kept from him. Faced with his wife’s traumatic past, Charles finds himself torn between his deep love for her and the bitter betrayal he feels at being kept in the dark on her dangerous past...and Charles desperately hopes the love in his heart is tough enough to save his marriage...and to save his wife.

This story is written in a way that is beyond amazing. It’s fascinating, gripping, and compelling. It will send you on an emotional roller-coaster ride. It will make you laugh; it will make you cry. It will tell you things you long to hear. You will learn the truth about things you’ve questioned or doubted. This story will bring you eye to eye with facts, hitting home runs with truth. It will bring back memories—some you may want to forget and others you long to remember. This author is brilliant. With the twists and turns, the way this story has been laid out will captivate and hold you hostage until the very end. It’s intriguing and will arouse your curiosity and compel you to a point of no return. This manuscript is nothing short of riveting.

In We Flew over the Bridge, one of the country’s preeminent African American artists—and award-winning children’s book authors—shares the fascinating story of her life. Faith Ringgold’s artworks—startling “story quilts,” politically charged paintings, and more—hang in the Studio Museum in Harlem, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Guggenheim Museum, the Museum of Modern Art, and other major museums around the world, as well as in the private collections of Maya Angelou, Bill Cosby, and Oprah Winfrey. Her children’s books, including the Caldecott Honor Book Tar Beach, have sold hundreds of thousands of copies. But Ringgold’s path to success has not been easy. In this gorgeously illustrated memoir, she looks back and shares the story of her struggles, growth, and triumphs. Ringgold recollects how she had to surmount a wall of prejudices as she worked to refine her artistic vision and raise a family. At the same time, the story she tells is one of warm family memories and sustaining friendships, community involvement, and hope for the future.

A hardcore player falls for the one woman he shouldn’t in this captivating enemies-to-lovers romance. Keep your friends close... And your enemies closer. From the moment Leilani Hart stepped foot into our quaint town, I knew she was trouble. With her big-city ideas and hotel heiress reputation, our picturesque island was at risk of becoming a tacky tourist trap. Well, I had news for her—she'd have to go through me first. From our first meeting, we were like fire and ice, and I couldn't help but imagine melting away all those frosty layers of hers—one smoldering kiss at a time. Love had always been synonymous with heartbreak for me. But for her, I might be willing to risk everything. Even if it means falling... for the enemy.

The Drama Continues…. I ask myself a few questions every day. Does time heal all wounds? Can a broken heart heal… eventually? Is love really worth it in the end? And the most important question of all… is forgiveness possible? For Becky Sloaner, when the two most important people in your life back stab you, trust and love were two things that couldn’t be brought back to the equation, no matter how badly those that hurt you were sorry. For Jenna Sabini, her whole life was about to crash. With friendships fizzling and ex swim team members going off to do their own thing, at least she still had Annabelle and Tom by her side to finish off senior year with. What’s the worst that could happen? It’s not like she had any dangerous enemies, lurking in the shadows waiting for her. Or… did she? For Tom Colleto, he’s had trouble remembering who his father was ever since he disappeared years ago. But things were getting strange. Faint warnings surprise him when he least expects it. A certain darkness has been creeping in the shadows, and Tom acknowledging it might mean the difference between life and something… very, very bad. For Annabelle Simms, the divorce her parents were on route for was tearing their family apart. When you’ve spent your entire life walking on eggshells, it was unfair that one moment of defiance would be the catalyst that ended everything. At least she still had two people she could count on, her best friend Jenna, and her boyfriend, James. With those two by her side, making it out of this nasty storm seemed possible, even if scars were guaranteed. For James Lawson, there were only two things he cared about. Winning fights and his girlfriend Annabelle. And nothing would ever change that. Reaching a high level of success under Rome’s rule in such a short period of time had everyone looking at James with new eyes. When you’re willing to risk it all for the win, Romilly Matos always noticed, and whether James was ready or not, he was about to enter a world where the bad sneaky guys ruled the game, all at the cost of the good guy. But business was business, and he was an asset now, one that Rome wouldn’t be letting go of, no matter how dangerous things got. Success always had a price. Warning: Contains sexual scenes, some bad language, and includes scenes of violence and hostility. Recommended for ages 17+ Me and My Boyfriend is a 116,000 word Young Adult Romance novel. This is not a standalone novel: Young Annabelle Series Book 7 Young Annabelle Series: 8 Books Total Book 1: Young Annabelle Book 2: The Truth About James Book 3: What My Heart Wants Book 4: You’re What I Want Book 5: Don’t Stop Holding Me Book 6: It’s Me And You Book 7: Me and My Boyfriend Book 8: Us Against The World (Final) - To be Determined