Arts & Entertainment

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K.C. Smith announces release of ‘Sacred Kingdom’

Memoir recounts author’s struggles with adoption, depression, how he coped up through positive mindset

HARVEY, Australia – K.C. Smith is just an average guy who is searching for contentment, happiness and love even if he is afflicted with a mental disorder that challenges his path forward to his ultimate goal. With only his faith and self-belief to hold on, Smith knows that anything in life is possible if one has a positive mindset.

In “Sacred Kingdom” (published by Xlibris AU), Smith shares his experience living in the 1990s, which he considers as the most arduous and traumatic period of his life, his earliest memories, experiences and relationships with his adopted family and his teenage years up until his 20s.

“This memoir of mine is a release of knowledge, a burden I had accumulated over my life so far,” Smith says. “Writing for me was a purging act as my mind was full of information I had to release as it was destroying me from within; this knowledge was also restricting my development as a normal human being. My writings also acted as a kind of therapy for me as I had no one to share my deepest thoughts and feelings with; this will become quite evident as you read this book.”

Smith hopes the book will inspire people to be positive, commit and really believe in themselves—particularly his fellow sufferers of mental disorders because he is one of them. “Believe that there is hope in what seems to be an absolutely hopeless situation,” he concludes.

“Sacred Kingdom”

By K.C. Smith

Hardcover | 6 x 9in | 426 pages | ISBN 9781503509870

Softcover | 6 x 9in | 426 pages | ISBN 9781503509887

E-Book | 426 pages | ISBN 9781503509894

Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

About the Author

K.C. Smith was adopted 14 days after his birth. He was inevitably caught between two worlds and subsequently was torn apart. He is on a path to follow a balancing act of endeavor and emotion, a gilt-edged tight rope towards the Holy Grail, carrying on day by day with only his faith to guide him in the knowledge that one day everything will be OK for him.

Xlibris Publishing Australia, an Author Solutions, LLC imprint, is a self-publishing services provider dedicated to serving Australian authors. By focusing on the needs of creative writers and artists and adopting the latest print-on-demand publishing technology and strategies, we provide expert publishing services with direct and personal access to quality publication in hardcover, trade paperback, custom leather-bound and full-color formats. To date, Xlibris has helped to publish more than 60,000 titles.For more information, visit xlibrispublishing.com.au or call 1800 455 039 to receive a free publishing guide. Follow us @XlibrisAus on Twitter for the latest news.

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Fiction book tells tale of adventures, misadventures

Martha Beimer sets new book campaign for ‘Moving On / Never Leaving’

BALLINGER, Texas – A fiction book dealing with racism, faith and family, Martha Beimer’s “Moving On / Never Leaving” (published by Xlibris) is a simple to read book based on the author’s life. Blended with humor and truth, the book is appealing in its honesty and joy of living.

Set in different states such as Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Missouri, the little book is about the author’s growing up moving.  She lived in 12 houses before she started schooling and 17 before she started her life in her current home, 46 years ago.  Every single day, Beimer is reminded of things that happened all through the years- the places, the people, the friendships and the experiences of precious childhood.

“Upon learning of the death of a person in the book, I realized just how important my memories and friendships had been all during my life, including the moving years and the present time.  I needed to share this story of memory and ever abiding love.”

A particular passage from the book:

Gail’s mother said, “Come, hurry, wave to Daddy and Dandy.” Surely enough, the train they were riding as passing the house on the end of Maple Street. There was Daddy, and Dandy beside him.  He was waving both hands.  Dandy was barking!  Bobby and Gail waved and waved, and suddenly Gail became very sad.   Her mother asked her why, and she said that it made her sad to leave her precious Daddy two times in one day.  She did not tell her mother that she thought her heart was breaking, because she did not know that a heart could break. She was only five.  Somehow, this felt like moving,,,, again.

“Moving On / Never Leaving”

By Martha Beimer

Hardcover | 6 x 9in | 144 pages | ISBN 9781524551490

Softcover | 6 x 9in | 144 pages | ISBN 9781524551483

E-Book | 144 pages | ISBN 9781524551476

Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

About the Author

Martha Beimer is a nearly retired bank teller. She spent the first parts of her life moving with her family for her father’s job. The last 57 years, she has lived in or near Ballinger. Beimer is a Texas master florist but works as a bank teller. She is a grandmother who loves to travel, read, knit, sew, paint and do other nondomestic chores. Beimer credits God and her good family for her joy and successes in life. She is looking forward to having more time to share her stories. Her motto is “God is good.”

Xlibris Publishing, an Author Solutions, LLC imprint, is a self-publishing services provider created in 1997 by authors, for authors. By focusing on the needs of creative writers and artists and adopting the latest print-on-demand publishing technology and strategies, we provide expert publishing services with direct and personal access to quality publication in hardcover, trade paperback, custom leather-bound and full-color formats. To date, Xlibris has helped to publish more than 60,000 titles. For more information, visit xlibris.com or call 1-888-795-4274 to receive a free publishing guide. Follow us @XlibrisPub on Twitter for the latest news.

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New religious fiction contains suspense, drama, uncertainty, romance

Howell Walker Burkhead’s ‘Long Road from Annan Springs’ explores the redemption of Christians

HOUSTON, Mo. – Howell Walker Burkhead’s new novel “Long Road from Annan Springs” (published by WestBow Press) explores the possibilities and the limitations of the redemption of Christians “broken by past sin and mistakes.”

Clay Bartlett is a preacher who has always tried to “walk a straight line” and live above reproach for God. Joanna Browning is a pastor’s daughter who, though raised in a Christian home, went far astray as a young woman. Now she has recommitted herself to faith and Godly living, but struggles with the consequences of her past, a bad reputation and the attitudes of others toward her. What they decide to do will affect both of them, their futures, the church and all the other members of their community.

Burkhead says he wants readers “to think hard about what redemption really means in their own lives and the lives of others. I want them to examine their own beliefs and presuppositions about the relationship of church rules to biblical standards. I would hope that reading the book would lead readers toward greater mercy with those (including themselves) who have failed in some way.”

“Long Road from Annan Springs”

By Howell Walker Burkhead

Hardcover | 5.5 x 8.5 in | 794 pages | ISBN 9781512789584

Softcover | 5.5 x 8.5 in | 794 pages | ISBN 9781512789577

E-Book | 794 pages | ISBN 9781512789560

Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

About the Author

Howell Walker Burkhead, a pastor, has served both large city and tiny rural congregations. He has seen life from the inside and outside of the church as a college professor, counselor, denominational representative, rodeo chaplain and truck driver. He has been a mentor to many young ministers. His experiences, good and bad, have left him with a genuine but realistic love for the church. Burkhead is a graduate of Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, Missouri, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts. He earned a Master of Divinity and Doctor of Philosophy degree at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas.

WestBow Press is a strategic supported self-publishing alliance between HarperCollins Christian Publishing and Author Solutions, LLC — the world leader in supported self-publishing. Titles published through WestBow Press are evaluated for sales potential and considered for publication through Thomas Nelson and Zondervan.  For more information, visit www.westbowpress.com or call (866)-928-1240. For WestBow Press news, click “Like” at www.facebook.com/WestBowPress and follow @westbowpress on Twitter.

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New motivational book seeks to encourage others

Glenn A. Gelabert announces publication of ‘Life Jackets’

EL PASO, Texas – Glenn Gelabert’s new book “Life Jackets: Weathering the Storm” (published by WestBow Press) seeks to encourage others through motivational quotes.

Centered on themes surrounding faith and common sense, “Life Jackets” offers 75 sayings that draw from various quotes and Bible verses to uplift the reader. Phrases include: “A dead end is just another place to turn around” from Judith Albright, “If you’re not passionate about what you do, do something else” and “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” from Hebrews 11:1.

“I believe life jackets will lift you up. It will encourage you, it will give you direction and purpose, and most of all, it will help you see yourself on the other side, going through adversity,” says Gelabert.

An excerpt from “Life Jackets”:

F.E.A.R.

False

Evidence

Appeared

Real

Fear Not.

“Life Jackets”

By Glenn Gelabert

Softcover | 6 x 9 in | 82 pages | ISBN 9781512790467

E-Book | 82 pages | ISBN 9781512790450

Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

About the Author

Glenn Gelabert is the founder and president of SMART Strategies. He is a speaker, trainer and sales consultant. Since beginning SMART Strategies, he has helped companies to increase their sales and productivity and improve upon their internal and customer relations. More information is available at: www.smartstrategies.biz.

WestBow Press is a strategic supported self-publishing alliance between HarperCollins Christian Publishing and Author Solutions, LLC — the world leader in supported self-publishing. Titles published through WestBow Press are evaluated for sales potential and considered for publication through Thomas Nelson and Zondervan.  For more information, visit www.westbowpress.com or call (866)-928-1240. For WestBow Press news, click “Like” at www.facebook.com/WestBowPress and follow @westbowpress on Twitter.

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John W. Nelson Jr. reveals ‘How I Found My Dad in Texas’

Story about how French man found his father, his American family after 28 years of searching

PARIS, France – In “How I Found My Dad in Texas” (published by Xlibris), author John W. Nelson Jr. shares a very personal story of how he found out about his birth father and his American family after 28 years of searching. Using his real name, Nordine Mohamedi, he details in the book how he was lucky enough to meet his cousins and his aunt in Texas for the very first time in March, 2017. The story tells how he found them all.

This story is the one of Mohamedi, who was born in France to a North African mother and an unknown American father. Mohamedi spent more than half his life looking for his father whose name was the only thing he knew of him. In 2016, at the age of 50, he eventually found the truth. His father had been dead for a long time, but Mohamedi, from France, was able to get in touch with his Texan family, whom he was eventually lucky enough to meet in person later on.

“It’s a story about perseverance and love. It took time to find the truth about someone that the main character missed for his whole life. When he discovered his American family, it was such a miracle,” says Nelson on what he thinks is his book’s appeal to readers.

Nelson invites readers to get to know his story and find out how hope and perseverance paved the way in finding the truth about his father who he has not known since birth.

“How I Found My Dad in Texas”

By John W. Nelson Jr.

Hardcover | 6x9in | 146 pages | ISBN 9781543434408

Softcover | 6x9in | 146 pages | ISBN 9781543434392

E-Book | 146 pages | ISBN 9781543434385

Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

About the Author

Television reporter and news broadcaster, John W. Nelson Jr. was born in 1966 in Châteauroux, France. Born to a North African mother and to a Texan father, he works for French public television since 2004. He is a former sports correspondent for Canal Plus channel. He has covered several soccer, tennis and Formula 1 events in France, Europe and Africa. “How I found my Dad in Texas” is his first book published in the United States. Nelson has five children, four daughters and one son. Readers can reach him through his e-mail address: johnwayne.nelsonjr@gmail.com.

Xlibris Publishing, an Author Solutions, LLC imprint, is a self-publishing services provider created in 1997 by authors, for authors. By focusing on the needs of creative writers and artists and adopting the latest print-on-demand publishing technology and strategies, we provide expert publishing services with direct and personal access to quality publication in hardcover, trade paperback, custom leather-bound and full-color formats. To date, Xlibris has helped to publish more than 60,000 titles. For more information, visit xlibris.com or call 1-888-795-4274 to receive a free publishing guide. Follow us @XlibrisPub on Twitter for the latest news.

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Book explores biblical narrative from Genesis to Revelation

Andrew Choi releases ‘Hope from the Garden of Eden to the End of the Patmos Island’

MOORE, Okla. – In Andrew Choi’s “Hope from the Garden of Eden to the End of the Patmos Island: Look Up to Jesus When Strong Storms Blow into Your Life” (published by WestBow Press), he presents to readers a Bible that shares hope, discussing the fact that God promised a Messianic hope at the time of fall and how the reconciliation with God would give people hope.

“In this life, each person is destined to contend with trials and tribulations. However, we are not alone even though we are forced to face these issues,” the author says.

“Hope from the Garden of Eden to the End of the Patmos Island” is an inspired biblical commentary and spiritual guidebook, offering readers a way to think about God’s plan and the hope that he has given to humanity through his son, Jesus Christ. In this six-chapter book, each chapter focuses on a unique aspect of issues Christians face daily- redemption, trials and overcoming depression.

An excerpt from the book:

Miracle is a controversial issue on Christianity, yet it really happened and it was God’s action of love and power. Jesus performed many miracles of raising the dead; giving sight to the blinds; healing the 38 years paralyzed person. Jesus changed the water into wine in the village of Cana at the wedding banquet. Why?  It is for the love, heal, and show God’s grace, and revelation of God’s glory. It is to give us a hope and lift up the depressed. Miracle still is possible to happen, yet it is for the God’s glory and the redemption of His people.

“Hope from the Garden of Eden to the End of the Patmos Island”

By Andrew Choi

Hardcover | 6 x 9in | 206 pages | ISBN 9781512788563

Softcover | 6 x 9in | 206 pages | ISBN 9781512788549

E-Book | 206 pages | ISBN 9781512788556

Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

About the Author

Andrew Choi received his doctorate degree in ministry from Houston Graduate School of Theology. His previous book includes “New Life,” “On the Stormy Days” and “Soar on Wings Like the Eagle.” He served as a U.S. Army Chaplain for 21 years. He and his wife, Sarah has two children, Josephine and David. The author is able to do seminar with this book and wants to hear if readers have experienced finding hope. Readers can send it to andrewnewlifemail@gmail.com. If readers have experienced finding love and restoration and want to share, they may share their story to the author by sending to the same email address.

WestBow Press is a strategic supported self-publishing alliance between HarperCollins Christian Publishing and Author Solutions, LLC — the world leader in supported self-publishing. Titles published through WestBow Press are evaluated for sales potential and considered for publication through Thomas Nelson and Zondervan.  For more information, visit www.westbowpress.com or call (866)-928-1240. For WestBow Press news, click “Like” at www.facebook.com/WestBowPress and follow @westbowpress on Twitter.

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Aaron Gilbreath announces release of ‘Concrete Grave’

New book is roller-coaster ride of emotions as fear is plagued with blood, savagery

AMARILLO, Texas – Aaron Gilbreath wanted to bring a story to life. It prompted him to write “Concrete Grave” (published by Xlibris) which is about a reality show inside a prison camp where violence and murder is an everyday event.

The book tells the story of a copycat killer of the infamous David Bayers who gets gunned down, but not before he awakens the memories of past crimes of one of the deadliest murders known to man.

A reporter is given the duty to live among deadly prisoners while following Bayers on his journey to his death. Once the show begins, all hell breaks loose. Between stories of different inmates, chaos, deceit and betrayal become the formula for top ratings.

With only the inmates to protect the young reporter, it does not take long before they take him and his cameraman hostage. And when Bayers pulls all the strings, mayhem mixed with pure insanity will equal the deadliest prison break in history.

“Concrete Grave” is a mystery novel that unravels into a heart-pounding thriller. It takes readers into a roller-coaster ride of emotions as fear is plagued with blood and savagery in the city of Houston.

“Concrete Grave”

By Aaron Gilbreath

Hardcover | 6 x 9in | 276 pages | ISBN 9781543430233

Softcover | 6 x 9in | 276 pages | ISBN 9781543430226

E-Book | 276 pages | ISBN 9781543430219

Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

About the Author

Aaron Gilbreath is a father to two children. He is a man of God and is thankful for every blessing that has been given to him.

Xlibris Publishing, an Author Solutions, LLC imprint, is a self-publishing services provider created in 1997 by authors, for authors. By focusing on the needs of creative writers and artists and adopting the latest print-on-demand publishing technology and strategies, we provide expert publishing services with direct and personal access to quality publication in hardcover, trade paperback, custom leather-bound and full-color formats. To date, Xlibris has helped to publish more than 60,000 titles. For more information, visit xlibris.com or call 1-888-795-4274 to receive a free publishing guide. Follow us @XlibrisPub on Twitter for the latest news.

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New children’s story offers comfort to grieving children

Lisa Laroche Oliver, M.Ed., announces publication of ‘Becoming an Angel’

HAMPSTEAD, N.H. — “Becoming An Angel: What Happens When Someone You Love Dies (With Activity Pages)” (published by Balboa Press) explains “the change that occurs when a loved one transforms into an angel.” The author, Lisa Laroche Oliver, who has been an elementary school counselor since 1990, uses the analogy of a caterpillar transforming into a butterfly to demonstrate the concept, and whimsical illustrations by Daniel Majan help the story come to life on the pages.

In the story, Marcie Weatherbee is a little girl whose grandmother has just died. Mrs. Darby, her neighbor, explains what happens after someone dies to comfort Marcie. She tells Marcie that people transform into angels similarly to the way that caterpillars transform into butterflies. Marcie feels relieved to know that her grandmother still exists – just in the form of an angel – and that she will continue to stay with her and guide her throughout her life.

“I found that when I read stories about grief and loss to my young students I wished I had activity pages that accompanied the story so that I could follow up in future sessions because you don’t process grief in just one sitting.” said Oliver. So she created activity pages that went along with the story that allow a child to make a personal connection to each part of the story. Children can either write or draw about their feelings and experiences. This engagement can aid children in expressing their emotions and processing them with a parent or counselor over the course of time.

Oliver hopes that readers take away that “their loved ones never really leave them, they just change forms and become angels. And having your own personal Guardian Angel is, after all, a pretty amazing thing.”

“Becoming An Angel”

By Lisa Laroche Oliver, M.Ed.

Softcover | 8.5 x 8.5 in | 44 pages | ISBN 9781504378291

E-Book | 44 pages | ISBN 9781504378307

Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

About the Author

Lisa Laroche Oliver, M.Ed., has been an elementary school counselor for over 25 years. She has a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and a Master of Education in counseling. She is currently a school counselor at Pelham Elementary School in New Hampshire. She is passionate about helping rescue animals find loving forever homes and encouraging people to spay and neuter their pets. Oliver lives in southern New Hampshire.

Balboa Press, a division of Hay House, Inc. – a leading provider in publishing products that specialize in self-help and the mind, body, and spirit genres. Through an alliance with indie book publishing leader Author Solutions, LLC, authors benefit from the leadership of Hay House Publishing and the speed-to-market advantages of the self-publishing model. For more information, visit balboapress.com. To start publishing your book with Balboa Press, call 877-407-4847 today. For the latest, follow @balboapress on Twitter.

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‘At the Feet of Angels’ tells the story of one girl’s strength and determination in the face of adversity

Vernon Bargainer embarks on marketing campaign to promote his novel

MESQUITE, Texas – The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, created in 1984, helps law enforcement recover missing children. However, not all children are found. In author Vernon Bargainer’s novel, “At the Feet of Angels” (published by iUniverse), one little girl slips under the radar and is sold to a childless couple where a nightmare begins to unfold. Bargainer is embarking on a marketing campaign to expand his book’s reach.

“Readers will find the story provocative even to the point of reinforcing their pledge to give children in their lives the priority they were brought into this world to receive,” says Bargainer.

Jenny Burnett doesn’t understand her situation. All she knows is that she was kidnapped by her scheming uncle. He sold her on the black market to a childless couple, Brian and Sheila Holdershaw, who are desperate to become parents. Jenny is determined to escape and find her real mother, even as Sheila becomes more and more abusive, trying to escape her own past. With the help of her new friend, Billy, Jenny uses her strength, imagination and blind faith in order to escape her new family and unite with her beloved mother.

Bargainer draws readers into the heart and mind of Jenny as they witness the abuse through her eyes as she shows unwavering determination to escape.

“I want readers to take away a solemn pledge to watch over children in their environment, to be protective and never make the assumption that a child is safe and never, never leave a child alone in a potentially dangerous situation.”

“At the Feet of Angels”

By Vernon Bargainer

Softcover | 6 x 9in | 272 pages | ISBN 9780595005772

E-Book | 272 pages | ISBN 9781475902082

Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

About the Author

Vernon Bargainer holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Texas and has worked four decades in human relations with the public service. He has previously published three novels: “It Is Morning,” “I Remember Running” and “From a Distance.”

iUniverse, an Author Solutions, LLC, self-publishing imprint, is the leading book marketing, editorial services, and supported self-publishing provider. iUniverse has a strategic alliance with Indigo Books & Music, Inc. in Canada, and titles accepted into the iUniverse Rising Star program are featured in a special collection on BarnesandNoble.com. iUniverse recognizes excellence in book publishing through the Star, Reader’s Choice, Rising Star and Editor’s Choice designations—self-publishing’s only such awards program. Headquartered in Bloomington, Indiana, iUniverse also operates offices in Indianapolis. For more information or to publish a book, please visit iuniverse.com or call 1-800-AUTHORS. For the latest, follow @iuniversebooks on Twitter.

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Featuring Black Widow as special guest

Friday, July 28, beginning at 11 a.m. 

WHAT:

Our spidey senses are tingling! The Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center will get tangled in a web of excitement during a Spider-Man Day fan celebration.  Your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man will spin into gear for a special appearance.  This time, he will be joined by no other than the Black Widow.   

SPECIAL EVENTS:

Spideyverse Workshop:  Join an illustration workshop of Spidey heroes and villains.

Event Time: 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at OcuSOFT® Art Academy. (Onsite signup begins at 10:30 a.m.)

Spider-Man and Black Widow Meet-and-Greet:  Swing by for your favorite crime-fighting “arachnids.”

Event Time: 1 to 4 p.m. at various locations.

ON-GOING ACTIVITIES

  • Out Of This World Masks: Transform into a sci-fi alien at Junktion.
  • Galactic Agamograph: Construct 3-D optical illusion art work at Junktion.
  • Sci-Fi Orbs:  Produce orbs and watch them vanish right before your eyes at Science Station. 

WHEN:

Spider-Man Day, July 28, 2017, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

***Activities, events, and times subject to change.

WHERE: Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center

198 Kemper St., Sugar Land, TX,  77498

HOURS/COST:

  • MUSEUM HOURS: – Sat.:  10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
  • General Museum admission: $12 per person and $11 for seniors 65+.  Children under one and Museum Members receive free admission.
  • For more information, visit childrensdiscoveryfb.org or call (832) 742-2800.
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