Books

Imagine becoming legally blind while working at becoming a renowned architectural designer. You have an 18.4% mortgage on a building you’ve just started renovating; rent is due for your office; and employees must be paid. What would you do? Or picture yourself with kidney disease which requires a transplant. Then, at the age of 30, you are diagnosed with heart disease requiring two medicated stents. How would you cope? And, after all that, what if you fought osteomyelitis with IV antibiotics for 20 years but finally had to have your leg amputated? Would you have the strength to survive?

These are a few of the amazing questions resolved in John Robert Wiltgen’s compelling memoir The Candy in My Pocket. He battled many debilitating complications of type 1 diabetes (T1D) while creating a prestigious design firm with projects across America, Canada, Mexico-even Africa.

With unwavering honesty, Wiltgen chronicles the immense challenges he faced in his relentless struggle against this silent killer. But The Candy in My Pocket is not solely about conquering diabetes, it is also about the author’s determination to preserve his identity and keep close those he held dear. This captivating narrative reveals Wiltgen's relentless pursuit of a life of purpose while remaining optimistic amidst overwhelming adversity.

As an award-winning international designer commissioned by celebrities, world leaders, and other luminaries his memoir includes larger-than life tales that are extremely entertaining. It includes exciting celebrity cameos with stars such as Jane Seymour, Timothy Hutton, Angelina Jolie, Sean and Robyn Wright Penn, Steve Harvey, John Cusack, the former Governor of Lagos State, Nigeria (who is now President of that country) and Jesus.

Wiltgen's compassion, wisdom and an irreverent sense of humor will inspire individuals of all beliefs and backgrounds to embrace optimism even in the darkest of times. By sharing the lesser-known consequences of diabetes, Wiltgen also endeavors to raise awareness about this deadly disease.

Wiltgen's narrative intertwines moments of adventure, laughter, and even fear, whisking readers away from their own lives and immersing them in a world brimming with hope and possibility.

Great leadership always matters. Yet, there is a noticeable mismatch between what employees want and what leaders deliver. It’s what drives the current state of the workforce. Best-selling author Kevin Wayne Johnson addresses a myriad of challenges and solutions for aspiring and current leaders to narrow this gap. The result is that leaders will know better, do better, and ultimately, lead better. They are servant leaders.

Leadership is a spiritual gift from God (Romans 12:6-8). His Word reminds us that “Every good and perfect gift is from above… (James 1:17). “ Unfortunately, it’s a gift that, from time to time, is misused and abused by some in positions of power and authority. When this happens, leaders at all levels, across multiple venues, cause those who they are entrusted to lead to walk away. People don’t leave organizations. They leave because of poor leadership (people).

English backpacker on trial for murder in Australia. Newspapers exclaim: “Evil temptress -killed her lover- fed his body to crocodiles!” Susan refuses to tell what happened on that fateful day. Who is the man she killed – a man with no history? Is he a man whose story is too awful to ever be told? Desolate, Susan plans her escape: to end it forever. Will the truth be revealed before it’s too late?

Jimmy Crikey is the bullied alien born on Earth who became an orphan but chose to stay among his new friends in the magical lands of RoomBelow. His close friend Jade approaches the end of her apprenticeship with Matilda as a witch. There are several challenges to complete before she can graduate as a fully qualified member of the sister’s Coven. Matilda is head of the four guardian witches of Earth’s realms but has been called to move to a higher level. Who will be appointed as her successor?

Jimmy is told not to help Jade directly. She must succeed in the trials using only her skills.

When collapsing roofs threaten the cave world of Lithnia, both Jimmy and Jade’s skills are needed to save Lithnia from the giant, rock-chewing beatles who originated in Egypt as scarabs.

The Sky Islands have been caught in tornado winds and a whirlwind. It is tearing the islands apart. Matilda instructs Jade to go to their aid. Jimmy is forbidden from interfering, but he does help Jade to carry out her plan to save the Islanders. Can the youngest witch overcome the danger?

Madam Coptra, who rules the Sky Islands and has given birth to The Weatherman’s, aka Lord Oron’s, son, Helios, must be introduced to the Coven of sister witches.

The dreaded Giant Scarabs return to their destructive chewing of rocks, threatening the very structure of Roombelow, far away from Lithnia.

Jimmy and Jade trace the beatles resting place to a floating island in the Arctic seas, where the Centaurians, a race from planet Xe in the Alpha Centauri system, are seeking diamonites from Lithnia to protect their planet from gamma rays being emitted by one of their suns. To save their world, they would risk destroying Earth. Jimmy employs XRU, his talkative starship’s navigator, to help the aliens find a material to shield Xe from the deadly rays.

Can Jimmy and Jade save the Centaurian’s world and Earth even as Matilda prepares for her next world of Witchcraft? 

The story begins in the 1960's and is set mainly in Ireland and the United States, twins, alike in some ways and very different in others.  One twin due to a very unhappy and negative childhood departs clandestinely at 16 for wherever life takes him.  He arrives in the United States and survives as best he can, however he can, until fate - and having crossed one too many dangerous people - he is forced to return to Ireland.  Murder ensues, but who is the murderer and who is the victim, that is the dilemma.  John Roche a taciturn and far too casual and disrespectful detective for the preference of his superiors has to be borne because he is just so good at what he does ... catching murderers.  He ends up involved and working with the State Security Forces and between them they solve the mystery and make Dublin a slightly less dangerous place - at least for some people.

Steve Watkins' 2019 book, "The 'Plenty' Book: The Answer to the Question 'What Can I do to Make This a Better World?'" is a revolutionary guide that is as insightful as it is empowering. Its combination of pragmatic advice, empathetic narrative, and inspiring themes make it a must-read for anyone wondering how they can contribute to a more prosperous, equitable, and sustainable world.

Watkins' prose is fluid and engaging, making complex issues approachable for a wide variety of readers. He guides us through global problems with the finesse of a seasoned educator and the compassion of a true humanitarian, making the weight of the world feel less like a burden and more like a call to action.

The book is grounded in real-world examples and case studies that make the often abstract concept of 'making a difference' both tangible and achievable. Watkins strikes a balance between theoretical frameworks and practical actions, all while emphasizing the power and responsibility of the individual.

Perhaps one of the most commendable aspects of this book is its universality. Watkins recognizes that readers come from diverse backgrounds and circumstances. He doesn't prescribe one-size-fits-all solutions, but rather presents a toolkit of ideas and strategies for making a positive impact.

"The 'Plenty' Book" inspires hope without sugarcoating the issues at hand. It acknowledges the gravity of the challenges we face, yet persistently underlines the potential for change that resides within each of us. Watkins does not just ask us to imagine a better world, he empowers us with the means and motivation to help create it.

In conclusion, "The 'Plenty' Book" is an essential read for anyone asking the question, "What can I do to make this a better world?" Watkins eloquently combines the ethos of a philosopher, the insight of a psychologist, and the practicality of a field worker to provide a comprehensive guide to personal and global betterment. It is an enriching, engaging, and enlightening read that challenges us to step up and take action. It is a resounding call for optimism and action that is desperately needed in our times.

A farm boy from Kansas meets, and marries a girl at law school who goes on to become the first ever female President of the United States in 2016. However, a dark secret from the First Gentleman’s past is revealed during the presidential campaign and ends up bringing down the new administration.

A retired journalist, the unwitting recipient of a
centuries old secret, is running for his life. He’s
hiding in a rundown Las Vegas motel, desperate to
get the story out to the world while there’s still time.
Assassins who have protected the secret for
hundreds of years will not stop. They’ve brought
law enforcement into the search by framing him for
murder. If he escapes with the secret it will trigger
an unthinkable fail-safe, the planned extinction of
humanity.

Just  suppose that your life was at a crossroads, your marriage was as close to being on the rocks as it had ever been - and it had been so many times, and for a lot of years.  And then suppose that your husband informs you one evening that 'he has predicted the lottery numbers' ... all of them.  The jackpot!  And then, later that same evening, fortuitiously or sadly, he is killed by a Toyota car falling off of a car transporter.  What would be your true reaction?  Yes it is dreadful that such a thing might happen.  And Yes, it is dreadful that your partner of many years is dead .... but did he have the lottery ticket in his pocket?  Have the paramedics, the passers by, the hospital staff now have the lottery ticket?  We all know what our mind should be dwelling on, and what is the RIGHT thing to feel - but is it that easy.  That was this wife's dilemma.  Feel for her, or condemn her ... but walk through the terrible time with her.  After all we have all  heard about 'walking in another man's shoes' etc. ..... and it really is a lot of MILLIONS  to not think about!

In his 7th book, Stewart delivers an exegesis on Buddhism, using The Dhammapada (“Path to Eternal Truth”), which are the verbatim words or declarations of Gautama Siddhartha Buddha himself. Any doctrine other than this and the books of his rules (codes of conduct) have been defiled and should be shunned for this reason.

Hence, if you are new to Buddhism, you will receive the original, verbatim declarations of Gautama Buddha, which are the foundation of his undefiled Theravada Buddhism which means “School of the Elders.” I wish you the best in your quest to attain Enlightenment – Transcendence.

Prof. Robert Stewart

OTHER BOOKS WRITTEN BY PROF. STEWART INCLUDE:

The Real Mind of God: A Comparative Scriptural Analysis

Jesus: The Evidence

Gender: Issues & Solutions

Islam & Jihad (Holy War) Explained

Science and Cosmic Messengers

50 Music Compositions of Saxophonist Robert Stewart

A handsome politician, a protective Secret Service agent, and the woman caught between them.
Estella, the poor girl in college, never thought she’d wind up married to a prominent Senator. With her abusive husband having affairs with celebrities, she knows their marriage is not lasting.

Heartbroken, she turns to the man tasked with keeping her safe.
But can she really abandon her responsibilities or the power, in the glamorous world of politics, as a Senator’s wife?

Award winning, international best selling saga of a dark romance involving a handsome politician, a forbidden love affair between the politician's wife with a sensuous Secret Service agent, and the magic that influenced history. Set during the '50s to the present-day; their romance spans decades of the most turbulent times in America. Xavier Cyrus meets and marries the impoverished Estella in college during a tumultuous courtship. Being a member of a wealthy prominent political family, Xavier runs for Congress and easily wins. Thrusting his new family into the exciting DC social scene and an Ancient Secret Society's magic sexual rituals. However, Xavier's abuse and indiscretions with celebrities quickly destroy their marriage. Due to the responsibilities of motherhood and duty Estella remains in her unhappy marriage but finds love with her kind and gentle protector, Michael. Will Estella abandon her responsibilities to live happily ever after with Michael or will she remain in the glamorous and powerful world of a Senator's wife?

There is a lot one can learn from the matured butterflies among us. You know the ones who survived the perilous larva stage without being eaten alive and completed the metamorphosis bruised but stronger for the experience. There is profound beauty in the potential wisdom and inspiration available from those matured butterflies willing to share the lessons acquired on their journey. Their observations through the lens of experience and their testament to the survivability of the most harrowing of life’s trials should ensure they are never without an audience.

Arthur Lee Conway is one of those matured butterflies. He offers his poetic observations and parables here in three parts: Rites of Passage, Valley of Passions, and Philosophical Roads. Within these 100+ pages, this Charlottesville native shares his pithy ponderings on a variety of subjects, from the historical to the political, from the far reaches of the heavens to the innermost depths of the human psyche.

Join the author as he shares poignant poetry and prose along with the mesmerizing illustrations of the talented Mr. Hampton R. Olfus, Jr. Read The Poetic Vibrations of a Matured Butterfly, and you’ll be inspired and invigorated by the experience. 

WAS IT TERRORISM?
Colorado Bureau of Investigation Agent Buck Taylor and his team are called to the idyllic South Park valley in Park County, Colorado to investigate the death of a state brand inspector who was discovered surrounded by dozens of dead cattle. The death of the brand inspector is clearly murder, but there is no apparent cause of death for the cattle. Complicating their investigation is a local family that has been running a criminal enterprise and intimidating the residents of Park County for years. Now, faced with more scrutiny, the family must wrap up several crimes they are involved with including baby farming and human trafficking, but could they also be involved in terrorism? The federal government has determined that the cows were killed by one of the deadliest toxins known to man. It’s up to Buck and his team to figure out how all these crimes are related and stop those responsible before more people die.

"In the pages of 'Graceful Agony' is a beautifully written journey of deep and intimate memoirs soon after the authors' diagnosis with Fibro, chronic pain, and fatigue. It is a memoir filled with pure perseverance and inspiration."

As per "National Fibromyalgia Association," fibromyalgia is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases. In America, an average of ten million people yearly suffer from this disease. It counts for 6-10% of our population with women making up 75% of this statistic. Deb Morgan aims to change this dynamic.

In what seemed like a blink of an eye, her life as she knew it was over. Reading this book, the author shows us the path through a relentless battle for some normalcy in a new life of illnesses. Just as her days turn into years of constant pain and grinding fatigue, the continuing challenges of living with an ever-evolving way of life. She shares that being diagnosed with Fibro, chronic pain, and fatigue is not a death sentence. Through her experiences living with Fibro since 2005, she shares many vital messages and her deepest thoughts and memoirs about living with this disease.

Readers, be inspired by her triumphs, perseverance, and advocacy, while her intentions and goals in writing this book are to help others with support, have a conversation to bring more awareness about fibro while sharing with others that you are not alone, you are not another statistic, and you no longer need to suffer in silence. 

Awarded a Reader's Favorite 5-Star Book Review!

One Soul's Journey is an eclectic and extraordinary collection of short stories. The ingredients: imagination, a dash of real life, inspiration, and lots of love. If you've read and loved her first collection, “For the Soul,” this book will delight you.

Two Short Stories Excerpts:

1. “Stop talking to me. You know owls don’t talk. Do you want someone to hear you? People will think I am nuts, talking to you.”
2. “Tracy knew a man was there. She felt his eyes on her, watching her. Feeling her fluttering heartbeat return to normal and the adrenaline surge passing, the original lure of the cabin returned to niggle at her curiosity bone.”

Praise for “For The Soul”
5 stars by Reader's Favorite

• “Delightfully charming short stories”
• “Excellent book. A must read”

It took most of her life, but Elizabeth Donovan has had enough. After years of a difficult marriage, she has finally fought back. She had no choice but to leave her life behind and face the secret from her youth. The old life doesn’t let go, as she stumbles into a mystery that involves her deeper than she could imagine. An overdue coming of age for a woman learning to stand on her own.

Fond memories growing up in the legendary small town of Mayberry, ( Mt. Airy, NC ) Andy Griffith's home- town, and also the home- town of Country Singer, Donna Fargo, The Easter Brothers Gospel Trio, & Bluegrass Artist,Tommy Jarrell.... Author Jim Akers takes you on a journey as a child and young man headed to Vietnam and beyond.

A WWII novel about a young Gunner's Mate - Max Hobbs - serving on a troop transport in the Pacific Theater. Hobbs is a man with exceptional eye sight who earns a snipers designation in Gunner's Mate school. When he graduates he is assigned to an APA in San Diego, and eventually takes part in the Battle of Tulagi, the Battle of Tarawa and the Battle of Saipan. Normally sailors don't fight on the ground with the Marines, but once his landing craft is shot out from under him on the reef at Tarawa Gunner has no choice. From that point forward Hobbs is in the midst of one of the great blood-lettings in the Pacific war. And then...

Endowed with a bright red mop of unruly hair, big blue eyes, a small snub nose, pointed ears and enormous feet, the neighbourhood children ridiculed Jimmy, and he decided to run away to find a place where he fit in. He stumbled into an underground world in his midnight flight through the forest. He discovers and rescues the town of Roombelow from the curse of the sleeping spell cast by Matilda the Witch and is ‘adopted’ by Mr McDonald, the Mayor. Matilda and Gemma, the little lady who lives at the bottom of the well, but doesn’t know how she got there, become Jimmy’s close friends.

When rain threatens a flood, with the help of The Great White Owl, Jimmy locates the sleeping Weather Man, who turns off the rain.

When the well dries up, Jimmy and Gemma search beneath Roombelow. A giant eel has plugged the water flow from the spring that fills the well. They return Olsen to the sea.

Jimmy visits Aunt Ethel to let her know that he is well. She explains that Jimmy is an orphan from the starworld of Attalia, and hidden in the forest is a starship which could take him home. Jimmy chooses to return to Roombelow.

One-eyed trolls threaten Roombelow, and Jimmy outwits Erg, their chief. His return to Roombelow is delayed by a cry for help from the cliff-side world of Lithania. Little people inhabit it, the Diamonites, who look just like Gemma.

Jimmy returns to introduce Gemma to her lost family. Lithania relies on a supply of goods from The Traders, but two are stealing diamonites. Jimmy seeks justice, but Gemma is kidnapped by the thieves who intend to sell her as a curiosity in their land across the ocean.

Jimmy seeks the help of Witch Ira, the Queen of water sprites when he sets sail in pursuit. He discovers where Gemma is imprisoned and rescues her, but a mighty storm threatens their escape – Ira’s magic helps again. Then, with the aid of a pod of dolphins, they safely reach home.

Jimmy decides it is time to visit his birthplace - star world Attalia. The hidden starship is reactivated and heads homeward through the stars.

The ship is damaged during a skirmish with Kursh, the head of the planet Ock. Jimmy abandons the starship, ejecting in a life support capsule.

The Attalian Rescue Mission saves Jimmy, and its Commander, Zaru, befriends him. On Attalia, Jimmy is welcomed by President Alpha, who awards him the honorary rank of Commander. There are no surviving members of Jimmy’s family.

Tension builds as they face an attack from Ock, and interplanetary warfare follows. They repel the invaders, but Kursh plans to rule over Attalia.

Jimmy devises a plan to close the time warp linking Attalia to Ock. The destruction of the warp maroons Kursh in nether space. Once continued peace is assured, Jimmy returns to his family of friends in Roombelow.