Never Really Left
Faced with an incomprehensible loss, one mother's experiences forced her to reconsider everything she thought she knew about life and death-and open her heart to a new reality.When Wendy Jordan Saffel lost her twenty-year-old son, Hugh, she discovered that grief is a well without a bottom. But even as she felt herself sinking into despair, she was offered an unexpected lifeline-one that changed her perception of the world forever. A rational thinker, Wendy focused on the facts-the tangible and the measurable. That is, until she began experiencing profound spiritual connections with her son shortly after his passing. These initial moments of contact propelled her on a yearslong journey to understand what happens when we die, what comprises the afterlife, and how a relationship with our lost loved ones can persist in ways that are real, true, beautiful, and sacred. Drawing on traditional and nontraditional spiritual beliefs, the growing body of work on the survival of consciousness, and what quantum physics tells us about the nature of reality, Never Really Left shares a wealth of research, experience, and hope for all those who have lost the ones they love. For Wendy, walking the path through grief and toward understanding led her to tremendous healing and a new paradigm of living-where joy can coexist with grief.
If I am Brave Enough
I met Jake in the springtime . . .So begins Cristina's story, a story of love and marriage, but also abuse and violence. Cristina met Jake when she was on the rebound, not looking for anything serious. And he seemed like the perfect guy: he was attractive and confident, he had a solid job, and he didn't hide the fact that he was interested in her. Before she knew it, they were married, talking about kids, settling down.The first time he hit her, she was shocked. She'd been getting ready for work, talking about the day ahead . . . He sent flowers, apologized, promised it would never happen again. But it did. It happened again. And again.This is Cristina's story. The story of how she survived a violent and abusive marriage, how she justified and forgave, how she concealed bruises and broken furniture, how she tried over and over again to make it work. It's a story about violence, and darkness, and shame. But it's also a story about love-how a mother's love for her children can make her strong enough to overcome even the most terrifying odds. If I Am Brave Enough is about finding the courage to fight for your own happy ending.
If I am Brave Enough
I met Jake in the springtime . . .So begins Cristina's story, a story of love and marriage, but also abuse and violence. Cristina met Jake when she was on the rebound, not looking for anything serious. And he seemed like the perfect guy: he was attractive and confident, he had a solid job, and he didn't hide the fact that he was interested in her. Before she knew it, they were married, talking about kids, settling down.The first time he hit her, she was shocked. She'd been getting ready for work, talking about the day ahead . . . He sent flowers, apologized, promised it would never happen again. But it did. It happened again. And again.This is Cristina's story. The story of how she survived a violent and abusive marriage, how she justified and forgave, how she concealed bruises and broken furniture, how she tried over and over again to make it work. It's a story about violence, and darkness, and shame. But it's also a story about love-how a mother's love for her children can make her strong enough to overcome even the most terrifying odds. If I Am Brave Enough is about finding the courage to fight for your own happy ending.
Notes with Nowhere to Go
Grief arrives uninvited. It can strike suddenly, reshaping your world in an instant.When the author's dad passed away, she turned to her notes app on her phone, jotting down thoughts she couldn't voice aloud. Those late-night notes became Notes with Nowhere to Go, a deeply personal memoir providing a gentle companion to anyone navigating loss.This isn't a how-to guide. It's a hand to hold.Blending honest reflection with thoughtful advice, this book offers reassurance, validation, and connection. If you're grieving, or love someone who is, these pages are here to remind you: you're not alone, and there is no wrong way to carry your loss.
The Company We Keep
"""No one has greater love than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends."" - John 15:13 What does it mean to live friendship as a Christian? In a culture of fleeting connections and digital noise, The Company We Keep offers a compelling return to the wisdom of Aristotle, St. Thomas Aquinas, the Gospel, and Christian tradition to rediscover the lost art and meaning of true friendship as a vital part of holiness and disicpleship. Catholic philosopher Michael Pakaluk invites readers to see friendship not as optional, but essential: a moral, spiritual, and deeply human bond that reflects our highest calling. With clarity and warmth, he explores the kinds of friendship that shape our lives-- from casual camaraderie to the deep, sacrificial love between spouses, parents, and children. Whether you seek richer relationships, deeper community, or a more meaningful life of faith, this book will challenge and inspire you to choose your company wisely-- and to become the kind of friend that is crucial and indispensable in the lives of your loved ones. It is a book about community, growing in love, and following Christ more closely-- together. "
Alternatives to Domestic Violence
The sixth edition of Alternatives to Domestic Violence is an interactive treatment Workbook designed for use with a wide variety of accepted curricula for intimate partner violence intervention programs.The new edition adds to and revises the exercises and stories, including revisions to the chapters on parenting, substance abuse, and religion that deepen readers' understanding of controlling behaviors based on current literature and group member feedback. The exploration of digital abuse has been expanded to a stand-alone chapter, and the "Voice of My Partner" exercises have been added to most chapters to encourage group members to explore the impact of their behavior and learn and practice the development of empathy.This workbook is a vital resource for leaders and members of intimate partner violence groups.
All about Love: The Deluxe Collector's Edition
Now available in a special hardcover Deluxe Collector's Edition featuring beautiful new packaging, including cloth case stamping with red foil, bold endpapers, and red sprayed edges! A New York Times bestseller and enduring classic, All About Love is the acclaimed first volume in feminist icon bell hooks' "Love Song to the Nation" trilogy. All About Love reveals what causes a polarized society, and how to heal the divisions that cause suffering. Here is the truth about love, and inspiration to help us instill caring, compassion, and strength in our homes, schools, and workplaces."The word 'love' is most often defined as a noun, yet we would all love better if we used it as a verb," writes bell hooks as she comes out fighting and on fire in All About Love. Here, at her most provocative and intensely personal, renowned scholar, cultural critic, and feminist bell hooks offers a proactive new ethic for a society bereft with lovelessness--not the lack of romance, but the lack of care, compassion, and unity. People are divided, she declares, by society's failure to provide a model for learning to love. As bell hooks uses her incisive mind to explore the question "What is love?" her answers strike at both the mind and heart. Razing the cultural paradigm that the ideal love is infused with sex and desire, she provides a new path to love that is sacred, redemptive, and healing for individuals and for a nation. The Utne Reader declared bell hooks one of the "100 Visionaries Who Can Change Your Life." All About Love is a powerful, timely affirmation of just how profoundly her revelations can change hearts and minds for the better. "Each offering from bell hooks is a major event, as she has so much to give us." -- Maya Angelou
Storymaker
Perhaps it's a long journey, or you want to get them off their screens? Perhaps it's a group of restless children and you wish you could catch, hold and reward their attention? You can, and, as you magic from thin air a gripping story, that face-to-face engagement does as good as it feels, boosting their contentment, their concentration and their connection with you and with their peers as you journey together with story.Your guide is master storyteller Giles Abbott whose work, for over 20 years, has sought to reconnect adults and children with the sheer joy of story. Start your journey here!
How to End a Love Story
���� Discover the path from heartbreak to wholehearted freedom ✨ What if the end of a love story could mark the beginning of your most powerful chapter yet? ���� This guide offers an honest and compassionate journey through the realities of a breakup-helping you not just survive the pain, but rise with clarity, courage, and strength. �������� Inside, you'll find: ���� Practical tools to reclaim your mental space & set healthy boundaries���� Smart strategies for handling social media triggers���� Journaling prompts to release emotions and gain perspective���� Guidance on recognizing red flags & embracing green ones in love���� Tips to avoid rebound traps and build lasting, meaningful connections Instead of feeling stuck in the shadows of your past relationship, you'll learn how to: ���� Rediscover your true self���� Rebuild self-trust and confidence���� Create a future where you set the standards for love and happiness Whether you're navigating heartbreak for the first time or seeking deeper wisdom after many lessons, this book is your beacon of hope and healing. ���� It's time to claim your peace, honor your worth, and step boldly into new beginnings-because the best love story is the one you write for yourself. ❤️����
Sri Lankan Housemaids in Lebanon
This study unravels the real dynamics at stake within the Lebanese Madame/Sri Lankan housemaid relationship. Unraveled in this book are the real dynamics at stake in the Madame/housemaid relationship. While cases of extreme physical abuse by the Lebanese women who hire housemaids - Madames - are an exception, what has become normalised are more insidious patterns of domination used to control each and every aspect of their employees' lives. For their part, Sri Lankan housemaids are not merely passive victims. Away from direct provocation and first-hand repercussions, they try to deflect what Pierre Bourdieu has called 'symbolic violence'. These attempts at 'everyday forms of resistance', as defined by James Scott, can help loosen their employers' grip. Yet, as this unprecedented study shows, the Madame/housemaid relationship and the rules that govern it remain under the managerial hold of the Madame.
A Mere Reflection of My Mother
A deeply emotional memoir of one woman's decision to take care of her mother with cancer while juggling everyday life as a mom of two.At four years of age, Anne's mother drops her off at her father's place and drives away with her new boyfriend in a battered white pickup truck. Through the rest of her childhood and youth, she only sees her mother a handful of times. Life with her father is difficult, but she manages to build a successful life and career, eventually becoming a mother herself.What do you do when the mother you don't know well falls ill?Right after Anne turns forty, she learns her mother has stage four lung cancer. As the only person who can provide care, she is faced with a difficult choice: continue living her life at a safe distance, or step in and care for the mother who didn't care for her.Told with raw honesty, A Mere Reflection of My Mother confronts the complexities of nearly estranged mother-daughter relationships and addresses the realities of being an unexpected caretaker while managing a career and a family as a single parent.
That Think You Do Volume 2
If you ever wonder how to entice that pretty thing across a crowded room, how to recognize if someone's attention is genuine, how to let someone know you're both interested and interesting, how to know if someone's toxic by watching how they move, or how to flirt without getting hurt, this book's for you.Carrabis shares insights gleaned from over forty years as an anthropologist, psychologist, language theorist, neuroscientist, therapist, and pizza maker (guys, want to impress someone? make them dinner). His real life stories are examples of demonstrating good behavior, recognizing the early signs of bad behavior, how to enter a relationship, how to make it last, and how to recognize a relationship's ending before the end is painful.Topics includeHow and when to dress for successThe differences between female and male social networks, and how to navigate them if you're the other genderHow to be heard and how to make others want to hear youWhen a few words is more powerful than a PorscheWhen to talk, when to listen, and howCarrabis' studies and practice brought him all over the world. The wisdom in these pages comes from years studying and teaching at the university level, studying and learning from aboriginal peoples across the globe, and blending these experiences to help people navigate difficult daily and life situations. Chapter by chapter, Carrabis offers healing techniques with a sensitivity and understanding few modern therapists have achieved.
Simple Acts of Love
Looking for new ways to remind your partner how much you love them? Look no further! As people continue to seek advice for adding more romance to their relationships on sites like Cosmopolitan, HuffPost, PureWow, and Psychology Today, this book gives a list of simple yet meaningful suggestions for upping the romance every day! Add romance to your relationship every day with these easy, "aww-worthy" activities that range from taking over a morning chore so they can sleep in to proudly bragging just a little bit over your partner's accomplishments to making time to cuddle before getting up to start your day. In Simple Acts of Love, you'll discover many ways to strengthen and have more fun together in your relationship, including: Bringing your partner's car back with a full tank of gas after borrowing it Having their favorite lunch delivered to their workplace as a midday surprise Sending them funny GIFs throughout the day to let them know you're thinking of them Enjoying a quiet night together with just a movie and some snacks And many more! These simple actions make it easy to be romantic every day while showing your partner just how much you care about them. With this book in hand, you can easily brighten your partner's day and keep your relationship strong and happy.
These Two Wrongs
The universe must really hate me.Rhys Astor, the guy with a deadly smirk and devil-may-care attitude, is the sole witness to one of the most embarrassing moments of my life. But even worse, now he's suddenly intrigued by me, which is confusing because until now, he couldn't be bothered to remember my name.Dorothy, Donatella, Danielle...no, it's Delilah, you unhinged prat.I don't want his attention. If I had my way, we'd go on avoiding each other for the rest of our lives, but again, the universe is conspiring against me. Rhys is the captain of the fencing team, and I'm the new manager. That means we're stuck together everyday for practice, tournaments, and long, long bus rides to away matches.Our shared bus rides lead to heated bickering.That bickering leads to hate-kissing...and not-so-hate kissing.And somehow, those few stolen kisses lead to sexy tutoring sessions, where Rhys is an extremely enthusiastic student.He shows me with every single touch, kiss, and whispered word how much he appreciates my rounded curves. And in return, I show him what it means to truly be cared for.But I have a feeling Rhys is hiding something. That his motives might not be what they seem.I've never wanted to be wrong about anything more than I do about these nagging suspicions.Because if I'm right, then there's nothing but heartbreak waiting for me.
Verbal Aikido(R) for Beginners
Get ready to master the art of communication with Verbal Aikido for Beginners! In this comprehensive and practical guide, you'll learn how to transform tense conversations into peaceful exchanges using the principles of Verbal Aikido.Join Luke A. Archer on a journey through the fundamentals of Verbal Aikido, where he teaches immediately applicable techniques to handle verbal attacks with confidence and ease.Recognize verbal attacks and understand how to shift into effective communication postures. Unlock the power of centered expression, enhanced listening, and harmony exploration. Enjoy fun exercises and engaging activities that make learning effortless for beginners of all ages.Whether you're navigating challenges at work, school, with friends, or at home, this book equips you with the skills and confidence to turn conflicts into constructive conversations like a pro.Upgrade your communication skills and become a Verbal Aikido master today!
Finding Yourself After Divorce
Reclaim Your Power. Rediscover Your Joy. Rewrite the Rest of Your Life. Divorce may feel like an ending, but it can also be the beginning of a powerful new chapter. If you feel lost, broken, or unsure of how to move forward, you are not alone-and you don't have to stay stuck. Finding Yourself After Divorce is your compassionate guide to healing your heart, reclaiming your confidence, and creating a life filled with strength, peace, and joy. Inside this empowering book, you'll discover: ✅ How to heal from the pain of divorce and release emotional baggage✅ Tools to rebuild your self-worth and rediscover who you truly are✅ Strategies for finding your voice, your boundaries, and your independence✅ Steps to move from heartbreak to hope with clarity and courage✅ How to rewrite your story and create a life that excites and inspires you With practical insights and soulful encouragement, this book helps you not just survive divorce-but thrive beyond it. Whether you're navigating grief, loneliness, or the challenges of starting over, you'll find the support, inspiration, and confidence to reclaim your power and rewrite your future. ✨ Perfect for women who want to heal, grow, and embrace life after divorce with resilience and joy. Your story isn't over. It's just beginning.
Brave New Endings
Would you help your ex if they needed you?Ten years after her divorce, Elizabeth Verwey's ex-husband faced emergency surgery. Without hesitation, she offered to be part of his care team-an act of compassion that sparked her journey toward Brave New Endings.This eye-opening book explores the quiet courage of post-romantic caregiving. Through personal history and sharing 30 real-life stories, Verwey reveals how love can evolve beyond heartbreak. Spanning cultures, sexual orientations and life stages, these stories offer hope and challenge us to consider what it means to show up with empathy, even after love has changed shape.There are "Heart Healing" exercises designed to help readers work through the pain of former romantic relationships. This tribute to empathy and compassion unravels the many expressions of love throughout life.
Brave New Endings
Would you help your ex if they needed you?Ten years after her divorce, Elizabeth Verwey's ex-husband faced emergency surgery. Without hesitation, she offered to be part of his care team-an act of compassion that sparked her journey toward Brave New Endings.This eye-opening book explores the quiet courage of post-romantic caregiving. Through personal history and sharing 30 real-life stories, Verwey reveals how love can evolve beyond heartbreak. Spanning cultures, sexual orientations and life stages, these stories offer hope and challenge us to consider what it means to show up with empathy, even after love has changed shape.There are "Heart Healing" exercises designed to help readers work through the pain of former romantic relationships. This tribute to empathy and compassion unravels the many expressions of love throughout life.
Cat, I Keep Searching for Answers...
If you've recently lost your cat, we're so sorry for your loss. We know how painful it can be and the weight of words left unsaid.The Open Letter: This letter gives you a gentle space to freely and safely write what you feel after losing your beloved cat. It helps you express your thoughts, process emotions, and keep everything organized in one easy-to-find place.With over 250 guided prompts thoughtfully designed to support you, inside you'll find space to: - Work through the shock and disbelief that comes with loss.- Acknowledge denial and the longing for your cat's presence.- Understand overwhelming emotions and scattered thoughts.- Face the fear of a future without your loyal companion.- Let go of anger, guilt, or regret that still weighs on your heart.- Open your heart to moments of acceptance and gratitude.Also Included in the Grief Journal: - My Favorite Memories with My Cat: A space to write down your most cherished memories.- Things That Will Always Remind Me of My Cat: A section for all the little things that remind you of them, walks, toys, foods, places, and more.- The Poetry Section: You'll find a poem written to inspire you. Use it as a starting point to write your own poem about your cat.- Meaningful Photos: Add photos that capture special and unforgettable moments.This book is the result of three months of thoughtful work. It was lovingly created by Evelyn Harrington, a compassionate grief counselor with years of experience helping people through loss and healing. Pick up your copy and start the journey today.
Dog, I Keep Searching for Answers...
If you've recently lost your dog, we're so sorry for your loss. We know how painful it can be and the weight of words left unsaid.The Open Letter: This letter gives you a gentle space to freely and safely write what you feel after losing your beloved dog. It helps you express your thoughts, process emotions, and keep everything organized in one easy-to-find place.With over 250 guided prompts thoughtfully designed to support you, inside you'll find space to: Work through the shock and disbelief that comes with loss.Acknowledge denial and the longing.Understand overwhelming emotions and scattered thoughts.Face the fear of a future without your loyal companion.Let go of anger, guilt, or regret that still weighs on your heart.Open your heart to moments of acceptance and gratitude.Also Included in the Grief Journal: My Favorite Memories with My Dog: A space to write down your most cherished memories.Things That Will Always Remind Me of My Dog: A section for all the little things that remind you of them, walks, toys, foods, places, and more.The Poetry Section: You'll find a poem written to inspire you. Use it as a starting point to write your own poem about your dog.Meaningful Photos: Add photos that capture special and unforgettable moments.Pick up your copy and start the journey today.
Date Like a Brand
What if you could transform your search for love from luck to a strategy?For decades, dating has been an emotional guessing game, filled with conflicting advice and unclear expectations. But what if it wasn't? What if, instead of relying on luck, you could approach dating like a world-class brand-strategically, intelligently, and with a proven framework?In Date Like a Brand, Fortune 500 C-suite marketer and author Vince Hudson introduces a groundbreaking approach to modern relationships. By applying marketing's most powerful strategies, Vince redefines the basics of dating. The world's best brands don't leave their success to chance-they analyze, position, and optimize to win in the market. Now, you can do the same in your love life.Learn how to measure a person's dating value in the same way brands assess their market worth.Get insight on how to evaluate attraction, compatibility, and relationship potential, and stop wasting time on Mr. or Mrs. Wrong.Discover the KPIs-Key Performance Indicators-of dating that will give you the advantage of knowing when to stay in the relationship and when to walk away.Whether you're searching for the right person, evaluating your current relationship, or optimizing your approach to love, Date Like a Brand will become your playbook to making clearer, more strategic, and ultimately, more successful dating decisions.Dating success doesn't need to be random or left to luck. Find and keep your Love For Life. Implement the Ultimate Dating Strategy starting today.
Date Like a Brand
One hundred years ago, our great-great-grandparents simply married the girl or boy next door. Compatibility and true love didn't always play into the equation. Today's expanded dating world should make finding the ideal partner easier than ever. Somehow, though, the task of finding the right mate has become more difficult instead. Modern dating is a marketplace-one where attraction, perception, and positioning matter just as much as compatibility. Yet, most people approach dating with no real strategy, leading to confusion, mismatches, and wasted time.But how might things change if you could apply the proven principles of brand management to your love life? The world's most successful brands don't rely on chance. They analyze, position, and optimize to achieve their goals. Date Like a Brand will help you apply the Six Ps of Strategic Dating.Pre-Assessment will help you understand yourself and the dating landscape.Purpose defines what love and partnership mean for you.Positioning empowers you to present yourself authentically and attractively.Prime Prospecting lets you identify and engage with high-potential matches.Performance Dating teaches you how to test, learn, and adjust based on real experiences.Partnership Marketing for Marriage builds and sustains a thriving, long-term relationship.Develop Your Own Strategic Marketing Plan for Finding and Keeping the Love For Your Life Today
Love Rebels
An exploration of how to balance activism and relationships without burning out. Balancing a devotion to activism with personal relationships can be incredibly difficult. Kitty Stryker shares her experience as an activist, street medic and relationship educator to help others pursue the important work while maintaining healthy relationships and without burning out. In what is both a call to action and a candid memoir, Stryker is open about what she has learned and her perceived limitations. Recognizing that it can feel overwhelming to know how to effectively make change, she encourages readers to consider how they can best advocate for causes they believe in, presenting different types of activism and urging readers to honestly examine their own hesitations. She also emphasizes that without taking care of our interpersonal relationships, many people burn out of activism at the very time when we need more people on the ground, and she offers practical strategies to avoid this and to encourage healthy relationships.
Silence, Not For Sale
Some stories remain silent for decades.This is one of them.Silence, Not For Sale is the true story of a woman who survived childhood sexual abuse and found the courage, at sixty years old, to finally speak.For most of her life, April believed she was the only victim. When long-buried truths finally emerged, everything she thought she understood about her past was forced into the light.Living a quiet life in Essex, surrounded by her daughters and grandchildren, April had built joy and stability but the past was not finished with her. This memoir traces her journey through memory, discovery, and the painful reckoning that follows when silence is no longer possible.Silence, Not For Sale is not written to shock. It is written to tell the truth and to show that healing can still be possible, even after a lifetime of keeping the peace.This is not an easy story, but it is a necessary one.For survivors, supporters, and anyone who believes that truth spoken at any age can be a path to freedom.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️"Heartbreaking, brave, and deeply moving... a powerful testament to survival and the courage it takes to speak the truth."⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️A memoir you should read! I definitely recommend it!
Such a Pretty Picture
USA TODAY BESTSELLER For readers of I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy and The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls, a candid and heart-wrenching memoir about child abuse, family secrets, and the healing that begins once the truth is revealed and the past is confronted. Andrea is four and a half the first time her father, David, gives her a bath. Although she is young, she knows there is something strange about the way he is touching her. When her mother, Marlene, walks in to check on them, she howls and crumples to the floor--and when she opens her eyes, she is blind. Marlene's hysterical blindness lasts for weeks, but her willful blindness lasts decades. The abuse continues, and Andrea spends a childhood living with a secret she can't tell and a shame she is too afraid to name. Despite it, she survives. She builds a life and tells herself she is fine. But at age thirty-three, an unwanted grope on a New York City subway triggers her past. Suddenly unable to remember how to forget, Andrea is forced to confront her past--and finally begin to heal. This brave debut offers honest insight into a survivor's journey. Readers will feel Andrea's pain, her fear, and her shame--yet they will also feel her hope. And like Andrea, they will come to understand an important truth: though healing is complicated, it is possible to find joy and even grace in the wake of the most profound betrayals.
Nineteen
For fans of Cheryl Strayed's Wild and Greg Buenzli's And Then We Hit a Rock comes Leslie Johansen Nack's emotional follow-up memoir about her battle with addiction following a traumatic childhood--and her inspiring journey toward healing and happiness. "This is a memoir that will stay with readers long after the final page, not because of its trauma alone, but because of its honesty, grace, and refusal to look away."--Seattle Book Review, 5 stars In the mid-1970s, after sailing to French Polynesia with her sisters and father, Leslie Nack returned to the US with her family. In Southern California, she began the integration process back into American life, which meant being tossed back and forth between an alcoholic, mentally ill mother and an abusive, overbearing father who took her to deliver sailboats, sent her on a wilderness survival course, and recovered a stolen boat for an insurance company in the Virgin Islands. During all of that, she and her sisters attempted to free their mentally ill mother from confinement. Life couldn't be more unpredictable. At nineteen, her larger-than-life father dies suddenly in a plane crash in Mexico. In the wake of his death, she descends into addiction--caught in a downward spiral, her only solace is her next fix. Ultimately, however, Leslie's story is one of resilience: she chooses sobriety and happiness, builds a healthy marriage, and raises two children. At its heart, Nineteen affirms that acquiring new skills and investing in oneself are essential to breaking free from the destructive lessons of childhood. Raw and intense but ultimately hopeful, this sequel to the popular memoir Fourteen tells the rest of Leslie's turbulent--and incredible--story.
Love Beyond Monogamy
Integrating your spirituality and sexuality can be daunting - these parts of life can feel very separate, even contradictory. Activist, educator, relationship coach and co-founder of QueerTheology.com, Brian G. Murphy, is here to change that. Exploring the spiritual roots of polyamory and drawing on his own personal perspectives, Brian guides you through essential spiritual and relational notions including love, ritual, commitment and vulnerability to show how the practices of queerness, polyamory, and faith can complement and sustain each other. Whether you practice non-monogamy or simply want to broaden your understanding of love, this empowering book will break open your assumptions and encourage you to consider the expansive possibilities for (re)structuring your relationships and faith. From advice on healing from spiritual shame, reframing underlying cultural myths, dealing with loss and shame, understanding commitment and faithfulness, and creating meaningful traditions and rituals, this is the perfect companion for connecting with your true values and carving out your own path.
The Intimate Animal
In an eye-opening exploration of the most powerful force that drives our species, Kinsey Institute Director Dr. Justin Garcia illuminates the mysteries of how we date, mate and navigate our love lives. "The best book on modern mating." - David M. Buss, author of The Evolution of Desire. Why do we love who we love? Why do we stay in unfulfilling relationships, and stray from rewarding ones? Is it ever a good idea to open a relationship? How has the digital age impacted courtship? And why do some long-time couples crash and burn while others stay madly in love? In The Intimate Animal, one of the world's leading experts on the science of love and sex answers these questions and more, taking readers on a journey through the lifecycle of a romantic relationship, from the thrill of first attraction to the devotion that lasts decades. Intimacy is core to the human condition, a key pillar of a loving relationship, and an evolutionary drive. In fact, Dr. Garcia reveals that the need for intimacy -even more than sex drive- is key to our species' survival and flourishing. But therein lies the challenge. We evolved for social monogamy but not for sexual monogamy, yet these impulses are often at odds. Understanding this tension is the key to aligning our romantic choices with our true desires. Whether you're seeking that special someone, recovering from heartbreak, or trying to keep the passion alive, The Intimate Animal is the essential, research-backed guide to forging deeper, more intimate connections in these disconnected times.
Silenced No More
In Silenced No More: Unveiling the Taboo of Childhood Sexual Abuse and Rebuilding Trust, author Susie Barber explores the urgent need to address childhood sexual abuse. Approximately 90 million children alive today have experienced sexual violence. This book reveals the painful truth about children s silence and how deeply it affects their lives. This must stop. Children cannot feel safe when adults are still violently abusing them behind closed doors. Withholding this information makes you guilty. We must look after our little children so their lives can be safe and hopeful. Susie Barber understands that it takes moments to break trust and a lifetime to rebuild it, if it can be rebuilt.
All in
This inclusive, empowering guide is your go-to for navigating the intricacies of modern romance. Whether you're looking to rejuvenate an existing relationship or embark on a new journey towards meaningful connection, All In serves as your modern-day compass, offering practical wisdom and heartfelt insights to help you cultivate the love and intimacy you truly desire. Lucille will help you: - Unlock your past, your wounds and your attachment style to learn how they shape the way you engage in relationships and what you need from a partner. - Break free from cycles that no longer serve you. - Transform conflict into opportunities for personal growth. - Master the art of productive communication in a relationship. - Explore your deepest desires and enhance your sexual self-esteem. - Discover the key to a more fulfilling, pleasure-filled sex life. Lucille Shackleton, a renowned Australian Sexologist and Relationship Therapist, is a trusted voice to more than 200,000 followers on social media. She offers warm but real, practical advice for anyone seeking to build secure, loving and intimate relationships in the contemporary world.
Silenced No More
In Silenced No More: Unveiling the Taboo of Childhood Sexual Abuse and Rebuilding Trust, author Susie Barber explores the urgent need to address childhood sexual abuse. Approximately 90 million children alive today have experienced sexual violence. This book reveals the painful truth about children s silence and how deeply it affects their lives. This must stop. Children cannot feel safe when adults are still violently abusing them behind closed doors. Withholding this information makes you guilty. We must look after our little children so their lives can be safe and hopeful. Susie Barber understands that it takes moments to break trust and a lifetime to rebuild it, if it can be rebuilt.
Tears of Love
A mother's raw grief. A family's search for meaning. A legacy of healing and hope.When Patti Cullen lost her vibrant, intelligent, and loving son Ben to suicide, her world collapsed in an instant. Tears of Love is her deeply personal and profoundly honest account of navigating unimaginable loss - and her courageous journey toward healing, purpose, and advocacy.Now updated in this expanded 2nd Edition, Tears of Love offers even more comfort and guidance for those touched by suicide. With new chapters, fresh reflections, and powerful new resources, this edition includes: A heartfelt foreword by Ben's sisters, Mandy and Carrie, honoring their brother through candid memories and emotional truth.Additional deeply personal stories, including Patti's harrowing return to Ben's belongings years later, and the unexpected ways grief forces growth.An updated resource section for suicide awareness and prevention, including discussion guides, support strategies, and faith-based tools.A spotlight on BENS Hope, the family-founded nonprofit changing lives by promoting open conversations in schools and communities.Reflections from students impacted by the BENS Hope presentation, showing how sharing Ben's story helps others choose life and compassion.This book does not offer easy answers. Instead, it invites readers into the quiet ache of a mother's mourning - and the slow, sacred process of learning to live again. With unflinching honesty and a heart rooted in faith, Patti Cullen shows that even through the darkest nights, love and hope are never lost.Perfect for: Parents and siblings grieving a suicide lossSchool counselors, therapists, and pastorsTeachers and youth mentors looking to prevent teen suicideReaders seeking Christian perspectives on loss and healingAnyone struggling to make sense of life after devastating loss."If someone was contemplating suicide and read this book, they may reconsider after realizing the devastating impact on their loved ones." - Candy Flynn, Retired Counselor"Tears of Love is a beacon of hope for those seeking comfort and strength on their healing journey." - Pastor Mark Dieter"Patti has bravely shared her story to provide hope, community, and support ... Her outreach to students is extraordinary." - Tammy Salmon-Stephens, UW-Platteville Director Emerita
The Book On Relationships
The Book On Relationships: How We Connect, Why We Hurt, and What Love Can Become is a deep exploration of love in all its messy, human forms.Relationships are not just about romance. They are mirrors that reflect our fears, longings, and histories. C.S. Morgan dismantles cultural myths, reveals the emotional scripts we inherit, and provides a framework for understanding connection in modern life.Through research, reflection, and vivid storytelling, readers will discover: Why our earliest attachments shape the way we love.How communication, trust, and vulnerability build intimacy-or quietly erode it.The difference between chemistry and compatibility, and why timing matters.How to navigate conflict, boundaries, and change without losing ourselves.What it means to love across differences, through breakups, and over the long term.From digital-era dilemmas like ghosting and swipe culture, to timeless challenges of trust and belonging, Morgan writes with clarity and compassion. This isn't a manual for perfect love. It's an invitation to practice real love-messy, courageous, and sustaining.Because love isn't a performance. It's a practice.
By the River She Danced
Stories help us understand one another by revealing the lives we have lived. In this collection, Sophie Thi Phan shares her journey, her stories, with wit, wonder, and remarkable wisdom.She invites readers into the experiences she and her friends faced as immigrants from Vietnam, offering narratives that resonate far beyond cultural boundaries.These are beautifully crafted, heartfelt stories - rich with lessons for anyone, whether born in Australia or elsewhere.This is a book to be read and reread. Each time it will reveal new insights and gentle lessons that speak to and stay with you, the reader.
A New Chapter
Going through a midlife divorce can feel like losing your identity and stepping into a world you no longer recognize. A New Chapter: Navigating Divorce and Rediscovering Yourself in Midlife is your compassionate guide through the emotional storm, offering the clarity confidence and resilience you need to rebuild your life. Inside, you'll discover real-life stories of men and women who faced heartbreak head-on and emerged stronger than ever. Learn how to process grief, manage stress, overcome loneliness, and rebuild your social circles while embracing new opportunities. Whether you're dealing with financial adjustments emotional recovery co-parenting challenges or redefining your personal goals, this empowering resource equips you with practical tools and emotional support for every stage of your journey. This is more than a self-help book-it's a survival kit for your heart and mind. You'll gain actionable strategies for self-discovery personal growth emotional healing and creating a life filled with purpose. With step-by-step guidance for rebuilding confidence strengthening relationships and embracing new beginnings, you'll see that this chapter of your life can be the most empowering one yet. If you're ready to turn the pain of midlife divorce into an opportunity for transformation, A New Chapter will guide you every step of the way. Take control of your story, embrace your resilience, and start living the life you deserve-begin your new chapter today.
Up at Gabby's House
For Up at Gabby's House, we're making brand new memoriesPlease know my door is open, visit any time you pleaseThere are few things more special than spending time with those you love the most-or looking back fondly at the many wonderful memories made together. Kimberly (call her Gabby, if you please!) understands the value of preserving these snippets of the past. In autobiographical rhyming couplets, she- shares her crafting ideas and patterns- unveils special family recipes- and reimagines her own past in poetry intended to take you straight down memory lane.Whether you're a crafter in need of a little advice, a home baker searching for a new recipe or two, or a grandparent or child eager to relive a few fond memories, Up at Gabby's House, there is truly something for everyone!
Up at Gabby's House
For Up at Gabby's House, we're making brand new memoriesPlease know my door is open, visit any time you pleaseThere are few things more special than spending time with those you love the most-or looking back fondly at the many wonderful memories made together. Kimberly (call her Gabby, if you please!) understands the value of preserving these snippets of the past. In autobiographical rhyming couplets, she- shares her crafting ideas and patterns- unveils special family recipes- and reimagines her own past in poetry intended to take you straight down memory lane.Whether you're a crafter in need of a little advice, a home baker searching for a new recipe or two, or a grandparent or child eager to relive a few fond memories, Up at Gabby's House, there is truly something for everyone!
Life After Kids
The mom's guide to finding happiness, hope, fulfillment, and self-love as an empty nester For moms everywhere, Life After Kids: Rediscover Yourself and Thrive Beyond Motherhood is an essential guide to becoming an empty nester. When your child leaves home for new opportunities, it's hard to adjust to their absence. This book provides a roadmap to navigating this transitional life stage, filled with wisdom on finding new opportunities, focusing on developing your emotional and mental health, managing feelings of anxiety, loneliness, and uncertainty, and preparing to welcome a new phase of parenting as kids grow older and more independent. Written by Brooke Stillwell and Lynne Mouw, two health and wellness experts with decades of experience helping women maximize their potential and find fulfillment, this book helps readers understand concepts like: Why continuing to pour even more of your heart and soul into your grown kids' lives is often a step backwards Why women thrive as empty nesters through building emotional resilience: letting go of things you cannot control, and instead focusing on things you can control Why finding more purpose, rather than accumulating material possessions or indulging in leisurely activities and pastimes, is the only real way forward For all mothers looking to embrace life now that the kids are grown, Life After Kids: Rediscover Yourself and Thrive Beyond Motherhood is the perfect practical, supportive guide to finding hope and fulfillment in a new parenting era.
When Love Is a Scam
When Love Is a Scam is an eye-opening exploration of the hidden dynamics shaping love in romantic relationships, family bonds, and spiritual communities. Peter Obiefuna challenges the widely held belief that love is always selfless and fair, revealing how societal expectations and personal motives can quietly undermine relationships.Through real-life examples and thoughtful insights, the book examines topics such as gender roles, financial pressures in marriage, and the complex influence of extended family and external support systems. With a reflective and compassionate yet provocative approach, the author invites readers to rethink what they've been taught about love and to redefine it as a space for mutual respect, autonomy, and growth. Whether addressing the emotional burdens placed on men, the societal expectations imposed on women, or the unspoken power dynamics within extended family and spiritual institutions, When Love Is a Scam empowers readers to set boundaries, question ingrained norms, and reclaim love on their own terms.
When Love Is a Scam
When Love Is a Scam is an eye-opening exploration of the hidden dynamics shaping love in romantic relationships, family bonds, and spiritual communities. Peter Obiefuna challenges the widely held belief that love is always selfless and fair, revealing how societal expectations and personal motives can quietly undermine relationships.Through real-life examples and thoughtful insights, the book examines topics such as gender roles, financial pressures in marriage, and the complex influence of extended family and external support systems. With a reflective and compassionate yet provocative approach, the author invites readers to rethink what they've been taught about love and to redefine it as a space for mutual respect, autonomy, and growth. Whether addressing the emotional burdens placed on men, the societal expectations imposed on women, or the unspoken power dynamics within extended family and spiritual institutions, When Love Is a Scam empowers readers to set boundaries, question ingrained norms, and reclaim love on their own terms.
Only When It's Dark Can We See The Stars
Four Long Years: That's the time from 12-year-old Julian's diagnosis of leukemia until the van Popta family reaches the other side. All the while, dad kept a log chronicling in detail the arduous ordeal. Is there hope in the pitch-dark Valley of Baca? With his journal, you can travel with these pilgrims on their journey.Since John is sharing his entries with extended family, friends and church members, you hear him reporting and reflecting as a pastor. He had encountered similar situations before, but such experience counts for little compared to facing cancer of a loved one firsthand. So you also sense how a father's heart aches as his son suffers. And how he wrestles with wounded faith."When I held my son in my arms tonight, I wept."
Don't Kiss Until...
Whether you're single, divorced, or widowed, this book serves as a gentle reminder: Real love listens. Real love sees you. Real love waits. Don't Kiss Until... There's a quiet voice inside that says, Wait... just a moment longer.Not out of fear, but because your heart deserves something real. This book is for anyone navigating love-whether you're dating for the first time, starting over after loss, or hoping for something lasting. It speaks to women and men of all ages, offering gentle truths and thoughtful questions to help you see clearly before giving your heart. Because not every kiss is what it seems.And not everyone earns the right to be that close to you. These pages won't tell you what to do; they'll help you listen to what you already know:
Senior Driving Dilemmas Lifesaving Strategies Second Edition
Senior Driving Dilemmas: Lifesaving Strategies, Second EditionIs the safety of your loved ones on the road a growing concern? As the number of older drivers rapidly increases, so too does the risk of accidents. Senior Driving Dilemmas offers invaluable guidance for families facing the difficult decision of when it's time for a loved one to hang up the keys.Dr. David Bernstein, drawing on years of experience, provides compassionate yet practical advice on navigating this sensitive issue. This updated, 2nd edition offers fresh insights into the latest automotive safety technology, the rise of ridesharing services, and the potential impact of autonomous vehicles.Discover how to: Initiate open and honest conversations about driving safetyAssess driving abilities and identify potential risksExplore alternative transportation options and support servicesCreate a safe and supportive environment for aging loved onesWith real-life examples with powerful conversation starting scenarios and expert advice, Senior Driving Dilemmas empowers families to make informed decisions that protect both the driver and those around them. Don't wait until it's too late. Protect your loved ones today with Senior Driving Dilemmas.
I Didn't Deserve You
I Didn't Deserve You isn't just a story-it's an emotional storm you'll feel long after the final page.Isla thought she had found safety in Caleb, a man who seemed perfect-devoted, protective, and endlessly loving. But perfection can hide dangerous truths. Beneath Caleb's charm lies a darkness that twists love into control and devotion into obsession.Leaving should have been Isla's freedom. Instead, it pulls her deeper into a web of secrets, trauma, and fear. As Detective Kane uncovers Caleb's carefully hidden lies, Isla's best friend Megan is forced to confront what silence costs-and the chilling reality of toxic love.Raw, haunting, and unforgettable, I Didn't Deserve You is a psychological suspense novel about love turned weapon and the resilience it takes to fight back. Perfect for fans of Colleen Hoover's darker works and B.A. Paris, this book delivers emotional depth, survival themes, and a final twist that will leave you breathless.
Small Moments, Strong Bonds
When did you last truly connect with your ageing parent? Not just checking their medication or driving them to appointments, but really connecting - sharing stories, laughing together, or simply being present in each other's company?Are you caught in the endless cycle of practical tasks, always rushing between work meetings and doctor's visits, juggling family commitments with care coordination? Do you feel like you're missing precious opportunities to create meaningful memories before it's too late?You are not alone. This book exists because meaningful connection with your ageing loved one is possible, even amid life's relentless demands. Drawing from personal experience and professional expertise in human connection, this practical guide shows you how to weave deliberate connection into your daily interactions without adding more to your already full plate.In these pages, you'll discover: The SMILE framework for transforming everyday momentsHow to balance practical care with emotional connectionStrategies to build your care squad and share the load with family and friendsPractical tools to break through emotional barriers and reduce future regretsWays to create intergenerational bonds that strengthen your entire familyThe difference between tactical and deliberate connection - and why it mattersSmall Moments, Strong Bonds isn't just another caregiving guide. It's about reimagining connection in ways that fit real life. You'll learn how to move beyond task-focused interactions to create moments that matter, turning routine caregiving into opportunities for deeper connection and lasting memories.
The Crow Jacket
Dementia presents a complex and uncertain journey, leaving both the diagnosed individual and their loved ones questioning what lies ahead. How can one prepare? What steps can family and caregivers take to cope?In this poignant and timely book, Marian Heemskerk offers practical insights for individuals diagnosed with dementia and their caregivers drawn from over forty-four years in the healthcare industry. Through a blend of educational content and real-life stories of those affected by dementia and Alzheimer's disease, Marian provides guidance through the challenges of the disease. She emphasizes the importance of preparation and understanding the roles of family, friends, and professional caregivers. The Crow Jacket not only provides support and education but also honours and celebrates the crucial role caregivers play in the lives of those with dementia by expressing gratitude for caregivers who enrich the lives of the elderly with compassion and care.
