A fascinating history that reveals Christianity’s roots, its often-unknown and surprising traditions, and its influence on the world today.

There is the accepted, often-repeated version of Christian history—and then there’s the real story. In this gripping volume, author J. Steven Paul uncovers the little-known details of the world’s largest religion.

How did Christianity originate? Who created its earliest writings? Who decided which books would be in the Bible? Where did the ideas of heaven and hell originate, and when did people begin taking the Bible literally? How did Christianity evolve and fracture into the many forms it takes today? From fascinating background on its central tenets to curious details that have been largely swept under the rug, this comprehensive overview traces Christianity from ancient practices through its centuries-long rise in popularity, power, influence, and dominance.

Paul’s detailed account sheds light on doctrine, dogma, and traditions, observing Christianity’s interaction with related faiths, including Judaism, Islam, “heretical” Christian sects, and atheism. Paul outlines how this once-tiny religious cult has shaped centuries of Western civilization and inspired great acts of compassion and kindness. But, in the process, it also viciously attacked its enemies, legitimized the practice of slavery, and collaborated in colonialism and imperialism while shaping the way communities continue to view social and scientific issues.

To understand Christian history is to unearth the roots of our current divisive American culture—and hopefully find the tools to fix it in order to grow into a more cooperative society.

"Farley's books never fail to capture my heart with her Southern charm, effortless writing style, and strong female characters who always come to feel like my real-life friends."

Casey Hobbs has never met her father. She doesn’t know his identity or where he lives or whether he has children. She’s spent the past three years at her mother’s sickbed, watching cancer eat away her organs and their bank account. Upon her mother’s death, Casey receives a letter containing clues about her mysterious father. With nothing left for her in New York, Casey packs her meager belongings in her mother’s old convertible and heads off in search of Daniel Love.

Casey finds the Virginia mountains charming and the small town of Lovely quaint. Buying time while she determines how best to approach her father, Casey accepts a job as graphic designer with Foxtail Farm, a boutique winery conveniently located next door to Love-Struck Vineyard. On her first day, she discovers her new boss is at war with the Love children, Casey’s half siblings.

Weeks pass before Casey meets her father. Casey reminds Daniel of her mother, the true love of his life, and he welcomes her with open arms. But Casey’s half siblings want nothing to do with her. They stakes are high, and they want her gone. They’ll stop at nothing to protect the family dynasty.

A princess with a secret. An ancient evil rising. A kingdom caught in the balance.

For centuries, the Trianid has kept the kingdom of Dúramair peaceful and prosperous. Formed by Dúramair’s greatest warrior, an abbess who weaves visions of the future, and the Keeper of Scales, a healer gifted with Sight of the faerie realm, the Trianid has passed on its wisdom and responsibilities generation after generation to its carefully sought and selected apprentices.

Alyen, crown princess of Dúramair, has trained her whole life to be queen. She’s kept her Sight a secret, trusting that the Keeper of Scales will find an apprentice soon—for surely one other candidate can be found. But when news comes from the north of dark magic returning to Dúramair, Alyen is forced to make the hardest decision of her life. A decision that could determine the fate of her kingdom.

Alyen plunges into a world of elemental magic, new friendships, and a budding romance. But when tragedy strikes at the heart of the Trianid, she and her friends find that they are the last hope for Dúramair’s victory in the looming war. Forced to choose between love and duty, Alyen struggles to master her growing powers, knowing that if she fails, she risks destroying everything and everyone she loves.

Keeper of Scales is a young adult fantasy with adult appeal. It is the first book of The Trianid series, but can be enjoyed as a standalone. If you enjoy medieval settings, slow-burn romance, epic fantasy, elemental magic, and a strong female lead, you'll love Keeper of Scales.

Click Buy Now to enter the world of The Trianid!

What's a girl to do when she finds a sexy giant bathing in the river?

Emelie

Who leaves their girlfriend in the woods after a fight?

My now EX-boyfriend that’s who. One fight, okay a BIG fight because I found out he was cheating on me while we were camping and poof! He left me in the woods.

So, I start walking to town, only I get turned around end up at the river where I meet Axel. This guy is HUGE.

With a storm rolling in I don’t have much choice but to trust him and take shelter in his cabin since I’ve been walking for hours AWAY from town.

Several days of rain wash out the road and it looks like I’m stuck here with my giant. Only he’s nothing like I thought he’d be. He’s quiet, watchful, smart, and funny.

Axel

I’ve lived alone for years and I’ve been okay with that until one day she finds me bathing at the river.

She is small, cute, and talks a lot. I find I don’t mind it.

When the storm washes out the only road into town and she is stranded with me a while longer I am grateful for more time with her.

I like her in my space, I like showing her what I do, and how I survive out here. I like her in my bed.

After years of living alone, I find little appeal in it anymore.

When her ex-boyfriend shows up at my door can I convince her to stay?

Can I ask her to give up a life in town for one out here in the mountains with me?

This is a Steamy, Gentle Giant, Mountain Man Romance. No Cliffhangers.
As always there is a satisfying Happy Ever After.
If you love steamy romances with hot love scenes, mountains, rivers, and mountain men, then this one is for you.

Until we improve our mental health most of us struggle to summon sufficient positivity and energy to successfully pursue traditional mental health remedies: a Catch-22. If we’re going to make a start and maximise our chances of making progress it’s essential that our therapy is as straightforward, quick and effective as possible. Full of powerful, constructive messages this short book is designed to provide just such a method.

By remembering a handful of key words and putting the messages associated with them into practice, we can prevent destructive thoughts and feelings from materialising as well as cope far better with those that do seep through. With a bit of homework, it’s a process that normally won’t take more than a few seconds to complete but will make a big difference to your state of mind. I have called the method Constructive Word Therapy.

Sky Broussard has spent the last nine years of her life raising her nephews.
Between trying to make ends meet as a waitress at the Bon Temps Café,
and keeping an eye on two troublesome teens,
she’s had zero time for indulgences like romance.

No worries, she hasn’t been interested in the opposite sex for a long time.
Not until she meets the snarling, growling, hotter-that-an-inferno hunk who caught her nephews trespassing on his swampland deep in the Louisiana bayou.

Too bad he’s off his rocker. Seriously.
He thinks he’s a dragon, calls her his mate, follows her home, and refuses to leave her side.
She really should put a stop to the insanity. She really should.

Except, her libido is running on overdrive and, who knows, he might be her chance to finally lose her V-card.

Half-demon Taeg is desperate to free his pregnant sister-in-law, who is spellbound to an indestructible book that will create an army of the undead. He is convinced that an ancient sword can destroy the book and the spell forever, but this relic has been hidden for a millennia by a powerful glamour. The clock begins to run out on his search when an old rival goes after the book and Taeg's family in his quest for revenge.

Librarian Maya Flores has a secret: she's immune to magic and is well aware of the supernatural beings prowling the streets of New York City. Haunted by a brutal demon attack that took her family, she is on a one-woman mission to destroy the evil demons who did it—and any others who get in her way.

Maya is Taeg's best hope for uncovering the sword. Unfortunately, she wants nothing more than to kill him. As he fights for her trust and to save his family, she is forced to face the truth that not all demons are evil. And the worst part? She might be falling in love with one, too.

Each book in the Demons of Infernum series is a standalone, full-length story that can be enjoyed out of order.

Book #1 Blood of the Demon
Book #2 Mark of the Sylph
Book #3 Touch of the Angel
Book #3.5: Heart of the Incubus
Book #4 Call of the Siren

I swore I’d never ask him for anything.
Now I need his help, his protection.

Landon’s irresistible--older, experienced, head of a top security firm.
We agreed what we had was nothing serious.
I fell for him anyway.
When I found out I was pregnant, I ran.
He told me he never wanted kids,
So I left before he could reject me.

My family lost everything.
Someone’s making threats on my life.
Landon’s the only one I can turn to.

He’s going to be angry.
He’s going to be overprotective.
He’s going to make me fall for him all over again.

A thousand-year peace is about to be shattered…

When Kailo awakens in the Realms, he remembers nothing of his former life. With the help of a shopkeeper wizard and some new friends, he soon learns the King has chosen him to save and defend the Realms which are in grave danger. To carry out his objective he has been given the ability to use all the known magic in the Realms. There’s only one problem: he doesn’t know how to use any of it!

Thus starts his grand fantasy quest traveling from realm to realm to learn powerful magic. Each realm has its own special dangers and along the way he and his friends will face off against deadly creatures and dark mages.

Armed with his trusty staff and his increasing knowledge of magic, not even dragons will keep Kailo from trudging onward. But there are threats worse than dragons in the Realms and time is running out to save it. Completely outmatched and knowing little of this new and intriguing world, can he save the Realms before chaos consumes them completely?

Get ready for the most captivating young adult fantasy novel of the year. Featuring a male main character and plenty of adventure, minor romance, and sword and sorcery, delve into this epic series today!

Alien apocalyptic fiction, a hard fought survival journey with an unexpected romance. But keep the tissues handy… you’ll need them at the end.

The alien apocalypse crashed his world to take human slaves. He was middle-aged, overweight and alone. The aliens didn’t care, they came to harvest the human slaves for market. Any humans they couldn’t sell, they fed to their animals. And, people were being harvested by the millions.

His hard apocalyptic survival journey started a tough march to safety and ended with a journey to test his soul.

William Theodore Benson worked his way West toward a safe-zone and fought through incredibly hard lessons and attackers bent on killing him at every turn... until the final battle that will leave you stunned with surprise… and fulfillment.

Grab your copy of Apocalypse Earth now to join WTB on his tough physical and soul searching journey. Live with him through the riveting, unexpected and heart wrenching ending that brings the whole story… full circle. This apocalyptic fiction and survival romance has something for everyone.

Melody Bryant has heard it all before. Sure, she's the epitome of the stereotype for a librarian. Loves order. Loves rules and deadlines. Loves books. But what she doesn't love is still being a virgin at twenty-four. Unfortunately, the only guy she's ever been interested in turned her down flat. And then left town. Eight. Years. Ago. Ugh.

Now her birthday is fast approaching and she just can't take it any longer. She's finding a guy before her birthday in five weeks or she's adopting two more cats and fully embracing becoming "the crazy cat lady."

But when her latest date ends in epic failure--everyone thinks of her as the "proper librarian," she realizes what she needs is to ruin her reputation. And she knows the perfect guy to help her: the baddest bad boy in town. This Army vet won't know what hit him...

Age doesn't matter! Actually, if we live right, we don’t have to age!

In a conversational style and a friendly manner, the author is sharing his secrets about living better and longer, while enjoying every moment.

He tells his story, how after recovering from an advanced stage cancer he began competing in triathlon and surfing waves, despite being already in his sixties.

Even 10 minutes of some sport activities per day can improve the quality of life as well as physical and mental health, dramatically.

The message the author wants his readers to receive is, that each and every one – at any age and physical condition, shall be encouraged to be more physically active!

All in all, physical activity is the best investment in health, in our quality of life and in our future – to grow old with health and vitality.

Unlock the power of Dialectal Behavior Therapy and arm your teen with the tools for emotional success with this complete workbook for managing anxiety, stress, fear, ADHD and more.

Specially crafted with a warm, heartfelt, and friendly tone, this practical book explores the proven benefits of Dialectal Behavior Therapy, along with how we can best equip today’s young people with the emotional tools they need to achieve balance, stability, and wellness in their lives. Drawing on a powerful mix of psychological insights, user-friendly advice, and fun worksheets to help young readers on their journey to a happier life, the DBT Workbook for Teens seeks to dispel the mysteries around DBT and provide parents and teens alike with an invaluable tool for personal and emotional growth.

Built on the foundations of Dialectal Behavior Therapy, including mindfulness, emotional regulation, and interpersonal relationships, this handbook seeks to arm teens with a rewarding path to self-improvement, shining like a guiding light to help them navigate the challenges of life and grow into successful, fulfilled, and thriving adults. Through a collection of straightforward, step-by-step techniques, teens will discover how to build self-love and confidence, cultivate resilience and courage in the face of adversity, set healthy boundaries in their personal relationships, and embrace their authentic selves with proven DBT skills.

In a time when more and more young people struggle with mental illness, the DBT Workbook for Teens aims to provide a transformative new tool in teens’ emotional arsenal, using short and reader-friendly chapters to arm them with ways to manage a range of conditions including anxiety, ADHD, fear, phobias, and depression.

Here’s just a little of what you’ll discover inside:

• Exploring Mental Illness and The Power of Dialectal Behavior Therapy
• Practical Methods For Managing Stress, Worry, Anxiety, and Fear
• Heartfelt Real-Life Anecdotes and Inspiring Personal Stories From Teens Around The World
• A Collection of Practical Action Plans To Help Young Readers Implement Everything They Learn
• Tools For Managing Phobias, OCD, Self-Harm, and Eating Disorders
• And Much More…

Even if you’ve tried other forms of therapy before and you haven’t seen results, the DBT Workbook for Teens is an honest and down-to-earth guide that echoes the feeling of a quiet conversation with a beloved friend or family member, encouraging teens of all backgrounds to reflect on their challenges and work toward wholeness. This book gently reminds them that they’re not alone, and that it’s possible to rise above our chaotic world to lead a happier, more fulfilling life.

Are you ready to help your teen thrive with the power of DBT? Then scroll up and grab your copy today!

When twelve-year-old Sophie Williams went on a Girl Scout summer camp, she never returned home.

Three months later, her body is found inside her sleeping bag in the most frequented area of Cocoa Beach, and the town is outraged.

The girl isn't just any child. She's the town's most beloved surf idol, and it was believed that she could be the next Kelly Slater.

As another child, the son of a well-known senator is kidnapped, and the parents receive a disturbing video, FBI profiler Eva Rae Thomas — who has just returned to her hometown, divorced and out of a job — plunges into the investigation, breaking her promise to her children not to do police work again.

With her old flame Matt Miller in charge, local law enforcement are the ones who ask for her help in a case so unsettling that only she can solve it. But the deeper they dig, the deadlier it becomes for Matt and Eva Rae.

Soon, everyone she holds dear is in grave danger as this case hits a little too close to home.

DON’T LIE TO ME is the first book in the Eva Rae Thomas Mystery Series and can be read as a standalone.

Praise:

"ABSOLUTE PERFECTION."

"I just could not put it down and read it in one sitting. Excellent!"

"I loved it and can’t wait for the next one in this series. Don’t miss this one!! "

"Eva’s character could quickly become my favorite."

"So many twists and turns that you don't expect."

Best-selling author of The Fatal Creation

Brandon wanted a little fun with a beautiful woman, but this wasn’t what he had in mind. He hoped she would remove the cuffs so he could touch her gorgeous body. Just as that thought entered his mind, he lost the ability to breathe.

One airman and four civilians have turned up dead. Who would be next?

After bringing her former mentor to justice, Air Force Defense Investigator Sergeant Evelyn “Mac” McGregor has a reputation for catching a killer. But what if there are two?

Mac realizes the key to solving the murders may lie deep in a taboo culture that most people know little about. The bodies are discovered floating in the water and have strange wounds.

The Air Force tasks Mac with bringing the guilty to justice. She teams up with the FBI and local police in a multi-jurisdiction search. Before long, Mac becomes the hunted with few clues and more victims turning up dead. Will she be next?

This psychological thriller has everything, including serial killers, military romance, kidnapping, and crime. Hold on while you discover the twists and turns inside this non-stop legal thriller where Mac works with the local police and FBI to profile and catch the killers.

Fans of Leslie Wolfe and Mike Omer will love this book.

What Readers and Reviewers Are Saying About Julie Bergman:

“A Quick-Witted, Fast-Paced, Page Turner. Starting with the first page, the plot line grips you and won't let go. Bergman masterfully weaves all the elements of suspense, intrigue, romance, and badassery throughout believable-without-being-stereotypical scenes. In epic suspense thriller fashion, prepare for your heart to pound as you hope against hope that the good guys get there in time, are furious when they don't, and you lose yourself in the story as you take on each delicious nuance of the heroes in the story. Rewarding and satisfying.” Sharron ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Unique, first of its kind story. A new plot differing from the typical murder mysteries with great insight into the Air Force legal system and life of Service members. I will definitely read the next book from the author.” Dr. McHan ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“You won’t believe how good this book is. The storyline is excellent and believable, which makes it pretty frightening. The character development is superb and consistent throughout the book. It is the best read I have had since my last Tom Clancy book. Extremely well done, Julie Bergman; can't wait to read the next one.” Jim ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Loved it. I enjoyed this edge-of-your-seat murder mystery. I read it in one sitting. Wonderful characters and a plot that keeps you guessing right up till the end. Look forward to more by this author.” Gloria ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

It wasn’t shy librarian Lola McBride's idea to crash someone else’s high school reunion. Her best friend made her do it, insisting that having a little fun with a super-hot rebound would make her forget about her recent breakup. That’s when she meets the hottest guy she’s ever seen.

Architect Luke Erickson had no idea attending his ten-year reunion would turn out to be so fun. He catches the sexy brunette in a lie, and he counters with a proposal—He’ll keep her secret if she helps get his family off his back by pretending to be his girlfriend at an upcoming family reunion.

From one reunion to another, Lola and Luke are suddenly spending a lot of time together. Good thing they're only pretending, or this super-secret relationship could get really complicated.

Why do more than 50% of all marriages end in divorce? The answer is simply couples are never taught how to have a happy marriage. With no proper guide or teacher to follow, it is no wonder why many people cannot function in marriage.

The good news is you do not have to be another statistic to the tragedy of divorce. By reading this book, you will learn how to better communicate with your spouse and how to increase your attachment for each other, and how to better solve your problems together.

Develop the happy relationship that everyone strives to have, one based on love, respect, and commitment. This can be achieved by reading Marriage Utopia: 15 Steps to Improve your Marriage.

Broch and Catriona hit Vegas for another breathtaking adventure in the delightful Kilty romantic suspense series by USA Today and Wall Street Journal best-selling author Amy Vansant. A crime fantasy you won't be able to put down... Ray Donovan meets Outlander meets Archer!

" Brilliant, laugh-out-loud entertainment. I love this series. And honestly, I'm not sure at this point the series could disappoint me. There are riotously funny moments throughout that had me snorting in a most unladylike fashion. Don't be fooled though. The cleverness of the plot threads and the interweaving of different genres makes this book (and series) much more than a laugh. It is addictive, fun, and intelligent. The best kind of entertainment I can ask for, really!" ~ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Bella

When one of Parasol Pictures' assets gets himself into gambling trouble, Broch and Catriona are dispatched to Las Vegas to pay the debt—only to find the debt needs to be worked off. They'll need to battle a mad Russian with an unhealthy interest in Catriona's kickboxing skills...

When Broch is left for dead and Catriona is kidnapped, it's a race against time to reunite before the Russian's plans come to their twisted conclusion.

Back in Hollywood, Catriona's recently returned time-traveling father, Rune, has his eyes on her adoptive father, Sean. When Sean discovers Rune possesses powers he never imagined, it’ll take an old friend to set things straight.

"I love this series!! Characters are fleshed out and the story flows. Very well written. Good dialog. I could just picture it all taking place. Catriona and Broch make a good pair. There are times when you just have to laugh. There are family members involved in this story. Catriona, her sister Fiona, their father and Catriona's adoptive father. This story has it all. There is romance, mystery, action, suspense, sadness, adventure, fear, and a little time travel." ~ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Amazon Reader

"I do not normally read time travel mysteries, as they can be confusing and disjointed. This series is done very well. I had no trouble following the timelines. And as all the trips back to Scotland seemed related to the present plotline, it was cohesive for me." ~ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Amazon Reader

"Terrific Series! I just finished reading the 4-book Kilty series and I am wanting more! I've fallen in love with Catriona and Broch and friends, and I truly hope their story isn't over! The books are well-written, and the stories are clever and captivating." ~ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Amazon Reader

Alison:

Dating is so not on my radar anymore. Then again, walking in on your boyfriend in bed with someone else tends to do that to a girl. It’s better this way, though. I’d much rather focus on my career than trust my heart to someone else who is just determined to break it.

Too bad I couldn’t hold onto that conviction as soon as my mysterious neighbor crashed into my life.

Tattooed, brooding biker, Logan is nothing like the men I usually date but the chemistry between us is powerful and I’m helpless against its pull.

Logan:

The MC calls me Storm for a reason. I've been to hell and back with the scars to show from it and I will never let anyone get that close to me again. These days, the only solace I find is partnering with my brothers at the club to fight for those not able to defend themselves.

Then, I met Alison. She took me by surprise and I know I should fight the spark I feel between us but I just can’t seem to walk away from her.

As things between us heat up, my past rears its ugly head, taunting me relentlessly and putting Alison’s life in danger. But I will do whatever it takes to keep her safe and my only hope is that she will be strong enough to ride out this storm by my side.

An epic, coming-of-age adventure set in a frozen fantasy land of myths and legends.

Following the invasion of the frost giants into the northern province of Aeblegarden, Bjorn was taken into the service of Jarl Jun to begin proper training as a warrior. After all, the Giant-Slayer needed to be able to live up to his name... Right? More and more, though, Bjorn began to feel that the title was a mistake, and that he really was just a fisherman from the sea.

When the province of Essetoft manages to trick Bjorn and exposes his lack of prowess with a sword, Jarl Jun sends him north to keep him out of the public eye for awhile. When he arrives in the fortress of Kallekot, though, he is led to something dark... Something sinister... And while frost giants may be terrifying, the draugr are truly deadly.

Fans of Bernard Cornwell and Griff Hosker will love this!