Bøger af Michael Stafford

The greed to accumulate untold wealth has driven men in search of rare precious metals in all the mountain ranges of the world. They have scraped at the river beds and streams, dug shafts and caves into the lofty peaks and deep in the bellies of the rocky giants. They have lied, cheated, stole, killed and many died just for a glimpse of the sparkle that could lead to the treasure of the mother lode. The Hudson Valley and surrounding mountain ranges have not been immune to this lust for riches: the search for gold and silver. The Mountain Region of this valley has not been ravaged by any extensive search, but the drive to grasp instant wealth, power and fame from the ground and to get "something for nothing" has not left it untouched. In the beginning the Native Americans were in awe of these mountains. For it is in these mountains where Manitou, the Great Spirit, lived and perhaps still does. If these indigenous peoples did come across any precious metals, chances are they would have left them largely untouched, for everything in the mountains belonged to the Great Spirit! Stories of a Lost Gold Mine in the Hudson River Valley has dwindled into obscurity. While sitting around a campfire at Dylan Keenig's 13th birthday party, the stories have returned. The Sacandaga Treasure Hunters Club is formed. Local Indian Legend tells when Manitou calls upon the Spirits of the Bear and Panther to meet, the Mountain will give up its secrets one last time. Can Dylan Keenig and the rest of the Sacandaga Treasure Hunters find and piece together enough clues to find the Lost Gold Mine of the Hudson Valley before it is lost forever?

Zak Keenig is an English Professor at an Upstate New York College. He continues to struggle with boyhood issues especially from those that were caused by being a product of a broken home. Zak has been alienated from his Father and has depended on his Grandfather to teach him life's lessons since he was 10 years old. Zak's foremost worry in life is that his sons Dylan and Mykle will suffer a similar fate because they also have parents that are divorced. Zak has allowed his ex-wife Lynn full custody of the boys and also agreed for them to be moved out of state. When the father and sons are reunited for summer vacation Zak's fears seem to be coming true. The brothers seem to have issues that Zak can't identify but they reveal themselves while traveling to Zak's boyhood home. It is not a normal visit to his Mother's home but one where Zak must deal with the passing away of his beloved Gramps.

The Hudson River Valley of New York played a pivotal role in determining the outcome of the Revolutionary War. Here, the Colonial Militia and Regulars stymied British attempts to control the waterway and sever New England from the rest of the colonies. Here, Patriots boycotted British tea and other goods, accepted the Declaration of Independence, created the state of New York, and kept a sharp eye and heavy hand on their Loyalist neighbors. Here along the mighty Hudson, Americans stood fast after their turning point battles at Saratoga and Fort Stony Point. Here the stage was set for General George Washington's ultimate victory at Yorktown. Bayonets at Midnight is a story of how a young boy from Boston who grew up way too fast and became a hero for the cause of Liberty. Noah Cropper's family were forced to leave Boston after the British shot and killed young Christopher Seider at a protest against King George III and his tyrannical rule over the American Colonies. The Cropper's thought that they would find sanctuary at a family farm in Watertown, a small village west of the city. But they were wrong. After Noah's father was killed at Breed's Hill, he was determined to enter the fray and decided to join the Colonial Army. Eventually, Noah was assigned to serve under General "Mad Anthony" Wayne and contributed in the victory at Fort Stony Point. In the midnight battle, Noah was severely wounded and forced to leave the army. When the time was right, General Wayne would call on Noah to participate in a secret mission. If Noah succeeds, the Patriots have a chance to defeat the British at Yorktown and achieve their goal. Liberty!

The grim discovery has come after fears for the safety of a man who vanished while fishing on the Croton Reservoir. The newly appointed Chief of the New York State Department of Environmental Protection Agency, Adam Daniels is assigned to the case: "A cordon is currently in place while a detailed forensic examination of the scene is carried out. Our thoughts are very much with the family of the victim and family liason officers are providing support to them at this time. On their behalf we ask that their privacy is respected. The investigation is still in the early stages and officers are carrying out a number of enquiries to establish the circumstances." The only clue found at the scene is a toy fisherman's tackle box not belonging to the victim.

Michael Stafford's call-to-action for a new politics based on solidarity, civic virtue, and the common good. With a fresh take on issues like immigration reform, environmental stewardship, income inequality, and our public discourse, Stafford reminds us that the solutions to America's problems can only be found working cooperatively together. A needed message of hope in trying times. Advance praise for An Upward Calling: "Michael Stafford's essays are eloquent, insightful commentaries on the stewardship ethic of traditional conservatism. His book is a refreshing counter-narrative to the bombastic egotism and impious lack of restraint that masquerades as conservatism today." - Jim DiPeso, Republicans for Environmental Protection "Instead of attacking what conservatism is not, An Upward Calling affirms what conservatism is by tracing its legacy and suggesting its future in crisp, inventive language that engenders trust, and inspires deeper study." - Eric Byler, Coffee Party USA "Michael's is a voice that needs to be heard in American politics, a voice that respectfully and soundly calls for common sense, decency, and real plans of action for our society. This is a must read for anyone who is interested in becoming a more engaged member of society." - Ken Grant, former Communications Director of the Delaware Republican Party "Writing in the elevating, enlightening tradition of great Catholic thinkers like Moynihan, Buckley, Novak and Weigel, Stafford lays a new marker down for the next generation of patriotic, public service-minded faithful, challenging us all to be true to the 'Upward Calling' that we are born to aspire. His call for a compassionate, socially responsible, conservatism is particularly needed in our nation today." - Michael Fleming, former Delaware Republican Party officer About the Author: Michael Stafford is a nationally syndicated political columnist through Cagle Cartoons. His writing has been featured on numerous blogs including FrumForum, Coffee Party USA, The Cagle Post, and TommyWonk, as well as in The Dialog (the newspaper for the Catholic Diocese of Wilmington, Delaware). He is also a regular contributor to Town Square Delaware. Politically, Mr. Stafford formerly served on both the Delaware State Republican Committee and on the New Castle County Republican Committee. He remains active in politics as the Delaware Coordinator for Republicans for Environmental Protection. Mr. Stafford earned his Juris Doctorate from Duke University School of Law and practices law in Wilmington, Delaware.

Before the Rapture, before the earth's last days, before there is a population left behind, the battle for those that were chosen, those that would go, raged between the forces of Heaven and Hell.Sworn to defend when asked, God's own Angelic Warriors battle Satan's Demonic Fallen Angels, assisted by men and women of faith who become a living testament to the power of prayer. A book for any and all concerned about the prophecy of The End Times.Nominated for the 2021 Henri Christian Literary Award for FictionWinner of the 2021 Christian Literary Award's Seal of Excellence

A rehabilitating veteran who is a writer under contract life gets turned around while he tries to enhance the lives of others, restore a classic Ford pickup and complete a Honey Do List his wife leaves for him to do. While she and their daughter visit a relative.