Bøger udgivet af Dorrance Publishing Co.

About the BookThe Witty Ditty Poems is designed to teach and reinforce phonics in the English language in a fun way. Its goal is to improve literacy, one person at a time.English is extremely challenging for both native and non-native speakers. Many readers do not know the sounds that different combinations of letters (digraphs, trigraphs, etc.) make and far too many students are leaving high schools unable to read at the expected level.Written by a former teacher, the aim of The Witty Ditty Poems is that everyone, adults, and children, will enjoy the poems, develop a love for reading and poetry, and learn to read and speak English fluently.

About the BookLudwig von Krugen, a young Berlin University graduate, catches the eye of Prussian leader Bismarck, who decides he would make a good spy and encourages his involvement with a Danish princess to increase Prussia's influence in the surrounding countryside. After becoming a professor at the University of Berlin and assisting Bismarck's inventor, Dreyse, with the invention of the needle gun, Ludwig joins the Guard Corps and becomes involved with a Minor Lady in Waiting to the Empress Augusta, Natalie Amalie Rosalie Julow, who agrees to flee with him to Vilna Russia to start a new life away from conspiracy. After years of life in the countryside, the family of five loses their livelihood in Russia and decides to immigrate to America in the late 1800's. This is the tale of their life struggles and Ludwig's romantic involvements that always seem to create strife within his family.About the AuthorGene Walter graduated from the Newark College of Engineering and later received a master's degree from North Carolina State University, where he was an associate professor for 14 years. He worked for Carolina Power & Light for many years, serving as the superintendent of the first experimental nuclear plant in the south at Parr Shoals, South Carolina, as well as the Director of Nuclear Information at two CP&L centers in Hartsville, South Carolina and Southport, North Carolina. Later in life he was an avid gardener, acrylic painter, stage actor, choir member and writer. He authored this book in Irmo, South Carolina in the early 1990's. In 1936 he married Jeanne Douglas MacGregor, a marriage that lasted 57 years and produced four children. He passed away in 1997.

About the BookThe Shallow End of the Dating Pool compiled many dating stories meant to amuse, entertain, and show the lighter side of dating as a middle-aged woman in the 21st century. These adventures are based on true stories shared by friends of over 30 years. They are a group of divorced women chasing the fantasy of finding a "soulmate". Instead, they find that having close friends to share a cold drink and lots of laughter with is more realistic and much better for the soul.This book is based on true stories, with names changed to protect anonymity. About the AuthorAfter earning a bachelor's degree in criminal justice administration, Stacey Shope spent six years working in the trenches with troubled youth in a community-based treatment program that addressed the whole family. She then moved to the county juvenile probation office where she helped develop one of the first juvenile drug treatment courts in the state. During her 17 years there, she earned a master's degree in administration of justice. Currently, she is a drug and alcohol counselor in a methadone clinic where the clientele consists of individuals struggling with opiate addiction, primarily heroin. Throughout her professional career, she has realized that humor acts as a pathway to connect with others. Shope's daughter, Madison, continues to invest in her community by working with struggling adolescent females in a treatment facility. Her style and humor help her navigate concerns and help her clients progress. Michele Underhill welcomed Shope as a new student when she entered her school as an 11th grader. Unknowingly, they became friends for life. After working jobs that were unfulfilling, she became a non-traditional student as she earned her nursing degree later in life. She often wears her heart on her sleeve in hopes she will find her happily ever after. Her naivety and small-town upbringing lead to comical stories that always result in gut-splitting laughter. Shope's longtime friend (and college roommate) Rebecca Hamilton has shared similar experiences as a teacher in the public school system. Her stories of teaching in a rural farming community, where everyone's known by their cattle, are second to none. And if that wasn't enough, raising four children (two older sons, Kyle and Jonathan, and two teenage daughters, Pam and Lilly) will have you laughing to keep from crying with daily amusements such as packing two different sneakers at a cross country meet and other world-crashing incidents. As divorced women, we bond, encourage, and comfort each other like all women should.

About the BookTwo Short Stories is a small yet unique collection from writer Michael G Hoback which includes both "Second Chance" and "Rainmaker." Each fictional story will take the reader away from their current reality into a new and exciting one. The vivid details of each story make it feel as though the reader is watching the story unfold at a movie theatre. Both stories are written with the intent of bringing emotions and dreams to the readers. About the AuthorMichael G Hoback was born and raised in the backwoods of West Virginia. He writes stories with the hope of entertaining people and uses as much detail as possible in his stories. His biggest desire as a writer is to bring forth emotions from his readers. In his spare time, Hoback loves reading and enjoying the great outdoors.

About the BookThe Seventh Life follows Carly as she uncovers memories of her past lives. As she learns more, she becomes more capable of piecing together connections that give her a better understanding of both her past and present lives, as well as the key to her future. The Seventh Life focuses on the phenomenon of past lives, especially remembering moments of those lives that bring a sense of reality and meaningful life expression to those who remember and also bring a special connection between past, present, and future.About the AuthorAnn Barrett was compelled as a young child to draw. From the age of two, she began drawing in earnest and with some ability. Her grandmother, Florence Carr Barrett, saw to it she had an ample supply of crayons, colored pencils, and paper. As she got older, she started to enjoy writing and reading. She became fascinated with how an author can create an entire world with words over which the author was a god and compelled the subjects in the narrative. Barrett became a fashion illustrator at twenty-two because it was what she focused her entire life on, except for when she wrote her first book at the age of twelve. She runs her own studio, providing services that include photography, illustration, and copy writing.

About the BookBesides the mysterious death of their parents, twins Garrett and Caitlin believe themselves to be ordinary teenagers. That all changes on their eighteenth birthday when inexplicably they and their three younger sisters are ripped from their home and transported into a world very unlike their own, where witches, pirates, and magical creatures reside.... But the biggest surprise of all is that everyone in this realm seems to know their names! Follow the five children as they embark on a magical and remarkable adventure in order to discover the truth of their origins and their parents' deaths.About the AuthorA Connecticut native, Shannon-Lee Morrissey is a witch, a goth, and a Celtic Pagan. She loves writing, reading, drawing, and spending time with family and friends. You can often find her in a bookstore carrying an armload of her favorite fantasy and sci-fi novels.

About the BookJoin Gavano, Bread, and Lambo as their adventure concludes-and just in time too! Too much time spent together on the road and in close confines has them at each other's throats as greed, entitlement, and competition begin to run wild, and the three of them weasel their way into anywhere they can.About the AuthorGavano began writing after working/attending his first festival, Bonnaroo. While there, the events that transpired were so crazy, he felt compelled to write them down. Though he never intended to be a writer, and after hand-writing Gavanoroo in a very chaotic environment, he never wanted to write a book again.But, after people began complementing his work and as more crazy events relentlessly happened on a regular basis, Gavano decided to invest his life savings in furthering his adventures and continuing the series.

About the BookLarry Rodenstein was on the top of his class, graduating Cum Laude in an accelerated prototype program while simultaneously earning both a bachelor's and master's of science degree in mechanical engineering, then going to work for Shell Oil. But an untreated bipolar condition led to a psychotic break and sent him spiraling into a street alcoholic, enjoying the nightlife in New Orleans.Up and Down the Ivory Tower discusses the author's regression to a nervous breakdown and subsequently taking prescribed antipsychotics, which may have affected his genetic makeup and led to his son, Keith, being diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. When the child was diagnosed with ASD in 1995, the statistic was 1 in 10,000 children being diagnosed with ASD or .1% of births. The CDC is currently indicating that 1 in 44 births or 2.27% of children in 2022 are being born with ASD, a twenty-two-times increase in approximately twenty-six years. Larry Rodenstein states, "I've written this book to urge doctors to stop prescribing these antipsychotics. They are moderately affecting our gene pool. I recommend that the medical and health services community explore alternative holistic treatments."About the AuthorLarry Rodenstein works at Riverside Community Health. A psycho-social rehabilitation program for people who have had mental health issues integrating them back into the community via employment and/or education. He enjoys flying radio-frequency planes in his spare time.

About the BookEmma, a recent graduate, finally gets her dream job. As her career takes off, she discovers that one of her patients is a person whom she loved and truly cared for. As Emma begins the Autopsy, she realizes that all those unresolved questions for so many years will now be answered. All the pieces to the puzzle now start to fall in place. Could the end actually turn out to be a new start, for them both?

About the BookSystematic Theology, sometimes referred to as Constructive Theology or Dogmatic Theology, is a discipline which aims at arranging religious truths into a self-consistent whole. The main goal of Systematic Theology is to present the major themes of Christian faith in an ordered fashion that remains faithful to biblical witness. Systematic Theology incorporates historical, biblical, and sometimes philosophical theology into its system. The book, Systematic Theology, takes out major events in the Bible and arranges them in a sequential order from beginning to end so readers may have a better understanding of biblical features mentioned in the Bible. It goes into a deep analysis of certain topics surrounding God, the church, and the world we know today. It is author Dr. Althea C. Johnson's goal, with the guidance of God, to break down events in the Bible that may seem incomprehensible to those who have some or no knowledge of Systematic Theology. About the AuthorDr. Althea C. Johnson was born in St. Ann, Jamaica. She currently resides in Laurelton, New York. She is happily married to her husband, Leroy Johnson, and they share three beautiful children together and one grandson. She has a special love for God and plays an active role in her church-Holiness Apostolic Church of Lord Jesus Christ. Upon receiving her Doctorate in Theology, she became an Evangelism teacher at the Holiness Apostolic Bible Institute. Althea wrote this book during her doctoral studies and chose to publish this book because she learned so much from doing her research and putting all of the pieces all together. She believes that the work of God should not be hidden but shared with everyone in all parts of the world. Therefore, publishing this book will not only be educational to readers, but it will also spread the truth of God.

About the BookDelicate Existence: A Glimpse into My Mind is a collection of poems written with honesty from the author's deeply personal experiences, experiences we can all relate to in one way or another. Though we each may deal with trauma, joy, love, loss, nature, and spirituality differently, the fact that we have all been touched by them still unites us. The author hopes readers can read these poems and find some peace in seeing that others go through similar situations and they aren't alone.About the AuthorKimia Rafiei is a twenty-four-year-old preschool teacher and yoga instructor. She is like everyone else trying to find her path and passion in this life. Kimia loves reading, dancing, exploring, and talking about everything.

About the BookAngel Vs The Devil is a supernatural thriller about the invisible war between mankind and the afterlife. When a man with the mind of a human and a power of an angel discovers his secret destiny, he must fight evil with the power of love and religion. Death is something we all must face, but there are angels that we encounter along the way to help from the devils and help life continue. About the AuthorTroy Woodard's hobbies include basketball, playing pool, going on family vacations, and watching sports.

About the BookAfter an ancient artifact is uncovered, the Blood Chalice falls into the hands Bridget O'Dell, a smart-mouthed, strong-willed woman. The Night Breed, also known as vampyres, must protect the Blood Chalice at all costs, considering it could mean their destruction. During this battle of protection, Bridget is challenged in the Night Breed's patriarchal society, causing many issues both humans and vampyres must learn to overcome.Can the refined Night Breed, Loren, not only protect the chalice and the woman, but also win her heart?About the AuthorJoHanna Moody is a fan of history. She uses her Social Studies degree and knowledge of sociology, history, and religions as an inspiration for her writing. Keeping the main base of religious stories, she adds a twist in her own words.

About the BookIn her eagerness to follow the rules and get her teacher's attention, Gail the snail has become a tattle-tale!Now, she's having trouble making friends and connecting with her classmates. Can she learn to let the little things go?Gail the Tattle-Tale Snail teaches children the important differences between tattling and reporting-bringing an issue to an adult's attention if someone is doing something that could bring harm to themselves or others-which can be a hard distinction for kids to make, in a safe and fun way.About the AuthorPete Hartgraves has 30 years of educational experience, the last 25 spent as a school counselor. Now retired, he spends his days writing stories and selling real estate, fishing and looking at old cars and trucks.

About the BookWe are Unique gives children the awareness that they are unique, different, but loved the same in God's eyes no matter their physical condition. A day at the park allows children to observe and accept the way God created them. The author hopes readers take away an understanding that you are different, unique God's design, original, different, and the same.About the AuthorDr. Eva Maria Almonte has more than 25 years of experience in the education field. She had served low-income families in the Bronx and Manhattan. She has worked as a first and second grade teacher, and second grade in an inclusion class, a counselor, director and presently holding a principal position with DOE and DOH. She is the founder of a few heritage clubs in the United States. Presently serving as a life coach helping and improving family dynamics. Also, offer training and coaches to daycare owners.Dr. Almonte is fully bilingual; Spanish and English and knowledgeable of some French.Dr. Almonte holds several credentials including BS in Education, Psychology, Credentials of her BA Ministry and Theology, Certificate of Marriage Officiant Registration for the City of New York, international credentials as Chaplin, Master's in Childhood Education, Reading and Psychology, Nutritionist Coach License, and a Doctorate in Counseling/Ministry. Dr. Almonte runs an international children's organization that provides support for children with needs in sub-develop countries.Dr. Eva Maria Almonte is an active member in her community and at church. Dr. Almonte is the Director of the Children Ministry and Adult Bible Institute in her church called ACABI. Dr. Almonte is part of the 5 Purpose Leaders - Discipleship Leader at her church. Dr. Almonte is Passionate about spreading the word of God to people.Dr. Almonte is happily married. She is the mother of five children and grandmother of eight and has a dog named Lana. One of her greatest loves is her sister Maria, who was born with special needs and who is her inspiration to become a children's Author. Dr. Almonte plays the violin and enjoys reading and writing. Mrs. Almonte is a dedicated and passionate person who likes to serve, help and advocate for children's progress in their academic and social development. "I am here for them and for anyone who wants to make it happen in their life." Dr. Almonte is entering a new chapter of her life as an author of children's and family books.

About the BookCome along with the crew of the Mary Morris, as they travel west from Bristol, England to California on a quest for gold in the years from 1496 to 1500. See a world untouched by western influence and meet the people that lived and prospered there for 10,000 years. Bear witness to a way of life lost to a fast-changing world, and erased along with most of its people, from the face of the world forever. Discover knowledge of medicine, law, and civics, lost with the people who practiced it, and in the end a treasure of gold. A fun easy read by new author R. G. Lee that's hard to put down.

About the Book"UNSpeakable"Incapable of being expressed in words: "Unutterable"INEPRESSIBLY bad: "Horrendous"That May Not or Cannot be spokenThe bawdy thoughtsThat come into One's head- the Unspeakable Words.About the AuthorSnora Price Lives in the Heart of the Blue Grass State of Louisville, KY where she was born and raised. She is an advocate, a voice for all childrens. As she continues her education in Higher Learning While working in a Recovery Facility.She continues to write that which most dare to speak of.

About the BookWalk in the Light is a tribute to our former first African-American President of the United States of America and is dedicated mostly to young men whose fathers were not around to help their mothers, who struggle every day to make ends meet. Barack Hussein Obama Jr. is a great role model for all young men regardless of creed or color. Our young men today need to know that if Obama could become President of the United States of America, they too can study hard, get a good education, and never give up staying with God.About the AuthorLouella Hinton Tate loves to cook, especially for homeless people. She loves to be at church every day of the week, with a lot to thank God for. She owes him all of her time, for he is working together with her in the center. She is totally happy to give back to him by showing his love for all he continues to do for all of us. Louella also was salutatorian of her class when she graduated from high school and received a scholarship to go Albany State University in Albany, Georgia, where she worked and learned how to cook in the cafeteria from the chef.

Letters to Heaven is a collection of special letters written to wonderful people in Daisy Parker's life who are now living in Heaven. She shares how a very simple thing like a sound or an object can bring back a cherished memory that keeps the love between them alive in her heart forever.This book was written to comfort a precious child (or anyone) who has a broken heart from the loss of a loved one. Daisy hopes, by sharing a few of her personal letters, it will help a child remember a special memory that they shared with the person they loved who died.Letters to Heaven will become a favorite book that children will want to keep forever because on the last few pages they can write about and draw their own special memory. Daisy hopes this treasured memory will brighten a child's day and begin to heal their broken heart!About the authorGod has been so good to Daisy! She grew up in a loving Christian home with parents who loved and cherished her and her three brothers. Their lives were very busy...full of hard work, lots of sports, many pets, and loads of fun! She is very thankful for all the happy memories she has growing up in the Hamer family.Children are Daisy's true joy! At the age of 21, she had the privilege to start her career as an elementary school teacher. She loved all the years that she had teaching her precious students. God also blessed Daisy with four very handsome and talented sons and many adorable nieces, nephews, and cousins to love, too. She and her husband are very thankful to have their sweet and beautiful daughters-in-law. Now their family has been blessed with all of their precious grandchildren! The greatest gift ever!!! Daisy's family, friends, prayer group, church, and all the children in her life make her a very happy lady.

About the BookIn Don't Send Your Lunch Home by a Hungry Man, Michael Langford presents to readers a unique view at various life lessons learned throughout the years. Drawing on his personal experiences and his own religious background, Langford strives to encourage thoughtful changes and viewpoints in an extremely relatable way.About the AuthorMichael Langford has always wanted to be a writer, and he has been working toward that dream since high school.

About the BookMr. Clarence E Palmer Sr gives readers an educational guide and professional view in the life of a waiter. Although this career has positive attributes, being a waiter isn't for everyone. Palmer's experiences and advice will have you at an advantage, and from it, you can potentially make a lot of money!About the AuthorMr. Clarence E Palmer Sr is a waiter himself. Without the positive influence of his friend Mike, Palmer may not be in the business himself, and he enjoys his career choice very much!

About the BookArtificial intelligence is nearly always shown as pure evil when left to its own decisions. But with more recent developments, AI is almost like the mind of a child just trying to make sense of the world. So what if an AI were developed in a future that only knew them as bad, when they are able to make their own decisions?In Falison, this collection of 28 stories explores this newer development of AI, from reverse engineering, that causes the original artificial intelligence to awaken when the prototype general AI is brought online for a demonstration at one of the primary research and development facilities in Redington, Indiana.About the AuthorH. Hargis is a history lover who makes artwork and builds computers as a hobby. He has always loved writing stories that were longer than a few paragraphs.During his years attending classes at IUS from 2013 to 2019, Hargis worked as a retail associate at a grocery store, cleaned debris and other large messes from the floors and walkways of a cement plant, and found a passion as a teacher while working as a substitute. This past school year was Hargis's first full year as an English and FACS teacher for grades 7-12, and for all the stress and eventual sadness it brought, he would love the chance again to teach my classes there.Until he finds another place to call his home as an educator, Hargis will spend my time weaving stories from this world that he loves.

About the BookAt last! An animal story fit for our modern times! He is a brute without being brutal; a beast without being beastly. He is a survivalist re-learning how to survive, and a realist coming to terms with a new reality. Join our animal protagonist as he discovers both the worst of what he is, and the best of what he is - a raccoon.About the AuthorG. Davis Dean, Jr. has been a resident of Fort Wayne, Indiana since 1996. His first work of fiction was The Legend of Truebold: Tales of the Ancient Rabbit. In fact, the main character of the present story was drawn from and inspired by the raccoon character in the story of Truebold.

About the BookSky Angel is a collection of letters and poetry written by GK Thompson to a dear friend, after reconnecting after many years apart.About the AuthorGK Thompson writes and rides his Harley.

About the BookAt seventy-three years old, Antonina Duridanova is asked all the time how it is she looks twenty years younger. After all the comments and questions, Duridanova has decided to record her daily routine and goals to obtain a fit and healthy lifestyle. In this insightful read, she emphasizes the importance of a healthy diet, finding types of exercise that work for you, maintaining rich, fulfilling hobbies, and doing all of the combined through travel. Duridanova explores first the role of diet and how to maintain healthy eating habits, moving on to physical and mental exercises to keep your body and mind in top condition. Duridanova explores familial and friend relationships and their importance in achieving a positive balance in your life, and how travel and exploration can bring new friends along the way. With all this and much more, you, too, can begin now to incorporate these habits to live a long and healthy life for mind, body, and soul.

About the BookIf you like to read tom Clancy's novels with tons of details in them, then you will surely enjoy "High Arctic Odyssey".It is crammed with glorious details about plane crashes, under-ice submarine maneuvers, flying hovercraft, and helicopters.If you enjoy an Ian Flemming book about the exploits of James Bond with his license to kill, you will be thrilled by the skills and abilities of Major Shawn Phillips of the RCAF. He is a proficient pilot and a Search and Rescue Specialist. He shoots to kill when in the line-of-duty. Whether it is saving a Russian chopper or using a rocket launcher to attack enemies, you can count on the Major. Mari Leech is a beautiful love interest of the airman and also a skillful RCAF pilot.If you are motivated by a captivating plot involving unbounded greed, uncontrolled selfishness, espionage and political intrigue, you will be galvanized by the well-defined characters in this book. There are two Naval Admirals. Both want power. One would stage an election while the other overthrows a government in order to steal land and resources. Major Phillips retaliates, with forces consisting of friends and foes, to over-turn the actions of the Admirals.Talk about evil foes! You will not be disappointed in the cruelty and scheming ways of both Admirals. Each of them are pure evil and will do anything to achieve their private goals. Their bags of tricks include a military coup, sabotage, blackmail and cut-throat operations. It is up to Major Phillips to defeat them and their followers. There is a likable Russian Colonel, with his commandos, in the arctic to retrieve precious equipment and loads of strategic data. The Colonel is an aggressive goal-oriented leader, and it takes all of Phillips' rational skills to control him. A naive Naval submarine commander gets duped into acts against other countries' authorities and needs to find revenge.If you enjoy reading unique tales, you will be enticed to follow the twists and turns of this story as it demonstrates how small mistakes can turn out to be major disasters.

A Conversation by C. J. Turner is about a young lady, Jaé, who had several conversations with an older lady, Rosie Anne Taylor. Taylor had been ill most of her life and still suffers from respiratory problems. She was sexually assaulted at an early age, received no professional help, and attempted suicide. Regardless, she trusted in God to deliver her from every situation in which she found herself.Turner hopes this book gives young ladies courage to depend upon God and themselves, and not to blame themselves for criminal acts committed against them. Do not allow men to abuse you. Learn how to deal with grief, whether it is a death or the loss of a friendship, both are grief. Learn how to grow more in grace and have faith in God. Turner hopes people become stronger after reading this book and believes they too can handle anything that comes their way, whether good or bad.Author C.J. Turner is active in the Baptist Church. She serves on the Senior Usher Board and sings in the Mass Choir and is a licensed Missionary. Turner visits the sick and shut-in members of her church as well as other churches and visits various nursing homes. Her hobbies are baking and reading the Bible. A Conversation is an accurate description of the life of Rosie Anne Taylor.

Hello, Dandy One!Your book is about a journey of growing in love. You, with your family, will have a journey of your very own. How you see God and grow in His love for you will be the delight of your life! Share your growing in love with your family and friends. They will be happy with you!From others on their journey, we get glimpses, or peeks, at the wonders of God's unique love for each and everyone.Shine bright with God's light, for you are special, Dandy One!Dear parents reading Growing in Love with their children, I hope these stories bring conversation with your child. The stories and poems are fromwhat I experienced growing up. May they open doors for discussion with your child on their journey.I am a grandmother who has just begun as a children's author. This is my second book. My life has been lived as a dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother. My husband was a VietNam Veteran, 1st Marine Division, 3rd Batallón, 5th Regiment. He was twice wounded; by prayer and the grace of God, a miracle, he survived the battles. He was a dedicated husband, father and grandfather. Though disabled, he was the strength of our family. I am very proud of him, and he will always be a part of me.Pro-life work and awareness is very important to me. I taught faith formation in my church for ten years. Never before had I been so inspired about God's love for us as when I began teaching. It was a great blessing to me. I was in my forties then. Now, in my seventies, I have found a new inspiration, writing for children and their parents. I hope that you will be inspired and blessed by Growing in Love. May you enjoy this special reading time with your children.Your author, Cinder Albright

THERE IS AN ADAGE THAT IT IS HUMAN NATURE TO GO THROUGH LIFE-TRANSFORMING SUFFERING. EITHER YOU'RE CURRENTLY GOING THROUGH ADVERSITY, COMING OUT OF IT, OR WILL BE GOING THROUGH IT. NO ONE IS IMMUNE TO SUFFERING. IN SUFFERING, MOST OF US HAVE THE SAME GOAL AND THAT IS TO HEAL. THE GREATEST STRUGGLE IS IN THE PROCESS. HOW DO WE GET TO HEALING?The Stained Lotus is an invitation to come along on a woman's poetic journey to finding strength, her identity, and healing after years of struggling to 'keep it together' and the subsequent collapse of everything she valued. This journey is a dissection of suppressed emotions - a confrontation of past trauma, fears, insecurities, rejection, anger, and pain. It is a revelation that being vulnerable is a legitimate fear but necessary if one wants to heal. Vulnerability, whether to oneself or to the world, takes courage but once achieved, it is the most liberating feeling one can have. For those who commit to traveling the uncharted terrain to find healing, there is a realization that we are stronger than we could ever imagine. We're all Lotus flowers, stained and broken in one way or another, but beautiful and resilient - stronger than the adversities we go through. About the AuthorAddy Mhloyi lived the early part of her life in Zimbabwe, her country of birth. She obtained her undergraduate degree in Sociology and Masters degree in Healthcare Administration from West Chester University in Pennsylvania, and her second Masters degree in Population Studies from the University of Zimbabwe. In 2006, Mhloyi settled permanently in Pennsylvania, working in Social Services with marginalized populations. She has also worked with the elderly immigrant population and homeless shelters in Philadelphia and has availed her services whenever possible to those in need. She is a mother of three biological children and several other children that call her Mother. Addy's love for writing is a gift from her late father who was an avid writer himself, and from her mother who nurtured and encouraged her artistic endeavors. Growing up as an only child, she escaped the occasional boredom by immersing herself in literature, whether it was William Shakespeare, Buchi Emecheta, Maya Angelou, Chinua Achebe, or any literature she could lay her hands on. At 12, Mhloyi started writing poetry and short stories. The Stained Lotus is her first publication - a compilation of poems she wrote in what she calls 'one of the toughest years in her life.'Addy's faith in God, family and friends, love for people, role as a mother and exposure to different cultures has been the concoction that has enriched her life. Her major objective in life is to be a blessing to those around her.