'Let The Dead Lie'

Fast-Paced Thriller Unravels Long-Kept Family Secrets

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif., - In her debut novel "Let The Dead Lie" (published by AuthorHouse - http://www.authorhouse.com), Kathryn Kole introduces Anne St. Clair, a young special education teacher who embarks on a shocking journey to discover the truth about her father's untimely suicide and her grandmother's mysterious disappearance.

When Anne receives a call from her father, a well-known Beverly Hills tax attorney, asking for the help of her husband Ryan, she becomes concerned. Ryan is a sheriff, and her father, John Gray, obtains a gun from him. John feels that his life could be in danger, having inherited an estate from a wealthy client. In his preparations to sell the estate, John runs into some unsavory gang members who had been using the estate's premises to manufacture crystal meth. A short time after this meeting with Ryan, Anne discovers that her father has committed suicide using the gun her husband provided.

After the shock wears off, Anne begins to question the circumstances surrounding her father's death. Although she continues to go about her daily routine, she starts her own investigation with the aid of genealogy, law enforcement and her father-in-law Ray St. Clair, a retired detective.

Throughout her investigations Anne uncovers several shocking well-kept family secrets. She locates relatives she never knew existed, meets old family friends and eventually discovers that her father's name wasn't John Gray and that he used many other names throughout his life. At this time she begins to question the disappearance of her grandmother Lily, vowing to uncover the truth.

Spanning the course of several years, "Let The Dead Lie" weaves an intricate, fast-paced tale using colorful characters and many twists and turns. Clues are revealed to Anne through family members, psychics and people from her father's past. "Let The Dead Lie" will appeal to any reader who enjoys unraveling mysteries or has an interest in genealogy.

Kathryn Kole has worked as a special education teacher for many years and has a master's degree in the field. Along with her passion for teaching, she has an extensive knowledge of police work, genealogy and the law. All of these interests proved to be an invaluable asset in the writing of her first book, "Let The Dead Lie."

'Finding the Illusion'

New Book Invites Readers on Journey from Grief to Illumination

DALLAS, - "Finding the Illusion" (published by AuthorHouse - http://www.authorhouse.com) is set "in a fictional town that fits no particular place. It could be everybody's town or nobody's town. It's just a place where a story takes place," writes first-time author Simeon Hoe. Hoe's "Finding the Illusion" is, at its heart, an honest look at the effects of suicide and an exploration of the dynamics of familial relationships. Hoe chose to keep his setting low-key so his characters and their emotions could take center stage.

"Finding the Illusion" is the story of a family whose daughter commits suicide. Her suicide forces them to stop focusing on material possessions and professional success. Crystal, Stephanie, Rob and Sam are all confronted with their own misconceptions as they work their way through grief.

Hoe uses his characters to illustrate the influences that outside factors - background, parents, grandparents, etc. - have in shaping lives and attitudes. "Finding the Illusion" uses dialogue to reveal the heart and soul of its characters and their stories. Hoe believes that "the reader will find the reality of their illusions" as they explore the world of the characters he has created, characters coping with grief, loss and self-discovery.

Hoe also uses this opportunity as an author to enlighten readers on the topic of suicide. He writes:
The book touches on a topic that is all too frequently found in the headlines of newspapers and lead stories on nightly television. Almost every one of us knows about, has read about, heard about, or knows firsthand someone having committed suicide. The subject of suicide is not taken lightly. Suicide is preventable with treatment, and as depression often leads to suicide, early detection and acceptance of the fact that one may be depressed cannot be overlooked.
Simeon Hoe was born in Nevada and spent six years in boarding school as a teenager. "Finding the Illusion" is his first published book.

More information is available at http://www.FindingtheIllusion.com.

A Call to Save a Sentinel of World History

Author Explores Remarkable Past, Architecture of 300-Year-Old Church in Need of Restoration

LINCOLNWOOD, Ill., - Physically, it is built of adobe and stone. Looking deeper, however, one can see that it is made of much more, crafted of droughts, epidemics and vicious typhoons, composed of violent fighting, painful occupations and the glories of freedom. It is the Saint Paul the Apostle Church in the Philippines' Cagayan Valley, and it is the vessel of over almost 300 years of world history. Its amazing life story, along with the story of those fighting today to keep it from crumbling into the ruins of memory, is told in James Edward Cleland's new book, "The Silent Sentinel: San Pablo Apostol de Cabagan Church Reveals 300 Years of Secrets of the Philippines" (published by AuthorHouse - http://www.authorhouse.com).

Despite its pivotal role in helping to establish Catholicism in Asia, the church, which is located in San Pablo in the province of Isabela, lies in a near-ruinous state today as other more celebrated churches in the country undergo highly publicized renovations.

"Despite crushing poverty, the people of the Cagayan Valley have begun the monumental process of rebuilding their church," says Cleland, a teacher of architecture and design at Loyola Academy in Wilmette, Ill., who became interested in the church's history, design and plight through his wife, a former parishioner. "This reconstruction has been guided by a handful of dedicated priests, concerned parishioners and friends from all provinces of the Philippines, as well as all corners of the world."

According to Cleland, this grassroots effort at renovation enjoys no assistance from any governmental or private agency. It is his hope that "The Silent Sentinel" will help to justify a complete renovation of this landmark, this sentinel that has been protecting the people of the Cagayan Valley throughout the Philippines' rich and turbulent history.

In addition to the church's vibrant 300-year history, Cleland also shares with readers the remarkable story of the design of San Pablo Church - the unique architectural innovations used by the Spanish friars and their Filipino craftsmen which Cleland believes justify a "complete and faithful renovation in and of itself."

A unique historical and architectural journey, "The Silent Sentinel" is a gem for history and architecture and preservation buffs, and a call for much overdue attention for not only San Pablo Church, but the other important Spanish Colonial Churches in the Cagayan Valley which have earned the right to stand tall and proud through hundreds of years of faithful service.

James Cleland holds a bachelor's degree in fine arts with a studio concentration and a master's degree in curriculum and instruction from Loyola University Chicago. Currently in his 20th year at Loyola Academy, Cleland is a member of the Society of Architectural Historians and a faculty moderator for the Loyola Academy Chapter of the American Institute of Architecture Students.

Staying Competitive in the Global Software Industry

New Guide Educates Students, Practitioners About How to Maximize Results

ANKENY, Iowa, May 12, 2008 -- Outsourcing jobs in the technical arena was once seen as a way to save companies money and, although the trend continues, many organizations could use a wake-up call when it comes to getting the most from their software talent pool, says Matthew D. Edwards. His new book, "Becoming Globally Competitive in Software: The Fundamentals for Regular People" (now available through AuthorHouse), is designed to educate people about what skills are truly necessary to be competitive in this industry.

"People want to understand why their software jobs seem to be going overseas ... This book will teach you, the software student, practitioner and/or manager, how to become competitive in the global resource pool in which we reside," Edwards explains.

In sometimes humorous, always straightforward conversation, he discusses topics such as serving the customer and learning to discern what really matters along the way by exploring what he calls "some difficult and often unpopular subjects." Among them are notions like these:
-- The professional software talent pool is truly global,
and each individual is only a grain of sand on a world
beach;
-- There is more value in seeing the forest than in
worshipping the tree;
-- Know when to solve a problem, when to simplify and when
to be quiet;
-- Delivering a technical solution is a social problem;
-- Overpay the right people for the right reasons; and
-- Serve the customer and provide immediate value, or
someone else will.

"Software jobs have been and will continue to be outsourced and off-shored, [but] there is a way to stall and reverse the tide," Edwards says. "It has everything to do with the tenacity and choices of each individual technologist."

It is the responsibility of all those who touch, breathe upon, construct, deliver and facilitate software system solutions to change the game, says Edwards.

"Today, if you want to be employed, have a career and make some money in the global software industry, you absolutely must know the fundamental skills and attitudes necessary to add value to a customer's life."

Edwards is the co-founder of Ajilus, an Iowa-based software company. He has worked in various capacities throughout the end-to-end software development and delivery life cycles, and he holds several technical certifications. This is his first book.

'Mommy Didn't Know': Female Sexual Offenders in the U.S.

New Book Offers In-Depth Understanding of Female Sexual Abuse of Minors
EL CERRITO, Calif., May 9, 2008 -- When the term "sexual perpetrator" is tossed out there for consideration, a pretty typical picture comes to mind for many people. Most likely, this picture does not involve a female perpetrator, but according to Dr. January Bishop, female sexual abuse of minors is a quickly growing phenomenon, and the National Criminal Census Bureau reports that there are approximately 2.5 million female sexual perpetrators within the United States.

Bishop, a psychologist and clinical social worker who has spent 25 years in the healthcare field, brings her expertise and countless hours of clinical research together in a comprehensive look at the world of female sexual perpetrators, "Mommy Didn't Know" (published by AuthorHouse - http://www.authorhouse.com).

An examination of Bishop's clinical research, "Mommy Didn't Know" attempts to provide an in-depth understanding of some of the many psychological and political issues surrounding female sexual offenders. Specifically designed for students, teachers, parents, attorneys, health care professionals, law enforcement officials and individuals who are concerned about the welfare of children in today's society, the book also serves as a tool to aid professionals in identifying the long-term consequences of childhood sexual trauma, as well as the offender's inability to effectively deal with external stressors due to social barriers. Bishop explains:
Findings reflected that the female participants experienced feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem, lack of support and social isolation. The majority of female participants also revealed in their testimonies that they had much difficulty during their childhood. It was also implied that they did not experience a normal childhood upbringing. This may also suggest that they were raised in a relatively dysfunctional family system as illustrated in their testimony.
"Mommy Didn't Know" offers a personal look inside the lives of these convicted women, sharing their personal testimonies and shedding light on just why these women make the decisions that they do. Reflecting upon this research, Bishop examines the need for legislators to re-evaluate the current child sexual abuse laws and forms of clinical treatment in order to eliminate child sexual abuse.

Dr. January Bishop holds a doctoral degree in counseling from Argosy University. She has worked extensively with a diverse range of clients and issues, including high school and college students, high-risk incarcerated males, HIV-related psychosocial issues, transgender issues and sexual assault victims.

From Raising Lambs to Advising World Leaders

New Book: Unparalleled Journey by Arya Abbas Amirie


This book is the story of determination, focus and the audacity to dream on a scale beyond any that the author’s peers or family could have envisaged. Coming to the U.S. without any financial support and an English vocabulary of fewer than 40 words, he far exceeded his initial expectations by earning a Ph.D., a professorship and the honor of delivering the Commencement Address to the 1975 Graduating Class of his alma mater where he was given an honorary Doctor of Laws degree. The book consists of two parts—

Part One inspires the young generation to aim high and achieve great goals:

*How to overcome great odds and obstacles with determination and ingenuity

*How to cope with cultural differences and social barriers

*Why you must forsake the past and concentrate on the future

*How to turn adversity and negative attitudes to positive forces for success



Part Two—With a 20-year background as Professor of Middle East politics,
the author analyzes key regional conflicts and advises how to resolve them:

*Why the divide between Shiites and Sunnis is unbridgeable

*How U.S. action in 1953 led to the 1979 Revolution and world terrorism

*The real causes of the Shah of Iran’s downfall and the U.S. role

*What role does oil play in wars and conflicts in the Middle East?

*Where do most suicide bombers come from and why?

*Why the U.S.—Iran Proxy War in Iraq won’t end in U.S. favor

Paperback is now available; hardbound will be available in the near future. For a review copy or to schedule an interview with the author, contact Jan Nowlan at the address below.

For more information contact: ACADEMY PRESS OF AMERICA, INC. 19700 Fairchild Road, Ste. 300 Irvine, California 92612 Ph. 949-720-3860 or 888-480-6707

Seeds of My Field

Novel Travels Back to 1950s Florida for a Tender Yet Action-Packed Coming-of-Age Tale

Transport yourself to 1950s Central Florida among the looming cypress groves and murky swamps. A loyal hound dog and a cut-down Plymouth. And Bud, a teenager on the brink of discovering girls, but whose current devotion is coon hunting.

In his heartfelt novel, "Seeds of My Field" (published by AuthorHouse - http://www.authorhouse.com), Vic Topmiller Jr. tells the powerful story - based on his life - of a young man from a broken home forced to figure out the world on his own. Bud's story is one of rollicking fun, heart-wrenching pain and pivotal lessons as he encounters unforgettable adventures, unforgivable tragedies and very real dangers.

Lutz is a little hamlet in orange grove country, loaded with wild critters, especially raccoons, that love to devour ripe citrus. This is where you'll find Bud on Friday nights with friends and dogs, chasing the elusive, wily coons through groves and swamps.

Bud seeks refuge outside the home. He makes friends who provide meaning and security in ways that stand in stark contrast to his less-than-ideal family life. The first such friend is Ole Blue, a worn and tattered Bluetic hound. Coon hunting leads him into the company of some older guys who become his mentors. Amy, his first romance, helps draw Bud out of his shell, and he develops unbreakable friendships with a young woman and a little boy.

M.H. Salmon of High-Lonesome Books puts "Seeds of My Field" in perspective:
Shades of 'Old Yeller' and 'Where the Red Fern Grows,' here are the true-to-life adventures of a young boy growing up in the 1950s in the wilds of central Florida. Back then - and it was not so long ago - it was all about orange groves and the swamp country for young Bud, and the singular pleasures of coon hunting with his faithful Bluetic hound. A tender first love, tragedy, and troubles with some serious moonshiners bring pathos and tension to this highly readable tale. Few young people today are blessed and challenged with such meaningful rites of passage. They will glimpse the lifestyle and share Bud's struggles in this fine first novel of growing up in a time almost gone by.
"Seeds of My Field" is held together with life values and strong feelings that will grab readers on the first page and refuse to let go long after the book is resting on the shelf. This is a novel, not a true story, but the place is real, the emotions are real and the characters are true.

"Show me a kid from a broken home and I'll show you a kid who has developed unique survival skills and a curious independence," Vic Topmiller Jr. writes. He is a veteran writer for magazines and newspapers. "Seeds of My Field" is Vic's first book.

Love in Any Language: Translation Gives Latin Classic New Life

A celebrated Latin American classic is being shared with English readers for the first time with the release of Noe A. Vaca's translation of
Juan Leon Mera's Ecuadorian love story "Cumanda."
More than a century after the original was written, Vaca's translation, titled "Cumanda: The Novel of the Ecuadorian Jungle" (published by AuthorHouse - http://www.authorhouse.com), recreates Mera's tale of star-crossed lovers, staged in the lush Amazon jungle. A national treasure in Vaca's native Ecuador, "Cumanda" is widely considered one of the most important novels in 19th-century Latin American literature. "Cumanda: The Novel of the Ecuadorian Jungle" delivers to English readers the same striking imagery and exotic characters that made the original unforgettable to generations of South Americans.

When revolts by indigenous tribes in the province of Chimborazo, Ecuador, destroy the goods and family of Juan Domingo Orosco, the rancher decides to dedicate the remainder of his life to God. Left with only his son, Carlos, Orosco becomes a Spanish Dominican friar, working among the native people of the jungle. Soon Carlos becomes bewitched by the beautiful Cumanda, a young woman from an Amazonian tribe. Opposed by many, including Cumanda's father, the couple bravely defends their unique love for one another until Cumanda, forced to marry a Jivaro chief in order to spare the life of Carlos, is sacrificed according to the customs of the tribe. However, it is ultimately exposed that Cumanda and Carlos are in fact brother and sister. In another turn, Cumanda's father, the man who kidnapped the girl and killed her natural mother (Orosco's wife), is converted to Christianity by none other than Orosco.

Within the dramatic-tragedy's electrifying plot, readers will find a thoughtful examination of race relations and the assimilation of the indigenous people of Ecuador to a Christian-based society, along with an exploration of the sacred bond shared between siblings.

Vaca was born, raised and educated in Ecuador where he became an elementary school teacher at 19. There he also coached the school's soccer and basketball teams, led a Boy Scout troop and founded an acrobat squad. Vaca moved to New York in 1969, and after his marriage, relocated to his wife's home state of South Carolina in 1975. Now working in retail, Vaca enjoys writing short stories and translating and interpreting English and Spanish.

Renowned Marketer Jim Bellacera Offers Business Inspiration

New Book Provides Unmatched Advice to Home-Based Business Owners

The business of network marketing is booming. But what many might not know is that a successful home-based business requires business sense as well as confidence, a positive outlook and enthusiasm. Nationally known network marketer and speaker Jim Bellacera has released a new book, "Making Millions from Your Home: The Basics, Building Blocks and Breakthroughs of Running a Successful Home-Based Business" (published by AuthorHouse - http://www.authorhouse.com), in which he helps home business owners by sharing his experiences.

Bellacera writes that network marketing is among the fastest-growing and most lucrative industries today. His new book offers an upbeat look at what it takes to succeed. In addition to his practical advice and real-world know-how, he invites readers for a "fireside chat," where he shares the experiences of failure, loss and overwhelming success that he has felt throughout his 25 years in the business world.

In his signature style, Bellacera, who has mentored thousands of distributors over the course of his career, helps readers unleash their pioneering spirits. Heed his advice and enjoy a life filled with wealth and worry-free living! A treasure trove of information from an expert network marketer, "Making Millions from Your Home" offers simple yet profound advice that any entrepreneur will benefit from.

Jim Bellacera is a household name in the network marketing, MLM and relationship marketing industries. A featured motivational speaker at numerous conferences and business seminars worldwide, his inspirational message has reached as many as 15,000 people at a single event. Bellacera is also the author of the motivational book and audio series, "Within the Millionaire Mind." In addition to his experience as a franchise entrepreneur and start-up investor, he has founded several Internet-based consulting and training services, such as Black Diamond University and Yes It Works, which helps prepare individuals for success in launching and maintaining a lucrative network marketing business. "Making Millions from Your Home" was co-written with Darren Bocksnick.

Soul of a Woman

New Book Reveals the Injustice of an American Woman's Struggle with Homelessness

WASHINGTON, May 1, 2008 -- In her new book, "Soul of a Woman" (published by AuthorHouse - http://www.authorhouse.com), A. Rose presents a message of hope: It is possible for those imprisoned in poverty - and perhaps pre-conditioned to a criminal life - to break free of their debilitating circumstances without resorting to crime. Unlike the false and patently cruel plagiarism of fake-memoir writers such as Margaret B. Jones (Love and Consequences) or Misha Defonseca (Misha: A Memoire of the Holocaust Years), stark images of veracity are singed into every page of "Soul of a Woman."

"Soul of a Woman," told through the eyes of a child, traces the true journey of an American woman, dispossessed and struggling to survive through decades of poverty and homelessness. Her shining emergence from the depths of destitution, a stubborn social ill still fertile in the world's richest country, is a lesson in resiliency and hope for all those seeking freedom from the prison of poverty.

In a single year, more than 3 million American citizens will experience homelessness at some time, according to Rose. "Many are single-parent families and veterans," she writes. "Some cities are now criminalizing both their efforts to survive and the heroic attempts of Good Samaritans who try to help these unfortunate local refugees. Various municipal authorities are even making it a crime for people to congregate en masse, specifically targeting poverty-stricken groups that draw strength from each other.

"Constitutional lawyers are more qualified than I to argue on the apparent violation of the civil rights of this defenseless civilian population. However, thinking citizens with common sense and basic human decency need merely reflect on the words etched in stone on the Statue of Liberty."
Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!
"A passive, uncaring world turned away from over 6 million victims of the Holocaust," Rose writes. "Let us not emulate such a callous indifference to the suffering of millions - those within the borders of the world's richest country - our own people within the United States of America."

A. Rose is the pen name for the author, who wishes to bring an awareness of the tragedy of homelessness to the fore of America's consciousness. All proceeds from the sale of this book will go to charities focusing on the homeless and the defense of children. "Soul of a Woman" is A. Rose's first book. More information is available at http://www.nationalhomeless.org.

'Spiritual Champion'

New Book Presents Inspirational Program for Achieving a More Spiritually Attuned Life

ELDRIDGE, Iowa, May 1, 2008 -- "Each of us has an internal desire to connect with something that brings greater significance to our lives," writes noted speaker and author Larry G. Patten. "When we consider the complexity of our bodies and the indefinable nature of love, even the most atheistic individuals must realize that a special creator is at work. However, in spite of this strong evidence, many have difficulty internalizing a real and lasting relationship with that creator. Many question the 'teachings' of modern religions.

"Often people just drift away, ignoring the obvious and losing any chance for a more highly driven spiritual life, leaving a hole that something should fill."

In his new book, "Spiritual Champion" (published by AuthorHouse - http://www.authorhouse.com), Patten writes for those who crave a strong purpose in life but still lack the feeling of joy that comes from being on a journey with God. In Patten's program, you will:
-- Develop a meaningful and fulfilling relationship with God based on your true feelings rather than preconceived notions or someone else's expectations.

-- Build a foundation for faith through self-discovery, upon which you will construct a framework for your future spiritual journey.

-- Learn how to achieve the personal life power that will sustain your journey.
"Through this program you will learn what you must do in order to be the spiritual champion of your life," Patten writes. "You will learn how to be tolerant of others' beliefs and pursue your faith and belief in positive ways. Being a spiritual champion is not about requiring others to be in your race, but about running your spiritual race in a way that brings the crowd to you."

Larry G. Patten has published several books through AuthorHouse (http://www.authorhouse.com), including his Champion Series trilogy: "Living As A Champion," "Champion Health" and "Spiritual Champion." He has also written "Strategic Organizational Development," which helps organizations move from being just great companies to being champions in their field. Two novels, "Rondine Solution" and "Count Down to Eternity," are also published by AuthorHouse (http://www.authorhouse.com).

Patten is a noted speaker on organizational development and leadership, including quality systems development. He is the founder of the World Leadership Institute and has served as chancellor and president of several colleges.