Books published by LIGHTNING SOURCE INC

Unspeakable tragedy unravels the fabric of a picture-perfect partnership in Bumble Bees & White Balloons. Abbi and Jordan are the queer couple who seems to have it all: jobs they love; a storybook romance in a safe, ethically non-monogamous relationship; a beautiful home in Baltimore; and soon, a baby on the way. But just as their happiness reaches an unimagined peak, they are confronted with a pandemic, medical flukes, and rampant racism. Now, the edges of their perfectly woven picture of life begin to fray, unraveling thread by thread. Set against the backdrop of 2020 America, Bumble Bees & White Balloons addresses many of the challenges modern families faced during such an uncertain time, in addition to rarely explored concepts of pregnancy complications and loss. - Bumble Bees & White Balloons is a queer-lit, contemporary fiction novel about an interracial couple who experiences pregnancy loss. This emotional LGBTQ romance novel tackles themes of grief, mental health, purpose, and social change with nuance and care. It celebrates the transformational power of speaking one's truth, overcoming internalized prejudice, and supporting your partner's growth. Abigail and Jordan's journey reveals that leaning into vulnerability and authenticity may be the only path to mending a fractured relationship.With relatable characters and sensitively handled storytelling, Bumble Bees & White Balloons is a must-read LGBTQ romance novel for anyone craving an empowering testament to the endurance of queer love. This story sends an ultimately hopeful message that even the darkest storms can bring about necessary change within oneself and society. Safrianna Lughna is the Queer-Spirit Guide, a transformational coach, mental health professional, and international best-selling author who desires to change the world through education, self-development, and compassion. For more information on Safrianna and her work in the world, you can visit Safrianna.com or LivingLUNAs.com.

"Is it true?" This brilliant bestselling author asks readers to ponder these thought-provoking words as they circle you like a predator after its prey.

Mao is a pale green, stuffed cat who considers himself to be intelligent, refined, and dignified. He is convinced a great destiny awaits him outside the toy shop. When a young couple takes him home, Mao is ready to travel the world. Instead, he grows bored and plots his escape. Mao's idea of a great adventure is turned on its head when the couple has a baby. Maya is everything Mao never expected, and he realizes being her best friend is his great destiny.

Discover the commandments that govern a resilient organization, the parables of risk management, and the verses of compliance that form the cornerstone of a robust GRC foundation. "The GRC Bible" isn't just a guide; it's a living testament to the adaptability and endurance required for success in the modern age

Like the moon, we humans shine more brightly in some situations than in others. Sometimes, we have barely a sliver of glimmer to give. Other times we're in full glow and brighten every encounter. There are also instances when, like a new moon, it seems we have only darkness to express. During those moments, it's wondrous to suddenly notice someone else's light illuminating our being. The transformative impact is like that of earthshine, which occurs when the dark part of the moon is softly lit by sunlight reflecting off the Earth. In these contemplative essays, McBride chronicles experiences of being touched, shined, and uplifted by the light of twelve distinct individuals from contrasting corners of the world. They are stories of struggle, courage, curiosity, resilience, redemption, compassion and insight - stories that prompt one to reflect upon choices, priorities and what each of us brings to the feast of Life. PRAISE FOR EARTHSHINE -- from the back of the book: Bunny McBride is a humanist in the best sense of the word. Everyone tells us it's good to be generous, empathetic, imaginative, and so on. But by showing us how those qualities look and feel when they're embodied by living, breathing humans, she provides an inspiring road map for our own journey. DEAN SLUYTER, author of The Dharma Bum's Guide to Western Literature and Natural Meditation, Nautilus Silver & Gold Medals. Earthshine illuminates the mysterious power of loving connection. Transcendent and transformative, McBride's heartfelt essays offer a gentle guide-to-living for everyone who seeks to restore positive relationships, cultivate the best of their inner potentials, and emanate light within darkness. Necessary parables for our times. LUCAS BESSIRE, author of Running Out, National Book Award Finalist. These essays are an unforgettable study of life from various perspectives. Deeply personal, heartbreaking, beautifully told and rich with soul searching, they are sparks that kindle the fires of hope, gratitude, and appreciation. When life hands you a shattering blow, writes McBride, "Like Jacob, hold on to the angel of that experience until it blesses you." DONNA LORING, Penobscot elder and author of In the Shadow of the Eagle.

Heal Over Time: Healing Through Love and Forgiveness is a compelling memoir written by a courageous woman who aims to inspire others with her own transformative journey. This book delves into her personal experiences and the steps she has taken to bring about positive changes in her life, ultimately benefiting both herself and her loved ones. With a heartfelt desire to assist others in their own quests for personal growth, the author shares her wisdom and insights gained through love and forgiveness. Through the power of empathy and understanding, she encourages readers to embark on a similar path towards healing and self-improvement. Her story serves as a beacon of hope, reminding us that it is never too late to make a change and find solace in the embrace of love and forgiveness.

Sevyn Takes a Stand is a heartwarming children's book that tells the story of a young girl named Sevyn who embarks on a journey of courage and friendship. After Sevyn encounters a group of girls being bullies on the first day of school, she learns the characteristics of a bully and how to stop them through advice from her mother. When she sees the bullies in action again, will she step aside and do nothing, or will she take a stand and do the right thing? Sevyn Takes a Stand is an empowering tale that encourages children to be brave, compassionate, and true to themselves in the face of adversity.

Old Bess was missing and due to give birth! Cynthia and Keith search and holler for their beloved Black Angus cow as night falls and a storm brews over Hog's Back Mountain. Will they find her? Will she be all right? Join in the search with Cynthia and Keith to find out what happens.

Experience the wonder of Christmas like never before with our joyous coloring book that features African-American characters. Our coloring book is an amazing way to spend time with the family this holiday season.Original African-American CharactersFestive Holiday Scenes25 Original Drawings8.5x11

"The Paintbrush That Ran Away!" is a fun-filled, whimsical story for children ages 2-9, and those young at heart. It is about a paintbrush that knew its own mind and it was quite persistent. Let your imagination run free with the stubborn brush, but whatever you do, don't get in its way. Everything that it touched turned red for the entire day!

Beauty is one of the most universal and timeless themes in art. Throughout history, artists have been fascinated by the human form, especially the female form, and have tried to capture its essence and express its meaning in various ways.

A short collectionWith pictures and everything!All Toaster Haiku.The third book written and illustrated by Haley McAndrews, Toaster Haiku offers readers a taste of her whimsical world of small kitchen appliances. This book consists of 38 haiku poems, all written about toasters or toaster-related subjects (like burnt toast and bagels.) Each poem is accompanied by hand-drawn black ink illustrations. While Toaster Haiku is short enough to be an excellent bedtime read for children, readers of all ages will enjoy the imaginative subjects and fun illustrations. McAndrews has been drawing and painting toasters for years, fully embracing her unofficial title of "the Toaster Girl." She is excited to introduce her adorable toasters to a new audience with her first book of poetry.

I shouldn't want him, but I can't seem to stop. I crave the burn that comes with this sort of love, the sweetest of fires.Cherry is finding that life doesn't always work out the way she intended. After heartbreak during her final years of college she has no choice but to return to the life she swore she'd escape one day. Now forced back into her old life she must find a new normal, heal her heart, and try not to fall for her childhood friend's older brother.Sweetest of Fires is the prequel to "Angel of Blood" novella in The Hellfire Series.This series is only intended for adults 18 years or older. Please check triggers prior to reading as this is a dark romance with dark themes that are not suitable for all audiences.

Who says life has to be perfect? In her life-affirming book, "La Imperfección Iluminada: Desvelando la Sabiduría Japonesa para una Vida Equilibrada," Astrid Auxier joyfully reveals the radiant beauty hiding in life's cracks and flaws. She takes readers on an exploration of Japanese philosophies like Ikigai, Kaizen, and Wabi-Sabi, all celebrating imperfection and impermanence. Through personal anecdotes, rich history, and time-honored Japanese wisdom, Auxier guides readers to find clarity in life's ambiguities. We learn to uncover hidden gems in brokenness and how our flaws add depth to our experiences. As she explains, we must let go of the fruitless pursuit of perfection. Instead, Auxier proposes we boldly celebrate the authentic, imperfect nature of our humanity.Ultimately, Auxier warmly shows us how embracing the temporary essence of all things illuminates the pathway to wisdom, self-acceptance, and harmonious purpose.

This Non-Fictional book is intended to reach those who have been through heartbreaking, earthshaking, and life shattering events! The crushing experience may have destroyed your hope for a bright future. But I know from personal experience, that one moment can change your life, for the rest of your life, to draw out the best in your life! Within the confines of this book, the author will take you on a compelling journey, of how she was shattered, while desperately needing to be accepted and loved!You will come to know that love is not a feeling, it is a happening! Love will draw you to a place of healing, of trust, comfort and freedom! You will sense a love that is non-judgmental, nor condemning. But you will find true love that will have you seeking for more! You will read the glory of the story in this book titled: "LOVE Brought Me, From Shattered Glass to a Fashioned Diamond!"

Regrets: Letting Go - A Novel of Love, Loss, and RedemptionDo you ever wish you could change the past? Does the weight of your decisions linger, shaping the life you have today?For Vish, a middle-aged man with a seemingly content life in the U.S., the past is about to resurface in a way he never imagined. Born in India, raised in the UK, and settled into the routines of marriage, fatherhood, and a career, Vish appears to have it all. But beneath the surface, unresolved regrets linger-especially one tied to the first love he was forced to abandon for the sake of tradition.On a trip back to the UK for his niece's wedding-an event that breaks with the family's tradition of arranged marriages-a chance encounter unlocks painful memories of that lost love. Determined to reconcile the choices he made, Vish embarks on an emotional journey, reconnecting with past relationships in search of understanding and closure.As Vish uncovers the heart-wrenching fate of his former lover and revisits the women who shaped his youth, he is forced to question the path his life has taken. Was his arranged marriage truly the right decision? And can he find peace with the life he's built, despite the "what-ifs" that haunt him?Inspired by real-life events, Regrets: Letting Go is an unconventional blend of fiction and memoir, exploring the tensions between love, duty, and personal identity. Through the lens of cultural and familial expectations, it offers a poignant look at how our past choices ripple through time, shaping who we become. In this captivating novel, readers are invited to reflect on their own lives and the role that letting go plays in the search for happiness and fulfillment.

1922: Helena De Vries is an East Coast heiress dispatched to Southern California, where she wants to help her eccentric aunt establish a museum-while her parents aim for her to court young men of suitable stature. Lonely and dissatisfied, Helena flees a glittering soirée, only to encounter a man who presents her with an impossible appeal.Thoughtful, witty, and kind, Michael Byrne is a son of one of the nation's wealthiest families, yet has lived his entire life confined to one wing of the Byrne mansion. Born with cerebral palsy and deemed incapable of public appearance, Michael has never been allowed to meet anyone like Helena. For him, their friendship is an unexpected gift. But after the first sparks of warmth-and desire-Helena finds herself longing for more. Equally afraid to expose their affection to public censure and to give Michael promises that she might not be able to fulfill, Helena faces an irresolvable dilemma: how can you confess your love for a man who isn't supposed to exist?The Walled Garden is a sparkling, lush, and sensual Jazz Age romance novella, featuring a rich cast of characters who struggle to reconcile exacting social expectations and the demands of the heart.

Preparing to die is something we often miss and hardly talk about but this piece gives us a glimpse into why we need to do that so that our departure does not catch us off guard like a thief.

*When you buy a book, a book will get donated to a school*Embark on a colorful vibrant journey with simple and engaging text about workers in our community in this heartwarming children's picture book. This is an inspiring read that sparks curiosity and respect for all the incredible workers who shape our community.Workers-Firefighter-Police Officer-Singer-Athlete-Chef-Farmer-Construction Worker-Teacher-Doctor

This riveting story of transformation follows the journey of a girl who grew up surrounded by danger yet overcame her challenges and found victory and true love. It is a valuable resource for anyone caught in the crossfire of life, reminding us that we are not alone and that we can overcome any challenge if you are willing to persevere and give it your best shot.

Jaren, de dieciséis años, y sus tres amigos estaban ansiosos por que terminaran las clases para poder ir a surfear.Se estaba gestando una gran tormenta frente a la costa del sur de California y sabían que las olas serían una aventura demasiado buena para pasar.Corrieron hacia la playa con sus tablas de surf y se pusieron sus trajes de neopreno y se lanzaron a vivir una noche que nunca olvidarían.Un niño, su tabla de surf y la tormenta es una historia real sobre los acontecimientos del 13 de diciembre de 1995. Le da al lector una visión interna de la noche en que Jaren fue arrastrado al mar y de la experiencia de su madre, peinando desesperadamente la costa, rezando por un milagro. Este es un libro sobre la fe y esperanza de una madre imperfecta, el desarrollo de la fe en los milagros y el descubrimiento de un dios que verdaderamente está sobre todo.

Beauty Close Up Teen: Vol. 1 is a premium coloring book featuring 34 close-up portrait illustrations celebrating the beauty and individuality of teen girls.

If the world ends often enough, eventually people stop noticing. The Avarian Union strives to push the limits of humanity, engineering their people to be smarter, faster, and stronger than their predecessors. Although their aggressive manipulation of the human genome puts them at odds with their neighbors, their powerful military and engineered soldiers keep these threats at bay. Across the Northern Ocean, the Rifden Federation represents the pinnacle of civilization following the Fourth War. After being ravaged by plague and conflict, its citizens enjoy decent standards of living as well as the protection of the finest soldiers, pilots and sailors on the planet - having to give up some freedoms to the monarchy is a small price to pay for the security and comfort that life in the Federation brings. When a Rif squadron is assigned to a strike against a black site deep in Avaria, it pushes the delicate balance between their nations to its limits, and both sides are forced to confront who the monsters and heroes of their shattered world truly are.

Join Lily the unicorn on a magical colorful adventure as she shows how to overcome bullying with loving kindness in this coloring storybook.

While humility (or the lack of it) has been central to my life, you may not suffer from the same problems I do. You may never be anxious or depressed, self-centered or egotistical, self-conscious or selfish. If you're wondering how humility can help you, ask yourself which of the following statements are true for you: I want to be healthier - both mentally and physically. I want to have deeper, more meaningful relations with my family and friends.I want to be less concerned about what others think of me. I want to get along with my mother-in-law without hiring a hit man. If you said "yes" to any of these statements, this book is for you. If you're thinking that everyone would want these things, that's because It's Not All About You! was written with a very specific audience in mind: People who want to live happier, more fulfilling lives.Written by a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who's been utilizing the paths to humility in his own personal life and private practice for many years, It's Not All About You! will lead readers to enjoy life more, freeing them from the stress caused by thinking too high, too low, or too often of themselves.

Inspiring and heartwarming, this tale shines a spotlight on the transformative power of teamwork, the fleeting nature of time, and the indelible moments that shape our lives. In a small Iowa town, the Hoover High School girls' basketball team is embarking on a journey of a lifetime-one that could define their legacy.With a state championship on their minds, the team's dream is halted by devastating circumstances that threaten to tear them apart. But beneath the weight of heartbreak, they find the resilience to confront the challenges before them.Led by Bentley, the gritty point guard with a fire in her eyes; Zo, the hyper-athletic scoring guard with a flair for the dramatic; and Sasha, the towering center with a heart of gold, the team pushes forward with unwavering determination.As the season unfolds, these teenage girls discover that the true power of the game lies not only in winning, but in the bonds formed on and off the court. United by their shared passion, and an unwavering spirit, they learn that second chances are earned, time is fleeting, and the journey is just as important as the destination.From the adrenaline-pumping intensity of the final shot to the notable moments of camaraderie in the locker room, Below the Rim is a tale that captures the essence of team sports-and life itself.

Author Constance Naylor wrote "The Happy Unicorn" to show how with just a little happiness and positivity you can change the hearts of the meanest people.