Showing results by narrator "Nikki Zakocs" in All Categories

In the summer of 1982, the body of 20-year-old Maggie Hume was found under a pile of blankets in the closet of her apartment. A Catholic school girl and daughter of a local football coach, Maggie had been raped and strangled. It was the only active murder investigation in Battle Creek, Michigan, suggesting the case would be an easy victory for authorities. Plus, they already had two persons of interest on watch.

From the very first steps of acknowledging adoption as a choice to the final document that seals the deal, Jody Cantrell Dyer paints a raw, warm, heartbreaking, and eventually triumphant portrayal that narrates the entire adoption process through compassionate and entertaining prose. Dyer's candor and soul color the narration of The Eye of Adoption.

Ten years have passed since estranged siblings Gene and Violet Masters have spoken to one another, but the news of their parent’s recent passing forces a grim reunion. As Violet uncovers a disturbing secret, she wonders if there might be more to their parent’s death than meets the eye. Contacted by their mother’s spirit beyond the grave, Violet fears the unearthing of truths known only to her and her brother and how they threaten her future.

Best friends Daryl Barber and James Boucher were responsible, and their parents trusted them to spend Spring Break at Daytona Beach unchaperoned. When the boys missed their agreed-upon daily check-ins, their parents were disappointed. When they failed to come home on their planned return date, their parents were terrified. They could not have known that their innocent sons would encounter two violent men on the Florida coast. They could not have imagined the torture their children would endure before their bodies turned up four months later in a Florida swamp.

The most effective leaders are "human leaders:" leading with empathy, vulnerability, and authenticity. But many still adhere to the outdated myth that leaders must be "superhero leaders: infallible, unflappable, and fearless." Tragically, their innate ability to inspire remains locked within, blunting their impact. In The Unlocked Leader veteran executive leadership coach Hortense le Gentil combines real life stories, rigorous research, and practical tools to explain how superhero leaders can become effective human leaders.

After 40 years of marriage, Olivia Glass thought she could handle the unexpected death of her husband. But when Ben’s will reveals a life-altering secret, she suffers a blow no widow should ever experience. Olivia learns that she gave birth to a baby who later died in the nursery. Instead of telling his wife what happened, Ben switched the child with another. And as if that’s not enough, Ben’s will doesn’t reveal which of their five sons is truly not hers.

Accomplished leadership advisor Jenna Fisher reveals how the world faces a once-in-a-generation opportunity to close the gender gap at the top of organizations today. You'll discover how traits often held by women—including compassion, empathy, communication, mentorship, and collaboration—are now in high demand. And why, in this time of volatility and disruption, women are standing on the most solid foundation for success than ever before.

Audrey Mae Scott has felt the sting of her mother's whipping stick far too many times. Unlike her little brother, Harry, she must do whatever she's told without question . . . or else. Her only solace from her fear and loneliness comes from writing about her plight. Though outwardly obedient, Audrey refuses to give up on her dreams, and she is determined to never become like her mother, Edith.

Amish-raised Ada Rupp knows it’s time to make a commitment to the faith and join the church, especially if she wants a future with the handsome Amish widower Will Gundy. But when she has the chance to travel to Switzerland as the caregiver of a young child, she leaps at the opportunity.

Libby Reynolds is having to reboot her entire life after a sudden divorce and relocation. Seth Carver has let work become his whole life, becoming himself the kind of anachronism he surrounds himself with in the antique store he owns. They'll fall together, but can their love withstand a visit from the past she's left behind?

A teen's suicide leads to a frightening pattern within a small town where nothing is as it seems. Details about the teen’s case remind Sam Hopewell, a local investigative journalist, of what happened to his older cousin back in the ‘90s. Sam prepares to confront his darkest memories, but if he can’t overcome his past, more innocent lives might be taken.

History of Woman Suffrage is a window into the suffragette movement, a front-row seat to the fight for women’s rights. This historic work draws a dramatic picture of the massive effort and struggle that took place in America from 1848 to 1861 through letters and documents, as well as uncensored thoughts and ideas from women during this evolving time, all rich with lively wit. The writing is vivid and compelling, with rousing speeches defending the legitimacy of the request for suffrage and strong, witty defense against those too comfortable in the status quo.

Our physical habits—of sensation, posture, and movement—reflect implicit knowledge of our histories of trauma, relationships, and resources, as well as our future possibilities. However, this wealth of information often eludes our awareness. The intention of the somatic practices in this card deck is to experientially illuminate the innate and unique knowledge that resides in our bodies, and to nurture a more deeply embodied connection with ourselves, others, and the world.

Shepherd's mission isn't going to be easy. While his rebellious shipmates prefer to sit anchored in the Shallows forever, Shepherd intends to obey the Master’s orders: sail across the Forbidden Sea to shore. No matter the cost. After Shepherd’s patience finally runs out, he secretly weighs anchor in the dead of night, forcing all onboard to begin their journey across the sea—ready or not.

Miranda is too busy for cancer. But medical tests don't lie. A deadly tumor is taking over her 18-year-old brain, threatening to shatter her hard-earned dreams of an Ivy League education to dust. Schoolwork competes with plans for treatment, and Miranda's stress heightens when her parents schedule the local pastor's kid to come over and pray for her healing every morning before school. When Miranda's health takes a turn for the worse, she looks into religious matters. Including life after death. Just in case.

Pearl’s perfect life was an illusion. After uncovering her husband’s multiple affairs, their divorce is complicated when their eight-year-old son is abducted. Desperate to save her only child, Pearl will do the unthinkable to find him.

Thousands of thoughts fly through our minds every day, many of them negative. And Satan knows how susceptible we are to these negative thoughts that leave us frustrated and feeling defeated. However, the time-honored practice of Christian meditation can help us find victory in these spiritual battles. Transforming Your Thought Life offers guided meditations and personal examples that will help you train your mind to stay grounded in God's Word.

For a generation whose eyes are constantly trained on screens, encountering nature at all is increasingly difficult, much less seeing what it reveals about God. How can parents help children reengage with God's world that is full of amazement, creativity, and love? Eryn Lynum is a certified master naturalist, Bible teacher, and mom of four who wants to help families encounter and understand the connection between God and creation. She shares her own story of putting her kids in front of nature, and invites other parents to consider a similar journey.

Jess is trying put a painful past behind her and finally secure her college degree. But when a greedy man buys her entire block and threatens to evict all the tenants, including her and her uncle, she knows she has to do something drastic to save her home...and the church property that holds her parents' graves. Being filthy rich has its perks. But Axel still hates running his father's large development firm. Drowning his sorrows in alcohol, parties, and pretty faces, Axel is too self-absorbed to admit his life is spiraling out of control.

Elise Gilpatrick never thought she would be a parent, especially not like this. After agreeing to take 15-year-old DJ as a temporary foster placement straight from the police station, she feels like she's in over her head. But, as she learns on the job with a little help from her coworker, Elise realizes that she and DJ need to lean on each other and on the God who pieced them together. Their rocky journey will only prove that it's never too late to find the love of a family.