Author and leader who is also a servant; a motivator who is also a steward; a teacher: conscientious and innovative; a counselor: compassionate yet assertive. A man of integrity and honor; Elder Sean D. Smith is not only a minister but a visionary. While Webster’s dictionary defines excellence as the quality of being excellent; state of possessing good qualities in an eminent degree, exalted merit; and superiority in virtue; this definition could easily have been simplified by stating: the works of the Lord through Sean D. Smith Born May 4th of 1993, Sean is the only child of Latanya Williams. At an early age Sean developed a heart for God and his people. December 14th of 2008 Sean accepted his call into the ministry under the leader of Elder Daniel X. Smith. At the age of 15 years old Sean preached his first sermon entitled "Nothing Old Attached". While the road has not been easy Sean would say it has definitely been worth it and ten years later Sean has developed into a powerful young man of God flowing in all five ministry gifts. Elder Smith's life continues to be an example of the works of the Lord: how ability and anointing come together to create an illustration of a chosen vessel. Eyes have not seen, nor ears heard, the great things God has in store for Elder Sean D. Smith and his family.

“Want it all? Read Ann Major.” –New York Times bestselling author Nora Roberts “Ann Major’s name on the cover instantly identifies the book as a good read.” –New York Times bestselling author Sandra Brown Old flames steam up the bayou in another sultry romance from USA Today Bestselling Ann Major. Garret Cagan is a son of the bayou, raised on the water, with adoring, headstrong Noelle Martin at his adolescent heels. But when the youthful Noelle couldn't reconcile their passion with the wishes of her wealthy New Orleans family, Garret slammed the door on love. Now he lives his life with an unyielding honor that suits the badge he wears. But his Southern home is broken, his son mute and living with a grandmother. The only thing Garret has left is his pride … until Noelle returns and the shell of ice around his heart is cracked, maybe melted for good. Can he ever love again? Noelle Martin bowed to the wishes of her powerful family when she hid her affair with Garret. And when secrecy led to heartbreak, she fled to Australia in a desperate attempt to find peace. Now she's back home in New Orleans, and back in his domain. She'll do anything to gain Garret's forgiveness, and even more to help his son. But will her words be enough to make them a family again … or is she too late? Reviews of the TEXAS: CHILDREN OF DESTINY series PASSION’S CHILD (book 1) Ann Major begins a high intensity trilogy with PASSION’S CHILD (4-), the dramatic tale of an estranged couple brought back together by the critical illness of their young son. Ms. Major creates a mesmerizing emotional ambiance and strong plot development… Romantic Times 1988 DESTINY’S CHILD (book 2) DESTINY’S CHILD (4) is the impressive second book in Ann Major’s CHILDREN OF DESTINY trilogy. A powerful rancher and his feisty private pilot lock horns over his methods of acquiring her family’s holdings. The sensual flames burn very brightly indeed while this explosive couple battles toward a highly satisfying resolution. Romantic Times 1988 This excellent story is intense and emotionally involving. —Rendezvous, September 1988 NIGHT CHILD (book 3) A powerful story that is as equally compelling, intense and emotional as the first two. The entire trilogy offers a wonderful reading experience. —KW Rendezvous NIGHT CHILD (book 3) Ann Major’s stunning conclusion to her Children of Destiny series, NIGHT CHILD (4+) powerfully blends romance and danger…. The fiery romance will win a reserved spot on many a bookshelf. — RT Reviews WILDERNESS CHILD (book 4) What a terrific story! The dialogue is fast-paced and snappy, the storyline is exciting, the characterization is great and the love scenes singe the pages. — KW Rendezvous SCANDAL’S CHILD (book 5) SCANDAL’S CHILD is a terrific story that is passionate and intense with some wonderful characterizations. Garret’s Cajun mystique makes him a perfect Man of the Month and this story a super reading pleasure. — KW Rendezvous THE GOODBYE CHILD (book 6) The Goodbye Child is a wonderful blend of excitement, intrigue and romance. Don’t miss it! — KW Rendezvous Originally published 1988

“The tale of a boy whose destiny turned his ordinary life into a roller coaster ride. The book tells the tale of a journey of friendship, love, betrayals and realities of life. It’sa game of survival against fate. It’s about the art of living by the rules of life. It’s about knowing the truth and accepting the consequences. It’s the story of every common teenager and every uncommon phase they pass through.”

It was said in a prophecy that she would bring forth a King of England in this novel based on the life and loves of Margaret Beaufort, mother of Henry VII. Margaret Beaufort was rich, beautiful, and just thirteen years of age when she discovered that she carried the future King of England within her body. Forced to give him up as a web of intrigue and danger was spun around her son, she entrusted the child to the care of his uncle, Jasper Tudor, who would have laid down his life for the Lancastrian cause. Caught up in the Wars of the Roses, Margaret was banished from court in disgrace, and although she later won the love and loyalty of three powerful men, becoming the wife of each in turn, her heart remained true to Edmund Tudor, the father of her son. And through a lifetime of joy, sorrow and shame Margaret Beaufort never wavered from her devotion to her son, vowing that whatever the cost, one day he should be Henry VII, King of England. A deeply moving historical love story, perfect for fans of Philippa Gregory, Elizabeth Chadwick, and Kate Mosse.

“She will marry someone from outside the Rajput clan,” Raj Guru says in a soft, low but clear tone, every word falling like pebbles in the stillness of water. Shock waves reverberate inside the walls of the Raj Mandir. Everyone is dumbstruck as this is unthinkable and unacceptable. The Raj Guru shakes his head slowly and replies, ”I have done my calculations many times and the same reading keeps coming out every single time. She will not marry anyone from Hindustan! The person she marries will come from across seven seas.” Queen Shwetambari gets up from her throne in part shock and part excitement. If she plays her cards properly, then she could remove the last trace of Queen Serenova’s memories from their lives and get back her glory and power once again…. Eighteen years later, Princess Mandira marries Sir Victor, the Duke of Cornwall to gain independence for her country from the British rule. The story is set in the early eighteenth century and moves from the exotic terrain of the Himalayas across seven seas to the all-powerful Great Britain. What follows is a nail biting interaction when the grandeur and valour of the Rajput culture meets the cool elegance of the British nobility. Through the beautiful Mandira, the author in her two series explores the effect that the Hindu philosophy has when it is placed against the backdrop of a British landscape and brings out some interesting comparisons between two very diverse cultures!

This four-volume encyclopedia contains compelling and comprehensive information on African American popular culture that will be valuable to high school students and undergraduates, college instructors, researchers, and general readers. From the Apollo Theater to the Harlem Renaissance, from barber shop and beauty shop culture to African American holidays, family reunions, and festivals, and from the days of black baseball to the era of a black president, the culture of African Americans is truly unique and diverse. This diversity is the result of intricate customs forged in tightly woven communities—not only in the United States, but in many cases also stemming from the traditions of another continent. Encyclopedia of African American Popular Culture presents information in a traditional A–Z organization, capturing the essence of the customs of African Americans and presenting this rich cultural heritage through the lens of popular culture. Each entry includes historical and current information to provide a meaningful background for the topic and the perspective to appreciate its significance in a modern context. This encyclopedia is a valuable research tool that provides easy access to a wealth of information on the African American experience.

'Reflections' is the second innings for me, as the journey goes on. I have pen down for you the truth as always. As you read, see from the eyes of my soul, the truth as lived. Feel the soul as you turn the pages and see if you are a part of these reflections and images in the mirror as per the perceptions or are you the ones who are thriving on these reflections which live on in anonymity, in submission and in sacrifice. - Dr. Ritu Sharma (PHD)