Two fishermen pursue the prized fish of their dreams, only to be caught by the nightmare of their lives... A cursed valley and one man's decision that changes everything... a grandmother's desperate act of love to save her grandchild from the streets... a homeless man battles with a streetlight that he is convinced is making life and death choices... Legends. Nightmares. Childhood fears. Rumors. Old wives' tales. Urban folklore. What if they were true? Eight strongly crafted tales and novellas by author R. D. Barnes, in a style reminiscent of Rod Serling's "Twilight Zone" and "Night Gallery" stories and Stephen King's short fiction. If you enjoy the art of the story, you will absolutely love "Mind Shadows."

A wonderful anthology of creative stories, poems and essays written by the members of the ZICA Creative Arts & Literary Guild.

The Awakening shocked turn-of-the-century readers with its forthright treatment of sex and suicide. Departing from literary convention, Kate Chopin failed to condemn her heroine's desire for an affair with the son of a Louisiana resort owner, whom she meets on vacation. The power of sensuality, the delusion of ecstatic love, and the solitude that accompanies the trappings of middle- and upper-class life are the themes of this now-classic novel. As Kaye Gibbons points out in her Introduction, Chopin "was writing American realism before most Americans could bear to hear that they were living it." Set in New Orleans and on the Louisiana Gulf coast at the end of the 19th century, the plot centers on Edna Pontellier and her struggle between her increasingly unorthodox views on femininity and motherhood with the prevailing social attitudes of the turn-of-the-century American South. It is one of the earliest American novels that focuses on women's issues without condescension. It is also widely seen as a landmark work of early feminism, generating a mixed reaction from contemporary readers and critics. The novel's blend of realistic narrative, incisive social commentary, and psychological complexity makes The Awakening a precursor of American modernist literature; it prefigures the works of American novelists such as William Faulkner and Ernest Hemingway and echoes the works of contemporaries such as Edith Wharton and Henry James. It can also be considered among the first Southern works in a tradition that would culminate with the modern masterpieces of Faulkner, Flannery O'Connor, Eudora Welty, Katherine Anne Porter, and Tennessee Williams. The novel opens with the Pontellier family—Léonce, a New Orleans businessman of Louisiana Creole heritage; his wife Edna; and their two sons, Etienne and Raoul—vacationing on Grand Isle at a resort on the Gulf of Mexico managed by Madame Lebrun and her two sons, Robert and Victor. Edna spends most of her time with her close friend Adèle Ratignolle, who cheerily and boisterously reminds Edna of her duties as a wife and mother. At Grand Isle, Edna eventually forms a connection with Robert Lebrun, a charming, earnest young man who actively seeks Edna's attention and affections. When they fall in love, Robert senses the doomed nature of such a relationship and flees to Mexico under the guise of pursuing a nameless business venture. The narrative focus moves to Edna's shifting emotions as she reconciles her maternal duties with her desire for social freedom and to be with Robert. When summer vacation ends, the Pontelliers return to New Orleans. Edna gradually reassesses her priorities and takes a more active role in her own happiness. She starts to isolate herself from New Orleans society and to withdraw from some of the duties traditionally associated with motherhood. Léonce eventually talks to a doctor about diagnosing his wife, fearing she is losing her mental faculties. The doctor advises Léonce to let her be and assures him that things will return to normal. When Léonce prepares to travel to New York City on business, he sends the boys to his mother. Left home alone for an extended period gives Edna physical and emotional room to breathe and reflect on various aspects of her life. While her husband is still away, she moves out of their home and into a small bungalow nearby and begins a dalliance with Alcée Arobin, a persistent suitor with a reputation for being free with his affections. Edna is shown as a sexual being for the first time in the novel, but the affair proves awkward and emotionally fraught. Edna also reaches out to Mademoiselle Reisz, a gifted pianist whose playing is renowned but who maintains a generally hermetic existence. Her playing had moved Edna profoundly earlier in the novel, representing what Edna was starting to long for: independence. Mademoiselle Reisz focuses her life on music and herself instead of on society's expectations, acting as a foil to Adèle Ratignolle, who encourages Edna to conform. Reisz is in contact with Robert while he is in Mexico, receiving letters from him regularly. Edna begs her to reveal their contents, which she does, proving to Edna that Robert is thinking about her. Eventually, Robert returns to New Orleans. At first aloof (and finding excuses not to be near Edna), he eventually confesses his passionate love for her. He admits that the business trip to Mexico was an excuse to escape a relationship that would never work. Edna is called away to help Adèle with a difficult childbirth. Adèle pleads with Edna to think of what she would be turning her back on if she did not behave appropriately. When Edna returns home, she finds a note from Robert stating that he has left forever, as he loves her too much to shame her by engaging in a relationship with a married woman. In devastated shock, Edna rushes back to Grand Isle, where she had first met Robert Lebrun... (from Wikipedia)

In this early example of feminist writing, Edna Pontellier, a young wife and mother, rejects the strict societal confines for women in late 1800s America and expresses a rare and powerful form of freedom. Set in New Orleans at the turn of the century, The Awakening navigates the moral, emotional, and intellectual journey of Edna as she balances self-discovery and her growing independence with married life and societal expectations in late nineteenth-century America. This incredible exploration of femininity, freedom, and sexual desire was rejected upon initial publication in 1899 due to its unorthodox messages regarding social attitudes towards women and motherhood. Now recognised as a feminist masterpiece, Katie Chopin’s novella is an important read in modernist American literature. Also featured in this volume are the following short stories by Chopin: Beyond the Bayou Ma’ame Pelagie Desiree’s Baby A Respectable Woman The Kiss A Pair of Silk Stockings The Locket A Reflection

Nathaniel Hawthorne's 'The Haunted Mind' is a captivating short story found in his collection of works titled 'Twice Told Tales'. Known for his exploration of guilt and sin, Hawthorne uses a symbolic and allegorical writing style to weave a narrative that delves into the depths of the human psyche. The story itself follows a protagonist haunted by a mysterious and troubling dream, leading to an internal struggle with his own morality and the consequences of his actions. Hawthorne's use of vivid imagery and intricate symbolism creates a rich and immersive reading experience for the audience, making 'The Haunted Mind' a thought-provoking tale that lingers in the reader's thoughts long after it is finished. Nathaniel Hawthorne's personal struggles with guilt and redemption, stemming from his puritan upbringing, are evident in his works and are thought to have influenced his exploration of moral themes in 'The Haunted Mind'. His deep understanding of human nature and the complexities of the human soul shine through in this haunting tale, adding depth and emotional resonance to the story. I highly recommend 'The Haunted Mind' to readers who appreciate literary fiction that explores moral dilemmas and psychological complexities in a beautifully crafted and thought-provoking manner.

A Dark and Twisting Crime Thriller On a hot Louisiana night in the Bayou, a horrifying act of violence precipitates the destruction of a family. Under the shadow of an ancient cypress tree, a killer rises from the ashes—the omnipotent judge and executioner of the unworthy. Ten years later, Reece Hash of the Toronto Crown attorney’s office uncovers disturbing evidence in multiple closed cases that points to homicide. As his fiancée and PI partner Samantha McNamara investigates the rape of a deluded patient at a private psychiatric hospital, Reece grows to believe that a serial killer is exacting social justice across Toronto. And there’s a sinister connection to the prestigious mental health hospital, where someone is brutally exploiting vulnerable patients. An ominous plot of medical corruption, blackmail, and murder. Praise for L.E. Fraser “Readers who are looking for a fresh suspenseful thriller series will find what they're looking for here.—Awesome Indies Books “A fast-paced mystery [Skully] featuring plenty of excitement.”—Kirkus Reviews “The story [Red Rover] and execution is breathtakingly brilliant.”—San Francisco Book Review “A masterpiece, an absorbing story [Frozen Statues] that defines its place in the area of crime and psychological thrillers.”—Readers' Favorite “Psychological thrillers are supposed to be compelling but the really good ones, like Frozen Statues by L.E. Fraser, will really throw the reader for a loop.”—Self-Publishing Review

Book 1: Join the charming woodland creatures in “The Tale of Squirrel Nutkin” by Beatrix Potter. In this delightful tale, Squirrel Nutkin's playful antics and encounters with Old Brown, the owl, unfold in a beautifully illustrated narrative that captivates both young and old readers alike, showcasing Potter's timeless storytelling and artistic prowess. Book 2: Explore the enchanting world of mischievous kittens in “The Tale of Tom Kitten” by Beatrix Potter. Potter weaves a whimsical story as Tom Kitten and his siblings face comical adventures while trying to maintain their appearance in proper attire. Filled with delightful illustrations, this tale is a timeless celebration of childhood antics and the joy of innocence. Book 3: Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Nathaniel Hawthorne's imagination with “Twice-Told Tales.” Hawthorne, a master of the short story, presents a collection that explores the complexities of human nature, morality, and the supernatural. Each tale is skillfully crafted, offering readers a glimpse into the dark and mysterious corners of the human soul.