Now in paperback, New York Times bestselling author Morgan Jerkins's fiction debut, an electrifying novel for fans of Ta-Nehisi Coates and Jacqueline Woodson, that brings to life one powerful and enigmatic family in a tale rife with secrets, betrayal, intrigue, and magic. Laila desperately wants to become a mother, but each of her previous pregnancies has ended in heartbreak. This time has to be different, so she turns to the Melancons, an old and powerful Harlem family known for their caul, a precious layer of skin that is the secret source of their healing power. When a deal for Laila to acquire a piece of caul falls through, she is heartbroken, but when the child is stillborn, she is overcome with grief and rage. What she doesn’t know is that a baby will soon be delivered in her family—by her niece, Amara, an ambitious college student—and delivered to the Melancons to raise as one of their own. Hallow is special: she’s born with a caul, and their matriarch, Maman, predicts the girl will restore the family’s prosperity. Growing up, Hallow feels that something in her life is not right. Did Josephine, the woman she calls mother, really bring her into the world? Why does her cousin Helena get to go to school and roam the streets of New York freely while she’s confined to the family’s decrepit brownstone? As the Melancons’ thirst to maintain their status grows, Amara, now a successful lawyer running for district attorney, looks for a way to avenge her longstanding grudge against the family. When mother and daughter cross paths, Hallow will be forced to decide where she truly belongs. Engrossing, unique, and page-turning, Caul Baby illuminates the search for familial connection, the enduring power of tradition, and the dark corners of the human heart.

..................................A PARANORMAL SPIRITUAL SUSPENSE (Based on a real-life phenomenon).......................................................... After centuries shrouded in mystery and myth, the time of revelation has finally arrived for those rare persons born with the veil - also referred to as the birth caul; a translucent tissue covering the faces of infants at birth. But, exactly what is the veil? Is it just an innocent accident of birth, or is there some prophetic ... maybe even divine connection? Does it mark one as saintly or satanic. At last the world is poised to uncover the centuries old secrets of the veil; and finally discover its purpose and impact, not just on Caulbearers, but on the entire world. ..........................................It all begins for Alexis Ashley when she decides to relocate from Chicago to Boston. On the drive to Boston things go completely awry as she finds herself challenged by multiple frightening and life-threatening incidents; dangerous bridge washouts; a chase by a rabid dog; getting stuck in an unseasonable April blizzard; and a near collision with another car. Tempted to return to Chicago, she forges ahead and arrives safely at her Boston destination. Believing she has weathered the storm, she happily begins her new life................................................................................................................................... Then, more terrifying incidents begin: Satanists with mysterious designs on her life; demons hiding behind the lives of people they've possessed; & visions peopled with those long dead. Outwardly, Alexis' life appears almost boringly normal when in reality it is punctuated by unspeakable horrors that threaten her sanity, and her life. The belief that she can outrun these events by fleeing Boston & relocating to Atlanta ends when she is drawn to a new location ... in the Caribbean................ .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... At this point, Alexis acknowledges she is powerless against a mysterious force that whisks her back and forth in time; allows her to see the putrefied faces of demons; and endure conflicts with Satan worshipers. Although she draws closer to the Father and her bible, Alexis feels that time is running out and desperately seeks to unravel the puzzle of her life. She must discover how all of this relates to the veil that marked her birth designating her as a Caulbearer before it is too late............ ..............................................THE SPIRIT OF THE VEIL: PROPHECY OF THE 7 (Coming Jan/Feb 2019)...................................................

From New York Times bestselling and award-winning author Jewell Parker Rhodes comes a heartbreaking and uplifting tale of survival in the face of Hurricane Katrina. Twelve-year-old Lanesha lives in a tight-knit community in New Orleans' Ninth Ward. She doesn't have a fancy house like her uptown family or lots of friends like the other kids on her street. But what she does have is Mama Ya-Ya, her fiercely loving caretaker, wise in the ways of the world and able to predict the future. So when Mama Ya-Ya's visions show a powerful hurricane--Katrina--fast approaching, it's up to Lanesha to call upon the hope and strength Mama Ya-Ya has given her to help them both survive the storm. From the New York Times bestselling author of Ghost Boys and Towers Falling, Ninth Ward is a deeply emotional story about transformation and a celebration of resilience, friendship, and family--as only love can define it.

This book is about a man who was born with the insight into the spirit dimension and realized that he had special gifts that were deemed impossible to man. He was taught and guided by spirits that assisted him and others through his life. He always knew he was born with a veil but didn't know it was the reason for his abilities until the age of 66 when spirit let him know he was a Caulbearer and of spiritual assistance to others in many ways. He feels through these experiences that spirit used to teach him, will assist others on their spiritual journey.

Are librarians and libraries relevant in the 21st century? This is a fundamental question and one that presents differing opinions across the many diverse information sectors. If there is a continuing need for libraries and for librarians, then how do library leaders obtain strategic support when there appears to be a lack of clarity or understanding about the very purpose of libraries at a time when economically, libraries are under pressure to develop new business models and be more commercially focussed? Bold Minds: Library leadership in a time of disruption brings together international leaders who frame many aspects of the current library provision and who carry responsibility for the library models of the future to consider how librarians and libraries can be a driving force in a time of disruptive economic, technological and cultural change. Each chapter critically presents a short leadership provocation regarding libraries and their purpose, encompassing impact, service delivery, collections, staff skills and professional training and assessing what it means for leaders, their sectors and organisations, and how they have developed their personal leadership signature. This book will be invaluable to library and information professionals in a range of public and private sector libraries as well as policy makers in services where libraries are a component. It will also be useful for students, educational establishments, and IT professionals with an information management element to their work.