A fascinating exploration of the “assisting force” archetype—with powerful tools and insights on how to find and work with the assisting forces in your life—from the best-selling author of How To Be An Adult in Relationships. David Richo draws from history, Jungian psychology, Buddhism, nature, and other spiritual traditions to illuminate our connection to the “helpers” we call upon to navigate life. Some of the assisting forces in our lives are visible, and some are invisible. Some are with us for life; some come and go. Spiritual assisting forces could be bodhisattvas and saints—or partners in a relationship who are allies to one another. Richo says that helpers are a necessary character on our human journey, and that in every heroic journey story the hero or heroine requires a trustworthy companion to fulfill his/her/their destiny. The assisting force can take many forms, but is often depicted as a sidekick, an aide, a wise advisor, or a spirit guide. In stories, an assisting force can also be an elixir, a magic form of help, an animal, or a wish-fulfilling gem. In this fascinating inquiry, Richo posits that the archetype of the ally is necessary if we are ever to be fully who we are. He shows us how assisting forces are in and around us, and how we can be one to others. Richo offers a compelling and accessible view—and time-tested practices including meditation, self-inquiry, journaling, and affirmations—that help us recognize and access the allies in our lives.

An irresistible story from Kasie West that explores the timeless question: What do you do when you fall for the person you least expect? When Autumn Collins finds herself accidentally locked in the library for an entire weekend, she doesn’t think things could get any worse. But that’s before she realizes that Dax Miller is locked in with her. Autumn doesn’t know much about Dax except that he’s trouble. Between the rumors about the fight he was in (and that brief stint in juvie that followed it) and his reputation as a loner, he’s not exactly the ideal person to be stuck with. Still, she just keeps reminding herself that it is only a matter of time before Jeff, her almost-boyfriend, realizes he left her in the library and comes to rescue her. Only he doesn’t come. No one does. Instead it becomes clear that Autumn is going to have to spend the next couple of days living off vending-machine food and making conversation with a boy who clearly wants nothing to do with her. Except there is more to Dax than meets the eye. As he and Autumn at first grudgingly, and then not so grudgingly, open up to each other, Autumn is struck by their surprising connection. But can their feelings for each other survive once the weekend is over and Autumn’s old life, and old love interest, threaten to pull her from Dax’s side?

Colin Fry has an extraordinary ability to reach through the veil of death and get in touch with the Afterlife (as seen on hit TV shows 'Psychic Private Eyes' and '6ixth Sense'). He can pick up spine-tingling details about people who have passed over...things he could never have known...and can bring back words of comfort for relatives and friends who are still alive. But in this brilliant book he also reveals: How we each have a spirit network looking out for us How those who have passed over want to support you now How you can strengthen your connection with the spirit world The spirits really are by your side, all the time - and they will help you if you let them!

The Untold Story of Lesbian Love in Japanese Anime and Comics... "By Your Side is the complete Yuri resource I only ever dreamed could exist. Decades in the making, this glorious collection surveys, analyzes, and contextualizes Yuri with unparalleled detail and enthusiasm. Friedman graces readers with illuminating insights as they follow her through a century of the genre's evolution and revolution. By sharing her extraordinary knowledge, she provides inquirers, scholars, and aficionados alike with a deeper appreciation and understanding of lesbian anime and manga while galvanizing them towards the next era of Yuri." -Nicki Bauman, Yurimother

Adeline I wasn’t looking for love… but when my world collided with Owen’s, I found my second chance in a small town. Owen is a man of many talents, and few words. Little did I know the grumpy contractor would be the one to make my grieving heart beat again. I never dreamed repairing the crumbling walls of my house together would turn it into a home and become the foundation of our love story. Owen Adeline is a force of nature. Even after everything the beautiful widow has been through, her bright demeanor is like basking in the sunshine. When I agreed to help with her renovations, it seemed like the neighborly thing to do. As days turn into weeks, I find myself falling for her. Love happens when we least expect it, and I definitely wasn't planning on her. Sometimes, life's most beautiful surprises come from the heart's quietest desires.

ER nurse Macy Wynn learned essential, gritty lessons in the California foster care system: land on your feet and trust no one. She's finally located the fellow foster child she loves like a sister, but the girl's in deep trouble. Macy's determined to help, no matter what it takes. Her motto is to "make it happen" in any situation life throws at her--even when she butts heads with an idealistic cop. Deputy Fletcher Holt believes in a higher plan, the fair outcome--and his ability to handle that by himself if necessary. Now he's been yanked from Houston, his mother is battling cancer, and he's attracted to a strong-willed nurse who could be the target of a brutal sniper. When everything goes wrong, where do they put their trust?