The first edition of Holding Me Together received a StoneWall Society Pride in the Arts Award. Simolke's publisher, iUniverse, named it an Editor's Choice selection. This revised, second edition begins with an updated version of his multi-part essay "Reactions to Homophobia," followed by poems and short essays on a variety of topics, such as writing, AIDS, religion, violence, family, friendship, and gay relationships. It also includes several new or newly revised works. Many of the poems and essays in this collection also appeared in various magazines and newsletters. Though Holding Me Together focuses heavily on gay themes, it also examines universal themes and will appeal to countless readers. From "Reactions to Homophobia": Treat other people's insecurities as their weakness, not as a reason to hate yourself or remain silent. Try to inform others and get along with others, but never base self-acceptance on whether others accept you. Hateful knee-jerk phrases can stick in your mind, like a worn-out song you never liked in the first place, but you should learn to see yourself as beautiful and wonderful. If others fail to see you that way, consider it their loss.

This heartwarming picture book reassures children that a parent’s love never lets go—based on the poignant lyrics of JJ Heller’s beloved lullaby “Hand to Hold.” “May the living light inside you be the compass as you go / May you always know you have my hand to hold.” With delightful illustrations and an engaging rhyme scheme, this book offers the promise of security and love every child’s heart longs to know. From skipping stones and counting stars to climbing trees and telling stories, every moment is wrapped snugly in the certain warmth of a parent’s presence and God’s blessing. With poignancy and joy, this bedtime read captures the unconditional love parents want their children to know but so often fail to express amid the chaos of daily life.

I’m a former slave. The sister of death. Collateral. He’s a bad man. A cartel boss— and my everything. I thought I was done being someones toy, but I was so very wrong. Safety is nothing more than a premise in my world, and enemies linger where I least expect them. Loyalties will be tested and bonds broken. Even my big bad wolf may not be able to save me this time. A priceless pawn. A knight in blood stained armour. A love worthy of any sacrifice. Hate me or hold me?

The last thing I want in my life is something complicated. Everett McCabe is very complicated. It started with a noise in my yard late at night. I thought it was nothing. Then I noticed the boot print near my porch. There’s someone watching me, stalking me, and my small town police can’t seem to do anything to protect me. This is my home, but I’m terrified. My friend’s older brother is the last person I expected to step in and pick up where the police left off. After all, I used to tease Rett. Call him a Boy Scout. A prim and proper do-gooder with a stick up his butt. I had no idea what was lurking under his buttoned-up exterior. Something protective. Something possessive. Something… dominant. I’m scared. But I’m safe in his arms. I’m confused. But his kisses make everything clear. I’m falling apart. But his ropes? They’re holding me together. And when it comes to my stalker, maybe now I can hold my own. Disclaimer: Reckless Heat exposes the steamier side of the small town of Reckless Falls. This book has some light bondage and domination/submission themes. It might be a little spicier than you'd expect, but Reckless Falls is no ordinary small town!

From the authors of Hope for the Weary Mom comes a new 40-day devotional. Jesus promises rest to those who seek Him. But how can a weary mom find rest in Jesus when she doesn't know Him? How can she build her life on the truth of His Word when she doesn't know it? Hope for the Weary Mom Devotional offers 40 truths every mom needs to know in a devotional format—easy for a busy mom to fit in her life. Discover how to live dependently upon Jesus as His Word becomes more rooted in your heart. move from weariness to hope in your God-given role as mom. focus on who God is and how He moves and works in your life. Each devotion includes a prayer, Scripture, and questions for reflection. You'll be moved to deeper truth and be left with a hunger for more of God's Word.