This week's free story comes from the At Home with Martin & Sylvia collection.
It's called "Holiday Delight"

Between all the decorating, baking, crafting and celebrating, this year’s holiday season has been a very busy one for Martin and Sylvia. When they are suddenly faced with a day with no plans, however, brother and sister don’t know what to do with themselves.

“Look for the delight,” suggests Momma, and as soon as they do, the magic begins.

If you enjoyed that story, there are hundreds and hundreds more where that came from. Try a Sparkle subscription now - for free. Go to www.sparklestories.com and click the button at the top that says “Start Free Trial,” then you can listen to our giant library as much as you like, anytime you like. 

Each week on the Sparkle Stories Podcast, we share a free story from one of our original story series!
For many many many more stories like this one, visit the Sparkle website:
www.sparklestories.com
Questions?  Ideas?  Requests?
Email us!  info@sparklestories.com
Enjoy!

Sparkle Stories Podcast

"Holiday Delight" from the At Home with Martin & Sylvia Collection

Die Töchter Adrans - Runen aus Blut und Asche von Carsten Krause
Sprecherin: Chiara Tanfal
Die Welt steht am Rande des Abgrunds. In Adran, einem Land voller Geheimnisse, greift der Clanchef Timball nach der Macht und überzieht das Land mit seinen grauenvollenTruppen.
Inmitten dieses Schreckens befinden sich Gunnvarr, eine Kriegerin und Tochter von Godefrod mit einem rätselhaften Erbe und ihre Sklavin Aruba.
Gemeinsam fliehen sie nach ihrer Gefangenschaft vor Timballs erbarmungslosen Kriegern – ihre letzte Hoffnung: die sagenumwobenen Wälder von Bengarden.
Doch ihre Flucht ist riskant. Eine mysteriöse Bogenschützin lauert im Dunkel der Wälder.

Welches Geheimnis birgt sie? Was könnte das Schicksal von Gunnvarr, Aruba und Adran für immer verändern?
In einem Land, das zwischen Dunkelheit und Licht gefangen ist, müssen Gunnvarr und Aruba nicht nur für ihr eigenes Leben, sondern auch für die Freiheit Adrans kämpfen.
Die Töchter Adrans ist eine epische Erzählung über Freundschaft, Freiheit und die Flucht vor einem tödlichen Schicksal, das in Blut und Asche geschrieben ist.

Demnächst zum Download (MP3) im Web-Shop: https://casimir-verlag.com/shop/

Hörbuch Die Töchter Adrans Hörprobe

An interview with ocean explorer Jean Cousteau

Enjoy an hour of musical reflection to encourage, uplift and draw you into a closer relationship with our loving Saviour, Jesus Christ. Featuring the following songs:

Fairest Lord Jesus - Josh Snodgrass
Just Once More - Yvonne Lewis
With All My Heart - Ryan Day
Wonderful, Merciful Savior - Stephanie Dawn & John Lomacang
The Old Rugged Cross - Lari Goss
Little Flowers - Sandra Entermann
Whatever He Wants for Me - Alvin Martinez
Sleep Sweetly (for Lisa) - Carly Fletcher
I Gladly Give - Call to Praise
All Creatures of Our God and King - Bringham Young University Vocal Point
I'm Still Amazed - Calvary Baptist Bible College
Shine On Us - Philips, Craig and Dean
Where is Jesus? - The Clark Family
Thanksgiving Hymn - Ben Everson
The Spacious Firmament - Acapeldridge
Rest Awhile - Matt & Josie Minikus
While Ages Roll / O That Will Be Glory - Fairhaven Baptist College

Also featuring a short 3ABN Australia Radio Book Reading.

Check out our other video & audio podcasts for more inspiration!
https://www.youtube.com/@3abnaustraliaradio885/podcasts

Songs of Praise - 231

What would you do if you could have a second chance with the one you never forgot? Tune in  for an inspiring discussion with Emma Grey on her new novelPictures of You. 

Moments with Marianne airs in the Southern California area on KMET1490AM & 98.1 FM, an ABC Talk News Radio affiliate! 

Emma Grey is the author of four YA novels and the global breakout bestseller, The Last Love Note. Emma lives in Canberra, Australia, where her world centers on her three children, loved step-children and step-grandchildren, writing, photography, and endlessly chasing the Aurora Australis. https://www.emmagrey.com.au

For more show information visit:
www.MariannePestana.com

#bookclub #readinglist #books #bookish #author #authorinterview #KMET1490AM #radioshow #booklover #mustread #reading 

Pictures of You with Emma Grey

Exercise 174

This week's free story comes from the Libby & Dish's Good-Deed-A-Day Club collection.
It's called "The First Good Deed (Libby's Mother)."

In this first episode of Libby & Dish's month-long adventure, Libby finds herself at odds with her mother over a challenging task. Can Dish help them out of their difficulties?

If you enjoyed that story, there are hundreds and hundreds more where that came from. Try a Sparkle subscription now - for free. Go to www.sparklestories.com and click the button at the top that says “Start Free Trial,” then you can listen to our giant library as much as you like, anytime you like. 

Each week on the Sparkle Stories Podcast, we share a free story from one of our original story series!
For many many many more stories like this one, visit the Sparkle website:
www.sparklestories.com
Questions?  Ideas?  Requests?
Email us!  info@sparklestories.com
Enjoy!

"The First Good Deed (Libby's Mother)" from the Libby & Dish's Good-Deed-A-Day Club collection

In this episode, Lindsay Wong talks about her book Tell Me Pleasant Things About Immortality. Tell Me Pleasant Things About Immortality was a finalists for the 2024 Jim Deva Prize for Writing that Provokes. In her conversation, Lindsay talks about why BIPOC writers are using horror to writer their stories. She also talks about the need for well-timed comedy when writing horror.

Visit BC and Yukon Book Prizes: bcyukonbookprizes.com/

About Tell Me Pleasant Things About Immortality: https://bcyukonbookprizes.com/project/tell-me-pleasant-things-about-immortality/

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lindsay Wong is the author of the critically acclaimed, award-winning, and bestselling memoir The Woo-Woo, which was a finalist for Canada Reads 2019. She has written a YA novel entitled My Summer of Love and Misfortune. Wong holds a BFA in creative writing from the University of British Columbia and an MFA in literary nonfiction from Columbia University. She currently teaches creative writing at the University of Winnipeg.

ABOUT MEGAN COLE:
Megan Cole the Director of Programming and Communications for the BC and Yukon Book Prizes. She is also a writer based on the territory of the Tla'amin Nation. Megan writes creative nonfiction and has had essays published in Chatelaine, This Magazine, The Puritan, Untethered, and more. She has her MFA in creative nonfiction from the University of King's College and is working her first book. Find out more about Megan at megancolewriter.com

ABOUT THE PODCAST:
Writing the Coast is recorded and produced on the territory of the Tla'amin Nation. As a settler on these lands, Megan Cole finds opportunities to learn and listen to the stories from those whose land was stolen.

Writing the Coast is a recorded series of conversations, readings, and insights into the work of the writers, illustrators, and creators whose books are nominated for the annual BC and Yukon Book Prizes. We'll also check in on people in the writing community who are supporting books, writers and readers every day. The podcast is produced and hosted by Megan Cole.

Season 6 Episode 27: Lindsay Wong talks about horror and subverting food tropes in BIPOC writing

Another trip back to the SWEETEST place! Thank you Jesus for the chance to speak at UCM FCA! @purejoyprojectna

What Are You Worth? [@ucmfca 11/20/2024]

Paranormal
Narrator: Kelly McGaw
Run Time: 4 hours 13 minutes

Lana is a psychic ghost hunter working in the Circle of Roses shop. She wants to help solve a case when a man’s wife leaves him because of ghosts tormenting her in the attic, but she ends up with a haunting dilemma of her own. Terra’s ghost is haunting one of her teens in her small townhouse.

Sylvie and Dana are teenagers who just want to live but when Sylvie’s room is repeatedly thrashed, psychic Rose is called to investigate. She knows Terra from way back and thinks she wants more revenge, but why is the other teen, Dana, not affected? Sylvie and Dana have their own group called the Rosebuds. Started when they were kids, they wind up the only two in it. When old enough they will go into training to become real psychics. As for this story it is their first everything, except their first time seeing a ghost. How long can Terra’s ghost be kept a secret from Dana? And will Rose be able to solve both cases at once?

The Haunted Rosebuds by Martha Wickham

Is it possible to be happy regardless of what’s going on in your life? Tune in for an inspiring discussion with Paula Vail on her book Why Am I So Happy?: The Sign of True Success is a Happy Heart.

Moments with Marianne airs in the Southern California area on KMET1490AM & 98.1 FM ABC Talk News Radio affiliate!  

Paula Vail is the Owner/Founder of Wellness Inspired and Wellness Inspired Publishing. She is the TV/Radio host of the show “Elevating Your life with Paula Vail”. The author of the book “Why am I so Happy” which was awarded the Bronze Medal in self-help books by Global Book Awards. She is also a co-author of the book “America’s Leading Ladies who Positively Impact our World”, along with Oprah Winfrey and others, and the book “Beyond Wellness Usui Reiki training manual”. She is an inspirational speaker and prior restaurant owner. Paula is a Reiki Master/Teacher in Usui Reiki. Paula has a sincere passion to serve, inspire, and support others. www.wellnessinspired.com  

For more show information visit:
www.MariannePestana.com

#bookclub #readinglist #books #bookish #author #authorinterview #KMET1490AM #radioshow #booklover #mustread #reading 

Why Am I So Happy with Paula Vail

Are your negative beliefs holding you back in life? Tune in for Granddaughter Crow, Dr. Joy Gray, on her book Belief, Being, and Beyond: Your Journey to Questioning Ideas, Deconstructing Concepts & Healing from Harmful Belief Systems.

Moments with Marianne airs in the Southern California area on KMET1490AM & 98.1 FM ABC Talk News Radio affiliate!  Listen to this interview here: 

Granddaughter Crow (Dr. Joy Gray) holds a doctorate in leadership. Internationally recognized as a medicine woman, she comes from a long line of spiritual leaders as a member of the Navajo Nation.
She is an international award-winning author. Her books include The Journey of the Soul, Wisdom of the Natural World, and Belief, Being, & Beyond.  Additionally, she is a member of the Delta Mu Delta Honor International Society in Business due to her academic achievements. Voted in as Woman of the Year 2015 by the National Association of Professional Women. She is truly a conduit for wisdom and transformation between the western and native worlds. More than that, she has dedicated her life to inspiring, encouraging, and empowering individuals to be their authenticity.  https://www.granddaughtercrow.com

For more show information visit:
www.MariannePestana.com

#bookclub #readinglist #books #bookish #author #authorinterview #KMET1490AM #radioshow #booklover #mustread #reading #indigenouswisdom

Belief, Being, and Beyond with Granddaughter Crow

Michael Collins, author of "Lost Souls," talks about how the characters in the book illustrate the failures we all experience and live through in various way, both economically and psychologically.  The full interview from a 2004 episode of "Conversations On The Coast with Jim Foster" can be heard now wherever you get your podcasts.  Photo: michaelcollinswriter.com

Lost Souls by Michael Collins

In this episode, we dive into the world of the best book cover designers, exploring how their creativity transforms ideas into stunning visual masterpieces. Learn why a professionally designed book cover is essential for grabbing readers’ attention and boosting sales. We’ll share tips for finding top designers, understanding design trends, and collaborating effectively to bring your vision to life. Whether you’re self-publishing or working with a publisher, discover how the right designer can make your book stand out. Tune in now!

Best Book Cover Designers

Soldiers engaging in combat with native tribes in post-Civil War America. The free press waging a war of words on companies in the Wild West. A massive parade celebrating the tricentennial of the Massachusetts colony. These are all scenes that shaped the way American’s think about risk, from author Katherine Hempstead’s new book Uncovered: The Story of Insurance in America. The book shares how the American insurance industry developed over a period of centuries.

In this discussion, Hempstead takes us through the stories and people in her book

The Story of Insurance in America

[Verse 1]
Мое имя — Гил Ро, я хроникёр,
На борту корабля, что меж звёзд несётся.
Системы наши, как идеальный узор,
Но сердце шепчет: "А что там ждётся?"
Я — гость на борту, среди логики цепей,
Взгляд мой иной, чем у братьев серых.
В отчётах простых оставлю теней,
И расскажу мир о том, что верю.

[Chorus 1]
Всё началось с прыжка за предел,
Где звёзды танцуют, сверкает удел.
Искать новый дом для потомков своих,
Но мир за миром становится их.

[Verse 2]
Мой друг, инженер, он тень изгоя,
Науки искатель, нарушивший строй.
Он смеётся, и кажется, в этом покое
Есть что-то близкое, что-то живое.
Я смотрю, как мы вышли в пространство,
Всё вокруг — геометрия точных наук.
Но в душе моей светится странное братство,
Этот хаос космоса — лучший друг.

[Chorus 2]
Первый прыжок — сердце стучит,
Мы исчезаем, миры позади.
Я вижу далёкое, там жизнь говорит,
Но нас окружает загадок гранит.

[Verse 3]
Мы нашли планету — зелёный оазис,
Море и небо, горы и лес.
Здесь жизнь расцвела, но с особым указом:
Она уже знает радость и стресс.
Разумный народ под огнями заката,
Они молоды, дикость их слов.
Но в их поступках читается правда:
Они знают любовь и печаль богов.

[Chorus 3]
Контакт невозможен, но дух горит,
Мы с ними так близки, но разделены.
Они едят плоть, а для нас это стыд,
В их дикости — сила, в нас — только сны.

[Verse 4]
Смотрю на Землю, и мысль жжёт кожу:
Кто сказал, что порядок важней всего?
Мы избегаем эмоций, как ложь,
Но в них скрыто больше, чем наш расчёт.
Здесь хаос творит, рождает, ломает,
Мы уходим, не тронув их путь.
Но что-то внутри меня понимает:
Это их мир, но я стал чуть-чуть...

[Chorus 4]
Человечным в сердце, пусть чуть-чуть,
Я начал чувствовать их боль и суть.
Земля нас пугает, но манит к себе,
Искусство жить — не в нашей судьбе.

[Verse 5]
Мы пишем отчёты, готовим доклады,
Что в логике строгой звучат, как ответ.
Но я записал в журнале о правде:
Жизнь — это хаос, и в хаосе свет.
Мой народ не поймёт этой сути,
Всё подчинено долгой игре.
Но в сердце моём навсегда остаются
Картины, где жизнь кипит в своей зоре.

[Chorus 5]
Я видел планеты — порядок и смерть,
Земля была ярче, чем их пустота.
Её не возьмём, но сжалась грудь,
Её сохраню в себе навсегда.

[Verse 6]
Друг говорит мне: "Ты стал другим,
Твои строки пахнут землёй и солнцем".
Но я отвечаю: "Мы все пусты,
Пока не поймём, что за этой дверью скроется".
Он смеётся, мол: "Это шутка небес,
Ты видишь их слабость и силы разом".
Но в этом урок, скрытый как лес,
Который растёт в душе без приказа.

[Chorus 6]
Мир, что мы нашли, останется вдали,
Но его огонь греет наши пути.
Мы летим обратно, но в сердце моём
Эта Земля — мой новый дом.

[Verse 7]
Мы завершили миссию в молчании,
Рапорты сданы, курс домой держим.
Но в моей душе всё шепчет о тайне,
Что в звёздах скрыта, что в жизни ближе.
Капитан молчит, но в глазах его боль,
Он видел планету, где нас ждала роль.
Мы не тронем их путь, но знаем одно:
В каждом из нас теперь их зерно.

[Chorus 7]
Мы нашли себя в свете Земли,
Наши миры далеки, но близки.
Они научили нас быть чуть сильней,
В хаосе мира найти луч добрей.

[Verse 8]
Мой журнал завершён, строки полны,
Но в сердце живёт дух иной страны.
Я не могу вернуться тем, кем был,
На Земле я почувствовал, как ожил.
Теперь я пишу для тех, кто придёт,
Для тех, кто однажды в звёзды взойдёт.
Пусть помнят они, что смысл всегда
В хаосе жизни, что даёт нам себя.

[Chorus 8]
Мы вернулись домой, но что за дом?
Где логика правит, а чувства в гнёзда.
Я видел другое, и это мой зов:
Искать и находить смысл звёзд.

[Ending] [Echoed slow]  "Мое имя Гил Ро... Я видел звезды и землю, но понял, что разум живет не в логике, а в сердцах"

Gyl Ro

How do I know if my partner is the one? Tune in for an inspiring discussion with Kate Rose on her new #book Written in the Stars: The Astrology of Soulmate, Karmic, and Twin Flame Relationships.

Moments with Marianne airs in the Southern California area on KMET1490AM & 98.1 FM, an ABC Talk News Radio affiliate! 

Kate Rose is an author, therapist, relationship expert, spiritual intuitive and astrologer. Kate uses the stars to help her clients clarify their purpose and recognize the blocks that are keeping them from living the life they are destined to live. She holds an MS in clinical art therapy from Springfield College and writes regular columns for YourTango, Elephant Journal, and her newsletter, Unedited. https://www.facebook.com/wordsofkateroseclub

For more show information visit:
www.MariannePestana.com

#newbook #bookclub #mustread #soulmate #love #karma #twinflame #relationships #dating #triggers #books 

Written in the Stars with Kate Rose

Don't miss the perfect Christmas present for yourself (or for that best friend who would definitely help you hide a body…) 

 –––––––––––––––––––––

Anna's Christmas Eve To Do List:

1. Wrap the kids' presents​

2. Peel the potatoes ​

3. Get rid of the dead body?!

Hungover and exhausted after her family's annual party, all Anna Johnson wants for Christmas is to finish her to-do list and finally sit down with the world’s biggest glass of wine.

But when she stumbles across a dead body in her larder, her plans are well and truly buggered.

A mysterious death in her home really is the last thing she needs, but with her judgemental in-laws arriving in less than twenty-four hours, turning her house into a crime scene is not an option. If she’s going to save Christmas, it’s up to Anna to find out what the hell’s gone on. Oh – and figure out what to do with the body before one of the kids finds it.

And you thought burning the turkey was the worst that could happen… 

–––––––––––––––––––––

READERS LOVE HAPPY BLOODY CHRISTMAS!

'Had me in fits of laughter, tears streaming down my face!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'Will be going in everyone's stockings this Christmas!'⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'Engaging and quirky in the very best way' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'A must read for Winter 2024!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'I was absorbed from the very first page' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'I have never laughed so much while reading a book!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'So fresh, exciting, funny and intelligent!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'Kept me guessing until the end!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'An absolute riotous Christmas cracker!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'Motherland meets Agatha Christie….The funniest book I have read this year!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'I would 100% recommend this book!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

AUTHORS LOVE HAPPY BLOODY CHRISTMAS!

'An outrageously funny, festive romp which is as utterly wonderful as it is (Christmas) crackers!' MIKE GAYLE

'A brilliantly written, hilarious whodunnit. Smart and very, very funny.' IAN MOORE

‘So funny, I’m annoyed I didn’t write it!' GILL SIMS

’This hilarious, sweary, cheerful whodunnit is a full-on festive romp that will make you laugh out loud.’ ADELE PARKS FOR Platinum 

‘The perfect present for the friend who would help you hide a body!' CHRISSIE MANBY

‘Hilarious, festive and relatable. A total Christmas cracker!’ FIONA LEITCH

'So good, you should sack off Christmas dinner and read this instead!' HARPER FORD

'A compulsive Christmas cake binge of a read – terrific!' J.M. HALL

'Laugh a minute? More like laugh a second!' HANNAH HENDY

'Hilarious with dollops of fun and a brilliant whodunnit!' JONATHAN WHITELAW

'A five-star triumph!' ROSIE HANNIGAN

'Chock-full of proper jokes!' ABIGAIL BURDESS

Happy Bloody Christmas, By Jo Middleton, Read by Olivia Mace

We got all up close and geeky about Aphex Twin in company with Disco Pogo’s Jim Butler, the editor of the new book: Aphex Twin - A Disco Pogo Tribute. We talked about our favourite Aphex myths, Richard James’ enduring appeal, Wolfgang Tillmans and the power of the Jockey Slut archive. Line Noise comes to you with the support of Cupra.

Line Noise Episode 192 (Aphex Twin special with Disco Pogo's Jim Butler)

Sparkle Stories Original Audio Series.  Creating fresh audio each week for children around the world.

For a wealth of life changing information visit:  3abnaustralia.org.au/radio/listen 

3ABN (Three Angels Broadcasting Network) Australia Radio is the "Mending Broken People Network," broadcasting Christian content 24/7.

A podcast about electronic music by Ben Cardew. Formerly home to Braqueberry and Philip Sherburne. Picking at the threads of electronic music. Now available on Radio Primavera Sound (primaverasound.com/en/radio). We also have a Substack: https://linenoise.substack.com/

Publishers of award-winning fiction and non-fiction audiobooks for adults and children. Listen to exclusive clips from our books and free audioook extracts here on Soundcloud.

Established in 2004, Leader’s Edge is the award-winning content platform for The Council of Insurance Agents & Brokers, covering legal and legislative issues, international business and regulation, management trends and best practices, technology, and more. Leader’s Edge is written and recorded for large and mid-sized commercial insurance and employee benefit executives around the globe.

In a single moment your life can change!  “Moments with Marianne” is a transformative hour that covers an endless array of topics with the ‘best of the best.’ Her guest are leaders in their fields, ranging from inspirational authors, top industry leaders, business and spiritual entrepreneurs.  Each guest is gifted, and a true visionary!  A recognized leader in her own work, and while teaching others to develop, refocus, and grow; Marianne will bring the best guest, and sometimes a special surprise.  Don’t miss this – you never know just which ‘moment’ will change your life forever.

Authors from around the world discuss their book with host Jim Foster. "Conversations On The Coast with Jim Foster" aired for over two decades on radio stations in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Welcome to Writing the Coast! This is the weekly podcast where we chat with the authors and illustrators of the books who make up the shortlist of the annual BC and Yukon Book Prizes. On the episodes you'll hear host and podcast coordinator Megan Cole chat with the folks who are creating some of BC and Yukon's best books. We'll also check in with the literary community in our region. For more information about the BC and Yukon Book Prizes visit: https://bcyukonbookprizes.com/

Finding joy and purpose in a life through our friend and savior Jesus Christ!!!

My very best to all in this Year of The Dragon

New tracks tagged #Book