Showing results by narrator "Madison Alcala" in All Categories

Envy of the other girls, Zaria was born for the sea. Nobody questions her fate as the chosen braenese to marry Keroe, God of the Sea - least of all her. And even if she did, she has no choice. When Zaria’s wedding day finally arrives, she'll become the only islander of her generation permitted to cross into the God Sea. There’s nothing more she could possibly want.

Lori had a hard life. Her childhood got off to a good start, but after her mom died in a horrific car accident, life was never the same. Her dad became angry and abusive, and he made Lori feel worthless. Even in adulthood, Lori's self-esteem was horribly low. That's why she married Jeff—a man just like her father. On that foundation of toxic relationships and abuse, Lori experienced the most brutal grief in the world—the death of her child. In a tailspin, Lori might not make it out alive. Will she get the help she needs? Will she stand up to Jeff?

Robert is the most predictable old man in his mountain town. Ever since June died 20 years ago, his life has marched on with a clockwork cadence. He opens his shop every morning at the same time. He has breakfast every Friday at the same pancake shop. He has the same conversations with his friends. And never misses grandkids’ activities—especially Callie’s soccer matches. In fact, Robert hasn’t even left town since June died. She was an adventure-seeker. Once she was gone, so was Robert’s interest in anything outside his daily routine. But no routine lasts forever.

What will Mary do without George? He was the extrovert. He made Mary feel connected and loved. Ever since George died, Mary has felt lost. His absence is painful. But is he completely gone? His outgoing, caring personality keeps showing up, even long after his funeral. George's Final Gifts is a cozy tale of love that cannot be quenched even by death. Listen to this story today, but keep a box of tissues nearby.

The Post-Script Series is a collection of six short stories. I will warn you that someone dies in each and every story. Often the character you love most will die, or at least is devastated by grief.

Toby and Jayda were high school sweethearts, and as a young married couple, they were just finding their way. Nothing could have prepared them for what happened next. After their daughter died, Toby felt angry, then sad. Finally, he felt stuck. His mentor, Pastor Thomas, was no help—he made everything worse for Toby. Toby hasn't even painted in months. That was Jayda's signal that he was stuck in a dark place.

Emma never wanted a family. Until she did. As a nurse practitioner, Emmaline is used to helping other people. She likes her job but is lonely. When her life is devastated by the death of a close friend, Emma finds a new purpose in life—becoming a mother. But will her heart be broken by grief again? If it is, and she is all alone, how will she survive?

Until now, Bethany’s life was perfect. She married her college boyfriend. She and Brad moved back to her hometown in the emerald northwest. She had two wonderful children. Life was perfect. But a surprise third pregnancy led Bethany to a doctor’s office where everything changed. The news she and Brad receive that day changed the course of their perfect lives forever. Shattered and confused, Bethany plunges into the darkest time of her life. How will she survive? Who can help her face her biggest test yet?

As war spreads through human-controlled space, Emilia is forced to take the lead to defend her home from the threat of attack. Despite her age and lack of experience, the crew of the UDS Templar quickly become legends to the fleet and are thrown into combat command.

Newly widowed mother Abby Baker goes home to Hope Harbor to help her ailing mother and restart her life. Carson Stevens is a lighthouse enthusiast who has bought the deteriorating Hope Island lighthouse to restore it and turn it into a bed-and-breakfast. When he meets Abby, he wants the attractive granddaughter of the former keepers to be part of the restoration. Renovating the old lighthouse is Abby and Carson’s goal, but as they grow closer, they discover that what they’ve really needed is a renovation of their hearts.

Despite their social status, the young heiresses can’t seem to find inner peace or true love. With Laci Ann’s third wedding approaching quickly, the Lauden’s sprawling homestead on Nantucket Island calls for a perfect summer family gathering. When Claudette arrives with a handsome stranger she met on the airplane flight home, she surprises everyone by taking such a risk, including herself. She is confronted with mind games and challenges that keep her on edge. Should she reveal her most guarded secret? Or will she keep it to herself?

As war breaks out without warning a group of cadets is forced to jump from school to combat without any time to ease themselves in. Unexpected enemies and the politics of the capital system pull them in different directions and strain the relationships and knowledge that is leftover from the academy. Despite the rigors of war, life still seems to find a way to interfere no matter how hard they try.

As war breaks out without warning, a group of cadets is forced to jump from school to combat without any time to ease themselves in. Can they survive the bloodiest war humankind has ever seen? Contains the novellas Inventing Stars and Defeating the Storm.