True Story
The following represents all books currently listed within the genre, True Story:
Synopsis
Lorilyn Roberts' hopes of motherhood came to a devastating end when her husband left her for his pregnant girlfriend. Eight years later, Children of Dreams reveals God's restoration of her dreams through the international adoption of her two daughters. Written as creative nonfiction, an analogy is drawn between the physical adoption of children and God's spiritual adoption as recounted in the Bible. Ms. Roberts skillfully weaves in her own back‑story while telling about her adventures in Nepal and Vietnam, filled with political intrigue.
Scriptural insights and reflections interspersed throughout the book show Lorilyn's reliance upon her heavenly Father when all hope seemed lost. The reader will enjoy the vivid descriptions as well as a window into the plight of those struggling to survive where basic necessities may not be available. The adventure includes meeting a future Prime Minister, a missing baby, and many other surprises.
The medical mystery in Children of Dreams was featured on Animal Planet's "Monsters Inside Me," in the episode of "Shapeshifters."
Ms. Roberts' appearance on the show was to inform adopting families about certain medical conditions endemic in developing countries.
Synopsis
England, 1942. After three years of WWII, Britain is showing the scars. But in this darkest of days, three lives intertwine, changing their destinies and those of many more.
Dr Archibald McIndoe, a New Zealand plastic surgeon with unorthodox methods, is on a mission to treat and rehabilitate badly burned airmen – their bodies and souls. With the camaraderie and support of the Guinea Pig Club, his boys battle to overcome disfigurement, pain, and prejudice to learn to live again.
John ‘Mac’ Mackenzie of the US Air Force is aware of the odds. He has one chance in five of surviving the war. Flying bombing missions through hell and back, he’s fighting more than the Luftwaffe. Fear and doubt stalk him on the ground and in the air, and he’s torn between his duty and his conscience.
Shy, decent and sensible Stella Charlton’s future seems certain until war breaks out. As a new recruit to the WAAF, she meets an American pilot on New Year’s Eve. After just one dance, she falls head over heels for the handsome airman. But when he survives a crash, she realises her own battle has only just begun.
Based on a true story, "The Beauty Shop" is a moving tale of love, compassion, and determination against a backdrop of wartime tragedy.
Synopsis
Synopsis
What if you woke up one day only to find out that everything has changed forever?
Elena knows what she wants from life, she has her whole world charted out and is engaged to be married to Alex, but when she takes a trip across the Atlantic Ocean to the beautiful southern charm of Saint Simons Island, Georgia, her whole world is rocked and rolled when she meets handsome Chris. No one told her she may have to make a choice, but now, faced with the inevitable reality, she realizes that her final destination is not nearly as important as her endless Journey to the Ocean.
Praise for Lena Mikado
WRITER'S PERSONAL STORY STRANGER THAN FICTION
ASSOCIATED PRESS
"ST. SIMONS ISLAND, Ga. (AP) -- As a girl growing up in Voronezh, Russia, Lena Mikado loved the Southern classic novel, "Gone with the Wind." Of course, she was reading it in her native language - Russian..."
"Amidst the humor, very poignant and philosophical moments." - My Sweet Delirium
"You will laugh like you did with Bridget Jones, you will cry like you did with Eat, Pray, Love. It will stay in your heart forever." - Bookworm and Coffee
Synopsis
"An extraordinary narrative"
"Beautifully told - stays with you long after the last page is sadly turned."
"Carefully pieced together from personal and official documents, oral testimony and material objects"
A true story of love and reconciliation in the aftermath of the Second World War
Minny leaves Germany on a bitterly cold morning in December 1946 and travels to England to marry Jim, a British Intelligence Corps soldier in the Allied armies that defeated the Nazi regime in 1945 and occupied the devastated nation. She has survived British and American bombs and witnessed the destruction of Aachen, her ancient and beautiful city. How will a German woman cope in austere post-war Britain, where she is still regarded as the enemy? Illustrated with almost 100 images and original documents, The Bride's Trunk describes the adventures of an unremarkable piece of luggage and three generations of its owners, whose journeys across Europe are determined by the turbulent events of twentieth century history.
Some comments on 'The Bride's Trunk'
“An extraordinary narrative, pieced together from original documents, about a couple who were determined not to let war defeat them. 70 years ago the British government passed a law allowing British men to marry German women, but little thought was given to the life that those German women would find, in the aftermath of the second world war. This heart-warming tale brings alive childhood and adolescence in pre-war Germany, followed by a new life in the old enemy country."
Jackie Ashley, President of Lucy Cavendish College, University of Cambridge, and journalist
“Scant attention has been paid to the 10,000 or so German women who married British soldiers at the end of the Second World War. In this often moving account, Ingrid Dixon traces the story of her own parents, one a former secretary for the German police, the other a British soldier from the Intelligence Corps, both of whom were caught up in the chaotic last months of the Third Reich and its immediate aftermath. Their story is carefully pieced together from personal and official documents, oral testimony and material objects, including the old trunk which survived the vicissitudes of war to carry the bride’s worldly possessions to her new home in Liverpool.”
Professor Peter Wilson, Chichele Professor of the History of War, University of Oxford
“A gripping and moving story, with excellent illustrations, which really evokes time and place and is a sensitive treatment of the conflicting feelings associated with war.”
Dr Philip Towle, Department of Politics and International Studies, University of Cambridge
Synopsis
Top #20 Amazon Bestseller In Biograpy&Memoirs>Collections
Get Your Copy of This Fantastic Short Story Collection
In this short story collection, Gary Troia shares his adventures, travels and memoirs from his life.
"Excellent! A collection of short stories about: depression, alcoholism and drug use. Very compelling reading. I read this short story collection all in one go." (Maria, Goodreads.)
"Gary manages to take the mundanities of life and elevate them to brilliance. in this short story collection" (Sara Fell)
"Author, Gary cements growing reputation...A Bricklayer's Tales touches on real-life experiences in the building trade." ( Salina Patel, Hounslow Cronicle)
Anyone who has ever done building work for brutal wage slavery and wondered if they were going mad, will recognise the life of Ray Dennis, (Troia's alter ego) which evokes a vision of mind-numbing, soul-destroying workplaces and workmates. His is the voice of discord for the marginally employed, the creatively frustrated working Joe, who turns to a life of drink and drugs to elevate the monotony of life.Few have brought this world to life with such despair, black humour and indifference as Gary Troia. He paints a beautifully sad portrait of a truly messed up person with potential, struggling to keep his messed up mind from drowning in cheap wine and self-loathing. Ray's spirit is trapped in a world of endless grey mundanity.
A Bricklayer's Tales is the ultimate "I hate this job" story, written as a collection of short stories and memoirs, each one containing a snapshot of the life of Ray. Troia captures the tedium of working in a low paid, menial job and living hand to mouth. This book of short stories is sad and questions the reader to ask questions about their own life. This book achieves clarity without trying.Ray has three expensive hobbies: drinking, drugs, and running away. Without the income that Bricklaying provides, he would not be able to maintain his chosen lifestyle, so he compromises his principles and continues with his trade. A collection of short stories and memoirs that include:
Angel Dust, the peculiar story of a man whose new life in America leads to conversations with Ancient Greek philosophers
Advert In The Art Shop Window, will a new building job in Spain be the start of a new life?
Return Ticket, handcuffed and ready for deportation. A sad departure from the States
Peyote, hippies, LSD and an idyllic refuge
A Bricklayer's Tale, the story of a disillusioned, alcoholic bricklayer
˃˃˃ A collection short stories and memoirs of British dark humour.
Scroll up and grab a copy today.
Synopsis
Life under communism is cruel and inhumane. Commit the smallest political infraction, and the secret police will arrest you. The only ray of hope is the West, but getting out from communism is difficult. Communist countries have a “Berlin Wall” around them. It is a crime to escape by crossing the border illegally, and anyone caught is beaten and imprisoned, sometimes even shot. I was eighteen, and I was living in hell. However, I would rather have died than keep living as a communist slave. This is my story of what happened and how I reached freedom.
Editorial Reviews
"Mr. Sandru has the ability to translate the complex into simple one simple truth ... liberty is the most valuable asset any individual has, hold on to it with your life!" By Kathi Herman Photography
"A dream for freedom, a daring escape, and lessons to learn...
This is the fourth excellent book I've read by Mr. Sandru. I loved this book as it painted a very clear picture of what life is like under communism. While he writes in a style that keeps you wanting to read more, he also has you stopping to think..." by Julie Blaskie
Synopsis
In this short story collection, Gary Troia shares his adventures, travels and memoirs from his life.
Anyone who has ever done building work for brutal wage slavery and wondered if they were going mad, will recognise the life of Ray Dennis, (Troia's alter ego) which evokes a vision of mind-numbing, soul-destroying workplaces and workmates. His is the voice of discord for the marginally employed, the creatively frustrated working Joe, who turns to a life of drink and drugs to elevate the monotony of life.
Few have brought this world to life with such despair, black humour and indifference as Gary Troia. He paints a beautifully sad portrait of a truly messed up person with potential, struggling to keep his messed up mind from drowning in cheap wine and self-loathing. Ray's spirit is trapped in a world of endless grey mundanity.
English Yarns and Beyond is the ultimate "I hate this job" story, written in short stories and memoirs, each one containing a snapshot of the life of Ray. Troia captures the tedium of working in a low paid, menial job and living hand to mouth. This short story book is book is sad and questions the reader to ask questions about their own life. This book of short stories and memoirs achieves clarity without trying.
Ray has three expensive hobbies: drinking, drugs, and running away. Without the income that Bricklaying provides, he would not be able to maintain his chosen lifestyle, so he compromises his principles and continues with his trade.
A collection of short stories that include:
The Cuckoo's Egg- Boyhood antics lead to tragedy.No Comb on the Cock- Gypsies, champion fighting cocks, and career choices.
My Best Mates Head- Did a weekend of boozing save Ray from certain death?
The Shetland Isles- A trip to sunny Benidorm, a chance meeting with some Glaswegians, and a cold, miserable job in Lerwick.
Pointing a House in Islington- Too much alcohol and cocaine don't mix well on building sites!
When I Joined a Cult- Sober dating as Ray discovers religion.
A Week in the Life of Ray Dennis- With the prospect of no money for food or alcohol this Christmas, Ray has to find work quickly.
Teaching Other People- The grass is always greener-the escape from bricklaying.
Steak, Egg and Intensive Care- A harmless dinner leads to hospitalisation.
Synopsis
What if you have to survive undercover in a hostile land?
A single slip can lead to arrest, torture, execution. Who can be trusted? Discover what kept Churchill's secret saboteurs alive in occupied France, Holland or Thailand - or didn't!
'A fascinating and important study of a long-hidden corner of SOE history.' Dr Roderick Bailey, Pembroke College, Oxford, Advisor to BBC TV series ‘Secret Agent Selection: WW2’.
The men and women who served as agents of the World War 2 Special Operations Executive were courageous. But courage was not enough. They also needed to learn the caution and suspicion that might just keep them alive, deep undercover in enemy territory.
Guardians of Churchill's Secret Army tells the stories of the extraordinary men who taught them those skills and thought processes. They helped trainee agents learn how to seem innocuous while preparing resistance, subversion and sabotage. Each spoke several languages. Many became agents themselves and faced danger with great bravery; that’s part of their story too. All played a crucial role in the global effort to undermine the enemy.
We find them not only in the Baker Street Headquarters of SOE, but also in night parachute drops, in paramilitary training in the remotest depths of Scotland and in undercover agent training in isolated English country houses. We follow them to occupied France, to Malaya and Thailand under threat of Japanese invasion, to Italy and Germany as they play their part in the collapse of the Axis regimes. Their stories are inspiring.
If you like discovering the true stories that underpin the history of the Second World War, then you'll want to read this authentic book. Author of Setting the Med Ablaze, Dr Peter Dixon has a PhD from the University of Cambridge and four decades of military and peacebuilding experience. In the tradition of Antony Beevor and Ben Macintyre, he shines a spotlight on a crucial area of the Special Operations Executive.
Enjoy reading Guardians of Churchill's Secret Army and explore a little-known aspect of World War 2 history.
Synopsis
This first loosely autobiographical book in The Mug Trilogy tells the story of Jersey-born Mug, a troubled girl from a recently broken home. It covers her experiences as a sixteen-year-old girl at the Isle of Wight Music Festival in 1970, the same year that she follows a guru. It describes her tumultuous years as an art student in Coventry, where vegetarian Mug finds herself living next door to an abattoir and railway shunting yard with David, a fellow art student. Dramatic events follow on from the evening they meet at a student party, when Mug attempts to save David from attempting a very public drunken suicide attempt.
Synopsis
A young man coming of age as he undergoes basic military training. Stories drawn from real-world experience, with the anti-hero transforming from awkward teenager to young adult as he tries to outwit those in authority. These eight short stories are hilarious, serious, whimsical, and entertaining, providing insights into a young man's search for identity and independence within a military system designed for conformity and control.
Synopsis
A true story told in pictures to help your child understand their Hospital visit.
This book is based on a young child's real experiences. It contains a story, a Hospital checklist (what to take), useful games & tips to keep your child (and you) as stress-free as possible.
Synopsis
For the first time ever, this collection of short stories by Gary Troia brings together, in chronological order stories and memoirs from Spanish Yarns and Beyond, English Yarns and Beyond and A Bricklayer’s Tales into one complete volume.
"Excellent! A collection of short stories about depression, alcoholism and drug use. Very compelling reading. I read this short story collection all in one go." (Maria, Goodreads.)A Bricklayer's Tales is the ultimate "I hate this job" story, written as a collection of short stories and memoirs, each one revealing a snapshot in the life of Ray. Troia captures the tedium of working in a low paid, menial job and living hand to mouth. This book of short stories is sad and questions the reader to ask questions about their own life. This book achieves clarity without trying.
Ray has three expensive hobbies: drinking, drugs, and running away. Without the income that Bricklaying provides, he would not be able to maintain his chosen lifestyle, so he compromises his principles and continues with his trade.
A collection of short stories and memoirs that include:
The Cuckoo's Egg. Boyhood antics lead to tragedy.
My Grandfather's Shed. The making of an English key
No Comb on the Cock. Gypsies, champion fighting cocks, and career choices.
What I Did In My Summer Holidays In 1000 Words. Could having an idea ever be considered a criminal act?
My Best Mate’s Head. Did a weekend of boozing save Ray from certain death?
The Shetland Isles. A trip to sunny Benidorm, a chance meeting with some Glaswegians, and a cold, miserable job in Lerwick.
Pointing a House in Islington. Too much alcohol and cocaine don't mix well on building sites!
Angel Dust. The peculiar story of a man whose new life in America leads to conversations with Ancient Greek philosophers
Peyote. Hippies, LSD and an idyllic refuge
Return Ticket. Handcuffed and ready for deportation. A sad departure from the States
When I Joined a Cult. Sober dating as Ray discovers religion.
Bilbao. How very, very English!
Teaching Other People. The grass is always greener-the escape from bricklaying.
A Week in the Life of Ray Dennis. With the prospect of no money for food or alcohol this Christmas, Ray has to find work quickly.
Catania. A meeting with a Sicilian fox, some Neapolitans, and a man with a camel haired coat.
Advert In The Art Shop Window. Will a new building job in Spain be the start of a new life?
Gaudi. A flight to Barcelona for a kebab, and a look at the Sagrada Familia.
The Day My Soul Left Me. "To be or not to be? That is the question"
How Not to Travel to The Alhambra. Hung-over, the wrong fuel, the car breaks down. Will they ever make it to Granada?
The Road To Ronda. A terrifying drive to Ronda, was it worth it?
Poking A Carob Tree. A new home and new neighbours, just in time for Christmas.
Spain Reborn.No more commuting to London. Lets celebrate!
Home From Home. A parallel world where the Spanish have taken over Weymouth.
Three Common Carp.An epic battle with a whale and marlin it is not.
Mrs. McClintock. An absurd farce in which a Glaswegian couple retire to Spain
Steak, Egg and Intensive Care. A harmless dinner leads to hospitalisation.
The Unchangeable Chameleon. Can a leopard change it's spots?
A Bricklayer's Tale. The story of a disillusioned, alcoholic bricklayer
A collection short stories and memoirs of British dark humour.
Synopsis
Gary Troia is a writer, he has also been a bricklayer, a teacher, a philosophy student and a sufferer of several disorders, including: manic depression, alcoholism, fear of flying and a dislike of most people.
After Gary announces that he will no longer fly, his wife, Poppo books a coach holiday to Lake Como. One week later, with the newly acquired kittens dropped off at the cattery, Gary and Poppo embark on a twenty-four hour coach journey to Italy.
Gary always believed the restless, relentless, impossible-to-satisfy voice in his head was one of his greatest assets. It spurred him on. For a while, his strategy worked. But soon the energy of raw emotion would dissipate, and he would be back where he started. What happened next was completely unforeseen. Through a bizarre series of events - involving gangsters, the ICF, deportation from the States, Christian cults and the AA - Gary stumbled upon something that helped him tame the voice in his head: inspirational books. He spent years reading them before having a quiet revolution. Gary’s life was not transformed into a thing of beauty, but he did gain a passion for daily reflection and meditation. While the book itself is a narrative account of a journey to Lake Como, The coach to Como is ultimately the story of survival, recovery and evolution. The book is well crafted, with various threads being skilfully interwoven to give a colourful but incredibly honest account of the journey Gary has undertaken since he came to terms with his ego, his internal struggles with life, loneliness, rebelliousness and self-destructive behaviour.
Synopsis
While writing this book I placed most emphasis under writing a good story. The book is good at holding the reader engaged and at times it can be rather entertaining. It starts with an introduction to the story of Dracula, followed by the pre-story of Dracula and then the story of Dracula. Then we can begin with the actual plot line of the book.
It is a manuscript ready to be made into a movie after buying the rights from me. If you plan to make a movie and thereby buy the rights for it get in touch with me first. Since I have all the personas, drawings and pictures of all the things I have described in the book.
At the end of the book you should have two questions. First what happens next? Second why did he choose to end it off like that?
The book is written as a manuscript.
Synopsis
In his late fifties Doctor X realised that he was in the ‘death zone,’ and didn’t want to go out feet up, sitting in front of the TV in the UK – he wanted to continue to live a life. Journey with him on his five-year love and hate affair with China, seeking out a new life, and enjoying strange encounters - boldly going where no English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher has gone before.
Doctor X gives us his unexpurgated insight into an ESL teacher’s life in China. What it’s really like in the high schools of China. He outs the unprofessional, and drunken behaviour of the riff raff that wash up professing to be teachers but are really professional bar flies. He also provides crucial hints, and tips for the new teacher thinking about giving China a go.
He writes frankly about his relationship with some of the women that were just ships that passed in the night. From Little Yellow, and the ladyboys of Bangkok to meeting E - his eventual life partner. This erotilogue will show you a China hidden from the tourist – the bathhouses, and the pink curtained massage parlours. Doctor X does not regret one moment of it - it has been an experience worth living – one moment close to death, the next in the arms of random women.
And to think Doctor X could be back home in Britain stacking shelves in Tesco.
Synopsis
A heartwarming autobiographical memoir told by an Akita- Chow mix dog named Rusty. He tells his story from his early days with his mother, through his hardship times to being adopted into a loving home.
He explains how he was judged because of his breeds and reflects on how the actions of all humans helped shape his behavior. He talks about how the bond between dog and human needs strengthening so that less dogs end up at the shelter and he reminds us why these beautiful animals come into our life.
Synopsis
A book of clear verse. Geese migrate through its lines. Tall ships leave Liverpool Bay. An iceberg breaks free of Antarctica. Ivory burns in Kenya. The healing of the rift between nations is contemplated. An exhibition of Pre-Raphaelite art is visited. The crossing of the Rubicon is dared. Franz Kafka writes his tales. The spirit of T.S. Eliot revisits The Waste Land. Shakespeare drinks with his acting company. Autumn in Yerevan, Armenia, is mirrored. Utopia is mused on. Childhood is remembered. Love celebrated. Archie Leach sails from Bristol to New York. Matthew Flinders becomes the first man to circumnavigate Australia. Noah's ark moors on mount Ararat. The death of the last white rhinoceros is lamented. Weland the smith lifts his hammer. Hugh Minn finds an alien in his loft. Various other visions and inspirations are explored. Readers of these lines will hopefully find them worthy of study.
Synopsis
The words in this loosely autobiographical second book in the Mug Trilogy were triggered by the entanglement between Mug, a recently divorced, disinherited, temporarily sex-obsessed woman and Michael. Her Gordian knot was a complex, mendacious, Scottish baggage handler who destiny threw her way late one night in early 2004. She was an honest, too trusting, troubled woman in her late forties. He was an enigma eleven years her junior who was hiding many shocking secrets. Mug's original plan was to write about their unusual story as a present to give to him for Christmas. Little did she know that her gift would almost kill him. She had wanted the opportunity to describe in her book her life prior to their meeting, because it shaped how she felt about him, why she tolerated what others might deem unacceptable. The purpose of Mug's book was to drastically change into a desperate effort to make sense of unfolding bizarre events and to help them both deal with the aftermath.
Synopsis
The aftermath of Mug’s time whirling in The Lying Scotsman’s vortex. This third book in the loosely autobiographical Mug Trilogy documents her epic struggles to achieve a positive outcome in her turbulent relationships with men, family, work and life in general. Who will be Mug's final straw?
Synopsis
An exciting story from the popular author of novels set in an African environment.
Five children, but only one destiny. They have nobody, and Kenyan street-life is hard. Danger. Darkness. Drugs. Hunger. But there is still hope.
Hana Hindráková creates characters that are not only memorable, but unforgettable. This author’s ability to give birth in print to living, breathing souls is exceptional. Nobody´s Children is a real page-turner.
The novel is based on the author’s thorough knowledge of various typical Kenyan environments. The reader gets to know, in a highly readable and exciting way, the reality of the various layers of current Kenyan society. It’s one of the few books that truly (albeit with authorial licence) explores the complexity of Kenyan society.
Synopsis
Walk tells the story of a nightmarish scramble along the wild coastline of South Africa by the survivors of the wreck of the Grosvenor on 5 August 1782. Having decided to walk to the Cape of Good Hope, beginning at Lambasi in northern Pondoland, the few survivors ended up in the dune deserts not far from what we now know as
Port Elizabeth.
Walk takes the reader, step by step, day by day, on young William Hubberly’s horrific trek. While indisputably fiction, Walk sails a good deal closer to the historical truth than most nonfiction you will read and is a haunting parable on the meeting of Europe and Africa.
Synopsis
You can see yourself going down a road when you come to a crossing. One road has a sign saying “True Story of Dracula (Hardcover)” the other has “True Story of Dracula (Kindle)”. You cannot make up your mind which one to take. The hardcover version is meant for the ones who really want the experience to go along. Whereas the Kindle edition is for the ones who really do not care about the attributes but value the text, how it has been written and whether it is a good story. The hardcover version has a lot more graphical images than does the Kindle. The graphical effects that are applied to the hardcover version make you want to continue. On the Kindle it has no aura.
Comments by reviewers:
Great book that is entertaining and it was sometimes hard to put it away. I would recommend it to everyone who is interested in history, Dracula or interested in reading a good book. Anrijs
I really love this little story…… Last night I read it and now I want to say to everyone that this is a great story. Thank you MARTIN. Virginia
Dracula certainly the most chilling terrifying book ever written; it's really the best horror story in my eyes. shirley
You may have seen every Dracula movie ever made, but you do not know the real Count Dracula until such time as you have read this book. Of course, unless you have been living under a rock, you will know the general plot line, but I assure you there is a wealth of rich material buried throughout the text that is sure to excite, intrigue, and surprise you. Michael Ryan
This book is a very good read and the author wants to make it feel like you are there experiencing it together with the characters. nene
Synopsis
God's Good Works: Stories to Treasure and Tales to Ponder is a heartfelt faith-based collection of anecdotes and insightful lessons drawn from everyday experiences. It also examines the current American and global political climates through the lens of biblical eschatology.
Beginning in 2020, the battle between the Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of Darkness exploded with Black Lives Matter, COVID-19, and the January 6, 2021 “Capitol insurrection.” Could we be living in the final days before the coming New World Order and the rapture of the Bible-believing Church?
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