Richard Zakkas story began in Aden, a British colony, during the 1950s. At an early age, it occurred to him how every detail in life is so perfect. No accidents, even in what appeared to be an accident. As each snowflake is original in character and majestic in beauty, tiny in size, it will always fall in its perfect place on earth according to Gods perfect plan, a perfect 13. He realized that all of lifes events are but steps to condition his evolution to perfecting his relationship with his Maker. When he was thirteen, his family moved to the US and began a new chapter. After studying civil engineering in Texas, Richard decided to move to New York and enroll at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and became an actor. After graduation, he was fortunate to land several roles in films and commercials. At the same time, to fulfill a promise to his father who was skeptical about an acting career, he started several businesses in the Big City. A whirlwind of marriage, family, filmmaking, and successful businesses were like snowflakes landing one after another, guiding his life path. Richard weaves a fascinating story that traces the arc of a creative entrepreneurs career from one exciting endeavor to the next.

Includes Simon & Schuster reading group guide.

Walk in Their Shoes is the powerful, personal story of Jim Ziolkowski's inspiring mission to change the world one community at a time, hailed by the Dalai Lama as “an inspiring tribute to the power of compassion and education: the keys to leading a meaningful life.” At age twenty-five, Jim Ziolkowski gave up his career in corporate finance to create a not-for-profit organization that turns inner-city youths into community leaders at home and abroad. Under Jim’s leadership, high school students from the South Bronx to San Francisco have contributed more than 1.2 million hours of direct community service, and over the past twenty years, the organization has also constructed more than 550 schools in the world’s economically poorest countries, from Haiti to Nepal. Jim's tale of far-flung adventures in the most remote corners of the world and America’s toughest inner-cities is a moving testament to the power of faith and teamwork, and shows that when we give, we also help—and heal—ourselves. Walk in Their Shoes is the story of buildOn’s inspirational work with at-risk teens, its indelible influence on communities around the world, and of the man whose vision, faith, and conviction made it all possible. Jim Ziolkowski “believed that one person could indeed change the world, and his story may inspire others to do the same” (Publishers Weekly).

This book examines the essence of leadership, its characteristics and its ways in Asia through a cultural and philosophical lens. Using Asian proverbs and other quotes, it discusses leadership issues and methods in key Asian countries including China, India, Japan, Kazakhstan, Malaysia and Singapore. It also explores the leadership styles of various great Asian political and corporate leaders. Further, it investigates several unique Asian philosophies, such as Buddhism, Guan Yin, Confucianism, Ta Mo, Chinese Animal zodiac signs, Hindu Gods, the Samurai, the Bushido Spirit and Zen in the context of leadership mastery and excellence. Offering numerous examples of a potpourri of the skills and insights needed to be a good, if not a great, leader, this practical, action-oriented book encourages readers to think, reflect and act.

As a divorced single mom, Jennie Askins has been inspired to help other single mothers through her creation of an empowerment group called Single Mom Life. She is a speaker and also privately coaches moms to live their best life NOW. This is her first book. www.singlemomempowered.com

Reflections for a Better Life grew out of a desire to answer questions about the relevance of the biblical message to modern life, and particularly, how to live a better life. Although most of them are exhortatory, many are simply meditations on common themes and are meant to be thought- and action-provoking, rather than authoritative pronouncements on faith or morals. Like the Bible itself, they are often meant to call the reader him- or herself into question and to facilitate reflections on one’s life and one’s relationship to God.

A Hamptons Holiday Unlike Any Other Dani runs a successful French bistro in Westhampton Beach, New York. She is determined to fulfill a family legacy and hopes to expand into the elite world of Long Island winemaking. When an unexpected visitor from New York City shows up over the holidays, everything suddenly changes. Will an unexpected romance change Dani's dream for the better or for the worse? Can two people rediscovering themselves-and each other-over Christmas lead to a new beginning? Spend the holidays in Westhampton Beach and find out if this Christmas is just the end of another year or a new beginning.