I was raised to believe a woman is defined by the men in her life: the father who shelters her, the brother who overshadows her, the husband who is meant to complete her. I was told a woman is nothing on her own, that her value is measured by how well she fulfils assigned roles, how much she endures, and how deeply she sacrifices.

I believed it. I carried it like a second skin through childhood, adolescence, and the years leading up to marriage. And when this belief collapsed, I was left with the most terrifying question: Who am I on my own?

It didn’t come easily. It was buried beneath years of conditioning, whispers telling me to be quiet, to endure, to not ask for more. But silence doesn’t protect you; it makes it easier for others to diminish you, to shape you into something small and manageable.

A woman can endure only so much before she realises endurance is not strength, but survival. And survival is not the same as living.

A bad marriage doesn’t only break your heart; it breaks your sense of self. It makes you question your worth, your voice, your right to exist beyond someone’s shadow. And when a man refuses to stand up for you, he is silently telling you that you are not worth the fight.

Over time, I began to understand that identity is not something granted by others, but something reclaimed. Piece by piece, I started unlearning the voices that told me to shrink, and relearning the quiet power of choosing myself, even when it felt unfamiliar and unsteady, even when it cost everything.

But I was worth the fight.

I am Aeiza, and this is a story of being told I was insignificant and learning that I never was.

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Charlie Martin is an idealistic young landscape architect fresh out of college. He dreams of finding ways to provide a better future for all humankind. His first client, a wealthy businessman with an international organization, offers him a parallel profession of being a paid assassin using his design profession as a cover. Charlie agrees, but he weaves the two professions together like a magician. He keeps the obvious in focus while secretly propelling his own ideals and vision into action. Charlie’s skills at designing assassinations merits his code name, the Designer, yet his real design baffles everyone including the FBI, and offers the world so much more.

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Baelhast once flourished with magic. Now it withers in the wake of the Cull, when it was hunted to extinction.

Arland is one of many cities that rots beneath its new rulers—the Houndsguard—who have put wolves in every alley and blood in every home.

Wulf has survived this far in gutters and on rooftops. Stubborn and reckless, he has always learned the hard way—one day, it won’t give him back. With his adoptive brother and a crew of thieves to pick up the slack, it’s just enough to survive a world already coming apart.

Until Stix is taken.

To get her back, Wulf leads his crew into the kennel—the prison no one escapes. What follows is not a rescue, but a collapse. Cells open. Blood runs. Debts are settled. And something long buried in his blood answers.

The band on his arm splits.

Fire answers.

And he hears his true name for the first time.

Aeowulf Osric.

Now—the Hounds no longer hunt a thief.

But something far worse.

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Motherless baby

Fatherless son

A spark in the void

Where once there was none …

Using original metaphor and lyrical language, PJ Starling examines the deepest sorrows and the greatest triumphs of the human experience. His work touches on the struggle to forgive oneself for past wrongs, the search for hope amidst the chaos of the modern world, and the desire for true intimacy. Each poem is a reflection of personal healing and transformation, providing unique insight into universal struggles. These heartfelt verses invite readers into a space where they are seen and free to feel without judgment.

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I must be off to the sea again

Where the waves are rolling high,

To feel the wind against my cheek

As it scatters the spray in the sky.

Whispers of Nova Scotia is a collection of Bernard W. Manzer’s verse, capturing his love for his native Nova Scotia as well as his thoughts and feelings about nature, history, and the many lessons of a long life. In this varied collection, meditations on life and death rub shoulders with playful poems about Jack Frost and water drops, as well as poems that ring with praise and gratitude. Written in the 1970s, they remain as relevant today as ever.

In calm or storm, what does it matter?

As long as I am on the water.

When I die, I hope I'll be

Riding the briny waves and buried at sea.

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“You’ve met your match, Stahlker!” I shout, holding the shiny wand in my hand tightly. It glows rapidly, feeling like an extension of my own arm.

“You wouldn’t dare,” Stahlker snarls, taking a few steps backwards. “Put it down!” she cries out, before turning and running nervously in the opposite direction.

“Never! I will never back down!” I yell, picking up speed. “You’ve eaten your last child! You’ve sucked your last soul! You’ve . . . well, whatever other crazy things you do!” I run as fast as my feet will carry me. My wand fires out beams of concentrated energy as Stahlker swiftly leaps around to dodge them. “I’m not afraid of you anymore!”

Captain Awesome is back, everybody! My broken arm is finally out of that itchy cast, and I can write again! Just in time too, because I’m still trying to get out of the sixth grade alive!

My allies are increasing, yet the number of villainous, interstellar threats has never been greater! Hard as I try to be a hero, my brain keeps getting taken over by evil forces that make me do wild things, and everyone is starting to hate me.

I have discovered why all of these bad things keep happening to me, though. It’s the adults! They ruin everything! With my faithful companion, Bearosaurus Rex, my awesome allies, and a mighty imagination, we can solve the mystery of why adults have set out to destroy my life. Join me, as I try to survive another far out week as a middle school author.

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If a person is being dragged to the bottom of the sea, manacled to an anchor, is it better that they should scream away their air in wasteful bubbles, or to find in their pocket the key to the lock that shackles them?

With the many flaws and failings of our modern society becoming more blatant every day — and more tragic with every news cycle — the original theory for social change introduced in this book is as timely as it is needed.

Although the future of humanity seems bleak, The Social Blueprint defends an ember of hope to improve society for the next generation, which doubles as a "self-help" guide to individual fulfillment and enlightenment. Abi and Ian stray from the beaten path by answering the question of how human nature became "damaged", and identifying the purpose of a human life, using original theory distilled from airtight logic, scientific inquiry, and even useful religious tenets.

Illustrated beautifully with short and insightful parables that help lead the reader along, The Social Blueprint shines light on the roadmap to improve our collective future, in 50 storied steps.

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In a world where the echoes of the past shape the trajectory of the future, Stewart F. Brennan's The Shard of Asclepius emerges as a standout addition to the supernatural, mystery thriller genres. This action-packed debut novel, the first in the New Horizons Series, is captivating readers and sparking new conversations about history, technology, and the human spirit.

Blending ancient mysteries with high-tech intrigue, Brennan introduces readers to David Collins, a Montrealer driven by intuition to unearth a technologically advanced artifact of ancient origin. This discovery plunges David into a secret war between the Order of Hermes—keepers of lost knowledge—and the Collective, a ruthless organization seeking to exploit the artifact for global dominance.

With allies and enemies across Quebec and New York State, David's journey is one of survival, discovery, and the search for humanity's place in the cosmos.

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Embark on the journey of naming your child with this beautifully illustrated and interactive journal, designed to become a cherished keepsake as it guides you to the perfect name. Inspired by Shakespeare’s timeless question “What’s in a name?” this book is the ideal gift for parents looking to make an intentional choice. Tired of showing up with blankets, bears, and bibs? This book is sure to be a baby shower must! Peek inside here: lookingoutlookingin.ca/mabey_made

Naming a child is a momentous task, one that takes more than just a moment. Parents can spend weeks and months carefully considering choices. But once the baby is born so much of the loving thought that went into the naming journey becomes forgotten and lost. This book captures that love so that it can be passed down and cherished forever. With each turn of the page your child will discover another part of what’s held in their name.

Beyond simply recording and preserving, this book aims to provoke and guide your thinking. To that end, we have taken all the possible reasons for loving a name and broken them down into six categories: Legacy; Language, Culture & Meaning; Fit: Middle & Surname; Nicknames; Associations; and Aesthetics. Our probing questions encourage deeper reflection, and the brainstorm chart allows you to compare and organize your ideas as you narrow down your top picks towards the eventual favorite. Each page is filled with hand drawn illustrations and every rhyme comes with the guarantee of being written wholly AI-free.

Every name, a story holds. All too often seldom told. But each name picked with loving care, deserves to have its story shared. That’s the guiding hook behind this unique book.

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Come along and play with me.

I wonder who we’ll chance to see. (I think I spy a rabbit.)

Hip hop, the rabbit hops

Lightly o’er the clover tops.

Springing down the garden trail,

Flashing white his fluffy tail,

Hip hop, the rabbit hops.

Come along and play with me.

I wonder who we’ll chance to see. (I think I spy a mouse.)

Tiptoe, the mouse will go

Softly through the meadow so.

From fairies and elves to snowflakes and snails, Poems and Rhymes for Special Times with Children is a collection of seasonal verses and playful rhymes for a parent or teacher to share with children ages four to eight. The poems celebrate connection to nature and the seasons as well as imagination and fun, and can be brought into movement in circle time, or accompany other learning and creative activities both at home and at school. Suggestions for how the verses can be used and enjoyed are provided throughout the book, with sections at the end on the importance of poetry for children and notes for teachers.

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What if the brightest light in the world was already shining within you?

Join George and his Gram on a joyful adventure to discover the “light within” – the warm, special feeling that comes from being yourself, doing what you love, and sharing kindness with others. As they wander through the neighborhood, George meets friends who brighten their lights in different ways - building, baking, painting, flying kites, reading, and playing. With each joyful moment, George learns that everyone’s light is unique, and that his grows brighter when he shares it with the world.

Written by Karlee J Hall, a neuroscience researcher (PhD candidate) and registered Physical Therapist, Your Light Within gently brings science-informed ideas about emotional awareness and nervous system regulation into a child-friendly story. Through George’s journey, children are invited to notice their feelings, nurture self-connection, and celebrate their unique gifts.

Created with love, this heartwarming story encourages children to feel grounded in themselves, confident in who they are, and safe to shine. A perfect read-aloud for nurturing self-love and connection, a regulated nervous system, emotional awareness, authentic expression, and a sense of inner calm - reminding us that when we connect with our own inner light, we naturally brighten the world around us.

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Lorsqu'un être cher est gravement malade ou approche de la fin de sa vie, la situation peut être bouleversante — particulièrement pour les jeunes. Écrit par des adolescents pour des adolescents, Quelqu'un que j'aime se meurt en centre palliatif : À quoi dois-je m'attendre ? offre des conseils clairs et empreints de compassion pour aider à mieux comprendre l'univers des soins palliatifs. Ce livre fournit des renseignements justes et accessibles sur ce que sont les soins palliatifs, sur la manière dont ils soutiennent les personnes malades et dont ils accompagnent les familles durant les moments difficiles.

De la compréhension des soins palliatifs à la gestion des changements émotionnels et physiques en fin de vie, ce livre aborde les symptômes courants, les rôles des membres de l'équipe soignante et les façons de rester proche de ceux qu'on aime. Avant tout, il dédramatise le processus de la fin de vie en mettant l'accent sur le confort, la paix et la dignité.

Que vous cherchiez du soutien pour vivre vos propres émotions ou que vous souhaitiez mieux comprendre les soins offerts à votre proche, ce guide écrit par des pairs vous aidera à traverser cette épreuve avec plus de préparation et moins de solitude.

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For children young and old, the long glorious days of summer are magical. In this lyrical swim through memories in the making, the days of playing in the water, card games at night and campfires on the beach, all lead to their favourite activity of all.

What fun fills family time in the summer months? What are the moments of magic in a place shared with nature? What is possible when the moonbeam comes to call?

Sandra Appleby’s lyrical text is beautifully interpreted by Madison Appleby’s dream state illustrations of the connections cousins cultivate sharing time and place at a summer lake.

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In folklore, a silver bullet is a legendary solution for defeating powerful foes. In sales, it’s often viewed as an elusive fantasy—until now. Strategic Revenue Enablement reveals sharp, practical strategies that treat revenue enablement as a game of wits. From defining salesmanship to ensuring organizational health, this book guides readers through each step of optimizing the sales process.

The book demystifies complex concepts like identifying top sales talent, nurturing their abilities, understanding modern buyer psychology, and crafting effective sales messaging. Backed by the author’s industry experience, every discussion is rooted in facts and statistics, providing essential insights into today’s market.

Rich with anecdotes and real-life case studies, Strategic Revenue Enablement illustrates its points with engaging stories like the janitor at Frito-Lay and the missing shoehorn. Covering topics such as Complexity Theory, Sales Competencies, Internal Consulting and Customer Success, the book teaches through meticulous storytelling. Key discussions include “Why Do They Buy?”, “Experiential Learning,” “Salespeople Analytics,” and “Everboarding,” offering valuable lessons for any Revenue Enablement leader.

Strategic Revenue Enablement also addresses how to avoid structural pitfalls and the dangers of non-adaptability. The book’s exploration of organizational siloes and human tendencies provides profound insights into company dynamics.

Packed with actionable to-dos for customer engagement, horizontal collaboration, product launch, data analytics, and more, this book delves into specifics like Socratic Questioning for coaching, AI role-playing for onboarding, and Voice Analytics for feedback loops. It’s not just for sales leadership or L&D professionals; its curiosity-driven approach makes it accessible and beneficial for readers from any background.

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From a boyhood spent roaming the banks of the Kennebecasis River near Saint John, New Brunswick, to a lifetime of hunting across Manitoba, Alberta, and British Columbia, this book is a boots-on-the-ground memoir rooted in grit, gratitude, and the kind of hard-earned wisdom one only gets by tramping through the bush in search of game across numerous continents.

Spanning prairie whitetails, northern moose camps and mountain hunts, and far-flung dream trips, this book follows a working man who learns early that the outdoors isn’t a hobby; it’s a way of life. And when the “holy grail” of Africa finally comes within reach, the adventure escalates, from pursuing game across the plains of Namibia to a Zimbabwe safari that delivers unforgettable moments, camaraderie, and stories that stick.

But this book isn’t just about trophies. It’s about the people who shape us, the sacrifices that fund our dreams, and the reality that time catches up to everyone. After decades in uniform and a body that’s taken its share of hits, the author asks the question every devoted hunter eventually must face: when am I too old to hunt?

Part adventure, part fireside storytelling, and part field-tested advice, this book is a tribute to the wild places and the exotic animals that keep calling us back into the wilderness, season after season.

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In the quiet rural village of Fallingwood Corner, Nova Scotia, nothing ever seems out of place—until it does. RCMP Agent Aub Gibbs is sent undercover to the place he once called home to look into suspicions of a counterfeiting operation tied to an international crime syndicate. Though Gibbs is skeptical at first, it doesn’t take long for unease to settle in.

When a mysterious death rattles the close-knit community, the case takes a darker turn. A seasoned investigator with international experience, Gibbs soon discovers that something far more dangerous than counterfeiting is taking root, and that Fallingwood Corner is at its centre.

As the investigation deepens, so do the complications. Missing persons, unexplained deaths, and police work unrelated to his main assignment threaten to derail his progress. Paired with a new partner, Agent Davis—whom he doesn’t immediately trust—Gibbs must navigate the twisting mountain roads of his past alongside the fragile dynamics of partnership and loyalty. With help from a few unexpected allies, he begins to unravel a web of intrigue and deception stretching far beyond the village limits.

Set against the rugged beauty of rural Nova Scotia, Agent of the County is a gripping crime novella where danger hides in plain sight, trust must be earned, and even in the darkest moments, love finds a way through.

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It’s the year 2307. For 250 years, the Great Division has held firm—an impenetrable wall made of frozen light that separates two radically different worlds. In the Kingdom, loved-based emotion is seen as weak and disgusting. Its citizens, transformed by a brain-altering process called PowerTurn, wield sharpened intellect and unbridled ambition, stripped of emotional attachment and unchecked by discipline. On the other side is the PLD, where the Full-Merge process has fused heart and mind into a powerful harmony of love, logic, and self-mastery. But for some mysterious reason, the Great Division is weakening. Each side suspects sabotage by the other. As paranoia mounts and the balance of power teeters, both societies must figure out a way to evolve together or perish in a mutually destructive bid for control. As these diametrically opposed rivals race against collapse, can they find a way to unite before the wall—and their entire world—comes crashing down?

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Esmeraldas, Ecuador, is a beautiful place for a story to begin. But a beautiful beginning doesn’t mean a story isn’t complicated. Aracelly Contreras Borja’s life—like everyone’s, though perhaps more than some—has paired that beauty with sorrow, joys and mistakes walking hand-in-hand. All but abandoned by her father, abused by her mother, left alone with her siblings to struggle to make ends meet, Ara dreams of escape from the whirlpool of her family’s pains.

Even escape, however, leads down dangerous roads. Ara is exploited and abused by unscrupulous employers, caught up in new struggles as her family comes and goes. Eventually, she falls in love, and he promises to sponsor her to emigrate, and then—

Well. It’s complicated. Freedom from her family means loneliness in a land she can barely make herself understood in—this land of opportunity that doesn’t seem to want to give her much of a chance to prove herself. Despair opens the ground up beneath her, and she finds herself trying to break the cycles she was born in for the sake of her children.

Does she? Well. Once again, it’s complicated. Looking back on it all, Ara’s greatest hope is that by laying open her life within these pages, she can at last make herself understood—and perhaps find forgiveness from those who matter most.

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Si les forces de l’oppression pouvaient parler d’une seule voix, à quoi ressemblerait-elle?

En conversation avec son masque blanc, un homme Noir occidentalisé s’empare de l’épine de Karaba — ici le point d’origine de tant des malheurs sociétaux — le suprématisme. L’effort de déloger cette force informe de son trône incite un déluge dogmatique, philosophique et poétique qui touche aux plus profondes des racines de ce qui nous divise. Simultanément, l’homme doit se réconcilier avec les parties de lui-même qui ont succombé à la tentation impériale afin de retrouver son esprit rebelle.

J’ai trouvé l’épine de Karaba est une œuvre de poésie qui met à l’épreuve l’instinct de domination qu’on retrouve à la sommité de la culture et de l’économie occidentales.

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It was about 0215 hours when I was awoken by the first rocket hitting the camp, shortly followed by the second one. I know this because I felt the BOOM! in my chest. A feeling that I had not experienced since I was living on the airfield in Mogadishu, a feeling that I rather hoped I would never have to experience again . . . Seconds later, the Kandahar Airfield air-raid siren sounded . . .

Retired Captain Adam J. Webb provides a genuine glimpse into life in the Canadian Armed Forces, sharing his diverse experiences and professional roles—mobile support equipment operator, infantryman, armoured crewman and cavalryman, medic, nursing officer, and trainee pilot—during a military career spanning three decades that saw him participate in five overseas operations:

• Cyprus, during the first Gulf War, with the 1st Battalion of the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry in 1991;

• Somalia with the Canadian Airborne Regiment in 1993 – Cover photo by Guy Voisin;

• Bosnia with the Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians) in 1997/98;

• Afghanistan, with the Role 3 Multi-National Medical Unit, in 2006; and

• The South Pacific, on a humanitarian assist mission with the U.S. Navy, aboard the

USS Pearl Harbor.

This is the compelling account of a life that has been brimming with exciting and unique adventures—including meeting high-profile actors and having minor roles in a number of movies during his youth in England—as well as many formidable challenges.

At the heart of the story is the resilience of the human spirit, the importance of perseverance, and a reminder that hope overcomes the greatest of odds.

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