Author: Lea Coll
Publisher: Lea Coll
ISBN: 1955586810
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 299
Book Description
After being the rebound one too many times, I accepted love wasn’t for me… Once, I'd been a hopeless romantic. But getting tossed aside time and time again made me jaded. Happily ever after wasn't for me. Instead, I focused on being my niece's favorite uncle. It was enough. Until Natalie and her daughter. Recently divorced, she’s determined to open a bed and breakfast and hires me to renovate it. I should be focused on the job, but instead I’m distracted by the undeniable attraction between us. When a late-night water leak brings me face-to-face with Natalie wearing nothing but barely-there wet lingerie, I can’t ignore my desires any longer. She and her daughter remind me of the family I'd always wanted but had given up on. Is this relationship the real thing I’ve always dreamed of, or am I once again a rebound?
Your Inescapable Love
Author: Layla Hagen
Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
ISBN: 9781540304322
Category : Man-woman relationships
Languages : en
Pages : 0
Book Description
*A steamy and swoony friends-to-lovers romance**This is a standalone. Each book in The Bennett Family series follows a different couple*Max Bennett is a successful man. His analytical mind has taken his family's company to the next level. Outside the office, Max transforms from the serious business man into someone who is carefree and fun. He's happy with his life and doesn't intend to change it, even though his mother keeps asking for more grandchildren. Max loves being an uncle, and plans to spoil his nieces rotten.But when a chance encounter reunites him with Emilia, his childhood best friend, he starts questioning everything. The girl he once knew has grown into a sensual woman with a smile he can't get out of his mind. Taking care of her sick grandmother, Emilia Campbell has a lot on her plate. Still, she faces everything with a positive attitude. When the childhood friend she hero-worshipped steps into her physical therapy clinic, she is over the moon. Max is every bit the troublemaker she remembers, only now he has a body to drool over and a smile to melt her panties. Not that she intends to do the former, or let the latter happen.They are both determined not to cross the boundaries of friendship...at first. But as they spend more time together, they form an undeniable bond and their flirty banter spirals out of control. Max knows Emilia is off-limits, but that only makes her more tempting. Besides, Max was never one to back away from a challenge. When their chemistry becomes too much to resist and they inevitably give in to temptation, will they risk losing their friendship or will Max and Emilia find true love?
Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
ISBN: 9781540304322
Category : Man-woman relationships
Languages : en
Pages : 0
Book Description
*A steamy and swoony friends-to-lovers romance**This is a standalone. Each book in The Bennett Family series follows a different couple*Max Bennett is a successful man. His analytical mind has taken his family's company to the next level. Outside the office, Max transforms from the serious business man into someone who is carefree and fun. He's happy with his life and doesn't intend to change it, even though his mother keeps asking for more grandchildren. Max loves being an uncle, and plans to spoil his nieces rotten.But when a chance encounter reunites him with Emilia, his childhood best friend, he starts questioning everything. The girl he once knew has grown into a sensual woman with a smile he can't get out of his mind. Taking care of her sick grandmother, Emilia Campbell has a lot on her plate. Still, she faces everything with a positive attitude. When the childhood friend she hero-worshipped steps into her physical therapy clinic, she is over the moon. Max is every bit the troublemaker she remembers, only now he has a body to drool over and a smile to melt her panties. Not that she intends to do the former, or let the latter happen.They are both determined not to cross the boundaries of friendship...at first. But as they spend more time together, they form an undeniable bond and their flirty banter spirals out of control. Max knows Emilia is off-limits, but that only makes her more tempting. Besides, Max was never one to back away from a challenge. When their chemistry becomes too much to resist and they inevitably give in to temptation, will they risk losing their friendship or will Max and Emilia find true love?
Your Captivating Love
Author: Layla Hagen
Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
ISBN: 9781530648528
Category : Man-woman relationships
Languages : en
Pages : 316
Book Description
USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR Logan Bennett knows his priorities. He is loyal to his family and his company. He has no time for love, and no desire for it. Not after a disastrous engagement left him brokenhearted. When Nadine enters his life, she turns everything upside down. She's sexy, funny, and utterly captivating. She's also more stubborn than anyone he's met...including himself. Nadine Hawthorne is finally pursuing her dream: opening her own clothing shop. After working so hard to get here, she needs to concentrate on her new business, and can't afford distractions. Not even if they come in the form of Logan Bennett. He's handsome, charming, and doesn't take no for an answer. After bitter disappointments, Nadine doesn't believe in love. But being around Logan is addicting. It doesn't help that Logan's family is scheming to bring them together at every turn. Their attraction is sizzling, their connection undeniable. Slowly, Logan wins her over. What starts out as a fling, soon spirals into much more than they are prepared for. When a mistake threatens to tear them apart, will they have the strength to hold on to each other?
Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
ISBN: 9781530648528
Category : Man-woman relationships
Languages : en
Pages : 316
Book Description
USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR Logan Bennett knows his priorities. He is loyal to his family and his company. He has no time for love, and no desire for it. Not after a disastrous engagement left him brokenhearted. When Nadine enters his life, she turns everything upside down. She's sexy, funny, and utterly captivating. She's also more stubborn than anyone he's met...including himself. Nadine Hawthorne is finally pursuing her dream: opening her own clothing shop. After working so hard to get here, she needs to concentrate on her new business, and can't afford distractions. Not even if they come in the form of Logan Bennett. He's handsome, charming, and doesn't take no for an answer. After bitter disappointments, Nadine doesn't believe in love. But being around Logan is addicting. It doesn't help that Logan's family is scheming to bring them together at every turn. Their attraction is sizzling, their connection undeniable. Slowly, Logan wins her over. What starts out as a fling, soon spirals into much more than they are prepared for. When a mistake threatens to tear them apart, will they have the strength to hold on to each other?
Inescapable
Author: Melverna McFarlane
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 434
Book Description
Jessie has sworn off relationships until she can exorcise her secret celebrity crush from her thoughts. More importantly, her fantasies. Crushing on someone rumored to be in the mafia was a red hot no for her. When she comes face-to-face with the man himself, he is more dangerous than she initially thought... and not just to her safety. Gio Oliveri is the wealthy heir to the dubious Oliveri business empire. Ruthless in business and his personal life, Gio never lets an insult go unaddressed. So when a woman embarrasses him, in his own club no less, he sets out to teach her a lesson, only to set his sights on her friend. After a disastrous first impression, be buys himself three months to woo Jessie, who challenges him at every turn. He has to find a way to keep Jessie before his family responsibilities tear them apart forever. As he pursues his deepening desire for Jessie, unknown threats to his business and her life begin to appear. In addition to uncovering the mysterious threats, he has Jessie's misgivings about his chosen profession to contend with. He must find a way to make his temporary relationship permanent. Exposed to Gio's mobster persona, Jessie cannot deny the devastating violence he wields so effortlessly and questions if she could one day be on the receiving end. As they navigate their new relationship and the dangerous parties seeking to destroy them, it will take a devastating loss and deep soul searching before they trust each other enough to fight for their love.
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 434
Book Description
Jessie has sworn off relationships until she can exorcise her secret celebrity crush from her thoughts. More importantly, her fantasies. Crushing on someone rumored to be in the mafia was a red hot no for her. When she comes face-to-face with the man himself, he is more dangerous than she initially thought... and not just to her safety. Gio Oliveri is the wealthy heir to the dubious Oliveri business empire. Ruthless in business and his personal life, Gio never lets an insult go unaddressed. So when a woman embarrasses him, in his own club no less, he sets out to teach her a lesson, only to set his sights on her friend. After a disastrous first impression, be buys himself three months to woo Jessie, who challenges him at every turn. He has to find a way to keep Jessie before his family responsibilities tear them apart forever. As he pursues his deepening desire for Jessie, unknown threats to his business and her life begin to appear. In addition to uncovering the mysterious threats, he has Jessie's misgivings about his chosen profession to contend with. He must find a way to make his temporary relationship permanent. Exposed to Gio's mobster persona, Jessie cannot deny the devastating violence he wields so effortlessly and questions if she could one day be on the receiving end. As they navigate their new relationship and the dangerous parties seeking to destroy them, it will take a devastating loss and deep soul searching before they trust each other enough to fight for their love.
Your One True Love
Author: Layla Hagen
Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
ISBN: 9781979245371
Category : Man-woman relationships
Languages : en
Pages : 328
Book Description
She's the one who got away. This time, he refuses to let her slip through his fingers. Daniel Bennett has no regrets, except one: letting go of the woman he loved years ago. He wouldn't admit it out loud, but he's been pining for Caroline ever since. But his meddling family can read him like an open book. So when his sisters kick up their matchmaking shenangians, Daniel decides to play right along. After all, he built his booming adventure business by making the most out of every opportunity. And he has no intention of missing out on opportunity to be near Caroline. Determined to keep her heart in check, Caroline Dunne knows better than to fall for Daniel's charms again--even though the man is a walking temptation. Everything from his sexy smile to his charming banter makes her toes curl and her heart throb. Even with their lives going in separate directions, neither can ignore the magnetic pull between them, or deny their connection. But will they find the second chance they've both wanted all along?
Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
ISBN: 9781979245371
Category : Man-woman relationships
Languages : en
Pages : 328
Book Description
She's the one who got away. This time, he refuses to let her slip through his fingers. Daniel Bennett has no regrets, except one: letting go of the woman he loved years ago. He wouldn't admit it out loud, but he's been pining for Caroline ever since. But his meddling family can read him like an open book. So when his sisters kick up their matchmaking shenangians, Daniel decides to play right along. After all, he built his booming adventure business by making the most out of every opportunity. And he has no intention of missing out on opportunity to be near Caroline. Determined to keep her heart in check, Caroline Dunne knows better than to fall for Daniel's charms again--even though the man is a walking temptation. Everything from his sexy smile to his charming banter makes her toes curl and her heart throb. Even with their lives going in separate directions, neither can ignore the magnetic pull between them, or deny their connection. But will they find the second chance they've both wanted all along?
Inescapable Love
Author: Lea Coll
Publisher: Lea Coll
ISBN: 1955586810
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 299
Book Description
After being the rebound one too many times, I accepted love wasn’t for me… Once, I'd been a hopeless romantic. But getting tossed aside time and time again made me jaded. Happily ever after wasn't for me. Instead, I focused on being my niece's favorite uncle. It was enough. Until Natalie and her daughter. Recently divorced, she’s determined to open a bed and breakfast and hires me to renovate it. I should be focused on the job, but instead I’m distracted by the undeniable attraction between us. When a late-night water leak brings me face-to-face with Natalie wearing nothing but barely-there wet lingerie, I can’t ignore my desires any longer. She and her daughter remind me of the family I'd always wanted but had given up on. Is this relationship the real thing I’ve always dreamed of, or am I once again a rebound?
Publisher: Lea Coll
ISBN: 1955586810
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 299
Book Description
After being the rebound one too many times, I accepted love wasn’t for me… Once, I'd been a hopeless romantic. But getting tossed aside time and time again made me jaded. Happily ever after wasn't for me. Instead, I focused on being my niece's favorite uncle. It was enough. Until Natalie and her daughter. Recently divorced, she’s determined to open a bed and breakfast and hires me to renovate it. I should be focused on the job, but instead I’m distracted by the undeniable attraction between us. When a late-night water leak brings me face-to-face with Natalie wearing nothing but barely-there wet lingerie, I can’t ignore my desires any longer. She and her daughter remind me of the family I'd always wanted but had given up on. Is this relationship the real thing I’ve always dreamed of, or am I once again a rebound?
The Inescapable Love of God
Author: Thomas Talbott
Publisher: Wipf and Stock Publishers
ISBN: 1625646909
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 255
Book Description
Will the love of God save us all? In this book Thomas Talbott seeks to expose the extent to which the Western theological tradition has managed to twist the New Testament message of love, forgiveness, and hope into a message of fear and guilt. According to the New Testament proclamation, he argues, God's love is both unconditional in its nature and unlimited in its scope; hence, no one need fear, for example, that God's love might suddenly turn into loveless hatred at the moment of one's physical death. For God's love remains the same yesterday, today, and forever. But neither should one ignore the New Testament theme of divine judgment, which Talbott thinks the Western theological tradition has misunderstood entirely. He argues in particular that certain patterns of fallacious reasoning, which crop up repeatedly in the works of various theologians and Bible scholars, have prevented many from appreciating St. Paul's explicit teaching that God is merciful to all in the end. This second edition of Talbott's classic work is fully revised, updated, and substantially expanded with new material. ALSO AVAILABLE IN AUDIO FORMAT The Inescapable Love of God is also available as an unabridged audiobook wonderfully narrated by the actor George W. Sarris (running time: 11 hours and 2 minutes). The audiobook can be downloaded from christianaudio.com and Audible.
Publisher: Wipf and Stock Publishers
ISBN: 1625646909
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 255
Book Description
Will the love of God save us all? In this book Thomas Talbott seeks to expose the extent to which the Western theological tradition has managed to twist the New Testament message of love, forgiveness, and hope into a message of fear and guilt. According to the New Testament proclamation, he argues, God's love is both unconditional in its nature and unlimited in its scope; hence, no one need fear, for example, that God's love might suddenly turn into loveless hatred at the moment of one's physical death. For God's love remains the same yesterday, today, and forever. But neither should one ignore the New Testament theme of divine judgment, which Talbott thinks the Western theological tradition has misunderstood entirely. He argues in particular that certain patterns of fallacious reasoning, which crop up repeatedly in the works of various theologians and Bible scholars, have prevented many from appreciating St. Paul's explicit teaching that God is merciful to all in the end. This second edition of Talbott's classic work is fully revised, updated, and substantially expanded with new material. ALSO AVAILABLE IN AUDIO FORMAT The Inescapable Love of God is also available as an unabridged audiobook wonderfully narrated by the actor George W. Sarris (running time: 11 hours and 2 minutes). The audiobook can be downloaded from christianaudio.com and Audible.
The Rancher’s Inescapable Love
Author: SJ McCoy
Publisher: Xenion, Inc
ISBN: 196001708X
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 340
Book Description
The Rancher’s Inescapable Love is the sixth book in SJ McCoy’s sweet n steamy MacFarland Ranch series, and the second to feature an older couple – in their fifties. Ace Zielinski is a laid-back kind of guy. He’s had his share of adventure, and now he’s content to live a quieter life back home in Paradise Valley. Surrounded by lifelong friends, and never short on offers of female company, he enjoys dating, but prefers to keep his relationships short and sweet. He values his solitude up in his cabin above the ranch too much – no way does he want a woman disturbing his peaceful life. He doesn’t mind going out of his way to help people. Last summer he helped a woman who came to the valley in the wake of a difficult divorce. Now, he’s about to be reminded that no good deed goes unpunished. Ariana Knightly cannot figure out how her life got turned upside down so completely and abruptly. Yes, she knew that she might face some blowback after handling Stella Ansari’s divorce last year, but she never suspected that she’d find herself in danger, ousted from her own law firm, and worse still, stuck in the middle of nowhere, Montana. Staying on the same ranch where Stella hid out last summer seemed like a good idea. However, Ari hadn’t taken into account that the winters in Montana are a whole lot different from the summers. But not even the subzero temperatures outside can lower the heat levels whenever she’s faced with Ace Zielinski. All she knew from Stella was that Ace was a nice guy who’d helped her out. Nice? Ha! Not one of the many words Ari would use to describe him. Hot? Check. Charming? Absolutely! Irresistible? Possibly. Neither of them was looking for love, but there’s no escaping the fact that they’re perfect for each other. They might have found each other later in life, but it looks like they might have a future together - if Ari can escape the danger that’s closing in. MacFarland Ranch Book 1: The Cowboy's Unexpected Love – Wade and Sierra Book 2: The Cowgirl's Unmistakable Love – Janey and Rocket Book 3: The Sheriff’s Irresistible Love – Deacon and Candy Book 4: The Cowgirl’s Inevitable Love – Laney and Luke Book 5: The Cowboy’s Undeniable Love – Kolby and Callie Book 6: The Rancher’s Inescapable Love – Ace and Ari Remington Ranch Book 1: Mason Book 2: Shane Book 3: Carter Book 4: Beau Book 5: Four Weddings and a Vendetta A Chance and a Hope Trilogy These are NOT meant to be read as standalone stories and need to be read in order. Book 1: Chance Encounter Book 2: Finding Hope Book 3: Give Hope a Chance The Davenports Series The sexy brothers, of the Billionaire Davenport family. In their own words they are - the "Suit", the "Vet" and the "Geek." Oscar TJ Reid Spider
Publisher: Xenion, Inc
ISBN: 196001708X
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 340
Book Description
The Rancher’s Inescapable Love is the sixth book in SJ McCoy’s sweet n steamy MacFarland Ranch series, and the second to feature an older couple – in their fifties. Ace Zielinski is a laid-back kind of guy. He’s had his share of adventure, and now he’s content to live a quieter life back home in Paradise Valley. Surrounded by lifelong friends, and never short on offers of female company, he enjoys dating, but prefers to keep his relationships short and sweet. He values his solitude up in his cabin above the ranch too much – no way does he want a woman disturbing his peaceful life. He doesn’t mind going out of his way to help people. Last summer he helped a woman who came to the valley in the wake of a difficult divorce. Now, he’s about to be reminded that no good deed goes unpunished. Ariana Knightly cannot figure out how her life got turned upside down so completely and abruptly. Yes, she knew that she might face some blowback after handling Stella Ansari’s divorce last year, but she never suspected that she’d find herself in danger, ousted from her own law firm, and worse still, stuck in the middle of nowhere, Montana. Staying on the same ranch where Stella hid out last summer seemed like a good idea. However, Ari hadn’t taken into account that the winters in Montana are a whole lot different from the summers. But not even the subzero temperatures outside can lower the heat levels whenever she’s faced with Ace Zielinski. All she knew from Stella was that Ace was a nice guy who’d helped her out. Nice? Ha! Not one of the many words Ari would use to describe him. Hot? Check. Charming? Absolutely! Irresistible? Possibly. Neither of them was looking for love, but there’s no escaping the fact that they’re perfect for each other. They might have found each other later in life, but it looks like they might have a future together - if Ari can escape the danger that’s closing in. MacFarland Ranch Book 1: The Cowboy's Unexpected Love – Wade and Sierra Book 2: The Cowgirl's Unmistakable Love – Janey and Rocket Book 3: The Sheriff’s Irresistible Love – Deacon and Candy Book 4: The Cowgirl’s Inevitable Love – Laney and Luke Book 5: The Cowboy’s Undeniable Love – Kolby and Callie Book 6: The Rancher’s Inescapable Love – Ace and Ari Remington Ranch Book 1: Mason Book 2: Shane Book 3: Carter Book 4: Beau Book 5: Four Weddings and a Vendetta A Chance and a Hope Trilogy These are NOT meant to be read as standalone stories and need to be read in order. Book 1: Chance Encounter Book 2: Finding Hope Book 3: Give Hope a Chance The Davenports Series The sexy brothers, of the Billionaire Davenport family. In their own words they are - the "Suit", the "Vet" and the "Geek." Oscar TJ Reid Spider
Wisdom from the Middle Ages for Middle-Aged Women
Author: Lisa B. Hamilton
Publisher: Church Publishing, Inc.
ISBN: 0819226645
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 241
Book Description
Medieval mystics have much wisdom to offer contemporary middle-aged women grappling with empty nests, evolving careers and relationships, spiritual growth, and physical issues. Mechthild, for example, began her writing career at the age of fifty. And Julian, referring to Christ as “our kind mother, our gracious mother,” has a vision of Christ allowing us to make mistakes, a helpful image for women mothering nearly adult children. Each chapter focuses on a topic of interest to modern middle-aged women. Useful for individuals and groups.
Publisher: Church Publishing, Inc.
ISBN: 0819226645
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 241
Book Description
Medieval mystics have much wisdom to offer contemporary middle-aged women grappling with empty nests, evolving careers and relationships, spiritual growth, and physical issues. Mechthild, for example, began her writing career at the age of fifty. And Julian, referring to Christ as “our kind mother, our gracious mother,” has a vision of Christ allowing us to make mistakes, a helpful image for women mothering nearly adult children. Each chapter focuses on a topic of interest to modern middle-aged women. Useful for individuals and groups.
A New Dawn
Author: Ellen Hopkins
Publisher: BenBella Books
ISBN: 1933771933
Category : Juvenile Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 202
Book Description
Fans of the literary phenomenon known as the Twilight series can't help wanting more. A New Dawn gives it to them, inviting readers to join some of their favorite YA authors as they look at the series with fresh eyes and fall in love with Edward, Bella, and the rest of Forks, Wash., all over again. Edited by bestselling author Ellen Hopkins, A New Dawn is packed with the same debates readers engage in with friends: Should Bella have chosen Edward or Jacob? How much control do Meyer's vampires and werewolves really have over their own lives? The collection also goes further: Is Edward a romantic or a (really hot) sociopath? How do the Quileute werewolves compare to other Native American wolf myths? What does the Twilight series have in common with Shakespeare? With contributions from Megan McCafferty, Cassandra Clare, Rachel Caine, and many more, A New Dawn answers these questions and more for a teen (and adult!) audience hungry for clever, view-changing commentary on their favorite series.
Publisher: BenBella Books
ISBN: 1933771933
Category : Juvenile Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 202
Book Description
Fans of the literary phenomenon known as the Twilight series can't help wanting more. A New Dawn gives it to them, inviting readers to join some of their favorite YA authors as they look at the series with fresh eyes and fall in love with Edward, Bella, and the rest of Forks, Wash., all over again. Edited by bestselling author Ellen Hopkins, A New Dawn is packed with the same debates readers engage in with friends: Should Bella have chosen Edward or Jacob? How much control do Meyer's vampires and werewolves really have over their own lives? The collection also goes further: Is Edward a romantic or a (really hot) sociopath? How do the Quileute werewolves compare to other Native American wolf myths? What does the Twilight series have in common with Shakespeare? With contributions from Megan McCafferty, Cassandra Clare, Rachel Caine, and many more, A New Dawn answers these questions and more for a teen (and adult!) audience hungry for clever, view-changing commentary on their favorite series.
Four Decades of Exile
Author: Kahtan Mandwee
Publisher: Xlibris Corporation
ISBN: 1493180460
Category : Poetry
Languages : en
Pages : 351
Book Description
Rice Bread I was a poor, hungry boy, going to school, on an early morning, of a chilly winter day, needing to grab a bite. You sat on your legs, on the bare kitchen floor, to build a fire with a few stagnant, wet twigs and damp roots, to heat the iron pan to bake a rice-bread for me. You vehemently fought with the heavy smoke for a long while until your eyes moistened; you failed to light the wood, and gave up. The steel pan didn't heat; the rice dough remained untouched. I went to school empty-stomached, shivering, without a bite. I never minded hunger if I only had a dinner last night. I didn't know building a fire was that hard or impossible in a country floating on a lake of oil and gas. Five long and hard decades had passed; with all the riches, plenty milk and honey America can afford, my silk shirts and ties, overseas travels, imported wine, my alms to the needy and exiled, my open house, I still keen for your naked rice bread, for your redolent hugs' warmth in the chilly winter days, under the generous eyes of the immortal sun. I was a tattered, poverty-stricken, half-naked, half-starved, bare-footed lad, yet far away from the savage clash of adamant, civilized swords, the aches of horrendous calamities and atrocities, the evil and hatred of my malevolent, villainous world. In the waterfall of waned memories, I often drown and weep like a hungry, orphan child keening to your cardamom, compassion, and rice-bread. In retrospect, that hunger, poverty, and deprivation taught me tolerance, endurance, to be human after all. I learned never to live for food; "Not only by bread a man lives." I rarely slept without nostalgically and pensively recalling your misfortunate, sorrowful face, your smoke-stifled, withered, tearful eyes, as you vehemently struggled to build a fire.
Publisher: Xlibris Corporation
ISBN: 1493180460
Category : Poetry
Languages : en
Pages : 351
Book Description
Rice Bread I was a poor, hungry boy, going to school, on an early morning, of a chilly winter day, needing to grab a bite. You sat on your legs, on the bare kitchen floor, to build a fire with a few stagnant, wet twigs and damp roots, to heat the iron pan to bake a rice-bread for me. You vehemently fought with the heavy smoke for a long while until your eyes moistened; you failed to light the wood, and gave up. The steel pan didn't heat; the rice dough remained untouched. I went to school empty-stomached, shivering, without a bite. I never minded hunger if I only had a dinner last night. I didn't know building a fire was that hard or impossible in a country floating on a lake of oil and gas. Five long and hard decades had passed; with all the riches, plenty milk and honey America can afford, my silk shirts and ties, overseas travels, imported wine, my alms to the needy and exiled, my open house, I still keen for your naked rice bread, for your redolent hugs' warmth in the chilly winter days, under the generous eyes of the immortal sun. I was a tattered, poverty-stricken, half-naked, half-starved, bare-footed lad, yet far away from the savage clash of adamant, civilized swords, the aches of horrendous calamities and atrocities, the evil and hatred of my malevolent, villainous world. In the waterfall of waned memories, I often drown and weep like a hungry, orphan child keening to your cardamom, compassion, and rice-bread. In retrospect, that hunger, poverty, and deprivation taught me tolerance, endurance, to be human after all. I learned never to live for food; "Not only by bread a man lives." I rarely slept without nostalgically and pensively recalling your misfortunate, sorrowful face, your smoke-stifled, withered, tearful eyes, as you vehemently struggled to build a fire.