Books with author J. M. Stephen

To the Special Forces, it’s a mission; to him, it’s the dilemma from hell.Lieutenant Tom Hilton did the most wonderful and stupid thing he could ever do with his life. At the height of the Cold War, he fell for the enemy: Irina, a Soviet naval officer. The streets of Moscow are a world of subterfuge, but they must keep their secret from the KGB.When war erupts in the South Atlantic, Tom is forced to abandon Irina. With the Soviets on his tail, he leads his dive team into the most dangerous place on Earth: a shipwreck with live nuclear weapons. The task is illegal and deniable, but failure is not an option; millions of lives are at stake.With the British submarine HMS Sultan and the Soviet submarine Arkhangelsk facing each other down like gunfighters, Tom’s confronted with a harsh realisation: Irina’s on the other side, playing for the opposition. How can he choose? Will saving Irina lead to the failure of his mission? Can he lead his team to success against the odds?If you like the sound of ‘Jason Bourne meets The Hunt for Red October’, join Tom now in the most dangerous place on Earth.What Amazon readers are saying about the book:★★★★★ ‘Awesome book. It was hard to put down.’★★★★ ‘A very interesting story of two people who display the fact that they are just human, imperfect, quite loyal to their career and eventually to each other… There was certainly no shortage of intense events throughout the book, especially toward the end.’★★★★★ ‘Too hot to handle. Amazing book including a look at both sides of the superpowers as well as Great Britain all heading into a showdown to include nucs. Then comes an amazing ending. The main characters are a British marine officer and a Russian female officer who become involved with each other. Definitely need to read Book 2.’★★★★★ ‘This spy thriller was probably the most enjoyable read I’ve had for quite a while… I learned about diving, the living conditions in submarines and the quiet war in intelligence services. Informative indeed. I am also a sap probably for a good romantic interest in an altogether excellent spy story… I am convinced Stephen Makk is an author of note in the making and is to be followed with keen interest. The comfortable narrative and building of suspense are just too good for this not to be true.’★★★★★ ‘Great storyline. Excellent book. As a former Brit veteran who served during the Cold War specializing in Comms, Diving, Int and Humint I was hooked… Kudos, Stephen. You now have a fan not just for Tom and Irina but all the rest of your books.’★★★★★ ‘Really enjoyed the story. Great plot. Great characters.’★★★★★ ‘It has all the elements! An informational and interesting read. Good insight into a couple of superpowers. The ending had me guessing.’★★★★ ‘I really enjoyed reading this story. A good mix of adventure, suspense, romance… Keep up the good work, Stephen.’★★★★★ ‘This was a lot of fun. Great storyline with engaging characters.’★★★★★ ‘Five stars. It is a very good read. Fast moving with a very good end. I loved it.’★★★★★ ‘Absolutely loved it! Love the characters, loved the story! Very believable. Would recommend to anyone, READ THIS BOOK, you’ll love it! I did.’

It all came down to fate. At stake: $4,000 billion of the world’s trade and 20% of the population. The Taiwanese Tiger and the Chinese Dragon are squaring up at last.The island of Taiwan, long coveted by the Chinese, is separated from China by 100 miles of the Straits of Taiwan. For years there have been tensions between the two countries, with China wanting unification but many in Taiwan preferring independence. The conflict has reached boiling point and the USA has sworn to defend the island. Now billions of lives are threatened in a nuclear exchange between America and its trade partner and foe across the Pacific, China.It all came down to two people: Commander Nathan Blake and May Hsin. He’s commander of the submarine USS Stonewall Jackson; she’s an officer with the National Security Bureau, Taiwan’s intelligence agency. They must both wrestle with their own demons to prevail. For Nathan, it’s his conflicting rules of engagement, whereas May is undercover in the enemy’s lair but finding warmth in the snake’s coils.You’ve been called up. You will serve on board the USS Stonewall Jackson and go along with May Hsin into the backstreets of Shanghai. It’s down to you now. Fate is cruel; get used to it.

North Korea has perfected a ballistic nuclear submarine, positioned far from the Californian coast but capable of raining down terror on Seattle, San Francisco, LA and San Diego. Enough is enough. It’s time to take out this threat and take apart North Korea’s People’s Navy one boat at a time.They say cometh the hour, cometh the man. Cometh the foe, cometh the submarine.In exercises against allied diesel-electric boats, the United States Navy watched and learned. Its answer? The most powerful and silent diesel-electric boat ever to patrol the deeps: the USS Stonewall Jackson.It would require a cunning warrior of the seas to command such a boat. The USN has chosen its best young submariner: Commander Nathan Blake. He’ll need to employ stealth and guile to seek out the foe.The USS Stonewall Jackson is on her way; she’s mean and mad as hell. But will Nathan find that the Korean People’s Navy has a trick up its sleeve? Follow Nathan and the USS Stonewall Jackson into hell and damnation.What Amazon readers are saying about the book:★★★★★ ‘If you love sub stories, you’ll love this one!’★★★★★ ‘Great book. Enjoyed every page. Have read book 2 and am now reading book 3.’★★★★★ ‘Good reading! Fiction on the verge of reality. I have always enjoyed a good submarine story... This one will capture your attention. Hard to put the story aside once you begin.’★★★★★ ‘You wanted to know what was coming next and how they were going to get of trouble when they got in a jam.’★★★★★ ‘Essential reading. To date I have read 7 of the author’s books.’★★★★★ ‘Five stars. A gripping read.’★★★★★ ‘Fast moving; hard to put down; close to accurate as a submarine story can be.’★★★★★ ‘Excellent writing. Submarine warfare at its best. Succinct and current. Looking forward to the next book.’★★★★★ ‘Submariners will find their new home aboard the USS Stonewall Jackson.’

The United States Navy has designed the most powerful and silent diesel-electric submarine to ever patrol the deeps: the USS Stonewall Jackson. It would require a cunning warrior of the seas to command such a boat, and the USN has chosen its best young submariner: Commander Nathan Blake. He’ll need to employ stealth and guile to seek out the foe.This digital boxset is an omnibus edition containing the first, second and third thrillers of the USS Stonewall Jackson series, plus bonus book HMS Holy Ghost.USS Stonewall Jackson: North Korea has perfected a ballistic nuclear submarine capable of lying way off the Californian coast and raining down nuclear terror on the USA. Enough is enough. USS Stonewall Jackson is given the task of tracking down the enemy. But will Nathan find that the Korean People’s Navy has a trick up its sleeve?The Spratly Incident: The South China Sea’s islands and reefs are in dispute, sitting over vast oil and gas wealth. The People’s Republic of China is taking possession of these and turning them into sea fortresses. It’s time for the USS Stonewall Jackson to intervene. Follow Nathan and his crew as they take on the might of the People’s Liberation Army Navy.The Black Sea Horde: The Russian Black Sea Fleet is intent on flooding into the Mediterranean to face the US Sixth Fleet. USS New York City is the tripwire and first line of defense. For her Weapons Officer, young Lieutenant Commander Nathan Blake, it’s the patrol from hell. Stand with Nathan onboard the USS New York City as he faces the Black Sea Horde.HMS Holy Ghost: Captain Luke MacArthur has his orders: hunt down two of the quietest submarines in the world. They were the deadly weapon of the Soviet Union in the Cold War: the Kilo Class, known as the Black Hole for a good reason. Iran intends to use these submarines to choke off the Gulf oil supply. Join the crew of HMS Holy Ghost and help Luke to hunt down the Black Hole.What Amazon readers are saying about the series:★★★★★ ‘If you love sub stories, you’ll love this one!’★★★★★ ‘Great book. Enjoyed every page. Have read book 2 and am now reading book 3.’★★★★★ ‘Good reading! Fiction on the verge of reality. I have always enjoyed a good submarine story... This one will capture your attention. Hard to put the story aside once you begin.’★★★★★ ‘You wanted to know what was coming next and how they were going to get of trouble when they got in a jam.’★★★★★ ‘Essential reading. To date I have read 7 of the author’s books.’★★★★★ ‘Five stars. A gripping read.’★★★★★ ‘Fast moving; hard to put down; close to accurate as a submarine story can be.’★★★★★ ‘Excellent writing. Submarine warfare at its best. Succinct and current. Looking forward to the next book.’★★★★★ ‘Submariners will find their new home aboard the USS Stonewall Jackson.’

One year ago, a devastating plague called Strain 7 killed three quarters of the human race. Around the world, power systems failed and supply chains screeched to a halt. The surviving population of the United States has been relocated to the coasts; the heartland is now a wasteland called The Big Empty. But seven teens trying to put their lives back together will learn that the abandoned zone holds danger, secrets, and above all, hope.

Pippa is a typical teenager, if you don't consider her inability to operate a cell phone. But then a-typical things start to happen. First her mother dies in a mysterious fire, then a fire seems to come after her. After the ground tries to eat her friend, she runs right into the arms of the most beautiful boy she has ever seen, Pan ... Then things get really strange.When Pan opens a whole new world up to Pippa, she finds herself attending fairy weddings, running with satyrs, and battling a mad centaur. She also learns there are many secrets being kept, some about her and her family, and worse, they are kept from her. But, all she really wants is to find her way back into Pan's embrace. About the author: J.M. Stephen is an author and educator with a penchant for mythologies of all kinds. She loves the woods, secluded places, reading Virginia Woolf and being out in nature. She has taught writing, literature and publishing at The Gotham Writer's Workshop and The New School. Her articles and short stories have appeared in numerous publications. She lives in New York City with her family.

Pippa is a typical teenager, if you don’t consider her inability to operate a cell phone. But then a-typical things start to happen. First her mother dies in a mysterious fire, then a fire seems to come after her. After the ground tries to eat her friend, she runs right into the arms of the most beautiful boy she has ever seen, Pan ... Then things get really strange.When Pan opens a whole new world up to Pippa, she finds herself attending fairy weddings, running with satyrs, and battling a mad centaur. She also learns there are many secrets being kept, some about her and her family, and worse, they are kept from her. But, all she really wants is to find her way back into Pan’s embrace.About the author:J.M. Stephen is an author and educator with a penchant for mythologies of all kinds. She loves the woods, secluded places, reading Virginia Woolf and being out in nature. She has taught writing, literature and publishing at The Gotham Writer’s Workshop and The New School. Her articles and short stories have appeared in numerous publications. She lives in New York City with her family. Reviews:... a compelling read that draws readers in, works its magic with strong characters and a story filled with surprises ... It deserves a place in any teen fantasy collection – D. Donovan, Senior reviewer, Midwest Book Reviewa magical adventure that weaves a delightful twist on fairies, the lady of the lake, and Pan. — Elizabeth Konkel, Manhattan Book Review

Every big dream requires a leap of faith. This is the story of a Kiwi elf named Yvette (her friends call her Yve) who lives on Rakiura/Stewart Island - the third largest island in New Zealand. And this little elf has a very big dream. The great wish of her heart, of her mind, of her soul Was to join St. Nick's team at the frosty North Pole. But how does an elfish lass follow her dream? With a smoldering passion, and a will full of steam. New Zealand is a long, long way from Santa and the North Pole, but Yve is determined to join St. Nick and his eight reindeer...and this Christmas Eve, her wish just might come true!

The Shakers, once a radical religious sect whose members were despised and harassed by their fellow Americans, have in recent years become celebrated―and sentimentalized―for their communal way of life, the simplicity of their worship, their belief in celibacy, pacifism, and equality of the sexes, and not least, their superb furniture and handicrafts. This monumental book is the first general history of the Shakers from their origins in eighteenth-century England to the present day. Drawing on written and oral testimony by Shakers over the past two centuries, Stephen J. Stein offers a full and often revisionist account of the movement: their charismatic leaders, the early years in revolutionary New York and New England, the expansion into the West, the maturation and growth of the sect before the Civil War, the decline in their fortunes after the war, the painful adjustments to society Shakers had to make during the first half of the twentieth century, the renaissance of interest after 1950, and the “forbidden topic” within contemporary Shakerism―the conflict between the two remaining villages at Canterbury, New Hampshire, and Sabbathday Lake, Maine. Stein provides many new interpretations of the Shaker experience. He reassesses the role of founder Ann Lee, emphasizes the impact of the western Shaker settlements on the course of the society’s history, and describes the variety of cultural enterprises that have obscured the religious and historical dimensions of the Shakers. Throughout Stein places the Shaker experience within the wider context of American life and shows how the movement has evolved to deal with changing times. Shattering the romantic myth that has been perpetuated about the quaint and peaceful Shakers, Stein portrays a group that is factious, practical, and fully human.

Travel Saint Junipero Serra’s Camino Real in California with a pilgrim’s heart—and this book in hand— and prepare to continue, in your own way, the forward journey that he began in the 1700s. You’ll make your way to 21 missions, stretching from San Diego to Sonoma north of San Francisco Bay. The more you seek, the more you will find. The more you ask, the more you will receive. Such is the nature of a pilgrimage. Each of the missions is a unique jewel and a spiritual oasis. Some are found wedged into cities; others are surrounded by mountains and valleys. They range from simple to ornate. The grounds are filled with bells, statues, fountains, and gardens, all symbols of life and feasts of color. Old Spanish mission art can be found next to Indian wall paintings. Symbols of piety from two centuries form a wonderful holy mix. But author Stephen J. Binz does not gloss over the sometimes-painful historical aspects of the missions. The mission histories are difficult reading, documenting mistreatment and uprisings. But despite the many flaws of the Spanish mission system, the gospel still found ways in these missions to break through to hurting communities—and it continues to break through today. For each of the 21 missions, this guide offers you the street address for your GPS, the mission’s website, a brief history of the place, the story of the mission’s patron or namesake, and information about the mission bells. You’ll be given a tour of the mission church, as well as a prayer service for your visit.But this book is much more than a simple travel guide. You’ll learn more about the life of Saint Junípero Serra, whose vision is responsible for this holy Camino. You’ll be enriched by two interwoven traditions: the Spanish Franciscan and the American Indian. You’ll find yourself becoming more committed to being a missionary disciple, always desiring to communicate the reason for the joy and hope that is within you. Let the journey begin.

This story was written to inspire children to love and accept others with differences and not bully them. It also encourages kids with disabilities to believe in themselves just as Jimmy did in the story. Jimmy goes on an adventure with Mr. Scurry and learns to overcome his stuttering. He also learns to accept himself for who he is. He learns that disabilities should not be a hindrance or a disadvantage. In the end, he finds friends and blossoms into who he was meant to be - fearfully and wonderfully made. Look for clues to determine disabilities throughout the story as you travel on Jimmy's adventure.

Set against the backdrop of the Atlantic slave trade, this book traces the development, exhibition and final disposition of one of J.M.W. Turner's greatest and most memorable paintings. Queen Victoria's reign (1837-1901) in Great Britain produced unprecedented wealth and luxury. For artists and writers this period was particularly noteworthy in that it gave them the opportunity to both praise their country and criticize its overreaching ambition. At the forefront of these artists and writers were men like J.M.W. Turner, Dickens, Thackeray, Tennyson, and John Ruskin, who created some of the most enduring works of art while exposing many of the social evils of their native land. The book also analyzes the man behind the painting. Aloof, gruff and mysterious, Turner resisted success. He worked as a solitary artist, traveling to Europe, sketching towns along the way, studying nature, and transferring his experiences to finished paintings upon his return to London. The son of a barber, he grew up in London and experienced many of the social issues of the age: slavery and freedom, poverty in the slums, monarchy and democracy, stability and anarchy. He was a poet of nature and its innumerable mysteries.