Books with author Jennifer Sell

A drastic change of heart. A determined choice to commit. An unexpected betrayal at a critical moment. There is nothing like a birthday to give Hamilton Dinger something to look forward to in his busy life. With his new job as a part-time intern at the Mayor’s office, being a full-time high school student and starlight warrior has its challenges. And although he has the full support of his girlfriend, Gwen, and his best friend, Mikey, and even a tentative partnership with Starry Knight, his ally against the Seven Deadly Sinisters, Hamilton has definite cause for concern.The arrival of SWORD, the growing demonic activity in Apollo City, and the increasingly negative media attention has sparked ongoing unrest among the city and its inhabitants. To gain more power, Elysian and Hamilton set off for the Celestial Kingdom to deepen his commitment through learning, new landscapes, and cosmic surfing, evil forces continue in their quest for power and control. But when Hamilton finds uncertainty and distrust between his two worlds, will he be able to find the answers to his questions? Will he find the strength he needs to carry on? Will he realize the importance of his choices, and more importantly–make the right ones?FROM THE BOOK: There had been a feeling hanging over me in the past few weeks, a feeling that change was coming. It didn't click until that moment that change had already arrived. I was changing, things were changing, and I was finally okay - in fact, more than okay - with that. It was flooring, the idea I was looking forward to something more in life than Tetris and being cheered on by my friends. Those things still mattered, of course, but there was more, and I was enthralled there was more. FROM THE AUTHOR: Cross through the River Veil and into the world beyond the Star of Time in the Starlight Chronicles, a young adult epic fantasy series from C. S. Johnson. Be on the lookout for Book 4, Remembering, as Hamilton and his fellow superheroes continue to fight evil and get their schoolwork finished!Perfect for young teenagers or disaffected college students, or adults who enjoy some satire mixed in with some star-crossed lovers and high school drama! WHAT REVIEWERS ARE SAYING: Once again, this book features a less than likeable main character, but we are seeing his grow and change and mature (just a bit) since the first book. This book has the benefit of being right in the middle of the story right away. ~ Stephanie, Audiobook Enthusiast and Goodreads ReviewerThis series just keeps getting better and better, with new characters and a deeper story unfolding. ~ Terri, Emerging Author and Goodreads Reviewer

A time of loneliness. A task to fulfill. A heart to break. Things have been peaceful for the past three months in Apollo City. And while this would normally make Hamilton Dinger happy, Raiya’s sudden departure leaves him irritated and angry.Despite the decrease in crime and attacks, Hamilton knows it is only a matter of time before the remaining Sinisters and their mysterious new leader cause more trouble for him. When Alora comes under attack, Hamilton and his team, with help from his new friend, Mary, set off with St. Brendan the Navigator to restore the flow of time.But it is only after they work to save Time do they realize how little of it they have left.FROM THE BOOK: I was standing before the entrance to my high school, staring into space and sloshing my feet further into the cold wetness of the surrounding slush, when a foreboding premonition settled on me like softly falling snowflakes. I'm alone. FROM THE AUTHOR: The Starlight Chronicles epic fantasy adventure series continues on with Book 5, Continuing, as Hamilton Dinger and his friends face SWORD, Sinisters, and Elysian's long-lost brother, Draco the Dragon. Look for Book 6, Outpouring, to see how it all comes crashing together!Perfect for young teenagers or disaffected college students, or adults who enjoy some satire mixed in with some star-crossed lovers and high school drama! WHAT REVIEWERS ARE SAYING: It is fun watching the youngsters turning into adults, watching their love mature and strengthen. Sure, they have lots to do on the hero side of things and there is the unraveling of mysteries as they go. Never a dull moment. ~ Gay, Goodreads ReviewerA Fantastic Continuation of The Starlight Chronicles. I cannot wait to read and listen to the next one. ~ Malissa, Goodreads Reviewer

A feeling he never imagined. A revelation he never saw coming. A love that transcends time and space. With the arrival of 11th grade, Hamilton Dinger has no shortage of activities to pursue. With his job at the mayor’s office, schoolwork, and fighting off evil, he has no time to worry about Starry Knight’s recent betrayal and his relentless fixation with her.Even though he does anyway.Pushing past his emotional turmoil, he works with Aleia and Elysian to uncover the truth about the Seven Deadly Sinisters and his supernatural origins. When disaster strikes once more, Hamilton and his friends realize the only way to prevent chaos from taking over Apollo City, and eventually the world, is to find the answers to the questions hidden deep inside his heart and mind.FROM THE BOOK: I looked at her, with her hand outstretched, and watched as the last of her power fizzled out and retreated inside of her. Her fist closed, and she straightened as she squarely met my gaze. "... I'm Starry Knight," she said, her words soft and light, even as they soundly struck me to the core. FROM THE AUTHOR: Enjoy this book? Look for the next book in this epic fantasy series for young adults! Perfect for young teenagers or disaffected college students, or adults who enjoy some satire mixed in with some star-crossed lovers and high school drama! WHAT REVIEWERS ARE SAYING: Hamilton has some incredible growth in this one, both in maturity and in a heroic moment his WINGS develop!! That was so fun to read his excitement in that freedom as he continues to battle Sinisters! ~ Kara, Vine Voice and Goodreads ReviewerA very satisfying addition to the adventures of Windinger and Starry Night. I am enjoying the entire series and cannot wait to finish this one so I can read the rest. Hamilton is very dear to my heart. A great character!! ~ Terri, Emerging Author and Goodreads Reviewer

God’s love is unstoppable. And that’s a promise.Noah’s ark. Joseph’s dreams. Jesus’s miracles. The Bible is rich with stories for our children to hear and enjoy, but when those stories uncover the thread of God’s promises, our children learn much more than individual Bible stories. They discover how God has demonstrated His love for us, from the first promise in the garden to the promise of the new heavens and earth.A conversational, whimsical, biblically faithful retelling of more than fifty key Bible stories, The Promises of God Storybook Bible lets your child hear favorite stories with new ears, repeatedly assuring them that each word is proof of God’s unstoppable love and unbreakable promises to His people.

Anyone with a Hogwarts-shaped hole in their lives can’t miss this fantasy series opener. Dive into a secret underground city below London where ordinary objects are capable of extraordinary magic! "Part Tim Burton, part J.K. Rowling! A terrific debut." —Soman Chainani, New York Times Bestselling Author of the School for Good and Evil series Welcome to a world where nothing is quite as it seems… When their grandmother Sylvie is rushed to the hospital, Ivy Sparrow and her annoying big brother Seb cannot imagine what adventure lies in store. Soon their house is ransacked by unknown intruders, and a very strange policeman turns up on the scene, determined to apprehend them . . . with a toilet brush. Ivy and Seb make their escape only to find themselves in a completely uncommon world, a secret underground city called Lundinor where ordinary objects have amazing powers. There are belts that enable the wearer to fly, yo-yos that turn into weapons, buttons with healing properties, and other enchanted objects capable of very unusual feats. But the forces of evil are closing in fast, and when Ivy and Seb learn that their family is connected to one of the greatest uncommon treasures of all time, they must race to unearth the treasure and get to the bottom of a family secret . . . before it’s too late. Debut novelist Jennifer Bell delivers a world of wonder and whimsy in the start of a richly uncommon series."An auspicious trilogy opener." -Kirkus Reviews

“Salted with insights and epigrams, the book is argued with bracing honesty and flashes of authentic wisdom…[an] excellent book.” —Andrew Solomon, The New York Times Book Review"[A] richly woven, entertaining, enlightening, wrenching and funny book.” —The Washington PostThe instant New York Times bestseller that the Christian Science Monitor declared "an important book, much the way The Feminine Mystique was, because it offers parents a common language, an understanding that they're not alone"Thousands of books have examined the effects of parents on their children. But almost none have thought to ask: What are the effects of children on their parents?In All Joy and No Fun, award-winning journalist Jennifer Senior analyzes the many ways children reshape their parents' lives, whether it's their marriages, their jobs, their habits, their hobbies, their friendships, or their internal senses of self. She argues that changes in the last half century have radically altered the roles of today's mothers and fathers, making their mandates at once more complex and far less clear. Recruiting from a wide variety of sources—in history, sociology, economics, psychology, philosophy, and anthropology—she dissects both the timeless strains of parenting and the ones that are brand new, and then brings her research to life in the homes of ordinary parents around the country. The result is an unforgettable series of family portraits, starting with parents of young children and progressing in later chapters to parents of teens. Through lively and accessible storytelling, Senior follows these mothers and fathers as they wrestle with some of parenthood's deepest vexations—and luxuriate in some of its finest rewards.Meticulously researched yet imbued with emotional intelligence, All Joy and No Fun makes us reconsider some of our culture's most basic beliefs about parenthood, all while illuminating the profound ways children deepen and add purpose to our lives. By focusing on parenthood, rather than parenting, the book is original and essential reading for mothers and fathers of today—and tomorrow.

A calling he never wanted. A co-defender he can't ignore. A choice that changes everything. As if Hamilton Dinger needs any more frustration at the moment. Not only has he accepted his duty as a starlight warrior, he's got swim meets to prepare for, his little brother to babysit, and an annoying new girl in his class. Plus he's got his 'mentor' dragon, Elysian, on his back every chance he gets, and his 'co-defender,' Starry Knight, urging him to quit the superhero business after every battle.As the Seven Deadly Sinisters and their leader, Orpheus, search for new ways to gather power, Ham finds both betrayal and friendship in unexpected places. Desperately searching for a way he can get stronger, he finds his own inner struggles costing him the most as he attempts to keep the rest of the city safe.Will Hamilton realize his potential in the power of trust? Will he be able make peace with Starry Knight, or will their quarrels be the downfall of them both?FROM THE BOOK: I found every layer of myself chiseled away, the blackened cynicism of my heart breaking open and oozing the kind of fear which only stems from the deepest sort of longing. "Don't leave me." And then I kissed her. FROM THE AUTHOR: Continue reading through the epic fantasy series from young adult author C. S. Johnson, as fallen Stars/superheroes Wingdinger, Starry Knight, along with their dragon Elysian, fight evil as much as they fight with each other.Perfect for young teenagers or disaffected college students, or adults who enjoy some satire mixed in with some sweetness! WHAT REVIEWERS ARE SAYING: Johnson really manages to make the main character's growth very believable. Even starting from where he left of in the previous book it is clear that Hamilton Dinger - just like all the rest of us real human beings - still has a long way to go. ~ Jake Yaniak, author of Morality is the Problem4 STARS! ~ Reader's FavoriteBy far one of my most favorite young adult book & audio book series!!! ~ Teresa, Mom to a teen and Goodreads Reviewer

A new calling. An old enemy. A discovery that demands action. It has been many years since that day, the day Hamilton Dinger wishes to forget, along with the ache in his heart. But his desire to let go of the past is usurped when the future comes barreling into his apartment in the form of two young Starlight defenders, Lucas and Lyra, calling for a new mission for him.More than reluctantly, Hamilton heads home to Apollo City as Dante Salyards, now a rogue agent from SWORD, seeks his help in dismantling a new administration of evil in Apollo City.After a shocking discovery, Hamilton is faced with the choice to renew his commitment, and embrace the responsibilities, both pleasant and painful, the Prince of Stars had in store for him–but it could cost him more than his heart this time.With everything on the line, can Hamilton finally have the life he had always dreamed of? Find out in this stunning conclusion of The Starlight Chronicles.FROM THE BOOK: Mikey grinned, and for moment, I had to laugh; Mikey looked just like his high school self, with food stuck in his teeth, his smile wide and innocent. "If that's the best I can get from you for now, I'll take it. Besides, given our history, I'd say a miracle is right around the corner." "Ha, ha, yeah right." I rolled my eyes. I'd forgotten how to believe in miracles.FROM THE AUTHOR: Can't get enough of this epic fantasy adventure? Be sure to check out the prequel, Searching, featuing Starry Knight and her struggle with her powers. Perfect for young teenagers or disaffected college students, or adults who enjoy some satire mixed in with some star-crossed lovers and high school drama! WHAT REVIEWERS ARE SAYING: Good. No more tears. ~ Gay, Goodreads ReviewerI REALLY enjoyed this last installment of the Starlight Chronicles....I grew to love Hamilton and his take on the world. This last book really gelled how the warrior stars help in the physical world...and there are some nice twists to the story! ~ Connie, Goodreads Reviewer

Thousands of books have examined the effects of parents on their children. In All Joy and No Fun, award-winning journalist Jennifer Senior now asks: what are the effects of children on their parents?In All Joy and No Fun, award-winning journalist Jennifer Senior tries to tackle this question, isolating and analyzing the many ways in which children reshape their parents' lives, whether it's their marriages, their jobs, their habits, their hobbies, their friendships, or their internal senses of self. She argues that changes in the last half century have radically altered the roles of today's mothers and fathers, making their mandates at once more complex and far less clear.Recruiting from a wide variety of sources—in history, sociology, economics, psychology, philosophy, and anthropology—she dissects both the timeless strains of parenting and the ones that are brand new, and then brings her research to life in the homes of ordinary parents around the country. The result is an unforgettable series of family portraits, starting with parents of young children and progressing to parents of teens. Through lively and accessible storytelling, Senior follows these mothers and fathers as they wrestle with some of parenthood's deepest vexations—and luxuriate in some of its finest rewards.Meticulously researched yet imbued with emotional intelligence, All Joy and No Fun makes us reconsider some of our culture's most basic beliefs about parenthood, all while illuminating the profound ways children deepen and add purpose to our lives. By focusing on parenthood, rather than parenting, the book is original and essential reading for mothers and fathers of today—and tomorrow.

Do you believe in magic? Well, if you do, then you’re going to want to learn about something called the Law of Attraction. If you use the Law of Attraction, you can be anything you want to be, you can have anything you want to have. All of your most wonderful dreams will come true! Do you think this sounds hard? Do you think this sounds impossible? It’s not! It’s easy! All you have to do is read this book for 21 days in a row. That’s it. Even before the 21 days are up, you’ll see wonderful things starting to happen in your life. And, before you know it, your life will be awesome. An awesome life is what you deserve. Because you’re awesome!

A narcissistic teenager who doesn't believe in destiny. A city under supernatural attack. An adventure that unfortunately changes everything. Sixteen-year-old Hamilton Dinger leads a charmed life. He's got the grades for the top of the class, the abilities of a star athlete and Tetris player, and the charisma to get away with anything. Everything seems to be going along perfectly, including his plans to ask out Gwen Kessler, as he enters into tenth grade at Apollo Central High School.Everything, that is, until a meteor crashes into the city, releasing the Seven Deadly Sinisters and their leader, Orpheus, from their celestial prison, and awakening Hamilton's longtime dormant supernatural abilities. Suddenly Hamilton finds himself reluctantly allied with his self-declared mentor, Elysian, a changeling dragon, and Starry Knight, a beautiful but dangerous warrior, as they seek to protect the souls of Apollo City from the Sinisters and their evil intentions.Can Hamilton give up his self-proclaimed entitlement to happiness in order to follow the call of a duty he doesn't want? More importantly, will he willingly sacrifice all he has to find out the truth?FROM THE BOOK: At the time, I didn't really believe that anything outside my control would change my life. Or at least, not in a significant, substantial way. My life was all about myself, and I figured I had complete control over that. Anything that happened outside of my control was more or less because I let it happen, and didn't feel like stopping it.It's funny how one disaster of epic proportion can really make you change your mind.FROM THE AUTHOR: Welcome to the epic world of The Starlight Chronicles, a young adult fantasy series about a team of fallen Stars with supernatural powers. Follow them through this alternatively snarky and sweet series as they become their city's resident superheroes, with all the fun and frustration of dragons and swords and homework! Look for Book 2, Calling, as the battle between good and evil continues on!Perfect for young teenagers or disaffected college students, or adults who enjoy some wry humor with their reading! WHAT REVIEWERS ARE SAYING: If you like Narnia, superhero adventures, or coming-of-age tales, definitely give this book a try. ~ Chandler Brett, author of Wolf Code5 STARS! ~ Reader's Favorite... Hamilton's inner progress toward heroism feels touchingly genuine, and there are plenty of good comic moments to keep the story moving ... Percy Jackson fans will eagerly await the next volume in the series ... A fast-paced, effective teen-paranormal outing. ~ Kirkus Reviews

“Salted with insights and epigrams, the book is argued with bracing honesty and flashes of authentic wisdom…[an] excellent book.” —Andrew Solomon, The New York Times Book Review"[A] richly woven, entertaining, enlightening, wrenching and funny book.” —The Washington PostThousands of books have examined the effects of parents on their children. In All Joy and No Fun, award-winning journalist Jennifer Senior now asks: what are the effects of children on their parents?In All Joy and No Fun, award-winning journalist Jennifer Senior tries to tackle this question, isolating and analyzing the many ways in which children reshape their parents' lives, whether it's their marriages, their jobs, their habits, their hobbies, their friendships, or their internal senses of self. She argues that changes in the last half century have radically altered the roles of today's mothers and fathers, making their mandates at once more complex and far less clear.Recruiting from a wide variety of sources—in history, sociology, economics, psychology, philosophy, and anthropology—she dissects both the timeless strains of parenting and the ones that are brand new, and then brings her research to life in the homes of ordinary parents around the country. The result is an unforgettable series of family portraits, starting with parents of young children and progressing to parents of teens. Through lively and accessible storytelling, Senior follows these mothers and fathers as they wrestle with some of parenthood's deepest vexations—and luxuriate in some of its finest rewards.Meticulously researched yet imbued with emotional intelligence, All Joy and No Fun makes us reconsider some of our culture's most basic beliefs about parenthood, all while illuminating the profound ways children deepen and add purpose to our lives. By focusing on parenthood, rather than parenting, the book is original and essential reading for mothers and fathers of today—and tomorrow.