It's difficult for a young man to find his place in the present when he can't escape the past. Ethan Simms doesn't believe in a perfect world, not even a good world. Eventually, everything good goes to bad, so what's the point? He thinks happiness is temporary, but the pain of losing it lasts forever. Far too often he has been responsible for crushing the happiness others think will last. But it's the shame that comes from his biggest secret that could make him the most pained of all as he searches for meaning in his actions and for his place in a wicked world. Then one day what was supposed to be a brief goodbye to his dying grandfather Joseph, whom Ethan has always called Paps, turns into a series of visits as Ethan learns the chaptered story of a great man's happy life. Paps doesn't deny that the world is cruel, and he uses his own emotional tale as an example of its viciousness. But amidst his dark experiences in World War II and losing loved ones during and after, a unique joy stands out in his spirt, exemplifying the beauty that is so often overlooked in the world. Frozen in time, his story shows Ethan the idea that fairy tales do exist if we only let ourselves be a part of them. And best of all, there is good that can stretch across an eternity. Even so, Ethan isn't so sure. Is happiness possible for everyone or are some people damned from the start? Ethan finds himself on a journey in which he comes face to face with his biggest secret, searches for himself in the current war in Iraq, and looks for something that may have never been lost in the first place. Possibility.

Parallel Dreams, Janet Scott McDaniel's second book of poetry, demonstrates her rare gift for weaving rich imagery around the palpable emotions of human experience in a way that is both inescapably beautiful and in a writing style that captivates the reader. Parallel Dreams delves into the human experience giving a fresh perspective to all aspects of life: love, loss, memory, and dimensions seen and unseen, mystically offering readers joy, tears, and inspiration on every page. "Parallel Dreams gives the reader poems with tight weaves, rich colors, long echoes. Janet's work resonates on many levels, as she is one of the rare poets who is expressive and soul-searching, lyrical and eloquent, writing in the tradition of the Celtic bards. Her work is rich and inspiring, unique and amazing, and most assuredly...unforgettable." - Chris Dickerson, novelist, playwright and poet.

Ms. McDaniel's first book of poetry- reflects the wide range of human emotions: love and loss in all its manifestations, redemption and discovery, ultimate joy and the depths of introspection. The reader is invited behind closed doors to witness the passions and the gut-wrenching spirit of that which is a personal and protected space. Ms. McDaniel's poems weave a rich tapestry, clear and eloquent, of life in all its wonder and challenge. Photographs and background stories make this an even more intimate journey as the voice of the poet emerges from conflict and struggle stronger than ever. Many of the pieces, while profoundly moving to any reader, are particularly empowering to women. Her poems strike the heart and reach into the soul, charting a unique new path into contemporary poetry. THE LIGHT leaves us touched by the mastery of the words and the emotions they invoke.

It's difficult for a young man to find his place in the present when he can't escape the past. Ethan Simms doesn't believe in a perfect world, not even a good world. Eventually, everything good goes to bad, so what's the point? He thinks happiness is temporary, but the pain of losing it lasts forever. Far too often he has been responsible for crushing the happiness others think will last. But it's the shame that comes from his biggest secret that could make him the most pained of all as he searches for meaning in his actions and for his place in a wicked world. Then one day what was supposed to be a brief goodbye to his dying grandfather Joseph, whom Ethan has always called Paps, turns into a series of visits as Ethan learns the chaptered story of a great man's happy life. Paps doesn't deny that the world is cruel, and he uses his own emotional tale as an example of its viciousness. But amidst his dark experiences in World War II and losing loved ones during and after, a unique joy stands out in his spirt, exemplifying the beauty that is so often overlooked in the world. Frozen in time, his story shows Ethan the idea that fairy tales do exist if we only let ourselves be a part of them. And best of all, there is good that can stretch across an eternity. Even so, Ethan isn't so sure. Is happiness possible for everyone or are some people damned from the start? Ethan finds himself on a journey in which he comes face to face with his biggest secret, searches for himself in the current war in Iraq, and looks for something that may have never been lost in the first place. Possibility.