Yvonne G. Williams

Ruby begins in the summer of 1965 as she takes us on a journey with the flamboyant and carefree Candace, her mother whose attempt at preventing Ruby the heartache of an unhappy marriage and unfulfilled dreams sends her spinning into her youth years with a future and a hope. Week-end outings to the theater, the beach, and expensive shopping trips opens the young girl to a life outside the abusive home. She sees that there is a world where life is good and dreams can come true. Unexpectedly the teenager finds herself alone. Her mantra, "Ruby dances in her dreams, Momma cooks and cleans and cleans. Daddy mustn't ever know, that Ruby loves her dancing so," becomes the catalyst that, along with her naivet , sends her to the streets of NY grasping for meaning and purpose to the tragedy of her mother's death. Thirty years later, through Ruby's daughter Abby, secrets that Ruby has kept buried for three decades begin to surface. Candace's hope for her daughter finally comes true once fate rises to meet her and forces the truth of her life in New York to surface. Ruby delves relentlessly into the vortex of shattered lives - and then - suddenly, beautifully, wondrously, it discovers hope. in the very darkness of a loathsome and frightening world there glimmers a profound and thorough declaration of individual redemption.

Jesse Can't Say No is book #6 in the Anna's Friends series of 8 books for the 3rd grade level, or age 8-10. (The Assignment, Book #1; Anna's Friends Save the Animal Shelter, Book #2; The Hayride, Book #3; Hiro Plays Tiny Tim, Book #4; Sarah Learns a Lesson, Book #5). Jesse Can't Say No, is a fun and engaging book about how Jesse adjusts to farm life and all the animals, like Mimi and Dodi, his favorite of all animal, goats.Jesse Delaney is moving to the country. Everything in his life is turning upside down, but, it's a good upside down Irma the cow has a new baby named Buster. Queenie the goose drops her first two eggs, and his favorite, Mimi and Dodi, the goats are about to be goat parents. Not only are babies being born on the farm, Jesse's mom is also going to give him a brother and sister and he helped name then; Lillie Mae and Logan.Jesse is almost 9-years old and his classmates, Anna's Friends, are a big help on moving day. If your child loves animals they will love this fun and engaging book, "Jesse Can't Say No". It is filled with surprises, some emotion, and some real-life scenario's that children Jesse's age find themselves having to deal with.This 160+ page illustrated chapter book is a must read for animal lovers, no matter the age. Coupled with Jesse's overwhelming desire to help his friends and family and his love of animals, Jesse often makes matters worse because he just can't say no.

Daniel Makes Anna Mad is book #8 in the Anna's Friends series of 8 books for the 3rd grade level, or age 8-10. (The Assignment, Book #1; Anna's Friends Save the Animal Shelter, Book #2; The Hayride, Book #3; Hiro Plays Tiny Tim, Book #4; Sarah Learns a Lesson, Book #5, and Jesse Can't Say No, book #6). Book #8, Daniel Moves Away, is a light-hearted story about Daniel who has the gift of prophecy. He is often misunderstood by Anna and her friends. Daniel and his younger brother moves to Florida to live with his father for the rest of the school year until their mother is finished with her chemo treatments.Anna has been Daniel's next door neighbor as long as they have been alive. She doesn't know what to do without her friend. When he moves back home during the summer just before 4th grade starts, Anna notices how much her friend has changed. Conflicts arise and Daniel really, really makes Anna mad This 150+-page chapter book has some great illustrations and is filled is conflict that growing kids experience. It has some emotion and some surprises that only Anna can bring to a trying relationship. This story that will touch the heart of not only kids, but moms and dads too.

Cayden and Mrs. Jules is book #7 in the Anna's Friends series of 8 books for the 3rd grade level, or age 8-10. (See The Assignment, Book #1; Anna's Friends Save the Animal Shelter, Book #2; The Hayride, Book #3; Hiro Plays Tiny Tim, Book #4; Sarah Learns a Lesson, Book #5, and Jesse Can't Say No, book #6). Book #7, Cayden and Mrs. Jules is a heart-warming story about Cayden who has the gift of mercy. She is the only one of Anna's Friends who can unlock a half-century secret that Mrs. Jules has been hiding.Cayden had skated by Mrs. Jules house for almost a year but had no idea who the little Indian lady was, until one day, she fell and skinned her knees in front of her house. Cobwebs and a spider named Spike, a spooky room with a light on, a grumpy lady who never wore shoes, and a creaky rocking chair, made Cayden want to know more about her neighbor.This 150-page chapter book has some great illustrations and is filled with fun and laughter, conflict and emotion, and a story that will touch the heart of moms and dads too.

As authors we are always asked, What inspired this book? This one came from actual life experience.As I began to work out the spiritual application of forgiveness among strained relationships in my life, the overwhelming understanding became evident, that forgiving the way Jesus forgives is the way to true freedom for both the offended and the offender, not merely confessing a belief in a man. I became increasingly burdened about just how much we do not understand the very foundation of our walk as believers in Jesus Christ. A lack of desire to see others free and, more disturbing, an intense desire to want others to pay for their offences seemed to be the norm among some professing Christians (including preachers). That burden became too strong for me to ignore, so I set out to learn--and then write this book--in attempt to shatter the untruths that the church holds so dear about the most life changing force there is on the planet.The goal of this book is to open our spiritual eyes to the reality of life changing faith founded on forgiveness inspired by a sincere desire to see others set free to know Jesus.CONTENTSChapter 1 A Fresh Look at the CrossChapter 2 Wiping the Slate CleanChapter 3 The Joy Set Before HimChapter 4 The Archer and the TargetChapter 5 Criminals and OffendersChapter 6 Forgiveness and TraumaChapter 7 I Can Forgive, But I Won't ForgetChapter 8 Set Yourself Free and FlyPrayers to Help Us ForgiveScriptures About Forgiveness

"Anna's Friends Go to Preschool" is a part of the Anna's Friends Motivational Gifts series that helps parents and children learn in a fun and engaging way - through fun story books - what their God given motivational gifts are based on Roman's 12:6-8.Meet this group of fun-loving children as they embark on a new journey. Anna, Jesse, Maria, and Daniel meet three new friends: Sarah, Hiro, and Cayden on their first day of preschool. This 90+ page book has 4 full-color illustrated stories for your preschool children to read while Miss Jenny helps them learn what their God-given gifts are: 1) Anna Can be Bossy 2) A Butterfly Goes to Preschool3) New Friends and Lizards 4) A Good Fun Bible Lesson At the end of the book are pages written from the perspective of each of Anna's Friends telling your child why they do the things they do. For example, here is what Anna has to say about her gift: Hi I'm Anna. If you think you are like me, here are some things I do that help me give God's love away.My motivational gift is a really long word. Facilitator Say it like this: Fa (like pa) cil (like window sill) i ( like ick) tator (like ali - gator). I plan projects 1. I am always thinking ahead because I am a planner and make lots of notes. Remember, I told my momma to make a list of what I need for pre-school.2. I love to quickly get to know new kids at school or church. That's why I rushed to meet Sarah and Cayden on the first day of preschool.3. Sometimes I boss my friends around, but not ugly like. Did you read how I told everyone to go help Jesse when he dropped his crayons? And, I told Maria to get him a tissue? And I even told everyone where to sit. Watch for this trait in the other stories.4. Sometimes I don't ask my mom or dad permission before doing things I like to do. This isn't a good idea. I like to have my own way. This isn't cool either Your mom will show you why. 5. It doesn't take me long to clean up my messy room and I don't get upset if I spill something on my clothes. It will wash out. 6. And, I like active games like jump rope, T-ball, and even hop scotch.While you are reading, "Anna's Friends Go to Preschool", you may want to read the companion book for parent's, "A Parent's Guide to Understanding What Motivates Your Child". It's a 160-page workbook written for mom and dad (and all caregivers of kids) so you can identify your children's gifts while they are young. And, it will give you some excellent tips on projects you can do to help develop their gifts, how to help them overcome challenges associated with their gifts, and much more.Check out the entire "Anna's Friends" series at www.annasfriends.comRead Elizabeth's review: "This is a tool (the Anna's Friends series) that I as a parent, as well as my children, have thoroughly enjoyed. It became the book that my three girls requested to read every night. Early in the study, they would each be so excited to see if the next character was the one they could closely relate to. Then, when they had the exciting moment of figuring out their gift, I found myself being equally as excited. They enjoyed the questions at the end of the chapters in Book #1 that helped them figure out if they were like Maria, Anna, Jesse, Hiro, and so forth. My youngest two daughters, ages 4 and 6, would squeal with excitement, "That's me I do that " Interesting enough, not only did this book series help build confidence in each child regarding their gifts and how best to use them, but it helped build confidence in their "weaker" areas. For example, my middle daughter, age 6, who has the gift of Mercy, realized that daydreaming is common for others who possess the gift of mercy, as well as the hesitation to jump in and make new friends. She is less self-conscience about these things now because she sees it as part of God's design in her and others. It has encouraged her not to shy away from those areas, but to embrace them and grow.

Sarah Learns a Lesson is book #5 in the Anna's Friends series of 8 illustrated books for the 3rd grade level, or age 8-10. "Sarah Learns a Lesson" is a delightful story about how Sarah uses her motivational gift of teaching by creating a three-week book-a-thon for her class. This excerpt shows us Sarah's dedication to reading and how she influences the local bookstore owner to create a kid's section: "Sarah, not now. I'm busy." Mr. Lumpkin told her. "I want to know where the kid's books are?"Sarah put her hands on her hips and made her complaint. "You have to have kid's books so we can read. You're a bookstore and we want books too." She continued making her case. "Did you give my letter to Mrs. Tumbleweed? You promised you would give it to her." Mr. Lumpkin closed his eyes and lowered his head in his hands. The very tall lady Mr. Lumpkin had been talking to stopped talking and thumbed through a large binder she was holding in her hands. She pulled out a piece of paper and held it out in front of her like it had cooties or something and began to read, having a hard time reading Sarah's cursive writing style. Dear Mrs. Tumbleweed, My name is Sarah Sims. I am eight years old and in the third grade at Praston Elementary School. I'll be nine in February. I am learning to write cursive. I visit your store sometime with my mom because I love to read and some of my friends do to. I think you will sell more books if you have a place just for kids to sit down and read some of the books they might want to buy. Your store should be a fun place for us to come, don't you agree? Thank you, Sarah Sims. " Are you this Sarah Sims?" Mrs. Tumbleweed asked sternly. "Yes, I am. Who are you?" Sarah asked with confidence. "I'm Mrs. Lois Tumbleweed." The lady leaned down and reached out her hand to shake Sarah's, but Sarah didn't want to shake back. She had to get to know adults before she took a liking to them, especially if they didn't look friendly, and Mrs. Tumbleweed didn't look too friendly. " Well, Miss Sarah Sims, why are you so interested in us selling more kid's books? "Sarah took a breath. She hesitated a bit to formulate her thoughts. "Because Because, we have to read in order to learn. If we don't read, we will grow up stupid. If we don't read, we won't know how to live in this world. If we don't read, you will be stuck with a lot of problems when we grow up." Sarah stood still waiting for a response from Mrs. Tumbleweed. But instead of replying to the store owner just stared at her. Sarah stared back. These books are fun for the whole family and the stories are interesting and informative to adults and children of all ages. What a great gift to learn what your motivational gift is Get this book for you or your young teacher. You can buy one book an enjoy it as a stand-alone adventure or get the entire series as a bundle.

Hiro Plays Tiny Tim is book #4 in the Anna's Friends series of 8 illustrated books for the 3rd grade level, or age 8-10. All age levels, actually. Hiro; s character illustrates the motivational gift of Exhortation. In book #4 we will follow Hiro through his journey of practicing for his role as Tiny Tim in the classic play, "A Christmas Carol" and how he overcomes the adversity of such an important role with his wit and humor. This fun excerpt shows us one of the fun traits of this child - teasing his friends: "Hiro had a rubber spider in his pocket just waiting for the right time and the right person to tease with it. He got down off the table and sat by Sarah, then quietly and slowly took the rubbery toy critter out of his pocket to be ready for the right moment. "Okay, all in favor raise your hand," Anna told the group. Everyone raised their hand except Jesse. "Perfect," Hiro said under his breath. While everyone's hands were raised, he slid the spider in Sarah's notebook that was laying on the table. "Sarah will you write a few lines about the reading contest and give it to me before you go home so I can put it in the newsletter?"Anna asked. Sarah was very thrifty. She opened her notebook to take out a piece of paper. She let out a scream that everyone in the park heard. Sarah's notebook went flying through the air. Papers floated up and down and everywhere just like bird feathers, and the spider too. The rubber critter came down and landed on Cayden's hair but no one saw it just then. "Where did it go, where is it?" Sarah shouted and moved around the table like a chicken with its head cut off. Some reviews: Tammy: "Kendyl and I have loved it We are reading it together, laughing and learning. The book prompted Kendyl to ask me what her gift was. I said let's keep reading and find out. She has a servant's heart. It also prompted Kendyl to think about her friends and classmates and their gifts. What's great is that this age group can relate so well to the author's purpose. It comes shining through clearly. I didn't tell Kendyl the theme of the book...she figured it out on her own which is important for this audience age. Yvonne is an excellent author " Paola: "I really enjoyed reading this book with my children. It got my children and I thinking about our own God given gifts and how we want to explore them further. We were so into the story that we could feel the emotion coming from the book. We felt Anna's excitement as well as her sorrow at times. It is a great book which I will recommend to anyone You even made my eyes water a few times. Xavier: My 9-year-old son laughed at the silly things Hiro would do to the girls because I think he relates to the character. I like how Mr. Henderson wants his students to share their God given gifts with the world. Aysel: My 10-year-old daughter was into the book and loved how God was included and prayer was mentioned. She really enjoyed reading Anna's Friends. She liked how it was easy to understand and follow. Angela: "I opened the manuscript and began reading a few pages. I was IMMEDIATELY "sucked" into the story and I can't wait to finish what I need to do right now so I may get back to the book. Enough said? I am...I, I don't have the words. This is a God thing." All the books in the Anna's Friend's Illustrated children's Book Series make great stand-alone gifts or you can buy the entire series as a bundle. Great choick for home schooling too. Get yours today

The Hayride is book #3 in the Anna's Friends series of 8 illustrated books for the 3rd grade level, or age 8-10. Excerpt: On the way to Sunday School Maria spotted the same young girl as last week. She pushed her face and hands to the window when the car passed the little girl so she could watch her. "Mama, there she is " Anna told her in a loud voice. "There who is?"The little girl from last week. The one that didn't wear good shoes or a coat. It's colder today than it was last week."The little girl was playing hop scotch on the sidewalk right where she was last Sunday. She still didn't have on any tennis shoes or a coat and it was really cold outside. "Mama stop. Please stop " Maria said loudly. "Stop the car. I need to go to that girl.""No, Chica, you will be late for Sunday School," her mother insisted. "But mama, look.She doesn't even have on a coat and it's so cold outside," Maria argued. The church was only a block away. Maria kept her eye on the girl. Her heart was beating fast.As soon as Mrs. Rodriguez stopped the car at the curb Maria jumped out and ran toward the girl.Maria is a very likeable girl in this fun filled book that takes us on a series of scenario's.From helping a friend who has been bullied to confronting the bully to entering the pumpkin contest at the Fall Festival to meeting Joshua and Sophie. See how she deals with these matters in "The Hayride". Some Early Reviews: Tammy: "Kendyl and I have loved it We are reading it together, laughing and learning. The book prompted Kendyl to ask me what was her gift. I said let's keep reading and find out. She has a servant's heart.It also prompted Kendyl to think about her friends and classmates and their gifts. What's great is that this age group can relate so well to the author's purpose. It comes shining through clearly. I didn't tell Kendyl the theme of the book...she figured it out on her own which is important for this audience age. Yvonne is an excellent author "Paola: "I really enjoyed reading this book with my children. It got my children and I thinking about our own God given gifts and how we want to explore them further. We were so into the story that we could feel the emotion coming from the book.We felt Anna's excitement as well as her sorrow at times. It is a great book which I will recommend to anyone You even made my eyes water a few times.Xavier: My 9-year-old son laughed at the silly things Hiro would do to the girls because I think he relates to the character. I like how Mr. Henderson wants his students to share their God given gifts with the world.Aysel: My 10-year-old daughter was into the book and loved how God was included and prayer was mentioned. She really enjoyed reading Anna's Friends. She liked how it was easy to understand and follow.Angela: "I opened the manuscript and began reading a few pages. I was IMMEDIATELY "sucked" into the story and I can't wait to finish what I need to do right now so I may get back to the book. Enough said? I am...I, I don't have the words. This is a God thing." Get your copy today Or save and get the entire Anna's Friend's Series

"The Assignment" is a fun book #1 in a series of 8 illustrated children's books for the 3rd grade level, or ages 8-10. You'll travel with Anna during the summer between second and third grade and become totally entrenched in this little girl's woe's as she manages to overcome her trials in a myriad of ways. You'll laugh and you'll cry with Anna Renee Riley. And, you just might end up becoming one of her best friends. A letter from Anna: Welcome to my world My name is Anna Renee Riley. I'm seven-almost eight-years-old-and I just finished up second grade. It was really hard at times but, I managed to make it through. On our last day of school, I was sitting at my desk and making a list of all the things I wanted to do during summer vacation. Then my worst nightmare happened Our teacher, Mr. Henderson-this was his first year as a teacher at Praston Elementary-gave us some homework to do. Yes During our vacation. Can you believe that? He said that we would have a test on it when we enter the third grade. Of course we all protested but, it didn't work. Here's how that went down..."Class, I know that it's been a tough year and you're all ready for summer vacation." Cheers filled the classroom. "Well I don't want to put a damper on your plans but I've decided that I'm going to give you some homework to work on to prepare you for the third grade. Moans and groans replaced the excitement that moments earlier filled the air. "Hold on now. It's not what you think." "Then what is it teach?" Daniel asked. "Yeh, what kind of teacher gives homework during the summer? I'm gonna write about this in my newsletter " chided Anna as she jumped up from her desk and hopped on top of it crossing her arms in defiance. I guess you'll have to read my book to find out what the assignment is, and, I hope you'll be one of my new friends It will sure make my summer more fun. Early reviews: Tammy: "Kendyl and I have loved it We are reading it together, laughing and learning. The book prompted Kendyl to ask me what was her gift. I said let's keep reading and find out. She has a servant's heart. It also prompted Kendyl to think about her friends and classmates and their gifts. What's great is that this age group can relate so well to the author's purpose. It comes shining through clearly. I didn't tell Kendyl the theme of the book...she figured it out on her own which is important for this audience age. Yvonne is an excellent author " Paola: "I really enjoyed reading this book with my children. It got my children and I thinking about our own God given gifts and how we want to explore them further. We were so into the story that we could feel the emotion coming from the book. We felt Anna's excitement as well as her sorrow at times. It is a great book which I will recommend to anyone You even made my eyes water a few times. Xavier: My 9-year-old son laughed at the silly things Hiro would do to the girls because I think he relates to the character. I like how Mr. Henderson wants his students to share their God given gifts with the world. Aysel: My 10-year-old daughter was into the book and loved how God was included and prayer was mentioned. She really enjoyed reading Anna's Friends. She liked how it was easy to understand and follow. Angela: "I opened the manuscript and began reading a few pages. I was IMMEDIATELY "sucked" into the story and I can't wait to finish what I need to do right now so I may get back to the book. Enough said? I am...I, I don't have the words. This is a God thing."

Anna's Friends Save the Animal Shelter is book #2 in a series of 8 illustrated books for the 3rd grade level, or age 8-10. The Anna's Friends series is a fun way for children to discover what their motivational gifts are as stated in the book of Romans chapter 12. Book #2 is a delightful story about how Anna, who has the gift of facilitation (leadership) leads her classmates to coordinate a project to raise money for the local animal shelter. The reader will interact with Anna, Hiro, Maria, Jesse, Sarah, Daniel, and Cayden. Each of the children has one of the seven motivational gifts. We see how they interact with one another based on their gifts. This excerpt shows us that Anna is in full blown leadership mode the night before her big event: Anna could hardly sleep. She watched the clock move to 12:30 am. Over and over in her head she reviewed her list just to make sure that everything was done. Questions kept popping into her mind and refused to let her sleep. What if nobody comes? Will the music be loud enough? Oh my, if Maria forgets her lines everything will fall apart. And-and the costumes must be there by 9:00 o'clock in the morning Anna jumped out of bed, rushed over to grab her notebook and reviewed the list one more time just to make sure everything was ready for her big day. " Your child will come to love the Anna's Friends series and will want to be one of her friends too. Early reviews: Tammy: "Kendyl and I have loved it We are reading it together, laughing and learning. The book prompted Kendyl to ask me what was her gift. I said let's keep reading and find out. She has a servant's heart. It also prompted Kendyl to think about her friends and classmates and their gifts. What's great is that this age group can relate so well to the author's purpose. It comes shining through clearly. I didn't tell Kendyl the theme of the book...she figured it out on her own which is important for this audience age. Yvonne is an excellent author " Paola: "I really enjoyed reading this book with my children. It got my children and I thinking about our own God given gifts and how we want to explore them further. We were so into the story that we could feel the emotion coming from the book. We felt Anna's excitement as well as her sorrow at times. It is a great book which I will recommend to anyone You even made my eyes water a few times. Xavier: My 9-year-old son laughed at the silly things Hiro would do to the girls because I think he relates to the character. I like how Mr. Henderson wants his students to share their God given gifts with the world. Aysel: My 10-year-old daughter was into the book and loved how God was included and prayer was mentioned. She really enjoyed reading Anna's Friends. She liked how it was easy to understand and follow. Angela: "I opened the manuscript and began reading a few pages. I was IMMEDIATELY "sucked" into the story and I can't wait to finish what I need to do right now so I may get back to the book. Enough said? I am...I, I don't have the words. This is a God thing."

For those that enjoy a lazy afternoon with a book of poetry, you will enjoy "And The Angels Danced". Yvonne's poetry has a spiritual essence; a ring of sort that speaks to the soul. This collection of 60 poems is divided into 6 sections: Dance, Protection, Praise, Song, Cry, and Silence of the Angels. The words will touch your soul and in some cases minister life to those parts of your being that may have been crying out for more. Come with the angels and take a journey into the soul.