The Casino Down the Street
The Casino Down the Street distills a three-year study on casinos and the overall dangers of gambling addiction. Just as all of my books are based on true stories, this one is also. I decided to “get in the saddle” and gamble (despite being warned against it by my father) and soon fell into the hole (literally) of addiction. With spiritual intervention, I was able to “get on the wagon” and use all of my experiences to write this book. I hope that it will help you or someone close to you.
In addition to my personal experience, we will also examine the following:
* How a casino tick
* The types of gamblers
* Are you addicted
* Do casinos intentionally get patrons hooked
* Why the “golden years” are a golden goose for casinos
Pavlov
“I will accept anything that showers me with gifts.”
When Sadie Collins stretched out her arms and yelled this “oath” to the universe, something was listening. Soon the materialistic girl “finds” a stunning yet spooky slot machine that starts fulfilling her wishes – and turning her life upside down. Known as “Pavlov,” the machine demands allegiance for its magic … or there will be Hell to pay!
Once Sadie realizes something otherworldly is at play, she seeks the help of a pastor, and a parishioner who had fallen under a similar spell. Will God-given talent and wisdom prevail against demonic trickery? Well, what does The Book say?
The Cabin in the Woods: And Other Short Stories
The stories you’re about to read are based on the goodness of Christian faith.
In each setting — whether you are an honest family man trying to earn better for his family, an innocent boy who could always strike up a friendship with any senior (including the town’s only bear), or a teen testing the waters with an elder — let faith be your guide.
It will see you through each and every time!
The Best Money Can Buy
The Best Money Can Buy is a story where the Bible is challenged by wealth and fame. Author Matt Shea is at it again! This is his latest inspiring story about faith and the challenges this world presents. All encompassed around a local racing legend by the name of Rusty Hampton and a teen looking for direction. What starts out as a bumpy road full of checkered flags and trophies becomes one of prayer and intervention. A story that rejuvenates faith with a little spice thrown in! Matt feels this is his very best so far
Judge Alvin Wong in ‘The Mouse That Roared’ plus ‘Lauratown and Other Short Stories’ and ‘The World’s Greatest Rock Stare’ and Other Short Stories
This compilation by Matt Shea contains three books in one! Many of these stories first appeared as eBooks, but they are now all available in this softcover.
First, Judge Alvin Wong in on the case in The Mouse that Roared. This story illustrates a crossroad every teen faces somewhere in life that presents the question, “What do I want to be when I grow up?”
The other two stories: Lauratown and The World’s Greatest Rock Star have many stories attached to them as well. Each story contains a wonderful lesson and glorify our Lord.
Judge Alvin Wong
Judge Alvin Wong is a modern-day story with yesterday’s lessons — all encompassed within a traditional Wild West setting. This all-American story typifies a struggle that exists everywhere: the battle between upper class and the so-called lower class.
Matt Shea exemplifies this quirk in human nature by going a step further. He throws in a streetwise Chinese American judge, a crafty individual who uses his charm and common sense to dance around racial barriers while resolving issues.
The pinnacle of this story is when a brash rancher named Blaine Wolf sets himself up to be sentenced by Judge Alvin — in a saloon. Blaine is pompous about his wealth and uses every opportunity to highlight it. In fact, he went as far as suing a humble ranch hand—only to disgrace him in court over a small debt. From there, more salt is poured when the plaintiff elects to drop the case midstream, thus denying the hired hand any dignity.
Judge Alvin Wong tips the scales even when Blaine tries to save face. Foolishly, he grants Alvin permission to informally sentence him while others watch.
The result?
A harmless, yet poetic justice is set in motion — a soul-searching trek that has one rancher learn about life, and the goodness of our Lord.
The King of Coalman’s Hill
For all his long life, Clayton Graves has served the people of his mountain community at Coalman’s Hill. The caretaker of the legendary Graves family home, where the doors are always open to those in need, Clayton spends his days bringing food to the hungry, warmth to the cold and helpless-and most of all, caring for his beloved granddaughter, Elizabeth. But the Lord has plans for his faithful servant that Clayton could never foresee. When impending tragedy strikes the legendary mountain man, his strength is tested as he struggles to ensure a bright future for Elizabeth, as well as his dearest friends and the tight-knit, snowbound community that has come to rely on him. A poignant story of love and family, old-fashioned values, childhood nostalgia, and the challenges we all face in life, “The King of Coalman’s Hill” will resonate long after the final words are read.
The Meadowdale Community Project
Demolition crews continue to raze abandoned and condemned structures in the sleepy town of Meadowdale – a city hit hard by the sluggish economy. A once-cherished building is now the dilapidated Meadowdale Community Center (MCC), where the handicapped and mentally-challenged sort recyclable materials and create artwork from refuse that catches their eye. This prompts many to consider the MCC a burial ground for lost causes. But a mysterious stranger in a wheelchair arrives and befriends an intellectually-challenged teen, Chase Mansfield. When the Community Center is condemned and Chase realizes the squirrel he feeds is about to become homeless, he comes up with an ingenious idea that changes his future – and the future of the community. Chase and his invention soon unite the entire city, breaking down barriers related to wealth, politics, age, mobility and intellect. In an age of fiction based on witchcraft, libido, and immorality, The Meadowdale Community Project is a family-friendly story for all ages, tastes and background.
The Groundskeeper and Other Short Stories
“The Groundskeeper and Other Short Stories” is a compilation of writings centered around the common man. Factories, neighborhoods and schools are author Matt Shea’s most frequent settings and often allow the reader to laugh at him/herself.
Many of these stories are based on how Shea thinks Andy Griffith would write about small-town life today. Occasionally, however, there are a few hints of Rod Serling thrown in just to make things interesting.
Chase: A Special Person & The Discovery of Teddy Downing
Chase Mansfield and Teddy Downing personify a diamond in the rough in today’s society. Chase represents those who are naturally deficient in some areas, but graced with compassion. Teddy, on the other hand knows the pain of rejection. He is one of many being raised by a lone grandparent. There is a common thread that the two share. Each juvenile is fully aware that their mere appearance can taunt a social injustice. From there, a stigma will be placed on them; but only from the weak. They do however, possess a strength that dissolves this cruelty. Their first-hand experience of being misunderstood allows them to easily identify the pain in others. Courage, love and understanding are the tools that they incorporate. Chase and Teddy nurture the very insecurities that their critics secretively battle and bring down the wall. What happens next is a beautiful unification. These seemingly insignificant beings touched those who once outcast them. A warm community spawns as a result from this. In the end, everyone is grateful that a ‘Chase Mansfield’; or a ‘Teddy Downing’ entered their life.
Elmo
Elmo is a story about an economic crisis in the small town of Miner. Fundraisers, food drives, and generous donations initially held the financial plague at bay. Eventually the township was forced to bend with the rest of the nation causing the dads to volley back with a clever remedy. They would brave the winter nights and secretly take shifts dressed as a hobo on the corner of Main Street and Elm…