In this biographical adventure, Maurits Van der Veen takes us on a journey that begins with the tumultuous life of a "heretic" in seventeenth-century Amsterdam. Through more than two hundred years, we follow the ancestors of the "heretic" from generation to generation: from the jungles of Indonesia, to the city of Shanghai, China, back to The Netherlands, and finally, to Vancouver, Canada. Throughout the story, these unique characters show bravery, defiance, endurance, and spirituality--together, they leave the reader with a strengthened faith in humanity.

Beyond Religion is about faith and logic, sin and guilt. It is also about innocence and its punishment. Thomas Spanner’s dysfunctional father blames Thomas for his sister’s death. Unable to cope with the guilt, Thomas becomes drug addicted; he has a religious experience, gives up his drug dependency and eventually becomes a priest. Assigned to an isolated religious community, he tries to fight its harsh medieval Catholicism, as he falls in love with Greta, church secretary and nominal Catholic. They marry and, together, escape from the community and its dark secrets.

Robert Wagner is one of nine children born to an immigrant Catholic family that moved from Germany to northern Canada after World War II. His education included elementary schooling by the Sisters of the Sacred Heart and, later, a brief stint at a Catholic Seminary. He then pursued an academic career and received a science degree, M.D. and anesthesia specialty. His first marriage to an Anglican Archbishop’s granddaughter was unsuccessful. He now lives with his wife, Claire.

"Acknowledged Truths: Lord Bentinck and the Abolition of Sati" (Essay--in Rediscovering the British Empire, ed. Barry Ward, published by Krieger)

"A highly readable polemic on the abolition of sati (widow-burning) . . . suggesting alternative ways of looking at familiar problems. The author . . . pre-empts some of the prevailing trends in British imperial historiography today and invites readers to understand the theme of rediscovery in terms of making value judgements about Britain's imperial record, particularly in the ethically murky waters of cultural imperialism."--Stuart Ward, Journal of Colonialism and Colonial History

From darkness into light . . . In this frank memoir of incestuous love, gay coming out, and spiritual growth, the author travels through several Middle-Eastern countries where the oppression of Arabian women becomes the mirror through which she sees her own reflection.

In the end, her search for sexual and self-identity, healing, and escape from her family--particularly her father--leads directly to her own soul. And this discovery brings her to an acceptance of being gay, to her own belief in spirit, and to a sense of belonging. Circles in the Sand will resonate with the many who have struggled to become open and comfortable about their homosexuality. It will also speak to a wider range of women who have similarly struggled for their own personal truth, empowerment, and acceptance.

A brave debut book by a writer who has never forgotten what it feels like to be young and to be silenced.

"Beautifully written . . . While reading your book, women will cry with you, journey with you and heal with you."--S. H., Publisher, Synchroncity Magazine

Book of the month, April 2006--The Divine Times

"I love this book. Samadhi Whitehouse captures the intertwining nature of many important subjects, from family problems and sexual identity to war, religion and women's empowerment. As we travel through these exciting pages we find we are all connected, and all on the same path. I highly recommend Circles in the Sand."--Gary Renard, author of The Disappearance of the Universe

"An extraordinary story of courage, self-discovery and soul growth that every woman, especially gay women, should read. They will see their own struggles for acceptance mirrored here and will perhaps find their own answers written in the circles in the sand."--Colin Tipping, author of Radical Forgiveness, Making Room for the Miracle and Radical Manifestation: The Fine Art of Creating the Life You Want

"Whitehouse drew me in and didn't let me go until I reached the final word of this powerful book."--Story Circle Reviews

"So compelling, it is hard to put down."--Synchroncity Magazine

"Deeply personal and engaging."--Curve Magazine

"An amazing book . . . one of the best that I have read in a while now. Samadhi's voice is very strong and her experiences are real and very touching. Regardless of differences in names, places, circumstances, and dates, I and millions of women from around the world can relate to the wonderful journey of self discovery described in the book."--Huda Henry-Riyad, CEO & Publisher, The Key Publishing House Inc.

"Truly a very wonderful book."--Dave Lakhani, best-selling author of Persuasion: The Art of Getting What You Want

Samadhi Whitehouse's website

The Gingerbread Girl (Book--children's fiction)
A classic fable is retold, with a new twist.

The Candy House Witch (Book--children's fiction)
An evil witch makes the biggest mistake of her life when she attacks a little girl who loves candy--and knows martial arts.

Owen Yearwood was born and educated on the Caribbean Island of Barbados and now resides in New Jersey. He has written many stories for children, including The Rematch Between the Hare and the Tortoise.