SMASHING80 BOOKS

THE ROGUE

The incredible story of John Montague — golfer, outsider, legend.

John Montague became one of the most mysterious and talked-about golfers of his time. His astonishing talent brought him into the orbit of Hollywood stars and some of the biggest names in golf — while a hidden past threatened everything.

The Rogue follows the remarkable rise, secrets, arrest and trial of a man whose story became a national sensation.

CATHEDRAL OF THE SEAS - North Atlantic, 1798.

Captain Adam Hale commands The Cathedral, a magnificent merchant ship whose crew has become his family. When a perilous voyage brings violent storms, desperate rescues, and impossible decisions, Adam must rely on the hard-won wisdom that has made him a respected leader of men. But the greatest danger may not lie in the sea.

Adam carries unanswered questions from a childhood he has spent years trying to escape. As the ocean tests his courage and a mysterious truth draws nearer, he begins to realize that some journeys cannot be navigated by charts-and some storms remain hidden within the heart.

Rich with maritime adventure, unforgettable characters, and timeless wisdom, Cathedral of the Sails is a sweeping historical novel about courage, leadership, redemption, and the secrets that shape who we become.

Boonville, California - Late 1800s

Some places change your life forever.

Nestled among the vineyards, redwoods, and rolling hills of California's Anderson Valley, one young woman discovers that love is never simple-and miracles often come disguised as heartbreak.

As Alice's world becomes entangled with Thomas Briggs, powerful friendships are forged, families are tested, and dangerous enemies emerge. Greed, betrayal, and long-buried secrets threaten to destroy everything they hope to build. Yet through every trial, courage, faith, and the strength of ordinary people shine brighter than fear.

Rich with unforgettable characters, authentic Boontling traditions, and the rugged beauty of a changing California, Miracle in the Valley is a sweeping historical romance about love, loss, forgiveness, and the miracles that can grow from broken ground.

The Island Of White Lava

by Judy Belshe-Toernblom (Author) Format: Paperback

Some islands are found on maps. Others are discovered only by those brave enough to journey beyond the horizon.

Fourteen-year-old Aliʻi has always wondered what lies beyond the blue line where the sea meets the sky. But when he is kidnapped aboard a ship called the Sea Serpent, his dream of adventure becomes more dangerous than he ever imagined.

Carried far from the warm shores of Nalu, Aliʻi finds himself on a mysterious island covered in white lava—a frozen land where a frightened village lies beneath the shadow of a forbidding castle and nothing is quite what it seems.

Kanani becomes his guide sent from Akua, and his friend, but she cannot change his circumstances. She can only introduce him to the Wisdom of Akua. To face an unknown enemy, unravel the island’s secrets, and find his way home, Aliʻi must decide whether he can trust that Wisdom to guide him.

Filled with Hawaiian beauty, mystery, danger, and magic, The Island of White Lava is an unforgettable adventure about friendship, courage, faith, and refusing to surrender hope.

Skyhawk and the Stolen Wishes by Judy Belshe-Toernblom

One mysterious pyramid. One unforgettable adventure. One boy destined to discover that courage is the greatest magic of all.
When Skyhawk travels to the past and must confront an ancient ruler lives in an enormous Aztec pyramid. Every chamber holds a new challenge, every clue unlocks another mystery, and every choice tests the strength of his heart. Joined by loyal friends, unexpected allies, and a healthy dose of humor, Skyhawk must solve impossible puzzles, outwit dangerous enemies, and uncover secrets that have remained hidden for centuries.
Skyhawk and the Stolen Wishes is an exciting middle-grade adventure filled with mystery, friendship, laughter, and timeless lessons about bravery, kindness, and believing in yourself. Perfect for readers who love magical quests where every page reveals another surprise. Ancient secrets. Deadly traps. A mystery that has waited centuries for the right explorer.
But the greatest treasure buried within the Magical Pyramid isn't made of gold. It's a discovery that could change Skyhawk and others forever.
The greatest adventures don't begin with treasure.
They begin with courag

The Lady, The Llamas, and The Green VW Bus

by Judy Belshe-Toernblom

What happens when a free-spirited lady, four unforgettable llamas, and a little green Volkswagen bus decide their mission in life is to bring everyone joy?

Meet Becky, Elvis, Bowie, Prince, Briar, and Pimento—the happiest little VW bus you'll ever meet. Together they discover that the greatest adventures aren't measured in miles, but in the smiles they leave behind.

Filled with laugh-out-loud moments, lovable characters, gentle life lessons, and a little everyday magic, The Lady, the Llamas & the Green VW Bus is a heartwarming story that reminds children—and the grown-ups reading with them—that joy is contagious, kindness is never wasted, and every day is an adventure waiting to happen.

The story is based on a 'Magical Time" in my niece Becky's life. She loved being the Lady, with the Llamas and the retro VW Bus.

So hop aboard...
It's Joy O'Clock Somewhere!

Warning: This book may cause spontaneous smiling, random humming, and an overwhelming desire to wave at strangers.
Side effects: may include: smiling, humming, hugging, and suddenly wanting your own llama.

The Boy Whose Clothes Grew With Him

by Judy Belshe Toernblom (Author)

When eight-year-old Clarence Gumfudgen wishes he didn't have to make so many decisions, his wish comes true in the strangest way imaginable. His closet contains only one outfit. His breakfast never changes. His days become perfectly predictable.

And somehow, his clothes keep growing right along with him.

At first, Clarence thinks he's discovered the greatest gift in the world. But when birthdays disappear, Christmas vanishes, and every day becomes a copy of the day before, he begins to wonder if something precious has been lost.

In this warm and unforgettable tale, Clarence learns that mistakes, surprises, and even difficult choices are what make life an adventure worth living.

A magical chapter book for children who worry, overthink, and are learning to trust themselves one choice at a time.

"Because a life without choices may be easier—but a life with choices is where the magic happens."

The 12 DIAZ of Christmas

by Judy Belshe-Toernblom (Author)

Robert and Elizabeth have everything money can buy-and almost nothing that makes life worth living. Their once-loving marriage has grown cold, their elegant California home is painfully quiet, and Elizabeth has forbidden Christmas celebrations ever since a long-ago tragedy shattered her heart. Then Robert receives astonishing news: he has a forty-year-old son he never knew existed.

Bob Jr. soon arrives with his very pregnant wife, Rose, eight lively children, and Pearl, their pot-bellied pig. The boisterous Diaz family turns Robert and Elizabeth's perfectly ordered world upside down. Robert embraces his newfound family, but Elizabeth wants the unwelcome visitors gone-especially before her carefully planned Thanksgiving dinner.

When a Tennessee wildfire destroys the Diaz family's home, Robert insists they remain through Christmas. As the household fills with laughter, mischief, and unexpected love, a mysterious St. Nicholas begins appearing to Elizabeth, gently challenging her to face the grief that has imprisoned her for decades.

From a disastrous Thanksgiving to an unforgettable Tennessee Christmas, one family's joyful chaos may be exactly the miracle Robert and Elizabeth need.

The 12 Diaz of Christmas is a heartwarming family comedy about faith, forgiveness, second chances, and discovering that the greatest gifts do not come wrapped beneath a tree.

90 Days at Sea

by Judy Belshe Toernblom

90 Days at Sea is the tale of one lonely fifties-something woman's searching for her soul mate, her forever and lasting love. This Hollywood author, script-writer, filmmaker, embarks on a journey of discovery that will leave you laughing, cheering, holding your breath, and proud to be a woman. Home alone and drowning in loneliness, Chelsea surfed the new 90s information highway called the Internet. Her curiosity stumbled her into a chat room. What could go wrong there? With a single word, hello and a single click, send, Chelsea's keyboard morphed into a springboard that would bounce her from the ache of celibate loneliness to the ecstasy of true love, and then, without warning, to devastating news. Resilient, resourceful, and determined to learn the truth, Chelsea, travels from her West Coast to his East Coast to walk where he walked, and to see all that they had shared. His haunting words rang in her mind. "You have no idea how much I miss you. It's like an invisible rope is tied to my heart, pulling and tugging. My mind spins like a ship's wheel with endless thoughts of you. You own my heart. You live in my mind, please come and claim my body." Yes, the mind is the battlefield. If a person can capture the mind they can own the body. But what happens to the heart? On her journey she becomes entangled in a reality that proves more bizarre, more dangerous, and more unbelievable than any filmmaker's most twisted fantasy.

The Forgiveness Dance

by Judy Belshe Toernblom (Author) Format: Paperback

How do you forgive someone that doesn't think they've done anything wrong? It's tough.

My story is like so many others that were in an abusive marriage. I hope for you is that my journey and path that God took me on will help you. There is hope.

52 Conversations to have before you say "I DO"

WHY I wrote this book: I’m a survivor: I was in an abusive marriage and unfaithful husband for 16 years that left lasting scars on both me and my children. I wish I had asked more questions before saying, 'I do.'" You quickly find out that, “I love them” is not enough to sustain a healthy life. Ask the questions. I wish that there had been a book like this that simplified these important questions when I was young and dating, but here it is now.
There is no shame in asking questions. In fact, your life and your future children's lives depend on it. This particular decision will affect every decision that you make for the rest of your life. Let that marinate in your brain. You are thinking of making a commitment to another person. This decision will be a big part of your story for the rest of your life. Want a glimpse into the future? Ask the questions. See whether their answers—and yours—are something you can live with.
These questions are based on the most common contributors to divorce identified by a free research archive maintained by the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Library of Medicine. It contains full-text scientific and medical journal articles.
The sources cited in this book do not automatically make every conclusion perfect, but they generally provide stronger evidence than typical internet articles. Excellent sources include peer-reviewed journals, PMC/PubMed studies, government research, and university research. University research, Good, Professional counseling organizations, Major nonprofits, and some established educational sites.
Then also researched: Blogs, Law firm websites, Relationship coaches, Magazine articles, Divorce research, Marriage counseling research. Gottman Institute findings, Premarital counseling questionnaires, and long-term marriage studies.
I found that lack of commitment, constant conflict and arguing, and infidelity resulting in broken trust ranked among the highest contributors to divorce. Other sources: Wilkinson & Finkbeiner, Differences in values, religion, politics, and life goals. Hoffman Divorce Strategies, Lack of intimacy and affection Clagett Law. Substance abuse and addictions CCB Law. Household inequality and resentment Clagett Law
Financial disagreements are one of the most frequently reported contributors to divorce. Talking about money early can prevent years of misunderstanding." www.divorcenet.com
This book is intended as a conversation and relationship-building resource. It is not a substitute for professional counseling, legal advice, financial advice, or mental health treatment.

62 Conversations Between Generations: From the Series: Every Life Leaves Gold Behind

by Judy Belshe Toernblom (Author)

"Behind every smile of youth and every wrinkle of age is a story waiting to be told."
This is a one-piece game. No puzzle pieces. No dice. No game board. Everything you need is right here in this book.
I created this book because, as I've gotten older, I've noticed something important: meaningful conversations between generations don't happen as easily as they once did. We are more connected than ever through technology, yet often less connected to one another.
The truth is, younger people are fascinating when we take the time to listen. They have dreams, ideas, fears, hopes, and stories worth hearing. And those of us who have traveled a little farther down life's road have experiences, lessons, and memories worth sharing.
Behind every smile of youth and every wrinkle of age is a story waiting to be told.
These 62 conversation starters were created to spark connection, laughter, understanding, and friendship. Use them with family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, classmates, travelers, dating couples, community groups, or even complete strangers.
Because sometimes all it takes is one question.
One question can start a conversation. One conversation can build a friendship. One story can become a treasure.
Because every life leaves gold behind—we simply need to take the time to discover it.

The Gold Between The Cracks: Living Lessons From A Beautifully Imperfect Life

by Judy Belshe-Toernblom (Author)

One day, someone will wish they had asked you one more question. Not about your bank account. Not about your possessions. Not about your accomplishments. They will want to know: What made you laugh? What broke your heart? What gave you courage? What mistakes taught you the most? What did you believe about God? What did you learn about love? You're not getting older; you're stepping into the richest years of your wisdom.
This journal was created to help you leave behind something more valuable than money. This is your story to tell. You didn’t get older, you became a library that should not be lost or untold. Tell the world what you learned so they don't have to learn it alone. Your book becomes a treasure map of questions yet to be asked. It’s not a memoir, it’s a survival guide. This isn't a book about being broken. This is a book about being used, loved, carried, tested, repaired, and still valuable.
Some of life’s greatest treasures are hidden in the cracks. This journal is a space for the pieces that shaped you, the lessons you never saw coming, and the beauty you found in between. Write it all down. Your story is in the gold.
You didn’t just buy a journal, you found a way to leave yourself behind for others.