Best Selling Books by Brad Smith

The New York Times bestseller, now updated with new material on cyber attacks, digital sovereignty, and tech in a pandemic. From Microsoft''s president and one of the tech industry''s broadest thinkers, a frank and thoughtful reckoning with how to balance enormous promise and existential risk as the digitization of everything accelerates. “A colorful and insightful insiders’ view of how technology is both empowering and threatening us. From privacy to cyberattacks, this timely book is a useful guide for how to navigate the digital future.” —Walter Isaacson Microsoft president Brad Smith operates by a simple core belief: When your technology changes the world, you bear a responsibility to help address the world you have helped create. In Tools and Weapons, Brad Smith and Carol Ann Browne bring us a captivating narrative from the top of Microsoft, as the company flies in the face of a tech sector long obsessed with disruption as an end in itself, and in doing so navigates some of the thorniest issues of our time—from privacy to cyberwar to the challenges for democracy, far and near. As the tumultuous events of 2020 brought technology and Big Tech even further into the lives of almost all Americans, Smith and Browne updated the book throughout to reflect a changed world. With three new chapters on cybersecurity, technology and nation-states, and tech in the pandemic, Tools and Weapons is an invaluable resource from the cockpit of one of the world’s largest tech companies.

From a writer who “rivals Elmore Leonard at his best” (Publishers Weekly) comes the third novel in the Virgil Cain series—a riveting story that opens with the discovery of the body of a movie star near the Hudson River. From the author of CROW’S LANDING and RED MEANS RUN comes the third novel in the Virgil Cain series—a riveting mystery revolving around the discovery of a moviestar’s body near the Hudson River. In upstate New York, Virgil Cain is drawing hay behind his team of massive Percherons when two movie scouts show up and offer $500 a day to use the horses in a film to be shot in the area. Virgil, in need of cash, reluctantly pockets the money, but he soon finds the chaotic set of Frontier Woman to be more trouble than it’s worth. Savvy producer Sam Sawchuk is in over her head; when she’s not propping up her talent-challenged husband-cum-director, she’s trying to keep tabs on a new invesu00adtor, the Native American casino owner Ronnie Red Hawk, a rambling egomaniac with designs on an infamous starlet. When the film’s leading lady turns up dead, Virgil discovers that more is at stake than the carnal interests of a casino magnate and the production of a major motion picture. And although he’d rather leave the whole bunch to stew in their own juices, he realizes he needs to step in before a charming ten-year-old actress named Georgia becomes the next victim.

Students learn astronomy by doing astronomy.

Whether you work with the urban poor or the urban powerful; volunteer in a ghetto; work as CEO of a business; live in the "hood"; or focus your ministry on a few people, a neighborhood, or a city to transform the social structure of society--this study will give you new ideas and tools to pursue your calling.

The Advent is a 24-day devotional that walks us through a Biblical calendar of prophecies and events in the lead up to Christmas Day. Use each chapter of The Advent to enter into a time of reflection and spiritual growth in preparation for the most widely recognised day in the Christian calender: the birth of Jesus Christ. Brother Brad Smith brings together Biblical research, historical facts and other stories to present the promises given by God about the coming of Christ the Messiah to the nation of Israel. Follow the ''reason for the season'' through the pages of the Old and New Testaments and uncover the prophetic promises that were spoken about Christ. Challenge your spiritual growth in the chapters of The Advent in the 24 days leading up to Christmas Day. Reflect on the daily readings to participate in the reason why Jesus came to earth, as promised to Eve in the garden of Eden, to Abraham, the prophets and to those surrounding His birth. Step into the promises of history and become part of the storyline to experience the love of God in Christ Jesus. This is a companion book to "Via Crucis Via Crucis The Way of the Cross The Way of the Light", which was written for the Easter season. Table of Contents Advent 1: The Curse Advent 2: The Priest Advent 3: The Covenant Advent 4: The Blessing Advent 5: The Dream Advent 6: The Sceptre Advent 7: The Ruler Advent 8: The Shoot Advent 9: The Builder Advent 10: The Virgin Advent 11: The Angel Gabriel Advent 12: The Unbelieving Priest Advent 13: The Lord’s Servant Advent 14: The Pregnant Cousin Advent 15: The Righteous Man Advent 16: The Innkeeper Advent 17: The Little Town Advent 18: The Stall Advent 19: The Shepherds Advent 20: The Star Advent 21: The King Advent 22: The Glory of Israel Advent 23: The Prophetess Advent 24: The Plan

Jack-of-all-trades Virgil Cain gets tangled up in an old crime surfacing from the waters of the Hudson River, in this second novel in a series from Brad Smith. JACK-OF-ALL-TRADES VIRGIL CAIN GETS TANGLED UP IN AN OLD CRIME SURFACING FROM THE WATERS OF THE HUDSON RIVER IN THIS SECOND NOVEL IN A SERIES FROM BRAD SMITH. For Virgil Cain, a day of fishing on the Hudson River yields more than he bargained for when, while pulling up anchor, he hooks on to a mysterious steel cylinder. As word of Virgil’s strange catch spreads around the local marina, it draws the attention of a crooked city cop, who seizes both the cylinder and Virgil’s boat. Soon, an old drug deal gone sour surfaces, and to get to the bottom of it—and to get his boat back—Virgil teams up with a captivating single mom, Dusty, who knows far too much about the cylinder and the pure cocaine it contains. The landscape is soon cluttered with the dealer who claims ownership of the cylinder, his murderous sidekick, and a wild card in the form of a crazy Russian cowboy. Virgil and Dusty find themselves trapped in the middle and desperate for a way out.

In "Kingdom Prayer Creed", Brother Brad Smith takes a closer look at the text commonly known as The Lord''s Prayer, and expands on it with other Biblical supporting texts. It is often recited by nervous church folk when confronted with the propects of evil - however in this exposition of the Lord''s Prayer, there is another angle that gives a deeper meaning to what Jesus was teaching the disciples to do. The Kingdom Prayer Creed is not simply a book about prayer, but encompasses how we are to live a fully loaded Christian life while anticipating the Kingdom of God to come. There are only 11 chapters and just over 50 pages, making the book short, succinct and easy reading. If you are looking to grow as a Christian in the Kingdom of God, then the Kingdom Prayer Creed is something you will enjoy sinking your teeth into.

“A slow-burning tale of vigilante justice”—first in a the series from the award-winning author of the Virgil Cain mysteries and Cactus Jack (Kirkus Reviews). Carl Burns returns to his hometown to uncover a viper’s nest of corruption and dark secrets in this tense and twisting novel of suspense . . . After ten years’ absence and a spell in prison, Carl Burns has returned to his hometown of Rose City to offer support to his estranged daughter Kate, currently one of four witnesses testifying against former Mayor Joseph Sanderson III, who stands accused of multiple counts of underage rape. Carl is determined to get justice for Kate, whatever it takes. But with his former sister-in-law Frances his only ally, he finds himself incurring the wrath of powerful enemies as he attempts to uncover the shocking truth beneath the layers of corruption and lies which engulf the town. Praise for Brad Smith “Brad Smith has got the goods—he’s funny, poignant, evocative, and he tells a blistering tale. A writer to watch, a comet on the horizon.”—Dennis Lehane, New York Times bestselling author “Rivals Elmore Leonard at his best.”—Publishers Weekly “Country noir doesn’t get much better.”—Library Journal “Nobody does stand-up guys better than Smith.”—Booklist

Seeing Through Their Eyes, Vol 1. Let me take you on a journey of thirty years, where over time I’ve had the privilege of soaking up the environment of thoughts of many people who live through the history of the Bible. In some ways it feels like I’ve met them all personally, as I’ve studied and meditated on them – researching the events and times that make their situation unique. I’ve pondered what it’s been like to be in their shoes, and sometimes wondered what I would have done if it was me in their situation. My aim has been to tap into the essence of their thinking, of their emotion, and cause a very deep emotional connection with you, the reader. If my book is simply “a good read” or “a poetic resurrection of Biblical narrative” then it’s missed its mark. This book is a small compilation of poetry, prose, songs or short stories, intended to take a “slice” out of the life of a Biblical character and help us see what they are seeing, feel what they are feeling, and pause … then make a response. Each item is a perception, a listening, a waiting – for the tick-tock of thoughts in their head to come to life - and from there to make sense of their situation, translated into poetic rhythms. Through hearing the voices of their mind, we can take time to reflect. And consider. And change. Now if you’re expecting a cross-referenced Bible College style narrative, this compilation is likely to annoy you – as it is not intended to be a “scripture and verse” adaptation of the Bible. Instead, the way to read these short stories (and prose and poems) is to “look between the lines” of the Bible and take into consideration the context and environment and influences that were around in the early centuries. I’m using a little poetic licence in many places, however I’m an avid student of the Word and I’m not attempting to be flippant, nor am I trying to change the perception of the accounts that are printed in the Bible. I’ve pursued many hours of study and research to determine just exactly how these stories or songs or poems might be best unfolded from the Word. So please, I insist that you take time to slow down and absorb the message and relate to the feelings expressed; and understand the word plays I use. My prayer is that these pages ignite your spirit and help you soar! Brother Brad Smith

Back in the Garden, work was fun. Yet, in today’s fallen world, joy and work are rarely used in the same sentence. But God really does intend for us to find joy in our work. Join Raymond Bakke, Brad Smith, and Bill Hendricks as they explore what the Bible says about the purpose of business and our right to a joyful workplace. No matter where you spend those 50 or 60 hours during the week—whether it’s in business, government, or the nonprofit sector; in church, at home, or anywhere else—God intends for you to find joy in your work. This 10-week study accompanies Joy at Work, a book by Dennis W. Bakke, co-founder and CEO of AES, a worldwide energy giant with 40,000 employees in 31 countries. Shaped by his faith, Bakke recounts his quest to create the most fun workplace ever—using principles established in the Garden. This study provides the biblical map that he used as he charted and led that journey. Starting with the Genesis record of creation and moving through Revelation, this Bible study supplements Joy at Work with: Biblical readings that unveil the principles behind each chapter in Joy at Work A synthesis of theological principles Reflective questions to prepare readers for small-group discussion Questions for small-group discussion Guidelines for immediate and long-term application for business and nonprofit leaders at all levels of corporations and organizations. The Joy at Work experience has the power to profoundly change your workplace and your life.

A novel about hope, redemption, and getting even, not necessarily in that order Just out of prison for attacking the man who assaulted his sister, Ray Dokes heads back to the small Canadian town where he was raised. Vowing to lie low, he moves in with Pete Culpepper, a Texas cowboy who has always been a grounding influence on Ray, but whose debts are growing faster than his corn. Between roofing houses and watching Pete''s nine-year-old gelding at the races, Ray soon crosses paths with just about everyone in town, including Pete''s new jockey, Chrissie, a tough young woman whose ease with horses is equaled only by her mistrust of people, and Ray''s former lover Etta, who views him with more skepticism than ever. Then there are the hired hands of the Stanton Stables: Dean, a wise guy who embodies the phrase "all hat and no cattle," and his sidekick, Paulie, a simple-hearted man who has a way with animals. And last but not least, there''s Sonny Stanton, the vicious, violent, and spoiled heir of his father''s electronics fortune-and the man Ray spent two years in jail for nearly killing. When the opportunity arises to con Sonny out of some ill-gained wealth-and protect themselves and their homes in the process-everyone''s willing to band together and take a gamble. Surprisingly poignant yet laugh-out-loud funny, All Hat tells a classic story of little guys fighting big guys and reaffirming the meaning of honesty and friendship-and second chances-in the process.

Brad Smith, a “funny, poignant, evocative” (Dennis Lehane) crime novelist, debuts a new series set in upstate New York featuring jack-of-all trades, Virgil Cain, who must clear his name of two murders while on the run from the law in this spirited country noir. Mickey Dupree is one of the most successful criminal attorneys in upstate New York, having never lost a capital murder case. That is the upside of being Mickey. The downside: Mickey has a lot of enemies and one of them drives the shaft of a golf club through his heart, leaving him dead in a sand trap at his exclusive country club. The cops, led by a dim-witted detective named Joe Brady, focus their attentions on Virgil Cain. Just two weeks earlier Virgil told a crowded bar that “somebody ought to blow Mickey’s head off,” after the slippery lawyer earned an acquittal for Alan Comstock, the man accused of murdering Virgil’s wife. Comstock, a legendary record producer, gun nut, and certifiable lunatic, has returned to his estate, where he lives with his wife, the long suffering Jane. It appears to Virgil that the fix is in when Brady immediately throws him into jail with no questions asked. In order to set things right, Virgil escapes from jail, determined to find Mickey’s killer himself. Aside from a smart and sexy detective named Claire Marchand, everybody is convinced that Virgil is the culprit. When Alan Comstock is discovered with six slugs in his body the day after Virgil’s escape, his guilt is almost assured. Now it is up to Virgil to convince everyone of his innocence—by finding the killer before he winds up as the next victim.

Follow Chris and John as they become interested in soccer and take the first steps on the path to soccer stardom.

From the heart of the industry in Grand Valley near Grand Junction, where grapes are grown, to the more remote areas of the state to the popular urban setting of the Front Range, 38 official wineries can be found throughout Colorado. This new edition details each winery, directions on how to find it, and offers an overview of the industry.

"Earth and Mars relates in images and words the life story of two planets: both born in the dusty disk surrounding the young sun; each shaped by volcanic activity, wind, and water; but only one home to life"--Provided by publisher.

Summer 1936, Wilkes County, North Carolina during the great depression. The Flagg family resides in the middle of the Appalachia - one of the hardest hit areas in the country. As the depression drags on the Flagg family watch their molasses business decimated. Jedediah, the family patriarch and his sons Morgan and Ezra struggle to produce a few meager gallons a week. That is until their sister Ava arrives home and takes control of the family business and starts running moonshine. Ava bails out ex-con Bobby Barlow and tells him he is working for the Flagg family now. With threats mounting from rival clans and the local cops breathing down Bobby''s neck, he and Ava devise a plan to play them all, one against the other. They don''t necessarily do it by legal means but that doesn''t bother them. To live outside the law, you must be honest.

Legacy is the authors account of the trials he has encountered throughout his life and the lessons he has learned from them.

Civil War buffs and con men collide in this wickedly funny, Hiaasen-esque story of old-time relics and modern greed Dock Bass is a carpenter-turned-realtor in upstate New York. He has a social-climbing wife he doesn''t love (or even like), a job he hates, and a rapidly crumbling sense of self-respect and self-worth. Like a lot of people, he yearns for a change. Like very few, he decides to leave his life behind, hit the road, and go looking for it. He finds it in Pennsylvania, of all places. Summoned to Gettysburg by a law firm, he learns that he''s inherited an ancient house from a deceased relative whom he never knew existed. Renovating the place, Dock stumbles upon a treasure trove of Civil War memorabilia squirreled away in an old root cellar, including pictures and possibly even a recording of Abraham Lincoln at Gettysburg. And in a world where John Kennedy''s golf clubs are worth $750,000, what dollar figure does one place on items connected to the greatest American president at the venue of his most inspiring and memorable speech? Plenty, Dock soon finds out, as he''s forced to defend his new find from the onslaught of collectors, history buffs, and media hounds descending on his doorstep. Fortunately, like Honest Abe himself, he''s the right man for the fight-independent, funny, loyal, and stubborn as a Missouri mule. When the scallywags and opportunists-including an easy-on-the-eyes television reporter with one hell of an attitude-start crawling out of the woodwork, he''ll need all of that. And maybe a little more.

When a deranged loner kills twenty-six people in a Pennsylvania schoolyard, the country is stunned and devastated. Among those catatonic with grief is Jo Matheson, an organic farmer who has lost her goddaughter in the shooting. Sam Jackson, an egotistical right-wing TV talking head, has sliding ratings and faces imminent cancellation. He arrives in Pennsylvania and during a rant, he blames the parents of the dead children. He intends the tirade to be his last salvo but, incredibly, his ratings climb, while Jo watches from her farmhouse in upstate New York, incensed. Sam rides the wave, shouting that itu0092s time to take the country back from the left-wing weaklings who donu0092t have the courage to protect their children. When he is asked to run for Congress, he accepts and amplifies his message. Watching these developments in horror, Jo finally decides that there actually is something she can do. She kidnaps Samu0092s ten-year-old daughter.

The “absorbing” second thriller featuring ex-con Carl Burns from the award-winning author of Rough Justice and the Virgil Cain mysteries (Publishers Weekly). The hunter becomes the hunted: Carl Burns pursues the ruthless gang who targeted him in this fast-paced, suspenseful thriller. Happily ensconced at River Road Farm and planning to start their own maple syrup business, life is good for Carl Burns and his partner Frances, who also stars in her own TV show. But, unwittingly, Frances’s TV exposure has attracted unwelcome attention. Targeted by a gang of small-time criminals who need to get their hands on a large amount of cash—fast—Carl and Frances’s perfect lives are shattered in an instant. With clues as to the gang’s identity thin on the ground, the cops’ hands are tied. It’s up to Carl to track down the perpetrators and bring them to justice—in whatever way he can. “Smith’s unsparing depiction of a small-town justice system that depends on ‘everybody’s ratting everybody out’ . . . allows a sense of monstrous injustice to fester till it’s ready to explode.”—Kirkus Reviews Praise for Brad Smith “Brad Smith has got the goods—he’s funny, poignant, evocative, and he tells a blistering tale. A writer to watch, a comet on the horizon.”—Dennis Lehane, New York Times bestselling author “Rivals Elmore Leonard at his best.”—Publishers Weekly “Country noir doesn’t get much better.”—Library Journal “Nobody does stand-up guys better than Smith.”—Booklist

Via Crucis Via Lucis: The Way of the Cross The Way of the Light is a 28 day devotional that carries us through the 14 Stations of the Cross and the 14 Stations of the Light during and after the Easter period. Use each chapter to enter into a time of reflection, repentance and spiritual growth during the season of Lent. Challenge your spiritual growth through purification and renewal during the 40 days after the Resurrection and the 10 days after the Ascension. Reflect on the readings to participate in discussions between Jesus and the disciples of the first century events during the birth of the Church. Spend time in each chapter to reflect on the greatest moments of history and become part of the storyline. Table of Contents Via Crucis 1: Jesus Prays Via Crucis 2: Jesus Betrayed Via Crucis 3: Jesus Condemned Via Crucis 4: Jesus Denied Via Crucis 5: Jesus Judged Via Crucis 6: Jesus Scourged Via Crucis 7: Jesus Carries Via Crucis 8: Jesus Helped Via Crucis 9: Jesus and the Women of Jerusalem Via Crucis 10: Jesus Crucified Via Crucis 11: Jesus and the Good Thief Via Crucis 12: Jesus’ Mother & Brothers Via Crucis 13: Jesus and the Centurion Via Crucis 14: Jesus Placed in the Tomb Selah Via Lucis 1: Jesus Rises from the Dead Via Lucis 2: Jesus’ Empty Tomb Via Lucis 3: Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene Via Lucis 4: Jesus and the Disciples Via Lucis 5: Jesus on the Road to Emmaus Via Lucis 6: Jesus Breaks Bread Via Lucis 7: Jesus Appears in Jerusalem Via Lucis 8: Jesus Gives Power to Forgive Via Lucis 9: Jesus and Thomas Via Lucis 10: Jesus and Peter Via Lucis 11: Jesus Sends the Disciples Via Lucis 12: Jesus Ascends to Heaven Via Lucis 13: Waiting for Jesus Via Lucis 14: Jesus Sends The Holy Spirit

** A delight from paddock to finish line." --Booklist (STARRED REVIEW) ** Brad Smith “rivals Elmore Leonard at his best” (Publishers Weekly). His latest novel, for fans of Richard Russo and Jane Smiley, is a terrific novel about a thirty-something single woman, the untried colt she inherits, a horse crazy little girl, and their band of misfits and has-beens who stick it to the establishment in the cutthroat world of horse racing. Billie Masterson is a thirty-something chronic underachiever, drowning herself in alcohol and bad relationships in Ohio. She hasn’t been home to the family’s broken-down thoroughbred farm in Kentucky since college. Her mother committed suicide when Billie was a teen and she blames her father, Will Masterson. When Will drops dead while working on the farm, Billie returns to rural Kentucky for the funeral, intending only to pay her respects before high-tailing it back to Ohio. However, she’s informed by her father’s lawyer, the garrulous David Mountain Clay, that she now owns the farm…and all the debt that goes with it. Determined to sell everything, settle the debts and get out of town, Billie discovers that her father’s colt, a horse named Cactus Jack, is the object of obsession for billionaire Reese Ryker, the louche scion of a department store dynasty and now owner of Double R Racing, one of the top thoroughbred stables in the world. Billie is willing to sell everything to Ryker—until she realizes that he’s an entitled misogynist and a not-so-subtle racist. Against her better judgment, she decides to keep the farm and the untested horse. To do that she needs to race the animal—and beat Ryker at his own game. Assisted by a team of misfits, including a washed-up trainer with whom she has a bit too much history, the horse-crazy little girl next door, and her father’s ex-girlfriend, Billie and Cactus Jack take the track by a storm.

When the pandemic struck America, Lou decided to use his time to do something positive and share his passions with everyone. He first worked on a cookbook, In Lou of Going Out, to offer folks simple to follow recipes to enjoy with their family and even host impressive dinner parties for their friends. In doing so, Lou considered that another key part of an evening out is having a cocktail or two before, during, and after dinner. Lou went to work on his second book, S.I.P.: A Cocktail Guide and Reference for Making Craft Cocktails at Home. This guide includes information on equipping a home bar as well as what type of glass to pour that special drink into and serve. Lou has been engaged in the restaurant business and bartending on and off most of his life. He and his second wife, Laurie, hosted a gourmet dinner club for over ten years. After losing his wife to a battle with cancer in 2007, Lou continued to follow his passion and hosted dinner gatherings and cocktail parties with family and friends. Lou currently bartends at the Northridge Country Club in Fair Oaks, California. He collaborated with his bar manager and good friend Brad Smith to complete this book. Lou hopes you will enjoy learning the art of creating craft cocktails and hosting your own gathering with family and friends in style. Sale proceeds of the cookbook In Lou of Going Out and the S.I.P. Cocktail Guide will be donated to Feeding America. Salute!