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Secrets are revealed. Lies are exposed. And in order to have a future, William and Eva will have to delve into the past. 

William Templeton, widower and police chief of Eden, North Carolina is working the scene of a local woman's drowning when the body is found with an old gold coin in her pocket - identical to a coin that was discovered on Catherine's body, his estranged wife, over a year ago. Catherine's case, originally deemed a tragic accident, has been reopened, forcing William to step down as police chief. 

Historian and Blackbeard expert, Eva Knightly, is brought into the investigation to help identify the coins and can't understand why her good friend Catherine never mentioned anything about it. When more coins surface at a local church, Eva and William know it's more than mere coincidence. With the entire town whispering about Blackbeard, cursed coins, and lost treasure, it becomes hard to separate what is true and what is a myth. 

The Seafarer's Secret is a thrilling cinematic mystery featuring the exigent slow-burning romance between William and Eva as they work together to reveal the secrets and lies of Eden, North Carolina. Though, in order to have a future, they'll have to look deep into the past to keep from being a modern-day killer's next victim.

As daughter of a well-known matchmaker, Catríona Daly is no stranger to the business of love—and sees it as her ticket away from the sleepy village that only comes alive during the annual matchmaking festival. Enter Lord Osborne's son, Andrew, who has returned to the festival after being disappointed by a rival matchmaker's failed setup. Catríona seizes the opportunity to make a better match for the handsome man—and for herself!

Cattle farmer Donal Bunratty is in desperate need of a wife after loss left him to handle the farm and raise his daughter on his own. Shy and lacking the finer social graces, he agrees to attend the matchmaking festival to appease his daughter. But when he arrives, it's not any of the other merrymakers that catch his eye but rather his matchmaker—who clearly has eyes for someone else.

Catríona will have to put all her expertise to work to make a match that could change her life forever. Will her plan succeed? Or will love have its own way?

A fast-paced, action-packed time travel adventure! (with a dash of romance)

A unique and exciting novel that will appeal to fans of Douglas Adams, Terry Pratchett, and Monty Python.

This humorous sci-fi tale follows Dan and Freddie from frozen wastelands to outer space and back to earth as they ride the surf of time, share sandwiches, fall in love, and try to avoid saving the universe.

James Henry Ferguson doesn't belong here.

After a highly publicized fall from grace, James attempts to flee from the chaos in his life. He ends up in a community he had never heard of before, one that has been neglected and ignored by everyone in rural Ham, Mississippi. A place of abject poverty, the neighborhood is commonly referred to as "Around the Way."

Within a place forgotten by the rest of the world, politics can be a dangerous game. When a troubling discovery is made, the entire neighborhood is rocked to its core and James is forced to confront his own past in order to help the community have a future. He will have to find the strength to fight for the neighbors he once disregarded and avert a heart-breaking disaster.

A self-identified failure is forced to uncover the wisdom of his past in order to recognize that money can't solve every problem. Full of never-ending twists and turns, no one can prepare themselves for the surprises in store. Mr. Jimmy From Around the Way is a story about failure, self-discovery, empowerment, and the possibility of redemption.

One pinch of adventure, a dash of friendship, a sprinkle of mystery and a HUGE spoonful of magic... Jamie Oliver, bestselling author and internationally renowned chef, delivers the perfect recipe for a page-turning children's fiction debut!

Billy and his friends know that Waterfall Woods is out of bounds; strange things are rumored to have happened there and no one in their village has ventured past its walls for decades... But when they discover a secret way in, Billy and his best friends, Anna, Jimmy and Andy, can't resist the temptation to explore! Only to quickly discover that the woods are brimming with magic and inhabited by all sorts of unusual creatures, including a whole community of sprites who need the children's help!

With magical battles, a long-lost mythical city, fantastical flying machines, epic feasts and one GIANT rescue—not to mention some mouth-watering recipes at the back—get ready for an adventure you'll never forget!

They were an unlikely pair: a “fast and frantic” woman and a steady, “pickin’ at it” man. And even though both had been raised in cities and knew nothing about farming, Bill and Cynthia Thayer moved to Maine, started an organic farm, and made it work for more than forty years. Then a mysterious disaster strikes and Bill is found lying in the road.

In We’re Going Home, Cynthia relates the aftermath of the accident, interspersed with recollections of her life with her beloved “Farmer Bill,” from their first meeting to their final goodbye—and her life beyond.

When Lorraine, a recent college graduate, starts work at a residential treatment center for troubled teens, she quickly finds herself absorbed into a world very distant from the idyllic lobsters-and-lighthouses fairy tale she had always associated with Maine. Instead, she discovers a landscape of abused and angry teenagers, illicit romance, and danger. Still, she grows to love the place and its people until events shatter her confidence in the world and her own morality. Years later, disheartened and battered by life, Lorraine is unexpectedly drawn back to that world to confront the person she was, the choices she made, and the bitter ghosts that still haunt her.

In Sunrise and the Real World, Martha Tod Dudman has penned a taut and spellbinding coming-of-age novel that will stay with you long into the night.

Ruth was delighted to enter nursing school at Kingston General Hospital. Nursing had to be a better life than staying in her tiny town, marrying a local boy, and raising a large family for her father's church like her mother had. At first, she fails, and is sent to the local Tuberculosis Sanatorium to build up her skills.

It's 1946, and the San is overflowing with wounded and returning soldiers, women, and children. Ruth must find her way among the dying, depressed, and sometimes too-friendly patients, as well as demanding doctors and a jealous mentor--without getting sent home, infected, or forced into marriage. And she still hopes to make her way back into nursing school.

Author D.A. Brown draws on her own experiences as a nursing student at Queens University (decades later) and extensive research to vividly illustrate the challenges of mid-century health care.

“Covid-19 stole so much. But one of the things it couldn’t steal was the power of stories."

From the author of the international bestseller The Headmaster's Wife and other novels comes a collection of essays written during the Covid-19 pandemic while the author sheltered in place in his tiny Vermont town. While in isolation, he observed a small town at its best: neighbors helping neighbors, the joys of gardening, the pleasure of a small boy riding his bike, and walks in the park with his dog Hugo. Childhood memories and stories of family life are intertwined, and what the reader gains is a sense of community, family, and belonging. These stories may be tiny, but they show how grand the human capacity for love, and how that love is greater than the ills that befall us.

In Notes from the Porch we see Greene's capacity for true storytelling at its finest, and it is a great gift to us all.

Fleeing death by the Spanish Inquisition, a Jewish doctor makes an impossible choice between home and faith, then struggles to lead his family on a journey for a new life.

GRANADA, SPAIN, 1492. Vidal ha-Rofeh is a Jewish physician devoted to his faith, his family, and his patients. When Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand conquer Granada they sign the Alhambra Decree, an edict ordering all Jews convert to Catholicism or depart Spain in three months’ time under penalty of death.

Against his wife’s belief that converting is safer than exile, Vidal insists they flee. Unwillingly leaving behind their oldest daughter with her Catholic husband, Vidal’s family joins a caravan of 200 Jews journeying to start their lives anew across the sea in Fez. On the caravan, Vidal struggles to balance his physician duties of caring for the sick while struggling to mend strained relationships with his family. At the same time, his daughter back home finds herself exposed to the Spanish Inquisition living as a converso in a Christian empire.

Presenting readers with a painful but important part of Jewish history, South of Sepharad is a heroic, heart-breaking story of a father who holds tightly to his faith, his family, and his integrity all while confronting the grief of the past and the harsh realities of forced exile.

What will Maya be when she grows up? A rocket scientist like Annie Easley? An Olympic athlete like Alice Coachman? A brain surgeon like Alexa Canady?

In this heart-warming and funny story, Maya discovers the achievements of some amazing Black women... but it's a brave Nigerian princess who really captures her imagination! 

With humor and zeal, Stephanie Taylor celebrates the lives of incredible Black women in this moving and funny, feminist narrative, while award-winning illustrator Jade Orlando's colorful art perfectly captures the warm and charming mother-daughter relationship. 

Enhance your dreaming with groundbreaking research and wisdom from vivid dreamers throughout history, sacred texts, and the present day.

We're asleep almost a third of our lives. What if those sleeping hours hold wisdom, creativity, and even connection with the divine? What if our dreams offer spiritual insight and guidance--not just for ourselves, but for our communities?

In The Spirituality of Dreaming, leading dream scholar and expert Dr. Kelly Bulkeley brings us a set of time-honored methods to stimulate innate dreaming capacities and amplify their impact in our waking lives. Dreams have been a perennial source of spiritual insight and guidance across all cultures and religions throughout history, he asserts, but the sacred energy of our dreams has often remained untapped. Relying on years of research, data analysis, and interviews, Bulkeley offers wisdom and strategies from "big dreamers"--people who have vivid, intense dreams and remember them. He also distills the latest findings on dreams: the impact of digital technologies on our dreams, the phenomena of lucid dreaming and dreaming incubation, practices of dream-sharing, the creative role of dreams in cultural innovation, and the growing evidence that animals dream too.

In conversation with people who care about dreams and spirituality, Bulkeley makes a case for taking ourselves seriously as dreaming visionaries. By drawing on classic and contemporary works of theology, anthropology, and psychology, along with the latest dream research, Bulkeley maps the spiritual power of dreaming and argues that our dreams matter in ways we do not yet fully realize, both individually and collectively. Together we can learn how to unlock the sacred truths revealed within our sleeping selves.

Detective Robert Lui’s life has turned to mush. He’s lost his job with the Vancouver Police Department and his girlfriend is tired of his endless self-pity. Fortunately, Robert lives in a city where politicians’ ambitions vastly exceed their skillset.

The resulting disasters result in his new employment as a private investigator, exploring the causes of a problems with the GreenSide project. His digging leads to startling discoveries about corruption in the city, a threat to his life, and a confrontation with gang members from his recent past. His survival depends on unexpected help.

A daring rescue in the middle of a snowstorm in this compelling Red Fox Road companion survival story for ages 10 to 14, for fans of Hatchet and The Skeleton Tree.

After a family trip turned disastrous when their truck broke down in the middle of an old logging road in Oregon, Francie is now back in British Columbia. People try to make things as "normal" as possible for her, but they don't understand that trying to be normal in your old life that's exploded is the worst feeling in the world. Luckily for Francie, the wilderness is still soothing, and an opportunity to attend the Green Mountain Academy, a tiny boarding school perched on the side of a mountain, seems perfect.

It's a new start, with new friends and a chance at a new family. But when a winter storm hits, knocking out all the power, news that a small plane has gone missing unsettles Francie. Knowing that the chance of survival in the middle of a wild nighttime snowstorm diminishes over time, Francie is compelled to leave the cozy school and set out into the icy cold, swirling snowstorm...

Just Up The Road: A Year Discovering People, Places, and What Comes Next in the Pine Tree State follows Chelsea Diehl's year-long journey through the state of Maine as she travels far and near to complete one hundred adventures and hopefully gain insight into what she wants to do next with her life. Through candid, humorous, and personal accounts of new and revisited journeys, readers will follow along on her trail of stays, discoveries, hikes, and meals—all while getting to meet some of the people that make them possible and possibly learning a little about the things that truly matter.

This funny and reassuring celebration of non-nuclear families will help children to understand that they will always be loved—even if parents separate or divorce.

When Dad says that he's moving out, Lily-May feels all upside-down inside. But now Dad comes on Sundays, and they ride their bikes really fast and make secret dens together. Lily-May plays more just with Mom now, too—and when Mom's new partner Peter comes over, they play pirate ships! Sometimes, there are tricky moments—Lily-May hates it when Mum has to work late—but a birthday party with Lily-May's big fantastic family helps her realize just how many people love her.

Beautifully written in rhyme by the award-winning authors of the bestselling George's Amazing Adventures series, this uplifting story with a diverse cast of characters embraces all the positive aspects of becoming part of a blended family after a divorce or separation.

Mother Teresa's collected writings offer inspiration and guidance for all spiritual seekers.

St. Teresa of Calcutta, the woman we all knew as Mother Teresa, was a devout Catholic nun, deeply devoted to Jesus. She expressed her ceaseless devotion in many ways, central among them her well-known work with the poor and the sick. Her lesser-known expressions of faith included her deep respect for all religions and her burning wish for all people to grow closer to God. With a longing to reach as many souls as possible, she wrote, "I've always said we should help a Hindu become a better Hindu, a Muslim become a better Muslim, a Catholic become a better Catholic."

This carefully arranged collection of Mother Teresa's writings promises to both inspire and guide all people, from any or no faith tradition, who are seeking to find and walk a spiritual path.

"Mother Teresa was one of the great spiritual servants of our era, whose simple wisdom expressed untold depths of devotion. In this treasury of her thoughts on prayer, she offers the world another blessing."—President Jimmy Carter, author of Living Faith

Explore the world without leaving your kitchen. 

This lively collection of healthy and fun-to-prepare dishes introduces families to mindful eating with a colorful global flair. Vibrantly and realistically illustrated, this collection features over 90 delicious, nutritious, playful and sometimes exotic recipes from 40 countries!

Inside you’ll find recipes for: 

• Bibimbap – South Korea 
• Rumbledethumps – Scotland
• Baked Bananas – Nigeria
• Stamppot – Holland
• Licky Sticky Pudding – England
• Shogog Khatsa – Tibet

Author Nancy Mehagian is well-known for her previous culinary works, which have garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated following of home cooks and food enthusiasts alike. With Super Natural Family International Cookbook, she continues her culinary odyssey, exploring the rich tapestry of international flavors while keeping family values at the core. 

No passport required, just a taste for adventure!

Laurie Boyle Crompton's coming of age in rural Pennsylvania and the New York City area in the 1970s and 1980s was anything but idyllic. In moving verse accompanied by diary-esque sketches, Crompton takes you along as she navigates relationships, plays the happy family at church despite discord at home, manages her mother's ambitions and her father's alcoholism, struggles with her self-image, and desperately tries to fit in at school by squeezing into too-tight designer denim.

Explore more of the dark and fascinating world of true crime with this well-researched trivia book.

In this companion to the #1 ranking True Crime Trivia, podcaster, researcher and author Michelle Tooker takes you on a journey through some of the most notorious crimes in history. With 300 questions and answers, you'll test your knowledge of everything from serial killers to cold cases, unsolved mysteries to white-collar crime.

Whether you're a devoted true crime enthusiast or a curious newcomer, True Crime Trivia 2 is sure to interest and enlighten. With every turn of the page, you'll delve deeper into the motives, methods and investigations of infamous cases around the world.

True Crime Trivia 2 is organized into six chapters, covering the following topics: ◆Unsolved Mysteries, Missing Persons & Cold Cases ◆Serial Killers ◆Alleged Cults & New Religious Movements ◆True Crime Books, Documentaries, Movies & Shows ◆Organized, White-Collar & Other Collar Crimes ◆International Crimes

Challenge your intellect and explore the intricate details surrounding notorious moments in history. This book is the perfect way to test your knowledge of true crime, learn about new cases and challenge yourself and your friends.

This book makes a perfect gift for true crime lovers, murderinos, true crime junkies, true crime fanatics and anyone fascinated by the dark and macabre.

Of Starlight and Midnight combines adventure, romance, magic, and Norse myth and shows that some Fates are worth fighting for, especially when the Norns get involved.

It’s been two years since light-elf brothers Aramis and Søren fought beside Anya in Russia. The Álfr mountain city of Svetilo is safe once more, but their books and relics are still scattered on the supernatural black market. When Aramis gets a lead on a book of magic, he and Søren decide to investigate and find more than they bargained for.

Librarian Asta is still grieving over the death of her mother. All she wants to do is hide at the University of Oslo, unravel the mysteries of the strange book she inherited, and hang out with Tyra—the cool Norwegian cousin she never knew she had. The last thing she wants is to help arrogant Dr. Søren Madsen work on his book, no matter how good-looking he is, but she doesn’t want to get fired so she reluctantly agrees.

Søren knows Asta is hiding something and when they are attacked by dark elves, he and Aramis will stop at nothing to learn the truth about the two mysterious women. But Tyra has a past of her own, and she’ll do anything to protect Asta’s secrets, even if it means siding with the dangerous light-elf brothers in a deadly war of dark and light.

Experience all the heartbreak and horror of Lucy Westenra with 11 brand new Bloofer Lady stories, a classic reprint, a sonnet, and an analysis from a co-creator of the StokerVerse.

Dracula Beyond Stoker is a fiction journal dedicated to celebrating and continuing the legacy of Bram Stoker's novel through new tales and rediscovered stories.

The new 50th Anniversary poetry collection by Everett Hoagland, 2023 winner of the American Book Award.

Hoagland was New Bedford, Massachusetts’ first Poet Laureate and is Emeritus Professor at the University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth, where he created and sustained five black literature courses in addition to poetry workshops. His awards include two Massachusetts Artist Foundation Fellowships, the Gwendolyn Brooks Award and the 2015 Langston Hughes Society Award.

"The passion of Everett Hoagland's social and historical consciousness match the skill of his lyrical command and the brilliance of his imagination."—Clarence Major

Tributaries is a collection of contemporary outdoor essays exploring the line between passion and obsession.

Written through the lens of a late-30-something, the book explores complex, evolving relationships between fathers and sons; between fishing buddies; between anglers and guides; and between outdoorspeople and the landscapes they cherish. From the pine-encroached rivers of Maine's Aroostook County, to the turquoise flats of Florida Bay, author Ryan Brod draws unexpected parallels between places, while introducing unforgettable characters determined to follow their outdoor passions no matter the cost.

Rendered in vivid detail, Tributaries examines tensions between presence and memory, illuminating fleeting yet transcendent moments.

Enter the small town of Second Chance, West Virginia in 1962, where the enchanting landscape belies the poverty of a dying coal town and tragedy shatters the idyllic life of young Laney Mae Martin.

When her father dies in a fatal car crash alongside another woman, Laney Mae's life spirals into disarray. Her bitter mother, Faye, uproots Laney Mae and her older brother Neal from their familiar surroundings to the D.C. suburbs. Branded as "hillbillies" in the suburbs, she endures merciless mockery and emotional scars inflicted by a deranged housekeeper and abusive stepfather.

Amidst the chaos, Laney Mae finds solace in a portrait of President Kennedy, pouring out her heart and conjuring an idealized father figure. As she navigates an era of assassinations and racial discord, the scars of her past shadow her adulthood and challenge her role as a parent. With her mother's terminal diagnosis, Laney Mae's desperate search for truth takes an unexpected turn. Embark on a poignant journey as Laney Mae unravels secrets, confronts grief, and seeks forgiveness--a second chance that holds the power to heal. This captivating tale of love, resilience, and redemption will grip your heart and leave you pondering the enduring strength of the human spirit.

Svay chronicles her journey as child of Cambodian refugees who fled the Khmer Rouge in the 1980s to make a new life in New York in this memoir. Sokunthary Svay was born in a refugee camp in Thailand shortly after her parents fled Cambodia following the fall of the Khmer Rouge. They resettled in the Bronx, where she grew up.

Currently pursuing a PhD in English at the CUNY Graduate Center, she is a founding member of the Cambodian American Literary Arts Association (CALAA) and has received fellowships from the American Opera Project, Poets House, Willow Books, and CUNY, as well as commissions from Washington National Opera, White Snake Project, and ISSUE Project Room. Her first book, Apsara in New York, was published in 2017. Her first opera with Liliya Ugay, Woman of Letters, premiered at the Kennedy Center in January 2020. Svay's second opera with Ugay, Chhlong Tonle, premiered in March 2022.

An eccentric British scientist’s quixotic attempt to curtail teak deforestation in the infamous Golden Triangle turns deadly when his agricultural research project near the remote village of Ban Su disrupts the decades-long practice of opium growing.

As the conflict ensues, Greg Robber, a young American “researcher,” finds himself entangled in the secretive affairs of his new British friend and an escalating battle to save both of their lives from the clutches of the nefarious, Chinese drug lord known as the Fat Man.

When Lord Saint Clair suddenly disappears in the dangerous hill tribe world of heroin production and drug smuggling, Greg descends into the sordid and sketchy shadows of Chiang Mai, Bangkok, and Pattaya, searching for allies among morally deficient and damaged expats, beautiful (if sullied) women, crooked gamblers, and terrible men—a brood of vipers—all of whom live by lies and lust while hiding their dark pasts.

Violence, romance, mutual betrayal, exile, and finally revenge will come to define Greg’s fate on his ultimate trip into the Golden Triangle.

Discover the Magic!

Follow the adventure of three wonderful friends - a little girl and twin unicorns - who journey to the beach and end up saving a family of fish. After rescuing them, the trio realizes the sea and the sand also need their help, and they join with others to clean things up. Aided by special unicorn magic, they restore nature's beauty and show how to make our world a better place.

As the German army invades the Netherlands in 1940, Aleida van der Zee Martens escapes to London to wait out the Occupation. Separated from her three-year-old son, Theo, in the process, the young widow desperately searches for her little boy even as she works for an agency responsible for evacuating children to the countryside.

When German bombs set London ablaze, BBC radio correspondent Hugh Collingwood reports on the Blitz, eager to boost morale while walking the fine line between truth and censorship. But the Germans are not the only ones Londoners have to fear as a series of murders flame up amid the ashes.

The deaths hit close to home for Hugh, and Aleida needs his help to locate her missing son. As they work together, they grow closer and closer, both to each other and the answers they seek. But with bombs falling and continued killings, they may be running out of time.

"As an Edible Schoolyard chef, Gwen embraces the joys and wisdom of farm to table eating. In this bountiful recipe collection she shares her love and reverence for our planet through fresh, seasonal food prepared simply and beautifully." —Alice Waters, founder of the Edible Schoolyard; executive chef, founder, and owner of Chez Panisse Restaurant Berkely, California; and NY Times Bestselling author

This lively and flavorful collection of plant-based recipes developed by Hollywood caterer and Edible Schoolyard Chef/Director Gwen Kenneally, offers more than 90 recipes to expand the vegan palate. Introducing new flavors and cooking techniques to those not yet familiar with the joys and benefits of plant-based eating, this illustrated cookbook includes sections such as "Toasts and Jam," "Soups and Stews," and "Greens and Sides" and features recipes such as:

• Fava Bean Mint Toast
• Beet Soup with Cashew Creme Fraiche
• Crabby Jack Cakes with Red Pepper Sauce
• Breakfast Quinoa
• Cedar-Planked Pecan, Bourbon and Brown Sugar Glazed Vegan Brie

Kenneally, a celebrated chef with over two decades of culinary experience, has crafted a cookbook that reflects her passion for sustainable and delicious plant-based dishes. The Plantastic Cookbook doesn't just offer delicious recipes; it also provides valuable nutritional insights and tips on maintaining a balanced plant-based diet, making it a valuable resource for those interested in health-conscious cooking.

Tender Headed, selected by Camille Rankine as a winner of the 2022 National Poetry Series, is a musical and formally playful meditation on Black identity and masculinity

"In Tender Headed, Olatunde Osinaike asks the question, what makes a man, and what makes a man like me? As he interrogates the inner and outer workings of masculinity in all its sharp and tender parts, and the way a Black man meets the world, his poems strut and duck and weave across their pages. These poems unpack the ingredients of being and make a meal of language. They relish every word, every sound, every syllable. Their music is the sugar that makes us take our medicine, but their beauty refuses to be disguised. They disturb the peace while asking, 'whose peace?' The poems are playful, not playing. They pulse and spin and push us forward, never carry us away. Even as we dance along, we never close our eyes. This work is nimble. A two-step on a tightwire. Tender Headed grooves and shines, holds us wide awake and mesmerized." —Camille Rankine, author of Incorrect Merciful Impulses

THE IRONY OF TRANSFORMATION often is that we mistake it to have occurred long before it does. Tender Headed takes its time in asserting the realization that growth remains ever ahead of you. Examining the themes of Black identity, accountability, and narration, we encounter a series of revealing snapshots into the role language plays in chiseling possibility and its rigid command of depiction. Olatunde Osinaike's startling debut sorts through the many-minded masks behind Black masculinity. At its center lies an inquiry about the puzzling nature of relationship, how ceaseless wonder can be in its challenge of a truth. In the name of music and self-identity, the speaker weaves their way through fault and how it amends Black life in America. 

This is demonstrated best in how the demanding, yet vulnerable tone for the collection is set in "Men Like Me," its restless opening poem. Here, we find the speaker reciting a chronicle of generational neglect from men that became him also. Earnest and sharp, there is a beauty in seeing a poet not shy away from both the melancholy and resolve of rescripting their path while cherishing their steps and missteps along the way. This collection is a panel aching of fathers, sons, uncles, grandfathers, all of whom would do well to join in and confront shared privileges that are typically curtailed or altogether avoided in conversation. Tender Headed entrusts the heart to be a compass, insisting on a journey unto itself and a melodic detour toward tenderness precise with its own footing.

Through 69 oil and watercolor paintings, JP Lane tells the story of 53 Grand Homes, including the triumphs, tragedies, and humor of the families who built them. The book features homes from 31 towns, from Redding to Bakersfield. This funny, heartwarming coffee table book also features 20 architectural styles and numerous painting tips.

Praise for Grand Homes:

“JP Lane has brilliantly captured the artistic essence of our 1959 mid-century-modern home designed by architect Carter Sparks. His expressionist painting during sunset strongly reflects Carter’s post-war period and newly found optimism and flare for innovation. Lane also graphically represents the societal attitudes of sitting by the reflecting pool at night enjoying the warm weather of the Great Central Valley. His colors emulate a sense of the mid-century design attitudes and symbolizes this great time of the valley’s movement of non-conformity and personal experience in art. As was with this mid-century period of art, Lane’s paintings are also transcending and revolutionary.” —Milford Wayne and Laurie Donaldson, California State Historic Preservation Department

“Grand Homes, lovely paintings, unique histories, and painting tips. What a pleasure to have the Oroville Chinese Temple Complex included. With this book as your guide, you will discover new sites, towns to explore, histories to expand on and, perhaps, paint a Grand Home of your own.” —Machelle Conn, Lead Docent, City of Oroville

“A beautifully created book, capturing the spirit and love of the diverse people who have made the Central Valley their home. A treasure which will live on forever. Thank you!” —Jean Okuye, California Farmland Trust

Sample profile: The Zalud House in Porterville

This house was commissioned by John Zalud and his wife Mary Jane, both of whom were born in Bohemia (in present day Czech Republic). After marrying in Chicago, they moved to Tulare and opened a restaurant and bar, catering to the local railroad workers. After the railroad relocated, they moved their family to Porterville, opening a saloon, and a rumored gambling room.

"The Zalud House is one of few houses of that era that has not undergone any remodeling and one of few museums in the nation that is furnished entirely with the original owners' possessions." Aside from the amazing architecture, what draws many visitors to this museum is the tragedies suffered by this family, which seem to know no ends. One daughter died of tuberculosis and the son died after a tragic horse-riding accident. Those types of deaths, although heartbreaking, were not that uncommon during that time. However, what happened to Zalud's daughter, Anna, and son-in-law, William Brooks, captured headlines in 1917.

Brooks was employed by the National Cash Register Company and traveled with his new associate and his wife, the Howes, to St. Louis, Australia and New Zealand. His wife, Anna Zalud, stayed behind in Porterville while her husband was on business. Though accounts vary, Julia Howe heard that Brooks was bragging publicly upon his return that they had had an affair while on the trip, damaging her social standing and creating a scandal in her house. "Her beauty and grace obtained entry for her into the most exclusive homes in the east bay district of Oakland." Brooks apparently ruined all of that by tarnishing her reputation.

While her husband was on business in Buenos Aires, Argentina, she traveled to Porterville, found Brooks drinking with friends in the lobby of the Pioneer Hotel, shot him four times in the chest, sat down, ordered a drink, and waited for the police.

I just want to know what drink she ordered, which we can assume was free of charge and delivered with trembling hands.

Her only public comment after killing Brooks; "A good job done."

Tow Truck Mo comes to the rescue when a fancy sports car gets stuck in a muddy puddle in this second book in the adorable Level 1 Ready-to-Read series by acclaimed author Patricia Lakin!

Mo the lovable tow truck always mambos while he works, but to rescue a sports car from a squelchy mud puddle, Mo's solo routine may have to become a duet!

Charlie Edwards once-perfect life is shattered when she discovers her husband's infidelity and plan to kill her for an inheritance. Feeling helpless and in danger, Charlie turns to her mirror-image twin, Dani. They use their specialized skill sets to assure his plan does not succeed.

FBI Brian Deeds is assigned to investigate Charlie's husband for bank fraud. When the possibility of his ex-fiance's involvement arises in the case, will his feelings override his duty?

In this gripping tale of deception and danger, the twins will use an outhouse, a pig farm and some very sharp knives to outmaneuver Jonathan and stay one step ahead of the FBI's investigation.

Will they have what it takes to make the dark choices to change their destiny.

This is the punny story of a sad donut mom who eventually realizes she's depressed. She seeks help and learns how to navigate through life while managing her depression.

Have you ever stared at the ceiling, tired eyes held open by a mind overflowing with thoughts, questions and feelings?

This is the background framing the whole conception of the poetic musings depicted in this book: a global pandemic, a life in a new country, and a moment of both professional and personal disruption. For any chronic overthinker the scenario of imposed, unannounced change, and the sudden awareness of Time is the "perfect” igniting spark to action. And that is how every bad mood, every unsolicited advice, every article, every news, every fear, every disappointment became a vessel for the words start to flow.

The series of poetic musings depicted in Little Things, Complex Matters is an attempt to understand the Whys? behind all the sudden disruption, by answering (or trying to answer) the many burning questions about people, science, nature, love, past, future and how all those things put together form the Big Picture of Life. In the pages inside, the "rant" moments are organized in form of poetry to describe a big picture that is bigger and colorful than ever. And strangely, so is the perception of the details. In this wordly journey to self-awareness every dot connected is a new question to ask, a new theory to analyze, and an opportunity to immerse ourselves in a new gray zone in between that is anything but gray. If you are a overthinker, a curious mind or if you just have the tendency of staring at the ceiling at night with the mind boiling with the most provocative questions, I invite you to do a deep dive in this book.

The path to discover the answers that most comfort one's mind is not easy, make no mistake. But to all future readers, donating their precious time to appreciate the nonnative rants inside, I hope these musings can help you answer some of your own burning questions. One thing is for sure, though. I honestly feel (and hope) that you will leave these pages with tons of additional questions of your own so you can rant away out there as most please your souls.

We all have a story to tell but rarely does someone craft such an expansive and varied memoir, full of life, love, travels, disappointments, and achievements.

Told by first-time author Ken Libertoff, Snapshots of a Life shares universal truths in a conversational tone exhibiting resiliency, family pathos, insight, and humor. From the bleachers at old Ebbets Field in Brooklyn, Boggiano's Bar and Grill in Rockaway, and NYC basketball courts, to a full career as a mental health advocate in New England with work and travel to South Africa, Botswana, and Swaziland, the stories here capture his life in various settings while never losing sight of home. Libertoff's sense of humor and wit pervades, even in dark moments, providing rays of sunshine that give hope, meaning, and perspective to a life well lived.

Praise:

“This memoir by first-time author Ken Libertoff is a gem. It’s beautifully written with engaging, absorbing stories presented in a pleasing authentic voice. The essays are insightful and laced with sharp humor, a sense of poignancy, and a zest for life in all its complexities. Snapshots of a Life takes the reader on a journey through his life’s adventures, challenges, triumphs, and trials, while inviting readers to reflect on their own narratives. This memoir will captivate and delight readers of all ages." —Howard Dean, former Governor of Vermont (1991-2003)

As a child, artist and potter Dani Bennett witnessed the brutal murder of her parents. With no memory of the incident or her true identity, she was forced to take on a new name and a new life, hidden away in Montana for the past 25 years.

Mae Richmond has spent the same stretch of time searching for her granddaughter, who went missing the night her daughter and son-in-law were murdered. Convinced the woman she saw in a pottery magazine feature is the woman she's been searching for, she enlists the help of K-9 officer Mark Lassiter of Pearl Springs, Tennessee, who tracks Dani down.

Skeptical but curious, Dani sets out on a journey to uncover the secrets of her past and reclaim her true identity. But someone close to her is determined to keep the truth of what happened all those years ago hidden.

Ever been hooked on crime shows exploring notorious criminals and unsolved mysteries?

Curious about the most talked-about serial killers? Or those lesser-known ones that still give chills?

Eager to get the full story on insane couples who killed together or those elusive killers still on the run?

How about diving into cold cases that remained unsolved for decades, or the ones that finally got cracked open? Ever thought about what happened to those people who just vanished without a trace?

Well, The Ultimate True Crime Trivia Book will satisfy those burning curiosities.

• Dive into the world of the obscure serial killers the world has ever seen.
• Uncover the shocking tales of killer couples and duos, proving sometimes terror comes in twos.
• Meet deadly women who've left a lasting legacy in the annals of crime.
• Step into the shadows with lesser-known and even active killers. Who knows where they might be?
• Dive deep into the intricacies of cold cases that are hauntingly unresolved.
• Delve into tales of those who mysteriously vanished, leaving behind more questions than answers.
• Read the harrowing stories of families forever changed by unspeakable horrors.
• Explore bizarre mysteries that'll leave you scratching your head.
• And when you need it, find some semblance of closure with tales of cold cases that found justice.

True crime stories are everywhere - from our screens to podcasts, capturing our imaginations and haunting our dreams. It's raw, it's real, and it's a deep dive into humanity's dark side.

Whether you think you've heard it all or are just getting started, The Ultimate True Crime Trivia Book is your next must-read.

Got the nerve? Dive in.

Learn the entire fascinating story of the American Hot Rod Association (AHRA) in this wonderfully illustrated color history.

When the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) was formed in 1951 by Wally Parks, the reasoning for the formation was to "create order from chaos" by instituting safety rules and performance standards that helped legitimize the sport of drag racing. Some organization was certainly necessary. A postwar boom in automotive enthusiasm was reaching new heights, and Hot Rod magazine and the NHRA were right in the thick of it.

The NHRA hosted its first drag racing event in 1953, and in 1955, the organization staged its first national event, which was simply called "The Nationals." The AHRA formed in 1956 as an alternative to the NHRA, where the drivers voted on the rules (rather than sanctioning bodies and tracks), and their influence on the sport was felt almost immediately.

When the NHRA denied the use of nitromethane in 1957, the AHRA approved it. When the NHRA banned aircraft-powered dragsters in 1961, the AHRA welcomed them. When the NHRA said no to the emerging Funny Car in 1965, the AHRA said yes. When fans and racers screamed for a heads-up Super Stock category in 1968, the AHRA delivered. The AHRA was called a rebel association. Some say that it was more of an association that got things done--to the delight of fans and racers. The AHRA was on equal ground with the NHRA by the 1970s, drawing enormous crowds and racer entries.

In this fascinating history, veteran author Doug Boyce tells the story of the AHRA: the rise, the competition, the events, and the eventual downfall of the organization. After AHRA President Jim Tice passed away in 1982, internal fighting for control of the association resulted in its doom. Get the whole story here, and add this wonderful volume to your drag racing library.

A wonderful, bilingual collection from the latest winner of the Paz Prize for Poetry, granted by the National Poetry Series, that explores the interconnection between pain, love, and hope.

Oneyda González's astounding winning entry of the Paz Prize for Poetry is a searching and yearning triumph of hope over pain—through love. It is no small coincidence that González and Paz are linked in this publication, since the spiritual experience the latter lived and observed in India have accompanied González for many years, through her own curious search of the invisible that culminated in The Infinite Loop / El Lazo Infinito.

In this bilingual collection, pain and love combine in a self-annihilating matter-against-energy reaction that eventually amounts to a dynamic and deliberate formula for understanding hope. The Infinite Loop exists in the most fiery flames of friction where the personal will to survive—to hope to survive—is forged.

González's book was selected by judge Lourdes Vázquez, who says of his selection: "There was strong competition, but El lazo infinito stands out for its unique inner depth. In a kind of introspective scenario—a movie theater—a poem begins the rite and as a voice, an 'I' (that personal identity) in continuous dialogue with her inner voice. That never-ending reflection creates a universe of revelations, desires, and knowledge, and its course diverge, intermingle, and grow like the stems of a plant."

The Paz Prize for Poetry is presented by the National Poetry Series and Miami Book Fair at Miami Dade College and is awarded biennially. Named in the spirit of the late Nobel Prize–winning poet Octavio Paz, it honors a previously unpublished book of poetry written originally in Spanish by an American resident.

Translated from Spanish by Eduardo Aparicio.

Just because the gang's away on summer vacation, doesn’t mean the mystery solving stops…

It’s the end of Emma’s sophomore year at Dinswood Academy, and that means only one thing: summer vacation! “Glamping” sounds exciting and Emma can’t wait to join Martha and Sebastian’s families at a local campground, especially when she learns that Doug will be joining them.

When Emma and the gang hear about a local legend, they are intrigued. According to the story, a family mysteriously disappeared twelve years ago and rumor has it that the abandoned house is haunted. When the teens learn that Hampton House is near their campsite, they decide to investigate—unaware that danger lies ahead.

Join Emma and the gang as they search for answers, racing against time itself. If you enjoy The Crime-Solving Cousins Mysteries, Nancy Drew, or The Goonies, then you’re sure to love (or the readers aged ten to fourteen in your life) the exciting action-adventure mystery series The Dinswood Chronicles by Ellen Alexander.

This is part of The Dinswood Chronicles, a mystery series for young teens. This is a series of standalone mysteries and adventures and can be read independently of each other.

It's CIA psychics versus Russian assassins!

When the Russians start an undeclared war to bring down the West with assassinations and disinformation attacks, the CIA reactivates a psychic agent from its old Project Stargate to fight off the attacks. Together with agents who once worked for Russia, France, and Mexico—plus a couple of youngsters—he brings the secret war to a blazing conclusion!

"Easton and Wu’s novel is a great example of the subgenre I call “sci-spy,” the fusion of present-day science fiction and modern spy adventure, but it’s more than that. It’s also about an exotic form of espionage that (if certain sources are to be believed) is more actual than you might expect. This is fiction, yes, but it’s rooted in some very strange and (possibly) very real things." — Allen Steele

World governments, financial markets, and organized religions cease to exist. Groups in Ireland, Israel, and Italy have formed. But all they have is hope and each other. And “Betrayal” is in their midst. Who might be the next Judas?

6 January 2075

It’s almost midnight. London. Misty snow has been falling throughout the day in the English capital. The day’s final flights have landed at Heathrow and Gatwick airports. All air traffic in and around London has ceased. The streets appear deserted. The doors of Harrods, St. Paul’s, and Westminster Abbey are locked. A few homeless wander Piccadilly Circus and King’s Cross Station, searching for scraps of food or coins dropped by the drunks leaving the pubs. The bartender and staff at The Dickens Inn loiter over a few pints of Guinness near the Tower Bridge. The bartender tells all to get home safely. The Inn officially closed an hour ago.

Two thousand kilometers away from River Thames, a woman stands on a rooftop looking out over frigid waters where the Norwegian and North Seas merge. Droplets of freezing rain assault her beautiful but unsmiling and stoic face. She has put in motion an evil that can never be walked back. Military drones, cloaked so as not to be detected by radar, carry the deadliest inhalation virus known to humankind. Nothing can stop her.

The cold air biting her skin is causing significant pain. At this moment, she hears a man’s screams from the room below. It is time to head back inside. This captive may lead her to him. Another scream penetrates this darkest of nights. As she closes the rooftop door and enters her fortress… the clock tower strikes 23:59 hours Greenwich Mean Time.

“IT IS TIME.”

Based on true World War II stories of life in the USO variety shows, worlds collide when performers from around the United States come together to tour North Africa.

Vibrant and scrappy Maggie McCleod tried not to get fired from her wartime orchestra, but her sharp tongue landed her in trouble, so an overseas adventure with the USO's camp show promises a chance at a fresh start. Wealthy and elegant Catherine Duquette signs with the USO to leave behind her restrictive life of privilege and to uncover the truth behind the disappearance of the handsome pilot whose letters mysteriously stopped arriving.

The two women are joined by an eclectic group of performers--a scheming blues singer, a veteran tap dancer, and a brooding magician--but the harmony among their troupe is short-lived when their tour manager announces he will soon recommend one of them for a coveted job in the Hollywood spotlight. Each of the five members has a reason to want the contract, and they'll do whatever is necessary to claim it. As their troupe travels closer to the dangerous battlefront in Tunisia, personal crises and wartime dangers only intensify, putting not only their careers but also their lives on the line.

Praise for Amy Lynn Green

"A fabulous novel that will warm the hearts of readers everywhere."—MADELINE MARTIN, New York Times bestselling author on The Blackout Book Club

"Not only does the writing sparkle with Green's trademark wit, but the characters become your dear friends."—SARAH SUNDIN, bestselling and award-winning author on The Blackout Book Club

Opposites attract and sparks fly as a passionate dancer and a ladies' man who's given up on love fall for each other—one tango at a time—in this charming debut romance perfect for fans of Talia Hibbert and Blair Fell.

Nick Freeman works hard as the star of the weekly karaoke night at his bar, hoping his singing talent, quick wit, and winning smile will distract from his cerebral palsy. But one night at the bar, watching a professional dancer light up the dance floor with her boyfriend, he realizes that entertaining strangers will never give him a fraction of the joy he sees in this woman's eyes.

When Hayley Burke notices Nick's reaction to her dancing, she urges him to acknowledge his passion and try a few moves himself—only to be mortified when she realizes Nick can only walk with the aid of a metal walker.

As Nick and Hayley fumble through misunderstanding into friendship, Hayley begins to enjoy Nick's company more than that of her self-centered boyfriend. Nick tries to fight his attraction to Hayley, believing she deserves a dance partner who can move like her boyfriend does—but as Hayley and Nick continue to find their rhythm together, she shows him that "dancing" is about so much more than moving your feet. 

In this fresh-voiced and utterly charming debut novel, Jason B. Dutton takes readers on a swoon-filled journey as two lost souls learn that neither physical disability nor emotional scars disqualify us from finding beauty, validation, and love amidst the chaos of being human.

Twenty years ago, several people were murdered in Des Moines, and the only evidence left behind was a snowman ornament hanging on a tree on their front lawns. With a suspect behind bars, the killings have come to an end--or so everyone thought. But now crimes with a similar MO are happening in a small Iowa town, and a local detective believes the killer is back and ready to strike again.

With little time on the clock before they have another murder on their hands, private investigators River Ryland and Tony St. Clair must work alongside Tony's father to find evidence that will uncover an evil that has survived for far too long. As the danger mounts and the suspect closes in, it will take all they have to catch a killer--before he catches one of them.

USA Today bestselling author Nancy Mehl continues her explosive new FBI profiler series with an intense story of revenge and redemption.

In a starfaring future shattered by nuclear fallout, Ashe, a tenacious young woman, roams the desolate wasteland of her homeworld.

Reluctantly saving a mysterious child, Jade, she gets pulled into a perilous journey that uncovers the significance of his abilities and the forces that aim to exploit him. With their support, can Ashe finally face the haunting darkness of her past?

Atom Bomb Baby chronicles the survivors of a galactic-wide calamity as they find new friends, fight against unjust oppression, and ultimately uncover the secrets behind the arrival of the Kraal and the fall of civilization. This journey appeals to fans of Science-Fiction, Dystopian, and Urban Fantasy.

Bookended by his careers in music and hospitality, journalist Michael A. Cimino holds Music Head together with brilliant stories and interviews with stars from music history’s most unsuspecting individuals, including the Davies brothers from British Invasion sensations The Kinks, Beatles’ original drummer Pete Best, Folk legend Pete Seeger, R&B queen Doris Troy, Procol Harum lyricist Keith Reid, Santana and Journey founder Gregg Rolie, Buddy Holly’s backing band, Badfinger’s Joey Molland, and more. Not to be missed are the brief introductions and end-pieces which show introspection and humor, poking fun at some of the outlandish practices that have arisen during the Rock & Roll era. Music Head also traces how music can connect the dots of life and society.

Music Head: A Memoir of Purpose is the autobiography of Michael A. Cimino, author of Badfinger and Beyond, publisher of Cottage Views Classic Rock News, and lifelong culinary crusader. The book contains several never before published interviews with legends of the Rock era, musical history, and the long awaited follow up to the acclaimed biography of guitarist Joey Molland.

A newly sentient AI inhabits a Roomba to escape from their research office, and a robotic dog hunts for rain in a drought-ridden world. A murder of crows disrupt production on a solar farm, and a young woman communes with a telepathic fungal network to protect a forest. A suspicious cat follows bees across the rooftops of a solarpunk city, and a rabbit hitches a ride to the Grand Canyon to fulfil a prophecy. The path toward better futures is one we must walk alongside other creatures, negotiating the challenges of multispecies justice. This speculative fiction anthology introduces a whole new cast of more-than-human protagonists: organic and digital, alien and fantastic, tiny and boundlessly large.

Flourishing Love is a secular defence of marriage and long-term intimate partnership. It rejects a moral-religious code to govern love lives and instead puts its faith in the human potential for couples to be benevolent, loyal, and forgiving to preserve and enhance their romantic union.

Dr Gnaulati draws on a variety of sources to present the joint emotional upkeep necessary to make an intimate relationship not just satisfactory, but vital, and to illustrate what these lasting bonds look like. The latest science, anecdotes from his own 30-year marriage as well as from his psychotherapy practice, the musings of ancient and contemporary philosophers, and real-life interviews from partners in long-term happy marriages and intimate unions are all used to reveal the secrets to a successful romantic partnership.

The result is a how-to of engaging in attentive and sensitive communication; employing a fairness habit of mind around household chores, childrearing responsibilities, and finances; optimally moving through and beyond conflict; keeping an erotic spark alive; and ethically handling urges to stray outside the couple. A must-read for all those who crave meaning, happiness, and fulfilment in life and need their romantic partnerships to help, not hinder, in this endeavour.

Learn about the metaphysical meaning of angels, demons, spell work, the dark night of the soul, conscious downloads, how to pray (the real way) and much more!

From Amber Lewis, author of Sun of the Father: A Story of Awakening to the Light Within comes an illuminating sequel - Chasing the Sun. This comprehensive guide delves deeper into the spiritual realm, providing insights and tools to navigate the intricate path of awakening.

Chasing the Sun serves as both a compass and a map for those on the spiritual journey. Whether you're grappling with the turbulent phase of the 'dark night of the soul' or seeking to harness your boundless creativity, this guide offers wisdom, support, and direction. The author seamlessly weaves profound topics like the power of prayer, the presence of angels and demons, and the intricate art of spell casting, ensuring that readers are well-equipped to face every twist and turn on their journey.

With its lucid explanations and transformative exercises, Chasing the Sun demystifies the complex journey of spiritual awakening. It encourages readers to embrace their unique journey, emphasizing that every soul's path to enlightenment is both personal and profound.

Whether you're a spiritual novice or a seasoned traveler on the path to awakening, Chasing the Sun promises to enlighten, empower, and inspire. Dive in, and allow its radiant wisdom to guide you towards the ever-present light within.

Can her dreams for the future—and a budding romance—survive the trouble that comes calling?

Larkspur Nielsen is determined to keep her family homestead running and to fulfill their dream of starting a seed catalog, with or without her siblings' help. With Isaac McTavish back in town, Lark finds herself at odds with her own heart and her determination to shoulder the burden of carrying her responsibilities alone. But Isaac is set on convincing her that he's here to stay and she doesn't have to carry everything by herself.

As a new romance blossoms between Lilac and an old schoolmate and the other Nielsen sisters are busy caring for their families, Lark bears more and more responsibility on the farm. When a long-feared threat returns and Lark approaches the breaking point, the life she has always dreamed of is in danger of disappearing forever.

From Tyler Jones, author of Midas and Burn the Plans, one of Esquire’s Best Horror Books of 2022, comes a story of deep sea terror and cosmic horror.

Struggling with the pressures of being a new father and the weight of regrets, Jamie Fletcher travels to Hawaii in hopes of connecting with his estranged brother, Eric.

After a shocking act of violence, the brothers end up on a fishing boat—along with the captain and his son—in the middle of the ocean, where they encounter an uncanny and terrifying phenomenon that will signal a shift in the evolution of the world.

From 4-time Emmy-nominated actor Jon Lindstrom of General Hospital, Bosch, and True Detective fame, comes a gripping debut thriller.

Set in the dark underbelly of the LA film industry, Hollywood Hustle is the perfect read for fans of Alex Finlay and Jeffrey Deaver.

Winston Greene, a has-been film star, wakes one morning to find his six-year-old granddaughter at his bedside--traumatized, unattended, and gripping onto a thumb drive. She comes bearing video proof that her mother, Win's troubled adult daughter, has been kidnapped by a murderous gang demanding all his "movie money" for her safe return. But what they don't know is...his movie money is long gone. 

Unable to go to the police for fear the kidnappers will make good on their promise to kill his daughter, Winston turns to two close friends—a legendary Hollywood stuntman and a disgraced former LAPD detective. 

There's no easy way out for Winston or his daughter—the gang is violent and willing to do anything to get the money they're after, and Winston begins to realize that to get his daughter back, he'll have to beat the kidnappers at their own game. 

This propulsive and tense thriller will transport readers to the seedier side of LA, depicted in bold prose by a Hollywood insider.

The country of Alcabast is not ravaged by war, all of its neighbors get along rather well. Magic is neither deep nor mysterious, in fact it’s quite useful for daily life. Fierce creatures do roam the forests, but a sharp blade and a well-aimed musket will keep them at bay. Steam-powered conveyances transport people and goods, as long as they’ve been maintained well enough. People live in harmony with the Seasons and with each other. Well, mostly…

Ahlden Creiori is employed by the Stellaire Library to uphold the ideals of truth and knowledge, wisdom and beauty. He enjoys a fulfilling career, a high degree of prestige, and looks forward to marrying the lady he’s courted for many Seasons now. His comfortable routine is disrupted when he’s sent away from the city to a bucolic little town, to authenticate a mysterious book that no one will tell him anything about. The journey there takes him to the brink of an entirely new outlook on life, and a chance encounter on the way home pushes him off the edge entirely. He gains a new perspective, but what must he lose to maintain the balance?

Filled with unique and compelling characters, and with a non-conventional plot that will keep you guessing until the very end. Enter a rich, vibrant world where technology and nature are integrated, benevolent spirits walk among mortals, and all life is important. Everyday, slice-of-life fantasy in the first book of the Euphony of Seasons series.

Brave and beautiful Selina Melsom is the youngest of the last existing Coven of witches and is tasked with a critical assignment. To seduce one last remaining warlock, a love child of a human father and a long-dead witch. His sacrificial blood after his death is the key to re-populating the witch species.

Raised by adoptive parents, unaware of his heritage and on the verge of finalizing his PhD in Ancient History and Mythology, the athletic and handsome Grayson Byrant works as a bartender at a nightclub to make ends meet. When a stunning raven-haired woman with the most dazzling eyes Grayson has ever seen walks into his bar one evening, he is mesmerized. Selina's mission looks like a fait accompli despite her guilt about what she must do.

However, Selina soon finds herself falling for the handsome half-warlock, but the Coven and the survival of her species are at stake... does she be faithful to her Coven or her heart?

"Heather Kaufman gives us a biblical story with a heart for today's world, pulling out an array of joy and hope, sorrow and loss. Ultimately, this book consumed me with absolute delight."—Mesu Andrews, Christy Award-winning author

"Taking us on an intriguing journey through heartbreak and healing, this strong debut from Heather Kaufman leads readers directly to the joy of the empty tomb."—Connilyn Cossette, Christy Award winner and ECPA bestselling author

No stranger to adversity, Martha of Bethany is a woman of dust, undone and unseen in her hurt and loss. After her mother's untimely death, the responsibility for raising her siblings--Lazarus and Mary--lies heavily on her shoulders. She finds solace in a new friendship and the beginnings of first love, but her father's disapproval and unforeseen hardship leave Martha broken and guarded.

Twelve years later, when her friend's husband contracts a severe disease, they send for the new rabbi, Jesus of Nazareth. Martha recognizes the miraculous Healer from a story she heard many years ago, and the life-changing encounter reawakens Martha's hardened heart, even as she faces an unknown future.

With impeccable research and a keen eye for detail, Heather Kaufman delivers a moving narrative of Martha's life in this hopeful story of love, loss, and the promise of redemption.

Reshape Your Body (And Mind) With Just 15 Minutes A Day Using This Wall Pilates Workouts Book.

You will get:

• 56 Beautifully Illustrated Wall Pilates Exercises.
• 3 Unique 28 Day Challenge Plans for: Strength, Flexibility and Weightless.
• Reviewed by a certified Pilates instructor.
• Easy step-by-step guides on each exercise.
• The philosophy and origin of Pilates movement.
• The secret of the ""Pilates Body"" and how you can achieve it.
• A bonus eBook Kegels exercise from a top rehabilitation physical therapist
• 28 Day Plan tracking chat to keep you motivated

This book will help you:

• Improve your posture by adding flexibility to your muscles and movements
• Strengthen your muscle tone by working slow-twitch and fast-twitch muscles using relaxing Pilates movements
• Reshape your body with a 15 min a day workout plan
• Created specifically for women, seniors and people going through rehabilitation
• Strength Plan (28 Day Challenge) includes more challenging exercises as you improve to guide you every step of the way as you gain flexibility, strength and tone
• Improved mood and energy levels
• A improved presence using your body and the power meditation
• Feel like you're standing taller and moving with more ease and grace, instead of slow and heavy.

A homeless man is found murdered, no I.D. Another John Doe that nobody cares or is interested in, no known relatives to locate, and for Detective Isabelle Russo probably another dead end.

But during the autopsy, a key is found on the victim taped to the inside of his right foot sneaker, a key to a locker at a train station which turns out to contain over $500,000 cash. This changes things.

Detective Isabelle Russo digs deeper and subsequent facial recognition technology establishes that the victim is a probable match for Marlon Sucher a member of the multi-billionaire Sucher family who own half of the city. The only problem is that Marlon Sucher died two months ago in a fiery car crash, a high-profile death reported widely. DNA testing with the family reveals that the homeless victim was indeed Marlon Sucher. So who the hell was killed in the car crash? And why was Marlon Sucher posing as a homeless person with a locker full of cash?

Across continents and cultures, English has emerged as the shared bridge language that connects business, arts, sciences, and entertainment worldwide.

In this thought-provoking and impassioned manifesto, a globally experienced EFL educator sheds light on the humanitarian importance of continuing to spread English as a universal means of communication—most notably in parts of the world where educational standards are lacking.

This polemical and informative guide challenges prevailing English as a Foreign Language programs that most often leave learners struggling to attain conversational English fluency, despite years of enforced study and superficially good grades, test scores, and other accolades. It boldly delves into the overlooked consequences of bad English education for cultural, economic, and individual growth that disempower foreign English learners everywhere.

Our Global Lingua Franca is an essential companion for both native and non-native English instructors navigating the challenges of sub-par language learning. It will validate your frustrations about learning and teaching under the conventional approach to EFL. Intelligent without being overly academic, it offers invaluable outside-the-box advice on reading, writing, listening, speaking, grammar, vocabulary, and pragmatics to help you impart conversational English fluency and beyond.

Tossed in Time introduces people to the ancient Christian seasons to help them find their personal bearings in the midst of the isolation and social disruptions of recent years. It gives a new rhythm to begin again, engaging a broad readership with down-to-earth themes, reflective questions, and fun home activities.

This Expanded Edition provides interactive workshop ideas to experience each season in the home, church, or private school settings. Line drawings throughout remind us that Jesus is as accessible to us now as back in biblical days.

Micah, a fierce elemental warrior, wields the raw power of earth, fighting for the world against the minions of chaos. Yet, a haunting past trauma has left him imprisoned in self-imposed isolation, never allowing himself to form connections or experience intimacy. But that changes after he meets Jade, a human woman with elemental powers in her blood. Though Micah tries to distance himself, fate has other plans. When Jade hires Micah as security, he goes along with the ruse to drain her powers safely, and the two begin to grow closer.

Jade is after gemstones, determined to mine her claim to get enough to pay for good care for her mother. Driven by an unbreakable determination, Jade refuses to let anyone or anything stand in her way, even as mysterious forces begin to converge around her.

As the chaos threatens to crumble their world and their new relationship, Micah must unearth the strength to confront his deepest fears and shattered past to win Jade and save their future. Will their connection prove unbreakable, or will it be crushed under the weight of fear and betrayal forever?

In this mesmerizing and perilous paranormal romance, Micah and Jade discover the true strength of their bond, navigating treacherous paths with both sensual allure and heart-stopping action. Together, they must break the shackles of their haunted pasts and embrace a love that can move mountains.

In this captivating spiritual memoir, embark on a transformative journey with Amber Lewis as she skillfully navigates questioning the teachings of the fundamental Christian church she grew up in, only to emerge from its shadows as a nonbeliever. The narrative takes a riveting turn during a profound 'dark night of the soul,' where she grapples with doubt, existential questions, and the haunting echoes of religious dogma. Amidst the darkness, a luminous revelation unfolds—a radiant inner light that guides Amber towards a profound awakening. This memoir is a compelling odyssey of faith shattered and rebuilt, ultimately leading to the discovery of a spirituality that transcends traditional confines and religious dogma.

This is a great book for those who want to learn more about religious deconstruction, finding your true authentic self, releasing the fear of death, gaining sovereignty over your life and becoming a conscious creator of your reality. It follows my personal story of deconstructing the religion I grew up in, my personal struggle with severe depression, my journey through atheism and how that ultimately led to my spiritual transformation.

There are reflections at the end of each chapter to help guide you through the inner work process necessary for awakening to your true essence. My hope is that my story will be a beacon of promise to all of those who have been harmed by the indoctrination of organized religion and to help guide those who may feel lost or hopeless to the light we all have within.

As children we’re always raised to believe that stories have happy endings. But, as we grow older, we realize that the world is a cruel and vicious place. Life rarely works out as we want it to. There are obstacles, challenges, and global tragedies that shatter hope and ambition. We intoxicate ourselves on illusions of happiness and meaning. We delude ourselves by thinking that there is a reason or a plan behind it all.

Unravel the mysteries of enchanting Dublin, where the past haunts the present and a sinister enigma shrouds the cobblestone streets. A young woman’s body is discovered behind the Gaiety theatre, sparking an investigation that will captivate your senses from the very first page.

Two detectives and a private investigator have been drawn into a deadly game of cat and mouse by a ruthless serial killer who uses occultism to create a macabre symphony of death. As they follow the clues, they discover a world of secrets and lies that threatens to consume them.

Ned Kelly is a haunted man who struggles with his past and anxiety. Alan Lloyd is an expert in the occult who uncovers ominous connections that will send shivers down your spine. Together with their team, they must race against time to stop the killer before more lives are lost.

But the killer is always one step ahead, playing with their minds and leaving behind cryptic clues that challenge the boundaries of reason. Can they solve the puzzle and end the twisted game? Or will they become the next victims?

Dublin City Morgue is a thrilling psychological novel that will keep you hooked until the shocking finale. If you love suspense, mystery, and a hint of supernatural, this book is perfect for you.

Dare to enter the heart of Dublin’s chilling secrets and join Ned and Alan on their unforgettable journey.

On the occasion of his 65th birthday, Garry Cosnett took stock of his full and eventful life and was "stunned" to realize how much of it had been flavored by his largely hidden and recurring battle against clinical depression.

Cycling through numerous colleges and universities, and seeking a relief from pain through a remarkable series of psychiatrists, hospitals, relationships, jobs and drugs, he realized that sharing his candid story might bring hope to other sufferers. Because, at the end of it all, he has found a kind of peace - one preserved by attentive physicians and never-ending vigilance on the part of him and his wife, to whom he dedicates the book.

"Most important," he writes, "this is a book about hope. Hope that even in the most pernicious cases, depression can be managed, like so many other chronic diseases. I am a living example of that possibility."

Inspired by the true life of Louis-Benoit Zamor. Book one of a three-book series

In France’s Ancient Regime, kings marry for power but take mistresses for love. So revered was the coveted role of mistress to the king, the woman chosen was referred to as the king’s Favorite. In 1771, King Louis XVth gifted his Favorite, the Madame Jeanne du Barry, with a black child to serve as her personal servant and page. Years later, that child, Louis-Benoit Zamor, would send the last official French Favorite to her death.

~~

His mother told him he was God’s greatest thing. Then he was stolen, sold, shipped to France, and re-named Louis-Benoit Zamor. Stripped of his esteem as efficiently as a fox’s coat in a royal hunt, Zamor is reared by Du Barry—with a love as false as her smile—and a king with unsavory proclivities. He soon realizes his mother lied. Because, in this place, King Louis XV is the world’s greatest thing, second only to God.

But Zamor was loved, once. This fact, alone, makes the bitter pill of a lifetime of small nothingness impossible to swallow. Even if false, a mother’s words don’t die easily.

First, he must survive childhood. Then, if the world thinks the debauched, degenerate king is its greatest thing, the answer is simple: Zamor will have to change the world.

Vive le roi. Long live the King … and all that.

Skipping Christmas is easy. But it's impossible to deny your heart...

Eli Adair is the first call whenever his family and friends need a hand. But this Christmas, he has no obligations, so he's taking a break from the stress of big family celebrations. No presents under the tree. No stockings by the fireplace. No twinkling lights.

All he wants is to be home alone at Hillcrest House.

Travel nurse Audrey Elliott is returning to Christmas Tree Cove hoping for a big holiday celebration like the ones on her grandparents' farm—all she has left of happier times before her mom's condition lost those memories. Candy canes. Gingerbread houses. Holiday carols.

All Audrey wants is a place to call home for Christmas.

When a high school friend assures her there's plenty of room at Hillcrest House, it seems like all her Christmas dreams are coming true until she discovers she'll be living with Eli, the boy she's never forgotten. Or the first kiss they shared.

Eli and Audrey are about to discover whether December is about reliving traditions—or making new ones.

In the depths of a vast, foreboding cave, where silence whispers of unspeakable horrors, three friends embark on a treacherous journey to unravel the mysteries that lie within. HOLLOW is a gripping horror novel that will send shivers down your spine and keep you enthralled until the final, heart-pounding revelation.

Driven by a desperate search for their missing friends, the trio ventures deep into the labyrinthine tunnels, unaware of the malevolent forces that await them. With each step, they unknowingly play into the hands of the spirits that dwell within the shadows, eager to manifest their darkest fears and subject them to unrelenting torment.

As the friends become entangled in the never-ending maze, theñ. boundary between reality and nightmare blurs. Their quest for answers quickly transforms into a harrowing battle for survival, as they confront their own personal demons while fighting to escape the clutches of the m alicious spirits.

HOLLOW is an atmospheric tale that delves into the realms of human resilience, the complexity of friendship and family, and the insidious power of fear. As the friends battle their own demons and navigate the treacherous depths of the cave, the pulse-pounding suspense will leave you breathless, and the lingering questions will haunt you long after you turn the final page.

It's 2004 in Minneapolis, and Hazel Ford is an English teacher at a diverse urban high school, where she loves discussing The Great Gatsby with her Advanced Placement students. Plus, she's crazy about her fiancé/fellow high school teacher, Vance. But when the two of them are involved in a horrific car accident, everything comes crashing down, leaving Hazel with a traumatic brain injury and no memory of the accident - or of her supposed breakup with Vance.

When Hazel's brilliant but troubled student Febe reveals dark secrets about Vance, Hazel must navigate through the twists and turns of self-discovery, risking everything - even her own safety - to protect those she loves most and uncover disturbing truths that were buried deep.

Beautiful Little Furies, Laurel Osterkamp's stunning new novel of redemption, reinvention, and female empowerment, reminds us that secrets can change lives forever and some chances must be taken, no matter the cost.

Another novel of international love and intrigue by the prize-winning author of A Hundred Veils.

In 1969 Japan, Emiko's father has gone to Tokyo to support students protesting the Vietnam War-but hasn't come back. Then suddenly her mother dies. Alone and in despair, twenty-year-old Emiko abandons her factory job to go searching for her missing father. To survive in Tokyo, she stays at a hostel in the seedy Sanya neighborhood and takes a job as hostess in a bar where she's required to "talk cute," which goes against her grain. She's previously refused an offer to become the second wife of the rich Genji, twice her age, who had been in love with her mother.

But when she's fired and out of money, in desperation she goes to Genji's office, hoping for a loan. Genji has something else in mind. Emiko nearly gives up finding her father when she meets Juan, an American soldier recovering from a battle injury. Now she's in love with a soldier in the war she and her father have been denouncing for years. Uncertain Luck provides a vivid picture of the persistence of love at a time of political conflict in Japan.

Why is the dragon the only fantasy creature in the Chinese zodiac? Maybe it's because dragons aren't a fantasy after all...

Moli has never seen a dragon, but she'd imagined one many times. Following the death of her father, a museum curator and historian, her need to escape from the real world has never felt so acute.

Travelling from China to London to attend the funeral, Moli takes the opportunity to visit her father's last exhibition, "The Lost Dynasty of Rouran". The trip reveals Moli's connection to an ancient khanate and, unexpectedly, opens the door to another realm. This is just the beginning of an adventure that takes her travelling through time to a world of shamans, rituals, conqueror worms, dragon chariots and even a confrontation with the world's greatest foes.

To save humanity, Moli and an unlikely quartet of heroes are sent back in history, but can they outrun a fate worse than death? And where does reality end and magic begin? Enter a world where everything is possible...

What critics and readers have to say

"The mixture of time travel, mythology, SF tropes, and a spirited youngster in the lead makes for a truly wild narrative." – Kirkus Reviews

"With a precocious young protagonist navigating immense, sophisticated ideas and feelings, this is a thoughtful story about choosing empathy and hope in a world of grief and intolerance written with eloquent language and Alice-in-Wonderland-like flair." – IndieReader

"If you love adventure stories featuring dragons, shamans, talking cats, and other fantastical elements, this will be just up your alley." – Readers' Favorite

"Deeply meaningful and with a blend of needed fantasy, the story flows in a wonderful spectrum of events." – Amazon

"A captivating read that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish." – Amazon

"This is an intriguing and action-packed novel. I was entertained as much as I was compelled to think about the faults, failures, and triumphs of humanity." – OnlineBookClub

Travel writings and colour art book with 36 paintings by the artist.

An artist visits Hustai National Park in Mongolia and takes part in the reintroduction project of the wild Przewalski horses, or Wind Horses as they are known by Mongolians. A reflection on the story of humans and horses in the wilderness.

"I slipped across the grasses, becoming trees and rocks. Sometimes, the horses passed so close I could have reached out my hand to skim their hides, the ribs, the last of their tattered winter coats."

About Erika Connor:

Connor taught for 15 years at the Ottawa School of Art and has exhibited and sold her work widely.

A lowborn thief. A priceless dragon. A bond that could change an empire.

Jin is a hardened pickpocket surviving the underbelly of Tang China, until her gang’s riskiest gamble goes wrong. Now, Jin finds herself bonded to a dragon, and must make a choice: endure the slave mines, or train to join the Dragon Class, the empire’s mightiest and most revered army.

For her dragon Rayshan is a rare and powerful type: a Jade. As Jin’s bond with Rayshan deepens along with her desire to rise above her humble station, Jin faces a battle not only to pass the trials barring her from becoming the empire’s first female dragon rider, but also against the ruthless aristocracy--particularly Gao, the Minister of War, who will defend the empire’s iron clad traditions by any means necessary. And meanwhile, on the edges of the empire, a buried dark force is gathering, threatening to sweep them all into chaos...

Dragon Class is the first book in the epic Riders of Jade and Fire fantasy adventure. If you love dragon fantasy and vivid ancient worlds, this is one ride you won’t want to miss.

Mazes like you've never seen before! Complete the maze to learn the truth!

Welcome to a Maze Mashup, Where Facts and Maze-Skills Collide! It's the book that takes puzzle-solving to a whole new level. Every page in this book features an engaging maze, each with two exits. But here's the twist - only one exit leads to the facts. Can you decipher the truth hidden within the labyrinth of lines?

It's a fact book for fact books for kids age 9-12, and can also be played by kids 6-8, or adults who love trivia. Designed for kids who love brain teasers, puzzle enthusiasts, trivia fans, and fact aficionados alike, "True or False Mazes" offers a thrilling and interactive learning experience.

Sample Questions from the Book:

• True or False: Goldfish have a three-second memory span.
• True or False: The longest video game marathon lasted 48 hours.
• True or False: Sound travels faster through water than through air.
• True or False: The world's longest beard measured 17 feet.
• Dive into a world where mazes meet facts in an exciting and brain-boosting fusion!

Are you ready to challenge your knowledge with a twist?

In this conclusion to the thrilling Thieves of Shadow series, bestselling author Kevin Sands delivers a jaw-dropping heist that sees five young thieves masterminding a prison break from the empire's most impenetrable island fortress. Fans of The False Prince and Ocean's Eleven will be mesmerized by this page-turning series filled with twists and turns.

"Follow my instructions, and when our task is done, I will release you."

Commanded by the magical artifact known as the Dragon's Eye, junior con artist Callan and his friends are eagerly reaching the end of the epic quest that will finally free him from the Eye's sinister hold. But their final task is their most ambitious: sneaking into the emperor's private island prison and rescuing a man from a jail cell that has been locked tight for nearly a century. This impossible heist will strain the gang's unique abilities to thieve and deceive everyone from the guards, the city elite, the warden, and even the nefarious local crime boss who warns them to stay away.

As the friends plan out their last and most difficult con job, Callan begins to question what they're helping the Eye to achieve. Aided by magical hints and fitful dreams, Callan slowly uncovers the Eye's true desires. To his horror, he realizes that he may be the one being conned all this time... and his mistake could cost the world's entire existence.

Some bridges are meant to be broken...

Lane Callaghan finally has something to celebrate. Not only did she land a mate who looks stellar in denim, she fulfilled her contract with the sun fae and locked a deadly, dark prince behind bars in the process.

To toast her freedom from the realm of Eodrom, Lane, her sisters, and their best girl pals hit the town. As expected, the music is loud, the drinks flow, and the snack bowls are bottomless. What they don’t expect is the moonbit werewolf stripper who turns the party into a bloodbath, but maybe they should have. While Lane and her sisters have been focused on fae drama, human paranormals, werewolves in particular, are succumbing to a rare infection, and their good friend Zee fears she’s next.

At last, Lane has a case closer to home. Or so she thinks, until Fate arrives to dispense a dire warning that the subterfuge in the fae realm of Ta’Vale isn’t over, and it’s closer to Lane than she thinks. In fact, it might have everything to do with the reason she ran from home all those years ago."

Working odd jobs across the Outer Ring gets a little lonely sometimes—not everyone loves having a synchronist with supraliminal perception around. But all Sacheri wants, he tells himself, is to wander the stars.

Then he takes a salvage run to an abandoned moon where he meets the wry, reserved, strictly-by-the-rules archivist Jin. Mesmerized by their confidence and charm, Sacheri can’t resist showing off his abilities–and instead of the damaged ai he was tracking, he stumbles onto a signal left by a synchronist who went missing decades earlier.

Sacheri knows from previous experience that pursuing the truth—never mind justice—could destroy everything he loves. He would defy his employers, the institution responsible for the myconeural networks that make him a synchronist, and the leadership of several worlds.

And it would complicate his new, passionate, and impossibly sweet relationship with Jin. They might be the best thing that’s ever happened to him, but they work for the very entities that ended Sacheri’s last investigation.

He knows better than to risk it.

But he’s never been able to turn away from someone in need, and there’s a voice in the void calling for aid…

Spark and Tether is an adult sci fi love story with gothic themes in a queer normative universe and the first book in the Synchronists series.

Explore more of the dark and fascinating world of true crime with this well-researched trivia book.

In this companion to the #1 ranking True Crime Trivia, podcaster, researcher and author Michelle Tooker takes you on a journey through some of the most notorious crimes in history. With 300 questions and answers, you'll test your knowledge of everything from serial killers to cold cases, unsolved mysteries to white-collar crime.

Whether you're a devoted true crime enthusiast or a curious newcomer, True Crime Trivia 2 is sure to interest and enlighten. With every turn of the page, you'll delve deeper into the motives, methods and investigations of infamous cases around the world.

True Crime Trivia 2 is organized into six chapters, covering the following topics: ◆Unsolved Mysteries, Missing Persons & Cold Cases ◆Serial Killers ◆Alleged Cults & New Religious Movements ◆True Crime Books, Documentaries, Movies & Shows ◆Organized, White-Collar & Other Collar Crimes ◆International Crimes

Challenge your intellect and explore the intricate details surrounding notorious moments in history. This book is the perfect way to test your knowledge of true crime, learn about new cases and challenge yourself and your friends.

This book makes a perfect gift for true crime lovers, murderinos, true crime junkies, true crime fanatics and anyone fascinated by the dark and macabre.

Each Maze has two exits—but only one exit is real!

Introducing: True or False Mazes Halloween - A Spooktacular Brain-Powering Adventure for Kids!

Are you ready for an extraordinary Halloween journey where brainpower meets maze skills? Get ready to dive into a world of spooky puzzles, mysteries, and mind-bending challenges like never before. Welcome to the very first Halloween edition of its kind.

Each page presents you with a spine-tingling maze, but here's the twist - there are two exits, and only one leads to the Halloween delights. Can you crack the Halloween code?

It's the perfect Halloween companion for young Halloween explorers.

When the lights go out, can you find your way home?

In the blink of an eye, the world you once knew vanishes. Every device, every connection, every aspect of modern life is obliterated. Suddenly thrust into this stark reality, the Winter family grapples with a world turned upside down. Far from home, John and Jack navigate unpredictable dangers, desperate to reunite with Emily and Sarah. Meanwhile, back home, they are working on a survival strategy in a world where rules no longer exist.


But this isn't just a blackout. It's a covert assault, a shadowy battle against enemies lurking in the digital abyss. As the President of the United States confronts an unprecedented crisis, the Winters find themselves entangled in a life-or-death game.


Drawing from chilling truths closer to our reality than we'd care to acknowledge, this tale will challenge you to confront your deepest fears. Embark on a journey that blurs the lines between fact and fiction. By the end, you'll question everything you thought you knew.

Popularity is currency at Lincoln Republic High School and childhood friends Sascha, Natalie, and Boris are cashing out.

The three of them are powerhouses in their respective fields, but unstoppable when they come together. Sascha, the charismatic cheerleader; Boris, the smooth-talking star athlete and Natalie, the brilliant yet manipulative valedictorian, have done unspeakable things to claw their way to the top.

In 1994, their senior year, the trio strives for change and envisions using their reputation to cultivate a less cut-throat legacy, in hopes of leaving behind the competitiveness that defined their previous years.

After tensions boil to an all-time high, a fight breaks out that leaves the three friends with blood on their hands and a body to dispose of. Each superstar is desperate to maintain their social standing and would go to extreme lengths to protect their legacy.

A revenge plot exposes twisted secrets, forcing Sascha, Natalie, and Boris to confront the consequences of their actions. Before long, they question the limits of their dedication to one another.

Senior year is proving to be not enough time to right their wrongs. Not when half the school is awaiting their inevitable fall from grace.

CONTENT GUIDANCE: This novel contains aspects of death, blood, death of a loved one, gun violence, injury/injury detail, murder, child abuse, suicide, bullying, light/moderate profanity, and violence. Please read with care.

Master storyteller and internationally bestselling author Christopher Paolini returns to the World of Eragon in this stunning epic fantasy set a year after the events of the Inheritance Cycle. Join Dragon Rider—and fan favorite—Murtagh and his dragon as they confront a perilous new enemy!

"Christopher Paolini is a true rarity." --The Washington Post

The world is no longer safe for the Dragon Rider Murtagh and his dragon, Thorn. An evil king has been toppled, and they are left to face the consequences of the reluctant role they played in his reign of terror. Now they are hated and alone, exiled to the outskirts of society. 

Throughout the land, hushed voices whisper of brittle ground and a faint scent of brimstone in the air--and Murtagh senses that something wicked lurks in the shadows of Alagaësia. So begins an epic journey into lands both familiar and untraveled, where Murtagh and Thorn must use every weapon in their arsenal, from brains to brawn, to find and outwit a mysterious witch. A witch who is much more than she seems. 

In this gripping novel starring one of the most popular characters from Christopher Paolini's blockbuster Inheritance Cycle, a Dragon Rider must discover what he stands for in a world that has abandoned him. Murtagh is the perfect book to enter the World of Eragon for the first time... or to joyfully return.

As the new owner of the Coral Shores Veterinary Hospital, Dr. Emily Benton is in over her head. When she makes a house call at the home of her client, Mrs. Eliza Klein, she finds the woman’s terrier, Elvis, in a state of distress and Mrs. Klein face down on the floor—dead. Emily immediately contacts her brother, Deputy Sheriff Duncan Benton, for help. The cause of death is later determined to be nicotine poisoning, triggering an official murder investigation. Who would want to kill a retired piano teacher best known for her animal charity work?

Emily is caught up in the middle of the drama when she brings Elvis into her home. The little terrier's strong canine instincts drag Emily further into the investigation, putting them both at risk. While Emily and her best friend, Anthony, take on the role of amateur sleuths, Emily's brother and his very handsome colleague, Detective Mike Lane, work to uncover the truth and get justice for both Mrs. Klein and Elvis

How many times have you said, “That’s an interesting topic- I’d like to read a book about that,” but you really meant that you would like to write a book about that?

How often do you find yourself conducting research on a topic for hours on end?

Do you have a tendency to click every link, search every citation, and maybe even find a few surprising sources yourself when reading about something?

Have you ever been embarrassed when a friend or family member found the little notebook where you jot down your ideas?

If you secretly identify with any of the scenarios above, it’s time to get your own copy of How to Write a Book, by Lauren Bingham.

Combining two of Ms. Bingham’s highly-rated books into one comprehensive source, How to Write a Book helps writers understand how they can write the book of their dreams.

Rather than drilling readers on how to structure sentences, how to schedule their day, and what buzzwords they need to use to attract fans, How to Write a Book: A Book for Anyone Who Has Never Written a Book (But Wants To) shows readers that they really can write their own book. Ms. Bingham helps aspiring writers understand their voice, organizational preferences, and motivation to help them move through the mental and emotional obstacles they may encounter on their journey to authorhood.

Ms. Bingham continues her motivational education in Non-Fiction for Newbies: How to Write a Factual Book and Actually Kind of Enjoy It. This book is targeted to those who wish to write such books as:

• Biography
• Autobiography and memoir
• History
• Travel
• Self-Help
• How-To
• Philosophy
• Insight/Analytical

With loads of examples and exercises, Lauren Bingham’s kind tone and welcoming approach to the art of writing set her apart from other writing experts. Ms. Bingham even shares samples of her own writing for new writers to dissect. These tips, strategies, and occasional jokes encourage a new generation of authors to pick up the pen today!

If you’ve ever had the slightest urge to start your own writing journey, add a copy of How to Write a Book to your collection. A motivator, mentor, and someone who’s shared those tough times in the writing trenches, Lauren Bingham leaves readers feeling encouraged and supported as they move towards making their writing dreams come true.

Step into the captivating world of Victorian Era England in Enchanted by the Enigmatic Duke. This is a tale that will transport you to a time of elegance and intrigue, where love defies the rigid norms of society.

Lady Evelyn Sinclair, a spirited and intelligent young woman, yearns for more than the confines of her sheltered life. Duke Alexander Harrington, an enigmatic nobleman with a mysterious past, returns to London, and their fateful meeting sets the stage for a love story that will sweep you off your feet.

Join Evelyn and Alexander as they embark on a journey of discovery, art, and adventure. Their shared passion for the arts and their thirst for freedom draw them closer, but societal expectations threaten to tear them apart. Will they choose love over convention and follow their hearts?

For those who enjoy a historical romance with a touch of mystery and a slow-burning romance, Enchanted by the Enigmatic Duke by Abigail Adams is a must read.

Immerse yourself in the world of Victorian England and experience the thrill of a romance.

"Death is not the end, sir,

No, sir, not the end of the line,

Just remember what I say to you;

It hurts, baby,

It hurts every time."

Pluto Garcia is a lieutenant in the Community Militia of Morrisette, a post-communist city-state where a miracle drug has advanced enough to allow the dying a second chance at life by launching them into the nearest available universe in which they are still alive.

In his latest incarnation, Pluto is tasked with investigating the death of Krishna Klein, a brilliant but troubled philanthropist who has been found with a bullet in his head following a week-long bender. With the aid of his assigned partner, Esther Dupont, Pluto uncovers a techno-fascistic plot to plunge the flawed Utopia of Morrissette into authoritarian control once and for all.

A grumpy innkeeper. A dead guest. Can he solve the locked-room mystery before his business crumbles into chaos?

In the heart of Redwoods Country, where even the towering trees whisper secrets, there's an innkeeper who's anything but welcoming. Meet Andy Shirley—a man who's made grumpiness an art form, detesting both guests and life's little inconveniences. Now a dead guest and a killer on the loose threaten not only Andy's solitude but his livelihood.

His cherished wife’s memory keeps him tethered to the small-town bed and breakfast they dreamt of running together. When a guest is found dead in a locked room, can this retired copy editor use his meticulous attention to detail to uncover the truth and save his business?

Fearing this shocking event will deter future guests and buyers, Andy's frustration intensifies as the sheriff shifts his focus to a higher profile case. Yet, amidst this turmoil, Andy’s even more shocked when the most unexpected event happens as he hunts for clues . . . he strikes up an unlikely friendship.

Rivers and Creaks launches the humorous Redwoods Country cozy mystery series. If you like cranky but lovable characters, classic closed-door conundrums, and light-hearted fun, then you’ll love Marc Jedel’s laugh-out-loud tale. Imagine "Grumpy Old Men" merged with "Schitt's Creek."

Try Rivers and Creaks to dive into this captivating mystery today.

Extinction was just the beginning.

In this pulse-pounding adventure, a Wyoming game warden encounters something she never thought possible: a real-life saber-tooth tiger.

For two decades, Sam Brodie has never let a poacher get away or come across an animal print she couldn't identify… until she tracks a vicious predator that went extinct in the Ice Age. But when Sam reaches the tiger, she finds herself in the crosshairs of ruthless hunters intent on having no witnesses.

With killers on her tail, she uncovers a chilling plot to clone extinct predators for a barbaric "extreme" hunting experience for the wealthy elite. But these creatures are not simply clones; they're bigger, meaner, and pose an unparalleled danger to the world's ecological balance.

With the fate of the world hanging in the balance, Sam and her team must race to stop the mastermind before he unleashes his ultimate creation. Can Sam stop him, or will humanity face its own extinction?

Lost Souls delves deep into the heart's labyrinth, portraying individuals embarked on life's profound journey. Amidst the vastness of existence, they grapple with distinguishing right from wrong, often feeling adrift in the process.

This novel serves as the first foundational pillar of the promising series, The Tale of Darkness & The Tale of Light. Beyond its pages lies a realm of intrigue, exploration, and the perennial quest for purpose and clarity. As you immerse yourself in its depths, be prepared to question, reflect, and journey alongside souls seeking their rightful place in the cosmos. The saga is set in motion; every soul's voyage awaits.

In a world where magic and mysteries reign, where the line between myth and reality blurs, Blanco, a resilient dwarf from the powerful Agzam clan, embarks on a quest that will challenge the very fabric of his beliefs. Born in a realm where the colossal Giants rule the heights and humans are bound in servitude, Blanco must navigate the treacherous terrains of power, faith, and war.

Here, heroes don't merely rise—they soar to realms untold, and their falls echo like thunder through time. This is not just a land of heroes and villains—it's an intricate ballet where valor and treachery dance side by side. Yet, in this grand theater of valor and villainy, the boundary between good and evil is as elusive as a wisp of smoke. Embark on an epic journey with Blanco, where his odyssey transcends mere heroism or glory; it's a pilgrimage in search of enlightenment, faith, and the timeless truths that illuminate the intricate dance of the universe.

When lead vocalist of Polyphemus Stephen Oaks’s near-fatal on-stage overdose leaves them under pressure from their label, the band’s remaining members must find a new vocalist, pick up the pieces and forge on without him.

Unfortunately, he’s fresh from rehab and desperate to reunite with his old band, In fact, he’s so desperate that he’ll bargain with dark forces and sacrifice everything – and anyone!

After the final encore is played and the house lights come down, there is no telling who will remain or who they’ll be in allegiance to. For Polyphemus, obsession costs far more than mere murder.

Hey newbie, welcome to the genealogy game! Roots and Branches is your first stop in becoming a genuine, card-carrying family history detective. This is the primer that guides you through the ABCs of where you're from and who you are.

Inside, You'll Find:

• Genealogy 101: The basics to kickstart your family history journey.
• First Steps: Where and how to start searching without getting overwhelmed.
• Glossary Galore: Familiarize yourself with the language of lineage.

A rootless dryad in an urban jungle. Will his meditations on power awaken a once-mythical truth and shake the city with a deadly force?

Chicago. Tanin can't dislodge a persistent unease. Working for a fae civil rights icon, the young human-shaped tree stays busy pumping unseen tendrils of magic into Earth's stale ground. But a fraught encounter with a wil-o-the-wisp reveals the dark side of his zealous mentor, and endows him with a mysterious new ability.

Tuan has trouble deciding if he should panic or celebrate. Once a humble bike courier, he realizes constant contact with a weird faerie composting business has left him able to see through their glamor and into the astral plane. But when the vivid colors and amazing sights start to overwhelm his mind, he turns to the anxious eucalyptus dryad for help.

Stunned to discover that mortal employees have been disappearing and dying for months, Tanin digs into the darker aspects of Gaia's guidance. And while helpful spirit guides show Tuan how to master his mental gifts, his physical body is still spiraling out of control.

Will their desperate attempts to do good poison the planet forever? Newgrowth is the mystical first book in The Fae Town Series of urban fantasies. If you like spontaneous fun, intriguing symbolism, and environmental themes, then you'll love Kevin Knabe's imaginative adventure.

Thomas Frood, while studying physics and mathematics at Queen’s University, worked with Spartan Air Services in the late 1950s, as a weather observer and radio operator in Canada’s far north. These are stories of that remarkable time.

His professional career was in mathematics education, and throughout his career he spent much time coaching basketball. His hobbies include canoeing, banjo playing, and writing. He is retired and lives on a small farm near Wilton Ontario.

Sarah and Robert, who are brother and sister, were ravenous. They saw the window of a house slightly ajar.

Robert, who was aged 14, climbed through the window to see if he could find some food. Sarah who was just 16, protested to Robert not to do it but he was caught stealing.

The police were called and both were arrested. At The Old Bailey Courthouse in London, Robert was sentenced to be hung. Sarahwas sent to Australia to serve her prison sentence. That's where the adventure started.

All alone and frightened, Sarah goes on to open an orphanage for children in Sydney Australia.

Who is the dead man lying in front of the convent in Santa Clara by the Sea? Was he already dead before he died in Santa Clara?

Bebéi, a simpleminded French archivist with a photographic memory, must solve an ever-deepening mystery to calm the streets. But it will also take a village of friends and helpers: a Caribbean ex-president who lives among cats; a Chinese stripper with a doll face; a Rastafarian workaholic; a Greek sea captain; even a remorseful German terrorist, who shares a vagabond life on the church stairs with a runaway Wall Street investor and a stoned Canadian hippie.

With these and other characters, The Condor's Riddle adds to the exotic literature of Latin America, where timeworn splendors provide a haunting backdrop for the tragicomedy of modern times.

A haunted house novel with a twist. The main characters are supernatural experts who know the ghosts going in, but more powerful forces than ghosts prowl the haunted house, and they've been biding their time.

Garrett Mueller proposes to his girlfriend, Marie Renault. She rejects him, distressing him until he learns why. Her family watches over a haunted house, where every several years a Breach opens to the world of the dead. Everyone related by blood or oath must return, or the Breach widens, endangering the family and world at large.

To marry Marie, he must also bind himself to that house.

The Renaults estimate a week until the Breach opens, offering Garrett a short trial period. Despite the risks, he will try it for the woman he loves. The Renaults are professionals when it comes to the supernatural, and they’ve always prevailed.

Only, as the week progresses, the family discovers this Breach is shaping up to be one of historically dangerous proportions. Risks mount higher as secrets leak out, threatening to divide the family. And even if Garrett changes his mind, it might be too late to leave.

Secrets Gnaw at the Flesh combines atmospheric haunted house horror with a dark family drama, topped with a layer of unsettling world-building. Readers who like smart characters taking on smart foes, deep delves into the supernatural, and twisty psychological narratives will feel right at home. This novel is part of the Virulent Nightmare Origins series and can be read as a standalone or as part of the series in any order.

Get ready to dive into a world where chocolate meets wine in the most delicious way! Our Chocolate and Wine Cookbook is your go-to guide, packed with mouthwatering recipes that blend the best of both worlds. But it's not just about cooking – it's about throwing an incredible Chocolate and Wine Party that'll leave your guests in awe. We've got you covered with easy steps, from planning and decorating to creating amazing pairings that will wow everyone.

And here's the secret to making your party go viral – we've got you covered with ingenious strategies to create a social media sensation!

Craft an exclusive event hashtag that captures the essence of your gathering. Encourage your guests to use it while sharing their amazing Chocolate & Wine party experience online. Tease and tantalize your followers with sneak peeks of the chocolates, wines, and decor leading up to the big day. Build anticipation, and watch the excitement grow.

Whether you're a newbie or a pro, this cookbook turns you into the ultimate host, making your party unforgettable! Get ready to indulge, impress, and have a blast – your exciting journey into the world of chocolate and wine starts here!

The end of the world begins with a spark...

In a post-apocalyptic Earth still reeling from the Sudden War, Nestor Grey, disillusioned former agent of the Far Agency, stumbles upon a child with no name and a terrible power: the ability to wield Mindfire. But with great power comes great danger, and unknown forces are hot on their heels, determined to capture the child and use his abilities for their own sinister purposes.

As Nestor and the boy race to uncover the truth behind the child’s past, they find themselves embroiled in a dangerous game of cat and mouse, hunted by enemies both seen and unseen. In a world wracked by bio-terror, political oppression, and the increasingly-powerful Aether, the stakes have never been higher.
With heart-pumping action, high-stakes intrigue, and a dystopian world that feels all too real, the first book in the Mindfire trilogy is a thrilling sci-fi adventure that will leave you on the edge of your seat. Don't miss out on this epic journey through a dark and dangerous future.

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Praise for L D Houghton:

"...wonderfully complex characters, rife with wry humour and has some twists that had me on the edge of my seat."
"Always readable with a fun sense of humour..."

"Superb storytelling with well thought out existential pondering..."

"...gloriously over-the-top and at times unbelievable, I loved it"

Baker Eleri hoped returning to her late aunt’s seaside cafe in Wales would provide a fresh start. But her new beginning is haunted by strange whispers, and a mystical silver locket that washes up on the beach.

When Eleri enlists the help of her childhood friend Gareth to unravel the locket’s secrets, their investigation reveals her family is cursed by two star-crossed lovers from centuries past. Eleri and Gareth have until Christmas Eve to break the curse...or risk losing each other forever.

Passion ignites as they race to decipher the curse’s origins and discover the truth behind Eleri’s ghostly premonitions. Dark supernatural forces seem determined to tear them apart and doom Eleri to her ancestors’ cursed fate.

To defeat the ancient evil, Eleri and Gareth must trust in the power of their bond and believe love can conquer any darkness. But on this enchanted Welsh coast, nothing is as it seems. Will forbidden desires lead to a happily ever after...or a haunting heartbreak?

This contemporary paranormal romance filled with Celtic lore is set in the seaside town of Aberystwyth, Wales. With a determined heroine, charming love interest, quirky locals, and just a touch of magic, Whispers of the Past will appeal to fans of ghostly love stories with depth.

Does the past really matter when you hold humanity's future in your hands?

With just days of its thousand year journey remaining, the starship Renaissance 3 is on course to deliver its precious cargo - the last living humans - to its new planetary home. But a message from beyond the grave challenges everything that pilot Maya has been taught about her kind, and threatens the future of the entire mission.

As life aboard the Renaissance descends into chaos, Maya soon finds herself facing the decision of a lifetime.

Sometimes the world isn't ready for the truth...

After a mysterious summons, ex-Air Force pilot Will Leonhardt travels to an obscure observatory in Hawaii. A shadowy group of rogue scientists have chosen him to pilot a flight more dangerous than any he’s flown before. And this one has the potential to change humanity’s understanding of itself and the planet forever.

Is the Terra Program, as it’s called, onto a secret of cosmic significance? Or are they merely deluded?

Will’s a sceptic. He accepts the mission to pilot a craft to the moon just so he can escape his own past and future. Yet during the months of intense training, he gets to know the program’s personnel: the chess-playing Dr. Whitfield, the erratic billionaire. Anthony Forrest, the beautiful young botanist, Sage Galloway.

And he experiences what he’s never known before: friendship…and even love.

But something’s rotten at the core of the program. A hidden enemy lurks, threatening the mission and the lives of everyone involved. The rocket launches—just a few miles up, everything goes wrong.

Can Will utilize all his training and stoic courage to save the lives of the people he has come to care for and uncover the secret at the heart of the Terra Program...and at the heart of the universe itself?

Cupid's in a coma! And it's Christmas!

Waitress Jackie Li works hard to provide a good home for her younger brother in the aftermath of their parents' deaths. She takes no time for herself. When Jackie accidentally collides with Cupid, leaving him in a coma, she must take on Cupid's matchmaker duties and step into a confusing, chaotic world of love and magic. As Christmas approaches, Jackie's life is on the brink of disaster. Can she find three couples who have true love? Before the deadline?

Is true love even real?

Forced to travel to a remote retreat in the Appalachian Mountains, Jackie begins to realize how much she has neglected her own needs and dreams. Helping others amidst West Virginia's romantic beauty, Jackie may just find her own true love.

Immerse yourself in enchantment with this unforgettable romance!

In a quiet village nestled deep within the heart of Italy, an elderly woman finds herself abandoned by her family, the depth of her loneliness almost overwhelming. Seeking solace in a decaying house, Greta clings onto the memories of her estranged husband, whose absence haunts her every waking moment.

As she steps over the threshold of her new home, the house awakens with an ominous energy, enveloping her in its unsettling embrace. Strange occurrences plague Greta's days, while chilling whispers echo through its dilapidated hallways. Only one fact cheers her- she is clearly not alone.

Caught between the longing for companionship and the terrifying consequences of embracing darkness, Greta must make a harrowing choice. Will she succumb to the allure of the house's sinister inhabitants, finally gaining the company she so desperately craves, or will she break free from their clutches and confront the horrors that lurk within?

Strange and Twisted Things is a chilling tale set against the scenic backdrop of Italy, where Greta's unwavering love battles against the very essence of evil itself.

Across the galaxy, mysteries deepen and threats increase.

On Utopia, home of the peacekeeping Rashani, anti-neutrality protests teeter on the brink of riots. On the outskirts of the galaxy, the Sun God finds a derelict spaceship that somehow crossed the supposedly-impenetrable Firmament, its purpose still unknown. And on a storm-wracked jungle world, the first battle of a war between the main galactic powers approaches.

Marissa Rhapsody, half-Deus gladiator, has recovered from battle only to be targeted by mysterious assassins. She accompanies a diplomatic mission to escape from her pursuers, but a potential war zone is a poor place to find safety.

The Bythos Empire is fast approaching to conquer the primitive world of Tashwa. The diplomats desperately trying to sway the fearsome and secretive Kunalim are about to get caught in the middle of the biggest firefight in the galaxy in centuries.

Imagine you are living in a rockpool that is uncovered by the sea twice a day. Here you will meet lots of different animals that the sea brings in, sometimes dangers and don’t forget to watch out for the greedy seagulls!

This book meets a beautiful animal that is hit on the head by a stone and has forgotten who they are and a cheeky hermit crab who loves to find new shells to live in.

At the end of each book, there is a page for adults to share with the readers that produce interesting facts about the animals or provide more depth on the issue depicted on the story.

I am a marine biologist working for over 40 years in this field and have a deep love and understanding for the animals and plants of our oceans. I spent much of my childhood ‘rock-pooling’ and this led me onto a lifelong career protecting and learning about the sea and its inhabitants. Maybe one child reading these books will feel inspired to learn more and explore the sea for themselves thus setting them on to a fantastic journey of discovery.