From Publishers Weekly In the fourth volume of his Oath of Empire series, Harlan (Shadow of Ararat) brings his exquisitely detailed, multifaceted saga of an alternative seventh-century Roman Empire to a satisfying close. Familiarity with the three previous installments, however, is essential to understanding the motivations of some characters, Mohammed in particular. While the author relegates some important individuals from the earlier books to bit roles in this movie-like chronicle, he develops others more fully, though with somewhat confusing attributes and rationales. Galen, emperor of Rome, continues to hold the fate of the Empire in the balance, alternately aided and frustrated by his sorcerer brother, Maxian. The resurrected Gaius Julius (Caesar) and the Duchess Anastasia intrigue against one another and the brothers, playing out the traditional Roman grasp for power. All oppose the evil Persian sorcerer, Dahak, lord of the seven serpents, who can count as his allies the King of Kings, the Palmyran queens and the raised dead. The conflict comes to a head first in Alexandria, where Aurelian, the middle brother, faces especially bloody fighting, dust and suffering. On Aurelian's death, the action moves to Sicilia, where Maxian, now emperor, finally understands the true nature of his enemy. Rip-roaring battle scenes offset the sometimes slow pace necessary to keep all the complexities of the story on track. This is opulent historical fantasy on a grand scale. Views: 68
As a midwife working in the tenements of turn-of-the-century New York, Sarah Brandt has witnessed joy and misery, birth and death. Now Sarah suffers the heartbreak of losing a patient-but not from natural causes. Called to attend a birth in Little Italy, Sarah finds an anxious family - Young Nainsi Ruocco's baby is being born too early. But when he proves to be a fat, lusty lad, their concern turns to fury - the child was obviously conceived before the girl and her husband had even met. The next morning, Sarah to check on the new mother, and finds Nainsi dead in her bed. Soon the mystery has inflamed the tensions between the Italian and Irish immigrants, and Detective Sergeant Frank Malloy must find out the truth before a full-scale street war develops. Views: 68
Sophie Swankowski is the hero from the stories she's been hearing all her life: she's the girl who will save the world. Or so she's been told. Now she and her unlikely guardian—the gruff, filthy mermaid Syrena—must travel the pitch-black seas from broken-down Chelsea, Massachusetts, to Syrena's homeland in Poland. Along the way, Syrena will reveal the terrible truth about her past, and teach Sophie about the ages-old source of her newly discovered power. But left behind in Chelsea, without Sophie to protect them from the dark magic she's awakened, what will become of Sophie's friends and family?Girl at the Bottom of the Sea is the follow-up to Michelle Tea's beloved Mermaid in Chelsea Creek, "a refreshing breath of air in the world of YA, equal parts eerie, heartbreaking, and fantastical." (ZYZZYVA). Views: 68
When the Trask family checks into the Hatteras West Inn and Lighthouse, they just want to get their hands on their father's will. Unfortunately, someone beats them to it, murdering Elkton Falls's favorite lawyer--Alex's Uncle Jase--in the process. Alex suspects the killer is under his own roof, but as he uncovers information about his uncle, Alex could be next. Original. Views: 68
My Dear Friend . . . I am in great danger. The person whose loyal and faithful companion I have been . . . intends to have me done away with . . . When this unsigned letter is sent to three people in town none of them take it seriously. However, as with most events Inspector Purbright and the residents of Flaxborough realise that hindsight is a wonderful thing, especially when a woman is found dead in suspicious circumstances. Charity Ends at Home is the fifth novel in the Flaxborough series and was first published in 1968. Faber Finds will be reissuing all the Flaxborough novels in sequence. ‘Arguably the best of comic crime writers.’ Time Out Views: 68
Set in Malory's England during the Wars of the Roses, this acclaimed winner of a remarkable nine awards tells the true story of two star-crossed lovers -- Richard of Gloucester and Lady Anne Neville -- before they become King and Queen of England. A stirring tale of romance and intrigue.ReviewA love story based on history set in Malory's England, and the winner of six awards. The first novel in the multi-award winning ROSE OF YORK SERIES by the acclaimed author of The King's Daughter and Lady Of The Roses, revolving around the tragic figure of King Richard III and the Wars of the Roses. "Expounding an historical epic of honor and love during the time of the Wars of the Roses, The Rose of York: Love & War is both dramatic and evocative in its portrayal of struggling souls making the best choices they can in an unjust world. A deftly written, reader engaging, thoroughly entertaining and enthusiastically recommended historical novel which documents its author as a gifted literary talent." --Midwest Book Review "The historical detail is marvelous. Worth's depiction of the troubled times, uncertainty of life and the portrayal of historical figures as multidimensional people with good intentions, bad decisions, greed, jealousy and goodness of heart will leave you wanting the next book immediately." --Romantic Times Magazine, A Romantic Times TOP PICK!From the PublisherSandra Worth has won nine awards for her debut novel, "The Rose of York: Love & War," including the 2005 GLYPH AWARD FOR BEST GENERAL FICTION from the Arizona Publishing Association and the 2004 MORE THAN MAGIC AWARD of the Romance Writers of America, Romance Writers Ink. Her novel has provoked so much interest that it has recently gone into a fourth printing. "This admirable historical novel belongs on the shelf of all true Ricardians next to 'Daughter of Time'." ~ India Edghill for The Historical Novels Society Review Views: 68
From Publishers WeeklyHiggs, the bestselling author of 20 inspirational books, successfully tries her hand at her first historical novel, spinning a new version of the biblical story of Jacob to show the costs of deception and the triumph of love despite adversity. The story opens in 1764 Scotland, a month before the birth of Rowena McKie's twin boys. Those readers familiar with the biblical account of Isaac and Rebecca, their twin sons Jacob and Esau, and Jacob's search for a wife will have no trouble discerning how the plot unwinds. Higgs has a good track record with romance novels (Bookends; Mixed Signals), and she handles the love affairs between the younger twin James McKie and sisters Rose and Leana McBride with aplomb. Despite the predictable story line, Higgs keeps a few surprises up her sleeve, including the device of a proxy wedding (which although historically authentic, may be a stretch for some). Christian fiction readers will appreciate many of the moral lessons gently delivered, especially as James discovers that deception is a two-edged sword. The book feels a bit too long, but Higgs's fine writing will satisfy historical fiction aficionados. Although Scottish words are liberally sprinkled throughout the text, their definition through context is usually clear, and a welcome and thorough glossary in the back of the book further aids readers. Higgs incorporates many lovely historical details, and her strong storytelling skills stand her in good stead here.Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc. Review?Wise, heart wrenching, and ultimately triumphant. I couldn?t put it down.??Francine Rivers, author of *Redeeming Love?Liz Curtis Higgs takes readers on a remarkable journey to the Lowlands of Scotland. A luminous sense of hope shines through this truly wrenching story of characters who are both larger than life and all too human. This unforgettable saga is as multilayered, mysterious, and joyous as love and faith can be.??Susan Wiggs, New York Times best-selling author -- Review* Views: 68
