Now in paperback, the first installment of a Regency era trilogy starring a feisty heroine with a taste for adventure.Twelve-year-old Katherine Ann Stephenson has just discovered that she’s inherited her late mother’s magical talents, and despite Stepmama’s stern objections, she’s determined to learn how to use them. But with her eldest sister Elissa’s intended fiancÉ, the sinister Sir Neville, showing a dangerous interest in Kat’s magical potential; her other sister, Angeline, wreaking romantic havoc with her own witchcraft; and a highwayman lurking in the forest, Kat’s reckless heroism will be tested to the utmost. If she can learn to control her new powers, will Kat be able to rescue her family and win her sisters their true loves?In this charming blend of Jane Austen–era culture, magical whimsy, and rollicking adventure, readers will find a true friend in the refreshingly unladylike Kat Stephenson.From School Library JournalGr 6-9–Resentful of her stepmother, her secretive older sisters, and the whole code of ladylike conduct in early-19th-century England, 12-year-old Kat Stephenson takes action. She chops off her hair, learns to use her mother's magical mirror, and fends off both well-meaning and threatening adults. Posing as a highwayman, she captures husbands for her sisters. There is more than a little wish-fulfillment here as the ignored younger sister–constantly criticized for her curiosity and impulsive behavior–discovers her exalted status while providing for her less-adept older siblings. The Regency world is drawn in broad strokes, and some secondary characters are more caricature than convincing, but the sisters–clearly close to the 21st century in their basic outlooks, even if Elissa, the eldest, fancies herself a Gothic heroine–are appealing and their relationship is believable. Regency romance and fantasy adventure all in one, this is a satisfying read and a promising beginning to a trilogy that is sure to be popular with middle school girls.–Kathleen Isaacs, Children's Literature Specialist, Pasadena, MD. (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. From BooklistThis first title in the Unladylike Adventures of Kat Stephenson series evokes Jane Austen, Georgette Heyer, Alfred Noyes, and Libba Bray with tongue firmly in cheek. It’s 1803 and 12-year-old Kat must deal with her heritage of as-yet-untrained magic powers while saving her eldest sister from marriage to a wealthy cad old enough to be her father and helping the middle sister connect with her true love. Also in the mix are a loving but ineffectual father, a vicious stepmother, a dashing highwayman, and the mysterious “Order” of witches trying to recruit Kat for proper training in magic. Although it’s unlikely that young readers will be familiar with all the literary references, Burgis’ debut title rides on its swift pace and the delightfully feisty Kat, whose fearless and frequently impulsive actions will have readers cheering her on. Historical-fiction fans will enjoy this quick romp, and romance readers may discover Regency England’s charms, perhaps even enough to seek out Pride and Prejudice and other inspirations. Grades 6-10. --Debbie Carton Views: 17
Althea Ford needs help with her rundown farm where she lives with her invalid sister, carrying the burden of her father's deathbed demand. The town sheriff delivers the local drunk to fill that need. Jeff Hicks, once the sheriff himself, has let his past overtake him. Together, Jeff and Allie discover that love might heal their old wounds. But spiteful enemies are determined to keep them apart. Views: 17
An inspired book of short stories that explores the profound relationship between life and art While mourning the loss of his son in the Vietnam War, an Italian chef reflects on the importance of art for future generations. An American boy retreats inward after he kills his younger brother in a farming accident, finding solace in classical music and a friendship with his teacher. Placing the artist at the center of his stories, Gardner produces a series of beautiful moments where art must act as a life-affirming force—and creates a collection of poignant narratives as a result. In The Art of Living, author John Gardner brings his most significant themes to life with stunning eloquence and masterful narration. This ebook features a new illustrated biography of John Gardner, including original letters, rare photos, and never-before-seen documents from the Gardner family and the University of Rochester Archives. Views: 17
The pursuit of wealth by bankers and their friends in London, Moscow and hong Kong. Views: 17
Kisses and sparks fly equally fast in this fast-paced romp featuring second Impossible Bachelor Nicholas Staunton and Lady Poppy Smith-Barnes, a member of the Spinsters Club. Poppy won't marry unless it's for love, so she fobs off all her suitors with the story that she's on the verge of an engagement to the fierce and frightening Duke of Drummond, a product of her Cook's vivid imagination. Or so Poppy thinks, until she's trapped in an unwanted engagement with Nicholas, the real Duke of Drummond, who's just as mysterious as his fictitious counterpart and a true danger to even the most fortified Spinster heart. Views: 17
In 1965 Saigon, Joe, a young draftee, becomes obsessed with a Vietnam girl named Mai, his own "Dragon Lady" from the Terry and the Pirates cartoon strips that his mother still sends him. As he pursues a relationship with her, Saigon churns with intrigue and rumors--will the U.S. become more involved with the Vietnamese struggle? What's going on with a special unit that's bringing in all sorts of (for the time) high tech equipment? Will the U.S. make South Vietnam the 51st state and bomb aggressors to oblivion? But for Joe, the big question is--does Mai love him or will she betray more than just his heart? Gary Alexander’s own experiences plus his intelligent voice, filled with dry wit, give this story a sharp sense of truth, recounting the horror and absurdity of war. Reminiscent of books such as Catch-22, Dragon Lady serves up equal measures of outrageous humor and poignant remembrance. Gary Alexander was one of 17,000 US soldiers in Vietnam that spring. When he left in the fall, there were 75,000 troops in-country. He is the author of several mystery novels, most notably the Buster Hightower series, and numerous mystery short stories. DRAGON LADY is his first literary novel. Read an interview with Gary at the Istoria Books blog: www.IstoriaBooks.blogspot.com** Views: 17
SUMMARY:
For mature teens, a fantasy in which Vanyel is pitted against the murderous Master Dark. This is the third novel of the Last Herald-Mage trilogy. Preceded by Magic's Pawn (1989) and Magic's Promise (1990). The final chapter in Mercedes Lackey 's spellbinding fantasy trilogy! The Herald-Mage, Vanyel, and his Companion, Yfandes, are alone responsible for saving the once-peaceful kingdom of Valdemar from the forces of a master who wields a dark, forbidding magic. And if either Vanyel or Yfandes falters, both Valdemar and its Herald-Mage must pay the ultimate price. Views: 17
Wynne Connelly is marketing manager for a major travel organization and her job requires that she attend meetings twice monthly at the company's Orlando headquarters. Paula McKenzie is second-in-command on the night shift at the Weller Regent - an upscale hotel in Orlando. The same upscale hotel that Wynne Connelly stays in whenever she's in Orlando. Paula finds herself intrigued by the twice-monthly guest, who possesses an aura of mystery and elegant beauty. When things grow hectic one night at the front desk, Paula emerges to lend a hand - just in time to greet Wynne at check-in. Their exchange borders on mild flirtation and both women come away feeling sparks. Soon they begin spending time together and share more than just a kiss. And while Paula is elated at the prospect of the budding romance, Wynne is alarmed at her loss of self-control. Ever mindful of the obligations back home that she must honor, she struggles to resist Paula's fascination and allure... Views: 17
It is winter, 1950 in a dingy part of London. John Davies confesses to strangling his wife and baby daughter, and for DI Ted Stratton of West End Central, it promises to be a straightforward case. When Davies recants, blaming respectable neighbour Norman Backhouse for the crimes, nobody, including Stratton, sees any reason to believe him. Davies is convicted and hanged, but later, after a series of gruesome discoveries, Stratton begins to suspect that there has been a terrible miscarriage of justice. Her marriage in tatters, ex-MI5 agent Diana Calthrop is determined to start a new life, but, despite a promising beginning, she soon finds herself in trouble both financially and emotionally. And with a seemingly unstoppable killer of women on the loose, she is very vulnerable indeed. Views: 17
