Santa Claus's daughter sets out to break a curse and free a magical kingdomThough few mortals know his secret, Nicholas is more than a jolly red-suited man who visits children all over the world on Christmas Eve—he is also the king of Forever, Land of the Immortals. Each year he gets letters from millions of boys and girls, and helps make their Christmas wishes come true. But one year, a special little boy from New York City asks something Nicholas has never been asked before: "What do you wish for Christmas, Santa?" With that simple question, a magical story unfolds.Nicholas answers that his only wish is for a child. And soon the immortal people of the kingdom celebrate the arrival of Holly Claus, the princess of Forever and the first child to grace its ground. But their happiness is dashed when an evil sorcerer places a spell on the infant, turning her heart to ice and freezing her kingdom in time. Many years later, just in time for Christmas Eve, Holly travels to... Views: 110
Stories filled with wonder and the haunting beauty of his culture have helped make Rudolfo Anaya the father of Chicano literature in English, and his tales fairly shimmer with the lyric richness of his prose. Acclaimed in both Spanish and English, Anaya is perhaps best loved for his classic bestseller ... Antonio Marez is six years old when Ultima comes to stay with his family in New Mexico. She is a curandera, one who cures with herbs and magic. Under her wise wing, Tony will test the bonds that tie him to his people, and discover himself in the pagan past, in his father's wisdom, and in his mother's Catholicism. And at each life turn there is Ultima, who delivered Tony into the world-and will nurture the birth of his soul. Views: 109
The book that made Jackie Collins one of America’s favorite authors sweeps you from the sophisticated playgrounds of Europe to the glittering gambling palaces of Las Vegas. It plunges you into the reckless, dangerous world of the Santangelo crime family. It introduces you to Gino Santangelo, the street kid who makes it all the way to the top. And then brings you Lucky—his sensual, stunningly beautiful, and passionate daughter; a woman who dares to win her father’s empire for herself; a woman unafraid of taking...CHANCES. Views: 109
In the spirit of her blockbuster #1 New York Times bestseller The Happiness Project, Gretchen Rubin embarks on a new project to make home a happier place. One Sunday afternoon, as she unloaded the dishwasher, Gretchen Rubin felt hit by a wave of homesickness. Homesick—why? She was standing right in her own kitchen. She felt homesick, she realized, with love for home itself. “Of all the elements of a happy life,” she thought, “my home is the most important.” In a flash, she decided to undertake a new happiness project, and this time, to focus on home.And what did she want from her home? A place that calmed her, and energized her. A place that, by making her feel safe, would free her to take risks. Also, while Rubin wanted to be happier at home, she wanted to appreciate how much happiness was there already.So, starting in September (the new January), Rubin dedicated a school year—September through May—to making her home a place of greater simplicity, comfort, and love. In The Happiness Project, she worked out general theories of happiness. Here she goes deeper on factors that matter for home, such as possessions, marriage, time, and parenthood. How can she control the cubicle in her pocket? How might she spotlight her family’s treasured possessions? And it really was time to replace that dud toaster.Each month, Rubin tackles a different theme as she experiments with concrete, manageable resolutions—and this time, she coaxes her family to try some resolutions, as well. With her signature blend of memoir, science, philosophy, and experimentation, Rubin’s passion for her subject jumps off the page, and reading just a few chapters of this book will inspire readers to find more happiness in their own lives. ReviewPraise for *The Happiness Project*“Once you’ve read Gretchen Rubin’s tale of a year spent searching for satisfaction, you’ll want to start your own happiness project and get your friends and family to join you. This is the rare book that will make you both smile and think—often on the same page.” –Daniel H. Pink, bestselling author of Drive"A friendly, approachable, and compulsively readable narrative that will not only make you want to start your own happiness project but will also make you want to invite Rubin out for a cup of coffee." –San Diego Union-Tribune "For those who generally loathe the self-help genre, Rubin's book is a breath of peppermint-scented air. Well-researched and sharply written." –The Cleveland Plain Dealer "The Happiness Project made me happier by just reading it." –Bookpage “An enlightening, laugh-aloud read…Filled with open, honest glimpses into [Rubin’s] real life, woven together with constant doses of humor.” –*Christian Science Monitor “Whether you devote a day or a year, The Happiness Project can give you the tools to find lasting fulfillment.” –Psychology Today “Gretchen's compelling voice, great stories, and first person-perspective…make the book simply irresistible.” –Bob Sutton, Stanford Professor and author of Weird Ideas That Work “A cross between the Dalai Lama’s The Art of Happiness and Elizabeth Gilbert’s Eat, Pray, Love, *seamlessly buttressed by insights from sources as diverse as psychological scientists, novelists, poets, and philosophers, Gretchen Rubin’s book is one that readers will revisit again and again as they seek to fulfill their own dreams for happiness.” –Sonja Lyubomirsky, author of The How of HappinessReviewPraise for *The Happiness Project*“Once you’ve read Gretchen Rubin’s tale of a year spent searching for satisfaction, you’ll want to start your own happiness project and get your friends and family to join you. This is the rare book that will make you both smile and think—often on the same page.” –Daniel H. Pink, bestselling author of Drive"A friendly, approachable, and compulsively readable narrative that will not only make you want to start your own happiness project but will also make you want to invite Rubin out for a cup of coffee." –San Diego Union-Tribune "For those who generally loathe the self-help genre, Rubin's book is a breath of peppermint-scented air. Well-researched and sharply written." –The Cleveland Plain Dealer "The Happiness Project made me happier by just reading it." –Bookpage “An enlightening, laugh-aloud read…Filled with open, honest glimpses into [Rubin’s] real life, woven together with constant doses of humor.” –*Christian Science Monitor “Whether you devote a day or a year, The Happiness Project can give you the tools to find lasting fulfillment.” –Psychology Today “Gretchen's compelling voice, great stories, and first person-perspective…make the book simply irresistible.” –Bob Sutton, Stanford Professor and author of Weird Ideas That Work “A cross between the Dalai Lama’s The Art of Happiness and Elizabeth Gilbert’s Eat, Pray, Love, *seamlessly buttressed by insights from sources as diverse as psychological scientists, novelists, poets, and philosophers, Gretchen Rubin’s book is one that readers will revisit again and again as they seek to fulfill their own dreams for happiness.” –Sonja Lyubomirsky, author of The How of Happiness Views: 109
Inheriting his grandmother's crumbling mansion, Rory Blaine creates Britain's first retirement home for gay men. Perceptive and moving, Rory's Boys is about one man's struggle to accept who he is and about the need most of us have to find some sort of family. Views: 109
The Unbearable Lightness of Being a Prawn Cracker - hilarious restaurant reviews by Booker nominee Will Self'Most food writing and restaurant criticism is concerned with the ideal, with how by cooking this, or dining there, you can somehow ingurgitate a new - or at any rate improved - social, aesthetic and even spiritual persona. I aimed to turn this proposition on its head, and instead of commenting on where and what people would ideally like to eat I would consider where and what they actually did: the ready meals, buffet snacks and - most importantly - fast food that millions of Britons chomp upon in the go-round of their often hurried and dyspeptic lives.'In this selection from his wickedly funny New Statesman Real Meals column, Will Self reviews the chains where most of us go to eat (KFC, Greggs, Yo! Sushi, Pizza Express and their like), delves into the ubiquitous Thai meal and Chicken Tikka Masala, and experiences hotel breakfasts, frozen TV dinners... Views: 109
R.L. Stine, New York Times bestselling author of the Goosebumps and Fear Street series—two of the bestselling children’s book series of all time—now sets his sights on adults with a terrifying new horror novel centered on a town in the grip of a sinister revolt.Before there was J. K. Rowling, before there was Stephenie Meyer or Suzanne Collins, there was R.L. Stine. Witty, creepy, and compulsively readable, his books defined horror for a generation of young readers— readers who have now come of age. In Red Rain, Stine uses his unerring knack for creating terror to tap into some very grownup fears. Travel writer Lea Sutter finds herself on a small island off the coast of South Carolina, the wrong place at the wrong time. A merciless, unanticipated hurricane cuts a path of destruction through the island and Lea barely escapes with her life. In the storm’s aftermath, she discovers two orphaned boys—twins. Filled with a desire to do something to help, to make something good of all she witnessed, Lea impulsively decides to adopt them. The boys, Samuel and Daniel, seem amiable and immensely grateful; Lea’s family back on Long Island—husband Mark, a child psychologist, and their two children, Ira and Elena—aren’t quite so pleased. But even they can’t anticipate the twins’ true nature—or predict that, within a few weeks’ time, Mark will wind up implicated in two brutal murders, with the police narrowing in. For the millions of readers who grew up on Goosebumps, and for every fan of deviously inventive horror, this is a must-read from a beloved master of the genre.Review“I picked up R.L. Stine’s RED RAIN and for the life of me couldn’t put it down. From the opening scene—which is plenty shocking—a terrifying and original story unspools that draws the reader in like a moth to flame. The suspense builds to the breaking point and goes beyond... and beyond. This is a sophisticated thriller with real characters, crisp writing, and a wicked sense of humor. Keep this book far, far away from your kids.” (Douglas Preston )“Come on! There's simply no need to frighten somebody that much. But what else should we expect from the undisputed master of fear. R.L. Stine is a name synonymous with excellence. He's made a career out of scaring children. Now he's turned his attention to adults in a dark, all-too-real-tale, that brings the unimaginable to life. Make sure the doors are locked and all of the lights are on in the house before you open this one up." (Steve Berry )“This is the moment I've been terrified of -- when R.L. Stine decided he wasn't just going to scare children, but that he would focus his power on frightening the rest of us. Ready to be haunted by the master? RED RAIN proves he's got nightmares for us all.” (Brad Meltzer )“Leave the light on and the door locked. R.L. Stine is now scaring the bejeezus out of grown-ups. RED RAIN will put goose bumps on even the toughest adult.” (Kathy Reichs )“RED RAIN is a slam-bang, stay-up-all-night, leave-the-lights-on thriller. R.L. Stine has scared kids for years. Now it's our turn...” (Harlan Coben ) About the AuthorR.L. Stine, author of the multimillion-selling Goosebumps and Fear Street series, lives in New York City with his wife, Jane, an editor and publisher, and their dog, Minnie. Visit RLStine.com. Views: 109
Claire has returned to Nonesuch, the beach house she shared with her friends. Malcolm's come back too, much to Claire's chagrin, but when he asks her for a second chance she's surprised into giving him one. Will the secrets of the past keep them apart, or bring them together? ***Previously published as Sand Castle Views: 109
The "Dan Carter, Cub Scout" series, written by Mildred A. Wirt (writing as Ann Wirt) follows the adventures of 10-year-old Dan Carter and the boys in Den 2 of the Cub Scouts. Dan Carter is the pack leader, and he and his friends have fun and adventures in this exciting series originally published between 1949 and 1953. During the night, the river steadily had risen. Fed by rampant streams to the north, the swollen waters gradually had nibbled away the sandy beach. The boat, tied securely the night before, now pounded against the dock on a slack rope. While Dan retied it, Sam Hatfield pushed away a floating log which had lodged against the dock post. “River’s up another four inches,” he observed gloomily. “And now, more rain.” “Think we ought to call it quits?” “That’s for the fellows to decide,” Mr. Hatfield replied. “It was swell of Midge’s father to let us use this place. It’s almost like having a regular camp. “The Cubs sure appreciate it. But they’re fed up with the weather. Another day of this and we’ll be sprouting webs on our feet. “What’s your thought, Dan? Do we stick, or shall we call enough—enough?” “I hate to be a quitter. It’s easy enough to trot home to our folks. I’d say, let’s hang on another day the way we planned. Maybe the weather man will give us a break.” “Good,” said Mr. Hatfield in relief. “I was hoping you’d say that, Dan. The question is, will the other Cubs agree?” “They’re all good sports. If only we could swim or hike, everything would be swell.” Views: 109
The Young Hornblower - a truly formidable force in His Majesty's ServiceThe seventeen-year-old Hornblower became notorious as soon as he stepped on board ship - as the midshipman who was seasick in Spithead. But he was soon to gain his sea legs.Amid battle, action and adventure he proves himself time and time again - courageous in danger, resourceful in moments of difficulty and decisive in times of trouble. The reader stands right beside him as he prepares to fight his first duel, feels the heat as he battles to control a blazing ship and shares his horror as he experiences for the first time the panic of the Plague.This omnibus edition contains:Mr Midshipman Hornblower Lieutenant Hornblower Hornblower and the 'Hotspur' Views: 108
Master illusionist Lorenzo wants nothing to do with the Pyr. His dragon nature is just another secret to hide and another detail to juggle, like ensuring that each of his Las Vegas magic shows is a true spectacle. Until he feels the burn of his firestorm and his whole world shifts.... Cassie Redmond is tired of photographing celebrities. She wants to pursue her dream of serious photography—despite the lucrative offer for a shot of a dragon shifter. Las Vegas is the last place she wants to be, but Lorenzo arouses more than her curiosity when he shifts shape as the finale of his show. Instead of forcing him to reveal his secrets, Cassie gets swept away by this illusionist’s masterful touch. Lorenzo wants to satisfy the firestorm and put it behind him. But Cassie is hard to forget—and he can’t ignore the danger when Slayers target the mate Lorenzo didn’t believe he wanted.... Views: 108
