Vivid and evocative, this is a moving novel of a unique time and place from one of New Zealand's favourite authors.The Whanganui River at the turn of the twentieth century is a busy thoroughfare, taking sightseers through the spectacular landscape by paddle steamer and acting as highway for the sparse scatterings of settlements along its twisting length. The people who have made it their home are a diverse collection, from Samuel Blencoe, trying to forget his past life as a convict, to the hoteliers at Pipiriki, the nuns at Jerusalem, the Maori families, the Chinese market gardener and the farmers, like Danny and Stella, trying to tame the wild bush. There's also Bridie, the strange, silent girl, who haunts the banks of the river where the accident occurred that robbed her of her mind. Like the tributaries that trickle down the mountains and join the mighty river, so the lives of these people come together in this vivid and moving tale of a stunningly unique place. Views: 67
Jennifer's dream vacation in sunny Portugal has suddenly turned into an unending nightmare! The two brothers she encounters are bound by the same strange family heritage: a fascination with fire. Jennifer is attracted to both Neil and Philip Alenquer, but one of them is lying about the tragedy that has taken place in their castle overlooking the Atlantic. Philip claims that Neil had set the blaze that killed Neil's young wife after he'd discovered her in Philip's arms. Neil maintains that Philip had started the blaze, and he fears that Philip's insane pyromania is putting all their lives in danger. Jennifer doesn't know which of the brothers to believe, but when the villa she's staying burns to the ground, she knows that she's become the next target of an obsessed killer! A thrilling gothic suspense tale. Views: 67
BY HIS COMMAND3His DesirebyAna FawkesI'm going to kill him.I'm going to kill Oliver Rush.When billionaire Jonathan Black says the words, Isabella Grace can't help but believe he's acting out of anger. Oliver's attack on Isabella has left her scared, but as long as she is in the company of Mr. Black, she feels safe.But when Jonathan Black starts to show a darker side of himself - outside of the bedroom - Isabella realizes that perhaps he is serious.I'm going to kill him.I'm going to kill Oliver Rush.But at what cost?Visit Ana at her blog... www.AnaFawkes.blogspot.com Views: 67
The brilliant anatomist Dr. Thomas Silkstone returns in Tessa Harris's vivid and compelling mystery series set in 1780s London. . .It is not just the living who are prey to London's criminals and cutpurses. Corpses, too, are fair game—dug up from fresh graves and sold to unscrupulous men of science. Dr. Thomas Silkstone abhors such methods, but his leading rival, Dr. John Hunter, has learned of the imminent death of eight-foot-tall Charles Byrne, known as the "Irish Giant," and will go to any lengths to obtain the body for his research.Thomas intends to see that Byrne is allowed to rest in peace. Yet his efforts are complicated by concern for his betrothed, Lady Lydia Farrell, who breaks off their engagement without explanation. When Dr. Hunter is implicated in the horrific murder of a young castrato, Thomas must determine how far the increasingly erratic surgeon will go in the name of knowledge. For as Thomas knows too well, the blackest hearts sometimes go... Views: 67
Friends everywhere will love this magical adventure. It's perfect for Valentine's Day — or any day!Rachel and Kirsty know all about being a good friend. After all, they're best friends! But when Florence the Friendship Fairy's magic memory book, ribbon, and bracelets disappear, friendships everywhere are in big trouble. Now kids can't stop arguing, just like Jack Frost's silly goblins!Florence has to find her missing magic, but she can't do it without Rachel and Kirsty. Can they help their new fairy friend — and teach icy Jack Frost a thing or two about friendship?Find the magic items in all three stories inside this Rainbow Magic Special Edition and help save friendships everywhere! Views: 67
In this haunting and hopeful debut novel, a teen’s court-mandated psychiatric residency prompts a change in perspective from which there is no looking back.Taylor Truwell is a sixteen-year-old girl from Florida with a troubled past, a neglectful mother, a seemingly callous father, and an urge to flee. When Taylor is caught with a stolen car, her violent reaction lands her in court for resisting arrest. Her father convinces the judge of an alternative to punishment: treatment in a juvenile psychiatric correctional facility. And so Taylor arrives at Sunny Meadows.Sunny Meadows is anything but the easy way out, and Taylor has to fight hard just to hold on to her sanity as she battles her parents, an intrusive therapist, and a group of particularly nasty fellow patients. But even as Taylor clings to her stubborn former self, she gradually relents to new friendships—and to unexpected romance. Sunny Meadows goes against everything Taylor stands for. But could it be the place that saves her?In this striking debut, Laura Lascarso weaves together a powerful story of anger and self-destruction, hope and love, and the complicated way that it all comes together.Review“Readers are likely to sympathize enough with Taylor to...root for her as she reluctantly embraces rehabilitation.... Despite a few bumps in the road, a hopeful model for growth through therapy.”—Kirkus Reviews, June 13, 2012“This debut novel from Lascarso approaches an unhappy and stressful young adulthoodwith realism and sensitivity, where disappointment and uncertainty can eventually coexistwith opportunity and hope. The concern and love of Taylor’s father and an understandingand effective therapist are central to the story...the story resonates and will likely appeal to middle school readers and up.”—VOYA, August 2012“This debut novel from Lascarso approaches an unhappy and stressful young adulthood with realism and sensitivity, where disappointment and uncertainty can eventually coexist with opportunity and hope. The concern and love of Taylor’s father and an understanding and effective therapist are central to the story...the story resonates and will likely appeal to middle school readers and up.”—VOYA, August 2012 About the AuthorLaura Lascarso lives in north Florida with her husband, two children, three chickens, and a dog named Lucy. Counting Backwards is her debut novel. Visit her at LauraLascarso.com. Views: 67
Kay Whitner. Wife of a farmer. Mother of six kids. She's going about her business, minding her own business, when the Secret service arrives and informs her that computer facial recognition software has identified her as a match for the First Lady. She's upset that public security cameras are used by the government for such purposes. Then she scoffs at the idea that she could look like the President's wife...until they talk her into letting them to do a makeover on her. She's stunned to see the First Lady looking back at her from the mirror when they're done. She agrees to act as a double and attend occasional social events in the First Lady's place. While she finds it exciting, nothing remarkable happen...until terrorists storm a luncheon she's attending in Switzerland. She finds herself held hostage with three other women, and ordered to read a statement on video, to the President and America. After a daring escape, she and the other women are whisked to a nearby helicopter, which becomes damaged in a shoot-out with the terrorists. The helicopter crashes nearby and the military must find them before the terrorists do. Kay is a hero, but as a secret 'Double', she must remain an 'unsung hero'. This book is written in Ms. Gregersen's popluar light style, with humor threaded through the action. Enjoy this and other books by Susan Gregersen, available from Amazon. Views: 67
An emotionally charged story of the secrets, lies, and betrayal that often infiltrate marriages and families, sending members into a whirlwind of drama and intrigue.Bree has the perfect life...or so she thinks. Things start to spiral out of control, however, when her so-called best friend, Tangela, sets her eyes on Bree's wealthy doctor husband, Kashawn. Determined to have the life that she believes is rightfully hers, Tangela will do whatever it takes to have Kashawn, the mansion, the cars, and the prestige that comes with being a doctor's wife for herself—even if it means she has to kill. The situation goes from bad to worse when Deanthony, Kashawn's long-lost brother, blows back into town after his dream of becoming an actor fizzles. He has always held a candle for Bree and tries to seduce her away from his brother. Nothing is quite so straightforward, however, and we quickly find out why Deanthony is back in town when Tangela uses what she has found out about... Views: 67
The hunky young PhD knows all about seduction, but what does he know about love?Reagan Cassidy is settled in her life. She has a thriving interior design firm, an upscale condo, two cats, and a goldfish. As a favor to her uncle, she agrees to team up with his marine archeologist friend to validate and retrieve a nineteenth-century journal, reputedly that of a passenger aboard the doomed schooner Twelfth Sun. Finding a hunky twenty-five-year-old coming out of the shower in her hotel room wasn't part of the deal, but it's hard to complain...Dr. Elijah Cross is cocky and he knows it. He enjoys trading barbs with the lovely Reagan. Barbs, and some innuendo. He can tell she'd rather get back home to her business than stick around for the extended treasure hunt they've been talked into, but he's fine with the situation. At least, until the "clues" start getting personal.Reagan finds Dr. Gorgeous is as skilled in matters of the heart as he is behind the lectern. Throw in a... Views: 67
