A gripping adventure, a seaborne romance, and a twist on the tale of Scheherazade—with the best food ever served aboard a pirate’s shipThe year is 1819, and the renowned chef Owen Wedgwood has been kidnapped by the ruthless pirate Mad Hannah Mabbot. He will be spared, she tells him, as long as he puts exquisite food in front of her every Sunday without fail.To appease the red-haired captain, Wedgwood gets cracking with the meager supplies on board. His first triumph at sea is actual bread, made from a sourdough starter that he leavens in a tin under his shirt throughout a roaring battle, as men are cutlassed all around him. Soon he’s making tea-smoked eel and brewing pineapple-banana cider.But Mabbot—who exerts a curious draw on the chef—is under siege. Hunted by a deadly privateer and plagued by a saboteur hidden on her ship, she pushes her crew past exhaustion in her search for the notorious Brass Fox. As Wedgwood begins to sense a method to Mabbot’s madness, he must rely on the bizarre crewmembers he once feared: Mr. Apples, the fearsome giant who loves to knit; Feng and Bai, martial arts masters sworn to defend their captain; and Joshua, the deaf cabin boy who becomes the son Wedgwood never had.Cinnamon and Gunpowder is a swashbuckling epicure’s adventure simmered over a surprisingly touching love story—with a dash of the strangest, most delightful cookbook never written. Eli Brown has crafted a uniquely entertaining novel full of adventure: the Scheherazade story turned on its head, at sea, with food.ReviewsFrom BooklistBrown transports readers to 1819 via the narration of Owen Wedgwood. He is the renowned chef for the wealthy owner of Pendleton Trading Company, an economic powerhouse that controls the ocean-shipping lines from east to west. When the infamous pirate Mad Hannah Mabbot commandeers their ship, Wedgwood watches her murder his employer, then steal his supper. Intoxicated by Wedgwood’s skill with a skillet, Mabbot forces him to cook for his life aboard her ship where she holds him prisoner. Soon he is swept up into Mabbot’s hunt for the Brass Fox, a rival rogue. At first this quest seems purely selfish, but as Wedgwood dines weekly with the captain, he begins to see the altruism that actually motivates the battle-hardened beauty. Brown concocts a clever tale in which history, ethics, action, and romance blend harmoniously. Tantalizing descriptions of the smells and flavors of the dishes Wedgwood creates may send readers running to their spice cabinets in search of the blends he exalts in, even as they are entranced by Brown’s delectable tale. Views: 389
When Archer decides that he’s had enough of Orion and Devony running what he thought was going to be his school he takes desperate measures to ruin everything. Through lies and betrayal, deceit and deception, Archer will stop at nothing to get what he wants, and he doesn’t care whose lives he has to destroy in the process.Shakespeare’s work features some of the most memorable stories and characters ever created, yet for too many curious readers the combination of ultra-dense dialogue and unfamiliar historical settings make tackling the Bard’s work something between a tedious chore and a confusing mess of bird-bolts and quondam carpet-mongers.While it’s nearly impossible to replicate or improve on these works, it is (thanks to their timeless nature) possible to make them more accessible to a wider audience.In this retelling of William Shakespeare’s classic play featuring one of the worst villains in the history of literature, join C.E. Wilson as she breathes new life into Othello, the second in her Young Adult series Shakespeare for Everyone Else.When Archer decides that he’s had enough of Orion and Devony running what he thought was going to be his school he takes desperate measures to ruin everything. Through lies and betrayal, deceit and deception, Archer will stop at nothing to get what he wants, and he doesn’t care whose lives he has to destroy in the process.Can anyone stop one of William Shakespeare’s most villainous characters in this YA retelling of the epic tragedy of Othello? Views: 389
A collection of lyrics and poetry inspired by our debut, this booklet is the companion to Hobbes feat. Kuderski's album: Voices of Reasons. Our debut is a concept album by nature. When I wrote the lyrics, what I had in mind is that each song represents a person, with their personal point of view, stemming from their "Voice of Reason" in their mind. A few poems will be lyrics on our upcoming album.A collection of lyrics and poetry inspired by our debut, this booklet is the companion to Hobbes feat. Kuderski's album: "Voices of Reasons". Our debut is a concept album by nature. When I wrote the lyrics, what I had in mind is that each song represents a person, with their personal point of view, stemming from their "Voice of Reason" in their mind. A few poems will be lyrics on our upcoming album.To me, it's all about the interplay among people. Mom always used to say to me "It takes two to tango", and "There are two sides to every story." For me, it's about all of us being our own individual selves, communicating it to others as best we can, while really listening to the other "Voices of Reasons" out there. That works on building a sense of understanding, acceptance of, and mutual respect for one another.A few poems will be lyrics on our upcoming 2-disc album: "At This Point". I hope that you, in your lifetime, are moved to create something beautiful of your own, and that you then share it with the world. Views: 389
We weren't the church going types but Sally didn't want to get married in a garden. People don't listen in gardens she'd said. Too many distractions with barking dogs and noisy kids. A wedding is an important thing apparently; vows should be absorbed by all guests. Not sure why this is a priority when the guest list boasts the likes of Sally's Aunty Dot with uncontrollable gas and a penchant for yelling out to every passer-by to fetch her a beer. But who was I to question?— from "My Ernest Decision" by Kylie Orr"Yer 'usband." Donohoe cocked the pistol. "Where is he?"Sarah froze.He crossed the room, jammed the pistol to her throat, so she coughed from the pressure of it."Out with it, moll!""Laying dingo traps," she gasped.The pressure eased. "Anyone else 'ere?"She shook her head.A speculative gleam appeared in his eyes. "Well now," he came closer, whispered in her ear, "'tis just the two of... Views: 388
For twenty-three years, Cross Carlson was a playboy. You know the type. Tall, dark, and wealthy. Blue-eyed. Charming. He seemed to have it all so easy. But Cross was harboring a terrible secret - one that helped ruin the life of an innocent girl and almost ended his own.
Finally out of the hospital, Cross is flailing, scarred in both body and mind and stifled by the weight of the secret he still keeps. The only way to absolution lies in a Mexican convent, and going there could cost him everything.
If there's anyone who knows what it's like to screw up big time, it's Meredith Kinsey. Just a few years ago, Merri was an ordinary girl with a job at her college newspaper and white picket fence kind of dreams. Now she's holed up in a Mexican convent, hiding from a drug lord who thinks he owns her.
What happens when the only way out of hell is with the son of the man who put you there? They say love conquers all, but does it really? Views: 388
A Short story based in the world of The Shadow Tide Trilogy. Corain a merchant who works each day just to make it, one day he faced by tax collectors bent on destroying everything he has worked for. He faces the realization, pay the taxes or pay with his life. Will Corain survive or will a protector come?Download, Blackout, a chapbook of stories about the 1995 Chicago Heat Wave. This e-book includes three full-length short stories and three flash fictions related to that historic event. That heat wave set a precedent for large urban areas and how they handle heat-related disasters, a growing phenomenon as global warming increases.Each of these stories has been published by a reputable journal either online or in print. The story, “Heat Island,” has been compared to James Joyce’s, “The Dead,” by an acclaimed author and the other stories have been warmly received for their rich characters and excellent writing. If you like the stories and feel they are worth money, please feel free to name your price and donate via the paypal button below. The stories are:High Rise – originally appeared in Prime NumberHeat Island - originally appeared in CrateCooler by the Lake - originally appeared in Atticus ReviewThe Last Man to Ever Let You Down - originally appeared in R.kv.r.yIt’s Next Door - originally appeared in Apparatus MagazineShagging Flies - originally appeared in Palimpsest Views: 388
From Vietnam to Afghanistan, this is the story of two families impacted by war. Tess’s boyfriend, killed in Vietnam, left her a key that she believes represents his promise to marry her on his return. Mia, her granddaughter, has other ideas and tries to discover the real meaning of the key. Meanwhile, Tess’s daughter, Alison, is dealing with the news that her fiancé is missing in Afghanistan.Tess Newell returns to Clowder Bay, her home town, to find closure to her thwarted relationship with the man she loved as a teenager, and whose child she bore. All that Tess has of Charlie after he was killed in Vietnam is an engraved key - she calls it her promise key - which represents his promise to marry her when he returned. Tess is accompanied by Alison, the daughter Charlie never knew, and whose fiancé is missing in action in Afghanistan, as well as by Mia, Alison's teenage daughter.They meet Kim Trang who is facing eviction from her home. Kim tells of her childhood in Vietnam during the closing stages of the war and how, with her cousin, she escaped and made her way to Australia and ultimately to Clowder Bay. The Tillerman’s Gift tells of Peter’s fate at the hands of the Taliban.It tells of Kim’s escape from Vietnam and how Tess’s and Kim’s stories and unanswered questions are entwined.It also tells the story of Mia befriending Jimmy, Kim’s son, and how they try to deal with the unwelcome attention of local bullies. With the help of a stray cat and a mysterious bikie, and in an adventure that almost sees her lose her life, Mia tries to discover the real meaning of her grandmother’s key. Views: 388
This is a collection of recent poems that explore a variety of subjects and employ styles ranging from tightly controlled rhyme and meter to blank verse and even experimental forms.The twenty-two poems in this collection are, with two exceptions, recent compositions. The poems tackle a variety of subjects, including: nature at it's best and worst; the retrograde loss of memory in the aged; theology; the circular nature of history; and the problem of whistling mailmen.The poetic forms range from tightly controlled meter and rhyme to free verse and even experimental forms, such as those used in "Mine Enemy Sleep" and "Writing a Poem".The author has found inspiration in many poets past and present, but is not tied down to a particular type of poetry. He prefers, rather, that the form should emerge from the theme and the narrator's voice. Views: 388
How would it feel to be scattered across the rocks? Fifty feet, jagged edges, no mercy for a drunken teenager. A few swigs of whisky under the blazing Arizona sun and you jump…and wake up in a big ol’ truck inner tube, floating within the dark pit of hell toward a destiny filled with evil’s promise.POWERS SPLICED TOGETHER LIKE SCIONS TO STOCKTHIS IS THE FIRST MISSIONAfter years of training among splicers—a secluded community of people able to make auras of energy surround their bodies and burst into concussive blasts—Sophie is ready to run away.She has failed to become a successful splicer at every attempt while it comes so naturally to other students. Their power comes from their communion with one another, which troubles Sophie who is an outsider among a close-knit population and is prone to be alone.But on the eve of her escape, her instructor pairs her with Logan, the best splicer among her peers, in a mission to escort a group of visitors back to their village. They have made a recent pilgrimage to the tower where the splicers live and they are coming back home through a countryside riddled with bandits and an unforgiving wilderness.With the perfect opportunity to escape, Sophie must decide between her responsibilities and her true desires. Can she bring herself to risk Logan’s life and the lives of innocent visitors in order to escape?If you wish to read more, download now!BONUS FOR YOU AT THE END OF THE BOOK!EXCERPTThe sun was beginning to set and they wouldn’t be able to see the trail for much longer, especially once they reached the nearby woods.“We should stop for the night,” she said.Immediately, Logan removed his rucksack from his shoulder and set it amid the grass along the road. He extended an arm behind himself and plopped down on his haunches.Sophie tilted her head towards him. “Wow. That was easier than I expected,” she said.“What?” Logan asked, looking curious.“I just thought you would want to push onward, you know? I mean, you’re the gold standard of splicer students, right? So, I just expected more determination — not that I’m complaining. That’s all.”Logan rested his arms on his knees with a blade of grass in his fingers. He ripped it apart and then doubled the segments over and did it again until he had to grab more grass and restart the cycle.“It’s the smart decision,” he said, distracted by the grass.“Okay. Well, I’m going to go gather some firewood.”Sophie walked away, considering the option of just running away now and saving herself the effort of actually going through with the mission.“Whatever. Don’t let me stop you,” Logan said. And Sophie was glad that he could not see her growing so angry with his rude attitude again that she imagined herself with a fierce red aura.Soon, she disappeared into the woods, mumbling to herself; deciding that, yes, she would leave now and find a new home.Preferably somewhere far from the splicers, please.Download and discover why readers are raving about Elena Snowfield.Scroll up and get the book now! Views: 388
Celebrated short-story writer, Eric-Emmanuel Schmitt's ("The Most Beautiful Book in the World") first full-length novel to appear in English is a literary tour de force, a magnificent cathedral of contemporary eroticism.
"The Carousel of Desire" is a sexual and romantic saga told with a master storyteller's feel for character and plot and a philosopher's abiding preoccupation with what makes life truly worthwhile. With tenderness and infectious delight, Schmitt tells an exuberant tale about class and community and about the vastness of human experience. Schmitt's love of coincidence and serendipity is surpassed only by his affection for his flawed, all-too-human characters: Zachary Bidermann, the powerful European Union commissioner; Faustina, the fashionable book publicist; Francois-Maxime de Couvigne, the happily married banker with more than a few secrets; Marcelle, enamored with a handsome illegal immigrant; Miss Beauvert, who makes love with her parrot, Copernicus. These and many more unforgettable characters animate this story of simmering desire and the antics of the mischievous and playful god, Eros.
Schmitt's inclusive, affirming vision of human sexuality is refreshingly free of moral judgement, yet enriched by an understanding of the complex ethics of human relationships and the redemptive power of love." Views: 388
A gentle sibyl is on a quest to make peace with the invaders of her exotic world. Things go wrong and her bodyguard is provoked to bloody violence. Their escape becomes a desperate fight for survival.Insight and intuition are the gentle powers of the wise and benevolent Oracle of Telluria. She is on a quest to make peace when assailed by the clone, human female invaders. A sinister alien commands the women and has nefarious plans for the gentle sibyl. The Oracle's bodyguard delivers her from captivity. Their desperate escape becomes a fight for survival. The Oracle must choose between the lives of others or the loss of her very self. The subtleties carry the consequences of this ultimate decision. Views: 388
Turig, a Bronze Age farmer, tells his grandson how he had been drafted for labor service decades before. The work was long and dangerous but his supervisor’s flirtatious daughter presented the larger threat. Two years later, Turig helped lift the last sarsen stone onto a structure we know as Stonehenge. [PS: New research revises this date by a full millennium, from 3,600 to 4,600 years ago.]Sometimes a murder is just a murder, but this time it is a child. It looks like Voodoo. T.K. Fleming wants nothing to do with it. He's retired English professor living on his boat in Key West and trying to make some things go away. But he has no choice. Surrounded by interesting, and sometimes strange,friends, he launches into a investigation. The results lead him to places he doesn't want to go. But like it or not, he is the Ghostcatcher. Views: 388
