Ben She walked on the bus and my heart stopped beating. When she looked my way with that sassy smile, it came back to life. Looking at her, getting to know her, I know she's the one for me—but she's so young. Her life is just starting and I've already done my fair share of living. I want her to be mine but is it right for me to ask her to settle down before she's really had a chance to live? Nicole He keeps watching me. I can't help but look back. He's gorgeous: tall, messy dark hair, and those intensely blue eyes captivating me. My life hasn't been easy by any means. Because of that I've had to grow up much faster than normal women do. I think that's why our age difference doesn't bother me at all. I wish it didn't bother him because this attraction isn't going away anytime soon and, in truth, I don't want it to. He could very possibly be my happily-ever-after and no matter how much he tries, I'm not going to let him talk me out of it until we give this a fighting chance.** Views: 110
It is a sultry August at the very end of the twentieth century, and Tristano is dying. A hero of the Italian Resistance, Tristano has called a writer to his bedside to listen to his life story, though, really, "you don't tell a life...you live a life, and while you're living it, it's already lost, has slipped away." Tristano Dies, one of Antonio Tabucchi's major novels, is a vibrant consideration of love, war, devotion, betrayal, and the instability of the past, of storytelling, and what it means to be a hero.From the Trade Paperback edition. Views: 110
When a Wild West bandit takes an educated young woman hostage, the sparks that fly between them are more dangerous than bullets—"Don't miss this one!" (Affaire de Coeur, 5 stars). A recent graduate of Wellesley College, Leslie Powers is on her way out to Arizona Territory. All she knows about the frontier comes from pulp magazines. But she's about to get a wild education in the way of the West when Ward Cantrell, the leader of the Devil's Canyon Gang, takes her hostage. With every reason to hate the rakishly handsome rogue, Leslie finds herself falling desperately in love with him. Ward has good reasons for preying on the Kinkaid family's Texas and Pacific railroad—reasons that reach back to a secret, former life. He doesn't normally let emotions get in the way of his work, but could his beautiful captive be spellbinding enough to make him forget his old grudges? "Wonderful! Bold, charming, and complete. The... Views: 110
Beneath the mountain, the king's reign of tyranny is absolute; the one troll with the capacity to challenge him is imprisoned for treason. Cecile has escaped the darkness of Trollus, but she learns all too quickly that she is not beyond the reach of the king's power. Or his manipulation.Recovered from her injuries, she now lives with her mother in Trianon and graces the opera stage every night. But by day she searches for the witch who has eluded the trolls for five hundred years. Whether she succeeds or fails, the costs to those she cares about will be high.To find Anushka, she must delve into magic that is both dark and deadly. But the witch is a clever creature. And Cecile might not just be the hunter. She might also be the hunted. Views: 110
Could you give up everything you have worked for and do something completely different?
Would you give up and go home if it all went wrong?
'Seriously Mum, What's an Alpaca?' is the frank and charming story of a brave couple who move to Spain to breed alpacas. Their intention is to make a living, but first they must negotiate their way through the Spanish property market, local characters, rogue builders and the worst weather Andalucía has seen for 100 years. Alan and Lorna experience the joy, but also the heartbreak of alpaca breeding, picking up an assortment of stray animals on the way. Will they succeed, or will the challenges prove too much to bear?
Reviews of The Seriously Mum series by Alan Parks
"What an engrossing read! Leaving England and moving to Spain, I know from personal experience, is tough and certainly life-changing. But this brave couple, not only uprooted themselves, but set up an alpaca breeding farm in rural Andalucia. I laughed and cried, sharing their highs and lows, willing them to succeed. An inspiring and fascinating story" - Victoria Twead, Author of NYT bestseller Two Old Fools on a Camel and the Old Fools series.
"As you can imagine, their stories of adjusting to life in Spain just keep getting better, and in comparison with Driving Over Lemons, Alan and Lorna's tales seem more contemporary, and still as true of expat life today as when they arrived in Spain.
This really is a ripping tale of authentic Andalucia, from a family known and loved within the expat communtiity, precisely because they chose to remove themselves and breed alpacas. If living the expat life appeals to you, or you are already doing it, then Seriously Mum, Whats an Alpaca? should be considered a must read." - Ronda Today
“I really enjoyed reading Alan's account of his brave and adventurous move to Spain. Despite the many challenges - both emotional and physical - that Alan and his wife Lorna face, there is still a genuine feeling of happiness and almost childlike excitement about the whole experience, which shines through in the narrative. I'm almost tempted to pack up, move abroad, and try something similar myself. Nah, I'll just read Alan's sequel instead.” George Mahood, Author of the bestselling Free Country.
“What a great read, I could not put it down until I finished it!”
"Absolutely delightful. Humorous, well written. Well done, Mr. Parks."
“So good - looking forward to the sequel!!”
“A rollicking story of British ex-patriots in Spain.”
“These books are hilarious, funny and entertaining. At the same time educative. Easy to read.”
Also available - Seriously Mum, Where's that Donkey? and Seriously Mum, How Many Cats?
**Review
"As you can imagine, their stories of adjusting to life in Spain just keep getting better, and in comparison with Driving Over Lemons, Alan and Lorna's tales seem more contemporary, and still as true of expat life today as when they arrived in Spain.
This really is a ripping tale of authentic Andalucia, from a family known and loved within the expat communtiity, precisely because they chose to remove themselves and breed alpacas. If living the expat life appeals to you, or you are already doing it, then Seriously Mum, Whats an Alpaca? should be considered a must read." - Ronda Today
"What an engrossing read! Leaving England and moving to Spain, I know from personal experience, is tough and certainly life-changing. But this brave couple, not only uprooted themselves, but set up an alpaca breeding farm in rural Andalucia. I laughed and cried, sharing their highs and lows, willing them to succeed. An inspiring and fascinating story" - Victoria Twead, Author of NYT bestseller Two Old Fools on a Camel and the Old Fools series.
From the Author
My name is Alan Parks and I decided to write my book, Seriously Mum, What's an Alpaca? after being told by friends that our story (Lorna and I) would make an interesting read.
It is now over six years since we first left our beautiful home just outside Brighton, and although we have experienced some hard times here, every day we grow to love it more. In fact we can't think of anywhere we would rather live. Ok, yes, the summers are as hot as can be, and the winters bone-chillingly cold, but our life here has taught us many new things about ourselves and each other. Since the book was published, I had so many people write to me asking how the animals were now, and were we happy living in Spain that I have now written two more books in the series, Seriously Mum, Where's that Donkey? and Seriously Mum, How Many Cats?
I have just started work on book 4 in the series. Views: 110
To save his wife's closest friend, Sheriff Pat Stevens—with the help of his trusty friends Sam and Ezra—pursues a gang of masked gunmen Sheriff Pat Stevens should be the happiest man in Powder Valley. He has a thriving ranch, a healthy son, and the prettiest wife in Colorado. After a shootout with a gang of outlaws nearly cost him his life, he promised Sally he would hang his guns up for good. But trouble is coming to the Valley, and Pat can feel his trigger finger starting to itch. In nearby Dusty Canyon, a troop of hooded killers menaces the honest miners who toil in the local goldmines. The local sheriff has already been wounded once trying to stop them, but he continues the fight—and begs for Pat's help. At first, Pat resists the urge to join the fray, but when Sally's closest friend is put in the line of fire, he has no choice but to ask his loyal sidekicks, Sam and Ezra, to ride into battle with him once more. Views: 110
CAN THE WIZARD OF RHYME SOLVE A ROYAL CRIME? There's little love lost between the kindly monarchs of Merovence and the scheming sovereigns of Bretanglia. But when the brutish Prince Gaheris - heir apparent to the Bretanglian throne - is murdered during a brawl in a Merovence tavern, any pretense of civility between the two kingdoms flies out the window faster than the mysterious brigand who committed the dastardly deed. While the outraged king and queen of Bretanglia declare their intention to lay siege to Merovence, royal wizard Matthew Mantrell suspects the slain prince was done in by one of his own "loyal" subjects. As both sides gird for battle, Matt sets out - with trusty dragon in tow - to catch the killer. But the road to royal justice is rocky indeed, and a powerful sorcerer, a sinister cult of false druids, and a mischievous spirit are just some of the obstacles Matt must conquer - by wit or wizardry - to save his enchanted land... Views: 110
Medieval LEGO takes you through real English history in the middle ages with a unique twist, with every event illustrated by a tiny little LEGO scene. With contributions by medievalists and scholars, this book brings medieval history to life in a fun, kid-friendly way.
Inside, you'll learn about events like the Battle of Hastings, the chartering of Oxford University, and the signing of the Magna Carta. You'll witness the infamous Black Death, and the Great Famine, and you'll read about famous historical figures like Robin Hood, Richard the Lionheart, Geoffrey Chaucer, and William the Conqueror.
Grab your broadsword and turn the page to join the adventure. **
About the Author
Greyson Beights is a student with a passion for LEGO and history. His research interests focus on the history of war and the history of late medieval England. He is an experienced LEGO builder whose models have won awards on fan sites and at LEGO fairs. He also coordinates BrickUniverse 2015, a LEGO convention for fans of all ages. Views: 110
#1 New York Times bestselling author Stephanie Laurens returns to Scotland with a tale of two lovers irrevocably linked by destiny. Thomas Carrick is driven to control all aspects of his life. The wealthy owner of Carrick Enterprises, located in bustling Glasgow, he is one of that city's most eligible bachelors and intends to select a wife from the many young ladies paraded before him. He wants to take that next step along his self-determined path, yet no one captures his eye, nor his attention…not the way Lucilla Cynster did. Thomas has avoided his clan's estate because it borders Lucilla's home, but disturbing reports from his clansmen force him to return. His uncle, the laird, is ailing, a family is desperately ill, and the healer is unconscious and dying. Duty leaves Thomas no choice but to seek help from the last woman he wants to face. Strong-willed and passionate, Lucilla has been waiting for Thomas to return and claim his place by her side. She knows he is her fated lover, husband, protector, and mate just as she is his one true love. Though his return wasn't on her account, Lucilla is willing to seize whatever chance Fate hands her. Thomas can never forget Lucilla, or the connection that seethes between them, but to marry her would mean embracing a life he does not want. Lucilla sees that Thomas has yet to accept the inevitability of their union. But how can he ignore a bond such as theirs—one so much stronger than reason? Lucilla is as determined as only a Cynster can be to fight for the future she knows can be theirs. And while she cannot command him, she has powerful enticements she's willing to wield in the tempting of Thomas Carrick. *A neo-Gothic tale of passionate romance laced with mystery, set in the uplands of southwestern Scotland * A Cynster Second Generation Novel—a classic historical romance of 122,000 words.** Views: 110
