“Replete with tinges of Supernatural and Stranger Things, it brings to mind what you might get if director Tim Burton wrote horror novels!” —Manhattan Book Review
Can a village be inherently evil?
Welcome to Brunswick NY, Population 4,941.
On the surface, this sleepy hamlet comes alive in the autumn with picturesque apple orchards, haunted corn mazes, laden pumpkin patches and holiday hay rides. During a snowy Halloween, a young William Willowsby must battle evil forces that have been shielded by the locals for generations. On the outskirts of the town is the abandoned Forest Park Cemetery. All things wicked seem to revolve around the old graveyard. A rarely seen homunculus serves an evil task master. Together they weave a wicked web that attempts to snare the youth of the hamlet. A creepy graveyard, a spooky schoolhouse, an abandoned mortuary and a member of his own family will leave you simply sleepless. Views: 547
When I walk into the party, my skirt is too tight. My heels are too high. The buttons on my sweater are about to pop off and shoot someone's eye out. It's been years since I first laid eyes on the tall drink of eggnog that is Cole Rudolph, and my panties haven't been the same since.Never mind he's my overly protective father's best friend. And business partner. And he's twenty years older than me.And GORGEOUS.He's top of my Christmas list, but there's no way he would ever see me as anything other than his best friend's chubby daughter, right? Only, tonight something feels different. The way he's looking at me, the way his eyes linger on my curves a moment too long. When we end up driving home together, my sugarplums and his jingle balls get all tangled up in the tinsel.There's about a million reasons this will never work, but I'm throwing caution to the winter wind and seeing just what sort of twinkle I can put in his eye.And everywhere else.Author's Note: When this dominant, older Daddy alpha sets his sights on this curvy, innocent forbidden fruit that's been dangled in front of him for years, nothing will get in his way. It's love at the speed of Santa's sleigh, with all the trimmings you expect. Safe, over the top, ice-melting hot and a dreamy happily ever after. Views: 547
Four friends put their heads together to convince their school to get a new mascot in The Big Idea Gang—an exciting new chapter book series about making a case . . . and making a difference! Quick-thinking third-graders Lizzy, her twin, Connor, and their friends Kym and Deon have a big idea: their school desperately needs a new mascot, and they've got the perfect one in mind. Now they have to figure out a way to convince their principal and rally the rest of the school behind them. Luckily, their teacher, Miss Zips (short for Zipsokowski—but who can say that?) is skilled in the art of persuasion. Armed with Miss Zips's persuasive tips, the gang of four set out to make their claim, build a case for a new mascot, and convince Clay Elementary that Arnold the Armadillo has had his day. Views: 547
Gabrielle Hamilton meets April Bloomfield in a lyrically written memoir about life as a female butcher.When 16-year-old Jessica Wragg applied for a job at the local farm shop in her hometown of Chesterfield, England, she never expected to land a position behind the all-male butchery counter. Young and enthusiastic, and fueled by a newfound fascination with the craft, Wragg quickly realized that she was an outcast in a world of middle-aged men who spoke a secret language to fool customers and were reluctant to share the tricks of their trade with a novice.A decade later, against all odds, Wragg is pulling back the curtain on an industry that is still problematically set in its old-school ways. Like her female counterparts in the restaurant world, she has had to fight to establish herself in the meat industry, memorizing muscle and bone and tendon, while battling sexism and ageism. Girl on the Block is a fish-out-of-water story that blends... Views: 547
Kirkus named Two Coins one of the Best Books of 2019: “A powerful story with a vivid setting, compelling plot, and multifaceted characters."
Semi-Finalist for the 2019 Chanticleer International Book Awards
Mary Pigot, daughter of a Scottish father and Eurasian mother, grew up in Calcutta. Through hard work, she became Lady Superintendent of the Female Mission. Sometimes she bent the rules to give a woman a second chance. Sometimes she lost her temper when the Scottish Mission Board or local mission leadership exerted control over the Female Mission. But she was dedicated to her students and staff, increased enrollment, worked hard at fundraising, and lived an independent life as a respected member of the Calcutta mission community.
Mary had her detractors. Gossip said she spent too much time in the company of a married missionary. Gossip whispered she privately entertained an Indian barrister. Gossip testified Mary exerted cruel punishments over her students.
Rev. William Hastie came to Calcutta in 1879 as the newly appointed Principal of Scottish College. Hastie expected everyone to treat him with deference. He expected to oversee every aspect of the Scottish mission. He demanded respect. When Mary stood her ground, Hastie listened to gossip.
In 1882, Mary lost her position. The following spring, Mary sued Rev. Hastie for libel in the Calcutta High Court. A private quarrel became public. A woman claimed her rights under the law. It was the Great Calcutta Scandal.
Based on actual events, Two Coins takes readers into Justice William Norris' steamy courtroom in the middle of monsoon season as the case takes on a life of its own.Review
"...when the trial starts, its momentum resembles that of a competitive sporting event. Wagner-Wright's extensive research allows her to stay remarkably true to history while her creativity brings an outstanding story of courage and fortitude to life. A powerful story with a vivid setting, compelling plot, and multifaceted characters." -- Kirkus Reviews
"Sandra Wagner-Wright does a masterful job bringing the scene to life. Well-researched and colorful, readers step back in time and experience the trials and tribulations alongside her well-developed characters." 4.5 out of 5 stars. -- Seattle Book Review
"A work of historical fiction that is both entertaining and informative is a rare treat, and this is not one that should be passed by." Five Stars -- Manhattan Book Review
" Two Coins portrays a nearly forgotten event in time where a determined woman fought the oppressive powers that be." -- San Francisco Book Review
" Two Coins , with its overtones to women's rights, is nothing less than a stellar and ageless novel." -- Chanticleer Book Reviews Views: 547
She’s a fixer… He’s about as broken as they come… Can they learn to turn to God for healing and hope this Christmas?Leah has always been a fixer. That’s why she decided to foster a troubled teen. And it’s why she’s determined to give him the perfect Christmas. It might also be why she feels compelled to reach out to her grinchy, reclusive neighbor Austin. But she’ll have to be careful that reaching out doesn’t turn into something more—she’s been hurt by crossing the line from friendship to romance once, and she’s not willing to let it happen again.After losing his leg, his friend, and his faith in Afghanistan, Austin figures he’s about as broken as they come. For Austin, Hope Springs is simply a stopping point—a place to rehabilitate his leg, get over the burden of his PTSD, and get back into shape to redeploy. He has no desire to get to know anyone while he’s here, least of all the meddlesome—if sweet—woman next door. But when she calls on him to help her make Christmas special for her foster son, something compels him to relent. Soon, his heart belongs to both of them.But what if Austin is too broken for even Leah to fix? Can the two of them learn to turn to God for hope and healing—and maybe even a chance at love—this Christmas? Views: 547
