Madame Rosa has been murdered, and the only witness is the eccentric local fortune-teller's own parrot, Tarot. But he's not talking. Herculeah Jones thinks she knows who the killer is, but she's not the only one. . . . Someone else knows—someone who wants to make sure Herculeah won't be around to see the future. Views: 59
When Paul Faustino of LA NACION flips on his tape recorder for an exclusive interview with El Gato — the phenomenal goalkeeper who single-handedly brought his team the World Cup — the seasoned reporter quickly learns that this will be no ordinary story. Instead, the legendary El Gato narrates a spellbinding tale that begins in the South American rainforest, where a ghostly but very real mentor, the Keeper, emerges to teach a poor, gawky boy the most thrilling secrets of the game. A seamless blend of magic realism and exhilarating soccer action, this evocative novel will haunt readers long after the story ends. Views: 59
From Publishers WeeklyIn the shadow of her famous sibling, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, older sister Nannerl was perhaps no less talented but devoid of the opportunities of the time because of her sex and a controlling parent. At least this is the argument presented in this historical novel by Moser, author of numerous inspirational novels, including the Sister Circle series. As told by Nannerl in the first person, a demanding father channels his love and energies into his young son. Although Nannerl performs, her father denies her a chance at fame—and perhaps more important, the lion's share of his attention and love. He relentlessly tours Europe with his children, lying about their ages to make them seem like younger prodigies and exploiting them for large sums of money. Nannerl adores her father, but as she ages from a young adolescent into a woman, she seems numbingly resigned to a life of disappointment and frustration. As she moves into adulthood, more unhappy events occur, which are not quite satisfactorily developed in the novel's latter half. Moser's writing is smooth, and there are some fascinating historical details, but the story loses steam toward the end. That Nannerl's sad life is portrayed as the will of God will be difficult for many readers to accept. (Sept.) Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Review"...a heart-warming story of triumph... which will captivate the heart of even the most musically illiterate.... a treasure." -- April Gardner, athomewithchristianfiction.com"...this book delivers an authentic and moving visit to another time and place." -- Violet Nesdoly, blogcritics.com"I often felt as if I was sitting and talking with Nannerl as opposed to simply reading about her life." -- Lori Graham, onceuponaromance.net"Moser inhabits her protagonist completely and does an exemplary job of giving voice to Nannerl's desires and frustrations." -- Lisa Respers France, bookloons.com"Recommended for... fans of historical fiction, especially those who love music." -- Katie Hart, Christian Book Previews.com"Wonderful story, heartwrenching on several occasions, but thoroughly enjoyable." -- Michelle Sutton, novelreviews.blogspot.com"beautifully written and thought provoking, the kind of story that compels us to take a deeper look at our faith." -- Cindy Mealer, CK2sKwipsandKritiques.com"guaranteed to make you appreciate the freedom we have in today's world." -- Diana Pederson, bellaonline.comAn emotionally-charged read, this inspiring historical novel will be sure to please, especially the music lovers in the audience." -- Sherri Myers, romancejunkies.com Views: 59
Sophie discovers a golden locket in an old treasure box that belonged to her grandmother's grandmother. When she falls asleep wearing the locket, she magically travels back in time to 1858 to learn the truth about the mysterious Charlotte Mackenzie. Daughter of a wealthy Scottish laird, Charlotte and her sister Nell live a wonderful life with their parents and animals, on a misty island with its own ruined castle. Then disaster strikes and it seems the girls will lose everything they love. Why were Charlotte and Nell sent halfway around the world to live with strangers? Did their wicked uncle steal their inheritance? What happened to the priceless sapphire - the Star of Serendib? With the magic of the golden locket, Sophie begins to unravel the mysteries as she shares the adventures of Charlotte and Nell - outwitting their greedy relatives, escaping murderous bushrangers, and fighting storm and fire. But how will her travels in time affect Sophie's own life? Views: 59
Ronald Leslie, the son of a French heiress and a Scottish officer in the service of the French, is rescued as a baby from the hands of his parents' enemies and taken to safety in Scotland. While still a youth he determines to search in France for his father and mother, and his bold and enterprising spirit lands him in one dangerous situation after another. He sails back to Scotland with Bonnie Prince Charlie in his attempt to regain his kingdom, and, although wounded at the Battle of Culloden, escapes with his life and continues his search for his parents. Views: 59
Sophie's new teacher is having some bad luck -- first her house is broken into, and then the school! But this is a robbery with a difference -- the thieves don't steal anything!Super Spy Dog LARA has an A in catching criminals . . . can she solve the mystery of the break-ins before the baddies strike again? With her pups Spud and Star by her side, it's LARA to the rescue! Views: 59
She drives cars. She's a PlayStation champ. She's got a black belt in karate . . .She's AGENT GM451 (or LARA to you – Licensed Assault and Rescue Animal).A gang of villainous head teachers are plotting to make their school the very best. They're creating a secret formula, and the final ingredient is the brain of a child. They'll stop at nothing (even BANNING playtime) to get what they want. Can anyone stop their dastardly plot? Canine super spy Lara sniffs out her most dangerous mission yet – when adventure comes calling, what's a Spy Dog supposed to do?Readers aged 7+ will love this fast-paced adventure with its witty illustrations! Views: 59
Rachel Lambert can escape from a Bohemian Torture Crib, but she can't leave her marriage. 'You're stuck,' says the voice inside her head. 'And you'll never get out.' Her whole life she's tried to be a good girl - she considers others first and she's never missed a deadline. Now her family's doing a vanishing act, her book on magic is a year late to the publishers, and Rachel's losing her grip on reality. She's even taken to fantasising about Harry Houdini in the grocery aisle at the supermarket. Guido, her husband, is spending more and more time with his star pupil, Silvia, and her daughter, Clara, has run off to Italy, seeking independence and adventure. From Florence, Clara sends news like mysterious puzzle pieces, forming a disturbing picture of Guido's past and exploding her mother's illusions. Yet sometimes truth is the key to freedom - and possibly our salvation . . . Anna Fienberg's new novel is a wry and wrenchingly honest look at the pitfalls of motherhood and... Views: 59
The magical world Alexandra Scarsdale visited in Colors in the Dreamweaver's Loom is in trouble. The fabric of Fate is in danger of unraveling, and it will only get worse as the Feast of the Trickster draws near, and that malicious goddess comes into her full power. The Weaver knows the Trickster must be stopped, but the only person capable of doing that is Zan—Alexandra Scarsdale, a young college student whose life color is already woven into the Loom.Five companion—a Minstrel, a Swordswoman, a Shapeshifter, a Prophet, and a Heartmender—are sent to Earth to find Zan and bring her back to their world. The Trickster, aware of the plan, also goes to Earth to locate Zan and keep the Five from her. An intense and sometimes comic series of adventures ensues as the Five and the Trickster attempt to find their way among the strange people and customs of New England. The Five are helped by a group of Vermont teenagers, while the Trickster is aided by a Boston psychiatrist who thinks he's... Views: 59
Product DescriptionHigh school senior Meredith Bedford is a social outcast. Her family recently moved from the Catskill Mountains to the sprawling suburbs of Albany, the capital of New York State. Shy and self-conscious about her acne scars, she stays to herself and tries to remain invisible. Her twelve-year-old brother, Mikey, has Down Syndrome and she tries hard not to blame her troubles on him. Despite verbal and sometimes physical harassment, she survives because she has her art. She was selected to be part of the elite Advanced Placement art class and is quite good at capturing the emotions of her subjects in her portraits. Art is the one thing, besides her family, that helps her cope with her outcast status. One day, at a senior class meeting, she sees Dani Lassiter, president of the senior class, captain of the lacrosse team, and knows that she must paint this enigmatic young woman. One class period later, Dani manipulates things to have Meredith as her partner for a history project. Meredith is suspicious of Dani's motives, but takes a chance. And it pays off. Meredith slowly sheds her invisibility cloak and allows Dani in - a little at a time. They explore an old Victorian house for their history project and become close with Esther and Millie, the two older women who own the house and who've lived together for about forty years. But, when Dani reveals to Meredith that she is gay, Meredith simply can't deal with the news. How had she not known? What is it that won't allow her come to terms with this unexpected news? Will Meredith control her own homophobia or will she reject the one person who had taken a chance on her and made her feel human? About the AuthorRead excerpts from Barbara L. Clanton's novels: BLClanton.comBarbara L. Clanton writes young adult lesbian fiction because she wants girls and young women to experience positive lesbian coming out stories. Clanton hopes her books will be safe harbors for young people coming out to themselves, their friends, family, and society. Views: 59
William Brown wants to do his bit for world peace - after all, sweets and cream buns are in such terribly short supply during war time! The trouble is, William Brown is not known for his tact and diplomacy! When William tries to reconcile two quarrelsome neighbours, they prove strangely immune to all his efforts. And with Violet Elizabeth, William's own arch enemy, lending a hand, the road to peace seems very rocky indeed. Views: 59
Pippa and her friends Meg, Cici and Charlie are excited to join the school newspaper team - but will their friendship survive deciding what to write about when they have such different interests? A fashion photo shoot could be fun, if it weren't for bad weather, a naughty puppy and other disasters! Just when things couldn't get any worse, the four cub reporters get a news scoop that could bring the whole town together at Pepper's mum's beach shack caf�. Cupcakes for everyone! Views: 59
Lulu Bell is back on the farm for a rainy-day adventure and a party to remember.The farm is one of Lulu's favourite places. It's perfect for a pirate party to celebrate Gus's birthday. If only it would stop raining! Where can the kids build the pirate ship they've promised Gus? Put your gumboots on, everyone, because Lulu has the answer. But where is that naughty dog Jessie? Views: 59
Polly loves words. And she loves writing stories. So when a magic book appears on her doorstep that can make everything she writes happen in real life, Polly is certain all of her dreams are about to come true. But she soon learns that what you write and what you mean are not always the same thing! Funny and touching, this new chapter book series will entertain readers and inspire budding writers. Views: 59
