A centuries-old book is found in Florence in this novel with "a sympathetic heroine, a suspenseful plot . . . and illuminating meditations on life, art, and love" (Chicago Tribune). Margot Harrington, an American volunteer in Florence, is an expert at book conservancy. While struggling to save a waterlogged convent library after the devastating Arno flood of 1966, she comes across a fabulous volume of sixteen erotic drawings by Giulio Romano, accompanying sixteen steamy sonnets by Pietro Aretino. When it was first published over four centuries ago, the Vatican ordered all copies destroyed. This single—now unique—volume has survived. The abbess needs to save the order's finances—so she prevails upon Margot to find a buyer for the magnificently illustrated erotica. But of course, she must accomplish this discreetly—meaning without the bishop's knowledge. But this is not Margot's only clandestine project.... Views: 522
Kabir -- a private eye -- is grappling with a conundrum. His wife has left him only three days after the wedding. A client asks him to track down a missing cat called Luna. When Kabir sets out in the cat's pursuit, he hits upon a startling revelation about life and love.There are some questions that even a private detective cannot answer. Why doesn't my wife talk to me? Why does she spend all her time following the Arab Spring on the Internet? And did she leave me only three days after the wedding? Kabir -- Lucknow's most successful sleuth -- is grappling with all of these questions, when a client asks him to track down a missing cat called Luna. When Kabir sets out in the cat's pursuit, he hits upon a startling revelation about life and love. Views: 522
"Brutal and entirely believable, a gorgeous and haunting depiction of London and the real lives and memories of those unseen within it." —Publishers Weekly "A magnificent gem." —Jennifer Croft, translator of Flights A chance encounter on Portobello Road incites an unsettling, magnetic attraction between Mary, a seventy-five-year-old white British spinster, and Cub, a thirteen-year-old Jamaican boy from Brixton. Mary clings increasingly to phantoms as dementia overtakes her reality, latching on to Cub and channeling her remaining energy into their relationship. But their macabre romance comes to a horrific climax, as white supremacy, poverty, and class conflict explode on the streets of London. Through exquisite juxtaposition, Ananda Devi uses alluring prose to confront the tensions of an increasingly nationalistic metropolis, and to examine the queasy nature of desire muddled with power. Views: 517
"Lively and evocative, Mother Land is a deftly crafted exploration of identity and culture, with memorable and deeply human characters who highlight how that which makes us different can ultimately unite us."—Amy Myerson, author of The Bookshop of Yesterdays and The ImperfectsFrom the critically acclaimed author of America for Beginners, a wonderfully insightful, witty, and heart-piercing novel, set in Mumbai, about an impulsive American woman, her headstrong Indian mother-in-law, and the unexpected twists and turns of life that bond them.When Rachel Meyer, a thirtysomething foodie from New York, agrees to move to Mumbai with her Indian-born husband, Dhruv, she knows some culture shock is inevitable. Blessed with a curious mind and an independent spirit, Rachel is determined to learn her way around the hot, noisy, seemingly infinite metropolis she now calls home. But the ex-pat American's sense... Views: 514
The highly-anticipated, genre-defying new novel by award-winning author Akwaeke Emezi that explores themes of identity and justice. Pet is here to hunt a monster. Are you brave enough to look?There are no monsters anymore, or so the children in the city of Lucille are taught. Jam and her best friend, Redemption, have grown up with this lesson all their life. But when Jam meets Pet, a creature made of horns and colors and claws, who emerges from one of her mother's paintings and a drop of Jam's blood, she must reconsider what she's been told. Pet has come to hunt a monster, and the shadow of something grim lurks in Redemption's house. Jam must fight not only to protect her best friend, but also to uncover the truth, and the answer to the question—How do you save the world from monsters if no one will admit they exist?Acclaimed novelist Akwaeke Emezi makes their riveting and timely young adult debut with a book that asks difficult questions about... Views: 513
Sam fell in love with Mac at first sight when she was still a child and he a teenage boy, almost but not quite a man. A special bond formed between them, fueled by their mutual love of animals—especially horses. As each matured, that bond threatened to move beyond the limits of friendship. By the time Sam reached her 17th birthday she was desperately in love with him, her shining hero.Sam fell in love with Mac at first sight when she was still a child and he a teenage boy, almost but not quite a man. A special bond formed between them, fueled by their mutual love of animals—especially horses. As each matured, that bond threatened to move beyond the limits of friendship. By the time Sam reached her 17th birthday she was desperately in love with him, her shining hero. But one awful night Mac betrayed that love and Sam was unable to find it in her heart to forgive him. By the time the truth was revealed they had both moved on with their lives, and Sam’s pride prevented her from forgiving Mac; threatened to ensure her a lonely future. Book 1 in Tricia McGill's Beneath Southern Skies series now Free.Reviews“I was supposed to take the book on vacation with me, but I made the mistake of starting it and couldn’t stop until I finished–but then Tricia McGill is one of my favorite authors. She grabbed me from the beginning…emotional sparks were so real I felt the tension. I encountered an amazing range of emotions reading this book as I recalled my own childhood crushes, my broken hearts, the agony of losing someone I loved, and the joy of knowing real love. I enjoyed the ‘sex’ scenes that left enough to the imagination that I could personalize them for myself.Tricia McGill has an astounding way with words. Once you read her books, you’ll become an avid fan.” Brett Scott, TRS“Ms. McGill has written very real characters. You can relate to them and the problems they are dealing with. She has created a world that is believable. I love the scene of Mac telling Sam how he feels and she finally realizes what she felt all those years ago was that she hadn't wanted to grow up. She had wanted everything to stay the same. Ms. McGill tells a story that touches your heart.” Donna Fallen, Angels Reviews“Tricia McGill’s description of Mac’s struggles with his feelings makes the reader want to believe that chivalry is not dead after all. This book should be required reading by some of the young men of today.” Donna L. Zeller, KIC reviews Views: 512
"The Story of the Stone" (c. 1760), also known as "The Dream of the Red Chamber", is one of the greatest novels of Chinese literature. The fifth part of Cao Xueqin's magnificent saga, "The Dreamer Awakes", was carefully edited and completed by Gao E some decades later. It continues the story of the changing fortunes of the Jia dynasty, focussing on Bao-yu, now married to Bao-chai, after the tragic death of his beloved Dai-yu. Against such worldly elements as death, financial ruin, marriage, decadence and corruption, his karmic journey unfolds. Like a sleepwalker through life, Bao-yu is finally awakened by a vision, which reveals to him that life itself is merely a dream, 'as moonlight mirrored in the water'. Views: 510
Searching for his missing academic brother, Paul McIntosh travels to the coastal town of Crowsmere - unaware that beneath the surface seethes a village plagued with curses, insanity, horror and folklore...This free horror short is a standalone weird tale set in the same universe as the author's longer 'The Sinners of Crowsmere,' a bleak and skeletal horror novel described by the MR James Podcast as "Highly recommended... Wonderful arthouse / video nasty vibe on the Norfolk coast." Views: 509
Cackling Carol must be the only witch in the world who hates cats! So she decides to get a dog instead. Together with her faithful and very clever Broom, she visits a dogs' home and finds Big Roddy, the biggest and shaggiest dog you could imagine. All Cackling Carol's witchy friends fall about laughing when they see him. But just who is it that saves them all from the wicked Wizard Egbert?Cackling Carol must be the only witch in the world who hates cats! But she really wants a pet to keep her company and so she decides to get a dog instead. Together with her faithful and very clever Broom, she visits a dogs' home. She's after a nice small dog that will fit on on Broom with her. But who does she come out with? Big Roddy, the biggest, bounciest and shaggiest dog you could imagine. All Cackling Carol's witchy friends fall about laughing when they meet him. But just who is it that saves them all from the wicked Wizard Egbert and his despicable spells? Not the cats, that's for sure! Views: 509
Agile denote nimbleness. Agile methodology is a light weight development methodology which relies on iterative development where solutions evolve from tightly collaborated cross functional teams. Agile methodology recommends building a project in small increments cycles. This book facilitate readers to know about different concepts of Agile and its practices.To The One I Love depicts twelve letters filled with romantic prose that captures and seals the love between Jonathan and Emily from their first date until their final goodbye.Excerpt:(Part of a letter from Jonathan)The scent of you still lingers about my rooms, distracting my thoughts and teasing my senses. I want you, Emily. I want you so much it verges on insanity. Only your sweet kisses can lure me from the brink.The hours until tonight stretch on endlessly and I catch myself cursing the clock. It mocks…no it punishes me with its constant ticking and hands that move too slowly. Views: 503
Jim Shoemaker comes upon an interesting new business venture of his neighbors, a never-ending yard sale. But there is more to this sale than meets the eye.Jim Shoemaker comes upon an interesting new business venture of his neighbors, a never-ending yard sale. But there is more to this sale than meets the eye. Bram and Linda Cain are ideal folks, they're the perfect young couple with a terrible secret. Jim is about to find that their cute slogan "We Sell Anything" is more true than he could ever imagine.“Merchandise is an excellent book—a real page turner. Read it in one sitting.” – Kurt Frazier, author of 49098 to 36575If you like what you read, write a review and spread the word! Views: 499
I know you will enjoy Bobby’s new collection of children’s stories. It is a selected variety of stories the whole family will enjoy. The stories will entice you with fun, laughter, giggles and grins.The PA is a humourous short story about the world post-apocalypse (PA). It is 1182 words. Views: 496
A Story of Life is a richly layered poetic fable in a fantasy island setting about a young girl’s coming of age as she experiences the transformation of society’s innocence. A poetic journey, written in short chapters, perfect for reading on mobile devices."She read the strange signs, and the first cloud in a long time appeared on the blue sky."If you like the book we'd appreciate a review.A Story of Life is a richly layered poetic fable in a fantasy island setting about a young girl’s coming of age as she experiences the transformation of society’s innocence. A poetic journey, written in short chapters, perfect for reading on mobile devices.If you like the book we'd appreciate a review.Karmen enjoys a peaceful childhood on a small island, whose sky, like her demeanor, is a pristine blue with never a cloud in sight. One day her reality takes a sudden turn. Though she must leave home, she embraces the responsibility to use her power for the greater good. New growth and beauty are left in the wake of her constant travels. One day, Karmen risks her life for love and nearly dies. The consequences of her choice force her from the sanctuary she helped to create. After an awakening, she exists in a harsh civilization where innocence is but a distant memory. Will she be able to adapt to her new surroundings? Or will she perish along with the splendor she once knew?"She read the strange signs, and the first cloud in a long time appeared on the blue sky. Slowly the boats turned and set sail home, or the place which once had been her home." Views: 495
Giggle's Holiday Book is a book of fun holiday stories that will tickle your fancy.What is Giggle's Holiday Book? It is a collection of holiday stories that will tickle your giggle. These odds and ends, off-the-wall holiday treats will comfort you with smiles, laughter and a slight grin that will cause you to giggle. Views: 488
Willy (Wilhelmina) Doyle has two objectives: to get a job teaching and to marry somebody as promptly as possible -- or at the very least to have an affair. This latter plan is labelled The Project. Our heroine is undeterred by the fact that, at 30, she is starting both projects a little late.The first objective is easily accomplished when Willy gets a job teaching in a university English department, which suits her very well. Progress on The Project, however, is more difficult to measure, in spite of the several men in Willy's new life. It is only after a romantic trip for two that Willy makes real progress on The Project -- and comes to know true loneliness.Told with a wry, self-deprecatory humour that can describe sexual disasters with elegance and affection, this book is part comedy and part tragedy. Readers will enjoy meeting brave, optimistic Willy Doyle. Views: 487
