Tom Angleberger's latest, loopiest middle-grade novel begins when M'Lady Luggertuck loosens her corset (it's never been loosened before!), thereby setting off a chain of events in which all the strict rules of Smugwick Manor are abandoned. When, as a result of "the Loosening," the precious family heirloom, the Luggertuck Lump (quite literally a lump), goes missing, the Luggertucks look for someone to blame. Is it Horton Halfpott, the good-natured but lowly kitchen boy who can't tell a lie? Or one of the many colorful cast members in this silly romp of a mystery. Views: 532
The Questionable is Queen Victoria's favorite airship, and for good reason. Posh, exclusive, noble: the ship is everything a rich passenger should desire. But as these five Steampunk stories show, not everything is peaceful up in the clouds.Readers of Sidney Sheldon, Danielle Steel and Nora Roberts will enjoy this book. 5 STARS! “Forbidden takes us on an emotional roller coaster which the reader will ride quickly to the end, as this book is impossible to put down.” - Rhoda D'Ettore, Author5 STARS! “A total page turner that grips at your heart strings.” - Gayle Pace, Book Reviewer5 STARS! “I loved it! I was so drawn in from the first page…so romantic…and perfect.” - A. P. Bullard, Triskele Reviews5 STARS! “A gripping and quick read. A weekend page turner.” - Review Girl5 STARS! "Forbidden" is an intelligent and well-crafted masterpiece that thoroughly deserves five stars indeed!” - Adisha KariyawasamBOOK DESCRIPTIONWhen Lady Eleanor Sotheby unexpectedly enters the life of Jayne Clark, a 23-year old waitress from Wichita, Kansas, Jayne's world is turned upside down. Not only is she welcomed into a family that she never knew, but she is thrust headlong into the highest strata of European society. Nothing is too grand in the fairy tale lives of the uber-rich--the spectacular seaside villas, the sleek, chauffeured limousines, the outrageously expensive designer clothes. When Jayne plays her part and learns to fit into this new world, she meets Robert Astor, the man of her dreams. But her feelings for Robert are forbidden. Jayne's heady new life begins to unravel into a dark web of deceit, domination and greed...and she ultimately finds herself confronting an evil that truly has no limits. Views: 532
The last day of Mark and Christy Strand's marriage came unexpectedly. No one filed for divorce. No one deserted, cheated, or lied. Some THING just came between them.There is something weighing on Mark's mind - and the rest of him too. Christie wants to give her husband a relaxing weekend. She has no idea it might be their last.On the Strand family crest, there are written ten little words - sixty-five letters that just might spell the end for Mark and Christy:Unum bonum torquentEligite nocumentumDuos torquetEt eligere substitutumIt's a shame they can't read Latin."Two Good Turns" is a horror story and a relationship story. It is a tale in the vein of Daphne Du Maurier's horror, inspired by the short fiction of M.R. James and John O'Hara. Views: 530
The story starts in Australia 2245AD. Twins Jake and Jasmine West travel back in time to 19 February 1942 when Darwin was bombed. This is not where they wanted to be. Jake causes a time ruckus and a Troglian is on his way. A Troglian is a prehistoric dog. Nothing escapes his white eyes.You can't hide from a Troglian. There's one rule for time travel, never change history. Severe penalties apply.Christmas Day is fast approaching. For Beckham, the family bulldog, it means just another year of being ignored while chaos and mayhem reign throughout the house. In this holiday short story full of laughter and family dysfunction, Beckham narrates an ill-conceived plan to create an unforgettable landmark moment in order to reclaim the spotlight as the center of attention. As the extended family gathers to make merry and observe their annual tradition, Beckham has another idea in mind to celebrate and make it a day to remember. Views: 524
If you ever wanted to convince someone to stop smoking, read this short story. Be careful who you offer a cigarette to. This story is based on fact.Mason was dumped at a party for smoking. Cassandra walks up and introduces herself to Mason. She asks for a cigarette then invites Mason home to her place. Cassandra’s watches over her sister from the window of the old mansion. Mason was enjoying a threesome party when he was told to leave. Walking back to the party he was warned to stay away from the girls. He can’t understand the warning till he goes to retrieve his packet of cigarettes he left behind. Views: 522
A short story for adults. For some unknown reason lots of people are becoming addicted to drugs. Nobody seams to know why except one man. And the government... what are they doing about it?Dear readers, this book is free for you to download. I have enjoyed writing it and I am very interested in your comments. Please review this book by clicking the review link at the bottom. Views: 511
Travel through wormholes, climb a ladder to the moon, and trick the tooth fairy in this humorous, visually engaging collection of children's poems.A short story, very timely and very short. Who is blackmailing the Candidate and what does he do about it? Views: 501
Few are blessed with the burden of foresight. Few could feel the wind changing, or see the skies darkening; a storm was brewing. For centuries, those with magic and those without lived together in relative peace. Alas, all good things must eventually come to an end. I know there is much you believe true, more you believe untrue. Travel the world and uncover the truths that hide in History's ShadowEngland: circa 1310 A.D. Few are blessed with the burden of foresight. Few could feel the wind changing, or see the skies darkening; a storm was brewing.For centuries, those with magic and those without lived together in relative peace. Alas, all good things must eventually come to an end. Twelve sorcerers, condemned to centuries of slumber, would soon awaken. During a time of religious reign, their awakening would be the catalyst that turned man against magic forever.So would begin the witch hunt, the slaughtering of magical creatures once awed. Some would perish; most would hide. Others would build an army in retaliation and the world would be at full out war. All this, with the threat of a dark cult hellbent on resurrecting the one being that should not be resurrected ever looming. Indeed, dark times lie ahead.It has been said: “A man does not become great by having it easy; it is adversity that pushes him to greatness.” If that were true, then Tahir and his companions had enough adversity to become some of the greatest people ever to live. This is their story. Views: 499
A Life Awakening is a chronicle about the troubled life of a young man named Ethan Elliot, as told by his spirit guide, William. In the first of this series, Whispers from Within, we join Ethan as he feels he finally has found his soul mate in his relationship with Jennifer. Little does Ethan realize that his entire world is about to be turned upside down.A Life Awakening is a chronicle about the troubled life of a young man named Ethan Elliot, as told by his spirit guide, William. In the first of this series, Whispers from Within, we join Ethan as he feels he finally has found his soul mate in his relationship with Jennifer. Little does Ethan realize that his entire world is about to be turned upside down. Yet, as Ethan's spirit guide, and with minimal intervention, William will guide Ethan to places he never expected to go, and to people he never expected to meet.Ethan's story begins in New York, when problems developed in his relationship with Jennifer. Heartbroken, Ethan, with the aid of divine intervention, decides to move on, in the hope of finding greener pastures and a new life. What Ethan discovers about himself is an important milestone, as it is to all of us when we awaken to the myriad of possibilities in the lives our souls chose to live.As Ethan listens to stories of the many people he meets from all walks of life, he slowly begins to re-evaluate his own true purpose in life. With the progression of both time and maturity, Ethan discovers the very essence of life itself, as well as the importance of those whom he considers true friends.Have you ever experienced a moment in your life when you thought everything was perfect, only to discover that circumstances were about to change abruptly? Whispers from Within will open your eyes to possibilities that at first blush you never would have considered, as you follow Ethan through his journey. All too often in our lives, we develop a preconceived notion of what the ideal should be in a life partner, a family, a job, or any of the many situations that require decisions on a daily basis. We make those decisions based on a number of factors, often just by watching what our friends and family are doing with their lives. But in life’s grand scheme of things one size doesn't fit all, so we adjust our lives based on our own life experiences.Whispers from Within, for both Ethan and the reader, celebrates life, with its many paths that lie before us. An entirely new world of options for living one’s life can be found once we drop the pretense of believing we always know what we want out of life. With the aid of your spirit guide, you will gain the ability to quiet the noise of daily life, while going deep within yourself to discover your truest motivations. Like Ethan, eventually you will begin to stop fighting the life your soul chose this time around, and begin to live a life of joy that others could only envy. In time, Ethan learns an important lesson, that a life well-lived has its own rewards, and neither Ethan, nor the lives he touches, will ever be the same. Views: 492
How one boy and an army of children overthrow the worst Prime Minister in British history.When bonkers Colonel Spackman becomes Prime Minister, his England for Adults party set about making sure that children are seen but not heard. But when every teenager in the land disappears overnight, Lewis Spottiswood decides it’s time to make a stand. His freedom march to the Isle of Wight Correction Zone attracts disaffected children from every town they pass. But, with government assassins hot on his trail, can Lewis lead his rebel army to victory? Views: 488
Jusong, a young Firebrother who worships one of five eldritch gods that gifts mankind with magic, finds himself caught up in a political and religious plot that involves his close friend.Skyler Appleby is just a normal kid living a normal life in a normal school when her world is suddenly changed forever on her tenth birthday. Finding out you are an honest to goodness witch is enough to make any kid think they’ve won the lottery, but unfortunately it comes with bad news too...she has to move to a brand new school for magical kids and leave her ‘normal’ friends behind. While trying to deal with bullies, spells, and potion making, Skyler and her new friends must work together to save their school and teachers from the scary Grogs who are trying to steal the Scroll of Death which contains a spell that can bring back Moruga, one of the most evil witches of all time. Views: 486
This hilarious, true short story, is a real life account of an amazing weekend at the Monaco Grand Prix.If you've ever wanted to be wisked away on a hilarious, slighty drunken, crazy weekend, fly on a helicopter, meet wonderful people, drink lots of French wine, wake up in a strange woman's apartment, party around the clock all while watching the F1 Grand Prix, then this short story is for you.They say that truth is stranger than fiction.This hilarious true short story, won't take you long to read, but it all actually happened.If you've ever wanted to be wisked away on a hilarious, slighty drunken, crazy weekend, fly into town on a helicopter, meet wonderful interesting people, drink lots of French wine, wake up in a strange woman's apartment, party around the clock all while watching the F1 Grand Prix, then this short story is for you.An ideal read for a train journey or for the daily commute! Views: 485
Bad girl gone good! No longer a member of Lucifer’s Legion, former She-demon E’steem is now on the side of the angels. Starting her journey down the straight and narrow path, she runs afoul of some stick-up kids while shopping on Madison Avenue in this action packed short. Can Hell’s former harbinger scare them straight?Martin awakes naked on the shores of a silent and hungry world. He has no memory of how he got there, no memory of anything beyond his name. Now he must journey through the Eating Wastes in which the very land he walks on tries to consume him. His only hope of escape are massive gateways that call to him to enter, all he has to do is make it to one. The journey will test both his will and flesh as nightmarish creatures stalk his every move, wanting to claim him for their own.*THE RED MAN is a 9000 word short story. Views: 482
An office worker in Purgatory seeks consolation and hope by sending himself postcards and email messages from an imaginary holiday destination. When discovered, he is sent there.An office worker in Purgatory seeks consolation and hope by sending himself postcards and email messages from an imaginary holiday destination. When discovered, he is sent there.… When he got home that evening there was a beautiful sunlit holiday postcard in his letterbox, addressed to him and signed Williby. It was a breathless and ecstatic message describing unimaginable tropical delights and so looking forward to seeing him soon. It brought tears of longing to his eyes so sharp that they glittered like crystals on his cheek. They cracked and shattered when he wiped them away, but the promise shone within him like stars.Williby sighed and closed his eyes but when he opened them again he was still there…Sorrow is a free story from The World Is Round, available now.A great philosopher's masterwork is unravelled by a duck, an influential talk show host begins executing his guests, and a baby enchants a murderous African dictator in this collection of seventeen short stories. A work of poignant satire and extraordinary imagination, The World Is Round is always weird, sometimes bleak, and frequently hilarious. Views: 481
A short story about a walk, taking the correct path is never easy.Roam the streets of Ottawa with Charlie, a third year university student bent on recapturing the essence of his first love, all the while doing everything he can to destroy his relationship with his current girlfriend, Natasha. Explore the seedy underworld of Ottawa as Charlie's increasingly manic quest for self-validation quickly leads him down dark and dangerous roads. In his attempts to prove his own morality, Charlie will finally see just how dark the inner-self has become in an increasingly apathetic and superficial world. Views: 479
