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If You Lived Here, You'd Be Home Now

From the well-loved author of Knitting Under the Influence and The Smart One and the Pretty One comes a new novel about a young single mother trying to move out of her family's shadow. Rickie left home a long time ago-so how is it that at the age of twenty-five, she's living with her parents again, and sleeping in the bedroom of her childhood home? At least one thing has changed since high school: She now has a very sweet but frequently challenging son named Noah, who attends the same tony private LA school she herself attended. Rickie fit in fine when she was a student, but now her age and tattoos make her stand out from all the blond Stepford moms, who are desperate to know why someone so young-and so unmarried-has a kid in first grade. Already on the defensive, Rickie goes into full mother-tigress mode when her small and unathletic son tells her that the gym teacher is out to get him. She storms the principal's office, only to discover that Andrew Fulton, the coach, is no dumb jock. As her friendship with Andrew develops, Rickie finds herself questioning her assumptions-about motherhood, being a grown-up, and falling in love.
Views: 1 023

Maiden Flight

A chance meeting with a dragon seals the fate of a female poacher. The dragon’s partner, a knight named Gareth, falls for the girl. He wants her for his mate, but mating with a knight is no simple thing. To accept a knight, a woman must also accept his fighting partner too. War is in the making and she must choose her fate—life with two men to love, or her lonely life in the forest.War is coming for the dragon knights…but love may find them first.A chance meeting with a young male dragon seals the fate of one adventurous female poacher. The dragon’s partner, a ruggedly handsome knight named Gareth, takes one look at the shapely woman and decides to do a little poaching of his own.Sir Gareth both seduces and falls deeply in love with the girl who is not only unafraid of dragons but also possesses a rare gift—she can hear the beasts’ silent speech. He wants her for his mate, but mating with a knight is no simple thing. To accept a knight, a woman must also accept the dragon, the dragon’s mate…and her knight, Lars, too.She is at first shocked, then intrigued by the lusty life in the Lair. But war is in the making and only the knights and dragons have a chance at ending it before it destroys their land and their lives.Note: Contains dragons, their sexy knights and a damsel who is not quite in distress. Sizzling hot m/f/m scenes may leave you breathing fire.The Dragon Knights series consists of:0.5. The Dragon Healer (novella)1. Maiden Flight2. Border Lair2.5. Master at Arms (novella)3. The Ice Dragon4. Prince of Spies4.5 Wings of Change (novella)5. FireDrake6. Dragon Storm7. Keeper of the Flame8. Hidden Dragons9. The Sea Captain’s Daughter Trilogy: Sea Dragon, Dragon Fire, & Dragon Mates
Views: 1 003

Lulu and the Brontosaurus

An illustrated chapter book from industry legends Judith Viorst and Lane Smith! "I'm gonna, I'm gonna, I'm gonna, gonna, get a bronto-bronto-bronto-bronto-saurus for a pet!" Lulu is so accustomed to getting what she wants that when her parents deny her birthday request for a brontosaurus, she throws a four-day temper tantrum and then storms off into the forest in search of the dinosaur she clearly deserves. Lulu isn't particularly impressed with the snake, tiger, and bear she encounters, but then she finds him--a beautiful, long-necked, graceful brontosaurus. Mr. B completely agrees with Lulu that having a pet would be a wonderful thing, and Lulu thinks she's gotten her birthday wish at last. Until she realizes that Mr. Brontosaurus thinks that "she" would make an ideal pet for "him!" How will Lulu ever get out of this sticky situation without throwing a fit (Mr. B does not respond well to those), or using force (Mr. B is much too tall to bonk on the head with her suitcase), or smushing her pickle sandwich? Beloved children's author Judith Viorst and Caldecott-winning illustrator Lane Smith offer a fresh and funny tale with several surprise endings!
Views: 991

The Rat Stomp

Abbie Joules is familiar with her older brother's earthy high jinks, but she is shocked to learn that he would share one of his strange ideas for a good time with his high society date. A night at the town dump on a double date, in his best friend's mother's pink Imperial, does not end well as the boys entertain their dates with The Rat Stomp.The eighth in a series of fourteen books by Abbie Joules about her brother, Bendigo, as they grew up on their hard-scrabble farm in east Texas. In this episode, Ben's girlfriend, Corrinth, recounts to Abbie her experience on a double date with Ben, his best friend Billy and his date. Abbie listens wide-eyed with growing apprehension and humor as Corrinth paints a vivid tale of unlikely adventure, suspense and near disaster at the town dump involving a new pink Imperial, mounds of smokey garbage, hordes of rats, and a 'dance' Abbie is familiar with called, The Rat Stomp.
Views: 956

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day

The perennially popular tale of Alexander's worst day is a storybook that belongs on every child's bookshelf. Alexander knew it was going to be a terrible day when he woke up with gum in this hair. And it got worse... His best friend deserted him. There was no dessert in his lunch bag. And, on top of all that, there were lima beans for dinner and kissing on TV! This handsome new edition of Judith Viorst's classic picture book is sure to charm readers of all ages.
Views: 874

Blood on the Corn

Blood on the Corn follows two policemen who aren't quite policemen as they investigate a murder that isn't quite a murder. Their real mission might be familiar to humans, but it's not for their eyes at all. Blood on the Corn is a short story, about 3200 words.Four years ago, Edwin's father was slain by Verackan raiders, intent on plundering the Orescan heartland to supplement their own waning resources. Now seventeen and intent on vengeance, Edwin runs away from home to join the Orescan Army. Soon, he finds himself a Probationary Recruit, not in the Army, but in the Special Air Corps. Through a combination of natural and technologically enhanced gifts, this elite and secretive organization battles the Verackans from the shadows. As Edwin explores the full potential of his gift, a new objective begins to take hold: ending the Verackan threat for all time.
Views: 856

He Shot First

A short story, about 3600 words.Dan Tippdale is a human among aliens on an unfamiliar world. A bar fight lands him in jail -- and he shot first. The charge might not be murder, but that might not matter -- from the looks of things, he might not live to stand trial. And then there's the matter of his lawyer, who has something big in common with the alien Dan shot...The Johns in life John Wayne John Gacy John Lennon John Beluchi We should be Christians
Views: 855

Lulu Walks the Dogs

In this stand-alone sequel to "Lulu and the Brontosaurus," industry legends Viorst and Smith once again prove that even the loudest, rudest, and most obstinate of girls can win readers over.
Views: 813

Lulu's Mysterious Mission

This irresistible third illustrated chapter book starring Judith Viorst’s Lulu is full of hilarious hijinks, delightful twists, and a top-secret mission! Eeny meeny miney mo, That babysitter’s got to go. Lulu has put her tantrum-throwing days behind her. That is, until her parents announce that they are going on vacation—WITHOUT LULU. Not only that, but they are leaving her with the formidable Ms. Sonia Sofia Solinsky, who says hello by bellowing, “The Eagle has landed,” and smiles at you with the kind of smile that an alligator might give you before eating you for dinner. The second her parents are out of the house, Lulu tries out several elaborate schemes to bring them straight back. But just when she seems to finally be making some headway, her babysitter reveals an astonishing secret…one that has Lulu crossing her fingers that her parents will go on vacation all the time—without her!
Views: 767

Garbage Music

A short story, about 5000 words.Young Jacinta Jaara likes to sit by the old landfill mine and listen to the music ancient Neyerneyemeet plays. The music speaks of her of the old days, when the people of Australia were divided, before the war that changed everything. Soon, Jacinta's curiosity will lead her to an even more profound change, a change of growth, learning, and understanding.Our animal friends do fun, amazing, and silly things. These poems ask why our animal friends do such things. As you read each small poem, imagine what their answer would be or think of new questions of your own.This booklet includes the children poems: Zippy Dragonfly, Young Elephant, Giggling Hyena, and Slithering Snake
Views: 757

The Unfettered Dream

It is often said that wisdom comes with pain. Long ago in the north of the Indian subcontinent, a being of great wisdom arose. There is pain in his story, but perhaps the story we know is not all of the truth. Perhaps wisdom came at a greater price than we know.This is a vision of what it might have taken to bring it into the world.The Unfettered Dream is a short story of about 4,000 words.Evin Driscol is not just a historical writer, but a vampire who writes about supernaturals and their impact on human history. He is loved by some, hated by others, and tolerated by most. Though sharing knowledge of his own kind is pushing a fine line, Evin continues to write about supernatural history while exploring this own. Evin is ending his Vampires and the Roaring Twenties book tour in Chicago, his hometown. Just as things seem to be falling into place for Evin, his life is turned upside down when his own history threatens to repeat itself.
Views: 752

Bendio Joules--If Not For You

The 1st in a collection of 14 short stories by Abbie Joules about her brother, Bendigo, as they grew up on an east Texas Farm. Ben's life ended tragically in Abbie's company at the age of eighteen, and she is determined that his memory not vanish forever. She as sculpted an image of a bygone era in which her brother stars in riveting tales, filled with humor, adventure and love.Bendigo Joules, raised on a small farm in east Texas in the 40's and 50's, scratched out a life filled with the joys, surprises, trials and love that only an adventurous and giving spirit could produce. His life ended tragically in his sister's company at the age of eighteen, and Abbie Joules is determined that his memory not vanish forever. Fortunately 'words work' is her specialty, and she has sculpted an image of a bygone era in which her brother stars in riveting tales filled with humor, adventure, and the full warmth and foibles that humanity has to offer. You will not soon forget the life of Bendigo or his loving sister, Abbie, nor the many characters she paints with both sensitivity and vivid colors: Price and Pleasure Walker, Booptriska Kazmierski, Ziggy Pugh, Cat-Fish and Fish-Cat, and many others. It is a book for readers of any age who want their day to feel warm, bright and friendly."I figured I was a goner," Corrinth said. "That car was going over the edge of the dump, right down into that filth and--BLEWY! I was going to cook, right along with the rats. Can you imagine? On my first date with Ben?" (from The Rat Stomp)Dirk Palowski snatched up Ziggy and chucked him under his arm like a wiener pig, then ran around the track like a tramp hauling a stolen ham, with all the boys in hot pursuit. For the first time in his life, Ziggy was in demand. (from Five Seconds For A Winner)
Views: 741

Miz Scarlet and the Holiday Houseguests (A Scarlet Wilson Mystery #3)

How is an overworked homicide investigator supposed to find a killer when she's so distracted by her own family problems? As things heat up at work, little things start to suggest that Larry's got something bigger than bickering parents to worry about. Secrets from her past begin to creep in, putting everyone in danger. Who can she trust when the chips are down? It's time to turn to Miz Scarlet!The third book in the popular Scarlet Wilson Mystery Series....The time-honored Red Sox versus Yankees rivalry...bitter, divorced parents who can't stop bickering...a challenging teenage daughter who questions everything her mother tells her....These are the least of overworked homicide investigator Laurencia Rivera's troubles when she's stalked during an important case.A teenager turns up dead in the woods, brutally murdered, and it looks like it might be politically motivated....the short-handed homicide team can't seem to get a handle on the case...things just keep going wrong....Is someone trying to intimidate Laurencia Rivera and her investigators, to protect the killer and prevent him from being caught?Better known as Larry, the gutsy, romance-challenged Connecticut state trooper is desperate to avoid World War III when her parents announce they are both coming for the holidays. She thinks that renting a room for her father at the Four Acorns Inn will solve the problem, but it just makes everything worse. -- Larry's mother is offended that her ex-husband, a Boston Red Sox assistant coach, gets all the pampering; she's determined to kick up a fuss. When Mama's unhappy, everyone is going to hear about it!Sometimes the only thing for a good friend to do at a time like this is to offer respite from a quickly unraveling family life by stepping in and taking charge of the care and feeding of the entire Rivera family. Scarlet Wilson, innkeeper at the Four Acorns Inn and amateur sleuth, is the perfect person for the task. If only she stuck to guest services...."Miz Scarlet" may not have Larry's professional cop training, but that doesn't stop her from going head to head with a killer bent on revenge! Her boyfriend, Kenny Tolliver, happens to be a public safety expert and he's got some tricks up his sleeve. But it's Larry's former partner, Max, who rallies the troops with an amazing effort to rescue the uncooperative damsel in distress....What will a guy in love do to save the woman he adores? Can love save the day?Before the Rivera visit to the Four Acorns Inn ends, not only will a killer be sent packing, everyone will learn the shocking reason for the bitter divorce of "The Spitball King" and the "Queen of Clean", and the mystery will finally be solved as to how the granddaughter of a Red Sox assistant coach came to be named after a famous Yankee center fielder. (Novella)
Views: 733

Meow Right Now

"Meow Right Now" is a short story, about 5100 words.Archaeologists often find strange and even dangerous things during their explorations. When Clay and Sandy uncover an ancient frozen cat on the Siberian plains, they have done just that, for Kwirrrf is not accustomed to being a pet. In fact, he's more accustomed to being a pet owner...Being-*The People Whisper*, Founder of Falcon Blanco-A Place for friends since 1975. Inspired Writer & Poet. I am trying to be creative by doing things that make sense to me. I am relating to whatever shows up in my daily life, being convinced that this is exactly what I need to learn, to grow and to heal myself. I see difficult situations and conditions as a challenge to which I am responding the best I am capable, taking self responsibility and being aware of my reactions that are caused.I like to express myself sharing my experiences with others who might be open for it. I have found ways to deal creatively with problems that are part of our life, so that we don’t need to suffer more than necessary to be motivated to doubt our established existence and ask questions, – to find answers that can turn our life into a joyful adventure.I am always ready to help others. I never do anything out of money interests. I do what feels right and is necessary. There is abundance if one is open to receive…I have created a space on the middle of the island Ibiza, in midst of unspoiled nature with many animals and plants. There is food and living space for more than twenty people, who could live together as a group of friends, being creative, expressing themselves in artistic ways and working on themselves and also doing practical things for others and the environment. BeiYinFalconBlanco, Ibiza, Spain
Views: 733

The Trouble With Flirting

Franny's supposed to be working this summer, not flirting. But you can't blame her when guys like Alex and Harry are around. . . . Franny Pearson never dreamed she'd be attending the prestigious Mansfield Summer Theater Program. And she's not, exactly. She's working for her aunt, the resident costume designer. But sewing her fingers to the bone does give her an opportunity to spend time with her crush, Alex Braverman. If only he were as taken with the girl hemming his trousers as he is with his new leading lady. When Harry Cartwright, a notorious flirt, shows more than a friendly interest in Franny, she figures it can't hurt to have a little fun. But as their breezy romance grows more complicated, can Franny keep pretending that Harry is just a carefree fling? And why is Alex suddenly giving her those deep, meaningful looks? In this charming tale of mixed messages and romantic near-misses, one thing is clear: Flirting might be more trouble than Franny ever expected.
Views: 709