Take a ride on the Reading Railroad! (Either pronunciation of "Reading" works here.) Yes, the Keystone State is rich in history, beauty, and the world's most delicious cheesesteak (Whiz wit!). Follow Uncle John on a whirlwind tour of Pennsylvania from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh and all points in between with fun articles, amazing facts, vital stats, hometown heroes, and quirky quizzes. Read about...America's first zooWilliam Penn and his quest for a land of religious freedomThe birth of Little League BaseballThe true story of the Johnstown floodEncountering bears and boars in the Pennsylvania wildernessHow Ben Franklin invented the political cartoonThe Liberty Bell legends—some of which are actually trueRocky's famous run, and other Pennsylvania moviesIncredible things that can happen "Only in PA"And much, much more! Views: 9
“What a terrific book. I loved its rich, recognizable characters, the intricacies and excitement of the plot, the beauty of the writing.” --Anne LamottReaching back to the Great Depression, and with all the insight, tenderness, and extraordinary narrative power that have been the hallmark of her writing, Alice Adams once again illuminates the workings of the human heart.When Harry and Cynthia Baird flee south from Connecticut to Pinehill, they hope to find a simpler, and cheaper, way of life, and a refuge from the burdens of their life in the North. What they find, in the small societies of a college town, each with its own intricate and beguiling etiquette is a deeper involvement in private scandals, long-held secrets, dangerous love affairs, dreams, desires, fears, betrayals.From Publishers WeeklyHer deft prose both sensual and sophisticated, Adams, in her ninth novel, leaves the San Francisco setting of her recent books (Almost Perfect, etc.) to explore the intrigues and desires of the residents of a small North Carolina town. The country is in the grip of the Depression when the bright and beautiful Bairds?Cynthia and Harry, and their young daughter, Abigail?move to Pinehill. "They are, as they might half-ironically put it to each other, on the lam" from their too demanding and expensive life in Connecticut. In fact, there is much half-ironic about the novel, including Cynthia's secret reason for choosing Pinehill: it is the home of her favorite (and rumored to be sexy) poet, Russ Byrd. As the Baird's determinedly climb Pinehill's tiny but formidable social ladder, they encounter people thoroughly entrenched in the communal hierarchy and in their environment; at parties, the cleverly unattributed dialogue gives the sense that the town is of one mind. And yet each of the dashing characters is distinct?Dolly Bigelow, the pretty gossip; Jimmy Hightower, a writer manque who shares Cynthia's fascination with Russ Byrd; Odessa, Dolly's servant, who seems as suspicious of Cynthia's passive disapproval of Southern segregation as she is of Dolly's overt racism. Meanwhile, Russ neglects his wife, who has a breakdown; has a passionate affair with the town beauty, who bears him a son whom she passes off as her younger brother; and eventually becomes himself "helpless among the major passions of women"?including Cynthia's. Such melodramas feel witty, given Adams's intelligent characterization, and are at equal pitch with her descriptions of Pinehill's flush, distracting beauty. As always, her forte is the subtle misunderstandings and meshings of human relationships, viewed with both irony and compassion. Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc. From Library JournalDuring the Great Depression, Harry and Cynthia Baird and their daughter, Abigail, run from their New England roots to Pinehill, North Carolina, hoping to escape from debt, social obligations, and boredom. Instead, they stumble into a small-town soap opera with its own rules of conduct they struggle to understand. The mystery of the Southern way of life unravels as they settle into its rhythms. Their "Southern exposure," brief and idyllic, broadens them and helps them to approach the future with a new point of view. Adams's (Almost Perfect, Knopf, 1993) insightful descriptions and dialog make engaging reading. The characters are both complex and complete. Recommended for general readers.?Joanna M. Burkhardt, Univ. of Rhode Island Coll. of Continuing Education Lib., ProvidenceCopyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc. Views: 9
In the village of Spire, murder is afoot. Wealthy landowner Alexander, Earl of Greengrass is caught with his trousers down in the village graveyard before meeting a gruesome end. Luckily Susie Mahl happens to be on hand. With her artist's eye for detail and her curious nature she is soon on the scent of the murderer... Views: 9
The fairy lights are up and shoppers are flooding the snowy seaside promenade. It’s going to be a busy month at Forget-Me-Not Vintage, a magical shop with a warm heart where every item has a story to be told.
With bright red hair and an infectious smile, Dodie is a hopeless romantic and absolutely one of a kind, just like the pieces in her shop.
When Dodie finds a love letter in the pocket of an old woollen coat, she makes it her mission to deliver it to its rightful owner. Following the address, she manages to persuade the handsome but reluctant new tenant, Edward, to help her with her search.
As the story of the letter unfolds, Dodie is there, as always, to pick up the pieces and make things right. But who will be there for her when her own love story needs a helping hand?
Is it too much to dream of a happy ending like the ones in the black and white movies she adores?
If you’re looking for a sweep-you-off-your-feet romance that will warm you through and through then the door to Forget-Me-Not Vintage is always open. Perfect for fans of Jane Linfoot, Debbie Johnson and Jenny Colgan.
What readers are saying about A Very Vintage Christmas:
‘This is a truly wonderful story!!... It’s a story of friendship, love, family and of course Christmas!! … Fabulous!! Five Big Fat Vintage Stars!!’ Stardust Book Reviews, 5 stars
‘Oozing with Christmas charm, this is the perfect book to add to your holiday reads!’ Darcy’s Book Blog, 4 stars
‘A wonderful book that had me smiling and laughing…I can't wait for A Cosy Candlelit Christmas.’ Rachel’s Random Reads, 5 stars
‘This was my first Christmas book of the season and it’s a fabulous start. It made me fall in love with Tilly Tennant and I’m really excited for Christmas already. The storyline had me smiling throughout, gave me a warm feeling and the writing adds so many sparks… I enjoyed every second of it.’ Simona’s Corner of Dreams, 5 stars
‘I am a massive fan of Tilly Tennant's books so jumped at the chance to get my hands on this brand-new release!... After the first few pages I was hooked! I love the writing style and the characters were just superb - the plot was brilliant and I loved the ending too - it really is the most delightful story!!... Grab yourself a nice warm drink and curl up ready to feel all warm and cosy inside - no hesitation in giving this a massive five shiny stars!!’ Donnas Book Blog, 5 stars
‘What a fabulous book! I'm a huge fan of the Tilly Tennant books, she's quickly becoming my favourite cosy writer!... I highly recommend this story if you're looking for a nice cosy read this winter!’ Caoimhas Books and Lit, 5 stars
‘The storyline had me smiling throughout... I adored the quirkiness of it and the characters. While reading it, it made me feel all warm inside. I could imagine a warm fire and hot chocolate. This really is another Tilly Treasure and one that will stay with me for some time!’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars
‘I love Tilly's books they are great cosy reads and this one is just as good as the rest. A fantastic read to snuggle down to this winter.’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars
‘This was a truly delightful, heart-warming story from start to finish with lots of Christmas cosy feeling moments throughout. Lovely, likeable characters and the perfect setting… On that note, I'm looking forward to reading her next book already.’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars
‘This was a great feel good holiday book. Something you want to snuggle up in a warm house and read on a cold day. It is a little different than your normal holiday book but that is what makes it special.’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars
** Views: 8
Flatscreen tells the story of Eli Schwartz as he endures the loss of his home, the indifference of his parents, the success of his older brother, and the cruel and frequent dismissal of the opposite sex. He is a loser par excellence—pasty, soft, and high—who struggles to become a new person in a world where nothing is new.Into this scene of apathy rolls Seymour J. Kahn. Former star of the small screen and current paraplegic sex addict, Kahn has purchased Eli's old family home. The two begin a dangerous friendship, one that distracts from their circumstances but speeds their descent into utter debasement and, inevitably, YouTube stardom.By story's end, through unlikely acts of courage and kindness, roles will be reversed, reputations resurrected, and charges (hopefully) dropped. Adam Wilson writes mischief that moves the heart, and Flatscreen marks the wondrous debut of a truth-telling comic voice. Views: 8
