Romane

"Susan Higginbotham has a gift for telling the tales of strong women who stepped out from the shadows into which society's strictures would have cast them in order to make their indelible marks on history. . . . Weaving together sumptuous prose and groundbreaking research, Higginbotham delivers a read that is both empowering and important."-Allison Pataki, New York Times bestselling author of Finding Margaret FullerFrom the award-winning author of The Stolen Crown and Hanging Mary comes a novel based on the life of the indomitable Ernestine Rose, whose fearless advocacy helped bring about the rights women enjoy today.Question everything, Ernestine vows while growing up in a Poland ravaged by the Napoleonic wars. Accept nothing blindly.Rejecting her rabbi father's religion and an arranged marriage, Ernestine strikes out on her own, arriving in New York in 1836. Distressed by the injustices around her, she takes to the public speaking platform, pressing for the abolition of slavery and for women's rights alongside activists like Frederick Douglass, Susan B. Anthony, and Elizabeth Cady Stanton. But at a time when women are expected to confine themselves to the parlor and the hearth-and when an atheist is best advised to say nothing at all-is Ernestine's adopted country ready to hear her?Following Ernestine through triumph and heartbreak and across two continents, The Queen of the Platform brings out of history's shadows a heroine who braved public scorn to fight for the values she held dear.

This is a work of historical fiction about the earliest days of Christianity. Recently several non-canonical documents have been discovered which describe a Christianity in which Jesus, although a holy man, was human and married to Mary Magdalene with which he had children. Some of these documents, including the Gospel of John, precede the canonical gospels which were written much later. [It wasn't until the Council of Nicaea in 325 CE that the Roman Emperor 'Constantine chose to unite his empire under the Pauline form of Christianity and to 'negate, banish, exile and cause to be burned at the stake those who believed in pre-Pauline Christianity. The Emperor of Rome was no more qualified to decide which form of Christianity is true than anyone else. History has proven that he is indeed qualified to determine which branch of Christianity he chose to unite his empire.

In October 1851, the bustling harbors of Gloucester, Massachusetts marked the onset of a promising venture as the American fishing fleet set sail towards the bountiful mackerel run in the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence. However, as they neared the waters off Prince Edward Island, Canada, an unanticipated hurricane engulfed them in a tempest of terror and despair, obliterating over 200 schooners and vessels. The calamity claimed the lives of over 100 seamen, a tragic toll that resonated across the waves.Disasters at Sea unveils the poignant yet inspiring chronicle of the Prince Edward Island residents, who, propelled by compassion, rallied to extend a lifeline to the beleaguered seamen. Their unwavering aid echoed the noble deeds of the Newfoundland residents during the 9/11 crisis. With hearts brimming with empathy, they embarked on a mission of rescue, recovery, and honor for the fallen, manifesting an enduring maritime bond.This narrative reflects on the ethos of neighborly duty prevalent in the 19th-century Maritime Canada, highlighting a stark contrast against the seemingly indifferent response of the vessel owners in the aftermath, who appeared to evade accountability for the lost souls and shattered vessels. Disasters at Sea navigates through the haunting whys of fate's discernment amidst the storm, unearthing the profound human spirit that surges even amidst the darkest squalls, painting a timeless tableau of maritime valor and human resilience.

Antal Varga, a Budapest violinist, is 78 years old when a young American stranger places a yellowed music sheet into his hands. With shock he recognizes his own teenage handwriting, for he himself wrote this piece in 1945, when his city was under siege. Desperate to talk with this American woman, Varga enlists his grandson Kristóf to translate; and he finds that the woman, Lisa, shares his family's painful heritage. Now his grandson and this young American press him for the story behind the music, and especially behind its shattered ending. For decades he's hidden this story of war, love, jealousy, and loss. Can he bear to tell it now? Can they bear to hear it? Cautiously Varga, Kristóf, and Lisa open the music and its hard secrets, hoping that although pain has extended over generations, perhaps love will extend further still.

Paul Greener is informed of the family plan to build a railroad across West Texas, which had been years in the making. They have a few connections that get them in the door, and they quickly learn there are limited people to trust. As outsiders, they aren't taken as seriously as they would like. The Greener family must learn the hard way about what it takes to make it in a brutal industry.

"Berlin Atomized is a kinetic, globetrotting novel following three siblings - Jewish and downwardly mobile - from 2001 to 2034, as they come of age against the major crises of the 21st century"--

"Conwoman Harmony Hale has sold lies up and down California for years, never looking back at her crafty scams or one-night stands. Now she's come to Brookville, California, with her sights set on its wealthy mayor--the man who stole her father's music-streaming algorithm and ruined his life. Harmony is finally ready to take him down, with her trusty con of selling a nonexistent music festival. All she needs is the cooperation of the man who owns the potential festival site. Autistic librarian and piano teacher Preston Jones spends his days fighting book challengers trying to shut down his library programs. He's responsible for raising his selectively nonspeaking little sister and needs to focus on keeping his job. He doesn't have time for a romance like the ones in his books--and certainly none for the brassy festival promoter who wants to use his land for her "Coachella North." Preston sees things in black and white, and he sees Harmony--amazing curves, flashy smile, and all--as nothing but trouble. But when Harmony promises to help him win the public over and save his youth programs, Preston finds himself wondering if this hustler with a heart of gold might be the someone he's been waiting for. Soon things are getting steamy in the stacks, and with her con coming to a crescendo, Harmony needs to choose: revenge and running again or the happy ending she never saw coming"--

"Waking to Brevity" is Sarah W. Bartlett's poetic love-letter to her partner, moving from their later-life marriage through the debilitating challenges of his Parkinson's Disease. His personal story of courage, humor and determination to live and to die on his own terms, evokes the experience of many. Bartlett has laid their journey of love and loss onto the page with breathtaking honesty and beauty.

After years locked in conflict, many a cat and dog have turned to professional help for their fraught relationships. Can session time mend burnt bridges and resurrect broken trust built up between these adversaries? Joint counselling appears a wise decision back in the comfort of home - but inside the therapist's office, it may prove a catastrophe! Follow along as age-old enemies attempt reconciling their differences under one roof. Laugh, cry and hope alongside as cats and dogs navigate group therapy, revisiting past hurts, unlearning behaviours... even rediscovering how to play. Yet haunting these couches, a lingering question remains: can instincts rooted in eons ever transform enough for harmony - however fleeting - to prevail?

The 'emoji' in question, in case you were wondering, is Jenny Taylor's involuntary wink, which has landed her in all sorts of scrapes over the years. Together with her farmer parents Jim and Gladys and her siblings Doris, Tom and Fred, Jenny has many adventures in the sleepy Worcestershire town where they all live.

Gospatric's childhood is defined by loss. His uncle, King Duncan I, was killed by Macbeth. Five years later, his father and grandfather were defeated by Macbeth's forces, attempting to avenge this death. Gospatric and his brother were protected by Siward, the powerful Earl of Northumbria. Gospatric's adult life and the safety of his growing family was dominated by his cousin, King Malcolm III of Scotland, and William the Conqueror, as plots unfold to take England back for its rightful king. A wealthy Scot pulls together an unlikely team to uncover the truth about Gospatric's life, his family's place in history and his supposed early death. How did he become the Earl of Northumbria? Why did his children dominate Cumbria, Dunbar, and most of Lothian? How did he survive the wrath of the Conqueror? Did he die young? This team of three men and one woman, two Scots and two Americans, uncover secrets in both the present and the past. Although this is a work of fiction, it is based on extensive research of Gospatric's place in history. He was the grandson of Crinan and Bethoc, important eleventh century figures in Scotland, as well as of Uchtred the Bold, the powerful Earl of Northumbria. Gospatric has descendants across the world, who are unaware of their relationship to this forgotten earl.

France is embroiled in war with Austria as Napoleon races from victory at Castiglione into the ragged peaks of the Tyrol. His aim: defeat the cunning General Würmser and conquer the fortress stronghold of Mantua. But even while Napoleon pursues Würmser down the Brenta River Valley, Austrian forces are secretly gathering under General Alvinczy. They plan a daring offensive to drive the outnumbered French from Italy entirely. So begins a thrilling campaign that will span continents, from the snow-capped Alps to the swirling sands of Egypt. Pursuing his grand vision of strangling English trade by conquering Alexandria and Cairo, Napoleon must defeat both Ottoman forces and the unforgiving desert itself. Even a prowling British Navy led by admiral Lord Nelson cannot deter the ambitious Corsican from this vital strategic prize. This well-researched history analyses Napoleon's audacious Italian and Egyptian operations. Can his Army of Italy withstand aggressive Austrian counterattacks in the mountainous Italian theatre? Will the harsh Egyptian frontier thwart Napoleon's expanding ambitions and grand strategy? This scholarly appraisal provides authoritative perspectives on these pivotal early campaigns of Napoleon's meteoric career.

In the years leading up to the Second World War, amidst an economic depression, a young cabaret dancer from Northern England accepts a job at a modest music hall in Malta, a Mediterranean island. Unbeknownst to her, the outbreak of war following Italy's declaration against Britain and France in the summer of 1940 would leave her stranded in Malta for the entirety of the conflict. In these challenging times, she finds herself working for the Royal Air Force and embroiled in a passionate love affair with a distinguished RAF pilot. The author, drawing on contemporary eyewitness accounts and historical resources, sets the scene against a backdrop of bravery, resilience, and sacrifice. This period marks the two and a half years when Malta's population and its defenders valiantly withstood the relentless onslaught of the Italian and German air forces. Christina and the George Cross Island weaves a narrative that blends fact with fiction, infusing both humour and heartbreak into this compelling tale of war, love, and endurance.

Two single mothers, Brenda and Maureen established friendships when shopping in the city one day. As normal London families, they shared ideas and helped each other out. They both had daughters who automatically became friends too. Events enfold when Tyler the nephew of Maureen began to blackmail his cousin Emilia, Maureen's daughter leading her to sexually groom Maria for Tyler, Brenda's daughter. Maureen suffered depression and was sectioned upon hearing what her nephew had done, Emilia got married early and left for Spain. Maria pursued her education and became a lawyer, but her experience with Tyler scared her emotions; could she love any man? This novel talks about family life and how circumstances change with time. Unexpected illness etc. Find out how The Neighbour at Number 18 got involved.

In an era where freedom remains elusive, a young man finds himself at the heart of a struggle for the most fundamental human right: the right to be free. Set against the tumultuous backdrop of 1950s Cyprus, this tale, inspired by true events and interwoven with a touch of magic, sees Herodotos championing the cause for independence on multiple fronts. His story marks a timeless testament to the resilience of the few who dare to defy the might of the many.

THE HUSBAND Michael is in an unhappy marriage with his wife, Maggie, who has become bitter with her life and has turned into a drunk. As the years tick by, Michael's life becomes more desperate and lonelier. Every day at lunchtime, he sees a woman he feels is the love for him, but lacks the courage to approach her. But then everything starts to unravel when he receives a book from an old man which tells him his life story. This is when everything changed for him. THE WIFE Unbeknownst to Michael, Maggie has also received a book telling her of her future. Frightened and uncertain as to how she can save her marriage, Maggie turns to alcohol to forget, before realising there is only one path she can take to save her marriage. Which is to keep Michael by her side at any cost...

In 1868, William Standing, a man shadowed by his history, is forced into thievery, taking a majestic horse that is half mustang, half Arabian. He returns to an unspeakable tragedy: his sister's homestead ravaged by the Cheyenne Dog Soldiers, a tribe notorious for their fearsome warfare, leaving only the children taken captive. Driven by desperation, Standing tracks the Cheyenne, witnessing the aftermath of their raids. In an unexpected confrontation, Standing proves his mettle, rescuing the children but surrendering the black horse to his adversaries. Just as hope dawns, the horse's original owners emerge, leading to Standing's harsh sentencing: twenty years in Georgia Penitentiary. His escape sparks a relentless search for the scattered children, now with distant kin. Joining Buffalo Bill's Wild West show offers Standing a guise to move from town to town, yet the Pinkertons' pursuit is unyielding. His quest is a tumultuous ride through the heart of a man's indomitable spirit and the wild tapestry of the American frontier.

Do you really know your parents? We all think we do but never consider them as persons before parenthood descended. And do they know you? In Talent Show an introverted father becomes talkative and lifts the curtain on who his wife was before she was a mother, who she became after, and who each of his children were in his eyes. He reveals a few secrets of his own and describes life in a household of ten children as a perpetual talent show. Everyone is always anxious to perform, to shine and to receive applause, even if they don't know what their talent is. Life is a rehearsal for the family talent shows, or is it the other way around? The children get their bit in as they reply with their own versions and reveal who they are. One thing is clear- there is no shared version of a family's life. Everyone has their own and pain is often hidden in the busyness of family life until family members speak honestly.

WELCOME TO NANOLAND, where all your dreams can come true. But when those dreams turn deadly, survival becomes the ultimate fantasy.Nanoland brings legendary filmmaker Frank Nano's creative vision to life on an island off the coast of Florida. Visitors flock from around the globe to see colossal prehistoric beasts, ride sentient roller coasters, and battle in the Cosmic Coliseum.After ten years of playing a Nano Princess, Alicia Amandi's career is going nowhere fast. But when the attractions begin to attack the guests, she must use her unique talents and knowledge to lead a small band of survivors to safety. As the group navigates the perils of a park gone rogue, they discover the sinister side of movie magic and unearth the hidden legacy of Nanoland's enigmatic founder. The man who kindled their imaginations may have also sealed their doom.Will Alicia and her companions unravel Nanoland's secrets in time to escape? Or will they become permanent prisoners of a world that blurs the boundaries between fantasy and reality? Dream big, nanofans-because this dream might be your last.

¿¿¿¿¿ "I, for one, found myself absolutely captivated by the author's ¿air for the descriptive ..." - Reader's Favorite¿¿¿¿¿ "Right off the bat (pun intended), Bill's aspirations strike a chord with the vagabonds within us all. It connects with those internal parts of ourselves aching for something new, something inspiring, something completely foreign, so far flung from our places of comfort, packaged into a life-altering adventure that confronts the stagnant qualities of the status quo." -Nerdication"Darnborough brings his grandfather's extraordinary story to life." - Frances Osborne, author of The Bolter, A San Francisco Chronicle Best Book of the YearWinner, Pencraft Award for Literary Excellence - Historical Fiction, Spring 2024As featured in the movie Downton Abbey: A New Era (Carnival Films, 2022)In the twilight of the 19th century, as the Old West collides with the opulence of the Gilded Age, one man embarks on a journey that will redefine his life. The Gambler's Game is a captivating historical fiction saga that follows the extraordinary life of a mid-western baseball player turned high-stakes gambler. His audacious spirit leads him from the dust chocked plains to the refined ambiance of English garden parties and the allure of Belle Epoque Monte Carlo. This romantic and fast-paced tale will transport you to a time when anything was possible, where dreams were chased, and risks were taken.This is a story of self-discovery in a rapidly changing world. The Gambler's Game lures readers into a realm where the echoes of gunshots meet the clinking of champagne glasses, and the magnificent network of railways and steamships takes the reader on grand adventures. Bill ultimately finds himself torn between his love of gambling and a woman who might make him give it all up.

"A horror-tinged National Lampoon's Vacation: This is one family getaway they'll never forget."--

"This isn't just another self-help theory: Dynamic Drive is your practical guide to sculpting resilience and unlocking your true potential. Dive into the seven keys presented within these pages, each unlocking a new dimension of your potential, empowering you to forge a stronger mindset, harness more energy, embrace greater discipline, expand your curiosity, fortify resilience, foster increased connection, and exude greater confidence. Unlike traditional approaches that reduce drive to a mere means to an end, Dynamic Drive is a way of life. It's not about setting and achieving goals in isolation, but a holistic approach that connects you with your purpose, allowing you to engage in consistent and meaningful growth, overcome challenges with a newfound resilience and invigorated sense of purpose, and commit to a relentless pursuit of personal and professional improvement. Your path to sustained high performance begins here. Dynamic Drive is a guidebook for the consistent and joyful pursuit of a better you"--

A raiding Norse pirate rapes a young girl in 9th century Connacht, Ireland, and leaves her for dead. Shamed by her pregnancy and wanting a life without the label of Norse for her child, Ceara makes her way south to Ceann Coradh. On her journey, she has a dream about Scathach, a mythical warrior woman. Ceara dies giving life to her son, Scolai, and the story of her dream will follow her son and his heirs for centuries to come. Scolai grows up to be a Dal gCais warrior in the service of Lorcain, the King of Tuadmumuh.His son, Daigh, and his grandson Laoghaire follow in his footsteps to become Dal gCais warriors. Conall, the son of Laoghaire, is a true warrior, called a giant by some due to his size and might, and known to be a ferocious fighter with both his axe and sword. His skill with his weapons, combined with a violent temper, frightens friend and foe alike as he becomes known across the island. A great warrior, Conall is a man who knows peace, battle, anger, loss, then peace again. The cycle continues as he fights under the banner of a king who unites his nation, and after the death of the king, Conall rises to lead his family-his tribe-through difficult times and establishes a clan that will endure.

"In 1980s Brooklyn, Key is enchanted with her world, glowing with her dreams. A charming and tender doula serving the Black women of her East New York neighborhood, she lives, like her mother, among the departed and learns to speak to and for them. Her untimely death leaves behind her mother Audrey, who is on the verge of losing the public housing apartment they once shared. Colly, Key's grieving son, soon learns that he too has inherited this sacred gift and begins to slip into the liminal space between the living and the dead on his journey to self-realization"--

The Seed is Waiting in the Dark confronts the realities of ecological catastrophe with the lyric intensity of a life lived reckoning with questions of collective survival. Intimate poems about family give way to broader meditations on climate change, the Korean War, and growing food. Included within this debut collection are five of Goldberg's paintings, which poignantly illustrate these feral, visionary poems. Full of grief, grace, and lessons from the land, The Seed is Waiting in the Dark conjures ancestral instincts to claim belonging within the cycles of natural life.

"Little Lord Fauntleroy," penned by the prolific and enchanting wordsmith Frances Hodgson Burnett, stands as a timeless classic that weaves a tale of innocence, resilience, and the transformative power of love. Published in 1885, this literary gem continues to captivate hearts with its poignant narrative and unforgettable characters.At the heart of the story is Cedric Errol, a winsome and angelic boy with golden curls and an innate goodness that radiates from his very being. Raised in humble circumstances by his widowed mother in New York, Cedric's life takes an unforeseen turn when he discovers that he is the heir to the Earldom of Dorincourt in England. His transition from an American commoner to the titled "Little Lord Fauntleroy" becomes a captivating exploration of identity, kindness, and the enduring qualities that define true nobility.Burnett's prose, as eloquent as a melody, paints a vivid tapestry of Victorian England and the sprawling Dorincourt estate. From the opulent halls of the grand manor to the picturesque English countryside, readers are transported into a world of aristocracy and privilege, where young Cedric's purity and goodness become a beacon of light that transforms those around him.Cedric's relationships are at the heart of the narrative, particularly his bond with his gruff and initially austere grandfather, the Earl of Dorincourt. The transformation of this relationship is a testament to the redemptive power of love and the ability of a child's pure heart to soften even the most hardened souls. As Cedric navigates the intricacies of his newfound aristocratic life, he remains a paragon of virtue, inspiring both young and old to believe in the enduring power of goodness.The novel's charm lies not only in its engaging plot but also in the endearing characters who populate its pages. Cedric's unshakeable optimism, his mother's unwavering love, and the diverse cast of supporting characters create a rich and memorable tapestry. Whether it's the loyal Dick Tipton or the feisty and warm-hearted Mrs. Mellon, each character contributes to the novel's warm and inviting atmosphere."Little Lord Fauntleroy" serves as a celebration of the innocence of childhood and a gentle reminder that goodness and compassion are forces that can bridge even the widest gaps. Burnett's narrative unfolds with a seamless blend of humor, tenderness, and moral depth, making it a literary masterpiece that transcends time.As readers embark on the journey with Cedric Errol, they are not only treated to a charming story but also invited to reflect on the enduring values that make this classic a cherished and relevant work. "Little Lord Fauntleroy" is a literary treasure that continues to enchant audiences, proving that the magic of kindness and the purity of heart are perennial themes that resonate across generations.

Love doesn't conquer all. It consumes you, degrades you, and wholly proves there is such a thing as loving someone too much.My relationship with Demi was living proof of this.There was no barrier I wouldn't leap over to get to her, no river I wouldn't cross, but when it became more than my life on the line to protect her, I did what I thought was right. I sold my soul to the devil, and in the end, it cost me everything.Ox is the third and final book in Maddox and Demi's story. It is not intended to be read as a standalone.*For TWs please visit the author's website.