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A Stone Boat: A Novel
by Andrew SolomonThe debut novel, first published over twenty years ago, from the National Book Award–winning author of The Noonday Demon: An Atlas of Depression and Far from the Tree: Parents, Children, and the Search for Identity—a luminous and moving evocation of the love between a son and his mother, sexuality, the startling changes wrought by grief, loss, and self-discovery.Harry, an internationally celebrated young concert pianist, decides it's time to travel to Paris to confront his glamorous and formidable mother about her dismay at his homosexuality. But before he can give voice to his hurt and anger, he discovers that she is terminally ill. In an attempt to escape his feelings of guilt and despair over the prospect of her death, he embarks on several intense affairs—one with a longtime female friend—that force him to question his capacity for love, and finally to rediscover it. Part eulogy, part confession, and part soliloquy on forgiveness, A Stone Boat is a luminous evocation of the destructive and regenerative, all-encompassing love between a son and his mother, by America&’s foremost chronicler of personal and familial resilience.
A Storm in the Stars
by Don ZancanellaThis novel of love and literature by the author of Concord &“brings to vivid life a fascinating cast of characters&” including the Shelleys and Lord Byron (Denise Giardina, author of Emily&’s Ghost). In early nineteenth-century London, five-year-old Mary Godwin, daughter of a philosopher, plays with her sister, mourns her late mother, and marvels as a hot air balloon lands not far from the Thames. Nearby, in Sussex, eleven-year-old Percy Shelley entertains his three sisters by telling them stories and performing tricks with chemicals and fire. A dozen years later, Mary and Percy meet and fall in love in the Godwin bookshop near Black Friar&’s Bridge. At first their romance seems doomed: Percy is a well-known atheist and already has a wife, and Mary is only seventeen, under the care of her father and his overbearing second wife. But they consider such impediments trivial and are soon on their way to Ireland, Switzerland, and across Europe (with Mary&’s flighty half-sister, Claire, in tow). Upon reaching Lake Geneva they find lodgings near where the notorious poet Lord Byron and his peculiar personal physician, John Polidori, are staying—the same Lord Byron Claire seduced back in London—her reasoning being that if Mary can have a poet, why can&’t she? And so begins the summer when Mary Shelley will start writing her novel about a man who brings to life a creature of his own making, Percy and Lord Byron will debate politics and poetry in the midst of lightning storms, Polidori will commence writing his novel about a man with a taste for human blood, and snow will fall in the middle of July. Praise for the writing of award-winning author Don Zancanella &“Mr. Zancanella&’s characters . . . are drawn with remarkable perception and control.&” —The New York Times Book Review &“A strong sense of place [and] a subdued sense of humor.&” —Western American Literature &“Clever and subtle . . . Polished.&” —Publishers Weekly
A Storm of Sisters (A Pinch of Magic Adventure)
by Michelle HarrisonThere are secrets hidden beneath the ice . . . bring the magic home in the frosty fourth instalment of the bestselling Pinch of Magic Adventures, from the award-winning Michelle Harrison. Pre-order now! When the Widdershins sisters and Granny are called away in deepest winter to look after cousin Clarissa, it doesn&’t take long for adventure – or trouble – to find them. The town of Wilderness has plenty to explore with its frozen lake and winter market, as well as being haunted by a doomed highwayman and his secret love. But the legends are true and seeing a ghostly figure one night, the girls realise that Granny is in terrible danger. As an icy storm rages, the race to save her begins – can the sisters lay Wilderness&’s ghosts to rest before another soul is claimed? Praise for the Pinch of Magic Adventures: &‘Harrison&’s fully imagined world has conviction, and the perils of the story are lightened by the warmth and spirit of its characters&’ The Sunday Times 'BRILLIANT' Emma Carroll, author of Letters From The Lighthouse 'Simply phenomenal!' Sophie Anderson, author of The House With Chicken Legs 'I was utterly captivated by the Widdershins sisters' Lisa Thompson, author of The Goldfish Boy &‘Gutsy and rude, full of warts-and-all family love, Harrison&’s latest has the wry enchantment of an E Nesbit classic&’ Guardian &‘A fabulous magical adventure&’ Sunday Express &‘Fantasy and adventure appear on every page of this spellbinding tale&’ Daily Mail
A Storm of Strawberries
by CotterillTwelve-year-old Darby loves living on her family's strawberry farm. But a big storm is coming, and it threatens to destroy everything she and her family hold dear.Darby is twelve years old and has Down syndrome. Her favorite things are music, chocolate, and her big sister Kaydee. It's a big weekend for Darby. It's time for their annual chocolate hunt, and it's all she can think about. Well, that and spending time with her big sister. But this year Kaydee's friend Lissa is staying over for the weekend, and she seems to be stealing all of Kaydee's attention. And to make things worse, the strawberry farm is hit by a tornado. Suddenly, it's as though both the chocolate hunt and her sister are slipping away from her. Although the family is prepared for the tornado, they aren't prepared for the storm of emotions that surface when a truth is brought to light. With tension rising within the family, can Darby mend what's been broken when it seems like no one is listening to her? A Storm of Strawberries is a warm, thoughtful, and empathetic novel from acclaimed author Jo Cotterill.
A Stormy Greek Marriage: The Pregnancy Shock A Stormy Greek Marriage (The Drakos Baby)
by Lynne GrahamIn this sequel to The Pregnancy Shock, a bride is full of secrets when her groom loses his memory.Billie’s wedding day should have been the happiest of her life. She was marrying the father of her baby . . . her secret baby. But tycoon Alexei Drakos had suffered amnesia, so he had no recollection of the incredible night he’d spent with Billie a year ago. . . . Tonight, he was expecting his new bride to be a virgin . . . Billie knew that a marriage laced with hidden surprises was not likely to last. If only for their son’s sake, she had to convince Alexei of the truth . . . starting tonight in the honeymoon bed . . .
A Story Like Ours: A breathtaking romance about first love and second chances (Love Story Duet #2)
by Robin HuberIn the riveting, powerful conclusion to the Love Story duet, Sam and Lucy discover that sometimes it's not about finding love, it's about saving it. Even when we were kids, the connection between us was overwhelming. I knew Sam and I were soulmates, destined to be together. Breaking that love would mean breaking us. And for a little while, that happened. I lost the man who had always been my other half. After too much heartache and too many years apart, we've finally found our way back to each other. But Sam's professional boxing career is getting in the way of our happy ending. I don't know how much longer I can watch him take another crushing punch, knowing each one knocks him closer to danger. He's killing himself. For me. For us. And for one tiny other... Then the blow comes. It's not the one I thought it would be--fist in glove--but the result is the same. We're on the verge of losing everything we fought for. Everything we sacrificed for. We thought we paid the price. We thought we had it all. But what if my love isn't enough to bring Sam back to me? Love Story Duet: Book 1: A Love Like YoursBook 2: A Story Like Ours
A Story That Ends with a Scream: And Eight Others
by James Leo HerlihyThe author of Midnight Cowboy delivers a short story collection about the yearnings of those who live on the margins: &“Herlihy writes with an edge of iron&” (Nelson Algren). In his second collection of short stories, James Leo Herlihy explores a landscape at the fringes of society. Drawn with his signature humor and deft dialogue, Herlihy&’s characters search for the fragments of meaning that have gone missing from their lives. In the titular story, Mary Ellen McClure&’s unfulfilled, trailer park life is driven to the breaking point when she suspects her husband of having an affair. But when a Ouija board gives her the message that she will have an affair of her own, Mary Ellen becomes enamored with the fantasy—and resolves to go looking for her mysterious lover. Other stories tell of Consilada Rector, who can&’t get people to believe in the leprechaun that presides over her husband&’s bar; Mrs. Dorothy Fitzpatrick, who records the existence of a ghostly mail delivery truck; and a dying man who comes to stay with a mother and her blessed son William.
A Story Unfinished: 99 Days With Eliot
by Matt MooneyEliot wasn't supposed to make it to full term. At thirty weeks into the pregnancy, Matt and Ginny Mooney were told their child had a genetic disease that made his birth unlikely. If their baby lived, it would be for only hours or perhaps a few days. But Eliot was born and lived 99 days. And every one of those days was a gift that would change his family forever. At Eliot's funeral, 99 balloons were released, one for each day of his life on earth. That simple act of remembrance stirred the community and received national attention. Eliot's story has been featured on Oprah and the TODAY show, and a video about his life has been seen by millions on YouTube. And now, Eliot's father, Matt, recounts his family's remarkable journey in A Story Unfinished, a chronicle of pain, redemption, and God's goodness even in the darkest days. Book jacket.
A Straightforward Guide to Divorce and the Law
by Sharon FreemanThe book provides practical insight into how the divorce/dissolution process works on a legal level and how you can prepare yourself adequately for these final steps towards ending your marriage/partnership.
A Strange Grandmother Comes Visiting
by Ambreen AhmadHassan had a problem. His grandmother was unlike any of the grandmothers he had ever seen! Her looks were different, her dress was different, and she even spoke differently. They were family but it was like they came from two different worlds. Hassan worried what his friends would think if they met her. &‘She is so strange,&’ Hassan thought, until he discovered his grandmother&’s secret strengths.
A Strange Kind of Brave
by Sarah Moore FitzgeraldWhat doesn't kill you makes you ... stronger? A poignant and gripping story about the power of fear, the resilience of love and the magic of food - from bestselling Waterstones Children's Book Prize and Specsavers Children's Book of the Year shortlisted author Sarah Moore Fitzgerald."Gripping, with an incredible twist that you simply won't see coming" - Louise O'Neill"A Strange Kind of Brave is all kinds of wonderful. I was right there on every page, laughing, crying and unable to put it down - the twist is glorious! Be warned! If you start this book in bed, you're in for a sleepless night" - Kit de Waal"This tale of friendship, betrayal, love, loss, revenge and obsession, written by a master storyteller, is quite literally unputdownable" - Donal Ryan, Booker Prize shortlisted author"I thought I had my top ten favourite novels decided, but now I think it will need some reworking, because A Strange Kind of Brave definitely deserves a place" - Sadb, aged 16Jake McCormack is the villain of Clanfedden. He's just killed a boy - deliberately run him over with his truck, on the bridge, in front of everyone. And he knows he'll get away with it.Luca, 14, is the new boy in town. He's looking for a fresh start after a terrible thing that happened at his old school. Clanfedden is a small forgotten town, but Luca and his mum are going to give it a go. They're opening an exciting restaurant, and Allie Redmond is coming to work there. Allie is honest and kind and Luca knows they're going to be friends.Allie has lived in Clanfedden all her life and these should be happy days - Luca is the best thing to have happened in years. But she's haunted by shadows of her own, and more than anyone she knows the danger of Jake McCormack. She needs to warn Luca. She needs to prevent disaster. At least she needs to try...
A Strange Likeness (The Dilhorne Dynasty #2)
by Paula MarshallFAMILY SECRETSSomething had gone wrong with the London end of the Dilhorne business empire, and Alan had been sent to England to make things right. But almost immediately after his arrival Alan met Ned Hatton, and to his total astonishment found that they were almost identical. It wasn’t until he met Ned’s sister, Eleanor, and learned more of their family background that he realized the likeness was more than a coincidence. The trouble was, as he grew to love Eleanor, the family secret could sweep away any hope he had of a lifetime with his true love.
A Stranger Light (The Harvey Family Sagas)
by Gloria CookA saga &“centered on the effects of war on families, revealing the . . . range of human emotions, from courage and compassion to lust, vengeance, and greed&”(Booklist). In the aftermath of the Second World War, Faye Harvey struggles against the stigma of being a single mother. Then Mark Fuller, badly ravaged by his POW experiences in Japan, arrives in Cornwall. Faye is drawn to him but then the father of her son, a Scottish laird, turns up, offering marriage now that he is a widower. Faye is torn, but her main concern has to be what is best for her son. Meanwhile Faye&’s uncle Tristan falls for the new housekeeper, but their age difference and her distrust of men make love seem impossible. And over at Ford Farm, Faye's cousin Lottie Harmon, waiting for her former GI husband to come from America, beings to fear she may not want a new life with him after all . . .
A Stranger for Christmas
by Carol Lynn PearsonTwo old ladies face a lonely Christmas in a California nursing home. One of them still believes in the goodness of people. Now she intends to prove it with a phone call to her children. And so begins this very special story about love, family, and miracles. As these two women put the true meaning of Christmas to the test, something completely unexpected happens.
A String in the Harp
by Nancy BondA family in mourning...an ancient bard... and a harp key that brings them together.<P><P> When fifteen-year-old Jen Morgan flies to Wales to spend Christmas with her family, she's not expecting much from the holiday. A year after her mother's sudden death, her father seems preoccupied by the teaching job that has brought him and Jen's younger siblings to Wales for the year. Her brother, Peter, is alternately hostile and sullen,and her sister, Becky, misses Jen terribly.<P> Then Peter tells Jen he's found a strange artifact, a harp key that shows him pictures from the life of Taliesin, the great bard whose life in sixth-century Wales has been immortalized in legend. At first Jen doesn't believe him, but when the key's existence -- and its strange properties -- become known to the wider world, the Morgans must act together against a threat to the key...and to their family.<P> Newbery Honor Book
A Strong Start in Language
by Ruth BeechickEducator Ruth Beechick asserts that children can best learn written language in the same way they learn spoken language. Just as children learn to speak by listening and speaking, they can learn to write correctly by reading and copying good writing. The author explains how home schooling parents can use this "powerful, natural approach" to teach writing, spelling and grammar in the primary grades. Sample lessons are provided. There are also short Bible passages, for writing and spelling practice, as well as character building.
A Student's Guide to Culture
by Brett Kunkle John StonestreetThe student edition of the popular A Practical Guide to Culture by John Stonestreet and Brett Kunkle delivers a hopeful message to readers ages 15–25 who live every day with increasing cultural pressure. These young people struggle to navigate contemporary challenges to their Christian faith and values, but will be encouraged to emerge as leaders. In A Student&’s Guide to Culture, Stonestreet and Kunkle write in a highly relational style, sharing insight and experience. Jumping off from the original version, this guide includes all-new discussion questions and stories that remind young readers that they can live differently and be a light in a culture that sometimes feels overwhelming.
A Sugarplum Christmas
by Viola ShipmanUSA TODAY bestselling author Viola Shipman captures the magic and wonder of Christmas with this cozy novella, where memories hold the key to healing and rediscovering the joy of the holidays. The only festive thing about Debbie Hutchins is her online persona, the Sugarplum Fairy. The whimsical screen name is a front for her holiday hustle: buying worn-out decorations from estate sales and reselling them online at a steep markup. As a child, Debbie treasured her personal collection of holiday trinkets—especially her nutcrackers. Encouraged by her grandmother, Debbie&’s passion for The Nutcracker grew into dreams for a future as colorful and fantastical as the ballet. But when her grandmother passed away, Debbie&’s days of dreaming abruptly came to an end. When she unexpectedly comes across a large collection of authentic vintage nutcrackers, Debbie can&’t sell them soon enough. Until she finds a note tucked among the collection, written from a great-grandmother to her great-grandson. As nostalgic memories of her own grandmother flood back, Debbie&’s new holiday mission is to reunite the heirlooms with their rightful owner. Helping a grieving family will be challenging, but the process just might help Debbie rediscover the Christmas dreamer that still thrives inside her.
A Suitable Boy: THE CLASSIC BESTSELLER AND MAJOR BBC DRAMA (Statutory Instruments Ser. #2014 623)
by Vikram SethTHE INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER AND MODERN CLASSIC: NOW A MAJOR TV SERIES 'A phenomenon, a prodigy, a marvel' Evening Standard ONE OF THE BBC'S 100 NOVELS THAT SHAPED OUR WORLD A modern classic, this epic tale of families, romance and political intrigue, set in India, never loses its power to delight and enchant readers.At its core, A Suitable Boy is a love story: the tale of Lata - and her mother's - attempts to find her a suitable husband, through love or through exacting maternal appraisal. At the same time, it is the story of India, newly independent and struggling through a time of crisis as a sixth of the world's population faces its first great general election and the chance to map its own destiny.'Seth is the best writer of his generation' The Times'Fiction on a grand scale. By the time you reach the last page you will have absorbed a splendid story, full of the tangle and perfume of India' Sunday Telegraph 'The greatness of the novel, its unassailable truthfulness, owes less to research than to imagination, an instinctive knowledge of the human heart' Observer'You should make time for it. It will keep you company for the rest of your life' The Times
A Suitcase Surprise for Mommy
by Cat CoraMommy must travel for business, and Zoran is not happy-he will miss her too much! But what if he gives Mommy one of his special things to take with her so that she will have a part of him with her when she goes? Like The Kissing Hand, this story offers a usable and comforting solution for kids and parents to help ease times of separation and show that out of sight does not mean out of mind or heart. Iron Chef and working mom Cat Cora and her son came up with this idea when she had to do her own work travel.
A Summer Affair: A Novel
by Elin HilderbrandThe perfect wife and mother finds the perfect temptation in this "perfect summer cocktail of sex, sun, and scandal" (Kirkus Reviews).Claire has a problem with setting limits. All her life she has taken on every responsibility, assumed every burden, granted every request. Claire wants it all—and in the eyes of her friends, she has it: a devoted husband, four beautiful children, even a successful career as an artist. So when she agrees to chair the committee for Nantucket's social event of the year, she knows she can handle it. Claire can handle anything.But when planning the gala propels her into the orbit of billionaire Lock Dixon, unexpected sparks begin to fly. Lock insists on working closely with Claire—often over a bottle of wine—and before long she can't ignore the subtle touches and lingering looks. To her surprise, she can't ignore how they make her feel, either. Claire finds the gala, her life, and herself spinning out of control.A Summer Affair captures the love, loss, and limbo of an illicit romance and unchecked passion as it takes us on a brave and breathless journey into the heart of one modern woman."Think you know where this is going? Think again. Hilderbrand is way too smart to give away the whole story in her title." —Elisabeth Egan, New York Times
A Summer Bird-Cage: A Novel
by Margaret DrabbleAttractive and witty, Sarah has just graduated from Oxford and started a new job at the BBC. As she immerses herself in the excitement of 1960s London, her beautiful older sister, Louise, marries the famous, though admittedly difficult, novelist Stephen Halifax. Louise initially revels in the newfound wealth and glamor that her marriage affords her, but soon she finds her relationship the subject of bitter gossip and scathing tabloid headlines. Despite the distance that has always existed between the two sisters, Sarah finds herself bound to Louise as she faces the scrutiny of London society and the two begin to forge a connection they had previously thought impossible. With Margaret Drabble’s signature eye for the subtleties and intricacies of everyday life, A Summer Bird-Cage is captivating, a dazzling, resonant portrait of two young women struggling to find their footing in a city as fickle as it is intoxicating.
A Summer Fling: These Girls Are About To Have A Summer They'll Never Forget! (THE FOUR SEASONS)
by Milly JohnsonA heartwarming and hilarious novel from the Sunday Times bestselling author &‘The feeling you get when you read a Milly Johnson book should be bottled and made available on the NHS&’ Debbie JohnsonWhen five women become friends, it's one for all, and all for one! When dynamic, power-dressing Christie blows in like a warm wind to take over their department, five very different women find themselves thrown together at work. But none of them could have predicted the fierce bond of friendship that her leadership would inspire ...Anna, 39, is reeling from the loss of her fiancé, who ran off with a much younger woman. Her pride in tatters, these days Anna finds it difficult to leave the house. So when a handsome, mysterious stranger takes an interest in her, she's not sure whether she can learn to trust again? Then there's Grace, in her fifties, trapped in a loveless marriage with a man she married because, unable to have children of her own, she fell in love with his motherless brood. Grace worries that Dawn is about to make the same mistake: orphaned as a child, engaged to love-rat Calum, is Dawn more interested in the security that comes with his tight-knit, boisterous family? When a sexy, footloose rock singer catches her eye, will Dawn have the courage to follow her heart? At 28, Raychel is the youngest member of their little gang. And with a loving husband, Ben, and a cosy little nest for two, she would seem to be the happiest. But what dark secrets are lurking behind this perfect facade, that make sweet, pretty Raychel so guarded and unwilling to open up?Praise for Milly Johnson: 'Every time you discover a new Milly book, it&’s like finding a pot of gold' heat 'A glorious, heartfelt novel' Rowan Coleman &‘Absolutely loved it. Milly's writing is like getting a big hug with just the right amount of bite underneath. I was rooting for Bonnie from the start' Jane Fallon &‘Bursting with warmth and joie de vivre&’ Jill Mansell &‘Warm, optimistic and romantic&’ Katie Fforde
A Summer Love Affair (An Eliot's Corner, Maine Novel #2)
by Holly ChamberlinSummer in Maine means breezy, sun-kissed beach days, golden evenings, and, in bestselling author Holly Chamberlin&’s irresistible novels, a time for self-discovery and surprising connections . . . Sometimes you sense something, deep inside, long before it&’s proven true. Thirty-year-old Petra Quirk has always felt as if a vital element of her life is missing. It&’s not until she moves back to the small town of Eliot&’s Corner for the summer that she learns why. Rummaging in the attic, Petra comes across a diary. The discovery prompts her mother, Elizabeth, to make a confession to her three daughters. Decades ago, she fell in love with her husband&’s best friend, Chris—and Petra is Chris&’s child . . . Elizabeth ended the affair before she learned she was pregnant, and Chris has no idea he&’s a father. Hugh, who Petra believed to be her dad, was a good-natured but self-centered, blustering man. He and Chris seemed to have little in common, though their friendship was genuine. Elizabeth loved Chris deeply yet refused to tear her family apart. Even since Hugh&’s death, she&’s resisted contacting Chris. But Petra, floundering and unsure of her path, is compelled to search out her biological father, though she knows it will complicate her relationship with her family. Over the course of two summers, decades apart, romance will be kindled and rekindled, life-altering decisions made, and secrets of the heart will come to light at last. Praise for the novels of Holly Chamberlin &“A great summer read but with substance. It will find a wide audience in its exploration of sisterhood, family, and loss.&” —Library Journal on Summer with My Sisters&“Nostalgia over real-life friendships lost and regained pulls readersinto the story.&” —USA Today on Summer Friends
A Summer Reunion: The perfect beach book to read on holiday this summer
by Fanny Blake'A lovely holiday read about female friendships past and present. Warm and engaging' Catherine AlliottOne perfect villa, four old friends, and a holiday that will change everything...Amy, Linda, Kate and Jane were best friends at school. Now, years later, they have grown apart. When Amy discovers her husband has been stealing from her successful interiors business, and with a milestone birthday looming, she decides it is the time to reach out to her old friends once again. So, she decides to invite the other three to her beautiful villa in Mallorca for a reunion weekend. As the four friends gather, secrets are unearthed, old scores settled and new friendships forged. Will this holiday bring them together or tear them apart? And will each of them grasp their second chance for happiness...?'A warm and uplifting read. I really enjoyed it' Rosanna Ley, author of The Lemon Tree Hotel'A skilfully woven story of old friendships, secrets and lies set against the sun-soaked backdrop of Mallorca. The ideal summer read' Sarah Morgan, author of One Summer in Paris'A fantastic read from one of our favourite authors' Bella'An insightful look at female friendship with a beautiful sunny backdrop' Sunday Express'A great summer read, with relatable characters, an engaging plot and a satisfying ending' WI Life