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The Wreckage: An emotionally-charged thriller about one fatal crash, two colliding worlds and three wrecked lives
by Robin Morgan-BentleyOne fatal crashBen is driving on the motorway, on his usual commute to the school where he works. A day like any other, except for the crash.Two colliding worldsAdam has left his home for the last time. In his final despairing act, he jumps in front of Ben's car, turning the teacher's world upside down.Three wrecked livesWracked with guilt, Ben seeks out Alice, Adam's widow, and her 7-year-old son Max. But as he tries to escape the trauma of the wreckage, could Ben go too far in trying to ease his conscience?Gripping and sinister, The Wreckage is guaranteed to keep you up all night...'A terrific debut exploring the vulnerabilities and co-dependency of damaged individuals. I loved the wonderfully subtle but insistent tone of menace woven into the narrative, winding me into the colliding worlds of Ben and Alice and pushing me on to finish it. Clever and compelling!' - Fiona Barton, bestselling author of The Widow
The Wren, the Wren: A Novel
by Anne EnrightAn NPR 2023 "Books We Love" Pick • One of The New Yorker's Best Books of the Year • One of the Washington Post's Best Books of the Year • One of Time's Best Books of 2023 • One of Harper’s Bazaar 45 Best New Books of 2023 • One of New Statesman's Best Books of 2023 • A Publishers Weekly Top 10 Books of 2023 • A Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year An incandescent novel from one of our greatest living novelists (The Times) about the inheritance of trauma, wonder, and love across three generations of women. Nell McDaragh never knew her grandfather, the celebrated Irish poet Phil McDaragh. But his love poems seem to speak directly to her. Restless and wryly self-assured, at twenty-two Nell leaves her mother Carmel’s orderly home to find her own voice as a writer (mostly online, ghost-blogging for an influencer) and to live a poetical life. As she chases obsessive love, damage, and transcendence, in Dublin and beyond, her grandfather’s poetry seems to guide her home. Nell’s mother, Carmel McDaragh, knows the magic of her Daddo’s poetry too well—the kind of magic that makes women in their nighties slip outside for a kiss and then elope, as her mother Terry had done. In his poems to Carmel, Phil envisions his daughter as a bright-eyed wren ascending in escape from his hand. But it is Phil who departs, abandoning his wife and two young daughters. Carmel struggles to reconcile “the poet” with the father whose desertion scars her life, along with that of her fiercely dutiful sister and their gentle, cancer-ridden mother. To distance herself from this betrayal, Carmel turns inward, raising Nell, her daughter, and one trusted love, alone. The Wren, the Wren brings to life three generations of McDaragh women who must contend with inheritances—of poetic wonder and of abandonment by a man who is lauded in public and carelessly selfish at home. Their other, stronger inheritance is a sustaining love that is “more than a strand of DNA, but a rope thrown from the past, a fat twisted rope, full of blood.” In sharp prose studded with crystalline poetry, Anne Enright masterfully braids a family story of longing, betrayal, and hope.
The Wright Sister: A Novel
by Patty DannAn “immensely readable” novel inspired by the life of Katharine Wright and her brother Orville, a tale of estrangement and enduring love(Sally Koslow, international bestselling author of Another Side of Paradise).On December 17, 1903, Orville and Wilbur Wright flew the world’s first airplane at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, establishing the Wright Brothers as world-renowned pioneers of flight. Known to fewer people was their whip-smart sister Katharine, a suffragette and early feminist.After Wilbur passed away, Katharine lived with and took care of her reclusive brother Orville. But when Katharine became engaged to their mutual friend, Harry Haskell, Orville felt abandoned and betrayed. He refused to attend the wedding or speak to Katharine or Harry. As the years went on, the siblings grew further and further apart.In The Wright Sister, Patty Dann wonderfully imagines the blossoming of Katharine, revealed in her “Marriage Diary”—in which she emerges as a vibrant, intellectually and socially engaged, sexually active woman coming into her own—and her one-sided correspondence with her estranged brother as she hopes to repair their relationship. Even though she pictures “Orv” throwing her letters away, Katharine cannot contain her love of married life, her strong advocacy of the suffragette cause, or her abiding affection for her stubborn sibling as she fondly recalls their shared life—in an unforgettable portrait of a woman, a sister of inventors who found a way to reinvent herself.“A marvel . . . [a] brilliant novel whose characters are now stored in my heart like favorite, absent friends.” — Elinor Lipman, author of Ms. Demeanor“Dann does an amazing job of transporting readers in time by imaging Katharine’s joy, her devotion to Orville, and the pain she feels from their one-sided correspondence.” —Booklist“No longer hidden by history, the wind beneath Wilbur and Orville’s wings—their brainy sibling Katharine—soars in The Wright Sister. [This] epistolary page-turner chronicles a woman taking flight past fifty.” — Sally Koslow, author of The Late, Lamented Molly Marx “Captures the voice of Katharine Wright with uncanny verisimilitude . . . poignant.” —Sheila Kohler, author of Once We Were Sisters
The Wright Stuff: From NBC to Autism Speaks
by Bob Wright Diane MermigasThe former CEO of NBC &“reflects on his years at the pinnacle of network television, and also on the Wrights&’ work as co-founders of Autism Speaks&” (Palm Beach Daily News). Named president and CEO of NBC at the age of 43, he faced a two-headed dragon: on one hand, distrust from the network people deeply skeptical of the &“suit&” from GE, their new corporate parent; and on the other, fiscal oversight demands from a cautious, conservative institution reluctant to invest heavily in a media business they didn&’t understand. For the next 20 years, he managed to navigate the fine line between the two and in the process completely reinvent—and save—the network. His name is Bob Wright. Under his leadership, a traditional network, struggling to survive a changing landscape, was transformed into a $45 billion cable and internet giant. What does someone like that do when he retires? If he&’s Bob Wright, he starts all over again. At almost the exact same time as Bob&’s NBC reign was winding down, his grandson Christian was diagnosed with autism, a condition then poorly understood. Baffled by a lack of medical knowledge and community support, Bob and his wife Suzanne founded Autism Speaks, which in short order became the leading advocacy and research funding organization for this mysterious condition that so devastates families. As the two story lines unfold in The Wright Stuff, readers will gradually see that both endeavors—revitalizing NBC and building Autism Speaks—reflect the same key management tenets that apply to any organization facing disruptive change. A portion of the proceeds from this book will be donated to advance autism research.
The Writer's Workshop: Imitating Your Way to Better Writing
by Gregory L. RoperThe Writer's Workshop takes an approach to teaching writing that is new only because it is so old. Today, rhetoric and composition typically proceed by ignoring what was done for 2,500 years in Western education. Gregory Roper, on the other hand, helps students learn to write in the way the great writers of the past themselves learned: by carefully imitating masters of the craft, including Cicero, Thomas Aquinas, Charles Dickens, Sojourner Truth, James Joyce, and Ernest Hemingway. By living in their workshops and apprenticing to these and other masters, apprentice writers—like apprentice musicians, painters, and blacksmiths of the past—will rapidly improve the complexity of their art and discover their own native voices. Interspersed into chapters full of sound practical advice and challenging assignments are reflections on Great Ideas from "Realism and Impressionism" to "Nominalism and Modern Science." Perfect for the college or even high school writing classroom—as well as a marvelous book for homeschoolers and others who would like to improve their own writing—The Writer's Workshop is a fine practical guide, and Dr. Roper a friendly yet demanding teacher-mentor.
The Writing School
by Miranda France'Both extremely funny and deeply sad, The Writing School examines how and why we tell our own stories. It's beautifully written and structured, compelling, wise and fabulously readable' Lissa Evans'The Writing School is an extraordinary book. It is funny, exhilarating, heart-breaking and passionate. Its delicate pulsing themes are held like a bird in the writer's confident, gentle hand' Katharine Norbury'Life, with its unexpected troughs and highs, the disciplines of teaching a creative writing course and the shadow of a family tragedy provide the focus for a memoir that brims with humour, honesty and intelligence. The Writing School taught me a lot' Elizabeth BuchanA creative writing course is a chance for reinvention. When author Miranda France sets off to teach at a residential writing school in a remote valley, she expects to meet a group of aspiring writers with the usual mix of hope and unrealised ambitions, talents and motivation.Tensions are bound to emerge over the course of the week they spend together: personalities will clash, egos will need to be tamed or gently encouraged. What France doesn't expect, as she takes her tutees through a series of exercises designed to help them explore different aspects of their writing, is that a ghost from her own life will join them.As the daily drama of the writing school unfurls, so memories resurface concerning a death that profoundly shaped the author's world when she was a teenager. Soon France's memories interweave with her present task of thinking about writing and storytelling, and she too becomes a student: asking, what is to be done with our memories of those we have lost? What is behind the urge to put lives into words? And is it ever right to tell another person's story?A delightful and unusual blend of storytelling and memoir, packed full of literary anecdote and insight from the author's own experience as well as that of other writers and poets, The Writing School is a moving and often very funny book about why people write, as well as being a uniquely generous masterclass on the art of writing itself.
The Writing of an Hour (Wesleyan Poetry Series)
by Brenda CoultasWhat actually happens within the revolution of the clock's hands? In The Writing of an Hour the poet considers the effort and the deliberateness that brings her to her desk each day. Despite domestic and day job demands and widespread lockdown, Coultas forges connections to the sublime and wonders what it means to be from the Americas. These poems verge on the surreal, transform the quotidian, and respond anew to the marvelous. The Writing of an Hour takes the reader on a journey in four sections; from a bedroom to an improvised desk over the North Sea, where she attempts to create an artwork inside an airplane cabin flying over Greenland's rivers of ice. The Mending HourI tied one on, I mean I took my grandmother's apron, its strings and glittery rickrack and I wore it on the streets of the East Village. The apron is a cloak of superpowers, a psychic umbrella I paraded past Emma Goldman's E. 10th St. address, and rang her doorbell for a sip of water. My domestic armor is made of gingham though a woman is still considered an unelectable candidate.
The Writing on the Wall (Hearts of the Children #1)
by Dean HughesIn The Writing on the Wall, the first volume of the series Hearts of the Children, author Dean Hughes recreates the era of the '60s in stunning detail. But more than that, he shows how the turmoil of that period affects an ordinary family. If you're interested in Church or world history, or if you're simply looking for a powerful novel, you won't want to miss The Writing on the Wall. In this new series, Dean Hughes paints a fascinating picture of the turbulent 60's. The Berlin Wall. The Cold War. The Kennedy Assassination. The Civil Rights movement. Issues and events marked by prosperity, unrest, increasing global awareness as well as divisiveness over national priorities. The babies who were born to Al and Bea Thomas' children at the end of the bestselling Children of the Promise series are young adults now and are all being affected in different ways.
The Writing on the Wall: As Seen On ITV’s Lorraine
by Jenny EclairFrom acclaimed writer and comedian, Jenny Éclair, comes a hilarious and heart-breaking story about a friendship against all odds. Summer 1975: Helena is bored out of her mind - there's absolutely nothing to do and her supposed "best friends" Gwen and Elaine are holidaying in the South of France without her. The only saving grace is that she's allowed to re-decorate her room - bring on the purple floral wallpaper.Summer 2021: New to the north, Hermione's mum has moved her away from London and all her friends to start a new life with new boyfriend Paul, who resembles a slab of meat from the butchers. Just as well she can paint over that hideous wallpaper in her new room.By some miracle, the girls meet. When Hermione discovers Helena's writing under the wallpaper - she's transported back to Summer 1975 and the two instantly hit it off. But after dancing to the juke box at the infamous Blue Monkey café, and meeting Helena's multiple crushes, Hermione discovers a truth about Helena's future that suggests she is in great danger...Hermione found the writing on the wall. But can she save Helena?Jenny Eclair is one of the UK's most popular writers and performers - she is the author of a number of critically acclaimed and Sunday Times Bestselling adult novels, including the Richard and Judy bestseller, Moving. Jenny was the first woman to win the prestigious Perrier Comedy Award. (P) 2022 Hodder & Stoughton Limited
The Wrong Billionaire's Bed: Billionaire Boys Club 3 (Billionaire Boys Club)
by Jessica ClareFans of J.S. Scott, Louise Bay and Melody Anne - prepare to be dazzled by Jessica Clare's Billionaire Boys Club. The Billionaire Boys Club is a secret society of six incredibly wealthy men who have vowed success in business - at any cost. But success when it comes to love is a different matter...Audrey Petty's always been the responsible one. The good twin. She'd be the perfect girlfriend for her childhood crush, billionaire Cade Archer...except that she's pretty sure she's not even on his radar. But when fate decrees that Audrey spend time with Cade at his remote cabin retreat, it's a dream come true... Until she meets her worst nightmare.Billionaire playboy Reese Durham is used to seducing women to get what he wants. But when stiff, too-proper Audrey arrives at his buddy's mountain lodge it's clear that Audrey's in love with Cade...and it's clear to Reese that blackmailing Audrey with this information can get her to agree to just about anything. Like furtive kisses, or a secret rendezvous in the woods. Audrey may think she knows what she wants, but Reese is determined to show her what she needs...Want more irresistible romance? Look for the rest of Billionaire Boys Club titles, starting with Stranded With A Billionaire, as well as the sizzling spinoff series, Billionaires and Bridesmaids, starting with The Billionaire And The Virgin.
The Wrong Bus (Orca Echoes)
by Lois PetersonJack loves and misses his bus-driving grandfather. When Grandpa Nod got sick, Jack's mother said eight-year-old Jack was too young to visit his grandfather in the hospital. When Grandpa Nod died, Jack's mother said Jack was too young to go to the funeral. One day after school, Jack gets on the wrong bus. To his surprise he discovers Grandpa Nod is in the driver's seat of the empty bus. Grandpa Nod takes him to all the places Jack was too young to go—the hospital, the funeral home and the cemetery. By the end of the ride, Jack has had the chance to tell his grandfather how much he misses him. And with his birthday coming soon, Jack receives a very special gift—Grandpa Nod's bus schedules. So even if he does get on the wrong bus, Jack will always be able to find his way home.
The Wrong Cowboy
by Lauri RobinsonA rancher provides a temporary home for a woman and the orphans in her care and falls for his ready-made family in this western historical romance.One mail-order bride in need of rescue!All the rigorous training in the world could not have prepared nursemaid Marie Hall for trailing the wilds of Dakota with six orphans. Especially when her ingenious plan—to pose as the mail-order bride of the children’s next of kin—leads Marie to the wrong cowboy!Proud and stubborn, Stafford Burleson is everything Marie’s been taught to avoid. But with her fate and that of the children in his capable hands, Marie soon feels there’s something incredibly right about this rugged rancher and his brooding charm.“A delightful western—humor, realism and sweet emotion.” —RT Book Reviews on Inheriting a Bride
The Wrong Hands
by Nigel RichardsonFourteen-year-old Graham Sinclair was born with huge, strange hands. He was also born with a secret. The only time he ever told someone his secret, it got him into big trouble. So he won’t be telling anyone ever again—or so he thinks. In this suspenseful and magical debut novel, Graham finds his life suddenly, thrillingly complicated—and his secret harder and harder to conceal. From the Hardcover edition.
The Wrong Kind of Money: A Novel
by Stephen BirminghamA gripping novel of dark family secrets, bigotry, lust, and lies set in the world of the phenomenally wealthy The Liebling family is among the wealthiest in New York, but in the eyes of "old money" gentile aristocrats like the patrician Van Degans, they will always be lower-class Jewish nouveau riche--especially since it's common knowledge that patriarch Jules Liebling built the powerful Ingraham Corporation from the profits he made selling liquor during Prohibition while in cahoots with dangerous mobsters. Jules is long dead and his widow, Hannah, runs the business with a tyrannical hand. Hannah is reluctant to turn over the reins to the heir apparent, her capable son Noah, despite the fact that she is now well into her eighties. But when Noah's wife, Carol, meets Georgette Van Degan for lunch at Le Cirque, gossip circulates around Manhattan about a thaw between the families and, quite possibly, a partnership. As rumors fly, family skeletons on both sides are exposed, leading to jealousy, betrayal, and even violence. Author Stephen Birmingham explores the dark side of wealth, family, and privilege in The Wrong Kind of Money, brilliantly displaying his phenomenal storytelling skill along with his intimate knowledge of the lives of America's aristocrats.
The Wrong Kind of Woman: A Novel
by Sarah McCraw Crow“A glorious debut filled with characters grasping to find a place to belong in a world on the edge of change.” —Carol Rifka Brunt, New York Times bestselling author of Tell the Wolves I’m Home“McCraw Crow deftly navigates the campus and national politics of the ’70s in a way that remains timely and pressing today. A powerful, thought-provoking debut.” —Amy Meyerson, Nationally bestselling author of The Bookshop of YesterdaysA powerful exploration of what a woman can be when what she should be is no longer an optionIn late 1970, Oliver Desmarais drops dead in his front yard while hanging Christmas lights. In the year that follows, his widow, Virginia, struggles to find her place on the campus of the elite New Hampshire men’s college where Oliver was a professor. While Virginia had always shared her husband’s prejudices against the four outspoken, never-married women on the faculty—dubbed the Gang of Four by their male counterparts—she now finds herself depending on them, even joining their work to bring the women’s movement to Clarendon College.Soon, though, reports of violent protests across the country reach this sleepy New England town, stirring tensions between the fraternal establishment of Clarendon and those calling for change. As authorities attempt to tamp down “radical elements,” Virginia must decide whether she’s willing to put herself and her family at risk for a cause that had never felt like her own.Told through alternating perspectives, The Wrong Kind of Woman is an engrossing story about finding the strength to forge new paths, beautifully woven against the rapid changes of the early ’70s.
The Wrong Pong (The Wrong Pong)
by Steven ButlerThe Wrong Pong by Steven Butler is a laugh-out-loud, stinky story for 5+ girls and boys.One night, Neville Brisket wakes up from a strange dream - a dream that there is a horrible, stumpy finger stuck up his nose. Then he finds his room in a mess, and his dog in the laundry basket.Neville's investigations end sposhily, when he is whooshed down the toilet to the land of Under! In a case of mistaken troll-dentity, he finds himself part of a disgusting new family. Will anybody help Neville get back to Over, or will he be stuck eating rat patties and left sock stew forever?This hilariously delivered tale will delight and disgust parents and children alike. Perfect for fans of Roald Dahl and Horrid Henry.'Horrid Henry's favourite book!' - Francesca Simon, author of Horrid Henry 'A triumphant debut which will have children clutching the loo-seat in apprehension and laughter' - Amanda Craig, The TimesSteven Butler is an actor, dancer and trained circus performer as well as a keen observer of trolls and their disgusting habits. He has starred in Peter Pan, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and as Henry in Horrid Henry Live and Horrid! His primary school headmaster was fantastically funny author Jeremy Strong.
The Wrong Rancher: A Fish Out of Water Western Romance (Heirs of Hardwell Ranch #3)
by J. Margot CritchShe just wants to know her birth family…too bad the neighboring rancher and family rival presents a temptation too enticing to ignore in this scorching western romance by J. Margot Critch.She&’s heir to a powerful family—and a legacy of betrayal and desire…Discovering she&’s an heir to the prominent Hardwell dynasty brings Piper Gallagher to small-town Texas. All she wants is to know her family; she&’s not in it for the money. Neighboring rancher and family rival Maverick Kane is an unexpected complication, especially when he whisks her away for a night of passion.Despite the powerful chemistry drawing them closer, Maverick wants revenge for the theft of his family&’s land. He won&’t rest until he reclaims his rightful legacy. Caught between feuding clans, Piper must choose between the family she has always wanted and the man she can&’t live without…Harlequin Desire transports you to the luxurious worlds of American tycoons, ranchers and family dynasties. Get ready for bold encounters and sizzling chemistry.You&’ll be swept away by this bold, sizzling romance, part of the Heirs of Hardwell Ranch series:Book 1: A Rancher's RewardBook 2: Second Chance RancherBook 3: The Wrong Rancher
The Wrong Shoes: The vital new novel from the bestselling creator of Big Bright Feelings
by Tom PercivalA beautiful and urgent exploration of the experience of child poverty from Tom Percival, creator of the bestselling Big Bright Feelings series, for fans of Boy at the Back of the Class. Working in partnership with the National Literacy Trust, £1 from the sale of a hardback copy in the UK will go towards supporting children in poverty. 'Powerful and moving with the potential to change lives' Hannah Gold'Full of empathy and most importantly, heart' Phil EarleThere's a bunch of kids in there and suddenly they're all looking at me like someone who can actually do something, not just some weirdo with the wrong shoes and a rubbish coat . . . Will has the wrong shoes – he's always known it but doesn't know how to change it. Navigating the difficulties of home and school when you feel you stick out is tough, but finding confidence with the help and empathy of friends can be all you need to see the way. Praise for The Wrong Shoes: &‘An extraordinary, powerful and moving book that has the potential to change lives.&’ Hannah Gold &‘Every chapter is full of experience & empathy & most importantly, heart&’ Phil Earle &‘Reading fiction is about walking in the shoes of people whose lives are very different to ours and allowing more readers to see themselves in stories. The Wrong Shoes is the perfect example of both – the right book at the right time&’ Tom Palmer &‘A brilliant book – such a perfect marriage of words and illustrations and an important story told with real heart&’ Christopher Edge &‘A hopeful, honest, big-hearted read. You&’ll be rooting for the main character, Will, from the very first page . . . &’ Clara Vulliamy &‘A beautifully illustrated, deeply moving, empathy-boosting story . . .&’ Rashmi Sirdeshpande &‘A superbly courageous and timely book. Will is a protagonist so many children and adults will identify with, really beautiful&’ Steven Lenton
The Wrong Side of Right
by Jenn Marie ThorneFans of Sarah Dessen and Huntley Fitzpatrick will enjoy this smart debut young adult novel, equal parts My Life Next Door and The Princess Diaries--plus a dash of Aaron SorkinKate Quinn's mom died last year, leaving Kate parentless and reeling. So when the unexpected shows up in her living room, Kate must confront another reality she never thought possible--or thought of at all. Kate does have a father. He's a powerful politician. And he's running for U.S. President. Suddenly, Kate's moving in with a family she never knew she had, joining a campaign in support of a man she hardly knows, and falling for a rebellious boy who may not have the purest motives. This is Kate's new life. But who is Kate? When what she truly believes flies in the face of the campaign's talking points, she must decide. Does she turn to the family she barely knows, the boy she knows but doesn't necessarily trust, or face a third, even scarier option?Set against a backdrop of politics, family, and first love, this is a story of personal responsibility, complicated romance, and trying to discover who you are even as everyone tells you who you should be.
The Wrong Sister
by Fiona PalmerSometimes, your heart knows the truth even before you do. The new page-turning family drama from one of Australia's most popular storytellers.As she approaches thirty, dedicated nurse Ellen Sutton's life is how she wants it - well, almost. Her younger sister, Carrie, seems to have it all sorted though: a successful hair business, a devoted new boyfriend and a rosy future together. Even Ellen's brother, Bodhi, is settled with his petite, super-chill chef girlfriend, Ingrid. So why does Ellen suddenly give up her career and family for the red dust and toil of an outback cattle station? She's never run from anything before - it's new territory in more ways than one.But Ellen can't run forever. And a family camping trip to Western Australia's beautiful Karijini country brings the three women together once again.This trip won't be the dream camping holiday for any of them. But one way or another, it will show them the truth. The Wrong Sister is a heartfelt story about dreams, the importance of family and finding your true self.Praise for the bestselling novels of Fiona Palmer:'Delves deep into themes of secret affairs, hidden identities and untold truths' Who Weekly'The Long Weekend delivers to readers the perfect chance to escape from their own lives, if just for a few hours' Books+Publishing'Fiona Palmer is a writer who demonstrates great facility for storytelling, for swiftly moving a plot along. She writes relatable characters' Living Arts Canberra
The Wrong Turn
by Tracey Chizoba Fletcher<p>In this dark fantasy adventure, an aimless young man finds his soul put to the ultimate test in the Land of the Dead.<p> <p>At twenty-eight years old, Chike wasn’t so much living as merely existing. He took each day as it came, with no particular plan or purpose. But now Chike faces a choice that could be described as life-or-death . . . if it weren’t for the fact that he was already in the Land of the Dead . . .<p> <p>Chike had been lost in thought when a simple wrong turn brought him to an abandoned house. By the time he felt the strange sensation of being transported, it was already too late. Now he must find the exit back to the Land of the Living, or risk forfeiting his soul. But something is terribly wrong in this strange other realm—something he could potentially set right . . . if he chooses to try.<p>
The Xmas Factor: The perfect festive treat!
by Annie SandersThank goodness Christmas comes just once a year...! 'A heart-warming and sparkly comedy - ideal for the time of year' WOMAN'S OWN'A funny festive read' HEAT'A book you'll enjoy long after the last Christmas cracker has been pulled' CHOICEMeet two women with two totally different approaches to the festive season.Beth: it's only September, and already she has performance anxiety. Not surprising when she has agreed to lay on the annual Christmas Eve village bash - the piece de resistance of her husband's former wife - not to mention having to host Christmas for his difficult offspring. New to this frenzied build-up to the festivities, Beth begins to lose sight of what it all means. To her the Christmas lights are looking more like the headlamps of an oncoming train. Carol: glamorous magazine editor, who put her aspirational Christmas issue to bed sometime in July and is so involved in finding a scoop to save her ailing magazine that she fails to notice the impending festive rush. Panicked and wracked with guilt, she is determined to make it a picture-perfect time for her little boy and, opting for convenience, books a lovely-sounding cottage in a quaint village.Even the best-laid plans have a habit of unravelling - and no plan at all is a recipe for disaster. So when these two Christmases collide, it looks like it's going to be anything but goodwill towards men...
The Yacoubian Building: A Novel
by Alaa Al AswanyAugust Book Sense PickA fading aristocrat and self-proclaimed ‘scientist of women.’ A purring, voluptuous siren. A young shop-girl enduring the clammy touch of her boss and hating herself for accepting the modest banknotes he tucks into her pocket afterward. An earnest, devout young doorman, feeling the irresistible pull toward fundamentalism. A cynical, secretly gay newspaper editor, helplessly in love with a peasant security guard. A roof-squatting tailor, scheming to own property. A corrupt and corpulent politician, twisting the Koran to justify taking a mistress.All live in the Yacoubian Building, a once-elegant temple of Art Deco splendor slowly decaying in the smog and hubbub of downtown Cairo, Egypt. In the course of this unforgettable novel, these disparate lives converge, careening inexorably toward an explosive conclusion. Tragicomic, passionate, shockingly frank in its sexuality, and brimming with an extraordinary, embracing human compassion, The Yacoubian Building is a literary achievement of the first order.
The Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Decked Out: A Novel (Yada Yada Prayer Group #7)
by Neta JacksonFrom Thanksgiving and Christmas to rolling in the New Year, the Yada Yadas are "decked out" to celebrate the holidays!Turkey dinners, tree trimming, and decking the halls--it's that time of year again! And I, Jodi Baxter, can't wait to celebrate. My kids are coming home for Thanksgiving and Christmas, and then all of us Yadas are getting decked out for a big New Year's party.But God's idea of "decked out" might just change the nature of our party plans. A perplexing encounter with a former student, a crime that literally knocks me off my feet, a hurry-up wedding, and a child who will forever change our family...it's times like these that I really need my prayer sisters.This holiday season, we Yada Yadas are learning that no one can out-celebrate God. So let's get this party started!
The Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Down (Yada Yada Prayer Group #2)
by Neta JacksonThe Yada Yada Prayer Group seems invincible—until tension and distrust shake its very foundation.Jodi Baxter is slowly recuperating from a horrific car accident, but before she&’s fully recovered, other problems arise within the Yada Yada Prayer Group—big problems. The turmoil starts when a heroin-addicted woman charges into a prayer meeting with a knife and isn&’t afraid to use it.Things really take a turn for the worse when grim accusations are made against Jodi&’s husband. Racial division, pain, and pride are tearing this close-knit group of women apart, and Jodi isn&’t sure if she and her spiritual sisters will be able to survive the mess.The Yada Yadas are forced to get down to the nitty-gritty in their relationships and in their prayers. But is forgiveness possible—not just of their closest friends . . . but also of their enemies?