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Haunted to Death (A Domestic Partners in Crime Mystery #3)
by Frank Anthony PolitoThis All Hallows&’ Eve, partners and home renovation hosts Peter Penwell and JP Broadway try not to flip when their newest fixer-upper is rumored to be a haunted house . . . Kicking off season three of their hit reality TV show Domestic Partners is a home renovation project with an irresistible hook. Woods Hall is a lavish 1913 manor home in the Detroit suburb of Pleasant Woods, once belonging to the town&’s founding family. It also comes with its own ghost. Twenty-five years ago during a Halloween night party, automotive heiress and beauty queen Emma Wheeler-Woods, wearing a white Princess Diana wedding gown as a costume, fell from a third-floor balcony to her death. Or was she pushed? Fiona Forrest recently inherited the home after learning she was Emma&’s daughter, and she and her fiancé have hired the Domestic Partners to restore the family property to its original splendor. But ghostly sightings, injured crew, secret passageways, locked rooms, and sabotage beg the question: Is the place actually haunted? And perhaps more practically, was Fiona&’s mother murdered? Hustling to have work finished in time to shoot the finale on Halloween—the anniversary of Emma&’s mysterious death—do Peter and JP have a ghost of a chance of also solving a cold case from a quarter of a century ago before someone else takes a fall?
The Manservant
by Michael HarwoodIn this bitingly witty, saucy, acutely observed debut novel, Michael Harwood pulls back the damask drapes to reveal life among the modern aristocracy--upstairs, downstairs, and occasionally, behind stairs... Anthony Gowers assists guests at a high-end London hotel with the kind of requests that can't be filled from a room-service menu. His reward: lavish tips and a closet full of cashmere. Then a client's after-hours entertainment ends in a tabloid scandal, and Anthony quickly becomes the city's best-dressed unemployed person. . .In desperation, Anthony takes a position in the countryside as personal butler to Lord Shanderson. As a former Royal footman, Anthony is well versed in the peerage's peculiar ways. But Castle Beadale conceals an abundance of intrigue behind its stately doors. On the surface, Lord Shanderson is a model English gentleman--with a few personal interests that Anthony is sure the absent Lady Shanderson knows nothing about. But when the horrendously high-maintenance Lady Shanderson returns, tempers will flare, secrets will be exposed, and Anthony must decide whether the perks of privilege he's enjoyed are worth the price he's compelled to pay. . .
Fatal Identity
by Joanne FlukeA woman steps into the shoes of her murdered twin sister, and her glamorous new life brings more than she bargained for, from the New York Times–bestselling author. Except for their gorgeous faces, identical twins Mercedes and Marcie Calder are nothing alike. Mercedes is a movie star in LA with a sexy husband, two beautiful children, and an exciting, glamorous lifestyle; Marcie is an art teacher in Minnesota with a shy disposition and a quiet life alone. But when Mercedes is found dead—mysteriously drowned in her swimming pool—Marcie is the only person who can step into her shoes and finish her latest movie. On a Hollywood sound stage, she will take on her sister&’s greatest role. In her Beverly Hills mansion, she will play mother to her children. In her sister&’s bed, she will make love to her husband. But there is one part of Mercedes&’ life that Marcie isn&’t prepared for—until it&’s too late. A deranged psychopath is hiding in the wings. Watching her every move. Waiting for his chance to kill . . . and kill again.
Master of the Opera: Obey His Command... (Master Of The Opera Ser. #1)
by Jeffe Kennedy“Intriguing, frightening and exciting all at the same time.”—Magical Musings AN ARIA FOR LOST SOULS Fresh out of college, Christine Davis is thrilled to begin a summer internship at the prestigious Sante Fe Opera House. But on her first day, she discovers that her dream job has a dark side. Beneath the theater, ghostly music echoes through a sprawling maze of passageways. At first, Christy thinks she’s hearing things. But when a tall masked man steps out of the shadows—and into her arms—she knows he’s not a phantom of her imagination. What she can’t deny is that he is the master of her desire. But when her predecessor—a missing intern—is found dead, Christy wonders if she’s playing with fire…
Dare to Matter: Your Path to Making a Difference Now
by Jennifer Krause Jordan KassalowForeword by Neil Blumenthal, co-founder of Warby Parker &“A beautiful, timely book that will guide you as you find your way to make a difference in the world.&” —Walter IsaacsonYou don&’t have to be a billionaire philanthropist, give up your day job, or wait for retirement to make a difference in the world. You can start now. We all want to make the world a better place, but with busy, demanding lives, most of us struggle with the where, when, and how. Dr. Jordan Kassalow, founder of VisionSpring, the groundbreaking venture that has restored eyesight and hope to millions of people across the globe, has the answers: here, now, and in your own way. Sharing his personal story of integrating real-world responsibilities with his desire to make a difference, Jordan offers you a practical way forward, custom-made for your unique talents and circumstances, to take you from thought to action. The soulful and pragmatic approach in this remarkable book will help you see with your heart and use your head to invest in your highest goals—while still earning a paycheck, being there for those you love, and enjoying life. To dare to matter, today. &“An essential reminder that the greatest challenges of any age are no match for the good will, love, passion, and potential that abides in all human beings. I hope this superb book will inspire its readers to follow in Jordan&’s footsteps in making a difference for all.&”—Madeleine K. Albright, former Secretary of State &“Dare to Matter should be required reading for anyone who dreams of making a difference. The book shines with hard-earned wisdom embedded in spiritual ground and girded with practical advice. You will be inspired, enlivened and possibly, forever changed in all good ways.&” —Jacqueline Novogratz, CEO, Acumen and author of The Blue Sweater
Murder Cuts the Mustard (A Beryl and Edwina Mystery #3)
by Jessica EllicottIn the lean years following World War I, brash American adventuress Beryl Helliwell and prim and proper Brit Edwina Davenport form a private inquiry agency to make ends meet, hoping that crime does indeed pay . . . The latest occurrence to disturb the peace in the quaint English village of Walmsley Parva hits rather too close to home—in fact, the prime suspect has taken up residence in Edwina's potting shed. Her elderly gardener Simpkins has been secretly sleeping there after a row with his disreputable brother-in-law and housemate, Hector Lomax. When Hector is found murdered in the local churchyard, Constable Gibbs comes looking for Simpkins, who was last seen arguing with his kin in the pub the night before. Based on the sad state of her garden, Edwina has grave doubts that the shiftless Simpkins could muster the effort to murder anyone. The two sleuths throw themselves into weeding out suspects and rooting out the real killer. But this is no garden variety murder. The discovery of a valuable ring, a surprise connection to Colonel Kimberly's Condiment Company, and a second homicide all force Beryl and Edwina to play catch-up as they relish the chance to contain the culprit . . .
Silent Knit, Deadly Knit (A Knit & Nibble Mystery #4)
by Peggy EhrhartWhen knitting-maven and magazine editor Pamela Paterson stumbles upon the body of Millicent Farthingale, a wealthy craft shop owner, and a hand-knit red scarf connecting the killer to the crime, she and the Knit and Nibble Club members must follow the clues to uncover who's really naughty or nice in the fourth novel in Peggy Ehrhart's Knit and Nibble Mystery series. When murder silences the Christmas cheer in charming Arborville, New Jersey, Pamela and her Knit and Nibble pals must unravel the most bone-chilling mystery this side of the North Pole . . . Pamela has been in merry spirits since her artsy daughter Penny returned home from college for the holidays. But their mother-daughter bonding time gets cut short when a terrified Penny stumbles upon the dumped body of Millicent Farthingale, a wealthy craft shop owner who was popular for all the wrong reasons. From a scheming business partner to a seedy husband several years her junior, Millicent attracted scammers so in love with her assets, they'd toss her down a chimney to get their paws on them. Now, with only a hand-knit red scarf connecting the killer to the crime, Pamela and the Knit and Nibblers could use some extra creativity as they find out who's really naughty or nice in Arborville--because going up against a looming culprit is DIY or die!
If Your Wife Only Knew (Love & Revenge #1)
by Cydney RaxA doubting wife and a seductive challenge lead to explosive consequences in this scandalously sexy romance series debut.Something&’s wrong with her perfect marriage, but Kiara Eason isn't sure what. Her ambitious husband, Rashad, is the last person who&’d ever cheat—and she never imagined she'd stray. Still, why is she confiding so much in her handsome co-worker, Eddison? And why is she wondering what would happen if she put her marriage to the ultimate test—secretly setting Rashad up with a younger woman to see if he's tempted? When Kiara decides to test Rashad for real, her world turns upside down. Not only does he take the bait—it turns out he&’s had a mistress on the side for years. Betrayed and furious, Kiara will get the ultimate revenge—with all the erotic satisfaction Eddison can give. But secrets cut both ways, and Kiara soon finds that the only road to winning this game could lead to losing it all . . .
Long Past Midnight
by Jonathan MaberrySOME STORIES CAN ONLY BE TOLD . . . LONG PAST MIDNIGHT Five-time Bram Stoker Award-winner Jonathan Maberry weaves a chilling web of small-town terrors, local legends, and hair-raising tales set in the eerie world of Pine Deep, Pennsylvania. . . . Four children explore an abandoned house that&’s supposed to be haunted—and discover something far more terrifying than any ghost. A rash of fatal accidents in the town of Pine Deep keeps a cemetery worker busier than ever—because the dead won&’t stay buried. Ex-cop Joe Ledger searches for a missing witness in &“the spookiest town in America&”—but finds there is no protection program against the forces of evil. . . . &“Jonathan Maberry&’s horror is rich and visceral. It&’s close to the heart . . . and close to the jugular.&” —Kevin J. Anderson&“Maberry&’s works will be read for many, many years to come.&” —Ray Bradbury&“Maberry supplies plenty of chills, both earth-bound and otherworldly.&” —Publishers Weekly&“Maberry will scare the hell out of you.&” —Tess Gerritsen&“This guy is good.&”—Joe R. Lansdale
Simply Irresistible (House of Pleasure)
by Kate PearceIn Regency England bedchambers, almost anything goes in Kate Pierce's House of Pleasures…IMPOSSIBLE No one can deny the passion Abigail Beecham feels for Peter Howard. Not Peter, not Abigail, and, unfortunately, not Abigail's husband James, a man with no interest in his wife or the society he long ago left behind. But despite longing for Peter, Abby cannot continue their illicit affair—not when her young son's future hangs in the balance.INSATIABLE Peter knows well that many things are sweeter when protracted, but what he wants from Abby goes beyond ordinary desire. He wants her to himself, to devote his entire being to making her wildest dreams come true. And so he turns to his oldest friend, Lord Valentin Sokorvsky, and Val's wife Sara, to abet his cause. Now these wanton friends are banded together for love, for pleasure, and for happily, wickedly, ever after...
Pet Friendly
by Sue Pethick&“Pethick combines a love story about second chances, a mystery, paranormal elements, and a winsome dog in her feel-good debut.&” —The BookmongerTodd Dwyer, a successful app designer, wasn&’t planning to adopt a dog, but when his Uncle Bertie dies and leaves his little mutt Archie homeless, Todd can&’t help welcoming the pooch home.Archie could charm the marrow out of a bone, but Todd&’s girlfriend Gwen is less than impressed with the instant bond the fluffy white ball of fur makes with her boyfriend. When things go awry the first night, she insists that Todd give Archie to his sister, whose rural home is a day&’s drive away.Todd and Archie hit the road, but circumstances compel them to make a detour to a quaint hotel run by Todd&’s childhood friend, Emma Carlisle. As it happens, the hotel is hosting a colorful group of ghost hunters in town for a paranormal conference, and when Archie starts howling into the air vent, it isn&’t long before their road trip turns bumpier than an unpaved country lane.But with Archie&’s unerring canine instincts and loyal heart, he may help Todd and Emma see the happiness that&’s waiting just under their noses . . .&“This is a light, heartwarming read perfect for a wintry afternoon at home or a sunny beach vacation.&” —RT Book Reviews &“Amusing . . . Cute . . . The perfect airport book.&” —Greensburg Daily News&“A funny and sweet book with plenty of howls!&” —The Parkersburg News and Sentinel
Deep Harbor: A Saga of Loss and Love
by Fern MichaelsTHE COURAGE TO START OVER Carol Ann &“CJ&” Jansen has felt adrift ever since she lost her beloved older brother, Kick, to a tragic boating accident. But working for powerful congressman Snapper Lewis in the exciting and often tumultuous world of politics has provided a kind of anchor in her life.Until CJ stumbles upon information that could implicate her boss in corruption. When the congressman dies of an apparent suicide, CJ digs deeper with the help of Colin, Kick&’s former life partner. But as they expose one shocking secret after another, CJ begins to wonder if she&’s also in jeopardy. Moving to a small New England town for her own protection, CJ gradually begins to engage with her new surroundings. Her blossoming friendship with the owner of a charter fishing boat offers the promise of much more. But before she can claim happiness, CJ must navigate a course through all her doubts and fears, and trust that this time, the water that took so much from her might just lead her safely home . . . &“There are so many layers to this story; as each is peeled back and reveled to the reader, it&’s the heart, soul, and resilience of CJ, a strong female character, that endears Deep Harbor to us.&” —Delilah, radio host and bestselling author &“Michaels&’s highly developed skills as a storyteller are evident in the affable characters, suspenseful plot, and delightful romance.&” —Publishers Weekly
Christmas Sweets
by Joanne Fluke Laura Levine Leslie MeierGathered in one delightful volume time, here are three yuletide tales of mystery, murder, and romance, featuring your favorite sleuths . . . THE TWELVE DESSERTS OF CHRISTMAS by JOANNE FLUKE It&’s the perfect mix of naughty and nice when two lovestruck boarding school teachers watch six kids over Christmas break. But when someone wants the cozy couple&’s romance to burn out faster than a scorched fruitcake, it&’s Hannah Swensen to the rescue . . . NIGHTMARE ON ELF STREET by LAURA LEVINE Aside from the mortifying costume, how bad can a gig as a mall Santa&’s elf be? Jaine Austen finds out when she&’s teamed up with the Santa from Hell. But things go from bad to worse when he&’s found murdered—and Jaine is suspected of being the naughty one . . . THE CHRISTMAS THIEF by LESLIE MEIER Elizabeth Stone is ready for a white Christmas in Tinker&’s Cove, Maine—until a fancy Yule ball at the Florida hotel where she works dumps snow on her plans. The sponsor&’s jewels have gone missing and the police are asking about her ties to a cute mystery guest. Good thing Elizabeth&’s mother, Lucy Stone, flew down to surprise her . . . Includes Luscious Holiday Recipes!
Nothing Less than Magic
by Stacy FinzWhen a heartbroken celebrity marriage counselor seeks refuge in a lakeside cabin during a glorious leaf peeping season, everything wrong in her life starts clicking into place in the dreamiest possible way . . . and during Halloween, no less!Readers of Josie Silver and Sophie Cousens will adore New York Times bestselling author Stacy Finz's emotional character arcs and cozy fall time vibes in this Hallmark Movie-esque tale steeped in magical realism. Just one year ago, Chelsea Knight was living the life she&’d always wanted. Marriage to the perfect guy, a thriving career, and a gorgeous condo overlooking San Francisco Bay. Then out of nowhere, her husband, Austin, left her. Ironic, because Chelsea fixes marriages for a living. In fact, she&’s famous for her techniques. Naturally, she&’s been using her expertise to win back her ex—and when he invites her for drinks, she&’s sure her work has finally paid off. Until he announces he&’s engaged. Devastated, Chelsea seeks refuge in the beloved small-town lake cabin she and Austin now take turns using. When she arrives, the streets are dazzlingly decked out for Halloween, the autumn leaves are exceptionally vibrant, and the locals are especially warm and welcoming. It&’s downright magical—and so is Knox Hart, a talented jack-of-all-trades who&’s fixing her roof. Chelsea is instantly drawn to him—and to the simplicity of country life. Slowly, she becomes immersed in the townspeople&’s problems and finds a sense of belonging—leading her to reevaluate her own path . . . But something about the idyllic hamlet—and Knox—seems too good to be true. A trick more than a treat. And when she ultimately learns the truth, her heart is shattered. Miraculously, Austin is there to mend it. It&’s everything she&’d hoped for. Or is it? On the cusp of making all her dreams come true, Chelsea must find the strength to make an impossible choice . . .
FDR's Mentors: Navigating the Path to Greatness
by Michael J. GerhardtA unique and illuminating exploration of the key relationships that shaped Franklin Delano Roosevelt into one of America&’s most definitive leaders and impacted his influence on the world stage, from presidential historian Michael J. Gerhardt, the acclaimed author of Lincoln&’s Mentors and principal adviser in the official annotation of the Constitution at the Library of Congress. Franklin Delano Roosevelt wasn&’t a born leader. He became one. As a boy he was in poor health, was insecure, and an average student at best. Growing into manhood, the lessons he learned came not from books but from influencers of his lifetime, beginning with Endicott Peabody, the most renowned US headmaster of the twentieth century. He instilled in Roosevelt a confidence and strength that empowered the young student and propelled him to greatness as one of the most revered presidents of the United States. For Roosevelt, Peabody was only one of a small number of people who helped him develop the skills and temperament that enabled him to overcome the devastating effects of polio, to lead the nation through two crises, and to secure America&’s leadership in the world. In FDR&’s Mentors, Michael Gerhardt tells the extraordinary stories of the men and women who had a vital impact on Roosevelt&’s life, career, and pragmatic personality: his distant cousin Teddy; his wife Eleanor; President Woodrow Wilson; journalist Lewis Howe; Winston Churchill; and New York Democratic Party leader Al Smith. Form the creation of the New Deal through Roosevelt&’s war with the Supreme Court to the attack on Pearl Harbor, Roosevelt persevered with never-ending grit, grace, limitless optimistism, and patience. It is thanks to the invaluable personal connections, inspiration, and wisdom of those who shaped and informed FDR&’s historic presidency—one that has become a model of resilience and, in turn, an influence on every president who has followed in his path.
The Lady's Deception (Rogues and Rebels #3)
by Susanna CraigCan a runaway English bride find love with a haunted Irish rebel? Paris Burke, Dublin’s most charismatic barrister, has enough on his mind without the worries of looking after his two youngest sisters. The aftermath of a failed rebellion weighs on his conscience, so when the young English gentlewoman with an unwavering gaze arrives, he asks far too few questions before hiring her on as governess. But her quick wit and mysterious past prove an unexpected temptation. Rosamund Gorse knows she should not have let Mr. Burke think her the candidate from the employment bureau. But after her midnight escape from a brother bent on marrying her off to a scoundrel, honesty is a luxury she can no longer afford. With his clever mind and persuasive skill, Paris could soon have her spilling her secrets freely just to lift the sorrow from his face. And if words won’t work, perhaps kisses would be better? Hiding under her brother’s nose, Rosamund knows she shouldn’t take risks. If Paris learns the truth, she might lose her freedom for good. But if she can learn to trust him with her heart, she might discover just the champion she desires . . . Praise for Susanna Craig “A stunning, sensual storyteller . . . evocative prose and richly drawn characters.” —New York Times bestselling author Jennifer McQuiston
Starfish Moon (The Brides of Blueberry Cove #3)
by Donna KauffmanWith &“lively humor and a masterful hand with narrative&” the USA Today bestselling author shows how one sister&’s homecoming brings love to her door (RT Book Reviews, 4 Stars). Nestled on the Maine coast, Blueberry Cove is a peaceful retreat compared to the excitement of exotic cities and foreign lands. But it&’s also the best place in the world for one woman to find her heart&’s true home . . . Kerry McCrae&’s wanderlust has taken her to parts of the globe most people have only glimpsed in pictures. So why is tending bar at the family pub in Blueberry Cove after her Uncle Fergus&’s stroke an easier adjustment than she expected? And why hasn&’t she left once Fergus is back on his feet? When tall, tanned Cooper Jaxton walks through the door, she knows the answer in a heartbeat . . . Born and raised deep in Australia&’s outback, Cooper never planned to leave the wild country he loves. But after almost a year of having Kerry—with her sparkling eyes and outrageous stories—on his cattle station, Cooper was stunned when she left. Suddenly home wasn&’t the same without her. Making his way to Blueberry Cove to find her is a risk, but Cooper is counting on the passionate connection between them to convince her that the only place either of them needs to be is together . . . Let the honeymoon begin . . . Includes a DIY wedding cake recipe! Praise for Donna Kauffman &“Charming characters, emotion galore, a small town—you&’re going to love Donna Kauffman!&” —Lori Foster &“Kauffman&’s characters are adorably human and so very magnetic.&” —USA Today
Testimony (African Amercan Ser.)
by Felicia Mason“A touching portrait of human desires and frailties.” —BooklistAward-winning author Felicia Mason is at her riveting best with this powerful tale of discord and drama among the members of a gospel choir…After eighteen years, Roger McKenzie is questioning his calling as leader of the gospel choir, The Triumphant Voices of Praise. Not only have they failed to achieve the success he craves, their relationships are unraveling, turning them into disillusioned and bitter strangers…Tyrone Thomas has always considered his cousin Roger his best friend. So he can’t understand why his own wife, Georgie, seems intent on driving a wedge between them. For Georgie’s part, there’s something about Roger she doesn’t trust. Yet she has secrets of her own—the kind that could destroy her cherished marriage….Pampered, privileged Margaret Hall-Stuart may have the voice of an angel, but she’s determined to make a play for Roger—until someone else in the group opens her eyes to a world she’s never imagined. And when Roger begins to receive hateful, anonymous messages, the whole choir is plunged into an ordeal. Now they’ll have to confront their pasts, their demons, and their greatest obstacles: themselves…Praise for Felicia Mason’s Hidden Riches “Rich prose…top-notch humor, and loveable characters.” —USA Today.com“Fabulous family drama.” —Midwest Book Reviews“Readers will laugh through their tears.” —RT Book Reviews
Hard Luck Money: Hard Luck Money (The Loner #14)
by J.A. JohnstoneThe Loner goes undercover and faces success—or slaughter—in this hard-charging Western adventure from the USA Today–bestselling author. A beautiful young woman has an incredible story to tell: about her outlaw father, how he got busted out of jail, and then met a bloody end. Katherine Lupo believes her dad, a career train robber, was sprung by someone who wanted to set up Lupo for another crime—and then killed him when the job was done. A Texas Ranger believes her. And he turns to The Loner, a man with the guile and courage to go undercover and find out who was behind Lupo&’s escape and murder. Posing as train robber, The Loner finds what he is after: a cold blooded and deadly master criminal. But from the get-go, The Loner is fighting for his life, for the lives of men and women on the right side of the law—and one desperate shot to plant an evil man six feet under in Boot Hill.
Touch of a Scoundrel (Touch of Seduction #2)
by Mia MarloweIt's a matter of honor, duty. . . and desire. . .Griffin Nash, Earl of Devonwood, wants to believe that he's seducing Miss Emmaline Farnsworth out of protectiveness for his young brother. After all, if his brother is convinced that the tantalizing professor's daughter is unworthy of his trust, perhaps Teddy will lose all interest in such an inappropriate choice for his station. But in truth, something else motivates Devonwood: a scintillating vision he's had of a future tryst with the lovely Emmaline. A vision too realistic to be doubted--and too scaldingly passionate to be denied. Yet Emmaline is not as easily tempted as Devonwood might have hoped--nor is she actually in pursuit of a wealthy husband. No, the real reason for her visit to the manor is something much more shocking. . . though being enticed by a dashing earl may prove to be a most welcome by-product of her schemes. . ."A smart and sexy tale." --New York Times bestselling author Mary Jo Putney"Marlowe proves she has the ‘touch' for strong heroines, wickedly sexy heroes, and love scenes so hot they singe the pages." --USA Today bestselling author Jennifer Ashley"Sensuality, sexuality, passion and mystery blend into a wonderfully entertaining tale." --Romantic Times"Both historical and paranormal readers will love this crossover tale." --Publishers Weekly starred review
The Final Play (The Branch Avenue Boys #3)
by Shelly EllisThree best friends from the streets found success--in very different ways. But with a crisis detonating around them, their bond could also destroy everything they care about . . . No matter how tough the odds, Ricky, Derrick, and Jamal learned to unite and fight during their time at the Branch Avenue Boys’ Youth Institute. But their adult lives have driven them apart—and set off a series of events their friendship may not survive. All Jamal's political achievements can't erase his bargain with D.C.’s corrupt mayor. And when he finds himself the latest target on Mayor Johnson’s hit list, he’ll risk everything to end the mayor’s deadly reign—even if it's the last move he ever makes. Institute head Derrick refuses to cave to D.C. drug king pin Dolla Dolla and sell out all he believes in. But his courageous stand might cost him the Institute—and the woman he loves . . . With a pregnant girlfriend, Ricky can't stay on the run forever. Now he's making a dangerous play to win. But with Derrick and Jamal in Dolla's sights, Ricky and his friends must resolve the conflicts keeping them apart if they want to come back together—even if that means none of the Branch Avenue Boys will be left standing . . . “Ellis makes a promising start in her new Branch Avenue Boys series, which expertly melds elements of gritty urban fiction with contemporary multicultural romance and tells a captivating tale from three different perspectives . . . sure to please fans of De’Nesha Diamond and Victoria Christopher Murray.”—Booklist on In These Streets
Redesigning Happiness
by Nita BrooksWitty, sharply-observed, and warmly wise, Nita Brooks&’ debut novel tells the heartfelt story of a suddenly successful single mother who finds her perfectly-designed, fame-bound life upended by a surprise from the past . . . It wasn&’t easy for Yvonne Cable to get over a heartbreaking relationship and revamp her life. But now the once-broke single mom is Atlanta&’s most sought-after interior designer—and one-half of the media&’s hottest power couple. She and her celebrity fiancé, Nathan, are a perfect, practical match, on—and off—camera. And with their new home improvement reality show the object of a fierce network bidding war, there&’s no limit to how far they can go . . . But Yvonne is stunned when mogul Richard Barrington III unexpectedly makes an offer for their program. He&’s the man she thought left her for a more successful woman. And he&’s the father of her son—though he didn&’t know it until now. Richard wants to get to know their boy, and Yvonne agrees, though she&’s wary. Yet little by little, she&’s finding it hard to resist the responsible, caring man Richard has become. But when a scandalous leak puts everything Yvonne&’s worked for at risk, she&’ll have to look beyond surfaces to come to terms with who she is—and discover what she truly wants. &“Brooks is a talented storyteller—Redesigning Happiness hits all the right notes.&” —ReShonda Tate Billingsley, National Bestselling Author &“It&’s been a long time since I&’ve wanted to turn to the last page to see what was going to happen in a novel and with Redesigning Happiness, I had to stop myself. It was a delightful read that made me smile the whole way through. This was a wonderful debut novel.&” —Victoria Christopher Murray, NAACP Image Award-winning Author
No One Can Hurt Him Anymore
by Carol J. Rothgeb Scott CuppFamily Tragedy On Sunday May 2, 1993 in Lantana, Florida, a town in the Palm Beach area, the naked body of ten-year-old Andrew "A.J." Schwarz was found floating facedown in the family's backyard swimming pool. But how could he have drowned when the water level was only four feet deep? And why was his body covered with cuts and bruises from head to toe?Wicked Stepmother Suspicion soon fastened on the dead boy's stepmother, Jessica Schwarz, who boastfully described herself as "loud and crude." She was a brute and a bully--but was she a torturer and child killer? Investigators unearthed a pattern of nightmarish physical and mental abuse that she had inflicted on the boy, one that left even hardened police sleuths sickened.Day Of Reckoning During her trials, Jessica Schwarz was smugly defiant, until convictions for criminal child abuse and second degree murder wiped the smirk off her face. She is now serving a seventy-year prison term. Carol J. Rothgeb, author of Hometown Killer, and Scott H. Cupp, the prosecutor who successfully convicted Jessica Schwarz, now tell the riveting inside story of how a brutal killer's reign of terror was finally brought to an end.16 Pages Of Photos
All the Forgivenesses
by Elizabeth HardingerPerfect for readers of Demon Copperhead and inspired by the author's own family lore, this exquisite novel paints an intimately rendered portrait of one resilient family's challenges and triumphs—helmed by an unforgettable heroine—in Appalachia and the Midwest during the turn of the 20th century. Growing up on their hardscrabble farm in rural Kentucky, fifteen-year-old Albertina "Bertie" Winslow has learned a lot from her mama, Polly. She knows how to lance a boil, make a pie crust, butcher a pig, and tend to every chore that needs doing. What she doesn't know, but is forced to reckon with all too soon, is how to look after children as a mother should... When Polly succumbs to a long illness, Bertie takes on responsibility for her four younger siblings and their dissolute, unreliable daddy. Yet no matter how hard she tries to hold the family together; the task is overwhelming. Nine-year-old Dacia, especially, is resentful and stubborn, hinting at secrets in their mama's life. Finally, Bertie makes the only choice she can—breaking up the family for its own survival, keeping the girls with her, sending the boys off to their grown brothers, long gone from home. Ever pragmatic, Bertie marries young, grateful to find a husband willing to take on the care of her sisters, and eventually moves to the oil fields of Kansas. But marriage alone cannot resolve the grief and guilt she carries over a long-ago tragedy, or prepare her for the heartaches still to come. Only by confronting wrenching truths can she open herself to joy—and learn how to not only give, but receive, unfettered love. Inspired by stories told by the author's mother and aunts, All the Forgivenesses is as authentic as it is lyrical—a captivating novel of family loyalty, redemption, and resilience.
Miss Morton and the Deadly Inheritance (A Miss Morton Mystery #3)
by Catherine LloydSocial standing is everything in Regency England—and no one knows better than Miss Caroline Morton, a lady&’s companion from a disgraced line. But when she has a chance to claim what&’s rightfully hers, the one obstacle in her way is a dangerous murder mystery . . . Miss Caroline has doubts when she receives an urgent invitation from a London law firm to discuss her late father&’s estate. After all, the dishonored Earl of Morton died without a pound sterling to pass on to his two daughters. But while immersing herself in helping Mrs. Frogerton&’s capricious daughter navigate the high social season, Caroline meets with a cagey lawyer, Mr. Smith, who shares life-altering news—the earl composed a second will, leaving behind an undisclosed fortune. Mrs. Frogerton, however, is thoroughly unimpressed with the firm&’s conduct and suspicious of their true motives. Her instinct proves right when the two ladies find the office ransacked, staff in turmoil, and Mr. Smith missing. The full weight of the situation doesn&’t sink in until Mr. Smith dies following a brutal attack on the street—discovered with an empty envelope bearing Caroline&’s name in his pocket. With a connection forming between two deaths at the firm, Caroline can&’t imagine why anyone would kill twice over the contents of a will. Further complicating matters is the amorous Mr. DeBloom—who claims his mother goaded the earl into making bad investments and promises to link Caroline to her inheritance—and the disappearance of Susan, her younger sister. As Caroline unwittingly becomes the center of both a criminal case and a sordid love triangle, she must tread with caution while seeking the truth . . . because someone is waiting to reduce her to nothing more than a signature on a dotted line.