Search results for ""escape""

"With her eye for historical detail and flair for sympathetic heroines, Francesca Stanfill breathes new life into the medieval court of Eleanor of Aquitaine. The Falcon’s Eyes is a novel of epic proportions that succeeds in being both intimate and vast. History is Stanfill’s canvas, humanity her inspiration."—Amanda Foreman, bestselling author of Georgiana: Duchess of Devonshire“Stanfill has persuasively re-imagined the Middle Ages, surrounding the legendary Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine with indelible characters in an immersive tale of intrigue, bravery, ruthlessness, and compassion. . . . The Falcon’s Eyes is a dazzling adventure, with riveting twists and turns and a surprising yet deeply satisfying conclusion."—Sally Bedell Smith, author of Elizabeth the QueenSet in France and England at the end of the twelfth century, the moving story of a spirited, questing young woman, Isabelle, who defies convention to forge a remarkable life, one profoundly influenced by the fabled queen she idolizes and comes to know – Eleanor of AquitaineWillful and outspoken, sixteen-year-old Isabelle yearns to escape her stifling life in provincial twelfth century France. The bane of her mother’s existence, she admires the notorious queen most in her circle abhor: Eleanor of Aquitaine. Isabelle’s arranged marriage to Gerard --- a rich, charismatic lord obsessed with falcons --- seems, at first, to fulfill her longing for adventure. But as Gerard’s controlling nature, and his consuming desire for a male heir, become more apparent, Isabelle, in the spirit of her royal heroine, makes bold, often perilous, decisions which will forever affect her fate.A suspenseful, sweeping tale about marriage, freedom, identity, and motherhood, THE FALCON’S EYES brings alive not only a brilliant century and the legendary queen who dominated it, but also the vivid band of complex characters whom the heroine encounters on her journey to selfhood: noblewomen, nuns, servants, falconers, and courtiers. The various settings — Château Ravinour, Fontevraud Abbey, and Queen Eleanor’s exiled court in England — are depicted as memorably as those who inhabit them. The story pulses forward as Isabelle confronts one challenge, one danger, after another, until it hurtles to its final, enthralling, page. With the historical understanding of Hillary Mantel and the storytelling gifts of Ken Follett, Francesca Stanfill has created an unforgettable character who, while firmly rooted in her era, is also a woman for all times.

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Ada Rapoport-Albert has been a key player in the profound transformation of the history of hasidism that has taken shape since the 1970s. She has never lacked the courage to question conventional wisdom, but neither has she overturned it lightly. The essays in this volume show the erudition and creativity of her contribution to rewriting the master-narrative of hasidic history. Thanks to her we now know that eighteenth-century hasidism evolved in a context of intense spirituality rather than political, social, economic, or religious crisis. It did not represent the movement’s ‘classic period’ and was not a project of democratization, ameliorating the hierarchical structuring of religion and spirituality. Eighteenth-century hasidism is more accurately described as the formative and creative prelude to the mature movement of the nineteenth century: initially neither institutionalized nor centralized, it developed through a process of differentiation from traditional ascetic-mystical hasidism. Its elite leaders only became conscious of a distinctive group identity after the Ba’al Shem Tov’s death, and they subsequently spent the period from the late eighteenth to the early nineteenth century experimenting with various forms of doctrine, literature, organization, leadership, and transfer of authority. Somewhat surprisingly there was no attempt to introduce any revision of women’s status and role; in the examination of this area of hasidism Rapoport-Albert’s contribution has been singularly revealing. Her work has emphasized that, contrary to hasidism’s thrust towards spiritualization of the physical, the movement persisted in identifying women with an irredeemable materiality: women could never escape their inherent sexuality and attain the spiritual heights. Gender hierarchy therefore persisted and, formally speaking, for the first 150 years or so of hasidism’s existence women were not counted as members of the group. Twentieth-century Habad hasidim responded to modernist feminism by re-evaluating the role of women, but just as Habad appropriated modern rhetorical strategies to defend tradition, so it adopted certain feminist postulates in order to create a counter-feminism that would empower women without destabilizing traditional gender roles. The essays in this volume are a fitting statement of Professor Rapoport-Albert’s importance to the study of hasidism, to Jewish studies as a whole, and to the academic scrutiny of religion. Written over a period of forty years, they have been updated for this volume with regard to significant detail and to take account of important works of scholarship written after they were originally published.

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Shaped over a period of twenty years, this is an elegantly written, scholarly but highly accessible, collection of essays that are essentially a map of how one of the Caribbean's most distinguished historians has sought to discover himself through practise of his craft. It covers new ground in Indo-Caribbean history primarily, but it also explores innovatively aspects of the intellectual legacy of four eminent Caribbean writers and thinkers: Guyanese poet, Martin Carter, Guyanese historian, Walter Rodney, Nobel laureate, V.S. Naipaul, and C.L.R. James, author of one of the great books of the 20th century, Beyond a Boundary (1963). Several of the pieces by Professor Seecharan, author of many books, including Sweetening 'Bitter Sugar': Jock Campbell, the Booker Reformer in British Guiana, 1934-66 (awarded the prestigious Elsa Goveia Prize in 2005 by the Association of Caribbean Historians), adopt a revisionist approach in revisiting the migration of indentured labourers from India to the Caribbean, between 1838 and 1917.He challenges many of the received assumptions on the subject; and he rejects that it was 'a new system of slavery'; that all the people were duped or kidnapped into indentureship; indeed, that the migrants had no agency in the process. He counters that the reverse was invariably the case, documenting that most women and men dared to travel alone, fleeing a life of utter despair in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar in India to greater social freedom and a modicum of material success - flight to Guyana and Trinidad could therefore be considered, in most cases, an escape to freedom. Seecharan's essays demonstrate that the struggles on the plantations notwithstanding, Indians in Guyana gradually shaped a new persona of hope, rising quietly but confidently from the death of caste prejudice; thriving on the fruits of their new, vastly more open, environment with the making of communities rooted in rice, cattle and retail trade; maximizing the benefits of education while claiming the legacy of 'many Indias', part fact, part fiction, in advancing their civil and political rights in Guyana.Within this complex mix are located several Indo-Guyanese personalities, such as Joseph Ruhomon, a pioneer intellectual; Cheddi Jagan and Balram Singh Rai, politicians of contrasting visions; and the unsung cricketer, Ivan Madray. In the process, Seecharan finds not only himself, but he locates a rich narrative vein, illuminating a vital aspect of Caribbean life.

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‘Brilliant and funny… I raced through it at 90 mph and was devastated at the last page and just wanted to go read it all again… Sheer genius… More please!!!!’ NetGalley Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Suzy Medley is having the worst day of her life when a shaggy terrier suddenly turns up at her door. Just like Suzy, Scout has been abandoned, although only Suzy has been left with a financial mess and a business in tatters thanks to her ex. Suzy takes Scout in and her chaotic world changes in unexpected ways: strangers have never been more welcoming and her teenage kids can’t wait to come home to visit. Then a chance encounter on a windy Hebridean beach makes things more complicated, because Suzy isn’t the only one who needs a friend. Scout has plenty of love to go round… but does Suzy? A wonderfully funny and uplifting story about friendship and second chances (and whisky!), perfect for fans of Sophie Kinsella, Jill Mansell and Marian Keyes. Readers are falling in love with The Dog Share: ‘An outstanding book! One to remember!… Sheer escapism, a feel good and uplifting read, I would recommend this book to anyone’ NetGalley Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Absolutely loved this book! A must read for all dog owners! A real comfort read’ NetGalley Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Warm, hopeful, wonderful escape… The island's beauty and community spirit made me want to be there’ NetGalley Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Perfect escapism… A joy to read… I read it in almost one sitting as I couldn't put it down… An easy, heartwarming read’ NetGalley Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A feel-good, uplifting story that all animal lovers will enjoy!’ NetGalley Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A must read for those who love stories about dogs… Sure to make you smile’ NetGalley Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Adorable!… I love the idea of the dog share and how it brings people together in lots of different ways’ NetGalley Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Fantastically feel good… A book to warm your heart and make you smile… A happy, uplifting read’ NetGalley Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘I am in the camp of cat-lover… However, it is impossible to not fall in love with Scout… Left me with a smile on my face’ NetGalley Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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From Austin to Bogota, Vienna to Wellington, discover the best day and weekend trips within three hours of 60 of Lonely Planet's favourite cities. With sights, activities and hidden gems - all built around themes like art & culture, the outdoors, and food & drink - you'll find amazing ideas for your next city escape or long stopover, as well as new experiences to enjoy near where you live. Most of the 60 cities in this book could fill a lifetime with new experiences, but a short journey by either train, bus or car opens a world beyond to explore. In Three Hours From we hope to inspire you to look beyond the city limits for your next adventure. Whether you're in Delhi, Vancouver, Brisbane or Rome, and whether you live there, work there, are on vacation or are simply passing through with a day to kill, we encourage you to widen your net. Just an hour and 40 minutes from Cape Town you can spy breaching whales from the cliff path at Hermanus; within two hours of Manhattan you can be surfing at Rockaway Beach; and near B?ij?ng you can choose between rafting a scenic gorge, visiting Jin-era temples or hiking along the Great Wall. Each of the 60 cities is presented with a map of the surrounding area, pinpointed with up to 18 of the most exciting things to do within three hours travel time. These are colour-coded by theme so you can easily find what you're interested in - be that outdoor pursuits, arts and culture, history, festivals and events, film and music, or food and drink. Special sections include Africa's best beach towns, Japan's best onsen retreats, the best food & drink tours in North America, Europe's finest off-the-beaten-track wineries, Oceania's most fascinating indigenous experiences, and the top wildlife watching destinations in Latin America. About Lonely Planet: Lonely Planet is a leading travel media company and the world's number one travel guidebook brand, providing both inspiring and trustworthy information for every kind of traveller since 1973. Over the past four decades, we've printed over 145 million guidebooks and grown a dedicated, passionate global community of travellers. You'll also find our content online, on mobile, video and in 14 languages, 12 international magazines, armchair and lifestyle books, ebooks, and more.

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Dash across the rainforest swamp with Daniel, Joy, and Kimani in the newest Challenge Island adventure!One of Children Book Council's Hot off the Press picks for May 2022!"For early grade readers who revel in science-based fiction, this is a winning read. Animals, physics, and habitats are among the topics covered, with lots of instances where the reader can predict and hypothesize along with the characters. Kimani, who is Black, has an impressive head for science and builds in many of the facts that help the group solve problems together. Sleek black and white cartoon art complements the text, adding visual clues. Science experiments and craft projects from each character are at the end."—Youth Services Book Review"In this follow-up to The Bridge to Sharktooth Island, optimistic Joy, cautious Daniel, and studious Kimani find themselves transported once again to a magical island where they have to solve a series of puzzles to escape the middle of the rainforest before darkness falls. . . Supplementary materials at the back include STEAM projects and fun facts introduced by the main characters that a science-loving child will enjoy. The story is engaging, educational, and peppered with cute illustrations… a fun purchase for the easygoing young reader in love with animals and books."—School Library Journal"The Race Across Anaconda Swamp, the second Challenge Island title, in which three kids use teamwork and STEAM skills to navigate a perilous island adventure, [is forthcoming from West Margin Press.]"—Publishers Weekly, Spring 2022 Children’s Sneak PreviewsDaniel, Joy, and Kimani are transported once again to a magical island—this time into a tropical rainforest! As they zip through the canopy, a dangerous snake lurks in the black waters below. They are searching for a way out and a path to a mysterious tower. Does it hold the answers to their questions?Using ropes and other found items, the three friends must figure out how to safely traverse across the island using their knowledge of friction and weights. But the sun is going down and night is approaching fast. Will they reach the tower in time?Also included are cool facts about the rainforest and its animals, plus fun STEAM activities showing you how to build your own pulley system and monkey playground.From the world's #1 STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) education enrichment program, Challenge Island® presents an exciting new adventure book series for smart, curious kids.

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I can't believe that out of every person I could have kissed . . . I chose McKee's new quarterback. 'Sparkling prose and delicious tension . . . Grace Reilly is the queen of sports romance!' STEPHANIE ARCHER -----'One of my very favourite sports romance books' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 'James and Bex had red-hot chemistry' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 'Light-hearted, sweet and spicy . . . amazing' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 'Just perfect . . . if you are in the mood for a super swoony hero and a super relatable female lead then you'll want to pick this one up' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ Discover your new TikTok obsession, a SPICY fake dating college football sports romance - perfect for fans of Hannah Grace, Lucy Score and Elsie Silver.-----JamesFootball is my everything. But when I transfer to McKee University to escape the distractions that nearly cost me my future in the NFL, I'm faced with another consequence: retake the writing class I failed at my last college, or lose any chance I have at making it big. That's where fellow senior Beckett Wood - gorgeous, stubborn, and just my type - comes in. She's the key to my success in this class . . . but the price of her help is a fake relationship, and I never do things halfway.BexI don't mess around with athletes, and handsome, self-assured James Callahan is no exception. He wants me to help him pass the writing class we're both stuck taking, but I'm too busy to take on yet another responsibility. But when his teammate - my cheating ex - won't leave me alone, I realize I need to convince him I've moved on . . . and what better way than by pretending to be with James, who wants nothing to do with a real relationship?But with every fake kiss, why does James pull me deeper into a place that thrills me?And why don't I want it to end?READERS ARE OBSESSED WITH BEYOND THE PLAY:'THE SPICE!!!!! Top tier' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 'There's spice. There's cuteness. There's a man who knows what he's doing' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 'If you want spice and two stubborn college students this is it!' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 'This book was EVERYTHING I needed' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

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In the Tale of The Fall of Gondolin are two of the greatest powers in the world. There is Morgoth of the uttermost evil, unseen in this story but ruling over a vast military power from his fortress of Angband. Deeply opposed to Morgoth is Ulmo, second in might only to Manwë, chief of the Valar. Central to this enmity of the gods is the city of Gondolin, beautiful but undiscoverable. It was built and peopled by Noldorin Elves who, when they dwelt in Valinor, the land of the gods, rebelled against their rule and fled to Middle-earth. Turgon King of Gondolin is hated and feared above all his enemies by Morgoth, who seeks in vain to discover the marvellously hidden city, while the gods in Valinor in heated debate largely refuse to intervene in support of Ulmo's desires and designs. Into this world comes Tuor, cousin of Túrin, the instrument of Ulmo's designs. Guided unseen by him Tuor sets out from the land of his birth on the fearful journey to Gondolin, and in one of the most arresting moments in the history of Middle-earth the sea-god himself appears to him, rising out of the ocean in the midst of a storm. In Gondolin he becomes great; he is wedded to Idril, Turgon's daughter, and their son is Eärendel, whose birth and profound importance in days to come is foreseen by Ulmo. At last comes the terrible ending. Morgoth learns through an act of supreme treachery all that he needs to mount a devastating attack on the city, with Balrogs and dragons and numberless Orcs. After a minutely observed account of the fall of Gondolin, the tale ends with the escape of Tuor and Idril, with the child Eärendel, looking back from a cleft in the mountains as they flee southward, at the blazing wreckage of their city. They were journeying into a new story, the Tale of Eärendel, which Tolkien never wrote, but which is sketched out in this book from other sources. Following his presentation of Beren and Lúthien Christopher Tolkien has used the same 'history in sequence' mode in the writing of this edition of The Fall of Gondolin. In the words of J.R.R. Tolkien, it was ‘the first real story of this imaginary world’ and, together with Beren and Lúthien and The Children of Húrin, he regarded it as one of the three 'Great Tales' of the Elder Days.

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This book is not just funny (or sad) stories of campervan trips in Scotland; it is not just 'Zen and the art of campervan maintenance' (with stories of sweetness and light that will entertain or make you cry); and it is not just nature writing (with observations of wildlife in the western Scottish Highlands). But if you enjoy reading about how books are written and about recovery stories from relationship breakdowns, and if you like reading about women travelling alone and all the things that can go wrong (and right), about strategies for facing fear, dealing with creepy crawlies and noises in the night, and about surviving all that life throws at you (especially when you are over a certain age), then you will probably enjoy this book. Writing on the Road is by Sue Reid Sexton, who, while writing two novels (Mavis's Shoe and Rue End Street) over the past six years, needed to escape from her hectic household to create some space to write them. As the mother of two and a step-mum of four, Sue realised her only real option was to get into her campervan and have it function as a mobile office. Whether she camped by a beach overlooking the Atlantic in the Kintyre peninsula with buzzards, golden eagles, deer, seals, surfers, other campervanners and dead fish for company, or in the hills around Glasgow, or on Skye, Morvern, the Cowal peninsula or even in southern France, her main aim was to switch off her phone, get out her laptop and write. Sue has made countless journeys in campervans in the last few years and thanks to her practice of taking notes as she travels, we, too, can enjoy her campervan experiences. In Writing on the Road Sue also writes about the many and varied practical difficulties of campervan life that she has had to overcome. They include locking herself out of the campervan at night miles from home; coping with local byelaws and negative attitudes to campervans and to women travelling solo; driving a hundred miles with a window open before she could empty a cracked toilet; and finding out the wrong (and the right) way to buy a campervan. We hope this book will inspire anyone looking for encouragement in the expressive arts to get creative and persuade any would-be campervanners to get out there and enjoy the campervan life.

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‘A dark and gritty crime thriller that kept me hooked from the first page.’ Casey Kelleher, author of No Fear and MineIt takes a good woman to take a bad man downAmber. As the top performer at Angel Silk gentleman’s club, she’s seen it all, been forced to do things she never wanted to do. She’s tired of this life… but can she escape it?Lizzy. To the women at Angel Silk, she’s the strong queen bee, mother to the girls. But she’s hiding her own dark secrets - and if they come to light, her life could be destroyed.Jade. The newest dancer at Angel Silk, she’s innocent, beautiful… and trapped. She’s in over her head – but does she have the strength to break free?Three women, all under the control of feared gangster, Marcus. To take back their lives, they need to come together. But will he let them go – or will finding freedom mean paying the ultimate price?A completely addictive, gripping and gritty gangland thriller that will have you hooked. If you like Martina Cole, Kimberly Chambers or Jacqui Rose, you will love this nail-biting read.Readers are hooked on The Angels:‘A gripping read that got under my skin. Alex Kane writes one hell of a villain.’ Gemma Rogers, author of Stalker and Reckless‘WOW I was hooked… right from the start I was engrossed in the whole story… will give you shivers down your spine.’ ☆☆☆☆☆ Reader Review‘A great read, filled with strong female characters… definitely a five star read and one which I already cannot wait to re-read’ ☆☆☆☆☆ Reader Review‘The plot moves along at a swift pace, keeping the pages turning and the jaw dropping… The twists and turns just kept coming… A taut, tense and tantalising read!’ ☆☆☆☆☆ Reader Review‘I absolutely loved this book and highly recommend you pick this one up.’ ☆☆☆☆☆ Reader Review‘What a page turner this is… you never want it to end… A great, gritty, UK gangland thriller’ ☆☆☆☆☆ Reader Review‘This book will pull you right in and won’t let you go until the final chapter.’ ☆☆☆☆☆ Reader Review‘started off as a literal rollercoaster and never slowed down… Highly recommended!’ ☆☆☆☆☆ Reader Review‘Amazing. Would recommend this author to anyone… So many twists and turns.’ ☆☆☆☆☆ Reader Review‘A dark and sinister story… There are some shocking surprises in store… A powerful, hard hitting storyline’ ☆☆☆☆☆ Reader Review

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HOW THE GOLDEN AGE OF TRANSATLANTIC TRAVEL BETWEEN THE WARS TRANSFORMED WOMEN'S LIVES ACROSS ALL CLASSES - A VIVID CROSS SECTION OF LIFE ON-BOARD THE ICONIC OCEAN LINERS FROM BELOW DECKS TO THE CAPTAIN'S TABLE.'In this riveting slice of social history, Siân Evans does a brilliant job of describing the unexpected textures of life at sea...By deep diving into the archives, Siân Evans has discovered a watery in-between world where the usual rules didn't quite apply and a spirited woman could get further than she ever would on dry land. - Mail on SundayMigrants and millionairesses, refugees and aristocrats all looking for a way to improve their lives. After WW1 a world of opportunity was opening up for women ... Before convenient air travel, transatlantic travel was the province of the great ocean liners and never more so than in the glory days of the interwar years. It was an extraordinary undertaking made by many women. Some traveled for leisure, some for work; others to find a new life, marriage, to reinvent themselves or find new opportunities. Their stories have remained largely untold - until now.Maiden Voyages is a fascinating portrait of these women, and their lives on board magnificent ocean liners as they sailed between the old and the new worlds. The ocean liner was a microcosm of contemporary society, divided by class: from the luxury of the upper deck, playground for the rich and famous, to the cramped conditions of steerage or third class travel. These iconic liners were filled with women of all ages, classes and backgrounds: celebrities and refugees, migrants and millionairesses, aristocrats and crew members.Full of incredible gossip, stories and intrigue, Maiden Voyages has a diverse cast of inspiring women - from A-listers like Josephine Baker, a dancer from St Louis who found fame in Paris, Marlene Dietrich and Wallis Simpson, Violet 'the unsinkable' Jessop, a crew member who survived the sinking of the Titanic, and entrepreneur Sibyl Colefax, a pioneering interior designer.Whichever direction they were travelling, whatever hopes they entertained, they were all under the spell of life at sea, a spell which would only break when they went ashore. Maiden Voyages is a compelling and highly entertaining account of life on board: part dream factory, part place of work, independence and escape - always moving.

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HOW THE GOLDEN AGE OF TRANSATLANTIC TRAVEL BETWEEN THE WARS TRANSFORMED WOMEN'S LIVES ACROSS ALL CLASSES - A VIVID CROSS SECTION OF LIFE ON-BOARD THE ICONIC OCEAN LINERS FROM BELOW DECKS TO THE CAPTAIN'S TABLE.'In this riveting slice of social history, Siân Evans does a brilliant job of describing the unexpected textures of life at sea...By deep diving into the archives, Siân Evans has discovered a watery in-between world where the usual rules didn't quite apply and a spirited woman could get further than she ever would on dry land. - Mail on SundayMigrants and millionairesses, refugees and aristocrats all looking for a way to improve their lives. After WW1 a world of opportunity was opening up for women ... Before convenient air travel, transatlantic travel was the province of the great ocean liners and never more so than in the glory days of the interwar years. It was an extraordinary undertaking made by many women. Some traveled for leisure, some for work; others to find a new life, marriage, to reinvent themselves or find new opportunities. Their stories have remained largely untold - until now.Maiden Voyages is a fascinating portrait of these women, and their lives on board magnificent ocean liners as they sailed between the old and the new worlds. The ocean liner was a microcosm of contemporary society, divided by class: from the luxury of the upper deck, playground for the rich and famous, to the cramped conditions of steerage or third class travel. These iconic liners were filled with women of all ages, classes and backgrounds: celebrities and refugees, migrants and millionairesses, aristocrats and crew members.Full of incredible gossip, stories and intrigue, Maiden Voyages has a diverse cast of inspiring women - from A-listers like Josephine Baker, a dancer from St Louis who found fame in Paris, Marlene Dietrich and Wallis Simpson, Violet 'the unsinkable' Jessop, a crew member who survived the sinking of the Titanic, and entrepreneur Sibyl Colefax, a pioneering interior designer.Whichever direction they were travelling, whatever hopes they entertained, they were all under the spell of life at sea, a spell which would only break when they went ashore. Maiden Voyages is a compelling and highly entertaining account of life on board: part dream factory, part place of work, independence and escape - always moving.

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LONGLISTED FOR THE NATIONAL BOOK AWARD FOR FICTIONSELECTED BY THE TELEGRAPH AS ONE OF THE FOUR BEST DEBUTS OF THE YEAR'A tense, yet tender portrait of a father and son trying to escape life on the margin. Determination and despair collide in this unforgettable debut, with an ending that broke my heart' Douglas Stuart, Booker Prize-winning author of Shuggie Bain'Extremely heartbreaking, I constantly had a pit in my stomach... My heart hurt so much...I loved it! The emotions and feelings in this story were just written so beautifully' Goodreads Reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Evicted from their trailer on New Year's Eve, Henry and his son, Junior, have been reduced to living out of a pick-up truck. Six months later, things are even more desperate. Henry, barely a year out of prison for selling drugs, is down to his last pocketful of cash, and little remains between him and the street. But hope is on the horizon: today is Junior's birthday, and Henry has a job interview tomorrow.To celebrate, Henry treats Junior to dinner at McDonald's, followed by a night in a real bed at a discount hotel. For a moment, as Junior watches TV and Henry practises for his interview in the bathtub, all seems well. But after Henry has a disastrous altercation in the parking lot and Junior succumbs to a fever, father and son are sent into the night, struggling to hold things together.Each chapter of this deeply emotional and compassionate novel begins with amount of money in Henry's pocket, showing how literally father and son's fortunes can turn on a dime. Can they make it through tomorrow?What people are saying about Abundance:'I guarantee your heart will not leave your throat for one second reading this... Will haunt you long after you set the book down.' Goodreads Reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'Broke my heart but I couldn't stop reading.' Goodreads Reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'Full of beauty, honesty and unexpected grace.' Gary Shteyngart'A quest, a page-turner, and above all a love story, Abundance lays bare one father's brutal, tender hustle to care for his son in a winner-takes-all world.' Mia Alvar'Gut-wrenching... Truly heartbreaking... Told with compassion and vivid detail... Feels tense right to the very end... Brilliant.' Goodreads Reviewer'Will rip your heart out.' Goodreads Reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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The Winter of Second Chances is the hilarious, heart-warming second book from the author of The Twelve Dates of Christmas, Jenny Bayliss.'A gorgeous, cosy winter read that will transport you to the coast on a windswept day' - Sophie Cousens, bestselling author of This Time Next Year'A tender and enchanting read, full of quirky characters and second chances' - Jean Meltzer, author of The Matzah BallAnnie Sharpe has it all – an acclaimed restaurant she owns with her handsome husband Max, and two gorgeous grown-up sons. But after one indiscretion too many, she leaves behind the only life she’s ever known.In search of a fresh start, Annie takes up a position as a caretaker of Saltwater Nook, a creaky but charming beach house on Kent’s beautiful, wild coastline. The village community is an eccentric but tightknit bunch, and Annie is swept up in a whirlwind of their traditional festive celebrations, from pumpkin carving to bonfires on the beach. It soon feels like home – she even reopens the long-dormant seafront café.The only thorns in her side are John, the owner’s rugged but totally unreasonable nephew who has his own agenda for the house, and a persistent Max, intent on winning her back.Salwater Nook has been the perfect escape, but Annie can’t run from her problems forever. Will she give her first love a second chance? Or step into the promise of a new life?***Readers are loving The Winter of Second Chances . . .‘The best book I’ve read in a long time - it stands head and shoulders above all other seasonal rom coms’‘Perfect reading material on a cold autumn night’‘Everything that you would want from a book at this time of year, from Halloween to Christmas!’‘I loved this book: it made me feel happy and cheerful – a guaranteed tonic’‘I guarantee you will fall in love with Annie right from the first page. A beautifully written book in a wonderful coastal setting’***Praise for The Twelve Dates of Christmas:'If you need help getting into the festive spirit, this is the book for you . . . This feelgood read has humour, romance and some gorgeous descriptions of the Christmas traditions of an English village' - Good Housekeeping'Sparkly and romantic' - My Weekly

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Chosen as a BOOK OF THE YEAR in the Sunday Times, Stylist and Observer'A multifaceted novel that is funny, verbally inventive and moving' Sunday Times, Book of the Year'In Mercury Pictures Presents . . . the story moves between the real war and the better version Hollywood is busy creating. Sometimes tragic, often hilarious' KAREN JOY FOWLER, Observer, Books of the Year'Its prose pulses with humour, wit and affection' Mail on SundayThe epic tale of a brilliant woman who must reinvent herself to survive, moving from Mussolini's Italy to 1940s Los Angeles-a timeless story of love, deceit, and sacrifice from the award-winning, New York Times bestselling author of A Constellation of Vital PhenomenaLike many before her, Maria Lagana has come to Hollywood to outrun her past. Born in Rome, where every Sunday her father took her to the cinema instead of church, Maria immigrates with her mother to Los Angeles after a childhood transgression leads to her father's arrest.Fifteen years later, on the eve of America's entry into World War II, Maria is an associate producer at Mercury Pictures, trying to keep her personal and professional lives from falling apart. Her mother won't speak to her. Her boss, a man of many toupees, has been summoned to Washington by congressional investigators. Her boyfriend, a virtuoso Chinese American actor, can't escape the studio's narrow typecasting. And the studio itself, Maria's only home in exile, teeters on the verge of bankruptcy.Over the coming months, as the bright lights go dark across Los Angeles, Mercury Pictures becomes a nexus of European émigrés: modernist poets trying their luck as B-movie screenwriters, once-celebrated architects becoming scale-model miniaturists, and refugee actors finding work playing the very villains they fled. While the world descends into war, Maria rises through a maze of conflicting politics, divided loyalties, and jockeying ambitions. But when the arrival of a stranger from her father's past threatens Maria's carefully constructed facade, she must finally confront her father's fate - and her own.Written with intelligence, wit, and an exhilarating sense of possibility, Mercury Pictures Presents is a love letter to life's bit players, a panorama of an era that casts a long shadow over our own, and a tour de force by a novelist whose work The Washington Post calls 'a flash in the heavens that makes you look up and believe in miracles'.

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It's a truth often acknowledged that when a Jane Austen fan girl ends up living next door to a cynical but handsome crime writer, romantic sparks will fly! When Maddy Shaw is told her Dear Jane column has been cancelled she has no choice but to look outside of London’s rental market. That is until she’s left an idyllic country home by the black sheep of the family, long-not-so-lost Cousin Nigel. But of course there’s a stipulation… and not only is Maddy made chair of the committee for the annual village literary festival, she also has to put up with bestselling crime author –and romance sceptic – Cameron Massey as her new neighbour. When Maddy challenges Cameron to write romantic fiction, which he claims is so easy to do, sparks fly both on and off the page… ‘Sparkling romance, secrets from the past…Witty and romantic, I couldn’t stop myself from turning the pages’ Alison Sherlock, bestselling author of The Village of Lost and Found ‘Witty, sharp and beautifully observed – I feel sure Jane would approve’ Julie Caplin Readers are LOVING What Would Jane Austen Do?: ‘I absolutely demolished this book! … If you love romance you’ll love this (whether you’re an Austen aficionado or not)!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A perfect read for a day you need a pick me up’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Fans of Jane Austen, or of reading in general, will particularly enjoy this book…sure to be a favourite of many readers this year’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Playful, fun, and a love letter to Jane Austen and her wise words. Glorious’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘The antidote to a bad day…If you’re a Jane Austen fan (as I am) then you will really love the well-chosen quotes that start each chapter and spotting the wisdom included within’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A five out of five for me…the witty, observant writing lifts it above the ordinary…There are lots of subtle nods to Jane Austen's writing and if you're a Janeite, this is a lovely ode to her work’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘An uplifting humorous read, reminiscent of a modern day Jane Austen novel’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A delightful escape into the world of love, literature, and unexpected connections’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Reading this book brightened my day and made me smile’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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Jared Clement has returned to Trinity, not as a mere ship captain but now as a 5 Suns Fleet Admiral. With his promotion comes increased responsibility that weighs heavy on his shoulders. 30,000 settlers are leaving the dying planets of the Rim, his home, and resettling next to the natives of the planet Bellus. Clement is responsible for those lives and the lives of the natives, Trinity’s children, and for building a better future for them all. But when his migrant fleet arrives in the Trinity system, they are faced with enemies both old and new. Former Fleet Admiral Elara DeVore has escaped her exile on the planet Alphus and has vanished into parts unknown. Soon, however, Clement discovers she has a new fleet and a new ally, the Solar League from Earth. The Solar League has arrived with a massive fleet and plans on taking Trinity for itself, then forcing the 5 Suns to surrender. With just a small military fleet to accompany the migrants, Clement is faced with the almost impossible task of defending both his people and the natives from becoming slaves of the Solar League. About Trinity: “[A] rousing. . . far-future tale, taking hard-drinking former Rim Confederacy Navy Capt. Jared Clement of the gunship Beauregard into a whopper of a galactic confrontation. . . . [with] Clement’s rebirth as an idealistic military commander, leading to breathless Horatio Hornblower–type ship-to-ship action updated into a Star Trek–like environment. . . [with] plenty of fun, derring-do, and even some tension-relieving fraternization will keep readers invested in Clement and crew. This is an entertaining escape from the here and now.”—Publishers Weekly About Dave Bara: “. . . fun, fast, and proper science fiction, where the stakes are big and things matter.”—New York Times best-selling author Simon R. Green on Dave Bara’s Lightship Chronicles Series “This energetic mélange of tried-and-true elements—futuristic jargon, military and romantic tactics, and multiple levels of skullduggery—easily grabs the reader’s attention; more impressive is that Bara’s story holds that attention all the way to the end.” —Publishers Weekly on The Lightship Chronicles Series “Bara manages to ramp up the depth and complexity of his world while retaining that sense of excitement, suspense, and adventure.” —Barnes & Noble Sci Fi & Fantasy Blog

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Amid the shadows of war, one family faces an impossible choice that will change their lives forever. From bestseller Mario Escobar comes a 20th-century historical novel of sacrifice and resilience inspired by Spain’s famed Children of Morelia and the true events that shaped their lives.Madrid, 1934. Though the Spanish Civil War has not yet begun, the streets of Madrid have become dangerous for thirteen-year-old Marco Alcalde and his two younger sisters. Marco’s parents align themselves against the new fascist regime, unaware that their choice will endanger the entire family—nor do they predict the violence that is to come.In a desperate bid for safety, the Alcaldes join many other Spanish families in making an impossible choice to send their unaccompanied children across the ocean to the city of Morelia, Mexico—a place they’ve never seen or imagined, but whose government promises their children protection. Young Marco promises to look after his sisters in Mexico until their family can be reunited in Spain, but a harrowing journey ensues.As the growing children work to care for themselves and each other, they feel their sense of home, family, and identity slipping further and further away. As their memories of Spain fade, they begin to wonder if they will ever see their parents again or the glittering streets of the home they once loved.Based upon the true stories of the Children of Morelia, Mario Escobar’s Remember Me—now available for the first time in English—paints a poignant portrait of an immigrant family’s sacrificial love and endurance, detailing just how far we go for those we love.“Luminous and beautifully researched, Remember Me is a study of displacement, belonging, compassion, and forged family amid a heart- wrenching escape from the atrocities of the Spanish Civil War. Fans of Arturo Pérez-Reverte, Chanel Cleeton, and Lisa Wingate will be mesmerized.”—Rachel McMillan, author of The London Restoration Perfect for book clubs: Includes discussion questions, research notes from the author, and a historical timeline Based on real historical events: Full-length, 90,000-word historical novel based on the true stories of the Children of Morelia Researched and written by a subject-matter expert: Mario Escobar has a master's degree in modern history and lives in Madrid

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OLD books get NEW doodles – it's the classics as you've never seen them before! A hilarious new series that brings the classics to life with illustrations by Jack Noel. Perfect for 7-9 year olds and fans of Tom Gates, Wimpy Kid and Dav Pilkey. And PIRATES. Get your HOOKS into the one and only original pirate adventure! Jim Hawkins spends his life helping out at his mum’s boring old inn by the sea, wishing he could sail away and have adventures. But when an old sea captain turns up with a secret, it’s the start of a bigger adventure than Jim could ever have imagined – soon he’s on a ship on the trail of buried treasure, accompanied by a suspicious sailor named Long John Silver … Will Jim escape the pirates? Or will he walk the plank? Climb aboard with Jim, a chatty parrot and a bunch of crazy pirates for a hilarious adventure across the seven seas. Look out for more COMIC CLASSICS: GREAT EXPECTATIONS:Join Pip in a rip-roaring story of family secrets, scary grannies and a REALLY annoying big sister. Get on the trail of THE HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLESSolve the case with Holmes and Watson in a thrilling tale of mystery, murder and things that go woof in the night. Praise for GREAT EXPECTATIONS:A funny, thought-provoking treat, it’s the ideal way into [Dickens] (Imogen Russell Williams Guardian) Buy a copy of Jack Noel’s retelling of Great Expectations before I set the dogs on you. Now, begone! (Philip Ardagh, Roald Dahl Funny Prize-winning author) It is BRILLIANT! (Jenny Pearson, author of The Super Miraculous Journey of Freddie Yates) Jack Noel’s brilliantly witty art perfectly complements Dickens’ Great Expectations, making this a fab KS2 text to sit alongside the classic. Brilliant for dyslexic kids who may struggle with Dickens' prose … this book could bring a generation of kids to the classics (Abi Elphinstone, author of Rumblestar, Sky Song and the Dreamsnatcher trilogy) Jack Noel is a Jack of three trades: author, illustrator, designer, who works mainly on children's books and is a co-host on the Down the Rabbit Hole children's books podcast. Once upon a time Jack sent this tweet, and rest is history (history with doodles): https://twitter.com/jackdraws/status/965492074157166592https://jacknoelillustration.tumblr.com

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Resistance, recovery and re-creation go to the heart of this novel, which tells the past and present of two generations of Haitians, tied both by relations of blood and by the shedding of it. In the process, Myriam Chancy narrates the bloody history of the last six centuries of Haiti itself, from the violent years of colonialism and slavery, to the chaotic aftermath of the fall of the Baby Doc regime.In a society in which men in blue 'stick a gun to their hips and call it their life', and blood runs like rainwater through the streets, a family is flung apart, to the point of shattering. But it is Josèphe's act of remembrance, of bringing to voice her grandmother, cousins, friends, and her self, that brings down the barriers of place, time, even death, to bring the family together, and to relieve each of the weight of the past they have had to bear. The power of this challenging, multi-layered novel is in its network of narrative voices which set the poetic against the brutal to striking effect. Josèphe is safe but desperately lonely in Canada; her grandmother dies terrified for her family's future; her cousin Alphonse flees to the USA where he hopes to escape the dark shadow cast by his father; and his half-brother Delphi joins the rebels and pays the heaviest price. Josèphe's best friend Desirée also rebels, but finds underground a community with the power to breathe vivid new life into her veins. Within and behind them all stands the amazing figure of Mami Céleste, the mambo who has lived and died four lifetimes and whose tongue can speak the whole history of Haiti, but who is also Delphi's mother, Josèphe's inspiration, Desirée's spiritual saviour, and another victim of the Tonton Macoutes' brutality.Their stories are threaded through with ancestral echoes, historical connections, and the powerful mysteries of voodoo rites, all of which come to us through the enchanting rhythms of Haitian Créole. Myriam Chancy has created a deeply important novel, unique in its exploration of the harsh realities of postcolonial Haiti from a womanist perspective, and remarkable because it does so with such insight, sensitivity and poetry.Myriam J. A. Chancy is a Haitian writer and scholar born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti and raised in Quebec City and Winnipeg.

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Born in 1828 near Kelso in the Scottish Borders, Wyllie went to sea as an apprentice seaman in 1852 and quickly rose through the ranks. By 1862 he had gained his masters certificate in Liverpool, and there he took command of his first vessel, the Bonita. He sailed for Nassau, then a booming port involved in running contraband through the Union blockade of the Confederate States, at that time fighting in the American Civil War. Sailors from Britain rushed to man these vessels as great fortunes could be made if a successful run was made into a Confederate port. On the return journey, two agents of the State of North Carolina, Thomas Crossan and John White, were travelling to Britain on the orders of Governor Zebulon Vance to purchase ships to run the blockade. This set Wyllie's career as a blockade runner on course. White and Crossan arranged the purchase of the Clyde-built paddle steamer Lord Clyde and, just five months after docking in Liverpool as commander of the Bonita, Wyllie took command of the Lord Clyde, renamed the Ad-Vance. He was aboard from the start of the vessel's new career until her capture in September 1864. Two more commands of blockade runners followed; he was captured again and then evaded the American authorities through an ingenious, and at sometimes unbelievable, escape to Scotland. After the war Wyllie continued at sea for another two years before returning to Scotland to settle as a farmer. Unlike some of those who ran the blockade, Wyllie appears not to have come back a wealthy man. For over 30 years he gave numerous popular lectures of his time at sea in aid of local charities and was known locally as 'Captain Wyllie'. The role that Wyllie played during the Civil War is explored in depth and reveals that he was a constant face, and force, in the crew of the steamer with his actions and abilities being greatly appreciated by both crew and owners alike. The most comprehensive history of the Ad-Vance is provided, from the day she left Glasgow until her capture off the Carolina coast. Many fascinating contemporary passenger diaries, personal recollections from crew, letters and telegrams between Wyllie and Governor Vance, official records of the war and newspaper reports are included. In association with Glasgow Museums.

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"Rogerson is a master of fresh and sparky writing… a spirited novel by a writer of considerable gifts"THE GUARDIANDramatised on BBC Radio 4's Woman's HourShortlisted for Creative Scotland Book of the Year Award 2010Ana thinks she understands love. As a marriage counsellor she deals with the death of love every day. But when a new man unexpectedly enters her life, she finds that, for the first time ever, her heart is ruling her head and her strict rules of love are no longer so easy to apply.Rose is at her wits end with her husband Harry. Their familiar, frustrating marriage is reaching crisis point. Should Rose stick to what she knows or find a new way to live her life - without Harry - and try to find the happiness she craves?And Maciek, philosopher turned pizza-maker, has left home to escape a messy love affair. But as his feelings for someone new begin to grow, little does he realise how much his life is about to change.Love often happens when you least expect it. It's just like that in Evanton, a small Highland village, just like everywhere else. In this funny, profound and engaging story, seperate lives begin to inextricably intertwine and change forever as each tries to answer the universal question: what is love?REVIEWS:"Captured me from the first... a hugely accomplished novel."LOUISE WELSH"Rogerson’s prose is impressive and deceptively powerful, making this a subtle and insightful read."THE BIG ISSUE"A great read... it’s sexy, funny, full of laconic and tender insights into the wonderful mess that people make of their relationships, and into that elusive prey we call love."TIM PEARS"A good writer, who thinks properly about the world."THE SCOTSMAN"What is love? Love is the relationship that will develop between you and this quirky, wise, and fascinating novel. Your heart will pang with recognition again & again as Rogerson explores the foibles that make relationships so beautiful and so heartbreaking. An engaging, insightful and witty novel that resonates with a profound emotional intelligence."KEVIN MacNEIL"Her style is easy and graceful, but her spiky humour takes most of the honours in this tale of kiss and don’t tell."SCOTTISH REVIEW OF BOOKS

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'I am a big fan of Jenny Kane' Katie Fforde Welcome back to Mill Grange in the latest uplifting romance in the bestselling Mill Grange series! Helen Rogers has been lying to herself over her feelings for Tom since the moment they met. And for good reason; not only are they colleagues, working together with the archaeology groups at Mill Grange, but her sabbatical is almost over and she'll soon have to return to Bath. Tom Harris knows he's falling in love with Helen. How could he not? She's smart, kind and great with his son Dylan. But with his ex suddenly offering him a chance to spend more time with Dylan, and the staff of Mill Grange about to host a wedding, everything else has to be put to one side. Even his feelings for a certain archaeologist. As Helen's time at Mill Grange runs short, the two are forced to consider what matters most... *Can be read as a standalone, but best as a part of the wider series: get your hands on Midsummer at Mill Grange to start from book one!* Readers are loving Spring Blossoms at Mill Grange: 'What a fantastic story this was, I loved it from start to finish. This is a well written, truly delightful read' – Reader review 'Don't you just love a book that sweeps you away and transports to a sunnier, happy time. Well this book is the perfect escape. Curl up and enjoy this romantic comedy. I loved it' – Reader review 'Ah, Jenny has done it again... I am already champing at the bit for book 4! Being back with the gang at Mill Grange is like meeting up with long lost friends' – Reader review 'What a lovely feel-good story! It's a fantastic mixture of romance and humour, filled with enough laughable and serious moments to balance it out' – Reader review 'Kane's writing style, with its gorgeous and vivid descriptions, allows readers to visit places and follow the characters as if they'd been there themselves' – Reader review 'This is a really easy read which definitely had me smiling and maybe I did shed a tear or two as well. I will be waiting impatiently for the next instalment' – Reader review 'A truly delightful read, which definitely had me smiling... I will be waiting impatiently for the next instalment' – Reader review

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Understanding Caricature offers a lively guide to an old and respected art form. A great caricature is one that not only captures the subject's look and personality but amplifies them significantly. They are almost always funny and very often (but not always) mean spirited. A truly comprehensive and laser-focused examination of a really wonderful, expressive art form. Understanding Caricature offers artists, aspiring artists, students, journalists, bloggers, etc. a lively guide to an old and respected art form. A great caricature is one that not only captures the subject's look and personality but amplifies them significantly. They are almost always funny and very often (but not always) mean spirited. Eyes, ears, nose, mouth, hairline, cheeks, eyebrows, teeth, chin: There’s no facial feature (or any other body part, for that matter) that can escape the sardonic scrutiny of caricaturist and illustrator Greg Houston. But though he cleverly twists, exaggerates, and distorts each subject’s image, he always makes sure the person remains recognizable - an absolute must for successful caricature. Whether on assignment or simply drawing for his own perverse pleasure, Houston loves skewering the high and mighty - movie stars, moguls, politicians, and assorted other VIPs - especially when they misbehave. Caricature, says Houston, is a very sharp weapon for the powerless to use against the powerful, and he can teach you to wield it, too. After defining caricature, differentiating it from other forms of portraiture, and delving into its centuries-long history, Houston gets down to the nitty gritty of how to do it. He focuses sequentially on the face, the hair, the body, and what he calls “accoutrements” - distinctive items of clothing that help viewers immediately identify celebrities. You yourself will learn to poke artistic fun at the famous through a series of demonstrations that let you follow Houston as he constructs caricatures of Jake Gyllenhaal, Masie Williams, Dwayne Johnson, Rainn Wilson, and other notable victims of his wicked pen. But Houston doesn’t focus solely on his own approach. A whole chapter of Understanding Caricature is devoted to other contemporary caricaturists and the signature mediums they work in, ranging from traditional oils and watercolors, to digital drawing and painting, to sculpture and even puppet-making. And the book’s final chapter displays the work of students who’ve studied with Houston at his Baltimore academy. Brilliant in their own right, these pieces also demonstrate how any artist, with Houston’s guidance, can become a skilled practitioner of the caricaturist’s art.

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Winner, 2019 Saul Viener Book Prize, given by the American Jewish Historical Society A groundbreaking history of the practice of Jewish name changing in the 20th century, showcasing just how much is in a name Our thinking about Jewish name changing tends to focus on clichés: ambitious movie stars who adopted glamorous new names or insensitive Ellis Island officials who changed immigrants’ names for them. But as Kirsten Fermaglich elegantly reveals, the real story is much more profound. Scratching below the surface, Fermaglich examines previously unexplored name change petitions to upend the clichés, revealing that in twentieth-century New York City, Jewish name changing was actually a broad-based and voluntary behavior: thousands of ordinary Jewish men, women, and children legally changed their names in order to respond to an upsurge of antisemitism. Rather than trying to escape their heritage or “pass” as non-Jewish, most name-changers remained active members of the Jewish community. While name changing allowed Jewish families to avoid antisemitism and achieve white middle-class status, the practice also created pain within families and became a stigmatized, forgotten aspect of American Jewish culture. This first history of name changing in the United States offers a previously unexplored window into American Jewish life throughout the twentieth century. A Rosenberg by Any Other Name demonstrates how historical debates about immigration, antisemitism and race, class mobility, gender and family, the boundaries of the Jewish community, and the power of government are reshaped when name changing becomes part of the conversation. Mining court documents, oral histories, archival records, and contemporary literature, Fermaglich argues convincingly that name changing had a lasting impact on American Jewish culture. Ordinary Jews were forced to consider changing their names as they saw their friends, family, classmates, co-workers, and neighbors do so. Jewish communal leaders and civil rights activists needed to consider name changers as part of the Jewish community, making name changing a pivotal part of early civil rights legislation. And Jewish artists created critical portraits of name changers that lasted for decades in American Jewish culture. This book ends with the disturbing realization that the prosperity Jews found by changing their names is not as accessible for the Chinese, Latino, and Muslim immigrants who wish to exercise that right today.

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Toto is no ordinary cat, and she can't wait for you to join her on her FOURTH ninja adventure! From one of the UK's best-loved broadcasters, purrfect for fans of The Aristocats, The Secret Life of Pets and Atticus Claw Breaks the Law. Toto and her friends are due to be looking after the French ambassador on a day of sightseeing, finishing at the Tower of London to see the animal world's crown jewels: a sacred diamond cat collar. But when they arrive, the collar has disappeared - and what's worse, it looks like Toto's boss Larry is responsible, with Toto as his accomplice! Toto is almost arrested, but she escapes to try and get to the bottom of the mystery and clear her name. She and her friends will have to follow some strange clues that will take them to a secret bookshop, Buckingham Palace and the rats' underground city in the sewers... Can they defeat an unexpected villain and bring the thief to justice?Ideal for reading aloud or for children to curl up with and read alone, the story features brilliant black and white illustrations throughout. With gentle themes of friendship, inclusivity and winning in the face of adversity, this is a hilarious must-read for all animal-loving kids! Dermot says: 'The idea for Toto first came to me when my wife and I rescued two stray cats from an olive grove in Italy. One of them, Toto, has been blind from birth, but we quickly realised she had ninja-like reactions. Like a lot of cat owners (or cat servants), we like to imagine our pets having secret lives when we're out or asleep. So before I knew it I was writing about Toto and her brother Silver's nocturnal adventures around London. I really hope that children who pick it up enjoy reading the adventures of our little Italian underdog (cat).'Have you seen Toto's other adventures? The Great Snake Escape, The Incredible Cheese Heist, The Superstar Catastrophe and The Legend of the Wildcat are out now, and make perfect gifts for young readers.For more animal adventures, discover Wings of Glory. Can one tiny bird help to win a world war? A funny action-adventure story with a feathery twist, from the bestselling children's author of Toto the Ninja Cat, Dermot O'Leary, with glorious illustrations throughout by Claire Powell.

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"What is the value of Black life in America?" In Avidly Reads Passages, Michelle D. Commander plies four freighted modes of travel—the slave ship, train, automobile, and bus—to map the mobility of her ancestors over the past five centuries. In the process, she refreshes the conventional American travel narrative by telling an urgent story about how history shapes what moves us, as well as what prevents so many Black Americans from moving or being moved. Anchored in her maternal kin’s long history on and alongside plantations in rural South Carolina, Commander explores her family members’ ability and inability to navigate safely through space, time, and emotion, detailing how Black lives were shaped by the actual vehicles that promised an escape from the confines of American racism, yet nearly always failed to deliver on those promises. Using personal and public archives, Avidly Reads Passages unfolds distinct histories of transatlantic slavery ships, the possibilities presented by rail lines in the Reconstruction South, the fateful legacies of school busing, and the ways that Black Americans attempted to negotiate their automobility, including through the use of road and travel compendiums such as Travelguide and The Negro Motorist Green Book. In order to understand the intricacies of slavery and its aftermath, Commander began her exploration with the hope of engaging with the difficult evidences and stubborn gaps in her family’s genealogy; what she produced is a biting and elegiac reflection on working-class life in the Black South. Commander demonstrates that the forms of intimidation, brutality, surveillance, and restriction used to control Black mobility have merely evolved since slavery, marking Black life writ large in America, with neither the passage of time nor the passage of laws assuring true and adequate racial progress. Despite this bleak observation, Commander catalogs and celebrates, through affecting stories about her beloved South Carolina community, the compelling strivings of Southern Black people to survive by holding on firmly to family, and their faith that new worlds could be imagined, created, and traveled to someday. Part of the Avidly Reads series, this slim book gives us a new way of looking at American culture. With the singular blend of personal reflection and cultural criticism featured in the series, Avidly Reads Passages offers a unique lens through which to capture the intricacies of Black life.

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Whether you want to stroll the atmospheric streets of Old San Juan, lounge on the island's beautiful beaches, or escape to Vieques or Culebra, the local Fodor's travel experts in Puerto Rico are here to help! Fodor's Puerto Rico guidebook is packed with maps, carefully curated recommendations, and everything else you need to simplify your trip-planning process and make the most of your time. This new edition has been fully-redesigned with an easy-to-read layout, fresh information, and beautiful color photos. Fodor's Puerto Rico travel guide includes: AN ILLUSTRATED ULTIMATE EXPERIENCES GUIDE to the top things to see and do MULTIPLE ITINERARIES to effectively organize your days and maximize your time MORE THAN 25 DETAILED MAPS and a FREE PULL-OUT MAP to help you navigate confidently COLOR PHOTOS throughout to spark your wanderlust! HONEST RECOMMENDATIONS FROM LOCALS on the best sights, restaurants, hotels, nightlife, shopping, performing arts, activities, side-trips, and more PHOTO-FILLED “BEST OF” FEATURES on “Best Beaches,” “Best Things to Eat and Drink,” “Best Souvenirs to Buy,” and more TRIP-PLANNING TOOLS AND PRACTICAL TIPS including when to go, getting around, beating the crowds, and saving time and money HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL INSIGHTS providing rich context on the local people, politics, art, architecture, cuisine, music, geography, and more SPECIAL FEATURES on “Walking Old San Juan,” “Salsa,” and “Puerto Rico's Bioluminescent Bays” LOCAL WRITERS to help you find the under-the-radar gems SPANISH LANGUAGE PRIMER with useful words and essential phrases UP-TO-DATE COVERAGE ON: San Juan, El Yunque National Forest, Vieques, Culebra, Mayaguëz, Ponce, Rincón, San Germán, and more Planning on visiting the Caribbean? Check out Fodor's Essential Caribbean, Fodor's In Focus Turks & Caicos, Fodor's In Focus Aruba, Fodor's Bahamas, Fodor's Bermuda, and more.*Important note for digital editions: The digital edition of this guide does not contain all the images or text included in the physical edition.ABOUT FODOR'S AUTHORS: Each Fodor's Travel Guide is researched and written by local experts. Fodor's has been offering expert advice for all tastes and budgets for over 80 years. For more travel inspiration, you can sign up for our travel newsletter at fodors.com/newsletter/signup, or follow us @FodorsTravel on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. We invite you to join our friendly community of travel experts at fodors.com/community to ask any other questions and share your experience with us!

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Tent of Blue, Rachael Preston's richly conceived first novel, seduces readers with images of captivity and escape. Passing back and forth through time, the novel has its beginnings in England before and during the Second World War. The present is a somewhat seedy mansion-turned-apartment in Vancouver's Shaughnessy neighbourhood and the beaches of Kitsilano and Jericho in the 1950s. The future, or at least the fantasy, is the unattainable Salt Spring Island. In this astonishing novel, Preston creates characters that are trapped by cruelty, poverty, war, and their own minds and bodies. Gradually they awaken to the fact that they carry within themselves the possibility of freedom and the power to achieve it. The novel's images of war-torn beaches, cold, dank theatres, and travelling by bicycle through the streets of Vancouver will linger with readers long after the book is closed. The book tells the story of Anton, a boy of almost sixteen, who suffers the challenges of a clubfoot and Yvonne, his mother, a dance teacher who spent her youth in the decayed music halls of 1930s England. Grotesquely mistreated by her drunken mother, fourteen-year-old Yvonne finds fleeting freedom with a Russian-born dancer. After his death, needing to provide for herself and Anton, she falls into the grip of a brutal impresario and eventually migrates to Montreal and shortly thereafter to Vancouver. Yvonne alternately spurns and smothers her son as she plays the only two roles she knows: victim and victimizer. Both have been imprisoned their whole lives: Yvonne by her fear of her abusive mother, of losing her lover, and of Harold, the man who sweeps her into his control and makes her his wife. Anton has been a prisoner of his physical handicap, of Yvonne's unhappiness, and of Harold's hold on both his and his mother's life. In their Vancouver apartment, Yvonne and Anton struggle to live heroically despite the scathing violence of love. Yvonne opens a dance school where she teaches her few ballet students. Anton struggles for respect and independence and finds a measure of freedom through his wheelchair and apartment bound neighbour, Tom Hart, a World War I vet, who supplies Anton with an old bicycle. Anton tries to return the favour in the only way that he can imagine. Dickensian in its complexity, Tent of Blue marks the career debut of a fascinating new Canadian writer.

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Journey to the dusty plains of Central Australia in The Pearl Sister, the fourth book in the number one bestselling Seven Sisters series by Lucinda Riley. A spellbinding story of love and loss, inspired by the mythology of the famous star constellation.CeCe D’Aplièse, in her mid-twenties, has never felt she fitted in anywhere. Following the death of her father, the elusive billionaire Pa Salt – so-called by the six daughters he adopted from around the globe – she finds herself at breaking point. Dropping out of art college, CeCe watches as Star, her beloved sister, distances herself to follow her new love, leaving her completely alone.In desperation, CeCe decides to flee England and discover her past; the only clues she has are a black-and-white photograph and the name of a woman pioneer who lived in Australia over one hundred years ago. En-route to Sydney, CeCe heads to the one place she has ever felt close to being herself: the stunning beaches of Krabi, Thailand. There amongst the backpackers, she meets the mysterious Ace, a man as lonely as she is and whom she realizes has a secret to hide . . .A hundred years earlier Kitty McBride, daughter of an Edinburgh clergyman, is given the opportunity to travel to Australia as the companion of the wealthy Mrs McCrombie. In Adelaide, her fate becomes entwined with Mrs McCrombie’s family, including the identical, yet very different, twin brothers: impetuous Drummond, and ambitious Andrew, the heir to a pearling fortune.When CeCe finally reaches the searing heat of the Red Centre of Australia, she begins the search for her past. As something deep within her responds to the energy of the area and the ancient culture of the Aboriginal people, her creativity reawakens once more. With help from those she meets on her journey, CeCe begins to believe that this wild, vast continent could offer her something she never thought possible: a sense of belonging, and a home . . .The epic, multi-million selling series continues with The Moon Sister.'Delicious reading' - Daily MailPraise for the Seven Sisters:'A masterclass in beautiful writing' – The Sun'Heart-wrenching, uplifting and utterly enthralling' – Lucy Foley, author of The Hunting Party'A breathtaking adventure' – Lancashire Evening PostFive-Star Reader Reviews:'Absolutely incredible''Totally addictive''Ideal for when you need to escape'

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'Forget dark academia: give me instead this kind of winter-sunshined, sharp-tongued and footnoted academia, full of field trips and grumpy romance' Freya Marske, author of A Marvellous LightAn intrepid professor must uncover faerie secrets in the delightful and heart-warming second instalment of the Sunday Times bestselling Emily Wilde series.Emily Wilde is a genius scholar of faerie folklore, and has catalogued many secrets of the Hidden Folk in her encyclopaedia with her infuriatingly charming fellow scholar, Wendell Bambleby, by her side.But Bambleby is more than just a brilliant and unbearably handsome scholar. He's an exiled faerie king on the run from his murderous mother, in search of a door back to his realm. By lucky happenstance, Emily's new project, a map of the realms of faerie, will take them on an adventure to the picturesque Austrian Alps, where Emily believes they may find the door to Bambleby's realm, and the key to freeing him from his family's dark plans. But with new friendships for the prickly Emily to navigate and dangerous Folk lurking in every forest and hollow, Emily must unravel the mysterious workings of faerie doors, and of her own heart. Praise for this series:'A darkly gorgeous fantasy that sparkles with snow and magic, this book wholly enchanted me' Sangu Mandanna, author of The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches'A thoroughly charming academic fairy tale, complete with footnotes and a low-key grumpy romance' Guardian'Enchanting in every sense of the word. . . This book is real magic' H. G. Parry, author of The Unlikely Escape of Uriah Heep'A book so vividly, endlessly enchanting, so crisply assured, so rich and complete and wise and far-reaching in its worldbuilding that you'll walk away half ensorcelled, sure Fawcett found Emily Wilde's journal in some sea-stained trunk' Melissa Albert'The ideal book to curl up with on a chilly winter's evening. . . this book is an absolute delight.' Megan Bannen, author of The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy'A charmingly whimsical delight. . . Five dazzling, gladdening stars' India Holton, author of The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels'I enjoyed every word of this gorgeously written fairy tale featuring a grumpy heroine and an utterly charming love interest' Isabel Ibañez, author of Woven In Moonlight

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Discover the addictive world of the Twisted series from Sunday Times bestselling author and TikTok sensation, Ana Huang!Read Twisted Love now for a brother's best friend romance.He has a heart of ice . . . but for her, he'd burn the world.Alex Volkov is a devil blessed with the face of an angel and cursed with a past he can't escape.Driven by a tragedy that has haunted him for most of his life, his ruthless pursuits for success and vengeance leave little room for matters of the heart.But when he's forced to look after his best friend's sister, he starts to feel something in his chest:A crack.A melt.A fire that could end his world as he knew it.***Ava Chen is a free spirit trapped by nightmares of a childhood she can't remember.But despite her broken past, she's never stopped seeing the beauty in the world . . . including the heart beneath the icy exterior of a man she shouldn't want.Her brother's best friend.Her neighbour.Her saviour and her downfall.Theirs is a love that was never supposed to happen - but when it does, it unleashes secrets that could destroy them both . . . and everything they hold dear.Twisted Love is a brother's best friend/opposites attract romance with a hint of suspense. It's book one in the Twisted series but can be read as a standalone.WARNING: This book contains a jealous/possessive antihero, explicit sexual content and profanity. Recommended for 18+.***Why fans love Ana Huang ⭐ ⭐ ⭐!'King of Greed? More like King of my Heart (Ana Huang's Version)' Lauren Asher'WE HAVE NO NOTES JUST LOTS OF HORNY FEELINGS' Ali Hazelwood'Ana did not come to play . . . it was giving everything I asked for. It exceeded my expectations astronomically. I'm now severely depressed it's finished' @Aymanreads'Ana Huang has done it ONCE again. But are we really surprised? No. Ana Huang truly is the queen of billionaire romances' Goodreads Review'This book broke me into pieces and then pieced them back together' Goodreads Review'Ana really said whether morally grey is your favourite OR NOT, let me give you someone to swoon over' Goodreads Review'Ana Huang never disappoints. This was my most anticipated read of the month and it was EVERYTHING!!' Goodreads Review

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OLD books get NEW doodles – it's the classics as you've never seen them before! A hilarious new series that brings the classics to life with illustrations by Jack Noel. Perfect for 7-9 year olds and fans of Tom Gates, Wimpy Kid and Dav Pilkey. And PIRATES. Get your HOOKS into the one and only original pirate adventure! Jim Hawkins spends his life helping out at his mum’s boring old inn by the sea, wishing he could sail away and have adventures. But when an old sea captain turns up with a secret, it’s the start of a bigger adventure than Jim could ever have imagined – soon he’s on a ship on the trail of buried treasure, accompanied by a suspicious sailor named Long John Silver … Will Jim escape the pirates? Or will he walk the plank? Climb aboard with Jim, a chatty parrot and a bunch of crazy pirates for a hilarious adventure across the seven seas. Look out for more COMIC CLASSICS: GREAT EXPECTATIONS:Join Pip in a rip-roaring story of family secrets, scary grannies and a REALLY annoying big sister. Get on the trail of THE HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLESSolve the case with Holmes and Watson in a thrilling tale of mystery, murder and things that go woof in the night. Praise for GREAT EXPECTATIONS:A funny, thought-provoking treat, it’s the ideal way into [Dickens] (Imogen Russell Williams Guardian) Buy a copy of Jack Noel’s retelling of Great Expectations before I set the dogs on you. Now, begone! (Philip Ardagh, Roald Dahl Funny Prize-winning author) It is BRILLIANT! (Jenny Pearson, author of The Super Miraculous Journey of Freddie Yates) Jack Noel’s brilliantly witty art perfectly complements Dickens’ Great Expectations, making this a fab KS2 text to sit alongside the classic. Brilliant for dyslexic kids who may struggle with Dickens' prose … this book could bring a generation of kids to the classics (Abi Elphinstone, author of Rumblestar, Sky Song and the Dreamsnatcher trilogy) Jack Noel is a Jack of three trades: author, illustrator, designer, who works mainly on children's books and is a co-host on the Down the Rabbit Hole children's books podcast. Once upon a time Jack sent this tweet, and rest is history (history with doodles): https://twitter.com/jackdraws/status/965492074157166592https://jacknoelillustration.tumblr.com

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‘This was such a brilliant whodunit thriller that I didn’t want to put down. I picked it up in the morning and by lunchtime I was finished.’ NetGalley Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ You can cover up the truth, but every murder leaves a trail… The rain was relentless. It stung Ruth Prendergast’s face as she dashed towards her house, desperate to escape the cold and settle down for an early night. But upon entering her bedroom, she finds a man, lying on her bed – a knife buried in his chest. When Detective Isabel Blood and her sergeant arrive on the scene, Ruth claims she’s never laid eyes on the victim before. But with no sign of a break-in, how did the killer gain access to the house? Then Ruth disappears, leaving Isabel and her team to fear the worst. Has their lead suspect escaped, or is Ruth in danger herself? Forensic evidence at the crime scene is sparse, and it’s proving impossible for Isabel to make a breakthrough. With Ruth still missing, time is running out. But how can you catch a killer that doesn’t leave a trace? Uncover the mystery and solve the crime alongside Derbyshire’s best detective. This utterly gripping, unputdownable whodunit will have you hooked and reading long into the night! Fans Val McDermid, Elly Griffiths and ITV’s Vera will love Without a Trace! Readers LOVE Without a Trace! ‘To say that reading ‘Without A Trace’ became addictive is a huge understatement. I would pick the book up only intending to read a chapter… but I would become so wrapped up in the story that I would still be sat there reading over an hour later.’ Ginger Book Geek, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A must read of this year… I loved it. It’s wowsome.’ NetGalley Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A 5 star novel. Great characters. Plenty of suspense to keep me guessing. All you need for a perfect thriller.’ NetGalley Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A crime novel to devour in one sitting…’ NetGalley Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘I was hooked from page one… completely loved the storyline.’ NetGalley Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A really good, interesting read with lots of clues and red herrings.’ NetGalley Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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Everyone has a story. You just have to read between the lines… ‘Will make you smile, make you cry, fill you with joy and warm your heart.’ NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ***Shortlisted for the Romantic Novelists’ Association Contemporary Romantic Novel Award!*** When Elodie applies for the job of librarian in peaceful Willow Grove, she’s looking forward to a new start. As the daughter of a media empire, her every move has been watched for years, and she longs to work with the thing she loves most: books. It’s a chance to make a real difference too, because she soon realises that there are other people in Willow Grove who might need a fresh start – like the homeless man everyone walks past without seeing, or the divorcée who can’t seem to escape her former husband’s misdeeds. Together with local journalist Finn, Elodie decides these people have stories that need sharing. What if instead of borrowing books readers could ‘borrow’ a person, and hear the life stories of those they’ve overlooked? But Elodie isn’t quite sharing her whole story either. As the story of the library’s new success grows, will her own secret be revealed? An uplifting story about fresh starts, new beginnings and the power of stories, from the bestselling author of Rosie’s Travelling Tea Shop! Readers LOVE Elodie’s Library of Second Chances! ‘A feel-good book that I didn't want to end. Five stars!’ NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Absolutely delightful… Captivating from start to finish.’ NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Another day, another Rebecca Raisin gem to add to my favourites!… I ADORE Rebecca's books.’ NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A charming, positively warm book… A perfect summer read.’ NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Grab yourself a cup of tea, sit down and prepare to be transported to a world of reading bliss.’ NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘This book is a warm blanket and a cup of tea… I am so grateful I read it!’ NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Rebecca Raisin does it again!… Just wonderful.’ NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A favourite author of mine!… I always want to jump into her stories and live there!! This book is gorgeous.’ NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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'A dazzling, funny and elegantly angry demolition of our preconceptions about female behaviour and sex in the animal kingdom ... Bitch is a blast. I read it, my jaw sagging in astonishment, jotting down favourite parts to send to friends and reading out snippets gleefully...' Observer'A book that is tearing down the stereotypes and the biases. Absolutely fascinating.' BBC R4 Woman's Hour'From the heir to Attenborough. 5*' - Telegraph'Glorious ... A bold and gripping takedown of the sexist mythology baked into biology ... Full of marvellous surprises. Guardian'Colourful, committed and deeply informed.' Sunday Times'Gloriously original' Daily MirrorA 'sparkling attack on scientific sexism' Nature'Humorous, absorbing, sometimes shocking (for a variety of reasons), and bound to be a conversation starter' BBC Wildlife'Brilliant ... Cooke is a superb science writer' TLS'Zoologist Lucy Cooke's hilarious and enlightening book reclaims evolutionary biology for females of all species.' New Statesman'Introduces us to a marvelous zoetrope of animals.' The Atlantic'[An] effervescent exposé ... [A] playful, enlightening tour of the vanguard of evolutionary biology.' Scientific American Selected for the Telegraph's 'best books for summer 2022' and as one of the Guardian's '50 hottest new books for a great escape'._______________________________________________________________What does it mean to be female? Mother, carer, the weaker sex? Think again.In the last few decades a revolution has been brewing in zoology and evolutionary biology. Lucy Cooke introduces us to a riotous cast of animals, and the scientists studying them, that are redefining the female of the species.Meet the female lemurs of Madagascar, our ancient primate cousins that dominate the males of their species physically and politically.Or female albatross couples, hooking up together to raise their chicks in Hawaii.Or the meerkat mothers of the Kalahari Desert - the most murderous mammals on the planet.The bitches in BITCH overturn outdated binary expectations of bodies, brains, biology and behaviour. Lucy Cooke's brilliant new book will change how you think - about sex, sexual identity and sexuality in animals and also the very forces that shape evolution.__________Praise for Lucy's previous book THE UNEXPECTED TRUTH ABOUT ANIMALS'Endlessly fascinating' - Bill Bryson'I cannot remember when I enjoyed a non-fiction book so much' - Daily Express'A joy from beginning to end' - Guardian'Best science pick: deeply researched, sassily written' - Nature

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As the bombs rain down on the city, Belfast's first ever female zookeeper must fight to save the baby elephant in her charge in this gripping, uplifting tale based on a true story.1941. With the men away fighting, animal-lover Hettie Quin is made Belfast Zoo's first ever female zookeeper. She is put in charge of Violet, a three-year-old Indian elephant, and they soon form a special bond. With Violet at her side, Hettie can almost escape the grim reality of her life: the father who has abandoned her family; the sister who recently died; the war that's raging hundreds of miles away.But the devastation of war is closer than she thought. When the bombs begin to rain down on the city, Hettie must gather all her courage to protect those she loves the most. Can she save Violet - and get through unscathed herself?Based on a true story, The Zookeeper of Belfast is a gripping and uplifting tribute to what one woman's courage and tenacity can achieve in the most dire of circumstances - perfect for fans of Heather Morris, Natasha Lester, Kate Furnivall, Mandy Robotham and Fiona Valpy.Praise for THE ZOOKEEPER OF BELFAST:'Walsh delivers a turbulent portrait of life in a divided city . . . A unique perspective of a country at war and the lengths people will go for those they love.' - Kirkus Reviews'Sensitively rendered and finely drawn, this remarkable story, based on true events, is both uplifting and heartbreaking.' - Christina Baker Kline, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Orphan Train'Walsh has written a novel of deep affection and knife-edge suspense. A brilliant debut.' - Margot Livesey, author of The Boy in The Field'An elephant, a young zookeeper, the city of Belfast, bombings, and an IRA member are the improbable characters in this captivating and intimately felt novel that tells the story of a young woman's uncommon devotion and courage under fire.' - Lily Tuck, author of Sisters'A zoo in wartime Belfast and a young woman's fierce love for the elephant in her care come vividly to life in this beautiful, beguiling, and atmospheric debut novel.' - Dominic Smith, author of The Last Painting of Sara de Vos·Cinematic in scope and brimming with emotion, this is a soaring work of historical imagination.' - Karen Olsson, author of All the Houses

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Six days to stop a deadly attack. And no one else believes it's real.'Ingenious and turbocharged with suspense. A writer to surely put on your reading list.' David Baldacci 'Very well done - tight action and a smart central character.' Anthony Horowitz'Utterly engrossing' The Sun 'A nail-biter of a thriller that will keep your heart in your throat all the way through' Lisa Regan'As propulsive as a Bourne movie, Committed is a first-class blend of intrigue, suspense, and action.' Charles Cumming'One of the best thrillers I've read this year.' Imran Mahmood Former CIA undercover operative Ellen McGinley is battling to overcome PTSD when she stumbles upon a domestic terror plot. The deadly attack is due to take place in six days and will strike at the very heart of her homeland.For Ellen, it's a chance to find redemption for her greatest mistake - one she will never allow herself to forget. But no sooner than she alerts the authorities, she finds herself diagnosed as delusional and locked in a psychiatric ward. No one believes her story. She's the only one who thinks the danger is real, which means she's the only one who can stop it. Ellen must draw on all her old skills to escape, stay alive, protect her family, and find those responsible - before all hell breaks loose. Committed is the propulsive thriller you won't want to miss this summer. Perfect for fans of Lee Child, David Baldacci, JB Turner and Robert Dugoni.'A standout mix of high-octane action and sinister conspiracy... first-class.' Financial Times'A blistering, heart-pounding, edge-of-the-seat, adrenaline rush of a read. Absolutely outstanding and without doubt the best book I have read this year.' Carol Wyer'Heart-pounding suspense until the very last page. I absolutely loved it!' Ava Glass'A fast-paced thriller to rival the best. Full of unexpected twist and turns, with impeccable research and insights, this is a must-read for all crime fans.' Matt Brolly'Committed is a smart, of-the-moment action thriller that will have you turning the pages past bedtime.' Mason Cross'Committed is a tight, compelling thriller that never misses a beat. Digging into both sides of a planned terror attack adds fascinating dimension and depth to a story that is so very timely.' Lou Berney

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'I am truly grateful to Mary Elmes for the life I might not have had, had it not been for her brave actions to save us and many others. She was truly a heroine.' Michael Freund Mary Elmes was an extraordinary woman. Sometimes known as the 'Irish Schindler', she was born in Cork in 1908 and educated at Trinity College Dublin. She won a scholarship to study at the London School of Economics and travelled to Europe in the 1930s. There, she volunteered to help refugees during the Spanish Civil War. Nothing could have prepared her for the horrific suffering she would witness, but she was determined to aid as many people as she could. When Barcelona fell to Franco's forces, she followed the Spanish refugees to southern France and continued to help them in the camps where they were interned. Soon, she found herself in the middle of another conflict, the Second World War, and was helping refugees of all nationalities. By 1942, it became evident that Jews, who were also held in the camps by the collaborationist Vichy authorities, were in danger of being deported to their death. Mary Elmes risked her life to help children and adults escape. She smuggled children out in the boot of her car and succeeded in getting a number of adults off the convoys going to the Nazi death camps. She was arrested and imprisoned by the Gestapo on suspicion of espionage and carrying out a series of hostile acts against Germany. When the war was over, she married a Frenchman and settled down in Perpignan, never speaking about what she had done in either conflict. When the French government offered her its highest honour, the Legion d'Honneur, she turned it down, preferring instead to try put the war behind her. In 2013, she became the first Irish person to be named 'Righteous Among the Nations' at Yad Vashem, Israel's official memorial to Jewish victims of the Holocaust. Now, finally, her story has come to light and a forgotten heroine will be remembered as she deserves. 'A compelling biography of an unsung hero' The Irish Independent 'A truly amazing and uplifting story, I'd recommend it to anybody.' Marian Finucane 'This is the Irish Schindler story - remarkable' Ivan Yates

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THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER A RICHARD AND JUDY BOOK CLUB PICK 'Read this book’ DAVID BALDACCI 'One of the absolute best thrillers of the year’ JEFFERY DEAVER 'You will find it hard to put down' MARK BOWDEN EVERY BODY HAS SECRETS It all starts with a series of text messages. Each message contains a new picture of a corpse, missing its face and hands. Dr Temperance Brennan needs to find out who the dead man is, and why the images were sent to her. The only problem is, she has been kicked off the team. So she goes rogue, knowing that she is the only one who can solve this case. As she starts her investigation she discovers a connection to a decade-old missing child case. The more she uncovers, the darker and more twisted the picture becomes . . .***Don't miss the new high-stakes Temperance Brennan thriller –​ THE BONE HACKER is available for pre-order now . . .***Praise for A Conspiracy of Bones 'I can’t recall when this many twists have been so masterfully woven into a novel. A great series has just gotten greater' JEFFERY DEAVER, #1 internationally bestseller author of The Bone Collector and The Never Game 'A Conspiracy of Bones shows off Kathy Reichs’ dazzling new level of plotting mastery.' KARIN SLAUGHTER, #1 internationally bestselling author of The Last Widow and The Good Daughter 'Reich's fast-paced, tightly-constructed, and very contemporary story dives underground here, both literally and virtually, as she follows the thinnest of threads deeper and deeper into a shocking conspiracy. You will find it hard to put down' MARK BOWDEN, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Last Stone and Black Hawk Down 'So many pulse-pounding twists and surprises—it kept me guessing till the end!' R.L. STINE, bestselling author Goosebumps and Fear Street 'This is Kathy Reichs doing what she does best: sorting through the bones until the shocking end' BRAD MELTZER, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Escape Artist 'Kathy Reichs writes brilliant mysteries that are as realistic as non-fiction and as fast-paced as the best thrillers about Jack Reacher or Alex Cross' JAMES PATTERSON 'Nobody does forensics thrillers like Kathy Reichs. She’s the real deal' DAVID BALDACCI 'Each book in the Temperance Brennan series is better than the last, I just can’t get enough!' LISA SCOTTOLINE 'Every minute in the morgue with Tempe is golden' THE NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW

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Eva Murray moved to Matinicus in 1987 to teach in its one-room school. She married an island man and stayed to raise their family there. Over the years she's written a number of lively columns and articles for mainland publications. But, as she says, she doesn't do lobster wars:"If you're looking for a rabid, swashbuckling tell-all account of maritime outlaws or cut-throat lobstermen, you won't be very impressed. Yes, a rough side of this community exists, but in order to live here happily, I avoid cultivating fear. The same boys who might sprinkle roofing nails in a man's driveway, if they get mad enough, will rush to the same fellow's aid when he's in real danger, and that's the truth. Likewise, if you hope to relive an idyllic summer vacation or read an escape-to-Maine fantasy with the call of the loon and long walks on the beach, you might feel a bit short-changed. Astonishing natural beauty certainly exists on Matinicus Island, but I'm not working too hard to promote this place to visitors. The rare treat of an outer-island sunrise is a privilege for the deserving, which means for those who have endured the six months of gales or the six weeks of fog or the six days of waiting for the weather to break so the airplane can fly and they can get here. In the twenty-three years I have lived here, it's true there have been bullets. One, I think, flew right over my head a few years back. There has been vandalism, drunk driving, sabotage, theft, abuse of power, and people just acting like general-purpose jerks. Those things happen everywhere. There have also been heroic rescues, valiant searches for lost mariners, hospice care, fires fought, electricity restored, boats rescued, spontaneous celebrations and heartfelt acts of support, and graves dug by hand. In those things, we may be different from most places, and here's why: It is not strictly the certified professionals who fight the fires or care for the sick or save the drowning. It's just us."These are the stories of that unique community, of an interdependence that is all too rare these days but necessary for this island's survival. Murray writes with a keen eye and sharp wit, sharing stories that are sometimes poignant, sometimes mind-boggling, and often hilarious. She lives in a place where, "You love it, absolutely love it here, 51 percent of the time. That is enough to make you stay."

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A suspense filled tale of murder on the American frontier—shedding new light on a family of serial killers in Kansas, whose horrifying crimes gripped the attention of a nation still reeling from war.'A carefully researched and horribly compelling examination of unimaginable evil intruding upon everyday life' The ObserverIn 1873 the people of Labette County, Kansas made a grisly discovery. Buried by a trailside cabin beneath an orchard of young apple trees were the remains of countless bodies. Below the cabin itself was a cellar stained with blood. The Benders, the family of four who once resided on the property were nowhere to be found. The discovery sent the local community and national newspapers into a frenzy that continued for decades, sparking an epic manhunt for the Benders. The idea that a family of seemingly respectable homesteaders—one among the thousands relocating farther west in search of land and opportunity after the Civil War—were capable of operating "a human slaughter pen" appalled and fascinated the nation. But who the Benders really were, why they committed such a vicious killing spree and whether justice ever caught up to them is a mystery that remains unsolved to this day. Set against the backdrop of postbellum America, Hell’s Half-Acre explores the environment capable of allowing such horrors to take place. Drawing on extensive original archival material, Susan Jonusas introduces us to a fascinating cast of characters, many of whom have been previously missing from the story. Among them are the families of the victims, the hapless detectives who lost the trail, and the fugitives that helped the murderers escape. Hell’s Half-Acre is a journey into the turbulent heart of nineteenth century America, a place where modernity stalks across the landscape, violently displacing existing populations and building new ones. It is a world where folklore can quickly become fact and an entire family of criminals can slip through a community’s fingers, only to reappear in the most unexpected of places.“Dark and bloody, hard-nosed but lyrical, Hell’s Half-Acre is a true-crime mass-murder mystery from the Old West. Susan Jonusas has stripped down a notorious story, researched it to hell and back, and rebuilt in prose so immediate and immersive that it feels like she must have been there. Beware the Benders, but all hail Susan Jonusas. This is a stunning debut from a great and powerful new voice in narrative non-fiction.” Dan Jones, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Templars, The Plantagenets and Blood and Thrones

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Toto is no ordinary cat, and she can't wait for you to join her on her FIFTH ninja adventure! From one of the UK's best-loved broadcasters.Toto's brothers, Silver and Socks, and their best friend Catface have just been made Deputy Ninja Cats! But while celebrating, they accidentally break a boat belonging to a very important cat and find themselves heading north to a bootcamp for naughty animals.Deep in the Scottish Highlands, they must climb mountains, paddle leaky canoes and prove that they can work as a team. But something isn't quite right at the bootcamp, and Toto's ninja senses are on high alert ...There is a local legend of a super-strong wildcat, destined to raise an army and take over all of Scotland. Toto knows she must find out more, but danger is lurking at every turn. Can she find the mysterious wildcat, before it's too late?Ideal for reading aloud or for children to curl up with and read alone, the story features brilliant black and white illustrations throughout. With themes of friendship, inclusivity and winning in the face of adversity, this is a hilarious must-read for all animal-loving kids! The hardback edition features paw-print endpapers and an inner-cover hidden beneath the jacket - making it a brilliant gift for young readers. From one of the UK's best-loved broadcasters, theToto series is purrfect for fans of The Aristocats, The Secret Life of Pets and Atticus Claw Breaks the Law. Dermot says: 'The idea for Toto first came to me when my wife and I rescued two stray cats from an olive grove in Italy. One of them, Toto, has been blind from birth, but we quickly realised she had ninja-like reactions. Like a lot of cat owners (or cat servants), we like to imagine our pets having secret lives when we're out or asleep. So before I knew it I was writing about Toto and her brother Silver's nocturnal adventures around London. I really hope that children who pick it up enjoy reading the adventures of our little Italian underdog (cat).'Have you seen Toto's other adventures? The Great Snake Escape, The Incredible Cheese Heist, The Superstar Catastrophe and The Mystery Jewel Thief are out now, and make perfect gifts for young readers.For more animal adventures, discover Wings of Glory. Can one tiny bird help to win a world war? A funny action-adventure story with a feathery twist, from the bestselling children's author of Toto the Ninja Cat, Dermot O'Leary, with glorious illustrations throughout by Claire Powell.

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This powerful and moving historical novel is inspired by the written recollections and the memories that haunted the author’s father, Nicias Aridjis,—a captain in the Greek army, who returned from the fields of battle to Smyrna, 50 miles northwest of his hometown of Tire, in 1922 just as Turkish forces captured this cosmopolitan port city. Smyrna in Flames , by the internationally acclaimed Mexican writer and poet Homero Aridjis, lays bare the unimaginable events and horrors that took place for nine days between September 13 and 22—known as the Smyrna Catastrophe. After capturing Smyrna, Turkish forces went on a rampage, torturing and massacring tens of thousands of Greeks and Armenians and devastating the city—in particular, the Greek and Armenian quarters—by deliberately setting disastrous fires. After years of fighting in World War I and the Greco-Turkish War, Nicias enters a Smyrna under siege. He desperately moves through the city in search of Eurydice, the love of his life whom he left behind. Wandering the streets, the sounds of hopelessness commingle in his mind with echoes of the ancient Greek poets who sang of the city’s past glories. Images and voices, suggestive of Homeric ghosts adrift in a catastrophic scenario, conjure up a mythological, historical, geographical quest that, in the manner of classical epic, hovers between the heroic and the horrible, illustrating the depths and depravity of the human soul. Making his way from district to district, evading capture, Nicias observes the last vestiges of normal life and witnesses unspeakable horrors committed by roaming Turkish forces and irregulars who are randomly abusing and raping Greek and Armenian women and torturing and murdering their men. What he experiences is literally a living hell unfolding before his eyes. As Nicias passes familiar buildings, cafes, and churches, his mind and soul fill with nostalgia for his earlier life and the promise of love. Fortunately for the reader, the brutal and bloodthirsty scenes of the Smyrna Catastrophe are leavened by the voice of this “visionary poet of lyrical bliss, crystalline concentrations and infinite spaces,” as Kenneth Rexroth has described Aridjis. His portrayal of a genocide-in-progress floods our senses, turning these chaotic scenes into a poignant drama. At the very end, aboard one of the last ships to take refugees out of Smyrna before its final fall, Nicias scours the throng of thousands of desperate Greeks and Armenians pressing forward to escape on already overcrowded ships. Suddenly Turkish forces move in to shoot and stab, and, overwhelmed by the all-pervasive tragedy, Nicias abandons Smyrna and Asia Minor forever.

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"I love every aspect of this amazing book—a genderfluid hero, a deadly contest, and vicious courtly intrigue. Get! Read! Now!" —Tamora Pierce, #1 New York Times bestselling authorI needed to win. They needed to die.Sallot Leon is a thief, and a good one at that. But gender fluid Sal wants nothing more than to escape the drudgery of life as a highway robber and get closer to the upper-class—and the nobles who destroyed their home. When Sal steals a flyer for an audition to become a member of The Left Hand—the Queen's personal assassins, named after the rings she wears—Sal jumps at the chance to infiltrate the court and get revenge. But the audition is a fight to the death filled with clever circus acrobats, lethal apothecaries, and vicious ex-soldiers. A childhood as a common criminal hardly prepared Sal for the trials. And as Sal succeeds in the competition, and wins the heart of Elise, an intriguing scribe at court, they start to dream of a new life and a different future, but one that Sal can have only if they survive.This heart-pounding YA story of magic, danger, and revenge is perfect for readers looking for: epic books for tweens and teens gay and lesbian fantasy and science fiction gripping stories with queer and gay magic and sorcery gender fluid representation and gender diversity dazzling world-building and relatable charactersPraise for Mask of Shadows:A Bustle Most Anticipated YA of 2017!"Compelling and relatable characters, a fascinating world with dangerous magic, and a dash of political intrigue: Mask of Shadows completely delivered. Fantasy fans will love this book."—Jodi Meadows, New York Times bestselling coauthor of My Lady Jane"An intriguing world and a fantastically compelling main character make for a can't-miss debut. Miller's Mask of Shadows will make you glad you're not an assassin—and even gladder Sal is."—Kiersten White, New York Times bestselling author of And I Darken and Now I Rise"It is fabulous. Go forth and read the Hunger Games-like craftiness and intensity, Kaz Brekker-ish determination and moral questionability, and utterly charming romance." — LGBTQ Reads"Uber bloody and action packed, Mask of Shadows is the book for anyone who loves a heavy dose of grit and gore with their fantasy." — TeenVogue.comDon't miss the highly anticipated second book in the Mask of Shadows duology, Ruin of Stars, and Linsey Miller's standalone YA fantasy Belle Révolte, both available now!

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You can run.You can hide.But can you ever escape your past?'Lisa Gardner always delivers heart-stopping suspense' HARLAN COBEN'Stories that grip from the first page' KARIN SLAUGHTER'The absolute master of the psychological suspense novel' SHARON BOLTON'...a brilliant book, not to be missed under any circumstances' THE INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAYFROM THE INTERNATIONAL #1 BESTSELLING AUTHOR comes an enthralling thriller, where getting closer to the truth forces the detectives to confront the uncomfortable truths in their pasts.____________________Annabelle Granger was seven years old when it first happened. She arrived home to find the suitcases packed and her parents desperate to flee their home. Then followed years spent running, from what, or who, she doesn't know, just an endless blur of new faces and new towns.Now, aged 30, Annabelle has finally settled in Boston and is happy with her life. Until the bodies of six girls are found in the grounds of an abandoned mental institute and a newspaper declares her one of the victims.Detectives D. D. Warren and Bobby Dodge are determined to unravel the decades-old riddle and they fear that the discovery signals the return of a notorious serial killer, Mr Bosu - Bobby's worst nightmare. As they get closer to the truth they will all be forced to confront the uncomfortable truths in their pasts; because ultimately, there is no hiding place...____________________Praise for Lisa Gardner thrillers:'Unpredictable, suspenseful from beginning to end... I loved it' ***** Reader Review'I was totally enthralled with this novel, it kept me held in a tight grip from beginning to end...' ***** Reader Review'I read lots of psychological thrillers but this was amongst the best... If you like a fast moving, suspense filled, sometimes gruesome, 3D character read, then this is it' ***** Reader Review'This book had me hooked from the start. I love how it kept me guessing all the way to the end and I still didn't figure it out. Great characters and storyline' ***** Reader Review' ...the most thrilling and enjoyable I have read and I intend to read every one of her books as, so far, they have all been excellent' ***** Reader Review'This is an excellent novel and I highly recommend this to other readers' ***** Reader Review'It starts well and finishes even better!' ***** Reader Review'There was barely time to pause for breath reading this!' ***** Reader Review'This author is unrivalled in the genre in my opinion' ***** Reader Review

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When we are baffled by the insanity of the “other side”—in our politics, at work, or at home—it’s because we aren’t seeing how the conflict itself has taken over. That’s what “high conflict” does. It’s the invisible hand of our time. And it’s different from the useful friction of healthy conflict. That’s good conflict, and it’s a necessary force that pushes us to be better people. High conflict is what happens when discord distills into a good-versus-evil kind of feud, the kind with an us and a them. In this state, the brain behaves differently. We feel increasingly certain of our own superiority, and everything we do to try to end the conflict, usually makes it worse. Eventually, we can start to mimic the behavior of our adversaries, harming what we hold most dear. In this “compulsively readable” (Evan Osnos, National Book Award-winning author) book, New York Times bestselling author and award-winning journalist Amanda Ripley investigates how good people get captured by high conflict—and how they break free. Our journey begins in California, where a world-renowned conflict expert struggles to extract himself from a political feud. Then we meet a Chicago gang leader who dedicates his life to a vendetta—only to realize, years later, that the story he’d told himself about the conflict was not quite true. Next, we travel to Colombia, to find out whether thousands of people can be nudged out of high conflict at scale. Finally, we return to America to see what happens when a group of liberal Manhattan Jews and conservative Michigan corrections officers choose to stay in each other’s homes in order to understand one another better, even as they continue to disagree. All these people, in dramatically different situations, were drawn into high conflict by similar forces, including conflict entrepreneurs, humiliation, and false binaries. But ultimately, all of them found ways to transform high conflict into good conflict, the kind that made them better people. They rehumanized and recatego­rized their opponents, and they revived curiosity and wonder, even as they continued to fight for what they knew was right. People do escape high conflict. Individuals—even entire communities—can short-circuit the feedback loops of outrage and blame, if they want to. This is an “insightful and enthralling” (The New York Times Book Review) book—and a mind-opening new way to think about conflict that will transform how we move through the world.

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The new Harlan Coben blockbuster has arrived. From the # 1 author and creator of the hit Netflix drama Stay Close, a page-turning thriller that will keep you guessing until the very last page.'This thriller is one of his best yet' Sunday Express'The master of the modern thriller' Glamour'Typically clever' The Sun______________David and Cheryl Burroughs are living the dream - married, a beautiful house in the suburbs, a three year old son named Matthew - when tragedy strikes one night in the worst possible way.David awakes to find himself covered in blood, but not his own - his son's. And while he knows he did not murder his son, the overwhelming evidence against him puts him behind bars indefinitely.Five years into his imprisonment, Cheryl's sister arrives - and drops a bombshell.She's come with a photograph that a friend took on vacation at a theme park. The boy in the background seems familiar - and even though David realizes it can't be, he knows it is.It's Matthew, and he's still alive.David plans a harrowing escape from prison, determined to do what seems impossible - save his son, clear his own name, and discover the real story of what happened that devastating night.______________More love for I Will Find You ...'It's a perfect page-turner' RTÉ Guide'This is a dramatic suspenseful Coben novel... a fabulous crime novel' Press Association'Compelling... A fantastically breakneck prison break/fugitive adventure story' Observer'This rattling yarn has Netflix stamped all over it' Irish Indepdent'An enthrallingly tense read from start to finish' Heat'I Will Find You bristles with the irresistible storytelling nous that is Coben's purview' Financial Times'You'll lock yourself away so you aren't interrupted while reading!' Prima'Rightly admired for his plotting, Coben pulls off some trademark twists' Sunday Times______________Readers can't get enough of I Will Find You ...***** 'Oh my! My eyes hurt! My heart is my mouth! I'm still hyperventilating as if I ran 10K marathon. This book is extremely action packed, absolutely heart pounding and definitely one of the best books Harlan Coben created.'***** 'Harlen Coben never disappoints! I tore through this one in two days, a fast-paced story that will suck you in and leave you breathless.'***** 'Such an incredibly twisty story that I had to unravel as soon as possible! I can highly recommend I WILL FIND YOU to all mystery/thriller fans! You will love it!'***** 'This story has many twists and was very suspenseful. I couldn't hardly put it down.'

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