Winner of the 2021 Alberta Literary Awards’ George Bugnet Award for Fiction Shortlisted for the 2021 ReLit Award for Fiction A Casual Optimist Book Cover of Note An exciting debut novel told in connected short stories that captures the diverse and complicated networks of people who stretch our communities—sometimes farther than we know. Set in the cities, reserves, and rural reaches of Alberta, Katie Bickell’s debut novel is told in a series of stories that span the years from 1990 to 2016, through cycles of boom and bust in the oil fields, government budget cuts and workers rights policies, the rising opioid crisis, and the intersecting lives of people whose communities sometimes stretch farther than they know. We meet a teenage runaway who goes into labour at the West Edmonton Mall, a doctor managing hospital overflow in a time of healthcare cutbacks, a broke dad making extra pay through a phone sex line, a young musician who dreams of fame beyond the reserve, and a dedicated hockey mom grappling with sense of self when she’s no longer needed—or welcome—at the rink. Always Brave, Sometimes Kind captures a network of friends, caregivers, in-laws, and near misses, with each character’s life coming into greater focus as we learn more about the people around them. Tracing alliances and betrayals from different perspectives over decades, Bickell writes an ode to home and community that is both warm and gritty, well-defined and utterly complicated.
Katie Langston is an unlikely convert to Christianity. She grew up in a devout, conservative Mormon family in Utah, served a proselytizing mission to Bulgaria when she was 21, married for "time and all eternity" in the Mormon temple when she was 23. From the outside, she had a typical Mormon life. Inside, she was coming apart at the seams. From childhood, she battled "The Questions"—obsessive-compulsive disorder, though she didn't have a diagnosis for it until much later—and lived inside a complex maze of anxiety and fear. This was compounded by Mormonism's emphasis on "worthiness," a designation of acceptability in Mormon practice, that brought her to the edge of despair as a young mother. Then, almost by accident, she had an encounter with the grace of Jesus Christ—and her world changed. In candid but not sensationalized ways, Langston explores little-understood Mormon practices and teachings while grappling with universal human questions such as the nature of faith, the complexity of family, the process of healing, and what it means to truly belong. This book is intended to be a bridge-builder, a way to help non-Mormons understand Mormonism and Mormons orthodox Christianity through the power of personal narrative. Most of all, it is a testimony of Jesus Christ, in the hopes that those who read it—Mormon, Christian, or neither—will catch a glimpse of the spectacular, life-changing grace of God.
NATIONAL BESTSELLER NAMED A BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR BY NPR AND GLAMOUR! “One of those rare emotionally intelligent books that are also fun reads… Going to keep readers turning pages late into the night.” –The New York Times “Ingenious…fresh and unpredictable.” –The Washington Post “Gleefully overturn[s] the age-old ‘woman-in-trouble’ plot…eerie and inventive.” –NPR's Fresh Air What if the murder you had to solve was your own? Lou is a happily married mother of an adorable toddler. She’s also the victim of a local serial killer. Recently brought back to life and returned to her grieving family by a government project, she is grateful for this second chance. But as the new Lou re-adapts to her old routines, and as she bonds with other female victims, she realizes that disturbing questions remain about what exactly preceded her death and how much she can really trust those around her. Now it’s not enough to care for her child, love her husband, and work the job she’s always enjoyed—she must also figure out the circumstances of her death. Darkly comic, tautly paced, and full of surprises, My Murder is a devour-in-one-sitting, clever twist on the classic thriller.
Lottie Lacey and her mother, Louella, share a house in Victoria Court with Mr Magic and his son Baz. Lottie is a child star, dancing and singing at the Gaiety Theatre to an enraptured audience, whilst Louella acts as Max Magic's assistant. But Lottie was in hospital for weeks after a road accident and has lost her memory. Louella tries to help but the white mist remains. Until Lottie meets a boy with golden-brown eyes who calls her "Sassy" and accuses her of running away. It is after this meeting that the dreams start, dreams of another life, almost another world, and Lottie, sharing them with Baz, begins to believe he knows more than he chooses to tell. But then Merle joins the act and Lottie feels Baz and Merle, both older than she, are in league against her. Then the dreams begin to grow clearer and Lottie realises she must find her past, at no matter what cost.
From the author of How We Fall Apart comes a tense and thrilling YA about what it means to not feel safe in the places we call home. Anna Xu moves out of her parent's home and into the dorms across town as she starts freshman year at the local, prestigious Brookings University. But her parents and their struggling Chinese bakery, Sweetea, aren't far from campus or from mind, either. At Brookings, Anna wants to keep up her stellar academic performance and to investigate the unsolved campus murder of her childhood babysitter. She also finds a familiar face–her middle-school rival, Chris Lu. The Lus happen to be the Xu family's business rivals since they opened Sunny's, a trendy new bakery on Sweetea's block. Chris is cute but still someone to be wary of... until a vandal hits Sunny's and Anna matches the racist tag with a clue from her investigation. Anna grew up in this town, but more and more she feels like maybe she isn't fully at home here–or maybe it's that there are people here who think she doesn't belong. When a very specific threat is made to Anna, she seeks out help from the only person she can; Anna and Chris team up to find out who is stalking her and take on a dangerous search into the hate crimes happening around campus. Can they root out the ugly history and take on the current threat? The Lies We Tell is a social activism/we all belong here anthem crossed with a thriller and with a rivals-to-romance relationship set on a college campus.
A gripping and atmospheric debut that is at once a chilling gothic mystery and a love letter to Victorian fiction. Nobody ever goes to Hartwood Hall. Folks say it’s cursed… It’s 1852 and Margaret Lennox, a young widow, attempts to escape the shadows of her past by taking a position as governess to an only child, Louis, at an isolated country house in the west of England. But Margaret soon starts to feel that something isn’t quite right. There are strange figures in the dark, tensions between servants, and an abandoned east wing. Even stranger is the local gossip surrounding Mrs. Eversham, Louis’s widowed mother, who is deeply distrusted in the village. Lonely and unsure whom to trust, Margaret finds distraction in a forbidden relationship with the gardener, Paul. But as Margaret’s history threatens to catch up with her, it isn’t long before she learns the truth behind the secrets of Hartwood Hall.
In The Garden of Fertility, certified fertility educator Katie Singer explains how easy it is to chart your fertility signals to determine when you are fertile and when you are not. Her Fertility Awareness method can be used to safely and effectively prevent or help achieve pregnancy, as well as monitor gynecological health. Singer offers practical information, illuminated with insightful personal stories, for every woman who wants to learn to live in concert with her body and to take care of her reproductive health naturally. The Garden of Fertility provides: Directions (and blank charts) for charting your fertility signals Instructions for preventing pregnancy naturally – a method virtually as effective as the Pill, with none of its side effects. Guidelines for timing intercourse to enhance your chances of conceiving without drugs or hormones Information to help you use your charts to gauge your reproductive health – to determine whether you’re ovulating; if you have a thyroid problem, low progesterone levels, or a propensity for PCOS or miscarriage; or if you’re pregnant Nutritional and nonmedical strategies for strengthening your gynecological health Clear descriptions of reproductive anatomy, hormonal changes throughout the menstrual cycle, and how conception occurs
When your voice is all that matters—sing loud. As Hazel Fine steps out of her crummy hotel room into the bright LA sunshine, she knows she’s got one, and only one, chance. Her audition for the massive talent show, The Sing Along, could change her life forever. She has the skills, what she needs now is a bit of luck. Soon Hazel finds herself alongside fifteen other contestants who all have the same dream: superstardom. There’s the beautiful Hollywood golden child, Bella. The bright, bubbly country singer, Zoey. The extraordinarily handsome surfer/influencer, Benji. And Hazel, who has more to hide than her past. She’s got the chops, but can she handle the pressure without self-combusting? Add in an undeniable attraction to the show’s talented yet brooding musical director, Nick, and the lecherous tactics of one of the judges, Hazel soon finds herself in over her head. But with her guitar strapped to her shoulder, she’s going to sing her heart out—and maybe open herself up to love at the same time. Who says you can’t have it all . . .
You Should Smile More: How to Dismantle Gender Bias in the Workplace empowers women and men to unlock a culture of greatness in the workforce—one little thing at a time. Written by six C-suite women with a collective resume covering 29 industries, the book offers a completely new lens through which to talk about and tackle the stubborn remnants of gender bias at work. “In the business world, barriers to inclusion are barriers to success,” states a line from the book’s Introduction. “Diversity breeds better solutions faster if people feel comfortable in their environment.” But from small indignities to unconscious slights, women experience situations at work every day that may seem small or unimportant but that effectively differentiate and exclude them. These are not #MeToo moments - they are micro-offenses; the small, awkward, or uncomfortable moments that slow-build until the unwelcome environment takes hold and women disengage. Situations the authors address range from things like use of the term “girl” versus “woman,” watching male colleagues leave work for a social event where women colleagues were left off the invite list or hearing that a qualified woman shouldn’t be offered an assignment because she has small children at home. You Should Smile More shows witnesses, allies, supervisors, and women at every level in their careers how to dismantle everyday gender bias, based upon the latest research, personal accounts, and interviews with dozens of professionals, both women and men. Widely known as a meme, the title itself is now a call-to-action against the very advice women so frequently hear from male colleagues or bosses. The authors spotlight these all-too-familiar moments, offering realistic strategies every witness can use to confront and productively address them. The information within the book finally advances women in the corporate workplace as equals and advances organizations on the path to creating cultures of true inclusion. The authors call themselves “The Band of Sisters” and have collectively seen it all, from the bottom rung to the boardroom. They know firsthand how hard it is to navigate these gendered situations in the moment. Now they share their experience with a forward-looking eye -- often with humor, and in a way that recognizes the realities of the workplace. With this book as a guide, The Band of Sisters are ready to: + Help anyone to recognize and effectively respond to these micro-moments rooted in gender bias. + Pave the way for their ultimate elimination, through shared participation. + Allow organizations to build high-performance cultures that truly value and include diverse perspectives and experiences. Gender bias has been part of our workplaces for too long. We are at the point now where all of us who are in the workplace, around conference tables, water coolers and in Zoom meetings, must make the next push for real change.
The Band of Sisters, a collective of women who know firsthand how hard it is to navigate gendered workplace situations in the moment, share their experience and offer realistic strategies every witness can use to confront gender bias and productively address it at work. Each chapter also has tips to help if it's about you, if you're the boss, and if you're the witness.
Mills & Boon Heart — Stories of love, compassion and happiness. The Late Bloomer’s Road To Love - Marie Ferrarella When other girls her age were dating and finding love Rachel Fenelli was working with her father, keeping the family restaurant going after her father’s heart attack. Now she’s on the verge of starting the life she should have started years ago. Enter Wyatt Watson, the only physical therapist her stubborn dad will tolerate. But little does Rachel know that her dad has an ulterior — matchmaking? — motive! Is dreamy Wyatt really the perfect medicine for Rachel too? A Delicious Dilemma - Sera Taíno Val Navarro’s first mistake: going out dancing so soon after a bad breakup when the chef should be focused on her family business. Her second mistake? Thinking the handsome, sensitive stranger she meets could be more than a rebound — until she discovers he’s Philip Wagner of Wagner Developments. His father’s company could shut down her Puerto Rican restaurant and unravel her tight-knit neighbourhood. When Philip takes over negotiations, Val wants to believe he has good intentions. But is following her heart a recipe for disaster? The Family She Didn’t Expect - Helen Lacey Marnie Jackson has one mission: to discover her roots in Cedar River. She’s determined to fulfill her mother’s dying wish, but her sexy landlord and his charming daughters turn out to be a surprising distraction from her goal. Widower Joss Culhane has been focusing on work, his kids, and his own family drama. Sure, Marnie connects with his girls — and with him — but she’s only staying a few months. Why risk opening his heart to another woman who might leave them? The Texas SEAL’s Surprise - Cari Lynn Webb Suddenly single — and pregnant — Abby James hopes Three Springs, Texas, will give her the fresh start she craves. But five minutes in and she’s already clashed with a former Navy SEAL on horseback. Wes Tanner might be devastatingly handsome, but Abby has no time for romance. Especially with a man intent on leaving town. Abby wants to plant some roots…and falling for the tempting Texan could upend all her plans! The Puppy Problem - Katie Meyer There’s nothing single mum Megan Palmer wouldn’t do to help her son, Owen. So when his school tries to keep his autism service dog out of the classroom, Megan goes straight to the principal’s office… Luke Wright isn’t cowed easily, but he’s impressed by Megan’s advocacy. Still, the more he works with Megan to assist Owen, the more he recognises feelings simmering between them. Can Luke win over the mother-and-son duo he’s come to adore? Stealing Her Best Friend’s Heart - Tara Randel Heidi Welch has her eye on the perfect home…until Reid Masterson buys it! Now Heidi has one last chance to get back the home of her dreams from her childhood friend and long-time crush. If she helps Reid with the renovations, he’ll sell her the house. But ‘just friends’ seems just about impossible…especially when friendship keeps getting in the way of falling in love.
A versatile collection of monologues written by 8 writer / performers who all share one thing in common; they've all successfully written and performed their pieces at TriForce's Monologue Slam. Due to the writers being from a variety of different backgrounds, there are a vast range of perspectives for performers to explore. Between them, as both writers and performers, they have a wealth of TV, film and theatre experience and are passionate about writing monologues that not only connect with a performer but with a diverse audience too. Whether you're auditioning for Monologue Slam, drama school or for any other showcasing opportunities, this book offers a mix of heart-warming, witty and gripping speeches for you to get your teeth into.
NATIONAL BESTSELLER “One of those rare emotionally intelligent books that are also fun reads… Going to keep readers turning pages late into the night.” –The New York Times “Ingenious…fresh and unpredictable.” –The Washington Post “Gleefully overturn[s] the age-old ‘woman-in-trouble’ plot…eerie and inventive.” –NPR's Fresh Air What if the murder you had to solve was your own? Lou is a happily married mother of an adorable toddler. She’s also the victim of a local serial killer. Recently brought back to life and returned to her grieving family by a government project, she is grateful for this second chance. But as the new Lou re-adapts to her old routines, and as she bonds with other female victims, she realizes that disturbing questions remain about what exactly preceded her death and how much she can really trust those around her. Now it’s not enough to care for her child, love her husband, and work the job she’s always enjoyed—she must also figure out the circumstances of her death. Darkly comic, tautly paced, and full of surprises, My Murder is a devour-in-one-sitting, clever twist on the classic thriller.
SOMETIMES THE ONLY PERSON WHO CAN SOLVE YOUR MURDER IS YOU. 'Startling and original, My Murder is a gripping speculative twist on the crime novel.' - Paula Hawkins bestselling author of The Girl on the Train 'Completely absorbing. A smart, speculative twist on domestic suspense.' - Ashley Audrain 'One of the most original, smart, funny and thought-provoking books you'll read this year' - Daily Mail Lou has been murdered. She was the fifth victim of the serial killer Edward Early. A young wife and new mother, Lou's death outraged a public breathlessly following the story of the serial murders. Lou has been cloned. Along with Early's other four victims, Lou has been brought back to life by the government-funded replication commission. The women gather at a weekly support group, helping each other to navigate a society obsessed with their very existence. Lou has been lied to. But when Lou agrees to help fellow murder victim Fern secure a visit with Edward Early, a shocking revelation causes Lou to investigate the events around her death and question everything she thought she knew about her murder. Can she finally uncover the truth? Praise for Katie Williams: "Like an extended episode of 'Black Mirror' ... Williams offers a master class in not losing sight of the human element... the kind of story that - in the subtlest of ways - can instruct us, and nourish us, and make us want to live and love a little better."-Matt Haig, New York Times Book Review "[A] vivid, clever debut." -O, the Oprah Magazine "Allow me to introduce you to your new favorite writer." -James Hannaham, award-winning author of DELICIOUS FOODS: A Novel "Delightfully weird and humorous...a fascinating exploration of our increasing reliance on technology and our obsession with finding a quick fix for everything." -Shondaland "A sharp and moving novel." -Publishers Weekly "With its clever, compelling vision of the future, deeply human characters, and delightfully unpredictable story, this novel is itself a receipe for contentment." -Kirkus Reviews, starred review "My prescription for happiness is: 'Sit still, read a book that can't be classified by genre, and tell everyone.' I'm telling you, Katie Williams delivers." -Helen Ellis, New York Times-bestselling author of AMERICAN HOUSEWIFE
New York Times bestselling author Katie Ashley revs up the danger and sexual tension in her brand-new Vicious Cycle romance series. Deacon Malloy’s life is dedicated to the Hells Raiders motorcycle club. Tough, hard, and fast with his fists, he serves the group as sergeant at arms. But his devil-may-care approach to life is thrown for a loop when the five-year-old daughter he never knew existed lands on the club steps. Alexandra Evans is devoted to all her students—but there’s always been something about Willow Malloy that tugs at her heart. There’s an aura of sadness about her, a girl in need of all the love Alexandra can give. When Willow stops coming to school, Alexandra’s search leads to a clubhouse full of bikers…and a father hell-bent on keeping his daughter always within sight. The moment Deacon sees Alexandra, he has to have her in his bed—and he’s never met a woman yet who couldn’t be persuaded. No matter how attracted she is to Deacon, Alexandra refuses to be just another conquest. But it’s Deacon himself who could be seduced—into a brighter future for himself, his daughter, and the woman he’s falling for against all odds.
Lottie Lacey and her mother, Louella, share a house in Victoria Court with Mr Magic and his son Baz. Lottie is a child star, dancing and singing at the Gaiety Theatre to an enraptured audience, whilst Louella acts as Max Magic's assistant. But Lottie was in hospital for weeks after a road accident and has lost her memory. Louella tries to help but the white mist remains. Until Lottie meets a boy with golden-brown eyes who calls her "Sassy" and accuses her of running away. It is after this meeting that the dreams start, dreams of another life, almost another world, and Lottie, sharing them with Baz, begins to believe he knows more than he chooses to tell. But then Merle joins the act and Lottie feels Baz and Merle, both older than she, are in league against her. Then the dreams begin to grow clearer and Lottie realises she must find her past, at no matter what cost.
Sa plus grande erreur : être tombée amoureuse. Avant : du plus loin qu'elle se souvienne, Reena a toujours aimé Sawyer. Mais un jour, le garçon quitte leur petite ville de Floride sans crier gare... Après : Sawyer revient. Entre les deux : un nouvel amour dans la vie de Reena, sa fille, Hannah...
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