A pair of siblings escapes—along with a Siberian Husky—the strictures of their 1950s industrial Ohio town on the adventure of a lifetime. Talented high-school senior Donna Lane yearns to leave her Midwestern home in pursuit of a career in design, but she feels obligated to stay and care for her helpless father and her younger brother, Will. In fragile health and obsessed with the television show Sergeant Striker and the Alaskan Wild, Will’s dearest companion is a mute Siberian Husky named Trusty. The arrival of two outsiders inspires Donna to consider her dreams anew. Then Will falls sick, and Donna packs up their yellow convertible—with Will, Trusty, and a road atlas—and sets off for the Alaskan Territory. A portrait of a singular American moment, My One Square Inch of Alaska is a moving tale of exploration and love—human and canine—that dares to believe the impossible.
As her big 3-0 approaches, Josie Toadfern's life seems more or less wrinkle-free. Since the laundromat owner, stain removal expert, and confirmed snoop's local stain-busting column went regional, she's become a true small-town celeb. And now she's been asked to give a speech in honor of her deceased junior high school teacher, Mrs. Oglevee—even though Josie remembers finding herself in hot water with the dour disciplinarian on numerous occasions. But then the late educator's alleged long-lost daughter hands her a note claiming that Mrs. O was murdered. Suddenly more than unpleasant middle school memories keep Josie up nights, as her unauthorized investigation begins turning up some very interesting dirt. Mrs. O, apparently, was more than just a tight-lipped prude who ruled detention with an iron fist. And when an Oglevee relative ends up dead, Josie realizes she'll have to air all of the family's dirty laundry . . . or she'll be spending her thirtieth birthday removing bloodstains.
Need something troublesome and unsightly eliminated permanently? Call Josie Toadfern! There is no stain on Earth that laundromat owner Josie Toadfern can't conquer, and she's offered to share her expertise on world famous domestic doyenne Tyra Grimes's TV show. No one is more shocked than Josie herself when the Great Grimes shows up in Paradise, Ohio, to tape a segment in Josie's teeny-weeny hometown. But rapidly spreading rumors of the insufferable icon's immoral—and quite possibly illegal—carryings-on have sparked Josie's curiosity, and her uninvited sorting through Grimes's dirty laundry is exposing all manner of dastardly doings—from mischief all the way to murder. And the irrepressible Toadfern soon realizes it will take more than lemon juice to make this lethal stain come out in the wash.
Laundromat owner and stain removal expert Josie Toadfern knows her tiny twon's dirty clothes and most of its dirty little secrets. But an upcoming "Psychic Fair" is bringing a brand-new mess to Paradises, Ohio. The arrival of all manner of mystics and soothsayers has raised the dangerous ire of a local evangelist and his minions, as well as the more conservative citizens of Paradise—so it doesn't take a crystal ball to predict that murder will ultimately foul the fair. But Josie couldn't foresee that she'd be the one to stubmle upon the body, or that her impeccable stain-sense would embroil her in the nasty homicidal happenings. And suddenly her attempt to psych out a killer has Josie's own future looking very grim indeed.
There's no fun in dysfunctional Small-town laundress Josie Toadfern has her own fair share of dirty laundry—namely the Toadfern clan! Ostracized from the family unit ever since her parents dumped eight-year-old Josie in a local orphanage, the stain-busting dynamo's stunned to find herself invited to crabby old family matriarch "Mamaw" Toadfern's Thanksgiving celebration—and too curious to refuse. But an even bigger shock is waiting for her there: Josie's long lost mom and pop, blandly unapologetic and full of new—probably illegal—get-rich-quick schemes. And when a dead body is tossed into the already explosive chaos of bitter feelings, intra-family feuding, and incinerated turkey meat, Josie finds herself in the most uncomfortable position of having to prove her disreputable dad innocent of murder. But cleaning up messes is Josie's business. And sometimes blood is thicker than cranberry sauce—and a much more difficult stain to eliminate.
This book is about the ability to just close your eyes and be here with me. No more pain from being in a wheelchair, chemo, abused, or just lonely. Children will be safe in my book. It will teach them to use their imaginations. I hope it helps all the children who read it or have it read to them. It is for all colors of children, no matter the race. We all have a guardian angel, and most have their own beliefs. Not trying to change anyone's beliefs, just to have fun and kindness. No special religion in my book.
Looking for a new book that will make your heart race? The twelfth edition of The Minotaur Sampler compiles the beginnings of six can't-miss novels—either standalone or first in series—publishing Fall 2024 for free for easy sampling. Standalone: In acclaimed author Julia Dahl's I Dreamed of Falling, the death of a young mother triggers an avalanche of secrets in a small Hudson Valley town. First in Series: In Michelle Chouinard’s clever mystery The Serial Killer Guide to San Francisco, the granddaughter of a serial killer shows readers another side of the beloved city. First in Series: Olivia Blacke’s A New Lease on Death is a darkly funny supernatural mystery about an unlikely crime-solving duo that launches a commercial, unique, and genre-blending series, death is only the beginning. First in Series: In Deborah J. Benoit’s Minotaur Books/Mystery Writers of America First Crime Novel Award-winning debut, The Gardener’s Plot, a woman helps set up a community garden in the Berkshires, only to find a body in one of the plot's on opening day. Standalone: A gripping new novel inspired by a real place and events from the author’s family, Trouble Island is the standalone suspense debut from historical mystery writer Sharon Short. First in Series: P. J. Nelson’s Booked for Murder is an atmospheric southern cozy debut, where Madeline Brimley returns to the bookstore she inherited, discovering that small towns hold deadly secrets.
As if running a successful laundromat and writing a perennially popular (and soon to be national!) household tips column weren't enough to keep Josie Toadfern busy, she's taken a gig on the side. The Mayfair Sisters, a local singing group from way back when, are reuniting for a benefit, and they need Josie to perform her stain-busting magic on their old tie-dyed costumes. But the dresses go missing, only to reappear in a fashion more deadly than retro. Although Josie's the prime suspect in the murder and mayhem that ensue, she's not about to allow her squeaky-clean reputation to be soiled by some false accusations. But this time, her snooping will land her in some very hot water . . .
Like nearly everyone else in Paradise, Ohio, local laundromat owner and stain-removal expert Josie Toadfern eagerly awaits the upcoming July 4th Founders Day celebration with its highlight, the annual Breitenstrater Pie Company pie-eating content, sponsored by the owners of the town's upper curst enterprise. But things may not be so sweet this year, what with juicy rumors flying that a black sheep Breitenstrater wants to spill the beans about some deep, dark family secret. And when a pie-making bigwig suspiciously drops dead after sampling the company's latest wares, Josie leaps into action. She loves her teeny-weeny community, despite its blemishes—and any stain on its reputation must be eradicated! But if she sticks her thumb—or her nose—into this particular pastry, she's going to pull our more thank a plum...and she may end up getting her own lethal just desserts.
Guys and girls get together, get played, and get real. Who Am I Without Him? is a Booklist Top Ten Romance Novel for Teens and is "breaking new and necessary ground" in twelve short stories about guys and girls falling in and out of love and relationships, testing out ways to communicate with one another, respect each other -- and respect themselves. This is a complex, often humorous, and always on-point exploration of today's teens determined to find love and self-worth . . . any way they know how. Note: this is potentially going to be in a bind-up with You Don't Even Know Me.
Kristen leaned closer, staring at the candle as moth after moth flew into the waiting flame.... Kristen Edwards is a bright girl full of possibilities-talented, a hard worker, and a horse-lover. The summer before her senior year, she gives in to the pleadings of her best friend's brother, Cameron Dalton, who wants to date her even though he's four years older and a recovering addict. He tells her he needs her, and she's committed to helping him change. But really he wants her...all of her. One terrifying night will change everything for Kristen. Parker Sullivan, who works on a high desert ranch in central Oregon where rescued horses and wounded children meet, is intrigued by the new ranch hand, Kristen. He's experienced enough of the rough side of life to know that something happened to her that causes the shadows in her eyes. How can he prove to her that he can be a place of refuge and a friend? If only she could see herself through his eyes.... Find courage, strength, and hope. Based on a real-life story. Don't miss Sharon Bernash Smith's other titles: Like a Bird Wanders; Old Sins, Long Shadows; The Train Baby's Mother; Once Upon a Christmas; Starry, Starry Christmas Night; Always Home for Christmas.
A gripping and unsettling short story set in the world of The Craftsman, from bestseller Sharon Bolton A dark moon is rising. A perfect black circle, barely visible in the night sky, the dark moon casts its void over the wind-scorched moor, over the soaring mass of a great limestone hill, and over the town that cowers in its shadow. The dark moon is the absence of moon before the slender silver crescent of the new moon appears again and people can breath a little easier. The month is March and the night is clear and cold, black as pitch. The full moon in March is known as the Worm Moon, welcome despite its ominous name, marking as it does the end of winter and the emergence of earthworms from the thawing ground. Dark moons have never been named, although they are sometimes called the dead moons. The dark moons reign over nights when people stoke up their fires, draw their curtains tighter and try to think happy thoughts. In the town of Sabden at the foot of Pendle Hill in Lancashire they usually fail. In Sabden's soot-blackened terraced houses, the sleepers' dreams darken when the moon leaves the sky. Infants wake up cold, mothers tremble with elusive fears for their children and old folks slip a little closer to death. Only the Craftsman welcomes the dark moon. Alone in the town, he is awake, and ready to start work.
Short films have come into their own, not least in part due to the incredible new ways to distribute them, including the Web, cell phones, new festivals devoted to shorts--even television and theatres. This is the ultimate guide for anyone who's made a short film and wonders what to do next. Whether your short film is meant to be a calling card, a segue to a feature film, or you just want to recoup some of the costs, this book describes the potential paths for distribution. Written by the short film programmer of the Tribeca Film Festival and featuring contributions from top film festival directors, as well as studio, marketing, and technology executives, this book shows you what's important to the decision makers and gatekeepers. This is the definitive handbook filled with insider information available nowhere else.
Short films have come into their own, not least in part due to the incredible new ways to distribute them, including the Web, cell phones, new festivals devoted to shorts--even television and theatres. This is the ultimate guide for anyone who's made a short film and wonders what to do next. Whether your short film is meant to be a calling card, a segue to a feature film, or you just want to recoup some of the costs, this book describes the potential paths for distribution. Written by the short film programmer of the Tribeca Film Festival and featuring contributions from top film festival directors, as well as studio, marketing, and technology executives, this book shows you what's important to the decision makers and gatekeepers. This is the definitive handbook filled with insider information available nowhere else.
Learn all about short-sales, the hottest topic in today’s real estate investing market, with Short-Sale Pre-Foreclosure Investing: How to Buy "No-Equity" Properties Directly from the Bank -- at Huge Discounts. Understand how to buy properties at big discounts, creating windfall profits. Using this guide, you can access information about a topic that 90% of real estate agents and investors know nothing about. Discover how to make huge profits from the banks’ misfortune, how to help homeowners in foreclosure while helping yourself, and how to stay on the cutting edge of the down market.
DNA Publications, one of the most remarkable publishing companies in the history of the science fiction, fantasy, and horror fields, has long maintained a tradition of excellence in short fiction. This long-awaited collection assembles some of the finest works from the DNA Publications line of magazines, which include Weird Tales, Fantastic Stories, Absolute Magnitude, and Dreams of Decadence. Contributors include Kelly McCullough, Warren Lapine, Sharon Lee & Steve Miller, Jamie Wild, Sarah A. Hoyt, Angelique de Terre, and Patrick Thomas.
Ms. von Bergener’s writing impels you to move out of your comfort zone. The use of colorful American idioms peppered throughout these tales adds a heightened dimension of reality. With memory layering, she swipes at Americana with cutting wordplay. She is an ambassador for both the downtrodden and the overindulgent; she plays no favorites. No scene is sugar-coated, but the extra treat is the realistic dialog and tidbits of information throughout the well-timed short stories. Inserted into each story—no matter how serious—is much-appreciated humor. Relationships come alive on the page, right down to each body movement, slang and scene description. Intriguing back stories breathe life into her quirky characters, whom you will discuss well after you have finished her tales. You will find yourself anticipating, shocked and ultimately chuckling with the farcical turn of events. You will go through different emotions at very close intervals, wondering how she can be so irreverent and poignant at the same time. It’s a heady combination. Ms. von Bergener’s stories leave you wanting more. Her poetry, snarky and cynical, stripped and unflowery, reflects her offbeat observations and insights—candid snapshots of life’s frustrations and triumphs.
This book is about short nursery rhymes for babies, young toddlers, and preschoolers who enjoy having reading time at the child care center or at home.
On a very dark night, Janet attends a party with her friends Livie and Nathan, where she meets Baker and begins a relationship with him. It is not until much later that Janet begins to unravel his nice-guy exterior and learns that Baker is perhaps not who he seems. Fever is a collection of sixteen short stories that reveal the secret inner lives of women and men, skilfully peeling back their defenses to expose crystallizing moments of joy, pain, fear, and guiltless pleasure. Sharon Butala infuses Fever with an intensity of emotion that often catches readers off guard, making for a reading experience that is always honest and powerful. HarperCollins brings great works of literature to life in digital format, upholding the highest standards in ebook production and celebrating reading in all its forms. Look for more titles in the HarperCollins short-stories collection to build your digital library.
A woman's mangled body found on the shoulder of a highway bypass near the small town of Astrick, Oklahoma, is mistakenly identified as 28-year-old Memory Smith. The town is aghast. Was Astrick's favorite daughter murdered or the victim of a grisly hit-and-run? Baffled by the initial reports, Astrick's Assistant District Attorney and Memory's former bad boy classmate, David (Mac) McCann, knows exactly where Memory is, and it's not lying dead beside a highway. While investigating the wild rumor of her death, and several subsequent foiled assaults on Memory, Mac and Memory stumble onto clues from another long-ago questionable death. Can they be connected to the mysterious woman on the highway? Better yet, can Astrick’s former hellion and the town's sainted miracle child find true love amid the chaos and confusion of a bumbling kidnapper and a town where everybody lies?
Patricia Delaney is tempted to turn down Gigi Lafferty's odd request to investigate her own past. She doesn't recognize the Cincinnati matron as her old pal Loretta King, who was once a stripper. By the time Patricia figures it out, Gigi has vanished!
As featured in U.S. News & World Report -- ...a must read 'fave' for moms, linking them in to career savvy advice, imaginative options, and terrific tips.*
A mysterious package left in the snow on Christmas Eve. A startling encounter with the homeless. A treasured gift of love. Set in the 1800s through the present, in colorful settings that span the globe, beloved inspirational writers Sharon Bernash Smith, Linda Reinhardt, and Rosanne Croft pen charming holiday stories to warm, delight, and romance the heart. Travel to small towns, to the tropics of Africa, to the wilds of Montana, to battlefields, and many more fascinating locations with 55 short stories featuring unforgettable characters who discover, in the midst of difficult circumstances, the true meaning of Christmas.
Thank you for visiting our website. Would you like to provide feedback on how we could improve your experience?
This site does not use any third party cookies with one exception — it uses cookies from Google to deliver its services and to analyze traffic.Learn More.