Mia’s been exceptionally lucky since moving to Lily Pond Lane. But even on her honeymoon with the man of her dreams, she still has one remaining wish. Ella wishes Gill would propose. But since Mia’s wedding something’s changed in their relationship. Now he’s spending time with newcomer, Tabbie Talbaine, Ella wishes Tabbie will leave as quickly as she arrived. Tabbie wishes she hadn’t driven her car into a pond. But it could be the best thing that’s ever happened to her. When she discovers Hollywood heartthrob, Justin Lake’s staying in the village, getting an interview for her popular blog isn’t her only wish. Bree was told she couldn't have a baby. Now she’s expecting twins and is simply wishing it all goes well. And as for Hettie ... she wishes she could get her hands on an old map of the village. Because there’s something hidden in Little Pondale that Hettie Turner really wants to find. This is the final book in the Lily Pond Lane series.

    Charlotte has an understanding with Captain Nicolas Paget - every inch the gentleman - who she expects someday to marry. But then she meets Josiah Martyn, and everything changes...A driven and ambitious Cornish mining engineer, and the complete opposite to Captain Nicholas, Josiah has come to London to help build the first tunnel under the river Thames. When unpredictable events occur at the inauguration of the project, Josiah and Charlotte are suddenly thrown into an unexpected intimacy.But not everyone is happy with Charlotte and Josiah growing closer. As friends turn to foes, will they be able to rewrite the stars and find their happy ever after, although all odds seem to be stacked against them...?

    She has recently been hired by a Parisian auction house for a job that could make or break her career. Unfortunately, daredevil journalist Cédric Castel seems intent on disrupting Aurora’s routine. As Aurora and Cédric embark on a journey across France, they get more than they bargained for as they find themselves battling rogue antiques dealers and personal demons, not to mention a growing attraction to each other. But with the help of a fairy godmother or two, could they both find their happily ever afters? What folks are saying about A Paris Fairy Tale: ~ OMG! This book, I am absolute love with it! There are not enough words to really do justice to how wonderful this book is. Frankie, Chicks, Rogues and Scandals ~ I loved this book and found it so difficult to put it down. Janette S. ~ I loved this novel from beginning to end, Marie Laval hasn’t disappointed with her second novel for Choc Lit. Bee M. ~ Swoon! A book that has every base covered - gorgeous setting, go-getting characters, history, mystery, romance and thriller vibes! What more could you want from a book?! I loved every page! Karen, Books & Me. ~ Marie Laval has written another fabulous read that is simply enchanting. Romantic, uplifting and engrossing from beginning to end, A Paris Fairy Tale is a gorgeous read set in the most beautiful city in the world that readers will not be able to resist. Julie, The Book Review.

    But all I’ve ever wanted is to be a Lamron. That’s the word normal spelled backward. Anyways, now I have the chance to go to a regular school and be a regular girl I’ll do whatever it takes to fit in. Fitting in is easy. All I have to do is: Keep my magic a secret Swap my favorite colorful clothes for boring black ones Suck up to scary Mrs. Rogers, the school principal Keep my pet cat, bat and corncob from causing any trouble And stay away from Izzy. She’s all colorful and funny and awesome…. and not helpful for fitting in. But when everything starts to go wrong, there’s only one way to save my new school… use magic. And only one person who can help me… Izzy! Evie Everyday Witch is a series of chapter books that kids and parents will love. Ideal for reluctant readers. Evie's quirky, funny personality will sweep kids off their feet, and get them reading again! PRE-ORDER NOW!

    Unfortunately, this year her husband has invited his best friend to visit, the glamorous and sophisticated Abby, and Eve reluctantly decides that she needs to inject a little sparkle into their laid back and slightly shabby Christmas. So the celebrations are upgraded to include champagne and canapes along with homemade gravy and organic turkey and plans are made for a Christmas that looks as though it has emerged from the pages of a glossy magazine. But even the best laid plans can go wrong and as Eve struggles with her mini Yorkshire puddings and an interfering cat, she is suddenly faced with an unexpected guest and an explosive secret that threatens to put her vision of a perfect Christmas in jeopardy.

    But she has absolutely no idea who the deceased is. She’s told that he invited her on his deathbed, and he’s very keen for her to attend, so she heads off to a dilapidated old farm house in a remote part of Wales. When she gets there she discovers that only five other people have been invited to the funeral. None of them knows who he is either. NO ONE GOING TO THIS FUNERAL HAS EVER HEARD OF THE DECEASED. WHAT IS GOING ON?? Then they are told that they have 20 hours to work out why they have been invited in order to inherit a million pounds. Who is this guy and why are they there? And what of the ghostly goings on in the ancient old building? Featuring Mary Brown, star of the Adorable Fat Girl series of books, in her greatest adventure yet. This is BOOK NINE in the series, but can be enjoyed as a stand-alone book or as part of the series.

    Well today I've had mine.Hey, I'm Albertus Eagle and it turns out I'm an unwitting pet detective. I haven't always been such a successful legal beagle, but when I'm confronted with a case that is so personal I can't ignore it, I discover I have a passion for finding those who don't want to be found.Cleo the cat? Well, she tags along for the ride.I've not only found myself a new home after the untimely demise of my previous owner, but I've also made amends with the cat. It turns out she's not that bad, really.On top of that, what sends shivers racing down my spine to my paws, is that we've fingered a killer.How?Because you humans underestimate us animals. And while you go about your business ignoring our very existence, the cat and I are listening and taking notes.

    But could the Cornish village and Cadan play a part in Samantha’s summer of self-discovery?

    Before ascending the throne on Christmas Eve, Greyson is given one month to explore how the other half lives. Armed with a few hundred dollars and a fake backstory, Greyson flies to Savannah, Georgia, to see if he has what it takes to chase the American Dream. Scarlett Calhoun is a Southern Belle with a heart as big as a Georgia peach. When she meets the charming construction worker, Greyson, it isn’t long before she is embracing the holiday cheer. Soon, she’s teaching him how to cook, falling for his exotic accent and soulful eyes, and joining him on picnic lunches where they talk for hours. With Christmas Eve nearing, Greyson must fly back to Aldora and either abdicate the throne, or take his rightful place as king. Will he ignore his birthright to remain with Scarlett or will she be royally abandoned?

    Luke Carrack is only too aware of this. He’s been away for two years but nothing has changed – from the town gossips who can’t see past the scandal of his childhood, to the cold way he is treated by some of his so-called family.The only person who seems to understand is local hotelier’s daughter Cat Trevelyan, although even Luke’s new friendship with her could set tongues wagging.But Carrenporth is about to experience far bigger scandals than the return of Luke Carrack – and the secrets unearthed in the process will shake the sleepy seaside town to its core …

    Her body may be headed to Dogwood Mountain, North Carolina, to celebrate the holidays with family, but her mind is on moving up the ladder at the online lifestyle brand Scoop.When Ivy’s chance encounter with an A-list actor reveals he’s headed to her hometown, she knows that scoop is the key to her big break. Earning a promotion should be a piece of cake—but chasing her story puts her face-to-face with the sinfully handsome Rand Cooper, her main high school competition and perennial thorn in her side.Rand always had a thing for Ivy, but she’s a tough nut to crack. Family and friends hope their flirtation will grow into something more. But will Ivy’s focus on the job of her dreams cost her the man who could help her build a real future?

    Chicken soup for your brain and soul, Animal Wisdom Word Search invites you to play!Who would have thought that practicing mental yoga, turbocharging creativity, and empowering personal mastery could be so much fun? Featuring Lauren McCall’s Animal Wisdom messages, these sixty easy to advanced puzzles are both an entertaining challenge to be solved and a meditation for self-realization.Once all words are found, a hidden message is revealed—a powerful wisdom quote to affirm each animal’s story. Plus, you’ll uncover fascinating facts and enlightening insights, savoring tasty food for thought on every page.This book can help you:* Stay sharp with a more flexible brain* Bring more peace and happiness into your life by connecting with our animal companions* Reduce the risk of early onset dementia and Alzheimer’s disease* Have fun with a purposeBoth a profound philosophy and fun puzzle book, Animal Wisdom Word Search is yoga for the brain that stretches your mind, nourishes your soul, and touches your heart.Complete all sixty puzzles, and in the process, discover that you have also solved the most important puzzle of all…you!

    A determined mother. A new case…Beth Haldane is on the verge of having everything she’s ever wanted. Her son is starting secondary school, her personal life seems to have settled – even her pets are getting on. Then the phone rings. It’s Beth’s high-maintenance mother, Wendy, with terrible news. Her bridge partner, Alfie Pole, has died suddenly. While Beth, and most of Dulwich, is convinced that Alfie has pegged out from exhaustion, thanks to playing with Wendy for years, Beth’s mother is certain that foul play is afoot. Before she knows it, Beth is plunged into her most complicated mystery yet, involving the Dulwich Bridge Club, allotment holders, the Dulwich Open Garden set and, of course, her long-suffering boyfriend, Metropolitan Police Detective Inspector Harry York. The case stirs up old wounds which are much closer to home than Beth would like. Can she come up trumps in time to stop the culprit striking again? Or does the murderer hold the winning hand this time?

    After delivering the pearl, Finn and Aria thought life would return to normal.But with the survival of the clans still in peril, they must continue their quest.Can they find the next relic before the forces of evil?Not everyone is who they appear to be, and time is running out ...

    Even when you don’t know the answer right away and consider giving up, you persevere, filling in letters, and then—A-HA!—your brain lights up with joy. But just as you might not want a big, heavy meal, you may also not want to spend hours on a complex puzzle. Sometimes, you just want a bite-size brainteaser. In Puzzlesnacks, you can choose from 39 different types of puzzles—from quick and easy to a bit more challenging. Featuring a stimulating collection of conundrums, including hints to get you started on solving many of them (and answers provided at the back of the book), this is the perfect book for satisfying your puzzle craving at any level. Puzzles are the pathway to clearer, more logical thinking, as well as better problem-solving skills. So find your new favorite type of puzzle with this ultimate collection that provides hours of brainteasing fun!

    Perfect for Spring! Fabulous new book from the best selling author of Oh Crumbs and Too Damn Nice. Highly recommended. She’s got the brains, he’s got the muscle … When Kelly Bridge’s parents insist on employing a bodyguard for her protection, she’s not happy. Okay, so maybe not every woman is on the cusp of developing a vaccine against a potential biological terrorist attack – but crikey, it’s not like she’s a celebrity! Ben Jacobs flunked spectacularly out of school, so he knows his new client Dr Kelly Bridge spells trouble for him. But on a conference trip to Rome he finds things are worse than he thought. Not only is he falling for the brilliant scientist, he’s also become horribly aware she’s in grave danger. As they go on the run, dodging bullets and kidnappers, can he resist his feelings and keep her safe? Other books by Kathryn Freeman: Oh Crumbs, A Little Christmas Charm, A Little Christmas Faith, Too Damn Nice, Before You, A Second Christmas Wish, Search for the Truth, Too Charming, Do Opposites Attract?

    But when the mysterious Emma drops into his life—barefoot, broke, and running scared—he can’t let her go.Artist Emmaline Katz has a dangerous secret. After escaping a ruthless criminal who exploited her for years, her quest for freedom crashes to a halt in rural Montana. Out of money and options, she finds an unlikely haven with a handsome cowboy. But no matter how much she wants to believe his offer of protection, he doesn’t know the truth about her, her secret, or the man who will stop at nothing to get her back.Time is running out. A cold-blooded killer has come to town, and Emma isn’t the only target.

    Do you have what it takes to make it to the grand final?With their first bestselling quiz book, the Only Connect team tested your lateral thinking with killer connections, challenging sequences and byzantine walls. Now, Only Connect question-setter (and former champion) Jack Waley-Cohen returns with a NEW collection of 200 cryptic, brain-busting questions, including many never-before-broadcast and all-new ones exclusive to the book. Organized into a series of discrete 4-round games, each game increases in difficulty, as you try to reach the grand final. It's like having your very own full series of Only Connect at home. With a healthy dose of trivia between games (What are the greatest ever Only Connect questions? Who is the best team of all time?) and an introduction by presenter Victoria Coren Mitchell, The Only Connect Quiz Book will take you skills to a new level. So limber up your frontal lobes, and get ready to pit your wits against the toughest quiz on TV.

    Sobol, The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner, and The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart

    At midnight. Missing 45 years’ worth of time.I’m Cassie Gearhart, and the last thing I remember, I cast a spell in 1974. Then, I woke up on a rainy July night to find it was 2019. And the entire Willow Creek Coven—my coven—was gone.Well, there is one witch left in Willow Creek, Virginia: Nick Felson, the grandson of my high priestess, a brooding farm boy with magic in his blood and a chip on his shoulder.Every time we get too close, love—the most powerful of magicks—draws us together. The passion? It threatens to be our undoing.There’s a whole host of other problems, though. For one, Nick wants nothing to do with magic—and therefore, with me, a witch lost in time.For another, the sinister magic that took the coven? It’s not finished with us.It’s barely getting started.Don’t miss the first book in the Tangled Magic Series, perfect for fans of the witchy magic of Charmed and for anyone seeking paranormal romance with a small-town setting!PRAISE FOR TANGLED ROOTS:“Witches. Spells. Love. A magical modern-day Sleeping Beauty story if Aurora was part of a witch's coven.”—Nurse Bookie Book Blog“A well-written, enthralling story that I thoroughly enjoyed escaping into.”—Splashes Into Books“I’m seriously in love with this book.”—Ana’s Column

    Akea’s world turns upside down when humans raid their home, scattering the pack and capturing her hybrid son. Salvador struggles to adjust to a life in captivity, quickly realising not everyone approves of his husky mother’s rise to Wolf Queen. And when the Great Wolf sends him warning dreams, Salvador discovers his true purpose for being there. ‘Step inside the minds of the huskies and wolves; feel both sides of the experience of loss and change; take the next step in the journey laid out by the Great Wolf.’

    She lives with other misfit monsters, with their quirky parts in their makeshift town. They survive by hunting at the nearby hunting grounds taking items discarded by humans and making them into something useful. Hunting is risky because they could be captured by humans. Zadi is an excellent hunter and maker, but now she’s finding it difficult.Something unusual has happened. There have been no new deliveries to the hunting grounds. This means there are no new items which can be used to recycle into something useful, and they are beginning to worry and fight with each other. Can Zadi come up with a plan which will help the misfit monsters and bring them together as a community? Enter the world of the misfit monsters, their quirky lives, and be part of their fun and adventures.

    And there is nothing in the first meeting between the conference planner and the university lecturer which suggests they should expect or even want to connect again. But they have more in common than they could ever have imagined. Both have unresolved issues from the past which have marked them; both have an archaeological puzzle they want to solve. Their stories intertwine and they discover together that treasure isn’t always what it seems.

    His colleagues think it’s a joke; his bosses are certain he will fail. What does Martin think? He simply does what he’s told. That’s how he’s survived up to now – by hiding his feelings.Amazingly, in the land of strange rituals, sweet and juicy apples, and too much saké, Martin flourishes and achieves the impossible. But that’s only the beginning. Keeping up the momentum for change proves futile. So, too, is a return to what he had before. Is there a way forward, or should he put an end to the search now?Gradually, as you’ll see when Martin looks back from near the end of his journey, life improves. There’s even a woman, Fiona, who brings her own baggage to the relationship, but brightens Martin’s days. And just when you think there can be no more surprises, another one pops up.Throughout his life, people have laughed at ‘weirdo’ Martin; and you, as you read, will have plenty of opportunity to laugh, too. Go ahead, laugh away, but you’ll find that there’s also a serious side to all this…

    

    LOOKING FOR A GIFT FOR THE BOOKWORM IN YOUR LIFE? THIS QUIZ BOOK IS IT!Which Haruki Murakami novel shares its title with a Beatles song? In Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, what is Charlie's surname? What is heavy-drinking Rachel Watson known as in the title of a 21st-century bestseller? And what do you get if you add the number of Bennet sisters in Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice to the number of Karamazov brothers in Fyodor Dostoevsky's The Brothers Karamazov?With four hundred questions covering books from literary classics to modern bestsellers, through iconic children's books and books you say that you've read but really you haven't, The Penguin Book Quiz is as appropriate for making you look well-read at a party as it is for a book-loving family to tuck into after Christmas dinner: it's as enjoyable to read as it is to play.Featuring the work of everyone from Antony Beevor to Zadie Smith, books from The Very Hungry Caterpillar to Ulysses, and with movie, music, television, theatre and literary references abounding, this entertaining quiz tickles the fancy (and the brains) of light and heavy readers alike.Answers:- Norwegian Wood- Bucket- The Girl on the Train- Eight (five sisters, three brothers)'Unceasingly enormous fun' Alan Connor, author of The Joy of Quiz'I'll definitely be buying copies of this book as gifts' Emma Healey, author of Elizabeth is Missing'The greatest social lubricant since the invention of alcohol' John Preston, author of A Very English Scandal

    But it's not easy training a mind that surpasses her in raw intellect. And the developing AI is capable of killing her with a single tantrum.On top of this, she must prove her loyalty to the oppressive government hovering over her shoulder. They want a weapon. She wants to instil an overriding sense of morality.Can she teach the AI right and wrong without being categorised as disloyal?Lost Tales of Solace are short side-stories set in the Lost Solace universe.

    When he gets kidnapped by the Planet Dragon Mercury, Stan finds himself in a universe of dragons who once ruled the skies as gods: Mars, Venus, Saturn, even Uranus.It's shaping up to be the best summer holiday in the history of the cosmos, until Stan realises that his sister Poppy is missing, and that Pluto (AKA Hades) is trying to use her to destroy the Solar System.All Stan has to do is learn how to fight like a hero in space armour, defeat the dragon god of the Underworld, rescue his sister and save the world. All before his parents realise they are missing.Easy.A cosmic adventure for Middle Grade readers.

    The fun begins when Gordon Montague receives a mysterious package with a coded message, and the drama plays out over multiple puzzle-solving gatherings. To successfully solve all the logic puzzles, you’ll have to study maps, blueprints, dartboards, mosaics, and more.

    Good, honest names that sound like you have just swallowed something pointy or are sneezing into custard. Even his parents make him feel like a complete stranger (especially his parents). Then he inherits something strange and frightening from his uncle. A Hairy Hand. It has the magical ability to find buried treasure, which suits his parents (thieves by trade) down to the ground. However, instead of making his life better, things suddenly gets a lot more dangerous. So, it is up to Sept to find out what else the Hand knows, and put things right.A gothic adventure story, with jokes, for Middle Grade readers.

    It hasn’t exactly done her any favours. Quite the opposite, in fact. Having become something of a loner, she tries to avoid people and the glow surrounding them, preferring to view life through the lens of a camera, where she can’t see those telltale colours.But when a rare visit to a theatre ends in death and bloodshed, Olivia’s life is about to become considerably more complicated.During the mayhem, one man stands out, and not just because he seems oblivious to the terrible carnage. The reason? He has no aura.But everyone has an aura, right?Everyone.Except for the dead.Not only is she fascinated and intrigued by this strange, compelling man, in the aftermath of the tragedy she gains a protector; a man whose aura is deep, dark red – the colour of blood.

    

    Before she can make sense of their murmurs, the house "warbles" between times and transports her to the Civil War. Past and present have blended, and Evie wishes she'd paid more attention to history. Especially since former Confederate officer, Jack Ramsey, could use a heads up.Torn between opposing forces, Jack struggles to defend the valley and people he loves. Meeting Evie turns his already tumultuous world upside down. Will solving the mystery of the whispers return her home, and will the handsome scout be by her side? Against the background of Sheridan's Burning of the Shenandoah Valley, Jack and Evie fight to save their friends and themselves – or is history carved in stone?

    Guzman still blames Meredith Hart and her father for his brother’s death. Bitter and grieving, he left the beloved ranch vowing never to return. Now a successful NYC attorney, he’s forced to return home to protect his mother’s financial interests when his step-father dies and divides the ranch between J.T.’s mother and Meredith in trust for her son. Seeing Meredith again hurts more than he imagined.Meredith has loved J.T. for as long as she can remember. As teens, he barely noticed her clumsy, youthful attempts to get his attention, except to wrongly condemn her on flimsy evidence. Now that her father is dead, she’s willing to do anything including work alongside him, if it means she can hold on to her son’s heritage. Finding forgiveness is a dream she’s also not quite willing to abandon.Drawn back into an emotional entanglement he thought he’d left behind, J.T. discovers that, far from being the enemy, Meredith may become the woman he loves.

     The Herculean test of your grit is as follows: Find the word or phrase solution to each one of my encrypted logic puzzles, called Theorems. Doing so will earn you entry into the elite ranks of The Master Theorem. It may take you some time, but trust me—it’ll be worth it. What's in it for you: Read my cryptic ramblings alongside each encrypted logic puzzle, called a Theorem Decipher each puzzle to reveal the word or phrase answer Become an expert in codes, ciphers, and mysteries of the universe Beautifully illustrated puzzle book with 40+ Theorems Get 3 hints and a full solution per Theorem in the back of the book Recommended for ages 13 and up, or 10 and up for young prodigies. Months of neuron-growing entertainment

    

    Margery, whose comfortable life was destroyed by a knock on the door. Stan, who made a mistake as a young footballer which cost him his friends and his self-respect. Marina, whose slim and stylish figure hides a terrible secret from the summer of Live Aid. And, Oliver and Archie, who have survived everything from post war homophobia to a family tragedy – and they have done it together. Deirdre believes that everyone should have a choice. If they want to live on a diet of cakes, drink the alcoholic equivalent of a small hydrotherapy pool, or take on a toy boy lover in spite of a dodgy heart, Deirdre believes it is their right to do so. If they remember her in their wills afterwards, that’s not her fault, is it? However, not everyone agrees with her. When disgruntled relatives from the present meet up with disgruntled ghosts from her past, Deirdre discovers the cost of being kind.

     Trapped on a burning island. And much more besides . . . Everything is at stake in this compendium of more than 150 ingenious puzzles, selected to reveal the wonderful diversity of brainteasers that have confounded and intrigued solvers for the last thousand years. You'll need to pit your wits against probability problems, wrestle with wordplay, grapple with geometry and scrabble for survival.Along the way you will discover stories of whip-smart thinkers, eccentric novelists and a poodle with allegedly supernatural powers. You will absorb fascinating and important mathematical ideas. Some solutions will rely on ingenuity, some will challenge you to spot hidden patterns, others call for extreme rationality. All will surprise, entertain and stretch your brain. Will you make it out with your puzzling pride intact?