Book picks similar to
Maze Monster by Michael Dahl


2nd-grade
fiction
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read-aloud-nathan

My Mother's Wedding


Frankie McGowan - 2013
    She was forever at war with her father Harry. And she became estranged from him after she refused to give up her lover, a man her father loathed. But after he dies, Alice has to reassess their stormy relationship. And when her quiet, retiring, sixty-year old mother looks set to remarry less than a year after their father's death, the rest of the family are in uproar. Who is this stranger who has stolen their mother's heart and quite possibly her wealth, her siblings demand to know? Alice, however, believes that there is more to her gentle mother's new love than meets the eye. And she realises that it's not her mother's future that needs to be examined - but her past. From the metro bustle of London to the vibrant lure of Chicago, Alice searches for a truth that has been hidden through the years. And yet if she finds it, can she, or indeed the entire Melrose family, deal with the consequences? 'My Mother's Wedding' is a moving story of family, love and secrets that will grip readers from the first page to the last. 'An incredible story that kept me hooked.' - Holly Kinsella, best-selling author of 'Uptown Girl'. Frankie McGowan is a journalist and former magazine editor. Her novels include 'A Kept Woman' and 'A Better Life.' Endeavour Press is the UK's leading independent publisher of digital books.

The Garden by the Sea


Amanda James - 2022
    Said to contain soil from Tintagel, the mysterious seat of the legendary King Arthur, whomever made a wish upon the box would have ‘a beautiful garden, bountiful crops and love of their fellow man’. Lowena isn’t inclined to believe the myth but can’t part with the box, knowing how much it meant to her mum.Starting over with a new home and a new job in the Cornish village of St Merryn, Lowena can’t help feeling lost and alone… but she isn’t the only one. Now, as a community of misfits finds solace and friendship in the shade of her growing garden, she realises there might have been truth to the mythical box after all, and she may just be growing the life and love she’s always wanted

The Rose Stone


Teresa Crane - 1985
    A diamond, gained through betrayal and blood, upon which the Rosenberg family's fortunes were founded and whose price is yet to be paid. Kiev, 1875: Josef Rosenberg narrowly escapes death from a Cossack raid, rescuing Tanya, the youngest daughter of his old friend Boris Anatov. Fleeing to a new life in England, his skill as a diamond cutter – and the notoriety of being the man who cut the famed Rose Stone – are the foundation of success and security. But even as his reputation for fine jewellery flourishes, and Josef’s new family grows large and wealthy, the thought of the Rose Stone – and of what had been done to acquire it – will cast a dark shadow of guilt and revenge, eclipsing generations to come. The Rose Stone is a dazzling saga of love, family and suspense by the best selling author, perfect for fans of Lisa Kleypas and Santa Montefiore.

Siege of Azalea Plantation (Azalea Plantation #1)


B.J. Robinson - 2015
     That becomes hard to do when Lieutenant Reese Armstrong sieges it for use as a hospital for his wounded soldiers and encampment grounds during the forty-seven day standoff for control of the Mississippi River before the surrender of Vicksburg. Widow Alexis Bella Seaborne led a sheltered life in the arms of massive oaks at Azalea Plantation with her husband Luke Wyatt until the Civil War forced her to forget about the elegant dress of a lady and embrace survival when a Yankee officer took control of her home. Reese never thought he’d fall for a Southern belle, but he can’t deny the attraction he feels each time Alexis’s haunted blue eyes show passion for the home she loves and her beloved South. He can’t help but envy the love and regard she held for her husband and longs for love like it. Alexis never thought she could love again when her husband died in the war. How could she fall for a Yankee when Union soldiers killed him? Left with nothing but a war-ravaged rundown plantation after the invasion of an ocean of blue, can she find trust and faith to move on? As movement flutters in her stomach, can she let go of the past to find a future for her and her unborn child? Her first love was sweet, young, and innocent, and she loved him with all of her heart, yet this handsome Yankee devil invaded her home and made her blood sizzle. His touch seared her skin as well as her heart. Worse yet, his kisses entrapped her lips and devoured her, consuming her with a passion that told her she was still alive and had not been buried with her husband. Despite her efforts to die on the inside, he awoke the spirit, heart, and passion she thought she’d buried for good. Book one of a two book serial, but may be read as a stand-alone. The second book will pick up with Reese still battling the raging Civil War and focus on the ending of the war. This one focused on the Battle of Vicksburg.

The Housekeeper's Daughter


Rosie Meddon - 2018
    Kate Bratton dreams of more. It’s 1914, and her life is mapped out ahead of her: continue working as a maid in the beautiful Woodicombe House, settle down with Luke the gardener and, of course, start a family.Desperate to run away in search of adventure, Kate’s plans are curtailed by the arrival of the Russell family at Woodicombe House. Tasked with becoming a ladies-maid for their daughter, Naomi, Kate gets a glimpse of the other side of life. Little does she know that all families have secrets, no matter their standing.Will Kate return to the safety of her life before the Russell’s departure? Or will the handsome Ned Russell turn her head? The Woodicombe House Sagas The Housekeer’s Daughter A Wife’s War (Coming March 2019) Praise for The Housekeeper's Daughter: ‘I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and found the story to flow well. There were many twists and turns that built up to the final conclusion. Very enjoyable and definitely recommended’ 5* Reader review

Behind the Tupelo Tree: Secrets of the South Vols. I and II


Corinda Pitts Marsh - 2014
    These women must brave turbulent times and decide right and wrong in a hostile world too often based on color and gender. They form an alliance that lasts for generations. Pivotal in the lives of these women, big Earl loves them both and protects them, risking his own life. Coming to them from the block in New Orleans with heavy iron chains on his ankles, Earl changes their lives forever. Later he does the same for a third woman from another world. His legacy carries him into the next century as his son stands behind the Tupelo tree watching helplessly as an innocent man is lynched. The intertwining of these lives tells the story Behind the Tupelo Tree.

COMING HOME TO BYLAND CRESCENT an absolutely heartbreaking and unputdownable historical family saga (The Cowgill Family Saga Book 3)


Bill Kitson - 2022
    

The Third World War


Ira Tabankin - 2016
    Near the end of the current President's term, China and Russia decide the time will never be better to take down America. They know the current administration has run down and demoralized the military. Half of American navy's mighty aircraft carriers are in out of service for repairs, the Army is the smallest it's been eighty years. The average age of the US Air Force fighters is over 25 years old. The AF is down to less than 100 nuclear bombers from a high of 600. Their war plan, Operation Whirlpool was to launch a surprise nuclear attack to knock out America. War usually plans end up in the trashbin when the enemy is engaged. Operation Whirlpool ran into an unexpected situation. The American’s weren’t as surprised as the Chinese and Russians thought. A US Navy attack submarine stumbled upon the Russian and Chinese SSBN’s sneaking up on the American coast. When the first missiles fly, the world explodes in war as old hatreds flare up. The story is told by a Russian historian who was selected by the Russian President to record the shortest war in history, which will leave Russia ruling the surviving world.

The Psychotic Side Chick


Trinity Dekane - 2017
    Tiffany Beasley, a very smart, lovely, angry woman has fallen head over heels in love with Lamont Moore. She is treated like royalty, but when her main chick status is reduced to side chick; all hell breaks loose. As she attempts to regain her sanity, she is yet again pushed and tested to the limit. Is she truly falling off the edge, or is someone playing mind games with her? Find out what happens in this tale of love and pain, and becoming a bitter, Psychotic Side Chick!

That Deadly Space: A Civil War Novel


Gerald Gillis - 2017
    Conor Rafferty joins the Confederate army as a young infantry officer against the wishes of his father who, in his Irish anger, is adamantly opposed to a war with the North. Conor soon finds himself in many of the war’s most consequential battles, leading from the front and risking all inside that deadly space. He serves with distinction in General Robert E. Lee’s celebrated Army of Northern Virginia as it seeks the crowning victory that will end the war and stop the carnage. Along the way, Conor becomes a protégé of fellow Georgian John B. Gordon who eventually rises to command a Confederate army corps. At the conclusion of each chapter, the narrative transitions to the now aged Conor who answers the probing questions of his grandson Aaron, himself a captain in the U.S. Army and scheduled for duty in Europe during World War I. The grandfather and grandson thus spend a week together—a week of sharing, learning, and bonding. That Deadly Space is a compelling tale that portrays the drama, heroism, romance, and tragedy of the Civil War.

Rabbitskin


Catturd - 2020
    What I destroyed in that building might end up saving this sorry planet.This dumbass shrink has been trying to dissect my brain all week. He thinks the months I spent lost in the wilderness somehow turned me into a Loony Tune. Boy, is he barking up the wrong tree. No matter how many drugs they pump into my veins, they'll never make me forget what really happened.

Defiance: The Complete Box Set (The Defending Home Series Books 1-3)


William H. Weber - 2017
    He grows his own crops, generates his own power and draws fresh water from his own deep aquifer.But when a nearby town's water supply dwindles in the searing Arizona heat, Dale's peaceful existence is threatened.The new mayor and sheriff want every last drop for themselves and they're willing to do whatever it takes to get it.With a crooked local government conspiring against him, Dale will need to stand in defiance or risk losing everything.Includes all three books in The Defending Home Series. Book One: Defiance, Book Two: A House Divided and Book Three: Judgment Day.

The Orphan’s Christmas


Molly Britton - 2019
    Soon after, Abby and her mother find themselves out on the streets in the bitter cold. But the heartache has only begun, and each Christmas brings cruel twists of fate that change Abby's life forever. The factory job Abby thought would save her sends her running for her life. When she can run no more and collapses on the street, she is taken in by Lucas, a man she wants to trust but can't. She accepts the job he offers, buying time until she can escape. But freedom costs Abby many things, and her heart cannot stop thinking of Lucas. As Abby accepts her hopeless plight in life, Christmas approaches, a time of deep sadness for Abby. But an unexpected meeting brings hope to Abby, if only briefly. Can Abby find happiness amidst all the sorrow in her life? What has become of Lucas, the only man who showed kindness to her?

Hunters Security: 5-Books RomCom Bundle


Kira Graham - 2020
    

Final Authority


Robert J. Dobransky - 2002
    He has a job he loves, a vivacious, pregnant wife, a young son and a beautiful home in Evergreen, Colorado. Bruce's life is rewarding, full, and his position is seemingly secure. Suddenly, an accident in Reno, Nevada, threatens to snatch away everything he cherishes: his family and his career. Bruce was in command of the ill-fated flight, and the airline and FAA blame him for the catastrophe.Bruce soon finds himself fighting against powerful enemies: the airline's bosses, the government, his wife's wealthy mother, and other unseen but dangerous adversaries. Just when Bruce's situation seems hopeless, help arrives from several sources: David Goldstein, an investigative reporter, reveals that there is much more to the accident than meets the eye. Mike Barrow, a retired Marine colonel and close friend of Bruce's, joins the investigation only to find himself thrust into the corporate intrigue at the highest level. Ava O'Kane, a thirty-eight-year-old executive within the circle of power at the airline, makes a shocking discovery of corruption within the organization and she has to choose between evil and good, love and money.Finally, pushed to the limit, Bruce takes control of his predicament in an unprecedented and decisively violent, though legal manner. It's the only way he can stop the conspiracy. In the process of saving himself, his career and his company, can an airline captain get away with murder?