Book picks similar to
Ford At Valverde by Anita Melillo


historical-fiction
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american-civil-war
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Panhandle


Brett Cogburn - 2012
    The Texas Panhandle of the late 1880s is the last great open range of American legend. Into that wild unknown country ride two young cowboys. Nate Reynolds is the scion of a well-to-do family who lit out for the Panhandle in search of adventure--and gold. Billy Champion is a devil-may-care ne'er-do-well with a stubborn streak and an eye for the ladies. Together they aim to rid this violent territory full of rustlers, horse thieves, and the rest of the devils who slaughter innocents with no remorse. But when these friends fall for the same green-eyed beauty, their brotherhood will be put to the test. For in a land where your fortunes can change at the cock of a hammer, a man has to stay on his guard if he's going to protect what's rightly his--and live to enjoy it. . .In his gritty, pounding debut novel, Brett Cogburn, author of Rooster: The Life and Times of the Real Rooster Cogburn, The Man Who Inspired True Grit, proves he's equal to the task of writing the next great American western.Some folks are just born to tell tall tales. Brett Cogburn was reared in Texas and the mountains of Southeastern Oklahoma. He was fortunate enough for many years to make his living from the back of a horse, where on cold mornings cowboys still straddled frisky broncs and dragged calves to the branding fire on the end of a rope from their saddlehorns. Growing up around ranches, livestock auctions, and backwoods hunting camps filled Brett's head with stories, and he never forgot a one. In his own words: "My grandfather taught me to ride a bucking horse, my mother gave me a love of reading, and my father taught me how to hunt my own meat and shoot straight. Cowboys are just as wild as they ever were, and I've been damn lucky to have known more than a few." The West is still teaching him how to write. Brett Cogburn lives in Oklahoma with his family.

Jersey Rain


Robert Pinsky - 2000
    Gazingnowhere in particular, the slenderThunderer surrounded by thunder,Fire zigzag in his grasp, labeled "SpiritOf Communication"---unhistorical,Pure, the merciless messenger.--from "A Phonebook Cover Hermes of the Nineteen-forties"Innovative, engaging poems from a leading American poet.Stone wheel that sharpens the blade that mows the grain,Wheel of the sunflower turning, wheel that turnsThe spiral press that squeezes the oil expressedFrom shale or olives. Particles that turn mudOn the potter's wheel that spins to form the vesselThat holds the oil that drips to cool the blade.--from "Biography"Jersey Rain takes up a central American subject: the emotional power of inventions, devices, and homemade imaginings -- from the alphabet and the lyre through the steel drum and piano to the record player, digital computer, and television. Formally innovative and highly readable poems like "ABC," "Ode to Meaning," "To Television," and "The Green Piano" meditate a life guided by the quick, artful tinkerer-god Hermes: deity of music and deception, escort of the dead, inventor of instruments, brilliant messenger, and trickster of heaven.Tiptoe on the globe. Gazingnowhere in particular, the slenderThunderer surrounded by thunder,Fire zigzag in his grasp, labeled "SpiritOf Communication"---unhistorical,Pure, the merciless messenger.--from "A Phonebook Cover Hermes of the Nineteen-forties"Jersey Rain -- at once complex and aboveboard -- marks a new, strong, lyrical stage of Robert Pinsky's work. Assembled here are poems -- some of the finest of his career -- that together compose a sweeping and embattled meditation on the themes of a life guided by Hermes: deity of music and deception, escort of the dead, inventor of instruments, brilliant messenger and trickster of heaven.

No Fairytale


Ben Galley - 2019
    In their place, an iron-fisted empire has arisen, one that has finally brought order to the war-torn lands. An empire that has outlawed magick for anyone but itself.At last, it seems that peace has come to Emaneska. Or, that is what the emperor would have Emaneska believe. On the fringes of the Arkan Empire, a different story is being written. Those who show magick talent must join the empire, live as an outlaw, or hang for their crimes.The Last War is still being fought, homestead by homestead, and a young peasant girl is about to be thrust into the violent world that exists beneath the lies of empire.Welcome back to Emaneska.

Days Without End


Sebastian Barry - 2016
    Army in the 1850s. With his brother in arms, John Cole, Thomas goes on to fight in the Indian Wars—against the Sioux and the Yurok—and, ultimately, the Civil War. Orphans of terrible hardships themselves, the men find these days to be vivid and alive, despite the horrors they see and are complicit in. Moving from the plains of Wyoming to Tennessee, Sebastian Barry’s latest work is a masterpiece of atmosphere and language. An intensely poignant story of two men and the makeshift family they create with a young Sioux girl, Winona, Days Without End is a fresh and haunting portrait of the most fateful years in American history and is a novel never to be forgotten.

Operation Chimera


Tony Healey - 2014
     A chance to turn the tide in their favor is all legendary Captain Nicholas Driscoll needs to hear to lead an expedition behind enemy lines to the Chimera Nebula - a region of space so unstable it remains largely uncharted. Lieutenant Michael Summers sees an opportunity to matter, a chance to let future generations exist in a universe without constant war. He and other brave young cadets join the Manhattan for its first dangerous mission - to penetrate the Chimera Nebula and discover what it is the Draxx are doing in there. But first the ship and her crew will be tested by enemies both outside and within...

Sisters


Kathleen Thompson Norris - 2004
    "It can't be that marriage is the only--the only irrevocable thing If you had a partner that you couldn't go on with, you could come to SOME agreement You could make a sacrifice, but somehow you could end the association Peter," she said, earnestly, "when I think of marketing again--six chops and soup-meat and butter and baking powder--I feel sick When I think of unpacking the things I've washed and dusted for five years--the glass berry bowl that somebody gave us, and the eleven silver tea-spoons--I can't bear it "

The MX Book of New Sherlock Holmes Stories Part I: 1881 to 1889


David Marcum - 2015
    All the stories are traditional Sherlock Holmes pastiches.The authors are donating all the royalties from the collection to preservation projects at Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's former home, Undershaw.This volume covers the years from 1881 to 1889.Contents“Undershaw: An Ongoing Legacy for Sherlock Holmes” ©2015 by Steve Emecz.“The Case of the Lichfield Murder” ©2015 by Hugh Ashton. “The Case of the Vanishing Stars” ©2015 by Deanna Baran.“The Haunting of Sherlock Holmes” ©2015 by Kevin David Barratt.“The Case of the Vanished Killer” ©2015 by Derrick Belanger. “The Tale of the Forty Thieves” ©2015 by C.H. Dye. “The Adventure of the Defenestrated Princess” ©2015 by Jayantika Ganguly.“The Adventure of the Slipshod Charlady” ©2015 by John Hall.“The King of Diamonds” ©2015 by John Heywood. “The Adventure of the Fateful Malady” ©2015 by Craig Janacek. “Study and Natural Talent” and Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson photo illustrations on back cover and within the book ©2015 by Roger Johnson.“Foreword” Part I ©2015 by Leslie S. Klinger. “The Allegro Mystery” ©2015 by Luke Benjamen Kuhns. “Sherlock Holmes of London - A Verse in Four Fits” ©2014 by Michael Kurland.“The Adventure of the Pawnbroker’s Daughter” and “Editor’s Introduction: The Whole Art of Detection” ©2015 by David Marcum. “The Adventure of the Seventh Stain” ©2015 by Daniel McGachey. “The Kingdom of the Blind” ©2015 by Adrian Middleton.“The Ululation of Wolves” ©2015 by Steve Mountain.“The Strange Missive of Germaine Wilkes” ©2015 by Mark Mower.“The Deadly Soldier” ©2015 by Summer Perkins.“The Two Umbrellas” ©2015 by Martin Rosenstock.“The Song of the Mudlark” ©2015 by Shane Simmons.“The Adventure of the Inn on the Marsh” ©2015 by Denis O. Smith.“The Adventure of the Traveling Orchestra” ©2015 by Amy Thomas. “The Adventure of Urquhart Manse” ©2015 by Will Thomas.“The Adventure of the Aspen Papers” ©2015 by Daniel D. Victor.“The Case of the Vanishing Inn” ©2015 by Stephen WadeSherlock Holmes photo illustration on back cover © 1991, 2015 by Mark A. Gagen.

Fabulous Firsts: The Blue Collection: A Boxed Set of Six Series-Starter Novels from The Jewels of Historical Romance


Jill Barnett - 2015
    From the majesty of medieval castles to the glittering ballrooms of the Regency, read an enchanting novel from six of the twelve Jewels of Historical Romance!A KNIGHT IN TARNISHED ARMOR by Jill BarnettBook 1 of her Fool Me Once seriesEngland, 14th Century: Desperate to flee a forced marriage to England’s most fearsome knight, Lady Linnet of Ardenwood hires the dangerous mercenary, William de Ros, to help her escape to a convent. But de Ros is the new Baron Warbrooke, her betrothed, who has only a week to woo and win her heart.THE BRIDE WORE BLUE by Cheryl BolenBook 1 of her Brides of Bath seriesEngland, 1811: For six long years Thomas Moreland has dreamed of the beautiful young noblewoman who rescued him. Wealthy now, he's come to Bath to rescue his fair Felicity—while endeavoring to win her love.MIDNIGHT MARRIAGE by Lucinda BrantBook 1 of her Roxton Family SagaEngland & France, 1769: Based on real events, a hasty midnight marriage between teenagers establishes a dynasty. Ten years later, Deb stumbles across a wounded duelist in the forest. It is love at first sight. The stranger is in truth her husband Julian, Marquess of Alston, returned from years in exile to claim his wife before a rival can.THE FORBIDDEN DUKE by Darcy BurkeBook 1 in her The Untouchables seriesLondon, 1811: A decade ago, Titus St. John’s idle roguery brought about the ruin of Eleanor Lockhart—and his self-imposed isolation. Now she’s back, and she needs his help. But by “saving” her, The Forbidden Duke may ruin her life all over again.LADY DANGER by Glynnis CampbellBook 1 of her Warrior Maids of Rivenloch seriesScotland, 1136: Warrior maid Deirdre of Rivenloch never turns her back on a fight when her clan is threatened. But when she marries the powerful Sir Pagan Cameliard to save her sister, Deirdre faces a new kind of enemy who crosses swords with her by day and lays siege to her heart by night.GATHER THE STARS by Kimberly CatesBook 1 of her Culloden’s Fire seriesScotland, 1746: Englishwoman Rachel de Lacey vows to wed the bravest soldier. She is taken hostage by the Glen Lyon, the Highland raider saving Scotland’s orphans from English retribution. Branded a coward in battle, he teaches her a new meaning for courage. Also look for Fabulous Firsts: The Red Collection by six more bestselling Jewels of Historical Romance!

Avery’s Knot


Mary Cable - 1981
    Avery was tried for the murder of a twenty-nine-year-old mill worker, Sarah Marie Cornell. It was the first time a clergyman had ever been tried for murder in the United States and the first time an American murder trial became headline news. From this factual base, Mary Cable weaves a chilling novel of gothic desires and conflicting classes. She creates a rich atmosphere to show New England as it was then - simple, puritanical, superstitious, and unsentimental - on the brink of emerging from the eighteenth century into an industrial and far-more-complicated age. This dramatic, compelling story is as much about a time and place as it is about a notorious murder trial. A work of poetic intensity, Avery’s Knot is finally a classic, tragic tale of a woman caught between passion and puritanism.

Dracula Chronicles, Son of the Dragon


Victor T. Foia - 2012
    While other stories have been told about the real Dracula, Foia's account benefits from the unique perspective of a Transylvanian native and neighbor of the dark prince. Under Foia’s pen, the “Dracula Chronicles” finally pierces the veil of mystery that has shrouded Dracula for over 500 years. The multivolume historical novel unfolds in vivid detail Dracula’s metamorphosis from a naïve and trusting prince to the ruthless law-and-order king whose deeds have spawned the enduring vampire legend. The series takes place on the backdrop of the dying Middle Ages and the blossoming of the Renaissance. It is replete with towering passions, unbridled ambitions, vile betrayals, and righteous revenge. And, as one would expect, blood. "Son of the Dragon", Book One of the series, provides a first ever origin story of the mysterious character whose fame has survived for half a millenium. It begins Dracula's epic journey that will ultimately see the young prince become the famed strongman, warrior, and object of women's desire who has conquered the imagination of millions. Skilled at arms and often reckless, young Dracula seeks out danger to prove his readiness to be a man. An avid reader of history and lover of languages, he uses wit to overcome impossible odds facing him. Then, with a single impulsive step he launches himself into a hostile world capable of devouring even the strongest men. The book resembles a chess game in the intricacy of its historical context lurking beneath the surface. Yet, written with an economy of words that belies its hidden complexity, it reads with the ease of a game of checkers, making it hard for the reader to put down.

One Lie Too Many


Eileen Cook - 2019
    When Paige, the local golden girl goes missing, Skye uses her psychic visions to help the police with the case. Her readings have always been faked, but this time Skye has insider knowledge—straight from the kidnappers themselves who promise Skye a portion of the ransom money. But when their seemingly harmless prank goes terribly wrong, Skye realizes that the group she’s involved with are willing to kill to get what they want. Now, she’ll have to discover their identities before it’s too late.

Hurdy Gurdy


Christopher Wilson - 2021
    But his life is about to change. The sickness is creeping ever closer and the monks must attend to the victims. When Brother Diggory is nominated to tend to those afflicted, he realises he is about to meet the Plague, and that it is more powerful than him. What he doesn't realise is that encountering an illness and understanding it are two quite different things.An uproarious and uplifting novel about sickness and health, the fashions of 14th Century medicine, and how perhaps we're never quite as cutting-edge as we might like to believe.

The Yellow Birds


Kevin Powers - 2012
    In Al Tafar, Iraq, twenty-one-year old Private Bartle and eighteen-year-old Private Murphy cling to life as their platoon launches a bloody battle for the city. In the endless days that follow, the two young soldiers do everything to protect each other from the forces that press in on every side: the insurgents, physical fatigue, and the mental stress that comes from constant danger. Bound together since basic training when their tough-as-nails Sergeant ordered Bartle to watch over Murphy, the two have been dropped into a war neither is prepared for. As reality begins to blur into a hazy nightmare, Murphy becomes increasingly unmoored from the world around him and Bartle takes impossible actions. With profound emotional insight, especially into the effects of a hidden war on mothers and families at home, The Yellow Birds a groundbreaking novel about the costs of war that is destined to become a classic.

The Girl on the Beach


Mary Nichols - 2012
    Caught up in the chaos of a direct hit, Julie faces a stark choice between making a new life for herself or trying to pick up the pieces of a shattered identity.

Dhyan Chand


Luis Fernandes - 2013
    Overcoming great odds with indomitable courage, discipline and skill, he rose from humble beginnings to become the greatest figure in the sport.Under his leadership, India humbled the Europeans who were till then regarded as masters of the game and then went on to conquer all global hockey powers. The world still remembers how the Indian team gave the Nazis a bloody nose, when he led it to an 8-1 victory over the aggressive German side in the 1936 Berlin Olympics.The story of Dhyan Chand is the story of Indian hockey at its very best. The game defined his personality and his life. He strove for the glory of his country, desiring nothing for himself. India reigned supreme in hockey during Dhyan's playing years and for some decades afterwards, earning the country the respect of the world.