One spring night, while at home on a break from college, the threesome embarks on a night of adventure and experimentation, driving recklessly through the Connecticut Valley. Stopping at the French King Bridge, David -- full of hubris and hallucinogens -- dares to jump, mistakenly believing he'll be able to swim ashore. With this one act, he sets in motion an inexorable chain of events that indelibly alters the lives of everyone involved.Told through the alternating voices of Kay, Michael, and David's father, Kevin, The River Road is a closely observed and psychologically penetrating narrative of the accusations, murder investigation, and courtroom battle that follow.

    Green, quiet and full of strangers, he instantly feels out of place.But then he finds a skull hidden in a tree, and suddenly the valley is more frightening than the war. Who can Jimmy trust? His brother is too little; his best friend has changed.Finding an ally in someone he never expects, they set out together to uncover the secrets that lie with the skull. What they discover will change Jimmy – and the village – forever.A mesmerising mystery about bravery and brotherhood from an outstanding new voice.

    Moore classic. On this ship of mischievous brigands—who have visions of treasure chests, not sugarplums, dancing in their heads—you wouldn’t expect a visit from nice St. Nick. Instead, here comes Sir Peggedy, with his peg leg and hook arm, cracking his whip and driving eight giant seahorses: Salty, Scurvy, Sinbad, Mollie, Cutthroat, Cross-Eyes, Roger, and Jolly. Philip Yates’ rollicking rhymes and Sebastià Serra’s sprightly, fun-filled pictures—featuring whimsically multicolored seahorses, stockings hung on the ship’s bowsprit with tar, child-friendly pirates, and a complete treasure map—turn this Christmas perennial into a jubilant celebration!

    Here are twenty-five fresh images of the foundational truth that lies beneath and within the Christ story. In twenty-five portraits depicting how wild animals of the northern hemisphere ingeniously adapt when darkness and cold descend, we see and hear as if for the first time the ancient wisdom of Advent: The dark is not an end but the way a new beginning comes. Short, daily reflections that paint vivid, poetic images of familiar animals, paired with charming original wood-cuts, will engage both children and adults. Anyone who does not want to be caught, again, in the consumer hype of “the holiday season” but rather to be taken up into the eternal truth the natural world reveals will welcome this book.

    CHRISTMAS AT FEZZIWIG'S WAREHOUSECHARLES DICKENSII. THE FIR-TREE*HANS CHRISTIAN ANDERSENIII. THE CHRISTMAS MASQUERADE*MARY E. WILKINS FREEMANIV. THE SHEPHERDS AND THE ANGELSV. THE TELLTALE TILE*OLIVE THORNE MILLERVI. LITTLE GIRL'S CHRISTMASWINNIFRED E. LINCOLNVII. "A CHRISTMAS MATINEE"*MRS. M.A.L. LANEVIII. TOINETTE AND THE ELVES*SUSAN COOLIDGEIX. THE VOYAGE OF THE WEE RED CAPRUTH SAWYER DURANDX. A STORY OF THE CHRIST-CHILD*ELIZABETH HARKISONXI. JIMMY SCARECROW'S CHRISTMASMARY E. WILKINS FREEMANXII. WHY THE CHIMES RANG*RAYMOND MC ALDENXIII. THE BIRDS' CHRISTMASF. E. MANNXIV. THE LITTLE SISTER'S VACATION*WINIFRED M. KIRKLANDXV. LITTLE WOLFF'S WOODEN SHOESXVI. CHRISTMAS IN THE ALLEY*OLIVE THORNE MILLERXVII. A CHRISTMAS STAR*KATHERINE PYLEXVIII. THE QUEEREST CHRISTMAS*GRACE MARGARET GALLAHERXIX. OLD FATHER CHRISTMASJ.H. EWINGXX. A CHRISTMAS CAROLCHARLES DICKENSXXI. HOW CHRISTMAS CAME TO THE SANTA MARIA FLATS*ELIA W. PEATTIEXXII. THE LEGEND OF BABOUSCKAXXIII. CHRISTMAS IN THE BARN*F. ARNSTEINXXIV. THE PHILANTHROPIST'S CHRISTMAS*JAMES WEBER LINNXXV. THE FIRST CHRISTMAS-TREEBY LUCY WHEELOCKXXVI. THE FIRST NEW ENGLAND CHRISTMAS*G. L. STONE AND M. G. FICKETTXXVII. THE CRATCHITS' CHRISTMAS DINNERCHARLES DICKENSXXVIII. CHRISTMAS IN SEVENTEEN SEVENTY-SIX*ANNE HOLLINGSWORTH WHARTONXXIX. CHRISTMAS UNDER THE SNOW*OLIVE, THORNE MILLERXXX. MR. BLUFF'S EXPERIENCES OF HOLIDAYS*OLIVER BELL BUNCEXXXI. MASTER SANDY'S SNAPDRAGON*ELDRIDGE S. BROOKSXXXII. A CHRISTMAS FAIRY*JOHN STRANGE WINTERXXXIII. THE GREATEST OF THESE*JOSEPH MILLS HANSONXXXIV. LITTLE GRETCHEN AND THE WOODEN SHOE*ELIZABETH HARRISONXXXV. CHRISTMAS ON BIG RATTLE*THEODORE GOODRIDGE ROBERTS

    She was born on a Thursday. She won her first cooking contest at the age of eight on a Thursday. She met the love of her life, Mario, on a Thursday. They were married on a bright Thursday afternoon and their two children were both born on a Thursday. Annie is known far and wide for her Poke Pasta Salad and has the most popular restaurant for miles around. When Mario suddenly passes away, Annie’s joy and love of cooking disappears. Before too long, a little kitty appears and Annie takes the kitty in, and, of course, calls it Thursday. Annie is back making Poke Salad in no time. Thursday the cat is known for amazing twirls and tricks and one day his twirls land him in Annie’s draining rigatoni, causing the pot of hot oil, garlic, and peppers to spill into the pasta! Then the entire container of Parmesan cheese overturned into the mix. The customers were horrified until they noticed that what looked like a big mess had the most amazing aroma and turned out to be the most delicious pasta dish ever created! Ugly Pasta—the dish that would make Annie famous for miles around—was born. And of course it was a Thursday!

    Yet when the darling woman known as Mama Soto to half of Cliffside Bay meets the handsome Dominic Perry, she's suddenly ready for her dry spell to end. Even if the rich and powerful Dominic could never be serious about a nobody like her, Rosa is more than happy to have his company, and his kiss, for one New Year's Eve. But when the pair is still kissing in stolen moments almost a year later, Rosa has fallen for the big man with the chocolate eyes despite knowing he will eventually grow tired of her. Can she brace herself for the disappointment, or will a Christmas surprise save her from a broken heart?

    The four women deserve a little break after spending the summer working non-stop to convert the house Michelle inherited from her birth mother into an inn. The past three months they’ve definitely been thrilled—and maybe a little overwhelmed—by the influx of guests who alternately charm and confound them. It’s no wonder the four friends need some time to kick back, open a nice bottle of Merlot and enjoy the warm winter breezes that blow off the Gulf.But, no sooner does Michelle hang the No Occupancy sign out front than who should appear but her college-age twins who’ve opted to spend their winter break in sunny Florida. Next, Erin and Reggie’s parents fly in from West Virginia for a surprise, holiday visit. And when a burst pipe floods their handyman’s house, of course, they have to make room for him and his adorable little girl. Soon every room is filled to overflowing, laughter rings throughout the halls, and good smells drift from the kitchen where Chef Nina and her team whip up holiday treats for one and all. Join Nina, Michelle, Reggie and Erin as they enjoy the new lives they’ve built in Sugar Sand Beach, where fresh opportunities for life, love and happiness are as limitless as the blue Florida skies.

    The Authors of Main Street is a delightful gathering of talented writers who hope you enjoy reading this collection as much as they have taken pleasure in creating it for you! Happy Holidays from the Authors of Main Street! _________________________________________________________ Chelsea's Christmas by E. Ayers Leaving behind an unhealthy relationship, Chelsea Montgomery has come home to lick her wounds. Working in her father’s law firm gives her the perfect place to hide as she avoids men and relationships. Until she meets a charming man with a beautiful son. Keefe Assam is a successful attorney with a great life. Then, his ex-girlfriend suddenly drops off a toddler she claims belongs to him, and he is faced with the possibility, and the responsibility, of raising the boy alone. Christmas might just herald the start of something wonderful for Chelsea, except for one problem. Her ex-boyfriend has decided if he can’t her…nobody can. Waking Up for Christmas by Jill James Christmas is the time for wishes to come true. All Chase Thanos wants for the holidays is for his comatose wife to awaken. Darcy Bennett Thanos has been his life since they were in college. Now, twenty years later, their marriage and their lives have fallen apart and the only thing that can put it back together is Darcy coming out of her coma and remembering all they had and could have. Just as soon as she wakes up for Christmas. Christmas at the Granger Inn by Carol DeVaney Ten years after Cole and Sydney broke up, the ache in their hearts remains. Now, a Christmas reunion, complete with a mischievous ghost, offers the possibility that Sydney and Cole can rekindle the love they once shared. Will they risk facing what tore them apart to find a new place they can call home? Christmas at the Roses by Susan R. Hughes All Ellie wants for Christmas is to avoid it altogether. Reeling from her broken romance with Spencer, she plans to spend the holidays at the historic Roses Inn writing her novel. Spencer has a plan of his own—to rekindle both her love for him and her fondness for the holidays. To win back her stubborn heart, he might just need a little help from the inn’s resident ghost. Candi Cain Kisses by Nan O'Berry Jonathan Barlow needs a change of pace. When his beloved wife passes away, Jonathan finds himself wallowing in grief and determined to find a new start. Accepting a job with a law firm just a few weeks before the holidays, Jonathan and his young daughter make the move to Mistletoe, Texas. A rented room at an old Victorian Inn is just the place to begin again. Candi Cain inherited the old Victorian from family. It’s a place she can call home, a place where all the worries in the world can be forgotten over a cup of hot chocolate and a homemade pastry. When Felicia Barlow and her father come for a stay, she feels drawn the child—a sense of déjà view, for just like Jonathan’s daughter, she experienced the loss of a loved one as a child. Can the wonders of the season and a little girl’s wish to Santa awaken two lonely hearts? Things look promising this holiday season at the Candy Cane Inn. _______________ Christmas at the Inn on Main Street is a collection of five expertly-crafted clean romance books.

    Laughing and jokes have been proven to have positive mental and physical effects on the body! This books is especially great for long trips, waiting rooms, and reading aloud at home. Funny Christmas jokes Excellent for early and beginner readers Hours of fun and entertainment for kids and children Great for long trips, waiting rooms, and reading aloud Funny and hilarious Christmas jokes for children of all ages, teens, and adults The Joke King is back with another hilarious joke book full of funny, laugh-out-loud, crazy comedy and MASSIVE assortment of Christmas jokes for children of all ages, teens, and adults. This awesome joke book for kids is easy to read and full of laughs!WARNING: This funny joke book will cause you to laugh hysterically! From this Funny Joke Book... Q: What nationality is Santa Claus?A: North Polish! HAHA! Q: What’s Scrooge’s favorite Christmas game?A: Mean-opoly! LOL! Q: What did they call Santa after he lost his pants?A: Saint Knickerless! HAHA! Q: How do sheep in Mexico say Merry Christmas?A: Fleece Navidad! LOL! Q: What’s Tarzans favorite Christmas song?A: Jungle bells! Christmas Jokes for Kids! (Clean Jokes for Children) This awesome collection of Christmas jokes is one of the funniest collections in the world! These jokes about Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, elves, reindeer, presents, Christmas trees, and other Christmas and holiday fun of all shapes and sizes will make make you go wild with laughter. This joke book is excellent for kids, children, teens, and adults. Johnny B. Laughing is the online comedy king! Scroll up and click 'buy' to start giggling today! 100% Money Back GuaranteeTags: Christmas, kids Christmas, childrens Christmas, kids Christmas book, childrens Christmas book, funny jokes, Christmas jokes, Christmas joke book, jokes, Santa, Santa Claus, elf, elves, reindeer, Rudolph, Christmas, Christmas tree, Christmas jokes, Christmas joke book, joke book, books, ebook, funny, ebooks, comedy, hilarious, joke book about Christmas, kids joke book, children's joke book, ebook, laugh, kids jokes, kids joke books, Christmas book, childrens joke book, childrens joke books, laughing, lol, haha, best jokes, funniest jokes, Christmas jokes, funny jokes, funny joke, hilarious, jokes online, comedy, hilarious jokes, laugh, laughing, clean jokes, clean jokes for kids, free joke book, free jokes, free gift included, best jokes, funniest jokes, in the world, kids jokes about Christmas, free gift included, free joke book download, free joke book, ages 4-8, ages 6-8, preschool, early reader, beginner readers, Christmas books, kindle book, kindle joke book, jokes for kids, kids jokes, childrens jokes, funny jokes

    Holiday spirit is everywhere, especially around Mintwood. Charlie is going all out with decorations and celebration. Greer is surly and Lemmi is looking forward to her first Christmas with Jasper. The only thing marring the excitement is the lack of snow. That changes right before Christmas, bringing a ragtag group of unexpected visitors and ghosts to Lemmi's farmhouse, perhaps even including a murderer. This is a short story just over 21,000 words.

    After a fight with her aunt, and a frustrating conversation with her daughter’s father, she sets up an autumn display at her dream home with beautiful thrift store finds.Jordon is mourning the loss of his parents. Weird things, like someone decorating his parents’ porch with his mother’s donated decorations, make grieving harder. Still, the oddness is the distraction, and call to faith, he needs.My True Love Gave to MeCassidy loves her life. She has a job in a vintage store, a cute Seattle bungalow, and a dog who adores her. But being single is getting old. She receives a Christmas party invitation, and an excuse to find a plus-one. Someone from her singles group...?Sean's favorite thing about his delivery job is the pretty woman at the vintage store. But from what he’s overheard, she has plenty of prospects already. Would she be interested in adding him to her dance card?The Wonder of ChristmasCheyenne heads north for Christmas, with no idea that a storm will strand her in the small town of Misty Cove. But when she bumps—literally—into handsome Grady, and learns about a family in need, she realizes God sent her there for a bigger reason than meeting a handsome man. But with the way her pulse kicks up in Grady’s presence, maybe God has a dual purpose in mind.Mountain LaurelWhen tragedy strikes, Laurel is left alone to raise her son. She wonders if the Lord she’s trusted all her life will help her as she raises her feisty boy.Jon, who has loved her for as long as she can remember, is good with her son and steadies her through each crisis that comes along. He’s a close friend, but will she ever be able to love again?Cephalopod CupidWhen Lacey’s boyfriend breaks up with her it opens the opportunity to join a research vessel for six-months.Then she meets an autistic boy who shares her love of Gabriel the giant Pacific octopus. And Anders, his dad.Lacey considers staying. It might be crazy to give up her dream for a man she barely knows. It might seem crazier still to stay so she can protect her beloved cephalopod from himself.But sometimes love means letting go.To Hear the Angels SingDevlin enjoys her role as temporary guardian of her niece while her sister goes through drug rehab, but it isn’t easy. If she works dinner shifts, her job at a Seattle restaurant brings in enough. So, when her niece is invited to evening rehearsals for a church show, the free childcare is hard to pass up. But when they learn Devlin knows how to sew, she’s enlisted as costume designer. How will she find time?One of Jonah’s favorite parts of his job as church worship leader is directing the music for the kids’ Christmas musical. Between his job and writing his own music, he barely has time for a social life. But there’s something about the costumer for the show this year that gets him thinking. Could there be more to life than music?The Heart of ChristmasWhen Wynn sees police lights at Misty Cove’s one-and-only bar, she goes inside to investigate, just in time to see her ex-boyfriend punch the star of her favorite TV show in the face. What is Ryland Sage doing in their tiny Pacific Coast town? Since Wynn is the only medical help for miles around, she has to stitch his face—and maybe his heart—while protecting her own heart from the worldly charmer.Prairie RoseFor years, Rose has lived alone with her dog. Mitch, a handsome, unmarried neighbor, brings her a bright red geranium and insists on helping with chores. But who should appear but the scoundrel husband who deserted her years ago. Later, a pre-teen runaway adds his troubles to hers, so Rose decides to recapture the peace and serenity of Christmas.

    Reconnect with Annie, Ginny, and Jen as they celebrate Christmas! This is a holiday themed short story taking place between Three Girls and a Leading Man and The Truth About Ever After.

    They decide to honor her memory by living out one of Mom's lifelong dreams, taking a road trip, and selling pies out of a newly-acquired food truck.

    Jingle music. Lights ablaze.How long till that special date?Llama Llama has to wait.If there's one thing Llama Llama doesn't like, it's waiting. He and Mama Llama rush around, shopping for presents, baking cookies, decorating the tree . . . but how long is it until Christmas? Will it ever come? Finally, Llama Llama just can't wait any more! It takes a cuddle from Mama Llama to remind him that "Gifts are nice, but there's another: The true gift is, we have each other."