Henry’s “The Gift of the Magi,” William Faulkner’s “A Rose for Emily,” Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s “The Yellow Wallpaper,” and James Thurber’s “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty,” have been long regarded as literary classics, while others, such as Frank Stockton’s “The Lady or the Tiger?” and Ellis Parker Butler’s “Pigs Is Pigs,” are lesser known but well worth discovering.The carefully selected stories, each preceded by an illuminating headnote, powerfully illustrate the varied richness of our national literature and history. This beautifully packaged volume, containing the unforgettable classic short stories that evoke our shared American tradition and national identity, makes the perfect gift for the short story aficionado and novice alike.

    READERS SAY: ""For historical romance at its best--you must read Cynthia Wright!!"" ""This author knows how to write stories that leave the reader wanting more."" ""Cynthia Wright's books just keep getting better and better; never want to put them down once you get started."" NOVELS Included: CAROLINE: Cynthia Wright's unforgettable debut novel is on keeper shelves worldwide! The story of a confirmed rake and an innocent, spirited young woman, it is filled with sensual romance, evocative history, memorable characters, and the joy of true love. TOUCH THE SUN - (a Hampshire/Beauvisage Novel): In 1789 Philadelphia, a rogue's plans for a politically advantageous marriage unravel when the bride-to-be's enchanting friend masquerades as her lady's maid! SPRING FIRES: At the dawn of a new nation - the captivating tale of an independent woman and an irresistible man for whom love is the ultimate challenge! Beloved characters from CAROLINE, TOUCH THE SUN, and SILVER STORM return as supporting characters in this sensuous, enchanting story. NATALYA: Dark, dangerous Grey St. James and literary Natalya Beauvisage embark on a reckless adventure to escape from war-torn France and return to Regency London and America, where secrets await... Join CAROLINE's daughter and reunite with the couples from CAROLINE, TOUCH THE SUN, and SPRING FIRES. TWO SERIES intertwined: The Beauvisage Novels* and The Raveneau Novels intertwine, with some characters crossing over. Should you wish to read them in chronological order, this is the sequence: 1781 - SILVER STORM 1783 - CAROLINE* 1789 - TOUCH THE SUN* 1793 - SPRING FIRES* 1814 - SURRENDER THE STARS 1814 - NATALYA* 1818 - SILVER SEA (A Raveneau/Beauvisage Novel)

    

    Our issues are also filled with author interviews, art features, book reviews and tips for writers. This month, we feature an exclusive interview with Brandon Sanderson on his latest journey to the United Arab Emirates. We also include short stories from Wall Street Journal bestselling author Jeff Wheeler* ("The Beesinger's Daughter"), Amazon bestselling Carrie Anne Noble ("The Perfect Specimen"), and Cecilia Dart-Thornton who came out of hiding to let us publish her latest ("The Churchyard Yarrow"). We also feature stories this month by Steve Yeager ("Rain Dance") and Brendon Taylor ("The Apothecant"). You'll also get two articles, one written by NYT bestselling author Anthony Ryan and the other by David Pomerico, Harper Voyager US's Executive Editor. Still not convinced to give it a try? We'll also be publishing an extended sample of Wall Street Journal bestselling author Charlie N Holmberg's** latest novel ("Magic Bitter, Magic Sweet"). * Wall Street Journal, June 2016 ** Wall Street Journal, June 2015

    The road to love follows many twists and turns until it explodes in Unforgettable Passion. NYT and USA Today authors have gathered beautiful love stories that range from sweet to spicy, but with the same ending that will enhance each romance. Satisfaction… and a happy ever after. Mimi Barbour – A Perfect Storm Cynthia Cooke – Eyes Wide Open Jacquie Biggar - Tempted by Mr. Wrong Jen Talty - Playing with Fire Joan Reeves - Old Enough to Know Better, Book 1: The Good, The Bad, and the Girly Mona Risk - To Love a Hero Natalie Ann - Chasing Love Patrice Wilton - A Hot Night in Vegas Tamara Ferguson - Two Hearts Under Fire

     Choose wisely because the magical education you pick could set the course of your whole life….or sometimes ever after. Join Mages, shifters, princes, princesses, witches and spies in this fantastical collection of magical academy books by USA Today and Amazon best selling authors. Scroll up to start your magical education now. Class is now in session.

    Darkness calls. Will you answer?Halloween curses plague the daring heroes and spunky heroines in this spirited collection of tales. A Cursed All Hallows' Eve brings you 20+ stories stuffed with everything from dark gods to brooding shifters, delivering hours of decadent, pleasure-filled reading from bestselling and award winning urban fantasy and paranormal romance authors.If you can't get enough of those supernatural creatures—vampires, ghosts, witches, demons, and fae—this limited edition collection will alternately thrill you with the spicy and tempt you with the sweet. Delve into these worlds where the living haunt the dead and the undead tempt the breathing.Answer the call, because this Halloween, not all the costumes are disguises.

     One drink too many sent me tumbling into the wrong man’s arms. Cliff Aurello is a bad boy, a mafioso, a savage killer. And now, he’s got his bloodstained fingers wrapped around my heart. Liana It was my fault from the start. I should have never let a mafia monster like Cliff into my life. Because the second I did, he turned my safe haven into a war zone. I had every reason not to trust him. But when he pinned me to the wall, hand pressed against my throat… When his breath, hot against my skin, said filthy things that made my heart race… It was impossible to tell him no. I can’t fight it. Can only submit every time he reminds me… I belong to him. Cliff I brought hell to her doorstep. She didn’t need my past or my problems. But after I got a taste of her, nothing would be the same. I owned her. Made her my possession and the center of my life. Now, a lunatic wants us dead. Down in the ground, six feet deep. I’ll take his life before he can take what’s mine. No one is taking her from me. Not now. Not ever. THE DEVIL YOU KNOW is a full-length, standalone, super steamy, bad boy mob romance novel from bestselling author CLAIRE ST. ROSE. This suspenseful, action-packed mob romance is intended for mature audiences, due to violence, strong language, dark themes and elements, and explicit intimate scenes. The romance between the alpha male bad boy and the fiery woman he can't resist ends with a guaranteed happily ever after (HEA) ending, has absolutely NO CHEATING, and does NOT include a cliffhanger of any kind.

    Brooks! All five standalone full-length novels feature protective alpha males that fight for the women of their dreams. No matter if accidental fake marriages, surprise baby gifts or second chances - this collection has everything you need for long and steamy nights in your bedroom! Book 1 – Never Over You Alright, before you hear his side, let me tell you mine. I was just cleaning his room. I swear that’s it! I mean, he’s my boss for Pete’s sake. But Anthony came out of the shower dripping wet and naked from head to toe. I tried to look away, but IT was right there. And boy was it happy to see me. That’s so not my fault, right? Cute butt, killer abs, bubblegum lips that were begging for a kiss. How could I say no? Turns out he’s had a crush on me since high school. His dad’s freaking out, but Anthony’s got his own billions. So big, bad Daddy Whore-bucks can kiss my tight little… you get the idea. But I think Anthony’s having second thoughts. Will he be my sweetheart or leave me heartbroken? Book 2 – Hate To Want You Oh My Gorgeous eyes! Is that Xander–freaking– Selby? Bad boy muscle-man with a gargantuan-sized… bank account. Wow what a dirty little mind you’ve got there. Be patient. I’m still getting to his best parts. There’s a heart of gold hidden under muscles the size of New York City. He's got the face of an angel and moves like the devil. The first time I saw him my legs went to Jell-O, and I got all tongue-tied. Now tell me something, and be honest. Is it in bad taste to tie up your boss with a garter belt? Or run your tongue up and over his mountain and valley abs? Book 3 – Let’s Play Pretend “Of course I’ll pretend to be your wife.” I can’t believe these words came out of my mouth when my sister’s lawyer asked me to be his fake-wife. I don't like his plan to fake it at all, but desperate situations need desperate measures. Although I have enough to deal with on my own, I’d do anything for my family. Well, maybe I can take this lemon and make lemonade. After all, acting like I’m in love with Jonathan is easy. Too easy. The way he looks at me, touches me, protects me. It just feels so unbelievably good. All of a sudden, I'm not sure if this is fake anymore... Book 4 – Protecting Her The billions in my bank account are worthless if I can’t save her. There are times in your life when one decision can change everything. Mine was to risk my life for the woman of my dreams. Millie. Once I saw her, I knew it’d be her and no one else. Her gaze calls out to the hero in me. Her touches awaken the man. The problem? I’m not the only one who wants her. And her enemies will do everything to get her. Even the unthinkable. If they try to hurt her, I will give them nothing but pain. It’s time for this to end. There can only be one winner. Book 5 – Unexpected Love It was supposed to be a one-night stand. Now I’m carrying his baby. Oh-oh. I guess fate has a way of writing its own stories.

    Redemption. Hope. Passion. Suspense. Love.You will find it all in these uniquely intertwined stories that will have you devouring each page. Will love survive in the seaport town of Coree Harbor? Or will hearts be broken?There are always secrets buried deep in the waters. But all will be revealed in Hometown Heartbreakers.This boxset is guaranteed to have something for everyone — second chance romance, age gap romance, rom-com, BDSM, rock star romance, MC romance, and even daddy play. Each book in the Hometown Heartbreakers boxset is standalone with HEA. Settle in with a cold drink and turn up the air conditioner. It’s about to get hot!Deep In Love — Delaney FosterCoached In Love — J.L. LeslieRunning In Love — JL LongLesson In Love — Jade Royal35 Seconds In Love — Lawrence HallDrunk In Love — Leah NegronLawman In Love — Lucas X. BlackStamped In Love — Pepper North

    Flowers and felines. Celebrate this Valentine's Day with your sweethearts of the human and fuzzy varieties! Nothing is more heart-warming than kisses from the pet who adores you and the man who loves you, so snuggle up with VALENTINE PETS & KISSES -- an anthology of fourteen sweet romances from USA Today bestselling and award-winning authors -- and strike the perfect mood for moonlit walks and candlelight dinners with your pet and sweetheart.Valentine Hound Dog - Rachelle AyalaA fashion designer and her basset hound puppy convince a burned ex-firefighter that beauty is never skin deep and neither is love.The Crazy Girl’s Handbook - DelSheree GladdenWatching her nephews was supposed to be a fun and relaxing weekend for Greenly, not a never ending disaster all witnessed by the best blind date she ever stood up. The Vet's Valentine Gift - J.L. CampbellA veterinarian is caught between his job, an ex, a menagerie and love. Can a little Cupid fix things by Valentine’s Day?Her Perfect Catch - K.L. BradyYears of faithful dog-sitting pays sweet dividends when a struggling sports writer scores tickets to the Super Bowl and encounters her favorite football player.Inflamed - Jade KerrionA firefighter running from his past convinces a hard-luck single mother to believe in happy endings.Remember When - Hope Welsh Laura and Brent really tried to make their marriage work, but in the end, it just wasn't meant to be--or was it?Your Biggest Fan? - Sydney Aaliyah MichelleSnowed in with the man of her dreams, a football fan and her dog find love.The Feline Fix - Caroline Bell FosterA scientist questions her cat’s loyalty when it comes to love and a hunky policeman.Trembling Hearts - Suzette RiddickA daring young woman crashes into the life of a disfigured recluse and his pooch. Can love be far behind?Valentino, Be Mine - Tina D.C. HayesSparks fly when two people who can't stand each other wind up dog-sitting a rambunctious little Yorkie that needs a new home. Lost and Found - Jeanne BannonStuck with her ex’s puppy, a young teacher meets a new man after a series of unfortunate events. Surviving San Francisco - Susan OloierA small town girl survives San Francisco after she hits a cat and falls for a handsome veterinarian.19 Ivy Lane - Aubrey WynneA mysterious woman and her cat befriend a postman and set tongues wagging on Ivy Lane. But when he delivers a long-awaited letter, will his heart be “returned to sender?”Three Plus Three - Cindy Flores MartinezA grieving widow and her beloved doggie meet a handsome widower the day before Valentine’s Day.

    Chef Sean O’Malley could use Nicole’s dessert skills at his restaurant in New York City. In fact, he’s banking on a joint venture with Nicole, although he hasn’t yet approached her about it. When he learns during a pre-wedding event they’re both working that she’s moving to L.A. because she’s giving up on Jake, he decides to give her a crash course on how to be noticed. Sean has, after all, three younger sisters. He knows how a woman’s mind works. But he doesn’t factor in how his heart works or how easily it could be broken. CHARMER by Brinda Berry, Reese McClain has a solid plan in place: finish raising her teenage niece, run her pie bakery, and avoid entanglements with a tempting man. After all, her sister deserted her own child for a freewheeling lifestyle. Life is much less complicated without dating. Especially dating a man like Cord Barton—a rock star who’s too gorgeous, too young, and too carefree.Cord knows his life needs change, but he doesn’t expect it in the form of a beautiful pie maker named Reese. She’s a much needed star in his burnt out life. Because when it comes to plans, he wants her for more than dessert. RIVERBEND by Ciara Knight, Amazon Bestselling AuthorFive years after the death of his wife, Dr. Mitchem Taylor is ready to share his life with someone. Only one thing stands in the way of giving love a second chance--the strictly enforced "no dating" rule. A rule that pierces his heart every time he thinks about his university assistant, Cynthia. When a handsome man shows interest in her, Mitchem must choose between love for his career or love for his beautiful assistant.Since the day she saw her boss, Mitchem, care for his son’s knee at a little league game, Cynthia Gold has been in love with him. Pining away over a love she can never have forces her to make a drastic change—a new job thousands of miles away. But can she walk away from her life she enjoys and a boy who’s like a son, or keep her heart bound to a man who may never love her.ALONG CAME YOU by Hildie McQueen, Amazon Bestselling AuthorOff to an awkward start, Gina Mills and Jake Weston attempt to ignore the attraction between them and stick to the business of selling his house. Unfortunately circumstances keep cropping up that make it difficult. When the past collides with the present, a surprising turn of events makes them rethink if they were meant to be after all.UPTOWN HEIRESS by Lindi Peterson:At an after-party for the reality series, Love Atlanta Style, hotel empire heiress Grace Adams has an epiphany. Love isn’t a game and neither is life. It’s time to find a job and prove she doesn’t need Daddy’s money.Waiter, Justin Walker, is biding his time working for the rich crowd who thinks they’re owed everything. But his service pays off when he meets the beautiful Grace Adams. He asks her out, oblivious to the fact that she’s a hotel heiress.When they find out they are competing for the same job, Grace and Justin try to maintain their budding friendship and romance, until Justin discovers the truth. Grace represents all he tries to avoid.

    Whether it be from the loss of the woman who blessed them with their children or a decision made in the heat of passion that changed everything, all they know is they have to try — for their children and for themselves.From these amazing authors comes “All of Him: A Single Dad Collection.”Before Her by Anita MaxwellWhen Jenny arrives in River Falls, a sleepy little town in Montana, she sets herself on a mission to find a job and a place to stay for a few weeks. After traveling the west coast for the last couple of months, she is ready to chill and get some cash behind her before she leaves on the next leg of her journey.Enter the Lonesomes with their gorgeous twin baby boys. The three rugged cowboys steal her breath away and the little boys steal her heart. Before she knows it, she's agreed to be their nanny for a few weeks while they look for someone permanent. But something Jenny didn't know when she first entered River Falls was that the town was built on a polygamous way of life. Once the Lonesome brothers set their sights on Jenny, there is almost nothing that will stop these sexy single dads from making her their own. This is a Reverse Harem story, light on steam, but heavy on tension and angst. The Baby Drop Off by Kelsie RaeI’m not father material. Hell, I’m not boyfriend material, either. I’m looking-for-a-good-time material with a side of no-strings-attached.But when a baby shows up on my doorstep with a note saying I’m the father, everything changes. With no other options, I reach out to my neighbor.Tasha is the girl-next-door with a side of sugar who’s nice enough to step in as a nanny while I figure out what to do with a freaking kid. I never thought Tasha was my type until I see her loving on my baby.As lines start to blur, and rules get broken, some secrets stay hidden that hold me back from creating a life I never knew I wanted until it was tossed into my lap. I just wish I could convince her to give me a chance, but she won’t even let me try.Only the Lies by Elle ThorpeHim: Six foot, four inches. Thor look-alike. Kickass black belt ninja man, and gym owner.Me: Barely five foot. Resembles an overstuffed dumpling. Semi-decent receptionist of the office across the road. Match made in heaven? I think so. Which is why I get to work early each morning, and stare longingly out the window, desperate for my daily glimpse of him. The man doesn’t know I’m alive, and I don’t have the lady balls to do anything about it. Until the postman delivers the gym’s mail to my office. It’s the perfect excuse to strut over there and introduce myself, right? Wrong. When he mistakes me for someone else, I’m so blinded by his abs that I don’t correct him. And now he’s calling me someone else’s name, and I don’t know how to turn this around apart from to bolt back to my desk with my ass jiggling behind me. I never expected he’d follow me. Or anything that happened next. Broken Down by Paige TaylorAs a teacher, It’s Savannah Torvel’s duty to make sure every student is given the best possible chance at education. When a little girl starts acting out, and calls to the parent go unanswered, it’s perfectly acceptable to storm the parent’s workplace and confront them, right? Broken Down follows the story of Savannah and Mason Bell, two people whose lives keep intersecting. Will they embrace fate or risk disrepair?

    Sexy. Sassy. There’s so much to love. Don’t miss out on this massive collection of romance stories by best-selling author Summer Cooper and Scarlet Wilder! Included in this boxset:A Chance To LoveSomebody To LoveNot Mine To LoveFirst Love: A Single Dad Second Chance RomanceElemental Love: A Single Dad Second Chance RomanceAccidental Love: A Single Dad Second Chance RomanceLosing ItRisking ItWanting ItFeeling It10 standalone, heartwarming, panty-melting stories with no cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed HEA. Scroll down and see what our swoon-inducing heroes have to say about their special ladies... A Chance To Love A cheating husband. Divorced with a young daughter. My heart died a little when I heard the news about Dana. When she picked him over me, I left. I know now I should have stayed and fought for her. I only hope that it isn’t too late… Somebody To Love She smells so good… and I want her all to myself. I knew that the first time I met her. But she’s clearly been hurt before by a**holes like me. I have to convince her I’m not like them. But if my plan fails, I’ll lose everything. Not Mine To Love She’s stalking me, I swear. Saying hello to her was a mistake. Getting to know her was an even bigger mistake. I should have kept my distance. I shouldn’t be thinking about her in that way. But it’s too late, now she occupies my most private thoughts... First Love Naked. That was the first time I really saw Elle, that I took any notice. I saw her vulnerability and I soon realized she had been bullied. I wanted to protect her right there and then. I wanted to run away with her. But that’s not something the dutiful son of a billionaire should do. Elemental Love The help. As much as I hate that word, I hate her even more. I hate that she’s in love with my little brother. I hate that she’s so good with my son. I hate that she’s the best at what she does. I hate her so much that I want to rip her clothes off and punish her… Accidental Love When I chose to adopt Lily, I closed the door on romance. Then I saw Eva again. The girl that once felt so right in my arms. The girl that ghosted me without a word. It’s been seven years but apparently, time doesn’t heal all wounds. I want her to feel the hurt she caused me. Losing It Definitely maybe. Eris has turned into a stunning woman that I can’t take my eyes off. She wanted me then and still wants me now. The thing is... she’s my best friend’s sister. She’s kind of woman you marry. She’s the kind I stay the hell away from. Risking It Women. Booze. Parties. That’s pretty much my life as a jock. But seeing her again stirs up memories. I remember the time I dragged her lifeless body out of the water. I remember the feeling of almost losing her… And desperately wanting to never feel that again.

    A NEW WORLD.EXCITEMENT. OPPORTUNITY. ADVENTURE.For the colonists on a terraformed Mars in 2454, that was the promise. For you though—Jess Flint, engineering prodigy and big-time dreamer—it is a promise unfulfilled. Excitement? Adventure? Somebody might be having ’em, but not in the one-horse-town you call home.And then it happens.In the depths of an abandoned alien junkyard, you stumble across the preserved hulk of legendary steam locomotive the Cannonball Express. Your jaw hits the Martian floor. This is it! Your ticket out! You rebuild the ancient loco, augmenting it with a hodgepodge of powerful alien super-tech.Almost before you know it, you’ve found yourself a crew:There’s Sally, the town’s glamorpuss, handy-with-her-fists saloon singer.There’s Vera, über-brainiac accountant-turned-adrenalin junkie.Oh, and there’s Dave. He’s from Staines.You drop an ad in the local paper—CANNONBALL EXPRESS (MARS) Ltd.Any CargoAnywhereAnytime—and WHAM! You just climbed aboard a bullet train to adventure.CANNONBALL EXPRESSLet's Roll!_______________________________Book 1 in Kit Kane’s CANNONBALL EXPRESS series, Railroads of Mars is steampunk adventure at full-throttle—a standalone sci-fi romp, brimming with action, suspense, comedy, and romance.