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A Christmas Bride


Susan Mallery - 2012
    She's drawn to veterinarian Cameron McKenzie's good looks, caring nature and especially his devotion to his young daughter. There's just one problem — he's her boss. Putting her heart on the line could cost Rina both her job and their friendship forever. But when a kiss under the mistletoe unlocks the simmering passion between them, Rina and Cameron may just find love for the holidays after all….The Sheik and the Christmas BrideWhen Prince As'ad of El Deharia agrees to adopt three orphaned American girls, he does so on one condition — that their beautiful teacher, Kayleen James, become their nanny. His plan is to leave her to deal with the children as he continues his life, undisturbed. But all that changes when Kayleen and the girls invade the palace — and As'ad's heart — and change it for the better.

Getting Naughty...and Nice Boxed Set


Erin Nicholas - 2018
    He’s ready to leave his wild Vegas playboy ways behind and become a new man. And he knows just the place to do it… his brother Joe’s new hometown. He’s never spent time in a place described as quaint or idyllic, and now he intends to revel in every charming, sweet thing he can find. Like the homegrown country girl his brother sets him up with for the Christmas formal.After several attempts to find holiday magic on her own, Kate just wants one great Christmas. Her quest takes her to her friend's hometown of Sapphire Falls. The Christmas-crazy town is a far cry from San Francisco and Kate quickly finds herself drawn into everything from the snow to the hot cocoa. And, of course, the sweet country boy she'd been set up with for the formal. Looks like she’s going to get everything she wanted — and more — under the tree this year. Getting In The Mood Kate’s back in Sapphire Falls to surprise Levi on the most romantic day of the year… and with her plan to stay in Sapphire Falls this time. But she soon discovers Levi hasn’t shared everything about his new life. In fact, he almost seems to be trying to scare her off with all the talk of snakes and bugs and bad coffee and worse oatmeal. He even lied about the county’s best muffins being right here in Sapphire Falls. Why would he deny her muffins?! The sex is still off the charts, but if that’s all Levi wants, Kate will have to learn to deal with it… somehow.Warning: A very sweet story ahead, including cheesy quotes about love, candy and chocolate, a town that overdoes everything including construction paper hearts on Valentine’s Day and two people who are crazy in love — with each other and with this quirky town.Includes the bonus short story, Getting Frisky... Kate and Levi's New Year's Eve together!

ABCs of Horror


Anmol Rawat - 2017
    The author has put together promising stories for every alphabet that are guaranteed to scare you out of your wits and question the presence of the supernatural.Pick up the book as the night crawls by for feeling those chills creeping up your skin and your heart beating out of your chest.

Small Town Christmas


Jill Shalvis - 2011
    But can Sandy Jansen forget the past and give him a second chance? Or will Logan be spending another Christmas alone? I'll Be Home for Christmas After ignoring the advice of Miz Miriam Randall, local matchmaker, Annie Roberts expects another hum drum holiday in Last Chance, South Carolina. But when a stray cat arrives in the arms of Army sergeant Matt Jasper, a calico named Holly just may be the best matchmaker of all. O Little Town of Bramble All Ethan Miller wants for Christmas is to celebrate in Bramble, Texas, with family and friends. But when his childhood neighbor, Samantha Henderson, comes home for the holiday, Ethan realizes that the girl-next-door could be the girl of his dreams.

A Keepsake Christmas


Elle Rush - 2021
    Bring the spirit of Christmas into your heart with this collection of all new sweet holiday romances set in the popular series of eight bestselling authors.No Matter How Far by Barbara Hinske. Where hidden treasures can hold the key to a heart and offer an unexpected path home...A Lot Like Christmas by Kathryn Cantrell. The place where destiny is the ultimate matchmaker. All you have to do is believe.The Last Cottage on Pinewood Lane by Melissa McClone. Will performing during a Christmas fundraiser bring a former figure-skating star the healing and love that have eluded her? Or will being back under the glaring spotlight only lead to more heartache and regrets?Tinsel and Teacups by Elle Rush. A bubbly barista and a shy, single-father antique dealer must set aside their rivalry to find the best Christmas teacup ever when they are nominated to run the Holiday Beach food bank fundraiser. Will the spirit of Christmas overcome their competitive streaks?Blessings on State Street by Rachael Bloome. Abigail Preston wants nothing more than to skip Christmas this year. But her holiday-free hideout in the quaint, charming town of Blessings Bay comes with a mysterious and unexpected house guest. Can two heartbroken strangers find hope and healing in the most Christmassy town on the coast?One Unforgettable Christmas by Tammy L. Grace. An exhausted ER doctor looking to escape the city. A beach-loving workaholic executive stuck in a snow-covered valley. Will the charm of the town and the magic of the holidays be enough to mend their broken hearts?The Cowboy's Christmas Wish by Kristen Ethridge. Sarah Murdoch knew bringing her daughter, Jamie, halfway across the country to Port Provident, Texas would cause more anxiety than feel-good Christmas memories. But when Jamie bonds with Grant McCray, the owner of Beachcomber Stables, she begins to come out of her shell.I'll Be Home For Christmas by Tess Thompson. High school sweethearts Jennifer and Jack were supposed to be together forever. But Jack's one night mistake tore them apart. Will they have the ultimate second chance at love more than 30 years later? Or is the secret she kept from him too much to forgive? Can the magical spirit of Christmas in Emerson Pass bring forgiveness and healing for these two star-crossed lovers?

Ominous Realities: The Anthology of Dark Speculative Horrors


Anthony RiveraBracken MacLeod - 2013
    But with dire consequences.ANGIE by John F.D. Taff - A divorced couple tries to ensure their survival after society collapses. Navigating the treacherous back roads of America, they realize the horror of true devotion.ON THE THRESHOLD by William Meikle - How far is science willing to go to prove we're not alone and possibly find the terrifying dangers that exist beyond the threshold?DOYOSHOTA by Ken Altabef - One by one the residents of a Nevada town are succumbing to the debilitating effects of a strange hum. Many believe it’s a black ops program others are convinced of its far darker origins.THIRD OFFENSE by Gregory L. Norris - In an oppressive society where creativity is banned and advertising is all-pervasive, a factory worker attempts to escape enslavement with horrifying results.METAMORPHOSIS by J. Daniel Stone - Together, a brother and sister discover the unique bond has the ability to affect humanity in the darkest of ways.WE ARE HALE, WE ARE WHOLE by Eric Del Carlo - Global climate change has reshaped the world, and multi-national corporations control every aspect of life. To what horrifying lengths will they go in the struggle to maintain profit?PURE BLOOD AND EVERGREEN by Bracken MacLeod - Victims of ethnic cleansing, two boys share a painful struggle for survival. Their actions start events that leave the lives of everyone they know hanging in a dangerous balance.JOHN, PAUL, XAVIER, IRONSIDE AND GEORGE (BUT NOT VINCENT) by Hugh A.D. Spencer - Earth is under attack by mysterious biomechanical entities. With the end near, one man spends his last days with an enigmatic client who is of great import to those in charge.AND THE HUNTER, HOME FROM THE HILL by Edward Morris - Could it be that accounts of superheroes are actually based in reality? It could be that the old man living down the street is hiding his own dark secrets.BORN BAD by Jonathan Balog - Raised by the church, Lucien harbors a frightening secret that may prove to have dire circumstances for mankind.THE LAST BASTION OF SPACE by Ewan C. Forbes - Privatization has run amok and simple pleasures come at a premium price. For one young couple there is no choice but to turn their minds over to insidious corporate control.EVERY SOUL IS A GRIMOIRE by Allen Griffin - Harvey works for a shadowy government and is responsible for a man with dangerous knowledge. Being near him is blurring his reality and opening the door to terrifying evil.FROM THE EAST by Alice Goldfuss - After global cataclysm, a scientist struggles to determine the cause. Driven by professional convictions, she finds herself in a struggle for the existence of humanity.DECIDING IDENTITY by Paul Williams - Faced with the collision of two worlds, the citizens of each are given the choice to decide who shall live and who shall die.THE LAST ELF by T. Fox Dunham - The fate of humanity rests with a sociopathic concentration camp commander. Having spent a lifetime chasing the enemies of Germany, he finds himself on the verge of his crowning achievement—ultimate extermination.

The Haunting Season: Ghostly Tales for Long Winter Nights


Bridget Collins - 2021
    . .Featuring new and original tales from:Bridget CollinsSunday Times bestselling author of The BindingImogen Hermes GowarSunday Times bestselling author of The Mermaid and Mrs HancockKiran Millwood HargraveSunday Times bestselling author of The MerciesAndrew Michael HurleySunday Times bestselling author of The LoneyJess KiddInternational award-winning author of Things in JarsElizabeth MacnealSunday Times bestselling author of The Doll FactoryNatasha PulleySunday Times bestselling author of The Watchmaker of Filigree StreetLaura PurcellAward-winning author of The Silent Companions

A Valentine She'll Remember


Mimi Barbour - 2018
     LOVE OF MY LIFE by Mimi Barbour - A story about abandoned puppies, a controversial businessman and a woman who bought her very first home only to find she’s sharing the duplex with a hero whose heart is as mushy as a young girl’s dream. "A very cute little story about coincidences, in our lives, that sometimes, turn into great happenings! The rough and tumble combination of two adversaries, coming together, in more ways than one, made for a delightful read!" DROP DEAD GORGEOUS by Patricia Rosemoor - Sasha Brozynski arrives at the chapel for her best friend's Valentine's Day wedding, but the bride disappeared without a trace. Nick Donatelli, son of a crime boss, had a reputation as a ladykiller. Was he drop-dead gorgeous or drop-dead guilty? "Drop Dead Enjoyable! Great story, believable characters, and I wanted more ... my heart was racing with the romance and the mystery, and danger!!!" WHEN A MAN LOVES A WOMAN by Taylor Lee - They call her the Blonde Barracuda. The press loves her, the politicians fear her, and the mob is out to get her! "A DOUBLE WOW! Lexie and Jake without a doubt are sexiest special agents ever." SOMEONE LIKE YOU by Suzanne Jenkins - Life gets in the way as upstate NY sisters, Marley and Abigail cling to each other and their young children. But a babysitter introduces them both to Jay Malik, a medical student from India, who becomes their lifeline to happiness, forgiveness and healing. "A tale of two sisters who have been through the ringer of emotions . After reading you feel you know them intimately and find yourself cheering for the sisters. Awesome!" TWO HEARTS UNBROKEN by Tamara Ferguson - Honorably discharged from the Air Force, wounded warrior Sarah Benton accepts a position retraining wounded warriors. When Lieutenant Brand Reardon discovers her cowardly fiancé broke up with Sarah because he couldn’t deal with her injuries, Brand decides to do what he’s wanted to do from the moment they met, and make her his. But can he break through her wounded heart before Valentine’s Day, when he’ll be reassigned? "Her plot is compelling and real, especially those parts concerning the care and rehabilitation of wounded veterans, and her romantic passages are sensitive, caring and tasteful. Each of her stories is inspiring" LOVERS IN TRAINING by Alicia Street - When private fitness trainer Shannon meets her hot new client, loving her job takes on a whole new meaning. "After reading one book by this author, I had to read them all!" ROAD TO REDEMPTION by Natalie Ann - Can the nurse heal the doctor? They say opposites attract, but is Cori’s over the top personality too much introvert Dr. Max Hamilton? “Sometimes love is slow and heartwarming then other times it's fast and fun. This book and this story will amaze you.”

A Murderous Valentine (Admiral Shackleford Mystery #1)


Beverley Watts - 2021
    Having been instrumental in improving the lives of so many (his words - others might be inclined to call it something slightly different...), he was struggling to reignite the spark in his own love life with the feisty Mabel. Short on ideas, he decides to gatecrash his much put upon former Master At Arms and best friend Jimmy Noon's Valentine idea and ends up in the middle of a murder mystery weekend... where real murder is on someone else's script. Stranded in the middle of nowhere with a hotel full of potential murderers, the unstoppable duo embark on a series of blundering escapades in an attempt to uncover the Murderous Valentine... The Admiral and Jimmy may be more Laurel and Hardy than Holmes and Watson, but can they catch a murderer...? This humorous cozy mystery short read is the first in The Admiral Shackleford Mysteries.

Dark Screams: Volume Eight


Richard Chizmar - 2017
    WALPUSKI’S TYPEWRITER by Frank Darabont They say that genius is ten percent inspiration and ninety percent perspiration. For Howard Walpuski, it’s an IBM Selectric II typewriter, a nefarious secret, and a whole lot of blood. THE BOY by Bentley Little Christine has found the perfect neighborhood to raise her family: a quaint, quiet, friendly place where everyone gets along. Everyone, that is, except for the boy. TUMOR by Benjamin Percy He dodged death in the nick of time when the golf ball-sized tumor was surgically removed from his head. But the tumor isn’t done with him. TWISTED AND GNARLED by Billie Sue Mosiman He’s smart. Smarter than anyone knows. No one has linked him to the string of bodies he’s left up and down the California coast. Only one woman has ever come close—and she’s no match for his intellect. THE PALAVER by Kealan Patrick Burke It’s time for Oscar Dennihy to close his failing barber shop and retire—until a mysterious customer tells him a truly hair-raising tale . . . and gives Oscar a wonderful and terrible new purpose. INDIA BLUE by Glen Hirshberg Like most Americans, Enrico never gave much thought to the sport of cricket. Not until America’s Rockin’ Professional Cricket game—a spectacle that will live forever in his most horrible nightmares. Praise for the Dark Screams series “A wicked treat [featuring] . . . some of the genre’s best.”—Hellnotes, on Volume One “Five fun-to-read stories by top-notch horror scribes. How can you lose? The answer: you can’t.”—Atomic Fangirl, on Volume Two “If you have not tried the series yet, do yourself a favor and grab a copy of any (or all) of the books for yourself.”—Examiner.com, on Volume Three “Fans of horror of every variety will find something to love in these pages.”—LitReactor, on Volume Four “[Volume Five] runs the gamut from throwback horror to lyrical and heartbreaking tales.”—Publishers Weekly

NPR Holiday Favorites


David Sedaris - 2008
    Like an overstuffed stocking on Christmas morning, NPR Holiday Favorites is full of unexpected pleasures and evergreen delights.• David Sedaris contributes his now classic “Santaland Diaries,” his account of his experiences playing Santa’s little helper at Macy’s in New York.• Susan Stamberg sneaks her mother-in-law’s recipe for cranberry relish onto the air—again.• Storyteller Kevin Kling finds an invitation to participate in a production of The Nutcracker too tempting to resist.• Ghanian-born commentator Meri Danquah shares her thoughts on Kwanzaa.• Cowboy poet Baxter Black describes a Christmas cookie with “the denseness of an anvil and the half-life of a radial tire.”• Robert Siegel goes in search of the correct spelling for December’s Jewish holiday.• The Thanksgiving tables are turned on unsuspecting Bostonians in “When Turkeys Attack.”And more...

One Basket


Edna Ferber - 1947
    You passed her on the street with a surreptitious glance, though she was well worth looking at-in her furs and laces and plumes. She had the only full-length mink coat in our town, and Ganz's shoe store sent to Chicago for her shoes. Hers were the miraculously small feet you frequently see in stout women. Usually she walked alone; but on rare occasions, especially round Christmastime, she might have been seen accompanied by some silent, dull-eyed, stupid-looking girl, who would follow her dumbly in and out of stores, stopping now and then to admire a cheap comb or a chain set with flashy imitation stones-or, queerly enough, a doll with yellow hair and blue eyes and very pink cheeks. But, alone or in company, her appearance in the stores of our town was the signal for a sudden jump in the cost of living. The storekeepers mulcted her; and she knew it and paid in silence, for she was of the class that has no redress. She owned the House with the Closed Shutters, near the freight depot-did Blanche Devine.

Tales from The Lake Vol. 1


Joe MynhardtDaniel J. Stone - 2014
    Daniel Stone’s “Alternative Muses”; and a cult horror story in the jungles of South America in William Ritchey’s “Las Maquinas”.Vol.2, 3, and 4 now available. Proudly brought to you by Crystal Lake Publishing - Tales from the Darkest Depths Interview with the Authors: So what makes Tales from The Lake so special? Jennifer Loring: Tales from the Lake is one of the few anthology series where you can find a balance of established horror authors alongside new and emerging talent.J. Daniel Stone: Tales from the Lake is special, I think, first and foremost in that it's an open-themed horror collection. Themes tend to—more than I want to admit, and some might disagree—constrict writers. I don't like that about themes. But with Tales from the Lake we are reading stories by writers who are not given any rules. Just write what one loves and submit. That's wonderful. Tell us more about your story, and in which volume it appeared? Jennifer Loring: My story “The Fine Art of Wrecking” was the first place winner of the Tales from the Lake competition. It's based on the traditional legend of wreckers on the East Coast using false lights to run ships ashore to be plundered, but takes a Lovecraftian turn.J. Daniel Stone: My story “Alternative Muses” was the 2nd place winner in the original short story writing contest. The story focuses on a young couple who live on the fringes of society, but who soon are taken back to reality when they get pregnant. Things take a dark turn, and the need to transcend normality and complacency drive this story to a wicked ending.

Danger in Monrovia


Paul Moxham - 2020
    22 Endings. An interactive story for children of all ages.Ever wish you could change the outcome of a story? If so, then this is the book for you. YOU choose what happens. There are dangers, mysteries and consequences. The wrong decision could end in disaster, even death. What path will YOU choose?While holidaying with your friends in Monrovia, the priceless crown jewels are stolen by an invisible thief. Though this seems like an impossible mystery to solve, you decide you're going to do everything in your power to bring the criminal to justice. If only you could see what dangers lie ahead of you.Will YOU leap from a cable car?Will YOU get trapped in a burning barn?Will YOU get swept down a raging river?Only YOU can decide your fate...

Dashing Through the Snow


Diane Farr - 2011
    Together they journey to an unintended destination -- and share an unforgettable Christmas Eve.