Sitting on musty damp blankets below deck, Maria wondered as to where all of her courage had gone. She felt that it had floated away on the stormy seas. Her children were counting on her, as well as her husband, she thought. The shadows of uncertain doubt clouded her mind as the stormy waves of the Atlantic Ocean tossed the German brig about as if it were a leaf in a pond. What did America hold for her family? The temptations of owning their own land had won over the risks they would have to take. Was it really worth the risk? Would her family truly find a place to call home? Closing her eyes, Maria allowed the grace of God sweep over her as she silently prayed.

Set deep in the wilds of Texas is Caddo Lake, a rich, primeval swampland populated by characters straight out of modern mythology. Central to this area's history is Judge Newland and his extended circle of friends and kin-a.k.a., the BOND. Here, their story is told in a vivid, often convoluted fashion, as is befitting the true nature of the Texas wilderness.

Judge "Daddy" Newland knew-and was known by-everyone in this part of Texas, and his teachings were legendary. He urged his friends to seek truth and to ask for wisdom from God. He expected them to ask tough questions. He demanded that they keep their eyes against the seductive nature of evil and hate and that they look out for one another. He believed that nature was the only true beauty in the world and that it should always remain free. He knew that love was the most important of all emotions, followed only by hope-and that the two could never be separated. He directed his friends to look to the ancient world for truth and inspiration. And from those ancients, he formulated a deep appreciation for the pleasures of the flesh.

Daddy Newland directed his grandson, Kenneth Brown, to use his skills to share the teachings of his generation. Just as he was promised, those life lessons are within, ready to teach the next generation of Texans and beyond.

"Fate brings interesting people together and then blesses the responsible," he used to say, and that's the core of his legacy.

"Men march off to war because the women are watching." So said Socrates. In "THE HARD GODDESS," the second book of his trilogy-"The Song of Charlemagne," the author introduces his reader to the women behind the men on the medieval battlefield. In so doing, one comes to understand and appreciate how French expressions such as "Feminine Mystique" and "Femme Fatale" must have originated and which are today, universally recognized and understood in the international lexicon without translation. Along the way, one also discovers a few of the ulterior motives underlying Charlemagne's alliance with the Roman church as well as organized religion's functional utility in the hands of potentates (be they Christian or Muslim) as a societal control mechanism. In the process of the troubadour's telling of the story, the reader experiences visceral descriptions of Dark Age battle against the gloriously detailed backdrop of a France that is still there if one knows where to go and look. There is a reason Eleanor of Aquitaine is always credited with having "invented" the concepts of Romance, Chivalry and Courtly Love. She was far removed from the times in which he actually lived. Yet somehow, she must have sensed and understood Charlemagne's hidden agenda regarding women within the church and the greater social order. But, in the final analysis, is anything within the pages of this work relevant with regard to contemporary world events and social issues confronting us all? Sadly, terribly.

If you love Katie Flynn and Pam Howes, you'll love Chrissie Walsh's WWI story of love, loss and triumph!Kitty and Tom Conlon arrive in Liverpool in July 1916 to claim the house Tom's great-uncle has bequeathed him in his will. The move to England couldn't have come at a better time. Dublin is in turmoil following the Easter Uprising and Kitty's brother is now in prison. The house in Weaver Street is all they hoped for, and after a shaky start with her new neighbours, Kitty believes the world is her oyster. Until that is, Tom is conscripted into the navy. With Tom away, it's up to Kitty and the women of Weaver Street to get each other through the war. Praise for Chrissie Walsh:'An authentic Yorkshire saga - you can almost hear the clacking of the looms. Add a feisty mill girl, determined to fight injustice, and you'll be reading through the night' Alrene Hughes, on The Girl from the Mill. 'Full of joy, sorrow and a big pinch of fun. I loved it' Elizabeth Gill, on The Child from the Ash Pits 'A captivating story of family, relations and the complexities of life. With truly heart-tugging moments that make you shed a tear. The Child from the Ash Pits is everything a good read should be' Diane Allen, on The Child from the Ash Pits What readers say about Chrissie Walsh:'I could not fault any of this book, as the author brings all the characters to life, its such an interesting story that will engross readers all the way through. Loved it.' 'Really well written and very enjoyable, keeping the reader engrossed and gripped until the very last page.' 'Thoroughly enjoyed this book. I was engrossed from start to finish. Good strong characters, and strong storyline. Great author. I recommend.' 'The author writes so descriptively about the characters you feel you know them inside out. A brilliant read and I can't wait for the next novel to be published.'

"Evelina: Or, the History of a Young Lady's Entrance Into The World" (1778) by Frances Burney is a groundbreaking romantic satire and first novel, the classic story of an eighteenth century innocent young lady's first appearance in London society and the picaresque dangers that ensue.

Our heroine Evelina must navigate social engagements, resist scoundrels, and find true love in the form of the attractive and honorable Lord Orville.

This edition includes a new engaging introduction by Susan Franzblau.

Jenine heard Jessica in the kitchen suddenly scream and a loud thump on the floor. Maria gasped shocked by her mother's sudden whale of pain coming out of her. Jessica had a knife in one hand and a potatoe in the other. Both items fell to the floor. Maria quickly dropped the bowl full of potatoe peels from her hands and hurried to the ground. Close to her mothers aid. She held her hand for a moment unsure of what to do. "I will go get pappa ok mama," she announced. Jessica was in so much pain she did not even respond to Maria. Maria determined with tears in her eyes scared for her mama quickly ran out the back door to go get Salvador.