Are wealth and status worth the price-when that price is your own daughter?
Author Betty Byrd has seen it all-including drilling her very own oil well She now brings her unique vision and experience to Utopia Texas, a riveting tale of Brya Harrison, a woman created by chance and circumstance. Part gambler, part geologist, Brya knows that in the West Texas oil country upbringing may not matter, but status is everything. She has worked hard to secure her position, but she finds her plans unravel when she discovers that her daughter, Olivia, is somehow "different," and is forced to face the unfathomable-one startling revelation at a time. Drawn into a maelstrom of events fueled by her daughter's indiscretions, Brya sets out to cover each one up-whatever the cost. But will she be able to combat the demons plaguing her daughter as skillfully as she is able to face down her competition in the cutthroat world of big oil?
In this stunning follow-up to the author's debut novel, Trinity's Daughter, Betty Byrd has woven a brilliant tale of wealth, greed, love, and the pursuit of power-and how one particular woman holds her own in the male-dominated oil business.
"Big oil, big land, and larger-than-life characters all spell Texas. Utopia Texas is Texana at its most raw. And in the end, its most redemptive." -Susan Mary Malone, author, By the Book "Betty Byrd has created a story that is as intense as an oil well fire-volatile and explosive. Utopia Texas will make you feel as if you lived it, while being forever thankful you didn't." - J.D. Smith, host of Pursuing the Blues, KCLAFM.com, Los Angeles, California "The oil field has its share of personalities that are larger than life. Fueled by strong wills and old-fashioned guts in order to face the unthinkable, Byrd's Utopia Texas is compulsively readable." -Bill Bledsoe, Petroleum Engineer, Fort Worth, Texas

The start of a thrilling new series, from bestselling author Lizzie Lane set in Bristol which follows three friends through thick and thin.Bristol 1939. School leaver Maisie Miles suspects her father, a small-time crook, has an ulterior motive for insisting she gets a job at the W. D. H. O. Wills tobacco factory but keeps it to herself. She's befriended by effervescent Phyllis Mason and kind-hearted Bridget Milligan who take pity on her and take Maisie under their wing. But beneath their happy go lucky exteriors they all harbour dreams and worries about what the future holds. Engaged to be married Phyllis dreams of romance and passion but when it comes there are dire consequences. Bridget seemingly the level headed one harbours a horror of something unspeakable that she cannot easily come to terms with. There's great comradeship at the tobacco factory, and with the advent of war everything is about to change and even the closest friendships are likely to be strained. Praise for Lizzie Lane: 'A gripping saga and a storyline that will keep you hooked' Rosie Goodwin 'The Tobacco Girls is another heartwarming tale of love and friendship and a must-read for all saga fans.' Jean Fullerton 'Lizzie Lane opens the door to a past of factory girls, redolent with life-affirming friendship, drama, and choices that are as relevant today as they were then.' Catrin Collier 'If you want an exciting, authentic historical saga then look no further than Lizzie Lane.' Fenella J Miller What readers are saying about The Tobacco Girls:'The Tobacco Girls is another heartwarming tale of love and friendship and a must-read for all saga fans.' Bestselling Author, Jean Fullerton 'Lizzie Lane opens the door to a past of factory girls, redolent with life-affirming friendship, drama, and choices that are as relevant today as they were then.' Bestselling Author, Catrin Collier 'Lizzie Lane's stories get me to and from work every day. Love them.' Reader Review

Dr. Bethesda Vernon, a 30ish year old college professor has lived half a life since the death of Enoch, her Marine Corps husband, in an auto accident in the backcountry of Westchester, NY. His death had devastated Beth. They were married for only four years. After two years of unspeakable grief and mourning, Beth buried herself in teaching her Marriage and Family Relations courses at Queens College. When she had time she traveled to far away places and also mourned Enoch there. One summer day while in Bermuda enjoying the sun, Cedric Philippe simply walked into her life. Cedric was Ambassador of Sierra Leone, West Africa to the United Nations. He called her 'MyBeth' the moment they met--now she belonged to someone again--Beth called him, 'Phillip'. Their affair began despite her knowing he was married and that his wife and two teenage sons lived in London. She was becoming 'the other woman'--a bittersweet role. One ordinary day, Beth wakes herself up from her foolishness and decides ..".it is over." Then enters Dr. Jesse Butler, who joins the Queens College Family Science Department. Jesse and Beth marry after a two year courtship. Later, he accepts ''the call' to preach. Without warning 'old secrets' creep back into their lives--even the secrets of Jesse''s daughter, Lilliclaire, and Sara, Jesse''s former wife. Their individual secrets although deeply hidden, return and the nightmare begins.

"What's the matter, afraid he can't handle it?" Fabian glanced at him. He wasn't as restless as his friend. Leaning against the trunk of the tree, he folded his arms in front of him.

Demetrius shook his head. "It isn't that," he said, pulling his sword out of the dirt. "He's headstrong. Not to mention, overconfident." He swung the blade a few more times. "It's an unfavorable combination," he added.

"Does that remind you of anyone?" Fabian teased.

"I'll admit I was arrogant at times, but I could always smell defeat. I was never quite as impulsive." Demetrius smiled sheepishly. He hadn't forgotten the times Fabian had rescued him before he met his demise. "Nicholas, well, he thinks he's invincible." He grew serious. "And Ayden's too trusting. He isn't perceptive of debauchery as his brothers. Then there's Lucian." He paused and laughed with subservient pride. "How righteous he is. But at times, he's impetuous, yet blameless. Especially, when he believes it's unjust. He surprises you."

"They've matured since I last saw them," Fabian said with an affable chuckle. "They'll be all right, Demetrius."

The duke gave a feeble smile as he returned his steel to the scabbard. It was exhausting, being a sentry at his age, but he had to continue for the sake of his sons.

The year is 2022. Ten years after the utter destruction of the world. In December of 2012 the earth experienced a polar flip that had catastrophic consequences. In the weeks that followed one little girl struggles to survive, guided and protected by unseen forces.

Ten years later Star believes she is the only one left in the world, with only the changed animals as friends. When she stumbles across a garden that has obviously been cared for she is suddenly set on a path that could very well change the entire fate of the new world.

Olimpix is not only an inspiring story of great deeds done by young men and women, in its second half it is a story of one of those young men grown to a man. It is a novel that even those who don't know the first thing about sport can enjoy for the rich language of its narrative, the complexity of its multi-faceted characters, the exotic locales of its settings, and the sweep of a story that ranges from California in the 1970's to the postwar landscapes of old Yugoslavia in the present day. This is a deeply satisfying read for fans of the Olympics, and for those who simply love great novels. The novel begins in Louisiana with the story of Zachary Goodin and his football legend father. From here it shifts to California where soon a swim team is born and young talent begin to climb the rankings of age group swimming. The best of these swimmers soon make it all the way to the Games. The experience of competing in an Olympic Games final is described in great detail - it is vibrantly, unforgettably rendered. The first half of the novel ends with the disastrous consequences brought about by the intrusion of politics into the Olympics. The second half of the story is in present day. his job and moving to Europe. He will encounter the next generation of athlete there, and he will be forced to face up to his responsibilities both to them and to himself and his loved ones. In the second half of the book the scenery along the breathtaking Dalmatian coast of Croatia, the characters and drama are rendered with a rare beauty and power. This novel does not coast to the end; like an athlete in an Olympic Games final, it is stronger in the second half and stays strong all the way to the finish.

Shortly before the onset of hostilities in Europe in 1939, the celebrated Italian conductor, Maestro Marcantonio Omodei, departs Rome to accept a position with New York's Metropolitan Opera Company under Toscanini. His wife, Anita, plans to join him after the arrival of their precious baby.

Christened Marcus Aurelius, the boy is born amidst the first salvos of the European war. Separated from his family for the duration of hostilities, the Maestro is forced, enemy alien status notwithstanding, to endure the mild discomforts of wartime New York City, while mother and child are left to face an uncertain future. Reconciled to a long separation from the one true love of her life, Anita manages the resulting trials with grit and humor. The experience stirs her to reassess her ancestral values, a process that dramatically transforms not only her world, but also her very being. Through it all, Anita is abetted by two childhood friends: Adriana, a blasphemous and fiercely cynical spinster, and a worldly nun named Eugenia.

Wrenched from the fringes of her relatively humdrum purgatory, Anita is swept into the vortex of a developing tempest and the deceptive calm that follows its conclusion.

Set against the colorful backdrop of events that gave rise to a fledgling century of technology, this vibrant novel of romance and adventure introduces a stunning new figure to begin the journey of future generations:
Blackie Devlin... Street-wise alumni of turn-of-the-century Hell's Kitchen, Blackie Devlin rose from the tenements to acquire fame and fortune as the owner of one of the hottest dance halls in the infamous Tenderloin. But something was missing...the Excitement and Adventure once found on the streets. He pursues a new dream as an aviator and nears the zenith--but his past threatens to catch up with him and destroy everything...his fame, his fortune, and his life--including the women who love him...

Surviving high school is a bizarre enough experience for most kids, and for Emma Niles, that's only one of her challenges. It's her senior year, and she has to find a way to put the multiple stresses of her home life behind her. Her parents have just been through a messy divorce, and now her father has remarried. Add on classes and all the other demands on her sanity, and life seems just crazy. Fortunately, Emma knows that no matter how weird her life may seem, she can always count on her friends to see her through it all.

But when Bobby Watson, a tall, dark, and mysterious young man, enrolls at their school, everyone is charmed by him. Everyone, that is, but Alexis, Emma's best friend. Alexis, a gifted Native American girl, can see the darkness behind his beautiful face. She knows that Bobby is much more than he appears to be-and that his plans represent dangerous times for everyone they know and love. Alexis invites her friends to take part in a sacred fire ceremony so that they can learn more about his true intentions.

As they prepare for the ritual, Emma learns of her own powers and family history. By embracing her newly revealed Native American heritage and culture, Emma begins to figure out who she is, what's really happening in her school-and why. Through it all, Emma learns that her true strength is found within and that friendship is the strongest magic of all.

Young Savannah Rose is unfortunately already familiar with the pain of rejection. Chubby and orphaned, Savannah knows she is lucky to have found a home with her Aunt Millie, yet she must endure relentless teasing by her classmates. Deep inside, Savannah knows she is special, and she is determined to find a way to show them all. One summer evening while trying to catch fireflies, Savannah wanders into the dark garden where she suddenly hears a mysterious voice coming from a glowing pumpkin. The pumpkin turns out to really be Perihelion, a gifted fairy; unfortunately, Perihelion is the victim of a ghastly prank by a jealous and evil gnome who has transformed her into a pumpkin. Terrified she will be made into pumpkin pie if she is not set free, Perihelion begs Savannah to help her. After Savannah untangles the fairy from the vine, a magical mist swirls around her as she transports Savannah to a kingdom on the other side of the moon where Savannah is about to learn more about herself than she ever imagined. In this fantasy tale, a young girl embarks on an adventure with a lively fairy and soon discovers that it is not how she looks on the outside but who she is on the inside that truly matters.

Ten-year-old Jack Larkin has seen more than his fair share of shocking sights, growing up in the notorious Crown Saloon.Broken hearts and broken bones are just a fact of life in a Gin Palace, but for orphan Dolly, the Crown is her last hope. After the death of her mother, Dolly ran away from her sleazy step father Arthur, only to find herself living on the streets. When Jack discovers her hiding in the back yard of The Crown, he persuades his mother Nellie Larkin, to take Dolly in. But Dolly has a secret - a very valuable secret - and Arthur is determined to get his clutches on her at any cost. And when local hard-man Ezra Morton joins in the hunt, the Larkins may have to risk everything to keep Dolly safe... The Queen of the Black Country sagas is back with a page-turning, heart-warming, laugh-out-loud story to remember. Perfect for fans of Val Wood and Lyn Andrews. Praise for Lindsey Hutchinson: 'A great story with a great mix of characters, well written and keeps you hooked with each page turn!' Sarah Davies, NetGalley 'A wonderful read ... The author writes so well, it's a really hard novel to put down!' Grace Smith, NetGalley. 'Make sure to read this book where you won't be disturbed because once it gets going, you won't want to put it down' Andrea Ruiz, NetGalley 'A very poignant, feel-good-factor novel' Shelia Easson, NetGalley 'Excellent story!' Stephanie Collins, NetGalley 'The story will linger in your mind long after you finish it' The Avid Reader. What readers are saying about The Children from Gin Barrel Lane: 'An entertaining and delightful story that will keep you turning the pages until the very end' 'This story was funny, suspenseful and held my attention all while I kept turning the pages!' 'Lindsey Hutchinson is a very talented writer and the way this story comes together with mischief, laughter, a secret, the chase, strangers turning instantly into family, pulling at my heartstrings and then with such quick ease, wrapping it all up and making me want to read another of her books!' 'Heartfelt, honest and gritty. I adored this read from this author.' 'Without a doubt, a page turner that holds your interest as well as giving you much to think on when you are finished.' 'The setting is atmospheric and vividly described, and lets you experience the sights smells and uproar of the gin palace.' 'This was simply brilliant.' 'Another fantastic book by Lindsay Hutchinson'

This book (hardcover) is part of the TREDITION CLASSICS. It contains classical literature works from over two thousand years. Most of these titles have been out of print and off the bookstore shelves for decades. The book series is intended to preserve the cultural legacy and to promote the timeless works of classical literature. Readers of a TREDITION CLASSICS book support the mission to save many of the amazing works of world literature from oblivion. With this series, tredition intends to make thousands of international literature classics available in printed format again - worldwide.

The three horror stories included in this collection by Jason Winn will take you on a journey of horror that takes you out of your comfort zone and thrusts you into the cauldron of terror These three disturbing stories of unrelenting horror will plague your mind with nightmares.

"The Wages of Sin"

Special Agent Lydia Bryant, along with an elite team of law enforcement personnel, must transport the deadliest serial killer in the United States to his execution. In the process, she discovers the true mission lurking within this demonic killer's mind. Now, she must race against time to prevent it from coming to fruition.

"Love Thine Enemy"

At forty, Laurel Baxter feels that life is passing her by. As a vampire hunter for the Harker/Van Helsing Institute, she endures lonely nights and constantly limited horizons. Her only hope of gaining the life she so desperately craves rests in the hands of the world's most lethal vampire.

"An Eye for an Eye"

Oliver Ocean is the head of Miami's top modeling agency. Knowing that his models contracts are soon to expire, Ocean plans a final photo shoot with them in the Caribbean. The voyage becomes a bloodbath, though, when Ocean's crew is ambushed by unstoppable zombies.

Born in a small, impoverished town in northern Italy, Evo J. DeConcini enjoyed school and wanted nothing more than to further his education. He followed his older brothers to America in 1946, at the age of fourteen, eager to take advantage of the opportunities offered by this new world.

As he worked toward a bright future in America--learning English, going to graduate school, and eventually entering the political realm--he also strengthened his ties to the past by researching his family history. "A True Story" jumps backward and forward in time, detailing the lives of the DeConcinis in sixteenth-century Europe and turn-of-the-century America, returning to Evo J.'s life as he continued to pursue the American dream.

In 1927, in a town deep within the Calabrian mountains, an oppressed and isolated family lives under the tyranny of a violent baron who wants to subdue and recruit the brothers Pietro and Ferruccio by any means possible. When the brothers reject his offer, the enraged baron exacts his revenge on the family in a brutal attack-on their children. He attempts to kill Ferruccio's toddler son, Nicola, and forcefully adopts Pietro's now-orphaned four-year-old niece, Carmen. As astute as he is dangerous, Pietro-now calling himself Zione-insinuates himself into the baron's inner circle, waiting for the perfect moment to exact his own revenge.

Years pass, and the world is at war. Ferruccio returns from the horrors of the Russian Front with a frostbitten foot, only to find there are battles to be won at home as well. Nicola, now a man, is engaged to Carmen, who carries his child. But the baron forbids his adopted daughter to marry. Under threat of death, Ferruccio flees to Miami. There he seeks protection and help from a local boss. Back in Italy, Carmen gives birth to their child before joining Nicola in Florida, in the hopes of starting a new life in the New World. Together they open an Italian restaurant and try to find happiness so far from home.

They will never forget the Great Sila, the "viddanedda," the beech forest, the fountains, and the procession of Santa Caterina. They will always remember their lost Calabria with love.

"A White Hat in Argo" describes the survival of a close-knit Negro family, led by three sisters, during the summer of 1951. Lil Man, an 8-year old, was enthralled by the rich lifestyles of his hard working relatives who lived in the small town outside Chicago, named Argo. The Negro section of Argo became an oasis for Blacks who earned a good wage working in the huge corn processing factory that dominated the town. Men worked hard and played hard in the bars and taverns that lined the Horseshoe Bend, where cheap drinks, fast women, honky-tonk music and cut throat gambling spiced up the nights. Rooster, Captain, Oliver, and Wallace survived that harsh life in different memorable ways.

Author Gerald V. Stokes, through eyes of Lil Man, examines the mystery of why the three Shelman sisters, part of the Black Migration of the 1920's, left Troy, Alabama, and took root in Argo, Illinois. Negro life in Argo was vibrant and care-free, yet intensely dangerous during that era. It was also a time where community closeness insured survival, but everyone held deeper secrets they dare not reveal. The secrets held by the three sisters were the most profound of all.