"The FLOTUS Effect" emphasizes the import of agency on the part of Michelle Obama in relation to her politics as evidenced in her positionality and presence as the first African American woman to serve as First Lady of the United States of America. Her occupation of a previously white space and place tended to frame her as an enigma in the American mind and media. Contributors reflect on Mrs. Obama's eight years in her ceremonial position, and the ways she chose to uniquely embody her role. Hence, the result is a volume that speculates upon her evolving legacy, and the likely "effects" of what it meant to be the first African-American woman to serve in the ceremonial, yet powerful, role of FLOTUS.

"The FLOTUS Effect" emphasizes the import of agency on the part of Michelle Obama in relation to her politics as evidenced in her positionality and presence as the first African American woman to serve as First Lady of the United States of America. Her occupation of a previously white space and place tended to frame her as an enigma in the American mind and media. Contributors reflect on Mrs. Obama’s eight years in her ceremonial position, and the ways she chose to uniquely embody her role. Hence, the result is a volume that speculates upon her evolving legacy, and the likely “effects” of what it meant to be the first African-American woman to serve in the ceremonial, yet powerful, role of FLOTUS.

The collection of stories in Murder Most Romantic is about romance experienced in the teeth of mortal danger, when every decision is life-or-death and the smallest mistake could kill you. It is said that love is at its most intense when it is threatened, and when that threat is mortal, murder and romance can combine to build emotions to a fever pitch. Many award-winning writers have joined together in creating the new and original stories in Murder Most Romantic. From Laura Resnick's heart-stopping tale of a honeymoon gone very wrong to Dine Stuckart's look at the scary side of the cyber world, to D. E. Meredith's story of love and death in small-town Texas and beyond, every contribution adds a new twist. This collection of heart-stopping romance includes: Homicidal Honeymoon by Laura Resnick * The Scottish Ploy by P. N. Elrod * www.gonnahavekelly.com by Diane A. S. Stuckart * The Perfect Man by Kristine Kathryn Rusch * Celtic Cross by Yvonne Jocks * Hostage to Love by Mary Watson * Dizzy and the Biker by Susan Sizemore * Night Hawks by Jody Lynn Nye * Keeper of the Well by Deb Stover * Dearly Beloved by D. R.Meredith * The Show Must Go On by Neesa Hart * Twelve Days by Laura Hayden

The words murder and romance seldom appear together. If given a choice, most of us would prefer them to be as far apart as possible. But there is no denying that an edge of danger can heighten tension, intensify emotions, and make every moment a treasure to be seized, since it might be the last chance to experience anything at all.

The collection of stories in Murder Most Romantic is about romance experienced in the teeth of mortal danger, when every decision is life-or-death and the smallest mistake could kill you. It is said that love is at its most intense when it is threatened, and when that threat is mortal, murder and romance can combine to build emotions to a fever pitch.

Many award-winning writers have joined together in creating the new and original stories in Murder Most Romantic. From Laura Resnick's heart-stopping tale of a honeymoon gone very wrong to Dine Stuckart's look at the scary side of the cyber world, to D. E. Meredith's story of love and death in small-town Texas and beyond, every contribution adds a new twist.

Fifteen years ago, Mercedes Lackey put pen to paper to write Arrows Of The Queen, her first novel about Valdemar, a fantasy kingdom replete with magical races and magical creatures, enemies and allies both sorcerous and mundane. This ancient land of mystery is unique even among fantasy realms, for it is protected by an elite corps -- the Heralds. These men and women gifted with extraordinary mind powers are Chosen by, and bonded with, wondrous horselike beings known as Companions. Brought by their Companions from the length and breadth of Valdemar to Haven, Valdemar's capital city, they are trained in a special school, the Collegium, and devote their lives to protecting king and kingdom. Mindspeakers, FarSeers, FarSpeakers, Firestarters, ForeSeers -- their individual talents are as varied as their backgrounds. There are even those who can channel the magical nodes in the earth itself to use for their own purposes. Garbed in their uniforms of white leather, they patrol their territory, dispensing justice and keeping the peace. They are emissaries, spies, diplomats, scouts, warriors, judges, and counselors.

With eighteen novels published, and millions of copies in print, Mercedes Lackey's Valdemar series has won the hearts of countless readers. In response to overwhelming demand on the part of her many fans, veteran editors John Helfers and Denise Little now present The Valdemar Companion. With the help and guidance of Mercedes Lackey, Helfers and Little have compiled a reader's guide to Mercedes Lackey's best-selling world of Valdemar. Included in this comprehensive work is an all-original Mercedes Lackey Valdemar novella, as well as an essay by Lackey about Valdemar, and extensive interviews with the author and her publisher. With an overview of the history of Valdemar, detailed essays on the various races and kingdoms, a substantial concordance containing entries on every major character, device and setting, and including articles on the magical races and creatures, a chapter on the diverse Valdemar fan clubs, and a section devoted to the songs of Valdemar, along with beautifully detailed maps, The Valdemar Companion is everything any Valdemar fan could wish for.