1st Place winner of the Cygnus Award for Women's Fantasy/SciFi 2013. The Maiden Voyage of the Maryann is a spiritual journey of discovery. Emily, a young engineer, learns she is adopted and pregnant in the span of a few weeks. A chance visit to a quirky tea shop takes her on a journey of adventure and discovery about herself and her family. She discovers she is a descendent of Blackbeard, the notorious pirate, and travels on an adventure to find his long lost treasure. Swinging from masts and talking with ghosts are only the start as Emily comes to a decision on what to do with the baby. This is a story of self-discovery and of learning that the real treasure is with us all the time, in ourselves.

This comprehensive, highly readable handbook simplifies the sometimes complex aspects of day-to-day life in China. Based on the experience of Americans who have recently studied, done research, and taught there, China Bound gives the invaluable "inside" information that only those who have been there can provide. Written primarily for students, scholars, and teachers, the book describes Chinese academic life and work and how Americans can fit into it. And, because it covers such a broad spectrum of topics--from customs regulations, taxation, and medical care to hotel life and how to get laundry done--China Bound is also must reading for anyone who is already planning or just trying to decide whether to plan an extended visit to China. Academic Library Book Review states, "China Bound is one of those books that is absolutely essential."