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The Heartbreaker
by Carly PhillipsAs the eldest of three rebel-rousing brothers, Chase Chandler has waited a long time to leave his small-town roots behind. All bets are off when the single journalist meets a redhead who arouses a lot more than lust. Yet Sloane Carlisle isn't just any woman. She's a senator's daughter who is about to thrust him into the eye of a breaking political scandal-and a shot at a story that's already making headlines. All Chase has to do for an exclusive is keep her out of harm's way. A woman who refuses to play the Washington game, Sloane has just been hit with a bombshell that calls her entire identity into question. Feeling vulnerable, she does something completely out of character: She spends an incredible, passionate night with a handsome stranger. The last thing she expects is to ever see him again. But when she goes to the Chandlers' hometown of Yorkshire Falls to uncover the truth about her family, there he is! Not only that, her sometime amour Chase Chandler is sticking closer than a Capitol Hill groupie and igniting more sparks than the Fourth of July. Suddenly a guy who has always steered clear of marriage is falling for a serious-minded woman with a family secret that could land them both in danger. If they survive the fallout, what will it take to get Sloane to say the two words that could turn the town's most eligible bachelor into the world's sexiest spouse?
The Heartbreaker
by Elisabeth McneillCharles Edward Stewart, better known as 'Bonnie Prince Charlie', is famous for his doomed attack on England and his subsequent flight from Scotland disguised as an Irish serving maid, aided by Flora Macdonald, a poor shepherdess who took pity on his plight. This episode made him a legend in his homeland, but what happened next? Now, years later, the Prince is living in comfort in London, cut-off from reality, and Flora is married with four children, but is struggling to survive. In this fictionalized account, Elisabeth McNeill reveals the man behind the myth and wonderfully recreates life in the eighteenth century, as she completes their story.
The Heartbreaker (St. Benet's Trilogy #3)
by Susan HowatchDeftly combining the sacred and the profane--the unmistakable hallmark of her fiction over the past decade--Susan Howatch gives us a spellbinding, suspenseful and psychologically intense new novel.The financial heart of London--the City--is an adrenaline-charged square mile deep in recession in the 1990s, a place where sex is just another commodity to be bought and sold in the marketplace. And the City is where the life of Gavin Blake, who sells sex to high flyers, is finally about to unravel.In the center of the City is St. Benet's, a church that ministers to the casualties of this affluent but amoral society. Carta Graham, the St. Benet's fundraiser, is at once attracted to Gavin when they meet through a mutual friend, but slowly she realizes that she has entered a relationship far more complex than she could ever have imagined.Gavin is desperate to escape from his world of prostitution, pornography and violence, but as his involvement with Carta and St. Benet's deepens, the dangers that encircle him escalate until his life itself is on the line. Carta is determined to help him--but will their mysterious journey together be lifesaving or soul-destroying? All she can do is fight her hardest to help Gavin survive.Consistently surprising and powerfully moving, The Heartbreaker is Susan Howatch's most gripping novel yet.From the Hardcover edition.
The Heartbreaker (The Matchmaker Novels #4)
by Rexanne BecnelA rake seeks to mend his ways, but his new governess could quickly unravel that plan, in this Regency romance by the bestselling author of The Bridemaker. After returning home from adventures in the Orient, James Lindford, Viscount Farley, causes quite a stir in London society. The viscount&’s womanizing past has caught up with him, and he decides he must take his illegitimate children into his household to raise. Doing the right thing, unfortunately, costs him both his fiancée and his political aspirations. With the gossip hounds soon on the prowl, he escapes to the calm of his country estate. But between his rowdy children and the beautiful woman next door, James is not about to get any peace. Phoebe Churchill&’s quiet life of raising her niece and tending to her cottage is quickly upended upon the arrival of her new neighbor. When she discovers his daughter is stealing from her, James entreats her to be the children&’s governess. It is a job Phoebe accepts with great caution. Though she yearns for the viscount&’s kiss, she cannot ignore her mother&’s warning—that all men are lustful creatures not to be trusted . . . Perfect for fans of the Bridgerton series!Praise for the Matchmaker Series &“[A] sensual roller coaster of a book.&” —Booklist on The Heartbreaker &“Becnel gives us true insight into the human spirit and does not stint on creating the ideal atmosphere and recreating the era to near perfection.&” —RT Book Reviews on The Matchmaker &“Sparkling romance . . . Playful in tone and rich in character, this book is fun, breezy entertainment.&” —Publishers Weekly on The Bridemaker
The Heartbreaker Prince (Royal & Ruthless #3245)
by Kim LawrenceOut of the frying pan, and into... Hannah Latimer, beautifully enigmatic socialite, has left her glamorous lifestyle behind to prove her worth by becoming an aid worker. But when she's captured by an oppressive regime, her only means of escape is powerful and arrogant Prince Kamel of Surana. And the price? Marriage! Forced to take Hannah as a bride to avoid war with a neighboring kingdom, Kamel has little patience with the pampered princess he's bound to, but it's his duty, and that's something he can't ignore! There's no love between them, but there must be heirs. And there will be passion....
The Heartbreaker of Echo Pass (A Gold Valley Novel #12)
by Maisey YatesCan Gold Valley’s wallflower heal a damaged cowboy’s broken heart?Shy Iris Daniels is on a mission to shake up her life. She’s sick of being underestimated, and she’s got a new business plan to prove it. The one thing she didn’t factor in is her new landlord, Griffin Chance. The gruff mountain man isn’t what she expected, but Iris recognizes the pain in his eyes. Yet the attraction he ignites is much more unfamiliar…and might be the perfect chance for Iris to embrace the adventure she yearns for.Griffin Chance knows firsthand how senseless the cards dealt in life can be. He wouldn’t have isolated himself on a remote mountain ridge if he didn’t. Innocent Iris craves excitement, and he’s a man who thought he’d forgotten how to feel. But when their connection grows deeper than either of them anticipated, Griffin has to decide if he can put down the pain of his past and step into a love he never believed possible.A Gold Valley NovelRead the entire Gold Valley series:1. Smooth-Talking Cowboy2. Untamed Cowboy3. Good Time Cowboy4. A Tall, Dark Cowboy Christmas5. Unbroken Cowboy6. Cowboy to the Core7. Lone Wolf Cowboy8. Cowboy Christmas Redemption9. The Bad Boy of Redemption Ranch10. The Hero of Hope Springs11. The Last Christmas Cowboy
The Heartbreakers (The Heartbreak Chronicles #1)
by Ali Novak"When I wasn't reading this book, it was all I wanted to be doing. Adorably romantic and fun! I loved it." —Kasie West author of The Distance Between UsFrom beloved Wattpad sensation Ali Novak, author of My Life with the Walter Boys, comes this swoon-worthy YA romcom about a teen who accidentally falls for the lead singer of a world-famous boy band, perfect for fans of Jenny Han and Miranda KenneallyWhen I met Oliver Perry, I had no clue he was the lead singer for The Heartbreakers. And he had no idea that I was the only girl in the world who hated his music.Stella will do anything for her sick sister, Cara—even stand in line for an autographed Heartbreakers CD…for four hours. She's totally winning best birthday gift this year. At least she met a cute boy with soft brown hair and gorgeous blue eyes while getting her caffeine fix. Too bad she'll never see him again.Except, Stella's life has suddenly turned into a cheesy love song. Because Starbucks Boy is Oliver Perry—lead singer for the Heartbreakers. And even after she calls his music crap, Oliver still gives Stella his phone number. And whispers quotes from her favorite Disney movie in her ear. OMG, what is her life?But how can Stella even think about being with Oliver—dating and laughing and pulling pranks with the band—when her sister could be dying of cancer?First a hit on the online community Wattpad, Ali Novak's second novel has over 38 million reads and is loved by readers around the world.With a perfect balance of humor, heart, and romance, The Heartbreakers is a great choice for readers looking for:fun contemporary romance for teensWattpad love storiesromcoms that cover deeper issues like family, illness, and self-discoverybinge-worthy YA novels
The Hearth and Eagle
by Anya SetonA richly detailed historical saga from the bestselling author of Katherine and Green Darkness. 'Anya Seton takes us into other worlds, making us live for a few hours on a grand scale' (Women's Journal)Beginning in 1630, this is the story of the sleepy New England fishing village of Marblehead, Massachusetts from its earliest settlement to modern times, and of a family who called it their home for generations. Hesper Honeywood is unlike the obedient, deeply religious women of her family's past. While she copies the grim and pious behaviour of her cold and distant mother, she dreams of a life of passion and adventure beyond the confines of Marblehead and The Hearth and Eagle Inn. ANYA SETON (1904 -1990) was the author of 10 bestselling historical novels: Dragonwyk, My Theodosia, The Turquoise, The Hearth & Eagle, Foxfire, Katherine, Avalon, The Winthrop Woman, Devil Water and Green Darkness
The Hearts We Burn (The Unconditional Series #3)
by Briana ColeGetting your life back can be killer . . . Kimera Davis thought she was finally free from marrying-for-money—and living way too many lies. Until her obsessed ex-husband ignited the ultimate dark hoax, a spectacularly malicious deception that’s left her family, and her best friend, Adria, reeling. Now Kimera and her young son are prisoners at a remote estate, under the thumb of her ex’s powerful father. And she has only one slender chance of escape. Suddenly Kimera is getting dangerously close to an unlikely ally, but even she can't be sure if she's playing him, if what they have is real . . . or if he's mastering her game. And there's no guarantee that her calculations and wild-card moves will earn her and her son's freedom—or cost more than her survival is worth . . .
The Hearts We Mend: The Dandelion Field And The Hearts We Mend (A Banister Falls Novel #2)
by Kathryn SpringerPlanning and Post-It notes are the epitome of Evie’s life. But when she meets Jack, her life gets more than a little complicated. Thirteen years ago, Evie's firefighterhusband was killed in the line of duty, leaving her to raise their young son, Cody, alone. Now, Cody is marrying the love of his life, and as he packs up his belongings, the house feels as empty as Evie's heart. But for all her planning and mad organizational skills, Evie could never have anticipated the dramatic shift her life is about to make. Tattooed, rough-around-the-edgesJack raises quite a few eyebrows in the tight-knit community of Banister Falls. Where Evie's life is stream-lined, Jack's approach to living is moment-by-moment. But as Evie gets drawn into Jack's world—a world that isn't as safe or predictable as the one she's worked so hard to create—he challenges her to open her eyes to the problems outside the walls of the church. Jack doesn't make Evie feel comfortable, but he definitely makes her feel something. Something she hasn't felt since Max passed away—or, maybe ever. Because even though Jack isn't anything like her late husband, he just might be everything she needs.
The Hearts of Liberty (The Hearts of Liberty Series)
by Phoebe ConnFrom New York Times bestselling author Phoebe Conn comes four highly-acclaimed novels in one boxset. Embark upon an extraordinary journey to Colonial America and experience the diversity, sacrifices and sensual fires that birthed a nation.Book 1 - Savage Destiny:Hunter is a Seneca brave and a renown scout for the Virginia Militia. Alanna lost her family in an Indian raid.When Alann's cousin gives birth to a half-breed baby, then dies, Alanna faces a choice: turn her back on the motherless child or face her fears, find Hunter and convince him to claim his son.Book 2 - Defiant Destiny:When King George II orders the Acadians, descendants of 17th-century French colonists, expelled from their Nova Scotian land, Arielle Douville, an Acadian healer, reluctantly agrees to translate for the captain of the Virginia Militia.But soon Arielle must choose: side with her people or fight for the inevitable new way of Acadian life and discover if the growing passions between her and the captain is love.Book 3 – Forbidden Destiny:Half-Seneca and half-white, Christian Hunter has never been able to resist challenging Liana Scott's high British opinions, and when his taunts lure her into an affair, she loses everything.Now Christian faces a new challenge: proving to Liana how much he has always loved her.Book 4 – Wild Destiny:Falcon Hunter is a half-Seneca, half-white sniper with sights set on proving himself a warrior by helping free America from British rule.Belle wants love, and the care-free Falcon she once knew. Then she's captured by the British. All she wants now is for Falcon to find her."...little known historical facts [and] engaging characters will surely entertain." ~RT Magazine"...a love story that blossoms in the most unlikely place." ~Rendezvous"...filled with every nuance of growing love and trust." ~RT Magazine, TOP PICKTHE HEARTS OF LIBERTY, in series orderSavage DestinyDefiant DestinyForbidden DestinyWild DestinyScarlet DestinyHEARTS OF CALIFORNIA, in series orderHearts of GoldNo Sweeter EcstasyTempt Me With Kisses
The Hearts of Middlefield Collection: A Man of His Word, An Honest Love, A Hand to Hold (A Hearts of Middlefield Novel)
by Kathleen FullerA Man of His WordWhen Moriah Byler married Levi Miller, she thought they would share a long life together. She is astonished when one day he abruptly leaves the Order, and her along with it. She is hopeful that they'll reconcile, but Levi has a fatal accident. Unbeknownst to him, Moriah is pregnant and finds herself alone and unsure where to turn. She's hesitant about trusting her heart to anyone. WhatMoriah doesn't know is that Levi's twin, Gabriel, has loved her for years, but has kept this to himself. Gabriel is a man of his word--and a man of God's word.After another unexpected tragedy, Moriah must learn to open her heart and accept his love so she can be made whole again.An Honest LoveAnnaEsh was once betrayed by someone she loved deeply. In an attempt never to be hurt again, Anna withdrew from risk, placing all her attention on managing the new gift shop she and her mom bought. When Lukas introduces himself, Anna can't resist her attraction to him. Though she finds herself falling in love, she's hiding a piece of her past in fear that their future will be destroyed if she shares the truth. But love can't be built on lies and the past comes rushing back to Anna in an irreversible way. Now Lukas must decide how he will react toAnna's betrayal. A Hand to HoldA student at heart, Ruth Byler is finally a teacher at the Amish schoolhouse. But after her first day, she wonders if she's made a mistake. When Zach comes to fix a repair at the schoolhouse, he notices the young Amish teacher and the disorderly students. After seeing enough, he storms into the classroom and demands the students show Ruth respect. Satisfied he's done a good deed, he waits around so Ruth can thank him. Instead she's furious that he interfered. Zach leaves, thinking she's still the snobby bookworm he knew from school. He doesn't have much use for learning. And now he has little use for Ruth. There's more to Zach's story and when Ruth finds out the truth to why he hated school,the consequences leave them seeing each other in a different light.
The Hearts of Yesteryear
by Vivien DeanThroughout his career, actor John Paravati has stuck with what he told the gossip rags -- he's been in like, in lust, even in respect once or twice, but never love. All he's ever cared about is performing. If he's stuck now doing commercials for cruise lines, at least it's better than shilling adult diapers.But Hollywood pretends, and John is a master. Because once upon a time, he loved two things more than anything -- his best friend Frank and the movie palace he used as sanctuary.Over fifty years ago, John ran away from his hometown. Now, someone has restored the theater he left behind, and they want John at its relaunch. The memories still sting, but he agrees to attend, even though it means dealing with heartache. At seventy-seven, he's too old to hold onto the hurt. The question is, however, is he too old to start over once it's gone?
The Hearts of the Lancaster Grand Hotel Collection: A Hopeful Heart, A Mother's Secret, A Dream of Home, A Simple Prayer (Hearts of the Lancaster Grand Hotel)
by Amy ClipstonFour women working at the Lancaster Grand Hotel find their way through life and love.A Hopeful HeartHannah’s community offers her love and support after the untimely death of her husband, but an Englisher offers her the chance of a new life after the unexpected tragedy.A Mother’s SecretCarolyn knows she might never find a man who will have her and her son, Benjamin. A marriage of convenience doesn’t sound so bad, yet Carolyn knows she wants to marry for love.A Dream of HomeMadeleine is a former Air Force flight nurse living alone in Paradise, Pennsylvania, and working as a maid at the Lancaster Grand Hotel. She isn’t exactly a widow . . . but she sure feels like one after losing her fiancé.Saul isn’t exactly a widower . . . but his wife is long gone. His young daughter, Emma, doesn’t know that her mother fled the Amish community—and married another man—but she does know that her dat is lonely, and that a pretty young maedel just moved in next door. A Simple PrayerThe sole survivor of a buggy accident that left her orphaned at age four, Linda was raised by her unwilling Uncle Reuben. She longs to be worthy of someone, but the life-long effects of her injuries and her upbringing under the care of her embittered uncle have destroyed her self-worth. She must learn to forgive her family that she is worthy of love.
The Heartstopper Yearbook (Heartstopper)
by Alice OsemanA full-color companion book for fans of Alice Oseman's bestselling Heartstopper series.Now streaming on Netflix!The Heartstopper Yearbook is packed full of exclusive content from the Heartstopper universe: never-before-seen illustrations, an exclusive minicomic, character profiles, trivia, and insight into Alice Oseman's creative process, narrated by a cartoon version of Alice herself. In full-color for the first time, this companion book is perfect for fans of Heartstopper!
The Heat Between Us
by Cheris HodgesLove's sweet refrain? Appointed to head Atlanta's first-ever jazz festival, go-to marketing guru Michael "MJ" Jane sets out to create an annual event to rival New Orleans. Even if that means hiring her irresistible crush Jamal Carver to run security... The former marine with the killer smile and amazing abs also happens to be her best friend's husband's confidant. But despite their sizzling attraction, she refuses to become the playboy's latest conquest. The driven, desirable bachelorette makes the decorated marine long to hang up his own bachelor status. It's getting harder for Jamal to keep things strictly business between them-can't MJ see they're creating a passionate tune of their own? Just as Jamal starts to earn MJ's trust, their relationship is threatened by a relentless, still-in-the-picture ex-girlfriend. Will a downbeat melody end their romance before it truly begins? Or can love keep Jamal and MJ in harmony...forever?
The Heat Is On
by Jill Shalvis Natalie AndersonCatching FireBella Manchelli didn't stick, not to places, or to people. Even though she liked the coastal town of Santa Rey, California, and her job as a pastry chef, she never made promises and she never got hurt. So when she signed up for Eight Dates in Eight Days, it was just for fun. And when she went home with Date Eight, she crept out of his room in the morning and never expected to see him again.Until she found a body on her doorstop. The detective on the case? None other than Mr. Date Eight-Jacob Madden. Bella was glad to see him, because there was definitely chemistry between them. She felt safe and protected with Jacob, and for the first time Bella felt at home. But he wasn't looking for forever...and they both knew the killer wasn't finished.
The Heat Is On
by Katie RosePerfect for readers of Joanna Blake and Sawyer Bennett, hailed as "charming, sexy, and smart" by Lauren Layne, the Bad Boys of Baseball series from award-winning author Katie Rose heats up as a homegrown baseball star returns to snag the one that got away. When veteran catcher Connor Jackson gets traded to the New Jersey Sonics, he welcomes the opportunity to possibly cap his career with a World Series ring in his home state. But there's another reason Connor is glad things have come full circle. In pursuit of hardball glory, he left behind his college sweetheart, the one girl he could never forget. Seeing her again stirs up long-lost desires . . . and this time, he's determined not to strike out. A divorced mother of four, Tracy Coleman no longer aspires to gossip-mag glam--but she'll make an exception for a date with Connor. Their chemistry is hotter than ever, and being alone with him is more seductive than she anticipated. Who could blame her for leaving out a little detail like the kids? Now all she has to do is come clean and convince the man of her dreams that they--Connor, Tracy, and her children--have a future together.
The Heat of Passion
by Lynne GrahamFORBIDDEN!Untouched....Six years ago, Jessica made the worst mistake of her life. The prospect of being Carlo Saracini's mistress was just too hot for her to handle, so she opted for the safety of marriage to Simon instead.Now Jessica is a widow and faced with the unthinkable: she needs Carlo's help or her father will go to jail. Carlo is suggesting a deal that will give him what he always wanted-Jessica, in his bed for three months! But Jessica can't give in to Carlo's demands; to let him possess her body and soul will be to give him the ultimate revenge...because he will discover that after years of marriage, she is still a virgin!When passion knows no reason….FORBIDDEN!
The Heat of Passion: Dangerous Sanctuary / The Heat Of Passion / Darker Side Of Desire / A Man Of Honour (Forbidden! Ser. #1908)
by Lynne GrahamA widow needs the help of a former flame, but his assistance comes with strings attached in this classic romance by a USA Today–bestselling author.Six years ago, Jessica made a decision that would change her life forever. The prospect of being the wealthy Carlo Saracini’s mistress was too hot for her to handle, so she opted for the safety of marriage to another man.But now Jessica is a widow and faced with the unthinkable: she needs Carlo’s help or her father will go to jail!Carlo proposes a deal that will give him what he’s always wanted—Jessica at his mercy and naked in his bed! But letting Carlo possess her body and soul will be to give him the ultimate revenge and reveal her innocence . . .Originally published in 1994
The Heat of the Moment
by Katie RoseThe Bad Boys of Baseball are back! In Katie Rose's sweet, sparkling novel, the newest New Jersey Sonic falls for the woman who's trying desperately to save his career. Physical therapist Jessica Hart has learned her lesson: Never date professional athletes. She's been down that road, and barely recovered after the relationship crashed and burned. Then Jessica meets Gavin King. An All-Star slugger with chiseled good looks, Gavin was traded to the Sonics because he hurt his knee sliding into second, and now his future is in her hands. Gavin's no bad boy--but he's tempting enough to make Jessica think twice about all her rules. Gavin is trying to find a comfortable routine. If he wants his old life back, he must take it easy, stay out of the limelight, and keep his distance from gorgeous redheaded physical therapists. The thing is, Gavin isn't the kind of guy to sit on his ass and let other people pull his weight. And when he sees something he wants, he can't help but fight for it, even if it means risking everything, even if it only lasts a single moment: like one kiss from Jessica.Advance praise for The Heat of the Moment "Katie Rose writes sexy, skilled sports heroes who know how to treat a woman right!"--Wendy S. Marcus, award-winning author of All I Need Is You"Katie Rose brings the heat again with another sweet and sexy sports romance!"--Kelly Jamieson, author of Major MisconductPraise for the Bad Boys of Baseball series "Charming, sexy, and smart, Katie Rose's Bad Boys of Baseball series will make you wish it went into extra innings!"--USA Today bestselling author Lauren Layne "This story sizzles! Lots of hot yumminess to brighten any summer night."--Library Journal, on Bring on the Heat "Katie Rose scores a home run with a hero who's Too Hot to Handle!"--New York Times bestselling author Carly Phillips Includes a special message from the editor, as well as an excerpt from another Loveswept title.
The Heat of the Moment
by Ruby MooneMilo Callan is convinced the disease that ravaged his legs and left him in a wheelchair as a child has damaged something inside him because, as he grows to adulthood, he only becomes aroused by men. His secluded life means he’s convinced he is alone in this until the day Robert Grange, his temporary valet, rescues him from his life inside and takes him into the summer heat, changing his life forever beneath the shade of an ancient tree.Overwhelmed, confused, and helplessly in love, Milo struggles to deal with his feelings and pushes Robert away time after time.When Robert can bear it no longer, he decides to leave. Beside himself with grief, can Milo find the strength to believe in himself and accept their love? Will he be able to convince Robert to stay, or has he pushed Robert away for the last time?
The Heat of the Night
by Amy AndrewsIt's supposed to be all hands on deck...not on each other!To Claudia Davis, her Australian beach hotel is paradise. To her business partner, Luke Hargreaves, it's a burden he's desperate to shake off! Then a cyclone hits, and it's down to them both to rebuild the resort. But keeping their minds on the job proves impossible with all those scorching-hot nights alone together....Agreeing to a fling seems risk-free-Luke's leaving for London soon, and surely their chemistry will have self-combusted by then? Except with time running out it's just getting hotter...like a fireball burning out of control....Those Summer NightsIn Crescent Cove find sun, sea and steamy nights....
The Heat of the Sun: A Novel
by David RainAN EXUBERANT DEBUT THAT SWEEPS ACROSS THE TWENTIETH CENTURY--BEGINNING WHERE ONE WORLD-FAMOUS LOVE STORY LEFT OFF TO INTRODUCE US TO ANOTHER With Sophie Tucker belting from his hand-crank phonograph and a circle of boarding school admirers laughing uproariously around him, we first meet Ben "Trouble" Pinkerton through the amazed eyes of his orphaned schoolmate, Woodley Sharpless--and ever after, though their paths at times diverge, their lives continue to intersect. Trouble, the son of Lieutenant Benjamin Pinkerton and the geisha Madame Butterfly, is being raised in the United States by (now) Senator Pinkerton and his upper-class wife, Kate. From early on, his privileged upbringing and rebellious charisma combine to involve him in many important events of the twentieth century: from Greenwich Village in the roaring twenties, through WPA work during the Great Depression; from secret government work outside Los Alamos, to a revelation on a Nagasaki hillside by the sea. Sharpless witnesses such events, too--along with plenty of Pinkerton family drama. The Heat of the Sun, David Rain's first novel, is a high-wire act of sustained invention--as playful as it is ambitious, as moving as it is theatrical, and as historically resonant as it is evocative of powerful bonds of friendship and of love.
The Heaven of Mercury: A Novel
by Brad WatsonA National Book Award FinalistBrad Watson's first novel was eagerly awaited after his breathtaking, award-winning debut collection of short stories, Last Days of the Dog-Men. In The Heaven of Mercury, Watson fulfills that literary promise with a humorous and jaundiced eye. Finus Bates has loved Birdie Wells since the day he saw her do a naked cartwheel in the woods in 1916. Later he won her at poker, lost her, then nearly won her again after the mysterious poisoning of her womanizing husband. Does Vish, the old medicine woman down in the ravine, hold the key to Birdie's elusive character? Or does Parnell, the town undertaker, whose unspeakable desires bring lust for life and death together? Or does the secret lie with some other colorful old-timer in Mercury, Mississippi, not such a small town anymore? With "graceful, patient, insightful and hilarious" prose (USA Today), Brad Watson chronicles Finus's steadfast devotion and Mercury's evolution from a sleepy backwater to a small city.