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The Professor's Secret
by Peggy BirdEnglish professor Claudia Manchester secretly writes spicy romances as April Mayes, the Queen of Steam. She wants to keep her side job under wraps till she's secured tenure, but when she's pressured by her agent to appear at some out-of-state conferences, she agrees...if she can go in disguise. Dressed as her sexier alter ego, she meets historical romance writer and high school history teacher Bradley Davis and passion ignites. But can true love be built on lies? And will he still want her when she reveals her real self?Sensuality Level: Sensual
Ringing in Love
by Peggy BirdWith a business to grow and a teenaged son to raise, Catherine Bennett doesn't have time for a social life. Besides, after her husband left her for another woman, she's not exactly thrilled at the prospect of opening up her heart again. But when she leases office space in Dominic Russo's building, she can't keep her mind - or her eyes - off her new landlord. Only problem is he happens to be a known womanizer . . . and her professional rival.Unfortunately for Dominic, Philadelphia's most eligible bachelor is definitely in a dry spell. He hasn't dated in months, contrary to the rumors, but convincing career-minded Catherine that there's more to him than his reputation will be a challenge. Since she's determined to focus on work, he offers her an irresistible chance at winning a huge contract if she partners with his company.But will mixing business and pleasure make for a happy New Year's Eve?Sensuality Level: Sensual
Ringing in Love: A Holiday for Romance
by Peggy BirdWith a business to grow and a teenaged son to raise, Catherine Bennett doesn't have time for a social life. Besides, after her husband left her for another woman, she's not exactly thrilled at the prospect of opening up her heart again. But when she leases office space in Dominic Russo's building, she can't keep her mind - or her eyes - off her new landlord. Only problem is he happens to be a known womanizer . . . and her professional rival.Unfortunately for Dominic, Philadelphia's most eligible bachelor is definitely in a dry spell. He hasn't dated in months, contrary to the rumors, but convincing career-minded Catherine that there's more to him than his reputation will be a challenge. Since she's determined to focus on work, he offers her an irresistible chance at winning a huge contract if she partners with his company.But will mixing business and pleasure make for a happy New Year's Eve?Sensuality Level: Sensual
Ringing in Love: A Holiday for Romance
by Peggy BirdWith a business to grow and a teenaged son to raise, Catherine Bennett doesn't have time for a social life. Besides, after her husband left her for another woman, she's not exactly thrilled at the prospect of opening up her heart again. But when she leases office space in Dominic Russo's building, she can't keep her mind - or her eyes - off her new landlord. Only problem is he happens to be a known womanizer . . . and her professional rival.Unfortunately for Dominic, Philadelphia's most eligible bachelor is definitely in a dry spell. He hasn't dated in months, contrary to the rumors, but convincing career-minded Catherine that there's more to him than his reputation will be a challenge. Since she's determined to focus on work, he offers her an irresistible chance at winning a huge contract if she partners with his company.But will mixing business and pleasure make for a happy New Year's Eve?Sensuality Level: Sensual
Second Chances: The Complete Series (Second Chances Ser. #2)
by Peggy BirdThere's something magical about falling in love when you least expect it. Breathtaking reunions and tantalizing new strangers offer six friends a second chance at happily ever after in this delightful contemporary romance series:Beginning Again: Widowed in her twenties and now divorced halfway through her forties, it's time for Liz Fairchild to live life for herself . . . until sexy Collins strolls into her art gallery.Loving Again: Portland police detective Sam Richardson is instantly attracted to Amanda St. Claire, his prime suspect in a homicide. Is their growing interest putting both of their lives at risk?Together Again: Deputy DA Margo Keyes's homecoming is just the relaxation she needed . . . until hitting the sheets with ex-flame Tony Alessandro puts her in the middle of a federal investigation of industrial espionage.Trusting Again: A rich customer sweeps Cynthia Blaine off her feet with a whirlwind romance. But can she continue to ignore the clues that Marius has a dangerous secret?Believing Again: Called to the scene of the murder of a homeless veteran in a transient camp, Portland detective Danny Hartmann expects a routine case. Then she meets Jake Abrams and everything changes.Falling Again: When Fiona McCarthy's investigative piece and Nick St. Claire's photography assignment intersect, can their feelings for each other survive her need to get the story and his to frame the perfect shot?Sensuality Level: Sensual
Sparked by Love: A Holiday for Romance
by Peggy BirdSome fussy artist is making Shannon Morgan’s job with the city of Vancouver, Washington, harder than it should be. She’s organizing the huge annual Independence Day celebration, and he’s being impossible. But then, he’s like a couple other men she’s known—her mostly absent father and her disappearing ex-boyfriend, for example. <P><P>All Leo Wilson wants is an okay for his plans to install glass fireworks at Fort Vancouver on the Fourth of July. With thousands of people there to see his work, it could be his big career break. If the crabby bureaucrat will get him the permits he needs. <P><P>When Leo confronts the cause of his trouble in person, he’s surprised to find a beautiful young woman. Shannon is equally surprised at meeting a sweet, sexy man. Dinner, a movie, and a few torrid kisses take it from spark to flame. <P><P>But then the father she’s always wanted as part of her life reappears, accompanied by her ex-boyfriend. Shannon has to decide how far she’s willing to go to have her father around. And find out why he’s with her ex.If she makes the right decisions, she and Leo will privately create fireworks that rival the pyrotechnics that light up the sky on July Fourth. <P><P>Sensuality Level: Sensual
Thankful for Love
by Peggy BirdEastern Oregon rancher Jack Richardson needs someone to wrangle his two sons, and Quanna Morales is the available candidate. She needs a steady job badly, so she jumps on the opportunity, even though she's focused on her education and busy helping her mother take care of her disabled brother.Jack and Quanna can't fight their attraction, but Quanna worries his family and friends will exhibit the anti-Indian prejudice she's only too used to encountering. And if things go badly between them, Quanna will not be able to help support her family and the boys will have lost yet another mother figure. When her worst fears come true and a feud erupts at the Thanksgiving table, will Jack be able to convince her that their love is strong enough to overcome any obstacle?Sensuality Level: Sensual
Together Again
by Peggy BirdDeputy DA Margo Keyes is looking forward to this trip with as much enthusiasm as she'd have for a root canal. There's the Philly summer heat, the high school reunion she'd rather avoid, and the speech she'd be giving as a last-minute stand-in for her boss. Mostly there's facing high school crush Tony Alessandro. When she'd last seen the Philly cop, he'd danced her out of his sister's wedding reception to a dark room where he'd kissed her senseless. If his nephew hadn't interrupted they'd have . . . well, who knows?Tony had disappeared on some family errand. She went home to Portland, Oregon the next day. She hadn't heard from him since.However, her homecoming turns out better than expected. The reunion and the speech work out. Even better, when she and Tony pick up where they left off in that dark room, the only heat that's unbearable is what they generate in bed.Margo returns to Portland wondering if she and Tony have started something she might not be ready for, relieved she's put a whole continent between them to give her breathing room to sort it. Then his work with a federal task force investigating industrial espionage brings him to Portland. And an accidental swap of messenger bags on her flight home puts her in the middle of the investigation.Tony wants her out of the way of the bad guys and focused on him. She wants to use a secret from her past to wrap up the case. And maybe avoid having to think about what's happening between them.They can't both win. Or can they?Sensuality Level: Hot
Together Again: Book 3 in the Second Chances series
by Peggy BirdDeputy DA Margo Keyes is looking forward to this trip with as much enthusiasm as she’d have for a root canal. There’s the Philly summer heat, the high school reunion she’d rather avoid, and the speech she’d be giving as a last-minute stand-in for her boss. Mostly there’s facing high school crush Tony Alessandro. When she’d last seen the Philly cop, he’d danced her out of his sister’s wedding reception to a dark room where he’d kissed her senseless. If his nephew hadn’t interrupted they’d have . . . well, who knows?Tony had disappeared on some family errand. She went home to Portland, Oregon the next day. She hadn’t heard from him since.However, her homecoming turns out better than expected. The reunion and the speech work out. Even better, when she and Tony pick up where they left off in that dark room, the only heat that’s unbearable is what they generate in bed.Margo returns to Portland wondering if she and Tony have started something she might not be ready for, relieved she’s put a whole continent between them to give her breathing room to sort it. Then his work with a federal task force investigating industrial espionage brings him to Portland. And an accidental swap of messenger bags on her flight home puts her in the middle of the investigation.Tony wants her out of the way of the bad guys and focused on him. She wants to use a secret from her past to wrap up the case. And maybe avoid having to think about what’s happening between them.They can’t both win. Or can they?Sensuality Level: Hot
Together Again: Book 3 in the Second Chances series
by Peggy BirdDeputy DA Margo Keyes is looking forward to this trip with as much enthusiasm as she’d have for a root canal. There’s the Philly summer heat, the high school reunion she’d rather avoid, and the speech she’d be giving as a last-minute stand-in for her boss. Mostly there’s facing high school crush Tony Alessandro. When she’d last seen the Philly cop, he’d danced her out of his sister’s wedding reception to a dark room where he’d kissed her senseless. If his nephew hadn’t interrupted they’d have . . . well, who knows?Tony had disappeared on some family errand. She went home to Portland, Oregon the next day. She hadn’t heard from him since.However, her homecoming turns out better than expected. The reunion and the speech work out. Even better, when she and Tony pick up where they left off in that dark room, the only heat that’s unbearable is what they generate in bed.Margo returns to Portland wondering if she and Tony have started something she might not be ready for, relieved she’s put a whole continent between them to give her breathing room to sort it. Then his work with a federal task force investigating industrial espionage brings him to Portland. And an accidental swap of messenger bags on her flight home puts her in the middle of the investigation.Tony wants her out of the way of the bad guys and focused on him. She wants to use a secret from her past to wrap up the case. And maybe avoid having to think about what’s happening between them.They can’t both win. Or can they?Sensuality Level: Hot
Together Again
by Peggy BirdDeputy DA Margo Keyes is looking forward to this trip with as much enthusiasm as she'd have for a root canal. There's the Philly summer heat, the high school reunion she'd rather avoid, and the speech she'd be giving as a last-minute stand-in for her boss. Mostly there's facing high school crush Tony Alessandro. When she'd last seen the Philly cop, he'd danced her out of his sister's wedding reception to a dark room where he'd kissed her senseless. If his nephew hadn't interrupted they'd have . . . well, who knows?Tony had disappeared on some family errand. She went home to Portland, Oregon the next day. She hadn't heard from him since.However, her homecoming turns out better than expected. The reunion and the speech work out. Even better, when she and Tony pick up where they left off in that dark room, the only heat that's unbearable is what they generate in bed.Margo returns to Portland wondering if she and Tony have started something she might not be ready for, relieved she's put a whole continent between them to give her breathing room to sort it. Then his work with a federal task force investigating industrial espionage brings him to Portland. And an accidental swap of messenger bags on her flight home puts her in the middle of the investigation.Tony wants her out of the way of the bad guys and focused on him. She wants to use a secret from her past to wrap up the case. And maybe avoid having to think about what's happening between them.They can't both win. Or can they?Sensuality Level: Hot
Trusting Again
by Peggy BirdImagine Cynthia Blaine's surprise when she walks into the bar at the Heathman Hotel in Portland Oregon and sees the man she's been trying to forget for weeks after he commissioned an expensive piece of her jewelry for "a friend's birthday." There was no point fantasizing about him. He was taken.But over a cup of coffee, he convinces her to give this relationship a try. Marius woos her on a sailing trip through the San Juan Islands and their romance seems on solid grounds. But during his six-week business trip to Central America, Cynthia gets a shock. And when she goes to Portland to pour out her heart to her best friend, she has another shock - Marius, in Portland, not where he said he would be and with another woman.It'll take more than a good cup of coffee this time to get Cynthia and Marius to their happily-ever-after.Sensuality Level: Hot
Trusting Again: Book 4 in the Second Chances series
by Peggy BirdImagine Cynthia Blaine’s surprise when she walks into the bar at the Heathman Hotel in Portland Oregon and sees the man she’s been trying to forget for weeks after he commissioned an expensive piece of her jewelry for “a friend’s birthday.” There was no point fantasizing about him. He was taken.But over a cup of coffee, he convinces her to give this relationship a try. Marius woos her on a sailing trip through the San Juan Islands and their romance seems on solid grounds. But during his six-week business trip to Central America, Cynthia gets a shock. And when she goes to Portland to pour out her heart to her best friend, she has another shock - Marius, in Portland, not where he said he would be and with another woman.It’ll take more than a good cup of coffee this time to get Cynthia and Marius to their happily-ever-after.Sensuality Level: Hot
Trusting Again: Book 4 in the Second Chances series
by Peggy BirdImagine Cynthia Blaine’s surprise when she walks into the bar at the Heathman Hotel in Portland Oregon and sees the man she’s been trying to forget for weeks after he commissioned an expensive piece of her jewelry for “a friend’s birthday.” There was no point fantasizing about him. He was taken.But over a cup of coffee, he convinces her to give this relationship a try. Marius woos her on a sailing trip through the San Juan Islands and their romance seems on solid grounds. But during his six-week business trip to Central America, Cynthia gets a shock. And when she goes to Portland to pour out her heart to her best friend, she has another shock - Marius, in Portland, not where he said he would be and with another woman.It’ll take more than a good cup of coffee this time to get Cynthia and Marius to their happily-ever-after.Sensuality Level: Hot
Trusting Again
by Peggy BirdImagine Cynthia Blaine's surprise when she walks into the bar at the Heathman Hotel in Portland Oregon and sees the man she's been trying to forget for weeks after he commissioned an expensive piece of her jewelry for "a friend's birthday." There was no point fantasizing about him. He was taken.But over a cup of coffee, he convinces her to give this relationship a try. Marius woos her on a sailing trip through the San Juan Islands and their romance seems on solid grounds. But during his six-week business trip to Central America, Cynthia gets a shock. And when she goes to Portland to pour out her heart to her best friend, she has another shock - Marius, in Portland, not where he said he would be and with another woman.It'll take more than a good cup of coffee this time to get Cynthia and Marius to their happily-ever-after.Sensuality Level: Hot
Unmasking Love: A Holiday for Romance
by Peggy BirdGetting a life do-over in the small theater town of Ashland, Oregon, has suited lawyer Julie Payne to a T. After ten years in the Portland prosecutor’s office, she’s enjoying her new, easy lifestyle, and she’s not looking for any complications.Trace Watkins comes to town seeking the same refuge from life as a big city banker. A new job might make Ashland his permanent address, and he likes what he sees of the place, especially when he meets Julie one hot Halloween night.The sparks fly instantly between the costumed couple, and Julie and Trace waste no time connecting beneath the sheets while literally hiding behind their masks.But when the holiday hook-up ends, their real identities present a serious snag: Trace manages the bank Julie happens to be suing. The only way they can turn this trick into a treat is if both of them are willing to face their pasts and finally bury the skeletons in their closets.Sensuality Level: Sensual
Works of Passion: 8 Artistic Romances
by Peggy Bird Lynn Cahoon Alicia Thorne Casey Dawes Alicia Hunter Pace Ellen Butler Tami Lund Jasmine NightshadeA picture paints a thousand emotions in these eight tales of colorful romance. Don’t miss a stroke of these wonderful stories of inspiration and passion.Heath’s Hope: Ambitious Hope MacKenzie left Heath Beckett with a bleeding heart, but now she’s back in town to aid her family’s struggling bank. When she gives a personal loan to the women who own the local knitting shop without consulting Heath, who has helped them with their finances for years, the two must work together to ensure the ladies’ business plan is in tip-top shape. But will sharing their time reawaken deeper feelings? Sweet Tooth: Artist Micah Taylor has returned home to Fiesta, Florida, after the death of the father who disowned him. When he decides to buy his father’s favorite candy to lay on his grave, it leads to a scorching-hot reunion with Sweet Tooth store owner Cash Callahan. Micah wants to publicly celebrate their rekindled feelings, but Cash fears the backlash from small-town minds intolerant of both gay and interracial romance. It’s up to Micah to convince him that life is sweeter when you’re true to yourself. Sparked by Love: If artist Leo Wilson can get the okay to install his glass fireworks at Fort Vancouver on the Fourth of July, it could be his big career break. But some crabby bureaucrat stands between him and the permits he needs. He’s surprised to discover the culprit is actually beautiful, young Shannon Morgan, and even more shocked when fireworks ignite between them. Delicious Deception: Artist Emily Kate Boudreaux spends her days running a restaurant on a Texas bayou because it’s what her family expects. Then sexy chef Connor Rikeland walks into her life and turns her business—and her bed—into one hot adventure. But his story is a sham, and Cajun cooking isn’t his ticket to fame after all. Emily Kate must decide what’s real, what’s a lie, and what’s worth risking her heart over. The Bull Rider’s Keeper: Rodeo star Jesse Sullivan isn’t afraid of anything…except maybe following his secret dream of being an artist. When he decides to take a chance and make an offer on an art gallery, owner Taylor DeMarco teaches him what it means to be truly fearless. Ruby’s Reward: When Ruby Rendell’s vindictive ex accuses her of illegally trading stolen artwork, she makes just one mistake in her defense: she lets her body outwit her brain. Her affair with her ex’s sidekick, Raphael Gianetti, is definitely a bad idea…but it feels so good. Art of Affection: Holly Hartland has spent the last year in Los Angeles finalizing her divorce and getting her career as an art gallery curator back on track. The platonic co-parenting role she shares with LAPD detective Gary Sumner is perfect for two people who’ve sworn off romance, but the burgeoning sexual chemistry they share proves hard to ignore. Montana Christmas Magic: Former tennis pro Logan Collins inherits a cabin in rural Phillipsburg, Montana, that he’s not allowed to sell for six months. It’s just enough time to start a sweet relationship with artist and temporary chocolatier Julie Thompson. But despite the trappings of permanence—a dog, a horse, and a woman who brings light into his dark days—his life is still in New York. Can he persuade Julie that Christmas in Manhattan is just as inspiring? Or will the holidays put the final wrap on their relationship? Sensuality Level: Sensual
Love Between the Pages: 8 Romances for Booklovers
by Peggy Bird Becky Lower Terry Newman Casey Dawes Jenny Jacobs Kathryn Brocato Jennifer Decuir Ana Krista JohnsonIs there anything sexier than a man who likes to read? Crawl between the pages with these literary hunks and live out your next fantasy chapter:The Professor's Secret: English professor Claudia Manchester secretly writes spicy romances under a pen name to keep her side job under wraps till she's secured tenure. But when she meets historical romance writer Bradley Davis while dressed as her sexier alter ego as at conference, can they build love on lies?Sadie's Story: When businessman Jordan Blaise walks into Sadie Rose Perkins's bookstore, she's hoping to sell a paperback or two, but she's ready for anything, including an adventure. Then he asks her to pose as his wife-to-be so that he can convince his dying mother that he'll have the happily ever after she has always wanted for him. Even Sadie isn't prepared for the adventure falling in love turns out to be.A Late-Blooming Rose: When bitter and downright beastly wheelchair-bound Eva Mitchum propositions handsome bookseller Beau Landry to stay with her as her new caregiver in exchange for a rare book collection, a surprising connection blossoms between the prickly pair. Eva must decide if she has the strength to move past her tragic circumstances and embrace a new life and new love.California Sunset: Annie Gerhard is struggling to keep her Silicon Valley techie job during a recession, while John Johnson is trying to make a go of his bookstore. Neither has time for romance, but fate is taking care of business by writing them a new story.Out of Character: As a writer, JJ Sprightly tries to create characters that jump off the page, but she never expects that one day her hero and heroine will literally pop out of the book and grab a seat on the couch. Seems they've made this fantastical journey to help her find the man of her dreams. But how can this be a happily ever after if JJ wants nothing to do with Kennedy King Cooper, the man her characters have chosen? Nothing's final until you reach The End.The Duplicitous Debutante: Writing the popular Harry Hawk dime novels as F.P. Elliott, Rosemary Fitzpatrick is too busy hiding her female identity from her new publisher, Henry Cooper. But Henry is neither the typical Boston Brahmin nor the typical publisher. When her deception begins to unravel at the Cotillion Ball, will Henry be able to forgive her, or has deceit cost her the man she loves?Georgie's Heart: Georgeanne Hartfield, author of the explosive, best-selling nonfiction book Faking It, wrote her book about faking sexual pleasure as a means of coming to terms with her own failed marriage. She never counted on meeting a man like Zane Bryant, who makes her feel like a woman for the first time in her life. But if Zane ever discovers she is the person behind the pen name Fritzi Field, how can he possibly believe that her response to him is the real thing?Jade's Treasure: Booked at a mountain resort under an alias, world-famous author Matthew Riley McLaughlin expects to be left alone to write. Until he meets the charming Jade Sawyer--surely, a bit of pleasure with his business is exactly what he needs. But this plot doesn't suit Jade's idea of a good story, especially when she learns their attraction was built on a lie. Matt knows he messed up--but can he create another ending to their story?Sensuality Level: Sensual
Hot for Teacher: 10 Contemporary Romances
by Peggy Bird Alicia Thorne Lola Karns Susan Blexrud Kathryn Brocato Judith Anne Mccarthy Lynn Crandall Liv Rancourt Susanne Matthews Nancy C Weeks Adams Media TbdReading, writing, and 'rithmetic aren't the only subjects these ten passionate couples explore in this fun digital romance bundle. But are their relationships strong enough to make the grade? Turns out love doesn't always follow a lesson plan...The Professor's Secret: English professor Claudia Manchester secretly writes spicy romances under a pen name to keep her side job under wraps till she's secured tenure. But when she meets historical romance writer Bradley Davis while dressed as her sexier alter ego at a conference, can they build love on lies?Just for the Weekend: Multimillionaire Sam Mason is sick of gold diggers. When he meets role-playing kindergarten teacher Cleo James at a sci-fi convention in Vegas, she seems like the real thing. Then--surprise!--he wakes up married to this sexy stranger...only to find Cleo has vanished. Is he looking for a swindler or the love of his life?Probabilities: Bubbly were-lynx Tizzy Sands planned to teach kindergarten, eventually marry, and start a family. But cancer changed that goal, and she's now determined to take down the nefarious Nexus Group--and steer clear of any romantic involvements. Quinn Arons's genius IQ makes him the least socially skilled were-lynx in the colony, but he might just be the man to show Tizzy there's more to life than saving their world.In the Shadow of Evil: After ten years with Maryland's Special Crime Unit, very little rattles Jared McNeil. Then his nemesis resurfaces, with his sights set on Jennie McKenzie, the fifth-grade teacher and face from the past that Jared is honor bound to protect, no matter what.Between the Sheets: The Western Washington Choral Directors' annual retreat is the perfect setting for music teacher Maggie Schafer to turn over a new leaf in her love life, but a pretend romance with handsome Randy Devers gets surprisingly real.The Look-Alike Bride: High school gym teacher Leonie Daniel leads a double life, often standing in for her glamorous older sister who works as a government agent. All Leonie has to do this time is spend a few weeks in Zara's lakeside cabin near Hot Springs, Arkansas, behave like Zara, and avoid Adam Silverthorne, the man her sister is interested in. But now Adam is falling for Leonie...or is he?The Marrying Kind: Professor Jane O'Hara takes a sabbatical to follow her bliss to a horse farm. She doesn't expect to find it with the owner's son, Mark Hannon--but their connection is sudden and sizzling. Will their pasts prevent them from having a future?The Gettysburg Vampire: Ghosts are a popular draw in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, so college student Abby Potter takes advantage of the phenomenon by inventing a vampire folktale for the annual holiday production. Problem is, her leading man--a history professor at the college and a renowned Civil War re-enactor--is a little too convincing in the role.Winter Fairy: Recuperating ballerina Penelope Glazier can enchant the young girls in the Fairy Dreams class she teaches, but will her magic work on Carson Langley, the sexy but straight-laced single father of her most talented student? Or will she dance out of their lives when her big break arrives?Inventing Sin: English professor Gabriella Kurtz tells her colleagues she's dating the perfect guy: big, masculine but gentlemanly, and capable of mind-blowing sex all weekend. Problem is, he's not real...until ex-military man Duncan Sinclair enters the picture, posing as an accomplished academic to take down a terrorist.
Harlot or Holy Woman?: A Study of Hebrew Qedešah
by Phyllis A. BirdHarlot or Holy Woman? presents an exhaustive study of qedešah, a Hebrew word meaning "consecrated woman" but rendered "prostitute" or "sacred prostitute" in Bible translations. Reexamining biblical and extrabiblical texts, Phyllis A. Bird questions how qedešah came to be associated with prostitution and offers an alternative explanation of the term, one that suggests a wider participation for women as religious specialists in Israel’s early cultic practice.Bird’s study reviews all the texts from classical antiquity cited as sources for an institution of "sacred prostitution," alongside a comprehensive analysis of the cuneiform texts from Mesopotamia containing the cognate qadištu and Ugaritic texts containing the masculine cognate qdš. Through these texts, Bird presents a portrait of women dedicated to a deity, engaged in a variety of activities from cultic ritual to wet-nursing, and sharing a common generic name with the qedešah of ancient Israel. In the final chapter she returns to biblical texts, reexamining them in light of the new evidence from the ancient Near East.Considering alternative models for constructing women’s religious roles in ancient Israel, this wholly original study offers new interpretations of key texts and raises questions about the nature of Israelite religion as practiced outside the royal cult and central sanctuary.
Harlot or Holy Woman?: A Study of Hebrew Qedešah
by Phyllis A. BirdHarlot or Holy Woman? presents an exhaustive study of qedešah, a Hebrew word meaning “consecrated woman” but rendered “prostitute” or “sacred prostitute” in Bible translations. Reexamining biblical and extrabiblical texts, Phyllis A. Bird questions how qedešah came to be associated with prostitution and offers an alternative explanation of the term, one that suggests a wider participation for women as religious specialists in Israel’s early cultic practice.Bird’s study reviews all the texts from classical antiquity cited as sources for an institution of “sacred prostitution,” alongside a comprehensive analysis of the cuneiform texts from Mesopotamia containing the cognate qadištu and Ugaritic texts containing the masculine cognate qdš. Through these texts, Bird presents a portrait of women dedicated to a deity, engaged in a variety of activities from cultic ritual to wet-nursing, and sharing a common generic name with the qedešah of ancient Israel. In the final chapter she returns to biblical texts, reexamining them in light of the new evidence from the ancient Near East.Considering alternative models for constructing women’s religious roles in ancient Israel, this wholly original study offers new interpretations of key texts and raises questions about the nature of Israelite religion as practiced outside the royal cult and central sanctuary.
Dance Party (Dave the Unicorn #3)
by Pip BirdIn the third volume of Pip Bird and David O’Connell’s laugh-out-loud illustrated chapter book series, Mira and her unicorn Dave have to face the ultimate challenge: a school dance.Everyone at Unicorn School is excited for the upcoming dance party, including Mira—even though her unicorn, Dave, loves doughnuts more than prancing.But before the dance, Mira and Dave have to go on a very special quest with their classmates—a quest that threatens to get wildly out of control. Will Mira and Dave make it out of the Crystal Maze Mine in time to hit the dance floor?This third book in the hilarious new chapter book series Dave the Unicorn: Dance Party continues the story of Mira at Unicorn School and her unicorn Dave, who’s not the statuesque stallion we’re trained to expect. But Dave also has a few tricks up his sleeve that remind Mira—and all of us—that friendship is more important than conquering any quest.Check out the other books in the Dave the Unicorn series!Dave the Unicorn: Welcome to Unicorn SchoolDave the Unicorn: Team SpiritDave the Unicorn: Field TripAn Imprint Book
Dance Party (Dave The Unicorn #3)
by Pip BirdThis third book in the hilarious new chapter book series Dave the Unicorn: Dance Party continues the story of Mira at Unicorn School and her unicorn Dave, who’s not the statuesque stallion we’re trained to expect. But Dave also has a few tricks up his sleeve that remind Mira―and all of us―that friendship is more important than conquering any quest.
Field Trip (Dave the Unicorn #4)
by Pip BirdIn Dave the Unicorn: Field Trip, the fourth entry in the laugh-out-loud illustrated chapter book series from Pip Bird and David O'Connell, Mira and her unicorn Dave go on a field trip and discover they’re ready for the real world—but is it ready for them?Unicorn School is a magical place of quests, adventure, and fun. And field trips! Mira and her unicorn best friend, Dave, can’t wait to visit a bunch of adorable baby animals. But then Dave eats all of his food right away. And some other people’s food, too. Some of Mira’s friends take the field trip rules a little too seriously. And Mira becomes fixated on finding a super-rare, super-cute kitticorn. But does it even exist?This fourth book in the hilarious chapter book series continues the story of Mira and her unicorn Dave, who’s not the statuesque stallion you’d expect. But Dave has a few tricks up his sleeve that remind Mira—and all of us—that no matter where you go, home is where your friends are.Check out the other books in the Dave the Unicorn series!Dave the Unicorn: Welcome to Unicorn SchoolDave the Unicorn: Team SpiritDave the Unicorn: Dance PartyAn Imprint Book
Team Spirit (Dave the Unicorn #2)
by Pip BirdIn Dave the Unicorn: Team Spirit, the second entry in the laugh-out-loud illustrated chapter book series from Pip Bird and David O'Connell, Mira and her unicorn, Dave, tackle their greatest challenge yet: teamwork. Mira is excited for Unicorn School Field Day, even though her unicorn, Dave, loves donuts more than prancing. Mira’s teammates are counting on them—especially when the prize for winning Field Day is revealed to be the chance to go on a Magical Rainbow Quest.As Mira struggles to get her UBFF (Unicorn Best Friend Forever) to hurry to the finish line, a series of mysterious mishaps make Mira wonder if everyone is playing fair. Can she and Dave track down who’s sabotaging them before they end up in last place? This second book in the hilarious new chapter book series continues the story of Mira at Unicorn School and her unicorn Dave, who’s not the statuesque stallion we’re trained to expect. But Dave has a few tricks up his sleeve that remind Mira—and all of us—that friendship is more important than winning. Check out the other books in the Dave the Unicorn series! * Dave the Unicorn: Welcome to Unicorn School * Dave the Unicorn: Dance Party * Dave the Unicorn: Field Trip An Imprint Book