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Extraordinary Insects: The Fabulous, Indispensable Creatures Who Run Our World
by Anne Sverdrup-ThygesonThis enthusiastic, witty, and informative introduction to the world of insects and why we could not survive without them is &“a joy&” (The Times, London) and &“charming...Highlighting them in all their buzzing, stinging, biting glory&” (The New York Times Book Review). Insects comprise roughly half of the animal kingdom. They live everywhere—deep inside caves, 18,000 feet high in the Himalayas, inside computers, in Yellowstone&’s hot springs, and in the ears and nostrils of much larger creatures. There are insects that have ears on their knees, eyes on their penises, and tongues under their feet. Most of us think life would be better without bugs. In fact, life would be impossible without them. Most of us know that we would not have honey without honeybees, but without the pinhead-sized chocolate midge, cocoa flowers would not pollinate. No cocoa, no chocolate. The ink that was used to write the Declaration of Independence was derived from galls on oak trees, which are induced by a small wasp. The fruit fly was essential to medical and biological research experiments that resulted in six Nobel prizes. Blowfly larva can clean difficult wounds; flour beetle larva can digest plastic; several species of insects have been essential to the development of antibiotics. Insects turn dead plants and animals into soil. They pollinate flowers, including crops that we depend on. They provide food for other animals, such as birds and bats. They control organisms that are harmful to humans. Life as we know it depends on these small creatures. &“Delivering a hail of facts with brio and precision&” (Nature) Anne Sverdrup-Thygeson shows us that there is more variety among insects than we thought possible and the more you learn about insects, the more fascinating they become. Extraordinary Insects is &“a very enthusiastic look at the flying, crawling, stinging bug universe world, and why we should cherish it&” (The Philadelphia Inquirer). **Note: This book was previously published under the title Buzz, Sting, Bite.
The Book-Lovers' Retreat: the perfect summer getaway
by Heidi SwainOne long summer. One perfect setting. Can fiction inspire real life…? Sometimes a book grabs you by the heart and grows to mean everything to you. That&’s what Hope Falls is to friends Emily, Rachel and Tori. So, when they get the chance to spend a whole summer at the cottage in Lakeside where the film adaptation was located, they know it is going to be the holiday of a lifetime. Spending six weeks away will give them a chance to re-evaluate their life choices. For Emily to decide which way her career will go – the safe route, or the more risky creative option? And for Rachel to decide whether to move in with her partner Jeremy. Then Tori has to drop out at the last moment, and her space is offered to another Hope Falls afficionado, Alex. But when Alex turns out not to be who they expected, the holiday takes an unforeseen turn. And as the summer develops, so does their friendship. Could this be where they uncover their future selves, find love in all its forms and where their lives will change course forever…? Your favourite authors love Heidi Swain's books: 'A summer delight!' SARAH MORGAN 'A delightfully sunny read with added intrigue and secrets' BELLA OSBORNE 'With heart-warming characters, a gorgeous summer setting, and a great story with secrets aplenty to keep you turning the pages, it's the perfect read to relax and curl up at home with' CAROLINE ROBERTS 'A ray of reading sunshine!' LAURA KEMP 'A lovely, sweet, summery read' MILLY JOHNSON 'An absolutely gorgeous summer tale of love and secrets' RACHAEL LUCAS
A Christmas Celebration: the cosiest, most joyful novel you'll read this Christmas
by Heidi SwainWINNER OF THE RNA POPULAR ROMANTIC NOVEL AWARD 2023. 'Grab a hot chocolate and lose yourself in this heart-warming story of romance, community and secrets. The perfect story to read by the fire!' PHILLIPPA ASHLEY &‘Brimming with warmth and Christmas cheer&’ SARAH MORGAN When Paige turns up unannounced at Wynthorpe Hall, she discovers the place she knew when she was growing up has changed beyond all recognition. She&’s only planning to stay for a short time, but is quickly pulled into local life. One night while driving home after delivering library books and shopping to residents she stumbles across an isolated cottage and meets Albert, its elderly and rather grumpy owner. She quickly realises there&’s more to Albert than meets the eye and the same can be said for the other man she can&’t seem to help running into, handsome but brooding Brodie. All three of them have a secret and a desire to hide away from the world, but with Christmas on the horizon, is that really the best way to celebrate the season?&‘With just as much sparkle as the tinsel on the tree. Heidi&’s writing sweeps us into a stunning festive winter wonderland…&’ My WeeklyPraise for Underneath the Christmas Tree &‘Heidi Swain is the queen of feel-good fiction, and this Yuletide yarn certainly ticks all our boxes&’ New! Magazine &‘A seasonal romance as warm and welcome as a mug of mulled wine&’ Woman & Home &‘You&’ll want to curl up with a hot choc to read this warm hug of a festive book&’ Fabulous Magazine 'The Magical One' Heat, festive fiction picks 'This heartwarming story by Heidi Swain' Hello
The Holiday Escape: Escape on the best holiday ever with Sunday Times bestseller Heidi Swain
by Heidi SwainHer dream holiday is his everyday life. His dream holiday is her normal life. What happens when they collide? Ally and her dad, Geoff, run the family business, a creative retreat, from their home Hollyhock Cottage in picturesque Kittiwake Cove. They give their guests their dream break, but Ally hankers after glamourous city living, fancy restaurants and art galleries. Ally&’s survival strategy is to escape out of season, take a break abroad and pretend to be the person she always imagined she would be. She meets Logan while she&’s away and he turns out to be exactly the kind of distraction she&’s looking for. With her spirits restored, Ally returns home, picks up the reins again and sets her sights on another successful season, but when Logan unexpectedly arrives on the scene, she soon realises she&’s in for a summer that&’s going to be far from straightforward… A story about bringing a holiday home – and what happens when what goes on on holiday comes back to bite you… Your favourite authors love Heidi Swain's books: 'A summer delight!' SARAH MORGAN 'A delightfully sunny read with added intrigue and secrets' BELLA OSBORNE 'A ray of reading sunshine!' LAURA KEMP 'A lovely, sweet, summery read' MILLY JOHNSON 'An absolutely gorgeous summer tale of love and secrets' RACHAEL LUCAS
Poppy's Recipe for Life: Treat yourself to the gloriously uplifting new book from the Sunday Times bestselling author!
by Heidi Swain*** THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER *** Treat yourself to a glorious novel full of food, sunshine, friendship and love! Things haven&’t always been straightforward in Poppy&’s life but her dreams are finally within her reach. She's moving into a cottage in beautiful Nightingale Square, close to the local community garden, where she can indulge her passion for making preserves and pickles. She may not have the best relationship with her family but she is surrounded by loving friends, and feels sure that even her grumpy new neighbour, Jacob, has more to him than his steely exterior belies. But the unexpected arrival of Poppy's troubled younger brother soon threatens her new-found happiness and as the garden team works together to win community space of the year, Poppy must decide where her priorities lie and what she is prepared to fight for …Readers everywhere are falling in love with Heidi Swain&’s writing: &‘A lovely, sweet, summery read&’ Milly Johnson &‘Wise, warm and wonderful&’ heat 'A ray of reading sunshine!&’ Laura Kemp, author of A Year of Surprising Acts of Kindness &‘Sparkling and romantic&’ My Weekly
The Secret Seaside Escape: Escape to the seaside with the most heart-warming, feel-good romance of 2020, from the Sunday Times bestseller!
by Heidi Swain***THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR*** Escape to the seaside with the brand new novel from Heidi Swain, the Sunday Times bestselling author of feel-good women&’s fiction! 'A summer delight!' SARAH MORGAN Tess Tyler needs a break. Weighed down by her high-pressure job and her demanding father, she&’s left little time to take care of herself. But after a shocking discovery sends her spiralling, she flees to Wynmouth, the seaside town she fell in love with as a child, to escape it all. With its sandy beaches, stunning rock pools and welcoming community, Tess feels like she can finally breathe again. And as she grows ever closer to local barman Sam, she dares to dream that she might never return to her real life. But when a familiar face returns to town, Tess realises that there are secrets in Wynmouth too, and that her own past may be about to catch up with her . . . The Secret Seaside Escape is the perfect read this summer, promising sandy beaches, stunning rockpools and breath-taking romance. Perfect for fans of Carole Matthews and Sarah Morgan.&‘I loved this gorgeous story of family secrets and second chances&’ RACHAEL LUCAS, author of The Telephone Box Library&‘A delightfully sunny read with added intrigue and secrets&’ BELLA OSBORNE 'I so enjoyed my seaside escape at Wynmouth. With heart-warming characters, a gorgeous summer setting, and a great story with secrets aplenty to keep you turning the pages, it's the perfect read to relax and curl up at home with' CAROLINE ROBERTSReaders everywhere are falling in love with Heidi Swain&’s writing: &‘A lovely, sweet, summery read&’ Milly Johnson &‘Wise, warm and wonderful&’ heat 'A ray of reading sunshine!&’ Laura Kemp, author of A Year of Surprising Acts of Kindness &‘Sparkling and romantic&’ My Weekly
Sleigh Rides and Silver Bells at the Christmas Fair: The Christmas favourite and Sunday Times bestseller
by Heidi SwainThe sparkling Christmas novel from the Sunday Times bestselling author Heidi Swain! When Anna takes on the role of companion to the owner of Wynthorpe Hall, on the outskirts of Wynbridge, she has no idea that her life is set to change beyond all recognition. A confirmed &‘bah humbug&’ when it comes to Christmas, Anna is amazed to find herself quickly immersed in the eccentric household, and when youngest son Jamie unexpectedly arrives home it soon becomes obvious that her personal feelings are going all out to compromise her professional persona.Jamie, struggling to come to terms with life back in the Fens, makes a pact with Anna – she has to teach him to fall back in love with Wynthorpe Hall, while he helps her fall back in love with Christmas. But will it all prove too much for Anna, or can the family of Wynthorpe Hall warm her heart once and for all...?Join Anna for a festive journey festooned with sleigh rides and silver bells and help her discover her happy-ever-after.Praise for HEIDI SWAIN:'The queen of feel-good' Woman & Home 'Full of Heidi&’s trademark gentle charm. Lock the door, pour some mulled wine and settle into this wonderful Christmas treat!' Milly Johnson 'More Christmassy than a week in Lapland - we loved it!' heat 'Sprinkled with Christmas sparkle' Trisha Ashley 'Give yourself a Christmas treat and curl up with this magical book!' Sue Moorcroft, author of The Little Village Christmas 'A real Christmas cracker of a read!' Penny Parkes, author of Practice Makes Perfect 'Cosy, Christmassy and deeply satisfying! Another wonderful read!' Mandy Baggot, author of One Christmas Kiss in Notting Hill
A Taste of Home: 'A story so full of sunshine you almost feel the rays' Woman's Weekly
by Heidi SwainThe delicious new novel from Sunday Times bestseller Heidi Swain: &‘Heidi&’s known for her feel-good factor and this story is a delight&’ New! Magazine &‘A charming, summery read&’ The People&’s Friend &‘A summer trip to Wynbridge will never disappoint. Swain&’s writing as always is so delicious you could eat it all up&’ My Weekly &‘Visions of luscious strawberries and raspberries leap from the pages&’ My Weekly Special &‘A story so full of sunshine you almost feel the rays&’ Woman&’s Weekly &‘Family always comes first in Swain&’s inspirational books and A Taste of Home brims with the real-life issues, evocative landscapes, heartfelt emotions and all the love, laughter and tears that we have come to expect from this accomplished author&’ Lancashire Post Fliss Brown has grown up living with her mother on the Rossi family&’s Italian fruit farm. But when her mother dies, Fliss finds out she has a family of her own, and heads back to England with Nonna Rossi&’s recipe for cherry and almond tart and a piece of advice: connect with your family before it is too late… Fliss discovers that her estranged grandfather owns a fruit farm himself, on the outskirts of Wynbridge, and she arrives to find a farm that has fallen into disrepair. Using her knowledge gleaned from working on the Rossi farm and her desire to find out more about her past, Fliss rolls her sleeves up and gets stuck in. But what will she discover, and can she resurrect the farm&’s glory days and find a taste of home…? Your favourite authors love Heidi Swain's books:A summer delight!' SARAH MORGAN&‘I loved this gorgeous story of family secrets and second chances&’ RACHAEL LUCAS, author of The Telephone Box Library&‘A delightfully sunny read with added intrigue and secrets&’ BELLA OSBORNE 'I so enjoyed my seaside escape at Wynmouth. With heart-warming characters, a gorgeous summer setting, and a great story with secrets aplenty to keep you turning the pages, it's the perfect read to relax and curl up at home with' CAROLINE ROBERTS 'A ray of reading sunshine!&’ Laura Kemp, author of A Year of Surprising Acts of Kindness &‘A lovely, sweet, summery read&’ Milly Johnson
That Festive Feeling: the cosiest, most joyful novel you'll read this Christmas
by Heidi SwainPRE-ORDER HOME FOR CHRISTMAS, THE BRAND NEW FESTIVE TREAT FROM HEIDI SWAIN, COMING CHRISTMAS 2024. Holly has the place to herself this Christmas. It&’s not her place, though – she is house-sitting for friends who live on Nightingale Square – just there to keep the place warm and cosy and only for long enough for her to sort her life out. Newly single and finding herself unsure about next steps for her career, she plans to hunker down and make some life decisions. To clear her mind, she sets off on early morning walks around a nearby lake and bumps into May, an older lady who is also new to the area, and her dapper Dachshund Monty. Quickly, a firm friendship blossoms. Then when Holly meets Bear, a rather large and rather attractive man, at the local pub, and his rescue dog Queenie, her stay at Nightingale Square suddenly feels even more appealing. As the community comes together for the season&’s festivities, Holly must start thinking about where her life will take her next. Some big decisions need to be made, but distractions close to home make thinking about the future more tricky than ever… Will she get that festive feeling this Christmas…?Your favourite authors love Heidi too! 'Grab a hot chocolate and lose yourself in this heart-warming story of romance, community and secrets. The perfect story to read by the fire!' PHILLIPA ASHLEY &‘Brimming with warmth and Christmas cheer&’ SARAH MORGAN
Underneath the Christmas Tree: 'A seasonal romance as warm and welcome as a mug of mulled wine' Woman & Home
by Heidi Swain***The sparkling Christmas novel from the Sunday Times bestselling author Heidi Swain!*** Wynter&’s Trees is the home of Christmas. For the people of Wynmouth it&’s where they get their family Christmas tree, and where Christmas truly comes to life. But for Liza Wynter, it&’s a millstone around her neck. It was her father&’s pride and joy but now he&’s gone, she can&’t have anything to do with it. Until her father&’s business partner decides to retire and she must go back to handle the transition to his son Ned. When Liza arrives, she discovers a much-loved business that&’s flourishing under Ned&’s stewardship. And she&’s happy to stay and help for the Christmas season, but then she has other plans. But will the place where she grew up make her change her mind? And can it weave its Christmas cheer around her heart…?Underneath the Christmas Tree is the perfect festive read, promising snowfall, warm fires and breath-taking seasonal romance. Perfect for fans of Milly Johnson, Carole Matthews and Cathy Bramley.Praise for Underneath the Christmas Tree &‘Heidi Swain is the queen of feel-good fiction, and this Yuletide yarn certainly ticks all our boxes&’ New! Magazine &‘A seasonal romance as warm and welcome as a mug of mulled wine&’ Woman & Home &‘You&’ll want to curl up with a hot choc to read this warm hug of a festive book&’ Fabulous MagazinePraise for HEIDI SWAIN: 'Full of Heidi&’s trademark gentle charm. Lock the door, pour some mulled wine and settle into this wonderful Christmas treat!' Milly Johnson 'More Christmassy than a week in Lapland - we loved it!' heat magazine 'Sprinkled with Christmas sparkle' Trisha Ashley 'Give yourself a Christmas treat and curl up with this magical book!' Sue Moorcroft, author of The Little Village Christmas 'A real Christmas cracker of a read!' Penny Parkes, author of Practice Makes Perfect 'Cosy, Christmassy and deeply satisfying! Another wonderful read!' Mandy Baggot, author of One Christmas Kiss in Notting Hill
The Winter Garden: the perfect read this Christmas, promising snowfall, warm fires and breath-taking seasonal romance
by Heidi Swain***The sparkling Christmas novel from the Sunday Times bestselling author Heidi Swain!***Will love bloom this winter? Freya Fuller is living her dream, working as a live-in gardener on a beautiful Suffolk estate. But when the owner dies, Freya finds herself forced out of her job and her home with nowhere to go. However, with luck on her side, she&’s soon moving to Nightingale Square and helping to create a beautiful winter garden that will be open to the public in time for Christmas. There&’s a warm welcome from all in Nightingale Square, except from local artist Finn. No matter how hard the pair try, they just can&’t get along, and working together to bring the winter garden to life quickly becomes a struggle for them both. Will Freya and Finn be able to put their differences aside in time for Christmas? Or will the arrival of a face from Freya&’s past send them all spiralling?The Winter Garden is the perfect read this Christmas, promising snowfall, warm fires and breath-taking seasonal romance. Perfect for fans of Carole Matthews, Cathy Bramley and Sarah Morgan. Praise for HEIDI SWAIN:'The queen of feel-good' Woman & Home 'Full of Heidi&’s trademark gentle charm. Lock the door, pour some mulled wine and settle into this wonderful Christmas treat!' Milly Johnson 'More Christmassy than a week in Lapland - we loved it!' heat 'Sprinkled with Christmas sparkle' Trisha Ashley 'Give yourself a Christmas treat and curl up with this magical book!' Sue Moorcroft, author of The Little Village Christmas 'A real Christmas cracker of a read!' Penny Parkes, author of Practice Makes Perfect 'Cosy, Christmassy and deeply satisfying! Another wonderful read!' Mandy Baggot, author of One Christmas Kiss in Notting Hill
Capsaicinoids: From Natural Sources to Biosynthesis and their Clinical Applications
by Mallappa Kumara Swamy Ajay KumarThis edited book brings out a comprehensive collection of information on capsaicinoids. Primarily, this book includes compiled knowledge on various aspects of capsaicin from ethnobotany to the most important clinical applications. This book covers topics emphasizing chemistry, biosynthesis, anticancer activities, bioavailability, currently undergoing experimental phases, and biotechnological methods, including cell cultures, and metabolic engineering in heterologous microbial and plant systems to enhance capsaicin production. Capsaicinoids are a group of important compounds that are particularly synthesized by various members of the genus Capsicum in their placenta. Capsaicin is the most abundant vanilloid compound among the different capsaicinoids in hot peppers. Other capsaicinoids include dihydrocapsaicin, nordihydrocapsaicin, homocapsaicin, and homodihydrocapsaicin. The capsaicin has been proven as an important bioactive molecule with several properties against many ailments, such as cancer, diabetes, obesity and diseases of the airway and urinary tract. Capsaicin interacts with TRPV1 receptors in humans. These compounds exert their functions by interacting with the TRPV receptors. This book summarises the increasing literature surrounding capsaicin and helps to pave the way for the development of novel targets for the prevention and treatment of many disorders. It is useful for scientists, clinicians, and industry specialists working in the field of herbal therapeutics. It also assists as supplementary reading material for undergraduate and graduate students of botany, biotechnology, biochemistry, bioengineering, pharmacology, and medicine.
Where the Grass Still Sings: Stories of Insects and Interconnection (Animalibus)
by Heather SwanThrough narrative, verse, and art, Where the Grass Still Sings celebrates the many tiny creatures that play crucial roles in our ecosystems—as well as the people on the front lines of the fight to save them.Weaving art and science with inspiring stories of people doing their part to protect insects and the environment, author Heather Swan takes readers around the globe to highlight practical solutions to safeguard our fragile planet. Visit a sustainable coffee farm in Ecuador and a frog expert combating animal trafficking in Colombia. Explore a butterfly sanctuary in an Andean cloud forest and learn about a family of orchid farmers who are replanting a mountainside to attract native pollinators. Meet a bumblebee expert helping Wisconsin cranberry growers, a bark beetle specialist in a new-growth forest in Georgia, an entomologist collecting for the Essig Museum in California, and more. Against a backdrop of climate change, ecological injustice, and impending mass extinction, this book rekindles wonder and hope.Featuring works by artists deeply invested in preserving the smallest beings among us, Where the Grass Still Sings is a paean to the natural world.
The Da Vinci Deception (The Inspector Jack Oxby Novels)
by Thomas SwanCelebrated thriller writer Thomas Swan introduces Scotland Yard Inspector Jack Oxby in The Da Vinci Deception—an exhilarating thriller set in the art world. Racing from London to New York to Lake Como, Inspector Oxby is on the hunt for an art forger whose daring attempts to counterfeit the great Leonardo da Vinci have the art world astounded. For fans of the UK television series Lovejoy, the art history mysteries of Iain Pears, as well as books like The Thomas Crowne Affair, this is a novel of suspense not to be missed!
The Final Faberge (The Inspector Jack Oxby Novels)
by Thomas SwanRumor has it that a mysterious Fabergé Egg disappeared in the days just before the Russian Revolution. It's up to Scotland Yard art crime detective Jack Oxby to solve the mystery and find the infamous art treasure. Trouble is, whoever attempts to find the Fabergé Egg turns up dead. No matter for Oxby, the fearless hero of Thomas Swan's two previous art crime thrillers, The Da Vinci Deception and The Cezanne Chase.The Final Fabergé is a page-turning novel of suspense that fans of the British television series Lovejoy, the art history mysteries of Iain Pears, and the classic film The Thomas Crowne Affair, will thoroughly enjoy.
Lovely Seeds: A Walk Through the Garden of Our Becoming
by R. H. Swaney&“Explores the beauty that can be found in even the most hopeless of situations.&”—Cyrus Parker, author of DROPKICKromance&“Every page is a gentle reminder to take care of yourself. Lovely Seeds will help you be ok with being you.&”—Iain S. Thomas, author of I Wrote This For YouR. H. Swaney brings a depolarizing voice to the poetry world with this debut collection. Amongst the topics of mental health, self-love, and social progress, readers will find a soft but powerful voice that uncovers the beauty that exists inside of all of us.Examining life and its circle from seed to withering to regrowth, the thought-provoking nature of this collection will bring readers to a place of self-exploration, reflection, and a deeper understanding of their place in the world.
Vamp
by Wendy SwanscombeA beautiful dark-haired lesbian lawyer from central Europe travels to the legend-haunted realm of Transmarynia, where she is to help a mysterious blonde stranger prepare for residence in Bucharest. What she discovers is beyond her most erotic nightmares. Bram Stoker's tale of obsession and desire is turned on its head and comes up dripping with lust. Read it and stiffen with much more than fright.
The Bookseller: A Novel
by Cynthia SwansonA provocative and hauntingly powerful debut novel reminiscent of Sliding Doors, The Bookseller follows a woman in the 1960s who must reconcile her reality with the tantalizing alternate world of her dreams.Nothing is as permanent as it appears . . .Denver, 1962: Kitty Miller has come to terms with her unconventional single life. She loves the bookshop she runs with her best friend, Frieda, and enjoys complete control over her day-to-day existence. She can come and go as she pleases, answering to no one. There was a man once, a doctor named Kevin, but it didn’t quite work out the way Kitty had hoped.Then the dreams begin.Denver, 1963: Katharyn Andersson is married to Lars, the love of her life. They have beautiful children, an elegant home, and good friends. It’s everything Kitty Miller once believed she wanted—but it only exists when she sleeps.Convinced that these dreams are simply due to her overactive imagination, Kitty enjoys her nighttime forays into this alternate world. But with each visit, the more irresistibly real Katharyn’s life becomes. Can she choose which life she wants? If so, what is the cost of staying Kitty, or becoming Katharyn?As the lines between her worlds begin to blur, Kitty must figure out what is real and what is imagined. And how do we know where that boundary lies in our own lives?
End of Days: The Assassination of John F. Kennedy
by James SwansonIn End of Days, James L. Swanson, the New York Times bestselling author of Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln's Killer, brings to life the minute-by-minute details of the JFK assassination—from the Kennedys' arrival in Texas through the shooting in Dealey Plaza and the shocking aftermath that continues to reverberate in our national consciousness fifty years later.The assassination of John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963, has been the subject of enduring debate, speculation, and numerous conspiracy theories, but Swanson's absorbing and complete account follows the event hour-by-hour, from the moment Lee Harvey Oswald conceived of the crime three days before its execution, to his own murder two days later at a Dallas Police precinct at the hands of Jack Ruby, a two-bit nightclub owner.Based on sweeping research never before collected so powerfully in a single volume, and illustrated with photographs, End of Days distills Kennedy's assassination into a pulse-pounding thriller that is sure to become the definitive popular account of this historic crime for years to come.
Bloody Crimes: The Chase For Jefferson Davis and the Death Pageant for Lincon's Corpse
by James L. SwansonIn Bloody Crimes, James L. Swanson—the Edgar® Award-winning, New York Times bestselling author of Manhunt—brings to life two epic events of the Civil War era: the thrilling chase to apprehend Confederate president Jefferson Davis in the wake of the Lincoln assassination and the momentous 20 -day funeral that took Abraham Lincoln’s body home to Springfield. A true tale full of fascinating twists and turns, and lavishly illustrated with dozens of rare historical images—some never before seen—Bloody Crimes is a fascinating companion to Swanson’s Manhunt and a riveting true-crime thriller that will electrify civil war buffs, general readers, and everyone in between.
Bloody Times: The Funeral of Abraham Lincoln and the Manhunt for Jefferson Davis
by James L. SwansonNew York Times bestselling author James L. Swanson brings to life the fast-paced, suspense-filled story of Abraham Lincoln's and Jefferson Davis's final journeys through our wounded nation following the Civil War. This middle grade nonfiction book is an excellent choice for tween readers in grades 7 to 8, especially during homeschooling. It’s a fun way to keep your child entertained and engaged while not in the classroom.This suspense-filled true-crime thriller—the young readers’ adaptation of Swanson’s BloodyCrimes—explores two epic events of the Civil War era: the manhunt to apprehend Confederate president Jefferson Davis in the wake of Abraham Lincoln’s assassination and the momentous 20-day funeral pageant that brought President Lincoln’s body from Washington, DC to his home in Springfield. Full of fascinating twists and turns, and lavishly illustrated with dozens of rare historical images, Bloody Times captures the riveting stories of these two fallen leaders who changed the course of history. It’s perfect for young readers who enjoy dramatic nonfiction tales from the likes of Steve Sheinkin and Patricia McCormick.This book contains a note from the author, a glossary, a list of important Civil War figures, and a guide to visiting the historic sites mentioned within. A companion to the bestselling and highly acclaimed Chasing Lincoln's Killer.
Maverick Feminist: To Be Female and Black in a Country Founded upon Violence and Respectability
by Kemeshia Randle SwansonBeginning with their forced introduction to American soil, Black women have relied on maverick-like characteristics to survive. And yet, these liberating qualities have been repeatedly disparaged by the masses in favor of an elitist politics of respectability. In Maverick Feminist: To Be Female and Black in a Country Founded upon Violence and Respectability, scholar Kemeshia Randle Swanson examines the extent to which the politics of respectability diminish joy and increase sorrow throughout the lifespan of Black women. By rejecting this damaging standard in society, Black women can wholly and attentively assist in the obliteration of racist, sexist, classist, and ableist oppression. But first, they must work towards becoming self-identified, self-actualized, and self-sexualized.Bridging the gap between women in both the streets and the academy, Maverick Feminist expands the traditional understandings of activism and enlarges discussions about Black female sexuality. Swanson emphasizes sexuality’s significance to the literary and sociopolitical success of Black women of the past and in this contemporary climate. Through close readings and critical analyses of fiction, nonfiction, and popular culture, Swanson argues that #BlackGirlMagic and racial progression require rejecting respectability politics and developing an intimate appreciation of self. Maverick Feminist examines texts by and about bold Black women, including Zora Neale Hurston’s Their Eyes Were Watching God, Sister Souljah’s The Coldest Winter Ever, Brittney Cooper’s Eloquent Rage: A Black Feminist Discovers Her Superpower, Alice Walker’s The Color Purple, Sapphire’s PUSH, Roxane Gay’s Hunger: A Memoir of (My) Body, Terry McMillan’s Getting to Happy, and Michelle Obama’s Becoming.Maverick Feminist offers hope concerning the growing divide between scholars and the communities about which they theorize. The book celebrates centuries of agency and control that Black women have mustered and maintained in a world that seems to want nothing more than to see them prone and powerless. Ultimately, maverick feminism provides a freer means of living out, evaluating, understanding, and improving the lives of Black women.
Becoming Homeschoolers: Give Your Kids a Great Education, a Strong Family, and a Life They'll Thank You for Later
by Monica SwansonMonica Swanson helps you navigate your real-world concerns about school, culture, and what it takes to create an amazing homeschool experience that you and your kids will never regret!If you've ever wondered whether you have what it takes to homeschool your children, look no further. Parenting author, podcaster, and homeschool mom Monica Swanson is here to tell you: you can do it. In fact, it can be the most fun, family-unifying, character-building, life-equipping experience you and your children will ever have.Becoming Homeschoolers tackles your legitimate doubts and fears about homeschooling, as well as the questions you want answered before you commit--questions like where to start and how to choose a curriculum, build social skills, teach what you're not good at, and prepare for college. With humor and encouragement, Monica weaves her own story of homeschooling her four boys with step-by-step, practical advice on how to:Assess whether home education is right for you and your childrenEstablish a foundation of faith in your everyday homeschool routineFind socialization opportunities such as sports and extracurricular activitiesCare for yourself and your marriage even as you spend more time each day with your kidsTackle the practical side of homeschooling, including standardized tests, transcripts, college readiness, and navigating education requirements It's time to trade fear for empowerment and insecurity for confidence as you live out your own story of becoming homeschoolers.
American Tapestry: The Story of the Black, White, and Multiracial Ancestors of Michelle Obama
by Rachel L. SwarnsA remarkable history of First Lady Michelle Obama’s mixed ancestry, American Tapestry by Rachel L. Swarns is nothing less than a breathtaking and expansive portrait of America itself.In this extraordinary feat of genealogical research—in the tradition of The Hemmingses of Monticello and Slaves in the Family—author Swarns, a respected Washington-based reporter for the New York Times, tells the fascinating and hitherto untold story of Ms. Obama’s black, white, and multiracial ancestors; a history that the First Lady herself did not know.At once epic, provocative, and inspiring, American Tapestry is more than a true family saga; it is an illuminating mirror in which we may all see ourselves.
The Homesman: A Novel
by Glendon SwarthoutNow a major film directed by and starring Tommy Lee Jones and co-starring Meryl Streep, Hilary Swank, and John Lithgow, this classic Western novel captures the devastating realities of early frontier life through the eyes of one extraordinary woman.Now a major motion picture directed by Tommy Lee Jones, The Homesman is a devastating story of early pioneers in 1850s American West. It celebrates the ones we hear nothing of: the brave women whose hearts and minds were broken by a life of bitter hardship. A &“homesman&” must be found to escort a handful of them back East to a sanitarium. When none of the county&’s men steps up, the job falls to Mary Bee Cuddy—ex-teacher, spinster, indomitable and resourceful. Brave as she is, Mary Bee knows she cannot succeed alone. The only companion she can find is the low-life claim jumper George Briggs. Thus begins a trek east, against the tide of colonization, against hardship, Indian attacks, ice storms, and loneliness—a timeless classic told in a series of tough, fast-paced adventures. In an unprecedented sweep, Glendon Swarthout&’s novel won both the Western Writers of America&’s Spur Award and the Western Heritage Wrangler Award. A new afterword by the author&’s son Miles Swarthout tells of his parents Glendon and Kathryn&’s discovery of and research into the lives of the oft-forgotten frontier women who make The Homesman as moving and believable as it is unforgettable.