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The Baby Secret (Expecting! #2004)
by Helen BrooksWhen wedding night passion leads to fiasco, a husband will do anything to find his missing bride—and discover her shocking secret—in this romance novel.Zac and Victoria had a dream wedding—followed by an unforgettable wedding night. Then Victoria discovers that her new husband, the man she adores, has betrayed her—after only one day of marriage! She wastes no time packing her bags and leaving. But Zac won’t let go of Victoria so easily . . . He only wanted to protect his innocent wife from the harsh realities of the world, but Zac knows it was wrong to keep secrets from her. Now he’s determined to find her and bring her home. Only when he does, he discovers that Victoria has been keeping a secret of her own: their wedding night had resulted in a baby!
Tools and Skills for .NET 8: Get the career you want with good practices and patterns to design, debug, and test your solutions
by Mark J. PriceElevate your career by mastering key .NET tools and skills, including debugging, source code management, testing, cloud-native development, intelligent apps and more. Purchase of the print or Kindle book includes a free PDF eBook.Key FeaturesCoverage of key .NET tools and skills including refactoring, source code management, debugging, memory troubleshooting, and morePractical guidance on using code editors effectively, implementing best practices, and protecting dataExplore cutting-edge techniques like building intelligent apps, cloud native development with .NET Aspire, and Docker containerizationBook DescriptionUnlock the full potential of .NET development with Tools and Skills for .NET 8. Dive into source code management using Git and learn how to navigate projects while ensuring version control. Discover advanced debugging techniques and troubleshooting strategies to identify and resolve issues, and gain practical insights on documenting your code, APIs, and services, fostering project clarity and maintainability. Delve into the world of cryptography, ensuring confidentiality and integrity throughout your development lifecycle. Elevate your skills as you explore cutting-edge topics such as building intelligent apps using custom LLM-based chat services, mastering dependency injection, optimizing performance through testing, and Docker containerization. Harness the power of cloud-native development with .NET Aspire, unlocking the benefits of modern cloud platforms. With guidance on software architecture best practices, this book empowers you to build robust, scalable and maintainable applications. Advance your career with invaluable insights on job readiness and interview preparation, positioning yourself as a top-tier candidate in today's competitive job market. Whether you're a seasoned .NET professional or an aspiring developer looking to enhance your skills, this book is your ultimate companion on the journey to .NET mastery.What you will learnMake the most of code editor tools for efficient developmentLearn advanced debugging techniques and troubleshooting strategiesUnderstand how to protect data and applications using cryptographyBuild a custom LLM-based chat serviceDiscover how to master dependency injectionOptimize performance through benchmarking and testingDelve into cloud-native development using .NET AspireAdvance your career with advice on job readiness and interviewsWho this book is for.NET professionals seeking to enhance their expertise, as well as aspiring developers aiming to advance their careers in the field. This book caters to individuals eager to master essential .NET tools, refine their development practices, explore advanced techniques and cutting-edge tools, and prepare themselves for job opportunities and interviews in the competitive landscape of .NET development
Causal Inference in R: Decipher complex relationships with advanced R techniques for data-driven decision-making
by Subhajit DasMaster the fundamentals to advanced techniques of causal inference through a practical, hands-on approach with extensive R code examples and real-world applicationsKey FeaturesExplore causal analysis with hands-on R tutorials and real-world examplesGrasp complex statistical methods by taking a detailed, easy-to-follow approachEquip yourself with actionable insights and strategies for making data-driven decisionsPurchase of the print or Kindle book includes a free PDF eBookBook DescriptionDetermining causality in data is difficult due to confounding factors. Written by an applied scientist specializing in causal inference with over a decade of experience, Causal Inference in R provides the tools and methods you need to accurately establish causal relationships, improving data-driven decision-making. This book helps you get to grips with foundational concepts, offering a clear understanding of causal models and their relevance in data analysis. You’ll progress through chapters that blend theory with hands-on examples, illustrating how to apply advanced statistical methods to real-world scenarios. You’ll discover techniques for establishing causality, from classic approaches to contemporary methods, such as propensity score matching and instrumental variables. Each chapter is enriched with detailed case studies and R code snippets, enabling you to implement concepts immediately. Beyond technical skills, this book also emphasizes critical thinking in data analysis to empower you to make informed, data-driven decisions. The chapters enable you to harness the power of causal inference in R to uncover deeper insights from data. By the end of this book, you’ll be able to confidently establish causal relationships and make data-driven decisions with precision.What you will learnGet a solid understanding of the fundamental concepts and applications of causal inferenceUtilize R to construct and interpret causal modelsApply techniques for robust causal analysis in real-world dataImplement advanced causal inference methods, such as instrumental variables and propensity score matchingDevelop the ability to apply graphical models for causal analysisIdentify and address common challenges and pitfalls in controlled experiments for effective causal analysisBecome proficient in the practical application of doubly robust estimation using RWho this book is forThis book is for data practitioners, statisticians, and researchers keen on enhancing their skills in causal inference using R, as well as individuals who aspire to make data-driven decisions in complex scenarios. It serves as a valuable resource for both beginners and experienced professionals in data analysis, public policy, economics, and social sciences. Academics and students looking to deepen their understanding of causal models and their practical implementation will also find it highly beneficial.
ASP.NET Core 8 and Angular: Full-stack web development with ASP.NET Core 8 and Angular
by Valerio De SanctisBuild robust, scalable web applications using ASP.NET Core 8, Angular 17, and Entity Framework Core Purchase of the print or Kindle book includes a free PDF eBookKey FeaturesCombine ASP.NET Core and Angular to build highly versatile web applicationsCreate a production-ready Single-Page Application (SPA) or Progressive Web Application (PWA)Adopt a full-stack approach to handle data management, API documentation, Web APIs, end-to-end testing, security, and deploymentBook DescriptionIf you want to learn how to use ASP.NET Core with Angular effectively, this hands-on guide is for you. Improve the way you create, debug, and deploy web applications while keeping up to date with the latest developments in .NET 8 and modern Angular, including .NET Minimal APIs and the new Angular standalone API defaults. You’ll begin by setting up SQL Server 2022 and building a data model with Entity Framework Core. You’ll progress to fetching and displaying data, handling user input with Angular reactive forms, and implementing front-end and back-end validators for maximum effect. After that, you will perform advanced debugging and explore unit testing features with xUnit for .NET, and Jasmine and Karma for Angular. You’ll use Identity API endpoints in ASP.NET Core and functional route guards in Angular to add authentication and authorization to your apps. Finally, you’ll learn how to deploy to Windows, Linux, and Azure. By the end of this book, you will understand how to tie together the front-end and back-end to build and deploy secure and robust web applications.What you will learnExplore the new Angular and ASP.NET Core template with Visual Studio 2022Use modern interfaces and patterns such as the HTML5 pushState API, webhooks, and UI data bindingsAdd real-time capabilities to Angular apps with SignalR and gRPCImplement authentication and authorization using JWTsPerform DBMS structured logging using providers such as SeriLogConvert a standard web application to a progressive web application (PWA)Deploy an Angular app to Azure Static Web AppsAdd GraphQL support to back-end and front-end using HotChocolate and Apollo AngularWho this book is forThis book is for developers who have some familiarity with ASP.NET Core and Angular and want to learn how to use them effectively together.
The Kubernetes Bible: The definitive guide to deploying and managing Kubernetes across cloud and on-prem environments
by Gineesh Madapparambath Russ McKendrickThis completely revised edition equips you to secure, scale, and optimize your deployments like a K8s pro . Learn advanced techniques and cloud implementations for robust container orchestration and cloud-native domination. Purchase of the print or Kindle book includes a free eBook in PDF format.Key FeaturesComprehensive coverage of Kubernetes concepts - from deployment to cluster and resource managementGain insights into the latest cloud-native trends and how they impact your Kubernetes deploymentsTap into the collective wisdom of acclaimed Kubernetes expertsBook DescriptionKubernetes has become the go-to orchestration platform for containerized applications. As a Kubernetes user, you know firsthand how powerful yet complex this tool can be. The Kubernetes Bible cuts through the complexity, offering hands-on examples and expert advice to conquer containerization challenges With this new edition, you will master cutting edge security practices, deploy seamlessly and scale effortlessly, ensuring unwavering service availability. You will gain the expertise to craft production-grade applications, secure development environments, navigate complex deployments with ease, and become a security maestro. You will be able to optimize network communication and data management across major cloud platforms. Additionally, this book dives deep into these challenges, offering solutions such as multi-container Pods, advanced security techniques, and expert networking guidance. You will also explore persistent storage advancements, cloud-specific cluster management updates, and best practices for traffic routing By the end of this comprehensive guide, you will possess the skills and knowledge to orchestrate your containerized applications with precision, ensuring their optimal performance and scalability. Stop settling for basic container management. Order your copy today and orchestrate your containers to greatness.What you will learnSecure your Kubernetes clusters with advanced techniquesImplement scalable deployments and autoscaling strategiesDesign and learn to build production-grade containerized applicationsManage Kubernetes effectively on major cloud platforms (GKE, EKS, AKS)Utilize advanced networking and service management practicesUse Helm charts and Kubernetes Operators for robust security measuresOptimize in-cluster traffic routing with advanced configurationsEnhance security with techniques like Immutable ConfigMaps and RBACWho this book is forWhether you're a software developer, DevOps engineer, or an existing Kubernetes user, this Kubernetes book is your comprehensive guide to mastering container orchestration and services in the cloud. It empowers you to overcome challenges in building secure, scalable, and cloud-native applications using Kubernetes. With a foundational understanding of Kubernetes, Docker, and leading cloud providers (AWS, Azure, GCP) recommended, this book equips you with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate complex deployments and master core Kubernetes concepts and architecture.
Dancing with Qubits: From qubits to algorithms, embark on the quantum computing journey shaping our future
by Robert S. SutorUnlock the core math and understand the technical nuances of quantum computing in this detailed guide. Delve into the practicality of NISQ algorithms, and survey promising advancements in quantum machine learning.Key FeaturesDiscover how quantum computing works and delve into the math behind it with practical examplesLearn about and assess the most up-to-date quantum computing topics including quantum machine learningExplore the inner workings of existing quantum computing technologies to understand how they may perform significantly better than their classical counterpartsBook DescriptionDancing with Qubits, Second Edition, is a comprehensive quantum computing textbook that starts with an overview of why quantum computing is so different from classical computing and describes several industry use cases where it can have a major impact. A full description of classical computing and the mathematical underpinnings of quantum computing follows, helping you better understand concepts such as superposition, entanglement, and interference. Next up are circuits and algorithms, both basic and sophisticated, as well as a survey of the physics and engineering ideas behind how quantum computing hardware is built. Finally, the book looks to the future and gives you guidance on understanding how further developments may affect you. This new edition is updated throughout with more than 100 new exercises and includes new chapters on NISQ algorithms and quantum machine learning. Understanding quantum computing requires a lot of math, and this book doesn't shy away from the necessary math concepts you'll need. Each topic is explained thoroughly and with helpful examples, leaving you with a solid foundation of knowledge in quantum computing that will help you pursue and leverage quantum-led technologies.What you will learnExplore the mathematical foundations of quantum computingDiscover the complex, mind-bending concepts that underpin quantum systemsUnderstand the key ideas behind classical and quantum computingRefresh and extend your grasp of essential mathematics, computing, and quantum theoryExamine a detailed overview of qubits and quantum circuitsDive into quantum algorithms such as Grover's search, Deutsch-Jozsa, Simon's, and Shor'sExplore the main applications of quantum computing in the fields of scientific computing, AI, and elsewhereWho this book is forDancing with Qubits, Second Edition, is a quantum computing textbook for all those who want to understand and explore the inner workings of quantum computing. This entails building up from basic to some sophisticated mathematics and is therefore best suited for those with a healthy interest in mathematics, physics, engineering, or computer science.
Mickey7: A Novel (Mickey7 #1)
by Edward AshtonNow experience where the hit movie from Academy Award-winning director Bong Joon Ho, starring Robert Pattinson, started in Mickey7 (the inspiration for the film Mickey 17).Dying isn’t any fun…but at least it’s a living.Mickey Barnes is an Expendable: a disposable employee on a human expedition sent to colonize the ice world Niflheim. Whenever there’s a mission that’s too dangerous—even suicidal—the crew turns to Mickey. After one iteration dies, a new body is regenerated with most of his memories intact. After six deaths, Mickey7 understands the terms of his deal…and why it was the only colonial position unfilled when he took it.On a routine scouting mission, Mickey7 goes missing and is presumed dead. By the time he returns to the colony base, surprisingly helped back by native life, his fate has been sealed. There’s a new clone, Mickey8, reporting for Expendable duties, and there can only be one Expendable. If Mickey7 reports his survival to Command, one of them is going into the recycler. If he doesn’t and they’re caught, they both are.Meanwhile, life on Niflheim is getting worse. The atmosphere is unsuitable for humans, food is in short supply, and terraforming is going poorly. The native species are growing curious about their new neighbors, and that curiosity has Commander Marshall very afraid. Ultimately, the survival of both lifeforms will come down to Mickey7.That is, if he can just keep from dying for good.
The Seagull: A Vera Stanhope Mystery (Vera Stanhope #8)
by Ann CleevesFrom Ann Cleeves—New York Times bestselling and award-winning author of the Vera and Shetland series, both of which are hit TV shows—comes The Seagull."I loved The Seagull — quite simply it reminds me why Ann Cleeves is one of my favorite mystery writers! -Louise PennyA visit to her local prison brings DI Vera Stanhope face to face with an old enemy: former detective superintendent, and now inmate, John Brace. Brace was convicted of corruption and involvement in the death of a gamekeeper – and Vera played a key part in his downfall.Now, Brace promises Vera information about the disappearance of Robbie Marshall, a notorious wheeler-dealer who disappeared in the mid-nineties, if she will look out for his daughter and grandchildren. He tells her that Marshall is dead, and that his body is buried close to St Mary’s Island in Whitley Bay. However, when a search team investigates, officers find not one skeleton, but two.This cold case case takes Vera back in time, and very close to home, as Brace and Marshall, along with a mysterious stranger known only as ‘the Prof’, were close friends of Hector, her father. Together, they were the 'Gang of Four’, regulars at a glamorous nightclub called The Seagull. Hector had been one of the last people to see Marshall alive. As the past begins to collide dangerously with the present, Vera confronts her prejudices and unwanted memories to dig out the truth . . .The Seagull is a searing novel by Sunday Times bestselling author Ann Cleeves, about corruption deep in the heart of a community, and fragile, and fracturing, family relationships."Definitely one of the best crime novels of 2017."—Reviewing the Evidence
The Exvangelicals: Loving, Living, and Leaving the White Evangelical Church
by Sarah McCammonINSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER NATIONAL BESTSELLER"An intimate window into the world of American evangelicalism. Fellow exvangelicals will find McCammon’s story both startlingly familiar and immensely clarifying, while those looking in from the outside can find no better introduction to the subculture that has shaped the hopes and fears of millions of Americans." —Kristin Kobes Du Mez, New York Times bestselling author of Jesus and John Wayne The first definitive book that names the growing social movement of people leaving the church: the exvangelicals. Growing up in a deeply evangelical family in the Midwest in the ‘80s and ‘90s, Sarah McCammon was strictly taught to fear God, obey him, and not question the faith. Persistently worried that her gay grandfather would go to hell unless she could reach him, or that her Muslim friend would need to be converted, and that she, too, would go to hell if she did not believe fervently enough, McCammon was a rule-follower and—most of the time—a true believer. But through it all, she was increasingly plagued by fears and deep questions as the belief system she'd been carefully taught clashed with her expanding understanding of the outside world.After spending her early adult life striving to make sense of an unraveling worldview, by her 30s, she found herself face-to-face with it once again as she covered the Trump campaign for NPR, where she witnessed first-hand the power and influence that evangelical Christian beliefs held on the political right. Sarah also came to discover that she was not alone: she is among a rising generation of the children of evangelicalism who are growing up and fleeing the fold, who are thinking for themselves and deconstructing what feel like the “alternative facts” of their childhood.Rigorously reported and deeply personal, The Exvangelicals is the story of the people who make up this generational tipping point, including Sarah herself. Part memoir, part investigative journalism, this is the first definitive book that names and describes the post-evangelical movement: identifying its origins, telling the stories of its members, and examining its vast cultural, social, and political impact.
The Darkest Evening: A Vera Stanhope Novel (Vera Stanhope #9)
by Ann CleevesAN INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER!From Ann Cleeves—New York Times bestselling and award-winning author of the Vera and Shetland series, both of which are hit TV shows—comes the stunning new Vera Stanhope novel, The Darkest Evening."Ann Cleeves is one of my favorite mystery writers."—Louise Penny"As a huge fan of both the Shetland and Vera series of books, I had high expectations for Cleeves’ latest. . . . A stunning debut for Cleeves’ latest crimefighter."—David Baldacci on The Long CallOn the first snowy night of winter, Detective Inspector Vera Stanhope sets off for her home in the hills. Though the road is familiar, she misses a turning and soon becomes lost and disorientated. A car has skidded off the narrow road in front of her, its door left open, and she stops to help. There is no driver to be seen, so Vera assumes that the owner has gone to find help. But a cry calls her back: a toddler is strapped in the back seat.Vera takes the child and, driving on, she arrives at a place she knows well. Brockburn is a large, grand house in the wilds of Northumberland, now a little shabby and run down. It’s also where her father, Hector, grew up. Inside, there’s a party in full swing: music, Christmas lights and laughter. Outside, unbeknownst to the revelers, a woman lies dead in the snow.As the blizzard traps the group deep in the freezing Northumberland countryside, Brockburn begins to give up its secrets, and as Vera digs deeper into her investigation, she also begins to uncover her family’s complicated past.
Who's Afraid of Gender?
by Judith ButlerNational Bestseller. Named a Best Book of 2024 by NPR, Harper’s Bazaar, W, and Esquire.“A profoundly urgent intervention.” —Naomi Klein “A timely must-read for anyone actively invested in reimagining collective futurity.” —Claudia RankineFrom a global icon, a bold, essential account of how a fear of gender is fueling reactionary politics around the world. Judith Butler, the groundbreaking thinker whose iconic book Gender Trouble redefined how we think about gender and sexuality, confronts the attacks on “gender” that have become central to right-wing movements today. Global networks have formed “anti–gender ideology movements” that are dedicated to circulating a fantasy that gender is a dangerous, perhaps diabolical, threat to families, local cultures, civilization—and even “man” himself. Inflamed by the rhetoric of public figures, this movement has sought to nullify reproductive justice, undermine protections against sexual and gender violence, and strip trans and queer people of their rights to pursue a life without fear of violence.The aim of Who’s Afraid of Gender? is not to offer a new theory of gender but to examine how “gender” has become a phantasm for emerging authoritarian regimes, fascist formations, and trans-exclusionary feminists. In their vital, courageous new book, Butler illuminates the concrete ways that this phantasm of “gender” collects and displaces anxieties and fears of destruction. Operating in tandem with deceptive accounts of “critical race theory” and xenophobic panics about migration, the anti-gender movement demonizes struggles for equality, fuels aggressive nationalism, and leaves millions of people vulnerable to subjugation.An essential intervention into one of the most fraught issues of our moment, Who’s Afraid of Gender? is a bold call to refuse the alliance with authoritarian movements and to make a broad coalition with all those whose struggle for equality is linked with fighting injustice. Imagining new possibilities for both freedom and solidarity, Butler offers us a hopeful work of social and political analysis that is both timely and timeless—a book whose verve and rigor only they could deliver.
Crime and Cherry Pits (Farm to Table Mysteries #4)
by Amanda FlowerHead back to snowy Michigan just in time for the annual cherry pit spitting contest. It's all fun and games until the local drama professor chokes on more than just his pride.Shiloh Bellamy can hardly believe it—for the first time in her family farm's seventy-year history, she has managed to score a highly-coveted booth at the Cherry Farm Market in Traverse City, Michigan. It's a huge win in her master plan to bring the rundown farm back to life… and the fact that her coup has sent her next-door neighbor and organic farming competitor into fits of jealousy doesn't hurt, either. But the festive atmosphere at the farm market takes a dark turn when a man entered in the famous cherry pit-spitting competition chokes and dies right in front of Shiloh, who is standing near the sidelines as a spectator.When the death turns out to be more suspicious than a cherry pit down the wrong pipe, Shiloh finds herself under local law enforcement's microscope—she has developed something of a reputation for being unwittingly involved in local murders. And when they discover her cousin Stacey had been secretly dating the man in question—and that he was married to someone else—Shiloh begins to worry that everything she has worked so hard to accomplish with her family's farm is about to be taken away. It will take all her investigative skills, a tenuous friendship (or is it something more?) with the local sheriff, and some help from Shiloh's trusty pug, Huckleberry, to prove the cops are barking up the wrong cherry tree and put the real killer behind bars for good.
Make Space for Happiness: How to Stop Attracting Clutter and Start Magnetizing the Life You Want
by Tracy McCubbinIt's time to make room in your life for happiness to blossomDo you feel like you have too much stuff? A cluttered space isn't just inconvenient—the truth is it's hard to lead a joyful, purposeful life when the things around you detract from your relationships, habits, and goals. But decluttering is more than getting rid of the stuff you already have. To make real change in your home, you need to look at how these excess possessions got there in the first place. This book examines the acquisition cycles that keep our homes overcrowded and distract us from going after the meaningful things we really want in our lives.Make Space for Happiness gives you a seven-step roadmap to clearing your life and opening yourself up to all the good meant to come your way. Renowned decluttering expert Tracy McCubbin will help you revolutionize your living space and your mindset by focusing on clutter clearing as a path to positivity in every area of your life, helping you to manifest:True connectionSelf-confidenceFree timeBig LoveSelf-respectReal PurposeLasting WisdomWe all want to live in homes that are functional, comfortable, and that bring us happiness rather than detract from it. Make Space for Happiness provides flexibility, support, and inspiration as you re-envision your home as the starting point of the joyful life that's waiting for you.
When Life Gives You Vampires (Slaying It)
by Gloria DukeBridget Jones for the vampire obsessed: fans of Olivia Dade, Tessa Bailey, and Julie Murphy will love to sink their teeth into this charming romantic comedy.Single (plus size) vampire, desperately in search of a life.Twenty-five year old Lily Baines is used to waking up hungover, overweight, and underemployed. Waking up with fangs? Not so much. But when a little light necking has more serious consequences than she ever imagined, Lily's determined to get to the bottom of it, or die (again) trying.Tristan hadn't meant to turn Lily—it's against vampire law—but now that she's here, they need to team up to save both their hides. They strike an uneasy truce, fending off other vampires, Lily's work-rival-turned-slayer, and her mother's tone-deaf romance and fitness advice…all while Lily faces down her insecurities about the fact that she lives in a diet-obsessed world with a body that will never age, never die, and never change. Falling for her maddeningly gorgeous sire? Easy. Surviving an ancient vampire Master determined to see her twice-dead? Piece of cake. But can Lily ever truly learn to love the woman she'll be forever more?Perfect for fans looking for:a little Halloween spiritbody positive representationenemies to lovers vibes
In Rides Trouble (Black Knights Inc. #2)
by Julie Ann WalkerA New York Times and USA Today Bestseller!"Deft characterization, skillful pacing, touches of humor, and red-hot love scenes rev up this highly recommended roller-coaster." —Publishers Weekly Starred ReviewRebel with a CauseBecky "Rebel" Reichert never actually goes looking for trouble. It just has a tendency to find her. Like the day Frank Knight showed up at her door, wanting to use her motorcycle shop as a cover for his elite special ops team. But Becky prides herself on being able to hang with the big boys-she can weld, drive, and shoot just as well as any of them.Man with a MissionMunitions, missiles, and mayhem are Frank's way of life. The last thing the ex-SEAL wants is for one brash blonde to come within fifty feet of anything that goes boom. Yet it's just his rotten luck when she ends up in a hostage situation at sea. Come hell or high water, he will get her back-whether she says she needs him or not.Black Knights Inc. Series Hell on Wheels (Book 1) In Rides Trouble (Book 2) Rev It Up (Book 3) Thrill Ride (Book 4) Born Wild (Book 5) Hell for Leather (Book 6) Full Throttle (Book 7) Too Hard to Handle (Book 8)Wild Ride (Book 9 — coming April 2017!)Praise for Hell on Wheels:"Edgy, alpha, and downright HOT, the Black Knights Inc. will steal your breath ... and your heart!" —CATHERINE MANN USA Today bestselling author
The Changelings (The Changelings #1)
by Christina SoontornvatFrom Newberry Honor winning author Christina Soontornvat comes a magical adventure in which Izzy must rescue her sister from a fairy land as dangerous as it is magical.All Izzy wants is for something interesting to happen in her sleepy little town. But her wish becomes all too real when a mysterious song floats through the woods and lures her little sister Hen into the forest...where she vanishes. A frantic search leads to a strange hole in the ground that Izzy enters. But on the other side, she discovers that the hole was not a hole, this place is not Earth, and Hen is not lost. She's been stolen away to the land of Faerie, and it's up to Izzy to bring her home.But inside Faerie, trouble is brewing—and Izzy is in way over her head. A ragtag group of outlaw Changelings offer to help, but she must decide whether a boulder that comes to life, a girl who looks like a ghost, and a boy who is also a stag can help her save Hen before it's too late.Praise for The Changelings:"Fresh and imaginative—new inventions on every page. I loved every ingenious twist and turn right up to the wonderfully satisfying ending."—Katherine Catmull, author of The Radiant Road and Summer and Bird."The Changelings is charming! Perfect for readers who love stories full of magic, adventure, mystery and fairies, topped off with a satisfying and very happy ending. Soontornvat's debut sparkles and delights!"—Nikki Loftin, author of The Sinister Sweetness of Splendid AcademyPerfect for anyone looking for books:for a special 10 or 11 year old girl or boy.that can be fun homeschool materials.for readers who love a magical adventure!
The Trials of Lila Dalton: A Novel
by L.J. Shepherd"A wonderfully ambitious book that never runs out of ideas or surprises." —Stuart Turton, bestselling author of The Last Murder at the End of the World and The 7 ½ Deaths of Evelyn HardcastleI look up to find twelve strangers staring back at me… and I realize I'm the one they're waiting for.Lila Dalton has no memory of how she came to be in this courtroom; no memory of how she got to the courthouse at all, or why she's facing a jury who seems to be waiting for her. The man on trial is accused of mass murder, and she's his lawyer, but she can't remember any details of the case. She can't remember anything… Stranded on an island in the Atlantic Ocean where the most serious crimes are tried, Lila has to prove her client's innocence if she wants to go home. But how can she solve this case when she's not sure she can trust anything around her, including her own memory?The Trials of Lila Dalton is a twisty, unexpected locked-room mystery that follows one woman's race against time to find a killer, clear her own name, and escape the island that threatens to keep her trapped forever.
The House of Cards Complete Trilogy: House of Cards, To Play the King, The Final Cut (House of Cards)
by Michael DobbsGet all three books in the series that inspired the hit Netflix series House of Cards"This blood-and-thunder tale, lifelike and thoroughly cynical, certainly carries the ring of authenticity… a great triumph." Independent"The exciting thriller that has Westminster buzzing. Here is a political thriller writer with a marvelous inside track knowledge of government. House of Cards is fast-moving, revelatory and brilliant." Daily ExpressMichael Dobbs has wowed readers with his bestselling House of Cards trilogy, which inspired the hit series on Netflix. Here are the three books in the trilogy for one low price: House of Cards, To Play the King, and The Final Cut. About the Books in This Bundle1. House of CardsA dark tale of greed, corruption, and unquenchable ambition, House of Cards reveals that no matter the country, politics, intrigue and passion reign in the corridors of power. Francis Urquhart has his hand on every secret in politics – and is willing to betray them all to become prime minister. Mattie Storin is a tenacious young reporter who has a knack for finding the real stories hidden behind the spin. When she stumbles upon a scandalous web of intrigue and financial corruption at the very highest levels, she vows to reveal the truth. But to do so she must battle her own demons and risk everything, even her life.2. To Play the KingAfter scheming his way to power in House of Cards, newly elected Prime Minister Francis Urquhart takes on the new King. The role of the monarchy in modern Britain comes under scrutiny as Prime Minister Francis Urquhart threatens to expose Royal secrets when his plans are blocked by the idealistic new King. Their differences of opinion quickly degenerate into open hostility. The battlefield ranges from architecture to the underprivileged; the battle is fought with rigged opinion polls, manipulated newspaper headlines, sexual scandal and economic brinkmanship as Urquhart sets out to destroy not only the King's family and friends but even the King himself.3. The Final CutNow Francis Urquhart is about to take his place in the record books as the longest-serving Prime Minister this century. Yet it seems the public is tiring of him at last, and the movement to force him from power is growing. But Urquhart is not yet ready to be driven from office. If the public demands new blood, that is precisely what he will give them… This is a different Francis Urquhart – more vulnerable, more loving, and more ruthless than ever. He will risk everything, but one thing is certain: whatever the outcome of this, his greatest gamble, the name of Francis Urquhart will never be forgotten.
The Wrong Side of the Grass
by Stephen SolomitaA truck hijacking on a New York street goes badly awry in this new novel from an author who writes &“top-notch hard-boiled crime fiction&” (Booklist). It was a sure thing. A truck with a thousand cartons of cigarettes, at a wholesale price of sixty dollars each. Mike Tedesco had thought through the foolproof plan for the early-morning hijacking. The only tricky part was disabling the GPS system that enabled the owner to track the truck and its valuable contents. He brought along the expert who swore he could do it in three minutes. He couldn&’t, so Tedesco shot him dead in the middle of the rainy street in uptown Manhattan before fleeing the scene. NYPD Detective Dante Cepeda is called in and quickly decides he can solve this one—his great joy—as he explains to the attractive redheaded sergeant who works the case with him. The hunt leads Cepeda to a Russian mafioso, Tedesco&’s gorgeous girlfriend, a curse that needs a blood sacrifice, and a scarred pit bull who&’s survived a life of dogfights. A gritty tale of greed and casual violence, the latest crime novel from the Hammett Prize nominee is realistic, shocking, and relentlessly compelling. &“Solomita knows his city and his people, and he writes with both muscle and sensitivity.&” —Los Angeles Times &“A keen observer of humanity.&” —Publishers Weekly &“A master at capturing on paper the flavor of streetwise cops and robbers and their victims.&” —Library Journal &“Solomita has Elmore Leonard&’s flair for letting you view the world through his character&’s eyes, no matter how narrow or how bloodshot.&” —The New York Times
Runaway Colton (The Coltons of Texas #11)
by Karen WhiddonA wrongfully accused woman is tracked down by a bounty hunter—who makes her an offer she can’t resist . . . Wrongfully accused of masterminding her adoptive father’s disappearance, Piper Colton needs answers. So she leaves the family ranch behind to embark on a dangerous mission . . . but she’s not alone for long. Her brother enlists the help of Cord Maxwell—a local bounty hunter—to ensure his sister’s safe return. But Cord has an agenda of his own, and it’s not just to avoid falling for the Colton beauty! He promises to help her if she’ll help him find his runaway niece—and stay with him. It’s an offer she cannot resist and a powerful attraction she cannot deny . . .
The White Feather Killer (Detective Silas Quinn Mysteries)
by R. N. MorrisA Scotland Yard detective probes a gruesome murder with a single feather as his only clue in this gripping historical mystery set in World War I London. London, 1914. The declaration of war with Germany has made the capital a dark, uncertain place. As the pressure on young men to enlist grows, Pastor Cardew holds a rally at his church. It ends in humiliation for Felix Simpkins when he receives a dreaded white feather—the ultimate sign of cowardice. Meanwhile, DI Silas Quinn returns to New Scotland Yard after his recent sick leave to find the Special Crimes Department has been closed and his team absorbed into CID. But when a body is discovered in Wormwood Scrubs the day after Cardew&’s rally, a white feather placed in its mouth, Quinn finds himself unable to take a back seat in the investigation. Was the murderer really a foreign spy . . . or someone closer to home? The final installment of the Silas Quinn mysteries, perfect for fans of Abir Mukherjee, S. G. MacLean and S. J. Parris.Praise for The White Feather Killer&“Features a flawed hero, disturbing undertones, a gripping plot, realistic period ambience, taut suspense, and exceptional writing.&” —Booklist &“Morris builds tension slowly but effectively in this character-driven fifth franchise installment.&” —Kirkus Reviews&“Superior. . . . Morris nicely evokes the tense atmosphere of London in August 1914. A complex lead and an intricate puzzle elevate this entry.&” —Publishers Weekly
The Bull Rider's Baby (Cooper Creek #3)
by Brenda MintonWhen a bull rider returns home as a single dad, building a future for his daughter will take facing a difficult past in this wholesome romance novel.One minute, Keeton West is a confirmed bachelor living out of a suitcase on the professional bull riding circuit. The next, he’s the single dad of a baby he didn’t know existed. Now back home in Oklahoma, Keeton desperately needs help with little Lucy—the kind of help Sophie Cooper could provide.Everyone in town remembers the tragedy that changed Keeton and Sophie’s lives forever. And spending time with Keeton seems to remind Sophie of all she lost. She won’t get close to another bull rider. Yet one sweet baby girl has her own way of bringing two hearts together.
Bonaparte's Avengers (The Alain Lausard Adventures)
by Richard HowardAs Napoleon prepares to invade Prussia, a war-weary sergeant is pushed to his limit in this epic military adventure series. France, 1806. Napoleon Bonaparte&’s Grande Armeé is poised for war. But this is no ordinary mission. Having crushed the forces of Austria and Russia the year before, Bonaparte now seeks to avenge the French Army&’s annihilation by Frederick the Great&’s Prussian forces in 1757. When Prussia refuses to comply with Bonaparte&’s demands that they surrender and form an alliance against England, war becomes inevitable. Sergeant Alain Lausard and his war-weary squadron of dragoons have been through many epic battles under Napoleon&’s command. They would do anything for their great leader. But as they prepare to enter into yet another bloody campaign that will feature battles at Jena and Auerstadt, their loyalties are stretched to the limit . . .
Flint and Roses (The Barforth Trilogy)
by Brenda JaggerOne woman. Two brothers. An uncertain heart. The future rests on her choice as the Barforth family saga continues—from the author of The Clouded Hills. Faith Aycliffe knows what she wants and refuses to substitute what she needs to get it. But nineteenth-century Yorkshire is a man&’s world and Faith merely a pawn in the games of ambitious men. Torn between the love of two men, Nicolas Barforth and his brother, Blaize, Faith must choose: Nicholas, possessive, ruthless and knows how to get everything out of success except happiness, or Blaize, who doesn&’t share Faith&’s adventurous spirit, but is witty, audacious and a lover of beautiful things. Wool-manufacturers and mill-owners, the Barforths are in conflict of their own with the old landed gentry. Now, as their lives full of love, hatred and struggle interweave, it may just be Faith who decides their destiny. The second novel in the Barforth Trilogy, this gripping family saga is perfect for fans of Sandy Taylor, Katie Flynn, and Josephine Cox.
SEAL Under Siege (Men of Valor)
by Liz JohnsonA Navy SEAL will do anything to protect a woman targeted by terrorists in this suspenseful romance of danger and faith.When Staci Hayes is rescued from a Mideast prison by navy SEAL Tristan Sawyer, she thinks the ordeal is over. But back in San Diego, a new threat arises. Staci has information that could prevent an attack on U.S. soil, and the terrorist will stop at nothing to silence her. Tristan insists on being her bodyguard, but his constant presence makes her long for things beyond her reach. Protecting Staci is the second chance Tristan needs to put the past behind him. Yet with a spy on the naval base, anyone could be a threat. Now it will take all of his faith and courage to offer her safety—and love.