Publisher: Wildside Press
When a young engineer is forced to leave his father's shipyard in Scotland under a cloud of suspicion, he travels to Canada and starts a new life working for the railroad. Romance and adventure are never far from the forefront in this exciting historical novel.
In this kaleidoscopic voyage through the past, present, and future of the United States, a young girl uncovers a secret society, a middle-aged man searches for his lost first love, a group of teens invent a role-playing game, protests threaten to topple the government, and an eccentric lawyer and his young Vietnamese protégée re-open a dormant case. This atmospheric tale, at turns gothic, poetic, cerebral, and funny, ranges from rural Upstate New York to the far reaches of the Zebulon Galaxy; from the 1700s to the 4th decade of the 21st century. Includes 66 full-page b&w illustrations by the author, maps, an Appendix with a Timeline, and a Reading Group Guide. “One of the most intriguing, beguiling, and thought-provoking books I read this year.” —Diana Spencer, author of Varro’ s Guide to Being Roman “Fabulous and engaging ... richly creative!” —Glenda Burgess, award-winning author of So Long As We ’ re Together In a near-future America, on the eve of revolution, a message pops up on a screen, “Can you help me?”—then it, and its sender, June, disappear. June’s disappearance prompts a visit back to the narrator’s rural, Upstate New York hometown, and a reconstruction of their shared past in the early 90s, when he and his group of friends created their own roleplaying adventure in a clubhouse on a dilapidating farm. It was June’s entry into their group that made all their game-playing real, and embroiled the teens in a great mystery, starting with the strange, serpent-headed key that flashed gold on custodian Clyde Duane’s copious key ring, and spiraled outward—connecting their town’s hidden past to a movement that could change everything about the way we live. Populated by a fantastic cast of characters, this captivating book stands at the intersection of philosophy and adventure.Show book
Nick Turnhouse is now a senior captain, some two thirds of the way up the List, perhaps as little as five years short of automatic promotion to Rear Admiral. As such, he must accept more responsibility, and he will be expected to offer more than blind obedience to his orders. It is time to replace Bloody Nick with Sir Nicholas. Bonaparte is committing the error of trying to place his brother on the throne of Spain, currently occupied by a madman and his erratic queen. The Spanish are divided into at least four different factions nationally, and a dozen more in each separate province. Sir Nicholas sails out to the Mediterranean to offer assistance to those Spaniards who will serve British interests best. It is not a straightforward task.Show book
September, 1948. The Iron Curtain has descended. Behind it is the woman he loves. The Berlin Blockade has begun and Soviet aggression threatens to ignite a new conflict. Now based in the besieged German city, Auguste Duchene finds himself part of a Cold War that is on the brink of turning hot. Working for the Allies to lure Soviet spies to defect, he's made an enemy of the Russians, who are drawing a net tightly around him. Meanwhile, Duchene's estranged wife, Sabine, finds herself under threat in Moscow. With her belief in the communist cause increasingly challenged, her past actions come back to haunt her as Stalin's agents wield their absolute power in a bid to expose her. With its compelling portrayal of a paranoia-ridden Moscow and blockaded Berlin, The Moscow Defector sees Duchene and Sabine, torn apart by opposing ideologies, risk their lives to try to save one another. Evocative, gripping and full of twists, this taut thriller asks if lovers can reunite against an all-powerful regime.Show book
Edmée Elizabeth Monica Dashwood, née de la Pasture, and more commonly known as E M Delafield, was born in Steyning, Sussex on 9th June 1890. Raised in the fading years of the Victorian era with its Empire and strict moral codes Delafield, not yet married at twenty-one, joined a French religious order, in Belgium, but soon decided that this was a totally wrong choice for her. Her next challenge was her work during the horror of the First World War. Delafield decided to take up a position as a nurse in a Voluntary Aid Detachment in Exeter. It was whilst here that she managed to write her first novel, ‘Zella Sees Herself’. With the end of the war new opportunities were sought and she now took up a position for the South-West Region of the Ministry of National Service in Bristol. With it came enough time to write two more novels: ‘The War Workers’ (1918) and ‘The Pelicans’ (1918). On 17th July 1919, she married Colonel Arthur Paul Dashwood, OBE, an engineer responsible for building the massive docks at Hong Kong Harbour. The marriage produced two children; Lionel and Rosamund. That same year her fourth novel, ‘Consequences’, was published. The couple spent their early years in Malaya but returned to England to live in Croyle, an old house in Kentisbeare, Devon. Delafield continued to collect responsibilities and organise whatever she could. At the initial meeting of the Kentisbeare Women's Institute, Delafield was unanimously elected president, and also became a Justice of the Peace, raised the children and, of course, continued to write her best-selling novels. Her greatest work is undoubtedly the largely autobiographical ‘Diary of a Provincial Lady’, which is a simply structured journal of the life of an upper-middle class Englishwoman, living mostly in a Devon village of the 1930s. It spawned several best-selling sequels. Her works also includes stage and radio plays, film scripts and short stories. After the death of her son in 1940, her health began to markedly decline. E M Delafield died on 2nd December 1943 after collapsing whilst giving a lecture in Oxford. She was 53.Show book
Embark on an extraordinary adventure with "Gulliver's Travels," the timeless satire by Jonathan Swift, brought to life by the engaging narration of Ram Ranjini. This classic tale follows Lemuel Gulliver, a ship’s surgeon who finds himself cast away on strange and fantastical lands, each with its own unique culture and peculiarities. From the miniature people of Lilliput to the giant inhabitants of Brobdingnag, Gulliver's journeys offer a sharp and witty commentary on human nature, society, and the absurdities of the world. Swift’s masterful storytelling and keen observations make "Gulliver's Travels" as relevant today as it was when first published in 1726. Ram Ranjini’s dynamic narration captures the humor, drama, and intrigue of Gulliver’s adventures, making this audiobook a captivating experience for listeners of all ages. Whether you’re exploring this classic for the first time or revisiting its familiar landscapes, this rendition of "Gulliver's Travels" promises to entertain, enlighten, and inspire. Perfect for fans of classic literature, satire, and adventure stories, "Gulliver's Travels" is an essential addition to any audiobook collection. Join Gulliver on his remarkable voyages and discover why this tale has endured for centuries.Show book
"Northanger Abbey" by Jane Austen is a novel written in the early 19th century. The story introduces Catherine Morland, a young woman whose unremarkable upbringing and lack of traditional beauty set her apart from the typical heroines found in romantic fiction. Despite this, Catherine yearns for adventure and is captivated by the romantic ideals portrayed in the novels she reads. This longing foreshadows her journey into society, particularly during her trip to Bath. The opening of the novel establishes the contrasting elements of Catherine's mundane life and her fantastical aspirations. From an early age, it is evident that she prefers physical activities over the more traditional feminine pastimes, a trait that continues into her teenage years as she develops a fascination with the very novels that influence her romantic ideas. Her first major adventure starts when she is invited to Bath, where she hopes to discover excitement, friendship, and possibly romance, especially with Mr. Tilney, a character who piques her interest. The narrative offers a witty exploration of societal norms, personal growth, and the disconnect between reality and expectations. This makes "Northanger Abbey" an engaging read for those who appreciate character-driven stories that satirize romantic tropes.Show book
