Other books that might interest you

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  The Death Mask - From their pens...

  Ella D'Arcy

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  Ella D'Arcy was born on 23rd August 1857 in London, one of nine children.  
  Her education spanned London, Germany, France and the Channel Islands. A student of fine art, her poor eyesight meant a switch to literature was needed and with this she had hopes to be an author. 
  She worked as a contributor and unofficial editor, alongside Henry Harland, to The Yellow Book, Aubrey Beardsley’s sensational quarterly magazine that combined art, stories, poetry, essays and much else besides.  D'Arcy wrote several stories for the magazine and her stories have an undeniable psychological and realist style through her engagement with various themes from marriage, the family, imitation through to deception.  
  Recognition of her talents grew after the publication of ‘Irremediable’, in the Yellow Book, where it received much praise from critics.   
  She also wrote and published in the Argosy, Blackwood's Magazine, and Temple Bar.  
  However, D’Arcy’s canon was small and, apart from her magazine stories, her book publishing was limited to ‘Monochromes’ (1895), ‘Modern Instances’ and ‘The Bishop’s Dilemma’ (1898). She also translated André Maurois's biography of Percy Bysshe Shelley entitled ‘Ariel’ (1924). 
  Her diligence with work aside she was notorious for her inability to maintain relationships with friends.  When she did appear to them it was often unannounced.  This earned her the sobriquet 'Goblin Ella.' 
  D'Arcy spent much of her life living alone, though she had a constant urge to travel, but usually she resided on the edge of poverty. Her writing was often motivated by this need. 
  Much of her later life was spent in Paris before returning to London in 1937, where she died, in hospital, on 5th September 1937.

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  Wood’s Reward - Action and...

  Steven Becker

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  Mac and Wood find themselves confronted with the troublesome job of repairing a bridge piling supporting one of the iconic bridges spanning the Florida Keys. In the process they discover something unexpected—a cache of silver coins and bars embedded in coral. The pair, along with their archeologist friend Ned, soon realizes the immense historical significance of their discovery—the coins date back to the Civil War. 
  But their joy quickly turns to apprehension as they realize they are not the only ones interested in the treasure. The project engineer, a fellow treasure hunter with questionable motives, becomes a formidable obstacle in their path. And if that wasn't enough, they find themselves at odds with the sheriff, who appears to be running a protection scam, further complicating their pursuit of the truth. 
  Just when Mac and Wood think they have reached an impasse, fate intervenes in the most unexpected way. A chance discovery of an old chest resting on the seafloor leads them to a remarkable journal written by the renowned Key West wrecker, John Geiger. Within its pages lies the captivating history of the silver, tracing it back to a legendary pirate chase and another shipwreck resting on the treacherous reef. 
  Becker's expert storytelling will transport you to the sun-soaked shores of Florida Keys, immersing you in a world teeming with adventure, mystery, and the allure of buried treasure. "Wood's Reward" is a gripping maritime thriller that will leave you breathless, yearning for more, and eagerly awaiting the next exhilarating chapter in Mac and Wood's extraordinary journey. 
  Prepare to dive into a sea of suspense, as Steven Becker sweeps you away on a captivating tide of discovery, danger, and destiny.

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  A Little Joke - From their pens...

  Anthony Hope

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  Sir Anthony Hope Hawkins was born on 9th February 1863 in Clapton, London.  
  He was educated at St John's School, Leatherhead, Marlborough College and Balliol College, Oxford.  Hope trained as a lawyer and barrister and was called to the Bar by the Middle Temple in 1887. Despite what was thought to be a promising legal career he had literary ambitions and wrote in his spare time. 
  His early works appeared in various periodicals of the day but for his first book ‘A Man of Mark’ (1890), with no publisher interested, he published with his own resources.  
  More novels and short stories followed, including the mildly successful ‘Mr Witt's Widow’ in 1892. Hope even found time to run as the Liberal candidate for Wycombe in the election that same year but was unsuccessful. 
  His first major literary success came with ‘The Dolly Dialogues’, a collection of previously published magazine pieces followed very quickly by his instant classic, ‘The Prisoner of Zenda’. He now gave up the vestiges of his legal career to pursue writing full-time. 
  Despite never again reaching the same pinnacle of success he was popular and wrote prolifically across novels, plays and of course, short stories though his writing output rapidly diminished after the war. 
  In 1918 he was knighted for his contribution to propaganda efforts during World War I.  
  His short stories are delicate, mannered and often surprising with their wit, humour and interplay of characters who say one thing and usually mean another.  He was very definitely a writer of escapist rather than serious fare but they are no less enjoyable for that. 
  Anthony Hope died of throat cancer on 8th July 1933 at his country home, Heath Farm at Walton-on-the-Hill in Surrey. He was 70.

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  Avalanche - Stories

  Jessica Westhead

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  "Things used to be easier, but even in those carefree days, the rules were in place for a reason. And that reason is: so we can all agree. So we can all have the same standard applied across the board. So there is no special treatment, which no one should receive. This is why we need the rules." 
   
   
   
  The stories in Avalanche combine humor with an earnest examination and indictment of white entitlement, guilt, shame, and disorientation in the wake of waking up to the reality of racism. Focusing on the perspective of white, cis, straight, and mostly middle-aged and middle-class characters, this collection shines a light on the obliviousness of white privilege, the violence of polite, quiet racism hiding just under the surface of mundane, everyday situations, and the anguished flailing of "well-intentioned white ladies" desperate to confirm their essential goodness at all costs. Westhead writes with compassion and empathy for both her frustrating and frustrated white protagonists and the racialized characters who encounter them, and uses humor not to comfortably distance white readers from the harmful behavior of her self-absorbed protagonists, but to pull them in close to recognize—and reckon with—those familiar parts of themselves, and to become more aware of the insidious systems of white supremacy at work behind the scenes. 
   
   
   
  Bonus material: This audiobook includes the Acknowledgments as supplemental material in printable PDF format.

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  Lumi Finds Her Glow - Inspiring...

  Rhonda Hunt

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  Lumi Finds Her Glow 
  A Story by Rhonda Hunt 
  High above the world lives Lumi, a little star searching for something special—her very own glow. 
  While all the other stars sparkle brilliantly across the night sky, Lumi's light is just a tiny flicker. "How do I find my glow?" Lumi whispers to the Moon, who offers gentle wisdom: "Your glow is already inside you, little one. You just haven't discovered it yet." 
  One magical night, Lumi discovers the secret. A little girl is lost in the dark woods below, looking up at the sky for help. Lumi wants so badly to guide her home. Thinking of the little girl, Lumi feels something warm grow inside—and suddenly, WHOOSH! Lumi bursts into the brightest, warmest golden glow! 
  The little girl follows Lumi's light all the way home safely. And from that night on, Lumi glows the brightest of all—because Lumi has finally found her glow. 
  This enchanting picture book teaches young readers that we all have our own special light within us, and it glows brightest when we use it to help others. With beautiful watercolor illustrations and a heartwarming message about self-discovery, compassion, and finding your purpose, Lumi Finds Her Glow is perfect for bedtime reading and inspiring meaningful conversations about kindness and inner strength.

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  A Comedy In Rubber

  O. Henry

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  Delve into the humor and charm of early 20th-century city life with O. Henry’s delightful short story, A Comedy in Rubber. Known for his clever wit and unexpected twists, O. Henry brings us a playful tale of misadventure, following a character who encounters a string of amusing predicaments—all set in motion by a simple trip in a vintage automobile. With every turn, the story unfolds with O. Henry’s signature blend of humor and irony, giving readers a nostalgic glimpse into a bygone era.Narrated by Joe Reeder, this audiobook brings the story’s lighthearted tone and comedic nuances to life. Reeder’s engaging narration draws listeners into the delightful absurdities of O. Henry’s world, where every encounter holds a surprise, and humor is woven into each scene. Perfect for listeners seeking a brief escape into a world filled with laughter, nostalgia, and classic Americana.Whether you’re a long-time fan of O. Henry or discovering his work for the first time, A Comedy in Rubber is an entertaining listen that highlights the timeless appeal of his storytelling. This short, whimsical tale is ideal for those looking for a quick, enjoyable break filled with humor and classic charm.

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