Black House - Large Print Edition

Wipe Clean: Picture Puzzles: Let's Learn Activities

Review “Priddy Books are ..."visually delightful with an interactive element." - School Library Journal About the Author Roger Priddy 's passion for educating children through fun, informative and engaging books has led him to create some of publishing's most enduring and successful nonfiction early learning books. Bestselling titles include First 100 Words , Bright Baby Animals , and Alphaprints: ABC . Roger lives in London and has three children, who have been the inspiration behind many of his best publishing ideas.

CNA Exam Secrets Study Guide: CNA Test Review for the Certified Nurse Assistant Exam

Komodo Dragon vs. King Cobra (Who Would Win?)

About the Author Jerry Pallotta is an award-winning author of children's books, including What I Saw in the Teachers' Lounge, Dinosaur Christmas, Who Will Guide My Sleigh Tonight?, Apple Fractions, and The Hershey's Milk Chocolate Multiplication Book . His combination of interesting facts, detailed research, humor, and realistic illustrations has mesmerized countless children across the United States. You can visit him at jerrypallotta.com. Rob Bolster is both a fine artist and a professional illustrator. His work has appeared in newspaper and magazine advertisements, and he has illustrated many books for young readers, including the bestselling Who Would Win? series. Rob lives and works near Boston, Massachusetts.

Tarantula vs. Scorpion (Who Would Win?)

School Zone - Multiplication 0-12 Flash Cards - Ages 8+, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, Elementary Math, Multiplication Facts, Common Core, and More

Review You make my kid smarter, while giving me some time to myself, and I thank you! We first discovered School Zone through their Hidden Pictures, which my 2.5 yr old loves. We stuck around because they offer products my kid likes at a great price. Thanks! --School Zone WebsiteSchool Zone really makes a great product. We've used these a lot when working with my five-year old on his letters. --Mommy Snippets About the Author For nearly 40 years, School Zone has helped make learning fun! Our research-based content, developed by leading educators, delivers award-winning, state-of-the-art products digital and print for individual learning styles and goals. Every product placed in a child's hands is brimming with color, content, and creativity. In every detail, innovation meets imagination and timeless tradition. In that same spirit, School Zone both embodies success and embraces possibility, stepping boldly into new media and platforms to connect with kids where they are. Parents appreciate the quality and attention to detail. The company continually updates materials with new features and content, reflective of changing standards, evolving teaching methods, and overall best practices. The result? Great learning at home and in the classroom. Joan Hoffman, M.A., is the author and co-author of hundreds popular storybooks and workbooks for children. Among the titles are Peter’s Dream , I Don’t Like Peas , and The New Bike (the latter two published under the pen name Marie Vinje), the Get Ready for Preschool , Kindergarten , and First Grade workbook trio, along with the entire Get Ready, Little Thinker, I Know It!, Try-n-Spy, and Little Busy Book workbook series. She is also co-founder, along with her late husband James Hoffman, Ph.D., of School Zone Publishing. Visionary in business, she has long looked at the world through a child’s eyes, infusing her stories and lessons with joy and relatability. As a mother of 4 back in the ‘70s, like moms the world over throughout history, she wanted what was best for her children. And she knew that teachers didn’t have the time to give her kids everything they needed. As an elementary school teacher, Hoffman worked hard to give her students what they needed to learn. And parents would ask her what they could do to help. That’s why she started School Zone—to help give children every possible chance to reach their potential. She brought retail experience gleaned from previously founding and managing two regional educational book and supply stores for teachers and parents. Her husband lent his blended talents of educator and entrepreneur. A professor of education who also had first-hand experience as an elementary teacher, he was involved in teacher education programs at several colleges and had served at the helm of a company that published classroom materials. Combining rock-solid editorial judgment and creative instincts with a thorough understanding of early education, Joan Hoffman was an exemplary proponent of design thinking long before it became a conceptual label. An innovative problem-solver, she has always sought to reach out to end users and challenge convention. Separating fleeting trends from legitimate advances has been essential to her company’s longevity. The results speak for themselves. With the next generation—both son Jonathan and daughter Jennifer—taking on creative and strategic leadership roles in the company their parents started, School Zone seamlessly integrated digital learning platforms. The company received Apple’s exclusive Human Interface Design Excellence Award for software development, and its apps were part of the first-generation iPad launch in 2010. School Zone’s flagship product, the Little Scholar Learning Tablet, has earned industry-wide recognition and awards, as has its online learning destination Anywhere Teacher. Inspired by mom’s story-telling excellence, son Jonathan continued that legacy with Charlie & Company, an original series for ages 3-7, available on Oznnoz, Kidoodle.tv, ToonGoggles, BatteryPop, Ameba, and Highbrow. Joan Hoffman says, “It is incredibly rewarding to see the children and grandchildren of some of our original customers enjoying our ever-evolving books, apps, flash cards, games, music, and other products—both print and digital.”  In 2019 School Zone celebrates its 40 th anniversary, spanning portions of five decades and having sold more than 370 million educational products. Hoffman continues to be hands-on in the company, still writing, still envisioning, and still putting kids, parents, and teachers first.

About the Author SHERYL LINDSELL-ROBERTS runs business-writing and e-mail seminars throughout the country and is the author of twenty-three books, including the popular Strategic Business Letters and E-mail, Mastering Computer Typing, Revised Edition, and 135 Tips for Writing Successful Business Documents.

The 6th Target (Women's Murder Club)

Review "Another masterpiece."― 1340magbooks.com "It doesn't get much better than this--so sprint to your nearest bookstore and pick up a copy."― nightsandweekends.com "A maddeningly compelling read - the kind that only Patterson can assemble."― EdgeMiami.com "Patterson and Paetro deliver an engaging, accessible, fast-moving read, with several intriguing plot threads and regular surprises up to the very last page. I always enjoy spending time with the Women's Murder Club and look forward to the inevitable shockers ahead in their seventh outing together."― Bookloons.com "Another outstanding addition to an already impressive body of work."― ArmchairInterviews.com "With THE 6TH TARGET, James Patterson once again proves that he is a great writer who can deliver a fast-paced story that can grab the readers and hold on to them until the very last page."― ReviewingtheEvidence.com --This text refers to the mass_market edition. About the Author James Patterson is the world's bestselling author. The creator of Alex Cross, he has produced more enduring fictional heroes than any other novelist alive. He lives in Florida with his family. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title. From AudioFile Fast-paced crime-solving and baffling new developments abound in this installment of the Womens Murder Club. Musical interludes help set the menacing tone between chapters as well as announce cliff-hangers and foreshadow twists in the story. Carolyn McCormick paces the novel well, speeding up in tense moments and slowing for romantic entanglements. As in all novels by Patterson and company, pieces of the story are masterfully, but slowly, developed so listeners can puzzle over the connections until all is revealed. Information left out of the complete work would help listeners fill in gaps; however, McCormick delivers this abridged installment of the Murder Clubs case in a satisfying open-and-shut style. D.L.M. © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title. Review 'Patterson knows where our deepest fears are buried... There's no stopping his imagination.' -- New York Times Book Review --This text refers to an alternate kindle_edition edition. Review Carolyn McCormick voices Lindsay with authority and sensitivity, portraying a competent police professional with a complicated personal life. McCormick nimbly depicts a wide range of characters, from a madman controlled by voices to Lindsay's gruff but caring former partner, who is now her boss...Skillful narration. -- "AudioFile" Get ready for an adrenaline rush-James Patterson is on the loose. -- "Barnes & Noble, editorial review" It doesn't get much better than this-so sprint to your nearest bookstore and pick up a copy. -- "NightsAndWeekends.com" Three investigations, one mystery, a courtroom thriller, and some romance intertwined throughout the proceedings. It's difficult to reasonably ask for more in the newest installment of a series that keeps getting better and better. Those who haven't read any of the novels in the Women's Murder Club series are cheating themselves. Fans can only hope that Patterson and Paetro will find a way to keep these books coming with greater frequency. -- "BookReporter.com" --This text refers to an alternate kindle_edition edition. Review "Another masterpiece."― 1340magbooks.com "It doesn't get much better than this--so sprint to your nearest bookstore and pick up a copy."― nightsandweekends.com "A maddeningly compelling read - the kind that only Patterson can assemble."― EdgeMiami.com "Patterson and Paetro deliver an engaging, accessible, fast-moving read, with several intriguing plot threads and regular surprises up to the very last page. I always enjoy spending time with the Women's Murder Club and look forward to the inevitable shockers ahead in their seventh outing together."― Bookloons.com "Another outstanding addition to an already impressive body of work."― ArmchairInterviews.com "With THE 6TH TARGET, James Patterson once again proves that he is a great writer who can deliver a fast-paced story that can grab the readers and hold on to them until the very last page."― ReviewingtheEvidence.com --This text refers to an alternate kindle_edition edition. Read more

The Promise

Review "Beth Wiseman has written an unforgettable book that takes the reader into the heart of darkness in the most complex society in the world, Pakistan. The Promise has many tension-filled moments laced with wonderful imagery and detail.  Do not miss this book!" ~ Jean Sasson, New York Times bestselling author of Princess: A True Story of Life Behind the Veil in Saudi Arabia "The story of Mallory in The Promise uncovers the harsh reality American women can experience when they follow their hearts into a very different culture.  Her story sheds light on how Islamic society is totally different from the Christian marriage covenant between one man and one woman.  This book is based on actual events, and Beth reached out to me as the heartbreaking real-life story unfolded.  I salute the author's courage, persistence, and final triumph in writing a revealing and inspiring novel." ~ Nonie Darwish, bestselling author of Now They Call Me Infidel " The Promise is an only too realistic depiction of an American young woman motivated by the best humanitarian impulses and naive trust, facing instead betrayal, kidnapping, and life-threatening danger in Pakistan's lawless Pashtun tribal regions.  But the story offers as well a reminder just as realistic that love and sacrifice are never wasted and that the hope of a loving heavenly Father is never absent in the most hopeless of situations." ~ Jeanette Windle, best-selling and award-winning author of Veiled Freedom "Promises.  Easy to make, far easier to break.  Beth Wiseman tells a gripping story of promises, both made and broken.  Mallory's journey, along with Tate, is one for the ages. The Promise is on my All-Star List."     ~ Lis Wiehl, New York Times bestselling author Bestselling author Beth Wiseman ( The House that Love Built ) encourages readers to think through their feelings about Islam, Christianity, faith, love, and what it means to help others.  Her novel will challenge, encourage, and stimulate discussion among her loyal fans and first-time readers. ~ Publishers Weekly About the Author Bestselling and award-winning author Beth Wiseman has sold over two million books. She is the recipient of the coveted Holt Medallion, is a two-time Carol Award winner, and has won the Inspirational Reader's Choice Award three times. Her books have been on various bestseller lists, including CBA, ECPA, Christianbook, and Publishers Weekly . Beth and her husband are empty nesters enjoying country life in south-central Texas. Visit her online at BethWiseman.com; Facebook: @AuthorBethWiseman; Twitter: @BethWiseman; Instagram: @bethwisemanauthor Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved. The Promise By Beth Wiseman Thomas Nelson Copyright © 2014 Elizabeth Wiseman MackeyAll rights reserved.ISBN: 978-1-4016-8595-9 CHAPTER 1 Mallory handed Rosa her empty plate. "As usual, dessert was awesome." The food was what kept the mandatory Sunday dinners at her parents' house bearable. Rosa nodded. Though her dark hair was now speckled with gray, her smile still revealed her girlish dimples and laugh crinkles around her bright eyes. "Glad you liked it, Munchkin." Mallory smiled at the maid's use of the pet name after all these years. Rosa went around the table to pick up dessert plates, but Mallory's sister, Vicky, was still working on her key lime pie. Though Mallory missed seeing Haley and Braiden, who were with their father today, she was glad Vicky's children weren't present in case things were about to get ugly. "Mom, Dad ... there's something I need to tell you." Mallory's stomach churned and her voice was shaky. Her mother set down her wineglass. Mallory was pretty sure she'd seen Rosa fill it four times. "What is it?" Her mother raised her eyebrows. Eyebrows that seemed to be higher up on her forehead. And the tiny lines of time that feathered from each of her eyes had disappeared as well. Mallory was studying the changes, not sure if she liked them or not, when her mother cleared her throat. "What do you need to tell us, Mallory?" She swallowed hard. "I'm donating one of my kidneys." Her father sat taller, his eyes sharp and assessing. Vicky halted her fork midway to her mouth, glancing back and forth between their parents. Her mother slammed a palm against the table, shaking the dishes that hadn't yet been cleared. "No! We're not going through this again." Mom shook her head as she glared at Mallory. "Mom, I'm an adult. And I've made my decision." Her mother put her empty wineglass on the table, then pointed a finger at her daughter. "I knew this was why you took a job working for that man. This has never been about utilizing your business degree." Mallory looked at her father. "Dad, please tell me you understand why I want to do this." Her father leaned back against his chair and sighed. "Of course I understand, Mallory. But it's a dangerous procedure, and you're our daughter. You need to understand how we feel too." "I get that, Dad. I really do. But I'm going ahead. I've signed up in a paired kidney exchange program." Mallory's mother blinked her eyes a few times as she raised her chin. "This isn't the only way to help. Do you have any idea how much money I have collected over the years through fund-raisers? Money specifically for the Kidney Foundation." "Mom." Mallory sighed. "That's wonderful. But this isn't a problem that you can just throw money at. People have to make real sacrifices to save lives." "Did that Muslim put you up to this?" Her mother looked around for Rosa, then pointed at her glass again. "That is beyond offensive." Mallory glared at her. "I'm going to write that comment off to the wine." "They do all hate us, you know." Vicky eased a piece of pie onto her fork. "We're all infidels to them. They want us all dead." "You don't even know what you're talking about," Mallory said to her sister. "Ismail is a doctor. He's in the business of saving lives, not taking them." "That's enough." Dad lifted both his palms, and after he slowly lowered them, he said, "We can't control what you do, honey." Not this time. "But we want to make sure you've thought this through." He laid his napkin on his plate. Mallory blinked back tears. "I've had twelve years to think it through. And I made a promise to Kelsey." Tate slid off the piano bench and went to the door. "Why don't you use your key, babe?" he asked, stepping aside so Mallory could come in. She leaned up and kissed him. "Because I don't live here." "Then move in." He smiled, knowing what she would say. He'd asked plenty of times. Mallory sat down on the couch and leaned her head back, giving her blond waves a toss. She closed her eyes. "Your mother would have a fit." Tate made a quick scan of the room and found ET curled up in the corner behind the rocking chair. Twice the orange-and-white tabby had mistaken Mallory's hair for a plaything when she'd draped it over the back of the couch. "She'd get over it. You know she loves you." Tate sat down beside her. "So how'd it go?" Mallory inhaled a big gulp of air, blew it out slowly, and turned to face him. She pulled all her hair over her right shoulder and started braiding it. Tate knew she'd braid it to the end, undo it, and run her fingers through it. Then probably braid it again. It was something she did when she was nervous or upset. "It went about how I figured it would. Mom went nuts, Vicky made a stupid comment, and Dad tried to keep the peace." Tate reached for her hand and gave it a squeeze. "I know you don't want me to do this either. But at least you understand, right?" Tate kicked his shoeless feet up on the coffee table. "Yeah, I understand. But you blame yourself too much. You were only seventeen. Your parents made the decision." She was quiet for a while, then sighed. "Maybe I didn't fight hard enough. Maybe if I'd been more insistent, they would have agreed. And Kelsey would be alive right now." Tate shook his head. "No. Don't do that to yourself. Your parents made a choice not to let their seventeen-year-old child have major surgery." "I guess. But I was the youngest one tested. Girls of childbearing age are never even considered as donors, but since we already knew I couldn't have children, there was no worry about a high-risk pregnancy down the line. I was the perfect person to do it." Tate waited. He knew about Mallory's condition, of course, and had assured her that it wasn't going to bother him not to have children. If she wanted to adopt someday, fine, but he wasn't sure he was father material anyway. He'd been around kids plenty when he'd taught music at the junior high, and most of his piano students now were children. "Anyway, no one else was a match. And I had a young, healthy kidney that would have saved Kelsey's life. When I couldn't give that to her, I made a promise that I'd save another life since I couldn't save hers." "I know. But it wasn't a promise she asked you to make." Mallory leaned her head on his shoulder, and he wrapped an arm around her and kissed her on the cheek. "I want to make a difference." "You do make a difference, each and every day. Just by being you." She snuggled in closer. "Do you know how much I love you, Tater Tot?" Tate grinned. "You know how I feel about that name." It seemed unmanly not to put up a little resistance. She looked up at him with her big, blue eyes and batted her lashes. "I think you secretly love it." Tate smiled. "Do ya now?" ET padded across the living room floor, stopping to yawn before he continued on to a small bed in the corner. Tate yawned as well. "Nap time? I'm guessing you and your mother went to Mass, then to IHOP You ordered two pancakes and some fruit. And instead of syrup, you put honey on your pancakes." She nodded toward the front window. "Then you came home and mowed the yard." She glanced at her watch. "So, this would make it nap time." Tate frowned. "Wow. You make me sound so OCD." She giggled. "No. Just structured." Tate supposed that in comparison to Mallory, he probably was a little obsessive-compulsive. But it gave him comfort to stay organized and on a schedule. Mallory just winged it and lived spontaneously, on the edge. "But that's why we complement each other," she added. "That whole opposites attract thing—maybe there's something to it." "Maybe," he said, half yawning again. He pulled her closer. "You gonna take a nap with me?" As tired as he was, sleep wasn't his top priority. "I'm not tired," she said with a grin. "But you go ahead." What he really needed was a distraction. He glanced at his cell phone on the end table. He'd even kept it on vibrate during Mass so he wouldn't miss a call. He wasn't sure if no news was good news. Either way, he'd chosen not to say anything to Mallory yet. If he was offered the job in Chicago, it was really going to shake things up for the two of them. "Why don't you play something for me? Something pretty and soothing," she said softly. Tate eased his arm from around her and made his way across the small room to his first love: the baby grand that had been a gift from his uncle nearly thirteen years ago. The black finish shone as brightly today as it did back then. He slid onto the bench and lowered his fingers to the keys and played one of the many songs he'd written for Mallory. Once again she closed her eyes and leaned her head back against the couch. Tate stopped abruptly when his cell phone started to ring. "Aren't you going to get that?" She slid to the end of the couch and peered down at the caller ID. "Chicago Academy for the Arts? Why would they be calling you?" Tate swallowed hard but didn't move. Was calling him on a Sunday afternoon going to be good news or bad? CHAPTER 2 Mallory picked up her pace on the treadmill but didn't bother to dab at the sweat beading on her forehead and dribbling down her cheeks. "Are you going to tell me what's bothering you?" Soraya had kept a steady pace alongside, though she'd barely broken a sweat. "You should tell me before you pass out." She turned to Mallory and grinned. Mallory knew that if anyone could cheer her up, it was Soraya, but still she hesitated. The two women had met at a Pilates class six months earlier. Soraya was from Lahore, where she'd led a privileged life with her family in Pakistan before moving to the United States ten years ago. She was engaged to Ismail, Mallory's boss, and it was she who'd told Mallory about the job opening in his office. Mallory wasn't sure her friend would understand her dilemma. She lowered the incline on the treadmill and kicked the speed back a few notches. "Tate might have a job offer in Chicago." "Oh." Soraya's eyes widened a little. "And of course you would move with him." Mallory hung her head for a moment before she looked back at her friend. "I — I don't know. I — I love Tate. With all my heart. I can't imagine being with anyone else." She sighed. "There is a but in there somewhere," Soraya said as she smiled again. "I love my job." Mallory raised her shoulders and lowered them slowly as she reached for the towel she had draped over the handrail. "Of course you do. Who wouldn't love working for my Ismail?" She winked at Mallory. "You're right to be proud of him, Soraya. He exudes positive energy in everything he does, and he's a great doctor." Mallory caught her breath as she settled into a steady cooldown. "You know that if something happened—and I did have to quit—I would give Ismail plenty of notice." Soraya raised a sculpted eyebrow. "I know this. I would tell you that there are many Ismails out there to work for"—she pushed her bottom lip into a pout—"but that would be a lie. However ... you must ask yourself how many Tates are out there. And, by the way, when am I to meet this fabulous fellow?" "Soon. The four of us need to get together. And I know you're right. I can't imagine my life without Tate." Soraya finally slowed down on the treadmill, her thick, dark ponytail bouncing in step with her. "I would follow my Ismail to the end of the earth." Her dark eyes lit up when she talked about her fiancé. "Sounds like you are doing exactly that. I know when the wedding is here, but when is the second celebration?" Mallory knew how much effort was going into the two wedding ceremonies Soraya and Ismail were planning. One here in Houston, the other in their homeland. "Two months after the one here." Soraya took a sip from her water bottle. Mallory's had been empty for at least the past ten minutes. Soraya worked out daily, while getting to Pilates once a week was a struggle for Mallory, and the gym was a hit or miss. She thought about Tate and his exercise ritual. "Right now I am trying to stay focused on our trip to Italy," Soraya added. They were leaving soon, and Ismail had asked Mallory if she could feed his fish while they were away. "Ismail seems excited about it." "Positano is one of my most favorite places in the world, and Ismail has never been there. We considered it for our honeymoon, but we could both use a vacation right now. And Ismail wants to go to Hawaii for our honeymoon." Soraya stepped off the platform and picked up her phone from the holding area on the treadmill. "No e-mails. No texts. No missed calls." She set it back down and smiled. "Good. I don't want work getting in the way of lunch today. I do believe there is a crème brûlée with my name on it somewhere." She brought a hand to her chest and let out a small gasp. "Can you even imagine life without crème brûlée?" Mallory knew her friend had fasted for Ramadan, so maybe that explained her appetite today. Although, Mallory wasn't sure she'd ever seen Soraya pass on dessert, and yet she was in great shape. Note to self—more exercise. "It's my favorite dessert too." Mallory sighed as she ran her small towel across her face. "But I might as well slap it to my thighs." "Life is too short, my friend." Soraya started toward the locker room. Mallory followed. "Which brings me to another point," Soraya said over her shoulder. "Why haven't you and Tate made plans to marry? You've been dating four years." Mallory was still trying to catch her breath. "Tate wants to get married." "And you don't?" Soraya raised an eyebrow again as she turned and waited for Mallory to catch up. Mallory shrugged as Soraya opened the door to the dressing and shower room. "I can't imagine marrying anyone else. Tate is the only man I've ever loved. I mean, I dated guys in high school and college, but I never felt anything like this." She smiled. "Tate is amazing." "Hmm ... I'm not sure you answered my question." "Of course I want to marry him. Just not yet. There are things I want to check off my list first." "Ismail tells me that you have signed up in the kidney exchange program. He also told me the reason you want to do this. A promise you made to your cousin." Soraya pulled a bag from her locker, then moved toward the shower. "So is this one of the things you are checking off your list?" "Yes." Mallory looked at the time on her phone and knew she'd need to shower quickly and hurry back to the clinic. She'd sacrificed lunch to work out. "And I don't want anyone telling me I can't do it. I'm not saying that Tate could or would forbid me from doing it, but ..." She paused. "But he isn't happy about it." "I understand that. He loves you, so naturally he is worried. He thinks of you as the mother of his future children, yes?" "That's not in the cards, Soraya. I've known since I was fifteen that I can't have children. Tate knows, of course. It doesn't bother him." Soraya stared at Mallory. "You've never mentioned that before. I'm sorry, Mallory." "I've had a long time to get used to the idea." Soraya shook her head. "We never know what Allah's plan for us is." Mallory wasn't sure that God had a plan for her. If He did, He needed to go back to the drawing board and make some adjustments. The doorbell rang just as Tate was scooping ET his usual ration of dog food. Crazy cat wouldn't eat anything else. He glanced at the clock on the wall. Verdell. Tate sent up a quick prayer for patience as he crossed the living room. "Hello, Verdell." He forced a smile as the boy walked past him, knowing how Verdell would respond. "Hello, Mr. Webber." Verdell shuffled to the piano, head hung low, as if he were walking a plank. He put his lesson book against the stand and sat down. Verdell's blond hair was cut high above his ears with a noticeable cowlick that caused a few strands to spike on the top of his head. He was a skinny kid at that awkward age, teeth too big for his mouth. And for reasons Tate didn't understand, Verdell often stole weird things. Little things. Like Tate's toothbrush one week. And a week before that, a bottle of Visine. At first Tate thought he was imagining it, but they were items he would hardly misplace—and Verdell was the only one of his students who always asked to use the bathroom. "Did you practice this week?" Tate sat down in his chair next to the piano bench. Verdell had a baby grand at his aunt's home too—a Steinway. Tate's dream piano. For a kid who hates to play. "No, I didn't practice, Mr. Webber." Verdell sat taller, his chin in the air and his lips clamped tight. Tate felt sorry for the child. Both his parents had been killed in a boating accident the previous year, and his aunt was raising him. Tate had told Chantal that she was wasting her money by sending her nephew for lessons, that Verdell had no interest in the piano despite the potential for being good at it. But Chantal begged Tate to keep trying. Verdell settled his hands on the keys, looked at the music in front of him, then played every note and rhythm perfectly. Like a machine without an ounce of passion for the music. (Continues...) Excerpted from The Promise by Beth Wiseman . Copyright © 2014 Elizabeth Wiseman Mackey. Excerpted by permission of Thomas Nelson. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site. Read more

In the Service of Our Country - USS Zellars DD777, the Ship and Her Men


Pyromancer

The Second Summoning (The Keeper's Chronicles, No 2)

Review Praise for the Keeper's Chronicles:“There are plenty of odd characters and touches of unexpected magic and humor to keep things moving for a contemporary fantasy that’s lots of fun.” — Locus “No one tickles the funnybone and chills the blood better than Tanya Huff.... With screamingly funny dialogue and sharp plotting , Ms. Huff makes every word a positively delightful experience in this imaginative tale.” — Romantic Times “Fans of humorous fantasy will enjoy this fast-moving tale , as will cat lovers and anyone else who can suspend disbelief and settle back for a good time.” — VOYA “This book is entertainment, pure and simple .... A thoroughly satisfying story.” —SF Site“An abundance of wit…a strong fantasy which wins on its solid and refreshingly different, wry humor .” — Library Bookwatch “Great reading for a hot summer night when you want to be whisked away to another world .” — SF Chronicle “Tanya Huff’s new series is a brilliant creation .... The storyline is riveting with never a dull moment.” — Omni Magazine About the Author Tanya Huff may have left Nova Scotia at three, and has lived most of her life since in Ontario, but she still considers herself a Maritimer. On the way to the idyllic rural existence she shares with her partner Fiona Patton, six cats, and a chihuahua, she acquired a degree in Radio and Television Arts from Ryerson Polytechnic—an education she was happy to finally use while writing her recent Smoke novels . Of her previous twenty-three books, the five— Blood Price, Blood Trail, Blood Lines, Blood Pact, Blood Debt —featuring Henry Fitzroy, bastard son of Henry VIII, romance writer, and vampire, are among the most popular.

Queen of the Demonweb Pits (Greyhawk Classics)

Marbleheart

An Oblique Approach (Belisarius)

Belisarius III: The Flames of Sunset

Belisarius II: Storm at Noontide

The Witches of Karres

About the Author James H. Schmitz (1911–1981) was born in Hamburg, Germany, to American parents. Aside from several trips to the USA, he lived in Germany until 1938, when the outbreak of WWII prompted his family to move to America. He sold his first story, “Greenface,” to the now-legendary magazine Unknown Worlds shortly before Pearl Harbor. By the time it was published, he was flying with the Army Air Corps in the South Pacific. In 1949, he began publishing his Agents of Vega series in Astounding (later Analog ), and was one of that magazine’s most popular contributors over the next three decades, introducing Telzey Amberdon and Trigger Argee, the heroines of his Federation of the Hub series. He was a master of space opera adventure, notably represented in his classic novel, The Witches of Karres , but also demonstrated in many other novels and shorter works.

Seaforth World Naval Review 2020

Review "The quality of the book is very high. It is lavishly illustrated with well-chosen photographs." --The Northern Mariner / Le marin du nord "This book is an excellent resource to see how the other major nations of the world are adjusting their deep-sea presence around the globe.... Written by a team of well-known experts, valuable to enthusiasts and defense professional alike, this is the only dedicated annual survey of naval developments and includes lots of illustrations, too." --BOOK BIT for WTBF-AM/FM "The Seaforth World Naval Review has reached its second decade of publication and provides information to the enthusiast of military history, current affairs or the simply curious in a simple and comprehensive way." --Omne Ignotum Pro Magnifico " World Naval Review is a detailed snapshot of world navies in 2020 while digging deeply into an eclectic variety of multinational projects while looking to the future in evolving technology. It is highly recommended to anyone seeking a comprehensive, timely and compact summary of 2020 naval developments." --The Australian Naval Institute About the Author CONRAD WATERS, a barrister by training and a banker by profession, has had a lifelong interest in modern navies, about which he has written extensively. He edited the recent Navies in the 21st Century and has been the editor of the World Naval Review since its foundation in 2009.

Aquamancer

Long Hot Summoning (Keeper's Chronicles)

Aeromancer

The Sorceress of Karres (3) (Witches of Karres)

About the Author Eric Flint was the author/creator of the multiple New York Times best-selling Ring of Fire series, starting with first novel 1632. With David Drake he wrote six popular novels in the “Belisarius” alternate Roman history series, and with David Weber, he collaborated on 1633 and 1634: The Baltic War , as well as four novels in Weber’s Honorverse series. Flint was for many years a labor union activist. Dave Freer is an ichthyologist turned author who lives on Flinders Island (between mainland Australia and Tasmania) with his wife, four dogs and four cats, and two sons. He has coauthored a range of novels with Eric Flint ( Rats, Bats and Vats , The Rats, the Bats and the Ugly , Pyramid Scheme , Pyramid Power, and Slow Train to Arcturus) , with Mercedes Lackey and Eric Flint ( The Shadow of the Lion , This Rough Magic , The Wizard of Karres , Much Fall of Blood, Burdens of the Dead, and Freer’s solo entry in the series, A Mankind Witch ) as well as writing the Dragon’s Ring fantasy novels Dragon’s Ring and Dog and Dragon.

The Quantum Connection (Warp Speed #2)

About the Author Travis S. Taylor¿¿Doc¿ Taylor to his friends¿has earned his soubriquet the hard way: He has a Doctorate in Optical Science and Engineering, a Master's degree in Physics, a Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, all from the University of Alabama in Huntsville; a Master's degree in Astronomy, and a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from Auburn University. Dr. Taylor has worked on various programs for the Department of Defense and NASA for the past sixteen years. He's currently working on several advanced propulsion concepts, very large space telescopes, space-based beamed energy systems, and next generation space launch concepts. In his copious spare time, Doc Travis is also a black belt martial artist, a private pilot, a SCUBA diver, has raced mountain bikes, competed in triathlons, and has been the lead singer and rhythm guitarist of several hard rock bands. He currently lives with his wife Karen, and their daughter.

Warp Speed (Warp Speed #1)

About the Author Travis S. Taylor-"Doc" Taylor to his friends-has earned his soubriquet the hard way: He has a Doctorate in Optical Science and Engineering, a Master's degree in Physics, a Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, all from the University of Alabama in Huntsville; a Master's degree in Astronomy, and a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from Auburn University. Dr. Taylor has worked on various programs for the Department of Defense and NASA for the past sixteen years. He's currently working on several advanced propulsion concepts, very large space telescopes, space-based beamed energy systems, and next generation space launch concepts. In his copious spare time, Doc Travis is also a black belt martial artist, a private pilot, a SCUBA diver, has raced mountain bikes, competed in triathlons, and has been the lead singer and rhythm guitarist of several hard rock bands. He currently lives with his wife Karen, two dogs Stevie and Wesker, and his two cats Neko and Kuro, in north Alabama.

Geomancer

From Booklist Trouble is brewing in the north. First, Flarman Flowerstalk, the renowned firemaster, suddenly disappears. Then the Stone Men, who are under the enchantment of an ancient geomancer, capture and hold his apprentice, Douglas Brightglade. And now, magician Wong's homeland of Choin is in an uproar as warring factions fight over the emperor's throne. Somehow the scattered fellowship of wizards must locate their missing members, break the old enchantments, and bring peace to the Choinese in time for Douglas to pass his firemaster exam and marry Myrn Manstar. Readers who have followed the fire adept's progress through the battle with the Ice King in Pyromancer and the threat of the witches' coven in Aquamancer will welcome familiar characters and cozy settings in the latest entry in this light fantasy series for fans of all ages. Candace Smith

Bride for Elijah

E.M.P.: The End Of The Grid As We Know It (All At Once)

About the Author Cal Wilson is a Christian, patriot, gun-owner, and prepper. Wilson is a professional and has been involved in law enforcement for over 20 years. He lives in an undisclosed location west of the Mississippi River with his wife and various family members.

Justice Lost (Darren Street Book 3)

About the Author Scott Pratt was born in South Haven, Michigan, and grew up in Jonesborough, Tennessee. He is a veteran of the United States Air Force and earned a bachelor of arts degree in English from East Tennessee State University and a doctor of jurisprudence degree from the University of Tennessee. Pratt’s first novel, An Innocent Client —the first book in his Joe Dillard series—as chosen as a finalist for the Mystery Readers International’s Macavity Award. Justice Lost is the third book in his Wall Street Journal bestselling Darren Street series, following Justice Redeemed and Justice Burning . Pratt resides in northeast Tennessee with his wife, two dogs, and a parrot.


Dumb Witness: Hercule Poirot Investigates (Hercule Poirot series Book 15)

Review "One of Poirot's most brilliant achievements."--Glasgow Herald"Novelty, intriguing character types, and ingenuity. "--New York Times"Agatha Christie's ability to devise intricate plots, coupled with her understanding of human nature--at its best and worst--have made her tales timeless."--Jan Burke, award-winning author of the Irene Kelly mysteries Review "One of Poirot's most brilliant achievements" Glasgow Herald From the Inside Flap Everyone blamed Emily Arundell's accident on a rubber ball left on the stairs by her frisky terrier. But the more she thought about her fall, the more convinced she became that one of her relatives was trying to kill her.... On April 17th she wrote her suspicions in a letter to Hercule Poirot. Mysteriously, he didn't receive the letter until June 28th...by which time Emily was already dead.... --New York Times From the Back Cover Everyone blamed Emily Arundell’s accident on a rubber ball left on the stairs by her frisky terrier. But the more she thought about her fall, the more convinced she became that one of her relatives was trying to kill her.… On April 17th she wrote her suspicions in a letter to Hercule Poirot. Mysteriously, he didn’t receive the letter until June 28th…by which time Emily was already dead.… From AudioFile Poirot's little gray cells are activated when he receives a letter from an elderly woman concerned about her safety--two months after her death. Soon he and Hastings visit Little Green House and meet the late Miss Arundell's multiple relatives, all of whom had opportunity and motive to benefit from her death. Narrator Hugh Fraser, who plays Poirot's assistant on A&E and PBS, is exceptional as Hastings, Poirot, and the huge cast of suspects. The spoiled niece and nephew; desperate Bella; the maligned Greek doctor; the companion, Miss Lawson; and last but not least, the dog, Bob, whose internal monologues add to the intrigue and fun, are all perfectly portrayed. S.G.B. © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine About the Author Dame Agatha Christie (1890-1976) was a British crime writer best known for her detective novels and short stories. According to Guinness World Records , she is the best-selling novelist of all time, her novels having sold over four billion copies and having been translated into more than one hundred languages. The Agatha Award for best mystery and crime writers was named in her honor. --This text refers to the mp3_cd edition. Read more

Cat Among the Pigeons: A Hercule Poirot Mystery (Hercule Poirot series Book 32)

From Publishers Weekly The classic 1959 Christie tale is revisited in this utterly charming and intriguing murder mystery in which two teachers find the body of the new games' mistress in the gymnasium, the latest victim of the so-called cat killer. Though not a predominant character for most of the tale, Christie's legendary Belgian detective Hercule Poirot is on the case. Hugh Fraser relates this tale with classic English charm, speaking with a pitch-perfect and ear-pleasing dialect that adds to the atmosphere. Fraser reads with sheer delight, offering a fun variety of characters, including a marvelous take on Poirot himself. The experience created is truly cinematic and listeners will be giddy with delight! (May) Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to an alternate kindle_edition edition. About the Author Dame Agatha Christie (1890-1976) was a British crime writer best known for her detective novels and short stories. According to Guinness World Records , she is the best-selling novelist of all time, her novels having sold over four billion copies and having been translated into more than one hundred languages. The Agatha Award for best mystery and crime writers was named in her honor. --This text refers to an alternate kindle_edition edition. Review “I am addicted to Agatha Christie.” (Phillip Margolin, New York Times bestselling author)“To read Agatha Christie at her best is to experience the rarefied pleasure of watching a faultless technician at work, and she is in top form in Cat Among the Pigeons.” (New York Times)“Immensely enjoyable.” (Daily Express (London)) --This text refers to an alternate kindle_edition edition. Review 'Immensely enjoyable.' Daily Express 'To read Agatha Christie at her best is to experience the rarefied pleasure of watching a faultless technician at work, and she is in top form in Cat Among the Pigeons.' New York Times --This text refers to an alternate kindle_edition edition. From the Back Cover Late one night, two teachers investigate a mysterious flashing light in the sports pavilion while the rest of the school sleeps. There, among the lacrosse sticks, they stumble upon the body of an unpopular games mistress—shot through the heart point-blank. The school is thrown into chaos when the “cat” strikes again. Unfortunately, schoolgirl Julia Upjohn knows too much. In particular, she knows that without Hercule Poirot’s help, she will be the next victim.… --This text refers to an alternate kindle_edition edition. Read more

Stellaluna

Amazon.com Review Baby bat Stellaluna's life is flitting along right on schedule--until an owl attacks her mother one night, knocking the bewildered batlet out of her mother's loving grasp. The tiny bat is lucky enough to land in a nest of baby birds, but her whole world has just turned upside down. Literally. Stellaluna's adoptive bird mom accepts her into her nest, but only on the condition that Stellaluna will act like a bird, not a bat. Soon Stellaluna has learned to behave like a good bird should--she quits hanging by her feet and starts eating bugs. But when she finally has an opportunity to show her bird siblings what life as a bat is like, all of them are confounded. "How can we be so different and feel so much alike?" one asks. "And how can we feel so different and be so much alike?" asks another. "I agree," Stellaluna responds. "But we're friends. And that's a fact." Anyone who has ever been asked to be someone they're not will understand the conflicts--and possibilities--Stellaluna faces. This gorgeously illustrated book is sure to be an all-time favorite with readers, whether they've left the nest or not. (Click to see a sample spread . Illustration from Stellaluna , © 1993 by Janell Cannon, reproduced by permission of Harcourt Brace & Company) (Ages 4 to 8) --Emilie Coulter From Kirkus Reviews Attacked by an owl, Stellaluna (a fruit bat) is separated from her mother and taken in by a bird and her nestlings. Dutifully, she tries to accommodate--she eats insects, hangs head up, and sleeps at night, as Mama Bird says she must--but once Stellaluna learns to fly, it's a huge relief when her own mother finds her and explains that the behavior that comes naturally is appropriate to her species. With a warm, nicely honed narration, Cannon strikes just the right balance between accurate portrayal of the bats and the fantasy that dramatizes their characteristics. Her illustrations, in luminous acrylics and color pencils, are exquisite. The appealingly furry, wide-eyed, fawn-colored bats have both scientific precision and real character; they're displayed against intense skies or the soft browns and greens of the woodland in spare, beautifully constructed (occasionally even humorous) compositions. Delightful and informative but never didactic: a splendid debut. (Picture book. 4-8) -- Copyright ©1993, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved. About the Author Janell Cannon's picture books have won many awards and are beloved around the world. She is the author and illustrator of the longtime bestseller Stellaluna, Verdi, Crickwing, Pinduli, and others. Before she became a full-time creator of books for children, she designed summer reading programs at her local public library. Born and raised in Minnesota, Ms. Cannon now lives in Southern California. Read more

Wild Cards: The St. Louis Cardinals' Stunning 2011 Championship Season

About the Author Rob Rains is the author or coauthor of 30 books; among them are biographies of Albert Pujols, Tony La Russa, Mark McGwire, Ozzie Smith, and Jack Buck. His biography of McGwire was a New York Times bestseller. He is a lifetime member of the Baseball Writers Association of America and the Baseball Hall of Fame. He lives in St. Louis, Missouri.

Why Didn't They Ask Evans? (Agatha Christie Mysteries Collection (Paperback))

About the Author Agatha Christie is the most popular mystery writer if all time. With over two billion books sold, her genius for detective fiction is unparalleled. She is truly the one and only Queen of Crime . . In a writing career that spanned more than half a century, Agatha Christie wrote 79 novels and short story collections. She died on 12 January 1976. --This text refers to an alternate kindle_edition edition. From the Inside Flap While playing an erratic round of golf, Bobby Jones slices his ball over the edge of a cliff. His ball is lost, but on the rocks below he finds the crumpled body of a dying man. The man opens his eyes and with his last breath says, Why didn't they ask Evans? Haunted by those words, Bobby and his vivacious companion, Frankie, set out to solve a mystery that will bring them into mortal danger. . . --Times Literary Supplement (London) --This text refers to an alternate kindle_edition edition. Review `A story that tickles and tantalizes but never exhausts the readers' patience or ingenuity.' Times Literary Supplement `Thoroughly entertaining in a not too solemn way.' Books --This text refers to an alternate kindle_edition edition. From AudioFile It's classic Christie. Amid a peaceful English setting, a hiker dies at the foot of a cliff. Was he pushed, or did he slip? Christie's original plot twists make it easy to arrive at incorrect conclusions and then have to rethink the mystery. Emilia Fox, who has a name worthy to be a Christie character herself, has a crisply captivating voice as she showcases characters who are lively, clever, sympathetic, and detestable, as the unfolding story demands. Packaging is good, other than an overcrowded cover. Note the Orange Triangle announcing that this is a "Mystery Masters" and thus unabridged. L.C. © AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine --This text refers to an alternate kindle_edition edition. From the Back Cover While playing an erratic round of golf, Bobby Jones slices his ball over the edge of a cliff. His ball is lost, but on the rocks below he finds the crumpled body of a dying man. The man opens his eyes and with his last breath says, "Why didn't they ask Evans?" Haunted by those words, Bobby and his vivacious companion, Frankie, set out to solve a mystery that will bring them into mortal danger. . . --This text refers to an alternate kindle_edition edition. Read more

Italian Mafia Stalker (Yes, Daddy Book 14)

A Space Oddity

From the Author As I wrote this novel I really became quite close to Babette and Misha as their travels took them to all the places I had visited. It was exhilarating to see how they reacted to the situations I put them in and how their relationship matured. Many of my readers asked what happens next for them. Well stay tuned because a similar couple is about appear on the scene experiencing trials and tribulations in a different part of the world. About the Author A former rocket scientist/aerospace program manager and USC adjunct professor lives on the Palos Verdes Peninsula in Southern California. He chaired the U.S. delegation on an ISO committee for Space Operations that met in many of the space-fairing nations. His writings reflect the individuals he met and the places he visited.

From Rubble to Redemption: A Ground Zero Chaplain Remembers