Mitford (later to become the first Lord Redesdale) was an urbane aristocrat, had charm, looks and excellent manners. He was always in the right place at the right time, almost drowned, could have burned to death, was shot at, and was nearly cut down by samurai swords. But 'Bertie', as he was known, was never fazed by events. He stood face-to-face with the new, teenage Emperor when almost everybody else, including the Shogun, could only talk to him behind a screen. He became friendly with t...

The son of a village doctor, Rutherford Alcock trained in medicine and became a battlefield surgeon, working in Portugal and Spain during the civil wars there in the 1830s. In a major career shift, he entered the consular service, went to China, and ended up as British Minister (the equivalent of today’s ambassador) to Japan and then China. This progression was unique, indeed bizarre, especially as every senior position he got was one he specifically said he did not want. Nonetheless, he w...

Harry Parkes was at the heart of Britain’s relations with the Far East from the start of his working life at fourteen, to his death at fifty-seven. Orphaned at the age of five, he went to China on his own as a child and worked his way to the top. God-fearing and fearless, he believed his mission was to bring trade and ‘civilisation’ to East Asia. In his day, he was seen as both a hero and a monster and is still bitterly resented in China for his part in the country’s humiliations at Wester...

Pros to dating Lex Bailey:Sexiest man I've ever seenPanty-Melting British AccentTalented BakerCons to dating Lex Bailey:Turned me down when I asked him out...in front of my entire family...at my brother's engagement party.Oh, and he has a secret. A big secret.So... no. I don't think I'll be giving him any second chances. But my foster dog? He has other ideas. This dog has issues... and Lex's cat has the cure.Un...

Bram Stoker Award-winner for Superior Achievement in Non-Fiction!Nightmares come to life in this comprehensive how-to guide for new and established authors…Book two in Crystal Lake Publishing's The Dream Weaver series picks up where the Bram Stoker Award-nominated Where Nightmares Come From left off.It's Alive focuses on learning the craft in order to take your story from concept to completion.With an introduction by Richar...

UN’ANTICA DIMORA NEL SUD DELL’AUSTRALIA.UN TERRIBILE OMICIDIO RIMASTO IRRISOLTO.UNA DONNA IN CERCA DI RISPOSTEAdelaide Hills, Vigilia di Natale 1959.Non si registra un’estate così calda da decenni. Strizzando gli occhi verso il sole, tutti si chiedono quando quel caldo torrido li lascerà in pace. È il tramonto della Vigilia di Natale, quando Percy Summer, il fattorino del paese, si avventura tra le colline e fa una scoperta agg...

War looms over Sanctuary in the fifth Thieves' World® anthology compiled by the New York Times–bestselling author of the Phule's Company series.The invasion by the Beysibs, an amphibious humanoid race, brings unusual prosperity to the city of Sanctuary. But underneath the glittering façade lies a ticking time bomb, for the nefarious residents of Sanctuary don't take kindly to an invasion—well-meaning or otherwise . . .Join Janet M...

When Mac, a young aspiring marine archaeologist in quest of glory and wealth but plagued by the constant worry of abandoning and being abandoned, fortuitously encounters and befriends an incredibly clever kraken, he decides against his will to conceal and protect him. Mac realizes that hiding the colossal beast is no longer an option and will embark on a perilous journey to return the kraken to the sea in the Pacific Ocean on the Nazca Ridge in the Chile Basin, so that his boss, a modern-d...

Can't get enough Redneck Hijinks and Trailer Park Divas?Then you're in for a treat. Volume three of our popular anthology series is sure to scratch that questionable itch.With stories by Michael Knost, William Joseph Roberts, Philip K. Booker, Christopher Woods, D. Raymond Smith, David Badurina, H.P. Holo, James Palmer, Jason Cordova, Lee Ellis, M Leigh, Michael Morton, Michael Craig, and Guest Editorial by Faith HunterPull off your boots, ...

She was supposed to figure out his secret, not fall in love.Ridge Cooper did what he had to do to protect his sister, and everyone watched as America’s football king lost it all. Only the people closest to him know the truth, and he doesn’t care if the rest of the world hates him as long as they leave him alone. His mysterious new assistant is tearing down his walls and digging up his secrets, and for once, he wants to let someone in.Cheyenne Keeton took a ...

Turn down the lights and immerse yourself in the well loved Beatrix Potter Story "The Tale of Peter Rabbit", as we join a mischievous young rabbit who seems to attract trouble. Then fall asleep to the soothing lullaby "Hushabye Mountain" by Fon Sakda.

Do rising tides always lift all boats?Third Flatiron's all-original science fiction/fantasy/horror/humor short story anthology has the theme, "After the Gold Rush." Twenty-two authors explore themes related to complications of booms and bubbles, including effects of accelerated culture; ecological consequences caused by human over-expansion, such as climate disasters; and economics (for example, monopolies on resources and commodities). Includes a flash humor section, "Grins & Gurg...