Unconscious Comedians
Unconscious comedians explores the complexities of Parisian society through the eyes of a provincial visitor seeking justice against corrupt local authorities. The story contrasts the success of a once-struggling artist who has risen to fame with the bewilderment of a rural cousin thrust into the bustling city's social maze. As the visitor navigates the eccentricities of city life, he confronts rampant greed, duplicity, and social climbing, encountering a cast of vivid characters including artists, journalists, and fortune-tellers. These interactions reveal the farcical, self-serving nature of human relationships in the capital. The narrative opens by highlighting the visitor's feelings of insignificance and fascination with Parisian culture, setting the tone for a satirical yet insightful commentary on ambition, power, and social status. The story delves into how influence and vanity govern the lives of Paris's elite, while exposing the harsh realities faced by outsiders. The novel serves as a vivid portrait of a city where fortunes and fates are continually won and lost amidst a backdrop of intrigue and artifice.
Denry The Audacious
Denry: The audacious follows the journey of a young man from a working-class background who rises through society by relying not on wealth or status, but sheer boldness and charm. Set in an industrious town marked by social divisions, the story traces his early life, shaped by hardship and a determination to reach beyond his circumstances. From a questionable exam success that grants him educational opportunity to bold moves that land him into exclusive social circles, the protagonist consistently uses wit and nerve to rewrite his fate. A pivotal moment arises when he manages to attend a prestigious municipal ball, an act that symbolizes his refusal to accept societal limitations. This act sparks a deeper ambition, leading him into ventures that mix romance, entrepreneurship, and the politics of class mobility. Throughout the narrative, themes of self-made success, ambition, and the blurred line between integrity and opportunism emerge. The novel paints a lively portrait of a society in flux, where traditional barriers begin to shift, and a single audacious individual can disrupt the expected order.
A Hungarian Nabob
A Hungarian nabob centers on a wealthy landowner and his flamboyant nephew from Paris who arrives seeking his inheritance. Set against the backdrop of Hungary's rainy, rustic countryside, the story begins at a struggling inn where the inn-keeper contemplates his difficult circumstances. Humorous interactions soon arise as the magnate's extravagant demands disrupt the flow of life. The novel explores themes of wealth and power, family loyalty, and the clash between old traditions and modern aspirations. It delves into the eccentricities of aristocratic society, revealing social hierarchies and human foibles. Through vivid characters and dynamic relationships, the narrative addresses ambition, identity, and the tension between public image and private desires. Political intrigues and shifting social landscapes further enrich the story, highlighting cultural conflicts and the questions of honor. This richly textured tale offers a balance of comedy and drama, providing insight into human nature and the complex forces shaping Hungarian society.
The Owl & the Teacup
At last count, the population of the tiny community of Dog River that sits about twenty miles outside of Fort Smith in the Northwest Territories, was about fifty-nine. That's seventeen two-legged people, one stubby-eared cat by the name of Fat Jack, and about forty-nine four-legged dogs. Jim Green, a former local broadcaster on CBC North Radio, draws upon the storytelling traditions of the Caribou Eater Chipewyan, Woodland Cree, M矇tis, and transplanted outport Labradorians to share a delightful collection of short tales that humorously showcase the people of Dog River. His Northern Bush stories offer an entertaining glimpse into such diverse characters as Charlie Peter Desjarlais as he ropes a buffalo in the middle of the river, six-year-old Marshall Jody McNeil confronting the moose called Brian Mulroney, Dora Beaulieu and her explosive recipe for Whole Low Bush Cranberry muffins, Grampa McNeil as he blows his chickens away with his ten-gauge goose gun, and Alphonse Desjarlais who somehow manages to drive his dogs for sixteen hours with his finger stuck up his nose. The Owl and the Teacup is a volume of campfire tales that describe Northern living at its very best, when life was a simpler, more gentle experience.
The Owl & the Teacup
At last count, the population of the tiny community of Dog River that sits about twenty miles outside of Fort Smith in the Northwest Territories, was about fifty-nine. That's seventeen two-legged people, one stubby-eared cat by the name of Fat Jack, and about forty-nine four-legged dogs. Jim Green, a former local broadcaster on CBC North Radio, draws upon the storytelling traditions of the Caribou Eater Chipewyan, Woodland Cree, M矇tis, and transplanted outport Labradorians to share a delightful collection of short tales that humorously showcase the people of Dog River. His Northern Bush stories offer an entertaining glimpse into such diverse characters as Charlie Peter Desjarlais as he ropes a buffalo in the middle of the river, six-year-old Marshall Jody McNeil confronting the moose called Brian Mulroney, Dora Beaulieu and her explosive recipe for Whole Low Bush Cranberry muffins, Grampa McNeil as he blows his chickens away with his ten-gauge goose gun, and Alphonse Desjarlais who somehow manages to drive his dogs for sixteen hours with his finger stuck up his nose. The Owl and the Teacup is a volume of campfire tales that describe Northern living at its very best, when life was a simpler, more gentle experience.
Stand Up, Barry Goldman
All I'd wanted for as long as I could remember was a woman to love, a soulmate to live with in contentment for the rest of my days: friend, lover, companion, mother to our children. Time was running out: I was getting old. Next year I would be eighteen.Barry Goldman is a sensitive boy. He's being primed to run the family business but has discovered a talent for making audiences laugh at his silly poems.At last, he has found something that might make him attractive to girls - in particular, Harriet Fink - but there's not much call for delicate, earnest poets in the 1970s comedy world of hot-panted dolly birds and battle-axe mothers-in-law.Then one night he sees Kris Dean on stage and understands that the world of comedy is about to change forever.Stand Up, Barry Goldman - like Elena Ferrante, but with jokes - is the debut novel of Dave Cohen, stand-up comedian and writer best known as the creator of dozens of songs for multi-BAFTA winning hit TV show Horrible Histories, and less well known as lead singer in the world's first Jewish heavy metal band, Guns'n'Moses
Skimp and Skarpa
Skimp & Skarpa Construction, a mid-sized Manchester building company, is run by the Managing Director, Arthur Skarpa and a small management team. Geoffrey Palmer, a contracts manager, seems to be, in his eyes, the only competent person in charge of building projects. Palmer, therefore, is constantly running around putting out the mistakes Arthur and his nephew, Walter, have created. Chaos, incompetence and very poor organisation are the daily challenges for 'Super Geoff' to overcome, as one farce after another has to be met and overcome. Every evening after work, 'Super Geoff's' long-suffering wife, Jill, has to listen to Geoff's ranting and raving about the day's events and how he heroically, single-handedly, once again saved Skimp & Skarpa's skin. A laughable, disastrous comedy of errors awaits the reader.
Tidings of Murder and Joy
Kitty, a former flight attendant now working at the Sj繪fryd care home, finds herself drawn into a mystery when a man named Teddy, one of the employees, is found dead under suspicious circumstances. Refusing to leave the matter to the police, Kitty and her spirited circle of friends form a small detective club called The Sj繪fryd Snoops and begin their own amateur investigation.As the group delves into Teddy's past, marked by broken relationships and hidden tensions, the story blends gentle humour, community spirit and festive warmth with a touch of intrigue. Moving between scenes of life at the care home, their sleuthing escapades and Kitty's tender yet comical relationship with her partner Colin, Tidings of Murder and Joy is a cosy crime novel full of the joys of friendship, curiosity and the magic of Christmas in a seaside town.
Murder of Pearl
The world's their oyster...until someone is stabbed with their shucking knife.Sisters Kelly and Jodi thought they'd landed the perfect gig, hosting a weekend-long jewelry party at a large, gothic estate. But as soon as Kelly sees the gargoyles on the roof and the weeping woman statue out front, she's ready to high-tail it out of there.But a nasty storm strands them at the estate. And then the birthday gal is found with Kelly's shucking knife poking from her chest. When Kelly is accused of the crime, the sisters will have morph from pearl shuckers to amateur sleuths.With limited clues and a murderer roaming the massive halls, can Kelly and Jodi piece together the mystery and prove their innocence?If you love comedy mystery a la Clue, you'll love Murder of Pearl, Book 1 in the Pearl Party Cozy Mystery series!Scroll up and grab your copy today for a shuck-tastically good read!
Crypto Bob
Bob Ayres is a Bitcoin trader and risk taker. For everyday cash he works in a supermarket. On a particularly black day filled with obnoxious customers, a semi-riot and a storeroom fire, Bitcoin hits $75,000. So he cashes out, and quits the job.Seedy Evans and Max Thrombosis are longtime friends and former school mates. Seedy's every move involves danger and menace to himself, and those around him. The three of them, together with fiery Chloe and lustful Brenda, get into scrapes and predicaments involving a racehorse, contraband cigarettes, classic cars, and a mysterious envelope owned by two dangerous nutters called Lumpy and Bungo.Finally everything comes together at a racetrack in Lacklustre, where their horse is running, and the stakes are massive. Will their horse win? Will they deliver the envelope? Will they survive?
Total Timepass-A Light-Hearted Commentary on Indian Life
Total Timepass is a delightfully fun take on the Indian way of life - a witty and light-hearted collection of original snippets and anecdotes presented with endless humour and affection. From the age-old North-South divide and the fascinating inventions of Indian English to our cricket mania and love for family drama - the book captures it all holding up a mirror to our quirks, contradictions, and cultural chaos. Based on the author's real-life experiences, this book encourages us to laugh at ourselves and embrace the lighter side of life.Perfect for a flight, train ride, or a lazy Sunday, Total Timepass is an easy-breezy read that engulfs you in its simple charm, sharp wit, and playful spirit.
I'm Starting to Worry about This Black Box of Doom
Bonus paperback content - an excerpt from the new John Dies at the End book, coming in fall 2026! THE INSTANT USA TODAY BESTSELLER A standalone darkly humorous thriller set in modern America's age of anxiety, by New York Times bestselling author Jason Pargin.Outside Los Angeles, a driver pulls up to find a young woman sitting on a large black box. She offers him $200,000 cash to transport her and that box across the country, to Washington, DC. But there are rules: He cannot look inside the box.He cannot ask questions.He cannot tell anyone.They must leave immediately.He must leave all trackable devices behind. As these eccentric misfits hit the road, rumors spread on social media that the box is part of a carefully orchestrated terror attack intended to plunge the USA into civil war. The truth promises to be even stranger, and may change how you see the world.
Ms. Mia and Murder at the Desert Sunrise Resort
A stolen treasure, a luxury Southwest resort and a modern day Miss Marple-check into a lighthearted murder mystery with a satisfying conclusion.Embark on a Southwestern adventure full of fun, secrets, and suspense with Ms. Mia. The charming amateur sleuth never misses a chance to discover secrets and rearrange lives at Spinel Resorts, the boutique hotel chain founded by her late husband. Solve mysteries in glamorous resorts with Ms. Mia!Thrilling Cozy Mystery: Join Ms. Mia in a classic murder mystery at the Desert Sunrise Resort. Perfect for Agatha Christie fans.Glamorous Setting: Escape to an exclusive resort with desert mountain hikes and spa treatments, where secrets and suspense unfold in a twisty whodunit.Amateur Sleuth: Ms. Mia dives headfirst into the investigation, with charm, wit-and a glass of champagne.Addictive New Series: 4 New Books in 2025-and more being written!Sip champagne and join Ms. Mia's escapades as she travels the world between exotic destinations, solving mysteries and restoring order-one adventure at a time.When an ancient flute is unearthed at The Desert Sunrise Resort, Ms. Mia seizes the chance to host a dazzling exhibit, roping in charismatic archaeologist Kyle Lee to star in a documentary. But when the priceless artifact vanishes in the dead of night, the grand opening teeters on the brink of disaster-along with Ms. Mia's reputation.Armed with wit, champagne, and aid from her prankster nephew and the resort's brilliant concierge, Ms. Mia dives into the investigation. At her hotels, no thief-or murderer-escapes unchecked!Perfect for fans of Agatha Christie's Miss Marple, Donna Andrews' Meg Langslow, and Joanne Fluke's Hannah Swenson, this delightful whodunit overflows with charm, humor, and clever twists.Check in to a lighthearted, thrilling getaway where mystery meets glamour with Ms. Mia and Murder at the Desert Sunrise Resort!
Ms. Mia and Murder on Moose Isle
A Gilded Age mansion on a secluded Maine island, perched on rocky cliffs overlooking the ocean, sets the scene for a classic cozy whodunit.Thrilling Cozy Mystery: Join Ms. Mia in a classic murder mystery at the Moose Isle Inn. Perfect for Agatha Christie fans.Glamorous Setting: Escape to a Maine private island with rocky cliffs and balsam firs, where secrets and suspense unfold in a twisty whodunit.Amateur Sleuth: Ms. Mia dives headfirst into the investigation, with charm, wit-and a glass of champagne.Addictive New Series: 4 New Books in 2025!Ms. Mia savors all life's experiences, cheerfully rearranging hotels and lives to her satisfaction. Glamorous settings hide sinister secrets at Spinel Resorts, a luxurious chain of boutique hotels founded by her late husband.At the exclusive Moose Isle Inn, Ms. Mia uncovers trouble at a corporate retreat, with a bitter battle over Tisserande Linens' future. Lauren Tisserande fights to revive her Maine hometown with a new factory, but her controlling CEO husband, obsessive CFO, and suspiciously wealthy trustees conspire to stop her. Her dysfunctional sales team flatly refuses to sell the new factory's products, distracted by their own pursuits.When murder threatens Lauren's plans, Ms. Mia unleashes her talent as an amateur sleuth, diving into the investigation with charm, wit-and a glass of champagne. No one gets away with murder at her hotels!This delightful cozy mystery series blends laugh-out-loud humor, glamorous settings, and twisty whodunits, perfect for fans of Donna Andrews' Meg Langslow, Joanne Fluke's Hannah Swenson and Sarah Graves's Jake Tiptree, blending witty sleuthing with resort glamour.Sip champagne and join Ms. Mia's escapades as she travels the world between exotic destinations, solving mysteries and restoring order-one adventure at a time.Check in to the Ms. Mia Murder Mysteries with Ms. Mia and Murder on Moose Isle!
They Don't Make Studebakers Anymore
I was born on the hood of a Studebaker . . . So begins the story of Boy, coming of age in a small town in the 1960s. From trying to understand the Cold War, to first kisses, and the moon landing, Boy struggles to make sense of his world. The unexpected disappearance of his father raises a multitude of questions: Was he really born in outer space? What exactly does one do when The Bomb lands in your backyard? And what precisely is supposed to happen on the front porch after your first slow dance with a girl? With his exceptional memory and keen observation skills, he chronicles the indignities of summer camp, drama club, driving lessons, and the prom-often with hilarious results-all while trying to assert some independence, and supporting his mother through her struggles to keep the family going. But as childhood makes way for adolescence and mystery gives way to mastery, Boy finds his newfound certainty turned upside down when he makes an unexpected discovery, and a forest-green car that looks an awful lot like the long-lost Studebaker turns everything on its head.
They Don't Make Studebakers Anymore
I was born on the hood of a Studebaker . . . So begins the story of Boy, coming of age in a small town in the 1960s. From trying to understand the Cold War, to first kisses, and the moon landing, Boy struggles to make sense of his world. The unexpected disappearance of his father raises a multitude of questions: Was he really born in outer space? What exactly does one do when The Bomb lands in your backyard? And what precisely is supposed to happen on the front porch after your first slow dance with a girl? With his exceptional memory and keen observation skills, he chronicles the indignities of summer camp, drama club, driving lessons, and the prom-often with hilarious results-all while trying to assert some independence, and supporting his mother through her struggles to keep the family going. But as childhood makes way for adolescence and mystery gives way to mastery, Boy finds his newfound certainty turned upside down when he makes an unexpected discovery, and a forest-green car that looks an awful lot like the long-lost Studebaker turns everything on its head.
Spending the Jackpot
They say money changes everything. But what if you were already happy before it arrived?Alice Cash always considered herself lucky. A kind husband. Two lovely children. A cosy house. A three-star Spanish holiday every year. What more could anyone want?Then her husband Freddie wins 瞿2.3 million-and everything begins to unravel.Suddenly it's Rolexes, Porsches and private school interviews. Gone is their annual trip to Casa Lola. In its place: a luxury hotel full of snobs and strangers. As Freddie chases a glitzier future, Alice quietly mourns the life they've left behind-and starts giving their money away in secret. But while Freddie tries to 'upgrade' their lives, he's hiding a secret of his own. One that could bankrupt their marriage in more ways than one.A sharply observed, big-hearted novel about love, money, miscommunication and the courage to want less when you're being offered more. Spending the Jackpot is a bitter-sweet, lump-in-the-throat comedy perfect for fans of David Nicholls, Gillian Harvey and Nick Hornby.
A Dodo's Life
Not every mystery involves a dead body.Meet Walter. An unassuming man, in an unassuming town, leading what ought to be a simple, quiet life. But expectations have a way of slipping sideways. One moment, you're walking the cat, the next you're knee-deep in a mystery no one notices.Hang on! A slew of cryptic notes yanked me out of my chair and into a world I'd happily retired from. The cat came too- uninvited, armed with opinions and claws sharp enough to need a permit. Clara said it was good for me. I said it was like toilet paper stuck to my shoe. Only louder, and with bad handwriting. -W.Right. As I was saying . . .Welcome to A Dodo's Life-a wry, tender, and quietly funny story about love that lingers, memories that wander in odd corners, and mysteries that arrive when you least expect them. Perfect for fans of cozy mysteries and heartwarming fiction.A quirky tale of life, laughter, and things we misplace.A Dodo's Life - a cozy mystery with humor, homemade bread, memories, and a stubborn cat who might be the sharpest sleuth of the bunch.The trouble isn't chasing mysteries. It's when they catch you.For readers who enjoy slice-of-life humor, gentle mysteries, and heartwarming stories of family and love. Fans of Richard Osman's The Thursday Murder Club and Fredrik Backman's A Man Called Ove will feel right at home in the pages of A Dodo's Life.
The Dream Life of Larry Rios
Larry Rios, Chicano poet extraordinaire, has a chip on his shoulder and a bone to pick with literature. He's got a sword-swallowing frog named Yuks on the brain and a murder under his belt (possibly). Then there's The Snake-Haired Lady, who won't seem to go away. And don't get ol' Larry started on his ex-it's a sad, funny story. Wait. Is "Larry Rios" his real name? Does he know Jeet Kune Do? Is The Dream Life of Larry Rios some highbrow metaphysical caper? Dear reader, maybe read the book to find out. Maybe don't. Larry'll judge you either way. Peace.
I Pose
A luminous rediscovery that will charm and provoke in equal measure I Pose invites you into the witty, searching world of Stella Benson. This character-driven story tracks an unconventional heroine as she navigates early 20th-century society with humor, courage, and a quietly revolutionary spirit. Benson s novel blends British humor and social satire with introspective narrative to explore women s independence and early feminist themes. Through vivid, sympathetic portraits and lively dialogue, I Pose delivers humorous social commentary on class, identity, and the pressures that shape a woman s choices. The result is literary fiction that delights casual readers while rewarding classic literature collectors with its layered craft and moral intelligence. Historically significant and stylistically fresh, I Pose stands as an essential example of early 20th-century literature and feminist fiction: a book that helped broaden depictions of female interiority and independence. Alpha Editions is proud to republish this long-neglected treasure a Stella Benson novel that was out of print for decades and is now restored for today s and future generations. This edition is not just a reprint it s a collector s item and a cultural treasure, carefully restored to preserve authorial nuance and historical context. Whether you seek incisive social satire, a richly drawn, character-driven story, or a touchstone of early feminist fiction, I Pose is a timeless, spirited read that belongs on every shelf of classic literature and literary fiction enthusiasts.
The Montegiallo School of Swearing
Accidentally buying a Sicilian villa for just one euro is not the great Eat, Pray, Love game-changer that Brian Chapman hopes it would be. Instead, tumbledown buildings, a shortage of plumbers, and resentful locals make Brian's drunken whim look like the biggest mistake of his chequered career so far. Who could believe that an outbreak of swearing would lead not only to cultural reconciliation but to this very Australian fish out of water finding true love in Italy?
Side Effects May Include Dancing
Side Effects May Include Dancing A short novel about saving the world.It started with a letter. An eccentric aunt. A coffee shop in New Orleans. Andthen the world changed.Bertie Ryan never asked for this gift. But when she inherits a strange legacy fromher Aunt Maddie - equal parts voodoo, miracle, and higher consciousness -she discovers she can make people happier, kinder, and more awake, instantly.With the help of her spirited book club, the Bookies, Bertie's "gift" goes viral.But as the joyful ripple effect spreads through the city, not everyone is pleased.A powerful pharmaceutical company and maker of antidepressants, and twobackroom politicians see Bertie's power as a threat to their empire, and theyare determined to shut her down. They come for Bertie - and she'll have to risehigher than ever before.Side Effects May Include Dancing is a heart-opening tale of Southern humor, arecipe book for expanding joy, and a tell-all of what's possible when we rememberwho we really are.
The Marionette
Bestselling and beloved author Terry Fallis' tenth novel, The Marionette, introduces readers to a new hero, James Norval: a world-famous thriller writer whose life takes an unexpected turn from the pages of his novels into the perilous world of espionage. James Norval has built a successful career crafting the thrilling adventures of his fictional hero, Hunter Chase, a character admired by readers and movie-goers worldwide. But despite his fame and fortune, Norval has always harboured a secret dream of living the life he only writes about--a life as a field operative for CSIS, Canada's Security Intelligence Service. In fact, nearly thirty years earlier, he washed out of the CSIS recruitment program, and it's haunted him ever since. But that long-held dream becomes a reality when a series of unfortunate events lands Norval in a foreign prison. Rescued by CSIS, he is given an unexpected opportunity: to use his unique position as the favourite writer of Mali's newly installed president to assist in a delicate and dangerous mission. With the help of agent Lauren Cooper, Norval must infiltrate the Malian government and execute a daring plan to exfiltrate fifteen Canadian nationals before the corrupt powers that control the country uncover their true intentions. The Marionette is a comic thriller by a master of the craft. Full of Terry Fallis' signature wit and combined with an exhilarating high-stakes plot, this is a must-read for fans of espionage and intrigue.
The Book of George
From the author of the critically acclaimed Laura & Emma comes a The Love Affairs of Nathaniel P. for our times: Kate Greathead's "mesmerizing" (Maria Semple) excavation of millennial masculinity, The Book of George. If you haven't had the misfortune of dating a George, you know someone who has. He's a young man brimming with potential but incapable of following through; sweet yet noncommittal to his long-suffering girlfriend; distant from but still reliant on his mother; charmingly funny one minute, sullenly brooding the next. Here, Kate Greathead paints one particular, unforgettable George in a series of droll and surprisingly poignant snapshots of his life over two decades. Despite his failings, it's hard not to root for George at least a little. Beneath his cynicism is a reservoir of fondness for his girlfriend, Jenny, and her valiant willingness to put up with him. Each demonstration of his flaws is paired with a self-eviscerating comment. No one is more disappointed in him than himself (except maybe Jenny and his mother). As hilarious as it is resonant and as singular as it is universal, The Book of George is a deft, unexpectedly moving portrait of one man--but also countless others.
Titus and Roni
Two parents who, in facing death, face life. Perhaps for the first time. Titus, as well as being a father, is a grandfather. He has been kidnapped by his son in Colombia; Roni is a Glaswegian mother whose son, in twenty-four hours, will be executed by lethal injection. They are two novellas which, whilst they could exist separately, also complement each other. They are stories of doom, but not of gloom; stories, certainly of tragedy, but ingrained with both comedy and optimism. Their two principal characters surrender in order to fight on and traverse despair to find hope. They are two unremarkable people who, in finally accepting death, triumph over life, and become thereby remarkable indeed. Certainly, you will cry with Titus and with Roni, but also you will laugh with them. You will despair with them, and clutch at the same straws. Written with Dark's customary elegance, Titus and Roni is as mellifluous in its telling as it is compulsive in its tale.
Charming!
IT'S THE STORY THEY DIDN'T WANT YOU TO HEAR! FINALLY PRINCE CHARMING TALKS! In his time, the man was a cross between James Bond and Nelson Mandela. And yet what do we know about him? That his name is Prince Charming and that he fits a mean glass slipper! That's it. For generations Prince Charming has been Dr Watson to the Holmes of Cinderella and maybe even Charles to Diana. He was an amalgam of Jack Kennedy and Tom Sawyer, Spartacus and Jim Hawkins, John Lennon and Mr D'Arcy. Far from being the anodyne and lifeless character of legend, the Prince was a wild and fascinating man, whose often paradoxical character was forged in a youth crammed with intrigue and adventure. And love? Well, yes, there was some love; even (shock, horror!) some other girlfriends before Cinderella. But the romance of Charming!' is one in the broader sense of the word: a romantic novel set in times considerably less romantic than they have been portrayed.
More to Life
Retired school teacher Colette Corbyn goes kicking and screaming into assisted living, when she has planned to live out her days in the privacy of her own home. As she begrudgingly settles into Shady Meadow, she makes an unlikely friend, Margaret, who claims the Women's Movement demeaned women. A loud, obnoxious neighbor, Dottie, seems to be off her rocker, but she's actually addicted to opioids and has an alarming secret life. Best-selling novelist Susan Hartley, afflicted with Alzheimer's, doesn't recognize her latest book, and becomes violent when she mistakes Colette for her sister. Colette struggles to come to terms with her sometimes-contentious daughter Brooke and seeks a relationship with her grandson Carter, long lost down the rabbit hole of QAnon. Colette thinks she is done with romance until she meets Harry, who suffers from AMD and can only read music through a magnifying glass. As Colette and Harry share their love of piano playing, Colette discovers complications in his life which may prevent their relationship from enduring. With compassion and wit, Lynch demonstrates that old age has its perks, and, nearing the end of life, every day is worth living to its fullest.*****Legacy Book Press LLC is a traditional publisher of personal stories told via non-fiction, fiction, poetry, or a combination.
R J Lamp Post A Day In The Life
Not all heroes wear capes-some shine from eight feet above the pavement.Meet R.J. Lamp Post, the most unlikely storyteller you'll ever encounter. From his spot on a Michigan street corner, R.J. has seen it all-wild thunderstorms, mischievous kids, neighborhood drama, daring rescues, and even a few laugh-out-loud disasters. With humor, heart, and a streetlight's unique perspective, he shares the stories of everyday life that unfold under his steady glow.Whether he's scaring off burglars with a burst of blinking light, watching a boy's tongue get hilariously stuck to his icy pole, or quietly keeping vigil during secret midnight meetings, R.J. proves he's more than just a fixture. He's a guardian, a witness, and sometimes an unwilling participant in the chaos of community life.Virginia M. Lawrence's A Day in the Life is a charming, funny, and unexpectedly touching tale that will make you laugh, reflect, and never look at a streetlight the same way again. Perfect for readers who enjoy lighthearted fiction with a dash of wit and heart.
Whistling Librarian
A break-in at the Two Harbors Public Library leads to the discovery of a tape recording of a song made famous by a local rock band, but with different lyrics. The Whistling Pines residents recall events from the time, reigniting questions about the song and a long-forgotten band member's death. Revelations about unknown cousins in a family tree, an outbreak of "apiary flu", a library s矇ance, and a visiting baby's disappearance from the senior residence all intersect with a 1970s fatal car accident.S. Peters-Davis Editorial Review The prologue begins with a question of 'what happened next?' Then it moves on to the characters (workers and residents - each one with their own quirks) at Whistling Pines Senior Resident Home. Peter Rogers runs the place and makes the perfect main character. There's always something going on that consistently captivates me throughout the mystery. This is book 10 of the Whistling Pines Mysteries series, so most of the characters have grown on me, making me smile, laugh, or wonder what the heck they are thinking, doing, or creating for Peter. I adore all of Mr. Hovey's books and the additions to this book from Ms. Flagge. I'm never disappointed and am always ready for the next one: )
Udder Nonsense - More Tales from Frost Heaves
Welcome back to Frost Heaves, New Hampshire, where the coffee's strong, the winters are longer, and common sense is about as rare as a reasonable property tax bill. In this delightful new collection, Yankee humorist Fred Marple returns with more tales from New England's most charmingly unpredictable town. When the Loon Lodge decides to raise funds with a duck race, nobody counted on the ducks having their own agenda. Young Albert Cooper discovers that prize sows and romance don't mix, And when Millard Tuttle spots a certain red-suited fellow in distress, Christmas in Frost Heaves takes an unexpected turn. From the church basement to the town square, Pastor Woodstead questions his calling while a champion bingo player meets her match in an overly chatty newcomer. Plus, catch up on all the local news through Fred's signature "News Nuggets" and police reports that prove truth really is stranger than fiction. Fred Marple has been called the Garrison Keillor of New England and the voice of New Hampshire as Bert & I once were to Mainers. Nobody captures small-town Yankee life with more warmth and wit. Whether you're a longtime New Englander or just wish you were, Udder Nonsense serves up the perfect blend of gentle humor, quirky characters, and the kind of storytelling that makes you feel right at home-even if home has more than its share of stubborn livestock and well-meaning folks with questionable judgment. Praise for Fred Marple's Welcome to Frost Heaves: "Absolutely hilarious." "This book was nonstop laughter." "Born and raised in New England and smiled through the whole book." "...great old Yankee satire and wit!" "New Englanders will be rolling on the floor laughing." "This is the New Hampshire I remember from my girlhood - forthright, thrifty, quirky characters who know what living in a real community is all about." "This is a funny, witty, wise and warm book ..." "Fabulously fun for all ages!"
Will There Ever Be Another You
"Lockwood has written a roving chronicle of the madness of illness and the frightening porousness of what it means to be yourself in the hilariously profound way that only she could." - Vulture "Bonkers." - The New York Times "Reliably brilliant." - The Washington Post "A wild, devilishly curious, often hallucinatory ride that's worth its weight in insights." - The San Francisco Chronicle From the Booker Prize finalist and "formidably gifted writer" (The New York Times), a vertiginous novel about a woman's descent into illness and insanity. Amid a global pandemic, one young woman is trying to keep the pieces together - of her family, stunned by a devastating loss, and of her mind, left mangled and misfiring from a mystifying disease. She's afraid of her own floorboards, and "WHAT IS LOVE? BABY DON'T HURT ME" plays over and over in her ears. She hates her friends, or more accurately, she doesn't know who they are. Has the illness stolen her old mind and given her a new one? Does it mean she'll get to start over from scratch, a chance afforded to very few people? The very weave of herself seems to have loosened: time and memories pass straight through her body. "I'm sorry not to respond to your email," she writes, "but I live completely in the presentnow." Will There Ever Be Another You is the brain-shredding, phosphorescent story of one woman's dissolution and her attempt to create a new way of thinking, as well as a profound investigation into what keeps us alive in times of unprecedented disorientation and loss, from one of our most original writers. Praise for Will There Ever Be Another You "Patricia Lockwood... writes with the impish verve and provocative guilelessness of a peeing cupid." - The New Yorker "Completely singular... Patricia Lockwood's body of work is like this: a hymn--or ode, depending on the day--to the painful project of being human." - The New Republic "The author's fans will find her trademark humor, originality, and depth on full display. This is a knockout." - starred Publishers Weekly Praise for No One Is Talking About This "A book that reads like a prose poem, at once sublime, profane, intimate, philosophical, witty and, eventually, deeply moving." --The New York Times "Reading Patricia Lockwood raises questions. Questions such as, How can a person understand both herself and the world with such clarity? How does a person experience things so intensely and express them so buoyantly? Am I laughing or am I crying? Lockwood's first novel is as crystalline, witty, and brain-shredding as her poetry and criticism." --Vulture "Wow. I can't remember the last time I laughed so much reading a book. What an inventive and startling writer...I'm so glad I read this. I really think this book is remarkable." --David Sedaris "God, is she funny!" --The New Yorker
The Approval of Sheep
Gordon Slee fears he was never meant to be born. Anxious since childhood after hearing he was an accident, the forty-two-year-old is still struggling to escape the shadow of his high-achieving family. But a glimmer of hope is on the horizon - a huge promotion within his hotel group is up for grabs, and he is sure that his time has come to make a mark on the world. However, within his own department, redundancies are afoot. He may lose his job before he gets the chance. Until he learns of a historic covenant that preserves the right for sheep to run through the company's top London hotel. Could he convince his boss that he's the man to save the hotel from catastrophe?Up in Bryn Nefyn, North Wales, live the descendants of the covenant owner. The elderly sheep farmer and his aging hippy brother could use the money the hotel might offer. But along with their strong-willed American shepherdess, they laugh at Gordon's attempts to negotiate a deal. Surely, they couldn't use a covenant that's been forgotten about for over a hundred years. Or could they?For lovers of upmarket commercial fiction with a touch of romance and comedy, The Approval of Sheep is an uplifting story about family and love, overcoming adversity and discovering our reason for our place in this world.
The Case of the Stolen Underwear
All the underwear have been stolen from The Dilly Dollar Store and a quirky small-town reporter slowly gets involved in trying to solve the disturbing crime. As she follows the case, stolen underwear start resurfacing in odd places, including on the head of a park statue and on a supermarket watermelon. Her co-workers at the newspaper blend into the crazy background of personality disorders, including someone who gets fired every day. As she slowly rules out suspects, she feels she is closing in on the perpetrator. The unexpected ending brings her into a face-to-face confrontation with the underwear villain. Will justice prevail?
Ms. Mia and Murder at the Desert Sunrise Resort
A stolen treasure, a luxury Southwest resort and a modern day Miss Marple-check into a lighthearted murder mystery with a satisfying conclusion.Embark on a Southwestern adventure full of fun, secrets, and suspense with Ms. Mia. The charming amateur sleuth never misses a chance to discover secrets and rearrange lives at Spinel Resorts, the boutique hotel chain founded by her late husband. Solve mysteries in glamorous resorts with Ms. Mia!Thrilling Cozy Mystery: Join Ms. Mia in a classic murder mystery at the Desert Sunrise Resort. Perfect for Agatha Christie fans.Glamorous Setting: Escape to an exclusive resort with desert mountain hikes and spa treatments, where secrets and suspense unfold in a twisty whodunit.Amateur Sleuth: Ms. Mia dives headfirst into the investigation, with charm, wit-and a glass of champagne.Addictive New Series: 4 New Books in 2025-and more being written!Sip champagne and join Ms. Mia's escapades as she travels the world between exotic destinations, solving mysteries and restoring order-one adventure at a time.When an ancient flute is unearthed at The Desert Sunrise Resort, Ms. Mia seizes the chance to host a dazzling exhibit, roping in charismatic archaeologist Kyle Lee to star in a documentary. But when the priceless artifact vanishes in the dead of night, the grand opening teeters on the brink of disaster-along with Ms. Mia's reputation.Armed with wit, champagne, and aid from her prankster nephew and the resort's brilliant concierge, Ms. Mia dives into the investigation. At her hotels, no thief-or murderer-escapes unchecked!Perfect for fans of Agatha Christie's Miss Marple, Donna Andrews' Meg Langslow, and Joanne Fluke's Hannah Swenson, this delightful whodunit overflows with charm, humor, and clever twists.Check in to a lighthearted, thrilling getaway where mystery meets glamour with Ms. Mia and Murder at the Desert Sunrise Resort!
Holy Cow
A rollicking, globe-trotting adventure with a twist: a four-legged heroine you won't soon forget. Elsie Bovary is a cow, and a pretty happy one at that--her long, lazy days are spent eating, napping, and chatting with her best friend, Mallory. One night, Elsie and Mallory sneak out of their pasture; but while Mallory is interested in flirting with the neighboring bulls, Elsie finds herself drawn to the farmhouse. Through the window, she sees the farmer's family gathered around a bright Box God--and what the Box God reveals about something called an "industrial meat farm" shakes Elsie's understanding of her world to its core. There's only one solution: escape to a better, safer world. And so a motley crew is formed: Elsie; Jerry--excuse me, Shalom--a cranky, Torah-reading pig who's recently converted to Judaism; and Tom, a suave (in his own mind, at least) turkey who can't fly, but who can work an iPhone with his beak. Toting stolen passports and slapdash human disguises, they head for the airport. Elsie is our wisecracking, pop-culture-reference-dropping, slyly witty narrator; Tom--who does eventually learn to fly (sort of)--dispenses psychiatric advice in a fake German accent; and Shalom, rejected by his adopted people in Jerusalem, ends up unexpectedly uniting Israelis and Palestinians. In Holy Cow, David Duchovny's charismatic creatures point the way toward a mutual understanding and acceptance that the world desperately needs.
Clone
Would you rather be Unlucky or Immoral?Murphy Lawler is not a bad person, but when he's around bad things tend to happen. He suffers in ignorance until an explanation arrives. Murphy's misfortune is hard wired into his genetic code. He's cursed at a molecular level.Things have gone from bad to worse. His wife, his friends, and society at large react, and not with a gentle, reasoned calm. Murphy loses everything. But Murphy's plight has a silver lining. The doctors start to experiment. Neither they nor the world is prepared for their success. A success they'd rather keep locked away.Word gets out about this unnatural selection. The clone is a problem, but he doesn't want to be solved. Light your torches and sharpen your pitchforks to hunt the monster in Clone, an absurd adventure full of humour and wit. Murphy and his unethical twin are on a collision course.Think twice, then...Buy Now
Happy Holidays?
My book is about holidays I have taken with immediate family, friends from school or my school career as a senior teacher all over the world, including most of the UK, nearly all Europe, Australia, South Africa, Canada and the USA. It has serious stories in it, but is mostly about things that perhaps didn't perhaps go quite as they should, and there were many little disasters. It is basically a poor man's Bill Bryson's travel around the Gordon holidays.
Ghost in Training
What happens when your life ends, but your work doesn't?Welcome to Ghostland, a realm where the recently deceased find themselves. Not in Heaven or Hell, but in a transitional service agency where unresolved lives still matter. A rookie ghost named Ron, fresh off a grueling week of training, is assigned his first mission that thrusts him into the lives of a widower and his young daughter. With compassion and understanding-traits he lacked in life-Ron seeks his redemption, realizing the stakes are higher than he ever imagined.Will Ron succeed in helping Nick and Claire? Can he confront his past and grow beyond it? And what about Gayle, his pushy mentor? Will she ever give him a break?Dive into the intriguing world of Nearly Departed, where ghosts discover that sometimes, the greatest peace in the afterlife comes from making a difference with those still living, and unfinished business takes on a new meaning.
Happy Holidays?
My book is about holidays I have taken with immediate family, friends from school or my school career as a senior teacher all over the world, including most of the UK, nearly all Europe, Australia, South Africa, Canada and the USA. It has serious stories in it, but is mostly about things that perhaps didn't perhaps go quite as they should, and there were many little disasters. It is basically a poor man's Bill Bryson's travel around the Gordon holidays.
Peter Pan
Peter Pan, the timeless classic by J. M. Barrie, invites readers into the magical world of Neverland, where adventure, wonder, and imagination reign supreme. This enchanting tale explores the joys and challenges of childhood, the inevitability of growing up, and the enduring power of belief in magic. The Story of Neverland When Peter Pan, the boy who refuses to grow up, flies into the lives of Wendy Darling and her brothers, they embark on an unforgettable journey to Neverland. Alongside the mischievous Tinker Bell, the daring Lost Boys, and their fierce nemesis Captain Hook, the Darling children experience thrilling adventures filled with pirates, mermaids, and the magic of flight. Key Themes: Childhood and Imagination: A celebration of the innocence and boundless creativity of youth. Adventure and Freedom: Exploring the joys of escapism and the yearning for freedom from adult responsibilities. Friendship and Loyalty: The bonds formed in times of challenge and wonder. Why Read Peter Pan? This beloved classic is more than just a children's story-it is a profound meditation on the fleeting nature of childhood and the enduring need for dreams and adventure. Whether you're revisiting it as an adult or discovering it for the first time, Peter Pan is a magical tale that continues to inspire and delight readers of all ages.
The Kings of the Backyard
We are called to live out the hero's journey. For some of us, that calling isn't answered until well into middle age and beyond. The Kings of the Backyard follows the lives of three 30 somethings who never set a goal, never tried and never committed to anything, as they attempt to add meaning to their ordinary and mostly mundane lives. It is a classic story of those suffering arrested development, being forced to grow up by a world that does not reward such waste. What are they going to do now that their 20's are over? Get stable jobs? Find partners and settle down? NO WAY! That would be too easy for our heroes. Follow them as they navigate life's tragedies and push back against the very society that enabled their existence to begin with. Cheer them on as they go kicking and screaming into maturity and celebrate when they are finally crowned, The Kings of the Backyard.
Modern Dance, Brass Balls, and....
In this humorous story set in the repressive 1950s, insecure Lars Jonson reveals two deep, closely guarded secrets: His lifelong dream is to become a professional modern dancer, and he believes himself to be homosexual. These characteristics are frowned upon and, indeed, despised in his Southside Chicago neighborhood. When in his high school's college placement office he chances upon a brochure advertising an exciting new program in Modern Dance-led by none other than the famous dancer Diego Ra, at the Wilbur M. Butz College in Alesburg, Illinois-he thinks, This will be my nirvana. Here he can realize his dream to become a modern dancer, surrounded by fellow dance enthusiasts and maybe with a sampling of homos around as well. Moreover, he will be in a safe place, far, far away from the haters in his Southside Chicago neighborhood. So, he packs his bag and heads for Butz College. Unfortunately, not all dreams come true, and Lars's nirvana is not exactly as was proclaimed in the brochure. In an achingly funny and painfully human voice, Lars shares his disillusionment and hopelessness. But in the depths of despair, Lars finds the courage to face, and defeat, his demons head-on and discovers his dreams may be well within reach.
Seashells, Gator Bones, and the Church of Everlasting Liability
"Makes me wonder if God's even up there at all. And if he is, why ain't he doing a better job of things down here. Unless maybe he's doing the best he can."In 1930s Toad Springs, Florida, a three-legged gator with Jesus's birthmark draws pilgrims while the town's residents navigate church scandals, family secrets, and failed businesses. Through authentic voices in genuine dialect, these interconnected tales reveal how ordinary people survived the Depression with humor, faith, and resilience. From teenage betrayal to beauty shop disasters, from prison-trained preachers to secret knitters, Susan Adger weaves an unforgettable portrait of Old Florida that will make you laugh, cry, and feel you've found a community of friends.
Lobster Salad, By P.b. St. John And E. Copping
Dive into the delightful world of "Lobster Salad," a collection of humorous short stories by P.B. St. John and E. Copping. This classic work showcases the authors' wit and satirical perspective on 19th-century society. These stories, filled with eccentric characters and comical situations, offer a lighthearted escape and a glimpse into a bygone era. Perfect for readers seeking a quick, amusing read, "Lobster Salad" promises laughter and entertainment. Rediscover the charm of these timeless tales, and savor the humor that has amused readers for generations.This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
Walking in My Sister's Shadow
Melina has always lived in the shadow of her older sister Monica, who is considered beautiful and accomplished, seemingly having everything. As Monica prepares to marry into one of the wealthiest families in town, Melina is expected to smile and assume the role of the supportive sister. However, when Melina discovers a long-hidden secret about Monica's fianc矇's family, a secret that could jeopardize not only the wedding but their entire future, she faces an incredibly difficult decision: remain silent to protect her sister's happiness or reveal the truth and risk everything. Walking in my sister's shadow is a poignant and gripping tale of family, identity, and the profound cost of silence. It explores the fragile bonds between sisters, the courage it takes to speak out, and the strength required to step out from behind someone else's brilliance and finally claim your own. Because sometimes, stepping out of the shadows doesn't just change your path - it sets the whole stage alight.
The fantastic, boozy 5
The Fantastic, boozy 5 tells the story of the adventurous experiences of a colorful group: Lisa, Melinda, Ella, Michelle, whom everyone calls "Princess", and Max. Their stories are marked by friendship, heartbreak, and unforgettable adventures. Together, they navigate the ups and downs of life with humor and a glass in hand!
Stories From the Diary of a Doctor. Second Series
Title: Stories from the Diary of a Doctor. Second series.Publisher: British Library, Historical Print EditionsThe British Library is the national library of the United Kingdom. It is one of the world's largest research libraries holding over 150 million items in all known languages and formats: books, journals, newspapers, sound recordings, patents, maps, stamps, prints and much more. Its collections include around 14 million books, along with substantial additional collections of manuscripts and historical items dating back as far as 300 BC.The FICTION & PROSE LITERATURE collection includes books from the British Library digitised by Microsoft. The collection provides readers with a perspective of the world from some of the 18th and 19th century's most talented writers. Written for a range of audiences, these works are a treasure for any curious reader looking to see the world through the eyes of ages past. Beyond the main body of works the collection also includes song-books, comedy, and works of satire. ++++The below data was compiled from various identification fields in the bibliographic record of this title. This data is provided as an additional tool in helping to insure edition identification: ++++ British Library Meade, Elizabeth; 1896. 357 p.; 8?簞. 012627.m.10.This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
