Holiday World

The author is terrified of flying so for a silver wedding anniversary treat took his wife on a one- off cruise of a lifetime in the year 2000. That 17-day cruise across the Mediterranean changed their holidays for ever, and like thousands of others George and Deb became addicted to cruising and especially on the ships of the P&O fleet. The author's first book ('A Cornishman goes Cruising') tells the story of that first cruise. After many years of happy cruise holidays, retirement beckoned and the couple needed another special treat. So on a cold January evening in 2012 they left Southampton...

Siblings forge new paths and find love in three stories filled with the wonder of Christmas. Turn back the clock to a different time and listen to Bing Crosby sing of sleigh bells in the snow as the realities of America’s involvement in the Second World War change the lives of the Turner family in Lafayette, Indiana. The Turner family believes in God’s providence during such a tumultuous time. Can they absorb the miracle of Christ’s birth and His plan for a future?

Fate made Trixie a hunter of devilish demons, except demons aren't devilish, and Trixie's not hunting them. She gave that future the boot. But by denying her destiny, she inherits a problem. Furred, feathered, and scaled, the creatures have invaded her life. She's being pranked by furry fairies, stalked by mini-devils, and harassed by the scourge of dragons roosting in her yard. Trixie's had enough. She's moving to Boise and hoping to leave the magical critters behind. But what happens when moving isn't enough?

Christmas in Copenhagen is a magical time of year but Darcy Cotterell isn’t feeling festive. Newly single, again, she's not even going home for Christmas. Instead she will be spending her holiday finishing her art history PhD. Her best friend, Freja, has other ideas. She signs Darcy up to a dating app, determined that she won't be lonely this Christmas.

America's Favorite Holidays explores how five of America's culturally important holidays - Christmas, Valentine's Day, Easter, Halloween, and Thanksgiving - came to be what they are today, seasonal and religious celebrations heavily influenced by modern popular culture.

July 1941. As the war grinds on, Lady Joanna Harcourt knows that her time at Goodwill House is drawing to close. A new chapter awaits, one that she never expected to happen to her – she is going to be a wife and mother again! Excited with their new arrival and with her beloved Flying Officer John Sergeant back in her life, Joanna hopes that even though war clouds gather, love will prevail, and the future will look brighter than ever for the Harcourt family. John has just one last mission to complete, before they can be together.

Life in a new country sounds enticing, but will the hopeful characters in these short stories end up with more or much, much less than they bargained for? Plenty More Where She Came From Whisked from an African village childhood to the scullery of a British brothel, Mary is tired of being a drudge. This story was first published in Writers’ News, having won first prize in its short story competition A Deal’s A Deal, Isn’t It? Aspiring writer Vivien dreams of moving to Key West. Only two things stand in her way; a sceptical husband and US immigration policy. Grandfather’s Dream Two ...

Thanks to her thriving art career, Miriam Blum finally has her decoupaged glitter ducks in a row—until devastating news forces her to a very unwanted family reunion. Her beloved great-aunt Cass has passed and left Miriam part-owner of Carrigan’s, her (ironically) Jewish-run Christmas tree farm. But Miriam’s plans to sit shiva, avoid her parents, then put Carrigan’s in her rearview mirror are spoiled when she learns the business is at risk of going under.

The downfall of Bo Xilai in China was more than a darkly thrilling mystery. It revealed a cataclysmic internal power struggle between Communist Party factions, one that reached all the way to China’s new president Xi Jinping. The scandalous story of the corruption of the Bo Xilai family - the murder of British businessman Neil Heywood; Bo’s secret lovers; the secret maneuverings of Bo’s supporters; the hasty trial and sentencing of Gu Kailai, Bo’s wife - was just the first rumble of a seismic power struggle that continues to rock the very foundation of China’s all-powerful Communist Party.

It’s Christmas Eve 1944 and the Battle of the Bulge is raging across the snowy Ardennes Forest. Even in these bitter conditions, two soldiers manage to exchange gifts, but there is a bittersweet twist. Inspired by O. Henry’s classic short story, The Gift of the Magi. Important note: This story can be read at the author’s website

Wealthy, New York City girl Claire Lindell wasn't looking for a Christmas miracle or happiness when she abruptly decided to hole up for the holiday at her godmother's cottage in a little Yorkshire village, and lick her wounds, from a near disastrous romantic decision. After her car skids into a snow bank, Claire may have accidently found her perfect Christmas and the family and love she's craved, when she offers Noah Bradford of Ayesgill Farm help to push the back end of one of his sheep out of the icy mud, even if she's going to ruin a brand new pair of Prada boots during the rescue.

This wry collection of Hanukkah noir features eleven stories by critically acclaimed authors that run the gamut from hardboiled to heartfelt, curated by New York Times bestselling author Tod Goldberg. Across eleven stories, award-winning authors spin tales of family, corruption, buried treasure and delightful yet twisted capers that will entertain listeners through all eight nights of the Festival of Lights.

Five years ago, Olivia Baker was snowed in and stranded in a small town, unable to make it back to the city for Christmas. Five days later, she broke up with her corporate boyfriend in Seattle and made the rash decision to stay in the small town, promising to save the local paper and fall in love with the rugged country boy who knew how to sling an ax and make her weak in the knees.

Amid the sun-soaked hills of southern Italy lies the Romano family olive grove, where Lara lives with her daughter Rose and her granddaughter Bea. Lara has spent a lifetime trying to forget the traumatic events that led to her desperate escape from Dorset seventy years ago. But when she sees Bea—a passionate horticulturalist most at home in nature—being swept off her feet by Matteo, a handsome and charismatic restaurateur, Lara fears her granddaughter is in danger of making the same mistake as Lara did all those years ago.

After a filthy, whirlwind Valentine's Day they'll never forget, Willow and Mike face the future of their relationship. Willow Overwhelmed by our deep connection, I'm at a crossroads. Does Mike really love me, or am I just a plaything to him? Does it even matter? He thrills me with everything he does, but can I overcome my doubts to embrace the love I deeply crave? Mike Willow has become my everything, igniting feelings I thought were lost. I'm prepared to give her the world, hoping she'll see my sincerity and our potential for a shared future... one where I'll do whatever it takes to give ...

Katherine Wilburn’s War In the autumn of 1944, as World War II rages across Europe and the Pacific, Katherine Wilburn faces battles of her own. At 34, she is navigating her third marriage, burdened by her husband’s struggle with alcoholism and the emotional toll of raising three children in uncertain times. Her eldest son, just 17, is serving in the Army and landed in Normandy on D-Day. It’s been over a month since Katherine last heard from him, and her fears grow with each passing day. Meanwhile, her ten-year-old son Glenn is struggling in school, and her sixteen-year-old daughter ...

Dear Jazz Enthusiasts, Musicians, Music Students & art lovers (for your Jazz-loving Aunts/Uncles) Available on PRIME, softcover, hardcover & AUDIO. Big 14pt font. The SWINGIN' THE BLUES compendium book series (4 volumes) is an authorized biography by Topsy M. Durham, the daughter of Eddie Durham (1906-1987), focusing on the musical careers of the Durham Brothers Orchestra. This series is the only detailed chronicle of Eddie Durham and his entire musical family. Volume 1, titled "The Virtuosity of Eddie Durham," along with Volume 2, titled "Eddie Durham & The Ladies of Jazz," features the ...

Double Luck is filled with examples of how the human spirit can triumph over adversity. In the Chinese language, the word crisis is written with two symbols: one meaning "danger" and the other meaning "opportunity". Although Chi Fa's childhood was filled with crisis, he always looked for opportunity. His successful triumph over crisis after crisis is an inspiration for all who seek hope in the face of great challenges.

After her fiancé dies in the sinking of the Royal Oak, Mary finds herself stationed in Orkney, still battling her grief. With Iris and Sally by her side, she is gradually overcoming her loss and is surprised to be helped by the irascible Joe. Joe is a signalman aboard the Kelpie and his cheeky Morse code messages to Mary while she's on shift bring her cheer and exasperation in equal measure. With Christmas round the corner, Mary is opening herself back up to the festive spirit—and to love.

It’s 1941 and Christmas is approaching in St. Ives. Shy Lily wishes she could hide from the war. But when her friend Eva writes asking if she’ll join her in St. Ives, Lily can’t refuse. There are officers to nurse back to health and a Christmas party to plan. Eva came to St. Ives to be near Max, the stranger who almost gave his life protecting her from an air-raid. But the wounded pilot keeps pushing her away. Rose can’t help envying Eva, who turns too many heads. But when she suspects the orphanage next door is mistreating its charges, Eva is the only one who can help her.