Love has never been more dangerous. Companions are the kingdom’s most beautiful and educated women—possessions of Syrasan’s royal men. But the longstanding tradition is about to change. Prince Tyron never wanted a Companion, but now he cannot fathom a life without her. When a rebellious act brings brutal consequences, Tyron is reminded that his feelings for Aldara may be her biggest threat. With their future growing more uncertain, he will do whatever it takes to keep her safe. Aldara never wanted to be a Companion. The choice was made for her. She certainly never imagined that she would grow to love the prince more than her own freedom. But now the life they have built together is falling apart. Tyron wants her somewhere safe, far away from the threats clouding them. Separation is key. But is it enough? As the pair soon discovers, there are no safe havens. Tender and heart-stopping, The Common Girl is a story about love, sacrifice, and the roles that bind us. PLEASE NOTE: This is book two in The Companion series and is best read after book one, The Royal Companion.

In this interactive read-aloud perfect for fans of Beautiful Oops! and The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes, bestselling author and award-winning artist Patrick McDonnell creates a funny, engaging, and almost perfect story about embracing life's messes. Little Louie's story keeps getting messed up, and he's not happy about it! What's the point of telling his tale if he can't tell it perfectly? But when he stops and takes a deep breath, he realizes that everything is actually just fine, and his story is a good one--imperfections and all. Don't miss these other books by Patrick McDonnell: Me... Jane Hug Time The Gift of Nothing The Monster's Monster The Little Red Cat Who Ran Away and Learned His ABC's

"a stopcommoncore must-read." Michelle Malkin ". . . I could hardly put this book down until I finished reading it. . . . [T]his is not a dry read. It is a shocking read." Joy Pullmann, Heartland Institute "It wasn't until I started reading Dr. Moore's writings that I fully comprehended the significance of just what America was about to lose." Heather Crossin, Hoosiers Against Common Core What is the Common Core? How will the Common Core English Standards affect the teaching of great stories in our schools? Will there be any great stories left in the minds of our children when the Common Core has controlled the curriculum and testing of both public and private schools for a few years? What are the real purposes behind the educational coup that has taken place with very little public debate and even less understanding? In this book, school reformer and professor Dr. Terrence Moore carefully examines both the claims made by the architects of the Common Core and the hidden agenda behind the so-called reforms that have been adopted by over forty states in the nation, with very few people understanding what is really going on. Moore not only challenges the illiberal aims of this educational regime, but actually analyzes lessons recommended in the Common Core English Standards and in the new textbooks bearing the Common Core logo. Such a thorough review exposes the absurdity, superficiality, and political bias that can only serve to dumb down the nation's schools. Worse, the means that the Common Core uses is a deliberate undermining of the great stories of our tradition, the stories that in former times trained the minds and ennobled the souls of young people. Those stories are now under attack, and the minds and souls of the nation's children are in peril.

In this standalone mystery set in the world of the New York Times bestselling Greenglass House by an Edgar Award–winning author, a group of strangers trapped in an otherworldly inn slowly reveal their secrets, proving that nothing is what it seems and there's always more than one side to the story. The rain hasn't stopped for a week, and the twelve guests of the Blue Vein Tavern are trapped by flooded roads and the rising Skidwrack River. Among them are a ship’s captain, tattooed twins, a musician, and a young girl traveling on her own. To pass the time, they begin to tell stories—each a different type of folklore—that eventually reveal more about their own secrets than they intended. As the rain continues to pour down—an uncanny, unnatural amount of rain—the guests begin to realize that the entire city is in danger, and not just from the flood. But they have only their stories, and one another, to save them. Will it be enough? "Will dazzle seasoned Milford fans and kindle new ones." (Publishers Weekly starred review)

SHORTLISTED FOR THE COSTA FIRST NOVEL AWARD 2015 'Unsettling, deeply moving and very, very readable. I loved it' NATHAN FILER, The Shock of the Fall 'A striking and highly enjoyable debut' SOPHIE HANNAH Yasmin would give anything to have a friend . . . And do anything to keep one. The first time I saw you, you were standing at the far end of the playing field. You were looking down at your brown straggly dog, but then you looked up, your mouth going slack as your eyes clocked her. Alice Taylor. I was no different. I used to catch myself gazing at the back of her head in class, at her silky fair hair swaying between her shoulder blades. If you'd glanced just once across the field you'd have seen me standing in the middle on my own, looking straight at you, and you'd have gone back through the trees to the path quick, tugging your dog after you. You'd have known you'd given yourself away, even if only to me. But you didn't. You only had eyes for Alice.