On the spell-crossed Phaer Isle, young Xemion and his friend Saheli just made one little mistake, but now they’re in a fight for their own lives and the future of all Phaer. Up against Thralls, Triplicants, dragons, rage-wraiths, will they find the key to victory in the Great Kone, the source of all magic? And what will it cost them? Includes: The Paper Sword – Spell Crossed #1 After shaking hands with a man with a red hand, Xemion and Saheni must flee their forest home and cross dangerous lands haunted by creatures caught in the forces of conflicting spells, while being pursued by a traitorous Examiner. They head for the city of Ulde, where a rebellion is brewing against the ruthless rulers of Phaer Isle, the Pathans. Second Kiss – Spell Crossed #2 Young Xemion is at a crossroads. War looms on the horizon, and his dream of becoming a swordfighter is finally a reality, but without his warrior beloved, Saheli, by his side, he’s incomplete. He must break the spell that separates them and find his way back to her. For one more kiss.

A painted sword is their only protection from evil sorcery, strange creatures, and enemy forces. On the spell-crossed Phaer Isle, teenage Xemion dreams of being a great swordsman. When he finds a blade-shaped stick, he fashions it to look like a real sword. Knowing that the laws of their cruel Pathan conquerors would require a death sentence for possession of such an object, his friend Saheli demands he destroy it. He agrees, but insists on performing just one sword ceremony. When his mastery of the weapon, a skill long forgotten, is witnessed by a mysterious man named Vallaine, the two friends are invited to join a planned rebellion. At first they refuse, but when a sadistic official discovers their transgressions, they are forced to flee their home and embark on a dangerous journey to the ruins of the ancient city of Ulde, where rebel forces are gathering. Armed with only their wits and the painted sword, they face Thralls, Triplicants, dragons, rage-wraiths, and a host of other spell-crossed beings. As they approach the Great Kone, source of all spell-craft, Saheli’s fear of magic and Xemion’s attraction to it bind them in a crossed spell of their own — one that threatens to separate the two forever.

Notoriously bad at peopling, Isadora Savoie spends most of her time in the greenhouse or at the local animal shelter, using her Conduit powers of growth and healing. Content to remain in the background of the Savoie sister shenanigans, she’s reluctantly roped into the mystery of missing neighborhood girls. Now, she’s partnered with a flashy, flirty vampire to find them before it’s too late. Devraj Kumar has seen and done it all. Three hundred years roaming the earth as a Stygorn—a legendary vampire warrior who operates in the shadows—has its perks. But ennui has set in. That is, until he has a run-in—literally—with an intriguing witch while on a new assignment in New Orleans. Fascinated by her resistance to his charms, Devraj can’t help but push her buttons in an effort to get to know the shy witch. Fortunately for him, she’s been recruited by the Lord of Vampires to assist Devraj on the case. Between a Bollywood marathon, supernatural dating app, secret package, and sexy driving instruction, Isadora is in over her head. And Devraj? After just one taste, he’s playing for keeps.

This special two-book bundle collects the adventures in crime of opera star Marta Hendriks. In The Fallen One, Marta is onstage at the Metropolitan Opera in New York when she learns of her beloved husband’s death in a house fire. Fast-forward two years and countless therapy sessions, Marta is ready to resume her career. In a stroke of luck, she’s hired at the last moment to sing Violetta for the Paris Opera. She manages to keep her emotions under tight control and triumphs in the opening-night performance. During one of her rare days off, Marta spots someone: her husband. Marta fears she’s losing her mind – or did she actually see him? In Roses for a Diva, when Marta finds a bouquet of red roses in her dressing room after a performance, she’s surprised as well as charmed. The card only says "Roses for a Diva." And as miles and performances rack up in her globe-hopping career, the bouquets continue to mysteriously appear. But then strange things start happening in her private life. She’s certain someone has been in her apartment, breaking her most treasured possession. After calling in private investigator Shannon O’Brien, Marta is shocked to discover her entire life has been invaded. Includes The Fallen One Roses for a Diva

The present volume is based on the proceedings of the Advanced Study Institute (AS I) sponsored by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) held in Alvor, Algarve, Portugal. A number of scholars from different countries participated in the two-week institute on Cognitive and linguistic aspects of reading, writing, and spelling. The present papers are further versions with modifications and refinements from those presented at the Advanced Study Institute. Several people and organizations have helped us in this endeavor and their assistance is gratefully acknowledged. Our special thanks are to: the Scientific Affairs division of NATO for providing the major portions of the financial support, Dr. L.V. da Cunha of NATO and Dr. THo Kester and Mrs. Barbara Kester of the International Transfer of Science and Technology of the various aspects of the institute; and (ITST) for their help and support the staff of Hotel Alvor Praia for making our stay a pleasant one by helping us to run the institute smoothly.

"Canada's Bridget Jones" Gabrielle Bauer shares her journey of self-recognition in her memoirs of a life as a square peg in a round hole. Includes: Waltzing the Tango: A Late Boomer Dances to the Wrong Tune Bauer's hilarious memoir tells the story of her life as a square peg in a round hole. It’s a tale most women will not only identify with, but will also laugh along with - occasionally with the painful pangs of self-recognition. Tokyo, My Everest: A Canadian Woman in Japan By either folly or design, Gabrielle Bauer finds herself on a plane bound for Tokyo, leaving her career, home, and husband behind.

Best of Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings (The Yearling/ Cross Creek) (Set of 2 Books) by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings: Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings with "Best of Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings." This collection features two of Rawlings' most acclaimed works, "The Yearling" and "Cross Creek." Rawlings' storytelling captures the essence of rural Florida and the human connection to nature, making these books timeless classics.