Chardonnay and shopping trolleys. A visit to the psychiatrist and a trip to another planet. A famous footballer and a hitman who reads Hemingway. A church, a supermarket and the legend of King Arthur. A man from Riga who wears his shoes on the wrong feet. An art gallery security guard watches the world go by. Planes, trains and a space elevator. Kitchen appliances, satellite TV and a fully equipped chips irrevocator.

Tales of human history at world's end -- of the explorers, adventurers and settlers who have ventured to the Galápagos Islands since their discovery four centuries ago.

“What caused the American Revolution? This is indeed a rhetorical question that for many years historians have begun chapters with. As well they should. For the American Revolution is without a doubt the single most important historical event to occur in this nation except of course for Super Bowl III (Jets 16. Colts 7. This historian won $35).” So goes the skewed sensibility, the muddied mind, the bent pen of one of America's funniest writers, Dave Barry. This time his subject is U.S. history, the way it's never been told before. Every single momentous event and crucial moment is covered, including . . . • The Birthing Contractions of a Nation • Kicking Some British Butt • Barging Westward • The Forging of a Large, Wasteful Bureaucracy • Deep Economic Doo-doo • The Fifties: Peace, Prosperity, Brain Death . . . and right up through the scintillating Reagan-Bush years, during which, Mr. Barry notes, America is steadfastly Napping Toward Glory. If you love to laugh, if you love your country, if you are unaware that “the Sixth Amendment states that if you are accused of a crime, you have a right to a trial before a jury of people too stupid to get out of jury duty,” Dave Barry Slept Here is the book you've been waiting for since 1776. Or at least since Super Bowl III. Praise for Dave Barry Slept Here “A dazzling performance . . . Barry is brilliant.”—The Washington Post Book World “[Dave] Barry turns his formidable wit to the subject of American history, with a result reminiscent of the Reduced Shakespeare Company: The better you know the original, the funnier it gets.”—Los Angeles Times “I fear that Mr. Barry's dream of making millions of dollars through mass sales of his book to a captive audience of innocent schoolchildren will not be realized, and he will have to be content with making readers laugh a lot, as this one did.”—The New York Times Book Review

There's no hiding from the world's most mischievous matchmaker! Once, Joy and Ryan Holt had come together in a blaze of passion. Now the best part of their union—their matchmaking daughter Christy—has run away on Christmas, forcing Joy and Ryan to follow her to a romantic mountain retreat. Powerless but to stir embers of the fire that once burned bright, Joy found Ryan in her bed on Christmas night, wearing nothing but a Santa hat and a revealing smile that said he knew everything about Joy... But Ryan was about to find out she had kept one little secret all these years....

Genre: Comedy Characters: 4 males, 4 females Scenery: Interior A Hollywood writer in need of some research material finds Susan, a 17 year old delinquent, on his doorstep on a rainy Christmas Eve. He learns her life, decides he wont let her be sent to the prison farm, and therefore contrives to have her marry him in Las Vegas. Before she awakens after their all night ride back, Joe leaves for his mountain cabin to write a play about Susan. In his absence, Joes old Navy pal talks Susan into studying acting. Finally Joes play opens with Susan in the cast, and she immediately becomes the talk of Broadway. However, she walks out on the play to go back to Joe, who has since realized how much he really loved her. She has little trouble convincing him that age differences mean nothing when two people love each other.

Santa's Library: 400+ Christmas Novels, Stories, Poems, Carols & Legends presents an unparalleled collection that traverses the vast landscapes of Christmas literature, encapsulating the essence of the season through a remarkable diversity of perspectives and literary styles. From the poignant tales of Charles Dickens and the lyrical verses of William Wordsworth to the imaginative creations of L. Frank Baum and the folkloric compilations by the Brothers Grimm, this anthology offers a comprehensive exploration of Christmas narratives. These works, varying from the profoundly religious to the whimsically secular, collectively highlight the multifaceted nature of the holiday and its universal appeal across cultures and generations, weaving a rich tapestry of festivity, reflection, joy, and unity. The editors have meticulously curated works from an impressive array of authors, each contributing their unique voice to the overarching theme of Christmas. The collection spans several centuries, featuring seminal figures in literature such as Shakespeare and Chekhov, alongside influential cultural icons like Booker T. Washington and Hans Christian Andersen. This blend of literary giants, rooted in diverse historical, cultural, and social milieus, significantly enriches the anthologys exploration of Christmas, allowing for a multifarious examination of its customs, its ethos, and its impact on human empathy and moral values. Through this historic and cultural lens, readers gain a deeper appreciation for the holiday's role in shaping literary and societal narratives. Santa's Library offers readers an exceptional opportunity to delve into the Christmas spirit as envisioned by over a hundred of the worlds most beloved writers. It opens a window to the holiday's universal themes of hope, generosity, and peace, celebrated through a multitude of voices and styles. Enthusiasts of literature and Christmas alike will find in this expansive anthology a treasure trove of Christmas cheer, historical insight, and literary excellence. It's an invitation to explore the depth and breadth of the Christmas experience, making it an essential addition to any bookshelf for both its educational value and its capacity to inspire and unite through the power of storytelling.

Indulge in the enchanting holiday spirit with Santa's Secret by Heidi McLaughlin, the New York Times bestselling author of Forever My Girl: The Motion Picture. This sweet and captivating second chance romance will whisk you away to a world filled with love, laughter, and the magic of the holiday season. As the air turns chilly and the festive season approaches, Delaney Du Luca finds herself with unexpected plans for the holidays. After a public breakup with her B-list actor boyfriend, she ditches her Hollywood dreams of sun and sand to seek solace in her quaint Vermont hometown. With visions of her favorite holiday cookies and much-needed rest and relaxation, Delaney embarks on a journey that will forever change her life. Aiden Fisher, still reeling from the loss of his wife, faces the town's scrutiny as he becomes the subject of jokes and rumors. When he pulls over the town's sweetheart, Delaney, in a traffic incident, his already tumultuous life takes another unexpected turn. With the return of his high school girlfriend, now a renowned actress, Aiden struggles to keep his past at bay while balancing the demands of his devoted daughter and avoiding the pitfalls of old memories. With Santa's sleigh poised for takeoff, the only missing ingredient is the enchantment of mistletoe. Join Delaney and Aiden on a heartwarming journey as they navigate the complexities of love, redemption, and the undeniable magic of the holiday season.