Ann and Rhonda are fed up with the way the new, majority owners are changing The Beach House Hotel from the small, elegant hotel they once owned and operated into a tacky, South Beach wannabe property. What's their only recourse? Buy back the property to save it from getting even worse. And with the new management ruining Ann's daughter's plans for a Christmas Eve wedding, they have to get to work right away to regain control of the hotel. Facing a number of challenges along the way, including rumors of Vaughn's dalliance with Ann's old nemesis, Lily Dorio, Ann and Rhonda work to make it the best-ever Christmas at The Beach House Hotel.

 "...a joy to read!"  —Readers' Favorite

"In the Heart of a Mustang is one of the finest books ever written for teens and preteens." —Literary Classics

Hunter was told that his father was a brave soldier and virtuous man. Someone that Hunter needed to emulate. The only problem is that the whole story was a lie, all of it. The truth is that his father has spent the entirety of Hunter’s life in jail, paying his sorry debt to society. Angry and hurt, Hunter gets into some serious trouble and is sent to Promise Ranch, a home for troubled teenage boys. 

A wild mustang mare and her herd are rescued from certain starvation by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). In a sandy corral at Promise Ranch, Hunter and the mare meet. It takes a weathered, old cowboy to bring them together—a mentor for one, a trainer for the other. The bond that forms between boy and horse becomes one that saves the lives of both.

Awards:

2016 Literary Classics Gold Medalist
2016 Nautilus Book Awards Silver Medalist
2017 Readers' Favorite International Book Award Silver Medalist
2017 Equus Film Festival Gold Medalist

Author Bio:

M.J. Evans is the multi-award winning author of middle-grade and young adult fantasies and novels. She is best known for her horse stories such as In the Heart of a Mustang and PINTO!, as well as her fantasies, The Mist Trilogy and The Centaur Chronicles. Mrs. Evans is a life-long equestrian, a former teacher of middle-grade and high school students, and the proud mother of five grown children. She loves to ride her horses in the Colorado mountains.

Can a cat really start his own band? Warren the Honking Cat decides to do just that, and Little Honker and the Swinging Tails is born ... but not without some surprises A delightful read about creativity and persistence for second and third graders.

As featured on BBC Radio Devon, BBC Lincolnshire, BBC Wiltshire, BBC Berkshire, BBC Oxford and BBC Bristol

In life there's the fast lane, and then there's the scenic route. Take your time getting there and you might meet people whose stories are as gripping as those of any famous name.

In Not Quite Lost, Roz Morris celebrates the hidden dramas in the apparently ordinary. Her childhood home, with a giant star-gazing telescope on the horizon and a garden path that disappears under next door's house. A tour guide in Glastonbury who is having a real-life romance with a character from Arthurian legend. A unit on a suburban business park where people are preparing to deep-freeze each other when they die.

But even low-key travel has its hazards, and Roz nearly runs down several gentlemen from Porlock when her brakes give up on her. She takes her marriage vows in a language she doesn't speak, has a Strictly-style adventure when she stumbles into a job as a flashmob dancer, and hears an unexpected message in an experiment in ESP.

Wry, romantic, amused and wonder-struck, Not Quite Lost is an ode to the quiet places you never realised might tell you a tale.

About the Author
Morris, Roz: - "Roz Morris published nearly a dozen novels and achieved sales of more than 4 million copies - and nobody saw her name because she was a ghostwriter. She is now proudly publishing as herself and her work draws comparisons with Margaret Atwood, Ray Bradbury, Penelope Fitzgerald and Doris Lessing. Her novel Lifeform Three was longlisted for the World Fantasy Award. Her memoir Not Quite Lost was featured on 6 local BBC radio stations. She has also been a writing coach, editor and mentor for more than 20 years with award-winning authors among her clients. She has a book series for writers, Nail Your Novel (and a blog nailyournovel.com), and teaches creative writing masterclasses at venues throughout Europe and for The Guardian newspaper in London."

Inspector de Silva is caught up in the excitement when a professional theatre company comes to Nuala but matters take a dark turn when the company's actor manager is murdered. Our inspector has a new case to solve and he must consider some very unpalatable motives for the crime. He will need all his persistence, coupled with his wife, Jane's, invaluable help to unmask the villain of the piece.Set on the exotic island of Ceylon in the 1930s, The Inspector de Silva Mysteries provide a colourful and relaxing read spiced with humour and an engaging cast of characters.

What Amazon reviewers say about this series:

A Breath of Fresh Air
"What a delightful change of pace. I really liked the characters and the location. It took place during a gentler time without all the cruelty and violence that defines far too much of the books we see being published now. There is more than enough violence surrounding us today without having our escape to the land of books filled with it." Puzzler

Loving this super series"
I can imagine sitting out on the veranda sipping iced tea in the sweltering heat but with a constant reminder of the wilder side of Ceylon just over the other side of the high garden fence. Just stunning " Books from Dusk till Dawn

Must read police procedural set in pre-war Sri Lanka/Ceylon
"I started reading this series after a quick trip to Sri Lanka. Now I am hooked and read them as fast as they come out. Even if you have never been to Sri Lanka these books evoke an interesting period in history and the low-tech state of forensics in the 1930's. The clash of cultures is interesting as well. I can't say enough good things about this series." S.Smith

Layers upon Layers
"I don't remember how, exactly, I came upon the Nuala books, but just an hour ago I finished a binge read of all four of them. I love a well-written mystery, and these don't disappoint with their frequent literary allusions, interesting characters, and realistic sets of interpersonal challenges and conflicts.... There's always a new thread to be pulled, and all kinds of insights and events result from each pulling. These are absorbing stories, and I hope there will be more of them." Julie M. Drew

About the Author
Harriet Steel grew up in London and Wiltshire but now lives in Surrey. Married with two daughters, she has worked in fields from law to libraries. Her interests are travel, history and art, all of which have inspired the historical novels she wrote before turning to crime with The Inspector de Silva Mysteries. She reads widely, but in the mystery genre is particularly fond of vintage mysteries. She would love to go back in time for a day and have lunch with Hercule Poirot, tea with Miss Marple, and dinner at the Ritz with Lord Peter Wimsey.

Sentenced to be executed.

Betrayed. Alone.

Hanged on the gallows.

Rema thought her life was over, but she was wrong.

Saved by a rebel force she'd only ever heard rumors about, Rema finds herself in a forbidden place. She is finally safe--free from the king and Prince Lennek. But not everything is as it seems at the rebel fortress. Secrets are whispered, and loyalties are tested. Once Rema uncovers the truth of her heritage, will she flee? Or will she ascend to the throne, taking on the responsibility of an entire kingdom?

Now that Darmik knows Rema's true identity, he's on a quest to save her. But when an Emperion assassin arrives on Greenwood Island, Darmik knows he doesn't have very long to find her. In a deadly game with high stakes, will Darmik remain loyal to his family? Or will he break away and join the rebels?

Kingdoms rise and fall.

Heroes are born and made.

But one thing remains the same--love conquers all.

About the Author
Davis, Jennifer Anne: - Jennifer Anne Davis graduated from the University of San Diego with a degree in English and a teaching credential. She is currently a full-time writer and mother of three highly energetic children. Her days are spent living in imaginary worlds and fueling her own kids' creativity. She is the recipient of the San Diego Book Awards Best Published Young Adult Novel (2013), a finalist in the USA Best Book Awards (2014), and a finalist in the Next Generation Indie Book Awards (2014).

Seventeen-year-old Rema lives in a brutal kingdom where travel between regions is forbidden, people are starving, and looking at someone the wrong way can mean death. Nineteen-year-old Darmik is the king's son and Commander of the King's Army. He spends his days roaming the island, doing his father's bidding and trying to maintain control over the people.

When a chance encounter throws Rema and Darmik together, they share an instantaneous connection, but any sort of relationship between them is strictly forbidden. Darmik's brother, the Crown Prince, notices Darmik's interest in Rema and, in a calculated, political move, blackmails her. Faced with an impossible choice, Rema is forced to sacrifice her heart in order to save her family.

As Rema is taken to the palace with the Crown Prince, Darmik confronts the growing rumor that a legitimate blood heir to the throne exists and is trying to overthrow Darmik's family. In Darmik's quest to hunt down and kill the threat, he discovers that nothing is as it seems. Locked in the king's castle, Rema finds herself a key player in a massive power struggle. When Darmik shows up, she's not sure if she can trust him. The line between friends, enemies, and loyalty becomes blurred. As truths are unlocked, Rema understands that she just might be the key to finding the rightful heir and restoring peace to the kingdom . . . if she can manage to stay alive long enough.

About the Author
Davis, Jennifer Anne: - Jennifer Anne Davis graduated from the University of San Diego with a degree in English and a teaching credential. She is currently a full-time writer and mother of three highly energetic children. Her days are spent living in imaginary worlds and fueling her own kids' creativity. She is the recipient of the San Diego Book Awards Best Published Young Adult Novel (2013), a finalist in the USA Best Book Awards (2014), and a finalist in the Next Generation Indie Book Awards (2014).

1665. When Elise de Lesseps is sold in marriage to Lord Edward Asher, she resolves to be an obedient and dutiful wife, until, on their wedding night, she finds out exactly what her husband has in store for her. His request leaves her feeling shocked and humiliated, but being his chattel, she has no right to refuse. The consequences of that night seal Elise's fate, and set her on a path that will lead to heartbreak and tragedy.2013. Renowned archeologist, Dr. Quinn Allenby has a gift; she can see into the past when holding an object that belonged to the dead. When asked to host a BBC documentary called "Echoes from the Past," Quinn uses her gift to find out what really happened to the 17th century couple known only as "The Lovers," and unwittingly stumbles onto the secret of her own birth.

“An exceptional map for understanding the actions, decisions, market positioning and personal development that ultimately determine whether we have effectively managed our careers or fallen short." —John Koryl, President, Neiman Marcus Stores & Online

As a nationally respected executive recruiter, Chris Nadherny knows what it takes for professionals to get to the next level, and what holds them back. During his 30 years with Spencer Stuart—one of the world’s top executive recruiting firms—Nadherny conducted more than 700 search assignments for a wide-range of companies, assessed thousands of successful professionals and counseled many whose career paths have been disrupted or stalled.

More Reviews:

"Having read and prescribed many career books, this would be my absolute top choice. The author's perspective is unique in that his vast executive search experience provides insight both from a company's view as well as from the prospective executive. Together, they form a mosaic of what really defines exceptional talent and how this should guide one's career decisions. Chris Nadherny has created a career management reference guide that will prove invaluable for many aspiring executives in the years to come." —Fred Ley, SVP Corporate HR and Global Talent Management and Acquisition, Walmart, Inc.

"In Proactive Executive Chris Nadherny has consolidated his decades of learnings in the executive search business to create an invaluable blueprint for optimizing your career. His book is packed full of insights, practical how-to's and suggestions for aspiring C-suite professionals. The lessons that he shares are particularly relevant in today's ultra-competitive marketplace." —Jody Bilney, SVP and Chief Consumer Officer, Humana, Inc.

"Want help in improving your career? Then read this book before it's too late. Chris Nadherny turns 30 years of executive search experience into a reference guide that offers invaluable advice for executives at every stage of their careers." —Gian Fulgoni, ‎Co-Founder & CEO at comScore, Inc.

"Chris Nadherny shares his considerable experience as a national C-suite recruiter to capture the most critical, but often overlooked, elements of professional development and career planning in his book, The Proactive Executive. His book is full of proven and practical advice, insights, how-to's, action steps and real life case studies to guide your journey. A great read!" —Kimberly Williams, CEO, Consumer Safety Technologies

"Today as you move up an organization or change companies in a leadership position, you need the total package. Chris Nadherny outlines the steps needed to prepare yourself in advance for a significant career move, and to make sure it is the right one. Importantly, his approach makes these difficult steps achievable." —Roger Adams, Chief Marketing Officer, Fortune 500 diversified financial services company, Board Member, Association of National Advertisers.

"Read this book! No fluff here. Only practical tools and 'hard' career management skills that are guaranteed to result in positive career and personal growth. This is a 'go to' resource successful executives can pick up throughout their careers." —John Seebeck, VP and General Manager ECommerce, CDW, Inc.

"Physician heal thyself hasn't typically been relevant advice for business executives. Until now. Chris Nadherny's Proactive Executive does just that. This book reminds smart, strategic, and effective executives, who have mastered goal setting, planning, execution and monitoring, to apply these very talents to managing their own careers. Starting with the most important trait, self-awareness, Chris brings evidence in the form of examples and cases proving the qualities, and then the strategic actions that he's seen work over a stellar career of his own in executive search." —Tom Collinger, Executive Director Medill IMC/Spiegel Digital and Database Research Initiative, Northwestern University

"I have known Chris for nearly 20 years as a candidate, client and friend. This book powerfully distills career management insights from the thirty year career of someone I consider to be one of the world's most respected search executives. The detailed case studies, what-if scenarios, lessons learned and proactive action plans he lays out will be invaluable to executives at any stage in their career." —Love Goel, CEO, GVG Capital

"It's easy as an executive to be so focused on your job that you forget to manage your career. Nadherny's The Proactive Executive is filled with savvy observations and practical suggestions to help even the most successful executives improve the odds of building successful, long-term careers.  I loved the real-world examples, and I have already earmarked a bunch of pages that I'll be going back to. The Proactive Executive is a must read for any modern executive!" —David Spitz, CEO, ChannelAdvisor

"Today's business environment requires leaders to manage multiple, complex initiatives while reacting to new information on an ongoing basis. Good leaders almost always have a proactive plan to handle these challenges. Perhaps the toughest project any leader faces is the long-term management of his or her career through the series of changes in their personal situation and the rapidly evolving marketplace. In his new book, The Proactive Executive, Chris Nadherny provides an excellent roadmap for managing your most important business project—your career. The Proactive Executive provides a career's worth of practical perspective, insights, suggestions and "how to" tips designed to keep you ahead of the curve and achieving greater personal career success." —Michael Linton, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, Farmers Group Insurance, Inc.

"I wish this book had been written sooner! There is lots of wisdom here that I could have used in my own career. I am overnighting The Proactive Executive to both my adult kids. Chris Nadherny's insight and advice is that important." —Bill Bass, Chairman, Black Wolf Group

 

 

Author Bio:
As a nationally recognized C-level recruiter, I spent 30 years with Spencer Stuart, a leading global executive search firm. My early career was in brand marketing after receiving a Wharton MBA. While at Spencer Stuart my executive search clients included leading Fortune 500 companies, private equity portfolio companies, and later stage start-ups. Along the way, I assessed the track records and backgrounds of over five thousand aspiring and C-suite executives. The insights and observations gained from these assessments provided me with unique perspective on how successful careers are formed. I also counseled many other executives whose careers had become derailed.

After many years in the recruiting trenches, I decided to leave Spencer Stuart with the goal of helping executives achieve greater professional success through proactive and thoughtful career planning and management. In my forthcoming book, The Proactive Executive: A C-Suite Recruiters 5-Step System for Achieving Greater Career Success, I share the best of my 30 years’ worth of observations, learnings and insights. The book provides practical, straightforward advice, action steps and how to’s for immediately improving your career prospects, job satisfaction and earnings potential. My hope is that this book will positively influence the careers of many executives, including yours.

When Rema chose to be crowned queen and join the rebel forces, she knew she'd face the fight of her life. What she didn't expect was to be kidnapped by an Emperion assassin and taken to the mainland to be executed in front of the emperor. How can she save Greenwood Island if she can't even save herself?

Darmik knows he doesn't have much time to rescue Rema. He's denounced his position as Commander and Prince in order to join the rebels. But now he must rely on his family name in order to go before the Emperor--his uncle--and beg for Rema's life.

If Rema and Darmik have any hope of being together and saving their kingdom, they must survive the greatest threat of all--Emperion.

This is the heart-pounding conclusion to The True Reign Series.

About the Author
Davis, Jennifer Anne: - Jennifer Anne Davis graduated from the University of San Diego with a degree in English and a teaching credential. She is currently a full-time writer and mother of three highly energetic children. Her days are spent living in imaginary worlds and fueling her own kids' creativity. She is the recipient of the San Diego Book Awards Best Published Young Adult Novel (2013), a finalist in the USA Best Book Awards (2014), and a finalist in the Next Generation Indie Book Awards (2014).