"Die Wege der Menschen deuten ein bestimmtes Ende voraus, auf das sie hinfuhren, wenn man auf ihnen beharrt. Aber wenn man von den Wegen abweicht, andert sich auch das Ende."??In der Erzahlung "Der Weihnachtsabend" begegnet uns eine Wandlung der besonderen Art: der geizige und mitleidslose, nur auf sein Geld fixierte Geschaftsmann Ebenezar Scrooge wird am Heilig Abend mit seinem Schicksal konfrontiert. Bevor dies geschieht, fuhrt ihn uns Dickens jedoch in seiner ganzen seelischen Verhartung vor, beschreibt ihn uns und schildert uns seinen Charakter. Seinen armen Schreiber Cratchit laBt er trotz eisiger Kalte bei einem kaum noch selbst von der Fantasie erkennbaren Glimmen der Kohle in der Feuerstelle arbeiten, seinen Neffen, der ihm einen frohlichen WeihnachtsgruB geben will, wirft er mit dem Wort "Possen" hinaus und dem Sammler milder Gaben fur die Bedurftigen erwidert er nur: "Gibt es denn keine Gefangnisse mehr?"??.. Und so geschieht es. Dem angsterfullten Scrooge erscheinen zur jeweils angekundigten Stunde Geister: der der vergangenen, der gegenwartigen Weihnacht und als letzter der zukunftigen Weihnacht. Sie fuhren ihn zuruck in die Zeit seiner Kindheit, in der Scrooge ein normaler, aufgeweckter Knabe war, ein Schuler, ein Lehrling in einem Geschaft, er schaut auf seine erste Liebe zuruck, die sich von ihm dem das Geld immer wichtiger wurde, weinend trennt … Sie zeigen ihm das Leben seines armen Schreibers zu Hause, fuhren in an die Tafel seines Neffen, an der er so manche Wahrheit uber sich hort und vor allem zeigen sie ihm seine eigene Zukunft, in der er allein sein wird, ausgeraubt noch in der Sterbestunde von menschlichen Geiern, verscharrt in der Erde mit einem Grabstein, vor dem er weinend kniet und seinen Namen liest…??Am nachsten Morgen ist Ebenezar Scrooge gelautert. Frohlichen Herzens geht er durch die kalten, weihnachtlichen StraBen der Stadt, entbietet den Entgegenkommenden seinen GruB und besucht schlieBlich seinen Neffen, dessen Einladung er am Vorabend noch so unwirsch ablehnte. Naturlich ist er hier willkommen und der gewandelte Scrooge feiert voll Freude Weihnachten im Kreis seiner Angehorigen, mit der Aussicht, das er es in der Hand hat, sein Leben zu andern und damit auch sein Ende.??Das ist naturlich eine sentimentale Geschichte mit einer fast schon brachial dargebotenen Moral, aber sie passt, sie ist stimmig, voller Atmosphare und es ist die Meisterschaft Dickens, den Leser schnurstracks mitzunehmen, zuruckzufuhren in diese Zeit vor uber 150 Jahren, eine Zeit der Kalte, der Armut auch sowie des Reichtums, ungleich verteilt beide, kaum abgemildert durch die Gesellschaft, der eine moralische Verpflichtung den sozial Schwachen gegenuber noch fremd war. Einzelne kummern sich zwar, aber sie sind auf die Unterstutzung der Reichen angewiesen, Menschen wie dem "alten" Scrooge, die sich in der Borse mehr zu Hause fuhlen wie in ihrer Stube. Es ist die (immer noch sehr aktuelle) Frage, was mir das Geld nutzt, wenn um mich herum Kalte ist und Einsamkeit, wenn ich mir zwar dies und das kaufen konnte, es aber aus Geiz nicht mache…??Man, jeder hat sein Leben, sein Schicksal in der Hand, so die Moral dieser Erzahlung. Wenn man sein Ende bedenkt, sich vorstellt, wie man zukunftig leben will und vor allem auch sterben, so gibt einem dies die Richtschnur dafur sein Handeln. Eine durchaus "moderne" Lehre, die uns heutzutage in anderer Formulierung begegnet: Der Wunsch nach einem "guten" Tod fuhrt automatisch zu einem "guten" Leben, denn (sehr verkurzt gesagt) nur mit einem solchen lade ich keine/wenig Schuld auf mich, die mich im Sterben belasten konnte.??Aber unabhangig davon ist "Der Weihnachtsabend" eine schone, sentimentale Geschichte, die einfach passt in einen langen Winterabend, in eine warme Stube, wenn Wind und Wetter drauBen toben, wenn Schnee fallt und Eis klirrt, Gluhwein und Kakao die Hande warmen… Ein schones Buchlein auch zum Vorlesen, zum Zuhoren, zum Traumen.. und nicht zuletzt auch zum Verschenken!

From New York Times best-selling author, Kim Harrison, comes the first book in her brilliant Hollows series; packed with the perfect balance of wry humour and thrilling action, which will delight fans of thrillers and fantasy alike. Rachel Morgan lives in a world where a bioengineered virus wiped out most of the world's human population – exposing the existence of supernatural communities that had long lived alongside humanity. It’s her job as a white witch working for Inderland Security to protect the humans from things that go bump in the night. For the last five years Rachel has been tracking down lawbreaking Inderlanders in modern-day Cincinnati, but now she wants to leave and start her own agency. Her only problem: no one quits the I.S. Marked for death, Rachel will have to fend off fairy assassins and homicidal werewolves armed to the teeth with deadly curses. Unless she can appease her former employers by exposing the city's most prominent citizen as a drug lord, she might just be a dead witch walking.

Rescued by a gorgeous stranger… A secluded cabin nestled in the Rocky Mountains is the perfect place for Melody Crawford to hide from the world. With her two faithful dogs, she fearlessly puts her life on the line to rescue missing people…but the rest of her life is a mystery. Ex-Army Ranger John North needs Melody’s help. She knows the unforgiving mountains better than anyone. He knows Melody sees him as an outsider, but this enigmatically beautiful woman calls to the man inside him. She needs to trust him, and come what may he’ll break down her barriers – kiss by snowy kiss… Heart to Heart Where laughter, tears – and happy endings – are guaranteed!

Day one in Paramatta’s ER, and surgical director Jennifer Thorngate’s head is in a spin – she’s just met gorgeous surgeon Jasper Edwards! Simply being near him makes her sizzle. But Jennifer is determined not to allow her personal and professional worlds to collide… Her resolve is tested to the limit when she meets Jasper’s little girls! Watching the loving single dad with his twins puts the smile back on Jennifer’s face…a smile that brings Jasper’s heart back to life. Jasper is left with only one option：he must convince Jennifer that together they can all have the most wonderful life.

In case you’re wondering, this is not a love story. Chapters 8-27 of the outstanding debut novel, Solitaire. My name is Tori Spring. I like to sleep and I like to blog. Last year – before all that stuff with Charlie and before I had to face the harsh realities of A-Levels and university applications and the fact that one day I really will have to start talking to people – I had friends. Things were very different, I guess, but that’s all over now. Now there’s Solitaire. And Michael Holden. I don’t know what Solitaire are trying to do, and I don’t care about Michael Holden. I really don’t. This incredible debut novel by outstanding young author Alice Oseman is perfect for fans of John Green, Rainbow Rowell and all unflinchingly honest writers.

In case you’re wondering, this is not a love story. Chapters 28-44 of the heartbreaking debut novel, Solitaire. My name is Tori Spring. I like to sleep and I like to blog. Last year – before all that stuff with Charlie and before I had to face the harsh realities of A-Levels and university applications and the fact that one day I really will have to start talking to people – I had friends. Things were very different, I guess, but that’s all over now. Now there’s Solitaire. And Michael Holden. I don’t know what Solitaire are trying to do, and I don’t care about Michael Holden. I really don’t. This incredible debut novel by outstanding young author Alice Oseman is perfect for fans of John Green, Rainbow Rowell and all unflinchingly honest writers.

Nurse Nadia Smith is devoted to the fragile lives in the neonatal intensive care unit. The loss of her own baby has made her care that much more for her tiny patients. Her heart becomes particularly attached to a special set of twins...and their daddy. Single dad Dr. Gideon West refuses to leave the sides of his premature newborn twins for even a second. They are the most precious things in the world. Nadia is taken with the gorgeous doctor, and it is clear to Gideon she has already fallen head over heels in love with his beautiful babies. It's not long before he begins to realize what a wonderful wife and mother Nadia would make--if only she would open her heart to him.

A classic Agatha Christie short story, available individually for the first time as an ebook. A woman leaves a fancy dress ball early and is later found to have died from a drugs overdose. Hercule Poirot investigates in this, the first story written about him.

SHE WANTED TO HAVE HIS BABY As a nurse at the city's busiest birth center, Lara Mancini knew all about delivering babies. But what she really wanted was a child of her own, and her secret crush–handsome, charming Dr. Derek Cross–was ideal father material. Didn't he have an adorable five-year-old son to prove it? But her biological clock was nearing its final countdown. So Lara would have to light a fire under her reticent boss and do more than steal a passionate kiss in a trapped elevator. Because she didn't just want Derek's baby–she wanted everything that went with it, including a march down the aisle with this sexy single dad….

A mini-series of four titles aimed at 6 – 8 year old girls on the theme of bridesmaids – a role that every little girl longs to play! THE SUNNY BRIDESMAID Molly’s brother James is marrying Chloe, an Australian girl, on a tropical beach. A laid back bride, Chloe has told Molly she can choose her own dress. Molly’s choice of dress is not ideal for a hot climate, however she makes such fuss, her Mum lets her have it. However when she gets to Australia – shock, horror, her luggage has been mislaid so she and Chloe have to buy her a new outfit – a sarong and skimpy top, perfect for a hot beach wedding. James is football mad and after the wedding he celebrates by a game of footie on the beach. Unfortunately he gets sun-stroke leaving his bride dancing the night away with her favourite sunny bridesmaid!

A Christmas Wedding Christmas has arrived in the small town of Ballarat – along with paediatrician Summer Hoyts and her young son! Summer left the city for a fresh start, so she’s not about to act on her unexpected attraction to her handsome new colleague Jason Daniels… Jason’s ex-wife never wanted children, so he gave up on his hopes for a family. But Summer and little Tommy have stolen his heart. He soon finds himself wanting a very special gift this year – and vows to make this single mum his bride by Christmas!

CAN LOVE CONQUER ALL? Devastated by the discovery of a terrible family secret, Patrick Devaney put a No Trespassing sign on his battered heart and shut out the world. Then Alice Newberry, who had her own wounds to heal, burst into his life and coaxed him out of hiding with her red-hot kisses. Alice's soft brown eyes saw right through Patrick's defenses to the sorrow he'd tried to bury. The enchanting kindergarten teacher taught him a powerful lesson about love and forgiveness, and encouraged him to hope again. But before he could truly claim Alice as his own, Patrick had to face the greatest challenge of his life–his past.

The third book in the delightful series, set in Carrington’s Department Store. Alexandra Brown’s new novel, Ice Creams at Carrington’s, has been serialized into 4 parts – this is PART 3 OF 4 (Chapters 16 to 22 of 26). *The first three parts of Ice Creams at Carrington’s are being released every few days from 22nd May 2014, before the full novel is published. The final part will be released on 5th June 2014, when the full novel will also be available to buy in ebook and paperback* Georgie Hart and Carrington’s Department Store have got the world at their feet. Since a reality TV series put them both on the map, life has been amazing! Carrington’s profits are in the pink, Georgie has carved herself a place in the nation’s heart and even better, her romance with Tom, the store’s boss, has finally blossomed after a shaky start. Now summertime has come to Mulberry-on-Sea and Georgie is in great demand. The town is holding a big summer festival and she and her mates from Carrington’s are planning on making sure that Mulberry puts on the show of its life! But Georgie is about to get the offer of a lifetime – one that is just too good to turn down and something that will test her loyalties to their limits… Will Georgie be able to pull off it off once again, or has her luck finally run out?

A wise and witty 68-page short story that is full of Christmas cheer from the best-selling author and TV presenter, Fern Britton. This will be one Christmas they’ll never forget… Piran Ambrose is the epitome of brooding male. But Pendruggan’s Mr Rochester is in danger of becoming its Ebeneezer Scrooge when he is driven to distraction by the villager’s over-the-top Christmas celebrations. How could the cringeworthy amateur village production of Aladdin bring seasonal cheer to anyone, he wonders? And do the village children really have to arrive at his cottage door every single night in December with their terrible recorders and discordant singing? But when Piran’s bad temper risks spoiling Christmas for everyone, something drastic needs to be done. So, over one Christmas Eve, three very special people pay Piran a visit, determined to show him what Christmas is really all about…

A seventh title in the popular Bridesmaids series aimed at 6 – 8 year old girls, but not excluding the boys! Sophie looks as if butter wouldn’t melt in her mouth. She was going to make the perfect bridesmaid. But Sophie has a new puppy and she is determined not to leave him behind when she goes to the wedding. It’s a good job she has a big basket of flowers – just big enough, in fact, to hide a little puppy. But keeping the puppy in the basket for the whole of the wedding proves impossible !

A sixth title in the popular Bridesmaids series aimed at 6 – 8 year old girls, but not excluding the boys! Milly’s brother is getting married to a girl in England and Milly is coming over with him to be bridesmaid. When she sees her outfit – red velvet and furry accessories, she thinks she’s in some kind of a time warp! After all, she’s a trendy little Australian miss! But when the snow starts to fall, the roads are blocked and she has to get to the wedding on a sledge she soon changes her mind. Now she thinks she’s in the middle of a fairy-tale!

Rise back up to the floating city of Internment in this original e-novella, a dark look at life in the royal family after the events of Perfect Ruin. When King Furlow begins to treat Prince Azure as the heir apparent that he is, he takes him to see the “re-education camps” for wrong-thinkers. But as he enters the camps, Azure discovers the dark underbelly of the kingdom – and the king himself. His view of his father can never be the same, but what about his view of himself?

Sergeant Richard Sharpe witnesses a murderous act of treachery and, with Sir Arthur Wellesley, faces the Mahratta Horde. The paths of treachery all lead to the small village of Assaye. Outnumbered and outgunned, Wellesley, with a diminished British army, plunges his men into the white heat of battle. A battle that will make his reputation, and perhaps Sharpe’s too. Soldier, hero, rogue – Sharpe is the man you always want on your side. Born in poverty, he joined the army to escape jail and climbed the ranks by sheer brutal courage. He knows no other family than the regiment of the 95th Rifles whose green jacket he proudly wears.

An Outback wedding – for the single mum! A highly successful, happily married Sydney surgeon, Henry Harcourt once had everything – until he lost his wife. Two years on, he’s about to have his first taste of Outback life – and an unforgettable encounter with the local GP: beautiful, bubbly Rayne Hudson! Henry sees the generosity in Rayne as she cares for the close-knit community and raises a little orphaned girl. But there is a secret vulnerability hidden away in her heart. Together they could find what they’ve both been longing for – if the city surgeon can convince Rayne that she should be his bride.

Surgeon Megan Edwards must have left her common sense at home – she’s just agreed to go on a date with a handsome stranger… Firstly, she doesn’t do dates. And secondly, it turns out that the drop-dead gorgeous mystery man is actually her new colleague, surgeon Loughlin McCloud! After being jilted at the altar, romance isn’t on Megan’s agenda – but it isn’t long before this single dad and his daughter charm their way into Megan’s heart. Suddenly Megan finds marriage and motherhood unexpectedly creeping back into her thoughts… Bachelor Dads Single Doctor… Single Father!

A mini-series of titles aimed at 6 – 8 year old girls on the theme of bridesmaids – a role that every little girl longs to play! The Grumpy Bridesmaid Izzy is fed up. Her sister is getting married on the same day as her pony club Gymkhana. The day she was supposed to ride Crackers in the Chase Me Charlie Competition. Not even being a bridesmaid can cheer her up until her sister announces she wants a horse and carriage to take her to the wedding. Izzy comes to the rescue when Crackers refuses to budge at a traffic light and she has to don riding hat and ridge him to the church – in her bridesmaid dress!