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万本电子书0元读

Free Sampler of The Sea Sisters (Chapters 1–6)
Free Sampler of The Sea Sisters (Chapters 1–6)
Lucy Clarke
¥11.77
“a terrific summer read” Richard & Judy Two sisters, one life-changing journey… This is a free sample of the first six chapters (of 33) of the novel THE SEA SISTERS, by Lucy Clarke. There are some currents in the relationship between sisters that run so dark and so deep, it’s better for the people swimming on the surface never to know what’s beneath . . . Katie’s carefully structured world is shattered by the news that her headstrong younger sister, Mia, has been found dead in Bali – and the police claim it was suicide. With only the entries of Mia’s travel journal as her guide, Katie retraces the last few months of her sister’s life, and – page by page, country by country – begins to uncover the mystery surrounding her death. What she discovers changes everything. But will her search for the truth push their sisterly bond – and Katie – to breaking point? The Sea Sisters is a compelling story of the enduring connection between sisters.
A Small Boy’s Cry
A Small Boy’s Cry
Rosie Lewis
¥11.77
A heartbreaking and shocking short story from foster carer Rosie Lewis. Toddler Charlie falls from the second floor window of his tower block home while his mother is busy shooting up in their dirty council flat. Laying alone on a pile of rubbish until concerned neighbours hear him whimpering, Charlie is taken to hospital by police officers who are unable to rouse his mother. With a gash to his head, a terrified Charlie is delivered to foster carer Rosie Lewis’s home. As Charlie opens up about his past, a picture of the traumatic life the little boy has endured so far becomes clear.
The 13th Gift: Part Two (HarperTrue Life – A Short Read)
The 13th Gift: Part Two (HarperTrue Life – A Short Read)
Joanne Huist Smith
¥11.77
A true Christmas story of a family suffering their darkest moments finding strength and love from a surprise Christmas miracle. December 1999: It was the Christmas season, but Joanne Smith was numb. She wished she could just go to sleep and wake up on December 26. No singing. No laughter. No shopping. She typically enjoyed the holidays, but this year she couldn’t celebrate. Her beloved husband of almost twenty years had died two months previously. What had once been a happy home was now devastated, leaving her and her three children drowning in grief. Until they were thrown a lifeline. Twelve days before Christmas, Jo was in the midst of rushing her kids to school, when she discovered a poinsettia sitting on her doorstep with a card, signed cryptically by her “true friends.” That seemingly small gift was the turning point for the Smith family, as over the course of the twelve days of Christmas, a new gift arrived daily. The mystery of the Christmas presents – specifically, the generosity and kindness behind them – worked its magic on the Smiths as the family knitted back together. They rose out of their grief and latched onto the hope they suddenly felt again: that with love, with community, and with family, even the most broken hearts can be mended.
You Are Destined To Be Together Forever [an Odd Thomas short story]
You Are Destined To Be Together Forever [an Odd Thomas short story]
Dean Koontz
¥11.77
Odd Thomas’s singular journey is approaching its unforgettable conclusion in SAINT ODD. But before Odd’s destiny is revealed, this exclusive eBook short story looks back to where it all began for Odd Thomas and Stormy Llewellyn, two souls who are destined to be together forever. Odd Thomas, a 16 year old fry-cook with a gift for seeing the recently deceased, and his girlfriend Stormy Llewellyn (and in the backseat, the spirit of Elvis Presley) are on their way to the annual carnival when a man with a machete embedded in his neck hurls himself into their borrowed car, with all the nimble grace of the lingering dead. Someone, somewhere close by is in imminent danger. Odd and Stormy must postpone their visit to the fair and its fortune-telling machine in order to avert a brutal crime…
Snake Typhoon!
Snake Typhoon!
Billie Jones
¥11.77
Move over Lara Croft, there’s a new action hero in town! When unseasonable weather hits the sunshine city of Brisbane, a freak typhoon terrorizes the citizens. It’s not just any typhoon though, it’s a snake typhoon! And the deadliest snakes in Australia, with venomous fangs are flying straight for Kez. Kez is the new girl in the office and she’s desperately fighting to prove herself, but what’s a girl to do when faced with a typhoon of snakes coming straight for her helicopter? These flying diabolical snakes will stop at nothing to kill their victims and Kez only has one option: Figure out how to stop a snake typhoon and save the world… or die trying!
Movie Bliss: A Hopeless Romantic Seeks Movies to Love
Movie Bliss: A Hopeless Romantic Seeks Movies to Love
Heidi Rice
¥11.77
The Romance Lover's Guide to Movie Must-Sees If you adore Sleepless in Seattle and Pride and Prejudice and The Avengers, then you want a movie guide aimed at women like you. Women who enjoy romances and more! You like both a good kiss and a good knockout and refuse to be categorized-but you wish someone like you would recommend movies. Which brings Harlequin author and professional movie critic Heidi Rice to the rescue. Whether it's nonstop action with a little heart 'n' soul, sweetly adorable cartoons, a classic black-and-white screwball comedy or that under-the-radar flick that you never knew you were missing, Heidi Rice will lead you through her must-sees and why you will also enjoy them. From Ryan Gosling's six-pack to that iconic orgasm sandwich delivered by Meg Ryan, right up to the double whammy of hotties in Prisoners (Gyllenhaal and Jackman)—there's a little something for everyone. And a little something for that teenager inside you who's ready to watch "nekkid" man-candy and spend two hours falling in love all over again….
Pride, Prejudice and Popcorn (Pop!, Book 1)
Pride, Prejudice and Popcorn (Pop!, Book 1)
Carrie Sessarego
¥11.77
Three great love stories that started it all… Jane Eyre, Pride and Prejudice and Wuthering Heights are three of the greatest novels in English literature. Now joining them is Pride, Prejudice and Popcorn, a decidedly different take on these classics. You will laugh with delight as you learn: — The importance of thoroughly investigating your employers before accepting a job at their isolated, creepy house (Jane Eyre) — The sad fact that not every bad boy has a heart of gold (Wuthering Heights) — How to make a proper proposal—and how not to. Hint: don't insult your beloved while attempting to talk her into marriage! (Pride and Prejudice) Join blogger and romance aficionado Carrie Sessarego (smartbitchestrashybooks.com) as she takes us to the movies with Jane and Liz and Cathy. In her own unique, hilarious style she discusses the books and the various movie and TV adaptations. Your living room will be graced by heartthrobs like Timothy Dalton (twice!), Colin Firth (he shows up twice, too!), Michael Fassbender and Tom Hardy. Whether you are in the mood for serious academic discussion or lighthearted snark, whether you prefer Regency romance or Gothic passion, and whether you prefer your love stories on the screen or on the page, this book has something for you.
Daisy and the Duke (Fast Fiction)
Daisy and the Duke (Fast Fiction)
Janice Maynard
¥11.77
Fast Fiction Hot - short, sexy reads Sometimes Ian Furchess hated being the duke of Wolffhampton. Like when he had no idea how to pay for his ancestral castle, which costs more to run than some small countries. Or when his grandmother pressured him to marry—preferably someone rich and titled. Ian hadn't even wanted to be a duke. So when a beautiful American tourist landed on his doorstep, Ian was caught between his duty and his desire. He knew Daisy Wexler had her own agenda, one that could be the ruin of a duke. And yet, Ian had had his fill of duty. It was time to indulge his desires….
An Experiment in Love (Fast Fiction)
An Experiment in Love (Fast Fiction)
Louise Allen
¥11.77
"Fast Fiction Historical - short romantic stories to take you back in time Believing she's unlikely to ever have any man offer her marriage, unconventional Lady Chloe Albright impetuously seizes the chance of a pretend engagement with Lord Christopher Fellingham, Earl of Twyford. Having loved Kit for years, she's learnt to carefully hide the pain of knowing that she is no more to him than his friend's studious little sister. But should she now put her research skills to good use and try some experiments in love? At turns kissed, flirted and argued with, Kit doesn't know whether he is more amused, annoyed or —dare he admit it?—aroused by Chloe's unexpected attention. Suddenly he's wishing that their pretend engagement could become the real thing!
No Ordinary Wedding Planner
No Ordinary Wedding Planner
Naomi Thomas
¥11.77
This is the inspiring story of Naomi Thomas, a secondary breast cancer sufferer who has decided to devote the remainder of her life to spreading joy, helping others to find happiness by fulfilling the wedding dreams of those who are terminally ill. Naomi was 26 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Her boyfriend Graham had proposed just two days earlier. After seven months of treatment Naomi was declared cancer free, only to receive the devastating news a few short months later that the disease had returned and was no longer curable. Her son, Devon, was just six days old. Thoughts of their wedding were the one thing that kept Naomi and Graham going, but the financial burden of terminal illness had made the reality of their special day seem impossible. However, in this time of darkness, the couple discovered the amazing generosity and selflessness of local companies as they rallied around and helped to organise and fund a dream wedding. Their kindness was overwhelming. Determined not to die in vain, Naomi began fund-raising, ultimately setting up her own charity with the mission of spreading the joy she had experienced on her big day. The Wedding Wishing Well Foundation was formed, and Naomi now organises and funds weddings for those affected by terminal and life-limiting illnesses, helping them to enjoy married life before it’s too late. Inspiring, heart warming and incredibly moving, this story will show you the true meaning of love. ‘Everyone has the right to marry the love of their life, but you don’t realise just how important it is until you are told you are dying.’
Hilary’s Story (Individual stories from WISH YOU WERE HERE!, Book 1)
Hilary’s Story (Individual stories from WISH YOU WERE HERE!, Book 1)
Lynn Russell,Neil Hanson
¥11.77
One of seven touching true stories from Wish You Were Here!, the tale of Butlin’s holiday camps. ‘When I got to the camp I felt as if I’d suddenly walked into Utopia – it was so colourful, so warm, so friendly. There were lights across the roads, there were banners fluttering in the breeze… There seemed to be laughter coming from every building.’ With grey post-WWII skies hanging low over Britain, factories lining the streets and smoke stacks dotting the horizon, there was one way that ordinary families could escape: the ever-cheerful holiday camps of Butlin’s. When Billy Butlin founded his holiday camps in 1936, they were bastions of community spirit and havens of luxury. Here, for one week, wives and mothers were freed from the toil and drudgery of housework, children ran free through the grounds, fathers and husbands hung up their work clothes. Ever-helpful redcoats were on hand all hours of the day, dinner halls ready with plentiful food for old and young alike, bars stocked to quench any level of thirst, ballrooms waiting to be flooded with shiny shoes, rustling dresses and peals of laughter. And, as the sun went down on another exhausting, happy day, a chorus line was ready to sing holidaymakers back to their beds. Rich in period detail and highly evocative, Wish You Were Here! follows the lives of seven of the camps’ key figures through the highs and lows of the holiday season: from redcoats searching for stardom to young families who returned year after year, to pensioners who rediscovered an inner youth. The laughter and tears, the loves and losses, and the fun and friendships that have lasted a lifetime – it's all here. Funny, moving and heartwarming, they are tales of swimming pools and sing-a-longs, Glamorous Grannies and bicycle rides, and of a community spirit that burned brightly in a much-loved British institution.
Mavis’s Story (Individual stories from WISH YOU WERE HERE!, Book 2)
Mavis’s Story (Individual stories from WISH YOU WERE HERE!, Book 2)
Lynn Russell,Neil Hanson
¥11.77
One of seven touching true stories from Wish You Were Here!, the tale of Butlin’s holiday camps. ‘When I got to the camp I felt as if I’d suddenly walked into Utopia – it was so colourful, so warm, so friendly. There were lights across the roads, there were banners fluttering in the breeze… There seemed to be laughter coming from every building.’ With grey post-WWII skies hanging low over Britain, factories lining the streets and smoke stacks dotting the horizon, there was one way that ordinary families could escape: the ever-cheerful holiday camps of Butlin’s. When Billy Butlin founded his holiday camps in 1936, they were bastions of community spirit and havens of luxury. Here, for one week, wives and mothers were freed from the toil and drudgery of housework, children ran free through the grounds, fathers and husbands hung up their work clothes. Ever-helpful redcoats were on hand all hours of the day, dinner halls ready with plentiful food for old and young alike, bars stocked to quench any level of thirst, ballrooms waiting to be flooded with shiny shoes, rustling dresses and peals of laughter. And, as the sun went down on another exhausting, happy day, a chorus line was ready to sing holidaymakers back to their beds. Rich in period detail and highly evocative, Wish You Were Here! follows the lives of seven of the camps’ key figures through the highs and lows of the holiday season: from redcoats searching for stardom to young families who returned year after year, to pensioners who rediscovered an inner youth. The laughter and tears, the loves and losses, and the fun and friendships that have lasted a lifetime – it's all here. Funny, moving and heartwarming, they are tales of swimming pools and sing-a-longs, Glamorous Grannies and bicycle rides, and of a community spirit that burned brightly in a much-loved British institution.
Warrior: The true story of the real war horse
Warrior: The true story of the real war horse
Isabel George
¥11.77
An inspiring and heart-warming short story of devotion and bravery. A thoroughbred horse, Warrior, is passed through various owners before he is shipped to the thick of the action on the Western Front to serve as his current master’s mount for all four years of the First World War. Warrior and General ‘Galloping Jack Seeley’ were involved from the first engagements through to one of the last, the Battle of Moreuil Wood. Together they fought in terrifying battles and witnessed the death of many horses and masters who served alongside them, terrible deaths, but through it all Warrior seemed to pass like a spirit. This is the tale of his heroic wartime exploits and eventual return to the green fields of England. An evocative and powerful story of a real and great war horse. Warrior’s story was the basis for the fictional Joey in Michael Morpurgo’s War Horse.
How to Fall in Love... With Life
How to Fall in Love... With Life
Cecelia Ahern,The General Public
¥11.77
Containing an exclusive extract from Cecelia’s next book, HOW TO FALL IN LOVE, comes a free ebook collection of inspiring stories from Cecelia’s biggest fans Cecelia Ahern's new must-read, HOW TO FALL IN LOVE, is a lesson in just that – but rather than falling for the archetypal romantic hero, this tale centres around loving life itself. This special ebook shares the inspiring stories of the defining moments when you, the readers, have fallen in love with life. HOW TO FALL IN LOVE: When a chance-encounter leads to a surprising and courageous journey, strangers Christine and Adam learn whether two weeks are enough to rediscover the joys of living – but is that all that’s happening…?
The Inheritance: Part Two, Chapters 8–15 of 34
The Inheritance: Part Two, Chapters 8–15 of 34
Tilly Bagshawe
¥11.77
Welcome to Tilly Bagshawe’s Swell Valley, where the scandal is in a class of its own. Tilly Bagshawe’s first Swell Valley novel, The Inheritance, has been serialized into 4 parts – this is PART 2 OF 4 (Chapters 8 to 15 of 34). *The first three parts of The Inheritance are being released weekly from 29th May 2014, before the full novel is published. The final part will be released on 19th June 2014, when the full novel will also be available to buy in ebook and paperback* Tatiana Flint-Hamilton’s gilded cage is torn away when her estranged father dies. As the beloved family estate slips through Tati’s fingers, the portraits of her ancestors look down disapprovingly. The new Lord of the Manor is just as ruthless as Tati. The old-world status of Furlings is everything the wealthy, self-made Brett Cranley has ever wanted. Luckily his wife Angela is the perfect homemaker, happy to fall into line with whatever Brett desires. Along with her two children, Furlings soon becomes Angela’s lifeline, a place she can finally belong. And one she’s not going to give up easily. Losing everything has made Tati realise that her rightful inheritance is all that she now lives for… and she will do anything to get it back. But the fate of Furlings lies in the hands of the villagers. Let the Fittlescombe fireworks begin!
The Star Dogs: Beyond the Stars
The Star Dogs: Beyond the Stars
Roddy Doyle
¥11.77
An imaginative short story inspired by real events, taken from the collection, BEYOND THE STARS, and written and illustrated by two award-winning talents Told from the perspective of the Russian dog Tsygan, this is the story of the first living creatures to be sent into space – the ‘star dogs’ of the title. Roddy Doyle’s typically accessible voice is complemented by the illuminating illustrations of Steve Simpson, together immersing a new generation of young readers in the incredible true story of the Soviet space dogs, one of the twentieth century’s true feats of science.
The Brockets Get a Dog: Beyond the Stars
The Brockets Get a Dog: Beyond the Stars
John Boyne
¥11.77
A humorous short story from the collection, BEYOND THE STARS, written by an internationally bestselling author Abigail Crumb is forever making mistakes at the veterinary surgery where she works after school, and now she’s on her final warning. So when she loses – and then finds again – one of the puppies in her care, she doesn’t tell her boss; she’s saving up for a houdah for her elephant, after all, and knows she has to hide the puppy if she wants to keep her job. But how will she keep her secret? After several chance encounters with Henry Brocket – a forlorn little boy who’s always dressed as a pilot and is obsessed with Biggles – and discovering why he’s so sad, Abigail suddenly realises what she must do.
How to Help Your Grandda: Beyond the Stars
How to Help Your Grandda: Beyond the Stars
Judi Curtin
¥11.77
A funny short story from the collection, BEYOND THE STARS, written and illustrated by two great Irish talents in children’s fiction today When Lorcan Browne’s class are told to write to someone they admire, all his friends choose soccer stars and boy band singers, but Lorcan chooses the richest person in town instead, because he could never write to the person he REALLY admires – his Grandda. Will Lorcan’s plan to help save his Grandda from his freezing house change his family’s fortunes? Or will he have put his Grandda’s life in jeopardy? Sometimes letter-writing can have the most surprising of consequences…
The Lookout: Beyond the Stars
The Lookout: Beyond the Stars
Eoin Colfer
¥11.77
A short story from the Fighting Words collection, BEYOND THE STARS, written and illustrated by two of the most outstanding talents in children’s fiction today Ireland, 1955: Charley’s used to being lookout for Mammy – or ‘Sal Capone’, as she’s known in the local papers. He doesn’t want to be part of a criminal gang, but he’d rather that than have his mammy dragged off to prison; she’s only trying to keep him safe from Dad. But on the day of Charley’s fourteenth birthday, when Mammy takes him along on her latest job – a hold-up at gunpoint of the village post office – Charley’s role changes and he has to protect her from the Guard. The stakes have been raised and Charley realises that the outcome of this crime could change their lives for ever. Will it be like in a Hollywood movie? Or will it be ‘like life in Ireland: cold and hard and with no happy ending’?
The Snow Globe: Beyond the Stars
The Snow Globe: Beyond the Stars
Marita Conlon McKenna
¥11.77
A magical short story from the collection, BEYOND THE STARS, written and illustrated by two great Irish talents in children’s fiction today Cass and her family have moved to Galway because of her dad’s job and Cass is devastated – she misses her old friends and school, and hates living in a strange house in a strange town. But when she stumbles upon a mysterious antique snow globe at the local Christmas market, little does she know that her fortunes are about to change… A heartfelt story, beautifully complemented by gorgeous artwork. Look out for the other eleven stories - also available as e-shorts!
The King of the Birds: Beyond the Stars
The King of the Birds: Beyond the Stars
Michael Scott
¥11.77
A captivating short story taken from the collection, BEYOND THE STARS, written and illustrated by two great Irish talents in children’s fiction today On the day of the Winter Solstice, all the birds of Ireland assemble before the wise old Barn Owl to choose their ruler by a trial of flight. When Iolar the Golden Eagle, the largest and most powerful bird there, is challenged to the title by the tiny and mysterious Dreolin the Wren, his feathers aren’t ruffled: he thinks he deserves to win. But perhaps his confidence is misplaced, for having courage, heart and the respect of your peers are just as important as strength and endurance… An uplifting tale of the triumph of ingenuity over strength, whose memorable characters are brought to life by evocative artwork. Look out for the other eleven stories - also available as e-shorts!