Arnold Bennett was born in 1867 in Hanley, one of the six towns that formed the Potteries that later joined together to become Stoke-on-Trent - the area in which most of his works are located. For a short time he worked for his solicitor father before realising that to advance his life he would need to become his own man. Moving to London at 21, he obtained work as a solicitor's clerk and gradually moved into a career of Journalism. At the turn of the century he turned full time to writing and shortly thereafter, in 1903, he moved to Paris. In 1908 Bennett published The Old Wives' Tale, to great acclaim. With this, his reputation was set. Clayhanger and The Old Wives' Tale are perhaps his greatest and most lauded novels. But standing next to these are many fine short stories. Bennett bathes us in vignettes of life, replete with characters that are easy to immerse ourselves in, whatever their ambitions may be. Here we publish his play 'The Great Adventure'. As with anything written by Bennett it's a fabulous showcase for his literary talents.

Now a USA Today bestseller Join the five McCabe siblings on their journeys to the dark and dangerous side of love! An intense, exhilarating collection of romantic thrillers you won’t want to miss. This collection includes all the books in this new spinoff series. Don't Stop Me, Don't Catch Me, Don't Run From Me, Don't Hide From Me, and the newest addition Claudia's story in Don't Leave Me

The greatest gift to us is caring. What would the world be like without someone to care for or to care with? Would love survive if we don't care? From the world of twenty-three science fiction and fantasy authors comes a world that can be funny, heartwarming, strange, or sad. Or not what we expect. Nominated – 2018 (Canadian SF&F) Aurora Award Shortlist (anthology/Best Related Work) 2018 Alberta Book Publishing Award Shortlist (Best Speculative Fiction) Finalist One story selected for Best of British Science Fiction 2017 (ed. by Donna Scott) One story selected for Best Indie Speculative Fiction, Vol. 1 (Bards & Sages Publishing) Five stories on Tangent Online Recommended Reading List 2017 One story nominated – 2018 (Canadian SF&F) Aurora Award Short Fiction Finalist One story – 2018 WSFA Small Press Award Finalist One story nominated – 2018 Sunburst Award for Excellence in Canadian Literature of the Fantastic Short Fiction Shortlist Three stories – 2018 Sunburst Award for Excellence in Canadian Literature of the Fantastic Short Fiction Longlist How can a henchman keep up with a mischievous retired supervillain? Can a dog help a hockey player score again? Will an odd couple with a zany sense of adventure and diminished capabilities survive an earthquake? Where does a stray cat go to find love every night? What secret does a pious monk have with a cargo of sleeping human? Will terrorism in space take out a young apprentice and a blind welder? What does an oracle tell a lover about her final days? Can a "heart of gold" prevent a soldier from crossing the enemy line with the governor's children? These, and many more. Featuring Original Stories by Colleen Anderson, Charlotte Ashley, Brenda Cooper, Ian Creasey, A.M. Dellamonica, Bev Geddes, Claire Humphrey, Sandra Kasturi, Tyler Keevil, Juliet Marillier, Matt Moore, Heather Osborne, Nisi Shawl, Alex Shvartsman, Karina Sumner-Smith, Kate Story, Amanda Sun, Hayden Trenholm, James Van Pelt, Liz Westbrook-Trenholm, Edward Willett, Christie Yant & Caroline M. Yoachim With Introduction by Dominik Parisien Edited by Susan Forest and Lucas K. Law Anthologies in this series (Strangers Among Us, The Sum of Us, Where the Stars Rise) have been recommended by Publishers Weekly, Booklist (American Library Association), Kirkus Reviews, Library Journal, School Library Journal, Locus, Foreword Reviews, and Quill & Quire. REVIEWS for THE SUM OF US “A strong collection . . . make it worth reading.” –Publishers Weekly “Definitely consider buying a copy, if not for yourself, then for someone who is serving as a caretaker. At the very least, it should make us all appreciate caretakers for all they do.” –Lightspeed Magazine “Thought provoking page-turners.” –Tangent “These stories take a broad exploration of what care can mean . . .” —Speculating Canada (Derek Newman-Stille)

When the ties of loyalty are severed, whom do you trust?Part of?The Love and War Series, novels set during the 20th century's darkest years. World War Two. It is June 1940. France has surrendered and the Nazi German occupation begins. A small village in northern France awaits the arrival of a garrison of conquering Germans.?To their dismay, 16-year-old Pierre and his parents, Georges and Sandrine, are forced to accommodate a German major, Major Hurtzberger. He is the enemy within their midst; the invader of their country, and, more pertinently, the unwanted lodger within their home. The problem, however, is that the German is annoyingly pleasant. The major, with a son of his own, empathises with Pierre in a way Georges has never been able to. Immediately the two of them find a bond, leaving Pierre confused and his understanding of good and bad, of black and white, shattered.?But then, Georges, Pierre’s father, is arrested by the Gestapo and taken away. Forced to confront the prejudices of others, as well as his own, Pierre has to ask where his loyalties lie, and who are his friends and who, exactly, is the enemy.?Desperate to prove himself a man, Pierre is continually thwarted by those he trusts – his parents, the villagers and especially Claire, the girl he so desires.?Pierre’s quest brings to the fore a traumatic event in the family’s past, a tragedy never forgotten but never mentioned. Only by confronting his trauma, can Pierre find the answer and prove he is a man in a country at war.From the founder of the History In An Hour series, comes another powerful work of WW2 historical fiction that will remain with you long after you’ve turned the final page.“Really enjoyed this book. Loved the characters and their involvement in the story.”“This is a book with difference. I will look for more books by this author.”“Colley draws his characters with fine lines, illustrating both the brutality and compassion shown by individuals on both sides of this war.”“Told with great poignancy.”Historical fiction with heart and drama.

The eight short stories in this collection look at the ties that bind and the transformations they provoke. Whether bound by love, blood, or violent circumstance, the characters in these tales are fundamentally altered by those closest to them … and not always for the better. ? Two mothers become entwined in revenge against a violent man, with unexpected consequences. A roving gang of sirens finds themselves challenged from without and within. In a last, desperate act of love, a young surgeon goes under the knife. And in a distant territory, a mother and daughter struggle to survive—but the aid they summon is far more dangerous. ? At turns brutal and tender, subtle and shocking, these stories blend realism, fantasy, and horror to create an unsettling—and unforgettable—experience.

The Storm Builds Etan Griffith loves his life in Chicago, far from his native Blue Ridge Mountains. Alex Collins escaped Wisconsin to a career he loves, in a city that welcomes him more than his own family. Both seek the missing piece to their puzzle. Dreams and patterns. Restless and searching. Then one snowy night sets their shared destiny in motion. An excerpt from Joining the Storm: “I never wanted you to know about the dreams,” Etan said. “I feel crazy enough without you confirming it.” “Crazy isn’t the question,” Alex said, stroking Etan’s hair. “Unless it’s both of us. You missed me saying every word feels true.” “I don’t even know what the dreams are, Alex. I know I have them, but I never remember a thing. That’s not exactly stable.” “Well, have a drink and let me enlighten you.” Etan sat up, managing to keep himself from curling up into a knot of fear again. He drained the whiskey, watching Alex do the same. “What you tell me in the middle of the night is all about how we can’t stay here much longer. Something bad is going to happen, with the food supply I think, and none of the cities are going to be safe anymore. And we don’t have much time to get ready before we’re trapped along with everyone else who’s not going to make it out.”

For the first time ever, get the first three books of "The Superhero's Son" in one convenient discounted ebook box set! In "The Superhero's Test," Kevin Jason becomes the superhero Bolt in order to defend himself and his family from a dangerous supervillain; in "The Superhero's Team," Bolt must uncover a conspiracy in the superhero community that threatens to destroy the country before it is too late; and in "The Superhero's Summit," Bolt must figure out who is trying to provoke conflict between the two largest superhero organizations in the country before all-out war breaks out between them.

Wayne shows you how to make the leap from traditional employment and create the business and income to pursue your dreams outside of work. The book provides the tools that a new entrepreneur needs in straight talk, no fluff. This is based on the experience with his own lean startup venture. Includes many personal notes from the journal that he kept during his startup phase. This hands-on book will launch you on your way. ?Easy to use guide ?Avoid the mistakes that sink startups' ?Locate customers: how to capture, keep and grow customers ?Learn which advisors you need and the ones to avoid ?Make more intelligent decisions ?Elevate your startup to repeatable profits

‘If you had not already realised it, this is a very strange house you are come to.’ The Scions of the House of Werth are all born normal. It is what happens afterwards that sets them apart. It is not easy being the most supernatural family in England. Nell talks to the dead; Lord Werth is too often to be found out in the churchyard at the dead of night; and the less said about Lord Bedgberry, the better. Only Miss Gussie Werth has missed out on the family curse. She sups on chocolate, not blood; she's blissfully oblivious to spectres (except for Great-Aunt Honoria, of course); and she hasn't the smallest inclination to turn into a beast upon the full moon, and go ravening about the countryside. But there's more to the Wyrde than meets the eye. When a visit to a neighbouring family goes spectacularly, deliciously wrong, Gussie's ideas about her own nature undergo a swift and serious change. Far from being the most ordinary of the bunch, she may just prove to be the most disastrous Werth of them all... Refined Regency sensibilities meet gothic comedy to delightfully absurd effect in Wyrde and Wayward, a fresh new series from the author of Modern Magick and the Malykant Mysteries.

After suddenly receiving custody of his five year old son, Ben must learn how to be a dad. The fact that he'd even fathered a child was news to him. Not only does this mean restructuring his sixty-hour workweek and becoming responsible for another human being, but also Kyle has autism. Enter the school system and a shaky beginning. Under the guidance of a gifted teacher, Ben and Kyle take tentative steps to becoming father and son. Teacher Melanie Nicols sees Ben as a deadbeat dad, but grudgingly comes to admire how he hangs in, determined to learn for his son’s sake. Her admiration grows to more as father and son come to rely on Melanie being a part of their lives. When parents receive the news that their child has autism, they spend countless hours researching the subject, usually at night, after an exhausting day. Teachers, when they hear that they'll have a student with an autism spectrum disorder, also try to learn as much as they can. This novel was written for such parents and teachers - an entertaining read that offers information on autism and strategies that work. Dr. Sharon A. Mitchell has worked in schools as a teacher, counselor, psychologist and consultant for decades. Her Master's and Doctorate degrees focused on autism. She has delivered workshops and seminars to thousands participants including at national conferences. She continues to write and teaches university classes about students who learn differently.

With the power to end the world, would you protect humanity when it broke you or would you take revenge? Meet Ariel: a quiet, unnoticeable girl with an incredible gift… Ariel never had an easy or pleasant life, but the arrival of three gorgeous strangers meant her measured life is turned upside down, as she discovers that angels exist.Now against her will, she’s drawn into an ancient celestial conflict, where her powers will decide the fate of humanity. Deceived, threatened, hunted and now on the run, who can she trust? It's fantastically written using highly descriptive languagethroughout allowing me to feel like I was transported into the story - I couldalmost smell and feel what the characters are experiencing. (Melanie from "Frasier's Fun House"/Book blogger) From the first chapter I found this book scarily addicting.I just wanted more. I was consumed and intrigued. I didn't know where it wasgoing or what was going to happen and was pleasantly surprised. (Emma from "Emma's Chapter"/Book blogger)Once I'm started, I just can't stop myself from reading itand almost constantly think about it while awake, torturing me. Stranger tothis genre, I wasn't aware this book would make my heart race so much and thatmy little imagination wheels in my brain would be on fire! (Kristina from "Books and Dachshunds"/Book blogger)Holy, that was great...I'm speechless by how amazing the story is. (Deekay from "Life of Deekay"/Book blogger)Heavenward by Olga Gibbs was an interesting read. I thoughtthe idea was brilliant. I have not read that many books dealing with angels butI find that I enjoy them. Gibbs took the story of the angels and definitely puther own spin on it. The scenery that she describes in the second half of thebook is just amazing. (Stephanie from "Books in the Skye"/Book blogger)Fantastic page turner! 150 pages were gone in a flash and Ijust wanted more! (Amazon reviewer)Addictive book with a fantastic and vivid world-building! Iwould definitely continue with this series. I need to know what happens next!Well written, well planned out. Reminded me a little of Hush, Hush, so if youlike things like that then you should definitely check this out. (Book blogger)Olga Gibbs has a talent for world-building. From the schoolyard to the heavenly architecture and natural surroundings, her settings andimagery are so vivid and cater to all five senses; it would be hard to tire fromher rich descriptions. (Kelsey from "There's something about KM"/Book blogger)

He was an Iroquois war chief, she was an indentured servant. A careless footprint brought them together. The birth of a child would change their lives forever.

Mex is looking forward to a well-earned retirement for saving planet Hy Man from men. Instead she has been sent on a mission that will ruin her career with a robot who rubs her up the wrong way... Beryl is the leader of planet Hy Man and fighting to remain so. She is the reason that Mex is where she is trying to understand the Scottish accent, the Scottish weather and why everything they eat is covered in batter. Beryl is desperate, the planet’s energy is on its last legs and chapping at her heels to take over is the ruthless Hilda. A woman with a personality as bad her haircut and will do anything to get her way...

Follow one man’s search for happiness and find a better way for the human family to live together in peace and harmony This introductory volume of the Yuwmahn Compendium?challenges every aspect of the world we've created into the twenty-first century, proposing bold solutions for a better way… – Ancient wisdom to solve the problems of our modern civilisation – Sacred teachings for the rejuvenation of body, mind and spirit – Self help to create an improved you – Timeless secrets to a better life for all When journalist John Saomes explores the wilderness of South America he meets Mahonri, a learned sage from the ancient civilisation of Yuwmah. Through the course of his inspiratonal journey, Saomes discovers a different perspective for understanding of the ways of the world, the beauty and simplicity of the path to enlightenment, and the profound power of the Five Pillars of Universal Wisdom. Elements of this book remind us of Paul Coelho’s The Alchemist and Don Miguel Ruiz’s The Four Agreements, but the world envisioned is more far-reaching. To those who want to change the world and themselves for the better and find a profound sense of purpose and belonging – this book is for you.

Hartstown, Virginia, holds stunning natural beauty and a close-knit mountain community. Deep in the heart of Appalachian coal country, Hartstown?also suffers more than its fair share of tragedy. Beth Azen discovers a strange ability that leads her deep into the ancient mysteries of the mountains around her. Mark Hersch finds more than he ever imagined on his lifelong quest to heal the damage left by decades of mining. Together, they discover the deadly nature of true loneliness. A gripping tale of sorrow and redemption. Inspired by Far Southwest Virginia: A Postcard and Photographic Journey, also from Spiral Publishing. An excerpt from Songs in the Mountains: “Can you hear me?” Beth whispered, her cheeks turning red. She tried again, a bit louder. “Hello? I hear you talking. Is anyone there?” The song continued without even a pause. Beth scrubbed her fingers through her hair, then got as close to shouting as she dared in the closed space with people right outside the door. “Either tell me what you want or leave me alone!” The voices stopped. Beth tried to hold perfectly still, not sure if she wanted an answer or for the whole thing to be over. She could probably adjust to not having music anymore, but not to the constant noise. The low, empty circuit hum in her ears intensified, and a voice floated up like a distant station on her great-uncle’s old tube radio. “Been wonderin’ if anyone was there.” The woman spoke with a thick dialect that was hard to understand, but Beth thought it had to be from close by. “Been tryin’ to get through for a powerful long time.” Beth opened her mouth twice before any words made it out.

Captivatingly creepy YA dark fantasy for fans of Holly Black, Victoria Schwab, and Dawn Kurtagich. A troublemaking ghost. A devious rebel. A stylist with a secret. A monster-hunter who exists only in her dreams. And one girl who's about to lose everything she thinks she needs to find the one thing she never knew was missing. Claim your fears. Own your failure. Keep fighting. A not-quite-alive girl and her not-quite-dead ghost discover trusted authorities lie, allies have their own agendas and even the monsters wear masks in a journey of betrayal, revenge, and finding the power to fight back. Read this atmospheric and twisty YA dystopian dark fantasy for fans of Brenna Yovanoff, Laini Taylor, and Dawn Kurtagich today! Praise for Blind the Eyes: "...a complex tale that unfolds like a dream itself--mystical, and sometimes odd, but always captivating" --"20 Favorite Indie Books of 2018", Barnes & Noble Press "real in its essence and darkly satisfying at the same time" --★★★★★ NetGalley Reviewer "a deep and intricate storyline" --★★★★ NetGalley Reviewer "a fantastical dream" --★★★★★ NetGalley Reviewer "riveting thrill ride from beginning to end" --★★★★★ NetGalley Reviewer "mystical and a well-woven story" --★★★★★ NetGalley Reviewer "a fantasy dystopian post-apocalyptic adventure of dreams, choice, and desire, and the nightmares that feed on us" --★★★★★ NetGalley Reviewer

Political Thriller about the people of Syria and their fight against their government and ISIS, and how one man went to extreme measures to get America’s help to give the power back to the people of Syria.

When the centuries-barren orchards of Berrie-on-the-Wyn suddenly bear fruit, it is clear that something strange is afoot — and something fey, for this is no ordinary harvest. To partake of the fruits of Faerie is to be changed for good, but not necessarily for the better. From whence come the golden apples, the moonlit silver pears? Who is the motley piper who walks the streets of Berrie, drawing forth magic and mayhem with his music? And how can half of the town vanish into thin air? There may be chaos aplenty in Berrie, but all that's needed to set things straight is a touch of the right light — and maybe just the right pair of Boots...

Three thrilling tales that transcend time: The Long Commute Shon Howard and others like him go to work every day to reverse the ravages of climate change, pollution, and other evils. His daughter’s life depends on it. Because in Shon’s world, mistakes of past centuries can be corrected by visiting key moments in time. As long as he doesn’t get caught. A Taste Of Time Gabby Dufour hates the blueberries that grow over the site of her home town, destroyed in a fire decades ago. Then young berry-loving Amanda comes to visit, with inexplicable knowledge about the town, and Gabby is forced to wonder if there’s more to blueberries than meets the tongue. (First published in On Spec #88 vol 24 no 1, August 2014.) Hurricane The crew of a Hurricane Hunter aircraft is assigned to monitor an experiment designed to collect the awesome energy of a powerful storm. When the project succeeds too well, nowhere is beyond its destructive reach. Praise for Scott Overton: “A storyteller of boundless skill…a writer to watch.” “A gifted wordsmith.”

Can British magick survive? As the pace of modern life accelerates, the old ways wither and die. But to the Society for Magickal Heritage, that just isn’t good enough. The Witch: Friend to the unicorns, lover of pancakes, and wielder of potent artefacts, star agent Cordelia “Ves” Vesper will stop at nothing — okay, very little — to drag ancient magicks back out of the grave. The Waymaster: New recruit Jay Patel has some rare and powerful arts at his disposal. With a penchant for old books and motorbikes in near equal measure, he’s a force to be reckoned with. The Necromancer: Prankster Zareen Dalir may be high-spirited but she’s got a darker side. A much, much darker side. Head of the Toil and Trouble division, Zar’s the best kind of bad news. The Baron: Is Baron Alban the handsomest troll alive or... forget it, yes. Yes, he is. But he’s not just a pretty face. With the powerful Troll Court at his back and a smile to slay an army, Alban’s a staunch ally. Join these four champions, the enigmatic “Milady” of the Society, and the sentient house they call Home as they fight to keep magick alive! This compendium brings you the first three wild adventures all in one: The Road to Farringale, Toil and Trouble, and The Striding Spire.? Praise for the Modern Magick series: 'Charming, quirky, and funny.' 'Enjoyable and imaginative fantasy series with whimsical overtones... A fresh magical world.' 'This is an incredibly entertaining story... help, I'm running out of superlatives.' 'The writing is excellent and fun... a rousing, gripping adventure. ' '...delightfully fun, whimsical and engaging, with great characters and settings.' 'If you like Jodi Taylor's St Mary's books, this is for you.' '...quirky and fun and I couldn't ask for more... Her usual unique charm.' ''...characters that are easy to love, an invisible boss and a house that seems to have a mind of it's own. I devoured the book in one sitting.' 'Written with charm and intelligence, this series is a delight to read!' '...the pages just seem to fly by! Can't wait to read the next one.' '...the entire quirky cast is fun and endearing... our heroine is a delightful companion for adventure.'

Someone saves your life. Now you wish they hadn't. World War Two, summer, 1942, Nazi-occupied France. A nervous young resistance fighter sits on a train. The Gestapo demand his papers. An older woman, sitting opposite, intervenes.Paris, 1968. The young man is now the most successful music conductor in France. Yet, 26 years on, he still wonders why the woman on the train saved him that fateful day? He knows he owes her everything. Unexpectedly, he receives a letter from her, begging him to come to her aid. Honour-bound, he gladly offers to return the favour.? But the woman hides a dark and terrible secret, which, if exposed, threatens to destroy them both. Torn between those he loves and his sense of honour, his life rapidly spirals out of control.?Who exactly was The Woman on the Train?Historical fiction with heart and drama.Part of?The Love and War Series, novels set during the 20th century's darkest years.Also included,?The Last Act of War, a heart-rending short story.?