In a letter to her mother 75 years ago, Dorothy L. Sayers offered a first glimpse of the novel that launched one of our most admired detectives, Lord Peter Wimsey. Here is the long-desired collection of intimate thoughts and ideas that shaped the early years of this remarkable writer. These letters paint a revealing portrait of one of the most fascinating women of our time.

It was a dull glowering day towards the end of April, most appropriately melancholy for the beginning of term. It was one of those days when the sun had been bright very early, and by ten o'clock the sky dappled with white clouds; by noon the whiteness had dulled and spread to leaden patches of grey; now, at mid-afternoon, a cold wintry wind rolled them heavily across the sky and piled them on to the deep gloom of the horizon. The Headmaster's study, lit from three small windows through which the daylight, filtered by the thick spring foliage of lime trees, struggled meagrely, was darker even than usual, and Speed, peering around with hesitant inquisitive eyes, received no more than a confused impression of dreariness. He could see the clerical collar of the man opposite gleaming like a bar of ivory against an ebony background.

Children's librarian by day. Romance novelist by night. British single father. Someone else is writing this love story... Blair Walton isn't your average curvaceous tattooed children's librarian. She's also one half of bestselling romance author, Scarlet Rose. Along with her BFF Raine, she spends her nights writing books so steamy, she's afraid they would shock her Southern conservative grandmother to death . . . if she knew about them. That's why she and Raine write in secret. On deadline for their latest book and out of ideas, Raine suggests (demands) that Blair find a guy and "do some research". Declan Bennet has all the qualifications: He's British, looks fabulous in a suit, has glorious blue eyes and gets bonus points for being an amazing single dad to his adorable son, Drake. But what starts out as a research project quickly turns into something much more. And Blair's not the only one with secrets.

Hubert Selby Jr., acclaimed author of the classic novel Last Exit to Brooklyn, tells the powerful story of an extraordinary bond between an African-American teen seeking vengeance in the wake of tragedy and an old man who guides him toward redemption Growing up in New York City’s soul-killing South Bronx ghetto, Bobby, a young black teenager, has only known violence, poverty, and despair. But there is one true light in his life: his girlfriend, Maria. On their way to school one morning, they are set upon by a vicious street gang. Bobby, beaten bloody and senseless, survives, rescued by an old German man who is himself a survivor of the Nazi death camps. The man calls himself Moishe, though he claims not to be Jewish, and he takes the damaged boy under his wing, determined to help heal his physical and psychological wounds. An unlikely friendship is born, strengthened by a shared sense of loss and life’s tragic injustices. But Moishe’s message of learning to forgive the unforgivable falls on deaf ears, because there is a hole in Bobby’s heart that only revenge can fill. Hubert Selby Jr.’s extraordinary novel is a devastating work of raw power and stylistic brilliance that captures the pain and hardship of twentieth-century urban life. Unflinching and unrelenting, in the vein of his acclaimed masterwork, Last Exit to Brooklyn, Selby’s The Willow Tree is a dark tale tempered by hope: a story of love, death, rage, violence, and salvation. This ebook features an illustrated biography of Hubert Selby Jr. including rare photos from the author’s estate.

BONUS: This edition contains a reader's guide and excerpts from Allison Weir's The Lady in the Tower and Mary Boleyn. Acclaimed author Alison Weir brings to life the extraordinary tale of Katherine Swynford, a royal mistress who became one of the most crucial figures in the history of Great Britain. Born in the mid-fourteenth century, Katherine de Roët was only twelve when she married Hugh Swynford, an impoverished knight. But her story had truly begun two years earlier, when she was appointed governess to the household of John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and fourth son of King Edward III. Widowed at twenty-one, Katherine became John's mistress and then, after many twists of fortune, his bride in a scandalous marriage. Mistress of the Monarchy reveals a woman ahead of her time—making her own choices, flouting convention, and taking control of her own destiny. Indeed, without Katherine Swynford, the course of English history, perhaps even the world, would have been very different. NOTE: This edition does not contain illustrations.

SHIVERING SANDS is a bit of an experiment: part Greatest Hits collection, part late-night ramblings, all crackling text transmissions sent down the wire from anywhere Warren Ellis had access to a computer and something to say. These essays, stories, music reviews, the occasional chemically-induced rant, and a couple of recipes— because, for whatever reason, everyone seems to love his recipes—represent a cross-section of the past seven years’ worth of Warren’s writing online. From jumping around Britain, Europe and North America to just dragging his carcass up to the local pub for a think, this is the unedited spillage from the inside of the writer’s head during the ’00s. Some of it even makes sense.

Faking it. * Most of us have done it. Maybe at a job interview, on a date, or maybe even faking it in the bedroom. I’m guilty for sure. In fact, I’ve never had an orgasm in my life. So, when the editor of the biggest women’s magazine was in desperate need of a substitute writer, and asked me to write an article called “How to Have Fantastic Multiple Orgasms,” I faked it again. Acting like an expert, I gladly accepted the assignment. Expecting to do the standard online research, it was refreshing to learn that my key information would be in the shape of a hot and gorgeous man, Jake King. Maybe it was because of his nickname, “King of Multiple Orgasms,” or maybe because the gigolo in front of me was the sexiest man alive, I hardly registered a word during the entire interview. If it hadn’t been for the informative email I later received from Jake, I would’ve already been looking for another career. * Journalism graduate, Michelle Nestor, nails her article thanks to expert advice from the King of Multiple Orgasms, Jake King. The piece is a big success and the magazine wants Jake to consult on an entire series about sex advice for women. Gina Godard, the senior writer, is back from sick leave and wants to take over the project, kicking Michelle to the curb. However, Jake King once again saves the day for Michelle, requesting her as his interviewer. It quickly becomes clear to Jake that Michelle never had an orgasm before, so imagine her surprise when Jake suggest a little showing instead of telling. Don’t miss Sex Coach, the latest stand-alone novel from USA Today’s Bestselling Author, M. S. Parker.

Ripped from the headlines of today's news, "Are You Positive?" is a fictitious courtroom drama in the style of John Grisham. 26-year-old Tyree Johnson stands accused of first degree murder in Greenville, South Carolina. But his murder weapon is not a gun or a knife; it's HIV. “Everyone diagnosed HIV-Positive absolutely must read this book. The rest of us should too.” - Dr. Goddard, CO.Chauvinistic Adam Hodson, has the experience to remember when his new rented house catches fire and he is moved into a house of liberal, female nudists. As he struggles fully adapt, it is not just Adam who has to learn, as the girls have to adjust to his own foibles, weaknesses, and those of his violent, racist friend.Join Sarah, the sharp-witted primary school teacher, Tabitha, the pregnant girl and Natalie, the assertive Operations Manager as they get a conservative Adam to embrace their lifestyle while hiding secrets from others. The book is divided into around 75 small scenes to make it ideal for short journeys or where the reader is likely to be interrupted. This is a romantic story although it does contain some mature language and discretion is advised.

Following the discovery of an unplanned pregnancy, sixteen-year-old Cami swears her best friend to secrecy. But someone soon discovers her secret and quickly spreads it across town. Just as Cami finally thinks she has everything figured out, a devastating tragedy occurs that will change her life forever. But will she be strong enough to handle it?Book Two in the Saga of Moonlight Falls...So I have a little bit of a problem.... I'm very pregnant with twins, 18years old and homeless.I have another problem..... I just showed up at Baby dada's pub/restaurant without so much as a phone call.I have one final problem.... He doesn't know I'm pregnant with his babies....Who's brilliant idea was it to travel on an interstate bus with like no money and nowhere to stay? Oh yeah that would be me.... What was I thinking? Clearly I wasn't. But I'm out of options. I have run out of friends couches to crash on and the babies are due in weeks. I need help and I don't know where else to go...Hugo Baker aka baby dada will help me right? I mean yeah I haven't told him about the pregnancy but in my defence he did tell me that it was a one week deal then we would go our separate ways... Only now that's not working for me...

**The #1 International Bestseller now in trade paperback—with 16 pages of photos.**Number-one bestselling author Ken Follett tells the inspiring, true story of the Middle East hostage crisis that began in 1979, and of the unconventional means Ross Perot used to save his countrymen.

Warning: experimental translation (hybrid)Viva la vida it is the history of a trip. A trip undertaken for a long time in camper by five united friends, together from the times of the crayons to wax, to celebrate the marriage of one of them. The vacation, the goodbye to the bachelorhood that unrolls him along the roads of the whole Italy, becomes also however the point of turn for...Warning: experimental translation (hybrid)Viva la vida it is the history of a trip. A trip undertaken for a long time in camper by five united friends, together from the times of the crayons to wax, to celebrate the marriage of one of them. The vacation, the goodbye to the bachelorhood that unrolls him along the roads of the whole Italy, becomes also however the point of turn for the development of different runs, of new and personal trips to complete departing from that places where everything seems to never change, but that it continually changes instead.

At the end of his journey in the time portal, Gray Wolf finds himself on a Caribbean beach in the middle of a group of pirates. His destiny changes as he begins to live life as he never knew that it could be lived. As a young boy his parents were honest and loving; now he would become a full fledged pirate under the tutelage of the famous, ruthless Caribbean pirate, Black Beard.In the Hall of Corridors at the Beach House, toward the end of the first book of this series in Mysterious Destiny Beckoning Corridors, Gray Wolf is forcefully thrown into the opening of a time portal as he falls down the tail of a huge fish that he had been riding. At the end of his journey in the time portal, Gray Wolf finds himself on a Caribbean beach in the middle of a group of pirates. His destiny changes as he begins to live life as he never knew that it could be lived. As a young boy his parents were honest and loving; now he would become a full fledged pirate under the tutelage of the famous, ruthless Caribbean pirate, Black Beard. How does he determine what his life will be? What type of person does he become?

After being wrongfully accused of committing a heinous crime against God, two brothers must decide to confront their crazy mother or fall on their knees and pray.What do you do when you have no one to turn to for help? You fall on your knees and pray...Fall On Your Knees tells the story of two brothers who arrive home one day to find their mother, a fanatic Catholic, in an erratic state. Accused of committing a heinous act against God, and faced with a horrible punishment, the two brothers must make a decision. Do they accept guilt for the crime they didn't commit or stand up to their zealot mother? Will the bond of brotherhood be strong enough to pull them through?

Before Sun Tzu's profound manuscript, the Art of War, became the legendary and renowned work of strategy, tactics, and human relations, he must present it to the king of a powerful state. It proves to be a deadly task. Sun Tzu must duel a great swordsman, and also, wager his life on a challenge issued by the king. Ultimately, the day will end in bloodshed.After much time and toil, Sun Tzu completes his profound manuscript, the Art of War. However, before it is to become the legendary and renowned work of strategy, tactics, and human relations, Sun Tzu must find a powerful patron to recognize its value and utilize it for the betterment of the common people. When Sun Tzu brings his scrolls to the royal palace in the State of Wu, he finds, he must prove his prowess as a warrior by dueling the realm’s greatest swordsman. And on top of that, he must put his life on the line to meet a deadly challenge from the king. Ultimately, the day will end in bloodshed.

WAITING FOR AL ~~~A JOB FOR FRANKIE ~~~RESCUED ~~~A SPECIAL PROM DATEWAITING FOR AL You’re standing on the corner waiting for Al, then decide to step inside Jerry’s bar and hoist a brew while keeping an eye out for Al. You watch this kid trying to come inside, but always, at the last minute, he hesitates, then walks away. You wonder, what’s his problem?A JOB FOR FRANKIE Helen Walker is apprehensive about carrying the locked bag containing a rattlesnake. Usually she carried money to the bank in the bag. But today was different. Her husband, Frankie, was on her mind. Their marriage was shaky. If only he’d get a job things would be different. He said he was making a big score today. A job? Maybe?RESCUED Badly injured in a fall, George Carlson painfully struggled through snowdrifts using dead reckoning in trying to get back to his ranch. An airplane circled above him. Quickly he stamped out a huge SOS in a large patch of snow. He had to be rescued. Turning, he saw people emerging from the edge of the forest; a rescue team? And then he saw the crashed transport airplane.A SPECIAL PROM DATE In her new gown, Amy Martin preened in front of the mirror. Sixteen and going to the senior prom with Jim Roberts, the most handsome boy in the class. She was on cloud nine. The phone call shattered her: Jim broke out with chicken pox! Go to the dance with her dad? Never! Then grandpa called; he has a date for her, nice young fellow. He’ll be right over. Amy groaned.