An inspiring account of America at its worst-and Americans at their best-woven from the stories of Depression-era families who were helped by gifts from the author's generous and secretive grandfather. Shortly before Christmas 1933 in Depression-scarred Canton, Ohio, a small newspaper ad offered $10, no strings attached, to 75 families in distress. Interested readers were asked to submit letters describing their hardships to a benefactor calling himself Mr. B. Virdot. The author's grandfather Sam Stone was inspired to place this ad and assist his fellow Cantonians as they prepared for the cruelest Christmas most of them would ever witness. Moved by the tales of suffering and expressions of hope contained in the letters, which he discovered in a suitcase 75 years later, Ted Gup initially set out to unveil the lives behind them, searching for records and relatives all over the country who could help him flesh out the family sagas hinted at in those letters. From these sources, Gup has re-created the impact that Mr B. Virdot's gift had on each family. Many people yearned for bread, coal, or other necessities, but many others received money from B. Virdot for more fanciful items-a toy horse, say, or a set of encyclopedias. As Gup's investigations revealed, all these things had the power to turn people's lives around- even to save them. But as he uncovered the suffering and triumphs of dozens of strangers, Gup also learned that Sam Stone was far more complex than the lovable- retiree persona he'd always shown his grandson. Gup unearths deeply buried details about Sam's life-from his impoverished, abusive upbringing to felonious efforts to hide his immigrant origins from U.S. officials-that help explain why he felt such a strong affinity to strangers in need. Drawing on his unique find and his award-winning reportorial gifts, Ted Gup solves a singular family mystery even while he pulls away the veil of eight decades that separate us from the hardships that united America during the Depression. In A Secret Gift, he weaves these revelations seamlessly into a tapestry of Depression-era America, which will fascinate and inspire in equal measure. Watch a Video

The ponies are planning a very special surprise for a very special friend. Join them as they make their secret scrapbook—but do not tell Daisy Jo!

Escape to Cornwall for an enchanting, heartwarming new novel about friendship, hope and second chances in this standalone novel... ‘A charming and original concept’ Sunday Times bestseller Katie Fforde

As Gaspar, Melchior, and Balthasar arrive at the stable to present their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the newborn king, something incredible and wondrous happens, and the reader learns the secret behind each gift.

Don’t miss the enchanting, heartwarming new novel from the bestselling author... ’Uplifting with a magical quality’WOMAN Took me on a trip I’ll remember for a long time’ BELLA OSBORNE ‘Certain to make you laugh and cry’ JENNI KEER ’An absolute joy’ RUTH HOGAN

"The Gift of the Magi" is a short story by O. Henry first published in 1905. The story tells of a young husband and wife and how they deal with the challenge of buying secret Christmas gifts for each other with very little money. As a sentimental story with a moral lesson about gift-giving, it has been popular for adaptation, especially for presentation at Christmas time.

The Secret Seven are siblings Peter and Janet, and Jack, Barbara, Pam, Colin and George. Together they are The Secret Seven - ready to solve any mystery, any time. Books 7-9 in Enid Blyton's classic series are brought together in this three-book collection. Book 7: Secret Seven Win Through (first published in 1955) The Seven have a fantastic new hiding place. But someone else is using it at night - and it's Jack's little sister Susie who helps them catch the intruder. Book 8: Three Cheers, Secret Seven (first published in 1956) Peter and Jack see a gas-fire alight in one of the rooms when they search for their lost aeroplane in the garden of an abandoned house. Who is hiding there and why? Book 9: Secret Seven Mystery (first published in 1957) A girl runs away from home - and it's up to the Seven to find her! Jack's little sister Susie is up to her usual tricks - but she can't put the Seven off the trail of clues! This collection features the original black and white illustrations throughout.

In The Gift of Death, Jacques Derrida's most sustained consideration of religion to date, he continues to explore questions introduced in Given Time about the limits of the rational and responsible that one reaches in granting or accepting death, whether by sacrifice, murder, execution, or suicide. Derrida analyzes Patocka's Heretical Essays on the History of Philosophy and develops and compares his ideas to the works of Heidegger, Levinas, and Kierkegaard. A major work, The Gift of Death resonates with much of Derrida's earlier writing and will be of interest to scholars in anthropology, philosophy, and literary criticism, along with scholars of ethics and religion. "The Gift of Death is Derrida's long-awaited deconstruction of the foundations of the project of a philosophical ethics, and it will long be regarded as one of the most significant of his many writings."—Choice "An important contribution to the critical study of ethics that commends itself to philosophers, social scientists, scholars of relgion . . . [and those] made curious by the controversy that so often attends Derrida."—Booklist "Derrida stares death in the face in this dense but rewarding inquiry. . . . Provocative."—Publishers Weekly

Women who have maintained their sexual purity often ask, “Is it really that important for me to wait until I get married?” Meanwhile, single women who have been sexually active mourn the loss of their innocence, wishing they could somehow start again. Women want to protect the purity that is God’s gift to them, and they also long to be loved. This volatile combination makes them vulnerable to temptation. That is why it is vital that women know not only that God wants them to wait, but why God wants them to do so. They need solid reasons, conviction, and a strategy that will prepare them to live out their sexual purity as God intends. Filled with powerful true stories of hope and healing, Gift-Wrapped by God provides compelling emotional and spiritual reasons for choosing God’s path of sexual purity, as well as practical help for following it. Whether women have held onto their sexual innocence, have become prematurely sexually active, or have had their purity taken by force, they can express and fulfill their desire to come to their wedding day--and live out every day–-sexually pure and whole.

It's Christmas Eve in Honeypot Hill and Poppy and Honey are making special Christmas things for Poppy's mum and dad - in secret! With a little help from Saffron and Granny Bumble they make sparkly decorations, iced gingerbread cookies to hang on the tree and lots more. Mum and Dad are thrilled! As you follow the story, you will find some special things tucked inside to help you make your very own Christmas surprises.