We live in a world of stories; yet few of us pause to ask what stories actually are, why we consume them so avidly, and what they do for story makers and their audiences. This book focuses on the experiences that good stories generate: feelings of purposeful involvement, elevation, temporary loss of self, vicarious emotion, and relief of tension. The author examines what drives writers to create stories and why readers fall under their spell; why some children grow up to be writers; and how the capacity for creating and comprehending stories develops from infancy right through into old age. Entranced by Story applies recent research on brain function to literary examples ranging from the Iliad and Wuthering Heights to Harold and the Purple Crayon, providing a groundbreaking exploration of the biological and neurological basis of the literary experience. Blending research, theory, and biographical anecdote, the author shows how it is the unique structure of the human brain, with its layering of sophisticated cognitive capacities upon archaic, emotion-driven functions, which best explains the mystery of story.

Georgette Heyer, bestselling author and the Queen of Regency Romance, delights readers with this charming story of a heroine who learns a valuable lesson about being careful what she wishes for. For her, he would do anything... Plainspoken country gentleman Philip Jettan won't bother with a powdered wig, high heels, and fashionable lace cuffs, until he discovers that his lovely neighbor is enamored with a sophisticated man-about-town... But what is it that she really wants? Cleone Charteris sends her suitor Philip away to get some town polish, and he comes back with powder, patches, and all the manners of a seasoned rake. Does Cleone now have exactly the kind of man she's always wanted, or was her insistence on Philip's remarkable transformation a terrible mistake? What readers say: "Georgette Heyer is unbeatable!"—Sunday Telegraph "Charming, charming, charming. And highly readable!" "Witty dialogue and well-developed storylines—even Jane Austen could do no better." "Scintillating and very human love story by an author of exceptional talents." "Ms Heyer's effervescent wit and obvious ability to tell a good and humorous story is already evident, making Powder and Patch an enjoyable and worthwhile read."

An affecting classic romance from Christy Award-winning author Angela Hunt

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What a day! First Grace’s boss makes her buy sexy lingerie for his girlfriend, then a passing car soaks her in mud and now the pricy lingerie she was carrying is completely ruined. There’s no way she can replace it on her salary. Thankfully, a beautiful man gets out of the offending car and promises to pay for any damages, so she has nothing to worry about. But Grace gasps when she realizes who he is?just what is her boss's rival, Maksim Rostov, doing here?

Dangerous warrior Ivar Gunnarson is a man of deeds, not words. With little time for the ideals of love, Ivar seizes what he wants—and Princess Thyre will not become the exception to his rule! Mysterious and enchanting, Thyre rouses Ivar's desire the moment he lays eyes on her. With Viking factions engaged in a bloody feud, Thyre is yet another captive this hardened warrior conquers—but to be king of Thyre's heart will entail a battle he has never engaged in before….