Have you ever dreamt of soaring melodies, passionate voices filling the air, stories unfolding in grand palaces and moonlit gardens? Forget lengthy librettos and confusing plots – these are glimpses into the heart and soul of opera. Seasoned opera aficionado or curious newcomer, this collection offers a unique way to discover iconic characters, fiery heroines like Carmen and Norma, lovelorn heroes like Don José and Rodolfo, cunning villains like Don Giovanni and Scarpia. Dive into timeless stories of love, loss, betrayal, redemption, revenge, and forgiveness, all set against dazzling backdrops. Explore universal themes like jealousy, freedom, duty, and the power of music itself, woven into each operatic tapestry. Open these pages and be transported. From the moonlit balcony serenade in Don Giovanni to the heartbreaking sacrifice in La Traviata, each rhyming synopsis will ignite your imagination and leave you wanting more. This isn't a substitute for the full operatic experience, but an invitation. Let this be your stepping stone to exploring the world's most magnificent operas in all their glory. With every rhyming line, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for the power of music and drama to move and inspire. So let the curtain rise on a journey through the world of opera!

Go cupcake crazy! With nearly 300 awesome, mouthwatering ideas to choose from, home bakers will find the right recipe for any occasion and every palate. And whether they're chocolaty, spicy, crunchy, fruity, or creamy, these exquisitely decorated treats look as astounding as they taste--perfect little temptations designed to make adults nostalgic and children happy. All the basics are lovingly explained so anyone can whip up a beautiful batch, and there are varieties for every day (from healthy cupcakes to ice cream indulgences); parties big and small; holidays ranging from Christmas to the Fourth of July; just for kids; and fund-raisers and bake sales. Plus, to make things easy, an entire chart- and template-filled chapter focuses on flavor combinations and design elements.

From a #1 New York Times–bestselling author, a guardian angel lends friendship, support and magic to a girl struggling with her brother’s illness. At a first glance, Aria seems like your average twelve-year-old girl. She has coppery hair, colored shoelaces, and a passion for cupcakes. But there’s more to Aria than meets the eye. She can dream things into existence, use her own shadow like a door, and change the world in small, important ways. Aria is a guardian angel. She’s been sent here to earn her wings. But to do that, she’ll have to help three different girls. Aria’s first mission is Gabby Torres. Gabby’s always been quiet, but ever since her brother got sick, she’s barely said a word. When a new school offers her a fresh start, Gabby wants badly to be someone new, but she quickly learns it’s hard to make friends while keeping half her life a secret. And then Aria shows up. Aria, who knows exactly what to say and do to make Gabby feel better. Will she be able to help Gabby find her voice? And will Gabby still trust Aria when she finds out exactly what she is?

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Victoria Schwab, three whimsical and enchanting novels about a quirky and clever guardian angel, and the girls she's sent to help, in one irresistible volume. Aria Blue seems like an ordinary twelve-year-old. She loves music, and colorful shoelaces, and taste-testing various types of cookies. But there is much more to Aria than meets the eye. She can use her shadow like a door to travel from place to place. She can dream things into existence. And she can see when certain people need help. Because Aria is a guardian angel. Her mission? To find and guide three different girls -- Gabby, Caroline, and Mikayla -- through their different problems. If she succeeds, Aria will earn her wings. But helping these girls is no easy feat, even for someone with magic powers. Things like friendship and family and well, life, are all a lot trickier than Aria might have guessed. Still, she's pretty sure she's up for the challenge . . . Meet a magical girl like no other, from an author like no other, in this one-of-a-kind collection.

Join Aria and Liam as their curiosity leads them to the legendary Golden City of the Incas, Paititi, where they become entangled in a mission to save the city from imminent destruction. Mistaken for envoys of the sun god Inti, Aria and Liam must embrace their roles and embark on a treacherous mission to find the Sun Disk. With the help of Coya and Urco, the chief's children, they must thrust into a perilous journey deep into the Amazon jungle, decipher a mysterious map, outsmart vengeful gods, and navigate the perilous territory of the Conquistadors. As their quest unfolds, the duo faces relentless challenges, forcing them to rely on their wit, acting skills, and unexpected alliances. Will they locate the powerful Sun Disk and save Paititi before it's too late? The fate of an ancient civilization hangs in the balance. "The Sun Disk" is a rollercoaster ride of non-stop surprises, blending humor, history, and high-stakes adventure. Perfect for daring readers aged 8 to 12, this thrilling tale immerses you in a world where danger lurks at every turn, and the power of friendship and ingenuity can change the course of history. Aria & Liam is a series of standalone middle-grade books allowing young readers to enjoy each adventure in any order they wish.

Find sweet satisfaction with 50 easy, everyday cake recipes made with simple ingredients, one bowl, and no fuss. IACP AWARD WINNER • NAMED ONE OF THE BEST COOKBOOKS OF THE YEAR BY Bon Appétit • The New York Times Book Review • Epicurious • Town & Country “[Snacking Cakes] hits the sweet spot. . . . Cake for breakfast? Yes, please!”—Martha Stewart Living In Snacking Cakes, the indulgent, treat-yourself concept of cake becomes an anytime, easy-to-make treat. Expert baker Yossy Arefi’s collection of no-fuss recipes is perfect for anyone who craves near-instant cake satisfaction. With little time and effort, these single-layered cakes are made using only one bowl (no electric mixers needed) and utilize ingredients likely sitting in your cupboard. They’re baked in the basic pans you already own and shine with only the most modest adornments: a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of glaze, a dollop of whipped cream. From Nectarine and Cornmeal Upside-Down Cake and Gingery Sweet Potato Cake to Salty Caramel Peanut Butter Cake and Milk Chocolate Chip Hazelnut Cake, these humble, comforting treats couldn’t be simpler to create. Yossy’s rustic, elegant style combines accessible, diverse flavors in intriguing ways that make them easy for kids to join in on the baking, but special enough to serve company or bring to potlucks. Whether enjoyed in a quiet moment alone with a cup of morning coffee or with friends hungrily gathered around the pan, these ever-pleasing, undemanding cakes will become part of your daily ritual.

Book 6 of The Mindstream Chronicles When Gatekeeper Jora Lanseri learns the princess has been convicted by a vengeful enemy of terrible crimes, she must free the delegates trapped in gold statues on the Isle of Shess to trade for the captured princess. Now, with the enemy warships on her heels, Jora must protect the king while negotiating the princess's freedom... and keep the monster inside her from destroying them all.

Aria Abbott has never had a home. Drifting through the foster system for most of her life, she finally finds herself in a situation so unbearable that she has no choice but to run away. Sleeping on the streets pushes Aria beyond any suffering she has felt before; the only thing worse than seeing no escape is the knowledge that no one in the world cares enough to try and find her. Enter Taylor, a homeless young man with a charismatic smile and a dream of fame, fortune, and the sunshine of LA. Swept up in his energy, Aria and Taylor board a greyhound bus and never look back. In this bright new world, Aria will discover a whole community of people living in the shadows, in the margins of society. As Taylor follows his dreams, Aria follows her heart. But she will discover that it isn’t always clear who you can trust, that strangers can be kind, or treacherous, or sometimes as familiar as your own reflection, if you’re willing to look hard enough.

Never fall for your best friend. That’s the rule. The code. Claire Harlow always follows rules—except this one. However, when an attack leaves both of their worlds shaken, she decides to walk away from what could have been and hide within her own shadows. Kingston Montgomery is the man who saves the day. At least that’s what he’s always told himself—until one day he was too late. Now he’s trying to find his purpose while also ignoring the heat between him and Claire. When a chance blizzard changes their plans, one night turns to two…and then there’s no going back. Only the two must overcome what they thought their relationship should be and realize what it could become. Because if they don’t figure it out quickly, the spark that ignites them could burn them both. ~~~~~~~~ Read what others are saying about New York Times bestselling author, Carrie Ann Ryan: “Count on Carrie Ann Ryan for emotional, sexy, character driven stories that capture your heart!” – Carly Phillips, NY Times bestselling author “Carrie Ann Ryan’s romances are my newest addiction! The emotion in her books captures me from the very beginning. The hope and healing hold me close until the end. These love stories will simply sweep you away.” ~ NYT Bestselling Author Deveny Perry “Carrie Ann Ryan writes sexy emotional romances that'll make you cry and fan yourself from the heat, especially because of all that sexy ink.” –#1 NYT Bestselling Author Lauren Blakely “Once I started reading, I couldn’t stop! This is definitely going in my re-read pile!” –NYT Bestselling Author Susan Stoker "Carrie Ann Ryan writes the perfect balance of sweet and heat ensuring every story feeds the soul." - Audrey Carlan, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author “Carrie Ann Ryan never fails to draw readers in with passion, raw sensuality, and characters that pop off the page. Any book by Carrie Ann is an absolute treat.” – New York Times Bestselling Author J. Kenner “Carrie Ann Ryan knows how to pull your heartstrings and make your pulse pound! Her wonderful Redwood Pack series will draw you in and keep you reading long into the night. I can’t wait to see what comes next with the new generation, the Talons. Keep them coming, Carrie Ann!” –Lara Adrian, New York Times bestselling author of CRAVE THE NIGHT "With snarky humor, sizzling love scenes, and brilliant, imaginative worldbuilding, The Dante's Circle series reads as if Carrie Ann Ryan peeked at my personal wish list!" – NYT Bestselling Author, Larissa Ione "Carrie Ann Ryan writes sexy shifters in a world full of passionate happily-ever-afters." – New York Times Bestselling Author Vivian Arend “Carrie Ann’s books are sexy with characters you can’t help but love from page one. They are heat and heart blended to perfection.” New York Times Bestselling Author Jayne Rylon Carrie Ann Ryan's books are wickedly funny and deliciously hot, with plenty of twists to keep you guessing. They'll keep you up all night!” USA Today Bestselling Author Cari Quinn "Once again, Carrie Ann Ryan knocks the Dante's Circle series out of the park. The queen of hot, sexy, enthralling paranormal romance, Carrie Ann is an author not to miss!" New York Times bestselling Author Marie Harte ___ Topics: Contemporary Romance, Tattoo Romance, Dangerous Romance, Second Chance Romance, Erotic Romance, Steamy Romance, Grief, Love Story, Blue Collar, Construction, Montgomery Ink, sexy, heartwarming, heart-warming, family, love, love books, kissing books, emotional journey, contemporary, contemporary romance, romance series, long series, long romance series, sassy, strong heroine, captivating romance, hot, hot romance, forbidden love, sparks, loyalty, swoon rescue, kidnap, claiming, defending, protect Other readers of Carrie Ann Ryan’s books enjoyed books by: Corinne Michaels, Susan Stoker, Natasha Madison, Chelle Bliss, Chelle Sloane, Sally Thorn, Christina Lauren, Colleen Hoover, Talia Hipbert, Helena Hunting, Elle Kennedy, Kristen Callihan, Penny Reid, Kristen Ashley, KA Tucker, Melissa Foster, Bella Andre, Piper Lawson, Jean Oram, Sarina Bowen, and Jay Crownover

Simple cowboy by day, masked country music sensation by night, Seth Maestro lives a double life. He doesn’t want the trouble which will come from stardom, so he’s very, very careful to keep his two lives separate. But then he meets Aria Weston, and knows from the first moment he learns her name that they’ll end up married. How could an aria and a maestro not be together? But Aria has been hurt by lying men before, and is very clear how much she values honesty. Sure, the charming, gentlemanly cowboy she’s falling for is wonderful, but she knows Seth is keeping a secret. And she can’t be with a man who isn’t honest with her, no matter how much she might love him. Seth’s entire world is at risk if he tells her the truth…but how could he not?