Penny Marshall wanted to move to Lakeview (a fictitious city) because she wanted to escape from her present circumstances, which reminded her of her past. She felt like she had to be perfect, and she couldn't live up to people's expectations. The suspense starts to build when Penny came home and found a body in her bathtub. Penny stared at the body and dashed out of her place and down to Abby's apartment. After Abby helped Penny calm down, they returned to Penny's place, but as they approached the door, they heard a sound inside, so they turned and dashed back to Abby's apartment. A few minutes later, they entered Penny's apartment and found that the body had disappeared, so they returned to Abby's place and called the police.

'Island Genres, Genre Islands' moves the debate about literature and place onto new ground by exploring the island settings of bestsellers. Through a focus on four key genres—crime fiction, thrillers, popular romance fiction, and fantasy fiction—Crane and Fletcher show that genre is fundamental to both the textual representation of real and imagined islands and to actual knowledges and experiences of islands. The book offers broad, comparative readings of the significance of islandness in each of the four genres as well as detailed case studies of major authors and texts. These include chapters on Agatha’s Christie’s islands, the role of the island in ‘Bondspace,’ the romantic islophilia of Nora Roberts’s Three Sisters Island series, and the archipelagic geography of Ursula Le Guin’s Earthsea. Crane and Fletcher’s book will appeal to specialists in literary studies and cultural geography, as well as in island studies.

A curious figure stalks the pages of a distinct subset of mass-market romance novels, aptly called “desert romances.” Animalistic yet sensitive, dark and attractive, the desert prince or sheikh emanates manliness and raw, sexual power. In the years since September 11, 2001, the sheikh character has steadily risen in popularity in romance novels, even while depictions of Arab masculinity as backward and violent in nature have dominated the cultural landscape. An Imperialist Love Story contributes to the broader conversation about the legacy of orientalist representations of Arabs in Western popular culture. Combining close readings of novels, discursive analysis of blogs and forums, and interviews with authors, Jarmakani explores popular investments in the war on terror by examining the collisions between fantasy and reality in desert romances. Focusing on issues of security, freedom, and liberal multiculturalism, she foregrounds the role that desire plays in contemporary formations of U.S. imperialism. Drawing on transnational feminist theory and cultural studies, An Imperialist Love Story offers a radical reinterpretation of the war on terror, demonstrating romance to be a powerful framework for understanding how it works, and how it perseveres.

“Her energy level is higher than a charged particle.” —People “Her manner is down-to-earth and reassuring.... She tries to make people feel better, value themselves, trust their instincts.” —Ladies’ Home Journal In today’s world of instant gratification people have lost the knack for keeping romance alive. Rather than take the time to rekindle the flame that once burned so brightly, we let the fire die out, thinking we’ll find something more lasting with someone else. Often, the result is that we find ourselves repeating the same pattern over and over again or giving up on romance altogether. But true romance never really dies it only goes into hibernation, waiting for somebody to wake it up. Are you bored with your relationship? Does your love life seem routine? Don’t throw in the towel! Let “Americas star sexologist” (TV Guide), Dr. Ruth Westheimer shows you how to inspire a romantic Renaissance in your relationship. With the help of self-exams and easy exercises, she shows you how to: Rate the romance in your relationship Renew respect and commitment Spice up your sex life Find time for Romance in everyday situations Plan a romantic getaway Full of straight-talk about real-life relationship issues and peppered with helpful and inspiring anecdotes from her years couples counseling, Rekindling Romance For Dummies helps you: Find the sources of stress in your relationship and address them constructively Discover the importance of communication in overcoming potential sore spots Understand the roles that conflict and mutual respect play in a successful relationship Use proven techniques for strengthening your relationship, including renewal ceremonies, romantic escapes, and more Overcome boredom and insecurity in the bedroom and supercharge your sex-life together, well into your golden years Work through common stresses that can afflict romance, including financial conflict, pregnancy, and childrearing Recognize how common medical problems can impact the state of your relationship and know when to seek professional help Don’t let a good thing fade away. Let Dr. Ruth show you how to “embrace the art of romance” and keep the fire burning in your relationship.

This summer, escape to exotic locations around the world and experience the rush of falling in love with royals, Hollywood A-listers and billionaires! Harlequin Romance brings you a new collection of four full-length stories from the irresistible Billion-Dollar Matches series, including: THE PRINCESS AND THE REBEL BILLIONAIRE by Sophie Pembroke Princess Isabella and rebel race car driver Matteo are set up on a week-long “perfect match” date…but both know perfect doesn’t exist! Isabella is meant to marry for duty, and Matteo is busy living in the fast lane. Instead, they decide to treat this as seven days of no-strings fun and freedom. But as they let their guards down, can they ignore their hearts—and a chance at forever? SURPRISE REUNION WITH HIS CINDERELLA by Rachael Stewart When the elite M dating agency sends wealthy Freddie Highgrove to the Seychelles for a weeklong “date,” the last person he’s expecting to be matched with is Jasmine Walker, his first love and ex-fiancée! Ten years ago, his family’s expectations for a high-society marriage sent Jasmine, their housekeeper’s daughter, running. Can one week in paradise bring them back together? CARIBBEAN NIGHTS WITH THE TYCOON by Andrea Bolter Actress Luna has spent a year away from the spotlight. So her best friend has convinced her it’s time for some fun and has organized—via the exclusive M dating agency!—a trip to Puerto Rico… Luna agreed, so long as her date isn’t looking for happily-ever-after. But she isn’t prepared for her explosive attraction to buttoned-up tycoon Charlie! Or the realization that she doesn’t want to leave the Caribbean… INDONESIAN DATE WITH THE SINGLE DAD by Jessica Gilmore Owner of an elite dating agency, Madison Morgan is resolved to fly out to Indonesia to tell billionaire Luke Taylor that the match she'd arranged for him has fallen through. She just never imagined she would become the single dad’s stand-in date! Yet, as they sail through the Indian Ocean on a luxury yacht and meet up with his little girl in Sydney, Madison’s long-hidden yearning for a loving family comes hurtling back into view… From Harlequin Romance: Be swept away by glamorous and heartfelt love stories.

Sweet Caroline Life hasn't always been so sweet for Caroline Sweeny. She's sacrificed her desires for others—unlike her mother who abandoned their family years ago. But when a friend challenges her to accept an exciting job adventure in Spain, Caroline says "yes" to a new destiny. But before she can pack her bags, Caroline suddenly finds herself the new owner of the run-down Frogmore Café—and forced to choose between her friends and her future. Then her first love, Mitch O'Neal, returns home and encourages her to seek God's desire for her future. With his help, she may discover the true sweet life. Lost in NashVegas Last week, Robin McAfee stocked groceries in Freedom, Alabama. This week, she’s living in Nashville, Tennessee, about to take the stage at the famous Bluebird Cafe. The only problem is she has stage fright after years of being ruled by fear and hiding from her dream. With the help of some new friends, including the handsome Lee Rivers, her dream may be on the verge of a breakthrough. Unless she does what comes naturally—look for the nearest exit and run! Love Starts with Elle Elle loves her life in Beaufort, South Carolina—summer days on the sand bar, coastal bonfires, and dinners with friends, sharing a lifetime of memories. She’s found her stride professionally as the owner of a successful art gallery. Life is good. And she’s found love with handsome, confident Jeremiah Franklin. But Jeremiah has accepted a large pastorate in a different state, so Elle turns her life upside down to take “the call” with him. When Jeremiah has a change of heart, Elle is hurt—and her faith is shaken. New York lawyer and recent widower Heath McCord imagines the low-country cottage he’s rented for the summer is the balm his grieving heart needs. That and time to connect with his little girl. He’s unprepared to meet his beautiful landlord, Elle Garvy, or the love her friendship awakens. But God has new blessings in store for the two grieving hearts.

Ready to trade your skates for flip-flops? When star hockey player Colton Greene finds himself stranded on a desert island, he might not have a choice... City girl Avery Addison is used to the finer things in life. Room service, limousines, a haute couture wardrobe, and five-star dining. When she finds herself stranded on a desert island in the South Pacific, she’s in for a startling realization. With no cell reception and just a designer coat to shield her from the tropical rain, she is left to devise a plan to get back home. To make matters worse, she soon discovers she’s not alone on the island. Red Valley Ravens hockey player Colton Greene is in the same predicament. His laid-back, devil-may-care attitude irks Avery to the nth degree. This is a life-and-death situation after all. Will Avery and Colton find a way off the island before they strangle each other? Or will a night in a makeshift shelter change Avery’s mind about the cocky jock? Your ticket to paradise awaits! *Although part of a series, Island Ice can be read as a stand-alone, as can all the books in the Red Valley Ravens series.*

The Love of Romance - 50 Books in One Collection' traverses the vast and verdant landscapes of romantic literature, presenting an unparalleled anthology that celebrates the genre's multifaceted nature. Comprising a pantheon of literary titans such as Jane Austen, Charlotte Brontë, and Leo Tolstoy, alongside the distinct voices of F. Scott Fitzgerald, Virginia Woolf, and E.M. Forster, this collection spans centuries, cultures, and literary movements. From the classical to the contemporary, the tragic to the comedic, it offers a compendium of styles and narratives, featuring standout pieces that have significantly influenced the genre of romance. This anthology is a testament to romance's enduring appeal and its capability to explore the depths of human emotion, societal norms, and the complexities of love and relationships. The contributing authors, hailing from diverse backgrounds and epochs, bring an array of perspectives and literary techniques to the theme of romance. Collectively, their works reflect the evolution of romantic literature, touching upon the ideals, challenges, and social contexts of their times. From the Regency elegance of Austen and the Brontës' gothic passion to the existential musings of Woolf and the jazz age disillusionment of Fitzgerald, these authors' contributions underline the thematic diversity and the dynamic evolution of romantic literature. Whether set against the backdrop of societal upheaval, the quest for personal identity, or the intricate dance of courtship and love, their narratives collectively offer a rich tapestry of the human experience. This anthology is an essential compendium for readers seeking to immerse themselves in the luxuriant world of romantic literature. Offering not just stories of love, but also windows into different eras and cultures, 'The Love of Romance - 50 Books in One Collection' curates a dialogue between the past and present, tradition and innovation. It is a journey that promises to enchant, educate, and inspire, making it an invaluable addition to the libraries of literary aficionados, scholars, and casual readers alike.

With reference to features of layout and decoration, Evans interprets Guy of Warwick as a composite work, not separate works as some scholars suggest. Examining Sir Isumbras as a homiletic romance, and Sir Degaré and Sir Orfeo as Middle English lays, he shows how different versions of these romances, in their varied composite manuscript contexts, necessitate different readings of the "same" works and of their subgenres. Evans considers the manuscript structure of groups of works with different authorship and establishes six models of composite literary structure for Middle English literature. Evans argues that manuscript groupings of romances - and of romances with nonromances - enrich our interpretations of individual romances, romance as a genre, and medieval literary structure. This original study will appeal to readers interested in medieval romance and manuscripts, medieval literary structure, and computer applications in the humanities.