During the summer of 1940, the skies over Great Britain are alive with snarling, twisting, darting fighters and bombers. The Battle of Britain is at its peak, and the Royal Air Force is struggling for its very existence. In the long-awaited sequel to Dragon Flight, Andy Duncan, a twenty-one-year-old Canadian airman and son of World War I ace Jimmy Duncan, is focused on piloting a Supermarine Spifire against the best that Nazi Germany can throw at the beleaguered English homeland. But when Duncan needs to hitch a van ride to the white cliffs where his squadron is stationed, the driver is Emily Smith-Barton, a buxom strawberry blonde corporal in the Women's Auxiliary Air Force. Duncan is completely captivated by her loveliness and, as Emily enters his chaotic life, hopes of a brighter future dangle like a tantalizing carrot before him. But Duncan's dream of a more peaceful existence will only become reality if he and the fighter boys of the 689 Squadron can survive the brutal killing fields five miles above a patchwork countryside that has suddenly become more precious than gold.

It all starts with the release of fidgety, suspicious Percy Talbott from state prison after serving a five-year sentence. We don't know why, only that she's released and on her way to Gilead and its "colors of paradise." But when she arrives it is February and bitter cold, and the only one around to meet her is restless Sheriff Joe Turner, who takes her to the Spitfire Grill to help the aging Hannah Ferguson run the diner. All is gray, dismal and listless around them, and the characters are in the "winter of their lives" emotionally and spiritually.

In the bitter air fighting over Western Europe during the last year of the war, no fewer than 37 pilots became aces flying Merlin-engined Spitfires, whilst 72 other aces increased their scores flying them. This book traces the achievements of the pilots flying the iconic Spitfire in Northwest Europe, and examines how the steady technological improvements that were made throughout the Spitfire's service life improved its capabilities in the air. Based at airfields throughout southern England, Merlin engine Spitfires provided the bulk of the air cover for the D-Day landings and it was an RCAF Spitfire which claimed the first ever ME 262 jet kill. 36 colour profiles covering a broad spectrum of nationalities, units, pilots, theatres and markings complement thorough research throughout this comprehensive account of these crucial fighter aircraft.

James L. Freaner is one of the most important unknown Americans in our nation’s history. Freaner gained fame throughout the country during the Mexican War while covering General Winfield Scott’s campaign. As one of America’s first war correspondents, Freaner’s letters appeared in newspapers under the byline “Mustang,” and his reports from the front included information unavailable elsewhere. Among Freaner’s scoops were the publication of complete casualty lists (long before official reports became public), detailed battle descriptions, and observations on postwar Mexico. Despite his widespread fame as a reporter, Freaner’s greatest contribution to the United States came during a conversation with Nicholas P. Trist, negotiator of the peace treaty with Mexico. After Trist had passed along an outrageous proposal from the Mexican commissioners, he was recalled, but Freaner convinced Trist to ignore the order and begin a new round of negotiations. Trist resumed, concluded the war, and added California, Nevada, Utah, and other territory to a growing country. This acquisition was second in size only to the Louisiana Purchase and was a direct result of James Freaner persuading Trist to brazenly conclude a treaty when he had no authority to do so. From the Halls of the Montezumas is a complete compilation of Freaner’s Mexican War reporting. Editors Alan D. Gaff and Donald H. Gaff have annotated the text with footnotes identifying people, places, and events, and also have added illustrations of key figures and maps. They supplement Freaner’s dispatches with biographical information that ranges from his early career to his journey to the gold fields of California and his untimely death at the hands of Indians in California in 1852.

Make way for the soft-spoken but never to be overlooked Pegasus with a heart of gold! From caring for all creatures (no matter how big and scary!) to always being willing to extend a hoof of compassion to her friends, Fluttershy does it with a bashful smile. Revisit the moments that make Fluttershy the embodiment of empathy and the spirit of kindness! Collecting My Little Pony: Friends Forever #10, #18, and #32, and My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic #64.