A comic novel about a Midwestern professor who tries to prop up his failing prospects for happiness by setting out on the Journey of a Lifetime. Louie Hake is forty-three and teaches architectural history at a third-rate college in Michigan. His second marriage is collapsing, and he's facing a potentially disastrous medical diagnosis. In an attempt to fend off what has become a soul-crushing existential crisis, he decides to treat himself to a tour of the world's most breathtaking architectural sites. Perhaps not surprisingly, Louie gets waylaid on his very first stop in Rome--ludicrously, spectacularly so--and fails to reach most of his other destinations. He embarks on a doomed romance with a jilted bride celebrating her ruined marriage plans alone in London. And in the Arctic he finds that turf houses and aluminum sheds don't amount to much of an architectural tradition. But it turns out that there's another sort of architecture there: icebergs the size of cathedrals, bobbing beside a strange and wondrous landscape. It soon becomes clear that Louie's grand journey is less about where his wanderings have taken him and more about where his past encounters with romance have not. Whether pursuing his first wife, or his estranged current wife, or the older woman he kissed just once a quarter-century ago, Louie reveals himself to be endearing, deeply touching, wonderfully ridiculous . . . and destined to find love in all the wrong places.

Robin Constantine's New Jersey romance The Promise of Amazing is a sexy, poignant, funny, and authentic debut novel that will appeal to fans of books by Stephanie Perkins, Sarah Mlynowski, and Jennifer E. Smith. Wren Caswell is average. Ranked in the middle of her class at Sacred Heart, she's not popular, not a social misfit. Wren is the quiet good girl who's always done what she's supposed to—only now, in her junior year, this passive strategy is backfiring. She wants to change but doesn't know how. Grayson Barrett was the king of St. Gabe's: star of the lacrosse team, top of his class, and on the fast track to a brilliant future—until he was expelled for being a "term-paper pimp." Now Gray is in a downward spiral and needs to change but doesn't know how. One fateful night, their paths cross at Wren's family's Arthurian-themed catering hall. What follows is the complicated, awkward, hilarious, and tender tale of two teens shedding their pasts, figuring out who they are—and falling in love.

“This tale is a sturdy one that is made even more emphatic by Davies’s terse writing style. The text is heightened in every way by Carlin’s outstanding mixed-media artwork.” — Booklist (starred review) On a mean street in a mean, broken city, a young girl tries to snatch an old woman’s bag. But the frail old woman says the thief can’t have it without giving something in return: the promise. It is the beginning of a journey that will change the girl’s life — and a chance to change the world, for good.

Mallory’s search for happiness leads her to a faraway place. There she finds heartache, betrayal—and danger. Mallory Hammond is determined that no one will stand in the way of her goal—to save a life. She had that chance years ago, and she failed to take it, leaving her adrift and in search of the real meaning of her life. Finally, she meets a man online from a volatile corner of the world who offers her the chance to find that purpose. But she will have to leave everyone she loves behind in order to take it. Tate Webber has loved Mallory for many years. He understands that Mallory will never be happy with him until her deepest heart’s desire is satisfied. When Mallory decides to travel across the world to fulfi ll her dreams, Tate begs her not to go but tries to give her the space she needs. Mallory embarks on her dangerous journey only to discover how swiftly and easily promises can be broken. And Mallory can only pray that she will make it out alive. Inspired by actual events, The Promise is a riveting love story that asks the question: how far will we go for love? “Takes readers to a place where promises mean something very different than expected, and where her protagonist realizes that the life that needs saving is her own. . . . Wiseman draws readers into a world of deception, danger, and defiance. Readers will feel the anguish of Mallory’s loved ones as they pray for her to make it home.” —Booklist

'A wonderfully heartwarming, touching and romantic story.' Tammy Robinson author of Differently NormalTwo women from different generations brought together by another's wrongdoing.When British backpacker, Isabel Stark happens across a car accident on a lonely stretch of road in the South Island of New Zealand her life changes forever. The sole passenger, Ginny Havelock asks her to make a promise before she passes away-to find Constance and to say she's sorry. Isabel's a lost soul who's been drifting through life unsure of where she fits, and the promise she made in New Zealand haunts her upon her return to the United Kingdom. Her only clue as to finding Constance lies within a conversation held at Ginny's funeral. It takes her to the Isle of Wight. In the 1940's sixteen-year-old Constance's life on her island is sheltered until the death of her brother; Ted brings the reality of war crashing down around her. He leaves behind his pregnant young widow Ginny. When Constance meets a handsome Canadian airforce man, she's eager to escape her grief and be swept up by first love. It's a love which has ramifications she could never envisage. When Isabel and Constance's paths finally cross will Ginny's last words be enough for Constance to make peace with her past? And in fulfilling her promise will Isabel find a place she can call home?

From USA TODAY Bestselling Author Laura Scott Lifeline Air Rescue - Falling in love while saving lives... Will the truth tear them apart? Dr. Jared O'Connor has given his parents a promise--to find his dead brother's fiancee and child. But his mission is derailed when he meets beautiful flight nurse Shelly Bennett. The sadness in her eyes, mirrors his own, and he is drawn to her and to her young son in a way he's never experienced before. Shelly can't afford to be distracted by Jared's attention. Her son's upcoming testing may confirm he has kidney failure--there's no room for anything else in her life. But when Jared uncovers the truth, she realizes her days of running from the past are over. But can she forgive Jared long enough to accept his love? -- Read what others are saying about USA Today Bestselling Author Laura Scott: “Scott delivers distinctive characters, an appealing small-town setting, and a hint of romance. This cozy is perfect for animal lovers."--Publishers Weekly review of Dogged by Death "An entertaining cast of characters makes for a kickoff sure to please dog lovers." --Kirkus review for Dogged by Death Read the entire Lifeline Air Rescue series in order: A Doctor’s Promise A Doctor’s Secret A Doctor’s Dilemma A Doctor's Trust A Doctor’s Reunion A Doctor’s Christmas Topics: Secret identity romance, clean and wholesome romance, sweet romantic suspense, sweet romance, small town romance, small town contemporary romance, family romance, medical romance, doctor nurse romance, contemporary suspense romance, clean family centered romance, Laura Scott books, Laura Scott romantic suspense books, emotional romance, redemption romance, finding faith romance, faith journey, medical drama, medical romance, USA today Bestselling author, USA Today, rescue romance, learning to trust again, strong women romance, damsel in distress, doctor, hospital, strong men of faith, protector, faith redeemed. Readers of Laura Scott’s books enjoyed books by: Lynette Eason, Irene Hannon, Susan Sleeman, Susan May Warren, Hallee Bridgeman, Christy Barritt, Diann Mills, Dee Henderson, Elizabeth Goddard, Terri Blackstock, Lisa Harris, Rachel Dylan, Dani Pettrey, Colleen Coble, Edie James, Terri Reed, Shirlee McCoy, Lenora Worth, Heather Woodhaven, Dana Mentink

For fans of Harper Lee and Rita Mae Brown, Roy Hoffman's new novel is steeped in a sense of place--coastal Alabama--with its rich tapestry of characters caught in a web of justice not for all. Early Praise for The Promise of the Pelican: "Roy Hoffman has written a fast-paced, mesmerizing and incredibly moving contemporary novel about human and civil rights,"-- bestselling author Lee Smith "A thrilling novel, with characters as memorable as those of Shakespearean tragedy...I could not put it down." --Sena Jeter Naslund, author of Ahab's Wife At once a literary crime novel and an intergenerational family drama, The Promise of the Pelican is set in the multicultural South, where justice might depend on the color of your skin and your immigration status. Hank Weinberg is a modern day Atticus Finch, recently retired as a defense attorney in Mobile, Alabama, and a Holocaust survivor, who fled the Nazis as a young child. With his daughter in rehab, he's now taking care of his special needs grandson. Mourning his dead wife, spending mornings fishing on the pier with other octogenarians, he passes the rest of his days watching over his sweet grandson with the help of Lupita, a young Honduran babysitter. When her brother Julio, an undocumented immigrant, is accused of murder, Hank must return to the courtroom to defend him while also trying to save his daughter and grandson's life from spinning out of control. The Promise of the Pelican takes its title from the legend that a pelican will pierce its own breast for blood to feed its starving chicks, a metaphor for one old man who risks all to save the vulnerable. In a crisp prose style Harper Lee called "lean and clean," Hoffman writes from an enormous well of compassion. He fills his new novel with a cast of finely drawn characters of all ages and abilities facing life's harshest challenges and rising to meet them with dignity.

From the author of The Personal History of Rachel Dupree, shortlisted for the Orange Award for New Writers and longlisted for the Orange Prize. 1900. Young pianist Catherine Wainwright flees the fashionable town of Dayton, Ohio in the wake of a terrible scandal. Heartbroken and facing destitution, she finds herself striking up correspondence with a childhood admirer, the recently widowed Oscar Williams. In desperation she agrees to marry him, but when Catherine travels to Oscar's farm on Galveston Island, Texas—a thousand miles from home—she finds she is little prepared for the life that awaits her. The island is remote, the weather sweltering, and Oscar's little boy Andre is grieving hard for his lost mother. And though Oscar tries to please his new wife, the secrets of the past sit uncomfortably between them. Meanwhile for Nan Ogden, Oscar’s housekeeper, Catherine’s sudden arrival has come as a great shock. For not only did she promise Oscar’s first wife that she would be the one to take care of little Andre, but she has feelings for Oscar which she is struggling to suppress. And when the worst storm in a generation descends, the women will find themselves tested as never before. Skyhorse Publishing, as well as our Arcade, Yucca, and Good Books imprints, are proud to publish a broad range of books for readers interested in fiction—novels, novellas, political and medical thrillers, comedy, satire, historical fiction, romance, erotic and love stories, mystery, classic literature, folklore and mythology, literary classics including Shakespeare, Dumas, Wilde, Cather, and much more. While not every title we publish becomes a New York Times bestseller or a national bestseller, we are committed to books on subjects that are sometimes overlooked and to authors whose work might not otherwise find a home.

*IPPY Award Silver Medalist Young Adult Fiction - General A medium desperate to save his town, a grieving brother wanting revenge, and a girl who's decided to end ghosts once and for all, converge in the town of St. Hilaire, where the spirits of the dead roam the streets and there's no such thing as resting in peace. Russ Griffin has always wanted to be a fantastic medium. Growing up in the town of St. Hilaire, where most residents make their living by speaking to the dead, means there's a lot of competition, and he's always held his own. But Russ knows the town he loves is corrupt, and he's determined to save it before the sinister ruling body, The Guild, ruins all he's ever wanted. Willow Rogers is St. Hilaire royalty. An orphan, raised by The Guild, she's powerful and mysterious. But she has secrets that might change everyone's fate. She's done with St. Hilaire, done with helping spirits move on. She wants to end the cycle for good and rid the town of ghosts, even if that means destroying the only home she's ever known. Asher Mullen lost his sister, and his parents can't get over her death. They sought answers in St. Hilaire and were turned away. Now they want revenge. Asher is tasked with infiltrating the town, and he does that by getting to know Russ. The only problem is, he might be falling for him, which will make betraying him that much harder. Russ, Willow, and Asher all have their own agendas for St. Hilaire, but one thing's for certain, no one will be resting in peace. Perfect for readers looking for: ghost town books young adult lgbt books atmospheric stories Praise for Prelude for Lost Souls: "Ghost story, love story, and mystery in equal measure, Helene Dunbar's Prelude for Lost Souls is filled with unforgettable characters who reveal the many ways a life can be haunted. Perfect for fans of The Raven Boys."—Lisa Maxwell, New York Times bestselling author of The Last Magician series "Dunbar invokes small-town intrigue and plentiful atmosphere with this haunting, romantic tale."—Publishers Weekly "A quietly compelling story."—Kirkus Reviews "Mesmerizing and haunting, Dunbar invites readers into a world of family secrets, anxious ghosts and a society's ruthless grasp for power that will leave you wanting more."—The Nerd Daily "Fantastic elements layered in with poignant, human moments of grief make this ghost story a solid sequel. "— Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (BCCB)

The greatest joy and fulfillment are within your reach, but they require an enduring Promise to The One…someone you might not expect. It’s not your boss, your spouse, your children, or others—no, the ultimate commitment is The Promise you make to yourself to discover your purpose and gifts and share them with the world. Everyone has been hurt or negatively impacted by broken promises. Promise-breaking and a lack of integrity are symptomatic of the most chronic illness faced by society today. Even though many leadership courses and ethics programs tout “integrity” as a buzzword, few of us are really assessing our own values unless someone calls us out on a discrepancy. But even when others don’t catch on to the façade, when our values aren’t in alignment with our actions and when our actions aren’t consonant with our gifts and passions, we’re left feeling isolated, drained, and depressed. No recognition or acceptance from others can fill the void in the same way as when you keep a Promise to yourself and actually follow through on it. The Promise is the highest level of engagement we commit to in any experience. The Promise is greater than a goal—it’s a sacred commitment. It’s complete dedication to identifying your Signature Moves—the unique talents you’ve been given that, when developed and used to better others’ lives, make you a Legendary Leader. What choices do you make when no one is watching? How do you approach a decision that requires you to let either yourself or someone else down? How do you stay committed to your values, even when the less-rewarding path is more convenient? A renowned speaker and performer who has helped audiences worldwide appreciate what accountability really means, Jason Hewlett shares his program for self-discovery and taking ownership of your gifts in The Promise to The One. His unique three-step method—IDENTIFY • CLARIFY • MAGNIFY—will enable you to pinpoint your strengths, shape them into an identity to which you commit, and develop them so that they can improve others’ lives as well as your own. Filled with Jason’s signature wit and vulnerability as well as actionable exercises, this book will help you refine your character and reach your dreams through the power of kept Promises. Start your journey to living a life of Promise Making and Keeping…beginning with The Promise to The One.