This fictional story borders on the Cinderlla theme about Esmeralda "Mera" Wilkins, a young, African-American female prodigy who developed special physical, intellectual and spiritual powers. The twentieth century descendent of an eighth century BC prophetess named Huldah, Mera was commissioned by God to interpret the encapsulated scrolls written in the language of God and sealed up by King Josiah.

The man wasn't worried about attracting attention. Because he wasn't doing anything wrong. Oh, ultimately he was doing something very wrong. He smiled at the thought of it. But now he was just waiting and watching. Watching for a particular little girl....The man looked again at the photograph. The last piece was in place. Everything was a perfect match. The town of Ripton Falls, where the Richardson family comes to settle, is idyllic: nestled in the Berkshires, it boasts a stunning village green, large old houses, and a breathtaking setting. It is perfect for Hal and Judy Richardson and their nine-year-old daughter, Annie. Recruited overnight fro a frustrating job in Los Angeles by the Hilliards, Ripton Falls' oldest family, they and several other families join the Hilliards' privately owned firm in what seems a stroke of good luck. They are happier than they have been in years. But then the accidents begin. None is fatal, and some are so slight as to seem frivolous. It is Judy Richardson who first notices the disturbing and unmistakable pattern emerging as one by one the children of the new families are singled out. An obscure reference to a centuries-old legend begins to take on meaning for her--a legend about seven other children, children apparently so evil that the town had to erase from its history all record of their existence. As July and Hal's suspicions grow, speculation turns to realization and then to horror: Thy have been brought to Ripton Falls for a specific reason and for one reason and for one reason only: for their daughter, Annie.

Daughter of the Forest is a testimony to an incredible author's talent, a first novel and the beginning of a trilogy like no other: a mixture of history and fantasy, myth and magic, legend and love. Lord Colum of Sevenwaters is blessed with six sons: Liam, a natural leader; Diarmid, with his passion for adventure; twins Cormack and Conor, each with a different calling; rebellious Finbar, grown old before his time by his gift of the Sight; and the young, compassionate Padriac. But it is Sorcha, the seventh child and only daughter, who alone is destined to defend her family and protect her land from the Britons and the clan known as Northwoods. For her father has been bewitched, and her brothers bound by a spell that only Sorcha can lift. To reclaim the lives of her brothers, Sorcha leaves the only safe place she has ever known, and embarks on a journey filled with pain, loss, and terror. When she is kidnapped by enemy forces and taken to a foreign land, it seems that there will be no way for her to break the spell that condemns all that she loves. But magic knows no boundaries, and Sorcha will have to choose between the life she has always known and a love that comes only once. Juliet Marillier is a rare talent, a writer who can imbue her characters and her story with such warmth, such heart, that no reader can come away from her work untouched. At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.

The Land of Nod is based on a true store of the life and times of Jerrell Dean Thomas. Born after the Civil War in north east Texas, Jerrell Dean Porter was the only daughter of Robert Terrell Porter a wealthy liberal Christian Plantation owner who was also a former slave owner, and Louisa Love (Lou) a 15 year old former slave girl from the Porter Plantation. Because of her appearance, and an elaborate deception, Jerrell Dean Porter passed for white while being raised by her aunt Pearlee. She would eventually choose love over privilege and fully embrace the ramifications of her choice. Its a story about love and lust, of loyalty and betrayal, of evil and kindness, tolerance, compassion, respect and hope. Its a story about the slow progress of fairness and personal freedom against tremendous and formidable obstacles like constant threats of violence, racism, sexism and homophobia. This entertaining story is full of colorful characters with a wide variety of twists and unexpected turns.

Ever wondered about the mysterious place we all visit when we fall asleep? Robert Louis Stevenson's classic children's poem about dreamland is given new life in this wonderfully illustrated book. Accompanied by Robert Hunter's bold and beautiful illustrations, this picture book will bring the beloved Scottish author's work to a whole new generation of young readers.