Sophie’s friend Hattie tries out for a play at Oak Hollow Theater in this sixteenth charming book of The Adventures of Sophie Mouse series! When Hattie Frog learns that Oak Hollow Theater is putting on a play and anyone can audition, she knows it’s her time to shine. Sophie is surprised because Hattie is usually so shy! But she supports her friend and helps Hattie practice for her audition. And Hattie gets a role! There’s just one problem. Now Hattie isn’t so sure she’s ready to be on stage in front of all of Pine Needle Grove! With easy-to-read language and illustrations on almost every page, the Adventures of Sophie Mouse chapter books are perfect for beginning readers.

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • NEWBERY HONOR AWARD WINNER A classic YA novel about a teenage girl searching for a sense of home and family that celebrates the true spirit of independence on the American frontier. For most of her life, sixteen-year-old Hattie Brooks has been shuttled from one distant relative to another. Tired of being Hattie Here-and-There, she summons the courage to leave Iowa and move all by herself to Vida, Montana, to prove up on her late uncle’s homestead claim. Under the big sky, Hattie braves hard weather, hard times, a cantankerous cow, and her own hopeless hand at the cookstove. Her quest to make a home is championed by new neighbors Perilee Mueller, her German husband, and their children. For the first time in her life, Hattie feels part of a family, finding the strength to stand up against Traft Martin’s schemes to buy her out and against increasing pressure to be a “loyal” American at a time when anything—or anyone—German is suspect. Despite daily trials, Hattie continues to work her uncle’s claim until an unforeseen tragedy causes her to search her soul for the real meaning of home. This young pioneer's story is lovingly stitched together from Kirby Larson’s own family history and the sights, sounds, and scents of homesteading life.

Nine actresses, from Madame Sul-Te-Wan in Birth of a Nation (1915) to Ethel Waters in Member of the Wedding (1952), are profiled in African American Actresses. Charlene Regester poses questions about prevailing racial politics, on-screen and off-screen identities, and black stardom and white stardom. She reveals how these women fought for their roles as well as what they compromised (or didn't compromise). Regester repositions these actresses to highlight their contributions to cinema in the first half of the 20th century, taking an informed theoretical, historical, and critical approach.

The completely updated story of Carry On, Britain's largest film franchise, all the way from the gentle capers of the 1950s, through the raucous golden age of the 1960s, to its struggles in the decades (not plural) that followed. We take a happy walk down memory lane to enjoy again Sid James's cheeky chuckle, Kenneth Williams' elongated vowels, Charles Hawtrey's bespectacled bashfulness and Barbara Windsor's naughty wiggle. It all seemed effortless, but exclusive interviews with the series' remaining stars including Bernard Cribbins, Angela Douglas and Kenneth Cope shed new light on just how much talent and hard work went into creating the laughs. For the first time, the loved ones of some of the franchise’s biggest names - on and off screen - share their personal memories from this unique era. Was Carry On really as sexist, racist and bigoted as critics claim? Three of the films' female stars explain why they never felt remotely exploited, plus we take a fresh look at some of the series' biggest titles and discover that, in reality, they were far more progressive than their detractors would have you believe. Finally, with constant talk about new films, fresh productions and tantalising speculation about a brand new era of Carry On, we ask - does this unique series still have legs?

When Meg Monroe decides to start her life over in small town Iowa, she knows change can be good. She also knows there’s nothing left for her in her old job—or her marriage. With an old house to decorate and what seems at first like a quiet neighborhood, Meg is pleased to have plenty of time for crafting. But the local craft store is closed with no sign of reopening, leaving Meg at a loss for supplies. And her snarky neighbor isn’t just nosy—she’s murdered—and Meg is determined to restore the peace. Once she also has her mind set on creating the first craft club in Greenville, Iowa, nothing can stand in her way but solving the case. Will Meg’s new life—and backwards house—be too much for her to handle, when a murder happens next door? Or will she find the solution to this crafty crime?

Hattie McDaniel was the first black to ever win an Oscar. She was also the first black woman to ever sing on American radio. In this fresh assessment of her life and career, Carlton Jackson tells the inside story of her working relationships, her personal life, and the many obstacles she faced as a black performer in the white world of show business during the first half of the twentieth century.

Top Notch is the unpredictably fun and assassin-worthy whodunit starring the endearing and scrappy Mia Murphy and her purloined cat, back in action after the surprise bestseller Double Twist thrust them into the spotlight. No one liked celebrity portrait artist and sexy-times rich recluse Rutherford Callahan, but who would want to kill him? Certainly not Hattie Lawless, the blue-haired senior whose massive nude portrait is currently hanging in the dead guy's studio… But the cops disagree, and so does the evidence. Mia isn't about to let her new bestie spend her golden years behind bars, so once again, she must break her law-abiding promise to herself and get back in the game, dusting off long-buried skills from her criminal childhood. With bodies piling up and threats coming from all directions, Mia and her pals are soon ankle-deep in corpses, diamonds, pickpocketing schemes, celebrity wedding drama, and stolen cinnamon bun recipes. And when it looks like an enemy from Mia's past has targeted her, the stakes suddenly become much more personal. Not even her smoldering FBI handler or an irritatingly attractive bodyguard cop can keep Mia safe if she doesn't play by the rules. And since Mia and rules don't go together…well…things are about to get dangerous. And deadly. And cinnamon-bun delicious. "Mia Murphy is my new favorite character! She is fun, witty and slightly cracked." Five-star Goodreads Review (April M.) "Mia Murphy is reminiscent of Stephanie Plum from Janet Evanovich’s own book series. Gutsy, clumsy, and yet likable." Five-star Goodreads Review (OnceUponAMaggie) "THIS IS THE COZY SERIES TO READ AND FOLLOW!" Five-star Goodreads Review (LittleRead) ABOUT THE AUTHOR: New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Stephanie Rowe is the author of more than fifty novels. Notably, she is a Vivian® Award nominee, and a RITA® Award winner and a five-time nominee. She loves her puppies, tennis, and being as as sassy and irreverent as her heroines. She's pretty sure dead bodies are better in fiction than real life, but hey, never say never, right?

This book is a witty and intriguing look into the world of foster care through the eyes of a foster parent. It breaks down the expectations and regulations that parents in foster care are faced with, and it touches on the problems in government policy that affect foster children. It does all this while thoroughly entertaining the reader. It is an indispensable resource for anyone considering adoption or foster care and a great read for just about anyone else.

‘Stunning... What a marvellous read this was... I raced through the story finishing it in an afternoon.... I loved every minute of this beautiful read’ Shaz’s Book Blog Escape to the daisy-strewn windswept Dorset cliffs, to the donkey sanctuary at Sweet Briar Farm, where Hattie Rose is about to find, that in this world, the most unlikely opposites can sometimes attract … Hattie was once thrilled to call the beautiful city of Paris her home. But when her heart is broken by her boyfriend and she loses her dream job, she bids farewell to the city of love and hurries home to Gillypuddle, a sleepy village on the Dorset coast. But as she returns home she finds her parents struggling to cope with a terrible family tragedy. In a desperate search for a new start, Hattie takes a job at the donkey sanctuary nearby on Sweet Briar Farm where Jo, the taciturn owner, certainly loves her animals far more than humans. Hattie can’t help but fall in love with the donkeys (and the opportunity to get close to dreamy Canadian vet Seth) but Jo is harder to get to know and when she finds her boss sobbing in her sleep one stormy night, she knows that her new friend is hiding a dark secret. And when handsome newspaper reporter Owen does some digging into Jo’s past he finds something that connects her to Hattie on a whole new level. Can Hattie trust what Owen says, especially when he seems intent on standing in the way of her blossoming romance with Seth? And can Hattie help Jo to start healing and the donkeys of Sweet Briar Farm? A beautiful story that will melt the hardest of hearts. If you love Jenny Colgan, Lucy Diamond and Josie Silver you will be enchanted by this life-affirming read that reminds you that home is wherever the people you love are. Everyone loves Hattie’s Home for Broken Hearts: ‘This is a story that will melt even the hardest of hearts, it is perfect for lovers of Jenny Colgan books. I will definitely be reading more by this author.’ Little Miss Book Lover ‘I love Tilly’s books, and this one was a real pleasure to read… Great storyline, and a warm, captivating read.’ Goodreads Reviewer , Five stars ‘The perfect heartwarming read for the summer. This story is about loss, love, and second chances. I couldn't help feeling like the grinch whose heart grew several sizes while reading this wonderful story.’ The Reading Chemist ‘Another fabulous story from Tilly. A fantastic summer read with the feel- good factor. Enough to almost draw tears but then break out in a big smile. Wonderful.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars ‘Tilly love you have done it again. Hatties home for broken hearts is an amazing feel good book. …amazing characters, a fabulous storyline and a great setting. This book is really fab.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars ‘This is a unique story that I enjoyed reading. A donkey sanctuary was a wonderful addition to the story of Jo and a few love interests as well. I am a fan of Tilly Tennant and have read many of her books, and this one was at the top of my list. For me, definitely a 5 star review. ‘ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars ‘Oh my word I loved this book, a definite page turner, and now I want a donkey. This book is perfect to read on holiday.’ Boonies123,. 5 stars ‘I fell in love with the donkeys straight away, just like Hattie! They all seemed to have their own personalities and I thought that they all were so cute! But, my favourite was definitely Norbert… Overall, this was a heart-warming story that I thoroughly enjoyed.’ The Cosiest Corner, Five stars ‘A truly moving story of unlikely friendships and the way in which animals can help to heal even the most damaged of human hearts … I absolutely loved the setting and envied Hattie’s view of the sea from her bedroom window… perfect for popping in the holiday luggage, the only problem being that you might be thinking of buying, or at the very least adopting, a donkey by the final page’. Fabulous Book Fiend, 5 stars ‘I loved this book and would highly recommend it to all. It has a great story line, brilliant main characters and is a real page turner. I couldn't put this book down.’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars ‘Another lovely, heart-warming story by Tilly Tennant. A pleasure to read… A great cast of characters in this story…The scenery was beautiful, felt I was there on the Dorset cliffs and in the surrounding countryside.’ StefLoz Books, 5 stars ‘Another fantastic read by the fantastic author that is Tilly Tennant. Aww I loved this book. Set in the gorgeous Dorset countryside. In a Donkey sanctuary. At Sweet Briar Farm… A story of love on many different levels, secrets, family, friendship, donkeys, new beginnings and personal growth.’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars ‘I really enjoyed this book - a lovely heartwarming story. I loved the setting of this book in a donkey sanctuary and Norbert was my particular favourite! Lovely characters who I empathised with immediately. Idyllic setting. The story was funny in places but also moving too. Perfect for a cosy afternoon on the sofa, or relaxing in the garden or on the beach.’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars ‘This was a rather unique story, I loved the part the Donkey Sanctuary played in the story and how the characters interacted. It was a lovely idea and the writing was really easy to read, it was the perfect cosy read. I am definitely a fan of Tilly Tennant's writing.’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars ‘This is escapism at its best. An engaging and entertaining book that made me feel better. I loved the plot, the well written cast of characters and the setting’. Goodreads Reviewer ‘This was such an easy read, it took me less than two days to finish! It was funny, relatable, and heart-warming. I have read other books by this author which I have truly enjoyed, and this one was no different. I read it by the pool and it was just perfect. I would definitely recommend this to my friends!’ Netgalley Reviewer ‘This book was absolutely charming from start to finish. The characters are rich and compelling, likable despite their flaws, and their dilemmas pulled me in. This is the sort of book that's good for your blood pressure--it feels cozy to read, and the good side of human nature shines through. A wonderful, wonderful beach read!’ Michelle Chouinard, 5 stars ‘Love this author, liked the cover and really really liked everything about this book from start to finish, made me feel really good. Would recommend.’ Netgalley Reviewer ‘I think this is a lovely read, it’s quirky with a unique setting – a donkey sanctuary! I liked the premise of the book and enjoyed it, heart-warming with moments of humour’ The Comfy Chair Reviews ‘Another fun story by a great author. If you love British romance lit than you will love this one… Enjoyed this one, with lots of witty banter and a well written story. Hard to put down, and one I highly recommend.’ Netgalley Reviewer, 5 stars ‘I never honestly thought you could set a romance novel on a donkey sanctuary, but this book totally works! I enjoyed the storylines of Hattie and Seth the vet, but it was the relationship between Hattie and Jo that really made me love this book! If you want something that will warm your heart, even when you are on the beach this summer, this book is the one!’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars ‘A moving story about loneliness and how animals and humans can help heal each other’s hearts and also how a bond can form between the most unlikely of people.’ Being Unique Books, 5 stars ‘I have read quite a few books by this author and have really enjoyed them and this one certainly didn’t disappoint. This is a light, easy read perfect to enjoy whilst relaxing on holiday. A lovely read.’ Goodreads reviewer ‘Throw in a good looking vet and and equally attractive newspaper reporter and you have a lovely little story of love, loss and second chances. And by the way. the donkeys steal the show’. For the Love of Books, 5 stars