Aradella Stark came into a world beautifully rooted in nature but limited in cultural development. How she transcends that limitation is the overarching theme of the book, set during the mid-1900s in a cotton mill village located in Northwest Georgia where her mother is a nightshift spinner at the mill and her father a house painter who makes most of his income from bootlegging moonshine whiskey. Nurtured by her angelic uncle, often referred to as "peculiar," she learns to love nature and experiences racial harmony with nearby neighbors. This story of Aradella Stark's coming of age is surrounded and supported by story chapters that enrich the sense of her emerging from a strongly imagized particular place and community and family. Her own intelligence and compassion, discerned and brought into bloom by a church pastor who links her to work and college in Atlanta, make possible her eventual doctoral education and her return to reclaim her roots. Despite the absence of cultural advantages known to city dwellers, what was not absent from her youth were the alternating tragic and comic motifs found in the best Southern fiction tradition, designed to bring to the reader deep engagement and moments of great delight.

Mistletoe kisses, promises, and every wile Sunny Weathers had finally inspired Jesse Days to put a ring on her finger. Now that he's committed, he promises nothing will delay this long-awaited wedding day. So when a winter storm creates holiday havoc in their small town, will the Snowmageddon blow their chance at happiness or create a Christmas miracle? Meanwhile, Storme Weathers has literally hooked her hubby-to-be Craig Knight, and he’s chomping at the bit to wed his commitment-phobic fiancée. But when a series of mishaps befall their Christmas wedding theme, Storme begins to fear their wedding is doomed. Craig’s hot kisses keep the flames burning, but are they enough to warm her cold feet and hold her heart for good?

Murder Under The Mistletoe - Ultimate Christmas Murder Mystery Collection weaves a chilling tapestry of mystery and intrigue against the festive backdrop of the holiday season. This anthology amalgamates a dazzling array of literary styles, from the methodical deductions of the archetypal detective to the suspenseful ambiance of psychological thrillers. Reflecting the rich literary context of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, each story within this collection, helmed by iconic figures like Charles Dickens and Arthur Conan Doyle, thrives on the diverse interpretations of the yuletide spirit intermingled with dark and often profound narratives. The selected works stand as a testament to the versatility and depth of the murder mystery genre, exploring themes of guilt, redemption, and the human propensity for moral ambiguity under the veil of holiday cheer. The contributing authors and editors, hailing from various cultural and literary backgrounds, bring a wealth of experience and innovation to the anthology. Their collective works, embedded in historical, cultural, and literary movements ranging from the Golden Age of Detective Fiction to the intricate plot twists of Gothic mysteries, offer a panoramic view of changing societal norms and the unending quest for justice amidst chaos. Authors such as Agatha Christie and Edgar Allan Poe, among others, contributed foundational texts that have shaped the contours of crime and detective literature. This collection acts as a crucible, melding these diverse voices into a singularly gripping narrative on crime, set against the contrasting innocence of Christmas. Murder Under The Mistletoe is a compelling invitation to readers seeking to explore the shadows cast by the festive lights through the lens of master storytellers. For those fascinated by the interplay between societal festivity and the darker aspects of human nature, this anthology promises a journey through varied landscapes of suspense, framed by the universal theme of holiday gatherings. Beyond its entertainment value, the collection offers invaluable insights into the evolution of the murder mystery genre and encourages a dialogic engagement with the works of some of its greatest practitioners. It is an essential volume for readers desiring not just a tale of mystery and suspense but a richer understanding of the cultural and literary forces that shape these narratives.

Lycanthropy is the theme of a special anthology of holiday tales featuring an outstanding collection of werewolf stories by Charlaine Harris, Simon R. Green, Keri Arthur, Dana Stabenow, Carrie Vaughn, Patricia Briggs, Rob Thurman, and others.

Some loves are worth fighting for. When Cocky sees something he wants he goes for it, consequences be damned. But when what he wants means crossing boundaries and blurring lines that could break more than hearts, he has to decide how far he's willing to go. Everything he has ever wanted is within his grasp, but life is unpredictable. There’s a new enemy in Webb Hollow, threatening to destroy the one he cherishes most. Search Terms: MC Romance, Biker Romance, Dark Romance, Action and Adventure, Suspense, Thriller, Mystery, Steamy Romance, Alpha Male, Dominant Hero, Romantic Thriller, Romantic Suspense, Saga, Interconnected Characters, family saga, crime, moonshine romance, dark fantasy, adult fantasy, women's action and adventure, contemporary romance, motorcycle club romance, bestselling biker series, motorcycle action and adventure, new adult romance, second chance romance, love triangle, May December Romance, older man younger woman

Falling for her enemy… Policeman Brian Glenn wants a promotion. Studying for a degree in criminology is the first step. When a member of Ballybeg's most notorious family struts into his forensic psychology class, his hopes for a peaceful semester are smashed to smithereens. Sharon's had a rough few months. She knows her future job prospects depend on her finally finishing her degree. When she's paired with her secret crush for the semester project, she sees a chance for happiness. Can she persuade Brian that there's more to her than sequins, high heels, and a rap sheet? ROMANCE TROPES: enemies to lovers, policeman hero, holiday romance

From the expeditions of de Soto in the sixteenth century to the celebrated work of such contemporary writers as Maya Angelou, Ellen Gilchrist, and Miller Williams, Arkansas has enjoyed a rich history of letters. These two volumes gather the best work from Arkansas's rich literary history celebrating the variety of its voices and the national treasure those voices have become.