While hairstylist Melody Pullman has no problem keeping clients in her chair, she can't keep her bills paid once her crack-addicted husband Big Steve steps through a revolving door leading in and out of prison. She soon finds what seems to be a sexual and financial solution when she becomes involved with Larry, the husband of one of her longtime clients. Larry, weary of dealing with his disabled wife and her needs, sees Melody as a release, a guilty pleasure. But does Larry have what it takes to hold on to her when another suitor steps on the scene and challenges him? A little puddin' is always good after a meal . . . unless it belongs to someone else.

The irresistible companion to the #1 New York Times bestseller Dumplin’, now a Netflix feature film starring Danielle Macdonald and Jennifer Aniston, and a soundtrack by Dolly Parton! Millie Michalchuk has gone to fat camp every year since she was a little girl. Not this year. This year she has new plans to chase her secret dream of being a newscaster—and to kiss the boy she’s crushing on. Callie Reyes is the pretty girl who is next in line for dance team captain and has the popular boyfriend. But when it comes to other girls, she’s more frenemy than friend. When circumstances bring the girls together over the course of a semester, they surprise everyone (especially themselves) by realizing that they might have more in common than they ever imagined. A story about unexpected friendship, romance, and Texas-size girl power, this is another winner from Julie Murphy.

A magic pudding who changes from steak and kidney to jam roll and apple dumpling in seconds. A walking, talking dessert that never runs out of pleasing things to eat. A koala bear, named Bunyip Bluegum, A sailor named Bill Barnacle, and Sam Sawnoff the penguin have a wonderful hilarious magical adventure defending the Pudding against thieves who want it for themselves.

Murder Steals the Spotlight. When Myrtle Clover and her friend Miles attend a play in their small town, there’s a full house on opening night. It’s clear to Myrtle that one of the actresses is a stage hog who loves stealing the spotlight. Nandina Marshall certainly does upstage everyone—when her murder forces an unexpected intermission. Can Myrtle and Miles discover who was behind her final curtain call….before murder makes an encore?

Jermaine Hopkins thinks he's found Mrs. Right in the form of sexy single mother Karen. Little does he know, he's about to be taken for the ride of his life when they join together in matrimonial mayhem. Extramarital affairs, parental interference, and pure drama propel the lightning pace of this story about what happens when the ties that bind leave you handcuffed.

In this gritty and realistic page-turner, the men are tempting, the drama is long, and Regina Harris and her thirty-something girlfriends are more grown and sexy than they've ever been . . . Essence and Blackboard bestselling author Karen E. Quinones Miller returns with the follow-up to Satin Doll, her debut novel about four sassy women from Harlem. Puddin': Yeah, y'all know I'm gangsta wit' it. And that's why I don't give a hot damn about swindling these stupid wimps for whatever-be it a drink or their precious platinum credit cards. I may not have a college education like Gina and Tamika or a bougie job like Yvonne, but my sexy ass gets the job done.Yvonne: Let's face it: I'm too fine to be alone. I'm intelligent, gainfully employed-and did I mention how fine I am? Well, it's a lot harder to find a good man than you'd think. So why does everybody have a problem with me getting back with my ex? Please! He'd almost be perfect if he didn't still have a wife.Tamika: I guess I'm the most quiet out of all my girls. Marriage, motherhood, and med school will do that to a sista. And, hell, having a full-out drug war land in your home will certainly do the trick. It'll also keep you stressed, angry, and maybe even a little judgmental of your friends when they're sleeping with the enemy.Regina: Yeah, Little Joe ran the game twenty years ago. But it was that same game that helped me jump off my writing career. And after seeing him for the first time in years, I've got to at least talk to the man. Never mind that he looks better than ever and still has that same sexy swagger that I found irresistible. Or that he might not be the best example for my daughter...or that I'm still feeling my politician ex-hubby (just a little bit). Never mind all of that. Because talking never hurt anybody, right? Blending themes of friendship and street angst with tough, sexy, independent female characters, Satin Nights captures the edginess of urban grit and celebrates the strength of sista-hood.

Nedra Harris, a 23-year-old business executive, runs into Simeon Mathews, a man she met in college years earlier. She remembers his warm smile and charming nature, but soon finds out that Simeon possesses a dark side.

In grey, 1930s England, Bea has grown up kicking against the conventions of the time, all the while knowing that she will one day have to marry someone her parents choose - someone rich enough to keep the family estate alive. But she longs for so much more - for adventure, excitement, travel, and maybe even romance. When she gets the chance to spend the summer in Italy with her bohemian uncle and his fianc_e, a whole world is opened up to Bea - a world that includes Ben, a cocky young artist who just happens to be infuriatingly handsome too. Sparks fly between the quick-witted pair until one night, under the stars, a challenge is set: can Bea and Ben put aside their teasing and have the perfect summer romance? With their new friends gleefully setting the rules for their fling, Bea and Ben can agree on one thing at least: they absolutely, positively will not, cannot fall in love... A long, hot summer of kisses and mischief unfolds - but storm clouds are gathering across Europe, and home is calling. Every summer has to end - but for Bea, this might be just the beginning.

Surprises—some good but mostly bad—always seemed to rush into Jinger Rose’s life. When she and her younger brother, Rustin, are sent South to live with relatives, she is uncertain, yet quietly excited. This story evolves into a trilogy of the lives of Jinger, her conflicted guardians, and her headstrong daughter. A historical novel, it is a generational tale of the times, struggles, conflicts, colorism, pride, prejudice, and hope filled resolutions of two southern families. Vibrant daffodils periodically appear, emitting hope and quiet advocacy for the protagonists as they seek to live lives of prestige and dignity in the twentieth century, Jim Crow South. A delightful read. Captures historical events through hearty, true to life characters. J LADD JOHNSON, AUTHOR OF LOVED AS PROMISED Warm, thoughtful and engaging. Explores the power of family, faith and perseverance with aplomb. CLAYTEE WHITE, AUTHOR OF “EIGHT DOLLARS A DAY AND WORKING IN THE SHADE” AN ORAL HISTORY An inspiration and a must read for all. Prolific writer who brings the Jim Crow Era to life with spirit. HEARLEY V. SMITH, PH.D., AUTHOR OF THE ILLNESS

A love so strong it will bind them together forever… or tear them apart. 1835. It begins with a wish made on Midsummer’s Eve, Richmond Bridge, Van Diemen’s Land. Orphaned Rachel, daughter of a bushranger, doesn’t know that the man she falls in love with isn’t the hero she believes him to be. After they marry, their happiness is torn asunder when Will’s terrible secret is revealed. With Will gone, Rachel travels to the Port Phillip District to make a life there. As the years pass, their lives separate and intersect, but always there is the bond. Like an unbreakable thread, it stretches between them, holding the promise of a happiness that seems just out of reach. In her loneliness, Rachel turns to another man, while Will returns to his origins, hunting down criminals and bringing them to justice. Eventually fate brings them together again. Rachel, once more by Will’s side, longs to regain the love she once lost. But Will may never be able to put aside his hurt and forgive her, no matter how much he wants to. Can they resolve their differences at last? Can the wish Rachel made on that long ago evening finally weave its magic?