"Takes a novel angle on Cosimo [de Medici]'s rise to power by telling the story of his mistress, the Circassian slave Maddalena . . . an incomparable cast." — Historical Novel SocietyEver-loyal Maddalena, a diminutive, dark-skinned, blue-eyed slave, has borne Cosimo de Medici a son and seen him rise to a position in the Church. Now, late in life, she finds herself committed to a convent, as part of a scheme to prevent Cosimo's sons from sending the Medici ...

Ever-loyal Maddalena, a diminutive, blue-eyed, black slave, has borne Cosimo de' Medici a son and seen him rise to the position of cardinal. Now, late in life, she finds herself committed to a convent, as part of a scheme to protect the Medici bank from ruin by Cosimo’s sons, by hiding a fortune in gold for Cosimo’s grandson, Lorenzo, to inherit. But as the months go by, and the gold does not appear, her faith in Cosimo begins to wane, and with it, her confidence in her own worth. Has she ...

Venice, 1556: a wealthy, bustling, multi-cultural city, with a standard of living four times that of anywhere else in Europe. Into this exciting world comes twenty-year-old English protestant Richard Stocker, recovering from the execution of his friend Lady Jane Grey (a friendship recounted in Edward Charles’s debut novel In the Shadow of Lady Jane.)Soon Richard finds himself caught up in the complexities of La Serenissima, and involved with three of the city’s most remark...

The Riveting Sequel to The House of Medici: Inheritance of Power.Lucrezia Tornabuoni, brought up in the Palazzo Medici alongside Cosimo’s children, always expected to marry his charismatic younger son, Giovanni. But now in later life, she finds herself imprisoned in a loveless marriage with the gout-ridden elder son, Piero. Like Cosimo, she sees the future salvation of the family in the hands of her own son, Lorenzo the Magnificent, but how can she be sure he inher...

Recently retired Air Force Intel officer Mike Foley discovers the guy who took a bullet for him during the Gulf War may be a homeless guy living in a small desert town.  He leaves Chicago to find him.  After arriving he finds a local woman who volunteers her time to aid the homeless. She helps Mike locate "Homeless Rick."  To their surprise, the next morning he's found drowned in one of the many irrigation canals. As the suspense rises so does the attr...

GhostTown B&B takes place in Tombstone, Arizona. Jim and his wife, Vadoma have decided to leave the large city of San Diego and open a bread and breakfast in Tombstone. The night before they open, there's a knock on the door. Vadoma opens the door and a young man greets her. He say's he's the marshal, Marshal Fred White, and vows to protect their B&B from any riff-raff (undesirable people). She thanks him and he leaves. Vadoma is in shock as she tells Jim she's just met the marshal - the v...

Mexican citizens in northern Mexico are outraged with the crimes being made against them by drug cartels and warlords. They decide to fight back. Internal vigilante groups are formed and a charismatic leader emerges, one who the people call the new Pancho Villa. He solicits the help of concerned US citizens and soon a militia of retired war heroes from past conflicts is formed, many who are wounded warriors. These dedicated people are convinced that this cancer of evil must be cut out and ...

Rural Life and Community: The novel provides a detailed and affectionate portrayal of rural English life, capturing the rhythms and routines of a small village. Sylvia’s interactions with the villagers reveal the close-knit nature of the community, as well as the various social dynamics at play.Romance and Personal Growth: Sylvia’s journey is also one of personal growth and self-discovery. Throughout the novel, she navigates the complexities of love and relationships, including her own rom...

In a world filled with myriad challenges and uncertainties, mastering the art of stress management has become essential for maintaining our physical, emotional, and mental well-being. From the demands of work and relationships to financial pressures and unexpected setbacks, stress can permeate every aspect of our lives, leaving us feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, and emotionally drained.But amidst the chaos and turmoil, there exists a pathway to peace, resilience, and inner harmony....

"The History and Poetry of Finger-rings" by Charles Edwards explores the intricate relationship between jewelry and human expression throughout history. This work delves into the cultural significance of finger-rings, examining their roles in various societies as symbols of love, power, and identity. Edwards meticulously details the craftsmanship and artistry involved in ring-making, highlighting how these adornments have been used to convey messages and emotions. The book serves as both a...

The Little Book is based on a Bible verse in Revelation that tells of an angel commanding the prophet John to eat a little book that would be sweet in his mouth and bitter in his belly.The major issues of the liberal agenda are of the same nature.They include atheism, feminism, homosexuality, animal rights, environmentalism, education, government, and, worst of all, **abortion.**These issues are presented in a feel-good way, sweet as honey, but a...

"…a fundamental work for anyone who desires both the English version of the story of this path-breaking voyage and an up-to-date evaluation of the scholarly production about the voyage that has appeared during the last four and a half centuries."—Lewis Hanke, Columbia UniversityToday when men orbit the globe in a few minutes, it is difficult to imagine the awe that accompanied the news of the three years' voyage completing man's first circumnavigation of the earth. Wonder and amazem...