Author: Uddhav Kanhai
Publisher: Notion Press
ISBN: 1638505845
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 237
Book Description
An anarchist hacker, known by his alias Joker, comes out of the dark web to burn the billion-dollar influencer industry for vengeance and accidentally becomes the influencer king. Joker’s humorous and astute ways have garnered the Prime Minister’s attention. Joker becomes his first follower on social media. But is that his aim? A never before seen firewall, created by a young citizen of India, terminates Joker’s success. When the CBI failed, an ordinary boy with extraordinary talent set foot to help the officials and hurts Joker’s pride. Maira, the director of SWAT and the Prime Minister’s wife, struggles with her life. She doesn’t have a clue that beneath her house, many malicious secrets lay buried. When she digs deeper, her morality is shaken. Joker enters the tunnel, hoping to see the light on the oth-er side, but his delusions of grandeur lead him astray in the darkness. Will his vengeance make the world a better place or will there be no light at the end of the tunnel?
#jokerstash
Author: Uddhav Kanhai
Publisher: Notion Press
ISBN: 1638505845
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 237
Book Description
An anarchist hacker, known by his alias Joker, comes out of the dark web to burn the billion-dollar influencer industry for vengeance and accidentally becomes the influencer king. Joker’s humorous and astute ways have garnered the Prime Minister’s attention. Joker becomes his first follower on social media. But is that his aim? A never before seen firewall, created by a young citizen of India, terminates Joker’s success. When the CBI failed, an ordinary boy with extraordinary talent set foot to help the officials and hurts Joker’s pride. Maira, the director of SWAT and the Prime Minister’s wife, struggles with her life. She doesn’t have a clue that beneath her house, many malicious secrets lay buried. When she digs deeper, her morality is shaken. Joker enters the tunnel, hoping to see the light on the oth-er side, but his delusions of grandeur lead him astray in the darkness. Will his vengeance make the world a better place or will there be no light at the end of the tunnel?
Publisher: Notion Press
ISBN: 1638505845
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 237
Book Description
An anarchist hacker, known by his alias Joker, comes out of the dark web to burn the billion-dollar influencer industry for vengeance and accidentally becomes the influencer king. Joker’s humorous and astute ways have garnered the Prime Minister’s attention. Joker becomes his first follower on social media. But is that his aim? A never before seen firewall, created by a young citizen of India, terminates Joker’s success. When the CBI failed, an ordinary boy with extraordinary talent set foot to help the officials and hurts Joker’s pride. Maira, the director of SWAT and the Prime Minister’s wife, struggles with her life. She doesn’t have a clue that beneath her house, many malicious secrets lay buried. When she digs deeper, her morality is shaken. Joker enters the tunnel, hoping to see the light on the oth-er side, but his delusions of grandeur lead him astray in the darkness. Will his vengeance make the world a better place or will there be no light at the end of the tunnel?
Ava's Place
Author: Emily Beck Cogburn
Publisher: Kensington
ISBN: 1496700112
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 305
Book Description
Sometimes starting over is the best way home… Most days, divorced mom Ava Olson is just trying to keep it all together. With three school-age children and only a part-time job at a local newspaper, she barely has time to juggle the small stuff, much less stand back and consider the big picture. Besides, dreaming about what-ifs is a dangerous habit, especially when her real concern should be the competition from a much younger new editor….That is, until she meets Ford, a café owner who wins her over with his warm smile and delicious po’ boy sandwiches—and makes her wonder if there could still be more to life than work and kids. Then a new opportunity opens up, and suddenly Ava is making big changes. Like moving eighty miles away to New Orleans, working full-time—and discovering just how sweet a future in the sultry Louisiana city might be—even if she has to explore it on her own. When Ava begins investigating a story that promises huge headlines, she’s ready for the front page….But can she rewrite the story of her own life, complete with a love interest and a very happy ending? Insightful, humorous, and down-to-earth, Emily Beck Cogburn’s new novel celebrates the possibilities of change, the courage it takes to make our most heartfelt dreams come true—and the joy of finding your place in the world. Praise for Emily Beck Cogburn’s Louisiana Saves the Library “Readers who enjoy rooting for the underdog will ardently cheer on Cogburn's plucky, courageous library heroines.” —Booklist “For book and library lovers, this endearing tale will particularly appeal…A fast-paced, pleasant read.”–RT Book Reviews
Publisher: Kensington
ISBN: 1496700112
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 305
Book Description
Sometimes starting over is the best way home… Most days, divorced mom Ava Olson is just trying to keep it all together. With three school-age children and only a part-time job at a local newspaper, she barely has time to juggle the small stuff, much less stand back and consider the big picture. Besides, dreaming about what-ifs is a dangerous habit, especially when her real concern should be the competition from a much younger new editor….That is, until she meets Ford, a café owner who wins her over with his warm smile and delicious po’ boy sandwiches—and makes her wonder if there could still be more to life than work and kids. Then a new opportunity opens up, and suddenly Ava is making big changes. Like moving eighty miles away to New Orleans, working full-time—and discovering just how sweet a future in the sultry Louisiana city might be—even if she has to explore it on her own. When Ava begins investigating a story that promises huge headlines, she’s ready for the front page….But can she rewrite the story of her own life, complete with a love interest and a very happy ending? Insightful, humorous, and down-to-earth, Emily Beck Cogburn’s new novel celebrates the possibilities of change, the courage it takes to make our most heartfelt dreams come true—and the joy of finding your place in the world. Praise for Emily Beck Cogburn’s Louisiana Saves the Library “Readers who enjoy rooting for the underdog will ardently cheer on Cogburn's plucky, courageous library heroines.” —Booklist “For book and library lovers, this endearing tale will particularly appeal…A fast-paced, pleasant read.”–RT Book Reviews
The Package
Author: Kimberley Troutte
Publisher: Tule Publishing
ISBN: 1962707326
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 274
Book Description
In the deadly future after the second civil war, the United States is divided and dangerous… Agent Heather Slade is a beautiful well-crafted fake. A perfect lie. A highly-trained asset with no country, no memory, and no home. She spies for a secretive group of Revo agents from the democratic Free States and fights against the crushing power of the charismatic authoritarian leader who controls the militant Patriot regions. Risking her life, she infiltrates top levels of the brutal government and lives deeply under cover with her enemies. Heather’s current mission is to smuggle a package from under the President’s nose onto a highly guarded golden train and bring it to safety in the Free States. Her partner on the perilous journey is a handsome but inexperienced foreign agent with secrets of his own. Why is Miguel Robles so hauntingly familiar? He might hold the key to finding the family she no longer remembers—if they survive the mission.
Publisher: Tule Publishing
ISBN: 1962707326
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 274
Book Description
In the deadly future after the second civil war, the United States is divided and dangerous… Agent Heather Slade is a beautiful well-crafted fake. A perfect lie. A highly-trained asset with no country, no memory, and no home. She spies for a secretive group of Revo agents from the democratic Free States and fights against the crushing power of the charismatic authoritarian leader who controls the militant Patriot regions. Risking her life, she infiltrates top levels of the brutal government and lives deeply under cover with her enemies. Heather’s current mission is to smuggle a package from under the President’s nose onto a highly guarded golden train and bring it to safety in the Free States. Her partner on the perilous journey is a handsome but inexperienced foreign agent with secrets of his own. Why is Miguel Robles so hauntingly familiar? He might hold the key to finding the family she no longer remembers—if they survive the mission.
The Best of Us
Author: Robyn Carr
Publisher: MIRA
ISBN: 1488088683
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 308
Book Description
From the Bestselling Author of the hit Netflix series, Virgin River! In Sullivan’s Crossing, #1 New York Times bestselling author Robyn Carr has created a place where good people, powerful emotions, great humor and a healthy dose of common sense are the key ingredients to a happy life. Sullivan’s Crossing brings out the best in people. It’s a place you’ll want to visit again and again. Dr. Leigh Culver loves practicing medicine in Timberlake, Colorado. It is a much-needed change of pace from her stressful life in Chicago. The only drawback is she misses her aunt Helen, the woman who raised her. But it’s time that Leigh has her independence, and she hopes the beauty of the Colorado wilderness will entice her aunt to visit often. Helen Culver is an independent woman who lovingly raised her sister’s orphaned child. Now, with Leigh grown, it’s time for her to live life for herself. The retired teacher has become a successful mystery writer who loves to travel and intends to never experience winter again. When Helen visits Leigh, she is surprised to find her niece still needs her, especially when it comes to sorting out her love life. But the biggest surprise comes when Leigh takes Helen out to Sullivan’s Crossing and Helen finds herself falling for the place and one special person. Helen and Leigh will each have to decide if they can open themselves up to love neither expected to find and seize the opportunity to live their best lives.
Publisher: MIRA
ISBN: 1488088683
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 308
Book Description
From the Bestselling Author of the hit Netflix series, Virgin River! In Sullivan’s Crossing, #1 New York Times bestselling author Robyn Carr has created a place where good people, powerful emotions, great humor and a healthy dose of common sense are the key ingredients to a happy life. Sullivan’s Crossing brings out the best in people. It’s a place you’ll want to visit again and again. Dr. Leigh Culver loves practicing medicine in Timberlake, Colorado. It is a much-needed change of pace from her stressful life in Chicago. The only drawback is she misses her aunt Helen, the woman who raised her. But it’s time that Leigh has her independence, and she hopes the beauty of the Colorado wilderness will entice her aunt to visit often. Helen Culver is an independent woman who lovingly raised her sister’s orphaned child. Now, with Leigh grown, it’s time for her to live life for herself. The retired teacher has become a successful mystery writer who loves to travel and intends to never experience winter again. When Helen visits Leigh, she is surprised to find her niece still needs her, especially when it comes to sorting out her love life. But the biggest surprise comes when Leigh takes Helen out to Sullivan’s Crossing and Helen finds herself falling for the place and one special person. Helen and Leigh will each have to decide if they can open themselves up to love neither expected to find and seize the opportunity to live their best lives.
A Lie for a Lie
Author: Jane Buckingham
Publisher: Greenleaf Book Group
ISBN:
Category : Young Adult Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 236
Book Description
Suspense—Secrets—Betrayals An action-packed thriller that keeps you guessing until the end Boyfriend cheating? A bully wreaking havoc? A classmate plagiarizing? Don’t get mad. Get @Revenge. At Milford High, if you’ve got a problem, message @Revenge, and they will take care of it with an embarrassing public comeuppance. But when the school’s star basketball player falls victim to a dangerous prank orchestrated by Revenge, the consequences are life-threatening. Sabrina Richards, ambitious Milford senior and an unwitting accomplice in this deadly game, must unravel the enigma that is Revenge's true identity. With her own future hanging in the balance, she embarks on a relentless quest to unmask the mastermind behind the perilous pranks. Delving deeper into the secrets and lies surrounding Revenge, Sabrina discovers that even her closest allies may be hiding sinister truths. As Sabrina gets closer to exposing the culprit behind Revenge and the murder attempt, she soon finds that her own life is on the line. A Lie for a Lie is the first in a trilogy that spotlights the treacherous, secret-exposing realms of high school hierarchies and social media snares. Join Sabrina on her quest to uncover Revenge's identity and clear her name in this suspenseful and action-packed thriller that will keep you racing to decipher the exciting puzzle at the core of its pulse-pounding mystery.
Publisher: Greenleaf Book Group
ISBN:
Category : Young Adult Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 236
Book Description
Suspense—Secrets—Betrayals An action-packed thriller that keeps you guessing until the end Boyfriend cheating? A bully wreaking havoc? A classmate plagiarizing? Don’t get mad. Get @Revenge. At Milford High, if you’ve got a problem, message @Revenge, and they will take care of it with an embarrassing public comeuppance. But when the school’s star basketball player falls victim to a dangerous prank orchestrated by Revenge, the consequences are life-threatening. Sabrina Richards, ambitious Milford senior and an unwitting accomplice in this deadly game, must unravel the enigma that is Revenge's true identity. With her own future hanging in the balance, she embarks on a relentless quest to unmask the mastermind behind the perilous pranks. Delving deeper into the secrets and lies surrounding Revenge, Sabrina discovers that even her closest allies may be hiding sinister truths. As Sabrina gets closer to exposing the culprit behind Revenge and the murder attempt, she soon finds that her own life is on the line. A Lie for a Lie is the first in a trilogy that spotlights the treacherous, secret-exposing realms of high school hierarchies and social media snares. Join Sabrina on her quest to uncover Revenge's identity and clear her name in this suspenseful and action-packed thriller that will keep you racing to decipher the exciting puzzle at the core of its pulse-pounding mystery.
Whispers of the Heart
Author: Robert Kolbert
Publisher: Robert Kolbert
ISBN:
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 113
Book Description
In the paper version, just write the name of the person you love at the beginning of the book and gift it to them. You will find in another popular online store. Embrace the magic of love with a treasure trove of over 750 enchanting ways to propose in the delightful book awaiting your discovery! This heartwarming guide not only unveils a plethora of creative proposal ideas but also offers insights on overcoming shyness and selecting the perfect setting for that unforgettable moment. Discover the art of proposing with grace, creativity, and a touch of whimsy. As you explore the myriad possibilities, you'll also find valuable advice on navigating shyness, ensuring that your proposal is a reflection of your genuine self. Additionally, gain valuable insights into choosing the ideal location, creating an ambiance that elevates the magic of the moment. Let this book be your companion on the journey to one of life's most beautiful milestones. Seize the opportunity to make your proposal a tale worth telling for generations to come. May love guide you through every page, and may your proposal be as unique and extraordinary as the love you share. Happy reading and may your love story unfold in the most uncommon way!
Publisher: Robert Kolbert
ISBN:
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 113
Book Description
In the paper version, just write the name of the person you love at the beginning of the book and gift it to them. You will find in another popular online store. Embrace the magic of love with a treasure trove of over 750 enchanting ways to propose in the delightful book awaiting your discovery! This heartwarming guide not only unveils a plethora of creative proposal ideas but also offers insights on overcoming shyness and selecting the perfect setting for that unforgettable moment. Discover the art of proposing with grace, creativity, and a touch of whimsy. As you explore the myriad possibilities, you'll also find valuable advice on navigating shyness, ensuring that your proposal is a reflection of your genuine self. Additionally, gain valuable insights into choosing the ideal location, creating an ambiance that elevates the magic of the moment. Let this book be your companion on the journey to one of life's most beautiful milestones. Seize the opportunity to make your proposal a tale worth telling for generations to come. May love guide you through every page, and may your proposal be as unique and extraordinary as the love you share. Happy reading and may your love story unfold in the most uncommon way!
The New Nimble
Author: Jay Sullivan
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 139418543X
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 230
Book Description
Transform your organization into an adaptable and flexible innovator In The New Nimble: Leading in the Age of Change, accomplished author, professor, and consultant Jay Sullivan delivers a clear, tangible, and actionable guide to implementing flexibility and creativity in your enterprise. Through interviews with senior leaders from a variety of industries and disciplines, the author shows you the trends and behaviors that allowed successful companies to navigate the changing realities and complexities that have defined recent years, including the COVID-19 crisis, the increasing awareness of racial injustice in society, and the January 6th insurrection. The New Nimble demonstrates how organizations can internalize and institutionalize lessons from recent paradigm shifts in thinking and learn how to apply those lessons to their everyday operations and to prepare for the next major challenge. You’ll discover: How crucial it is to clearly articulate your mission, values, and parameters as an organization How to gather the types of data and insights that will allow you to make decisions quickly when the next change takes us all by surprise How building trust within your organization and with your external stakeholders gives you the confidence to take action in times of crisis The questions at the end of each chapter become your playbook for debriefing how your organization handled the myriad shifting realities of the last few years. That ongoing discussion with your team will prepare you to be more nimble as the next change appears. As managers, executives, founders, directors, and entrepreneurs, we will all face enormous decisions in the coming years regarding environmental challenges, shifts in the supply chain and the global economy, and the runaway freight train that is AI. As those and other issues come fast and furious, The New Nimble is the hands-on leadership guide that we'll all need as we do our best to manage our way through chaotic and volatile environments.
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 139418543X
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 230
Book Description
Transform your organization into an adaptable and flexible innovator In The New Nimble: Leading in the Age of Change, accomplished author, professor, and consultant Jay Sullivan delivers a clear, tangible, and actionable guide to implementing flexibility and creativity in your enterprise. Through interviews with senior leaders from a variety of industries and disciplines, the author shows you the trends and behaviors that allowed successful companies to navigate the changing realities and complexities that have defined recent years, including the COVID-19 crisis, the increasing awareness of racial injustice in society, and the January 6th insurrection. The New Nimble demonstrates how organizations can internalize and institutionalize lessons from recent paradigm shifts in thinking and learn how to apply those lessons to their everyday operations and to prepare for the next major challenge. You’ll discover: How crucial it is to clearly articulate your mission, values, and parameters as an organization How to gather the types of data and insights that will allow you to make decisions quickly when the next change takes us all by surprise How building trust within your organization and with your external stakeholders gives you the confidence to take action in times of crisis The questions at the end of each chapter become your playbook for debriefing how your organization handled the myriad shifting realities of the last few years. That ongoing discussion with your team will prepare you to be more nimble as the next change appears. As managers, executives, founders, directors, and entrepreneurs, we will all face enormous decisions in the coming years regarding environmental challenges, shifts in the supply chain and the global economy, and the runaway freight train that is AI. As those and other issues come fast and furious, The New Nimble is the hands-on leadership guide that we'll all need as we do our best to manage our way through chaotic and volatile environments.
Chaos & the Geek
Author: Elizabeth Stevens
Publisher: Kinky Siren
ISBN: 1925928160
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 179
Book Description
Amber How do you politely refuse when the only guy to star in any of your dirty fantasies has just offered to put you up for the foreseeable future and your brother’s just accepted like you were in fact still thirteen and couldn’t make decisions for yourself? You don’t. And, you end up with a roommate who wears a very good elegant mask over the rough and tumble, bad boy core I remember far too well. Only, it’s ten years later and I’m even nerdier than I used to be. It’s ten years later and I couldn’t look worse. It’s ten years later and I can’t keep one guy. It’s ten years later and my brother still teases me mercilessly in front of him. It’s ten years later and Kit somehow looks even better than the guy I spent my formative years crushing on. So, there’s not only the issue that he’s my older brother’s best friend, but also a sex-god this virgin can barely talk to. But that certainly never stopped me from drooling over him and it wouldn’t stop me now. He’s so far out of my league, I wouldn’t even clean in his league. Except, there might just be a smouldering heat in Kit’s eyes that suggests he’s not quite as out of my league as I thought. Just maybe, this geek is about to get a whole lot of chaos. Kit When I find out about my best mate’s little sister’s situation, the offer is out of my mouth before I can stop it; Hawk’s like a brother to me even if Amber’s never looked twice at me. I could never tell if she was scared of me or hated me. But the deal is done. She’s going to bring her bedraggled self upstairs to my penthouse and live with me for as long as she needs. I see the pain she hides away, I see the lack of confidence despite how smart she is, how good. If there’s something I’ve learned, it’s that confidence makes all the difference. So, it becomes my mission to help Amber find her confidence. But I find more than confidence in her and suddenly I’m seeing my best mate’s little sister completely differently. I’ve never known what to say to her. She’s always been good and studious and sweet. She’s always been so far out of my league I wouldn’t even carry bags in that league. Her face is a mask that tells me nothing in between the sparse words that come out of her mouth. Except, there might be something in the way she smiles at me that gives me hope I’m not as far out of her league as I thought. It might just be time that this chaos gets a little geek. Please be aware that this story is set in Australia and therefore uses Australian English spelling and syntax.
Publisher: Kinky Siren
ISBN: 1925928160
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 179
Book Description
Amber How do you politely refuse when the only guy to star in any of your dirty fantasies has just offered to put you up for the foreseeable future and your brother’s just accepted like you were in fact still thirteen and couldn’t make decisions for yourself? You don’t. And, you end up with a roommate who wears a very good elegant mask over the rough and tumble, bad boy core I remember far too well. Only, it’s ten years later and I’m even nerdier than I used to be. It’s ten years later and I couldn’t look worse. It’s ten years later and I can’t keep one guy. It’s ten years later and my brother still teases me mercilessly in front of him. It’s ten years later and Kit somehow looks even better than the guy I spent my formative years crushing on. So, there’s not only the issue that he’s my older brother’s best friend, but also a sex-god this virgin can barely talk to. But that certainly never stopped me from drooling over him and it wouldn’t stop me now. He’s so far out of my league, I wouldn’t even clean in his league. Except, there might just be a smouldering heat in Kit’s eyes that suggests he’s not quite as out of my league as I thought. Just maybe, this geek is about to get a whole lot of chaos. Kit When I find out about my best mate’s little sister’s situation, the offer is out of my mouth before I can stop it; Hawk’s like a brother to me even if Amber’s never looked twice at me. I could never tell if she was scared of me or hated me. But the deal is done. She’s going to bring her bedraggled self upstairs to my penthouse and live with me for as long as she needs. I see the pain she hides away, I see the lack of confidence despite how smart she is, how good. If there’s something I’ve learned, it’s that confidence makes all the difference. So, it becomes my mission to help Amber find her confidence. But I find more than confidence in her and suddenly I’m seeing my best mate’s little sister completely differently. I’ve never known what to say to her. She’s always been good and studious and sweet. She’s always been so far out of my league I wouldn’t even carry bags in that league. Her face is a mask that tells me nothing in between the sparse words that come out of her mouth. Except, there might be something in the way she smiles at me that gives me hope I’m not as far out of her league as I thought. It might just be time that this chaos gets a little geek. Please be aware that this story is set in Australia and therefore uses Australian English spelling and syntax.
Girl off the Grid
Author: Jillian Dodd
Publisher: Swoonworthy Books
ISBN: 1946793108
Category : Young Adult Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 245
Book Description
Publisher: Swoonworthy Books
ISBN: 1946793108
Category : Young Adult Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 245
Book Description
Until I Saw Your Smile
Author: J.J. Murray
Publisher: Kensington Books
ISBN: 075827730X
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 352
Book Description
Featured as an Editor’s Pick for Summer Must Reads 2015 in Ebony magazine! At Smith’s Sweet Treats and Coffee, you’ll find Brooklyn’s best house blend and the freshest homemade pastries. It’s more than a business to owner Angela Smith. It’s her home and her refuge—one she stands to lose thanks to her gouging landlord. Then a new regular offers to cover her rent increase if Angela lets him meet his clients there. If Matthew McConnell weren’t such a persuasive lawyer—and so sweet, funny, and sexy—she wouldn’t dream of letting him in. Since he left a high-paying, soul-sucking legal firm to go solo, Matthew has been striking out, professionally and personally. The best part of his love life is regaling Angela with date-from-hell stories over steaming, fragrant coffee. Behind her captivating smile is a smart, sensual woman he’d love to get close to. And when a secret from her past is suddenly exposed, he gets a chance to prove he’s the man she needs, in every way that matters... “An endearing journey of heartfelt love...Unusual characters will inspire readers of this emotional yet joyful story.” --Publishers Weekly
Publisher: Kensington Books
ISBN: 075827730X
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 352
Book Description
Featured as an Editor’s Pick for Summer Must Reads 2015 in Ebony magazine! At Smith’s Sweet Treats and Coffee, you’ll find Brooklyn’s best house blend and the freshest homemade pastries. It’s more than a business to owner Angela Smith. It’s her home and her refuge—one she stands to lose thanks to her gouging landlord. Then a new regular offers to cover her rent increase if Angela lets him meet his clients there. If Matthew McConnell weren’t such a persuasive lawyer—and so sweet, funny, and sexy—she wouldn’t dream of letting him in. Since he left a high-paying, soul-sucking legal firm to go solo, Matthew has been striking out, professionally and personally. The best part of his love life is regaling Angela with date-from-hell stories over steaming, fragrant coffee. Behind her captivating smile is a smart, sensual woman he’d love to get close to. And when a secret from her past is suddenly exposed, he gets a chance to prove he’s the man she needs, in every way that matters... “An endearing journey of heartfelt love...Unusual characters will inspire readers of this emotional yet joyful story.” --Publishers Weekly