With the beginning of the school year approaching, the gang returns from summer break—and what a vacation indeed! A new student council has been assembled, with two new secretaries: Naohito, who has declared himself Yuki's rival, and Kimi, who is known as a devil woman—and a thief of men's hearts.

Later, when Tohru goes to see her grandfather, he brings up a part of Tohru's past that she had tried to shut away. And with a parent-teacher conference on the horizon, Mayuko gives Shigure some good advice.

From the bestselling author of P.S. I Love You and Love, Rosie, Cecelia Ahern, comes an enchanting novel that leads you to wonder if Not Seeing is believing! Readers and critics alike adore Cecelia Ahern for her lighthearted yet insightful stories about modern women and their often unusual situations. In If You Could See Me Now, she takes that theme a step further, offering us a heroine who is entirely believable, and the new man in her life who is, well, slightly less so.

Elizabeth Egan's life runs on order: Both her home and her emotions are arranged just so, with little room for spontaneity. It's how she counteracts the chaos of her family—an alcoholic mother who left when she was young, an emotionally distant father, and a free-spirited sister, who seems to be following in their mother's footsteps, leaving her own six-year-old son, Luke, in Elizabeth's care.

When Ivan, Luke's mysterious new grown-up friend, enters the picture, Elizabeth doesnt know quite what to make of him. With his penchant for adventure and colorful take on things large and small, Ivan opens Elizabeth's eyes to a whole new way of living. But is it for real? Is Ivan for real? If You Could See Me Now is a love story with heart—and just a touch of magic.

Sylvester and the Magic Pebble is a delightful tale about a young donkey named Sylvester who discovers a magic pebble that can make wishes come true.

One rainy day, while carrying his newfound treasure, Sylvester encounters a lion and, in a moment of panic, wishes himself into a rock to escape danger.

However, this wish comes with unforeseen consequences, leaving Sylvester unable to hold the pebble and wish himself back to normal.

Join Sylvester on this heartwarming and imaginative journey as he navigates the challenges of his wish and discovers the true magic of family and love.

Jo's Boys is a delightful continuation of the beloved story that began in Little Women and Little Men. Set ten years after the events of Little Men, this novel takes us back to Plumfield, the New England school still under the loving guidance of Jo and her husband, Professor Bhaer.

In this final installment, Jo's boys have grown up. The tale revolves around the lives of these young men, including the rebellious Dan, the adventurous sailor Emil, and the promising musician Nat. The narrative is rich with adventure and drama, as the boys face challenges such as shipwrecks, storms, disappointment, and even murder.

Jo's Boys is a powerful and affectionate depiction of family, where the prodigal can always return, adversity is never faced alone, and dreams of being cherished, no matter the flaws, come true. This classic novel continues to capture the hearts of readers with its enduring themes of love, growth, and resilience.

There are a few things Jeremy Marsh was sure he’d never do: he’d never leave New York City; never give his heart away after barely surviving one failed marriage; and never become a parent. Now Jeremy is living in the tiny town of Boone Creek, North Carolina, engaged to Lexie Darnell, the love of his life, and anticipating the start of their family. But just as his life seems to be settling into a blissful pattern, a mysterious and disturbing e-mail sets off a chain of events that will change the course of this young couple’s relationship.

How well do we really know the ones we love? How do we handle the inevitable doubts, fears concerning parenthood, and stumbling blocks that are sometimes placed in our way? Continuing the story of the young couple introduced in Sparks’s bestselling True Believer, this novel captures all the heartbreak, tension, romance and surprises of those who are newly wed. An astonishing tale about the love between a man and a woman and between a parent and a child, At First Sight is about endings that bring new beginnings... tragedies that lead to unexpected joy... and, most of all, the magic of everlasting love.

Socrates in Love took the Japanese publishing industry by storm, becoming the all-time best selling novel in Japan! Finally, U.S. readers will be able to experience the phenomenon that became the inspiration for a blockbuster movie, a hit TV show, and a popular manga.

A national sensation that touched over three million readers, Kyōichi Katayama brought innocent love and romance to the forefront of Japan's ultra-hip mass market. Affectionately known as "Sekachu" in Japan, Katayama's novel depicts a sweet high school romance between an average guy and a popular girl. But tragedy ensues when the girl falls ill with leukemia.

A bittersweet tale of young love, enduring devotion, and heartbreaking loss, Socrates in Love is a story to cherish and nurture.

He's a boy called Jew. Gypsy. Stopthief. Runt. Happy. Fast. Filthy son of Abraham. He's a boy who lives in the streets of Warsaw. He's a boy who steals food for himself and the other orphans. He's a boy who believes in bread, and mothers, and angels.

He's a boy who wants to be a Nazi some day, with tall shiny jackboots and a gleaming Eagle hat of his own. Until the day that suddenly makes him change his mind. And when the trains come to empty the Jews from the ghetto of the damned, he's a boy who realizes it's safest of all to be nobody.

Newbery Medalist Jerry Spinelli takes us to one of the most devastating settings imaginable—Nazi-occupied Warsaw of World War II—and tells a tale of heartbreak, hope, and survival through the bright eyes of a young orphan.

Monsieur Linh est un vieil homme. Il a quitté son village dévasté par la guerre, n’emportant avec lui qu’une petite valise contenant quelques vêtements usagés, une photo jaunie, une poignée de terre de son pays.

Dans ses bras, repose un nouveau-né. Les parents de l’enfant sont morts et Monsieur Linh a décidé de partir avec Sang diû, sa petite fille. Après un long voyage en bateau, ils débarquent dans une ville froide et grise, avec des centaines de réfugiés.

Monsieur Linh a tout perdu. Il partage désormais un dortoir avec d’autres exilés qui se moquent de sa maladresse. Dans cette ville inconnue où les gens s’ignorent, il va pourtant se faire un ami, Monsieur Bark, un gros homme solitaire. Ils ne parlent pas la même langue, mais ils comprennent la musique des mots et la pudeur des gestes.

Monsieur Linh est un cœur simple, brisé par les guerres et les deuils, qui ne vit plus que pour sa petite fille. Philippe Claudel accompagne ses personnages avec respect et délicatesse. Il célèbre les thèmes universels de l’amitié et de la compassion. Ce roman possède la grâce et la limpidité des grands classiques.

After thirty years of marriage, Wilson Lewis, son-in-law of Allie and Noah Calhoun (of The Notebook), is forced to admit that the romance has gone out of his marriage. Desperate to win back his wife, Jane's, heart, he must figure out how to make her fall in love with him... again. Despite the shining example of Allie and Noah's marriage, Wilson is himself a man unable to easily express his emotions. A successful estate attorney, he has provided well for his family, but now, with his daughter's upcoming wedding, he is forced to face the fact that he and Jane have grown apart and he wonders if she even loves him anymore. Wilson is sure of one thing--his love for his wife has only deepened and intensified over the years. Now, with the memories of his in-laws' magnificent fifty-year love affair as his guide, Wilson struggles to find his way back into the heart of the woman he adores.

Mackenzie's Mountain - Mackenzie's Mission

Wolf MacKenzie: The loner had a way with horses and a deep mistrust for outsiders. Until one woman dared venture onto Mackenzie's mountain, determined to tame the rugged half-breed.

Joe "Breed" Mackenzie: Like his father before him, he was as wild as the wind...and not about to settle down. Yet one equally stubborn blonde—bent on reversing Mackenzie's mission—would stop at nothing to make Joe her own.

When Hope and her aunt move to small-town Wisconsin to take over the local diner, Hope's not sure what to expect. But what they find is that the owner, G.T., isn't quite ready to give up yet - in fact, he's decided to run for mayor against a corrupt candidate.

As Hope starts to make her place at the diner, she also finds herself caught up in G.T.'s campaign - particularly his visions for the future. After all, as G.T. points out, everyone can use a little hope to help get through the tough times... even Hope herself.

Filled with heart, charm, and good old-fashioned fun, this is Joan Bauer at her best.

Melissa Bank's runaway bestseller, The Girls' Guide to Hunting and Fishing, charmed readers and critics alike with its wickedly insightful, tender look at a young woman's forays into love, work, and friendship. Now, with The Wonder Spot, Bank is back with her signature combination of devilishly self-deprecating humor, seriousness, and wisdom.

Nothing comes easily to Sophie Applebaum, the black sheep of her family, trying to blend in with the herd. Uneasily situated between two brothers, Sophie first appears as the fulcrum and observer of her clan in "Boss of the World." Then, at college, in "The Toy Bar," she faces a gauntlet of challenges as Best Friend to the dramatic and beautiful Venice Lambourne, curator of "perfect things." In her early twenties, Sophie is dazzled by the possibilities of New York City during the Selectric typewriter era—only to land solidly back in Surrey, PA after her father's death.

The Wonder Spot follows Sophie's quest for her own identity—who she is, what she loves, whom she loves, and occasionally whom she feels others should love—over the course of 25 years. In an often-disappointing world, Sophie listens closely to her own heart. And when she experiences her 'Aha!' moments—her own personal wonder spots—it's the real thing.

Delrita likes being invisible. If no one notices her, then no one will notice her uncle Punky either. Punky is a grown man with a child's mind. Delrita loves him dearly and can't stand people making fun of his Down Syndrome. But when tragedy strikes, Delrita's quiet life—and Punky's—are disrupted forever.

Can she finally learn to trust others, for her own sake and Punky's? This story captures the joy and sorrow that come when we open our hearts to love.

Danzig Passage opens in the year 1936, amidst the rising tide of Nazi terrorism. In Zion Covenant #5, courageous stories unfold, depicting those who risk everything to stand against the deceitful guise of Hitler's Third Reich.

Jewish children must be evacuated as brutal Nazi reprisals break out. As the danger escalates, the narrative weaves through the heart-wrenching decisions and daring escapes that mark this turbulent era.

Join the journey as characters navigate through perilous times, showcasing resilience and bravery in the face of overwhelming adversity.

Munich Signature opens in the year 1936, amidst the ominous rise of Nazi terrorism sweeping through central Europe. This gripping tale is the third installment in the Zion Covenant series, where courage and conviction are tested against the backdrop of Hitler's Third Reich.

The story follows 800 Jewish refugees as they embark on a perilous journey aboard a battered freighter, facing the heart-wrenching reality of having no harbor willing to offer them sanctuary. It's a tale of desperation, hope, and the relentless quest for freedom.

Experience the breathtaking drama that continues from Vienna Prelude and Prague Counterpoint, as the characters strive to stand against tyranny and find a place to call home.

Prague Counterpoint opens in 1936, set against the backdrop of central Europe on the brink of World War II. Elisa Lindheim, a courageous heroine, finds herself caught in the heart of the turmoil as Hitler's ominous plans begin to unfold.

As the Nazi regime's deceitful power spreads, Elisa takes a bold stand, risking everything to rescue two small boys and challenge the growing tide of terrorism. Her journey is a compelling tale of bravery and resilience, offering a poignant look at the human spirit in the face of overwhelming danger.

Join Elisa and other brave souls in the Zion Covenant series as they confront the darkness with courage and hope.

Ed Kennedy is an underage cabdriver without much of a future. He's pathetic at playing cards, hopelessly in love with his best friend, Audrey, and utterly devoted to his coffee-drinking dog, the Doorman. His life is one of peaceful routine and incompetence until he inadvertently stops a bank robbery.

That's when the first ace arrives in the mail. That's when Ed becomes the messenger. Chosen to care, he makes his way through town helping and hurting (when necessary) until only one question remains: Who's behind Ed's mission?

Only Love Can Heal a Wounded Soul...

Caitlin O'Shannessy's late father left her with many things: a Colorado ranch, enduring memories of pain and sadness, an unshakable mistrust of men... and an adversary.

Ace Keegan has returned to No Name, too late to enact a rightful vengeance on his most hated enemy. The man who put a hole in Ace's life is dead, leaving a daughter behind to run the family enterprise. Though proud and strong as well as beautiful, Caitlin is caught off guard when Ace's calculated anger inadvertently destroys her good name.

But Ace Keegan is a man of honor, determined to make amends by marrying the enchanting lady he wronged—and to nurture with patience and love the light she guards in her damaged heart until it blazes with the power of a thousand suns.

Oliver Barrett IV, a wealthy jock from a stuffy WASP family on his way to a Harvard degree and a career in law... Jenny Cavilleri, a sharp-tongued, working-class beauty studying music at Radcliffe...Opposites in nearly every way, Oliver and Jenny are kindred spirits from vastly different worlds. Falling deeply and powerfully, their attraction to one another defies everything they have ever believed—as they share a passion far greater than anything they dreamed possible... and explore the wonder of a love that must end too soon.

One of the most adored novels of our time, this is the book that defined a generation—a story of uncompromising devotion, of life as it really is... and love that changes everything.

New York Times bestselling author Catherine Anderson's Coulter Family series continues in this poignant story of a love that defies all the odds.

Five years ago, Laura Townsend’s life was nearly destroyed when a head injury impaired her ability to use language and forced her to abandon a brilliant career. Despite her difficulties, she never lost her vivacious spirit or sunny disposition. Now she has a great new job at an animal clinic—and a handsome new boss who fills her heart with longing. But veterinarian Isaiah Coulter deserves a woman who can meet all his needs. Battling her feelings, Laura decides that sometimes a woman must love a man enough to walk away…

When Isaiah hired Laura, he wasn’t expecting her to be such a breath of fresh air. Impressed by her healing touch—and captivated by her dazzling beauty—Isaiah finds himself falling in love. And he’ll move heaven and earth to convince Laura that she’s the woman he needs….

A forgotten secret. A shocking discovery. A sacrifice of love that will bring Connor Evans to his knees.

Airline Captain Connor Evans has nearly forgotten that stormy weekend in Hawaii eight years ago when he broke the greatest promise of all. Now Connor has the perfect life with his wife, Michele, and their two daughters, and the secret of that long-ago time is his alone.

But an ocean away, a flight attendant is raising her young son by herself when the plane she's working on crashes into the Pacific. Her will is very clear about one thing—before the child can be given over to the state, his father must be contacted.

The news rocks Captain Evans' life, and in the process, he is presented with a choice: Refuse the child and never hear from him again, or take him for two weeks and decide whether to claim the boy as his own.

Now, the family is on the brink of destruction. Can Michele and their daughters ever forgive Connor for what went wrong all those years ago? Or will the presence of one lonely child destroy everything?

The hope-filled sequel to the bestselling One Tuesday Morning.

In this new novel by Karen Kingsbury, three years have passed since the terrorist attacks on New York City. Jamie Bryan, widow of a firefighter who lost his life on that terrible day, has found meaning in her season of loss by volunteering at St. Paul’s, the memorial chapel across the street from where the Twin Towers once stood. Here she meets a daily stream of people touched by the tragedy, including two men with whom she feels a connection. One is a firefighter also changed by the attacks, the other a police officer from Los Angeles.

But as Jamie gets to know the police officer, she is stunned to find out that he is the brother of Eric Michaels, the man with the uncanny resemblance to Jamie’s husband, the man who lived with her for three months after September 11. Eric is the man she has vowed never to see again. Certain she could not share even a friendship with his brother, Jamie shuts out the police officer and delves deeper into her work at St. Paul’s.

Now it will take the persistence of a tenacious man, the questions from her curious young daughter, and the words from her dead husband’s journal to move Jamie beyond one Tuesday morning.

Jamie Bryan took her position at the far end of the Staten Island Ferry, pressed her body against the railing, eyes on the place where the Twin Towers once stood. She could face it now, every day if she had to. The terrorist attacks had happened, the World Trade Center had collapsed, and the only man she’d ever loved had gone down with them.

Late fall was warmer than usual, and the breeze across the water washed over Jamie’s face. If she could do this, if she could make this journey three times a week while Sierra was in school, then she could convince herself to get through another long, dark night. She could face the empty place in the bed beside her, face the longing for the man who had been her best friend, the one she’d fallen for when she was only a girl.

From first-time novelist, Jordan Sonnenblick, comes a brave and beautiful story that will make readers laugh and break their hearts at the same time.

Thirteen-year-old Steven has a totally normal life; he plays drums in the All-Star Jazz band, has a crush on the hottest girl in the school, and is constantly annoyed by his five-year-old brother, Jeffrey. But when Jeffrey is diagnosed with leukemia, Steven's world is turned upside down. He is forced to deal with his brother's illness and his parents' attempts to keep the family in one piece.

Salted with humor and peppered with devastating realities, Drums, Girls & Dangerous Pie is a heartwarming journey through a year in the life of a family in crisis.

Arthur is a precocious eight-year-old boy whose mother is a B-list celebrity more concerned with the state of her bank account than with her son's development. Then an enigmatic young nanny named Missy introduces him to a world he never knew existed.

In a Greek taverna, high over the small village of Aghia Anna, four people meet for the first time: Fiona, an Irish nurse; Thomas, a Californian academic; Elsa, a German television presenter; and David, a shy English boy. Along with Andreas, the old man who runs the taverna, they become close after witnessing a tragedy when a pleasure steamer catches fire in the harbour.

Nights of Rain and Stars is the story of one summer when Fiona, Thomas, Elsa, and David all have to face the particular life crisis which first made them leave their homes and end up in Greece. With the help of Vonni, a middle-aged Irish woman who lives in the village and is now a near-native, they each find a solution - although not necessarily the one they anticipated...

Minerva Dobbs knows that happily-ever-after is a fairy tale, especially with a man who asked her to dinner to win a bet. Even if he is gorgeous and successful Calvin Morrisey. Cal knows commitment is impossible, especially with a woman as cranky as Min Dobbs. Even if she does wear great shoes, and keep him on his toes. When they say good-bye at the end of their evening, they cut their losses and agree never to see each other again.

But Fate has other plans, and it's not long before Min and Cal meet again. Soon, they're dealing with a jealous ex-boyfriend, Krispy Kreme donuts, a determined psychologist, chaos theory, a freakishly intelligent cat, Chicken Marsala, and more risky propositions than either of them ever dreamed of. Including the biggest gamble of all—true love.

James Herriot's All Things Bright and Beautiful: The Warm and Joyful Memoirs of the World's Most Beloved Animal Doctor is the second volume in the multimillion copy bestselling series. This edition brings to life Herriot's experiences as a veterinarian in the Yorkshire Dales, filled with humor, compassion, and love of life.

Now newly married, Herriot journeys among the remote hillside farms and valley towns of the Yorkshire Dales, caring for their inhabitants—both two- and four-legged. His deep compassion, humor, and love of life shine out as we laugh, cry, and delight in his portraits of his many, varied animal patients and their equally varied owners.

Grief-stricken by a recent tragedy, Jennifer returns to the resort village where she grew up to help her beloved grandmother. There, Jennifer will discover new meaning in life and experience not one, but two of the most amazing love stories ever.

Have you ever gotten a letter that changed your life completely? Sam's Letters to Jennifer is a novel about that kind of drama. In it, a woman is summoned back to the town where she grew up. And in the house where she spent her most magical years, she finds a series of letters addressed to her. Each of those letters is a piece of a story that will upend completely the world she thought she knew - and throw her into a love more powerful than she ever imagined could be possible. Two extraordinary love stories are entwined here, full of hope and pain and emotions that never die down.

When her beloved grandmother is hospitalized, Jennifer returns to the lakeside home where she spent a magical childhood. There she finds a package of letters addressed to her that tell of passion, intrigue, and desire. This is the real tale of her grandmother's life. It's a shocking family secret, concealed for decades, and the most moving love story Jennifer has ever heard. Then comes the biggest surprise of all. Jennifer lets her guard down for a moment and is overcome by exhilarating new emotions. It might come with an unbearable cost - but her grandmother's letters make Jennifer think that love may help her find a way.

Missing May is a touching story about grief, love, and the enduring bond of family. Ever since May, Summer's aunt and good-as-a-mother for the past six years, passed away in the garden among her pole beans and carrots, life for Summer and her Uncle Ob has been as bleak as winter. Ob doesn't want to create his beautiful whirligigs anymore, and both he and Summer have slipped into a sadness they can't shake off.

They need May in whatever form they can have her—a message, a whisper, a sign that will tell them what to do next. When that sign finally comes, Summer discovers that she and Ob can keep missing May but still go on with their lives.

Lyn, Cat, and Gemma Kettle, beautiful thirty-three-year-old triplets, seem to attract attention everywhere they go. Whenever they're together, laughter, drama, and mayhem seem to follow. But apart, each is very much her own woman, dealing with her own share of ups and downs.

Lyn has organized her life into one big checklist, juggling the many balls of work, marriage, and motherhood with expert precision, but is she as together as her datebook would have her seem? Cat has just learned a startling secret about her marriage—can she bring another life into her very precarious world? And can free-spirited Gemma, who bolts every time a relationship hits the six-month mark, ever hope to find lasting love?

In this wise, witty, hilarious novel, we follow the Kettle sisters through their thirty-third year, as they struggle to survive their divorced parents' dating each other, their technologically savvy grandmother, a cheating husband, champagne hangovers, and the fabulous, frustrating life of forever being part of a trio.

Pictures of Hollis Woods is a heartwarming tale that captures the essence of belonging and family. Meet Hollis Woods, a twelve-year-old orphan who has never known a true family. Her life has been a series of foster homes, each one blending into the next.

But everything changes when she is placed with Josie, an elderly artist who is both quirky and affectionate. Josie needs Hollis just as much as Hollis needs her. Together, they form an unlikely bond, filled with laughter, art, and understanding.

However, as Josie becomes more forgetful, the threat of being separated looms large. Hollis is determined not to let anyone come between them. She plans to escape the system once more, this time with Josie by her side.

Amidst these plans, Hollis's mind drifts back to memories of a summer spent with the Regans, a family that truly cared for her. She captures these cherished moments in her art, fixing each special memory in pictures she'll never forget.

Patricia Reilly Giff masterfully weaves a story that emphasizes the importance of artistic vision, creativity, and, above all, family.

Thirty-six-year-old Sophie Stanton desperately wants to be a good widow—a graceful, composed, Jackie Kennedy kind of widow. Alas, she is more of the Jack Daniels kind. Self-medicating with ice cream for breakfast, breaking down at the supermarket, and showing up to work in her bathrobe and bunny slippers—soon she's not only lost her husband, but her job, house...and waistline.

With humor and chutzpah, Sophie leaves town, determined to reinvent her life. But starting over has its hurdles; soon she's involved with a thirteen-year-old who has a fascination with fire, and a handsome actor who inspires a range of feelings she can't cope with—yet.

A Christmas Carol, The Chimes, and The Cricket on the Hearth, by Charles Dickens, is a collection of enchanting stories that have captivated generations. Within these pages, readers will find the most cheerful ghost story ever written and the unforgettable tale of Ebenezer Scrooge’s moral regeneration.

Written in just a few weeks, A Christmas Carol recounts the plight of Bob Cratchit, whose family finds joy even in poverty, and the transformation of his miserly boss, Scrooge, as he is visited by the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future.

From Scrooge’s exclamations of “Bah!” and “Humbug!” to Tiny Tim’s heartwarming “God bless us every one!”, the story shines with warmth, decency, kindness, humility, and the true value of the holidays. Beneath its sentimental surface, A Christmas Carol offers a sharply critical portrait of a brutal society, and an inspiring celebration of the possibility of spiritual, psychological, and social change.

This volume also includes The Chimes, a New Year’s tale, and The Cricket on the Hearth, a story where the cricket remains silent during sorrow and chirps amid happiness.

Meet the Saving Graces, four of the best friends a woman could ever have. For ten years, Emma, Rudy, Lee, and Isabel have shared a deep affection that has helped them deal with the ebb and flow of expectations and disappointments common to us all. Calling themselves the Saving Graces, the quartet is united by understanding, honesty, and acceptance — a connection that has grown stronger as the years go by.

Though these sisters of the heart and soul have seen it all and talked through it all, they are not prepared for a crisis of astounding proportions that will put their love and courage to the ultimate test.

Buntschatten und Fledermäuse, so unterscheidet Axel Brauns die Menschen in seiner Umgebung. Buntschatten verhalten sich ruhiger und lassen ihm die Chance, Kontakt mit ihnen aufzunehmen. Fledermäuse hingegen flattern wild um ihn herum, und in ihrer Gegenwart fühlt er sich nicht wohl.

Axel ist Autist und lebt in einer anderen Welt. Sein Buch gewährt uns einen tiefen Einblick in diese abgegrenzte, auf einer eigenen Ordnung beruhenden Welt, in der sich Axel wohl fühlt, die er aber gezwungenermaßen verlassen muss, um in unserer Gesellschaft nicht unter die Räder zu kommen.

Im Alter von zwei Jahren bricht die Krankheit aus: Axels Wahrnehmung verblasst, er verliert die Fähigkeit, seine Mitmenschen zu erkennen und zu verstehen, sein Sprachvermögen versiegt. Doch die Eltern kämpfen unermüdlich dagegen an, dass ihr Sohn in der sozialen Isolation versinkt. Mit viel Mühe, Geduld sowie einigen Tricksereien gelingt es, Axel so "normal" wie möglich aufwachsen zu lassen.

Er kommt in den Kindergarten, wird eingeschult und wechselt später sogar auf das "Geräusch" -- das Wort "Gymnasium" hat für Axel keinen Klang, und klanglose Worte sind für ihn nur "Geräusche". Doch trotz der vermittelten Normalität verbringt er die meiste Zeit in seiner Welt, weil dort vieles einfacher ist.

Axel besteht das Abitur und beginnt ein BWL-Studium. Er hat dem System ein Schnippchen geschlagen: "Die einen bleiben sitzen, die anderen werden versetzt. Ich gehörte zu keiner der beiden Arten, ich hatte es geschafft, bereits vor der ersten Klasse sitzen zu bleiben, ohne dass es ein Lehrer gemerkt hatte."

Trotz seines Arrangements mit der Normalität bleibt eine gewisse Tragik spürbar, denn die Gefühlswelt der Buntschatten bleibt Axel verschlossen. Die Bedeutung von Liebe, Tod, Mitleid und Humor erschließt sich ihm nur ansatzweise. Und dieses Unvermögen macht Axel wohl am meisten zu schaffen, wenn er am Ende bekennt: "Alle Jugendlichen spazierten mit Siebenmeilenstiefeln in das Leben hinaus. Niemals würde ich ihnen folgen können."

Vielleicht gelingt es uns Buntschatten mithilfe dieses bewegenden Buches, Axel Brauns Welt ein bisschen besser zu verstehen.

Seth Quinn is finally home. It's been a long journey. After a harrowing boyhood with his drug-addicted mother, Seth had been taken in by the Quinn family, growing up with three older brothers who'd watched over him with love.

Now a grown man returning from Europe as a successful painter, Seth is settling down on Maryland's Eastern Shore, surrounded once again by Cam, Ethan, and Phil, their wives and children, and all the blessed chaos of the extended Quinn clan. Finally, he's back in the little blue-and-white house where there's always a boat at the dock, a rocker on the porch, and a dog in the yard.

Still, a lot has changed in St. Christopher's since he's been gone—and the most intriguing change of all is the presence of Dru Whitcomb Banks. A city girl who has opened a florist shop in this seaside town, she craves independence and the challenge of establishing herself without the influence of her wealthy connections. In Seth, she sees another kind of challenge—a challenge that she can't resist.

But storms are brewing that are about to put their relationship to the test. Dru's past has made her sensitive to deception and slow to trust. And Seth's past has made him a target of blackmail—as a secret he's kept hidden for years threatens to explode, destroying his new life and his new love.

Carly Adams feels as if she's been given a new lease on life. Born with a rare eye disease, she was blind until a recent operation restored her sight. Now, she's eager to experience everything the world has to offer—including the sweet talk of a handsome cowboy who rouses her with desire.

But she isn't prepared for the consequences, especially when a night of searing passion results in a pregnancy that threatens her eyesight—and all her dreams for the future...

Hank Coulter has no plans to settle down—until he discovers that Carly Adams is carrying his child. Obsessed with making things right, he bullies the blue-eyed beauty into marrying him. With her radiant smile and remarkable goodness, Carly is exactly the kind of wife he's always imagined by his side.

But if Hank wants their practical arrangement to become permanent, he's going to have to convince Carly that one moment of risk can bring about a lifetime of joy...

Fruits Basket: The Complete Collection is an extraordinary manga series that captivates readers with its heartfelt and whimsical storytelling. This collection brings together all 23 volumes of the beloved series, offering a comprehensive journey through the lives of its unforgettable characters.

The story revolves around Tohru Honda, a kind-hearted high school girl who finds herself living with the mysterious Sohma family. As she becomes entwined in their lives, Tohru discovers the Sohmas' secret: they are cursed to transform into animals of the Chinese Zodiac when hugged by the opposite sex.

Experience the magic, the humor, and the poignant moments as Tohru's presence begins to heal the Sohma family's broken hearts. This collection is a must-read for fans of manga and those who cherish tales of friendship, love, and self-discovery.

Big Fish is the story of Edward Bloom, a man who, in his prime, was nothing short of extraordinary. He could outrun anybody, never missed a day of school, saved lives, and tamed giants. Animals loved him. People loved him. Women loved him (and he loved them back). He knew more jokes than any man alive.

Now, as he lies dying, Edward Bloom continues to share his jokes and tall tales, stories that have made him larger-than-life in the eyes of his son, William. This narrative unfolds through a series of legends and myths, inspired by the few facts William knows about his father. Through these tales—hilarious and wrenching, tender and outrageous—William begins to understand his elusive father's great feats and his great failings.

Big Fish is a tale of mythical proportions, offering a heartfelt journey through the life stories of an extraordinary man. It is a blend of humor and mythical adventures, making it a truly unique read.

"Take my camel, dear," said my aunt Dot, as she climbed down from this animal on her return from High Mass. So begins The Towers of Trebizond, the greatest novel by Rose Macaulay, one of the eccentric geniuses of English literature.

In this fine and funny adventure set in the backlands of modern Turkey, a group of highly unusual travel companions makes its way from Istanbul to legendary Trebizond. Along the way, they encounter potion-dealing sorcerers, recalcitrant policemen, and Billy Graham on tour with a busload of Southern evangelists.

But though the dominant note of the novel is humorous, its pages are shadowed by heartbreak as the narrator confronts the specters of ancient empires, religious turmoil, and painful memories of lost love.

Stijn en Carmen behoren tot de hip, healthy and wealthy. Ze hebben beiden een eigen bedrijf en zijn de trotse ouders van de eenjarige Luna. Aan geld en vrienden geen gebrek. Ze leven als God in Amsterdam.

Totdat bij de mooie en optimistische Carmen borstkanker wordt geconstateerd. Op slag verandert hun wereld in een rollercoaster-rit langs artsen en ziekenhuizen.

De hedonistische Stijn gaat trouw mee naar Carmen's chemokuren en bestralingen, maar stort zich ’s avonds in het nachtleven en op de vrouwen van Amsterdam, Miami en Breda.

José Saramago is a master at pacing. Readers unfamiliar with the work of this Portuguese Nobel Prize winner would do well to begin with The Cave, a novel of ideas, shaded with suspense. Spare and pensive, The Cave follows the fortunes of an aging potter, Cipriano Algor, beginning with his weekly delivery of plates to the Center, a high-walled, windowless shopping complex, residential community, and nerve center that dominates the region.

What sells at the Center will sell everywhere else, and what the Center rejects can barely be given away in the surrounding towns and villages. The news for Cipriano that morning isn't good. Half of his regular pottery shipment is rejected, and he is told that the consumers now prefer plastic tableware. Over the next week, he and his grown daughter Marta grieve for their lost craft, but they gradually open their eyes to the strange bounty of their new condition: a stray dog adopts them, and a lovely widow enters Cipriano's life.

When they are invited to live at the Center, it seems ungracious to refuse, but there are some strange developments under the complex, and a troubling increase in security, and Cipriano changes all their fates by deciding to investigate. In Saramago's able hands, what might have become a dry social allegory is a delicately elaborated story of individualism and unexpected love.

Set in Kerrville, Kansas, The Center of Everything is narrated by Evelyn Bucknow, an endearing character with a wholly refreshing way of looking at the world. Living with her single mother in a small apartment, Evelyn Bucknow is a young girl navigating her way through adolescence.

With a voice that is as charming as it is recognizable, Evelyn immerses the reader in the dramas of an entire community. The people of Kerrville, stuck at once in the middle of nowhere but also at the center of everything, are the source from which Moriarty draws universal dilemmas of love and belief to render a story that grows in emotional intensity.

This novel takes the reader on an emotional journey, lifting them to heights achieved only by the finest of fiction.

Every year, Ceyala "Lala" Reyes' family—aunts, uncles, mothers, fathers, and Lala's six older brothers—packs up three cars and, in a wild ride, drive from Chicago to the Little Grandfather and Awful Grandmother's house in Mexico City for the summer.

Struggling to find a voice above the boom of her brothers and to understand her place on this side of the border and that, Lala is a shrewd observer of family life. But when she starts telling the Awful Grandmother's life story, seeking clues to how she got to be so awful, grandmother accuses Lala of exaggerating.

Soon, a multigenerational family narrative turns into a whirlwind exploration of storytelling, lies, and life. Like the cherished rebozo, or shawl, that has been passed down through generations of Reyes women, Caramelo is alive with the vibrations of history, family, and love.

Dicey's Song follows the journey of the four abandoned Tillerman children as they settle in with their grandmother. Dicey discovers that their new beginnings require a lot of love, trust, humor, and courage.

The story unfolds with Dicey navigating her new role, finding her own identity after being the caretaker, navigator, and decision maker for her siblings. Letting go of some responsibilities becomes a necessary and painful part of her growth.

Amidst new friends, a growing relationship with her grandmother, and the satisfaction of refinishing an old boat, Dicey experiences the trials and pleasures of making a new life. But, as the past comes back with devastating force, she learns just how crucial and challenging letting go can be.

An elderly artist and her six-year-old granddaughter spend a summer together on a tiny island in the Gulf of Finland. As they navigate each other's fears, whims, and yearnings for independence, a fierce yet understated love emerges—one that encompasses not only the summer inhabitants but the island itself, with its mossy rocks, windswept firs, and unpredictable seas.

Full of brusque humour and wisdom, The Summer Book is a profoundly life-affirming story. Tove Jansson captured much of her own experience and spirit in the book, which was her favourite of the novels she wrote for adults. This edition brings back a European literary gem—fresh, authentic, and deeply humane.

When Marty Preston comes across a young beagle in the hills behind his home, it's love at first sight—and also big trouble. It turns out the dog, which Marty names Shiloh, belongs to Judd Travers who drinks too much and has a gun—and abuses his dogs.

So when Shiloh runs away from Judd to Marty, Marty just has to hide him and protect him from Judd. But Marty's secret becomes too big for him to keep to himself, and it exposes his entire family to Judd's anger.

How far will Marty have to go to make Shiloh his?

"Coming Home" is a powerful and emotional journey that follows Amy Fleming through the tumultuous aftermath of losing her beloved mother. She faces the daunting challenge of continuing her mother's cherished work at Heartland—a sanctuary dedicated to the healing of abused and abandoned horses.

After a tragic accident on a stormy night claims her mother's life, Amy must find the strength and courage to keep her mother's dream alive. With her innate skill and deep love for horses, Amy embarks on a path of healing and hope, both for herself and the horses that come to Heartland.

Join Amy as she navigates the complexities of grief, love, and renewal in this heartwarming story of resilience and passion.