It is said that a picture may be worth a thousand words but an old photograph can inspire many more. In this beguiling book, Alexander McCall Smith casts his eye over five chanced-upon photographs from the era of black-and-white photography and imagines the stories behind them. Who were those people, what were their stories, why are they smiling, what made them sad? What emerges are surprising and poignant tales of love and friendship in a variety of settings - an estate in the Highlands of Scotland, a travelling circus in Canada, an Australian gold-mining town, a village in Ireland, and the Scottish capital, Edinburgh. Some will find joy and fulfilment - others would prefer happier endings. Each of them, though, will find love, and that is ultimately what matters.

Encounters. Whether with magic or science, expected or unexpected, they can change our minds, our destinies, even our world... In this collection of twenty-two short tales, journey across multiple genres alongside various characters, including: ~ a mother who gathers dragon scales to provide for her family despite a perilous jungle and her own self-doubt; ~ a young half-human, half-mermaid girl on the search for her father with murderous soldiers on her heels; ~ an opera singer-turned-ghost-hunter attempting to thwart a Phantom who just won't stop interfering with her act; ~ a family at risk of losing their humanity to the Moon as its magic wreaks a monstrous change within them; ~ and an alien on a rescue mission to save her best friend's children from those who wish them harm. Full of comedy and tragedy, heartache and hope, monsters and magic, these stories are an...

Master storyteller Diana Wynne Jones presents a riveting collection of unpredictable tales, including: A cat tells how the kindhearted wizard she owns is suddenly called upon to defeat a horrific Beast. When Anne has mumps, her drawings come to life, and she must protect her home from them Four children become involved in the intrigue surrounding an innocent prince, an evil count, and a brave outlaw. These fifteen stories and one novella will enchant, startle, and surprise!

Two never-before-published stories from the archives of one of science fiction’s all-time masters The novella “A Necessary Being” showcases Octavia E. Butler’s ability to create alien yet fully believable “others.” Tahneh’s father was a Hao, one of a dwindling race whose leadership abilities render them so valuable that their members are captured and forced to govern. When her father dies, Tahneh steps into his place, both chief and prisoner, and for twenty years has ruled without ever meeting another of her kind. She bears her loneliness privately until the day that a Hao youth is spotted wandering into her territory. As her warriors sharpen their weapons, Tahneh must choose between imprisoning the newcomer—and living the rest of her life alone. The second story in this volume, “Childminder,” was commissioned by Harlan Ellison for his legendary (and never-published) anthology The Last Dangerous Visions™. A disaffected telepath connects with a young girl in a desperate attempt to help her harness her growing powers. But in the richly evocative fiction of Octavia E. Butler, mentorship is a rocky path, and every lesson comes at a price.

This 7​ story bundle contains 7 of our b​est selling stories about love secrets, romances, undisclosed desires, ye​arnings, and passions. Enjoy the hottest tales of romance that are steamy, exciting​,​ and passionate! This collection is sure to satisfy curious readers of all types, with compelling characters of every stripe: billionaires, shifters, vampires, cowboys, a​lpha males​,​ and more​. It's a​ thrill ride until the very last page! Why choose just one when you can have 7 in 1? Sit back and enjoy your free time with this sampler of unique ​romance​ stories: First Chance - Billionaire's First Baby by T. Massey The King's Wonderful Bride by Lorie Gilbert The Hesitating Pregnant Bride by Retta Camp The Bear's Unplanned Baby by Jesicca Diaz The Billionaire Connection with the Baby by Caron Shea The Billionaire Sacrifice for the Baby by Caron Shea Her Alpha Billionaire Neighbor by Vena Judd Get Your Romance Books NOWDownload your copy of "Blossoming Adventure" by scrolling up and clicking "Buy Now With 1-Click" button. WARNING: This ebooks contains mature themes and language. Intended for 18+ readers only. **