Small Life

Crystal methamphetamine is widely considered to be the most dangerous drug in the world, and nowhere is that more true than in the small towns of the American heartland. Methland tells the story of Oelwein, Iowa (pop. 6,159), which, like thousands of other small towns across the country, has been left in the dust by the consolidation of the agricultural industry, a depressed local economy, and an out-migration of people.

The year 1996 was the one that changed everything for Maggie Dawes. Sent away at 16 to live with an aunt she barely knew in Ocracoke, a remote village on North Carolina’s Outer Banks, she could think only of the friends and family she left behind...until she met Bryce Trickett, one of the few teenagers on the island. Handsome, genuine, and newly admitted to West Point, Bryce showed her how much there was to love about the wind-swept beach town - and introduced her to photography, a passion that would define the rest of her life. By 2019, Maggie is a renowned travel photographer.

One unforgettable night with a stunning man changed everything for me. Now, he's my professor, and he tells me he hasn't moved on. Five years ago, I had a one-night encounter with Julian, and he's always been on my mind. It's hard to forget him when our child is the spitting image of his father. I can still recall every moment of that passionate night: his mesmerizing looks, electrifying kisses, and the incredible climax. Destiny brought us back together, and the chemistry between us is as strong as ever. I still long for him whenever we're together and find myself daydreaming about him, ...

In the middle of an important investigation,Smoke Tree Substation Commander Carlos Caballo, known up and down the Colorado River Valley as "Horse," is suddenly called away to find a man who has shot an inspector at the California Agricultural Inspection station in the tiny desert community of Vidal, California. A California Highway patrolman has found the car abandoned alongside Highway95. When Horse and and the patrolman force open the trunk, they discover a body: the man's wife. Horse realizes he and his deputies must find a killer who is on foot in the vast, unpopulated area where the ...

Two arsonists are at work in Smoke Tree. One is a slick professional; the other is an evil pyromaniac using fire to settle old scores. One would be bad enough, but two? Captain Carlos Caballo, commander of the Smoke Tree substation of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, is fighting to save the town he loves. If that weren't enough for Captain Caballo and his deputies to contend with, illegal drugs are arriving in Smoke Tree. The source seems to a motorcycle gang operating from the river bottom on the Arizona side of the Colorado River.

Getting fired from a job isn't the end of the world— at least not when your boss is a jerk and you know you can find a better one. Losing a girlfriend can also be a blessing, especially if she’s been cheating on you. After both unfortunate events happen to Jeff on the same day, he turns over a new leaf and embarks on an adventure he never dreamed of. He takes jobs his ex-girlfriend considered beneath him, and he starts dating multiple women at once. First, there's his neighbor—a gorgeous brunette Jeff has had a crush on for ages but never had the freedom to flirt with. Then there's ...

It’s the 1950s. Thousands of people every day pass through Smoke Tree, California, on Route 66. The Mother Road. The two-lane blacktop that stretches from Chicago to LA. A few make a quick stop in the isolated, Mojave Desert town. Some stay. Some are dangerous. And a few are downright deadly. Burke Henry is deadly. He drives into Smoke Tree on a motorcycle on a cold, windy, winter day. His panniers are stuffed with cash. Lots of cash. Who is he? What does he want? Why a tiny town like Smoke Tree? Nobody knows, but they’re all dying to find out. And so are some men from Oklahoma. Members...

From the bestselling author of Christmas in Snow Falls comes a heartwarming read that’s perfect for fans of Jenny Hale, Sheila Roberts, Debbie Macomber, and Jill Shalvis. After a viral scandal ruins her reputation, Manhattan heiress Emily seeks escape and takes a summer job as a ranch hand in Wyoming, hiding her identity. She clashes with Tyler, the ranch owner, but as Emily embraces hard work, a bond forms. When Emily is injured, she trusts Tyler with her secret, deepening their connection. However, misunderstandings arise when Emily anonymously helps the ranch. When her identity is ...

He's a seasoned cowboy on a delivery mission. She's a resilient hobby farm owner braving the winter storm. Can Keith and Lindsay forge a bond in the heart of a tempest and find love in the calm that follows? Keith Whettstein is no stranger to life's challenges - a seasoned cowboy from the renowned Hammond Family Farm, he's weathered his fair share of trials. Yet, as he finds himself caught in the thick of a snowstorm, delivering a horse to the remote Lewis farm just days before Christmas, life takes an unexpected turn. When an unfortunate slip leads to Keith's injury and the horse falls ...

Step back in time to the tiny farm community of Osage Bend, Missouri, circa 1930-1945… Part memoir, part how-to manual, The Bumpy Road paints a vivid picture of life on the farm during the Great Depression. The author, recounting stories from his boyhood, brings to life the everyday trials and tribulations of his family and neighbors as they struggle to survive under daunting economic conditions. The hard work they put in was a given (to them), and their solutions to everyday problems were ingenious by necessity. And yet, they still found time to socialize and make the church the center ...

This memoir is a love letter to the 80's, told through the lens of music, memories, and the misadventures of a small-town teenager. Eddie's story is a relatable and heartwarming reminder that even in the midst of chaos, there's beauty to be found in the journey.

The Amish community of Lancaster is being terrorized by barn fires. David and Malinda Beiler's barn was the first to go. The clues are sparse, but Levi, the Beilers' oldest son, happened to be awake in the middle of the night and spotted a white vehicle driving past the house with its lights off. Sarah, David and Malinda's daughter, observes her parents' agony. Not only is she afraid and wishing she could protect her parents, she's entranced by the flirtatious Matthew Stoltzfus.

Discover the world of Generative AI in just a few hours, even if you're intimidated by tech! Are you curious about the power of AI but feel overwhelmed by technical jargon? Do you wish you could harness AI innovations without spending hours on complex courses? Are ethical concerns about AI stopping you from diving in? If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, you're certainly not alone. Many individuals feel just like you, overwhelmed at the complexity yet eager to understand AI's vast potential. But a clearer, more approachable journey awaits you. Most non-tech-savvy people feel the...

Alex Morgan returns to Lake Shimmer after 15 years to inherit his grandfather’s bait shop. He soon learns the lake is magical—and that he’s its new Guardian, complete with LitRPG‑style progress updates. As he fumbles through secret journals and enchanted lures, a ruthless developer named Jackson Reed arrives, bent on draining the lake’s power. Alex has only a circle of strong, mysterious women at his side—their guidance and hidden agendas might be the key to saving the lake. Mature Content Warning: This book includes mature themes and polyamorous relationships, intended for ...

A Quirky Heroine, a Dashing Dragon, and a Hidden Threat in Whispering Pines! Sera Haskett is a mature witch set in her ways. She's landed her dream job in the enchanting town of Whispering Pines, where the residents are as delightfully eccentric as she is. But not everyone is thrilled about her arrival. In fact, someone wants her gone so desperately that they're willing to put the entire town at risk to get rid of her. Luckily, a certain tall, strong, too-laid back and impossibly handsome dragon shifter has sworn to keep her safe. Lark Wilder, dragon-shifter, is a bachelor through and ...

After fifteen years in captivity, Nova Lefleur is free, back home, and reunited with her Louisiana family. Through her ordeal, she never forgot them. They never forgot her either. But things have changed since Nova’s been gone. Nova and her encouraging seventeen-year-old daughter, Skye, are getting to know each other for the first time. Her husband, Quinton, is rebuilding a relationship with a wife he thought was gone forever. And Nova’s sister, Leah, is overjoyed—and overwhelmed.

It’s been three months since Ollie made a daring deal with the smiling man to save those she loved, and then vanished without a trace. The smiling man promised Coco, Brian and Phil, that they’d have a chance to save her, but as time goes by, they begin to worry that the smiling man has lied to them and Ollie is gone forever. But finally, a clue surfaces. A boy who went missing at a nearby traveling carnival appears at the town swimming hole, terrified and rambling. He tells anyone who'll listen about the mysterious man who took him.

HARLOW Down and out, Nobody to call, no place to stay. I did what I had to, I needed to survive. Squatting in an old apartment complex wasn't my best move, But moving in with the sexy and sensitive owner of the building couldn’t be any worse. After all, he just wants to help, And I can't resist the kindness of this particular stranger. He's proper and serious, Unlike anyone I've ever met. He saved me, And now it's my turn to save him, From himself. DUKE I’ve never known anyone like her, Gorgeous, smart, and slightly naïve, But her sense of humor has me begging for more. I'm drawn to ...

Simon can't stop thinking about the pretty Amish teacher at the local one-room school. But he's ignored the sparks between them because he's so shy. So Simon's little brother, Isaac, takes matters into his own hands. He's determined to give his brother the best Christmas present ever - a date with his favorite teacher. Amish novelist Byler brings her tender humor and skillful observation of family relationships to this holiday story.

In the shadows of Salem Village in 1692, one young girl must navigate the complexities of a divided society. Often cold and hungry, eight-year-old Verity Manton, an orphaned ragpicker, clings to the scraps of love and kindness in her harsh world. Things get tangled as the village Puritans' strange behavior grows more alarming. Verity is caught between the safety of her life and the promise of a better future with a Quaker family who reaches out to her. Yet, she has been warned her whole life that Quakers are evil. Will Verity have the courage to trust her heart and choose a path that defies...