Before, Scopuli. It has been centuries since Thelia made the mistake that cost her the woman she loved--Proserpina, the goddess of spring. As the handmaidens charged with protecting Proserpina when she was kidnapped, Thelia and her sisters are banished to the island of Scopuli and cursed to live as sirens--winged half-woman, half-bird creatures. In luring sailors to their deaths with an irresistible song, the sisters hope to gain favor from the gods who could free them. But then ships stop coming, and Thelia fears a fate worse than the Underworld. Just as time begins to run out, a voice emerges, Proserpina's voice, and what she asks of Thelia will spark a dangerous quest for their freedom.

Now, Roanoke. Thelia can't bear to reflect on her last moments in Scopuli. After weeks drifting at sea alone, Thelia's renewed human body--a result of her last devastating sacrifice on Scopuli--is close to death. Luckily, an unfamiliar island appears on the horizon: Roanoke. Posing as a princess arriving on a sailboat filled with riches, Thelia infiltrates the small English colony. It doesn't take long for her to realize that this place is dangerous, especially for women. As she grows closer to a beautiful settler who mysteriously resembles her former love, Thelia formulates a plan to save her sisters and enact revenge on the violent men she's come to despise. But is she willing to go back to Scopuli and face the consequences of her past decisions? And will Proserpina forgive her for all that she's done?

Told in alternating timelines, Those Fatal Flowers is a powerful, passionate, and wildly cathartic love letter to femininity and the monstrous power within us all.

A war turned the Prince of the grass plains into an orphan, she who had laid dormant for ten years had originally planned to become a sycophantic official, to manipulate the enemy kingdom into chaos, but was appointed as Fuma at the Chionglin banquet. Wait and see, how this debt of grudge from a fallen kingdom and devastated home will be settled.

Two lovers crest the wave of the golden age of Athens: Pericles, statesman and general, and Aspasia, his courtesan, a philosopher's daughter and a brilliant woman in her own right. In a world of hierarchies, he is at the top when she arrives as little more than flotsam cast up on Athenian shores. Their love transcends social sanctions, enduring and deepening despite the grave threat it presents to Pericles' reputation as a leader of the Athenian democracy.

The novel unfolds against the background of the arts and history of the Golden Age seen through the eyes of two individuals who lent their particular brilliance to make it golden, Pericles, the great orator and visionary of democracy and its most influential woman, Aspasia. Their story takes them from the Agora-Athens' marketplace-to the Acropolis, from the mercantile, raunchy Athenian Port Piraeus across the Aegean Sea to East Greece. Pericles and Aspasia-together and apart-navigate treacherous paths from venal calculations to impassioned philosophical inquiry, from high-stakes sea battles to the passions of family life.

Pericles and Aspasia engages issues that are vital today-the paradoxes of democracy, the tensions of hierarchy, the ironies of gender, and others-but this novel is immersed in classical Athens: the city, its sunshine, its physical presence, its people and their struggles and aspirations.

Now that Lyr knows the reincarnations of the Guardians have been reborn, she must dive deeper into her past as the Goddess Asherah, and Rhyan's as Auriel if they're going to survive. With Moriel's reincarnation on the verge of restoring his God power, it's crucial Lyr fulfills her oath to the immortal Mercurial. She must claim the red shard-and the otherworldly power it will grant her, because Lyr may be the only one strong enough to defeat a God.

But traveling across the Empire is no simple task. With the consecration of Arianna as Arkasva of Bamaria, and her new political alliances in place, Lyr and Rhyan find themselves vulnerable when Rhyan's political immunity as a forsworn is stripped. He's now wanted in both the north and the south for questioning. Not to mention Imperator Kormac has personally tasked Lord Tristan with hunting Rhyan down and arresting him.

But ever since Lyr learned the Empire's darkest secret, that the Emperor has been enslaving vorakh, siphoning their forbidden magic to the elite, she has only one goal in mind: get Jules out.

But breaking into the Emperor's palace will be nearly impossible, especially after he announces a grand tournament to distract from the civil unrest across the land. The tournament will bring thousands to the capital, including both Imperators. Freeing her cousin will require more power than even Lyr and Rhyan combined possess, especially as more of their secrets come to light, threatening everything they've worked for. The only way to move forward may be to make a far more sinister deal with the person who has the most to gain-the person Rhyan trusts the least.

As they navigate their mission in the present, while uncovering memories of the past, ancient enemies resurface. More Guardians' identities are revealed, and they are ready to finish a war that started a millennia ago.

To protect the ones she loves, Lyr has no choice but to harness more magic and power than she ever has before. But if she can't claim and control the fire inside of her, she risks unleashing total destruction across the Empire, costing her everything-her freedom, her heart, and even her soul.

Now that Lyr knows the reincarnations of the Guardians have been reborn, she must dive deeper into her past as the Goddess Asherah, and Rhyan's as Auriel if they're going to survive. With Moriel's reincarnation on the verge of restoring his God power, it's crucial Lyr fulfills her oath to the immortal Mercurial. She must claim the red shard-and the otherworldly power it will grant her, because Lyr may be the only one strong enough to defeat a God.

But traveling across the Empire is no simple task. With the consecration of Arianna as Arkasva of Bamaria, and her new political alliances in place, Lyr and Rhyan find themselves vulnerable when Rhyan's political immunity as a forsworn is stripped. He's now wanted in both the north and the south for questioning. Not to mention Imperator Kormac has personally tasked Lord Tristan with hunting Rhyan down and arresting him.

But ever since Lyr learned the Empire's darkest secret, that the Emperor has been enslaving vorakh, siphoning their forbidden magic to the elite, she has only one goal in mind: get Jules out.

But breaking into the Emperor's palace will be nearly impossible, especially after he announces a grand tournament to distract from the civil unrest across the land. The tournament will bring thousands to the capital, including both Imperators. Freeing her cousin will require more power than even Lyr and Rhyan combined possess, especially as more of their secrets come to light, threatening everything they've worked for. The only way to move forward may be to make a far more sinister deal with the person who has the most to gain-the person Rhyan trusts the least.

As they navigate their mission in the present, while uncovering memories of the past, ancient enemies resurface. More Guardians' identities are revealed, and they are ready to finish a war that started a millennia ago.

To protect the ones she loves, Lyr has no choice but to harness more magic and power than she ever has before. But if she can't claim and control the fire inside of her, she risks unleashing total destruction across the Empire, costing her everything-her freedom, her heart, and even her soul.

Seventeen Spoons delves into the life of Joseph, the youngest and most favored son in the tribe of Jacob. With prophetic dreams, special treatment, a divine connection, and an unshakable confidence, his youth is marked by distinction and envy.

While his brothers exclude him, Joseph finds solace and wisdom among the women of the tribe. Instead of becoming a shepherd like his brothers, he becomes a man of the tents, devoted to prayer and study. Though he swiftly masters reading and writing, he must also navigate the complex emotions surrounding him--jealousy, anger, love, and his own feelings of curiosity, affection, and grief.

Joseph's ascension to being crowned Second-in-Command of all Egypt is fraught with dramatic power shifts. Through it all, he must balance the traditions and lessons of his childhood with the demands of ruling a mighty kingdom, fulfilling his destiny as a revered leader.

Two lovers crest the wave of the golden age of Athens: Pericles, statesman and general, and Aspasia, his courtesan, a philosopher's daughter and a brilliant woman in her own right. In a world of hierarchies, he is at the top when she arrives as little more than flotsam cast up on Athenian shores. Their love transcends social sanctions, enduring and deepening despite the grave threat it presents to Pericles' reputation as a leader of the Athenian democracy.

The novel unfolds against the background of the arts and history of the Golden Age seen through the eyes of two individuals who lent their particular brilliance to make it golden, Pericles, the great orator and visionary of democracy and its most influential woman, Aspasia. Their story takes them from the Agora-Athens' marketplace-to the Acropolis, from the mercantile, raunchy Athenian Port Piraeus across the Aegean Sea to East Greece. Pericles and Aspasia-together and apart-navigate treacherous paths from venal calculations to impassioned philosophical inquiry, from high-stakes sea battles to the passions of family life.

Pericles and Aspasia engages issues that are vital today-the paradoxes of democracy, the tensions of hierarchy, the ironies of gender, and others-but this novel is immersed in classical Athens: the city, its sunshine, its physical presence, its people and their struggles and aspirations.

Experience the captivating portrayal of an epic battle between good and evil in this compelling tale of faith and triumph.

The saving gospel of Jesus Christ has exploded in Jerusalem, Samaria, and beyond-transforming thousands of lives. As faithful believers continue carrying out the Great Commission, Saul of Tarsus seethes and resolves to hunt down every last one of them.

Warned of Saul's murderous plans, the noble Mary rallies her fellow believers to pray for the hate-crazed Pharisee. And despite the great odds against them, she senses spiritual forces at work. In Joppa, Tabitha ministers to her unbelieving uncle. Sensing his declining health and determined to stop at nothing, her faithful witness touches many lives along the way, even that of a handsome young merchant named Adam.

In Sychar, Kelila braces herself as her husband, Philip, is called to traveling evangelism. Though she supports his mission, she can't help but fear that his ministry will keep him away and unable to welcome their first child into the world.

Grace Prevailing is a powerful re-telling of one of the most destiny-altering moments in Christian history, showcasing the resilience of the human spirit in the face of persecution and the transformative power of unwavering faith.

Immerse yourself in a breathtaking season of unexpected peace, filled with whispers of miracles and new beginnings.

In the wake of Saul's miraculous conversion on the Road to Damascus, Mary rejoices as the Way flourishes, unburdened by the threats of her former tormentor. But with this newfound serenity comes a formidable challenge: finding a worthy bride for her charming son, John Mark. As Mary explores potential matches, she's taken aback when John Mark develops feelings for someone she never expected.

Meanwhile, in the coastal town of Joppa, Tabitha faces her own set of trials. Having inherited her uncle's seaside estate, she is determined to transform it into a haven for orphans and widows, aptly named the Refuge. As she dedicates herself to this mission, she wrestles with her complex feelings for Adam, a young deacon at her church.

As danger lurks and challenges arise, these courageous followers of the Way must cling to the promises of God. Together, they navigate a landscape filled with love, faith, and unexpected trials, discovering that true strength lies in their unwavering commitment to the gospel.

Faith Arising is an inspiring tale of resilience, reminding us that even amid adversity, faith can illuminate the path to victory.

Winner of the Christianity Today 2017 Book Award!

Before he became a father of the Christian Church, Augustine of Hippo loved a woman whose name has been lost to history. This is her story.

She met Augustine in Carthage when she was seventeen. She was the poor daughter of a mosaic-layer; he was a promising student and heir to a fortune. His brilliance and passion intoxicated her, but his social class would be forever beyond her reach. She became his concubine, and by the time he was forced to leave her, she was thirty years old and the mother of his son. And his Confessions show us that he never forgot her. She was the only woman he ever loved.

In a society in which classes rarely mingle on equal terms, and an unwed mother can lose her son to the burgeoning career of her ambitious lover, this anonymous woman was a first-hand witness to Augustine's anguished spiritual journey from secretive religious cultist to the celebrated Bishop of Hippo.

Giving voice to one of history's most mysterious women, The Confessions of X tells the story of Augustine of Hippo's nameless lover, their relationship before his famous conversion, and her life after his rise to fame. A tale of womanhood, faith, and class at the end of antiquity, The Confessions of X is more than historical fiction . . . it is a timeless story of love and loss in the shadow of a theological giant.

The Reformed Rogues series follows the lives of three fearsome Highland Warriors who form a bond stronger than any blood tie. It is set in 11th Century Scotland during the reign of 'The Red King.' Recommend reading books in series order.

Highland Chieftain Beiste MacGregor is a ruthlessly ambitious warrior with the viciousness of a beast. He has little interest in women beyond the bedchamber. On the order of the Red King, he reluctantly travels with his men to the lowlands to formalize a betrothal to a woman from clan Dunbar. He is not prepared for the troublesome but striking clan healer he meets on the way, who not only infuriates him but stirs something deep within his soul.

Amelia Dunbar is a clan healer and the illegitimate daughter of the Earl of Dunbar. When she is not serving as a companion to her half-sister, she is tirelessly attending to the sick in her clan. Amelia has plans to find her mother's people in the Highlands and is about to embark on her journey when she is waylaid by the arrival of fearsome warriors. One warrior, they call 'the Beast', rouses her ire and sets her heart racing at the same time.

Warning: Brawny alpha males, historical inaccuracies and frivolous entertainment ahead. Not suitable for readers under the age of 18. It contains mature content.

A HADES AND PERSEPHONE RETELLING

For Kore's entire life, her mother only ever wanted two things from her:

1. Swear an oath of virginity (to protect her from marriage)
2. Never show the world how much power she really possessed (to protect her from marriage)

Despite Demeter's attempts to keep Kore as far away from Olympus and its capricious gods who might want her for their own, there was nothing in this world or any other that could have kept Kore hidden from Hades.

As for Kore, the more time she spends in the underworld, the more she realizes how alone and misunderstood its ruler truly is.

With her heart and all of humanity on the line, will Kore embrace her former life as The Maiden, or a future as the Bringer of Destruction?

Dead of Spring is a standalone Hades and Persephone retelling suitable for readers aged 18+

In the tradition of Tracy Chevalier's Girl with a Pearl Earring, Palombo has married fine art with romantic historical fiction in this lush and sensual interpretation of Medici Florence, artist Sandro Botticelli, and the muse that inspired them all. - Booklist

A girl as beautiful as Simonetta Cattaneo never wants for marriage proposals in 15th Century Italy, but she jumps at the chance to marry Marco Vespucci. Marco is young, handsome and well-educated. Not to mention he is one of the powerful Medici family's favored circle.

Even before her marriage with Marco is set, Simonetta is swept up into Lorenzo and Giuliano de' Medici's glittering circle of politicians, poets, artists, and philosophers. The men of Florence--most notably the rakish Giuliano de' Medici--become enthralled with her beauty. That she is educated and an ardent reader of poetry makes her more desirable and fashionable still. But it is her acquaintance with a young painter, Sandro Botticelli, which strikes her heart most. Botticelli immediately invites Simonetta, newly proclaimed the most beautiful woman in Florence, to pose for him. As Simonetta learns to navigate her marriage, her place in Florentine society, and the politics of beauty and desire, she and Botticelli develop a passionate intimacy, one that leads to her immortalization in his masterpiece, The Birth of Venus.

Alyssa Palombo's The Most Beautiful Woman in Florence vividly captures the dangerous allure of the artist and muse bond with candor and unforgettable passion.

In the vast expanse of the South Pacific, ancient cultures intertwine, and the threads of destiny weave a tapestry of love, courage, and wisdom. For Polynesians, Tici, Teke, or Tiki embodies the sacred origin of all knowledge. In the Andes, Kon Tici is whispered as Son of the Sun, a name resonating with cosmic significance. Is it merely coincidence, or a deeper cosmic design at play?

Enter Kon Tici, a man of unyielding courage and an unwavering commitment to peace. His journey unfolds against a backdrop of breathtaking landscapes and encounters with the unexpected. Along the way, he is drawn to Hina of the Valley, a young Polynesian woman whose noble heart beats in harmony with the rhythms of nature. As she rises to become a priestess of unparalleled wisdom, their love story becomes a beacon of hope and inspiration.

Heirs of a Lost Race is more than a tale of star-crossed lovers; it is a testament to the power of love to transcend barriers of race, culture, and belief. Against the backdrop of forgotten values, Kon Tici and Hina's journey explores the depths of human connection and the mysteries of the cosmos. In their quest, they are accompanied by a powerful spiritual presence, lending an air of mystique to their story.

Join them on a journey of discovery, as they navigate the intricate tapestry of existence, guided by love, courage, and the timeless wisdom of their ancestors. Can their love defy the odds and bridge the chasm between worlds? Dive into Heirs of a Lost Race and uncover the answer.

Mara is a young Samaritan beginning to discover her love for Samuel-and his for her. Soon she will be deemed mature enough to marry. Her hopes are dashed when her greedy father brokers a match with the cruel son of the wealthy High Priest of Shechem. When her loathsome betrothed is killed, her beloved Samuel must run for his life. Mara and Samuel struggle to survive and reunite during the treacherous and scandalous times of the Bible under the merciless rule of Rome.

Along the way, they are entangled within the snares of such notable figures as King Herod, Herodias, Pontius Pilate, Caiaphas, and Salome.

The heartrending tales of Mara and Samuel are interwoven with their desperate love story. Before either meets Yeshua the Nazarene face to face. Before He sets the political, religious, and spiritual landscape on fire. And before either Mara or Samuel are immortalized in the gospels.

Captain Reena Charlisse Hyde always gets what she wants. She wanted to be the best female pirate on the Caribbean and she is. She wants to find the mythical Fountain of Youth and she knows the location of the map. And now after searching across the Caribbean for the man she intends to marry, she has found him. There are only two problems. He doesn't want to be found, and he's on board a Royal Navy frigate-the last place a pirate should venture.

Frederick Carlton thought he was finally safe from the woman who held his heart. But her attempt to rescue him labels him a deserter from the Royal Navy. He's turned his life over to God and plans on being a preacher, but every moment he spends with Reena drives him deeper into a past he longs to forget.

Mutinies, deserted islands, treasure maps, battles, traitors, and villains send the couple sailing on a tsunami of adventure throughout the Caribbean in search of the Fountain of Youth. Frederick longs to escape the lure of the woman he loves. Reena longs for Frederick to love her again. But in the end, they will both have to choose between eternal youth or the lives of everyone they love.If you long for an adventure upon the high seas, to feel the touch of God in a story that will have you touching your hand to your heart, then you MUST read The Reckless, by MaryLu Tyndall. While you're at it, grab the entire series Chaplain Debbie Mitchell