by Philip Eliot | Jun 14, 2025 | General Nonfiction |
A thrilling history of England’s great metropolis at a point of great change, told through the story of a young vagrant murdered by “resurrection men.”Before his murder in 1831, the “Italian boy” was one of thousands of orphans on the streets of London, moving among the livestock, hawkers, and con men, begging for pennies. When his body was sold to a London medical college, the suppliers were arrested for murder. Their high-profile trial would unveil London’s furtive trade in human corpses carried out by body-snatchers—or “resurrection men”—who killed to satisfy the first rule of the cadaver market: the fresher the body, the higher the price.Historian Sarah Wise reconstructs not only the boy’s murder but the chaos and squalor of London that swallowed the fourteen-year-old vagrant long before his corpse appeared on the slab. In 1831, the city’s poor were desperate and the wealthy were petrified, the population swelling so fast that old class borders could not possibly hold. All the while, early humanitarians were pushing legislation to protect the disenfranchised, the courts were establishing norms of punishment and execution, and doctors were pioneering the science of human anatomy.Vivid and intricate, The Italian Boy restores to history the lives of the very poorest Londoners and offers an unparalleled account of the sights, sounds, and smells of a city at the brink of a major transformation.“The Italian Boy delineates with wonderful exactness the daily lives of an early-nineteenth-century English underclass . . . Sensitive, meticulous . . . told with exceptional skill, humor, and sympathy.” —Fiona MacCarthy, The New York Review of Books
by Philip Eliot | Jun 14, 2025 | Children & Middle Grade |
For his whole life, Thordric has been told that his magic is dangerous, and that he must never use it. All over Dinia, half-wizards are treated the same, their magic labelled as dangerous and uncontrollable.When High Wizard Kalljard dies under mysterious circumstances, it falls to young Thordric to solve the case. The problem? The deed was done by magic, and though Thordric is a half-wizard, he has never fully used his powers.To prove himself right and find the person responsible, Thordric has to learn how to control his own powers. But can he learn fast enough, and find the perpetrator in time?Praise:????? – “Refreshing and original. Thordric is a likable, compelling protagonist. A delightful read.”????? – “Fun and light-hearted, yet still unique. The characters are full of life and well-rounded. Truly enjoyed it.”????? – “A murder mystery, a missing son, and a young wizard finding his powers – all the makings of a grand adventure.”
by Philip Eliot | Jun 14, 2025 | Contemporary Romance |
Two sexy romances from two great authors that prove one night is never enough.One Night with the Wealthy Rancher by New York Times–bestselling author Brenda JacksonSeven years ago, young cop Darius Franklin saved Summer Martindale from a violent situation. They shared one passionate night before she walked away. Now the wealthy rancher provides security at a women’s shelter, and Summer is the new social worker. Darius is suspicious of why she’s suddenly in his part of Texas. But when Summer’s life is once again threatened, he can protect her only if he stays very close . . . FREE BONUS STORY INCLUDED IN THIS VOLUME!Full Court Seduction by Synithia WilliamsConservationist Danielle Stewart shared a sizzling night with Jacobe Jenkins back in college. Next day, he left for the NBA draft. Now chance has reunited them, and Danielle sees a perfect way to promote her favorite cause. Supporting Danielle’s conservation efforts could improve Jacobe’s bad-boy image—and give him a second chance with the woman he’s never forgotten. But lasting love takes more than a trick shot.Previously published as One Night with the Wealthy Rancher and Full Court SeductionPraise for the authors“Brenda Jackson writes romance that sizzles and characters you fall in love with.” —Lori Foster, New York Times–bestselling author“[Synithia] Williams makes waves with this exceptional tale. . . . Skillful characterization and sizzling chemistry.” —Publishers Weekly on Forbidden Promises
by Philip Eliot | Jun 14, 2025 | Historical Romance |
“Kidnappings, violence, intrigue, piracy, and an abundance of naval detail drive the action in this intriguing, relatively sweet romance.” —Library Journal1762, The Georgian Age of Sail: For his first command, John Cavendish is given a ship—the HMS Meteor—and a crew, both in need of repair and discipline. He’s determined to make a success of their first mission, and hopes the well-liked lieutenant Alfred Donwell will stand by his side as he leads his new crew into battle: stopping the slave trade off the coast of Algiers.Alfie knows their mission is futile, and that their superiors back in England will use the demise of this crew as impetus for war with the Ottoman Empire. But the darker secret he keeps is his growing attraction for his commanding officer—a secret punishable by death.With the arrival of his former captain—and lover—on the scene of the disastrous mission, Alfie is torn between the security of his past and the uncertain promise of a future with the straight-laced John.Against a backdrop of war, intrigue, and personal betrayal, the high seas will carry these men through dangerous waters from England to Africa to the West Indies in search of a safe harbor.
by Philip Eliot | Jun 13, 2025 | Christian Fiction |
Christian romance that will warm your heart. “If ever there was a story of redemption, this was it.” –Amazon reviewerThey’ve been stripped of everything but a refurbished bus and each other. And it may be the best thing that’s ever happened to them.DRIVEN BY JEALOUSY, HE’S DETERMINED TO PROVE HIMSELFJacob Murphy always felt like the invisible brother, until he fell in love with and married the woman who’d dated his younger brother. Then he became the despised brother. Driven to prove himself worthy of respect, he gambled everything on becoming the successful brother, but with his property speculation business falling apart, he’s ready to admit defeat. He’s lost nearly every worldly good, and after years of disappointments and heartache, it looks like his marriage is about to go the same way.ASHAMED OF HER BACKGROUND, SHE WILL DO ANYTHING TO KEEP IT A SECRETKate Murphy lied her way out of life in a trailer park—a life she felt both trapped in and ashamed of. Only Jacob knows the truth about her background. But keeping up appearances has strangled her life and relationships, and even her marriage is troubled. In desperation, she makes a plan to escape from it all—ironically, in a skoolie. But there’s still a tender place in her heart for the man she married, and in a moment of compassion, she offers to take Jacob with her.Stripped of pride and pretension and struggling to adjust to their new 160-square-foot mobile lifestyle, Jacob and Kate are forced to confront the deception, hurt, and loneliness that have plagued them both.Will their strained circumstances be the death knell for their marriage, or will they allow humility to usher in the healing they need to rebuild?This Life is a tender love story of second chances in marriage, of romance, and of redemption.Meet the Murphy brothers! Seven boys, forging their way through life and love, gripping faith, and learning to walk with God through all things. Theirs are heartfelt stories of romance, but also of redemption. Books in the Murphy Brothers Stories:ALWAYS YOUIN SPITE OF OURSELVESEVERYTHING BEHIND USTHIS LIFESTUBBORN LOVEWHO YOU AREAFTER ALLMORNING BY MORNINGSEASON OF MEMORIESContinue the journey with the Murphy Brothers through these Christian romances that will warm your heart!
