Kathy Lynn Emerson Knihy

Sir Anthony Shelby lies poisoned in a Strasbourg tavern and his daughter Cordell vows vengeance. Cordell must return home to England, but to do so, she is forced to take safe passage as the bride of the arrogantly handsome courtier Roger Allington. It is to be a marriage in name only.Although Roger was her father's friend, Cordell fears he is a traitor to the Crown. And Roger, honor-bound to protect Sir Anthony's daughter, has no liking for her reckless ways. Yet his heart tells him he must pursue this mettlesome beauty - through a maze of plots and into the shadow of the Tower - to win her love and ignite their smoldering passion.

Set against the backdrop of mid-seventeenth century Colonial Rhode Island, this narrative follows Mahershallahashbaz, the daughter of Samuel Gorton, a contentious figure in early American history. As Gorton faces imprisonment for heresy after an attack on his colony, the story explores the uncertainty and challenges his family endured in his absence. Through Mahershallahashbaz's perspective, readers experience the struggles of a young girl navigating a tumultuous period marked by religious and political strife.

In rural Maine during the summer of 1986, 12-year-old Kim Hanlon finds herself reluctantly immersed in bagpipe music while her father attends classes. When a set of antique bagpipes goes missing, suspicion falls on her new friend Woody. Unwilling to accept his guilt, Kim embarks on a quest to uncover the true thief, showcasing her determination and resourcefulness. This engaging mystery unfolds against the backdrop of a quirky estate and a family camping trip, appealing to young readers with its themes of friendship and justice.

The narrative explores Julia's journey of recovery and personal growth as she navigates her evolving family dynamics and forms an unexpected friendship with her cousin Grace, whom she initially perceives as "beastly." Julia's self-reflection leads to a realization of her past snobbery and self-centeredness, marking her maturation. Set against a vividly portrayed 19th-century backdrop, the story is characterized by a light, seamless writing style that effectively captures the nuances of Julia's transformation.

This compilation features 115 essays by Kathy Lynn Emerson, exploring a wide range of topics from writing challenges to personal anecdotes about her cat and family quirks. Emerson, known for her cozy and historical mysteries, shares insights into her creative process and the unique eccentricities of her life in rural Western Maine. The collection reflects her diverse experiences as a prolific author and offers a glimpse into her writing journey and the inspirations drawn from her surroundings.

Set in the early 1920s in the Catskill Mountains, the story follows twelve-year-old Katie Brant, who has always been indulged by her family after losing her mother at birth. As the summer tourist season begins and her family accommodates boarders, Katie's life takes unexpected turns. Forced to confront her behavior and its impact on those around her, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery, learning that her choices have significant consequences for her relationships with friends and family.

Set in the Elizabethan era, the story follows Susanna, Lady Appleton, a widowed gentlewoman and herbalist, as she navigates the dangerous waters of witchcraft accusations. When an old acquaintance is accused of being a witch, Susanna feels compelled to assist, putting herself at risk of similar charges. This edition of the mystery series has been newly edited by the author, reviving a long-out-of-print tale that intertwines themes of friendship, loyalty, and the perilous nature of societal judgment.

Set against the backdrop of 1554, the story follows Cordell, who flees to the Continent with her father, Sir Henry Ingram, after Mary Tudor's rise to power. Following his suspicious death in Strasbourg, Cordell suspects foul play linked to his secretive intelligence work. Determined to uncover the truth and avenge her father, she navigates a treacherous path, grappling with mistrust and danger as she returns to an England that has changed drastically. Her quest for justice becomes a fight for survival in a world where loyalties are uncertain.