The boxing stories that inspired the Oscar-winning Clint Eastwood film: a New York Times Notable Book from “a heavyweight fiction contender” (Publishers Weekly). F. X. Toole knew boxing. Between bouts, he wrote, and two years before his death he published this collection of stories, giving readers an unprecedented look at the gritty life around the ring. He tells of a cutman with a sweet tooth, young fighters with dreams of celebrity, and a talented boxer who goes to Atlantic City for his biggest bout, only to be humiliated by the prejudices of a callous promoter. In “Million $$$ Baby,” the inspiration for the Oscar-winning Clint Eastwood film, an aged trainer takes on a female fighter, guiding her through disappointment, pain, and tragedy. And in “Rope Burns,” Toole realizes his epic vision, showing that even the purest fighter can succumb to the pressures of the world outside the sport. Throughout these stories, boxing’s violence is redeemed by the respect these men and women share, as they strap on gloves and prepare their bodies for the ultimate test. This ebook features an illustrated biography of F. X. Toole including rare images and never-before-seen documents from the author’s estate.

Successful young writer Marjorie McClelland leads a solitary, comfortable life in the quiet, post-prohibition town of Ridgebury, CT. Her tranquil life is disrupted when Creighton Ashcroft, a British heir with time and money to burn, purchases a deserted mansion with a mysterious history on the outskirts of town. Instantly smitten with the talented and beautiful Marjorie, Creighton craftily arranges an intimate meeting, but the mood is spoiled when they stumble across a body while touring the ample grounds of Creighton's new estate. With the intention of reaping the story's literary benefits, the two forge an unlikely partnership and research the mansion's sordid past, but they soon find themselves in the middle of an unfolding series of hidden murders and family deceit. On top of this, the handsome detective assigned to the case has caught Marjorie's attention--and Creighton's suspicious eye. The trio must work together to break through a web of deceptively demure townspeople and the discreet upper class to solve the mystery of the mansion's past before becoming victims themselves. Filled with rumor and humor, this historical thriller delights to its captivating close.

"Barbara Woolworth Hutton (November 14, 1912? May 11, 1979) was an American socialite, heiress and debutante, often dubbed "Poor Little Rich Girl" due to the fact that she was given a lavish and expensive debutante ball during the depression era and due to her troubled life."--Wikipedia.

When Greek tycoon Nikos Theakis offered grieving Ann Turner a million dollars for his orphaned nephew, she took the money and walked away. Young, penniless and alone, Ann did what she thought was best—and it nearly broke her. But now little Ari needs her, and the ruthless Greek is offering Ann a bargain of a very different kind… One month on his island—at his mercy….

Compassion, redemption, and love—don’t miss this classic story from #1 New York Times bestselling author Lisa Jackson! When Chandra Hill is awakened by a cry in the night, she is shocked to discover an abandoned newborn in her barn. She rushes him to the hospital, but as a former pediatrician her instincts have already kicked in. Before she knows it, she’s discussing options for the baby with the emergency room doctor, Dallas O'Rourke. Dallas finds himself bonding instantly with the baby—and with the intriguing woman who brought him in. Though Chandra and Dallas try not to get attached, as days pass without a blood relative coming to claim the baby, it becomes difficult to imagine their lives without the little boy. And when the baby’s story becomes national news, the two could realize that all they want is the family they've found. Previously published.

In this hard-hitting collection of powerful and moving tales, F.X. Toole breathes life into vivid, compelling characters who radiate the fierce intensity of the worlds they inhabit: An aging cut man with an incorrigible sweet tooth Fearless Maggie Fitzgerald and her quest to become a champion boxer Señora Cabrera who makes low-fat refried beans to keep a local fighter in top form

A million dollar boy with a billion dollar dream is about a young man growing up in the streets of Springfield Massachusetts in the early nineties . Presley Williams learns the game from a o.g in his hood and takes the game to another level. with each million made the enemies get more intense and the connects more dangerous.