In this book the reader will be transported to the 15th century in the Northern Chinese plain close to the Yan Mountains. It’s story unfolds with the love story of Kuan Yin and Shen Nong. Two strong and beautiful people in a forbidden marriage. Shen Nong a tired warrior, with a past that has to stay hidden, comes into Kuan Yin,s life on a spring day to eventually fill her lonely days. Out of this three remarkable sons are born with unique abilities that are sharpened with training. Being by themselves most of their young lives living apart believing that they are orphans, they eventually come together because of a common goal. First the oldest at 18 is Sun Liam who is raised in a school for fighting. Next is Yoshi at 17 who is raised in the Tendai Buddist Temple on Mount Hiel to become a marathon monk, running 52 miles for a hundred days. Then the third son is Aki Motto who is taken to Japan to live with Shen Nong,s aunt in an okiya with geisha girls. At 15 he is trained in the art of Bushido to become samurai. All of their backgrounds comes into play when the very village of their parents comes under attack by a twisted and powerful warlord Zhouli Hunhe and his son Naihe, a demented psychopath. The three brothers each experience life changing situations to become the Crimson Cricket, Golden Scorpion, and the Emerald Beetle.

Lauras love of horses began when she was barely four years old, but it wasnt until she got her very own black stallion that she truly fell in love. From the beginning, she was determined to get Figaro for her ownsaving up her money and then arguing with the seller who was afraid to sell such a headstrong horse to such a young girl. But Laura was used to handling tough colts on the track and pleaded her case: You showed him to me for a reason. I was destined for Figaro to be my horse, she told the seller. After lots of pleading, she took home her prize. She trained him, grew with him, and bonded with himbecoming one in mind and spirit with her horse. As time went on, she came to realize that there was an unknown chapter in his life that made him act up with some people. His judge of character was pretty much dead on. Laura and Figaro may not be in the history books as champion athletes, but they brought out the best in each other and showed each other the meaning of unconditional love.

The Portland Downs story begins with the granting of leases in 1865. Portland Downs Station, between Isisford and Ilfracombe in central-western Queensland, was one of the earliest runs (properties) to be settled in the Mitchell District. Conflicts with Aboriginals were infrequent, but they did occur. Daily life for the station community, with some 48 employees at its peak, and the station’s involvement with the wider community. Personal experiences are highlighted including that of a 14-year-old jackaroo who went on to become an Australian Government Minister. There is even a ghost story entwined in these pages!

An e-book edition of War Horse with movie stills, behind-the-scenes photos, storyboards, and more! In 1914, Joey, a beautiful bay-red foal with a distinctive cross on his nose, is sold to the army and thrust into the midst of the war on the Western Front. With his officer, he charges toward the enemy, witnessing the horror of the battles in France. But even in the desolation of the trenches, Joey's courage touches the soldiers around him and he is able to find warmth and hope. But his heart aches for Albert, the farmer's son he left behind. Will he ever see his true master again?

Among the first tales by an American writer, the title story and "Rip Van Winkle" marked the entry of Washington Irving into world literature. Also includes "The Devil and Tom Walker," "The Spectre Bridegroom," and more, 15 short stories in all.