Synopsis
With the same emotional generosity and effortlessly compelling storytelling that made All Over But the Shoutin' a national bestseller, Rick Bragg continues his personal history of the Deep South. This time he's writing about his grandfather Charlie Bundrum, a man who died before Bragg was born but left an indelible imprint on the people who loved him. Drawing on their memories, Bragg reconstructs the life of an unlettered roofer who kept food on his family's table through the worst of the Great Depression; a moonshiner who drank exactly one pint for every gallon he sold; an unregenerate brawler, who could sit for hours with a baby in the crook of his arm.
In telling Charlie's story, Bragg conjures up the backwoods hamlets of Georgia and Alabama in the years when the roads were still dirt and real men never cussed in front of ladies. A masterly family chronicle and a human portrait so vivid you can smell the cornbread and whiskey, Ava's Man is unforgettable.
Review
The same fierce pride and love that animated All Over but the Shoutin' glow in Rick Bragg's new book. In fact, he informs us in the prologue that it was the readers of his bestselling 1997 memoir about his mother's struggle to raise three sons out of dire poverty who told him what he had to write about next. "People asked me where I believed my own momma's heart and backbone came from ... they said I short-shrifted them in the first book." Bragg sets out to make amends in this heartfelt biography of his maternal grandfather, Charlie Bundrum, who with wife Ava nurtured seven children through hard times that never seemed to ease in rural Alabama and Georgia. "He was a tall, bone-thin man who worked with nails in his teeth and a roofing hatchet in a fist as hard as Augusta brick," writes Bragg, "who inspired backwoods legend and the kind of loyalty that still makes old men dip their heads respectfully when they say his name." Charlie's children adored him so much that 40 years after his premature death in 1958 at age 51, Bragg's elderly aunts and mother began to cry when asked about him. Chronicling Charlie's hardscrabble life in the flinty, expressive cadences of working-class Southern speech, Bragg depicts a rugged individual who would find no place in the homogenized New South. The marvelous stories collected from various relatives--Charlie facing down a truckload of mean drunks with a hammer, hatchet, and 12-gauge shotgun, or brewing illegal white whiskey in the woods ("He never sold a sip that he did not test with his own liver")--are not just snapshots of a colorful character. They're also the author's tribute to an oral culture with tenacious roots and powerful significance in the American South. --Wendy Smith"Grab[s] you from the first sentence....[and] stays with you long after you put it down....It is hard to think of a writer who reminds us more forcefully and wonderfully of what people and families are all about." -The New York Times Book Review
"Earthy, mischievous, yet gorgeous. . . . [Bragg's] tales . . . would not be out of place if they were told around a campfire." -San Francisco Chronicle
"As toothsome as a catfish supper. [Bragg] is every bit the equal of . . . Harper Lee and Truman Capote." -People
"[Bragg has] a true gift for great storytelling (the kind...that makes you think it's just a plain old story, until he gets to the end and you're either weeping or covered with goosebumps)." -New Orleans Times-Picayune
Ava Rising
After a night of terrible sacrifice and loss, Ava and Lucas have crossed a sacred boundary. Their forbidden bond has awakened the wrath of the Makhai, a fanatical gang of killers who will stop at nothing to wipe out the last of the Gaia. As Ava and Lucas flee across the globe, they are tested by violence, betrayal, and a mysterious curse of fire. Just as Ava needs her powers most, she is losing control—struggling to accept her new identity as the Alpha Gaia. Within her lies the power of the howling wind, the raging water, the boiling lava, and the quaking earth. It’s a power that frightens her—and it’s growing. With Mother Earth herself stoking the flames of Ava’s fury at the destruction of her world and the killing of her people, will Ava be able to channel her power for good, or will she be consumed by the fire of her rage?
The breeze Ava had called to cool her brow was still swirling around her and it brushed through the little girl's hair, making her pigtails twirl like helicopter propellers. This provoked a faint giggle from the forlorn creature."
The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender
A 2015 William C. Morris YA Debut Award Finalist Magical realism, lyrical prose, and the pain and passion of human love haunt this hypnotic generational saga. Foolish love appears to be the Roux family birthright, an ominous forecast for its most recent progeny, Ava Lavender. Ava — in all other ways a normal girl — is born with the wings of a bird. In a quest to understand her peculiar disposition and a growing desire to fit in with her peers, sixteen-year old Ava ventures into the wider world, ill-prepared for what she might discover and naive to the twisted motives of others. Others like the pious Nathaniel Sorrows, who mistakes Ava for an angel and whose obsession with her grows until the night of the summer solstice celebration. That night, the skies open up, rain and feathers fill the air, and Ava’s quest and her family’s saga build to a devastating crescendo. First-time author Leslye Walton has constructed a layered and unforgettable mythology of what it means to be born with hearts that are tragically, exquisitely human.
First-time author Leslye Walton has constructed a layered and unforgettable mythology of what it means to be born with hearts that are tragically, exquisitely human."
Ava's Prize
He needs a great idea She can provide it—but at what cost? The battle lines are drawn when army medic turned EMT Ava Andrews enters a contest devised by San Francisco entrepreneur Kyle Quinn. The first responder isn’t just competing for a tempting grand prize. She’s fighting her attraction to the self-made millionaire…and losing the war. But private and professional boundaries blur when a breach of trust threatens Ava’s future with Kyle.
Even Joann and Ava were in their usual seats. But the conversation wasn't routine. The conversation should center on Ava's night, her mother and Joann's plans for the day. Not Ava in the newspaper. Ava lowered her tea mug, ..."
Ava's Heart
Ava Hart thought she lived a normal life working the night shift as a labor and delivery doctor, but she discovers that her life is anything but normal. As a result of a traumatic childhood, Ava’s psyche has been split, creating alternate personalities that are ruining her life. In order to gain control over her life, Ava has to dig deep into her memories to discover what happened to her as a child. What will she learn, and can she face the truth without losing herself completely?
I mean everything, Ava . You're my friend, and I am helping you as a friend. This is a safe place for you. Ijust want to help you get to the truth,” she said, and then she pushed record on the tape recorder. “So, how do we get started?"
Ava’s Story
Ava Elaine was born with a condition unheard of by many who will read her story: congenital diaphragmatic hernia, or CDH. She began her journey on October 22, 2010. From the moment she came into my life, with her amazing, beautiful red hair and pretty blue eyes, I knew pure love. After one brief moment of skin-to-skin touch with her, she was whisked from my arms to a waiting team of doctors and nurses and put on a ventilator. Ava's courageous battle against seemingly insurmountable odds tells the story of her amazing impact on the lives of her family, friends, doctors, nurses, and even complete strangers. From her delivery at Parkland to the NICU at Children’sMedicalCenterinDallas, she touched the lives of everyone who came to know her. “Ava quickly got a reputation for being a fighter. From the time she entered the NICU, Ava clenched her little fists in preparation for her fight. Grandpa bought her a set of pink boxing gloves, and Team Ava was always standing at the ready in her corner. The staff at the hospital marveled at her ability to overcome a number of obstacles and difficult medical procedures. She would surprise us all, by telling us in her own way that she was not giving up without a fight.” —Elias Lopez, chaplain, Children’sMedicalCenter In the words of Dr. James Thomas, “Ava was endowed with a unique grace that those who knew her could feel. Perhaps Ava was a vehicle for a greater force or maybe she possessed a larger-than-life charisma.” How could one little girl's battle for life have such a life-changing effect on those who loved her?
There is a mother here who also holds that rank of most wonderful: Ava's grandma, your mom, mysister Karen. Having saidthat, it was no surpriseto any ofuswhen you gave birthto amazing Ava ! There ismore that Iknow for certain because ..."
Ethan and Ava
His mom's words dwindled off, as she continued to hold Ava in an enveloping hug. Ava looked over her shoulder and her eyes caught his. She gave him a quivering smile and then lifted away from his mom's embrace with a deep breath to look ..."
Mercy & Mayhem
Traveling nurse Mercy Mares needs three things in life: the unconditional love of her daughter, her best friend and mentor's constant wisdom, and a new engine for her twenty-year-old car. A new job posting halfway across the country promises to satisfy one of those needs, but when her patient's spouse dies within minutes of meeting her, she will soon find out that she's going to need a lot more than car repairs. What was touted as the friendliest town in America soon turns on her and it will be up to her to connect the dots and find the true murderer, but doing so will be no easy feat. With memory impaired witnesses, a meddling medical staff, and a cast of characters dead set on keeping their community free of strangers, Mercy will need a little help from her loved ones and a lot of luck to get herself out of this jam or risk losing everything she's worked so hard to achieve. Find out what happens when mayhem becomes synonymous with Mercy in this humorous, slightly irreverent Cozy Medical Mystery novel! This is the 2nd edition of this book. Same quirky characters. Same great story minus the fluff.
Find out what happens when mayhem becomes synonymous with Mercy in this humorous, slightly irreverent Cozy Medical Mystery novel! This is the 2nd edition of this book. Same quirky characters. Same great story minus the fluff."
Sydney Harbor Hospital: Ava's Re-Awakening
Welcome to the world of Sydney Harbor Hospital (or SHH… for short—because secrets never stay hidden for long!) Treating her client's problems is what relationship guru Ava Carmichael does best, but no amount of therapy could fix her own barren marriage. Feeling utterly helpless, Ava pushed James away. But when he returns, grappling with issues of his own, suddenly it's time for Ava to take the advice she so passionately teaches…and apply it to herself! Sydney Harbor Hospital From saving lives to sizzling seduction, these doctors are the very best!
Ava ...' Evie's eyes were anguished '...the thing is, with Finn and I, I know it's very on-and-off, I know how appalling he can be, but in the last few days we've been close. Last night we...' She let out a startled half-laugh."
Ava Gardner: The Secret Conversations
"A candid self-portrait of the late film legend's golden-era Hollywood life traces her impoverished childhood in North Carolina through the heights of her career, sharing unflinching coverage of her relationships with such figures as Mickey Rooney, Frank Sinatra and George C. Scott. 150,000 first printing."
A self-portrait of the late film legend's golden-era Hollywood life traces her impoverished childhood in North Carolina through the heights of her career, sharing details of her relationships with such figures as Mickey Rooney, Frank ..."
It Happened In Ava, Illinois: A Collection of Twelve Historical Stories
Ava, Illinois, is a small Midwestern town with a rich historical past and a cast of colorful residents. Until now, most of the town’s history has been based on folklore told from one generation to the next. Steve Grace, a former alderman, mayor, and lifelong resident of Ava, relies on extensive research to share twelve stories about several of the town’s most memorable and impactful events. While revealing the histories behind the naming of Ava, the notorious Callahan gang, the Wallace brothers’ shooting, bank robberies, the battered barber, the post office fire, and an old factory building, Grace provides a glimpse into eras and experiences that, at times, make this small town’s history seem stranger than fiction. Included are fascinating images, court documents and the people who once lived in Ava. It Happened in Ava, Illinois shares a collection of twelve stories that detail the compelling history and major events of a Midwestern town on the edge of the Shawnee National Forest.
A group of Ava citizens went to West Frankfort with Mr. Anderson to see the factory he had completed on West Main Street in 1946. On February 24, 1947, at a well-attended meeting of the Ava Chamber of Commerce."
The Second Life of Ava Rivers
THREE STARRED REVIEWS "Remarkable."--VOYA "Genre-defying."--Booklist "Deeply compelling."--BCCB "A beautiful, moving, and thoughtful story about how far we're willing to go for family." -Kathleen Glasgow, New York Times bestselling author of Girl in Pieces Vera Rivers' life is split in two: before her twin sister Ava disappeared twelve years ago and after. Before was hot Junes and ice cream trucks, dancing in sprinklers, loud Christmas mornings and pancakes on Saturdays. The after is everything else: police officers, investigators, tips, theories, leads, but never any answers. The case made headlines, shocked Vera's Northern California community, and turned her family into tragic celebrities. Now, at eighteen, Vera is counting down the days until she starts her new life at college in Portland, Oregon, far away from the dark cloud she and her family have lived under for twelve years. But all that changes when a girl shows up at the local hospital. Her name is Ava Rivers and she wants to go home. Ava's return begins to mend the fractures in the Rivers family. Vera and Ava's estranged older brother returns. Vera reconnects with Max, the sweet, artistic boy from her childhood. Their parents smile again. But the questions remain: Where was Ava all these years? And who is she now? Powerful and gripping, The Second Life of Ava Rivers is equal parts thriller, mystery, and haunting meditation on grief, family, and forgiveness.
Ava flips through the TV guide and marvels at how many channels we have. The whole family sits in here together and the room feels smaller. Mexico and Canada growl at Ava , and Mom tells them, “She's your sister, stop that."
Ava the Aviator -The Adventure Continues
In this sequel to Ava the Aviator: The Adventure Begins, Ava and her father realize that they must fix the problem with the airplane that recently brought them, unexpectedly, to France. Although they had an amazing adventure, they knew that they could not let it happen again. While her father works on the steering, Ava turns her attention to painting the plane that she named the Golden Goose. Soon the intrepid father and daughter duo are ready to try again. After climbing into the plane for a short test flight, they soon realize that things are not going as planned. Unable, once more, to control the steering, Ava and her father settle in for what turns out to be another long fight. Following a rough landing, Ava finds herself face-to-face with a beautiful, but wild, animal, leaving her wondering what else she will face in this strange land. Follow Ava as she encounters exotic creatures, both great and small, and join her on her quest to help the children of a foreign land and their community. When she returns home and shares her plan with her friends and enlists their assistance, the word spreads far and wide, leading to an unforgettable and rewarding conclusion. In this exciting second installment in the series, Ava and her classmates learn that by working together, they can accomplish great things. She again entertains and inspires her readers while educating them about life in a different culture and proves once again that the sky really is the limit when you follow your dream.
In this exciting second installment in the series, Ava and her classmates learn that by working together, they can accomplish great things."
Quinn & Ava, Part 5 (Lesbian Fiction)
The SapphiConnection exists to bring like-minded women together for fun and relaxation. Find your hot date for the night and fulfill all your mutual whims: nothing is forbidden, no attractions laughable, and most of all, your satisfaction is guaranteed. Quinn & Ava, Part 5 (6,000 Words) After Denise's accusation, Ava and Quinn have to do their best to stay in the game. But when Ava throws everything so Quinn can win and get the money... will they ever see each other again? And why would Ava do such a thing? A lot of questions need answering in the final installment of Quinn and Ava's testimony. But the most important question of all is... will love help them find each other again?
But Ava touched her first, infusing her with the knowledge that, yes, this was most definitely real! “I mean I had to go begging for your address in order to locate you after I was thrown off the show. And then when I went to your place ..."
Ava: My Name Is Ava and I Am Magical
Ava: My Name is Ava and I am magical. a 110 pages Pandicorn notebook for girl featuring Cute Unicorn and a funny My Name is Ava and I am magical on a Matte-finish cover. Perfect gift for parents, grandparents, kids, girls, youth and teens as a Ava Pandacorn journal gift. Your name is Ava ? Are you looking for a gift for your little cute girl ? Then you need to buy this gift for your Daughter,Mother, sister, Auntie and celebrate their birthday. Great Ava gift for graduation . Are you looking for a Funny Ava birthday Gift ? Ava Pandacorn journal ? Ava Notebook ? Then click on our brand and check the hundreds more custom options and top designs in our shop!
Ava: My Name is Ava and I am magical. a 110 pages Pandicorn notebook for girl featuring Cute Unicorn and a funny My Name is Ava and I am magical on a Matte-finish cover."
Maya and Ava Finally Get a Pet
Follow the antics of two young people as they go on an adventure with their friends to find the perfect pet.
Follow the antics of two young people as they go on an adventure with their friends to find the perfect pet."
Kenya National Assembly Official Record (Hansard)
The official records of the proceedings of the Legislative Council of the Colony and Protectorate of Kenya, the House of Representatives of the Government of Kenya and the National Assembly of the Republic of Kenya.
The official records of the proceedings of the Legislative Council of the Colony and Protectorate of Kenya, the House of Representatives of the Government of Kenya and the National Assembly of the Republic of Kenya."
The Sultan of Sarawak
Ava Lee clashes with the most powerful family in Malaysian Borneo in this exhilarating new thriller from bestselling author Ian Hamilton. After a warehouse owned by the Three Sisters is destroyed under suspicious circumstances, Ava Lee travels to the Malaysian province of Sarawak to investigate. She quickly discovers that the powerful Chong family has a political and economic stranglehold on the province and is likely responsible for the warehouse. As Ava digs deeper into the Chongs, she is shocked to learn of their billion-dollar illegal logging operation in Sarawak, which has decimated the Bornean rainforest and threatens the existence of the Penan — a nomadic Indigenous people who have lived in the region for centuries. Determined to avenge the harm caused by the Chongs and to put an end to their dominion over Sarawak, Ava follows a money trail that leads back to the Hong Kong real estate market. There, Ava and Sonny Kwok embark on a campaign of terror against the Chong family — attacking their holdings and bank accounts. Can Ava attain the vengeance she seeks? Or will the powerful Chong family triumph once again?
Ava Lee clashes with the most powerful family in Malaysian Borneo in this exhilarating new thriller from bestselling author Ian Hamilton."
Frank & Ava
The love story of Frank Sinatra and Ava Gardner has never been fully explored or explained—until now. Frank & Ava delves deeply into the lives of these two iconic stars and their turbulent lifelong relationship. It began in Hollywood's golden age when Ava was emerging as a movie star. But she fell in (and out of) love too easily. Mickey Rooney married her because he wanted another conquest. Artie Shaw treated her like a dumb brunette, giving her a reading list on their honeymoon. Neither marriage lasted a year. Then, after being courted by Howard Hughes and numerous others, along came Frank Sinatra. His passion for Ava destroyed his marriage and brought him close to ruin. Their wild affair broke all the rules of the prudish era as Frank left his wife and children and pursued Ava on an international stage. They became romantic renegades, with the press following them from location to location. They married, but then came the quarrels, separations, infidelities, and reconciliations. Eventually, there was a divorce, and they thought it was over. It wasn't. Through all of the tortured years of separation and splintered affairs with others, they maintained a secretive relationship known only to those who recognized that this was the love of a lifetime. Over the years, they attempted to reconcile, romanced and nurtured each other, right to the end. In Frank & Ava, longtime Sinatra specialist John Brady uncovers the beauty of this epic love story.
Over the years, they attempted to reconcile, romanced and nurtured each other, right to the end. In Frank & Ava, longtime Sinatra specialist John Brady uncovers the beauty of this epic love story."
Ava XOX
Return to the world of Ava and Pip in the third book in the series, featuring the beloved diary format and strong, spunky Ava...this time during Valentine's Day! This installment follows Ava as she discovers her first crush, deals with a friend being bullied, and learning the power of words (and how to be careful with them). Love is in the air—and Ava thinks she's allergic. Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and Ava couldn't care less. That is, until a new girl, Kelli, asks out Ava's friend Chuck...and he says yes! What?!? Ava is NOT okay with this. But since when does she think about boys? For the first time ever, words fail Ava. She isn't sure what she's feeling (Like? Love? Friendship? Frustration?), or what "going out" even means. After all, fifth graders aren't allowed to go anywhere by themselves, are they? To top it off, Pip's friend Tanya is being bullied for her size. Ava wants to help—but, uh oh, it's not as easy as she imagines. Pick up Ava XOX if you are looking for: A relatable story perfect for family discussion Books on growing up for 10 year old girls Books on first crushes for tweens Reluctant readers Aspiring writers
Return to the world of Ava and Pip in the third book in the series, featuring the beloved diary format and strong, spunky Ava...this time during Valentine's Day!"
Unicorn Academy #3: Ava and Star
What if your best friend was a unicorn? Chapter book readers are flocking to this magical series, where everyone is paired with their very own unicorn! Imagine a school where you meet your own unicorn and have amazing adventures together! That's what happens for the girls at Unicorn Academy on beautiful Unicorn Island. Ava and Star love their beautiful garden at Unicorn Academy. It's where they grow their very own magical plants! When the sky berries that the unicorns need to survive disappear, Ava and Star will need all their skills and courage to help their friends. Can they find more of the special berries before every unicorn's magic starts to fade? The Unicorn Academy series is going at full throttle! Which adventure will you read next? Be sure to read all the books in this magical series! Don't miss any books in the magical new spin-off series, Unicorn Academy Nature Magic!
Can they find more of the special berries before every unicorn's magic starts to fade? The Unicorn Academy series is going at full throttle! Which adventure will you read next? Be sure to read all the books in this magical series!"
For Ava
What would you do to save your child? When Vera Twomey's daughter Ava was diagnosed with Dravet Syndrome, a rare form of epilepsy that causes multiple seizures a day, the family's life was thrown into chaos. Where they hoped to find treatment and support in the medical system, they found only frustration. The only medication that would have any effect on Ava's condition is a form of medicinal cannabis that was unavailable in Ireland. Thus began the family's fight to alleviate their daughter's suffering and give her a chance at life. Faced with an intransigent system and political establishment, Vera's campaign eventually culminated in her decision to walk from Cork to Leinster House in Dublin in protest to ask health minister Simon Harris for help in person. For Ava tells the story of the campaign for Ava's medication and the family's move to the Netherlands in order to legally access the medication that would save her life. It also pays tribute to the people who helped Vera achieve her goal. Above all, this is a moving story about the lengths a parent will go to for their child's health and happiness.
It also pays tribute to the people who helped Vera achieve her goal. Above all, this is a moving story about the lengths a parent will go to for their child's health and happiness."
Ava the Sunset Fairy
When the night fairies' special bags of magic dust are stolen by Jack Frost's goblins, Kirsty and Rachel must help Ava the Sunset Fairy set things right again.
Ava the Sunset Fairy's bag of sunbeam dust has disappeared. The girls are sure that Jack Frost is behind it! Can they help Ava find her magic, so the sun can finally set?"
Ava the Monster Slayer
An Illinois Reads Pick (K–2) 2017 Don’t underestimate Ava just because she’s “cute” and wears “adorable glasses”—she’s really a fierce monster slayer. And when her beloved Piggy is left in the dryer in the basement, Ava knows she’ll have to face the ferocious monsters lurking in the dark if she wants to rescue her favorite stuffed animal. So she puts on her brother’s superhero cape, grips his sword tight, puts on her pink rain boots and sparkly princess crown, and creeps downstairs. Not even the roar of the greenest and hairiest monster is going to stop this spunky girl. Even though she’s scared and the monsters smell terrible, Ava is determined to rescue Piggy. Ross Felten’s brisk, sketch-like illustrations help bring energy and humor to this story of bravery and loyalty. Young readers will relate to Ava’s mission and delight in her victory over the monsters. Ava the Monster Slayer is sure to appeal to children worried about monsters in their own homes and kids devoted to their own stuffed animals. Sky Pony Press, with our Good Books, Racehorse and Arcade imprints, is proud to publish a broad range of books for young readers—picture books for small children, chapter books, books for middle grade readers, and novels for young adults. Our list includes bestsellers for children who love to play Minecraft; stories told with LEGO bricks; books that teach lessons about tolerance, patience, and the environment, and much more. While not every title we publish becomes a New York Times bestseller or a national bestseller, we are committed to books on subjects that are sometimes overlooked and to authors whose work might not otherwise find a home.
Even though she’s scared and the monsters smell terrible, Ava is determined to rescue Piggy. Ross Felten’s brisk, sketch-like illustrations help bring energy and humor to this story of bravery and loyalty."
Ava Gardner
Renowned for her screen performances, down-to-earth personality, and love affair with Frank Sinatra, Ava Gardner left an indelible mark on Hollywood history. Her adventurous life story is told through authoritative text and hundreds of photos in Ava: A Life in Movies. Ava is an illustrated tribute to a legendary life. Authors Kendra Bean and Anthony Uzarowski take a closer look at the Academy Award-nominated actress's life and famous screen roles. They also shed new light on the creation and maintenance of her glamorous image, her marriages, and friendships with famous figures such as Ernest Hemingway, John Huston, and Tennessee Williams. From the backwoods of Grabtown, North Carolina to the bullfighting rings of Spain, from the MGM backlot to the Rome of La Dolce Vita, this lavishly illustrated biography takes readers on the exciting journey of a life lived to the fullest and through four decades of film history with an iconic star.
Renowned for her screen performances, down-to-earth personality, and love affair with Frank Sinatra, Ava Gardner left an indelible mark on Hollywood history."
Love, Ava
"The wide brim slanted low over her face. The upturned lapels of her coat covered part of her features. The dark sunglasses concealed her eyes. And yet he knew beyond a doubt!" She was Ava Gardner, in her youth one of the most sizzling screen goddesses of the Hollywood Golden Era. Her reputation as a man killer was well earned, and she was still as dangerous as she was beautiful. He was Major Russ Jefferson, just returned from a brutal tour in Vietnam, scarred by fire and haunted by loss. Turning his back on a spectacular future in aviation, Jefferson takes a desk job at the American Embassy in London. Into this aimless life steps the most gorgeous woman he has ever seen, an icon he recognizes from the movie screens of his childhood. Exiting a taxi, Ava Gardner trips on a curb and he is instantly at her side. Long past her zenith, she fights back symptoms of the illness that will ultimately claim her life. The hero and the aging movie star embark on a tentative love affair that will change their lives forever. In an uncharacteristic gesture of selflessness, Ava Gardner sacrifices what might be her last chance for happiness in order to save Major Jefferson from himself. Bittersweet and poignant, Love, Ava is a story of two people whose lives cross briefly, but unforgettably.
Bittersweet and poignant, Love, Ava is a story of two people whose lives cross briefly, but unforgettably."
Ava the Aviator
Ava the Aviator: The Adventure Begins is the story of a young girl who dares to follow her dream. Ava can't wait to go to school and share her dream with her classmates, but when she tells them that she wants to be an aviator when she grows up, the classroom erupts in laughter. When Ava returns home discouraged, her dad steps in to help. Together, they build an airplane so she can follow her dream. But there's just one problem—the mighty little aircraft has a mind of its own! After taking off for a short test flight, they soon realize that the plane has other plans. When they narrowly miss crashing into the Eiffel Tower, they realize that they are far, far from home. Wanting to make the best of an unexpected situation, the father and daughter duo explore some of France's most iconic sights before finally flying home. Soar with Ava as she experiences new countries and cultures. Follow her as the little plane takes her on one amazing adventure after another. Ava's adventures are sure to entertain and educate young readers while showing them that they, too, can achieve anything and that the sky really is the limit when you follow your dreams.
Ava the Aviator: The Adventure Begins is the story of a young girl who dares to follow her dream."
City of Ghosts: An Ava Gold Mystery (Book 4)
1920s. New York City. When a second immigrant woman turns up murdered in the Lower East Side, Ava Gold, the city’s first female detective, is summoned to crack the case. But this serial killer is savage, and Ava’s dangerous game of cat and mouse may just lead her too close to home. “A MASTERPIECE OF THRILLER AND MYSTERY. Blake Pierce did a magnificent job developing characters with a psychological side so well described that we feel inside their minds, follow their fears and cheer for their success. Full of twists, this book will keep you awake until the turn of the last page.” --Books and Movie Reviews, Roberto Mattos (re Once Gone) CITY OF GHOSTS (An Ava Gold Mystery—Book 4) is a new novel in a long-anticipated new series by #1 bestseller and USA Today bestselling author Blake Pierce, whose bestseller Once Gone (a free download) has received over 1,000 five star reviews. In the rough streets of 1920s New York City, 34 year-old Ava Gold, a widower and single mom, claws her way up to become the first female homicide detective in her NYPD precinct. She is as tough as they come, and willing to hold her own in a man’s world. Ava fights an uphill battle to get her precinct to take the murder of an immigrant woman seriously. But Ava refuses to give up, and when the case leads only to dead ends, she’s forced to take matters into her own hands Could her own husband’s murderer hold the secret to cracking the case open? And if he does—can Ava delve into her own past and catch the killer in time without being pushed to the edge? A heart-pounding suspense thriller filled with shocking twists, the authentic and atmospheric AVA GOLD MYSTERY SERIES is a riveting page-turner, endearing us to a strong and brilliant character that will capture your heart and keep you reading late into the night. Books #5 and #6 in the series—CITY OF DEATH and CITY OF VICE—are now also available.
Full of twists, this book will keep you awake until the turn of the last page.” --Books and Movie Reviews, Roberto Mattos (re Once Gone) CITY OF GHOSTS (An Ava Gold Mystery—Book 4) is a new novel in a long-anticipated new series by #1 ..."
Beyond Belief
Beyond Belief The Story of Ava Born into a simple, disciplined and conservative life, Ava a nave and submissive girl from the province always had family to speak for her. She was born with odds against her and with unfortunate timing, when catch a baby with a bayonet was a favourite pastime during the brutal Japanese invasion. Her discovery of being a daughter out of wedlock mocked and ridiculed for this forever changed her. Unbeknownst to her, this was to prepare her for the harrowing events to come. She evolved out of her cocoon to become a strong willed woman as once described by the US media. Ironically, it was not her own traumatic ordeal in Australia and America but also her whole familys, under the Martial Law regime of the Philippines (1972 1986), that reaffirmed her belief and faith in herself. At the end of an agonizing struggle to find a country to accept them, amongst which only Nigeria was willing to grant them asylum, they were given a chance to make a fresh start in Australia, the very country she dreamed to reside in and learned to love. Ava, from simple and earnest beginnings was thrust into a complex world of emotional, political, physical and social survival. It was only due to lifes vicissitudes that she came to realise that she had always been a fighter.
Beyond Belief The Story of Ava Born into a simple, disciplined and conservative life, Ava, a naive and submissive girl from the province always had family to speak for her."
