by (by) Beryl Bainbridge (1973)
Beryl Bainbridge's evocation of childhood in a rundown northern holiday resort. An explosive shocker about little girls . . . here is the horror of child's play mixed with erotic manipulation and evil possession. "A highly plotted horror tale that ranks with the celebrated thrillers of corrupt childhood."—New York Times Book Review
Candace Bushnell
A lingerie model whose fame and success have gone to her head, Janey Wilcox becomes involved in a world of too much money and too little ethics where she is forced to reexamine her values to determine how far she is willing to go to succeed.
Wanda Owen
FEUDING FAMILIES Ever since a Mateo bull had trampled an Aragon vineyard the bordering ranches had had absolutely nothing to do with one another -- until young, virile Mano Mateo came upon the petite, alluring Aimee Aragon under an ancient oak tree. Captivated by her golden, gleaming hair & entranced by her firm, sumptuous curves, Mano's ardor could be cooled only one way. Lying about his name, the charming womanizer conquered his father's enemy. Only too late did he discover he was trapped by his fib... for after just one interlude, he knew he wanted the fairytale beauty forever! LOVING NEIGHBORS From the instant impetuous Aimee Argon met bold, reckless "Mark Perez," she knew he was the one man for her. In moments she felt her sensual lips slanting against hers; in minutes she sensed his rippling muscles above her velvety flesh. But when the proud heiress learned her ideal lover was a perfect liar, her fury was as raging as a desert downpour. Still, pride was cold & lonely, and as the long nights passed. Aimee realized surrender was sweet and divine. Hating Mano for his dishonesty, she couldn't help seeking the rapture of their steaming SUMMER SPLENDOR.
Kristin Billerbeck
Ashley Stockingdale, 31, has a respectable (read: boring ) job in Silicon Valley as a patent attorney. It's the kind of life that causes her mother to ask repeatedly, "Now what exactly do you do there, dear?" Given that in Silicon Valley the single men outnumber the women 2 to 1, Ashley can't help but wonder why a cute, eligible, Christian girl ("with absolutely adorable shoes") sits home most weekends. Even her church singles group fails to satisfy, endlessly watching The Matrix and "splurging", obnoxiously, on un-cool dinners at Applebee's and unhip franchise restaurants. So Ashley resolves to go for it ! If only she knew what "it" she's going for. Perhaps that ever-illusive promotion that would give her the glamorous career girl image she's longed for? Or maybe the wardrobe to end all wardrobes, turning her glowing, possibly-pregnant newlywed friends green with envy? Or, best of all, winning the affections of the handsome doctor she's met through her work with the youth center! Ultimately, Ashley finds that what a girl wants and what a girl needs aren't always the same thing. Join Ashley for the first of two lighthearted books about a single-girl's bumbling but loveable quest for meaning.
Elizabeth Oldfield
"Nothing makes sense anymore!" he stormed Judith and Linc had been separated for almost a year--ever since he was abducted by a group of Communists in Malaysia. Then came the news of her husband's freedom, and Judith was ecstatic. But from the moment they were reunited she knew they had become strangers. She had grown into an independent businesswoman, and he had grown cold, indifferent. But Judith held hope that time would bring them close again. Until she learned the reason for his indifference--and the shocking truth dashed all her hopes....