Peaceful on Purpose

A New York Times Bestseller! By the author of The Mysterious Benedict Society, this heart-pounding mystery adventure is laced with magic and humor. When Reuben discovers an extraordinary antique watch with a secret power, his life takes an intriguing turn. As one secret leads to another, Reuben finds himself torn between his honest nature and the lure to be a hero. Now he is on a dangerous adventure--full of curious characters, treacherous traps, and hairsbreadth escapes--as he races to solve the mystery before it is too late. With fearless Penny, mighty Jack, and the wise Mrs. Genevieve on his side, can Reuben outwit a sly villain called The Smoke and save the city from a terrible fate? In this ingeniously crafted novel, acclaimed author Trenton Lee Stewart invites readers to join the adventure, decipher the clues, and ask themselves the question: Is knowing a secret a gift or a curse?

In this psychological thriller, a missing patient raises concerns in a New York hospital, but as others start disappearing every dark possibility becomes more and more likely. To Senior Midwife Lucy Ryuan, pregnancy is not an unusual condition—it's her life's work. But when two kidnappings and a vicious stabbing happen on her watch in a university hospital in Manhattan, her focus abruptly changes. Something has to be done, and Lucy is fearless enough to try. Rumors begin to swirl, blaming everyone from the Russian Mafia to an underground adoption network. Lucy teams up with a skeptical NYPD detective to solve the case, but the truth is far more twisted than a feisty single mom could ever have imagined.

Making it up the aisle was the easy part —now Bex must survive her own scandals and adjust to royal British life in this delightful follow-up to The Royal We. After a scandalous secret turns their fairy tale wedding into a nightmare, Rebecca "Bex" Porter and her husband Prince Nicholas are in self-imposed exile. The public is angry. The Queen is even angrier. And the press is salivating. Cutting themselves off from friends and family, and escaping the world's judgmental eyes feels like the best way to protect their fragile, all-consuming romance.But when a crisis forces the new Duke and Duchess back to London, the Band-Aid they'd placed over their problems starts to peel at the edges. Now, as family secrets threaten to derail her new royal life, Bex has to face the emotional wreckage she and Nick left behind: with the Queen, with the world, and with Nick's brother Freddie, whose sins may not be so easily forgotten—nor forgiven. "The Heir Affair is the perfect sequel to The Royal We. It is just as fun, charming, and delightful as the first- now with even more complexity and wisdom as we grow to know and love these characters even more. A timely and positively delicious story. I loved it." ―Taylor Jenkins Reid, bestselling author of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

Ada Nicolle created a crossword blog several years ago called Luckystreak Xwords, as well as a Patreon, both of which feature themeless puzzles focusing primarily on modern trends and Gen Z culture. She writes, “I like to represent people that don’t often get the spotlight in mainstream crossword puzzles, and I figure crosswords are more fun when they feel like they were written by a person living in the present moment.” This collection will consist of 72 crosswords imbued with Ada’s singular personality and humor, compiled from the best of her blog, plus 30 brand-new puzzles written especially for this book.

Filled with an array of stunning, easy-to-find flowers, this book features 400 photos, more than 40 step-by-step instructions, and useful tips throughout. Flower arranging has never been simpler or more enticing. The women behind Studio Choo, the hottest floral design studio in the country, have created a flower-arranging bible for today's aesthetic. The arrangements run the gamut of styles and techniques: some are wild and some are structured; some are time-intensive and some are astonishingly simple. Each one is paired with a "flower recipe"; ingredients lists specify the type and quantity of blooms needed; clear instructions detail each step; and hundreds of photos show how to place every stem. Readers will learn how to work with a single variety of flower to great effect, and to create vases overflowing with layered blooms. To top it off, the book is packed with ideas for unexpected vessels, seasonal buying guides, a source directory, a flower care primer, and all the design techniques readers need to know. Alethea Harampolis and Jill Rizzo are the founders of Studio Choo, a San Francisco-based floral design studio that serves up fresh, wild, and sophisticated flower arrangements for any occasion. Their work has been featured in publications such as Sunset, Food & Wine, and Veranda and in the blog Design*Sponge.

Magic and mayhem collide in beloved #1 New York Times bestselling author Lynn Painter’s hilarious children's book debut, perfect for fans of Sarah Mlynowski and Wendy Mass . Emma Rockford knows it will take bonafide magic to make middle school everything she wants it to be. Luckily, before Emma’s beloved Nana died, she left detailed instructions on how to access an ancient, secret, magical wishing well. Emma follows each step and plans out every moment…except for the one where the obnoxious new kid, Jackson, tosses in wishes of his own that literally knock her wishes off course. When seventh grade starts, Emma discovers that her wishes are starting to come true, alright. But not for her…for Jackson. Which, the two quickly discover, could have disastrous consequences for both of their families, and cost Emma her best friends. Can they set everything straight in time to prevent full-blown catastrophe? With the trademark heart and wit that have earned her legions of fans, #1 New York Times bestselling author Lynn Painter delivers a laugh-out-loud story of friendship, family, and wishing—with a delightful dash of magic.

"A wondrous lucid dream...laced with a vivid sensuality." —Jacqueline Carey, New York Times bestselling author of Kushiel's Dart A talented heretic must decide between the pursuit of forbidden magic, or the ecstasy of forbidden love, in the start of a sweeping, romantic epic fantasy trilogy by New York Times bestselling author Tessa Gratton. Can an empire trip and fall on a mere strand of silk? Iriset is a prodigy and an outlaw. The daughter of a powerful criminal, she dons her alter ego Silk to create magical disguises for those in her father’s organization, but she longs to do more with her talent: to enhance what it means to be human by giving people wings, night-sight, and other abilities; to unlock the possibilities of gender and parenthood; to cure disease and even to end mortality itself. Everything changes when her father is captured and sentenced to death. To save him, Iriset must infiltrate the palace and the empire’s fanatical ruling family. There, she realizes she has a chance—and an obligation—to bring down the entire corrupt system. She'll have to entangle herself in the lives of the emperor and his sister, getting them to trust and even to love her. But love is a two-way street, and Iriset’s own heart holds the most mysterious and impenetrable magic of all. ★ "A beautiful, elegant, passionate novel—as intricate and beguiling as a spider's web. A triumph and a delight from start to finish." —Antonia Hodgson, author of The Raven Scholar ★ "Expertly balances one of the coolest magic systems of the decade, twists that had me gasping out loud, gloriously messy relationships, and the soaring ambition of the architectural genius at its heart. Immersive, riveting, and sexy as hell.” —P. H. Low, Locus- and Rhysling-nominated author of These Deathless Shores

“A must-read for anyone who loves . . . complex and compelling coming-of-age stories, tales set in the Wild West with a tinge of magic, and/or a fast-paced read full of fae and adventure.” — Tor.com In antebellum America, two teens bury their secrets and join the historic Pony Express, soon discovering that the mortal world is not the only one on the brink of war. When bright, brash Jessamine Murphy finds a recruitment poster for the Pony Express, her tomboy heart skips a beat: not only for adventure, but for the chance to track down her wayward father in California. Eager to reunite her fractured family, Jessamine cuts her hair, dons a pair of trousers, and steps into the world as Jesse. With a bit of trickery, Jesse wins a special assignment—as does Ben Foley, a quiet but determined boy who guards secrets as closely as Jesse does. The two are to transport unusual cargo along an unusual route: the Nightland Express. They ride west together, one excitedly navigating the world as a boy, the other passing as white to escape the monsters from his past. Ben and Jesse soon realize their assignment is special in more ways than one: their tireless horses cover ground faster than should be possible, and inhuman creatures watch their journey from the darkness. The Nightland Express is more than a mail route—it traces the border between the mortal world and a vibrant, magical land just beyond. As both realms hover on the precipice of disaster, Jesse and Ben must learn to fully trust one another before a catastrophic rift separates the two worlds—and the two riders—forever.

Over twenty years ago Nikoli, the Japanese puzzle and game company, started publishing a curious logic puzzle called Sudoku. The rest of the world recently joined the Sudoku craze by using computer programs to create puzzles, but Nikoli is the only company that still crafts their puzzles the old-fashioned way: by hand. As Ad Age wrote in a profile, the Nikoli credo is "The Best Puzzles Are Made by Happy Employees." And for solvers, it really does make a difference-there's an elegance and symmetry to the puzzles, plus a sense of interaction. The puzzle-maker knows just when to encourage, and when to withhold. Puzzles marked "Easy," are easy because the puzzler leads you through. Those marked "Very Hard" are exactly that-they pit your mind against the mind of the master, who seems to share the joy of that moment when one hard-won number is captured, and the entire puzzle tumbles into place. An obsessive's collection, More Original Sudoku features over 300 puzzles, all in a chunky, easy-to-carry format (it even fits into a standard jeans-size back pocket). An introduction shows how to solve the puzzles at various levels of difficulty, and it includes a tutorial on how to create your own hand-made Sudoku. Here's wishing you Gokouun o inorimasu! (Good luck!)

A Publishers Weekly Best Book of 2019 Why do we make things by hand? And why do we make them beautiful? Led by the question of why working with our hands remains vital and valuable in the modern world, author and maker Melanie Falick went on a transformative, inspiring journey. Traveling across continents, she met quilters and potters, weavers and painters, metalsmiths, printmakers, woodworkers, and more, and uncovered truths that have been speaking to us for millennia yet feel urgently relevant today: We make in order to slow down. To connect with others. To express ideas and emotions, feel competent, create something tangible and long-lasting. And to feed the soul. In revealing stories and gorgeous original photographs, Making a Life captures all the joy of making and the power it has to give our lives authenticity and meaning.

A delightful, inspiring, and empowering board book about connecting with nature and celebrating life from New York Times bestselling author-illustrator Kim Krans. Hello Sacred Life introduces little ones to the sun, moon, the five elements, and big-picture concepts that children will hold dear to their hearts forever. Equally likely to be spotted on a nursery bookshelf as styled on a grown-up coffee table, Hello Sacred Life is a book for all of us, visual poem in honor of life’s great mysteries.

Fans of Abby Jimenez and Meryl Wilsner will fall in love with this hilarious and refreshingly authentic novel about second chances, pugs, and finding the perfect muse. Business consultant Rose Josten might not have officially reached “pug lady” middle age, but she’s already got the pugs—along with their little Gucci coats and trash-lovin’ appetites. Still, life is good, with her work, her sisters, and a secret hobby creating incredibly tactile (and surprisingly sexy) mindfulness videos. So why does it feel like it’s not quite enough? Which is exactly when former filmmaker Ash Stewart enters camera left, and Rose’s world suddenly goes full technicolor. Ash never looks at anyone. Not since her ex ripped her heart from her chest in Spielberg-esque style, crushing her reputation, dreams, and directorial career in one brutal blow. But Rose is altogether different. She’s curvy, beautiful, and just so damn put together. And her business expertise might be Ash’s best bet for getting her last film—and her last chance—financed. Now if they can just keep their attraction under wraps, Ash’s lost dream could finally come true. But are they creating movie magic ... or setting the stage for disaster? “Escapism with no apologies.” ―Publishers Weekly, starred review “A sweet queer romance between two fully drawn, fully unique characters, with a sexy ASMR subplot I never knew I needed.” ―Anita Kelly, author of Love & Other Disasters

When a beloved relative is murdered, Detective Alex Cross vows to hunt down the killer . . . and discovers a secret that could rock the entire world. Detective Alex Cross is pulled out of a family celebration and given the awful news that a beloved niece was brutally murdered. Alex vows to hunt down the killer, and soon learns that she was mixed up in one of Washington, D. C.'s wildest scenes. And she was not this killer's only victim. The hunt for the murderer leads Alex and his girlfriend, Detective Brianna Stone, to Washington's most infamous club-a place where every fantasy is possible, if you have the credentials to get in. The killer could be one of their patrons, one of Washington's elite who will do anything to keep their secrets buried. With astonishing plot twists and electrifying revelations that will keep readers on the edge of their seat, I, Alex Cross is the master of suspense at his sharpest and best.

Brighten your outdoor wardrobe and your life with vibrant, Nordic-inspired patterns and uplifting stories from Une Cecilie Oksvold. In Happy Nordic Knits, escape to the scenic Norwegian winter wonderland that knitwear designer Une Cecilie Oksvold calls home! This stunning collection of 23 original designs features colorful sweaters, accessories, and zero-waste projects designed to keep you warm and stylish in any outdoor setting. Combining traditional Norwegian knitting techniques with bold, modern designs, these patterns are perfect for knitters of all skill levels. Whether you’re crafting a cozy sweater for a winter hike or using up leftover yarn for a fun zero-waste project, each pattern in this book is thoughtfully crafted to bring a sense of adventure to your knitting. Plus, Une Cecilie shares personal reflections about how knitting and being outdoors improve her mental health. Inside, you’ll find: A variety of sweater and accessory patterns: From cozy pullovers to warm mittens, these designs are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Step-by-step instructions for knitters of all levels: Clear, detailed guidance ensures successful results for beginners and advanced knitters alike. Size-inclusive patterns for everyone: The book offers a wide range of sizes, with knitting projects designed for both women and men, ensuring inclusivity and versatility for all body types. Sustainable, zero-waste projects: Explore creative ideas for using leftover yarn, so nothing goes to waste. Inspiring life stories and lessons: Une tells a story of hope with each pattern, revealing how immersing herself in nature and knitting have helped her overcome health challenges. Beautiful photos and illustrations: Capture the essence of Nordic outdoor life while showcasing the finished projects. Embrace the magic of Norwegian knitting and create pieces that are both functional and full of character. Happy Nordic Knits will inspire you to bring color, warmth, and creativity into every stitch.

The kitchen is the perfect home Montessori learning environment, and now award-winning cookbook author Kristen Miglore teams up with bestselling Montessori author Junnifa Uzodike to create a perfect guide for parents and kids to play and learn together through cooking. The kitchen is the perfect playground for children to tackle new skills and experience everything—the play, the science, the math, the magic—that preparing food has to offer. New groceries coming in and out. Colorful vegetables being washed and prepped and cooked. Different ingredients being scooped and measured and transformed, with so many points along the way to see, smell, touch, taste, and listen. And endless opportunity for conversation with their grown-ups. The newest book in the bestselling Montessori series offers parents a new way to think about time spent in the kitchen with their young kids with over 60 delicious, nutritious, unexpected interactive recipes. The fun starts before baby is born, with wholesome, easy foods for the pregnant and postpartum parent (that older siblings can help make with love). The book take parents through those early months in the kitchen wearing—and talking—to baby while prepping dinner, creating baby and toddler friendly corners in the kitchen, to developing those first kitchen skills, eating together, and fostering their growing independence in the kitchen. Kids can learn about flavor and practice spreading with Beet Tahini Dip, explore texture with Chunky Ratatouille, experiment with spice variations with Roasted Apples with Warming Spices. As they grow, they can prep and measure out ingredients for Fluffy Lemony Pancakes, and roll the dumplings for Sweet Potato Gnocchi. And through it all, learning about the Montessori way of parenting—and connecting—in the kitchen.

A bold bookseller tries to matchbreak her friend’s engagement to an earl . . . until she finds herself falling for him instead. The one thing Constance Martin wants most to avoid is a boring life. She walks her cat with a leash in Hyde Park and even called off her wedding at the altar to stop what would have been a monotonous marriage. So when an aristocratic friend comes into the store asking for help throwing over her fiancé, Constance is both sympathetic and eager for the excitement to come. What could be more fun than plotting ways to get a stuffy—but very handsome—earl to break an engagement? Oliver Vincent, Earl of Southwyn, likes his orderly life of duty and logic. Everything’s falling into place; all that’s left is marrying the girl next door. Except the girl next door is increasingly reluctant. But marriage is a business deal, after all, and Oliver is determined to keep moving forward with the plan. If only he wasn’t so distracted by her friend—a stunning woman best described as chaos incarnate. She thinks marriage should be an adventure, and he views it as a transaction. But Oliver can’t seem to remember the downsides of falling when Constance is near. . .

The ultimate celebration of the skiing lifestyle, on and off the slopes Skiing is more than just a sport. It's a lifestyle. A scene. A way of life. Après-ski typically refers to the time of day right after skiing, but can extend into the evening and early morning hours. It's cocktails enjoyed at the famed Palace Hotel ice rink bar in St. Moritz, and a game of snow polo in Aspen; a dip in the Manza Onsen (one of Japan’s highest-altitude hot springs) and dancing on tables at La Folie Douce in Val d’Isère; France. Traditions vary by region and even by neighboring resort. No matter where or how you unwind after a day on the mountain, what happens around the actual skiing has helped shape the culture of the sport for decades. Written by Erin Isakov, a lifelong ski lover and cofounder of skiwear brand Erin Snow, this book is a visual celebration of all things après-ski: the best spots to visit around the globe, a survey of the fashion and style of ski, and even food and drink recipes for the quintessential après–ski menu.

Get a close-up look at the world of insects with a delightfully illustrated guide to the fascinating insects, bugs, arachnids, and other creatures that populate our planet by the billions. Millions of species of insects fly, crawl, dig, swarm, and eat on every continent. Our very existence depends on them; without pollinators, we would have no food, and without decomposers, the world would be covered in decaying plant and animal material. With her signature style, Julia Rothman delves into this incredible world, uncovering amazing facts about bees, beetles, butterflies, and so much more.

Malcolm Gladwell, host of the podcast Revisionist History and author of the #1 New York Times bestseller Outliers, offers a powerful examination of our interactions with strangers—and why they often go wrong. How did Fidel Castro fool the CIA for a generation? Why did Neville Chamberlain think he could trust Adolf Hitler? Why are campus sexual assaults on the rise? Do television sitcoms teach us something about the way we relate to one another that isn’t true? Talking to Strangers is a classically Gladwellian intellectual adventure, a challenging and controversial excursion through history, psychology, and scandals taken straight from the news. He revisits the deceptions of Bernie Madoff, the trial of Amanda Knox, the suicide of Sylvia Plath, the Jerry Sandusky pedophilia scandal at Penn State University, and the death of Sandra Bland—throwing our understanding of these and other stories into doubt. Something is very wrong, Gladwell argues, with the tools and strategies we use to make sense of people we don’t know. And because we don’t know how to talk to strangers, we are inviting conflict and misunderstanding in ways that have a profound effect on our lives and our world. In his first book since his #1 bestseller David and Goliath, Malcolm Gladwell has written a gripping guidebook for troubled times. A Best Book of the Year: The Financial Times, Bloomberg, Chicago Tribune, and Detroit Free Press