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WELCOME TO THE GUILD OF DRAGONWATCH Millions of Fablehaven fans will be eager to examine this illustrated field guide and learn what dragon slayers and other members of Dragonwatch have known for centuries. Many adventurers risked their lives gathering the information found within this one-of-a-kind book--a compendium of the most dangerous mythical and magical creatures around the world, including invaluable illustrations that reveal for the first time what these creatures actually look like. You will learn secrets of the magical realms, including the history of the five great monarchs: The Underking, the Fairy Queen, the Demon King, the Giant Queen, and the Dragon King. In addition, you will learn about the priceless stone called the Ethergem that powered the five crowns of the monarchs. By the end of the book, you will know more about dragons and giants (and a host of other mythical creatures) than your average dungeon master. Make yourself familiar with an invaluable study of magical items and artifacts, including the five legendary swords, never before revealed in any other publication known to humankind. This information alone is worth all the gold in your pockets. In addition, you will find a personal letter from the world's greatest adventurer, Patton Burgess. Take heed of what he has to say, and you may live to the ripe age of sixteen. You are now part of a consortium of wizards, enchantresses, dragon slayers, and others who risked everything to free the world from the tyrannical rule of dragons. A word to the wise: If you are being hunted by a dragon, no stronghold or castle will hide you for long. The best way to survive a dragon is not defense, it is offense. Use the information inside this book and go forth and hunt!

From world-renowned artist Greg Olsen comes a unique poem sharing the true reason for the sacred holiday season of Christmas. In this beautifully illustrated Christmas giftbook, readers will join Santa Claus as he enters a family room on Christmas Eve and discovers an ornate Nativity scene representing the birth of Jesus. With deep appreciation, Santa picks up the porcelain manger holding the Christ child and then reflects upon the many reasons he loves Jesus: For being my light and leading the way, For being the spirit which makes Christmas Day! As the narration unfolds, the reader can reflect upon the events of the Savior's life through Greg Olsen's masterful sketches. After Santa returns the manger to the Christmas creche, he continues his Christmas Eve journey: In a wink, the little old man slips quietly away. Some say he goes up the chimney and climbs in a sleigh. Whatever the case, his mission is clear-- Give unto others, bringing love and good cheer. This cherished Christmas poem and giftbook is presented with gold foil and an embossed title and includes several original pieces of artwork by Greg Olsen. It is ideal for families to read together as a way to make Jesus Christ the focus of the season. That's the Spirit of Christmas, when all's said and done, God's gift of love, that came as His Son.

This beautiful hardback collector's edition includes a new, never-before-published chapter in the romance of Evangeline and Dermot. The life of an impoverished schoolteacher is not one Evangeline Blake would have chosen for herself. Torn from her home and her beloved sister and sent to work in the gritty factory town of Smeatley, Evangeline must prove herself to her grandfather, a man who values self-reliance above all else, before he will grant her access to her inheritance. Raised to be a lady of refinement, she hasn't any of the skills necessary to manage on her own nor does she have the first idea how to be a teacher. Yet, failure means never being with her sister again. Alone and overwhelmed, she turns to the one person in town who seems to know how she feels--Dermot McCormick, an Irish brick mason who is as far from home and as out of place as she is. Despite the difference in their classes and backgrounds, Evangeline and Dermot's tentative friendship deepens and grows. Her determination and compassion slowly earn her the faith and confidence of the skeptical residents of Smeatley, who become like the family she has lost. But when a secret from her past comes to light, Evangeline faces an impossible choice: seize the opportunity to reclaim her former life and rejoin her sister or fight for the new life she has struggled to build for herself--a life that includes Dermot. Ashes on the Moor is the inspiring love story of one Victorian woman's courage to fight against all odds, and the man whose quiet strength gives her the confidence to keep trying.

Falling in love is complicated when you're both keeping secrets. On the surface, everything seems perfect for high school senior Ireland Raine. She's intelligent and artistically talented, and her natural beauty and quiet charm are enviable. However, Ireland harbors a secret she'll guard at any cost--she's homeless. When her crush, Kal Ellis, invites her on a date, she seizes the opportunity. Ireland has never had a boyfriend before, and Kal is not just a guitarist for the local band, he's also an artist. Their connection is instantaneous, and he suggests they collaborate on the school mural. Working and laughing alongside Kal, Ireland can momentarily forget her problems. However, when someone exposes her secret, Ireland ends up in a foster home alongside her most despised adversary, Mara Washington. To make matters worse, Ireland discovers it was Kal who revealed her secret. Furious, Ireland must decide if she has the strength to forgive the boy who stole her heart or if she is better off alone.

The heartwarming, true story about the transformative power of love and good works, nurtured in the home of Victor Hugo, author of Les Misérables. Guernsey, France, 1860 At the marketplace, a five-year-old girl is carrying a baby and crying, hungry for food. She is just one of the many needy children in the streets, and Adèle Hugo, wife of author Victor Hugo, is moved to make a difference. Victor is equally determined and organizes a Christmas party at the Hugo mansion and invites a few malnourished children, convinced that a good meal is what they need. This first Christmas feast turns into weekly dinners every Monday where up to forty children are invited. For seven more years--week in, week out--children and adults come to the Hugo mansion for dinners and the annual Christmas feast. This timeless, true story with beautiful illustrations will inspire young hearts to embrace empathy and do good works, especially during the holidays. Victor Hugo's Wondrous Feast teaches that "to love is to act" and reminds us that it only takes one person to make a difference.

Short poetic tales for big feelings! This whimsical journey through verse and illustrations can help young children recognize and understand their big emotions. From the imaginative minds of Brandon Dorman, renowned illustrator of Goosebumps, Land of Stories, and Fablehaven, and Booktoker Jolie Taylor comes a whimsical illustrated collection of poems about feelings for newly independent readers. This beautifully crafted book of forty short stories in rhyme ranges from a dragon's fiery bursts of boredom to the gentle tones of an older brother's love for his sibling with Down syndrome. This creative collection of tales is not only a powerful resource for children who are fostering a lifelong love of reading--it's also a delightful portal for them to understand and celebrate the richness of human emotions. Log: "Put this book down right now! Close it up, and be done. Because there is no way a book about feelings is fun!" Fire: "But have you seen inside, Timber? This book isn't a bore. It's got dragons and monsters and creatures galore!" Log: "There's a dragon in there!? Those will burn off your head!" Fire: "Well, maybe yours . . . but the thing is, aren't you already dead?" Log: "Oh, sure--point that out. I'll never again be a tree." Fire: "But that won't stop you from reading--reading's magical and free!" Log: "Scorch, you are so optimistic. It's annoying and makes me mad." Fire: "Well, I think you should try it, because it makes me feel glaaaaad!" Log: "No, I'm a grumpy old stump who wants to sit here and hide." Fire: "But you shouldn't miss out on adventures inside. This book's silly and playful--what if you just take a look?" Log: "Okay, fine, if you'll stop bugging me, I'll read the stinkin' book!" *Scorch cheers!*

Return to the world of devoted working dogs and the humans they love in a new book from the best-selling author of Stella. Gus is a livestock guardian dog with one job--protecting his farm from coyotes and foxes. He likes keeping the sheep, the chickens, and his humans safe, and he's very good at it.One day, Diego and his dad come to visit the farm, and Gus immediately connects to the small boy. They both like to sit still and enjoy the quiet, and Gus can tell that Diego likes being around a gentle giant of a dog, that it helps relieve the boy's constant worry.When Gus detects the scent of a bear in the woods, he rushes to protect his flock, injuring his leg in a fight with the dangerous beast. Wounded, Gus needs to rest and heal away from his sheep, so he doesn't risk reinjuring his leg. Diego suggests Gus come home with them to the North Carolina coast.Suddenly, Gus is thrust into a new world of saltwater and sand and neighbors who don't appreciate the presence of a large guard dog, like the neighbor who reminds Gus of his first owner--the junkyard man with the heavy boots.Gus realizes Diego might need a friend as much as his sheep need a protector, but if he can't learn to control his instincts, like barking and patrolling the neighborhood, Gus might lose his chance to stay in his new home. If he can't protect the farm or his boy, Gus worries he might never find his place in the world.Just Gus is a tender story of belonging and of two friends who learn they are better together than they were alone.

When May becomes a lady's maid at sea, she's hoping for an innocent adventure but instead must navigate rough waters, deadly combat, and unexpected love. Mediterranean Sea, 1811 May Byam grew up following her father to his work at the ropemaking factory and listening to her uncle's tales of life aboard a Royal Navy ship. After tragedy and scandal shatter her family, May is desperate to escape the shame that follows her. Despite her mother's pleadings against it, May signs on as a lady's maid to the young wife of a naval captain. If she's going to run, she may as well do it in honor of her late uncle and cousin and where there is food, shelter, and perhaps even adventure. But the frosty reception she receives from the ship's clergyman makes her feel far from welcome. Heartbroken young Chaplain Elias Doswell returns to a harsh life at sea, but preaching to disinterested sailors isn't the escape he'd hoped for--until a captivating young woman boards the ship. However, a case of mistaken identity ensures that he starts off on the wrong foot with the newly hired lady's maid, who clearly wants nothing to do with him. But the close quarters of the ship forces the pair together, and May begins to see a side of the handsome clergyman she didn't expect. As they struggle to navigate their deepening feelings, the danger of war with the French looms on the horizon, threatening their lives--and their love.

Cursed by magic, bound by mistakes, Princess Aria's destiny hinges on the mysterious Baron Reeves. Will love be enough to break the curse, or will war bring her kingdom to ruin? A new romantasy by Elizabeth Lowham. When Crown Princess Aria sees her kingdom on the brink of war with the magic-wielding Casters, she takes it upon herself to speak with Widow Morton, the most dangerous Caster in the realm. If successful, Aria will not only ensure peace but also prove to her father that she is a worthy heir. But when her negotiations fail, Aria is dealt a terrible curse: Over the course of one hundred days, she will be unable to sleep, her body and mind doomed to waste away. And then the curse will pass to her sister, until every member of the king's line is dead. Aria's best hope for breaking her curse is to seek help from another Caster--the handsome and charming Baron Reeves. He may be entitled to a place at the court, but as a magic user, can he truly be trusted? She vows not be fooled by his dimpled smiles or his devotion to his brothers, but as she spends more time with him, she discovers that her heart has other ideas. Baron has no desire to see the princess suffer--especially since she might be the key to changing the king's opinion on Casters--but he has secrets to protect and ghosts of his own. The last person he tried to save using his magic died, and he's not willing to risk harming someone he loves again. As the curse continues its deadly countdown, both Aria and Baron must risk their lives and their hearts to save each other and unite a kingdom.

Unravel the culinary secrets behind your most-loved restaurant meals. From fast-food classics to gourmet restaurant delights, Most Requested Copycat Dishes brings the restaurant experience directly to your home kitchen. From crave-worthy appetizers like Disneyland's Jalapeño Cheese Stuffed Pretzels and PF Chang's Lettuce Wraps to mouthwatering main courses like Mizithra Pasta from The Old Spaghetti Factory and Gino's East Chicago Deep Dish Pizza. Then finish off your meal with decadent desserts like Marie Callender's Chocolate Satin Pie or Nothing Bundt Cake's White Chocolate Raspberry Cake. This cookbook presents 101 tested and perfected recipes that mirror their famous cousins. With insider tips along with step-by-step photo instructions for some of the trickier recipes, Most Requested Copycat Dishes can elevate your home dining experience whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen enthusiast.

Joaquin is having a hard day at school. He struggles to speak up in class even though he knows the answers, he doesn't feel included when trying to play soccer with his friends, and he ends up sitting alone during recess--feeling invisible. But when he investigates a strange shimmery light by the playground slide, he is transported to a special forest filled with fantastical creatures known as alebrijes, or magic companion animals. His friend, Imogen, introduces Joaquin to several alebrijes, and the special creatures share the ways they help people manage their emotions. One creature roars like a lion with Imogen when she feels angry and needs to let it out. Another one helps Noemi blend into the background like a chameleon when she is feeling nervous and needs a moment to herself. A third alebrije has big ears to hear all of Tío Andres's worries. Joaquin learns how to identify his needs and create an alebrije specifically for him, and when he returns to school, he is no longer feeling alone or invisible. With his new, fantastical friend helping him, Joaquin's hard day is now one of his best yet.

London, England, 1814 Lady Anna Clifton will stop at nothing to find her missing brother--even if it means working alongside the dashingly handsome but sometimes infuriating Mr. Jennings, who just might steal her heart. Lady Anna Clifton has arrived in London with a purpose known only to a few. Her soldier brother has been reported wounded and missing in France, and if he is dead, his title and their family's estate will go to a horrible distant cousin, and Lady Anna will be homeless. Desperate to find her brother alive, she contacts old family friends, the Bledsoes, who vow to help her in any way they can. However, Lord Bledsoe's efforts come up empty, except from the Duke of Aylesham, who offers his yacht to carry her to France when Anna decides she must look for her brother there herself. James cannot board the Duke of Aylesham's yacht to take him to France fast enough. After his sister's rushed marriage to the duke himself, James wants nothing more than to enjoy a relaxing journey back to Paris before rejoining England's diplomatic war efforts against Napoleon. When he boards the ship, he cannot deny his instant attraction to the strikingly beautiful young woman who will be joining him across the sea. But when he receives only a cold reception from her, James dismisses her outright--until he learns the tragic reason she has set out on such a perilous journey. As infuriating as Lady Anna's brash behavior and indifference to him is, her search seems much too dangerous for a young lady of the ton to undertake alone, so James reluctantly offers to assist her in her quest. Together, they embark on a search that will take them across the sea and through France to uncover the truth all while trying to reconcile their differences and the preconceived notions they have about each other. With every step, they come closer to solving the mystery surrounding Lady Anna's brother's disappearance--but each step also pushes their hearts closer together.

Inexperienced in courtship and love, Jemma turns to her best friend, Miles, for guidance on how to win a man's heart--not knowing that Miles has secretly loved her for years. Brookeside, England, 1822 Jemma Fielding has always considered herself an independent woman, but to honor her beloved grandmother's dying wish, she makes a promise that she will marry and fall in love. To fulfill her promise, she turns to the Matchmaking Mamas Society for assistance and is paired with the charming Mr. Bentley. Though he is everything Jemma could hope for in a match, she is clueless about how to win his heart. Desperate to make a good impression, she seeks guidance from her dearest friend, Miles Jackson, a humble rector with a talent for understanding matters of the heart. However, Miles's secret affection for Jemma has spanned years, and teaching her to love someone else threatens to betray his own heart. Despite his selfless nature, Miles fears he will never be more than a humble rector in her eyes. Even as he gives Jemma lessons in love, Miles grapples with the challenge of convincing her that Mr. Bentley may be a perfect gentleman but he is not the perfect match for her. Will Miles's advice in romance jeopardize their years of friendship, or will it reveal the attraction that has quietly blossomed between them, proving that this time, the Matchmaking Mamas may have made a mistake? Miles must decide if he's brave enough to confess his feelings to Jemma before she is whisked away forever.

Wherever you are in your author's journey, this book is like teaming up with a personal writing coach who has more than a quarter of a century of editorial and publishing advice. Thousands of writers--from first-time authors to #1 New York Times best-selling authors--have learned from Lisa Mangum's masterful literary advice and inspiration. Now she's collected the best of her writing and editing tips in this helpful book that covers the entire writing and querying process, from nurturing a story idea all the way to submitting a polished manuscript. In the first half of the book, Lisa guides readers through the various steps of the writing process, including starting the story in the right place, developing characters with high-stake goals, mapping character relationships for increased conflict, and introducing tension and plot twists. She also shares tips and tricks for nailing a satisfying ending as well as helping authors discover their own unique voice that can help them break through writer's block. With her decades of experience, Lisa then takes writers on a behind-the-scenes tour of the many levels of editing, including a handy flowchart that unravels the mystery of where the commas go in a sentence. Finally, she helps writers prepare to "get published" by deconstructing what makes a query letter catch an editor's eye and how to answer the all-important question: "What's your book about?" Packed with Lisa's own personal stories of encouragement and inspiration, Write Fearless. Edit Smart. Get Published. is a literary adventure that's as fun as it is informative.

Helena is a healer. Ivan is her prisoner. Caught in the crossfire of war, they must choose: loyalty or love. The Balkans, 1383 A sudden conflict between Serbs and Greeks has forced Ivan to join his brother and fight with the Serbian army. On the battlefield, Ivan is wounded and captured by the hostile Greeks, and he soon becomes a hostage to be used as a pawn in a deadly bid for power. Helena, a Greek midwife, is tasked to care for Ivan, a request that will test not only her healing abilities but also her loyalty. Though war has made her reluctant patient an enemy, she can't help but forge a connection with him, yet falling in love with him could turn her world upside down and brand her a traitor. As the Ottoman Empire extends its grip into the Balkans, events beyond their control force Ivan and Helena to choose between loyalty to their families and people or following the longings of their hearts. Award-winning historical novelist A. L. Sowards creates an engaging world of overlords and spies, rebellions and battlefields, and forbidden love.

A bravo in every bite! This cookbook will transform your kitchen into a culinary theater, featuring recipes inspired by iconic, heartwarming classics of the silver screen. Step onto the delectable stage with A Few of My Favorite Things: Recipes Inspired by Hollywood Musical Films where the enchantment of music converges with tasty delights from the kitchen. Perfect for home cooks who are also movie buffs, this unique cookbook will take you on a culinary adventure inspired by more than forty timeless, family-friendly musicals from the silver screen. Prepare to sing, dance, and eat with delicious recipes including "Von Trapp Schnitzel with Noodles" from The Sound of Music, "Violet's Blueberry Hand Pies" from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, and "Mr. Gao's Fried Wonton Moons" from Turning Red. Whether you're a culinary virtuoso or just starting your kitchen journey, this unique cookbook offers an essential ingredient list, favorite kitchen tools, and recipes with four-color photography and clear instructions. Entertain guests or simply enjoy a night of movie magic with your family.

As a terrorist threat looms, Marine Captain Luke Steele and FBI Special Agent Amberlyn Reiner must work together to unravel a deadly conspiracy before times runs out while also navigating their undercover fake relationship that is becoming all too real. When a terrorist attack grips the nation, Luke Steele, a military aide to the president of the United States, is reassigned to track down the suspect because the alleged bomber was spotted wearing a state championship ring from Luke's hometown. Luke has desperately tried to forget his high school years, but he can't run from them now. Instead, he must face his most formidable assignment yet: leave his post by the president's side, return to Pine Falls, Virginia, and face every demon from his childhood--including every person and every thought that told him he wasn't worth anything. FBI Special Agent Amberlyn Reiner has spent years tracking domestic terrorism. When she catches a break that could pinpoint the key player in the antigovernment group responsible for dozens of needless deaths, she's willing to do whatever it takes to get the information she seeks--even if it means going undercover as Luke Steele's plus-one at his high school reunion. Though Amberlyn found Luke arrogant and aloof during their time together at Quantico, it doesn't take long for her to discover that there's much more to him than she realized. But even as the line between fact and fiction in their relationship blurs, the countdown to danger accelerates. Time is running out, and with the threat of another terrorist attack looming, the stakes are higher than ever.

Learn the practical skills that can help you build bridges, heal relationships, and engage in productive conversation about even the hardest topics. Imagine turning what could be a contentious conversation with a family member, a friend, or a coworker into a fruitful exchange that enlightens everyone's minds and inches both of you toward a solution. Steven T. Collis, one of the world's leading experts on civil discourse, reveals ten practical habits that can help you navigate the potential minefields of hard topics and leave you and those you converse with feeling thoughtful and productive. Most people have experienced the slippery slope of dialogue that descends into polarized argument. We yell at each other. We gaslight. We twist one another's words and meanings. We embrace facts that support our conclusions and ignore those that don't. Or we sit in silence, afraid to discuss anything of substance. If how you treat others matters to you, this book offers powerful new habits that can give you the confidence to engage in dialogue about hard topics while building and strengthening relationships. Learn successful habits that will allow you to, among other things: Reframe conversations to make them more productive Engage in real learning by breaking free from technological manipulation Ask questions of others to understand their true motivations Recognize gaslighting and not allow it Know when and how to use humor Take time for long reflection Embrace the discomfort of non-closure Whether you're motivated by a desire for more fruitful discussions about politics or simply bringing more peace to your home, Habits of a Peacemaker offers you the tools to engage in constructive and healthy dialogue.

Three young garbologists must defend the world from new magical trash creations. Landon Murphy never imagined he would spend his summer battling the animated trash monster known as the Megalajunk, and he is eager to continue studying from the wizard-like janitors at the School of Garbage. He'll need to improve his skills with magical pushbrooms and plungers now that the Thingamajunks have gone rogue. When two Thingamajunks show up at Landon's mother's wedding, Landon is desperate to save his family. Using the lock he kept after defeating the Megalajunk, Landon accidentally triggers his own temporary transformation into the trash leviathan. Now, he and his stepsister, Jade Shu, must team up again with Sabra, Dr. Bernard Weizmann, and Daisy Gates to figure out why the Thingamajunks are popping up to ruin parties, weddings, concerts, and other celebrations. Landon suspects the Locksmith is behind the attacks, but information about the mysterious figure is scarce. After capturing and interrogating a Thingamajunk, the team of young garbologists ventures deeper into the landfill than they've ever gone before, looking for answers, only to come face to face with the dangerous General Clean, whose experimental efforts to transform himself back into a Grime could have massive repercussions on Landon, his friends, and their Servites. The questions continue to pile up, but one thing is certain: War is coming to the landfill, and Landon, Jade, and Sabra will need all their courage, creativity, and focus to lay a trap for the Thingamajunks--before it's too late.

Based on a true story and set against the backdrop of WWII, a young woman's love of flying becomes an epic fight for identity and equality. In the quiet town of Houghton, Michigan, sixteen-year-old Nancy Harkness discovers a passion that ignites her heart in ways she never expected. The arrival of barnstormer pilots brings more than just the thrill of their daring stunts; it brings the promise of adventure. Nancy vows she will be a pilot someday. Years later, as the dark clouds of World War II gather on the horizon, Nancy's dreams take a new and daring turn. With unwavering determination, she envisions a squadron of female pilots. Yet, her path is far from clear. The male-dominated world of aviation pushes back, determined to keep women out of the skies. But Nancy isn't alone in her quest for equality. Jackie Cochran, a formidable aviatrix and Nancy's rival, has her own dreams and ambitions for women in aviation. As they both navigate the turbulent skies of a nation at war, their destinies intertwine in a story of rivalry, respect, and competition.

Danger and passion collide in a Regency backdrop when a plucky young woman becomes embroiled in a Bow Street investigation alongside a handsome officer. London, 1803 As the daughter of a renowned actress, Verity Travers is a privileged lady of high society --and the last woman one would suspect of working as a private investigator. But after one case nearly costs her everything, she makes the hard decision to hang up her hat and live the uninspiring life of a gentlewoman. However, when she and her dearest friend become victims of a harrowing armed robbery, Verity finds herself swept back into the clandestine world of mystery and crime as she seeks to bring the thief to justice. There's just one complication: the persistent and dashingly handsome Bow Street Runner Nathaniel Denning, who always seems to cross her path. Verity is confident she could accomplish her work quickly if only Nathaniel would stay out of her way. While she appreciates his keen mind and quick wit on a case, his interference is muddling her progress--and her heart. Focusing on the task at hand becomes more and more difficult as she constantly bumps into Nathaniel, who is determined to keep her out of danger. When the two rival investigators learn they are both pursuing the same cunning criminal, they must figure out how to navigate the delicate dance of cooperation amid a backdrop of increasing peril and an irresistible passion that sets their hearts ablaze.

"A soldier must choose between his heart's desire or his duty to country in this gripping novel of friendship and survival. Maxence âEtienne believes fiercely in the Revolution and longs for his name to be listed among the heroes bringing liberty to France. It's been almost two years of non-stop war, but the monarchy has fallen, and he's beginning to see the changes so many of his countrymen have fought for. With war still raging, Maxence is transferred from Paris to the port city of Nantes, a hotbed of counterrevolutionaries, to help stamp out rebellion against the new republic. Maxence is called upon to settle a disturbance between a priest and a young counterrevolutionary woman--Armelle Bernard. The argument with the priest escalates, ending in an order for Armelle's immediate execution. Maxence has seen his share of violence and bloodshed, but he can't kill a woman whose only crime is taunting a clergyman. While helping her escape, he is forced to kill a fellow soldier and ends up imprisoned by the same revolutionaries he had sworn his allegiance to. When Armelle risks her life to free him, the two become fugitives. Now they must find a way to rise above their prejudices and learn to trust each other as they struggle to find a path to peace, and to freedom. "--

Based on the true story of two friends who unite to help rescue immigrant women in the most dangerous corners of San Francisco's Chinatown in the late 1890s. When Tai Choi leaves her home in the Zhejiang province of China, she believes she'll be visiting her grandmother. But in truth, despite her mother's opposition, her father has sold her to pay his gambling debts. Alone and afraid, Tai Choi is put on a ship headed for San Francisco, known among the Chinese as Gold Mountain. When she arrives, she is forced to go by the new name listed on her paper documents: Tien Fu Wu. Her new life as a servant at a gambling den is hard. She is told to stay hidden, to stay silent, and to perform an endless list of chores, or else she will be punished. Tien Fu thinks her life couldn't get any worse, until she is sold again to an abusive shopkeeper and tasked to care for a young boy. If she is to survive, Tien Fu must persevere, and learn who to trust. When Dolly Cameron arrives in San Francisco to teach sewing at a mission home for orphaned Asian girls, she meets Tien Fu, who is willful, defiant, and unwilling to trust anyone. Dolly quickly learns that all the girls at the home were freed from lives of servitude and maltreatment. Dolly immediately joins the group of women dedicated to saving more of these "paper daughters" because some in authority have turned a blind eye to the situation. Despite many challenges, Dolly and Tien Fu forge a powerful friendship as they mentor and help those in the mission home and work to win the freedom of thousands of immigrant women and girls.

Authors Elizabeth Black and Fletcher Walker go head-to-head as rival writers of Victorian Penny Dreadfuls. As an upper class schoolteacher, Elizabeth must write under the pseudonym "Mr. King" in order to keep her identity a secret, while former street urchin Fletcher is determined to uncover the truth behind this up-and-coming new talent.