The main character of the book, the young nobleman Jan Skrzetuski, or Pan Jan for short, is caught in the middle of the beginning Cossack uprising under the legendary Bogdan Chmelnitzky. Along the way he also falls in love with the beautiful princess Helena, who is also desired by a Cossack officer. In the course of the book the conflict begins to take serious forms, Pan Jan meets most of the main characters on his travels and missions through Eastern Europe. Personal rivalries, chases on horseback, duels, drinking bouts, epic dialogues and great battles (which no normal European has ever heard of before) are also part of the book. As a reader, you live the tragic story of the kingdom, which in the end is destroyed by internal conflicts. This civil war, by the way, caused several million deaths – when reading the book it becomes clear why. Maybe it is necessary to warn potential readers that 17th century warfare in this region was extremely brutal and unless you can tolerate occasional descriptions of horrifying activities, perhaps you should not choose this novel. In the course of prosecuting this revolution or attempting to put it down local villages and Manor homes will be torched. There will be stories of widespread use of violence including the use of stakes, fire and torture to murder populations. Both sides will overindulge in the spilling of innocent blood. But if you can stand that you will be benefitted with excellent characterizations, an exceptionally tense and well-plotted love story intertwined with the basic plot. "The Uprising" is the first book of the epic trilogy WITH FIRE AND SWORD by Nobel Prize winner Henryk Sienkiewicz. It deals with the uprising of the Cossacks against the Poles in 1648. It is a world forgotten in Central Europe, which was ruled by a kingdom in personal union (Poland-Lithuania). The size of this first part of the first trilogy of The EASTERN KINGDOM Series is about 300 pages.

Whatever it takes to stop your family from starving Is it time for the great Michael Flynn to take his family in search of a better life? The opening to The Tales of Flynn and Reilly – if you like historical fiction, then this is for you Ireland has suffered from potato blight since 1845. Friends and neighbours have died, been evicted or given up what little land they have in search of alms. Michael Flynn is one of the lucky ones. His landlord has offered support. Michael and his family have done all they can to help their immediate household, but as the famine and its aftermath continue, have their efforts been enough? With the weakening brought about by hunger, there are some things he is powerless to protect his family from. Is it time for the great Michael Flynn to take his family in search of a better life? Download now to find out

Holt Kincannon has nothing left but his horse, his guns, and his pride. His years as a Texas rancher and lawman are behind him. His wife and son rest on a lonely hill overlooking the Llano River. Now, he rides through the rugged mountains and sagebrush covered valleys of Northern New Mexico, searching. He’s hoping for a new life, but will settle for a hot meal.

Enjoy this free short story from award-winning author Madeleine L'Engle's newest book, The Moment of Tenderness, a collection of 18 short stories, some never before published. It was a frigid winter day when Old Mrs. Campbell stormed into the Franklins' general store, decrying the devilish nature of her daughter-in-law-a sentiment that deeply disturbed Mrs. Franklin, considering the woman in question, Alicia, was oft described as "saintly" by everyone around her. When she leaves the store in a huff, Mrs. Franklin thinks she's done with Mrs. Campbell's ravings for the day-until the woman calls her late in the night, urgently demanding to see her. Blending elements of fantasy and horror, what transpires between the two women over the course of the evening will test the boundaries of reason, faith, and family-and prove that, in times of great danger, even strangers can come together to help one another in need. For more stories by Madeleine L'Engle, read The Moment of Tenderness, available now.