New Releases by Patricia Furstenberg

Transylvania, 1463 Some secrets heal. Others kill. Kate Webber, a 28-year-old Saxon healer, has long walked the line between reverence and suspicion. Trained in the healing arts under the guidance of Lord Vlad Dracula, she has learned that skill alone cannot protect a woman in a city ruled by fear. Her marriage to the powerful but secretive Magyar promised stability, yet left her silenced and watched. On a bitter Advent night, when a mother and her newborn face death, Kate defies her husband''s command and steps into danger - for life, not reputation. When Kate succeeds, the city notices. Some with awe. Others with fury. The town physician, threatened by her talent and humiliated by her success, seizes his moment. And as rumors flare into accusations, old alliances stir. Iancu, Kate''s childhood friend and now captain of the Militia, comes to her aid during the perilous birth - rekindling memories of freedom, laughter, and trust, before marriage shackled her to duty. Back in her workshop, a girl appears, pleading for a love potion. But Margit brings more than need. She leads a mob. Elsewhere in the city, Moise, a Jewish apprentice at the printing press, notices a cloaked figure drifting across the square: a Shaman whose presence draws whispers of Magyar''s hidden dealings. When a rare manuscript disappears from the press Moise begins to uncover a darker purpose: a sought-after book. On the day of execution Kate performs a final act of defiance, she saves another child, while Moise is framed for more than he could have ever imagined. Kate and Moise''s fates, as well as the map''s legacy, unfold as some secrets must be read not in books, but in the hearts of those who hide them. *** Kate is a fictional character, yet through her eyes When Secrets Bloom offers a vivid, textured glimpse into 15th-century life in Kronstadt, Transylvania (today Brasov). From the daily rhythms of a fortress ruled by Saxon and Szekler men to the endearing hopes of Vlach and Jewish communities; from the quiet power women wield behind closed doors to the looming shadow of the Church and to whispered fears of plague and heresy, this novel immerses the reader fully in a world both beautiful and brutal. The presence of Vlad the Impaler''s memory - observed not through myth but through Kate''s wary, intimate lens - adds a haunting tension to the tale. It''s the kind of historical fiction that doesn''t just tell a story, it transports you into its bones. Fans of rousing historical fiction with a feminist bent will find much to love in When Secrets Bloom. Read When Secrets Bloom if you enjoyed reading The Stone Witch of Florence by Anna Rasche or Eleanore of Avignon by Elizabeth Delozier.

*A Large Print Edition, an Ideal gift for any war veteran, history fan, historical fiction reader, politics enthusiast, or dog lover.* For readers of Kite Runner, A Dog''s Way Home and The Operator comes a griping contemporary novel set against a fully-realized Afghanistan backdrop about military dogs who risk their lives in a heartbeat, and the soldiers who do the same even when personal struggles and global affairs defy humanity.How far would you go to save strangers in need?And who really are Marines'' most trusted allies? An educated woman makes the ultimate sacrifice to teach girl to read. She leaves behind a daughter and a son whose lives become intertwined with those of the U.S. Marines serving at Military Base nearby. But the Taliban is infiltrated everywhere and is hard to differentiate between friend and foe. The U.S. Marines fight with bravery to protect the civilians of Nauzad and to fend off the Taliban at Qala-e-Bost, thus protecting Bost Airport, a vital strategic point for the allies.One thing is certain; the Marines can rely on their Military Working Dogs.A race against time follows in one last battle of eradicating the Taliban and saving civilian lives before it is too late. "an emotional rollercoaster of a read ." From the author of the Amazon Historical Fiction Bestseller ''Joyful Trouble'' comes Silent Heroes, When Love and Values Are Worth Fighting for - "a book not to be missed." (Mandie Griffiths, Book Reviewer) "The author does a very good job in engaging us with the cast of this tragedy that has been playing out for hundreds of years, and introduces us to the key elements of the history of the region that brings us to the present day conflict. Tribal dynamics, religious intolerance and foreign intervention all have their part to play. But at the end of the day it is those who have little say in the matter who are affected the most." (Sally Cronin, Author & Blogger) Silent Heroes, When Love and Values Are Worth Fighting for is a highly emotional read, action-packed, a vivid story of enormous sacrifice and bravery that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The war and the military involved, Marine and dogs, are described with reverence, as are the civilians caught in the middle of the fire. "This is a very exciting, moving and well written book about war in Afghanistan. Although I didn''t serve there, as an ex Airborne Engineer and veteran of many IED search teams, I especially appreciated the amount of research that went into making the story as true to life as possible. Would highly recommend this excellent book." (Amazon Reader) "I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel. The book is extremely well written and well researched. Not only does she depict the harsh realities of war, but the emotional turmoil and pain of the soldiers and the Afghan population innocently caught in the war. It was also very interesting to read about the important role Military Working Dogs played in the US Marines'' war against the Taliban insurgents." (Amazon Reader) The War in Afghanistan is a contemporary, vitally important conflict whose meaning needs to be understood by the public worldwide. Silent Heroes, When Love and Values Are Worth Fighting for is a narrative about the value of life and the necessity of combat; the terror of dying; the ordeal of seeing your loved ones and your platoon-mates killed in front of your eyes; the trauma of taking a human life. Travel with Silent Heroes . for an epic sense of the place, to: 1. Lashkar Gah Mosque 2. Hindu Kush Mountains 3. A secret fortress "Light, knowledge, they bring the courage to look at the people around us, accepting them for what they are.""When soldiers grieve, time takes a screenshot and a new star rises in the sky.""History speaks of victors and captors,....but of the casualties on the civilian side?"

Hierdie gedig was geïnspereer deur die ware verhaal van Themba, ''n ses- maande-ou weesolifant wat aangemeem is deur Albert die skaap. Die twee vriende woon in ''n natuurreservaat in Suid Afrika. Twee klein stertjies het een dag ontmoet, Heel per ongeluk onder warm sonstrale het hulle gegroet: "Hallo, kom ons speel!" met swaaiende sterte wat wys.Hulle was nie dieselfde nie, tog albei was grys.Een het groot voete, die ander was korter;Een glimlag wyd, die ander se mond was kleiner.

Hierdie gedig was geïnspereer deur die ware verhaal van Kasi, ''n wees jagluiperd mannietjie, en Mtani, ''n Labrador tefie, wat ''n merkwaardige vriendskap gesmee het en lewenslank vriende gebly het... Twee nat neuse het eendag ontmoet, Heel toevallig, elke een op sy eie missie het hulle gegroet.Die son was hoog, dit was ''n warm dag, As die stof opwaai en jy wou sien, moes jy wag.So is Afrika se wilde vlaktes, Met lang, warm somers en sterte met stories.

Dieses Gedicht wurde von der wahren Geschichte von Bonedigger, dem behinderten Löwen, und Milo, dem freundlichen Dackel, geprägt.Sie bewiesen, dass Freundschaft keine Grenzen kennt. Im Herzen eines ... Zoos, so wird gesagt, Dass ein Löwe und ein Hund oft ihr Brot teilten. Wie wunderbar!Und die Nachricht verbreitete sich schnell: "So eine unglaubliche Freundschaft!"Kaum zu glauben, dass ein Löwe und ein Hund Freunde sein könnten."Sie sind nicht die gleiche Rasse," sagten alle. "Das ist ein Märchen!"

Dieses Gedicht wurde von einer wahren Geschichte geprägt. Kasi war ein männlicher Gepard - ein Waisenkind; Mtani eine Labradorhündin.Die beiden schlossen eine bemerkenswerte Freundschaft und blieben lebenslange Freunde. Zwei nasse Nasen trafen sich eines Tages, zufällig.Jeder von ihnen war auf einer anderen Spur. Rein zufällig ...Die Sonne stand hoch, der Tag war heiß.Sobald der Staub wirbelte, konnte man nichts sehen, alles das Gleiche!Das sind Afrikas wilde Ebenen, Mit langen, heißen Sommern und Geschichten von Schwänzen.

Hierdie gedig was geïnspereer deur die ware verhaal van Bonedigger, die gestremde leeu en Milo die vriendelike worshond wat bewys het dat vriendskap geen grense ken nie."Ek hou van die mooi boodskappe van vriendskap, geloof, optimisme, en vriendelikheid oorgedra deur middel van hierdie verhaal. Die illustrasies is wonderlik en hulle gee duidelikheid te konsep en die outeur se woorde.Wat ''n pragtige storie vir ouers om uit te lees om kinders en help hulle die ware betekenis van vriendskap verstaan en hoe dit geen grense!" 5 Stars Readers'' Favorite Review for the English Edition "I like the important underlying messages behind the story. It shows that friendship can happen despite being from two different races. The dog doesn''t give up on the lion. His faith and daily persistence in trying to cheer the lion up is rewarded with a lovely friendship. That is what friendship is about - supporting one another and being there despite the hurdles. Friends don''t give up." 5 Stars Whispering Stories Review for the English Edition "The Lion and the Dog by Patricia Furstenberg is an absolute delight." 5 Stars Singing Librarian Review for the English Edition "A message that translates to us all. We could all use a friend but moreover we can all BE one, and that really can make the difference." 5 Stars Amazon Review for the English Edition

LARGE PRINT Edition and Dyslexia-Friendly As engaging as a tail wag."There is something truly magical about this wonderful collection. Having read each poem, I love how every word celebrates our canine companions from the tip of their wet noses to the wag of their tails." (Susan Day, Editor and Author)"A super sweet and poignant book of poetry about what a pup thinks of his world. As a cat lover I especially was tickled by his relationship to the cat. Any dog lover would adore this book. The photos were appealing. Haikus at the end were tiny diamonds." (Kathryn Meyer Griffith, long time author)Celebrating the simple things in life as seen through the eyes of our old time favorite furry friends, "As Good as Gold" is a volume of poetry revealing the talent and humor we always knew our dogs possessed.Dogs are full of questions, yet they are famed sellers of innocence especially when it comes to explaining their mishaps and often foolish effervescence through such pondering as "Why IS a Cat Not Like a Dog", "As Brown as Chocolate", "Silver Stars and Puppy Tail" or, best yet, "Dog or Book?"A book with an enormous heart for readers of all ages, it includes 35 poems and haiku accompanied by just as many colorful, expressive portraits of our canine friends. The poems are grouped in: Questions, Colors, Musings and Haiku. * Ideal to boost you up by reading one poem at a time, * Great conversational piece to have around on a rainy day, * Fantastic tool to discuss colors in nature and everyday questions with your little ones, * A gentle way to introduce children to animals'' feelings, * Amazing picture to cheer you up.* An ideal gift for any animal lovers, cat lover too!

As engaging as a tail wag."There is something truly magical about this wonderful collection. Having read each poem, I love how every word celebrates our canine companions from the tip of their wet noses to the wag of their tails." (Susan Day, Editor and Author)"A super sweet and poignant book of poetry about what a pup thinks of his world. As a cat lover I especially was tickled by his relationship to the cat. Any dog lover would adore this book. The photos were appealing. Haikus at the end were tiny diamonds." (Kathryn Meyer Griffith, long time author)Celebrating the simple things in life as seen through the eyes of our old time favorite furry friends, "As Good as Gold" is a volume of poetry revealing the talent and humor we always knew our dogs possessed.Dogs are full of questions, yet they are famed sellers of innocence especially when it comes to explaining their mishaps and often foolish effervescence through such pondering as "Why IS a Cat Not Like a Dog", "As Brown as Chocolate", "Silver Stars and Puppy Tail" or, best yet, "Dog or Book?"A book with an enormous heart for readers of all ages, it includes 35 poems and haiku accompanied by just as many colorful, expressive portraits of our canine friends. The poems are grouped in: Questions, Colors, Musings and Haiku. * Ideal to boost you up by reading one poem at a time, * Great conversational piece to have around on a rainy day, * Fantastic tool to discuss colors in nature and everyday questions with your little ones, * A gentle way to introduce children to animals'' feelings, * Amazing picture to cheer you up.* An ideal gift for any dog lovers!

Here is a beautiful picture book with musical rhymes that celebrates diversity and promotes kindness, sure to strike a chord with the many fans of Louis Armstrong''s "What a Wonderful World".When a lion is removed from his natural habitat, forced to leave his African land and his pride behind and crowned King of Animals in a zoo, but acts out and becomes a secluded, captive beast all humans give up hope.Only a patient and observant brown little dog stands by his side and, through his optimism and kindness, turns the beast into a friend for life. Inspired by the true story of Bonedigger, the disabled lion and the friendly Dachshund Milo who proved that friendship knows no boundaries, "The Lion and the Dog" is a brilliant, colourful tale that shines when read aloud and is a definitive must-have for all collections. Similar books by the same author: "The Cheetah and the Dog", "The Elephant and the Sheep". "Inspired by a true story, The Lion and the Dog by Patricia Furstenberg is a heartwarming story about the friendship between a Dachshund dog, Milo, and Leo the lion who lives in the heart of a zoo.The dog''s best friend is the frog whom he meets one day on his morning walk.The lion is brought in one day and kept in a cage for people to say WOW, and he is crowned as the King of the Zoo.Everyone feared the lion while the Dog was free to roam around the zoo. Milo the dog meets Leo the lion across the cage bars. Milo wants to share his joy with the lion. Leo is rude but Milo is not going to give up. The lion tries to scare Milo by saying he is from Africa and has seen the world. He also roars, showing off his huge teeth. Things change when Leo falls sick and readers get to see Leo and Milo becoming friends.I like the beautiful messages of friendship, faith, optimism, and kindness conveyed through this story.The rhyme scheme makes it a lyrical read, making it appealing to the children.The illustrations are wonderful and they give clarity to the author''s concept and words.What a beautiful story for parents to read out to children and help them understand the true meaning of friendship and how it has no boundaries!I would recommend the story for read aloud sessions in classrooms for students to understand that the right friends will come along if one has faith, and there is no need to feel lonely." Reviewed By Mamta Madhavan for Readers'' Favorite *****

From the author of the bestseller children''s book Joyful Trouble comes a happy bedtime story for children 6-9 that will fire up their imagination!Be there for a friend in need is what this story is about.Or one for all and all for one! Just like the musketeers, our friends learn that strength IS in their number. Friendship means being there for each other during happy days but also during rainy ones. If you wish with all your might and think long enough you will find a way to cheer up your sad friend.This is book 5 in the Happy Friends Series. Book 6: The Blue Forest. Book 4: The Summer Wind and Lizard."Patricia Furstenberg''s collection of twelve stories, Happy Friends, is a classic collection of stories to charm and to teach young readers the value of life and the value of good friends. Each of the twelve stories stands on its own, but each story interacts with the next as the plot thickens. The individual stories become Little Tail''s journey of discovery as he leaves his home and friends, only to discover that Snow might be interesting, but so are his friends back home. For as "The Book of Life" says, and is often quoted in Happy Friends, "The time spent in the company of friends will, more than once, become part of our most cherished memories, staying with us for the rest of our lives." Happy Friends is a treasure to be enjoyed and shared over and over again"(Reader''s Favorite Book Review)