Critiques en avant-premièreSigmund Brouwer

"Brouwer uses the assault on Vimy Ridge during World War I to highlight the bravery of both Canadian troops and the animals that served. Little Abigail the carrier pigeon miraculously gets a critical message from a small group under attack back to command. Tomato the border collie navigates the trenches during a gas attack with another critical message. Louise the packhorse carries hundreds of pounds of shells to the front lines for the final, successful barrage. The lives of these and five other animals (a cat, a war horse, a mule, a sniffer dog, and, improbably but historically, a lion) intersect with those of the young men of the 36th Battalion, principally Jake, a white farm boy from Manitoba; Thomas, a Cree boy from Saskatchewan, fresh out of the residential schools; and Charlie, a wealthy and disagreeable white boy from Toronto. Chapter by chapter, Brouwer details the action, highlighting the exploits of one animal in each; at the end of each chapter are brief nonfiction passages that provide factual context ... a worthy introduction to the Great War." - Kirkus Reviews

Recommended for ages 9 to 12. Never before have the stories of animal war heroes been collected in such a special way. This book consists of eight connected fictional stories about a Canadian platoon in WW1. The Storming Normans have help from some very memorable animals: we meet a dog who warns soldiers in the trench of a gas attack, a donkey whose stubbornness saves the day, a cat who saves soldiers from rat bites, and many more. Each story is followed by nonfiction sections that tell the true story of these animals from around the world and of the Canadian soldiers who took Vimy Ridge. Through the friendship that grows between three of these soldiers in particular, we get a close-up look at life in the trenches, the taking of Vimy Ridge, the bonds between soldiers and their animals and what it meant to be Canadian in WW1.

Fishing for barracuda from a kayak in the Florida Keys. That's what Jim Webb thinks this resort vacation with his grandfather should be about. Except the dying resort owner holds the key to legend about a generations-old crime. A crime that is worth way too much to those who want the legend to be true. Webb soon discovers that what lurks in the sun, sand and shallow waters of the Keys is much more dangerous than a slashing game fish. And along the way, he learns an important truth about himself and his own past. In this exciting prequel to Devil's Pass and Tin Soldier, the musically gifted and tenacious Webb finds himself caught in a dangerous mystery.

Jace has it all—money, cars and status. What he doesn’t have is a happy home life. Forced to protect his brother from an abusive father and a neglectful mother, Jace lives a double life on the wrong side of the tracks, learning to box and trying to survive on his own merits while plotting to expose his father as the monster he is. Working reluctantly with two girls who have their own thoughts of vengeance, Jace finds that he is not as alone as he thought and that there are people he can trust. Part of RETRIBUTION—a high-interest trilogy that can be read in any order.

Webb believes that if you want to reach your dreams, you have to live life loud. Bring the roof down. Rock the boat. Make sure that when you look back, you have no regrets. But when a shady music producer steals one of Webb’s songs, Webb finds out how hard it is for a kid on his own in Nashville to get justice. With the help of an unlikely ally, Webb discovers that he has what it takes to succeed: talent, determination and some good friends.

Jim Webb’s pursuit of the truth about his grandfather’s role in the Vietnam War puts him squarely in the sights of someone high up in the US military--someone who wants certain events from that war left in the past. Webb goes on the run in the American Deep South with Lee, a Vietnam vet, trying to smoke out the man they call the Bogeyman by using Webb as bait. The Bogeyman may be powerful and smart, but Webb and Lee, with the help of a few of Lee’s old army buddies (and one motorcycle-riding girl), are ready to take him down.

Book 2 in the Merlin's Immortal series. The throne is redeemed, but the battle is just beginning. In the dark corners of an ancient land, evil lurks in the shadows. Powerful druids haunt the spaces of their lost territory. Double-minded noblemen fight for domain and influence. Invaders from the north threaten the kingdom of Magnus. This land of promise and redemption is mired in deceit and corruption. The Orphan King, once victorious in conquest, appears to be losing his grip on his seat of power. Thomas rules Magnus, but does not know who he can trust. His enemies are anticipating his every move, thwarting him at each turn. Something is not right. Under attack, both in the supernatural and natural worlds, Thomas must reach back into the secret layers of his past to find the strength and wisdom to fight his battles. When the mist clears, who will stand with him?

Looming buildings rise into the sky of a near-future America, shadowing the desperate poverty of the soovie parks, death doctors, and fear bombs. In this world of walled cities, where status matters most, Caitlyn Brown is desperate to remain invisible, wrongly believing that she needs to hide the deformity on her back. She’s forced to take flight again, forced to rely on the help of Razor, a street-smart illusionist she can’t trust, her only hope to reach friends already tracked by government. With a twisted bounty hunter in full pursuit, she and Razor begin to learn the unthinkable about her past and the unique gifts of her DNA. It leads Caitlyn to a choice between the two men who love her, and whether to keep her freedom or sacrifice herself to change human destiny. A lightning-fast chase through an all-too-plausible future, best-selling author Sigmund Brouwer is at his best in this terrifying ride into the heart of compelling moral questions about science and society.

Her birth was shrouded in mystery and tragedy. Her destiny is beyond comprehension. Her pursuers long to see her broken. She fights to soar. In the rough, shadowy hills of Appalachia, a nation carved from the United States following years of government infighting, Caitlyn and her companions are the prey in a terrifying hunt. They must outwit the relentless bounty hunters, skirt an oppressive, ever-watchful society, and find passage over the walls of Appalachia to reveal the dark secrets behind Caitlyn’s existence–and understand her father’s betrayal. In this engrossing, lightning-paced story with a post-apocalyptic edge, best-selling author Sigmund Brouwer weaves a heroic, harrowing journey through the path of a treacherous culture only one or two steps removed from our own.

This exciting collection of delicious recipes, ingredients, tools, and preparations is inspired by the memorable gatherings hosted and celebrated by Renee Behnke. Behnke is the president emeritus of the culinary mecca Sur La Table, and she brings a bounty of tastes from around the world to her new work. The 140 unique recipes Behnke has created from her home and discovered in her worldly travels, will keep family and friends connected. By sharing Behnke's experiences of many different cuisines and how they translate back to the American table, Memorable Recipes makes everyone feel at ease and happy to share time in the kitchen. Cooks will enjoy the 125 full-color photographs of appetizers, soups and salads, sides, main dishes, and desserts, and will also appreciate the wine pairing notes. No matter where you are in the world, it is always a good time to share fabulous food with family and friends. There is always a place at the Behnkes' table. * There is something here for everyone. This book appeals to a broad spectrum of home cooks. The offering of a unique variety of diverse recipes takes the reader around the world and always includes those recipes from our own family collections. * This book empowers home entertainers by taking the intimidation out of hosting and preparing for a gathering or party. Quite simply, Behnke helps put the "party" back in dinner party, and she does it with style and taste. * Along with the 140 recipe gems, this work also includes striking and inviting four-color photography, menu plans, do-ahead tips, decor ideas, and shortcuts every home chef can appreciate. * When it comes to cooking, Behnke is the go-to expert. She is influential in the cooking world and she's built Sur La Table into a thriving and robust brand among cooking enthusiasts nationwide.

Hungry for something different? Then try America's Best BBQ. Here, two of the world's top barbecue experts present their favorite barbecue recipes from across America. Only Ardie and Paul, the go-to sources on barbecue, can earn the trust—and the secret recipes—from some of the nation's barbecue legends. Tasty sides include tips, tricks, techniques, fun memorabilia, full-color photos, and firsthand recollections of tales from the pits culled from over a century of combined barbecue experience. With more than 100 recipes for mouthwatering starters, moist and flavorful meats, classic side dishes, sauces and rubs, and decadent desserts, this book should come with its own wet-nap. * Whether it's spicy or sweet, Texas or Memphis, this is the best collection of American barbecue recipes. * Ardie's BBQ alter ego, Remus Powers, PhB, has earned profiles in many barbecue books, tons of magazines, and more than a few national newspapers. He's graced the Food Network and PBS, appearing in various documentaries on 'cue and great American cuisine. * Paul has appeared on The Today Show, Discovery Channel, CBS This Morning, Talk Soup, and Anthony Bourdain's A Cook's Tour: In Search of the Perfect Meal. He was also featured in AARP's Modern Maturity Magazine, Saveur, and The Calgary Herald, and he has written articles for Food & Wine, Fine Cooking, and Chili Pepper magazine.