Rebecca Wells grew up immersed in a vibrant world of storytelling, where flamboyance, flirting, futility, and fear mingled. Her imagination was ignited by the Louisiana landscape, its rhythms, its music, and its people, fostering an early love for crafting and performing plays for her siblings. This rich environment, deeply connected to the land and the local African American culture, left an indelible mark on her creative spirit. Influenced by literary explorations of interconnectedness and critiques of consumerism, she found liberation in the transformative power of acting. Her academic journey further broadened her perspective, leading her to embrace journaling as a continuous practice of self-discovery and artistic expression.
Set in the charming town of Heartsville, the story centers on Dr. Nora Flynn, a devoted veterinarian who transforms her clinic into a community hub. Her commitment to animal care fosters deep connections among townspeople, creating a supportive environment that celebrates both pets and the relationships they inspire. Through her work, Nora nurtures a sense of belonging, highlighting the importance of love and unity in a town rich with traditions.
"Lena has a secret: the touch of her skin can kill ... But after a devastating mistake, she and her father are forced to flee to a village near the Silence, a mysterious forest with a reputation for luring people into the trees, never to be seen again ... Until the night an enigmatic girl stumbles out of the Silence ... Miranda ... is on a quest to wake a sleeping princess believed to hold the key to liberating the Gather from its tyrannical ruler and she offers Lena a bargain. If Lena assists her on her journey, Miranda will help her break the curse"--
Maren has reunited with her girlfriend, Kaia, who had been abducted by the Aurati. Kaia seems more like a stranger than the lover Maren knew back home; Naava, the mother of all dragons, has retreated into seclusion to recover from her wounds, leaving Maren at a loss on how to set the rest of the dragons free; and worst of all, her friend Sev has been captured by the emperor's Talons. As a prisoner of Zefed, Sev is entangled in the court politics. Whispers of a rogue dragon mistress are spreading, and Sev knows that it won't be long before the emperor decides to make an example of him. When the fighting is over and the smoke clears, who will be left standing? -- adapted from jacket
New England Book Award Finalist A determined young woman sets out to rescue her kidnapped girlfriend by stealing a dragon from the corrupt emperor in this stunning fantasy debut that’s perfect for fans of Margaret Rogerson, Rae Carson, and Rachel Hartman.Raised among the ruins of a conquered mountain nation, Maren dreams only of sharing a quiet life with her girlfriend Kaia—until the day Kaia is abducted by the Aurati, prophetic agents of the emperor, and forced to join their ranks. Desperate to save her, Maren hatches a plan to steal one of the emperor’s coveted dragons and storm the Aurati stronghold. If Maren is to have any hope of succeeding, she must become an apprentice to the Aromatory—the emperor’s mysterious dragon trainer. But Maren is unprepared for the dangerous secrets she uncovers: rumors of a lost prince, a brewing rebellion, and a prophecy that threatens to shatter the empire itself. Not to mention the strange dreams she’s been having about a beast deep underground… With time running out, can Maren survive long enough to rescue Kaia from impending death? Or could it be that Maren is destined for something greater than she could have ever imagined?
For longtime Ya-Ya fans, as well as the lucky ones discovering Wells for the
first time, comes Wells's new standalone novel about the pull of first love,
the power of home, and everyday magic. My name is Calla Lily Ponder. I was
born in 1953, in La Luna, Louisiana. So begins Calla Lily's journey through
her magical childhood in La Luna, a small town named after the sparkling river
from which Calla draws her strength time and time again. It's in La Luna where
Calla Lily discovers her talent for fixing people's hair-learned at the side
of her talented and loving mother-but also the transformative gift of first
love. A series of tragic events leads Calla to search for a fresh start in a
beauty school in New Orleans, the wild and colourful city that allows Calla to
flourish into adulthood, and to realize her healing hands can do much more
than fix damaged hair.
For fans of the Ya-Yas and newcomers alike, this new installment about the beloved Sisterhood is vibrant and humor-filled. An emotionally charged addition to the award-winning works of Rebecca Wells, it explores the roots of the Ya-Yas' friendship in the 1930s, capturing the essence of Vivi Abbott Walker's spirited journey through marriage, parenting, and family secrets. The story begins with a mischievous act by four-year-old Teensy Whitman, which sparks the bond between Vivi, Teensy, Caro, and Necie, establishing them as true sister-friends. Told through the alternating perspectives of Vivi, the Petite Ya-Yas, Siddalee and Baylor Walker, and other characters from Thornton, Louisiana, it portrays the Ya-Yas navigating love, conflict, and societal norms. Amid personal crises, struggles with addiction, and confronting racial issues, the values of loyalty, style, and Cajun spirit shine through. Necie's mantra, "Just think pretty pink and blue thoughts," adds a whimsical touch. The narrative also imparts lessons about life's wonders and the belief in miracles, especially when faced with a heartbreaking crime that tests their sisterhood. With its rich Louisiana dialect, this continuation of the Ya-Ya saga celebrates the enduring power of women's friendship and the joy of embracing life together.
The 1996 national bestseller brimming with unforgettable characters, family secrets, and incisive humor is now a major motion picture from Warner Brothers.. The film stars Sandra Bullock, Ashley Judd, Ellen Burstyn, and Maggie Smith, and is directed by Callie Khouri (Academy Award-winning writer of "Thelma and Louise"). When Sidda inadvertently divulges some revealing things about her Southern childhood in a newspaper interview, her mother, Vivi, virtually disowns her. Vivi's lifelong friends, the Ya-Ya's, set in motion a plan to bring the mother and daughter back together using a scrapbook of childhood memories that they ask Vivi to put together.
