Jack Fortune

A gripping history of one Norwegian immigrant family’s experience in the United States from the mid-nineteenth century to World War II. In the spring of 1853, a family of eight drove their wagon to the wharf in Bergen, Norway. They unloaded their belongings alongside the other stacks labeled, AMERICA, MINNESOTA, ILLINOIS, MICHIGAN, NEW YORK CITY, CHICAGO and boarded the crowded ship. Hopeful, nervous Norwegians—giving up everything for a place they knew of only through second-hand tales of freedom and opportunity—watched as the shoreline retreated, knowing they would never see their homeland again. Their trip ahead would be spent in cramped conditions for two or three months until they reached Ellis Island. The United States, where they were immigrating to, was facing many problems including tensions over slavery and the subsequent beginning of the Civil War. The family moved west to farm the free land that was offered to them but were met with resistance, as it was land that had been cultivated by Native Americans for thousands of years before. The family was nearly eliminated during these times, often referred to as the American Indian Wars. Future generations carried on to the Dakotas and Alberta with difficulties. These Norwegians persisted. Through ardent research and narrative biography, Robert Dodge reflects on the immigrant experience of one Norwegian family from the mid-nineteenth century through World War II in Fields of Fortune: ‘Viking’ Farmers in America. Praise for Fields of Fortune “A thriller, a family adventure, a Viking heritage story that kept me turning the pages and asking for more.” —Alice C. Schelling, author of Hiding Alinka “A riveting tale . . . featuring strong women who carried their families forward even when their men failed them.” —Carolyn Bradley Bursack, author of Minding Our Elders “Award–winning author Robert Doge doesn’t just write history, he paints it in true story-telling style.” —Jodi Bowersox, president of the Colorado Authors League

An orphan child full of mischief, Jack lives with his crotchety widow aunt in eighteenth-century England. His naughtiness knows no limits, and when one day he goes a step too far, Aunt Constance decides that she's had enough: from now on, his bachelor uncle can take care of him. Uncle Edmund is in no way prepared for a boy with boundless energy and an impish streak – and anyway, he's off to the Himalayas to search for rare plants! But Aunt Constance is absolutely determined, and Jack's uncle has no choice – he will have to take the boy with him. What follows is a terrific adventure that will see Jack and his uncle – the most unlikely of all expedition teams – sail to India, cross the jungle and reach their mountainous destination, before returning to London to present their findings to the Royal Society. Along the way, Jack will finally come to terms with the great loss that has blighted his childhood years and discover, quite unexpectedly, that he and his late father have much in common.

Outrageously zany and filed with non-stop surprises, Simon Reade's theatrical adaptation of The Scarecrow and His Servant, renowned author Philip Pullman's fictional children's tale, is an enchanting play for young readers and performers. Delve into the magical world of Scarecrow as you accompany him as Jack, his trusty help-mate, and together you can embark on adventures that will make your head spin.From dodging dangerous bandits and surviving terrifying shipwrecks, to soaring through the skies with wild birds, this play is a roller-coaster ride of never-ending escapades.But when the river-polluting Buffaloni tyrants catch up with you for a final showdown, who will come to your rescue and save the day? A production of The Scarecrow and His Servant ran at the Southwark Playhouse in December 2008-January 2009.

Was beautiful, headstrong Angelica Carroll another supposed longlost heiress claiming her right to the Fortune family riches? Not this time. Because twenty-five years ago, someone saw to it that the new baby Fortune remained a secret. And now someone—maybe the heiress, maybe one of their own—was blackmailing the powerful, wealthy Fortunes big-time. Yet when the family hired private investigator Flynt Corrigan to insinuate himself into Angelica's life, the handsome, jaded man mysteriously married the heiress. And now everyone—including the love-struck new bride—had a private stake in keeping the mystery under wraps….

Beloved author Lindsey Hutchinson is back with another novel of triumph over adversity set in the heart of a Black Country community. Perfect for fans of Josephine Cox and Lyn Andrews. Taken into service, orphan Lily Rae has heard all the stories about what entitled masters think their pretty maid's duties include. But when the very worst happens to her, she knows scrubbing the scullery floors of Ryder House no longer provide refuge from the sadistic Sebastian Ryder... Cold and alone, Lily makes for the town of Wednesbury, knowing she has only herself to rely on... Tilley Green has nothing to her name except a fine figure her worn, patched-up clothes can't disguise, and the voice of an angel. Destined to be a chorus-hall star Tilley must first escape the clutches of her opportunistic and violent manager, a certain Seb Ryder... Life has been a long tough struggle for both Lily and for Tilley, but the town of Wednesbury just could be where they can find their own glimmer of happiness...

The Vale of Twill is a beautiful land and its dwellers enjoy lives of merriment and plenty. But ever and anon this peaceful idyll is disturbed - a warning of encroaching danger is heard. A company of three departs to seek an audience with a wise hermit. As well as advice, he gives them a magical object, crafted by the Elves in the days of old. And, as magical objects always lead to strange and unexpected things, so it happens this time. In this, the first book of the trilogy, we meet with the Folk of the Twill, and learn about their ways and unusual friendships they form sometimes.