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Counting By 7s

In the high-stakes world of politics and royalty, two young men from opposite worlds find themselves drawn together by fate. Alexander "Alex" Morgan, the golden boy of American politics, struggles under the weight of his father’s expectations and his own repressed desires. Meanwhile, Prince Liam of Norway, the rebellious crown prince, battles the constraints of royal duty and his playboy reputation. When a chance encounter at a gay-friendly bar leads to a passionate night, neither man is prepared for the fallout when their identities are revealed. As jealousy and ambition threaten to tear them apart, they must confront their families, their secrets, and their feelings. Will they choose love over duty, or will societal expectations keep them apart?

151 Chapters

Married by Contract, Destined by Fate

"St... Stay away" Her voice trembled in fear as he leaned closer, invading her personal space. His palms were pressed against the wall, caging her in his embrace while her tiny fists were making futile attempts to push him back. "So, you want me to go out to satisfy my needs when I have a beautiful wife at home?" His thumb stroked her lips, his eyes fixated on them, unyielding and hungry. "But you made it clear that your heart belongs to someone else and our marriage is nothing but an agreement" her heart throbbed with pain as she thought about it. After the horrific and pitiful past, destiny has bestowed her a devil for a husband. "That's true," he cocked his head. "But we don't love every chic we fuck. Do we?" His callous words shattered Roseline's world. All she wanted was to cry on her fate! Her pain was evident through her eyes but this didn't stop him from getting what he wanted! ~•~•~•~ In an unexpected twist of fate, Orphan Roseline finds herself in a contract marriage with a ruthless Billionaire, Vincenzo De Luca. On the first night, she gets to know that he has married her on purpose, and the doors to his heart are securely guarded. He has money, looks, and fame, but not the love for which she has craved her whole life. She has an infectious laugh, he never graced his lips with a smile. She follows her path, he demands unwavering obedience. She is sympathetic, he is cold-hearted. Their personalities are worlds apart, yet both harbor secrets concealed behind their respective facades. Will Roseline be able to make her space in his heart or will she be cast aside once his hidden purpose is fulfilled?

9.8

168 Chapters

Rejected by Them, Loved by Their Father

Ariella has been silent since she was four. Unable to talk after being abused by her sister. But her 18th birthday brings her wolf, healing, and freedom. She Escapes her abusive and neglectful home only to meet her Mates! Just when she feels her life about to begin, they reject her! When her second chance takes claim will she finally have the life she deserves will she forever be the neglected, rejected, and abused Princess of Werewolves!

9.9

116 Chapters

Punished by His Love

She was a destitute woman whose life was dependent on others. She was forced to be a scapegoat and traded herself, which resulted in her pregnancy. He considered that she was the ultimate embodiment of evil as she was greed and deceitful. She tried all her efforts to win his heart but failed. Her departure made him so furious that he searched through the ends of the world and managed to recapture her. The whole city knew that she would be shredded into a million pieces. She asked him in desperation, “I left our marriage with nothing, so why won’t you let me go?”In a domineering tone, he answered, “You’ve stolen my heart and given birth to my child, and you wish to escape from me?”

2823 Chapters

Betrayed by Bestie, Reclaimed by Revenge

My best friend and I were in relationships with the brothers from the Wilson Family, and we both got pregnant at the same time. She flaunted her relationship publicly, making everyone in Junopia know that Rick had left the monastery for her. On the other hand, I kept silent about my relationship with the heir of the Wilson Family. Thus, everyone mistakenly thought I was single. That was until my best friend saw my pregnancy report. In a fit of rage, she rallied a group of friends, stormed into my dorm, and vandalized my room with food waste. "I thought you were my best friend, and here you are, trying to steal my man," she accused. Not only did she live-stream this accusation, trying to paint me as the other woman, but she also spiked my chicken soup, hoping to get rid of my unborn child. In defiance, I poured the contaminated soup over her head. "Just so you know, Rick isn't the only Wilson brother," I retorted. Later, Rayden, the man who controlled Junopia, wrapped his arm around me and declared icily, "I've heard troubling rumors about my wife being called a mistress. We need to talk."

8 Chapters

TAINTED BY HIM

Their naked bodies were shipping against each other. Her sapphire glossy orbs were staring at his brown eyes. "I love you, Cia. I love you to the extent that I will end and taint that life which would even think about taking you away from me," The firmness of his words were evident in his darkened eyes. "Even if it's your life," he rasped against her mouth. They both knew his love was irrational, an obsession for her. They loved each other enough, especially for her to let his love taint her existence. "I love you, Zale," And her words were enough to make him lose everything in her. She beautifully moaned his name as soon his warmth engulfed her deepest depth which made both of them close their eyes in pleasure, but they had never in their worst ever thought that their eyes would have to witness that thing which their future had stored for them. His deep brown orbs were staring at her who was clad in a beautiful white gown. Her sapphire orbs were downcast as she was standing at the altar but the irony was she was not his bride but his brother's. "Do you, Mr Blake Alcazar, take Miss Celia Reyes as your lawfully wedded wife?" The priest's voice echoed, causing him to fist his palm and her heart to turn numb. "I do," A tear slipped from her eyes, hearing that person's answer who was standing in front of her and feeling those brown eyes penetrating her soul. "Do you, Miss Celia Reyes, take Mr Blake Alcazar as your lawfully wedded husband?" Those deep brown eyes turned predacious and her answer turned them voraciously vicious. "I do," she answered. An answer which sealed two destinies, which shattered two hearts and TAINTED two souls.

9.8

119 Chapters

What Is The Significance Of The Garden In 'Counting By 7s'?

4 Answers2025-07-01 19:49:34

In 'Counting by 7s', the garden isn’t just a backdrop—it’s a sanctuary for Willow, a place where her fractured world finds order. The meticulous act of planting and nurturing mirrors her need for control amid chaos. Each sprout defies the unpredictability of her life, grounding her when grief and displacement threaten to overwhelm. The garden also becomes a bridge between her and others, like Pattie and Mai, who initially seem like outsiders but grow into her chosen family. Soil and seeds become their shared language, fostering connections that words can’t.

The garden’s transformation parallels Willow’s healing. Barren patches turn lush, just as her isolation gives way to community. It’s a metaphor for resilience—how life persists even in the harshest conditions. The final scene, where the garden thrives, underscores her acceptance of change. It’s not about counting by 7s anymore; it’s about embracing the messy, beautiful unpredictability of growth.

How Does 'Counting By 7s' Portray The Theme Of Resilience?

4 Answers2025-07-01 15:03:04

'Counting by 7s' paints resilience as a quiet, organic force rooted in connection and curiosity. Willow Chance, the protagonist, isn’t some heroic figure shouting affirmations—she’s a kid who copes by burying herself in the rhythms of nature and numbers. When her world collapses, she doesn’t magically bounce back; she slowly rebuilds through small acts—planting a garden, bonding with unlikely friends, letting others care for her. The book shatters the myth that resilience means stoicism. Willow’s vulnerability is her strength; her willingness to ask for help becomes her lifeline.

The supporting characters mirror this theme. Pattie, the nail salon owner, survives by stitching together a makeshift family. Mai and Quang-ha, despite their rough edges, show resilience through loyalty. Even Dell, the hapless counselor, grows by admitting his failures. The novel suggests resilience isn’t solitary—it’s a mosaic of imperfect people leaning on each other. Willow’s genius isn’t just her intellect but her ability to see patterns in chaos, turning grief into something that, if not healed, at least blooms anew.

How Does 'Counting By 7s' Handle The Topic Of Grief?

4 Answers2025-07-01 09:56:42

In 'Counting by 7s', grief isn't just an emotion—it's a landscape Willow navigates with raw, unflinching honesty. The novel captures how grief shatters her meticulously ordered world, where numbers and routines once provided safety. Her adoptive parents' death leaves her untethered, but the story avoids melodrama, focusing instead on the quiet, messy process of rebuilding. Willow's grief isn't linear; it spirals through denial, anger, and unexpected moments of connection, like her bond with misfits like Mai and Pattie. The book's genius lies in showing how grief can coexist with growth. Willow doesn't 'move on' but learns to carry her loss while embracing new relationships. The garden she cultivates becomes a metaphor for healing—life persisting amid barren soil. Secondary characters, each grieving in their own way, reflect grief's universality. The narrative never sugarcoats pain but offers fragile hope, like Willow's dandelion breakthroughs in concrete.

The prose mirrors her psyche: fragmented yet precise, swinging between clinical observations and bursts of poetic clarity. It's a masterclass in portraying grief as both deeply personal and universally understood.

What Awards Has 'Counting By 7s' Won Or Been Nominated For?

4 Answers2025-07-01 13:24:29

'Counting by 7s' has earned a remarkable place in contemporary literature, celebrated for its emotional depth and unique protagonist. It won the 2014 E.B. White Read-Aloud Award for Middle Reader, a testament to its appeal for both young readers and educators. The book was also nominated for the Mark Twain Award and the California Young Reader Medal, highlighting its resonance with school-aged audiences. Its exploration of grief, resilience, and unconventional brilliance struck a chord, landing it on countless 'best of' lists, including the New York Public Library's 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing.

The novel’s accolades reflect its ability to blend heartache with humor, making it a standout in middle-grade fiction. While it didn’t snag major national awards like the Newbery, its grassroots popularity—through book clubs and classroom adoptions—solidified its impact. The E.B. White Award, in particular, underscores its read-aloud magic, a quality that’s rare and cherished.

How Does Willow Chance Change Throughout 'Counting By 7s'?

4 Answers2025-07-01 17:32:22

Willow Chance in 'Counting by 7s' undergoes a profound transformation from a withdrawn, socially isolated genius to someone who learns to connect with others despite her grief. Initially, she copes with her parents' death by clinging to routines and her obsession with the number seven, which gives her a sense of control. Her world is clinical, precise, and lonely—until she’s forced into a makeshift family with unlikely allies like Mai, Quang-ha, and Pattie.

Through their raw, unfiltered support, Willow slowly opens up. She discovers that vulnerability isn’t weakness but a bridge to healing. Her analytical mind begins to embrace chaos, like planting a garden in the parking lot of the motel where she temporarily lives—a metaphor for growth amid barrenness. By the end, she doesn’t just count by sevens; she counts on people, realizing that resilience isn’t about solitude but community. The book beautifully charts her shift from a solitary observer to an active participant in her own life.

Why Is 'Counting By 7s' Considered A Middle-Grade Must-Read?

4 Answers2025-07-01 02:52:06

'Counting by 7s' is a middle-grade must-read because it tackles profound themes with a delicate touch that resonates deeply with young readers. Willow Chance, the protagonist, is a 12-year-old genius who processes the world differently, making her relatable to kids who feel out of place. The story’s heart lies in her journey of loss and rebuilding—after her parents’ death, she finds an unconventional family in a motley crew of outsiders. It’s a celebration of resilience, diversity, and the idea that family isn’t always blood.

The book’s brilliance is in its simplicity. Holly Goldberg Sloan writes with warmth and humor, balancing heavy topics with moments of levity. Willow’s obsession with plants becomes a metaphor for growth and healing, subtly teaching kids about adaptation. The supporting characters—from the quirky counselor to the struggling nail salon owner—are flawed yet endearing, showing that everyone has something to offer. It’s a story that doesn’t talk down to its audience but invites them to think deeply about kindness, grief, and belonging.

What Is Counting On Grace Book About?

3 Answers2025-08-20 11:44:57

I stumbled upon 'Counting on Grace' a while back, and it left a deep impression on me. The book is set in the early 1900s and follows Grace, a 12-year-old girl working in a Vermont cotton mill. Life is tough—long hours, dangerous conditions, and the constant fear of losing fingers to the machines. Grace's story isn't just about survival; it's about her growing awareness of the injustices around her. When a photographer named Lewis Hine arrives to document child labor, Grace's courage shines. She risks everything to help expose the brutal truth. The book blends historical facts with a touching personal journey, making it both educational and emotionally gripping. I loved how it humanized a dark chapter in history through Grace's eyes.

Where Can I Buy Counting On Grace Book?

3 Answers2025-08-20 10:27:09

I recently went on a hunt for 'Counting on Grace' and found it pretty easily online. Amazon has both new and used copies, and you can often snag a good deal on the paperback version. If you prefer supporting local bookstores, check out Bookshop.org—they partner with indie shops and usually have it in stock. ThriftBooks is another great spot for affordable secondhand copies, and sometimes they even have rare editions. Libraries might carry it too if you just want to borrow. I love the feel of a physical book, but Kindle and Apple Books have digital versions if you're into e-readers. This book is such a hidden gem, so I hope you find it!

Who Is The Author Of Counting On Grace Book?

3 Answers2025-08-20 07:53:43

I remember picking up 'Counting on Grace' a few years ago and being completely absorbed by its vivid storytelling. The author, Elizabeth Winthrop, has a knack for bringing historical settings to life with such emotional depth. Her portrayal of Grace, a young mill worker in the early 1900s, stuck with me long after I finished the book. Winthrop's background in writing for both children and adults shines through in this novel, blending accessibility with rich historical detail. If you're into historical fiction, especially stories about child labor and social change, this is a must-read.

How Does Counting On Grace Book End?

3 Answers2025-08-20 16:00:44

I remember reading 'Counting on Grace' and being deeply moved by its ending. Grace, the young protagonist, finally finds her voice and courage to stand up against the harsh conditions of the mill. The story closes with her writing a letter to a photographer, revealing the truth about child labor. It’s bittersweet because while Grace takes a brave step, the reality of her situation lingers. The ending leaves you thinking about the resilience of kids like Grace and the injustices they faced. The book doesn’t tie everything up neatly, but that’s what makes it powerful—it mirrors the unresolved struggles of that era.