Essential Reads

When a child mysteriously disappears from a small town and even his mother seems indifferent, it’s time for the new sheriff to step in. Meet Chris Baker, the new sheriff of the quiet Adirondack town of Clifton Heights. As one inexplicable case after another forces him to confront the townsfolk in The Skylark Diner, it’s the furtive Gavin Patchett that hands Chris a collection of not-so-fictional short stories that tumbles him into a world of monsters, ageless demons, and vengeful citizens. As Chris reads through the stories the veil starts to lift, and he soon questions what is real and what’s not, and whether he really wants to know. Nothing will ever be the same again. ©️ Crystal Lake Publishing

Amanda had a miserable life two years ago, whilst everyone else had their happily ever afters. However, she was assaulted by an alpha wolf shifter and a monster. Years of abuse had broken her, but she was eventually set free. She met three men with dark secrets and broken souls, expecting they would shield her from the past. However, she realized Darius' wickedness is beyond understanding and that revenge is more essential than saving her. She has lost many bits of herself and is now working to save others because she believes she is not broken. The time has come for her monster to die. Would she get the revenge she seeks?

At six in the evening, Allen Bennett prepared a perfect dinner, with each dish carefully chosen to match Sarah Foster's preferences. By seven, he had run her bath, adding lavender essential oils and rose petals to the warm water, filling the bathroom with a calming fragrance. By eight, he placed her comfortable slippers by the entrance, awaiting her return. At nine, the front door finally opened. Sarah walked in, and Allen immediately went to greet her. With practiced grace, he helped her out of her coat and placed her slippers before her feet, then hung the coat in the entryway closet. Turning to her with a gentle smile, he asked, "Would you prefer to have your bath first or would you like to eat?"

Olivia has spent her entire life in Bremia avoiding the war and dreaming of a life away from conflict. She reads of times when fighting is not commonplace and wars not a constant. The country of Bremia has been plagued with war for decades with no peace in sight. One day, she finds herself in the midst of an attack with bullets flying and explosions crumbling the walls of the city. In a desperate attempt to save her sister from an oncoming attack, she throws herself at the mercy of the warrior. She finds herself staring at a man whose very existence will change her fate forever. Will the forces of evil keep them apart, or will the forbidden love find a way?

Let down by a man she loves for five years, Isabella Crawford walks away from the marriage, clinging to what is left of her shattered self. However, she returns four years later for an essential part of her artistry life. Vowing to make him pay. Alaric Wolfe has always felt no emotions and didn’t know what it means to love someone. Until he comes home one day and finds it empty. Now, he is ready to do anything to be a better version of himself. But will he ever be able to win her back? Especially now that he finds out he is the reason their baby died years ago.

When Lena's wolf doesn't show up on her first shift, her life falls apart. She is left broken and alone after being rejected by her mate and held responsible for her family's bad luck. However, when rumors of an ancient curse start to spread, Lena embarks on a dangerous journey to lift the curse, regain her position, and discover her real strength. In a world where power is essential, she needs to depend on a mysterious and intimidating Alpha named Kaden, who controls her destiny. As a team, they will confront dangerous foes, deceit, and their own inner demons. But Lena must decide: will she trust the man who could save her, or will she fall into the danger her curse threatens to create?

I'm an heiress who's been bound to a gossip system. Everyone reads my mind on my first day back home after being reunited with my family. "Mom sure has done a good job of maintaining her beauty. It's no wonder she became an OnlyFans streamer after divorcing Dad." My mother is about to berate me for something, but she pales and stops when she hears my thoughts. I glance at the fake heiress, who's weeping pitifully. "My, she's pregnant. Is it John's or Zach's?" My two brothers exchange odd looks. Then, my father arrives. I cluck my tongue. "Oh, it's Dad's."

On New Year's Eve, I prepare a feast. The clock strikes twelve, but my husband, Vincent Porter, still isn't home. My daughter, Lorelei Porter, tugs at my sleeve and holds up my phone. "Look Mommy, Daddy is at this lady's house!" Vincent has posted an update on Twitter. He is with Christine Snow, his childhood sweetheart. They are smiling at the camera, with a boy who looks about ten standing between them. In front of them sits a swan-shaped cake. The caption reads, "The most special day for the most special you." My heart sinks into my stomach. A marriage that came later in life can never compete with a pair of childhood sweethearts. I accept defeat.

The story follows Queen Sekina, a powerful queen who rules over the Awima kingdom. Despite being feared by her enemies, she is well-liked by her people. However, her enemies are always trying to bring her down. One day, the Queen meets Lucy, a beautiful maid who catches her eye. The two women fall in love, but Lucy is not who she seems to be. In reality, she is a princess who has disguised herself as a maid to steal the Queen's magical mirror. This mirror is essential for unlocking the spirit of their warlord back to life in her kingdom. The Queen's trust in Lucy leads to her downfall when Lucy steals the magical mirror. Now, the Queen must fight back with strategy to regain her possession and protect her kingdom from her enemies.

Emily Harlow never agreed to be sold on national television, until her mother signed her up for The Marriage Lottery, a ruthless show pairing society’s “undesirable” women with husbands willing to take them. Alone, in a torn gown, under blinding lights and a nation laughing, Emily opens her only offer and reads the name aloud. Damien William Hardy. The audience erupts in disbelief. A joke, they say. A mistake. Because what would a man like him ever want with a leftover woman? Damien Hardy did not choose Emily Harlow. Her presence is an intrusion into his plans, his reputation, his bloodline. He will break her, piece by piece, until he uncovers the secret she’s hiding. And yet… against all odds, she has claimed the most eligible man in the country. But can she keep him?