Book excerpt: The warmth of the summer touches three acclaimed novels full of romance, intrigue, and heart—from beloved authors Anne Tyler, Monica McInerney, and Maeve Binchy. This amazing eBook collection is the perfect companion, whether you’re spending the day at the beach or a quiet evening in your own backyard. BREATHING LESSONS Anne Tyler Winner of the Pulitzer Prize “A wonderful novel, glowing with the insight and compassion of an artist’s touch.”—The Boston Globe Maggie and Ira Moran have been married for twenty-eight years—and it shows: in their quarrels, in their routines, in their ability to tolerate with affection each other’s eccentricities. Maggie is a kooky, lovable optimist who wants nothing more than to fix her son’s broken marriage, while Ira is infuriatingly practical. When what begins as a day trip to a funeral becomes an adventure in the unexpected, Maggie and Ira must navigate the riotous twists and turns. Together they rediscover the magic of the road called life and the joy of having somebody to share the ride with, bumps and all. THE ALPHABET SISTERS Monica McInerney “Charm, laughter, and tears . . . a delightful story that shows how quarrels can be solved with love and loyalty.”—Woman’s Day As girls growing up in the Clare Valley, Australia, Anna, Bett, and Carrie Quinlan were childhood singing stars known as the Alphabet Sisters. As adults, though, the women haven’t spoken in years—ever since Bett’s fiancé deserted her to marry the younger Carrie. But now their flamboyant grandmother Lola is turning eighty, and she is determined to reunite the girls for a blowout bash. And no one ever says no to Lola. The women’s short visit becomes a much longer commitment when an unexpected turn of events changes everything in ways none of them could ever have imagined. FIREFLY SUMMER Maeve Binchy “The best Binchy yet.”—The New York Times Book Review Kate Ryan and her husband, John, have a rollicking pub in the Irish village of Mountfern, four lovely children, and such wonderful dreams. Then American millionaire Patrick O’Neill comes to town to build a grand hotel, with its promise of wealth and change. As love and hate vie for a town’s quiet heart, loyalties are challenged, jealousies ignited, and old traditions begin to crumble away.