Open Road Integrated Media, Inc. – förlag

Competitive duck painting ';borders on... obsession,' making this book about the Federal Duck Stamp Contest ';a surprisingly compelling read' (Los Angeles Times). The basis for the documentary film, The Million Dollar Duck, Martin J. Smith's The Wild Duck Chase reveals the peculiar world of the only juried art competition run by the US government. Hatched during the Great Depression, the Federal Duck Stamp Program requires hunters to buy stamps to validate a hunting license, with proceeds going toward wetland conservation. Though the first stamps were designed by noted wildlife artists, a contest for new illustrators opened to the public in 1949. Over the years, the competition has attracted artists from across the nation and the stamp has generated more than $1 billion to purchase or lease more than 6 million acres of waterfowl habitat in the United States. Smith takes readers behind the scenes of the contest to discover personalities like the Hautman brothers of Minnesota, painters with a success record that rivals that of the New York Yankees. Smith additionally probes the intense debate between rural hunters and the urban conservationists who condemn shooting wildlife for sport. There's also the high-stakes drama between the artists competing and the judges who decide which work will be awarded the honor of appearing on the coveted, collectible stamp. A front row seat to an arcane realm where talent, environmental activism, and migratory waterfowl come together to create big money and not a few controversies, The Wild Duck Chase gives this fascinating, little-known piece of Americana its due. ';Smartly written, wonderful.... Highly recommended!' Douglas Brinkley, author of Wilderness Warrior: Theodore Roosevelt and the Crusade for America

An Irish couple's troubled marriage finds life support on the streets of Paris in this moving novel from the author of The Bridge to Always-"A story of love, loss and redemption in one of the world's most iconic cities" (Sheila Flanagan).

"[This will] squeeze your heart.... You really will be hoping for happy endings. You'll care." -Peterborough Telegraph (UK)

"Frankly, it is wonderful." -Martin Sheen

Claire and Ronan MacNamara have had a lousy year and are struggling to keep it together. When Ronan suggests a last-minute romantic weekend getaway in Paris, Claire reluctantly agrees. How could a few days in Paris save their marriage?

Of course, Claire and Ronan aren't the only troubled visitors in the City of Love. Harry is a big-shot Hollywood film director, coping with regret over an ill-lived life. Dan is a Boston student who must choose between love and duty. Yeva is a teenage Ukrainian refugee eager to protect her little sister at all costs. And Mireille is an elderly widow from Dijon bravely looking toward her future.

As their lives briefly intersect at points throughout the city, something extraordinary is set in motion...

"It's not only an entertaining read, it makes you think about issues, including loss, grief, and what we believe is most important in our lives. But what is most memorable and admirable is the novel's clever plot." -The Irish Examiner

"A fresh new voice in Irish fiction, a story peopled with original and well-drawn characters and imbued with a delightful Parisienne flavor." -Roisin Meaney, author of Life Before Us

"A vividly written confection which transports you to a weekend in Paris." -Dymphna Flynn

A chaotic single mom and her quiet daughter shake things up in a small Irish town in this "heartfelt tale, told with great warmth and confidence," from the author of Last Chance in Paris (Roisin Meaney).

"[Marron's] keen eye for human nature and the warmth of her storytelling evoke Maeve Binchy while establishing her own distinct voice. I loved this book." -Fiona Scarlett, author of Boys Don't Cry

Maeve Gaffney has moved from Dublin to the small West Cork town of Drohid for a good reason. Her mother kept the identity of Maeve's father hidden, a secret she took to the grave. Maeve isn't about to do that to her own daughter, nine-year-old Emer. She wants Emer to know her father. But their arrival in quiet Drohid unleashes a startling chain of events that no one could have predicted...

Tim hasn't seen or heard from Maeve in years. Suddenly learning about Emer's existence is a shock-especially since he's now a pillar of the community with a wife and two children. But the chance to rekindle an old flame with her mother is very tempting.

For lonely landowner Agnes, Maeve and Emer's arrival gives her a chance to breathe easy by making money... and new friends.

For Malachi, a farmer of few words but deep emotions, their arrival is... complicated.

For quiet and observant Emer, coming to Drohid is about growing up and finding a voice... and maybe getting to see her mother happy.

"I loved The Bridge to Always.... At the book's heart is a love story, but not the one I was expecting; something richer, sweeter and entirely compelling." -Emily Hourican, author of The Glorious Guinness Girls

"A compelling story of life, love and what really matters." -Sheila O'Flanagan, author of The Honeymoon Affair

"Beautifully drawn characters, sharp dialogue and astutely observed small town machinations-Lynda Marron is an exhilarating new voice in women's fiction." -Fiona O'Brien, author of The Houseshare

"A good story, well written is rarer than you might expect. Marron's sophomore novel... is exactly that.... The ease and readability of the novel is a credit to the author. This is a complex, compelling, character-driven story ..." -Brigid O'Dea, The Irish Times

Beekeeping and a handsome scientist make a directionless dance teacher come alive in this Tasmanian-set rom-com debut-"A romance as sweet as honey.... A page-turning, tender and funny story" (Steph Vizard, author of The Love Contract).

"A book that weaves together everything from love and lust through to family and friendship into a story that's familiar and entertaining, light yet deep. I couldn't put it down." -Hannah Moloney, author of Good Life Growing

Thirty-three and single, Sunny Moritz is drifting like a tumbleweed. That's what her frustrated parents say, and after a series of random jobs and a string of tedious romances with all the wrong men, Sunny is beginning to agree with them. Although her former high school crush, orthopedic surgeon Adam Harrison, is satisfying all her physical needs (without any pesky emotional requirements), the rest of her life remains disappointing. Something needs to change.

That's when an Internet rabbit hole leads her to beekeeping. Next thing Sunny knows, an odd, enigmatic, and ruggedly sexy scientist is assembling a hive in her backyard. Al can teach her everything she needs to know about bees-and maybe a little about herself, too.

As Sunny's desire for fulfillment grows, she begins to think there may still be a chance to reconnect with her parents and start dancing again. And perhaps, if she can shed her cynicism, Sunny just might stop drifting, take root, and finally bloom.

A perfect choice for fans of Beth O'Leary and Ali Hazelwood

"This bittersweet rom-com pulses with music, friendship and love." -Katie McMahon, author of The Mistake

"A laugh-out-loud funny debut that's both sexy and heartfelt. A real winner!" -Maya Linnell, author of Wallaby Lane