Books with author R. A. Nelson

One American student. One semester in England. One unexpected mystery...Studying abroad at Oxford University for a term should be adventure enough in itself, right? That's what Anna Merritt thinks - and, at first, everything seems to be living up to her safe and reasonable expectations. She has an eccentric tutor, lots of opportunities for soul-searching, and two new friends with whom to enjoy the ride. But then, her tutor tells her that one of her friends is in danger - and disappears. Suddenly, Anna finds herself launched into an international mystery, including a post-term European tour, an enigmatic bowler-hatted stranger, and an adventure far and away beyond her plans...Interview with the AuthorQ: What makes the Gatekeeper trilogy special?A: Who doesn't like a bit of adventure, particularly of the European kind? The Gatekeeper series takes the reader through adventure in every form. In the first book, adventure finds us unexpectedly; in the second, we learn the dangers of trying to manufacture adventure for ourselves; in the third, we realize that the truest and biggest adventures always turn out to be rather different than what we've planned. Q: What is the main character like?A: Anna Miranda Merritt is a girl very much like me - a likeness which is the cause of most of her woes, alas. Her unquenchable thirst for beauty and meaning leads her right into the literary, cultural arms of Oxford University, a place which captures her heart and awakens new dreams in her soul. It is this love of all things British - and, more importantly, the deep and surprising relationships she discovers in England, Ireland, and beyond- that makes her coming of age story uniquely poignant.Q: Do I have to read the books in order?A: I have an abiding devotion to order, particularly of the chronological kind. I wrote these books over a period of thirteen years, so they are a kind of authorial autobiography. Ergo, reading the trilogy in order certainly gives some insight, as you can chart the personal and artistic growth of the author along with the main character. That being said...I also have an abiding commitment to personal freedoms. Do what you will; I believe you will enjoy Anna's story in whatever sequence. :-)Q: Why should readers give this series a try?A: This is a story about beginnings, endings, and all the quietly real drama that occurs in the most ordinary of lives during these "in-between" times. For anyone who's ever found themselves, lost themselves, or is still searching, these characters have something to say. I wish you joy of the journey!Gatekeeper trilogy series eBook categories:- Young adult series- Free books- Literary series- Mystery series- Europe- Culture and geography- School and education- Coming of age- Contemporary British- Fiction - Art and architecture

Little Red Hood is a modern day twist of Little Red Riding Hood, Red's mother likes to keep her safe at home. But one day Mum gives Red the opportunity to go to her go to Grandma’s on her own - as long as she doesn’t talk to any strangers along the way. Red naively tells Mr Patel, the local friendly shopkeeper (whilst buying her Gran cakes for a treat) that her Grandma has left the door on the latch because of her arthritis, unaware that their conversation is being listened to. On her journey to Grandma’s with Buster (her dog) she meets different characters. But what happens when she gets to Grandma’s? And just who is sleeping in Grandmas bed? And most importantly who is going to come to the rescue? This book is aimed at young children aged 9+REVIEW: Usborne Publishing "Original and gripping," Kate Davies, Assistant Editor, 2006

Frances can forgive. She can even forget. But she can never escape her past. In this compelling psychological thriller from the acclaimed author of Teach Me, Frances Robinson has the perfect life: loving adoptive parents, a great best friend, and a cute new boyfriend. But Frances has a secret. Once upon a time she wasn’t Frances Robinson. She was Shine, and she lived with her three sisters and her birth mother, Afton Jelks, far out in the country. But the loneliness overtook Afton’s fragile mind, and one day she smothered her daughters, one after another. Only Frances escaped. Now Afton is out of prison. And she wants to finish what she started.

A ghostly love story from the author of Teach Me.Welcome, all ye faithful—and otherwise—to a ghost story, a romance, and a reckoning unlike anything you’ve read before. Acclaimed YA author R. A. Nelson delivers a tantalizing tale set in the environs of the evangelical revival circuit and centered around Ronald Earl, who at ten became the electrifying “boy wonder” preacher known as Little Texas. Now sixteen, though the faithful still come and roar with praise and devotion, Ronald Earl is beginning to have doubts that he is worthy of and can continue his calling. Doubts that only intensify when his faith and life are tested by a mysterious girl who he was supposed to have healed, but who is now showing up at the fringe of every stop on the circuit. Is she merely devoted, or is she haunting him? Fascinating and original, this is an unusual story whose reverb will be deeply felt and which will inspire lively book discussion.

Life couldn't get crazier for Anna Merritt...Leaving college is hard. It's even harder when half your mind and all of your heart are an ocean away. Freshly returned from her semester abroad at Oxford University, Anna Merritt is finding life at her small private college in the States almost unbearable. Between picking up old friendships, starting a new job, dealing with unexpected suitors, and pining for England, how is she supposed to discover and prepare for the next step of the crazy journey called "life"? Thank goodness she has letters from her good friend Eddie to keep her company...and a surprise visit from the enigmatic Mr. Truman, who has another mysterious mission for her to complete.Interview with the AuthorQ: What makes the Gatekeeper trilogy special?A: Who doesn't like a bit of adventure, particularly of the European kind? The Gatekeeper series takes the reader through adventure in every form. In the first book, adventure finds us unexpectedly; in the second, we learn the dangers of trying to manufacture adventure for ourselves; in the third, we realize that the truest and biggest adventures always turn out to be rather different than what we've planned. Q: What is the main character like?A: Anna Miranda Merritt is a girl very much like me - a likeness which is the cause of most of her woes, alas. Her unquenchable thirst for beauty and meaning leads her right into the literary, cultural arms of Oxford University, a place which captures her heart and awakens new dreams in her soul. It is this love of all things British - and, more importantly, the deep and surprising relationships she discovers in England, Ireland, and beyond- that makes her coming of age story uniquely poignant.Q: Do I have to read the books in order?A: I have an abiding devotion to order, particularly of the chronological kind. I wrote this series over a period of thirteen years, so they are a kind of authorial autobiography. Ergo, reading the trilogy in order certainly gives some insight, as you can chart the personal and artistic growth of the author along with the main character. That being said...I also have an abiding commitment to personal freedoms. Do what you will; I believe you will enjoy Anna's story in whatever sequence. :-)Q: Why should readers give this series a try?A: This is a story about beginnings, endings, and all the quietly real drama that occurs in the most ordinary of lives during these "in-between" times. For anyone who's ever found themselves, lost themselves, or is still searching, these characters have something to say. I wish you joy of the journey!Gatekeeper trilogy series eBook categories:- Young adult series - girl - woman- Literary series- Mystery series- Europe- Culture and geography- School and education- Coming of age- Contemporary British- Fiction - Art and architecture- Fiction - Theater - Theatre

What happens after the dream comes true?Surely this must be "happily ever after." Anna Merritt is going to live in England, she has a job with the Truman Foundation, and she is being reunited with all her old companions - even Nicholas. But when life in London turns out to be quite different from how she'd imagined it, and when Mr. Diggs turns up again with a plan to destroy what the Trumans have worked so hard to build, Anna and her friends must all reconsider the dream of "home" - and what they are willing to sacrifice for it.Interview with the AuthorQ: What makes the Gatekeeper trilogy special?A: Who doesn't like a bit of adventure, particularly of the European kind? The Gatekeeper series takes the reader through adventure in every form. In the first book, adventure finds us unexpectedly; in the second, we learn the dangers of trying to manufacture adventure for ourselves; in the third, we realize that the truest and biggest adventures always turn out to be rather different than what we've planned. Q: What is the main character like?A: Anna Miranda Merritt is a girl very much like me - a likeness which is the cause of most of her woes, alas. Her unquenchable thirst for beauty and meaning leads her right into the literary, cultural arms of Oxford University, a place which captures her heart and awakens new dreams in her soul. It is this love of all things British - and, more importantly, the deep and surprising relationships she discovers in England, Ireland, and beyond- that makes her coming of age story uniquely poignant.Q: Do I have to read the books in order?A: I have an abiding devotion to order, particularly of the chronological kind. I wrote this series over a period of thirteen years, so they are a kind of authorial autobiography. Ergo, reading the trilogy in order certainly gives some insight, as you can chart the personal and artistic growth of the author along with the main character. That being said...I also have an abiding commitment to personal freedoms. Do what you will; I believe you will enjoy Anna's story in whatever sequence. :-)Q: Why should readers give this book series a try?A: This is a story about beginnings, endings, and all the quietly real drama that occurs in the most ordinary of lives during these "in-between" times. For anyone who's ever found themselves, lost themselves, or is still searching, these characters have something to say. I wish you joy of the journey!Gatekeeper trilogy series eBook categories:- Young adult book series - girl - woman- Literary series- Mystery series- Europe- Culture and geography- School and education- Coming of age- Contemporary British- Fiction - Art and architecture

Teach Me invites readers inside an experience that fascinates everyone—an affair between a teacher and student—and gives an up-close-and-personal answer to the question: How does this happen? The hardcover edition of Teach Me was a Booksense Fall 2006 Kid’s Pick, a TeenReads.com Best Book of 2005, and a selection for the 2006 NYPL Books for the Teen Age.

Frances can forgive. She can even forget. But she can never escape her past. . . .In this compelling psychological thriller from the acclaimed author of Teach Me, Frances Robinson has the perfect life: loving adoptive parents, a great best friend, and a cute new boyfriend. But Frances has a secret.Once upon a time she wasn’t Frances Robinson. She was Shine, and she lived with her three sisters and her birth mother, Afton Jelks, far out in the country. But the loneliness overtook Afton’s fragile mind, and one day she smothered her daughters, one after another. Only Frances escaped.Now Afton is out of prison. And she wants to finish what she started. . . .