Brenda Murphy

A new preface covers Mamet's most recent plays and nonfiction writingUnderstanding David Mamet analyzes the broad range of David Mamet's plays and places them in the context of his career as a prolific writer of fiction and nonfiction prose, as well as drama. In addition to playwriting and directing for the theater, Mamet also writes, directs, and produces for film and television, and he writes essays, fiction, poetry, and even children's books. Author Brenda Murphy centers her discussion around Mamet's most significant plays—Glengarry Glen Ross, Oleanna, American Buffalo, Speed-the-Plow, The Cryptogram, Sexual Perversity in Chicago, Edmond, The Woods, Lakeboat, Boston Marriage, and The Duck Variations—as well as his three novels—The Village, The Old Religion, and Wilson. Murphy also notes how Mamet's one-act and less known plays provide important context for the major plays and help to give a fuller sense of the scope of his art. In her new preface, Murphy provides an overview of Mamet's plays, fiction, and essays in the 2010s and the continued move to the right in his political and cultural thinking.

Analyses the broad range of David Mamet's plays and places them in the context of his career as a prolific writer of fiction and non-fiction prose as well as drama. In this insightful survey of Mamet's body of work, Brenda Murphy explores the broad range of his writing for the theatre and introduces readers to Mamet's major writing in other literary genres as well as some of his neglected pieces.

Fire Investigator and legendary stud about town Mel Michaels is not looking for love. Raising her niece, Nicole, after her sister's death is her full-time job. Who needs a potential heartbreak when Mel's natural charm and swagger has opened every bedroom door she's ever knocked on?Music teacher Sofia Ortega has spent the last three years putting her life back together after a bitter breakup. Back in her hometown she is content with her life and sworn off relationships. After their chance encounter ends in a torrid one-night stand, both women are forced to choose, protect their hearts or take a chance?

Fire Investigator and legendary stud about town Mel Michaels is not looking for love. Raising her niece, Nicole, after her sister's death is her full-time job. Who needs a potential heartbreak when Mel's natural charm and swagger has opened every bedroom door she's ever knocked on?Music teacher Sofia Ortega has spent the last three years putting her life back together after a bitter breakup. Back in her hometown she is content with her life and sworn off relationships. After their chance encounter ends in a torrid one-night stand, both women are forced to choose, protect their hearts or take a chance?

Celebrity lookalike escort Astrid Lepler is tired of running. When an old friend invites her to apply for a role at Rowan House, she travels to Scotland to show off her skills as a purveyor of fantasy and in-demand Mistress in hopes of securing a position.Long time Rowan House employee Benita Azevedo would do anything for Tessa Morgan, the woman who warms her bed and fills her soul like no other, even if she has to shatter her heart to secure Tessa's happiness.Tessa has worked hard to put her past behind her and make a place for herself at Rowan House. Respected by her peers, desired by clients, surrounded by friends with all the benefits, she has everything she has ever wanted.It all comes crashing down when Astrid arrives at Rowan House. Faced with their undeniable attraction to each other, Tessa and Astrid rekindle their past romance. When the Widow threatens to end Astrid and Rowan House for good, it will take everything Tessa and Astrid have to save Rowan House and keep their love alive, but will it be enough?

When Light Breaks Through takes us beyond the witch trials to tell a riveting, expansive story of what happened in Salem Village. In 1692, twelve-year-old Ann Putnam becomes notorious as a ringleader of the "afflicted children" whose accusations of witchcraft against the people of Massachusetts and Maine lead to twenty executions and untold misery. Five years later, Joseph Green, a young schoolteacher who is in love and eager to marry, takes on the ministry of Salem Village that no one else wants and sets about mending the bitter discord in the church and the village that the witch trials have intensified. As Joseph marries Elizabeth and they enter the life of the village, he gradually earns the respect and trust of his congregation, eventually taking some dramatic actions that move the people to confront their future together as a community. Nine years after Joseph's arrival, Ann asks his help, seeking forgiveness and the chance to become part of the community that has shunned her since the devastating effects of her actions during the witch trials. Together, they delve into the darkness of her past, uncovering startling truths about her family and her childhood motivations. Standing before the neighbors whose loved ones she has sent to jail or to their deaths, she makes an appeal that could finally unite the people in forgiveness. The compelling narrative takes us from what begin as adolescent games invented by Ann's friend Abigail Williams, the other ringleader in the witch trials, to the intense, often shocking drama of the trials themselves, and to the small farming village in 17th-century Massachusetts where Joseph pursues his quest to unite a bitterly divided people.When Light Breaks Through is a fact-based historical novel. Its characters are based on real people. Its account of the witch trials and the public events surrounding them is grounded in public documents and historical research.

When Light Breaks Through takes us beyond the witch trials to tell a riveting, expansive story of what happened in Salem Village. In 1692, twelve-year-old Ann Putnam becomes notorious as a ringleader of the "afflicted children" whose accusations of witchcraft against the people of Massachusetts and Maine lead to twenty executions and untold misery. Five years later, Joseph Green, a young schoolteacher who is in love and eager to marry, takes on the ministry of Salem Village that no one else wants and sets about mending the bitter discord in the church and the village that the witch trials have intensified. As Joseph marries Elizabeth and they enter the life of the village, he gradually earns the respect and trust of his congregation, eventually taking some dramatic actions that move the people to confront their future together as a community. Nine years after Joseph's arrival, Ann asks his help, seeking forgiveness and the chance to become part of the community that has shunned her since the devastating effects of her actions during the witch trials. Together, they delve into the darkness of her past, uncovering startling truths about her family and her childhood motivations. Standing before the neighbors whose loved ones she has sent to jail or to their deaths, she makes an appeal that could finally unite the people in forgiveness. The compelling narrative takes us from what begin as adolescent games invented by Ann's friend Abigail Williams, the other ringleader in the witch trials, to the intense, often shocking drama of the trials themselves, and to the small farming village in 17th-century Massachusetts where Joseph Green pursues his quest to unite a bitterly divided people.When Light Breaks Through is a fact-based historical novel. Its characters are based on real people. Its account of the witch trials and the public events surrounding them is grounded in public documents and historical research.

Healing from the Inside Out. Against all odds, Brenda Murphy did the unexpected when she recovered from a devastating propane explosion. Through hard work, determination and practical strategies, Brenda reveals the power of healing from the inside out. Brenda is a passionate individual who lives the values she cherishes everyday and when she speaks she engages people in a very personal and profound way. J.Scongack, VP. Bruce Power

In life, we often find ourselves in situations of intrusion that test our faith in God and mankind. How do we deal with such intrusions? Popular speaker and author, Brenda Murphy, departs from her normal teaching style of writing and dives into a fictional account of a successful, young Meredith who must learn to trust her faith in God instead of constantly listening to the fear inside-a fear that often leaves her second guessing herself. Will she learn all God has for her, or end up missing His best for her life because of a lack of trust in Him and particularly in one man?

After a string of failed relationships, brilliant litigator Eunice Park is determined to stay single. Who needs distractions when you're trying to make partner at Chicago's most prestigious law firm? A Sunday afternoon visit from the police is the beginning of a series of events that turn Eun's life upside down, and she's forced to return to her hometown and confront her estranged family.Morgan Wright, locksmith and part-time animal shelter volunteer, is convinced the perfect woman exists, just not for her. After a chance encounter with Eun, Morgan becomes embroiled in Eun's family drama.Charmed by Morgan's easy swagger, Eun invites her back to her hotel room. Bone-melting sex and a surprisingly soulful connection leaves Eun questioning her return to Chicago. But not everyone in Sikesville is happy Eun has returned.

A mistress, a werewolf, a screenwriter and a shapeshifter walk into your heart in these two sexy paranormal stories of love and redemption.Shifting FlamesShunned screenwriter Eve Perez has something to prove. Shut out of the industry after a scandal, she's ready to do whatever it takes to climb back to the top, even if it means working with notoriously difficult author Celeste Quon.Reclusive best-selling author Celeste Quon is adored by a generation of fans, but would they love her if they knew her truth? Under pressure from her fans, Celeste agrees to bring her best-selling novel to the screen but on her terms.After a freak spring snowstorm strands Eve at Celeste's home she discovers Celeste's incredible secret. Amid their fiery attraction should she let their relationship burn out, or surrender to the flames of their desire?The Fire InsideFor Clara, crafting pain into pleasure is her job. For Selena, it's her salvation. When submissive Selena hires Clara as her Domina, it seems like the best of business arrangements. But when their emotions infiltrate what was meant to be only professional, both women are rocked by the possibilities that their relationship might be changing into something... more.Selena has given her submission to Clara for months, but faced with the idea of giving her heart, she runs. Loving Clara means revealing her secret, the one that sent her seeking pain in the first place, and it's a risk Selena can't take.Clara, confused and terrified by the glimpse she had of Selena's true self, can't keep herself from wanting more. And, as Selena's Miss, she's not afraid to demand she be given the chance to take it. Snowed in at Clara's mountain cabin, the women must face the truth about themselves and about each other.Can true love grow from a business relationship, and can it conquer even the darkest of fears?

Elaine MacLeod, the most feared and revered Mistress of Rowan House, is frustrated. Overworked, still hurt and angry over the departure of her long-term lover, she refuses to admit Rowan House needs another Mistress to accommodate their guests. Unconvinced anyone will be able to meet her high standards, Elaine grudgingly agrees to audition the sole applicant, Petra Grendhal.Robin Broadacre would do anything for the woman who rescued her from certain death at the hands of her previous employers. When she volunteers to assist Petra with her audition, Elaine is forced to reckon with her desire for Robin. Drawn to Petra's fiery strength and icy demeanor as well Robin's devotion, Elaine finds herself torn between her passion for both women. When Petra disappears on a trip to Oslo, Elaine and Robin's search leads them to menaces from Robin's past and a fight for their lives.

Sick of living in her parents' basement and encountering her ex-girlfriend on a regular basis, former graduate student Veronica Fletcher signs on to manage the stable for Rowan House, Skye's most exclusive resort for women. After arriving at Rowan house Veronica's vow to remain celibate is tested when she meets Millie Reid.Sexy, sweet, and funny, Millie is the woman of Veronica's dreams. Or is she? When Millie's past threatens their future together, Veronica is faced with a choice she doesn't want to make. The butterfly effect has never been more personal.

Do you long for a personal, intimate relationship with God and fresh purpose in life? Join author Brenda Murphy on a treasure hunt to seek first the Kingdom of God and His express will for a vibrant, purposeful life. Discover how every day is a glorious fresh gift from God, a new opportunity to discover how to live with deeper meaning. Through the trials of life, we can find greater purpose and use those trials to strengthen our ability to trust God and move forward in life. Journey with Brenda as she shares from her own life experiences. Step out in fresh courage and understanding as you journey forward and Living in Purpose.A great addition to this author's other books, don't miss this newest offering.

For the twenty years of her acting career, Carlotta Monterey was counted among the most beautiful women in America. Beginning life in 1888 as Hazel Tharsing, the daughter of a California fruit farmer, she grew up determined to matter in the world. At seventeen, she left Oakland to study acting in London. She married a British aristocrat and divorced him three years later to go back on the stage. After a liaison with a wealthy banker and marriages to the twenty-year-old son of her mother's lover in San Francisco and to a famous artist in New York, she married America's greatest playwright, Eugene O'Neill, a stormy union that endured until his death. In each part of her life, Hazel reinvented herself to pursue a new ambition. Intensely shy, she learned to meet the world in the character of the actress Carlotta Monterey, by far her greatest acting role. Becoming Carlotta is a biographical novel, an imagined narrative built on a base of facts with the goal of understanding Hazel Tharsing and what it meant for her to live her fascinating life as Carlotta Monterey. Along the way, it takes us to the cities and the back country of the Old West, to Edwardian London and an English country-house life reminiscent of Downton Abbey's, to the Broadway theater in its golden age and the tough reality of the actor's life on the road, and to bohemian Greenwich Village and Manhattan's arty Smart Set in the 1920s. Through it all, Carlotta is an outsized presence, inventing endless new faces to meet the challenges that life throws her way and turning from every defeat and disillusionment to look ahead with newfound energy and determination.

Martha McLeod, Head Mistress of Rowan House, Skye's most exclusive pleasure house, is heartbroken.Frustrated and lonely after a bitter split with her lover, she departs Rowan House for Lake Como, Italy to seek solace at the feet of Madam Givernay, keeper of Martha's deepest secret. Lake Como and Madam's attention is the perfect balm for Martha's broken heart, until she meets Mistress Lucia Coruso.Captivated by Lucia's regal elegance and cool demeanor, Martha is torn between her desire for Lucia and the fear her secret will be revealed. When an extortionist threatens to destroy Rowan House, Martha and Lucia must join forces to save it.