Last Duke Standing

Last Duke Standing

Author: Julia London

Publisher: Center Point

Published: 2022-05

Total Pages: 500

ISBN-13: 9781638083016

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Charming. Cheeky. Cunning. When Crown Princess Justine of Wesloria is sent to England to learn the ropes of royalty, she falls under the tutelage of none other than Queen Victoria herself. Justine's also in the market for a proper husband -- one fit to marry the future queen of Wesloria.


Book Synopsis Last Duke Standing by : Julia London

Download or read book Last Duke Standing written by Julia London and published by Center Point. This book was released on 2022-05 with total page 500 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Charming. Cheeky. Cunning. When Crown Princess Justine of Wesloria is sent to England to learn the ropes of royalty, she falls under the tutelage of none other than Queen Victoria herself. Justine's also in the market for a proper husband -- one fit to marry the future queen of Wesloria.


Last Standing Woman

Last Standing Woman

Author: Winona LaDuke

Publisher: Portage & Main Press

Published: 2023-05-25

Total Pages: 372

ISBN-13: 1774920530

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Born at the turn of the 21st century, The Storyteller, also known as Ishkwegaabawiikwe (Last Standing Woman), carries her people’s past within her memories. The White Earth Anishinaabe people have lived on the same land for over a thousand years. Among the towering white pines and rolling hills, the people of each generation are born, live out their lives, and are buried. The arrival of European missionaries changes the community forever. Government policies begin to rob the people of their land, piece by piece. Missionaries and Indian agents work to outlaw ceremonies the Anishinaabeg have practised for centuries. Grave-robbing anthropologists dig up ancestors and whisk them away to museums as artifacts. Logging operations destroy traditional sources of food, pushing the White Earth people to the brink of starvation. Battling addiction, violence, and corruption, each member of White Earth must find their own path of resistance as they struggle to reclaim stewardship of their land, bring their ancestors home, and stay connected to their culture and to each other. In this highly anticipated 25th anniversary edition of her debut novel, Winona LaDuke weaves a nonlinear narrative of struggle and triumph, resistance and resilience, spanning seven generations from the 1800s to the early 2000s.


Book Synopsis Last Standing Woman by : Winona LaDuke

Download or read book Last Standing Woman written by Winona LaDuke and published by Portage & Main Press. This book was released on 2023-05-25 with total page 372 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Born at the turn of the 21st century, The Storyteller, also known as Ishkwegaabawiikwe (Last Standing Woman), carries her people’s past within her memories. The White Earth Anishinaabe people have lived on the same land for over a thousand years. Among the towering white pines and rolling hills, the people of each generation are born, live out their lives, and are buried. The arrival of European missionaries changes the community forever. Government policies begin to rob the people of their land, piece by piece. Missionaries and Indian agents work to outlaw ceremonies the Anishinaabeg have practised for centuries. Grave-robbing anthropologists dig up ancestors and whisk them away to museums as artifacts. Logging operations destroy traditional sources of food, pushing the White Earth people to the brink of starvation. Battling addiction, violence, and corruption, each member of White Earth must find their own path of resistance as they struggle to reclaim stewardship of their land, bring their ancestors home, and stay connected to their culture and to each other. In this highly anticipated 25th anniversary edition of her debut novel, Winona LaDuke weaves a nonlinear narrative of struggle and triumph, resistance and resilience, spanning seven generations from the 1800s to the early 2000s.


Never Deny a Duke

Never Deny a Duke

Author: Madeline Hunter

Publisher: Zebra Books

Published: 2019-04-30

Total Pages: 293

ISBN-13: 1420143956

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

From New York Times bestselling author Madeline Hunter comes the fabulous finale in her Decadent Dukes Society trilogy about three untamable dukes and the strong, alluring women who ignite their decadent desires. A woman seeks to reclaim the land she believes was unfairly stripped from her family by the Duke who now refuses to return the land to her. A classic and witty battle of wills ensues as only Madeline Hunter can deliver. HE IS THE LAST DUKE STANDING . . . the sole remaining bachelor of the three self-proclaimed Decadent Dukes. Yet Davina MacCallum’s reasons for searching out the handsome Duke of Brentworth have nothing to do with marriage. Scottish lands were unfairly confiscated from her family by the Crown and given to his. A reasonable man with vast holdings can surely part with one trivial estate, especially when Davina intends to put it to good use. Brentworth, however, is as difficult to persuade as he is to resist. The Duke of Brentworth’s discretion and steely control make him an enigma even to his best friends. Women especially find him inscrutable and unapproachable—but also compellingly magnetic. So when Davina MacCallum shows no signs of being even mildly impressed by him, he is intrigued. Until he learns that her mission in London involves claims against his estate. Soon the two of them are engaged in a contest that allows no compromise. When duty and desire collide, the best laid plans are about to take a scandalous turn—into the very heart of passion . . . Madeline Hunter’s novels are: “Brilliant, compelling. . . . An excellent read.” —The Washington Post “Mesmerizing.” —Publishers Weekly “Pure passion.” —Booklist


Book Synopsis Never Deny a Duke by : Madeline Hunter

Download or read book Never Deny a Duke written by Madeline Hunter and published by Zebra Books. This book was released on 2019-04-30 with total page 293 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: From New York Times bestselling author Madeline Hunter comes the fabulous finale in her Decadent Dukes Society trilogy about three untamable dukes and the strong, alluring women who ignite their decadent desires. A woman seeks to reclaim the land she believes was unfairly stripped from her family by the Duke who now refuses to return the land to her. A classic and witty battle of wills ensues as only Madeline Hunter can deliver. HE IS THE LAST DUKE STANDING . . . the sole remaining bachelor of the three self-proclaimed Decadent Dukes. Yet Davina MacCallum’s reasons for searching out the handsome Duke of Brentworth have nothing to do with marriage. Scottish lands were unfairly confiscated from her family by the Crown and given to his. A reasonable man with vast holdings can surely part with one trivial estate, especially when Davina intends to put it to good use. Brentworth, however, is as difficult to persuade as he is to resist. The Duke of Brentworth’s discretion and steely control make him an enigma even to his best friends. Women especially find him inscrutable and unapproachable—but also compellingly magnetic. So when Davina MacCallum shows no signs of being even mildly impressed by him, he is intrigued. Until he learns that her mission in London involves claims against his estate. Soon the two of them are engaged in a contest that allows no compromise. When duty and desire collide, the best laid plans are about to take a scandalous turn—into the very heart of passion . . . Madeline Hunter’s novels are: “Brilliant, compelling. . . . An excellent read.” —The Washington Post “Mesmerizing.” —Publishers Weekly “Pure passion.” —Booklist


Last Duke Standing

Last Duke Standing

Author: Cheryl Bolen

Publisher: Harper & Appleton

Published: 2019-01-15

Total Pages: 249

ISBN-13: 1950000001

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

A Crowned Heart from InD' Tale Magazine "A wonderful mystery tale in the vein of Agatha Christie. Ms. Bolen does a masterful job creating suspects, then cleverly entwining their motives to keep her readers guessing whodunit. . .A lovingly crafted historical novel with a deeply satisfying mystery!" -- InD' Tale "An exquisitely written historical romantic suspense with very appealing characters" -- Fresh Fiction "This book really ticked all the boxes for me and it gripped me from start to finish. " -- Dragonrose Books Galore "Cheryl Bolen spins a delightful tale of mystery, politics, and (of course) romance " -- IN PRINT *** As the third son of the Duke of Fordham, Alex never thought he'd become a duke. But he's suddenly catapulted to the lofty title after his slightly older brother dies in his sleep. Now Alex has the onerous task of announcing the death to the woman his brother was to wed. Ever pragmatic, Lady Georgiana Fenton insists on seeing the late duke's body, and when she does, she's convinced he was smothered as he slept. She and the new duke decide to secretly work together to uncover the murderer. But the longer they're together, the harder it becomes to resist the duke's scorching kisses--and even harder to dismiss him from the list of suspects. No one had more to gain by her fiancé's death. . .


Book Synopsis Last Duke Standing by : Cheryl Bolen

Download or read book Last Duke Standing written by Cheryl Bolen and published by Harper & Appleton. This book was released on 2019-01-15 with total page 249 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A Crowned Heart from InD' Tale Magazine "A wonderful mystery tale in the vein of Agatha Christie. Ms. Bolen does a masterful job creating suspects, then cleverly entwining their motives to keep her readers guessing whodunit. . .A lovingly crafted historical novel with a deeply satisfying mystery!" -- InD' Tale "An exquisitely written historical romantic suspense with very appealing characters" -- Fresh Fiction "This book really ticked all the boxes for me and it gripped me from start to finish. " -- Dragonrose Books Galore "Cheryl Bolen spins a delightful tale of mystery, politics, and (of course) romance " -- IN PRINT *** As the third son of the Duke of Fordham, Alex never thought he'd become a duke. But he's suddenly catapulted to the lofty title after his slightly older brother dies in his sleep. Now Alex has the onerous task of announcing the death to the woman his brother was to wed. Ever pragmatic, Lady Georgiana Fenton insists on seeing the late duke's body, and when she does, she's convinced he was smothered as he slept. She and the new duke decide to secretly work together to uncover the murderer. But the longer they're together, the harder it becomes to resist the duke's scorching kisses--and even harder to dismiss him from the list of suspects. No one had more to gain by her fiancé's death. . .


To Be A Water Protector

To Be A Water Protector

Author: Winona LaDuke

Publisher: Fernwood Publishing

Published: 2020-12-01T00:00:00Z

Total Pages: 291

ISBN-13: 177363268X

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Winona LaDuke is a leader in cultural-based sustainable development strategies, renewable energy, sustainable food systems and Indigenous rights. Her new book, To Be a Water Protector: Rise of the Wiindigoo Slayers, is an expansive, provocative engagement with issues that have been central to her many years of activism. LaDuke honours Mother Earth and her teachings while detailing global, Indigenous-led opposition to the enslavement and exploitation of the land and water. She discusses several elements of a New Green Economy and outlines the lessons we can take from activists outside the US and Canada. In her unique way of storytelling, Winona LaDuke is inspiring, always a teacher and an utterly fearless activist, writer and speaker. Winona LaDuke is an Anishinaabekwe (Ojibwe) enrolled member of the Mississippi Band Anishinaabeg who lives and works on the White Earth Reservation in Northern Minnesota. She is executive director of Honor the Earth, a national Native advocacy and environmental organization. Her work at the White Earth Land Recovery Project spans thirty years of legal, policy and community development work, including the creation of one of the first tribal land trusts in the country. LaDuke has testified at the United Nations, US Congress and state hearings and is an expert witness on economics and the environment. She is the author of numerous acclaimed articles and books.


Book Synopsis To Be A Water Protector by : Winona LaDuke

Download or read book To Be A Water Protector written by Winona LaDuke and published by Fernwood Publishing. This book was released on 2020-12-01T00:00:00Z with total page 291 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Winona LaDuke is a leader in cultural-based sustainable development strategies, renewable energy, sustainable food systems and Indigenous rights. Her new book, To Be a Water Protector: Rise of the Wiindigoo Slayers, is an expansive, provocative engagement with issues that have been central to her many years of activism. LaDuke honours Mother Earth and her teachings while detailing global, Indigenous-led opposition to the enslavement and exploitation of the land and water. She discusses several elements of a New Green Economy and outlines the lessons we can take from activists outside the US and Canada. In her unique way of storytelling, Winona LaDuke is inspiring, always a teacher and an utterly fearless activist, writer and speaker. Winona LaDuke is an Anishinaabekwe (Ojibwe) enrolled member of the Mississippi Band Anishinaabeg who lives and works on the White Earth Reservation in Northern Minnesota. She is executive director of Honor the Earth, a national Native advocacy and environmental organization. Her work at the White Earth Land Recovery Project spans thirty years of legal, policy and community development work, including the creation of one of the first tribal land trusts in the country. LaDuke has testified at the United Nations, US Congress and state hearings and is an expert witness on economics and the environment. She is the author of numerous acclaimed articles and books.


When the Duke Was Wicked

When the Duke Was Wicked

Author: Lorraine Heath

Publisher: Harlequin

Published: 2015-03-17

Total Pages: 346

ISBN-13: 0373601379

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

They are England's most eligible bachelors, with the most scandalous reputations. But for the right woman, even an unrepentant rogue may mend his ways... Lady Grace Mabry's ample inheritance has made it impossible for her to tell whether a suitor is in love with her--or enamored of her riches. Who better to distinguish beau from blackguard than her notorious childhood friend, the Duke of Lovingdon? With no interest in marriage, Lovingdon has long lived only for pleasure. He sees little harm in helping Grace find a proper match. He simply has to teach the lovely innocent all the ploys a scoundrel uses to gain a woman's favor--by demonstrating his wicked ways. But as lessons lead to torrid passion and Grace becomes ensnared in another man's marriage plot, Lovingdon must wage a desperate gamble: Open his heart fully--or risk losing the woman he adores...


Book Synopsis When the Duke Was Wicked by : Lorraine Heath

Download or read book When the Duke Was Wicked written by Lorraine Heath and published by Harlequin. This book was released on 2015-03-17 with total page 346 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: They are England's most eligible bachelors, with the most scandalous reputations. But for the right woman, even an unrepentant rogue may mend his ways... Lady Grace Mabry's ample inheritance has made it impossible for her to tell whether a suitor is in love with her--or enamored of her riches. Who better to distinguish beau from blackguard than her notorious childhood friend, the Duke of Lovingdon? With no interest in marriage, Lovingdon has long lived only for pleasure. He sees little harm in helping Grace find a proper match. He simply has to teach the lovely innocent all the ploys a scoundrel uses to gain a woman's favor--by demonstrating his wicked ways. But as lessons lead to torrid passion and Grace becomes ensnared in another man's marriage plot, Lovingdon must wage a desperate gamble: Open his heart fully--or risk losing the woman he adores...


Duke Elric

Duke Elric

Author: Michael Moorcock

Publisher: Del Rey

Published: 2009-03-24

Total Pages: 370

ISBN-13: 0345512707

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

“Michael Moorcock’s work as a critic, as an editor and as a writer has made it easier for me and a whole generation of us to roam the ‘moonbeam roads’ of the literary multiverse.”—from the Foreword by Michael Chabon Has there ever been a hero–or anti-hero–to match Elric of Melniboné, last emperor of an ancient civilization sunk into decadence and inhuman cruelty? Elric the albino, weary of life and enamored of death, bearer of the soul-devouring black sword Stormbringer, cursed to betray all he loves and to save that which he despises: In the unending battle between the forces of Law and Chaos, he is the wildest card of all. Del Rey proudly presents the fourth in its definitive collection of stories featuring fantasy Grand Master Michael Moorcock’s greatest creation. Here is the full novel The Sailor on the Seas of Fate, the script of the DC comic Duke Elric, the new story “The Flaneur des Arcades de l’Opera,” essays by Moorcock and others, and a selection of classic artwork. Lavishly illustrated by Justin Sweet, with a Foreword by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Michael Chabon, Duke Elric is essential for all fans of the fantastic. From the Trade Paperback edition.


Book Synopsis Duke Elric by : Michael Moorcock

Download or read book Duke Elric written by Michael Moorcock and published by Del Rey. This book was released on 2009-03-24 with total page 370 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: “Michael Moorcock’s work as a critic, as an editor and as a writer has made it easier for me and a whole generation of us to roam the ‘moonbeam roads’ of the literary multiverse.”—from the Foreword by Michael Chabon Has there ever been a hero–or anti-hero–to match Elric of Melniboné, last emperor of an ancient civilization sunk into decadence and inhuman cruelty? Elric the albino, weary of life and enamored of death, bearer of the soul-devouring black sword Stormbringer, cursed to betray all he loves and to save that which he despises: In the unending battle between the forces of Law and Chaos, he is the wildest card of all. Del Rey proudly presents the fourth in its definitive collection of stories featuring fantasy Grand Master Michael Moorcock’s greatest creation. Here is the full novel The Sailor on the Seas of Fate, the script of the DC comic Duke Elric, the new story “The Flaneur des Arcades de l’Opera,” essays by Moorcock and others, and a selection of classic artwork. Lavishly illustrated by Justin Sweet, with a Foreword by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Michael Chabon, Duke Elric is essential for all fans of the fantastic. From the Trade Paperback edition.


Bringing Down the Duke

Bringing Down the Duke

Author: Evie Dunmore

Publisher: Penguin

Published: 2019-09-03

Total Pages: 368

ISBN-13: 198480569X

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

“Dunmore is my new find in historical romance. Her A League of Extraordinary Women series is, well, extraordinary.”—Julia Quinn, #1 New York Times bestselling author “With her sterling debut, Evie Dunmore dives into a fresh new space in historical romance that hits all the right notes.”—Entertainment Weekly A stunning debut for author Evie Dunmore and her Oxford suffragists in which a fiercely independent vicar's daughter takes on a powerful duke in a fiery love story that threatens to upend the British social order. England, 1879. Annabelle Archer, the brilliant but destitute daughter of a country vicar, has earned herself a place among the first cohort of female students at the renowned University of Oxford. In return for her scholarship, she must support the rising women's suffrage movement. Her charge: recruit men of influence to champion their cause. Her target: Sebastian Devereux, the cold and calculating Duke of Montgomery who steers Britain's politics at the Queen's command. Her challenge: not to give in to the powerful attraction she can't deny for the man who opposes everything she stands for. Sebastian is appalled to find a suffragist squad has infiltrated his ducal home, but the real threat is his impossible feelings for green-eyed beauty Annabelle. He is looking for a wife of equal standing to secure the legacy he has worked so hard to rebuild, not an outspoken commoner who could never be his duchess. But he wouldn't be the greatest strategist of the Kingdom if he couldn't claim this alluring bluestocking without the promise of a ring...or could he? Locked in a battle with rising passion and a will matching her own, Annabelle will learn just what it takes to topple a duke.... “There is nothing quite so satisfying as seeing such a man brought to his knees by a beautiful woman with nothing to her name except an inviolable sense of her own self-worth.”—NPR


Book Synopsis Bringing Down the Duke by : Evie Dunmore

Download or read book Bringing Down the Duke written by Evie Dunmore and published by Penguin. This book was released on 2019-09-03 with total page 368 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: “Dunmore is my new find in historical romance. Her A League of Extraordinary Women series is, well, extraordinary.”—Julia Quinn, #1 New York Times bestselling author “With her sterling debut, Evie Dunmore dives into a fresh new space in historical romance that hits all the right notes.”—Entertainment Weekly A stunning debut for author Evie Dunmore and her Oxford suffragists in which a fiercely independent vicar's daughter takes on a powerful duke in a fiery love story that threatens to upend the British social order. England, 1879. Annabelle Archer, the brilliant but destitute daughter of a country vicar, has earned herself a place among the first cohort of female students at the renowned University of Oxford. In return for her scholarship, she must support the rising women's suffrage movement. Her charge: recruit men of influence to champion their cause. Her target: Sebastian Devereux, the cold and calculating Duke of Montgomery who steers Britain's politics at the Queen's command. Her challenge: not to give in to the powerful attraction she can't deny for the man who opposes everything she stands for. Sebastian is appalled to find a suffragist squad has infiltrated his ducal home, but the real threat is his impossible feelings for green-eyed beauty Annabelle. He is looking for a wife of equal standing to secure the legacy he has worked so hard to rebuild, not an outspoken commoner who could never be his duchess. But he wouldn't be the greatest strategist of the Kingdom if he couldn't claim this alluring bluestocking without the promise of a ring...or could he? Locked in a battle with rising passion and a will matching her own, Annabelle will learn just what it takes to topple a duke.... “There is nothing quite so satisfying as seeing such a man brought to his knees by a beautiful woman with nothing to her name except an inviolable sense of her own self-worth.”—NPR


The Duke

The Duke

Author: Katharine Ashe

Publisher: HarperCollins

Published: 2017-09-26

Total Pages: 416

ISBN-13: 0062641735

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

One of Amazon's Best Romances of 2017! “A romance that Kathleen Woodiwiss herself would be proud to have written.”—Booklist (starred) Katharine Ashe continues her lush and sensual Devil’s Duke series with a sweeping story of unbreakable love. Six years ago, when Lady Amarantha Vale was an innocent in a foreign land and Gabriel Hume was a young naval officer, they met . . . and played with fire. Now Gabriel is the dark lord known to society as the Devil’s Duke, a notorious recluse hidden away in a castle in the Highlands. Only Amarantha knows the truth about him, and she won’t be intimidated. He is the one man who can give her the answers she needs. But Gabriel cannot let her learn his darkest secret. So begins a game of wit and desire that proves seduction is more satisfying—and much more wicked—the second time around… “This is historical romance at its best.”—All About Romance


Book Synopsis The Duke by : Katharine Ashe

Download or read book The Duke written by Katharine Ashe and published by HarperCollins. This book was released on 2017-09-26 with total page 416 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: One of Amazon's Best Romances of 2017! “A romance that Kathleen Woodiwiss herself would be proud to have written.”—Booklist (starred) Katharine Ashe continues her lush and sensual Devil’s Duke series with a sweeping story of unbreakable love. Six years ago, when Lady Amarantha Vale was an innocent in a foreign land and Gabriel Hume was a young naval officer, they met . . . and played with fire. Now Gabriel is the dark lord known to society as the Devil’s Duke, a notorious recluse hidden away in a castle in the Highlands. Only Amarantha knows the truth about him, and she won’t be intimidated. He is the one man who can give her the answers she needs. But Gabriel cannot let her learn his darkest secret. So begins a game of wit and desire that proves seduction is more satisfying—and much more wicked—the second time around… “This is historical romance at its best.”—All About Romance


How the Duke Saved Christmas

How the Duke Saved Christmas

Author: Anna Harrington

Publisher: Rose Garden Books

Published: 2021-11-02

Total Pages: 278

ISBN-13:

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

MERRY CHRISTMAS… Two years ago, Lady Clara Marshall led a fairytale life. She was the toast of the ton, beloved sister to an earl, leading charity patroness, and deeply in love. A bright future lay in her grasp, until a tragic phaeton accident ripped it all away. Now, she’s lost the use of her right leg and never ventures from home. She’s lost all happiness and the love of her life. When she’s forced to travel north for the holidays, a fierce snowstorm, a damaged bridge, and her meddling brother all conspire against her to bring her under the same roof with the one man she never wanted to see again. MARRY ME? Michael Stanton, Duke of Wakefield, cannot believe his eyes when he sees Clara being carried into his country house to seek shelter from the storm. Two years ago, his heart nearly stopped when he watched the wreck, only for it to shatter completely when she broke off with him without explanation. Certain she blames him for her leg, he’s resigned to having lost her, until her brother asks for his help in showing her how to live again. But the last thing Clara wants is to be trapped with Michael and all the ghosts of Christmases past. Will the duke be able to save not just Christmas, but also her life?


Book Synopsis How the Duke Saved Christmas by : Anna Harrington

Download or read book How the Duke Saved Christmas written by Anna Harrington and published by Rose Garden Books. This book was released on 2021-11-02 with total page 278 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: MERRY CHRISTMAS… Two years ago, Lady Clara Marshall led a fairytale life. She was the toast of the ton, beloved sister to an earl, leading charity patroness, and deeply in love. A bright future lay in her grasp, until a tragic phaeton accident ripped it all away. Now, she’s lost the use of her right leg and never ventures from home. She’s lost all happiness and the love of her life. When she’s forced to travel north for the holidays, a fierce snowstorm, a damaged bridge, and her meddling brother all conspire against her to bring her under the same roof with the one man she never wanted to see again. MARRY ME? Michael Stanton, Duke of Wakefield, cannot believe his eyes when he sees Clara being carried into his country house to seek shelter from the storm. Two years ago, his heart nearly stopped when he watched the wreck, only for it to shatter completely when she broke off with him without explanation. Certain she blames him for her leg, he’s resigned to having lost her, until her brother asks for his help in showing her how to live again. But the last thing Clara wants is to be trapped with Michael and all the ghosts of Christmases past. Will the duke be able to save not just Christmas, but also her life?