"THE WHERLOCKE SERIES"--thrilling historical paranormal romance from master storyteller HANNAH HOWELL

 

If He's Wicked

She Saves His Life...
 
For Chloe Wherlocke, it all begins with a vision - a glimpse into the future that foretells a terrible plot against Lord Julian Kenwood and his newborn son. Chloe's psychic gift allows her to save the child from certain death, but the earl remains in grave peril...

But When He Steals Her Heart...
 
Julian Kenwood knows someone is trying to kill him and he suspects his scheming wife and her lover are behind the plot. But Julian is shocked when Chloe, a captivating, dark-haired stranger, warns him that sinister forces are indeed at hand - and exposes a devastating secret that changes his life forever...

Will She Resist - or Surrender?
 
As Chloe reveals her plan to save Julian, neither can deny the attraction that grows each moment they're together. Chloe knows the highborn earl could never love her as she loves him. But when danger strikes closer than ever, Chloe must risk everything - or lose Julian forever...


 

If He's Sinful


 

If He's Wild


 

If He's Dangerous


 

If He's Tempted


 

If He's Daring




If He's Noble



Hannah Howell

 

Hannah Dustin Howell is a best-selling American author of over 40 historical romance novels. Many of her novels are set in medieval Scotland. She also writes under the names Sarah Dustin, Sandra Dustin, and Anna Jennet (see below). She has also used the following pseudonyms: Anna Jennet, Sarah Dustin and Sandra Dustin. 
http://www.hannahhowell.com/ 

"FAERIES OF DREAMDARK SERIES"--fabulous faerie-fantasies from author LAINI TAYLOR--"books for youngish people, but they can also be read and enjoyed by oldish people"

Blackbringer (Faeries of Dreamdark, #1)

When the ancient evil of the Blackbringer rises to unmake the world, only one determined faerie stands in its way. However, Magpie Windwitch, granddaughter of the West Wind, is not like other faeries. While her kind live in seclusion deep in the forests of Dreamdark, she's devoted her life to tracking down and recapturing devils escaped from their ancient bottles, just as her hero, the legendary Bellatrix, did 25,000 years ago. With her faithful gang of crows, she travels the world fighting where others would choose to flee. But when a devil escapes from a bottle sealed by the ancient Djinn King himself- the creator of the world- she may be in over her head. How can a single faerie, even with the help of her friends, hope to defeat the impenetrable darkness of the Blackbringer? At a time when fantasy readers have an embarrassment of riches in choosing new worlds to fall in love with, this first novel by a fresh, original voice is sure to stand out.

Reviews

"Belongs at the top of everyone's fantasy must-read list."-Kirkus Reviews", starred review

"Tremendous - a vivid adventure in a place both familiar and new, characters that made me laugh and cheer, and a truly frightening villain. I thoroughly enjoyed the read." - Shannon Hale, Newbery Honor Winner


 

Silksinger (Faeries of Dreamdark, #2)

One faerie, the last of her clan, must fight to complete her sacred duty

 Whisper Silksinger is the last of the secret guardians of the Azazel, one of the powerful Djinn who dreamed the world into being. Relentlessly pursued by bloodthirsty devils, she flees to the city of Nazneen to restore the Azazel to his temple. At the same time, Hirik Mothmage is also on a secret quest, to find the Azazel and restore his disgraced clan’s ancient honor.

And behind them all flies Magpie Windwitch, first champion of the new age of faeries, desperate to rescue Whisper and the Azazel alike before they fall in the clutches of a sinister hidden enemy.

Reviews

 

"...another ripping yarn, once again taking readers into an uncommonly well-articulated world...where the fairies are anything but the sugarplum sort." --Kirkus, starred

"This is series fantasy at its best: readers who loved "Blackbringer" will certainly gobble up this installment." --School Library Journal



Laini Taylor

 

Laini Taylor is a writer & artist living in Portland, Oregon. Her debut novel, Dreamdark: Blackbringer was published to much acclaim, including stars from Booklist, Bank Street College of Education, and KLIATT; it was a Book Sense Children’s Pick; winner of the Baker & Taylor/PYRG Teen Readers Sweepstakes; is on the Sequoyah Book Awards Master List; and has received glowing praise from such luminaries as Holly Black, Newbery Honor-winner Shannon Hale, and New York Times bestseller Brandon Mull. A Fuse #8 Production states, “If you read only one fantasy book this year, read this one.” The companion volume Dreamdark: Silksinger will be published in September 2009, followed in October by a short-story collection Lips Touch.

Laini Taylor is also the creator of Laini’s Ladies, a gift product line she began making by hand to sell at a local art fair, which has expended to seventeen product lines—from stationary to garden object to holiday ornaments to jewelry—that have retailed in over 5,000 gift and specialty stores throughout the United States and Canada.

Laini Taylor lives with her husband, artist Jim Di Bartolo, and her elderly dog, Leroy, in a bright yellow house filled with lots of books and marionettes and robots. They spend their time drinking coffee and making stuff up, and are currently awaiting the birth of their first child.

http://www.lainitaylor.com/

Realistic Polymer Clay Sculptures of Real People by taocixiansheng

"The Mediterranean DASH Diet Cookbook: Lower Your Blood Pressure and Improve Your Health"--Two healthy diets―one delicious cookbook!

 

 

 

 

 

The Mediterranean DASH Diet Cookbook: Lower Your Blood Pressure and Improve Your Health

Two healthy diets―one delicious cookbook!

The DASH diet and Mediterranean diet are two of the most consistently recommended diets when it comes to healthy eating, so why not combine them into something even better? By unifying the benefits of these amazing diets, The Mediterranean DASH Diet Cookbook offers tons of simple recipes for delicious dishes that will keep your blood pressure low and your taste buds happy.

Find 100 recipes for breakfasts, soups, salads, entrees, and sweets that you and your body will love. Focused around nutrient-rich whole foods and the rich flavors and traditions of the Mediterranean, The Mediterranean DASH Diet Cookbook will help you learn everything you need to know to master this naturally healthy and delicious way to eat.

The Mediterranean DASH Diet Cookbook includes:

• Friendly diet advice―Discover a complete and concise guide that explains how and why this hybrid diet works, as well as the best ways to integrate it into your day-to-day lifestyle.
• 100 Mediterranean DASH diet recipes―Get the best of both worlds with this collection of heart-healthy dishes that includes plenty of pescatarian-friendly and plant-based options.
• Easy-to-make―Not a chef? Keep your kitchen stress-free (and your blood pressure even lower) with meals that anyone can learn to cook.

Dive straight into this tasty new way to eat (and live) healthier with the help of The Mediterranean DASH Diet Cookbook.

 MY REVIEW: Two of the most highly-recommended--and most popular--dietary lifestyles trending today are "The Mediterranean Diet" and "DASH". "The Mediterranean DASH Diet Cookbook: Lower Your Blood Pressure and Improve Your Health" explains each diet separately, and then advises on why the best elements from each plan work so well together. "DASH" (Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension) was created to lower blood pressure, improve cardiac health, reduce the risk of cancer and type 2 diabetes, and help with weight loss. "The Mediterranean Diet" is based on principles of cooking, eating, and a general healthy lifestyle found in countries that surround the Mediterranean Sea--like Greece, Turkey, Spain, Italy, Israel, Croatia, and Egypt. This a plant-based approach to eating, including whole foods, fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, whole grains, fish, shellfish, and low-fat dairy, and smaller portions of lean protein from eggs, meat, and poultry. Olive oil is the recommended healthy fat. As always, before beginning a new dietary regime, check with your personal healthcare provider to see what works best for you. Author Abbie Gellman, a registered dietician, and chef, has created 100 delicious, healthy recipes and included tips and tidbits to help you optimize your enjoyment of "The Mediterranean DASH Diet Cookbook". Here are some of the great recipes you'll find: "Egg in a "Pepper Hole" with Avocado"; "Fig and Ricotta Toast with Walnuts and Honey"; "Green Beans with Pine Nuts and Garlic"; "Pita Pizza with Olives, Feta, and Red Onion"; "Tuscan Bean Soup with Kale"; "Silky Tomato Soup"; "Citrus-Glazed Salmon with Zucchini Noodles"; "Lemon Garlic Shrimp"; "Honey Ricotta with Espresso and Chocolate Chips"; and "Greek Yogurt Chocolate "Mousse" with Berries". 

Book Copy Gratis Callisto Publishers



ABBIE GELLMAN

 

ABBIE GELLMAN, MS RD CDN, is a chef and registered dietitian with a Master’s in Nutrition Education. She is the founder of Culinary Nutrition Cuisine, as well as a member of the Science Advisory Board for Jenny Craig. Abbie also hosts cooking and nutrition videos which can be found on her site, CulinaryNutritionCuisine.com.

"Chocolate for Beginners: Techniques and Recipes for Making Chocolate Candy, Confections, Cakes and More"--create beautiful confections in the comfort of your own kitchen--impress guests, give a delicious gift, or add something special to your baked goods

 

Chocolate for Beginners: Techniques and Recipes for Making Chocolate Candy, Confections, Cakes and More

From chocolate enthusiast to home chocolatier

Making melt-in-your-mouth chocolate may seem daunting―but it doesn’t have to be! Whether you’re hoping to impress guests, give a delicious gift, or add something special to your baked goods―Chocolate for Beginners shows you how to create beautiful confections in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Progress through easy to difficult recipe tutorials for melting, tempering, dipping, and decorating. Try your hand at confections, cookies, sauces, and more―or add a little creativity to your treats using tips for gift packaging, adventurous twists, and fun substitutions.

Chocolate for Beginners includes:

• Bean to bar―Discover the basics with simple kitchen rules for selecting chocolate, tips on necessary equipment, troubleshooting suggestions, and more.
• Sweeten your skill set―Start crafting with techniques covering everything from coating confections, molding a chocolate shell, caramelizing sugar, and more.
• Cocoa cuisine―Satisfy your sweet tooth with 65 step-by-step recipes for a variety of rich truffles, tarts, cakes, mousses, and more.

Sling on the apron and turn up the heat―you have everything you need to start making crave-worthy bites that are sure to delight.

MY REVIEW: "Chocolate for Beginners: Techniques and Recipes for Making Chocolate Candy, Confections, Cakes and More" is a comprehensive guide to baking and cooking with chocolate. Author Kate Shaffer has included dozens of recipes that sound so delicious, you may be tempted to eat the book. However, you will want to save this invaluable learning tool and return to it again and again. If you love to cook and create, there can be a great deal of satisfaction in working with chocolate. There can also be much disappointment when your efforts fail, and you have wasted time and resources. Patience, optimal ingredients, and proper tools and techniques can help to ensure the best results. As you progress through the tutorials, the skill level of the recipes increases--and there are tips, hints, a glossary, and "Rules for Success". The recipe sections include "Chocolate Confections"; "Cookies, Brownies, and Bars"; "Cakes, Pies, and Tarts"; "Mousse, Pudding, and other Desserts"; and "Sauces and Drinks", Here's a sampler of the wonderful recipes: "Coffee Bean Truffles"; "Three-Layer Chocolate and Caramel Cheesecake Bars"; "Classic Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Ganache Frosting"; and "Orange and Milk Chocolate Mousse".

Book Copy Gratis Callisto Publishers



Kate Shaffer



Kate is the founder and owner of Black Dinah Chocolatiers, an artisanal chocolate confectionery which utilizes sustainably produced chocolates and locally sourced fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers. She was chosen by Dessert Professional as a Top Ten Chocolatier in North America (2011), and is the winner of two Good Food Awards (2015, 2016). Black Dinah Chocolatiers' unique business model, and Kate's chocolates, have been featured in Martha Stewart Living Magazine, Gourmet Magazine, The Boston Globe, Ralph Lauren Magazine, and many other national and regional publications. 

Kate's book Desserted: Recipes and Tales from an Island Chocolatier, was a Bronze medalist in the 2012 Independent Publisher Book Awards, a Finalist in the 2011 Foreword Indies Awards, and Food & Wine's Top 25 Cookbooks of the Year in 2011. Kate has written about food and chocolate for the Portland Press Herald, Zest Magazine, Maine Food & Lifestyle, and Edible Maine.

(https://www.blackdinahchocolatiers.com) 

"The World's Favorite Ghost Stories: 13 Creepy Tales from Around the Globe"--a world of horror with bewitching tales of ghosts, spirits, and spooks--curl up and creep out with "The World’s Favorite Ghost Stories"―you’ll have a scary-good time! (see my review)

 

The World's Favorite Ghost Stories: 13 Creepy Tales from Around the Globe

  

A world of horror―bewitching tales of ghosts, spirits, and spooks

Gather 'round for ominous tales of the paranormal that’ll have you looking over your shoulder to make sure you’re actually alone. The World’s Favorite Ghost Stories is a carefully curated collection of hair-raising ghost stories from around the world meant to thrill and ensnare you.

Crack open this book for unsettling ghost stories that’ll get under your skin. These peculiar tales from different corners of the world (including the United Kingdom, India, and the United States) are so vivid that they almost feel real. But they couldn’t be―could they?...

In The World’s Favorite Ghost Stories you’ll find:

• Eerie artwork―This artfully illustrated anthology is packed with ghoulish images that will haunt your dreams long after you’ve put it down.
• Ghosts around the globe―Get spooked with creepy ghost stories about the jikininki from Japan, sinister specters from South Africa, the ominous silence in Russia, and many more.
• Spine-chilling stories―These ghastly tales will leave spooky-story connoisseurs white as a ghost...and wanting more.

Curl up and creep out with The World’s Favorite Ghost Stories―you’ll have a scary-good time!

MY REVIEW: "The World's Favorite Ghost Stories: 13 Creepy Tales from Around the Globe", from author Tony Brueski, features supernatural storytelling from London, England; South Africa; Nashville, TN; Japan; Ireland; India; USA; Korea; New York City; China; New England; Russia; and Lincolnshire, England. Each eerie story is a blend of fact and historical fiction, with superstition, religion, and cultural and regional influences all shaping the terrifying twists and turns. You'll find "The Listener"; "The Moonlit Road"; "The Specter Lovers"; "The Yellow Wallpaper"; "The Grateful Ghost"; "The Marble Arch"; and "The Shell of Sense". Dare to turn these pages and you will also encounter "Only a Dream"; "Jikininki"; "His Dead Wife's Photograph"; "What Was It?"; "The Marble Arch"; "Silence"; and "Lost Hearts". Whether or not "you do believe in spooks", you will find much to intrigue your imagination in "The World's Favorite Ghost Stories".

Book Copy Gratis Callisto Publishers


Tony Brueski

 

Tony Brueski is heard every day, around the world in thousands of homes, cars and offices through his incredibly popular podcast “Real Ghost Stories Online” (http://www.realghoststoriesonline.com) along with his wife and co-host Jenny Brueski. You can subscribe to the show on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify or almost any podcast service. The show is an exciting and often chilling mix of real ghost stories as re-counted by the people who experienced them. The show is often referred to as “group therapy for the paranormally affected,” as thousands find comfort in support of the like-minded community that has discovered their show. Tony lives in the Ozark Mountains with his wife, two girls, and thankfully no ghosts haunting their home, just the stories sent into them every day.

http://www.realghoststoriesonline.com

"WRAPPED UP IN CHRISTMAS"--from HALLMARK PUBLISHING--author Janice Lynn's touching contemporary holiday romance--a former soldier on a mission of thanks finds a sense of purpose he never imagined...and a love he never dreamed of... (see my review)

Wrapped Up In Christmas

A gift of warmth to heal two hearts…

Sarah Smith in Pine Hill, Kentucky has had her heart broken in the past. She pours herself into her work at church and into special projects—like making a quilt for a wounded warrior.

Bodie Lewis is lost. All he’s ever wanted was his career as an Army Ranger, but he was injured in an explosion that killed his brothers in arms. In the hospital, he receives a handmade quilt. Later, he sets out on his final mission: to find and thank its maker.

Bodie expected Sarah to be an elderly lady, not a lovely young woman. When she mistakes him for a handyman, he doesn’t immediately set her straight. Instead, he sets about repairing the home she’s turning into a bed and breakfast. Sarah’s presence and the spirit of the small town bring Bodie something he thought he’d left far behind on the battlefield: hope.

This heartwarming military romance includes a free quilt pattern from the Quilts of Valor Foundation and a new Hallmark original recipe for Cinnamon Swirl Bread.

 MY REVIEW: With a romance lover's heart, a quilter's sensibilities, and a baker's appreciation, I read author Janice Lynn's "Wrapped Up in Christmas"--and I thoroughly enjoyed this holiday love story! Former Army Ranger Bodie Lewis was honorably discharged after living through an explosion that killed all the men in the unit under his command. Still healing in body and mind, and dealing with survivor's guilt, Bodie makes it his personal mission to find the woman who made the beautiful quilt he received through the "Quilt of Valor" program. He has a need to express his gratitude and to let the woman know how much comfort he had felt from the quilt and the kind note that she had included. Once he reaches the small town of Pine Hill, Kentucky, and finds the quilt-maker, Sarah Smith, he is greatly surprised to find a beautiful young woman instead of the silver-haired grandmother that he had expected. Sarah thinks Bodie has come to answer her want ad for a handyman to work on her home, and he lets her continue to think that as he works on her very special project as a way of repaying her kindness. Sarah's big dream is to renovate and restore the house left to her by her Aunt Jean with hopes of turning it into a successful Bed & Breakfast. Bodie, along with his dog Harry, provides encouragement and companionship as the work progresses on the home and the holidays grow nearer. Sarah's older friends, a group of well-meaning church-lady instigators, known as "The Butterflies", see the possibility of more than just friendship between Sarah and Bodie, but Sarah knows better. When the work on the house is done, Bodie will be gone, back on track on his way to a new job and a new life far from her small hometown in Kentucky. Working as an administrator in her church, helping with any community need that arises, and planning for her B&B keeps Sarah busy, but it doesn't ease all the loneliness in heart. Bodie is as drawn to Sarah as she is to him, and he knows that not telling her the truth about himself is not fair. Even though he has found something he never expected in the time he has spent with Sarah, he still plans to leave. The military had been his whole life, and a chance to work for an army buddy's security firm now seems like the only good option he has for his future. Can he leave beautiful, sweet Sarah and the welcoming community behind? Can Sarah bear to let him go? The spirit of the holidays has a way of deepening emotions and bringing hope and inspiration to troubled hearts--can it work its unique magic on Sarah and Bodie? This charming small-town romance also includes a delicious recipe for "Cinnamon Swirl Bread" and a beautiful patriotic quilt pattern.

Book Copy Gratis Hallmark Publishing

 

 

Wrapped Up in Christmas Joy

When a quilt shop owner 
finds a former Marine’s journal,
she longs to heal his heart…

This heartwarming romance includes a free Hallmark original recipe for "Dilly Duchess Potatoes". 

 

 

Wrapped Up in Christmas Hope

He’s willing to risk his life to save others.
Is she willing to risk her heart on him?  

This heartwarming romance includes a free Hallmark original recipe for "Lemon Chicken Scaloppini".

JANICE LYNN



Award winning author JANICE LYNN loves to spin a tale that touches her readers' hearts by putting a smile on their lips and a tear in their eye. Her favorite read is one with a strong heroine who can laugh at herself and a hero who appreciates the heroine's strengths and imperfections, and can't help but love her. Janice strives to write characters who make her want to go along for their adventure and smile several times on the journey to their happily ever after.

Janice lives in Tennessee with her family, her vivid imagination, an adorable Maltese named Halo, and bunches of unnamed dust bunnies that moved in after she started pursuing my writing career.

Janice has published 30+ books with various publishing companies. She writes contemporary Medical Romances for Harlequin, and is very excited about the release of her first sweet romance from Hallmark Publishing. Her books have won numerous awards including the National Readers' Choice Award, the Golden Quill for Best Short contemporary Romance, the American Title, the Holt Medallion Award of Merit, and the Golden Quill for Best first book.

https://www.janicelynn.com/

"Adventure Girls!: Crafts and Activities for Curious, Creative, Courageous Girls"--one-of-a-kind book is packed with activities and crafts for girls that encourage independence, inspire imagination, and reward the brave

 












Adventure Girls!: Crafts and Activities for Curious, Creative, Courageous Girls

The world is yours. Create and explore!

Girls are built for adventure. This one-of-a-kind book is packed with activities and crafts for girls that encourage independence, inspire imagination, and reward the brave. Girls will explore everything from stargazing and animal tracking to making a pinhole camera and building a shadow theater.

Adventure Girls! takes girls into the world of empowerment, creativity, and innovation from their own backyard. With all the crafts for girls in this guide, they’ll tap into their creative side by making decorative 3-D stars, pressing flowers, and folding paper airplanes.

This book includes:

• The great outdoors―Girls can learn cool outdoor skills including compass making, using trail markers, and building a shelter.
• Crafts for girls―Use construction skills to hand-build a kite, a set of wind chimes, or a weathervane.
• Get active!―There are all sorts of crafts for girls to get active, like making a rope swing in a backyard tree, going on a scavenger hunt, or playing Capture the Flag.

Adventure Girls! is full of activities and crafts for girls that will spark their imaginative and adventurous sides.

MY REVIEW: "Adventure Girls!: Crafts and Activities for Curious, Creative, Courageous Girls", from author Nicole Duggan proves once-and-for-all that "Girl Power" is awesome! This book offers an amazing array of interesting crafts and activities which will inspire imagination, encourage empowerment, and spark self-confidence. It also includes bio-briefs of wonderful women who accomplished much through courage, perseverance, faith, and determination. You'll also find fascinating facts about nature, animals, maps, and constellations, and you'll learn about magic tricks, and photography and much, much more. Kindness and friendliness are encouraged, and so is reading and being a "bookworm. There are many fun things to do, both outside and indoors, and these activities can be shared with family and friends. I was a shy, insecure, only child who loved to read, and I would have greatly enjoyed this book during my girlhood.

Book Copy Gratis Callisto Publishers

REVIEWS


“As a mother of a Girl Scout and an educator for twenty years, this book has been a survival guide at home and school. The activities are engaging, creative, and fun.”―Ashley Lowman Berger, PhD, professor, educator and, mother of a girl

“I love that this book covers an array of interests! My girls will enjoy the outdoor experiences with nature, finding fun ways to be active, making creations of their own, and learning new things. I am excited to share this book with my Scout troop to help them build new skills―and have fun in the process!”―Naomi Wentworth, mom, teacher, and Scout leader

“This book is full of crafts and activities that I would say ‘Yes, please!’ to doing with my girls! I have been using Nicole's blog as a source of go-to activities for years, and I'm so excited to have a book now to gift to others so they can benefit from both her creativity and practical ideas! As an incredible educator and mom, Nicole sets kids and parents up for success with the activities she shares in this book. It's a perfect book for rainy day activities, summer days, and just plain family fun! I can't wait to buy a copy for my daughters, their friends, and each girl in my Girl Scout Troop!”―Anne Hedges, teacher, Girl Scout Leader, and mom of 3 creative, adventurous girls

“In this book, like in the classroom, Nicole Duggan presents complex concepts and information to children through fun, hands-on activities which are sure to spark their curiosities and satisfy their natural desire to learn! Packed with interesting (and doable) activities Adventure Girls will have girls (and boys) wanting to learn more about photography, bookmaking, hiking, bird watching, fort building, and so much more! With facts and insights into remarkable women―plus lots of extra tips―sprinkled throughout, every girl will love this book!”―Jennifer McCarville, educator, founder and director of Marvelously Made, the school for young children


NICOLE DUGGAN



NICOLE DUGGAN, MA, is a mom of two and a passionate educator with many years of experience in early childhood education. She started the blog The Activity Mom, where she empowers parents to connect with their children through learning. Join her at Activity-Mom.com for more inspiration.

"Home of the Brave: An American History Book for Kids: 15 Immigrants Who Shaped U.S. History"--an exciting and engaging look into the lives and contributions of these incredible individuals-- discover how these dedicated and creative people made their mark

Home of the Brave: An American History Book for Kids: 15 Immigrants Who Shaped U.S. History

Discover the stories of extraordinary immigrants who changed America.

The United States has always been a nation of immigrants―and now you can learn all about the amazing people who’ve helped shape it, with this history book for kids age 9-12. Home of the Brave: An American History Book for Kids gives you an exciting and engaging look into the lives and contributions of these incredible individuals.

From Levi Strauss to Isabel Allende, discover how these dedicated and creative people made their mark―and how you can follow in their footsteps―with this fun history book for kids age 9-12.

An American history book for kids age 9-12 should include:

• 15 inspiring stories―Learn from the experiences of famous American immigrants, including labor activist Mary Harris Jones, architect I. M. Pei, and guitarist Carlos Santana.
• Multi-page biographies―This history book for kids age 9-12 goes beyond the obvious so you can find all kinds of remarkable facts about the lives of these exceptional Americans.
• Beyond the book―Want to learn more? Each biography includes suggestions for places to read more, plus super fun (and educational!) activities.

Find a role model―or 15 of them!―in this beautifully illustrated history book for kids age 9-12.

MY REVIEW: "Home of the Brave: An American History Book for Kids: 15 Immigrants Who Shaped U.S. History" is recommended for kids ages 9-12, but adults and younger children will also enjoy the book. Immigration is explained as "the process of leaving one country to live in another". The fifteen amazing and inspiring people featured here are: Levis Strauss; Mary Harris Jones; John Muir; Albert Einstein; Mabel Ping-Hua Lee; Maya Deren; I.M. Pei; Elie Wiesel; Madeleine Albright; Isabel Allende; Carlos Santana; Mikhail Baryshnikov; Iman Abduliid; Nadia Comaneci; and Dikembe Mutombo. Each of the featured subjects is represented by an artful color likeness, and each is given several biographical pages with a end note on how to learn more about them. There are also ten more famous immigrants who are given brief, one-sentence biographies. America truly is "the home of the brave"--a world within a world--an ever-evolving blend of cultures, cuisines, old favorites, and new beginnings--all made possible by its people.

Book Copy Gratis Callisto Publishers

*************

“If your upper elementary or middle school students struggle to engage with history, this book will change their perspective. Featuring intriguing and easily digestible accounts of famous immigrants, students will discover new origin stories they’ve never heard of and teachers will appreciate the diversity of ethnicities represented. This book is a must-have to complete a teacher’s class library!”―Kim Lepre, host of the Teachers Need Teachers Podcast

“This is the book you didn’t know you needed―until now! I cannot begin to describe the level of awe I’m left with after reading this book. . . . I learned new things about iconic immigrants that left me overwhelmingly excited. I get to share all of these important stories―both colorful and interesting―with my middle school students and watch their faces light up with joy!”―Rachel Jamison, middle school teacher and founder of Fifth is my Jam



Brooke Khan



Brooke Khan holds a secondary teaching credential in Language Arts and Social Science as well as a Master's Degree in Education. After spending over a decade teaching history, language arts, and reading at the high school and middle school level, she left the classroom to start her own business, Literacy in Focus LLC, where she creates and publishes engaging materials for teachers all over the world. Her differentiated curriculum is designed to support educators in using content to build literacy. Brooke lives in Southern California with her husband and son. She enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time outdoors.

https://www.instagram.com/literacyinfocus/?hl=en 

"THE WICKED DEEP" and "WINTERWOOD"--author Shea Ernshaw spins magical tales of mystery, secrets, dark woods, and haunting romance

The Wicked Deep

Welcome to the cursed town of Sparrow…

Where, two centuries ago, three sisters were sentenced to death for witchery. Stones were tied to their ankles and they were drowned in the deep waters surrounding the town.

Now, for a brief time each summer, the sisters return, stealing the bodies of three weak-hearted girls so that they may seek their revenge, luring boys into the harbor and pulling them under.

Like many locals, seventeen-year-old Penny Talbot has accepted the fate of the town. But this year, on the eve of the sisters’ return, a boy named Bo Carter arrives; unaware of the danger he has just stumbled into.

Mistrust and lies spread quickly through the salty, rain-soaked streets. The townspeople turn against one another. Penny and Bo suspect each other of hiding secrets. And death comes swiftly to those who cannot resist the call of the sisters.

But only Penny sees what others cannot. And she will be forced to choose: save Bo, or save herself.

Reviews

"A wickedly chilling debut about ghosts, witches, love, and revenge."--School Library Journal

 "Chilling both by the damp, briny streets of Sparrow and by its residents’ sudden fervor for vengeance."--BCCB, starred review

"Balancing delicate emotion and authentic suspense, the hypnotic prose pulls readers into the question of how, or if, the curse of the sisters can be broken." --Publishers Weekly 

"Readers will drown in this finely crafted, atmospheric book."--Kirkus

"Complex and sweetly satisfying."--Booklist 

 "A tale with substance and depth, one of magic and curses, betrayal and revenge, but most importantly, it is a story about the redemptive power of love to make even the worst wrongs, right.--Amber Smith, New York Times bestselling author of The Way I Used to Be

"Prepare to be bewitched."--Paula Stokes, author of Liars, Inc. and Girl Against The Universe

"Eerie and enchanting."--Jessica Spotswood, author of The Cahill Witch Chronicles and editor of Toil & Trouble

"A magical, haunted tale of the sea, spells and secrets. . . . Beware!"--Shannon Parker, author of The Rattled Bones


 

Winterwood

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Wicked Deep comes a haunting romance set deep in the magical snow-covered forest, where the appearance of a mysterious boy unearths secrets that awakens the enchanted, but angry, woods.

Be careful of the dark, dark wood . . .Especially the woods surrounding the town of Fir Haven. Some say these woods are magical. Haunted, even.

Rumored to be a witch, only Nora Walker knows the truth. She and the Walker women before her have always shared a special connection with the woods. And it’s this special connection that leads Nora to Oliver Huntsman—the same boy who disappeared from the Camp for Wayward Boys weeks ago—and in the middle of the worst snowstorm in years. He should be dead, but here he is alive, and left in the woods with no memory of the time he’d been missing.

But Nora can feel an uneasy shift in the woods at Oliver’s presence. And it’s not too long after that Nora realizes she has no choice but to unearth the truth behind how the boy she has come to care so deeply about survived his time in the forest, and what led him there in the first place. What Nora doesn’t know, though, is that Oliver has secrets of his own—secrets he’ll do anything to keep buried, because as it turns out, he wasn’t the only one to have gone missing on that fateful night all those weeks ago.  

Reviews

"A spellbinding tale of witchery, deadly secrets, and woods that hold grudges. Winterwood is immersive, atmospheric, and bewitching. --Stephanie Garber,  #1 New York Times & international bestselling author of the Caraval series

"Winterwood casts a deliciously dark spell with a rich lineage of witches, secretive boys, and a sinister forest that will pull in any reader and never let them go."-- Megan Shepherd, New York Times bestselling author of Grim Lovelies  

“Shea Ernshaw spins yet another haunting tale in Winterwood. Mythic prose and atmospheric storytelling will leave readers spellbound and hungry for more of Ernshaw‘s witchy worlds."--Adrienne Young, New York Times bestselling author of Sky in the Deep

“The beauty and mystery of the natural world infuse every moment in this lush, spellbinding story that weaves romance with witchcraft—a seductive, lyrical tale of lost boys, old legends and haunted woods.”–Lexa Hillyer, author of Spindle Fire

"Lyrical, magical and mysterious, Winterwood left me intoxicated, dancing beneath an endless moon."--Dawn Kurtagich, author of Teeth in the Mist

"A delectably immersive, eerie experience."--Kirkus 

"Ernshaw weaves an irresistible spell, entwining nature, romance, and magic through a lyrical text."--Booklist 

"A vivid fantasy world and a dark, thrilling atmosphere that drives the biting cold of Winterwood deep into readers’ bones."--Publishers Weekly

Shea Ernshaw

Shea Ernshaw is the NYT Bestselling author of THE WICKED DEEP and WINTERWOOD. She is the winner of the 2019 Oregon Book Award and her debut novel, The Wicked Deep, was an Indie Next Pick. 

She lives in a small mountain town in Oregon and is happiest when lost in a good book, lost in the woods, or writing her next novel.

You can connect with her here:
www.sheaernshaw.com.
www.twitter.com/SheaErnshaw
www.instagram.com/sheaernshaw/

Who's the boss?... BUDDY VALASTRO--"The Cake Boss"--a rich family history with a lasting legacy of over 100 years--creating amazing cakes connects Buddy with the memory of his father Buddy Sr. and his extended Italian family (see my reviews)

 

Cake Boss: Stories and Recipes from Mia Famiglia

In this heartfelt memoir, master baker and star of the #1 hit TLC show, Buddy Valastro tells his inspiring story—and recounts his family’s warm memories from a lifetime of living, loving, and cake making.

Television viewers have fallen in love with Buddy Valastro, master cake maker, and his funny and fiery family, proprietors of Carlo’s Bake Shop in Hoboken, New Jersey, on the smash hit TLC series Cake Boss. Now, to coincide with Carlo’s 100th anniversary, cake designer extraordinaire Buddy Valastro brings together his passion for baking and his high-energy family stories in the pages of this charming, heartwarming book—complete with 25 recipes and tips that will make every reader the “cake boss” of their own kitchen.Buddy’s beautifully designed cakes are the stuff of legend—and so is the remarkable story of his father, a beloved pillar of the community and himself a talented baker who set the stage for his family’s rise to the pinnacle of their industry. Cake Boss recounts the story of Buddy’s life and of his family’s bakeshop, originally established in 1910 and now a Hoboken, New Jersey, landmark and culinary tourist destination. Here also are twenty-five recipes for Carlo’s Bakery’s most sought-after pastries, pies, cupcakes, and cakes, an irresistible combination of time-tested old-world recipes and modern creations, all founded on a rock-solid “old-school” baking foundation and classic techniques.This is the incredible true story of how Carlo’s Bakery came to be, how one hard-working family realized their patriarch’s dream of making their beloved bake shop a household name. The special bond and loving dynamic of the Valastro clan make this an uncommonly touching and truly inspiring memoir.

MY REVIEW:  An engaging and involving memoir, "Cake Boss: Stories and Recipes from Mia Famiglia", by Buddy Valastro, is told in a warm, personal style just as though Buddy were speaking directly to the reader. Carlo's Bake Shop in Hoboken, New Jersey, is the family-owned and operated bakery extraordinaire which has achieved legendary status in its more than one century of making the sweetest of dreams come true for its many loyal customers. While the cakes and confections produced by the bakery fulfill the fantasies of the most fanatic foodies, it takes the lifelong hard work and devotion of the family and friends who work as a team to ensure the consistent quality and customer service for which Carlo's Bake Shop is noted. The heartfelt story of the Valastros, their family and friends, and the living legacy of their landmark bakery made a natural transition to TV with the hit show, "Cake Boss", on The Learning Channel (TLC). Included along with magical memories and appealing photos are recipes for the bakery's most popular pastries, pies, and cakes: "Classic Biscotti"; "Pecan Wedges"; "Cannoli"; "Ricotta Pie"; "Banana Cream Pie"; "Crumb Cake"; "Carrot Cake", and more. Spend some time with "The Cake Boss" and his family, and you might just hit the road to Hoboken.   

Book Copy Gratis Simon & Schuster      




The Essential Cake Boss (A Condensed Edition of Baking with the Cake Boss): Bake Like The Boss--Recipes & Techniques You Absolutely Have to Know

Bake Like the Boss! 

The Essential Cake Boss is a perfect slice of Buddy Valastro’s beloved bestseller Baking with the Cake Boss—a sweet collection of Buddy’s core recipes and techniques; the building blocks of Buddy’s show-stopping desserts; and many of his most popular, signature creations. You’ll learn to work with baking and decorating equipment, bake perfectly moist cupcakes and cakes, and work magical effects with frosting and fondant. Gorgeous photos let you follow Buddy as he shows how to create his artistic flourishes and decorations. The Essential Cake Boss also features charts that let you mix and match cake flavor, frosting, and liqueur syrup to create your own trademark cakes.  

Bursting with delicious, tried-and-true recipes, handy tricks of the trade, and stories told in Buddy’s inimitable voice, The Essential Cake Boss is a rare treat— a fun, accessible guide to baking that inspires home bakers to new culinary heights, all in a gloriously designed, fully illustrated book worthy of the Cake Boss’s unique artistic vision. 

MY REVIEW:  "The Essential Cake Boss" may be a condensed version of master baker Buddy Valastro's "Baking with the Cake Boss", but it is filled to the brim with mouthwatering recipes and expert baking methods and helpful hints. While you may never achieve the level of food artistry of the "Cake Boss", you can elevate your level of baking skill and culinary knowledge. You won't just be in awe--you'll be truly inspired. Sections such as "Basic Baking Techniques", "Decorating Techniques", and "Working with Fondant" are magically mixed together with recipes for cookies, cakes and cupcakes, and frostings and fillings. Try to resist the appeal of these tempting treats: "Double Chocolate Chip Cookies"; "Pignoli Cookies"; "Christmas Tree Cupcakes"; "Raspberry Dream Cake"; "Old Fashioned Italian Rum Cake"; "Red Velvet Cake", and more. Fully illustrated from cover to cover, this slim volume contains a wealth of baking and decorating techniques. Practice makes perfect, and the test products are scrumptious.  

Book Copy Gratis Simon & Schuster   




Family Celebrations with the Cake Boss: Recipes for Get-Togethers Throughout the Year

Make every gathering with your friends and famiglia extra special with these great new cookies, cupcakes, cakes, and other delicious, gorgeous desserts—and 100 other original recipes featuring the Cake Boss’s signature twist on favorite family foods! Besides being a master baker and fantastic cook, Buddy Valastro is a great host. He knows the key to every successful family dinner, gathering, or party: a fabulous cake as the starring attraction together with great food! Clear, step-by-step instructions and photos will guide you through recipes perfect for all generations and for every occasion—birthday parties, anniversary parties, summer barbeques, and feasts for the major holidays. 

As he does in every book, Buddy brings his characteristic warmth and flair to Family Celebrations with the Cake Boss, sharing personal stories alongside cooking, baking, and decorating tips. His charisma as well as his delicious appetizers, dinners, and desserts make this an indispensable cookbook for every holiday and special occasion. Whether you’re cooking for six or sixty, these delicious dishes from the Cake Boss will make your next family gathering an event to remember!

MY REVIEW:  "Cake Boss" Buddy Valastro brings his signature style and joy for food and life to "Family Celebrations with the Cake Boss: Recipes for Get-Togethers Throughout the Year''. Featuring fantastic food for all occasions--topped off by unforgettable desserts--this photo-filled book will have you returning to the kitchen again and again to create memorable celebratory meals for family and friends. Each recipe comes with its own story, making the preparation and enjoyment of the finished dishes all the more special. You and your loved ones will appreciate the irresistible appetizing appeal of recipes like these: "Antipasto Salad"; "Apple-Oatmeal Cookies"; "Sesame Chicken Fingers"; "Blueberry-Lemon Pancakes''; "Roasted Rib Eyes with Horseradish Butter"; "Cherry-Glazed Holiday Ham''; "Eggnog Ice Cream"; "Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus"; "Smoked Salmon Risotto"; and much more. Organized by holidays, special occasions, and "just because" days, this cookbook offers traditional favorites and new discoveries that will add so much flavor and fun to your get-togethers with family and friends.  

Book Copy Gratis Simon & Schuster  

Buddy Valastro

  

For New York Times best-selling author Buddy Valastro, mixing eggs, sugar, butter and flour means a lot more than “making a cake.” As a fourth generation baker, it’s a constant source of pleasure, pride and creativity. Creating amazing cakes connects Buddy with the memory of his father Buddy Sr. and his extended Italian family history. Buddy Valastro is the star of the hit TLC series Cake Boss and Next Great Baker and author of the New York Times bestsellers Cake Boss and Baking with the Cake Boss, as well as Cooking Italian with the Cake Boss. He is owner of Carlo's Bake Shop in Hoboken and the Cake Boss factory in Jersey City, which supplies stores around the country. Buddy lives with his wife and four children in New Jersey.

https://www.carlosbakery.com/

https://www.facebook.com/BuddyValastro/

Love stories, served fresh--from author KAREN BOOTH--sexy contemporary romance and women’s fiction

 

Blue Collar Billionaire (Texas Cattleman's Club: Heir Apparent #3)

He’s not afraid to work hard to get what he wants in this opposites-attract romance from author Karen Booth!

Uptown girls who think they have the upper hand?

They don’t know Jack!

Jack Bowden has met enough rich women to know that Lone Star socialite Lexi Alderidge doesn’t take him seriously, even though their connection is instant. Still, the rugged contractor built his fortune from the ground up—surely he can build real rapport with Lexi the same way? But when “getting along” becomes “getting into bed,” will his brand of rough-and-tumble success ever truly fit into her high-class world?

From Harlequin Desire: Luxury, scandal, desire—welcome to the lives of the American elite.

Love triumphs in these uplifting romances, part of the Texas Cattleman’s Club: Heir Apparent series.

Book 1: Back in the Texan’s Bed by Naima Simone

Book 2: At the Rancher’s Pleasure by Joss Wood

Book 3: Blue Collar Billionaire by Karen Booth

Book 4: The Trouble with Bad Boys by Katherine Garbera

 

ALSO BY KAREN BOOTH

Tempted by Scandal

As her billionaire boss, he had everything.

“I don’t have you.”

Nadia Gonzalez has too much at stake to fall for her boss. But billionaire entrepreneur Matt Richmond has a way of getting past her defenses. Too bad what’s amazing in the bedroom is bad for Richmond Industries—especially when tabloid rumors threaten to destroy Nadia’s career. Can she trust Matt to stand by her…or must business come first?

 

A Cinderella Seduction

An overnight heiress meets the man of her dreams—

and her newfound family’s worst nightmare.

Discovering she’s a member of Manhattan’s most famous retail dynasty has given Emma Stewart a place to belong. Meeting a seductive stranger makes her rags-to-riches transformation complete. But British-born heir Daniel Stone is secretly carrying out revenge against her new family. Now the clock is ticking down to midnight on their secret affair…


 

A Bet with Benefits

Can she stay away from her irresistible ex?

Don’t bet on it!

Mindy Eden’s on-again, off-again affair with Sam Blackwell left her with regrets. So when her sisters bet her she can’t attend a wedding as her gorgeous ex’s plus-one without falling for him again, Mindy stakes her future to prove she’s over Sam. Will a week of passion with Sam be the one gamble she’s ready to take?


 

A Christmas Rendezvous

On her second run-in with her one-night stand,

they go from the bedroom to the war room!

It’s bad enough that high-powered attorney Isabel Blackwell is spending her Christmas on a high-stakes case. Then she discovers she’s up against the man who took her breath away one very special night. As a litigator, Jeremy Sharp shouldn’t be underestimated, but as lovers, Jeremy and Isabel can’t resist another rendezvous. Will this duel mean playing to win—or playing for keeps? 

:

Karen Booth is a Midwestern girl transplanted in the South, raised on '80s music and repeated readings of "Forever" by Judy Blume. Karen writes steamy contemporary romance, almost always about the dreamy guy you never thought you'd get. Her stories are full of breathless kisses, tearjerker moments, messy family dynamics, and more than a few things she's glad her grandmother never read.

Karen is co-founder of Seasoned Romance, a reader and author group devoted to the promotion of romance with characters 35+. She has been a finalist for RT Magazine's Series Romance of the Year, RT Magazine's Gold Seal of Excellence, the National Excellence in Romance Fiction Award (NERFA), the Booksellers Best Award, and the Holt Medallion. Her books have been translated into seventeen languages. Stay up to date on new releases from Karen by clicking the "Follow" button, sign up for her newsletter at bit.ly/kbnews, or visit her website at karenbooth.net.

When Karen isn't creating fictional dream men and the women who test them, she's listening to everything from Otis Redding to Duran Duran with her kids, honing her Southern cooking skills (she makes some mean collards), or sweet-talking her astoundingly supportive husband into making her a Dark & Stormy.

http://karenbooth.net/

"GO DEEPER"--Book Two in author MOLLY SLOAN'S "BILLIONAIRE ELEMENTS SERIES" finds a young man on a journey to Australia to discover his heritage--and he may just find the love of his life

 

Go Deeper

Lea...

I’ve crushed on him since I was a child.
Athletic.
Gorgeous.
Surfer.
I was his best friend’s annoying little sister.
When my parents sent me to live in Australia, I didn’t think I would ever see him again, but fate had a way of crossing our paths.

Alex...

When my father died, my brothers and I discovered we were adopted.
Now I’m going back to my birthplace, Australia; where I don’t know a soul…except Lea.
She was all kinds of awkward and frizzy red hair when we were kids.
But now, her beautiful curves and auburn mane are straight out of old Hollywood.
As I discover, she holds a key to my past.
But she’s in a dangerous game, and I am determined to protect her and keep our baby safe.

MY REVIEW: Author Molly Sloan's "Billionaire Elements Series" draws readers into the lives of the three Elliot brothers, Caleb, Alex, and Eden. Upon the death of their wealthy father, the brothers are shocked to learn that each of them was adopted, and each has a different country of birth. Even more unsettling is their father's edict on how they are to proceed in order to receive the lion's share of their inheritance. When each son reaches the age of twenty-five, he will be given the full information of his birth circumstances, and he will have one year to devise a worthy financial benefit plan for his country of heritage. "GO DEEPER", Book 2 in the series, is middle son Alex's story, and he will travel to Australia on his journey of discovery. Many surprises await him there--not the least of which is reconnecting with his best friend's younger sister Lea, who had moved to Australia years ago and become a marine biologist. No longer the awkward annoying girl whom he had thought of as an absolute pest, Lea is now a gorgeous, confident woman who takes his breath away. Always a carefree "surfer dude" who had enjoyed a life of much privilege and little responsibility, Alex must quickly mature into a man of conscience who is concerned with much more than how the waves are breaking for the day. Lea is definitely the woman who can help him become such a man, but will their differing lifestyles and dissimilar personal choices be too much of an obstacle? Will finding a common cause unite them with hope for a happy future? If you enjoy steamy contemporary romance with hunky heroes who are captivated by sassy-smart women, then you will love the "Billionaire Elements Series" from author Molly Sloan.

Book Copy Gratis Author

Molly Sloan



Molly Sloan is a 2nd generation Irish American who traded her early modeling career for a master’s degree in Communications and Public Relations. After 10 years developing business strategy, branding, reputation management and crisis communication for some of the world’s largest companies, she is finally pursuing her dream of being a writer.

“I love the psychological motivation behind the characters and exploring the emotional and intimate sides of relationships. My books are an escape, I hope you’ll think so too. Every book is a standalone story with a HEA ending.”

Find Molly at:
Prolific Works:  https://www.prolificworks.com/discover/author/27604/molly_sloan
Book Funnel: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/wdqokt4t8r
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mollysloanauthor
or email her at mollysloan-author@redhawkpress.com

"MARIANA"--from SUSANNA KEARSLEY, winner of the Catherine Cookson Fiction Prize, this mesmerizing, suspenseful, and richly atmospheric tale of time travel draws us into the heart of a heroine we won't soon forget...

Mariana
 
The first time Julia Beckett saw Greywethers she was only five, but she knew that it was her house. And now that she’s at last become its owner, she suspects that she was drawn there for a reason.

As if Greywethers were a portal between worlds, she finds herself transported into seventeenth-century England, becoming Mariana, a young woman struggling against danger and treachery, and battling a forbidden love.

Each time Julia travels back, she becomes more enthralled with the past...until she realizes Mariana’s life is threatening to eclipse her own, and she must find a way to lay the past to rest or lose the chance for happiness in her own time.

MY REVIEW: I am not a great fan of time-travel tales, but "MARIANA", by Susanna Kearsley, got better and better as the story developed. I am now a great fan of Susanna Kearsley! I was involved with the characters and could have continued to read more about how their lives unfolded. The strong first-person narrative propelled the reincarnated romance to a nicely twisted ending. A very good read.  


ALSO BY Susanna Kearsley


          

        

     

   
Susanna Kearsley

 

New York Times, USA Today, and Globe and Mail bestselling author Susanna Kearsley is a former museum curator who loves restoring the lost voices of real people to the page, interweaving romance and historical intrigue with modern adventure.

Her books, published in translation in more than 20 countries, have won the Catherine Cookson Fiction Prize, RT Reviewers’ Choice Awards, a RITA Award, and National Readers’ Choice Awards, and have finaled for the UK’s Romantic Novel of the Year and the Crime Writers of Canada's Arthur Ellis Award for Best Novel.

She lives near Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

http://www.susannakearsley.com/index.html