"The Healthy Breakfast Cookbook: Easy, Balanced Recipes for Busy Mornings"--offers something for every type of morning eater―and every type of schedule--enjoy healthier takes on the foods you love, all recipes have nutritional information and dietary labels (see my review)

The Healthy Breakfast Cookbook: Easy, Balanced Recipes for Busy Mornings

Whether you are single or feeding a family of five, preparing a balanced breakfast isn’t always a luxury you may have. Fortunately, The Healthy Breakfast Cookbook will equip you with tools and recipes to make a healthy, delicious breakfast―with time left to eat it too.

Filled with delicious recipes like Sweet Potato Breakfast Biscuits and Protein-Packed Banana Pancakes, this cookbook offers something for every type of morning eater―and every type of schedule. You’ll find a range of nutritionally balanced breakfasts, whether you’re planning ahead or scrambling to throw something together (and even a few recipes for more indulgent weekend mornings). This book―and all of its recipes, tips, and tricks―is dedicated to making the morning ritual as easy and delicious as possible!

This cookbook includes:

• 75 tasty, balanced breakfasts―Enjoy healthier takes on the foods you love, all of which have nutritional information and dietary labels.
• Solutions for busy mornings―Look for recipes with a “super-rushed” label when you need a quick solution or make-ahead tips when you’re able to plan in advance.
• Handy tips and tools―Advice for substituting ingredients, making prep as easy as possible, and perfecting staples such as hard-boiled eggs.

Bring back the most important meal of the day with The Healthy Breakfast Cookbook.

MY REVIEW:  "The Healthy Breakfast Cookbook: Easy, Balanced Recipes for Busy Mornings" will make you hungry, and it will give you a nudge to remember to start your day with a "good for you" breakfast. Author Shayna Telesmanic, a chef who offers classes and workshops for children as well as adults, also shares her passion for getting kids involved in the kitchen through weekly TV segments. In this cookbook, she includes a wide range of delicious breakfasts to suit everyone's morning meal needs. Chapters include "Rise and Shine"; "Drinks and Smoothies"; "Yogurt and Fruit"; "Granola, Oats, and Grains"; "Eggs 11 Ways"; "Protein Packed"; Sandwiches and Toast"; "Pancakes, Waffles, and French Toast"; and "Muffins, Bread, and Bars". Each recipe has a nutritional breakdown. Here's a list of some of the recipes you will find: "Funky Monkey Smoothie"; "Ginger Carrot Juice"; "Homemade Yogurt"; "Apple Crumble"; "Granola Bars"; "BLT Grits Bowls"; "Eggs in a Basket"; "Easy Egg Muffins"; "Breakfast Enchiladas"; "Make-Ahead Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Breakfast Sandwich"; "French Toast Muffins"; "Bacon Cheddar Waffles"; "Breakfast Cookies"; and "Strawberry Scones".

Book Copy Gratis Callisto Publishers 



Shayna Telesmanic


 

Chef Shayna Telesmanic has spent the last decade teaching children and families how to fall in love with cooking healthy meals.

From weekly classes, workshops, educational programs, and private events, Chef Shayna has established herself as the go-to cooking authority in California’s Central Valley.

Her weekly segment on Fresno’s ABC 30 and appearances on NBC KSEE 24 and KMPH FOX 26 has helped her share her passion for getting kids involved in the kitchen, building their excitement around meals and encouraging them to try and enjoy new foods.

With classes and workshops for children as well as adults, Shayna aims to simplify cooking for families and take the fear and mystery out of the kitchen.

This culinary passion comes from her study of food around the world, a childhood spent in her mother’s Italian restaurant, and her own desire to feed her family well.

http://www.chefshayna.com/

"Wine: A Beginner's Guide"--everything you need to know about the fruit of the vine―from A to Zinfandel--uncork your inner sommelier and sip confidently

  
Wine: A Beginner's Guide

Everything you need to know about the fruit of the vine—From A to Zinfandel.

If you enjoy wine—but can’t articulate why—you’re not alone! From terroir to global varieties, Wine: A Beginner’s Guide breaks down the complex bouquets of winemaking and tasting into ways that are fun and easy to understand.

Learn what really makes a Cabernet Sauvignon red. Taste how it’s possible to detect a hint of leather, chocolate, or even rubber in a single sip. Confidently discuss the subtleties of different types of grapes with the guide that has everything you need to know to grow your love of wine.

Wine: A Beginner’s Guide includes:

• Taste right—The 4-Step process to tasting wine means you’ll get the most flavor from every swish and swirl.
• Pour with poise—Handle a bottle of vino just right, with tips on proper serving temperature, glass style, and long-term storage.
• Perfect match—An entire chapter on pairing with food means you’ll select a bottle that complements every meal.

Uncork your inner sommelier and sip confidently with Wine: A Beginner’s Guide.

MY REVIEW:  Ken Fredrickson, author of "Wine: A Beginner's Guide", is a Master Sommelier, an entrepreneur, and an enthusiast for the best Life has to offer in wine and cuisine. His many years of hands-on experience, his extensive knowledge, and his great love of subject are all put to optimal use in this enjoyable and informative guide on wine basics and much more. Don't let the very simple cover design of this book fool you--it's actually loaded with photos, illustrations, maps, charts, guidelines, and, of course, information on all aspects of wine and winemaking. I have long been fascinated with wine and its history--for many families around the world, wine is not just a business, it is a generational legacy. One of my dreams has been to operate my own small vineyard with an on-premises B&B. I live in the beautiful mountains of Virginia, which has grown to be one of the top ten wine-producing states in America. Within an hour or so from my small hometown, there are numerous renowned independent wineries, and I am very proud of that fact. Reading "Wine: A Beginner's Guide" has given me an even greater appreciation of all the elements that are part of winemaking, both local and global. Chapters include: "Wine 101"; "Wine Builds Character"; "Style and Substance"; "How to Taste Wine"; "Handle Wine Like a Sommelier"; "Wine Around the World"; and "Pairing Wine with Food". I particularly enjoyed the information on wine and food pairings, which is broken down by specific types of food--Cheese, Vegetables, Meats, Fish/Shellfish, Herbs/Spices, and Desserts.

Book Copy Gratis Callisto Publishers    

Reviews

 

“Ken has captured a sense of discovery, revelation, and celebration in Wine: A Beginner’s Guide. The book is chock-full of important and thoughtful foundational knowledge as well as unique personal insight. Young somms just beginning their journey should grab a copy, read it two or three times, and hit the ground running.”―Rajat Parr, 2015 James Beard Award Winner for Outstanding Wine, Beer, or Spirits Professional

“Wine: A Beginner's Guide is exactly the kind of book I needed when I first got into wine. It's well-written and highly informative without dumbing down the subject matter. I look forward to recommending Ken's book to my staff or anyone interested in learning more about wine. It's the key to having a better understanding of wine and, most importantly, enjoying it.”―Alpana Singh, master sommelier and restaurateur, host of Emmy Award-winning WTTW show, Check, Please!

“What I most enjoyed about Wine: A Beginners Guide is how it combines theory, history, and culture in such a smart and harmonious way. Ken borrows from his professional and personal experience, zest for life, and love of teaching to show how, when combined, seemingly complex and arcane wine knowledge comes together with clarity and joy.”―Grant Achatz, James Beard Award Winner for Outstanding Chef (2008) and Best New Restaurant (Next, 2012)


Ken Fredrickson

 

Chicago-based Master Sommelier and serial entrepreneur Ken Fredrickson spent his early career working alongside culinary giants Wolfgang Puck and Charlie Trotter. After leaving the restaurant world, Ken built and sold innovative, customer-focused wine and spirits distributioncompanies and completed a winery turnaround. Currently, he operates Tenzing, A Wine and Spirits Company, which is dedicated to the hospitality sector.

An Ironman participant and enthusiast, Ken focuses his charitable efforts on the Mayo Clinic and its specific treatment of mood-related illness and bi-polar disorder. Ken is a long-time supporter of Pilot Light Chefs program, an organization promoting nutrition through education in Chicago public schools. In his free time, you can find Ken entertaining friends and family, traveling with his partner Maria, and chasing their four-year-old son around. Don't miss his wine adventures on Instagram @kenfredricksonms.

http://kenfredrickson.com/ 

"Flavors of the Seasons--a Collection of Recipes, Prayers, and the Inspirational Poetry of Helen Steiner Rice"--compiled by Virginia J. Ruehlmann--recipes with lovely poems and prayers to feed the soul as the food feeds the body

Flavors of the Seasons

Flavors of the Seasons is a must-have cookbook! Featuring recipes for all four seasons with the added bonus of inspirational verse from America's best-loved poet, Helen Steiner Rice. This unique cookbook serves dual roles - cooks everywhere will find much-needed inspiration not only for the kitchen but also for their hearts. Dozens of recipes are divided into seasonal categories Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall - and feature everything from appetizers and breads to soups and salads, main dishes and desserts. 

MY REVIEW:  "Flavors of the Seasons" is "A Collection of Recipes, Prayers, and the Inspirational Poetry of Helen Steiner Rice", compiled by Virginia J. Ruehlmann. It is wonderful! The photography is crisp and the colors are bold. The food jumps from the page, making the recipes even more mouth-watering. The voice of Helen Steiner Rice is heard throughout the book, with lovely poems and prayers to feed the soul as the food feeds the body.


Helen Steiner Rice



From the 1920s and beyond her death in 1981, Helen Steiner Rice has been an unofficial poet laureate of hope and optimism. Her books have sold more than seven million copies. There's probably not one American family today that hasn't been touched by some form of Helen's work. Even today her writings continue to inspire a new generation online, in gift books, and through note cards.

Virginia J. Ruehlmann of Cincinnati, Ohio, continues the legacy of her friend through the Helen Steiner Rice Foundation. Virginia has compiled more than fifty volumes of Helen's inspirational verse and poetry, including Awake My Soul and Sing: Poems Inspired by Favorite Hymns

http://www.helensteinerrice.com/

THE ADDRESS BOOK"--by Deirdre Mask--an exuberant and insightful work of popular history of how streets got their names, houses their numbers, and what it reveals about class, race, power, and identity

The Address Book: The Untold History of the Places Where We Live

An extraordinary debut in the tradition of classic works from authors such as Mark Kurlansky, Mary Roach, and Rose George.

When most people think about street addresses, if they think of them at all, it is in their capacity to ensure that the postman can deliver mail or a traveler won’t get lost. But street addresses were not invented to help you find your way; they were created to find you. In many parts of the world, your address can reveal your race and class.

In this wide-ranging and remarkable book, Deirdre Mask looks at the fate of streets named after Martin Luther King Jr., the wayfinding means of ancient Romans, and how Nazis haunt the streets of modern Germany. The flipside of having an address is not having one, and we also see what that means for millions of people today, including those who live in the slums of Kolkata and on the streets of London.

Filled with fascinating people and histories, The Address Book illuminates the complex and sometimes hidden stories behind street names and their power to name, to hide, to decide who counts, who doesn’t―and why.

“Adam Gopnik observes that 'cities are their streets. Streets are not a city’s veins but its neurology, its accumulated intelligence.' In this light, street addresses map not just a city’s geography, but its very thoughts, and even its way of thinking. It is no accident that, in suburban sprawl, most people live on streets that go nowhere, or on parking lots with no proper street addresses at all. In this lively and eye-opening book, Deidre Mask unearths the many layers of meaning hiding just below the surface of the ways we place ourselves and others in our communities.” ―Jeff Speck, urban planner and author of Walkable City: How Downtown Can Save America, One Step at a Time.
 

Deirdre Mask

 

Deirdre Mask graduated from Harvard College summa cum laude, and attended University of Oxford before returning to Harvard for law school, where she was an editor of the Harvard Law Review. She completed a master’s in writing at the National University of Ireland.

The author of The Address Book: What Street Addresses Reveal About Identity, Race, Wealth, and Power, Deirdre's writing has appeared in The New York Times, The Atlantic, and The Guardian. Originally from North Carolina, she has taught at Harvard and the London School of Economics. She lives with her husband and daughters in London.

http://www.deirdremask.com/

From debut author Camilla Bruce--"YOU LET ME IN" delivers a stunning tale, combining the sinister domestic atmosphere of Gillian Flynn's Sharp Objects with the other-worldly thrills of Neil Gaiman's The Ocean at the End of the Lane.

You Let Me In

Cassandra Tipp is dead...or is she?

After all, the notorious recluse and eccentric bestselling novelist has always been prone to flights of fancy--everyone in town remembers the shocking events leading up to Cassie's infamous trial (she may have been acquitted, but the insanity defense only stretches so far).

Cassandra Tipp has left behind no body--just her massive fortune, and one final manuscript.

Then again, there are enough bodies in her past--her husband Tommy Tipp, whose mysterious disembowelment has never been solved, and a few years later, the shocking murder-suicide of her father and brother.

Cassandra Tipp will tell you a story--but it will come with a terrible price. What really happened, out there in the woods--and who has Cassie been protecting all along? Read on, if you dare...

“You Let Me In is a bewitching, beguiling, and deeply unsettling tale of one woman's strange life. It will ensnare you from page one and keep you riveted until the end.” ―Caitlin Starling, author of The Luminous Dead

Camilla Bruce

Camilla was born in central Norway and grew up in an old forest, next to an Iron Age burial mound. She has a master’s degree in comparative literature and a varied work history in communications and project management. Camilla currently lives in Trondheim with her son and cat.

https://camillabruce.com/

"SILVER BELLS" by LUANNE RICE--the enchantment of the holidays meets the pure storytelling genius of New York Times bestselling author Luanne Rice, as she presents readers with a special gift for the season and a Christmas classic in the making--touching novel became basis for beautifully poignant Hallmark Hall of Fame film

Silver Bells

On a quaint, snowy Chelsea street, librarian Catherine Tierney and a widowed Christmas tree seller from Nova Scotia will rediscover the magic of the season where they least expect it: in a chance encounter that leads to a holiday surprise of love and hope powerful enough to last a lifetime.

Every year on the first day of December, Christopher Byrne traveled from his farm in Nova Scotia to sell his Christmas trees on the streets of Manhattan. But this year there'd be no cheer for the widower and his twelve-year-old daughter, Bridget. For New York City had taken Christy's only son, headstrong sixteen-year-old Danny, who'd run off without a trace. 

Librarian Catherine Tierney used to love the holidays: the lights, the carols, the nip in the air. But after her husband's death on Christmas Eve three years ago, the festivities seemed to start too early and last too long. Just before he died, Brian told his wife that he'd never leave her, that every Christmas he'd send Catherine a sign. On the Chelsea street where she lives, Catherine will meet the tree seller from Novia Scotia. Both figured the world had forgotten the true meaning of Christmas. But they hadn't counted on finding each other, on fate, on second chances. . . and on a holiday gift of a new and lasting love. 

Reviews

 

"Lost souls, found again.... Lyrical and lovely: a standout Christmas story."—Kirkus Reviews

“Rice’s romanticized vision of Manhattan is sharpened by local detail, and her heartwarming Christmas story will please readers.”—Publishers Weekly

“Destined to become an enchanting Christmas classic… Pick up this book and let its magic work wonders as it enlivens your soul.”—Best Reviews


Luanne Rice

 

Luanne Rice is the New York Times bestselling author of thirty-three novels including CLOUD NINE, BEACH GIRLS, and THE SECRET LANGUAGE OF SISTER. LAST DAY will be out in February 2020. Five of her books have been made into movies and mini-series, many have been New York Times bestsellers and two of her pieces have been featured in off-Broadway theatre productions. She lives on the Connecticut shoreline.

http://www.luannerice.net


 

Silver Bells (Gold Crown Collector's Edition)

 

It's the Christmas season, but Christy Byrne (Tate Donovan) hasn't felt much joy since his wife died. When business brings him and his two children from Nova Scotia to New York City, his all-work attitude causes a fallout. Meanwhile, Catherine O'Meara (Anne Heche) is finding her "Look Up" project for a Manhattan art museum personally challenging. The project urges New Yorkers to look upward and experience the holidays in a new way—a difficult notion for a woman struggling through her third Christmas since losing her husband to cancer. Although their paths cross often, Catherine and Christy remain emotionally isolated until a crisis draws them together and they rediscover faith, hope, and love.

"Christmas on Mimosa Lane"--author Anna DeStefano presents a touching Christmas story about love, loss, and healing—and the joys of coming home (see my review)

Christmas on Mimosa Lane

A childhood spent on the streets leaves Mallory Phillips longing for a normal life and a perfect Christmas. Now an elementary school nurse in Chandlerville, Georgia, Mallory’s dream to blend into the picturesque community isn’t working out. She’s once more living a loner’s existence. Then an emotionally fragile seven-year-old appears in her living room in the middle of the night, and Mallory’s isolated world is turned upside down.

This is Polly Lombard’s first Christmas without her mother, and she won’t utter a word to anyone—except Mallory. She believes Mallory holds the key to helping her father overcome his sadness. Despite Pete Lombard’s lingering grief over his wife’s death and concern for his daughter, his resistance to their mysterious neighbor crumbles as he spends more time with Mallory and falls for her amazing heart. But when her past returns haunt her, is Mallory strong enough to keep the Lombard family in her life? And can the spirit of Christmas heal these broken souls and bring them all the joyous, loving holiday they deserve?

MY REVIEW:  The holidays are a time of heightened emotions--happiness and grief are intertwined for those of us who have lost loved ones. The memories can be overwhelming, often as dreaded as they are treasured. Everyone has to grieve in their own way, and they should be allowed to find their own level of emotional acceptance. Then there are those people who have great loving hearts, but did not have happy childhoods, and never experienced a real "family Christmas". Sentimental holiday music, lights and decorations everywhere, and there's no escaping the shopping blitz. Author Anna DeStefano's "Christmas on Mimosa Lane" is a poignant, emotion-charged, and ultimately very rewarding holiday romance, but it is also a reminder that life is for the living. Mallory Phillips is a seeker, searching for the idealized community and home life that she has never known. She thought she would find it on Mimosa Lane in the charming community of Chandlerville, Georgia. Working as a school nurse, she still feels something is missing from her life. She still feels alone. The only visitor to her home is a little girl from her neighborhood who comes to look at Mallory's Christmas Tree through her window. Polly and her father, Pete Lombard are grieving the loss of Polly's mother, and this Christmas season is very difficult. One evening, Polly ventures inside Mallory's house, triggering a chain of events which will change the course of all their lives. Pete is angry, frustrated, and just as scared as his little girl. Everything he took for granted, including his peace of mind, was taken away when his wife died from cancer. He's not sure of much of anything, and he resents Mallory's very frank assessment of his parenting skills. However, they soon begin to work together to make life better for Polly, and a fragile contentment settles around the three of them. Seeds of hope are planted, and the growing relationship between Pete and Mallory starts to bloom. When Mallory's painful past catches up with her, can she hold on to her newly-formed dreams of future happiness? Will Pete and Polly become the family she has ached for all of her life? "Christmas on Mimosa Lane" is highly recommended--especially for people like me who carry the spirit of Christmas in their heart all year long.

Book Copy Gratis Amazon Vine 

 

Reviews

 

"Christmas on Mimosa Lane celebrates the resilience of not only the holiday spirit, but the human spirit as well. You won't regret being part of that celebration." —Kathy Altman, USA TODAY, Happy Ever After

"This book is a perfect tearjerker, with a cast of characters that will reaffirm readers' faith in the incredible power of the human spirit. With tragic events that feel real, this story is a terrific read. Keep tissues handy as you fall into the compelling world created by this standout author!" —RT Book Reviews, 4 1/2 stars (Mild)

"[This book] will tug on your heart strings...This was my first book by Anna DeStefano and I can't wait to read more of them. I finished this book with a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes! If you want to read a wonderful but heart wrenching book then Christmas on Mimosa Lane is the book for you." —Fresh Fiction

"Anna DeStefano grabs you by the heartstrings and doesn't let go. Christmas on Mimosa Lane is a touching, emotional and timely story, with characters who will stay with you long after the last page has been turned." —Brenda Novak, New York Times best-selling author

"Christmas on Mimosa Lane is a charming, tender delight with unforgettable characters. It will make you laugh, it will make you cry, and it will make you feel as if you've come home yourself to a magical place where Christmas dreams do come true. Anna DeStefano is a treasure!"  —Teresa Medeiros, New York Times best-selling author of Goodnight Tweetheart

"A deeply emotional story that furls around your heart like a Christmas ribbon." —Lori Wilde, New York Times best-selling author

"A fearlessly emotional novel about the redemptive power of love, Christmas on Mimosa Lane explores the grief of a little girl and the wounds of the two damaged adults trying to help her. Four hankies. Five stars." —Judith Arnold, author of Goodbye To All That
 
"Anna DeStefano's Seasons of the Heart novel [Christmas on Mimosa Lane], is a heart-wrenching, redemptive story that doesn't shy away from some of the hardest parts of love, but ultimately celebrates the beautiful ability of the heart to heal, and to love again...Though seldom easy, Mallory and Pete's story was a heartfelt and compassionate one, and I'm eager to spend some more time visiting on Mimosa Lane soon."—The Romance Reviews

"Christmas on Mimosa Lane is one of the most emotionally powerful tales I have read in a long time." —Romance Junkie Reviews, 5 Blue Ribbons 


Anna DeStefano

 

Anna DeStefano brings to life heart-warming, emotion-packed stories about community, family and second chances. Her award-winning, nationally bestselling small town romances spotlight family, friendships and the forgiveness that nurtures her characters’ dreams…as they explore the issues all contemporary families face.

Anna’s imagination is forever inspired by our ability to claim an unlimited and exciting future—by honestly confronting and bravely overcoming the setbacks of the past.

She’s the author of more than twenty-seven books, including the Echoes of the Heart and the Mimosa Lane novels that are set in Chandlerville, Georgia, and her Atlanta Heroes series.

Look for her other titles featuring the reader-favorite Dixon family: Here in My Heart, Let me Love You Again, His Darling Bride, and Book 3 of the Seasons of the Heart series, Love on Mimosa Lane.

Born in Charleston, South Carolina, Anna’s lived in the South her entire life. Her background as a care provider and adult educator in the world of crisis and grief recovery lends itself to the deeper psychological themes of every story she writes.

A wife and mother, she currently writes in a charming northeast suburb of Atlanta, Georgia, not all that different from her characters’ beloved Chandlerville.

She is also a workshop, masterclass and keynote speaker, a writing coach, and a freelance editor.

Get to know Anna at annawrites.com/blog and the Anna DeStefano: Author page on Facebook, where she shares her inspirations, her challenges, a healthy dose of honest optimism, and tidbits about upcoming projects.

http://www.annawrites.com/ 

 

"The Three-Cornered War: The Union, the Confederacy, and Native Peoples in the Fight for the West"--by Megan Kate Nelson--a dramatic, riveting, and deeply researched narrative account of the epic struggle for the West during the Civil War, revealing a little-known, vastly important episode in American history

The Three-Cornered War: The Union, the Confederacy, and Native Peoples in the Fight for the West

In The Three-Cornered War Megan Kate Nelson reveals the fascinating history of the Civil War in the American West. Exploring the connections among the Civil War, the Indian wars, and western expansion, Nelson reframes the era as one of national conflict—involving not just the North and South, but also the West.

Against the backdrop of this larger series of battles, Nelson introduces nine individuals: John R. Baylor, a Texas legislator who established the Confederate Territory of Arizona; Louisa Hawkins Canby, a Union Army wife who nursed Confederate soldiers back to health in Santa Fe; James Carleton, a professional soldier who engineered campaigns against Navajos and Apaches; Kit Carson, a famous frontiersman who led a regiment of volunteers against the Texans, Navajos, Kiowas, and Comanches; Juanita, a Navajo weaver who resisted Union campaigns against her people; Bill Davidson, a soldier who fought in all of the Confederacy’s major battles in New Mexico; Alonzo Ickis, an Iowa-born gold miner who fought on the side of the Union; John Clark, a friend of Abraham Lincoln’s who embraced the Republican vision for the West as New Mexico’s surveyor-general; and Mangas Coloradas, a revered Chiricahua Apache chief who worked to expand Apache territory in Arizona.

As we learn how these nine charismatic individuals fought for self-determination and control of the region, we also see the importance of individual actions in the midst of a larger military conflict. The Three-Cornered War is a captivating history—based on letters and diaries, military records and oral histories, and photographs and maps from the time—that sheds light on a forgotten chapter of American history.

Reviews

 

"Of the several "western theaters" in the Civil War that stretched 1800 miles from Knoxville to Tucson, the events and significance of the once farthest west is least known or understood. Union forces in New Mexico and Arizona repulsed a Confederate attempt to conquer this region and subdued the Navajos and Apaches in a successful effort to "reconstruct" the region into the United States. Megan Kate Nelson's beautifully written account tells this important story."
—James M. McPherson, author of Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era

"In the 1860s New Mexico and the greater West experienced many civil wars.  With lucid storytelling, using nine remarkable characters, Nelson reveals a chaotic, desperate struggle of Union against Confederate, Native peoples against other Native peoples, and Natives on both sides.  This is the Civil War most Americans do not know and Nelson convinces us once again that the great conflict was about slavery and the winning the West with its land and resources.  Rarely is a Civil War book so readable and so new to our understanding."
—David W. Blight, author of the Pulitzer-prize winning Frederick Douglass: Prophet of Freedom

"A gripping tale of the Civil War in the West. Exploring the interaction of a fascinating cast of characters during a time of immense change, Nelson reveals an all too human struggle for territorial control. Shifting perspective between nine key characters — men, women, soldiers, and Native Americans — The Three-Cornered War brings this battle between peoples, armies, agendas, and the environment to living breathing life."—Joanne B. Freeman, author of The Field of Blood and editor of Alexander Hamilton: Writings

"Far from the Civil War's famous battlefields, a handful of individuals decided the fate of a vast landscape. In The Three-Cornered War, Megan Kate Nelson vividly portrays a complex struggle between peoples and armies—Navajo, Apache, Confederate, and Federal—over the mountains and deserts of the Southwest. Fast-paced and suspenseful, Nelson's account shifts perspective from the Navajo leader Juanita to the civilian Louisa Canby, from the Chiricahua titan Mangas Coloradas to the Texan Bill Davidson, among many others, in a web of conflicting agendas and shared suffering. This history of invasions, battles, and forced migration shapes the United States to this day—and has never been told so well."
—T.J. Stiles, author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning Custer's Trials: A Life on the Frontier of a New America

"Symphonic in scale, The Three-Cornered War blends masterfully the intimate and the epic, weaving the biographies of nine individuals into a story of peoples—Apaches, Texans, New Mexicans, Confederates, Navajos, Federals—whose tragedies and triumphs resonate in the West we know today."—James F. Brooks, author of Captives and Cousins and Mesa of Sorrows

"The 'hree-Cornered War sheds a bright light on the forgotten intersection of America's westward expansion and its cataclysmic Civil War. Full of irony, sharp character sketches and fast-paced battle scenes, Megan Kate Nelson's book should be read by anyone who wants to understand the roots of modern America -- or just wants a gripping story, powerfully told."—Clay Risen, author of The Crowded Hour

“[A] useful survey for readers interested in the Civil War in its short-lived southwestern theater.”—Kirkus Reviews



MEGAN KATE NELSON

 

MEGAN KATE NELSON a writer and historian living in Lincoln, Massachusetts. She has written about the Civil War, U.S. western history, academia, and American culture for the New York Times, Washington Post, Smithsonian Magazine, Preservation Magazine, Chronicle of Higher Education, and Civil War Times. She also writes a regular column on Civil War popular culture, “Stereoscope,” for Civil War Monitor.

Her most recent book, "The Three-Cornered War: The Union, the Confederacy, and Native Peoples in the Fight for the West," is the recipient of a 2017 NEH Public Scholar Award. It will be published by Scribner in February 2020.

She earned my BA in History and Literature from Harvard University and my PhD in American Studies from the University of Iowa.

http://www.megankatenelson.com

 
 

"Nature's Best Hope: A New Approach to Conservation that Starts in Your Yard"--from author Douglas W. Tallamy--if you’re concerned about doing something good for the environment, Nature’s Best Hope is the blueprint you need--by acting now, you can help preserve our precious wildlife—and the planet—for future generations

Nature's Best Hope: A New Approach to Conservation that Starts in Your Yard

Douglas W. Tallamy’s first book, Bringing Nature Home, awakened thousands of readers to an urgent situation: wildlife populations are in decline because the native plants they depend on are fast disappearing. His solution? Plant more natives. In this new book, Tallamy takes the next step and outlines his vision for a grassroots approach to conservation. Nature’s Best Hope shows how homeowners everywhere can turn their yards into conservation corridors that provide wildlife habitats. Because this approach relies on the initiatives of private individuals, it is immune from the whims of government policy. Even more important, it’s practical, effective, and easy—you will walk away with specific suggestions you can incorporate into your own yard.


Reviews

 

“Doug Tallamy is a quiet revolutionary and a hero of our time, taking back the future one yard at a time. In Nature’s Best Hope, he shows how each of us can help turn our cities, towns and world into engines of biodiversity and human health.”—Richard Louv, author of The Nature Principle and Last Child in the Woods

“Here is one area where individual action really can help make up for all that government fails to do: your backyard can provide the margin to keep species alive. Mow less, think more!”—Bill McKibben, author of Falter

“Tallamy shows how to transform yards into ecological wonderlands full of vibrant life. Your local birds, butterflies, and plants will thank you for learning from his wise advice.”—David George Haskell, author of The Forest Unseen, Pulitzer finalist, and The Songs of Trees

“This is a handbook for not only transforming your own yard, but for talking to your neighbors, the teachers in the paved schoolyard next door, and your town councilors about connecting one green haven to another to build wildlife corridors that become, as Tallamy puts it, a Homegrown National Park.”—Anne Raver, award-winning columnist and author of Deep in the Green

“A clarion call to go native: acting locally in your yard or neighborhood and thinking globally about the biodiversity crisis.”—Scott Freeman, author of Saving Tarboo Creek

“Doug Tallamy’s inspiring vision of a human landscape capable of supporting a wondrous diversity of life is powerfully articulated in Nature’s Best Hope.”—Rick Darke, landscape designer, lecturer, photographer, and coauthor of Gardens of the High Line


 DOUGLAS W. TALLAMY
 
 

Doug Tallamy is a professor in the Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Delaware, where he has authored 88 research publications and has taught Insect Taxonomy, Behavioral Ecology, Humans and Nature, Insect Ecology, and other courses for 36 years. Chief among his research goals is to better understand the many ways insects interact with plants and how such interactions determine the diversity of animal communities. His book Bringing Nature Home: How Native Plants Sustain Wildlife in Our Gardens was published by Timber Press in 2007 and was awarded the 2008 Silver Medal by the Garden Writers' Association. The Living Landscape, co-authored with Rick Darke, was published in 2014. Among his awards are the Garden Club of America Margaret Douglas Medal for Conservation and the Tom Dodd, Jr. Award of Excellence.

http://www.bringingnaturehome.net/

From author MARYANN MACDONALD--"It's Good to Have a Grandpa"--and a "Grandma" too!

 It's Good to Have a Grandpa


 

It's Good to Have a Grandma

************************************ 
Children and grandparents love playing together, eating together—just being together. Every time is a special time, for both. These books captures the special moments without sentimentality, but with warmth and love.

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

Maryann Macdonald

  

Maryann Macdonald is the author of 25 books for children including The Christmas Cat, How to Hug, and The Pink Party. She lives in New York City. Priscilla Burris has illustrated numerous books and materials for children, parents, and teachers. She enjoys cake paintings and creating art for products that include murals, greeting cards, and rubber stamps. Priscilla lives with her family in Southern California.  

http://www.maryannmacdonald.com/ 

USAF Band WWII Holiday Flashback

Neil Diamond - Happy Xmas (War Is Over)

Neil Diamond - Silent Night

"NOVEMBER CHRISTMAS"--touching short story by Greg Coppa became the basis for the powerfully poignant Hallmark Hall of Fame movie starring SAM ELLIOTT

November Christmas and Other Short Stories

The 2010 Hallmark Hall of Fame Christmas presentation, November Christmas, starring Sam Elliott, John Corbett, Karen Allen, Sarah Paulson and Emily Alyn Lynd was based on this prize-winning work, the first of five short stories presented in this collection by Greg Coppa. 

The November Christmas is a heartwarming tale about a small-town Rhode Island family dealing with an illness that threatens to take the life of a young daughter. Fearing the worst of outcomes the parents decide to celebrate the holidays early. A perceptive and quirky old farmer suddenly realizes why the little girl’s dad is asking him about picking pumpkins in August and tagging a Christmas tree in July. Having experienced the loss of his own daughter, Jesse Sanford enlists the help of friends to make Christmas in November a reality.

Bursting with faith, love and hope, the story strongly resonates with us because deep down we know it can be played out at any time in any of our own lives or those of our friends. And we all hope that when such misfortune befalls an innocent child anywhere, there will always be people around like the Sanfords who will recognize profound suffering, crippling mental anguish, and deep hurt when they see it and who will then take it upon themselves to do whatever is necessary to give solace and aid to those in desperate need of both. That’s the hopeful message that is the gift of November Christmas.

A Partridge in a Persimmon Tree, the sequel to November Christmas, tells of the ageing Jess Sanford’s intense struggle to retain the land that his family has continuously lived on and farmed since 1702. Help comes from an unconventional proposal and an unlikely source.

Who Will Sing for Danny? takes place in Providence in the ‘60s but the scenes, dialog and characters are recognizable to anyone who has spent time in the city neighborhoods of the Northeast. Young Brian agonizes over how he can pay tribute to an uncle who was his influential mentor and beloved role model.

Hurricane Carol (1954) provided the inspiration for Hurricane, a story about bravery, love and loyalty set on a little spit of land jutting into Narragansett Bay where the author now lives. A daring rescue is remembered well into the future where it will always dictate one man's relationships.

And lastly, The Cure, a tale of loss and a recovery fostered by an unpleasant event with an unexpected silver lining.


Greg Coppa

 

Greg Coppa has lived most of his adult life in the picturesque colonial-era village of Wickford, Rhode Island, which is washed by the waters of beautiful Narragansett Bay. It is an ideal location for sailing, kayaking and swimming which are all activities Greg enjoys.

He received an undergraduate degree from Providence College ('70) and a master's degree from Rhode Island College ('76)

A teacher and Science Department Chair at both St. Raphael Academy (Pawtucket, RI) and East Greenwich High School, Greg always enjoyed writing, doing most of it late at night after his wife, Abby, and four children went to bed. He has published hundreds of eclectic essays and articles that have found their way into just about every section of the newspaper as well as a variety of local, regional and national magazines dealing with such topics as boating, gardening and parenting.

Greg's preference is to write short stories though he is now dabbling with a novel as time allows.

A Presidential Awardee in Science (1992) and an Albert Einstein Congressional Fellow (1996), Greg also participated in a Fulbright program in Hanamaki and Morioka, Japan (1997).

For the last eight years Greg has been employed as a media specialist at Cote & D'Ambrosio, a marketing and communications company based in Wickford. 

https://www.facebook.com/greg.coppa.3

November Christmas

 

November Christmas is the moving story of two families, a community, and the idea that Christmas doesn't have to come just once a year. This holiday story tells how neighbors come to help a family trying to cope with their young daughter s illness. The story is narrated by the healthy adult daughter who shares her story with a group of children through a children s book she has written and illustrated. The father s (John Corbett) unwavering love toward his sick little girl propels him to come up with a plan to move the clock: pushing up all the holidays. His unlikely ally is his neighbor, a quiet but perceptive farmer (Sam Elliott) who figures out the plan. The two co-conspirators find they have something in common and join forces to bring the little girl and her brother Halloween in August, and Christmas in November, with the farmer enlisting friends in town to join the cause, and by doing so, mending his own old bridges of friendship.  

 

 

Neil Diamond - Little Drummer Boy

"THE CHRISTMAS BOUTIQUE"--New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Chiaverini returns with a delightful Christmas-themed installment in her beloved Elm Creek Quilts series—a captivating, heartwarming tale sure to become a holiday favorite.

The Christmas Boutique

Just weeks before Christmas, severe wintry weather damages the church hall hosting the Christmas Boutique—an annual sale of handcrafted gifts and baked goods that supports the county food pantry. Determined to save the fundraiser, Sylvia Bergstrom Compson offers to hold the event at Elm Creek Manor, her ancestral family estate and summertime home to Elm Creek Quilt Camp.

In the spirit of the season, Sylvia and the Elm Creek Quilters begin setting up market booths in the ballroom and decking the halls with beautiful hand-made holiday quilts. Each of the quilters chooses a favorite quilt to display, a special creation evoking memories of holidays past and dreams of Christmases yet to come. Sarah, a first-time mother expecting twins, worries if she can handle raising two babies, especially with her husband so often away on business. Cheerful, white-haired Agnes reflects upon a beautiful appliqué quilt she made as a young bride and the mysterious, long-lost antique quilt that inspired it. Empty nesters and occasional rivals Gwen and Diane contemplate family heirlooms and unfinished projects as they look forward to having their children home again for the holidays.

But while the Elm Creek Quilters work tirelessly to make sure the Christmas Boutique happens, it may take a holiday miracle or two to make it the smashing success they want it to be.

Praised for her ability to craft “a wonderful holiday mix of family legacy, reconciliation and shared experiences” (Tucson Citizen), Jennifer Chiaverini once again rings in the festive season with this eagerly awaited addition in her beloved series.

Elm Creek Quilts Series

https://www.goodreads.com/series/40596-elm-creek-quilts 

The Elm Creek Quilts novels are a series of books written by Jennifer Chiaverini. The series includes twenty-one novels, one short story available as a e-book, and a reader's guide:

• The Quilter's Apprentice (1999)
• Round Robin (2000)
• The Cross-Country Quilters (2001)
• The Runaway Quilt (2002)
• The Quilter's Legacy (2003)
• The Master Quilter (2004)
• The Sugar Camp Quilt (2005)
• The Christmas Quilt (2005)
• Circle of Quilters (2006)
• The Quilter's Homecoming (2007)
• The New Year's Quilt (2007)
• The Winding Ways Quilt (2008)
• The Quilter's Kitchen (2008)
• The Lost Quilter (2009)
• A Quilter's Holiday (2009)
• The Aloha Quilt (2010)
• The Union Quilters (Feb 2011)
• The Wedding Quilt (Nov 2011)
• Sonoma Rose (Feb 2012)
• The Giving Quilt (Oct 2012)
• An Elm Creek Quilts Companion (Oct 2013)
• The Quilter's Ghost: An eShort Story (Oct 2015)

In most of the books, the main character is a master quilter named Sylvia Bergstrom Compson. She and her young friend Sarah McClure open a quilters' retreat at Sylvia's family estate, Elm Creek Manor. Sarah and Sylvia run the "quilt camp" with the help of their friends, the Elm Creek Quilters. Other books are historical, featuring Sylvia's ancestors and earlier residents of the Elm Creek Valley.

Jennifer Chiaverini



Jennifer Chiaverini is the New York Times bestselling author of several acclaimed historical novels and the beloved Elm Creek Quilts series, as well as six collections of quilt patterns inspired by her books. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame and the University of Chicago, she lives with her husband and two sons in Madison, Wisconsin. About her historical fiction, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel writes, "In addition to simply being fascinating stories, these novels go a long way in capturing the texture of life for women, rich and poor, black and white, in those perilous years."

http://jenniferchiaverini.com

"Spies, Code Breakers, and Secret Agents: A World War II Book for Kids"--by Carole P. Roman--amaze your friends and family with all kinds of awesome facts about spies and secret agents from World War 2

Spies, Code Breakers, and Secret Agents: A World War II Book for Kids

Spy on spies--uncover the secret agents of World War 2.

Discover World War 2's hidden heroes and villains. Spies, Code Breakers, and Secret Agents explores the intriguing world of spycraft and shows you what goes on behind the scenes in war.

From spy schools and ciphers to sneaky tools and secret armies, this guide takes you on a declassified tour of the undercover operations that helped decide the outcome of World War 2. There's also more than a dozen short spy-ographies that cover some of the most famous (and infamous!) agents that were active during the war.

This World War 2 book for kids includes:

Fun for aspiring historians--Dig into the causes of and what led up to World War 2 so you can better understand the important part spies played in it.

A family-friendly exploration--Learn about history in a fun and accessible way that anyone can enjoy.

Covert illustrations--Get an up-close look at actual spies, as well as some seriously amazing spy gear.

Amaze your friends and family with all kinds of awesome facts about spies and secret agents from World War 2.

MY REVIEW:  Growing up in the 60's, I was endlessly fascinated by secret agents, spies, and espionage-oriented gadgets and gizmos. A little later on in life, I became deeply drawn to the WWII ERA. "Spies, Code Breakers, and Secret Agents: A World War II Book for Kids", from author Carole P. Roman, combines so many of these elements in one involving, fact-filled volume. Chapters include: "Spies All Around"; "Spy Missions"; "Spy Gear"; "Secret Armies"; "Super Spies"; "Code Breakers"; and "Spies Today". You'll also find a glossary to help understand terminology, a guide to spy gear, and biographies of actual undercover agents who worked for the Allies Forces. The history of events that led up to the onset of war and how the timeline unfolded gives a better understanding of what occurred. War is a complex issue--no one ever really wins--and lives will never be the same. We cannot change the past, but learning from the past--especially for the young--may give us insights on how to create a better future.

Book Copy Gratis Callisto Publishers

Reviews

 

“This is a wonderful book that, while primarily for kids, can be enjoyed by adults as well. Written in a clear, concise voice, it begins, as does the war, in September 1939. It describes the countries and forces involved, discusses how the war evolved, defines the role spies played, and reveals the identities of some of the most famous spies, double agents, and code breakers of World War II. This book would make the perfect gift for children―and some adults, as well. It taught me a lot about the people who played important roles in the Allies’ battle to win World War II. You will not be disappointed.”―Theodore Jerome Cohen, mystery, thriller, and fiction writer
 
“At a time when World War II is becoming a distant memory, this terrific book by Carole Roman will introduce a new generation of readers to an important and fascinating aspect of that global conflict. Who can resist a book that illuminates the ‘secret war’ of spies and secret agents? Certainly, not me! And I bet that younger readers all over the world will agree. This is a perfect gift for holiday and birthday gift giving!”―Brian J. Morra, former intelligence officer and aerospace executive

“Carole P. Roman hits a home run with this encyclopedic exposé of World War II spy craft. She explores history and entices young minds with real-life heroes.”―Barbara Ann Mojica, author of the Little Miss HISTORY book series

“Every page opens up a new, interesting subject―each one filled with fascinating details―from which emerges a breathtaking and comprehensive picture of what WWII spies did and how they did it. The biographical and technical sections are marvelous. The history sets the background without ever becoming overwhelming. Roman writes clearly in straightforward and understandable language which never talks down to its intended audience of children. Can’t wait to buy copies for my grandchildren.”―Lewis M. Weinstein, author and historian

“Who were spies, what did they do, and how did they operate? Spies, Code Breakers, and Secret Agents is a phenomenal book for kids and will expand their interest in history in a fun and easy way. A must-read book of secrets!”―Erica Graham, MS, CCC-SLP, award-winning author of the Talking Tales children's series

“Laying down the facts and the fascinating ins and outs of spies during World War II, award-winning author Carole P. Roman makes this exciting topic utterly accessible for a new generation of history buffs. The pages have been packed with so much knowledge and interesting information that one might start to wonder if Roman is indeed a spy herself.”― Bianca Schulze, The Children's Book Review


Carole P. Roman

 

Carole P. Roman is the award-winning author of over fifty children's books. Whether it's pirates, princesses, or discovering the world around us, her books have enchanted educators, parents, and her diverse audience of children. She hosts a blog radio program called Indie Authors Roundtable and is one of the founders of the magazine, Indie Author's Monthly. She's been interviewed twice by Forbes Magazine. Carole has co-authored two self-help books. Navigating Indieworld: A Beginners Guide to Self-Publishing and Marketing with Julie A. Gerber, and Marketing Indieworld with both Julie A. Gerber and Angela Hausman. She published Mindfulness for Kids with J. Robin Albertson-Wren and a new joke book called The Big Book of Silly Jokes for Kids: 800+ Jokes!
She writes adult fiction under the name Brit Lunden and is currently helping to create an anthology with her mythical town of Bulwark, Georgia with a group of indie authors. She lives on Long Island near her children and grandchildren.

Her series includes:
Captain No Beard
If You Were Me and Lived in- Cultural
If You Were Me and Lived in- Historical
Nursery series
Oh Susannah- Early Reader and coloring book
Mindfulness for Kids with co-author J. Robin Albertson-Wren
The Big Book of Silly Jokes for Kids; 800 plus Jokes!
Navigating Indieworld- with co-author Julie A. Gerber
Marketing Indieworld- with co-authors Angela Hausman and Julie A. Gerber
Adult Fiction under the pen name Brit Lunden
Bulwark
The Knowing- A Bulwark Anthology

http://caroleproman.com

"50 Fearless Women Who Made History: An American History Book for Kids"--by Jenifer Bazzit--discover the amazing women who helped shape America with this enjoyable journey into American history for all ages (see my review)

50 Fearless Women Who Made History: An American History Book for Kids

50 women who shaped American history―how will they inspire you?

Women have always been at the forefront of American history―and now it’s time to hear their stories! This look into American history for kids is bursting with engaging biographies that explore the lives of these inspiring women from different backgrounds and a wide array of fields.

From Revolutionary War soldier Deborah Sampson and abolitionist Harriet Tubman to Hawaiian Queen Lili‘uokalani and Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, this guide to American history for kids takes you on a fun and fascinating journey, one fearless woman at a time. Each of these chronologically ordered biographies offers an exciting look into the life and accomplishments of these heroic figures and how they made history.

Unearth American history for kids with:

Incredible stories, incredible women―With multi-page biographies that focus on the accomplishments of heroic women, this is what a book on American history for kids should be.
Historical timeline―Better understand how each of these women fit into history thanks to timelines that show what else was happening during their lifetimes.
Dive deeper―Entries also feature a helpful sidebar that further explores a specific part of the biography, launching you into more learning about American history for kids.

Discover the amazing women who helped shape America with this enjoyable journey into American history for kids.

MY REVIEW: I so enjoyed "50 Fearless Women Who Made History: An American History Book for Kids"--after all, "Fearless Women" are AWESOME! Author Jenifer Bazzit has included 50 fascinating, fabulous women from all walks of life, races, cultural backgrounds, and fields of study. They represent different time periods in American history, spanning centuries from earliest colonial settlements through present day 21st century life in the United States. The biographies are organized chronologically by the era of the women's accomplishments, and a history of the times accompanies each feature. A glossary is included to help understand the terminology of the varying time periods. Here are some of the amazing women whom you will "meet": Pocahontas; Abigail Adams; Harriet Beecher Stowe; Nellie Bly; Eleanor Roosevelt; Rosa Parks; Sandra Day O'Connor; Sally Ride; and Oprah Winfrey. Women account for approximately half of the world's population, and their contributions to life as we know it are immeasurable. This is a very enjoyable and enlightening book, not just for children, but for female and male readers of all ages.

Book Copy Gratis Callisto Publishers


Jenifer Bazzit
 
Jenifer Bazzit is an Oklahoma-based upper elementary teacher who loves making history accessible and engaging for her students. She creates social studies and writing curricula for Teachers Pay Teachers, as well as her own website, Thrive in Grade Five.

http://thriveingradefive.com/  

"THE NINE LIVES OF CHRISTMAS"--author Sheila Roberts gifts her readers with a terrific, touching tale (see my review) of a tabby cat named Ambrose down to his ninth, and last, chance of finding a happy home for keeps--a wonderful holiday book is also captured on screen as one of Hallmark's best and most popular films of all time!

The Nine Lives of Christmas

Two people are about to discover that when it comes to finding love, sometimes Christmas magic isn't enough…sometimes it takes a pesky orange cat named Ambrose.

When a guy is in trouble, he starts making deals with his Creator…and Ambrose the cat is no exception. In danger of losing his ninth and final life, Ambrose makes a desperate plea to the universe. He'll do anything—anything!—if he can just survive and enjoy a nice long, final life. His prayer is answered when a stranger comes along and saves him—and now it looks like he has to hold up his end of the bargain.

The stranger turns out to be a firefighter named Zach, who's in need of some serious romantic help. If Ambrose can just bring Zach together with Merilee, the nice lady who works at Pet Palace, it's bound to earn him a healthy ninth life. Unfortunately for Ambrose, his mission is a lot harder than he ever thought. Merriliee is way too shy to make the first move on a ladies man like Zach, and Zach thinks he's all wrong for a nice girl like Merrilee. Now it's going to take all of Ambrose's feline wiles—and maybe even a good old fashioned Christmas miracle—to make them both realize that what they're looking for is right in front of their eyes.

MY REVIEW:  "The Nine Lives of Christmas" is a perfect little holiday present for lovers of poignant and funny romance, ornery and endearing pets, and finding the spirit of the season in unexpected places. Author Sheila Roberts gifts her readers with a terrific, touching tale of a tabby cat named Ambrose down to his ninth, and last, chance of finding a happy home for keeps. About to go down for the final count in the jaws and paws of a determined dog, Ambrose makes a last plea for mercy to the powers above--he'll be a good cat, do good deeds, if only he doesn't meet his demise by dog. Ambrose is granted a reprieve when he is saved by fireman Zach Stone, whom Ambrose targets as his pet project. Zach is a guy's guy who doesn't want to be committed to anyone or anything. He has a relationship with Blair, a spoiled and pampered businessman's daughter and divorcee who seems to just be looking for fun. In his spare time from his duties at the firehouse, Zach remodels and resells homes. He thinks he has things all figured out, including keeping his distance from his family. He has never really forgiven his mother for divorcing his father, especially as his father can't forget Zach's mother. His dad uses alcohol to blur his reality, and Zach is carrying a lot of personal issues and bitterness of his own. When Ambrose makes it clear that Zach is "his human", Zach seeks cat food and supplies and helpful advice from the pet super-center owned by Blair's father. At the store, his interest is captured and held by Merilee White, a clerk who loves cats and thinks Zach is the cat's meow. Merilee is sweet, sincere, and sympathetic, and Zach hears warning bells all around. She makes him thinks of things like a real home, a loving family of his own, and commitment--all of the things which scare him the most! Thanks to the plotting and planning of a certain formidable feline, Zach and Merilee's lives become entwined and entangled in ways they never thought possible. Both of them must take a leap of faith and reach for their chance at real happiness. Sheila Roberts writes wonderful characters, and this story is filled with humor, heartbreak and healing. There are fabulous insights into human and animal behavior, and they all presented in a most entertaining way. Sometimes letting go of what you thought was your only reality is the greatest gift that you can give yourself. There comes a time when we all have to open our eyes, move on, and live our lives to the fullest. All nine lives, that is!

Book Copy Gratis St. Martin's Press


Sheila Roberts



Sheila Roberts lives on a lake in the Pacific Northwest. She’s happily married and has three children. She’s been writing since 1989, but she did lots of things before settling in to her writing career, including owning a singing telegram company and playing in a band. Her band days are over, but she still enjoys writing songs. Sheila's books are best sellers and often appear as Reader's Digest Condensed Books. Her novel "Angel Lane" was named one of Amazon's top ten romances in 2009. Her novel "On Strike for Christmas" was a Lifetime Network movie and her novel "The Nine Lives of Christmas" was made into a movie for the Hallmark channel. When she’s not speaking to women’s groups or at conferences or hanging out with her girlfriends she can be found writing about those things near and dear to women’s hearts: family, friends, and chocolate.

https://www.sheilasplace.com/


A GREAT PERSONAL FAVORITE & ONE OF THE BEST FROM HALLMARK!

The Nine Lives of Christmas

  

Zachary (Brandon Routh) is a handsome bachelor who enjoys the liberties of being single. When a stray cat adopts Zach as his owner, Zach falls in love with the little guy in spite of the fact that he wants to stay away from responsibility. His new pet brings him into contact with Merilee White (Kimberly Sustad), a beautiful woman who is Zach s opposite. Through his new pet, Zach begins to see that being accountability-free isn't as fulfilling as he thought and that the wrong woman might just be the perfect match.

 

"CHRISTMAS AT SEA PINES COTTAGE"--by Sally Smith O'Rourke--from the author of "The Man Who Loved Jane Austen" and "The Maidenstone Lighthouse" comes a heartwarming, unforgettable novel set on the ruggedly beautiful island of Cape Fear in the Carolinas, where a man determined to retreat from the world discovers the redemptive power of unexpected love

Christmas at Sea Pines Cottage

With its rough gray shingles and weathered slate roof, Sea Pines cottage seems, at first glance, past its prime. But inside this remote fisherman's house, a driftwood fire crackles in the fireplace, brightly colored rugs cover the floor, and cozy cushions dot the worn, welcoming furniture. A young man named Robert has retreated after the war, planning to spend his days writing, tending to the local lighthouse, and nursing his injuries-physical and mental. For company, he adopts a young Golden Retriever puppy named Meteor, who happily settles into life at Sea Pines, delighting in his master's loving care.

Robert and Meteor spend months in quiet companionship, until the day Robert rescues a young woman from a storm at sea. Strong-willed and intelligent, Laura sees past Robert's injuries to the proud, passionate man beneath, and-with some matchmaking help from Meteor-they begin a new life together at the cottage. When their son, Nicholas, is born on Christmas Eve, Meteor immediately becomes the little boy's most loyal friend. But even Meteor's tireless devotion can't protect his cherished family from all of life's unexpected challenges-hurdles that will teach each of them lessons of courage, faith, friendship, and the enduring love that can sustain us through life's coldest seasons.


Sally Smith O'Rourke

 

“Where shall I begin? Which of all my important nothings shall I tell you first?” (Jane Austen. June 15, 1808)

That I reside in the Victorian village of Monrovia, California; a mere two miles from my place of employment, The City Of Hope. COH is a cancer research hospital where I spend most daylight hours in the operating room as a scrub nurse.

That I am a native Californian, having been born in Glendale, and spent most of my life here with a relatively short span of years in Reno, Nevada where I attended school. Returning after graduation I have remained in sunny SoCal.

That I was widowed some time ago. That I have very domestic hobbies like sewing, cooking, baking, candy making and cake decorating. Oh, yeah I write, too. Mike, my late husband and teacher, taught me that writing has to be treated like a job so every day no matter how tired I am I edit, research one or more projects and write. 

https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Author/Sally-Smith-ORourke-Author-144905095215/

http://austenticity.com/ 

"SKIPPING CHRISTMAS"--by JOHN GRISHAM--great book (see review) became basis for funny and touching film, "CHRISTMAS WITH THE KRANKS", starring TIM ALLEN and JAMIE LEE CURTIS

Skipping Christmas

Imagine a year without Christmas. No crowded malls, no corny office parties, no fruitcakes, no unwanted presents. That’s just what Luther and Nora Krank have in mind when they decide that, just this once, they’ll skip the holiday altogether. Theirs will be the only house on Hemlock Street without a rooftop Frosty; they won’t be hosting their annual Christmas Eve bash; they aren’t even going to have a tree. They won’t need one, because come December 25 they’re setting sail on a Caribbean cruise. But, as this weary couple is about to discover, skipping Christmas brings enormous consequences–and isn’t half as easy as they’d imagined.

A classic tale for modern times, Skipping Christmas offers a hilarious look at the chaos and frenzy that have become part of our holiday tradition.

MY REVIEW:  "Skipping Christmas", by John Grisham, is an entertaining holiday tale told in a sure, sly manner. This is the story of how Luther and Nora Krank decide to have a radically different holiday when their daughter leaves home to work for the Peace Corps in Peru. Members of a very close-knit community who enthusiastically partake in all things Christmas, the Kranks meet with much resistance to their getaway plan. They tough it out though, with Luther fighting the good fight and Nora going along for the ride. However, when their daughter Blair suddenly announces that she not only will be home for the holidays, but will bring along her new fiance', the Kranks have to ditch their dream cruise and go into overdrive. Somehow, they must recreate their whole traditional holiday celebrations in an insanely short amount of time. It takes a village to pull it all off, and as grudges give way and fences are mended, the spirit of the season is renewed. "Christmas with the Kranks", starring Tim Allen as Luther, and Jamie Lee Curtis as Nora, is the film version of "Skipping Christmas". I very much enjoyed both the book and the film. Tim Allen is a funny guy, and Jamie Lee Curtis has such great heart and appeal. The film stayed very true to the book, which made them both even more enjoyable.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Christmas with the Kranks

 

When their only daughter Blair leaves the family nest, Luther and Nora Krank (Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis) decide to book an island cruise to beat the yuletide blues and just skip the holidays. But their decision to boycott tradition has the whole neighborhood in an uproar, and when Blair call son Christmas Eve to announce a surprise visit with her new fiancée, the Kranks have just twelve hours to perform a miracle and pull themselves and their neighbors together to throw the best celebration ever! With fast-paced energy and support from Dan Aykroyd, Cheech Marin, Jake Busey and M. Emmet Walsh, this hilarious adaptation of John Grisham's best-selling novel, "Skipping Christmas" has become "an instant family classic!" (Gorman Woodfin, CBN)

 

John Grisham

 

"Long before his name became synonymous with the modern legal thriller, he was working 60-70 hours a week at a small Southaven, Mississippi law practice, squeezing in time before going to the office and during courtroom recesses to work on his hobby—writing his first novel.

Born on February 8, 1955 in Jonesboro, Arkansas, to a construction worker and a homemaker, John Grisham as a child dreamed of being a professional baseball player. Realizing he didn't have the right stuff for a pro career, he shifted gears and majored in accounting at Mississippi State University. After graduating from law school at Ole Miss in 1981, he went on to practice law for nearly a decade in Southaven, specializing in criminal defense and personal injury litigation. In 1983, he was elected to the state House of Representatives and served until 1990.

One day at the DeSoto County courthouse, Grisham overheard the harrowing testimony of a twelve-year-old rape victim and was inspired to start a novel exploring what would have happened if the girl's father had murdered her assailants. Getting up at 5 a.m. every day to get in several hours of writing time before heading off to work, Grisham spent three years on A Time to Kill and finished it in 1987. Initially rejected by many publishers, it was eventually bought by Wynwood Press, who gave it a modest 5,000 copy printing and published it in June 1988.

That might have put an end to Grisham's hobby. However, he had already begun his next book, and it would quickly turn that hobby into a new full-time career—and spark one of publishing's greatest success stories. The day after Grisham completed A Time to Kill, he began work on another novel, the story of a hotshot young attorney lured to an apparently perfect law firm that was not what it appeared. When he sold the film rights to The Firm to Paramount Pictures for $600,000, Grisham suddenly became a hot property among publishers, and book rights were bought by Doubleday. Spending 47 weeks on The New York Times bestseller list, The Firm became the bestselling novel of 1991.
The successes of The Pelican Brief, which hit number one on the New York Times bestseller list, and The Client, which debuted at number one, confirmed Grisham's reputation as the master of the legal thriller. Grisham's success even renewed interest in A Time to Kill, which was republished in hardcover by Doubleday and then in paperback by Dell. This time around, it was a bestseller.

Since first publishing A Time to Kill in 1988, Grisham has written one novel a year (his other books are The Firm, The Pelican Brief, The Client, The Chamber, The Rainmaker, The Runaway Jury, The Partner, The Street Lawyer, The Testament, The Brethren, A Painted House, Skipping Christmas, The Summons, The King of Torts, Bleachers, The Last Juror, and The Broker) and all of them have become international bestsellers. There are currently over 225 million John Grisham books in print worldwide, which have been translated into 29 languages. Nine of his novels have been turned into films (The Firm, The Pelican Brief, The Client, A Time to Kill, The Rainmaker, The Chamber, A Painted House, The Runaway Jury, and Skipping Christmas), as was an original screenplay, The Gingerbread Man. The Innocent Man (October 2006) marks his first foray into non-fiction.

Grisham lives with his wife Renee and their two children Ty and Shea. The family splits their time between their Victorian home on a farm in Mississippi and a plantation near Charlottesville, VA.

Grisham took time off from writing for several months in 1996 to return, after a five-year hiatus, to the courtroom. He was honoring a commitment made before he had retired from the law to become a full-time writer: representing the family of a railroad brakeman killed when he was pinned between two cars. Preparing his case with the same passion and dedication as his books' protagonists, Grisham successfully argued his clients' case, earning them a jury award of $683,500—the biggest verdict of his career.

When he’s not writing, Grisham devotes time to charitable causes, including most recently his Rebuild The Coast Fund, which raised 8.8 million dollars for Gulf Coast relief in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. He also keeps up with his greatest passion: baseball. The man who dreamed of being a professional baseball player now serves as the local Little League commissioner. The six ballfields he built on his property have played host to over 350 kids on 26 Little League teams.

http://www.jgrisham.com/