Making Spirits Bright


Book Description

A collection of holiday love stories includes Fern Michaels' "Making Spirits Bright," in which Melanie McLaughlin uses her sham marriage to Bryce Landry to adopt two orphaned siblings and give them a real home for Christmas.




Making Spirits Bright


Book Description

”This swoon-worthy collection of novellas hits the holiday sweet spot” with four tales of sweet surprises, family connections, and unexpected romance (Publishers Weekly, starred review). “Making Spirits Bright” by Fern Michaels Melanie McLaughlin desperately wants to adopt two orphaned siblings and give them a real home for Christmas. A just-for-the-holiday marriage to Bryce Landry fits her plan perfectly . . . until Melanie starts dreaming of forever by his side . . . “Runaway Christmas” by Elizabeth Bass Watching movies in her pajamas is Heidi Bogue's idea of a perfect Christmas—until her thirteen-year-old niece makes a surprise visit. And when a snowstorm turns Heidi's café into a community refuge, a handsome cop gives her a new reason to celebrate . . . “Home for Christmas” by Rosalind Noonan Jo Truman needs a replacement Santa for her gift shop's Christmas Eve party. She's determined to convince lonely soldier Sam Norwood that he's perfect for the part . . . and that the season for love is always . . . “Christmas on Cape Cod” by Nan Rossiter Maddie Carlson would do anything for her best friend. And helping Asa Coleman babysit a rambunctious puppy on Christmas Eve night is her one chance to help the troubled teacher put his past to rest . . . and give the sweetest gift of all.




Making Spirits Bright


Book Description

Starting with a world view of Christmas anticipation, this book encourages children and adults to look around themand withinto think about simple gifts, greetings, and decorations at this memory-rich time of year. Family activity: make song sheets from a clever book-within-a-book for family sing-alongs or a caroling party. Plus, personalize four keepsake wooden ornaments.




Mountain Spirits


Book Description

After retiring from a career as a public relations representative with Lockheed Martin Corporation, Joseph Earl Dabney currently enjoys a career as a writer, author, and speaker. He also has experience as a reporter and editor for several Southern newspapers. Dabney has written three other books: More Mountain Spirits; Herk: Hero of the Skies; and Smokehouse Ham, Spoon Bread, and Scuppernong Wine, which was named Cookbook of the Year by the James Beard Foundation for 1999. Joe is a native of Kershaw, South Carolina, and lives in Atlanta. Book jacket.




A Letter to Three Witches


Book Description

"Bewitched meets Practical Magic in this bubbly, quirky romantic comedy with an enchanted twist from acclaimed author Elizabeth Bass. When romance problems cause their powers to go berserk, a trio of witches whose family was banned from practicing magic risk getting in serious trouble with the Grand Council of Witches. Can they get their magic--and their love lives--in order before it's too late?"--




Making Spirits Bright


Book Description

Noel Bright has been seeing Wes Rivers since February and, as the holidays approach, Wes wants to ask Noel a question. Though a same-sex relationship has been a new experience for the gruff police captain, Noel thinks -- with encouragement from his sister -- Wes is ready to take the next step in their relationship. Wes has plans to go to Maine for Christmas to see his family and Noel anticipates he will be invited along, but when Wes asks him to pet sit instead, and admits his family knows nothing about their relationship, Noel begins to rethink how serious Wes is about him. When Wes’s plans change and he stays home after all, Noel does his best to make both of their spirits bright for Christmas.




Chocolate Milk, Por Favor


Book Description

While the other kids happily bound into the classroom, Gabe stands with his mother outside the door, timid and unsure about walking into school. That's because Gabe is the new kid at school and he doesn't speak English. Gabe is from another country. With English as a second language, starting school felt scary and intimidating. How would he know what to do? What would the other kids think? The teacher goes out of her way to make Gabe feel welcome and encourages the other kids to celebrate diversity with empathy. But that doesn't stop Johnny from going out of his way to be unkind. Chocolate Milk, Por Favor illustrates how actions speak louder than words and drives home the importance of celebrating diversity, kindness, inclusion and empathy. Because no matter what language you speak, kindness is the universal language of all. Learn how to celebrate differences in this powerful story and discover how chocolate milk plays a major role in the discovery of the real universal language. &⭐&⭐&⭐&⭐&⭐Heartwarming and real! "Every child should read this book. It can help children understand their feelings when they meet someone different from themselves and help them find a common ground." – Verified Amazon review This book is the perfect complement to other books in your home or school library that focus on ESL, diversity and empathy. Like the work of Bobbi Kates (We're Different, We're the Same - Sesame Street) and Shannon Olsen (Our Class is a Family.) Maria Dismondy is a sought-after author, publisher and public speaker. Although fictional, Chocolate Milk, Por Favor is based on a true story from Maria's own life. This book comes with a free Reader's Guide for children. The guide is available for free download from the Cardinal Rule Press website. Lesson plans, activities and discussion questions to allow parents, teachers and caregivers to explore the topic further and deepen comprehension.




Kindred Spirits


Book Description

In Kindred Spirits, Anne Benvenuti visits with individuals and groups working in animal conservation, rescue, and sanctuary programs around the world. We meet not only cats and dogs but also ravens, elephants, cheetahs, whales, farm and circus animals, monkeys, even bees. A psychologist and storyteller, Benvenuti focuses on moments of transformative contact between humans and other animals, portraying vividly the resulting ripples that change the lives of both animals and humans. Noting that we are all biologically members of one animal family, she expertly weaves emergent understandings of animal and human neurobiology, showing that the ways in which other animals feel and think are actually similar to humans. Love, grief, fear, rage, sadness, curiosity, play: these are shared by us all, a key insight of affective neuroscience that informs Benvenuti’s perceptions of human-animal relationships. She effortlessly drops clues to understanding human motivation and behavior into her narratives, and points to ways in which we all—other animals and humans alike—must come up with creative responses to problems such as climate change. As we travel with her to both backyard and far-flung locations, we experience again and again the surprising fact that other animals reach back to us, with curiosity, interest, even care. Benvenuti writes for the animal-loving public but also for anyone who loves a good story, or is interested in ecology, animal welfare, psychology, or philosophy.




We Are Santa


Book Description

Who doesn't love Santa Claus? From award-winning photographer Ron Cooper comes a beautifully curated collection of fifty professional Santas from across the country. We Are Santa is a fascinating glimpse into the lives of those who slip into the red suit to spread Christmas cheer. Before and after portraits, behind-the-scenes stories of custom made costumes and specialized training, and surprising anecdotes of on-the-job encounters bring these Santas to life. Just as Humans of New York captures the lives of everyday people, We Are Santa celebrates the humanity of everyday Santas. From a third-generation Kris Kringle to an Orthodox Jew who has been playing Santa for fifty years, Cooper's portraits are a testament to the holiday spirit. When Santa Mike, a Navy veteran and aircraft mechanic, meets a six-year-old girl with a prosthetic hand just like his own, he says, "Her eyes got big, and she threw her arms around my neck. It was the highlight of my season. That's why I’m Santa."




Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun


Book Description

Lucy has big hair, eats fun foods and is teased by a boy named Ralph at school because she is different. She tries to be brave but she wishes the teasing would stop. What should I do? she asks herself over and over. Lucy's Papa Gino reminds her to do the right thing and treat people with kindness. So when Ralph gets stuck on the playground and needs help, will Lucy use this chance to teach Ralph a lesson? Or will she have the courage to be true to herself and make the right choice with an act of kindness? Readers of all ages can empathize with Lucy's brave journey as she sets out to rise above Ralph's mean words, stay true to herself and build her self-esteem every step of the way. This book comes with a free Reader's Companion, complete with discussion questions, lesson plans and activities for children to go beyond the book. Download your copy direct from the publisher website. The best book for teaching kindness and confronting bullying. Spaghetti in a Hotdog Bun is perhaps the most beloved book by award-winning author Maria Dismondy. It carries the key message of love, courage and positivity supported by the many advocates of positive parenting solutions. It will sit comfortably on your shelf alongside other books that focus on emotions, confidence and bullying. Like the work of Adir Levy (What Would Danny Do?) and Jacquelyn Stagg (Kindness Starts with You).