Reshuffled tells the life stories of former foster children, who despite all odds, craft productive lives. Within Reshuffled, former foster children share their trials and strategies to gain footing in their unpredictable lives with the hope that their stories can model, inspire, and encourage youth facing similar situations today. Tracy Gharbo and Linda Palmer have captured the authentic voices of the abused and abandoned children who become lawyers, social workers, military officers, college graduates, scientists, teachers, parents, athletes, and foster care advocates. Inspiration abounds in unique lives, told honestly and without reserve.
Riley McConnell loves living in San Antonio while she attends the University of Texas. Her major: public health. Although grateful that her aunt and uncle took her in when her mother died, she welcomes the break from them and her three young cousins. How she wishes she could forget advertising for a housemate to share the rent. But her part-time job selling tacos in a mall food court just isn't cutting it. Zander Bennett is also separated from his family, but for far different reasons. A veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom, he prefers living in a trailer park near Brook Army Medical Center where he receives care for injuries sustained in Afghanistan. Zander is a physical and emotional wreck, and the psychic gift that was an asset overseas is now as useless as his military training. Or so he thinks, until he spots a zombie in the mall food court on Halloween night. To most, the guy with the creepy face paint is just another costumed shopper among hundreds. But Zander knows recon when he sees it, and this dude is definitely sizing up the area as well as the pretty brunette bagging tacos. Even weirder, he has buddies doing the same. Zander's skin actually crawls, a feeling not experienced since his return to the states. Should he warn the girl? Or is his paranoia just another symptom of his troubled state of mind?
Though Everly Sayers makes every effort to be friendly to new student Roone Thorsen, he doesn't actually acknowledge her until he needs help with physics. Tall and a little on the teddybear side physically speaking, Roone falls somewhere in the middle when it come to the guys in her senior class, words actually imprinted on the black cause bracelet he wears. Turns out they have more than seventh period study hall in common. They're both avoiding dating if for different reasons. Since the best way to deter wannabe suitors is to be involved in a real relationship, they decide to fake one even if it means they'll have to show up at the Christmas dance as a couple. That night is an eye opener for Everly on several levels. First of all, Roone is quite a sight in his tux, which shows off his muscular frame instead of camouflaging it the way his boxy casual clothing does. Second, the kiss they share just for show somehow rocks her world. And third, with a flick of a finger, Roone mysteriously maneuvers a rogue chandelier that crashes to the crowded floor, saving a lot of dancers in the process. Or did he? Not quite believing her eyes, which suddenly have hearts in them, Everly is reluctant to admit that Roone is not only as far from somewhere in the middle as possible, he just might be out of this world.
Ally desperately wants "normal" for her half-sister Kayly, something she never had herself thanks to her liberated mom. First on her list of to-dos is contacting Kayly's dad, who promised he'd stay out of Kayly's life just as Ally's own dad once did. When Kat leaves the country on assignment, Ally drops in on the guy to introduce him to his baby daughter. But Kayly's dad doesn't live there--her half brother, Zach, does. And his shocking offer to help Ally find "normal" is nothing compared to what happens next.
In 1962, author Linda Palmer and a few friends from work began meeting on Friday nights to wind down from the week, enjoy each other’s company, and play a game of bridge. She had no idea that tradition would continue for almost sixty years. In Always Bridge, she pays tribute to and offers a look at the lives of the women who were an integral part of her life for fifty-eight years. Palmer remembers their conversations and shares anecdotes and nostalgic interviews of this group who provided support and friendship to each other for almost six decades. Offering real stories about real people, Always Bridge gives testimony to the uncommon quiet strength and good humor of eight special women.
As a producer and successful screenwriter, Linda Palmer knows all of Hollywood's trade secrets--and in How to Write It, How to Sell It, she shares them all. Linda Palmer knows that even in closed-door Hollywood, if your screenplay snags the interest of a producer, it doesn't matter who you are--you're in. The trick is getting your screenplay into the producer's hands. As a former vice president of production at Tristar Pictures and a credited screenwriter, Linda Palmer has a unique understanding of both sides of Hollywood's desk. In How to Write It, How to Sell It, she shares her knowledge with aspiring screenwriters, and she does so with the same charm the students of her popular UCLA Extension class have come to love and depend on. Straightforward and personable, Palmer uses the movies she loves to illustrate discussions of plot, structure, and character. From the layout of the page to the pitch to tips on sneaking by Hollywood's notorious readers, Palmer explains the business of show business as only one who knows it from the inside can.
When Jenny Jefferson agrees to help her sister open a B&B, she doesn't know that Jase Edwards will be working there, too. Jenny and Jase have history--an angry encounter at her sister's wedding four years ago. This time around their chemistry is as intense and supercharged as the lightning snaking down from the storm clouds overhead. Not even a mischievous house ghost can distract them from each other. But something far more sinister lurks in the shadows, and its eye is on Jenny. Can she and Jase unravel the mystery of the house's tragic past before history repeats itself?
Mia Tagliaro was born with the ability to communicate with the dead, the reason her parents sent her to a weekend camp for kids with similar talents when she was just eight. With the help of seasoned clairvoyants, she learned that she wasn't a freak at all. There were lots of other people just like her, in particular a boy camper her age named TC, who got vibes from the living and the dead. By the end of their stay, Mia and TC had shared more than just secrets about their "sidekicks," their nickname for psychic abilities. They shared a first kiss and a vow they'd never lose touch. That was then. Now eighteen, Mia is quite comfortable in her skin and frequently passes along messages to the living from departed friends and family. She also helps the police with missing persons cases, loving the rush she gets when the lost are found. Though she hasn't heard from her first crush, TC, for nearly a decade, Mia still thinks of him. So it's quite a shock when they run into each other at a school dance. Tall, athletic, and definitely gorgeous, TC, who calls himself Cooper now, seems just as amazing as she remembers. Then he tells her that his sidekicks deserted him years ago and actually uses the word freak when talking about them. Even worse, he lies when he says they can be friends again. Just when Mia is ready to give up on him, the ghost of Cooper's dad begs her to try a little harder. But how can she reach a guy who not only thinks she's a freak but deliberately keeps his distance? And what will happen when the spirits of local murder victims suddenly begin haunting her?
In Champion Trees of Arkansas, Linda Williams Palmer explores the state’s largest trees of their species, registered with the Arkansas Forestry Commission as “champions.” Through her beautiful colored-pencil drawings, each magnificent tree is interpreted through the lens of season, location, history, and human connection. Readers will get to know the cherrybark oak, rendered in fall colors, an avatar for the passing of seasons. The sugar maple, with its bare limbs and weather-beaten trunk, stands sentry over the headstones in a confederate cemetery. The 350-year-old white oak was once dubbed the Council Oak by Native Americans, and the post oak, cared for by generations of the same family, has its own story to tell. Palmer travelled from Delta swamps to Ozark and Ouachita mountain ridges over a seven-year period to see and document the champions and to talk with property owners and others willing to share the stories of how these trees are beloved and protected by the community, and often entwined with its history. Champion Trees of Arkansas is sure to inspire art and nature lovers everywhere.
Myki Swenson has issues. Three months ago, her parents were murdered. Now her big brother Ray has dropped out of college to be there for her, just one more thing to feel bad about. Though weekly visits to her shrink have helped a little, Myki thinks that her nightmare journal is helping the most. That's because she has devised a "dream scheme" that means reworking each one to give them the happy ending she hopes she'll one day have. In spite of Ray's support, recovery is a solo journey until Myki meets Josh Quinn, the new delivery guy at the ice cream parlor where she works. He's willing and eager to be not only an emotional ally, but much more. Does she dare risk loving and losing again?
As head writer of the soap opera Love of My Life, Morgan specializes in imperiling her characters. As co-executive producer on the show, she must protect the actors playing them. But when leading man Link Ramsey finds himself stalked by a woman who can't separate fact from fiction, Morgan's job is about to get more complicated.
Andee Rivera has no idea what she's getting into when she saves Jonah Killebrew from drowning in a chilly mountain lake. He's badly injured--wild animal bites from the look of his wounds--and as a fledgling healer, she wants to help. But his bites are more than they seem, and all the herbs, potions and salves in the world may not be enough to save him.
Cassidy Norris has no choice but to believe in love at first sight when she meets Brody Anderson. But there's more to Brody than meets the eye, and he tries to keep his distance from Cassidy. He's in danger and doesn't want her to be, too. When Cass is kidnapped in spite of all his efforts to keep her safe, Brody does the only thing he can do--resort to the supernatural to save her.
Livvie Merrick hates the psychic gifts that make her different and cause nothing but trouble in her life. That's especially true when she has a vision that the school's star quarterback will break his leg. Naturally Livvie warns him--a warning misconstrued as a curse when it comes true. That makes for a lonely senior year until Alex Sawyer moves to town. Livvie is quickly lost in his big blue eyes. And though it's clear that Alex is as attracted to her, she knows the day will come when he finds out what a freak she really is. What neither of them knows is that Alex is different, too, and the psychic gifts Livvie despises may be exactly what she needs to save him.
Meticulously researched and warmly presented, the most authoritative and persuasive guide to attachment parenting When it comes to early parenting, scientific evidence points time and again to the bond between parent and child as a critical factor in a baby's health and wellbeing. Backed by more than 1,200 trusted sources, this breakthrough guide reveals the many little-known advantages that only a responsive, nurturing parenting style can provide: Surprising evidence on the benefits of breastfeeding How attentiveness and touch impacts permanent brain development in infants Under-reported facts about how to reduce colic, food allergies, and illness Why sharing sleep is both safe and natural How to reduce future teen-year stress by bonding with your young child early At the forefront of a passionate, growing movement called "attachment parenting," this warmly presented guide is a rare overview of information too often missing from parenting circles, pediatric offices, and financially motivated product promotions. Why Attachment Parenting? Cultures around the world that practice more natural forms of parenting have healthier infants who cry much less, toddlers who do not exhibit "terrible twos," generally respectful teenagers, and independent adults who participate in family matters. A well-controlled study found sleeping outside of the parents' room brought 10.5 times the risk of SIDS as sleeping in the parents' room. Studies have shown that infants who receive frequent physical affection have lower overall levels of stress. In the United States and other industrialized countries, the infant death rate for formula-fed infants is twice that of exclusively breastfed babies. — Excerpt from The Baby Bond — Most would agree that children probably do not consciously remember the way they were treated during early infancy. Many recount this observation as support or comfort for their ideas about ignoring babies' cries for attention and providing minimal stimulation. Yet, it can be shown that while the specifics may be lost, unconscious memories are developed on the neurological and biochemical level from birth—a baby's brain develops from day one according to its environment. Childhood, adolescence, and adulthood are all affected by this early programming. And, as far as the coveted independence goes, it has been shown that those who receive the most affection early on display the highest levels of independence as adults. —Praise for The Baby Bond — "Babies would tell you to buy this book!" Jan Hunt, MSc | Author of The Natural Child: Parenting from the Heart "An instant classic. A must-read for all parents. Dr. Palmer's book is the best book on the hard science behind attachment parenting that I've ever read. I wish I had read this book before I became a mother." Katie Allison | Author of Attachment Parenting "Well researched and hard hitting…unabashedly tells the truth about so many very important issues." Denise Pickett-Bernard, PhD | RD, The Journal of Human Lactation
Three Weddings and a Family On the road to happily–ever–after, a long–lost family is found! MAKE BELIEVE MATRIMONY They were married and still almost complete strangers. Gabriel Dillard and Jessica Landers had struck a dry–eyed deal to wed in name only, for Gabe needed a wife to be eligible for a lucrative job and Jessica needed a daddy for her adorable little girl. OF LIFETIME OF HONEYMOON BLISS? But sharing such tiny quarters with all six feet of gorgeous Gabe was making Jessica feel that their marriage would be anything but platonic. Especially when Gabe's friendly pecks turned into heart–stopping kisses, and Jessica could no longer deny the feelings he stirred in her. Linda Varner has arrived! Here's her 20th Silhouette Romance for your enjoyment. Savour every romantic moment! 20th BOOK SILHOUETTE ROMANCE
Skylar Conrad, a translator, is at the Yellowstone airport waiting for Alex, her engineer boyfriend to deboard his flight from Brazil. Just as she realizes he's a no-show, she spots the last deboarding passenger, a man holding a sign with her name on it. Chris "Hawke" Hawkins has bad news for Skylar, a woman he has never even met. Her boyfriend is marrying someone else. A coworker of Alex, Hawke can't stand the idea of Skylar waiting for a man who doesn't deserve her. His solution? Tell Skylar the truth himself since he's already flying home to spend Christmas with his foster parents. Cody is just a little side trip and well worth it if he can do the right thing. In a way, Skylar isn't surprised that Alex hasn't come. He'd stopped all communication back in October until he sent her flight details for their meet-up. What does surprise her is the fact that there are still men as honorable as Hawke on the planet. It turns out Skylar and Hawke are both from Jackson. As payback for his trouble, Skylar offers him a ride home, a trip of four hours. But outside the airport, snow is accumulating at a crazy rate. An icy weather front that was supposed to be moving through the state has stalled. Skylar is so comfortable with Hawke that she blurts a Plan B: use the reservation she made for herself and Alex at a hotel near the airport. It's for a double room, which is perfect. Or not. Skylar has known Hawke less than an hour and, based on her experience with Alex, she's no judge of character. Luckily there's a psychic ability that helps with that...if she only knew she had it. Can the Rutledge Institute, a school for psychics in Jackson, help her with that?
Soap writer–producer Morgan Tyler knows she’s in trouble when her life threatens to become even more dramatic than her storylines... It’s shaping up to be one sizzling season for Morgan, and summer hasn’t even officially started. She’s hired a PI to help unravel the mystery of her childhood, rooted in a terrible secret she’s kept for years. But a more immediate crisis arises when Morgan’s best friend Nancy is arrested for the murder of her boyfriend’s evil ex. It isn’t long before Morgan’s efforts to exonerate Nancy get her into hot water—and more—with homicide detective Matt Phoenix. Meanwhile, the drama du jour on Love of My Life centers around a character whose bizarre disappearance years ago has become a chatroom joke. But in bringing back the arrogant actor who originated the role, Morgan may be opening a killer can of worms.
Leeloo Brantley never dreamed she'd run into Nate Marshall, her long-time secret crush, after he graduated high school the year before. Yet there he is, standing in Festivities, her mom's party shop, a few days before Christmas with his brand new stepsister, four-year-old Anna. Nate tells Leeloo he's babysitting Anna while their parents honeymoon. Leeloo tells Nate he's not up for it, a fact proved when he calls her in desperation later that night begging for help. Certain this is an early Christmas present straight from the elves, Leeloo eagerly agrees. And as the three of them begin to hang out under the decorated tree, Nate actually seems to see her with new eyes. Then a weather front brings scary thunderstorms no four-year-old can love. Though Nate assures Anna he'll keep her and Leeloo safe forever, Leeloo has to wonder if he really means it or is simply trying to soothe a beloved little sister who's afraid of thunder.
Serena Montgomery has a secret psychic gift: when she touches someone for the first time she sees a flash of color that reveals that person's soul. That makes it really hard to ignore Dugan Donovan, a boy trying to thank her for rescuing his little sister from a bully. One discreet touch reveals he's perfect for her. Unfortunately, her juvie judge mom is just as certain he isn't. And though Serena wouldn't mind a secret boyfriend, Dugan respects her mom too much to cooperate. It's mutual need that finally brings them together. Will their "Cinderella Swap" remain strictly business?
Morgan Tyler is the head writer of the soap opera Love of My Life. Her imagination is always at work, churning out the stuff that fills many a fan’s daytime with drama. Then Damon Radford, the head of daytime programming, is found dead—and it’s revealed that, in spite of their prickly relationship, he left Morgan a fortune. Her life is beginning to look like one of her scripts, especially when the detective assigned to the case falls for her. But as the prime suspect, Morgan can’t just write herself out of this one. Now a real-life killer is after her. And her time, like sand through the hourglass, is running out.
When nineteen-year-old Raquel McKnight's car is stolen from the mall parking deck on Christmas Eve, she is sure that her family's jingle bell jinx has struck again. And then she runs into her eighth-grade beau Gabriel McKnight. Although his kisses say he never got over her, she can't help but wonder if he's somehow part of the jinx. Has the holiday hex finally come to an end? Or will she add a broken heart to a long list of Christmas calamity?
As the new drama writer for the daytime soap opera "Love of my life", Morgan Tyler, is responsible just about everything that goes on in the production. Cybelle Carter, one of the leading actresses in the show is suspicious that her estranged husband wants her dead. When another actress on the set is killed, it looks like it may has been a case of mistaken identity. Morgan must find the killer quickly before he tries again.
Though Maggie Redmond expects to get a wannabe jack o' lantern when she drives her twin brothers to The Pumpkin Patch, she actually winds up with more. Brendon Fletcher, handsome grandson of the owner, can't take his eyes off her. Naturally she's thrilled when he calls her later, asking if he can tag along while she takes the boys trick or treating. Can this be true love? Maybe...but only if they survive the plans a nefarious black cat has for them.
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