This work is an in-depth, on-the-ground examination of how prisons impact rural communities, including a revealing study of two rural communities that have chosen prisons as an economic development strategy. A recent study by the Urban Institute estimates that one-third of all counties in the United States house a prison, and that our prison and jail population is now over 2.1 million. Another report indicates that more than 97 percent of all U.S. prisoners are eventually released, and communities are absorbing nearly 650,000 formerly incarcerated individuals each year. These figures are particularly alarming considering the fact that rural communities are using prisons as economic development vehicles without fully understanding the effects of these jails on the area. This book is the result of author Eric J. Williams' ground-level research about the effects of prisons upon two rural American communities that lobbied to host maximum security prisons. Through hundreds of interviews conducted while living in Florence, Colorado, and Beeville, Texas, Williams offers the perspective of local residents on all sides of the issue, as well as a social history told mainly from the standpoint of those who lobbied for the prisons.

As the title of this collection suggests, the poems in Louis Daniel Brodsky's Once upon a Small-Town Time have a soothing sort of lullaby quality characteristic of bedtime tales. Conceived as a metaphoric road trip through three Midwestern towns and across a quarter century, the poems are steeped in an uplifting nostalgia, but without the cloying sentimentality. The observations are fond, even wistful, but never anything but fair and clear and unexaggerated in their effect.

Life is a struggle for those who have problems in there life! You gotta decide what your gonna do! Are you gonna take your life back and run it the way you want to? Or are you gonna let someone else run your life for you? Making decisions are hard at times, that's to be expected in life. Everyone goes through the same things, some are just faster than others, and some just wanna take there time to decide what's right for them in life. Every decision you make shapes your life into what you wanna do and be in life. Do what makes you happy in life! If someone doesn't like it, say, "So what, I do!" It's my life!!

"Barbara Freethy is one of my favorite authors! She creates amazing characters and stories, with a lot of love, friendship and mystery that make her books always very, very good." Cinthia - Goodreads Molly Trent is a passionate herbalist whose sorrow-filled childhood has driven her to a new mission in life—to make people feel better. Unfortunately, a series of burglaries at her wellness shop and a disgruntled customer put her in the path of a cynical and suspicious detective, who thinks she does more harm than good. She's used to criticism, but she sees something in the tightly-controlled police detective that she wants to unleash, if only she could get him to trust her. Trust doesn't come easily to Detective Adam Cole. He has been a loner for as long as he can remember. He's very good at protecting people. He's great at being a friend, but relationships that go beyond that—not so much. After a heartbreaking tragedy at nineteen, he put up walls that are never coming down. Despite what Molly Trent might think, he does not need help or herbs to be happy. Unfortunately, what he needs is her. The chemistry between them almost makes him wonder if she hasn't cast some sort of spell over him. But he fights their attraction hard, because he doesn't do forever, and he can't imagine that an optimistic romantic like Molly would settle for anything less. But when they get tangled up in life and love, anything can happen… Irresistible and captivating romance awaits in TANGLED UP IN YOU from #1 New York Times Bestselling Author Barbara Freethy! NOTE: The Whisper Lake Series is a heartwarming and humorous small-town romance series. Each book can be read as a standalone. There are no cliffhangers! Popular storylines in the series include grumpy sunshine, runaway bride, second chance at love, enemies to lovers, family secrets, blind date, and opposites attract. Don't miss any books in the Whisper Lake Series: Always With Me #1 My Wildest Dream #2 Can't Fight The Moonlight #3 Just One Kiss #4 If We Never Met #5 Tangled Up In You #6 Next Time I Fall #7 What the readers are saying about Whisper Lake… "ALWAYS WITH ME is a heartwarming second chance romance, with a captivating mystery, that keeps you reading and wondering what happens next." Doni - Goodreads "Tragedy haunts her, regrets shadow him and passion lures them into a mystery as dangerous as their feelings for each other. Freethy captivates with a sensuous game of tainted hearts and tempting romance. My Wildest Dream is a hotbed of intriguing storytelling. Brodie and Chelsea are sure to get under your skin." Isha C – Goodreads "I have just finished CAN'T FIGHT THE MOONLIGHT and WOW such an emotional book. The characters of Justin and Lizzie were so well written, with so much depth. There were scenes in this book that gave me a lump in my throat. Absolutely loved this book...and can’t wait for the next one!" Booklovers Anonymous "This book has it all—some laughs, some tears, some drama, and, of course, romance. You’re always guaranteed a happy-ever-after from this author, but it’s the emotional journey she takes the characters on that make it well worth the ride." Stacey – Goodreads on CAN'T FIGHT THE MOONLIGHT "Barbara Freethy never disappoints. This newest installment in her Whisper Lake series, has it all, romance, drama, danger and a little steam. We meet Keira and Dante, who find their HEA in spite of the crazy. Make sure you add this one to your TBR list." Linda – Goodreads on IF WE NEVER MET "If We Never Met is filled with the poignant and bittersweet moments in the story as well as the plot twists, that I have come to love and expect in Barbara Freethy's stories. Highly recommend this incredible love story and am so looking forward to reading the next book in the series." Patti – Goodreads on IF WE NEVER MET

"Barbara Freethy has done it again with a great new series, that has the reader packing their bags to move to the town of Whisper Lake!" Robin – Goodreads Justin Blackwood can't remember a time when he believed in the magic of anything, least of all love. A cynical businessman, who grew up in a broken home, he guards his heart with every breath he takes. His job has taken him all over the world and roots are the last thing he wants...until he meets a beautiful innkeeper in Whisper Lake. Warm-hearted, free-spirited Lizzie Cole wants it all—the dream job of running her own inn and a man who wants to settle down. Despite a previous romantic setback, she still believes in happily ever after and her perfect soulmate. She just has to find him. While the dark-haired man with the shockingly blue eyes makes her heart beat faster, Justin Blackwood is the last man who should leave her breathless. He's her complete opposite and they don't want the same things. But when a lunar eclipse throws Whisper Lake into darkness, Lizzie and Justin find themselves struggling to fight the moonlight and a love that could change their lives—if they're willing to take the risk. Don't miss this emotional, feel-good, small town contemporary romance from #1 New York Times Bestselling Author Barbara Freethy NOTE: The Whisper Lake Series is a heartwarming and humorous small-town romance series. Each book can be read as a standalone. There are no cliffhangers! Popular storylines in the series include grumpy sunshine, runaway bride, second chance at love, enemies to lovers, family secrets, blind date, and opposites attract. The Whisper Lake Series Always With Me #1 My Wildest Dream #2 Can't Fight The Moonlight #3 Just A Kiss Away #4 If We Never Met #5 Tangled Up In You #6 Next Time I Fall #7 What the readers are saying… "I have just finished CAN'T FIGHT THE MOONLIGHT and WOW such an emotional book. The characters of Justin and Lizzie were so well written, with so much depth. There were scenes in this book that gave me a lump in my throat. Absolutely loved this book...and can’t wait for the next one!" Booklovers Anonymous "Barbara has created a town and community that leaves you wanting to return over and over again. It must be the Whisper of the lake. Or the amazing stories that surround it. Or maybe the great group of friends that make up the magical town. All I know is that I can never get enough." Mommymoose – Goodreads on Can't Fight The Moonlight "I love how Barbara Freethy doesn't force the romance in her stories...it occurs naturally and organically....oh yeah...there's also a lunar eclipse and a romantic reunion 10 years in the making....and a ghost in the attic!!! This book is truly a joy to read." Trude – Goodreads on Can't Fight The Moonlight "CAN'T FIGHT THE MOONLIGHT is a great book! I want to live in Whisper Lake! Lizzie owns an inn and has a run in with a sexy handsome workaholic man-Justin. She finds out that he is staying at her inn. They know that there are secrets, but will they be able to share them and move past them?" Brandi – Goodreads "A beautiful story about two people learning to really live life. There are so many different emotions Barbara brings out in her readers. CAN'T FIGHT THE MOONLIGHT is a truly feel good book." Linda - Goodreads

What happens when G.I. Joe meets Jane of the Jungle? Winner of the Romantic Times Award for Best Harlequin Superromance! Upon discovering the woman he loves has married his brother, Bobby Luchetti, a U.S. Special Forces officer, accepts a mission deep into the heart of Mexico to rescue a kidnapped American. Dr. Jane Harker practices medicine in places no one else will go. When the super soldier shows up to rescue her, she points out that she doesn't need rescuing. She hasn't been kidnapped. Then someone tries to kill her. Now on the run, dragging along Lucky, Jane's one-eyed rescue mutt, they attempt to stay one step ahead of whoever has it in for Jane as they fight their growing attraction. But does this relationship stand a chance? Because getting through this alive is only the beginning . . . men women relationship humor, family life fiction, small town rural fiction, siblings fiction, funny contemporary romance, military hero romance, adventure suspense romance

You'd think with a guardian who's a ghost, she'd see everything coming. But nope, that's not how it works. Private investigator Lexie Smith almost has it all. A successful business with her best friend. A wonderful, loving companion—sure, he’s a little furry, and he drools, but nobody’s perfect. Even a house on the beach, complete with a wisecracking, street-smart, supernatural “intern,” who knows everything there is to know about crime and her nonexistent love life. Things are good until a dangerous assignment forces her to turn to the last man she can trust: Rafe Barandas, local police detective and the man who broke her heart years before. After a decade in New York, Rafe has returned to his small hometown, burned out on big-city politics and crime. He’s looking forward to the quiet life until he’s thrown together with Lexie to solve what starts out as a simple B&E. Rafe made a mistake the first time, leaving Lexie. Now he’s determined not to blow this new chance. But thwarting a cunning foe is one thing. Putting the past and lies behind is another. If you like slow-burn romances with sassy heroines and strong heroes getting a second chance at love, set in a small town, then TELL ME LIES is your jam. "Gail Chianese explodes onto the paranormal romantic mystery scene with a slow-burn, second-chance romance that readers of the genre are sure to love!" --Elicia Hyder, bestselling author of The Soul Summoner series Search terms: romantic suspense, women's detective fiction series, mystery romance, romance mystery, sexy romance, women sleuths, paranormal suspense, ghost, theft, police, hero, novel, romantic paranormal mystery

“The suspense that’s woven into this book has you hanging on for the next chapter and I think that it really kept the story going.” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review Cartoonist Emmy Rivera loves everything about the quirky town of Bloo Moose, but that doesn’t mean she’s ready to put down roots. That’s never worked out for her in the past. Undercover agent Ryan Ward is always on the move, taking down criminal masterminds like the one who caused his dad’s death. Ryan doesn’t expect the only connection to his latest target to be a sweet and sexy cartoonist who makes him want to rethink everything. Putting down roots might not be so bad. If the lies don’t destroy them first. *** Reaching For Roots is the seventh book in the Bloo Moose Romance series. Each book can be read as a standalone. The book contains some strong language and sexy times. Enjoy the read!

Will they be able to make a home for Christmas? Nia Alexander is leaving the costume rooms of Hollywood in her rearview mirror and taking her son across the country for a fresh start and a white Christmas. She’s also hoping to leave behind the threats from the jerk who didn’t want to hear the word No. Jaz LaChance is never going back to the limelight. It’s been almost a decade since his photos were splashed in magazines and on billboards. Funding new businesses in Bloo Moose is better. Until Nia turns out to be a new tenant. Nia saved his ass once, but every time he looks at her, he remembers the humiliation of that night. When Jaz discovers Nia is being threatened, he needs to figure out how to leave the past truly where it belongs. If they can trust each other, they might be able to make a home of their own for the holidays. *** Reaching For Home is the 9th book in the Bloo Moose romantic suspense series. Each book can be read as a standalone. The book contains some strong language and sexy times. Enjoy the read!

Here is the story of what life was like for a boy growing up in a small southern town during the years of the Great Depression, then continuing on to service in World War II, getting an education, and building a career. It's no different that what many young men born at this time did. Between the financial struggles of the Depression years culminating with our entry into World War II, this was a difficult time in America's history. There were many hardships, but there was fun too. Along the way are stories about country life, farm chores and colorful local residents and relatives.