Newly divorced and relieved of her position as head pastry chef in the restaurant she had slaved over for the last seven years, Ella Templeton was headed to the Sunshine Coast to lick her wounds and decide what to do with the rest of her life. This wasn’t the dreamy Christmas holiday that it sounded like. Ella hated Christmas and she was only going to the Sunshine Coast because that was where her parents lived and they’d offered her a place to stay. Thirty-four year old women shouldn’t be going home to their mothers—especially not Ella’s mother—even if her parents lived in a multimillion dollar mansion right on the beach and Ella could probably avoid her mother all together. No one told her she would be expected to take part in a bake-off on her mother’s YouTube channel, nor did they tell her about her fellow competitor. Michelin starred chef, Jake Collins. Please note: This story takes place in the sub-tropical area of the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia. It’s a Christmas story that takes place in Summer because…that’s how it happens down under. There is no snow, but there is plenty of heat…and I don’t just mean the temperature *wink wink* *This book uses UK/Australian English

Are we tired of hearing that fall is a season, sick of being offered fries and told about the latest movie? Yeah. Have we noticed the sly interpolation of Americanisms into our everyday speech? You betcha. And are we outraged? Hell, yes. But do we do anything? Too much hassle. Until now. In That's The Way It Crumbles Matthew Engel presents a call to arms against the linguistic impoverishment that happens when one language dominates another. With dismay and wry amusement, he traces the American invasion of our language from the early days of the New World, via the influence of Edison, the dance hall and the talkies, right up to the Apple and Microsoft-dominated present day, and explores the fate of other languages trying to fend off linguistic takeover bids. It is not the Americans' fault, more the result of their talent for innovation and our own indifference. He explains how America's cultural supremacy affects British gestures, celebrations and way of life, and how every paragraph and conversation includes words the British no longer even think of as Americanisms. Part battle cry, part love song, part elegy, this book celebrates the strange, the banal, the precious and the endangered parts of our uncommon common language.

As seen on TikTok! Fàilte, I'm the Hebridean Baker! Close your eyes and imagine yourself in the remote Outer Hebrides of Scotland. Do you see yourself walking along a deserted beach? Climbing a heather-strewn hill with a happy wee dog by your side? Sipping a dram at a ceilidh to the tune of a Gaelic song? Or chatting by a warm stove with a cuppa and a cake? For me, it is all these things, and more... and they have inspired every page of this book. From Croft Loaf to Cranachan Chocolate Bombs, Oaty Apricot Cookies to Heilan' Coo Cupcakes, there's something here to put a smile on everyone's face. Focusing on small bakes that use a simple set of ingredients, these recipes will unleash your inner Socttish baker—it's all about rustic home baking and old family favorites because, as the Hebridean Baker always says, "Homemade is always best!" The Hebridean Baker is your ticket to the Scottish Highlands. Perfect for fans of Outlander and anyone who loves to discover new books via TikTok and BookTok, this beautiful cookbook is a wonderful gift for home bakers and lovers of Scottish culture. It features: More than 70 traditional recipes (with a modern twist) Gorgeous full-color photos Heartwarming stories from the Hebridean Baker himself This unique baking book is a must-have in any cookbook library!

“Budewitz’s finely drawn characters, sharp ear for dialogue, and well-paced puzzle make Jewel Bay a destination for every cozy fan.” —Kirkus Reviews “Clean-as-a-whistle dialogue, endearing characters, and a solid plot make this cozy a winner.” —Publishers Weekly “Cozy readers will relish the small-town Christmastime frame accompanying details of frenzied wedding planning and running a family food business. And, of course, recipes, too.” —Booklist Erin is one smart cookie, but can she keep the holiday spirit―and herself―alive till Christmas? In Jewel Bay, all is merry and bright. At Murphy’s Mercantile, aka the Merc, manager Erin Murphy is ringing in the holiday season with food, drink, and a new friend: Merrily Thornton. A local girl gone wrong, Merrily has turned her life around. But her parents have publicly shunned her, and they nurse a bitterness that chills Erin. When Merrily goes missing and her boss discovers he’s been robbed, fingers point to Merrily—until she’s found dead, a string of lights around her neck. The clues and danger snowball from there. Can Erin nab the killer—and keep herself in one piece—in time for a special Christmas Eve? Includes delicious recipes! Praise for the Food Lovers’ Village Mysteries: “A lighthearted and amusing story with the added bonus of several yummy recipes.” —Mystery Scene “Treble at the Jam Fest has all the necessary elements to satisfy cozy mystery lovers: likeable, believable characters, a fast-moving plot, and a logical ending. Great fun!” —Suspense Magazine “A pleasing read with a thoughtful heroine, a plethora of red herrings, and some foodie tips.” —Kirkus Reviews “A delicious mystery as richly constructed as the layers of a buttery pastry. Wine, enchiladas, and song make for a gourmet treat in the coziest town in Montana!” —Krista Davis, New York Times bestselling author of the Domestic Diva Mysteries “Leslie is a fellow foodie who loves a good mystery and it shows in this delightful tale!” —Cleo Coyle, New York Times bestselling author of the Coffeehouse Mysteries “Music, food, scenery, and a cast of appealing characters weave together in perfect harmony in Leslie Budewitz’s latest book.” —Sheila Connolly, New York Times bestselling author of the Orchard Mysteries and the County Cork Mysteries

The first in a new cozy Christmas series where the 12 annual Competitions of Christmas in the, close-knit town of Noel, North Carolina are underway! This year horse breeder, and newcomer, Jordyn Banks decides to take on the resident Christmas tree decorating champion, who happens to be her handsome next door neighbor. Barrel racer Jordyn Banks is thrilled to discover affordable land for sale in charming Noel, perfect for breeding her horses. But that’s not all. A nomad with no family—other than her beloved Quarter Horse, Star—she also hopes to find a home within the close-knit Appalachian Mountain community. Yet Jordyn didn’t bargain on inheriting a controversial Fraser Fir—or falling for a handsome single dad whose adorable little girl tempts her to dream of being far more than a property owner . . . Since losing his wife in childbirth six years ago, Nate Reed has devoted himself to their daughter, Roxanna, and built up their thriving Frosted Firs Ranch. For nine years straight he’s won Noel’s contest for the most perfect Christmas tree for the Town Square. It’s a tradition he began with his late wife. But this year, Jordyn Banks is determined to harvest her Fraser Fir and compete—meaning Nate will finally be challenged—in more ways than one . . . Throughout the event, Nate can’t help noticing that Roxanna is dazzled by Jordyn’s strength, beauty, and quirky sense of humor. Soon enough, Nate is falling for her, too. But can a feisty wanderer ever really settle down? Is Nate ready to open his heart to someone new? And is it possible that sometimes love does grow on (Christmas) trees? . . .

A Caregiver’s Tale When Eve suffered a near-fatal brain aneurysm, Madonna Siles, her housemate and friend, too quickly found herself making critical short- and long-term medical care decisions without any help. When the insurance and financial resources ran out and the conventional therapy providers discharged zombie-like Eve to the homecare of a solitary caregiver, both their futures seemed hopeless. Instead of giving up, Madonna Siles drew on life experience and her marketing career to develop a rehabilitation program that harnessed the power of the subconscious mind. Using motivational techniques borrowed from the advertising world, she appealed to Eve’s subconscious to bypass the brain damage and restore normal functioning. In three short years, even the doctors were amazed at Eve’s recovery and return to a near-normal life. Part memoir, part recovery manual, Brain, Heal Thyself is a guidebook for thousands of shell-shocked individuals who suddenly find themselves having to make life and death decisions for those they love. With humor, warmth, and arresting honesty, Madonna Siles’s lively narrative closely examines not only the patient’s recovery, but also the crucial role of caregivers—and the emotional, financial, and practical pressures they face.

Olivia Greyson is the proud owner of The Gingerbread House--a quaint shop that specializes in all things cookie--and her best friend, Maddie, is her sidekick, baking up scrumptious treats for their parties. But the real-life version of their magnificent gingerbread house is about to crumble to pieces... Tensions are running high as Chatterley Heights' 250th birthday celebration approaches, and Olivia and Maddie are working feverishly to finish a gingerbread house modeled after the famous Chatterley Mansion. When Paine Chatterley, presumed to be dead, shows up to claim his father's house, the town gossips are driven into a tizzy. And when he refuses to allow visitors to tour the mansion during the celebration, all the preparations seem for naught. Then Paine is found lifeless in the bathtub, his wife hysterical and their precious heirlooms destroyed. The hidden lives of the prestigious Chatterley family members begin to surface, and Olivia must unravel their dark past. As it turns out, the town's history isn't all that sweet...

STROHMEYER/SWEET LOVE

To interpret poetry is then to lose the entity of poetry itself. A simple poem that may find one reader simply laughing at its rhyme, just might yet lead another to be found simply wondering what the true intention of that verse was. Simply put It just might not have one in the first place! A rhyme and reason? Well, this book of poetry is literally 'jam-packed' full of them both. So get ready to sit back comfortably in your favorite chair, treat yourself to a nice hot cup of coffee or tea, and before long you will soon begin to find out the reason why you're taking your valuable time to read this collection of verses. There are a wide variety of tasteful poems throughout this book, but in a sense they were designed to enlighten the reader's taste buds, in the desire that they will truly savor the heartfelt intention that this book of poetry was written for. Wally Edmond's prolific style of poetry had been featured for over twenty years through the late Bob Stalder's poetry column "Poet's Pen," which was published in the Beatrice Daily Sun, a Nebraskan newspaper. He and his family live in the rural town of Wymore Nebraska, where he enjoys writing his featured column "Artistically Arbor" for the Wymore Arbor State, a local weekly newspaper. The column is mixed with Wally's, poetry, quotations, and short stories.