Everything from nappy hair to ashy skin is new to this single, white Vanilla Mommy who has adopted an African American girl. The two discover a new colorful world together.

in seven volumes

Welcome to Noreen Olson's kitchen table, where everything happens. She loves birds, animals, family, children, friends, growing things and life on the farm, and writes about them and all the odd situations they manage to get into with engaging liveliness. Many of the pieces are humorous, but more than that, they are heartwarming and true. In them you will see reflections of your own loves, life, guilt, laughter, nostalgia, memories and beliefs. All of the animals, people and incidents are real (though Noreen admits that she is prone to the occasional slight exaggeration) and names have been changed for "her own protection". The titles of the short tales say it all: Saving the Preemie Calf, My Career As an Egg Grader, Lament for a Lousy Garden, Kitchen Archaeology, Embarrassing the Kids, The Lawn Ornament Vendetta and One More Way to Ruin a Party. Noreen Olson has been writing these true tales in her biweekly column for more than twenty-three years, and collected them in six books. These stories are the best of the best, together with newly written introductions to thematic groupings, and an introduction by Will Ferguson.

Enter the world of Berry Sweets where oddly colorful folk much like yourself reside, leading ordinary, sometimes extraordinary lives. And in the busy little town of Sugar Valley, the Chiffon family seems to be leading a sugary sweet life. All Cherry Blossom Chiffon ever wanted was to feel part of the family. Growing up with pink-and-white brothers, sisters, and parents, purple Cherry is constantly reminded of how different she is from the rest of the pink-and-white perfection of her family. Despite being constantly tormented by her sisters and big brother since she was small, Cherry knows deep in her heart that someday she will find her place. One day, Cherry learned the truth about her family’s past. With the truth exposed, Cherry finds some answers but also finds more questions. As Cherry tries to accept the past, live the present, and hope for the best for her future, life takes more unexpected twists. How will a purple ever fit within pink walls?

Heaven Scent When Little Lion spends a day trying to guess Mommy Lion’s favorite smell, from fresh cinnamon rolls to rain-soaked grass, she is reminded of her mom’s deep love for her. Your family will enjoy this heartwarming tale celebrating the bond between mother and child. Encounter scents, both good and bad, that evoke strong emotions and memories in adults and children alike. And when you discover Mommy’s Favorite Smell, you’ll be instantly transported to when you first held your little one, and experienced that sweet, precious aroma that could only be designed by God.

An unspeakable event is about to take place in Fischer, Indiana. A group of innocent fourth graders go on a field trip, but something has gone terribly wrong. The bus driver is found dead on the side of the road and the school bus is nowhere to be found. Every parents nightmare comes true and the town of Fischer is about to tear itself apart trying to find the whereabouts of the missing children. One father, Maurice Hoffman, had just recently lost his wife to cancer and is determined not to lose his daughter Melanie as well. During his investigation, he finds out that the children of Fischer aren't the only ones who have gone missing. He is determined to do something about it, even if it means marching himself into certain death. But Maurice isn't the only one trying to bring the children home safe and sound. He is the first man to make his way out of Everland, Jengo Wood. May your children be safe...

Growing up without the love of her parents, Dana Terrell jumped at love the first time it came around. A mistake that could have been fatal. With the help of wonderful friends, Dana was able to escape what turned out to be an abusive marriage and make a life for herself and her daughter in Montana. A move that earned her a rewarding career, new friends, and thanks to a brief meeting at work, a chance for love. Singing has always been a part of Dana’s life, something she dreamed about but never pursued until a talent show changed everything. The decision to follow her dream and secure a future for her and her child was made easier when the chance at love abruptly ended. With the support of family, she and her daughter were off to Broadway to pursue a new life, a life that would give her the future and security she had always yearned for. Gaining her confidence not only as a singer but also as a person, Dana proved herself. A performance that was seen by a talent scout brought her to London, performing on the West End, something she never imagined could happen. A new play, a new home, and a friendship that grew into the future that she always dreamed of. 1

Three charming cowboys. Three independent women destined to fall in love with them. Meet the Radford brothers, who are guaranteed to steal your heart in USA Today Bestselling Author Leslie North’s newest trilogy. The Radford brothers are the kind of men you can count on—strong, dependable…and incredibly sexy. In The Rancher’s Pregnant Fake Fiancée, oldest brother Jett agrees to help out pregnant friend Noelle by becoming her fake fiancé, never suspecting he’s about to be fall hard for a woman who could be just what he’s needed all along. Retired rodeo star and single dad Shane Radford is in deep trouble in The Rancher’s Stubborn Partner when he finds himself knocking heads—and falling in love—with the beautiful Matilda while they grapple over which of them owns his ranch. Youngest brother Chad wants to prove to everyone that he’s more than just a party boy in The Rancher’s Fake Girlfriend. He’s got his work cut out for him when he agrees to be Hannah’s fake boyfriend and things turn decidedly real. Enemies to lovers, fake engagements, and pretend girlfriends make this Leslie North trilogy a romp that’s not to be missed!

They lied to the town. But their hearts know the truth… No one has ever taken rancher Chad Radford seriously—not even himself. So when he tries to join the board of the cattleman’s union, most folks in town think it’s just a joke. But for once in his life, Chad’s ready to get serious… To prove he can be trusted, Chad convinces single mom Hannah Smith to pretend they're in a relationship together. Which is fine with Hannah, who’s being harassed by a persistent ex. Their charade works, and people start to see Chad in a better light. But he can’t deny his heart beats faster when the beautiful Hannah is by his side… All Hannah wants for her and her daughter is a quiet place to live, far away from the mess of her past. And if being in a fake relationship with Chad will help the locals accept her, she’s all for it. But when her attraction starts feeling all too real, Hannah is faced with the most difficult decision of her life. One that could break the tenuous trust of a man she’s falling in love with…

When a rancher opens his home to a nanny for his young daughter, he finally opens his heart to love and happily ever after. Never fall in love. Never get married. Logan Hunt knows all the things he doesn’t want. But his daughter needs a summer nanny and darn if Grace Flynn doesn’t fit the bill . . . and then some. The sweetly alluring kindergarten teacher is showing the die-hard bachelor a thing or two about fatherhood. It’s her effect on his libido—and heart—that’s keeping him up nights. Did Grace really think her crush on Logan would magically vanish when she moved in with him and his adorable little girl? Still, she never thought the brooding rancher with the intense baby blues would turn out to be the cowboy of her dreams! All she ever wanted was a real home. Could her place to belong be with this unexpected family man?