Granted unprecedented behind-the-scenes access to the maternity ward of Atlanta's sprawling public hospital, Jerry Gentry binds together stories of women, medical residents, nurses, and midwives. In this teeming facility that never closes, he shows how their sorrows, struggles, and spiritual fortitude join at the moment when life begins. Gentry tells these stories in a style and pace that mirrors life in the hospital. Scenes may change rapidly or linger on the birth of a child or an older woman's struggle with addiction. Some individuals reappear throughout the narrative while some flash by and then are gone, leaving an indelible imprint on the memory. In his narrative, Gentry follows four principal stories: A young, single woman is having her second child. She gradually reveals that her relationship with her boyfriend is a violent one. An older woman—a “Grady Baby” and lifelong Grady patient—emerges as a kind of spiritual muse. In the charity hospital, a Brazilian émigré is pregnant by a man from a wealthy Atlanta family. A woman with AIDS faces the trials of a mixed-race relationship and the terrifying question—will my baby have the virus? Never maudlin, Grady Baby presents hard choices—some wise, some not—made by women enduring tough realities. The term “Grady Baby” has been traditionally a pejorative, stereotyping the race and class of patients, but it can also be a term of pride and strength. With an insider's eye and unflinching, humanizing narrative voice, Gentry reveals the battles, failures, and triumphs that occur in one year in the place where birth and the hardships of urban life collide.

These doctors are already experts on babies, now they'll learn lessons in love! Baby By Surprise Her painful past had taught neonatologist Francesca Talbot to rely on no one but herself. Until an accident lands the mother-to-be in the hospital…and she's forced to turn to fiercely protective rancher Grady Fitzgerald—her baby's father. Grady is determined to be part of his new family's life. So he'll just have to put his own heartache aside and break down the walls the wary doctor had built around her heart. The Texan's Happily-Ever-After The town's abuzz about an unlikely new couple: everyone's favorite pediatrician, Dr. Raina Gibson, and mysterious rancher Shep McGraw. Anyone with eyes can see that they're mad about one another…and Raina's crazy about the three children Shep raises as a foster dad. But no one expected wedding bells to peal—until Raina discovered she was pregnant! The Midwife's Glass Slipper Dr. Jared Madison would risk almost anything for his adorable twin girls. Problem was, what they really needed was a mother's loving touch—and the green-eyed Texan was still too wounded by the past to take a chance on romance. Until the curvaceous charms of his new nurse began to cast their spell on his heart! Could Jared be the Prince Charming who would help Emily get over her troubled past—and find the happily-ever-after they both deserved? Twins Under His Tree Dr. Lily Wescott is the proud mother of twin baby girls and she couldn't have done it without Mitch Cortega. Now, the young widow was finding it awfully hard to resist him. But the wounded combat surgeon knew they both needed time to heal. How much longer can they fight their attraction? With Christmas just around the corner, it's finally time to trust in a love that can transform the past into a future filled with the true joy of giving!

Her painful past had taught neonatologist Francesca Talbot to rely on no one but herself. Until an accident landed the mother-to-be in the hospital…and she was forced to turn to fiercely protective rancher Grady Fitzgerald—her baby's father. Grady was determined to be part of his new family's life…which meant watching over mother and unborn child whether Francesca liked it or not! And once the irresistible beauty was ensconced at his Texas ranch, Grady knew it was where she belonged. So he'd just have to put his own heartache aside and break down the wall the wary doctor had built around her heart. Because it was no longer just their baby's future at stake….

"You don't have to go with Missy Claire. She can't make you go with her." Kitty, a house slave, has always obeyed Missy Claire and followed orders. But when word arrives that the Yankees are coming, Kitty is faced with a decision. Will she continue serving Missy Claire and her household? Or will she listen to Grady and embrace this chance for freedom? Even wise Delia says Kitty has to decide for herself--that nobody except the Lord can tell her which way to go. Kitty has always lived in a world where authority is not questioned. She never has learned to make up her own mind any more than she has learned to read or write. But now Kitty has a daunting choice: How does she want her story to end? In her bestselling tradition, Lynn Austin brings the Civil War years to life in the Refiner's Fire trilogy.

A BROKEN SEAL Former Navy SEAL Wiley James is lucky to be alive, but the war destroyed his health, his confidence and his livelihood. Now, back at his family's Montana ranch, Wiley struggles to find new purpose. Instead he finds an old childhood pal—little Macy Shelton, who has grown into a beautiful woman. Wiley knows he should steer clear of the cheery single mom…if only she'd let him. Macy doesn't recognize this new Wiley. A bitter stranger has replaced the young man she fell for as a teen. Though Macy's heart still wants so much more, what Wiley needs most right now is a friend, and Macy is the only one he'll let in. Her friendship is a lifeline, but will Macy's love be the one thing that can finally help Wiley begin to heal?

This document presents testimony from a congressional hearing examining the Child Abuse Prevention, Adoption, and Family Services Act. In response to the General Accounting Office's (GAO's) concerns about the ability of the National Center on Child Abuse and Neglect (NCCAN) to perform its leadership role in identifying, preventing, and treating child abuse and neglect, this hearing was called to determine the progress made by NCCAN in the 9 months since the GAO concerns were raised and to make a recommendation on the length of the reauthorization for NCCAN. Testimonies focus on the NCCAN role; the role of the U.S. Advisory Board on Child Abuse and Neglect; expansion of child abuse, adoption, and family services programs; and child abuse fatalities. Opening statements are included from Representatives Major R. Owens and Donald M. Payne. A statement from Lesley Wimberly, president, National Association of State Vocal Organizations is presented by Representative William F. Goodling. Witnesses providing testimonies include: (1) Wade Horn, commissioner, Administration for Children, Youth, and Families, Department of Health and Human Services; (2) Joseph Delfico, director, Income Security Issues, GAO; (3) Howard Davidson, U.S. Advisory Board on Child Abuse and Neglect; (4) Tom Birch, Legislative Counsel, National Child Abuse Coalition; (5) Michael Durfee, Child Abuse Prevention Unit, Department of Health Services, Los Angeles, California; (6) Mary Margaret Oliver, State Representative, Georgia State Legislature; and (7) Susan Wells, director, Child Maltreatment Fatalities Project, American Bar Association's Center on Children and the Law, Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Prepared statements, letters, and supplemental materials are included. (NB)

From USA TODAY bestselling author LuAnn McLane comes the first in a brand new series featuring the sexy Heart brothers: formerly the members of the cult-phenomenon boy band Heartbeat, they’re all grown up and back together for one last reunion tour…. When Grady Heart, former lead singer of the cult-phenomenon boy band Heartbeat and eldest of the brothers, decides to bring the group back together for a highly anticipated reunion concert, he doesn’t expect to be met with so much resistance from his brothers. He also doesn’t expect them to hire his ex-girlfriend and ex-Heartbeat choreographer Arabella York to help the band rock some new dance moves. Back in Heartbeat’s glory days the brooding bad boy fell hard for Arabella; the studious, stable dance teacher tamed Grady’s wild side but her lack of trust in him eventually drove them apart. Although their chemistry burns hotter than ever, Grady tries to keep his relationship with Arabella strictly professional this time around but in his heart, he might just still long to find out what could have been. Filled withs “McLane’s trademark devilish dialogue” (Publishers Weekly), All I Ever Wanted is a sexy rock ‘n’ roll romance, perfect for anyone who’s ever loved a boy band!

Survival instincts Her Rocky Mountain Protector by Patricia Thayer With his military dog in tow, ex-soldier Grady Fletcher plans to keep his troubled mind occupied while staying on his grandfather’s property—until it’s time to move on again. Single mom Gina Williams gets the distinct feeling that beneath Grady’s guarded exterior lies a kind, trustworthy man. So when Gina’s little boy goes missing, there’s only one person she’ll turn to for help… Blame It on the Rodeo by Amanda Renee Working at the Langtry family’s ranch forces veterinarian Lexi Lawson to confront rodeo rider Shane Langtry, the man who broke her heart. Long ago, when they were in love, Lexi hid a terrible secret from Shane—one she planned to keep forever. But when he learns the truth, she’s forced to choose between the past she left behind…and the future they might still find together.

Celia St. John doesn’t want to be attracted to Tom McMillian. He’s arrogant and alpha—exactly her type. But he’s also the district attorney, which makes him her boss, and Celia is sure he’s still hung up on his ex. After his infant son died and his marriage to a law enforcement agent fell apart, Tom vowed to never get involved with another cop. The solution to his attraction to Celia seems to be a no-strings affair. But working together and sleeping together becomes complicated when the illegal baby adoption ring they’re investigating turns into a murder case and there’s evidence that points to Tom as a suspect. The more they dig into the case, the higher the risk—to their burgeoning relationship and their lives. Each book in the Hearts of the South series is a standalone story that can be enjoyed in any order. Books in the series: Book #1: Truth and Consequences Book #2: His Ordinary Life Book #3: Hold On to Me Book #4: Anything But Mine Book #5: Memories of Us Book #6; Hearts Awakened Book #7: Fall Into Me Book #8: Facing It Book #9: Uncovered Book #10: Gone From Me Book #11: All I Need

Examines the legal status and rights of women in the United States throughoutistory.