Renee knows she was adopted at birth. Her adoptive parents never hid that fact. However, she has questions they can’t answer. She wants to know her birth mother and figures the first time they meet will go over better if her mother knows there is no expectation of having to help raise her. Renee decides that her eighteenth birthday will be the day she introduces (or reintroduces) herself to her birth mother. Will this encounter be the birthday gift she desires?

Crystal was permanently scarred by her ex-boyfriend last semester. After a few months of attending a writers’ group she joined as a form of therapy, Mario, the group leader and a spoken word artist, asks her out. She is reluctant to start another intimate relationship, so things are further complicated when a second group member pursues her and causes her to question what she really knows about either man. Secrets are exposed, tension mounts, and tempers flare as Crystal struggles to discover who she can trust. As the end-of-the-year performance gets closer, pressure builds as students prepare to compete for a win – for a career boost...and for Crystal’s heart.

From the Pacific Northwest’s most influential chef comes Getaway, a collection of recipes for ultra-simple sophistication inspired by the world’s most delicious cuisines, cowritten with award-winning author Sara Dickerman. Foreword by James Beard Award–winning author Diana Henry James Beard Award–winning acclaimed chef, restaurateur, and artist Renee Erickson invites you on a culinary journey via her favorite places in the world—Rome, Paris, Normandy, Baja California, London, and her hometown, Seattle. Equally aspirational travelogue and practical guide to cooking at home, the book offers 120 recipes and 60 cocktail recipes for simple meals that evoke the dreamiest places and cuisines. From not-too-intricate cocktails and snacks to effortless entrées, these are the recipes that inspire Erickson and make for relaxed, convivial evenings, whether at home or abroad: Roasted Zucchini Flowers with Ricotta, Mint, and Lemon Peel Sardines, Shaved Lemon, and Walnut Salad Cucumber-Basil Gimlet Clam Ceviche with Serrano and Cilantro Scallop and Tomatillo Aguachile Showcasing Erickson’s appealing and high-style aesthetic and featuring gorgeous photography and hand-drawn illustrations, this book offers a richly visual survey of beautiful, easy ways to escape the everyday, with meals that you will want to eat every day. “Erikson’s message in this extraordinary book is come away with me, sit with me, talk with me, slow down, and let’s savor the simple, beautiful foods we find along the way. Everything about this book, from the writing and the photographs, to the food and the warm invitation to search out what’s good and best and to share it, is singular and irresistible.” —Dorie Greenspan, author of Everyday Dorie Featuring photographs by Jim Henkens and illustrations by Jeffry Mitchell

An Anthology of Three Premiere Novellas by Marcia Lynn McClure (Novella 1) THE UNOBTAINABLE ONE THE CHILD WAS STRAWBERRY-SWEET AND LOVING...BUT THE MAN WAS FORBIDDEN FRUIT. Annette Jordan had accepted the unavoidable reality that she must toil as a governess to provide for herself. Annette Jordan had accepted the unavoidable reality that she must toil as a governess to provide for herself. Thankfully, her charge was a joy-a vision of youthful beauty, owning a spirit of delight. But it was Annette's employer, Lord Gareth Barrett, who proved to be the trial-for she soon found herself living in the all-too-cliche governess' dream of having fallen desperately in love with the man who provided her wages. The child loved her-but could she endure watching hopelessly as the beautiful woman from a neighboring property won Lord Barrett's affections? (Novella 2) THE GENERAL'S AMBITIONS SHE HAD BEEN SELECTED TO MARRY AND BEAR THE PROGENY OF THE SON... Seemingly over night, Renee Millings found herself orphaned and married to the indescribably handsome, but ever frowning, Roque Montan. His father, The General, was obsessively determined that his lineage would continue posthaste-with or without consent of his son's new bride. But when Roque reveals the existence of a sworn oath that will obstruct his father's ambition, will the villainous General conspire to insure the future of his coveted progeny to be borne by Renee himself? Will Renee find the only means of escape from the odious General to be that of his late wife-death? Or will the son find no tolerance for his father's diabolic plotting concerning the woman Roque legally terms his wife? (Novella 3) INDEBTED DELIVERANCE SNOWBOUND AND ISOLATED...SHE HAD NO ALTERNATIVE BUT TO ENDURE THE WINTER IN THE COMPANIONSHIP OF THE BRUTAL RACE TREVELIAN... Chalyce LaSalle had been grateful to the handsome recluse, Race Trevelian, when he had delivered her from certain tragedy one frigid winter day. He was addictively attractive, powerful and intriguing-and there was something else about him-an air of secreted internal torture. Yet, as the brutal character of her emancipator began to manifest, Chalyce commenced in wondering whether the fate she now faced would be any less insufferable than the one from which he had delivered her. Still, his very essence beckoned hers. She was drawn to him and her soul whispered that his mind needed deliverance as desperately as she had needed rescue that cold, winter's noon."

A 13 year old girl is kicked out of a foster home after five years and social worker, Doug Roberts is hard pressed to find a suitable placement ranging from institutional placement, Juvelile Detention, and Group Home placement. There is a high speed chase wwith a police shoot-out and a pregnancy. With alcohol mixed in, Renee, with support and structure, stabilized her life and raises her own three children respnsibly.

Parker, her younger sister, and their grandmother are the model example of the bond between grandparent and grandchildren. They are three peas in a pod. Ethel has spent the last 16 years rearing and caring for her granddaughters to the point of giving all she had to make sure their needs were met. Likewise, Parker would move Heaven and Earth, if necessary, for her grandmother and sister. When Ethel breaks her hip and is hospitalized, Parker attempts to fill her grandmother's shoes as head of household. She quickly discovers that she still has lots to learn about life and must do so in a short time before their house is sold from underneath them due to nonpayments. Can Parker figure out a way to save their house, or will they lose their home at Christmas? How will their relationship and interactions change now that their once independent grandmother has become dependent upon them?

Elise’s life is finally simple, steady, and drama-free – go to work, pay bills, come home. Although a new friend, or even a date, could spice up her life, the idea of experiencing something similar to her past prevents her from looking. Could Justin give her reason to try again?

Violet's stay in the beach house is supposed to be the perfect minivacation. She can reconnect with old friends and bond with her best friend, Corey. However, when Corey decides to spend time with a woman he just met, Violet experiences a new emotion - jealousy. Has the Cove Crew been right all of these years in saying Violet and Corey should be a couple? Is Violet willing to risk a seventeen-year friendship over what could be a temporary emotion?

Renee is packed and ready for her Christmas couples’ retreat. There’s only one problem – her boyfriend chose not to buy her a ticket. Embarrassed, low on money, and stranded in another state, Renee calls the only person able to assist her – Finesse, a friend and professional comedian. He offers to drive her back home after his show. In addition to the ride, he takes her to dinner and decides to teach her things men do for women they want. Renee comes to rely on his candor and consideration...and uses this information to date other men. Will she give him the chance he desires, or will she use his tips to bypass him to find love in someone else?