This is the story of my second chance." —Prologue of Lost DecemberWhen Luke Crisp graduates from business school, his father, CEO and co-founder of Fortune 500 Crisp’s Copy Centers, is ready to share some good news: he wants to turn the family business over to his son. But Luke has other plans. Taking control of his trust fund, Luke leaves home to pursue a life of reckless indulgence.But when his funds run out, so do his friends. Humbled, alone, and too ashamed to ask his father for help, Luke secretly takes a lowly job at one of his father’s copy centers. There he falls in love with a struggling single mother and begins to understand the greatest source of personal joy.

    They give a Christmas tree to construction workers building Rockefeller Center and celebrate together. Through the kindness of the construction workers and neighbors, Henry gets his wish for a nice, warm home to replace his family's drafty shack. He plants a pinecone from that first Rockefeller Center Tree. As an old man, Henry repays the gift by donating the enormous tree that has grown from that pinecone. After bringing joy to thousands as the Rockefeller Center tree, its wood will be used to build a home for another family in need.Written by children's nonfiction author David Rubel in collaboration with Habitat for Humanity. Gorgeous illustrations crafted by Jim LaMarche.

    Or not. Nick Bruel's first picture book about Bad Kitty since the uproarious Poor Puppy in 2007 is full of rhyming mayhem... and Christmas cheer.

    Set against a lush countryside, each day brings a new gift elegantly rendered. And like in the verses of the song, the previous gifts are repeated in every illustration, giving this striking artwork a hidden aspect, culminating in a staggering spread featuring them all. Readers will pore over every page, searching for golden rings, turtledoves, and all the rest, secretly tucked into each stunning painting. Laurel Long's unparalleled style makes this exquisite volume a treasure that will be cherished for years to come.

    Especially rugged architect-turned-rancher Tanner Quinn. Olivia's uncanny bond with his daughter Sophie's pony has him questioning her sanity, while she wonders if he's not just a drugstore cowboy. Then twelve-year-old Sophie conspires with Olivia to get Tanner into the spirit of Christmas. But will a holiday miracle transform the globe-trotting Tanner into a rancher—and family man—for all seasons?At Home In Stone CreekEveryone in Ashley O'Ballivan's life is marrying and starting families—except her. But why bother dating when no one can compare to Jack McCall, the man who left her heartbroken years ago? Now he's back in town —and maybe he isn't who she thinks he is.While recovering from a dangerous mission for the DEA, security expert Jack rents a room in Ashley's bed-and-breakfast. For both their sakes, he tries to keep his distance, though neither can deny the growing spark between them. But when his past catches up with him, he'll have to leave again…just as he realizes where he's always belonged—in Stone Creek.

    He works hard, plays hard, and answers to no one. So when his mother calls on Thanksgiving weekend begging him to come home after his stepfather has a stroke, Rick is more than a little reluctant. He's never liked Art and resents the man's presence in his life, despite the fact that his own father abandoned the family when Rick was just twelve. When what was supposed to be just a couple days helping out at the family bookstore turns into weeks of cashing out old ladies and running off the homeless man who keep hanging about, Rick's attitude sours even more.Still, slowly but surely, the little bookstore and its quirky patrons--as well as the lovely young woman who works at his side each day--work their magic on him, revealing to Rick the truth about his family, his own life, and the true meaning of Christmas. With skillful storytelling, Dan Walsh creates a Christmas story will have readers remembering every good and perfect gift of Christmas.

    . ."These chillingly familiar words begin the classic Christmas tale of remorse and redemption in A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. Now R. William Bennett rewinds the story and focuses the spotlight on Scrooge's miserly business partner, Jacob T. Marley, who was allowed to return as a ghost to warn Scrooge away from his ill-fated path. Why was Marley allowed to return? And why hadn't he been given the same chance as Ebenezer Scrooge? Or had he? Written with a voice reminiscent of Dickens, Jacob T. Marley is a masterfully crafted story sure to become a Christmas favorite.

    A Texas rancher named Big Jim Conyers has a deal with Scottish-born, Wyoming cattleman named Duff MacAllister. Along with Smoke and Matt Jensen, the party bears down on Dodge, Kansas, to make a cattle drive back to Forth Worth. But before they can get out of Dodge, guns go off and a rich man's son is killed. Soon the drive turns into a deadly pursuit, then a staggering series of clashes with bloodthirsty Indians and trigger-happy rustlers. And the worst is yet to come - the party rides into a devastating blizzard, a storm so fierce that their very survival is at stake. From America's greatest Western author, here is an epic tale of the unforgiving American frontier and how, amidst fierce storms of man and nature, miracles can still happen.

    People come from all over to admire her house and meet “Suzi Christmas”. Well, almost everyone. Luke Potter does not have the holiday spirit. He doesn’t want it either, and is determined to put an end to Suzi Christmas’s fun before she can drive away any more of his renters. And if it takes going in on a lawsuit with his grumpy godfather, so be it. Until a practical joke by his brother gives him a chance to meet Suzi herself under false pretenses. Suddenly the season is merry and bright. Masquerading as Nicholas Claus, Luke has a chance to grow a heart and maybe find love with Susan. But what will happen when she finds out that Nick is really Luke, the man who’s out to shut her down and kill Christmas? Debbie Macomber fans will enjoy this classic Sheila Roberts Christmas romance.

    From author Pamela Jane and New York Times bestselling illustrator Jane Manning comes a delicious Halloween treat for readers to enjoy! Perfect for fans of The Spooky Wheels on the Bus and Ten Timid Ghosts.Over in the forestWhere the trees hide the sunLived a big mommy monsterAnd her little monster one.From monsters to ghosties to goblins, everyone’s favorite beasties haunt and howl and rattle their way through their forest home in this silly, spooky twist on the beloved nursery rhyme “Over in the Meadow.”

    Three seasons. One chance to find the life that fits.Cassie settled down too young, marrying her first serious boyfriend. Now, ten years later, she is betrayed and broken. With her marriage in tatters and no career or home of her own, she needs to work out where she belongs in the world and who she really is.So begins a year-long trial as Cassie leaves her sheltered life in rural Scotland to stay with each of her best friends in the most glamorous cities in the world: New York, Paris and London. Exchanging grouse moor and mousy hair for low-carb diets and high-end highlights, Cassie tries on each city for size as she attempts to track down the life she was supposed to have been leading, and with it, the man who was supposed to love her all along.

    Stephanie Cole, Benedict Cumberbatch & Roger Allam star in the second series of the hit sitcom about the tiny charter airline for whom no job is too small, but many, many jobs are too difficult. By John Finnemore (‘The News Quiz’, ‘That Mitchell & Webb Sound’). Run by the forbidding divorcée Carolyn Knapp-Shappey (an unfortunate marriage, name wise, but in Carolyn’s opinion, marginally better than Carolyn Shappey-Knapp), her two pilots are the smooth, experienced and almost-certainly-fired-by-a-big-airline-for-all-round naughtiness Douglas, and struggling almost-competent pilot and sweaty man Martin. All-round help is provided by Carolyn’s near-idiot son, Arthur.

    When Papa arrives, Maomao hardly recognizes him at first. But before long, the family is making sticky rice balls, hearing the firecrackers, and watching the dragon dance in the street. Maomao loves doing ordinary things with Papa - getting a haircut, fixing things around the house, and sleeping tucked between her parents. But all too soon it is time for Papa to go away again.

    Inspired by Michael J. Rosen's reverent poem, Robert Sabuda's striking pop-ups depict each night's menorah in a different scene, using such imagery as desert tents, olive trees, and a final panorama of skyscrapers. Sure to be a treasured family heirloom, this stunning collaboration showcases the spirit and resilience of a people in search of home.

    Normally, South Pole Santa isn’t very busy at Christmastime, but this year is going to be different, thanks to Marmel, the elf in charge of labeling humans “Naughty” or “Nice,” and his desire to ensure that the entire Krumwerth family goes onto the Permanent Naughty List. Add in flying penguins and an aging, heavy-metal rock star, and you've got a Christmas adventure the whole family will love!Kirkus Reviews calls South Pole Santa "A wonderful addition to any Christmas story collection." Audiofile Magazine says this story is "...as good as it gets" and named South Pole Santa an Earphones award winner!

    In the craggy rocks on the snowy mountainside, tiny Pyn has her heart set on decorating her very first Christmas tree. But, "No Christmas tree," Papa says. Still, Pyn won't take no for an answer. She knows that a Christmas tree is just the thing their cottage needs to make the season festive and cheery. Pyn is determined to find the perfect Christmas tree - no matter what.With this story of the love between a father and daughter, Olivier Dunrea captures the true spirit of Christmas.

    Unfortunately for all involved, the case heats up for a short time each year with a brutal murder that appears eerily staged, and occurs under impossible circumstances.Undaunted, she faces the task with no backup, a mysteriously redacted case file, and the inevitable murder fast approaching.Mandalay’s experience as the handler for an FBI occult/paranormal expert makes her the perfect choice for this investigation. However, even her brushes with the unexplained still cannot prepare her for the answer she was not supposed to discover…

    Dora and Boots need to find the perfect pumpkin to make a pie with Abuela! Read along with your favorite explorer, Dora!

    The tree is sparkling, the turkey is roasting, the wreaths are hung and the eggnog is chilled. The scene is set for the perfect Christmas... with one or two exceptions.The entire state is in the midst of a heat wave. No one can find any mistletoe. The Christmas tree lights keep exploding, and, perhaps worst of all, something has gone terribly wrong with Ida Mae’s fruitcakes. It wouldn’t be Ladybug Farm if everything went according to plan, and as the ladies deal with one mishap after another, they remember Christmases past, laughter shared, and lessons learned. But when nightfall descends upon Ladybug Farm and one of their own still has not come home, they begin to worry that this Christmas will be one to remember for all the wrong reasons. All they can do is cling to each other as they watch and wait ... and pray for miracle."Donna Ball has created a delightful world in her Ladybug Farm novels. Her characters are lively and endearing, and readers will feel a longing to join the girls on the front porch in the evenings as they reminisce about the day's activities."--Fresh Fiction"A delight to read"-- Book Binge"Once you've traveled down that long road to Ladybug Farm , it's hard to leave."--Georgia Mountain Laurel"Here's to Ladybug Farm!"--Beyond Her Book"Absolutely delectable"---Publisher's Weekly

    Christmas is the time for miracles, but sometimes, a child must make her own miracle, and one for her siblings.

    When a young boy wonders whether there will be enough food for everyone, Grandma gently reminds him: "The more you love and care, the more there always seems to be." With its rich, warm colors and heartwarming text, this story will remind readers young and old of the true spirit of Thanksgiving.

    Driven by loyalty and feelings of failure, this first delivery launches Kris through his young life in search of redemption.He becomes apprenticed to a carpenter and meets an extraordinary girl who makes him a unique red jacket. But there are reindeer to discover and a people the Norwegians refer to as elves, not to mention chimneys and cookies and stockings hung by the fire.The world has heard many stories about Santa. Here, for the first time, is Santa's story.

    This fresh batch of more than 200 amazing recipes will inspire great baking. From classic favorites like snickerdoodles and chocolate chunk to more sophisticated treats like biscotti and fruit bars, there’s something for every occasion. Bakers will roll out these sweets for the holidays, for dessert, or just to fill up the cookie jar. Also includes Fine Cooking’s signature style of tips and secrets from the pros, step-by-step photos to help master techniques, ingredient profiles, and shortcuts. For anyone who wants to bake like the best, Fine Cooking Cookies has all the right ingredients. Contributors include Deborah Madison, Abby Dodge, Molly Stevens, Susie Middleton, Alice Medrich, Rose Levy Beranbaum, Nicole Rees, and Flo Braker.

    The curse of his chains was a heavy one, and there were many a time in which he found the weight of said chains to be unbearable. So this must be perfectly understood: Marley was without hope. Marley’s lot was indeed a sad one. Misery was his meat, and despair was his drink. Nothing of the earth was his except for the cold fingers of the grave. And it was there that Marley would never retreat. The grave was death! Marley had no powers such as those given to other earth-bound spirits. He was a wraith – a wanderer. However, upon saving the soul of a dear friend, he was given a haunting. In this haunting, Marley’s powers could not be equaled. However, one foot off the haunting’s property, and his soul would find itself in endless damnation. Marley found himself trapped, staring out a window, into an ever-changing world. A world he would never again become a part of. A world of love, laughter, sorrow, and pain, he would always be a stranger to. Waiting and waiting. Hoping to prove himself worthy.

    One, a humble peasant woman who struggled daily to provide for her children. And the other, a mother spider who also worked hard to care for her family. And although it would appear they were as different as night and day, these two mothers had more in common than would first seem.As the only holiday gift she can give her children, one cold Christmas Eve the peasant woman goes to the forest to get a tree, never noticing that someone has made a home among its branches. During the night, the mother spider spins webs decorating the tree, resulting in a Christmas that neither mother will ever forget.

    with her sister. In Yuletide Mishaps, there is one calamity after another for Abby, but in the true spirit of Christmas, her family bonds grow stronger, and the love that she has shared with Ben Sheridan will be put to test. Will they be able to put this behind them and move on, or will they deny themselves a love that could stand the test of time.

    He's had the scariest house on the block for years and intends to keep it that way. When a neighbor steps up and tries to out-scare the trick-or-treaters, he takes things a little personally.Also included in the collected edition The Big Book of Dumb White Husband including the stories: Dumb White Husband vs. The Grocery Store, vs. Halloween, vs. Santa, vs. The Tooth Fairy and for President.

    Rich is about to breakup with her boyfriend and seeks the comfort of her family’s familiar traditions for Christmas in Pittsburgh. Brady Cameron plans to spend the holiday alone at a Pennsylvania ski resort, drowning his sorrows. Stranded by a winter storm in the Philadelphia Airport and headed in the same direction, they agree to share the last rental car available. After Mother Nature forces them off the road and into a deserted cabin, Christmas turns out to be nothing either of them expects.

    Father Christmas by Leigh GreenwoodArizona Territory, 1880.Delivering a young widow’s baby during the holiday season transforms the heart of a lonely drifter.A Christmas Miracle by Connie MasonNew York 1867A Yuletide birth brings a wealthy businessman and a penniless immigrant the happiness they have always desired.

    This Christmas short has been absorbed into and is now available as part of the third, full length title in the series, Life In Union.Holiday's with friends and family are never dull and Boone's first Christmas in Summit City is no exception to that Yuletide rule. You are cordially invited to join Boone and Wade for a Christmas Eve extravaganza, including many of your other favorites from the Summit City - Sno Ho series.

    Read the other stories with ties to Ruthorford, GA including THE SHOPPE OF SPELLS, and coming in 2012, MEADOW'S KEEP.

    When it does not, he realizes he has much to learn about life, and love.Princess Rosie, trapped in her enchanted sleep, dreams of a mysterious man. Is he a rescuer, or a nightmare? She must fight to recover herself, and all before Christmas, for time is running out.

    

    Just like researching your own family, it will inspire you, make you laugh, provoke emotion and ultimately fill you with pride.

    Newbery medalist Linda Sue Park has taken the brief biblical references to the three as the starting point for a new story. In it we meet a boy who is learning his father’s trade; a man who gathers resin from certain trees; a merchant in the marketplace; and three strangers in brightly colored robes who are shopping for a gift for a baby. Illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline with exquisite paintings, this simple, moving tale of ordinary people involved in an extraordinary event brings new resonance to the well-known gift list of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Includes an author’s note.

    While Santa is out delivering presents, a baby is born. Santa comes back for Nina's now-finished bear—and guess who he takes along to deliver it?

    This book will appeal to people of all ages—nine to ninety-nine—who want to share a classic, heart-warming literary adventure at Christmastime. Next Christmas in Girouette is the story of a brother and sister—Autry and Oxana Quinn—who find themselves stranded in a Girouette, a virtual ghost town, from Thanksgiving through Christmas when their father is taken seriously ill. Their grandfather, a Marine Captain long retired, plus an eccentric old café proprietress, a Blackfeet Indian horse trader who once served as the town’s mayor, a couple who published the local newspaper and an ancient deaf-mute trapper are the only remaining inhabitants of Girouette. These self-styled, “diehards” all seem to have one thing in common. Thanks to a mysterious event 60 years earlier, they still believe in Santa Claus. Girouette features something for everyone: carefree cowboys who race their horses over snow covered country road, a team of wolves trained to pull a dogsled, a stroll that nearly turns tragic on a buffalo jump, a serialized newspaper story titled “The Adventures of Rocky Mountain Santa,” a desperate attempt to escape from an abandoned copper mine, a night-time journey through the mountains on a frozen river and the miracle that delivers wayfaring strangers to Girouette during a storm on Christmas Eve. The book revels in the solitary beauty of winter in Big Sky Country, the enduring wisdom of the elderly citizens of Girouette, the excitement of frontier history coming to life, the inspiration of a family healing itself and the magic of an old-fashioned western Christmas. Read Next Christmas in Girouette with your family this year, and you’ll want to revisit it for years to come at holiday time.

    This is no ordinary book, mind you. For starters, it was written by an Elf. And if that’s not enough, the book proves the existence of Kris Kringle—you know, Santa Claus. Born human but abandoned as a baby, Kris is rescued by Elfs and grows up among them…but he doesn’t really fit in. Kris embarks on a quest to find his true family among the humans by delivering presents on Christmas day. But there’s a catch: the High Council of Elfs is convinced humans are wicked at heart, and Kris can’t return to his Elfin home unless he can prove otherwise. His journey takes him all the way to the legendary Great Northern Glen, and from there to the town of Oldenton, where he finds two orphans who are about to lose everything they have to a greedy uncle. With only days before Christmas, Kris must try to help the kids, deliver his presents, find his family, and prove that human virtue does exist…even in the most unexpected of human hearts.

    Sing along with a merry family of mice as they prepare for Christmas and two very special guests! The classic carol is brought to life with charming illustrations full of homey details.

    Come nightfall, Scrooge receives three visitors: the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future. Each spirit takes him on a hair-raising journey through time, yielding glimpses of Tiny Tim and Bob Cratchit--and even Scrooge's painfully hopeful younger self. Will Scrooge's heart be opened? Can he escape his cursed fate?

    Her father has recently run off with the bimbo at his office, leaving behind the question: who will wear the Easter Bunny costume and pass out the baskets to the kids? A job that, until this year, was always his. This humorous yet touching story opens with Zelda and her sisters arguing over who should wear the bunny suit and carry on the family tradition. To the delight of her nieces and nephew, Zelda dons the costume, while her mother, toked-up on medicinal marijuana, shoots daggers at the oversized bunny. As emotions and antics ramp up, the day becomes one of those memor-able "holidays from hell" many of us have experienced.The Rabbit Died is the first short story in the Holidays From Hell series by best-selling author Sue Ann Jaffarian. Visit www.sueannjaffarian.com for more information about upcoming stories in the series and other full-length works by the author.

    More importantly, what if Darcy and the Colonel were still visiting with Mrs. Collins when Elizabeth returns after having read Darcy’s letter?

    Special days of commemoration and celebration. Feasts and festivities. Remembrance and revelry. But what dark things lurk just out of sight, in the shadows of those celebrated days? Forces beyond our comprehension, yearning to burst into our warm and comforting world and tear asunder those things we hold most dear. As the wheel of the year turns and we embrace our favorite occasions, let us not forget that beyond the light is a darkness, and in that darkness something stirs. Some nameless thing that brings us Horror for the Holidays!

    Is love preordained? An old diary from when Jessie and Clare Coleman settled on the land in the 1840's provides a history of their life. But tucked between the pages is an unrequited love between Clare Coleman and a tall Native American. Does love and land come full circle? In this season of giving, will fate reach through time to give a gift of love? Andy Coyote settled into the job as foreman on the Coleman ranch. He's got custody of his thirteen month old daughter and the situation is perfect for both of them until Caroline Coleman returns home for Christmas and one of the worst blizzards in years hits the area. He's forced to accept Caroline's help to move a herd of cattle and mixed in it are several head from another ranch in the community. Cattle rustling still happens. Caroline Coleman has her dream job as a Washington, D.C., news anchor for a national broadcast, but home is in Wyoming on her family's ranch. She has everything that money can buy, but the things that she really wants can't be purchased. Raised with solid, hard working, family values, she knows her life in the spotlight isn't real. She wants a man who appreciates the ranch, loves her for who she is and not what she is, and she wants a family of her own. And she doesn't like the idea of Andy Coyote taking advantage of her grandmother.

    His son Michael is concerned that his dad has lost his head and returns home. There he meets a young lady, Ellen, who has helped his father to rediscover the true spirit of Christmas. But is pretty Ellen as good as she seems?

    Nick in time for Christmas?Pause:Time’s been frozen on Christmas Eve and two Chroniclers are dispatched to investigate. Find out what happens when they encounter someone dressed as super-hero Commander Courageous!Fulfillment:A mysterious figure known as Stranger Wolfram prepares to summon a creature from the pits of Hell on Christmas Eve. Will fortune teller Mrs. Rita stop him?

    Joanne Ingis takes readers on an unbelievable journey, from the hatching of the egg, to the naming of the turkey, to its incorporation into the family's daily life. Young readers will love the story of a turkey being cared for rather than eaten at a holiday dinner! A perfect Thanksgiving gift that is sure to appeal throughout the year.

    They learn the collies are needed to help seven children with the grief of losing a parent in Iraq or Afghanistan. Now, with seven friends, four collie yearlings and their mother, they set out to help the children Not far away a mother hopefully leads her seven puppies to safety from a man intent on selling them for illicit purposes. By a miracle of fate the two mother collies find each other right before the man sells the puppies. That Christmas morning will be one the children will remember all their lives and they are united with the puppies.As a side note, I will be donating a portion of the royalties from this book to the collie rescue group where I found the original Kebi.

    When Frankie is sent to prison, Sarah and her young son, Kevin, flee London and start over in the sleepy town of Padstow, Cornwall. They meet their new neighbours and their son, Martin, who is slowly dying from muscular dystrophy. He's almost wheelchair-bound but ever hopeful of being able to walk unaided the full length of The Camel Trail, an eleven-mile stretch of scenic path near the coast.But when Frankie is released from prison and tracks them down, the hunt begins. With Kevin and Martin missing, Sarah and Martin’s parents are plunged headlong into a fight for their boys’ survival and, ultimately, for their own redemption.

    It is jam-packed with pops and flaps, and on the final page there is a terrific twist.Perfect as a Halloween treat, or for spooky thrills all year round!

    While dreaming up marvelous toys for good girls and boys, Kirby has his best idea yet - a real elf in every home, all through the holidays, spreading Christmas Magic! Santa finds the perfect family and allows Kirby to serve as the test elf for the first momentous visit. Fun and adventure are at every turn, but not everything goes as planned...Will Kirby's idea be a success?

    A Fairy-Tale Christmas by Leigh GreenwoodVirginia 1880.When she cares for a sick widower and his daughter, a lonely spinster discovers that her dreams of a happy marriage aren’t as fleeting as visions of sugarplums.A Child Is Born by Connie MasonGeorgia 1864In a Civil War field hospital, a Christmas birth rekindles the flames of a long-ago love – and brings the promise of peace on earth and goodwill toward men.

    Filled with hardworking essentials, like Make Ahead and storage directions for every recipe, this festive collection delivers tasty tidbits on decorating and homemade gifts.With more than 200 recipes and 140 beautiful full-color photos, this book offers excellent valueTip boxes throughout the book provide simple ideas for baking perfect cookies every time"Santa's Little Helper" icons designate recipes that kids can help makeChapters are organized by flavor, with ideas to satisfy every palate, from coconut creations and ooey, gooey caramel treats to rich dark chocolate sensationsThe book covers the entire range of holiday cookies, including decorated cookies, drop cookies, slice and bakes, shaped cookies, cut-outs, sandwich cookies, and even tiny tarts

    When he realizes they never came home from a holiday party they attended the night before, John calls his estranged uncle, a man he barely remembers and hasn't seen in nearly 14 years. Together, they face a life-changing tragedy and John discovers a family secret that's been tucked away like the Christmas presents hidden in his parent's coat closet.A short work of fiction from our Nibs literary line.

    We encouraged him to do just that in his 2010 book The Art of the Piano, and musicians across the country flocked to these challenging, pianistic arrangements. In this volume, we have asked Mark to take that same approach to familiar Christmas repertoire, creating a book that skilled pianists everywhere will want to perform at church, school, or by the fireside at home.

    One witch, two brooms, three ghosts, four bats, and more are planning a very special Halloween party. Bestselling author and illustrator Patricia Eubank infuses humor, color, and endless details into her intricate artwork. Children will find something new to look at each time they turn the pages of this whimsical book.

    

    When you're finished, turn to the back of the book for even more Look and Find challenges!

    They raced to another house but refused to stop when ghosts were there to greet them. Santa doesn’t tangle with ghosts. He doesn’t tangle with vampires, either.At the next stop, he met a runaway gingerbread man who yelled, “You can’t catch me, I’m the gingerbread man!” Santa didn’t bother to catch him; he had things to do.On his way to his next delivery, he passed a werewolf jumping out of a plane and dodged a zombie hungry for his brain.He finally touched down in a nice, normal town full of tidings and great joy…Or did he?Dive into a world of variety—a world of spirit with this Creative Reviews anthology. What better way to celebrate the holiday season than with some short stories that entertain and encompass the true meaning of Christmas? All proceeds of this book will be donated to the NCADV. Debut authors and published authors have come together in this one-of-a-kind compilation – please help support a great cause and plunge deep into our imaginations.

    But during the night, something magical happens...and when her toy Nutcracker transforms into a handsome Prince, Marie is whisked off to Toyland on a winter adventure she’ll never forget!The Nutcracker is one of the world’s favorite holiday stories. Now for the first time the beloved artist Mary Engelbreit offers her vision of that magical night, creating a picture book filled with joyful movement and rich detail that even the youngest child will enjoy.

    Deeply reverent, richly detailed, and teeming with life, Dalton's images follow the story of the Nativity from the appearance of the Angel, to the shepherds who came from the fields, and to the three wise men who followed the star to pay respect for their new king. Working in a Pennsylvania-German folk-art tradition, rich with lovingly rendered animals and figures, Pamela Dalton has created a book that takes a deserved place among the finest celebrations of Christmas.

    

    One who loved each of them equally and could handle both the pros and cons of being shared by two men on a daily basis. As soon as they laid eyes on the beautiful new file clerk Gloria they knew deep in their heart that she was the one meant to be theirs. They thought their only obstacle was to convince her that their feelings were genuine. Quickly they learn they’re mistaken when they find out the lovely Gloria’s been keeping a major secret. One that not only jeopardizes the future they planned to share with her, but also places her very life in danger.Gloria found it hard not to have a positive outlook when she got to see the delicious Jason and delectable Jake every day. On top of that the merriment of the season all around her was infectious. It was the first Christmas in a long time that Gloria was actually looking forward to. That is until she learns the mistakes of her past, ones she tried very hard to put behind her and bury, were now back. Back with a vengeance and determined to destroy her. Now all she hoped for Christmas was that the people she’d grown to love wouldn’t get caught in the crossfire.

    Reflecting the latest trends in decorating and entertaining-while keeping a close eye to tradition-the pages brim with over 100 all-new ideas for handcrafted decorations, projects, and gifts, plus over 65 scrumptious recipes from Gooseberry Patch's family and friends. This year, cooks will enjoy whipping up giftable goodies, such as Cranberry Scones and Marshmallow Popcorn Balls; 5-ingredient holiday wonders, such as Autumn Pork Chops and Chocolate Eggnog; and Christmas dinner classics, such as Roast Turkey with Sage Butter and Maple-Pecan Pie. Readers will be inspired by the beautiful photography throughout, and the simple step-by-step instructions for every recipe and craft will make it easy to recreate the magic at home. With a little help from Gooseberry Patch, readers will delight in the joys, traditions, and memories of a homespun Christmas.

    She hasn't had any luck yet. But on a fateful day during the winter holidays, her luck starts to turn when she meets an unexpected fellow seeker.... a short story of the Pelted.