Before 1840 the American iron industry consisted in the main of small furnaces obliged by their need of the charcoal they used for fuel to locate in areas of heavy forest. Around these isolated furnaces grew communities of workers and their families, and of the farmers and service people who supplied their needs. In hundreds of forest clearings there could be found rural industrial settlements as distinctive in form and as important in product as the New England town or the Southern plantation. Hopewell Village tells the story of one such community, which, from 1771 to 1883, made iron in Southern Berks County, Pennsylvania. What little has been written about the iron villages has concentrated largely on the techniques of furnace operation. This book is concerned with the lives of the people of the iron plantations, from the wealthy ironmaster to the youngest indentured servant, and how they interacted with each other and with the outside world in work, religion, education, and play. Special attention has been given to the lives of minorities. While every part of the book is documented for the scholar-reader, the style of writing is plain enough to be read with meaning by those who have little background in the techniques either of the iron industry or historiography. Containing much original source material, tables, tabulations and numerous photographs, Hopewell Village should be of interest to students of industrial history, transportation, labor relations, and race relations, as well as to the general reader of American history.

The picturesque Hopewell Valley is one of New Jerseys finest treasures. Sprawled over more than sixty square miles, the valley encompasses the boroughs of Hopewell and Pennington, the village of Titusville, and the township of Hopewell. From Christmas night of 1776, when George Washington and his troops crossed the Delaware River, to the twentieth century and the saga of Charles Lindberghs missing infant son, Hopewell Valley has been steeped in history and drama. Rare images gathered from the Hopewell Valley Historical Society and local residents make up this monumental pictorial journey. Hopewell Valley combines the famous and not-so-famous elements of these communities nestled between the Delaware River and the Sourland Mountains. Home to key figures in American history, the Hopewell Valley has also seen important developments in architecture and industry. Although modernization has taken hold, the rural character of the area remains intact. And although the area has been home to well-known faces and events, Hopewell Valley is peppered with the lesser-known faces and places that bring out the full flavor.

The acclaimed author of The Honest Truth delivers his most emotionally powerful novel yet. Brodie was a good dog. And good dogs go to heaven.Except Brodie can't move on. Not just yet. As wonderful as his glimpse of the afterlife is, he can't forget the boy he left behind. The boy he loved, and who loved him in return.The boy who's still in danger.So Brodie breaks the rules of heaven. He returns to Earth as a spirit. With the help of two other lost souls -- lovable pitbull Tuck and surly housecat Patsy -- he is determined to find his boy and to save him. Even if it costs him paradise. Even if he loses his eternal soul.Because it's what a good dog would do.

The USA Today and Top 10 bestseller It's never too late to change... After a health scare, 77 year-old spinster Barbara goes to convalesce in the sleepy picture-perfect English country village of Winsley Green with her sister Pauline. The sisters are chalk and cheese - Barbara, outspoken and aloof and Pauline, good natured and homely – so it’s not long before the tension starts to rise. When Pauline accidentally knocks down a vagrant called Bisto Mulligan, the ladies find themselves with another houseguest. As he recovers, it becomes apparent that Bisto is not who he first seemed and, as the sisters get to know the kind and courageous man he really is, it’s clear Bisto could change both of their lives. As the spring turns to summer, and the English countryside comes to life, can the three friends make the changes they need to, to embrace fresh starts, new loves, new journeys and new horizons. Or do old habits die too hard? Funny, joyful and with a spring in its step that reminds you to live every day like it’s your last. Judy Leigh has once again written the perfect feel-good novel for all fans of Jennifer Bohnet, Rebecca Raisin and Cathy Hopkins. Praise for Judy Leigh’s books:‘Brilliantly funny, emotional and uplifting’ Miranda Dickinson 'Lovely . . . a book that assures that life is far from over at seventy' Cathy Hopkins bestselling author of The Kicking the Bucket List 'Brimming with warmth, humour and a love of life... a wonderful escapade’ Fiona Gibson, bestselling author of The Woman Who Upped and Left What readers are saying about The Old Girls’ Network: ’Loved this from cover to cover pity I can only give this 5 stars as it deserves far more.’ ’The story’s simply wonderful, the theme of second chances will resonate whatever your age, there’s something for everyone among the characters, and I do defy anyone not to have a tear in their eye at the perfect ending.’ ’With brilliant characters and hilarious antics, this is definitely a cosy read you'll not want to miss.’ ’This is just one of those books that makes you feel good about being alive!’ ’I thoroughly enjoyed The Old Girls’ Network. I’d certainly be up for reading a sequel *hint hint*’ ’A lovely read of how life doesn't just end because your getting old.’ ’A great feel-good and fun story that made me laugh and root for the characters.’