"This novella might be the most psychologically honest, narratively engaging, and spiritually beautiful thing I have read this year. The words from these pages haunted me long after I read them, and moved me to gratitude, wonder, and even joy. The word that comes to mind as I read this story is 'life.' Read it and see: what it kindles in you will enliven you." - Russell Moore"...a poignant reflection on life and dignity. In a single day of an elderly narrator, her life unfolds as she remembers key moments from her past with sharp clarity, even though she's restrained by the unreliable physical trappings of old age. In crafting a story that slides effortlessly between the past and the present with subtle symbolism and careful juxtaposition, Schumacher demonstrates the value of each moment of our lives, and the inherent worth of every person who enters-and exits-our individual narratives." - K. B. Hoyle "...a tender, sensitive, and quietly lyrical portrait, infused with a bright, longing ache. This exploration of the expansive interior life of an elderly character near death, reminds us that we are all living in the middle of stories--stories that are going somewhere. His readers are likely to feel some gentle tug of the eternal vicariously drawing their own hearts along." - Douglas Kaine McKelvey"I have probably written more than a hundred endorsements over the years. But I've never felt as inadequate as I do right now in trying to explain how important this writing is or how moved I was in reading it. ...a beautiful story, written by a poet who has thought deeply about aging and loss and redemption." - Elyse Fitzpatrick"Eric Schumacher invites readers into an assisted living unit and introduces us to Lottie, who is drifting slowly between periods of cognitive decline and moments of clarity in the last movement of her long life. Lottie's past and present unfold in this remarkable novella with unflinching dignity. The grace of Schumacher's spare and shimmering writing make 'My Last Name' a story readers won't soon forget." - Michelle Van Loon

A Guide on How to Pick a Married Last Name Getting married? The number of decisions you have to make for the wedding, let alone decisions that will impact the rest of your life, can feel overwhelming. Taking on a life-long partner may also mean a new, life-long name. Changing the name, you've had since birth, is a big decision. Whether in same-sex or heterosexual nuptials, names play an important role and can impact children, career, identity, and ultimately, your happiness. "Should I Change my Name?" walks you through how to choose a last name that's right for you and your future spouse. Author Marcia Morgan examines the six most common married name options including separate, merged, linked, and newly-created names, and reveals the benefits and challenges of each. She weaves in personal stories from men and women who embraced their married name choices and those who had regrets. The firsthand accounts illuminate how gender roles, religion, or family of origin can deeply influence name preferences for you and your spouse-to-be. Morgan shines a light on the intriguing history of how married names were based on oppressive laws and reveals the meaning behind today's naming traditions. She takes you on a journey around the globe to look at naming practices in other countries and cultures. The book simplifies an otherwise overwhelming decision process so you and your partner can say a hearty "I Do" to the married name you choose. Best-selling author Marcia K. Morgan, Ph.D., brings a wealth of experience from over 40 years as a sociologist, researcher, trainer, and national expert on gender issues. Marcia and her husband live in Bend, Oregon.

New York Times best seller Ever since Gabrielle Stanley Blair became a parent, she’s believed that a thoughtfully designed home is one of the greatest gifts we can give our families, and that the objects and decor we choose to surround ourselves with tell our family’s story. In this, her first book, Blair offers a room-by-room guide to keeping things sane, organized, creative, and stylish. She provides advice on getting the most out of even the smallest spaces; simple fixes that make it easy for little ones to help out around the house; ingenious storage solutions for the never-ending stream of kid stuff; rainy-day DIY projects; and much, much more.

Twelve-year-old Danny O'Carolan and his sister, Kathleen, arrive in New York City in 1863, at the height of the Civil War. Kathleen finds a job in domestic service for herself and Danny, hoping to keep Danny from being drafted into the US Army as a drummer boy. As he explores the city and shares his talent for Irish dancing, Danny discovers the vast variety of New York's neighborhoods. With the threat of the draft pitting Irish immigrants against the free Black population, stoking tensions between the rich and the poor, and threatening the life Danny hopes to build, can he find a safe place to call home?

FLINTRIDGE, MICHIGAN. It's Kathleen O'Halloran's hometown. It's also Slater Kowalski's. And it's a town divided. Kat and her exuberant family live in the part of Flintridge known as the Hill; Slater is from the Ridge. Slater is the president of Flintridge Motors; Kat's family works for his rival. Ridge and Hill have always functioned as almost separate communities, but the boundaries start to blur when Kat goes to work for Slater's company—and even more when she falls in love with him. Still, the course of love is far from smooth. Slater's exciting new project is being sabotaged. From within or without? He needs to know, and so does Kat. Then there's the strange behavior of Kat's father and Slater's dad, who have unexpectedly become allies. And what about Kat's brothers, who are determined not to welcome Slater to the family? Sabotage and secrets, old rivalries and new hopes. Can two people in love create one town…and one family?

Mel By: Daniella Castro It is not James’s year. His girlfriend broke up with him and cleaned out his apartment. His family is the epitome of happiness. With an empty apartment awaiting him, he is looking at days of sadness and loneliness. But when James sees his crazy neighbor locked out of her apartment, he has no idea his life is about to change forever. One simple request turns his life upside down, and he’ll realize that growing up has its own set of challenges.

"Identifying God offers a biblical definition of the One True Deity. This scriptural portrait of the character of God can be a tremendous help for new believers looking to foundationalize their faith. It can also be beneficial for established believers by filling in some of the gaps in their personal faith."--Back cover.