Joni Mitchell is one of the most celebrated artists of the last half century, and her landmark 1971 album, Blue, is one of her most beloved and revered works. Generations of people have come of age listening to the album, inspired by the way it clarified their own difficult emotions. Critics and musicians admire the idiosyncratic virtuosity of its compositions. Will You Take Me As I Am -- the first book about Joni Mitchell to include original interviews with her -- looks at Blue to explore the development of an extraordinary artist, the history of songwriting, and much more. In extensive conversations with Mitchell, Michelle Mercer heard firsthand about Joni's internal and external journeys as she composed the largely autobiographical albums of what Mercer calls her Blue Period, which lasted through the mid-1970s. Incorporating biography, memoir, reportage, criticism, and interviews into an illuminating narrative, Mercer moves beyond the "making of an album" genre to arrive at a new form of music writing. In 1970, Mitchell was living with Graham Nash in Laurel Canyon and had made a name for herself as a so-called folk singer notable for her soaring voice and skillful compositions. Soon, though, feeling hemmed in, she fled to the hippie cave community of Matala, Greece. Here and on further travels, her compositions were freshly inspired by the lands and people she encountered as well as by her own radically changing interior landscape. After returning home to record Blue, Mitchell retreated to British Columbia, eventually reemerging as the leader of a successful jazz-rock group and turning outward in her songwriting toward social commentary. Finally, a stint with Bob Dylan's Rolling Thunder Revue and a pivotal meeting with the Tibetan lama ChÖgyam Trungpa prompted Mitchell's return to personal songwriting, which resulted in her 1976 masterpiece album, Hejira. Mercer interlaces this fascinating account of Mitchell's Blue Period with meditations on topics related to her work, including the impact of landscape on music, the value of autobiographical songwriting for artist and listener, and the literary history of confessionalism. Mercer also provides rich analyses of Mitchell's creative achievements: her innovative manner of marrying lyrics to melody; her inventive, highly expressive chords that achieve her signature blend of wonder and melancholy; how she pioneered personal songwriting and, along with Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen, brought a new literacy to the popular song. Fans will appreciate the previously unpublished photos and a coda of Mitchell's unedited commentary on the places, books, music, pastimes, and philosophies she holds dear. This utterly original book offers a unique portrait of a great musician and her remarkable work, as well as new perspectives on the art of songwriting itself.

*THIS IS A STANDALONE! FULL NOVEL IN ONE!* What is supposed to be a reconnection for her and the start of a new life for him turns into a steamy love affair on a luxurious Mexican resort. With their marriage facing rocky waters, Avian Linzy decides that what her and her husband, Marcellus, need is a trip to Mexico to set their union right again. However, on the day that they are set to leave, Marcellus announces to Avian that he wants a divorce. Broken hearted, Avian isn’t sure that she should go through with the vacation, but with the urging of her best friend, Lakeisha, she boards the plane to Mexico, alone. Lakeisha believes this trip can help Avian heal, but Avian remains skeptic until she unexpectedly meets the handsome Casyrius Knowlton. Casyrius Knowlton is a man of means and has no problem getting what he wants, including his current position as a sports agent. In Mexico, Casyrius is planning to marry his high school sweetheart, Kiami Green. Casyrius’s love for Kiami runs deep, but that doesn’t stop him from having doubts when it comes to their upcoming nuptials. The ties to their relationship are hanging on by a slim thread, but completely snap when a would-be tragic event lands Avian in Casyrius’s arms. Literally. Over the course of a week, Casyrius grows closer to Avian, but after his reason for being in Mexico is revealed, Avian disappears without a trace, and he’s determined to find the woman he’s unknowingly given a piece of his heart to. It won’t be easy, but Casyrius learns that anything worth having, rarely is. After getting her heart broken twice within a week, will Avian be able to find love again, or will she hold on to what could have been between her and Casyrius? If Casyrius finds her, will he be able to handle the secrets that she was hiding from him for so long?

You're hurting. You hate the way you feel, day in and day out. But no one knows. You think no one cares. It's time to take the mask off. Look yourself in the mirror and let's become the person you've always dreamed of being. This book will show you how. Author Kiamani Robey will give you the tools needed to dive deep into the messy waters of your past and help you carve out a clear path to your future. She will help you WIN by becoming a success in your life. She has also created a powerful process to help you identify those tough "truths" by embedding a guide to help you toward truth and healing. This book will be your friend while you upheaval and discover buried hidden truths, painful memories and hidden agendas. Take some quiet time, a pen, and tissue to your favorite space and let's dig in. Your future self depends on this journey. Now let's get to work.

He needs her…She wants him…What could go wrong? Cameo Rawlings, the sexy new CEO of Palmer Innovations is determined to represent the city and The Mr. Black Organization with class. With his not so pristine past, it was imperative that he succeed in raising the awareness of the rich Black culture of the city. He was going to need a polished look and a professional event planner to make the Juneteenth celebration a success. He knows who he needs, but…the last encounter with the woman was less than pleasant. Syndia James, wants the Manager of City Cultural Events position. As one of the city event planners, she needs something big to put her over the top. The Juneteenth celebration could be her ticket to the position of her dreams. Only, she had to work with Cameo Rawlings, with his Take Me As I Am or don’t take me at all attitude. Hell, she was going to have to forget that disastrous blind date and play nice to get what she wants. Working together creates a sensuous atmosphere that neither knew existed. Cameo learns Syndia’s sassy, sophisticated way is the inspiration he needs. Syndia soon realizes Cameo’s arrogant, take-charge ways is the love that she wants. In the Baes of Juneteenth multi-author series, we invite you to journey to different cities to celebrate Juneteenth with the men of Mr. Black, an organization honoring Black love, Black culture, and Black history.

In the breathtaking Victorian Dandenongs, passion blooms and secrets unravel as two worlds collide. Kate Moore has lived her life in the shadow of her family's wealth, groomed relentlessly to one day inherit the vast Moore’s Hotel Corporation. Her latest challenge is to rejuvenate the decaying Burnham Beeches estate in Sassafras, a true test of her abilities and a chance to earn her father's elusive approval. Enter David Wright, a gifted landscaper whose rugged charm and eye for detail captivate Kate’s imagination—and her heart. David needs this project more than he can admit. The prestigious Moore contract means financial relief and a prestigious boost for his fledgling business, allowing him to care for his ailing father. With aspirations sacrificed for duty, the last complication he needs is the magnetic pull toward his intriguing, driven employer, Kate—especially as his heart's true calling remains in music. Together, they must rebuild more than just the physical estate. As Kate and David wade through a maze of personal and professional challenges, their perceptions shatter and unforeseen passions ignite. With stakes high and emotions turbulent, can they confront the truths they've been running from and embrace love without pretence? If you love the tender elegance of Jojo Moyes and the heartfelt storytelling of Danielle Steel, "Take Me As I Am" will sweep you away. Join Kate and David on their stirring journey of self-discovery and love. Purchase "Take Me As I Am" today and witness the power of embracing authenticity amidst life’s trials.

(Glory Sound Simply Sacred). The increasing treasury of modern hymns and sacred songs by Keith and Kristyn Getty and collaborator Stuart Townend are explored in this new resource designed for choirs of any level. Many of this writing team's biggest successes are included, all lovingly adapted by some of our most gifted arrangers. Music for the entire church year is contained in this collection. Transcending stylistic boundaries, the music and message are home in both contemporary-styled worship venues and traditional programs. Creative instrumental adornments offer additional options for performance while sensitive arranging make this compilation accessible to choirs of any size. Available separately: SAB, Listening CD, Preview Pack (Book/CD Combo), 10-Pack Listening CDs, Instrumental CD-ROM (Score & parts for flute, penny whistle, oboe, acoustic guitar, electric bass, drum set, percussion, violin 1 & 2, viola, cello *Note, instrumentation varies on each song), StudioTrax CD (Accompaniment Only), SplitTrax CD.

“Dishy, warm, and entertaining.”—Kirkus Reviews ?The beloved Black pop culture icon, entrepreneur, Hollywood actress and Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star bares her life in this frank, funny, and fearless memoir about life, love and the pursuit of true happiness. Love Me As I Am is Garcelle Beauvais’s smart, inspiring, and raw memoir—an entertaining and unforgettable emotional rollercoaster ride that moves from her early childhood years in Haiti to her adolescence in Boston; from her heady days as a young model in New York—her first taste of real freedom—to Los Angeles and the many ups, downs, and then more ups, both personal and professional, she experienced in her three-decade acting career, including her massive fame as a star of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. Throughout her life, Beauvais has suffered from an emotional battle between her wild, rebellious nature and her desire to be a “good girl.” No matter how many cover stories she earned, “Most Beautiful” lists, or coveted roles in iconic series such as The Jamie Foxx Show and NYPD Blue, Beauvais could not cure herself of her “disease to please” or learn to put herself first. She also had to learn how to unapologetically put herself first. In Love Me As I Am, she brings together the voices of both the good girl and the rebel to deliver an unflinching examination of her successes and ongoing challenges as a mother, wife, daughter, sibling, and friend. Beauvais fearlessly talks about how she boldly embraced her sexuality in her 40s, and her determination to break free of the stereotypes that define and limit African American women in popular culture. Most importantly, she reveals how finally putting herself first led to better relationships with her three sons and even her ex-husband. Beauvais dishes too—offering juicy behind-the-scenes stories from movie sets, red carpet events, and The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. Love Me As I Am is an unflinching look at one woman’s extraordinary journey to create a new and more exciting life—and to become the woman she was meant to be.