This books taps into the powerful imagery of trees to suggest ways that one may sink roots into God's Word and grow strong branches that bear the fruits of faith.

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • “A novel to cure your Downton Abbey withdrawal . . . a delightful story about nontraditional romantic relationships, class snobbery and the everybody-knows-everybody complications of living in a small community.”—The Washington Post The bestselling author of Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand returns with a breathtaking novel of love on the eve of World War I that reaches far beyond the small English town in which it is set. NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY THE WASHINGTON POST AND NPR East Sussex, 1914. It is the end of England’s brief Edwardian summer, and everyone agrees that the weather has never been so beautiful. Hugh Grange, down from his medical studies, is visiting his Aunt Agatha, who lives with her husband in the small, idyllic coastal town of Rye. Agatha’s husband works in the Foreign Office, and she is certain he will ensure that the recent saber rattling over the Balkans won’t come to anything. And Agatha has more immediate concerns; she has just risked her carefully built reputation by pushing for the appointment of a woman to replace the Latin master. When Beatrice Nash arrives with one trunk and several large crates of books, it is clear she is significantly more freethinking—and attractive—than anyone believes a Latin teacher should be. For her part, mourning the death of her beloved father, who has left her penniless, Beatrice simply wants to be left alone to pursue her teaching and writing. But just as Beatrice comes alive to the beauty of the Sussex landscape and the colorful characters who populate Rye, the perfect summer is about to end. For despite Agatha’s reassurances, the unimaginable is coming. Soon the limits of progress, and the old ways, will be tested as this small Sussex town and its inhabitants go to war. Praise for The Summer Before the War “What begins as a study of a small-town society becomes a compelling account of war and its aftermath.”—Woman’s Day “This witty character study of how a small English town reacts to the 1914 arrival of its first female teacher offers gentle humor wrapped in a hauntingly detailed story.”—Good Housekeeping “Perfect for readers in a post–Downton Abbey slump . . . The gently teasing banter between two kindred spirits edging slowly into love is as delicately crafted as a bone-china teacup. . . . More than a high-toned romantic reverie for Anglophiles—though it serves the latter purpose, too.”—The Seattle Times

There’s nothing like the breezy days of summer...the freshest produce, grilling outdoors, swaying on the porch swing and watching the kids chase fireflies. A trip to the farmers’ market, or a short walk to your own backyard, give us reasons to share the most flavorful dishes with our family & friends. We're celebrating all these memories in the making with Summer in the Country. Breakfast is a breeze when serving Aunt Emma-line’s Strawberry Muffins, and packing a picnic or toting a dish to a reunion couldn’t be easier...just pair up Confetti Coleslaw with Beverly’s Fried Chicken. Firecracker Grilled Salmon and Sizzlin’ Chicken are perfect for the grill, while Toasted Taffy is a fast-fix campfire dessert. With a whole chapter of sweet treats, whipping one up is so easy...choosing between all the yummy choices is the hardest part! You’ll find recipes for old-fashioned favorites like Lazy Daisy Cake, Flowerpot Cupcakes and Watermelon Slice Cookies inside. We’ve also included a chapter of food gifts to give...straight from your summer kitchen. Aunt Marj’s Violet Jelly and Pioneer Day Blackberry Jam are two of our favorites. The weather is perfect, so set a date and call your friends, family & neighbors. It’s time to celebrate summer...in the country! Hardcover, 224 pages. (9-1/4" x 6-1/2")

A joyful, sun-drenched tribute to the anticipation and adventures of the warmest season of the year. When the days stretch out like a slow yawn, and the cheerful faces of Johnny-jump-ups jump up . . . then it’s time to get ready for summer! From flip-flops and hide-and-seek to fireworks and ice-cream trucks, from lemonade stands and late bedtimes to swimming in the lake and toasting marshmallows, there’s something for everyone in this bright and buoyant celebration of the sunny season. Tom Brenner’s lovely, lyrical ode to summers spent outdoors will strike a chord with anyone who’s ever counted down the days until school gets out, and Jaime Kim’s jubilant, nostalgia-soaked illustrations leave little doubt that summer is indeed a time unlike any other.