A children's Christmas story about the magic of Santa Claus and how he can get all over the world on the same night, and get down chimneys without falling, and get into apartments without fireplaces at all.

This is the story of a man and a woman who knew each other as adolescents and meet again after many years. At their fortuitous encounter, they realize they still love each other, but they must fight destiny and distance to be together again in the face of personal differences and social expectations. The writing has a particular stylistic flare and romantic sense. The flowing narrative and poetic language make this novel a most enjoyable read.

Open up a fresh and stylish story about growing up and keeping hold of your favorite memories. As the year passes, the narrator’s favorite dress goes through a series of creative changes, from dress to shirt to tank top to scarf and so on, until all that’s left of it is a good memory. Assisted by her patient and crafty mama, the narrator finds that when disaster strikes her favorite things, she doesn’t need to make mountains out of molehills—she “makes molehills out of mountains” instead! Structured around the days of the week, the story is also illustrated to show the passing of the seasons, a perfect complement to the themes of growing older and keeping hold (and letting go) of special mementos. Praise for I Had a Favorite Dress "A spunky story about adjusting to change with creativity and style. Tailor-made, so to speak, for the Etsy generation of DIY enthusiasts.” –Publishers Weekly “Everyone is smiling in the buoyant confections created by illustrator Julia Denos—including, it’s fair to say, young readers looking at them. Endearing picture book.” –Wall Street Journal “What could have been yet another example of kindergarten consumerism instead becomes one of resourcefulness and resilience.” –New York Times “Denos’s multimedia illustrations reinforce the narrator’s vibrant personality and the amazing transformations of the dress while capturing the action and emotion of the story. This book is sure to capture the imaginations of would-be seamstresses; children who can’t bear to part with a favorite item; and those who want to reduce, reuse, recycle.” –School Library Journal “Breezy in style, they smartly stitch each scene of alteration as the not-so-little girl sashays through the days of the week and the seasons. A charming interpretation of an old story that will speak to young fashionistas.” –Kirkus Reviews

A blend of oral history and memoir with a good dose of quirky humor, Tar Heel Traveler: New Journeys Across North Carolina is a celebratory look at the people and places of North Carolina. WRAL-TV reporter Scott Mason—the Tar Heel Traveler—profiles colorful characters and out-of-the-way places. The sequel consists of all new material and showcases twenty-five of Mason’s most memorable television stories along with the amusing stories behind each.

Forty-something Beverly Brown, who feels as common as her name, embarks on an insightful, and often humorous journey of self-discovery. Along the way she meets Grant, a paraplegic French Canadian, who relights her passion for music and helps her discover things she never realized about herself. But they both know right from the get-go that they only have six weeks before he moves back to Montreal, and he does not believe in long distance relationships. Is it worth the risk to open up her heart again knowing it will soon be broken? Or can she make him change his mind? Theres also Jack, the part-time judge she works with. There is a bit of sexual tension in their friendly relationship that Bev tries hard to ignore. Now Jack has offered her a job in his law firm in the city. It sounds exciting, but also seems a bit more change than she is ready to make. Throw in her needy adult children, her narrow minded family and her manipulative ex-husband and it is easy to see how Bev has locked herself away in her self-made cocoon for so long. This is not a romance, but there is love. It is not religious, but there is spiritual confl ict. It is not a comedy, though there is humor. It is, however, a life changing story of confronting guilt, regret, and unfulfilled dreams, and rediscovering passion and hope for a purpose filled future.

In 1936 to 1936 Polly Pierce was an eleven-year-old New Jersey school girl leaving the security of her grandfather’s home in Pennsylvania to travel east with her parents. Initially her problems were that of your average seventh grader; adjusting to a new private all-girls school, where she was placed ahead a grade. Polly worried over her studies, friendships, class and racial distinctions. Then like the present day, 1930s Europe cast a long shadow and Polly found herself in the middle of a life-threatening crime where she alone must save a friend and report the truth. Her parents drank, had parties unaware of the treachery right under their noses. Polly was under extraordinary circumstances in a world controlled by adults. In order to do right she lied, stole and snuck around. In the end her bravery went unrewarded, an adult authority figure co-opted it. Set in the early ‘80s, the second story, Rogo the Magnificent, is about a bloodhound who brings people safely home and Isabella a young autistic girl who manages life with the help of ghosts. At first the ghosts appear as figments of her imagination, later they’re sinister. Meanwhile Rogo continues to-do good and Isabella, needing someone safe to love attaches herself to him.