Every family is different. Some families are formed through birth, others through adoption, some through marriage, and still others through fostering or inter-generational means. Not every family is created in the same way, but every family is created by God.

From acclaimed New York Times bestselling author Mary Monroe comes the captivating and heartfelt tale of a couple who has everything—except the dream they long for most. But this Christmas, a reunion with someone from the past could gift them a once-in-a-lifetime last chance . . . Successful, secure, and still very much in love, middle-aged couple Eugene and Rosemary Johnson have never given up on one special wish—to be parents. And while Christmas always brings happiness and a whirlwind of holiday fun, their hopes for children of their own seem further away than ever. Especially this year, when Rosemary must have emergency surgery and home help to recuperate. Wanting to lift his wife’s spirits, Eugene suddenly has an inspiration from back in the day . . . Faithful and sensible, Ethel Perkins raised Eugene and his brother. Unforeseen tragedy has left the sixty-something widow struggling with little money and two jobs to keep her great-grandchildren off the streets. She’s glad to help Rosemary back on her feet. But she can only stay until Rosemary is well enough to resume her normal routine. For Ethel, survival means keeping to her grueling schedule, being there for everyone but herself, and, as always, handling her troubles all on her own . . . As Ethel’s problems go from bad to much worse, Rosemary and Eugene find themselves helping her more and more—and growing close to her lively youngsters. Soon, there’s only one way both families can salvage the season: by celebrating it together. But will their temporary family work into the future . . . and possibly make a lifetime of happiness?

A comprehensive guide to giving well to family members Giving is at the core of family life--and with current law allowing up to $5,120,000 in tax-free gifts, at least through December 2012, the ultra-affluent are faced with the task of giving at perhaps largest scale in history. Beyond the tax saving and wealth management implications, giving to family members opens up a slew of thorny questions, the biggest of which is, "How do I prepare recipients of such large gifts?" With that question and others in mind, Hughes, Massenzio, and Whitaker have written The Cycle of the Gift in three main parts: "The Who of Giving," "The How of Giving," and "The What and Why of Giving." The first part focuses on the people most deeply involved in family giving, especially the recipients and givers (parents, grandparents, spouses, trustees). The second part, "The How of Giving," addresses the delicate balance of givers who want to maintain some level of control and recipients who want some level of freedom in accepting and growing their gifts. The final part, "The What and Why of Giving" describes various types of gifts, from money to business interests to values and rituals. The authors also introduce their "family bank" concept as a model that combines loans, trusts, and outright gifts. It embodies a framework and set of practices for long-term family growth. Even families without great wealth--or those who have already made large gifts to their children and grandchilren--can benefit from the human wisdom and practical advice found in The Cycle of the Gift.

Parker, her younger sister, and their grandmother are the model example of the bond between grandparent and grandchildren. They are three peas in a pod. Ethel has spent the last 16 years rearing and caring for her granddaughters to the point of giving all she had to make sure their needs were met. Likewise, Parker would move Heaven and Earth, if necessary, for her grandmother and sister. When Ethel breaks her hip and is hospitalized, Parker attempts to fill her grandmother's shoes as head of household. She quickly discovers that she still has lots to learn about life and must do so in a short time before their house is sold from underneath them due to nonpayments. Can Parker figure out a way to save their house, or will they lose their home at Christmas? How will their relationship and interactions change now that their once independent grandmother has become dependent upon them?

'Honest, funny, clever, it sparkles with witty, wry observations on modern life. I loved it' Marian Keyes An uplifting story about one mother trying to hold it all together - told with Cathy Kelly's trademark sparkling warmth, humour and honesty. Freya Abalone has a big, messy, wonderful family. She has an exciting career as a celebrity chef. She has a new home that makes her feel safe. But behind the happy front, Freya feels pulled in a hundred directions. Life has thrown Freya some lemons - and she's learned how to juggle! But she's keeping a secret from her family, and soon something is going to crashing down... All families have their struggles and strengths. So can Freya pull everyone - and herself - together when they need it most? You'll love Cathy Kelly's feel-good, relatable stories of family life! 'Honest, funny, clever, it sparkles with witty, wry observations' Marian Keyes 'This book is full of joy' Milly Johnson 'A lovely story of life and change' Prima 'The perfect comfort read for a cold autumn afternoon' Jo Finney, Good Housekeeping 'Cathy Kelly shines an insightful light on female insecurity and, through Freya's journey, shows the healing power of self-belief and family support' Woman & Home Escape with a comforting, relatable and funny story about real family life - perfect for fans of Marian Keyes, Milly Johnson, Shari Low and Ruth Jones.

Dying is a fact of life. Everything you need to know before you go.If you're reading this, you've come to the realization that someday, you will in fact, pass away. For many families the event is traumatic enough but then the aftershocks of the planning process can make it worse. It doesn't have to be that way. This book will provide you with the information to plan everything well in advance, taking the burden off of your family entirely. You hold in your hands the information and essential implementation steps that you need presented in an engaging, thought provoking and surprisingly entertaining way. You may feel a little uncomfortable talking about what happens when you pass away. That's understandable, most people do at first. However death and dying is a fact of life. Keep in mind that the planning process is not about you; it is about your family and loved ones and providing THEM with peace-of-mind and comfort. Why am so passionate about this topic? - I am the sole survivor of a family of five. - I have been a firefighter for over 25 years. - I have been a responder to some of the nation's most tragic events, including school shootings, aircraft accidents and the attack on America on 9/11. Some of the informative topics discussed include: - Why planning is important - 7 key things you must have in your will - Creative ways to utilize life insurance - Tips for flawless funeral planning - What happens to your finances when you die - Long and short-term financial planning - Special little known facts about Socia Security and veteran's benefits - Protecting your assets - Legacy planning, how do YOU want to be remembered - Planning for business separation if you are a business owner This book will provide you with the tools to start your very own planning process and provide peace-of-mind for your family. Remember, it's not about you; it's about them.