Starting a new life in her family's beautiful Victorian house on Sugar Plum Lane with her young daughter, Amy Masterson finds a journal that once belonged to her family, which reveals secrets, betrayals and long-buried emotions--and holds the key to her past. Original.

In the San Diego suburb of Fairbrook, past Applewood Drive and up First Street, lies Mulberry Park, a peaceful haven for locals from all walks of life. And at the center of its lush green lawn grows a massive mulberry tree--tall enough to take a most precious wish as high as it can go, and to open a few hearts along the way. . . Each day after work, Claire Harper drives to Mulberry Park and jogs for miles, hoping to find a respite from her sadness. It's futile, until the evening a letter falls from its hiding place in a nearby tree. Inside the bright pink envelope emblazoned with the words "To God From Analisa," is a note written by a seven-year-old girl, urging God to look after her parents in Heaven and help those she loves on Earth. On impulse, Claire writes back, hoping to preserve Analisa's innocent belief in answered prayers--even if Claire lost her own faith. . . Gradually, Analisa's letters draw Claire out of her cocoon and into the companionship of other Mulberry Park regulars--all, in their own way, in need of comfort. As friendships grow, each will discover just how far one simple letter can reach. . . "An uplifting story about one little girl's unflinching faith and how she extends an open and loving hand to the broken people around her, bringing them close to each other and back into God's gentle embrace." --Cathy Lamb, author of Henry's Sisters

In this special three-book collection from bestselling author Debbie Mason, travel to Christmas, Colorado, where love is always in season . . . The Trouble with Christmas Resort developer Madison Lane spoiled a deal that would turn quaint Christmas, Colorado, into a tourist's winter wonderland. The citizens want her fired, but her company sends Madison to the small town to restore the holiday cheer. For Sheriff Gage McBride, no hotshot executive from New York City is going to destroy the dreams of the people he loves. But in just a few days, Madison causes more trouble than he's had to deal with all year. He can't decide if she's naughty or nice, but one thing is for certain-Christmas will never be the same again . . . Christmas in July Grace Flaherty had given up hope of ever seeing her husband again after he went missing in combat. So when he strides through the door of her bakery, she can hardly believe her eyes. But her happily-ever-after is going to take some effort-because Jack has no memory of his family. All Jack Flaherty remembers about Christmas is that he couldn't wait to leave town. Now he's a local hero with a wife and son he doesn't know. Even as he struggles to rekindle the romance with his wife, he knows in his heart what he wants: a second chance at love. It Happened at Christmas Free-spirited activist Skylar Davis hides out in Christmas, hoping to forget the reckless actions of her past. All goes well . . . until she comes face-to-face with one of her mistakes: the town's gorgeous young mayor. Ethan O'Connor is about to move from small-town politics to the Colorado State Senate, but if word ever got out about the night he and Skye spent together, the scandal could cripple his career. Yet as he starts his campaign, Ethan finds that, like the town of Christmas itself, he can't get Skye out of his head . . . or his heart.

Broadbent describes programs she created and taught to combined first and second grade classes. Chapters include descriptions of programs designed to address a wide range of ages, intellectual levels, and abilities without limits for achievement - programs that parallel opportunities for healthy cognitive growth. Children were involved in self- initiated learning through exploration, discovery and experimentation, and motivating academic programs. Many programs, with a different level of achievement, are appropriate for younger, older, and gifted students. Upon reading this book, another teacher may either adapt all or part of these programs as written or using the design of these programs, create one's own. Her programs include: - a daily Choice Time discussing how cognitive gains formed are the tools required for successful achievement in all academic areas - how each beginning reader read her own book, and after supplying enough materials, guidance, and support each child taught herself to read - two language experience approaches for those in greatest need - a literature study with questions incorporating six levels of thinking with aspects of literature - building a town or a city providing the basis for learning reading skills through discussion and writing. - a writing program beginning with story writing and then including how writing is incorporated in many areas throughout the year - stimulating supplementary activities in the Math Program with problem solving, strategies, patterning, visual data, and fun games and activities - an extensive experiment with lima beans in the Science Program - for Social Studies an emphasis upon personal development, social interaction, and cultural awareness - a study of drama was learned after the class visited a professional theatre, then returned to the classroom to create and perform their own plays Peggy's web site, www.peggybroadbent.com, is included to view and copy materials for classroom use.

Four bestselling authors share captivating tales of Christmas romance to make your holidays merry and bright. “Silver Bells” by Fern Michaels For years, movie star Amy Lee wondered what it would be like to leave her shallow Hollywood life and go back home to Apple Valley, Pennsylvania. This Christmas, she plans to find out. And Hank Anders, her high-school boyfriend, is now ready to give her a welcome she’ll never forget . . . “Dear Santa . . . ” by JoAnn Ross Mystery author Holly Berry’s SUV has broken down in the little hamlet of Santa’s Village, Washington. Holly hates the holidays—that is until lodge owner Gabriel O’Halloran and his five-year-old daughter rekindle her belief in passion, magic, and Christmas wishes . . . “Christmas Past” by Mary Burton Photographer Nicole Piper just received a very unwelcome Christmas gift—a letter that holds clues to an elusive killer’s identity. Uncovering the truth means enlisting homicide detective David Ayden’s help, and embarking on a road trip that will take them both into the heart of danger and desire . . . “A Mulberry Park Christmas” by Judy Duarte Every Christmas, the folks living on Sugar Plum Lane pull out all the stops when decorating. After a bitter breakup, Alyssa Ridgeway’s heart just isn’t in it this year. But running into her first love, James “Mac” MacGregor, fills her with memories of the tender Christmas kiss they once shared . . . “A quartet of heartwarming Christmas romances . . . Each short story contains a full-fledged romance from first kiss to happy ending, both satisfying readers and encouraging them to seek out the authors’ long

As a teen, Kristy Smith spent her nights dreaming of a college scholarship--dreams that ended abruptly when she became pregnant. Now Kristy works hard to support her young son, Jason, and her ailing grandmother, staving off regrets about the chances that slipped away. But one person will open Kristy's eyes to the fact that she's been selling herself short. For she has much to offer to the residents of Fairbrook, who are all about to learn that the future can surprise and redeem us, especially when there's courage and friendship in abundance, as well as a little help from an unexpected source. . . Praise For Judy Duarte And Mulberry Park "Tender and touching. . .this novel will stay with you long after you have read the last page." --Dorothy Garlock, New York Times bestselling author "An uplifting story about one little girl's unflinching faith and how she extends an open and loving hand to the broken people around her." --Cathy Lamb, author of Such a Pretty Face

In the heartwarming tradition of Mitch Albom, Nicholas Sparks, and Jan Karon comes an emotional and inspiring novel about grief, hope, and healing.