From the acclaimed author of Splinters of Light and Pack Up the Moon comes a beautiful novel about two very different women who are about to get a second chance at creating a family... After her husband dies unexpectedly, Abby Roberts comes across something startling: wedding photographs of him with another woman, along with pictures of a baby boy. Shocked, Abby does something utterly impulsive: She embarks on a journey to discover the family her husband apparently left behind. Money has always been tight for single mom Fern Reyes, and never tighter than now. But this month, in place of a child-support check, her ex's pretty, privileged wife appears on her doorstep with far too many questions. Unfortunately, her young son is so taken with Abby that Fern doesn’t have the heart to send her away. What begins as one woman’s search for truth becomes a deep bond forged between the unlikeliest of people, and the discovery that there are many ways to make a family—as long as you take care... CONVERSATION GUIDE INCLUDED

“This beautiful book, full of wisdom and warmth, teaches us how to protect and preserve our most valuable possessions—the relationships with those we love. It shows that the things that matter definitely aren’t ‘things,’ and how to empower your life in the right direction.” —Dr. Stephen R. Covey, author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People Four simple phrases—“Please forgive me,” “I forgive you,” “Thank you,” and “I love you”—carry enormous power to mend and nurture our relationships and inner lives. These four phrases and the sentiments they convey provide a path to emotional wellbeing, guiding us through interpersonal difficulties to life with integrity and grace. Newly updated with stories from people who have turned to this life-altering book in their time of need, this motivational teaching about what really matters reminds us how we can honor each relationship every day. Dr. Ira Byock, an international leader in palliative care, explains how we can practice these life-affirming words in our day-to-day lives. Too often we assume that the people we love really know that we love them. Dr. Byock demonstrates the value of “stating the obvious” and provides practical insights into the benefits of letting go of old grudges and toxic emotions. His stories help us to forgive, appreciate, love, and celebrate one another and live life more fully. Using the Four Things in a wide range of life situations, we can experience emotional healing even in the wake of family strife, personal tragedy, divorce, or in the face of death. With practical wisdom and spiritual power, The Four Things That Matter Most gives us the language and guidance to honor and experience what really matters most in our lives every day.

When a friend or family member is struggling spiritually, do you ever feel uncertain about what to say? You may sense your loved ones need to hear biblical encouragement or advice but, feeling inadequate for the task, you might simply commiserate or say nothing. God calls you to something more. In When Words Matter Most, Cheryl Marshall and Caroline Newheiser help you discern spiritual needs and give biblical, heartfelt guidance. Through real-life stories and carefully chosen Scripture passages, they model what to say to those who are worried, weary, wayward, or weeping. You'll learn how to speak truth to others in your sphere of influence and strengthen the body of Christ as a whole.

The bestselling author of How Children Succeed returns with a devastatingly powerful, mind-changing inquiry into higher education in the U.S.

EXPERTS SAY... "This book is full of closely guarded secrets that union organizers and high priced attorneys keep to themselves." Gene R. Perry, SPHR VP, Human Resources, Bunzl Distribution, LLC "A behind the scenes look at what can happen to employers who fail to take GREAT care of their employees." Kathy Joslin SVP of Human Resources & Marketing Bethesda Health Group, Inc. "Provides every manager or business owner with practical, real world insights that can be used to earn and keep employee trust." Dr. Amy Alfermann Leadership and Organization Effectiveness Consultant Ameren THIS BOOK WAS WRITTEN TO HELP YOU: * Recognize and counteract union dirty tricks, negotiation and intimidation tactics. * Unlock the secret powers of respect and trust to build a happy and loyal workforce. * Build a virtual force-field around your employees to protect against union organizing attempts, negative media coverage and employment related lawsuits. * Learn how to use employment assessment, psychometric tests, and pre employment testing strategies to maximize the "discretionary effort" of your employees and get more accomplished without adding staff. * Identify and eliminate the causes of friction between ownership, HR, management and labor. * Learn how to select, develop and retain a loyal workforce. * Minimize unnecessary conflict and drama in the workplace before it kills productivity. * Understand relationships between the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), union organizers, human resource departments and other key management responsibilities related to the collective bargaining process.

This book explores the art of finding the right words and actions at the right time--an invaluable handbook for expressing compassion, kindness, caring, and congratulations to friends and family, neighbors and colleagues, and anyone else who touches your life. Spizman focuses on how to use words wisely and well in both difficult and joyful times, allaying the common fear people have of appearing foolish or inadequate when they want their words to make a difference.