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The title of this volume, Gentle My Heart, was taken from one of the haiku in its pages, and is representative of what the reader will find within.Accented with creative illustration from artist Sue Geiger's talented hand, this collection of verse speaks of care and concern, happiness and longing, and appreciation and admonition. At once powerful and irrestible while reflecting accurately the gentle nature of its writer, there is something for everyone to identify with and enjoy.

Cultural upheaval was nothing new to the Mueller family. Although Herman's ancestors left the Rhineland to seek a more prosperous life as early as 1783, Herman and Johanna Mueller could never have guessed that in 1939 they would be forced to move, leaving behind all semblance of the comfortable family life they had built. Their prosperous future was thrown aside for the political and cultural debacle that resulted from Hitler's Nazi regime. This is the story of the Mueller family's journey through Central Europe at a time of war, of heart-wrenching events and ever-changing living situations, of Herman's unthinkable conscription to fight in the German army, and of gentle, generous Johanna's finding the strength to keep her family together at a time when so many things, not the least of which were cultural and gender biases made those tasks difficult. At last, an end of their turmoil was in sight with the difficult decision to venture to America where the opportunity for a new and prosperous life awaited.

Dorothy's beautiful paintings and thoughts about her inspiration sources will carry you far away, not only on her journey, but very likely on a personal travel of your own imagination as well.

Captain James R. Cole was the third generation of the Cole family to carry the same pistol into combat. James believed he knew the story of the old Long Colt-the "Peacemaker"-a 45 caliber revolver. The first of his family to carry the gun was his grandfather, who handed it down to James'' father.  His father handed down the weapon to James along with the tales of his grandfather''s wartime experiences and stories of his own combat, and all involved the same unique revolver. James recalled his own experiences with the old weapon in the jungles of Vietnam. The ancient weapon seemed to possess an aura of protective power over the soldier who carried it in combat.However, in the Vietnam War, the long Colt would protect only Captain Cole''s life, thus he was the only survivor when his small command was overpowered in a fierce battle. Badly wounded, and grief stricken from the loss of his men, he resigned his commission and dedicated the rest of his life to the care and welfare of others through gospel ministry.Little did he know that national problems would hound him in his new life, or the role the old Peacemaker would play.As he attempted to build a life for himself and his new family in the Old South, James would face ridicule as a veteran of the Vietnam War, racial unrest, and Islamic intervention. But with God''s grace, the love of his beautiful wife and children-and perhaps some "other worldly" assistance from the old Colt, he pursued life in a sometimes dangerous, but fulfilling manner.

Twenty-five-year-old Dale Barnhart moved to Philly to find himself after he graduated from college at the University of Missouri. Originally he planned to complete his Masters there, but discovers he is burned out on school and withdraws to find gainful employment. He feels independent and successful in his banking job and in the friendships he has developed. Then, after three years, his job goes sour, and his girlfriend chooses nursing school over him. Tragedy strikes in his hometown in Missouri, and Dale must attend the funeral of his best friend from high school who has left behind a young widow and son. On the flight, his seatmate engages him in conversation, and he learns of a good job opportunity he might qualify for, one that would be an hour from his hometown. Connecting with family and friends from childhood at the funeral influences his decision to pursue the job, and to make the move to be closer to his family. Within a short time, he finds himself back in Missouri to stay.The job he accepted as lead man in the mortgage and development firm takes a twist when his boss brings a family member into the company, which significantly changes Dale's duties and potential for advancement. In addition to Dale's uncomfortable situation at work, an unexpected rivalry with his younger brother arises over the woman he cares about and hopes to marry. While Dale struggles to find a personally satisfying solution for himself and still hold the family together, he finds a connection from Philly may hold the key to what he should have been reaching for all along.

Gramelda the Grasshopper is a skillfully illustrated and well-told story that teaches the cycle of life in nature.

Cold Betrayal is a suspenseful and poignant journey into a now forgotten, yet profound bit of Missouri''s past. It explores the true story of Della Gibson, a farm girl living in northern Missouri in the 1890s. Farm life is hard work, but peaceful. Her dream is for her life to be a serene farm life, just like her parents, but at age sixteen she falls in love with handsome George Taylor. They marry, soon a child is born, and her future seems bright. But George, though he is a good husband and a hard working man, often falls under the influence of his brother William (Bill) Taylor, whose wild ways have gotten both of them into trouble before, and the incident that forever changes the lives of Della and her young family that was influenced by the treachery and misdealings of George''s brother, Bill.Set against the beautiful and bucolic Missouri countryside, this is a suspenseful exploration of the human heart confronted with murder, betrayal, vengeance, loss, and loneliness. You will not forget the ending for a long time. Annalou Mack explores how quickly our lives can change-a single incident, a hasty decision, a misunderstanding, and our hopeful expectations can be lost forever.

River Current is a story set in the 1950s small town of Westfall, Missouri. Ray, Lydia, Shane, and Sam-seemingly inseparable friends-share the joys and pains of growing up in an idyllic setting along the powerful and mysterious Current River. But all is not as it seems in the small town, as secret undercurrents run dark. Ray suffers at the hands of his abusive alcoholic father; they all suffer at the hands of The self-important, mean-spirited and bigoted deputy sheriff, Westley Culpepper; and they eventually despair as friendships and love crumble from betrayal, lies, and suspicions. One after another they all leave the town and each other behind, going their separate ways, vowing never to return. But eighteen years later, the town on the clear cold Current River that was the scene of some of their happiest childhood memories draws them back home. Some who return bring happiness, others bring the weight of the past that bears trouble for all. Lydia alone, with her luminous soul and forgiving heart, is strong enough to bring the friends to grips with their shared past and set the stage for the healing that must take place. The story is surprising, gratifying, and very memorable.Written in lyrical prose with irony and gentle humor, M. Lee Martin gives us a story of passion, hate, love and regret set against a beautifully described 1950s America.

Dorothy Canote has graced us with another lovely coffee table book of her experiences, thoughts and paintings. Her subjects range the full gamut from her family origins to research of her original home in Avalon, located in northern Missouri to Mexico to mitochondria and women in her life. Her love of family is evident from her depiction, both in words and watercolor painting (from memory) of her beloved Grandma Jesse and her home. Other subjects include travel stories from what she terms her "Middle Years," which showcase her rather fearless adventures during that time, such as caving, canoeing and all with complete with illustrations of the beauty found at those spots. We see her love of science in both her essays and illustrations.

These brilliantly imagined characters and colorful illustrations teach concepts of working for the things you want, cooperative effort, and sharing. Everyone will fall in love with Dharma the Donkicorn and Eldon the Elephant.

Greg Busacker deals with every subject imaginable. This does not seem odd for a poet, and particularly for a man in his late seventies. What a showcase of a life led with both purpose and fulfillment. These poems speak to all of us, of love, life, and the many facets of joy and strife. One can truly appreciate what human life is all about from a practical as well as emotional, and philosophical point of view while reading this book—slowly, ever so slowly with a savoring for the love of words.

When Heidy was just a little girl, she started learning about baking from her grandmother Andrea.Her bread was legendary in the small village and Heidy would go door-to-door selling it.If Heidy closes her eyes, she can almost picture her grandmother Andrea, wearing her modest, yet faded shin-length dress, her long dark hair secured in a bun. A few gray strands slipping out as she works over the outdoor fire as the sun rises, her rough hands stirring a large pot of maize. If Heidy allows herself to dream, she can even hear a cow mooing in the distance, or bees buzzing around the ripe mangoes in a nearby tree.These memories connect Heidy Gissela Lanza Baca to her maternal grandparents, Andrea and Juan de la Cruz Baca Hernandez, who lived in a peaceful village miles away from the bustling Honduran capital of Tegucigalpa where Heidy grew up. Spending vacation time with grandparents was precious, and something she and her many cousins treasured. Their grandmother always had many people around, but she never ran out of food. She was always ready to serve anyone who came by their home. No one ever left with an empty stomach.Sarah Kohnle met Heidy through her mission trips to Honduras, and through time she developed the idea and plan to bring Heidy's heritage through Honduran recipes to the world in this cookbook. In a bilingual format, you will find both English and the Central American Spanish of each of the recipes presented.  

Dark MusicPan, the deposed god of the world, was also the god of music. When he played his syrinx the nymphs danced for the pure joy of being alive.  But Pan was a moody god and would sometimes lead the unwary down paths to their own destruction. Pan is gone now. Or is he? Perhaps he still exists, lurking in the dark places. Music can soothe, but it can also seduce and destroy.