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"A book to hold against your heart long after the last page is turned." -New York Times bestselling author Susan Wiggs This warm and heartfelt novel will appeal to avid followers of Reese's Book Club picks. Twenty captures the provocative moral questions presented in the works of Jodi Picoult but with a hint of mystical wonder. What happens when you decide to go…right when you finally learn how to live again…. "Along with naming me Marguerite after her favorite daisy, Mama gave me three things: Red hair that hasn't faded. A love of nature. And a belief that somewhere between heaven and earth there is magic." At age fifty-five, Meg's life is too filled with loss for her to remember what magic feels like. All she has left is a yard brimming with plants that are wilting in the scorching Iowa summer-and a bone-deep feeling that she's through with living. Meg has something else too: a bottle of mysterious pills, given to her years ago by an empathetic doctor. He promised that they would offer her dying mother a quick, painless end in exactly twenty days. Though her mother never needed them, Meg does. But a strange thing happens after Meg swallows the little green pearls . . . Now that she's decided to leave this world, Meg is rediscovering the joy in it. She sheds everything she no longer needs-possessions, regrets, guilt-and reconnects with those she cares for. Finally confronting the depth of her grief, she's learning that love runs deeper still. But is it too late to choose to stay? "Twenty reminds us to live with our hearts wide open even when they've been broken, and how to love even when it hurts." -Julie Cantrell, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of Perennials "Written with such strong and heartfelt faith in the magic and power of never-ending love, it will renew your own." -Judy Reene Singer, author of In the Shadow of Alabama

The latest irresistible cozy mystery with recipes from a bestselling author that fans of Kathi Daley, Laura Childs, and Jessica Beck will eat up, crumbs and all . . . When The Cookie Jar becomes the setting of a star-studded TV special about movies filmed in Minnesota, Hannah hopes to shine the spotlight on her bakery-not the unsavory scandal swirling around her personal life. But that's practically impossible with a disturbing visit from the shifty character she once believed was her one and only love, a group of bodyguards following her every move, and a murder victim in her bedroom. Now, swapping the crime scene in her condo for her mother Delores's penthouse, Hannah and an old flame team up to solve a case that's messier than an upended chocolate cream pie. As suspects emerge and secrets hit close to home, Hannah must serve a hefty helping of justice to an unnamed killer prowling around Lake Eden . . . before someone takes a slice out of her! Features Over a Dozen Cookie and Dessert Recipes from The Cookie Jar! "Hannah's fans will relish following Hannah's journey as she heals and becomes stronger, surrounded by the love of family and the many familiar, quirky residents of Lake Eden." -Booklist

For some folks in small-town Georgia, Hart's Hollow farm has seen better days. But for the Hart family matriarch, it's a home worth fighting for . . . From the moment Kristen Daniels arrives at Hart's Hollow, the place speaks to her soul. So when seventy-three-year-old Emmy Hart asks Kristen to help return the farm to its former glory, Kristen accepts-despite her fears about getting involved with Emmy-or the two kids in Emmy's care. Then there's the matter of Emmy's ruggedly handsome grandson, who stirs feelings Kristen believed were long gone . . . When Mitch Hart left home at age eighteen, he thought he'd kicked the red dust off his boots forever. But he's haunted by his violent upbringing and the loss of the sister he couldn't save. Now he's determined to see his orphaned niece and nephew settled in a better life. Emmy's ideas about saving the farm only convince Mitch that his grandmother is as crazy as everyone in town suspects. Everyone except the beauty helping her sow the land. Something about Kristen's spirit has Mitch sticking around-and wondering if he's gone a little crazy himself. Because suddenly he's hoping he might just find happiness in the very place he left behind . . . Praise for Refuge Cove "Diverse and compelling characters share the page with Alaska's gorgeous landscape, and this love story is sweet with just a dash of spice." -RT Book Reviews (4 Stars)

Johnstone Country. Try Not to Get Killed. In this explosive Hank Fallon thriller, the justice-seeking ex-con goes undercover and behind bars to expose a plot as big, as bold, and as deadly as the American Civil War . . . GET OUT OF JAIL FREE-OR DIE Doing time in Texas is no picnic. But getting sent to The Walls in Huntsville is a fate worse than hanging. If the guards don't kill you, the prisoners will. And if it weren't for the fact that the man who framed Hank Fallon and murdered his family could be inside The Walls, Hank would never step one foot in that heinous helltrap-let alone go undercover as an inmate. But this isn't just another assignment. This is his chance for revenge . . . Inside The Walls, Hank quickly discovers who's boss-as well as judge, jury, and executioner. The only relief from the gang fights and guard beatings is a prison work program that allows inmates to leave The Walls to work for plantation owner J.J. Justice. Hank figures it can't be any worse than jail. But it is. Seems that Justice is ordering the men to commit robberies and murders. He's stockpiling weapons. Building an army. And planning to restart the Civil War-all in the name of Justice . . . Live Free. Read Hard.

Johnstone country. Patriots welcome. The Johnstone hero with the heavenly name-and the hellish task of living up to it-Perley Gates-takes on a gang of cold-blooded killers to save the soul of a small Western town . . . They say that home is where the heart is. And no one knows that better than Perley Gates. After helping the lovely Miss Emma Slocum reunite with her sister's family in Bison Gap, Perley can't wait to rejoin his own kin at the Triple-G Ranch. No sooner does Perley settle in when he receives an alarming telegram from Bison Gap. Emma's brother-in-law has been murdered. Her sister wants justice. And Perley is their only hope to get it . . . Perley can't refuse a family in need. So he saddles up with his salty cowhand Possum Smith and heads to Bison Gap. He notices that the town's new sheriff is acting suspicious-and likely in cahoots with the local gang of deadly outlaws. In no time at all there's a target on Perley's back-and the vicious gang leader is calling all the shots. Justice may be hard to find in a town this wicked. But vengeance is swift-straight out of the Gates . . . Live Free. Read Hard.

Live and let dust . . .   Now that Tallie Graver’s cleaning business is starting to shine, she’s ready to go squeegee to squeegee against Audra McNeal for a major contract at the Astercromb mansion. Tallie’s not afraid of a little friendly competition from the new cleaner in town. In fact, Tallie likes Audra, though she wonders how her glamorous rival manages to clean house and maintain her fancy manicure. Tallie has her rubber-gloves full staying one step ahead of her nemesis. Until she finds a well-polished hand poking out of a rolled-up carpet, rendering her competition . . . dead.   Though it lands Tallie the big job, there’s nothing tidy about Audra’s death. So between polishing and scrubbing, Tallie’s determined to find the killer. Hopefully the police chief doesn’t mind her cluttering up his investigation with the filthy dealings she discovers. Turns out Audra was not as squeaky clean as she appeared. And confronting her killer could bring Tallie to a very foul end indeed . . .   Praise for Cremains of the Day   “Simon kicks off a new series that combines a bit of humor and romance with a heroine who knows no boundaries while searching for the truth that will keep her out of jail.”—Kirkus Reviews   “An amusing new series with an engaging, spirited sleuth.” —Library Journal   “You’ll be cheering as the clues pile up in this creative cozy mystery.” —New York Times bestselling author Lynn Cahoon

The yuletide season in Lake Eden, Minnesota, guarantees a white Christmas, delectable holiday goodies from Hannah Swensen's bakery, The Cookie Jar-and murder … The Cookie Jar's busiest time of the year also happens to be the most wonderful time … for Christmas cookies, Hannah's own special plum pudding-and romance! She also gets a kick out of "Lunatic Larry Jaeger's Crazy Elf Christmas Tree Lot," a kitschy carnival taking place smack-dab in the middle of the village green. But then Hannah discovers the man himself dead as a doornail in his own office … Now, with so many suspects to investigate and the twelve days of Christmas ticking away, Hannah's running out of time to nab a murderous Scrooge who doesn't want her to see the New Year …Includes Hannah's favorite Christmas dinner recipes!

Kleigh never wanted Tron to fall in love with her, or vice versa. She isn''t who he thinks she is, but how can she tell him that the kingpin he is gunning for, Kevin "Klax" Turner, is her big brother?She is the water to his fire and the calm to his storm. Never in his 26 years of life did Tron think he would find his equal, but Kleigh is exactly that. Her beauty speaks to his eyes, while her mind whispers to his soul. He can''t imagine anybody else wearing the crown as queen after he kills the king of Harlem and takes over the throne. When push comes to shove and her secret comes to light, Kleigh is forced to pick a side. That choice is what ignites the fire to a war of savages . . . a fire that can only be put out by blood.

This holiday season, teddy bear shop manager Sasha Silverman must solve the slaying of Santa Bear . . .   Sasha and her sister Maddie are thrilled that the Silver Bear Shop and Factory has won the Teddy Bear Keepsake Contest, which means they get to produce a holiday specialty toy, a wizard bear named “Beary Potter.” Promising to be just as magical is Silver Hollow’s annual tree-lighting ceremony and village parade. Only one hitch: the parade’s mascot, Santa Bear—played by Mayor Cal Bloom—is missing.   After a frantic search among the floats, Bloom is found dead. When the outfit is removed, it’s clear the mayor’s been electrocuted. Who zapped hizzoner and then stuffed him into his Santa Bear suit? While the police investigate the grisly crime, Sasha attempts to track down the murderer herself, with some help from the Guilty Pleasures Gossip Club. Can they wrap up this case in time for Christmas—or will Sasha meet her own shocking end?   Praise for BEARLY DEPARTED   “You’ll fall in love with this delightful debut mystery.” —Victoria Thompson, bestselling author of Murder in Morningside Heights   “The first in a new series features a complex plot awash in red herrings, a perky heroine . . . and everything you ever wanted to know about teddy bears.” —Kirkus Reviews   “The appealing, impulsive amateur sleuth, dedicated to the family business, will appeal to fans of character-driven cozies.”—Library Journal   “Entertaining . . . inhabited by quirky, fully developed characters and good dogs and cats.”—Publishers Weekly

Addie Greyborne is preparing for the holidays at her bookstore in seaside New England—but a winter storm is coming, in more ways than one . . .   Addie’s getting into the spirit for the upcoming Charity Auction—especially since she’s got an 1843 copy of Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol to donate. Her former colleagues at the Boston Public Library have confirmed that its worth runs toward the high five figures, which should help with the new pediatric wing. Her mood darkens, though, when a visitor from the past appears—Jonathan Hemingway, the father of her late fiancé. His presence stirs up sad memories for Addie, but also has her fuming when Jonathan, true to his womanizing ways, runs off for a lunchtime liaison with Teresa Lang, who’s in charge of the auction.   Soon after, Addie heads to Teresa’s office at the hospital—and finds the poor woman’s dead body. What she doesn’t find is her valuable first edition. What sort of Scrooge would steal from sick children and commit murder in the process? As a Nor’easter bears down and a mystery emerges about Jonathan’s past, Addie must find out if she can appraise people’s motives and characters as well as she can appraise rare books . . .

A dream job it’s not. But for Emily Prentice, working as a seafood inspector in  Ketchikan, Alaska, takes her one step closer to becoming a marine biologist. And it’ll give her a first taste of independence from her overprotective mom and the doctor boyfriend she’s pushing into Emily’s arms.   Emily’s certainly not looking for romance . . . until a huge dog knocks her down and sends her flying into fish goo. It’s love at first sight for Emily and Bear, whose handsome owner, Sam, becomes flummoxed when the fallen worker in the hard hat turns out to be a pretty young woman.   Emily and Bear begin a beautiful relationship, with Sam in tow. And before long the attraction between the humans becomes undeniable. But separation and a dangerous undertaking soon leave Emily wondering if she’ll lose Sam before she gets to tell him how she really feels . . .   Bear wants his humans staying together, and before he’s done, both Emily and Sam will learn one essential canine truth: A dog is the only one on earth who loves you more than you love yourself. Praise for Sue Pethick’s Novels   “Quirky characters abound in this gentle romantic comedy with a hint of suspense. But it’s the comic scenes featuring Shep that steal the show. . . . Readers who delight in tales about the bond between people and their dogs will enjoy.” —Booklist on Please Don’t Feed the Mayor “A light, heartwarming read perfect for a wintry afternoon at home or a sunny beach vacation.” —RT Book Reviews on Pet Friendly   “Filled with romance, drama, and family love . . . a fun, light hearted read that is sure to give you warm fuzzy feelings. ”—Modern Dog on The Dog Who Came for Christmas   “Witty and emotional. . . . Grab a treasured pet and a box of tissues before sitting down to read this endearing tale.” —RT Book Reviews on Boomer’s Bucket List

For the Amish, the day after Christmas is for family, feasting, and exchanging simple gifts. And for three different couples, it will bring another precious chance for love . . .   THEIR SECOND CHANCE New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Shelley Shepard Gray Amish nanny Hannah Eicher never thought she’d ever see Rob Prince again. There was no way a relationship between her and the handsome English fireman could overcome her family’s objections—and their personal differences. But when he saves her from a sudden blaze, Hannah longs to see if they can turn holiday hope into a lifetime of happiness . . .   HIS AMISH ANGEL * Patricia Johns She’s too outspoken to be a proper Amish wife. So as advice columnist “Miss Amish,” Maggie Lapp helps Amish and English with their romantic problems. But when her tradition-minded former fiancé accidentally reveals her secret, Maggie will need more than a miracle to make things right—and find a perfect love for all the Christmases to come . . .   AN HEIRLOOM CHRISTMAS * Virginia Wise Rachel Miller won''t let her disability keep her from selling heirloom plants and proving she can be independent. She certainly doesn''t need reckless Joseph Webber working at her greenhouse to pay off a disastrous Rumspringa stunt. But she and Joseph have more in common than they think—and their surprising holiday partnership might just blossom into forever joy . . .

After a hectic year, Edindale, Illinois, attorney Keli Milanni is ready to welcome autumn by counting her many blessings. But a case of murder could cause her to fall behind . . .   Keli is hoping that Mabon, the Wiccan Autumn Equinox, will bring balance back into her life. But it’s death that comes calling when she’s asked to consult on an estate case. Recently passed, Elaine Turnbull left everything, including her valuable art and antiques collection, to her granddaughter, Lana. But Lana has been missing for years, ever since a tragedy tore her family apart. Also missing may be Elaine’s most recent will. Then there’s the not-so-small detail that Elaine’s death by natural causes may not have been so natural after all . . .   With the help of her boyfriend Wes, who knew Lana in high school, Keli starts digging into Elaine’s past—and her journals. Soon she discovers that everyone, from Elaine’s caretaker to her curator, had a motive for murder—along with a seemingly rock-solid alibi. Between missing people, missing documents, a string of vandalism against her friends, and the sense she’s being stalked, Keli is feeling a disturbing chill. Now not even her Wiccan protection rituals may save her from a killer with a cold heart that’s far from grateful . . .   Praise for the Wiccan Wheel Mysteries   “A perfect read.” —Library Journal   “A good atmospheric read for fall.” —Parkersburg News & Sentinel   “A good atmospheric read for fall.” —Parkersburg News & Sentinel on Samhain Secrets

Baking cookies every other Friday for their respective church districts gives Edna Esh and three of her closest friends a chance to give to the Plain community and strengthen their bond with each other. Now, with the blessings of Christmas in the air, they may even whip up a recipe for love . . .   With the holidays around the corner, Edna is busier than ever juggling baking with her business serving meals to Englische tourists. Thank goodness for Mary Ropp’s help—until she breaks her leg. Mary’s daughter, Bethany, is available to fill in, but Edna isn’t so certain. She knows Bethany is so painfully shy that she’s never even courted, never mind interacting with Englische tourists! But the remedy may be closer than they think . . .   When Bethany gets into a scrape with her bicycle, a personable, talkative young man comes to her rescue, and even accompanies her home. And he’s none other than John Esh—Edna’s oldest son. When he stops by again the next day, Mary gets an idea. Soon, with the encouragement of the Cookie Club, Bethany is indeed helping Edna, and spending more time around the Esh household—and John. As Bethany slowly comes out of her shell, it seems she and John have much in common—maybe enough to inspire a winter wedding—and the club’s sweetest creation yet . . .   Includes Cookie Recipes!

Spring blossoms with new life and new beginnings for the flourishing Amish community of Promise Lodge. And as a just-opened bakery sweetens the air with fresh-baked goodness, residents will find that change can be a most joyous test . . .   Recently widowed after twenty years of marriage, Frances Lehman is only just tasting the freedom and opportunity that her Promise Lodge friends enjoy. So she’s not about to be pressured into marriage by her widowed brother-in-law, even if she and her daughter have no real means of support. Much more promising is her new friendship with Preacher Marlin Kurtz, though their respective families don’t see their relationship as proper . . .   When Frances suffers a serious injury, she’s determined to prove she can recover—and remain independent—without burdening Marlin. Now, with his steadfast belief in real love tested, Marlin’s hope is that Promise Lodge’s irrepressible residents can help him restore Frances''s joy—and that faith will show them a way to turn their fragile second chance into a blessed and abiding future together . . .   Praise for Promise Lodge   “Hubbard firmly grounds the storyline in the principle of Amish grace.” —Publishers Weekly   “Hubbard writes of healing and brave new beginnings from a refreshingly feminist perspective.” —Booklist (starred review)

JOHNSTONE. WHERE IT’S NEVER QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT. In this rollicking new series, the Johnstones cordially invite you to the biggest, baddest event of the season—one that gives a whole new meaning to “shotgun wedding” . . .   Here come the brides. And the bullets . . . Bo Creel and Scratch Morton are lifelong drifters who keep one eye on the horizon, one finger on the trigger, and one foot out the door. Roaming the West is what keeps them young, or so Scratch tells Bo. But when they save the life of Cyrus Keegan—the owner of a matrimonial agency—they receive an unexpected proposal that’s hard to resist. Keegan needs to deliver five mail order brides to a mining town in New Mexico Territory. All Scratch and Bo have to do is get these gals to the church on time—and alive, if possible . . . The job seems easy enough—and the brides-to-be are even easier on the eyes. Cecilia, Beth, Luella, Rose, and Jean all need good husbands. But their prospects look bad when the journey to the altar includes Mexican banditos, scheming silver robbers, and one overbearing rancher who won’t take no for an answer. Bo and Scratch promised to keep the ladies safe—and keep their hands to themselves—but it could be the last vow they’ll ever make . . . Live Free. Read Hard.

A new kind of hero in the Old West tradition, Perley Gates is as honest and good as his heavenly name. But don’t make him mad. Because when Perley Gates gets mad, people get hurt.    Once every year, Perley Gates and his brothers lead the Triple-G crew on its annual cattle drive. It’s a treacherous journey along the Great Western Trail, with a herd of two-thousand cows on one side and many opportunities for trouble on the other. This year, trouble shows up in the form of a beautiful young woman, her little baby, and her bizarre traveling companion—a colorful old cuss who goes by the name of Possom Smith. They’re heading to a settlement called Butcher Bottom, and risking their necks to get there. Perley—being the gentleman he is—offers to escort the trio to their destination. But there are a few minor details they “forgot” to tell Perley . . .   The woman is a widow whose husband had enemies. The old man is hiding a small fortune that might get them killed. And Perley is stuck in the middle trying to decide who’s good, who’s bad—and who deserves to die first . . .   Live Free. Read Hard.