Showing results by narrator "Barbara Caruso" in All Categories

In the early 19th century, Emma, a 51-year-old widow with family far away, fills her loneliness by caring for her guests and sharing her own special blend of wisdom and humor. One stormy night, a rap at her door interrupts her musings. The 80-year-old Widow Leonard is standing in the rain, seeking refuge from her sons' constant bickering. Housing this feisty runaway granny, however, puts Emma in the crosshairs of a family feud.

Based on the success story of a small Seattle coffee shop, this little book is a tasty brew of sound principles and instructive anecdotes. As the coffee shop owner looks for ways to retain his customer base, a consultant helps him focus on what really matters. Authors Yerkes and Decker, renowned for their consulting and business savvy, have done their homework and turned Beans into "a business fable taken from real life".

Sarah Cain is a strictly modern woman living in Oregon and developing a burgeoning career in real estate. Her sister Ivy left to pursue a Plain life in Amish country 12 years ago. But when Ivy dies, Sarah is shocked to learn that she has been appointed guardian of her sister's five children. Lydia, the eldest, senses major difficulties for the new family.

When tragedy strikes, Emma graciously welcomes the needy to her boarding house. But when two of these guests prove cantankerous, Emma wonders how she and the others will manage. Compounding the turmoil are legal problems that threaten her future. And after her lawyer makes a troubling announcement, Emma must rediscover the true source of her strength.

Estranged from her family since just after World War II, Mary Browning has spent her entire adult life hiding from her past. Now 87 years old and a widow, she is still haunted by secrets and fading memories of the family she left behind. Her one outlet is the writing group she's presided over for a decade, though she's never written a word herself. When a new member walks in - a 15-year-old girl who reminds her so much of her beloved sister, Sarah - Mary is certain fate delivered Elyse Strickler to her for a reason.

Sixth-grader Milo Neal plans to do a science project on "The Complete Life Cycle of a Link in the Food Chain". But when he brings his specimen - a baby chick - to class, everyone falls in love with the cute ball of fluff. Soon she has a name: Henrietta. Not only is Henrietta the class pet, she's even chosen as mascot for the school hockey team! How can Milo finish his project, which calls for frying up his specimen and serving it to the judges of the science fair?

What makes a wine distinctive is the goût du terroir, or the taste of the land - plus the personality and passion of the wine maker who lovingly adds his own liqueur de dosage or secret ingredient to each bottle. Here is a vintner's month-by-month account of one vintage at the Iron Horse vineyard located in the hills of Sonoma County in California. Author and wife of Iron Horse's wine-maker, Joy Sterling, fascinates with her account of the commitment involved in producing a premium wine.

In 1896, Mary Emmons is surprised when her grandmother takes her along to visit an old friend, in Toronto, named Bethlehem. Mary has led a sheltered life in New York City, far from hardship and danger. But when Mary meets the ancient woman, the personal history she shares removes the blinders from Mary’s eyes, forcing the girl to recognize prejudice and injustice for the first time. As a young girl, Suzanna, Mary’s grandmother, is sent to live with her uncle in the South. Seeing slaves for the first time, and the horrible way they are treated, Suzanna decides to run away, back to her home in Vermont.

In a rose-covered palace by the sea live three lovely princesses who never sit around doing nothing. Libby is a master builder, Mellie is a master gardener, and Allie is a master baker. The day before 100 children visit for the Summer Party, Mellie tells Libby and Allie that she would like to try something other than gardening. Since all three are quite sure princesses can do anything, they decide to switch roles for a day. But things don’t turn out exactly as planned. ...

Grasshoppers, waterstriders, and fireflies light up the pages of this rib-tickling book of poetry for two voices. Written as spirited duets, the poems ring with the love songs of book lice, the serenades of moths, and a choir of cicadas. Each one is a treat, filled with busy insect life. In addition to the voices of these frisky critters, there are also fascinating tidbits about their lives and habits.

A Golden Heart Award winner and Christy Award finalist, Maureen Lang enthralls listeners with Look to the East, the first entry in her sweeping World War I trilogy. Caught on the front lines of the Great War and torn by feuding families, the French village of Briecort is rocked by fear, suspicion, and blame. As the tale unfolds, the chaste and tender love of an adopted villager and a Belgian refugee shines brightly against a dark backdrop of pride, vanity and greed.

Established early in the last century as a memorial to O. Henry, this annual collection has consistently offered a remarkable sampling of contemporary short stories. Each year stories are chosen from large and small literary magazines and a panel of distinguished writers is enlisted to award the top prizes. The result is a superb collection of inventive, full-bodied stories representing the very best in American and Canadian fiction.

In 1790, during the summer of her 16th year, Rosemary makes a new friend. Mrs. DiAngeli and her husband have moved into the village in North Carolina where Rosemary lives. When the girl visits, Mrs. DiAngeli talks and laughs with Rosemary as she would with another adult. Immediately, Rosemary treasures their relationship. But Rosemary knows that her friend is different from the rest of her neighbors.

Mae Demaray is a cheerful widow who delights in helping others and spending time with her young grandson, Sammy. She would do anything for the lively little boy. But when Sammy suffers a fatal accident at her house, all joy and security flee from Mae's life. Mae's family urges her to rely on God's mercy and love, but Mae cannot forgive herself. Instead, Mae chooses a path that will lead her to question all she believes.