Why would a professional hockey player fly out here, seduce me, and then vanish again? I can't believe I fell for a liar. I was an idiot. A blinded-by-lust, hopeful idiot who threw myself into bed with a sexy stranger, invited him to dinner with my entire family, and then woke up alone to a note. I hope you can forgive me for lying. Ha. Like that's ever going to happen. If Beau French or Evanko or whatever the hell his name is ever shows his hot, bearded face in this town again, I'll make sure he regrets it. To be fair, I practically threw myself at his crotch. And okay, fine. Getting naked with him was the first time I'd felt anything worth feeling since losing my little sister. It's almost kinda nice to be fueled by the fires of rage instead of the numbness of grief. But I'm certainly not going to thank him for lying and then sneaking out of my bed like a thief in the midafternoon. Thankfully, I have my older sister's Christmas wedding to distract me. There's no way he'd show his face there. Besides, there's no excuse good enough to make me forgive him.

It is 1964, and 14-year-old Jocie Brooke is about to have an unforgettable summer. Her father has found a new love, her hippie sister is about to have a baby, and her aunt is finally pleasurable to live with. But, when a black family from Chicago moves into the quiet hamlet of Holly County, Kentucky, Jocie finds herself befriending a boy that some townspeople shun. Due to the unspoken racial lines in this southern town, the presence of these newcomers sparks a smoldering fire of unrest that will change Holly County--and Jocie--forever. Orchard of Hope, the riveting sequel to The Scent of Lilacs, takes readers along to experience unexpected love, fear, forgiveness, new life, and a deeper understanding of the value of each individual's story.

Understanding more of God's character and how he loves us changed bestselling author Holley Gerth's life in beautiful, powerful ways. She realized that she didn't have to settle for "I'm fine" when there was someone whispering to her in every moment, "You're mine." The hope, joy, peace, and purpose she longed for were already there, in the heart of God. Now in 52 devotional readings, Holley shares with women the answer to the restlessness they feel in their hearts that keeps them hurrying, striving, pushing. She shows them that "the God who scattered stars like diamonds across the velvet of the universe, the keeper of every sparrow, the maker of us all, is inviting us to draw closer to him. He is the place where our hearts can go on the hard days and the happy ones, in the highs and lows, when we are sad or frustrated or downright giddy. He is what we've been searching for all along."

Have you ever felt hopeless? Perhaps you're facing circumstances you never prepared for or even imagined. Maybe you're looking for any hint of encouragement, any inkling that this--whatever your this might be--won't last forever or destroy you. Maybe you're afraid to hope or perhaps you're not even sure what hope is. Whether you're new to faith or a lifelong Christ follower, holding onto hope can be hard. Create in Me a Heart of Hope is a six-week Bible study packed with relevant observations and applications, as well as daily prayers and Scripture memorization. Perfect for individuals or small groups, this study will help you - learn where hope comes from and the difference it can make in your life - cling to God's truth and assurance when you're waiting or overwhelmed, when you've been hurt, or when you feel trapped - begin living with confidence as you firmly grasp the hope God is offering Whatever you're facing, God's unshakable hope can meet you there.

Losing means grieving. Grieving means choices. Choices mean hurt or healing. You’ve lost someone you love. Or you’re on the brink of losing your marriage. Your dreams. Your health. Or perhaps the trauma of your past pursues you into the present. Your life’s going to change. Which way it goes won’t be decided by your loss, but by the choices you make. At the crossroads of grief, one road will lead to hope and healing. The other, to more hurt. Hope When Your Heart Is Breaking is an honest look at both roads, and how your greatest loss can lead to your greatest gain. Author Ron Hutchcraft writes from the deep well of his own devastating loss and grief, and points you to the practical steps that lead to peace and wholeness. This book is a pathway to hope—a roadmap through the pain of grief and loss. Discover new strength through a new closeness to others and to God. And make the decisions that lead to comfort, growth, and life.

Photographs and rhythmic text explore the meaning of hope and celebrate its power, especially in difficult times.