Akron Public Library

Small-town nurse Nina Wentworth has made a career out of being a caretaker. More "Mom" than their mother ever was, she sacrificed so that her sister could break free. Which is why she isn't thrilled to see Averil back on Blackberry Island. Nina finds herself juggling two men-her high school sweetheart and a maverick pilot who also wants to claim her heart. Averil doesn't seem to want the great guy she's married to and doesn't seem to be making headway...

“Affectionate and quirky” tales of two inventive brothers preparing for their mom’s birthday: “Spot-on for beginning independent readers.” —Kirkus Reviews
 
From the author and illustrator of Charlie & Mouse, a winner of the Theodor Seuss Geisel Award, this volume features four hilarious stories that make up one irresistible beginning chapter book.
 
Charlie...

His birth ended his mother's life in Tennessee. Scrawny and wiry, he runs away at the age of 14. As he makes his way westward, the impoverished and illiterate youth finds trouble at every turn. Then he's recruited by Army irregulars, lured by the promise of spoils and bound for Mexico. Churning a dusty path toward destiny, he witnesses unknown horrors and suffering--and yet, as if shielded by the almighty hand of God, he survives to breathe another...

Sometimes hope for the future is found in the ashes of yesterday. Shane Galanter is a man ready to put down roots after years of searching. But is he making the right choice? Or is there a woman somewhere who even now remembers--as does he--those longago days and a love that hasn't faded with time? Lauren Gibbs is a successful international war correspondent who gave up on happily-ever-after years ago when it was ripped away from her. Since then,...

"While on a mission to win the Planet's Funniest Kid Comic regional competition, New York middle schooler Jamie Grimm copes with rival comics and bullies, a buddy in trouble, and a sudden family emergency, all with a sense of humor and a loyal group of friends"--Provided by publisher.

Driving home during a swirling blizzard, Vera Stanhope's only thought is to get there quickly. But the snow is so heavy, she becomes disoriented and loses her way. Ploughing on, she sees a car slewed off the road ahead of her. With the driver's door open, Vera assumes the driver has sought shelter but when she inspects the car she is shocked to find a young toddler strapped in the back seat. Afraid they will freeze, Vera takes the child and drives...

"Amid the snow-covered woods, a young woman takes in the silent, overwhelming beauty of the natural world around her, all the while knowing that she has miles yet to travel on that dark, frosty night"--Jacket flap.

Ned Talbot has worked all his life as a bookmaker so he knows not to expect any sympathy from the punters as they count their winnings at Royal Ascot. When a man steps forward from the crowd claiming to be his father, Ned is thrown into turmoil. He's been told that both his parents died when he was a baby. Barely an hour later, his father is stabbed by an unknown assailant. Before dying, he warns Ned to "be very careful." But of whom? Of what? Ned...

Manhattan assistant District Attorney Sara Tate nabs a case she believes could make her career, but the trial turns deadly when she receives a threat that if she should lose, her husband will die; and to make things worse, her husband, Jared, reluctantly defending the opposition, gets a similar warning.