Ten-year-old Lucy Griggs's mother has just died, leaving Lucy orphaned and living on the streets of 1866 New York City. Then Lucy hears about the Children's Aid Society, a group that sends orphans out West to new homes. Lucy knows she'll never replace her mum, but maybe now she'll find a family--and even a little sister--to love. But the family that takes her in is far from ideal. Mr. Snapes seems kind, but Mrs. Snapes is a bitter, angry woman. And Emma isn't the sister Lucy has dreamed of. Emma is a girl who people call "simple." Can Lucy learn to love this less-than-perfect family?
Lucy Bluebell is a quiet young witch working in a magic shop in her busy town, trying to keep it running after her parents retired. She keeps to herself, avoiding most people after an unkind warlock broke her heart. She has a wish, however: to meet a kind, caring man, who’ll always love and cherish her. Someone she can love with her whole heart. Someone safe who she can rely on. Warren Lewiston is embroiled in a dark plan and needs Lucy’s help, even though he knows he’s putting her in danger. His goal is to save his friend Sarah; his enemy Saxton will release her only if the plan goes off without a hitch. Warren has to work with Saxton, doing what he asks, or Sarah will never be free. But then things get messy. Lucy and Warren become hunted. Saxton becomes more threatening. Warren realizes he may lose his friend while endangering a woman he’s falling for. Lucy thinks she’s falling in love with a man who loves another. No one knows who will survive. In the end Lucy doesn’t know if she’ll ever get her wish. This is a NOVELLA of approximately 35,000 words. fantasy, paranormal, paranormal romance, fantasy romance, magic, witches
Lucy has one great wish – she wants to find the vampire of her dreams. So it’s obvious she would put this heartfelt desire right at the top of her Christmas wish list... again. It’s annoying Santa hasn’t been very helpful up till now and apart from Lucy no one seems to know of the existence of vampires. But she saw him with her own eyes – when she was a child and he saved her from drowning. After Lucy’s first boyfriend turns out to be a complete loser, it seems like there can only be one real man for her – her guardian angel. But how on earth is she supposed to find him? On top of that, her best friend Pia keeps trying to interest her in normal men. And then there’s Adam, an incredibly sweet guy she can’t get out of her head since he almost kissed her. Really, life could be a lot simpler, and Christmas is right around the corner... Interview with the Author How would you describe Lucy’s Wish? Lucy’s Wish is a humorous love story which captures the hopeful atmosphere and romance of Christmastime. Anything is possible...isn’t it? And how do we envision the world in which Lucy lives? A bit like our world. So it isn’t ruled by vampires, but they exist in secret: vampires, werewolves, ghosts and a few other types of creatures. So in the midst of the magic of Christmas, there is also another ‘magic’. A touch a fantasy in our midst. Is it part of a series or a standalone novel? Both. Lucy’s Wish is complete in its own right, but I have two more winter romances planned for the coming winters, in which the reader will again encounter Lucy’s friends and the affairs of their hearts. They will all be characterized by wishes, dreams and hopes. What made you write Lucy’s Wish? My readers. I made a survey and a whole lot of people took part. In the responses, a Christmas vampire romance was frequently requested. Va
Winner at the 2016 Gellet Burgess Award - Society & Culture This is a tale all about how important it is to shine as brightly as you can, with the light that we all carry within us and makes us unique. Guided Reading Level: L, Lexile Level: 640L
Energetic, connected, marketing-savvy author with strong platform on social and in educator and bookseller communities. Heartwarming picture book with regional and national education and gift market appeal. Author says Ralph Waldo Emerson’s quote; “What is a weed? A plant whose virtues have not been discovered," captures the essence of what she wanted to say with this book. Portrays SEL traits as well as diversity including: resilience; self-confidence; setting aside or looking past labels; standing up for those who are different; problem-solving; tolerance; empathy; kindness; inclusiveness; patience; perseverance; compassion; individuality; sportsmanship; standing up to bullies; self-esteem; self-reliance; respect; etc. Multi-generational and Multi-ethnic characters. Includes examples of: unconditional family love; caregiving; the circle of life; environment; ecosystems; gardening with young children; intergenerational friendships; community; unusual companions; beauty in nature; imagination and play; wonder and delight; the joy of love offered and love returned. Artist’s work in Glacier on the Move was called: “Absolutely charming... colorful... adorable” by School Library Journal Synopsis: A girl enters the town flower contest and learns an important lesson. The flower that she thinks is most beautiful isn’t the conventional choice. Book guide will be available. Lexile 610L.
“Bashful Lucy” is inspired by the true life story of Lucy Albano and told by a son who was privy to many of the secrets that had not even been revealed to his five older sisters. The story tells of a love affair that grew out of an 'arranged marriage.' It chronicles the incredible life of a woman who raised seven children and went on to become an entrepreneur that had bankers standing tall in her presence long before "women's lib" was even a known expression in American society. The author has chosen to use names for his characters that gives more ethnicity to the families and his story. Lucy's mother was an "Aiello" before marriage, however. But the Santosi name is a product of his imagination; it’s called “literary license!”
This book looks at how the classic television series fits into the cultural milieu of mid-century America. I Love Lucy incorporates key themes of the 1950s American political scene and classic American values of family, social mobility, community, individualism and work, keeping in mind that “Luck” as Machiavelli said “is the arbiter of half of what we do.” As the beloved American TV queen, Lucy Ricardo is a psychologically complicated character, conflicted between her role as a 1950s housewife and her wish to be a star. She is an icon of social mobility, going from a small New York City apartment to a country house in a swanky suburb, and an example of the “transitional” woman who wants to have it all. Is she a feminist? Is she a conformist? Does she prefer the country to the city? Whether she is working on the chocolate factory assembly line, baking bread, or achieving the American dream, Lucy is always “speeding it up!”
