DRIVE BY WEDDING: Some people get jilted at the altar. But not Sheena Douglas. She gets jilted the morning after her wedding, when her new husband, Kane Ramsey, mysteriously checks out of their honeymoon suite and disappears. Five months later, Kane rushes back into her life again, with the force of a tornado, determined to win her back at any cost... THREE TIMES A BRIDESMAID: Sarah Sullivan Winslow Jones, struggling artist, is getting married - for the third time. And who best to be her bridesmaid again but her elder sister, divorce lawyer Maddy Sullivan.
A companion to the popular website APracticalWedding.com and A Practical Wedding Planner, A Practical Wedding helps you sort through the basics to create the wedding you want -- without going broke or crazy in the process. After all, what really matters on your wedding day is not so much how it looked as how it felt. In this refreshing guide, expert Meg Keene shares her secrets to planning a beautiful celebration that reflects your taste and your relationship. You'll discover: The real purpose of engagement (hint: it's not just about the planning) How to pinpoint what matters most to you and your partner DIY-ing your wedding: brilliant or crazy? How to communicate decisions to your family Why that color-coded spreadsheet is actually worth it Wedding Zen can be yours. Meg walks you through everything from choosing a venue to writing vows, complete with stories and advice from women who have been in the trenches: the Team Practical brides. So here's to the joyful wedding, the sensible wedding, the unbelievably fun wedding! A Practical Wedding is your complete guide to getting married with grace.
Theatre has long been considered a feminine interest for which women consistently purchase the majority of tickets, while the shows they are seeing typically are written and brought to the stage by men. Furthermore, the stories these productions tell are often about men, and the complex leading roles in these shows are written for and performed by male actors. Despite this imbalance, the feminist voice presses to be heard and has done so with more success than ever before. In From Aphra Behn to Fun Home: A Cultural History of Feminist Theatre, Carey Purcell traces the evolution of these important artists and productions over several centuries. After examining the roots of feminist theatre in early Greek plays and looking at occasional works produced before the twentieth century, Purcell then identifies the key players and productions that have emerged over the last several decades. This book covers the heyday of the second wave feminist movement—which saw the growth of female-centric theatre groups—and highlights the work of playwrights such as Caryl Churchill, Pam Gems, and Wendy Wasserstein. Other prominent artists discussed here include playwrights Paula Vogel Lynn and Tony-award winning directors Garry Hynes and Julie Taymor. The volume also examines diversity in contemporary feminist theatre—with discussions of such playwrights as Young Jean Lee and Lynn Nottage—and a look toward the future. Purcell explores the very nature of feminist theater—does it qualify if a play is written by a woman or does it just need to feature strong female characters?—as well as how notable activist work for feminism has played a pivotal role in theatre. An engaging survey of female artists on stage and behind the scenes, From Aphra Behn to Fun Home will be of interest to theatregoers and anyone interested in the invaluable contributions of women in the performing arts.
“The definitive Friends history” that explores all aspects of the classic hit television show (Entertainment Weekly). Today, Friends is remembered as an icon of ’90s comedy and the Must See TV years. But when the series debuted in 1994, no one anticipated the sensation it would become. From the first wave of Friends mania to the backlash and renaissance that followed, the show maintained an uncanny connection to its audience, who saw it both as a reflection of their own lives and an aspirational escape from reality. In the years since, Friends has evolved from prime-time megahit to nostalgic novelty, and finally, to certified classic. Ross, Rachel, Monica, Chandler, Joey, and Phoebe have entered the pantheon of great television characters, and yet their stories remain relevant still. I’ll Be There for You is a deep dive into Friends history and lore, exploring all aspects of the show, from its unlikely origins to the societal conditions that amplified its success. Journalist and pop culture expert Kelsey Miller relives the show’s most powerful moments, sheds light on its sometimes dated and problematic elements, and examines the worldwide trends that Friends catalyzed, from contemporary coffee culture to the wildly popular ’90s haircut The Rachel. Taking readers behind the scenes, Miller traces the cast’s rise to fame and untangles the complex relationship between the actors and their characters. Weaving in revelatory interviews and personal stories, she investigates the role of celebrity media, world-changing events and the dawning of the digital age—all of which influenced both the series and its viewers. I’ll Be There for You is the definitive retrospective of Friends, not only for fans of the series, but for anyone who’s ever wondered what it is about this show—and television comedy—that resonates so powerfully. Praise for I’ll Be There for You “Deeply reported and brimming with delicious insight . . . a nostalgic, thrilling and bittersweet journey behind the scenes of a TV show that captured the fleeting moment in our lives when friends became family.” —Erin Carlson, author of I’ll Have What She’s Having: How Nora Ephron’s Three Iconic Films Saved the Romantic Comedy “Miller not only gives all the fascinating backstory on how such a seminal and popular show made it to air, but answers the question that’s been following me for years: how is this show still so popular? I’ll Be There for You isn’t just about Friends—it’s about the specific void that Friends has filled in so many people’s everyday lives.” —Anne Helen Petersen, culture writer at BuzzFeed and author of Too Fat, Too Slutty, Too Loud
Regan Wakefield is a headhunter in both name and personality: driven, motivated, and unafraid to pursue what-and who-she wants. Naturally, she's thrilled when her friend's wedding offers her an opportunity to score Logan McCade, the practically perfect best man. Unfortunately, groomsman Brock McNeil keeps getting in her way, riling her up in the most delicious of ways. But Brock's smooth southern charm isn't part of the plan...so how exactly did they end up having searing-hot sex? Regan may pretend the erotic electricity sparking between them is merely a distraction, but Brock knows better. She refuses to see beyond the devil-may-care façade he presents to the world, while he sees straight through hers. Changing her mind-and getting under her skin-is a challenge he can't resist. And when he wins, Brock will do whatever it takes to convince Regan that the best man for her is him. Each book in the Wedding Dare series is a standalone story that can be enjoyed out of order. Falling for the Groomsman by New York Times bestselling author Jen McLaughlin, w/a Diane Alberts Baiting the Maid of Honor by New York Times bestselling author Tessa Bailey Seducing the Bridesmaid by New York Times bestselling author Katee Robert Best Man with Benefits by USA TODAY bestselling author Samanthe Beck Dare to Resist by New York Times bestselling author Laura Kaye
A fly on the wall look at a typical urban village taken over by wealthy city incomers. Their lifestyles are examined as is the role of the indulged stay at home bored housewife with too much time on her hands. Popular leaders of the community, Rick and Susan, are successfully ruined by their very best friends in this flowing story of everyday 21st century life. Other villagers drift in and out of the plot as some very dirty tricks are played. Barbecues, dinner parties and the big wedding all feature as our housewives seek all their thrills, in or out of the marriage. A careful look at the 'nouveau riche' and their not necessarily glamorous lifestyles.
The inspirational true story of Karen Martin's triumph over adversity and illness is candidly and humorously written. Tormented throughout life by her sociopathic brother, Karen dealt with his wicked treatment of her with tenacity, grace, faith, and humor. While Karen's mother tried to deal with her son's depraved behavior, she was ill-equipped to do so. Karen's father was unwilling to even recognize his son's problems. Left to deal with her older clever and cunning brother by herself, Karen not only survived his treatment of her, but through faith, courage, hard work, and the loving support of her husband, she became a successful wife, mother, educator, and grandmother. Karen's optimistic attitude always found her confidently planning for a better future and then steadfastly coping with the many hindrances to her plans. Surviving two bouts with cancer while simultaneously dealing with several other family crises, Karen succeeded where many would have been defeated. Recognizing that God is always in control and that his design for her is greater than any plans she could make, Karen forged ahead with faith. Her amazing life story will have you marveling and laughing.
He told everyone you slept together (when you didn't) He licked your face like a dog while you were making out He told you he thinks your mom is hot ...And all you can say is OMG! But then what? In this hilarious guide, comedian and coauthor of the WTF? series Jodi Miller offers real-life reactions for the ridiculous (and repulsive) everyday dating dramas you must endure. From forgetting to tell you he has crabs to his baby mama hating your guts, you'll find solutions to the dilemmas that make you say, "Oh My God!" So the next time he asks you what you think about getting a boob job, or you catch him checking out your best friend, don't cry out for divine intervention. Just consult the OMG!: Guys advisor and you'll know just what to do—any place, anywhere, any time!
The essential honesty of Marie Kelleher-Roy’s writing reveals a thinking, curious person trying to understand the world in which she lives. Family relationships, religion, parenting, feminism, travel, loneliness, and diverse interests and occupations make this a fascinating piece of American history. Growing up in the thirties in New England and now living in the twenty-first century on the west coast, Ms. Kelleher-Roy’s life spans nearly eighty years. She has lived alone for the last twenty-five years, following an artistic path. From the shores of Lake Pennesseewassee in Maine to Moonstone Beach in California, this is trip you will want to take.
When seventeen-year-old Mary O'Connor collapses one Sunday in church she is taken to live with Dr Roberts and his wife in a beautiful Yorkshire village for her health. Though initially employed as a maid, Mary soon becomes the daughter the couple were never able to have. With Britain at war, unable to remain idle, Mary finds employment in the local steel works but when her fiancé Tom Downing is killed in action Mary is convinced it is retribution for their night of sin during Tom's Christmas leave. However, Mary grows to love Jack Holmes, a local miner. They marry and move into a humble terrace house with little but their love to keep them going. As the years pass Mary is determined to achieve success for herself and her family. She sets up her own dressmaking business and it seems as if she has finally found peace of mind. But the business starts to dominate her life until tragedy once more threatens to destroy all she most cherishes...
