Most Popular Books by Elizabeth Bass

”This swoon-worthy collection of novellas hits the holiday sweet spot” with four tales of sweet surprises, family connections, and unexpected romance (Publishers Weekly, starred review). “Making Spirits Bright” by Fern Michaels Melanie McLaughlin desperately wants to adopt two orphaned siblings and give them a real home for Christmas. A just-for-the-holiday marriage to Bryce Landry fits her plan perfectly . . . until Melanie starts dreaming of forever by his side . . . “Runaway Christmas” by Elizabeth Bass Watching movies in her pajamas is Heidi Bogue''s idea of a perfect Christmas—until her thirteen-year-old niece makes a surprise visit. And when a snowstorm turns Heidi''s café into a community refuge, a handsome cop gives her a new reason to celebrate . . . “Home for Christmas” by Rosalind Noonan Jo Truman needs a replacement Santa for her gift shop''s Christmas Eve party. She''s determined to convince lonely soldier Sam Norwood that he''s perfect for the part . . . and that the season for love is always . . . “Christmas on Cape Cod” by Nan Rossiter Maddie Carlson would do anything for her best friend. And helping Asa Coleman babysit a rambunctious puppy on Christmas Eve night is her one chance to help the troubled teacher put his past to rest . . . and give the sweetest gift of all.

“Beach reading at its best . . . four stories of sun-filled days and warm, intoxicating nights” headlined by the #1 New York Times bestselling author (USA Today, “Hot New Romance Releases to Knock Your Socks Off”). That summer feeling: sultry days, steamy nights, and the sweet expectation that comes with finding—or rediscovering—love . . . “His Bride to Be” Lisa Jackson The job perks: a two-week luxury cruise in the company of one of the most eligible bachelors on the West Coast. But posing as Hale Donovan’s fiancée to finesse a takeover deal will challenge all of Valerie Pryce’s resolve to keep business and pleasure separate . . . “You Again” Elizabeth Bass A group yoga tour to Peru is the last place Meredith expects to see her workaholic ex-boyfriend, Sam. Seven years have changed everything—except Meredith’s regret at abruptly running away. Yet amid the magnificent views and ancient ruins, a new chance may be waiting . . . “Return to Hampton Beach” Mary Carter Jacob was the shy, kind twin. Chris was wild and dangerous. As a teenager, Celia Jensen was a little in love with them both. Now Celia is coming back to Hampton Beach for a summer, where she’ll untangle the lie that broke her heart. “Summer Memories” Holly Chamberlin There’s nowhere Ellen would rather nurse her wounds after her ex’s betrayal than Ogunquit, Maine—a little beach town where she spent idyllic childhood summers. Then Ellen meets a charming local artist who challenges her to create new memories . . .

From the acclaimed author of Miss You Most of All comes a heartfelt, wonderfully affirming novel of sisterhood, healing, and new beginnings. No one could blame Bev Putterman for becoming estranged from her sister. No one but Bev, anyway. Growing up, Diana was difficult and selfish yet always their mother''s favorite. And then came the betrayal that took away the future Bev dreamed of. Yet if Diana caused problems while alive, her death leaves Bev in a maelstrom of remorse. She longs to provide a stable home for Diana''s fourteen-year-old daughter, Alabama. But between her commitment-phobic boyfriend and her precarious teaching position, Bev''s life is already in upheaval without an unruly teenager around. All Alabama knows about Aunt Bev is what her mother told her--and none of it was good. They clash about money, clothes, boys, and especially about Diana. In desperation, Alabama sets out to find her late father''s family. Instead she learns of the complicated history between her mother and aunt, how guilt can shut down a life--and most important, how love and forgiveness can open a door and make us whole again. . . Praise for the novels of Elizabeth Bass Wherever Grace is Needed "Bass draws her characters, particularly the adolescents, very well." --Publishers Weekly "Readers of all ages can enjoy this thoughtful story of two families overcoming tremendous challenges." --VOYA Miss You Most of All AN INDIE NEXT LIST NOTABLE SELECTION! "An exuberant celebration of life, love, family and friendship, told with a sassy Texas flair. It''s a perfect balance of humor and heartache, a sweetly satisfying novel that will stay with the reader long after the final page is turned." --Susan Wiggs "The world Elizabeth Bass has created is full of life, humor, heartache and hope. You''ll be happy to enter it and sad to leave." --Lorna Landvik

Three years ago, Becca Hudson threw a dart at a map, hit Leesburg, Virginia, and decided it was the perfect place to start over. Now she has her own bakery, The Strawberry Cake Shop, loyal customers, and close friends. She also has something that success as a Hollywood child star couldn''t give her: a mostly normal existence. Not that it''s without complications. One best friend, Pam, is in the wary early days of a new relationship; another is fighting to save her marriage in the midst of infidelity. And then there''s Becca''s growing attraction to Matthew, surrogate stepdad to Olivia, a smart, sensitive ten-year-old who''s become a fixture in the bakery and in Becca''s affections. Still, Becca is content to live in the present and ignore the "Whatever happened to?" speculation and occasional curious fan--until her past barges in again. Amid revelations and unexpected dilemmas, Becca must confront the life she stepped away from and the love she struggles to accept. It''s the only way she''ll truly find what she needs: a recipe for living that''s honest, messy, sweet, and true. In an eloquent novel as moving as it is funny, acclaimed author Elizabeth Bass tells a story of forgiveness, resilience--and the unexpected detours that shape every journey to happiness. Praise for Elizabeth Bass''s Miss You Most of All "An exuberant celebration of life, love, family and friendship, told with a sassy Texas flair." --Susan Wiggs

In this thoroughly heartwarming novel, Elizabeth Bass-author of Miss You Most of All-creates an unforgettable story of friendship, compassion, and the extraordinary love that lies at the heart of every ordinary family. When Grace Oliver leaves Portland for Austin, Texas, to help her father, Lou, recuperate from a car accident, she expects to stay just a few weeks. Since her mother''s divorce thirty years ago, Grace has hovered on the periphery of the Oliver family. But now she sees a chance to get closer to her half-brothers and the home she''s never forgotten. But the Olivers are facing a crisis. Tests reveal that Lou, a retired college professor whose sharp tongue and tenderness Grace adores, is in the early stages of Alzheimer''s disease. Grace delays her departure to care for him, and is soon entwined in the complicated lives of her siblings-all squabbling over Lou''s future-and of the family next door. . . Ray West and his three children are reeling from a recent tragedy, particularly sixteen-year-old Jordan, whose grief is heightened by guilt and anger. Amid the turmoil, Grace not only gives solace and support, but learns to receive it. And though she came to Austin to reconnect with her past, she is drawn by degrees into surprising new connections. With wit, wisdom, and unfailing insight, Elizabeth Bass tells a story of loving and letting go, of heartache and hope, and of the joy that comes in finding a place we can truly call home.

User-friendly and fun, this comprehensive guide offers authoritative answers. Lists, tip boxes, decision trees, and bite-size segments with clear headings allow parents--especially the newer, frazzled kind--to find what they need fast. Covers everything from prenatal care, and to common illnesses, emergencies, safety, growth and development, chronic conditions, special needs, medications, and nutrition.

Bewitched meets Practical Magic in this sparkling and quirky rom-com with an enchanted twist. When romance problems cause their powers to go berserk, a trio of witches whose family was banned from practicing magic risk getting in serious trouble with the Grand Council. Can they get their magic—and their love lives—in order before it’s too late? “An enchanting paranormal rom-com…Fans of Practical Magic will be delighted.” —Publishers Weekly Nearly a century ago, Gwen Engel’s great-great-grandfather cast a spell with catastrophic side-effects. As a result, the Grand Council of Witches forbade his descendants from practicing witchcraft. The Council even planted anonymous snitches called Watchers in the community to report any errant spellcasting… Yet magic may still be alive and not so well in Zenobia. Gwen and her cousins, Trudy and Milo, receive a letter from Gwen’s adopted sister, Tannith, informing them that she’s bewitched one of their partners and will run away with him at the end of the week. While Gwen frets about whether to trust her scientist boyfriend, currently out of town on a beetle-studying trip, she’s worried that local grad student Jeremy is secretly a Watcher doing his own research. Cousin Trudy is so stressed that she accidentally enchants her cupcakes, creating havoc among her bakery customers—and in her marriage. Perhaps it’s time the family took back control and figured out how to harness their powers. How else can Gwen decide whether her growing feelings for Jeremy are real—or the result of too many of Trudy’s cupcakes? “A lighthearted supernatural romp.” —KirkusReviews

Bass''s comprehensive, systematic study examines the complex factors framing child labor in Africa and offers a window on the lives of the child workers themselves.

“Get ready to laugh! Elizabeth Bass Parman is a true Southern storyteller. I couldn’t have loved it more.” —Fannie Flagg, New York Times bestselling author Posey Jarvis knows she’s the rightful empress of Cooke County . . . She just needs to make everyone else realize it too. Thirty-eight-year-old Posey Jarvis is the self-appointed “empress” of rural Spark in Cooke County, Tennessee. She spends her days following every word about her idol and look-alike Jackie Kennedy, avoiding her stalwart husband Vern, and struggling to control her newly defiant daughter Callie Jane—all while sneaking nips of gin. When Posey unexpectedly inherits a derelict mansion from her quirky old aunt Milbrey, she finagles her way into hosting her high school’s twentieth reunion there. She cares nothing about seeing her classmates, but she cares deeply about seeing the love of her life, a man who dumped her nineteen years ago. Possums are nesting in the parlor and the stench of cat urine permeates the sunroom, but she must be ready for the big day, even if she has to do the work herself. Eighteen-year-old Callie Jane finds herself accidentally engaged and is panicking about her fast-approaching wedding. She’s also had enough of her domineering mother. Even though she loves her father, the idea of working at his emporium for the rest of her life just makes her . . . so sad. She longs to escape from her mother, her job, her upcoming wedding, and the creepy Peeping Tom terrorizing the town. She dreams of leaving everything she’s ever known in her rearview mirror and starting over in California. But when her life has been mapped out for her from birth, how can she break free? Set in a gossipy small town during the turbulent 1960s and full of Southern charm and unforgettable characters, The Empress of Cooke County is a novel about found family, what it means to be loved, and how being true to yourself can have life-altering consequences. Southern women’s fiction Stand-alone novel Book length: approximately 82,000 words Includes discussion questions for book clubs

After her estranged step-sister, Heidi, returns to the family farm that she and her sister run as a tourist destination, Rue Anderson hopes that Heidi will find a safe place there, but her sister, Laura, is not so sure, and soon devastating news shakes the foundation of their tenuous sisterhood. A first novel.

Ebola: Clinical Patterns, Public Health Concerns is a concise description and discussion of the Ebola virus and disease. The intended audience is medical practitioners, including those working in endemic areas as well as health-facility planners and public health practitioners. The book fills an important gap between large texts covering not only Ebola but other hemorrhagic fever viruses and brief pamphlet-style publications on the public health aspects of the infection. In light of the recent large outbreak in West Africa, this book is a part of the developing foundation needed to deal with emerging diseases.

In the battle against bioterrorism, one of the greatest challenges is finding the ideal balance between complacency and overreaction. The goal is to be so well prepared that we can prevent catastrophic outcomes in the event of a bioterrorist attack, while strengthening our ability to prevent and treat naturally-occurring infectious diseases.Bioterr

A knowing wink. . .a smile that tugs at the heartstrings. . .a mind-blowing kiss. In this unforgettable collection of stories, four women have a second chance to rekindle an old spark. . . The Apple Orchard by Cathy Lamb When an injury lands Allie Pelletier in the emergency room, she comes face-to-face with the only man she''s ever truly loved--Dr. Jace Rios. But can Jace also mend their wounded past and show Allie they''re destined to be together? A Kiss Before Midnight by Mary Carter Rebecca Ryan has never forgotten the magical night she spent in New Orleans with musician Grant Dodge. Now twenty years later, Rebecca is reunited with Grant. Their attraction is as electric as ever--and they have more to catch up on than either imagined. . . Romeo & Juliet. . .And Jane by Elizabeth Bass When veterinarian Jane Canfield''s first love, Roy McGillum, returns to town, memories of their high school performance as Romeo and Juliet--and their real-life romance--come rushing back. And when Roy shows up at Jane''s window, she''ll have to decide if it''s time for an encore. . . The Devil And Mr. Chocolate by Janet Dailey Art gallery owner Kitty Hamilton is newly engaged to a delicious Belgian chocolatier. But her artist ex-husband, Sebastian, is determined to sabotage her plans with an even more tempting indulgence--the irresistible chemistry they still share.

Enchanted hijinks meet wedding antics in this witty, lighthearted romantic comedy set in the sleepy college town of Zenobia, New York, where magic is very real. Now, a bride-to-be on a quest for the right wedding dress realizes it''s time to embrace her inner witch... Lots of people get pre-wedding jitters, but Bailey Tomlin''s are a bit extreme. Paranoia . . . the sudden ability to communicate with her pet parrot . . . something odd is definitely happening. And while Bailey searches for the perfect dress, she discovers the unexpected reason why: her birth mother, Esme, is an actual witch, part of a magical clan in the neighboring town of Zenobia, New York. Esme insists that Bailey, too, has witch blood in her veins. That''s not going to play well with Bailey''s uptight future in-laws . . . Then there''s Seton Adderbury, the man Esme somehow conjured into the present day from 1929, and who keeps crashing into Bailey''s plans. In addition to figuring out seating charts and boutonnieres, Bailey now has to navigate her new witch family, keep an unseen enemy from hexing the ceremony, placate her fiancé, and get Seton back to his own time. But Seton doesn''t know if he wants to go back. And though Bailey''s about to marry someone else--someone who isn''t technically 130 years old--it''s just possible she doesn''t want Seton to go back either . . .

"Sassy Spinster Farm is a place to find solace. At least, that''s what it''s become since Rue and her sister, Laura, transformed their childhood Texas homestead into a successful tourist destination . . . it seems there''s nothing the two can''t handle - until an unexpected, and not entirely welcome guest shows up in the middle of one warm summer night." -- Back cover.

The Dept. of Veterans Affairs (VA) oversees a disability program that makes payments through the Veterans Benefits Admin. (VBA) to compensate U.S. veterans for medical conditions or injuries. Payments are meant to offset the average earnings lost as a result of those conditions. Veterans who work are eligible for benefits, and, in fact, most working-age veterans who receive disability benefits are employed. Payments are in the form of monthly annuities and typically continue until death. This report shows that, in 2014 dollars, VA disability compensation to veterans amounted to $54 billion in 2013, or about 70% of VBA''s total mandatory spending. The remainder of the mandatory spending that year was for programs that provide veterans with housing assistance, education, vocational training, and other assistance. In 2013, about 3.5 million of the nation''s 22 million veterans received disability compensation benefits. Tables and figures. This is a print on demand report.

People who leave the military often face different challenges when searching for civilian employment than people who move from one civilian job to another. The recession of 2007 to 2009 increased policymakers'' focus on how well veterans who left active-duty service during or after the recession have fared in the civilian labor market. In its new report Labor Force Experiences of Recent Veterans, the Congressional Budget Office compares the labor market outcomes of veterans who have left active-duty service since September 2001 with outcomes of civilians (people who have never served on active duty in the armed forces). In this companion report, CBO describes the use of unemployment benefits among service members who have recently transitioned to the civilian workforce"--Page 1.

"More than 3.8 million members of the U.S. military have left active-duty service since September 2001, a period that some federal agencies call the Gulf War II era (as opposed to the Gulf War I era, which spanned the period from August 1990 to August 2001). More than 2 million of those Gulf War II veterans were deployed in support of military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. For decades, large federal programs have helped service members make the transition to civilian life and employment by offering unemployment insurance benefits, education assistance, and disability compensation. However, the 2007--2009 recession prompted policymakers to focus greater attention on how well veterans have fared in the civilian labor market during and after that downturn. For this analysis, the Congressional Budge Office examined how rates of labor force participation and unemployment for male Gulf War II veterans during the 2008-2015 period compared with rates for male civilians -- that is men who had never served on active duty in the military ... In general, CBO found that the labor force outcomes of male Gulf War II veterans ages 22 to 44 were about the same as those of civilian men"--Page 1.

In 2016, members of the reserve component received an average of $12,500 in benefits (measured in 2018 dollars) under the Post-9/11 GI Bill. This report describes their use of those benefits and compares how the reserve and regular components use their benefits.

Policymakers and analysts have raised concerns about DoD''s rising health care costs, the quality of care provided at its facilities, and how well the department''s medical establishment prepares for wartime missions. Efforts to change the system are complicated, however, partly because the resources used to accomplish the various goals are often intermingled or unclear. For this report, the Congressional Budget Office examined several broad, illustrative approaches that might address policymakers'' concerns. In addition, the agency estimated the costs of two options that have been proposed specifically to make changes to TRICARE.