Best Selling Books by Mary Carter

Bailey Jordan has loved her husband, Brad, since they were ten years old. She's followed him on every adventure--opening a sweater store in Seattle, a café in Colorado, a surf shop in Santa Monica. Each time, she's picked up the pieces when things fell apart. But now, it's her turn. Bailey has a successful real estate career in Manhattan, and she's eager to start a family--until a car crash leaves Brad in a coma and changes their lives forever. Awakening after his near-death experience, Brad has a new mission. He buys a lighthouse on the Hudson River, planning to turn it into a B&B. Grateful to have Brad alive, Bailey tries to make his dream her own. The lighthouse is beautiful, but the challenges--renovating, bringing in supplies by boat, navigating the locals and guests--are enormous. And then Bailey discovers a secret in Brad's past that compels her to question her husband, her marriage, and how far she'll go to keep them both. . . Thoughtful and moving, The Things I Do for You exhibits a rare understanding of the joys, compromises, and small rebellions that lie at the heart of every marriage, and of the resilience and surprising power of love. Praise for Mary Carter's My Sister's Voice "At once a story about love and loss, family and friends, the world of the hearing and that of the deaf, My Sister's Voice satisfies on many levels." --Holly Chamberlin, author of Summer Friends "Gripping, entertaining and honest. This is a unique, sincere story about the invisible, unbreakable bonds of sisterhood that sustain us no matter how far they're buried." --Cathy Lamb, author of A Different Kind of Normal

After learning of her husband's Italian mistress, Lena Wallace travels to Florence to confront her cheating spouse, but the more she tries to save her marriage, the less she recognizes herself and the man she's trying to win back.

A newly-revised third edition of the accessible handbook, engineered to optimally manage acute stroke patients; from ambulance to discharge.

A deaf artist and former orphan finds the twin sister she never knew she had in this “gripping, entertaining” novel of family bonds and self-discovery (Cathy Lamb, author of Henry’s Sisters). A proudly deaf artist living in Philadelphia, Lacey Gears is exactly where she wants to be. At twenty-eight years old, she rarely thinks about her difficult childhood in a home for disabled orphans. That is, until she receives a shocking letter that begins, “You have a sister. A twin to be exact . . .” When Lacey learns that her hearing twin, Monica, experienced the normal childhood she was denied, she angrily sets out to find Monica and her biological parents. But the truth about Monica's life and the reason for the twins’ separation is far from simple. And every answer Lacey discovers only raises more questions. “At once a story about love and loss, family and friends, the world of the hearing and that of the deaf, My Sister’s Voice satisfies on many levels.” —Holly Chamberlin, author of The Family Beach House

Faith, Hope, and Joy. As children, the Garland sisters seemed to fit together as seamlessly as their names. Together, they survived their free-spirited parents, who moved from place to place and whim to whim, until their father took off for good. But as the girls grew up, they became virtual strangers. This Christmas, they intend to spend the holidays in their usual way: far apart. But their ailing grandmother wants her girls around her once more. Hope, always the peacemaker, convinces her reluctant sisters to travel to Leavenworth, Washington. Hope is immediately charmed by the setting, modeled on a Bavarian village, and by her grandmother’s handsome, mysterious neighbor. Still, there’s scant trace of celebration within the family. Joy’s main motivation for visiting is to secure start-up funds for a coffee shop. Faith, oblivious to her children’s unhappiness, is preparing to announce that her marriage is over and she has a new love. With a festive schedule of candy-cane martinis, hot tubs, and snowball fights, Hope tries to expose and heal old resentments, but moving forward as a family will take more than a little seasonal goodwill . . .

Aspiring actress. Temp worker. Shoplifter. For Melanie Zeitgar, stealing is a lot like love: she knows the right thing when she sees it. Unfortunately, she sees it everywhere. She doesn’t mean to take things. Just like she doesn’t mean to fib about her career. Or continue eating chocolate. Or wait for a call from Ray, the Beautiful Musician Who Must Have Been in a Horrible Accident that Broke His Dialing Fingers. Melanie’s number one rule—in life, love, and theft—is this: Don’t Get Caught. But sometimes, even the best kleptomaniac has an off day. Now, with every part of her life veering out of control, Melanie’s met a guy whose heart is hers for the taking—if she’s brave enough to pay the price . . . “Funny, outrageous, and touching.” —Holly Chamberlin, author of The Summer Nanny

Experience the wonders of the holiday season with these four Christmas romance novellas from four bestselling authors. Holiday Magic by Fern Michaels Ski shop manager Stephanie Marshall is counting on a holiday bonus so she can put a down payment on a home for herself and her daughters. But her handsome boss, Eddie O’Brien, has his own Christmas wish—one that could lead to a lifetime of loving . . . A Very Merry Christmas by Cathy Lamb Meredith Ghirlandaio’s to-do list is already overflowing, between keeping her B&B afloat, directing the town’s holiday concert, and trying to avoid rancher Logan Taylor. Doesn’t he know Meredith’s through with men—even rugged, alpha, drop-dead-gorgeous men? Then again, some vows were meant to be broken . . . A Very Maui Christmas by Mary Carter Tara Lane has the perfect plan to avoid another hellish family holiday—fly to Maui. Too bad her family decided to follow suit. But a laid-back handyman is about to prove you don’t need snow to have a sparkling, sexy Christmas . . . A Cedar Key Christmas by Terri DuLong Single mom Josie Sullivan is proud of her young daughter, Orli, for helping local fisherman Mr. Al restore his crumbling home. And when Mr. Al’s nephew, Ben, pays a visit, Josie realizes just how much Christmas magic one good deed can bring . . . “Heartwarming.” —Publishers Weekly

“In this profound memoir, Mary Carter Bishop takes an openhearted and unflinching look at a family history that is equal parts love story and requiem for a brother she barely knew. Bishop turns her formidable investigative journalism skills inward to unearth long-simmering class and culture divides in bucolic rural Virginia."--Beth Macy From a prizewinning journalist, Mary Carter Bishop, a moving and beautifully rendered memoir about the half-brother she didn’t know existed that hauntingly explores family, class, secrets, and fate. Applying for a passport as an adult, Mary Carter Bishop made a shocking discovery. She had a secret half-brother. Her mother, a farm manager’s wife on a country estate, told Mary Carter the abandoned boy was a youthful "mistake" from an encounter with a married man. There’d been a home for unwed mothers; foster parents; an orphanage. Nine years later, Mary Carter tracked Ronnie down at the barbershop where he worked, and found a near-broken man—someone kind, and happy to meet her, but someone also deeply and irreversibly damaged by a life of neglect and abuse at the hands of an uncaring system. He was also disfigured because of a rare medical condition that would eventually kill him, three years after their reunion. During that window, Mary Carter grew close to Ronnie, and as she learned more about him she became consumed by his story. How had Ronnie’s life gone so wrong when hers had gone so well? How could she reconcile the doting, generous mother she knew with a woman who could not bring herself to acknowledge her own son? Digging deep into her family’s lives for understanding, Mary Carter unfolds a sweeping story of religious intolerance, poverty, fear, ambition, class, and social expectations. Don’t You Ever is a modern Dickensian tale about a child seemingly cursed from birth; a woman shattered by guilt; a husband plagued by self-doubt; a prodigal daughter whose innocence was cruelly snatched away—all living in genteel central Virginia, a world defined by extremes of rural poverty and fabulous wealth. A riveting memoir about a family haunted by a shameful secret, Don’t You Ever is a powerful story of a woman’s search for her long-hidden sibling, and the factors that profoundly impact our individual destinies.

"It's that time of year when the world falls in love. . ." Join four of your favorite authors for tales of Christmas romance to remember forever. "Under the Mistletoe," Lisa Jackson Megan Johnson's marriage is over—or so she thinks. When her husband Chris lands in the hospital, fighting for his life, she remembers the unexpected joy of their first Christmas together. . . "A Ranger for Christmas," Mary Burton The holidays bring painful memories for history professor Marissa Thompson. Agreeing to help Texas Ranger Lucas Cooper solve a case offers the perfect distraction. But as danger threatens, the joy of love has never been more tempting. "A Southern Christmas," Mary Carter Reporter Danielle Bright is heading home for the holidays to write up a feature story about Christmas down south—and possibly win back her ex. But Sawyer, the sexy photographer along for the ride, is determined to jingle her bells. . . "Christmas in Montana" Cathy Lamb Family is the ideal antidote to getting fired, but Laurel Kelly isn't prepared for the changes at home in Montana—or the fact that her college boyfriend Josh Reed now owns the family land. But a blue Christmas could be the perfect surprise for a holiday to remember.

In this funny, surprising, and heartfelt novel, Mary Carter explores the unlikely connection between a rootless young woman and a troubled boy--and the life-changing adventure that ensues. . . Twenty-five-year-old Andes Lane has spent nine years moving restlessly from place to place as she searches for somewhere that feels right. In the little blue houseboat bobbing on a Seattle lake, she thinks she's found it. But Andes has barely had a chance to settle in before her new life is upended by her landlord, Jay, and his son, Chase. Smart, guarded, and precocious, Chase touches a chord with Andes even as he plays on her last nerve. And though she agrees to accompany the boy on a burning quest to Sunnyside, Queens, Andes is sure it will prove fruitless--in fact, she has promised Jay it will be. But in this new, strange, unexpectedly welcoming city, both Andes and Chase will unravel their deepest secrets and darkest fears--and in the face of longed for truths, discover a freedom that feels very much like home. . . Praise for Mary Carter "The unique spin Carter takes on the familiar theme of self-discovery gives this a welcome, fresh feel." –Publishers Weekly on My Sister's Voice "Guaranteed to become one of the books on your shelf that you'll want to read again." --The Free Lance-Star on The Pub Across the Pond

Old flames reignite and new passions burn when lovers follow their hearts back to the place they once called home. . . "Whale Island" by Cathy Lamb Family secrets and imposing friends are making Chalese feel like an outsider in her very own home on beautiful Whale Island. But it's only when a shocking revelation makes her feel truly lost that she opens her heart to the possibilities the past offers--including a chance at love with the last man she expected. . . "Queen Of Hearts" by Judy Duarte Her high school reunion is coming up, and advice columnist Jenn Kramer couldn't be dreading it more--until she lays eyes on Marcos. Jenn hardly noticed him when they were kids, but now he's all grown up. . . and how deliciously he's changed. . . "The Honeymoon House" by Mary Carter It doesn't get more romantic than Andy Beck's cottage on Martha's Vineyard. But love is the last thing on his mind--he just wants to get the cottage ready for his best friend's honeymoon. At least that's the plan, until he finds the gorgeous Maid of Honor ransacking his house--in the most irresistible way. . . "The Marrying Kind" by #1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber High school sweethearts Katie and Jason haven't seen each other in ten years--and now she's walked back into his life. With one look, the love they shared comes flooding back--only now the odds seem stacked against them. But when something's meant to be, all bets are off. . .

Carlene Rivers is many things. Dutiful, reliable, kind. Lucky? Not so much. At thirty, she’s living a stifling existence in Cleveland, Ohio. Then one day, Carlene buys a raffle ticket. The prize: a pub on the west coast of Ireland. Carlene is stunned when she wins. Everyone else is stunned when she actually goes. As soon as she arrives in Ballybeog, Carlene is smitten not just by the town’s beguiling mix of ancient and modern, but by the welcome she receives. In this small town near Galway Bay, strife is no stranger, strangers are family, and no one is ever too busy for a cup of tea or a pint. And though her new job presents challenges—from a meddling neighbor to the pub’s colorful regulars—there are compensations galore. Like the freedom to sing, joke, and tell stories, and in doing so, find her own voice. And in her flirtation with Ronan McBride, the pub’s charming, reckless former owner, she just may find the freedom to follow where impulse leads and trust her heart—and her luck—for the very first time . . . “Guaranteed to become one of the books on your shelf that you’ll want to read again.” —The Free Lance-Star “A fun, quirky read.” –Publishers Weekly

There’s nothing more festive than a winter romance, and in these heart-warming stories, love is a gift that can take you by surprise... THE 24 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS by Linda Lael Miller A matchbox advent calendar first brought Frank Raynor and Addie Hutton together. But that was years ago. There's no way the miracles of Christmas—and the magic of true love—could possibly be hidden under one of its tiny flaps. Or could they? CHRISTMAS ANGEL by Kat Martin When Angel Summers' first love, Josh Coltrane, joined the Army, she vowed to hate him forever. But now he's back in Savannah for the holidays—wishing for a miracle that could heal both their hearts. THE CHRISTMAS CAROUSEL by Mary Carter Single mom Georgia Bradley can’t afford to fight the developers who want to tear down her beloved Rhode Island auction house—especially Adam Cavalier. But when she receives a mysterious gift, Adam becomes intrigued with its origin—and with Georgia... A ROSE IN WINTER by Laura Florand Allegra Caldrone knew the rule never to talk to strangers. But on a cold winter night in Provence, she breaks that rule—and more—with an irresistible man. Raoul Rosier seems thrillingly dangerous, yet why does Allegra feel so safe with him—even when she believes he’s a thief?

After a runaway bride-to-be leaves behind a three-carat engagement ring on her table, psychic Clare Ivers finds the man of her dreams when she returns the bauble to Jack Heron, who believes she is someone else.

A surprise trip to Barcelona with her boyfriend, Jake, seems like the perfect antidote to Grace Sawyer's current woes. The city is dazzling and unpredictable, but the biggest surprise for Grace is discovering who arranged and paid for the vacation. Carrie Ann wasn't just Grace's foster sister. Clever, pretty, and mercurial, she was her best friend--until everything went terribly wrong. Now, as she flees an abusive marriage, Carrie Ann has turned to the one person she hopes will come through for her. Despite her initial misgivings, Grace wants to help. But then Carrie Ann and Jake both go missing. Stunned and confused, Grace begins to realize how much of herself she's kept from Jake--and how much of Carrie Ann she never understood. Soon Grace is baited into following a trail of scant clues across Spain, determined to find the truth, even if she must revisit her troubled past to do it. . . Mary Carter's intriguing novel delves into the complexities of childhood bonds, the corrosive weight of guilt and blame, and all the ways we try--and often fail--to truly know the ones we love. Praise for Mary Carter "A touching novel." --Publishers Weekly on The Things I Do For You "This is guaranteed to become one of the books on your shelf that you'll want to read again." --The Free Lance-Star on The Pub Across the Pond

Ava Wilder’s home in small-town Iowa is her sanctuary. A talented sketch artist with severe agoraphobia, Ava spends her days drawing a far more adventurous life than her invisible disability allows. Until she receives a package from London, explaining that she has inherited her Aunt Beverly’s entire estate—on condition that she lives in Bev’s West End flat for a year. Once overseas, Ava wonders if she’s simply swapped one prison for another. The streets and shops are intimidating, and Bev’s home appears to be a drop-in center for local eccentrics. Worst of all, Bev left a list of impossible provisos to be overseen by her quirky, attractive solicitor. Ava is expected to go out—to experience clubs, pubs, and culture; to visit Big Ben, Hyde Park, and the London Eye. After years of viewing the world through a pane of glass, she’s at the messy, complicated center of it. As exhilarated as she is terrified, will she be able to step up, step out, and claim the life she was meant for? In an insightful, poignant novel, Mary Carter delves deep into self-discovery and the meaning of courage, exploring the fears that serve to protect us—until life calls us to connect at last.

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.

“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 . . .

Mary Carter's 1904 domestic handbook provided hints on all aspects of household management of the day, including choosing a home and moving into it, engaging and discharging servants, and children's place and rights within a home.

Part oral history, part romance novel, part social commentary, Phases of Life Where the Galax Grows is an engaging and enlightening collection of first-person accounts of the daily lives of the people living amongst the hills near the author's home in Blowing Rock, North Carolina. Written at the end of the 19th century by Mary Nelson Carter, and originally published in 1900 as part of a series about the old south, this updated "Phases of Life Where the Galax Grows" presents a unique picture of the war years, as remembered by the residents of the mountains around Blowing Rock, North Carolina. Describing mountain life in that area, from the Civil War to the closing of the 19th century, the book is a unique historical record of the personal toll of the war on the folks back home, and a window into the culture of Appalachia that existed at that time, as well as the pivotal role played by women in the home and community.This new edition has been enhanced with original photographs by the author. These historical images were taken of the people and places of the book, and were part of Mary Nelson Carters personal references when writing "Phases of Life Where the Galax Grows." These images add a new dimension of depth to the book.

This work maps the cultural and physical divisions of medieval England. It concentrates on the level of hierarchy immediately above individual local societies, using detailed case studies of networks of linked communities in the East Midlands, the South and East Anglia. The societies studied are respectively on the periphery of a "cultural province", central to another such province and linked closely to a major urban centre. The text is a synthesis of modern continental historical scholarship, social anthropological and geographical techniques, and English medieval history. Included in the investigations are findings about the role of women in defining the sense of local community during the medieval period.