The Best Worst Summer

From the acclaimed author of The Great Shelby Holmes comes a new middle grade story about two summers-three decades apart-and the box of secrets linking them together. This is going to be the worst summer ever for Peyton. Her family just moved, and she had to leave her best friend behind. She's lonely. She's bored. Until . . . she comes across a box buried in her backyard, with a message: I'm so sorry. Please forgive me. Things are about to get interesting. Back in 1989, it's going to be the best summer ever for Melissa and Jessica. They have two whole months to goof around and explore, and they're even going to bury a time capsule! But when one girl's family secret starts to unravel, it's clear things may not go exactly as planned. In alternating chapters, from Peyton in present day to Melissa three decades earlier (a time with no cell phones, no social media, and camera film that took days to develop, but also a whole lot of freedom), beloved author Elizabeth Eulberg tells the story of a mystery that two sets of memorable characters will never forget.

Ever wondered what it would be like to spend the whole summer in Europe with your family? Wonder no more. This real-life travel diary chronicles a journey to four countries spanning 75 days from three very different perspectives of a 40-something mother, a just turning teenage daughter (who would rather be anywhere else), and a younger (and still rational) ten year old daughter. Come along - share in the fun, the sadness, the humorous adventures, and even the short tempers triggered by too much togetherness as this family travels from place to place in The Best Worst Summer Ever!

a Brad Finkley book

A SWEET ROMANCE FROM L A TAVARES Time heals some wounds. The first time Lyla Savoie Kenney found love—boundless, passionate love—it wasn't with a person but a place. She found deep-rooted endearment there, and in keeping with tradition, it caused her first real heartbreak too. Lyla grew up on the beaches at Begoa's Point, a campground she and her father visited each summer for seventeen years. She spent each non-summer month counting down the days until she could return, until going back was no longer an option. Begoa's Point closed with no explanation. Fifteen years later, now a widowed mother with a child of her own, Begoa's Point is reopening its doors. Lyla is surprised when she is abruptly moved off the waiting list and given a reservation at the camp, but even more surprising is what she finds when she arrives. Weston Accardi, the first boy Lyla ever gave her heart to, is the proud new owner of the Begoa's property. He has changed—and not just because a prosthetic leg now exists where a natural limb once did. He is no longer the carefree rebel he used to be but has grown into a responsible businessman. Their past, however, refuses to remain such, cycling back to smother the fire they've tried so hard to rebuild since her arrival to the reopened campground.

This delightful picture book from bestselling author Mark Batterson and his daughter encourages young children to make the most of each day--even when they encounter frustrations along the way. Bert’s day starts with stubbing his toe on a toy. Ouch! His favorite shirt is in the wash, so he has to wear his second favorite. Ugh. Then his dog chews up his sneakers. And to make this Saturday even worse, Bert has to go to work with his dad all day. Bert is sure this is the WORST DAY EVER! Then it starts raining as he and his dad take a quick walk. But his dad shows him that, while he can’t control what happens to him, Bert can control how he responds. Every day is a gift, and a bad day doesn’t have to end that way. Whether rain or shine, his dad assures him, Bert can always WIN THE DAY! This charming collaboration between bestselling author Mark Batterson and his daughter, Summer Batterson Dailey, brings home for young readers the truth that they can take charge of their big emotions.

“You done lived a tough life, boy, and I know I’m part responsible for that. I ain’t askin’ you to excuse me or forgive me. Just know I did the best I knew to do. I was just tryin’ to make you tough enough to deal with the world. To stand tall among men, I knew you had to be strong and have yo’ own mind.” “You were preparing me for war, Grandfather.” Guy Johnson, the author of the critically acclaimed debut Standing at the Scratch Line, continues the Tremain family saga. Jackson St. Clair Tremain hasn’t spoken to his grandfather King in nearly twenty years. Disgusted by the violence and bloodlust that seemed to be his grandfather’s way of life, Jackson chose to distance himself from King and live a simpler life. But now King is gravely ill, and his impending death places Jackson’s life—as well as those of his family and friends—in jeopardy. Reluctantly, Jackson travels to Mexico to see King. But after a brief reconciliation, his grandfather is assassinated, and Jackson suspects that his grandmother Serena may have had a hand in it. Jackson takes control of King’s organization, and as he does, he reflects on the summers he spent in Mexico as a child and the lessons he learned there at the knee of his strong-willed, complex grandfather. In Echoes of a Distant Summer, Guy Johnson introduces us to a new hero, Jackson St. Clair Tremain, who learns that, like his grandfather, he must be willing to protect those he loves—at all costs.

ONE DAY. THATS ALL IT TAKES TO CHANGE A LIFE A YOUNG COUPLE. A NEW BABY. PLANS FOR THE FUTURE. As a wife, new mom and successful career woman, Kristen Brown thinks her life is set. Until one morning, her husband doesnt wake up. In this bittersweet memoir, we experience Browns new life as a young widow mom grappling with the shock, pain and regret following her husbands unexpected death while managing a stressful work situation amidst the downfall of the economy. But not wanting to be a sad mom, she instead harnesses her emotions into a positive force in her life. Through a process of life-changing experiences like surfing, getting inked and starting her own company that takes her to Hollywood, she discovers her lifes purpose to be the role model for her daughter she longs to beand becomes a role model for others in the process. Kristen Brown captivates us with her story of transformation that is filled with the universal elements of loss, love, hope, humor and our ongoing search for answers that changes our perspective on the meaning of life and how we should live it. Kristen Brown bares her soul and shows us that loss can color our experiences and empower us to do more, be more and hope for more than we ever thought possible. you will fall deeply for The Best Worst Thing. Kristen Brown opens her tattered heart for all to see, then shares her rocky road back from the edge, as she finds the woman she was meant to be. Julie Bauke, author of Stop Peeing On Your Shoes "a powerful journey of love, loss, rebirth, and self-discovery. Kristen has a gift of keen insight, provocative imagery, and raw authenticity Theresa Rose, award-winning author of Opening the Kimono: A Woman's Intimate Journey Through Life's Biggest Challenges "You will be captivated from the very first word and may not be able put this book downshe tells her incredible story that will move you emotionally in many ways. Peggy McColl, New York Times Best-Selling Author Kristen Brown is a widow mom, writer, speaker and founder of Happy Hour Effect. Nominated for multiple business awards, she showcases her company at Hollywood events, has been featured extensively in the media and has adapted her company message into a training series. She lives in Minneapolis with her daughter and big black Lab.