It's a Wild Light

Marjorie M. Liu's newest entry in the Maxine Kiss series is titled A Wild Light. Like outher books in the series, the heroine is a demon hunter who, by day, wears demons on her body as tattoos and by day, fights enemies alongside them after they have peeled off her body. The series is action-packed and exciting with lots of supernatural elements. The characters are well-defined and likable and like all good heros and heroines, Maxine has her own flaws. I do have to say that while this entry in the series does have the same characters as the other three, Liu was very ambitious in this book. She was very involved with strengthening the plot of the book rather than furthering the story. I believe Liu is setting up a "new level" in the series because at the end of this book Maxine completes her transformation into another type of being, a transformation that began with the first book. This is a great supernatural fantasy that is engaging and thought-provoking.

Simplify Your Christmas

The current recession has made changes in the way we live our lives--some of these changes are for the better. As we celebrate the holidays, people seem to be looking at a way to simplify and have a more joyful Christmas. To that end, here are some titles that may help. Hundred Dollar Holiday by Bill McKibben offers some suggestions on how to rethink Christmas, so that our current obsession with present buying becomes less important than the dozens of other possible traditions and celebrations. Working through their local churches, McKibben and his colleagues found that people were hungry for a more joyful Christmas season. For many, trying to limit the amount of money they spent at Christmas to about a hundred dollars per family was a real spur to their creativity--and a real anchor against the relentless onslaught of commercials and catalogs that try to say Christmas is only Christmas if it comes from a store. McKibben shows how the store-bought Christmas developed and how out of tune it is with our current lives, when we're really eager for family fellowship, for community involvement, for contact with the natural world and also for the blessed silence and peace that the season should offer. Christmas is too wonderful a celebration to give up on, too precious a time simply to repeat the same empty gestures from year to year. This book will serve as a road map to a Christmas far more joyful than the one you've known in the past.

Christmas on Jane Street by Billy Romp with Wanda Urbanska tells the story of the Romp family who every year came to New York City from their home in Vermont to sell Christmas trees on Jane Street. They arrive from Vermont the day after Thanksgiving and leave just in time to make it home for Christmas morning--and for a few weeks they transform a corner of the Big Apple into a small village community. For the Romps, the Christmas tree business is also a serious business. A good sales season can make the year for this frugal family. Under tremendous financial pressure this particular year, Billy is counting on his family to pitch in as they always do when he faces an unexpected obstacle. His oldest child and best helper Ellie, sets her sights on attending the extravagant Nutcracker ballet and testing her winds outside her close-knit family. How Billy reconciles Ellie's transformation from a tomboyish female version of himself into a graceful, independent young lady is at first a struggle and later a revelation. Along the way he must learn how to let his daughter dream her own dreams--even when they diverge from his own. In setting her free, Billy learns the ultimate lesson of Christmas.

Elaine St. James is the best-selling author of Simplify Your Christmas: 100 Ways to Reduce the Stress and Recapture the Joy of the Holidays. In this book she shares--in brief, easy-to-read essays--a variety of tips that will help readers deal with the seasonal overload. Her simplifying ideas cover every aspect of holiday hassels; dismantling Christmas past, creating a new approach, gift giving, cooking the Christmas goose, decking the halls, holiday spending and much more. Everyone who adopts at least some of St. James' intelligent approaches to the season will have a happier, healthier Christmas.

Mississippians

Mississippians is a wonderful coffee table book that is a celebration of the people of our great state--their vision, their creative talents, their drive and their diversity. With wonderful color and black and white photograpsh and interesting narrative, Mississippians are covered in these categories--icons, music, television and stage, sports, writing and literature, innovators and visionaries, journalists, little-known Mississippians, people to watch and colorful characters. This book would make a great gift for your friends and family members who wish to celebrate the uniqueness that is Mississippi. Be sure and check out the books website at http://www.mississippians.com/.

Magazines Help with Christmas Preparation

This blog post is by Evangeline, Local History Librarian



It's that time of year again...



In just a few days, the holidays will be upon us! You know what that means--food, food and more food! Now is a good time to start planning for those holiday meals and the library has just what you need. I'm not talking about our wonderful selection of holiday cookbooks, but our great assortment of magazines featuring the latest holiday recipes and decorating ideas. What better way to celebrate the season than with ideas from three of my favorite magazines for recipes, period--Country Living, Southern Living and Taste of Home. All three of these magazines contain classic "southern" and "country" style cooking. Their recipes are usually very easy to follow and full of flavor.



The November issue of Country Living features recipes from "The Great Thanksgiving Cook-Off." The magazine asked five chefs to come up with a Thanksgiving meal using traditional ingredients like turkey, stuffing, potatoes and cranberries. Some of the dishes that caught my eye included: cornbread stuffing with sweet peppers, onions and celery, roast turkey with hoisin gravy and roasted wild mushrooms with garlic and shallots. All of the recipes are listed in the back on page 120 and there are great ideas for leftovers beginning on page 111.



My all-time favorite magazine for recipes and all things decorative is Southern Living. I come from a long line of typical southern mothers. I learned from them how to cook and keep house on a budget starting at a young age and, as I get older, I appreciate those skills more and more. Southern Living's November issue offers four Thanksgiving menus that you can mix and match to suit your own family's taste. The menus start on page 93 and offer both traditional and non-traditional fare. The Brussels Sprouts with Pancetta picture on page 96 (recipe on page 98) looks fantastic and the Green Beans with Garlic (recipe on page 102) is a super simple recipe that will go well with any holiday meal. For a list of all the recipes in the November issue you can turn to page 140. Not the cook this Holiday? You may also want to check out the "Family Weekend Getaways Under $500" and the excerpt from Fannie Flagg's new novel I Still Dream about You.



Another go-to magazine for delicious recipes is Taste of Home. One of the reasons I love this magazine so much is that it is written and edited by every-day folks like you and me. The recipes are simple, down-home fare easily prepared by even a novice cook (Thanksgiving is definitely not the time to learn how to cook, however). In the October/November issue, page 54 has a recipe for Maui-inspired Turkey Breast Roll that looks simply delicious. There are ste-by-step pictured instructions to help and some quick and easy appetizer ideas on page 47. Another good article to check out contains tips by cookbook author Katie Lee.



If you don't want to worry with heavy cookbooks or if you want a new twist on the traditional holiday meal, the magazines here at the library are a good choice for you. Remember that the newest magazine issues do not check out, but you may make copies of any recipe that tempts you. Magazines that do check out may be kept for one week only and then they must be returned so that others may enjoy them. Please remember to take care of the library's magazines--they are easily torn and damged with food and drink. You can also find recipes on the magazines websites: http://www.countryliving.com/, http://www.southernliving.com/, and http://www.tasteofhome.com/.

The Confession by John Grisham

I have been listening to the audio book in CD format of John Grisham's latest book, The Confession, for the past week as I drive to and from work. This is an audio book that has made me want to pass up my exit and keep driving until I finish the book! The novel is a tense look at the death penalty in Texas, through the eyes of the accused, the victim's family and the murderer. The book is jam-packed with typical Grisham characteristics---crooked politicians, detailed legal proceedings, lawyers interpreting the law as they see fit, and strong small-town citizens just trying to do the right thing. The writing is very detailed and Grisham portrays the citizens of Texas in a believable way. I do not want to give away any good details of the plot, but the basic story is that Dante' Drum is a 26-year-old African American man who was convicted of the murder of Nicole Yarborough, a white high-school cheerleader, when they were both 18 and Seniors at Sloan High School. Dante' has been on death row for nine years and the story opens six days before his scheduled execution. Lots of events occur within the six days, and I guarantee that you won't predict what happens. If you love riveting legal thrillers, then this book is the one for you! If you like this book I also suggest you try reading Greg Iles' 24 Hours, another tense thriller that will make your pulse pound. This book is true Grisham writing and I predict that this book will soon become a movie.

Give Thanks on Thanksgiving

Tomorrow, many of us will be caught up in the hustle and bustle of cooking, baking and being with friends and family. The Warren County-Vicksburg Public Library wishes you a "Happy Thanksgiving" and asks you to take a little time out of your day tomorrow to reflect upon what you are thankful for. The library is thankful for your continued use and support of the library and wishes you a safe and happy holiday.

Get to Know Some Lost Dogs

The Lost Dogs: Michael Vick's Pit Bulls and their Tale of Rescue and Redemption by Jim Gorant is a book that made me weep and laugh! This non-fiction book details the story of the 49 pit bull and pit bull mixed dogs that were rescued from NFL player Michael Vick's dog-fighting ring in Virginia. The first part of the book details Michael Vick's trial and punishment and the rescue of the dogs from their horrifiying existence. The next part of the book discusses how the dogs were evaluated for their temperament and aggressive behavior and placed in foster homes and sanctuaries so that they would hopefully progress to foster homes and eventual adoption. The last part of the book is an epilogue that shows where each dog is today. Perhaps the most telling part of the book is that when the dogs were first rescued, the evaluation team assessing their behavior had high hopes of rescuing and "making adoptable" five of the dogs. At the end of the book, all but five of the dogs were deemed adoptable, or worthy of living their lives out at a sanctuary. I really enjoyed the fact that Mr. Gorant picks many of the dogs and tells their individual stories--through their struggles with learning how to not fear humans and learning how to be just dogs and not fighting machines. My favorite story was about Sweet Jasmine, a pit bull who was catatonic whenever she was approached by humans, but after four months of intensive love and hard work was able to enjoy walking with humans and other dogs on a leash. This book truly dispels the myth that pit bulls are aggressive dogs that can not be rehabilitated and is something that every dog lover should read.

A Nose for Justice

I really enjoy it when one of my favorite authors begins a new series :) I enjoy Rita Mae Brown's "Jane Arnold" and "Mrs. Murphy" series (this is co-written by her cat Sneaky Pie Brown and stars postmistress Mary Minor Haristeen and her cat Mrs. Murphy). Brown's latest is similar to the "Mrs. Murphy" series in that the animals have starring roles in this cozy mystery. A Nose for Justice is the debut mystery in this series. The main characters are Magdalene "Jeep" Reed, a ranch owner in Nevada who piloted planes in World War II and is very well off because she discovered a large quantity of gold deposits and purchased the land and its rights. She owns a German Shepherd named King who discovers skeletal remains buried underground in her barn. The other main character is Magdalene "Mags" Rogers, Jeep's great-niece, who had a high-powered Wall Street job and moved in with her great-aunt to start her life over when the economy tanked. Mags owns a dachshund named Baxter who has had to discover how to get along with King and adjust to life in the great open spaces of Nevada. Another important character is Pete Meadows, a deputy investigating the sabotage of several water pumps around the ranch and a series of local murders. The writing is typical Rita Mae Brown--full of lush descriptions of the scenery and well-developed characters. My only complaint with the book is that there was a lot of involved information about the fight for water rights in Nevada. I believe the information was useful in setting up the scene for future books in the series, but the abundance of water rights history and information did make the first third of the book drag. I am looking forward to reading the second book in the series and watching these characters develop.

Roast Mortem

When the weather finally turns cooler, put on a pot of coffee and grab the latest coffeehouse mystery, Roast Mortem by Cleo Coyle. Clare Cosi, manager and head barista of the landmark Village Blend coffeehouse in New York, has perfected the pulling of steaming hot espresso. But can she keep New York's bravest from getting burned? When the firefighters of Ladder Company 189 pull Clare and her friends out of a blazing cafe', she happily comes to their resue. As a favor to the men, she visits their firehouse to teach them the finer points of operating their newly donated espresso machine. But more than their coffee turns out to be hot! Somebody's torching cafe's around the city, and the firefighters are beginning to die in suspicious ways. Believing the two events are related, Clare investigates, staking out a five-borough bake sale and sniffing out clues. When her detective boyfriend, Mike Quinn, is pulled in to the fire of a false accusation, Clare is desperate to put out the flames. Could his firefighter cousin be setting Mike up for payback from a long family feud? And will she be able to come to Mike's rescue before someone tries to extinguish her?

No Acceptable Excuse

D. S. Murphy's No Acceptable Excuse has the appearance of a self-published work and could have used some judicious editing and spell checking. However, I found myself riveted to the story. It is a searing drama about a family history of physical and sexual abuse and incest. This tale is set in the early part of the 20th century and centers around Lela. A neighbor, Sam, becomes obsessed with her and forces her into marriage--her nightmare begins and continues until Sam's death. Lela and Sam eventually have seven children, who all suffer at their father's hands. This is a brutal tale and even though it has been a month since I read it, I still think back on it. I feel for all the abuse that everybody that came in contact with Sam suffered. And upon reading about the incident that made Sam the way he was, I can understand Lela's forgiveness--which is really the theme of the book--but she is a much better person than I. I still cannot understand why no one ever called Sam out on his behavior, but then, insn't that the way with bullies?

Try a Taste of Thai

I have recently donned my "cooking hands" and dabbled with Thai cooking. I am a great fan of dumplings and chicken satay and was pleased when I received a bamboo steamer for my birthday! Wanting to broaden my horizons, I decided to check out the Thai cookbooks in the library. I enjoyed looking at the Complete Thai Cooking book by Hamlyn so much that I went ahead and purchased a used copy for myself. This book has beautiful full-color illustrations of 90% of the dishes listed in the book---the few pictures that aren't included are mainly of sauces or stocks. The book opens with a nice history of Thai cooking and a description of the equipment needed to make traditional Thai food. Also included is a glossary of "Cook's Terms" that defines many of the ingredients used by Thai chefs. Most of the recipes are on the left page of the book with a picture of the finished item facing it on the right page, and include the number of servings, the preparation time and the cooking time for the recipe. I can't pick out my favorite recipe, but I have decided to try the "Khun Tom's Pumpkin Soup" and the "Mushroom and Snow Pea Stir-fry" as soon as my cookbook is delivered. I really enjoyed exploring the dessert section of this cookbook---the coconut cream custard served in bowls made from banana leaves looks especially wonderful. If this book has made your taste buds salivate, try also Classic Thai Cuisine by David Thompson or The Food of Thailand by Sven Krauss.

Meet the Queen Mother

The Queen Mother by William Shawcross is the official and definitive biography of the woman. The author was given unrestricted access to the Queen Mother's personal papers, letters and diaries and offers us a portrait of unprecedented vividness and detail. Here is the witty girl who won the affections of convalescing soldiers during the First World War; the assured young Duchess of York helping her reluctant husband assume the throne when his brother abdicated and the stalwart Queen who refused to take refuge from the bombing of London, risking her own life to instill courage and hope in others who were living through the Blitz. The book shows a woman whose many interests included the armed services, the environment, horse racing and music; and whose wide circle of friends included everyone from the Sitwells to Ted Hughes, from Noel Coward to Charles de Gualle. And here also is showcased the dowager Queen--the last Edwardian, the survivor to both her family and the country throughout her long widowhood, representing her nation at home and abroad, the matriarch of the Royal Family.

Dexter is Delicious

When I picked up the first Dexter Morgan book, I never thought that I would enjoy reading about a serial killer. Or even "sympathizing" with a serial killer! Dexter is Delicious by Jeff Lindsay is the fifth novel in the series starring Dexter Morgan, a blood spatter expert with the Miami Police Department. Dexter is basically an okay guy--he only kills people who deserve it (like rapists, child molesters and murderers)--and he makes sure that they know why they are being eliminated from life. All is good in Dexter's life until his sister, Detective Deborah Morgan, is placed in charge of a child kidnapping case. As Deborah enlists Dexter's help in locating Samantha, they stumble onto a ring of cannibals and torturers. Meanwhile, Dexter tries hard to fit in to society and act like a normal human being, while hiding his Dark Passenger killing side. This book is certainly not for the squeamish, but if you can come to grips with the fact that you like Dexter, you'll certainly enjoy this book. Darkly Dreaming Dexter is the first book in the series--check it out and let us know if you like it!

It's Never Too Early to Plan for Halloween!

Some of our library's patrons may know that Halloween is my favorite holiday. I truly enjoy dressing up, trick-or-treating with the kids, watching scary movies, visiting haunted houses and throwing a great Halloween party! If you feel the same way I do (or just enjoy decorating your house for Halloween) check out Susan Cousineau's Spooky Halloween Crafts: 35 Hauntingly Easy Projects and Decorating Tips. Cousineau's projects are both unique and fun and range from "Monster Quick Crafts" and "Frightfully Fun Quick Crafts" to my favorite project, "Severed Fingers" created out of air-dry modeling clay that have been painted and scoured to make knuckle ridges. There are sections on Decorations, Favors and Gifts, Halloween Party Games and even Quick and Eerie Edibles. The book is packed with full-color pictures of the finished projects and a great index. I really like the fact that the book begins with a section on Tools & Materials and Painting Terms and Techniques. All of the patterns for the projects are included in the back of the book with instructions on how much the pattern should be enlarged (i. e., 120%). This is a great craft book for someone who wants to explore their "creepy" side for Halloween!

Cool Projects for Crafty Brides

The DIY Bride Crafty Countdown by Khris Cochran has 40 fabulous projects to make in the months, weeks, and even hours before your special day. This book is full of chic and offbeat crafts for every bliss-filled moment from bended knee to "I do." The instructions are clear, the book is filled with great color pictures, and I especially like the sidebar that tells you the project cost, and most especially, the time involved. While the invitation and thank you note ideas were clever, the project that struck me the most was a "Memorial Candle." The author stated that brides often asked for an unobtrusive way to honor deceased relatives and this was her solution. A great book for brides who really want to be involved in every aspect of their wedding!

See Through the Glass Rainbow

I absolutely love James Lee Burke's series starring Detective Dave Robicheaux. Burkes' latest, The Glass Rainbow, delivers on every aspect of the series that I find so wonderful. This latest novel is again set in hot, humid New Iberia, Louisiana. Being a Louisiana native, I especially enjoy the descriptions of the wonderful fried shrimp poboys, gumbo and pecan pie. James Lee Burke truly knows what it is like growing up in Louisiana, with his descriptions of the Giacano families control over New Orleans, the "privilege" of the old white aristocracy and their influence over the poor African-Americans in New Iberia and the politics involved in every aspect of life in Louisiana. Dave Robicheaux is a recovering alcoholic who works for the New Iberia Parish Sheriff's Office. His good friend, and former co-worker at the New Orleans Police Department is Clete Purcel, who currently works as a Private Investigator. Clete is the "bad boy" of the series as he uses alcohol, tobacco, food and hard living to mask the pain and suffering he sees every day while working his cases. Clete is the tool of his own destruction and his slow slide to death is clearly explored in this novel. The novel begins with Robicheaux interviewing a prison guard in Mississippi as he investigates the murders of two young girls that seem to be unrelated. Trouble begins as the murder trail leads to the Abelards, an aristocratic white family in New Iberia that has many secrets. Alafair, Robicheaux's daughter in the book as well as his daughter in real life who is also an author, plays a large role in this book. The mystery is gritty, but if you want to read about a realistic slice of life in Louisiana, you'll enjoy reading this book.

Get Handy With Instructables.com

I enjoy the fact that many of my friends and the library's patrons share websites with me that they find useful. One of these I recently explored is called Instructables. Located at http://www.instructables.com/ the website uses videos and pictures to show you how to make just about anything! According to the website, an instructable is a "step-by-step guide showing how you made or did something." The site is user driven, and the people who use it are encouraged to submit their own "instructables" to the site. If you are trying to figure out how to do a certain task, you simply submit the question to the community and then pick the best answer from the ones given. It's amazing what stuff you can find! With categories such as: Food, Living, Outside, Play, Technology and Workshop, there are plenty of projects here to keep you browsing for hours. I was particularly tempted by the "5 Minute Chocolate Cake" recipe that you cook in a mug in the microwave. I tried the recipe this weekend and it was delicious! I did "cheat" however and added some pre-made cream cheese icing to my finished cake. Check out the picture of my finished project, on the right. I really enjoy the fact that there are practical as well as whimsical Instructables on the site, and the projects range from easy to difficult. I think this site would be great to explore with kids. Check out the site and let us know which project tempted you!

32 Candles

I enjoy discovering new authors and Ernessa T. Carter is definitely a new one to watch! Her first book, 32 Candles was a treat for me, perhaps because the main character Davidia Jones is from a small town in Mississippi and grew up loving the John Hughes films created in the 1980's. The book title is a play on Sixteen Candles, one of Davidia's favorite movies, that has the storybook "Molly Ringwald-happy-ending" where the misfit girl wins the heart of the popular rich boy. Davidia idolized Sixteen Candles because she grew up being physically and mentally abused by her single mom, a prostitute in small-town Glass, MS. Davidia was always an outcast in high school but her troubles worsen when the Farrell family moves into town. The Farrell's own Farrell Fine Hair, the hair products plant that employs the majority of the residents of Glass. Davidia immediately falls in love with James, the oldest kid in the family and the one in line to inherit the Farrell Fine Hair plant when Mr. Farrell retires. Davidia is dealing with her crush until her mom starts having an affair with James's dad, soon to be a congressman. Victoria and Tammy, James' siblings immediately begin an intense hate campaign against Davidia which results in her running away to CA where she bcomes a singer in a 1940's-style nightclub. Davidia begins a new life, until people from her past begin to crop up and she must learn how to forgive and forget--or exact revenge? The book is a great story of discovery and growing up, written by a new African-American author, and Davidia is a delightful character. The reader learns to live along with Davidia and the experience is a wonderful thing to witness. Both the Mississippi and California settings are portrayed authentically and the reader delves into the world of nightclub singing along with Davidia. Ernessa T. Carter has worked as an ESL Teacher in Japan, a music journalist in Pittsburg, a payroll administrator in Burbank and a radio writer for American Top 40 with Ryan Seacrest in Hollywood. She is also a retired member of the L.A. Derby Dolls roller derby league and graduated from Smith College and Carnegie Mellon University's MFA program. For more information on Carter, read her blog at http://www.32candles.com/.

Sizzling Sixteen

It is my fervent wish that Janet Evanovich never stops writing books in her Stephanie Plum series. These books are laugh-out-loud funny and give me the opportunity to share with other folks a new author (I'm always reading one of them in a public place when the person sitting next to me asks what book I'm reading that is causing me to laugh so much)! In this installment, Sizzling Sixteen, Stephanie's Uncle Vinnie is kidnapped because he owes too much money to his bookie. This is a big problem because with Vinne kidnapped Stephanie is unable to do her job as a bounty hunter and collect funds so that she can pay her rent! Even though Vinnie is a sleaze, bless his heart, he is related to Stephanie and she feels as if she owes it to him to try and rescue him. Of course, she has help from plus-size former prostitute Lula, her policeman on-again-off-again boyfriend Morelli, the elusive bounty hunter and private contractor Ranger, and the Bonds Office Manager Connie. The group performs several hilarious rescue attempts while Stephanie is chased (literally) by the bad guys hunting Vinnie and (figuratively) by Morelli and Ranger. I enjoy this series because it paints a realistic portrait of Trenton, New Jersey and its residents and the book characters are very enjoyable. One for the Money, the first book in the series is currently in production as a movie and if it resembles the book even a little bit the movie should be a real treat to watch.

Remember Me

Every now and then I watch a movie that is so beautifully written it makes me want to cry. Remember Me, starring Robert Pattinson and Emilile De Ravin is one of those types of movies. It takes place in the Summer of 2001, in New York city, and is the story of a young man and woman, who each have had their own tragic experiences, who meet and begin a passionate love affair. The couple each let go enough to work through their own pain and the end result is a stunning piece of acting. The emotions and feeliings are so raw, that the viewer is totally sucked in to the film. This movie is an unforgettable story about the power of the heart, the strength of family, and the importance of treasuring every day of one's life. This is a great film to watch if you want to be inspired to live your life to its fullest!

Get Cut into Pieces by the Jigsaw Man...

It's so hot out! What better way to cool off than with a chilling read! Horror is not my usual forte but this title was so interesting that it just called to me. The Jigsaw Man by Gord Rollo opens as our hero, Mike Fox, is just about to commit suicide. His task is interrupted by a man in a stretch limo offering him two million dollars in cash for his right arm. Since he's left handed he figures it's a good deal and the money would provide for his teenage daughter from whom he's estranged. But that's only the beginning. The mysterious surgeon's plans go far, far beyond one simple limb, and Fox isn't his only "donor." Once Fox is trapped behind the operating room doors, he discovers there is no escape from the madness, as bit by bloody bit his body is taken from him and gradually replaced...

This frenetic story has a twisted plot that is suspenseful and a real page-turner. If you are a fan of Stephen King or Dean Koontz you will really love this book.

Sweater Quest by Adrienne Martini is her year of knitting dangerously. For Martini and countless others, knitting is the linchpin of sanity. As a working mother of two, Martini wanted a challenge that would make her feel in charge. So, she decided to make the Holy Grail of sweaters--her own Mary Tudor--whose mind-numbingly gorgeous pattern is so complicated to knit that its mere mention can hush a roomful of experience knitters. Created by reclusive designer Alice Starmore, the Mary Tudor can be found only in a rare, out-of-print book of Fair Isle-style patterns, Tudor Roses, and requires a discontinued, irreplaceable yarn. The sweater, Martinin explains, "is a Knitter's Mount Everest, or curse, and our compulsion. I want one more than I can begin to tell you."

So, Martini took on the challenge: one year, two needles, and countless knits and purls to conquer Mary Tudor while also taking care of her two kids, two cats, two jobs, and (thankfully) one husband--without unraveling in the process. Along the way, Adrienne investigates the tangled origins of the coveted pattern, inquires into the nature of artistic creation, and details her quest to buy supplies on the knitting black market. As she tries not to pull out her hair along with her rows gone wrong, Martini gets guidance from some knitterati, who offer invaluable inspiration as she conquers her fear of Fair Isle.

In My Father's House

I was very sad when I learned about E. Lynn Harris' death in 2009. In My Father's House is Harris' last book, and it was finished posthumously and published in June 2010. This book is full of candor and honesty and speaks for all of those readers who can't or refuse to live their lives as a lie. In My Father's House is the first book in a new series for Harris. Set in Miami's South Beach, the series features Bentley Dean, owner of the hottest modeling agency in town, who specializes in finding the perfect Aftrican-American model for exclusive jobs. Bentley was ousted from his family by his dad, when he announced that he was gay and was moving away to be in a relationship with a man. Ever since that day, Bentley has worked hard to make it on his own, steadily wishing that he could have a second chance with his dad. Five years later, the economy is taking its toll on Bentley's agency and he takes a "risky" job supplying models as "eye-candy" at an A-List party for a Hollywood movie star. When one of Bentley's close friends falls in love with a closeted actor, all bets are off as Bentley struggles to help his friend while maintaining the secrecy of his agency's clients. Bentley's life spirals further downward when his dad has a sudden heart attack and Bently must face him again. The writing in this story is beautiful and Harris' characters come alive. This book is truly a fitting epitaph for a great writer who will be missed.

Ten Things to Do When Your Life Falls Apart

While leafing through this book, The Ten Things to Do When Your Life Falls Apart by Daphne Rose Kingma, I ran across a section about why she decided to write this book. A friend of her had these dire circumstances happen to her and wanted comfort. The circumstances? Her boyfriend of six years had just announced he was in love with another woman. Her landlord had given her a thirty day notice to vacate her apartment. Her job as a school librarian was being axed as a consequence of budget cuts. She caught her fourteen-year-old daughter smoking dope, then her eighty-three-year old mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's--the diagnosis coming a week before she was going to send her daughter to live with her mom so the purple-haired girl could get a taste of some good old-fashioned stability.

Then, a second friend faced a similar round of maladies; he lost his job, his wife left him, and his financial portfolio had dwindled to less than a third of its original size. On a moment's noitce he'd had to move from the apartment he'd moved into just six months before, and he'd been diagnosed with a slow-moving degenerative disease that would, ultimately, be fatal. The second friend asked for a list of ten things to do to get through this crisis. This is the list the author came up with. She states, "these ten things--and I don't care what you cal them; ways, steps, practices, teachings--are things to do, to stop doing, to think of, to remember, and to become so that you can find your way through this very hard time. Their purpose is to show you that rather than being random assaults from an uncaring universe, the difficulties you are going through have meaning and purpose. Not only is your crisis here to get you to exercise your coping muscles, and therein discover your strenth; your problems also have a larger purpose. And that is to remind you of the quality of being that you truly are--powerful, loving, eternal."

This book will take you on a path of emotional spiritual healing with particular attention to the complex and freqeuntly overwhelming circumstances of our lives right now. The perfect combination of empathic friend, sage counselor, savvy problem solver, and even gallows humorist, Kingma looks straight intot he predicaments so many of us face. She then offers ten deceptively simple yet profoundly effective strategies for coping on practical, emotional, and spiritual levels. The devastating events cannot be changed, but after reading this book you will be, having recovered a sense of equanimity, spirit and strength. Whether you're struggling with money issues, job loss, relationship problems, an unexpected health crisis, or all of the above, this book will light your path and heal your heart.

And, one of the chapter titles in the introduction I'm going to make my personal mantra: It's not your fault, it's your journey.

The French Women Don't Get Fat Cookbook

Mireille Guiliano is the #1 bestselling author of French Women Don't Get Fat, the ultimate non-diet book on how to enjoy food and stay slim. This cookbook is the follow-up to her diet book, as it contains recipes that are the cornerstone of her philosophy. Guiliano's French Women Don't Get Fat Cookbook is filled with mouthwatering, simply prepared dishes that favor fresh, seasonal ingredients and and high taste. The recipes are created with easy cooking methods and emphasize pure flavors and ingredients. Eating with pleasure as well as in a healthy way is important to the French woman (as it is to all women :) and Guiliano also includes recipes for desserts and chocolate as well as advice on entertaining, menu planning and wine selection. This cookbook is a great choice for anyone wanting to experiment with great French recipes as well as trim their waistline! The cookbook also contains stories from Guiliano's childhood in France, her life in Paris, Provence and New York and tales about travels and meals for business acquaintances, friends and family. Mireille Guiliano sums up the book when she says it is "a beautiful, practical lifestyle guide to living well, eating wonderfully, and getting the most out of life with the least amount of stress." Guiliamo was born and raised in France, is married to an American, and divides her time between New York City, Paris and Provence. Visit her online at http://www.frenchwomendontgetfat.com/

Try Grisham's Short Stories

John Grisham's Ford County is a warm, humorous and poignant collection of stories about the residents of Ford County, Mississippi. Although Ford County is a fictional place, the characters are very real and Grisham does an outstanding job at placing the reader exactly inside the minds of these folks. Each story invoves a different aspect of Ford County, from lawyers, to casinos, retirement home corruption, racial tension and family relationships. My favorite story in this collection is "Funny Boy," a sensitive story about a family who has ostracized and disowned their gay son and what happens when he contracts AIDS and moves home to die. These stories might make you laugh or cry, but they will definitely give you a snapshot of life in a small-town, gossipy Mississippi county. These short stories are a big departure from Grisham's usual legal thrillers, so be prepared for a different sort of story when you read Ford County!

Try a New Mexican Dish

I have discovered the most adorable new mexican recipe book! 500 Mexican Dishes, by Judith Fertig claims to be "the only compendium of Mexican dishes you'll ever need," and I believe she is correct! This collection of recipes offers a full range of authentic Mexican recipes, from appetizers and snacks to numberous fajitas, casseroles, sauces, and grilled dishes. Also included are recipes for for entertaining a crowd including festive desserts and both hot and cold drinks. I especially enjoyed the recipes for classic Mexican basics like soft corn and flour tortillas, which is a skill I have always wanted to learn. The recipes in this book are not from one region of Mexico, but instead relect the geographic diversity of the country. Each recipe includes a full color picture of the finished product, as well as several pages of variations on certain recipes with the basic recipe referenced. The book is a small size, too, which makes it perfect for standing on your kitchen's recipe holder! The introduction also includes definitions of the different regional cuisines and descriptions of crucial ingredients and equipment needed. Authoer Judith Fertig formally trained at La Varenne in Paris and Le Cordon Bleu in London. She is a Kansas City-based food writer whose work has appeared in international newspapers and magazines. She is also a cookbook author, culinary instructor, and food stylist and has appeared on several national and local television and radio programs.

Be Green and Crafty!

I have found the perfect book for folks who enjoy making crafts as well as pinching pennies and making the world a "greener" place! The Big Green Book of Recycled Crafts, published by Leisure Arts, contains over 100 earth-friendly projects that range from easy to hard. This book sets its tone in the beginning, as the first project discussed is how to make a "Fused recycled bag tote" using many of those plastic shopping bags you have lying around the house! There are some truly unique crafts here, such as the sun catchers created by using pint berry containers and the plastic lids of take-out containers, to pizza-box stepping stones for your garden. The book contains plenty of color illustrations of the finished projects, as well as a section of patterns and general instructions to complete the projects. The greatest aspect of this bok is that it uses items that you recycle every day! This is a great book to be examined by anyone who enjoys crafting and saving our environment.

Mma Ramostswe Strikes Again!

The newest book in the "No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency" series is another charmer! Alexander McCall-Smith's The Double Comfort Safai Club is the latest book in the series and serves its purpose of giving the readers of this much-loved series more information about the main characters as well as solving a few mysteries! These books are cozies, and the setting of Botswana (and its people) is as much a part of these books as are the main characters. I highly suggest that you read these books in order, as McCall-Smith advances the lives of the characters with every installment. In this book, a terrible accident occurs to Mma Makutsi's fiance', Phuti Radiphuti, and Mma Ramotswe must help her Assistant Detective with her personal problems while attending to the agency's cases as well. My favorite part of this book was when Mma Ramotswe and Mma Makutsi went on a safari in the Delta in order to locate one of the guides. The actions of both women were humorous and it was refreshing to see them visit a new place. These books are great if you enjoy light reading about a place, Botswana, that is alive and vibrant and full of interesting characters.

Cat of the Century

Rita Mae Brown, and her co-author Sneaky Pie Brown (her beloved tiger cat) have written another entertaining cozy! Cat of the Century is the eighteenth book in the "Mrs. Murphy" series starring Mary Minor "Harry" Harristeen, former postmistress of the town of Crozet, VA. I whole-heartedly believe you should read these books in series order, as the characters develop with each story and if you begin in the middle you might be confused as to who is who and why they act the way they do! Crozet is your typical small southern town---everyone knows everyone else and tries to meddle in your business, but in a charming way, of course. Harry is a farmer, and is descended from a long line of Virginians who instilled in their children a love of the land, animals and proper manners. In Cat of the Century, Harry is attending a reunion at William Woods College, because her Aunt Tally is the featured speaker and the reunion has been planned around her 100th birthday celebration. The mystery, in this book, occurs when several alumni association officers wind up dead. Even though Harry never attended William Woods, she is thrust thick in the middle of the mystery when she attempts to discover who murdered the officers and for what reason. Harry's trusted companions, her cats Mrs. Murphy and Pewter and her dog Tucker, along with Aunt Tally and he best friends' animals, use their animal intelligence to help Harry solve the case. I enjoy this series because the animals talk to each other, and the reader hears their thoughts, but humans cannot understand them and they must use their wits to communicate. These books are great for mystery lovers who love animals and prefer their mysteries not too violent. Check out Rita Mae and Sneaky Pie on their website at ww.ritamaebrown.com.

One Funny and Classy Lady

This blog post has been written by Evangeline, the library's Local History Librarian!

When I was a little girl, I remember watching reruns of the Carol Burnett show on television. I may not have gotten every joke, but I knew it was funny (You really don't seem to find that kind of comedic talent these days). In her latest memoir, This Time Together: Laughter and Reflection, Carol Burnett shares some of the most intimate and poignant thoughts about growing up, as well as discusses her time in show business. She has recently been touring in a show that resembles the question and answer segment she used to do at the beginning of her famous variety show; and this book contains the answers to some of the most often asked of those questions. There are stories about famous people: Jimmy Stewart, Lucille Ball, Cary Grant and even Marlon Brando. There are stories about each of the members of the cast from the Carol Burnett Show--Vicki Lawrence, Lyle Wagoner, Harvey Korman, and, of course, Tim Conway. My favorite stories, though, are those personal stories that she includes about her children, her Nanny, her pets and the everyday people she meets. Be on the lookout for the story of the time she had to take her little dog to the vet in New York during a full blown blizzard, or the time that she was on an airplane with a bunch of Japanese businessmen. One of my personal favorites is the time she was "almost" mugged in New York City! All of these stories illustrate the determination and wit Carol Burnett has used throughout her life to achieve her goals and entertain the masses. She is a regular person with a great talent who is loved by millions. This book is a wonderful and uplifting read and I highly recommend it to those who love Carol Burnett or those who just love good stories.

Saving Gracie

I read a book I could not put down! It contained suspense, horror, murder, retribution and joy. What is this must read book? The title is Saving Gracie: How One dog Escaped the Shadowy World of American Puppy Mills by Carol Bradley. The world of puppy mills is frankly awful. The statistics listed in the book are horrifying. Dogs are bred over and over again in cages with not enough room to stand up in and are confined there with their own excrement. If injuries occur, including broken bones or the loss of a limb, they must endure with no medical help. They are useful until they can no longer breed and then they are shot, poisoned, drowned, etc. as one of the many methods used to end their lives. By 2007 the Humane Society of the United States estimated from two to four million puppy mill dogs were sold in the United States and the number of puppy mills had risen to 10,000. In some areas they are regarded as a cash crop. Gracie, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was rescued from a breeder with 337 other dogs. She was so matted that she had to be completely shaved. Along with the skin infections, her ears were infected and filled with mucus. She had a case of dry eye so advanced that it had left her half blind and her teeth were almost completely decayed. She was eventually adopted but showed severe emotional problems that her owner had to work hard to overcome. Today she is a beloved pet that will always have some issues but now she is a member of a family and just not a puppy producer.

Gourmet Game Night

While many types of entertainment have suffered during the recession, the popularity of board games is on the rise. And with more game nights at home, there of course is the need for more hours d'oeuvres. Gourmet Game Night by Cynthia Nims comes to the rescue and applies several different snack strategies in an effort to eliminate such social dilemmas as sticky playing cards, greasy dice, and stained Monopoly money. Skewers make for a perfect hands-off approach to treats like lamb and olive kebabs and herb-marinated shrimp. Sandwiches are a time-honored way to stay dainty. Among the ten offered are chicken salad with orange and walnuts and petits croque monsiers with Gruyere and plum tomatoes. And if it is a food that cannot be stabbed or placed between slices of bread, it can probably be miniaturized and self-contained. Witness the baby baja tacos, where seafood, cilantro, and sour cream are wrapped tight in a six-inch tortilla, or the stuffed large pasta shells with kale-rocotta filling. Nims also includes tiny desserts such as mocha cheesecake bars and large drinks like lava lounge punch, with rum and Chambord, to help placate sore losers.

Bite Me! A Love Story...

Christopher Moore is the master of black comedy and his books are always a treat to read! Bite Me is his latest novel, and is the last installment in a trilogy (Bloodsucking Fiends is the first book, and You Suck is the second). Bite Me stars San Franciscan goth girl Abby Normal and her brainiac boyfriend, Stephen "Foo Dog" Wong. They are chasing a huge vampire cat and his vampire kitty minions, but life becomes more complicated when three ancient vampires intent on revenge arrive in the city. The "old ones" want payback for a few deeds Abby and Foo Dog committed in the earlier books, and Abby and Foo are forced into many different actions in order to save their friends, themselves, and ensure the safety of San Franciso. I really enjoyed the appearance of characters from the first two books, especially the Animals (the night stock crew at the Safeway supermarket) and the self-proclaimed "Emperor of San Franciso" and his "men" (a Boston Terrier and a Labrador Retriever). the book is peppered with contemporary slang and some rough language, but it accurately reflects the life of a twenty-something-year-old today, albeit with a lot of vampirism thrown in! Christopher invites all his readers to visit his website at http://www.chrismoore.com/ and e-mail him at BSFiends@aol.com.

House Rules

Every time I read a Jodi Picoult novel, I think to myself, "I'm not reading any more gut wrenching books"....but somehow...I always succomb to reading the next book she publishes. Picoult's latest, House Rules, is another example of fine writing by this author. I truly enjoy how she tackles huge issues (such as leukemia, school shootings, missing children) in such a way that the issue becomes deeply personal for the reader. House Rules focuses on one family, single mom Emma and her two sons Jacob and Theo. Jacob has been diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome (it's related to autism and basically means that Jacob is a brilliant kid who has crippling social and communication skills, who can barely function in the world, and is extremely sensitive to external stimuli such as light and sound), and Emma's whole world is focused on Jacob's daily life. Jacob is eighteen, attends regular high school and has a "social skills coach," Jess, who helps teach him how to act in social situations. Jacob mostly functions okay, except when his carefully structured day is interrupted and he is thrown into super meltdown mode. Emma, Jacob and Theo exist as well as they can until Jess mysteriously dies one day and suspicion falls on Jacob. The exploration of the family dynamics is the best part of this book--I learned a lot of information I didn't know about Asperger's disease and now appreciate the intricacies of life of those who have been diagnosed. If you are a fan of Jodi Picoult try also reading The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver.

Law Abiding Citizen

I have a friend who is a BIG fan of Gerard Butler, so naturally, I have to see every movie he plays in so I can discuss the particulars with her. His latest movie, Law Abiding Citizen, has just been published on DVD and is a 3-Day check-out movie at the library. The basic premise of the movie is that Gerard Butler plays the role of Clyde Shelton, an upstanding family man whose wife and daughter were brutally murdered during a home invasion. When the killers are caught, Nick Rice (played by Jamie Foxx) is the up-and-coming Philadelphia prosecutor assigned to the case. Nick is forced to offer one of the suspects a lighter sentence in exchange for his testifying against his accomplice. Ten years later the killer who received the lighter sentence is found dead, and Clyde admits his guilt. Clyde then issues a warning to Nick that he needs to fix the flawed justice system or else other key players in the trial will die. Shelton soon follows through on his threats, orchestrating a string of murders from his jail cell. The movie is very intense, action-packed and full of surprises. Clyde is an ingenious killer and Jamie Foxx plays a great "good guy." It is refreshing to see Gerard Butler play the crafty criminal, and the special effects are wonderful. I think this movie would be great for any fan of taught, suspense-filled thrillers.

Be Crafty with Martha Stewart!

I have been eagerly waiting for the publication of Martha Stewart's latest book, the Encyclopedia of Sewing and Fabric Crafts. The book includes basic techniques for sewing, applique', embroidery, quilting, dyeing, and printing, plus 150 inspired projects from A to Z. It also includes a CD featuring "print-at-home" patterns and templates! Being a quilter and craft lover, looking at this book made my fingers itch to start another project (just ignore the three half-finished quilts I have currently at my house). The book has beautiful pictures and great ideas for projects such as drawstring pants, box pillows and cases, duvet covers, sarongs, handkerchiefs, roman shades, and upholstered dining room chairs. The instructions are detailed and pictures illustrate many of the steps involved with each project. The book ends with a nice section (with colored picture examples) of tools and materials needed to complete the projects, and a buyer's guide, with phone numbers, for each of the projects. If you are thinking about a perfect gift for your crafty friend or relative (or your friendly local librarian), this book is a real winner!

Get a Handle on Herbs and Nutritional Supplements

Every time I work our library's Circulation Desk I discover a really interesting book that I just have to read! The book I found yesterday is Guide to Herbs & Nutritional Supplements: What You Need to Know from Aloe to Zinc by Laura Shane-McWhorter. Endorsed by the American Diabetes Association, this book is essential reading for anyone, diabetic or not, who decides to treat their ailments with natural dietary supplements. The best part of this book is the beginning--the author's preface quickly notes that dietary supplements are not the "end-all-be-all" answer to curing a person's disease. Shane-McWhorter states that all patients should use dietary supplements with guidance from a medical professional on their benefits and cautions. The book does not recommend specific supplements or brands, but gives general information on the safety and effectiveness of many commonly used supplements. Each entry lists the supplements common name (and other names it is called by), uses, the dosage amount, and studies completed on the supplement, and a list of side effects and drug interactions. The only thing that might have made this book better would be pictures of the individual supplements in the forms you would take them. I think this book would be an excellent choice for persons seeking information on the pros and cons of dietary supplements.

The Seventh Witch

The Seventh Witch is the latest book in the Ophelia and Abby Jensen series by Shirley Damsgaard. Ophelia is a small-town librarian in Iowa who has inherited her supernatural talents from a long line of her ancestors. Her grandmother, Abby is talented also, and together they make a great team. The setting of this book is a change from the usual--Ophelia, Abby and Ophelia's adopted daughter Tink travel to the hills of North Carolina for Great-Aunt Mary's 100th birthday. In this small southern town, Ophelia's family is known for its magical abilities, but a vengeful local witch wants revenge for events from the past. Ophelia must use her talents to save her loved ones, before revenge takes them over and bad blood turns deadly! I love the family relationships in this series, as well as Ophelia's reluctant acceptance of her witch heritage. I recommend reading this series in order, as the relationships develop throughout the books.

Faces of the Gone

I was really intrigued with the title of this book, which is one of the reasons I first picked it up! Faces of the Gone is a fast-paced thrill ride and the debut for author Brad Parks. Author Parks graduated from Dartmouth College and spent a dozen years as a reporter with The Washington Post and The Star-Ledger (Newark, NJ). He currently writes novels and lives with his wife and two small children in Virginia. For more information on Brad Parks, visit his web site at http://www.bradparksbooks.com/. Faces of the Gone stars investigative reporter Carter Ross, an employee of the Newark Eagle-Examiner who is sent to the scene of a crime: four bodies stacked in a vacant lot with a single bullet wound in the back of each head. Ross is puzzled by the fact that the four victims have nothing in common--an exotic dancer, a drug dealer, a hustler and a momma's boy--and all resided in different parts of the city. The police eagerly pounce on the theory that the murders are revenge for a bar robbery, and Ross' paper prints the story, but Carter is determined to figure out the truth. Carter enlists the help of several newspaper employees and discovers that the victims do have one thing in common, but this discovery could get him killled. This book has a great "New Jersey flavor" and if you like Harlan Coben's books, you are sure to love Brad Parks!

Bring the "Oscars" Home...

I enjoy watching the Academy Awards every year, and diligently try to watch every movie in the "Best Picture" category before the big awards night. I am really NOT sure where this year has gone, but I was only able to watch a few of the nominated movies this year before the awards ceremony. If you're in the same boat as me, don't worry! The Warren County-Vicksburg Public Library is a great place to visit to check out Oscar nominees and past winners. We are blessed to have a wonderful DVD collection on our first floor, and if you are unable to find the movie you are looking for, you can place a "reserve" on the item by logging into your library account from one of our catalog-accessible computers or by asking a library staff member for help! I recently watched The Hurt Locker (this year's "Best Picture Winner") and Up In the Air (one of this year's "Best Picture Nominees.") The library's goal is to purchase DVD's as soon as they are released, so keep checking the library's catalog if you are looking for a particular item. Remember that your library staff is available to help you find the perfect movie for your viewing enjoyment!

Fido Fashion

Lately, have you been thinking that Fido looks like a candidate for "What Not to Wear?" If so, then check out Dogwear by Mette Syrstad Hoydal. It has over thirty super-easy sewing projectst that offer fashionable, functional and fun gear for your four-legged friend. From vests to jackets to chokers, these are made for the nattily attired pooch. And in additon to the forward fashions, there are also directions for collapsible water bowls, doggie bags, harnesses and dog bed liners. Whether pure-bred or shelter-adopted, these styles will let your love for your furry friend shine through. See if you can resist the cute pooch on the cover of this adorable book!

Yasmine Galenorn Strikes Again!

I will forever be grateful to my co-worker, Denise, for introducing me to the world of Yasmine Galenorn! I just finished reading the seventh book in her "Otherworld Series" and I enjoyed it as much as I have the other six. The latest book in this series is titled Bone Magic, and it follows the lives of the D'Artigo sisters, three half-fae, half-human women who work for the Otherworld Intelligence Agency and live on Earth. Mennolly is a vampire, Delilah is a shapeshifter who shifts into a cat and Camille is a witch who serves the Moon Mother. Every book focuses mainly on one sister and Bone Magic's focus is on Camille. I recommend reading the books in order, as many of the story elements build on each other, especially the relationships between the sisters and their various human, demon and fae family and friends. The sisters face intense peril as they fight against the demons threatening to take over Earth and the other forces determined to rip apart the fabric separating the Otherworld and Earth and wreak irrevocable damage. The action in Bone Magic is intense and there are plenty of good and evil characters running loose. Each sister has to face her own trials and tribulations and life does not always work out easily for them. I truly enjoy reading these books because they showcase a world that is different from ours but entirely believable. I also found out some other news---Yasmine Galenorn is currently writing a new series involving vampires that will be published later this year! For more information on this author, check out her web site at http://www.galenorn.com/.

What Can One Yard of Fabric Make?

I have found one of the cutest books for you or your favorite crafty person! The book is One-Yard Wonders by Rebecca Yaker and Patricia Hoskins, and includes 101 sewing projects from totes and aprons, to tea cozies, laptop covers and dog beds. The book is full of photos and easy-to-follow instructions and even includes patterns for some of the projects. The best thing is that each project can be made from one yard of fabric. If you are anything like me, you have tons of "just the right fabric" lying around your house, and the projects in this book are perfect ways to showcase those fabrics in your home or as a gift for you or a friend. The book is spiral bound so it's easy to turn the pages and lay them flat while you are creating the projects. There is a handy glossary in the back of the book as well as a nice introductory section detailing sewing techniques such as types of stitches and instructions on how to make your own bias tape. Author Rebecca Yaker owns Hazel and Melvin's Room, http://www.hazelandmelvin.com/, an online boutique for which she designs and creates custom baby bedding, accessories and apparel, and author Patricia Hoskins is the cofounder of Crafty Planet, http://www.craftyplanet.com/, a retail fabric and needlework store and craft workshop in Minneapolis, MN. Together, Robecca and Patricia organize the No Coast Craft-a-Rama, an independent craft fair held every year.