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“Appalachian Paradise” This romance novel by Maggie Bishop of Deep Gap centers on the testy sparks between an athletic career woman and a rugged backwoodsman. Suzanne, a software programmer and control freak, meets her match in protective Wes, an Appalachian Dundee-type who packs charm to spare. He’s been chosen to accompany her on a five-day backpacking trek through Pisgah National Forest. She knows how to organize kitchen cabinets and needs to relax. He knows that apples grow on the southern side of clearings and is more sophisticated than he appears. Both headstrong, they’re drawn to each other. But does their tension abate? Will romance bloom as profusely as the mountain rhododendron? High Country Publishers in Boone. Softcover, 172 pages, $9.95. Call (828) 964-0590. |
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“Canine Courage: The Heroism of Dogs” Dogs have saved people from dangers such
as drowning, fire, armed intruders and animal attacks. This recently
released book explores stories of
heroism and helps explain why dogs are so dog-gone loyal. Maryland
author Tiffin Shewmake analyzes how dogs recognize danger and examines
what motivates them to help people. According to her book, heroism
is related to loyalty. She includes tales such as “Shep,” who
waited years at a railroad station for his owner’s return,
and “Bobbie,” who
traveled hundreds of miles to find his family. The book also covers
clever dogs with jobs, such as dogs who assist the disabled, firehouse
dogs, canine mail carriers and a Morse code operator mutt. $15.95.
Pagefree Publishing. Softcover, 200 pages. Visit www.doghero.com,
or order from major |
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“Mountain Born, Mountain Molded” Born in a three-room shack, author Larry Morgan writes about growing up in the Nantahala region of western North Carolina. His parents raised 10 children, and Morgan lovingly depicts his family life in this tongue-in-cheek memoir. His narrative, set between 1945-1955, includes a list of “Mountain English” and descriptions about how mountain folk made their clothes, furnishings and houses, along with stories about typical labor, education, medical care and religious practices. Morgan, who went on to earn graduate degrees in education, now lives near Winston-Salem in Davidson County. Softcover, 167 pages, $14.95. Parkway Publishers. Visit www.parkwaypublishers.com or call (800) 821-9155. |
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“Best of Reminisce” More than 200 stories from Reminisce magazine are assembled in this recently published book. The commemorative collection mirrors the format of the nostalgia magazine and features vintage photographs and true-life stories written by readers. Recollections include going to the local soda fountain for treats, taking family trips in the old car, the thrill of cranking homemade ice cream, sending away for radio premiums, feeding the old coal furnace, and switching to electricity for the first time. Hardcover, 192 pages. $19.99. Reminisce Books in Wisconsin. Call (800) 558-1013 (specify item 32111). |
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“A Guide to North Carolina’s Wineries” Explaining that “no other wine region in
the world grows every major type of grape,” authors Joseph
Mills and Danielle Tarmey profile 22 of the state’s wineries
in their new book. The authors also explore the history of winemaking,
provide
techniques used to
create a good vintage, and offer profiles of people in the industry.
Divided by Western, Eastern and Piedmont regions, each winery listing
includes wines produced along with recipes or recommended food
pairings. 144 pages, softcover, 50 black-and-white photographs.
$10.95. Visit
www.blairpub.com |
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“The Other Side of Orphan” Cary author Terry Barlow believes we are all “spiritual orphans,” hence, the title of his book, “The Other Side of Orphan.” An eclectic collection of brief homilies, poems and epigrams are presented, often in a religious context. Chapters titled “Father,” “Son,” and “Spirit” span topics ranging from the greenhouse effect to guilt and power. The softcover book, published by Vantage Press Inc. in 2002, is 114 pages. $9.95. It can be purchased at traditional and online bookstores. |