Bret Witter – författare

Moving and inspirational reflections on life from one woman, diagnosed with ALS, making the most of her final days with family and friends.In June 2011, award–winning journalist Susan Spencer-Wendel was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), more commonly known as Lou Gehrig''s disease, a disease that systematically destroys nerves that power muscles. Forty-five years old and a mother of three, Susan walks with braces and is losing her ability to speak. Unable to stop the rapid decline of her body, she refuses to let her life stop before its time. Since her diagnosis, Susan makes sure every day counts, is more present than ever in her daily life, and ready to share her strength, determination, and spirit.Until I Say Goodbye is a truly magical story and so much more than one woman''s "bucket list." It''s a celebration of life, a look into the face of death, and the effort we must make to show the people that we love and care about how very much they mean to us."Touching and brutally honest." —USA Today"Susan Spencer-Wendel had to face the question, ''What would you do if you had a year to live?'' This profound, tender, and often funny account of her experiences will remind readers of what really matters most: love." —New York Times bestselling author Gretchen Rubin"This heartbreaking and heartwarming good-bye will make you laugh as much as it makes you cry. Susan Spencer-Wendel''s determination to find the joy in life after having been dealt the ALS card is both inspirational and enlightening." —New York Times bestselling author Cokie Roberts

There is nothing stronger than a mother''s love . . . except a good glass of moonshine.The mountains of North Carolina are rich—lush with the greens and blues of the seven-mile views and bursting with a culture where the ways of Old Appalachia meet the new South. This is the heart of moonshine country, where they practice an art passed down from generation to generation, crafted not only out of pride and ingenuity, but also out of a daring to push the boundaries of the law to create a product that has come, in many ways, to symbolize America.Troy Ball is a classic Southern belle, with an easy charm, impeccable manners, a wide smile, and golden-blond hair. But beneath that crisp white blouse and strand of pearls is a streak of tenacity a mile wide. In the early 2000s, Troy and her husband, Charlie, left their native Texas for the up-and-coming town of Asheville, North Carolina, because the climate was better for the health of their two severely ill, special-needs sons. Troy found there something the dedicated mom never expected: time for herself. And then along came Forrest Jarrett, an Appalachian raconteur with a pickup truck, a thousand stories to tell, and a sip or two of white squeezings, aka moonshine, to share with the newcomer. What followed was a surprising friendship and a five-year journey into the heart of distilling old-fashioned corn whiskey. Stretching back to Colonial times and forward to today and the Byzantine laws Troy had to navigate to become the first female legal moonshiner in the history of the South, this a true moonshine-making odyssey that will touch your soul. When the real estate crash wiped out her family financially and threatened the safety of her children, Troy realized that moonshine was more than a hobby . . . her world-class whiskey (and newfound friends) could save her family, too.  Pure Heart is a story of dedication, inspiration, and days spent in a run-down shack in the company of some of the finest and funniest good-old boys you''d ever want to meet. It is the story of how a strong woman used grit and determination to launch a thriving business, and what a mother will do to help her children. It is also about sharing a drink with friends—and all that is great about the South.

The inspiring, instructive and ultimately triumphant memoir of a man who used hard work and a Master Plan to turn a life sentence into a second chance.Growing up in a tough Washington, DC, neighborhood, Chris Wilson was so afraid for his life he wouldn''t leave the house without a gun. One night, defending himself, he killed a man. At 18, he was sentenced to life in prison with no hope of parole.But what should have been the end of his story became the beginning. Deciding to make something of his life, Chris embarked on a journey of self-improvement--reading, working out, learning languages, even starting a business. He wrote his Master Plan: a list of all he expected to accomplish or acquire. He worked his plan every day for years, and in his mid 30s he did the impossible: he convinced a judge to reduce his sentence and became a free man. Today, Chris is a successful social entrepreneur who employs returning citizens; a mentor; and a public speaker. He is the embodiment of second chances, and this is his unforgettable story.

A heartwarming dog story like no other: Tuesday, a lovable golden retriever, changes a former soldier's life forever.A highly decorated captain in the U.S. Army, Luis Montalvan never backed down from a challenge during his two tours of duty in Iraq. After returning home from combat, however, his physical wounds and crippling post-traumatic stress disorder began to take their toll. He wondered if he would ever recover.Then Luis met Tuesday, a sensitive golden retriever trained to assist the disabled. Tuesday had lived among prisoners and at a home for troubled boys, and he found it difficult to trust in or connect with a human being--until Luis. Until Tuesday is the story of how two wounded warriors, who had given so much and suffered the consequences, found salvation in each other. It is a story about war and peace, injury and recovery, psychological wounds and spiritual restoration. But more than that, it is a story about the love between a man and dog, and how, together, they healed each other's souls.

UNTIL TUESDAY is the story of how Tuesday, a service dog, helps to heal a shattered soldier. Luis Carlos Montalván is a 17-year veteran and retired captain of the US Army. Even after suffering stab wounds, a traumatic brain injury and three broken vertebrae, Captain Luis chose to remain at his post on the Iraq-Syria border. In his mind, he had come this far, now wasn''t the time to abandon his comrades. However, when Luis returned home, the pressures and injuries proved too much to bear. Physical disabilities, agoraphobia and crippling PTSD drove him to the brink of suicide. And that''s when he met Tuesday. UNTIL TUESDAY entwines Luis'' story of courage and bravery with that of his trusted dog, Tuesday, and shows how a brave soldier who fought tirelessly for his country, found a way back from the devastation of being injured in action, with the help of his canine friend.

Vicki Myron follows up her #1 New York Times bestseller Dewey with stories of cats who inspire their owners- includes two brand-new Dewey stories!

 

Dewey is back with more heartwarming moments and life lessons to share, all told from the perspective of Dewey''s "mom," retired librarian Vicki Myron.

From a divorced mother in Alaska who saved a drowning kitten on Christmas Eve to a troubled Vietnam veteran whose heart opened to a rescued cat-to two new stories featuring Dewey himself- these stories demonstrate the power animals have to touch and alter the course of our lives. This edition will also include a new, real-life story from a fan that highlights how a cat has touched his or her life.

A heartwarming and inspirational fable from the Radio City Christmas Spectacular Santa based on his own personal journey of discovering the magic of Christmas.Every year, over a million people attend the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, where they have the pleasure of seeing Charles Edward Hall don a red suit and become the world’s most famous Santa Claus—a role he has played for over thirty-five years. But Hall wasn’t always such a jolly old soul. Believe it or not, this Santa was once a Scrooge—literally. For the first time, Charles tells the inspiring story of his own transformation, from a wide-eyed child who once caught a glimpse of Santa through a frosty windowpane, to a young man who lost his faith in jolly old Saint Nick. It wasn’t until fate intervened, in the form of an unexpected role, a stage malfunction, and hundreds of letters from children, that Charles rediscovered his Christmas spirit. Ultimately, he discovered two life-changing lessons: this was his life’s work, and that Santa is real. When Charles needed him most, Santa was there, with kind words and a special gift. As this delightful true-life fable proves, he is there for everyone. All it takes is a good heart, an honest joy, and a belief in the magic of Christmas.