Most Popular Books by Lisa Coleman

Clearwater, situated on Florida''s Gulf Coast, is a progressive city that is rife with history and known for its breathtaking landscape. The city that has become one of the state''s prime destinations was once inhabited by Timucuan, Calusa, and Apalachee tribes. Early settlers called the area that had plentiful fresh springs along its shore Clear Water Harbor from the Native American word "Pocotopaug," and early developers and speculators drew tourists and residents touting Clearwater as a resort community with a comfortable climate. Opportunity and adventure brought many pioneering families, citrus farmers, railroad barons, and land developers to the area. Today, Clearwater is a locality that continues to move forward while preserving its distinct past. Images of America: Clearwater is a unique collection of vintage photographs and facts that brings to life the history of this thriving city. Photographs culled from a variety of sources, including the Clearwater Historical Society and Hillsborough County Public Library''s archives, showcase the people, places, and events that have contributed to the history of this special Florida community. Readers can take a visual journey to the unincorporated town of yesteryear to see how James Stevens, "the father of Clearwater;" Rev. C.S. Reynolds; and Henry Plant''s grand hotel, the Belleview Biltmore, turned Clearwater into a prosperous city.

Prior to its incorporation in 1855, Tampa Town--as it was then known--was a desolate place to live, and disease and isolation kept many from settling in the area. But as the century progressed, a new and exciting mode of transportation began to open up America''s remaining frontiers, including the untamed Gulf Coast of Florida. When the railroad came to Tampa, thousands of adventure-seekers, tourists, and new residents came with it, all ready to soak up the balmy breezes and tropical pleasures of the city of Tampa. Tampa began to resemble a modern industrialized city by the turn of the century, due mainly to the grand vision and plans of one man. Henry B. Plant encouraged Tampa''s growth by bringing the railroad to town and constructing the elaborate Tampa Bay Hotel, and he, along with other entrepreneurs, brought an economic boom to the region with new industries, such as cigars and citrus, and the promotion of tourism.

This accessible and fact-filled Catholic resource offers a wealth of information. An at-your-fingertips reference book for catechists, its simplicity and ease of use also make it ideal for parents whose children are preparing for the sacraments.

The first of many books that I hope to publish. I hope my readers will realize that they are not alone in how they feel.

Modern-day Salida is admired and sought out for its natural beauty. Surrounded by numerous 14,000-foot, snow-covered mountains that feed the Arkansas River''s rushing whitewater, the quiet and hospitable town is situated in a picturesque valley that draws tens of thousands of visitors for summer and winter activities. But nearly 130 years ago, most of the people were coming to the area known as South Arkansas for new opportunities and the fortunes they hoped to find. The images in this book offer a glimpse of some of those individuals and times-the early settlers, miners, railroaders, forestry pioneers, and families who spawned commerce and businesses that held the community together when hard times hit. The photographs reveal the rich variety of people, how they worked, how they played, and how they made Colorado their home.

Know Fat Chicks is an honest, heartwarming story that will cause self-reflection in any woman who has ever looked in the mirror and asked herself, "Am I fat?" Surrounded by unrealistic and unhealthy images of what ''normal'' sized women should be, scared and meek Bertha finds herself cast aside and scrutinized by everyone who claims to love her, even her own mother, until one day, she is pushed too far and finds herself among unlikely new friends. Taken in by a pseudo family, Bertha learns the value of self respect from a much needed mentor, Gemma, and in return dramatically changes the lives and opinions of an entire community. The student becomes the teacher, and Gemma''s life is forever changed. As much about learning to love and accept yourself for who you are, Know Fat Chicks is a thought-provoking look inside the dangerous world of those who fall prey to diet industry scams and the media''s overpowering idea of what is beautiful. Know Fat Chicks is an empowering story for women of all sizes.

"Million Dollar Salespeople" takes a closer look at the rise to the top of some of the nation''s number one sales performers. You will not find familiar names of powerful corporate moguls, but rather a fascinating mixture of dynamic sales personalities who know what it takes to work from the bottom up.This book focuses primarily on the road to success, rather than success itself. The stories examine everything about these unique individuals from where they grew up and their educational background, to their first jobs, original successes, astonishing sales figures, achievements and personal philosophies. Their words are motivational and inspiring, and offer a better understanding of what it takes to really succeed in the competitive world of sales.

This is a coffee table book. It is the history in photographs and text of the Hotel Villa del Sol in Zihuatanejo, Mexico.