Best Selling Books by Mary Jane

The sexuality of young people arouses controversy and remains a source of concern for parents, teachers, policy-makers and politicians. But what young people really think about sexuality and gender and how these issues impact upon their lives is often marginalized or overlooked. Based upon extensive ethnographic research with young people and teachers, Sexuality, Gender and Schooling offers a telling and insightful account of how young people acquire sexual knowledge and how they enact their understanding of their own gender. It highlights the ways in which young people''s constructions of gender and sexuality are formed outside the school curriculum, through engagements with various forms of popular culture - such as teen magazines and television programmes - and through same-sex friendship groups. Offering a fresh perspective on a subject of perennial interest and concern, Sexuality, Gender and Schooling provides accounts from the inside - some of which may challenge and eclipse current approaches to sexuality education. It has significant implications for policy and practice in Personal, Social and Health Education and is also an excellent introduction to key debates and issues in the study of gender and sexuality.

If you like Katie Flynn, Kristin Hannah and Fiona Valpy, you will love this page-turner of a romantic adventure from multi-million copy seller Mary Jane Staples. READERS ARE LOVING THE LONGEST WINTER! "A really good read from cover to cover. Read it on holiday almost non stop..." - 5 STARS "I thoroughly enjoyed this story and found it held my interest from beginning to end..." - 5 STARS "Didn''t want to put it down" - 5 STARS ********************************* CAN THEIR LOVE SURVIVE THE LONG WINTER OF WAR? When Baroness Sophie von Korvacs meets British painter James Fraser one hot summer''s day in Vienna, the attraction is instant. A whirlwind romance follows, with Vienna bathed in the brilliance of the last days of the emperor. And when James proposes to Sophie it seems a fitting end to that wonderful, enchanting summer. But darker days are on the horizon as Europe teeters on the brink of war. James must make the ultimate choice: love for King and Country or love for Sophie. Before he knows it, his difficult decision is made for him, and he and Sophie are on opposite sides of a bloody and devastating conflict. Four bleak years of fighting and death roll by. Will Sophie''s long winter ever end and can their love conquer all? The Longest Winter was previously published as Appointment in Sarajevo.

From autumn 1941 to the first months of 1942, the war continued to affect the lives of the Adams and Somers families. It was not so much the war, however, as a succession of tragic domestic events that brought a sad and lonely little girl called Phoebe into the care of Susie and Sammy Adams, reminding them of the entry of Rosie as a child into the lives of Boots and Emily. Much needed to be done to cure little Phoebe of her sadness, and it proved a difficult time for Susie and Sammy. Further shadows fell when news came that Tim was a prisoner of war, and that Japan had attacked the American fleet in Pearl Harbour and British bases in the Far East. But Boots''s French-born daughter Eloise had her dearest wish come true when she married Colonel Lucas of the Commandos in Alexandria.

If you like Katie Flynn, Kristin Hannah and Fiona Valpy, you will love this enthralling, heart-wrenching page-turner of a romantic adventure from multi-million copy seller Mary Jane Staples. READERS ARE LOVING THE SUMMER DAY IS DONE! "I couldn''t put it down" - 5 STARS "A good and entertaining read" - 5 STARS "Perfect" - 5 STARS *********************************************************************************** WILL WAR DEAL THE CRUELLEST BLOW OF ALL? Russia 1911: Young British agent John Kirby comes to Russia to work and to explore a new and exciting country - not to fall in love. But an invitation to the Tsar''s ball changes all that. After an evening of dancing and romance, John and the Tsar''s eldest daughter, Olga, are totally captivated by one another. Summers of tennis parties and picnics with Olga follow - life could not get any better. Until a cruel blow is dealt in 1914: John is forced to return to England and Olga and her family are caught up in the bitter and bloody war. Will John and Olga ever be reunited? Can their love survive the odds? Or will tragedy, pain and longing destroy them both? The Summer Day is Done was previously published as Woman in Berlin.

This book is for every woman who has wished for an unhurried, personal conversation with a sympathetic doctor who will answer her questions about reproductive health. Dr. Mary Jane Minkin, a gynecologist practicing for more than 25 years, presents a complete and up-to-date guide to a healthy reproductive system for women in their teens through middle age. With warmth and understanding, Dr. Minkin and coauthor Carol V. Wright respond to questions about the gynecological issues that concern women today, including sexual activity, contraception, and family planning. Readers of The Yale Guide to Women’s Reproductive Health will learn how the female body works, what problems may arise, and what solutions are available—in short, they will become better prepared to participate in their own health care and to make healthy decisions.

"Winner of an AJN Book of the Year Award for 2009! Designated a Doody''s Core Title! Middle Range Theory for Nursing is a textbook designed for theory and research courses in master''s and doctoral programs. As described in the 2d edition of the Encyclopedia of Nursing Research, middle range theory is a basic, usable structure of ideas, less abstract than grand theory and more abstract than empirical generalizations or micro-range theory?. Middle-range theories are developed and grown at the intersection of practice and research to provide guidance for everyday practice and scholarly research rooted in the discipline of nursing. In this revised and updated second edition, the authors will revise the eight theories that were examined in the first edition with published research and practice updates along with any changes in the basic concepts and models. Seven new theories will be added. Each theory is presented by the theorist in a consistent format: purpose of the theory; basic concepts; relationships among the concepts, the model; use of the theory in nursing research and/or practice; conclusions; references. Theories new to the second edition Symptom Management (Dodd et al.) Caring (Swanson) Embodied Language (Liehr et al.) Cultural Self-reliance (Lowe) Caregiver Stress (Tsai) Clinical Decision Making (Chase) Moral Reckoning (Nathaniel) "

"In 1886 a small group of Hidatsa Indian people left their earth lodges in Like-a-Fishhook Village on the Fort Berthold Reservation in western North Dakota. Pushed by U.S. government policies and pulled by new opportunities, they moved up the Missouri River and built homes on the reservation at an isolated spot they called Independence. About 20 years later, Gilbert L. Wilson, and anthropologist with an insatiable interest and an a tireless pencil, went to Independence to record information about traditional Hidatsa life. There three members of one family--Buffalo Bird Woman, her brother Wolf Chief, and her son Goodbird--agreed to tell him their stories. This book is based on the memories of Buffalo Bird Woman''s family shared with Wilson and on the cultural artifacts that they sold him. It is a powerful and personal description of one family''s journey from a traditional, clan-oriented society ot the industrialized, individualistic world of 20th-century America. Their stories speak for the thousands of other Indian families whose experiences were never recorded"--Book cover.

The easy way to understand and retain all the concepts taught in pre-calculus classes Pre-Calculus All-in-One For Dummies is a great resource if you want to do you best in Pre-Calculus. Packed with lessons, examples, and practice problems in the book, plus extra chapter quizzes online, it gives you absolutely everything you need to succeed in pre-calc. Unlike your textbook, this book presents the essential topics clearly and concisely, so you can really understand the stuff you learn in class, score high on your tests (including the AP Pre-Calculus exam!), and get ready to confidently move ahead to upper-level math courses. And if you need a refresher before launching into calculus, look no further—this book has your back. Review what you learned in algebra and geometry, then dig into pre-calculus Master logarithms, exponentials, conic sections, linear equations, and beyond Get easy-to-understand explanations that match the methods your teacher uses Learn clever shortcuts, test-taking tips, and other hacks to make your life easier Pre-Calculus All-in-One For Dummies is the must-have resource for students who need to review for exams or just want a little (or a lot of!) extra help understanding what’s happening in class.

Boots Adams celebrates his 60th birthday in style with an old-fashioned Cockney knees-up, even if Gemma, James and the rest of the younger people insist that the music has to be rock and roll. The new generation of the family are growing up quickly - Philip and Phoebe are spending a lot of time together, and Maureen has ambitions to become a model, having her picture taken for the newspapers as she hopes for fame and fortune. Meanwhile, there are changes on the way. A local company wants to take over Adams Fashions, and Boots and Sammy have difficult decisions to make. Rosie and Matt are thinking about selling the farm, but worry about Joe and Hortense, their loyal workers. While Felicity has resigned herself to never regaining her sight, Polly sees a familiar face that she can''t place - a mysterious stranger who is being sheltered in Walworth. Anneliese encounters someone she never wished to see again, and turns to Boots for help.

Great story, with a wide variety of characters. Interesting how they end up intermingling with each other, and how they deal with various misfortunes. Romance, jealousy, family secrets, tragedy, ocean voyages, fortunes won and loss, class distinctions, and more. Once again, I love how this author doesn''t stop at the wedding bells, but carries us several years on into several of the characters'' lives. (Julia) About the author Mary Jane Holmes (April 5, 1825 - October 6, 1907) was an American author who published 39 novels, as well as short stories. Her first novel sold 250,000 copies; and she had total sales of 2 million books in her lifetime, second only to Harriet Beecher Stowe. Her books included: "Tempest and Sunshine" (1854), "English Orphans" (1855), "Homestead on the Hillside" (1855), "Lena Rivers" (1856), "Meadow Brook" (1857), "Dora Deane" (1858), "Cousin Maude" (1860), "Marian Gray" 186^, "Hugh Worthington" (1864), "Cameron Vide" (1867). "Rose Mather" (1868), "Ethelyn''s Mistake" (1869), "Edna Browning" (1872), "Mildred" (1877), "Forest House" (1879), "Daisy Thornton," "Queenie Hetherton" (1883), "Christmas Stories" (1884), "Bessie''s Fortune" (1885). "Gretchen" (1887), "Marguerite" (1891). Portraying domestic life in small-town and rural settings, she examined gender relationships, as well as those of class and race. She also dealt with slavery and the American Civil War with a strong sense of moral justice. Since the late 20th century, she has received fresh recognition and reappraisal, although her popular work was excluded from most 19th-century literary histories. ... Holmes died in 1907, at the age of 82, in Brockport. Her obituary was published a few days later in the Nation, reflecting her stature. Long excluded from literary histories of the nineteenth century written by men, the author was reappraised by scholars in the late 20th and early 21st century, who recognized her achievements and the value of her work. (wikipedia.org)

One of Canada’s best-loved sleuths returns in her sixth hair-raising adventure. Victims’ advocate Camilla MacPhee is following the trial of Lloyd Brugel, a ruthless criminal kingpin charged with a fatal firebombing. Shes looking forward to seeing him convicted, but when his sleazy counsel is found dead, it conveniently delays the proceedings. The lawyer, no saint himself, was drowned and shot. In case that message was too subtle, an old joke featuring dead lawyers shows up. Camilla soon learns the victim was not the only member of the Ottawa legal profession whose death was heralded by a tasteless attempt at humour. Is Brugel reaching from behind the bars of the regional detention centre to manipulate his trial and to exact revenge? Camilla does her stubborn best to head off the killer, hampered by her annoying assistant, the police, her bossy sisters and the arrival of her possible stepdaughters-to-be for the Dragon Boat Races.

John Dewey is known as a pragmatic philosopher and progressive architect of American educational reform, but some of his most important contributions came in his thinking about art. Dewey argued that there is strong social value to be found in art, and it is artists who often most challenge our preconceived notions. Dewey for Artists shows us how Dewey advocated for an “art of democracy.” Identifying the audience as co-creator of a work of art by virtue of their experience, he made space for public participation. Moreover, he believed that societies only become—and remain—truly democratic if its citizens embrace democracy itself as a creative act, and in this he advocated for the social participation of artists. Throughout the book, Mary Jane Jacob draws on the experiences of contemporary artists who have modeled Dewey’s principles within their practices. We see how their work springs from deeply held values. We see, too, how carefully considered curatorial practice can address the manifold ways in which aesthetic experience happens and, thus, enable viewers to find greater meaning and purpose. And it is this potential of art for self and social realization, Jacob helps us understand, that further ensures Dewey’s legacy—and the culture we live in.

Empower students to own their learning This resource is designed to empower teachers and leaders with strategies to develop learners who have the confidence and tools to engage in any challenge. By flipping the focus to student ownership of learning, the authors provide clear and simple ways to: Develop collaborative relationships Jointly establish clear expectations for learning and criteria for success Intentionally build learner strategies that last a lifetime Use formative assessment results to monitor progress Harness the power of reciprocal feedback to improve teaching and learning Empower and motivate students set meaningful goals and prove learning

In 1969, Greek-born Jannis Kounellis famously exhibited 11 live horses at Rome''s Galleria l''Attico. Kounellis, who has been living in Rome since the beginning of his career, is a pioneer of the Arte Povera movement, which originated in Italy in the mid-60s and is characterized by antiestablishment media (like street theater) and antielitist materials (like rope, rocks and discarded metal). Kounellis preferred dirt, fire, gold, burlap sacks, smoke and coffee grounds--to name a few of the substances that gradually appeared in his sculptures and installations. In 2002, Kounellis created his masterwork, "Labyrinth," a monumental installation composed of 143 eight-foot-tall vertical iron panels surrounded by a layer of coal. Viewers can walk through to encounter traces of Kounellis'' past pieces: burlap sacks, an iron cot, coffee grounds. Like a trip through "Labyrinth," this comprehensive monograph contributes richly to the understanding of Kounellis'' influential 40-year career.

Volume 4 of The Annotated Luther series presents an array of Luther’s writings related to pastoral work. Luther’s famous Invocavit Sermons and other selected sermons show a forthright and lively preacher. Hymn texts reveal Luther’s grasp of hymnody as a tool for conveying and expressing faith. His Small Catechism as well as several pieces on prayer, including his Personal Prayer Book and A Simple Way to Pray, show his engagement in the basic task of teaching the faith. Luther’s prefaces to his own writings contain personal reflections on his reforming work. Also in this volume are his commentary on The Magnificat, selected letters, and shorter pieces that display his pastoral responses to particular situations: Sermon on Preparing to Die, Whether One May Flee from a Deadly Plague, and Comfort for Women Who Have Had a Miscarriage. Each volume in The Annotated Luther series contains new introductions, annotations, illustrations, and notes to help shed light on Luther’s context and interpret his writings for today. The translations of Luther’s writings include updates of Luther’s Works, American Edition or entirely new translations of Luther’s German or Latin writings.

A moving family drama set against the backdrop of one of London''s poorest areas from multi-million copy seller Mary Jane Staples. Perfect for fans of Maggie Ford, Kitty Neale and Katie Flynn. READERS ARE LOVING THE LODGER! "This was such a great read....... priceless I loved it" - 5 STARS "Leave[s] you with a smile on your face..." - 5 STARS "Once you start, you can''t put it down..." - 5 STARS "I absolutely loved this book" - 5 STARS "Great for lifting your spirits" - 5 STARS "A good book, keeps you in suspense until the end" - 5 STARS ************************************************ IN TIMES OF TROUBLE, CAN SHE KEEP HER FAMILY SAFE FROM HARM? London, 1908: For years now, Maggie Wilson has had to bring up her four daughters alone with barely enough money to get by. Local Constable Harry Bradshaw looks out for them as best he can but there isn''t much he can do for Maggie''s small family. When the opportunity to take in a lodger arises, Maggie can''t resist the extra income. But there''s something strange about the man Maggie has let into her home... what if he''s more trouble than he''s worth?

In "Dora Deane; Or, The East India Uncle," Mary Jane Holmes weaves a compelling narrative that deftly explores themes of family, social identity, and the complexities of colonialism in the 19th century. The novel is characterized by Holmes''Äôs accessible prose, rich character development, and atmospheric settings that vividly render both rural America and the exotic East Indies. As the protagonist, Dora, navigates the intricate dynamics of familial expectations and societal pressures, Holmes adeptly critiques the norms of her time, providing a nuanced portrayal of the female experience within the context of Victorian values. Mary Jane Holmes, a prominent author of her era, drew on her own experiences and observations to craft her narratives, often infusing them with moral lessons and reflections on contemporary society. Born in New York in 1825, Holmes''s background and her advocacy for women''s rights undoubtedly influenced her writing, allowing her to portray strong, independent female characters like Dora Deane. Her novels enjoyed significant popularity, often exploring themes of love and faith, making her contributions to American literature both relevant and enduring. "Dora Deane; Or, The East India Uncle" is a significant read for those interested in 19th-century American literature, offering insight into the intricate interplay of gender, identity, and colonial attitudes. Holmes''Äôs keen social commentary and engaging storytelling invite readers to reflect on the cultural dynamics of her time while enjoying a captivating tale. This novel is a must-read for scholars, students, and any lovers of historical fiction.

Step-families deal with many unique issues related to their own children, their step-children, their spouses, and even ex-spouses. Some of the concerns may lead to depression and anxiety, and, in worst-case scenarios, suicide. In Neither Root nor Branch, author Mary Jane Grange helps blended families deal with their often challenging situation to live a happy, fulfilling existence. She provides affordable solutions for dealing with depression and anxiety. Using her experiences has a nurse and a step-parent, Grange relies on scriptures to help step-families co-exist peacefully without the use of drugs, alcohol, medications, or divorce. I am a step parent. I could not keep up the pace that was set for my family. I realized I was in something over my head. I was in something that mere mortals could not correct. I decided to be more conscientious about reading my scriptures. Instead of letting the word of God lie hidden in my heart or dormant on my end tables, I decided to look for the laws of depression. I found them in the scriptures. I found the pace that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ created for us in this world.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

Clinician''s Guide to Sexuality and Autism: A Guide to Sex Education for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders is the first book to provide clinicians with comprehensive curriculum of sexuality education skills for people with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Starting with the importance of teaching sexuality skills to people with autism, this book provides an outline and overview of the recommended teaching strategies (e.g., Behavioral Skills Training, Cool vs. Not Cool, video modeling). This book also reviews the fourteen skill domains directly related to sexuality, including the key skills one should acquire in each domain. A timeline focusing on what skills should be targeted at what age and what skills to teach across the lifespan are also discussed. The curriculum covers domains that are often neglected in sex education for people with different disabilities in general (e.g. values, types of relationships, gender identity, or preferences). Additionally, this curriculum addresses component skills of sexuality in a way that allows early teaching to build upon areas of learning systematically over time, thus likely to have an improvement in teaching over time. - Identifies the importance of sex education for autistic treatment - Provides curriculum for teaching sex education to this clientele - Includes skills relating to hygiene, online safety and abuse prevention

Russell Lee, a contemporary of Walker Evans and Dorothea Lange, now emerges from the shadows as one of the most influential documentary photographers in American history. The most prolific photographer of the Great Depression, Russell Lee has never been canonized for his iconic images. With this compulsively readable and definitive biography, historian and archivist Mary Jane Appel finally uncovers Lee’s rebellious life, tracing his journey from blue-blood beginnings to intrepid years of activism and pioneering creativity, through the incredible body of work he left behind. Born in the quintessential turn-of-the-century small town of Ottawa, Illinois, in 1903, Lee grew up in a wealthy family riddled with tragedy. He trained in college to become a chemical engineer, but was quickly drawn to Greenwich Village, where he developed an interest in social change and the arts. In 1935, the charismatic bohemian picked up a camera and a year later walked into the office of Roy Stryker, head of the Historical Section of the Resettlement Administration, later renamed the Farm Security Administration (FSA), setting in motion a new life trajectory. The Historical Section aimed to capture rural poverty and the New Deal programs designed to abolish it. But Stryker imagined a much broader pictorial sourcebook for America, and no one on his legendary team—including Dorothea Lange, Walker Evans, and Gordon Parks, among others—would be more dedicated to reaching this goal than Russell Lee. As Appel demonstrates, Stryker and Lee developed a fascinating symbiotic relationship that resulted in a massive and complex breadth of work. Living out of his car from the fall of 1936 to mid-1942, Lee crisscrossed America’s back roads more than any photographer of his era. During this time, he shot 19,000 negatives that were captioned and printed—more than twice that of any other FSA photographer. He captured arresting images of sweeping dust storms and devastating floods, and chronicled the World War II home front and the last gasp of a small-town America that was inexorably vanishing, all the while focusing prophetically on issues like segregation and climate change, decades before they became national concerns. Meticulously weaving previously unseen letters and diaries, Appel brilliantly reveals why Lee’s profile has remained obscured, while his contemporaries became broadly celebrated. With more than 100 images spread throughout, Russell Lee speaks not only to the complexity of a pioneering documentary photographer’s work but to a seminal American moment captured viscerally like never before.

One of the most commonly asked questions in a mathematics classroom is, "Will I ever use this stuff in real life?" Some teachers can give a good, convincing answer; others hem and haw and stare at the floor. The real response to the question should be, "Yes, you will, because algebra gives you power" – the power to help your children with their math homework, the power to manage your finances, the power to be successful in your career (especially if you have to manage the company budget). The list goes on. Algebra is a system of mathematical symbols and rules that are universally understood, no matter what the spoken language. Algebra provides a clear, methodical process that can be followed from beginning to end to solve complex problems. There''s no doubt that algebra can be easy to some while extremely challenging to others. For those of you who are challenged by working with numbers, Algebra I For Dummies can provide the help you need. This easy-to-understand reference not only explains algebra in terms you can understand, but it also gives you the necessary tools to solve complex problems. But rest assured, this book is not about memorizing a bunch of meaningless steps; you find out the whys behind algebra to increase your understanding of how algebra works. In Algebra I For Dummies, you''ll discover the following topics and more: All about numbers – rational and irrational, variables, and positive and negative Figuring out fractions and decimals Explaining exponents and radicals Solving linear and quadratic equations Understanding formulas and solving story problems Having fun with graphs Top Ten lists on common algebraic errors, factoring tips, and divisibility rules. No matter if you''re 16 years old or 60 years old; no matter if you''re learning algebra for the first time or need a quick refresher course; no matter if you''re cramming for an algebra test, helping your kid with his or her homework, or coming up with next year''s company budget, Algebra I For Dummies can give you the tools you need to succeed.

The news that an old acquaintance has had an accident comes as a surprise to Camilla MacPhee. By the time she unearths Laura''s connection to a violent revolutionary group active two decades earlier, she''s had several blows to the head and discovered that people shes been talking to keep ending up dead.

A prominent gynecologist explains how to make the best choices for female reproductive health in this authoritative, easy-to-read guide This book is for every woman who has wished for an unhurried, personal conversation with a sympathetic doctor who will answer her questions about reproductive health. Dr. Mary Jane Minkin, a gynecologist practicing for more than 25 years, presents a complete and up-to-date guide to a healthy reproductive system for women in their teens through middle age. With warmth and understanding, Dr. Minkin and coauthor Carol V. Wright respond to questions about the gynecological issues that concern women today, including sexual activity, contraception, and family planning. Readers of The Yale Guide to Women''s Reproductive Health willlearn how the female body works, what problems may arise, and what solutions are available--in short, they will become better prepared to participate in their own health care and to make healthy decisions.

Maya Angelou''s five-volume autobiography transcends the autobiographical tradition, enriching it with contemporary experience, African American vision, and female sensibility. With these five books, Angelou has created a work of epic scope that covers a quarter century of American and African American history, from the beginning of World War II to the civil rights movement. These volumes stretch over time and place, from Arkansas to Africa, as Angelou grows from a confused child in a Southern town to an accomplished adult. Throughout her life journey depicted in the autobiographies, Angelou grapples with the issues of motherhood and race and reveals the struggles of being a black mother in America, extending her perspective in the fourth and fifth volumes to encompass an African setting. A biographical chapter is enriched by an exclusive interview granted by Angelou, and a chapter on genre discusses Angelou''s work in the context of the tradition of American and African American autobiography. A chapter is devoted to each of the five volumes of her serial autobiography--I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings(1970), Gather Together in My Name (1974), Singin'' and Swingin'' and Gettin'' Merry Like Christmas(1976), The Heart of a Woman (1981), and All God''s Children Need Traveling Shoes(1986). The discussion of each novel features sections on narrative point of view, plot development, character development, thematic issues, style and literary devices, and an alternate critical approach from which to read the work. A complete bibliography of Angelou''s work, plus a list of reviews of each work and selected secondary critical and biographical sources, complete the work. This companion is ideal for students, teachers, and others interested in Maya Angelou, the African American experience, and the craft of autobiography.

The Complete Handbook of Diplomatic, Official and Social Usage. Known as the Bible or Red Book of Protocol.

Pascal has spent his thirty years as a physician cataloging his family and identifying their often unedifying exploits as the specific results of heredity and innateness. His niece at first believes this work to be an arrogant denial of God''s omnipotence, but as Pascal reveals the details of the Rougon-Macquart family tree to her, she begins to see the value in his work.

Thirteen of today''s hottest female crime novelists--including Nevada Barr, J.D. Robb, Nancy Pickard, Lisa Scottoline, Perri O''Shaughnessy, and Faye Kellerman--join forces to write one thrilling mystery set at the posh Phoenix Health Spa in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains.