The world saw Carlos Pena and Alexa Vega enjoying the success of their acting careers--Carlos on Nickelodeon's Big Time Rush and Alexa in the Spy Kids movies. But what they didn't see was the question both Carlos and Alexa were asking in the midst of all that fame and fortune: What's the point of it all anyway? Overflowing with both laughter and honest reflections, What If Love Is the Point? shares Carlos and Alexa PenaVegas' incredible story--from the red carpet, Spy Kids movies, and Big Time Rush to Dancing with the Stars to marriage and their greatest adventure, parenthood. Join them as they: Offer an inspiring window into how God builds young faith and strengthens it into lasting love Give insight into how to put God at the center of relationships, family, and career Explore why society's expectations never fulfill our true needs Share ideas for resisting the hustle of today's culture and finding true rest Carlos and Alexa believe that following Jesus was what they were made for--and they believe it's what you were made for too. If you find yourself asking, "Isn't there more to life than this?," lean in to their remarkable story of tender faith, God's persistent work, and learning why love is always the point of it all. Praise for What If Love Is the Point?: "This is more than a book. It's a story of freedom, hope, redemption, and love. Being in the public eye, I understand the struggles they faced (and continue to face), individually and as a couple. I recognize myself in a lot of the stories they share. What If Love Is the Point? helped me heal from life's wounds. It taught me that I'm not alone and I know this book will help so many others grow their faith and live out love. I didn't want it to end." -Sam Acho, author of Let the World See You, analyst at ESPN, and nine-year NFL linebacker

This profoundly wise look at how to foster connections, attachment, and resiliency explains why working through discord is the key to better relationships. (Sue Johnson, bestselling author of Hold Me Tight) You might think that perfect harmony is the defining characteristic of healthy relationships, but the truth is that human interactions are messy, complicated, and confusing. And according to renowned psychologist Ed Tronick and pediatrician Claudia Gold, that is not only okay, it is actually crucial to our social and emotional development. In The Power of Discord they show how working through the inevitable dissonance of human connection is the path to better relationships with romantic partners, family, friends, and colleagues. Dr. Tronick was one of the first researchers to show that babies are profoundly affected by their parents' emotions and behavior via The Still-Face Experiment. His work, which brought about a foundational shift in our understanding of human development, shows that our highly evolved sense of self makes us separate, yet our survival depends on connection. And so we approximate, iteratively learning about one another's desires and intentions, and gaining confidence in the process as we correct the mistakes and misunderstandings that arise. Working through the volley of mismatch and repair in everyday life helps us form deep, lasting, trusting relationships, resilience in times of stress and trauma, and a solid sense of self in the world. Drawing on Dr. Tronick's research and Dr. Gold's clinical experience, The Power of Discord is a refreshing and original look at our ability to relate to others and to ourselves.

From Cinelle Barnes, author of the memoir Monsoon Mansion, comes a moving and reflective essay collection about finding freedom in America. Out of a harrowing childhood in the Philippines, Cinelle Barnes emerged triumphant. But as an undocumented teenager living in New York, her journey of self-discovery was just beginning. Because she couldn't get a driver's license or file taxes, Cinelle worked as a cleaning lady and a nanny and took other odd jobs-and learned to look over her shoulder, hoping she wouldn't get caught. When she falls in love and marries a white man from the South, Cinelle finds herself trying to adjust to the thorny underbelly of "southern hospitality" while dealing with being a new mother, an immigrant affected by PTSD, and a woman with a brown body in a profoundly white world. From her immigration to the United States, to navigating a broken legal system, to balancing assimilation and a sense of self, Cinelle comes to rely on her resilience and her faith in the human spirit to survive and come of age all over again. Lyrical, emotionally driven, and told through stories both lived and overheard, Cinelle's intensely personal, yet universal, exploration of race, class, and identity redefines what it means to be a woman-and an American-in a divided country.

The ancient Egyptians understood the psyche in terms of gods and goddesses. Central to their system was the Sacred Marriage, which offered harmony between the worlds above and below and the competing demands of the self. Drawn from the ancient texts and mythology of Egypt, "The Egyptian Path of Love" offers a simple step-by-step approach to the achievement of harmony. It provides practical guidance, meditation techniques and ritual process to awaken and integrate the latent powers of the psyche. Based on the seven chakras, it proceeds from the 'root' of the individual or deepest desires and needs, to the 'crown' of self-rulership and realisation of spiritual purpose. In exploring the dynamics of the inner gods and their different marriages it teaches how to obtain, retain and maintain for oneself the stability, peace and prosperity of a golden age in an increasingly troubled world from a perspective of love and respect. Providing a unique mixture of self development and ancient wisdom, this is not so much an esoteric manual on the Egyptian mysteries, as a plain and simple workbook on how to stay on the path of love. With meditations, affirmations, exercises and concise explanations, it will appeal both to beginners and those who have been following a spiritual path for many years.

"The Addiction Inoculation is a vital look into best practices parenting. Writing as a teacher, a mother, and, as it happens, a recovering alcoholic, Lahey's stance is so compassionate, her advice so smart, any and all parents will benefit from her hard-won wisdom." -Peggy Orenstein, author of Girls & Sex and Boys & Sex In this supportive, life-saving resource, the New York Times bestselling author of The Gift of Failure helps parents and educators understand the roots of substance abuse and identify who is most at risk for addiction, and offers practical steps for prevention. Jessica Lahey was born into a family with a long history of alcoholism and drug abuse. Despite her desire to thwart her genetic legacy, she became an alcoholic and didn't find her way out until her early forties. Jessica has worked as a teacher in substance abuse programs for teens, and was determined to inoculate her two adolescent sons against their most dangerous inheritance. All children, regardless of their genetics, are at some risk for substance abuse. According to the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse, teen drug addiction is the nation's largest preventable and costly health problem. Despite the existence of proven preventive strategies, nine out of ten adults with substance use disorder report they began drinking and taking drugs before age eighteen. The Addiction Inoculation is a comprehensive resource parents and educators can use to prevent substance abuse in children. Based on research in child welfare, psychology, substance abuse, and developmental neuroscience, this essential guide provides evidence-based strategies and practical tools adults need to understand, support, and educate resilient, addiction-resistant children. The guidelines are age-appropriate and actionable-from navigating a child's risk for addiction, to interpreting signs of early abuse, to advice for broaching difficult conversations with children. The Addiction Inoculation is an empathetic, accessible resource for anyone who plays a vital role in children's lives-parents, teachers, coaches, or pediatricians-to help them raise kids who will grow up healthy, happy, and addiction-free.

In the early 1980s, Mary Hall grew up in poverty in Camden, New Jersey, with her older brother Jacob and parents who, in her words, were "great at making babies, but not so great at holding on to them". After her father leaves the family, she is raised among a commune of mothers in a low-income housing complex. Then Mary's mother sends her away to live with her maternal grandparents who have also been raising her younger sister, Rebecca. When Mary is legally adopted by her grandparents, the result is a family story like no other. Mary gets a new name and a new life but she's haunted by the past. Mary is a student when her sisters start to get back in touch. With each subsequent reunion, her family becomes closer to being whole again.

When Katie Price found out she was pregnant with her first child Harvey, she could never have imagined the challenges that would lie ahead. From the very beginning, Katie has single-handedly raised her disabled son after his father Dwight Yorke cut contact. Katie is open about the struggles she and Harvey face, but only those close to her know the true reality of what goes on behind closed doors. For the first time, Katie will share a full and exclusive insight into her life with Harvey - and there's no sugar coating. With never-before-told stories and access to unseen photographs, the book will document their mother and son relationship - the highs and the lows. From details about Harvey's condition, to his relationship with his siblings, to dealing with cruel online trolls, there's trauma, sadness, joy and laughter. As Harvey now transitions into adulthood, Katie prepares for what the future holds for them both.

Pediatrician and mother of two young daughters, Dr. Whitney Casares, delivers a modern, empathetic guide to preparing for a baby and those first few days, weeks, and months of being a parent. From basic newborn care to breastfeeding success and from childcare choices to the emotional ups and downs of new motherhood, Dr. Casares's advice combines important health and safety information from the American Academy of Pediatrics with honest insights from her own parenting experiences. A dual approach to baby and self-care supports new and expecting moms through the challenges of meeting their own needs while getting ready for and caring for a new baby and includes important information on baby blues and postpartum depression. Dr. Casares's message is especially relatable for fellow working moms, struggling to win at parenting without losing themselves.

Bible teacher Kelly Needham debunks our world's constricted, small view of friendship and casts a richer, more life-giving, biblical vision for friendship as God meant it to be.

As the family unit grows more unstable and the average age of marriage increases, a shift is taking place in our culture: for many people, friends now play the role of family. And just as with family relationships, our friendships often don't turn out quite as we envisioned or hoped, and we wonder, Is there a better way to do this?

In Friend-ish, Kelly Needham takes a close look at what Scripture says about friendship. She reveals the distorted view most of us have of it and recasts a glorious vision for a Christian understanding. By teaching us how to recognize symptoms of idolatry and dependency, she equips us to understand and address the problems that arise in friendship--from neediness to discord and even sexual temptation. With hard-fought wisdom, a clear view of Scripture, and been-there perspective, Needham reorients us toward the purposeful, loving relationships we all crave that ultimately bring us closer to God.

This illustrated book of advice on love, dating, and friendship-written by and for queer women and people of marginalized genders-is the new go-to queer relationship handbook. Fix yourself a cup of non-caffeinated herbal tea and prepare to laugh, cry, reminisce, and feel your feelings as you read through these quintessentially queer dating dilemmas. In The Ex-Girlfriend of My Ex-Girlfriend Is My Girlfriend, advice columnist Maddy Court (a.k.a. Xena Worrier Princess) answers anonymous queries from lesbian, bisexual, and queer women and people of marginalized genders. Illustrated by comics artist Kelsey Wroten and based on Court's viral zine of the same name, this book features never-before-published letters and responses about first loves, heartbreak, coming out, and queer friendship-all answered with the warmth and honesty of the gay big sister you wish you had. * BY QUEERS, FOR QUEERS: This book was written by and for queer women and people of marginalized genders. The questions reflect real experiences that aren't often represented in the media, and the answers offer an important reminder that loving ourselves takes patience, effort, and the support of our friends and communities. * EXCITING DEBUT AUTHOR: In 2018, Maddy Court made the leap from creating niche lesbian memes on Instagram to writing and distributing a series of zines. Never preachy or dismissive, Court offers advice that is sympathetic and straightforward-it's equal parts refreshing vulnerability and remarkable wisdom. * GORGEOUS ILLUSTRATION: Kelsey Wroten's art brings the letters to life, immersing the reader in all the joys and disappointments of the contributors who wrote in from all over the world. In addition to the traditional illustrations, each chapter features a paneled mini-comic that speaks to the different themes. * AMAZING GUEST EXPERTS: Because one queer cannot possible hold all the answers, The Ex-Girlfriend of My Ex-Girlfriend Is My Girlfriend also includes advice from an incredible roster of guest experts. Author and comedian Samantha Irby; musicians JD Samson and Ellen Kempner; and writers and activists Tyler Ford, Kalyn Heffernan, Lola Pellegrino, and Mey Rude all tackle questions on long-distance breakups, jealousy, love triangles, making friends, and more. Perfect for: * Lesbian, bisexual, and queer women and people of marginalized genders with questions about dating, friendship, and life * Fans of the Ex-Girlfriend zine series and followers of @Xenaworrierprincess * Fans of Kelsey Wroten's graphic novels and art

A year's worth of easy, achievable activities that will inspire couples to focus on their relationship-and grow closer in the process. When life gets busy, it can be hard to find the time to prioritize romance and put your relationship first. With a year's worth of achievable ideas and activities to do with your partner, Everyday Romance includes big and small ways to build that connection-from sharing your morning coffee and holding hands to planning a romantic weekend getaway and undertaking a long-term project together. Full of inspiration, both for new couples who want to get to know each other better and longtime couples who are looking to deepen their connection or rekindle their romantic spark, this journal makes it easy to love intentionally, every day. This sweet journal makes a perfect stocking stuffer for your sweetheart, last-minute Valentine's Day gift, or anytime impulse buy for couples. JUST THE RIGHT GIFT: With its focus on love and romance, this journal makes a perfect Valentine's Day gift, Christmas stocking stuffer, birthday "I love you," or anniversary or wedding "extra something," and is a great impulse buy for couples at any stage of their relationship. LOVE THAT LASTS: The timeless activities, conversation prompts, and suggestions ensure that this little journal will continue to offer relationship inspiration year after year. Couples can enjoy coming back to it throughout their relationship and use it to look back on how far they've come. SIMPLE SUGGESTIONS: The activities in this journal are easy to get into and offer simple ways to deepen romantic relationships without a huge investment of time or money. Divided into twelve sections with five activities per section, it offers ways to do a little something together each month and feel more connected every day. Perfect for: couples looking for fun activities to do together; newlyweds; new couples who want to get to know each other better; longtime couples who want to strengthen their relationship or spice up their love life; shoppers looking for a Valentine's Day gift or stocking stuffer for their sweetheart.

In this delightful volume of love poetry, renowned literature professor Suheil Bushrui presents nearly two hundred cherished works from around the world and down through the ages.

Here, traditional classics from Shakespeare to Rossetti are thrown into new light beside the poetry of Eastern writers such as Ibn Arabi and Rumi, while little-known poems from the indigenous peoples of Africa, Australasia, and the Americas offer passages that are both moving and profound.

Exploring the many facets of love – desire, devotion, delirium, joy, and sorrow – this uniquely diverse collection reminds us of the bonds we all share through the universal experience of love. Without poetry love is wordless. “Stand still and I will read to thee” (Donne).

THE INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER 'Tender, witty and romantic - there is something so calming about Delia's writing that makes you immediately want to get cosy, slow down and shut off the world for a moment.' - Emma Gannon An emotional, magical memoir from the New York Times bestselling writer about finding love a second time around. _______________________________ If you pitched a movie about a recently-widowed woman in her seventies who reconnects with a man she dated in college, leading to an exchange of emails and the pair falling in love fifty years after their first date, the studio exec would say it's too far-fetched. Yet that's just what happened to Delia Ephron, writer, bestselling novelist and screenwriter of You've Got Mail. When Delia's beloved first husband Jerry died of cancer in 2015, after thirty-three years of marriage, she struggled without him. Focusing on the day-to-day, she decided to make one small move forward and cancel Jerry's dedicated landline. This spiralled into days of frustration, prompting Delia to turn to words to process her grief and bewilderment. Her New York Times piece about the woes of customer service caught the eye of Peter, who emailed to commiserate. He was recently widowed himself and reminded Delia that years ago, when they were college students, they had been set up by her sister Nora. Cautiously, Delia replied. Over a few short weeks of email exchanges, Delia realized that she and Peter were undeniably soulmates. Months later, still caught up in this whirlwind romance, Delia made another life-changing discovery: she was profoundly sick. Left on Tenth is the spirited story of Delia's second chance at love, and a heartfelt and miraculous account of life after cancer. _______________________________ MOST ANTICIPATED BOOK OF 2022 - TIME Magazine BEST NON-FICTION BOOK OF 2022 - DAILY MAIL 'Illuminating, generous, sparkling with wit, wisdom, humanity and wonder [...] There is not one word that does not shine.' - Rachel Joyce, author of The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry 'Ephron has a lightness of touch while getting right to the heart of the matter which is completely addictive. Moving, painful, sweet and funny, it's a beautiful book and a joy to read.' - Clover Stroud, author of The Red of my Blood 'If it's possible to fall in love with someone by reading their story, I just have. A testimony to the power of love, laughter, hair, friendship and cake.' Sam Baker

'As informative as it is poetic' Dolly Alderton 'Compassionate, funny and beautifully written' Daisy Buchanan ------------------------------ Every woman will experience the panic years in some way between her mid-twenties and early-forties. This maddening period of transformation and personal crisis is recognisable by the myriad of decisions we make - about partners, holidays, jobs, homes, savings, friendships - all of which are impacted by the urgency of the single decision that comes with a biological deadline, the one decision that is impossible to take back; whether or not to have a baby. But how to stay sane in such a maddening time? How to know who you are and what you might want from life? How to know if you're making the right decisions? Raw, hilarious and beguilingly honest, Nell Frizzell's account of her panic years is both an arm around the shoulder and a campaign to start a conversation. This affects us all - women, men, mothers, children, partners, friends, colleagues - so it's time we started talking about it with a little more candour. WHAT READERS ARE SAYING - 'Loved this book! Highly recommend for any woman (or man!) during the weird time in your 20s' ***** - 'Those panicky feelings of being a 24-30 something put into words' ***** - 'This book brings forth a sigh of relief. Excellent book that really taps into what so many of us are thinking and feeling, but not saying' *****