The Order of British Columbia was established in 1989 to recognize and honour ordinary citizens who have made a difference in the lives of others. Goody Niosi offers the stories of 17 of these recipients, from well-known people like Rick Hansen and Robert Bateman to lesser-known heroes, including Dr. Michael O'Shaughnessy, who has dedicated his life to AIDS research; Joan Acosta, who created the revolutionary newspaper "The Westcoast Reader" and helped adults acquire literacy and language skills; and Ric Careless, who has worked hard to ensure that precious wilderness areas are protected for future generations. Also showcased are Geraldine Braak, Dr. Leonel Perra, Dr. A. Hayward Rogers, Dr. Roger Tonkin, Grace Nielson, Hilda Gregory, Mel Cooper, Richard Hunt, Ross Purse, Takao Tanabe, Tim Frick and Merve Wilkinson. The foreword is written by former Supreme Court Justice Allan McEachern.

Illustrated with lush reproductions of Grant and Nixie's art and photographs of their amazing garden, "The Romance Continues" is a love story, an art-appreciation adventure and a garden tour, all wrapped up in one gorgeous volume. Nationally known artists Grant Leier and Nixie Barton are also husband and wife, parents and the creators of an astonishing and whimsical garden on Vancouver Island. Their paintings differ greatly, though both artists make extensive use of rich, luminous and vibrant colours, and both are widely admired and collected. Over their long careers, Grant and Nixie have experimented with subjects and styles, and observing the growth and change in their work is fascinating. When they moved to a rural, seven-acre property, they turned their love of colour and sense of fun onto the land, and the rambling, witty garden they created is a visual spectacle that draws thousands of delighted visitors every year.

Nanaimo is one of Canada's fastest-growing communities. Positioned beside a stunning and vibrant harbour, where the sight of seaplanes, fishboats, ferries, kayaks and sailboats paints an ever-changing seascape, Nanaimo is a city blessed with spectacular natural beauty, a vivid commercial history, cultural diversity and a vibrant attitude towards the future. Through Goody Niosi's broad knowledge of Nanaimo and its surroundings and through the discerning vision of local photographer Terry Patterson, " Nanaimo: The Harbour City" captures the human spirit and broad landscape that have clearly marked this place as being special. Designed to be a treasured keepsake for locals and visitors alike, this elegant, colourful visitor guide showcases the cultural fabric, arts community, recreational activities, tourism amenities, transportation links and shopping options that have made Nanaimo the premier trading centre of Vancouver Island's inland coast. "Nanaimo" also describes walking tours in and around the city's historic centre and in neighbourhoods that shed light on Nanaimo's fascinating past and its growth from small Aboriginal settlement to thriving city and modern-day playground.