A collected series of the popular teaching articles from the open-access, online journal CBE-Life Sciences Education . The Allen-Tanner essays are practical guides that share insights and strategies for teaching science, appropriate for both the new instructor and those who have been teaching for many years.

Margaret Roe, orphaned at the age of eight, lives her life in the same orphanage where her father was forced to leave her when he went off to fight in the Civil War. Now, fifteen years later, she takes care of the present set of children who are in the orphanage and has only a visit to the local confectionery shop as the highlight of her week. Margaret makes an uncharacteristically bold move and signs on as a mail order bride and quickly finds herself on a train to Iowa City, Iowa where she becomes Mrs. Russell Chadwick. Margaret's marriage is by no means usual as her husband is kind but distant. As she builds relationships with her neighbors and even her in-laws, her relationship with her husband remains confusing, emotionally hurtful and a test of her faith and trust in God and her husband. How does she know what God really wants her to do? Should she stay with Russell or leave him and begin yet again? This is author Kimberly Gordon's third published historical novel. While the characters and settings reflect well the history and mores of the time, the reader can easily draw insight into contemporary life lessons. Mrs. Gordon is a master at laying down biblical principles within the context of the story.

Iris Elaine Picket lives in a beautiful home, with many servants, and a husband who sees her with the same respect he sees those household slaves. The loss of her child after yet another beating from her husband gives her the impetus to take her maidservant and flee South Carolina, leaving behind her parents, security, even her name and begin a new life in the Allegheny Mountains of Pennsylvania. Once again, author Kimberly Gordon, draws us into the lives of her fictional characters, connecting us in our contemporary lives with her imperfect people who struggle to make good choices, just like us. This story calls us to consider our own secret prejudices as Iris evolves from her childhood beliefs to the truths that she recognizes as she finds friends in those who were once thought of as slaves. Mrs. Gordon writes unapologetically from her Christian beliefs but avoids the distraction of preaching and, instead, offers her characters who are learning from the witness of others and their own time of prayer with God.