This new evidence-based model, derived from a study of parents and exemplary clinicians, offers a clear presentation of the complex process of interaction between healthcare providers and parents of seriously ill children. A unique aspect of the book is that it is based on the study of excellence rather than focusing on what did not go well. This model gives clinicians practical strategies for optimizing interactions with parents of seriously ill children. Moving beyond the prevalent idea of communication as a step-by-step procedure, this book demonstrates the complex and holistic nature of interaction in healthcare.

This new evidence-based model, derived from a study of parents and exemplary clinicians, offers a clear presentation of the complex process of interaction between healthcare providers and parents of seriously ill children. A unique aspect of the book is that it is based on the study of excellence rather than focusing on what did not go well. This model gives clinicians practical strategies for optimizing interactions with parents of seriously ill children. Moving beyond the prevalent idea of communication as a step-by-step procedure, this book demonstrates the complex and holistic nature of interaction in healthcare.

For the teacher Mrs Troyd, the pressure is on. Christmas is coming to the little parish of Oddleton, and for Mrs Troyd Christmas means the children's Nativity play, awaited with great anticipation (or in some cases, trepidation) by the whole congregation. This year, however, all is not going quite as planned. Joseph is too shy to speak out loud enough to be heard. The little angels are squabbling over which way up to hold the Baby Jesus, and to top it all, Mrs Troyd's nemesis, Arianna le Grand, has taken her children (the Angel Gabriel and the Third King) on an unexpected skiing holiday. Who will stand in for the Angel Gabriel? Was it an unwise move for the Shepherd to have eaten three packets of Sour Squigglers and a Whistling Dayglo-pop before the play? And did donkeys wear sombreros in Ancient Palestine? Whatever happens, this will be a Nativity the parishioners will remember for a very long time....

It is 1977; Blossom Mae Black is yearning for a better life. She wants to succeed on her terms. She thinks the further away she goes the better her chance at realizing success on a level that her father, a popular saxophone player, and her mother, a ballet dancer, never achieved. Blossom is 27; Toronto calls her out of sultry Montego Bay and she responds; she shudders at the thought of leaving boyfriend, Sheldon Morgan behind. Upon arriving in Toronto, Blossom quickly finds out that success will not come easy. First, the permanent status she seeks calls for her participation in a sham marriage. Second, the job security she wants necessitates an ongoing love affair with her boss, charismatic lawyer, Ron Johnson. Then comes a tricky situation-she illegitimately conceives with Sheldon and she surrenders her happiness to the birth of the child. Her child dies suddenly; devastating strokes partially paralyze her and a massive heart attack claims the life of her wealthy husband, David Clark. Blossom tackles life on her terms even though circumstances make her shift her lines of demarcation. She admits fate is ever chasing her, getting in her face and making her regret. And she realizes, life is full of surprises, she accepts them-good, bad and ugly. The writing on the bus says Ethica Mature Lifestyles. The lift gently raises Blossom's wheelchair. Sheldon Morgan stands on the curb-waving. "Love you," Sheldon mimes. "Love you too," Blossom mimes back. The bus slowly pulls away and blends into freeway traffic; a new way of living beckons Blossom Mae Black and, again, she responds.

Inspirational/Motivational work "Great is Thy Faithfulness" is a pointed journey around the bends and through the curves and grooves of life that is skillfully captured using simple themes, and enhanced through spiritual reflection. "Great is Thy Faithfulness" may ultimately help the reader achieve a level of honesty and acceptace of the "is-ness" of life devoid of foreboding, and rich in clarity and buoyance.

Readers will find "And When We Pray" inspirational and true to some of their circumstances. It is based on the Author's personal life challenges and how she employs constant prayers as an additional spiritual tool in coping with today's challenges. She encourages all to draw on their "Built in Prayer Mechanism"; an instinct that lets all of us cry out to an unseen some "One."