How Snowball Stole Christmas

Download How Snowball Stole Christmas PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Kensington Books
ISBN 13 : 1496736958
Total Pages : 273 pages
Book Rating : 4.4/5 (967 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis How Snowball Stole Christmas by : Kristen McKanagh

Download or read book How Snowball Stole Christmas written by Kristen McKanagh and published by Kensington Books. This book was released on 2022-09-27 with total page 273 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Cats and Christmas are a heartwarming combination in Kristen McKanagh’s series starring Snowball, the matchmaking kitty who brings unlikely couples together in stories “saturated with heart and humor” (Booklist starred review). Perfect for readers of Melinda Metz, Sandi Ward, it’s a sweet treat for fans of holiday-themed novels and cat fiction. Snowball, the fluffy furball who found her forever home at a cozy Victorian inn, has her paws full this Christmas bringing two stubborn hearts together. Good thing no mission is too big for this kitty cupid . . . Most cats have nine lives, but Snowball is one of the very few with two jobs. Officially, she’s the Weber Haus inn’s greeter. Unofficially, she’s the town matchmaker. Her track record is the cat’s pajamas—until she meets her owner’s grinchy brother, Peter Diemer. Peter hopes to move the family bookstore to a busy location downtown—but someone else has outbid him for the last storefront. Christmas is the ideal season for Lara Wolfe to fulfill her dream of expanding her home business into a real shop. Too bad someone is posting negative comments on the town forum. What kind of Grinch objects to a toy store? Snowball is sure these two are a perfect match. They already have so much in common—books are a kind of toy, right? Now all they need to add to the mix is love, and Snowball has just the shenanigans up her furry sleeve to deliver a sweet romance in time to make the season merry and bright . . . “Purrresistibly heartwarming.” —Modern Cat on The Twelve Days of Snowball

How Snowball Stole Christmas

Download How Snowball Stole Christmas PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Kensington
ISBN 13 : 149673694X
Total Pages : 273 pages
Book Rating : 4.4/5 (967 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis How Snowball Stole Christmas by : Kristen McKanagh

Download or read book How Snowball Stole Christmas written by Kristen McKanagh and published by Kensington. This book was released on 2022-09-27 with total page 273 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: It’s Christmas time at the Weber Haus mountainside inn, where the official greeter, watcher, and matchmaker of the hotel’s resident humans is an adorably mischievous bundle of feline fluff named Snowball. Snowball takes her job very seriously –even if it means being a little more naughty than nice –and she’s ready to celebrate her third holiday season by making the purrrrfect match. Most cats have nine lives, but Snowball is one of the very few with two jobs. Officially, she’s the Weber Haus inn’s greeter. Unofficially, she’s the town matchmaker. Her track record is the cat’s pajamas—until she meets her owner’s grinchy brother, Peter Diemer. Peter hopes to move the family bookstore to a busy location downtown—but someone else has outbid him for the last storefront. Christmas is the ideal season for Lara Wolfe to fulfill her dream of expanding her home business into a real shop. Too bad someone is posting negative comments on the town forum. What kind of Grinch objects to a toy store? Snowball is sure these two are a perfect match. They already have so much in common—books are a kind of toy, right? Now all they need to add to the mix is love, and Snowball has just the shenanigans up her furry sleeve to deliver a sweet romance in time to make the season merry and bright . . . “Purrresistibly heartwarming.” –Modern Cat on The Twelve Days of Snowball

Snowball's Christmas

Download Snowball's Christmas PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Kensington Books
ISBN 13 : 1496729919
Total Pages : 274 pages
Book Rating : 4.4/5 (967 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Snowball's Christmas by : Kristen McKanagh

Download or read book Snowball's Christmas written by Kristen McKanagh and published by Kensington Books. This book was released on 2020-09-29 with total page 274 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Snowball—an aptly named bundle of feline fluff—is thankful to be spending her first Christmas in the comfort of Weber Haus, the Victorian B&B run by Miss Tilly. Emily Diemer, who cooks for the guests, dotes on Snowball, but she’s not thrilled about another new arrival at the B&B: Miss Tilly’s nephew, Lukas. Which is odd, because Snowball’s animal instincts tell her that Lukas and Emily should definitely be friends. Everything Emily needs is in this quaint community—including, she hopes, the chance to open her own bakery one day. She doesn’t think much of Lukas for leaving his aging aunt to struggle while he jets around the world taking photographs. But now that he’s here, helping to spruce up the property and getting mixed up in Snowball’s antics, she begins to soften a little. Until she learns what he has planned . . . Lukas is going to sell Weber Haus so that Miss Tilly can retire. But Snowball is certain that this B&B, and these people, are supposed to be her forever home. Somehow she has to get these stubborn humans to see things through the wisdom of a cat’s eye and a kitten’s loyal, loving heart . . . “Expertly crafted . . . the perfect Christmas treat.” —Booklist (Starred Review)

The Twelve Days of Snowball

Download The Twelve Days of Snowball PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Kensington Books
ISBN 13 : 1496729935
Total Pages : 274 pages
Book Rating : 4.4/5 (967 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis The Twelve Days of Snowball by : Kristen McKanagh

Download or read book The Twelve Days of Snowball written by Kristen McKanagh and published by Kensington Books. This book was released on 2021-09-28 with total page 274 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Snowball, that lovable bundle of feline fluff readers first met as a kitten in Snowball’s Christmas, is all grown up. And now that she has her forever home at a cozy B&B, she’s determined to orchestrate a forever love match, just in time for the holidays . . . Snowball takes her job as the “official kitty” at the Victorian B&B Inn, Weber Haus, very seriously. Greeting guests and keeping tabs on them is a full-time feline job, after all. However, being nice to Daniel Aarons is not on her to-do list. The handsome construction manager almost messed up her forever family, and she isn’t about to forgive him anytime soon . . . But then someone new arrives at Weber Haus. Her name is Sophie Heidt—and she’s the B&B’s new manager. When Snowball goes missing on Sophie’s first day, Daniel, in charge of the new hotel wing, comes to her rescue by getting the cat to do what she does best: attack him. It doesn’t take long for Snowball’s animal instincts to reveal that Daniel and Sophie are meant to be together. Unfortunately, Daniel keeps making a mess of things. It’s going to take some special insight and holiday cheer to bring them together. But if anyone can do it, Snowball can—even if she has to tolerate turtle doves, French hens, calling birds, and other fur-raising human traditions . . .

The Snowy Day

Download The Snowy Day PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Penguin
ISBN 13 : 0670013250
Total Pages : 32 pages
Book Rating : 4.6/5 (7 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis The Snowy Day by : Ezra Jack Keats

Download or read book The Snowy Day written by Ezra Jack Keats and published by Penguin. This book was released on 2012-10-11 with total page 32 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The magic and wonder of winter’s first snowfall is perfectly captured in Ezra Jack Keat’s Caldecott Medal-winning picture book. Young readers can enjoy this celebrated classic as a full-sized board book, perfect for read-alouds of all kinds and a great gift for the holiday season. In 1962, a little boy named Peter put on his snowsuit and stepped out of his house and into the hearts of millions of readers. Universal in its appeal, this story beautifully depicts a child's wonder at a new world, and the hope of capturing and keeping that wonder forever. This big, sturdy edition will bring even more young readers to the story of Peter and his adventures in the snow. Ezra Jack Keats was also the creator of such classics as Goggles, A Letter to Amy, Pet Show!, Peter’s Chair, and A Whistle for Willie. (This book is also available in Spanish, as Un dia de nieve.) Praise for The Snowy Day: “Keats made Peter’s world so inviting that it beckons us. Perhaps the busyness of daily life in the 21st century makes us appreciate Peter even more—a kid who has the luxury of a whole day to just be outside, surrounded by snow that’s begging to be enjoyed.” —The Atlantic "Ezra Jack Keats's classic The Snowy Day, winner of the 1963 Caldecott Medal, pays homage to the wonder and pure pleasure a child experiences when the world is blanketed in snow."—Publisher's Weekly

The Gift of Hope

Download The Gift of Hope PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Penguin
ISBN 13 : 0593199863
Total Pages : 306 pages
Book Rating : 4.5/5 (931 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis The Gift of Hope by : Kristen McKanagh

Download or read book The Gift of Hope written by Kristen McKanagh and published by Penguin. This book was released on 2021-04-27 with total page 306 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A cheerful giver is twice blessed in this first novel in an Amish series by Kristen McKanagh. Hope Beiler needs Aaron Kanagy’s help. She is determined to give her sister a beautiful new bed frame as a wedding present, and Aaron is the best carpenter in Charity Creek. Unfortunately, she can’t move past something he said last year…and there’s unexplained animosity between their fathers that makes interacting difficult. Aaron wishes he could spend more time honing his woodworking craft, but his parents need help running their gift shop. When Hope approaches him with a solution that will allow them both to achieve their goals, he accepts. As they work together, Aaron finds himself captivated by Hope, and it becomes easy to picture a lifetime partnership together. Unfortunately, Hope’s already wounded pride means she doesn’t give Aaron the answer he expects. At the same time, her father discovers what they’ve been doing and forbids Hope from seeing the Kanagys anymore. As secrets from the past come to light, will these two strong-willed souls—and their families—learn that pride comes before every fall, but hope helps us rise again?

The Polar Express

Download The Polar Express PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Andersen Press
ISBN 13 : 9781783441815
Total Pages : 40 pages
Book Rating : 4.4/5 (418 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis The Polar Express by : Chris Van Allsburg

Download or read book The Polar Express written by Chris Van Allsburg and published by Andersen Press. This book was released on 2014-10-02 with total page 40 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Late on Christmas Eve, after the town has gone to sleep, a boy boards a mysterious train that waits for him: the Polar Express bound for the North Pole. When he arrives there, Santa offers him any gift he desires. The boy modestly asks for one bell from the reindeer's harness. It turns out to be a very special gift, for only believers in Santa can hear it ring. "Magical glowing double spread pictures . . . an original and memorable book." - Guardian "Evocative, realist pastels and atmospheric text." - Sunday Times "A thrilling tale." - Independent

Dino-Christmas

Download Dino-Christmas PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Carolrhoda Books ®
ISBN 13 : 1541530829
Total Pages : 35 pages
Book Rating : 4.5/5 (415 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Dino-Christmas by : Lisa Wheeler

Download or read book Dino-Christmas written by Lisa Wheeler and published by Carolrhoda Books ®. This book was released on 2018-09-01 with total page 35 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Have yourself a merry Dino-Christmas! Dinos big and small deck the halls and enjoy snowball fights, hot cocoa, a parade, and more. Share in the dinosaurs' delight as they eagerly await the arrival of everyone's favorite . . . Santa Claws! The team behind the Dino-Sports and Dino-Holidays series are back again with a celebration of all things Christmas. T. Rex makes angel wings in the snow, Triceratops leads a group of friends in decorating a park, Allosaurus makes a wreath, Apatosaurus dresses up like a giant elf. Santa Claws arrives and passes out presents, before the whole group goes caroling. It's a celebration of Triassic proportions! (And you won't believe what holiday they're celebrating next!) Dinosaurs big and small gather to decorate, eat, and even compete in party festivities like only prehistoric carnivores and herbivores would. Lisa Wheeler and Barry Gott—creators of the enormously popular Dino-Sports picture books—team up to create celebrations of epic proportions! "Gott's bright digital depictions of the rowdy dinosaurs are already great fun; seeing them crunch down on Christmas cookies, sing carols, and parade in the streets ups the ante."—Publishers Weekly "[W]ill delight dino-loving readers eager for the arrival of Christmas."—Kirkus Reviews

How the Dukes Stole Christmas

Download How the Dukes Stole Christmas PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : HarperCollins
ISBN 13 : 0062962426
Total Pages : 397 pages
Book Rating : 4.0/5 (629 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis How the Dukes Stole Christmas by : Tessa Dare

Download or read book How the Dukes Stole Christmas written by Tessa Dare and published by HarperCollins. This book was released on 2019-09-24 with total page 397 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: From the ballrooms of London, to abandoned Scottish castles, to the snowy streets of Gilded Age New York, four bestselling authors whip up unforgettable Christmas romance. “Meet Me in Mayfair” by Tessa Dare Louisa Ward needs a Christmas miracle. Unless she catches a wealthy husband at the ball, the Duke of Thorndale will evict her family from their home. When Louisa finds herself waltzing with the heartless Thorndale, she’s unnerved by his handsome looks—and surprising charm. “The Duke of Christmas Present” by Sarah MacLean Rich and ruthless, Eben, Duke of Allryd doesn’t care for the holidays. But when Lady Jacqueline Mosby returns to town after a long absence, Eben falls under the spell of Christmas—and the woman he never stopped loving. “Heiress Alone” by Sophie Jordan When Annis Bannister finds herself stranded in the Highlands during a Christmas snowstorm, she must fend off brigands terrorizing the countryside. Her only hope falls on her neighbor, a surly hermit duke who unravels her with a kiss. “Christmas in Central Park” by Joanna Shupe Mrs. Rose Walker pens a popular advice/recipe column. No one knows Rose can’t even boil water. When her boss, Duke Havemeyer, insists she host a Christmas party, Rose must find a husband, an empty mansion, and a cook. But Rose fears her plan is failing—especially when Duke’s attentions make her want to step under the mistletoe with him.

The Gift of Joy

Download The Gift of Joy PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : National Geographic Books
ISBN 13 : 059319988X
Total Pages : 0 pages
Book Rating : 4.5/5 (931 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis The Gift of Joy by : Kristen McKanagh

Download or read book The Gift of Joy written by Kristen McKanagh and published by National Geographic Books. This book was released on 2022-04-26 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Life is full of joy when it's least expected in this sweet Amish romance from the author of The Gift of Hope. Joshua Kanagy’s older brother has left the family gift shop business, which is wonderful gute for Aaron, but not for Joshua. Horses are his talent—raising and training them. But how can Joshua step away from the shop when his parents have already had to give up the dream of leaving their legacy to all three of their sons? Enter Joy Yoder, a determined, if sometimes misguided, helper who always manages to drag Joshua into her schemes and promises. Only now her focus turns to finding a solution to his problem, partly to distract from her own. Her mamm has her heart set on Joy marrying the minister’s son, and she’s not sure she wants to. Joy gets the grand idea to propose to Joshua, offering a partnership of convenience rather than love. But as the wedding approaches, Joy starts to develop feelings for Joshua. Is it possible Gotte’s plan for Joy includes faith, friendship, and love?

Royal Holiday

Download Royal Holiday PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Penguin
ISBN 13 : 1984802224
Total Pages : 306 pages
Book Rating : 4.9/5 (848 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Royal Holiday by : Jasmine Guillory

Download or read book Royal Holiday written by Jasmine Guillory and published by Penguin. This book was released on 2019-10-01 with total page 306 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: From the New York Times bestselling author of The Proposal and a “rising star in the romance genre” (Entertainment Weekly) comes a dazzling novel about a spontaneous holiday vacation that turns into an unforgettable romance. Vivian Forest has been out of the country a grand total of one time, so when she gets the chance to tag along on her daughter Maddie’s work trip to England to style a royal family member, she can’t refuse. She’s excited to spend the holidays taking in the magnificent British sights, but what she doesn’t expect is to become instantly attracted to a certain private secretary, his charming accent, and unyielding formality. Malcolm Hudson has worked for the Queen for years and has never given a personal, private tour—until now. He is intrigued by Vivian the moment he meets her and finds himself making excuses just to spend time with her. When flirtatious banter turns into a kiss under the mistletoe, things snowball into a full-on fling. Despite a ticking timer on their holiday romance, they are completely fine with ending their short, steamy affair come New Year’s Day...or are they?

The Smallest Gift of Christmas

Download The Smallest Gift of Christmas PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Candlewick Press
ISBN 13 : 076367981X
Total Pages : 41 pages
Book Rating : 4.7/5 (636 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis The Smallest Gift of Christmas by : Peter H. Reynolds

Download or read book The Smallest Gift of Christmas written by Peter H. Reynolds and published by Candlewick Press. This book was released on 2015-09-22 with total page 41 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: When young Roland is disappointed by seeing a tiny gift on Christmas morning, he learns that some gifts can't and shouldn't be defined by their physical size.

Snowball Unwrapped

Download Snowball Unwrapped PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Kensington Books
ISBN 13 : 1496736974
Total Pages : 305 pages
Book Rating : 4.4/5 (967 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Snowball Unwrapped by : Kristen McKanagh

Download or read book Snowball Unwrapped written by Kristen McKanagh and published by Kensington Books. This book was released on 2023-09-26 with total page 305 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A fun and heartwarming addition to the series that’s “the perfect Christmas treat” (Booklist), set in a cozy Victorian inn and starring that adorable matchmaking cat, Snowball—for fans of Melinda Metz and Sandi Ward. Jocelyn Becker would do anything for her twin sister. Unfortunately, “anything” this time means taking Ilse’s place as host of tv’s Home & Hearth and filming five Christmas-themed episodes at the Victorian inn and shops of Weber Haus. Somehow, Jocelyn will have to convince the world—and her co-host, Ben—that she is Ilse, who can craft, cook, bake, sing, and skate. Jocelyn, however, cannot. Snowball, the inn’s official greeter, is also having double trouble. The show has its own feline star, a Snowball-lookalike named Angel who’s more of a devil in disguise. Meanwhile, Snowball has noticed enough sparks between Ben and Jocelyn to light up a Christmas tree. But thanks to Jocelyn’s deception and Angel’s antics, this is going to be Snowball’s most challenging match yet. Still, the holidays are made for mistletoe kisses, crackling fires, cozy evenings, and of course, sweet Snowball shenanigans . . . “Purrresistibly heartwarming.” –Modern Cat on The Twelve Days of Snowball

Snow

Download Snow PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Random House Books for Young Readers
ISBN 13 : 0553509063
Total Pages : 72 pages
Book Rating : 4.5/5 (535 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Snow by : P.D. Eastman

Download or read book Snow written by P.D. Eastman and published by Random House Books for Young Readers. This book was released on 2014-05-28 with total page 72 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Just in time for the holidays, enjoy this wintry classic about the joys of playing in the snow. the perfect read aloud for a snow day--or any day this winter! This classic Beginner Book edited by Dr. Seuss is a delightful ode to winter. Brrrrr—it snowed! From snowball fights and skiing to fort building and snowman-making, P. D. Eastman and Roy McKie’s Snow will have young readers eager for the kind of fun only a wintry-white day can bring. Perfect for enjoying with a cup of hot cocoa, it makes an ideal gift for the holidays, and happy occasions of all kinds! Beginner Books are fun, funny, and easy to read! Launched by Dr. Seuss in 1957 with the publication of The Cat in the Hat, this beloved early reader series motivates children to read on their own by using simple words with illustrations that give clues to their meaning. Featuring a combination of kid appeal, supportive vocabulary, and bright, cheerful art, Beginner Books will encourage a love of reading in children ages 3–7. "Joyful verse relates the many ways to enjoy snow. First graders will love it." —Chicago Tribune

Marley & Me

Download Marley & Me PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Harper Collins
ISBN 13 : 0061793558
Total Pages : 323 pages
Book Rating : 4.0/5 (617 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Marley & Me by : John Grogan

Download or read book Marley & Me written by John Grogan and published by Harper Collins. This book was released on 2009-03-17 with total page 323 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The heartwarming and unforgettable story of a family and the wondrously neurotic dog who taught them what really matters in life. Now with photos and new material. Is it possible for humans to discover the key to happiness through a bigger-than-life, bad-boy dog? Just ask the Grogans. John and Jenny were just beginning their life together. They were young and in love, with not a care in the world. Then they brought home Marley, a wiggly yellow furball of a puppy. Life would never be the same. Marley grew into a barreling, ninety-seven-pound streamroller of a Labrador retriever. He crashed through screen doors, gouged through drywall, and stole women's undergarments. Obedience school did no good -- Marley was expelled. But just as Marley joyfully refused any limits on his behavior, his love and loyalty were boundless, too. Marley remained a model of devotion, even when his family was at its wit's end. Unconditional love, they would learn, comes in many forms. Marley & Me is John Grogan's funny, unforgettable tribute to this wonderful, wildly neurotic Lab and the meaning he brought to their lives.

The Book Thief

Download The Book Thief PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Knopf Books for Young Readers
ISBN 13 : 0385754728
Total Pages : 578 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (857 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis The Book Thief by : Markus Zusak

Download or read book The Book Thief written by Markus Zusak and published by Knopf Books for Young Readers. This book was released on 2013-10-15 with total page 578 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • ONE OF TIME MAGAZINE’S 100 BEST YA BOOKS OF ALL TIME • A NEW YORK TIMES READER TOP 100 PICK FOR BEST BOOKS OF THE 21ST CENTURY The extraordinary, beloved novel about the ability of books to feed the soul even in the darkest of times. When Death has a story to tell, you listen. It is 1939. Nazi Germany. The country is holding its breath. Death has never been busier, and will become busier still. Liesel Meminger is a foster girl living outside of Munich, who scratches out a meager existence for herself by stealing when she encounters something she can’t resist–books. With the help of her accordion-playing foster father, she learns to read and shares her stolen books with her neighbors during bombing raids as well as with the Jewish man hidden in her basement. In superbly crafted writing that burns with intensity, award-winning author Markus Zusak, author of I Am the Messenger, has given us one of the most enduring stories of our time. “The kind of book that can be life-changing.” —The New York Times “Deserves a place on the same shelf with The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank.” —USA Today DON’T MISS BRIDGE OF CLAY, MARKUS ZUSAK’S FIRST NOVEL SINCE THE BOOK THIEF.

Who Asked You?

Download Who Asked You? PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Penguin
ISBN 13 : 0451417038
Total Pages : 466 pages
Book Rating : 4.4/5 (514 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Who Asked You? by : Terry McMillan

Download or read book Who Asked You? written by Terry McMillan and published by Penguin. This book was released on 2015-08-04 with total page 466 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Trinetta drops off her two young boys with her mother, Betty Jean - and then pulls a disappearing act. BJ is a sassy, pull-no-punches, trademark McMillan matriarch, and she already has her hands full picking up the slack for her other kids, coaching her best friend Tammy through her own tribulations and dealing with two feuding sisters, all while holding down a job as a hotel maid. Who Asked You? raises questions about how we care for one another and how we set limits for those we love when the demands are too great.