Showing results by narrator "Moniqua Plante" in All Categories

Nicolas Cage: leading man or character actor? Action hero or goofball comedian? Internet joke or one of the greatest actors of his generation? Beyond the gif bait and easy punchline, Nicolas Cage continually frustrates easy categorization or understanding. In National Treasure, pop culture writer Lindsay Gibb studies Nicolas Cage’s acting style and makes sense of the trajectory of his eclectic career. In the process, Gibb debunks the common claim that Cage makes bad choices.

His sisters want him to have the happily-ever-after their parents do. When mechanic Luke Dawson helps a woman on the side of the road, he didn't think it would be the matchmaker his sisters set him up with. But just one date is all it takes for him to decide that he's not going for a match—he's interested in the matchmaker herself. Now it's his job to convince her to give him a shot without scaring her off. But try after try, he's hitting obstacles in the form of rules she's crafted in order to protect herself.

Almost every day it seems that our world becomes more fractured, more digital, and more chaotic. Sheila Liming has the answer: we need to hang out more. Starting with the assumption that play is to children as hanging out is to adults, Liming makes a brilliant case for the necessity of unstructured social time as a key element of our cultural vitality. The book asks questions like what is hanging out? why is it important? why do we do it? how do we do it? and examines the various ways we hang out-in groups, online, at parties, at work.

Susan has been in Wyoming long enough to feel at home, but instead she finds herself still struggling to adapt to the dusty landscape, the different customs, and life so far from family. She knows she should be appreciating the big, beautiful log home that Isaac built, but sometimes even that feels like a burden—so much of it to clean, and Isaac always traipsing in with his muddy boots and clothes smelling of diesel. But those are just the surface problems.

Based in the revolutionary science of attachment theory and evidence-based emotionally focused therapy (EFT), this is an effective, research-based road map for helping high-conflict couples break free from painful and destructive habits. With this book, you'll uncover the root cause of your conflicts-both as individuals and as a couple. You'll also find simple strategies for creating an emotionally secure environment, as well as tips for managing triggers, de-escalating arguments, and cultivating a real and lasting connection.

It’s the opportunity Elena Alvarez has been waiting for—the challenge of running her own kitchen in a world-class restaurant. Haunted by an accident of which she was the lone survivor, Elena knows better than anyone how to survive the odds. With her faithful dog, Alvin, and her grandmother’s recipes, Elena arrives in Colorado to find a restaurant in as desperate need of a fresh start as she is—and a man whose passionate approach to food and life rivals her own.

In 1943, movie producer Henrik Zoltan approaches Amelie Blake under the guise of offering the Hollywood star a leading part in his upcoming film, but he has a more meaningful role in mind. Amelie’s homeland of Sweden declared neutrality in the war, but Stockholm has become the “Casablanca of the North.” When top-secret atomic research goes missing in Sweden, the Allied forces scramble to recover the files before they fall into Nazi hands.

Based on the self-help hit by Leslie Becker-Phelps, The Insecure in Love Workbook offers engaging activities, tips, and exercises to help you overcome attachment anxiety by developing compassionate self-awareness. You'll learn to recognize physical sensations, negative thoughts, distressing emotions, and unhealthy behavior patterns that underlie your insecurity; and respond to them in a more nurturing way-rather than beating yourself up. You'll also discover how insecurity can overwhelm or paralyze you, negatively affecting the relationship between you and your partner.

With one phone call, Colt's life turned upside down, inside out, backwards, spiraled out of control . . . however you want to say it. He was used to life not going as planned, but this little detour changed his life forever and completely terrified him. But he didn't have time to dwell on the fact he was not this toddler's one and only parent. His little niece Poppy needed him, and he was determined not to fail her. But life continued to throw him curve balls.

Are you tired of hangovers? Do you wish you could think more clearly during the day or feel less anxious at night? Are you curious about that #soberlife? Many of us want to cut back on our drinking—or even stop altogether. But in a culture that glamorizes the cocktail hour, "white wine playdates," and boozy brunches, you might wonder, What would I do instead? If you're ready for a change, this go-to guide has the answer.

In this offbeat holiday romantic comedy, an overworked firefighter turned social media coordinator and a librarian with an unrequited crush break a few rules in the company handbook....

Staff Sergeant Alexandra Foster, a small-town girl from Missouri, arrives for deployment to Kabul, Afghanistan. She makes new friends and enemies, but most of all, she faces the reality that not everyone in the world is free.

Elise Malvern has a habit of letting people down. Her former boyfriend who hoped she'd be his bride. Her grandfather who hoped she'd take over the family's auction company. But mostly she's disappointed herself. What's the point of pursuing her passion as a violinist, if she is too scared to audition for a seat in the Pittsburgh Symphony? Her internship at the elegant Heinz Hall places her in the wings of the stage, but never on it. By accident, she discovers an old stage prop.

Arizona Territory, 1871. Valeria Obregon and her ambitious husband, Raúl, arrive in the raw frontier town of Tucson hoping to find prosperity. Changing Woman, an Apache spirit who represents the natural order of the world and its cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, welcomes Nest Feather, a twelve-year-old Apache girl, into womanhood in Aravaipa Canyon.

If Sarah Mercer had ever been asked to describe herself in one word, it would be sensible. After all, she had a steady job. Made prudent decisions. Was in what she though was a logical relationship. But when her fiance dumps her for an exotic dancer, Sarah decides it's time to change . . . everything! The first thing on her agenda? To get out of town and take a three month trip to Ireland.

In August 1939, Alice Marble graced the cover of Life magazine, photographed by Alfred Eisenstaedt. She was a glamorous worldwide celebrity, having that year won singles, women's doubles, and mixed doubles tennis titles at both Wimbledon and the US Open, then an unprecedented feat. Yet today one of America's greatest female athletes and most charismatic characters is largely forgotten. Queen of the Court places her back on center stage.

Kathleen Fitzgerald has never been the leading lady. In her stage roles, she's always the second banana or the sidekick. And in love she's forever the bridesmaid, never the bride. So, showing up to support her best friend at her weekend wedding by the sea is a well-rehearsed role. Until one look from handsome fellow wedding guest Russell King makes her feel like a star.

An intense summer fling with handsome, protective actor James Martin opened up self-effacing Frederica Alves's horizons. Then their potential for love met a swift end when he followed his dreams and left New York for Hollywood. Two years later, James is back, his talent now matched by his rising fame, and that spark is still there. But the shy Freddie he knew has become a confident woman and their passionate reconnection speedily turns into equally passionate conflict.

All Alicia Johnson has ever wanted is to be able to slip into someone else's life, clothing, and makeup to become a murderess, a socialite, or a nurse for an episode or a season. Being an actress comes with a healthy dose of financial insecurity and a willingness to live out of two jammed suitcases, ready to go wherever the next director wants her. Up until now, it's been worth it for the creative escape and the thrill of applause.

The stage is set for the play of a lifetime: but it's the romantic drama backstage that has everyone applauding. Paul and Cath are the perfect creative team. He's an up-and-coming theater director and she's his unflappable, rock-steady stage manager. If Cath's had to bury her unrequited affection for Paul for ten long years to keep things professional, it's just the price she pays for a career she loves, working with her best friend by her side. Until he hires her old nemesis as the leading lady for a new play that's their chance to make it big.