Charlene D’Avanzo: When many people think of Christmas they dream of snow covered pine trees and a small cabin warmed by the wood fire on a cold December day. Since Maine was founded, people have written stories about the joys of Christmas in the state. In times of hardship and wealth, Mainers put the value of Christmas in time shared with family and friends, connections with the natural world, rich traditions, and warm wood stoves. In a collection featuring essays, stories, and poetry, All Is Calm looks at the lives of Mainers during the holidays from the mid-1800s, to the Great Depression, to modern day. Spanning nearly 200 years, these stories show that while Christmas traditions and trends may be changing, the warmth, gratitude, and humility of the Maine spirit is evergreen.

Why Christmas Trees Aren’t Perfect – Long, long ago, in a land far away, lived a perfect little tree named Small Pine. Small Pine hoped to maintain its perfect form and be selected by the Queen as her Christmas tree. But as the warm-hearted little tree gave shelter to birds, rabbits, and deer in the forest, its branches became damaged. Fortunately, the Queen had a different idea of perfection…

Young readers will want to read and reread the story of how Small Pine’s love and charity for its friends helps make it the most “perfect” Christmas Tree of all. This beautifully illustrated story of a warm-hearted Christmas tale will surely become one of the most beloved classics of future generations. Schneider’s storytelling will enthrall children and adults alike.  A Children’s Christmas Classic for Over 20 Years!

A Christmas by the Sea – Melody Carlson. When Wendy Harper inherits her family’s beachside cottage in Seaside, Maine, she can finally pay off the debts that mounted since her husband died. But the neglected property needs renovation before it can be sold, so Wendy and her young son  Jackson move in to fix the place up to sell. Soon the town makes it difficult for Wendy to resists their charms.

Slashing Through the Snow: A Christmas Tree Farm Mystery Reindeer Games Christmas Tree Farm is going into the B&B business, and Holly White is looking forward to her new role as innkeeper. Even better, Mistletoe, Maine’s sheriff, Evan Gray, has deputized his little sister Libby to help Holly wrap presents for Mistletoe’s toy drive. But a cold wind ruffles the cheery holiday decorations when a new guest checks in: Karen, a vicious B&B critic, who could make or break the new inn. And the short December days turn even darker when Evan and Libby find Karen’s dead body in the gift-wrapped toy donation box. Filled with quirky local character this is a fun murder-mystery.

The Coast Of Maine – Carl Helman “A stunning keepsake album for one of America’s favorite vacation destinations, with panoramic-style photographs of coastal Maine’s grand mountains, pristine woods, and dramatic shoreline.” The photographs capture sandy beaches and tidepools, tree-covered mountains, secluded harbors, historic lighthouses, and lobster boats along the coast.