THE SECRET LIFE OF MRS. LONDON tells the tale of Harry Houdini’s fascinating love triangle with the wife of American novelist Jack London. Rebecca Rosenberg wrote this heart-wrenching novel which reminds us that London wrote 50 books in 15 years, most of them best sellers and made into movies. And, of course, he wrote those 50 novels before computers, copy machines, or even electric typewriters. That would be an impossible feat if it weren’t for the dynamo, Charmian London, typing, editing, embellishing, proofreading, acting as his muse, coach and inspiration. Love, passion and art all collide in this work of historical fiction that is totally entertaining and informative.

COOKING SOUTH OF THE CLOUDS, Recipes and Stories from China’s Yunnan Province, Kyle Books, by food writer Georgia Freedman is an informative must-have book for anyone wanting to explore China’s best- kept culinary secret–Yunnan Province–the most geographically, biologically and ethnically diverse region in China. This is more than a great cookbook, it is a deep dive into cuisine, history, culture, customs and environment of a province previously hidden from Western eyes and ears. A true love letter to Yunnan’s rich food traditions with enticing recipes, engaging profiles and stunning images by photographer Josh Wand.

How in the name of Christmas are you going to surprise and delight your friends and family with fun and festive gifts they’ll remember forever? Raise a glass to gift giving as it should be with these celebrated new books:

SPECTACLE, Rare and Astonishing Photographs, a breathtaking collection of inspiring photographs curated by National Geographic editors. SPECTACLE features more than 200 astounding photographs depicting an array of marvels. The book is divided into four dazzling chapters. In CHAOS, you’ll see a shark feeding frenzy; SURPRISE captures the moment sulfur ignites into a liquid blue blaze; BEAUTY shows a starfish cleaving to a drifting jellyfish; and AWE features a roaring wildfire. From great migrations to the depths of Antarctica, intricate gardens to fascinating cultures, SPECTACLE is a colorful journey unlike any other.

This volume will inspire anyone who admires the unparalleled beauty and rare phenomena of our majestic planet. The foreword is by National Geographic staff photographer Mark Thiessen. Published by the esteemed National Geographic, $40.00. https://www.amazon.com/National-Geographic-Spectacle-Astonishing-Photographs/dp/1426219687/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1541168494&sr=8-1&keywords=spectacle+national+geographic

THE SPIRIT OF HOSPITALITY, How To Add The Missing Ingredients Your Business Needs, is full of refreshing and positive insights from author Larry Stuart that spell out how to engage customers and keep them. Stuart knows of what he speaks: he has a long career in hospitality at the highest levels and his message is simple: kindness, serving others, loving your customers, and winning their hearts is the recipe for generating faithful advocates of your brand. Published by Morgan James.