Two new books by Northwest author Debbie Macomber

New releases

"One Simple Act: Discovering the Power of Generosity" by Debbie Macomber (Howard, $22.99) and "The Perfect Christmas" by Debbie Macomber (Mira, $16.95). Two new books by the Port Orchard author — the first an inspirational book on "what God accomplishes when we make ourselves available through simple acts of generosity," the second a yuletide novel about a 33-year-old woman turning to a professional matchmaker in her search for love. Another Christmas-set tale, Macomber's 1996 novel "Mrs. Miracle" (Avon Romance, $7.99), has been reissued as a tie-in to a Hallmark Channel movie starring Doris Roberts, premiering 8 p.m. Dec. 5.

"Give, Eat, and Live: Poems of Avvaiyar," translated by Thomas H. Pruiksma (Red Hen, $17.95). A bilingual edition of work by a 12th-century Tamil poet. Vashon Island translator Pruiksma reads 7:30 p.m. Dec. 3, Open Books, 2414 N. 45th St., Seattle; free (206-633-0811 or www.openpoetrybooks.com).

"Hellie Jondoe" by Randall Platt (Texas Tech University Press, $16.95). A Seattle-area author's young-adult novel about a 13-year-old orphan going through tough times in Oregon ranch country at the end of World War I. Platt reads 7 p.m. Dec. 8, Mandolin Cafe, 3923 S. 12th St., Tacoma; free (253-761-3482 or www.themandolincafe.com).

"Carl's Snowy Afternoon" by Alexandra Day (Farrar, Straus & Giroux, $12.99). The Seattle author-illustrator's latest picture book for children ages 4-8 is a wintertime tale in which Carl the Rottweiler and baby Madeleine outwit a baby-sitter and enjoy some outdoor fun. Day reads 10 a.m. Dec. 2, Third Place Books, 17171 Bothell Way N.E., Lake Forest Park, free (206-366-3333 or www.thirdplacebooks.com).

"Loving Creation: Christian Spirituality, Earth-Centered and Just" by Kathleen Fischer (Paulist, $19.95). A Seattle counselor's tips on how we can "bring about the profound conversion of mind and heart necessary to protect and preserve our planet."

"Wings of Creation" by Brenda Cooper (Tor, $27.99). The Bellevue author's latest science-fiction novel concerns a "subspecies of humans" living on a planet where "every flower is told when to grow."

"The Singers of Nevya" by Louise Marley (Fairwood, $19.99). New in paperback: omnibus edition of a fantasy trilogy — "Sing the Light," "Sing the Warmth," "Receive the Gift" — by a Seattle-area writer, set on a planet where summer comes once every five years.

Seattle Times staff

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