Mary Beth Sammons

What makes us who we are? What combination of history, genes, ancestry and experience defines us? Commercial DNA testing and Web sites like Ancestry.com and MyHeritage.com and TV shows like "Who Do You Think You Are," and "Finding Your Roots" are exploding in popularity and offering answers for the curious. Where did my ancestors come from? To whom am I biologically related? Ultimately, we all want the answer to the question who am I? Ancestry Quest: How Stories of the Past Heal the Future shares the remarkable journeys of these real-life persons who delved deeper into their family mysteries. It seems everywhere we turn these days; someone is talking about someone whose co-worker or cashier at the coffee shop just found out some kind of shocking discovery about the family they thought they had, but now is radically different. The book includes the stories of people who have made the decision that could alter their futures - or really their past. It may start as a just-for-fun DNA test, but ultimately those who are spitting in tubes and sending them off in the mail share a common goal: They want to know what they are made of. Many have uncovered, quite by accident, that their family isn't quite what they thought. These moving and thoughtful stories take readers on a rollercoaster of emotions and resonate for all who are exploring their histories to answer the question: "Why am I who I am? The journeys are dramatically different - sad and happy all at once, promising to redefine family in a way that is more honest and relevant. These heart-warming and wrenching, intimate and inspiring stories are about the lessons learned along the way in search of the truth.

The Grateful Life is a guide to discovering -- and achieving -- one's dreams by harnessing the power of a positive attitude. In years of research and practice, authors Nina Lesowitz and Mary Beth Sammons have discovered that grateful living can transform lives. Grateful people are happier people. They are healthier and less stressed. They report much higher levels of satisfaction with their relationships and are less likely to credit luck with the good fortune of others. This book contains inspiring stories about those who exercise gratitude as a spiritual practice to rise out of adversity to new life. It also shows how grateful living is central to the good life and to attracting abundance. Filled with motivational quotes, resources, and exercises, The Grateful Life helps readers on their journey to creating the life they've always wanted. Taking the concept of Living Life as a Thank You to the next level, The Grateful Life includes absorbing and transformative stories from real people who unveil the secret to achieving successes both big and small.

In Gifts with Heart, Mary Beth Sammons presents a collection of stories and ideas to inspire readers to give with thought and feeling, so that giver and recipient will connect in special ways. The author suggests gift ideas for parents, spouses, children, and friends, as well as housewarming gifts and gifts for the sick or dispirited. Readers can plan a "date" for their parents, write the story of their grandparents' lives, or compile an heirloom recipe cookbook. From assembling photo collections to creating "happy memory boxes" to packaging up a winter blues "get-well kit" (complete with chicken soup and cough medicine), there's something here for everyone.