A quick read for busy parents who want to reclaim the joy of family life. Once Upon a Childhood takes readers into the daily life of four kids, two parents, and a variety of challenging moments. Award winning author Kathy Nickerson answers some tough questions like “Why won’t my kids go to bed at night?” and “How can I get my teenager to talk?”

This is the story of Catherine Benson who longs to do One Great Thing before she dies and Elmer Grigsby who hopes to stay seriously drunk until he slips out of the world unnoticed. Catherine searches for purpose while fighting the infirmities of age and the best intentions of her children. She gains support from her quirky friends, the Glory Circle Sisters. Elmer isn’t supported by anyone except his cat. When their destinies intersect one Tuesday in December, Elmer and Catherine both discover it is only Thirty Days to Glory.

After the death of her young husband, best-selling novelist Nora Kimble escapes New York for a summer cottage in the Ozarks. She hopes to leave behind her nagging mother, her ambitious literary agent, and her own pressing sorrow. But her private retreat is soon crowded by a strange visitor and a community that refuses to let her grieve alone.

If you are already a fan of the Glory Circle Sisters, you will enjoy this summer vacation with Bess Caldwell, who lost her driving privileges and watched the neighbors stealing her electricity in Thirty Days to Glory. That little setback hasn’t stopped her, though, as Nora Kimball is about to learn.

In her seventy-fifth autumn, Madge DuPree blusters into the Marvel House like a crotchety Mary Poppins. She only wants to save a little money, but she might end up saving everyone. Including herself.

Madge DuPree has spent years building up her reputation as the most independent member of the women’s group known as the Glory Circle Sisters. She came late to faith and to friendship. Neither one is going to make her sentimental.

When a broken hip forces Madge to depend on other people, she squirms. Her plan is to mend quickly and get back to eating solitary suppers and driving her Oldsmobile anywhere she pleases.

But then, Mr. Elmer Grigsby comes to call. Madge knows she is much too old and crotchety for any romantic foolishness.

Elmer Grigsby disagrees.