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All You Need Is Love (The Principles of Love #4)
by Emily FranklinSpringtime blooms, but for Love Bukowski, life at home is chillyAfter an incredible semester at the London Academy of Drama and Music, Love Bukowski is back at Hadley Hall. Unfortunately, it feels as though her fabulous British life (and boyfriend) are on hold. Love wants only to be at Aunt Mable&’s side during her fight with breast cancer. But Love&’s English boyfriend, Asher, suddenly doesn&’t seem to want to talk to her, and her ex-boyfriend Jacob has popped back into her life. Love&’s dad is struggling with the way she&’s changed (i.e., grown up), and Aunt Mable has new information about Love&’s mysterious mother. Love still longs for security—but maybe home is not the place to find it.
All You Need Is Love & Other Lies About Marriage: How to Save Your Marriage Before It's Too Late
by John W. JacobsWhy is it so difficult to remain married in thetwenty-first century, and what can you do about it?We all know that half of today's marriages end in divorce, but we tend to believe that our own marriages are safe. As psychiatrist John Jacobs explains in this fresh and impassioned book, marriages today are incredibly fragile, and unless a couple understands what is making contemporary marriage so vulnerable to dissolution, the marriage is at risk.Part of the problem is that people refuse to see how social and historical forces have changed the very meaning of marriage, causing serious interpersonal unhappiness. Because of increased longevity, married people live together longer than at any time in history. There's been an erosion of the social and cultural forces that traditionally kept marriages together. Confusion over gender-role responsibilities, increased expectations of sexual satisfaction, and intense time pressures on couples to work and be successful all create marital stress.And yet, most people don't acknowledge the problems in their marriage until it is too late. We tend to believe in the "lies of marriage" -- such concepts as soul mates, unconditional love, that children improve a relationship, that the sexual revolution has made marital sex more pleasurable, or that egalitarian marriage offers couples easy solutions -- and forget to engage in the constant hardwork required to keep our marriages alive.Dr. Jacobs believes that most marriages have significant problems at some time, but until we recognize the new realities of marriage and develop the skills required to sustain a loving, intimate relationship, marriages are at risk.Of course marriage is about love. But that's just the beginning.
Allegedly
by Tiffany D. Jackson<i>Orange Is the New Black</i> meets Walter Dean Myer’s <i>Monster</i> in this gritty, twisty, and haunting debut by Tiffany D. Jackson about a girl convicted of murder seeking the truth while surviving life in a group home.<p><p>Mary B. Addison killed a baby.<p> Allegedly. She didn’t say much in that first interview with detectives, and the media filled in the only blanks that mattered: a white baby had died while under the care of a churchgoing black woman and her nine-year-old daughter. The public convicted Mary and the jury made it official. But did she do it? <p>There wasn’t a point to setting the record straight before, but now she’s got Ted—and their unborn child—to think about. When the state threatens to take her baby, Mary’s fate now lies in the hands of the one person she distrusts the most: her Momma. No one knows the real Momma. But does anyone know the real Mary?
Allegra
by Cecelia AhernA veces, las personas que tienen el poder de cambiar tu vida son las que han estado allí todo el tiempo... Como estrellas en los cielos oscuros sobre la pequeña isla donde creció, las pecas se esparcen por los brazos de Allegra Bird, un vínculo con su amado padre; a su madre no la conoce. En una búsqueda para encontrar lo único que le falta, comienza una nueva y audaz vida en Dublín. Pero ella ha dejado mucho atrás. Entonces, cuando un extraño le dice que es la suma de las cinco personas con las que pasa más tiempo, de repente ya no busca a una sola persona. Ella está buscando a cinco. Allegra afirma la vida, es hermosa y hace pensar, es una novela inolvidable de cinco personas, cinco oportunidades y la búsqueda de la felicidad de una mujer. La crítica dice… «Una conmovedora historia sobre la soledad y la conexión.» -Daily Mail «Una entrañable historia de la fragilidad humana, la conexión y el crecimiento.» -Irish Independent «Una historia cálida y agridulce sobre cómo encontrarse a uno mismo a través de la familia y la amistad.» -Sunday Telegraph
Allergen-Free Family Cookbook: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Casein-Free, Soy-Free, and Nut-Free Recipes
by Erica DanielsA mother's love letter to her son—featuring more than sixty gluten-, dairy-, soy-, casein-, and nut-free recipes. A portion of proceeds from the sale of this book will be donated to autism research. This heartfelt cookbook tells the story of a mother desperate to heal and connect with her hard-to-reach, severely autistic son, Leo, through the most vital everyday activity—cooking. For many years, Erica Daniels had been out to find a successful dietary intervention for eleven-year-old Leo, who suffers from significant food allergies, gastrointestinal disease, and autism. Through trial and error in her own kitchen, she finally hit her gastronomic stride of preparing nourishing meals for her entire family without gluten, dairy, soy, nuts, additives, or GMOS—with Leo by her side. Part cookbook and part love story, Cooking with Leo takes you into the real life messy kitchen of a family affected by autism and food allergies. You will laugh and cry along with Erica and Leo as they cook, create, dance, act silly, and, most importantly, bond. A family-inspired collection of over 60 allergen-free and autism diet–friendly recipes to be prepared and shared together by your whole family, you will make meaningful connections with your child and nurture their passion for cooking with nutritious recipes such as: Teff-Tough Honey WafflesFootball Sunday Turkey ChiliGrandma's Healing Chicken SoupLeo's Italian ArtichokesNanny's Rhubarb SauceYouTube Organic Gummy Candies, and more! Learn not only to cook nutritiously for your whole family, but also to connect with your children, find their gifts and develop their strengths, impart life skills, and tie the family together with healthy food and happy guts.
Allergic to My Family
by Liza KetchumWhen Rosie Maxwell, age nine, discovers her family will soon expand from five kids to six, she explodes. "No one has that many kids anymore!" After Clara is born, Rosie's parents are too busy to notice that the family is crazier than ever: Silas, age four, can't talk, even though his twin sister Katie always knows what he wants. Dan, the family bookworm, has a habit of disappearing. Bossy Shirley lives on the phone, even in a crisis, and Clara can't do much except cry and mess her diaper. Clearly, it's up to Rosie to fix things but somehow, all her efforts make matters worse. Then a brush fire roars into Copper Canyon, threatening the Maxwell's home. That's when everyone learns to appreciate Rosie's spunk, imagination, and gift for gymnastics--and when Rosie, now a hero, discovers she fits into her unusual family after all.In its starred review of Allergic to My Family, Kirkus Reviews wrote: "[Ketchum] deftly builds a consistent picture of this entire lively family in three amusing, self-contained episodes, then tells a satisfyingly suspenseful story about how her well-established characters cope with the fire. Welcome, Maxwells! Come back soon." "Rosie is a spirited and funny heroine, and her antics are completely believable," Booklist wrote. "[Ketchum] has captured the injured and indignant feelings of a harassed nine-year-old with great sympathy and humor. Rosie is sure to be popular with preteen readers." And indeed, as one enthusiastic teen wrote to the author, "I wish you would write another book about Rosie. I think it would help a lot of preteen girls with their lives."
Allergies
by Adams MediaFor parents, few experiences provoke more anxiety than the thought of a sick child. The Everything® Healthy Living Series is here to help. These concise, thoughtful guides offer the expert advice and the latest medical information you need to understand your child’s ailments and provide the best possible care. Childhood illnesses are inevitable; the way you approach treatment is not.Here you’ll find the tools in determining what is, or is not, an allergic reaction, when to seek allergy testing from your child’s pediatrician, and how to minimize your child’ triggers.
Allergies and Asthma
by Michael J WelchAllergies and Asthma: What Every Parent Needs to Know is an invaluable resource for parents and caregivers trying to cope with the challenges of childhood asthma and allergies. This well-organized guide covers such topics as Identifying allergies and asthma Preventing attacks Minimizing triggers and avoiding allergens Choosing medications wisely Explaining allergies to young children Helping children of all ages manage symptoms What to do if a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction or asthma attack occursAllergies and Asthma now provides updated information on allergies-including the latest findings on food allergies and treatments-along with new approaches for monitoring asthma control, with expanded recommendations for children. The second edition provides new guidance on medications, new recommendations on patient education in settings beyond the physician's office, and new advice for controlling environmental factors that can cause asthma symptoms.
The Allergy Book: Solving Your Family's Nasal Allergies, Asthma, Food Sensitivities, and Related Health and Behavioral Problems
by Robert W. SearsFrom America's most trusted name in pediatrics, a comprehensive guide to treating and preventing nasal allergies, asthma, food allergies and intolerances, and more. Allergies are one of the most common ailments, causing children to miss school and parents to miss work. Left untreated or unresolved, stuffy noses, itchy skin, and irritated bellies can lead to chronic asthma, eczema, inflammatory bowel disease, and neurological disorders. Today's parents don't just want to treat their family's allergy symptoms ¿ they want to eliminate allergies and prevent chronic and long-term health complications. The Sears show them how. Drs. Robert and William Sears present a science-based approach that has helped alleviate allergies in many of their patients, providing a plan not only for treatment, but also for prevention. A family-friendly resource, THE ALLERGY BOOK offers all the reassurance and accessible, practical advice that parents need to resolve their children's allergies, now and throughout their lives.
The Allergy-Free Baby and Toddler Book: The definitive guide to managing your child's food allergy
by Charlotte Muquit Dr. Adam FoxThe Allergy-Free Baby and Toddler Book is the guide that all worried parents have been waiting for. Written by Charlotte Muquit, a mum whose own son has severe food allergies, and Dr Adam Fox, one of the country's top allergy specialists, this book explains everything you need to know about allergies, from navigating the diagnosis process to the practical steps you can take to manage allergies in the longterm. Find out how to:- Identify the source of an allergy- Treat reactions- Communicate with GPs, nurseries and playgroups- Enjoy social events without worrying- Adapt weaning and diet to avoid reactionsYou'll also find 30 delicious allergy-free recipes for everyday and special occasions. Comprehensive, accessible and informative, The Allergy-Free Baby and Toddler Book gives parents the knowledge and reassurance they need to stop allergies getting in the way of a fun, full and active childhood.
The Allergy-Free Baby & Toddler Cookbook: 100 delicious recipes free from dairy, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soya, gluten, sesame and shellfish
by Ellie Lux Fiona HeggieWean your baby and nourish your toddler with 100 nutritious recipes free from all 14 major allergens. 'Introducing your baby to food is one of the many great joys of parenthood. When it comes to weaning children with food allergies, we are two mums who have been there, done that and got the baby food-spattered T-shirts.'With over 100 delicious, wholesome recipes covering your baby's very first tastes up to mini meals, The Allergy-Free Baby & Toddler Cookbook works with whichever weaning method you use. Offering meal plans and a host of practical advice and nutritional expertise this book will help lay the foundations for life-long healthy eating. Using ingredients that can be readily found in supermarkets, each recipe is free from 14 major food allergens: dairy, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soya, gluten, sesame, fish, molluscs, crustaceans, celery, mustard, lupin and sulphites.
The Allergy-Free Baby & Toddler Cookbook: 100 delicious recipes free from dairy, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soya, gluten, sesame and shellfish
by Ellie Lux Fiona HeggieWean your baby and nourish your toddler with 100 nutritious recipes free from all 14 major allergens. 'Introducing your baby to food is one of the many great joys of parenthood. When it comes to weaning children with food allergies, we are two mums who have been there, done that and got the baby food-spattered T-shirts.'With over 100 delicious, wholesome recipes covering your baby's very first tastes up to mini meals, The Allergy-Free Baby & Toddler Cookbook works with whichever weaning method you use. Offering meal plans and a host of practical advice and nutritional expertise this book will help lay the foundations for life-long healthy eating. Using ingredients that can be readily found in supermarkets, each recipe is free from 14 major food allergens: dairy, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soya, gluten, sesame, fish, molluscs, crustaceans, celery, mustard, lupin and sulphites.
Allergy-Free Kids: The Science-Based Approach to Preventing Food Allergies
by Robin Nixon PompaBased on recent groundbreaking studies that will change the way parents feed their children, Allergy-Free Kids is a revolutionary guide to preventing food allergies.When her infant daughter was diagnosed with life-threatening food allergies, Robin Nixon Pompa found Dr. Gideon Lack, a clinical researcher on the verge of a breakthrough in allergy prevention and treatment that would heal her daughter and, later, her sons.The secret: building acceptance of allergens through repeated careful feedings. Instead of avoiding eggs, nuts, and other allergens, as previous recommendations held, most parents should introduce them into their children’s diets, "early, carefully and often, for at least the first five years of life." This life-changing approach is being embraced by the medical community, especially for peanut allergy, and is reflected in new guidelines from the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, the National Institutes of Health and other major medical associations.Allergy-Free Kids includes a concise, easy-to-understand overview of the research as well as seventy simple and delicious kid-friendly recipes to help parents integrate unfamiliar allergen foods into a child’s diet. Divided by allergen, Allergy-Free Kids contains sections on Eggs, Peanuts and Tree Nuts, Cow’s Milk, Sesame, Wheat and Fish. It also discusses other foods, such as kiwi and soy, which are increasingly causing allergic reactions. The book includes feeding advice, and maintenance doses, followed by recipes suitable for babies, toddlers and preschoolers, including Open Sesame Sweet Potatoes, Nut Flour Crackers, Cocoa "Puffs" and Eggs-Pretending-to-be-Muffins. Following the new medical guidelines, Allergy-Free Kids empowers parents to help their kids avoid a lifelong struggle with food allergies—and bring variety and joy back to family meals.
The Allergy-Friendly Cookbook: Simple Recipes for the Whole Family
by Elizabeth PecoraroNo one should feel left out when it comes to healthy eating, regardless of food allergies. In The Allergy-Friendly Cookbook, registered dietitian Elizabeth Pecoraro teaches families with allergies to cook simple, healthy, delicious meals that are completely free of the top nine allergens: peanuts, tree nuts, egg, milk, wheat, soy, fish, shellfish, and sesame. Pecoraro, whose own children live with food allergies, offers 60 allergy-friendly recipes that won't take you hours to prepare and that your whole family will enjoy. With each recipe, she also provides substitution options, nutrition notes, and cooking tips. In addition, she shares which allergy-friendly manufacturers she trusts for her own family. The Allergy-Friendly Cookbook is a must-have resource for families who live with food allergies and want to feed their children healthy, safe meals.
Alley Urchin: A thrilling saga of love, resilience and revenge (Emma Grady trilogy, Book 2)
by Josephine CoxTo return to those she loves, she must also return to the past... In the second instalment of her Emma Grady trilogy, bestselling author Josephine Cox brings us Alley Urchin, a gripping saga of a woman determined to overcome the brutality of life as a convict to return to the man she loves. Perfect for fans of Kitty Neale and Rosie Goodwin.By 1870 Emma Grady has spent seven years of servitude as a convict in Australia. Emma lives for the day when she will return to England, to face those who cheated and betrayed her. And to Marlow Tanner, the man she loves - and whose tragic child she had borne and then lost.Emma struggles to make something of her life in Australia despite the sinister presence of her employer's evil son, Foster. His determination to 'have' Emma leads to dark and terrifying consequences. As Emma battles against adversity, she is unaware that in England the child she has given up for dead is being lovingly raised by Marlow's sister Old Sal, who teaches Emma's daughter Molly to be an expert pickpocket.Will Emma ever be reunited with Marlow? Even if she finds him, will he still love her? And what of the child lost to both of them? Emma is plagued with fears but her love for Marlow never weakens - and can never be forgotten... What readers are saying about Alley Urchin: 'Josephine Cox has the unique talent of writing books which provoke every emotion in the reader. This book in the Emma Grady trilogy has all this - and more. We feel for the characters as if we know them and, as with all Josephine Cox books, it is very hard to put down the book once started... You will find yourself impatient to get to the end!''Another great, thrilling book which keeps you guessing till the end. The story is well written with some great twists''Totally absorbing. Unputdownable!'
Alley Urchin: A thrilling saga of love, resilience and revenge (Emma Grady trilogy, Book 2)
by Josephine CoxTo return to those she loves, she must also return to the past... In the second instalment of her Emma Grady trilogy, bestselling author Josephine Cox brings us Alley Urchin, a gripping saga of a woman determined to overcome the brutality of life as a convict to return to the man she loves. Perfect for fans of Kitty Neale and Rosie Goodwin.By 1870 Emma Grady has spent seven years of servitude as a convict in Australia. Emma lives for the day when she will return to England, to face those who cheated and betrayed her. And to Marlow Tanner, the man she loves - and whose tragic child she had borne and then lost.Emma struggles to make something of her life in Australia despite the sinister presence of her employer's evil son, Foster. His determination to 'have' Emma leads to dark and terrifying consequences. As Emma battles against adversity, she is unaware that in England the child she has given up for dead is being lovingly raised by Marlow's sister Old Sal, who teaches Emma's daughter Molly to be an expert pickpocket.Will Emma ever be reunited with Marlow? Even if she finds him, will he still love her? And what of the child lost to both of them? Emma is plagued with fears but her love for Marlow never weakens - and can never be forgotten... What readers are saying about Alley Urchin: 'Josephine Cox has the unique talent of writing books which provoke every emotion in the reader. This book in the Emma Grady trilogy has all this - and more. We feel for the characters as if we know them and, as with all Josephine Cox books, it is very hard to put down the book once started... You will find yourself impatient to get to the end!''Another great, thrilling book which keeps you guessing till the end. The story is well written with some great twists''Totally absorbing. Unputdownable!'
An Alliance with His Enemy Princess
by Lissa MorganA high-stakes, Medieval enemies to lovers story.A royal decreeThat will change their lives… Norman knight Rolant Guyarde has come to conquer a Welsh fort, but when he meets its mistress, he realizes she&’s the sword-wielding &“soldier&” he fought en route! Despite their being enemies, he finds himself intrigued by the brave, beautiful Princess Gwennan. When they&’re forced into an uneasy alliance, Rolant helps her petition the king for her parents&’ release from prison. But in exchange for their freedom, the king demands a price neither Rolant nor Gwennan expects!From Harlequin Historical: Your romantic escape to the past.
Alliance with His Stolen Heiress
by Lydia San Andres"A sweet, satisfying, utterly intoxicating historical romance." - Olivia Waite, New York Times, on Compromised into a Scandalous MarriageA high-stakes romantic Caribbean escapeHe must earn her trustbefore he wins her heart!In distancing himself from his nefarious wealthy family, Julian Fuentes has gained a rebellious reputation. Still, he&’s shocked when heiress Amalia Troncoso hires him to stage her kidnapping! Julian doesn&’t mind masquerading as a bandit to help Amalia get her inheritance from her tyrannical uncle, or spending time with the bold heiress who&’s captured his imagination. But will the truth that ties their families together prevent their alliance from becoming more? From Harlequin Historical: Your romantic escape to the past.
Allie, First at Last: A Wish Novel
by Angela CervantesThis charming, heartfelt second novel by GABY, LOST AND FOUND author Angela Cervantes asks an all-important question: is winning top prize worth losing a friend?Allie Velasco wants to be a trailblazer.A trendsetter.A winner.No better feeling exists in the world than stepping to the top of a winner’s podium and hoisting a trophy high in the air. At least, that’s what Allie thinks . . . she’s never actually won anything before. Everyone in her family is special in some way -- her younger sister is a rising TV star; her brother is a soccer prodigy; her great-grandfather is a Congressional Medal of Honor winner.With a family like this, Allie knows she has to make her mark or risk being left behind. She’s determined to add a shiny medal, blue ribbon, or beautiful trophy to her family’s award shelf. When a prestigious school contest is announced, Allie has the perfect opportunity to take first -- at last. There’s just one small snag . . . her biggest competition is also her ex-best friend, Sara. Can Allie take top prize and win back a friend -- or is she destined to lose it all?
Alligator Lake
by Lynne BryantAs a pregnant teenager, Avery Pritchett found refuge in Colorado, but now, ten years later, her brother's wedding-and some burning questions-bring her back home to her small Southern town. But will introducing her mixed- race daughter to her independent-minded grandmother bring solace or sorrow? Will confronting her class-conscious mother allow for new beginnings or confirm old resentments? And how can she ask forgiveness of her youthful lover who has been denied his child all these years? As the summer progresses, Avery's return provokes shocking discoveries-of choices made, and secrets kept-and of deceptions that lie closer than she suspects. .
Allison
by Allen SayWhen Allison tries on her new red kimono and looks in the mirror, she suddenly realizes that she looks more like her favorite doll, Mei Mei, than her parents. Where did Mei Mei come from? Where do I come from?" Allison asks. "Far, far away -- from another country; Father says."Mother and I went there and brought you and Mei Mei home with us." But Allison is confused. At daycare the next day, she refuses to climb the monkey bars or play tag with the other children, and alone in her room that night she asks Mei Mei, "Allison isn't my real name. Do you know what it is?" But the only answer is the cry of a stray cat looking in her window. Through evocative watercolors and understated prose, Caldecott Medalist Allen Say creates a moving statement on families, adoption, and the search for belonging.
Allison
by Allen SayWhen Allison tries on the red kimono her grandmother has sent her, she is suddenly aware that she resembles her favorite doll more than she does her mother and father. When her parents try to explain that she is adopted, her world becomes an uncomfortable place. She becomes angry and withdrawn. She wonders why she was given up, what her real name is, and whether other children have parents in faraway countries. Allison's doll becomes her only solace until she finds a stray cat in the garden and learns the true meaning of adoption and parental love.
Allow Me to Introduce Myself
by Onyi Nwabineli'Dark, entertaining and addictive' Stylist, 'Best Books of May' 'Clever and perceptive' Daily Mail A Grazia 'Hot New Novel' pick' HER LIFE. HER RULES. FINALLY. A page-turning novel about the dark side of social media, perfect for fans of The List or How to Kill Your Family.Anuri Chinasa has had enough. She was the unwilling star of her stepmother&’s social media empire before 'mumfluencers' were even a thing. For years, Ophelia documented every birthday, every skinned knee, every milestone and meltdown for millions of strangers to fawn over and pick apart.Now twenty-five years old, Anuri is desperate to escape her public past and start living on her own terms. But so far, it&’s not going well. She can barely walk down the street without being recognised, her PhD application is still unfinished and her drinking problem is getting worse. She wants her stepmother out of her life, but Ophelia has made it very clear she won&’t let go without a fight. But when Ophelia starts pushing Anuri's five-year-old sister, Noelle, down a similar path, she reaches breaking point. Anuri won't watch history repeat itself. Allow Me to Introduce Myself is a darkly funny, heartfelt satire about the dangers of social media and the deceptive allure of the picture-perfect existence. 'Nwabineli is one to watch' Red Magazine
Allow Me to Introduce Myself: A Novel
by Onyi NwabineliHer life. Her rules. Finally.Anuri Chinasa has had enough. And really, who can blame her? She was the unwilling star of her stepmother&’s social media empire before &“momfluencers&” were even a thing. For years, Ophelia documented every birthday, every skinned knee, every milestone and meltdown for millions of strangers to fawn over and pick apart.Now, at twenty-five, Anuri is desperate to put her way-too-public past behind her and start living on her own terms. But it&’s not going so great. She can barely walk down the street without someone recognizing her, and the fraught relationship with her father has fallen apart. Then there&’s her PhD application (still unfinished) and her drinking problem (still going strong). When every detail of her childhood was so intensely scrutinized, how can she tell what she really wants?Still, Ophelia is never far away and has made it clear she won&’t go down without a fight. With Noelle, Anuri&’s five-year-old half sister now being forced down the same path, Anuri discovers she has a new mission in life…To take back control of the family narrative.Through biting wit and heartfelt introspection, this darkly humorous story dives deep into the deceptive allure of a picture-perfect existence, the overexposure of children in social media and the excitement of self-discovery.
All's Fair and Other California Stories
by Linda FeyderIn present-day Southern California, a diverse group of characters seeks the fulfillment and connection this sunny state has always promised. They come with hopes for a better lifestyle, for a change of perspective, or for the dry, mild West Coast weather. A couple moves to Palm Desert from New York for the arid, warm climate a doctor prescribes and they manage both illness and homesickness. The woman makes an unlikely friend in a young albino boy who teaches her a harsh lesson about the margin for cruelty that resides in us all. A young Mexican woman migrates to California and marries an American man—only to be deserted. A young man is disqualified from the Naval Aeronautical program and returns to his sister&’s home, where he struggles with his identity and sexuality. After years of estrangement, a teenage girl travels to California from New York to spend the summer with her father. Between each of the thirteen stories in this collection are interspersed several &“snapshot&” stories—poetic pauses—that blend a set of images into an artistic visual unit, much like a brief cinematic experience. Every character in this collection is distinct from the next, but all of their stories unfold under the glare of the same Southern California sun—a western desert light so clear and unfiltered that it reveals everything.