Diane Barnes Books

The narrative explores the transformation of the Upper Saco River Valley from a vital travel route for the Pequawket Indians to a bustling area influenced by logging and railroads. Key locations include Fryeburg, known for its academy and fair, Lovell with its charming homes and lake, and Brownfield, remembered before a devastating fire. Denmark honors Rufus Ingalls, while Hiram celebrates a Revolutionary War general linked to Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Vintage photographs throughout the book capture the historical essence of the river and its covered bridges.

The narrative delves into the life of Mrs. Moriarty, a woman grappling with obesity and the societal perceptions surrounding it. As she navigates her struggles with self-image and health, the story explores themes of identity, acceptance, and the impact of societal pressure. Through her journey, readers witness her resilience and the complexities of her relationships, ultimately highlighting the importance of self-love and understanding in a world that often judges based on appearance.

The book explores the rich history of Standish, Baldwin, Sebago, and Naples along Maine's Sebago Lake, detailing early settlement during a tumultuous period marked by Native American raids. It highlights the significant developments brought by the Cumberland & Oxford Canal and the Portland & Ogdensburg Railroad, which spurred tourism and transformed the area into a popular destination. With a blend of rare photographs and thorough research, it captures the evolution from humble beginnings to a vibrant tourism industry, showcasing both well-known and lesser-known aspects of the region's past.

The book offers a pictorial history of Sebago Lake, showcasing its evolution from a serene natural landscape to a vibrant gathering place. It captures the essence of the region through images of early fishermen, travelers at local inns, and the arrival of steamboats. The narrative highlights the area's rich traditions and the nostalgia of summer camps and classic cars, inviting readers to reflect on the memories and experiences that have shaped this beloved southwestern Maine locale over the centuries.

The narrative explores Maine's Lake Region, highlighting its intricate network of lakes and waterways that shaped its identity. It recounts the adventurous journeys of early settlers navigating the Presumpscot River and Songo River to reach Sebago Lake and beyond. The establishment of the Cumberland & Oxford Canal in 1830 and the arrival of the Portland & Ogdensburg Railroad in 1870 marked significant developments, leading to the vibrant steamboat era and enhancing the region's connectivity to the outside world through the Bridgton and Saco River Railroad.

The book offers a pictorial history of Sebago Lake in southwestern Maine, highlighting its rich traditions and the evolution of the region. It captures scenes from the past, such as fishermen seeking landlocked salmon, travelers at farmhouses, and the arrival of steamboats. The imagery evokes nostalgia with views of summer camps and classic cars, illustrating the area's transformation over time while celebrating its enduring charm as a gathering place for generations.

In their attempts to have a child, a husband and wife must contend with personal desires, crossed boundaries, and broken trust as they reimagine what it truly means to be a family. Nikki and Kyle Sebastian have a loving and healthy marriage. It's only missing one thing they want--children. When the couple is diagnosed with "unexplained infertility" and endures several failed rounds of IVF, Kyle, for both their sakes, is unwilling to bury them deeper in emotional and financial debt. Desperate to have a baby, Nikki betrays Kyle's trust in an attempt to try IVF one more time. The choice fractures their once-stable union. Now burdened with suspicion, resentment, and further grief, their little family is falling apart. Picking up the pieces of their broken home means reassessing their dreams for the future--dreams that Nikki's not ready to give up. If she can't find a way to forge a new path forward with Kyle, she may find herself alone at the end of the family tree she longs to help grow.