Category: Just Write Books

Put a Maine Book Under the Tree this Year

12/6/2017

Here are ten books, new and old, that make excellent gifts for the readers on your shopping list. This selection shows the breadth of books published by Just Write Books. There’s something for everyone. And best of all we offer FREE SHIPPING through December 15th.

Wild Plants of Maine: A Useful Guide by Tom Seymour
In this edition of Wild Plants of Maine, Tom Seymour has added several new wild plants, more mushrooms and some exciting new recipes to the bountiful harvest that Tom Seymour leads us to discover in Maine. From insect repellent to table fare to a relaxing wintergreen tea, Seymour identifies the source and describes the method of preparing wild plant concoctions and foods. Any person living in or visiting Maine should have Wild Plants of Maine to ensure the enjoyment of our great Maine outdoors. From the shore to the forest and from the first green of spring to the snowiest winter day, join the “best guide of all” as Seymour enjoys Maine “wilds.”

A Daughter of Francis Martin and The Remembrances of Marietta Lufford by Virginia Chute
These historical novels are deftly written keeping to historical facts and filling in with an imagination and a sharp pen that allows us to follow Virginia Chute on her travels back in time.

The Attic & Me by Norma K. Salway
A passion for attics and anything old cultivated a love of collecting family artifacts in Norma Salway. She tells inspirational stories connecting to her roots and experiences that reveal who she is today. Readers will enjoy hearing of joys of collecting, agonies of trials, fears, and interactions with creatures on a farm.

Lewis and the Lighthouse by Bill McKibben
Bill McKibben has written his first book about Lewis, a boy who lives on the coast of Maine near a lighthouse. Enjoy the tale of Lewis' exciting adventure as he races to save a ship one stormy night. With just enough suspense for young readers, this fun read-aloud book is illustrated with lively art by Robert Logan.

Taking Flight by Diane H. Schetky
Travel with poet Diane Schetky from the state of Maine that she calls home to the Arctic and even to inside lives of “Friends who have lost their way.” Taking Flight is a selection of poetry that will provoke a thoughtful journey companioned by a mindful guide.

Topsham, Maine: From The River To The Highlands by Robert C. Williams
"All of Maine’s small towns can boast of fascinating but little-known history. Fortunately, Maine can boast of curious and articulate historians like Robert Williams who tell their stories." - Bill Bushnell, Kennebec Journa

Wyman Falls Mysteries by Robert M. Chute
Get caught up in the lives of a small Maine town with three books set after World War II. Start with Coming Home where, Jim Johnson returns from World War II to mysteries involving family and friends. Johnson's return is filled with surprises—a body hidden in a garment bag in an empty cabin, his deceased father's association with bootleggers and his childhood friend, Joan Chaplin, now married but with an absent husband. In Return to Sender, Melonie Janus travels to Wyman Falls to investigate the death of her brother among the odd characters of the remote Maine town. Finally, in Roadside Rest, the mystery unfolds as a fellow from West Virginia comes to town with a deed to property owned by Willis Wyman and James Johnson. The West Virginian goes missing. There are more questions than answers in an investigation that includes quirky town characters. Meanwhile Jim Johnson is missing in action from Korea.

This is just a sampling of the books available from Just Write Books. What is your favorite?

Nancy E. Randolph operates Just Write Books, publishing Maine books by Maine authors telling Maine stories. Randolph quickly developed a reputation as a publisher of quality Maine books. An active community member along with two others she founded and serves as a member of the board of Save Our Swinging Bridge.Org to ensure the maintenance of the historic Roebling designed and built bridge connecting Topsham and Brunswick.

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10 important things about foraging according to Tom Seymour

7/21/2016

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Tom looks at cattails.

Many people have purchased Wild Plants of Maine: A Useful Guide by Tom Seymour. It is a great book for those interested in foraging. With close-up photos and others showing the plant's location and relative size compared to other plants, it is a welcoming identification book for wild plants. More than that, Tom describes how to find, harvest and to use these plants.
Recently I asked Tom what were the ten most important things that people should know about foraging for wild plants here in Maine. Here are his answers.

Goostetongue.

1. Prepare to harvest by knowing the right time. Each plant has a perfect time of availability, the “window of opportunity.” Since plants come ripe in a regular succession, knowing when to expect your favorite wild edible puts you in the driver’s seat.
2. Collect and transport your harvest in baskets (my favorite method), brown paper bags or canvas bags. Never collect in plastic because it causes the harvest to sweat and wilt. They lose flavor and can mold in the wet plastic bag.
3. Be aware of plants that cause irritation to the skin when foraging. Poison ivy, virgin’s bower (wild clematis, a vining plant of edges and woodland trails), often mistakenly called “poison oak” and several other plants can cause mild to severe reactions in people. Know how to identify these plants. There are many great photos on the internet so as to allow you to identify these the first time. Watch out, since some people are affected just by being in the same vicinity. They don't even have to touch the plant to have an extreme allergic reaction.
4. Become familiar with botanical names in addition to the common names to prevent mix-ups in communications. Scientific names for plants are called “binominal nomenclature.” The first name is the genus, or general family and the second name tells something specific about the plant. Don’t be afraid to use these names and don’t worry about proper pronunciation. Others will know what you mean. The danger in only using common names is that some plants often share the same common name. For instance, “pigweed” is the common name for several totally different plants.

Goosetongue leaves ready to freeze or can.

5. Cook or prepare the plant according to suggestions from a trustworthy source. Wild Plants of Maine offers dozens of recipes in the back of the book. Within the section for each plant, I offer suggested preparations for each edible. You might find a few other recipes in other cookbooks. I particularly like fiddleheads with butter and salt and pepper.
6. When a wild edible plant is harvested, harvest extra then freeze, dry or can according to suggestions in Wild Plants of Maine. One example: I love goosetongue, or seaside plantain, Plantago juncoides. When home-canned, these have the same flavor and a similar texture as when fresh. Nothing says “summer in winter” like a jar of seaside plantain.
7. Here in Maine, plants have a short growing season. This means they change size and appearance in a short time. Get to know your favorite wild edible plants in all seasons. That way, you can locate groups of colonies of great, edible plants in the off-season and harvest them later, when they are ready for picking.I
8. When learning a new plant, note carefully every detail of the plant’s description in the book. If a plant matches everything else except for one detail, it is not the plant in the book. Each plant must match every, single thing in the plant description section. Take no chances, since there are some toxic wild plants out there. Don’t let this keep you from trying wild edible plants, though. Instead, know that you are safe when the plant in hand perfectly matches every item in the description.
9. When harvesting wild plants, never pull a plant up by the roots. Most wild plants are perennial, some are biennial and only a few are annual. Uprooting a plant kills it and takes it out of production. On the other hand, don’t worry about taking a good haul by snipping with clippers or cutting with a knife, since these plants come back year after year.
10. Have fun foraging and eating your wilds.

Check out Tom's website here.

Stay up to date on the latest foraging stories on Tom’s blog.

Nancy E. Randolph operates Just Write Books. With the tagline Maine books, Maine authors, Maine stories, Randolph quickly developed a reputation as a publisher of quality Maine books. An active community member she co-chaired the rehabilitation effort of the Androscoggin Swinging Bridge and guided the planning and creation of two riverside parks at each end. Along with two others she founded and serves as a member of the board of Save Our Swinging Bridge.Org to ensure the maintenance of the historic Roebling designed and built bridge connecting Topsham and Brunswick.

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10 Festivals to attend this year in Maine

7/14/2016

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Looking for something to do this summer in Maine? Check out some of these fun festivals all over the state.

1. Maine Potato Blossom Festival - Fort Fairfield - July 9-17
Enjoy this family-friendly celebration that lasts for nine days. Enjoy races, live music, a parade and even fireworks all honoring the area's agricultural heritage.
2. Central Maine Egg Festival - Pittsfield - July 11-16
Enjoy an eggs-cellent weekend full of food, crafts and fireworks.
3. Yarmouth Clam Festival - Yarmouth - July 15-17
Another weekend full of tasty food, arts & crafts, carnival rides and even a magic show.
4. Maine Brewers' Guild Beer Festival: Summer Edition - Portland - July 23
Get a chance to try some of Maine's best craft brews while listening to some great music. Enjoy the sun and relax while munching on tasty food from area food truck.
5. Redneck [Blank], Pig Roast and Music Festival - Hebron - July 28-31
Enjoy a great, lighthearted festival of food, camping and music.
6. Maine Lobster Festival - Rockland - August 3-7
Lots of lobster to enjoy at this festival--a seafood cooking contest, arts and crafts, a parade and lots of great music.
7. Maine Highland Games and Scottish Festival - Topsham - August 20
Celebrate all things Scottish with music, dancing, games and tasty food.
8. Great Falls Balloon Festival - Lewiston/Auburn - August 19-21
May the force be with you at this year's Star Wars themed festival. Take flight and see the vistas surrounding the Lewiston/Auburn area from the sky.
9. Camden Windjammer Fest - Camden - September 2-4
Celebrate Camden's maritime heritage at this weekend full of schooners, races, history and plenty of other maritime activities.
10. Common Ground Country Fair - Unity - September 23-25
It's your typical fair with agricultural demonstrations, arts & crafts and lots of livestock see.

Is your favorite festival not listed here? What is it?

Nancy E. Randolph operates Just Write Books. With the tagline Maine books, Maine authors, Maine stories, Randolph quickly developed a reputation as a publisher of quality Maine books. An active community member she co-chaired the rehabilitation effort of the Androscoggin Swinging Bridge and guided the planning and creation of two riverside parks at each end. Along with two others she founded and serves as a member of the board of Save Our Swinging Bridge.Org to ensure the maintenance of the historic Roebling designed and built bridge connecting Topsham and Brunswick.

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10 Books about Maine History at Just Write Books

7/7/2016

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Many people like all things Maine. Some of us like to delve into the history of Maine. Just Write Books offers several books--both nonfiction and fiction--to satisfy the reader who enjoys learning about Maine history. From town histories that give you the flavor of many Maine towns, to an historically accurate novel that follows the travails of little known Mainer to histories of families or people of Maine--you'll be able to find a book for your reading or an appropriate gift for a friend who loves Maine history.
1. Topsham, Maine by Robert C. Williams: The riverside settlement that became Topsham, and was once the buffer between the wilderness and Brunswick, became a mill town and now a noted retirement location with a retail and commercial center rivals surrounding municipalities. Robert C. Williams brings the people of Topsham—yesterday’s and today’s—to us in this very readable history of Topsham
2. Lovewell’s Town by Robert Williams: Visit Lovell, Maine and travel in time through the years! Read this book and follow the settlement from the survey of the Merrimack River in 1652 through the famous battle at Pequawket in 1725 to the current struggle between the forces of development and preservation. Williams haunted local archives, as well as state archive collections of Massachusetts, Maine and New Hampshire to produce this comprehensive history of Lovell, Maine. The writing is enlivened by current and historical photos and illustrations. For the historical researcher Williams has added a very thorough index.
3. Lewiston, Maine by Douglas Hodgkins: Lewiston—Its history, location, people and industry—all serve as an example of small riverside settlements that grew into industrial cities over the course of a century early in our country's history. Douglas Hodgkin presents a spectacular array of information in a very readable form. From school--s, to factories, to founding families, to all the minutiae that create a town—Frontier to Industrial City provides a clear picture of the many facets of Lewiston during its transformation. Those interested in small town histories, local politics, or all things Lewiston will want to own this book. Hodgkin gives us the best of meticulous attention to detail, insightful illustration choices, detailed endnotes, dozens of explanatory tables and an extensive index. Every Maine resident should read Frontier to Industrial City to understand the perils, hard work and dreams that have created Maine towns.

4. The Remembrances of Marietta Lufford and A Daughter of Francis Martin by Virginia Chute: These two books follow little known Maine characters through the vicissitudes of life. Hardscrabble life in a world where women were little valued, you’ll want these women to succeed. Immerse yourself in 17th Century New England with either of these deftly written books. With the Remembrances of Marietta Lufford enjoy accurate 17th Century historical detail on both sides of the Atlantic.
5. Driftwood from Popham Sands by Edith Owen: After her mother’s and sister’s death, Edith completed the work they had begun decades ago using preserved original documents, pictures and heirlooms. History buffs surely will enjoy the product of these three women's work. Here in your hand is a quilt of recollections illuminated by fine old photographs.
6. The Seaside House by Trish Mason: Read this unique and fascinating narrative of the Gooch family as they settle in Colonial Maine. Follow them as they continue into the 21st Century. The family purchased an innkeeping business that continues today and is operated by a member of the current generation of Gooches. Through perseverance, back-breaking work, bravery and sometimes luck—the family beat the odds and held onto the their land for centuries. The Seaside House tells of trials and triumphs each of these generations encounter while providing for the family. The rich characters will entertain and astound readers with their adventures and struggles. Enjoy them coming to life in the extraordinary events that shaped their lives and offers glimpses of Maine's history.
7. Mainely People by Paul T. Cunningham: Read about and see Maine people at their finest—everyday hard at work, ready to lend a hand and creating a better world—right here at home in Maine. Maine-ly People by Paul Cunningham features stories and photos chosen from his nearly two decades of photojournalism at the The Times Record in Brunswick from 1990-2008. Some of these photos and stories were published in that paper and others are from Cunningham’s collection.
8. Coming Home trilogy by Robert M. Chute: This trilogy Coming Home, Return to Sender and Roadside Rest, chronicles many of the same quirky characters and much of the landmarks in this mystery set in post Korean War rural Maine. Enjoy these tales as they takes you around the world and back to Maine with nonstop action revealed through Chute's prose—that like, his poetry, is, "careful language, precise, with a sparse beauty."
9. Building a Viking Ship in Maine by Paul T. Cunningham: In 1996, professional photographer Paul Cunningham made the long drive down a narrow peninsula and onto Hermit Island in Phippsburg, Maine, to the boatshop of Rob Stevens to record the building of a Viking knarr later christened Snorri. Throughout the seven-month process, Cunningham revisited the site many times, curiosity having gotten the better of him. Cunningham's photos, taken with decades of journalism experience, say volumes about the ingenuity, skill and patience of a small band of boat builders who, out of wood and iron, created a sea-worthy vessel, the likes of which had not been seen in the light of day for a thousand years.
10. Excuse for Being Here by Robert M. Chute: This book by Robert M. Chute serves three purposes. It is first a collection of poems by Robert M. Chute. Secondly these poems are about Thoreau, written as if they were written by Thoreau or are written in reaction to something in Thoreau’s known history, actions or character. Last, this book serves as a rough memoir of Robert M. Chute, an award-winning poet who is also a scientist.

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10 things to do on 4th of July in Maine

6/30/2016

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If you spend your summers in Maine or you live here year round, you might like something fun to do during 4th of July weekend. Below are a list of some great events in the Midcoast and Downeast areas. Plan things right and you might catch a couple of them.
LL Bean Concert And Fireworks - Catch a free double feature concert featuring Maine's own David Mallett-- veteran singer-songwriter followed by The Mallett Brothers Band with his sons, Luke and Will Mallett. Join us for an incredible night of original music that spans country, rock and roll, Americana and folk genres. Follow it up with fireworks at 9pm.
Bath Heritage Days Fireworks - There is plenty to do and see during this four day festival in historic Bath. Make time for the auto show, live entertainment and, of course, the fireworks.
Cruises In Portland - Watch the Portland fireworks from Casco Bay. Enjoy music and a cash bar before the fireworks start.
Stars and Stripes Spectacular in Portland – In Maine's largest Independence Day celebration, enjoy a patriotic concert by the Portland Symphony Orchestra and fireworks over the water from the Eastern Promenade.
Boothbay Harbor 4th Of July Festival - Catch the fireworks over the harbor, fired from a barge near McFarland Island.
Bar Harbor - Independence Day Celebration - Start the morning with a blueberry pancake breakfast and follow it with the Independence Day parade. Catch some live music before the fireworks end the evening.
Lewiston/Auburn Liberty Festival At Great Falls Park - A three day celebration starts off with The Fuse, a night of live music dancing and delicious food.
Ogunquit - Catch the fireworks on July 4, 2015 on Ogunquit's Main Beach.
Pick up a picnic lunch from a favorite restaurant and head to the beach for peace and quiet.
Stay home and enjoy a calm evening reading a great Maine book.
What do you like to do for Fourth of July?

Nancy E. Randolph operates Just Write Books. With the tagline Maine books, Maine authors, Maine stories, Randolph quickly developed a reputation as a publisher of quality Maine books. An active community member she co-chaired the rehabilitation effort of the Androscoggin Swinging Bridge and guided the planning and creation of two riverside parks at each end. Along with two others she founded and serves as a member of the board of Save Our Swinging Bridge.Org to ensure the maintenance of the historic Roebling designed and built bridge connecting Topsham and Brunswick.

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Beach Reading from Just Write Books

6/23/2016

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Summer is the time to catch up on your reading. Whether you’re at the beach on a warm, sunny day or curled up during stormy weather, a book makes a great companion. Check out these ten offerings from Just Write Books that will provide entertaining on sunny or rainy days.

by Virginia Chute

A Daughter of Francis Martin
This historical novel is deftly written keeping to historical facts and filling in with an imagination and a sharp pen that allows us to follow Virginia Chute on her travels back in time.

The Remembrances Of Marietta Lufford
Marietta's Remembrances tell of her troubled childhood in rural England and London, her adventurous journey to the New World and the tribulations of surviving in a country dominated by strong willed men, fanatic Puritans and Indians.

by Virginia Chute

Coming Home: A Maine Mystery by Robert M. Chute
Jim Johnson returns from World War II to his hometown and to the family business, a country inn on a lake in northwestern Maine. Johnson's return is filled with surprises—a body hidden in a garment bag in an empty cabin, his deceased father's association with bootleggers and his childhood friend, Joan Chaplin, now married but with an absent husband. His relations with Joan, and with other women, are complicated by traumatic experiences during the war which he fears may have left him impotent. Johnson's quest to find answers leads him on a cross-country journey pushing him to explore himself in a rare gem in mysteries.

Return to Sender by Robert M. Chute
Robert M. Chute brings us the sequel to Coming Home: A Maine Mystery. In Return to Sender, Melonie Janus thinks she knows who killed her stepbrother and dumped his body into the lake to fake an accident. Jefferson County's Sheriff Dumont and DA Black are stymied by a lack of evidence for arrest and trial. Melonie embarks on a dangerous private voyage, traveling to Wyman Falls at the southern end of a wilderness lake extending north across the Canadian border. Readers of Coming Home will recognize many of the residents of Wyman Falls as they continue their usual (or unusual) activities. Willis Wyman and his steam-powered lake boat, Leland Fogg, a disabled veteran with mathematical and romantic aptitudes, and the obsessive-compulsive Runner Higgens and his dog Whitey play roles in this excellent mystery set in post World War II rural Maine.

Roadside Rest by Robert M. Chute
With Roadside Rest, Robert Chute returns to Wyman Falls. Readers of Coming Home and/orReturn to Sender will recognize many of the characters and much of the landmarks in this mystery set in post Korean War rural Maine. The mystery unfolds as a fellow from West Virginia comes to town with a deed to property owned by Willis Wyman and James Johnson. The West Virginian goes missing. There are more questions than answers in an investigation that includes quirky town characters. Meanwhile Jim Johnson is missing in action from Korea. Enjoy this story as it takes you around the world and back to Maine with nonstop action revealed through Chute's prose—that like, his poetry, is, "careful language, precise, with a sparse beauty."

Maney the Sneezing Moose by Roland Wallace
Maney is a Maine moose with a sneezing problem. Maney finds friends who are tolerant of his problem and find a way to help him. The black and white drawings are sure to fascinate both children and adult readers.
Lewis and the Lighthouse by Bill McKibben
Bill McKibben has written his first book about Lewis, a boy who lives on the coast of Maine near a lighthouse. With just enough suspense for young readers, this fun read-a-loud book is illustrated with lively art by Robert Logan.

Hidden World Revealed by Tom Seymour
Hidden World Revealed is a collection of short works by Tom Seymour previously published in his blog "Wild Plants and Wooly Bears." InHidden World Revealed, Seymour discusses his interaction with animal neighbors and explores plants and seasonal changes. Each piece reflects Maine rural life. The narratives of his walks in the woods are instructive about the natural environment and revealing of a human who walks lightly on the earth. A humble man with a fine mind invites us to know our Maine woodlands and rural neighbors. A great book to read every day of the year.

Wild Plants of Maine: A Useful Guide by Tom Seymour
From insect repellent, to table fare, to a relaxing wintergreen tea, Tom Seymour identifies the source and describes the method of preparing wild plant concoctions or foods. Any person living or visiting in Maine should have this book to enhance the enjoyment of our great Maine outdoors. From the shore to the forest and from the first green of spring to the snowiest winter day, join Tom Seymour as he enjoys Maine "wilds."

Nancy E. Randolph operates Just Write Books. With the tagline Maine books, Maine authors, Maine stories, Randolph quickly developed a reputation as a publisher of quality Maine books.
An active community member she co-chaired the rehabilitation effort of the Androscoggin Swinging Bridge and guided the planning and creation of two riverside parks at each end. Along with two others she founded and serves as a member of the board of Save Our Swinging Bridge.Org to ensure the maintenance of the historic Roebling designed and built bridge connecting Topsham and Brunswick.

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The Remembrances of Marietta Lufford Book Club Questions

6/16/2016

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From beggar and thief in 17th Century England to a respected landowner in the colonial Province of Maine, Marietta Lufford is one of the most courageous women in American literature. Her reminisces as an undaunted, troubled child in London, her adventurous journey to the New World and the tribulations of surviving there make this novel a most compelling read. The incidents in her life are factual, weaving in and out of her life, dominating her world and revealing a documentary of life in the 1600s. Virginia Chute has masterfully written a history of that period in the language of the times. 2006 paperback, 429 pages.

Below are ten questions for book clubs to guide their discussions of this historically accurate novel by Virginia Chute.
The Remembrances of Marietta Lufford Book Club Questions:

What character archetype(s) can be found in the protagonist of Marietta?
How might Marietta’s fate have been different if she lacked or gained certain character traits?
How did the format of the novel affect your reading/interpretation of it? What other literary devices/tools did the author use to bring about that interpretation?
Who do you think is the intended audience? Is there a lesson or theme in the novel that this audience should pick up on?
How does the setting of Maine aid in the plot and/or themes of the novel?
What specific characters were elementary in Marietta’s progression as a woman and in her personal growth overall?
Do you think the book realistically portrays the time period? How is this portrayal similar or different from other fictional books based in the same time period?
In what ways might the journey of Marietta varied if she had been written as a male character? Would she have undergone the same struggles?
What does the depiction of Native Americans in the book suggest about views during this time period? About the characters who talk about and/or describe the Native Americans?
What did you think of the ending? Did it leave something to be desired—if so, how would you rewrite it?

This book and other titles from Just Write Books help people of all ages experience Maine of today and yesterday through a book written by a Maine author.

Buy the book.

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Nancy E. Randolph operates Just Write Books. With the tagline Maine books, Maine authors, Maine stories, Randolph quickly developed a reputation as a publisher of quality Maine books.

An active community member she cochaired the rehabilitation effort of the Androscoggin Swinging Bridge and guided the planning and creation of two riverside parks at each end. Along with two others she founded and serves as a member of the board of Save Our Swinging Bridge.Org to ensure the maintenance of the historic Roebling designed and built bridge connecting Topsham and Brunswick.

Put a Maine Book Under the Tree this Year

10 important things about foraging according to Tom Seymour

10 Festivals to attend this year in Maine

10 Books about Maine History at Just Write Books

10 things to do on 4th of July in Maine

Beach Reading from Just Write Books

The Remembrances of Marietta Lufford Book Club Questions

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What our Customers say

Put a Maine Book Under the Tree this Year

10 important things about foraging according to Tom Seymour

﻿10 Festivals to attend this year in Maine

10 Books about Maine History at Just Write Books﻿

﻿10 things to do on 4th of July in Maine

Beach Reading from Just Write Books

The Remembrances of Marietta Lufford Book Club Questions

Author

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Categories

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What our Customers say

10 Festivals to attend this year in Maine

10 Books about Maine History at Just Write Books

10 things to do on 4th of July in Maine