Looking for a last minute gift? These recommendations from the staff of Arcadia Publishing and the History Press are sure to make an impression under your Christmas tree.
Eastern North Carolina Sayings: From Tater Patch Kin to Madder Than a Wet Settin' Hen is the perfect last-minute holiday gift—especially for only $9.99. Although the title is pegged to "Eastern NC," I'm fairly certain that if you're from the South, or live in the South, you'll enjoy it. Heck, even if you're not from 'round these parts, you'll get a kick out of the funky things you'll imagine hearing come out of a Southerner's mouth while reading through the book. It's a mini-dictionary of Southern sayings accompanied by cute anecdotes from the region and the most charming illustrations by one of my favorite illustrators (and a repeat illustrator for The History Press) Cait Brennan.
—Victoria Boneberg, Marketing Specialist for the Deep South
What better way to celebrate the season than with a book stuffed to the brim with gorgeous photographs of luscious chocolates? Seattle is home to a plethora of highly skilled chocolatiers who have honed their craft all over the world and returned to the Pacific Northwest to share their tasty talents. This beautiful, full-color volume features over 25 Seattle-area chocolatiers—and their mouth-watering creations—and is sure to delight any chocoholic!
—Sara Miller, Production Editor
This is a beautiful book with a holiday message. The organization is a holiday-inspired charity, and the Old Newsboys of Detroit have been committed to seeing “No kiddie without a Christmas!” since 1914. This year alone, 34,000 children in the Detroit area will benefit from the work of this organization, and the book is a stunning representation of their commitment to their community.
—Liz Gurley, Senior Title Manager
A book that would make a fantastic gift in the Cincinnati area is Fading Ads of Cincinnati. The book is in full color with stunning photography of Cincinnati’s fading painted advertisements. The photos are taken by a professional photographer and the author has a fantastic writing voice that keeps the reader engaged in a side of Cincinnati’s history that hides in plain sight.
—Krista Slavicek, Acquisitions Editor
If you live in Virginia, especially the Richmond region, a perfect set of holiday books for a gift or yourself is Virginia’s Legendary Santa Trains and The Real Santa of Miller & Rhoads. Both books are sure to put you in the Christmas spirit. They tell some wonderful stories about the halcyon days when Santa Claus coming to town meant a wonderful experience for families at the famed Miller & Rhoads department store or aboard a polar express in the commonwealth.
—J. Banks Smither, Acquisitions Editor
Over Thanksgiving I learned that my sweet grandmother has always wanted to see the Weeki Wachee mermaids. I’m sending her Images of America: Weeki Wachee Springs for Christmas and then treating her to a mermaid show on my next visit to Florida. I know she’ll be thrilled to learn about the history of this magical place!
—Laura Bruns, Reprint Coordinator
The holidays are to be spent with family and friends, enjoying delicious food and beverages. Wineries of Santa Clara Valley by Bev Stenehjem not only shares interesting details about the area’s winemaking process but also fun facts and photographs of the families that have been perfecting the production of wine for generations.
—Chrissy Smith, Production Editor
I would have to recommend Rich's: A Southern Institution by Jeff Clemmons. The Pink Pink, Christmas tree lightings, Richie Bears, recipes from the Magnolia Room…you’ll love the holiday nostalgia that oozes from this book!
—Katie Parry, Marketing Manager