"Maé, mom," Rosie asked, "why are you sad?"
Rosie's mother wiped a tear from her cheek and smiled at her daughter.
"Oh Rosie, I was on the phone with your grandmother, Avózinha," her mother explained, "It's just saudade."
"What does that mean, Maé?" Rosie asked.
"Sometimes missing my island makes me feel sad," Rosie's mom said.

Follow Rosie on her journey to the Azores, where she learns about her Portuguese ancestry and the meaning of "saudade."

What Is Saudade is a semi-bilingual chapter book that can be read by a child or by a parent. It touches on the traditions and history of the Azores, particularly those of the island of Terceira.

Imagine a chaotic cocktail of personalities, thrown together in a virtual room where anonymity allows just about anything to happen. Picture everyone lounging behind screens, hidden by usernames, free to be whoever they want, and maybe even who they wish they could be. Add in the fact that most of had never met in real life, and voilà: a recipe for bizarre friendships, laughable feuds, and sometimes surprisingly deep connections.

Cathryn Delaney, an operative from the 28th century, accepts an assignment to go back in time to 21st century New York City to collect data for a possible first-contact event. The assignment should’ve gone smoothly for the well-trained historian, but her foreknowledge of certain terrorist-related incidents arouses the suspicion of a relentless FBI agent, Vivian Wu. To further complicate matters, she falls in love with her neighbor—something a time traveler must never do. With Agent Wu pursuing her, and her smitten lover demanding answers she cannot provide, Cathryn devises a plan to escape on time and save the man she loves.

This is the story of a woman whose promising dreams were met with unimaginable challenges. In her most vulnerable time, she found comfort and strength in her family, friends, and church community. Despite a difficult family situation, she witnessed a miracle, a testament to God's presence. It is a powerful account of hope and courage that perseveres through life's trials.