NW Books: A new series from Debbie Macomber; floating homes

New releases

"The Inn at Rose Harbor" by Debbie Macomber (Ballantine Books, $26). This new series by the megaselling author from Port Orchard features a widow who opens a bed-and-breakfast in Cedar Grove, a small town in the Pacific Northwest. In an opening note to fans disappointed when the previous Cedar Grove series ended, the author writes, "... the characters you've come to love will make occasional appearances and give you updates on their lives. However, the focus of the story will revolve around Jo Marie and the guests who come to stay at the Rose Harbor Inn."

"Seattle's Floating Homes" by Erin Feeney (Arcadia Publishing, $21.99). This new book in the publisher's "Images of America" series tells the history of this unique community, from its beginnings as inexpensive industrial houses in the late 1800s to some of the most sought-after real estate today. The story is told in pictures with notes written by Feeney, who is working on her master of architecture degree at the University of Washington.

"The Carbon Efficient City" by A-P Hurd and Al Hurd (University of Washington Press, $29.95). An outline for slowing climate change within the constraints of a capitalist democracy, with 10 strategies to reduce carbon emissions while strengthening local economies. A-P Hurd teaches at the University of Washington; her father, Al Hurd, is a business strategy consultant in Victoria, B.C.

"The Burg and Other Seattle Scenes: Mostly True Stories" by Jerome Gold (Black Heron Press, $6.95). A small collection of stories and personal essays set in and around locales such as Burgermaster, Starbucks and the IHOP in the U District. The Seattle author has written several works of fiction and nonfiction.