Colliers Mills is to most, a wooded stretch of undisturbed acreage, rich in wildlife and prime land for hunting. Situated on the northwestern fringe of the Pine Barrens, it is a common belief that this land has existed in this condition since the beginning of time. Yet, Colliers Mills has seen prosperous villages rise and fall and history made on its soil. It was once home to a politician destined to become the next state governor and Amelia Earhart even graced its presence. A land steeped in rich tradition, Riley offers a peak into this "jewel of the Pine Barrens." Whispers in the Pines: The Secrets of Colliers Mills is not only the story of its past and present, but also a glimpse into its future...

Whispers in the Pines: The Secrets of Colliers Mills

Science & Math

Riley, Karen F.

Gioulis, Andrew

Nature & Ecology

KFR Communications, LLC

The faithful, the weary, and the faithless converge on an inner-city church during a raging blizzard. Seeking solace and answers - or to just get away from what awaits them outside the warm comfort of the Sanctuary - each in their own way, soon learns from God about who they are and where their destinies lie. Karen Kelly Boyce's second novel delves deeper into the mysteries of faith in this richly woven tale of self-discovery.

Into the Way of Peace

Boyce, Karen Kelly

Literature & Fiction

According to Thy Word

In a dilapidated trailer on the edge of town, a young mother collapses. Her death leaves four children lost to the care of a shattered man who drowns himself in whiskey, then takes off without them. Can Mary Catherine find it in herself to forgive her father for abandoning them? Michael's unexpected death forces Elly to return home to her cold, selfish mother to face the ghosts of her past. Battling depression, can she find hope within? Stained by poverty, Joseph is a controlling entrepreneur who rises to the top, only to lose his wife and business. Will a prison sentence lock him away forever, or be the key to real change and freedom? These characters face the age-old alternative between good and evil; reaching out in love and forgiveness, or closing themselves off in hatred and pain. The directions they take intertwine their lives and leads each of them on a path to Truth.

Religion & Spirituality

Christian Books & Bibles

In the fast-paced world of technology we live in today, we seldom pay much attention to the journey each of us are on; instead we remain focused on the goals ahead of us. As we take this journey, friends and family members walk alongside of us. But sometimes, life gives us an unexpected detour and we are forced to leave that main road and those we love, and travel alone to the unexpected. This is what happened to author Karen Kelly Boyce when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Her travels that first year chronicle her shock, denial, acceptance, hope and survival. This book is one of laughter and tears, struggle and triumph. A must read for anyone facing a difficult journey...or knows someone who is.

A Bend in the Road: A Year's Journey Through Breast Cancer

Health, Fitness & Dieting

Diseases & Physical Ailments

On an unseasonably warm February day, ten-year-old Angie delivers the town tabloid with natural wisdom and confidence. The characters she meets along her way have varied adult troubles and lives. Born with Down syndrome and an ability to see angels, Angie’s simple knowledge and common sense transform those who line her route. Based on the third joyful mystery of the Rosary – the birth of Christ, Angie’s story emphasizes that God often speaks to us through others. He delights in using the weakest to reach the strongest. Christ humbled himself to come as a babe, so his wisdom comes to us through those considered the least by society. Karen’s third, highly anticipated novel continues the spiritual journey her readers have come to expect.

Down Right Good

The Sisters of the Last Straw and the Case of the Haunted Chapel is the first in a series of children’s books that convey the fun-filled story of a group of misfit nuns. These sisters and their madcap adventures teach the importance of tolerance and forgiveness. Each book focuses on the virtues of Gospel living and the frailties of human nature. While children delight in the humor and fast-paced exploits of this special group of nuns, they learn the need to be forgiving of the faults of others and to look for the good in all people. Children are enchanted and entertained with the humorous escapades of the characters while learning the importance of basic Christian values, growth, and love.

Sisters of the Last Straw: The Case of the Haunted Chapel

Karen Kelly Boyce

As in many areas of our country, residents have, over the years, developed their own language. In the Pines, it is called “piney talk.” Unique terms are used particularly for every day places and items. Here we define for you those commonly used in the Pine Barrens of New Jersey and those frequently encountered in the literature of the pines. The late Rev. Wayne Reynolds, a sixth generation piney, defined many of the classic items in his lectures about the Pine Barrens at the Ocean County Historical Society, Toms River, New Jersey. Another piney, the late Cliff Oakley, better known as the Jersey Devil, also compiled a list of piney terms, many derived from the book, Pine  Barrens Legends, Lore, and Lies by William McMahon. Other terms are encountered in pinelands literature such as Iron in the Pines, Pinelands Folklore and Folklife, and Henry Charlton Beck’s books, Jersey Genesis, Forgotten Towns of South Jersey, More Forgotten Towns of South Jersey, and also in Sign Posts, place names in the history of Burlington County, New Jersey.  The book, Living with the Pine Barrens by Jack Cervetto is also an excellent source of piney talk. Many terms are credited to Jack Buzby, former owner of Buzby’s Chatsworth General Store. After reviewing the following list, you too, will be able to understand “piney talk.”

Piney Talk

Schmidt, R. Marilyn

Because of their often perceived or actual isolated location, Pine Barrens folk grew much of their food, particularly fruits and vegetables. Chickens were kept for meat and eggs; hogs supplied smoked hams, sausage, tallow, and even pig skin. Deer, rabbits, squirrels, wild turkeys, snappers, and other animals were eaten as needed. Cows, less common, supplied milk and beef. Some inhabitants kept goats and sheep. People of the pines knew how to live off the land.  During the Great Depression, these residents suffered little hardship. Gardens supplied vegetables which were eaten fresh, dried or canned in contrast to today’s freezing. Root cellars, a rarity today, enabled folks to keep potatoes, cabbages, carrots, beets, squash, and other vegetables and fruits to provide food throughout the winter.  Pine Barrens folks ate well. Little food was purchased. Necessities such as sugar, molasses, salt, pepper, flour, and cornmeal were available at the local general store. Neighbors shared; they cooked from scratch; unlike today when many folks run to the local supermarket to purchase something to defrost and serve for dinner. Interestingly, today many people in the pines continue the old traditions. Cakes are still baked from scratch, gardens are maintained and yes, some people still keep chickens. The traditions of yesteryear continue today and undoubtedly and hopefully will be passed on to be continued by future generations. Recipes included here are of historical and interesting dishes including products commonly available or locally grown. They are culled from old time literature - magazines, newspapers, books - and friends both old and new. Many were handed down from generation to generation. May you enjoy these dishes and have them become a part of your history, as well.

Folk Foods of the Pine Barrens of New Jersey

Cookbooks, Food & Wine

Cranberry sauce is a Thanksgiving tradition dating back to the days of the Pilgrims. No Thanksgiving dinner is complete without it. However, there is more to cranberries than cranberry sauce. The early settlers are credited with naming this berry. Because the stems of the cranberry blossom are curved like the neck of a crane with tiny flowers shaped like a crane’s bill, the name first was crane-berry, then becoming cranberry. Indians of New Jersey called cranberries “sasemineash.” Today in New Jersey, cranberries are often called “the rubies of the Pines.” Discover the history and nutrition of this native fruit. Learn how to cook and store cranberries. And best of all, enjoy these mouthwatering recipes including Cranberry Glogg, Spicy Cranberry Pot Roast, Cranberry Champagne Sherbet and many more! Enjoy the wonders of cranberries all year long!

Cranberry Cookery Complete

Cooking by Ingredient

Will Mr. Lemon get Gracie the puppy taken away? Can Sister Krumbles find a way to stop Mr. Lemon’s evil plan? Where is Novice Kathy? Can the Sisters solve the mystery and find the lost Novice before it’s too late?

Sisters of the Last Straw: The Case of the Missing Novice

Children's Books

Anderson, Sue Lynn

Humor

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