That elusive Holy Grail of modern physics, A Theory of Everything (ToE), would explain the universe in a single set of equations. Albert Einstein and Stephen Hawking tackled the problem during their lifetimes, and the quest continues today in laboratories around the world. Leaving string theory, galaxy clusters and supersymmetry to the Quantum Computer and Hadron Collider crowd, Laura Pedersen has taken up the rest --- that is, A Theory of Everything Else (ToEE), based on her own groundbreaking experiences as a dog walker, camp counselor and Bingo caller. Pedersen’s essays are a series of colorful helium balloons that entertain as well as affirm and uplift.

When the death of her father leaves her mother bereft and incapacitated, card sharp Hallie Palmer returns home from college to raise Hallie's eight younger siblings. As she copes with a bevy of surprises, she discovers that life can indeed turn on a dime. And just because beginner's luck doesn't always last forever doesn't mean you're out of the game.

It's impossible not to fall for the winningly eccentric cast of characters in Laura Pedersen's laugh-out-loud sequel to her novel BEGINNER'S LUCK. But underneath its witty repartee and humorous goings-on, it poses more serious questions of the heart that everyone can relate to: "What does your heart desire?" and "How do you know when someone is 'the one'?"

Hayden MacBride is terminally ill, but he refuses to let it slow him down. In fact, he now spends his days crashing funerals for the free food and insight into the Great Beyond. Then he meets Rosamond, a nun playing hooky from the Holy Orders while she searches for answers. And lucky for Rosamond, she has found just the right person to teach her how to live...and to love.

The second of seven children, Hallie Palmer has one dream: to make it to Vegas. Normally blessed with an uncanny gift for winning at games of chance, she's hit a losing streak. She's been kicked out of the casino she frequents during school hours, lost all her money for a car on a bad bet at the track, and has been grounded by her parents. It seems the time has come for Hallie to cut her losses.