By Jessica Asbell

New neighbors! Those words can either bring happiness or despair, depending on who moves in. So, imagine Abby’s surprise when she goes next door to meet the new neighbors and finds herself face to face with the love of her life — when they are both married to someone else.

After pushing Liam away following the death of her brother in an accident that was her fault, Abby slowly finds happiness again with Nate. They move away, build a life, and have a

An Eye Opening Experience

By Julie Senger

At Family Life magazines, we are constantly looking for ways to get involved in the community because it’s our community, too, and we feel this better equips us to provide interesting, impactful information that allows us to continue to connect with you — our friends and neighbors. With this in mind, when I read about the inaugural Cherokee Sheriff’s Citizens’ Academy, I seized the exciting educational opportunity to learn

By Cyndi Braun

Established in 2014, The Factory Church is passionate about making disciples and being the church “the other six days.” While Sunday services offer authentic worship and biblical teaching, The Factory desires to make disciples and equip them to share their faith with a world desperate for truth and the saving power of Christ Jesus. Don’t be satisfied with just going to church. BE the church “the other six days.”

Planting a New

Rescue. Rebuild. Reunite.

Ahimsa House is dedicated to addressing the link between domestic violence and animal cruelty. They offer services and assistance to victims of domestic violence with pets in Georgia, and work to raise awareness of this connection in communities throughout the state.

In families affected by domestic violence, pets are also at risk. Abusers threaten, injure, and kill family pets to terrorize others in the home; yet most domestic violence shelters

hope - love - miracles

Women come to Mary Hall Freedom House (MHFH) from all walks of life, often at their lowest point, in search of change. What they find at MHFH is love, hope, acceptance, and a vision for a restored future. The transformations that take place in the lives of these women are so dramatic and profound, it’s often deemed a miracle.

Founded in 1996 by Lucy Hall, MHFH serves women and women with children who suffer from the generational cycles of

Local Law Firm Offers Quality, Individual Approach

By Cyndi Braun

Divorce, criminal charges, custody issues, whatever the legal concern, Cherokee County residents can call upon top-notch attorneys at The Burns Law Group.

Located on East Main Street in Canton, The Burns Law Group is a full-service law firm. With three attorneys, five paralegals, and an office manager, they are an experienced staff available to handle complex cases and legal matters

Actor and Director

By John Midkiff

Growing up in New York City, Andrew Berardi was always fascinated with museums. He loved to explore the collections and dreamed of one day going to work in one. When Andrew was eleven, his father, an airport customs official, accepted a new position at an airport in Georgia. Through high school, Andrew enjoyed school but was never interested in theatre. However, he did maintain his love for museums and the art and collections showcased

Here's How Parents Can Help their Child

By Donna Anello

The new school year begins next month. Class schedules, first tests, and projects are on the horizon; new friendships will be forged; separation anxiety tears will be a hurdle for some; and long carpool lines will mean leaving the house earlier to ensure you make it to work on time.

Many will make a smooth transition from the carefree days of summer. Many children and families will transition from

By Farris Yawn

When Atlanta Private Investigator Nick Price is hired by Julia Garrett to find her missing husband, he soon finds himself in the middle of a deadly conspiracy. It will take all his skills and experience to unravel the mystery before criminals put a permanent end to his investigation.

“I saw no movement in the shadows. If someone were going to come after me, this would be the perfect time. Catch me going to my car in a dark alley, put a bullet in the back of

By Lyle Harp

Cherokee County residents are protected by an excellent fire service. The hard-working men and women of Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services respond to tens of thousands of fire, physical danger, and emergency medical situations every year. Within this department, there are several groups of people that respond to special situations and emergencies. Whether it is a hazardous material spill, a lost person, or a rescue from a tower, a cliff, or under

Join our Team!

By Sheriff Frank Reynolds

I love my job! I mean it;
I really love going to work every day.

I hear other people talk about how they don’t enjoy their job because it is the same old thing, day after day. Not this guy — I love it. I love the people, the excitement, and the opportunity to be a part of something bigger than myself.

Don’t get me wrong — this is a tough business. There are many days that are long and

Designing Wearable Works of Art

By Tina Morris

As children, we all have a passion for something, but it isn’t often that our childhood interests become our adulthood careers. For Sue Shefts, that is exactly what happened.

Sue Shefts grew up on Long Island, and was raised by parents who nurtured her creativity. Her mother took her to the ballet and encouraged art, culture, and an appreciation of high quality design. Her father was an artist who, along

By Jessica Asbell

Every once in a while, a book comes along that grabs you and doesn’t let go. Usually, it is a thriller or a mystery, but sometimes, it is the true story of someone’s life. It’s not often that you end a book feeling like everyone should read it, but Everything Happens for a Reason and Other Lies I’ve Loved is one of those books. A friend gave it the highest praise she could by saying that she gives a copy of it to everyone she meets. While you will read

By Sheriff Frank Reynolds

America has enjoyed a rich tradition of law enforcement weaved into the fabric of its identity. Notable personalities come to mind when one thinks about the lawmen of our past: Wyatt Earp, Elliott Ness, Bufford Pusser, and even Andy Taylor. History extends a certain reverence for strong men with a desire to fight crime and corruption from the saloons of the old west to the big city of New York.

Growing up, I was taught to respect law

By Hillary Groover

Growing up in the northern part of Cherokee County, I was fortunate to always be a short car ride away from the North Georgia Mountains. Every fall, my Pop and I would take a long scenic drive through Blairsville to see the leaves change and visit a few of our favorite spots. One place we always stopped was Mountain Crossing, a small outfitter next to Blood Mountain. On a clear day, you can see the city of Atlanta from a wide stone porch right next to the

Upon entering Jyl Craven Hair Design, you will notice a clean, modern atmosphere; a vast line of professional products; and fashionable, refined stylists who are diligently going about making their guests look amazing. Since 1999, the salon has provided an experience that most would expect to only receive inside the perimeter. As a member of Intercoiffure North America Canada, guests who visit Jyl Craven Hair Design can be confident they will receive the best in quality and professional

Balancing Art and Life

By Hannah Olson

Mary Booth Cabot was standing in her apartment in Tennessee forty-six years ago when she received her life’s calling to be an artist. She remembers hearing a voice ask her, “What are you doing?” For Cabot, that was all the prompting she needed to quit her job as a secretary and move home to Atlanta where she established Wren Hill Gallery and her now nationally recognized private garden.

Cabot has harbored an

By Farris Yawn

Growing up in the south, particularly the rural south, one often has a deep appreciation for the simple things in life such as time spent with friends and family, neighbors who look out for each other and help when needed, or dogs and cats underfoot when sitting down to dinner with loved ones.

Songs like Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Simple Man” and John Mellencamp’s “Small Town” extoll the virtues of a small-town way of life. The popularity of these songs