Elizabeth Berkley Books

I tried to find a title for this review that was less harsh, but there's nothing else for it. I have read the book at least twice, and attended some workshops with another teacher of South American curanderismo, who speaks well of Juan Nunez del Prado. Juan has apprenticed with a true curandero in Peru.

The emphasis on her 'specialness' and references to 'initiated fourth-level priest' on her website speak volumes of where Elizabeth herself is coming from. I contacted some of her 'fourth-level priests' in Europe asking if they knew another healer who lived in the same city they did. They answered back with a short 'no', and goodbye. How much REALLY did they want to help heal others, when they ignored an opportunity to learn about another potential teacher in their backyard?

I agree with another reviewer, this is yet another book by yet another person promoting superficial spiritual tourism. Look at her website and see how many times you find the word 'initiation'.

There is accurate info regarding South American curanderismo, particularly in the second section. My advice if you are seriously interested in helping people with their pain and suffering using Peruvian curanderismo, is to get this book and the one by colleague Joan Parisi Wilcox used (so you aren't putting money in their pockets), ignore the ego, and read for useful information. There is some there.

This is a superficial and at times naive account by a yet another starry eyed, eager and willing "shaman's apprentice". Elizabeth Jenkins worked as an English teacher in Cuzco when she met a "fourth level" shaman, Juan Nunez, who showed her around Peru. Juan immediately initiated her into the fourth level herself. The apparent ease and efficiency of this "initiation" process has, if i am allowed to be slightly cynical, allowed Elizabeth and Juan to create a major business catering to those who are looking to get something for nothing. About 20 times a year, Juan initiates yet another group of wide eyed tourists, and both E. and J. lead initiation workshops all over the world, including the US.

This book will be of interest to people who are inclined towards safe "spiritual adventures". I would not recommend it to people who are looking for more resources on shamanic "technology", initiation or peruvian beliefs.

Look at the Editorial Review up above here... go ahead. In the first sentence you will notice mentioned the, quote, Andean village of Cuzco, Peru. This is as good a place as any to start with why this book should be considered memoir or even fiction, but certainly not a serious guide to a Real spiritual tradition.

Why? Cusco, Peru is a city of 400,000 people, has internet access, credit cards, and also a multi-million dollar tourist industry. (It is the city where I live.) Peru is often considered the Number One tourist destination on Earth. As such, a booming Mystical Tourism industry has sprung up as well, capitalizing on the Western Worlds interest in the oh-so-Mystical Andes. Jenkins describes her experiences with Mystical Tourism, but calls it Mysticism.

So, if you are interested in the genuine article, skip this book. If, instead, you want to read a romanticized account of a foreigner learning the spiritual ways of the Andes, read the Celestine Prophecy. The author of THAT book does us the favor of telling us up front it is Fiction.

I say this with a great deal of love for the authentic and Vanishing spiritual traditions of the Andes and Peru in general.

I say this because I am NOT interested in seeing the flea markets and open-air-markets of Cusco replaced by consumer-capitalist Super Markets-- AND at the same time, I am NOT interested in seeing the Real spiritual traditions of the Andes replaced with user-friendly, mass produced, soul-devoid styrofoam imitations. I am not interested in Spirituality as Entertainment or Presumptuous Self-Involvement.

The author, sadly, perhaps without even realizing it, is promoting just that kind of shift in Peru. I hope readers will have the sense to see through the romanticized illusion. In the end, those who want to do something to promote spirituality in the Andes and in the world-- like the author presumably does-- should consider joining programs to increase the standard of living in this incredibly poor section of the world. While Jenkins and her foundation make money off of the Initiations they perform, Peruvians continue to be dirt poor. Where is the love for the Pachamama and the Apus in that? Where is the mysticism and mystery? Mystery? I would say that it looks rather obvious.

To those who think Elizabeth's book is just a self-absorbed ego trip, you have missed quite a bit. I have read most every available article and book on Peru and the tradition of the Andean Priests and the Q'ero. Although Elizabeth does bring us a very direct first-hand account which could be interpreted as self-important, I am inclined to conclude that most observers reaching this conclusion has been self-misled. (This book is a memoir by the way, says so on the back cover.)

Of the many books out there on spiritual experiences in general, including writings about the Q'ero in Peru and the Huichol in Mexico, there is a great distinction between a first person story that dwells in the imagination (personal problems, alcholic background, etc.) and one that delivers important details. It is very easy to read a first person story and completely miss the important details. Perhaps it will take someone who has researched the foundations of Andean mysticism for a few years to realize when they are tripping over the nuggets. Elizabeths book has some real gold in it. Gold that has meaning to someone very interested in the subject.

Like Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance and The Teachings of Don Juan, Elizabeth Jenkins' first book presents powerful and often unbelievable spiritual experiences under the rubric of nonfiction. Jenkins, a family therapist, acts on an inspiration to go to Cuzco, Peru to learn about the spiritual path of the Incas. She becomes the only white woman admitted to a group that holds seance-like ceremonies; with this group, she has bizarre and eye-opening experiences. She later connects with a better teacher who encourages her to bring several seekers from the U.S. to Peru and collectively work toward reaching higher levels of spiritual consciousness. Is the story meant to be taken as literal truth, or does Jenkins use fictional methods to evoke a sense of wonder analogous to that of mystical experience? If a book does evoke a sense of mystical wonder, does it matter if it's true? Jenkins has succeeded in the difficult task of believably telling an unbelievable story. Initiation can be read as real religion or fantastic fiction; either way, it's a surprisingly enjoyable trip.

Even though I have spent the last eight years of my life focusing on the life of Anne Boleyn and the last two on Katherine of Aragon I decided to put some focus on the life of Jane Seymour. Although I knew I would probobly fine less material on Jane then i would her predeccesors i was shocked that i found only this novel by a practically unknown author! The author gave a convincing portrayel of a women that i already thought of as a bore. Through out the story jane never forgets to remind us that she is no where near as beautiful as Anne. She constantly shows us her own insecurities and low self-esteem even after after she becomes queen. Historians now try to paint Jane as a strong women who knew what was going on at court but this novel I believe tells us more of the truth. Jane had no clue! If you really want a good Tudor novel I would suggest anything by Philipia Gregory. Or if you want to read a novel with a diffrent take on our old favorites, try Threads: the reincarnation of Anne Boleyn by Nell Gavin.

I enjoyed all of the books in this series, but especially this one on Jane Seymour. She is one of the least understood Queens, and I enjoyed Laurien Gardner's interpretation.

Of late I've been reading a fictional series of books based around the six wives of England's King Henry VIII, he of the very many wives and mistresses. The topic of these six unfortunate ladies has always been popular with both writers and readers, and nearly every time that a book or film is published about them, the response is usually good.

Now a collection of writers, working under the psuedynom of "Laurien Gardner," have written about the first three wives: Catherine of Aragon, a Spanish Princess; Anne Boleyn, who would face execution, and Jane Seymour, a rival and contemporary of Anne Boleyn. With Plain Jane, the center role is now taken by Jane, one of Henry's lesser known wives.

Jane Seymour, as we see in the opening, is the eldest daughter of a minor landholding family, deep in England's Savernake Forest. With her two brothers, Edward and Tom, she's a bit of a tomboy at the age of nine, mad for horseback riding, but a chance bit of eavesdropping of her parents' conversation reveals a shattering truth to Jane. Despite her goodness and fair colouring, she is hopelessly pain and unremarkable, and very unlikely to find a suitable husband. For Jane, it's a crippling blow to her self worth and image.

Sadly, it seems that the prophecy is going to be true as well, when a possible suitor appears in the shy, softspoken William Dormer, whose family spurns Jane as being not at all suitable. Stung, Jane takes the chance of entering Queen Catherine's household as a lady-in-waiting. But there is plenty of intrigue there as well -- Queen Catherine has only managed a single living child, a daughter, for the king, who only desires that a son succeed him as king.

And King Henry's attention has fallen on one of the queen's ladies, the darkly beautiful Anne Boleyn, with her French ways and bold ways. Anne has been stringing the king along for a while, refusing to give in as other women have done, and angling to be his wife rather than his mistress. Jane is devoted to Queen Catherine, and views Anne as a scheming, conniving woman. But even through all this, she does get a bit of notice from the King.

We get to see the rise and fall of Queen Anne, and Jane's own role in the story. Jane is reluctant to accept the king's advances, accepting a miniature portrait of the king, but not a gift of money and a letter. Instead, she takes the exact same route that Anne Boleyn did, refusing to be a mistress, but taking a stand that the king is too glorious a suitor, and that she is too meek and humble for him.

It's exactly the sort of thing designed to attract a king who is tired of a shrewish wife, and hungry for a son after Queen Anne only manages a daughter, Elizabeth. With bewildering speed, Anne is charged with adultery and treason, and Jane is first engaged to the King and then Queen Jane. But will her fate be any different than Catherine or Anne? And it seems that King Henry is still a bit in love with Anne, leaving Jane questioning her own judgement.

It's an interesting novel, full of self-reflection on Jane's part, and taking a different turn than the previous two works. The author has taken time to explore the actual reality and truth of Jane Seymour, and her very short reign as Henry's consort. She did manage to give the king a child, but died of complications from the birth. Henry was devastated, and he would always maintain that Jane was his 'entirely beloved' wife, and his favorite. Out of all of his women, it is only Jane that would share his tomb at Windsor Castle.

My biggest drawback to the book was that Jane's level of self-pity is very high in this book. She continually frets over her looks, and over and over the author has Jane mulling over for the upteenth time if she will ever find someone to love, or care for her. It's fine the first couple of times, but the same thing is dragged up over and over again. The surviving portraits of Jane show a woman who isn't pretty in a conventional sense, but the eyes are rather attractive and very intelligent. Think rather of a woman of good mind and sense, who is prim and proper, with a taste for very rich clothing and splendour and who is very aware of who she is.

Unlike the previous books, the only extra addition to the book is an author note, that gives a bit of the background of the Seymour family, and notes on what changes the author took with history. I was hoping that there would at least be the listing of the next title in the series.

I do recommend that those intent on reading the series space some time between the three books -- one problem that I had with reading this one, and the one about Anne Boleyn, was that it was all a bit of a retread. Much of the interaction between the three queens is covered in the previous novels, and I was left very much with the feeling that I had been through all of this before. But the writing style is energetic and lively, and the narrative is interesting enough to keep my attention engaged. Too, by using Jane as the voice of the novel, there is very little of the sidetracking that the previous two books in the series suffers from, and instead the image of a shy, self-conscious woman is shown, who finds herself becoming the most powerful woman in the land, but at a terrible cost to herself, is given to the reader.

It's certainly worth taking in, and the only thing that was truly disappointing about this is that the name of the actual writer of the book is never given. A pity, as I would be interested in seeing more of this writer's work in the future.

Overall, four stars for a well-done exploration of one of history's forgotten women.

As the subtitle states, this is the story of Jane Seymour, Henry VIII's third wife. Given the king's lively reign, I anticipated an exciting read. What I encountered, instead, was a dull subject made duller by the storytelling.

Perhaps the reason so little has been written of Jane Seymour is that there's is little to write about. Certainly this fictional account of her life has me believing this is the case.

She spent an uneventful childhood as the oldest daughter of a middle class family, who lived in Savernake Forest, England. She was obedient, quiet and insecure.

The author attempts to engender sympathy by making Jane's world one in which her family feeds her insecurities when they aren't ignoring her altogether. Had they been cruel, this approach might have worked. Instead, they were a typical medieval family with typical aspirations for their female children.

There just is no story to Jane's childhood. Yet it accounts for about one-third of the book.

When Jane finally goes to court, she is, of course, overshadowed by the stronger personalities of Anne Boleyn and Henry. Another third of the story is lost as Jane attempts to appease all.

Finally, as the ending approaches, Henry disposes of Anne and marries Jane. This is Jane's moment to shine - as peacemaker in a troubled reign and as the mother - if only for a few days - of a healthy baby boy, which was all-important to Henry. But rather than focus on these few years of her life, the author rushes through the final (and possibly, the only exciting) part of her story. She dies - probably from complications from the birth of her son, the kings grieves, and the book ends. Meh.

So is it the subject of the story or the storytelling that's to blame for this rather dull read? I imagine it's a little of both. But any writer who can't get excited about her subject should lay down her pen.

Lets begin with the one inaccuracy that really bugged me. To write a novel on Jane Seymour one should research this lady's family as best as possible. Not that many facts remain on the Seymour family.... BUT: The author puts in the story of Edward Seymour's first wife, Catherine Fillol, having an affair with his father, Sir John Seymour. Did the author's stop reading there? Edward banished his wife into a convent, disinherited her two sons and as soon as Catherine was dead he married Anne Stanhope. (Before the eye of the king fell on Jane!) This important fact is nowhere to be found in this book, Edward and Catherine remain married till Jane's death in 1537. And it goes on and on. Another thing that bugged me was Anne Boleyn's supposed "beauty" that the author is using ad nauseam to explain why the king wanted her. In fact back then Anne was not considered beautiful. Her dark hair, slender body and dark skin was against the beauty ideal of the fair, blue eyed buxom girl that was favoured back then. The king adored Anne for her wit, her elegance, her graceful bearing.....nothing of which is mentioned here. The Jane of this book is an annoying, whiny and arrogant fool who was no "better" than Anne Boleyn, in fact she was worse in my opinion. For her an innocent woman had to die, an innocent girl lost her mother and several innocent men died. So much for sweet and gentle Jane. Big disappointment.

This is an interesting book that takes a look at George W. Bush and how his life shaped him all the way up to his running for President. The main premise of the book is that GW is following in his father footsteps out of love and admiration for him and a strong sense of duty. The author also gives us about 50% of the book on the first George Bush and his life story which is needed to show you how close GW follows in his footsteps. I would have liked a bit more detail on the other Bush children though, as the author states that all the children have a desire to follow in the father's footsteps.

I really did not expect this book to provide me all the details it did about the first President George Bush. That was a pleasant surprise for me. We get a good run down of his overall life and some interesting details about his time as VP and President. I also enjoyed reading how he felt a responsibility and loyalty to Nixon enough to take the RNC post. I actually came away with a better understanding of the father as both a person and a leader. I thought some of the insights also made the Bush handling of the 92 race a little clearer for me.

The fist part of the book makes you think this is a love fest book put out by the GW campaign. To be honest, I really did not get that much out of all the details of him in grade school / high school. The book really started to matter to me when the author got into his time in College and later. Once GW started to move on in life the less then faltering facts started to populate the book. Given that that author gives you so many facts, both good and bad, you get a balanced look and the book, in its totality, comes off as a balanced report. I actually did think the author could have played up some of the questions on the Viet Nam issue and the business failures / bailouts to get a more sensational book.

The one area that I would have liked more detail on was the major successes of GW. The book does a good job of running down his less then stellar business career, but I also wanted more detail on his work on his father's campaign. What the book does say on that point makes GW out to be good at the roll he was a playing - I wanted more detail. I also thought we got shortchanged on his run for the Governor and his service in the office. I wanted more detail on his major accomplishments in office. Basically I felt the author rushed this part through to get to print.

This book will not be the end all be all biography of his years before he became President, it is a bit light for that. What the book is though, is a very readable and interesting look at GW and his relationship with his father. If you are interested in either of these two men then this is a good way to learn some facts and not get bogged down in a heavy work.

Former Texas Governor Ann Richards once delivered this unforgettable quip about George W. Bush: "Poor George, he was born with a silver foot in his mouth." Basically, that line has defined the media's portrayal of Bush ever since. He is depicted as the privileged, but none-too-bright scion of a political dynasty. Of course, as is the case with all really good insults, there is more than a little truth to Richard's words. But is there more to the man? That's the critical question of the 2000 presidential election, and for an answer, we at getAbstract.com recommend Elizabeth Mitchell's skillfully written account of the pampered life and tobacco-chewing times of W. Although the Bush family declined to cooperate with this particular bio, many family friends offered their insights, and the figure that emerges from their descriptions is far more complex than his late-night comedy caricature might suggest. Mitchell's superbly documented research reveals that the man who many imply is running for office simply because he has nothing better to do, is in fact guided by two powerful motives: personal redemption and family revenge. The latter agenda is clear: W. will avenge his father's defeat by striking down Al Gore, heir to the Clinton legacy. The personal redemption is a bit more difficult to isolate, but has something to do with measuring up to his father and discrediting critics like Ann Richards, who is, as we mentioned, the former governor of Texas. Smirk.

Mitchell chooses to focus on the early years of Dubya, bringing him up as one would in a full length biography from his boyhood years to his formative years in the oil business and stumping for his father's political campaigns. She seems to have an overall favorable impression of Dubya, although she points out the various indescretions along the way, including his fraternity days at Yale.

I suppose this information is helpful to those who want to get a more familiar picture of Dubya, but my interest was in his political aspirations, his first bid for a US Representative seat from Texas (1978) and his successful bid for Governor of Texas (1994). Mitchell gives this period suprisingly short shrift. She also brushes over his oil ventures and the partnership he helped form to buy the Texas Rangers. She is critical of the leading role he assumed in the baseball partnership, and in the Presidential campaigns of his father, but in both cases gives him the benefit of the doubt.

She builds up the relationship between father and son and how Dubya more or less patterned his life after his father, achieving success only after his father had failed in his re-election bid. She notes how Dubya was the natural-born campaigner, able to reach out to the people where his father wasn't, and how his re-affirmation in the church helped him to gain this constituency. Unfortunately, there isn't a lot of meat to this book, it capitalized on the attention Bush got after seizing the White House. There have been much more thorough books written since this publication.

What a great book. Democrat or Republican, all should appreciate this writing. Not a documentary, but more, a story. Very easy reading. I'll be looking forward to reading more from this author.

As opposed to some of the other George W. biographies, it wasn't readily apparent whether the author was a fan of the not-yet president-elect. This adds a bit to the objectivity of the book. I feel I could believe the author.

I did think that she spent a bit more time than necessary at times talking about his father George and his brother Jeb. It is understandable that they do have an influence on W (the book points out where some ideas and phrases were borrowed for the father's and the brother's campaigns while W was running for governor), but I think the author went into more depth on them than was necessary.

One of the major factors in W's credibility is that he was governor of Texas. I don't think that the author spend enough time there to really give us a good idea of how his actions in office match his objectives for his campaign. I thought this could have used a bit more coverage.

Not the best biography out there, but I would still recommend reading it. When rea

Definitely a book that you can become very involved with for the couple of hours it takes to read it. The main character (Izzy) was very believable, torn between needing to take care of everyone in her family and needing to heal her own emotional wounds. However, the really cliched epilogue almost ruins the magic--if only the author had stopped five pages earlier!

An interesting story about two women who deal with their mothers' suicide their whole life but most especially on Isabel's 41st birthday, as it was her mothers' 41st birthday when she killed herself.
The character of Isabel is straighforward and logical. Her sister Izzy is volatile and emotionally fragile, much more like their mother was.
I was kind of scared when I found myself identifying a lot with the wacko mother. At one point her beloved dark green Plymouth she called 'Ethel' had seized up on the side of a mountain road in Washington state. While their father went for help, their mother pushed the car down the mountainside into a lake. I found that a strangely uplifting thing to do. Yes, she was a crazy lady and I guess nobody wants a crazy lady as a mother but I admired her balls.
Ultimately this book is about overcoming our history, our upbringing and most especially our mothers.

Crazy as Chocolates is about two sister and their father, whose wife and mother has committed suicide by sitting herself in her
car in the garage.

The story is written in first person, by Izzy telling the story of all that happened while her mother was "ill" and then to her final demise by suicide.

The book has many flashbacks, of the crazy and strange behavior of the mother over the years of Izzy's life. Some of the things that her mother has done is quite odd, but I guess is fitting with someone who is mental unstable.

Izzy grows up and marries. One weekend for her birthday, 41 the same birthday her mother died, her father and sister Ellie come for a visit. The father is a passivist and nothing ever bothers him, so Izzy has trouble trying to find where he "was" during her childhood, her sister Ellie is starting to show signs of strange things, just like her mother.

I would have like to read alittle bit more about what happens to her father and sister after their visit, and the sister's upcoming divorce from her husband due to the strange things she has done, but the author decided the end the book after the birthday weekend, and then add an epilogue, what happens to her
for her next birthday.

Overall I did enjoy this book, I think it was entertaining despite the sadness of the subject. I would recommend it to anyone.

Izzy is about to celebrate her 41st birthday... her mother had committed suicide on her 41st birthday. Izzy's older sister, Ellie is 43 and is just as flamboyant has her mother was. Their mother was someone I would have considered to be a cool mother if you had subtracted the mental illness part. Some of the antics that "Mom" pulled were so wonderful, it would be enough to satisfy most children, it would strengthen forever the bond between mother and daughter and teach the child to be an individual, but when the realization that Mom was crazy set in, it is painfully described in heart-wrenching detail. You feel the pain of each and every character in the book.

This story is about Isabel's struggle to find her adult path in her remaining family, which includes her maybe/maybe not so stable sister, her loving father, and her husband and the baggage between them. It is excellently written and you can easily visualize Izzy's childhood adoration of her mother, as well as feel her adult contempt at being abandoned by her.

It is a short book, plan on spending about four to six hours where you can shut off the phone and enter this world. You'll get a great return on your investment.

I agree with the other reviews that this is a quick read. Ms. Hyde is an adept writer and the story flows with no unusual jumps or manuevers. I felt for the main character, Izzy, but grew tired of the sister's character. I think sometimes there is a tendency when writing about people with mental illness to make their behaviors and outlandish acts funny and quirky so that they seem outwardly charming. I can tell you that it ain't that much fun to live with a mentally ill parent. But this is a fine enough book. My chief complaint is that everything ends up very happy and perfect in the end, which to me is too easy and a borderline cop-out.

I really enjoyed this book. I must say, you should read "Border Bride" first. This is where, you first meet Lady Maude (who is horrible to her stepsister, Alyson) Now I Know Why!!! In her next book "Laird of the Mist" we meet Ronan. All of the characters from "Border Bride" and "Laird of the Mist" are in "The Linnet."
"The Linnet", is another fantastic book by Elizabeth English. I hope she writes another sequel.

Elizabeth English isn't a run-of-the mill romance writer. Her stories have a power and depth that many "standard" romances just don't offer. Not afraid to take chances,in The Linnet Ms. English explores the character of Lady Maude, revealing why her heroine is distant and cold while showing us how love can heal even the most broken of hearts. This book brings the characters Ms. English introduced in The Border Bride full circle in a satisfying conclusion. You'll want to read this one in a single sitting--and you'll be sorry to put it down once you're done.

Courtesy of CK2S Kwips and Kritiques

Lady Maude Darnley is known for her sharp temper and often, harsh treatment of others. What no one, save her father and an old healer know, is that she lived through a terrifying act of brutality seven years previous... one, that were people to find out about, she'd be scorned by all. She had once been a happy young lady who went out of her way to extend kindness to others. That traumatic event changed her in such a way that she was an entirely different person.

Ronan Fitzgerald is a roaming minstrel and healer who loves his lifestyle. He'd never be happy confined to one place all his life. When he made a promise to his dying mentor, he never realized how much that would change his life. When he headed to Aylsford Keep, all he had been told was to serve Lord Darnley and help Maude, with no idea of what that would entail.

Ronan discovered, upon arrival at Aylsford, that he may be getting more then he bargained for. He knew nothing of what he would be doing or how to help. Upon meeting Maude, he knew something was different about this woman, and that underneath her harsh demeanor, she held some dreadful secret. He did what he could to help her, until she felt able to trust him with her secret horror. Now, they can begin the real work of her healing, out of which grows a tender love that turns to a fiery passion neither can deny. As the feud grows strong once again, can their love be enough to overcome treacheries of the past?

Once again, Ms. English has proven her skill at weaving a complex story full of passion and adventure, with characters the reader will love. This reviewer was doubtful as to whether or not Maude could be redeemed enough to become a believable heroine, but as it turns out, there was no reason to wonder. Maude's portrayal is beautifully rendered, and the reader can't help but understand and feel for this emotionally scarred woman. It was also delightful to see Ronan finally get a story of his own, after the role he played in Laird of the Mist. These two people are fated to be together, for only then could they both reach their full potential.

Of course, as to be expected in a story by this author, the plot is rich and full of depth. It progresses at a good pace, and every character plays an important role in the tale. It was nice to see the heroes and heroines from the previous two stories in this series as well. They too, add to the story, and one never feels as though they were just added for the sake of a cameo or two.

Emotions of every kind are brought into play. Readers will feel Maude's terror as she lives the horror of that fateful day, and her frustration when she tries to finally remember, but can't. There will be happiness as she comes into her own again, passion as Ronan and Maude discover their love, and finally peace when all is resolved and calm returns to the characters.

One thing that this reviewer felt was never resolved was Maude's recurring dream and why she has it. It plays an integral, though minor part in some scenes, and Ronan tries to interpret it for her, telling her the reason for bringing it to its natural conclusion. Although the dream is finally fully realized, the final interpretation is never explained. This could be because Ms. English wanted the readers to put their own spin on it, but this one would have liked to hear it from the character's perspective, rather then her own.

As always, this tale by Ms. English will satisfy readers. Hopefully, this is not the final story in the series, as there is yet potential for more beautiful romance to be found for assorted members of both the Darnley and Kirallen families. This is one fan who will keep coming back for more, as long as there are stories to tell.

© Kelley A. Hartsell, June 2004. All rights reserved.

This is a book whose characters will stay with me for a long time. (I appreciate the other reviewer saying that some of these characters are also in Elizabeth's other books -- which now I'll have to go get! And a sequel to these main characters would even be nice- they're that intriguing to me!) Most romance novels that I have read are wondrous "brain candy" and I eat them up with great relish & speed and then move on to the next one. This book gets 5 stars from me because it wouldn't let me read it fast.. it made me want to savor the experience.. and because I won't forget these characters even after I move on to the next book. The heroine's courage and the hero's selflessness were very moving and I appreciated their examples very much.

I saw this book, "The Linnet" in the store and was hooked by the page I saw that has the hero starting out in a cave! The author writes convincingly and tackles a hard-on-the-heroine subject matter not usually found in romance novels. This is a story guided by truths and truths are sometimes hard to take but this author does it well and with grace. By that I mean that she does not shy away from her painful subject matter and instills it with the romance of finding a way back even after hard events in life. The hero and heroine are both people that you want to make it. I loved how the author wove such depth and complexity of her characters in with the historical setting of border feuding, between Scotland and English land owners, that would have allowed such complexity.

I'm sorry for not giving more details of the story line. Besides knowing that other reviewers will do that if that's what you want-- I just don't want to give too much away-- as it's really an experience to read the story for itself and let it unfold as it goes along. Suffice it to say, that the hero and the heroine both have things to overcome and that they help each other through these things, which gives hope that even those who are emotionally and physically scarred can find a lasting and tender love. What better feeling than for an author to give us such a sweet hope.

In many romance novels the story ends with the heroine and the hero happily with or planning their children. I must say that I applaud this unconventional ending!! I was truly moved by the last line of the book (can't remember the last time a romance novel ending left me with such a feeling of poetic satisfaction and so I was inspired to immediately come and write a review.) :)

I for one, am very glad that I purchased this book. I plan to share it with friends rather than trade it in. Thank you for reading my thoughts on it. May your day be as good as a romance ending...especially this one! :)

Setting - Scottish Borderlands, Chevron Hills, 1379 --- Beginning with a descriptive prologue the reader will at once see that Lady Maude Darnley has reason to have acquired her reputation as being cold, difficult, and despising the male species. Fergus, the healer who found and nursed her physical body back to life, now seven years later, lay dying and disturbed with the knowledge that he hadn't completed the healing. Fergus knew he had no choice but to send his apprentice, the minstrel Ronan Fitzgerald to complete the task he'd left undone and without telling him exactly what he had to heal after having sworn an oath to Lady Maude's father that he would never reveal to another living soul that Maude had been violated.

Ronan Fitzgerald had been a traveling minstrel, with a gift for healing and promised Fergus that he would go to Lord Darnley and do what was asked of him. His introduction to Lady Maude was less than auspicious as with her cutting tongue she did her best to drive him away. Ronan saw beyond the rapier sharp tongue and having an innate sense that made him such a good healer, he saw beneath the bravado and recognized her terror by listening, really listening to the music he heard her play. As he came to care deeply for her, and with the clans ready to annihilate one another at the least provocation, Ronan would have to reach her before her terror would drive her completely over the edge and her father calling an all-out war against the Kirallen's.

THE LINNET is a powerful story of bitter rage and survival. Maude who was depicted in the previous novels (BORDER BRIDE and LAIRD OF THE MIST) as cold and self-centered, in this last of the trilogy is fully exposed and dissected. Ronan, the wandering minstrel, whose loyalties were with the Kirallen's is forced by his oath to Fergus to go to the Darnley's where he happily discovered that there is more to the Lady Maude than most people knew. Intrigued, even though at first attracted by her beauty, he fell in love with her strength and bravery and prays that what skill he has can show her the way to love and trust.

While the author does an admirable job with the characterizations and motivations in this book I, didn't find as much action and adventure in this as the first two novels. What I thought might prove to be a key suspense and motivational factor of a proposed betrothal between Maude and a neighboring laird, it was never developed and just lay there. However, the love story with Ronan was lovely, as Maude learned to trust again, but unlike the first two novels of this series, it does not rate a WOW but simply a good read. --- Submitted by Marilyn Rondeau, Official Reviewer for www.historicalromancewriters.com --

Why, oh why, do publishers do this to readers? When I bought this book, I thought I was buying a medieval romance. I don't like reading fantasy. If I'd known that this was a historical fantasy, I never would have bought it. If only I'd had a chance to read the reviews here and realize what I was getting for my $5. Just glad I found this on the discount table, so I didn't waste $10.

This book is probably very enjoyable for those who like fantasy, based on the other reviews on this page. But if you buy this expecting your standard historical romance (which is how this book is labelled on the spine), you might be dissapointed, like I was. Please, publishers, stop suckering readers by publishing one genre but catagorizing and labelling it as another. Fantasy readers will miss out on something they might enjoy, and hard-core historical romance fans will be annoyed at being tricked.

Courtesy of CK2S Kwips and Kritiques

This is a delightful story that mixes fantasy and romance in a medieval type of world.

Rose of Valinor is on a mission. Fleeing a depressing place in which she had recently been imprisoned, she goes on the run to find the one man she feels can help her. She needs to find the Prince of Venya in the hopes he can help her escape the wrath of her uncle. The man she finds is nothing like the stories and legends claim, but someone infinitely more intriguing.

Florian barely held on to his life a fateful day many years ago, when the wretched King Richard killed his parents and took over the lands of Venya. As a result, he made a vow that no matter what the risk, he would one day rid his lands of Richard, and assume his rightful place as ruler. He has no time for a misguided young woman whom he feels is slightly mad... or does he?

When Florian realizes Rose may be his greatest hope in ending the long years of war, he determines to make her his by fair means or foul, and sets his course. Little did either of them realize that they'd find their greatest strengths in each other... and a love that is the stuff legends are made of.

This was a wonderful story! Ms. Minogue weaves a passionate tale, full of suspense, romance, mystery, and a healthy dose of the paranormal. Readers will venture in to the swashbuckling world of pirates, where no one is quite what they seem, and magic is the name of the game. The plot is swift moving and well developed, luring one in on the first page and holding tight until the final scenes unfold, surprising in their outcome.

Rose is a brave woman, who puts all else before herself, never minding the risk to her own life. She is deeply passionate, highly intelligent, very caring, and in love with a legend. Florian has one mission in life and always has - to restore his people to their rightful land and to take his place as ruler of the magical land. He is strong willed, also very passionate, and finds himself taken with the young beauty who seeks his aid. When these two come together, their love is all consuming but not without its ups and downs.

Magic, as mentioned before, is a primary player woven into the story. The `filidhi', who fled Venya, are a people of great wisdom and none too lacking in magical abilities. Their skills come into play many times throughout the story, adding a mystical bend to the tale. Florian himself has some pretty impressive abilities, though one is kept in the dark as to what they are through much of the story, with the secret only being revealed when most necessary to the storyline. Also there are other fantastical beings in the story, like the Ilindrian race of people who have some unique traits of their own, and the sea-going merrow, who appear to be much like what is more commonly known as a mermaid. These beings add interesting facets to the story, making it the impressive fantasy it is.

All of the secondary characters are rendered beautifully, with unique personalities. This reviewer was intrigued by many of them. There was the young brave Beylik, a former slave, Florian's surgeon, Sigurd who is not what he seems, the young Ilindrian shipmate Ashkii, King Cristobal of Sorlain, the filidhi Mage apprentice Caelan and the hated King Richard. Everyone adds depth and dimension to the story, making for a more than satisfying read.

This was a fascinating story that this reviewer thoroughly enjoyed and would recommend highly. Also, she has a sneaking suspicion that there may be sequels yet to come, having found some characters just longing for their own stories to be told.

© Kelley A. Hartsell, December 2004. All rights reserved.

What a truly entertaining novel. The characters come alive, the setting incredibly real. I loved the blossoming love story, as well as the writer's extreme attention to detail. Ms. Minogue is a born story teller. Her writing is rich, with layer upon layer of nuances. Can't wait for the next book.

Alright, I already get teased about my name...and now Ms. Minogue has me reading romance and fantasy novels. I had the pleasure of meeting Ms. Minogue at a book signing event recently and I must say she is one of the nicest and most pleasant authors I've ever met. I purchased a few of her books and I am thoroughly impressed. I have never read any books in this genre before, but her writing style kept me glued to the pages. Whether you're into these types of novels or not, you should give them a try.

King Richard of Valinor commits treachery by attacking Venya. Richard has the ruling monarch and his wife killed, but Sir Ewan and a few other leaders manage to rescue seven year old Prince Florien.

Eighteen years later, Princess Rose of Valinor escapes from her Uncle Richard. She seeks Florien as the only person who might keep her safe since she believes he would never sell her to his enemy her uncle. Rose meets Florien who rejects her contention that she is his enemy's niece, but takes her on his ship, the Quest.

Rose convinces Florien that she is who she claims to be because of her knowledge of the atrocities perpetrated on his people. He still reels from the crushing of his Fheara tribesmen by Richard while the Filidh mages have made their home on another island and want to forget their heritage. Rose tells him that the Fheara feel abandoned by him and the mages. Florien wonders if Rose is part of the prophecy to regain Venya; by marrying her can he regain what he lost as his people will no longer fight for him, but would rally around his courageous Rose who he loves.

This romantic fantasy contains magical elements that seem genuine and add depth especially an exciting Game of Kings contest that will remind fans of the wizards' fight in Disney's The Sword and the Stone. Fans will appreciate the strong female character, but also find fault with the obstinate Florien always insisting on going it alone. Well written so that the audiences of both genres will treasure, but the anticipated confrontation with the villain and the retaking back the Prince's lost land never happens.

Harriet Klausner

Just a small interesting tidbit of information.
VIRGIN was actually written by novelist F. Paul Wilson. At the time he wrote it in 1996, his career writing medical thrillers, as well as the Repairman Jack novels, had really taken off. So, to avoid confusing the hardcore fan, the decision was made to publish the book as a mass market paperback original under his wifes name.

I read recently that the book is to be republished under the authors own name in 2007

very good story with lots of twists and turns especially with the characters of Kesev and Sister Carrie. Very enjoyable and can be appreciated by people of all faiths.

Not to heavy. Great beginning and great plot! However, the ending is somewhat weak!

You don't have to be a practicing catholic to enjoy this novel. The plot is simple yet compelling. A priest and a nun (who are having a torrid affair) find the body of the the Virgin Mother. Not a skeleton, but the actual preserved body - so lifelike that people think it is a wax sculpture. They manage to spirit the "mother" out of Israel and hide her in a basement of a homeless shelter in New York City.

Of course, everyone is after the body - but the ending is a bit surprising and not everyone is who you think he is.

Quick read and hard to put down.

This is one of the first "modern" novels I dared to read, and somehow or other I really liked it. It is an excellent book with a very gripping tale. Even though Church authorities may not be too pleased with it (what with priests having sex with nuns, and the body of Our Lady still being on Earth instead of being assumed to heaven!), it still offers excellent literary entertainment. You get the lives of several people who do not know each other, but suddenly they find their lives interwoven because of the discovery of the body of the Mother of God, and because of all the consequences to that discovery. Some of the best depicted characters are (in my opinion): Kesev, Emilio, Dan and Arthur. I did not like Carrie a lot, because she thinks as a child but behaves as a woman. Her hard-headedness and her impulsive nature got somewhat on my nerves. The idea of the scrolls and the hunt and the guarding stuff what all very well plotted, even though the end was a teeny weeny bit far fetched. Still, I liked it very much. More please!

Fast & Loose is the perfect romance for a lazy Spring day! And reading this Louisville-set, Kentucky Derby-themed romance right before the actual Derby was run added to the enjoyment of the race. A Louisville resident, Bevarly weaves her insider-information around and through the book's two sexy romances. And speaking of the romances, you'll definitely root for the couples to find their happily-ever-afters. I look forward to many more Bevarly books!

I wanted to like this. I really did -- I was in the mood for a frothy, bubbley, joyful love story, with wit, charm and heart. I'm going to have to keep looking. I'm half-way through it, and Our Hero still hasn't even found out Our Heroine's NAME. This relationship is taking a long time to begin, let alone develop. And all the background and exposition and character building are words, words, words, no action. Don't tell me, show me. Things should happen, there should be local color -- the setting is Lexington KY at the time of the Derby, so there should be scenes about training, stables, horses, racing, the city, the festival, sights, sounds, smells, tastes. I'm going to try to finish this, but so far it's more work than reward. The writing is too loose, the story is not fast.

I really like Elizabeth Bevarly's books, but this one I just loved! It seemed fresh, more modern, and just more kicky! The premise was really cute, it flowed really well, the dialogue/writing at times just made me hoot with laughter (a Bevarly trait), it was looser, it was funner, and I really liked it! Thanks Ms Bevarly--I really liked this book! Thanks for a great afternoon and evening :)

With his thoroughbred Silk Purse running in the upcoming Kentucky Derby, trainer Cole Early needs a place to stay in the Louisville area for about two weeks, but nothing is available even as far away as Indiana. He rents a bungalow from a local glass artist Lulu Flannery, who has doubts about allowing a stranger on her property, but she cannot refuse the fee.

Cole and Lulu meet and are attracted to one another, but she knows nothing will come of it as he will have a choice of so many glamorous women. However, Cole knows she is the one for him that he has waited to meet her seemingly forever. Besides hoping to win the first leg of the Triple Crown, the bigger prize is winning Lulu's heart.

FAST AND LOOSE is an engaging low key Kentucky romance that uses the backdrop of the Derby to set the time and place, which in many ways steals the show. The lead couple is a wonderful pairing as he knows she's the one for him while she assumes "King Cole" as the press calls him can have any female he desires so why her. Fans will enjoy this lighthearted romp while wondering whether Silk Purse wins the race.

Harriet Klausner

This is a good book; written seriously by competent writers. The book contains lots of stories about people recalling past lives under hypnosis. The only negative point in this book is that the authors often give the impression to be so skeptical about the results of the experiences they write about that one may wonder: Why am I reading this book? Despite this; I consider it as a book which deserve to be read.

Unlike most books about past lives (I would imagine), this book does not assume an position for or against past lives/reincarnation. Instead, it provides the reader with scientific evidence, case studies, and a no-nonsense approach to analyzing the experiences described in the case studies. I am fortunate that I found this book first before trying others about Past Lives because this book covers everything I wanted to know and left me to draw my own conclusions. I would highly recommend this book to someone who is interested in knowing about past lives and reincarnation without any bias for or against it. I would also highly recommend this book for anyone interested in psi phenomenon who has an interest in the subject, as a person reading this book would be unable to become ungrounded by some of the assumptions other psi phenomenon subjects can have. Very excellently written, wonderful book.

I have always been fascinated by the notion that I could have lived another life and have even experienced something that could be construed as a past life experience. I have been looking for definite information, not case studies, which is basically what this book is about. It is a very intriguing book and I enjoy it, but it failed to answer my questions.

My reviews:

A Sneeze on Tuesday by Elizabeth Mansfield-I really liked this story. The H/H were older-ie: over 25-and not perfect. The hero, Miles is a wonderful character-curmudgeon at first then quite a passionate guy:) Story-love may be right under your nose:)-4.5 stars

The Rocking Horse by Holly Newman-Alas, I didn't finish this story-the writing style was hard to follow, IMO, and the heroine seemed a bit cold-1 star

A memorable Christmas by Sheila Rabe-loved this story. Was unusual that the story centered on a already married couple. Excellently written as it gets right into the story. Secondary characters were well written for such a short story. Was fun but with a message of forgiveness as well-5 stars

The Baby Shoppe by Ellen Rawlings-the best of the four, IMO-loved the H/H, and the idea of a titled lady quickly realizing she must go into some sort of business as her father has left her penniless after his death. So she opens a doll shop, along with her fiesty Nanny, with her only possesions, her extensive doll collection. This writer is fabulous! Very descriptive-makes you feel like you're there, you'll enjoy it!-5+++ stars!

The cherry on top is the beautiful cover art and gilding-a present in itself.

All in all, a book I highly recommend for regency fans
4.5 stars!