L Books

I was trying to come up with a birthday gift idea for my sister-in-;aw, when it hit me--why not a selection of some of my favorite books of all time. This is one of them. It is a classic in the women's history fiction genre, a great read, dramatic, strong narrative drive and very edifying. It takes place in the mills in New England in the 19th century and its protagonist is one of the most fascinating characters I have read. There's a reason it is still in print--because it is still gripping readers long after its initial publication date. You won't be able to put it down!!

Zaroulis describes the carriage trip of the Agent (boss) of the biggest textile mill up Church St., crossing the Concord river, going up the hill till it becomes Andover St. and the neighborhood of Belvedere where his home was along with other now almost 200 year old mansions. I walked the very route so many times to visit girlfriends being oblivious to the history I was walking along. Our schools taught us next to nothing of Lowell's history and so I left a city, badly in need of CPR, in '58 to go off to the completely different world of LA to go to USC. Reading Zaroulis many years later, I could again walk, because of here attention to detail, many streets/neighborhoods of my youth....albeit in my mind...and come to belatedly, greatly appreciate the men and women who made my life possible. If you ever go to New England, don't miss a day or two visiting the exhibitions of the mills, canals, and boarding houses as part of the National Park Service's restoration. Include the American Textile Museum for its recreation as well of what it was like working in the huge rooms of looms. Once piqued with "Call", I'll bet you'll want to go with Zaroulis as she follows a passenger of the Mayflower as he begins a genealogy up to the mid 1900s in her next book, Massachusetts.

I read this book a couple of years ago and have recommended it to a number of people. It is a well written account of a young woman's experiences in a Lowell mill. Not only does it cover the mill aspect but a good part of her life. It gave me a better outlook on what life must have been like for my grandparents who came to work in the mills of Rhode Island. Because of their exposure to the mill atmosphere, they suffered from the ailments associated with that type of work (grandfather died at 34/grandmother had "white lung"). I had no idea until I read this book, just what the working conditions were at the time. A must-read for those people interested in the industrial revolution and its effect on the people who worked in that system. Also provides a reason for the union movement in later years.

This historical novel gives an excellent and moving description of early New England life.. with special reference to some of the largest cotton mills in the U.S. I wish this author would do more. To bad all good things have to end, but the story did. I was fortunate to have found an "uncorrected proof" copy to read.

The author was way ahead of her time with the popularity of Angela's Ashes. Of course this book was written without the humor but the plight of the Irish was far more intense.

Today the book stores are filled with novels not more than 300 pages. This book left me emotionally fatigued. Now I must wait a week before I even try a new one because I cannot forget Zaroulis' writing.

For years I wondered how there were so many "Matching Numbers" cars with, say, factory tach, 4 speed, etc. available today at large bucks. With the help of this guide, one can assemble or restore the car of their dreams just as if one had special ordered it from the factory in 1964. Of course the purist would say that to take a '64 Impala SS that was originally 250 horse automatic and convert that to a 300 horse, 4 speed, factory tach etc. was counterfeiting even though all the parts have the right casting number, date codes, etc. Well, we can't make that call because opinions run rampant among auto enthusiasts.

Whatever your goal, this book will help you achieve it. Whether validating the authenticity of a barnyard find or assembling the car of your dreams, Alan L. Colvin provides the information to answer your questions. It is presented in a clear, concise maner and organized for easy reference while browsing swap meets and surfing eBay.

My only regret is that I didn't have a copy of it sooner!

If you are going to restore any Chevy or Chevy engine in this time period, you will not find a more conclusive set of working drawings, factual insight or list of part numbers anywhere! I bought the book for the information of the different Chevy engines. With the wealth of information available I might just get myself a Chevy to restore!

By using this book, I figured out what year and model the block, heads and assembly date were for the motor in my 1956 Chevy Nomad. I knew nothing about the motor. I now know what I have.

Mike M.

I have this copy plus the 65-69 and 70-75 versions and find all of them excellent reference material with one caveat, no information on 6 cylinder engines, heads, exhaust, etc. For the V8 enthusiast though, it's hard to beat.

This book is exceptional and details all the finer points that you must know when thinking about, or have purchased one of these fine cars. Take the time and read through this book and it will give you years of knowledge. The book will also educate you as to the correctness of the Chevrolet you either have, or are looking at. It also will help verify myths with acctual facts and documentation as tho the true nature of the cars and their history.

I was floored by thoroughness of expertise and professionalism in this book, which goes hand-in-hand with the sheer passion for the game and wisdom in teaching children that comes through on every page. No detail of technique, sportsmanship or strategy is left out here, and the book is as useful a guide for would-be coaches inexperienced in the ways of the game as it is for veteran coaches looking broaden their knowledge base.

Bruce Driver's talent both as a former Stanley Cup winner and a long time coach combined with Clare Wharton's flawless and engaging writing style makes this book an absolute must for hockey lovers new and old.

As a USA Hockey certified Referee I recommend this book to anyone involved in youth hockey at any level.This is how hockey should be taught.

A complete resource for coaches, yes, but also something every hockey fan and parent should read too. Presented in a concise and logical manner, with no detail left out. Extensive photos and drill diagrams for all situations. I found it to be very well written.

If you've wondered what's happened to Stanley Cup winner Bruce Driver since he wrapped up his illustrious 15-year career playing hockey with the New Jersey Devils, you'll find the answer in the new book, "The Baffled Parent's Guide to Coaching Youth Hockey". Admirably, Driver has been teaching young, would-be hockey stars the secrets of the game.
Don't be put off by the long title - in this volume, Driver, and co-author Clare Wharton have scored a major goal with this highly readable and entertaining offering. If you've stumbled across it, you've found treasure. Driver has wisely teamed up with Wharton, a skilled writer with an extensive background in Hockey. She has taken the shoulder pads, the knee pads, the helmet and skates of the material and, with humor, molded them into a star of the ice.
With sections on everything needed for first-time and veteran coaches alike, NHL drills appropriate for youth hockey, proven team-management techniques, tips on teaching and understanding hockey fundamentals and so much more, Driver lets us in on all of his secrets.
Hockey moms (and they are legion) who have had to spend endless afternoons - and early mornings, if time on the ice is limited - driving their little Drivers to the ice rink for practice, and dads, stuck at work but footing the bills for all that expensive equipment, will be happy to learn, through this enlightening tome, what happens to junior once he gets there.
"The Baffled Parent's Guide to Coaching Youth Hockey" is a winner! Anyone with even a passing interest in hockey, or sports in general, will find Bruce Driver and Clare Wharton's book a delightful experience.


Art Scott
Mystery writer
And Historian

Overall, this is a great book that touches on all aspects of hockey. I am a high school hockey coach and this book has some really nice drills and information in it. We are using a couple already in practice that work great. One thing that I was hoping for (4 stars instead of 5)was a little more intense drills or more detailed info for the higher levels of hockey. Also, it only has 3 goalie drills which was a little disturbing. As a goalie coach as well as an assistant, I find that upsetting since the position is so important, but yet it's the most overlooked. However if you are a parent or coach looking for a book that touches on every aspect of hockey as well as drills this is definitely the one. I do find the parts on dealing with parents and setting up practice plans also helpful. It was well written and has a lot of great info from an NHL player and Stanley Cup winner. It is one of the best books that puts it all together for you to learn the sport of hockey. I would suggest picking up the book: Complete hockey instruction by Dave Chambers with this book and as far as goaltending is concerned, go to www.hockeygoaltender.com. That has some of the best info concerning that position. With these 3 items you would have a pretty good arsenal on coaching and understanding the sport.

Yes for anyone who does glass painting, especially faux stained glass, this is a MUST HAVE for glass painting reference libraries. This is the only cfraft I do and I was amazed at the number of things I learned from these guys. Also the problems I've had in the past were resolved in such a way that went away thinking "Why didn't I think of that?"...because I didn't have this book! I'm on the hunt for more from these same artists/authors.

We have been so excited with the continued success of this, our first book. Worldwide sales of this title have now exceeded 50,000 which we think makes it the best selling book on glass painting. Don't miss our other books and our new book, The Complete Guide to Stamping is published in March 2004. If you have access to broadband internet, you can see our regular TV show, Alan & Barry's Craft Choice and a host of other shows on www.createandcraft.tv. We can also be seen regularly on HGTV in the United States.

Since I am a beginner to glass painting and have one book on the subject I was looking for something more comprehensive that covered other techniques. After reading the review and previewing from amazon's "look inside", I had to buy the book. "The Complete Guide to Glass Painting, is just what it says, it is a good start for beginners and and provides lots of projects, techniques and motifts for the more advanced glass painter. There are so many techniques I never though of that was not covered in my one glass book. When the book first arrived in the mail, I glanced through it quickly; now I am reading the book word for word so as not to miss a great tip. Each page is well designed and layed out for easy reading and understanding with visual direction. You can't go wrong. For those who have more knowedge, this book has 400 motifs to use or combine to create fantastic glass paintings and projects that spark ideas. If you must have a glass painting book, this will be the only one you will need. Allan and Barry, thanks for sharing your 20 years of experience, this is a great book. If the authors ever collaborated to produce anther book; I will be looking out for more of them.

If you just are getting one book about glass painting to try the hobby out then this is a good choice. It has a good overview of the materials available, step by step instructions for different techniques and templates to trace over (glass is perfect for tracing ;-) so you can get started on some small projects. The color pictures are plentiful and pretty, and the price is not too high as one might expect with color pics. Even if you are just into crafts and later find that glass painting isn't your thing the templates and pics can carry over into other crafts.

This is a good book if you know you want to try glass painting out.

The techniques presented in this book is good enough for a beginner like me to get started. However, the projects given in this book was not enough to motivate me to try them. I've found that the book was not organised enough for a beginner to go through the projects and progress from there.

Having said all this though, I still think that the book is a good reference to have and coupled with other books like Glass Painting (The Art of Crafts series) by Naazish Chouglay, you could learn more and appreciate the art as well as the techniques behind glass painting.

Complete, full of ideas, easy to read, well structured.
Great book, specially if you're starting at small or home-scale. It brings you from the general approach to a common and not so common marine species details. It covers jawfish, grammas, bettas, gobies, blennies, cardinals, dottybacks and many more... even pelagic spawners, providing insight into how future acheivements might be reached. The book is very useful as a reference for hobbyists, but also for researchers in the field. This book is a must.

It's a great book covering the basics of how to set-up larva rearing systems, plankton cultivation, and what species would be the best for a beginner to take on.

This book was written for the hobbyist not the commercial aquaculturist.

Great breeding book, It's complete, easy to read, with nice pictures and drawings. I love the Genus section who display a specie specific caracteristi for breeding easy al aquarium fish.

This book has some great information, but was disappointed with the lack of fish species.

Everything you ever wanted to know about breeding common and not so common marine ornamentals...

This guy is funny. I'm assuming he writes comedy for a living but haven't heard of him before. Anyway, buy this book for yourself if your girlfriend doesn't get it for you -- it is great

Funny, funny, funny. When is the movie coming out?!

This is the funniest book I've ever seen on the subject of the engagement process. Buy it, give it to a friend

Great gift idea for your brother, son, friend -- any guy you know that's going through the whole engagement thing! Michael Katz has a handle on the experience, and delivers on every page. I keep a stock of these and give them out every time somebody new gets engaged. -- Lori

Great stuff. Extremely useful for breaking the pre-wedding tension, and the truth is, I learned a lot.

As a desert dweller, I know how important water is. Here, we never travel without a bottle of water, even to the grocery store. Christ said He came to give us living water--that is what this book does. It quenches the thirst of the soul--that inward longing we all have for more than what can be found in our material lives.
Over the years, I have read many daily devotionals. Streams in the Desert is without a doubt the most unique, and the most encouraging. First published in 1925, this book is a fountain of wisdom and encouragement. While the language might seem a bit old-fashioned to some, it is not a deterrent to the subject matter. The book is Bible-based, and quotes are from individuals, sermons, poems, stories, hymns, and of course, the Bible itself.
All of us deal with hardship in our lives--for me it is cancer. I use this book in tandem with my daily Bible reading and prayer.
Streams in the Desert comforts; it speaks to suffering, encourages faith, and would be an excellent gift for anyone who is going through difficult times.
Or for anyone who is thirsty for that living water.

We shared this with all our kids. This book in a great way to start your day, second only to the Good Book. A really good feeling book.

I enjoy this book but sometimes I have a hard time understanding what some of the people are saying. I am using it in my prayer time. Thank you!

I don't have alot of time in the day to just sit down and read something...but this is something that I hope will be passed down generation to generation as a "treasure". I do have a couple of minutes each morning to read a quick uplifting thought to keep my spirit happy for the day and give me something to think about...and hopefully pass on to others. This book should be a staple in every home.

This is one devotional you must have as you journey through life. Mrs Charles Cowman reminds the faithful follower of Christ that storms and trials that beset one actually come to make one more like Jesus.
In it there is refreshment for the soul who cannot seem to see the light at the end of the tunnel, as well as encouragement that the Master has it all planned out for His Glory.
Above all else it tells the age old story - trials are not new, only recycled and are common to man.
In this devotional, each new passage gives one testimony that cheers the soul, that all is well, that all will be well.

Dance Into Destiny is a wonderfully "edgy" yet not "preachy" novel that tackles real issues people deal with in their daily lives. Through the lives of Keeva and Shara, the reader experiences what it's like to live a life abundant with material wealth, yet be miserable; to know your purpose and destiny, yet not be able to enjoy the freedoms God provides.
Ultimately, through special relationships, both women gain balance in their personal and professional lives. This is a coming of age story that is worth reading.

Sherri Lewis did another fantastic job with this book. The story was written in a way in which I could feel the emotions from the characters as if they were right here next to me. I love the Christian message that the books gives to its readers. I can't wait to read Sherri's next book.

Once again Sherri Lewis has pulled it off. Just as she did in "My Soul Cries Out", Sherri creates a believable story of friendship and love.

What I liked most about this book is how important having a personal relationship with God is shown and how without that relationship, one can't be truly happy.

And just like I told Sherri after reading "My Soul Cries Out", I need a sequel.

In the book Dance Into Destiny by Sherri L. Lewis, Keeva Banks had been kicked out of one prestigious school and was now on the brink of flunking out of another and being cut
off financially by her parents. Keeva was used to getting everything that she wanted from
her parents as long as she lived the life they wanted for her to live. Keeva's dreams
of becoming a dancer as a little girl died when her father pretty much planned her profession and pushed his ideas of success on her. Keeva was in a relationship that long ago lost its luster and had a group of girlfriends that she could care less about hanging out with. It was now the end of the semester and grades were soon to come. She needed to study and get a good grade on her finals. Keeva did not think that things could get any worse until she was assigned to work with a homely looking girl on a school project. The stress was unbearable and her only release was going back to her first love, but little did she know that she would find a greater love during this journey.

Shara Anderson worked hard in school and for the youth in her community. She
wasn't into fashion, dating, and all of the frills and thrills that many sought after in
college. Shara, the daughter, of a strict pastor had always been in the church and was now saved. Shara's passion was the youth and helping to motivate them to achieve good grades and instill faith that they could be more than what their environment dictated. From the outside it seemed as if everything in Shara's life was in order, and things perfect. Shara was more concerned about helping people than having a personal life. Shara focused on helping the kids and her new project partner, Keeva but did not feel
that she could do enough for either. She met the potential youth pastor, Quinton and fights the growing attraction to him Shara could not deny the similarities between him and her. Shara had a hard time breaking free from the strict teachings of her father concerning men and allowing herself to get a complete makeover to be the woman of God that He created her to be.


Quinton Mercer was in a new town, ready to work with the youth of Kingdom Builders Christian Church, which was located in the inner city, to build up the kingdom of God. Quinton's motives were pure although not well thought, thinking that money could buy
the kids and was only temporary. Quinton and Shara had to work together since he was
seeking the position of youth pastor and she was one of the youth leaders. Quinton felt
something in his spirit stir as she began talking about her vision for the youth. He did not worry too much about her disheveled look. Quinton fell for Shara at first sight and was glad that she did not recognize him from the basketball court. He was trying to outrun his own demons. God can only heal what is revealed!



It was a great book ; I could barely put it down and I was done with it too quickly. I could visualize the storyline and connected with each character. It is an excellent read! It is heartbreaking and inspiring at the same time, but truly is exemplary of our God and how he uses what the devil means for the bad and turns it into something good.

Reviewed by: Lacha' Mitchell
AAMBC -Book Reviewer

This is the first novel I've read by Sherri L. Lewis and it WON'T be the last! What an INSPIRATIONAL treat. I was CAUGHT UP in the lives of her well-developed and MEMORABLE characters. I enjoyed actually witnessing the PERSONAL GROWTH of each of the main characters in their relationships with one another and with God. Ms. Lewis will DEFINITELY keep you turning the pages with this HEARTWARMING, romantic, and sometimes humorous read.

Having decided to leave her husband, take over her late brother's private investigation business, and move into a new home, Sidra Smart discovers that it's the latter that may be the most disrupting to her new life. That's definitely a surprise for Sidra, considering that an act of charity just had her attempting to return a lost dog to his owner only to discover the old woman's dead body. However, that tragedy has the positive affect of Sidra adopting the dog and keeping her interfering but dog-disliking aunt from pestering Sidra to move in with her. Sidra's career continues to look up when she is hired to investigate a double homicide that was closed when the killer committed suicide by throwing himself under a train. The father of the suspect believes that his son was innocent and is willing to pay Sidra to prove it.
Although still a little unsure of her skills, Sidra throws herself into the investigation. As the former wife of a minister, though, residual bitterness towards the church and religion may be influencing her when she decides that one of the victims was overly involved in a fringe church led by a charismatic reverend. It's a viewpoint that is further enforced when Reverent Blue's wife comes to Sidra looking for a sympathetic ear to share her secret of infidelity. Sidra is less than receptive to the distraught woman who flees only to find herself in more trouble than she ever could have imagined.
The sequel to Dance on His Grave, Smith reveals her skills in the progression of Sidra's independent spirit and sense of self. What is most remarkably different from the first in this series is the strong element of paranormal elements as ghosts make themselves known in Sidra's new home. What both novels do share is a dramatic and shockingly violent conclusion. The sudden inclusion of the reverend's secretary and her conversion to Sidra's side is jarring, but Smith creates a satisfying resolution to Sidra's dilemma over a man that began in the previous novel. This is an enjoyable and well-written series by a new author who shows promise with her unique and increasingly strong leading lady.

The atmosphere and setting is wonderful it kept me spellbound riveted to the story. Sid is a feisty broad with gumption that doesn't let life pass her by because her life has changed dramatically it gives all of us old broads hope.
I just can't imagine myself deviling deep into the mystery of murder and it helped to know Sid had her own doubts. The tenacity in her won't let her give up and it gives all women hope.
Ah, it would be wonderful to see a television series made of Sidra Smart PI and her adventures into solving murders most fowl.
Joan

DEADLY SINS DEADLY SECRETS, the second installment of Sylvia Dickey Smith's Sidra Smart series, is a tale of how small town secrets and small-minded attitudes seldom mix with pleasant results.

Sid is desperately trying to keep the private investigation business she inherited from her brother open while living in a ghost active house with her overly-involved aunt and her overly-indulged feline, as well as a dog Sid saved from going to the pound when his owner died. Sid's love life and her professional life seem to be at odds with one another and with her past as the wife of a Baptist minister. To add another helping onto her already full plate, Sid is hired by a "tobacco-spitting, chair-rocking old codger more interested in the shine on his shoes than the dust on his furniture" to clear his dead son's name after he was accused of a double murder. After all, just because he happened to have been spotted at the scene around the time of the crime and just because his fingerprints were on the murder weapon does not automatically mean he was guilty of the crime. But try convincing the local sheriff of that--especially when the prime suspect is no longer able to mount a defense to the charges.

Sid must trudge deep into the swamp and even deeper into the past in order to solve this case. As if that isn't bad enough, her preacher ex-husband shows up in the middle of her date with a new man and the ghost who haunts her aunt's house refuses to allow Sid a good night's rest. This ghost is a long dead relative of her new client and former owner of that same house. Scrappy Kate, as she was known in life, has vital information for Sid about the present, her new case and the people involved in it.

Sylvia Dickey Smith is a master storyteller who weaves a tale tighter than a hangman's noose. Her characters resonate with a down-home true feeling found in small towns all across America. They come alive on the page. This is a book I could not put down and highly recommend.

This second book is every way as good as the first. Sidra is growing in spirit as well as PI knowledge. She fumbles/mumbles/succeeds like any and all of us would if we were following a dream.

Good writing, good character, freeing spirit make for good books.

Keep up the good work.

If being an expert on crawling in windows is a requirement for a detective, Sidra Smart meets that requirement. She is the owner of The 3rd Eye Detective Agency with one solved case under her belt. In her former life as a minister's wife, Sidra would not have been caught dead crawling in a window-but Sidra is not the same woman as she was then.

When Dempsey Durwood contacts Sidra about hiring her to clear his son's name, Sidra feels compelled to take the case. Ned Durwood was hit and killed while trying to cross the railroad tracks behind the home of Abe and Cherrie Collins. Abe and Cherrie were later found murdered and the murder weapon had Ned's fingerprints on the handle of the knife. Dempsey states that his son had gone to the Collins residence about some work that the Collins couple wanted him to do. Dempsey is ready to spend his savings to prove Ned's innocence. Sidra takes the case but is uncertain if she can prove Ned's innocence.

Sid has just moved in with her Aunt Annie in a house that has the reputation of being haunted. Soon Sid begins to believe that there really is a ghost that only she can see. Her inquiries regarding the Collins case are taking her no place and the ghost is keeping her awake at night.

A man that Sidra has questioned is found dead on the porch of Annie's home. The office of the detective agency suffers an arson fire. Sidra discovers a secret about the wife of the local pastor. The more events unfold, the more determined Sidra is to find out what has happened in her town in the past that is now having a very adverse effect.

Deadly Sins Deadly Secrets is an exciting book that is full of surprises. I look forward to reading more about Sidra Smart, a spunky lady. I also very much enjoyed Slider, the dog that Sidra rescued early in the book.

I haven't read Dance On His Grave, the first Sidra book, but I intend to do so soon.

Armchair Interviews says: Sylvia is also a columnist for Southern Life and Style Magazine

I used this book w/ my Preschool classroom to use at project time or if we needed to make a Thank You card for someone - a way for them to "sign" it!

This book is awesome and VERY easy to use. It would make a great gift for an early drawer.

This is the perfect craft activity. Cute, fun, simple. I love doing this with my children. I also love doing this with my students as I am an educator. All ages young and old love it. You can use fingerprint art for greeting cards or just making things up. This author is really wonderful. I have many of his children's books.

These are classic books that expand imagination. How could you not love them? I especially like how they encourage kids to draw without making it *too* detail oriented. (Alot can be achieved with a few simple lines!)

As a child who loved to draw - but was all "thumbs" in drawing - Emberley's Thumbprintbook was an amazing gift. Suddenly, I could duplicate the art in a drawing book and then go on to create my own shapes and creations. As I got older, I moved onto his other wonderful art books (such as Red, Puple, Orange, Green), but my thumbprints always remained my favorite.

This is a simple but enlivening art book for preschool and elementary school aged kids. I used it over 25 years ago and it is still a huge success with kids today. Don't miss it!

I have a 7, 5 and 3yr old. They received this book along with a kid-safe ink pad. They love it! It's easy enough for them to follow and they love how easy it is for them to create the different animals and facial expressions. It's actually taught them quite a bit.