L Books

Warriors is a great addition to the fantasy roleplaying game genre and a boon to anyone seeking resources that can be used to realistically and compellingly expand the capabilities of combatant classes. I ahve used this one in my own game and been very pleased with it.

As a DM, I am always looking for new material to make my games more 'realistic' and different. This book is an excellent resource to spice up the warrior class. I am looking forward to purchasing more material from this company.

This book is full of intriguing ways to flesh out warriors, fighters, and even paladins, rangers, and barbarians. Suddenly, you have a huge number of options to help breathe life into your medieval or fantasy army, or even the local thugs in the streets. The book has a definite historical flavor, which I like quite a bit. I enjoy the references to ancient times, as well as African and Asian history. The prestige classes and the concept of subtypes gives the normally rigid warrior sudden flexibility. Skirmisher has done a great job of turning out a book that I will actually use, instead of something that will collect dust on my bookcase.

This book is great for any DM. Both amateurs and veterans will find this book able to help them create quests and their DMing ability.

This is a great book to add that 'extra' realism to D & D. Varhola's history and writing background, added to the obvious expertise of the other authors, lets the players add a level of realism and history that makes a good game far better //

I love most of the Little House on the Prairie books, as well as the stories of Laura's great-grandmother, Martha, her grandmother, Charlotte, her mother, Caroline, and her daughter, Rose. I've read every one I can get my hands on. My all-time favorite of the all the series is These Happy Golden Years. This tells of Laura and Almanzo's courtship, and it is so chaste and sweet.

This book definitely belongs on my 10 favorite children's books.

I would rate this book 4.5 stars. It tells of Laura Ingalls years between the age of 15 to 18, and her first teaching job where she goes to live with a family where the wife doesn't treats her shabbily. It's a good story but it mostly told more of her and Almanzo than her teaching.

Although the "Little House" books do not appear to be quite as popular as they were a couple of decades ago, I shared all the books with my grandchildren in the form of audio books. We would listen to them as we drove on both long and short rides. They, and I, enjoyed the first three books(Little House in the Big Woods, Little House on the Prairie, On the Banks of Plum Creek) but then felt the next three were just fair to listen to. When I first started These Happy Golden Years, I heard a grumble or two from the g'kids, but as the story unfolded their listening delight picked up. Soon they were begging me to drive the longer way home so they could find out what happened next. These Happy Golden Years is a sweet love story full of interesting historical facts, plus enough action to keep my grandson interested. The only flaw we found with the audio version of the book is the singing of the actor (Cherry Jones) that did the reading. It was a bit grating at times when she pretended to sing as Pa. (Poor Ma if Pa really sang like that) Other than that it is a five star recommendation.

Now fifteen-years-old, Laura Ingalls can't help but crave getting a job in order to help her family. Ever since her first taste of earning her own money, she is determined to find another position that complements her skills. Besides, with Mary away at college, as much as Laura misses the companionship of her beloved sister, she can't help but feel compelled to assist her family in keeping Mary in a place where she is learning, and happier than ever. To do that, however, she'll have to do what she can to find the perfect job. Now that she has her teaching certificate, she'll be able to do just that.

It seems like only yesterday that Laura Ingalls was racing around the schoolyard with the boys, playing ball and sharing secrets with her friends; now she is basically all grown up, and beginning her career as a schoolteacher. But being a teacher isn't as easy as Laura hoped it would be - especially when many of the students are older than she is. And, to add insult to injury, she's forced to contend with boarding with a couple who spends the late nights hurling insults at one another, and living in miserable conditions. The only consolation is that Almanzo Wilder drives in to town each and ever Friday, to pick her up and bring her to her folks house for the weekend, before she must start another grueling week. It is during these long rides that Laura begins to spend more and more time with the older man. But it also makes her question why he is so willing to drive the twelve miles to her aid each week. Laura is unsure of his motives. She is also too tired and busy to spend much time thinking about them. Instead, she thinks of the paycheck that will soon come her way; and the beauty and splendor of the items she can buy for her family as time goes by.

With each and every book in the LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE series, I have seen Laura get older and older. I have also grown to love her as much as an old friend. Laura is such a responsible, mature individual - quite different from the little rascal she was during her younger years. She seems so caring, and eager to assist her family, and see that her sister gets the education she has always craved. It is so refreshing to see a character who puts others ahead of herself. Like in LITTLE TOWN ON THE PRAIRIE, the reader has the opportunity to learn more about Almanzo Wilder; however, the more you learn, the more you see just how much older he is than Laura, and how strangely the relationship between the two of them develops. Another winner from Ms. Ingalls-Wilder!

Erika Sorocco
Freelance Reviewer

"These Happy Golden Years" is one of the best books I have ever come across. (And I have come across a lot, so don't doubt my taste!) Everything is detailed in an interesting sort of way, and the emotions and lovering part is kept well under control so it's not an immensely disgusting romance novel but not exactly a plain sensible book either. Laura Ingalls Wilder allowed the sequence to be somewhat unpredictable but it exemplifies a good plot that a true book-lover would cherish.
The plot is about fifteen-year-old Laura, now leaving home to teach school. It is a rather big challenge as the weeks drag by, but she learns to deal with unruly Clarence, pouty Martha, shy Charles, and the little ones, Ruby and another boy whose name I cannot remember. And at her boardinghouse, she has to learn how to cope with fussy and quarelly Mrs. Brewster, and spoiled baby Johnny. But the highlight of this part is every Friday Almanzo Wilder comes to pick her up to go home and back again on Sunday. When the term is finished, something has happened and soon Laura finds herself subconsciously in love with handsome Almanzo, and he with her. Of course, they don't just go ahead and marry, because a long-time rival of Laura's, Nellie Oleson, is also after Almanzo, and Laura's older snotty sister Mary is taking all her teaching money to go to college and Pa's claim must be fixed up before the winter. But these things soon pass, and Laura learns the joy of early womanhood as she and Ma make dresses, Laura learns how to deal with money, and realizes Almanzo is really the guy for her. And soon they are engaged. And that is just the beginning of a whole new chapter of Laura's life as a pioneer of America.
This heartwarming little book provides all the things you could want, some romance, a girl's troubles and hopes, and most of all, a glimpse to the daily life which we now look back to as precious American history.

I first had this book read to me when I was in the first grade, now I am 25 and still remember the book! Recently I bought it to give to a friend as a baby gift. I read it again and loved it all over again. Its so creative I love it and would recommend it to everyone! Great for a gift for your own children or others.

I teach preschool and used this book as an introduction for our post office theme. The reading level is a bit high for my age group, but they really enjoy seeing the different types of mail that pull out of the "envelopes" in the book. Very interactive and fun to read.

I love this book for a couple different reasons. First, I like the idea of reading other people's mail. Second, I like the idea that classic fairy tale characters send each other mail. Third, I like the fact that the letters are not printed within the book, but are in envelopes. This means that you are physically opening each letter.

This book is so much fun. The wicked witch gets junk mail, Cinderella gets a request to publish a book on her life, and Little Bear gets a birthday invite, to name just a few.

This is one of my most favorite children's books ever written. I give it to all my friends. Every page has a little surprise.

The anniversary book is significantly larger than the original and so loses some of the charm. However this shallow dip in nursery fairy tales is fun for both the listener and reader. New shrink wrapped books include stationary and 'postage' to encourage the young to build a habit of writing and mailing notes. The story is from a UK perspective and follows a postman who delivers the mail in a community of fairy tale characters. Some of the humor is dated (good for grandparents). Children will enjoy having the book read to them and opening the many envelopes to extract their contents. This book was a favorite of my children back in the late 1980's.

This book and the other two in this series don't make history less complex but they sure make it readable!

My older sister originally bought me and my younger sister the computer program. That was a few years ago, but it was a nice dry sarcastic, but silly humor.
Then I ordered this book, which has much the same type of humor. I wish it were in color instead of black and white, but otherwise, a fun way to "read" history.

I highly recommend this book. It's well written, it's occasionally funny and very readable. Volumes 1 to 7 starts with the Big Bang, to the evolution, to the first great civilizations (Sumer, Egypt and the Greeks), and ends with Alexander the Great reaching India.

I was so impressed about the presentation that I thought - why isn't there an animated version of this book (and the other volumes)? Wouldn't it be nice for kids to be able to get their history lessons via Cartoon Network?

But then I reached the part about what early Greek women did with their goats and sheep and how the Spartans treated young boys and I thought "well, maybe it's better if it stays in book form".

My only gripe is the lack of an index. Certainly handy when important names and places are regularly mentioned (like any other history book) .

This book is amazingly good. It is funny and educational and incredibly well drawn. You should BUY it.

I bought this book for my 6th grade classroom and ended up reading it myself. It's a favorite with the students though there is a bit of nudity that I had to censor with a black marker.

I too have to agree with the other readers reviewing this book. The author grabs your attention from the first to the last page. Hopefully this book will inspire and give strength to other victims of domestic violence. I applaude the author for having the courage to share her story with the world. Kudos to you Ms. Marlow, I hope this is not your last book...

This was a beautifully written book. The storyline was great. I loved how the author gave you insight of how the problem of abuse came from a generational point of view. This left me with the a sense of healing and that taking control of your life is up to you. The pictures were also a wonderful addition to the book, it gave you a better connection to the characters. I wish more authors would do this.

Four generations of abuse women, will they over come the abuse? When I look back down thought the years women didn't leave there husband so fast it was not done, women taking abuse from the hands of there husband and some kids was abuse.Color me butterfly show us how these women was abuse but the each generations got stronger and didn't take it mattie, started and lydia show us how strong she was, to see the dark night in these women lives was a wake call for all women of today.We will not take abuse from our husbands or boyfriends, we will stand up and be heard.

Wonderful book, well written, definitely hit home for me. I could relate on so many levels.

This story was wonderful...This is a great read for all ages who has been thorugh something. Even if you haven't- after reading this book you will know you will never have to go through anything. This book will incourage you to that.
This author really went to work on this novel, and I stll cant believe this is her first novel And it's a true story is what got me. It was very well written, it took me everywhere the story leaded me to- with out going over board. L.Y. Marlow was very brave to share her family story with the world. The women in this family was so very strong and brave.
This author gets thumbs up all day for her work in this book.... L.Y. Marlow keep doing what you do and I want to thank you; after reading this story I could say I no longer will be going through the physical and verbal abuse that I have suffer for so long.

I gained so much more from reading "Unsent Letters: Writing as a way to resolve and renew" than from reading this book. Compare the two yourself and you'll see what I mean.

Words provide continuity from generation to generation that surpasses our limited life spans to enrich the shared love of friends and family, to bind generations, and to offer hope to the future. Despite the power of words, many people are reluctant writers, uncertain of what to say or how to say it. To that end, authors JacLynn Morris and Paul L. Fair, Ph.D. bring their own writing skills, teaching experience, and research to bear, offering aid to the reluctant writer in FROM ME TO YOU.

Simple, easy to follow steps guide the writer through the process of conveying thoughts and emotions that might else wise remain unanswered and unspoken. Using the five basic elements enumerated in FROM ME TO YOU, writers can add depth and value to their messages. Concise explanations and the generous use of examples accompany each step, clearly illustrating each point. Many of the examples are both poignant and inspiring, aiding the prospective reader in finding their own voices and experiences. Difficult to write messages that reveal secrets or explanations likewise becoming easier to write with the aid of FROM ME TO YOU.

At last, a writing book for everyone! Whether your words are meant as a thank you, as an apology, to offer comfort or advice, or simply to affirm your love, FROM ME TO YOU will aid all writers in expressing themselves. Powerful, personal messages are our legacy to those we love, regardless of the purpose of the note, and can easily be strengthened by following these simple steps. One of the best writing resources I have encountered, FROM ME TO YOU comes very highly recommended.

There are times when conversation cannot convey your deepest feelings. You can hide your true feelings when talking to someone you care about. Written words can be gifts of the heart and the way you present them can make all the difference. The fact that you take the time to find a concrete way of expressing your feelings is what matters!

You might be reluctant to send an e-mail or put pen to paper, however if you follow the steps in this book you will find it is easier than you think. The authors give examples of letters for every situation. These letters go beyond "polite" words and are more honest and genuine. They express goodwill or reveal deep feelings. They also communicate the importance and value of your relationship to the receiver.

"Often, just the fact that a person puts time, effort, thought or originality into something to delight or help us makes a message wonderful." pg. 9

The authors show how you use five basic elements to make a message powerful, intimate, satisfying and meaningful. It doesn't matte if you want to express your feelings, give advice, forgive, answer important questions, thank someone or share a favorite memory. These five elements should be included in your letter.

While this book might sound like it is an emotional roller coaster ride, there are quite a few really funny letters. I loved the story of a mother who writes down the sweet and funny things her children do. She intends to give these memories to her children. I know this was such a delight when my mother showed me her notes of what I said and did when I was very young. It truly will delight any child to know their parents cared enough to find the time to write down these memories. It also helps children remember important details of their lives.

Another idea I really thought was wonderful was a letter an Aunt sent her nephew about all the wonderful books she had read that she thought he would enjoy. Of course she could have just reviewed them, yet she chose to specifically recommend books that had given her enjoyment, knowledge and comfort.

Some of the letters helped bridge the distance between friends and family or helped to heal a hurt. These are real letters people wrote at a time in their lives when hurt, anger or misunderstanding left them feeling as if they were stuck on opposite sides of a tightly closed door.

"Maybe the blur of our lives has left us hungry for tangible ways to hold onto what is and was-even as we move toward what will be." pg. 150

So if you want to connect with the people you care most about, "From Me to You" will show you how to share your memories, thank people who have helped you in life, apologize to those you may have hurt, inspire friends and invite people to think of you with love and a smile.

~The Rebecca Review

This book is a great help for anyone needing to write anything. Your correspondence will forever change to be more meaningful.

This book has been on my shelf to review for several months, but so many events took my time and energy that I am just now beginning to find my way back to words. My dad died January 5, 2002, and I gave the eulogy at his funeral. How do you share the love and life of someone so dear, yet bring comfort to others who are also suffering this loss? This book, this wonderful book, helped me to deliver a speech that gave the joy and humor that was my dad to others.

Rarely does a writer's reference book have the ability to encourage and inspire its readers or those who do not take up the "pen," to find the way to express emotions. Yet this book shows the joy and power of honest communications, and provides an easy to follow plan that helps all of us share our dreams, hopes, fears, and love with the important people in our lives. It also helps us realize that everyone is important, and to never take for granted the gift of friendship.

This book is an adventure through emotions, but it is so much more. Follow the principles, write the way you speak, be yourself, get rid of criticisms, and in doing so, you become the better part of yourself. Imagine, if you could read a letter and know what the reader was feeling; this book will help you see the ways to do so because in revealing ourselves, we gain self-knowledge and confidence.

Five stars are not diminished by the only difficulty I had, which was the very small size of the font.

Victoria Tarrani

I read "Common Sons" in a day. It was definitely an engaging story and it packed an emotional whallop. It would be wonderful if everyone regardless of their sexual orientation could read this story and understand the challenges same gender loving persons have to face in their quests for happiness and acceptance. Unfortunately, the same fear and ignorance that was demonstrated by some of the residents of Common New Mexico is present all over America. Countless young adults will undoubtedly face the same obstacles as they seek acceptance of who they are and assert their right to live openly without judgement from others.

Overall this book was good. However there were parts where I wondered who edited it, only because sentance flow was not that good. Odds are I would have skipped over the sentance problems if I had really been pulled into the story. Although I had trouble putting the book down after I started, the characters weren't real enough for the story to just suck me into it.

Like I said before, overall this is a good book, and it is worth the read.

The Year is 1965, the location a small town in New Mexico; Joel is seventeen years old and living on his families farm, Tom is a little older, the son of the local church minister; they have been best friends almost since Tom arrived in town about a year ago. But when, sitting around a crowded table of school friends at a local dance, Tom drunkenly kisses Joel (and later consummates his professed love), it unleashes a chain reaction of troubles.
Initially Tom, troubled by his Bible trained conscience instilled in him by his strict father, tries to dismiss the events; but Joel is not so easily put off. His brief experience with Tom, when he compares it to his abortive attempts with girls, brings him to the realisation that he must be attracted to men. But will he be able to convince Tom that they have a future together even if he can get past the curfew Tom's father has imposed on his son for drunkenness? How will their respective parents react if they learn of the boys' true inclinations? How will their friends, Tom's fellow church members and the narrow-minded townsfolk in their small community respond?
The story follows the relationship of the two boys and the reaction of those around them in the year following that careless kiss, the difficulties they encounter as they try to accept their love for one another and remain together. Tom and Joel are each very likeable characters, physically attractive, mature for their years and caring. The characters around them are well described and range from the supportive to the duplicitous and the actively hostile.
This is a heart-warming love story, maybe a little improbable at times, but the overall idea is very appealing. I feel it suffers occasionally in the telling; the writing, while very descriptive, is at times rather dry; but that aside it is well worth reading.

This is my most favorite book I have ever read. I Have read it several times over the last 12 years and enjoy it every time. Ronald(author) takes you there with these boys. It's a movie I love to watch over and over again. Common boys, true love.

Common Sons was a great, easy read. I enjoyed it very much. I think that Common Sons is an important book for the gay community. It inspires hope in the reader. That no matter what we go through, we can make it...We Shall Over Come... Read this book it is fantastic!

This is a good book for my 4th grade son. It is hard to find books on his reading level that hold his interest. The narator of the story is Hank the cowdog (also self proclaimed head of ranch security). The chapters are only 3 or 4 pages and give my son a sense of accomplishment for being able to read a couple of chapters each night.
Hank also has a few pronuciation problems, allowing the young reader to identify correct pronunciation and grammer. The stories are interesting and funny and have really improved my son's interest in reading as well as his grades in reading and language skills. We now own them all as well as many audio books as well. It was fun to hear Hank's voice and read along.

Some background for this review: I originally purchased Hank in book and cassette form for my nieces and nephews in the early 80's. What first caught my eye was actually The Further Adventures of Hank the Cowdog. Further adventures? I plucked the Original Adventures book from the shelf and was hooked after the first two pages. These stories are entertaining and funny, the characters, too; and they aren't just for kids, either. Everyone I have given Hank to over the years has enjoyed hearing and/or reading the stories. I also like that it is the author giving voice to his creations.

I loved hanks first adventures in this book.this book is great.

The Original Adventures of Hank the Cowdog (Hank the Cowdog 1)

These audio books help children that are having trouble with the written word. I also use them in the car, so each trip we hear more of the story. The kids love them and I think it makes them interested in reading.

This book takes place on a ranch in Texas. The characters are Hank, Drover, Loper, the coyotes, and Bruno. Hank is the boss for guarding the ranch at night. He watches out for the chickens. But Hank got sick of the ranch. He tries to find the kill of the chickens, but eats one of the dead ones instead. Then he went to live with the coyotes and still tries to find the chicken killers. Does Hank go back to the ranch? You will have to read the book for yourself to find out. I really like this book because I got to see the author give a talk and read out of one of his books.

We're in the middle of an acquisition and many of our employees are less engaged and some good ones have taken other jobs due to uncertainty. This book works because it has a clear structure that makes it easy to find pertinent advice, well researched data with sources clearly noted and most of all action plans, (e.g. To Dos, Quick Start) that help implement ideas immediately. I've also found it helpful in general skill building because the authors offer techniques and tips for things like improving listening, (listen for the "blinking" word) and starting conversations, (examples of good open ended questions). When I'm not looking up something specific, I keep it on my desk and open it randomly just to find ways to think about my own skills and my own job satisfaction and what I can do to improve them both.

Love 'em or Lose 'em: Getting Good People to Stay (4th edition)

this book is a must read for management-----keeping your best people in a challenging
economy is a must in this" Flat World "Global Economy. If you haven't the "insights" to Keep 'Em, '
then you will "Lose 'Em". Best get on with the 'stay interview" and the other key ideas in this must have edition.

The format of this book is excellent. It is driven by the alphabet and not only has the basic idea for each area but also details real life stories that relate to each topic. None of the stories were unfamiliar and was a good/bad thing because I found we were horribly ordinary in our experience and at the same time that was comforting to know. Great tools, easy to employ, presented in an easy to read and "get" format. A must for managers, business leaders, et al.

Wish one of my former bosses had read this book! After a couple of us had finished a nearly impossible project, someone suggested (in front of us) that he thank us personally. His reply: "We're all adults. We don't need to be thanked for doing our jobs." It wasn't the last straw, but it was one more thing that just added up. I eventually left the company.

The first couple of chapters are the most valuable. The book is important for corporations, but has even more significance for nonprofit or volunteer organizations where pay might be small or nonexistent, so appreciation or working for a cause is why people stick around.

You don't need to read it from start to finish - just the first chapters and then whichever of the concepts for appreciating employees strikes your fancy (or your employees'). It's clear and a breeze to read.

Whether you are concerned about the cost of "A" level talent leaving, or the even greater cost of disengaged talent staying, this workbook is your rescue tool. Hitting all of the keys from The Gallup Organization's research based findings on how great managers get the best out of people, (as published in "First Break all the Rules" and "12: The Elements of Great Managing"), consultants and trainers Kaye and Jordan-Evans provide 25 (the 26th is really a check list, not a separate idea) ways to keep good employees - these action oriented ideas are also the route to engaging every employee.

Starting with `A' (Ask) and running thru `Y' (Yield), before leaving the alphabet with the `Zenith' test of your RPI (Retention Probability Index), this workbook provides both the ideas and motivational logic for engaging employees thru great managing. Although the workbook has been in publication for several years, it is as timely today as when it was first distributed. Read it for ideas, keep in on the shelf as a reference; but do get a copy of this most useful book on how to engage people.

Dennis DeWilde, author of
"The Performance Connection"

One of the best thrillers I've read. Well written, deep characters and a real surprise ending. Just the way I like a book to be.

All I can say is, "WOW"! This book is my pick for 2007 thus far! Great plot, great writing. The only thing is the author didn't have closure on the father and son relationship, though you are led to believe they made peace with each other and their past.

Smooth writing and engaging story with wonderfully original characters. A very fast read.

This book surprised me by being as good as it was. A lot of Christian suspense books get published just because they're "Christian", regardless of quality. But this book is right on par with a lot of suspense authors in the secular market I enjoy. There was excellent character development and the story line kept up a good pace, with a neat twist in the end.

Jude Allman had died, and been resurrected, three separate times by the age of thirty-one. The first time, he fell through the ice in a lake fishing when he was eight, the second time, he was hit by lightning in a field while hiking when he was sixteen, and the third time, he was driving in the ice and snow and skidded into a ditch when he was twenty-four. Jude wrote a book that he wished he hadn't, and combined with the notoriety from his "resurrection tri-fecta", he was very dispirited when he became immensely famous. He tried to hide from his unwanted fame by leaving town and using the name Ron Gress as an alias. As Jude/Ron disengages himself from the world, he becomes so paranoid, that he covers the inside of all the windows in his house with Sheetrock and installs a complex security system as well. Jude/Ron takes a job as a janitor at a school in a small town in Montana, and slides into a shrinking, introverted, paranoid, personality, that develops a natural aversion to human contact. He even has to sleep in a reclining chair because he's afraid to lay down in a bed.

As children start disappearing in towns in Montana, Jude/Ron starts getting strange copper tastes in his mouth, and visions, as a warning of impending danger to come, or as clues to save people already in trouble.

This first time author, deftly juggles multiple scenarios and plots simultaneously, like a seasoned writer. Some of the descriptive phrases he pulls from his writer's tool box are pretty enjoyable: "Streams poured from Jude's clothing as if he were a sunken treasure lifted to the surface after centuries in the murky depths." "A sweaty bald man with a paunch crawled into Jude's circle on his hands and knees. The lottery numbers, he hissed. Gimme the lottery numbers." "His father was talking about things that made no sense to him, scary things that crawled up and down his spine on icy legs." "An icy block of dread began to settle in his stomach." His lungs felt as if they were filled with spun fiberglass." "She felt a cold sliver of ice starting to wedge its way into her spine."


This story will keep you anxiously reading till the last page. This is a thriller that combines spirituality along with horrific modern crimes. I can only hope that this is the first of many more terrific books by this author.