M Books

Like others reviewers before this, I'm rather surprised how obscure this wonderful, quirky book truly is.

The story revolves around Toseland, a young child who goes to live with Mrs. Oldknow. He goes to live in a big manor in a country estate (think the estate the Pevensies go to live on in Lewis' THE LION, THE WITCH, AND THE WARDOBE). He soon realises there's something odd about the house, and is puzzled why Mrs. Oldknow talks about the history and past inhabitents of the place like they were around only yesterday. It turns out the house is inhabited by children of the past, and he learns of an evil gypsey named Green Noah who he ultimately must confront. This final confrontation is rather scary, and Green Noah is one of literature's most memorable villains that I've encountered in a long time.

The book is a rather charming blend of supernatural meets reality, and there is something very delightfully English about the whole affair. The author's Catholocisim is rather apparent n the book, and she fits a lot of different allusions to literature, music, and history.

For those looking for good Children's fiction, this is a powerful story. It's too bad it's not well known.

I found this to be an excellent novel not only for children but also for adults. There is enough intrigue to hold the reader's interest throughout the novel as well as being a lovely, warm family story.

I first read this book when I was a child (in the 60's) and immediately fell in love with it. It has everything I adore in a book; a little magic, a little ghostliness; an English castle; lovely animal companions; characters from times past; people with manners, morals and down to earth values and last but not least--love. I have re-read this book many times and have just finished listening to an audio-version. This is forever a beautiful and enchanting book.

The book I'm going to talk to you about is called; The Children of Green Knowe, by L.M. Boston. I didn't really like this book. It was a little confusing and hard to understand. There just wasn't a clear point. There was not middle, or a climax and resolution. I thought this book was about a mystery or a ghost story, by the cover and the blip from the back. I was very disappointed in the ending, and that it was appoint-less fantasy, that bored me half to death!

The Children of green knowe was about a boy named, Tolly, who was the age of 8-11,whose parents die (they don't say how),so he was sent to live with hisGreat-Grandmother in Penny Soaky. Her house was called Old Knowe.
Three children, Alexander, Toby, and Linnet, died in Tolly's(the boy's name), Great Grandmother's house many centuries ago. They started appearing around the house just days after their death. They played with Tolly, and went on great Adventures. Enjoy one of Granny's stories every 20 pages, and learn about Tolly and Granny's love for the flute andthebirds.

Other reviewers have praised the book. But then, they also liked Harry Potter, and "Series of Unfortunate Events" as well, so that clearly showed me, as a College Prof, now HS dad, that I might not like this book, as the excesses of sardonic humor, death, magic, and evil, are all too prevalent in this day and age, to encourage the reading of fiction to stuff yet MORE garbage into my children's (or my!) head. As it is said, "Sufficient to the day is the evil thereof...".

But Green Knowe is different- perhaps because it was written in a gentler, kinder time. While there is fantasy, and a sense of the blurring of the dimensions (ghosts that are not evil, a world within our world that has connections to the past, and the interpenetration of them all) overall, this work has as much depth as Potter's does for the adult reader, without all the preachiness of 'PC' dogma which has so marred Rowling's later writings, and has influenced all of the film treatments. One really does not need to rehash Shirer's work on WWII in a Children's fantasy novel, which is all Rowling's works have become at the hands of her American editors...

Boston's world is alive- with literature, history, music, and artistry, which Rowling's is not. For adults, the references to the Restoration, Cromwell, Purcell's music, Anglican Church, and British Christmas customs provide a wealth for any HS parent discussing the period 1660-1700. But, as another reviewer noted, she never GOES anywhere- unless just BEING is enough. Her world is one to inhabit, not to holiday through, as if it were an itinerary of sights to check off. The ONE confrontation is scary, and could frighten younger audiences...but a vision of a redeemed world shines through. I was reminded while reading Boston, of Jame's novella, that Britten set to music in the opera, "Turn of the Screw." NOT "cheery" stuff, that!

If I seem ambivalent, it is because, while there is much to recommend in her writing, and the pictures she paints are very vivid, and full of life, the theological issues of the spirit world interacting with the real world, the malevolent curses of a gypsy long dead, and the subtle hints of either a strong genetic lineage, or a nascent reincarnationalism, coupled with clear Christian imagery and pious sentiment (Do ghosts really sing Christmas carols, without malevolent intent?) bothered me.

Is the book magical? oh yes, in many ways. Is it troubling, as say, Wind in the Willows is not? Oh, yes.. in equal measure. Is it a good read? Definitely. But the rest? I'm not sure....

this book was amazing.Because"claudia and the terrible truth"is about when claudia is baby-sitting Nate and Joey Nicholls and she found out that Mr.Nicholls has been abusing them.This book touched really my heart and I recommend it to all of you out there!

I really liked CLAUIDA AND THE TERRIBLE TRUTH. I felt really sorry for Nate and Joey because they get abused by their father. It is a very good book so defenetely read it! I gave it 5 stars because it dealt with a very big issue in the world and not many books do that.
Keep up the good work Ann and you will have even more readers in the UK!!!

Hi! My name is Sadira Jewelsten! Iýve read BSC books since I was eight until I was seventeen. I really enjoyed ýClaudia and the Terrible Truthý. It brought about a very sensitive subject in a way that kids and teens alike would be able to understand it.

It all begins when the BSC receives a new client who isnýt all he seems.
Claudia finds this out when she is assigned to baby-sit Joey and Nate and discovers a horrible secret about their home life-Nate and Joey are being abused by their father.
The boys first lie to Claudia about where theyýve gotten some of the bruises that Claudia is able to see, but later, Claudia-unseen by the father-witnesses it from a hiding place on the stairs. She doesnýtý know what to do at first, but then she does the right thing and tells her mother.
Ann m. Martin definitely has a way of bringing her readers into the story. I felt like I was right there with Claudia, feeling exactly as nervous and confused as she stood on the stairs and heard the loud slap of the boys being hit. Thatýs how powerful it was.
For anyone who is looking for a book that brings up a the subject of abusie in a way that really opens your eyes to it, I highly recommend ýClaudia and the Terrible Truthý.

When Claudia baby sits for the new clients, Nate and Joey are nice, well behaved boys but Mr. Nicholls yells at his two childrens and also yells at Mr. Nicholls. Then later, Mr. Nicholls will tell a story to why he's been like that it's so sad!

I enjoyed Claudia and the Terrible Truth. She starts sitting for new clients, the Nicholls. Nate and Joey are nice, well behaved boys, but they seem too jumpy and nervous. Claudia doesn't like the way Mr. Nicholls yell at the boys and his wife. He seems to have harsh rules like no talking at the dinnertable and no stuffed animals and bedtime stories. He says stuffed animals are childish and the boys are 8 and 5. Nate admitted to Claudia that their father threw away their stuffed animals given by their mother! He even threw a huge fit over a peanut butter jar left by Claudia on the counter. BIG DEAL! It's nothing to make war about, it's not like Claudia and the boys trashed the kitchen. Claudia notices that he verbally abuses Nate, Joey, and Mrs. Nicholls. The boys got all nervous about grass stains and paint stains at a parade meeting. I mean, they're kids and they deserve to play. Your childhood is short and that's what washing machines are for! The boys even got severly punished because Joey touched his father's briefcase! He didn't break it or mess up the stuff in it. Even though Nate didn't do anything, he was punished along with Joey and they had to scrub down the house while Claudia supervised and were banned from the parade meeting, tv, snack, and friends. Then Claudia heard Mr. Nicholls holler about his paper being in the recycle bin and smacked Joey hard. She decided to tell her mom about it and the boys and mother were removed from the house and went to live with relatives. At least they were safe from that evil jerk. I disagree with the reader from Maryland. Claudia never mentioned about never being smacked by her parents. She mentioned that she and her sister were never raised hell at by their parents like Mr. Nicholls did with his boys. It's okay to be firm with your kids and discipline them when they do something wrong, but abuse is not okay. Mr. Nicholls was very dominating and abusive. He reminded me of a Nazi. He took inventory of every crumb of food in the house and wanted everything obsessively neat and perfect in the house. Only robots could be perfectly neat.Anyways, I give this book a 10.

This book was great on giving advice on how to create a life for yourself (from getting a job, meeting people, volunteering). It listed lots of other books and websites that I didn't know where out there for me.

Kathie and Holly were the keynote speakers at a Women's Conference on our base recently. They were funny and inspiring. Hearing them speak and reading their book was the kick in the pants I needed to start setting goals for MYSELF again. I bought a book for myself and for a friend that was struggling with the military lifestyle.

Every military spouse should read this book! I read it TWICE and learned even more the second time though. It has inspired and motivated me to "Get a Life Too". I have had so much fun writing my list of 101 Things to Do Before I Die. I discovered that there are so many amazing things that I have already experienced thanks to nearly 10 years as an Army wife. I even managed to get my husband to read a few select chapters and he agrees that it is well written, very informative, and hilariously entertaining (read: funny but true stories). After reading this book you will want to buy one for all your military spouse friends. Yes....it is THAT GOOD! Happy reading!

This book certainly answers the cry for "Help!" expressed in its title. It uses personal examples from the authors and many other military spouses, and gives positive, practical steps for thriving, not just surviving, in military life. The authors have thoroughly researched, thought through and lived out their own advice. An excellent resource for new military spouses, this book is a bright spot of encouragement for spouses of every experience level.

What a terrific compilation of material, and all so useful. Congratulations to the authors! I dearly wish this book had been available in 1972 when I became a Navy wife--sure would have helped the transition from small-town farm girl to traveling military spouse. For all the challenges I faced as a military spouse, it was truly a wonderful life...and still is in retirement.

Takes plenty of work to read, but magnificently rewarding. I don't know of anything that compares to it on these topics of sin and tempation. It took me over a year, but I read all 400 pages and loved just about every minute of it.

This is a well written and thought out book by John Owen. The editors have done a great job making it accessible to laymen like myself. After reading the forwards I was intimidated to even start, but with their "modernizing" of the language and useful footnotes at the bottom of each page, they have helped make this a book that many will understand and learn from.
I would highly recommend it. You may spend a lot of time on one page, but you will grow in your faith and find scripture passages enlightening in new ways to you.
Take up and read!

I received this book in excellent condition in a fair amount of time. The information provided at the time of purchase helped me to select exactly what I wanted

I've read many books on "Christian living", all pale in comparison to this master. He is streets ahead of Stott, Piper, White, Schaeffer and the plethora of modern authors who've unsuccessfully (and I say that only after seeing Owen's acheivement) tackled this topic.

Dr. Owen delivers a comprehensive Biblical analysis on human soul; mind, affection and will; its mortal enemy, mortal threat and mortal danger it is exposed to, as well as, most importantly, the glorious way of treatment and deliverance prescribed by the gospel. The elaborate diagnosis on human heart being unsearchable and deceitful, what entering into temptation means and its symptoms, how sin comes to fruition; the drawing of the mind, the enticement of affection, to gain approval of the will in order for sin to conceive and be executed, is simply stunning as if he performed this spiritual surgery right in front of you. The diagnosis result of human heart is bleak, yet it is no reason for believers and unbelievers to despair because there is a supreme and victorious Savior Jesus Christ, through his blessed Spirit, ready, able and willing to heal and rescue; the one and only agent qualified and capable of conquering this most formidable enemy of the soul, the indwelling sin. Owen's massive coverage on these subjects is not easy to track at all but is much more highly convergent, compared to other texts with emphasis on similar topics, such as J.C. Ryle's "Holiness".

I have to warn that you need stamina in reading this volume. Reading Owen's text is a marathon, not a sprint. Prof. J. I. Packer wrote ("The Quest for Godliness", Crossway (c) 1990) Owen had a right to ask for hard study, for his book was a product of hard work, to which I add, not only hard theoretical, but also experimental theology work. I also suggest some additional directions proposed by Prof. Packer, in reading Owen's texts in general:

1. In trying to understand long or difficult statements or arguments, try to go over them two or three times to see their meaning, read them aloud if necessary.

2. Use a pencil and paper, jot down the progress of the exposition to be able to learn the meat of what Owen is trying to say. This step has been done by Prof. Kelly Kapic and Justin Taylor at the end of the book, but I'd say, it doesn't hurt to do your own summary.

3. Read the preface "To the Reader" to get an idea in advance what he is trying to do and why.

4. The text needs to be read and re-read to be appreciated. Packer commented, "It is hardly possible to grasp the strength and cogency... on a first reading."

This text is unquestionably a must for anyone who is serious in fighting sin, the devil, and the world according to biblical prescription.

Entertaining enough.
Most stories come from the web site.

Best if read in small doses

I one day came across the ZUG site and was blown away by the intensely funny nature of Sir John's writing. I then heard about the book he was releasing. I knew that if contained stories of the caliber on his site the book would be quite enjoyable. I was not mistaken, for the book was side-splittingly funny. It is one of those books you can reread over and over again.

After you read it through 5 or so times, show it to all of your friends. I got a massive kick out of watching other people read it. They would start to guffaw and chuckle at Sir John sublime comedy and I would join in. Good Times.

So far, i'm only around two thirds through the book and it is incredibly funny. If you enjoy the type of content on zug.com, and the unique writing style of Sir John Hargrave, I encourage you to buy this book.

YOU HEARD ME!!!!!

THIS BOOK HAS HAD ME LAUGHING SINCE I GOT IT TODAY(10/11/O7). IF THE REST OF THE BOOK IS AS GOOD AS IT HAS BEEN, THEN ITS DEF WORTH BUYING. THIS DUDE IS HILARIOUS AND I TRULY HOPE HE PUTS OUT ANOTHER BOOK. AWESOME AWESOME STUFF!!!!!

CLASSIC!!

I was delayed at an airport for 4 hrs, and decided to buy this book at the bookstore. I could not put it down. It made me forget I was so angry for being delayed. Besides his pranks being top notch, his writing really makes you identify with his perspective. You actually also learn a few interesting facts about how particular services or companies work (like how to rid yourself of junk mail). This is a great book; highly recommended.

Don't read this book if you're not the adventurous type. However, if you're like me and you didn't get an exotic vacation this summer, sail away for a few hours on the The Restitution. Take a mental vacation with a quiet place to relax, a slice of fresh fruit, and a soft breeze. Just a word of warning, once you get your sea legs, you won't want to walk on dry land.

Lady Isabel Ashton is uptight and misguided. Spurned by her family because of her illegitimate son, she strives to recapture her old life. However, when her baby is kidnapped, she takes a journey that transforms her from victim to victor.

Captain Kent Carlton hasn't stopped looking for Lady Isabel even though he knows her family would never agree to the match. Unaware of their child's existence, he gives up a pirate's bounty for treasures he never knew existed.

Carve out some time - this perilous, adventurous tale will take you on a journey you won't regret.

I just finished reading The Restitution and it is a page turner that you can't put down. I read a lot, but this book has so many twists and turns that you can't stop reading until the book is finished. The history of pirates is intriguing and how they dealt with life and each other. M. Tyndall does an excellent job of bringing that history to life! The Restitution (Legacy of the King's Pirates #3)

M.L. Tyndall writes of pirates and romance in all of her books. I have read The Reliance and The Redemption. Fans of those books will love The Restitution.
Lady Isabell Ashton is a bit spoiled. I do not particular like her at first. She has a baby with a pirate, Kent. The baby is kidnapped. Will they overcome their emotional difficulties to find the baby?
Tyndall writes Christian romance, and The Restitution is no different. The underlying theme of God's grace and forgiveness is woven throughout this book. Romance, a not-so-difficult to figure out mystery, and romance--it is here in The Restitution.

The joy of reading this book, the third in the Legacy of the King's Pirates Series, is matched by the contented sigh when you finish it and the sorrow that there is not one more coming. Often, sequels are not as good as the original book. If that is what holds you back from this one, ignore it. MaryLu Tyndall has mastered the art of telling the story in a sequel and making it better than its predecessor.

Lady Isabel Ashton returned home from her captivity only to be shunned by her own people, her own family. After giving birth to her son, Frederick, the product of a pirate's attack, she is on her own. Even so, she clings to the hope of marrying a nobleman and restoring her position in society. Then her precious child is kidnapped.

Captain Kent Carlton, desires nothing more than Isabel's forgiveness and searches for her. He finds nobleman, Richard Sawkins and information concerning not only the birth of Fredrick, his son, but also the kidnapping. Kent determines to find his son and return Frederick to his mother and perhaps win her heart in the process. But what if it costs him his entrance into the Brethren of the Coast?

Isabel's young faith is tested as she watches the man who ravished her risk everything to save her and find their son. Can such an evil man change? Is her faith strong enough to be all she lives on? Which treasure on earth will she hold, money and position or love and hope?


MaryLu Tyndall has outdone herself. In some ways, you may like this book better than the first. Sit down to read this and taste the salty air, smell the seaports and feel the action as page by page you travel into a world of pirates, deception, love, and faith

What can a say . . . I absolutely loved THE RESTITUTION! I waited anxiously for its release and was not disappointed. The third in the Legacy of the King's Pirates series, by M.L. Tyndall has it all. From captivating characters to a wonderful storyline that unfolded with incredible surprises, THE RESTITUTION was exhilarating. I could not put it down!

THE RESTITUTION unfolds as Lady Isabel Ashton finds out her illegitimate son, the result of the treacherous act of a rogue pirate, is kidnapped. She is horrified and desperate to find her son. But when Captain Kent Carlton, the pirate that ravished her offers his help she is perplexed in what she should do. She will do anything to get back her son, but can she subject herself to the terror she feels just being in his presence?

Captain Kent Carlton is anything but the treacherous pirate that once forced himself upon Lady Ashton. When he finds out her son . . . his son has been kidnapped by his enemy as a form of retribution, he offers his help, his ship, and anything else Lady Ashton wants, hoping he can show her that he's changed.

The rest is a wonderfully woven together story of fear, hurt, hate, love, and forgiveness.

I have read like the first 3 chapters this morning so far, and I'm hooked. I think I ended up paying like $33 for the book, and let me be the first to ya, it has been well worth the money..thank you.

I could not get passed the third chapter without tears. The words Appleton uses are simple but heartfelt. I would highly suggest that anyone who is struggling with addiction reads this true story of a man given a second chance and a new desire for life. Wow!

It was like darkness, but with a ray of hope. This book is as real as it gets on the subject of drugs and addiction. I speak from experience. This book should be placed in every jail and prison in the world. In fact it should be required reading. However, the entertainment value far outweighs the subject above. This story is much more than that; it's an experience!

I think the book's last chapter answers this, but I still think Appleton has left that door open in our minds. It IS possible that this guy, Thorn, is still out there! That is frightening. Mr. Appleton, could you write more about Thorn? I find it hard to believe that OUR government hires hit men, and that is what Thron was, until he snapped! You call it what you wish. I still think he was just a smart killer. Maybe he still is...?

I have never read a book anything like this! I could not stop thinking about it when I was a work. Now I cant stop talking about it! What a strange world we live in. You never know who your friends are. You never know who your enemies are either. I don't see people the same anymore. I suspect that most anyone might be a victim or a criminal. I am glad I read this one!!!

The sad and prescient thing about this amazing book on modern gang culture in a major inner city is the fact that even though the writer's experiences in Compton and Watts and South Central took place over a decade ago, he predicted twice (on pgs. 358 and 380) that the situation on the streets would only worsen as time goes on. And it has. This story, written from an insider point of view (a WHITE guy--running with Black and Latino gangsters, no less!) is just stunning, shocking, brilliant. The way he writes really TAKES YOU THERE. It was clever how he got inside, beyond frightening what happened during his year there, and amazing how he got out alive to tell the story. If this book isn't made into a movie...then "Hollywood" is losing out on a ton of cash, and society is missing out on a sociological treatise that tells how to understand and solve a growing, worldwide, big city phenomenon which, as the author states, is only getting worse. Simply "wow". (one last thing: [...] got the author's name wrong!--it's M. Rutledge McCall).

This book so totally ROCKS. Just read it. This Rutledge guy is one heck of a writer and the whole story is just a mind blower.

Man I got to disagree with that Maggie persons review totally. This book not only puts down violence and destruction it offers a great solution for solving such problems in our big inner cities in America. Also it has nothing to do with the type of violence of 9-11. So whoever that Maggie was obviously didn't read the book at all. Its a great book with an important message for the world, LOVE one another! A really astounding story and deserved the nomination it got.

Brilliantly portrays a life and place most Americans can only imagine. Beginning to end...a riveting account of one of America's worst urban nightmares.

- Brett Peruzzi, Ebooks Reviews

Brilliantly portrays a life and place most Americans can only imagine. Beginning to end...a riveting account of one of America's worst urban nightmares.
- Brett Peruzzi, Ebooks Reviews

I have to add my 5 stars for this informative resource. It was my textbook for two courses. However, even after my classes ended I found myself referring back to the loads of information provided within the pages of this book. It is extremely comprehensive and well worth the investment.

*If you are not a student required to purchase a newer edition, I recommend looking at an earlier edition - I know that you'll get the same great information, just at a much discounted price.

Book was exactly as described. Brand new and in shrink wrap. Very happy with purchase!

This is a great book, it's easy to read, it has excellent, detalied and graphic photographs. I highly recomend this book as a text or reference book.

This a must read & a book to hold on to for reference.

All the information you need for death investigation...has a couple extra chapters in the new edition that were not in the last one...

I loved every word printed in the book. I am a big fan of Victoria Johnson's and I can not wait for her next book, I will buy that based on her love and appreciation of the romance field.

The author put her love of writing in this book It is obvious to me that Author Victoria Johnson did tremendous amounts of research and cares deeply about the romance genre and about human beings.

I laughed, I cried, I enjoyed this book. The research and the information that I recieved from this book was awesome.I am recommending the book to all of my friends. All I need to Know in Life I Learned from Romance Novels is a must read for Romance Lovers all over the World!

All I need to know in Life I learned from Romance Novels by Victoria Johnson was a pleasure and a thought provoking experience. The things that the author talks about are the things that interest me. I can not wait for her next Book!

I was amazed with all the positive comments from other readers regarding this book. I want to join in praise for Victoria Johnson's book All I learned in life I learned from Romance Novels.I loved the how to book on successful relationships.I loved the quotes from the famous Romance authors. Her advice is genuine and you can tell that the author knows her subject matter.Her book is positive and uplifting.