Contemporary Books

David Stanley manages to inform and create atmosphere concisely and with speed. The reader becomes quickly aware that Kieran has a troubled past and knows that he will soon become entrenched in further entanglement. This novel promises to be tense. With this in mind we are invited to read on.

For those who desire a good book to treat our modern tastes and sense of our physical awareness, our willingness to explore the previously taboo, then David Stanley's Sleeping with Rachel is it. After reading merely the first five pages. I was salivating, wanting to know what secrets lie in the father's grave and more importantly what relationship does Kieran have with his sister. This book tests the definitions of love and far more significantly, its boundaries. It's nice to know that writers are coming into existence that can finally answer the questions of our generation, all grown up in our thirties, yet still the children of our parent's past, present and future. If you liked Jonathan Franzen's The Corrections, you will love this book.

The opening chapter of this novel is delivered like a well-aimed blow. We're straight into the narrator's world and his point of view with no time wasted. It's clear from the off that we're embarking on a journey that's going to be far from comfortable and yet alongside that clear intention, compassion and humour are as evident in the opening pages of what promises to be a remarkable piece of work, as the sense of unease at the inevitable impending horrors. That's a really hard balancing act to pull off and the author here seems to manage it with style and with ease. I feel myself starting to (figuratively) put my hands over my eyes and peek through my fingers as this story starts to unfold - like the opening of The Lovely Bones (for example), I realise I'm going to be taken somewhere I really don't want to go but will be compelled by the persuasive style and the compelling plot to stick with Kieran.
The characters are surprisingly well realised in such a short narrative space - something I'm finding rather lacking in many of the other stories in this competition. We already see the contradictions in Kieran's character, doubtless we'll see their roots as the story progresses, the black and slightly bitter humour and his wry, brutal detached observations of his wife show him, even at this early stage, to be a fully realised and meticulously drawn character.
This very solidly crafted opening also introduces several principal interwoven strands of plot simultaneously without any hint of clumsiness or recourse to `techniquey' devices - the gift of a great story teller is to make you forget you're being told a story and simply accept the narrative. In the complex emotional and psychological knot that this novel promises to be, we know from the outset that the various strands will be made of horrors, terrors and all manner of taboos but this opening also promises that these will be tempered with sufficient tenderness and sympathy to prevent the novel becoming black and bleak simply for the sake of it. At least I hope so - I think this writer shows exceptional promise and I hope to read more of their work.

Sleeping with Rachel by D. Stanley opens with a phone call to Kieran Park from his twin sister Lisa. She needs him to come round right away, but won't tell him why.

Subsequently there's a moment of PTSD flashback (dead man on the floor) and an interchange with his wife Shona. These paint some circumstances of Harrison's life: haunted by grisly memories and dispassionate about his marriage.

When he lands up at Lisa's, he suspects something awful--rape or cancer--but she shows him an add for a new housing development. The message is clear: they'll have to dig up their father's remains. This was the moment when my curiosity was truly piqued.

The writing is clean and serves the story well. From Kieran's POV we see a man who appears calm both inside and out (for now) though this wasn't likely the case just a short time before. Both his wife and his sister seem concerned with his stability. The author puts forward this one line to really demonstrate Harrison's awareness of other's thoughts regarding his 'fragile' emotional/psychological state:
~'I imitate a sane person I saw once in a shoe store, causing her to laugh. `I'm fine.''

Overall, I found the story engaging. It attracted and held my attention by presenting enough information to make me curious about Harrison's past and present. I wasn't floored by the writing, but it was good and worked well with the story itself.

An acutely disturbing past, colouring the present in errant shades of internal unrest, governs the lives of Kieran and his twin sister, Lisa, and extends outward to Shona, Kieran's wife.

What childhood shames and atrocities brought the twins to this moment? How close is too close in sibling relationships? Can I empathize with Shona's feelings of always being number two in her husband's life, even if she may not have been a good life-partner choice? Did Kieran sabotage his marriage from the beginning through his damaged history and self? How does Rachel's long-ago death find closure? Why do two supposed adults not see themselves and what they have become, through other's eyes?

David Stanley's excerpt raises dozens of questions that demand answers! There are plenty of gleaned potential twists and turns to this story that urges one into wanting to know the full story! I want to see if all the characters ultimately learn something about themselves and if, in the end, they can finally learn let go of their demons and become emotionally and mentally healthy people. Or not. This is definitely a read that I believe deserves the opportunity to voice itself to the world! Publish this book! ASAP please!

this wasnt the best BJ (Brenda Jackson) book but it was still good! And adds to the series of family love! She is my favorite author!!

I fell in love with the Madaris Family after reading the first novel that was about Clayton and Syneda, that is still my favorite story but I started buying all of the Madaris family stories. I loved the Justin and Lorren story a lot as well. However as fascinating as the Dex and Caitlin story starts off it doesn't really keep my interest the same way towards the end. I was a little disappointed by the ending because I was expecting more drama or anything but it is still a book worth reading. So far it is my least favorite of the Madaris collection.

I will make this review short and sweet. The Madaris brothers. Need I say more. This story was passionate and at times torturous. I wanted this brother for myself. Breaking through his wall might have been a challenge, but well worth it. Excellet Brenda...excellent!

WoW i love this story great romance. she was way young but who cares KEEPER KEEPER.

I was just in high school when this book came out and I'm glad I bought it when I did, not realizing that this was going to become a series or anything. I thought I had written a review before but I guess not. This is the second book in BJ's Madaris family series. I read it a while ago but I decided to catch up on it since I've been getting more recent Madaris family books, I wanted to start from the beginning so I would know what was going on. This book is really good. I would recommend it. I recommend starting from the beginning so you would know what was going on instead of going off track.

Written from a male point of view, I wasn't sure if I'd like it. However, I was so enthralled; I couldn't put it down. I laughed, gasped, cried and rejoiced with Joel in all of his struggles and triumphs.

Joel lays it out in his own words, the good, the bad and the ugly. His marriage is shattered and his life is in ruins until he learns the power of forgiveness. When tragedy strikes, he uncovers a greater truth that brings both pain and joy. A realistic, gripping novel unlike anything you've read before. An excellent book for your summer reading list.

Not only does Annette Smith nail the male protagonists voice, she grips the reader by the collar and doesn't let go until the last page.

Joel Carpenter is in love with his wife Kari, but like so many people, gets a little lost along the way and finds himself divorced and a single dad.

While this story has a few over the top tragedies, Smith pulls them off flawlessly. I tried to imagine being Kari and Joel and I'm not sure how well I'd endure.

The story is southern and well told. Smith even writes in such a way there's no doubt Joel is telling the story. Joel says, "me and him" instead of "he and I." So very real!

It takes a lot for me to finish a book these days. Time permitting, I would've read this in one sitting. Teared up at the end, closed the book and just sat, thinking, letting it soak in.

Bravo, Annette. I highly recommend A Bigger Life.

I don't know if I'm getting soft or what, but it was all I could do not to bawl like a baby. Wow, last time I read a book by a woman I hated it, but I gave it another chance and am so glad I did. I read it in the same day I picked it up, I couldn't put it down. I'm not sure what else to say besides it's fantastic, just don't read it around anyone who you're not comfortable with, because even though you may not shed tears you'll get choked up for sure!

'A Bigger Life' was delightful. It left me thinking about it weeks, months after reading it. I am now recommending it to all my friends and family to read! It will touch you on many different levels. You will laugh, cry, and want to learn more about Joel. He becomes your friend. It is my favorite book!

This book made me cry but not for the obvious reasons i.e. a sad storyline. The beauty which brought tears to my eyes was the love that was apparent within the characters....between husband and wife, friends, church members, as well as acquaintances. I especially appreciated the imperfect nature of each of the characters. Somehow that made them so much more real and therefore likable to me. Ms. Smith obviously has a gift for storytelling, for she created a memorable tale, told from a young father's point of view. There is so much to be taken from his journey towards redemption and it's a story that is sure to stay with you for a long time.

My first book by Chamberlain and I was VERY impressed. I read this book in about five hours nonstop. I couldn't put it down!!

After her father died, Laura Brandon felt obligated to carry out his last wish...meet an old woman in a nursing home that is in the early stages of alzheimers. Laura is mystified and has no idea what to expect. What she didn't expect was her husband's violent reaction to her visiting Sarah Tolley. Going against her husbands wishes, Laura visits Sarah with no more answers to the truth than before. When she comes home, she finds her daughter screaming and her husband dead from a self inflicted gun shot wound. Before the day is over, Laura realizes that her five year old daughter, Emma, has not uttered a single word.

After eight months have passed with no progress with Emma, Laura remembers her promise to her father and again visits Sarah Tolley. She has no idea if she should believe the extrordinary tales of terror that Sarah has to tell her, but she listens anyway. She also does the one thing that she swore she would never do...she seeks out Emma's birth father with hope that Emma will learn that not all men are angry and yell at little girls.

Dylan Geer is stupified when he receives the call from Laura. Not only does he deny it, but it also spikes his anger. When Laura tricks him into looking at a picture of Emma, there is no doubt in his mind that the little girl is his. Now he'll do all he can to help Emma, and help Laura who he is developing deeper feelings for than he expected.

Breaking the Silence is a heartbreaking tale in the present and the past. The way that Laura, Dylan and Emma come together is heartwarming, while the tale of Sarah and Joe Tolley is heartbreaking. There were many times that tears came to my eyes throughout this book, especially at the end. If you like a great book, don't miss this one!

Astronomer Laura Brandon makes a promise to her father on his deathbed, to visit an elderly woman in a nursing home. She has no idea who this woman is or why her father was so insistent and so, ignoring her husbands petulant demands that she devote herself to his needs only, she visits her in the nursing home. Sarah Tolley is in the early stages of Alzheimers and, while being unable to cope with everyday things, has total recall of all the horrific events which happened to her in the Fifties. She was a pyschiatric nurse, working in a hospital where new methods of dealing with mentally ill patients were being tried, and where patients were subjected to the most horrific drugs and brain washing techniques. Laura has a five year old daughter Emma who was the result of a one night affair with a man whom she hasn't seen since then, so when a much older male friend offers to marry her, she accepts to give her child a father. Lauras husband Ray is a chronically depressed individual who suicides in view of Emma who becomes mute as a result of the shock and when a therapist suggests that Laura contacts Emmas birth father to try to help the situation, their love story begins. Lauras and Sarahs stories intertwine so much that we are watching two stories simultaneously. The love stories are well done but I must admit to finding the treatment of the mental patients distressing in the extreme and while not doubting that these practices took place, some of them even government sponsored, I found them to be unpleasant reading which left me shaken.

I recently had a very stressful three-day weekend during which I could barely sit still. But in an attempt to get my mind off the stress, I picked up this book. Wow, I couldn't put it down and didn't want it to end. I really loved the story, it was sad, beautiful, happy and 'all that'. I actually shed a tear at the satisfying end of the novel. Good job Chamberlain! I will be reading more of her work as soon as possible.
Thank you to the author for getting my mind off some awful stress.

This is my second book by this author and I do like her style. This was a little more unpredictable then the first one I read, "Her Mother's Shadow." I liked this story because you are actually reading two stories at one time. It's like reading two love stories at the same time. The plot is a little far fetched but it still really held my interest and I found it hard to put it down. I read it in one day. I recommend it to anyone who just wants a book you can get lost in.

My first book by Chamberlain and I was VERY impressed. I read this book in about five hours nonstop. I couldn't put it down!!

After her father died, Laura Brandon felt obligated to carry out his last wish...meet an old woman in a nursing home that is in the early stages of alzheimers. Laura is mystified and has no idea what to expect. What she didn't expect was her husband's violent reaction to her visiting Sarah Tolley. Going against her husbands wishes, Laura visits Sarah with no more answers to the truth than before. When she comes home, she finds her daughter screaming and her husband dead from a self inflicted gun shot wound. Before the day is over, Laura realizes that her five year old daughter, Emma, has not uttered a single word.

After eight months have passed with no progress with Emma, Laura remembers her promise to her father and again visits Sarah Tolley. She has no idea if she should believe the extrordinary tales of terror that Sarah has to tell her, but she listens anyway. She also does the one thing that she swore she would never do...she seeks out Emma's birth father with hope that Emma will learn that not all men are angry and yell at little girls.

Dylan Geer is stupified when he receives the call from Laura. Not only does he deny it, but it also spikes his anger. When Laura tricks him into looking at a picture of Emma, there is no doubt in his mind that the little girl is his. Now he'll do all he can to help Emma, and help Laura who he is developing deeper feelings for than he expected.

Breaking the Silence is a heartbreaking tale in the present and the past. The way that Laura, Dylan and Emma come together is heartwarming, while the tale of Sarah and Joe Tolley is heartbreaking. There were many times that tears came to my eyes throughout this book, especially at the end. If you like a great book, don't miss this one!

Warning: reading this book may change your life. Once again, Andrea Boeshaar weaves a story filled with rich characters, a strong Christian message, a hint of mystery, and a happy ending. Another "Bravo" for Boeshaar.

Hidden Things, the second book in Andrea Boeshaar's "Faded Photographs" series, is the story of a young woman, Kylie Rollins, who, faced suddenly with some life-shaking discoveries, sets out on a journey of truth and self-discovery. The death of her mother raises many questions in her mind and she yearns to have these uncertainties laid to rest. Although raised as a Christian and living a good life, Kylie comes to the realization that being a Christian is a lot more than simply living well and believing in God. On top of all this, the long-time relationship with her fiancé Matt is shattered by betrayal and Kylie must learn the tough lesson of forgiveness as well as making the difficult decision of where Matt fits into her future.

All in all, Hidden Things is a work in the best Boeshaar tradition: fast-paced and fulfilling. No bookshelf is complete without at least a couple Andrea Boeshaar titles.

Craig Hart(...)

I just couldn't put this book down. I cried, I smiled, I held my breath....it was fantastic. One surprise after the other, you cannot miss this book!

Hidden surprises await you in Andrea Boeshaar's delightful novel, HIDDEN THINGS. The characters tug at your heart as they discover truths about themselves and their relationship with God. You will want to journey with them on their path of discovery. Perhaps it will nudge you into a journey of your own.

Hidden Things, the sequel to Broken Things, by author Andrea Boeshaar, is a heart-warming tale of a young girl whose world is turned upside down when she discovers that her mother may have lied to her. A faded photograph sends her on a journey to uncover the truth of the past. Will her journey lead her back to the man who claims to love her? Or is that an allusion as well?

Hidden Things is a delightful tale filled with rich, believable characters, and a story that will keep you turning pages until the end. Some of the characters in Broken Things make an appearance here. A third book in the series is due out in May 2004. I look forward to meeting up with many of these characters again. Andrea Boeshaar has done a wonderful job of weaving an enchanting tale. You won't be disappointed.

The author invites the reader into the lives of characters who might live down the street. Curl up with something you love to drink...and plan on staying awhile - you won't want to stop reading!

I enjoyed reading this - as well as my husband. It may look small but it packs quite a punch! Some are funny, some thought provoking and some just plain hot!

Steamy Erotic Poetry is a real pleasure. Without being vulgar it is VERY sensual. Solomon knows, admirably, that Aphrodite is a laughter loving goddess, furthermore, and running throughout his poems is a rich sense of humor. Finally, this is a book that is lovely and loving: a gift (as it was for us) for Valentine's Day.

John Solomon's book was incredibly well written and while it wasn't the longest book ever written it is well worth the money. I recommend that people pick up a copy of this book. And give it a shot. As a matter of a fact, one of my friend's have currently borrowed the book from me. She mentioned she enjoyed the book as well. On a side note, John's book arrived quickly and efficiently. Again, I really think people should buy a copy of this book.

Hmmm...

This is good stuff.

This man loves his wife, that's for sure!

As for me, to discover he is content while reading this book, is an understatement of the first degree.

John Solomon grants us the favour of an intimate glimpse at his sexual feelings towards his lady. It's cooking, hot and steamy as you can expect of a heating boiler. It makes your ears turn red and your head to sweat. I enjoyed the book very much. It's tangible, visible, perceptible and enjoyable when you are engaged in a similar liaison and can recognize the train of thoughts he is experiencing throughout the day.

With an exquisite taste of humor and sexual feelings, he plays with words and ties them like a string. This man has a delicate feeling for what the phenomenon of pleasure is doing to you as a male human being. A great lesson for many serious believing men to enjoy life with the girl of their dreams. And for women to learn a little more about the feelings and fantasies that are racing through the male head while admiring his love.

A final word must be said, this book is a danger to the dispassionate reader.

A nice job!

I bought the previous edition which inspired me to write a few poems in similar style... this new one is even better and I'm SO glad I bought it! Lovely, erotic thoughts, sexy ones and funny ones, expressed with economy of words. Thoughts and verses to share together and smile over, and revisit. Thank you for a real treat!

What a fun read! I was delightfully surprised with this novel - it went far above and beyond what I expected when I picked it up! The cover is adorable, but it gets so much better!! =)

This is a new chick lit with a completely unique voice - one you don't want to miss! I thoroughly enjoyed the story and was very disappointed when I turned the last page. Must...read...more!!!!!!

I believe women of all ages, shapes, and sizes will be able to relate to the realistic, heartfelt characters in this novel. For example, I'm 23 - a good 30 years younger than the heroine, yet I emphasized and cheered her on with my whole heart!

If you're looking for a chick lit with a deeper storyline and realistic problems for today's woman, look no further. This is one story that entertains without the extra layer of fluff.

BUY IT NOW!! =)

A Stitch in Time was a great romance and a great read. Dee is an engaging character and the "inside story" on fund-raising fascinating. As much as I liked this book, Allison Bottke's next book, One Little Secret, is even better! Keep it up, Allison!

Dee is now living the fabulous life. Once overweight and unhappy, thanks to gastric bypass surgery, plastic surgery and a great job she's starting to enjoy life a little more. She still won't forgive her ex-husband who cheated on her even though he keeps bugging her about it. She's enjoying her new image and wants to enjoy her life to her fullest. Unfortunately her two 30+ year children don't seem to share this idea with her and constantly bicker with Dee blaming her for their parents' breakup. Plus Dee's new clients are not the easiest bunch to work with. Then just as there is a new guy in the horizon, Dee is forced to work with her ex on the project! This definitely puts her new faith in Christianity to the test.

This was a really fun book to read. I enjoyed reading about Dee's business with all the movie stars. Loved the costume ball sequence with Patrick Swayze. I also enjoyed that the person who had kept doing wrong to Dee finally got found out and punished, without Dee extracting her own revenge. I also liked since Dee is new Christian, she is eager to share about her faith but she knows not to blast it out to people when they feel uncomfortable. She's still mostly the same person though, feeling insecure about herself and hoping that plastic surgery will ease all her troubles away. I enjoyed the fashion, shoes, clothes talk in the book. It made it more fun for me to hear about designer names even though I will never be able to afford them! Dee's a very likable character and the reader constantly wants to cheer her on. I felt that it was also very realistic to show that society was treating Dee better just because she was skinnier. Yes Christians are suppose to love everyone, but it's also truth that looks ARE being judged in society. The only thing I didn't like was that I felt the ending was a little too tidied up. I honestly didn't see why she had to go back to Lyle. Yes she should forgive him, but that doesn't mean she can't be angry with him. He lost her trust, she didn't have to take him back. I know he became a Christian but I would have liked to see him at least become more spiritually mature before Dee took him back. Other than this, this book is highly recommended. It's targeted for the baby-boomer set but I believe anyone who likes a fun chick lit book will enjoy this one at any age.

A Stitch in Time is a must-read! Dee Decker is a heroine, not only for those who are or have been overweight, but also for any woman who struggles to survive in a dog-eat-dog world of luncheons, business dinners, and posh banquets. She is the poster child for every woman whose husband has been unfaithful, whose children have been ungrateful, and who looks for herself outside of herself rather than what is at the core of a woman, her heart.

I gave up cuddling on the couch with my husband one Friday evening just to spend time with this book. That's saying a lot, because my hubby's a good cuddler.

Read it. You won't be disappointed.

I love Karen Kingsbury and this book is no exception. It was hard for me to put it down!!

Karen Kingsbury has done it again. I could hardly put Between Sundays down. This uplifting story tackles modern issues from the foster care system to the impact that famous sports figures have on society. If you like Christian fiction, this is a must read!

A GREAT BOOK.......I GOT IT WHEN I WAS TOLD I WOULD AND AMAZON HAS ALWAYS BEEN GREAT WITH ALL ORDERS I HAVE RECIEVED.

I couldn't put this book down! It was a great read over the holidays. Definitely one of my favorite Karen Kingsbury books. I highly recommend it!

Like Karen's other books, you won't be able to put it down. I got this from a friend for Christmas and as soon as my company left, I sat down and read the whole book. It is such a heart warming story. god has blessed karen with amazing talent. Once you read this, you will surely want to read all her others!

My son and I send a lot of time dancing to this great cd. This is also a cd that my mom enjoys lsening to with him too.

Sandra Boyton and Michael Ford have birthed their fourth book & cd package (Rhinocerus Tap, Philadelphia Chickens & Dog Train). Using singers from the 50s thru 70s singing wonderfully silly lyrics makes both the parents (or grandparents) and kids all happy. If you wondered where some of the Beach Boys, Davy Jones and Neil Sedaka went - well, here they are! Sandra's illustrations and witty words truly compliment the sounds of Michael Ford. My Personal Penguin (sung by Davy Jones) is my personal favorite. Get this one to put you in a "Happy Days" mood. Get all of the others for some great Rock and Roll!

Humor is excellent, songs are fun for both kids (my son is 2 and loves this CD, and adults. The variety of music genres is also impressive - rock, blues, big band, and lullaby. Love it!

At the moment I like this book and album more than my kids do, but they're only two and a half (twins) and they're catching on quick. This combo meets the Sesame Street standard -- accessible and entertaining for kids (at least, say, ages 2 and up), but smart enough to interest adults too. I still can't help tapping my toes and singing along to "Singing in the Shower," and I've heard it several dozen times and counting. And although the words and melodies are complex and interesting, the concept of each song is simple enough that when my two-year-olds ask "What dis song about?", I can explain it to them -- "It's about singing in the shower." "It's about how much I love your nose." "It's about a turtle that wears sneakers."

Listening to the music while reading the book is even more rewarding, though it requires enough attention span that it might work better with slightly older kids. Next on my list: Philadelphia Chickens!

My two daughters, ages 5 and 8 can't get enough of this CD ... they play it nearly everyday. The toons are just delightful and not only for kids to jump and sing to, but trust me, it will tickle your grownup ears likewise. If you love that great old 50's sound, you'll enjoy this treat. Great music for everyone! Don't hesitate to purchase for yourself or as a gift.

I found this book just answered so many questions for me when I bought my kiln. The good news is that firing temperatures are shown in fahrenheit as well as celsius. It covered so many basic ideas on many topics yet it also contained information on more advanced techniques that I could explore. I particularly liked this book when it came to troubleshooting and find that I am using it like a reference book that I want to keep on hand. Beautifully illustrated - a top book!

The book arrived on time and in excellent condition. It had a lot of typos in the text, does that mean it was a second? That might explain the lower cost, something that should have been mentioned. However, it was readable and I was satisfied with the purchase.

Absolute best book one can buy to learn fused glass! It's my third book, and by far, the best book. It's both up-to-date, inspirational, and most important, loaded with info! Thee bible of fused glass!

This book barely serves as an introduction to warm glass. I found it way too simple, shallow, and not worth more than $15. All the information in this book (and more) can be obtained from warm glass internet sites.

I read it in less than 2 hours and was left wanting more in-depth information on techniques, kilns, mold making, grinding, etc.

I love working in stained glass and glass beads. I thought, why not check into warm glass? Well the reviews I read on this book were good, and I thank the reviewers, because they were right. This is a really interesting book that covers everything I was looking for about warm glass. I really wanted to buy a kiln after reading through this book. Wow. Projects are simple, with some great examples by people who have mastered the skill. I still read through it over and over.