Contemporary Books

I got this book because of the reviews. But after reading it
I had a few problems with the story. Things happen super fast between Michael & Libby. One minute Michael and Libby meet (hardly any conversation between the two) and the next he is in her bed in the middle of the night and she's ok with it, and so it goes with things happening between this two that hardly know anything about one anoher but act like they've know eachother for years (no explanation as how they got to that point). The dialogue between the two falls flat. I felt no connection between the two. It was almost boring.

I loved this book and all the "Highlander" books!! Janet Chapman is an excellent author..

I read the fourth book in the series first, as it was a current release and I didn't realize at the time of purchase it was a series. I was hooked and had to purchase all of the series. These books can stand alone, but it was also an excellent series that I would recommend.

A little insite in to the book would be nice. A small peice to read to get a feel for the book and so it would help in my decision on buying. But since i read a book by Janet Chapman before; I knew that this would be just as good as the other. When I read her books it is like a movie playing in my head while i read, because i can picture all of it. wonderfully inviting.

I just discovered Janet Chapman and I will now look for every one of her books. This is a great tale about living in the Maine woods (something about which I am familiar) and I loved every page. I had been seeing her books and not getting them, because I was kind of 'done' with the historical Scots, but I accidentally discovered that these books were about modern life (sorta) and that changed everything I felt about the whole series of books. Get them! They are great!

I thoroughly enjoy the family gatherings around Virgin River and Grass Valley - All I can say is more - more please.

Mike "Miquel" Valenzuela, 37 has shown up next in the trilogy - he is from LAPD of the gangs division.
Brie Sheridan [must be after the divorce]31, is Jack's baby sister who was married to Brad, a cop. Brie herself being a proscuting attorney.
Brad doesn't know what he lost.

She lost her case in proscuting Powell, a seriel rapist. Then he nailed her leaving Brie traumitized. When he is caught Brad tries to use the information to his advantage. He wants Brie back. Sucker!

We get a very close glimpse of Preacher and Paige - and his outspokenness with his Marine buddies. What a chuckle.

Hope offers Mike a job, that of being an investigative lawman for Virgin River - It also intails his calling the County Sheriff in case of a serious crime.

Mel ends up with a couple of girls who she suspects are victims of a date rape drug and reports this to Mike who starts to narrow the list of suspects. Sue & Doug Carpenter's daughter, Brenda, 16, was pregnant and couldn't remember it happening.

You should hear Mel start to sputter when she finds out she is pregnant again, apparently David wasn't just a miracle baby, but the beginning of fertility. [her "snip, snips" were totally uncalled for, he! he!] Jack was just doing his job. Ah, but now he will offer Mel a surprise - he calls Paul Haggerty, his fellow Marine, down from Oregon to hurry up and finish off the new house.

Paul was the best man at Matt Rutledge's marriage to Vanessa Booth.
Van was very much pregnant - she has moved in with her father and brother, Walt, a retired 3 Star Army General and Tom. Walt had purchased a ranch for his and Tom's horses.
Tom is still in high school and being the new kid on the block, he struck up a friendship with Jordan Whitley, who was a partying guy.

Tom also met Brenda and started dating her. Zack Hadley, a teacher was questioned by Mike and they became friendly with a common cause.

Now here is Walt Booth with a terminally ill younger sister, Midge who is being taken care of by her daughter, Shelby living in Bodega Bay. Now I am thinking - hey, here is a woman for Paul - that was before everything went to pot. I was also expecting Dan to show up - ah well, he was a no-show.

What a great third book to the Virgin River Trilogy -- It will be hard to wait for the November "Virgin River Christmas".
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED -m - Definitely a keeper for my shelves.

This three part series was the first I read of Carr. Enjoyed all three.

At the end of Shelter Mountain (Virgin River, Book 2), former LAPD officer Mike Valenzuela had retired from active duty after being injured in a shooting. Mike retreated to Virgin River, the home of two of his former Marine buddies, Jack and Preacher, to get well. Things were slow goings for Mike in the beginning, he was in agonizing pain and it took him months of physical therapy to regain his former strength. At the same time Mike is getting better, Jack's sister Brie, an assistant district attorney in Sacramento, also comes to Virgin River for some healing. Brie's just found that her husband has been cheating on her with her best friend, and that he wants a divorce. All of this comes on the heels of losing her biggest case, and knowing that her failure means a serial rapist is walking the streets again. At the end of Shelter Mountain, these two lost souls begin to form a connection in this small California town, and Whispering Rock continues their story.

When this book begins, Mike is on his way to visit his family in Los Angeles when Jack calls to ask a favor. Brie has been raped by the criminal she failed to convict, and she's in a trauma unit in Sacramento. Without forethought, Mike goes to her. It's an instinct, and one whose origins he doesn't explore--he just acts. When Mike sees Brie broken and bloodied in the hospital he's drawn to her, and over the following months he works hard to help her recover from the trauma. Through visits in Sacramento and Virgin River, these two form a connection--one that even Jack can't break with his protective brotherly instincts.

Whispering Rock is the third book in the Virgin River (Virgin River, Book 1) series, and wraps the story up nicely. Robyn Carr did a great job in this series of making you get wrapped up in the characters and their lives. I cared about the people in this little town and I rooted for them. The same is true of Whispering Rock. Mike and Brie are in the earlier stories, but this is the first time their characters are fully fleshed out. I love the Virgin River heroes, all former Marines, they're all alpha male protective and strong husband material. They take care of their women, which is outlined clearly in every story, and they protect their own. All of them are shattered by what happens to Brie, and everyone pitches in a little to help her heal. I also love the Virgin River heroines, though, because while they'll never need to fight for themselves (their men are more than happy to do it for them), they all could if it came down to it. They are strong, independent women who deserve every ounce of love that's showered upon them by these heroes. This series was fulfilling from start to finish, and there weren't really any B-team players among them, which is a rarity. Now I can't wait for A Virgin River Christmas (Virgin River, Book 4) to be released this fall.

I started reading the Virgin River series by Robyn Carr at the suggestion of others and believe me, I am glad I did! This is the last so far in the series, and her other series, Grace Valley, will be reissued in August. I cannot wait to read that series also. There isn't a character in these series whom you would not like; they are all so likeable, friendly and caring in this small town that you would want to move there.

In this book, the main characters are Brie, who is Jack's youngest sister, and his friend, Mike. She was brutally raped and beaten and Mike came to her aid and they fell in love.

I could go on and on, but I would love for you to read the series, Virgin River, Shelter Mountain and Whispering Rock. You will get to love the characters of Mel and Jack, Paige and Preacher, and Brie and Mike. I highly recommend this book and others in the series. Happy Reading!

The Virgin River Series:

Virgin River

Shelter Mountain

Whispering Rock

A Virgin River Christmas (Nov 2008)


"Whispering Rock" is the third book in an ongoing series. Although Amazon refers to the series as a "trilogy", there are more sequels on the way.

This, the third book in the series, is the most powerful yet. When characters were lost, I felt as if I'd lost a friend of my own. When babies were born, I was right there feeling the joy in the birthing room.
The first book, "Virgin River", introduces you to a lot of the characters for the rest of the series. There are a couple of important characters who are newly introduced in the sequels, but the majority are already in your heart from the first book.

So... if you haven't read "Virgin River" yet, don't ruin this book by reading it first. Become a part of the Virgin River family with book 1, then continue from there.
Here are the links to the first and second books in the series:
Virgin River (Virgin River Trilogy, Book 1)

Shelter Mountain (Virgin River Trilogy, Book 2)



For those whom have already read the first two books:

The residents of Virgin River are facing a year of great miracles and devastating tragedies. Jack and Mel Sheridan are back to see their friends and family through it all. Their own miracle, David, is growing and becoming a son to the entire town. A surprise is coming for the Sheridan family. It will cause Jack to prove to Mel that his devotion is as strong as ever. There is nothing he won't do to bring a smile to her face.

Preacher is on a mission. He and Paige want a baby. He'll follow any advice Mel can give them to make it happen. To Paige's chagrin, her shy husband is not the least bit bashful about sharing this info with his marine buddies. Before long, the whole town is taking interest in Preacher's quest. To Preacher, "Ovulation Day" is better than Christmas.

Mike Valenzuela has found a home in Virgin River. His body is finally reaching nearly 100% recovery. His heart, however, is nearly 100% lost. Mike's feelings for Brie Sheridan are growing by the day. Their phone conversations are his favorite part of each afternoon. When he learns that Brie has been assaulted and raped, the only thing that matters to him is getting to her side. A victim of violent crime himself, he has the knowledge, patience, and understanding Brie needs to help her heal. Knowing he may never win her heart, he'll still give Brie all of his attention and affection to make her grow strong again.

Brie is afraid. Afraid to leave her father's house, afraid to close her eyes at night, afraid of the dark, of public places, and most afraid that she has died inside. She believes she may never be able to feel love and joy again. Living with her dad, Brie is several hours away from Mike. To her surprise, he shows up on the doorstep one day. With her dad's encouragement, she agrees to leave the house with Mike for an hour or two. Lunch, a short walk, any means Mike can find to get Brie to start living again, he'll be there to provide the support. Slowly, over months of patient devotion, Mike is giving Brie a reason to feel hope for a future of love and passion.


Aside from these stories, a new family moves to the Virgin River area. Without ever knowing them from prior books, this family became as close to my heart as many of the original characters. My heart bled for all they endured and all they achieved. Robyn Carr struck gold here. I finished the book last night, but I still feel the impact. An amazing story that left me haunted. How on earth did Carr do that with a character that we barely met?

We get a little bit more of Rick's story. I'm looking forward to seeing his future unfold. Also, Lilly (baby Chloe's mom), will have you reaching for the Kleenex.

The next edition of this series won't be released until Nov 2008. It's going to be HARD to wait that long. This series has become one of my favorites. Hook, line, and sinker.



Love to read extremely emotional romance novels? Here are some that rocked my soul:

Marsha Canham's two- book Scottish historical series. Holy cow, your heart will cry during the last 100 pages of "Blood of Roses".
The Pride of Lions

Blood of Roses


Another Scottish historical that had a true impact for readers:
Scotsman


First book in Gaelen Foley's long- running series. The whole series is terrific, but the first really grabs your heart:
The Duke
To continue the series from there:
Lord of Fire
Lord of Ice: A Novel
Lady of Desire
Devil Takes a Bride
One Night of Sin: A Novel
His Wicked Kiss: A Novel

Yesterday's Dreams pulls the reader in from the very start with it's clear-cut characterisation and page-turning plot development.

Ackley-McPhail shows her in-depth knowledge of Celtic mythology throughout the book, and shows it in a way that appeals and teaches even someone who knows little-to-nothing themselves. She also has knowledge of the power of words and description, both of which remain outstanding the entire time.

A hard book to put down, though not gripping in an action-packed way, it is a story that intrigues and fascinates as much with the plot as the well-drawn characters featured within.

There is little more to say without repetition - a fantastic book, and one not let down by it's own ending as so often happens.

Ackley-McPhail is an extraordinarily talented writer, add to that her knowledge of people, literature and the mythology she wields so well, and the whole package is one not to be ignored! I cannot udnerstand why she has trouble finding somebody to publish the sequel! Truly, these people are idiots.

-- taken from angiehulme.com

Yesterday's Dreams
By: Danielle Ackley-McPhail
Vivisphere Publishing
ISBN: 1-58776-112-2

Danielle Ackley-McPhail brings the richness of Irish legend, the myth and magic of Eire to the streets of New York in her first fantasy novel, Yesterday's Dreams. Danielle has used in depth research into the legends of Carman, an Athenian goddess and her three sons. The Tuatha de Danaan stepped in to stop the terror and destruction that Carman and her sons were wreaking on the mortals of early Ireland. They chain Carman and force her to watch as her sons are destroyed. But.....Oclas (evil) the third son has not been totally destroyed, and has set his minion Lucien Blank lose on the unsuspecting humans.

Cliodna of the Tuatha de Danaan-the fairy folk of Ireland also known as the Sidhe-runs the quaint antique shop Yesterday's Dreams, as Maggie. She collects and protects items that have a "bit 'o' the magic." And she waits, for those of her line have sworn to aid and protect the clan O'Keefe.

Kara's father's illness and treatments have driven Kara to pawn her legacy from her grandfather, Quicksilver, her violin. And give up her dream of attending Juilliard. While looking around Yesterday's Dreams, Kara is shocked to see a picture she later discovers is of her grandfather dancing with a woman who looks exactly like the young woman running the shop. It doesn't help knowing that Maggie's ancestor might have known her grandfather. Kara feels as if her soul is being torn from her, and pours forth all her pain and sorrow when she plays a final tune on her precious instrument before leaving it in Maggie's hands.

Maggie knows Quicksilver is more than just a violin. There is power here, as there is in Kara, and she knows she must protect them both from the evil that stalks them from the moment Kara and Quicksilver enter her shop. Maggie knows she must gather her forces for a desperate battle against evil. For it now walks the streets of modern New York in the form of Lucien Blank, and he wants what he senses behind the walls of Yesterday's Dreams, and he wants the power he senses in Kara.
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Danielle Ackley-McPhail turns fantasy to plausible reality in Yesterday's Dreams. The characters in this story are so charming and alive they spring from the story to haunt and taunt like a soft Irish mist long after the final page is read. I found Yesterday's Dreams a delightful page turning adventure into imagination, and certainly look forward to reading more works by this author.

Charlene Austin

...would an adventure like this take place! Danielle Ackley-McPhail's debut work is an accomplishment on so many levels as it gives readers of fantasy something beyond the typical tale of elves rising up against an evil that threatens the delicate balance of the world. YESTERDAY'S DREAMS and Danielle's writing style is like a warm blanket you wrap yourself in to keep off the chill -- comforting, deep, and welcoming. She takes a realistic setting and then depicts realistic reactions to the extraordinary introduced in modern day Manhattan. Well done, Danielle. Well done!

I thought that this book was fantastic. It hooked me right away, from the start! Danielle has done a fantastic job weaving Irish mythology into this modernized tale about good and evil.

She would do anything for her beloved ailing father so Kara O'Keefe knows she must sacrifice the only asset she owns her beloved violin given to her by her grandfather years ago, but medical bills for cancer treatment must be paid. Knowing and doing are not the same as Kara delays the inevitable wandering the city until she finds YESTERDAY'S DREAMS and meets Maggie McCormick, a Sidhe who realizes what Quicksilver the violin truly is: a magical piece of the owner's soul.

Lucien the collector sees an opportunity to add Quicksilver and Kara to his booty. He will do whatever it takes to possess both. As Kara struggles with the existence of the Sidhe and magical objects, she joins forces with Maggie, her first mentor since her grandfather died, to battle the evil Lucien.

YESTERDAY'S DREAMS takes the typical fantasy theme of good vs. evil, but places it in modern times with modern day dilemmas as opposed to the usual medieval fare. The setting and Kara's disbelief make for a fabulously fresh tale that hooks the audience from the moment Lucien sees his prey. The prime characters appear real enabling the audience to believe that the magic is real in the music. Though changing narration perspective can become jolting at times, readers will appreciate Danielle Ackley-McPhail's wonderful novel.

Harriet Klausner

The book was wonderful from start to finish . ..The love was real and heart touching and made you feel a part of the plot.. . If you liked this book, or want to read one that goes straight to your heart, read Stolen Moments by Barbara Jeanne Fisher. . .It is a beautiful story of unrequited love. . .for certain the love story of the nineties. I intended to give the book a quick read, but I got so caught up in the story that I couldn't put the book down. From the very beginning, I was fully caught up in the heart-wrenching account of Julie Hunter's battle with lupus and her growing love for Don Lipton. This love, in the face of Julie's impending death, makes for a story that covers the range of human emotions. The touches of humor are great, too, they add some nice contrast and lighten things a bit when emotions are running high. I've never read a book more deserving of being published. It has rare depth. Julie's story will remind your readers that life and love are precious and not to be taken for granted. It has had an impact on me, and for that I'm grateful. Stolen Moments is written with so much sensitivity that it made me want to cry. It is a spellbinder. What terrific writing. Barbara does have an exceptional gift!

Spencer Cook, the main character in this book, seems typical of any human searching for truth and meaning in life. He makes subtle but significant changes that allow him to be more fulfilled and satisfied with his life. I personally loved seeing the change that came about from true life experiences. There is potential for more of everything out in the world. The author allows the reader to feel like change and satisfaction is out there for everyone. In this engaging and simple story there is so much to find out about oneself.

I don't get why people are referring to this as "mormon" literature. Because it mentions a bishop and a mission in passing? Maybe they know something I don't. The fact is that this is an inspiring, well written book for anyone at all, regardless of your faith.

I SELDOM PICK A BOOK UP THAT I CAN NOT PUT DOWN,BUT THIS ONE WAS LIKE THAT.. .I WANTED TO KNOW WHAT EACH CHARACTER WAS DOING NEXT!

A BOOK SIMILAR TO THIS THAT READERS WILL LOVE IS STOLEN MOMENTS BY BARBARA JEANNE FISHER. ..IT IS A BEAUTIUFL LOVE STORY THAT TOUCHES THE DEPTH OF ONE'S HEART, WITH EVERY POSSIBLE LOVE KNOWN TO HUMANS IN IT. ..IT IS ONE THAT YOU WILL WANT TO READ OVER AND OVER, AND EVERYONE REGARDLESS OF AGE CAN IDENTIFY WITH.

BOTH GREAT BOOKS.

This book was wonderful and refreshing to read. Unlike the majority of Mormon Fiction, this story is believable. The charaters are well developed and realistic. The story is written so that it entertains and teaches at the same time. I love the philosophical questions that the main charater Specher has. They are questions that any young person asks and attempts to find answers to. This book is perfect for those lazy Thursdays when you are in a thinking mood and need something to indentify with.

Amanda Winslow and Jack Lindsey are two well-crafted characters who will pull you into Ms. Depre's thrilling murder mystery and romantic drama. A very cleverly-written whodunit cloaked in romantic friction between two opposites who the reader will love from the get-go.

Amanda with her horrific secrets and Jack with his determination to find out what makes Amanda tick create the tension that moves this novel forward at a fast pace. You'll find yourself turning the pages, not wanting to stop, hoping Amanda didn't kill her husband and hoping that she and Jack will put their differences aside and fall into each other's hearts. You are also turning the pages to find out who committed the murder, if indeed it was a murder. At the same time you'll feel Amanda's terror from the past reappear in the present.

Cyndia Depre has a marvelous talent of making you feel as if you are right there on the spot with her characters. You will experience what her characters experience and you will easily visualize each scene. If this is Cyndia's first book, which it is, I can hardly wait to read the next one. This one is an excellent read and I highly recommend it to all you murder mystery fans.

but it takes more than that to erase the scars of abuse.

AMANDA'S RIB by Cyndia Depre is winner of the Word Museum Reviewers' Choice Award for good reason.

It is an outstanding book that touches its readers and pulls them into a compelling story that will keep them reading until the very end.

Don't miss this one!

If you love a great suspenseful story and also enjoy sinking your teeth into vivid, unique, dimensional characters, this is the book for you. I was kept up late, unable to put this riveting book down until I'd reached the end. Amanda Winslow is a great female lead, the kind I wish we'd see more of in modern fiction. She's strong and gutsy, but with a very tender core and a haunting past. Well written and completely engaging, this book is sure to satisfy.

Who murdered Michael Winslow? Attorney Jack Lindsay doesn't know, but his professional curiosity has been aroused and now he wants to find out. Is Michael's wife, Amanda, a grieving widow or a cold-blooded killer?

Amanda Winslow has no desire to relive one of the worst days of her life, yet Jack is relentless in his pursuit of the truth. His probing questions force her to analyze the horrible events of that day and to finally face an ugly and haunting past.

As their relationship progresses, they discover aspects of each other's personality that aren't readily apparent. Their inner thoughts and actions let us know that nothing is as simple as it appears. Plot twists abound and they both go through dramatic changes over the course of the novel.

The gripping developments in this story defy anyone to put the book down. The reader is compelled to find out who murdered Michael and how Amanda will handle coming to terms with what had happened to her so long ago.

The conclusion is both astonishing and shocking. One answer is revealed but a new question is raised. Is murder ever justified?

Muse Review Mark: Great Read

Reviewer: Alice Berger, Muse Reviews

As a huge fan of Janice Sims, I can honestly say there is nothing's bitter about this book. She is not your typical author that writes about the same thing over & over again. I have always admired the way Ms. Sims places black characters in exotic, far away locations and give us the readers, something different to read. You can tell by reading any one of her many books, that Ms. Sims is always thinking of ways to be creative and inspiring. Beautiful work Ms. Sims...

Bittersweet is the story of Teddy who goes to Ireland to do a story of the very popular author Joachim West who's been out of the public eye for awhile. People end up thinking they are husband and wife because Teddy has to stay at his house and he don't want to ruin her image. The two end up falling for each other fast. Pretty good.

Bittersweet is the story of Teddy who goes to Ireland to do a story of the very popular author Joachim West who's been out of the public eye for awhile. People end up thinking they are husband and wife because Teddy has to stay at his house and he don't want to ruin her image. The two end up falling for each other fast. Pretty good.

This was a beautiful story of a new found love between Theodora (Teddy) Riley and Joachim West. Both had lost at love. Teddy, the photojournalist - due to a selfish husband who at first put his career before his love for Teddy and parenthood, then later tried to complicate Teddy's life with a custody battle over their son. Joachim, the writer - due to the death of his wife. These two situations had turned into bitter episodes of love. However, Teddy and Joachim had a second chance at love.

While on assignment in Ireland, Teddy not only gains her interview with Joachim, who for some unknown reason becomes captivated by Teddy. But, Joachim is not alone. Teddy, who has not had strong feelings for another man since her divorce with Adrian, has stirrings of unexplained emotions for Joachim as well. From their first meeting, the heat grows hotter and the sexual attraction is there. Nevertheless, during Teddy's two day visit, Teddy and Joachim refrain from submitting to the physical act, and later, Teddy returns to San Francisco.

You have to read the book to find out what happens (1) after Teddy returns to San Francisco, (2) when several months later Joachim joins Teddy on her birthday, and (3) with Adrain and Teddy's custody battle over their son, Alex.

Ms. Sims wrote an interesting book about losing love and finding a new love. Teddy and Joachim were the perfect couple. Teddy was who Joachim needed to share the love he had stored inside of him, while Joachim was the man Teddy needed to experience a true love that was willing to accept responsibility, as well as whatever life had to offer. Each was given another chance at finding happiness in life and realizing that love can be sweet and wonderful.

A very good book.

I am still kicking myself for waiting so long to read this one, but life got in the way. When I did have the time, I read it in one sitting and all I could do was smile for page after page. Then, I was so sorry that I'd reached the end that I read it a second time a week later. I NEVER REREAD A BOOK THAT SOON, but this one took me there. Charm and wit are Ms. Sims' trademarks and they are certainly on ample display in this story. I've always heard that Ireland was a chilly place, but Ms. Sims did a wonderful job of heating it up. To paraphrase that Irish Spring commercial, "Joachim is made for a woman, and I love him too".

During Bible studies, it is a real plus to have different translations available. This fine volume has eight translations on facing pages; it makes it so much easier to compare passages without having to flip through multiple Bibles.

I rated this text as four stars because the print is extremely small and does require some concentration for those of us with less than perfect vision. Further, due to its size, it would have been helpful if the book had been thumb indexed. While it is easy enough to purchase tabs at any Christian book store, I find that they will tear off. This is almost a given with this book because the paper is so thin.

I would love to see some publisher compile a similar Old Testament volume in both Contemporary and Precise Parallel versions. Yes, Guidepost does have something like that, but it only contains four translations.

The only draw back is that it doesn't have the Old Testement. However, if it did the book might be to large to cary around. Great reference that allows you to compare 8 different translations side by side.

This is an extraordinary New Testament (because it is eight New Testament translations). While it is probably peerless as a convenient reference resource, and for personal or group study, it is not a good New Testament for casual reading. Because it is eight parallel New Testaments, it is necessarily bulky and can be mildly confusing since the reader must find his/her place every time a page is turned, as will happen every ten verses or so if one is simply reading any given version. This does not amount to a deficiency in this NT, or even to a complaint on my part; it is difficult to image how eight New Testament translations could be presented in parallel in a more reader-friendly format. It is a unique volume; highly recommended for the serious student of the New Testament.

Any translation from one language to another must compromise due to the nuances of communication in one language or culture vs another. This is especially true when dealing with an ancient language such as NT Greek. For one that does not know Greek, the best way to find the true meaning of the original writer is to compare translations and sift out the real kernels. There are many parallel bibles on the market today, but this is the best for the New Testament that I have found. With the 8 most respected translations on the same page, comparisons are very easy. The layout of the translations on the pages is also very well thought out. With the NCV and CEV side by side, the NIV over the NKJV, the KJV next to the NASB, and the NLT over the Message, the most literal are ggouped in one area with the paraphrases at the other end and the more balanced versions in the center. One thing that I had trouble finding out before I ordered was the exact layout, so here it is: Top row KJV, NASB, NIV, NLT and bottom row NCV, CEV, NKJV, MSG.

Who *really* needs 8 versions of the New Testament? I certainly didn't! But I *did* want 5 of the popular versions, and this was a very easy and effective way to get them. Here's a listing of all 8, from my very favorite to least...

1. NIV- New International Version '84: Accurate & readable- thank God for the NIV! I might not be a Christian today if it weren't for this version. It was the first time for me that the Bible truly came alive. It's *still* my favorite version!
*Matthew 5:13- You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.
2. NLT- New Living Translation '96: *VERY* readable- & still pretty accurate. It's not word-for-word, but I like it! This and the NIV together make for very profitable reading. Add the NASB or NKJV to the mix for *real* rock-solid study.
*Matthew 5:13- You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it useful again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless.
3. NKJV- New King James Version '82: Great blend between accuracy, tradition & readability! A word-for-word translation, it retains the popular feel of the KJV. I like it! Many evangelicals insist that the NASB is more accurate, but I'll take the NKJV over NASB any day of the week. It's not that I'm a *fanatic* or anything- it's purely personal preference.
*Matthew 5:13- You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.
4. NASB- New American Standard Bible '95: Extremely accurate. Extremely word-for-word. Extremely evangelical!
*Matthew 5:13- You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men.
5. KJV- King James Version: 1611 Authorized Version. Amazing impact on history. Still valuable today.
*Matthew 5:13- Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.

6. CEV- Contemporary English Version '95: *Very* pleasant surprise. This might actually grow on me. Maybe!
*Matthew 5:13- You are like salt for everyone on earth. But if salt no longer tastes like salt, how can it make food salty? All it is good for is to be thrown out and walked on.
7. NCV- New Century Version '91: Kinda plain vanilla. Not necessarily a bad version, but really- how *many* do we need?
*Matthew 5:13- You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its salty taste, it cannot be made salty again. It is good for nothing, except to be thrown out and walked on.
8. TM- The Message '95: Goodness gracious alive! What book am I reading? Actually, it's really pretty interesting. :)
*Matthew 5:13- Let me tell you why you are here. You're here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You've lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage.

This is perhaps the most gripping World War II era thriller I have ever read (and fantasy is my more usual genre).

It pits the wits between a hyper-intelligent 11 year old, against the equally brilliant mind of a professor, who for the most part uses his rank in the Nazi military machine to further his own ends (which isn't money - he is somewhat depraved, and a borderline sociopath). In a nutshell, the boy has a wealth of information stored in his head concerning bank account information, which is worth a fortune, and the Nazis want the information so that they can access those funds. The daddy to which the title refers is the boy's biological father, who makes a late entrance in the book, yet does a lot to bring the boy out of his shell, not to mention doing some truly heroic things to protect the boy.

My only fault with the novel are the two main characters (Thomas, the boy, and Gregor, the professor). The mind of the boy is brilliant, yet robotic, often referring to the thought processes of his brain as "the machine", which made me often wonder if the author was going to reveal that the child was really some bizarrely futuristic android. The professor, on the other hand is openly contemptuous of the third Reich and it's officers, something I highly doubt would be tolerated considering the fanatical zeal of the Nazi supporters during that era.

However, if you can get past those two points, you will discover a taut, well crafted thriller, which is very difficult to put down, outlining the battle between these two brilliant minds who see everything as a game of chess, willing to sacrifice everything to put the other in checkmate.

While the ending is somewhat abrupt, I would nonetheless highly recommend this book.

This is one of the most "sitting on the edge of my chair" books I ever read. The publisher should definitely reprint the English edition. It is within my all-time top 5 favorite stories of the past 40 years.

This is one of my favorite books of all time. I won't even lend my copy out unless I buy another one as back up. Daddy by Loup Durand is so far and above any other Thriller. The characters are so vivid and the plot is so intricate it grabs you by the throat on the first few pages and pulls you threw the entire book before you look up and realize you've read till four in the morning again. This book inspired me to start writing thrillers; I hope I'll be worthy of it.

This is the story of a young genius, his unknown father, their evil enemy (a Nazi officer yet) and their travails as they run across Europe. It is both poignant and dramatic as they both dance the familiar patterns of a father and son discovering as much about themselves as each other. The character of the boy is especially well-told - from his terror to his confusion.

I have read this book several times and have never failed to enjoy the read. It may be hard to find but the search is certainly worth the effort.

This story would count as a very long THRILLER, if done by Graham Greene. It tells of an endless chase on behalf of wartime Nazis of a prepubescent multi-lingual boy who carries in his head data on hundreds of accounts whose contents have the smell of wealth to the masters of the Third Reich. It is about human intelligence and its foibles: in the boy, his German tormentors and his Daddy--a title which his playboy turned hero biological father earns in spades as he seeks to save his reluctant son not just from Nazis but also from his inner demons.+++

It is hard to believe that this is a translation from another language (French) into English. I would go so far as to say that this is the first translated novel I have ever read that does not read like a translation.

So kudos all around. This is sheer diversion. Made for a movie serial.The game's afoot!
-OOO-

you have to read betrayal of a hustler before you read this so you can keep up it seems to me it should be a part three but it is fantastic i finished the two books in about four days.it was like watching a movie i couldnt put them down until i was done.

This book was good. I couldn't wait to read the second on. Lisa and Chino knew they were wrong but hey that's how the story goes.

IF YOU DON'T KNOW BETRAYAL OF A HUSTLER IS FIRST READ THEN COMES THE SEQUEL. I LIKED THE SEQUEL WAY BETTER NOT TO SAY THAT THE 1ST ONE WASN'T GOOD. IT ANSWERED THE QUESTIONS I ASKED IN MY REVIEW WITH BETRAYAL OF A HUSTLER. I SWEAR THAT LISA IS DUMB AND I CANNOT UNDERSTAND HOW SHE GETS ALL THE GOOD MEN WITH HER WAYZ. THERE IS GOING TO BE A 3RD PART TO THIS TRILOGY AND I CANNOT WAIT BECAUSE SO MUCH HAS HAPPENED IN THIS ONE WORDS CANNOT DESCRIBE. YOU MUST READ THIS BOOK IF U THOUGHT NOT TOO IT IS A MUST. GO COP THIS ASAP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

very very good i'm a truck driver and the book was so good i was pulling over on the side of the road just to get in some reading it had me not wanting to put the book down excellent read

Chino Wells makes a grand re-entrance in A Dead Man's Vengeance to renew the love triangle that transcends into a full blown circle.

At the end of Betrayal of a Hustler, Chino is shot and left for dead. But his right hand man, Knees, wasn't haven' it, and Chino was nursed back to health and sent to recuperate in Virginia with his fam. Chino is back to reclaim his true love, Lisa, and his territory.

Since Chino's death, Lisa has tried to move on with her life with husband/doctor Chris and son Jordan. Lisa and Chris' lives are turned upside down when Chino returns and wreaks havoc on both their lives.

In the meantime, Jamaican drug lord Shark has joined forces with assassin Abu and his crew of killers. Shark and daughter Shantel have tried to get on with their lives after Shantel's mother, Shelly, was gunned down by Chino.

A Dead Man's Vengeance is a very suspenseful work of fiction that had me even more intrigued than it's predecessor. I look forward to the release of The Vendetta.

The Publishers Weekly editorial review says that this book "was a bestseller when published in Yugoslavia in 1966, but it seems probable that its popularity lay more in its portrayal of a Yugoslavia oppressed than in any intrinsic artistry", but the other reviewers are right to emphasize the universality of this book. The Muslim or Bosnian elements of the setting are purely accidental. The depth of the psychological portrait of the narrator is worthy of Dostoevsky, and the almost surreal sense of alienation and frustration in dealing with a justice system that has no real connection with its ostensible purpose is reminiscent of Kafka. This book deserves to be known as one of the great works of 20th century European literature.

The word masterpiece is too often used for all kinds of material that barely rises above the level of mediocrity. Selimovich is a master of the craft, and this is his great work. As simple as that. It should be apparent to those with a sense of literary merit from the first pages that this is an exceptional piece of writing. If however you don't like challenges I'd recommend lighter fare. Selimovich is intense to a point almost unbearable at times. The book is as internal as they come, but the narrative does move, and the characters that intrude on the tortured protagonist's awareness are well drawn. Which is an understatement. The penetration we get into diverse mentalities and the rendering of their physicality, awe the reader. If you are a writer this is an essential book. This is true for anyone who believes in the art of the novel. This will serve as an example of the highest order.

Mesa Selimovic was a great writer and it's a pitty that he didn't win the Nobel Prize (to my knowledge, he was never even considered). A talent like his is rare. "Dervish and Death" is a book I enjoyed reading very much, for the first time, and each time afterwards I enjoyed it even more. Unfortunatelly, this is not the case with all of Selimovic's works, as some of them are, to put it plainly, boring.
What captivated me about "Dervish..." is Selimovic's sentence, which is so melodic that it almost seems like poetry.
This is a demanding book and not the easiest read in the world. Even though it is a simple story, it takes time and it must be consumed slowly. Recommended but only if you have a lot of time on your hands.

A book I can say I really enjoyed (once I had finished) but I have to say it was HEAVY GOING! The author has the habit of many Eastern European writers in that he likes to go into the most minute detail of his characters which at times is quite pleasant in that it gives you a more detailed picture in your mind of the times he is writing about but at others makes you want to scream out GET ON WITH IT!!! Which is how I felt for the first 40 odd pages of this book after which it does start to get interesting. The character of the dervish is something of a reflection of the author whose own brother was executed by the authorities and he like the dervish in the book failed to to all that he could to prevent his execution. At times you sympathise with the character but at others he can disgust you with his inaction and lack of determination. His encounters with the Islamic judges of the town are wonderful and really give you a picture of life in Ottoman Bosnia and the corruption that had infected (some) of its officials although the author could equally be talking about the Yugoslavia in which he lived in.

I must say I read this book mostly because I was interested in Ottoman history and I seriously doubt that had I not such a strong interest in Ottoman history that I would have finished this book.

This book stands as one of the few translations of Bosnian literature in the English language and though it is an excellent book it can also be a tiresome book.

Imagine that justice flees your homeland. Imagine fair play the faint dream of centuries, a spiritual aspiration carried like low flame into ever-present darkness. What if tending this flame became your inescapable duty? What if you alone held the last bit of light amidst bottomless evil?

And what of your loved ones? What if they were carried off to hopeless incarceration for the mere whiff of fortuitous knowledge, (knowledge obtained by proximity, not involvement)? If you lived in a place wholly unacquainted with anything resembling justice and all was pervasively corrupt, diffident autocracy, would you, could you be . . .Courageous? Ethical? Forgiving?

Would you carry The Flame?

What if the tables turned and you suddenly, inexplicably were granted powers you assumed would always escape your grasp? How would you use them?

"Death and the Dervish" takes place in 17th century Bosnia, in the cruel, clumsy colonialism of an Ottoman "kasaba," a provincial outpost of enervated empire. The story's events occur in the ethical vacuum invariably created by over-extended empire.

Not enough has been said about the deep spiritual nuance of Sheikh Ahmed, light of this sensitive novel, wan keeper of a pale flame. His character is articulated beautifully, full of devotion to the loftiness (and sorrow) born of Muslim education, Sufi training and worldly experience. The Sheikh endures the greatest of human tests; unanticipated access to power. The price exacted is ultimate, but the inner contest is somehow affirming.

The Sheikh is at his finest facing the neglected avenues of public expression, a thing unknown in his lethargic town. The episode at the mosque after the Sheikh's brother is murdered in prison is a stunning, close examination of human conscience and its furious power. Sheikh Ahmed's struggle is a constant dialogue with conscience, containing deeply held arguments directed at finding expression for the outrage he naturally shares with those around him. Unlike others, the Sheikh neither deflects nor suborns when facing the exertions of tyranny.

Should you wish to find exquisite writing, a moving story containing a view to Muslim belief (a humane belief, after all), this book is a fine portrayal of a man's struggle for justice; for The Lit Flame. "Death and the Dervish" broadens understanding of what is not actually so foreign. . . I say this because the book's Muslim characters are Europeans and keenly aware of the Christian West.

I will remain attached to Sheikh Ahmed, missing the weight of his inner beauty. Author Mesa Selimovic has reached into the stream of human consciousness to find a good man caught in horrible circumstances. As the Sheik moves forward to face the temptations of power and the seduction of revenge, we are treated to the workings of an artfully-drawn psyche and its lonely power.

There but for grace . . . .