Contemporary Books


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Contemporary Books sorted by Average customer review: high to low .

Contemporary
Spectrum 14: The Best in Contemporary Fantastic Art (Spectrum (Underwood Books))
Published in Hardcover by Underwood Books (2007-10-28)
Author:
List price: $39.95
New price: $89.59
Used price: $89.58

Average review score:

Illustration Artwork Rocks!!!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-19
You can't lose with Spectrum editions. They are all awesome and inspiring to anyone who loves art. Collect'em all and enjoy the art when ever your in the mood. I've browsed through each one several times and find something inspiring every time. Priceless...

The Same, but Thicker
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-09
I don't have the others nearby to judge from, but 14 seems thicker than previous installments. This one is paperback, and as usual, the color and print quality are good. Unfortunately, also as usual, cramming three or four pictures on a single page means that many are too small for you to really enjoy the details. Still, if you're a fan of fantasy and sci-fi art, I know of no better yearly collection of some of the best stuff out there.

An Excellent Book in the Spectrum yearly series
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-19
I have purchased the last five issues of Spectrum and enjoyed this almost as much as Spectrum 12. I have just started puchasing the re-issued original issues and can say that Spectrum 1 may have fewer pages but still is well worth the money. I find myself looking online for the artists that impress me. I just wish there was more information supplied on the art shown. Overall, I would definitely recommend Spectrum 14.

Truly one of the Best Art Books Ever!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-19
This is my second purchase of spectrum books. 13 was the first one I brought. All I can say is this is one of the most stunning art books I have ever owned...that and after going through this one I may have to pick up all the other books. Every page is full of beautiful work from a wide arrange of different styles. I can't say how many times this book has saved me when It came down to me trying to complete a illustration. It constantly inspires me and makes me want to pick up a paintbrush or any drawing tool for that matter and create.

Spectrum deserves all the praise in the world for the great effort that they put into all these books. To top that off most standard art books like this go for itleast double the cost. Love these books!

PERHAPS THE BEST SPECTRUM YET!
Helpful Votes: 9 out of 9 total.
Review Date: 2008-02-23
Like Santa Claus, Spectrum only comes around once per year and is always highly anticipated. This annual collection of the world's best contemporary fantasy and Sci-fi art is always a favorite not only due to its sheer size and beautiful production, but also because of its diversity in scope. Spectrum presents the best art from the fields of books, comics, advertising, editorial, concept, and even sculpture into each year's volume.

As always, the book begins with a look at the year in review and the trends in contemporary fantasy art before getting into the opening category of advertising art and presenting the first of its gold and silver annual awards to the best in each category. This year's gold winner in the advertising category went to James Jean for his Retro-hip "Spacerace 2020" painting for Nike. This gorgeous pop-art piece is a tribute to Sci-Fi imagery of the `40s and `50s.

I'm not sure how they could have picked a winner in the book category as there are so many outstanding pieces. While Jon Foster's winning painting for Night Shade books was very good, Luis Royo's offering for his graphic novel, "Dark Labyrinth". Adam Hughes took home the Gold Award in the Comics category for his depiction of the sleek and sexy Scarlet Witch from Upper Deck. As a long-time comic book fan I love seeing the industry's artists getting their just due as the outstanding artists that they are. Other standouts included Gary Giannni's standout art from the Prince Valiant comic strip that is in the best tradition of Hal Foster, and Charles Vess/Mike Kaluta's work from the Vertigo Comics series "1001 Nights of Snowfall".

One of the categories I look forward to most each year is the dimensional chapter featuring the year's best sculptures and models and this year was certainly no disappointment. A. Brent Armstrongs mammoth 54" tall piece featuring King Kong atop the Empire State Building is simply breathtaking! The Alex Ross designed Superman resin sculpt by artist Karen Palinko features the distinctive look of Ross as Clark Kent rips open his shirt to reveal Superman's legendary logo. Shawn Nagle's "Tarzan and the Golden Lion" based on art by longtime Tarzan illustrator, J. Allen St. John, is another winner.

Spectrum never fails to deliver a little something for everyone's taste and Spectrum volume 14 may be the best edition yet. Grade A.

Contemporary
Starting Out Sideways
Published in Hardcover by Thomas Dunne Books (2007-05-15)
Author: Mary E. Mitchell
List price: $23.95
New price: $4.79
Used price: $3.48
Collectible price: $23.95

Average review score:

Refreshing Read
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-03-10
I have about 5-10 books teetering on my bed at any one time, each one clamoring for attention, and I have to say this is the one I reached for in that precious half an hour of chill time before sleep every night. It was so refreshing to read a genuinely funny book that is NOT SNARKY (it's so easy to be a snark, harder to be funny and human). I really look forward to Mitchell's next book!

Starting Out Sideways will make you smile!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-23
Kudos to Mary Mitchell for sharing Starting Out Sideways with all of us! Her first novel is both funny and heartwarming! Ms. Mitchell does a great job capturing the audience's attention by giving life to some wonderfully likeable characters. Her Long Island descriptions and characterizations were right on the mark and I loved the opportunity to see glimpses of many real life people that I've known in her characters. She weaves a delightful tale that is bound to make you smile!
Best of luck to you Ms. Mitchell! I look forward to what you might have in store for us next!

Made me laugh and cry
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-10-18
Mary e. Mitchell's novel `Starting out Sideways' is not just a fun book to read but a book that makes you think and wonder why things happen in your life. I could relate to this story, of love, anger, anxiety, confusion and humor. I read of towns I know and have lived in. Rosie Plow reminded me of me, even when it came to her weight problem. Her character development happens so easy that you don't know it's happening, until you say, "Well, son of a gun I didn't know that was going to happen." She has twists and turns with every chapter keeping the reader wondering and asking questions in their mind, then she ties those loose ends up toward the last quarter of the story.
Her way of handling the mentally challenged person is done with grace, comedy and deep down emotion. Thank you for reminding me what it's like to be in a `real' family. Kudos' to you Mary e. Mitchell. Hurry up, I want to read your next novel.
Rose Marie /rm Lamatt

A Hilarious Yet Poignant Read
Helpful Votes: 13 out of 14 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-07
Roseanna Plow is one of the wittiest, wisest, most enjoyable characters I have read in ages. With humor she tells her tale of her cheating husband leaving her for Inga, her best friend. Roseanna's Ma vexes her with the most hilarious antics that are to "aid" Rosie. Her clients, mentally disabled people being acclimated to life in the main stream, all provide hilarity as well as warmth. She discovers a very hidden secret that totally unnerves her and yet the book never bogs with "woe is me" ideology. The cast of characters that support Rosanna are truly just that....eccentrically funny characters.

This is such a wonderful read; if you need your attitude adjusted, need a good laugh and a solid lesson in accepting life, or if you just want to have a breezy time putting your life on the back burner, then this book is tailor-made to fit.

Wonderful story that you should treat yourself too.

A character for everyone
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2007-11-01
How to describe this book?.....The characters are so diverse and all of their experiences so easy to relate to....as someone said, you feel that they are, or have been, a part of your life/neighborhood at some point in time.

Rosanna's "chosen" surname (Plow) was appropos, for she seemed to be "plowing" through her life, with all it's twists and turns, and yet, learned invaluable lessons along the way. Mary Mitchell dealt with common life issues (death, the mentally challenged, infidelity, divorce, conflicting family personalities, etc.) with UNcommon insight. The issues were deeply moving, but handled with the ability to see the humor in even the most difficult situation.

An easy, enjoyable read.

Contemporary
To Love a Stranger
Published in Kindle Edition by Kimani Romance (2007-12-01)
Author: Adrianne Byrd
List price: $5.40
New price: $4.32

Average review score:

Ghosts of the Past
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-03-30
What would you do if your spouse or significant other, who you believed dead for several years, suddenly reappears on your doorstep -- alive and in living color -- wanting to pick up right where you left off?

That's exactly what happens to Madeline Stone. When her cheating husband Russell's plane crashed, it was good riddance to bad rubbish as far as Madeline was concerned. Russell's brother however, refuses to give up hope. And after six years, the impossible happens...Russell is alive, a little worse for the wear, but alive nonetheless.

Needless to say, Madeline is skeptical that he is who they say he is. She's not happy at all to see the man who caused her so much heartache. But, it's been said that tragedy has a way of changing a person, and Russell is one changed brother! He's loving, caring, the perfect father and husband, and he's very determined to tear down the walls Madeline has built around her heart.

I absolutely loved this storyline! The unexpected twists throughout the story really threw me for a loop, and really enhanced the book.

Whenever I pick up an Adrianne Byrd novel, I know I'm in for a treat. Her characters are always endearing. And even though romance novels are formulaic with regards to the fact that the couple at the beginning of the story will be together by the end of the story, Byrd consistently manages to throw in little surprises that make for an engaging read.

Renee Williams, All the Buzz

OMG. This book is something else
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-03-04
This book is a breath of fresh air. The plot was really intriguing and kept me on my toes. Maddie, Russell, and the kids were such a cute family. He was perfect with the kids and perfect with Maddie. The twist and turns in this book were really good. I could not put this book down because I wanted to know if that was really Russell. I could tell that Christopher really loved his brother and his death really changed him. The scene in the book when everybody first met Russell and his eyes immediately went to Maddie was creepy but good (lol). In reading the last few chapters of this book, my mouth was wide open in shock the whole time. You will not believe.

Very Entertaining
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-02-14
I bought this book when it was first released because well it was written by Adrainne Byrd and I love all of her books. I read this book in one snowy afternoon! It was great, it moved fast and she had some unexpected twists. I loved it. A lot of contempoary romance novels follow a predictable script, this did not. Do yourself a favor pick up a copy. You wont be disappointed

Loved it!
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2008-01-26
Okay, so this one is going down as one of my new all time favorite romance novels. I wasn't so sure about this one because I've been stuck on reading either Brenda Jackson or Beverly Jenkins. But I decided to put them aside and read one of the many Kimani Romances that I haven't read yet. I'm glad I picked this one. The story line was so well written, and just the way "Russell" and Madeline meshed was so beautiful. Adrianne Byrd did an excellent job with this one. Hopefully she'll continue to write this way. Good job Adrianne

:0)
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 7 total.
Review Date: 2008-01-21
AWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW. i thought he was sooooooo sweet going into her room at nights while she sleeps to give her a kiss (sighing). Great read, didn't think i would like it but a keeper this one.

Contemporary
Tonight and Forever
Published in Mass Market Paperback by Pinnacle Books (1995-08)
Author: Brenda Jackson
List price: $4.99
Used price: $2.93

Average review score:

Such a well written love story....
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-28
From the beginning to end Justin and Lorren keep you rooting for both of them. Both have been through so much and deserve happiness. The little twists and turns that were included helped the story even more. I would recommend this book to anyone...

A real page turner
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-03-20
THIS BOOK IS A REAL PAGE TURNER THE MADARIS MEN ARE OUT OF THIS WORLD.

Beautiful love story
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-03-07
I love the Madaris'. The men are smart, heroic, witty and GORGEOUS. This story was beautiful because both individuals brought some baggage to the relationship. They both needed to be restored mentally and physically, but in a very different. Together they find true love again that will last a lifetime the second time around. Thanks Brenda for this mature love story of hope and 2nd chances.

So Gooooooooooood
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-01-22
We picked this book for our monthly book club read. Not many in the group wanted to read it but after everyone who read it was glad that they did. I myself have decided to collect all of Ms Jackson's books now.

:0)
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2008-03-03
Good Story . Brenda Jackson is turning out to be one of the best romance authors for me and i have been reading romance since i was 14. Keeper you will like this story

Contemporary
The Unoriginal Sinner and the Ice Cream God
Published in Paperback by Contemporary Books (1986-05)
Author: John Powers
List price: $7.95
New price: $29.50
Used price: $0.41

Average review score:

Lasting impression
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-10-08
Unforgettable story. I first read this when I was 21, when it first came out. I still have the copy... worn, stained, well read. It's "lessons" are more powerful now that I've aged 30 years! Regardless of your religion or lack thereof this book is a keeper!!

one of my all-time favorites
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-05-15
This book is just a fabulous read. I have always loved the premise of this book. I just like the idea of God actually answering questions. The book is both funny and thoughtful-I'd recommend this book to anyone.

My favorite book of all time.
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2007-02-05
This is a book that I have read at least 5 times, and I have purchased many times for friends and family. I feel like I want everyone I know to own a copy of this book. Its a fantastic, heart warming, and touching story, that has some wonderful messages about life. Everyone I have passed it onto feel the same way I do about it. I just love the letters from "God" - our beloved gas station attendant who really knows life and how to live it. I wish there were more books out there like this one.

If I could give this book 10 stars, I would!
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2007-02-28
It's about time that this novel has been reprinted. I bought this book about 25 years ago. In that time, I've read it about 15 times. I cry every time I get to the last chapter. Do yourself a favor. When you buy this book, and you will, buy all of the others in the series. You can't go wrong.

Still Thumps the Heart After Many Years
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2005-12-11
I read this book when it first came out, and I've re-read it several times since. It never fails to touch me with its innocence, humanity, and humor. If John Powers were my neighbor, I'd bring him a homemade pie!

Contemporary
Wanting Something More (Zebra Contemporary Romance)
Published in Mass Market Paperback by Zebra (2005-07-01)
Author: Kathy Love
List price: $5.99
New price: $2.59
Used price: $0.75

Average review score:

You have to read this book
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-07-07
I read this book first, not realizing it was a series; the last of the series. I actually wound up liking the book alot. The romance between Marty and Nate is great. Its interesting to see what life has in store for you. The only sad part about the series is that it has to end and you dont get to see Marty and Nate have babies....you have to imagine it instead. It is still a great book and I would definately recommend owning it. I have found myself reading this book more than once.

Read This Book!!!!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-05-14
I'am telling you what Kathy Love is at the top of my List for any book she writes. I love how she brings you into these sisters life telling us there stories, Please keep reading anything from Kathy Love.

Wishing there were more Stepp sisters
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-02-24
If you have not read the first two Want books order the whole set. The heroes in this set of books really bring a new view to romance men. You will love Kathy Love's heroes and heroines.

I enjoyed this book very much!
Helpful Votes: 10 out of 10 total.
Review Date: 2006-07-27
After this, I'm "wanting something more" from Kathy Love! What a wonderful book!

This is the last book of the Stepp Sister Series, and it's definitely my favorite. Marty Stepp is a character to whom many women can relate (granted, not all of us can claim to be supermodels). Throughout parts of her life, Mary was teased, rejected, cheated, and criticized by men. And because of these instances, Marty is convinced that she is unworthy of true love.

Enter Nate Peck: He was the bane of Marty's existence early on in her life. Selfishly cruel, Nate lived to prank and tease unfortunates. He only cared about himself and impressing his friends. Well... that is until he has a near death experience. This event changes his whole outlook on life. Nate feels sincere remorse for all the horrible deeds he had done - no longer does he want to live selfishly, without care for anyone else.

The joining of Marty and Nate is written very convincingly. Understandably, Marty doesn't trust Nate's intentions. But, thankfully, she doesn't completely cut him off. As a result, the two slowly form a solid friendship based on mutual respect and affection; and eventually, this evolves into a breathtaking romance.

This story made me sigh out loud several times. It was food for all five of the senses...especially with all the descriptions of Christmas, snow, family, and food. I was tempted several times to use my fire place - but that's just not practical when it's the middle of summer.

This is a very good book people! It's worth the purchase.

something new
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2006-04-13
This is the first book I read of Kathy Love's and I thought it was really well writen and intertaining. I was in a little town's used bookstore on the way to the airport and wanted to get a cute fun book for the 3 hour flight and I glanced at this book and decided why not. I am so glad that I picked this one, once I started it I couldnt put it down. I just loved the fact that when this hot super model was in high school she was the dorky girl who always got made fun of and then when she grew up she turned into something great and showed her old town. Of course seeing your old high school crush who broke your heart can always throw you for a loop but she took it and it just set the pace for this great book. The style of writing reminded my of Janet Evanovich so if you like one you will possibly like the other. Hope all who reads it enjoy it as much as I did. If you want a quick, fun, intertaining, and romatic read with a hint of solve the mystery you should try it.

Contemporary
The Accidental President of Brazil: A Memoir
Published in Hardcover by PublicAffairs (2006-03-13)
Author: Fernando Cardoso
List price: $26.95
New price: $1.39
Used price: $0.01
Collectible price: $26.95

Average review score:

Well-written, full of information about Brazil and Brazilians
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-24
I heard about this book in Brasilia, Brazil earlier this year, from a citizen of Brazil. It is a very good insight into the nation and the "accidental president". I learned a lot about this important country and why it looks to Europe and why the USA is less important to it. I recommend this book highly for persons wanting to learn about Brazil and for those who enjoy politics.

Fascinating and easy-to-follow
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-21
In The Accidental President of Brazil, Fernando Henrique Cardoso provides an entertaining look at his unusual career, from his privileged childhood by the beach in Rio, to his sociology research in the shantytowns, to his exile during the military dictatorship, to his entry into politics and taming of Brazil's runaway inflation. An engaging and personable narrator, Cardoso provides fascinating contextual details of Brazilian history as well as the colorful personalities who have shaped it, like Emperor Dom Pedro II, Getulio Vargas, Janio Quadros, and Lula Da Silva. Throughout the book, Cardoso's love for his country and commitment to the poor are apparent, as is his conviction that sensible leaders, guided by good will and tempered by serious policy debate, actually can solve large problems in large countries.

Informative and sincere political memoir
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-18
This is an intriguing and informative political memoir, and I would highly recommend it to anybody interested in recent Brazilian history and politics. First of all, let me share the observation that there really don't seem to be many good books on contemporary Brazil. I am a non-specialist when it comes to Brazil and so I've been searching for some journalistic accounts, travelogues, etc. I was kind of led to this book because it was about the only thing I could find on recent Brazilian politics, but it ended up being a very rewarding read.

There are two primary reasons that Mr. Cardoso's memoir succeeds so well. First, the subject matter, modern Brazilian political history, is intrinsically interesting. Second, and most importantly, however, Mr. Cardoso is a truly engaging and oftentimes humorous writer. This is somewhat of a surprise given his academic background. Mr. Cardoso was a fairly successful sociologist before entering politics, and I half expected that dry academic language to show up now and then in his memoirs, but that is certainly not the case. In fact, Cardoso has a very good sense of humor regarding his academic disposition, and how it has both helped and hindered him in political life.

One point that might be of relevance to those considering whether to read this book: you might be somewhat disappointed if you are only interested in very recent Brazilian history. Practically the first two-thirds of the book detail Mr. Cardoso's life BEFORE he assumed the presidency. Cardoso brings a very interesting perspective to Brazil's turbulent political history, as he was born into a very powerful military family. His grandfather was a leader of the revolt that brought down the monarchy, while his father was an influential figure under the Vargas regime. Cardoso expertly explains the various elite conflicts that kept Brazil in a state of perpetual political instability for much of the 20th century. As a result of a military coup after WWII, Cardoso was forced into exile, as were many other intellectuals. He spent some of this time in Chile, and one episode recalls a party he attended at Pablo Neruda's house, where he met not only the host but future Chilean president Salvador Allende. He was eventually allowed to return, but his dissatisfaction with the military regime that refused to relinquish control induced him to enter the political fray as an opposition figure.

Roughly the last third of the book covers Cardoso's time as president. Cardoso here describes the challenges he faced reforming Brazil's inflation-addled economy (and protecting Brazil from the global financial crises of the late 1990's), fighting corruption, and fixing some of the country's endemic social problems. The latter include the HIV crisis, in which one can reasonably say that Cardoso's administration was successful, and agrarian reform, a problem which still persists to this day. There are also several sections in which he details his troubled and fluctuating relationship with Lula, Brazil's current president. Finally, some of the more interesting episodes recounted in the book are Cardoso's encounters with and impressions of various other world leaders. He had a very close relationship with President Clinton (who, incidentally, writes the preface to this book), and while his praise for the ex-American leader is undoubted sincere, it might to some seem a bit excessive. His impression of George W. Bush is evidently less favorable, and Cardoso even recounts one conversation in which our president asked in surprise, "Do you have blacks down there in Brazil, too?"

In sum, pick this book up if you are interested in Brazil, Latin American politics, or political memoirs more generally.

Great Read!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-03-01
I picked up this book to begin a lesson in the history of Brazil, of which my boyfriend is a citizen. This is by far the best history book I have ever read. Fernando Henrique does a wonderful job of telling the story of his country intertwined with the story of his family, giving the reader a better understanding of his unique perspective of his country. It is informative and entertaining at the same time. Highly recommended.

Cardoso - good timing for Brazil
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2007-06-27
I really enjoyed this book. Cardoso tells the story of his rise to power in a very humorous manner and fills the gaps with Brazilian political history. Cardoso comes off as a very likable man and treats opponents with a fair hand. Cardoso was obviously the right man at the right time for Brazil. He beat Lula twice and Brazilians can be happy for that. Cardoso introduced the real, redistributed farm lands to poor families, brought free HIV medicine to Brazil, fought against corruption, and privatized the phone company - allowing hundred of thousands of Brazilians to get connected. By the time Lula was finally elected, he had no choice but to accept Cardoso's policies because they work for Brazil. Cardoso brought Brazil into the modern age. I love Brazil and have gained a great deal of respect for Cardoso. Excellent read.

Contemporary
The Best for Last (Arabesque)
Published in Paperback by Pinnacle Books (1998-09)
Author: Gail McFarland
List price: $4.99
Used price: $0.01

Average review score:

Well written and memorable. Intensely loving.
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 1999-07-12
People say that we feel more because we're twins. We prefer to think it's because we are just very . Anyway, we want to say that we think this story is also very because it is not only romantic, it is intimate, and pervasive. The love expressed by these characters is multi-dimensional and the writer gives you a sense of timelessness. You just know that these people will still be in love in fifty years. We can already imagine them together as senior citizens, still holding hands and seeing joy in each other's faces.

Sooky, sooky, now!!!!!!!!
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 1999-02-05
We're all grown here, so we know that there is more to life, love, and happiness than what we see on television. I feel gratified and happy to see myself, my man, and my relationships reflected as accurately as Gail McFarland has shown them in this story. This is a book that I will keep and reread. I have already put all my friends on notice -- BUY YOUR OWN COPY!

But, now, I want Gail to know that I am a greedy woman. If this is "The Best For Last", what is she going to call the sequel? There has to be a sequel. How else will we know what happens to Pat once she gets out of those tight pink shoes?

Truly Romantic!
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 1999-02-11
This is a wonderfully romantic story of a loving woman, Noelle Parker, who cares about people... even when it hurts. Noelle is the heroine of the human interest story we never read about. When Noelle befriends her co-worker, Pat, and learns to trust her hero, Jamal Harris, they create and become the superfriends we never see in cartoons or movies.

Because the tone of this novel is compassionate and family-centered, the characters are so easy to warm up to and enjoy. They make you laugh and almost cry. The romance of the novel is not in the bedroom; however, it is permeated throughout the book as Noelle risks sharing her love with those she encounters after walking away from a painful past. The passion is not tainted with the lust and scandal we often see in daytime and evening dramas.

Ms. McFarland, thank you for restoring my faith in happily ever after! Please continue to share your love stories with those of us who still believe in it.

In a word: FABULOUS!!!
Helpful Votes: 5 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 1999-07-15
I know romance novels usually end on a positive note. It's a prerequisite, right? But, this tale had me on the edge of my seat, wondering if it would have a happy ending, or not. Great writing, great visualization, superb characters. Noelle and Jamal are so good together. I'm waiting to hear more about Pat and Morgan. Pat was the best friend of all best friends! This story has suspense, drama, a tight plot. Read it, I'm sure you'll agree with this lowly reviewer's opinion.

I did save "THE BEST FOR LAST"
Helpful Votes: 7 out of 7 total.
Review Date: 2000-01-14
If you're reading this review, pay close careful attention to what I'm about to write. Are paying attention? I hope so, because if you're not you'll definately loose out on one of the best written romance novels in the western world! I must admit, I got my hands on this book a little late. But the title is "BEST FOR LAST". I thought Gail McFarland did a fantastic job on "WHEN LOVE CALLS" (another must read!) and "SUMMER WIND", but she truely outdone herself when it came to the lives of Noelle and Jamal. They were so perfect together. Ms. McFarland truely captured my heart with this book. I smiled, I cried, I laughed, I experienced every emotion possible. (You do know, only good books can do that for you?) I cannot emphasize this enough, BUY THIS BOOK! To describe in one sentence...It's a modern day version of white nights galloping in to save the damsel in distress, but with some serious flava added.

WARNING LADIES: In case the fortunate event comes along and you actually find Jamal, you should know--married or not--I have already called first dibs.

Contemporary
Beyond Desire
Published in Kindle Edition by Kimani Press Arabesque (2008-08-21)
Author: Gwynne Forster
List price: $6.30
New price: $5.04

Average review score:

A Great Love Story
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-09-21
This was a good book, I loved the plot and the way it carried along. Ms. Forster is a great writer, but sometimes her verbiage is a little dated and well....corny. Don't get me wrong I don't expect or want her to talk like the street lit books in no sense, but still she could do better with 'real' expressions and actions, the verbiage used is more for like historical romance instead of modern day romance. None the less, this was a great read, I sat in my closet(hiding from the husband and kids lol) and read it in two hours. I'd like her to work on making the verbiage a little more realistic and modern other than that, it's great!

Absolutely Fantastic!!!!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2003-01-05
I borrowed this book from a friend to read during my lunch break and I could not put it down. It was well written and I felt as though I knew the characters at the end. I especially liked Amy.

Amanda and Marcus were both believable characters and their journey to love was very touching. I am definitely going to get a copy to add to my collection.

Keep up the good work Ms. Forster

Beyond Desire - Psychology For Love
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2001-04-02
Ms. Forster helps readers to understand the battle of the sexes. Beyond desire helped me to challege rejection in a positive way. I would have given up if faced with the conflicts Kate and Luke faced. Challenges in love regarding something you want can bring negative feelings and a defeatist attitude. Ms. Forster helped me not to take it all so personally. I learned to deal better with all the "Jessyes" in the world. Don't let them ruffle your feathers. I read about feelings that I have and felt better knowing that I was not "weird" for feeling I have when in the battle of love. Maybe too insecure. Ms. Forster, Thank you. Your book was a lesson in psychology. It was my first read but will not be my last.

beautiful,sweet story
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-02-09
Loved this book I also wanted to slap their heads together especially Marcus. I can understand his dilemma his es wife really worked a number on him that made have too much pride that he felt bought and stupidly walked and left the best thing that ever happened to him and Amy. Of course things work out in the end but I loved the characters in this book. Luke the supporting brother, rooting for the heroine Amanda, Amy the lovely daughter and Marcus the handsome hero - it took the knocks of life to teach him real beauty in a woman. He admitted the old rich Marcus would not ahve even looked at her (he loved them, fair and willowy in this fickle days). Many of our brothers are like that sad to say....

Good, Good, Good, and Good!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2000-04-20
Ms Forster has done it again. Loved this book to death. Love how Amanda brought that stick in the mud, uptight Marcus to his knees. That's right girlfriend, make him beg! Much love to a great author, please keep up the good work!

Contemporary
Birthright: The Guide to Search and Reunion for Adoptees, Birthparents, and Adoptive...
Published in Paperback by Penguin (Non-Classics) (1994-06-01)
Author: Jean A. S. Strauss
List price: $21.00
New price: $9.95
Used price: $4.49
Collectible price: $21.00

Average review score:

"Birthright" was very helpful to our family
Helpful Votes: 10 out of 10 total.
Review Date: 2004-06-21
Our daughter used this book as a resource when she did her own Search. I read it and was amazed at what a 'complete' book it is. It focuses on every aspect of an adoptee's search. There are chapters for the birthparents, the adoptee, the adoptive parents, etc. There are many, many 'testimonials' included, positive, neutral and negative, from adoptees, adoptive parents, birthparents, regarding searches.
I highly recommend this book to any adoptee who is considering doing their own Search, to any adoptive parent whose child is searching, to any adoptive parent whose child has already done their search, and to any birthparent in that situation.
There truly is something for everyone.
(I gave it 4 out of 5 stars because nothing's perfect.)

Very relevant and informative...
Helpful Votes: 6 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 2006-04-11
I found this book incredibly helpful in helping me deal with searching for and eventually reuniting with my birthmother. I bought it a year and a half ago, and I've referred back to it so many times that it looks like I've had it much longer. It gives very helpful advice for everyone involved in adoption and allows you to see all sides of the issue. Also, the testimonials and Jean Strauss's search and reunion story give the book a very personal feel. Overall, a great book for anyone connected to adoption.

A great book for any adoptee looking for the truth.
Helpful Votes: 7 out of 7 total.
Review Date: 2006-10-13
I bought this book after reading "The Girls Who Went Away" by Ann Fessler and I'm glad I did. It really brings the subject of adoption full circle by telling the stories from all sides of the coin. But it also gives A Lot of starting points and next steps for people to use while doing their own search. My brother and I are both adoptees. I found my birth mother over 16 years ago but she had died in a car accident 6 months after I was born. Took me 15 more years to find my birth father. Both finding my birth mother and birth father were purely the grace of God because I had absolutely nothing to go on. My brother recently asked me to help him locate his birth parents and I'm so glad I purchased this book. Not only for the large quantity of resources it lists, but so I can also prepare him for the many different outcomes he may experience. I can also add, that by reading this book, it has been an emotional rollercoaster. Being able to relate to so many feelings, stories, dreams has really been healing in a lot of ways. Knowing there are so many people out there with similar emotions due to being adopted has been comforting in some strange way. I'd have to say one of my favorite parts of the book is when it talks about how society continues to view the adopted child as just that, a child. Society never took into account that we, as adopted children, would grow up to become contributing adults who have every right to know about ourselves, where we came from and everything pertaining to our lives. I guess if I had to pick one word to explain how this book made me feel it would be EMPOWERED.

This book is a wealth of information and guidance . . . .
Helpful Votes: 8 out of 8 total.
Review Date: 2006-01-02
Being adopted, my interest in finding books relating to my own thoughts and journey was quite a challenge. Interestingly, I found this book after finding my birthmother and two siblings. The book was a confirmation of every step and emotion I felt. I can't reccomend this book enough. It is written in a non-threatning and caring tone. Every adoptee or a parent that has relinguished a child should read it if for no other reason than to educate oneself.

ABSOLUTELY EXCELLENT!
Helpful Votes: 9 out of 10 total.
Review Date: 2004-05-18
To help someone not only understand why they are searching, but help in getting started in the search. This was a God send for me! I am now sharing my copy with my neighbor who is an adoptive mom. It's just wonderful. Everyone should read it.


Books-Under-Review-->Arts-->Literature-->Short Stories-->Contemporary-->38
Related Subjects: Chandra, Anil Englander, Nathan Krouse, Erika
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