Contemporary Books

An interesting study of racial and orientation discrimination. The tale begins with the tale of two women who eventually become lovers in the 40s. The backdrop for the romance and love affair is the South during desegregation, klan activities and the struggle for civil rights. The love affair is beautiful and fulfilling. You can see the characters grow and change together and as individuals.

I cannot recommend this book enough. Beautiful from the first word to the last.

I loved this book. If you like fiction with a historical setting this is the book for you. I started reading it one evening as a break from the reruns on TV and before I knew it I was finishing it at 3am the next day. The characters are well developed and the plot keeps you firmly gripped. This author is a real stand out in many ways - character development, plot, intrigue, and romance settings. You will not be disappointed. I can wait for the next book.

First comes the disclaimer----yes, Bett Norris and I are published by the same publisher, but that does not preclude me recognizing a great book when I read one! (I have never met Bett and I would never review a book I didn't truly enjoy....so there!)

I admire the way Ms. Norris creates such an epic feel in this novel, not unlike To Kill a Mockingbird, and, in a slightly greater stretch, Gone With The Wind. When you have finished with the book, you feel as if you have somehow experienced a lifetime in a historical period that is not your own---- more importantly, a historical period that is uncomfortably, and gratefully, not your own.

While the story spans a long period, it reads quickly (despite the fact that I typically don't) and when you have completed the book, you will feel as if it was an important story for other people to know, and a also a feeling of gratitude that Ms. Norris told it so damned well.

It's a bit rare in lesbian literature to have a love story contain so much depth that the love the two characters feel for each other is so well ingrained within the storyline that it is not THE story...but rather the supporting structure of the book. I really liked that about this book.

Without giving anything away (I am not a fan of reviews that tell the story)---suffice to say that the connections in this book feel as real as novel can get. Don't hesitate to read it, since I typically don't enjoy historical pieces, I really enjoyed living this story. Some of the characters are with me still!

From the Book Cover: World War II is over, and like millions of others, Mary McGhee is looking for a future. A new start, a new job, a new place. But in the small Alabama town she's chosen, she soon finds it's not easy to leave the past behind.
There's the old problem of being an unwelcome woman in a man's world when Mary takes on the challenge of returning a neglected lumber empire to profitability. Then there's Lila Dubose, the boss's wife, who stirs up desires Mary can't escape, fears she can't control, and reminders that she is surrounded by threat.
Set in the shadow of the civil rights movement, "Miss McGhee" is a sweeping tale of forbidden love in a turbulent time. First-time author Bett Norris portrays one of the darkest and most troubling times in American history with exceptional skill and sensitivity, giving us a unique insight into our own recent history.


Can the world be changed just through your individual effort? And can a person change from being naïve, and oblivious and conservative to someone that tries to change the world? Those are the main themes of "Miss McGhee", an historical novel that, through the point of view of two women in love with each other, shows us 17 years of the changes in Myrtlewood, Alabama, from the end of World War II to the civil rights movement in the 60s.
Bett Norris manages to keep us interested throughout the novel and to create two appealing characters in both Mary McGhee and Lila Dubose, and this is certainly a book above average in terms of lesbian fiction. The main problem is the plot, or the lack thereof. Frequently things don't flow plotwise, e.g. the way Lila's racism is introduced, or the dialogue Mary has with Dr Morgan about that, after being described as someone that wanted to be left alone. There is also the "deus ex-machina" appearance of Sammie in the last part of the novel to solve problems between the two main characters. Other times there are things in the novel that make no sense. There are several dialogues between Lila and Mary about possible attitudes to take regarding Buchanan, and those possible attitudes are mostly never acted upon, making the reader wonder why this is so. Also, Lila and Mary's reaction during Sammie's second visit, could make sense in the beginning of their relationship but not after seven years. Anyway, for a first novel this book represents a nice effort.

START OF BACK COVER TEXT - World War II is over, and like millions of others, Mary McGhee is looking for a future. A new start, a new job, a new place. But in the small Alabama town she's chosen, she soon finds it's not so easy to leave the past behind.

There's the old problem of being an unwelcome woman in a man's world when Mary takes on the challenge of returning a neglected lumber empire to profitability. Then there's Lila Dubose, the boss' wife, who stirs up desires Mary can't escape, fears she can't control, and reminders that she is surrounded by threat.

Set in thte shadow of the civil rights movement, Miss McGhee is a sweeping tale of forbidden love in a turbulent time. First-time author Bett Norris portrays one of the darkest and most troubling times in American history with exceptional skill and sensitivity, giving us a unique insight into our own recent history. - END OF BACK COVER TEXT

If you've ever read my reviews, you know I get excited about new authors in the lesbian fiction genre. This first offering by Bett Norris was especially intriguing because it is set in the Old South. There aren't a lot of books in this setting - except for places like Miami and New Orleans - because rural, Southern towns just aren't that exciting. However, Norris pulls this one off without a hitch.

The author introduces Mary McGhee, a woman who takes a job in an unfamiliar town to get away from a bad situation (i.e., she had an affair with a young woman and was paid off by her father to keep quiet and leave town). Little does she know that she's walking into a no-win situation when she's hired by the Dubose family to run their lumber mill.

Mary pushes the limits of tolerance when she hires black men to work alongside the white men, when she hires the family of Mrs. Dubose (a woman who the town believes was basically hired to marry her mentally retarded husband), when she begins helping the black families to improve living conditions and educational opportunities, but especially when she falls in love with her employer. Not only do the two women have to hide their romance from the townsfolk (and society in general, given that the book is set in the 50s), the also feel guilt for cheating on the ambivalent Mr. Tommy Dubose. The only question is - can their love overcome these outside forces?

Being raised in the South in a conservative Baptist household, I could certainly relate to many of the attitudes in `Miss McGhee.' The most disturbing thing about the story is that many of these attitudes still exist - especially in smaller, rural towns away from the Gulf Coast. Hopefully this will change one day. In the mean time, Norris has a winner on her hands with the veritable `Miss McGhee.'

I enjoyed the interaction between the characters. The story line was very serious and yet amusing all at the same time. Mrs Miricle was a delight that gave you the feeling there are really angels in our life that help us through the things we are going through. Debby McComber writings can be very helpful in your everyday life as you see her characters struggling with living out life.

I enjoyed this book so much. I have been reading a lot of Debbie Macombe's series book and was kind of disappointed that this was not one of them and before Debbie Macomber I had not been a fan of books in a series. This is an uplifting book. I highly recommed it.
Happy Reading,
Edie~

As usualDebbie wrote a terrific uplifting book. She really knows how to write a book that you cant put down. I am still looking for more of her books to read.

You gotta love angels!! This is a wonderful story of love, forgiveness, family and faith. My favorite Mrs. Merkle quote (each chapter starts with a quote or saying from Mrs. Merkle)is "You have to wonder about humans. They think God is dead and Elvis is alive." The book also includes a few recipes.

This magical story is part Mrs. Doubtfire/Mary Poppins and part It's a Wonderful Life! I love books set in a faith-based community, and the reason Debbie Macomber is one of my favorite authors is that her style of writing immerses the reader into the setting, making the characters feel like friends and neighbors. The healing power of forgiveness is exemplified in this story. Delivered in a subtle and non-preachy manner, it's a valuable lesson everyone can reflect upon, at Christmas, during Lent, and throughout the year!

This wonderful book was a joy to read. Alex definitely has a way with words and it will be no surprise before a major publisher snatches him up. The brother in the book however was a sex fiend *lol* but I loved the poetry and I loved how the character initially found himself.

This book was so good that it kept my attention and entertained me as well. I found myself laughing outloud and softly crying at some emotional parts of this novel. I would recommend this book highly for those who love to read and those who would LIKE to read a good novel, but just haven't found the RIGHT one. Alex Hairston did a marvelous job on this novel and I can't wait to read his next!! Surprisingly many men are finding this book to be good...probably because they see themselves in Eric Brown, Jr.

I consider myself a pretty avid reader. I happened upon this author as i was going to lunch one day. He was out there sell ing his book and talking with people. I thought to myself if he is working this hard to promote his book I can spend the money to buy it. All i can say is that it is not a waste of time or money. He gives you a funny, sexy and often very touching look at a life most people would consider a pretty normal. It is worth the time spent reading it. Once you pick it up you won't be able to put it down.

This book was extremely well written. I could see the characters as I read. The life of the lead character was one to which most of us could relate and was interesting enough to hold ones attention until the very last word. The poetry was powerful and at times erotic. The book was hard to put down and I was sad when I was finished. I kept rereading the last page. I look forward to the second book from Mr. Hairston and some more of that poetry.

Several months ago, I was asked to read this book. Let me be first to say "never judge a book by its cover". I read 100 pages in a few hours. This is a coming of age, love story that takes on a very indept look at the life of Eric Brown. It was funny, true to life and at times over the top (but that does not mean that it could not happen) and romantic.

Alex's writing is clever and to the point. He does not waste a lot of time telling you the story eventhough sometimes I think he give you too much information (I liked the vacation on the island but I did not need that detail explainaion of the room decor). For his first novel, I think that Alex has written a very clever book that is different from a lot of the other stories that we are reading. I thought the poetry was really good. My personal favorite is "BLACK". Once you met Alex, his appeal will no doubt convenience you that the book is worth reading.

And speaking of covers- The illustration was made by his teenage son! That is very impressive.

Congratulations Again Alex!! I look forward to your next novel from BET books.
Peace and Blessings!!

Though the other stories have much cinematic potential, my favorite of this collection has to be "Dirk Snigby's Guide To The Afterlife." Funny and snarkily irreverent, it is full of the absurdities that is the currency of organized religion. In the right hands, "Dirk" could be the next "Dr. Strangelove" -- a chilling satire on what we fear most after taking that final breath in this life as we open the door to the next. Who knows, perhaps Dirk might in fact be our Guide. Pick up a copy of this anthology for this story alone.

an excellent collection of short stories that will make wonderful movies. standouts :gone to mum's
dirk snigby
some pig
waltzing matilda.
sit back with a long cool drink and enjoy.

_The Hustler, It Happened One Night, High Noon, Minority Report_ and _All About Eve._ Quite an impressive list, but what do these movies all have in common? Give up? They all started as a short story.

Next Stop Hollywood is the brainchild of Steve Cohen and Jonathan Davis. Each year they partner with St. Martin's Press to publish original short stories that are judged by a panel of Hollywood insiders via an international contest, with winning entries compiled into the anthology. Their criteria? Finding stories that would make a great movie or TV project. More than 600 entries were submitted and narrowed down to a mere 15.

Using the same judging criteria, I chose three stories from Next Stop Hollywood to highlight.

Perry Glasser's "An Age of Marvels and Wonders," tells the story of a lonely old man slowly going blind and the young woman who comes into his life. Raylene is a walking hard luck story--with two kids, no money and an abusive ex-husband. Is it any wonder she's skeptical of an offer of help? Bob may slowly be going blind, but he sees far more than mere eyesight allows.

"Gone to Mum's" by Barry Simiana is a richly detailed and poignant story of missed chances, stolen moments, heartbreak and redemption. Simiana's narrator takes readers along on his journey of self-discovery amid the rugged backdrop of Australia. The author paints emotion on his canvas, stunning the reader with the simplicity and honesty of his prose.

"The Good Kid" by Brian Richmond, is a clever tale of deception. Marty is a bank robber on the run with nowhere to go. The kid is more than willing to help. But is he helping himself or Marty? O. Henry would have approved.

With Hollywood scrambling for fresh ideas, it's nice to know that the art of the short story is not completely forgotten.

Armchair Interviews says: Kudos to Cohen and Davis for their part in reviving an endangered genre.

I thoroughly enjoyed these short stories, especially "Dirk Snigby's Guide to the Afterlife". Dirk and the devil would be a hit on the silver screen!

Perry Glasser is a wonderful writer and an inspiration in my own writing. His forthright yet crafty style will leave you complete. You won't be disappointed!

I gave this cookbook to someone as a gift. The recipient loves Northern Exposure. I browsed through it and found the recipes to be very unique. I thought this could be a gift for someone who loves to cook, not just someone who loves Northern Exposure.

This is such a great addition to any Northern Exposure fan's collection, and the recipes are actually pretty good, to boot. The cook book is written "in character" and each person introduces their recipes and tells humerous little anecdotes to go with.

Lots of fun to read even when you aren't planning to cook anything!

I must say, I bought this because I thought it seemed like a fun gimmick and I liked the show, but the recipes are outstanding. I grew up in test kitchens and I can say that the lamb stew is the best I've ever had-- great borscht, too. Lightfeather Duncan's mashed potatoes are the hit of Thanksgiving... but heed their warning about not using the red horseradish, as pink potatoes clash with holiday decor. Eggs Florentine recipe is also noteworthy; love the pungency of the gruyere.

If you loved the show, this is a must. Allegedly written by Ruth-Anne Miller, Cicely's sage and owner of the general store, the book contains wry observations on the folks and life in Cicely, memories of the show and the food served and discussed on it. Surprisingly, the recipes are good - very good ... at least the ones I'd tried. I'm especially fond of the eggplant parmegian recipe. Guess I'll have to take better care of the book now that it's collectible!!

This cookbook is so much fun and a must for any northern exposure fan. All the recipes you heard mentioned from Adam and the zabaglione he whipped up for Eve on their first date to the Cassoulet Chris had at the monastery. It has a little intro to each recipe done in character by the character. There are simple funny recipes like Joel's Jell-O and Marilynn's potatoes and more detailed ones like Adam's and Maurice's. A fun read and walk down memory lane for any northern exposure fan.

This is a very fine book for couples married a long time and whose age is in the "senior" category.

I always try to keep an extra of this book on the shelf for when an anniversary comes around for special people. I received this book years ago and just love it. Everyone I have given this book to just loves the verse and the beautiful graphics. I am so happy I can always go to Amazon.com when I need more copies.

great book for a older anniversary gift especially 50th anniversary. hard cover nice pictures and verses. my amazon coppy had a small tear on corner of the corner of the jacket of the book which was not seen until I opened it but jacket gives a nice presentation. Do to amazon mail packaging.

Whew! What wonderful, choice words Warren Hanson uses to describe love--from first love to "older love," whether he means being in love again when you are older, or the love between people who have been together for years upon years.

His subtle rhyme describes love, especially older love, using images of wine, hands, old shoes, and so much more.

My favorite page says: "Yes, our faces show the traces of the years that have gone by, But it's hard to see the wrinkles with a twinkle in your eye." His "aging together" is so true; just ask me after almost 38 years of marriage (to the same guy!)

The older love concept is so beautifully illustrated--it's simply great knowing that everyone who has a long love will find themselves in this book.

Hanson is both the author and illustrator--as he did on his amazing The Next Place. He is well known for his illustrations on now-famous The Christmas Cup of Tea.

Armchair Interviews says: Gift someone special any day, or on their special day because any day is a good time to celebrate love, whether new or older love.

Though Older Love is written and presented in the style of a picturebook, with gentle two-color illustrations and only a verse or two on each page, Older Love is not meant specifically for children or beginning readers, but rather for readers of all ages, as it celebrates the joy of a golden years relationship. The text is a poem about bonds that transcends age, and the illustrations have a soft and inviting quality to them. An excellent and heartwarming giftbook. "Older love is hands and hearts and souls as they unite / every morning, every evening, / every day and every night. / Like the sun and moon and stars that light the heavens up above, / these two lives will shine together, / with the glow of older love."

FABULOUS! I loved this book of poems written by ten different women. They make it easy for you to feel the joy, desire, pain and humor they've experienced. It connected with my soul.

This cozy book by 10 diverse and talented ladies is a comfortable, intimate read. It provokes thoughts, makes you smile, makes you feel and think about many things. i especially liked Sandy Fackler's 'Green Beads', which evokes poignant childhood memories that many must share.

Anyone over thirty has to relate to P. Diane Truswell's, "Competition Circa 1957," the things women have done to recognize themselves or others. The "how" is different now but the "why" is still the same. "The Dance," by Mary L. Kling speaks for all of us less than gifted wanna-be dancers, ball players, singers, etc. and the people or things that stand in our way. Humor, sorrow, quick and elongated; all the poems in ON WINGS OF WORDS merit one read, or two, or three......

What a wonderful experience!! Loved reading it! These women have truly done a marvelous job of writing what is in women's hearts. They are wonderful. I hope and pray there will be more. Thank you!

Although the book was small, it did pack quite a punch. These ladies seem to write directly from the heart. Many of the passages left you wanting to know more but before long you were relating the topics to things that have happened in your own life. I would recommend the book to all and would hope that there will be more books to follow.

I loved this book. Even tho things worked out in the end as they always do in this genre. I enjoyed the reading the journey Dex and Anthia went through to get there. It must be frustratig to have the love of your life in your life fighting to resist their attraction to you due to some guilt complex. I'm glad Anthia had the courage to go for what she wanted as for Dex he really needed some therapy and not just the sexual kind. Aslog glad good to catch up with the other couples from the past Quinn/Heather Charles/Diane.

One of a Kind was the first book that I read by Bette Ford and now I'm hooked on her books. I've had to go back and order some of the previous books so I could catch up on the story line. And every book that I have read thus far by Bette Ford is going to be getting 5 out of 5 stars. I'm really impressed with the characters in the book and the story line. All the hero's are men I wish I could meet in this life time. So please Mrs. Ford keep them coming.

We met Anthia Jenkins and Dexter Washington in Bette Ford's 1995 novel, "Forever After". In this latest story, she has incorporated couples from her previous books and has managed to bring us another tale of romance and insight in to the Detroit scene. When las hear, Anthia's sixteen-year old son Jeffrey has been shot in the back by a business owner who mistakenly thought he was robbing him. Jeffrey is now a nineteen year-old college student relearned how to walk after years of therapy. Anthia has finally given up her job as a legal secretary and realized her dream of owning own doll-making business specializing in one-of-a-kind orginals. Dexter, the director of the community center where Jeffrey belongs, has been a source of strength and guidance to Anthia, but over the years she has desire more a loving relationship with this bronze god. A shared kiss one night seems to have left Dexter with feelings for Anthia that he had been trying to deny. His past is such a tangled webe that he fears rejection but unable to stay away any longer he turns up on her doorstep wanting to rekindle their friendship. Of course Diane and Charles Randol from "Forever After" see what's going and eventually Anthia and Dexter must admit they mean more to each other than just friends. Meanwhile Dexter must dealing with the concerns of the center,unwanted advances and past family problems. This book initially got off to a slow beginning but was well worth the end results

I loved this novel! I used live in Detroit and I just loved the fact how she makes Detroit look more than just a crime capital of the world! And the characters were real people that have real problems and that can be solved realistically. I love Anthia and I just gaggled over Dexter. I felt like I knew him from a long time ago. She is a great author and I've discovered myself wanting to punch the lights out of both the the characters as the story evoled. The external characters made the book as well and I would like to see one with the son.

OK we learned that Dexter had feelings for Anthia in Bette's book "Forever After" now Bette brings together the two after Jeff has been released from the hospital and is now attending college. Anthia and Dex have become best friends and have falling in love with each other. After a shared kiss they can not think straight.

Anthia was tired of Dex always keeping to himself and never opening up to her. When she comfronts Dex about how she feels she learns of Dex's trouble past. But this does not change the way Anthia feels about him. It just makes her love him even more.

I thought Anthia and Dex would never get it together because they were both keeping their feelings from each other. I was truly happy with the ending when everything came together.

The secondary characters really help bring this book together. It would be nice to see a story on Anthia's son Jeff and Cora. And also on Dana and Jerome.

Go out and get this book and all of Bette's books. You will not be disappointed.

"The Other Half of My Soul" by Bahia Abrams is a story that combines love, suspense, mystery, and drama. Bahia Abrams catches the reader's attention and holds onto it until the very end. She wrote a masterful story. It is hard to believe it is her first novel. "The Other Half of My Soul" is an excellent story.

This is a Romeo and Juliet story between Muslim and Jew, with a tightly wrought plot and carefully done research which takes you to interesting and exotic places around the world. The language suits the ancient cultures of the central lovers and I found that very charming. The story itself was moving and the message heartwarming. It also made me think more deeply about tribal hostilities and how we can overcome them. All in all a very worthwhile read.
H. Kamen

This captivating tale of young lovers torn by centuries' old hatreds was a real page turner. History, current events, friendship, suspense, hate and love all interwoven to provide a fascinating tale. A real page turner with a surprise ending. A wonderful story from a new author. BRAVO.

This book pulls you to the next page and the next chapter beginning with the very first sentence. Forget about sleep. Forget about food. You will be too focused for about a day and a half! This is a great book for book clubs because of the many issues important to our times.

The romantic angle of this awkward social pairing was a bit too cloying but taken as a whole this novel was quite engrossing. The unbending loyalty of the lovers, overcoming tremendous family pressures to dissolve their relationship was the crux of the story. The author neatly engages us in the events of the Middle East and the United States weaving intrigue throughout the love story. The main characters were well drawn and empathic and one feels a deep bond with them.

This was my second book of Janet Sims which I enjoyed immensely. I have read all of her subsequent writings also. Her books keep you reading. They also relate fantastic information which kept my interest peaked. Hated to put the book down to do anything because of her fascinating characters, plots and scene locations for her story. Janet Sims is a must read for all of her books. She has such a range of info within her book, which peak your perhaps unknown/latent interest in oceanography, ranching, ventinarian occupations together with giving you knowlege of historical places. Her characters are always alive and human.

Nice job by Sims with this one! Love tthe storyline, setting, and the characters. I had a ball with this one. Hope you will enjoy it too! Much love Sims!

There is a Brazilian folktale about dolphins that transform themselves into men, come ashore and seduce women. Some Brazilians still believe the river dolphins are magical creatures. They have been described as good-looking, sharp-dressed and entirely irresistible. In Out of the Blue, I combined that Brazilian folktale with Greek mythology and science fiction to bring you the Aquarians, shapeshifting aliens who appear to be black people but who are much more than that. The Aquarians came to earth when mankind was living in caves. When the story begins it is the late 1990s, and marine biologist, Gaea Maxwell, is in Russia on an expedition in search of the blue whale. During the course of her trip, she is standing on deck of the vessel, The Cassiopeia, and she sees something fantastic in the icy waters, a dolphin transforms into a man and back again! Thus begins a fast-paced tale that will have Gaea wondering about her sanity. What she doesn't know is that she has made first-contact with an alien species. And she's closer to them than she imagines. Out of the Blue was my first science fiction romance. My second, Desert Heat, was published in September 2003. Thanks for your time. Janice Sims.
Check me out on the Web. And let me hear from you.

This was my first book that I ever read from Ms. Sims and what made me decide to read it was the concept of a black woman with knowledge of marine biology. You never hear about black males and females in the marine field. I love the idea and hope to see that happen in reality. I also loved how she protrayed her lead character to still have her morals of not sleeping with the first man to sweep her off her feet. In so many books you always see the woman as a weak person who will just sleep with any charming fellow that comes along. As always you spend the rest of the book reading about how the woman overcame being hurt & sad because of some guy that left. After he sleeps with her, leaves her with kids and money problems. Why must women always appear to be the weak link? I loved how Ms. Sims showed how her lead female character followed her beliefs and stood up to people who felt differently. But she still had her weak moments that showed she was still a woman who liked the idea of true love. Both ideas were a delightful change to read in black romance novels and I hope to see more in the future. To you Ms. Sims, I congratulate you on a novel well done. I wish you many more to come.

First, Gaea Maxwell finds out that her "Mr. Right" is Mr. Wrong! Wrong! Wrong! Then, she meets Micah Cavanaugh a man who is on the rebound himself. The chemistry between Micah and Gaea begins to burn down the barriers they have each put up around their hearts.

As Gaea plots to rid herself of an ex-fiance that won't take "no" for an answer, she discovers a shocking family secret that threatens to shatter her world AND her sanity! But instead of running away from a woman with so much "baggage", Micah proves to be an ever-present, stand-by-your-woman man!

Janice Sims, the master storyteller, so skillfully blends the mystique of the Florida Keys with superstition and alien encounters that the truth becomes a blur. In this tale, nothing is as it seems, no one is what you expect them to be...not even those you love the most. The only truth that rings clear is the chemistry, the romance, the love between Micah and Gaea. Hold on...Out of the Blue is Out Of This World!