Contemporary Books

This twelfth in the Duncan Kincaid and Gemma James series is a killer! I love this series, and this book upholds the high standard that Ms. Crombie has set with this wonderful series. This is probably the best new book that I've read this summer as well! Crombie mixes the past with the present in this book, and it is done in a totally unique way. Gemma's friend Erika finds out a brooch that was made by her father before the war has turned up for sale in England, and she wants to know where it came from after all these years. This sets loose a whole series of catastrophic events and brand new murders to cover up an old secret. We see Gemma and Duncan working together to solve this puzzling crime. This is a totally wonderful series, and I highly recommend that anyone interested in police procedurals read it from beginning to end. Ms. Crombie is a wonderful writer who I have come to admire totally.

Deborah Crombie has written a great addition to her Kincaid/James series with WHERE MEMORIES LIE.

I particularly like the fact that Duncan and Gemma are back in the forefront of this series and not relegated to secondary characters like I believe they were in their last outing. It was also a smart move to have a bit less of Kit in this book, simply because I think to much emphasis has been placed on this character in the last couple of books.

The flow of the storyline moves from past to present seamlessly, and the actual mystery is a good one, although I figured out "who done it" quite early on in the book.

Crombie does a great job bringing her characters to life. If you like a good mystery, try this one.

I've always liked the Duncan Kincaid/Gemma James books and this one was no disappointment. Glad I read it.

This book is a perfect blend of mystery and history. Yet again, Crombie manages to engage us in the lives of her detectives, Gemma James and Duncan Kincaid, their respective families, collegues and friends. The family dynamics are especially well done-the interactions feel real and are touching.
I loved the excerpts from books that introduced each new chapter.

How very rare it is to find a series that never disappoints! Crombie's Gemma James/Duncan Kincaid mystery - their 13th - takes place in Notting Hill and Chelsea, with glimpses of St Paul's tossed in. The plot takes us to London during the Blitz, with the emphasis on Jewish immigrants from Hitler's Germany. The chapter headings come from diaries of the time as well as histories and make great reading all by themselves.

Gemma's fascinating friend, Erika Rosenthal, is the focus of much of the action and we get to enter her world, past and present. Crombie doesn't beat us over the head with the suffering of the Jews, however, and that makes the sharply-drawn scenes we do get all the more powerful. The plot is very plausible and peopled with vivid characters - Mr Khan is an especially delightful surprise. I've always admired Crombie's bravery at setting her stories in England, and once again she comes through without putting a foot wrong. Nor does she follow the Elizabeth George model of piling on so much researched background detail that you are too numb to notice any day-to-day errors. She gives us Brit characters speaking believable Brit in a detailed setting stocked with flowers and dogs and a fine cat. I love the little bits and pieces of real life Crombie always fits in. Two novels ago I ended up buying Clarice Cliff pottery; now I'm listening to Barb Jungr - education through mystery novels.

The action moves quickly and even the to-ing and fro-ing part of the mystery (where the sleuths put the bits together before the big finale, my least favorite part) is crisply accomplished. In fact, at 295 pages, it was all over far too soon.

The family gets less air-time than I'd like, some attention having to go to Gemma's sick mother and blustery father, but Kit continues to develop as a wonderful character. Hope we see more of the boys next time, as well as Gemma's associate Melody, who is getting very edgy and interesting. The ending isn't exactly Harriet and Peter exchanging Latin tags on Magdalen Bridge, but it's quite good enough to make long-time readers smile. Brava.

THIS BOOK RECEIVED THE PEN/OAKLAND JOSEPHINE MILES AWARD FOR BEST BOOK OF POETRY.

ALSO, PACIFIC RIM REVIEW OF BOOKS, SUMMER 2007 WROTE:

"In this beautifully written book, Leza Lowitz seeks to share the inner landscape of her yoga journey and to inspire others to take this same journey from individuation to unity...She accomplishes this by capturing the spirit of yoga with strong images and simple free verse firmly grounded in the experience of practice in mind, body, and spirit...This is not the yoga of the hip and trendy, but the yoga of a true seeker--an ordinary woman who has discovered her Self through movement, and has found acceptance and grace through allowing her body and soul to unfold with yoga. Named after yoga postures and breath work, Lowitz's poems capture the spirit of yoga again and again. In "Sutra Hasta Majoriasana (Threading the Needle)," simple yet powerful metaphor reveals the essence of the pose in body, mind and consciousness.

...untangling a knot
that is my life
the knot becomes my teacher...

the needle that is sharp
at dawn
might be broken by dusk...

The thread that is straight today
doesn't know
it will be knotted tomorrow.

The knot
that is tangled today
could be woven into gold
ten years from now.

That is why
I thread the needle,
honoring the odds
steadying my arms
softening my breath
working the knot,
trusting.

Any reader will recognize the moment when challenges are viewed as an opportunity to learn and grow. A yoga practitioner will recall the pose and know that each moment on the yoga mat is a metaphor for life. Lowitz's words inspire us to embrace each posture as an opportunity to remain mindful of each moment, to learn and grow, and to cultivate faith."

--Christine Morita Clancy, PRR Issue Six, Summer 2007

Yoga Poems- Lines to Unfold By... is a glorious collection.
These poems bring a beautiful perspective to each asana.
At the end of a practice, I select a poem of an asana of focus for the day. I quietly share this with the class during relaxation, as the mind is open and the body calm. It is truely heartening to me to see the soulful, connection it often brings to the receiver.

This book is ideal to sell in your studio as well as a simple and delightful gift for anyone in your spiritual community...

laughter, love and light in Colorado

As someone who came to Yoga after 60, I have found Yoga Poems:Lines to Unfold By from author Leza Lowitz inspiring! Not only has she given a beautiful voice to the asanas but she has given me the desire to go even deeper into the heart of Yoga practice. I can visualize the poses in her poetic imagery. The poems are as serene as Yoga is meant to be. I loved the illustrations and only wish that each pose had its own rather than just those introducing the various sections.
Donna Mendelsohn

This is a delightful, delicious, exquisite book. I could nibble on it all day long! Leza's Yoga Poems are lovely to read while sitting in Upavistha Konasana (Seated Wide Angle Pose) or while eating an icecream sandwich after class. It is wonderful company if you are eating dinner alone. This books structure beautifully reflects the eight "limbs" or stages of yoga. Each inspired poem is named after an asana, (the Sanskrit term for a yoga posture), or a breathing practice. Like the other reviewers who practice yoga, I was amazed by how well Leza Lowitz captured the spirit of each asana. She has successfully united her passion for yoga with her love of poetry. The illustrations by yoga teacher and artist Anja Borgstrom are perfect. This is a magical book that also makes a most romantic present. If you are looking for a gift for the special Yogi or Yogini in your Life, or a perfect present for your teacher, I promise, this book will please them!

Suza Francina, author, "Yoga and the Wisdom of Menopause" and "The New Yoga for People Over 50."

Yoga Poems: lines to unfold by
tell the truth about more
than the poses they limn;
they tell about we
who unfold in the poses,
our moods
our aspirations
our whims;
lines to unfold by
are lines to live by;
as we learn to unfold the lines
as we learn to unfold the poses
we unfold ourselves.

"Africa Unchained" is a very interesting book. It proposes "the blueprint for Africa's future." To find out how workable the proposal is one has to read the book. However, here is how the author goes about the subject. First, he explains why Africa is poor. Four themes form the answer. One, Africa is poor because of the failure of Western policies. Second, Africa is poor because of the ill-conceived development model African countries pursued upon political independence - its ideology, strategies, mistakes, and a feeble leadership. Third, colonial and neo-colonial policies hampered progress "by imposing an alien system that destroyed Africa's heritage". Finally, Africa is poor because of unfavorable development finances, which made possible a resource curse, widened resource gap, and facilitated aid dependency.

Out of the failure emerged a new set of problems such as an exploitative state, which promoted wrong-headed industrialization policies, along with self-destructive agricultural, inflation, and foreign debt policies.

To avoid further failure and get out of poverty, Africa needs a new approach. The proposal recommends development of indigenous economic systems which are supportive of property rights, and free market and voluntary exchange mechanisms. The book cites Botswana as an example that development is possible in Africa if one follows the "Atinga development model". The Atinga model centers on a new strategy that is taking place at the village level, is inclusive of the informal sector and invests in it. If that happens, an African Renaissance will follow.

This is a credible effort, indeed. My hesitation is that focus on Africa, instead of African countries is unlikely to produce helpful results. In the age of globalization, endogenous systems are likely more productive than indigenous systems. Strongly recommended.

Amavilah, Author
Modeling Determinants of Income in Embedded Economies
ISBN: 1600210465

Excellent, very well written, researched and a must for anyone who is serious about economic development in Africa

This book, in a word is: Remarkable! God created "All Men Equal", and suffice to say, African's wherever they are in the Diasporia, are, apart of the Human Family. We all know the history of Colonialism/Slavery; however, Africa, through the Post colonial period has had about a little over 40 years to work toward: Social Stability, Nationhood, Systems of Government-that works, and developing strategies of amalgamation/unity and [Order] Social Order, that would ensure, development in all phases of social acceptance, and a recognition that Africa is ready to join the Nations of the Industrial Revolution. Sadly, Africa, has not reached the rate of development that is required and that other continents under Quasi-Colonialism have achieved. This has always troubled me. This book tells in stark terms, why the Sub-African Continent continues to lag behind the Universal Determinants. This book puts the blame on African Leadership and in details supports it's thesis with inexplicable evidence. Sure, it speaks of the lingering vestiges of Colonialism, but, the emphasis is on the modern leaders who have "shortchanged" Africa's [Greatest Resource]...the People. This book, was the "cornerstone" for my research and understanding of the chronic problems of Africa's Underdevelopment. The Premise in my view is this: If Africa remains in it's current state, the Peoples of African Descent around the Globe with find Freedom and their proper place in the World of Division of Races and Ethnicity, wanting. I recommend this book to all scholars and those who seriously long for the remedy of how to resolve and solve and find the Social Solutions to Africa's problems. Africa remains: The sleeping giant!

This is the most brilliant text on Africa I have read, and I don't say that lightly. With almost 500 pages of small text, it's not exactly a breeze to get through, but it is worth every second spent. The author unapologetically describes the mess that the "Hippo" generation following decolonization made, and how it ruined the continent. His prescriptions, which amount to `Africans must solve their own problems in their own way, growing out of African traditions', is right on. I hope that anyone interested in Africa reads this book.

He put's his faith on africa's young up and coming "cheetahs", and so do I. I feel empowered by George's bare knuckle rumble in the jungle with the political elite and can't wait to join this fight.
They'll fight dirty, and we'll fight smarter and faster and with a good old man like George to show us the tricks, we shall overcome.

I bought this book on a whim a few months back, admired the photos, and then stuck it on the shelf and sort of forgot I had it. I took it out again a couple of weeks ago and decided to try one of the simpler projects - a reverse appliqued book cover. I'm hooked! The instructions were clear, the results were beautiful, and the book itself is inspiring. Since that book cover, I've made myself 2 t-shirts, a beaded headband, and have started another t-shirt and a skirt. Nothing has been difficult to do, and the simpler projects can be finished in just a few hours. The finished items are really striking, and look like you must have spent a fortune in some little boutique.

I stumbled upon this book, not at all familiar with Natalie Chanin or her work. The gorgeous photography and the style of the projects convinced me to buy it. I'm glad I did because I've enjoyed it tremendously. From the history of cotton to the down home recipes to the clearly written patterns, this book is a treat for the reader. It is inspiring and inspired. The work is lovely and most important - doable for the average stitcher. No machine required, no special skills required, just the basic stitches and the willingness to craft something by hand. I'm so glad I found this so I can craft some gifts for my family that are lovely and infinitely practical.

I checked this book out on a whim from our library and promptly fell in love with it even though I'm not much of a seamstress. I love the author's use of lots of different techniques in varying combinations. I've never seen anything quite like the design choices and techniques used in this book. My only complaint: the clothing pattern sizes are limited. Normally I find it insulting when a designer ignores anyone over a size 14 but this book was so full of inspiration that I let that slide in the hope that I can adapt for my slightly fuller figure. Even if I never make a single project in this book I know I'll spend many hours soaking up the colors and textures.

I absolutely LOVE this book! The concept of taking something and remaking it is so practical. I like that there are patterns in the back of the book. The descriptions of "how to" are well written. Great pictures. I was so inspired that I went to the author's website and blog for further study! If you like handsewing and embroidery work (although machine sewing is an option, you will enjoy this book.

What a fabulous, fabulous book. Even though the reviews are all so good, I was not prepared to be blown away by this book. It is gorgeous. And even though I had looked at the cover, I still didn't expect something so cool. I hadn't ordered it originally because I had the vague impression it was mainly about quilting - a craft that looks pretty but has never appealed to me - it's probably a culture thing, you have to be American to like it. Like cupcakes, knitted or otherwise... Anyway. This is the ultimate book for the 21st century recycler /crafter. It puts all the other deconstruction - recycling - wannabe hipster books in the shade. The projects are adorable, I want to make them all. The instructions and special tips are clear and detailed, and although I've been sewing for years, I have already picked up a few tips. There are templates, patterns and even recipes. The photography and layout is beautiful - artistic AND clear, which is not always the case!

This was a very good read. It was two stories in one book. The first story was about Lydia Lord, a woman in search of something better in her life, feed up with her job she quits and then volunteers at a camp for disadvantaged youth. Kennedy Fletcher is a ex football player, he walked away from a mulitmillion dollar contract seeking something worthwhile in his life. When the two meet at Camp Six Nations, the attraction is instant, but can they put to rest the past to find a love that's everlasting. The second book is about Quintin Lord, a photographer who is tried of the bevy of beautiful women he has shared his bed with, he's looking for something more permanant in his life. Victoria Jones is a women who is still trying to heal the wounds left by her ex, so when she meets Quintin she's drawn to him instantly. The only problem is she has a secret that may put an end to the great relationship that has developed between her and Quintin. Both books are very good, but read Quintin's story first because it is the first in the continuing series.

I really loved this book; for me it confirmed that there is such a thing as real love and that eventhough everything is not perfectly laid out the impossible is just as real as the possible. Excellent read.

Tiring of politics in the kitchen of the five-star restaurant where she is employed, twenty-seven-year-old Lydia Lord knows it's time to move on. With aspirations to launch a gourmet styled restaurant, she resigns from her position and goes back to Baltimore to get organized.

A painful connection with a professional athlete left a bad taste in Lydia's heart, especially for athletes, so her plans do not include romance; she needs to devote all of her attention to her business. To test her ability to supervise a restaurant staff, Lydia volunteers her talents as Head Chef at Camp Six Nations, a summer camp for disadvantaged kids. But her plans take a slight detour when she runs into former football star Kennedy Fletcher. Will she remember her resolve and stay focused?

Former Baltimore Ravens' running back, Ken Fletcher, turned down a multimillion-dollar contract and abruptly left football while at the top of his game. Tired of fortune-seeking 'groupies', and no longer wanting a commitment, Ken only dallies in temporary seductions. He is now a savvy businessman who wants to help underprivileged kids. But the defiant, independent, and sultry chef, who has come to camp, may force him to rethink his resolve about women and relationships.

ALL MY TOMORROWS is a connecting book from the Lord family history, the Lords were first introduced in a debut novel, Home Sweet Home. ALL MY TOMORROWS highlights Ms. Alers' ability to tell a solid story with enough romantic drama to capture the romance in reader's hearts. There is a secondary story that centers on foster care and adoption programs. To bring readers up to date with the Lords, Ms. Alers included Home Sweet Home in this two-story book, it will be a separate review.

Reviewed by aNN
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

Rochelle Alers have returned to the scene with a classic and a newbie to add to her even indulging list of titles with BET. BET has heard the request for Quintin Lord's younger sister Lydia to get her own story and they have also heard the readers who have been screaming that they can't locate Home Sweet Home so when they reached their tenth anniversary and they decided to release books with new and old stories in them from classical writers they made an exceptional choice with Rochelle's Lord family.

All My Tomorrow
Lydia Lord decides that she doesn't like being passed up just because of some chief who doesn't want to be shown up by a twenty seven year old so she decided to quit her job at a four star restaurant to go work at a summer camp for eight weeks without pay to allow to underclass children to come to the camp but most importantly to see if she could run her own restaurant. With the past on her tail and the present in her face she doesn't know what to do when she meets Kennedy Fletcher she makes it known that she doesn't date athletes but he informs her he no longer an athlete but a sports director at the One Nation camp but he doesn't disclose all information to her about who he really is and what he really has. Kennedy Fletcher decided to leave football when a friendship gets out of hand because of one deceitful lie that lead to a locker room brawl so deciding rather than lose his status as a role model in the NFL he walks off leaving many wondering what caused him to quit with no comment to the media. Kennedy has a past that doesn't allow him to trust to easily but it also doesn't allow him to reminisce about his football days because it hurts too much to think of how it all ended. Ken finds himself falling in love with Lydia and although he isn't sure where to go with the love he has for her he knows that he doesn't intend to allow it to walk away from him but when he finds himself competing with her past he isn't sure whether she can let go to allow him to love her. Lydia finally realizes that she loves Ken and that she has to tell him with the thought of the Gypsy on her mind that read Ken and her palm she realizes what the lady was telling her and how to decipher who was who when it came to the two men who would tell her they love her.

Home Sweet Home
Quintin Lord is an artist with a genuine taste in his works while his work habits are a little more distasteful his habits include binges of eating out, dirty clothes scattered across his loft, and loud music but when he meets his new neighbor Victoria Jones for the first time not only is he intrigued by her he is also reprimanded by her to turn his music down. Victoria Jones is a former dancer turned cater when she loses something precious and dear to her she finds herself making some life altering decisions that leaves her devastated and feeling less like her self which leaves her with a shield around her heart. When Quintin finds himself falling in love with Victoria he isn't sure what to do but he is sure that he will marry her before the end of the year while Victoria is determined not to let another man under her shield but find herself becoming emotionally, physical, and romantically involved with Quintin Lord but when Quintin mentions the one thing she can't have she finds herself backing away from it and pulling back from him. Quintin Lord and Victoria Jones finds their selves in a romantic duel that leaves them wanting for one another but will leave someone with a decision that will altered their whole life.

The stories that Rochelle present about the Lords' is very exciting and exhilarating as you watch the two couples fall in love and in return find happiness in ways that they never thought possible in the lives that they lived.

In "All My Tomorrow's", author Rochelle Alers crafts a fine story of the developing romance of chef Lydia Lord and former football star Kennedy Fletcher.

Lydia meets Kennedy as she arrives to serve as the chef for a summer camp for disadvantaged children from urban environments. She has come to this position after walking away from a position as an assistant chef in a thriving, well regarded restaurant after being passed over from promotions one too many times. Lydia has been hurt by unfulfilled love in the past and comes to the company to focus on her potential for opening her own restaurant and with no thoughts of looking for love. This all changes on the very first day at camp when she meets her cabin neighbor and camp sports director Kennedy.

Kennedy has walked away from an illustrious career in sports at the height of his popularity and money-earning potential; he is owner and sports director of this camp that fulfills his dream to help those who have had fewer successful opportunities than he. He, too, has been scarred by romances gone wrong in the past and has sworn off serious commitments with women. Something about the gutsy, confident Lydia shakes his resolve on that point however.

In this book, Alers explores the coming together of these two wounded and mature souls in an all-satisfying way that explores both their friendship and burgeoning romantic interest. The book is a 2-in-1 bonus that also contains the previously published novel "Home Sweet Home" in which Lydia was first introduced as the younger sister of the male romantic lead Quintin Lord. Although this second story doesn't rise to the same level of greatest as the newer one, it is a nice touch to include it in the same book.

Tons of great beading techniques & some history lessons to go with. No need for me to repeat in 2008 what others have been writing since 2005! :)

I do want to point out this book is unique in my collection because it's the only one I know of to cover polygon stitch. Not only is it covered, the instructions are easy and there is a FANTASTIC chart to go with it so you can resize it, change your bead counts/rows and weave this hollow tubular rope in any number of ways. I'd like to hug the author for publishing that chart alone! :)

This is a truly beautifully organized and presented book. It appeals to a wide audience, not only those who plan to create the beaded jewelry from the detailed instructions given. It is excellent from a historical basis, and those who just want to look at the lavish photos will be richly rewarded!

This is an interesting book, filled with history about beading. I do wish Ms Hector had given specific instructions for her "big bead" Japanese beads (shown on the back of the book).

I have been doing beadwork, writing about beadwork, researching beads and beadwork, devoting my master's degree work to beadwork ... everything I have ever done these past 10 years seem to relate to beads ... even vacations with my wife center on going to specific bead stores, collections and museums.

This book is PHENOMENAL! There are things in this book that I could never have dreamed about. The photography, illustrations and explanations for the projects are first rate. Linking them to traditional pieces is brilliant.

This is the one book that will change the face of beadwork to come in the future.

Beadworkers have traditionally received less volume and detail in their guidebooks than quilters, but the genre is growing and has been enhanced by the addition of Valerie Hector's The Art Of Beadwork: Historic Inspiration, Contemporary Design. Valerie Hector is a famous jewelry designer who invited several artists to use a piece of beadwork from another time or culture as inspiration for creating a new piece: The Art Of Beadwork celebrates this effort, blending history and an overview of cross-cultural beading traditions with artist profiles and fun projects for creating necklaces, earrings, pins and more. With the world as its inspiration, The Art Of Beadwork features inspirational pieces from around the world, with diagrams and easy project notes assuring relative newcomers will be able to duplicate the polished results.

Great start to a funny series, would live to see this on tv. Three sisters all different from each other and its the quiet one, curvy one that gets the handsome rich guy. I give this 4.5 stars, would be 5 but I tend to roll my eyes at romances that takes place in a few weeks too unrealistic for me to handle lol. Plus would be nice if the permed or weaved hair was not described as if its a badge honour. Writers, most AA /black women have very curly hair naturally growing out of their scalps, some even have short afros lets celebrate this African beauty and stop trying to look like Caucasians...

Tamara Sneed does it again with the next installment of the Sibley sisters! Of course the three sisters, Kendra, Charlie, and Quinn (introduced in At First Sight) find themselves in Sibleyville, CA to celebrate Christmas. Kendra is the athletic opinionated New Yorker, while Charlie is the gentle/compassionate middle sister. This story is about Quinn, who comes across as the superficial Hollywood actress initially. Only Ms. Sneed could pull off an incredible love story with two characters who couldn't be more mismatched (but looks are deceiving indeed). Wyatt was introduced as Graham's bestfriend in At First Sight.

Since the other reviewers gave great summaries, I'm writing from a different perspective. What makes Ms. Sneed stand out as a writer is her unique sense of humor and ability to make the most unusual circumstances seem normal. When I read the plot summary on the back of this one I kept wondering how she was going to make this story believable, but she's gifted. I initially thought Wyatt and Quinn were flat secondary characters in At First Sight (though I enjoyed the story). I didn't think I would be able to like Quinn or find Wyatt appealing in their own story. in which they'd be center stage. However, I couldn't have been more wrong. Ms. Sneed makes them real and their love undeniable. This is a heartwarming story that will make you laugh and love. I can't wait for Kendra's story!

First book she's come out with in almost 2 years, and let me just say girlfriend hasn't forgotten how to write. Same lovable hilarious kinds of characters that she's known for. I especially liked the fact that the heroine of the book was not tall and thin like every other woman in every other romance novel I've ever read. Kudos to Ms. Sneed.

Set in the small town of Sibleyville, California, with a population if fifteen thousand, we enter the world of the Sibley sisters. Kendra, the oldest, is a Wall Street whiz kid; Charlie, the middle sister, has a Master's Degree in Art History; and last but not least is Quinn, the baby of the family, a television mega star. Three sisters, as different as night and day in every way, from employment, to personality, styles and beliefs.

They have not seen or spent time with each other in years. They are now forced to live together because of their grandfather's will, praying to inherit what they are hoping are millions, for their own individual reasons. One sister wants to start her own business, another has been fired from her job. The third trusted the wrong man. Kendra, Quinn, and Charlie feel as if the two weeks they spend together are an eternity. Their emotions run the gamut from humor to sorrow. Unfortunately, Charlie is stuck in the middle trying to be the peacekeeper.

AT FIRST SIGHT, written by Tamara Sneed, is a wonderful story of forgiveness. Sneed allowed us to laugh, cry, and feel pain and disappointment. She also tossed in a few handsome men, which turned AT FIRST SIGHT into a real party. In future books I hope we hear more from the secondary characters.

Reviewed by Toni Bonita
for The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

This is the first novel I've read by Tamara Sneed. It is a great read! It was LOL funny, and very romantic. Ms. Sneed definitely made you want to be right in the middle of the imaginary town of Sibleyville. If for nothing more than to witness all the comical mishaps between Charlie and Graham. She captured the feel of the small country town, the attractions, the politics, and the sense of community. The main characters were well developed. Even the secondary characters were quite memorable, yet they did not take away from Graham and Charlie's story. Graham and Charlie's story was awesome, you will definitely enjoy the attraction between the two of them. Boy, I thought if they didn't hook-up soon, Charlie was definitely going to be the death of Graham with her clumsiness. Can't wait to hopefully read more about Quinn and Wyatt, there was definitely something going on with them. Overall it was a very enjoyable, quick read!

This book is one of my favorites. I have read this book seven times. I know this book very well. It was so beautifully written. I can't wait for Cheryl to come out with a new book. But Alexander Jenkins and Warren Michaels, are two of my favorite characters. I'm hoping she will come out with a part two to them. But please, if you haven't gotten this book yet, do so. You won't regret it at all.

This book was my introduction into the world of reading romances. I was home sick in the bed with the flu and could not move if I wanted to. I read it from cover to cover in a matter of hours and loved every minute of it. Even after reading it again for the third time, I found yet another reason to love this book. If you have a friend that you want to give a "just because" gift to...this is it.

THIS IS THE BEST ROMANCE NOVEL EVER!!! I, too found myself talking back to the characters and feeling every emotion as if I was in the story. The characters and their struggles are so real. This author has certainly found a #1 Fan in me!!!!

At First Sight is a down to earth romance. It is very easy to relate to Warren and Alex because they go through common situations. Ms.Faye's other book, " A Time for Us " is equally good if not better. I commend her on such great writings and for giving us great romance books to read!.

So much drama! Alexandra Jones meets Warren Michaels an old college mate of her brother David in his restaurant. Warren invites David and Alexandra to his home for his birthday party. David can't come, but Alexandra assures him that she will be there and will bring a friend. Warren doesn't remember David having a sister so beautiful. Alexandra was just 14 years old when Warren and David were in college.

Alexandra Jones is a hard-working young woman who is in a relationship that is at a dead end. Her boyfriend Gerard is really beginning to bore her. He is not thoughtful or considerate he is just Gerard.

Warren Michaels is a successful restaurateur. He has two restaurants one on each side of the city. He was in love with his girlfriend Susan, until she started accusing him of cheating on her. She would even embarrass him in front of his friends with her nonsense. He knew it was probably time to end this relationship. He is excited about his birthday party. Susan started tripping early that morning when Alexandra called to get information about the party.

Alexandra kind of felt Warren's girlfriend didn't like other women around him. She and her best friend Shari went to Warren's party. Warren asks Alexandra if she would like a tour of his spacious home and she agrees. While they were in his exercise room, Warren's girlfriend Susan confronts him. She wanted to know what he was doing down there with Alexandra alone! Alexandra felt sorry for Warren, but Warren was kind of glad it happened. He was getting sick of Susan and her sick accusations of him cheating on her. She threatens that she will leave him and he says GOOO!!!!

Warren and Alexandra then start to see each other and the sparks fly between them. Warren feels good about his relationship with Alexandra. He wants to be with her all the time. Well one evening Susan comes to see him at the club and drops the bomb on him that she is pregnant. Warren can't believe it! Alexandra asks him what the problem is and he tells her nothing. Warren knows he shouldn't keep this from her, but if he tells her she might leave him. Well you know she finds out and not only that she finds out that she is pregnant too!

I don't want to tell you anymore, because you have got to read this book. My goodness! I wish I would have read this book before now. It was the BOMB! I think this is the best book Ms. Faye has written to date. You have got to read this book, if you haven't already.

I can't say I enjoyed this book, because the subject matter was so sad. Read it for book club, and I do appreciate the writing and characters because they were so well done.

I could not put it down once I started. It is very riveting and made for a greater understanding of a complex issue.

Yasmina Khadra is the nom de plume of Mohammed Moulessehoul. This Algerian army officer wrote under this female name because he feared censorship due to his position. He revealed himself in 2001 after an already impressive body of work.

What can I say that the others reviewers haven't already said? "The Attack" is a short, powerful, extraordinarily well-written book. Protagonist Amin Jaafari, an Arab surgeon raised within Israel's borders, has worked hard to overcome stereotypes throughout his career. He's obtained his surgical residency and is by all accounts a top-notch emergency room doctor. Now, his wife is slowly revealed to be a suicide bomber, a fact he cannnot get his arms around. As the facts and evidence pile up, the latent feelings of his peers rise quickly to the surface.

Writer Moulessehoul takes us on chilling trips into Jenin and Ramallah. The details of these gripping passages tell me that the book could not have been written without the author himself walking those same steps. These are the best parts of a uniformly outstanding novel.

I liked learning about the Middle East, my book club reads a lot about the region. This was a very interesting and deeply personal story. You almost felt that he really lived this story. Suicide bombing confounds us, especially in the United States. I really felt like he understood the reasoning behind it. Then you add the issues of predjudice, and his marriage (the secret lives of spouses), and you have a rich book. This will make you think.

Great CD for students who have trouble reading and need to listen to the book while reading. It is word for word matching the book. Still difficult to understand the content but better than trying to read the book alone. Narrated by someone with an accent that may be difficult to be understood by younger students.

I was in my sophomore year of high school when I first read this book when it first came out, and that was a long time ago. I remember my dad bought me the book. "Bands of Gold" was the very first African-American romance novel that I have read, and I fell in love with it.

i thought this was a pretty good read. i enjoyed it very much.

I thought this was a good read, wasn't quite what I expected. But overall it was a sweet, romantic tale, long lost loves, hidden loves, loves given second chances, balancing professional and personal. I thought the romance between Christina and Jackson was sweet, glad they were able to work out their differences. I did feel bad for Reggie and Angela, they seemed like good people, they just feel in love with two people that were met to be together. Glad Christina got to meet with her father and that Jackson was able to forgive his dad and come to some sort of understanding, so that they could have a relationship.

If it were possible, I would give this book ten stars. I've read some great romance novels in the past. But, nothing like Bands of Gold. There was something different about this book. Bands of Gold was the first book I've read by the author. Since I enjoy it so much, I've decided to get her whole collection.

Christina Marshall has got it together! Young, ambitious and Black this powerhouse of a woman intends to be a mover and shaker in her career field. Her success in turning around the mismanaged company of Orion resulted in her promotion to steer the helm of OPTIMA the premier subsidary of Communications Limited. She has it all but emotionally she finds herself empty. She yearns for more than what a career, house and new locale in Atlanta can offer.

Jackson Duncan is another up and coming young Black man who is destined to be a star at Optima. Attractive, sensual and cropped short wavy hair, the women at Optima can not help but to notice him. In fact, his new boss Christina eyes him now and again. When the two meet sparks begin to fly, and egoes begin to clash. Are these two ambitious colleagues able to discover life's true priorities and love? Come read and see how this relationship develops.

Angela Benson presents us with a sensitive and sensual romance of two young Black professions who have to cope with office politics, resentments, well kept secrets and pressures on the job. As they try to develop a personal relationship beyond the materialism that their jobs offer they find that they must let go things from their past. You will see their joys, fears and secrets revealed as they open themselves up to the possibility of finding true love. Enjoy this wonderfully crafted African-American romance.