Contemporary Books

This book is a real pleasure - both aesthetic and culinary. The recipes are well written and easy to follow. DROOL!

This book first caught my eye as it was featured in the gift shops at Zion and Grand Canyon National Park. After a short introduction to well-prepared SouthWest food on this trip, I did some research and this book seemed to be a fan favorite.

I highly recommend this book for several reasons - 1) there is plenty of background information to satisfy your curiosity without overwhelming you; 2) the recipes and instructions are well-thought out and organized around an efficient work plan; 3) there are plenty of basic recipes such as salsa fresca, guacamole, and avocado and corn salsa; from these basics, you can create your own dishes; and 4) the photography is stunning.

Chef Jacques Pepin offers the foreword for a gorgeous, oversized collection of recipes and menus pairing lovely color photos of not just foods but regional scenery with a cook's guide to specialties. This is a presentation piece cooks will relish: its dishes come from a chef and author who uses nearly forty years in the Southwest among professional circles to provide home cooks with unique dishes, from Corn Soup with Poblano Chilies to Apricot Chicken. An outstanding presentation.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

Seasonal Southwest Cooking: Contemporary Recipes & Menus for Every Occasion is an amazingly versatile cookbook. Looking through this book, the reader can easily find tasty recipes to create something new and exciting for a family meal. Most of the items in these recipes can be found in the average kitchen with missing ingredients creatively substituted with what's at hand.

However, within this book, the reader can also find recipes suitable for special occasions. In fact, menus for special occasions ranging from romantic soirees and thoughtful brunches, through formal buffets and informal barbeques to festive Thanksgiving and Christmas meals are provided at the beginning of this book. Each month's menu is based upon a seasonal theme. Throughout the book, photographs of the southwest landscape during these various seasons are illustrated. These photographs are absolutely breathtaking and definitely help the reader get into the southwest mood as he or she cooks.

I bought this book for my father-in-law who loves to cook and loves southwestern food. I decided to flip through the book when it arrived and couldn't put it down to wrap it so decided to use five of the recipes and make my father-in-law his birthday dinner from the book I was giving him. I chose Pulled pork (which as a unique ancho chile-dried cherry sauce, YUM!), Cow boy beans (sounds boring, but I could have eaten the entire pot myself it was so good!), chipotle cornbread (spicy, just the way we like it!), cornmeal biscuits (a great non-spicy biscuit with a great texture and flavor, couldn't decide if I liked the chipotle cornbread or these better!), and triple chocolate, ancho chile, and almond tart for dessert (decedently divine!). I also loved how the book has a sample menu for each month of the year so entertaining can be that much less work. The book also included some great recipes that utilized different catus. There are also specatcular photographs of southwestern landscapes and plants that give this book a elegant coffee table feel.

So, if you, or you need to buy a gift for someone who loves to cook and loves southwestern food this is the book for you! I am going to have to buy my own copy so I don't end up stealing my father-in-law's.

I fell in love with this book the first time I read it, and the 2nd and 3rd. This should be a movie it is so special...
There are almost no words to describe how special this story is to me.
If you haven't read it, please do.. You won't be sorry.

Highly recommended! I loved Mary Alice Kruesi's Second Star to the Right. Her tale is exquisitely endearing, making wonderful use of the Peter Pan story (I, too had a crush on Peter as I was growing up) and interweaving it with the lives of Jack Graham, the hero, Faye O'Neill, the heroine and her children, and of course, Wendy. The book makes you want to believe in the magic of happy endings, and has you listening for bells and watching for shooting stars. The last chapter was a bit blurred, as I had to read it through tears. Congratulations, Mary Alice: another tour de force!

What a wonderfull surprise!I am not an easily pleased reader. I need my characters to feel real to me. Most romance book characters are fluffy and disapointing. This book was writing of a higher caliber. It was lighthearted and fun with out insulting my intelligence. Thank you Mary Alice Kruesi!

This was one of the best romances I've read in years. I laughed and I cried and I felt like a kid again, experiencing the magic of an unforgettable love story. Mary Alice Kreusi has won a fan for life with this spectacular book.

A gorgeous novel. Mary is a superb writer, and I love the subtle way she has extended the Peter Pan story in this absolute gem.

While the original Peter Pan story revolved around Peter's attempt to delay Wendy's transition to womanhood (he took the children on her last night in the nursery), in Second Star we find Peter Pan (the Guardian of the Dead and the Lost Souls) is pivotal to the now aging Wendy's transition to the next life - which as the book suggests, may also be in the Never Land.

Mythology and quantum reality theory aside, this is also a beautiful love story, and the way in which Faye's relationship unfolds is just challenging enough to keep you guessing.

First class piece of writing. I'd love to see a sequel in which the ghost of Pan walks again.

from this author. The story was believable, the heroine is a hoot, and the hero is sexy yet unassuming. I love it.

This witty, tongue in cheek, yet bone deep tale has a lot more to share than humor, steamy sex and fun twists and turns. Ms. Skully addresses those judgmental misconceptions humans are prey to which prevent our connection with each other and what we are really looking for, love and joy. Lest I get too mushy here, this was one heck of a fun read! I was reluctant for it to end and am looking forward to more of Ms. Skully's novels!

Though it has an off-putting title, make no mistake, this is one hilarious and sensuous novel. Roberta Jones Spivey decided that the best way to help her depressed husband move on was to get closure from the loss of his first love. So she helped him track down Cookie Beaumont. Unfortunately, she got a call that he did not plan to come home. So what's a girl to do? Well, if you are mousy Roberta, you go get a makeover, quit your job, shorten your hemlines, transform yourself into Bobbie Jones, and move to the same northern California town he now calls home to show your ex what he is missing out on.

She moves into a bungalow across the street from Nick Angel, the local bad boy that everyone has nicknamed the Serial Killer since he has a propensity to dig holes and bury dead animals all over his property. There is also a little incident with a local gal fleeing town supposedly pregnant with his child.

Bobbie thinks Nick would be the perfect man to transform her into a bad girl. She chooses wisely, and the two embark on a scorching affair that rocks the town. They all want her to settle down with the local sheriff, but once Nick gets his hooks into her, she can't get her mind off him. Nick of course shares a sordid past with Cookie.

Her ex Warren is afraid she is going to make waves - his lover Cookie has not left her husband yet and he is afraid Bobbie will spoil everything. Cookie has been feeding Warren a cockamamie story about her much older husband Jimbo being abusive, but one look at Cookie and it is clear she is not all she claims to be. When Jimbo turns up dead, Warren takes the heat since he feels he has failed Cookie. Bobbie is convinced that Warren is too wimpy to do the deed, and when she tries to prove it, the killer targets her. Will Nick be able to help her solve the mystery without getting himself a ticket to the slammer?

You can tell Skully had a great time writing this book - it is apparent in her delivery and never fails to keep the reader glued. Sheriff Tyler Braxton gets his own romance in the follow up, "Fools Gold."

After reading all the rave reviews here on Amazon--and loving the cover title and the cover itself (a little reminiscent of "Sex and the City")--I knew that I had to get this book. Thank goodness I was NOT disappointed! This book was a blast!! It kept me thoroughly entertained from start to finish. There were many laugh-out-loud moments, some heart-tugging scenes, a couple steamy sex scenes (between the protagonists), and suspense that kept me turning the pages for more!!!

If you're looking for one of those 'perfect summer readings,' look no further--this is IT! As for Brax? Well...the big, blond, hunky sheriff of Cottonmouth is finally going to get his chance at love. Get ready girls! His story, FOOL'S GOLD, is set to come out on October 1, 2005. Don't miss it.

This was a book I had picked up as a quick, fun read! It turned out to be alot more than that! I really enjoyed Bobby's character, she had me laughing out loud at some points! Great little funny book with a mystery thrown in to keep your attention! You will love this. I cannot wait for the Oct. 2005 release of Brax's story!

MacGregor is one of my favorite authors and this is my favorite of her works so far. A must read

I read this book on the net sometime before it was published and found it far superior to much of the "Uber" stuff I found. Then I picked up the print copy and found that I knew a great deal more about Anna and Lily individually and as a couple than I did before. I've read more of MacGregor's work, both on the net and in print and think this is the best of all, though I have yet to read anything I thought was mediocre. This book is much more than soul-mates meet, have sex, fall in love and live happily ever after. Learning about the major problems these women have makes me believe they are human and not just uber-characters. Neither of them is as perfect as the templates they are based on. (By the way, I didn't care for the TV-show that produced the base characters, so shoot me!)

If you are lucky enough to get your hands on this book, it is well worth it! I couldn't put it down and I am now a big fan of KG Macgregor. This author pulls you in and you are there for the full, exciting ride! Anna and Lily are amazing characters. These are two very strong and passionate ladies! You will instantly fall in love with them and their humor is wickedly good! I can say that I like all the characters in this book. Shaken has a little bit of everything and it is a very enjoyable, easy read. I look forward to read more from Macgregor.

Fantastic page turning writing. A great story that spans several years. You really get to know the people. The story is a wonderful romance that develops into a relationship not only with themselves but also their families and friends. The characters are utterly endearing without being stereotypical. Wonderful humor as always from this author.

There is a plot development halfway through the novel that caught me by surprise as it was not typical of a romance, so be prepared for a very intense read. I love when reading this author's novels that I never find myself saying "like that would really happen!". All the behaviors of the characters are believable - especially Andy - I love that kid!

This is a six star book !

I have thoroughly enjoyed every KG MacGregor book I've ever read. I can't name one that has been even slightly disappointing. Her characters seem alive, her settings are beautiful and her writing exhibits a real talent. In a nutshell, she's one of my top 5 favorite authors.

In `Shaken,' she introduces Anna Kaklis and Lily Stewart. Anna is a married woman and the heir to a successful BMW dealership. She finds herself trapped in a mall with attorney Lily Stewart after an earthquake. Although separated after their rescue, that first chance meeting creates an unbreakable bond between the women. A few months later, they reunite and find Anna finalizing a divorce. As their relationship develops, Anna finds herself falling in love with the lesbian Lily. Her parents aren't happy, but her friends aren't surprised. Anna and Lily move on with their relationship. Lily's mother dies and she takes a dive into alcoholism. Anna takes the hard love path and they eventually overcome the associated hardships.

These women are delightful and their characters are exceptionally-well developed. The story is complete, without any noticeable gaps or inconsistencies. MacGregor is a master storyteller and this book will remain permanent addition to my personal collection.

The same way some feel about the "Twilight" series...that is how I feel about "Silver Bear"! I hope and cannot wait for a sequel! Derek Haas has an amazing way of writing and developing his characters. You will find in your heart a bit of "compassion" for Columbus and his ability to be annonymous and a bit of envy that he has the ability to do so. This is a book not to be missed! You will NOT be disappointed and will be left wanting more...

I think this book is great, and not because we share the same last name, but because we share the same mother.

I finished this book in one night, staying up way past my bedtime because I could not rest until I knew the whole story. Haas' experience as a screenwriter has translated into a lean novel without a single bit of fat. Haas' Columbus is not your typically romantic Hollywood assassin--he is real and you will appreciate him better because of that. Although the final twist may not be surprising to some, I can't wait to see what Columbus does next.

If you're looking for a compelling and exciting read with unexpected twists, you've got to add The Silver Bear to your must-read list! Haas' assassin's tale does not fall into expected cliches, and the main character is more than a stereotype. Columbus is complex and drives the story blurring the distinction between what we want to hate and love in a human being. It's a look into a world that both repels and attracts, regardless of our convictions. Plus, the ending sets the stage for more from first-time novelist Haas.. can't wait for it!

What a great read !! Slimmer version of most other books with similar theme, and much better written. I was right there with all the characters...I couldn't put it down. Allow plenty of time to read straight through so you stay in the moment.
Bits of Ludlam/Westlake/Block but much more powerful
Hope the author writes more..I am looking forward to that

Marianne {Mari} Cottons life soon turns from picture perfect to a nightmare in a heartbeat, after her grandfather's death. She loses her way, and replaces her mentor with musician Miles. He introduces her to drugs and Mari has a quick lesson in how easy it is to get hooked on heroine. As she struggles through bouts of drugs and sex, she spirals out of control and finally ends up in a drug treatment center at deaths door. Can she pull her life together, or will she surcome to the temptations.
This novel had me thinking back at my own vulnerbility as a teen, and the confusion and fears every teenager faces on a daily basis sooner or later. Life is hard enough, but a drug addiction is no laughing matter. Every teen should be required to read this novel and hopefully will learn a valueable lesson.

Petra Lozano
Founder, Author and Editor of
author2ubooks.ning.com

The plot of SLEEP BEFORE EVENING is a brave author choice. Teen Marianne takes us on her journey into loss, grief, and medicating her pain with substance abuse. Mari's recovery is traced from resistance through acceptance of responsibility and finally transcendence. As a former Certified Chemical Dependency Practitioner I can verify Marianne's difficult journey as true to reality. Thank you, Magdalena Ball, for taking on this tough subject matter.

Frankie Schelly, Author of novels CHANCE PLACE and AT THE CROSSROADS

What we have here is a full-on rush of ambitious literary fiction. That it largely succeeds as such is no consolation to horny but bookish males hoping for a bit of fluff or a few chuckles while killing time in the airport departure lounge.

It all starts when seventeen-year-old Marianne's godlike grandfather, who is her chess master and father-substitute, croaks. No clean death, this. He suffers a devastating stroke (as she watches) and lingers on painlessly (for him) until his tormented daughter (Marianne's mother Lily) decides to pull the plug. Except she doesn't bother to ask Marianne. That's major life crisis number one (unless you count the time her natural father took a hike when she was three).

Propelled by her grief over the loss of the only sane man in her life, Marianne goes into socioeconomic free-fall. It seems all she has to do is set foot on the Long Island Railroad and inevitably she's spiraling down into the rock music and drug culture of lower Manhattan. A creepy-sexy harmonica player named Miles is her undoing, and he does a helluva job, deflowering her and getting her hooked on horse, not necessarily in that order (or maybe simultaneously--she doesn't seem to notice or care).

When she thinks about it, she blames the other men in her life--her father and her mother's subsequent string of loser lovers, along with the infamous Miles and an all-male cast of criminals, dope dealers, and sleazy employers. But all along, she realizes eventually, she's been disappointed by the lack of love and attention from her mother, a self-absorbed painter with a manic-depressive lifestyle.

So, relax, guys. You may be crass, sleazy, opportunistic, and inept. But you're not at fault. You'll have to let the women work it out this time.

Gerald Everett Jones is the author of the boychik-lit novel My Inflatable Friend: The Confessions of Rollo Hemphill and a contributor to Amazon Daily.

Life isn't perfect, but seventeen-year-old Marianne Cotton is blessed with a loving and devoted grandfather who carefully schools her in piano, the arts, and literature. An "A" student, Marianne basks in his attention while eclipsing memories of her deadbeat dad. Lily Cotton, Marianne's self-involved, bipolar mother, loves her daughter within her own limitations. The needy artist frequently requires tending when moods swing, forcing Marianne to table her own needs and emotions to care for her. A series of men has invaded their lives, providing a less than perfect environment for Marianne.

The brilliant young woman manages to survive until her senior year in high school, when just before finals, Eric Cotton collapses into a vegetative state. Although Marianne is convinced her grandfather is still alive inside, the decision to pull the plug is made by Lily and her current husband, Russell. Marianne interprets this act as a deep betrayal, and reels in shock when she's notified that her grandfather has been removed from life support.

Faced with spiritual solitude, Marianne starts to unravel. She falls for a handsome and charismatic street musician named Miles, who lures her into a world of sex, drugs, and smoky club blues. Marianne's pain is diminished with each fix she accepts from her new group of exotic and seemingly attractive friends. Armed with a fake ID, school recedes and her pending NYU scholarship seems unimportant. Marianne lands a job at a sleazy bar, serving drinks to overweight groping men and pushing through the motions with more mental lethargy as her craving for absolution and oblivion careens forward, driving her to a nearly lethal intravenous heroin addiction.

Magdalena Ball's writing, insightful and deep, engages the reader from page one. Her characters linger long after the story resolves to its perfect conclusion. Highly recommended for a glimpse into the motivations behind heroin abuse, as well as thoroughly alluring family drama, Sleep Before Evening is powerfully addictive in its own right.

I'm very impressed. I loved the relationship between the protagonist and her grandfather, and the mother, who's so obviously bi-polar. Really a good read!

I enjoyed this book so much I bought it as a gift for family members. Wonderful book of poetry and I highly recommend it.

Mr. Rex Alford has written a collection of exquisitely crafted poems. This book of poetry should be a Must read for any poet.
The book is alive with wisdom & reflection. I would highly recommmend this book to anyone who enjoys poetry as an art form.
This is a book of style and poetic craftmanship to be savored by the lucky reader.

I first met the author through his posting of some of these poems on an internet forum. I was so pleased to have the opportunity to have this book, and I was not disappointed. It is full of beautiful love poems, and very meaningful. Mr. Alford writes from the heart, and with great skill.

I am so pleased to own a copy of Mr. Alford's, Songs of Sorrow. As an aspiring poet myself, I can appreciate the musical quality of his style. Intricate impressions take shape and dance when this work is read aloud. Mr. Alford's intimate words are brought to the page and yet, the reader rediscovers the trials of their own lives.

This poet gives sorrow a song and the reader a voice in which to sing.

I am so pleased to own a copy of Mr. Alford's, Songs of Sorrow. As an aspiring poet myself, I can appreciate the musical quality of his style. Intricate impressions take shape and dance when this work is read aloud. Mr. Alford's intimate words are brought to the page and yet, the reader rediscovers the trials of their own lives.

This poet gives sorrow a song and the reader a voice in which to sing.

Not a review as of yet -haven't finished the book but I am enjoying it thus far. Just want to let the author know (page 111) that there are no traffic lights on Nantucket. Part of the charm. Looking forward to the rest of the book.

I love a romance with deep emotion, a bit of angst, and plenty of romantic tension. Well this story packs a powerful punch in all three areas. It's an allegory and one of the coolest examples I've ever read. There are many, many women in this world who are just like Samantha, and there are many people in this world who are running from Christ as well. If He only knew what my heart was really like, they think, then there is no way He could love me. Wrong. And this story so beautifully illustrates that point. Samantha wanted Landon so badly, yet she was terrified of his intense love. And the scenes where he showed his love to her were so beautiful and powerful! Oy, I loved that. It literally swept me away.

Though God is never mentioned in this story you still see His love on every page. In Samantha's thoughts you hear the same doubts that Satan often puts in people's heads. Don't trust him. Don't let anyone love you. It hurts too much when they leave you. Poor Sam was abandoned by so many people, and that affected every stupid decision she made. And she made plenty of them. Quite a few you experience right along with her. The sense of desperation and self-loathing is multiplied with every wrong choice until she thinks there is no way that he could really love her. Not if he knew. And just like she hurt Landon in so many ways, we hurt God by rejecting His unconditional love.

When Sam returns to Natucket with her daughter Caden to fix up the childhood home she inherited upon her stepfather's death, she finds more waiting for her than she bargained.

I loved Hunter's skillful weaving in of back story and her often brilliant way with words. While Sam struggles at times to be forthcoming with our hero, Landon, about certain situations, Hunter shows us in this well-painted story that fear and doubt often bind us in ways we can't easily undo.

I highly recommend Surrender Bay. Like authors would be Sue Monk Kidd for pacing and literary beauty.

Denise Hunter amazed me in this story. I enjoy allegories, and she skillfully created a love story which reflects on the love of God and His heart. I have a shelf in my office of favorites and Denise's books are there consistently. She won a new fan with her book Surrender Bay and I still tell people about it, though I read it last year. Her follow up "The Convenient Groom" was very well done, too.

This is the first Denise Hunter book I have read and I couldn't stop reading. After reading all the books of some of my favorite authors like Karen Kingsbury, Dee Henderson and Lori Wick, I searched on amazon.com for a good book to read. I thought Surrender Bay sounded like a good book, but I was blown away at how much I enjoyed this book. I picked it up one evening, after putting my children to bed, to read a few chapters and to check out if I liked Denise Hunter's writing syle. I read the entire book in five hours. Denise Hunter is an amazing author. I was never bored and my mind never wandered throughout the entire story. Great job. I can't wait to read her other books, especially her next book to be released The Convenient Groom.

Ok, I am a Leslie Esdaile fan, I love all of her books! Well the ones I've read so far, I love how versatile she is as a writer, I mean her romance and the paranormal books are wonderful, I love the VHL(Vampire Huntress Legend) series and her romances take me away. Karin and JB just fit! I love how she can exude sensuality and sexuality and make the love scenes pop without it having to be overly raunchy, this book really takes you there!

Wow, I am so glad I stumbled across this book. This romance was GREAT! The male/female lead had such chemistry. The supporting characters were great and the story line was intriguing. I am definitely going to have to read more of Ms. Esdaile's books. If you want a good romance, try this one!!

Before facing the IRS, Jacques (JB) Dubois, CEO of Def Island needs financial help quick. The accounting firm that is trying to get his account assigns CPA Karin Michaels to work with him until the boss gets over his sickness or another top staffer can take over. Although, Karin is fascinated with the singer, she is also looking out for his business.

Karin is invited to Jacque's concert while in Philadelphia and takes her "stuck up" doctor boyfriend, Lloyd. This is a fun read as Karin enjoys herself at the concert.

Karin has to travel to Jacques home in St. Lucia to look over his books and this is where she better understands his lifestyle while their attraction for one another truly surfaces especially with the sly help of Jacques housekeeper, Mrs. Orville.

This was an enjoyable story and one that you have to keep reading until finished.

I got hooked on this book immediately. Finished it in 2 days. It's a book that you can relate to. The passion between Karin & Jacques was incredible. I want my own Jacques Dubois! I only wish it was longer.

Buy it. Great to read while working out.

Leslie Esdaile took us on a wild journey of lust and love in her novel "Take Me There". It is a great romantic novel about a woman in her search for love. Her novel also shows a very real economic side of the world that many travelers or tourist fail to see. She brings her main characater, Karin, to life as she embraces the things she sees. A great romance story indeed.

Thanks Leslie!!!!

This book was pure DRAMA. Just like I like it. Is a fast read and makes you hate some of the characters. I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to reading other books by this author.

THIS BOOK WAS FIRE IN I MEAN THAT IN A GOOD WAY.IT WAS THE BOMB FROM START TO FINISH YOU WILL NOT PUT HIS BOOK DOWN FOR A MINUTE SO GO OUT AND GET.

This was the first book I have ever read from this author and I must say I was impressed..If you havent read this book take my advice and get it. U won't be disappointed. I read this book in less than 24 hours even at work I just couldn't put this book down..Im kinda upset about the ending but overall this book was off the hook..

I just finished reading this book, and I must say it has the total package. If you like drama, sex, murder, and suspense this is the book for you. The character Mya was also a total nutcase, but I loved every minute of it. Talk of the Town is a real page turner, and you won't be disappointed.

THIS BOOK HAD A AWESOME STORY LINE,I COULDN'T TAKE ANYTHING AWAY FROM IT. IT TO ME WAS A LITTLE CORNY AND OVER DONE. I KNOW I'M GOING AGAINST THE GRAIN HERE( AS FAR AS OTHER REVIEWERS),BUT I WAS NOT IMPRESSED!!! THIS IS MY EXAMPLE OF WHEN A FEMALE WRITES A BOOK, AND OVERPLAYS THE FEMALE MAIN CHARACTERS ROLE (MYA)!! I MEAN GIVE ME A BREAK,IT JUST WASN'T FEASIBLE TO ME,I KNOW IT WAS FICTION, BUT GIVE ME A BREAK,SHE KILL'D FOR DUMB S***, AND WANTED TO BE RESPECTED AS A GANGSTRESS!!!PLEASE!!NEVER EVEN THOUGHT OUT HER ACTION ALWAYS IMPULSE(FOOLISH),CONTRADICTING HER REASON FOR BETRAYAL!!!