Contemporary Books

This book cannot be praised enough. Here you have the opportunity to read the early poems of one of the generation's best poets. As has been remarked by previous reviewers, there is an optimism in Kaminsky's poems even amidst tragedy; an unearthly eloquence and musicality to each and every line. It is an unbelievably refreshing tone.

You'll breeze through the book in no time and then realize that you can spend a day on every page. This is a book of transport - to another time, another country, in other bodies and minds - and what you will find there is a new mythos - cities of birds and song and silence all together. And there, on the bench reading a small book filled with beauty in the midst of cobblestones? Why it is you.

from the first encounter to the sixtieth, this book grabs and holds. It is a daring, beautiful debut and the kind of book that makes me invest in books of poetry, hopeful each time that they will yield the percentage of brilliance and beauty that this book does. Kaminsky reminds me why we write and why we read.

I highly recommend Ilya Kaminsky's first book. It is full of small beautiful lyric moments that rise across history. His love poems are simply beautiful. I can't agree more with those reviewers too who mention Kaminsky's style of reading. The poet Joe Weil once wrote "poetry has forgotten how to praise/ forgotten how to pray." Ilya Kaminsky has not forgotten either.

This is the best book of poetry I've read in years. I read it again and again.
I couldn't recommend it more.

John FitzGerald, author of Spring Water

I had the pleasure of hearing Ilya Kaminsky read his poetry from Dancing in Odessa the other day at my college. He came into the room and seemed a bit shy at first. Uncertain as to "what to do" he began to read from his book. A powerful and lyrical voice filled the room and everyone was glued to her/his seat listening. He not only writes wonderful, thought-provoking and dazzling poems but he reads with an energy unsurpassed. He uses his voice in incredible ways, incredible ranges and he employs his whole body in the experience. One gets the sense she is witness to something profound and passionate, spellbinding. Kaminsky's voice is strange, beautiful and musical.

it was good. not exactly predictable, so that's always a plus. simply put, just a light enjoyable read. i'll be looking for the follow-ups to this novel.

Great book. It really made me think about trying new things. Plus, the author is so funny. Check out Laura Jensen Walker's interview [...]

"Daring Chloe" by the sublime Laura Jensen Walker

What book lover hasn't wished that they could float down the Mississippi with Jim and Huck? Or be sitting in the courtroom while Atticus Finch gave closing arguments?
All her life Chloe Adams has been "Chloe the Timid." The rest of this Adams clan isn't mysterious or spooky, but our little caterpillar is definitely just a bit kooky. On one branch of Chloe's family tree is Julia the perfect. Another little twig is Chloe's cousin Erica, a Nellie Olson carbon copy.
Chloe's wedding march towards happily ever after comes to a screeching halt when her betrothed breaks up by text message Chloe is shaken to her core. Her Aunt Tess's sons volunteer to make Chris disappear Soprano style.
Fellow Paperback Girls book club babes Tess and Becca whisk her away, on a Mend Your Broken Heart Cruise, what would have been her honeymoon.
When Chloe thinks back on how she met Becca flashes of lime green polka dots and a fake red nose come to mind. This fellow book nut works at the local book store, and that's how she made an entrance into Chloe's world. Becca is the friend who would scuba dive for the thrill of a shark encounter. At the thought of a little deep sea diving all Chloe hears is the Jaws theme.
When they return from the honeymoon that wasn't Becca and Chloe become roomies at the condo where the lovebirds were supposed to build their nest.
At the next Paperback Girls pow-wow the plan is hatched: They'll build adventures around the book club choices. Jane Austen's "Emma" inspires a night of harmless matchmaking,
As they go along the escapades become more outrageous and bold. There's a rafting trip in Huck's honor. On a camping trip thanks to "A Walk in the Woods' Chloe is ready to face down a bear for the safety of the others. This tame grizzly is a slobbering Newfoundland.
Julia the Perfect is falls off her pedestal when Chloe has to face the "scene of her nightmares" the bridal shop. The last great voyage of the book finds the Paperback/Getaway gals in Nutella rapture in Paris. While there Chloe falls in love--with the Eiffel Tower. And the butterfly starts to emerge from her cocoon in a little chapel in France.
There's part of a quote in the book (every chapter begins with a quote), from "French Women Don't Get Fat" "Laughs are like wild mushrooms, they don't come to you." Well, Laura Jensen Walker can serve up laughter and tears on a silver platter.
"Daring Chloe" is a slice of heaven for bookworms everywhere. Bookworms are actually a species of tapeworm. As we watch Chloe take flight into her chapter you realize Laura Jensen Walker is the kind of author you want as a tour guide, no matter where she takes you; you just want to be invited along for the ride. "Daring Chloe is a book lovers feast--Bon appetit--it's quite delicious, and it's also tres magnifique.

Another hit from Laura Jensen Walker! Chloe is dumped by text message the night before her wedding. She decides to start getting on with her life by going on the cruise that was supposed to be her honeymoon. She starts to learn that fears can be faced, if not overcome. Her book club, The Paperback Girls, decide to start living out some of the adventures in the books they read- everything from boating on San Francisco Bay to camping to going to Paris! Along the way, Chloe learns the importance of not letting her fears (the ocean, flying, etc.) limit her life, and she learns the importance of friends- not just her age peers, but those younger and older than herself. By the end of the book, the title fits Chloe very well. Highly recommended!!!

It wasn't supposed to be the beginning of an adventure. More like the beginning of a life-long dream come true. Chloe's wedding. Except, this dream ended abruptly the night before the wedding when Chloe got dumped. Rather than wallow in self pity - which let's face it, she's earned every right to do - she takes her somewhat reserved self onto her first adventure, her already paid for honeymoon. From there, Chloe and her book club buddies spurred on by ideas in their current readings take on new adventures. Replacing their comfort zone trips to the book/coffee shop, Chloe and her friends trade in their lattes for laughs as they climb way outside the box and experience life in a BIG way.

Laura Jensen Walker's novel, Daring Chloe, is just plain fun. It will make you laugh out loud and make you cry (hopefully when no one's looking) - and, sometimes within the span of a page. With unfailing wit and characters that ring true you'll find yourself both entertained and inspired. As for me, I'm thinking white water rafting ...

Genie Davis' DREAMTOWN proves that a woman can write a believable, yet compelling story from a man's point of view, yet appealing to both men and women. Jake is honest, even with his flaws (and there are many), but he stops long enough to in a one-horse town as he's fleeing from a deranged, jealous mobster to fall in love with young Annie.

In contrast to Jake's dark, moody side, Annie is full of laughter and life, his opposite. Watching their relationship is pure fun. Be prepared for an emotional ride.

DREAMTOWN left the sound of jazz floating through the air and the satisfaction of cognac on my lips.

This book is a must read for the discerning reader who
enjoys seeing new talent emerge with a breadth and depth
of insight that is a joy to read.

I can't say enough about this moving story of love and redemption. I think I fell in love with Jake myself. Think of a man who finds the love of his life and must then face the unthinkable. Ms. Davis's characters are rich and full of life. She writes with a deep understanding of the human condition. Dreamtown--with its humor, compassion, and hope--is a book for anyone who's ever loved.

Dreamtown has everything a great book needs: Characters we care about, a plot that is not only concise but original, and writing that races across the page toward the novel's heartbreaking climax.

One of the best debut novels I've ever written, Davis manages to suck the reader into the story immediately and you keep reading until it's over. Romance, action, and biting dialogue make this a must read. I can't wait to see the movie!

I am a huge fan of American literature in terms of the genre and settings so beautifully illustrated by Dreamtown and I found this book to be an exciting addition to the ranks. Genie Davis drew me into the world of Jake and Anne and never let me go until the final page. Her keen eye for description and sharp dialogue together with a moving story marks her out in my view as one to watch. I await her next book with relish.

I'm a busy guy who generally reads fiction before bed to relax. This book kept me up way too late laughing and wondering for several nights. I really enjoyed the colorful characters, offbeat predicaments, and a peek into a world quite a bit diferent from my own. Highly recommended.

You must buy this book!! I dont read much but the cover caught my eye, I finished in one sitting..So funny and keeps you turning the pages!! Oh yeah and I look pretty cool walking around holding it!!!

This book was by far my favorite summer read. DDW is so funny, original, and each scene proved vivid and and charming. I literally LOL'ed while reading this, and that RARELY happens. Big ups!!

Once I found out what the premise for the book was I had to get it. I mean a doughy 30 something jewish guy who is secretly a ghost writer for a gangsta rapper named Oral B, come on. It is almost a Farrelly brothers movie with that alone. The book has plenty of twists and Rotter's ability to translate rap colloquialisms into written text is mind blowing.

One of Wally's freestyle rhyme's cracks me up the most. "I'm stoned and I'm spinnin' and the chronic got me feelin' like I'm Lionel f$ckin' Riche and I'm dancin' on the ceilin'." Too funny

The book is quick to get into and hard to put down.

This is a very funny book: great characters, great plot and wonderfully funny diaglog, rhymes and rapping. I look forward to more books from Gabe Rotter!!

When future psychologist and temporary bartender Liz Prescott seed quiet and shy Mark McAlister nursing a drink, she knows he needs her help. All the unassuming accountant needs to do is boost his confidence.. and get rid of that boring wardrobe. Once the transformation is complete, Mark can have any woman he wants. But what Liz never expects is that underneath the geeky glasses and bad haircut Mark is perfect... for her.

Jane Sullivan has turned the Pygmalion tale upside down! Liz and Mark are two characters readers will adore.

Too bad the story had to end. Thank you, Jane Sullivan, for such a great beach read!

BETWEEN THE COVERS by Cathie Linz is a laugh out loud keeper. A librarian named Paige Turner has to help cop Shane Huntington find the "Perfect Wife" with hysterical results. I loved the scene with the grandmother! What a great book! I have all of this author's books on my keeper shelf -- she's always a great read!

I've heard some people say romance doesn't represent "real life." Well, those people haven't read this book. We all know this hero and heroine. We like them. And we're pulling for them the whole book through. This author really made me care for the couple. And I loved her writing. It's funny and intelligent. It isn't often that an author can make me really laugh out loud when I'm reading, but Jane Sullivan accomplished it. Brava! I'll be picking up the rest of her books in a skinny minute.

This is definitely a Duet worth reading!

Cathie Linz' story, "Between The Covers" tells the tale of Paige Turner, a woman destined by her name to become a librarian. She's a "nice" woman, and becomes friends with Detective Shane Huntington, the Huntington family's black sheep. It seems he turned his back on his family's tradition of becoming proctologists by joining the police force, and they've never quite forgiven him. In order to meet conditions of an inheritance, he has to get married to a woman who meets a set of exacting conditions. Of course he turns to Paige the librarian for help in finding the perfect wife.

This was an amusing and fast-paced story. It had some classic themes of the genre - Paige's transformation in designer gowns, snobbish family members, the answer to Shane's dilemma being right before his eyes, etc. - but they were all done with style and wit. It was a very enjoyable story.

Jane Sullivan's "The Matchmaker's Mistake" is another excellent example of why I'm always on the lookout for one of her books. Her stories never fail to entertain. This story tells the tale of Mark McAlister, accountant. He's up for a coveted partnership in his firm, but he can see his chances slowly diminishing because he has neither the style nor the connections nor the trophy wife to advance the interests of the firm. Mark is not a one-dimensional character; he's overcome a lot in his earlier life to get where he is today, and it has scarred him. He goes to a bar to try to meet his perfect future wife, and is ultimately taken under the wing of Liz Prescott, the bartender. Liz takes pity on him and decides to take him in hand and help him achieve his goal.

This story was a version of Pygmalion in reverse. Liz is the free spirit who is trying to loosen up up Mark and recreate his image. Both characters were wonderful, the writing sharp and humorous, and the romance lovely. This book is definitely a keeper.

In EMBRACE ME, Lisa Samson pens a powerful story of forgiveness, full of surprises and a cast of interesting characters --- including one making a return appearance from a previous novel.

The story is told from several first-person points of view. Drew Parrish is the slick red-headed prosperity gospel pastor of a megachurch, 12,000 members strong and growing. He knows all the right moves and words to say, but his sincerity barely runs skin deep. When the chance comes to move to television --- and a possible show of his own --- he settles on Daisy Boyer, a pretty young singer in his congregation, to serve as co-host.

But for Daisy's scheming mother (who sees her daughter as her ticket to fame and fortune) and for Drew, Daisy isn't quite good enough. Her face is a little less angular than needed for television, her weight a few pounds too heavy, her nose a bit too long. Daisy endures a strict diet and exercise regime and undergoes plastic surgery after plastic surgery. Eventually, she cracks.

Drew is also feeling a growing dissatisfaction, evinced by his habit of burning himself with cigarettes to try and feel something besides the pain of his life. His father, a Washington D.C. lobbyist, is clear that Drew never quite measures up to his expectations, and his mother, he believes, committed suicide when he was still an adolescent.

The opening of the book finds Drew at the end of his rope, and relying on the guidance of a young Catholic parish priest to help him figure things out. Samson then alternately fast-forwards and rewinds her story six years, time jumps for the reader that work because of her tremendous writing skills. In this way, we meet Valentine, a freak-show oddity with a terribly burned face who tours as Lizard Woman with "Roland's Wayfaring Marvels and Oddities." Her best friend is Lella, the Human Cocoon, who has no arms or legs. Valentine is bitter about the past and her disfigurement, and wraps her hopes for the future up in a dream of a home of her own with Lella.

But when Lella's life takes a new direction, Valentine finds herself thrown into the company of a heavily tattooed and dreadlocked minister, Augustine, whose vocal cords were damaged in a motorcycle accident. Both Augustine and Valentine find solace in the company of the surprisingly likeable televangelist Charmaine Hopewell, who readers may remember from Samson's book SONGBIRD.

Together, Augustine and Valentine wrestle with the difficulty of forgiving those in their pasts who have wronged them. But the biggest test of all lies ahead. Is it possible --- truly possible --- to always forgive? Forgiveness of ourselves and others, Samson shows through her narrative and characters, doesn't mean you can always return to who you once were. " I realize we can destroy ourselves in ways so deep we'll never return to the place we were before we started the destruction," muses one character. Another character learns that words of forgiveness come first; the emotional feeling of being able to forgive follows later.

Making the time jumps back and forth from character to character is a lot to ask, but Samson succeeds in helping the reader do it. The oddities of the characters, while a little exaggerated, are vintage Samson, as are the themes of social justice and grace. The setting of a "new monastic" community, in which the members are not necessarily Catholic, but take vows of different sorts and extend hospitality, serves as backdrop for the later part of the novel and echoes the community settings of past Samson novels.

Some readers may feel the reconciliation between Augustine and a relative from his past is too neatly wrapped up toward the end while others will applaud the power of grace. But what comes through, clear and strong, is that every person is beautiful and loved in the eyes of God, and all may find forgiveness --- and offer it to another --- if it's their true desire. Samson, who also penned QUAKER SUMMER, is one of Christian fiction's finest novelists, and her fans will find plenty to enjoy and ponder here.

--- Reviewed by Cindy Crosby

Embrace Me by Lisa Samson took me a little bit longer to get into than some of her others, but once I did, it was well worth it. I spent an entire weekend letting Lisa's words wash over me.

Once again, her word choice is impeccable. Look at these: from inside a church--"Thomas, his stained-glass face eating up the late afternoon sun, looks doubtful of my presence and I can't blame him." Or "Which much pretty ruins it for those people who don't exactly cotton to a three-piece suit, or a cassock, or even jeans and a polo shirt." Love it!

Embrace Me is about a "lizard woman" from a freak show trying to accept who's she's become after some nasty burns, a pastor who's realized how he's led his church astray in the name of power, and the communities that love them. It's a beautiful portrayal of gnashing-of-teeth forgiveness. It takes it out of the abstract and puts it in your hand.

Her characters, as usual, are amazing: each their own. Each flawed, redeemable, and marked with the Imago Dei. Their dialogue flows from the personality of the character and is distinct to each.

Embrace Me is sometimes borderline preachy (even if I could say amen! to the sermons), but it presents the frustrations and beauty of the Body of Christ.

I have often told others that Lisa Samson's books are an all-you-can-eat buffet of food for thought, and "Embrace Me" is no exception. This is Christian fiction that defies Christian fiction, without compromising grace and truth. I found myself drawn into the growing intensity of this novel. It almost read like a mystery at times, as the proverbial layers of the onion are peeled away to reveal hidden truths. Forgiveness is presented as a struggle essential to our spiritual freedom and well-being. This theme is beautifully explored in the book, and near the end Augustine says, "But the true miracle of the resurrection wasn't so much the raising. Is something like that too hard for the God who made the universe? The true miracle is in the forgiving. And though we are bruised and burned, blind and broken, we are forgiven."

Lisa Samson's book always makes you think and this one is no different that the rest. Can you say EDGY?! I don't think I've ever read a Christian fiction book that deals with the type of people mentioned in this story. But these are stories that need to be told, because not everyone is living a picture perfect streak free Christian life. It's a heartbreaking story as you read what has happened in Drew and Valentine's lives. I nearly wanted to cry at times when reading because I felt the character's pain and suffering. Even though there are very few sideshow attractions such as the one portrayed in the story surviving today, it makes the reader think about what life is like for these "so-called freaks." How hard their life must be because they aren't born "normal" like the rest of us. I really don't know how Lella was able to be so upbeat and genuinely happy all the time. I don't think I could have accepted her situation quite so well. This isn't your normal happy ending novel. There is a lot of in your face stuff that a lot of Christians don't like touching. It will make you feel uncomfortable at times but it will also help you to understand more about God's infinite love and acceptance. This book is definitely edgy Christian fiction at its best. Lisa Samson has created another winner. HIGHLY recommended.

Embrace Me by Lisa Samson is another jewel in Samson's crown. Valentine stars as the Lizard Woman in a travelling freak show along with her friend, Lella, the Human Cocoon. While it's not a great life, it's one that she has come to terms with until returning to winter in a small North Carolina town. There she encounters Augustine, a tattooed and dread locked monk, who shakes up her ordered existence with his talk of God and faith. Samson's books are not for those readers who want to be comfortable and comforted in their reading. Her books with self-mutilating pastors and chain-smoking characters make me squirm in my seat like a good sermon. She delves into topics and places few Christian books dare to go, and God bless her for it. Her books are not to be read lightly and tossed aside. They weigh on my soul and heart and never leave me untouched. Augustine quotes Mother Theresa: You only love Christ as much as the person you love the least. Did that make you squirm in your seat? That's what Embrace Me will do to you, make you re-evaluate the strength of your faith and love for God. Samson writes like no one else in the business; each sentence is carefully crafted and weighted. Read this book and be transformed within.

Whoa! I loved the plot, the cover, the writers take on her characters but just can't believe that forty makes these females so ditzy. The humour is great.

Maggie is still looking for Andy the Buffalo - Doc. B.J. is still fashion conscious but loves her work and the people of Whistlers Bend. Now she just has to figure a way to get rid of Army Colonel Flynn MacIntire before her attraction to him is found out.
Dixie is still working for the Purple Sage. These three friends share all of their secrets. Well, almost all.

B.J. is trying to get Flynn out of the Cut Loose Saloon and into phsical therapy as a favor to Grandma Mac. She comes up with the strangest ideas of trying to nudge the Colonel out of his rut.

He gets an eye opener when he sees B.J. showing her love and concern for seven year old, Drew and five year old Petey. And it does not set well when she is on hand to doctor his brothers, Kean and Scully and can crawl up on a roof when he can't.

Then everyone in town has a hissy fit when they come home married without telling anyone. Ah, but the word got out. Now they are accusing each other of letting the gossip out.

It just keeps getting better as they have to deal with their hormones, a runaway child, interfering friends and the humour of crazy mixed-up ideas that should belong to their twenties instead of their forties.

Jack Dawson is in town now as the sheriff and he and Maggie are planning their wedding with a mystery still in their midst and the 3 female friends at ditzy as ever.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED AS A GREAT SET - great characters - fluffy females - wonderful humour - what else do you need?

A Fabulous Husband, the second in Dianne Castell's "Forty & Fabulous" series for Harlequin American, combines a damaged hero, a feisty heroine, two adorable boys, and a marriage of convenience in a heartwarming and funny reunion tale. Small-town doctor Barbara Jean (BJ) Fairmont is single, forty, and longing to adopt a child. When her high school boyfriend, Army Colonel Flynn MacIntire, returns home with psychological and physical wounds, BJ tries to help him heal while resisting the hot and ever-present attraction between them. Flynn proposes a marriage of convenience that would facilitate her adoption plans, and BJ finds herself standing before a justice of the peace. What should have been a simple plan backfires, and the couple is suddenly dealing with irritated family and friends, two mischievous orphans, a band of threatening smugglers, and a desire to turn the platonic marriage into a happily-ever-after. Castell takes a popular plot and fills it with her trademark humor and appealing characters. I thoroughly enjoyed revisiting the townsfolk of Whistlers Bend, Montana, and look forward to the final installment of this trilogy.

BJ Fairmont, have a succesful medical practice, two great friends and a whole town that loves her. Even with all this she feels something is missing in her life. She wants a baby! The solution, adopt a child! But sometimes life plays tricks on us and life after 40 is no different. The only man she had never gotten over reappears in her life and everything changes. Flynn Loves military life and even with the uncertainty of what future holds for him due to an injury he decides to help BJ with her goal. Dianne Castell has crafted a masterpiece with this book. She combines the love of family and friends, surrogate parents and steamy passionate love.
This is a heartwarming,fun & sexy story that will keep you turning pages until the end and craving to read another of her books.

Ms. Castell's writing just seems to get better and better. This second book in her Forty and Fabulous Trilogy is a wonderful, heartwarming story about how great life can be after 40. BJ is a doctor in Whistler's Bend and Flynn has come home to regroup and recuperate after his last battle overseas. The way BJ tries to convince him to let her help him is hysterical and he thinks he has the answer to her problems too. A "Marriage of Convenience",so that she can adopt the baby she so desperately wants. I love how these two interact. They can't get along for two minutes without arguing, which I guess is one of the reasons that their high school romance didn't get a chance to take off either. How they work out their differences makes for a spellbinding read. BJ's Mom turns out to be a hoot and the children were adorable. There is also a bit of a mystery continuing from A Fabulous Wife. I also liked how the chracters we read about in A Fabulous Wife were mentioned and how they reacted to BJ's marriage. I really, really liked this book and would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a feel good story, because it definitely delivers.

Dr. BJ Fairmont's old flame is back in town. Colonel Flynn MacIntire is injured and needs to heal before he can head back to the Army. BJ wants to fix him up and ship him out - the sooner the better!

I love that BJ keeps her sense of humor no matter how overwhelming her life becomes. Also, it touched my heart that being a parent was more important to her than giving birth to a biological child. I admire Flynn and his dedication to the army and serving his country. I also admire the generous way he wanted to help BJ's dream come true. Sure, they seemed like total opposites in many ways, but they were perfectly matched when it came to the most important things in life. I hoped they would realize that and do something about it! A FABULOUS HUSBAND is the kind of story that will stay with you long after you've turned the last page.

In a collection of poems inspired by some of the concepts fundamental to relationships between lover and loved. Glenn A. Fenster's FEELINGS AND PROMISES taps into the human experience of love, sex, death, connection, loss, hope, mystery and more.

The poem's subjects range from the very personal to the broadly elemental. He describes both beautiful scenery and complex inner emotions, sometimes within the same verse. This is an interesting collection that feels very accessible to those of us who might not read poetry regularly. At one poem per page, this slim volume of 69 pages offers a lot of material to explore. FEELINGS AND PROMISES delivers Fenster's view of the world, and in the way of poetry, asks us to consider our own.

The poetry of Glenn A. Fenster is carefully crafted, elegant, lyrical, and memorable. Feelings And Promises is a superb introduction to Fenster's abilities and skills as a weaver of words, images, and feelings. Time And Space: Summers first rain,/Words drown./Obscurity creates disbelief,/Tears act as exoneration/A pain death could cause/And love could give./Standing in shadows/Swallowed by the light,/As recycled paper/Years fasten themselves/To pass as thorns/And ill advised moments/Only to be balanced/By the offing/That you pervade./Landscaped lives/Obtaining the malicious possessions/Time spaced by inconsistences/Of a man's life/We choose or become/Accept and be stagnate/Emotionally secured by either/We tend to lean upon,/Time and space.

Feelings and Promises: The poetry of Glenn A. Fenster,69 pages of poetry, 3 pages Table of Contents in numerical order and 3 pages of acknowledgements is dedicated to his brother Randy. Published by Gray matter Publishing & Design Co., Athens, GA. Glenn A. Fenster's Feelings and Promises is a fine philosophical collection of poems which speak out with an independent voice that shapes his creations the way that wind sculpts soft sand into visions of art. Among these excellent works are poems which etch picturesque cells of life. I particularly enjoyed the following: Dying Rose Petals ("My tongue felt your exquisite body reach out...") (p.12) Decades Have Passed... of this poem, it is as if Glenn is meditating with a distant Zulu shaman and is being taught secrets from the great book of mystery about the reason he must write. (p.23) Children ("Echoed sounds of passing trains / Become children turned into statues") (p.68)

Here are poems from a very personal perspective. The word "I" used in many of Glenn's writings, lets the reader know just how personal Glenn's "Feelings and Promises" are crafted into each poem. This book is recommended to read during those times when you search for answers within yourself, and also to understand as though looking inward, through another person's mind, just what that search has discovered.

Gary Elton Warrick December 29, 1999

Hi, I have read a few of my Uncle Glenn A. Fenster's poems even though he doesn't approve of me reading his poetry. I think his poetry is great. It expresses his emotions and feelings greatly. I truly like his work. Not because he's my uncle but because he as a true talent.

From, Stephanie 15 yr. old niece of Glenn Fenster.

"FEELINGS & PROMISES" is just a wonderful collection of contemporary poetry. I found it to be insightful, soulful and thought provoking. As a fellow poet of "BARE BREASTED HEART" I could relate to the written words of this wonderful collection.

So much poetry is written in code where you really have to hesitate and wonder if you are comprehending the poetry as the author intended. This collection althought thought provoking bring you full circle to the intention of the writer.

I loved it and I encourage further writing from this poet! Would make a great gift or a personal treat to oneself.

...with likeable protaganists. The fluid writing makes me forgive the somewhat flat ending. I smell a series in the offing.

Loved the writing of the author. I learned alot about the very closed society the women are forced to endure!

Finding Nouf was a delighful find- fast paced and entertaining. A classic whodunit in a new arena- the Muslim world. How does one solve a case in a nation where women and men rarely interact?

Nayir is the perfect protagonist. A product of his Palestinian-Bedouin roots, he attempts to strictly adhere to the tenets of his faith and yet he finds himself often betrayed by his body and his mind. Katya is a strong woman seeking to find her place in a society that has some limitations for women. Together the two become unlikely partners in solving the murder of a wealthy bride-to-be. A must read!

I just finished reading Finding Nouf and rushed to the computer to see if I could find an e-mail address for the author to tell her how much I loved it! This is a great read, with characters who are intricate and interesting, the insights into "modern" Saudi Arabian life fascinating, the "whodunnit" mystery fun (though I was a bit disappointed in how it turned out, seemed a bit of an anti-climax), and the cultural/moral dilemmas beautifully drawn. Zoe replied she's working on another book with the same characters in it, and I hope she hurries up and publishes it, because I can't wait to read it!

Finding Nouf is a beautifully crafted novel in terms of characters, plot and detail. As someone who has traveled periodically in the Middle East, I found the author's sense of place, her use of both Arabic and English, and descriptions of daily details to be accurate.

The issues and realities of tradition and contemporary life, described specifically in terms of gender relationships, was balanced and portrays well the multiple tensions between custom and twenty-first century relationship possibilities.

Because the author has experienced life firsthand within the cultural contexts she describes, hopefully we will hear more of this genuine and engaging authorial voice.

I love Colleen Coble, and have read all her books. Fire Dancer is by far my favorite. It seems that many of Coble's books follow the exact same formula. This was the first book that I felt strayed into new ground somewhat. This book was a fascinating read. I would recommend this book if you enjoy Colleen Coble and a (somewhat predictable) romantic mystery.

Coble excels at the research behind her novels. She makes the fire jumper profession come alive on the page in a natural and exciting way. When an author starts with the premise of a woman who loses her parents in a fire when she is a girl and then have her grow up to be a fire fighter stalked by an arsonist, the action just has to sizzle. The sparks between the heroine and the hero are enough to start a blaze by themselves. I always know when I pick up a Coble novel that I'm in for a good read, and Fire Dancer is a super start to a great new series from this author.

In 1991 a young Tess Masterson watched with horror as her parents were both eaten alive by fire in their barn. Tess was horrified as she stood by and knew there was nothing she could do to save them. The fire pointed Tess's life towards fire fighting as a Smoke Jumper, those that jump from airplanes into the fire to attempt to stop its forward progress in any way they can. Tess relives that day every time she jumps into a fire and wonders many times what she could have done to save her parents from that barn inferno.

During one of the jumps Tess and a good friend, Allie, jumped as a pair into one of the fires. Allie's parachute did not open. Tess did all she could to assist Allie as they both floated towards the fire, reaching her and holding on to slow her fall. In the end, Allie was slowed but not enough to keep her from getting badly hurt when she hit earth. When Tess learned that the parachute Allie used was actually Tess's chute she began to think that she must have been a target by someone sabotaging her chute. Some of the lines were cut showing the murderous intent by someone. But who? Anyone on the fire team could have done this as well as anyone near their base camp. Allie was in the hospital and there she would stay for some time so her broken bones and the rest of her body could heal.

Chase Huston was a foster child the Masterson's had taken in. He was a handsome but bothersome ranch hand that Tess skirted when she could. Tess also owned a gorgeous horse, Wildfire who was a one-person horse, and Tess was that person. She hated leaving him when she had to go back on duty and couldn't wait until that smoke jumpers duty was over to see Wildfire back at the family owned ranch.

Fires continued to start in suspicious ways and places with a note and evidence found at most of the arson related fires. Signed "The Smoke Dancer" this person stopped at nothing to kill or maim animals or humans. The Masterson family seemed to be one of the main subjects The Fire Dancer was out to hurt.

Stevie was Tess's sister who Tess knew was not feeling good by just looking at her. Stevie had Lupus that left her feeling very run down and poorly. This devastated Tess. Tess helped her in any possible way. As time went on, Tess and Chase became closer but bitterness still was in the back of each other's mind, bitterness from earlier years. Eventually feelings between the two did change.

Tess's Smoke Jumper friends were the same or better than her family since she was with them so much and each ones life was so valuable to the others. It was hard to think that one of them could be the one that has been trying to hurt or kill Tess but the possibility of that existed as it did with various ranch hands.

I have always been fascinated by stories about fire, the fighting of them and the tracking down of arsonists. "Fire Dancer" is a great story with so many Christian values explored throughout; values that would help all involved when they take those values into their lives. Colleen Coble has spun an excellent story combining love, adventure, fire, mystery, murder, and that Christian value. An excellent book and a great read. Colleen writes in a way that makes this book easy and interesting to read, and hard to put down.

A decade ago Tess's parents died in a barn fire; now she's one of the best smoke jumpers in the business - but has yet to face her loss. When the serial arsonist known as Fire Dancer strikes her home town, Tess can no longer run from her past and must face not only past truths, but their impact on her safety and future. FIRE DANCER is an intriguing novel of psychological cat-and-mouse games and intrigue and is a top pick for advanced teen readers.

As a child Tess Masterson could not save her parents and her uncle from a terrible fire.

As an adult and working as a smoke jumper putting out fires and chasing arsonists, she must return to the place she left behind to help her sister save the family ranch. Before she can, there's a blantant attempt on her life. With no time to figure that mystery out Tess heads to Arizona and the nightmares that haunt her sleep. Can she really go back to the place where much of her family was lost?

When she arrives sparks soon fly as she's reaquainted with Chase Huston. Meanwhile the local lawman has come to believe a series of fires over the years are the work of a serial arsonist. Tess and her band of smokejumpers begin to help in the investigation and putting out fire that pop up all over town, some getting very close to the family ranch.

Does this arsonist called the Fire Dancer have something against the Masterson family? Can Tess stop this serial arsonist? Can she put out the fire that begun to blaze in her own heart for Chase?

These questions and more will fill your mind and heart reading this novel, as will a long list of possibilities for the identity of the Fire Dancer.

When I first began to seriously pursue a writing career one name kept coming up. Colleen Coble. It seemed she had a million novels and billions of adoring fans. As I got to know some writers Colleen was one I was always pointed to as an example of what was right about this novel writing thing I wanted to do.

Finally I got to know her a bit and she was one of the first to encourage, and eventually convince me, that if I was serious about this writing goal I had to join American Christian Fiction Writers. I finally did and it's the single best thing I've done to date to help me advance to the place where I'll have my own name on the binding of a book.

Some who've never cracked open a novel of Colleen's, especially men, may discount her books as romantic fluff. I admit I did. I knew nothing of the romantic suspense. It was her books that convinced me I needed to pay attention to genre. Yes, there's romance. But there's always these intricate plots. In this story alone. You have Tess dealing with the lost of much of her family, an arsonist, attempts on her life, the lost of her family ranch and her horse. Her sister's illness and troubled marriage. Feelings for Chase, a man she shouldn't give a care for. Chase dealing with his own issues of family and love. Stevie and Paul's marriage. And so much more. And Colleen weaves it all together in a way that the reader keeps it straight in their head and never gets lost.

Some of the most interesting passages in the story were the first person accounts from of the fire dancer. Colleen slowly drips out just enough information about this person that she get a real feel for them without ever revealing who they are until the last possible second.

I could go on and on about this book and about Colleen's writing but I must stop. If you've never read a Colleen Coble novel, this is a good place to start since it's the beginning of a new series. She has another new one just released, Midnight Sea, that's unrelated and yet another coming out later this year called Abomination. I can't wait to get my hands and eyes on both of these and more of Colleen's work.

I hope you'll pick up Fire Dancer and loose yourself in the world of Tess Masterson for a few hours. You won't be disappointed.

Care to dance?