Queen The Books

This book is fabulous! It is a great story about being beautiful on the inside and respecting and loving yourself. What a great self-confident heroine!

My daughter (almost age 6) picked it up at the library along with other princess books and I enjoyed reading every page of this book. It has justice in it and a very happy ending: "People would often say what a handsome couple she and Egbert made, but they found their true joy reading good books to each other by the fire every evening, sharing a good laugh, and simply enjoying the pleasure of each other's company." THAT is a fairytale to emulate.

It was published in 2004, and I am greatly surprised not to see it plastered with awards. The illustrations are magnificent in and of themselves.

Apart from the entertaining story, the thing that really sets this book apart from the rest is its stunning and meticulous illustration. It is hard to believe that this is Rebecca Walsh's first childrens book! Can't wait to see the rest!

This is such a wonderful book. Not only are the illustrations gorgeous, but the heroine of the story is friggin' awesome! I love her tenacity, her love for her father, her brains, and her warm heart. Great story! I wish I'd written it myself!

I can't believe that this book hasn't recieved more attention. My daughter chose it at the library and it is fabulous. The illustrations are beautiful and the story is fabulous. The message is that beauty comes from within.

This book could not be more beautifully illustrated. Spirin's art has a wispy, dreamlike delicacy combined with beautifully rendered detail. It looks truly magical. One two-page spread depicts a battle royal between armored cats and an armada of rats sailing in ostrich-egg shells -- it's almost too beautiful and fantastic to take in.

The story itself is a lesser-known fairy tale, filled with heroism, romance, virtue, and wicked villains. My four-year-old fell in love with it immediately, and we have played many games of "white cat" in the last few weeks. The cat queen is lovely, brave, wise, strong -- and exquisitely dressed! What little girl wouldn't be enchanted? Boys will love the high adventure and excitement of the story, complete with wicked dwarfs and fire-breathing salamanders. In every respect, one of the finest fairy-tale picturebooks I've ever seen.

My parents bought me this book when I was about 9 years old at a book fair at school. They even got it signed by the Author. 13 years later, I am now 22 and still love this story.
The Story of the White Cat comes to life as you read it. The artwork is drawn in such fine details that when I go to sleep at night I can still remember all that happens in my dreams. The White Cat her self is filled with magic and mystery that it makes one want to know more about her. If you enjoy reading about enchanted castles and Wise Cats in fantasy then this book is for you.

The young prince must search for what his father requests. He immediately finds a magical castle instead, and by trusting the White Cat he finds all he needs. In between there are some great adventures, fanciful and courageous. My daughter enjoys this book and we've read it many times.

The illustrations in this beautiful book are worth getting it for alone. But when you add to this an exciting and interesting story - one that I never tire of reading and my children never tire of hearing - this book is an all-around winner. I highly recommend this book as a mother and a teacher.

I think William the Curious was a great book. I think the lesson was very reasonable. Being perfect isn't everything. I think the pictures are wonderful and I really liked this book. I was stunned by the great words that were in the book.

Okay, I wish I was a kid again. Can I be a kid again?! I bought this book because it was about a knight who was curious and I can't think of a more perfect quest for a knight than curiosity. This is a little gem of a book and it could be made into a wonderful movie. It's art. It's a wonderful story about a knight who goes on a quest and learns that everything perfect is not so perfect. But that's okay. Even flawed it can be magical. William is a terrific character. The art work is fantastic, and I want to be young again. Mothers of young children should read this to them often. It's got a great message and it's clever. Not enough books for little boys either, and this is a great one. Buy it now.

Youngsters are inquisitive and so is the brave little frog in William The Curious, a delightful environmental fairy tale written and richly illustrated by Charles Santore.

A queen's desire for perfection and the consequences of this quest are explored, as well as the meaning of courage.

This is a charming book that lets children (and adults) know that sometimes what appears to be perfect, isn't. The pictures a lovely and engaging and the story moves along well. My four year old declared "it should be a movie". Definitley a good bed time story.

The phenomena of making contact with the heavenly realms and to those who reside in Spirit is fast becoming more common place as mankind evolves, almost to the point where it will not seem such a phenomena for much longer. If we consider this topic without the filters of some foregone conclusions about the world, why would it seem so odd that those who are in Spirit would not want to reach back across the divide and aid us? Why does it seem that many would ignore the messages being given simply because they themselves have not had the experience of speaking to the realms of Spirit? These messages are meant for our growth, our education, and in some cases, even the prevention of needless bloodshed.
Marcia McMahon's ability to reach the heavenly realms in a process called channeling is not truly an oddity. It is something neither invented nor contrived. Regardless of your own foregone conclusions about this ability, open your mind wide enough to read the words of her book With Love from Diana, Queen of Hearts. When you have finished the book, then decide if you can ignore the words given to Marcia from Diana about the plight of the Mid-East situation. The concern of those in Spirit is echoed so well in Diana's own and the suggestions offered by Diana through Marcia well may aid the world in this "troubled time".
So why has Diana connected with Marcia? Besides the fact that her own children still reside in this world and would be affected by those things going on here, she was always concerned for the world at large. She became the Princess of people's hearts because of her humanitarian nature and willingness to extend herself to those ignored by the masses. But as Diana herself says "We in Spirit see more than you on Earth, and we can feed in projections to a machine, which resembles your computers. We take the information and see, literally, those bombs (nuclear bombs) going off! It's not a pleasant picture, and so we work round the clock to save the planet Earth from her own war games. And we do this in the name of love, that all will one day learn to live in love instead of hate, fear and ignorance. One world, one government, under God with malice towards none and unity amongst the nations. I am Diana, Ambassador for peace for the nations, All my love in a troubled time." Would not our own loved ones who have passed on not wish for us to live as Diana has stated?
If the doubt should assail you that Marcia has contrived this work, I personally stand as a witness to her work. Diana has used many voices from many areas of the world since her death. I am but one of those myself. Marcia is the one who has been given words by Diana to aid in the international conflict going on in the Mid-East. Marcia's work for Diana is one of being a "voice in the wilderness". However, Diana's words to another person who may hear her voice sheds some light upon what we all can do for the uplifting of the world. She speaks also to Robert Murray, a man also gifted with the spiritual ear, and Marcia shares this correspondence in her book on page 163: "I wish to impose upon you and your family to spread the message around. Many people feel that they cannot do anything about world peace. It is very true that people everywhere in the world feel hopeless when they think of doing anything about world peace.... They don't do anything but give up and wring their collective hands and bemoan the fate of injured and dying children, I tell them they can help. They don't need to march, spill their own blood, and lie in front of a tank or anything dramatic. All concerned people can get involved even if it is in a very small way. Once people are aware of what they can do, there will be a ground swell of action and reaction, They can write, phone, or email elected officials to tell them how they feel about a specific political decision. If the officials have done something good, then congratulate them and encourage them to do more. The key is to have each person do something positive and to feel good inside as they get involved."
Truly, if you turn yourself away from reading With Love From Diana, Queen of Hearts you miss an important document that offers not only a historical perspective of the Mid-East crisis, but also the hopeful solutions offered. You will miss the words of Mother Theresa (Yes, there are messages from her in here as well!) and Diana to the world, not only as given to Marcia, but to others who have heard from Diana. But most importantly, you deny yourself the right to decide for yourself what the phenomena of speaking to the spiritual realms can mean for our world. Do you seriously wish to risk that?

Note: Rose Campbell has been a clairaudient channel for the celestial realms for 15+ years. She also has a Diana book entitled The Princess and the Peon: An Uncommon Conversation with the Late Princess Diana and works with others to serve as a communication bridge between the worlds.

Marcia McMahon has once again brought together a volume of her weekly, sometimes bi-weekly channeled messages of peace, love and advice for world leaders from Diana (Princess Diana). Marcia has published them in her second book entitled "With Love from Diana, Queen of Hearts: Messages from Heaven for A New Age of Peace." Through Marcia, Diana continues her tireless and ardent efforts to bring peace to the world. This second book is a continuation of "Princess Diana's Message of Peace: An Extraordinary Message of Peace for Our Current World," Marcia's first book of messages from Diana.

In her second book, Marcia also receives messages from Mother Teresa, John Lennon, Jesus, Dodi Fayed who have IMPORTANT messages to pass on to the world. Marcia displays several of her latest watercolor paintings of
Diana, Mother Teresa, Jesus and others. You will also find a few messages channeled by Robert Murray who also channels Diana. The two of his messages are from Diana and one is from Robert's deceased son-in-law, Michael who
shares a past life story about Diana and Marcia. Michael is the subject of the book, "The Stars Still Shine: An Afterlife Journey."

"With Love from Diana, Queen of Hearts" is an important book not to be ignored. Buy it today!

Announcing With Love from Diana, Queen of Hearts; the book everyone who loved her will want to read! In her own words, "For this one message deserves to be on the bestseller list; not just because it's from me, which I totally confirm; but because it can and will save America a future holocaust. We are trying to reach Americans in this message; and we ask all to be supportive of this light worker for she works for the good of all mankind; and all mankind will one day know of this fine peace work she has so selflessly done for the good of all"-- Princess Diana

This is a message from Diana, the late Princess of Wales, which can save both America and the Middle East a future of terror and replace it with peace. Princess Diana's diplomatic solutions address current world affairs and offer spiritual insight into the religious conflict that is riddling the region whilst providing spiritual solutions that can really work to end the cycle of violence there. This is the same Princess Diana who stood bravely with the victims of Land mines and took on her causes with great bravery and dedicated love. She reaches beyond the veil of the dimension's through her channel to bring her words of peace to the war torn areas of the world offering great love, light and hope at this most crucial time.

In this revealing book is everything you want to know about Princess Diana, at her most revealing. Diana speaks of her life and her message from her greater understanding there; that she was to be an "example amongst the people" Diana confirms her identity as the People's Princess and England's Rose. Diana said in life that she wanted to be queen of people's hearts, and so she now refers to herself as eternally, Queen of Hearts and England's Rose.

She comments on recent revelations in the press, asking all not to look too much to the tabloid press for answers but instead to her channel, Marcia McMahon, the author, and her true biographer, Andrew Morton; with praise. She speaks to her beloved sons William and Harry with praise and great love, asking for privacy for her sons.
Two other authors corroborate this message in sharing their messages from Diana within the book, author Robert Murray includes three chapters of channeled messages given by Diana through Robert, and Rose Campbell includes a very moving first chapter on Diana. It is well worth reading this fascinating book.
Illustrated by the author and artist, with 18 watercolors of world's most celebrated beauty- Diana. Two paintings of Mother Teresa and one of Jesus are also included in this lovely volume that is sure to become a collector's item.

This book is truly from Diana with Love in her own words through her channel; to set the record straight, and to aid those of us still on earth subject to the threats of terrorism and war!
Diana, Princess of Wales still speaks to the world, and what a message this truly is!

Her love for all overflows as she expresses it for those who may still grieve; this is Diana's gift of gratitude for those who mourned her; with her loving messages of peace and her diplomatic solutions to the troubles on this planet. As an Ascended Master and Guide Diana who works brilliant diplomatic solutions
Diana speaks to ease the tensions in the Middle East and prevent massive loss of life through her vision of outcomes on the other side, and assist everyone the world over with her solutions. Diana address her letters to those she knew in her life such as Colin Powell and Tony Blair with her forthright solutions for the countries affected by terror threats, offering her insight and her love. Diana is working miracles for humanity once again and is in essence still with us from the spirit plane assisting all who are most affected by terror and war, providing her great love and tenderness for all innocent civilians so affected by these atrocities but at the same time offering great spiritual wisdom for all people of any faith.

Dodi Fayed speaks, as he asks his people Muslims not to commit acts of terror in the so-called name of Allah and instead to live in love and brother hood with those not like them. Mother Teresa, who ascended with Diana at the time of their transition and was very much a mother to Diana in life; is at her side; asking the world to hear Diana in these messages and to look to Jesus for a guide to living in love! John Lennon speaks on world peace and confirms Diana's words as true and very much in keeping with his message of power to the people. John's great words are presented herein. Jesus speaks on his great message and comments on the religious leaders of the time not understanding his great message, confirming all the while that Diana will again bloom on earth; as England's rose eternally. According to Jesus, Diana will be heard in the desert of the Middle East where she works as an angel and ascended master where she will bloom again there for people as England's Eternal Rose for all the earth. This one message just may be the most uplifting and important message of light in the New Age.

This is one of several channeled books I have read where Princess Diana is making her mark to help us seek peace in our world. These many messages concerning all topics are sent in hopes for mankind to awaken themselves and seek peace throughout our world. A message of peace is worth the read. It is not only written for the Peace Keepers and Light Workers, but all mankind. "With Love from Diana, Queen of Hearts" is just that, sending the world love and guidance in a troubled time. Do your heart a favor, read it.

Adelina Patti at her height commanded a whopping $5,000 per performance in fees. She owned a castle in Wales. She was adored by the critics, composers, and the public alike. Pictures show an attractive petite brunette at times almost absurdly decked out in jewels. No wonder she considered herself a queen, albeit a fairly benign one.
This biography is another in the series of finely produced, copiously researched "Opera Biographies" by Amadeus Press. Tons of pictures, letters, reviews, apperance annals, and a discography make up this enjoyable book on the life of the ultimate prima donna of the 19th century. This book could, in fact, be subtitled "Everything you wanted to know about Dina."
However, like many prima donnas, Patti was probably a creature of the stage and song. She came alive the most when she was singing -- she even built a private theatre in her home to entertain guests with her singing. Her personal life, although much discussed, comes across as rather shallow and artificial. She married three times, the first time to a Marquis who flirted with Patti "lookalikes", the second to the tenor Nicolini (which caused a scandal in Victorian England) and the third time to a Baron half her age who both pampered and isolated her. There is no evidence she was ever in love though -- indeed she seemed mainly attracted to fawning eccentrics. Her last years seem to have been lonely. Thus, despite the research and well-written style of this biography, ultimately Patti is still a mystery. Her recordings, made when she was in her 60s, tell more of the story -- the charm, the emotional involvement, the uniquely haunting sound.
I greatly enjoyed this book because I had heard so much about Patti and wanted to 'know' her better. But as with most opera singers, really "hearing, one can believe."

The above quote, from Patti herself, pretty much sums things up. Adelina Patti was, undoubtedly, the most famous singer of the 19th century. In Mr. Cone's exhaustively researched book (in appendix form are lists of her roles, recordings, stage and concert appearances), the life of this extraordinary diva is examined. She started as a child prodigy, and made her official operatic debut at the age of sixteen (!) in "Lucia di Lammermoor." Patti lived in an age when operatic star power reigned supreme, and Cone includes tales of her capriciousness to highlight that fact. However, Patti was a true artist, able to even melt the hardest of hearts, including George Bernard Shaw. This is a marvelous book for anyone interested in singers and/or famous women of the 19th century.

I read this book years ago after it first came out. I was a fan of Patti but I knew very little about her life. She is an absolutely fascinating person and a tremendous singer (even in her sixties and seventies). If you like opera history, then this is the book for you.

Mary Musgrove, known to the Creek Indians as Coosaponakeesa, was the daughter of a Creek princess and an English colonist. Raised in both cultures during the early 18th century, she assisted the English as a translator and ambassador to the Native Americans, living in what is now Savannah and coastal Georgia. Mary's childhood and young adulthood are vividly described, and Mueller provides an excellent description of tension between the Creek and English cultures. Young readers will particularly appreciate the first-person descriptions of Mary's education and her transformation from shy child to confident young woman. As Mary matures, she adapts to English ways, yet retains the faith and values of her native culture. Her life is characterized by the balance between native and colonial, and both cultures sustain her in different ways.
Life during colonial times, particularly in rural areas of the southeastern United States, was difficult; colonists faced a number of challenges, most notably disease and miscommunication with the native tribes living in the area. Mueller doesn't gloss over these challenges, and readers will be inspired by Mary's resilience in the face of personal and professional loss.
Later portions of the novel, which cover Mary's adulthood, have some problems--most notably, occasional shifts in point of view from first-person to third-person, which distracts from the narrative. Nonetheless, this is a quick, interesting read for junior high and high school-age students that covers an area of history that isn't commonly taught in school. -- Nanette Donohue

After losing myself thoroughly in this exciting adventure into Georgia's past, my only disappointment is in having to return to reality. The story of Mary Musgrove is one of strength and faith as we follow her amazing life. From her early youth with her mother's people, to her successful attempt to learn of and live within her English father's world. All who read this will, I'm sure join me in thanking Pamela Baur Mueller for saving such an important piece of history that was nearly lost to us all

Written by Pamela Bauer Mueller (2006 Georgia Author of the Year Winner for YA/Children's books), An Angry Drum Echoed: Mary Musgrove, Queen of the Creeks is a historical fiction novel written from the first-person perspective of a real-life legendary figure - Mary Musgrove, daughter of a Creek mother and an English father, who successfully bridged the two worlds of Indian heritage and the English way of life. A lynchpin figure of the burgeoning Georgia colony during the 1700s, Mary Musgrove applied her influence with Indian tribes to encourage the chiefs to meet with General Oglethorpe in the Savannah, leading to the peaceful establishment of an English colony in Indian territory. Yet despite being held in high regard by English settlers as surely as Native Americans, she became an antagonist of the newly formed colonial government. After ten years of serving as an unpaid diplomat and interpreter, she led her Creek tribesmen in a march through the streets of Savannah in search of justice. A fascinating dramatization of a truly remarkable and strong-willed woman's life, recommended for readers of all ages.

I really wasn't sure what to expect when I first picked up this book. It looked interesting enough. I started reading it and by the fourtieth or fiftieth page I was hooked. I love anything that debunks the fifties illusion. I've always known their was more to the myth then "I'm completley happy living for you and our kids. I need nothing else." Norma Jean, despite the fact that it had no relation to my immediate dilemas or problems made me stop and think. It was a guidepost for me. The title charater's caustic wit and her attitude towards the mundaness of life made me realize there's a little bit of a 1950's housewife in all of us.
I recommend reading this book if your in the midst of a life decision or if you need words of wisdom from someone other than your mother. The only real fault to this book is after reading it you may swear off having kids for the rest of your life.

This achingly honest portrayal of the lot of women and mothers will particularly resonate with those of us who remember the 50's and 60's, but anyone literate enough to read it should find its humor and anguish impossible to resist. I'm reading it for the third time, and it's as fresh, funny, and captivating as it was the first time I read it over ten years ago. Norma Jean is a 30-something, suburban wife and mother of three, struggling to define a life that is her own after 7 years of drowning in the demands of children and babies. Interspersed with Norma Jean's daily trials in the kitchen and carpool, are her dreams, snippets from books on motherhood and Egyptian mythology, and her conversations with the shrink. Ballantyne's skillful storytelling gives us a novel that is both hilarious and profound. If you want to smell the poop and feel the snot, if the idea of a pre-schooler with an imaginary friend named Fokey Fuckerhead makes you laugh, if you want Norma Jean's hilarious and devastatingly accurate commentary on everything from doctors to door-to-door salesmen, take the time to find a copy of this book to read and to keep. You won't regret it.

I read this novel years ago and was amazed anyone could write that well. Ms. Ballantyne's book is hilarious, heartbreaking, and renewing. I'm glad it's back in print again, because I lost or gave away my paperback copy years ago. I had almost memorized it at that point, but I need to renew my acquaintance of Norma.

Norma predates Anne Lamott's nonfiction journal "Operating Instructions" (diary of her son's first year), by decades, but in fiction you can be incredibly honest and outrageous and say the things society doesn't want to hear - such as taking care of kids can be a pain in the ass. That when you have kids, you give up a large part of yourself and your life (and it's usually the woman). In this year, 2000, I don't know if women are any better off than Norma was. I'd like to think so...............but I doubt it.

But as with Norma, you don't stop hoping, you don't stop working towards it.

This is a soul-affirming work.

Grace O'Malley is proud to be great-granddaughter of the famous pirate, Grace O'Malley. Her quick mind, beauty and bearing lead the locals to call her The Barefoot Queen. The story opens with the hanging of her father for the crime of deer poaching. Never mind that the people of the village are starving, and the deer could have eased their hunger, Lord Rushmount is master, and the law will be obeyed. Grace cannot stand that her father is left hanging from the tree, and needs to find someone brave enough to help her cut him down and bury him. She decides to ask Owen O'Donnell, a man she's loved since girlhood. She also hopes to make him see that his withered leg, result of a childhood accident, means nothing to her, that it's his mind and soul she loves.
Owen does love Grace but refuses to allow his feeling to show. He knows she could marry a whole man, not a cripple like him. Nor does he have land to support a wife and family, being the village blacksmith. Yet they do come together for a brief time, until Owen is questioned about the recent deer poaching. After being laughed at because of his leg, and the fact it would be impossible for him to kill a deer much less slaughter it and carry away the meat, he hardens his heart against Grace. He loves her too much to marry her.
Grace sees the hunger in the village, the children suffering, and decides to carry on her father's deeds. He taught her how to shoot bow and arrow, and she has her own set, hidden in a tree. The deer she brings down is shared among the many, but brings the wrath of Lord Rushmount.
Lord Rushmount is intrigued by Grace O'Malley. He knows he'll have her, one way or another, willing or fighting. The questions begin: Will Grace be discovered? Will Owen and Grace ever get together? Will Rushmount take Grace before she can wed? Will the evil Rushmount be defeated?
I liked how the author developed the characters, especially Grace. She's young, uneducated, but intelligent. She wants to learn how to read English so she can read the laws of the people who oppress her people. Her reactions and thought to the luxury seen in Lord Rushmount's home rang true. I also liked the priest, not too sweet, not too sour, but a man who happens to be a priest. Lord Rushmount's character was interesting, and I enjoyed his POV. The time, 1665, had much to do with his beliefs.
The author does bring all the ends together, and I shed tears near the end. This is an engaging story, one that will have you smiling, crying and smiling again.

When her father suffers at the hands of an English Lord, Grace O'Mallery knows she can't sit and watch idly while the people of Ballybanree starve. The legend of her great-grandmother, a pirate who openly defied the English, ignites Grace's passion for justice. Lord Rushmount will not accept any challenge to his authority ---- not from his animals, his family or the tenants of Ballybanree. He knows only one way to answer defiance --- with brutality and blood-payments. Owen O'Donnell, the sexy and muscular blacksmith, knows that he must protect Grace and his people from the wrath of Lord Rushmont. Will the threat of losing everything cause Owen to put his heart above his past wounds and seek a new life? Will Lord Rushmont discover the identity of the deer stalker and take his vengeance?

Jean Harrington's 17th century historical romance THE BAREFOOT QUEEN details the hard realities of life in Ballybanree when the authority of an English lord knows no restraint and justice is unattainable. Jean Harrington places the hero and heroine within the context of the whole town, allowing the reader to know the residents and their connections to one another. Grace is a strong woman, defiant and willing to take a stand against injustice. Owen, defiant yet gentle of heart, circumspect yet ingenious and innovative, will the sufferings of his people and a threat to Grace force him to take action? Just how far is he willing to go to protect Grace and their love?

THE BAREFOOT QUEEN creates a historical background that makes Ireland and history come alive for readers. The introduction of Shakespeare and RICHARD III was very well done --- not just placing the romance within literary history but providing a window into Lord Rushmont's character and a reflection on the written word. The Bible also comes into play, not just the creation of the King James bible but also the importance of the Bible and reading in a time when reading instruction was rare outside of the upper classes. In the background of the current historical time, the reader sees the past actions of Oliver Cromwell and the Church of England and its effect on the attitudes and fears of the characters. Jean Harrington gives the reader more than just historical references. She gives us the emotional, spiritual and economic conflicts as experienced in the lives of her characters.

Despite Charles II's reign and the relaxation against Catholicism, we see the difficulties for Father Joyce as gestures do little to feed empty bellies. Father Joyce was a most interesting character. Conscious of church laws, he still finds a way of obeying his religious orders and also of being a man of God and a spiritual voice to his flock, when the two conflicted. Owen was great hero --- disabled by an accident yet strong and sexy, a wounded soul yet defiant and smart. In Grace's character, like others, Jean Harrington fills in the shades of grey, not presenting the reader with a black and white character but a fallible heroine. Lord Rushmount is a villain ---- a man easy to hate for his brutality. The author did a great job at showing how evil and self-centered the passions are that inflame his heart. If you want a light romance, this is not the one to read. There are sad and devastating events here, and yet, Jean Harrington provides a magnificent catharsis, one that reaches across time, place and perhaps even generations. THE BAREFOOT QUEEN has an exquisite spiritual and historical happily ever after ending, a romance of daring hearts and a beautiful ending born out of the pain and hardship but one full of future hope.

Jean Harrington's Barefoot Queen takes the reader to the tumultuous world of 17th century Ireland. Grace O'Malley is the spirited heroine of this saga. As she is drawn into the class struggle and long time enmities shaping life in her village, she is challenged by her status as a woman, as an Irish peasant and as a bold adventuress with dreams to match.

Grace is the fiery offspring of a poacher who has been hanged for his encroachment on the lands of Lord Rushmount and his family. As Grace takes up her father's "profession", she sets the stage for tragedy and confrontation. Her unlikely romance with the strong willed Owen O'Malley adds to the tension in this tightly woven plot. Rushmount's fascination with Grace and his drive for revenge lead to a dénouement that is both shocking and tragic, forever changing Grace's life.


The Barefoot Queen is an enthralling adventure story, a sensuous romance, and a gripping thriller made exceptional by its historical detail and crisp writing. The political forces and imperious demands of the ruling class personified in Lord Rushmount are contrasted with the daily lives of the villagers who are under his rule. Interwoven are scenes of treachery on both sides, cunning schemes and betrayal all too common in the Irish struggle for equality in the 17th century. Author Harrington's attention to historical accuracy, insightful character development and vivid description make this beautifully written book a "must read".

This book presents images and reflections on the Blessed Mother that take rich traditional language and imagery for a new day. Michael McGrath's paintings particularly are beautiful, playful, devotional. The whole book inspired me and connected me with Mary --and throught her to the living Church and to God.
The book reminds me of the value of beauty as a gateway to God.

Beautiful artwork, fascinating personal insights by the author, and meaningful prayers. Taking numerous names given to Mary (Queen of Angels, Gate of Heaven, Virgin, etc.) the artist (and author) created pictures and his own modern, personal view of how Mary fits these titles and what they mean. The author shares how he chose to do each picture (inspiration, colors, etc.) and it's wonderful to look at the picture and feel what he was trying to express. The author makes Mary more personable and down to earth. For example-instead of Mary sitting on a throne as other artists have been wont to do, this artist places her in a rocking chair. He brings her to us where we are. Wonderful book.

Both the art work and the prayers in this book are beautiful. I like the way the authors see Mary as a kind of symbol of the Holy Spirit, reminding us of God's feminine dimension. As the artist states, this book is for those "who find delight in a God who is more than white and male." It is inspired and inspiring. I highly recommend it.

When my 2 teenagers were very young, a librarian read this book to them at a storyhour. "Bub" became our code word for "love" and whenever any of us wants to remind another of our feelings, we say "bub" to each other. Phone calls end with "bub", we encourage them on the baseball field and basketball court with "C'mon, Bub!", it's become one of those familial idiocyncrasies that we will all cherish for our lifetimes. I have read the book to my students as well. Now I am ordering the book as a keepsake for my family for Christmas.

This beautifully illustrated book is great to read with your kids.
It is about what is most important in a child's upbringing.
The king and Queen in the book both think they know
what is best for the little prince, but neither of them
can agree on what that is. Together they set out to find the answer,
but the little prince already knows the answer it's Bub or Love as he can't quite pronounce it yet. I think
you and your kids will enjoy reading this book together.

I received this book as a gift. What a great gift. All three of my children have learned about "bub". You'll have to read it to figure out the mystery for yourself.