Quills Books

Borges manages to completely skew and alter one's perceptions of time, reality, language and psychology in 16 pages of text and two dozen evocative yet cryptic drawings. It is reminiscent of the Codex Seriphinianus but more concentrated.

Thoroughly perplexing and enjoyable. Borges has a knack for deciphering the indecipherable and drawing us into his world. His blindness only serves to stimulate his understanding of the complexities of the human mind. In Spanish, the language is densely poetic yet subtle in its explications. If different realities or universes exist, Borges has discovered them in Tlon, Uqbar, Orbis Tertius.

After reading a string of so-so books, I picked up Megan Hart's UNEXPECTED without much expectation and was, therefore, totally unprepared for this truly amazing collection of short stories.

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AMIDST A CROWD OF STARS. Lujawed is a harsh desert planet, and homesteader Marrin Levy and her three children are struggling to survive after the death of her husband. After several years, Marrin finally decides to send away for a "field husband"--a marriage of convenience to a man to help her work the land and take care of things. She was expecting someone different--different from the strange, handsome, alien, ageless Seveeran who is looking for a new life. What she gets is Keane Delacore. What she gets is better than anything she could have imagined.

Although all of the stories in this collection are terrific, I wish this story had been placed at the end of the collection rather than the beginning because I thought it was the strongest. Ms. Hart essentially tells this story backwards, with the most recent events giving way to the earlier events--and it's a unique and effective way to have the story unfold. In addition, Ms. Hart creates a complete and believable world, interesting characters, and a sexy, tender romance within a handful of pages. This story really moved me. In fact, I have to say it did something pretty unusual--it made me cry.

EMERALD ISLE. This swashbuckling tale opens with Robin Steele being forced to walk the plank of the pirate queen's ship. Luckily, Robin doesn't really get eaten by sharks, but his wife Eleanor did have to give up the leprechaun's magic emerald to the greedy queen. The two set off to recover the gem and locate the rest of the leprechaun's treasure. Their adventure is perilous and they must match wits against both the pirate queen and the leprechaun while never losing sight of what is truly important.

EVERYTHING COUNTS. Elspeth Valerin is an instructor of Arithmancy at Somnus Keep, and her life is ruled by numbers and order. Unfortunately, her control of the thrall is incomplete due to her inability to open up and trust a man enough to take him as her lover. When she joins a group of instructors at a pub, she comes face to face with the handsome owner, Connell Byrne. Years earlier, Connell had been her first love, but could never have been her first lover because he didn't have magic and would have compromised her own potential as a magicreator. Connell knew this, but has carried the bitterness of her rejection and abandonment. Now that they are reunited, they both have a chance to heal their wounds and rediscover love--if only Elspeth can calculate the right course of action.

MOONLIGHT MADNESS. Plain Rhea is on her way to a nightclub when she is diverted by the shop signs: One night only! Moonlight Madness! Prices Slashed! Inside the dark store, Rhea finds the most amazing coat, a coat that transforms her into a beautiful, desirable--in fact, irresistible--woman when she puts it on. After buying the coat for a pittance, Rhea wears it to the club where she becomes the center of attention--especially Ted's. Rhea had never had a man like Ted interested in her but the mysterious coat makes anything possible, at least for awhile.

MONSTER IN THE CLOSET. Tessa Hanson has a monster in her closet. Unfortunately for him, the monster forgot to put on his uniform so instead he looks just like a gorgeous naked man. In fact, a gorgeous naked man who is intent upon seducing Tessa in order to win his wings (so to speak) as an incubus. Tessa's definitely interested in the sex, but finds it more difficult to let go and give up control enough to allow herself to be seduced. Clever Magnus the monster is up to the challenge, tho, and they have a night together that changes both of their lives. Boo.

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Recently, I seem to have read a lot of short stories that have been dragged out to novel length. Ms. Hart, on the other hand, accomplishes the feat of creating whole worlds within a few satisfying pages. If done correctly, short stories are much more difficult to write than novels. Ms. Hart not only does it right, she makes it seem effortless. And each of these worlds and their characters are unique, not just cookie cutter versions of the previous stories with a few changes. These stories run the gamut from sci fi to fantasy to adventure to horror, as well as from torrid sex to tender, everlasting love. This book is not to be missed.

Elspeth Valerin likes numbers. Actually, her life is all about numbers! Elspeth teaches arithmancy, the study of numbers used to make predictions, at the local magic academy. Elspeth is not perfect at her craft, but she does a good job and enjoys her work. But she needs a break, so her friends decide to convince her to go to the local tavern with them. Elspeth is reluctant, but she agrees. Unexpectedly, her night out erupts into a deluge of painful memories from her past when she encounters Connell Byrne, a man from her childhood.

Connell Byrne owns the local tavern. He is surprised and shocked when he sees Elspeth sitting at the table with her friends. Elspeth is as beautiful as Connell remembers and he still feels a pull toward her. Memories from their past assault him, and while some are pleasant, most just hurt him. Elspeth broke his heart years ago and he still is not over it.

Elspeth knows that seeing Connell again is not simply chance because the numbers have been indicating a change in her future. Both Elspeth and Connell are going to have to face some painful truths from their pasts if they ever hope to move forward.

Everything Counts is a touching story about the choices we make to protect ourselves and the ones we love. Elspeth and Connell were separated when their love was new and blossoming. Elspeth is a kind person who lives a quiet life because she cannot move past the pain and tragedy of her past. She is limited by the choices she made and does not think that she can change. Connell thought he had put his past behind him, until he sees Elspeth again. Connell realizes that he must close that part of his past one way or another. Connell and Elspeth definitely have chemistry and share a romantic connection.

Everything Counts moved quickly and kept me engaged and rooting for both Elspeth and Connell. Megan Hart exhibits how one moment can completely alter lives and that sometimes confronting history can make one stronger. She does a wonderful job creating characters who worked their way into my heart and mind. Ms. Hart reminded me that Everything Counts, especially forgiveness and love!

Gracie
Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

This book is where the series starts to get really good for me. The first two books were good but the extra character that was added in this book just seems to make the original two characters even better. I highly recommend that you read the first two books prior to this one. I don't know if I would consider this a "stand-alone" book.

Jesse Madding and Gideon Keel are checking out a tip when they discover a gruesomely posed body and the remains of an expensive party. The horrible crime scene leaves them both shaken, but when they go to a local vampire bar to get rid of some of their tension, they discover that the body they found is only the tip of the iceberg. At the bar, they encounter empath Emma. After they rescue her from being sold to the highest bidder, she tells them she's in search of her missing sister, whose disappearance seems to be related to the body they found, as well as other people who were killed to create horrible "art." Can Jesse and Gideon solve this mystery and keep Emma safe?

Before you decide to pick up Unveiled, make sure you're not squeamish or sensitive. The book contains violence, gore, BDSM, partner-sharing, and other things that really won't be your cup of tea. Also, it would be best to read Master of Obsidian first. While this book would make sense on its own, I think it's more enjoyable if you know the backstory. That said, Unveiled is a truly suspenseful read with much to recommend it. The book picks up where Master of Obsidian left off and further develops the relationship between Jesse and Gideon, making this a worthy sequel. Jesse is really coming into his own in this book, becoming more confident in Gideon's love and in his own competence. Gideon, despite being capable of violence when necessary, can also be very sweet and tender toward Jesse. I liked the way their relationship included some (pretty heavy) d/s games in the bedroom and respect and equality outside it. Newcomer Emma's abilities have a very interesting effect on the men and the storyline. Her mix of toughness and vulnerability made her a sympathetic character. The storyline itself is taut and suspenseful. The games Jesse and Gideon must play, and the coldly evil people they must deal with, to catch the killers are chilling. Jamie Craig did a very good job of creating an atmosphere populated with rich people and vampires who play by a different set of rules and have no empathy or morality at all. If you like vampires, mysteries, and dark storylines, pick up Unveiled. The book isn't for everyone, but fans of this type of book will not be disappointed.

Cassie
reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

When a face from the past makes an appearance in her life, Leah Scarpelli's world falls apart. Eighteen years ago, Leah dated Kane Lambert one night, a couple of weeks before her wedding to Nick Scarpelli. That night, Kane raped her. Devastated, yet telling no one, Leah proceeded to marry Nick and got on with her life.

Now, all these years later, she has signed a contract to help renowned author, Jeffery Stone, research his next book. Her life is perfect. She has a loving husband and two beautiful teenagers. She loves her job and her life. Then she finds out that Stone is none other than Kane Lambert. When Lambert lays eyes on Leah's son, Renny, he's convinced Renny is his and proceeds to tell Nick about it.

Leah's idyllic life falls apart. In the space of a short time, her loving husband devastated and feeling betrayed, moves out, her children become estranged and even her best friend starts acting funny. Will Leah survive this crisis and be able to bring her family back together? She is heartbroken, but has yet to realize that Nick has a secret of his own that he's been keeping from her all this time. Is her bond with Nick strong enough to weather this storm? As if all that intrigue wasn't enough, now there's death knocking on someone's door....

There's a saying, "It's always darkest before dawn." Bonnie Drury's WAIT THE MORNING LIGHT, shows us just how difficult it can be to wait for that dawn. Drury has penned a wonderfully poignant tale of love and heartbreak. The drama that unravels itself as you read deeper into the book, will have you spellbound and reeling from the impact.

A perfect marriage, a loving couple, an ideal family, a wonderful life... all blown apart with the appearance of a man from the heroine's past. Add to that, a couple of devastating secrets and you have absolutely spellbinding plot. The secondary characters added a wonderful feel to the story. Leah's mom and her teenage kids leave their own impact on the reader. Drury has a wonderful gift for making her characters seem so unfailingly human and so easy to identify with.

Very easy to read and exceptionally well-written, this book will have a strong impact on your heart and mind. Bonnie Drury is an excellent author and charming storyteller. This is one book I would highly recommend to all romance readers!

In WAIT THE MORNING LIGHT, Bonnie Drury draws from the Irish philosophy that, no matter how bleak, things always get better with the morning light. But Leah Scarpelli is coming to the realization that the darkest times of life come in the dark hours of the night, and sometimes waiting for the morning can be almost impossible.

Leah covered a desperate secret of guilt and shame seventeen years ago, going on to live a nearly idyllic life with her beloved husband Nick, son Renny and daughter Erin. But the past has come back with a vengeance, in the form of Kane Lambert. And now he has the power to destroy Leah's world, quickly and savagely. And when he's done, no one in Leah's world will ever be the same.

Nick, the loving but frequently absent father and husband, doesn't realize the pain of loneliness he subjects his family to for the sake of a blooming career. But Nick has his own secrets, equally as devastating as Leah's, and dares not share the truth.

Kane Lambert is a famous but extraordinarily reclusive author writing under a pen name. Kane met Leah in college, taking her on a date that promises to destroy her life seventeen years later. Kane's secrets reveal treachery, frighteningly dangerous. Obsessed with Leah, Kane's determined to have her as his own, no matter the cost.

WAIT THE MORNING LIGHT forces the reader to reevaluate the meaning of family, friendship, and relationships of all sorts. Artfully combining the elements of intrigue, suspense, and love, Bonnie Drury reveals the ties that bind the heart. Be prepared for tears of grief and of joy as this wonderful novel tugs at the heartstrings. And truly, no matter how bleak life appears, WAIT THE MORNING LIGHT proves the beauty to be had when the dark night of the soul has passed.

I read this sometimes ago as a e-book. Very glad to have this one finally in print. I still remember both plot and characters vividly as the story line is really unique and both characters interesting. There are some fantasy elements here. On the other hand as I read more of this writer's works, I realize he (?) has quite a thing for muscular hunks. Jesse is terribly scarred physically and mentally because of a past accident. At first he could not understand much less accept Keith's adoration and love for him, as he first knew Keith as a child, living just next door. How these 2 men finally came together is wonderfully written and the fantasy elements here may be strange but equally refreshing and most original. Hope his other effort "One good hand" will also be available in print soon.

Jesse is a 26 years old businessman with a wonderful life: money, a beautiful house in a good neighborhood, friends. One friend in particular: a young guy of 15 years old, the boy next door. Keith sees in Jess an idol, and he desperetely wants this man; but Jesse sees in Keith only a kid. Beside Jesse, even if gay, likes a different type of man: bid, sturdy men, and Keith is a skinny boy and probably he will not grow much more.

Then Jesse has to leave for a business trip, a year long journey in Europe, but he promises to write to Keith. But the year end with a terrible car accident and other two years pass before Jess returns back home. And when he sees Keith he can't believe at his eyes: Keith is more than 6 feet tall and during the days with him grows more. And he also can't accept a no by Jesse: now Jesse is wounded in spirit but also in phisyc and doesn't want no one near him. But Keith doesn't listen to reason and open himself a way in the life and in the bed of Jesse.

This is terrible wrong. Keith is 18 years old, he has to go to college in few days, and he can't possibly want a man scarred like him. Jesse continues to repeat to himself this words, but he also has to admit that the presence of Keith in his life makes him happy, for the first time in so many year he is warm and sure.

But Keith continues to grow. Like a giant. Is it Jesse the reason of this all? Is it love or is it obsession?

Jesse is a wonderful character: clever, sympathetic, gentle. He doesn't blame the other for his fate, he tries to close himself to people, but never wants to hurt them. And he thinks before doing something and tried to find the right solution for everyone.

Keith is young and reckless. He wants: he wants his father's attention, he wants his brother's respect, he want Jesse's love. And everything he wants he have. No matter what it cost. He is pretty scary sometimes. But he really loves Jesse. And Jesse knows how to contain this giant.

Rowan McBride has an extremely original mind. This is a pretty long novel, who use a pretty similar starting point of other her romance, True e One Good Hand, the "changing lover", but in a more "realistic" way: in this novel there aren't aliens, but only two men who love each other beyond the nature law.

like many others, i served with this man who we felt was a true warrior. his leadership was based on two words,"follow me." i've not finished the book yet, but so far find it is written objectively. thankfully, politics can alter history, but it can't alter memory.

It is certainly true as the Kirkus Reviews blurb on the back cover notes that William Westmoreland has been "alternately overlooked and maligned by history." The former is inexplicable and the latter - sad. It is a shame that this fine book is not in print. As far as I know, this is the only full biography of Westmoreland and it deserves a wide audience.

While sympathetic, it is not hagiographic. While not entirely persuasive, Westmoreland's defense of his conduct of the war is strong and has been too easily dismissed by some - such as Lewis Sorley in "A Better War" (though, nonethless, another fine book).

What Zaffiri clarifies is that the strategy of attrition was not strictly Westmoreland's. At the Honolulu Conference in February 1966, Westmoreland received a memorandum drafted by McNamara and Rusk which explicitly authorized him to conduct a war of attrition: "... attrit by year's end, Viet Cong and North Vietnamese forces at a rate as high as their capability to put men in the field." McNamara and McNaughton devised this strategy and in the subsequent 3 years never seriously sought to modify or scrap it. The infamous "body count" was devised by the whiz-kid McNamara who believed he'd devised a mathematical formula for "winning" the war.

In fact, the Johnson Administration never sought to "win" the war per se, but to prevent the North from winning. They erroneously believed that they could persuade the North, through carrot and stick, to give up their dream of a united Vietnam. It was Washington that would not permit an effective bombing campaign against the North. It was Washington that would not allow an invasion of Cambodia and Laos to destroy the Communist sanctuaries after Tet '68 when enough troops were available to do so. Westmoreland was repeatedly turned down when he requested permission to invade these base camps.

As Westmoreland says in his autobiography:

"I elected to fight a so-called big-unit war not because of any Napoleonic impluse to maneuver units and hark to the sound of the cannon but because of the basic fact that the enmy had committed big units and I ignored them at my peril. The big-unit war was in any case only a first step. As a former member of my staff in the Pentagon, Lt. Gen. Richard G. Stilwell, wrote later, in likening the insurgency to a boulder, a sledge first has to break the boulder into large fragments; groups of workers can then attack the fragments with spalling tools; then individuals pound the chips with tap hammers until they are reduced to powder and the boulder ceases to exist.

In the early months of American involvement it was risky, even perilous, in regions where the enemy's big units might be met, to commit troops in less than battalion strength, and even then at least a brigade had to be available in case of trouble. After our campaigns of 1966 and 1967 and after the enemy had expended his resources in a nationwide offensive in early 1968, I could commit companies and even platoons and multiple squad-sized patrols without major concern. The boulder was reduced to fragments, the fragments to chips. That the enemy could bring in another boulder from outside the boundaries of South Vietnam and strike again, as he did in the spring of 1972 and finally in 1975, was another matter, one of the peculiarities of a war in which one side respected international frontiers while the other did not."

There is no question that Westmoreland was had his hands tied by irrational Administration policy to a great extent. That excerpt from his memoirs is a compelling rejoinder to those, such as Sorley, that insist Westmoreland should have begun fighting a small-unit war based on pacification from day 1. But there is no question that Westmoreland had little interest in pacification and that he did not do nearly enough on the Vietnamization front.

In short, the lion's share of the blame for the failure to produce a final victory in 1966-9 belongs to Lyndon Johnson and Robert McNamara. (It was McNamara who insisted on the infamous "body count" which Westmoreland personally deplored).

This book covers his fascinating family history going back to the English Civil War and his ancestors in the "Upcountry" of South Carolina. It details his personal life including his childhood, his marriage and his children. It follows his service in WWII in North Africa and at Remagan Bridge as well as in Korea. It also details his life after being COMUSMACV: his term as CSA, his abortive run for Governor of South Carolina, and his libel trial against CBS.

In the account of his battle against CBS and Mike Wallace's shameful smear-job of him and his dedication to, and sincere pride and affection for, Vets, Zaffiri shows us a man of honesty, integrity and honor.

This book is a fitting tribute to General William C. Westmoreland, who passed away last month at the age of 91.

Soon after her husband dies, Julie Leighton receives an invitation from her parents in law to come and visit them in England. She's more than surprised, as her late husband had never mentioned their existence. In fact, other than the fact that he was British, she totally ignored his life before their marriage. A secretive man, he'd always kept his past a secret.

Thus, eager to learn about her late husband's past, she accepts the invitation and flies to London with her nine-year-old daughter Michelle.

But soon after the plane lands, not only do they suffer a bus accident on the way to their hotel, but Michelle abruptly disappears. Julie's worst nightmare becomes reality. What could be more terrifying for a mother than to lose her young, beautiful child in a strange country?

Detective Inspector Simon Winter, posing as one of the bus passengers, offers Julie his help. And he doesn't intend to lose her out of his sight. The fact is, he believes Julie is a criminal who intends to finish the mission which her late husband began-blackmailing an important and famous politician who most people believe will be the next Prime Minister.

As they try to find Michelle, not only do they discover their unwilling attraction towards one another, but soon realize the girl's disappearance is only part of a big whirlpool of lies and deception... and that their investigation could very well cost them their lives.

Crisply written, tightly packed and filled with one twist after another, I was completely drawn to the story from the beginning to end. This is the perfect mystery book to cuddle up with next to the fire with a cup of tea on a dark and rainy day. Kidnapping, blackmailing, murder, romance, and a mysteriously cozy European location make this a thoroughly enjoyable read. I'll be keeping my eye on this talented author's next works.

Julie Leighton and her nine-year-old daughter, Michelle, came to London from Boston to meet Julieýs in-laws for the first time. Julie had been married to Vic Leighton for seven years, but Vic would never discuss with her anything regarding his life before they were married. When he was killed on one of his business trips to London, Julie felt she should at least try to contact the rest of his family and let them know about his death. Since she had no idea how to contact any of them, the best she could do was to put an ad in the London newspaper. Luckily, Vicýs father saw the ad and contacted her. He wanted Julie and Michelle to come for a visit. Julie agreed. She thought it would be nice for Michelle to get to know her grandparents.

From the moment they step off the plane in England things begin to go wrong. When the bus they are riding on is involved in an accident, Julie ends up unconscious and in the hospital. In all the chaos, Julie and Michelle are separated. Simon Winter, the man who has been following them, is slightly injured and is also taken to the hospital. When Julie discovers that Michelle is missing, Simon offers to help find her.

What they find is a mystery that had it beginning many years before, but continues to threaten lives and reputations today. In fact, one of the ones whose reputation is in question is Vic Leighton. Was he the kind, generous, and good man that Julie had known? Or was he a blackmailer who was targeting a prominent British politician? And was Julie in London to pick up where her husband left off?

If you love to pit your investigative skills, insights, and wisdom against ýthe professionalsý to see who can solve the case first, you will definitely love this book. All of your sleuthing talents will be utilized as Julie and Simon uncover clues, run into dead ends, discover the past, and perhaps themselves, as they frantically try to find Michelle

This children's book is a must for Shakespeare lovers. It is the story of Willoughby Waddle, a country goose who wants to see the world and travels to "Londontown." While waddling through the busy streets, he experiences a typical day in Elizabethan London. Students of Shakespeare will recongnize many of the items and activities seen by Willoughby on his awe-inspiring and sometimes fearful trip. He eventually meets another "Will," and in true "Forrest Gump" or "Shakespeare in Love" fashion profoundly affects the fate of literary history! This is an adorable book filled with historically accurate allusions, Elizabethan language, and beautiful pictures on every page.

Children's book author/illustrator Don Freeman is beloved by many for his Corduroy books, Dandelion, Manuelo the Playing Mantis, and others. His death in 1978 left a void in his chosen genre. Thus, it is with great pleasure that one finds a reprint of one of his outstanding works.

Luminously illustrated in the trademark Freeman style Will's Quill is the story of a friendship between a goose, Willoughby Waddle, and William Shakespeare. It seems that Willoughby was curious to see the bustling city of London, so he set off from his country home. However, the people, the ruckus, the stone streets were all too much for this farm bred goose.
The one person in the city who was kind to Willoughby was Shakespeare.

So, Willoughby followed Shakespeare to the Globe Theatre. Once there, Willoughby squeezes between people's legs to see a stage on which his new friend is dueling. Of course, a goose has no idea what a play is so he attempts to rescue Shakespeare. What a sight!

But, as they say, all's well that ends well, and later that night Willoughby is finally able to really help his friend.

Will's Quill is a story that deserves a place on every young reader's library shelf.

- Gail Cooke

Everyone who cared and loved Prince Conar McGregor thinks he died several years ago although his body was never found. Instead his childhood mentor and tormentor Sorcerer Kaileel Tohre, leader of the Dominion and the kingdom of Serenia, condemned Conar to live what remains of his tortured life inside the Labyrinth Prison for a crime he never committed; the island prison contains many of his enemies who loathe him and enjoy torturing him especially with his childhood nightmares. Though some might question his sanity, he survives because of the memory of his love for his Princess wife and the pain from the beatings.

However, Conar for all purposes is dead, but has metamorphosed into the Raven. He escapes his debilitating captivity to begin his plans to stop the evil that engulfs his people. Raven forges a force of twenty-two loyal strong and courageous soldiers the Wind Force. He and his troops believe the enemy is Tohre and his Dominion supporters, but they will soon learn that an evil entnity , perhaps worse than the wicked sorcerer, has started to also rise.

To better understand the motives of the key two antagonists and several supporting cast members, fantasy fan should read the three earlier novels first although THE WINDHEALER easily can stand alone. Conar is a terrific hero who has met tortures that Job would struggle with yet somehow keeps on going. Tohre is one of the best villains in the genre as this evil seeks vengeance on his former student for rejecting him. In her fourth WindLegends tale, Charlotte Boyett-Compo once again provides an excellent novel that genre fans will find immensely satisfying and seek the rest of the saga.

Harriet Klausner

My wife turned me on to this sword & sorcery series. Like most guys, I pooh-poohed the idea of reading romance (uck!) but once I read Windkeeper, I couldn't stop and read all the way through this fourth book and have just ordered the fifth. This is great angst here, folks, with a hero that sets the juices to flowing. I love a great, smashing sword fight and this was wonderful. The torture scenes were so life-like and when the hero overcame it all, I was routing like crazy for him. If you like dark fantasy, you GOTTA get this series!!!!!

Writers' And Artists' Hideouts: Great Getaways For Seducing The Muse by literary agent Andrea Brown is a very special travel guide for writers, artists, actors, and other creative people seeking to find somewhere they can go to focus upon their work which is all to often interrupted in their primary homes, studios and offices with the demands of friends, family, and the pressures of day-to-day living. Ranging from the inexpensive ($19.00 per night hostels) to the extravagant ($1000.00 per night luxury hotels) Writers' & Artists' Hideouts covers the gamut. Arranged geographically into The Pacific Northwest; California; Hawaii & Alaska; The Southwest; The Rocky Mountain States; The Midwest; The Heartland; The Northeast; The Mid-Atlantic; and The Southeast, Writers' & Artists' Hideouts is further enhanced with the inclusion of an informative Introduction, advice on "How to Use This Book", security tips, an "Index by Venue"; and an "Index by City". If you need to "get away from it all" and consult your personal muse, then browse through the pages of Andrea Brown's Writers' & Artist's Hideouts.

You know what happens when you try to write at home. The kids start fighting, the laundry begs to be flipped, the pasta starts boiling over on the stove...

Distractions abound. Responsibilities nag.

For many writers, the ideal place to write is anywhere other than home. Literary agent Andrea Brown provides a solution: Take a "working" vacation.

In this guide, Andrea profiles about 600 hotels, motels, inns, bed and breakfasts, lodges, lighthouses, and other getaway locations that she thinks are perfect for writers seeking inspiration. Each entry is short, providing a brief description of the location and amenities, and a price range. Most entries also have a website address where you can visit to see more details.

It's the scenery that most often determines what makes a place ripe for inspiration, so here you'll find descriptions of lake and mountain views, beautiful gardens, and palm trees.

Want to get in the mood to write that period romance? Maybe what you seek is a Gothic Victorian mansion to set those fingers flying across the keyboard. Want to get in the mind of your fisherman protagonist? Hang out at a rustic lodge.

Listed by region, the entries cover a range of accommodations, simple to luxurious. For the writer who loves to travel, this book may provide just the right spot to get your work done and get pampered at the same time.

--Jenna Glatzer, author of Make a Real Living as a Freelance Writer and editor of AbsoluteWrite.com