Shadow The Books

This book is so well written, I couldn't put it down! I loved the heroine in the book, the characters seemed to come alive. I can't wait until the sequel is published! Sally Painter is a superb, up and coming author to the New Millenium. Congratulations Ms. Painter! Job well done!

This story offers terrific characters, a delightful love story, a fascinating plot, and excitment from the very first page. You'll love it and like me, you'll wish you could read it again for the very first time. Whatever you do, don't miss this one!

Passion and intrigue sizzle on every page of Sally Painter's Shadows of Love. You'll be captured by the first scene and be swept away by the twisting plot and adeptly woven historical detail to an ending you won't want to miss.

Sally Painter has created an historical thriller that is filled with excitement, intrigue and unbridled passion. It deals with an age when white slavery rings operated covertly, stealing young women from the arms of their families and making them disappear forever. One of these victims, beautiful Celeste Bates, somehow manages to escape her ordeal, only to fall into the arms of the dangerously handsome, Captain Brent MacGraft. Misunderstandings and misconceptions force Celeste and Brent apart, even though their instincts and desires draw them together. The power and frustration of these opposing forces is what drives this novel. Shadows Of Love is an erotically riveting romance. Ms. Painter has successfully woven a truly unforgettable tale.

From the very first sentence, the reader is gripped by a tale of intrigue that begins with our heroine being buried alive. Her apparent death is really a trick of white slavers who plan to dig her up and sell her to foreign interests. Celeste Bates manages to escape her captors when they come to reclaim her from the grave. She flees London with the help of a sea captain/agent, who thinks she is in league with the kidnappers. She is equally distrustful of him, but that does not keep them from falling in love on their ocean voyage. Upon reaching Wilmington, North Carolina, Celeste escapes from the man who has loved, and in her eyes, betrayed her. But he is not so easily forgotten. The adventure continues with a suspenseful plot and an irresistable hero and heroine. I highly recommend Shadows of Love.

The cover was better than you see in the picture. I loved the magnetic flap that comes around the journal. The gold trim around the pages added an elegant touch to the book.

I highly recommend this signature book. It is well constructed, looks beautiful, and the price was amazingly low.

Sketchbook is truly beautiful. Solid binding and good quality paper - a must for any artist.

Just one of a selection of high quality, beautifully crafted, reasonably priced blank books offered by The Paperblanks Book Company.

Whether you are a Writer, a Diarist, or even a Mystic, these books are created for you.

They are offered in a variety of sizes, so that you can take them with you. Or you can collect them and display them in your library.

I bought three of this journal to bring through a book in the set and I was really taken back with the size of the journal - it's huge! It's about the size of musical sheet music.

The closure that looks like black wrought iron is actually a hard flexible material that automatically snaps in place to keep the book closed - it's really beautiful!

The blank cream color paper is of top quality and on this journal the pages have a gold foil at the bottom of the journal. It does not need that on the sides, because the journal would be closed.

If you love to write, sketch, draw and want a LARGE classic majestic looking journal that just looks breathtaking on any book shelf this is the one to get.

If what you are writing or drawing has great meaning to you, then it deserves to be protected in this beautiful journal. Really gorgeous!

This is a unique and delightful book. Unlike so many publications about the early space program, which typically rehash many of the same old stories, this one actually reveals something fresh and heretofore unexamined. Dr. Rahman avoids overuse of technologic talk, keeping the book very accessible for the casual reader; yet manages to unearth something genuinely different for those of us who avidly read all things space.

For those who care naught about exploration of the moon, readers will still find a wonderful message of peace on earth. In fact, the mounbound messages (nearly four decades old now) contained herein, penned by leaders from around the world, seem remarkably timely for our age and any age. It is touching to read such sentiments from world leaders who have often been considered enemies rather than friends.

Ultimately, this is not a book about a super-power's technologic feats in space; but about a planet uniting for a single moment in its history and longing to return to that unity.

I was just 7 when men first set foot on the moon and I can still remember the excitement as my parents explained what was going on and tried to impart to me the significance of what I was witnessing on our old black and white TV. Until I read this book I had no idea that over 70 nations sent unique messages of goodwill to be left on the moon forever. Tahir has done a wonderful job in collecting these messages together, as well as giving us many rare and beautiful photographs which pictorially document that time almost 40 years ago. I can heartily recommend this book for anyone with an interest in the space programme. However, it is far more than merely another book about Apollo, Neil Armstrong etc; it gives us a rare insight into how other nations apart from America perceived the significance of this monumental effort and event. In the turbulent times of the late 1960s, it is heart-warming to learn that so many countries which might, in many ways, be at odds with one another, genuinely wished the best for the men who landed on the moon and wanted to feel a part of the whole enterprise. That is the true message of this book and is perhaps a lesson that nations might learn from today.

I enjoyed this book as, instead of being too narrowly focused (as a story about one little object might sound at first), it tells the story of this tiny disc as just one symbolic element of the first mission to the lunar surface. Not just for the committed space-geek, this book does a good job of conveying some of the wonder of the first lunar landing mission, both in words and in beautiful full-page images. As a snapshot of the world of 1969, it is fascinating.

The disc, intended as a symbolic gesture, turns out to tell many more stories than its original intention, and in many ways summarize the whole venture. As the book describes the rush to add last-minute messages to the disc, hurriedly collecting messages from world leaders, so we come to understand the tensions between science, engineering, PR and politics that were taking place in the busy runup to launch. Some arguments, such as whether to include religious wording to symbolic statements, sound very familiar to some current political debates.

The political reasonings behind some of the messages, and also why some nations declined involvement, give an interesting insight into late-1960s global politics. It's very interesting to read all of the messages themselves as a reflection of the times. Some of the blandest statements come from the major powers on the world stage, with smaller countries such as Liberia, Guyana, the Ivory Coast, Trinidad and Tobago providing some of the most thought-provoking words as they decide how to claim their own little intellectual corner of the mission. The messages come from countries which in many cases no longer exist or have been renamed, from leaders long gone, long deposed and in many cases long discredited. Very few, such as Queen Elizabeth, are still around.

Without any commentary, the end of the book is nevertheless perhaps the most powerful part. Giving a brief biography of each of the leaders whose words appear on the disc, in many cases we are treated to a rogue's gallery of dictators, coup winners, corrupt tyrants and those who went on to murky and inglorious ends. A good portion of the leaders are people who, today, we may view as the last names we'd want representing humankind in a message to the future. While aiming for a high purpose, the disc therefore also inadvertently summarizes what a messy and imperfect world we lived in in 1969. Perhaps, in doing so, it gives extra luster to the Apollo 11 mission itself, which managed to reach above its Cold War origins and achieve something for all humankind.

A very interesting work, presented in beautiful form.

Given an accomplishment as large as landing the first men on the Moon, it is easy to understand why the smaller details of the Apollo 11 mission might be forgotten to the passage of time. It is therefore a delight to see author Tahir Rahman return the spotlight (and microscope) to the flight's goodwill silicon disc. What some may have seen as a trinket, Rahman saw as the treasure it really it is. "We Came In Peace For All Mankind" will fit as well in a space historian's library as it will the space enthusiast's.

The story of the least-remembered memento Neil Armstrong & Buzz Aldrin left on the Moon in 1969.

Almost forty years ago we were glued to our tvs watching NASA's greatest show yet: humans encased in silver space suits cavorting on the Moon, our one & only orbital companion which has inspired us to lunacy & romance & poetry for countless generations. No, Virginia, there is no Man in the Moon, only astronauts upon it.

Above all other images we remember the one of Earthrise as our big blue marble hove into view beyond the curve of Moon's horizon. Then there was the planting of a floppy Stars & Stripes & the reading of the plaque below. What none of us remember, & the astronauts themselves almost forgot to do, was the placing of a cloth pouch in which reposed elegant powder compact-like cases of various materials which protected a silicon disc the size of a half-dollar, etched with goodwill messages from nation states around our world.

When I opened Tahir Rahman's beautiful coffee-table tome called WE CAME IN PEACE FOR ALL MANKIND: The Untold Story of the Apollo 11 Silicon Disc, I was hooked from page one, & not only by the multitude of glorious color photos.

The silicon disc was intended to tell who/whatever opens it upon landing on the Moon how diverse the inhabitants of the planet they see on the horizon are, & hopefully dissuade the reader/s from violent invasion. What we left was an engraved invitation to come visit, & WE CAME IN PEACE FOR ALL MANKIND is your invitation, too.

In the beginning there are awe-inspiring photos of Earthrise, a footprint & the silicon disc coupled with quips & quotes from Moonwalkers & prime ministers, & then Tahir Rahman's story starts: "Neil Armstrong peered through one of the small windows of the lunar module, Eagle..." He was preparing to step outside his safety zone into the unknown. Six-hundred-million people watched him, & "we laughed & cried & lit up cigars." It was a different time, folks, B4PC = personal computers & political correctness both! "Our world was united in a unique way while the astronauts walked on a surreal world for the first time in {our] history."

I enjoyed learning of the planning committee's conclusions, especially #2: "The activities should be in good taste from a world perspective." Naturally, like Columbus did, we thought to plant a flag, & a whole host of them was packed on board to be brought back as souvenirs for important supporters. Then someone thought up the commemorative plaque & we see its genesis.

Soon we're briefly meeting the Apollo 11 Crew, reading about how slivers of wood from the Orville brother's Kitty Hawk would be in the baggage. Some attention is devoted to how it was decided to use a US flag instead of another one, & how to make & hang such a flag in Moon's gravity-deficient atmosphere, as well as other Moonly scientific considerations.

& then we get to NASA's invitation to world leaders to add their 2 cents, & while we wait for them to reply, we learn who made the silicon disc & how. It becomes quite evident that Sprague Electric Company had a nightmare of a deadline. Then we're on to launch preparations, & soon they're off to the Moon.

The Library of Goodwill Messages makes up most of the rest of this volume: who & how the leaders of the world responded. I like that there's a map to each nation's reply so we can learn where on Earth they are/were. Plus a whole slew of Americans who backed the endeavor. It all sounds so dry, until you read it & realize how much was etched in gold into that little disc.

Tahir Rahman, a physician fascinated by the Apollo Program, was given a duplicate of the silicon disc by Neil Armstrong. What he found, upon magnification, on that little piece of plastic (sic!) so astonished him that he just had to investigate further, rousing NASA historians to dust off their memories & unearthing storage boxes in the warrens of the Library of Congress that had gathered decades of dust.

WE CAME IN PEACE FOR ALL MANKIND is a superb addition to your library. To be oohed & aahed over by all the generations of your family. Very well done!

Ten years ago, Nathan Hamilton had it all - he was in love with the most beautiful woman by the name of Tenile Barnes and was in the midst of starting a promising medical career. That was until one of his female college housemates was found raped and murdered, and witnesses placed Nathan as the last person to be seen with her. Although Nathan was never convicted of the horrendous crime due to lack of evidence, the small town folks of Tanner all believed him to be guilty - even Tenile, the one person Nathan thought would stand by his side.

Now, Nathan is back in Tanner to clear his name by seeking and revealing the real killer and to reclaim his spot in his woman's heart.

Readers, prepare yourself for a wild, rollercoaster of a ride with Within the Shadows. This edge-of-your-seat, suspenseful, page-turner will have you quickly consuming each stirring detail well into the night. I applaud Ms. Arthur on crafting a super-exciting, thrilling novel that captured my attention from the very beginning and continued to hold it tightly until the unsuspected, dramatic conclusion unfolded. Just when I thought I had figured out who was behind atrocious carnage, Ms. Arthur tossed in a twister that threw me for a loop.

In addition to the great murder mystery, Within the Shadows also contained various romantic liaisons that fell apart due to miscommunication. I could easily see the love between Nathan and Tenile, but, because of numerous, seemingly insurmountable, obstacles thrown in their path, the couple had a difficult time with their relationship. There was times when I wanted to scream some sense into Tenile about her decision making concerning Nathan, even though I understand the reasoning behind some her choices.

The plot was fantastic, the suspense was thrilling and while the romance was a little slow, the chemistry was superb once it heated up. I give two thumbs up to Within the Shadows!

Nikita
reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

Somebody killed her. But who, why, and to what extent? Is it wise to flee town after a murder where you've been implicated? And, how foolish is it to return to the scene of that crime? AC Arthur answers these questions in the form of her main characters individually and collectively in the novel, WITHIN THE SHADOWS. Romance suspense is rapidly becoming the escape mechanism that most mainstream authors are alluding to. This changing of the guard and the penchant to write across the board to create new alliances for the readers' dollar is not out of sync for me. I applaud such efforts, especially if the authors are producing good works, and extending their craft. Now comes this author, whom I feel is making much more of a name for herself with her style of writing. If this book were any indication that a new icon is ready to be unleashed, readers would be in for a treat. Title notwithstanding, this book is out in the open. The shadows in this case, involves the lives of a coterie of college friends who are bound by idiosyncratic differences that lead to the death of one of the friends within (the shadows). The main protagonists are Dr. Nathan Hamilton and Tenile Barnes, who face unrequited love and dilemmas that set the tone for this good story.

With Nathan and Tenile being lovers, it started ten years ago when four other members of the group were roommates - Eli, Landy, Nicole, and Kareem figured that nothing could force them to be apart. One fateful night the bubble burst and a chain of relative events changed their lives forever. Landy, the pre-law student was brutally murdered, and Nathan in the eyes of many was considered a main prospect since he was the last person known to have seen her alive. Suspicion owning to no law of acquittal until proven not guilty, Nathan' aspires to find out who was responsible, and in turn prove his innocence. Tenile, on the other hand remembering days of yore, still yearns for the touch and kisses she knew so well, desperately wanting to believe Nathan. Chaos proliferates as Nathan's return has the whole town talking, and the perpetrators ill at ease. Who's lurking behind closed doors, and amid shadows, even? The author gives enough fodder to make this story hard to put down. She proves that it's not fleeting to weave romance against the murky undertakings of bringing a dark and mundane death to light.

I loved the book, and will not allow my one complaint to mar my overall opinion that the book isn't 5-star potential. Alluding to the fact that the romance tended to overshadow at times the search for the killer, it didn't diminish the superb plot and storyline. The story flows like a smooth and even-flowing river without the usual stagnation that can befall books without direction. I would have liked for the characters to be more defined, but innuendo works best when everything else has substance to shield loose ends. With this multi-layered plot working my last nerve trying to find out the real killer, I marveled at how Ms Arthur managed to keep me riveted to my seat...but then again, aren't the better writers supposed to do this? I applaud you AC Arthur for another gem from your bejeweled crown of literary delights. Keep up the good work; the literary God is not through with you yet. Readers wouldn't be disappointed in picking this book as a great summer read. I rated it 5 stars out of five.

"In Within The Shadows", author A.C. Arthur does it again, she manges to pull you into yet another thrilling ride of murder, mystery, suspense and love, like only she can. While she holds you captive with a riveting murder mystery, she also keeps you enthralled with the steamy, heated romance between Nathan and Tenile. Her style of writing always seems to flow flawlessly and keeps you turning the pages and wondering what's going to happen next. Her characters are well developed and so appealing, you even find yourself bonding with the secondary characters, because their storyline only aids in adding more intrigue to the main characters. Every time I thought I knew whodunit, she would come at you from another angle and SURPRISE, more mystery and suspense. Just a thrilling ride from beginning to end. You will not be disappointed!

This is a story about 6 friends and one of the friends is murdered 10 years ago. Nathan was suspected of the murder and even though he was cleared 10 years ago, he is still the main suspect. He decides that after 10 years the true murderer needs to be revealed and comes back to prove his innocence and to win back the love he left behind Tenile. Someone in the group of six does not want the truth to be revealed and the outside parties involved want something that Landy left behind that they feel belongs to them and will go to extreme measures to get it. This murder mystery will have you on the edge of your seat trying to put the pieces to this puzzle together to find out who is guilty why she was killed. Another great book by A.C. and it will have you hoping that she plans a sequel because of the ending of this story.

Ten years ago friends and roommates, Eli, Nathan, Tenile, Landy, Nicole, and Kareem called themselves "The Mod Squad." They thought they had the world by the horns and felt they were invincible. That is, until one fatal night changed their lives forever. Landy, destined to become a lawyer, has her life snuffed out brutally. The last person known to have seen her alive was Nathan and, of course, the finger of suspicion pointed to him. In the small town of Tanner, a little gossip and a little suspicion was all that was needed to turn his girlfriend, Tenile, against him and put him on the run, so to speak. With no real hard evidence against him and his feelings for Tenile apparently a dream gone badly, Nathan leaves Tanner for New York where he would complete his education to become a doctor.

Courted briefly by Eli to take over as Head of Obstetrics in the local hospital, Nathan seizes the opportunity to return to Tanner after ten years to not only clear his name and find Landy's killer, but to reclaim his lost love. His tasks seem impossible, as the town gossip still believes he is guilty and it appears Tenile has moved on with her life. But surprisingly, someone is really interested in the truth coming out and Tenile eventually begins to warm up to him again. Yet, on the other hand, someone else is desperate that neither he nor Tenile discover the truth. As the two of them begin to investigate what happened to Landy years ago, someone is lurking in the shadows causing havoc with their progress.

In WITHIN THE SHADOWS, author A. C. Arthur once again manages to woo readers as she captures the essence of a riveting murder mystery while she turns up the heat in the excitement of a spicy romance. No one can quite compare to her style of writing. It flows together seamlessly moving from scandalous suspense to sultry romance, never missing a beat. Her characters are well developed and so appealing, that even the secondary ones are just as prolific to the storyline as the main ones. I spent the better part of a night glued to my seat trying to figure out all the multi-layered plots in this whodunit love story. This is great novel to get worked up about: murder, mystery, suspense and love. How can you beat this combination?

Reviewed by Brenda M. Lisbon
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

By taking the reader on a journey through her own follies, adventures and heartaches, Patrice Dickey traces the twisted pathway from shadow to joy. The author exposes her own vunlerabilities as a mechanism to extend a hand to to others seeking to make sense of the madness in their lives. The book combines engaging prose with meaningful revelations, and the author's obvious wisdom never assumes a "preachy" tone. Certain to appeal to readers who would prefer to learn their next lesson from someone who risks experiencing a richly lived life.

Ms. Dickey's BACK TO THE GARDEN: Getting from Shadow to Joy is a warmly written guide that approaches the daily struggles of our anxious age with compassion and common sense. The book is both a courageous journaling of one woman's self-healing and a generous how-to book for others wishing to follow the path of honest self-assessment and direction.

Back to the Garden is like an easy visit with a friend..... just a meandering through life.. thoughts.... tools.... experiences with spiritual eyes to see and experience it all.

A gentle jewel.

Reviewed by Lori Plach for Reader Views (9/07)

Imagine coming to a beautiful garden. You need peace and tranquility. You desire to take in the beauty and peace of knowing that you are not there alone. You have entered a garden with many paths within its borders. Once visiting this garden, you will want to return often -- coming "Back to the Garden" is very simple -- all you need to do is open the pages of this book.

Like in a garden, where the grass and flowers grow, you will grow when inside its pages. You will find the different paths to self-awareness, self-discovery and self-acceptance. You can be at peace with your thoughts. "Back to the Garden" is a collection of many different stories about people from a wide range of walks of life. These stories will encourage you and give you an opportunity to take on a different perspective. When you read some of these stories, you will find that others have fought incredible odds and won.

Patrice Dickey has won numerous awards for her educational excellence. She shares how you can break from the shadows and come into the light of a happier life. With the many short stories in their own individual sections, you can come "Back to the Garden" and find just the morsel that will help you at any given time. This book is a must have for anyone who desires to feel true joy. Patrice Dickey has been truly blessed with a way of educating others into seeing the joy and contentment in life. She is very encouraging and helpful. Joy definitely flows throughout the pages and your life will seem different after being here. There is an accompanying CD by the same name where Patrice has selected stories so you can visit the garden when riding in your vehicle between appointments or anytime you need a pick-me-up.

The garden gate is open. Read "Back to the Garden," and come in and savor the time you have in this beautiful place!

This book is a gentle, empowering, easy-read on how to journey into a more self-empowering way of living and being . . . written from the heart. The book declares that the path is open to all . . . not just a priviledged few . . . and the expansion of one's life, which comes down this path, is well worth the effort, even with the inevitable bumps and bruises one will encounter along the way. You will cherish your life more and have confidence in the potential it holds, after you read this book.

If you are a fan of romance and action, then this is the book for you. I absolutely love this book. It is one of the most interesting reads I've had in a long, long time. Pick up a copy of it today! And don't be shocked to see this book made into a feature film one day, or maybe even in Oprah's book club.

Intrigued with the myths and legends of New Orleans, Texas-born B.J. Foster chose this city as the site of her first novel of love and suspense. Staci Stimmons is a cub reporter working for the infamous editor Mitch McGalliard. Known as one of the best editors in the South, Mitch sends Staci out to the Townsend Plantation to do a story on its upcoming sale. Staci meets Ryan Townsend, nephew of Josh Townsend, the aging owner of the plantation. Ryan is a young lawyer who has political aspirations in Louisiana government. Ryan immediately hones in on Staci, who can't decide if he is a pompous womanizer or the man of her dreams. Before their relationship can get off of the ground, Mitch assigns Staci to cover an impending drug bust. Ryan may be involved, and Staci feels she must know if he is a hero or villain...even if she puts herself in danger: "Apart from helping her career advancement, there was another reason why she couldn't turn it down. If Ryan was involved, she had to know it before she got any more entangled with him. If he wasn't, he was in danger. She might be in a position to discover facts that could protect him." Bayou Shadows is a fast-paced, entertaining story meant for a large audience. B.J. Foster employs an easy, straightforward style of writing that is descriptive and endearing. Her characters are the stuff of romance novels with a little depth added to make them more convincing. The plot is well-defined and easily pulls the reader in for its many ups and downs. B.J. Foster is a new voice on the literary front, and her particular blend of New Orleans mystique, engaging characters, and fast-paced action produce a likeable product that is not only bound for commercial success, but is also instructive. The character of Staci Stimmons is that of a young woman struggling with her own career goals against the backdrop of traditional courtship and love. It is a good story with excellent role models for young women to read, and a sweet and touching tale for the rest of us.

Shelley Glodowski Reviewer

This is a great book to take to the beach--mystery,adventure, and romance at its best.A new Southern writer who has command of the subject.

Romance readers who enjoy steamy stories of love and plots which also involve a strong independent woman will find this filled with both: when newspaper reporter Stacy meets the handsome, alluring Ryan, she is immediately attracted to a man who may prove to be involved in high crime. The trappings of a romance and the steamy descriptions of lust blend with realistic portraits of a career woman challenged by a traditional male's view of her life - in a satisfying story filled with twists and turns.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Foster's novel. Mixing romance and mystery makes for entertaining reading. Stacy Stimmons and Ryan Townsend are memorable characters. I will read more of her descriptive novels.

I have loved this series about life at the time of Jesus Christ and his ministry. The entire series flows quickly and helps you build a vivid image of this time in your mind. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

This is the final book of the series. It brings to life what the emotions must have been during the time of the crucifiction. This is definately a tear jerker in a good way. You will feel the spirit throughout the whole series but this book just shines

I HAVE NOT READ THIS BOOK,BUT I'VE HEARD FROM A FEW PEOPLE THAT IT IS GREAT.I HAVE PURCHASED ALL THREE BOOKS AND PLAN TO GET STARTED READING AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

I absolutely LOVE these series. I'm now reading them for the 4th time. I love how Lund breaks down the parables and teachings of Christ to make them easier to understand. I also love the historical accuracy. He brings you into the story as if you really are there. I highly recommend these books!

I just loved this series. Book three is by far the best. This book gives you and new insight on the times of Jesus and really brings to life the New Testament. Gerald Lund is a phenominal author. I have ready many of his books and have loved everyone of them. I can't wait to read this book again.

Once again Kay has captured the attention of the children in this story. Clinker is portrayed as a very caring dog even though he tries to show little consideration for Shadow. I can't wait to buy her next book!

Clinker's Shadow is a tender story of caring - even when Clinker tries so hard to be a grouch, he's quick to rescue his unwanted "Shadow."

Clinker's Shadow, written by Kay Witschen and illustrated by Norma Luckemeyer is an enjoyable tale of friendship. Clinker's Shadow, a follow-up book to Clinker's Flea, follows Clinker on a journey where he learns that friends come in all shapes and sizes. This well-written and colorfully illustrated book would delight young readers.

Another great Clinker story by Kay Witschen. One that leaves adults and children alike with a warm, fuzzy feeling that all is right with the world. A wonderful bedtime story!

I love this book! When I read this story to my grandchildren, they look forward to the part where Clinker rescues Shadow.

After all of the great reviews it is getting, who wouldn't give this book a try! I can honestly say that I was not disappointed. It was a page turner from the beginning to end, and I can't wait until next summer to read more about Meagan's adventures. Unbelievable that this is the first book (of many I hope!) for this new author. His attention to detail and incredible wit make this a great read for any age. What a treat to find a book that my son and I can read and discuss together. I am looking forward to sharing it with his teachers and others, who I am sure will be equally fascinated by this rivoting tale. It is definitely on my Christmas list for friends and family this year. I am not an avid horseman but instead an avid reader of well written books. Prepare to be entertained and educated at a fast and furious pace.

Ecliplsed by Shadow is great reading for all ages! It does what all good storytelling promises: filling the reader's imagination with characters and events that are believable and compelling. Horse lovers will appreciate the author's attention to equestrian details and the reverence shown for one of God's most noble creatures - The Great Horse. As a high school English teacher, I appreciate how the author combines literary genres with an authentic narrative voice. This novel's appeal is its eclectic blending of historical fiction, fantasy and suspense; all these elements work together to tell a mythical tale about a young girl's coming of age amidst the grim realities of the Roman Empire and the barbaric brutalities of the Medieval era. The novel is so entertaining that the reader forgets that there is a history lesson on every page.

Middle school and high school librarians should include this book on their shelves; it's a great independent reading book that teachers can feel confident recommending.
Tara Klasna
English Teacher, Aliso Niguel High School, Aliso Viejo, California

If you want a story that combines suspense, mystery and humor in a journey that brings our partnership to life with horses, you have found the right book. Megan Roberts, the young girl, faces all these dangers and more as she travels back in time when primitive man stalked horses as prey, and witness the fascinating development of horsemanship in ancient and medieval cultures. Megan has given us a believable character as the young girl set for an adventure through time. She has many doubts and fears but overcomes them by finding the source of her inner strength. The plot moves along briskly and keeps us entertained with Megan Roberts many adventures. The setting is also nicely detailed; I look forward to more books by this new writer.

This is truly an equine Harry Potter story. I couldn't put it down, and am looking forward to the next book with a great deal of anticipation!
Every now and then a great storyteller comes along..........

Reviewed by Wendy Cleveland for Reader Views (5/08)

"Eclipsed by Shadow" centers around a teenager named Meagan Roberts who is a young equestrian. The story starts out in the present-day of the summer solstice, June 21, 2001, when a very unique horse is born. Meagan felt that a horse should name itself, so her foal became "Promise." Everyone around town seemed to be interested in this special palomino, especially her neighbor Eleanor Bridgestone. Ms. Bridgestone tells Meagan the tales of "The Great Horse" throughout history and seems to think that her horse is the next in line, but of the dark variety. "The Great Traveler, with mysterious powers to bring darkness to the world. Of course, we wouldn't be sure unless the Great Horse was actually ridden." Meagan doesn't understand this because her horse is light in color, but is about to become "Eclipsed by Shadow" as her light winter coat sheds to reveal solid black. Some crooked horse trainers get wind of this discovery and try to steal Promise. This invokes Meagan to protect her. She gets on her horse's back and tries to jump a fence to get away. When she does, Promise sprouts wings and turns into "The Great Horse." She flies Meagan back in time for her to the see the way horses were used for work, war, sport, spectacle and even food.

Meagan's adventure in this first book in a three book series goes from 20,000 B.C. (where the cavemen used horses for food) to 100 A.D. Rome (where horses were used for sport in Chariot fights), and 1240 Crusades (where horses were blindfolded and used in Jousting matches). In each time travel, Meagan uses her 21st century equine insight to try and help people understand the beauty and sole purpose of horses.

"Eclipsed by Shadow" was a magical horse story that is suitable for both teenagers and adults alike. The equine and world history aspects were fascinating and well-researched by the author. Some facts that I did not know were that horses existed back in 20,000 B.C. or when stirrups, saddles, and horseshoes were discovered. The ending left me breathless wanting to find out what time period Promise was taking Meagan to next.

I noticed this book when I was looking for another book at the library. It is riveting and hard to put it down.

It has some good lessons on how to overcome problems in general.
Reading the book will help you understand Vietnam on different levels.

This book is probably the best Vietnam War narrative I have read, and I have read quite a few. It really puts you in the middle of the action. It's not too gung-ho; just the experiences of an ordinary guy fighting in the jungle and living day to day.

For fans of this genre, this book is a must have. It is written clearly with no dead time in action and intesity of this eye witness account. I rarely rate books but this one deserved my time and review as it acheives what few ever do. Bravo to Phil Ball! Rest in peace leatherneck. Michael Shannon

Over the past 13 years i have read well over 100 books on ww2 and vietnam, the majority of which were memoirs written by those who were there. Ghosts and Shadows is, one of my favorites. Although a basic description of it would make it sound like one of many books written by vietnam veterans, young man goes off to war then writes about his experiences, Phils book manages to cut several layers deeper than your average in describing the emotional and physical effects combat has on a person. I rank it up there with my other favs like Chickenhawk, Rumor of War, Suicide Charlie and Father,Soldier,Son. A couple chapters are about phil and his platoon defending a hilltop position against a vc night attack and in my opinion its one the best descriptions ive ever read about one of an authors single combat experiences. I highly recomend it and i really feel you will not be disapointed.

This is one of the best Vietnam books I have read. It is so truthful. Written in a way that made you feel what they (the marines) and all our young men who served in that war must have gone through. Wonderfully written!! ON July 5th, Phil Ball died, he was a wonderfully gifted man. He will be missed for all he was and all he could have been.