Texas Books

I am not even a reader and I couldn't put this one down! Everybody should be touched by the power of this real life story. Why read fiction when there are books like this one?

This book really touches your soul and makes you think about the way we look at those different from us. Thanks for sharing your story!

I had a had time with this book, the dialect really killed it for me. Many of the things Denver says just didn't ring true like, "Cypress trees squatted like spiders on the water", from page 1! I also couldn't put up with the preaching, I just couldn't finish it.

This is a book that i really struggled with while i was reading it... it's a really good read with an absolutely compelling premise, weaving two entirely separate storylines into one threaded connection... if the book had another subtitle, it could apprpriately be "A Cord of Three Strands," referring to the verse in Ecclesiastes that explains the strong bond that is created when God connects two people together...

Though it was really a challenging book for the obvious reason of broadening one's perspective on issues like prejudice, homelessness, and materialism, the most powerful message from where i sit was - not surprisingly - one of love... particularly as the book shared in great detail the painful story of Ron and his wife, Debbie... I'll leave it at that so as not to ruin any of the unknowns, but it might make sense to keep some tissues handy when you read though this one...

-from trudatmusic[dot]com[slash]raw

"Same kind of different as me" amazed me. It reminded me of places and people in the Ft. Worth I knew and an east Texas I knew. It was sensitive, insightful, thought provoking and inspirational. It was a complete suprise. I've already passed it on to a friend and recommended it to another.

This book is fun and very informmative. It's a must to keep beside your Spanish dictionary. Breaking Out will definitely help you pick the correct words and phrases to avoid sounding dumb or offending someone. It could use an index, though. It's meant to be read and studied more than to be used an a reference.

This is a must have book for anyone who is confused about which word to use in a conversation. It is helping me to be more confident in speaking Spanish as well as I have noticed that people are actually understanding what I am saying. It is at the top of my list for breaking out of beginners Spanish.

Having read only the first few chapters, it has taught me quite a few things about the hispanic cultures I have experienced and read. Combining this book with other cultural experiences like TV, songs.... Paid sites like LomasTV, free sites like Livemocha, and other sites like the University of Texas spanish online references..... One realize that this book summarizes regional customs and vocabularies quite well. I would disagree about this book is only helpful for intermediate users. While it is of excellent value for intermediate and advanced Spanish speaker - it would equally be beneficial for a beginning Spanish student in an immersion program, or to supplement the teachings of a college spanish course. It is nice to know, for instance, that there are over a dozen way to say "how is it going?", and how to be polite in Spanish culture. While one pick up bits and pieces here and there, this book does a good job of summarizing the daily phrases that one encounter on the street, walking into a store, or as you meet hispanics along your way. I would say it is an excellent read before you head off to Europe, central or south America - even if you are still a beginning Spanish learner.

Once you've gone through the first few chapters, the book really is loaded, and will give you a royal headache to absorb the content if you read it from cover to cover. I would suggest jumping around a bit. Read about ser and estar. Read about proper use of the verb tenses. Then read the hard to memorize stuff last. It is very loaded..... Tonnes of good information that is not touched on by college spanish year 1 or 2. And lots of stuff that is explained in an easy to understand way that is often too dry and boring in standard textbooks. Although it is a thin book, don't expect to read it in 1 week. It is loaded with facts and didactics, that will need to be read again, and again.

In term of needing a brief index - it would be very helpful, especially for the beginner who will use it as a supplement to their spanish textbook. As reading it from cover to cover would be difficult without an intermediate spanish background. However, it is small enough that flipping through it will often get you to the chapter you'd want to be in. I think this book goes into more detail the details of spanish language than many introductory spanish texts.

For the advanced spanish user, chapters on cognates, spanish verbs etc. are invaluable to help develop that instinctive sense in speaking thee language.

I would suggest a brief index with the next edition, but the book still deserve a 5 star.

Addendum: I've read through about half of the book. This book is intense. It is like the equivalent of a 300 level college spanish class I've taken, plus more. My guess is that I will continue to refer back to it, and reread it again. It is of value to a beginner who is doing an immersion course, or a spanish major at any level of spanish. Don't expect to plow through this book. I would select a chapter, and focus on it for the week.

enjoyed the author's sense of humor and his knowledge of colloquial spanish in mexico and south america. good value for the student who wants to speak (rather than write) spanish.

Good book but not as easy as it sounds. You are going to have to put in time and effort.

Inspiring! A worldview that will really work in adverse times and good times. A display of natural wisdom and good values, served up with class. No matter what was thrown at him, he controlled what his life was like. Superfast read!

I love this book. It is so interesting. I've laughed and cryed over the stories and history this book covers. Read it! You won't be able to put it down. It's great to read something so uplifting and positive.

"Things will be all right. People need to hear that. Life is good, just as it is. There isn't anything I would change about my life." This the overarching theme throughout George Dawson's autobiography.

By all measures, George Dawson shouldn't be a man at peace with the world. He was born into poverty as the grandson of slaves. He lived a life of hardship, and while he was blessed with a long life, many of his loved ones were not.

Yet, despite these hardships, Dawson is a man full of peace and lovingness. At age 98, he decided to learn to read. In this amazing biography, he looks back on over a century of life and shares his hopes and wonderment for the future.

It is not only Mr. Dawson's ability to turn the other cheek and his being a really nice person under rigorously ascetic circumstances that makes this story remarkably inspiring. It is the wisdom that comes from Mr. Dawson's humility, and his humility that explains how to age gracefully by living simply. Also, Mr. Glaubman is to be commended for capturing Mr. Dawson's voice with astounding care. A tremendous amount of resilience and electrifying character is associated with this story.

To think that out of the bouquet of books I cradled in my arms that day, almost electing to hold off on this book, (the cover hadn't lured me in), that I would get home and learn Life is So Good, would turn out to be really that good--- better than the rest! Tirelessly empowering and tremendously invaluable. A definite literary collection!

The author of Life is so Good has a follow up story on the main subject of this award winning book. The second book is the back story of writing this book. As well, it is the back story of how a white jewish man from Port Townsend WA flew to South Dallas Texas to meet a one hundred year old black man who had never spoken to a white man before. The title is More Than a Book, by Richard Glaubman, A Story of Friendship. The first meeting and the growth of friendship between these two unlikely companions is a great read and a lesson in overcoming stereotypes of each side of the race barrier. Don't miss it, it is available for now from Night Owl Press 819 Cass Street Port Townsend WA 98268. I did ask Amazon to consider carrying it, I liked it very much, and it is at least as good as Life is So Good , if not better

A lovely story and written for children AND adults. Our Minister read the entire book one Sunday morning in place of his regular sermon and it was met with great praise from the congregation. It inspired me to get the book for myself as I have 3 great-grandchildren that will soon be ready to hear this wonderful story. Because this book is out of print, it's wise to be sure that you're getting a new or like -new book as I had a previous bad experience with a soiled and torn copy.

A meaningful, well-written and paced story. Accessible to children, but still plenty interesting (and moving) for adults. The illustrations are just what you would expect from P.J. Lynch - a perfection of warmth and realism. He is quickly becoming my favorite illustrator. A good read whether or not it's Christmas time, but especially at Christmas.

We purchased this book upon my sister's recommendation. We absolutely loved it. I sat the whole family down and read it to them, even my teenagers. It provided some really nice new conversation about the Nativity and also about how grumpy, unhappy people can be softened with kindness and service. I highly recommend this book.

This is one of those books that adults and children alike will enjoy for the Christmas season! Definitely worth having in every family collection.

Great book...good quality...arrived in record time. I will highly recommend ordering this book for a Christmas present for any age.

The baking book was excellent and has wonderful recipes in it.
The tips are very helpful and it just is what I had hoped it would be.
I am very, very satisfied.

This is a great cookbook with beautiful illustrations. The recipes are easy to follow. I've made several already, including the Whole Lemon Muffins and they are awesome. The pastries is what got me to buy the book; however, there are lots of recipes for other things that are worth trying.

I just recently purchased The Pastry Queen, and while I have not had the time yet to make any of Rebecca Rather's delicious sweets and pastries, she has some incredible-sounding recipes. I was surprised to find that she also included savory dishes as well in her book: tortilla soup, quesadillas, and salsas. The beautiful photograph on the cover suggests the book is all about pastry, but that is not the case.

The recipes are delicious; yesterday, I made the Sugar Saucers for my family and dipped them in melted bittersweet chocolate and they were a big hit. Beautiful photography, really different and creative recipes, and a folksy tone that makes me miss Texas (I'm from Austin but we currently live in frigid Ohio). Three minor complaints however: one, some of the recipes are ridiculously large and although you could halve them, it would be difficult to do so. Two, I may be just spoiled but in this nice, luxurious book with unusual and pretty food and where the book itself seems a guilty pleasure, I'd like a picture of each recipe. She describes this peach dulce de leche cake but no picture! Three, the tone is at times a bit too braggy and self-congratulatory and at points she goes from being the best baker on the block to being the person who just says she's the best baker on the block, if you know what I mean. All minor quibbles that are easily dealt with, but that keep this book from being the really incredible book that it could have been. And it passed the main cookbook test: all of the food made so far has tasted fantastic.

We visited the Rather Sweet Bakery in Fredericksburg, TX last year and I LOVED it. We ended up going there for breakfast every morning we were there. When I saw she had a book with the actual recipes from her restaurant I could not resist.

Everything I have made has been perfect. These recipes are not for the person looking to lose weight (butter, suger, YUMMY!), but they are absolutely delicious. I have not had one thing come out less than delicious. I love the scones, kolaches, and chocolate chip cookies (the best I have ever made or eaten). If I cooked from this as much as I wanted I would be so fat (but very happy). I swear this cookbook has made my husband and little boys love me more!!!

Buy this book!

One note, most recipes make enough for a party, so I would suggest cutting the recipes in half if you are a family of 4 like us.

We travel with two 8-yr olds and Hank. It makes the car trips much easier. We started with Hank when we were six and stayed fans ever since. It was even more fun when we imagined Hank was GWB in his Whitehouse heyday.

I loved this series of books when I was a little girl! I'm so excited to share them with my kids now.

I bought this for my dad to use while he was traveling and he already finished the three books I bought them. He said they were great.

This book takes place on a ranch in Texas. The characters are Hank, Drover, Loper, the coyotes, and Bruno. Hank is the boss for guarding the ranch at night. He watches out for the chickens. But Hank got sick of the ranch. He tries to find the kill of the chickens, but eats one of the dead ones instead. Then he went to live with the coyotes and still tries to find the chicken killers. Does Hank go back to the ranch? You will have to read the book for yourself to find out. I really like this book because I got to see the author give a talk and read out of one of his books.

This is a good book for my 4th grade son. It is hard to find books on his reading level that hold his interest. The narator of the story is Hank the cowdog (also self proclaimed head of ranch security). The chapters are only 3 or 4 pages and give my son a sense of accomplishment for being able to read a couple of chapters each night.
Hank also has a few pronuciation problems, allowing the young reader to identify correct pronunciation and grammer. The stories are interesting and funny and have really improved my son's interest in reading as well as his grades in reading and language skills. We now own them all as well as many audio books as well. It was fun to hear Hank's voice and read along.

I was exited to read the next installment only because I was bored and I couldn't wait another day to actually start.

I would have never actually thought that Morganville would see a storm like they did but even I guess Vampire towns have to have them, right?

Like the rest of the series, it takes up where we last left Claire and her friends. Trying to take out Bishop but apparently it's no going to well. The question during the time I read was, okay so when will Ameile come out?

Not as great as the others but I really enjoyed it.

LORD OF MISRULE (MORGANVILLE VAMPIRES BOOK 5)
RACHEL CAINE
Paranormal YA
NAL Jam

Rating: 4.5 Enchantments

There's only one way to describe LORD OF MISRULE: Amazing. Fast Paced. And with a major cliffhanger ending that changes everything in Morganville for everyone. This is one book that will leave you desperate to pick up the next book in the series.

In LORD OF MISRULE, Ms. Caine returns to Morganville, picking straight up from where `Feast of Fools' leaves off. Claire and friends are forced to work with their enemies, including Oliver, to protect themselves from Bishop and his cohorts as they rage war in an attempt to take over. With the town of Morganville on lock-down, the Glass House has become a place of refuge, and its inhabitants are some that would normally never be allowed inside its doors, including Monica Morrell. But that's only the tip of the iceberg. The citizens of the town are staging a revolt of their own against the vampires, leaving the town in chaos, right in the midst of what could be the storm of the century.

I have several favorite scenes in LORD OF MISRULE, but the one that sticks out in my mind is when Claire finds herself alone in Eve's car while Shane and Eve go investigate an abandoned building, on the search for Myrnin, only to see a crowd of people chasing none other then Monica Morrell. Tempted to leave her to the wolves, Claire finds she can't do it and reluctantly saves her spoiled nemesis, only to drag her inside the decrepit old warehouse, the only place of semi-safety nearby.

This series defines the words page-turner. Its so easy to lose yourself in Claire's words, you'll be amazed by the time you hit the last page, jaw dropping and demanding to know what could possibly happen next. This is one series not to be missed!

Rachel Caine is the author of the popular Weather Warden series, the Morganville Vampires series as well as many other books. You can visit her online at [...]


Lisa
Enchanting Reviews
April 2009

This is a great addition to the Morganville vampires series. It's driving me nuts to know what happens next. The characters are very real and I can relate to a few of them. Amelie always surprises me and Myrnin is a hoot most times, completely scary other times.

Lord of Misrule, Book 5 in the Morganville Vampires series, picks up with the town of Morganville literally burning around the heads of our quartet of friends: Claire, Shane, Michael, and Eve. Amelie, the vampire in charge of Morganville, must fight against her father, Bishop, in order to maintain control of the town, and she must rely on not just Claire and her friends but also the loyalty of the other vamps in town, including the ever unpredictable Myrnin. But as time passes, it becomes clear that Bishop's got his own hold on some of the vamps, and many of the humans are in revolt as well. Claire and her friends must make life or death decisions in order to protect not only themselves but the ones they love from certain destruction in the vampire battle.

Lord of Misrule is fast paced and action packed; filled with its own drama, it's also a bridge to the ultimate fate of the vampires in Morganville. Claire's called upon to help Amelie but finds herself in grave danger, facing down Bishop and his minions even while enduring a major storm. The chaos keeps coming and naturally the book ends on a cliffhanger, making it very good for me to have #6 close at hand. I love the depth of the relationship between Claire and Shane, and I love how Claire's learned to stand up for herself and those she loves. Her parents are fairly extraneous to the story but everyone else is present and accounted for; I can hardly wait to find out what side Myrnin is really on. Definitely fun and entertaining and I'm ready for more!

Lord of Misrule is an outstanding book from the Morganville series. MV is now in shambles with an all out war going on; Bishop has completely turned the town upside down, trying to remove Amelie, Founder and Queen, from her throne. Claire finds herself being coerced into a new founded soldier position by decision other than her own; trying to save not only her friends and family, but the vampires that have taken control of every human life in MV.
Human and vampire now banned together to return the power back to its rightful owner, but who is that? Amelie? The mortals? Now that MV is utterly vulnerable; sides are forced to be chosen (by will or not) and nobody can be trusted.
Ms. Caine has chilled my spine to ice from the thrilling experience of the entire series. It has become extremely hard to set the book aside to get some sleep without wondering what other lurid surprises might be lurking.

This is a great book for anyone who is thinking of a career in lawenforcement. It is very well written. One Ranger is a great history of one of the best lawenforcement organizatin through the experience of one man from the 60's thru the 90's.

One of the more enjoyable reads I've come across.

Have read it twice so far. Given as gifts twice also and both recieptiants were thrilled.

then you need to read this book.
This book is sports, marines, wild west, old fashioned justice, international drama, common sense law with a sensitive and tender personality all rolled into one.

This is not an old cowboy book. He was taught by the older guys but his career started in 1961 just like you see him on the cover. He went to work on horseback, slept on the ground and got up and cooked his breakfast over a campfire.

If there was one riot, you got one ranger, Mr Jackson, and he took care of business.

New guys finally crept into the Rangers with new technology and laptops that he did not always understand and moved him to the side.

However nobody could ever doubt his honesty, intensity, loyalty and ability to get things done his way.

The next time I go thru Alpine I am taking my book to his office so I can get him to sign it.

This book was very interesting and gave an insite into the Texas Rangers, the finest law inforcement agency in the World.

Great book! I love hearing first hand stories from an old Ranger. I have read both of his books and they are a must read for anyone who likes stories about the Texas Rangers.

If you're looking for a book with emotions you can actually feel, please read this one. We all covert some type of pain and loss. Amelia & Houston are reminders of hope and faith. Ms Heath manages to bring the two together without hot passion. Just a slight touch, a brush across the face is enough to get the reader emotionally connected with the characters. As the story progresses, we can feel the tension building which leads to just a kiss, but ohhhh such a wonderful feeling, you could explode with joy.

This will be short..too many others have written all about it so I won't do that. I just wanted to say this was a lovely and moving story. I adore a lot of dialogue in books especially between the two main characters and there was plenty of that so I really truly felt like I knew Houston and Amelia. They were meant to be together and that was all you wanted was for them to be together. I hurt for Houston at many times and Amelia was just so sweet and yet so strong and had been through so much. I adored her and the fact that in everything bad that happened to her her goal was to find somthing to be grateful for. They were perfect for one another and it was a very touching, moving, and breathtaking story. I feel so glad that I read it and am now moving to the next story about the oldest brother Dallas. Well done Ms. Heath...again!

A wonderful and touching romance set in post civil war Texas.

Dallas's leg is broken, so he sends his brother Houston to pick up his mail order bride and bring her back to his cattle ranch. Houston, a civil war veteran, is badly physically scarred. He's missing one eye and is disfigured on one side of his face. He meets Amelia at the train station and the two set out on their three week journey back to the ranch. Of course, she see's past his deformities and they fall in love, but she signed a marriage contract to Houston's brother. Houston believes that its best not to tell her he loves her and to have her marry his brother because she'll have a better life that way.

There are so many touching and wonderful scenes in this book that you'll cry. Your heart will ache for poor Houston. If you like the tortured-hero types, this one is for you. I personally don't care for the civil war era, but is was handled very well here without being overly historical.

Truly a beautiful love story. Makes you believe that love really does conquer all. :)

Even though this story goes against all that I usually prefer it is my favorite romance novel. I like my stories a bit more steamy, can do without mail-order brides, but like a vampire thrown in for good measure. However, the story is lovely, the heroine is sensible and the hero is to die for. No stupid, avoidable misunderstandings, a plot with lots of stuff going on, nobody throws spanners in the works just to annoy the reader, no redundant side plots to stretch the length of the book - perfect!

this is my favorite book of the trilogy and it seems to be the only one from the trilogy that i have re-read many times. the story is so emotional and beautifully written. this is one of her trilogies that should still be in print. i think it is her best work.

This novel about a young girl forced to confront adult issues latched onto my heart and refused to let go. Mara struggles to find answers we take for granted. Longing for love and a real home, she probes until those around her finally tell the truth.

Mary shows us Mara's heart, her courage, and her determination to survive. The theme of God's answers to a child's prayers weaves it way seamlessly throughout the book.

I can't wait to read the sequel, as well as Mary's other works. Don't miss this classic example of the triumph of good over evil.

I read this book a few years ago, but I recently ordered a few copies when Amazon was having a sale. I realized I'd given mine to somebody at church and that I really needed a copy for my library because it's worth reading twice - or more. I love DeMuth's lyrical style and how beautifully she writes about human emotions that are difficult to talk about, let alone admit they exist. This is one you should add to your library.

The whole time I was reading this book I kept wondering if this was intended for adults or children? The subject matter certainly did not seem appropriate for children but I found the book "childish". The characters are portrayed as either evil or good without exception and Mara is not a believeable heroine.

A disappointing book.

This novel so accurately described a child's thought patterns when forced to deal with a situation beyond her wisdom and age. I suggest that every parent, educator and neighbor read it to learn to be aware and protect the innocence of those who are most vulnerable. It is both a tragic and beautiful story made more poignant that it reflects the authors own story and her desire to use her experiences to help others (shared in her non-fiction "Building the Christian Family You Never Had"). Thankfully, there is hope and assurance at the end, but left enough hanging to look forward to the sequel.

In her debut novel, Watching the Tree Limbs, Mary DeMuth introduces us to Maranatha, a creative girl who longs to color her world and to belong. As nine-year-old Mara struggles to cope with life-changing circumstances and rejection in her small Texas town, she falls prey to a neighbor boy who sexually abuses and terrorizes her. Although her story is heart-wrenching and painfully sad at times, it is not depressing or hopeless. Mara's story is also sweet and funny, especially her interactions with her best friend, Camilla, and her guardian's housekeeper, Zady. DeMuth gives the reader a beautifully written tale of grace and hope, transformation and deliverance. Mara plays real-life Nancy Drew with Camilla to solve the mystery of her past, which adds an unexpected element of suspense to the novel. As she grows, so does her faith, not only in God but in those He puts in her life to help and love her. The faith DeMuth portrays is not full of simplistic, pat answers and platitudes. Mara rages at God and wonders how He could allow such a thing to happen, even as she views her abuser as having almost supernatural powers to see inside her head and know her every thought and action. I look forward to continuing Maranatha's story in the book's sequel, Wishing on Dandelions.