Fiction Books

I love this book ... It is a great love story and life story. I have read it 3 times and never tire of it. I love Gavin & Tessa - they endure the hard times and come out stronger people for it. Highly recommended.

This is one of the best books I have ever read. The time period in which it was written is fascinating, and DeBlasis does a wonderful job of bringing it to life. Gavin and Tessa have a truly legendary love story!

I first read this book years ago, and have re-read it many times. I could really relate to the locations, as I live in the San Joaquin Valley in CA close to the foothills. I could envision them in Monterey, San Francisco, etc. and traveling inward to the valley and foothills. It is a beautiful, moving and very real story. It would be nice if it was reprinted. My copy is getting tattered!

I found this book on my bookshelf years ago and when I started it I couldn't put it down. This is the best novel I have ever read. A lot of books don't follow the characters as far as this book does. Tess and Gavin do experience hardships, but it makes the book even richer. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT.

Well then look no further; this is one of the best I've found yet. The Proud Breed begins in the 1840's as Tessa McCloud prepares for her sixteenth birthday. Great granddaughter of Don Esteban, one of the original Californio ranchero families, she has been "sold" by her father to the very evil Don Luis to pay off his gambling debts. Looking for a final respite before meeting her fate at the hand of Luis, Tessa goes to her favorite spot on the ranch and while swimming in the buff she is spotted by Yankee Gavin Ramsey who mistakes her for a servant girl and assumes she's fair game for the taking. Tessa attacks Gavin with her knife, but then nurses him back to health when she realizes he's been sent with a message and birthday gift from her great-grandfather. Love blooms, but the couple must find a way to escape her engagement to Luis and repay her father's gambling debts.

Once wed, Tessa and Gavin begin their lives and build their fortune in Monterey, the capitol of Old California, along with Gavin's partner, Indian. The old ways of the original California rancheros are threatened by an indifferent Mexican government and an influx of American settlers anxious to take control. As their business enterprises continue to grow and California reaches statehood Tessa and Gavin's marriage is threatened by jealousy, treachery, bigotry, adultery and the horrific acts committed by the revenge minded Don Luis -- yet they survive it all to build a family dynasty in the new State of California.

De Blasis does an incredible job of taking the reader on a grand ride through California's history -- from the now dying ways of the Californio Rancheros, old Monterey, the gold camps, lawless San Francisco with it's fires and the vigilantes, through the Civil War to the turn of the century and more as Tessa and Gavin's marriage withstands the tests of time and their dynasty is eventually passed on to their children. Peopled with memorable characters and abundant historical facts this was a highly enjoyable tale about a very strong willed woman and the man she loved until death did they part that will have you reading well into the wee hours of the morning. I did find the way the author worked Gavin and Indian into the Civil War to be a bit of a stretch, but other than that a near perfect read for me, and a highly enjoyable way to learn more about a fascinating period in U.S. history. Readers might find the last 100 or so pages are a tad bit slow at times, but well worth it for a very very bittersweet epilogue as the Ramsay family rings in the new century at the end of 1899 - have the tissue handy. 4.5/5 stars and highly recommended.

A picture book for ages 4-7, and perfect for adults of any age, the story of family visiting brims with positive energy, and is vividly descriptive of the sights and sounds the visitors brought. "The Relatives Came" provides material for discussion of family roles and expectations. I sent the book to my sister after our family had come through some intense time together.

I'm giving this book to lots of grandmothers!! All 7 arrived quickly and it was a great transaction.

This is one of my favorite books and also of my daughters. The illustrations are beautiful, and the heart warming story of family visits, appreciation and love just makes you feel good. I like this book so much that I will add more Cynthia Rylant books to our home library.

We're from a large family and the images and descriptions of the family reunion really touched home. I've given it to two different sets of nieces and nephews, and hope they'll have the same great stories to tell about our family that Cynthia Rylant relates.

I bought this book to use for a discussion about how authors can paint pictures with their words. My first graders loved this book and we were able to talk about our favorite parts in the book and all the children can relate because they have either gone to visit relatives or relatives have come to visit them. They loved the pictures and the story!

Excellent! 10 out 10! The true story of Sailor Moon! If you're into Manga and Anime, I would recommend this manga 100%. Sailor moon is full or Romance, Adventure, Drama and More. If you like sailor moon you might also like Revolutionary girl Utena another Manga written by Naoko Takeuchi.

I am so sad that Sailor moon products are out of print. This is an amazing story. I love the Manga and the Anime. 200 episodes wasnt enough!

The whole series is very mysterious and keeps you on the edge of your seat. When you're reading this series all that goes through your mind is "What's the Golden Crystal?" 'Who's Helios?" And most of all "Is Darien gonna be OK?" Finally the last book of this series! IT's wonderfully written and drawn as I said before. It teaches you little lessons that you don't realize until you need to know these lessons. (Does that make sense?) If you read the previous books of the SuperS series you should really get this one to find out what happens in the end. It's so sweet and happy!

This is my absolute favorite out of all the Sailor Moon mangas. I love the Supers series to death, and this is the perfect ending. I've got to say that the main reason this one is my favorite is because of the artwork. It's stunning, to say the least. Ms. Takeuchi pulled out all the stops on this one. No matter how many times I read Supers #4, the picutres never fail to make me stop and say, "Wow". It's certainly not lackin in plot, either. This is where everything comes together, and every twist and turn is compelling and credible. Every element of the ending to Stars is satisfying. This little book, in my opinion, represents manga at its finest.

This is a wonderful volume. Bunny/Darien, Usagi/Mamoru, Serena/Darien are my favorite couple. I loved both the Japanese and English versions. The Japanese version is my favorite and the English version is great. I use both the Japanese names, Usagi and Mamoru and the English names Bunny and Darien. In this volume, many events occur. Bunny and Darien awaken and have lots of romantic moments together. Soon, they must face more challenges. Bunny and Darien are girlfriend and boyfriend and eternal lovers. They must face a huge challenge when a secret about Bunny's past is revealed. Bunny is worried, but Darien comforts her. Darien protects his true love, Bunny. Darien tells Bunny to lend her his power. Darien tells her they can conquer this. Darien and Bunny kiss. As they kiss and hold hands, the energy of their love and power saves them. Darien and Bunny's kisses are so loving. Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Mask kiss and have lots of loving, romantic kisses in the series. Soon, a secret is told about Bunny and secrets are revealed as Bunny and Darien discover new things. Find out what will happen in this volume. Bunny and Darien are the best couple. Usagi and Mamoru are the best couple. Serena and Darien are the best couple. Usagi/Mamoru and Serena/Darien and Bunny/Darien are all the best couple in ever version.

very good book. I really liked the characters. This book made me cheer for them and boo for the bad behavior of them. I never have read a book by risque but you can believe i will read many more. GOOD STUFF

This book was GREAT! A real page turner, filled with drama, romance, funny as hell and the sex scenes oh my goodness! I hope she continues to write this great! If so, a lot of authors will need to step up their game. Absolutely great!

when i first started reading the first three chapters of this book i almost put it down because i thought all it had to offer was descriptive sex...but omg!!!!! as i read on....i couldnt put this book down. im now looking for whatever risque has. im a lifetime fan!!!!!

This was my first time reading a book by this author and it won't be the last time. This book was HOT, HOT, HOT!!!! Nae-Nae was crazy as hell and my heart went out for Yuri and Drae. If you have not read this book you are missing out on a good thang. Pick it up, you won't be disappointed.

Risque offers an enticing plot with "The Sweetest Taboo," a story of two cousins.

Yuri has loved her longtime friend Britt for as long as she can remember. When an opportunity presents itself to act on that, will she let a little something like her husband get in the way?

From the outside looking in, Drae is living large with her husband Hassan, a big time producer. What Drae failed to tell everyone is that Hassan produces alright, but his movies are of a very adult nature and she "auditions" his talent. Fed up, will the next audition be the last?

"The Sweetest Taboo" aims for, and delivers, provocative thrills that satisfy across the board. Risque's humor complements this tale. She crafts characters who live and breathe. Readers will find themselves caring for the two women at the heart of "The Sweetest Taboo," and the supporting ones too. Who can't love Nae-Nae?

The temptation is great in this review to quote some of the dialogue and witty banter, but that would rob readers of the pleasure of sampling Risque's style. But I will say this...p*ssies be hating on Tee Tee!

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!

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.

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. :)

I think I may have found a new favorite author. Texas Destiny was wonderful & the next 2 books in this series look very promising. This series is about 3 brothers named Dallas, Houston & Austin.

In this book you will follow Houston who is sent to collect his brother Dallas's mail order bride, Amelia. Houston & Amelia immediately have a strong connection that quickly turns to feelings of love. This book had so much action & suspense that I didn't want to close it for a second. You will fall in love with Dallas & Austin just as easily as you do Houston.

This book was a wonderful start to what I believe will be my favorite series. Highly recommended.

Ok, the only other western I've ever enjoyed was "Nobody's Darling" by Teresa Medeiros - but even if you aren't a Western-romance fan or a Medeiros fan - you will LOVE Lorraine Heath's "Texas Destiny".

Amelia is a leaving the civil war-wrecked city of Atlanta when she responds to an Ad to marry a rich rancher in Texas. Houston is the brother of that man and he has to pick Amelia up at the train station and travel for about a month to bring her home. And the adventure and romance begins..... Houston was badly disfigured and is blind in his left eye from the civil war and Amelia is traumatized from losing her family. They both feel guilty falling in love since she is "promised" to Dallas (the older brother) but it's their destiny!! :)

I don't want to spoil anything here - but this is so sweet and so moving and it's so well written that it's not a "nasty" love story but certain plot elements are so emotional and tense enough to leave your heart racing! I loved it! and I savored every page and read it one day. (keep tissues handy!) it's ends so sweetly and now I can't wait to buy the next two stories in the series! fantastic!

The Truth Seeker as CD audio book I received as a present. Due to ill health I now can't read very much for very long. For someone who has been a bookworm all her life this was very difficult, but audio books have come to my rescue. Mum listens to them while she is doing housework, and my sister has them on in the car during her 40 minute commute to work, & back.
Dee Henderson is a favourite author in our house & we particularly like her O'Malley Series, of which this is number 3.
It has been abridged fairly well & Matilda Novak is a good narrator - a big plus for me where audio books are concerned! Also there is music in lots of places to give atmosphere; & sound effects - fire blazing, sirens, airport tannoy, doorbell tone, phone ringing to name a few - which help to bring the story alive. Enjoyable to listen to over & over again!

Book three in Henderson's O'Malley series. Lisa O'Malley is a forensic pathologist. Quinn Diamond is a U.S. Marshal. They find their lives intersecting both personally and professionally as they investigate related murder cases. The mystery element is juxtaposed against the real-life touches of humor and family. Lisa's journey to Christ and her romance with Quinn form intriguing supblots.

Lisa O'Malley is a forensic pathologist who has a difficult time with Jesus' resurrection. Quinn Diamond is Marcus O'Malley's partner in the U.S. Marshal's Service. He's been trying to get Lisa to go out with him. Unfortunately, pursuing Lisa is going to be almost impossible because he's already asked out her other sisters!

Their paths cross when the cases they are investigating become intertwined. I love how we get to continue to follow the O'Malleys we already know and how we are able to get to know the others before we read their stories. I wish my family was as close as theirs is.

The other O'Malley novels are: The Negotiator, The Guardian, The Truth Seeker, The Protector, The Healer, The Rescuer. Each is a wonderful read!

I loved this series! I wasn't sure about reading a Christian Romance but this is so much more. Dee Henderson has a way of making you feel as though they are the real deal and you are right there with the O'Malley's. You'll laugh, cry, and everything in between. Enjoy!!

Women are missing.

Amy Ireland disappeared twenty years ago without a trace. For U.S. Marshal Quinn Diamond, it's a case that has never closed. He's still searching--determined to learn the truth.

They are turning up dead.

Lisa O'Malley is a forensic pathologist; mysteries are her domain. She has worked crime scenes in Chicago for years. Examining a sea of evidence, the connections between victims are so faint they they fade into ill-defined wisps as she searchs for a pattern.

Lisa O'Malley is running out of time.

The threads are pulling Lisa's and Quinn's cases together. And where they intersect there's a killer who will stop at nothing to see his secret remain buried.

And now she's missing, too...

Quinn wanted Lisa's help. He never planned to put her in danger. She didn't expect him to invade her heart...or his God to change her life. And while Lisa understands death and darkness all too well, she's about to discover love and the Resurrection.

I had an original post WWII copy of this book and gave it away when I moved from W.Va..... Boy, was that ever a mistake!!!! I needed a copy for an event here honoring the Veterans, and so I was very pleased to see this one in print..... Bill looks at war from the dogface's perspective, and I'm quite sure there's a Bill Mauldin in Iraq somewhere.... but he's tied to the Internet and I'm not sure if we'll get good pen and ink sketches outta him now..... Bill had the way of seeing the ironic, the humerous, and the just plain sorry, in the average G.I.'s battle to survive....... I'd recommend it to school teachers for a look at WWII (AND I'd hustle up some of the last survivors... that first hand look isn't going to be with us much longer).............the Students would actuall LEARN something useful!!!

I am very satisfied with my purchase.The book itself is a pleasure to look at.The drawings are just as funny as I found them as a kid.The writing itself is new to me,but superb.It will allways be among my favourit books.Again marvellous

Indispensable depiction of the face of the Second World War. War and the pity of war. The humour is in the pity.

It's a gift, the ability to draw, to have perspective, to create, to be able to portray human misery as humor, for a reader to see the image and words and turn to laughter. Bill Mauldin had this gift that gained prominence in a time of war where talents rise to their greatest heights or sink to their lowest depths.

Truth is portrayed in humor or the humor isn't funny. Sergeant Bill Mauldin, an infantryman, barely twenty, and serving in Italy picks up a pencil and anything he can draw on, and begins to sketch two characters named Willy and Joe, two, brave, disheveled, irreverent, likeable and crusty infantry soldiers that give meaning to the names infantrymen were referred to as: ground-pounders, dogfaces, legs, and grunts. Mauldin portrays their grim and grimy existence with fatalistic pictures and captions--or grunts. One called "Breakfast in Bed" finds one of them waking up under a cow's utters, or the one where both are in a rain-filled foxhole and Willie touches Joe's shoulder saying, "Joe, yesterday ya saved my life an' I swore I'd pay ya back. Here's my last pair o' dry socks," or with rain pelting down on a scrawny dog facing the opening of their make-shift shelter, one of them says: "Let'im in. I wanna see a critter I kin feel sorry fer." My all-time favorite is a drunk German staggering toward a hidden Willie and Joe, holding a bottle of schnapps, unaware that he is wandering into American lines: "Don't startle `im, Joe. It's almost full."

These cartoons show the comradeship that soldiers developed for each other that would last a lifetime. Each man knew each other better than his own family or spouse ever would, and they could see the good and the bad in everything. They would carry a wounded lieutenant back to safety because he wasn't a "salutin' demon," or curse the Germans as vile, evil Nazis for scuttling a large keg of cognac before their retreat. These soldiers were miserable without being despondent. They were scared without being cowardly. They complained about their predicaments, but carried out their mission as American soldiers always do--attacking silently. The viewer cannot help but feeling empathy and admiration for soldiers who sometimes spent thirty months "in the line."

Mauldin goes further than just making us laugh at the miserable existence of two men trying to stay alive. His real success is that his humor defines the very best and most humane in the human character when it is engaged in its most destructive behavior. It is also timeless. Seventy years later, civilians and servicemen can still see the gallows humor in Willie and Joe's death-defying predicaments.

"Up Front" is Mauldin's account, of what he was doing when he created a particular drawing, why he made sure to include medics, engineers, chaplains, and even Tommies. The writing is matter of fact, well-written, and interesting, but without fascination. That was saved for the cartoons. The author is explaining each one in his text. It's the drawings and the captions that make this book a winner and a conversation piece.

Bill Mauldin died January 22, 2003. Willie and Joe occupying a foxhole filled with water and several cubic feet of complaints, live on.

Think about this the next time you put on a pair of dry socks, and marvel at the simple pleasure of just how good they feel.



May 26, 2008 Memorial Day (observed)

In Memory of the Fallen and all our Gold Star Mothers--especially today.

Of course, this is not a novel. It's a collection of cartoons as they appeared in the Armed Services newspaper Stars and Stripes. The cartoon began to appear in 1944 as the invasion of Europe was underway and millions of Allied troops were fighting their way through Italy and France and into the heart of the third reich.
After a few false starts, Mauldin settled on two characters, Willie and Joe-infantry men. Willie and Joe (who were barely distinguishable from each other) were concerned with all the things that veterans said concerned them during the war. Lousy food was as much of a concern as enemy artillery, fear of cold, wet feet as annoying as the fear of death.
The cartoons, and Mauldin's self-effacing recollections together form a kind of narrative that is at once immensely personal and deeply historical. Mauldin was a pioneer. It was ten years before Cornelius Ryan The Longest Day: The Classic Epic of D-Dayturned personal narratives into history and almost forty before Ken Burns came along.The War - A Film By Ken Burns and Lynn Novick
Mauldin was, in effect, the only war reporter who was relatively uncensored. Since his cartoons carried no strategic information, his only worry was the military's possible perception that he might be lowering troop morale with his swipes at the brass and the rear-echelon. Fortunately, some American sensibility that 'it's good to laugh at the boss even if the boss is us' prevailed.

Up Front was one of the few books that my parents kept by their bedside. This is the book that helped the post-war generation remember the war as it was fought by the men who did the hard work. A quiet masterpiece.

Lynn Hoffman, author of bang BANG: A Novel

This coffin box Set Is a great addition to a collection of vampire Memorabilia . Open the lid (flap) to see who is inside. you can pick who is in the coffin, One is the child vampire and the other a dark haired male vampire.

Anne Rice is the best modern writer on vampires. I have read them all and she rocks. The coolest scenarios and she reads like an intelligent airport paperback book writer. Her writing goes down easy like a comic book. I have written a book on vampires too if you are interested. It's called Seamus and Emer. It's available on Amazon so take a look. Good Luck! Bye Bye!

... a fine set of Vampire Chronicles by Anne Rice. What a refreshing point of view and burning light to see vampires in. Rice gives us vampires with feelings - why shouldn't a vampire feel joy, pain and regret? Yes, bottom line is they are merciless killers, but this is the all-too often typecast image of vampires that Hollywood likes to betray. These immortals don't just sweep in with a dramatic flare of their capes (most of the time they don't even wear one), kill then leave - we experience their agony, hunger, happiness and turmoil before and after each kill. Anne Rice gives us so much more - imagine YOUR fears, regrets and hopes from your lifetime spread over an eternity. Would you really want immortality? What is right and what is wrong? Good and evil? The devil and God? Leave your humdrum life behind for a while and bury yourself (literally) in a world of fascinating, real characters in sumtuous, historic or sordid surroundings. Enjoy, but remember to put the lid back across when you're finished...

I would have preferred to have been able to buy these audio books on cd; however, they were unavailable. Since I had read them all so long ago, it was time to delve back into them. Buying audio books to bring on vacation, was the perfect idea! (I didn't have to worry about getting any suntan lotion on the pages!)

I knew about Anne Rice, but I had never read any of her books before. I read Interview With The Vampire, and I couldn't put it down! It's one of the best books I've ever read. Now I'm reading the whole set. It was great!

I see this book as a motion piture movieon the big screen.she has captured people and places which some has tend to forget.if you read the first five to ten pages,trust(any race)will not put the street novel down.its a number one best seller.every urban person should have a copy its a great present when you think you can't make it thru.stay tuned to see kalico host the number one underground video show(east&west coast).kalico welcome to the spot.tv family spottv network,spottv music,dr fashion-kj fashion,dr manangement

kalico jones is a wonderfull women.we are cut from the same cloth.she sets forth a great rendision of the streets and the entertainment lifestyle.so far shes the only author that can make you see those tuff times,good and bad experinces.im so proud to work with kalico and comtinue to support her joint ventures.sister get rid of all those in your life that does not not help you in your future plans.stay focused spottv staff-queen.v,dadrich,t`roy,kalico,djconspircy,p.r

Kalico, this has to be one of the best books I've ever read. I finished the book in one day. Life has thrown a lot at you. A lot of hurt, a lot of pain, a lot of sadness, a lot of anger. The list goes on. In this book, you're able to tell the truth about the way things were, and thats good because that helps you to become a stronger and healthier human being. I'm glad you and your mother are best of friends and I hope that continues to get better and better everyday. It's wonderful to hear that you have a fantastic relationship with your father, and I bet you are his favorite (girl). Just joking, I'm sure he loves all thirteen of you the same. It really would be a great day when you and your sisters and brothers be united AT THE SAME TIME. This is truly a great book. Kalico jones, I applaud you. GOD BLESS

I have had the pleasure of meeting Kalico a few years ago, and I can say she is truly living life on life terms and that is what makes her book, unique and very special and its own little way.

I give the book 2 thumbs up, Cant wait for the sequal........... (smile)

Kalico Jones candidly recounts trials, tribulations, obstacles, pitfalls, and personal growth, in her novel, When Gucci Came First: True Tales of a Tramp. From the first page, she connects with the reader by using inviting dialogue that flows smoothly, laying the foundation for a wild journey with a suprise ending that will make you rejoice with her and breathe a sign of much-needed relief. You will almost feel as if you are snooping in a private journal that is kept under lock and key and hidden in a bottom dresser drawer. Her fresh delivery remains consistent, until you turn the last page. At that point, you miss her and want to know more about the woman behind the story.

Expect to finish this book in one sitting because you will crave the next event that your eyes will discover. When she is obviously in pain, you root for her to recover. And when she is off track, you feel like admonishing her for losing her way, almost wanting to shout, "Stop the madness, Kalico! Not again!" This emotional battle continues and often increases in intesity, just when you thought nothing more could shake you up.

The character's innermost thoughts are frank, uncensored, and truly telling of how she is thinking in any and all circumstances. Her delivery is laced with honesty that many wish we could have, but will probably never manage to have the courage to expose. The type of secrets she tells are the type which most of us will take to our graves...deep, hurtful, frightening tales that will bring you to tears and add to your understanding of human frailty.

At times, you will be left stunned and ponder if she'll continuing walking down a dangerous path, or abruptly change her direction and get herself together. If you feel tempted to judge her behavior, you will regret it and ultimately feel ashamed for rushing to judgement. By the end of her work, she reveals why she is anything but a tramp, rather a diamond in the rough waiting to shine for all the world to see. Her strength and determination to win a war is so evident, it stands up on its own and looks you in the face.

I applaud the author for a corageous and successful attempt to explain why Gucci ever came first, in her life. With that said, please do yourself a favor and read this unforgettable tale. Chances are, you will learn something new about yourself, or be able to better understand someone who may be struggling to overcome personal demons, by the time you put it on your bookshelf for a second, third, and fourth read. Hooray for Kalico Jones for sharing her story with the world. I am looking forward to this new author's next book.

I have to agree with the only other two-star review of this book: I'm rather amazed by all the praise. The message the book conveys is a fantastic one, true, but that's all it is~a message. In my opinion, Where Peace Lives is a "peace class" masquerading as a story. The metaphors all exist right on the surface; there is no need to look deeper. Because of this, the characters are not real~they're just different mouthpieces for the author's "message," like puppets. And the main character (the "I" of the story) is not developed at all. We know almost nothing about her, except that she likes the taste of orange popsicles and she's felt bad because other children have made fun of her or refused to play with her. She also doesn't seem like a child, despite her juvenile speeches. Writers need to understand that talking about tasty popsicles and play-dates is not all it takes to write for children.

I realize this all sounds pretty scathing, and I need to apologize somewhat for that. It's just that I was really looking forward to reading this book because of its premise, and now that I have, I feel immensely let down. I don't mind the idea of educating children about peace~in fact, I think that's great~but I expected more of a story from a book marketed as one.

Like all of us, the main character in Where Peace Lives longed for true peace. Each night she wished for peace and then fell into a deep sleep, as if wrapped in the arms of an angel. However, when she awoke each morning, she returned to reality. It seemed to her that despite everyone wishing for peace, that end seemed impossible.

A knock at her door would change everything. There stood Luther the Bear. Luther was king of The Mountain Where Dreams Are Made. He came with news that the angel Peace had been locked in a glass box and only the three keys to peace could set her free. The two set off to The City of Right and Wrong where the debate over milk had completely divided the city. Their real journey was about to begin.

Where Peace Lives is a beautifully woven entertaining tale from which we can all gain insight. The story and the characters are inspired by and based upon the historic Buddha, Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr, Jesus, Moses, and Muhammad. I love the interfaith quality of the story showing that we may all think and believe differently but ultimately we all want to be treated fairly and live a peaceful life.

Where does peace come from? It isn't something born of war, or won through argument. Author Debbie Robins explores peace and finds three keys to it in her book, "Where Peace Lives." A book for all ages, children and adults, it is sure to become a classic along the lines of "The Little Prince." More than that, it is a delightful read, and a tool for spreading some very valuable lessons.

The narrator is worried about the world and wonders why everyone can't just get along. One night, a visitor comes and insists that the angel, Peace, needs to be set free. Peace is trapped in a glass box and three keys are needed to open the lock. They need to find the keys, and they begin by looking in the City of Right and Wrong. There, terrible things are happening. The residents are divided and each side insists that the other side is wrong. What's even worse is that the Cube of Bitterness hovers above and devours those who are the "right ones". Donkeys and elephants play tug of war, only it isn't a game. It looks like there is no hope for peace. However, Mister Buddha, a poetic cat, is sharing a potion called Acceptance, and so there is hope after all.

Mister Buddha introduces our narrator to the concept of acceptance and the fact that kindness begets kindness, and also to his best friend, Mahma. The adventure continues with a story of understanding and Oneness, and then on to the Sea of Forgiveness, where two orangutans, Chris and Mo impart more wisdom. Through a desert and to a waterfall, and up a mountaintop, the keys are sought. Will they be found in time to set Peace free?

A parable, the story can be taken at face value, with lessons still understood. Upon further reflection, deeper meanings come to light and the reader can see how important choices are. The colorful characters' teachings are inspired by and reflect those of Ghandi, Jesus, Buddha, Mohammad and Martin Luther King. With exquisite illustrations, a delightful cast of characters, and a most important plot, "Where Peace Lives" rates my highest recommendation. Additional biographical information on these key people is included at the back of the book, as well as journaling space and an exercise to "strengthen your peace muscle'. Well written and enjoyable to experience, this book is a must read for everyone you know.

In this lovely fable, Peace is an angel who appears in the narrator's dreams--and then is suddenly the object of a quest. She has been locked inside an unbreakable glass box, and three keys must be found in order to free her before the evil Cube of Bitterness devours the world.

In the search for the keys, the narrator meets and is assisted by a bear named Luther, King of the Mountain Where Dreams Are Made; Mister Budd Ha, a Siamese cat who peddles bottles of Acceptance; and several other creatures who promote peace. Philosophically, the characters are based on the peaceful teachings of Martin Luther King, Jr., the Buddha, Mahatma Gandhi, Moses, the Prophet Mohammad, and Jesus Christ. Debbie Robins portrays their ideas with both humor and understanding.

While the outcome of the story is fairly obvious, the language used to tell it is lyrical and peaceful in and of itself. The pen and ink illustrations by Victor Robert are also fantastic. I loved the Roomy Tea Garden and the tree named Bodhi. This is not just a picture book, but a book to be shared by child and parent/caregiver. It should appeal on different levels to both reader and listener. I read several sections aloud and found the words and phrases to flow in a charming way. I especially recommend it to those like their children's books to have a bit of substance.

At the end of the book, Robins also provides the reader with biographical information and philosophical summaries of those figures whose philosophies of peace she incorporates. There are also a few pages to jot down the reader's own ideas of how to bring more peace into today's world.

Armchair Interviews: An unique children's book about peace.

WHERE PEACE LIVES is a captivating adventure for children and adults alike. It teaches us that peace requires a profound internal shift in how we perceive and respond to each other. This book is essential for those of us who seek to transform ourselves and change our world. Eleanor Barr