Authors Books

Though the other stories have much cinematic potential, my favorite of this collection has to be "Dirk Snigby's Guide To The Afterlife." Funny and snarkily irreverent, it is full of the absurdities that is the currency of organized religion. In the right hands, "Dirk" could be the next "Dr. Strangelove" -- a chilling satire on what we fear most after taking that final breath in this life as we open the door to the next. Who knows, perhaps Dirk might in fact be our Guide. Pick up a copy of this anthology for this story alone.

an excellent collection of short stories that will make wonderful movies. standouts :gone to mum's
dirk snigby
some pig
waltzing matilda.
sit back with a long cool drink and enjoy.

_The Hustler, It Happened One Night, High Noon, Minority Report_ and _All About Eve._ Quite an impressive list, but what do these movies all have in common? Give up? They all started as a short story.

Next Stop Hollywood is the brainchild of Steve Cohen and Jonathan Davis. Each year they partner with St. Martin's Press to publish original short stories that are judged by a panel of Hollywood insiders via an international contest, with winning entries compiled into the anthology. Their criteria? Finding stories that would make a great movie or TV project. More than 600 entries were submitted and narrowed down to a mere 15.

Using the same judging criteria, I chose three stories from Next Stop Hollywood to highlight.

Perry Glasser's "An Age of Marvels and Wonders," tells the story of a lonely old man slowly going blind and the young woman who comes into his life. Raylene is a walking hard luck story--with two kids, no money and an abusive ex-husband. Is it any wonder she's skeptical of an offer of help? Bob may slowly be going blind, but he sees far more than mere eyesight allows.

"Gone to Mum's" by Barry Simiana is a richly detailed and poignant story of missed chances, stolen moments, heartbreak and redemption. Simiana's narrator takes readers along on his journey of self-discovery amid the rugged backdrop of Australia. The author paints emotion on his canvas, stunning the reader with the simplicity and honesty of his prose.

"The Good Kid" by Brian Richmond, is a clever tale of deception. Marty is a bank robber on the run with nowhere to go. The kid is more than willing to help. But is he helping himself or Marty? O. Henry would have approved.

With Hollywood scrambling for fresh ideas, it's nice to know that the art of the short story is not completely forgotten.

Armchair Interviews says: Kudos to Cohen and Davis for their part in reviving an endangered genre.

I thoroughly enjoyed these short stories, especially "Dirk Snigby's Guide to the Afterlife". Dirk and the devil would be a hit on the silver screen!

Perry Glasser is a wonderful writer and an inspiration in my own writing. His forthright yet crafty style will leave you complete. You won't be disappointed!

A very fluid writer...engrossing with a firm grasp on relationships between men and women. A wonderful read whether or not you like cats or Cape Cod, but even better if you love both.

This was a new experience for me. As a male who likes short stories and has read dozens of anthologies, this book by a woman about men and women made me feel like a voyeur unable to turn his eye away from the keyhole. The author is incredibly skilled and insightful as she takes the reader on 10 very enjoyable rides through periods in a number of lives -- each artfully constructed around romantic relationships (some in crisis) -- and each with the presence of at least one cat. The gemlike stories are so gripping several could turn into screen plays. They are interesting, unpredictable and provocative. The psychological elements reminded one of Ibsen, the social caste clashes brought to mind the fine 18th and 19th -Century English writers, and the romantic entanglements twisted by karma evoked certain French authors. There is no need to describe plots. As soon as you start to read, you will know you are in very competent hands. The cats are important in different ways in different stories. I note that practically all the other reviewers are women, so I felt I should add my voice by saying to male readers,

"If you want to know what 'They' are really thinking, read this book!"

I picked up this book on a whim, enticed by the photo of a cute cat on the front cover, and of the cute author on the back. Turns out to be a winner. De Gramont, who appears to be twenty-something, writes spare stories about young love, cats, et la condition humaine -- set in Colorado, New York and Cape Cod, where I'm almost certain the author went to school, lived, and (definitely) lives now. Men, women and cats are all convincingly rendered in appealingly unornamented prose. Her stories have beginnings, middles and ends (hurrah!). There are touches of strange in a couple of her stories, but this is contemporary mimetic fiction, in which I am usually disappointed.

So -- if you like good short fiction about young people and cats, give de Gramont a try. Tellingly, all her stories are original to this book, further demonstrating the parlous state of non-genre short fiction. At least two of her stories, were they sfnal, would be Hugo and/or Nebula nominees -- and, judging from my reaction, would interest other short-sf fans...

Happy reading--
Peter D. Tillman
Post approved by Precious & Joe Grey

Ms. de Gramont's book is masterfully written in a no-nonsense, very readable style. Only a person who is passionate about writing could create stories that unfold so gracefully. In every story you will find passion that ebbs and flows with tension and resolution, symbolism at every level of the human psyche, adroit dialogue that helps to construct each anecdote, and of course, cats and men. What amazed me most is that from cover to cover you couldn't add, subtract, or change a word to improve the book. "Of Cats and Men" is a combination of dexterity in communication and great storytelling. I will be first in line to buy her next book

You don't have to be a cat-fancier to appreciate these stories of love and loss. Each feline in these engrossing short stories serves a unique purpose. Whether acting as catalyst to an impending break-up, or as bait for an attempted kidnapping, the cats in these stories reflect and compliment their humans in a way that sheds light on all of our relationships, both feline and human. Using "the cat" as metaphor could easily become a hackneyed literary device, but in de Gramont's clever hands, OF CATS AND MEN manages to escape that particular pitfall. The stories are intriguing, the characters and relationships are multi-dimensional, and the dialog is realistic. This book is an insightful and creative look at modern romantic relationships.

FABULOUS! I loved this book of poems written by ten different women. They make it easy for you to feel the joy, desire, pain and humor they've experienced. It connected with my soul.

This cozy book by 10 diverse and talented ladies is a comfortable, intimate read. It provokes thoughts, makes you smile, makes you feel and think about many things. i especially liked Sandy Fackler's 'Green Beads', which evokes poignant childhood memories that many must share.

Anyone over thirty has to relate to P. Diane Truswell's, "Competition Circa 1957," the things women have done to recognize themselves or others. The "how" is different now but the "why" is still the same. "The Dance," by Mary L. Kling speaks for all of us less than gifted wanna-be dancers, ball players, singers, etc. and the people or things that stand in our way. Humor, sorrow, quick and elongated; all the poems in ON WINGS OF WORDS merit one read, or two, or three......

What a wonderful experience!! Loved reading it! These women have truly done a marvelous job of writing what is in women's hearts. They are wonderful. I hope and pray there will be more. Thank you!

Although the book was small, it did pack quite a punch. These ladies seem to write directly from the heart. Many of the passages left you wanting to know more but before long you were relating the topics to things that have happened in your own life. I would recommend the book to all and would hope that there will be more books to follow.

I look at this book every morning before I leave my house for the day. While the photographs are truly remarkable and can stand on their own because they capture the imagery of beautiful people and places, the quotations and prayers inspire and certainly leave you with something to contemplate each day. This book is a beautiful gift for yourself or someone close to you that can bring joy and peace every day.

One of the "BEST" investments within our book collections... my wife will not put it down, leave it alone or share it!

We simply have to get another copy (and give this one as gifts as well).
EXCEPTIONAL and RADIANT !!

Makes for a wonderful, reasonably priced gift. Photos are magnificent. proverbs are inspiring. Just a great book that I refer to daily. It is not just a coffee table book...though it could be. Every African American home should have one.

Laura

This book has so much to offer both visually, and in motivational comments to inspire thought and creativity.

This is a beautiful book in more than one way. Everything about it is pretty exceptional. From the photographs, to the wise sayings and it's powered me and my girfriend through a couple of hard days already. DEFINITE INVALUABLE PURCHASE!

My co-worker could not stop talking about this book, so I asked her to let me read it and I am so happy that she did. The plot was excellent, full of twist and turns. I thought I wasn't going to get some of it because it talked about sports, but the way that it was written made me feel like I was part of the game. The relationship between the Toni and Alex was beautiful. It was so well written it made me question my sexuality. I am a very straight woman but I liked this story too much. If you are looking for a beautiful love story along with suspense and intrigue buy this book. Although I read it for free, I have since purchased 3 copies from Amazon.

Outed Obsession If you are looking for a terrfic story then this is your book. The writer does a great job in making you think you know what is going to happen the all of sudden twisting the story. The book kept me guessing. While the first couple chapters did keep my attention, I couldn't it down after getting the to 5th chapter. I found myself getting emotionally attached to the charcters. The book ends making you want more. I hope this is the first of many more books to come, from this author (using these characters).

This book must be turned into a movie. It is so well written. The characters are believeable and the story line is great. The main character Toni who is black attracts allstar football player Parker who is white. Parker who is use to getting anyone he wants had to deal with rejection from Toni. Eventually Parker could no longer take the Toni's rejections and tries to force himself on Toni. They get into a brawl. While Toni is badly beaten she gets the best of Parker as she injures his throwing hand. He had just been drafted into the NFL. Parker vows revenge and eventually acts on it.

LOVED the book... Started off kind of slow for me, but once we arrived at the main character, Toni St. James' High School Championship Basketball game, I was hooked. From that point on, I found it almost impossible to put the book down. Ms. Wright's writing technique and style enabled me to get to know the characters quickly and I was able to envision the story as if I was actually there.

One area that I would have liked the author to expand on and follow more closely was the development of Toni's feelings for the woman she falls in love with. The two characters go from a professional relationship to friends and then to lovers, literally overnight. It would have been thrilling to watch the love blossom between these two. As a straight woman, who has in my past life found myself developing feelings for another female, would have found it intriguing to see Toni go through similar struggles and to see how she ultimately dealt with all the complexities that same sex attractions can create.

While one might think this novel is a thriller, the overall message is loving one another, from mother to child, sibling to sibling, interracial and homosexual. There truly cannot be a better message than that!

Excellent job!

I was very impressed with this book. Once I started reading it, I could not put it down. I can't wait for the next book. This book is for anyone to read. It deals with relationships as it relates to growing up. I would recommend this book to everyone. For a first time author, this was very good. Job well done!

Kudos, Ms. Wright

This was a great book in the Outlanders series. It had plenty of surprises and twists with the new relationship between a "young" Lakesh and Domi!

I recommend this book for any new readers!

This was the first Outlanders novel I read and I was very happy to find it. I'd seen them on the stands before but assumed they were something else. I'm glad I gave Devil in the Moon a try. It was so enjoyable and intriguing I searched all the used the bookstores in my area for earlier novels in the series. I was afraid I might be lost since there were so many prior books but there was enough information in Devil in the Moon to bring new readers up to speed.

This was a great science-fiction adventure, almost like watching a movie!

Kane and his fellow outcasts have found a secret base on the moon(again). I really liked this book, it is a breath of fresh air compared to the rather lack-luster performances of the recent deathlands books. The whole concept while it has been done before is still orginal in many respects. If you like good plup and a good story, go ahead and read this.

The story line kept up with the better of the Outlanders series. The action is fairly fast passed but the characterization falled to flow on from the previous issue "Prodigal Chalice". The Domi - Grant - Lakesh interactions have taken a big step change. Although the storyline for this new mini series was strong, I felt the author dedicated too much ink to recovering background information and history for other issues. I guess all these ghost writers use the cut and paste function alot.

What can I say--I loved this novel! It was indeed a real epic. I've been hoping Outlanders would get back out into space ever since 'Parallax Red' and 'Devil In The Moon' more than meets my expectations. Its full of action and colorful characters and real nail biting suspense, particularly during the scenes where the heroes are crossing the face of the Moon and get out on the "Sea of Ice" and are blinded by the reflected sunlight. And those carnobots--yeesh! A really nasty bunch of droids you won't see in a Star Wars movie!

The writer really knows how to balance characterization, action and plot development--this book and the all the others in the series compare favorably to the best sci-fi novels, movies and TV shows.

The book is not without a sense of humor, particularly in the some the dialogue between the heroes. I particularly liked the scene where Brigid, Kane and Grant are cornered by carnobots and Brigid gets afraid that Grant will lose his temper and jump down to fight them. She warns him, "Don't get any crazy ideas" and Kane says, "Yeah--that's MY department." The opening scenes set in the old mental clinic are pretty funny too with all the psychological jargon thrown around.

And I really liked the surprising development about Lakesh and Domi! The new cover was great too as well as the new technology in use. And the ending!!! Whoa!! When and if Kane, Brigid and Grant get back to Cerberus from this moon mission, they'll be in for a heck of a surprise!!

I realized after finishing this book that even though I liked Prodigal Chalice by Mel Odom, Devil In The Moon proves that only Mark Ellis knows really how to write this series. Every chapter gives us shocks, surprises, spills, thrills and laughs. I eagerly look forward to the next book in the Dragon Kings storyline. Two enthusastic thumbs WAY up!!

My wife is a text book writer and has found this gift text to be quite valuable. Recommended

Those are the bitter pills of civilization. Like other bitter pills, they have great healing power. As a matter of fact, if the World took more notice of those pearls of wisdom, produced by outstanding minds, from Heraclitus to the Huxleys, policies might be less absurd and mass actions less disastrous than they actually are.

The book is dark verging on sardonic, reflecting the dark, sardonic nature of the best epigrams of our age. I was inspired to respond in the margins to a number of them, and I can't think of a better response to epigrams in general, than for them to get under your prickly skin to the extent that you might write your own ironic counterstatements. Bloodshed begets bloodshed, and so we might say (ironically) that this sort of bitterness begets bitterness. But it may very well be the most brilliant bitterness you've known.

Some of my favorite quotes with my responses--representative in the extreme:

"Where they burn books they will also in the end burn human bodies"--Heine, <>, 1823

"Where they burn human beings, they will also, in the end, burn the wrong book"--Eucaleh Terrapin

"A secret may sometimes be best kept by keeping the secret of its being a secret"--Sir Henry Taylor, <>, 1823

"Thus the wisest proverb is common sense"--Eucaleh Terrapin

"Freedom produces jokes, and jokes produce freedom"--Jean Paul Richter, Introduction to Aesthetics, 1823

"But to be witty is to be serious about other comedians"--Eucaleh Terrapin

John Gross has compliled an excellent collection of the best aphorisms into a nicely accessible framework. The book is arranged by chapters reflecting everything from "Nature" to "The Afterlife." This arrangement works well as a path to pursue the great thoughts that philosophers, psychologists, and aphorists have written about the areas that most commonly provoke interest. The book has an outstanding index and an insightful introduction from Gross in which he expresses his regret about not having beem able to obtain permission to include the observations of Wittgenstein. As Vauvenargues wrote in 1746, "Men's maxims reveal their characters," and one of the great values in this collection is that it juxtaposes what others have said by subject area, juxtaposing what the famous thinkers here included remarked on the same subjects. The cover of this volume displays an explosive rocket, appropriately enough. The anti-religious elements are especially entertaining, as it is always fun to see the response to the groveling aspects of Christian orthodoxy. Highly recommended.

Like most collections of aphorisms this one is rich in helpful thoughts. These thoughts inspire and give birth to new thoughts. 1) Aphorisms of others ideally inspire aphorisms of our own.
2) Aphorisms help make our minds more interesting.
3) It is senseless to read too many aphorisms at once
4) A little here a little there, aphoristic pleasure everywhere.
5) A good aphorism is one you want to tell someone else.

As an old cold warrior, I can certainly relate to the themes in this rip-roaring tale of one man's realization that nobody gets out alive in the game of "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." Wow, Harry--where DO you get these demons? Now I have ANOTHER potential global catastrophe to ponder...

This book intrigued me from page one. It is a fast-paced, fascinating thriller with multiple levels and layers that should please even the most jaded thriller/suspense lovers!

When a best selling horror author is found dead in a locked room after a night of self-mutilation, his dubious daughter hires ex-Special Ops agent, Jack Burke, to prove it wasn't simply a bizarre suicide, but cold-blooded murder. Following a trail of lies and ancient mysteries, Burke uncovers a conspiracy as bizarre as the author's death, while delving into his own shadowy past, layer by layer, until he must face his worst nightmares.
Harry Shannon, author of the Mick Callahan novels (MEMORIAL DAY and EYE OF THE BURNING MAN), knows how to grab the reader from the first page. In fact, the first twenty pages of his newest novel, THE PRESSURE OF DARKNESS, starts with a breakneck speed that hardly relents for the remaining four hundred pages, as he drops the reader head first into a Black Ops mission gone wrong. From there, the narrative whisks us from the recent past of the South American jungle to modern day California, revealing Burke's less than enviable present. Working as a leg breaker for a loan shark, and with his wife in the hospital after a car crash, medical bills mounting day by day, Burke agrees to take on a side job to earn some easy money. But he can't let the obvious attempt at a cover up rest- no matter how much cash is involved. Soon, he's up to his neck in hot water with the mob, a faceless animalistic killer, a lost love, and tarnished friendships that may prove his undoing.
It takes a special talent to pull in tropes from such diverse sub-genres as neo-noir, medical thrillers and horror into a seamless mesh, but Shannon delivers- in spades. This is an author who knows the value of imperfect characters. No one is unsoiled by the dirt of life in THE PRESSURE OF DARKNESS. No one is safe. No one is immortal. Everyone is dangerous. Shannon trades on their foibles, using their greed, lust and deceit to drive the narrative. These are no mere automatons doing the keyboard dance. These feel like real people, reacting like real people.
Like I said: No one is safe.
Shannon gives us an odd mixture of eastern religion to underpin the tale- something that, at first, feels anomalous to the contemporary setting. But once Burke's nature is revealed, Shannon's anti-hero becomes almost an extension of those tenants, an avenging force to oppose those whom would misuse them for their own ends.
But there is another level to THE PRESSURE OF DARKNESS, one that digs into the fear of the everyman.
Death.
It's meaning. It's mystery. Life's value in the face of it.
Shannon shouts into that inevitable void, perhaps to hear a response from what awaits us on the other side. He tries to deconstruct the flesh from the spirit, and does an admirable job of giving his readers something to think about after the last page has been turned.
I can't recommend THE PRESSURE OF DARKNESS enough to someone whom has yet to read Shannon's prose. Here, he is at the top of his game. Honest, cutting, and just plain talented as hell.
I'm eager to see what becomes of Jack Burke. Will there be more in the future? Only Harry Shannon knows for sure. But I hope he knows what a great thing he's got going with Jack Burke.

--Nickolas Cook

Right off the top: Harry Shannon's The Pressure of Darkness is the best novel he has published to date. I've enjoyed them all, with the Mick Callahan novels being personal favorites. But this one, The Pressure of Darkness, is a huge step up for Harry. In a just and fair world, it would be his breakthrough bestseller.

The Pressure of Darkness is a thriller. It's also a horror story. It's sort of a serial killer novel. It would fit well among those men's adventure books. But most of all, The Pressure of Darkness is an entertainment. But, as with the best books and films, this novel does far more than merely entertain. The Pressure of Darkness gives the reader a lot to ponder. Its issues are nothing less than life and death. Mortality and the agony that so many go through in contemplating it. There is a lot of wisdom in its pages and a casual reader shouldn't be surprised to learn that Harry Shannon is a counselor.

Don't let the above make you believe that The Pressure of Darkness is preachy or boring. It is anything but. Harry keeps the adrenalin pumping from the start, framing the novel with tense, suspenseful covert operations in extremely hostile environments. The action, mystery and drama never let up for a second in between. Even if you wanted it to.

The plot is a horror lover's dream: A phenomenally successful writer of scary books is found dead. It looks like suicide, but it is far from any normal one. He is disemboweled and great pains were taken to prolong the agony and the demise. The writer's daughter wants to know more and hires ex-military Delta operative Jack Burke to look into it. During the investigation, Burke realizes that he has uncovered something big. Far bigger than any mere suicide. Powers that be want him off the case and to have it shut and buried. But Burke collected his pay and his code of getting the job done is still important to him.

Having read all of Harry Shannon's previous work, I expected a good time, but I never dreamed he would give us a plot this rich and filled with such ghastly detail. The Pressure of Darkness is easily the darkest, most brutal and disturbing of them. Yet the author imbues the novel with a core of human decency and dignity. This is a powerful piece of fiction that works on the reader's gut emotional level. I read a lot of thrillers and The Pressure of Darkness is as good as any I've read in the last decade. I think it's better than anything David Morrell (the writer that The Pressure of Darkness most reminds me of) has published in ages.

If you love great suspense and horror, please consider giving The Pressure of Darkness a shot. You won't regret it.

Nicole Moberly has a problem. Her father, the famous horror writer Peter Stryker, has apparently committed suicide. According to the LAPD's official version, he sealed himself in a hotel room and proceeded to mutilate every square inch of his body. Nicole doesn't believe a man can do that to himself, and neither does police detective Scottie Bowden.

Enter Jack Burke, a wonderfully drawn, but horribly haunted man, whose list of careers includes mob enforcer, private detective, and black ops specialist. This is a man you do NOT want to play with. Bowden directs Nicole to Burke, and what follows is a lightning fast thriller packed with twist after maddening twist as Burke's investigation puts him square in the sights of a cult that will stop at nothing to bring about a biological holocaust in God's name.

Be warned...this is not an easy book. It will grab you where it hurts and not let go. The pages fly by, because this is a VERY fast moving book, but don't mistake hard-hitting action for soft content. Veteran thriller writer Harry Shannon has put a lot of balls in the air, and watching him juggle them all is something to see. This guy is good...really, really good. Whether you're in to military spec ops, hard-biting crime, or mind-bending horror, you're going to find a lot to love in this supreme achievement. Do yourself a big favor and read this book. You will not be disappointed. I promise.

Joe McKinney, author of Dead City

Over the years I have reread Dale Carnegie's books several times. They have been more than helpful in making speeches and friends. We just need more authors like him.

It's a great read would rec amend it to any one that wants to succeed.

I do a fair amount of public speaking and just dealing with people. When you know what you want to say and are able to say it confidently and with conviction it makes a big difference in the way it is received.

After having read HOW TO DEVELOP SELF-CONFIDENCE & INFLUENCE PEOPLE by PUBLIC SPEAKING by Dale Carnegie, I genuinely feel compelled to write a brief review.


First, I found this book to be useful and pratical. The author provides general principles regarding how to develop self-confidence and improve one's speaking peformance, then provides an illustration of that principle. In other words, the author is effectively instructing us on how to improve our public speaking peformance, which is critical in so many professions.


Second, this book contains brilliant depth. In fact, to be forward, I was skeptical I would even find this book useful. I have provided speeches with nearly 300 people in attendance. However, when it came to my performance before small groups --say, three to twelve people-- I tended to flounder. From this book, I learned that I must prepare for my short presentations as I prepare for my more lengthy presentations. A few quick pointers: memorize your opening and closing, which I was not doing for my small group presentations; I was often attempting to "wing" them. However, subsequently reading this book, my presentations are more effective and have more grace.


Third and in conclusion, the final chapter was somewhat astonishing for me. I was literally mispronouncing a few words, and I am very grateful for having received instruction and guidance from the author. For example, I was mispronouncing vIand, antIdote, amEnable, cUlinary, sUpine, lab-o-ra-tory, bev-er-age, Cath-o-lic, choc-o-late, di-a-mond, fo-li-age, gal-ler-y, et al.! I honestly state with confidence that this little treasure is a "must read" for professionals, particularly those required to speak before small and large audiences. On a final note, I only wish I had read this book earlier, my life would have been quite easier.


Sincerely,
Clovis

I read this book before I did a presentation of my book to THE LOS ANGELES ATAXIA SUPPORT GROUP. It helped me a lot, and gave me the confidence that I needed to display my book in an oral book presentation.
I will go over a few of the key points of this wonderful book by Dale Carnegie, Inc., and why the information was what I needed to hear.
-In order to be a good public speaker you must have a strong and persistant desire to relate this information. (Yes, there is a strong and urgent need to increase awareness of CEREBELLAR ATAXIA as well as all of the other varieties of ATAXIA-a neurological, progressive, physical disorder that impairs coordination. I have been becoming more and more physically handicapped with my genetic neurological disorder since I was 17.)
-Know thoroughly what you are going to talk about. Don't speak until you are sure that you have something to say, and then say it, and sit down. (I am already sitting in a wheelchair due to my progressive, genetic disorder. I related to my audience how I wrote the book, over years, the publication process, and then I recited three of the poems from my book.)
-Practice, Practice, Practice. Be prepared. State your facts, argue from them, and appeal for action. (I described how it is to live with a progressive, neurological handicap. I hope it will raise awareness of ATAXIA.)
Those are a few of the key point of this marvelous book by Dale Carnegie, Inc.
My book is called Dreams in August: Life, Love, and Cerebellar Ataxia

I picked this book out of the "take one" basket of shared books at my local Curves. In leafing through it, I was surprised I hadn't already discovered and ordered it -- I usually pounce on new women's fiction. But for some reason, I'd missed it when it came out. As others have said, this book is a true gem. Funny, poignant, wise, filled with situations that will make you shake your head and/or nod with agreement, it is a terrific read. In fact, it's a must read for any woman who is married or thinking of getting married. And yes, the recipes ARE delicious and a delightful bonus. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

I loved this book....couldn't put it down. I am an Irish American grandmother, and I totally relate to the dynamics of the men and women in this book. Having been married (happily) for 44 years, I could see the wisdom on every page. Highly recommend it for all couples "trying to figure out what's going on in their marriages". Commitment is the key word here. I am sending a copy to everyone I know.

I'm a forty-something ex-romantic who has pretty much sworn off fiction. I picked this up on a whim at the library and read it in a day and a half. I was a little worried when it started out a bit copy cat of Sex and the City but it quickly evolved into its own. It is artfully organized and written, intelligent, insightful and..... romantic!

Morag Prunty shows not only great insight into the workings of marriage, but an honesty that is often quite raw. Both main characters are women whose stories are told in the first person. Their thoughts and attitudes can be quite disturbing, making them seem very harsh, self absorbed and unlikable at times, but reflecting what goes through the minds of people in an honest way... thoughts we would never want actually heard by others! At the same time with all this psychology going on, it's pretty light and enjoyable reading. I recommend this book to anyone, but especially those newly married who may be going through their own feelings of let down and disillusionment because the stories of it's women characters not only express how common these feelings can be, but, as in the grandmother's character, it shows us where it can lead if those feelings are held on to grudgingly for a lifetime. Having said all this I must add that at book's end I felt very inspired by this novel.

I am not the type of reader that will sit down and read a whole book in one evening, but I could not put it down. I am not married yet, but this book taught me that love is not just what marriages are made of. A marriage is made of commitment, loyalty and the willingness to be there no matter what. This book made me cried and touched me in ways that not often books do. Read it, have some kleenex available and enjoy it. And when you are done, give your husband or boyfriend a big hug and tell them how much you love them.