Hearts Books

"Every day He wants the sun to shine and the roses to bloom in our lives. He wants all of us to enjoy His very best. I'm perfectly imperfect and often "mess up," but God loves me anyway, in spite of myself. Above all, He knows my heart. ~Pat Brannon

"You're Steppin' On My Heart" is a collection of poetry that shows the power of God's love and how we can draw on that power through our own decisions.

Pat Brannon explores a variety of topics through lyrical meditations. Her poems are at times stories, prayers or even letters. She also wrote poems during difficult times when she struggled with her own human frailty and at times she celebrates the gift of life itself.

Along life's rough and bumpy road, we sometimes crash and burn
Experiencing unexpected twists, there are lessons to be learned
Hindsight gives us knowledge that we didn't have before
Wisdom adds awareness to accumulate and store
~Pat Brannon

Throughout her poems, Pat Brannon maintains a similar style and focus and these poems are a reflection of Pat's inner journey and her love for God. Like all of us, her life is a daily struggle and she expresses feelings of love, contentment, trust, elation, anger, devastation, helplessness and confusion.

In "Letting Go," Pat writes a story of how a woman draws on her inner strength to carry on in life when she loses her baby. She takes a very sensitive issue and explores God's unconditional love in our lives. Then, in "A Heart's Tug Away," she tells a beautiful story of an aged man who is walking in the snow and feeling dejected and lonely. I thought this was her most beautiful poem and it shows how we can all make a difference in the life of a stranger who can then become a friend. "Imperfect World" reveals a world of broken vows and ruined lives.

Pat Brannon deals with so many daily issues that appear in our lives during times of stress and healing. She writes poems about Apathy, Making a Difference, Divine Intervention and Inspiration. Her poem "Cart Before the Horse" is a profound statement. It shows how we have to love first and provide basic care to those in need before they will accept a message of love. In this poem, Pat describes homelessness, hunger, financial issues and how God can love others through actions of heart-felt dedication. I found this book of poems to be spiritually healing.

~The Rebecca Review

People live in Pat Brannon's book. You can see them; you know them. Their lives unfold for the reader...not fairytale lives, but real lives with both the pain and the joy. A spirit pervades this collection, and you feel that regardless of their choices, the people in these poems are not in this alone. You cannot read these poems without being touched.

I know that I'm supposed to review the book, but first I want to say that Mrs. Pat Brannon is a sweet Christian lady. She has blessed my heart since I've come to know her. Pat's style of writing is straight from her soul. Her ability to share her personal experiences and great faith in her Lord is inspirational to all who know her and to all who read her poems. I pray that God will continue to bless her with great talent to share with others for many years to come. Thank you, Pat. Keep up the great work!

Lana Phelps
Publisher of The Good News Messenger

The poetry in Pat Brannon's book is so "real" and "every day" that anyone who reads it feels as though it is about some one they know or even, perhaps, themselves. It expresses the ups and downs, joys and traumas that people eveywhere experience daily. Meshed all throughout the works the reader will find that faith and the work of the Lord are what get us through life's experiences -- that when we stray we are weak and when we draw near to Him we are strengthened.

Each of the poems are a blessing to the reader and remind us that we can survive life's journey.

Pat has a special way of making the reader feel close to God and reminds us that we are not alone even at our lowest emotional point.

Thank you, Pat, for such beautiful words! I look forward to the next collection with eager anticipation.

Martha S. Tubb
Columbus, Georgia
USA

Relax in your favorite chair. Grab a box of tissue and let Pat Brannon take you to a world of pleasant memories and smiles of remembrance as she draws out people, places, and events of your life while sharing some of her own with you. She reaches down into those secret places in your heart and soul and shakes up your emotions. Everyone can relate to the experiences expressed here from the joy of birth to the crushing loss of death and all of life in between. Your heart will soften and you will be different after having laughed and cried through this book as you remember your own special times and quietly say, "Yeah, that's what I feel, too."

I am a Huge Janette Oke fan. Her books inspire me to live a faithful, Christian life...and this book just happens to be my favorite, if it's possible to have a favorite Oke book (they are all wonderful!) I encourage you to read this Saga!

I love ever Janette Oke book I've ever read, but this is a favorite! I hope everyone who reads this liked it as much as I did!

This is my favorite series from Oke. I wish it was longer. I never wanted the book to end. Oke is a wonderful author, and this is a must read book.

What a delightful book -- one that you want to re-read right away. From page one I disappeared into Elizabeth's Canada and emerged more than 700 pages later much richer and happier for it.

This book really brings to life what living in Northern Canada was about in the early 1900's. I found myself thinking what it would be like in Elizabeth's shoes. She endured such hardships just to be with the man she loved. What a great lovestory! It is excellent, just like all of Jeanette Oke's other books that I have read. I can't wait until it is printed again so I can have my own copy.

Angel's Legacy is a love story between two sisters. Once you start to read it, you will not want to put it down. You are there throughout the pain and the struggles and sorrows, and yet the laughter, as well. You will want to buy several copies for gifts, as it is such a heartwarming story about the lives of these two dear sisters, before and after Angel's diagnosis of a brain tumor. IF we could all only be this strong against all adversity!If we could all love this unconditionally! GOD BLESS Susan's wonderful way of writing! May we continue to see more of her stories!

I became a friend of Susan's through her website, 2theheart.com. Although the last year of Angel's life on this earth was full of pain, she showed great courage, and faith in God, as did her big sister. Susan suffered right along with Angel. I read the book in one afternoon, with a box of Kleenex by my side. It is a well-written book, authored by a devoted and loving sister. It's a book written from the heart.

Susan Farr-Fahncke, well-known writer and editor, has written an endearing, emotional, hilarious, poignant and intimate story of her younger sister's last year on earth. Rather than the dreary fare one would expect to find in such a topic, however, Susan has detailed the great relish and delight with which she and Angel faced those last days together. Filled with humorous anecdotes and soul-searching passages alike, "Angel's Legacy" brings the reader face-to-face with the grim reality of death in a unique fashion. Angel's indomitable spirit and Susan's refusal to let her die without experiencing her life to the very fullest pull the reader into a whirlwind of giggles and tears, memories and fears. An unforgettable read--and one you definitely won't want to miss.

I have seen several of the stories before the book came out but to read them all together is a real treat. To feel the love and caring that comes from the pages is a real treat, we should all be so Blessed!!
I have given 6 as gifts and ordered more.

Susan Farr Fahncke takes us through the journey of her sister Angel's illness and passing in poignant prose that makes you feel that you have journeyed with her every step of the way. At times heartbreaking, and at times hilariously funny, this is a book I'll never forget - and these were two sisters I'll never forget - who taught me so much through their struggles, their love and their devotion to each other. Highly recommended.

If you don't relate to at least 5 poems in this beautiful, touching, soul-full book, your heart is not open! Moyer takes you to tears and laughter, and back to tears again! You will definitely want to send a few of these poems to people in your life. Read this and FEEL!

All women could find enjoyment in this book, and relate to many of the poems. "This Strong Woman" expresses the sentiment of most women in this modern day world. Not many poems run the gambit of emotions that this author presents. Her experiences in lfe are clearly expressed ... from coping with motherhood to the loss of loved ones, to the highs and lows of love itself. A truly brave expose' of ones innerself, with all the depth of feeling only a "true woman" could express. I highly recommend it to all women and perhaps to men, for a more complete understanding of our feminity.

Unlike some many poetry books today....this one is NOT over-wordy ("Drag out the ole Webster,just so's we can figure it out"...and,in the process,lose site of the entire theme,etc.)nor,vile "shock value" stuff (like 99 & 9/10's of what's out there today...by seriously 'poor me',misunderstood "Individualists"!!). No this is true-to-life offerings!...love(Family,life)..triumphs(overcoming trials,traumas,etc.)!...REAL STUFF! Transcending gender (I am a man)..for it speaks of the human heart! And,to it! Again..just straightforward,honest-to-goodness poetry!

"Bare Breated Heart" is truly soulful and should be inspirational to women in all walks of life. The author expresses universal emotions in areas that are seldom focused on - motherhood, love, fantasy, sorrow, death, happiness, whimsy, loss, strength, independence, ability, coping, femininity, family, friends, truth, humor, children, pain, comfort, sex, respect, honesty. So many often unspoken traits and emotions are bound to strike a chord with women everywhere. The cover....especially 'This Strong Woman'on the back....is bound to intrigue and pique the interest of any woman who sees it. Both the professional woman and the homemaker will find validation that she's not alone in her hopes, fears, and daydreams. A great gift for the woman in your life!

I have never read anything that put so many of my thoughts into words. I plan on reading this again and again.

Reviewed by Brianne Plach (age 9) for Reader Views (5/07)

So many times kids think that they are too little to be important. "The Biggest and Brightest Light: A True Story of the Heart" deals with this same topic. Amanda is afraid that since the new teacher has doctor in her name, she will give her a shot. Dr. Malko is a doctor of education but she does deal with a medical crisis. Amanda is just 6-years-old, but she makes an impact on her teacher, Dr. Malko, that will last both of them a lifetime.

Amanda sees a need in her teacher's life and does something to help her. Dr. Malko's daughter Elena is very sick. Amanda comes up with an idea of how she can raise money to help Elena and her family with all of the medical expenses. It's heartwarming to see the love this girl has for her teacher. Amanda is excited to get to meet the young Elena. Amanda has a big heart and it shows even more when she goes to work making cookies for the nurses in Elena's hospital. She enters a contest and wonders if she could win. Dr. Malko is very encouraging for Amanda.

Some teachers make a big impact on their students! This story shows that students can make a difference in the lives of the teachers as well. I have been encouraged and showed love by a couple of teachers in my life and I wish I could be like young Amanda who brightens her teacher's days. I am a few years older than the young heroine in this story, but I loved the story. The pictures by Amanda Perlyn bring the story to life. It's a feel-good story even though there are some sad parts in it. The fact that this is a true story makes me enjoy it all the more.

Note from Brianne's mother: "The Biggest and Brightest Light" brings out the light in a little girl's heart and caring for her teacher. Brianne loved the story and said that she wishes she could somehow bring more smiles to her favorite teachers. She already is expressing interest in being a teacher because she would like to encourage youngsters to be all that they can be.

This true story, of six year old Amada, demonstrates the impact a young child can have in making a difference in the lives of others through acts of kindness and loving concern.

Dr. Malko, Amanda's first grade teacher, told the children of her daughter's illness. Amanda was concerned when she learned of the hospital expenses. She thoughtfully considered how she might help. An idea came to her. She made and sold holiday ornaments to help provide for this need.

Dr. Malko expressed her appreciation this way: "...You know, Amada, when children do such special deeds, they are like angels...Thank you my little angel." This gave Amanda the best feeling that she had ever had.

As the stars shimmered in the nighttime sky Amanda glowed with pride knowing that no matter how old you are, you are old enough to make a difference in someone's life.

This wonderful story will tug at your heart as you share it with your child. Children ages four through eight will be delighted by the eye-catching color illustrations created by Amanda Perlyn.

"The Biggest and Brightest Light" is inspirational and full of seed thoughts, of kindness, and thoughtfulness, to sow and nurture in your child's mind.

NOT ONLY WILL THIS BOOK TOUCH YOUR HEART, BUT, OVER AND OVER AGAIN IT CONTINUES TO REMIND US THAT ONE SMALL GESTURE OF KINDNESS, CAN LAST A LIFE TIME!!!!....IT IS BEAUTIFULLY WRITTEN AND WONDERFULLY ILLUSTRATED...A MUST READ FOR ALL AGES...THANK YOU MARILYN AND AMANDA FOR SHARING YOUR STORY!!!

This heartwarming book is a beautiful and true story that will inspire parents and children alike. It is an effective tool in helping children to understand how to help others. It is rare to find a book such as this that appeals to all generations and it will definitely become a treasured gem in any childs book collection.

The Biggest And Brightest Light: A True Story Of The Heart is a rich and meaningful picture book about the greatest treasure anyone can share. Written by Marilyn Perlyn, The Biggest And Brightest Light features very simple yet moving illustrations by Amanda Perlyn. Six-year-old Amanda wants to help her teacher with a problem, but this problem is so big that it cannot be solved... for the teacher's daughter is very sick. Sometimes the best thing one person can do for another is simply to be there, and care. More than gifts or pleasantries, the biggest and brightest light is love, compassion, and the warm feeling one gets from helping someone in need, a lesson that bears remembering in this timeless tale about making a difference.

This is a reissue of the long out of print second book in the series. I hope that this reissue does not mark the end of the series.

Garrett is hired by a storm warden's secretary (the storm warden is a powerful sorceress) to advise her on ransoming the storm warden's son before she gets back from the war. But the whole thing seems rather fishy from the get go as you would normally hire someone like Garrett for the whole operation not just for some advice and appearances. This is where the plot gets involved and interesting with various bad guys trying to out smart each other. Good characters some humor and a very good plot overall. The one rough spot is what happens to the ransom. We are talking about a total of 8,000 lbs of gold here and that doesn't get moved fast or easily without a crew or magic.

Overall an outstanding read though.
BTW I notice that there are none of the editorial flaws that seem to be cropping up in books recently.

Bitter Gold Hearts (1988) is the second fantasy novel in the Garrett Files series, following Sweet Silver Blues. In the previous volume, Garrett freed Kayean Kronk from the vampire nest. Afterward, he helped deliver a shapeshifting spy to the authorities. Then he filed his report and escorted Kayean to the Tate compound, where she became an honored guest.

After the probate paid his fee, Garrett bought the Dead Man's house and refurbished it as his home and office. He left the Dead Man in the newly refurnished parlor. When the Loghyr woke up, the news that Garrett was his new landlord left him speechless.

In this novel, the Dead Man is working on the tactics of Glory Mooncalled in the Cantard. He has bugs moving around on the wall map in the pattern of past campaigns. The grumblings and mutterings are trying Garrett's patience.

Garrett had been drinking heavily the night before, so the pounding on the door aggravates his hangover. Some lackeys in the colors of Stormwarden Raver Styx are hanging around outside guarding a half-fairy named Amirantha Crest. She has come down from the Hill to offer him one hundred gold marks to accompany her to the Stormwarden's residence.

After some typical verbiage to establish his importance, Garrett collects the money and then goes back with her to the household. The Stormwarden's secretary -- Domina Willa Dount -- wants Garrett's advice on the kidnapping of the Stormwarden's son. The Stormwarden is in the Cantard and her secretary would prefer that her son is released before she returns. Willa Dount describes the circumstances and shows him the ransom note. He provides her some useful tips and concurs in her thinking on the matter.

The Stormwarden's consort interrupts their discussion and Willa Dount handily brings him to heel. Then she dismisses Garrett, explaining that his very presence would be enough to warn the kidnappers to stick to the rules. As he leaves, Amirantha intercepts him in the hallway and asks about the interview, then she makes a date to meet him at the Iron Liar. Garrett notices a black-haired looker in the hallway -- she also notices him -- and learns that she is the Stormwarden's daughter Amber.

In this story, Garrett reports the meeting to the Dead Man, then he leaves for his date with Amirantha. Five ogres try to beat him on the street outside his door, but Garrett manages to get in the first and last licks. He learns more about Amirantha and the household during dinner. Afterward, Garrett takes her to Morley's place and they discuss the abduction. On the way out, Saucerhead Tharpe invites them sit down and have a beer; although Garrett declines, he tells Amirantha that she should hire Saucerhead if she needs any protection.

The Stormwarden's son returns home unharmed, but Amirantha disappears. Later, Saucerhead Tharpe staggers into TunFaire and admits himself to Bledsoe Hospital. He has been severely wounded. Garrett and Morley bribe the doctors to treat his wounds. When he regains consciousness, they listen to his story.

Ogres had attacked Amirantha at her rendezvous at a rural crossroads. Saucerhead is a big surprise for them, but they take him down anyway from sheer numbers. Yet Saucerhead manages to pick up Amirantha and stagger off to the home of a witch friend. Then he comes back to Bledsoe; he had been born there and figured that he might as well die there.

This story gets rather complicated. Garrett checks out the scene of the ambush and finds Saucerhead's friendly witch. Unhappily, Amirantha is dead, but well preserved. Garrett starts to do some investigating on his own. Other things are happening in addition to the kidnapping and murder.

Morley does Garrett a few favors and then hires out some of his thugs to help the investigation. Morley hates to appear soft, but Saucerhead is a friend, so what is a half-darkelf to do. Then Saucerhead recovers enough to join in the case and the Stormwarden returns to TunFaire.

Highly recommended for Cook fans and for anyone else who enjoys tales of political intrigue, magical powers and family affairs.

-Arthur W. Jordin

Bitter Gold Hearts


Bitter Gold Hearts is the second book in the Garrett Files collection. Garrett is a tough ex-marine, private investigator in the mold of Mickey Spillane's Mike Hammer. The series is set in a fantasy world that is quite amusing. His advisor is "the Dead Man" who is really not a man at al and isn't dead exactly, but, oh never mind, buy this book; you'll want to read it several times. In this book Garrett foils a diabolical plot to kidnap the Storm Warden's son for a fortune in ransom, falls for a beautiful Elf, fights some Ogres, and much, much more. Oh just read the book. You'll enjoy it.

Highly recommended for fans of Cook and high adventure.

Gunner Octobert, 2007


1. Sweet Silver Blues (1987)
2. Bitter Gold Hearts (1988)
3. Cold Copper Tears (1988)
4. Old Tin Sorrows (1989)
5. Dread Brass Shadows (1990)
6. Red Iron Nights (1991)
7. Deadly Quicksilver Lies (1994)
8. Petty Pewter Gods (1995)
9. Faded Steel Heat (1999)
10. Angry Lead Skies (2002)
11. Whispering Nickel Idols (2005)
Science Fiction Book Club omnibus editions:
1. The Garrett Files (collects Sweet Silver Blues, Bitter Gold Hearts, and Cold Copper Tears; 2003)
2. Garrett, P.I. (collects Old Tin Sorrows, Dread Brass Shadows, and Red Iron Nights; 2003)
3. Garrett Investigates (collects Deadly Quicksilver Lies, Petty Pewter Gods, and Faded Steel Heat; 2004)

Stormwardens are the battle mages of Glen Cook's fantasy world of Karenta. They are the deadliest citizens of Tun Faire and exactly the kind of people Garret doesn't want to work for. First of all, he would probably have to work hard for his money, and if he got it wrong that would be too high a percentage chance that he might finish his life as a frog. But Garret is a sucker for a beautiful woman and Amarinda Crest, a half-elf and gorgeous, is the bait on Stormwarden Raver Styx's hook. The result is Garrett in trouble again.

First Styx's son disappears, then he reappears but Amarinda is gone. And Styx's secretary is a genius at stonewalls and dirty tricks, who has eyes only for the Stormwarden's husband. And there's a daughter, a mistress, and just a few dozen trolls. This story has more rotten characters than a hive has bees, even if you are only counting the good guys. And there aren't too many of them. From the moment Garrett gives Amarinda his first long and loving glance he is in deep water.

Glen Cook continues to write what is one of the better 'fixer' series in the market, pitching Garrett and the Dead Man into a plot that makes noir detective stories look like self-help books. This is a dark story, one where there aren't any 'good,' just shades of bad and ugly. But Garrett endures the snipes of the Dead Man and his cohort in crime, Morley Dotes, while delivering a few of his own, and this provides a lot of the charm of the story -- the underlying relationships that give the tale its underlying humor and keep the reader comfortable and interested.

This is the 2nd in Cook's Garrett series ("Sweet Silver Blues," "Bitter Gold Hearts," "Cold Copper Tears," "Old Tin Sorrows," "Dread Brass Shadows," "Red Iron Nights," "Deadly Quicksilver Lies," "Petty Pewter Gods," "Faded Steel Heat," "Angry Lead Skies," and "Whispering Nickel Idols"). It's a very good book, but isn't quite as good as the first in the series. The deficiency isn't anything major: it's just that I noticed a couple of the secondary characters whose personalities drastically changed from scene to scene (more so than the variability of human nature would allow). The additional role Cook gives to the Dead Man makes up for it, though. I rate it at a very good 4 stars out of 5.

BTW: At the time of this review, this book is long out of print. It's tough to find anywhere. As an alternative, look around for the SFBC's "The Garrett Files." This book is part of that collection.

Some of my friends who have read this book say it is depressing. They say they cried as they read it. Yet I read it, and didn't find it depressing. The difference? I also lost my oldest son, but to a different beast. Sherri has taken the pain of losing a child, and wrapped it up for all to see. It is hard for some to read because they want to see us "get over" the loss. I hope that all who read it will see for a second what every waking moment of our lives are like. The writing is so eloquent. While taking you into the depths of pain, Sherri is able to shine light with her strength. She has offered us hope and inspiration, but carries the message that Koby is with her forever. Sherri has touched my heart!

Koby Mandell was a great kid, tragically lost to terrorism at the tender age of 13. His mother Sherri Mandell has written a book that is a moving tribute to her son and a testament to the strength of families and faith in the face of unrelenting horror. A surprisingly optimistic book with a vision of hope to warm all hearts.

Since I lost my oldest child six months ago, I felt I was too fragile and raw to read this book. While in Israel, however, I felt inspired and perhaps stronger, to delve into it. The feelings are so familiar and it is reassuring to know that the doubt and anger are not just mine. The only way to grieve is to communicate and share. This book provided me with some comfort that my reactions are normal and that I too will survive.

My son died a few months ago and I have begun reading many books on grief. But Sherri Mandell's book "Blessings of a Broken Heart" is the best one I have read. It is easy to read yet very deep. Each chapter is short and essay-like and can be read independently. Sherri is very open about what her grief feels like, openly talking about subjects others may avoid. It seems as I read that she and I are sitting across the table from each other sharing our grief. At the same time, she gives a glimpse into the lives of those that are brave enough to return to Israel to live in these perilous times. And she also gives a glimpse into the Jewish way of mourning. This book is a journey through the first year of grief and you feel like you are walking it with her. I recommend this book to ANYONE that is grieving or has a loved-one that may be grieving. I have not read another book on grieving since - hers was the last one I needed.

(*sigh*) What can a mere person say about the pain that is spilled out on the pages of this book? How about "Thank you, Sherri Mandell, for helping me understand even just a little bit what a parent goes through when they lose a child." ?

This book heals more than hurts the reader. As a friend of a family who lost their child before his time, I grasped for a way to understand - to be the friend they needed in their time of sorrow. Reading this book has allowed me to be unafraid of their pain and to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with them. It helped me to realize how their healing will come in stages and how I can support them through the coming months.

Thank you, Sherri, for sharing your unbearable pain and unimaginable blessings.

I found this book to be very intriguing and suspenseful. It completely captivates you from page one. Stolen moments from my family were rewarded by discovering the multi-faceted characters and feeling as if I had stepped into their world and personally knew them. Sadness and mystery are woven into the lives of each character ... absorbing the reader so that they feel like they must get to the end. Once there, long kept secrets are unveiled and a surprise ending leaves you on the edge!

A definite page turner!!! Bill Reina is able to get into the hearts and minds of his characters that takes his reader on a journey of excitement, lonliness, and love. It is not until the surprise finale that you realize the ride you have been on and wish would never end. Bill, I'm hoping for a sequel!!

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading great novels. From the first page to the last, I could not put it down. The way the characters were developed really allowed me to connect and grow with them as the book continued. The twists and turns throughout the book kept me on the edge of my seat wondering what would happen next, and the suprise ending capped off the book leaving a lasting effect on the reader. This book is definitely an easy read, full of excitement, and not one dull moment.

The novel is full of guessing, events that take place lead to many different possible outcomes that are not so predictable. The author manages to have lives so eventfull, full of excitement, and drama that is so intense however it still stays within the realm of possibility. The characters in the book are both flawless and have great flaws. The flaws that they have are brought out by the author to increase the charaters personality. It makes them so real you start to think you actually know the person. When infact doing this makes them perfect characters. The novel is full of morals of life and you will be stunned at how well anyone can relate to some of the events in the story. Caverns is a great book to read, enjoy, and learn from.

I thought this book was truly insightful. Any reader will be able to relate to some aspect of this book whether it be love, betrayal, self exploration or drive. From the minute I picked this book up and read through the opening chapters I was hooked. I was able to relate to the many aspects of the book in regards to soul searching and career drive. From the opening and CAG stock to the Cayman Islands, this book had my full attention. I read the 480+ pages in just 2 days. I recommend this book to anyone who wonders about things larger than themselves and what lengths people will go to in order to show love or cover things that they may have done in their past.

I didn't think that this book could be as good as the first one in the seriesbut it was.
This is a book about a girl who is sent to Baltimore to stay wih her aunt and uncle and cousin who don't pay any attention to her.

This was my favorite book in the Hearts and Dreams series!I guess its because i am alot like Charlotte, i think and describe people the same way she does!I care and wonder how people feel! I think thats what the character Charlotte was like or how Ms dokey decsribed her!I loved the character Mathew he seems shy and full of little life untill he sets his mind to something!

I recently checked out this book in the library. I had never heard of the series, but I figured I would give it a try. Well I am so glad I did because I absoulutly feel in love with it. This book is definitely one of my favorite books I've ever read. I can't wait to read the other ones in the series. READ IT!

I think that this seris is well written and I love the characters. Charlotte is a prarie girl sent seemingingly out ouf harms way only to find her new situation worse than before. I love how this book ties in with the first book in the seris and highly recommend the seris to anyone who enjoys historical fiction!!

Teenage Charlotte Campbell was happy enough living on the Indiana frontier, in spite of her family's simple, meager lifestyle. But it's 1814, and war is raging. Fearing for their daughter's safety, Charlotte's parents send her east to stay with her aunt and uncle in Baltimore. But Charlotte isn't safe there, either. Not only are British ships threatening the city, but her uncle's mysterious midnight meetings begin to lead Charlotte to believe there may be a traitor in her own family. This book had pretty much everything in it: mystery, suspense, action, and of course, romance (Charlotte falls in love with Matthew, the grandson of Katherine, the main character in book one). I highly reccomend this series if you are able to find it, and you enjoy historical romances.

While not a big "steampunk" fan, I met the author at her booksigning and figured I'd give CH a shot. The book hooked me from the opening with that wireferry accident. And the worldbuilding, imagery, solid pacing and character development kept me going. The romance/love triangle element was nicely underplayed, unlike a lot of "urban fantasy" books out there that are just Harlequin Romances with vampires or werewolves--this book is NOT one of those. It is a suspenseful read set in a fantastic (yet scientifically plausible) world where the main city is powered by a massive steam engine and Icarus Taya works as a flying courier who is drawn into political and class intrigue.

The only "quibbles" I had were with the team of programmers who showed up later on--it took me a while to keep track of who was who. And the final showdown felt oddly overshadowed by the earlier, dramatic confrontation beteen the book's main characters (trying to stay spolier-free.)

Despite those minor issues, I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in fantasy/steampunk. Eagerly waiting for the author's next book!

I *really* liked this book!

Taya is an "Icarus" in the mountain city-state of Ondinium. Icari are
sort of flying bike-messengers/mailmen/couriers for the city, but with
a bit more social status than that implies in our world. Ondinium is
apparently the only place in the world where the negative-weight, positive mass
metal "Ondium" can be mined, though it is rare even there. An ondium armature
negates enough weight that Icari can fly with metal wings.

Taya is happy in her job, but yearns to pass her diplomatic exams and see
the world as a (flying) diplomat for Ondinium. However, her life changes
dramatically when she makes a daring rescue during a "wireferry" (the
cable cars which connect the citys different peaks and neighborhoods) crash.
Saving the life of an "Elite" woman and her child propels her into the
affairs of the city's upper-crust and into the heart of the conspiracy
that imperils it.

I'm trying to figure out why I liked this book so well and I think there
are several reasons:

1) The setting feels real and lived in. Now perhaps there are many
elements that wouldn't make sense if I thought about them too hard,
but nothing slapped me in the face and said "I'm here to challenge
your suspension of disbelief!". Not only did it feel real, it felt
like a place worth saving, and you could believe the loyalty the
main characters felt for it. No one was blind to the problems of
society, but they all felt they could be addressed in the society's
own context. The police force was shown to be strict but fair, and
not so bound by bureaucracy that they wouldn't deputize the citizenry
when necessary. There was no real democracy, but different interests
were represented on the council, and the press seemed to be completely
free (if no more accurate than our own). Also there was broad
sexual equality and a general lack of obsession with people's
sleeping arrangements. There were obvious borrowings from Republican
Rome, Victorian England, Mandarinism and Hinduism, but I felt they
fell together well.

2) The characters were engaging. Taya is smart and ambitious, but
no steely eyed hero. When circumstances force her to kill someone (a police
officer who mistakenly believes she is trying to destroy the city's great
babbage engine) in self defense, she feels terrible about it. She is
also able to accept her eventual love interest for who he is without trying
to polish all his rough edges. Said love interest is no "love at first
sight" Mr. perfect either. In the "Night Huntress" books I just reviewed,
there's an obvious "something" about the "fate-ed" lover from the get-go.
Here it develops gradually.

3) The plot was interesting. The other "Juno" book I read recently,
_Personal Demons_ was more Supernatural Romance, with the plot designed
to bring the heroine and "hero" together. In _Clockwork Heart_, we get
enough plot that it would work as a "buddy movie" even without the
budding romance.

I would really like to see some more books in this setting.

I must admit that I'm only an occasional reader of fantasy, but I found this novel to be engaging and inventive. The characters are well-developed, and the plot is rich with unpredictable twists and turns. If you liked Stephenson's The Diamond Age, then you'll enjoy Clockwork Heart. I look forward to the next novel from Pagliassotti!

This book was a delight, a very original theme with varied characters and an interesting plot. Our heroine, Taya, is an Icarus, a messenger who flies using special wings impregnated with Ondium to counteract her weight. The world of Ondinium is a semi-mediaeval many-layered one with different castes who live in different parts of the land with sometimes only an Icarus moving between them. When Taya rescues an Exalted, a member of the upper caste, from a damaged cablecar she finds herself mixing with other Exalteds, including the handsome and charming Alister Forlore, as well as his outcast clockmaker brother Cristof. However the accident to the cablecar appears not to have been an accident at all and when other sabotage takes place, and people start to die, Taya finds herself investigating with Cristof and some other people. Could there be a plot to damage the Great Engine, the mechanical computer that is at the heart of Ondinium? Can she trust those with whom she works? Can she keep her Icarus wings despite having to go against the rules and training?

From the start of this book I was hooked, eagerly turning the pages to find out what happened next and to learn more about the interesting world. The terminology, much of it borrowed from Latin (Icarus, lictors etc), is never confusing, although I never quite got a handle on the various Engines and machines and how they worked. The cast of characters widens as the story progresses but it's easy to keep up with who is who and there are some nice touches of characterisation for some of these bit parts. My only reservation about the book is that I didn't always understand Alister's behaviour towards Taya on such a slight acquaintance but it was still an excellent read and I'll look out for other books by this author.

Originally published for Curled Up With A Good Book © Helen Hancox 2008

If you like Urban Fantasies, you'll love this book even though it's a Fantasy. The heroine is decisive without being overbearing and obnoxious about it. The hero is not the standard pretty-boy Prince Charming. In a lot of ways, he seems to be unlikely until the inner qualities begin to be unwrapped one layer at a time.

It's a cross-genre book; however, it's beautifully written, cleverly orchastrated, and so original as to set a new standard.

Yes, the romance is there; however, it's very humanistic. This is not a book of casual lust that miraculously morphs into the forever kind of love. It's a book where the relationship is built one drop at a time, just like in real life.

What makes this book truly shine is the depth of plot, artistic world-building, vivid characterization, and sheer premise originality.

Kudos, Ms. Pagliassotti. Very well done.