Montana Books

16 year old Hattie Brooks is tired of being Hattie Here-and-There. So when she recives a letter stating that she has inheriated her late uncle Chester's claim, she jumps at the chance. Soon she is headed off to Montana with high hopes and big dreams. But there is one little thing, she has to prove up to her new land. And to do so, she must set up 480 rods of fence and cultivate 40 acres of land. Hattie thinks that she can't do it. But she learns that with good friends and a lot of hard work, she can do anything.

Hattie Big Sky is an engrossing, reader-friendly book. It gives an honest, non-sugar-coated view of the trials and tribulations of homesteading. I have a new admiration for the people who settled the West.

A really sweet story with twists and turns. The story is told through the eyes of an independent 16 year old girl. It made me appreciate homesteaders, Montana, and what Americans faced during WWI. Even though it will make you laugh AND cry, there is an ending of hope. I bought 2 more copies to give as gifts to friends who enjoy historical fiction. Good for all ages above 12 years.

I purchased this book without really knowing much about it. However, as I began reading the story I became thoroughly engrossed and just wanted to keep reading. I am not normally a fan of historical fiction, but the author did a wonderful job of taking the reader into the story, and making it feel like you were right there with Hattie as she struggled to find herself and to learn how to homestead. The author does a great job of painting a picture without overemphasizing any aspect or beleaguering points.

Some reviews have disparaged the way the author decided to end the story, saying that it wasn't true to her grandmother's story. However, I had the opportunity to meet and spend some time with Kirby Larson at a Childrens' Literature Conference and she explained that while the story was inspired by her grandmother...it was not her grandmother's story. Even without the author's explanation, I thought the ending was wonderful. A true happy ending that is was not unrealistic. I put the book down with a huge smile on my face and a realization that I had fallen in love with this book and the story. It is a must read and thoroughly deserves the awards it has received.

For upper elementary school children who are studying American history this gives a vivid picture of what Montana was like for homesteaders. The story is captivating yet eye opening. It is easy to forget the attitudes of early settlers toward Germans during WWI. The vocaulary is good, some new words, yet not too many.

Margaret never wanted to go to summer camp. She wanted to go to Peru on a mission with her parents, or stay with her uncles. The brothers live together and own a watch shop. They build towers out of clock parts. Her parents insist that she will love camp, but she is determined not to. When the girls go water skiing she refuses, she does this for many of the camp activities.

I enjoyed the book because Margaret's camp life was interesting. The girls didn't like her because she refused to go by her camp nickname. The girls pulled pranks on her. One of the meanest tricks the played was peeing on her bed, to make the counselor think Margaret wet the bed. Because of this she was given the nickname dippers. The head counselor called Margaret's uncle to come pick her up. Her uncle didn't have a car so the camp handyman was assigned to drive Margaret and her uncle home. The handyman, Jake, is assigned to drive them home. Jake is the soon of the camp owner, he becomes friends with Margaret and her uncle on the drive home.

This story has an interesting and original plot. The handyman Jake, is also quite the artist, he volunteers to paint a rose mural in Margaret's room. Margaret accepts. Jake falls in love with the towers, and is shocked when Margaret tells him they are about to be torn down. The historical comity for the historic section of town the uncles live in has deemed them to as not historically accurate. The uncles have tried to save them but their neighbors don't let them win. Margaret contacts two former neighbors who love the towers one, Peter, works for an art museum and decides to form a comity of art experts to save the towers. Margaret also contacts Loretta, who is a lawyer for a phone company. She plans to save the tower by using the law for her. She orders Margaret to buy the towers from her uncles and get the deed. She buys them for a dollar.

The book's ending was very suspenseful. With Jake's help Margaret plans to chain herself to the towers to prevent them from being taken down. The construction workers come, but cant get Margaret down so they leave they come back and try to hose her down. The people from Juvenile detention center come and take her away. With her one phone call she calls Jake. Jake gathers all the girls from Margaret's cabin. Jake reminds them how mean they were to her and convinces them to come help her. He takes them to Margaret's house and they climb the towers. News people get coverage of the girls in the towers. Loretta is able to convince her company to buy the towers and use them as cell towers, the towers are taken to a nearby park, where they become cell towers, and remain landmarks.

This book was a quick read. It was original, suspenseful, and interesting. I'd recommend it to anyone looking for a good book, but I think middle school girls would like it most.

-C.Goggins

This book was nominated for the Massachusetts Children's Book Award for the 2006-07 school year. The students in my class who read it, enjoyed it. It was an interesting story.

amazing, if you want a book about if you want to save something do what ever you can to save it.

Perhaps I an too old to get it, but I bought this book as a read for my students before putting it in the class library. This book is so boring that school has long since been over here in Florida and seconds from beginning and I have not completed this story. I would not recommend this particular story. But, if you are a fan, then go for it. Just not my cup of tea...

"I prefer not to" those are the words of Margaret Rose Kane she says them every time she is asked to do a summer camp activity. Actually she doesn't really want to be at this summer camp at all but she is forced to while her parents are in Peru. The summer camp experience would not last for long though as her uncles come and rescue her from the apprehensive camp director and the cruel cabin mates. They bring her back to their exquisite house at 19 Schuyler Place.
This story takes place in the year of 1983 when many things happen. For example Sally Ride becomes the first American woman in space but in the town of Epiphany something even more exciting is happening! As you know the main character in this book is Margaret Rose Kane who also is the one who is telling the story. Some other main characters are her uncles Alexander Rose and Morris Rose. Also there is the camp director, the very strict Mrs. Kaplan and her son Jake Kaplan. Jake isn't as bad as his mother and actually helps Margaret. Some final important characters are Margaret's cabin mates, Peter Vanderwaal and Loretta Bevilaqua who also help Margaret. When you read this book you will instantly get hooked. After Margaret gets home from her awful camp experience she learns why her uncles did really want her to stay with them. In the uncles back yard they have everything from peppers to roses but most of all 3 amazing towers that the uncles have been building for the past 45 years. The towers were made of steel and they were built like a network of ribs which cast more light than shadow, almost like a spider web. All of the towers also had rungs on them, from each rung hung thousands of chips of glass and shards from porcelain and the inner workings of old clocks. They were of all different colors and different sizes making each and every one of them unique. Margaret is appalled to find out that the city has demanded that the tower must come down because they are not safe and could fall in something like a wind storm and damage property. Margaret is astonished by this and tries to do everything it takes to save the towers even if she needs a little help. This book had many good scenes and in my personal opinion was one of the greatest books I have ever read. It could go into a little more detail though. Also in the very end of the book I think it should have explained a little more about what she was doing. This book could definitely have a sequel.
All in all this is a must read book for any age. It's a great book that keeps you on the edge of your seat the whole time you're reading it. I would recommend this book to anybody because it is an all around book that anybody would enjoy!

About eight months ago (from the time of writing this review) my wife lost her eyesight. Knowing about Erik Weihenmayer from a Travel Channel special that included a segment about his leading the Global Explorers annual trek to Machu Picchu, I actually wrote his website in the hopes of getting someone there to give me ideas about how to help my wife enjoy the outdoors again. Little did I know I'd be hearing from Mr. Weihenmayer himself. He was truly gracious and helpful, and both he and some other folks from his site and Global Explorers suggested I give this book a look.

I purchased this along with Sabriye Tenberken's "My Path Leads to Tibet." What I was hoping for was not so much the usual "inspirational" stories that make soccer moms cry when Oprah tells them to read this book but the day-to-day details that would give me insights into what my wife was experiencing and what I could do to help. "Tibet" provided some details, but didn't really cover a lot about how a person deals with losing their eyesight or what they learn about to adapt.

Mr. Weihenmayer's book, however, provides a LOT of details about how he felt as he lost his sight and some decent information about how he learned t adapt. In fact, I used several of the things he mentions in his book to help my wife start adjusting. For example, he describes how his mother would make him put away the groceries that he liked (fruit, cereal, cookies, etc.) so he knew exactly where they were. On our next grocery trip, I laid out all of the foods that were mostly hers, or that she used a lot, and let her put them away. Those of us that have family and friends that have lost their eyesight, there can be a line to walk between wanting to limit their challenges as they adapt and thrusting challenges upon them so that they CAN adapt. This book provides enough insight into some of the challenges that can be helpful that it can give the reader ideas about how to help their blind friends and/or family.

Likewise, Mr. Weihenmayer describes his adjustment to losing his eyesight with a combination of humor and bluntness that people who have lost their eyesight can sympathize one moment and laugh the next. I tracked down a copy on tape for my wife, and we actually listened to it while driving back and forth from the school for the blind she will be attending to learn the adaptive skills and technologies needed to get back into her career. It helped provide her with the understanding that her feelings, frustration, anger, and such were normal - that she was not the only one that had had these thoughts or moments. We're so inundated with mental pablum from the Lifetime and Hallmark channels' made-for-TV-movies about such things that many think they're supposed to face loosing their eyesight with the quiet, southern-belleesque dignity of Scarlet O'Hara or some garbage. No. There's times you want to bawl your eyes out and yell, "This sucks!!!! Why me!!?!?!!?!?" And that's okay.

Mr. Weihenmayer's book helps show that such moments are perfectly normal. But he also shows how people eventually move on and learn to reclaim their lives. It should be noted, however, that the American Foundation for the Blind's credo mentions in part that, while there are exceptional people like Mr. Weihenmayer, the accomplishments of "normal" blind people are no less extraordinary. You don't have to climb Mt. Everest to be exceptional or inspirational as a blind person. Simply reclaiming your life as a human being in a world that is still rather unfriendly to blind people (seriously... you're set for life if your 400lbs and need a scooter, but you're still pretty much on your own if your blind) is no less awe-inspiring than climbing a mountain.

If you know someone that has gone blind, or if you yourself have gone blind, pick up this book. Honestly I found the day-to-day details more interesting and helpful than the latter one-third that focused mostly on his climbing. But, that's because the first half to two-thirds focused more on the stuff I was actually reading it for.

I was disappointed in this book. I love to read about Everest and those who climb it, but this book was dry and too much about the authors whole life and not much about his Everest adventure.

I saw Erik speak last year and received a copy of this book. It sat on my bookshelf for a long time until I had a chance to read it! I loved hearing his stories when I saw him speak, but the book goes much further and provides a treasure trove of great anecdotes of how he has refused to sit back and be led through life. Erik's tales weave a tapestry of courageous and compassionate acts that are an inspiration to anyone who's ever climbed a mountain or reached for a goal "because it was there". I highly recommend it!

This was definately an interesting book, and it kept my interest. In the midst of so many mountaineering books that are often similar, this offers a substantially different perspective. Few of us would have the skill or determination to climb even one of the seven summits. The author, however, summits four...blind. That being said, I didn't particularly care for his writing style. It seemed fragmented and did not have a lot of continuity, at times I had to reread sections to determine what he was talking about. Also, as someone else mentioned, it would have been more impressive if he had waited until he completed all seven summits before he wrote the book. Most of all, I thought the repeated sexual references did nothing to enhance the story. Whether it was referring to the computer game they played at the camp for the blind, his exchanges with the various guides, or whatever, they were really unnecessary. Repeating middle and high school dirty phrases was not impressive either. If his intention was to inspire and impress us with his mountaineering feats, then those references did not help his cause.

Erik spoke at the American Dental Assoc. conference in Denver where my husband got the
chance to meet him. He autographed a copy of the book "To Gray, Reach!".

I happened upon it while cleaning last week and was immediately intrigued. I
used to rock climb but have not been actively involved in the sport for a
couple years. Anyway, I have never written to any author before but was so
impressed with Erik's gift of story telling that I had to write. He is one
funny dude. I laughed out loud at his adventures and dialog with his
climibing partners. It brought back fond memories of previous climbing trips
and the fun times I shared with my climbing buddies. I will probably never
climb any of the seven summits but was able to enjoy expericing these climbs
through his words.

I am an Occupational Therapist and meet people everyday in my work that
exhibit self-limiting behavior that prevents them from living full,
enriched, healthy lives. I am going to recommend Erik's book to encourage
others to REACH! Thanks for a great book! What a refreshing way to look at
life...

As a 44 year old entrepreneur with 20 plus years experience, I got ideas out of this book. I admired Cameron's confidence and self motivation. I respected his low profile, modest approach to his lifestyle and his growing wealth. Cameron is responsible, thoughtful and generous with his life and his money. I think he is a great role model for any kid OR adult who wants to start a business and not let it go to his head. I especially enjoyed the savy business advice from a 20 something who is doing business differently than I did, but who is on top of how the world is changing. His insights into doing business globally I found fascinating as I still tend to see the business world as a local enterprise...it isn't anymore!!! Great easy informative read.

The 1st CD does not play in any of my machines so I don't know if the content was good or not. The other CDs will play but the content was boring and the guy just talked about how great he was. Don't waste your money.

I am very pleased with this book.It is written in the everyday language, very inspiring,fun.I don't think anyone would be disappointed in purchasing this book.Even if you don't want to open your own business you can still be inspired be Cameron's life and the way he approaches things,and life.

This book is great for anyone looking to start an internet business with limited capital. Cameron seems to know what will work online and what doesn't. As you read the book you start brewing some of your own ideas. If you have any interest in online businesses this is a book you definitely should read.

The only flaw was the fact that he never maintained any of his businesses. He would build them, get as many customers as he could over a process of a year or so. Then sell them. Kind of an ADD approach, he seems to get bored quickly. It would have been more interesting if he had kept a few of them over the years to see how they could grow. To top it off he went back to working for his father at the dealership, which was a big surprise. After owning your own businesses you would think he would want to do his own thing. I am sure he wants to keep the family business in the family, just strange that he didn't keep any of the other businesses afloat while going back to the dealership.

Like I said if you want to run an internet based company, its a fantastic read. If you want to know how to flip businesses its also a good read. Inspiring guy with a lot of creative ideas.

I learned about this book while watching an episode of Donny Deutsch's, The Big Idea, on CNBC. Cameron is now in his early 20's, and has already started over 12 successful businesses in his young life! As a 29 year old, with 12 years of experience, I marvel at his story and was extremely happy to read his story in his book. Talk about giving me hope!!! I think we professionals make things much harder than they really are sometimes and Cameron's book showed me how easy things can be with great ideas, some work, and some focus. This read was the catalyst I needed to put some ideas I've had floating around in my head into place. Two new companies have evolved from what I learned-launch dates are less than a month away in both cases!

While an advertising executive for a major firm, I've always had something going on the side. Spent many years in multi-level marketing (learned a ton, but never made much), have run an online bookstore, and have a vending company today. While I've done so-so in my ventures, Cameron has been able to think "outside the box" and turn several of his ideas into ventures that would take care of most families for years and years to come! What's helped him take things to the next level while so many (like myself) have done not so. Part of it is his age and his ability to take risks without having to worry about a family to feed. Another is his ability to see opportunity where others can't. Finally, his willingness to find people who's abilities complement his own.

Though 41, I can't wait to look back of this next year and see how far I've come because of Cameron's mentoring words in this book! A MUST READ for all entrepreneur's, those who hope to be, or those who's kids have the desire to start their own businesses. Who's the next Cameron going to be?!!

Luke's life has always been difficult. His father is a minister, and his job keeps Luke and his mother and little sister moving around often to different churches. He is always the new kid in his class, and that is sometimes hard. Even harder, though, is the fact that Luke has always been left-handed. His father believes that left-handedness is the sign of the devil, and he spent much time trying to force Luke to be right-handed. Luke tries also, but can't deny that it is much easier to do everything when he uses his left hand instead of his right.

One day shortly after moving to another new town, Luke comes across an informal baseball game, played by boys about his age. When a ball rolls to his feet, he picks it up and throws it back with his left hand. The rest of the boys are blown away by how good the throw is. Luke's father, though, feels almost the same about sports as he does about left-handedness. He would never consent to let Luke play baseball.

As his classmates keep pressuring him to join a team and his left-handed uncle also encourages him, Luke feels more and more tempted. Is it possible his father isn't always right?

I liked Luke's internal struggle to be something he couldn't be. I liked that he respected his parents enough to try to do what they wanted, but he was his own person enough to question them. I also liked Luke's uncle--he was a great character to balance out Luke's father.

I thought Annbeth's attraction to Luke and her pursuit of him didn't seem realistic, though. She seemed too aggressive for this time and for a girl who barely knew this boy. I also didn't like how the author resolved the conflict between Luke and his father at the end of the book. It seemed like the author took the easy way out.

"I am a sixth grader. I chose this book because the title interested me because of the topic of baseball and sports. Anyone who enjoys baseball will be interested in this book. When I started to read it, I realized that there was a lot more to the book than just sports. The main character, Luke, was a great pitcher who will teach anyone who reads the book a lot of lessons.
All Luke wanted to do was pitch, but his dad would not let him. He was the local preacher and he believed that baseball was the Devil's work. Luke was scared of what his dad would do if he found out that he loved baseball and wanted to play. A kid in Luke's class, named Skinny, was always trying to convince Luke to play baseball on the town team so they could make it to the State Championships, but the problem always went back to his dad the preacher.
Luke was a lefty and his dad also thought that being left-handed was the work of the Devil too. I found his thoughts about the Devil kind of strange! Luke's Uncle Micah, who became a big part of Luke's life, was also a lefty and he encouraged him to pitch with his left hand, because he knew it was important to him. My favorite part of the book was when Luke pitched his first game and struck someone close to him out. Everyone was cheering for him, even Annabeth, the girl he liked. Annabeth always told Luke he was lucky to have the chance to pitch because there was not a girl's league for her to play in.
Something tragic happens in Luke's life that changed his priorities and made him think differently about baseball. I liked this book and would recommend it because it teaches a good lesson about the importance of family and how sports may not always be the first thing to think about in your life. Luke figures out that things will work out and you can do whatever you want without forgetting about what is important in life." P.L.

I'll keep it short and sweet:

This book is GREAT, it makes you want to keep reading all day! In my opinion, it is the best book I ever read.

Jacob

John Ritter's "Choosing Up Sides" is a beautifully written story of a boy trying to understand his father, all centered around the game of baseball. The cover enticed me to open the book and dive right into it. Then the story took over! The characters come to life on the pages. I found this story funny, entertaining, suspenseful, and amazing. This book will become a baseball classic for all time. I highly recommend this book.

Jason's book review for amazon:

Love baseball?? This is such a great baseball book for the real baseball fan. Suspense, drama, humor, baseball, AND Babe Ruth! Need I say more? You will love it I promise.

Colter is one of the best dog books I've ever read. It is the story of a man's relationship with a dog that caused him to see the world in a different way, as though through the eyes of the dog, Colter. It is a true story and, as such, is not always a happy story, but the tale of Colter is one of the purest expressions of the bond between man and dog every written.

Although I know nothing about hunting birds or hunting dogs I really enjoyed this book-I read it in just a few hours because It was so captivating...I first read about colter in the book DOG IS MY COPILOT and ordered this book after reading an excerpt in that book and I LOVED IT....Of course I cried but I will read anything about dogs and I highly recommend this book....

For any dog lover this is a great read. Bass is a very sensitive and descriptive writer. You will laugh and cry as you relate to this personal story.

For Rick Bass, the qualities of innocence, wonder, and vibrancy of life come together in the form of a brown pointer who runs with a smile and an inquisitiveness about the natural world that forms a wonderful, compelling narrative. This book is not really about hunting. Nor is it about dog training; it is much more.
Bass tells the reader about his idyllic life in an extremely remote section of Montana where September ushers in a pre-winter appearance of grouse and pheasants signaling the advent of a new hunting season. Other activities throughout the year seem merely a prelude to this time of year.
And into his life leaps Coulter, an energetic addition to his canine household of Homer and Ann, brought into a seemingly foreign land. Coulter is described as the "runt of the litter", the last one to be selected, and the most unlikely to ever achieve any mastery of seeking out pheasants.
What emerges is a dog that transcends bird hunting and lands smack dab into the heart and soul of his owner.
For anyone who has ever treasured the companionship of a dog-loved and lost them-- this book is a tribute. It is also a reminder of the pure things in life that school a person in the important elements of being alive.

I originally picked up this book because of the cover. The darling GSP pup is hard to resist. However, the beautiful imagery within is what stays with me.

I am a confessed dog-lover and outdoor enthusiast. I responded to Bass's descriptions of Colter's hunting skills and of the natural world. I enjoyed Bass's humility and sense of humor. Mostly, I could just relate to how much he loves his dog. I feel the same. I could not put the book down and have reread certain passages upon finishing Colter.

A great choice for people who appreciate the magic of working dogs-dogs that live to hunt or herd or help. Also, anyone who loves the Montana wilderness would like Colter, as well.

...this book contains a lot of useful information, precautions and advices. The author gives also titles of books that are required for the caterer.

Bought this as a Christmas gift for a new Chef interested in starting their own catering business. So far they love it and find it very helpful.

I was interested in starting a part time catering business out of my home. Meaning part-time, cooking in my home. This book was very thorough but pointed out what I had found in the mean time that this is not possible. By working out of your home, this book means that you can run the business aspect (i.e. planning, selling, etc) out of your home. Separate (costly) kitchen facilities are required in most staes. So, while this book was informative for someone who is willing to put their career on the line and solely do catering, it did not work for my purposes.

I read a lot (and I mean a lot, as I have thousands of books in my library), but this is one of the very few business books I've been truly inspired and uplifted by. When I say "the only book you need to succeed in catering" it's not only a cliche, I believe it's really true! In her writing, the author strikes the fine balance between telling you the 'real deal' and hardships of starting your own business, while managing to keep you motivated and telling you about all the positive that can come out of your efforts as well. It is extremely detailed, honest, passionate, and credible. This has truly been a fantastic help to me while I'm planning to launch my own catering business next year. Brava!!!

Although the concept of this book is appealing, it is ILLEGAL by health department standards to cater from any home kitchen UNLESS it is fully licensed and certified as a commercial kitchen. Hopefully, this author is not giving permission to folks to attempt to cook and deliver food from home kitchens, which is completely against health department rules.

I have heard people refer to Gordon MacDonald's "Ordering Your Private World" for years, and I finally got around to reading it. I can see why it has been so influential, as it is extremely well-written. Though this book might be most helpful to pastors, since MacDonald writes from that perspective and experience, I think that he has much wisdom to share with any Christians or even non-Christians who want to establish some order in their lives.

One of the things that I appreciated most about the book was that it was not specifically prescriptive of the ten steps that everyone needs to take to fix their lives, as most self-help books tend to do. Instead, MacDonald offered an insightful diagnosis of what many of us experience (exhaustion, stress, overcommitment, hyperbusyness) and suggests some simple and broad choices that can help to alleviate the problem.

Ultimately, I appreciate MacDonald's primary perspective, that we have the power to make choices that will help to get our lives in order. Other reviewers have suggested that his approach is too man-centered, but I wholeheartedly disagree. MacDonald correctly understands that God has not promised to bless our lives if we choose to live however we want. Instead, there are basic parameters that we can set to create the environment in which God will do all that He wants to do in our lives. In some very real sense, the choice is ours. It's all about being intentional, rather than just letting life happen to us.

I've read some other books that provided analagous suggestions, so this book isn't going to completely transform my life. However, I enjoyed reading it and really appreciated MacDonald's writing style, which is both intelligent and accessible. There is much wisdom from this book that I can apply in my own life, and I know many Christians would be well-served to read "Ordering Your Private World" and to take to heart what MacDonald has learned over his years of living a chaotic, unordered life.

I think that not only every minister should read this book, but every true born-agian Christian should read how we should manage the resources that God has given us.

Anyone wishing to explore their private life, that their life in this world might be different should definitely read this one. A great book. One that I'll be going back to year after year.

Is uplifting and has a series of useful disciplinary tips that anyone can use and benefit from in putting order in one's life. It is a book that christians and non christians alike can read and benefit.

Ordering your private world

Anticipating a mundane, "view from the pulpit," kind of work, I didn't pick this book up excitedly, but MacDonald's work is as insightful as it is practical. He actually leaps out of the realm of advice for practicing clergy and into a profound assessment of the spiritual nature of humanity, the limits allowed to us by nature, and the extremes to which we are stretched over those limits by modern society (particularly within the church). Here is a text that should stand along the spiritual classics of Christian history, only as a more hands-on approach.

MacDonald divides the book into a sensible five categories: motivation, use of time, wisdom and knowledge, spiritual strength, and restoration.

"Motivation" is a biting attack on the drivenness of the modern corporate world as it bleeds over into, effects, and consumes the church. However, MacDonald's approach is so humble that you might miss how clearly it is an attack. The only subject of his critique is himself and the lifestyle he once adopted. You kind of want to cheer him for his honesty after this section.

"Use of Time" is a very practical look at the way we manage and allocated time. Here he's going to be very useful both for the workaholic and the chaotic, both of whom he pulls into line.

"Wisdom and Knowledge" takes the book in a new direction. It acknowledges the value for Christians of a well-developed mental life, which, in modern evangelicalism, is refreshing. MacDonald seems to have stumbled into the great tradition of clergy-as-teacher, and rather than brushing over it as merely academic, he embraces it as wellness for the soul.

"Spiritual Strength" involves cultivating your inner world like a garden. Strength comes from knowing that your inner world is at peace even while the world around you is in chaos. Here is draws on the life experiences of POW's and people who have moved into retirement and lost their identity. He explores the spiritual disciplines of silence, solitude, keeping a journal, and prayer. Though little of this is novel, MacDonald can communicate this to a world of clergy and layreaders that might not otherwise explore the historic spiritual disciplines.

"Restoration" focuses solely on the spiritual discipline of Sabbath-keeping. The excellence of MacDonald's work is that he seems to have discovered by experience what is best for the human soul. One hopes that others will learn from his experience rather than having to reinvent the wheel.

This book provided great comfort to me during my struggle with loss. I read it three years after the sudden death of my boyfriend in a grisly auto wreck. It has a lot to say about undying love. The beauty of the language is startling; savor it. The author presents the loss of a loved one with a stark and unforgiving realism; it hurts, and you will feel pain. There is no balm for this kind of suffering, only the acceptance of permanent sadness, coupled with a vague hope for continued survival. What is it like to live when you lose, forever, the one you could not live without? And is it even worth doing? Read the book and find out.

The glowing reviews of this book compelled me to buy it. I regret this decision.
I could not identify with any of the characters. Dalva is a character invented by a man who obviously doesn't have a clue as to how a woman thinks. I could not relate to or sympathize with her at all.
Michael is a self-absorbed alcoholic who has a failing academic career and has the sexual maturity of a 13-yr. old boy.
Naomi and her father-in-law were the only characters that engaged me and they were hardly developed in a satisfying way.
The history of the Sioux people seemed to be thrown in as almost an afterthought, though this was the most compelling aspect of the book.

Overall, this book was a disappointment even though the storyline could have made for interesting reading. I threw it away.

The title character of "Dalva" holds the book together, as a finely drawn, if rather unbelievable, woman who can be described by quite a lengthy string of adjectives, mostly positive. She would be an intriguing person to know, and I'm not thinking of her frequent, casual sex life, either. Harrison captures Dalva well at middle age, perhaps struggling with a fairly aimless direction and a fresh desire to find her son given up at birth. Those threads make for a decent novel.

The other characters were responsible for dragging Dalva down to an average score. The self-absorbed academic, Michael, was unappealing to me, even when he had some humorous mis-adventures. His connection with Dalva makes little sense. Michael's narrative forms the second of the three main sections, and adds little value. The other people have their moments of spark and insight, although none especially engaging.

The ancestor's journals about personal involvement with the Sioux and other key moments in the clash between the natives and the white man offered an enlightening view into that unfortunate time. However, I couldn't get into all of that, because at some point the journal entries don't add much to move the story forward, and almost read as extended asides.

3.5 stars, rounded down

I just started reading Jim Harrison's books in May and have now read three and am going onto my 4th book. He is a great writer. This is a good book that drew me in and made me feel the characters were real. It is a very good read.

How many people list Nebraska as a Must-See Vacationland? Read this book and you will. Harrison brings not only his characters but the Nebraska farmland to life. Suddenly, the Niobrara River valley is on my list of places to visit. Not unlike other Harrison novels, birds, animals, even spirits play significant roles in this elaborate, sweeping (like the Plains?) romance as Dalva seeks her child given up years ago for adoption and her own place in her family's rich heritage in this land. Harrison has created an illuminating and tragic love story on many levels.

Princess Contessa of Constantinopolie has a pretty good life. She's an expert shopper, has parents who love her and are good rulers, and is looking forward to her upcoming engagement to Prince Garett of Misdev. So what if a few pesky assassins try to get in her way? She's been well trained to ward them off, she's not worried.

Oh but she should be. Prince Garett, not taking the advice of his father arrives in Constantinopolie early, almost six full months before the formal engagement is announced. His untimely arrival forces Tess's parents to come clean: she's not the true princess, but a child bought from the street to pose as the princess and ward off assassin.

Things can't get worse for Tess. Or so she thinks. After Garett takes the castle by force and murders her parents. Tess is forced to run for her life, something that's hard to do for a girl who's hardly ever stepped foot outside the city. Only by befriending a cheat and finally finding her old tutor does Tess realize that bigger things are at stake than just the kingdom, lives of many hang in the balance, and she's the only one who can stop the events that could lead her and everyone she loves into utter destruction.

I was a little tentative when I first started "The Decoy Princess." The first chapter started out pretty cheesy, the main character being a spoiled brat who ordered her tutor around like he was scum. But slowly Cook drew me in. I soon realized that my first impression of Tess was quite wrong and she blossomed into a likeable and relatable heroine.

While I can't classify "The Decoy Princess" a page-turner, I sincerely enjoyed the characters, the world Cook created, and the excitement she produced in me towards the end when I absolutely had to know what was going to happen. Ok, so I lied, it got pretty page-turning towards the end. Cook has a rare talent in that she can take a mystery and make it non-confusing. The pieces really fell into place quite nicely for "The Decoy Princess," yet were in no way predictable.

Cook has definitely come up with an original plotline here and her characters are ones definitely worth visiting. I can't wait to read the sequel "Princess at Sea."

Four and ½ stars.

I must admit going into this book with low expectations and was pleasantly surprised that it was not as shallow as I would've thought. There is good meat to the story and has a nice, "strong woman" vibe.

While I found the plot line hardly strayed from tried and true, it is important to remember that tried and true is such because it works. Fluffy Fun and Cheerful, I enjoyed this light read for its love triad (without out all the smut of those bodice rippers), it's feminine twist (not as common in the fantasy section), and it's easy flowing story.

Wonderful, fast moving adventure.
This story had everything: impersonation, court intrigue and assassination. The Heroine experiences imprisonment, escape, and armed rebellion.
There is a brave, not-princess heroine, Tess. A bloodthirsty, not-suitor Misdev prince, Garrett. A mysterious mentor, Chancellor Kavenlow. And an enemy Misdev Captain, Jeck.
Tess discovers that she is a disposable, decoy princess. Due to assassination attempts, the real Costenopolie Princess, Contessa, was surreptitiously replaced with an unwanted baby, Tess.
Chancellor Kavelow, has secretly groomed and trained Tess to be more than a convenient, replaceable, assassination target.
SPOILER ALERT.
Upon the murder of the King and Queen, Tess escapes from Garrett and Jeck. She flees, intending to find Kavenlow and the real Princess.
Tess's few skills; playing hide and seek, cheating at cards and riding horseback, are all that stand between her and recapture. With the help of Duncan, a thief with questionable motives, Tess must outwit Prince Garrett and the formidable Captain Jeck.
Nothing is as it seems. Tess discovers who really controls the Misdev and Costenopile Kingdoms. She has mysterious skills and abilities formerly unknown to herself and Kavenlow.
This is a great story of a young woman who discovers that all she held to be true is not. That she can only depend on her own skills and intelligence to protect herself and her Kingdom.
Very entertaining.

I picked this book because of an Amazon recommendation, but once I got it, I put off reading it. I wasn't sure what to expect. The beginning of the book sets a great scene about Tess, a strong-willed and a smart young woman who is princess and destined to rule her people. It suddenly switches gears when we discover she is merely an orphan bought off the streets to be a decoy so the real princess can be protected from assassination attempts. Sounds like an interesting premise, but where to go from there? Well, the author does amazingly well with the premise when you realize that it's just a way to begin a story, not what the story is really about.

Tess, brought up as a princess, is tutored by the High Chancellor, Kavenlow, who not only teaches her proper royal etiquette, but teaches her skills to defend herself, to withstand assassination attempts, to observe, and to employ stealth. Most of these skills have been taught in a way a child learns games, so she's unaware of her true destiny and skills. When the princess' betrothed arrives, her parents tell Tess the truth of her parentage. Her betrothed attempts a palace takeover, and Tess escapes to search for the real princess and end the reign of terror. As she travels across the kingdom, she realizes that she does have great power and will be the only one that can stop the coup. Her true skills come out and she understands her true and very powerful place in the kingdom--more powerful than the king and queen.

At first reading, it's a great adventure that you can't put down. Then, you realize there is an underlying story of "Kings and Theives"--the "chess like" game that Tess loves to play. The entire story is a real-life game of chess where different people are either pawns, knights, or kings.