Montana Books

This book was written by an angry person. That was the impression I received from reading it. I also thought the woman was treated unfairly by the courts and her husband. I am happy to hear it all worked out in the end for everyone.

Self-made successful heroine is the owner of a chain of basket stores, happily married (she thinks) with 2 young children. Her world falls apart when her husband files for divorce, tries to milk her for all she has and take custody of the kids too. See how strong woman picks herself up and conquers all. Usual stuff. Written well enough, but an old plot with nothing spectacular to lift it up from mediocrity. One point it its favor, I was able to finish the book. They are not bad, but I don't collect Delinskys.

I picked up three BD novels from the library and have read them in a space of 1.5 weeks...a tribute to her writing. Yet, try as I might I simply dont find her characters fully developed or believable. Dennis, Claires' husband is a total ogre..but somewhere towards the end there is a subltle shift in depiction. We see shades of sensitivity in him (ending up in joint custody) and feel frustrated as to why we didnt get a better insight into his feelings about why the marriage failed. we get some hints in passing when Claire admits that she may have been too controlling but I wish this theme had been expolored more. This has been my main complaint about her books so far: she TRIES to appear balanced without giving the reader enough material to judge themselves. I understand this is woman's fiction but she always has her male characters less than fully developed...it wouldnt matter if they (like Dennis) werent so central to the book.

And for some reason that baffles me, I simply dont identify or fully sympathesize with any of her heroines, even though the author throws every possible misery at her in this book....it could be because of the missing pieces that I mentioned above.

I think I am giving up on her novels for now.

The premise is not terribly original, but Delinsky does a good job with it, weaving a realistic tale of a woman who finds herself turned out of her own home without her children. It was the realism of the plot that captured and held my attention. Definitely not an action-packed plot...this roller coaster is an emotional one. This is a book about the punches life can throw, about learning to examine one's own frailties, about growth and maturity. All in all, a pretty satisfying read.

A WOMAN'S PLACE by Barbara Delinsky
June 12, 2005

Rating 4/5 stars


A WOMAN'S PLACE by Barbara Delinsky is the story about a woman who finds herself kicked out of her house and not allowed to see her own children, due to the lies of her jerk of a husband. The narrator is Claire Raphael, and she's a successful business owner who earns about five times more than her husband does. It never bothered her that she made more money than her husband did. She loved him unconditionally.

Unfortunately, because she was so absorbed in her job and her children, she failed to see that Dennis was starting to resent her success. After she returns from a trip to visit her ailing mother, she finds that he has filed for divorce and has taken custody of the kids and kicked her out of the house. She has no where to go, except to her best friend and business partner, Brody. Unfortunately, one of the things Dennis has accused her of is infidelity and he claims she has been sleeping with Brody, which is not true at all. Claire has no idea how to fight back, since Dennis is telling all sorts of lies about her and the judge has taken his side.

I have to say this is one of my favorite books by Delinsky so far. The plot was well-developed, making it a fast read with so much going on - Claire's issue with her own family (sibling rivalry and a mother that has only seen Claire as the good daughter), Claire's need to be with her children, and finally the demise of her marriage. The reader will watch as Claire goes through the legal motions to get her life back, and with the help of a lawyer who actually cares (as opposed to the judge who seems to think all women belong barefoot and pregnant), Claire fights for what belongs to her. Some may see this as a somewhat soap-opera-ish type of novel, but I found myself wanting to read this in one sitting and wishing Claire could find a way to fight back against her husband.

Bill Richardson is a rather unimpressive candidate. However, candidates aren't elected - Presidents are. Having said that I can say that I believe Bill Richardson is ready for the Presidency. The question becomes is America ready for Bill Richardson?

The book is about as interesting as Bill Richardson's performances in debate. Clearly, this is a book about Bill's life, by Bill himself. Many of his positions are explained, but it is not comprehensive, and not meant to be. Reading this book will give the impression of what makes Bill tick, so I give credit for writing a successful book. There is no shorting the reader of 360 pages of substance. Personally, I too would like to see more from Richardson, and in fact, this is already happening.

Campaigns for officials that are based on results and performances while in office must have someone touting that record, and this is what Richardson does without much modesty. Between World's describes the position Richardson inherited from birth and the position Richardson has dealt with throughout life. The book moves from his childhood in Mexico to his life in school in New England. Richardson was the one in the middle that learned to relate to everyone. His entry into public service and political office was destiny. When you combine these with love for individuals and an unapologetic stance you have a man with superior credentials as a diplomat.

A portion of the book that could be developed further is "Richardson Rules". Richardson doesn't discuss development and application of his rule set, but presents these as simply his personal rules - I don't know whether as a human being, a public official, a diplomat, or other.

Richardson comes across as result-oriented, fun-loving, but serious. Inspiration here comes from hard work and having done a job well - unfortunately, not great oratories and smooth gestures. Richardson could partially compensate with combinations of brutal honesty and jest. He must continue to rouse voter curiosity with more manufactured "celebrity-in-jest" performances such as the one created for the New Mexico gubanatorial election. It wouldn't be a bad move if Richardson says in debate, frankly, I suck at this. I want to be telling you what I've already achieved as President - not what I would like to achieve.

Not your average dry politician story, the book glosses over Richardson's vision for oil independence (read his other book for that) and many of his impressive accomplishments: 14 years in the House, Ambassador to the U.N., Secretary of Energy, and New Mexico governor since 2002--instead focusing on the intensely personal moments of a man whose life reads like a James Bond spy novel but who is not afraid to share the tender moments, drawing the reader into his world and heart.

Richardson diplomacy gets results. His often self deprecating manner is deceptive, as he is acutely aware of the conflicting considerations that influence the other party. He is not afraid to negotiate with "bad guys", aptly pointing out: "you don't negotiate with your friends." He doesn't give inappropriate ground, believing the U.S. has so much clout that other countries make concessions simply for the opportunity to have a discussion. Richardson's life and work demonstrate the opposite of G. W. Bush's apparent policymaking credo: "When Diplomacy Fails." His characteristic personal touch obtains impressive results with world leaders: nominated five times for the Nobel Peace Prize (this year he must win, it is long overdue) for extensive peace-work, including the following:

Major nuclear security and non-proliferation efforts and accomplishments in the 1990s;

2006 negotiation of the release of Chicago Tribune journalist Paul Salopek and his driver and translator from Sudanese Rebels, and further negotiating for UN Peacemakers to be allowed into Darfur;

Complex and delicate efforts in the early 1990s mediating restoration of the elected Haitian President who had been overthrown and exiled by a military dictatorship;

2007 brokerage of a cease-fire in Darfur and Khartoum at the request of the Save Darfur Coalition; release of American Evan Hunziker and the return of two US Army helicopter pilots who had been shot down in 1994 from North Korea;

Remains of Corperal Clem Boody turned over to Richardson as a gesture of good will during stalemated negotiations with the Bush Administration: thus he was informally brought into a tense discussion of major consequences at the request of North Korea, where he successfully pressed North Korean leaders to observe the 60 day deadline called for in the Initial Actions agreement to shut down and seal the Yongbyon nuclear reactor and urged Kim Gye Gwan not to abandon the six-party talks, suggesting they bring in U.N. inspectors to demonstrate their commitment. Richardson's "informal" influence in this case may have averted war.

This book demonstrates the characteristic, almost naive courage that has earmarked Richardson's administration and his life, unabashedly revealing the intimate truth of who he is. While reading his words I am often reminded of Einstein's famous quote: "Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new." Richardson, a creative, often right-brained thinker, is not bound by imaginary barriers of that which has been done before. He has also demonstrated the necessary discipline to buckle down with dogged determination and accomplish the unlikely, baffling those around him who believed it could not be done... particularly not by a Hispanic.

He wrote this book shortly before announcing his quest for the presidency, and the book has been summarily dismissed by some reviewers as a transparent ploy to explain himself on the eve of his candidacy. I am appreciative of his transparency, a trait not shared by many politicians. He lost the race but gained my respect as one of the few U.S. politicians honest enough to reveal his shortcomings along with his strengths. Bill Richardson is exactly the man he represents himself to be, and through his journey we learn the real truth of what it is to be a man of extraordinary vision in a mostly mediocre world, who transcends his humanness by learning from every mistake, sharing each mistake with us so that we may also learn, and striving always to not only reach higher himself, but to bring us there with him. His is the heartwarming story of a real person, an everyday man with extraordinary vision and heart, whose struggles and victories left me, at the end of the book, reluctantly putting it down feeling like I had closed the last chapter of a relationship with a dear and cherished friend.

How very fortunate this country is at this time in our history to have someone of this magnitude and calibur seeking the Presidency. His experience and different way of thinking allow hope for a better tomorrow for the US and the world. Good luck to you, Sir. Good luck to us all that you lead us all into a brighter and more peaceful tomorrow.

I had been hearing good things about Democratic presidential candidate Bill Richardson, so I decided to pick up his autobiography. Honestly, I'm not a huge fan of autobiographies or biographies for that matter. Especially, not ones with the sole intent of extolling the author's virtues. So that's why it gets a B-. And I'm just not a huge fan of the writing style that biographies employ. It just gets a little boring and tedious at times. But to be fair, the book gave me a better picture of Bill Richardson than I had before. About half-way through the book, I was seriously thinking about giving him some consideration with my vote. Although I know he'll never get past the big 3 of Edwards, Obama, and Clinton. He grew up in Mexico (born in US) where his mom is Mexican and his father American. He was a senator for the state of New Mexico, the ambassador to the UN that followed Albright, Secretary of Energy for Clinton's second term, and current 2nd term governor for the state of New Mexico. Needless to say, that makes him extremely qualified. And hands down the most qualified of all current presidential candidates. To his credit, he tells it like it is. And for a politician, it doesn't feel like he is full of BS. He has a record for giving his opinion even when it's controversial. And has offended both parties at times, despite being a staunch Democrat. But he's honest. Over and over again he gives examples where he spoke his mind and how it either paid off or got him in trouble. So that I respect. But ultimately, I feel like he's a politician. And a bit of an opportunist. I do believe he has a vision for this country that centers around a better energy policy. Which I totally jive with. Ultimately though, I just feel like he's a politician at heart. And I don't really want a politician in power. I want someone who is not definded as a politician. And I'm well aware of the rarity of that.

The first part of this book was initially disappointing. The constant "I did this..." or I travelled to ..." sounded like so much puffery - what one might expect in a book by a Presidential candidate. The more I read, however, the more I realized that the "I" was essential to the entire focus of the book. The book brings history alive from the actual events and conversations in order to show that individuals can help make history or at least nudge it in a desirable direction. Historical events can not be viewed in a vaccum. They are most meaningfully understood in the context of the minor details of the events themselves. One that jumps out is Richardson's meeting with Saddam Hussein (regarding the release of two individuals who strayed into Iraq from Kuwait)when Richardson casually crossed his legs and inadvertently showed the soles of his shoes to Saddam. Saddam jumped up and left the room. It turns out that showing the soles of ones shoes to someone in that culture is a real sign of disrespect. The best part of the book is "Richardson's Rules" which he sets forth in anecdotal context throughout the book (with the list summarized at the end). The "Rules" are a great guide for dealing with not only high level political or diplomatic negotiations but also with everyday personal and business relationships. All in all a very enjoyable read for someone who overwhelmingly reads fiction - not non-fiction - and certainly not political books.

WHILE IT HAD A SOMEWHAT GOOD SYNOPSIS AND THE CHARACTERS WERE PAINTED PRETTY WELL AND WITH GREAT IMAGINATION, THIS BOOK IS A MESS. I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS BO0OK TO ANYONE, REALLY A WASTE OF TIME. THE TITLE AND DESCRIPTION WILL ENTICE YOU BUT THE ACTUAL STORY WILL DISAPPOINT YOU.

Maya Hope was hopeless. After she left her fiancé, her world and her life seemed doomed to failure. Then a chance meeting with the biggest name in the hip hop industry thrusts Maya into the national spotlight.

Going undercover to expose the playas and the hatas in the business, what Maya didn't expect was to lose herself in the music. Can Maya survive, or will Maya Hopeless fail yet again?

The debut novel from Abiola Abrams is sleek. Her expose of the hip hop world is entertaining and intriguing. Each character is interesting and colorful, making the reader to learn more about them.

Abrams's book is a fantastic first attempt. Readers are not going to be able to put it down. They will become lost in the behind-the-scenes world of hip hop and will never want to leave. -4 Stars - Reviewed by Leigh O'Donovan, Authors on the Rise Book Reviews.

I ordered this book, not really knowing what to expect. I LOVE it! I haven't finished yet, and I had to stop long enough to write this review. That's how good the book is. I have to say I'm pleasantly surprised by the author's talent at weaving a believable tale that is NOTHING like what's out in the mainstream media right now. I've been sick of reading the same ol' thing. You know, girl meets boy, girl has trust issues and diva'tude,girl loses boy, girl gets boy back and life is all good again.

Well, this book has so much more meat to gnaw on than that. My favorite character is Maya. She has some self-esteem issues and she's still trying to figure out WHO she is, but when she finally finds herself, LOOK OUT! DARE is an urban literary treat. Don't believe me, grab a copy of this book for yourself if you want to be convinced!

GO DARE! I am so excited about writing this review. One of my best friends and I have been arguing about this book for a week, so we're both going to post our reviews. I absolutely loved it, and she wasn't crazy about it. But it got us both talking so I guess that the brilliant author accomplished her point. Here's what the big issue is-- this book is MIS-CATEGORIZED. It is listed as "Urban Lit," but as one of the other reviewers says, Dare is definitely either "CHICK LIT" or just "CONTEMPORARY LITERATURE." I guess that since it's a book by a black woman, the simple category they threw it into was "urban fiction."

Here is why I ENJOYED DARE SO MUCH and my friend did not-- our tastes in reading are totally different! I am a LITERARY reader. My favorite authors are Maya Angelou, Edwidge Danticat, Erica Simone Turnipseed, Zadie Smith, Toni Morrison, Gloria Naylor and Sofia Quintero. I LOVE SMART BOOKS that are creative with strong characters and a meaningful plot. My friend-- whose negative review you will see here ;-D -- loves "urban reads"-- books about hip hop, hustlers, gangsters, etc. If that is what you read or what you are looking for, that is definitely not Dare. No insult against any other authors, but Dare is literature. If you are used to easy reading about pimps, prostitutes, gangs and hustlers, buy something else. If you are an educated reader who loves profound, poetic and thoughtful storytelling and literature, BUY THIS BOOK IMMEDIATELY!!!

The crazy thing is that because I am biracial, I have friends of all races. However, the books that my white girlfriends read and my black girlfriends read are totally different. The black books tend to be so one dimensional and basic. My white girlfriends are loving Dare too because they are not used to books like the others that appeal to the lowest common denominator. Edwidge Danticat and Abiola Abrams ROCK.

Dare is so rich and it was wonderful for me to read something that is as good as or better than "regular" chick lit but aimed at ME!!! The character was not a pimp, prostitute or a hustler, but a strong, proud, educated black woman like me. I didn't intend to keep going on and on, but I guess that the only flaw Miss Abrams has as a writer, if any, is that as a black writer she is above the pack, and that by itself might hold her back. People who are used to Big Macs can't understand caviar.

I can't wait for the next book by Abiola Abrams. I couldn't put Dare down. I loved the affirmations and literary references. More, please!!

Maya and Athena have been sisters of the heart since gradeschool days, but they're nothing alike. Maya's a Masters degree level sociologist, a poet, and a political activist. Athena's a cheerleader, a rapper wannabe, and though Maya loves her--she thinks her roommate's 'easy'.

But love is thicker than disagreements and the bonds of sisterhood are strong between these two sister-friends. When Athena's Mom becomes ill and Athena cannot make the rapper audition of a lifetime, Maya comes and does Athena's audition.

When Maya's audacity causes her to win, Athena convinces her to take a sabbatical from her job and continue the ruse until they can get things straightened out and get Athena her chance to shine.

Maya thinks she's crazy, til Athena DARES her. Now, these two women aren't children, but Maya can't refuse that dare.

"Dare" is a beautifully written book by a woman whose soul is full of light and who obviously wants to brighten up her reader's lives, too. You not only get a heart-rending tale of a strong woman's life, you get life lesson's as well. Abiola Abrams has filled "Dare" with personal dares that will change your life if you open yourself up to them--one of these is a "Beauty Day". No, this isn't pampering at the spa, it's noticing and acknowledging beauty everywhere.

Ms. Abrams writes with the rhymic beauty of both a musician and a poet. Her imagery is strong with color and sensory impressions. Scenes from "Dare" will bring tears to your eyes and leave you laughing and cheering.

You don't have to love rap or hip hop to love this book. You do need poetry in your soul and be willing to open up and learn--because Maya does have some amazing insights into life in general.

Go on--read the first chapter on this page. I dare you. Bet you won't put the book down til you're done. I also bet you're going to keep the book for the rules and the inspirational material in between the narrative.

Rebecca Kyle, April 2008

Bobbie Strickland, elementary principal, wears many hats. She is raising her teenage grand-daughter, Monee; trying to stay ahead of and in theknow with Monee's mother, Darlene, who is has a drug addiction; and she is caring for her elderly neighbor who was robbed and beaten. So many hats, so little time. Before she realizes it, Ray comes into her life. A reitred military man, Ray is sort of a loner after his wife of 20 years surprised him with a divorce two months prior to his retirement. Bobbie doesn't have time for Ray. She had too many people depending on her to take care of them. Or does she!!

In today's society, we find so many grandparents and relatives caring for siblings, grand children or elderly parents that it seems normal. Ms. Palfrey did a wonderful job putting you in the story with Bobbie. She is tugged so much between everyone else that she forgets to take care of her. I LOVED every bit of this story -the romance, the mystery, decision making, trials and tribulations. If you are not a fan of Ms. Palfrey, you will be after reading this book

Peace and Blessings!!

After reading this novel, this completes all her books that I've read. As usual the characters and the storyline were interesting and fun. Mature romance...HEY NOW!!! What's next Ms. Palfrey?

I loved the story. There are not many authors that write about middle aged romances. I found this one to be very refreshing. I loved the story line, plat could have been a little spicer but hey I like'em hot...lol. I especially loved Bobby Strickland's character. She was stong black womaan who did the best to take care of her family b y herself. This will definitely be a book that goes in my "keep Case".

Thanks Evely for such a great read.
Until next time
Kimberly
New Orleans, La

Ms. Palfrey is an extraordinary writer. Her characters are very real and even without alot of description, you can visualize their appearance. I enjoy reading about mature adults and women larger than a size 8. This was a relaxing read, but for me it was missing something. I can't put my finger on it, but the end result to the suspense surrounding Darlene, was not fulfilling. Bobbi and Ray are very real, dealing with situations that alot of people face. The realization that as a parent you have done all you can, but don't want to see what is right in front of your face. Darlene should have told Bobbi along time ago about Monee's father, but It is understandable why she didn't. Bobbi handled the situation with Reverend Jackson better than most people would have. Ms Palfrey has built an interesting group of characters in this book, Sonny and Darlene have a story to tell. Loretta has her own story, Vivian and her ex I believe have a interesting story. I would rate this book a 3 1/2 stars. It was good, but I wanted more.

reviewed by: Jackie M (review also posted under jaibeem's reviews).

I read this book in a matter of hours.

Once you begin it you won't want to put it down.

You are introduced to Bobbie Strickland a devoted mother and grandmother. Bobbie has a daughter named Darlene that is causing havoc in her mother's life. After raising Darlene's daughter Monee, Darlene decides she wants her daughter back with her.

Bobbie then meets a handsome stranger by the name of Raymond Caldwell and they begin to date.

Ms. Caldwell has some of everything in this book. This was an enjoyable book and I would recommend it to others.

Mckettricks luck, pride and heart all three Great books. Was worried the three books would be too similar. They were not and all three very enjoyable.

Very good romance novel about Cheyenne going back to her hometown and falling in love with the guy she had a crush on in school (Jesse) who became a multi-millionaire and owned the land her company wanted to purchase for condominiums. This was a good book that delved into Cheyenne's family, work and love life. I enjoyed the poker and the subplot involving her brother's life, who was only 19 and in a wheelchair because of an accident.

I also found Jesse's family interesting and the fact he wasn't interested in his family's company so didn't even have a job, but instead played poker and rode the range. This book had both a good plot and good character development. It was a fast read and I look forward to reading the others in this McKettrick series.

--Karen Arlettaz Zemek, author of "My Funny Dad, Harry"

I actually read McKettrick's Heart first, not really realizing this was a trilogy. McKettrick's Luck is a well written, light read that was hard to put down. Jesse and Cheyenne were wonderful together and I particularly liked Jesse's relationship with her brother, Mitch. All in all, a great read.

I thought this was a good book. I read it pretty fast, although I skipped some parts. I thought the plot was interesting. I normally read Christian fiction, so the only complaint I have is that there are some pretty raunchy sex scenes. I bought the book in a grocery store, there wasn't much to choose from. During the sex scenes, I felt like some kind of pervert, like I was standing in someones bedroom! I think some things are better left to the imagination than soooooo spelled out! I like Christian fiction better because you still get all the great romance just without all the junk. It's like comparing Pride and Prejudice to Nine 1/2 Weeks. If you would like to read some really good romance with some things left to the imagination then you should try reading: Secrets of the Wind by Stephanie Whitson, A Bride Most Begrudging by Deeanne Gist, Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers, Treasures of the North by Tracie Peterson, Tomorrow's Treasures by Linda Chaikin, or Leather and Lace by DiAnn Mills. Give them a try, you will not be disappointed!

This was my first Linda Lael Miller book, and all I can say is it won't be my last! I picked up this book in a bookstore while looking for a good contemporary western romance. I had definitely heard of this author and thought I would give her a try. WOW! I read this book in one day and can't wait to read the two follow-up books.
Linda Lael Miller has a wonderful way of creating believable, likeable characters that are not completely perfect. Isn't that what people are really like?? The two lead characters of Jesse McKettrick and Cheyenne have a sexual chemistry that is absolutely palpable from chapter one until the end of the book. This is a couple that you will really love and want to see together. There are only two love scenes in this book, but they are Hot! This book is very strong on plot-line and character development. I can't say enough great things about this book! Read it!!!

I am not much for history, but I really loved this book. It's a very interesting mystery, but it's also interesting to see how much the criminal justice process has evolved over the past 100 years. For example, in this case the closing arguments took longer than the presentation of all the evidence. The defendant held her granddaughter on her lap during the entire trial. The newspapers concluded she committed the murder because she didn't act "feminine". I love true crime books, and this was a really good one as well as a change of pace due to the historical nature of it. I would recommend this book to anyone.

I bought this book because of my love of true crime. What I came away with was much more than a story of an ax murder in 1900 Iowa. The author's paint a vivid picture of the dismal life and the hardships of the wive's of farmers during this era, and the farmer's themselves, as they weave their story with true accounts of the actual investigation and trial.

Midnight Assassin is an easy read and real page turner. What I wasn't expecting was the portrait of desperation, fear and isolation that made this book so much more than a true crime story. "Little House on the Praire" this was not and is a must read!

This book was of extreme interest from beginning to end. I love true crime stories, so the legal and moral aspects were the reason I purchased this book, but I found a secondary reason as soon as I started reading it. I am also interested in genealogy and my ancestors came to Iowa the same time as the Hossacks and they lived less than 45 miles apart. The authors' descriptions and stories of their lives and the everyday living of the farmers of the area were amazing. I felt like I was there, experiencing their lives, and their trials. Whenever a book can make me feel as if I am actually there, while it is happening, it is well worth the read.

Excellent story told here, with a mix of history of farming life in the midwest in early 1900s, law, civil rights and the mystery of the murder. It keeps your interest with the who-done-it story line and the tease of incomplete information coming from crime scene research and from the witnesses at the trial. I recommend it.

This is a well-written book that casts the reader back into the lives of prairie farmers at the beginning of the 20th century. It shows the dark side of Little House on the Prairie.

It is especially good at introducing the reader to the plight of many farm wives in that era. Through the trial of Margaret Hossack for the ax murder of her husband, we get a feel for the isolation and desperation of these women. The man a woman married was her whole lot in life. It was strictly the luck of the draw for her. If a husband turned out to be cold and abusive, as it seems Mr. Hossack was, his wife had little recourse but to suffer through it to the end. Although Margaret may not have suffered in complete silence, since there was ample evidence of how often she had rushed to her neighbors to complain of her husband's foul, dangerous moods - there was little anyone else could or would do to help. As this book keenly points out, the code of being a good housewife and a "lady" constrained women to their places and prevented others from interceding too effectively. The book poses the question - Did Mrs. Hossack ultimately engage in self help?

The book's other purpose is to juxtapose the lives of two women situated very differently in 1900. On the one hand, there is Mrs. Hossack, confined to her meager, loveless life on the prairie. On the other hand, there is Susan Glaspell, the liberated young reporter who covered Mrs. Hossack's first trial. I would have liked to have read more details about Glaspell's early career as a crime reporter in a man's world. But perhaps that would have been spreading the content of this book too thin. The author does circle back at the end of Midnight Assassin to provide a follow-up on Glaspell's writing career. Trifles, the play Glaspell eventually wrote, based loosely on the Hawkin's trial, has a heart-wrenching conclusion. It's worthwhile reading this book for that dramatic take on the caged lives of these farm women alone.

this book was a fast easy reading book and it isn't my favorite type book. I like more story line. A think Debbie Mccomber wrote well in her fashion, but this was not one of her better stories. That is the only book of the few I bought, that I have read, it has been a busy time for me.

This is my favorite book (so far) by Debbie Macomber. These characters were ones you loved to love! The secondary characters were just interesting too. Because of this book, I picked up the Dakota trilogy and am enjoying that as well. It's a refreshing change to read a romance that isn't all about the sex scenes. Her stories are good ones and hold my interest. Kudos Debbie!

Wonderfully written .

There is gramps , Molly and her 2 sons , A ranch hand named Sam Dakota , and a rotten sheriff and of course the Loyalists.

Molly and her 2 sons live in CA when she gets the call from gramps hired ranch hand (Dakota)that if she wants to see her gramps alive she needs to come to Montana now . It takes time but Molly does go and her and her sons gets to spend time with gramps before he pass's . Also before he pass's gramps arranges a marriage between his grand daughter Molly and his hired ranch hand Sam Dakota . Molly is not to keene on this at first but realizes she must in order to hold onto her inhertiance from gramps ( the ranch ) . So she marries Sam prior to gramps passing .

There is issues at the ranch and around town that has been happening every since Sam Dakota came on the scene . The sheriff don't like him but then .... , Sam and Molly are shot at , He is accused of killing a hooker , and other things just happen but its the wicked sheriff that is causing all the problems . The sheriff and the loyalist wants the land for a traning camp and does everything possible to get it but only one thing stands in there way and his name is Sam Dakota .

Sam goes on to do a very special thing so he and Molly can hold on to the ranch her grandfather left her . ...Sam is every womans dream for a husband .

I very much like this book as I am from Montana and remember
the basis this book is written about,

A first read for me of Debbie Macomber. Liked the characters very much. This book got me thru a plane trip and two airport waits in good humor. That says a lot for this book. It has a feel good ending and a little suprise to boot. Works for me!!

This is a great book if you want to understand life as a paleontologist. Novacek goes into detail about his career, the struggles in the field, and adventures. This book is great for a younger person considering going into paleontology to be aware of the highs and lows of the field. It is also interesting for those of us who are older and always dreamed about going into paleontology.

The one warning I have is that the book is a bit long. While Novacek writes well, it is over 300 pages.

Not a bad book, could have had more illustrations and examples of fossils found in different parts of the world.

Novacek's "attachment" for lithics and fossil evidence has led him to remote places. Raised in the urban sprawl of Los Angeles, he was introduced to the wild, quickly finding excuses to return. Paleontology is easily the best excuse available for travel and exploration. He invites us to join him as he tours the North American West - into mountains, canyons and plateaus where fossils have emerged before. From this familiar territory he goes on to more exotic sites. His explorations reach from Andean highlands through Arabia deserts to the mysterious Mongolian plateaus. It was the latter that gave Novacek the greatest rewards and kept him occupied for more than a decade. This autobiography of a professional paleontologist provides interesting insights into the researchers depicting the prehistoric realm.

Before the rewards came the trials. The first was the decision to take up paleontology when a music career dangled enticing rewards. His father was a competent guitarist. A chance to learn field work offered new opportunities and challenges. Fresh creek water proved polluted leading to "highly volatile" digestive tracts. In the Andes, Novecek's horse bolted with one boot caught in a stirrup. Walking was impossible and riding little better. Desert scorpions and rattlesnakes were added threats. In Yemen, it was overzealous military staff. The hazards of scrambling over cliff faces seeking fossil or fording rain-swollen rivers recede as serious threats and become part of daily expedition fare.

All these mishaps failed to quell his desire to travel. The travel wasn't entertainment, but his quest for fossils. The search wasn't always rewarding, but the promise or the need kept him going. His misadventure in the Andes was off-set by a string of rewarding finds. Glorious to behold and thrilling to experience, the Andes are now considered the fastest rising mountains in the world. Fossils that had no business being at the altitudes Novacek's team encountered show how rapidly the mountains have been constructed by plate tectonics.

This mix of life experiences and scientific endeavour is richly enhanced by the graphics sprinkled through the text. Some of the most interesting are diagrams of fossil assemblages as found in situ. These provide a good indication of the complexities of retrieval and reassembly. His maps are a bit spare, but give the general location of campsites and fossil finds. Security, an issue of increasing concern in Mongolia, demands no more detail than necessary. Some photos of the campsites themselves might have personalised the account. His bibliography verges on the bizarre, being a mix of scholastic papers and general accounts. Some of these are worth pursuing. The knowledgeable will applaud his inclusion of John McPhee [although one volume is inexplicably omitted]. Novacek is forthright in his account of the tribulations of this career, but depicts as vividly the many rewards paleontology has to offer. As he concludes in this fine account: "there's still so much to know". [stephen a. haines - Ottawa, Canada]

My freshman year in college, I decided to indulge my interest in dinosaurs and earth history by taking a *rocks for jocks* geology class. It was fascinating. I learned (and sadly haven't really retained) all kinds of info on rock formations, evolution, and paleontology. When I read the excerpts of this book a few months ago, I noted the author and bought the book when it came out. Novacek is a world famous paleontologist who takes us on a journey of his past field work and interweaves that with info on the animals whose bones he uncovers along with the geology of the sites he's worked. He also throws in some hilarious stories of adventures in fossil hunting that make me quite happy to stay home and leave the actual travels to him.


"Time Traveler illuminates some of the most exciting issues in current paleontology-- dinosaur and mammal evolution, continental drift, mass extinctions, and new methods for understanding ancient environments and the geologic time scale. By revisiting our planet's past and his own, Novacek teaches us how to understand the prospects for the future not only of paleontology but of our global ecosystem."

I will say that if you only have a glancing interest in this type of material, this book would probably bore you to tears but if it's something that intrigues you, you might find it as fascinating as I did.

Michael Novacek must be a very interesting person, judging from "Time Traveller," which he describes as "a book not about a life, but about a life in the field." Starting from his childhood in California, he relates the story of his start as a young paleontologist (moving from a background as an indifferent student and an unsuccessful rock musician) working in the American West and Baja California. Most of the digs take place in unpleasant locations, fraught with heat, scorpions and dreadful food. As he moves up the academic ladder, the digs become much more exotic and he heads out to Patagonia (where it is cold and windy instead of hot and accidents with horses can happen, but the food is still of varying quality), then to Yemen (where there are not even any interesting fossils to make up for the sheer awfulness of the place), Mongolia and Argentina. It appears that extreme physical fitness is a prerequisite for those wishing to enter this profession.

The major fault of the book is that it appears to be written backwards. The last chapters, focussing on the extremely important discoveries made in the 1990s in Mongolia, are fascinating and move quickly. They appear to come from another, and better, book. When he writes of the importance of palaeontology and the fossil record, his prose is powerful and almost poetic. But the earlier chapters seem to meander, a collection of anecdotes about his childhood, working in the field, a bit of this and a bit of that. One has the impression that Dr. Novacek is a bit of a scatterbrain, unable to focus his attention--Looky! Old rocks! Insectivore jaws! Bikini babes! Look! Fossil fish! Ancient teeth! Yemeni bandits! Look! Picturesque Chileans! That Roy Chapman Andrews-what a guy! Hey, look! We've been in Mongolia for ten years!

The chapter on Yemen is particularly odd. It describes in great detail all the problems involved in working in this near-medieval country, the dangers and the heat, but the only scientific finding is that there is really not much there to interest a paleontologist. Nonetheless, in the next chapter he writes about possibly putting together another expedition to go back, until he is distracted by Mongolia. Is this a thirst for derring-do, in the style of Andrews?

His attempt to write "popular science" often feels clumsy but cannot hide the fact that many of his discoveries are significant and have contributed to many serious scientific debates. I particularly liked his writing about how the Mongolian dinosaurs may have died. Originally accepting the idea that they were buried in soft sand, he carefully describes recent work by geologists that suggests instead that heavy rains resulted in mudslides that caught the animals in the gullies where they lived. It is clearly and elegantly expressed and ultimately helps make this book worth reading. It probably would be a better book with less rock-smashing and more such thoughtful analysis.

I've read multiple Susan Krinard novels, and this is my favorite. While it travels in time, it's not so caught up in "Timely dialogue" that can be confusing to the present day reader. The hero is strong, though a chauvinist, but that's not unexpected. The heroine is strong and funny. This book touched my heart and popped it's way right into the top favorites of time travel. Doesn't quite beat Knight in Shining Armour, but it is pretty good!

I like time travel story and as well as romantic adventure. This book is for someone like me. I like the first part of book better than the second part in which the background setting changes. But I thoroughly enjoy the book. Hero is tough guy who protect woman whom he care. And heroin is not so typical innocent weak romance book character. If you want something more strong, intense, hot romantic adventure, you'd better check Linda Howard's " Heart of Fire". That is even better.

Though it's not the best of this genre, it's worth of try.

MacKenzie Rose Sinclair (Mac) had promised her grandfather that she would return to the Guatemalan jungles of Tikal to return a Mayan pendant belonging to her great great grandfather Peregrine Sinclair. For her grandfather, Homer, believes that Peregrine betrayed his friend and partner Liam O Shea by abandoning him in the jungle. Homer believes that their family have been cursed by Liam and that the only way to break the curse was to return the pendant to the jungle.

After Homer passes away, Mac keeps her promise and travels to Tikal, the Mayan ruins in Guatemala. She finds herself walking into a tunnel deep in the jungles and comes across a set of bones with a similar pendant hanging around its neck. She takes the two pendants and suddenly feels unwell, feeling queasy and the ground beneath her feet disappearing. The next thing she knows when walking out of the tunnel she bumps into man who looks very much like the man Liam O Shea, who she has seen an old photo. In fact, she later finds out that it is indeed the man himself she has been transported back in time to 1884. Mac finds herself attracted to the handsome but very macho Liam. And Liam despite finding Mac a little strange can't help finding himself being attracted to her in return.

The second half of the book is set in 1884 San Fransisco where Mac must prevent Liam from marrying his ward who happens to be her great great grandmother Caroline Gresham whom she must ensure marry her great great grandfather Peregrine Sinclair.

The first half of this book was great. The setting was adventurous and exotic. I had a fun time reading Mac and Liam's reaction to what they perceived to be strange behaviour in the other. Their mutual attraction was very engaging and it was nice to read that Mac wasn't your typical beauty but that Liam was still attracted to her all the same. I found the second half of the book a bit boring and couldn't wait for Mac and Liam to get back to the Guatemalan jungle. I really didn't care much for the characters in the second half of the book. I would have given the book 5 stars if the action had continued as in the first half of the book. However, it was still an excellent read as with all of Susan Krinard's books. She has such a wonderful imagination and knows how to pull you into her stories. A brilliant storyteller with high standards for others to keep up with.

Lealing

The title twice a hero really refers to Mac- (Mackenzie), the heroine of the novel- not the hero. I found this a refreshing change.
She time travels back in time- not only meets a man, but has to matchmake her number of times great grandparents to each other!
Also there is danger- someone wants to kill the man she loves. Unfortunely he thinks it her numerous time great grandfather who is trying to kill him, and he intends to marry her numerous times great grandmother.
I gave the book only three stars even though the plot was great because the book draged in places and the writing could have been somewhat better.

The Characters: The herione of this story is McKenzie (Mac) Rose Sinclair, the last of the noble Sinclair line, reknown explorers/adventerers. There is also Liam O'Shea and his partner, Perry Sinclair, two men who, in the 1880's, discovered the site of a Mayan ruin in Guatemala. And there is Liam's ward, Caroline, a young woman just turning 18, whom Liam seeks to protect and Perry seeks to wed.

The World The very beginning is set in modern times, but this is a time travel book, so we end up in San Francisco, 1884.

The Plot: It starts simple enough: Mac is urged by her dying uncle to seek out the forgiveness of one long-dead Liam O'Shea for the wrong doing of their ancestor, Peregrine Sinclair. Seems that the two partners had a falling out. Perry left Liam in the jungle, and Liam died. Since then the Sinclair line has not had a whole lot of luck... Feeling foolish but spurred by curiosity, Mac ventures off...

Obviously she is transported, via two charms that were previously apart that she reunited, and a time-obsessed Mayan temple, into the past. Thus we embark on a rather humorous and always entertaining story, where Mac finds herself falling in love with Liam and realising that, should Liam succeed in marrying Caroline, who dotes on him, then she, Mac, very well may not exist, as Caroline and Perry are her great-whatever grandparents...

The Grade: I love Krinard's work; I bought this book soley because she wrote it and because I desired more than 3 books in my half.com order. I wasn't expecting to like it and I wasn't expecting it to move to the top of the list like it did, outplacing itself on the werewolf romances that she has already written. (Only the two that I've read) It is easily my favorite book by her, and very possibly my favorite romance book. The plot takes precedence, not always the case in romances. We have a whole one sex scene and two near-sex scenes. Liam, mind, is as chauvinistic as they come, but it was part of the times.... All in all a great read and one that some should at least consider. Five Stars from me!

Enjoyable and a quick read. This is the first I have read about Rei Shimura. Can't wait to read the others. Perfect summer book.

This was a fun and entertaining book. Very light. Minimal violence. Sort of girly with lots of references to what people are wearing: "grand's suit, perfectly cleaned by the hotel's dry cleaner...".

But also many enjoyable and interesting references to life in Japan. I was interested to learn, for instance, that it is traditional in southern Japan for men's and women's clothes to be dried on separate clotheslines.

Probably not going to leap to the top of my favorite authors list, but certainly engaging enough that I'll read some more of her stories.

I cheated and read the end of this book, when Hugh said it felt like the last time he and Rei would be together. I know forshadowing when I see it! But even though I was bummed by the direction the series was taking -I read on - it was that good of a mystery.
There were parts I even enjoyed - it took place mostly in Japan, which allowed for the contrast of Japanese culture with American, which Ms Massey does so well and the ending in spite of being sad, left a door open for further intrigue...Who knows Hugh may come back!

Typhoon Lover did exactly what I was hoping it wouldn't do and that made it a wonderful read, even if I felt anxious the whole time for the heroine. Her own sorry actions plus the problems thrown her way made it one of the best in the series. The future is uncertain, but interesting for Rei and I'm looking forward to reading Girl in a Box. Rei is one of the best characters I've come across in reading. She's so real. She makes mistakes, she has bad judgment, brilliant insights and a propensity to get in deeper than perhaps she should, but always landing on her feet...sort of.

While not the best of the best, this mystery is well written, and as usual, filled with wonderful details about Japanese life. I would recommend it, with the caution that reading the previous books in the series makes it more interesting as Rei's relationships move forward in this book.