Rhode Island Books

Absolutely gorgeously written. I truly believed in the couple's romance and Anthony's obsession. The novel was very fast paced and made you want to keep reading. I wanted to find out what Anthony was going to do next to get back to Hannah. The author masterfully makes you feel for the two and makes you root for them until the very end.

Even better, the two aren't perfect. The girl didn't have gigantic boobs and he isn't drop dead handsome.... they are just normal. Believable, with believable problems.

Best love story and suspense novel I've read in a LONG time.

Last night I discussed Envious Moon with my book group and the author, Christopher Greene, who had offered to call in and participate. We discovered that the book had hooked us all. It was not just that it was an enjoyable book to read, but it worked on multiple levels, with surprising depth and intriguing characters, so there was much to talk about - a very good choice for a book club.

I just recently finished this book and can't stop thinking about it. It is a love story seen through the eyes of a young man who is obsessed with someone he just met. It was a quick read and kept me turning the pages to see what was going to happen next. The author does a great job describing the what life is like in small fishing town and the contrast of life for the wealthy. I had the great oportunity to talk with the author, Thomas Christopher Greene, in my book group and he is as interesting as his book and had many more projects planned for the future! I highly recommend this book!

In Galilee, Rhode Island, seventeen-year-old Anthony Lopes lives with his widowed mother. He plans to work at sea like his deceased father, a fisherman, did. However, he and his best friend Victor decide to break into the affluent home of a recently deceased woman where they will rob anything of value.

However, during the theft, Anthony notices a shadow of a female at the top of nearby steps. He feels frozen in place, as all he can manage is staring at the female shadow. Meanwhile her father jumps Anthony. In the scuffle, the older man falls down the steps to his death. Anthony is stunned as he never meant to harm anyone. Filled with guilt, he desperately needs the female silhouette to pardon his sin. He stalks this Hannah Forbes with his obsession for her to give him total absolution so that he can then declare his love for her. However, he maneuvers meeting Hannah and they share deep feelings although he hides what he caused from her until the police arrest him for murdering her father.

ENVIOUS MOON is a deep character driven suspense thriller that focuses on the destructiveness of obsessions. The story line is fast-paced and filled with plausible twists including a stunner at the end. Anthony is a fascinating intelligent individual who believes his love for the silhouette can overcome anything. Readers will appreciate Thomas Christopher Greene's taut tale as the lead protagonist goes about proving his basic assertion regardless of the cost to others.

Harriet Klausner

Thomas Christopher Greene's third novel is an impressive and compelling page-turner. One of Greene's several strengths is his conveyance of setting. Envious Moon offers a change of scenery in this regard, as he has moved the setting from the mountains of Vermont, which featured so prominently and convincingly in his first two works, to the coast of Rhode Island for Envious Moon. Greene demonstrates a similar adeptness with the new setting, which is instantly believable and quickly draws the reader into the emotionally challenging world of the two main characters.

Another of Greene's great strengths is the skill with which he creates emotional tension between his characters, and in this he exceeds his previous achievements. Without wanting to give away too many details, I found most impressive Greene's handling of the characters' range of emotional states, from innocence to lustful romance, and onward towards much darker and challenging truths. This emotional journey is at the root of the success of Envious Moon, and indeed is what makes Greene's most recent effort such an impressive page-turner.

Greene has taken a few plot elements from Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, as one might guess from his title. However, the author rightfully feels no obligation to follow closely that famous plot; rather the uses certain plot elements as seeds to send the story in quite unexpected directions. Again, I don't mean to be too vague here, but also don't want to give away essential details of the work. Suffice it to say that, in part, as I considered the connections with Shakespeare's famous work (and I mean as a compliment the fact that I have spent a good deal of time contemplating this novel) it occurred to me that this is a very modern and American take on that love story. Green's work is one that deals with the challenging emotional realities of two complex characters; however, on a larger scale the author addresses in a very immediate and challenging way the often disturbing questions of identity and self-determination, resonant themes which place this fine novel as a very contemporary and distinctly American work of fiction.

Greene's Envious Moon is a thoughtful, sometimes disturbing, always compelling read. Highly recommended.

Well written and amazing to read. Author captured the moment and took you there. Book was flooded with facts.

I would highly recommend this book, it is not only for the history buffs.
If you do enjoy history, you will love the author's details.

I very good book that gives the reader an interesting twist on what was believed to be gospel. The author's research is convincing.

An awesome book....definitely a different view .... a must read for anyone seeking to truely understand Benedict Arnold's story.

Who would have thought that what was assumed by the average student of American history to be an open and shut case against Benedict Arnold could be brought into question. And, furthermore, to do so with such detailed facts woven into a rather gripping novel format. Mr. WIlczak has laid out a compelling case that Arnold was not a traitor but a collaborator with George Washington to ultimately fool the British. This book could be the basis of an excellent movie.

This book expresses a thoroughly researched, fresh approach to one of history's most infamous legends. When I began to read the book I felt my feelings regarding Benedict Arnold could not be swayed. The author, however, through meticulous use of timeline, documented fact, and letters of many of the involved, opened my eyes to the possibility that Arnold may have been the protaganist in a great scheme to free the colonies and help create the United States. I highly recommend this book to anyone who seeks the truth instead of the commonly handed down history stories we have been fed since childhood. AAAAA+++++

The Possibilities of Sainthood was one of the best books I have read this year, no doubt about it. It actually transported me to Federal Hill and Antonia, the main character, was a wonderful narrator. I felt everything she felt!
Antonia Lucia Labella has 2 wishes: to get kissed (she is 15 for goodness sakes) and to become a saint. Her family is devoutly Catholic, so she must go to a strict Catholic school (but there are ways around the dress code). Antonia loves all the saints and knows the appropriate one to pray to in every situation. But there are some oversights by the Vatican: what about the Patron of Figs, or the Patron Saint of First Kisses? Antonia, in this winter of surprises, must sort out her feelings about these subjects and think mostly about whether annoying Michael or handsome Andy is her true love.
The book was very predictable, but the whole kiss part at the end was so cute and romantic and gave me tinglies. I LOVED THIS BOOK! It is so hard to describe, you must read it for yourself. Then, and then, you will feel the magic of it, I guarantee. Antonia and her little dialogues (5 Ways Italians Show Their Love, How To Make Your Catholic School Uniform Sexy) cracked me up. You must read this book!

Antonia Lucia Labella is my kind of girl. She's smart, frank, warm-hearted and, above all, wildly imaginative. She also has plans: to be the world's first living saint, and to get her first kiss.

This novel is funny and romantic, with vivid characters, but perhaps one of its greatest strengths is its attention to realistic, even homey detail. When Antonia makes pasta, you can see piles of flour. When her family buries fig trees, you can feel that the work has a festive flair to it. When she wears a crown of candles, she gets wax in her hair.

Antonia's pursuit of her first kiss brings her into the sphere of a totally swoon-worthy boy. But this book is also about other kinds of love, such as that between friends, or within a family. The Possibilities of Sainthood is a fabulous novel, and a delightfully satisfying read.

I absolutely adored this book. The protagonist, Antonia, wants to become a saint, and part of the book's premise is that she's writing letters every month to the Vatican about her sainthood application. I *loved* this character, and her funny blindness about her actual saint-like abilities (and I loved the way the authors Showed this without Telling it, letting the reader fill in the gaps). Antonia's also dealing with her mother, boyfriend troubles, and getting up at four in the morning to make pasta. The setting--an Italian neighborhood in Rhode Island--is unique and has depth evident in every detail. This book has received FOUR starred reviews and they are definitely deserved. A sequel is forthcoming, and I will snap it up and read it the second it comes out.

Fifteen-year-old Antonia Lucia Labella lives in Rhode Island with her mom and grandmother. She helps out in the family's Italian grocery store located beneath their apartment and goes to the all-girls Catholic school with her best friend, Maria. She spends most of her remaining free time learning about her favorite subject: saints.

Antonia prays to the saints everyday, and her favorite section in the school library is the one with anything a person ever wanted to know about saints. In fact, she has a secret goal, known only to her grandmother and Maria, which is to become the very first living saint in the history of the Catholic Church. Every month she writes a letter to the Pope, suggesting an area lacking in saint representation --- for example, the Patron Saint of Figs and Fig Trees. And every month she humbly suggests herself to fill the role. The Vatican hasn't shown much interest thus far.

Antonia has another secret, this one known only to Maria. At the age of 15, Antonia has yet to experience a real, romantic kiss. And she is determined to do something about it. The object of her affections is the gorgeous Andy Rotellini, who goes to the boys' Catholic school. So far, he doesn't seem to know she exists, but after her mom hires him to work at the family store, the situation seems to take a turn for the better.

There is one other fellow in Antonia's life, a guy who utterly confuses her. Two years ago, she met Michael McGinnis, and they hung out all summer, quickly becoming friends. But then Michael had to go and ruin it all by trying to kiss Antonia. Two years ago, Antonia wasn't ready for her first big kiss, and she ran away from Michael. She's been pushing away his attentions ever since. But Michael is persistent, and Antonia finally agrees to try the friendship thing again. Will Michael behave himself this time? After getting to know him better, does Antonia really want him to?

Donna Freitas has created a warmhearted story filled with humor, reflections and life. Antonia is amazing: very goal-orientated, determined, guided by her heart, a character who almost becomes a real friend. Freitas has a writing style that invites a reader to step into the story, to become part of it, and really feel the emotions and actions of her characters. THE POSSIBILITIES OF SAINTHOOD is a charming and witty book, and her newly-acquired fans will be demanding more.

--- Reviewed by Chris Shanley-Dillman, author of FINDING MY LIGHT and THE BLACK POND

The best type of book is one in which you completely lose yourself--where your emotions roller-coaster right along with the main character because you are somehow, magically, right next to him/her, experiencing it all. The best type of book is one in which over the course of the pages you grow to love the characters, be protective of them and want only the best for them. The best type of book is one in which you turn the last page smiling and more optimistic then when you started because you've been reminded: there `are' good people in the world, life works out...there is hope. The Possibilities of Sainthood is that type of book. I highly recommend it.

I had this book sent from home when my new friends in ohio said I had a accent, I never thought I did. I showed them the book that I never thought was comleptly true, they laughed and relized it wasn't just my speaking funny or making up stuff. I can't help it if they don't know what qauhogs, cherrystones, or steamers are. This book is fun to read as a rhode island resident but even better when you move out of state.

My family and I have recently moved to western PA. What a culture shock to learn that I have an ACCENT! Your book tells the story of that accent better than I can explain it, so we are buying it by the gross and handing it out as a translation tool to all our new neighbors. It has gone over really well. It turns even the most "slow" PA parties into a laughing riot. Thanks so much for putting the humor in our "RI vernacular"

The folks (ex-Rhode Islanders both) got this for Christmas and spent the entire day reading it word-by-word (or werd-by-werd) to each other. Of course, they don't tawlk like that adall.

A friend bawt it as a goin away gift - Notfawnuttin but its been wicked awesome fa helpin these Midwestern people undastand wat I'm sayin. You guys got a bubbla around here or wat?

This book (Rhode Island Dictionary) was the best gift I could ever think of giving to an uprooted Rhode Islander. It brings back ALL the quirks and lovely colloquialisms for which R.I. is famous. It brings Rhode Island to California or Florida!

"... a great pleasure to read, even if you're not looking for a place to stay. You can feel the authors were bent on romance... not just filling up the book. Accommodations are described in charming detail, also meals, with the occasional recipe. If you contemplate a getaway in new England, this is the book to take along." Travel Writer Marketletter

"[The] captivating prose invokes the spirit and visual appeal of the places described. [The book] provides perfect fodder for couples [and is] an indispensable planning assistant." About.com

"Where to eat, where to stay and what to do are covered. The Foulkes also throw in tidbits such as tasty regional recipes, a bit of poetry by Emerson and a love letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne." Chicago Daily Herald

This is far more comprehensive than other books in this area -- it's well written and the layout made it easy and a pleasure to read. The recipes and maps made it practical and much more interesting than a typical travel book.

A selection of recommended inns, delightful restaurants, resorts, festivals, the best places to stroll together under the stars or have a secluded champagne picnic - the most romantic places. This book visits special spots in in Maine, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire and Vermont. Each place has been carefully selected, making sure that it offers something special - in-room fireplaces, four-poster beds, Jacuzzis, enchanting gardens, five-star cuisine.

Great guide to all the inlets in Narragansett Bay and surrounding areas. The book has all the place we know of and we agree totally and we can't wait to try out the places we didn't know about.
Thank you for a great book.

Being very familiar with boating on Buzzards Bay i was drawn to expand my sea ventures. This book gave a great dipiction of the waters along the south coast of Mass and RI. I have already traveled to many of the destinations the book discussed. what a great service the author has done for the boating community

I always wondered what those old ruins were hidden on overgrown islands, the history of secluded anchorages.... Great naturalist, along the shore information. Excellent cruising guide!

I lived and sailed Narragansett Bay all my life and never knew the history behind all I was looking at. Excellent book and great fishing section!

Better laid out, but color is gone. Still the best guide around.

THIS 1998 EDITION HAS BEEN UPDATED. We came out with a new second edition in May 2003; and amazon.com does carry it. However after six months of trying, we've been unsuccessful at getting amazon to reflect this on their websites. You can find this newer second edition on amazon, but you must type in the title field, and verbatim, "Discovering The Tidal Potomac, Second Edition." OR you can purchase this book from many marina ship stores along the Potomac. OR you can purchase an autographed copy directly from me. Please visit the webite, "www.heronislandguides.com" or send me an email: "rkrhodes@hotmail.com" Captain Rick

Mr. Rhodes, I will recommend this book to every boater I have met and to those I will meet. I wish you the best of luck. To those of you reading, please note my recommendation.

This is definitely the BEST cruising guide that I've ever owned. Each of the many maps are annotated, for ease of reference. The restaurant reviews are consistent with our experiences, as are the descriptions of the places to visit and see.

As a jaded reader who bores easily I found myself being totally drawn into this absolutely delightful book that moves easily through time and cultures. I totally relived my Italian American upbringing with all it's pros and cons . Patricia really nailed it. Having grown up with Iatlian chauvinism i long ago came to the conclusion that "food" was the true religion of Italy.
I heartily reccomend it..
Leda Sanford
Look For The Moon In The Morning

After three days of other duties keeping me away from finishing this book, I chose to stay up to read it and ended up staying up until after midnight. I'm glad I did.

Patricia's tells the story of the impetuous choices and clouded thinking of youth through the eyes of a woman who has grown far beyond her old self. It is full of sensitivity and love not just for the younger "Trish" but for the people who misunderstood her and treated her poorly.

Every page of the book teaches the reader about how to make better choices, how to forgive and forget, how to love every inch of life- and it does all of that through simple storytelling, not preachiness.

I would strongly recommend this book to anyone who loves family, who loves food, who loves travel or who sees beauty in ordinary life.

I'm not sure if it's because I (internet)know her so I was slightly biased or if I 100% truly just LOVED the book, but if I didn't have an active 2-year old, I would've read it all in one shot, never putting it down. I don't think it's because I'm biased though, because I've read some friends' (and acquaintances') works and they just weren't as interesting or as good.

There were things that I just couldn't relate to: living in a different country, superstitions, and certain family dynamics that just didn't exist in my home. But there were also so many things that I COULD relate to (originally from NY, second generation American, in a not-so-good relationship) and it just goes to show you that no matter where you're from, how old you are, or what your beliefs, there are commonalities with everyone.

This book is funny and sweet... and even in the parts when things are not looking so good, she has a way of expressing herself so it's not so sad and that you know that the best times are still yet to come. You never feel sad for the heroine. The book is filled with hope, love, humor and hard work.

I also really enjoyed reading about Greece. It's one of the few places in the world that I would love to visit but have not had the chance to yet.

The only actual complaint I have really is that the end felt slightly rushed and I'm sure that it's probably because of book length constraints, but I really could've read more. So, I guess it's less of a complaint and more of request for a sequel.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend it to anyone.

If you've never been to Greece, never known a first-generation American, or even if you're just stuck in a lousy relationship and don't know how to get out, I highly recommend this book.

Thanks to DuPont, American Federal Furniture is now much appreciated, and is some of the most expensive period furniture in the world. It's hard to fathom, that not long ago this type of furniture was not coveted at all, it was thought too austere and understated, the wealthy in the ninetenth century and early twentieth century wanted all things French, thankfully they finally came to their sences and now this style is considered one of the most beautiful. John Townsend was a master of the style, along with John and Thomas Seymour and Duncan Phyfe. This book does a wonderful job of highlighting his best work and the text is highly informative and the writing scholarly. If you have any appreciation for great craftsmanship or just love American Federal Furniture, then I have no doubt you will love this book.

This book mirrors the wonderful exhibit of John Townsend's work that was on display at the Metropolitan Museum, and for people like me who make reproductions of Colonial and Early American furniture, it is a source of ideas, inspiration, and goals.

It's also a source for humility. Seeing the work that this man produced without the help of table saws, routers and the other tools of the 21st century is humbling.

The book is definitely worth every penny for those who love the furniture of the period, who enjoy knowing the history behind a particular piece, or who just enjoy seeing objects that are beautifully built with matchless craftsmanship and care.

This was originally written for the Washington Woodworkers Guild Newsletter, Sept 2007
This lavishly photographed book is a summary of all the currently known and likely works by John Townsend and his shop in Newport in the late 18th century. It is the catalogue associated with the 2005 exhibit of John Townsend's works at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York in 2005.
This is not a woodworking book per se. The first portion of the book details the history of Newport, with an emphasis on how it turned into a great cabinetmaking city. The extended family Townsend is then documented, and the links to the Goddards, the other great "name" of Newport cabinetmaking is explained. John Townsend's life is then described in as much detail as is currently available, with some speculation on why and how his furniture is distinguishable from the other major makers in the town. The bulk of the book is photographs of every piece currently known or believed to have been produced by him and his shop, organized by type, and with descriptions differentiating the pieces.
There is some description of technique: 10 pages of the more than 200 in the book are in the section "Observations on John Townsend's Cabinetwork". Most of the book is about the time and place that these masterpieces were created in, and the pieces themselves. As a furniture design, construction, and appreciation aid though the book has major strengths. These include 110 pages of large high quality photos and descriptions of 47 major pieces, including many very similar pieces made over decades. Being able to see the effects of subtle changes in proportion and decoration, and of different wood grains on otherwise similar pieces, is worth the price of the book by itself. There are also many photos of the undersides/backs of pieces, which provide additional understanding of how structural issues in the pieces were managed.
For documentation on technical specifics, more detailed references are required. This book contains no plans, and no exploded drawings. There are references to other sources in this book, though most are of historical rather than a technical nature. This book is appropriate as inspiration, for some technical details, and for the very high quality images that could be used to help make reproductions.

The gulf between appreciation and understanding is immense and while anyone can look upon a John Townsend highboy and see that it is beautiful, understanding the world in which it was built (which was without electric tools), the builder and the technological aspect of cabinetry makes these fine pieces of furniture all the more awe-inspiring. John Townsend, who was a shining star in the rather large furniture industry in New England of which Newport might be considered the capital, is all the more interesting because his pieces and his life have been documented. This work that was produced by the Metropolitan Museum of art is fascinating even if you aren't a connoisseur of fine furniture. It is brilliant, well written and most importantly full of beautiful color photographs of all of the known John Townsend works along with several other masterpieces of 18th century New England furniture.

I don't know whether its best to call this work an art book, a collector's reference or a history book but it serves well in all capacity. As an art book it does an extremely great job of describing in word and image the qualities of a master cabinetmaker. Being a master cabinetmaker was (is) a talent and a skill not unlike being a great painter. The difference is the medium but similarly unique styles are developed skills are honed and a great deal of personality is brought about in each work. As a collectors reference this book shows what makes Newport furniture and furniture of New England unique and also gives a great catalogue of the work that is currently in existence. Finally as a historical account the book does good justice to describing Newport's furniture industry and what made New England the place where Furniture making would reach its American zenith in the mid 18th century.

I am happy to own this book and know that it will be often viewed and re-read. If you are a fan of colonial America or fascinated by early American Furniture you need this book. While it may appear expensive it is an excellent reference a great book for the coffee table or to be gently placed on your Chippendale lowboy.

Ted Murena

Henty is amazing at capturing your interest and at the same time giving you a history lesson. Knight of the White Cross is so far my favorite of his books. There are pirates, battles, adventures, and young maidens to protect. I highly recommend this book, especially to junior high or high school boys.

Gervaise's father wishes that his son will grow up to be a Knight of the White Cross, and so Gervaise leaves his dying mother and travels to Rhodes. When he arrives at Rhodes he never dreams of all the adventures he will be undertaking, and the excitement he will be involved in. First comes the rescuing of Ricord and Santoval, after which the Grand Prior knights Gervaise and his comrade, Ralph, which is a great privilege for the boys. Some time later, after visiting the house of Signor Vsados, Gervaise mentions to Ralph that he did not like the looks of the Greek who had also been at the Vsados household. Ralph laughs at him, but Gervaise's suspicions are aroused even more when he sees the man talking to a slave of the Order. After reporting to Sir John Kendall Gervaise suggests he disguise himself and go among the slaves, to try to find out if a plot is being arranged. What will he find? Gervaise has many more adventures, and also a little romance, for Claudia De Forli bestows her colours on him. Gervaise also sets an example by the boy-galley that he was put in command of. It is the only galley ever to have only young knights appointed to it. In the end Gervaise takes part in the Siege of Rhodes, which was a bloody affair. Don't miss reading this story of a gallant Knight of the White Cross!

This is an awesome book. One will feel that they are there, fighting the corsairs or seeing the great fortresses at Rhodes. The scenes are vividly described, and the whole story is incredibly exciting. Gervaise is the ideal knight - strong, brave, loyal, and willing to give his life for Christendom. One feels like they know him in real life, so vividly is he described. The Turks can be pictured ad well, with their huge cannons and keen scimitars. The adventures of Gervaise are very perilous, and sometimes it seems there is no way out. Yet, there is a way, and he always finds it somehow or other. His exploits are phenomenal. He does everything from defending the fort of Rhodes to impersonating a Turkish prisoner, all in the name of the order. There are a few words in the story that most middle school students wouldn't know, but these don't interfere much with understanding the story as a whole. There is some violence in this book, but nothing else that would be considered repulsive. This book is a great read for anyone who likes action, adventure, history, or the Middle Ages. I give it an A.

England is embroiled in the War of the Roses. Young Gervaise Tresham is sent from his war torn homeland by his father to join the Knights of St. John. Initially, this order was a semi-religious organization with its members taking vows of obedience, chastity, and poverty for the purpose of ministering to pilgrims traveling to the Holy Land. With more incidents of pilgrims being attacked, robbed, and enslaved by the Moslems, the Hospitallers quickly changed, out of necessity, to a great military organization.

Proceeding to the stronghold of Rhodes, Gervaise is eventually appointed commander of a war galley. The war galleys of the Knights of St. John patrolled the Mediterranean which was infested by Moorish corsair pirates.

Tons of adventure, fast paced story tellign and great attention to historical detal make this yet another great Henty read.