Colorado Books

If you are looking to find more of the story beyond the cold, hard details of the Columbine school shootings, and you don't mind poor writing and structure, this book provides a somewhat sacred and voyeuristic look behind the tragedy.

Rachel's Tears Amazon Book Review


Rachel's Tears is a very emotional book. Rachel's Tears is a Biography written by Rachel Scott's parents Beth Nimmo and Darrell Scott. This story tells the spiritual journey of Columbine Martyr Rachel Joy Scott. Rachel's Tears features excerpts from Rachel's private journals. This tragic and true story explains how Rachel knew that her and twelve others would die. Out of the thirteen people that died one of them was a teacher and twelve of them were students that attended Columbine High School. Among the thirteen people that died nearly two dozen more were injured. And hundreds more were traumatized by the sights and sounds of that day. This horror was caused by two troubled teens who were overcome with hatred and desire for revenge, so they lashed out at the people at Columbine High School. Columbine High School is located in Littleton, Colorado. Littleton is located eight miles Southwest of Denver. Colorado. After this event occurred the two teens committed suicide. This makes the total death count at fifteen people. Rachel Scott was the first one who died on April 20, 1999. So when Beth and Darrell found out that their daughter was one of those thirteen people who died that day their lives changed forever! In Rachel's private journal's she writes and draws about God, and how Rachel is not going to live a lot longer. On page 111, there is a letter to God from Rachel. The opening statement says "why do I feel dry in your spirit?" This passage is only one out of many passages that has to do with Rachel and God. The authors purpose of the story is to explain how Rachel's relationship with God was one that he sent her messages explaining that something bad was going to happen. I would highly recommend this book to anyone in middle school and above. After the murders Rachel's friends and family started a program called Rachel's challenge to find out more on this program go to [...]

This young lady was a beautiful soul. It is a sad story but one of hope as well.
Her parents did a wonderful job describing the tragic story.
Anyone interested in the Columbine event should read this.
Excellent.

i was so blessed by the words of faith that your little girl has shared.Its very rare to see such faith in anyone.Thank You for sharing her story. It has really blessed me.

This is an awesome book. I wept more than once while reading it. For those of you unfamiliar, this book is about the story of Rachel Joy Scott, a young girl, deeply committed to Christ who was martyred in the infamous Columbine High School massacre. I learned a lot about this horrible event, and the wonderful life of this girl who knew, as evidenced by her journals, that she would die young. After reading this book, I became convinced, as Darrell Scott was the morning of the killings, that this was a spiritual event. It is interesting to note that prior to the killings of April 20, Klebold and Harris had turned a school project detailing their dark fantasies, and no on seemed to have picked up on this. I gave this book five stars not based on quality of writing, which could have used some thorough editing, but on the story, which blew me away. I think everyone who has children should read this book.
People who claim that the demonic music,tv,video games have no impact on their children should definitely read this book. I also agree with Darrell Scott's opinion that is clear these children(the murderers) opened themselves up to spirtitual influence that were beyond their control.Klebold and Harris deliberately targeted Christians on that day, and they had made tapes prior to the event that illustrate their intense hate and dislike of Christians. I ######### this book, but don't be suprised if this book changes your outlook on things!
Thus says the LORD,
"A voice is heard in Ramah,
Lamentation and bitter weeping.
Rachel is weeping for her children;
She refuses to be comforted for her children,
Because they are no more

For those of you familiar with the Dragonlance universe, I have to say this is a very different book from The Soulforge (which precedes this volume). This book starts out quite slow, but once it gets going is quite entertaining. It is interesting to speculate about what role Don Perrin played in this book given The Soulforge was completely his wife's work (Margaret Weis). The book generally aims to stay consistent with the other texts in the series and does not "offend" key plot points for what comes later.

Another interesting aspect of this work is the development (furthered in Dragons of the Highlord Skies) of Kitiara. A character I always felt was quite narrow in the original trilogy (chronocles) is fleshed out considerably in these two volumes, and I 'almost' find myself liking her. It appears that a reasonable amount of military study has gone into preparing this book (at least at an elementary level) as it skips the deux au machina of the magic spell to end every conflict (which seemed to be evident in some more recent Dragonlance novels).

This book is not deep and is a good actioner. Enjoy it for what it is, but don't expect the same degree of introspection as with The Soulforge.

Awesome Dragonlance novel :)

This novel tells the story of how Raistlin and Caramon became mercenaries after Raistlin has taken the test of magic.

This is every bit as good as The Soulforge (Dragonlance: The Raistlin Chronicles, Book 1). And definetly lives up to the Dragonlance standard.
Only downside is that it only spans over around one year out of the five years the companions are separated before the Chronicles series, therefore, it does not say anything about what happenes to the twins during the remaining four years. Yet, if the story had to span over all the five years, it would have been a VERY long book :)

Definetly worth reading if you demand to know more about Raistlin and Caramon :)

My son loves these books so as he read it in a couple of days must be good.

If you are intrigued by Raistlin and want to know his detailed story, starting at age 6, this book, along with Book 1, are the books to get. All of the questions I had about him, and even some I didn't know I had, were explained.

This is the one series of books, that I never tire of. If a book has to do with Raistlin, the mage, or anyone related, I have read or ordered that book and I have never been dissapinted. The story tells well through all the continuing sagas. Thank you Margaret Weis and thank you Tracy Hickman. You are the epitamy of style, magic and entertainment.
Toni from Petaluma, Ca

I looked at this book on the shelf for a couple years before deciding to purchase and read it. Who the heck was this Dr. Hogan anyway? When I finally got around to buying it and started to read I just couldn't put it down. This is an excellent introduction and practice manual for anybody interested in learning about persuasion or in honing their persuasion skills.

Kevin Hogan does an excellent job of detailing the persuasion process, the Laws of Persuasion. communication styles and how how you can apply them this information to your life.

I highly recommend this book.

Im not sure how much is lost in the translation but I bought the tapes. I drive 90mins. daily and audio works best. the tapes seem to spend over half of the presentation selling the presentation and persuading me how great this revelation is. I think that I got about 50 mins of hands on valuable , repeatable or building block materials to make me a better persuader.
He went on and on about how clever persuaders used the methods like Bill Clinton or Saddam Husien, Paul the Apostle or even Ghandi...they were intruiging examples.
The 50 mins. that he did give up was a GREAT 50 mins. !

Regardless of what industry you work in or what role you currently hold, this book will help you get what you have always wanted and at a time you want to get them. Kevin walks you through the psychology of selling, buying, negotiation and social interaction. His straight forward approach to writing allows you to understand how you can immediately use the strategies described. A truly useful read which answers many questions other books simply leave you with. Superb!

As an avid student of persuasion and influence, I'd say this is one of the more readable and comprehensive books on how to communicate with and influence others. It is complete, concise and well written. Kevin Hogan helps you stop thinking "magic" when it comes to persuasion and shows you the who, what, when, where, why and HOW.

If you are in an applied sales profession (entrepreneur, sales, marketing, attorney, etc.), use this book and you will see results in your business. If you simply want to learn how to better persuade and influence in all areas of your life (got kids?!), this book also will show you the way. Have fun as you read and apply to improve your life and relationships.

Mollie Marti, J.D., Ph.D.
Author, Selling: Powerful New Strategies for Sales Success

Kevin Hogan is a great storyteller that makes something as complicated as Persuasion techniques seem easy. His humor and dedication to the reader in presenting the information manner that is easy to understand is greatly appreciated. I highly recommend this book to any one trying to gain a competitive edge. The section in the book explaining where to sit in a resturant is worth the price of the book alone! Priceless.

Sandra Dallas tells good tales. The Diary of Mattie Spenser has intriguing turns. New Mercies has southern charm. Unfortunately, Dallas succumbs to decorating her books with the bric-a-brac of pseudo research--without integrating it into the tale. It glows like Mattie's silver spoons in a sod house. Dallas demonstrates no mastery of letting her characters speak --choosing rather to sprinkle the dialog with newspaper headlines and abrubt colloquialisms. One does not have to include every historical figure, building, or event in a book. Dallas has the talent to write well; it is unfortunate that she chooses formulas which no doubt drive and satisfy publishers but do not create good writing. A warning to readers--positive reviews can indicate that others have abandoned a book because it was not worth reading. Before you waste money on Dallas books, sample her writing from the local library.

When I plucked this one off the shelf I was iffy. But it wasn't a daunting book, and looked like it would be a breeze to finish off even if it didn't entirely hold my interest. You know those books - the kind that aren't page turners but are good enough to keep going, unless they're 400 pages and not worth it.

I became wrapped up in this one quickly, and it's not just the author's writing style as Mattie, but Mattie's personality. I don't know how authentic it is - this era isn't really my thing - but it certainly has the feel of authenticity.

The critical review ("Trite and Formulaic") baffled me. I don't know that a book using a checked off list of required elements would have this much substance and life to it. And the ending didn't strike me as Hollywood at all, but entirely in keeping with the ways of the world at that time. In fact, had it ended the way it might otherwise have, I'd have said THAT would be a Hollywood ending.

And why that reviewer feels the written ending reflects Mattie faltering and losing sight of her true self really puzzles me. She's just going to do it anyway? I don't think so. Maybe in 2008, but not then. I don't want to go into this more - it will give too much away.

I started this book because my DIL wanted to read it together. Well, she forgot but I kept reading it and became totally engrossed in this fascinating account of a young woman on the frontier. I love Sandra Dallas' historical fiction, and this one was up to her same standards. I was really surprised to see it has been 10 years since she wrote it. I am sorry that I didn't get around to reading this book sooner! It has suspense, and yearning, motherhood, grief, recovery... it was just an excellent read.

This book gave a clear description on what prairie life was like for woman. They were isolated and worked like an animal on a farm. It just proves that prairie life for women was a lot harder than for men. I loved the book so much I gave it to my husband to read. He could not put it down.

I was very excited about this book and enjoyed the first half of it. It then became unrealistic. The number of deaths even for that time period was too high. I spoke with an historian about it and he agreed, while times were indeed difficult and health care virtually nonexistent, people did survive.

Also the plugging in of momentous historical events in the diary was just that, they were plugged in and didn't fit in with the flow.

The writing was good and it was a good read.

I first read this book when I was in third grade. I was about halfway through the book when I had to fling it across the room from me in utter horror. Eventually, the pull of the book was too strong: I picked it up, finished it, and sulked for a week. And ever since then, whenever I try to reread it, I end up tossing it across the room, screaming, pulling my hair: the characters just get under your skin. You *care* about what happens to them.

The little women are Meg, Jo, Amy, and Beth. They have flaws, just like real people: Meg is vain, Jo is boyish, and Amy is a bit of a brat. Beth is utterly angelic, and can do no wrong. But while these may sound like pasted on personalities, they're not. Over the course of such a long book, you become deeply attached to the characters, and get to know and love them.

The story centers primarily around tomboyish Jo. She is constantly getting into scrapes, but is dedicated to her family and goes to great lengths to prove it. It's a growing up story: we follow Jo from a carefree girl who whistles and runs outside to a wife who would give everything for her husband.

Now for the bad: Louisa May Alcott is fond of injecting moral lessons into every chapter. That might have been nice in the 1800s, but now, it can seem a bit cloying. That said, the stories themselves are enjoyable enough if you can get past the morality.

Further, this book offers some of the most emotionally dissatisfying scenes I've ever read. Hence me throwing the book across the room. I don't want to spoil it for you; you'll know it when you get to it. And you'll be as upset as I was. So be prepared.

Overall, Little Women is a good family story with realistic characters. Young girls will probably enjoy it the most, but I think anyone can get something out of it.

Little Women is a story about four sisters who live with their mother. I thought it was a great story because it is really easy to figure out what they are doing in a jiff. The best part of this book is that it shows the characters have feelings and emotions that are throughtout the whole story. The story explains to me what it was like to live back in the older days. Yet to me this book seems new. If I could say who represents me most,it is Jo. Jo is a great reader and it comes in handy when she meets a boy named Laurie. Laurie is a rich kid who ends up being like family to these sisters. This story really reminds of how life is sometimes. Will you find out what happens to these sisters? Read Little Women and get into the story. I think the best rating for this book is four and a half stars. It needed a little more happiness towards the end. But still take the risk and read Little Women.

This was a very good transaction. The product was shipped on time and was in good condition.

"Little Women"expressed to me, is that you should always be happy with what you have. I remember getting the same thing for Hanukah each year from an uncle, although my mom would always say," it's the thought that counts, not what you get, and that one should try to be happy with what one gets even if you don't like it that much, it's still something. Louisa's book describes how the 4 girls enter womanhood and they should except whatever they get. Meg, the oldest, has trouble not wanting more than what she has, for she envied her classmates with their shiny boots and beautiful dresses. Meg only realizes that other things, besides what she has she didn't want at all when her sister gets sick. The last thing on her mind is things, she realizes what a great family she has, and she didn't need things other than her family. Being grateful for what one already has is the key to happiness.-L.B.

After reading Pride and Prejudice and Jane Eyre, both written in the 1800s and which I loved, I thought I'd try another classic, Little Women. What a disappointment. I couldn't even read the whole thing. I only read the first 176 pages out of 470, so if the last half is better than the first half, I wouldn't know. Thank you to other Amazon reviewers for giving me the major plot points. I skimmed a few of these and that was enough for me. I didn't want to spend any more of my time reading what I felt was a boring book. I liked three characters, Jo, Laurie and Beth, but again not enough to want to read the rest of the book. It was too syrupy sweet with the mother teaching her girls values such as helping those less fortunate than yourself, control your temper, work hard, be polite etc. These are nice values, and this might be more desirable for a parent to read to young daughters a little bit every night. Although the parent should be aware that there are a couple of deaths of main characters. For me, this book was not good enough. I want entertainment, creativity, surprise, unexpected events and interesting characters. I prefer books like Twilight and Harry Potter for young adults and myself. Sexual language: none. Number of sex scenes: none. Setting: 1860s the North during the civil war. Genre: fiction for young girls.

Incredibly engaging, very hard to put down. This book is a well written documentary of a season with the University of Colorado cross country team. It mixes team dynamics, coaching, training, and racing in an informative and engrossing way. It is difficult to imagine a current/former cross country or distance runner not relating to parts of, and thoroughly enjoying, this book.

Running with the Buffaloes was a great depiction of the CU X-cntry team. As a former Division 1 college cross country runner I have heard of Wetmore's heavy mileage programs, but really was able to gain a better understanding of it in his pseudo diary. I was also able to gain an appreciation of the team's woes through one of it's hardest seasons losing a member of the team and the numerous injuries they had. A must read for all runners and a great read for any athlete who wants to compete at a higher level.

I bought three copies of this book (and 2 other non-fiction, cross country based running stories "Harriers" and "God on the Starting Line"). I had the intent of donating two copies of each of these three to our local school libraries (middle and high schools) in the desire of trying to bring more attention to youth running in our semi-rural, football-is-everything Southern town. Big mistake with this story, for one main reason: just the titles of several of the chapters themselves contain unacceptable language for a school library. In fact, if I listed the chapter title names here I would bet that this review would be removed due to profanity.

The content of the book is undeniably a very entertaining read, but the book as a whole is best left OUT of school libraries.

Great detail. As a coach I actually used some of the work outs that he goes into great detail about.

As a running fan, I found the book to be a compelling read.

As a coach I was very concerned about obvious over-training that Coach Mark Wetmore puts his athletes through, and the lack of discipline in the program where many sessions end up in a competition rather than the original intent of the program.

The consequence for the athletes is an epidemic of injuries that limit both their college careers and running later in life.

I picked this book up before a long car ride, hoping for something light and interesting. While I did find this book interesting enough to at least finish, it was a sappy, insipid piece of work that made me greatly dislike the character, and as a result, the author.

I agree with another reviewer that her character was flat, with no real growth in personality throughout the book - drink, party, drink, party, make out, get dumped, make fun of parents, drink, party. Does she ever really learn about love, friendship and the pursuit of something greater than being English Royalty? It doesn't seem so - the last chapter serves as an "epilogue" but the jump from the chapter before to that doesn't show that the author/character has actually learned anything.

The sheer amount of alcohol in this book makes it inappropriate for teenagers (I'm surprised anyone thought it was), but really, this book is a waste of time for any reader.

I was very impressed with Jerramy's honesty of her story and her ability to laugh at herself. She writes with such intelligence and wit while telling her story that it makes it difficult to put down the book as it left me wondering what was going to happen next. I found it very easy to relate to her story and her desire for something more. I also grew up in a small town in Colorado and found myself reliving my childhood as she spoke about county fairs, pick-up trucks with rifles hanging on the gun rack. I know exactly what she was talking about when she describes moving to a new, strange city where you expect so much right away. I also loved reading about the different men she was interested in and I'm glad to know that I'm not the only girl in the world who didn't get that call after the "perfect evening"! Haha!
Thank you, Jerramy, for sharing your wonderful story!

Someday My Prince Will Come is the best book I have read in a very long time!! The very talented Fine takes you into her past and you can't help but be captured inside the brilliantly written true story of her dreams.There are little inserts that make it so interesting, and the fact that its real people is what brings the book life! Jerramy will have you laughing and smiling as you read this book. It is definately a page turner! The only thing bad I can say about the book is that I didn't want to end!! I look forward to her future books and am telling everyone I know to grab this book and get ready for a great time!

I couldn't put this book down! Someday My Prince Will Come is not only for girls who dream of being princesses but for anyone who has a dream of doing anything outside the box. It is inspiring to see someone actually go for their childhood dreams and come out satisfied. Each page is exciting and humorous with footnotes that give added details to English life. The book left me with hope that I can achieve my dream too!

I always wanted to be a princess, and grew up like Jerramy did, wishing I could join the royal family. Then i grew up, and Di and Charles divorced, and Sarah and Andrew divorced, and I realized that they have the same problems we common people do. This story is a great coming-of-age tale about a girl who doesn't lose sight of the fairy tale. Highly recommended.

I was forced to read this book for a Graduate course on Violence Prevention in Schools. It's very engaging, and at times a can't-put-it-down book, however, by giving Brooks Brown an opportunity to write this book, he's continuing the legacy of his two friends-turned-assassins.

Prior to reading this book, I did not know, nor did I care to know the names of those two cold-blooded killers. By allowing a friend to write a book about them, it perpetuates their legacy. Wasn't that what they both wanted to achieve with their dastardly deed?

Brooks Brown was destined to be a whiny loser back in high school, and it's apparent he still has no direction in life, and will milk this tragic incident for every cent he can. Disgraceful.

This was a strong and easy read by Brooks Brown. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the Columbine tragedy. I would like to see the book released with a new afterward to include the 10th anniversary and Brooks' feelings towards the memorial.

A fabulous account of a tragedy we so need to recognize and acknowledge to finally take action in our schools beginning in the elementary school (and continued in middle and high school) to deal with the important issue of bullying. Until we start addressing the toxic environments in our schools, school violence and damaged children will continue. A comprehensive guide that designs an effective plan and curriculum teaching respect, getting along, conflict and anger management isBully-Proofing Children: A Practical, Hands-On Guide to Stop Bullying. Lets learn from these lessons of Columbine and do something about it!

I just finished reading this book due to my interest in the Columbine shootings and what Brooks Brown had to say in his own words. I was deeply moved by his story and what he has put up with all of these years. Most reviews are written on a positive note, but I can't help but point out the negative reviews. Sure, you want answers, you want beliefs that reflect your own. Well, this book is about what this young man went through. Just a teenager about to graduate from high school-befriended two lost souls who manipulated and deceived everyone around them. How would you tell your story? It's about your experiences, your feelings and your struggles. I don't see it so much self-serving, as self-healing and therapeutic. Who are you to judge this person who had his whole world turned upside down, who was blamed for being a suspect for so long and by so many in his community; Who was forbidden to return to school along with other associates of the gunmen, just because of who they were. This society has a lot of soul searching and listening to do. Perhaps if more people had listened to Eric and Dylan, they wouldn't have felt the need to get their message across in such a selfish and cowardly manner. To me, this book wasn't supposed to be about praising the law enforcement and Washington D.C. for their efforts to find answers and to prevent something like this from happening again. What has changed in our schools since that April day in 1999? Not much from what I can see. And just recently, a college kid who worshiped Eric and Dylan, took 32 innocent lives along with his own. Perhaps if we read more accounts by Brooks Brown, these angry teens would begin to understand that they are not alone and that they have people they can talk to; whether it be on-line, such as on forums that Brooks mentions at the end of his book, or with other people their age that might go speak at their schools. 'No Easy Answers' is just that-there aren't going to be solutions to this ever growing problem in our society, but there can be people who will listen, empathize, and make known that change starts little by little. I believe that Brooks Brown has accomplished change-in his community and in the minds of many people out there. I for one, loved his book and will read it again, as a reminder of the hell he went through that day. No one deserves what any of those victims and families went through, but if they want to write a book to let people know what they dealt with so that it will help them heal, then I condone it 100% Freedom of speech is one of the greatest gifts in this country after all. Best of luck to Brooks in all he does and I hope that he continues to write more books to help those lost souls out there.

What this book offers is a unique perspective that you will not get from the media or other parents who wrote books about their deceased children. Some are mad that Brooks Brown didn't offer a concrete solution to the shootings, therefore his motives for this book must be completely self-serving. I think that these one-star reviews are undeserved. The charges that Brooks wrote this book for the money are ridiculous, because it is almost impossible to make money from a book, unless you are as big as Stephen King. You will read that Brown believes that it would be wrong to place blame on one thing for what happened (such as music, video games or gun control, the "easy" answers), so he offers several events that combined led up to the tragedy: The police for ignoring the warning signs a year before the shootings, the staff at Columbine for ignoring the bullying, and the parents (Eric's especially) for not opening their eyes. There is also some hard-to-find information, such as what Eric's Doom levels were like, the stuff that was on his website, discussions of the basement tapes and what day-to-day interaction with the killers was like. This makes Brown's book different from all the others.

It is clear that Brown wants as much accurate information as possible to be available, as well as to defend himself against the false charges lobbed at him from the police department who knew that they had dropped the ball in preventing the attack. Yes, a lot of the book is about Brown's life, but it all ties into what led up to the shootings. I did not read anything that was extraneous or uninteresting. In fact, this book seems to have the most credibility of anything I've read about Columbine. There are a few books in existence that try to turn the victims into martyrs for their faith, when religion had nothing to do with the shootings. No Easy Answers is much more believable, because like life, the answer is not always wrapped up neatly with a little bow. Highly recommended.

It's a good book. If it had progressed a little quicker it would have been a great book. I understand the goal is to give us a slice of the american west, but let's face it; not everything about the american west is all that interesting. I could have done with an overview of the cattle business, not getting a graduate level degree in it. Also, I think it went on one chapter longer that there was real material for. Again, I understand he wanted to bring it up to the present (the year is was written), but I was completely disinterested by that point.

Ok, that was the down side. Now the up side: The first half of the book was fantastic. Great characters, great stories, great victories, great tragedies. The best parts were about Ely the Mennonite wife, Lame Beaver, and the whole section on the dust bowl. This is story telling of Dickens level skill.

I highly recommend reading it, but be prepared for parts to feel like school work.

This is another of Micheners great epic novels. After reading quite a few of his great stories I am beginning to see some of the common threads of his writing. In this story he slightly adjusts the model that he used for the epic novel "Texas." This story is told from the perspective of a University Professor, asked to be a consultant on a magazine project that captures the flavor and history of the old west. This paradigm is usually used to end each chapter. As usual Michener went way back this time (the opening of the book) to the beginning of the earth and formation of the Rocky Mountains. Reminded me of Alaska when he took the salmon all the way back to its conception or The Source when he chronicles the development of Israel from cave man times . What I really like though is as he is capturing the overall legendary stories, he also takes time to tell of people and situations that one would not ordinarily consider. A good example was entertainment; he shared the story of a family of performers and how they were able to survive, while still managing to include the classic cowboy stories. In another chapter he provided quite a bit of background on his characters (set in Pennsylvania) that were destined to travel west. The background provides for a much richer story as we learn of their experiences on the Oregon trail. He also deals with the dust bowl, which gave me some new insights as to that sad time in American history. To really appreciate the plight of these poor farmers you should read "The Grapes of Wrath."

From the beginning, with the dinosaurs and beavers to the lives of fictional characters one can immediately click with, Centennial is definitely a must read for anyone remotely interested in historical fiction and the Colorado area. Michener seamlessly displays the many angles and stories, intertwining them so that you aren't bored and you see the larger picture. When I was living in the newly named Centennial, formerly Englewood in CO, I was drawn to the coincidence and background of the area. The parts with the Native Americans being slaughtered was moving.

The works of James A. Michener have always fascinated me and "Centennial" did not disappoint me. The research the author does goes a long way in improving my knowledge of different parts of the world. In this case I feel that I have an in depth knowledge of Colorado, its history and its people.From this book I gain a wonderful appreciation of the early American pioneers, the difficulties they encountered and the great loneliness they must have felt at times. Just towards the end of the book I was disappointed to read of the disregard of some of the present day inhabitants of the wildlife and the environment of this wonderful state.
James Hughes

When I read this book, I determined I would someday live in Colorado. It was that good. I read the book over 25 years ago and I will pick it up every once in a while and read parts of it or the whole thing. Warning, it is very long, but well worth the investment of time. There is a particularly great part at the end that has always stuck with me about the wilderness and natural parts of Colorado.

Hummingbird is one of those rare books that can be read again and again and still enjoy it as much as the first time. Lavyrle Spencer has the unique talent of drawing the reader into the story with characters that you laugh at, cry for, and fall in love with. This is my personal favorite, but every one of her books are wonderful! Trail To Destiny: A Novel

I just can't leave this book alone! I read it long ago, saw it once in a used book sale at the library and didn't buy it. Then I came across it again this week at a thrift store. I grabbed it this time. I rarely knowingly re-read a book, this is an exception. Like one of the other reviewers said I am ready to start reading it again as soon as I finish. It was so perfect, I guess we would all alike to think that's the way true love can work out.
This one is a keeper for sure.

There's some truly great writing in this book. I love how Spencer weaves words. Abigail and Jesse are hilarious together, as are David and Abigail after David returns to find her more straight-forward with surprising manners! Since there are so many positive reviews on here, I'll discuss some things I didn't like (though don't get me wrong, I love this book!). Spoiler alert!:

1. The situation with David seeing Abigail sleeping with Jesse was never resolved. What was David's reason to forgive her? Did he really accept that they had just slept together, or bought her weak, unexplained excuses of, "It's not how it looked!" The former couldn't possibly be true, because later in the book he demands to know if there was something between she and Jesse. That part was confusing!

2. As other readers have said, the kiss-at-gunpoint (more than just kissing, though) felt a little off to me. Jesse is so wonderful in so many ways, but it felt a little too close to rape for my taste.

3. Spencer tends to over dramatize at times -- it seems that Abigail is constantly whirling around, clenching her fists, blushing severely, etc, whereas Jesse is always cool and calm as can be, usually giving a "lazy" or "crooked" grin. It gets old.

I suppose this isn't really a review after all, but it's the closest I can get to a book forum where I would love to discuss Spencer's books with others.

In the Hummingbird, Abbie volunteers to take in and care for two men who have been shot on board the train and were brought into her small town to be tended to by the town doctor. David Melcher is the gentleman she always dreamed of marrying, sweet, proper, complimentary however, Jesse is the man she can't stop thinking about. How will she handle having the two of them under her roof and care?

This was my first foray into the romance genre and while in the beginning I was rolling my eyes at the obvious flirting going on, by the end I was certainly rooting for Abbie to end up with one man in particular and I couldn't stop turning the pages until I found out what happened. Everyone needs a good romance novel now and again and I will be sure read more of Ms. Spencer!

This is one of the best romances I have ever read. Honestly. I've read a lot. It had all of the qualities I like in a romance...chemisty (there's a lot), great dialogue (it's fantastic), complex characters (you feel everything they feel, that's hard to accomplish from most writers) and a great plot.

Abigail, a lady of proriety, needed money and she needed it bad. Almost forced to lower herself and work at a local eatery, she happens upon the local doctor asking for help and boarding for two wounded men who just arrived in town by train. One, Jesse Dufrayne:tall dark, brooding and handsome, was a supposed train robber and the other David Melcher: a gentleman in all regard, the supposed hero who shot the "train robber" and was also wounded in the scuffle. Abigail, knowing little about nursing, decided to take the job because the railroad offered to compensate her well and it beat 'slinging hash' with the common folk. She took both men in her home not knowing that it would change her life and what she believed about life and love forever. Abbie immediately had a connection with David because he was a gentleman and showed her respect and appriciation. The other patient, Jesse, was practically on his death bed unaware that he was even under Abbie's care. Abigail soon saw a future with David because she was in fact older (33) and wanted a husband and saw prospect in him. He soon recovered and left her home but also left a promise of sorts to come back to see her. Jesse Dufrayne was another story altogeher. From the moment his eyes opened they clashed, but the more they argued, the more they got closer, neither wanting to admit it. Jesse couldn't stand her uptight ways, but admired them all the same. She couldn't stand his brashness and his ungentlemany behavior, but at the same time it sparked a fire in her she denied and was ashamed of, but truly wanted. He wanted to be well and gone, just as much as she wanted him to be, but did she? With both of their thoughts and emotions so mixed up it makes for a compelling and heart tugging read. The story unfolds perfectly, not rushed, not fake, but so real and pure. You go through the new feelings and changes within Abbie and Jesse and your heart can't help but ache a little for David too, but he's not Jesse....

I have never had the pleasure to read such heartfelt and touching scenes in a novel in all of my life. The scene when Jesse comes back and confronts Abigail in her home and they're sitting by the wood burning stove is the most touching and beautiful scene. Sigh! Some people say that the part where Jesse is gone and Abbie is left alone with David is boring, but I disagree. I think we neede to read that to see just how different Jesse and David are and how no matter how much David worships her, he isn't Jesse and doesn't move her the same way.

They're haunted by eachother and drawn to eachother with an undeniable attraction that neither can ignore, no matter how hard they try and OH THEY TRY!! lol Do you see how I'm carrying on? I wish this book didn't end and I wish I could read another of equal greatness. There is so much to this book. I didn't spoil anything. Please read it, you won't regret it.