Texas Books

Like all the Elmer Kelton books I've read, this is excellent. Kelton is better than Larry McMurtry when it comes to Western fiction; too bad he doesn't receive the same popular and critical acclaim. This is a wonderful work of historical fiction with great characters and smooth writing.

Mr. Kelton does an excellent job developing characters and weaving them into the story. I found the story to be suprisingly intriguing and unpredictable. I plan to read more of his work.

I have read all three of these books separately. Although a trilogy, each can be read on its own. Kelton does an incredible job of creating a sense of place in his novels, and his character development exceeds L'amour's. Highly recommended.

I was doing a booksigning with western writing icon Elmer Kelton a while back and picked up his book "Lone Star Rising." It's a trilogy of Texas Ranger stories featuring a ranger by the name of Rusty Shannon, and an ongoing feud with several generations of Comanche warriors, set against a cast of other fascinating characters that I guarantee will intrigue you. It's a terrific look at the history of the rangers before, during and after the civil war.

The settings are drawn exceedingly well, the characters are real and compelling, and the story moves at a pace that makes it hard to put down. I was pleased to see that it included a faith element to it, though not enough that it would be aimed for the Christian bookstore shelves. There is a mild spattering of language and light violence, but not enough that would put off a more sensitive reader. It preserves the realism, but is done with Elmer's taste and light touch.

People have always been drawn to the myth and legend of the rangers, but the true story is no less compelling. This force always stood against great odds protecting Texas in the early days as well as in the years to come. This book is a great read, and with three separate books in one volume is a good reading value as well. Easy to recommend.

Terry Burns
Author of the Mysterious Ways Series from River Oak

I'm a big fan of Junior League cookbooks to begin with, so I was sure I would like this one. Little did I know that I would LOVE it. Most of the recipies are easy and inexpensive. This has become one of the most frequently used cookbooks in my collection and we have yet to be disappointed. Great gift, too. I've given it to several friends and they have all raved about how wonderful it is.

This has become my "staple" cookbook because everything I've made is not only easy & elegant in its presentation, but Yummy! I recommend it to everyone who likes to have a book with the things they love, but with a twist, and also try something new. We tried the East Texas Breakfast Cake for Christmas morning and it's now going to be our annual tradition- it was perfect to make the night before and cook in the morning. You'll love it for yourself and everyone else you give it to.

I love this cookbook!!! The party ideas are fantastic, the pictures are beautiful and the recipes are delicious. This cookbook is a must have for any cookbook library.

Very nice book which makes a great gift. This is the official cookbook for the City of Plano and Tabasco Award Winner!! Lone Star to Five Star features a collection of recipes designed to enhance every occasion from holiday dinners to elegant cocktail parties. In addition to over 250 recipes extensively tested in home kitchens, Lone Star to Five Star features signature recipes from more than a dozen of North Texas' most lauded chefs.

Lone Star to Five Star celebrates legendary Texas hospitality, with entertaining ideas, historical sidebars and food presentation tips. Wine pairings, featuring custom selections by the Texas Wine & Grape Growers, highlight Texas' agricultural background. Start your day with "Rising Stars", then sample "Greens & Tureens" or "Star Attractions", and end up with "Lasting Impressions". All proceeds from their sales go to projects of the Junior League of Plano in Collin County, Texas.

This book was so good. I love every book that I've read by Beverly Barton, but this book had to be the best. They loved each other, but her family got in their way and would not let go. This book is full of passion and sex. The plot was so good that I could not put the book down until I finished it. I read it in a day. What can I say? Just read her books, you will thoroughly enjoy them.

I have read this last book of Beverly Barton's. I love this book. The passion, sex, plot and the ending was great. I recommend this book to anyone who would like to read it. It is worth you time to read this book. I have read every book I believe Beverly has written. She is a great writer with so much feeling in her books.

Luke McClendon, 35 and at his peak, is a quarter-breed cowboy and illigitimate son of Baxter McClendon and he runs the Montrose ranch for his step-mother, Kizzie and step-brothers, Tyler and Grant.
Tyler, about 30, we meet as the sheriff of Luma County. Neither brothers have any interest in running the Montrose.

Deanna Atchley is the girl next door. As a spoiled, indulged teenager she wanted Luke and did whatever it took to meet up with him. It was her testimony that put Luke in prison for the murder of her father. He didn't believe she couldn't remember.

All Luke wanted now was revenge on her for betraying him. It has been fifteen years since her father's murder and ten years since Luke got out of prison. All Luke could envision was Deanna living the good life somewhere. He was certain she had gotten rid of his baby.

Deanna has started having nightmares and flashbacks and now must face the past in order to get on with her life. She is also determined to clear Luke's name. Yet was the price he asked for his help too high. Could she tolerate his treatment of her?

Deanna wondered what her mother, Phyllis and her brother, Junior and his wife, Benita would say to her regaining her memory.
She was sure that one of them knew who killed her father. The man who horsewhipped Luke and threatened to kill him. He would not tolerate her having a child by Luke.

Plenty of charged emotions as hatred threatened to destroy Luke - and Deanna needing forgiveness - betrayal and mistrust - murder and vengence - wonderful characters - brutal disregard of emotions.
It has it all.

Definitely Recommended --M Maybe a keeper? you decide.

I thought this book was the best of Beverly Barton. I could not put this book down, I had to finish reading that day. Deanna was so in love with Luke, but her family stopped at nothing to keep them apart. His trial and release from prison for the murder of Deanna's father was unreal. Deanna came back into Luke's life to clear his name, but the only thing on his mind for her was revenge. I loved this book, the passion and sex, was great. But the plot and the ending of this book was unreal. I could not believe it. Keep writing those books BEVERLY!!!

Because I lost my father in WWII, Lost in the Victory, had a very personal meaning for me. I couldn't put it down once I started reading it. The personal stories of what happened to several of the orphans once the war ended brought back memories that were buried for years. A truly touching book. Thanks Ann

A well documented reminder of how families that lose a parent in a war are permanently affected.

As one who lost my father in WWII, this was a difficult book to read because it triggered a flood of emotions that had been suppressed for many years. It should be required reading for all military officers and world leaders. Those of us labeled war babies or war orphans will be forever grateful to Ann Mix for bringing us together and our stories to light.

So few members of my generation, born in the 1960's, have been introduced to the full depth of a war's reach. Often our understanding is derived generally from the broadest high school or college survey class; or worse, Hollywood. So it is quite sobering that a member of the "me" generation receives the sharpest of slaps across the face.
As a collection of essays and interviews of American World War Two orphans, LOST IN THE VICTORY paints a broad and intense picture of a narrow and lonely subject. With each chapter, the sense of loss grows; not just the loss of a fine American to battle, but the loss of a child's identity.


However, the range of emotions is broad. While sad and desperate at times, the book also brims with pride and faith.


For a Memorial Day tribute, there could be no better slap of reality than LOST IN THE VICTORY.

This novel made me remember some very dear moments of my childhood.

I wake up inside William Bell to find myself reliving the dreams and adventures of my own childhood. All the fears and joys of life come alive in the hot Texas summer that feels your toes and soul with sand. SWC

Lovesong for the Giant Contessa is a beautifully scripted novel, set in a strange and wonderous place: Texas. This thought provoking work is sure to become a classic. I have read, even studied, many author's work. Few have compared in their ability to capture their reader's imagination like Steven Tye Culbert.

Lovesong for the Giant Contessa is a lovely novel, full of melodic, tightly packed prose that reminds me of good poetry, striking characters, and a story as delightfully complex as the patterns of a seashell. In that strange Texas country, the novel rings deadly true

Fans of the Return To East Texas series will enjoy this final segment, A MAN OF HIS WORD by Eva Gaddy. When Will McClain, the third foster child of Frannie Granger, returns to Uncertain, Texas, loose ends are tied up and the mystery of Frannie's death, as well as Emmy Monday's birth, are finally resolved.

Remembered more as the prodigal son than an admirable character, Texas Ranger Will McClain arranges to investigate his foster mother's murder twenty years after the fact when an archeologist unearths Frannie's bones. His foster brother stands accused of the murder and its up to Will to prove Jed's innocence, despite the circumstantial evidence. Questions of loyalty to family and to one's sworn career make Will's job even more challenging. And there's also the matter of the gorgeous red head with the temper to match that wants back on the archeological site.

Tessa curses the day she uncovered the old bones on her Caddo Indian burial mound dig. The project that was supposed to allow her to complete her degree and insure her career comes to a screeching halt while local law enforcement crawls over the site and refused to allow her to continue her work. As time slips away, so do her grant and her future. Then, on the day the sheriff finally agrees to let her back on site, the Texas Ranger had to arrive and put her on hold again.

However, Tessa gets her wish, in a round about way, when Will visits the site and realizes the devastation the sheriff's department has wrought. The site looks like a nuclear explosion rather than the scene of a crime, and valuable evidence could have been destroyed. Consequently, Will convinces Tessa to work for him, excavating the crime scene while her students return to the Indian Mounds. As their feelings draw them closer together, however, career and dreams prove to be a conflict of interest.

This intricate tangle of murder, lies and love creates a satisfying conclusion to the Return To East Texas series. As family ties and loyalties are questioned, Gaddy gracefully questions the meaning of family and arrives at rather unconventional conclusion, proving the bond of love strong than blood. The growth of the heroine as she learns to define her own values, based on her own desires rather than her family's values, also provides a sound lesson. And I must admit a soft spot for a hero not afraid to admit his emotions long before the heroine resolves her own feelings. A MAN OF HIS WORD is highly recommended.

Who is that cover guy? I have tracked him on more than several covers. Best part of the book [grin]

The murder mystery of Frannie Granger, "Mom Fran" rolls on - a bit light on clues and threats but nicely damaging.
Tessa comes across as a bit wishy, being under her mother's thumb a bit much and is willing to settle for an affair?

Will McClain came across as a stronger character, enough to tone down Sheriff Fielder. Logan Fielder tended to mellow out in this story. Got a bit of a chuckle on Amanda Jennings attempts to pick up again with Will. Did she think she was still back in high school?

Then there was Ray Jennings snobbish attempts to put down Will and others in his town. Joleen Berber finally got in her two cents worth and settled everyone's hash.

Loved the final tie-ins that brought together Jed Louis and his wife Gwyn, Emmy-M, Riley Gray Wolf and Alanna & Will and finally Tessa. They all had learned the value of the family circle.

The mystery was pretty decent, the action was good but the romances were kind of like wet noodles. I have found that denial and frustration lends to a more passionate build-up and makes you want more. These three "ladies"? just didn't promote very strong romantic feelings. [The characters not the writers]

The series is a good read and will recommend but not keep.

Fans of the Return To East Texas series will enjoy this final segment, A MAN OF HIS WORD by Eva Gaddy. When Will McClain, the third foster child of Frannie Granger, returns to Uncertain, Texas, loose ends are tied up and the mystery of Frannie's death, as well as Emmy Monday's birth, are finally resolved.

Remembered more as the prodigal son than an admirable character, Texas Ranger Will McClain arranges to investigate his foster mother's murder twenty years after the fact when an archeologist unearths Frannie's bones. His foster brother stands accused of the murder and its up to Will to prove Jed's innocence, despite the circumstantial evidence. Questions of loyalty to family and to one's sworn career make Will's job even more challenging. And there's also the matter of the gorgeous red head with the temper to match that wants back on the archeological site.

Tessa curses the day she uncovered the old bones on her Caddo Indian burial mound dig. The project that was supposed to allow her to complete her degree and insure her career comes to a screeching halt while local law enforcement crawls over the site and refused to allow her to continue her work. As time slips away, so do her grant and her future. Then, on the day the sheriff finally agrees to let her back on site, the Texas Ranger had to arrive and put her on hold again.

However, Tessa gets her wish, in a round about way, when Will visits the site and realizes the devastation the sheriff's department has wrought. The site looks like a nuclear explosion rather than the scene of a crime, and valuable evidence could have been destroyed. Consequently, Will convinces Tessa to work for him, excavating the crime scene while her students return to the Indian Mounds. As their feelings draw them closer together, however, career and dreams prove to be a conflict of interest.

This intricate tangle of murder, lies and love creates a satisfying conclusion to the Return To East Texas series. As family ties and loyalties are questioned, Gaddy gracefully questions the meaning of family and arrives at rather unconventional conclusion, proving the bond of love strong than blood. The growth of the heroine as she learns to define her own values, based on her own desires rather than her family's values, also provides a sound lesson. And I must admit a soft spot for a hero not afraid to admit his emotions long before the heroine resolves her own feelings. A MAN OF HIS WORD is highly recommended.

Texas Ranger Will McClain learns two months after the newspaper published the story that the bones of Frannie Granger were found near Uncertain, Texas. Unable to ignore what happened to his beloved foster mother, Will travels to Uncertain where he stops archeologist Tessa Lang, discoverer of the remains of Frannie,from continuing her dig.

The real shock to Will is to realize Sheriff Fielder believes his foster brother Jed Louis killed Frannie. Will refuses to believe that and plans to learn the truth about who killed Frannie. Still, Will admits all the evidence makes it seem as Jed is guilty, and though it alienates him from his foster sister Emma, he will do the job, even arresting his foster brother. However, to his and her amazement, Will and Tessa soon fall in love, but even that will not stop Will from his obsession to find out who killed Frannie.

The Third and final Tale in the "Return to East Texas" miniseries, A MAN OF HIS WORD, is a powerful climax to a strong romantic suspense mini-series. The story line combines a warm relationship drama with an engaging police procedural. Lead characters and other cast members return to round out a terrific book and trilogy.

Harriet Klausner

I was first introduced to Matt's family restaurant, El Rancho, in Austin 20 years ago during college and still make a point of going there when visiting. I grew up in TX and now live in the wilds of NJ with nary a Tex-Mex joint in sight - or within a days drive. I can make the very simple recipes from this book, close my eyes and feel like I'm home again. After making several of these dishes for a very Italian NY friend of mine she demanded I spend an afternoon showing her how to make her favorites from this book. Very high praise indeed.

If you are interested in Tex-Mex cooking, do yourself a favor and buy this book. You won't regret it.

I've owned this cookbook since around the time it was released and still use it. The recipes are generally easy and very delicious. I really like Matt's Big Time Eatin' Chili.

This is a simple to use, easy to read, enjoyable cook book that is not only a pleasure to work out of, but is intresting and fun to read.

The recepies are straight forward, Martha Stewart would hate this book.

For years I have been tring to make enchalidas for my family without them having the consistantly of tree bark. Matt has shown me how to share the recipies I enjoyed so much growing up in Texas to my family being raised in New York City.

Great recipes. Great stories. The #1 authority on Tex-Mex Cooking in America. A "Best Buy" book for yourself or gift.

One of the great architectural achievements of the second half of the 20th century is an exciting story in Ms. Shulman's well written book. This musicologist has been able to capture all of the fascinating nuances in this amazing project from its conception, political and economic issues, design, building, the grand opening and the Meyerson's very positive impact on the community.

A sumptuous read - Laurie Shulman's inimitable wit and style grace the pages of this handsome book. The details she shares are as fresh and lively as her trademark program notes. Like many others who worked in the Arts District, I watched the Meyerson being built - from crater to finished perfection. The knowledge Shulman imparts expands my appreciation and most certainly will enhance my enjoyment of another concert in this dream hall, the Meyerson.

This is a great book about a wonderful place for music. After reading the book, I purchased copies for my relatives who are professional musicians, and those who care about such music. One might ask how can you make a story about building a music hall interesting, but Laurie Shulman has done so.

Excellent and interesting book on a fantastic community effort.

Most college students and people in their twenties and thirties will enjoy Midnight Texas. It portrays a typical college experience in many ways, showing people balancing between school, relationships, and personal interests. The main character, Duke, is in the band Midnight Texas. He falls in love with a girl who has some serious emotional issues and is in a rather abusive relationship with another man, who is just using her for sex. (Readers should be forewarned that the book is a bit explicit, especially in the prologue). Duke must choose between being a member of the band and making it big and trying to be everything Kate wants him to be. His decision is logical and the way he comes to it is especially well-written and thoughtful.

The story is more than just a love story, however. It is an exploration of codependency, and Duke's attempt not to become codependent in his relationship with Kate, based on his own sense of who he is, what he wants, and what she wants; the novel asks questions about the fine line between loving someone and letting someone smother you because they are needy, and it warns against letting a depressed person make you depressed.

I could completely empathize with Duke. In fact, I imagine most of us in our college years have to make similarly difficult and life-changing decisions about our romantic lives, so I think all readers will enjoy this book and be able to relate to it.

Devin Dugan is also a successful stand-up comedian who has performed at NMU, where he went to school as well as all over the western states. He's a very funny guy. Check out his website for more information on his other works and his comedy at www.devindugan.com.

- Tyler R. Tichelaar, author of "Iron Pioneers: The Marquette Trilogy, Book One"

This book is a very good read. I recommend this to anyone.

I have had the priviledge of working alongside Devin Dugan, who is a very funny comedian. So when I got around to reading his book, I was stunned at how thoughtful the whole thing turned out to be. It's a story about a love so deep and yet never quite consumated. I thought it was remarkably intelligent and very mature about the relationship between the two main characters, and it is one of the more orinal love stories you will ever read in contemporary literature. This may sound like your typical romance novel with two models on the cover, looking like they spend 3 or 4 hours a day working out at the local health club (be it Ballys or 24 Hour Fitness), and in the throes of passion and unable to control their hormonal impulses regardless of their families wanting them to be kept apart. No, it's not like that at all. It is much more down to earth, and I really appreciated that.

For anyone that has a good understanding of mental health issues or who loves the local rock bands that play in their college, or for those who have been in a realtionship with a partner who was tremendously sensitive, this is a book worth reading. And if you're not one of the forementioned people, don't worry. It's still a book worth reading. It's sort of a cousin to Cameron Crowe's "Say Anything," which must have been a big influence on the writer.

Great work Devin! Look forward to the next one!

...Dugan gives us, in a modest, yet epic, volume, a veritable bildungsroman--an American picaresque for the 21st Century. The protagonist of this work (and I apologize, but I don't have the novel in front of me so I cannot remember his name) leaves an indelible mark on the reader. Dugan, in polishes prose, weaves a tapestry of adventure for this young man to journey forth on. Through college, into the legal system, and beyond. We are carried into a world which we know surrounds us, yet most of us know little about. It's quite a successful accomplishment on many levels. And a real quick read.

If Dugan has one failure, it's his over-reliance on traditional narrative discourse. His narrator rarely challenges us, or asks us to suspend our preconceived judgments about our expectations. Instead, he gives us a finely wrought yarn that is mainly traditional, yet solid...

Anyone who has read any of Frank Vandiver's books can be assured that a book by Vandiver is well worth having and reading. This book is no exception. The author presents a fleshed out, human, icon of the Confederacy.

Vandiver captures Jaskson; warts and all. His is a comprehensive book detailing all aspects of Jackson's life. Well worth the money and read.

After all that has been written about Jackson, Vandiver's treatment is still the best. Highly recommended.

This is an essential book for anyone's personal library. Smart, concise, well-illustrated, and comprehensive it tells the story of one of early America's greatest field commanders. Never engaging the question of North versus South and the issues that sculpted the Civil War, Vandiver focuses on the man, his legend, and the simple values he built his life around.