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this kind of book is right up my alley, time period is the most enchanting.

I will keep this short and simple Mrs. Wolf is one of the best writers around. I loved this book it was worth every penny and I plan to keep it and read again one day.

This was a great read -- I could not put it down. It was wonderful to start with the young Arthur and the experiences that made him the man - king -- that he was. The love story between Arthur and Morgan is truly heartbreaking and will bring tears to your eyes. The scene where Arthur comes face to face with the son he didn't know he had is gut wrenching.

I highly recommend this book, as well as the other two that follow in this trilogy, Born of the Sun and The Edge of Light. I wish the author would return to this style and quality of writing as opposed to the light fluffy regencies she is currently writing.

The Road to Avalon is the story of King Arthur written as pure historical fiction with very elements of fantasy. This makes it quite a different story from the one that is normally told. There is no magic, no dragons, no quest for the Holy Grail and such things as are normally incorporated into the story.

Uther Pendragon and Igrane married and three months later had a son. Because Igrane was married to another man when the son was conceived (though it was Uther's child) they thought it best that the child not be Uther's heir. So he was sent away to be raised with peasants. Fast forward nine years and Igrane has had no other living children, so Uther sends his father in law, Merlin, to fetch young Arthur and raise him to be a king. Only when Merlin finds him he discovers the boy has endured years of abuse. He takes him home to his villa, Avalon, and raises him along side his eight year old daughter Morgan. But he never tells Arthur who he is.

Morgan and Arthur grow up together and are in love. But Arthur is reveled to be the next High King when he is 16 and he learns Morgan is his half-aunt and he can never marry her. They end their relationship. Arthur doesn't want to live without Morgan but she knows the country needs him and sends him away.

You can guess the rest. This is a lovely version of the classic Camelot tale and is very romantic and sweet. My only complaint is that Morgan doesn't have much of a personality-she's basically a reflection of Arthur, who is a lovely portrayal of a tortured soul who only exists because of love. And the choice she made about not marrying Arthur because they couldn't have children after her son Mordred was born seems stupid. I don't think that she did it purely so Mordred could have a happy childhood-she could have made him happy with her and Arthur. But other than that she's a great charecter. And it is nice how no one is really evil in this book or wholly unlikable-everyone is portrayed very fairly.

Anyway, good book. Four point five stars.

An incredible version of King Arthur sans Lancelot. This is the story of Arthur, and his more than humble beginnings, until Merlin tells him years after he "adopted" him that he is the heir to the British throne after Uther. He is Uther and Igraine's legitimate son. While Merlin is preparing him to be a leader whilst living in Avalon with his daughter Morgan, the two children develop a lasting friendship that turns into love. He doesn't know for years that Uther is his father, Igraine his mother, Merlin his grandfather and Morgan his aunt until he is to be king. By then it is too late to stop the love between Morgan and Arthur.

He becomes king but he still wants to marry Morgan. Merlin & Morgan warn him that the threat of incest will impede his reign and tell him it's impossible to marry her. He does eventually marry Gwenhwyfar in a loveless marriage to produce an heir while continuing his relationship with Morgan. Meanwhile, Gwenhwyfar finds comfort with Bedwyr with Arthur's knowledge and unspoken permission. Morgan has been keeping a secret from Arthur for 15 years that also comes out.

Read this book! It's a refreshing storyline that I haven't encountered before. Bedwyr is Gwenhwyfar's lover and there is no Lancelot to fuddle things up as usual. Mordred is portrayed as a very unwordly teen and unsure of himself and others. Agravaine is as obnoxious and cunning as he usually is in other novels. Gwenhwyfar is in love with two men. Finally, the relationship between Arthur and Morgan is not a simple one but a lasting one.

In addition to everyone's positive comments, I'd like to add that my now 6-year old daughter has enjoyed this book for over two years now. She doesn't like to have too many books read to her more than once, but likes to hear Ruby's Wish when we can't think of anything else. I think we're up to at least ten times now! She's a Chinese-Japanese American who likes how Ruby overcomes everyone's (low) expectations of girls' academic achievement, her love of bright colors, and her inner strength! I'm looking forward to my daughter reading the book to me soon.

The book Ruby's Wish by Shirin Yim Bridges, takes place a long time ago in a city in China. A rich man married many wives and had over one hundred children. So since he had so many children he hired a teacher. Girls never really learned how to read and write. That's why girls had to work extra hard. The girls were supposed to just learn how to cook and keep house. All girls stopped going to class accept for Ruby. Ruby wrote a poem that her teacher and her grandfather were impressed with. She wanted to go to university than get married. So when she got older her grandfather gave her a red packet. When she opened it, it was a letter from a university saying they would accept her as one of there first female students

Ruby is a fantastic student she had the best calligraphy in her class. Even when all the other girls stopped going she stayed.

Ruby really wants to learn. Shirin Yim Bridges wrote, "When the boys had finished there studies for the day, they were free to play." "But the girls had to learn how to learn about cooking and keeping house. Ruby wanted to go to university even though it was unusual for girls to do that.

Ruby is a really hard working person. She chose to go to school because if she didn't want to she didn't have to. Ruby had to work hard since she was a girl. She worked so hard she was accepted to university.

By Jesus

Our six year old daughter really likes this book. It has a great message and darling pictures.

I loved this book! Ruby is a Chinese child living in China with her very large family. As a child, she knew that she was destined to marry, like all the females in her family, but she really wanted to
go to the university. It is a childrens' book with beautiful illustrations. There is a special little twist at the end that makes the story even more endearing to the reader. We have given it as a birthday present to a few of my 5 year old daughter's classmates, as well as to her teachers for a year-end present. We highly recommend this book!

Set in turn-of-the-century China, young Ruby wants to go to school, but tradition holds that only boys get an education - hence the title, _Ruby's Wish_. The artwork is beautiful, with abundant details, but the book's strength is the story itself and the morals of the value of an education and working for what one desires. The ending is also very sweet. Particularly recommended for young girls.

The Serendipity Bible has been an excellent resource for our small group leaders for ChristCare at our church. As we train new leaders this has been a gift that we have given to each of them. Time and time again they say what a wonderful resource it is.

If you are weary of looking for Bible study material for groups - this is your solution. This Bible has many study topics already indexed. Study questions are thought provoking though geared just a litte to youth. If I were to purchase again I would get the hard copy for such a large book.

It's a very user-friendly approach to group study of the Bible and how to apply it to daily life.

We use this bible in our Weekly Bible Study and to prepare for our weekly Sunday School. It provides good concepts and thoughtful questions that we use to facilitate our classes. I like how it presents a mini learning series by several different categories and topics.

I am enjoying this Bible as it has questions that are thought provoking. I have read others that give you information and where to find more information but this is the only one that I have come across that asks you questions and makes you think of what is written.

My husband died suddenly in 2005 and I've done a lot of grief work using all tools available-counseling, guided imagery dvd's, bereavement groups, journaling and LOTS of reading. This is by far the best resource and guide for anyone experiencing such a loss. I've recommended it several times and have given it to friends who have lost spouses. Don't hesitate to buy it.

I gave this as a gift to my cousin's husband after she died. He'd read a number of books on the topic and said this book included helpful information that he'd never read before. He gave it to his step daughters to read next since he felt they could benefit from it as well.

Harper Neeld's book is an incredibly detailed compilation of the author's personal experiences in the sudden loss of her young husband, interviews with other widows/widowers, and discussions of phases of the grieving process. I would rate this book highly, along with one of my favorite grief authors, thanatologist Alan Wolfelt (e.g. Understanding Your Grief books). Harper Neeld seamlessly combines her painful, personal story with factual, helpful guidelines to create one of the best written boooks I have read on widowhood. I used the introspective questions with my grief therapist, who liked the book so much that she borrowed it and used it for a class she taught.

After my husband died suddenly, I was beside myself. My aunt insisted on placing this book in my hands. It has been a lifeline to me. I have purchased well over 20 copies of it for friends and continue to haunt my local bookstore when they don't have it on the shelf for immediate purchase. Having read almost every grief book out there, don't waste your money, just buy this one and learn to live again.

My friends keep telling me I should write a book about my grief, but I think that what Elizabeth Harper Neeld has written is better than anything I could produce. This book is so readable and covers every aspect of grief. My husband died four months ago, and I have found this book exceedingly helpful. Elixabeth put the most important step first "To experience and express grief fully." There are hundreds of ways to run away from grief, but it is necessary "to feel it to heal it." I was given the best advice by a friend who said to "lean into the pain." The second choice "To endure with patience," has helped me be more patient and compassionate with myself. Thank you, Elizabeth for this beautiful book. I will buy it for everyone I know who loses someone dear.

I bought this as a Christmas present for my Granddaughter, it was one of the books she requested. She was excited that I bought if for her, she enjoyed it.

I first read this book many years ago when I was a young girl and I adored it. The story is very captivating and most of the time I could barely put the book down. A couple of years ago I lost the book and have always had it in the back of my mind that I wanted to read it again. I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes mystery stories.

I really liked this book, because it had alot of adventure!It also was very hard to guess what was going to happen next. I thought it was really great that Alyssa got over her fears that quickly.

I thought the best part of the book was when Alyssa finally had to talk in order to save her grandfather's life. And then she kept have flashbacks of when she was on her father's boat. I also liked the part where Alyssa and Dylan finally bond together, ever since before their parents death.

The character were amazing. Alyssa was one that had been through so much, and was mute, but she over came it. I also liked Ty because he became friend with Alyssa even though she was mute. I thought that the climax was really interesting because I would have never thought that Alyssa would of gotten over her muteness, especially to save her grandfather.

This is an excellent novel. I don't usually real teenage type novels anymore but from a surface judgement I can see how wonderfully Sherry Garland writes. The text reads like flowing water, so appropriate for the hurricane and sea themes she explores. It's also a rather unique story about a 13 year old girl who was struck mute after the fateful day her father was lost at sea. I would highly recommend this novel.

Silent Storm is about a mute girl who is 13 who lives with her grandfather after her parents died in a hurricane. It tells about the struggles she has with trying to communicate with other people and the challenges she has in life. At the end she has to remember what happened to her mother and father so she can begin to speak again to save her grandfather's life as he has given up hope. It was a very heart warming story just like Sherry Garland's other books. I give it two thumbs way up.

This book is really really funny! And even though I laughed through it all, the thought that struck me was, how beautifully the author handles grief, sadness, abuse. She does not drown in self-pity even though she had every reason to, but instead she turned everything into something FUNNY! Most of the times when you read about the "bad times" she went through, you won't even feel like she's talking about something sad. Its all part of the humor. I am looking forward to book #2 too!

This book needs a disclaimer. Something like, "Do not start reading this book if you are tired and on your way to bed. You will be up far later than you thought, laughing until you can't breathe, and distracting your spouse from his/her book by reading the stuff that makes you laugh out loud. Which is, of course, every other paragraph. Okay, every paragraph. But be warned - you will not soon go to sleep."

Maybe that's a little too long. How about just "Warning. Ace bandage needed. For ribs. And butt. Because you'll break your ribs laughing and laugh your butt off."

Seriously, Connie flies under one's radar with this book, because while you're laughing you're learning more about the paranormal world she lives in. I'm convinced Uncle Christy was reading over my shoulder!

I absolutely love this book! It is so funny as well as heartfelt! I found myself laughing out loud so much that my husband wanted to know why I was laughing, so we basically read most of the book together. I highly recommend this book for a humorous, but spiritually-minded look at life as a spiritual being having a human experience!

This book is one of the most humorous I have ever read. Connie's wit and humor come through loud and clear. If you have ever delved into anything metaphysical, you will laugh till your sides ache. If you have no clue about the "other side" you will still laugh!

Connie takes real life stories about her adventures and there is nothing more funny than real life as you will see in the many stories about her husband Martin AKA Psychic Boy! A must read for everyone! After all laughter is healing and the best "medicine"

Connie is such an amazing inspiration. She has touched so many lives through laughter and her wisdom. What a beautifully written book, to get a sneak peak into her paranormal world and you can be a "muggle" and still understand it. She is just an amazing woman and so glad I have her to look up to! Buy this book!

This book has opened my mind and my heart....gave me meaninful understanding of how life and the universe works.....this read will leave you with a sense of purpose in your life and the empowerment of yourself and others around you.

The book is amazing, it is written so beautifully, and really left me with a warm and loving feeling. Sanaya is def. among my favorite authors. There is so much information in this book that is useful in life, its a must read!!

This is channeled material, which some people never consider. I really value the book highly because it gives basic lessons in metaphysics, how to access higher planes, and the like. One can read it over and over again, and gain much each time. Highly recommended.

I think that in the world there is still some confusion between religion and spirituality. You can be religious, but not spiritual. You can know all the creeds, follow all the dogmas, practice all the rites and passages but if there is no Spirit involved in with what you are doing and practicing, what good is it? I think the main reason why more and more people don't break out of their old religious mindsets is because they have become superstitious about their beliefs. They fear that God might punish them or forsake them or send them to hell for attempting to expand their beliefs.

This book really gave me some valuable insights on how you can truly spiritualize the ordinary...because NOTHING is ordinary! Everything is already Spirit. We don't make something spiritual...we look to see where the Spirit might be in this situation. And maybe you're grumbling to yourself, "There ain't nothin' spiritual about my situation..."

Let me give you a few reminders, if you're experiencing bad health than this is your opportunity to express good health. Start throwing away the ding dongs and cheetos and start buying apples and bananas. Pour the beer down the drain and start drinking water and green tea. Get off the couch and take a walk. But above all else, realize that Spirit is your health. Every cell, every atom, every strand of your being is made in the Image and Likeness of Perfect Health. Your body wants to renew Itself right now. It's not your body that is to blame, it's what you're telling yourself, it's what you are believing. Say to yourself now, "I am healthy. My body is vibrant and alive. I feel good. I now decide to express health and vibrancy each and every day." Say this to yourself morning, noon, and night. Talk about wealth. talk about vibrancy. Keep your conversation in "Heaven".

Maybe you feel poor and like an abject failure. Hey, I've been there...I really have. But now is the accepted time to realize that today is another day and you do not have to believe what you used to believe about yourself. Say to yourself...better yet go look in a mirror and say to yourself, "I am an abundant child of the universe. I am open now to new possibilities, to Divine opportunities, to experiences and situations that empower me, bless me, and prosper me." God did not create anyone poor or miserable. We are here to live the abundant life. we are here to be successful and fulfilled.

Okay, your last relationship soured. Just like the one before that and the one before that. It means nothing. It only means that you need to create a better relationship with yourself first. You need to be the person you wish to attract. Be kind, be forgiving, be loving, be peaceful. Yeah, you might attract a few crudballs into your life, but don't fall for them. Ask your heart/your soul what is for your Highest and Best and here's a tip, LISTEN! We all have the power of intuition but most of us, if not all of us, refuse to believe it. Start making the realization that you deserve only the very best and you do! This is precisely why you are going to be the very best for nobody else but you!

Spiritual Growth is about making daily changes and minor shifts in your perception. Spiritual Growth is exponential. You will be amazed at how much progress you can make in as little as 21 days if you just keep at it. Be forgiving, be merciful, be gentle with yourself. Feed yourself with books that empower you. Remember, you are not insulting God by wanting to be your very best, you are, in Truth, honoring that Spirit that created you out of Itself.

Get this book, apply its magnificent ideas, and flourish! You are the Light, the Love, and the Life of God and you are here to be, do, and have an abundance of everything that is good.

Your life is a blessing and you are blessed even now.

Peace & Love.

Although I love this book, I don't advise people to start here on the path to spirital awakening. I am of the opinion that you should first read up on information about channeling. Doing so will help you accept the fact that you are always being protected by benevolent beings such as your Higher Self and will enable you to ebrace the notion of connecting with such a being with an open heart. In the beginning, I tried to jump right in but found that without adequate information about the subject my mind conjured up all types of fear-based fantasies about being posessed. Eventually, I learned to trust spirit and allowed my heart to be "touched by an angel". Once you begin this journey you will never be the same: your want to improve yourself mentally, physically, and spiritually will grow exponentially. This will probably be challenging for most because growth often translates into having little to no room left for old patterns and friends. Approach when ready.

Thank you! Prompt ship, item in perfect condition communication could be better but overall a terrific seller.

If you're looking to get into the copywriting business, this is one of the books you should read.

I had the good fortune to take a course given by Steve Slaunwhite, and he covers the B2B market quite well. His website is quire well organized, and I brought this book, not knowing he was the same author of the course I took. This book is very practical, and I recommend it, for its down-to-earth approach. Steve made a successful career transition
From being in sales to becoming a top B2B freelance copywriter. He inspired me go plunge into the freelance copywriting world, after being downsized by a major corporation.
Randy Kemp
http://www.randykempcopywriting.com

This is a very well written, entertaining, informative, and helpful account of what it takes to start a freelance copywriting business. Everything from suggestions on how to write different types of marketing copy to advice about how to manage money and run the business is included. This is probably the best single volume on the subject.

I've read quite a few books on writing over the years, but I have found this to be one of the best I've read yet for freelance copywriting. It's full of great information and he even gives you details on how to complete many different projects. The cd it comes with is also a great benefit. I would recommend this book to anyone that is interested in freelance copywriting or writing. Well worth the money. I was not disappointed on this one, it's a keeper!

The novel is full of realistic Southern charm and characters. If you love Southern novels, don't miss out on this one! Shadow of Dreams by Eva Marie Everson and G. W. Francis Chadwick is a well-written, well-developed novel full of foreshadowing. The main character serves as an excellent example of what happens to many young teens glamorized by the big city and running from problems at home. Instead of the prodigal son, the main character, Katie, is the prodigal daughter. I couldn't wait to find out what was going to happen to Katie and her husband, and the bad guys. I loved the way the authors used literature for clues. I also loved the way the small-town Georgia guys protected their own and took care of the big-city guys. These authors do not preach, but they certainly know how to spin a tale that could serve to help others. These authors offer much insight, and a reflective reader will benefit from the experience of having read this novel. I have ordered all three Shadows books from Amazon, and I can't wait to read the other two. A good, reflective reader will find that this book is about many things that connect to life in such a way, it can't help but be realistic. The characters are realistic, not mere shells of characters. The way they talk and the things they say provide that realistic touch to make them come to life. I think this book would make a good movie; in fact, a three-part series.

Eva Marie's series is fabulous. I couldn't wait to find the time to read the next page. I fell in love with Katie and hope there are plans to read more of her. Eva Marie's 3 books in this series is filled with exciting plot twists, suspense, and drew me closer to the Lord, plus making me even more appreciative of my wonderful husband. These books are delightful!

Once more Eva Marie Everson and G.W. Francis Chadwick put together a best seller in this story of Katie and her struggle to keep her faith and continue living life even while not knowing if her husband is dead or alive. In the end, it leaves you waiting anxiously for the next book in the series.
I have actually been given the privilege of reading the first three chapters of Shadows of Light, book 3, and I can honestly say it promises not to disappoint!! You won't want to miss this one!

Everson and Chadwick have once again written a suspense-filled drama in their sequel, Summon the Shadows. Their behind the scenes look at a world unknown to most Christians evoke a predictable variety of emotions: anger, disgust, pity, compassion, hopefulness-while they weave yet another unpredictable fiction plot. The haunting question throughout the book keeps the reader hoping for an answer at the end: "What REALLY happened to Ben, Katie's beloved husband? Is he really dead? Clues say "maybe not," but reality says, "probably so." Will the three call girls ever make it in the "real" world? Can Katie hold out and hold on to the inner strength and faith she has found? You may have to wait until the very end to get any glimmer of an answer to those questions. Which opens the door to yet another sequel......

Couldn't keep this one to myself. I read it and immediately passed it on to a friend. : ) She also loved it. Gritty, real, and powerful.

I can certainly appreciate the excitement that a lot of readers have expressed about this book--I felt the same way when I read it years ago (the book was first published in 1978 as *The Teachings of Taoist Master Chuang*). But I was schocked to see that the book has been reprinted, because, to put it mildly, it was not very favorable received in academic circles. Now, for many readers, this won't mean a thing, and may in fact be a mark in the book's favor. That's cool. But if you are interested in the history of Daoism, or in good ethnography, then you may want to read an old (and infamous) review article on this book, published in 1980. It's called "History, Anthropology, and Chinese Religion." [Harvard Journal of Asiatic Studies, Vol. 40, No. 1. (Jun., 1980), pp. 201-248.] This is an *extremely* harsh review of the book, and in many ways a petty one. But it makes many damning points. For example that Saso gets his history very wrong. But perhaps more importantly, he does some strange things for an ethnographer, like introducing material from the published Daoist canon for Master Chuang to comment on--material that Chuang had never seen. This calls into question just what kind of Daoism Saso is learning, in the book. But, it's an exciting book, it gives some views of Daoism that are valuable, etc. Just FYI, caveat emptor, etc.

This is a real useful book. The beauty of it is that it gives us a deep look at the actual life of a Taoist master. Not a god, and not a perfect person, but a serious and committed Taoist who spent a lifetime practicing Taoism. That's a lot different from the average Taoism book, which is long on the vague restatement of philosophic theory and short on specific application of such theory. Want application? Here it is.

This is a totally unique book in that it provides copious details as to how a Taoist priest actually functions. Not theory but an actual diary of sorts. That's unique. For anyone who wants to go beyond the beautiful words of the ancients and discover how Taoists apply them, this is the book for you. That's important.

I give it my full support, and all 5 Stars.

I agree with everyone, this is an awesome book. There is so much to learn from it. But I have one caution to give - don't try to do the detailed rituals by yourself! I did, and it was really scary. These are meant for initiated Taoists, and that's not me. But I tried it anyway. I'm a pretty good meditator, and I have a good bit of ritual experience, so I thought I'd be OK. Wrong! Let's just say the spirits taught me an important lesson. But it was still fantastic to be able to get a better understanding of what Taoists really do. Maybe one day I'll be able to do it too, but for now I'm happy to just read this book.

TAOIST MASTER CHUANG (c. 2000) by Michael R. Saso, is a book of Taoist religious ritual and liturgy to control and exorcise evil spirits as practiced by the grade four Cheng-i Meng-wei sect (One Auspicious Alliance) priest, Master Chuang. The author, Professor Michael R. Saso, acted as a "participant/observer" on Taiwan as he recorded the style of magic from the Ch'ing-wei sect (The Heavenly Pilot, a Tantric Taoist order from the Tang Dynasty), from manuals originally in the collection of Wu Ching-ch'un, and as interpreted and practiced by Master Chuang.

The book TAOIST MASTER CHUANG contained the interesting 4th century Mao shan sect (Highest Purity Order of the Yellow Court Canon) rituals of the Tao of the Left black magic (Chapt. 4) and the Orthodox rituals of the Tao of the Right 'Thunder Magic' (Chapt. 5); and instructions of the use of the 'Lu' which is a register of spirit names. The Heterodox Tao of the Left black magic emphasized rituals to summon the six evil chia spirits; while the Orthodox Tao of the Right used 'Thunder Magic' to deflect those spirits. And the ritual of the 'chiao', bringing the priest into direct contact with the Tao itself, was explained to be dependent upon fasting, and a diet of simple foods, whole grains, and vegetables to alter the body's internal alchemy to become receptive to the required ritual. Also included were the drawn Talismans, finger-formed Mudras, and the chanted Mantras of all Ch'ing-wei sect rituals.

The book TAOIST MASTER CHUANG revealed that esteem and validity amongst Taiwanese Taoist priests seemed to rely on the possession of antique manuals, and that priests were constantly stealing each others books to gain knowledge of the name and descriptions of different spirits and the talismic charms and mantric incantations to control them; plus how to learn to perform various funeral and birth rituals. It appeared that being a Taoist priest in Taiwan was no different than any other vocation and individuals fell on Taoism as a means of making a living.

The subject of the book, Master Chuang Teng-yun (Chuang who ascends the Clouds) despite his alcoholism and bad temper, was a first rate expert on Meng-wei orthodox Taoism and a conscientious adherent to all the proper liturgy and rites of Ch'ing-wei Thunder Magic. Master Chuang was also one of the few advanced ordained Taoist priests on Taiwan who knew how to perform the rituals properly. Such as the dance of the Ho-T'U at the end of the Chiao festival which would bring the priest in direct contact with the Tao itself! Or the proper interpretation of the eight trigrams of King Wen; the Lo-shu (the octagon design you see on placemats at Chinese restaraunts).

Regardless of any scholastic short-comings, the book TAOIST MASTER CHUANG is an important work for the lay student of escoteric religious Taoism, contained a great depth of information which will require several readings, and should be read in conjunction with 'SEVEN TAOIST MASTERS: A Folk Novel of China'(c.1990) by Eva Wong