Ohio Books

Yes, if you want the truth --THIS is your book, should be titled "Dr. Sam Sheppard, Guilty as Hates"; which is probably where he resides... And you remember the "clawed" instrument that was such a mystery and they thought it was a medical instrument ? Well doesn't every home in America have a device called a hammer (it has a clawed end.)

The Marilyn Sheppard murder mystery refuses to die. It's a good guess that if her ghost were to rise out of the grave and identify her actual killer, it wouldn't change anyone's settled convictions about the case and the question of who the murderer was. That said, William Mason and Jack P. DeSario's narrative of the third (final?)Sheppard trial three years ago should settle some of the long-standing myths and misconceptions about the case that is believed (erroneously)to have inspired "The Fugitive" television series. This is a detailed, passionately argued and frankly partisan account of prosecutor Mason's successful defense on behalf of the State of Ohio against Sam Reese Sheppard's wrongful imprisonment suit. As such, it offers a blow-by-blow account of the assertions made by Sheppard's attorney Terry Gilbert and how Mason and his staff demolished them during the lengthy civil suit that ended with a decisive verdict for the State on April 20, 2003. It's all here: the obligatory rehashes of the murder, the 1954 trial, the 1966 trial, the decade-long campaign by Sheppard's defenders to finger Richard Eberling as the real killer, and the bizarre legal strategies that culminated in Terry Gilbert's courtroom defeat? Most interestingly, Mason and DeSario's account suggests fascinating questions that it does not answer. Why, for example, did Sam Reese Sheppard and Terry Gilbert insist on presenting the jury with the narrative of a"happy" marriage for Sam and Marilyn Sheppard--an ironic echo of Sam's foolish lies about his marriage during his initial interrogation and inquest? Why did Sam Reese and Gilbert overhype the implications of their much-touted--but ultimately disappointing--DNA evidence? Did they really believe that the evidence in their civil suit was that strong--or did they gamble that the State would fold before or during the trial and reach an out-of-court settlement? Mason and DeSario don't answer these questions but their book effectively recapitulates the relentless evidence that persuaded the 3rd Sheppard jury.
The book might have benefited from a change in tone. Although it is told in the third person, it is clearly from Mason's perspective and might have had a slightly less self-justifying tone if related in the first person. Mason's anger over the tactics and assertions of the plaintiff are evident on almost every page and it would be interesting to more directly encounter the personality muted by the third-person approach here. Bottom line: this book convinced me more than ever that Sam Sheppard was guilty. It's hard to believe, after reading this book, that Same Reese and Gilbert dared to show up in court with such flimsy "new evidence." It probably won't change any minds about the case but it is at least a worthy if lone counter to the seven or so volumes that have trumpeted Sam Sheppard's alleged innocence since 1954.

Several books have been written about the famous Marilyn Sheppard murder case. The great majority of them have been decidedly pro-Dr Sam. Now, at last, the prosecutors have broken their silence as far as books are concerned. This is an extremely interesting account of the third Sheppard trial (the civil suit against the state of Ohio, brought by Sam Reese Sheppard for wrongful imprisonment of his father, Dr Sam Sheppard). The photographic material is outstanding: finally I can see what coroner Gerber meant when he spoke about a surgical instrument having made a bloody imprint on Marilyns pillow case (not that he was right about that, but the strange "instrument-like" impression is clearly visible). The most powerful aspect of this book is that it is completely focused on evidence and facts. There is, for instance, an appendix with the original police report and various statements by Dr Sam. The reader can read, line for line, the cross-examination of Dr Sam Sheppard during the trial in 1954. This emphasis on the facts of the case enables the reader to interpret the available evidence in one or the other direction. My only criticism (and the reason for not giving five stars) is that the focus tends to be so much on the evidence and law aspects that the human beings sometimes get a little lost. Otherwise, an excellent account and probably the last word on the Sheppard case (although this case seems to be a neverending story, so one never knows...).

I have believed that Sam Sheppard was innocent since I first read an article about this case when I was ten years old. I'm from Ohio and felt Dr. Sam was tried and convicted by the press and public.
When I purchased this book, adding it to my Sheppard murder case book colection, I tried not to accept the evidence presented in the book. But there is one piece of information that chilled me to the bone and made me reconsider that Marilyn's killer might very well be Sam. Marilyn's step mother told the prosecutor that when she and her husband, Marilyn's father, went to the Sam parent's home the day the murder occured neither Sam's mother nor father mentioned Marilyn or what had happened. They showed off their new house, offered cookies and tea and acted as though it were just another day. Also there is evidence that Stephen Sheppard might have assisted Sam in covering up the murder. Read the book and when you get to those parts it will creep you out as well.
I feel bad for Sam Reese Sheppard, Sam and Marilyn's son. I know he feels his father is innocent, but he was in the courtroom when this evidence was presented, did it ever cross his mind that his father might have done it? Perhaps not premeditated, but a rage killing that he felt he had to cover up to save his reputation? On the other hand how could anyone carry that burden all those years and never tell anyone? If Sam's family helped didn't it bother them as well to be a part of it?
This is the first book on the Sheppard case told from the prosecution's point of view. In this book Marilyn is the victim and not Sam, although she was always the victim, I really needed to read a book that would speak for Marilyn and this book does just that.
Whether or not Sam Sheppard is guilty he was still not given a fair trial the first time around. This book is a real eye opener about the Sheppard case. Read it, it will make you think and reconsider your own opinion regarding this historic case.

Once you start reading this book you won't be able to put it down!!!! You don't have to be interested in law to enjoy this book. From the very beginning this book grabs your attention and makes you keep reading. The Sam Sheppard murder case was a truly intriguing case and this book about the trial clarifies the true facts on what really happened the night of the murder. This book is a must read!

Robison's insights into the the progression of the construction of the Kirtland temple are priceless windows into the most significant landmark in the timeline of mormon architecture. This is a great coffee table book for historic preservation buffs and mormoms alike that won't be put down!

Robison's insights into the the progression of the construction of the Kirtland temple are priceless windows into the most significant landmark in the timeline of mormon architecture. This is a great coffee table book for historic preservation buffs and mormoms alike that won't be put down!

Robison's insights into the the progression of the construction of the Kirtland temple are priceless windows into the most significant landmark in the timeline of mormon architecture. This is a great coffee table book for historic preservation buffs and mormoms alike that won't be put down!

Robison's insights into the the progression of the construction of the Kirtland temple are priceless windows into the most significant landmark in the timeline of mormon architecture. This is a great coffee table book for historic preservation buffs and mormoms alike that won't be put down!

Robison's insights into the the progression of the construction of the Kirtland temple are priceless windows into the most significant landmark in the timeline of mormon architecture. This is a great coffee table book for historic preservation buffs and mormoms alike that won't be put down!

I never could find an EKG book that presented a stepwise comprehensive approach to reading EKGs until my senior resident lent this to me during my intern year. The only drawback about this book is that it's only available on the internet!

Dr. Brose's book is an amazing tool for mastering the EKG. I have personally used this text each and every day on rounds and seeing patients in clinic. It is easy to read and contains what every student/intern/resident needs to know. I implore all of you out there that haven't conquered the EKG, to purchase this book and learn how to become a master at interpretation.

Dr. Brose's "Guide to EKG Interpretation" is a resource that all physicians in training should seriously consider acquiring. It is an extremely thorough book, and its size is deceptive. You wouldn't think a small pocket-size book could pack this much information! As an illustration, I had a question on my Part II board exam about a "J wave", something I had never heard of, even after my EKG rotation and delivering a few EKG lectures. As it turns out, Dr. Brose's book addresses the J wave, while many other resources make no mention of it. Also, the material is presented in a way that is clear and very easy to follow. Full of cross-references, you can quickly gain a solid understanding of virtually any issue you'll encounter when interpreting an EKG. I believe that medical students, interns, residents, and attending physicians alike will benefit from owning this book. Certainly, it is something that medical students and interns should have in their pockets (it is not cumbersome...it's a perfect size).

This book has good illustrations and is written in some color. It breaks-down all of the common disrhythmias and explains much of what you need to know. Also illustrates the areas of the heart that is effected with certain types of disrhythmias. One of the better books I have found at this point. I think they should print a bigger textbook size of this book, it would be even more useful.

Great Ekg pocket!!. Very straight, not boring and easy understanding of the Ekg. Really helpful and time saving. Not a headache anymore on reading Ekg. From simple explanation to more complicated but easy to understand. Great for interns and residents.You should have it!.

This is a great book for people that like ghost stories. Some of the stories are good and some of them are dumb. A good story is the one about the hidden driver.Some of the ones that are bad is the one were some people hear a noise and they think that it was a ghost. It is kind of a hrd book to under stand, but over all it is a good book. The book is about Chris Woodyard going around Ohio and finding ghost stories. I have read a similiar is called the Bone Collecter. It is about a murder that kill people and leaves a bone clue.I think that you should at least read one of the hauted ohio books.

Haunted Ohio is a book that has many different stories in it. It has some stories that are really scary and some that are just weird. There is this one really cool story about this little girl that sits by her own grave and cry's .And in another story there was an old man that had done something really bad to this girl and had gotten her pregnant and the man had taken the child and hid it from its mother. A few days later the woman died and she is still looking for her child today.

I liked this book a lot because of all of the different stories in it so you're not just reading about one thing so it makes the book a little more interesting. One thing that I didn't like about the book was that some of the stories are kind of boring.

Woodyard's fun and just-scary-enough series about true hauntings in the Buckeye state has kept Ohioans entertained for a decade now. These reports on supposedly haunted sites throughout the state combine anecdotal evidence along with results of investigations into the alleged presences. Over the years this series has taken us from Cincinnati's infamously ghost-infested Gothic masterpiece, Music Hall, to the defunct (but still howlingly paranormal) century-old state prison, Dayton's most spirit-filled graveyard (where a boy and his dog are often seen among the dozens of reported spirits) and even the tale of a ghostly wolf often seen in the mountain country of southeast Ohio. This is good stuff! Read it on a breezy October night by candlelight or read it at high noon in July, it works for any occasion!

HAUNTED OHIO 4 is a book full of short stories about ghosts. These stories are true, as told by the people who experienced them. These hauntings are from all over Ohio. There are stories about pets that come back to haunt, ghosts who leave things such as money, and ones who take things like macaroni.
I liked this book because it really makes you wonder if ghosts are real, and if there really could be haunted places. One thing I didn't like about this book was that there is too much extra detail, which lets your attention drift away from the book.
In my opinion, HAUNTED OHIO 4 is a good book that should be read by anyone who likes ghost stories.

This is an excellent book for someone who loves a good ghost story. The reason I like this book is because it's true. Haunted Ohio IV is a sacry, but very good book. It chills you and excites you at the same time. Not good for bed time reading, unless yuo want to have nightmares. An excellent book. A must for anyone who likes a good scare

This book was amazing. I could not put it down. It is a must for Ohio State fans. I will remember Woody after reading this.

This book was amazing. I could not put it down. It is a must for Ohio State fans. I will remember Woody after reading this.

This book shows Woody Hayes as the true person, not just the ranting coach on the sideline. As an aspiring coach, I see Woody as an excellent model for success. His genuine love and concern for his players is unique and inspiring. This book is a must read for those who want to see Woody as his players, friends, and family see him. Great book about a Great man.

I was surprised that such a complete collection of stories and experiences existed. Woody was bigger than life but at the same time he was only a simple man that expected the best from everyone he touched. A must read for all fans--not just Buckeyes!

being woody's grandson, i liked it, there was a wide array of people talking to the author about him. I thought that my favorite section was the last, the friends, foes and fans part. it seems as if many people here in columbus have their own personal run-in or encounter with him and for me, those stories are infitley more interesting than anything else.

the recollections from the players and coaches were good, but they kind of blurred together under the "they may be smarter than me but i can outwork 'em" mantra.

overall, good job. the photos were pretty interesting. we have a few at home that will never make it out, including one of woody in my darth vader helmet at christmas (i must've been ten or less).

The Sociey for American Archaeology chose this book for its Public Audience Book Award. It is a fine choice.

This beautiful book has many things to recommend it: the importance of the subject, the beauty of the artwork and the photography, the quality of the contributors and the masterful presentation by its author, Dr. Bradley T. Lepper.

Ohio is loaded with treasure for archaeologists. Not one but four ancient Ohio sites are likely to receive World Heritage status from UNESCO in the next few years. These include Fort Ancient, the Newark Earthworks, the Serpent Mound and the earthworks at the Hopewell Culture National Historical Park in Chillicothe. Just this winter the U.S.Department of the Interior has released a list of fourteen sites it will present to UNESCO for consideration - including all of these. And of course Ohio has even more amazing ancient places and stories to offer.

Such treasures call for stunning images, and there are many here. There are also fascinating contributions by more than twenty of the world's authorities on ancient Ohio. It is hard to imagine a better team to teach this subject. But this is more than a coffee-table book and is not an anthology of independent articles. Bradley Lepper leads us through the story from the ice age to the era of early contact between American Indians and Europeans. He writes wonderfully and is the master of both science and story telling.

Ohio Archeology is a must read, with beatiful photos and illustrations, for those wishing to learn the most up-to-date information on the Native Americans of the Woodland Period. Learn how archeologists decipher the mysteries surrounding the amazing earthen monuments of these early Ohioans.

As a long time citizen of Ohio and long time fan of Archaeology, I should have had a much higher awareness of just how much incredible history there is to be had right here in my home state. While I always had a vague notion that people have lived here in Ohio for thousands of years before the first European settlers arrived ... I never encountered any material that seemed to do a very good job of shedding light on this period of the state's history. Well, Mr. Lepper's book does a FANTASTIC job of bringing this part of our state's history the attention it deserves. Great text, diagrams and photos.

Ohio Archaeology is a splendid overview of Ohio's native American cultures and sites. Beautifully illustrated and photographed (including photo's of assembled artifacts) it deserves a place in any collection of materials on the subject.

One of the best acquisitions I've made this year.

Dr. Lepper has written the book I have been waiting for. As a new resident of Ohio, I have been working to understand my new home better, and this book answers many of the questions I have about the earliest residents of this area. I am still reading it so cannot comment on its entirety but it features gorgeous color photographs, helpful maps, and a text accessible to the lay (as in non-professional archaeologist) reader. This book may also answer one of the questions I brought with me from my former home in New Mexico: Where are the builders of the mounds now, and why have so few of their works been preserved? Reading lists and references will help me extend my understanding.

Be sure to read the first book, Whiskey Island, before this one. I started reading Emilie Richards with her Shenedoah Series because of the quilt block titles. She only gets better with each book. This series was exceptional. Good solid reading from start to finish.

I read this book unaware it must be the sequel to "Whiskey Island". Not a problem. The author pulls you in with each character and the storyline going from past to present, then back again was done smoothly. I'm looking for other books by this author!!

I am a devoted Emilie Richards fan ~~ I have read almost all of her books and I totally loved Whiskey Island ~~ it's in my home state and I love books that is set in Ohio since I know the general area. I just love Richards' books since she delves into her characters' lives and she brings her readers along with her into a journey that travels back and forth in time between two different generations of people, especially women. This book is no exception. In fact, it's better than Whiskey Island in some ways ~~ the sisters are more mature and dealing with more mature issues than being single and wondering if they'll ever fall in love.

Each of the sisters are set on their paths that they have chosen in life. Casey, who is not written about very much in this novel, is pregnant and happily married to Jon, her friend from high school. The novel centers mostly on Megan and Peggy. Megan and Niccolo are married but dealing with a shattered saloon that a tornado has torn apart, the growing lack of communication between the two of them and with Megan's restlessness as she is temporarily out of work. Peggy takes her son, Kieran, to Ireland after putting medical school on hold since he has autism and Peggy decided to devote time to helping Kieran learn the basic skills. She also went to be her cousin's companion. Irene, a lovely Irish spinster, is seeking answers to her father's death eighty years before. The sisters all help with the research and along the way, found answers to their own questions and problems as well as discovering the great secret that Irene's father has been holding all those years.

This is a great escape-novel. If you're overwhelmed with life and life's demands, this is the perfect book to sink yourself into for a few days. It's not a demanding reading but it's a fun reading ~~ and Richards keeps you guessing as you turn the pages. Once again, she writes about star-crossed lovers, relationships between husband and wife, between sisters and friends and lovers. It's a wonderful novel. She has the charm to keep you coming back for more.

7-23-04

A multi-layered, multi-generational saga of an Irish family. Spanning the Atlantic ocean and richly populated with a diverse set of characters, Emilie Richards weaves stories together in a flashback style that works, tied together with humor, love, and tragedy. Beginning with a series of disasters during Megan Donaghue's wedding, the reader is then transported to Ireland with sister Peggy and her autistic young son Kieran to the home of a dying distant cousin. Misunderstandings, pubs and saloons, alcoholism, schizophrenia, debilitating grief, miracles, and autism, as well as the requisite red-headed Irish tempers give the story realism, and the setting is casually comfortable. A wonderfully hopeful glimpse into the lives and loves of the Donaghue Sisters.

Occasionally life will hand us a situation and we don't know if we are strong enough to handle.

This is the case for Peggy Donaghue when she learns that her young son is autistic. So she puts her medical career on hold while she struggles to understand the condition that has her son locked in a world of his own. When she receives an offer to spend a year in Ireland with a distant relative, she grabs the opportunity to spend one-on-one time with her son and learn about her family's past in return.

Emilie Richards returns to the story of the Donaghue sisters in her novel, "The Parting Glass," a sequel to her bestselling book, "Whiskey Island," which began the chronicles of the lives of the Donaghue clan, the family who has been apart of Cleveland's large Irish community since days of the first immigrant's arrival.

Richards picks up her story of the feisty Donaghue sisters, focusing on little sister Peggy's story. Her decision to move to Ireland to live with elderly distant cousin Irene Tierney proves to be a move that will affect not only her life, but the lives of her entire family. As Peggy helps Irene unravel the mystery of their connected lineage, they discover family secrets that will soon come clearly important to the American side of the family. Experiencing love in the form of handsome but tragic Dr. Finn O'Malley will prove to be an added adventure that Peg hadn't planned on.

Back in the States, Megan, the eldest sister, has married her true love, Niccolo Andreani, an ex-priest who works with the trouble youth of their close-knit neighborhood. However, on the night of their wedding, a tornado strikes, all but leveling the historic Whiskey Island saloon, revealing a mysterious marking that will change the lives of everyone who comes into view of it. As they work to restore the saloon, Megan and Nick found out that married life is not exactly all wine and roses. As the couple work through communication problems early on, each wonders if they have made a mistake abandoning their former lives.

Only the middle sister, Casey, is living in relative harmony, having married her high school sweetheart, Jon Kovats and now is expecting their first child. But if one Donaghue ain't happy, none of them are happy, and the two older sister travel to Ireland to try to sort out their myriad of problems together, family style.

Intermixed with the Donaghue sisters' story is the story of Irene's family during the early days of Prohibition, and how their family became intertwined with the Donaghues in the beginning. The love story of Glenn Donaghue and Clare McNulty is heartbreaking and poignant.

Emilie Richards wraps up her Whiskey Island saga successfully, tying up loose ends and treating her fans to bits of Irish humor, angst, and whimsy in her writing. She ties her story together with glimpses into the past via letters written between the parish priest and his Irish sister. This gives wonderful background information, as well as bringing the story together for a magnificent and satisfying conclusion.

This is a beautifully written book. I admire the careful descriptions the author gives of her characters. Neil, a widowed artist, comes back to a small town in Ohio after many years away. As you read, you'll find how an old tragedy still affects the characters.
The characters are not saintly by all means and are flawed. For example, Mary never really loved her dificult mother etc. This book doesn't give perfect solutions but gives a feeling of hope.
I enjoy the description of a large family network. The author understands the pull of a strong family connection.
I hope to read more of Ann Tatlock's books soon.

After the death of his wife, art teacher Neil Sadler returns to his hometown of Mason, Ohio, for a summer of rest and healing. The pace is quite different from New York City, and boyhood memories collide with familiar faces: his cousin Grace, in the process of turning the ancestral home into a bed and breakfast; Uncle Bernie, the retired Episcopal priest whose gracious words of wisdom contrast with his silence on confidential matters; and Mary, the distant cousin whose childhood friendship could have blossomed into more.

The latter's presence brings the most surprise and conflict to Neil's life. Mary's father, Cal, was like a second father to Neil and the one person who encouraged his art. Then came the murder, shattering Neil's idealism and Mary's life. New York became Neil's home for the next two dozen years. Mary got married and moved away.

Now Mary's back in Mason. Her husband, a policeman under investigation for killing in alleged self-defense, spends his days drinking to forget. Mary's friend Peg suggests that now is her time to move on, find the happiness she missed with Neil.

But the mystery of the summer of `77 remains. Mary's invalid mother was murdered, and her father, Neil's supportive Uncle Cal, was arrested for the crime - and pled guilty.

This book is a slow weaving of past and present, as old secrets come to life and new truths are found. Poignant description reflects the complex character emotions. If you're looking for fast-paced action and adventure in a quick read you'll soon forget, don't choose this novel. If, however, you want rich characters you can savor getting to know, Tatlock's book is well worth your time. - Katie Hart, Christian Book Previews.com

THINGS WE ONCE HELD DEAR by Ann Tatlock
March 6, 2006

Rating: 5 Stars

Ann Tatlock's THINGS WE ONCE HELD DEAR will be on my list of to books for 2006. While on some levels it works as a Christian-themed story, it works on many other levels, and for someone like me that is anything but Christian, this was a novel that held my attention and captivated me. It's a poignant story about a man who returns home after having been away for many years, to face the demons that sent him away in the first place. But he's also running away (again) from yet another tragedy, that of the death of his wife Caroline.

Neil Sadler is that man that left home when a terrible tragedy struck his family. This tragedy is at the heart of the book, and it is slowly revealed through flashbacks and reminiscences by Neil and other family members. It's a complex story, because not only did it impact Neil in a great way, but also it changed the course of his life. If this incident had not happened, would he have remained in his own town and married the girl that he was in love with all those years ago?

This is a book about nostalgia, about family tragedies, and about forgiveness. On another level it could be about faith in family and in a higher power. But the bottom line is, it's a great novel that will appeal to a wide range of readers. I highly recommend THINGS WE ONCE HELD DEAR.

Ann Tatlock can't get any better, or at least I don't see how! Looking for characters that invite you to walk in their skin? Need a setting that surrounds you? Tatlock laces the pages with secrets waiting to be uncovered. Will life go on for Neil Sadler and Mary Beeken? Don't plan on putting this one down. Things We Once Held Dear--a reader's delight from the writer's writer.

Things We Held Dear by Ann Tatlock is a rare gem of a Christian novel. Neil Sadler returns home to Mason, Ohio after the sudden death of his wife Caroline feeling like he has unfinished business in the town he abandoned almost thirty years ago. He returns to find Mary, the once love of his life, in trouble. Can he rescue her this time instead of abandoning her the way he did so long ago? This book is so full of the little details about life in a small rural town, it's obvious that Tatlock loves and respects the people there. There are no stereotypes here, just people with their flaws and strengths. One of the things that I loved best about this book is that that Christian characters didn't walk around proselytizing the way Christians often do in books. People, at least the ones I know, don't really talk that way. Tatlock's strongest Christian character Uncle Bernie uses St Francis' motto about the faith "Preach the Gospel at all times, if necessary, use words." When Neil does find faith, it happens naturally and doesn't completely change the character, it just gives him more depth. The renovations on the house are a nice metaphor for the changes going on within Neil and the Sadler family itself. Oh, and I did I mention that with all this great detail, plot, and characters, Tatlock also manages to get in a murder mystery? And she handles it deftly. Kudos to Tatlock on a beautiful piece of fiction!

In Xavier Benoit's story, TO PLAY OR NOT TO PLAY, readers embark on a journey of one man's self-discovery as he juggles his career, romantic relationship and the temptations he faces. Malik Standish is a sports journalist about to start a new job assignment which will enable him to secure stability in his relationship with Angel Mychals so they can begin to plan their future together. This new position has him trotting all over the United States following basketball great, James Dollar in his farewell tour before his retirement. Not only does Malik get to travel with the team, he gets to experience the perks of ball players such as fine dining, great parties and lots of women. Not heeding the timely advice of James Dollar, Malik gets caught up in situations that jeopardize his job, his relationship with Angel and even his life.

Angel loves Malik, but the betrayal by her first love two years prior has left her insecure and distrustful. In Malik she has found a man who is charming, handsome and also adheres to her religious convictions of abstinence. However with Malik's new job opportunity, Angel's fears threaten to destroy their relationship and it doesn't help that her first love returns and has her questioning whether she is really over him. Angel must decide whether she wants to continue to push away the man who has stolen her heart or overcome her insecurities.

This novel skirts the edges of Christian fiction because there are inspirational passages used as well as spiritual realizations that occur for the characters. However, the author ensures the characters actions are true to the situations. The author tells the story from the viewpoint of the main characters alternating chapters in doing so. This should enable readers to relate, empathize and really connect with the individual characters, but this unfortunately does not happen. Instead of the characters jumping off the pages, they are one-dimensional and lack enough depth to garner a more emotional attachment. For example, at the most trying time in the relationship for Angel, readers don't get to struggle emotionally through her turmoil instead there is a paragraph of her not going to work and sleeping. Although this novel has a good storyline it lacked fluidity. It seemed to jump around instead of having a natural flow that led to its climatic conclusion. This was due in part to the several subplots involving some of the minor characters. Although the main characters are not perfect, Malik as well as Angel must learn from their mistakes and hold true to their faith in order to love and live a better life. The story is generally engaging, it just needs the skilled hand of an editor to polish its flow and give real conflict and feelings to the characters.

Reviewed by Cashana Seals
of The RAWSISTAZ™ Reviewers

I am very impressed by the arrangement of this book. Not only does this book inspire me...it blessed me with ability to relate to certain situations in the story...and then bringing everything back to the Word...I will read this book again and again...I will definitely continue to advise all race of life to enjoy a wonderful book and I look forward to Xavier's next book.

Very proud of you

This is an amazing book. It captivates you and stimulates your imagination. It has been a very long time since I have picked up a book that I did not want to put down. I could not wait to share this novel with others. Kudos to you Xavier, a job very well done.

I've read this book twice and Im still finding new laughter in each chapter.Its an easy read and it holds your attention from cover to cover.

I loved Xavier's first novel. It was everything that I could have asked for in a book. It was truely a delight for me to read and I am looking forward to seeing much more from this author.

I really like the color key. It's a must for avid gardeners, professioals and beginners.

This book is THE BEST!! My absolute favorite wildflower book for the North Georgia Mountains... and I have tried MANY. I am a professional naturalist and lead wildflower hikes all spring. This book is my bible! I carry it everywhere I go. Easy to use, lots of species covered, wonderful ethnobotany information (great "stories" to use while leading hikes). Detailed enough to get the ID right, general enough for anyone to use. Wonderful wonderful wonderful wonderful book... (as are Lone Pine's other plant books covering other regions.) HIGHLY RECCOMMENDED!!

I love this book. Great photo's. Easy to use. Small enough to take along. Interesting plant lore on every page.

I purchased this book for a friend's birthday and after looking through it, nearly kept it.

I've been cataloging thousands of wildflower photos over the past six years and probably own or have "borrowed" most wildflower field ID guides that are out there. This book is easily my favorite. Why?

Easy to use: A color key w/thumbnail images for more than half of the flowers in the book makes finding the right flower much easier if you do not know which family of flowers to search in. If you do have to browse all the pages then the placement of flower photos along the outside edges of the pages makes thumbing thru the book easier than most. The pages are substantial enough to make for easy browsing too.

Ethnobotanical info: Most flowers have a special paragraph about the historical and current usages of the flowering plants for purposes other than visual pleasure, i.e. medicinal, food, ceremonial, dyes, etc.

I'd been using Jack Carman's book "Wildflowers of Tennessee" as my "bible" for TN wildflowers but now this book with a similar name is my favorite. I still use the Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Wildflowers as a "family locator" because of its easy-to-use key (flower color plus bloom type) when searching for that unknown flower. One big aggravation with the Audubon book is that the details are in the "white pages" somewhere in the back of the book. The Wildflowers of Tennessee book has all of the info right there on the same page as the photo.

For newbies the color key makes this book user friendly--even though the flowers are grouped by family, genus then species (as are most wildflower field guides).

Downside? There are still many, many species flower flowers that have only a description rather than an actual photograph. However, this book is small enough to be practical in the field.

The price is great! I paid almost thirty dollars for the Carman book and it was worth every penny. I don't know how they can sell this fabulous book for such a low price.

Highly recommended. If you want to buy only one wildflower ID book for the Smokies then this is it.