Publishers Books

The Ghostwriter & The Muse is an all-encompassing book:
1. About the hope a Mother feels that her beloved son will get well;
2. The love the two of them share and the promise they make to keep in touch, through eternity;
3. The courage it took to take all the steps necessary to write a book, not just about her son's transition, but the process of writing a novel; and finally,
4. The faith to continue through all the trials and errors to the ultimate achievement of publication!

I agree with the reviews already written and want to add that Madeline Westbrook, inspires hope in all of us who aspire to write a book one day. Madeline is a beautiful 71 year young lady who found it necessary to return to school to fulfill a promise made to her dying son. She not only had to return to school; she had to start from scratch -- she had to learn to type, to use a computer. She shares these trials with her readers in an infinitely humorous way.

A must read for everyone! Madeline will have you laughing and crying and when you finish you will be hopeful not only about love, courage, and faith but your spirit will be renewed and uplifted. Oh, did I mention - this book is not only a great read but an easy one - the print is big enough to see!

I ordered this book because it was written by a congregant at my church. It arrived on a Saturday morning and I did not put it down until I finished reading it late that afternoon.

Briefly, it is a story by the mother of a young and successful attorney who afflicted with cancer in the prime of his life. As he nears death, he reveals to his mother a plan to communicate with her after his death and asks her to write a book about the entire exprience. She agrees and is directed to a local university to take writing lessons from a man who was her son's favorite teacher.

Because of the family's Scottish heritage, one tool to be used in communication is to be bagpipes, which is also a favorite instrument of the son. Another method is through a local radio station which they both listened to.

After her son's death, an amazing series of events and "coincidences" lead her and the family on an incredible quest, from the local cemetary to a pilgrimage to Scotland and finally to a dude ranch in the Texas hill country.

This is a story of not only a mother's grief in losing her son, but but of searching for and finding a new hope as doors are opened and new and unexplained experiences bring the family into a closer sense of unity. This book is well worth reading and sharing.

This wonderful book adds to my list of spiritual events which serve to bolster my faith-based beliefs that loved ones who have passed are not truly lost to us forever.

Miracles of love do happen every day. The Ghostwriter and the Muse is one of them.

This poignant story of a bereaved mother's attempt to fulfill her son's last request touches the heart and feeds the soul. With humor and pathos, Madeline Westbrook creates a tale of searching, despair, and ultimate triumph over death. Mrs. Westbrook builds her bridge to eternity with courage and determination, and in doing so, she gives all of us hope.

The Ghostwriter and the Muse is a touching, beautifully told story and a source of comfort and reassurance to anyone who has lost a loved one. Having recently lost my husband, I had not yet been able to focus enough to enjoy reading novels again, but once I started reading Madeline Maxine Westbrook's book, I was not able to put it down until I had read it from cover to cover. What an inspirational bridge of love there is between mother and son! This mother's son must be smiling down from heaven, seeing what his mother has accomplished on his behalf here on earth---what a very special tribute and memorial to him, and what a special gift for her readers! Thank you to Margery, who was thoughtful enough to share this book with me.

I'm going to be honest: I kind of hate this novel.

Why? Because someone else was reading it, and when I was fourteen I picked it up and literally could not put it down until I finished it.

I'd never read about the Tudors/been into historical fiction before, and this book served to instantly addict me. I've torn through any books I came across on the era, I majored in European History (rather than something PRACTICAL that would actually have made me money), and you know what?

I have never found its equal.

This was simply an amazing, deep, addictive book, which amazing writing. The dialogue was brilliant, the innuendo and doublespeak of courtiers so well-captured. It sets the standard, and unfortunately nothing I've read, and I suspect nothing I'll EVER read, about Elizabeth or the Tudors will live up to this book.

There. Thanks, Susan Kay-- and no thanks for both addicting and ruining me.

I have read over a thousand historical novels,and this definitely is the best. Not just in court history, but it falls into the category of the most well written book ever to grace print. Could not put it down...

I have read many fictionalized biographies of Elizabeth I, but this one is the gold standard. It is quite remarkable that Kay is able to detail Elizabeth's entire life in under 500 pages, yet I did not feel anything important had been overlooked or shortchanged. This would be a terrific first read as well as entirely satisfying to someone already very familiar with the details of the Virgin Queen's life and reign. Kay's depiction of Elizabeth's psychology rings very true and, although she answers the age-old "did she or didn't she" question differently than many historians have, her portrayal of Elizabeth's intimate relationship with Leicester is completely believeable. Kay has managed to synthesize the "feel" of the period without bogging down in unnecessary, dry historical discourse. I felt I understood Elizabeth and her motivations and inner workings more intimately than in any other biography of her I have read. There is no white washing of her shortcomings or exaggeration of her virtues. In my opinion, this author comes as close as possible to capturing the essence of this queen, both as a woman and as a ruler. Remarkable and exceptional writing. Very highly recommended.

Unlike the trash heaps by Philippa Gregory or Laurien Gardner, Susan Kay actually wrote a compelling novel AND kept history intact. A tough balance act but she managed it. Ever the master of human emotion Kay builds up Elizabeth's emotional turmoil from Anne Boleyn's miserable end to the execution of her last favorite, Lord Essex. Chilling and colorful this book brings Elizabeth to life like no other novel I've read before or since. One can hate this Queen Bess at one moment only to love her at the next, like the real life queen Kay's Elizabeth keeps you guessing and when she reaches the emotional breaking point over having Mary Stuart executed one cannot help but feel for this woman. EXQUISITE in every way!

This book absolutely deserves all the glowing reviews it has received on this site. I am so happy my local library had a copy of it. I was hooked from the very first sentence and I didn't put the book down all day.

I have read many books on the life of Elizabeth I, but this book ranks at the top. Susan Kay's prose is stunning and her story-telling capability is masterful. Kay truly transports you back to the time of Elizabeth to such a degree that you can smell the rushes on the floor of the palace, feel the piercing gaze of Elizabeth's eyes on you, and feel the tension and danger of court intrigue.

It is a brilliant book and a must read for anyone interested in Elizabeth I. (Or anyone who appreciates exceptionally good writing) Oh, and this book has no business being out of print! It is far superior than most Elizabeth I books that are on the shelves of bookstores right now.

Just add me to the pack of people who loved this book as a child, and who are now reading it to their own children.

One of the things I want to add to the accolades is that this makes a good book for children to read. It is particularly satisfying because it has a good story -- something that is sometimes lacking in beginning readers.

As far as level I would say that it is at a first grade level which is to say that the print is still fairly large, but that there are more sentences per page than the very beginning readers are used to.

Big Red got back up on the
bank.
I tried and tried to get there too.
But I could not.
My feet were cold.
My hands were cold.
I was cold all over.
"Help! Help!" I called.
But Big red could not help me.

Five Stars. Classic story with wonderful artwork.

10 Star First Reader for children just learning the value of friendship and the feelings of others. Ideal for learning compassion, how deeply felt are hurt feelings, and how to fix them. Weighs the importance of ego vs humility, easily discernable and also appeals to a child's sense of ineptitude which arises naturally from his or her vulnerability as a child. Always a "first choice" if it hasn't been read in a while, and always a great pick for instilling confidence on difficult days, reminding both parents and adults that everyone is special, and that everyone has value, and can be productive and useful. A wonderful story of intimacy and rescue to which children instantly relate and appreciate, setting a foundation for lifelong compassion in the dignity of others, and respect for their emotions.

This book was one of my first reads in the elementary school library. Little Black, should be in everyone's library. Very good illustrations. Easily read to little children. One of my better memories of childhood books and now hard to find.

I found this book while going through a collection of books that belonged to my Grandmother - a former elementary school teacher. I immediately showed it to my 3 year old son who LOVES horses. We read this book several times a week. It is hands down, his favorite. The book is written in such a way that it holds a child's attention endlessly. My son gets a wide array of expressions on his face as I read it to him and he looks at the neat pictures. It is too bad that this book is no longer in print. Books written like this nowadays are few and far between. A favorite, a classic, a keepsake!

I am angry that the reviews that are shown for this book are the ones for the original version, which appears to be out of print. This is *not* the original story with the wonderful pictures that I loved as a child, the ones that are mentioned in several of the reviews; this seems to be one "translated into Navajo" and with different illustrations. Judging from the cover, I don't like them. Be warned: This is *not* the book you remember.

James Thurber was one of the funiest authors of all time and this book cements his reputation. I enjoyed it many years ago and after re-reading it, I enjoyed it again.

Should be required reading for all folks of any age looking for an introduction to life in these United States, for those learning to overcome despair and disaster with humor and grace, for any and all learning the English language.

Thurber is a great favorite of mine, and this was another fun book to read.

Take your mind back half a century and read these mildly amusing essays about life in the 1920s and 1930s. The style is so different from modern prose, but it is well worth the read.

Thurber's classic about growing up in Columbus, Ohio is laugh out loud funny, even 80 years removed. Talent like this is rare. He deserves his literary reputation.

I met Larry Flynt once. It left an impression on me. It wasn't good. The man just seemed to have sleeze permeate out of his pores. And he seemed all spaced out, like way too many drugs had interacted with way too much debauchery, intermixing in a personality that was pretty degraded right from the get-go. What must it be like to work for such a man?

Allan MacDonell knows, and he tells all the dirt in PRISONER OF X. An inside story of the man who rose to top of the pond scum at Larry Flynt Publications, it is a story well worth reading, boys and girls. Well worth reading.

For some quirk of personality that would require years of therapy to explain, MacDonell had always wanted to work for a smut mag when he finally landed the job at Hustler. What he found was a work environment that was akin to a school of piranhas, with each fish trying its hardest to eat the flesh off of anyone higher up the ladder. And with Larry himself often enjoying the spectacle, like a Roman emperor enjoying the modern day gladiators of smut trying to take one another down. Amazingly, the dude lasted 19 years.

During that time, MacDonell met his share of pornstars, celebrities, and, of course, downright degenerates, many of whom were on the payroll. But many were more famous, and no details are spared. Even if you are familiar with the Godfather of Soul's reputation with the ladies, you wil still be really, really alarmed at what you read here. MacDonell also was there for some of the high times, like when Hustler took down Congressman Livingston, who was set to become Speaker of the House, or the offer to Jenna Bush to pose naked for a cool $10 million.

Often hilarious, often mermerizing, PRISONER OF X also often leaves you with the same feeling as you have after looking at porn. You known, all empty inside and a bit embarassed. But for some reason, you keep going back, don't you? Yeah, you know you do. And you want to check out this book, too. Don't you? Well, do it. It won't leave any permanent damage.

This is an interesting book by a writer who worked his way up the ranks at Hustler magazine for twenty years. He's brutally honest about the inner workings of the magazine including his descriptions of the pedophile Dwaine Tinsley and the sociopathic Larry Flynt, as well as about his own moral and social failings. This is good reading for anyone interested in the history of the magazine or in learning about what it was like working inside the porn magazine industry during the latter part of the Twentieth Century. As to be expected it's sexually explicit so if that bothers you, you might want to skip this one. The sexual descriptions were not gratuitous and I felt they were necessary for the honest story-telling this book provides.

You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll wish that once in a while you had actually read some of the articles. This book is as hilarious as Hustler often was during Allan's tenure. A common misconception about this book is that it is about Larry Flynt. This book is not about Larry Flynt--it is about Allan MacDonell. If you want to learn more about Larry Flynt, you should probably visit his website. If you want to learn more about what it is REALLY like to oversee the day-to-day operations of America's most notorious stroke rag--penile scabs and all--then this is the book for you! My only complaint about Prisoner of X is that Allan has not yet recorded an audio-book version, but that's coming up next, right Mr. MacDonell?

Is it possible to write a book where the main character is yourself and you are the hero only because everyone else is insane, a sleazebag or just generally unpleasant? The author, MacDonell, at least, proves that you can. I kept thinking, "Boy, this guy's a jerk," at the same time I feverishly sped through his 20 year memoir of working at Hustler magazine. The stories he tells are at times shocking, sad, hilarious, occasionally boring (but these bits pass quickly), titillating and raucous (hey, kind of like Hustler magazine itself!). One can't help but feel for the guy at the same time one might not want anything to do with him.

The first half of the book is probably the toughest on his character (and interestingly he doesn't spare himself much). He was abusing drugs, women and himself, paranoid that he would be fired on a daily basis, and basically existing hand to mouth on his low wages (dating a girl at one time because she owned a VCR!). At a certain point time (after a particularly scaring DUI incident) he gets cleaned up and doesn't even drink. It's somewhat downplayed, but his success at the magazine soars at this point.

While he bashes almost everyone, (name dropping Dennis Hopper, Frank Zappa, who at times were friends of Flynt or connected to the magazine, and he cares for neither), he is particularly nasty to his fellow inmates at the asylum and of course hardest on his pyscho boss, Larry Flynt. (Once again these people probably deserve even worse criticism), but it would be nice to hear a more good tales (he admits at one point that his staff - when he rises to power - was actually a good one).

Comparison's have been made to Hunter S. Thompson, and while I think these are somewhat accurate as far as characters and subject matter, that should not indicate that the writing (and or editing) is nearly in that league. The book feels a little flabby (and repetitive near the end), and probably could have been 50 pages shorter.

Another complaint is no photos - it would be nice to know what some of these people looked like. The great cover art is by Daniel Clowes but there are no further illustrations (that would have been better than photos!)

Besides all the juicy gossip about the mag there is also some poltical stuff that is very fascinating (as they destroy one Republican senator's career, defend Clinton and try to trash Bush (Jr.). If you've ever read the magazine this book will be of interest to you. Even better on the porn industry itself is "The Other Hollywood: The Uncensored Oral Histroy of the Porn Film Industry" by Legs McNeil (also reviewed by yours truly).

Although the prose is a little self consciously rich at times, this is the most laugh out loud funny book I have read since Howard Stern's Private Parts memoir.The most inside look at not only Flynt and Hustler but the entire porn scene from the 80's and 90's. His description of porn legend Tori Welles on page 118 is uncanny-"Complexion the color of cinnamon or bourbon, brunette mane of body and bounce, flaunting the defiant cheekbones and chin of an urchin empress, the sublime Ms. Welles stepped with the self-assurance of the lifelong stone fox." (See what I mean about the prose?) When he's done describing her, you will know exactly what she looked like and what her sexual magnetism was all about even if you have never seen her. Hilarious, insightful, sarcastic. Would make a great movie.

If you have ever struggled with your roles in life, then you will definitely identify with Grace Naybor. Grace is a young single woman with a successful writing career. However, her success runs short when it comes to her relationships with men, her mother, her best friend, and God.

This book contains so many lessons on so many levels without a preachy tone. The main characters are in different stages of their spiritual journey. We see Grace trying to fix her problems without God, which leads to disappointment and self-destruction. Trina, Grace's drama-filled best friend, accepts Christ in the beginning of the story. Mike, a charming and successful businessman, is committed to his relationship with God. He desires to win Grace to Christ and make her the woman in his life.

This book will inspire, encourage, and empower all readers. I enjoyed it so much that I purchased several copies to give to relatives. Ryan Phillips, who was only 22 years old when she wrote Saving Grace, has such an incredible writing style. It is hard to believe that this is her first novel. She made me fall in love with the characters from the first chapter. They are real and fallible--the saved and unsaved.

I was glad to know that the story of Grace, Trina, and Mike does not end with this novel. After reading Saving Grace, readers can follow these remarkable characters in Fall From Grace, which was published last year.


Tameka Delaney Edwards, Books Editor
WOW! (Women of the Word) Magazine - Inspire, Encourage, Empower
www.wowmagazine.org

I read this book about 2 years ago and was really impressed with it. So, when I found out that she had a follow-up to the book I quickly purchased it again to familiarize myself with the characters. It's a real tear-jerker. Ryan Phillips does a great job of capturing the the inner emotional conflict of Grace and the story is very relatable. I was surprised that Ms. Phillips was so young because she writes like a seasoned veteran. It was a really great read and I eagerly anticipated finishing the follow-up Fall from Grace.

I couldn't put this book down. A great read if you are looking for an exciting wonderful love story without all the sleeziness. I really enjoyed the characters. I am waiting for this author to write something else.

I thought I was alone, but it seems that everyone that read this book had the same admiration! This is definately a "can't put it down" book.
I would start reading at 10p only to look up see that midnight has come
and gone. Great Job! I am off to get the sequel as soon as I'm done with this one!

I was in Walmart looking for a new book to read. I pick up Ryan Phillips book and could not but it down. For this to be her 1st book she did an excellent job. I look forward to reading more of your books. My little sister finish the book in 1 day. I told a couple of my girlfriends about this book also. "MY HATS OFF TO YOU"

We are currently doing Seeking Him in 2 small groups at our church. The second session we had a hard time getting the session started due to everyone wanting to share how they were impacted by the Holy Spirit this week through this study. Bible Study can't get any better than that! My prayer is that God speaks mightily to you through this study and that are able to put these truths into action through the power of Jesus Christ.

If you are ready and willing to examine yourself and let God do the work in you that needs to be done, then this study is the study for you. You must be willing to be honest with yourself. God already knows, but you have to find it out and then be willing to change. After doing this study God began a work in me and brought me to such a higher place in Him. I did this study about 2 years ago and am still reaping the fruit of it. I praise Him for this book and highly recommend it.

This was is great shape! I just thought I was ordering a book...not a workbook. My mistake.

This is the most amazing study and will get you closer to God. We have been all sharing and getting closer together also. It is great for personal revival. I have had experience with Life Action Ministries in a real life revival and it changed my life. Do it! God Bless.

My husband and I are doing this Bible study along with our church. This study encourages believers to really examine our faith walk! This study is challenging and a tremendous blessing in refining our walk with Jesus!

Scripturally and Experientially accurate!

The book came to me several years ago when I desperately need validation of the prophetic gift.

I have shared copies of the book with several people to help them understand their prophetic calling, gift, and its operation.

I highly recommend it to anyone needing validation of their gift, or wanting to understand how Father God moves through His servants the prophets.

James Goll is a man after Gods own heart.

He shares the Truth that has been shown to him and backs these God given insights with Scripture.

This book is so well written.Prophecy as a whole seems so confusing, but the author really breaks it down. I have been told I have the prophetic gift, but have been scared of it since childhood,due to enemy attack. I think a lot of people who have been involved in the "new age" or "occult" type junk does have the gift, but have been misdirected by satan in the hopes they will misappropriate it. This book is very user friendly.

I found this book very interesting and informative. This is an excellent tool for the church prophet. It is full of revelations and wisdom that you can build on.

This book is Awesome! It really helped me to understand the difference between and Seer and Prophet and the various gifting they each have. It also provided scripture refrences to various Seers in the bible that were also prophets. This is a must have for the Prophet / Seer and those desiring to know there prophetic giftings and how to distinguish the call according to those gifts.

Lanesa Stubbs

Over the past few years an avant-garde style of bird identification has arisen. The classic "Peterson Identification Method" (much revered by bird lovers, instrumental in the formation of birding itself, and still highly useful), which stresses the importance of unique "field marks" is slowly ceding to a new holistic approach (also known as GISS: General Impression of Shape and Size).

This guide is at the forefront of that movement, along with Pete Dunne's Essential Field Guide Companion, and should be on the shelf of any birder who wishes to improve his or her identification skills. Novice birders often wonder at the mastery of experts who can identify birds far away immediately without raising their binoculars; such ability can only come with experience, but this book offers valuable insight into that esoteric ability.

This is the Bird ID book that can stay on the coffee table. Pages and pages of wonderful pictures of shorebirds make up the front section of the book. Let me be quick to point out if you are looking for gulls or terns they will not be in this book. This is a book about the small brownish birds ( sometimes called Peeps) that can be seen on our shores. Sanderlings, sandpipers, Godwitts, Dunlin, and our rapidly declining Red Knots are the subjects of this book. If you want to know shore birds this is the book.

This book was extremely helpful for identifying shorebirds. It shows them on the ground close up, in flight and in flocks. Detailed descriptions of status, taxonomy, behavior, migration, molt and vocalizations. Photography is excellent. If you live on or near water and need a guide, this is the one!

I bought this book for my uncle who LOVES bird watching and he is amazed with this book! It offers a lot of information many other books don't. I highly recommend purchasing this for the bird lover! :)

Of all of the information available that involves Shorebirds, this book is equal to none. It provides the most organized and complete understanding of the complicated life cycles of these birds. The photograpy is excellent not only in its quality but also in its visualizations of the different life cycles. The book advances how we look upon these types of birds by drawing refined attention to their life cycles and their ecosystems. This is a must have for all birders libraries.

This book has a great wealth of information for the Christain who wants to protect themselves against the onslaught of satan's attacks.
Everything is Bibical and shows you where in the bible to go to find this information.

Ray Pritchard was inspired to write Stealth Attack following the events of September 11 2001, which were a clear demonstration - as if any were needed - that Satan is alive and kicking and intent on destroying us.

The struggle between the forces of good and evil is one that has been going on since the beginning of time, and Christians know that the Bible assures us that in the end, good will prevail and evil will be defeated. However, even though we already know the eventual outcome, Satan uses every dirty trick available to try and convince us otherwise. He seeks to make us doubt and to discourage and eventually destroy us.

In Stealth Attack, we are shown how Satan attacks us - and how we can fight back. Pastor Ray Pritchard draws on the Scriptures and explains how we can use the teachings found in the Bible to arm ourselves for the fight and win the war with evil.

I have read this book from cover to cover twice now and I highly recommend it for any Christian who is struggling and needs help with the constant battle with the devil. Which is probably the majority of us.

I enjoyed this book. Ray comes at you with a Pastor's heart with the goal of encouraging, strengthening, and helping the believer see the reality of our adversary.

Satan will attack. It's obvious that spiritual warfare is real. We have been going through so much lately it seems that Satan is trying to attack everything from our kids to our everyday life. But, you know what? He can and will NOT win. He will be defeated, so his reign here on earth is simply - short lived!
This book is so well written (as usual from Ray Pritchard books) I urge you to read this as it will help you understand the world in which we live. It will encourage you! We cannot be afraid of what is around the corner "Live without fear!"

I spent the summer slowly digesting this book and it was well worth the time I spent reading and chewing on it. It reminds of a book I read a few years back by William Gurnall "The Christian In Complete Armour" which was written by a Puritan and is a classic on spiritual warfare. Pritchard's book is for those Christians who want to be aware of what is happening around them and how to fight (spiritually) back against the spiritual forces aligned against us. I especially loved Ray Pritchard's chapter called "Singing Your Way to Victory". Thanks Ray for helping Christians remember and use the weapons we have been given to fight the real "stealth" enemy. You will not regret the money and time spent reading this book.