Texas Books

This landscape guide is an excellent tool for your Texas landscape. One of the best items (other than full color renderings), is that the book show you what plants will look like from initial planting to full-grown plants. I would highly recommend it.

I'm a certified Master Gardener and I find this book so helpful and really good for Texas landscapes. It is clear and has great illustrations. This book should be in every Texas gardener's book collection!

Having recently purchased my first home I picked up five different gardening books. I don't even know where the other four have gone, but now I have two of this one. It's a great guide which covers everything from plants that should thrive in the area (including care, size, and how to select), to various designs for commonly-found areas around your home.

It even covers various landscape construction projects such as fences, walks, and patios, and is well-written and illustrated throughout.

[...]

New edition is a wealth of knowledge for each area of Texas. Sections on walkways and paths and sections on specific plants for your area are the best I've read.

I've known Tweed for over 30 years and if anyone could write this book it had to be him. This book is about growing up in Texas and what makes it so special. From Willie to Darrell Royal, you get to know how they felt about growing up in Texas and what it still means to them. I highly recommend this book, even though I might be just a little bias...and yes I'm in the book too. Great job, Tweed.

Anyone with a love for Texas or interest in its history will enjoy this book. Design is superb, as is the content. Loved it so much, I just ordered 2 for friends, and I'm sure I'll be back for more in the future.

Enhanced with an informative foreword by Kinky Friedman, Texas In Her Own Words as told by Tweed Scott is a fascinating and informative study of the Texan. Compiling interviews with people drawn from all walks of Texas life, Texas In Her Own Words includes commentary and observations from stars such as Willie Nelson, Darrell Royal, and Liz Carpenter; a wealth of fun and interesting facts of the great state; illustrative pictures vividly capturing the pride of many Texans; the origin of the Texas image and attitude; and discussion points for diehard Texans or book groups study the history and culture of the Lone Star State. Texas In Her Own Words is very highly recommended for its concise analysis of Texas pride and its wonderful in-depth coverage of every given style and stereotype of Texan.

Reviewed by Irene Watson for Reader Views (04/06)

"To me I'm not an American. I'm a Texan." These are the words of Reagan Patton from Nacogdoches, Texas. Those same words, in various versions, are said by the fifty some residents of Texas that Tweed Scott interviewed for his book "Texas in Her Own Words." As a resident of Texas since 1990, I also have taken on this attitude for many of the same reasons portrayed in Scott's book.

Mingled between the interviews of people such as Willy Nelson, Liz Carpenter, Darrel Royal and many others, are pictures, rules, and trivia. For example, "Texas has 4,959 square miles of inland water...this is the most of any state in the lower 48. Minnesota ranks second." And, "Texas has three of the ten most populous cities in America - Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio."

Texas is known world wide because of the infamous TV series "Dallas" and the reruns that never seem to end. Texas born Waylon Jennings scored a number one hit in the late 70's with "Luckenbach, Texas." Yes, there really is a place called Luckenbach, Texas, and, "Everybody's somebody in Luckenbach." One would only understand that statement if they'd paid this infamous town a visit and met some of the locals. Scott interviewed long time Sherriff Marge Mueller shortly before her passing. She said "I think the nicest thing about Texas is the people who live here."

Scott's book certainly deserves a read. His countless hours of traipsing across the vastness of Texas to chat with people about his home state come through his writing with wonder and enchantment. Each personal portrayal gives another glance, and then another glance, into the deeper truths of Texas' residents. By the time the reader finishes "Texas in Her Own Words," whether a resident of Texas or a wannabe, he or she will fully understand why people living in Texas are Texans, not Americans.

Don't be turned off from buying this book. I consider it a fine addition. I relate better to the simple, common names of mushrooms. Not the scientific names. Also, I found some huge mushrooms in my pasture identified as "horse mushrooms" elsewhere. I could find no mention of them in this book and they are supposed to be excellent for eating. If I were a novice, I would add this book but not rely on it for my sole information source. Never assume anything concerning wild mushrooms. Do your research and proceed with extreme care.

This book really does Texas wild mushrooms well. Susan and Van Metzler present Texas mushrooms in a vivid format with many pictures, and information. You can tell these two have a passion for hunting mushrooms. They take a conservative approach when it comes to what types of mushrooms are edible, and which ones are not.

Their book has pictures of every type of mushroom they mention. They give time of year they may appear and where you may find the mushrooms. Careful details is added to whether or not the mushroom may be edible. I like that they mention some are edible, but they caution against eating a particular type of mushroom. They also mention which mushrooms it is not known if they are deadly or not.

You can tell these two have a passion for mushroom hunting and it shows in this book. Vivid color photographs, detailed information about their growing seasons, locations, are all included. They also slip in some recipes with this mushroom guide. I would recommend adding this book to your collection if you are hunting mushrooms in Texas.

Fall 2000 and so far this Spring 2001, I have found thirteen types of wild mushrooms growing on my ranch in Bandera Texas (amazing what some good rains can do!). So far, I have been able to identify all of them with this single reference book. Pictures are clear, and descriptions are detailed. I highly recommend this book. By the way, I found morels---first time they've been seen in over 20 years here in the Hill Country, according to the locals.

This book is wonderful. A thorough guide by the legendary Metzlers, famous experts on the subject. Color photos of every mushroom are beautiful and helpful. Complete descriptions, including interesting history, tips and cooking advice, make this book a fun, fascinating aid to any mushroom hunter. Other books will not suffice. Texas mushrooms are unique and strange, with many species that only occur in Texas. Other books will have dangerous gaps. You need this book. I'd buy it again, if I didn't already have it. The Deity-Man Van deserves our worship.

I have read each and every one of her book. each one is a masterpiece. Texas Proud is no different! Rachel and Noble are perfect for each other. this is the kind of Romance that pulls at your heart strings, and makes you believe that such a love truly does exist.

Ms O'Banyon is a wonderful author. Texas Proud is well written with a unique plot and surprising twists. The characters are so defined that u can feel their angst and their passion. The dialogue is witty and real. Best of all Rachel is as strong a female lead as her counterpart Nobel Vincente. It also gives a post traumatic stress perspective of that post civil war era. How incredibly simply she defines that war: a civil war that was anything but civil. I love that era because emotions were intense, actions theoretically noble and history so defining.
A good all round book........

This is Noble Vincente's story and the prequel to his sister, Sabor Vincente's story in RIDE THE WIND. Rachel belives that Noble killed her father, and when he returns to town, she is laying in wait for him. She loves him desperately, but she believes she has to avenge her father's death. What a wonderful story--it opens with Rachel's gun trained on the unsuspecting Noble. I read it twice and will probably read it again. After you read this you will want to go on and read RIDE THE WIND which is equally wonderful!!!

I've read all of Constances books and they are all wonderful. this one is no different. Noble and Rachel make a perfect couple. this one truly pulls at the strings of your heart, and leaves you with happiness, tears, and longing. It is books like these that allow you to believe that Love truly does exist in a beautiful form.

I cannot exactly call my copy a coffee table book. I keep mine on the top shelf; because after reading it and looking at all of the beautifully photographed quilts, I think I would kill anyone who put a coffee ring on it. Excellent stories and descriptions from a well educated woman on the subject of quilts (and not only Texas ones!).

What a beautiful book about quilts and Texas! Kaylackie has done a wonderful job of weaving the stories of quilts into the history of Texas. The photos are gorgeous and the narrative is always interesting. This book should appeal to anyone who loves quilts and/or Texas. I'm buying several for Christmas gifts. Great job, ya'll!

What a wonderful legacy, Marcia Kaylakie has created a beautiful book capturing the Texas history and colour from all it's regions. The stories behind each carefully chosen quilt are well written and complimented with beautiful photography. Previous reviews of this work speak volumes, so it is was an easy decision to buy this book and I am not disappointed.This is a beautiful volume and to the author and her assistants, well done.
I enjoy the fascinating stories mixed with the historical content,history can often be a 'dry' subject, but definitely not, in this case. I would recommend this book to all the quilters who love diverse stories and rich pasts. Enjoy......

A very readable from cover to cover photo book of quilts of yesteryear to quilts of today and all in the Lone Star State. Marcia Kaylakie defintely did her homework and reserached each quilt front, back and between the designs. Each quilt tells an amazing chronicle of the quilter and the who took the time to make a piece of history. This book makes a wonderful gift for yourself and your quilting friends for Christmas. I plan to put one my quilt table in my studio and buy 2 more for my quilter friends. Happy Holidays!

I just passed my state exam and found the CD to be very helpful. I highly suggest it for preparing!

This book is a must if you dont remember much from your classes. The refresher course is straight to the point, and the tests on the computer really help out ALOT. If you can pass the tests on the cd, passing the exam is easy.

I found this book to be very helpful. I especially liked the glossary of terms and the condensed review in the middle of the book. I used the CD exams as practice for my test to get used to the computer format. I passed both parts on my first try and I think this book helped me do that.

This is more helpful than the college courses I had. The college courses are required, but this is a definite "must have" before taking the test.

Favorite scene with Pru-
Being attacked.

Favorite scene with Cal-
Giving Jack a warning.

Together-
Pru hiring Cal to help her at the ranch.

What did you like about Pru-
Her willingness to make her ranch work and create a life for her and her son.

What didn't you like about Pru-
Her stubborness. Doing what she wants and arguing every time someone tells her
what to do, esp. Cal.

What did you like about Cal-
His strength, despite his past and everyone talking about him. His love for Pru and
Jeremy.

What didn't you like about Cal-
Being cold and distant because of his past.

The moment I saw this book I bought it, knowing it would be a wonderful read because it came from one of my favorite authors. And I was not disappointed. if don't have Texas Star order it now! You won't be sorry. I'm from Texas and she does my state proud.

A devoted fan

I loved this book! The worst part is waiting for the sequels. Elaine Barbieri is a wonderful author. I highly recommend this and all of her other books!

Just prior to the Civil War, Cal Star left home, but upon receiving a strange cryptic note returns after an almost decade absence to the family ranch in Lowell, Texas. There he finds the spread in near ruin and his ailing father Buck inaccessible guarded by a she devil of a new wife Celeste, whom Cal never met before.

Cal obtains work at the nearby ranch owned by widow Pru Reynolds. Though the attraction is strong between them, Pru refuses to have anything to do between her and Cal beyond the chores she has employed him to perform on her spread. As he tries to break down Pru's barriers and get past Celeste's sentinel to see his father, Cal will soon become embroiled in dark family secrets that could destroy him if he is not careful. Celeste's married mother was willing to give up all for Buck, but instead was scorned in 1850 New Orleans by the handsome rogue. She has set in motion the destruction of the Star ranch, family, and especially the ailing patriarch.

TEXAS STAR is a dark Reconstruction Era romance that has the key interactions effected by events prior to the Civil War. The story line is exciting on several levels. Cal and Pru make a nice couple, but readers will feel empathy towards Celeste, who though she is a vile villainess is also an innocent victim of what occurred two decades earlier. Fans will enjoy this complex tale of revenge and love in post war Texas.

Harriet Klausner

I bought this book for my husband, who is an architect and actually knows Richard Payne. He was pleasantly
surprised when he opened the package. Excellent historical record of some buildings that are no longer in
existence.

Came across this book at Gonzales, Texas book fair in Dec. 2006. A great gift for friends and loved ones who have a sincere appreciation for small-town Texas. Very unique.

If you don't smile several times, feel nostalgic several times, and maybe even get a tear or two, while reading and studying the photos in this book, then you must be too young or just arrived from the former Soviet Union.

Page after page in this book called out to me, "You've got to go there," or "Haven't you been there?" Since the book is a compilation of work over a number of years, many of the subjects in these photos are gone. Many more will be gone. Small towns in Texas, and the Southwest in general, are being transformed.

Buy this book. Read it. Go to the places photographed in it while you still can.

"Texas Towns And The Art Of Architecture: A Photographer's Journey" by architectural photographer Richard Payne is a photographic survey of small Texas towns. Payne embarked on this project as a part-time activity -- something to do in his spare time out of nostalgia, curiosity, and taking pictures of places that reminded him of him own hometown. The 'golden age' of small town Texas architecture ran from 1880 to 1930 and reflected all of the early American architectural styles and influences including Greek, Roman, Italian, Egyptian revival, Spanish Colonial, Victorian, Art Deco, Moorish motifs, and a great many idiosyncratic oddities that defy classification. "Texas Towns And The Art Of Architecture" showcases architectural examples drawn from around two hundred towns throughout every region of Texas. Payne carefully documents his beautifully detailed images, many of which rise to the status of art as reflected through the lens of his camera. A unique addition to personal, professional, and academic library collections, "Texas Towns And The Art Of Architecture" is a very highly recommended reading for students of Photography, Architecture, and Texas History.

I completely agree with the other reviews. Great story and I really really hope Ms. Brooks does make this a series and that they are able to eventually find their lost brother along with her sisters!!

This book was great, I'm hopeing there will be another book about this family. I'm wanting to know about Blake and Velvet Johnson. Please Betty Brooks make this a series.

This is only the second book I have read by this author, but it certainly won't be the last. I also hope she continues the story of the family of brothers in the book along with the heroine finding her sisters. I very much enjoyed the personality of the heroine, not a clinging vine or damsel in distress that depends on someone else to save her.

I have read several books by this author over the years. All I can say is that she really outdid herself on this book. I am sincerely hoping that this will be a start of a series of books about this family. This book deals with the aftermath of the Civil War and the devastation/destruction that followed. She is very detailed in her facts and interwoven in these facts is the gripping and turbulent story of two young people and their families. I read the book in day and a half. If you like this time setting then I would HIGHLY recommend this book.

I have really enjoyed this book it is historically correct and well referencedit has been a big help in my research.

It's a tall order, because there are so many good books on Texas history, but Sara Massey's book really shines. I've always been a sucker for cattle trail tails, and I was deep into Haley's book on Charles Goodnight when I went down to Gonzales for a book fair and signing. I missed the author, but picked up Texas Women on the Cattle Trails anyway. From the moment I started reading, I couldn't put it down!

The information gathered is well-researched and each of the stories entertainingly written. I very much appreciated information, where available, on burial sites and original homesites - thanks to this book, I was able to find Harriet Cluck's gravesite in Cedar Park, making an educational reading experience a personally affecting one as well. I learned a great deal more about the town just by reading this book.

This oughta be on the required reading lists in Texas history courses at universities (wouldn't hurt for women's studies majors to read it as well). Texas Women on the Cattle Trails provides provocative and enlightening information on a well-canvassed but rarely understood portion of Texas history.

Almost everyone has heard of Annie Oakley, Belle Starr, and Calamity Jane. But how about Kate Medlin, Hattie Cluck, Margaret Borland or Cornelia Adair? These are just four of the sixteen fearless women featured in "TEXAS WOMAN ON THE CATTLE TRAILS," a compendium of short biographies written by sixteen Texas writers, and edited by Austwell resident Sara R. Massey.



Some of the featured women were young newlyweds when they went up the trail. Others were middle-aged mothers, and one was pregnant. They were widows, business women, heiresses. Some were cultured and educated. Almost all encountered Indians, bandits or rustlers. They endured blizzards, floods, stampedes, disease, death. They made deals with cattle buyers and sellers. They witnessed a new country in its earliest growing pains, and most lived to tell their tales, even to embellish them over time.



Take Minta Corum Holmsley of Comanche, Texas, who rode her horse up the trail sidesaddle, she said, "because we didn't have better sense." On that drive she claimed to have met John Wesley Hardin masquerading as an Indian, and later to have encountered a hundred Sioux who had fought Custer at the Battle of Little Bighorn. She managed to save her favorite cow pony by screaming in one Indian's face until he let go and fled in fright.



Another woman, the widowed Margaret Heffernon Borland of Victoria lost four of her seven children to one epidemic of Yellow Fever. And Margaret herself died at the end of her own cattle drive in 1873. The Wichita, Kansas newspaper announced her death on July 5, at the age of 49, as having been caused by "mania, super-induced by her long, tedious journey and over-taxation of the brain." Her nephew had her body shipped back to Victoria and she is buried in the Evergreen Cemetery.



I particularly enjoyed glimpses of familiar Texas places as they were in the 19th century: the loud bawling of the cattle as they forded the Shoal Creek in Austin; a house in Banquete, once a Confederate hospital and said to be inhabited by ghosts; a roving band of hide-skinners scouring Goliad after a brutal winter decimated the cattle population.



All of these sixteen were ranchwomen, skilled at riding, either sidesaddle or astride, or at handling a horse or mule-drawn wagon. They were proficient in the use of lariats, branding irons, whips, and castrating knives. They carried their share of the workload, and faced all the same hardships and hazards of driving cattle up the trail as the men. In these pages, you won't find a single damsel in distress. There are no dance hall queens or saloon floozies either. The sixteen women profiled here validate the importance of ordinary lives and offer new insights into the reality of the frontier West.

There's enough excitement and derring-do in J. Marvin Hunter's "Trail Drivers of Texas" for anyone interested in the Old West, but out of curiousity, I picked up a new book on the cattle drives, "Texas Women on the Cattle Trails."
To my pleasant surprise, the book was every bit as good as Hunter's great classic. Edited by Sara R. Massey, this new volume features the stories of sixteen remarkable women who either accompanied their husbands up the trail or managed herds on their own. Facing the same hazards as the men, these women rode astride or sidesaddle, drove buggies or wagons, and endured thirst, danger, storm, and stampedes. None of these women were common people; all exhibited above-average ambition and courage. Most went on to lead successful lives, but their stories, ably told by eighteen knowledgeable contributors, are not altogether happy ones. Even so, the book is interesting, thrilling, and inspiring. A good addition to anyone's Old West collection.