Anne Books

This book pulled me in; I couldn't help but keep turning the pages til I reached the end.

This was an entertaining story. It portrays these creatures that give dreams and their struggles to help people through their dreams and to help them fight off creatures that bring nightmares. It also tells the story of an 8 year old boy abused by his father who also abused her mother and has now gone off to live with an elderly lady. It was a very short book. Very easy to read and pretty interesting. It starts out a little slow for the 1st couple of chapters before you figure out what's going on. Then it's very interesting.

Gossamer was one of the best books that I have ever read! The best part about it was Littlest, the main character in the story. She was entergetic and "happy" from the beginning. Even so, that it also what makes this book not one of my most favorite books. I don't think that the main character changed very much in the book, and she stayed the same. It would be a better book if Littlest changed even a little bit in the book. She was not so dull, but not really that exciting in the book, because of that reason only. If it hadn't been for that reason, I think that Gossamer would be one of my most favorite books of all time.

This is a story by Lois Lowry about three different people living, changing, and their dreams. They experience relationships, hardships, and find ways to understand themselves and do better. In the beginning, they all are facing difficult problems without seeing any solution. In the middle everyone started to help each other and understand the other person's feelings and situation. The power of dreams, through Dream givers and Sinisteeds, start to affect the people. In the end, after much struggle, they all find ways to begin to solve their problems.
Gossamer was a fantastic book for a fifth grade class. This book makes you continue to think a lot, even when you are not reading it. It is well written and lets you understand and feel the emotion of each character. Great descriptions help you visualize the detail. Our discussions were filled with emotions and understanding our own selves. It made you think about your problems and how to solve them more easily. We realized that we get much hope from the power of our dreams and our minds. You cannot put down the book until you are finished. People who are into fantasy, realistic fiction, and basically people in the real world, can have the same feelings. The book that Lois Lowry wrote is heartwarming and everyone will love it.

Lowry grabs your attention immediately with one of the most precious story characters of all time, Littlest. This tiny one is a dream-giver in training who has the most gentle of touches - a gossamer touch - when she gathers memory information from the objects of her assigned human. The memories are mixed together to form dreams that are bestowed upon the human, bringing happiness and strength. Littlest and her faithful trainer, Thin Elderly, become especially concerned about an elderly woman and her new foster son who has faced terrible abuse. The dialogue from this wounded boy is so poignant and heart-wrenching. He has only a few good memory objects to choose from and the sinisteeds (nightmare givers) are descending upon him nightly. The boy's mother has a dream-giver, too, aiding her as she seeks to retake control of her life in a positive way in order to get her son back. The dream-givers sense the presence of an evil horde of sinisteeds preparing a group attack.

Personally, I think every child would benefit from reading this compassionate glimpse into the struggle of a single-mom, the inward pain of a foster child, and the loneliness of the elderly.

Captivating!

ISBN 0399231935 - A quick glance through the pages of the board book edition from G. P. Putnam's Sons didn't give me high hopes for this book, but I have - once again - been surprised by what can work in a board book!

The owl and the pussycat hop in a boat and head out to sea, where Owl proposes in song. They buy a ring from a pig and are married by a turkey... and that, you have to know, hardly tells the tale at all.

In few, very well-chosen, words, Lear's story can hardly be done justice in a simple recap. Jan Brett's illustrations are just slightly less difficult to put into words - the detail initially seemed to me to be a negative: young children tend to like simpler, less busy, illustrations. I think this is one time they will happily learn to love the busy-ness. The remarkable detail of everything, from Owl's feathers to the individual fronds on the palm trees, adds gorgeous depth to the book.

In addition, a second love story - told only in pictures - takes place, courtesy of Brett. Pussycat carries a yellow fish (we're going to call that one a girl) in a bowl onto the boat and the fish is seen on every page. Underwater, another yellow fish is seen "talking" to other underwater animals and each one he talks to joins him as he follows his trapped-in-a-bowl love, until Owl and Pussycat unknowingly have an underwater parade following them. Is everyone eventually with the one they love? Of course they are! Very well-worth picking up for your short person!!

This is a beautifully illustrated version of _The Owl and the Pussycat_. My three-year-old son absolutely loves looking at the whimsical pictures of the fish and other sealife that are abundant in this book. The pictures are done with beautiful colors and have their own story.

What a beautiful version of Edward Lear's poem. I've always been a James Marshall fan, but this book is absolute tops for his illustrations. The colors are glorious, the characters, as his always are, deftly and lovingly handled. I understand that it was his last work, and it's a shame that it is out of print. Buy it, save it, and pass it around.

Jan Brett's Caribbean-inspired illustrations for the classic Edward Lear poem are teeming with life, and the effect is stunning. The colors, textures, and shapes are a visual treat. Each page also has a different pattern of "straw" border, adorned with a different tropical flower.

The pictures overflow with detail, to the point where there's even a sub-story (pardon the pun) involving two yellow fish.

I didn't give it the full 5 stars because the way the text is broken up across spreads makes it difficult to read the poem with any kind of flow, and because some of Brett's admittedly gorgeous illustrations could (and perhaps should) have had more of a connection to the text. For one notable example -- there's no pot of honey on the boat, and we never get a look at the money wrapped up in the five-pound note!

But there's no denying the beauty of the illustrations, and the Caribbean theme works surprisingly well. This is a great book for anyone -- for newcomers to the splendid silliness of the poem as well as for old fans of the poem who are looking for an edition with fabulous illustrations.

I have always liked Lear's rhymes, especially this one, but more than the rhyme, it's the illustrations in this version that I like. We live in Florida and all our sub-tropical and tropical flora and fauna is in this book, beautifully illustrated and very recognizable to my 3 year old daughter. Following along with the secondary story of the two damsel fish (I think they're damselfish, but if they're not, the fault is my fish identification skills, not Brett's illustration) is really fun for her too. A bit further south, but still full of recognizable plants for us Floridians, is another of Jan Brett's books, "The Umbrella."

WOW!!! I JUST CAN'T BELIEVE IT!! I STARTED READING THIS SERIES WHEN I WAS ABOUT TEN... I OWE A COUPLE OFF THEM AND I JUST WISHED I HAD THE WHOLE COLLECTION... I BELIEVE THAT EVERYONE SHOULD READ THESE BOOKS BECAUSE THEY TEACH YOU ABOUT A FRIENDSHIP THAT GROWS THROUGHOUT TIME... AND REMEMBER... BSC RULZ!!!!

I loved the babysitters club and i own every single one. It is creative and fun to read. The baby sitters club are good books for girls 3rd grade and up.

When I was younger, I loved these stories. They're cute little stories about 12 year olds who start a club to Babysit. They meet Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays in Claudia's bedroom. You get to read about the main character of the book's big trouble in the book and you get to read about any other character who gets passed the notebook. These are definitely great books for kids 8 and up.

I began reading these books when I was in 5th grade and remember continuing to read them through Jr. High School. Now, I am 24 years old, pregnant with my first baby (a girl) and have pulled out those books to dust off and pass onto my daughter. These books are light-hearted, fun and still teach a good lesson about friendship, handling jobs, money, etc. I think these are fabulous books and recommend them to all!

I read these books when I was 7 and did not enjoy them very much. They were hard to get out of at the time but I found them extraordinarily boring. I am now 12 and live in Australia. I have the entire series because I got them ordered and they kept coming!They are alright stories but the language is unacceptable!The stories are set for older children but younger children are reading them because the language is so simple!

Since starting a new way of life on www.thedailyplate.com, a website that helps determine the amount of calories you need each day to get to the weight you want to be. I refer to this book several days a week because all the calories and nutrients are displayed on every recipe. Plus, I haven't found a recipe we didn't want to make again. Honestly, I'm sad I didn't cook this way years ago.

The recipes truly are fast, and I love the fact that they give you an entire menu with easy vegetable sides and desserts to use as well. Some of the vegetable dishes I make nearly weekly come from this book, as well as the main dishes. I love all of the Cooking Light cookbooks, and this one is different and something special.

I purchased this for my daughter's birthday. She is trying to eat better while buying local items and still making things she and her SO will enjoy at the end of a hectic workday.

She says this is great. She likes the pictures and suggestions with the recipes.

As with all Cooking Light publications, this one is chock full of tasty entrees with accompanying side dishes. All laid out in an easy to read and easy to prepare format. The meals in this book take very little time to create and they never disappoint! Highly recommended!

I LOVE this cookbook!!!!! It was a Christmas gift and ever since we've been having great dinners nearly every night. I don't even want to go out anymore. This book contains easy to make meals in under 30 minutes (with the exception of the chapter on crockpot cooking). What I love about this one is that it plans the entire menu for you, and gives you steps to follow to prepare 2-3 recipes at once. Meals are usually a protein and a side, and sometimes include salads, breads, veggies, etc. And the best part? They're very light.

I've made probably 30-40% of the menus in this cookbook now, cooking them nearly every night. The only down side is the more expensive ingredients (sometimes) and quite frankly the time it takes to find and purchase all of the ingredients in the grocery store. I spend a lot more time in the produce aisle these days.

Two favorite chapters are the section of meals for two people, and the "20 ingredients" chapter, where you keep 20 ingredeints on hand to make each of the 20 recipes. Favorite menus include peppered beef tenderloin with orange-herbed asparagus and crusty french rolls, pan-seared chicken in proscuitto-fig sauce with roasted green beans, caesar-style green salad, and whole grain rolls, chicken piccata with garlic-basil pasta and steamed green beans, and seared chicken with avocado and tortilla chips con queso... yum!!!!!

Book received in a timely manner and in good condition. I am impressed with my Amazon.com purchases.

This book is awesome!!!!!!! If you want to pass the NCLEX-PN, you have to purchased this book. This book was a blessing for me to prepare for the NCLEX-PN. Hey, I'VE PASSED TOO!

The book itself is broken down to help you learn the key elements. The cd worked fine with my computer; and I had no problems with it crashing. The cd questions can be repetitive in some sections and all of the questions in the text are on the cd.

This is a well organized book with all the information you will ever need. Also came with a disk that is very helpful, if the disk crashes like another customer mentioned its your computer not the disk. Diffently a great buy.

I purchased this book to review for the NCLEX-PN. It is well put together and easy to find the topic I am currently studying. The CD has been extremely helpful, as well.

I purchased this book as a gift, it came in the expected condition (new) and the recipient does enjoy it, and is using the affirmations daily. Thanks Amazon.

This book is a great tool for positive thinking and learning. Anybody that would like to learn new techniques regarding how to go from negative to positive thinking should read this book. It is written in a clear manner and provides step by step exercises for the reader to use. Excellent book and an excellent author.

WOW. This book is absolutely amazing. I recently ordered this book due to the glowing reviews and now feel I must add my own. Although I am only 3/4 of the way through, I can say this is one of the best books I have ever purchased. I received the 5th edition of this top book.

The author does a great job at explaining the power of affirmations and helps with sample affirmations to use a large number of purposes - weight loss, addictions, love, money, health etc.

This book has definitely changed my life in that I now understand how to put a thought out to the universe and make it happen!
It could change your life too!

Thankyou, thankyou, thankyou :)

I had been praying for my right mate for more than 20 years. AS a professional prayer practitioner, I understand the importance of being specific in prayer and affirmation, but even in all my studies , this book was the best in outlining form and method. I recommend it to any and everyone. And the right mate: we got married last month and he's even more wonderful than I ever dreamed.Affirmations done correctly really work!

Thank-You! Thank-You! Thank-You! is all I can say to Anne Marie Evers. This book was incredible and really changed my life for the better. I am a young women who had hopes of finding a NICE guy to spend my time with. I picked up this book and followed Anne's advice. Within just 3 weeks of following her advice, my search had ended. I ended up meeting a really great guy on of all things a blind date. That was over 2 years ago and we are still together. If it were not for her book I don't know if we would have ever met. This book is a wonderful read and I think that everyone who wants to have a happier and better life should read this book.

Alice Miller gives many examples of how "poisonous pedagogy" is the root of all violence in the world. Citing an extensive childhood histories of violent dictators such as Adolf Hitler to child murderers such as Jürgen Bartsch, we are not only able to acknowledge and remember the horrors of our own childhood but can begin to see the terrible consequences of not respecting one's children and taking all of the expressions of their experiences seriously, the horrific consequences of corporal punishment, abandonment and neglect. When reading this book, think back carefully over your own childhood. You may want to do this with the help of a competent therapist who will allow you to express all your own feelings of indignation towards those who verbally or physically abused you, crushed your curiosity, humiliated, terrified, abandoned and/or neglected you even in the most subtle of ways. Only then can you avoid the unconscious repeating of this cycle on your own children.

I wish that everyone in America, no, in the world, could or would read this book. I imagine what a different world would be born out of the consciousness and the compassion that this book brings to light. It has helped me to become aware of how little I have ever been allowed to experience or express my authentic responses in life. This knowledge, of course, then suddenly opens up the doors for the feelings I have banished all of my life. If you care about children, if you care about humanity, if you care about yourself, read this book. I believe that the ideas contained within it offer hope for the understanding and transformation of so much suffering that is present in our world. If you are able to take in its content, it will change your awareness. This book is well worth every dime and minute that I spent on it. One of the most important books I have read, and I read A LOT.

Alice Miller digs into the psycho-history behind the mental-illness cases she deals with, turning her lights on the legacy of parent education from medieval through early-modern times. And to a large degree Miller lays the blame for traditions of mental illness on Christian theology. If children were presumed to be born evil, then the struggle to raise them could be something like exorcizing demons. How should a God-fearing parent proceed? The examples Miller cites from parenting literature are many and disturbing. In a 1740s "Essay on the Education and Instruction of Children", J. Sulzer, argues that the first necessary step was for children to learn that the world of adults had an established order, which could not be altered by wailing protests or selfish demands. Second, they must learn to obey the authors of that order:

"The second major matter to which one must dedicate oneself beginning with the second and third year is a strict obedience to parents and superiors and a trusting acceptance of all they do. These qualities are not only absolutely necessary for the success of a child's education, but they have a very strong influence on education in general. They are essential because they impart to the mind orderliness per se and a spirit of submission to the laws. A child who is not used to obeying his parents will also not willingly submit to the laws and rules of reason once he is on his own ..., since he is already accustomed to act in accordance with his own will. Obedience is so important that all education is actually nothing other than learning how to obey." (p.12)

Perhaps Miller aims indiscriminately at religion in general. She is focused on cases of abuse, like a policeman who sees crime all day. Her call for compassion is not the whole answer for parents, but it is crucial for a saner world.

I remember reading "Great Expectations" in school and feeling a shock of recognition when the narrator mentioned that he'd been "brought up by hand." I realized I had been brought up by hand too; by the palm of the hand, the back of the hand, or whatever implement was near enough for that hand to grab and swing. After the smack or swat came the welts and the tears and then the command to "stop crying or I'll give you something to cry about." As a rule, a natural response to that pain and humiliation was not allowed. Nor was any other expression of frustration or anger. Not only did I not have a right not be physically harmed, but I didn't have a right to my feelings about either.

Alice Miller's words have given me a context in which to understand my childhood experience, and to begin to look at it honestly as well as the effect it's had on my life. While I know have a better understanding of why I adopted various personal characteristics and made certain choices as an adult, her book has helped strengthen a resolve I formed as a child: that if I ever had children of my own, I would never use physical punishment on them; I would never deny them their feelings as I'd been denied mine.

Today I have a three year old son who at least doesn't know what it's like to be beaten by the parents who are supposed to love and protect him, or to have his feelings and his personhood denied. I decided a long time ago that if I could help it, my children would know that there's a better way. Alice Miller's words give me hope that there is such a way, and that I might find it if I continue to pay attention.

as the other reviewers have noted, this book will change your entire world view. it is, in my opinion, the most important book of the 20th century. her insights can be applied to any culture--the cultures in which people were not beaten into obedience and any militaristic culture you'd care to name. those brave enough to apply these insights to their own life and behavior will change their lives for the better.

miller has stated that she no longer considers herself a member of the psychoanalytical profession--a profession which rejected her ideas nearly completely. in the same way, the 19th medical world ostracised freud and his study of incest and it's effects in a 'decent' family. the truth will set you free, which is why those in authority--academic, social, political, financial--want it buried. there is also, of course, the fact that many people run away screaming from the thought of accepting the truth of their own childhoods.

even if you had an idyllic childhood and are so mentally and emotionally healthy you can't find anyone to talk to, read this book--it will illuminate other peoples' behavior, ambitions, and intents.

i have spent nearly 20 years encouraging people to read this book. i have yet to convince one person to do so. to see that there are people who have read it and understood her thesis is a great relief.

marcus aurelius wrote that nowhere but in his own mind is a man truly free. this book could give you back the freedom of your own mind.

I really loved the story. It's a very real story. Any one who's parents have ever fought will probably be able to relate.
This is the $25 hardcover edition. The book is dark green cloth. The title is on the front cover and side in gold. Cover seems well made. The print is usually okay, but maybe three or four times in the book one paragraph gets slaughtered. It's like the old ink-jet printers when the page jammed and you see part of the sentence which runs over another sentence and you can't read either, but the page isn't folded. It only ruins three or four paragraphs and you can read most of if. It's pretty annoying though at first. Other then that it seems like a sturdy book.
Still a worthwhile book to own if you like L.M. Montgomery.
Five stars for the story, three for the printing.

I enjoyed the Anne of Green Gables series of books. But, if you haven't read LMM's other books, you are missing out. I especially like "Jane of Lantern Hill". And my favorite "The Blue Castle" which is perfect romance.

Read these 2 books and her others. You may have to dig a bit but it'll be worth the trouble.

This was L.M. Montgomery's very last book that she's ever written during her lifetime. I own all of Montgomery's books, and after reading them over and over again, I have to say that this book is the best of her writings (right after the Anne of Green Gables series, of course...). I highly recommend this book, and encourage you to read it, for it shows what kind of inner strength and courage one can possess. Additionally, I recommend all of Montgomery's books to read, for being an avid fan, her books can teach us many lessons that we ourselves can apply during our lifetime.

As someone who spent many hours alone as a child, I found I could really relate to this book. I first discovered it when I was eleven or twelve. I loved reading about how Jane'e grandmother dominated her and made her feel out of place and about how people at school regarded Jane, because I was treated in the same way. If you've ever been pushed around as a child, or as an adult, read this book. I'm 21 and have been forced to grow up rather quickly in my life, still I enjoy this wonderful novel. I thought the character of the mother could have been more developed, otherwise it was absolutely a stunning work of art. Go SUPERIOR JANE! I can also relate to the way Montgomery portrays Jane's dad, and Jane's relationship with her dad. It's interesting how when Jane sees her father's picture in a magazine, even though she does not know it is him she cuts it out and keeps it, and it is heart-breaking how her grandmother takes it away from her. It is touching how Jane helps her poor orphaned friend and neighbor, and her grandmother's disdain for this makes one exceedingly angry. I also thought Jane's mother did not defend her daughter enough. Montgomery's own father made himself scarce to her when she was young, moving out West and remarrying. Montgomery seems to have never gotten over this, so when she describes characters like Emily's father, and Jane's father, she does a wonderful job of speaking of how intimate they are with their daughters. As a child of divorce I loved reading of how Jane played a role in getting her parents back together. .......

I read this in my early teens, after I had read most of the LMM books (the Anne series, the Emily series, etc.) I loved them all, especially the Emily series, but Jane of Lantern Hill is my favorite of them all. Jane Stuart is not, as many of LMM's other heroines are, obsessed with the idea of being a writer, storyteller, etc. There is no potential boyfriend/husband lurking in the story either. This book is more about the how understanding and love can transform an introverted, unhappy child into a confident, intelligent girl (the story ends when Jane is about age 14.) In that sense she's really one of the most understandable and likeable of LMM's heroines. She is also very modern. You can easily imagine her growing up to become a successful career woman, something you can't really say for many of LMM's other heroines, other than the at-home and time-flexible occupation of writing. If I had an early-teen daughter I would buy this book for her, especially if she has any self-confidence issues.

This is also one of the few books that deals with the subject of divorce or the separation of parents from the perspective of the child in an intelligent way. Given the time that it was written, divorce was a horrible taboo, and the resolution of the story is a bit unrealistic perhaps. That's the only quibble I have with the book.

Incidentally there was a television movie based on this book, by the same people who did the excellent Anne of Green Gables series (at least, the first two parts of that series were excellent). Don't bother with the Jane movie if you love the book..it only vaguely resembles it.

I have bought more than 100 books on selling techniques, psychology, attitude, performance, etc. This book should be alongside the bible for sales success. I re-read the book as soon as I finished it and I consider myself far more comfortable during presentations using Ms. Miller's advice.

Reading this book is like hitting a hole in one. Finding so much good advice and ideas in one book for sales is rare. I jotted down so many ideas pertinent to my clients I filled several pages! Her section on prospect blind spots is just so dead on target. Blind spots usually encountered are:

* Lack of understanding
* No urgency
* No differentiation between products
* Confusing value with price
* Fear of change
* Fear of large commitment
* No perceived value-add
* Fear of getting burned. Again.

Then she quickly gives you ways to communicate through the blind spots.

Ever heard of a Horse Chart? That's a PowerPoint where you have a picture/chart (say a Horse) with a title that says

exactly what it is (Horse). Nothing about the impact, effect or utility of the chart in the title. Instead of Sales use a title that talks to clients issues. ( Sales drop dramatically in the 3rd quarter)

A line I really enjoyed. " People simply can not imagine needing something they have not experienced - unless its explained in terms of what they know and love ."

This is a book for those sales and marketing people who want to kick down the doors and storm the castles of their reluctant prospects. In dong so you will be able to make more money than ever before.

This book was recommended to me by Craig Valentine, a former World Champion of Public Speaking, and I am grateful to him for it. Even though I write extensively for a living (print, speeches and video), this book serves as a great primer or reminder of the ways we can make our messages "stick" better in the minds of our audiences. It teaches how to draw metaphors, symbols or analogies (pick one!) that will be meaningful to our intended receivers of our communication. In all, a worthy addition to the bookshelf of any writer or speaker.

Metaphorically Selling: How to Use the Magic of Metaphors to Sell, Persuade, & Explain Anything to Anyone is a guide to making use of metaphors for increased success in business. This book introduces the reader to the world of metaphors, pointing out that the use of metaphors is a fairly natural everyday process. The author then explains that the use of metaphors is actually the key to keeping both sides of the human brain engaged and actively attentive. Furthermore, the use of metaphors further understanding of new material through the connection of this material to already understood, well thought out analogies. In this way, metaphors are the key to keeping clients and customers interested in your presentation while increasing their understanding of the uniqueness of your product. Once, these key concepts are entrenched into the reader's mind, the author guides the reader through various exercises that aim to teach the reader to choose and use metaphors for his or her own purposes.

Metaphorically Selling is an important resource. This book teaches and enlightens the reader while it entertains, keeping both halves of the brain happy. Moreover, the evolving chapters of this book actively guide the reader through those nagging doubts about whether he or she can actually create his or her own appropriate metaphors. Thus, after reading this book, the reader can't help but spontaneously come up with appropriate metaphors for any situation. Though this book is meant for increasing business success, the concepts in this book can be used to communicate or teach more effectively at work and in everyday life.

First let me say I am not an author scatching another authors back (I don't know about you, but I don't even read reviews by other authors because they all reveiw each others books. It is much more helpful to me when I read a review from another salesperson, someone who is in the trenchs or came from the trenchs. I do not know the author, never heard of the author before this book, am not a fan, am not a student at some gurus feet. I am a guy trying to pay my bills and make a better life for my family. And I do it by selling.

I have been in sales and marketing for over 25 years. I have read enough books on sales to fill a library. Some good, most just raw material for confetti, with a few books that are great. I feel this is the most important book anyone in business or selling can read.

I have lost sales even though profit analysis and side by side cost analysis both dramatically reveal the supremacy of the course of action I propose. I go slow, get agreements all the way through, heads nodding, even agreement that they want to go with what I propose. And there are STILL cases where I am flabbergasted and frustrated because the deal doesn't close! Then I know - THEY JUST DIDN'T GET IT! Going slow, getting agreements along the way and my point went right over their heads.

I sell a service to physicians...and they are doctors, not business people. In fact that is how I found this book. I knew I had to find some method of better communication that would allow me to make critical points easy to understand by a lay person without loosing their power. Through searching on google I found a link to this book and the author.

The magic of this book is it immediately enables you to communicate powerfully and effectively with anyone about anything, and in a way that sticks in their mind and they REMEMBER. And in sales and business that is critical to success.

This is why I feel Anne Miller's book is the most important book you will read and this is a book that will put money in your pocket! You will sell more, period.

This book would be number one on my recommended reading list, the next 2 books on sales I would recommend after this are Value Forward Selling by Paul R. DiModica, and Never Cold Call Again by Frank J. Rambauskas Jr.
All three of these books are no b.s, practical, and most importantly, they work in the real world.

This is a very well written book! Very dark and thought provoking. Anne Stuart is one of my favorite authors from her "Ice" series to the older novels she is a fantastic story teller!
Highly recommend this book!!

I am a fan of Anne Stuart's for life. After reading Nightfall and now Ritual Sins she has pushed her way to the top of my favorite authors list. There is simply NO ONE else out there quite like her. She can create the most unlikely characters that one can imagine. In Nightfall, the hero was a convicted serial killer and in Ritual Sins the hero is a cult leader and ex-con.....interested? You should be!

Read other reviews for the plot synopsis. I will spend this review commenting on the book instead.

Luke is multi-dimensional and not clearly good or clearly bad. Rather, he is an exciting blend of both good and bad. He has lived through hell and is, no doubt, a criminal who has had to "look out for himself" above all others. Usually this type of character would repulse me, but as we get to know this dark and dangerous man, all is explained, and I was able to get behind this man and cheer for him.

Rachel is also tough. I went between love for her and hate for her until I got to know her story. After I realized what she came from and what she had experienced in her life, it all made sense. Rachel's character is EXACTLY as she should be with the life she was dealt.

These are two MESSED UP people! What I loved about this book, is that Anne Stuart allows these two "disasters" to collide, and unknowingly heal each other. Through Rachel, Luke is able to "burn" his past, and through Luke, Rachel is able to "come alive" again. I guess that kind of healing from love is the type of story I like best! Add in some remarkable secondary characters and some evil plots, and I think you've got in your hands one of the best books out there!

DO NOT MISS THIS ONE!

Great plot, hot sex, superb characterisation. What more can I say? I need to go and get all her other books now.

I can't think of a single thing about this book I didn't like.

Luke is an opportunist. Manipulating and controlling his way to riches.
Rachel is a lost soul searching for meaning. And she believes that meaning lies in Luke and his hold on her mother's money.

Luke's a harsh one with a bag full of charms. You find yourself just as helplessly enthralled with him as everyone else seems to be. He's that seductive. And yes, that interesting. You're on the edge of your seat anticipating his next words. His next act.

Rachel is, finally, a heroine worthy of battling Anne's dark heroes. Yes that vulnerability is still there. But that doesn't mean she doesn't know how to pick up a sword. Or that she will put it down at the drop of a hat.

They're perfectly matched. And the plot is rather unique to boot. LOVE this book.

I won't write an entire plot summary, because others have already done so, but I will say that this is a fantastic novel in any category, despite the fact that it is indeed a romance. This genre is often dissmissed as containing nothing but tawdry bodice rippers, and this book takes down that assumption easily. Deep, dark, dangerous and edge-of-your seat, this story kept me up all night, and I couldn't stop thinking about it long after I'd finished it. What makes it so rave-worthy:
A) The characters are riveting. Both the main characters are extremely flawed, yet I found myself able to understand their motives, and rooting for them. Rachel is indeed a bit of a bitch, but it is clear that she has had a difficult life. Luke is a heartless con man who has forced me to redraw my line of acceptable behavior for a hero. He is bad, bad, bad, probably the baddest bad boy hero out there, and I wanted him anyways. Very sexy. Yes, these two develop a steamy relationship despite all odds. By the end, neither is unrealistically reformed, but both are changed by their experiences together.
B) The plot is quite unique; I think I would be pretty accurate in saying that there are not many romances out there about fraudulent cult leaders. I wasn't sure how I felt about this at first, but trust me, it works. The fast paced plot and emotional turmoil of the characters kept me hooked.

This might be tough on the faint of heart. Anyone looking for a light, funny romance should seriously consider looking elsewhere. The feeling of the book is heavy and dark, and the sex scenes are intense (and hot!). However, I think anyone, depite their reading preferences,would enjoy this immensely as long as they approach it with an open mind.