Bell Books

Do you remember when the Meg Ryan character walked into Tom Hanks' FOX BOOKS store and the customer asked about the "Shoes" books, and a monologue about the wonders of Noel Streatfeild's "Shoes" books ensued, touching on Dancing Shoes, Ballet Shoes, and Skating Shoes, which is absolutely wonderful? That scene made me break down crying, because I had never heard anyone other than myself talk about these terrific books, and the fact that it is tragic that they are mostly out of print and hard to find. This book is a wonderful story of working hard for a goal, and accomplishing it, or at least getting on the road to achieving a reasonable, yet magical, goal. This one is less "artistic" and more "home" focused than the other SHOES books. If you want a great book for your favorite elementary school girl, buy this one - then buy the other "Shoes" books (and get a copy of Tennis Shoes for your favorite boy too!)

"New Shoes" is one of the most enchanting of Noel Streatfeild's delightful stories. With all the warmth of its prequel, "Family Shoes," it has a refreshing newness and youth. Cathy and Alex and their four children accept the bishop's invitation to a new church in a new town outside London, and all the children join together to help make Crestal New Town proud of itself. The children's talents expand on this broader stage, and the book is so vivid, so vital, so absorbing that you'll enjoy it even if you have not yet read "Family Shoes." The publishers were mad to allow this gem to go out of print. Please reprint it!

At the beginning of this sequel to Family Shoes, the Bishop has asked Rev. Alex Bell to move to a new parish, a depressed housing project outside London. The residents there seem entirely lacking in community and church spirit, and indifferent to their new vicar. Because the Bishop has urged each of the Bell children to find a way to make the new assignment a success, each uses her or his initiative to make connections between the vicarage and the community. By the end, they've learned an important lesson: people become invested in each other by *doing things together* to improve their community, rather than by having those improvements done for them.

Streatfeild's books are among my favorites to re-read, but they are markedly formulaic: each has three or four kids, one of whom is pretty, and one who is plain or fat. One or two will be talented and driven, one gifted but unmotivated, and one lazy and often resentful of her position within the family. Almost all of the children in her books end up being essentially responsible, family-oriented, enterprising, and good problem-solvers when they learn to work together, using their different skills. What saves these books is Streatfeild's ability to capture the little resentments and solidarities of family life. As well, even the less likeable characters tend to become more sympathetic, because they grow in realistic ways. Ginnie Bell, Jane Winter, and Nicky Heath all mature through their escapades, but they do not really repent or fundamentally change - they certainly continue to infuriate their siblings!

Streatfeild's refusal to thoroughly reform her characters keeps the books from being saccharine-sweet and makes possible some truly touching moments. In New Shoes, this moment comes when we see Ginnie's realization that her smug, horribly spoiled cousin Veronica is desperately lonely. Although Ginnie certainly uses Veronica's desire for attention to get what she, herself, wants, by the end of the book she has ensured that her cousin's parents see their daughter in a different light.

"New Shoes" is a delectable sequel to "Family Shoes." The book can stand on its own, but it will make you eager to read the first adventures of the Bell family. Reverend Alexander Bell accepts a call to a church in a new town outside London, where the bishop thinks the new town needs not only Alex but Cathy and the childrem, Paul, Jane, Ginnie, and Angus, to help make the new town proud of itself. The blossoming of the children's talents, Ginnie's adventures with Admiral Oakley, what it takes for Mrs. Gage to stay with the family, the surprise reappearance of Miss Bloggs, Aunt Rose, Uncle Alfred, and Veronica (we all have relatives!), Ginnie's plotting to remain at St. winifred's, and the transforming effect of the Bell family on the new town,create a book you'll read over and over. Don't miss Ginnie's debut in the national press!

Wow, This book really helps, I beat the game alone on alien and predator profiles, but the marine was a little tough, didn't need the book much, but is great for people who are stuck

I liked this book. It was a real help

wow it is great it helped me pass the gam

I have been playing the game since the first day it came out. And since that day, I have been completely frustrated with it too. This book has helped a lot. It give full maps of all the enviornments. Every air ducts, every sub-level, everything! I play this game 24/7, so you can tell I like it a lot. The most helpful thing are the maps. The alien levels are mind-bogglingly long. It took me a week to beet the first level on the alien. I got this book and beat it in 15 minutes. It tells every charecter's weaknesses and strong points. It even gives a blueprint of the weapons and people. It gives info about everybody. It is really great.

Brett Knapp did a very good job defining the socio-economic differences on the North Side. He mentioned Lowry Avenue and the notable difference in homes and yards on the North side of Lowry (a bit larger and nicer) and the south side (smaller and a bit rougher). Lowry used to be Minneapolis's version of Eight Mile Road, now that line is quite a bit blurred, and not for the better. The book did a good job of defining a firehouse, and it's importance to a neighborhood, and the interactions of those who live nearby. He also touched on the pitfalls and tough influences of this neighborhood, which were only tougher to read when he mentioned local basketball star Terry Pettis, whose life has now spiraled out of control on murder charges in California. I thought this was a great job by a young writer

I like that the book has cool pictures of firefighters.It lends a face to the descriptive writing style of the writer..The author uses big words sometimes but I was still able to follow the story..I hope to become a fireman someday because his book inspired me and he shows what great people firefighters are

Seeing beyond the flamboyant helmet of a firefighter is difficult--especially if you are the one in need. All you remember is the helmet and the color of the gear, but the face becomes a blur. Knapp's book allows the reader to experience life beyond that moment of need. He writes in an easy to read, conversational manner which is relaxing and enjoyable. A reader could easily imagine being part of a firehouse conversation during the off times.

A great read!! Knapp's book captured the heartbeat of a section of Minneapolis that is infamous for its violent crime, making the reader feel that they were indeed there taking part in the action. "Answering the Bell" was also informative and entertaining; fast-paced and an eye-opener !! He takes a stand on the politics in metro cities & should be commended for that!

This one is the best of asterix. I'm corsican and gosciny really depicts a close portrait ofthis wonderfull country (yes I said country!) and it's inhabitants.
if you speak french though: read it in french. the translation is pretty good though. Except that getafix is called panoramix in the true life

First published in French in 1973 as Astérix en Corse, Asterix in Corsica was first published in English in 1979.
Asterix and friends free a Corsican chieftain, exiled by the Romans, at the camp of Totorum, and he asks them to accompany him to Corsica, to see how they deal with the Romans there.
There they help the Corsicans to defeat their Roman oppressors, through adventures in the marquis, and get to grips with the proud and touchy Corsicans, and their complicated clan feuds, while experiencing the wonderful sights, sounds, scents and tastes of Corsica.
Particularly amusing are the names of the Roman camps around Corsica on the map at the front of the book, and the culinary names of the Corsican clan chiefs!

As a child this was my favourite Astreix book. All the Asterix books are excellent and most highly recommended, but this on is the funniest by far. Now I am a parent, I an collecting asterix for my son so he can enjoy these books just as I did.

Great comic book layout, which word puns that adults can enjoy as much as kids. Reading this book again as an adult there are jokes that still make me laugh, and my son enjoys the pictures.

I have read Asterix since i was 5 and now at 28 years old, i still read it and never cease to discover new things in it.

For kids, asterix represents a very human heroe, with his limitations, idiosyncrasies and great deeds. But as one grows up and learns about history and modern culture, one begins to understand the subtle the historical references. A lot of Asterix is based on true history and gave me the impetus to want to learn more about the Roman world.

In a nutshell, great for kids, great for adults.

Most people who follow the Civil War would say that Joe Johnson was a very capable general for the Confederacy. In Davis's book, Johnson is shown as a general who was cautious and to a certain extent defeatist in his dealings with Sherman. I think the author makes a good case that Johnson's conservative generalship led to the forordained loss of Atlanta, and that the three weeks of Hood's command was an attempt to change the fate of Atlanta. Davis makes a good case by examining the records and correspondence of the loss of Atlanta. Hood's later reckless assault against Unionist forces in Tennessee clouded his capable handling of the forces around Atlanta.

This is revisionist history, but I think the author makes a solid case that Johnson's defense was not good for a nation wanting an active defense of one of their largest cities. Hood's
offensive was much more appreciated by the military and civil authorities in Richmond and Atlanta. Johnson's own conduct after the war plus the esteem his soldiers held him caused his redemption.

A nice little book about the defense of Atlanta. Sherman would have won ultimately because of his numbers. However the theory of Johnson's conservative strategy resulted in the fall of Atlanta.

Atlanta Will Fall: Sherman, Joe Johnston, and the Yankee Heavy Bandits is a sharp overview of the entire Atlanta campaign during the American Civil War, from Dalton to Jonesboro. The battles are described and the strategies analyzed, with detailed evaluations of the three major generals involved. In particular, author Davis argues that between the Confederate leaders Joe Johnston and John Bell Hood, it was Johnston who lost Atlanta due to overcaution, while Hood got the bad rap. Atlanta Will Fall is strongly recommended reading for Civil War buffs.

Stephen Davis systematically tackles the old myths surrounding the Atlanta campaign and its subsequent capture by the North. His analysis of Johnston's tactical decisions clearly elucidates where responsibility for Atlanta's loss truly lay. It is obvious that Davis has spent a great deal of time researching this work and his efforts show. A must read for anyone who enjoys a gripping, thoroughly researched account of a major historical event.

Stephen Davis has written a lucid account of the dark days of the Army of Tennessee as it was outmaneuvered and outgeneraled by W.T. Sherman during the campaign for Atlanta in 1864. Davis has introduced new primary research to support his assertions that Atlanta was lost in December 1863 when Johnston was appointed commander of the Army of Tennessee. History has castigated John Bell Hood for the loss and Davis does everything he can to dispel this claim and more. Very well written and full of the authors conclusions, it makes the reader think about what he is reading. Highly recommended for anyone who knows anything at all about the Georgia campaign. The passages on Johnston, Hardee, and Hood are especially interesting.

Martha Smith is entertaining and light. A great read to lighten your heart and load after working outside in the heat all day.

I found this gardening memoir to be both feisty and funny. I love the way Martha Smith describes her "Mae West Memorial Garden". I could almost smell the lilacs and dahlias as I was reading. For anyone who loves gardening essays with a humorous slant this book is a must read!!

This is a must read for anyone who loves the joy of gardening and knows it's Nature's Prozac. Smith is a funny, witty, spirited writer and my only woe was that it was too short. Yes, 300 plus pages was simply not enough of her wonderful outlook on life and gardening and people and giving. As a writer and writing teacher, I'm sensitive to good writing and Martha Smith's work exceeded my expectations.

Please take my advice and read this collection. Then go out and get your hands dirty. You'll be in good company. I'd say more, but my garden and my dog are waiting!

My husband and I are both avid gardeners and on a recent road trip, I read this book aloud to him as he drove and he almost wrecked from laughing so hard. This is a very funny book and the author knows too well the joys as well as the back-breaking hard work that gardening can be. My favorite chapter - "Canna lily kill you?" - a must read for gardeners who enjoy a spike of humor.

I read "Beginner's Luck" while on vacation at the beach, and couldn't put it down to go swimming! The book's story flows smoothly for an enjoyable read and has all the things you want in murder mystery: Intrigue, Sex, Humor, and Emotion.
I chuckled, I cried, and I tried to solve the mystery (of course, the author outwitted me for a great ending)!

Cheryl Ritzel is a Middle School teacher who writes as an avocation. She has a background in Politics and Psychology.

Paul Grey's wife, Lindsey, is running a campaign for the Senate. Her uncle is Allan Puckett, who is Atlanta's fortieth-district Senator. Allan has been grooming Lindsey to step into his shoes. But Allan is found dead in his bathtub of a gunshot wound to the head and everyone assumes it's suicide. Paul Grey begins a personal investigation that also involves the art deal Ralph Meeker, who has also been found dead. What do an art dealer and a senator have in common? Stolen art:

"When I saw it I knew for certain it was hot. On the back of the canvas was a mark that said 'Property of Weider Private Collection.' I immediately asked him if it was indeed stolen. He laughed, saying what on earth did I think? Did I really think I could get an original Metcalf legitimately? I was livid. I shouted for him to get out. He just shrugged and left claiming that he'd be seeing me."

Of course the police think that Allan Puckett is behind the murder...everyone is in agreement about the stolen art. It is up to Paul to track down and interview all persons who attended a campaign party for his wife. He knows that one of them has the answer to the riddle.

Ms. Ritzel does a nice job of weaving a tangled web of deceit in this amateur sleuth thriller. She is intent upon keeping the audience in the dark right up to the end and succeeds. She also handles her male protagonist with panache, which isn't always easy to do. Paul Grey isn't too wimpy, or too macho. He's just an ordinary guy trying to help out his wife's family, and he and his wife have a wonderful give and take relationship. Paul manages to get himself into a dangerous denouement, but even that is handled with lots of finesse.

Beginner's Luck is an entertaining whodunit written with a large audience in mind...it's not too risque, yet the usual tension is there. A good effort by a writer with lots of skill and verve.

Shelley Glodowski
Reviewer

Paul Grey has the misfortune of meeting Ralph Meeker on a flight to Dallas/Fort Worth on his trip to Atlanta. But even more annoying was to have the same little overweight, heavily-gold-decorated art and antiquities dealer on Paul's return trip home. Ralph was a real pain in Paul's neck, and everyone else's on board, for that matter.
On his return home from a late night shift at work Paul learns of the apparent suicide of Senator Allan Puckett, and the murder of antique dealer Ralph Meeker. The news hinted that the Senator had killed Meeker then two days later killed himself. Paul found it too hard to accept.

Paul's wife Lindsey is into politics. Senator Allan Puckett was like a father to Lindsey, and became her mentor. She became hooked on politics when Allan got her a part time job in the Capitol. She worked as a lawyer's aide until such time as she would feel she could become an elected official. She finally felt the right time had arrived. To further progress, Lindsey and Allan had hosted a dinner to kick-off her election campaign.

During the party Paul witnessed Allan and Ralph Meeker having a very heated argument. Paul is interrupted by Lindsey before he has a chance to approach the arguing couple. By the time his attention gets back to the couple they have disappeared.

Ballistics shows that an antique Colt Army revolver from Meeker's shop is the same gun used in both killings.

These deaths have a very negative effect on Lindsey's campaign efforts. Paul starts an amateur investigation into his friend's death, and an effort to clear the Senator's name in the killing of Ralph Meeker. Paul and Lindsey cannot believe that Allan murdered anyone, nor did he kill himself.

Paul runs into problems that place his and Lindsey's life in danger. As an amateur playing detective in this very convoluted case does Paul uncover the truth with his skill, or does he count on - BEGINNER'S LUCK?

Cheryl Ritzel has written a good twisty, turny, convoluted tale of murder, love scandals, and forgeries. In this her debut novel she has shown a great talent for plot and terrific talent for dialog. The dialog is so real it's like eaves dropping on someone's conversation.

Looking forward to Paul Grey's next case.

-Shirley Truax, All About Murder

A shady antique dealer named Ralph Meeker had a sweet deal going. He would sell stolen art to wealthy clients and then blackmail them with threats of exposing their "crimes." When both he and one of his victims, Senator Allan Puckett, turn up dead on the same night, police conclude that it was a murder suicide and quickly clear the case. However, Lindsey Grey, who was mentored by the Senator and her husband, amateur sleuth, Paul Grey, cannot believe that Allan Puckett would kill himself or anyone else for that matter. So Paul sets out to find evidence that will clear the Senator, remove the cloud that may hurt his wife's chances of getting elected to her mentor's seat, and release insurance funds to the man's wife.
For a guy whose regular job is some sort of contract data entry, Paul Grey is a pretty methodical detective. He does get tripped up, as beginners often do, by starting with a premise and then trying to develop evidence to prove it rather than allowing the evidence to develop the premise. However, he's evidently read enough mysteries and watched enough Law and Order to doggedly track down leads and continues to investigate every angle until he comes up with a pretty plausible theory.
Then, taking a page from Charlie Chan, he gathers all the suspects together at Denny's telling them that he knows who the culprit is. Unfortunately, it turns out that Grand Slams are not only on the menu when several of the gentlemen take exception to Paul's probing and accusations. With everyone furious at him it's no wonder that his car is blown up. But now at least the police are willing to listen and begin to be more open to the idea that the case was not quite so open and shut.
In her breakout novel, Beginner's Luck, Cheryl Ritzel has created a strong foundation for her proposed series staring Paul Grey. With a twist on the usual detective mysteries Paul Grey is just a regular guy who has a knack for winnowing out facts where others would have given up. And, despite some beginner's boo-boos he manages to solve the case with lots of hard work and determination...and, well maybe a bit of beginner's luck.

While the Bell Curve has stirred up a whirlwind of controversy, the Bell Curve Debate is actually the better of the two books. This book has great rebuttals by the likes Stephen Jay Gould, Howard Gardner, Carl Rowan and many more. It even includes some of the classic papers on these matters such "On Breeding Good Stock" by Karl Pearson. Given a choice between reading the Bell Curve or the Bell Curve Debate, the Bell Curve Debate is the clear choice.

It is regrettable to see that this valuable work is now out of print. This book is mandatory reading for anyone desiring to delve deeper into this controversial subject matter. Russell Jacoby and Naomi Glauberman do a splendid job of bringing together authors with widely differing views on the "The Bell Curve." Irving Louis Horowitz, Stephen Jay Gould, and Christopher Hitchens are only among a few of the highly regarding thinkers contributing to this collection. The editors even included a couple of insightful pieces by Walter Lippmann written in 1922 taking to task scientists similar to Richard Herrnstein and Charles Murray. I particularly recommend the article by Hugh Pearson entitled "Breaking Ranks." Pearson, aptly argues that the anti-intellectualism embraced by many Afro-American males afraid of being perceived as race traitors, does much to explain the low I.Q. scores of this group.

There is, though, one major complaint I have with each and every writer that has tackled "The Bell Curve." Not one that I'm aware of has made reference to the great philosopher, Karl Popper. This fact flabbergasts me to no end. Karl Popper warned that scholars, at best, present tentative indications for their theories which may eventually be proven false. How can we forget that fully credentialled scientists, not perceived crack pots, encouraged the bleeding of patients only a few hundred years ago? Another area of study now discredited is phrenology. All students in their formative years must read the serious scholarship of those bygone days when such views were highly respected. It is, I dare say, a humbling experience. Scientists may earn our respect, but we should never consider them infallible.

The measuring of intelligence is hindered by its intrinsic nebulousness. Thus, the study of this phenomenon is not restricted to members of the hard sciences. The arrogant premise of Logical Positivism is found wanting. Poets, artists, philosophers, and other denizens of the often derided Liberal Arts will forevermore continue to have a seat at the table. Debates over the nature vs. nurture aspects of intelligence are doomed to take place until the end of time. Nobody will ever be able to claim they have exhausted this ultimate conundrum of human existence.

... .

This is a worthwhile collection of old and new articles dealing with the controversy over IQ.Both pro and con groups are well represented in the various selections.The best article is written by S J Gould.
It is interesting that practically none of the selections question the very basic methodological question concerning the data upon which IQ calculations are constructed-standarized,fill in the circle,multiple choice,pattern recognition tests.No one explains why such tests are relevant to the measurement of intelligence.Such tests appear to measure memorization,recall,and effective "drill and kill " tutoring.It would appear that this is what some academics mean by intelligence- how well a test taker can regurgitate past training in taking such tests.

It's hard to imagine a better or more balanced collection of essays on the topic of intelligence testing and _The Bell Curve_. The essays present various sides of the debate, featuring perspectives from psychologists, biologists, historians, and theorists. Especially illuminating were sections dealing with _TBC_'s authors' funding source, a clandestine eugenics think-tank in New York. Also, you can find some good pro-Bell Curve articles here, although the bias certainly seems to be in favour of con- (a relection, I believe, of the academic consensus_.

The first several pages were riveting. They read like a true mystery with gutsy horror-implants.

Then Angie staged in with her shining silver Mercedes, spitting through an argument with her friend, Connie, all the while dripping blood-spiced words here and there which subliminaled the reader with flashes to the rat crunching, blood-spewing, opening scene. Oh my!

Definitely workable as entertaining fiction, BELL, COOK and CANDLE, a paranormal/culinary with astrology in its plot, delves into the demonic, ugly side of witchcraft. As the back flap on BC&C says, its plot has a "Dash of Darkness."

While the whole book was great, the second half was an absolute, relentless capture, with the plot machinations rolling well and the characters growing deeper. How did Pence do this so adeptly, within the boundaries of a paranormal culinary?

Possibly I should mention, though, that if a reader is craving a cozy with drool-inducing food references, and recipes woven sensually, mouth watering-ly into the plot, this title does not do a depth charge there. The main character, Angie Amalfi, is testing an ingenious new business called COMICAL CAKES, and three recipes are included at the end of the story, but the cooking/eating process does not overwhelm 95% of the plot (to "fix" those obsessive/compulsive, nuance-lush, needy, needy taste buds).

However, the richness of the intrigue developed from the paranormal undercurrents in this work gives more than enough sensual intrigue to provide a very successful, entertaining read, with the characters developed with a myriad of machinations to moisturize the cerebral dryness which some readers can't seem to get into in certain types of classic mystery fiction.

The escalating plot and character development in the final quarter of the book kept me flipping pages through those times when I would have normally temporarily retired my ongoing paperback and slipped into a bout of wordless day dreaming, or picked up the RC for the TV.

This was actually the first novel I had read in in the Amalfi series, and I had read it years ago (August 2002). At the time, I was contrasting a collection of culinary, recipes-included authors, seeking for more, more, more FLAVOR, and disappointed if the in-plot cooking was minimal.

Yet, as I dove into that collection, I found gems like this one, which surprised me by providing other types of reading satisfaction which worked as well or better than what I though I was craving. Still, at that time I was a definite gourmet junkie without the ambition to do any great guns cooking in my own kitchen.

At that time of culinary desperation, I noted:

"I will definitely be tempted to read another Joanne Pence mystery with Angie Amalfi; I'll be curious to see if her other offerings include more cooking details within the plot. Are Diane Mott Davidson (with her Goldy-the-Caterer series) and Phyllis Richman (WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA HAM) the only culinary authors who actually COOK, with any regular, drawn-out, sensual detail, in their books?"

I plan to reread this book, in sequence with the rest of the series, to refresh my memory on some of these details.

In closing, I'll quote something I wrote during the time I was reading BELL, COOK, and CANDLE:

Back in Augst of 2002, I was doing a very quick shop in Wal Mart. Rushing by a stack of 3 pound coffee cans, I flashed on an ad which said something like "catch the difference."

Without a single countering thought, I grabbed the can.

As a Libra I can pro and con any choice to death. I did notice that the price was under $4, which is my demarcation for the "easily affordable in my budget" for that item. I also noticed that the brand was something legitimate and established, like FOLGERS. But mostly I noticed the phrase "catch the difference" and its uncanny connection to my recently published editorial on the spiritual-barometer-quirkiness of the elusive flavor in coffee.

With renewed hope in my heart, I grabbed the can and settled it securely onto the shiny-wire-mesh floor of the shopping basket.

The next morning I made the first pot of coffee from that can, waiting to open it just before dipping the scoops. The coffee, even in my fourth cup, was "nice & nutty." It didn't descend to bitter, sour, burned old weeds (like my coffee usually does after the first sip, sometimes before). It held its flavor. I even poured a bit of the fresh from the carafe over a remainder in the bottom of the cup, which had grown cool and been micro-waved (the flavor held!).

Houston, we have a launch! (Who could launch a culinary cozy without the caffine Energizer Bunny having a lucky foot in it.)

The surprised satisfaction expressed in the above, true coffee story is how I felt about Pence's BC&C when I finished reading it, even without its being packed to the brim with juicy culinary tidbits for me to stumble over and get my fix but miss the point altogether.

Each author has his/her own draw, and Pence has more than PLENTY!

Salute! Tipping the champaign goblet,

Linda G. Shelnutt

Angie Amalfi's new Comical Cake business is very time consuming, yet successful. It however is putting a definite strain on her friendships and social life. Paavo wants to propose, but she is too busy. And to top it off, a really creepy Baron, who runs a Goth club wants her to bake him a cake. Paavo is engrossed in a series of grisly ritualistic murders.

This is a pretty entertaining mystery. Amazon recommended it and I gave it a try. The characters are a bit bizarre and fit in excellently with the story line. There are many twists and turns in the plot and I enjoyed it a great deal.

After numerous false starts, plenty of failures, and several times quitting out of boredom, Angle Arnolf has finally found a business that she performs well and that people appreciate. "Commercial Cakes" is doing so well that Angie barely has time to sleep. This frustrates her boyfriend homicide detective Paavo Smith, who after much deliberating, has finally worked up the courage to ask her to marry him.

Every time Paavo begins to propose, Angie is distracted, called to the phone or falls asleep. She ends up hiring two employees who are into the Goth scene while Paavo happens to work on a serial killer case involving Goths. He doesn't know how, but based on experience with his beloved, Paavo expects Angie is going to become involved in his case though he hates it when she places her life in danger.

Joanne Pence writes an ingenious mystery that is both hilarious and deadly serious, sometimes at the same time. The proposal scenes are hysterical while the action scenes involving the Goth cult are frightening even as they seem otherworldly. BELL, COOK AND CANDLE is a humorous novel that has cross-genre appeal.

Harriet Klausner

After the last book in this series, I was ready for Angie and Paavo to start talking marriage. Well, so was Paavo! But Joanne Pence skillfully keeps us in suspense about that as well as about the identity of the ritualistic killer who seems to be targeting Angie for his ultimate victim until the exciting climax. I look forward to the next mystery in this series because with Joanne's talent, she's bound to keep readers in suspense about pulling off a wedding while scaring the daylights out of us with a clever mystery. She has another winner on her hands!

I am a pediatrician and am extremely concerned about antibiotic overusage. This book will help all parents understand the risks and benefits of antibiotic use and give them a greater understanding of when antibiotics should be prescribed for their children. Learn that it is alright to tell your doctor that you'd rather not use medications if they are not absolutely necessary. This book is well written, easy to understand, and a must read for parents. Makes a great gift as well for a new parent! I recommend it highly.

Come on parents, admit it, which one of us hasn't left our child's pediatrician's office at least once, feeling a bit miffed and irritated that the doctor denied the need for antibiotics, when you were absolutely convinced that one was warranted.... If you raised your hand, then this book is a must read and will prove to be a valued addition to your home medical library.

As a registered nurse in the pediatric and adult settings for many years, I have seen first hand the devastating effects of patients infected with antibiotic resistant organisms. It is frightening enough just to watch a patient try to recover from such an illness, let alone try to care for them when traditional therapies have failed.

Unfortunately, the frequency and difficulty of treating these types of patients have become an increasingly alarming scenario in today's acute care facilities. We are long overdue in the rethinking of the way antibiotics are currently prescribed in this country.

With their new book, BREAKING THE ANTIBIOTIC HABIT A Parent's Guide to Coughs, Colds, Ear Infections, and Sore Throats, Drs. Offit and Bell have successfully provided clear and interesting discussions about the necessity for prudent use of antibiotic therapy for our children as well as the adult population. It also provides surprisingly simple and clear guidelines for caregivers whose children display symptoms of coughs, colds, ear infections and sore throats. It is a needed refresher course for experienced parents, and proves to be an important reference for all first time parents and grand-parents.

Bravo! Drs. Offit and Bell, thank you for this timely and important book! What an informative little page turner!!

Being a new parent, I was worried when my 9 month old had a high fever and a cough that lasted more than a day. The doctor told me to keep my child comfortable and monitor his symptoms. If he did not improve in a few days, I was to call back. I felt helpless. I had collected numerous books about babies and what to expect the first year: but none of these books had the information I wanted to know such as how do I comfort a coughing baby at night. Breaking the Antibiotic Habit is wonderful. I read it from cover to cover the day it arrived. Now I am more confident that I can take care of my child when he is sick. I know what to watch for and can communicate better with my child's pediatrician.

I just happened to glimpse this book at my local library and checked it out. What an informational storehouse! I am the parent of two small children, who just recently have been coming down with coughs, colds, ear infections. Nowhere in any of my "pediatrition handbooks" did I get such an in depth understanding of common childhood problems and how and when antibiotics can help and when they can't. I wish I read this book last winter when I needed the information. I am buying this book and highly reccomend it to all parents. Read it cover to cover!